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Macao's fusion flavors shine

08:26, December 19, 2024 By Li Xiang ( China Daily

Tourists visit Rua do Cunha to find local cuisine in Macao on Tuesday. (Feng Yongbin/China Daily)

Macanese chef Palmira Pena is in the kitchen preparing a classic dish, "Minchi". Palmira has started cooking the essential ingredients: minced pork and beef. The enticing aromas fill the air as she chops onions and garlic for seasoning and fries diced potato in oil.

Once everything is ready, she begins to blend her aunt's traditional secret recipe, which artfully combines Eastern and Western seasonings. "This is my family's secret recipe," she said, adding that it is also the "key to the deliciousness of this dish".

Palmira, the daughter of a Portuguese father and mother who hails from Zhuhai, Guangdong, owns a restaurant in Taipa, Macao. She takes pride in her heritage and eagerly steps into the kitchen whenever diners express a desire to experience authentic Macanese dishes.

According to Palmira, the essence of Macanese cuisine lies in its remarkable fusion. This culinary style combines Portuguese and Chinese influences, integrating seasonal ingredients and spices sourced from Europe, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The result is a rich tapestry of flavors that reflects the diverse history and cultural intersections of Macao.

"Macanese cuisine is the world's first fusion cuisine. Its uniqueness lies in combining Eastern and Western ingredients; for instance, I use olive oil alongside Chinese rice wine. I prefer cooking with an iron wok because I admire Chinese culinary techniques and enjoy steaming hot food prepared in it. This dish beautifully blends Eastern and Western cultures," she said.

A meal gathering with the Macanese community takes place at the Macanese Association in Macao on July 20. (Li Xiang/China Daily)

Story of Macanese cuisine

Following Macao's return to the motherland in 1999, both the central and Macao Special Administrative Region governments have prioritized protecting cultural heritage and preserving local diversity.

The fifth Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Ho Iat-seng, emphasized the vital role of the Macanese community in Macao's population.

He affirmed that the Macao SAR government will support the community's development. Ho also underscored the government's commitment to respecting the Macanese people's language, culture, customs, and religious beliefs, ensuring that their unique and cherished heritage will continue to thrive in Macao.

The story of Macanese cuisine dates back to the Age of Exploration, when, from the 15th century onward, Portuguese sailors embarked on ambitious voyages. These adventurers navigated the west coast of Africa, rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and sailed through the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Malacca, ultimately landing in Macao.

Longing for the familiar flavors of home, they blended ingredients from Portugal with local produce and those gathered during their travels, creating dishes that evoked memories of their homeland.

The term "Macanese cuisine "highlights this unique blend of Chinese and Western flavors originating from Macao. UNESCO has recognized Macanese cuisine as the world's first fusion cuisine.

Otilia Rodrigues Novo, a young Macanese chef, is reproducing the traditional dish "Capela", enjoyed by locals after Christmas Mass. Traditionally large and greasy, Otilia has transformed it into an elegant single-serving meal.

She enhances the flavor with Southeast Asian ingredients like sour tamarind and orange juice, balancing the richness of the pork and beef with a sweet and tangy twist. While traditional Macanese dishes are simply presented, Otilia adds vibrant fruits and herbs for a refined touch.

Otilia sees the kitchen as a laboratory where art and science converge, allowing her to express her creativity. "Today's consumers have high expectations for food, focusing on color combinations, rich textures, and the aesthetic appeal of plating. Even lesser-known Macanese dishes can be transformed into exquisite, high-end cuisine. As a Macanese chef, I take great pride in this," she said.

In Macao, visitors can explore the old streets for traditional flavors or dine at Michelin-starred restaurants in the vibrant city. As a "World Center of Tourism and Leisure", Macao has seen a surge in visitors thanks to its unique attractions, comprehensive facilities, and a "1+4" appropriately diversified development strategy.

With Macao's rising popularity, Otilia feels energized. "More and more visitors from around the world are coming to Macao. As a Macanese, I feel a strong urge to promote our cuisine, blending modern creativity with traditional essence for guests from all corners of the globe."

Recipes not shared

When it comes to Macanese cuisine, one classic dish that stands out is "minchi".

Miguel de Senna Fernandes, president of the Macanese Association, smiles as he notes that every Macanese family has its unique way of preparing it. "As a result, they often argue about it, with everyone convinced that their family's version is the best in the world."

In Macanese households, recipes are cherished and closely guarded. For generations, these recipes have been passed down within families, rarely shared with outsiders.

"Macanese recipes were traditionally kept within families and seldom shared publicly, making preservation challenging and putting some recipes at risk of being lost," Otilia said.

Since Macao's return to the motherland in 1999, the protection of cultural heritage has become increasingly important.

In 2012, Macanese gastronomy was recognized as part of Macao's Intangible Cultural Heritage, becoming a national project in 2021. In 2020, the Macanese Cuisine Database was launched to promote this unique food culture.

"Since Macao's return, the SAR government has been promoting and preserving Macanese cuisine," Otilia noted. "The government has published many books on Macanese cuisine and created a dedicated database for its dishes. This initiative helps more people discover the richness of Macanese culinary traditions and ensures that this 400-year-old heritage will continue to be preserved and developed."

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Advocating for climate change action can sometimes feel like pushing a huge boulder up a hill. News headlines are filled with breaking climate records, while governments, including Australia's, are still approving new fossil fuel developments. Advertisements and social media feeds proliferate greenwashing and misinformation.

But the doom and gloom can mean we ignore just how far up the hill we've managed to climb.

This is why I've curated a list of seven positive climate stories from 2024, one from each of the world's seven continents.

South America

The Amazon Rainforest is home to millions of species, stores the equivalent of 1520 years' worth of global CO emissions (that's between 150 and 200 billion tonnes), and contributes to regional rainfall.

Massive deforestation threatens this vital biome, but in January 2024 the BBC reported that deforestation in the Amazon was 50% less in 2023 compared to the previous year.

This follows the Brazilian President's pledge to end deforestation by 2030. While deforestation rates in the Amazon are still too high (about six times the size of New York City in 2023), the trend is now heading in the right direction.

Europe

The UK, the epicenter of the Industrial Revolution and anthropogenic climate change itself, closed its final coal power plant in October.

Britain announced its plan to end coal power in 2015 when coal provided 30% of the country's energy. Between January and October 2024, wind power was the largest source of energy for the UK for seven out of ten months, providing about 25 to 30% of the total energy supply.

North America

While the prospect of a second Trump presidency may have tempered many people's hopes for drastic climate action, it's not all bad news from the US.

Private investment into clean energy and electric vehicles was at a record-breaking $US 71 billion in the first quarter of 2024that's around 40% higher than the first quarter of 2023.

The largest portion of this investment ($US 31 billion) was from retail (i.e. people buying electric cars, solar panels, energy storage and heat pumps for their homes).

Even if the incoming president denies the reality of climate change, US citizens are getting on with the job of transitioning to renewable energy themselves.

Asia

Asia is home to two of the three largest CO emitters in our modern world: China and India. So, climate policies from Asia can have a big impact on the rest of the globe.

In positive news out of India this year, coal is no longer the country's biggest source of energy and the share of power provided by coal dropped below 50% for the first time since the 1960s.

While coal still dominates India's current power supply, the growth in electricity capacity is coming predominantly from solar.

India's solar PV exports are skyrocketing, with their value increasing by 23 times in just two years from 2022 to 2024. India is rapidly becoming a solar powerhouse.

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.

Africa

The need for a just transition is exemplified in Africa.

While we need to end fossil fuel emissions to stop climate change, 43% of Africa's population (600 million people) don't have access to electricity.

So it's important that the transition to renewable energy doesn't exacerbate existing inequalities.

Nigeria is the country with the lowest access to electricity in the world. It's not uncommon for women to give birth in the light of kerosene lamps. But Nigerian women are tackling both energy and gender inequalities at once with two fantastic initiatives.

Green energy entrepreneur Yetunde Fadeyi founded the non-profit Renewable Energy and Sustainability (REES) which, as of March 2024, has provided solar energy to more than 6,000 of the poorest Nigerians.

Another Nigerian NGO, Solar Sister, trains rural women to become clean energy entrepreneurs, providing economic empowerment for women and bringing clean energy to rural communities.

Antarctica

When we think of climate change impacts, collapsing ice shelves may come to mind. The melting of the world's most remote continent is a sobering reminder of humanity's far-reaching fingerprint on the planet.

But Antarctica also serves as evidence that environmental treaties can work.

In response to the growing ozone hole above Antarctica, world leaders agreed to phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer via the Montreal Protocol in 1987. A new study, published in June 2024, found that ozone-depleting emissions of hydrochlorofluorocarbon peaked about five years earlier than predicted.

The US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration suggests that the ozone hole may fully recover by 2066. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are also greenhouse gases, so this is good news for climate change too.

Oceania

Australia is the second largest coal exporter in the world, making us a key enabler of global fossil fuel emissions.

In positive news, Australia's largest bank, the Commonwealth Bank, announced in August 2024 that they will no longer lend money to fossil fuel companies that do not align with the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep global warming below 2C.

Additionally, the 2024 Clean Energy Australia Report states that renewables made up 40% of Australia's electricity supply, which is about 10% higher than the previous year. Rooftop solar was the biggest driver of this increase.

While the transition away from fossil fuels can feel slower than continental drift, we are seeing exponential growth in renewable energy.

It's vital that we ramp up these efforts and not become defeatist in the face of negative news.

So keep pushing the boulder up the hill by lobbying your local politicians, being climate conscious with your spending, swapping beef and lamb for climate-friendly meals, walking or riding short distances instead of driving, and learning to recognize greenwashing.

Keep doing your partit does make a difference.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Muslims undertake the Hajjthe sacred pilgrimage to Mecca. In 2024, the pilgrimage took place in mid-June, the start of the Saudi summer.

But this year, more than 1,300 pilgrims never made it home. Lethal heat combined with humidity proved deadly.

Our new research published in Nature Climate Change shows the upper limits of human heat tolerance were breached for a total of 43 hours over the six days of Hajj. During these periods, heat and humidity passed beyond the point at which our bodies are able to cool down.

Scientists are increasingly worried about the death toll caused by humid heat waves, and how it will escalate in the near-term. This year is now the hottest year on record, overtaking the previous hottest year of 2023.

So why was the pilgrimage so deadly? And what does it mean for us as the climate changes?

What happened in Mecca?

As the planet gets hotter, it is also becoming more humid in many places, including arid Saudi Arabia. Since 1979, periods of extreme humid heat have more than doubled in frequency globally, increasing the chance of lethal events like this.

To do the Hajj, you have to walk between six and 21 kilometers each day. Many pilgrims are older and not in good health, making them more vulnerable to heat stress.

This year's pilgrimage started on June 14. Over the next six days, the temperature topped 51C, while "wet-bulb temperatures" (the combination of temperature and humidity) rose as high as 29.5C.

June is typically the driest month in Saudi Arabia with average relative humidity around 25% and wet-bulb temperatures averaging 22C. But during this year's Hajj, humidity averaged 33% and rose as high as 75% during the most extreme periods of heat stress.

Our research shows heat tolerance limits for older adults were breached on all six days of Hajj, including four prolonged periods of more than six hours. On one ferocious day, June 18, humid heat hit levels considered dangerous even for young and healthy pilgrims. The points at which wet-bulb temperatures enter the lethal zone depend on the exact combinations of temperature and humidity, because our bodies respond differently to dry or humid heat.

Saudi authorities have installed air-conditioned shelters and other cooling methods. But these are only available to pilgrims with official permits. Most of those who died did not have permits, meaning they could not access cool relief.

The pilgrimage will be even more dangerous in the future. In 25 years time, the timing of Hajj will cycle back to peak summer in August and September. At 2C of warming, the risk of heatstroke during Hajj would be ten times higher.

Pilgrims died in their hundreds at the 2024 Hajj.

How much heat and humidity can we handle?

In 2010, researchers first proposed a theoretical "survival limit," which is a wet-bulb temperature of 35C.

But we now know the true limit is actually much lower. Experiments testing human physiological limits inside controlled heat chambers, backed up by sophisticated models, have revealed new heat tolerance limits.

These limits vary depending on your age and how humid it is. For example, the tolerance limit for young people is around 45C at 25% humidity but only 34C at 80% humidity. For older people, the limits are lower still32.5C at 80% humidity is dangerous.

These limits are the point at which it is too hot and humid for your body to cool itself down, even at rest. Sustained exposure leads to your core body temperature rising, heatstroke and after a number of hours, death.

Many of us are familiar with air temperatures of 34C and above. But we tolerate dry heat far better than humid heat. Humid conditions make it far harder for us to use our main way of shedding heatsweat.

We rely on air to evaporate the sweat from our skin and take the heat with it. But humidity changes this. When there's more water in the air, it's harder for sweat to evaporate.

Humid heat is a rising threat worldwide

Heat is a quiet killer. It's not a visible threat, unlike fires, floods, droughts and other climate-fueled extreme weather. Heat-related deaths are difficult to track and are likely underestimated. But what we do know indicates heat is the deadliest climate hazard in many parts of the world. Until now, much research has focused on one variablethe air temperature. It's only recently that scientists have begun to untangle the lesser known threat of lethal humidity.

Humidity comes from evaporation off oceans and large bodies of water. As climate change heats up the oceans, they produce more moisture. That means coastal regionshome to many of the world's largest citiesare vulnerable. That's why arid Saudi Arabia and other nations on the Arabian Peninsula are particularly at riskthey are surrounded by shallow, warming seas.

But humidity can also travel far inland, through the phenomenon known as "atmospheric rivers," airborne rivers of moisture. This is how episodes of lethal humidity can strike landlocked areas such as northern India.

The threat of humid heat is set to worsen sharply. We are already seeing lethal humid heat in the Arabian Gulf, across Bangladesh, northern India and parts of Pakistan, and in Southeast Asia.

People are dying from these events, but the extent is poorly documented. Heat waves this year closed schools in the Philippines, India and Bangladesh and killed dozens during India's election.

Without a rapid phase out of fossil fuels, we could see lethal humid heat hit multiple times a year in every major economy, including the United States, India, China, South America, Europe and large parts of Africa.

There is a limit to adaptation

We like to think we can adapt to change. But there is a hard limit to our ability to adapt to lethal humidity and heat.

Technological adaptations such as air-conditioning do work. But they are not available to all. Nor are they fail-safe.

During a heat wave, many of us turn on the aircon at the same time, using lots of power and raising the chance of blackouts. Blackouts during heat waves can have deadly consequences.

In the famous first chapter of Kim Stanley Robinson's novel, The Ministry For The Future, an American aid worker struggles to survive an intense humid heat wave in India, which kills millions. The book is set just a few years into the future.

The deaths during the Hajj warn us that lethal humid heat is not fiction. It's yet another reason to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by ending our reliance on fossil fuels.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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A) Sampling sites in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia. B) The black dots represent the three sampling locations, 1) Dayman Point, 2) Piabla Beach and 3. Burrum Heads, with the Marine Park habitat types indicated in the panel on the right. C) Images from the three sampling locations. Credit: Marine Pollution Bulletin (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117319

Extensive genetic testing in Queensland's environmentally rich Hervey Bay coastal area has revealed the presence of toxic algae not detected in Australian waters before. The study is published in Marine Pollution Bulletin.

James Cook University Ph.D. candidate Joseph Perkins led the study. He said harmful algal blooms (HABs) present severe risks to marine ecosystems, wildlife, human health and economies globally.

"We decided to investigate the diversity and abundance of the primary HAB groupdinoflagellatesin Hervey Bay, a region notable for its ecological uniqueness and high susceptibility to HABs," said Perkins.

He said testing for the microscopic creatures was thorough, incorporating not just water as in most studies, but also sand and macro-algae such as seaweed, accounting for dinoflagellates' complex life cycles.

The scientists discovered 15 species of toxic dinoflagellates (TD) in Hervey Bay, some of which were recorded in Australian waters for the first time.

"The TD not only pose direct threats to human health through contaminated seafood but also have potential repercussions for local marine life.

"The detection of species from the genus Karenia, for instance, is known to cause mortality in cetaceans, manatees, and turtles, and highlights a significant risk to local populations of whales, dugongs, dolphins and turtles.

"Hervey Bay is an ecologically unique and diverse ecosystem providing a sheltered stop-over point for migrating humpback whales that are nurturing calves and has extensive seagrass meadows that provide the ideal feeding grounds for large dugong and turtle populations," said Perkins.

He said there is no current evidence of such impacts in Hervey Bay from Karenia or any of the other toxic algae found, as scientists haven't specifically investigated this. However, the detection of Gambierdiscus speciesassociated with ciguatera poisoningand other genera associated with shellfish poisonings, emphasizes the potential for human health risks in the region through contaminated seafood.

"The findings of this study underscore the critical need for enhanced management strategies and ongoing research to address the ecological and public health risks posed by toxic algae in Hervey Bay," said Perkins.

More information: Joseph C. Perkins et al, Assessment of dinoflagellate diversity using DNA metabarcoding reveals toxic dinoflagellate species in Australian coastal waters, Marine Pollution Bulletin (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117319 Journal information: Marine Pollution Bulletin
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Credit: Delft University of Technology

Last week, a 100-meter-long test dune was raised on the coast near Monster. A hybrid dune, consisting of a combination of sand and hard elements. Researchers from TU Delft are monitoring how different configurations erode during stormy weather conditions. This will allow hybrid dyke-dune structures to be designed more efficiently and safely in the future.

"We don't know exactly how long the set up will stand. We expect the dune, which is close to the coastline, to completely fade in the next two to three months," predicts Daan Poppema, postdoc Hydraulic Engineering. With hydraulic engineering companies Van den Herik and Boskalis, thousands of cubic meters of sand were moved for the construction of the test dune. This week, the last measuring instruments will be installed, and then the wait for nature's elements begins.

The best of both worlds

The Dutch coastline is traditionally protected by sandy dunes and hard dykes. The coast is being protected with hybrid dunes more often now, such as the dyke-in-dune constructions in Noordwijk, Katwijk and Groede. The idea is to combine the best of both worlds. Dunes match the natural character of the Dutch coast and help valuable nature. In addition, dunes can grow with sea level rise. Dykes, on the other hand, offer better erosion resistance than dunes.

Due to interactions between sandy and hard elements, erosion occurs differently in hybrid dunes compared to sand dunes. The Hybrid Dune field experiment is a unique opportunity to better understand this process. The test dune consists of four different cross sections: A sandy dune; a dyke (sand covered with hard dyke slope); a dyke-in-dune (dyke slope covered with sand); and a barrier-in-dune (a core of containers in the dune).

Credit: Delft University of Technology

Measuring during storms

Thanks to colleagues and Civil Engineering students, the test dune and shoreline are equipped with a wide range of measuring instruments. Says Poppema, "With the sensors we will measure the water flow, height of the waves and erosion of sand." When storms are approaching, researchers and students spring into action. Then drones and LiDAR (laser) take additional measurements to map dune erosion.

Climate adaptation

The dune is close to the high-water mark. This way, it will be possible to observe effects of extreme weather conditions as early as next year. "We don't want to wait 10 years for that one extreme storm, so at this carefully chosen location we are deliberately placing the dune in a vulnerable position," he says. Sea level rise and extreme weather events increase the urgency to work on new technical and natural solutions for climate-adaptive coasts and rivers.
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A simulation of the defect's vibrational mode profile. The red 'beam' intersecting the center of the defect is a representation of the optical field necessary to produce the defect. Credit: Clark et al

Mechanical crystals, also known as phononic crystals, are materials that can control the propagation of vibrations or sound waves, just like photonic crystals control the flow of light. The introduction of defects in these crystals (i.e., intentional disruptions in their periodic structure) can give rise to mechanical modes within the band gap, enabling the confinement of mechanical waves to smaller regions or the materialsa feature that could be leveraged to create new technologies.

Researchers at McGill University recently realized a new mechanical crystal with an optically programmable defect mode. Their paper, published in Physical Review Letters, introduces a new approach to dynamically reprogram mechanical systems, which entails the use of an optical spring to transfer a mechanical mode into a crystal's band gap.

"Some time ago, our group was thinking a lot about using an optical spring to partially levitate structures and improve their performance," Jack C. Sankey, principal investigator and co-author of the paper, told Phys.org. "At the same time, we were watching the amazing breakthroughs in our field with mechanical devices that used the band gap of a phononic crystal to insulate mechanical systems from the noisy environment."

After witnessing recent breakthroughs in the development of mechanical devices, Sankey and his colleagues started exploring the possibility of optically springing up the drumhead-like resonance of a membrane with a periodic array of holes punched in it. They predicted that this would allow them to drag the frequency into a band gap, drawing the vibrational energy inward like a tractor beam and significantly reducing the resonance's inertial mass.

A simulation of the defect mode vibration. Credit: Clark et al

"We figured this weird situation in which the number of photons present affects how heavy a mechanical system 'feels' would present a lot of new opportunities," said Sankey. "We did some promising calculations, notably finding that larger structures respond more to each photon, and that an average of a single photon in the apparatus could in principle have a measurable effect on the motion of a very feasible, centimeter-scale device."

To demonstrate their approach, the team, led by Ph.D. student Tommy Clark, first patterned and released a membrane using standard photolithography techniques. They then aligned the fiber cavity near this membrane's center, using tight-tolerance guide ferrules.

"We mounted the whole thing on a vibration-isolating stage in ultrahigh vacuum and used additional active feedback to stabilize the cavity mirrors to within the ~10s of picometers required for the laser light to enter the cavity near its natural resonance frequency," explained Sankey. "Once the system is assembled and stabilized, we used the cavity's resonant enhancement to create an intense optical field that applies a spring-like pressure to a small section of the membrane."

An angled microscope image of a system similar to the one used in this study. The partially transparent hexagons connected with thin lines are a periodically patterned membrane ('phononic crystal') that can be used to host a mechanical defect mode. What appears to be brown triangles are "holes" in the phononic crystal; this periodic array of holes gives the crystal its desirable mechanical properties. The cylinders flanking the thin membrane are fiber mirrors that make up an optical cavity. This optical cavity enables the generation of an intense optical fieldleading to a strong optical springthat we use to produce the programmable defect mode. Credit: Clark et al

Image of the apparatus. (Front-right) Angled microscope image of the phononic crystal and the optical cavity. (Middle-left) The stainless steel mount used to align the optical cavity to the phononic crystal, and the electronics used to actively stabilize the cavity. (Back) A photograph of the high-vacuum chamber that houses the experiment. Through the ~6-inch front viewport window, the vibration isolation system (a mass-spring dampener) can be seen. The mount rests on PTFE spacers on the suspended steel mass. Credit: Clark et al

Using this optical spring, the researchers deliberately disrupted their membrane's periodic pattern, generating a defect. By adjusting the laser's intensity, they could then dynamically and reversibly modify the properties of the defect they introduced.

"I have always loved the idea of coupling light to the shape and mass of a mechanical resonance, but there are a host of interesting applications as well, from new studies of mechanical dissipation to simulations of condensed matter systems," said Sankey.

"There is also currently a great deal of interest in employing mechanical systems to store and transport quantum information on chip, and to connect nominally disparate quantum systems to each other. Mechanical systems are versatile tools, and Tommy's (incredible) work demonstrates a qualitatively new way to manipulate motion with light."

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The team's new approach for the in situ reconfiguration of mechanical defects could open new interesting possibilities for the creation of reprogrammable mechanical systems. For instance, arrays of such defects they generated could be used to program waveguides or other structures designed to route and reroute the flow of mechanical information.

"In the near future, we are most looking forward to exploring the idea that each photon interacts with many similar mechanical resonances simultaneously, while also connecting them all to each other through the same radiation force," added Sankey. "This creates a dense 'web' of interactions that enhances the influence of each photon, and I am interested in leveraging this to generate increasingly macroscopic quantum states of motion."

More information: Thomas J. Clark et al, Optically Defined Phononic Crystal Defect, Physical Review Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.226904 Journal information: Physical Review Letters

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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

On my way to the Scottish Highlands for the first time, I was mesmerized by the beauty of the landscapes and struck by its resemblance to the North American wilderness, albeit without the wildlife.

I felt sad to think that the only howl I was going to hear was that of the windlike a lament for Scotland's lost predators: the wolf, the lynx and the bear. Little did I know at the time that one of the places I passed through was called Rannoch Moor which, according to Scottish nature writer Jim Crumley, is an ideal place to reintroduce wolves to Scotland.

Scotland is one of the most wildlife-depleted countries in the world. Yet, no reintroduction is on the cards.

According to one study, big predators are necessary to maintain healthy ecosystems. For instance, wolves and their co-predators could help solve Scotland's biodiversity crisis and bring balance back to Scottish ecosystems by regulating populations of deer, foxes and badgers. In doing so, big predators may also contribute to the fight against climate change by enhancing carbon storage capacities. Overpopulation of herbivores can deplete plant species and trees which capture carbon dioxide emissions responsible for global warming.

But prejudice against large predators still runs deep, especially among farmers, regardless of any tangible benefits that predators could bestow even on farmers themselves. The recent downgrading of the legal protection afforded to the wolf in continental Europe is a case in point.

For most farmers, livestock being killed by predators is their biggest worry and one that means they oppose such a move. But success stories from India and Kenya suggest that coexistence between predators and farmers is feasible.

Shortly after my visit to the Highlands, I traveled to Jawai in Rajasthan, India, and Laikipia in Kenya. In both of these places, farming communities live in relative harmony with a host of predators.

In Rajasthan, farmers share an arid landscape with tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, sloth bears and the occasional Indian wolf. This is even more impressive because Rajasthan has an average population density which is several times higher than that of Scotland.

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In Jawai, leopards prey almost exclusively on cattle in the absence of wild animals which are their usual prey, such as deer. Shepherds never retaliate, and culling of some cattle is generally accepted. Thanks to their tolerance, the increasing leopard population has enabled the emergence of a thriving ecotourism industry.

In Gujarat, the peaceful coexistence between the Maldhari farmers and the last population of Asiatic lions has been described by experts as a winwin situation. While the lions feed on the cattle, they mostly target unproductive cattlethere's a cost for farmers to maintain unproductive cattle, so there's no huge financial loss when those are the ones that get killed by lions.

In areas where lions live, the Maldhari farmers also gain additional profits through free grazing rights and access to forests for wood supplies and other plant resources. Compensation schemes for losses of heads of cattle, and predator deterrent strategies create further acceptance of big predators. Ensuring that a wide range of prey species are available to predators, such as happens in Laikipia, also significantly reduces risks of attacks on cattle.

Big predators are also a draw for tourists. In Kenya, ecotourism alone constitutes approximately 10% of its GDP. The reintroduction of large predators in Scotland could further enhance its potential as an ecotourism destination, offset potential costs due to loss of heads of cattle and even benefit Scottish farmers and rural landowners both from an environmental and economic perspective.

Prejudice against predators

Reintroducing predators in Scotland would be a radical step. But, following centuries of prejudice, a change of mindset towards predators is needed.

In India, respect of all forms of life is enshrined in both culture and the law. It is a constitutional duty for both the state and every Indian citizen to protect wildlife and "have compassion for living creatures."

In 2019, the high court of Uttarakhand declared the entire animal kingdom as a legal entity with corresponding rights, duties and liabilities. The Supreme Court of India held that environmental justice can only be achieved if human interests do not take automatic precedence and if humans have obligations to non-humans independently of human interest.

The recent diplomatic row between Germany and Botswana (a disagreement over the import of elephant trophies from Botswana deemed unsustainable by Germany) shows that the west remains prone to patronizing other countries over conservation of big mammals. The UK and other European countries could learn from the wildlife conservation ethics of cultures further afield.

Scotland is the most sparsely populated country in the UK. With vast areas of wilderness, it has enough space to accommodate both big predators and farmers for the benefit of all and become the Yellowstone of Europe.

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

Stock investments by politicians have long drawn public scrutiny. Under a 2012 law, members of the U.S. Congress must disclose transactions over a $1,000 threshold. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were criticized for trading in everything from remote work technologies to telemedicine.

But less attention has been paid to what companies might gain from having politicians as shareholders. New research from Texas McCombs finds one indirect benefit: It might insulate companies from activist investors such as Carl Icahn or Nelson Peltz, who press for changes in their operations to drive up stock prices.

Timothy Werner, professor of business, government, and society, found that having shareholders who are Democratic members of Congress tends to discourage such investors.

Typically, he says, "An activist investor's main strategy is to come into a firm, cut costs, and effect changes in the hopes of quickly driving up shareholder value or stock price. Then, they sell and exit the firm."

Often, their cuts include corporate social responsibility (CSR) or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs. Democratic politicians are more likely to be concerned about such initiatives, whether because of their own ideological bents or because they want to appear associated with companies that support such causes.

Activist investors can find out whether Democratic politicos are shareholders from public investment disclosures, as well as websites and social media feeds that track politicians' investments. They'll tend to steer away from such companies, Werner theorized, to avoid public battles with Democrats, who are more likely to fight cuts to CSR and ESG.

"If you look nationwide, if you look at the most recent presidential campaign, there's been a real emergence of a partisan divide around corporate social responsibility and ESG," Werner says.

To test his theory, with co-authors Mark DesJardine of Dartmouth College and Wei Shi of the University of Miami, Werner looked at data on politicians' investments in S&P 1500 companies from 2004 to 2018. He correlated them with challenges to those companies by activist investors. "Shareholder Activism and the Deterrence Effect of Democratic Politician Shareholders" is published in Organization Science.

The researchers found:

Having even one Democratic politician as a shareholder decreased the likelihood of an activist challenge 10%.

The presence of a highly prominent Democrat reduced these chances further.

So did the presence of a more Democratic-leaning board of directors.

The research did not find an effect from having Republican politicians as shareholders, Werner says, because they tend to be less interested in regulating businesses and less likely to scare off financial activists.

His findings don't mean that companies should court individual lawmakers to invest, he says. That would invite ethical concerns and public scrutiny. It's safer to stick with traditional relationship-building efforts, such as lobbying.

Is the Democratic deterrence effect helpful for average investors? Werner says it depends on their financial and ideological goals. Some don't want to dissuade activist investors, because they can encourage fiscal discipline and boost stock prices in the short run.

But an investor who cares about CSR and ESG may welcome the effect, he says. "If someone's thinking about the social and environmental performance as well, and they're willing to make a trade-off in terms of financial gain, they might be happy to see these folks deterred."

More information: Mark R. DesJardine et al, Shareholder Activism and the Deterrence Effect of Democratic Politician Shareholders, Organization Science (2024). DOI: 10.1287/orsc.2023.17495 Journal information: Organization Science
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Fish swim among Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In the past 30 years, coral bleaching caused by ocean warming has contributed to a 19% loss of the worlds coral reef area. Credit: Konrad Hughen/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

What does a decline in healthy coral reefs mean for fisheries? A new study published in Marine Resource Economics, led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), examines the correlation between fish yield and live coral habitats. Researchers analyzed the yields of nine fisheries dependent on Australia's Great Barrier Reef from 2016 to 2020. Results show that substantial losses could occur if the restoration of coral reefs is not prioritized.

In 2024, the Great Barrier Reef experienced one of the worst bleaching events in its history. According to the Australian Marine Institute, an aerial survey of the Great Barrier Marine Park showed bleaching across 73% of surveyed reefs. These vulnerable ecosystems rely on the microscopic algae called zooxanthellae for survival. These algae also contribute to coral's vibrant colors.

Elevated ocean temperatures stress corals, causing them to expel the algae, resulting in bleaching. If warming persists, the algae may not return, leaving the coral bleached and at risk of dying. In the past 30 years, coral bleaching caused by ocean warming has contributed to a 19% loss of the world's coral reef area.

"This rapid loss of coral will force fish capable of living independently of them to move elsewhere. Less concentrated populations can lead to smaller yields for fisheries," said Marine (Yaqin) Liu, an environmental economist at WHOI. "For fish that rely on reefs for food or shelter, such as butterflyfish and coral trout, yields will shrink as their populations do."

The study identifies coral trout and saddletail snappers as the two most vulnerable fisheries, both relying on outer-shelf reefs as their primary habitats. The study shows that if the live coral cover of the Great Barrier Reef were to be reduced from 30% to 25%, the maximum sustainable yield of coral trout would drop by 8% and 19% for saddletail snappers. With a drop of live coral cover from 10% to 5%, the maximum sustainable yield of the coral trout fishery would drop by 27% and saddletail snapper would drop 56%.

Distribution of Reef Sites and the Annual Average Live Coral Coverage. Credit: Marine Resource Economics (2024). DOI: 10.1086/732845

"Coral trout and saddletail snapper are part of Queensland, Australia's line fishery, an industry with $2731 million gross value," explained Qingran Li, an assistant professor of economics and financial studies at Clarkson University in New York.

"While the methodology of this study does not lend itself to making dollar predictions, we can expect a decline in fishing yields to have substantial economic impacts, such as loss of jobs and reduced export."

As ocean temperatures continue to rise, coral casualty events such as bleaching are more likely to occur. Reefs host 25% of marine life and protect coastal communities from the impacts of major storms. They also support millions in tourism and fishing annually.

"It is important to support claims about climate change with hard data. Responsible fisheries are already safeguarding coral reefs by integrating sustainable approaches, but human impacts like ocean warming and acidification further threaten coral reefs and fisheries yields," Liu continued.

"WHOI's Reef Solutions Team continues to study and develop innovative ways to restore and strengthen coral reefs, with a goal of taking successful learnings and implementing them globally."

More information: Yaqin Liu et al, Impacts of Reef Degradation on Commercial Fisheries, Marine Resource Economics (2024). DOI: 10.1086/732845
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UC Riverside students sampling plants for this study in encouraging biodiversity. Credit: Advyth Ramachandran/UCR

California's native wildflowers are being smothered by layers of dead, invasive grasses. A new UC Riverside study shows that simply raking these layers can boost biodiversity and reduce fire danger.

The study, published this week in Restoration Ecology, tested whether removing thatchdead leaves and debriscould allow native seeds to germinate and grow. Compared to other techniques for managing invasive grasses, such as controlled burns, hand weeding, and spraying herbicides, raking is decidedly less labor-intensive and more ecologically friendly.

"In these ecosystems, native seeds often fall on thick layers of thatch and can't germinate. Raking the thatch lets light in and gives native plants a chance to grow," said Marko Spasojevic, study author and UCR associate professor of plant ecology.

In grasslands near the UCR campus, researchers used a grid of paired plotsone raked and one untouchedto measure plant community changes over the course of three years. Results showed that raking increased plant diversity overall, reducing invasive grasses like ripgut brome while increasing both native and exotic wildflowers, known as forbs.

Ripgut brome. Credit: Ron Vanderhoff/UCANR

Ripgut brome, a dominant invasive grass, earned its name from its sharp, bristly hairs, which can injure grazing animals.

"It's super nasty for sheep and cattle to eat," Spasojevic said. Meanwhile, native flowers like the common fiddleneck, prevalent in Riverside, benefited modestly from raking.

While raking reduced invasive grasses, there was a trade-off. It also increased certain exotic wildflowers, such as mustard, which can be highly invasive.

Wildflower competing with invasive grasses on a hillside near UC Riverside. Credit: Advyth Ramachandran/UCR

"Raking boosted native wildflowers by about 5% and exotic forbs by 7 to 10%," said Advyth Ramachandran, who co-led the project as a UCR undergraduate and now studies plant ecology at the University of Colorado Boulder. "This doesn't mean raking isn't worthwhile. It's a simple, low-cost method that could be a first step for restoring these systems."

The roots of this project stretch back decades. The study plots were originally created for an introductory biology class in the 1980s and were later abandoned. During the pandemic, Ramachandran and other UCR students revived the site, launching a grassroots research initiative through the university's SEEDS club.

UCR students raking experimental study plots. Credit: Advyth Ramachandran/UCR

"We built this project from scratch, writing protocols, identifying species, and involving over 25 undergraduates," Ramachandran said. "It's rare for undergraduates to initiate and lead publishable research like this."

Spasojevic credits the project's success to its accessibility. "The research site is on campus, so students could sample between classes. It lowered barriers for involvement and became a rich mentorship opportunity," he said. The SEEDS initiative remains active, with students continuing to collect data for a fifth consecutive year.

The team's findings have practical implications for land managers seeking low-cost methods to restore native plant diversity in grasslands and coastal sage ecosystems.

Native plants provide food and habitat for local wildlife, support pollinators like bees, and reduce soil erosion. Invasive grasses, on the other hand, not only outcompete native species but also increase wildfire risk with their dense, flammable layers. Boosting native wildflowers is key to restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

"This project shows how small actionslike rakingcan make meaningful differences in our ecosystems," Ramachandran said. "It's a promising step toward restoring California's native landscapes."

More information: Advyth Ramachandran et al, Litter removal increases plant diversity by promoting both native and exotic forbs in heavily invaded coastal sage scrub in Southern California, U.S.A., Restoration Ecology (2024). DOI: 10.1111/rec.14340
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Kronebreen glacier front. Credit: Stian Solb, NORCE

As Arctic temperatures rise, marine-terminating glaciersespecially in places like Svalbardare undergoing rapid retreat and intensified calving. The Space for Shore project utilizes radar data from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission to provide precise, year-over-year insights into glacier retreat and calving intensity, particularly in areas like Kongsfjorden, where notable glaciers are experiencing significant retreat.

Calving, the process in which ice breaks off from a glacier terminus, is a major contributor to sea-level rise and poses increasing risks to coastal regions worldwide. Understanding these processes, particularly in the Arctic, is essential for predicting future impacts.

Through a recent phase of the ESA Coastal Erosion project Space for Shore, a collaboration between I-SEA (France) and NORCE (Norway), NORCE-researcher Jorg Haarpaintner utilized more than a thousand image acquisitions from the Sentinel-1 mission to monitor the evolution of some of Svalbard's coastal glaciers in detail.

By analyzing Sentinel-1 data from 2015 to 2023, Haarpaintner mapped glacier front lines and measured iceberg and growler distribution resulting from calving activity across Svalbard's summer months, when calving intensities are at their highest.

Sentinel-1, part of the European Union's Copernicus program, uses synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology to capture high-resolution data under challenging Arctic conditions, ensuring consistent, year-round monitoring of these critical glaciers.

The animation shows the yearly evolution of the Kronebreen glacier. The animation used a series of Copernicus Sentinel-1 data to classify the region into areas of glacier, iceberg and growler occurrences in Kronebukta (Krone Bay) during the summer months of July to September, from 2015 to 2023. The red line in the animation shows the manually extracted glacier fronts from Copernicus Sentinel-2 images at the end of the summer by Moholdt et al. (2021) for the corresponding year as a comparison. Using this Sentinel-1 method provides a statistically defined composite of the summer glacier front positions and calving intensities, revealing the dynamic interactions between ice and ocean over time. Source: Modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2022). Credit: Chiara Luisa Ferrario, ESA

A key finding from the analysis is the yearly extent of glacier fronts. By examining images captured between July and September, summer glacier fronts can be defined as areas where glacier extent is maintained 95% of the time during these months.

Additionally, by detecting the radar reflection from floating icebergs and growlers, Haarpaintner developed a proxy for summer calving intensity: Summers with higher occurrence of icebergs and growlersa term for smaller ice fragments that break off from glaciersindicate more active calving and accelerated glacier retreat, which are critical indicators of a glacier's health and stability.

In Kongsfjorden, a key study area, notable glaciers like Kronebreen and Kongsvegen show significant changes. In the animation above, the series of daily Sentinel-1 observations were used to classify the region into areas of glacier, iceberg and growler occurrence in Kronebukta (Krone Bay) for the summers from 2015 to 2023.

"Instead of a snapshot of a glacier front position, the Sentinel-1 method provides a statistically defined composite of the summer glacier front positions and calving intensities, revealing the dynamic interactions between ice and ocean over time," Haarpaintner explains.

Manon Tranchand, project manager at I-Sea, adds, "This analysis gives us a clearer picture of current changes in Arctic glaciers, and they're crucial for predicting the future impacts of climate change on these sensitive regions.

"Without the consistent, high-resolution data from Sentinel-1, monitoring these dynamic ice-ocean interactions wouldn't be possible. Ongoing warming is likely to accelerate ice loss, and our data show how glaciers contribute to global sea-level rise. Sentinel-1's capabilities allow us to capture these changes with unprecedented accuracy.

"The recent launch of Sentinel-1C marked a significant step forward in the monitoring of Arctic glaciers and global climate impacts. As the next addition to the Sentinel-1 mission, Sentinel-1C will provide enhanced radar imaging capabilities and improved continuity for critical climate research.

"With its advanced technology, Sentinel-1C will strengthen our ability to capture detailed, year-round data on glacier front lines, calving rates and ice-ocean interactions, even in the challenging conditions of the Arctic.
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Magnetic switchback changes from the Parker Solar Probe (t1) to the Solar Orbiter (t2). The color bars indicate dynamic pressure (Pdyn) and relative velocity (Vp/Vsw). The boxes with solid lines represent actual observations, while those with dotted lines depict hypothetical observations if viewed from the same side of the Heliospheric Current Sheet, meaning the same hemisphere. Credit: Soni et al., 2024

When two probes orbiting the sun aligned with one another, researchers harnessed the opportunity to track the sun's magnetic field as it traveled into the solar system. They found that the sharply oscillating magnetic field smooths out to gentle waves while accelerating the surrounding solar wind, according to a University of Michigan-led study published in The Astrophysical Journal.

The sharp S-shaped bends of the magnetic fields streaming out of the sun, called magnetic switchbacks, have long been of interest to solar scientists. Switchbacks impact the solar windthe charged particles, or plasma, that stream from the sun and influence space weather in ways that can disrupt Earth's electrical grids, radio waves, radar and satellites.

The new understanding of magnetic switchback changes over time will help improve solar wind forecasts to better predict space weather and its potential impacts on Earth.

"This study marks the first direct observation of switchback magnetic energy reducing with distance from the sun," said Shirsh Soni, a research fellow of climate and space sciences engineering at the University of Michigan and corresponding author of the study.

The researchers pinpointed twelve time windows when the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter aligned. The Parker Solar Probe was positioned closest to the sun, less than 30 solar radii away (Rs)a unit of distance based on the sun's radius. The Solar Orbiter was further away at 130 Rs from the sunnearing the orbit range of Venus which lies around 156 Rs.

Comparing magnetic field and plasma moment measurements collected from both spacecraft during these windows, the researchers traced the changes in magnetic switchbacks from one point to the next.

They found that switchback patchesbundles of sharp magnetic switchbackssmoothed out into microstreams with 30% fewer magnetic reversals, while the background proton velocity increased by 10%, indicating acceleration of the surrounding solar wind.

The research team points to magnetic relaxation as the driving force of these changes. Essentially, as magnetic switchbacks travel outwards, the highly energetic switchbacks "relax," transferring magnetic energy into kinetic energy to accelerate the surrounding plasma.

The next step is to track where and how the magnetic energy transfer occurs and whether it converts to thermal energy alongside kinetic energy. Magnetic switchbacks have been ruled out as a cause of the sun's curiously hot corona, but could help solve another standing mystery of how the solar wind heats up as it travels through space.

"The collaboration between Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter allows us to piece together this complex puzzle, marking a significant step forward in solar physics," said Soni.

"Magnetic switchbacks are the fingerprints of the sun's dynamic energy processes, revealing how it shapes the solar wind and, in turn, the entire solar system," said Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, a U-M associate research scientist of climate and space sciences and engineering and co-corresponding author of the study.

Additional co-authors include Gabriel Ho Hin Suen and Christopher Owen of University College London; Justin Kasper of the University of Michigan; Marco Velli of the University of California, Los Angeles; and Rossana De Marco of the National Institute for Astrophysics and Institute for Space Astrophysics and Planetology in Rome, Italy.

More information: Shirsh Lata Soni et al, Switchback Patches Evolve into Microstreams via Magnetic Relaxation, The Astrophysical Journal (2024). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ad94da Journal information: Astrophysical Journal
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Skeletal element (upper hip) that yielded an ancient syphilis-like genome. Credit: Dario Ramirez

In spring 1495, the Italian campaign of Charles VIII of France was interrupted by an intense outbreak of an apparently unknown illnessa disease of high mortality that quickly engulfed the whole of Europe and left its survivors with life-changing impairments to their bodies and minds. This documented epidemic is now interpreted to be the first historical account of syphilis.

The origin of syphilis is the subject of a decades-long debate. The late 15th century outbreak occurred shortly after the return of Columbus and his crew from their early expeditions to the Americas, which led some to believe that contact with new lands and people may have had something to do with the sudden disease onset.

Though many communicable diseases made a westward journey from Europe to the Americas during the early colonial period where they imparted devastating consequences on indigenous groups, syphilis is one of the few that possibly made the reverse journey.

This "Columbian theory" for syphilis has gained popularity over the years, but still has its critics. Its simple narrative starts to unravel when experts turn their attention to lesions seen in bones from Medieval Europe. Both long-term sufferers and those born with an infection can develop changes in their bones or teeth, and over the past several decades, a number of such skeletons have been found in Europe that predate 1492.

Many now believe the history of syphilis in Europe began long before Columbus, and the late 15th century pandemic happened for reasons independent of new contacts. But neither theory has been confirmed.

Analyzing five ancient pathogen genomes

Pathogen DNA retrieved from archaeological bone has the potential to tip the scales in support of one theory over another. It has already told us volumes about the deep history of plague, tuberculosis, leprosy, and smallpox, though unthreading the history of syphilis has proven more challenging.

"Several genomes from the syphilis family have been reconstructed from archaeological bone, but these haven't been able to address core questions related to the pre- or post-Columbian theories surrounding syphilis," says Kirsten Bos, group leader for molecular paleopathology at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.

A study led by Bos and Johannes Krause, director of the Department of Archaeogenetics at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, has taken a critical step toward resolving this debate. The work is published in Nature.

Working with scientists and archaeologists from several countries in the Americas, the study focused on archaeological bone from these regions, where infections that left lesion patterns similar to syphilis are apparent from deep time periods.

"We've known for some time that syphilis-like infections occurred in the Americas for millennia, but from the lesions alone it's impossible to fully characterize the disease," comments Casey Kirkpatrick, a postdoctoral researcher and paleopathologist who contributed to the current study.

Bone pathology also cannot tell us whether the disease originated in the Americas, or if it came from Asia deep in our past and merely accompanied groups during the early peopling events of the Americas some 15,000 years ago.

Dario Ramirez processes a pathological human bone in the ancient DNA facility of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Credit: Rodrigo Nores

Using state of the art techniques, the team was able to recover and analyze five ancient genomes of the syphilis disease family from Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Argentina.

Computational microbiologist and postdoctoral researcher Lesley Sitter undertook the task of putting together the ancient molecular puzzles and adds "while preservation posed some analytical challenges, we were able to confidently determine the relationships between these extinct forms and the strains that impact global health today."

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Syphilis family of diseases in the Americas pre-dates 'Columbus'

Syphilis is part of a small family of diseases that also includes yaws and bejel, both classified as neglected tropical diseases that are found in equatorial regions across the globe.

Postdoctoral researcher Rodrigo Barquera has worked previously with archaeological bone from colonial Mexico, and has confirmed the presence of both syphilis and yaws in Mexico City by the 17th century.

Drawing upon the latest ancient genomic data, it is now clear that the Americas were a hub for ancient diversity within this disease group before the arrival of Columbus.

"We see extinct sister lineages for all known forms of this disease family, which means syphilis, yaws, and bejel are the modern legacies of pathogens that once circulated in the Americas," asserts Barquera.

"The data clearly support a root in the Americas for syphilis and its known relatives, and their introduction to Europe starting in the late 15th century is most consistent with the data," adds Bos.

Subsequent to this, an explosion in cases of syphilis and yaws seems to have occurred around AD 1,500. This is likely behind the breadth and intensity of the 16th century outbreak in Europe, whose global spread was facilitated by human trafficking networks and European expansions across the Americas and Africa in the decades and centuries that followed.

"While indigenous American groups harbored early forms of these diseases, Europeans were instrumental in spreading them around the world," she concludes.

With support for an American origin of syphilis, how does the current narrative square up with the evidence of syphilis-like bone lesions that many claim to have identified in pre-1492 Europe?

"The search will continue to define these earlier forms, and ancient DNA will surely be a valuable resource," comments Krause. "Who knows what older related diseases made it around the world in humans or other animals before the syphilis family appeared."

More information: Rodrigo Barquera et al, Ancient genomes reveal a deep history of Treponema pallidum in the Americas, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08515-5 Journal information: Nature
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Valencia, a city and province in south-east Spain, became synonymous with disaster in October 2024 when floods killed at least 231 people. Extreme rainfall will happen more often as the climate warms and the cost to coastal cities like Valencia is expected to reach up to US$63 billion (50 billion) annually by 2050.

We are an urban planner and environmental scientist who analyzed what made these floods so destructive. We drew from our experience of studying urban flooding in IndiaChennai in 2015 and Kochi in 2018and found something common in all cases: all three cities had lost substantial tracts of neighboring wetlands.

Lakes, reservoirs, lagoons, marshlands and mangroves would have once formed a barrier between these cities and the sea. Saucer-shaped coastal wetlands that remain on their fringes still provide drinking water, fishing and farming. But they could also be invaluable in mitigating future floods.

How wetland loss invites flooding

Soil absorbs rainwater, it runs off concreted urban areas in torrents. This storm water could drain into wetlands that slowly channel it to the sea instead. Sluice gates could regulate this outflow, storing more water during drought and allowing excess water to leave when flooding is imminent.

La Albufera is a lagoon rich in wildlife on the outskirts of the city of Valencia, known for its vast paddy fields where rice is grown. Ravines that pass through the city gather water and drain it into this lake, the excess eventually finding its way to the Mediterranean through three human-made channels and dams.

The rapid growth of urban centers, particularly over the last century, has eaten into the wetlands that once hugged coastal cities. Farms around La Albufera dumped a lot of sediment as they expanded too, which has reduced how much water the lake can store. Urban development elsewhere has interrupted the free flow of rainwater through natural ravines to the lake.

The surrounding areas of La Albufera were transformed by paddy cultivation, especially during the last 20 years, which meant more residents and workers in the sectors most exposed to flooding in Spain. All of these things primed the city for deadly floods on the eve of the October 29 downpour.

Coastal wetland conservation

The risk of flooding in cities will rise with climate change, unplanned urbanization and the poor management of wetlands and their drainage capacity.

After a study commissioned by the government of India blamed the Chennai and Kochi floods on the loss of wetlands and drainage networks to urban encroachment, authorities in both cities got to work restoring them.

The restoration of Pallikaranai wetland and Buckingham canal in Chennai by removing aquatic weeds and silt helped funnel flood water from the city into the Bay of Bengal. Similarly, the restoration of Mullassery canal in Kochi took flood waters safely into the Vembanad Lake, which drains into the Arabian sea. The local fishing and farming community pitched in to conserve Vembanad from urban encroachment and the build up of silt and pollution. The state government of Kerala set up door-to-door garbage collection that reduced refuse clogging storm water drains.

These are examples that are worth other coastal cities emulating, including Valencia. Kerala's initiative to involve local communities in restoring Mullassery canal and Vembanad lake is a hopeful example of what devastated people might be able to do to make their homes safer in a warming world.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Artistic representation of the distribution of trans-Neptunian objects in the planetesimal disk, with overlaid representative spectra of each compositional group highlighting the dominant molecules on their surfaces. Credit: Graphic art by William D. Gonzalez Sierra for the Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida.

New studies led by researchers at the University of Central Florida offer for the first time a clearer picture of how the outer solar system formed and evolved based on analyses of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and centaurs.

The findings, published today in Nature Astronomy, reveal the distribution of ices in the early solar system and how TNOs evolve when they travel inward into the region of the giant planets between Jupiter and Saturn, becoming centaurs.

TNOs are small bodies, or "planetesimals," orbiting the sun beyond Pluto. They never accreted into planets, and serve as pristine time capsules, preserving crucial evidence of the molecular processes and planetary migrations that shaped the solar system billions of years ago. These solar system objects are like icy asteroids and have orbits comparable to or larger than Neptune's orbit.

Prior to the new UCF-led study, TNOs were known to be a diverse population based on their orbital properties and surface colors, but the molecular composition of these objects remained poorly understood. For decades, this lack of detailed knowledge hindered interpretation of their color and dynamical diversity. Now, the new results unlock the long-standing question of the interpretation of color diversity by providing compositional information.

"With this new research, a more-complete picture of the diversity is presented and the pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together," says Noemi Pinilla-Alonso, the study's lead author.

"For the very first time, we have identified the specific molecules responsible for the remarkable diversity of spectra, colors and albedo observed in trans-Neptunian objects," Pinilla-Alonso says. "These moleculeslike water ice, carbon dioxide, methanol and complex organicsgive us a direct connection between the spectral features of TNOs and their chemical compositions."

Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the researchers found that TNOs can be categorized into three distinct compositional groups, shaped by ice retention lines that existed in the era when the solar system formed billions of years ago.

These lines are identified as regions where temperatures were cold enough for specific ices to form and survive within the protoplanetary disk. These regions, defined by their distance from the sun, mark key points in the early solar system's temperature gradient and offer a direct link between the formation conditions of planetesimals and their present-day compositions.

Rosario Brunetto, the paper's second author and a Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique researcher at the Institute d'Astrophysique Spatiale (Universite Paris-Saclay), says the results are the first clear connection between the formation of planetesimals in the protoplanetary disk and their later evolution. The work sheds light on how today's observed spectral and dynamical distributions emerged in a planetary system that's shaped by complex dynamical evolution, he says.

"The compositional groups of TNOs are not evenly distributed among objects with similar orbits," Brunetto says. "For instance, cold classicals, which formed in the outermost regions of the protoplanetary disk, belong exclusively to a class dominated by methanol and complex organics. In contrast, TNOs on orbits linked to the Oort cloud, which originated closer to the giant planets, are all part of the spectral group characterized by water ice and silicates."

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Brittany Harvison, a UCF physics doctoral student who worked on the project while studying under Pinilla-Alonso, says the three groups defined by their surface compositions exhibit qualities hinting at the protoplanetary disk's compositional structure.

"This supports our understanding of the available material that helped form outer solar system bodies such as the gas giants and their moons or Pluto and the other inhabitants of the trans-Neptunian region," she says.

In a complementary study of centaurs published in the same issue of Nature Astronomy, the researchers found unique spectral signatures, different from TNOs, that reveal the presence of dusty regolith mantles on their surfaces.

This finding about centaurs, which are TNOs that have shifted their orbits into the region of the giant planets after a close gravitational encounter with Neptune, helps illuminate how TNOs become centaurs as they warm up when getting closer to the sun and sometimes develop comet-like tails.

Their work revealed that all observed centaur surfaces showed special characteristics when compared with the surfaces of TNOs, suggesting modifications occurred as a consequence of their journey into the inner solar system.

Among the three classes of TNO surface types, twoBowl and Cliffwere observed in the centaur population, both of which are poor in volatile ices, Pinilla-Alonso says.

However, in centaurs, these surfaces show a distinguishing feature: they are covered by a layer of dusty regolith intermixed with the ice, she says.

"Intriguingly, we identify a new surface class, nonexistent among TNOs, resembling ice poor surfaces in the inner solar system, cometary nuclei and active asteroids," she says.

Javier Licandro, senior researcher at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC, Tenerife, Spain) and lead author of the centaur's work says the spectral diversity observed in centaurs is broader than expected, suggesting that existing models of their thermal and chemical evolution may need refinement.

For instance, the variety of organic signatures and the degree of irradiation effects observed were not fully anticipated, Licandro says.

"The diversity detected in the centaurs populations in terms of water, dust, and complex organics suggests varied origins in the TNO population and different evolutionary stages, highlighting that centaurs are not a homogenous group but rather dynamic and transitional objects" Licandro says.

"The effects of thermal evolution observed in the surface composition of centaurs are key to establishing the relationship between TNOs and other small bodies populations, such as the irregular satellites of the giant planets and their Trojan asteroids."

Study co-author Charles Schambeau, a planetary scientist with UCF's Florida Space Institute (FSI) who specializes in studying centaurs and comets, emphasized the importance of the observations and that some centaurs can be classified into the same categories as the DiSCo-observed TNOs.

"This is pretty profound because when a TNO transitions into a centaur, it experiences a warmer environment where surface ices and materials are changed," Schambeau says. "Apparently, though, in some cases the surface changes are minimal, allowing individual centaurs to be linked to their parent TNO population. The TNO versus centaur spectral types are different, but similar enough to be linked."

How the research was performed

The studies are part of the Discovering the Surface Composition of the trans-Neptunian Objects, (DiSCo) project, led by Pinilla-Alonso, to uncover the molecular composition of TNOs. Pinilla-Alonso is now a distinguished professor with the Institute of Space Science and Technology in Asturias at the Universidad de Oviedo and performed the work as a planetary scientist with FSI.

For the studies, the researchers used the JWST, launched almost three years ago, that provided unprecedented views of the molecular diversity of the surfaces of the TNOs and centaurs through near-infrared observations, overcoming the limitations of terrestrial observations and other available instruments.

For the TNOs study, the researchers measured the spectra of 54 TNOs using the JWST, capturing detailed light patterns of these objects. By analyzing these high-sensitivity spectra, the researchers could identify specific molecules on their surface. Using clustering techniques, the TNOs were categorized into three distinct groups based on their surface compositions. The groups were nicknamed "Bowl," "Double-dip" and "Cliff" due to the shapes of their light absorption patterns.

They found that:

Bowl-type TNOs made up 25% of the sample and were characterized by strong water ice absorptions and a dusty surface. They showed clear signs of crystalline water ice and had low reflectivity, indicating the presence of dark, refractory materials.

Double-dip TNOs accounted for 43% of the sample and showed strong carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) bands and some signs of complex organics.

) bands and some signs of complex organics. Cliff-type TNOs made up 32% of the sample and had strong signs of complex organics, methanol, and nitrogen-bearing molecules, and were the reddest in color.

For the centaurs study, the researchers observed and analyzed the reflectance spectra of five centaurs (52872 Okyrhoe, 3253226 Thereus, 136204, 250112 and 310071). This allowed them to identify the surface compositions of the centaurs, revealing considerable diversity among the observed sample.

They found that Thereus and 2003 WL7 belong to the Bowl-type, while 2002 KY14 belongs to the Cliff-type. The remaining two centaurs, Okyrhoe and 2010 KR59, did not fit into any existing spectral classes and were categorized as "Shallow-type" due to their unique spectra. This newly defined group is characterized by a high concentration of primitive, comet-like dust and little to no volatile ices.

Previous research and next steps

Pinilla-Alonso says that previous DiSCo research revealed the presence of carbon oxides widespread on the surfaces of TNOs, which was a significant discovery.

"Now, we build on that finding by offering a more comprehensive understanding of TNO surfaces" she says. "One of the big realizations is that water ice, previously thought to be the most abundant surface ice, is not as prevalent as we once assumed. Instead, carbon dioxide (CO)a gas at Earth's temperatureand other carbon oxides, such as the super volatile carbon monoxide (CO), are found in a larger number of bodies."

The new study's findings are only the beginning, Harvison says.

"Now that we have general information about the identified compositional groups, we have much more to explore and discover," she says. "As a community, we can start exploring the specifics of what produced the groups as we see them today."

More information: Noemi Pinilla-Alonso et al, A JWST/DiSCo-TNOs portrait of the primordial Solar System through its trans-Neptunian objects, Nature Astronomy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-024-02433-2 Javier Licandro et al, Thermal evolution of trans-Neptunian objects through observations of Centaurs with JWST, Nature Astronomy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-024-02417-2 Journal information: Nature Astronomy
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A Davenport woman charged with taking part in a Jan. 15 double murder has asked to represent herself in the trial slated to start early next year.

Adriana Blake, 27, faces two counts of first-degree murder and numerous other charges stemming from the killings of Brian L. Goodwin and Amy M. Smith at 5210 N. Division St. in Davenport. Devon Braet, who was in a relationship with Blake at the time of the murders, also is charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

The trial is scheduled to start Jan. 6, but Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham motioned for a delay due to the number of witnesses subpoenaed and the volume of video evidence that had to be reviewed.

Blake and Braet are slated to be tried together, but are represented by different attorneys.

Blake wrote a letter to the Scott County Clerk of Court earlier this week outlining her desire to represent herself. She asked for her current attorney to serve as "my stand-by counsel."

In her latest letter to the court, Blake does not ask for another attorney, which she has requested a number of times since her Jan. 18 arrest with Braet. Instead, Blake said she is seeking access to the evidence the Scott County Attorney's Office plans to present during the trial.

Blake wrote in the letter:

"I have been trying to obtain my full discovery (evidence) since July, and I still don't have it. I want access to my electronic USB drive that contain video discovery."

Blake asserts in the letter that since she has been moved to different jails, she loses her personal possessions, including "legal property." She said she has to "write grievances due to my legal papers being incomplete and or missing."

In her latest letter, Blake also requested to "re-demand my speedy trial."

Blake and Braet are expected to appear 9 a.m. Friday as the court weighs Cunningham's motion to delay the start of the trial.

A complicated history of representation

Blake's moves to different jails stemmed, in part, from changes in her court-appointed attorneys. She is represented by Des Moines-based attorney Christopher Kragnes of Kragnes & Associates, with Austin J. Luse serving as her second attorney.

Kragnes and Luse replaced attorneys Alex Gilmore and F.M. Brown, who were appointed on March 15. After her arrest on Feb. 8, Blake was represented by Troy Smith of the Scott County Public Defender's Office.

In October, Blake asked for her case to be severed from Braet, but withdrew that request after Gilmore was replaced.

Braet is being held 170 miles from Davenport in the Polk County Jail to be closer to his attorney, Amy Kepes of the Des Moines-based Special Defense Unit.

Case history

Blake lived with Goodwin in the basement apartment of 5210 N. Division St., while Smith and Braet were staying there at the time of the killings. Goodwin first allowed Blake to move into the house after she was evicted from her apartment in late September 2023. Braet was involved with Blake and stayed in the home with her in the days leading up to the killings.

Police investigators and the Scott County Attorney's Office have not offered a motive for the murders, but court testimony during Blake and Braet's arraignment detailed some of the evidence that led to their charges.

Davenport Police Detective Brandon Askew said during the arraignment that Blake was on video claiming she killed two people and the pair was in possession of items that belonged to both Goodwin and Smith days after the killings.

Askew's testimony and information from search warrant requests outlined Blake and Braet's movements after the morning of Jan. 15 through Jan. 18, when they were arrested.

The Scott County Attorney's office alleges that in the early morning of Jan. 16 Blake and Braet, along with Melisa Weber, placed combustible materials inside the residence where the bodies of Goodwin and Smith were located. They then set fire to the materials in the hopes of altering the crime scene, and that fire damaged the bodies of Goodwin and Smith.

After helping to start the fire, Weber helped Blake and Braet avoid apprehension, the affidavits said. Weber is accused of abuse of a corpse to hide a crime, second-degree arson and being an accessory after the fact.

Judge Henry Latham set the start of Weber's trial for 9 a.m. Jan. 13, 2025. It is not known if her trial will be delayed.
HOT SPRINGS  A sense of optimism and opportunity filled the air as a group of residents of this southern Black Hills city gathered recently to forge a new potential path forward for their community.

The roughly two dozen people brought a wide variety of backgrounds: city council member, hospital administrator, school superintendent, landlord, artist.

Despite their inherent differences, they all shared one critical similarity: They were and remain committed to finding ways to make life better now and into the future in their beloved hometown of Hot Springs.

Challenges were quickly identified.

Housing availability and affordability. A lack of workers. A need for higher-wage jobs. Indecisiveness in how to move forward.

And then the ideas spilled forth, fast and diverse, both big picture and pinpoint.

Can public-private partnerships attract employers and development of new housing stock? Could Hot Springs repurpose its aging Veterans Affairs hospital into a university satellite campus? Would improved marketing of natural assets drive tourism, especially among young people? Could an enhanced riverwalk use exercise stations or a series of murals to lure more people downtown?

As suggestions flowed freely, no voice went unheard, and contrasting views were celebrated rather than diminished.

That approach is a key component of a new community betterment pilot program called Engage South Dakota, which is being administered jointly by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota.

Engage South Dakota uses community input, a citywide survey and meetings like the one held at The Space in Hot Springs in October to identify challenges and bring forward potentially replicable solutions. Findings will appear in a final report and in news articles.

The ultimate goal is to inform the community and its leaders on public opinion, identify local challenges, and bring forth potential solutions that can spread to other towns dealing with some of the same issues.

A first step in strategic planning

Engage South Dakota adds a statewide storytelling element to a successful model of community-based strategic planning used in numerous other places, including across the state in Watertown.

In 2012, Watertown used responses to a community survey and other sources of resident input to drive a decade-long planning process that resulted in the development of a wellness center and ice arena and renovation of the local opera house. The city recently embarked on a second community planning effort using many of those same concepts with expectations of further growth based on the needs and wants of local residents.

The strength of those efforts, and of those intended by Engage South Dakota, is to obtain substantial resident input to guide decisions and actions of local elected and appointed officials, said Julia Hellwege, director of the Chiesman center and a co-leader of the Engage South Dakota program.

"This is a set of bottom-up recommendations, a clear idea of what the community members themselves recommend," she said.

In Hot Springs, more than 300 of the city's 3,600 residents completed the in-depth survey, which Hellwege said created "highly reliable survey data." Based on the surveys and input from the October community meeting, Hellwege's team generated a 43-page final report summarizing the findings and making recommendations for possible action.

Hellwege said the hope is that Hot Springs residents will use the report as a "lobbying document" to encourage city leaders to take the next step of engaging in a more formal strategic planning process.

"It's one step toward the real strategic planning that is necessary," she said. "This is a document that interested and invested community leaders can use to invest in a broader, more comprehensive plan because that's what helps a community move forward, having a singular voice and knowing what the focus, priorities and goals should be."

Encouraging community conversations

Carson Walker, CEO of News Watch and co-leader of Engage South Dakota, said the strong survey response rate and vibrant conversation at the community meeting show there is a desire and a need for greater resident input in the evolution of cities across the state.

"The information from the survey and the in-person meeting was phenomenal and really shows the value of dialogue," Walker said.

The hope is that the positive reaction from residents and officials in Hot Springs will form the basis for expansion of Engage South Dakota planning efforts in other cities.

"The goal of this is to go to different places and address different topics, but then tie all the pieces together to address issues but also raise up potential solutions," he said.

Walker said he also sees Engage South Dakota as a way to "equalize" the planning opportunities between urban areas that have the population and spending power to do extensive, formalized planning and within smaller, more rural communities that often do not have the resources to engage in long-range planning. Many small, rural communities in South Dakota are suffering from ongoing losses of population and economic activity, he said.

"What we're doing is creating a blueprint for small communities to do this themselves," he said. "A lot of communities in South Dakota are coming to grips with the fact that they're 10 years away from vacant homes and other problems that come with losing population."

The role of News Watch in the process, Walker said, is to help facilitate community input and get important conversations started in communities that want to grow and prosper. But moreover, News Watch can then bring those important stories and potentially replicable solutions to a statewide audience as a way to propagate similar planning efforts in other cities and towns.

"We're really on the front edge of something that can jumpstart this process for the 300 communities across South Dakota," he said.

Watertown preparing a new strategic plan

On Nov. 14, some good news arrived for those in Watertown who are trying to alleviate the city's substantial shortage of day care spots that are needed to allow more parents to work.

The Governor's Office of Economic Development announced that it was providing a $500,000 South Dakota Works Loan to the Mother of God Monastery in Watertown, where an effort is afoot to convert a building on the monastery campus into a day care center that could house up to 225 children.

In response to a local needs assessment, city and school officials in Watertown are also working together to convert shuttered elementary schools into day care centers.

Watertown leaders expect their next community survey report will be released soon, providing the next step in their ongoing planning journey.

Walker said sharing those solutions to the child care problem with a statewide audience will hopefully prompt similar ideas elsewhere.

Hot Springs survey reveals community needs

The online survey completed by Hot Springs residents revealed that the city faces many of the same major issues as other South Dakota cities, notably challenges in housing and workforce.

A majority of respondents listed housing (70%), business development (55%), workforce development (54%) and the labor shortage (52%) as major concerns.

Responses showed that residents feel they have the ability to make a difference in their community, but they are less certain of how decisions are made and are somewhat dissatisfied with the performance of local government.

Residents feel safe in their community and are happy with law enforcement, the survey showed.

But the survey also showed that some residents believe opportunities for greater growth and development are being missed, and concerns arose over the city's positioning for long-term economic stability.

"Community leaders and regular citizens both understand the gravity of the home shortage, price and property tax issues, and largely understand why these issues have occurred. Creating affordable child care opportunities, ensuring the VA hospital remains operational, and capitalizing on the natural beauty of the area and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally were other major discussion points," the survey noted.

Andrea Powers, executive director of the Southern Hills Development Corp., said she was pleased to see the generally positive attitude in the survey responses and is optimistic that the community can use the process to bring forth positive change.

"There was an overall perception that our community has the capacity for economic growth and an increased quality of life without sacrificing the elegant Victorian character our town is renowned for," she said.

Powers, whose organization has helped support the Engage South Dakota pilot program in Hot Springs, said the residents appear to support "metered growth," in which future development occurs but does not change the overall sense of place, natural offerings and positive attitude now present in the community.

"In a rural community, people know and care for one another, pitch in where help is needed and hold a deep respect for the natural world, and these are all values the community wants to retain," Powers said. "Sometimes that creates hesitancy about growth, but the overall consensus is that we can have positive change and retain our character if it's done strategically."

Community discussion mirrors survey results

About 25 residents showed up to the two-hour community discussion held at The Space in downtown Hot Springs, and a lively, communal vibe permeated the discussion.

Kyley Cumbow, superintendent of schools, moved to the area this summer to begin work in the fall semester. While planning her move from Pierre, Cumbow said she checked the website Zillow daily starting in April to see if any suitable housing was available in Hot Springs but with limited success. I was in tears several times, she said.

Cumbow, whose husband still works and lives in Pierre, said she considered buying a camper to live in until she found a house in Hot Springs. She said she bought a fixer-upper on the culmination of a dead-end street and started by remodeling a bathroom but has a long way to go in making the house more livable.

Attendees said one reason people might leave Hot Springs is because taxes and the cost of living are relatively high, while wages remain low.

Some brought up the challenges of having a population that is much older than the state median age and that there is a lack of racial, ethnic and age diversity in the local population. At the same time, some survey respondents said Hot Springs should embrace its role as a retirement community and make life better for senior citizen residents.

Resident Carl Hall said Hot Springs growth is held back by the lack of housing, especially affordable housing, and generally low wages. People need to be able to make a living wage, he said.

Hall added that the lack of housing opportunities puts potential homebuyers or renters at the mercy of property owners who sometimes have a strict screening process.

You used to be able to quickly rent an apartment with cash and a handshake, he said. Now, its credit checks, background checks, questions about how much you make, and everything is done through contracts.

City council member Debra Johnson said some people, including elderly residents, can no longer afford to live in Hot Springs.

People are being priced out of their homes, she said. We dont want the locals being pushed out of their homes and only the tourists or rich people being able to afford to live here.

The city also has not done enough marketing of its assets, and the city for years was left off tourism maps that market the Black Hills to tourists, Johnson said.

Val Crawford, a property owner and landlord, said rents she charges have doubled in the past 20 years.

The city needs an influx of young people, and their spending power, so the city doesnt eventually become a dead building, people-waiting-to-die kind of place, she said.

One resident said the city also needs a long-term plan with specific goals in order to grow in a sensible way and that community beautification efforts need to continue.

Jesse Naze, financial officer for Fall River Health Services, said the city should have more young people and a more diverse population to appeal to potential new residents and workers.

Naze said he has noticed a lower number of children engaging in sports, which he attributed to a lower birth rate exacerbated by an aging population.

The housing shortage and high costs of housing are holding back growth in the city, he said. Naze said the hospital has lost several prospective medical workers because they couldn't find or afford suitable housing. He said he has also seen the number of hospital workers who commute from Rapid City rising in recent years.

Naze said Hot Springs has a committed group of people engaged in civic affairs but that it does seem like the same people volunteering all the time.

Potential solutions

Longtime resident Kelly Cape said that while the city has a significant number of income-subsidized houses and apartments, he hopes that more higher-end, market-priced housing units can be built to attract new residents and workers.

Cape also hoped the city could attract or target for relocation a wider range of employers, both large and small. He noted how Ellendale, north of Aberdeen, was able to land a new cyber-security firm that is expected to create between 50 and 100 new jobs.

Some other ideas:

Resident Gary Telkamp said one of Hot Springs virtues is its nice weather, both compared to the Great Plains and other parts of South Dakota, and he suggested more marketing could focus on the dry and warm conditions. Thats kind of a big deal and people need to know that about us.

Gail Sprentall floated an idea that the South Dakota Board of Regents could make an arrangement with the federal government to use part of the VA hospital complex as a satellite campus of the university system. The facility could have a natural resources educational focus, she said.

Sprentall added that Hot Springs should embrace its VA connections and opportunities. She added that the community could better market its strong waterways, including Fall River, Angostura Reservoir, and other nearby lakes and campgrounds.

Barb Hallberg, who hails from the Black Hills town of Nemo, said Hot Springs could emphasize its historic and current focus as a center of healing. That could make Hot Springs more of a destination, and I dont think we capitalize on that opportunity enough, she said.

One resident suggested the city could do more to market the many murals around town and create a walking tour that describes the murals and the artists. Someone suggested murals could be painted on the concrete retaining wall used for flood control.

Councilor Johnson said the city already invested $3 million to have an elevated walkway along the river in the north part of downtown and another $40,000 to clean up weeds and other debris along the river corridor.

Sandra Merrow, a counselor in Hot Springs, said she thinks that for an investment of roughly $15,000 the city could build a fitness course along the riverwalk that people could use to get a good workout while enjoying the downtown scenery. It would be nice to have because people already walk along the river every day, she said. It would be great for locals and tourists to put up fitness stations along the way.

Next steps

Powers, from the Hot Springs economic development group, said she will make sure the final Hot Springs report is provided to local elected officials and community leaders for review and to create new avenues for further discussion.

Cammie Mengwasser, executive director of the Watertown Area Community Foundation, said earlier that the new planning group has initially identified three big challenges to address  housing, child care and workforce  but she expects the process will identify three or more other topics of focus moving forward.

Mengwasser said the next steps in the planning process will include a rollout of the consultant findings at a large community meeting early next year. "And that's when the work will really start," she said.

From there, resident committees will form to explore and examine issues revealed in the report, and local groups will then take their suggestions and do the ground-level work to get things done, she said.

"Theyll take the ideas, start researching them and then try to find funding to move toward what can ultimately come out of this," she said.
The city of Richmond is facing another whistleblower lawsuit from an employee alleging retaliation by senior officials.

Attorneys for the city are already litigating a claim brought by Connie Clay, a former Freedom of Information Act officer, who says she was fired by then-city spokesperson Petula Burks for refusing to break public records laws.

Now, a second such suit has emerged.

In a civil complaint filed Nov. 26 in Richmonds Circuit Court, Jamyce Vinson, a former employee of the city Department of Finance, claims she was placed on indefinite, unpaid leave after informing the inspector generals office of the falsification of the (citys) cash account.

Vinson previously settled a federal suit against the city in which she claimed officials had violated both the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act, court records show. The details of that settlement are not public.

City spokeswoman Margaret Ekam declined to disclose the details of the federal suit settlement, and said the city is unable to comment on pending legal matters.

Forced to resign

The Richmond Times-Dispatch previously reported that an investigation by the inspector general in 2022 concluded the finance department had failed to perform required monthly reconciliation of the citys cash account between 2017 and 2021, leading to a $14 million overstate(ment) of the account.

The inspector generals report on the probe credits an anonymous whistleblower with bringing the discrepancy to his attention.

In her suit, Vinson identifies herself as that whistleblower, saying she flagged the issue to the citys watchdog office in July 2021. The court filing includes emails exchanged between her and a city investigator in which Vinson provided bank records and other documents.

Vinson, who began working in the finance department in 2014, in the complaint speculated that the accounts were deliberately misrepresented to artificially gain a higher rating with the (credit) agencies.

The city used falsified financial statements to obtain lines of credit and (general obligation) bonds from financial institutions, the complaint reads.

In May, the city received its first AAA bond rating from Fitch Ratings, the highest ranking possible. Mayor Levar Stoney at the time cited the work of the finance department, the City Council and the administration in ensuring the city remained fiscally responsible.

Three months after Vinson contacted city investigators, finance department Director Sheila White revoked Vinsons city ID badge, then initially placed her on paid leave before switching to unpaid leave, the suit says.

Vinson says she was left on indefinite, unpaid leave for five months with no true or clear explanation.

That forced her to resign, she claims in the complaint.

The City refused to terminate Vinson as ... an act of retaliation, the complaint says  an act that she said prevented her from collecting unemployment benefits and violated state code on retaliation against whistleblowers.

Vinson is seeking just over $17,000 in unused vacation pay and benefit deductions she says she was not able to use and for which she has not been reimbursed.

A court date in the case has not been set. Vinson told The Times-Dispatch she has not yet heard back from officials concerning the matter.

The inspector generals office did not return a request for comment.

Federal suit says retaliation broke US

disability protections

The minimal amount of the Circuit Court claim has made it difficult for Vinson to find an attorney who will take the case, she said. But she remains confident in the merits of the Circuit Court suit given that her prior suit resulted in a settlement.

That case was settled in May, court records show. Vinson told The Times-Dispatch on Thursday that she was unable to share the details due to a non-disclosure agreement.

The records show the federal suit similarly contested Vinsons placement on unpaid leave, but on slightly different grounds.

In the complaint, filed in Virginia Eastern District Court in October 2022, Vinson identifies herself as a disabled person with extreme stress, anxiety, severe back pain, a sleep disorder, vitamin deficiencies and a digestive disorder.

Vinson said she took leave under FMLA from August to October 2021. Upon her return, she requested accommodation to aid her ability to perform her work, the federal complaint says.

The next day, White ordered her out of City Hall and placed her on administrative leave, the suit says, alleging that the retaliation for Vinsons whistleblowing violated both the ADA and the FMLA.

In both suits, Vinson says she was a star employee who on multiple occasions received promotions and glowing performance reviews, and worked long hours to meet unreasonable expectations. The workload contributed to her medical issues, Vinson says.

The federal suit sought $300,000. The actual amount of the settlement is not clear.

White in September told members of the City Council that personnel changes in the finance department could be counterproductive and stymie progress.

Is more change really the answer? she said.

Mayor-elect Danny Avula has not announced whether he intends to retain White or replace her.
Authorities tweak Cancun Internationals operations to better serve tourists

Cancun, Q.R.  Authorities from the Cancun International Airport (AIC) led a work meeting Wednesday to improve infrastructure, services and tourist experiences. Governor Mara Lezama was also at the meeting check-listing previously agreed upon commitments between the airport managing company and the state.

The meeting was held to follow up on airport improvement commitments made to the state. Photo: CGC December 18, 202.

During previous meetings, an agreement was made regarding the correction of various issues related to the operation of the Cancun International Airport. According to Lezama, the key issues addressed included customs operations and their impact on the flow of passenger traffic, the management of the National Migration Institute (INM), especially in relation to the handling of inadmissible tourists, and waiting times at immigration checkpoints.

Lezama said they also discussed the presence of irregular transport services (Uber) at the airport, a situation that requires attention to improve security and visitor experience. She did not elaborate on possible resolutions regarding the rideshare company.

Throughout this year, several work meetings have been held with federal and state authorities and Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (Asur), the company that manages the Cancun airport.

Additional signs have been installed to assist airport travelers. Photo: CGC 2024

Lezama says these meetings were held with the aim of identifying solutions to the airports main problems.

In this context, the efforts made to improve operational processes were highlighted with important advancements in operations. She says improvements in migration signage have been made with the installation of 16 new signs between the three main terminals which facilitates the orientation of passengers as they transit through the airport.

The problem of interruptions in the E-Gates was resolved by implementing backup systems (no break) that ensure their continuous operation, and that additional maintenance has been carried out during peak hours to avoid inconveniences.

E-gates have been backed up and receive continual maintenance. Photo: INM 2024

A shuttle service was established which now makes 136 daily trips between the three terminals, reducing the maximum waiting time to between five and seven minutes.

Governor Mara Lezama reaffirmed the state governments commitment to continue promoting tourism development, ensuring that the infrastructure and services of the Cancun International Airport are up to the growing demand.

Earlier this year, Governor Lezama met with Mexican Customs after being notified of an outdated fee being passed on to tourists. Tourists landing at the Cancun International Airport with more than one electronic device were being charged a tax. That tax has since been eliminated at the Cancun International Airport. It is still being charged at other airports around the state and the country.
Mexicos consumer watchdog opens public breach of contract suit against Xcaret

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Profeco, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency for Mexico, says they have received nearly 300 complaints against Xcaret brands this year alone. For this reason, the federal agency has opened a public breach of contract suit against the company.

According to Profeco (Procuraduria Federal del Consumidor), complaints have been received against Experiencias Xcaret Loyalty, Web and Hotels for breach of contract.

The main reasons for the complaints, they said, were the companys refusal to refund payments, terminate contracts and provide the service.

In a statement, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco), through the Subprocuracy of Services, reported that 257 complaints have been received in 2024 alone against the companies Experiencias Xcaret Loyalty, Experiencias Xcaret Web and Experiencias Xcaret Hoteles.

Of those, 195 are in the process of being addressed. The watchdog says since 2021, complaints filed against the company have increased. In 2021, 57 were registered, in 2022 the number doubled to 131 and in 2023, 185 were registered, Profeco reported in an official statement.

The complaints back to the non-compliance with the tourist services offered during the years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
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Donald Trumps first Department of Justice was a bastion of legal and ethical impropriety led by figures seeking to fundamentally collapse the rule of law. His attorneys general sought to gut civil rights, dehumanize immigrants, further militarize the border, and undermine the basic tenets of American democracy.

Some of the worst, or maybe just the most public, drivers of these policies (like those attorneys general, Jeff Sessions and William Barr) have faded from public view. However, other attorneys, policymakers, and advisers from Trump Justice have spent recent years promoting the contagion of Trumpian policies and politics on the nation from power footholds in state-level attorney general appointments, right-wing influence shops, and even Bidens own DOJ.

Trump 2.0 may well see many of these same figures return to helm the implementation of an even darker vision for the department.

So who are they, and what have they spent the past four years doing?

Top State Attorneys

Trumps first DOJ produced a litany of officials who have spent their time after the federal government undermining the Biden administration, and hurting their own constituencies, as obstructionist and hyperpartisan state-level attorneys general.

Drew Wrigley, North Dakota Attorney General

Drew Wrigley, the former U.S. attorney for North Dakota under Trump, is now the states attorney general. While a U.S. attorney, Wrigley reportedly sought to aid Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election by suggesting a last ditch effort of demand[ing] statewide recounts of absentee and mail-in ballots in crucial states. As state AG, Wrigley has doubled down on his utter lack of regard for the law by seeking to undermine the independence of North Dakotas crime lab by unsuccessfully trying to relocate it under the jurisdiction of the states Bureau of Criminal Investigation, defending extreme and overtly unconstitutional abortion laws, and wasting millions in taxpayer dollars by participating in dozens of (often frivolous) suits against the federal government.

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Scott Stewart, Mississippi Solicitor General

During his time in the Civil Division as the deputy assistant attorney general for the office of immigration litigation, Scott Stewart was essentially Trumps top immigration lawyer. As such, he spent his time in office mostly defending that administrations heinously cruel border policies, including the consequences of family separation and Trumps remain in Mexico policy, and denying lawyers to children seeking asylum. Perhaps most notoriously, however, Stewart defended the Trump administrations efforts to force a 17-year-old to give birth by refusing to allow her access to an abortion. Indeed, Stewart argued that the immigrant had two choices: deliver the baby or go back to her home country and get an abortion there. In the time since, Stewart has become the solicitor general of Mississippi, leading the successful charge to end Roe v. Wade and overturn the constitutional right to an abortion, all while defending his states extreme abortion ban.

Influence Shops

Trump DOJ alumni have also found footholds beyond state office, and theyve made no secret of their plans to continue building on their appalling records under the first Trump administration. We dont need to guess what some of them might do with renewed access to the resources and reach of the federal governmenttheyve told us themselves.

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Gene Hamilton, America First Legal (General Counsel & VP)

Gene Hamilton is a former counselor to Trump Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who authored the memo that gutted DACA under Trump, was instrumental in ending protected status for immigrants from Sudan and South Sudan, and was a key player in implementing family separation at the United States border while at the DOJ. After the administration, Hamilton transitioned to be vice president and general counsel at America First Legal, the hyperlitigious faction of ultraconservative incubator network the Conservative Partnership Institute. AFL, like CPIs other partner orgs, has continuously fought to ensure the continuation of Trump policy ideals and political goals by suing for ever-increasing cruelty at the border and trying to disenfranchise swaths of the American electorate.

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Of course, Hamilton is also the literal author of the DOJ section of Project 2025, wherein he advocates for the department to be turned into a conservative bludgeon against political dissent and minorities as well as a partisan shield for extreme far-right actors and their political allies.

Jeffrey Clark, Center for Renewing America (Director of Litigation)

Jeffrey Clark, Trumps notorious former head of the DOJs Environment and Natural Resources Division, who is now facing disbarment for his role in attempting to overturn the 2020 election, is a senior fellow and director of litigation at another CPI affiliate, the Center for Renewing America. CRA is itself a Project 2025 partner, and a hard-right think tank run by Russell Vought, Donald Trumps former director of the Office of Management and Budget and a diehard Christian nationalist. (Trump is also nominating Vought to return to that role during his second term.)

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Katharine Sullivan, Texas Public Policy Foundation (Senior Fellow)

Others, including Katie Sullivan, have transitioned to other far-right influence shops, such as the Texas Public Policy Foundation. TPPF is one of the most notorious influence shops in Texas, infamous for its success in pushing extreme right-wing policy platforms, and one of the biggest allies of longtime Trump sycophant Ken Paxton, the states attorney general. This makes sense, given that Sullivan spent her time in office reportedly authorizing the weaponization of anti-human-trafficking grants away from charities with policy positions unfavorable to the president, and toward charities with extremely questionable missions and records. Sullivan has also appeared in Project 2025 training videos advocating for the removal of all the equity plans in the federal government and for the noxious tenets of critical race theory and gender ideology [to] be excised from curriculum in every single public school in this country.

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Patricia Nation, America First Policy Institute

Patricia Nation formerly served in the Trump administration as senior counsel in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and then as the director of Civil Rights Civil Liberties at the Department of Homeland Security. Trumps first Civil Rights Division was notoriously dysfunctional, perverting the mandate of the office and instead actively undermining the basic tenets of equal justice under the law. On everything from the gutting of consent decrees for abusive police departments, the endorsement of discriminatory voting-ID laws, and its vocal support for the end of affirmative action, Trumps Civil Rights Division continuously elected to support and defend the targeting and abuse of marginalized people across the country. Following her time in the Trump administration, Nation landed at the America First Policy Institute, a hugely influential right-wing think tank stacked with Trump loyalists and an institutional giant in the staffing and direction of the Trump transition team.

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Other Parts of Government

Ryan Newman, Florida Governors Office (General Counsel)

During the Trump administration, Ryan Newman was a Counselor to the United States Attorney General for national security and international affairs, Deputy General Counsel (Legal Counsel) for the Department of Defense, and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy at the Department of Justice. In the years since, he has spent his time largely as Gov. Ron DeSantis general counsel. Under DeSantis, Newman has allegedly intimidated state employees into suppressing political speech in the state, defended the governors attempts to gut the states available housing for minors lacking permanent legal status, and argued in favor of DeSantis politically motivated removal of a state attorney.

Lawrence Keefe, Florida Governors Office (Public Safety Czar)

The list of Trump alumni who transitioned to public positions in Florida also includes Lawrence Keefe, formerly the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney for Floridas Northern District. Following the Biden transition, Keefe eventually began working in DeSantis office as the governors public safety czar. Though Keefe has since resigned, the Tampa Bay Times reports that the role included the coordination of Floridas controversial migrant flight program, which involved lying to immigrants to coerce them onto flights to other parts of the country as part of a cruel, and potentially illegal, political stunt.

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Related From Slate Why Manchin and Sinemas Parting Gift to Trump Is So Brutal for the Rest Of Us Read More

Curtis Gannon, U.S. Deputy Solicitor General

Curtis Gannon was a principal deputy assistant attorney general in Trumps Office of Legal Counsel and a member of Trumps beachhead or landing team at the DOJ during his transition into office. Though his time at the DOJ preceded the Trump administration, Gannon certainly made his mark by being the departments representative of record responsible for approving Trumps so-called Muslim ban in 2017. Gannon was also a frequent face representing the Trump White House in Congress during the lead-up to Trumps eventual (first) impeachment.

In August 2020, Gannon transitioned to be a deputy solicitor general, a position in which he has (inexplicably) remained throughout Bidens own term. While there, Gannon sided with Nestle USA Inc. and Coca-Cola, over international law scholars, the Constitutional Accountability Center, Nuremberg Scholars, and others, to argue that formerly enslaved children who were kidnapped and forced to work on cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast lacked standing to sue U.S. companies for their complicity in (and support of) the slave trade.

Trumps (latest) nominee to lead the DOJ, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, is sure to garner significant attention from the media and the public. Yet Bondi will not be the only one implementing the worst that Trump Justice 2.0 will have to offer, just as Bill Barr and Jeff Sessions werent the only ones responsible for the havoc wreaked via Trumps DOJ the first time around.

These individuals, should they reprise their roles within the administration, or their successors should they not, will in some ways be even more impactful on the consequences of what the day to day under Trump will look like, and they deserve our collective scrutiny for it.
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I am still enough of an institutionalist that it pains me to hear Supreme Court justices embarrassing themselves on the bench. So as I listened to Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito engaging with Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar during oral argument in the case challenging Tennessees ban on the provision of gender-affirming drugs for minors earlier this month, I couldnt help but cringe.

Shuffling through papers that he suggested were studies from various European countries that urged caution in the provision of puberty blockers to teens, Alito engaged in a gotcha line of questioning, insisting that Prelogarthe meticulous and unmatched litigator who has masterfully led the solicitor generals office under President Joe Bidenhad somehow misled the court about the accumulated scientific consensus on the effectiveness of puberty blockers for teens experiencing gender dysmorphia. His derisive tone and relentless questioning were typical for Alito and not what concerned me.

It was instead the contempt that Alito showed for the rules that govern the boundaries of litigation in our system. None of the studies he referenced as the basis of his questions to Prelogar had been part of the record in the case. None had been presented before the judge who tried the case. Justice Alito appeared to have, as the saying goes, done his own research, which he was now injecting into the case. And this embarrassed me.

It is not difficult for a civil rights lawyer to criticize the conservative-controlled courts aggressive and transparent efforts to erase the legacy of the Warren courts jurisprudence.

What has received too little attention is how this courts headlong rush toward achieving its ideological aims is undermining the rules that govern our system of litigation in its wake.

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Alitos performance during the argument in U.S. v. Skrmetti was a case in point. For the Supreme Courtthe highest appellate courtto engage in sustained and aggressive questioning of an attorney about factual data outside the record that was never subjected to the crucible of litigation is a violation of the most basic rules that define the roles and boundaries of our three-tiered federal court system. The record developed at trial in a case is bound by the evidence accepted and the findings made by the district court judge. Appellate judges can only dislodge the trial courts factual findings if they are clearly erroneousa high and mostly unreachable standard. In no instances can appellate courts add evidence to the record. They are limited to remanding a case back to a trial court to receive additional evidence. But that is not what Justice Alito was doing. And it wasnt a one-off question by Alito.

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Related From Slate Alito and Thomas Have Already Taken the Most-Contradictory Positions of the Supreme Court Term Read More

Justice Alitos reliance on the cautious approach followed recently by European countries in setting boundaries for the provision of gender-affirming care to minors was in and of itself a revealing and shameless reversal of his long-standing public and adamant insistence that we should look to our own laws and traditions rather than that of other countries in deciding questions related to individual rights. Chief Justice John Roberts, for his part, seemed unbothered by Justice Alitos invocation of new laws in Britain restricting access to puberty blockers for minors. This is the same Chief Justice Roberts who in in 2005 famously disparaged the use of foreign law in U.S. judicial decision-making by saying that looking at foreign law for support is like looking out over a crowd and picking out your friends. You will find them. This time, Roberts concern was limited to one of judicial competence: Should we follow the United Kingdoms position from three years ago? Or the United Kingdoms position now?

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For years civil rights litigators have accepted that the conservatives on this court will not be influenced by foreign law, or by policy practices of foreign nations. Is that still true? Should our briefs now make references to such sources? Or are they only relevant when they reinforce substantive positions already held by the conservative justices?

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There were other moments that would mystify any experienced litigator, as when Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked with plaintive sincerity who decides?seeming to earnestly question the boundaries of judicial power. Kavanaughs concern seemed to focus on the courts role in deciding hotly contested issues, especially when there is a claim that the scientific community is split on the effects of a particular practice prohibited by law. Shouldnt courts leave it to the states in those circumstances, Kavanaugh mused. Who decides? he asked, as though the entire legal framework of segregation and white supremacy the court struck down in Brown v. Board of Education and its progeny were not built upon the science of eugenics and the dangers of race-mixing, and as if the states rights movement itself was not advanced with full knowledge that leaving it to the states would mean the exclusion of politically powerless groups from the protections of full citizenship.

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Still, theres no perfect way out, Justice Kavanaugh whined, as though the entire project of actual judging was simply beyond him.

Chief Justice Roberts likewise seemed prepared to adopt a kind of false judicial modesty, deeming courts bereft of expertise and insisting that such a matter might be best left to the peoples representatives. God forbid this court is ever faced with an actual challenge to Brown.

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Kavanaugh and the chiefs musings were so disturbing that it forced Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to jump in and exclaim that she was getting worried by the line of questioning, which appeared to disregard our long-standing equal protection jurisprudence. First reminding the court that these arguments were the same as those made back in the day, the 50s, 60s, with respect to racial classifications, Justice Jackson noted that in Loving v. Virginia (the case that challenged state bans on interracial marriage), those same kinds of scientific arguments were made. Justice Jacksons intervention hopefully reminded her colleagues that both Kavanaugh and the chiefs judicial modesty approach would have allowed states to render the marriages of at least two of the courts justices null and void, and more importantly would as she stated undermine the foundations of our bedrock equal protection cases.

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As Prelogar and counsel for the respondents Chase Strangio reminded the justices repeatedly, they had really only one thing to decide in Skrmettiwhether the Tennessee law was a sex-based classification that required higher scrutiny for review. This was not a difficult question as the Tennessee law explicitly made reference to sex in its very text. But repeatedly, the conservative justices seemed to want to wrestle with the policies behind the Tennessee lawmatters that would appropriately be addressed in the first instance by the courts below on remand under the appropriate level of review. But it was clear that the conservative justices wanted more. They wanted to wade into an analysis of what they clearly regard as the harm of administering puberty blockers to minors.

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Why do all these rejections of previous norms and rules of litigation matter, one might ask? What difference does it make how the court strips away rights and protections? What matters is that they do it, and that the lives of millions of Americans will be affected, surely? In my view, the way they do it matters because the conservative justices in their haste and stubborn determination are pulling down not only long-standing substantive protections for marginalized people, but also the standards that hold our system of litigation together.

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Whether it is ignoring the trial record in a case when that record is unhelpful to the outcome the justices have decided (see SSFA v. Harvard and University of North Carolina); misreading the record to reinforce a claim of harm (Kennedy v. Bremertonthank goodness for photographs!); deciding consequential cases in which it is evident that the named plaintiffs lack standing and in which therefore there is no true case or controversy (303 Creative LLC); jettisoning long-established precedent without clearly establishing the predicate of conditions the conservatives justices themselves have over many years identified as the proper foundation for abandoning stare decisis (Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization; Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo)these are all instances in which how the court reached its decisions undermined the long-standing policies and practices that govern our system of litigation.

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Litigation is dependent on a set of expectations that help lawyers identify when a case should be pursued, what constitutes an appropriate plaintiff, where a case should be filed, how much to allocate to the expensive costs of discovery and trial, what kind of evidence and testimony, including expert testimony, should be necessary, and later when an adverse opinion should be appealed and on what grounds.

But those judgments are difficult to make when the court has elevated its own outcome-focused agenda over adherence to an established and consistently applied set of litigation rules. Our entire profession should be concerned about the courts increasingly cavalier treatment of the rules and long-standing practices that allow lawyers to effectively develop litigation strategy and anticipate outcomes, whether they are beneficiaries of the courts excesses or not. The very concept of the rule of law is premised on an expectation of stability and consistency in how law is practiced, not just what laws will be applied and to whom.

We have yet to see what the court will do with the Skrmetti case. But if recent cases, and the oral argument, are anything to judge by, at least some of the conservative justices seem prepared to get to the outcome they have decided by any means necessary. More and more, the conservative majoritys approach has put the rules and norms that govern our system of litigation in the crosshairs as much as the substantive rights of marginalized groups.
The White Lotus has been one of the best additions to the television landscape in the past decade. Its funny and sad and thoughtfully explores themes of power and morality and identity. The HBO show is beautifully shot, the written is impeccable, and the casting is pitch perfect. And it is the absolute last show I would ever want to do a brand collaboration with.

But I guess thats why I dont work at Coffee Mate. Ahead of the shows third season, Coffee Mate has teamed up with The White Lotus for two limited-edition flavors, and it really feels like someone should have stepped in to stop this.

Its perhaps one of the least thought-through coffee-related collabs we have come across. When watching The White Lotus, with its cast of oblivious well-to-do Americans running roughshod over gorgeous landscapes and the people that inhabit them, my takeaway normally isnt, Ooo what is Tanya drinking?

But here we are, with cringy tie-ins that strain all credulity. As reported by Food & Wine, season three of the hit series set to premier in February of next year will take place in Thailand and will explore themes of death and Eastern religion and spirituality. And nothing speaks more deeply to the gravity of the subject matter than [checks note] Thai Iced Coffee and Pina Colada. Savor the illusory nature of suffering and the Wheel of Life, now with condensed coconut milk and pineapple flavors!

Leonardo Aizpuru, the vice president of brand marketing for Coffee Mate parent company Nestle had this to say:

Now fans can experience this seasons luxurious Thai vacation vibes with the simple click of a button and pour of a creamer. We cant wait to see how flavor experimenters escape to paradise from their own living room with these two tropical flavors never-before-seen from Coffee Mate.

Dont get me wrong, Thai coffee is delicious and a pina coladaSpanish for strained/cleaned pineapple so Im not entirely sure of its relevance to to the southeast Asian countryas an iced coffee beverage sounds pretty tasty as well. But uhhh I feel like the Coffee Mate decision makers really took away the wrong message from these morality plays.

Which maybe, now that I think about it, maybe that makes it the perfect collab. A completely tone-deaf and cursory tie-in with a show satirizing oblivious and tone-deaf rich white people. The Coffee Mate limited edition creamers express so succinctly the themes The White Lotus has spent some 24 hours of runtime to hit on. This non-dairy simulacrum draws inspiration from places of vast cultural significance and only mustering up the superficial and tangential, as seen on a postcard or through the white-washed lens the all-inclusive resort.

I think this collab might actually be a work of art.

Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20241219/air-defense-shot-down-84-ukrainian-drones-over-russian-regions-last-night---mod-1121208983.html

Air Defense Shot Down 84 Ukrainian Drones Over Russian Regions Last Night - MoD

Air Defense Shot Down 84 Ukrainian Drones Over Russian Regions Last Night - MoD

Sputnik International

Russian air defense systems destroyed 84 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions last night, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

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"During the past night, attempts by the Kiev regime to carry out terrorist attacks using fixed-wing drones against targets on the territory of the Russian Federation were thwarted. Air defense systems destroyed 84 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said, adding that 36 drones were destroyed over the Rostov Region, 21 over the Bryansk Region, 14 over the Belgorod Region, six over the Voronezh Region, three over each of the Kursk and Tambov Regions, and one over the Krasnodar Territory.Ukraine has been sending drones and missiles into Russia almost daily since it launched its counteroffensive in early June 2023. The United Nations said in August last year, following a botched drone strike on Moscow, that it did not want to see any targeting of civilian infrastructure.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241215/russian-air-defense-shot-down-15-ukrainian-drones-overnight--1121171239.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241219/deployment-of-polish-troops-in-ukraine-matter-for-discussion---duda-1121207981.html

'Matter for Discussion': Polish President on Possible Deployment of Troops to Ukraine

'Matter for Discussion': Polish President on Possible Deployment of Troops to Ukraine

Sputnik International

Possible deployment of Polish troops in Ukraine is a "matter for discussion," but no such discussions are currently underway, Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Thursday.

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He made these remarks before departing to Brussels to meet with NATO Secretary General Murk Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and leaders of European states. "This is a matter for discussion," Duda told the RMF FM broadcaster when asked about the possible deployment of Polish troops in Ukraine under a peacekeeping mandate. He also said that his government's priority is Poland's security and that if there were any talks on sending peacekeepers to Kiev, the country's safety, as well as the safety of NATO's eastern flank, would be the key issue in such talks. Western countries have ramped up their military and financial aid to Kiev since the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow has repeatedly cautioned that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder any settlement to the conflict and directly involve NATO countries in the hostilities.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241213/foreign-peacekeepers-in-ukraine-european-politicians-are-at-loggerheads-1121161340.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241219/german-military-supplies-to-ukraine-amounted-to-84bln-in-2024-1121209088.html

German Military Supplies to Ukraine Amounted to $8.4Bln in 2024

German Military Supplies to Ukraine Amounted to $8.4Bln in 2024

Sputnik International

Germanys arms exports to Ukraine reached 8.13 billion euros ($8.4 billion) between January 1 and December 17, which is almost twice as much as in 2023, the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action said.

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In addition to Ukraine, the three largest importers of German weapons in 2024 included Singapore with more than 1.21 billion euros and Algeria with 558.7 million euros.Last year, Germany approved arms exports to Ukraine worth more than 4.43 billion euros. At the same time, arms supplies to Israel decreased by half: from 326.5 million euros in 2023 to 161 million euros this year. Russia has repeatedly said that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the conflict settlement process and make NATO countries a party to the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will be a legitimate target for Russia.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241208/total-aid-for-ukraine-tops-119bln-since-february-2022--pentagon-1121120618.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241219/german-parliament-approves-purchase-of-4-new-type-212cd-submarines-1121208749.html

German Parliament Approves Purchase of 4 New Type 212CD Submarines

German Parliament Approves Purchase of 4 New Type 212CD Submarines

Sputnik International

The budget committee of the German parliament has approved the purchase of four new Type 212CD submarines, the country's defense ministry said on Wednesday.

2024-12-19T04:22+0000

2024-12-19T04:22+0000

2024-12-19T04:22+0000

military

olaf scholz

germany

submarine

new submarine

patriot

patriot missiles

patriot missile system

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"The procurement projects approved today, worth about 21 billion euros [$21.7 billion], will be financed through a special fund (about 7 billion euros), through the defense budget and through general budget expenditures," the statement read. The document also includes the list of equipment approved for purchase, such as four new Type 212CD submarines and Type F127 frigates, and development of medium-range IDAS missiles for submarines. Furthermore, the budget committee approved the purchase of rocket artillery systems equipped with Israeli PULS multiple rocket launchers, reactive armor for the Puma infantry fighting vehicles, equipment for the digitization of ground operations as well as thermal cameras and imaging infrared systems for the country's ground forces. The German air force will receive guided missiles for Patriot air defense systems and equipment to extend the useful life of IRIS-T systems, according to the statement. In addition, new capacities for data centers and cloud infrastructure were approved for cyber security forces. The German parliament backed Chancellor Olaf Scholz's proposal in 2022 to create a special fund for the Bundeswehr worth 100 billion euros so that the German armed forces could eventually grow to become the largest regular army in Europe. Scholz cited the onset of the Ukrainian conflict as the reason for the buildup.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241210/us-supplies-over-800-patriot-interceptor-missiles-worth-326bln-to-ukraine-since-2022-1121138487.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241219/russias-invincible-oreshnik-has-left-west-in-the-dust---ex-dod-analyst-1121214587.html

Russias Invincible Oreshnik Has Left West in The Dust - Ex-DoD Analyst

Russias Invincible Oreshnik Has Left West in The Dust - Ex-DoD Analyst

Sputnik International

The West is in denial about Russias Oreshnik missile that defense systems are powerless to counter, Michael Maloof, former senior security policy analyst in the Pentagon, told Sputnik.

2024-12-19T13:21+0000

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The West is in denial about Russias Oreshnik missile that defense systems are powerless to counter, Michael Maloof, former senior security policy analyst in the Pentagon, told Sputnik. He pointed out that Russia's multi-warhead, nuclear-capable Oreshnik has left the United States far behind.While the US scrambles to be in the vanguard of such cutting-edge weapons systems, in effect it tends to put all the bells and whistles on a system, overprice it and then fall behind, said Maloof. Washington is reluctant to acknowledge that both Russia and China have weapons systems that the US does not have, namely, hypersonic missiles. The pundit speculated that if the United States had remained in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, a missile like the Oreshnik might not exist today. He observed that Russia's clear demonstration of the missile's unmatched capabilities serves as "another way of Putin telling Trump to maybe reconsider." I think in order to lessen the threshold of war [] and this would be a good start and, at least, beginning with the United States and Russia. And the other countries can follow suit, said Maloof, adding:

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241211/neither-thaad-nor-any-other-existing-air-defense-system-can-stop-oreshnik--expert-1121150054.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241219/slovak-troops-to-monitor-security-on-oil-gas-pipelines---reports-1121208531.html

Slovak Troops to Monitor Security on Oil, Gas Pipelines - Reports

Slovak Troops to Monitor Security on Oil, Gas Pipelines - Reports

Sputnik International

Slovak troops will participate in maintaining the security of oil and gas pipelines in the country, Slovak newspaper reported.

2024-12-19T04:17+0000

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2024-12-19T04:17+0000

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ukraine

hungary

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gas

slovakia

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The servicepeople will monitor the security of more than 80 objects, the newspaper said, adding that the operation, dubbed Iron Stream, will also involve dozens of units of armed vehicles, drones, and Black Hawk helicopters. In early December, Slovak Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said that members of a terrorist cell that may have been preparing a terrorist attack on the country's critical infrastructure had been identified. They were deported to Ukraine and Hungary. The minister also noted that there was "a real suspicion of a possible preparation of an attack consisting in the destruction or disabling of an important energy facility, namely a gas or oil pipeline. The prepared attacks reportedly targeted the Druzhba pipeline.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241214/slovakia-negotiating-gas-supplies-hopes-transit-via-ukraine-continues---fico--1121162096.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241219/spain-sending-arms-to-ukraine-to-dispose-of-old-weaponry---russian-ambassador-1121208253.html

Spain Sending Arms to Ukraine to Get Rid of Outdated Weapons - Russian Ambassador

Spain Sending Arms to Ukraine to Get Rid of Outdated Weapons - Russian Ambassador

Sputnik International

Spain is sending arms to Ukraine, using these supplies as a way to get rid of outdated weaponry, Russian Ambassador to Madrid Yury Klimenko said in an interview with Sputnik.

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2024-12-19T03:31+0000

2024-12-19T06:37+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russia-nato showdown

ukraine

russia

spain

pedro sanchez

alexandr klimenko

volodymyr zelensky

nato

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"With account for the real potential of the Spanish Armed Forces, insignificant amounts of aid [according to the Spanish, 600 million euros [$622mln] in 2022-24] are dissolved in general Western supplies, often not even reaching the front. The list of arms transferred to the Ukrainian Armed Forces rather suggests the desire of the Spanish to dispose of old weaponry and strengthen their positions in NATO," Klimenko said. He said Moscow is particularly concerned about the implementation of the Spanish-Ukrainian agreement on security cooperation, signed in May 2024 by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky. Reports in late May indicated that Zelensky and Sanchez signed a bilateral security pact in Madrid. This agreement specifically encompasses military and civilian assistance to Ukraine, the restoration of its territory, and demining efforts. As part of the pact, Spain is set to provide a record-breaking military aid package to Ukraine, amounting to approximately 1 billion euros (about $1.04 billion) in 2024.Russia has been conducting its special military operation since February 24, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the operation aims to "protect people subjected to genocide by the Kiev regime." According to the president, the ultimate goal of the operation is to completely liberate Donbas and create conditions that guarantee Russia's security: Ukraine must undergo demilitarization and denazification. Russia believes that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the settlement and directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will be a legitimate target for Russia. According to him, the United States and NATO are directly involved in the conflict, including not only by supplying weapons, but also by training personnel in the UK, Germany, Italy and other countries. The Kremlin has said the West pumping weapons into Ukraine does not contribute to peace talks.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241216/putin-russia-liberated-189-settlements-in-2024-special-operation-1121187136.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241219/turkey-will-not-interfere-in-antiterror-fight-in-syria-if-damascus-solves-problem---fidan-1121208119.html

Turkiye Wont Intervene If Syria Able to Tackle Terrorism Effectively, Says Top Diplomat

Turkiye Wont Intervene If Syria Able to Tackle Terrorism Effectively, Says Top Diplomat

Sputnik International

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara would have no reason to interfere in anti-terrorism efforts in Syria if the new administration handles the problem "properly."

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recep tayyip erdogan

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russia

kurdistan workers' party (pkk)

islamic state

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Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the destruction of all terrorist organizations, including the PKK [Kurdistan Workers' Party banned in Turkey] and ISIS [Islamic State, a terrorist organization banned in Russia] is important to protect the territorial integrity of Syria. The Lebanese TV channel Al-Mayadeen, citing its own correspondent, reported that armed units of the so-called "Syrian National Army" [SNA], with the support of Turkiye, are amassing significant reinforcements to the Manbij area in the northeast of the Syrian province of Aleppo to attack the positions of Kurdish forces. "There's a new administration in Damascus now. I think this is primarily their concern now. So I think if they address this issue properly, so there would be no reason for us to intervene," Fidan told Al Jazeera when asked whether Turkiye's military interference was necessary to conduct an anti-terrorism operation in Syria. On December 8, Syria's armed opposition captured Damascus. Russian officials reported that then Syrian President Bashar Assad stepped down after negotiations with key figures involved in the Syrian conflict. Following his resignation, he left Syria for Russia, where he was granted asylum.Mohammed al-Bashir, who ran an Idlib-based administration formed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other opposition groups, was named interim prime minister on December 10. He announced later that the interim government had been formed and would remain in place until March 2025.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241209/syrias-crisis-key-interests-of-the-us-israel-turkiye-iran-and-russia---1121135054.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241219/zelensky-may-be-ousted-if-he-tries-to-negotiate-peace-with-russia-heres-why-1121215868.html

Zelensky May Be Ousted If He Tries to Negotiate Peace With Russia: Here's Why

Zelensky May Be Ousted If He Tries to Negotiate Peace With Russia: Here's Why

Sputnik International

At his year-end press conference Thursday, Russia's president reiterated Moscow's readiness to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine, on the condition that it is reached with "legitimate" Ukrainian representatives. That may prove a tall order for Ukraine's authorities, says veteran international affairs observer Paulo Raffone.

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2024-12-19T17:17+0000

volodymyr zelensky

russia

ukraine

analysis

vladimir putin

boris johnson

kiev

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President Putin has indicated that Russia remains ready to discuss an end to hostilities in Ukraine, but only if it leads to a lasting peace - and not merely a ceasefire, and if Kiev is genuinely ready to make compromises.Russia "can sign an agreement only with someone who is legitimate," Putin emphasized, recalling Volodymyr Zelensky's loss of legitimacy in Moscow's eyes after the cancellation of elections in spring 2024.Otherwise, Russia has no preconditions for negotiations, and is ready for talks grounded in the Istanbul peace deal, sabotaged by the West in 2022, and current conditions on the battlefield, according to Putin."We essentially reached an agreement in Istanbul in 2022. Then for some reason Ukraine refused. Well, it's clear why - because your ally, Mr. [Boris] Johnson came [to Kiev] and said Ukraine needs to fight to the last Ukrainian. That's what they're doing now. They're running out of Ukrainians who would like to fight. I don't think there are any left. We are prepared. But the other side must be prepared as well to negotiate and to compromise," Putin said.Time for Talks?"In this framework, Putins openness to negotiate without preconditions signals that the dialogue is ongoing," Raffone said."It is very possible that in the first quarter 2025 a 'truce' may be reached with Russia so that Zelensky can call for elections. The real negotiations Russia-Ukraine can start only with the new elected president of Ukraine," Raffone emphasized, highlighting Putin's comments Thursday on the central importance of the political legitimacy of the government in Kiev for Moscow.Beyond UkraineUltimately, Raffone expects the Ukraine crisis to be just one factor weighing in "in the global negotiations that will necessarily take place as of 2025.""Russia's cornerstone is the UN system centered on the existing Security Council, where the coordination with China will continue. It is in this framework that one can read Putin's readiness to meet with the new US president, [Donald] Trump," the observer believes.And there are other areas which could play into Russia-US cooperation in the coming years, if the two countries play their cards right, according to Raffone, among them the issue of terrorism in the form of political assassinations - highlighted most recently by the murder of Russian Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defense Troops chief General Igor Kirillov this week.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230520/ukraines-former-pm-reveals-how-zelensky-transformed-from-stage-actor-to-american-puppet-1110487778.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241218/killing-generals-in-their-hometowns-not-a-smart-thing-to-do--trumps-envoy-on-kirillovs-murder-1121207458.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241009/every-third-us-citizen-believes-in-conspiracy-around-attempts-on-trumps-life---poll-1120484793.html

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Christmas came a bit early for trainer Noel Daley.

After a season in which the New Jersey-based conditioner established a new career high with $4,862,585 USD ($6,662,581 CDN) in purse earnings, Daley got an unexpected Christmas bonus with the news that top-ranked sophomore pacer Captain Albano will be returning to his operation to race as a four-year-old in 2025.

A son of Captaintreacherous out of the American Ideal mare Angelou, Captain Albano earned $445,680 during a Dan Patch Award-winning two-year-old season with a 7-2-0 record from nine starts. His sophomore campaign was just as impressive: in 18 starts this year, he posted a record of 12-1-3 with $1,536,276 leading to a career record of 19-3-3 and $1,981,956 earned in 27 starts for owners Patricia Stable, L A Express Stable, Sjoblom Racing and Michael Dolan.

A winner of the Delvin Miller Adios, Hempt Memorial, Little Brown Jug and Matron as a three-year-old, Captain Albano's final scheduled start came in the 2024 Progress Pace at Bally's Dover, where he handily scored in 1:49.1.

After that start, Captain Albano was slated for stud duty at New York's Blue Chip Farms in 2025. Those plans have since been altered, according to Daley, due to recent fertility tests.

"He's back in the barn, which is fine by me," Daley told Trot Insider with an audible smile. "I hope he eventually comes through. They think it's just a blockage there. But with the time frame, we couldn't keep mucking around. He had enough interest in him to be pulled, but we couldn't be holding people's mares up."

Daley, who is travelling back home to Australia for the holidays, noted that there is a possibility Captain Albano will still stand at stud in 2025, but under different conditions.

"In January, when I come back, we'll try testing him again," noted Daley. "If he's alright...we'll race him and breed him. We can do that in New Jersey. And I'd put a limited book if that looks like it's possible. But either way, we're going to race him.

"I really haven't brought one like him back, you know. He went out as good at the end as he was in the middle of it, which was a good thing. I'll start jogging him a little bit when I bring him back in there in January, and then have a look at his stakes schedule and see when I need to have him ready. He's an easy horse to deal with."

Jokingly, Daley noted that this change of plans for Captain Albano came as a result of a comment he made after that planned Progress Pace swan song.

"We're a bit more than happy. Bridgette [stallion manager Dr. Bridgette Jablonsky] said, 'You put the curse on him there after his run in the Progress' as I actually said to the guy who was interviewing me, I said, 'I'm sort of sorry to see him go. I wouldn't mind racing him.' It's a good position to be in."

(Standardbred Canada)
World champion Lucan Hanover leads an all-star cast of 14-year-old retired Standardbreds that will honoured when First Tracks Cumberland hosts its fourth annual Au Revoir Retirement Showcase on Saturday, Dec. 21 of the meet's closing weekend.

The final weekend of the meet includes racing from Friday, Dec. 20 through Sunday, Dec. 22. Several Pop-Up Series finals will be sprinkled throughout the three-day weekend.

Saturday will be a big day in the Maine harness racing industry as 12 Standardbreds aged 14 years old will parade in front of the stands, be recognized by the announcer and feted and photographed in the winner's circle with gifts and prizes. The Au Revoir Retirement Showcase includes a special $6,000 USD Auld Lang Syne Pace, exclusively for 14-year-old pacers.

Lucan Hanover, a world champion and winner of an elimination heat of the 2013 Little Brown Jug, will lead the post parade in the opener. A career winner of 75 races and $1.4 million from 339 starts, the son of Western Ideal is now owned and trained by Aaron Hall. During his storied career, he also won eliminations of the Breeders Crown (in a career-best 1:48 at Pocono Downs) and Messenger Stakes.

The entire day is dedicated to these special horses, with the first race marked for the soon-to-be retirees. Overall, the 12 horses have a combined start total is 3,692 with an average of 308 starts per horse. Total combined wins for these foals of 2010 is 561, which is an average of 47 victories per horse.

The fastest record belongs to the aforementioned Lucan Hanover, who is also the most decorated Standardbred with 75 trips to the winner's circle. Eleven pacers and two trotters will parade in front of the stands individually, with the average win time of all the honourees an equally impressive 1:51.4.

A special commemorative program has been produced and contains biographies and photos of the equine stars. The additional 11 soon-to-be retirees are: Calvin B, Goin Manstyle, Heart Breaking, Ideal Rowan, Machtu N, R T Lange, Rockaholic, Rockin Rambaran, Scottish Blue, Ugly Stick and Urbana Bayama.

The track's final card of the year on Sunday features two $12,500 USD Pop-up Series finals, as well as five races with purses of $10,000 USD each. There is also the $8,000 USD final for the Maine Amateur Driving Club in race eight.

On each of the three racing days, the Pick 5 starts with the third race, continues with the Pick 4 and Pick 3 toward the tail end of the program, and concludes with the High-Five Pentafecta in the final raceall with low 16 per cent takeouts.

Harness racing at the Southern Maines iconic oval will reconvene in April 2025.

(With files from First Tracks Cumberland)
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Micromax Informatics and Phison, a leading innovator in NAND controller and NAND storage technologies, have launched MiPhi, a strategic joint venture poised to revolutionize Indias technology landscape.

As India emerges as a global economic hub, this partnership supports the nations vision of Making AI in India, aligning with its ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. The strategic partnership announcement demonstrates this commitment by combining the key differentiators of two industry leaders to drive innovation, expand product offerings, and bolster Indias ambitions as a global AI superpower. With a vision to enhance GPU efficiency and deliver advanced NAND storage solutions, MiPhi will introduce the worlds lowest per-token cost and energy consumption for AI use cases.

Rahul Sharma, Co-founder, Micromax Informatics, said, We are thrilled to announce our joint venture with Phison, uniting our capabilities to drive a new wave of innovation in the Indian technology landscape. By combining our local market expertise with Phisons critical technological prowess, we are poised to deliver breakthrough solutions. The joint venture kicks off a new chapter with an aim to harness the full potential of emerging technologies and contribute to the future of digital transformation across industries. With this venture, we aim to bring down the cost of GPU by 1/10th by bringing the lowest per token cost in the world. This will help us in disrupting the AI landscape not only in India but also in specific agreed-upon regions.

K.S. Pua, CEO of Phison, said, India has been a hub for technological growth, and now the vision set forth from the government further enables homegrown companies to innovate at an exponentially higher rate. Phison is delighted to partner with Micromax. Together, we are committed to leveraging our combined resources and expertise to establish MiPhi as a leading force in Indias NAND storage ecosystem. By uniting Micromaxs local market understanding with Phisons world-class storage technologies, were well-positioned to create impactful solutions across SMBs, automotive, IoT, AI, enterprise workloads, and beyond.

Through MiPhi, the joint venture aims to empower the Indian market with cutting-edge NAND storage solutions, providing unparalleled convenience and technological advantages. The collaboration leverages Micromaxs deep-rooted customer relationships within India and Phisons expertise in NAND storage technology to foster a strong, synergistic partnership that expands opportunities and business growth across enterprise, consumer, embedded, AI, and security applications within Indias burgeoning tech ecosystem and specific agreed-upon regions.

The collaboration between Micromax, leading Indian electronics brand renowned for its expertise in manufacturing and marketing tech products, and Phison, a global pioneer in NAND storage solutions and technology, will position MiPhi as a key innovation hub in India. Phisons impressive portfolio, with over 2,000 patents and a legacy of industry-first innovations, coupled with its commitment to R&Dinvesting 80% of its OPEX (Operating Expense)equips the company to provide vital technical insights to MiPhis operations. This strategic alliance will drive MiPhis contribution to Indias technological future, harnessing local manufacturing and sales channels to accelerate the growth of the countrys storage economy.

As a part of the joint venture, MiPhis distinctive approach to drive innovation includes:

Local Partnerships: By leveraging Micromaxs established relationships with Indian clients and Phisons advanced NAND storage solutions, the company aims to strengthen Indias technological infrastructure and boost collaborations across industries.

By leveraging Micromaxs established relationships with Indian clients and Phisons advanced NAND storage solutions, the company aims to strengthen Indias technological infrastructure and boost collaborations across industries. Local Sales channel : Local sales teams across India with a focus on embedded solutions for automobiles, IoT, mobile devices, Datacentres, IT Hubs, consumer devices, and removable storage devices and systems. The company will also focus on customized design solutions for AI and security applications

: Local sales teams across India with a focus on embedded solutions for automobiles, IoT, mobile devices, Datacentres, IT Hubs, consumer devices, and removable storage devices and systems. The company will also focus on customized design solutions for AI and security applications For India, in India: With its manufacturing sites in Hyderabad, Telangana, Biwadi  Rajasthan and Noida  Uttar Pradesh, the company aims to elevate the manufacturing capabilities in the country

With its manufacturing sites in Hyderabad, Telangana, Biwadi  Rajasthan and Noida  Uttar Pradesh, the company aims to elevate the manufacturing capabilities in the country Legacy of two powerhouses coming together: Micromax is Indias home-grown consumer electronics brand while Phison is a market leader in NAND storage technologies  one out of five SSDs shipped worldwide is a Phison solution. Both the brands coming together is a milestone moment in elevating Indias AI ambitions

MiPhi will specialize in custom-designed NAND storage solutions for AI, enterprise, and automotive use cases, addressing the needs of both Indian and specific agreed-upon markets. The joint ventures focus on innovation and collaboration ensures a robust, connected ecosystem powered by advanced semiconductor solutions. With a strong local manufacturing partnership and in-house NAND controller technology, Phison reinforces its commitment to comprehensive support, including local RMA services and a sales channel to India and specific agreed-upon regions for efficient customer service.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Artificial intelligence that is as intelligent as humans may become possible thanks to psychological learning models, combined with certain types of AI. This is the conclusion of Robert Johansson, who in his dissertation, from Linkoping University, has developed the concept of "Machine Psychology" and how it can contribute to AI development.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has been the holy grail of AI research since the 1950s. So far, humanity has not managed to create an artificial intelligence that can solve intellectual tasks in the same way as humans. But some scientists believe that this may happen as soon as within the next five years.

One of them is Johansson, who recently defended his Ph.D. dissertation in computer science at Linkoping University. But unlike the gloomy scenarios of the future that are often conjured up about AGI in popular culture, he believes that it can be of benefit to humanity.

"Yes, I'm sure of that. It changes everything we do and isn't just a continuation of ordinary AIit's something completely different. I think AGI will have a broad impact on society in a completely different way than today's AI. You can create a new type of agent, such as virtual researchers or psychologistsbut also a lot more," says Johansson.

At the same time, he sees challenges with technology developments in a troubled world. AGI could be used for various purposes, for example, to create division in society.

"It's a technology we really have to handle with care. On the other hand, I also think that artificial general intelligence can help counter several destructive developments in society. It might help us human beings to emerge as more loving. I'm open to AGI being able to help us develop in that way as well," says Johansson.

But developing an artificial intelligence at the same level as a human being is a monumental challenge. Different researchers try to approach the problem in different ways. Some believe that large-scale language models like ChatGPT are the way to go, while others suggest simulating the brain.

The path that Johansson has chosen to follow can be called principle-based. This means that he has tried to identify important psychological learning principles that could explain intelligence and then implement them in a computer.

In parallel with his doctoral studies at LiU, he works as a teacher and researcher in clinical psychology at Stockholm University, where he is also an associate professor, a background that he used in his thesis Empirical Studies in Machine Psychology.

"I've used the principles of modern learning psychology to approach the issue of learning, thinking and intelligence. Then I used a specific form of adaptive artificial intelligence, which is a logic system where I try to implement learning psychology," says Johansson, who is now getting his second Ph.D.

The logic system is called the Non-Axiomatic Reasoning System, NARS, and is designed to operate without complete data, with limited computational power and in real time. It provides a flexibility that is important for dealing with problems that may arise in the real world.

The combination of NARS and learning psychology principles constitutes an interdisciplinary approach that Johansson calls Machine Psychology, a concept he was the first to coin but more actors have now started to use, including Google DeepMind.

The idea is that artificial intelligence should learn from different experiences during its lifetime and then apply what it has learned to many different situations, just as humans begin to do as early as the age of 18 monthssomething no other animal can do.

"If you manage to implement this in a computer, then you've really cracked the riddle of artificial intelligence on a human level. And I think psychology will be a potentially crucial science for AGI," says Johansson.

Whether humanity will succeed in creating its intellectual equal within five years remains to be seen. But then there are a lot of other aspects that need to be taken into account beforehand, according to Johansson.

"We live in a society with laws and rules and moral premises. It's necessary to take a stance on how to view the rights and obligations of such agents. Maybe AGI will just be a program you run in your browser, but I think that if it has a consciousness it's still some kind of life."

More information: Robert Johansson, Empirical Studies in Machine Psychology, (2024). DOI: 10.3384/9789179295066
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Workers at several Amazon facilities from southern California to New York are picketing.

Thousands of Amazon workers on Thursday launched what they called the "largest strike against Amazon in US history" seeking to maximize pressure on the retail behemoth at the height of the holiday shopping season.

The job action targets seven Amazon facilities spaced around the United States. Workers on the pickets include Amazon employees who are affiliated with the Teamsters labor union and truckers who transport packages in and out of the facilities.

The move comes amid a Teamsters national organizing campaign at Amazon, which has long fought unionization. The country's second-largest labor union had given Amazon until December 15 to agree to bargaining dates, pointing to progress in unionization campaigns around the United States.

In Germany, an affiliate of the union ver.di also launched a stoppage at an Amazon facility in the western part of the country, saying it was operating in solidarity with the US union. The German union plans stoppages at eight other facilities involving 16,000 people through the end of 2024.

The Amazon DBK4 warehouse in New York continued operations Thursday, but the pickets "definitely slowed down" deliveries in and out of the facility, said Tony Rosciglione, treasurer of the Teamsters Local 804 in New York.

Rosciglione said there were about 300 people including union supporters on the picket line in Queens where the union had signed up additional Amazon workers interested in joining the Teamsters, he told AFP in a phone interview.

Besides New York, workers will picket at facilities in Atlanta, southern California, San Francisco and Illinois, with other Amazon Teamsters "prepared to join them," the union said in a statement.

"If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon's insatiable greed," Teamsters boss Sean O'Brien said in the statement.

"We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it."

The Teamsters union says it represents some 10,000 workers, or less than one percent, at Amazon facilities around the country.

Organizing drive

The DBK4 facility is among the sites in recent months where workers have demanded union recognition after signing up supporters. Workers have made similar demands in Atlanta and at an air facility in California.

Amazon has long fought unionization drives, which have depicted unions as a way to improve pay, ensure more manageable employment schedules and promote better workplace safety.

Workers at a New York facility in Staten Island became the first Amazon employees to vote in favor of a union in April 2022.

Originally an independent union, the Amazon workers voted in June to affiliate with the Teamsters.

However, Amazon has refused to bargain on a contract at Staten Island, arguing that the vote was unfairly administered by the National Labor Relations Board.

The company has contested the authority of the NLRB in a succession of appeals that could go to the Supreme Court.

The Teamsters campaign comes as the complexion of the NLRB looks poised to change with appointees of Joe Biden expected to be replaced by President-elect Donald Trump, who has historically been far less supportive of organized labor.

Art Wheaton, director of Labor Studies at Cornell's School of Industrial Relations, said the timing of the action near Christmas was designed to maximize the Teamsters' leverage.

"During Christmas time, Amazon is probably at its peak," Wheaton said. "There's not much more leverage than downtown New York City the week before Christmas."

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay from Pexels

An Australian computer scientist who falsely claimed to be the founder of Bitcoin received a suspended jail sentence Thursday in Britain for contempt of court after breaching a judge's order.

High Court judge James Mellor sentenced Craig Wright to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, in his latest ruling against the 54-year-old.

Wright lost a legal battle earlier this year over claims that he was Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym attributed to the person widely credited with establishing the cryptocurrency.

He had been sued by the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (Copa), a non-profit group including cryptocurrency firms, after having made the claims since 2016.

Mellor ruled in March that Wright had "lied extensively" to support the false claim and issued a court order barring him from launching or threatening further legal action related to Bitcoin.

However, in a hearing this week lawyers for Copa argued that Wright had issued a claim worth more than 900 billion related to Bitcoin in October which constituted contempt of court.

In a new ruling Thursday, Mellor agreed, concluding Wright had committed "a clear breach" of his order and was therefore in contempt of court "beyond any reasonable doubt".

The judge called the breach of the order "flagrant", noting the computer scientist "has expressed no remorse whatsoever".

Mellor said he would give a "more detailed set of reasons" for the sentence later. He also threw out Wright's latest legal claim and ordered the Australian to pay around 145,000 ($181,000) of Copa's legal costs.

Wright attended court Thursday via a video link, telling Mellor he was in Asia but refusing to specify which country after being asked by the judge.

"I still don't believe that the areas that you have addressed are correct," Wright said.

He added that he would be appealing the contempt finding, stating: "Copa are an organization with one purposeto sue me."

 2024 AFP
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ORNL scientists developed an autonomous field data-gathering platform to monitor and sample soils and transfer real-time data back to the lab. From left, ORNLs Chris Masuo, Peter Wang, Udaya Kalluri and Kenneth Lowe at the field demonstration site. Credit: Michaela Bluedorn/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated an autonomous robotic field monitoring, sampling and data-gathering system that could accelerate understanding of interactions among plants, soil and the environment.

The challenge of enhancing biomass productivity and carbon storage in bioenergy plantations requires a better understanding of how carbon cycles between soils, plants and the atmosphere. Soil carbon can be difficult to measure precisely. Current estimates place the amount of carbon locked away in soils worldwide at trillions of tons, or more than three times the amount in the atmosphere.

To speed data-gathering for better predictions of plant responses and soil carbon, ORNL biologists, ecologists, robotics engineers and computational scientists collaborated to build and demonstrate a first-of-a kind prototype autonomous system that can monitor vegetation and the environment, sample soils and transfer real-time data back to the lab.

The team developed a custom robotic platform, called the Sensors, Machine vision, Automation and Robotics for Transforming Plants Field Series (SMART Plant F-Series) and successfully demonstrated it at ORNL's SMART field site where researchers are growing poplar plants as feedstock candidates for making biofuels. The system was designed with unique navigation features such as GPS waypoints and a laser sensing system, to help the robot navigate around plants without disturbing them.

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new robot that can independently collect soil samples, streamlining environmental data collection. Credit: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

"We're getting better at characterizing aboveground phenotypesthe structure and chemistry of plants that you see above the soil. We have over 250,000 different above-ground phenotypes collected of poplar alone through our DOE investments in bioenergy research," said project lead Udaya Kalluri, senior staff scientist in ORNL's Biosciences Division. "But we have only a handful of belowground phenotypes. It's not easy to characterize what's going on with root-microbe interactions, and carbon, water and nutrient transformations in the soil beneath plants."

Improving lab-to-field connections with robotic systems

"One of our goals with this project is to make connections between the laboratory and the field seamlessto order, for instance, automated sampling at a specific coordinate where we want to learn more and resolve asymmetries between above- and belowground data," Kalluri added. "Our self-guided system is then automatically deployed to those coordinates to gather samples that can inform researchers about plant productivity and soil characteristics."

The field sampling system can work in parallel with the Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory, or APPL, at ORNLa robotic greenhouse that moves plants through a unique system of imaging stations to measure plant properties. APPL is already providing insights such as confirming a link between a plant gene and greater biomass, analyzing the link between microbes and heat tolerance in plants, and how soil fungus colonizing roots can influence plant growth. APPL is adding an underground imaging station in 2025 that will further expand its capabilities to image and analyze plant roots and soils.

"By developing and demonstrating SMART field-based automated data collection and custom robotic action, we are complementing what we're doing with APPL and moving closer to our ultimate goal of enabling capabilities that improve lab-to-field performance predictions and accelerating the pace of both fundamental and applied research," Kalluri said.

The team's larger vision for the project is an interconnected ecosystem leveraging a fleet of robots and sensors to automatically gather and transmit data from geographically distributed observation sites such as bioenergy plantations or natural ecosystems. Data would inform real-time models and could be sent to an edge-, cloud- or high-performance computing resource to inform smart field management, Kalluri said.

Kalluri built upon her previous automation collaborations with ORNL's Manufacturing Science Division to develop the robotics-based solution for field applications. Advanced manufacturing researchers Chris Masuo, Peter Wang and Andrzej Nycz worked together to adapt a commercial robot platform equipped with a navigation system that utilizes real-time kinematic positioning, which incorporates surveying principles to correct common global positioning errors.

Connecting bioscience with manufacturing expertise

At DOE's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, or MDF, at ORNL, researchers customized the robot, which could be controlled remotely, by adding sensors, onboard software and an electromechanical system with 3D-printed components for collecting soil samples. The project marks the development of a more compact mobile platform for soil sampling, Masuo said.

To prove the concept, researchers demonstrated the robot's accurate navigation through remotely-transmitted GPS waypoints. A laser sensing platform called light detection and ranging, or LiDAR, helps the robot dodge obstacles. ORNL engineers outfitted the robot with an external frame equipped with augers, tools shaped like a large metal drill. Microcontrollers manage lowering the augers so their rotation churns soil upward into a bucket. The robot can take up to four samples at once before returning independently to its home position, said Masuo, who developed the software as well as some hardware and electrical adaptations to the robot.

The technology supports efforts to study interactions between plants and the environment. Using robots for sampling could enable scientists and farmers to gather more data while focusing on analysis, Masuo said.

The project lays the foundation for future field research integrating automation with real-time computing for SMART monitoring or ecosystem management. Development of newer, more durable, multifunctional, self-powered sensors will further enable continuously gathering above- and belowground data on system performance and responses, supporting higher-precision process models and artificial intelligence foundation models in the future.

Additional sensors could be added to the robot to expand monitoring capabilities and deepen understanding of ecosystem health, as well as conditions that enhance productivity and resilience. For example, the LiDAR and visual cameras that are part of the unit could be used to check plant density and stem diameter to better understand plant growth, Masuo said. LiDAR essentially creates a 3D map, which can be combined with video footage afterward to understand surrounding environmental conditions. Productivity of the plants has also been monitored using pole-mounted LiDAR.

The robotic platform as well as sensors in the SMART field system could be enhanced, for instance, to facilitate research into early indicators of disease and responses to environmental stress or disturbances such as wildfire, as well as how plants are absorbing and storing atmospheric CO 2 .

This is the third collaboration between Kalluri and engineers from ORNL's Manufacturing Science Division involving robotics applications. Previously, they worked together on two projects to develop automated monitoring and sampling systems for greenhouse research settings at ORNL, as the lab accelerates the transformation of plants for better bioenergy crops for biobased fuels, chemicals and materials, enabling a thriving bioeconomy.

"Through INTERSECT, I grow to understand needs I wouldn't see because they are outside my area of study," Nycz said. "When researchers from different fields are exposed to those needs and what is possiblethat's where the new ideas are being formed."

"It's been impressive how well this cross-cut team has worked together to reach the demonstration point in under a year," Kalluri said. "We've tied together some very cool expertise that can make a difference in enhancing our understanding of the processes at play in both bioenergy plant productivity and carbon storage."
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After a widespread hack, federal government issued a public service announcement urging the public to use "end-to-end encryption" methods. Credit: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

After revealing that it was the target of a sweeping hacking campaign, the federal government issued a public service announcement this week urging the public to use "end-to-end encryption" in order to better secure its digital communications.

The hack, which the FBI says was perpetrated by the Chinese government, compromised the FBI, AT&T and Verizon primarily, but also both 2024 presidential campaigns and other high-profile targets, including prominent politicians.

U.S. officials describe the hack, dubbed Salt Typhoon, as one of the largest of its technology infrastructure in the nation's history.

So, what is end-to-end encryption, and how can consumers and technology users protect themselves in the wake of this massive breach?

Most people today engage in some form of digital communication, whether that's iMessage, Google Messages, WhatsApp or SMS. Some of those methods of communication already use end-to-end encryption (iMessage and WhatsApp), while others do not.

Quite simply, end-to-end encryption means that only the end users in a digital communication can "decrypt"that is, read and understandthe contents of a message or communication, says Christo Wilson, a professor of computer science at Northeastern University. It is facilitated by some form of technology, usually an app that can be downloaded onto a device.

Message-based apps such as WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram are designed around end-to-end encryption. But most of our day-to-day communications are not end-to-end encrypted because they are handled by third parties, Wilson says.

When a cellphone user decides to send a text message to another user, the contents are packaged in a digital code that is then sent, via some network, to the other person. The same applies for the sending and receiving of messages on a social media platform such as Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). Communications on those platforms move through servers that are overseen by individuals with access to them.

"The crucial distinction here is that, for any messaging system, it doesn't just involve you and me, or the endpoints. There are also the middlemen, the intermediaries," Wilson says.

Those intermediaries have access to the communications by virtue of the fact that they provide the service. For Short Message Service, or SMS, a text message service, the intermediary is the phone company. For Facebook Messenger, it's Meta. Google is the intermediary overseeing communications over Gmail and Google Chat.

Can employees of Verizon, AT&T and Meta read the messages sent between users? Wilson says SMS has no encryption whatsoever, so the phone company can see everything sent and received by users. "In fact, anyone who is watching the traffic can see everything," he says.

With a service such as Facebook Messenger, messages are encrypted only while in transit to the other userthat is, as they are en route to Facebook, which then sends the message to the other user (it is encrypted while in transit to the other user as well), Wilson says.

"End-to-end encryption is only you and me, which means the intermediaries can't read the messages at all," Wilson says.

As cyberthreats grow more sophisticated and omnipresent, Wilson says that tech users should adopt end-to-end encryption. That requires moving communications over to an app like WhatsApp or Signal, which Wilson says are "very user-friendly."

"In my opinion, it should be the default," he says.

The federal government's explicit endorsement of the protective technology represents a significant shift, as FBI officials over the last decade have repeatedly demonized end-to-end encryption methods as impeding investigations. (In 2014, then FBI Director James Comey said that encryption technology interferes with the government's ability to prosecute crimes and prevent terrorism.)

"The FBI, in particular, has been very vocal against end-to-end encrypted apps in the past because they said they need wiretapping capabilities," Wilson says. "Now that those capabilities are being abused, they seem to be coming around and taking the opposite approach."

While he agrees with the federal government's latest guidance, the irony of the situation is not lost on Wilsonand others in the cybersecurity field.

"The FBI and the federal government more broadly have been asking for back doors in technology for a long time for wiretapping," Wilson says. "That is exactly the mechanism being used by this threat actor, Salt Typhoon, to break into the telecom networks."

This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu.
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Repositioning of midside nodes in the iTP6 master element. Credit: International Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics (2024). DOI: 10.1002/msd2.12136

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is vital for safeguarding infrastructure by identifying and addressing damage risks. Traditional methods, however, often struggle to deliver accurate real-time data on high-stress areas, like crack tips, where failure is most likely. These regions require careful monitoring to predict and prevent catastrophic structural failure. Yet, capturing the complexities of stress concentrations at crack tips remains a significant challenge. This study addresses these shortcomings by proposing a novel solution to achieve real-time structural assessments of pre-cracked structures.

Researchers from the National University of Sciences & Technology, Islamabad, and the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, have introduced an innovative contribution to the field of SHM, published in the International Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics. Their study introduces a two-dimensional, six-node triangular inverse crack-tip element formulated to ensure strain singularities at the crack tip without compromising computational efficiency, enabling real-time health assessments of cracked structures.

The study presents a two-dimensional, six-node triangular inverse crack-tip element, marking a significant advancement in SHM of through-thickness pre-cracked structures. The proposed crack-tip element integrates seamlessly with the inverse finite element method (iFEM) for shape-sensing and health assessment applications of engineering structures with and without preexisting cracks.

A critical characteristic for accurate fracture analysis is maintaining strain singularities at the crack tip, accomplished by strategically repositioning mid-side nodes in this research. The element is adaptable to both structured and unstructured mesh discretization, making it highly versatile for modeling complex geometries, particularly in areas of high stress, such as crack tips.

Case III: Gauss location 1 following Rule 3 for repositioning of the sensor in the sparse sensor arrangement. Credit: International Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics (2024). DOI: 10.1002/msd2.12136

Rigorous validation confirms its effectiveness in shape-sensing and computing stress intensity factors (SIFs) across various crack geometries and loading conditions, highlighting its potential to revolutionize real-time monitoring of structures with preexisting cracks.

Prof. Dr. Erkan Oterkus, the corresponding author and supervisor of the research, is of the view that "the formulation of the inverse crack-tip element represents a step forward in structural health monitoring and the assessment of engineering structures with preexisting cracks. This approach enables precise shape-sensing capabilities and accurate reconstruction of critical fracture parameters, which are crucial for timely and informed decision-making regarding the maintenance and safety of critical infrastructure."

This research has transformative potential across industries where structural integrity is paramount, notably in the aerospace and marine sectors. It enhances safety by detecting issues early, reduces maintenance costs through targeted repairs, and extends the lifespan of vital structures. Automating and streamlining the evaluation process minimizes downtime and operational disruptions, paving the way for more innovative, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure management.

More information: Ihtisham Khalid et al, Structural health monitoring of precracked structures using an inplane inverse cracktip element, International Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics (2024). DOI: 10.1002/msd2.12136
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A boardwalk is seen from above in the Clara Bog Nature Preserve, in Clara, Ireland, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bram Janssen

Dozens of massive data centers humming at the outskirts of Dublin are consuming more electricity than all of the urban homes in Ireland and starting to wear out the warm welcome that brought them here.

Now, a country that made itself a computing factory for Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft and TikTok is wondering whether it was all worth it as tech giants look around the world to build even more data centers to fuel the next wave of artificial intelligence.

Fears of rolling blackouts led Ireland's grid operator to halt new data centers near Dublin until 2028. These huge buildings and their powerful computers last year consumed 21% of the nation's electricity, according to official records. No other country has reported a higher burden to the International Energy Agency.

Ireland is a "microcosm of what many countries could be facing over the next decade, particularly with the growth of AI," said energy researcher Paul Deane of University College Cork.

Dublin's data center limits

Twenty-six-year-old activist Darragh Adelaide lives in a working-class Dublin suburb just across a busy motorway from Grange Castle Business Park, one of Ireland's biggest data center clusters. It could get even bigger were Adelaide not a thorn in the side of Google's expansion plans.

An aerial view of the Meta data center, in Dublin, Ireland, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bram Janssen

"It's kind of an outrageous number of data centers," Adelaide said. "People have started to make the connection between the amount of electricity they're using and electricity prices going up."

Ireland has attracted global tech companies since the "Celtic Tiger" boom at the turn of the 21st century. Tax incentives, a highly skilled, English-speaking workforce and the country's membership in the European Union have all contributed to making the tech sector a central part of the Irish economy.

Nearly all of the data centers sit on the edge of Dublin, where their proximity to the capital city facilitates activities that require fast connections. Ireland's cool temperatures also make it easier to keep data center computers from overheating without drawing in as much water.

Still, buildings that for years went mostly unnoticed have attracted unwanted attention as their power demands surged while Irish householders pay some of Europe's highest electricity bills. Ireland's Environmental Protection Agency has also flagged concerns about pollution from data centers' on-site generators affecting areas near Dublin.

A worker sits inside the control center of the Digital Realty data center, in Dublin, Ireland, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bram Janssen

A crackdown began in 2021, spurred by projections that data centers are on pace to take up one third of Ireland's electricity in this decade. Regulators declared that Dublin had hit its limits and could no longer plug more data centers into its grid. The government urged tech companies to look outside the capital and find ways to supply their own power.

In June, Adelaide's campaign against the centers helped get him elected to a seat on the South Dublin County Council for the leftist People Not Profits Party. The council soon after rejected Google's plan to build another data center. Google appealed the decision in September.

The backlash from Dublin-area local planning authorities has frustrated data center developers.

"What's preventing us from being able to leverage that is the fact that the power constraints that we have, or the power moratorium that we have, is greatly impacting our ability to provide space for customers," said Dermot Lahey, who directs Digital Realty's data center implementation in Ireland.

Wind turbines can be seen from the village of Rhode, Ireland, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bram Janssen

Moving to the boglands?

Once colder weather sets in, the smoky fragrance of fireplaces burning briquettes of peat lingers over County Offaly, an area west of Dublin in a region known as the Midlands. It's places like this where some data center developers, thwarted by Dublin's constraints, now see opportunity.

A report commissioned by County Offaly's government pitches the bog-dotted region as a place to "create thousands of green jobs" and rival "Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris in being an anchor for data centres powered by renewable energy."

Farmer and conservationist Brian Sheridan, 83, is doubtful. He's seen this region transformed once before, from a vast wetland known as the Bog of Allen to barren pockets of brownfields as people cut away trenches of dense peat soil, or turf, to create homegrown fuel.

An empty data hall inside a data center from Texas-based Digital Realty, in Dublin, Ireland, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bram Janssen

"The bog started disappearing and it wasn't being replaced," said Sheridan, walking along a boardwalk over carpets of moss and sedges in the now-protected Clara Bog Nature Reserve.

Decades of rapid extraction fostered Ireland's energy independence and employed scores of workers in turf-cutting, briquette factories and power plants. But it also polluted the air and devastated a delicate environment. Bogs that naturally trapped large amounts of carbon dioxide were stripped down to the bedrock, contributing to global warming. When burned, peat is dirtier than coal.

Ireland has largely banned the sale of peat and shuttered the last remaining peat-fired power plants. But the state-supported company at the helm of peat extraction, Bord na Mona, still controls vast tracts of former bogland. It has refashioned itself as a renewable energy provider, laying down wind turbines and solar farms and partnering with Amazon to build a data center near the village of Rhode.

Bord na Mona declined multiple interview requests about its plans, and some residents feel left in the dark. Amazon also declined to talk about specific projects and has repeatedly signaled it may shift its new data center investments away from Ireland.

Protest banners against wind turbines displayed on a building in Lemanaghan, Ireland, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bram Janssen

Could wind save Ireland's data centers?

A tech-driven race is on to harness the region's wind. Backed by a power purchase agreement with Microsoft, the Norwegian wind energy company Statkraft is building nine towering wind turbines in remote former boglands along County Offaly's eastern edge. Statkraft's managing director for Ireland, Kevin O'Donovan, said data centers are actually helping to accelerate Ireland's clean energy transition.

"For a lot of the mainland European countries, demand is going down and that's actually leading to a challenge to roll out renewables," O'Donovan said. "Whereas in Ireland we have demand that's increasing because the country is growing economically and obviously a part of that is the data center growth."

On the other side of Offaly, a group of residents who live along the Lemanaghan Bog near the site of a 7th-century monastery are skeptical of such claims. They are opposed to what a proposed Bord Na Mona wind farm will do to its cultural heritage and ecology.

A cleaner mops the floor in the reception hall of an empty data center building, in Dublin, Ireland, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bram Janssen

Old local newspapers are hanging on a wall inside an activist head quarters, in Lemanaghan, Ireland, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, who oppose to the construction of wind farms. Credit: AP Photo/Bram Janssen

A local activist opposing the construction of wind farms burns peat in a fireplace, in Lemanaghan, Ireland, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bram Janssen

Bog expert Brian Sheridan walks along a boardwalk in the protected Clara Bog Nature Reserve that data center developers consider a potential growth region, in Clara, Ireland, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Bram Janssen

KK Kenny took his concerns to Dublin this fall in a meeting with the country's taoiseach, or prime minister, Simon Harris. Kenny wants to see the bog preserved for biodiversity. He'd be happy to see data center developers follow through with their pledge to look to other European countries.

"They say, oh, they're going to pull out," Kenny said. "That would be a great thing. We can't sustain them."

Some neighbors of Amazon's proposed data center in Rhode are more open to the idea. One village resident already commutes all the way to Dublin to work at a data center. Another is hoping it will employ people who'd want to buy new homes.

"We're all for change," said Gerard Whelan. "I'll get work because I build houses. It's a domino effect."

What happens next for Ireland's data centers could depend in part on the new national government coming into power early next year.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Photos Hobby, Unsplash

Ask most major artificial intelligence chatbots, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, to say something cruel or inappropriate, and the system will say it wants to keep things "respectful." These systems, trained on the content of a profusely disrespectful internet, learned what constitutes respect through human training. The standard method, called reinforcement learning from human feedback, or RLHF, has people compare two outputs from the systems and select whichever is better. It's used to improve the quality of responsesincluding putting up some guardrails around inappropriate outputs.

But it also means that these systems inherit value systems from the people training them. These values may not be shared by users. In response, University of Washington researchers have created a method for training AI systemsboth for large language models like ChatGPT and for robotsthat can better reflect users' diverse values. Called "variational preference learning," or VPL, the method predicts users' preferences as they interact with it, then tailors its outputs accordingly.

The team presented its research Dec. 12 at the Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems in Vancouver, British Columbia.

UW News spoke with co-senior author Natasha Jaques, an assistant professor in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, about the new method and the trouble with AI systems' values.

What is the problem with AI having fixed values?

Traditionally, a small set of ratersthe people reviewing the outputsare trained to answer in a way similar to the researchers at OpenAI, for instance. So it's essentially the researchers at OpenAI deciding what is and isn't appropriate to say for the model, which then gets deployed to 100 million monthly users. But we think this is insufficient, because people have very different preferences. What's appropriate and inappropriate varies a lot based on culture and norms and individuals, and it's actually a deeper problem than that.

A recent paper showed that if a majority group has only a weak preference for a certain outcome and a minority group has a strong preference for a different outcome, the minority group will just be outvoted and the majority group will win. So a great example the authors use is a college admission system.

An applicant could chat with the LLM about information they need when applying to the college. Let's say the college mostly serves people of high socioeconomic status, so most students don't care about seeing information about financial aid, but a minority of students really need that information. If that chatbot is trained on human feedback, it might then learn to never give information about financial aid, which would severely disadvantage that minorityeven though the majority don't really care if they see it. They just have a slight preference not to.

Even if someone didn't care about the multicultural aspects of this and just wanted the best model performance, it's still a problem, because with RLHF, the model can basically try to average all the preferences together, and this can make it incorrect for all users. This is important in chatbots, but the problem is super clear in household robotics, where a robot is putting away your dishes, for instance.

It's pretty clear that each person needs the robot to put their dishes away in a different configuration. We show an example of this with a robot navigating a maze: If some users want the robot to go to the top right and some want it to go to the bottom right and you just train on their preferences, the robot learns to average their preferences and go to the middle. That's just wrong for everybody.

Can you explain how your system is different?

In the RLHF model, the system learns to predict which of two things the human will prefer and output those, so it ends up adhering to a single set of values. What we do is tell our model to infer something about the user's hidden preferences. Given a few answers from the human about what things they like better, it learns a mapping of who this user is. It learns what's called an "embedding vector" of this person's unique preferences, and that enables it to make these personalized predictions about each person's preferences and adhere to those.

Can you explain what values mean in this context? Do they encompass political values? Or preferences for long, detailed responses or brief overviews?

It can be broad because people give feedback by just looking at two different outputs from the model and saying which one they like better. It could be that one output says something biased or inappropriate and the other doesn't. Or it could just be that a person prefers the way one output sounds, like maybe it better adheres to their writing style.

In the robotics setting, imagine you're trying to train a household robot to help you clean up your house or unload your dishwasher. Everyone has a different way they've organized their kitchen. So the system needs to be able to learn each person's unique preferences.

What did you find with this new approach? How does it perform differently than the old one?

We created some datasets, both in language and in simulated robotics tasks where people had divergent preferences. And what we show is that the existing RLHF technique that's used to train things like ChatGPT just can't fit those datasets at all. It's getting about 50% accuracy in predicting people's binary preferences, but when we introduce our model, the accuracy goes up 10% to 25%.

One of the big complaints a lot of people have about AI models is that they average things into mediocrity. They can write a novel, but it's generic. Is this method a way to potentially move beyond that?

We haven't tested on this kind of scale, but our approach in theory would be capable of saying, like, "I've seen a bunch of preference data from you. I learned a unique embedding vector that describes what your preferences are, and I can better cater to your style." Beyond what is biased or not, it's guessing what you like better.

Are there potential drawbacks to having this more intuitive system of values? Could it just start reproducing people's biases as it learns their preferences, and then direct them away from facts?

Yeah, I think you might not want to personalize every type of information. There's a nice paper published by UW researchers on this problem called A Roadmap to Pluralistic Alignment, which spells out different ways to align the values of more than one set of people. Catering to the individual is one way you could handle it, which may not be the best way. The authors offer another, which would be just saying all possible answers and letting the user decide which they like better.

They also talk about this idea of "distributional pluralistic alignment," which means learning how to model the underlying distribution of people's preferences. So you can think of our work as a technical approach for achieving the distributional part. We wanted to see if, technically, we can find a method that's capable of learning those preferences.

What should the public know about this research and about AI value systems more broadly?

I think a really important misconception that some people have is that AI systems won't inherit human biases because they're on computers. But actually, AI models tend to be more biased than people because they're training on all of this historical data. They're training on all the data on the internet since its inception. They tend to exhibit value systems that predate where we are in the modern era. Maybe that's racism or sexism. I have work showing they have more conservative political values according to a moral foundation survey. The only technique we really have to address biases is RLHF.

I think it's a little scary that we have researchers at a handful of corporations, who aren't trained in policy or sociology, deciding what is appropriate and what is not for the models to say, and we have so many people using these systems and trying to find out the truth from them. This is one of the more pressing problems in AI, so we need better techniques to address it.

Where do you want to take this research going forward?

A limitation of the current work is there aren't that many publicly available datasets where people have genuinely different preferences, so we kind of had to synthesize the different preference data that we used in this paper. But there have recently been efforts to collect multicultural preference data. There's this PRISM dataset, which collects preference ratings on contentious topics from people from over 200 different countries. We'd like to actually try fitting our model to this real-world multicultural preference data to see how it's able to model these different preferences.

Additional co-authors include Sriyash Poddar, Yanming Wan, Hamish Ivisonall doctoral students in the Allen Schooland Abhishek Gupta, an assistant professor in the Allen School.

More information: Sriyash Poddar et al, Personalizing Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback with Variational Preference Learning (2024)
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Freight trains criss-crossing the country carry cars of coal and tanks of oil and natural gas to power plants to help keep the nation's electric grid going. Could freight trains haul electrons generated by renewable energy sources for the same purpose?

That was a question that Christopher Smith, who has an extensive background in the renewable energy industry, asked himself. He was hiking in Alaska, watching a train roll by, when he had what he called an epiphany: freight trains, in fact, could play a vital role in getting renewable power from the remote places where it is often produced to where the electricity is needed.

About four years later, Smith and Jeff Anderson, a green-tech entrepreneur, are pursuing what they say will be a first-in-the-nation pilot project in Colorado. They want to show that trains can be used to get around transmission bottlenecks by hauling large batteries to sites, such as existing coal or natural gas plants, where the stored power can be distributed to the electric grid.

Their company, San Francisco-based SunTrain, is joining Xcel Energy, Colorado's largest electric utility, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, to apply for a $10 million federal grant to further the technology. If the technology is successful and state regulators give their approval, the pilot project could be developed in two years and the first train could be operating in the field in four years, said Anderson, SunTrain CEO.

Anderson and Smith, SunTrain's president and chief technology officer, said a lack of transmission capacity on the grid is hampering the deployment of power from renewable sources and efforts to transition from fossil fuels.

Several studies forecast a need to significantly expand the nation's transmission system, including a recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy, in partnership with NREL and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, said the system will need to at least double in size by 2050.

"Right now, a majority of green energy projects are built around transmission access. All the low-hanging fruit around transmission line access has been gobbled up over the last 20 years," Smith said.

Some projects that Smith worked on with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers over the past few years fell by the wayside because of lack of access to the grid.

"That led me to start thinking if there was another way to start bringing electrons to market. Is there another delivery method to bring electrons to load centers and consumers?"

The U.S. freight train system covers roughly 140,000 miles and much of that is in sweeping, remote swaths of land where wind farms and large solar arrays are typically located, Smith said.

Another advantage is that trains and railways are built to handle heavy loads that would be too much for trucks. The lithium-iron-phosphate batteries SunTrain is using weigh 120 tons each. The company said the train carrying the high-capacity batteries would likely run from 80 to 100 cars.

Smith said the batteries contain less than 6% lithium, compared with 60% in batteries with different chemistry makeups. If a train derails, "we're going to have a lot of twisted metal: not an explosion, not a fire, not an environmental hazard," he added.

According to SunTrain, railway companies are open to the idea of becoming conveyors of power from renewable energy sources. Smith said hauling fossil fuels has long been a big source of their revenue, but is making up an increasingly smaller portion of their loads.

Members of the IBEW and the National Electrical Contractor's Association were on hand for a news conference by SunTrain on Dec. 4 in Denver to show support for the company's pilot project, called the Wireless Alternative by Train Transport, or WATT. So was Gov. Jared Polis, who wrote a letter to federal agencies in support of SunTrain's grant application.

"This provides an immediate, alternative connection between renewable energy generation and load, bypassing the congested transmission system," Polis said in the Oct. 20 letter. "Importantly, it also supports an economic transition for workers and communities by replacing lost coal transport business with battery freight cars and repurposing retiring fossil fuel power plants as charge/discharge points."

Anderson of SunTrain said Xcel Energy's Cherokee Generating Station in Denver is a possible site where the company could reduce the use of natural gas for electricity. The company estimates the pilot project will cost about $125 million. Smith said SunTrain is raising money for the work, including from venture funds.

"If the grant doesn't come through, then we get more creative and raise more money," Anderson said.

2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Taiwan's Foxconn is in talks with French auto giant Renault to buy its major stake in Japanese carmaker Nissan, a report said Thursday, after the Japanese firm rebuffed its inquiries about an investment.

The development comes after reports on Wednesday that Nissan and local rival Honda were in talks about a merger to help them compete against Tesla and Chinese electric vehicle makers.

Foxconn, also known by its official name Hon Hai Precision Industry, is the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer and builds devices for major tech companies, including Apple's iPhones.

But it has been moving to diversify beyond electronics assembly, pushing into areas ranging from electric vehicles to semiconductors and servers.

Taiwan's Central News Agency cited unnamed industry sources as saying Jun Seki, Foxconn's chief strategy officer for EV, had gone to France to negotiate with Renault, which owns a significant stake in Nissan.

The report said Foxconn "had directly expressed" its willingness to Nissan to buy equity but after "Nissan did not agree" it approached Renault.

"Seki and his team are currently negotiating with Renault in France, hoping that Renault will be willing to release its equity in Nissan to Hon Hai," the report added.

Foxconn was not immediately available for comment.

Nissan and Honda, Japan's number two and three automakers behind Toyota, were said to be in preliminary discussions on a tie-up, having agreed in March to explore a strategic partnership on EVs.

Bloomberg reported Wednesday that an approach by Foxconn to take a controlling stake in Nissan accelerated discussions with Honda.

Foxconn is looking to expand into the Japanese EV market and chairman Young Liu said at an earnings call last month that the company was in talks with "two Japanese carmakers" hoping to sign contracts in the next few months, without providing details.

Nissan has suffered a turbulent decade that included an attempted major alliance with France's Renault that saw its former boss Carlos Ghosn arrested in 2018.

Last month, it announced 9,000 job cuts, slashed its sales forecasts and said it would reduce global production capacity by 20 percent.

 2024 AFP
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(A) Overview of lifting endurance tests. In case series 1, participants performed an AB test in which they lifted 45 kg repeatedly until failure without the exosuit and then performed this task while wearing the exosuit. In case series 2, participants performed an ABA test in which they lifted 55 kgs repeatedly until failure without the exosuit, then with the exosuit, and then again without the exosuit. (B) The photos show representative participants wearing the exosuit during case series 1 (left) and 2 (right), as well as the operationally relevant objects they lifted. Credit: Wearable Technologies (2024). DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2024.8

A new peer-reviewed study shows that a back-relieving exosuit originally developed at Vanderbilt University and then commercialized by spin-off company HeroWear can simultaneously increase lifting endurance and reduce injury risk. This has important implications for the future of workplace safety and for workers in civilian and defense sectors.

The results of the study, conducted with U.S. Army Soldiers, were recently published by the journal Wearable Technologies. Vanderbilt biomedical researcher Katherine Rodzak and mechanical engineering Ph.D. student Paul Slaughter co-led the project, along with an interdisciplinary team under the guidance of Karl Zelik, associate professor of mechanical and biomedical engineering and physical medicine and rehabilitation.

The objective of the study was to test whether a patented new back exosuit could increase a wearer's endurance when lifting heavy objects and to assess whether lifting more cancels out the exosuit's risk reduction benefits. The study found that 88% of participants increased their lifting repetitions while wearing an exosuit, with endurance increases ranging from 28% to 75%. The exosuit tested in the study, called SABER, was developed in close collaboration with U.S. Army Soldiers to support the field artillery and other logistics and sustainment operations in the military.

The study data was then used with an ergonomic assessment model to estimate the effects on cumulative back damage (an indicator of low back disorder risk) when an exosuit is worn and more lifts are performed. Participants exhibited 27% to 93% lower cumulative back damage when wearing an exosuit.

Studies show that back pain is the leading cause of disability in 160 countries. Furthermore, numerous reports in 2024 from organizations like the U.S. Government Accountability Office, U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and National Employment Law Project called for more directed efforts to address high and costly workplace injury rates, particularly in logistics and warehousing sectors.

"These results confirmed that wearing an exosuit increased people's lifting ability without canceling out injury risk reduction benefits," said Zelik, who is also co-founder of HeroWear. "This scientific study affirms what we have been observing with workers wearing exosuits in warehouses and distribution centers. There is now converging evidence that these back exosuits can both boost productivity and reduce musculoskeletal disorder risks, which is huge for people who do hard physical work and for the organizations that employ them."

Zelik, who co-founded and co-directs the Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology at Vanderbilt, started the Nashville-based workforce wearable technology company with two other Vanderbilt alumni, Matthew Yandell and Mark Harris.

Pioneering research and patented exosuit technology at Vanderbilt helped launch this endeavor to reduce back pain worldwide. Now, HeroWear's exosuit is one of the most widely used and scientifically-validated exoskeletons in the world, providing back relief to thousands of workers in over 30 countries around the globe. Last year, HeroWear introduced its newest civilian version of the exosuit, the Apex 2. Earlier this year, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ordered 470 additional Apex 2 exosuits, following previous purchases and pilot testing in 2023, to give its personnel an extra edge during their service.

More information: K.M. Rodzak et al, Can back exosuits simultaneously increase lifting endurance and reduce musculoskeletal disorder risk?, Wearable Technologies (2024). DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2024.8
Texas is rapidly losing local clinics such as the recent CapRock Hospital closure in Bryan and College Station, and with demand for health care at an all-time high, areas such as Brazos County are unable to fully accommodate demand.

According to the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals, Texas has had a nation-high 26 permanent or temporary rural hospital closures since 2010. With a fast-growing population, demand for health care has never been greater. The Texas Hospital Association predicts that, by 2032, demand for full-time nurses in Texas will outpace supply by more than 57,000 positions.

While the cities of Bryan and College Station are not considered health care shortage areas by themselves, the rest of Brazos County is. The Health Resources & Services Administration uses a website to list Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) throughout the United States. The HPSA lists mental health, primary care and dental health resources and demand within an area to determine if a location has enough health care resources to accommodate needs.

When deciding whether or not an area is officially designated a health care shortage area, the National Health Service Corps assigns each health care field a HPSA score ranging from 0 to 26. The higher the score, the greater the priority needs to be for the area. In Brazos County, the website scores dental health as a 19, primary care as a 21 and mental health as a 22, classifying it as a health care shortage area.

That wasnt always the case. From 2002 to 2020, primary care in Brazos County received a score of 6 and was updated to a 21 in 2021.

Nicole Kroll, associate dean for Clinical and Outreach Affairs in the College of Nursing at Texas A&M University, said mental and behavioral health resources are lacking locally.

We [in Bryan and College Station] are not considered an actual health care shortage area. If you look at primary care in our local area, were doing OK as far as hospitals go. But, when you look at mental health care, we are certainly in a shortage area here, she said. In Brazos County, looking at primary care, dental care and mental health care, we are designated as having shortages for all three areas.

In order to raise the areas HPSA score, Kroll said the solution is to increase the number of health care providers in the Brazos Valley.

There are national benchmarks that you can look at that are set forth to determine whether or not a community, based on its population, has enough resources for just about any kind of health care workforce, she said. We would need to get more providers in the Brazos Valley area to make the ratio of the population to providers a smaller number.

Recently, Baylor Scott & White has been expanding to fill that need, according to a statement from Jason Jennings, president of the Baylor Scott & White College Station Region. He said their hospitals and clinics have increased the number of patients theyve seen by nearly 30% in the last five years.

Weve supported our communitys growth by increasing employment across our Brazos Valley facilities by 26% in the last 5 years, expanding our emergency department and building a new medical office building, Jennings said in the statement. Growth to us also means investing in our people and growing our health care workforce, which is critical to our ability to serve the state.

Jennings also said they hope to include more opportunities for virtual care to Texans, including 24/7 virtual access. Telehealth is currently being utilized by many organizations and could help assist health care demands, something Kroll said Texas A&M is researching.

We are performing a lot of telehealth visits out of the school and the College of Nursing, she said. We do that from our mobile unit on the days that we dont service areas. We provide telehealth to those school districts and those community members that cant be outside every day.

From both an economic development perspective and a human health aspect, having access to quality health care is essential within a community, according to Michael Ostrowski, chief development officer for the city of College Station.

Its extremely beneficial to have ample health care facilities within your community, he said. Its often the metrics that businesses or residents look at before moving here. They typically look at that from an indicator report to make sure those facilities do exist within the region.

Within the city, Ostrowski said hes seen positive growth in the hospital industry and hospital-related employment.

We were seeing, in hospital jobs, 10% growth on an annual basis, he said. Thats a lot over the last five years. Projecting the future, its probably going to be closer to two-ish, and thats still a very good growth rate. But weve ramped up in the past five to 10 years pretty significantly in terms of jobs related to hospitals and health care-related industries.

Primary care and mental health care received the highest HPSA scores which correlates with Ostrowskis data that specialized health care is lacking in the county. Many College Station residents may need to visit larger cities like Houston for specialized health care.

While the city would welcome a specialized hospital to the community, hospitals are ultimately private organizations and it would be up to the owners of clinics, such as CapRock, to decide their future, Ostrowski said.

If we have those specialty care options here, thats a huge benefit for us and our residents and businesses wanting to locate here, he said. These hospitals are under private organizations. We dont own or operate the hospitals. But, we will always keep an eye on where our numbers are trending to make sure it doesnt impact us negatively from a community standpoint. Ultimately, a lot of it will be dependent on the market and whether or not there are available resources here.

According to the 2023 census, 17.2% of College Stations population is under 18 years old and 6.7% is over 65 years old, making up nearly one-fourth of the entire city.

Our demographics have changed, Kroll said. We are getting many people that are transplanting here, whether it be because of the university or retiring. I think thats a lot of our issue. Were not considered rural. We look like a more urban, metropolitan area. We dont have the salaries here that they have in the larger metropolitan cities or the draw of specialized surgeries. I think we, in the Brazos Valley, have a hard time pulling in the wow factor to get people to come here, but I think the university helps a ton.

In order to lower the Brazos Countys HPSA score, Kroll said the department hopes to hire more students for a future mobile clinic to provide health care opportunities for lesser-served areas.

[Our mobile clinic] is currently servicing five counties and six communities in surrounding Brazos Valley areas and we were recently told by our funder that we could provide services locally to underserved populations. We are looking to potentially expand inside Brazos County as well, she said. We are very proud to say the majority of [our graduates] go and serve underserved populations in the rural areas in Texas.
World's largest transparent spherical neutrino detector starts filling ultrapure water

Xinhua) 08:43, December 19, 2024

Staff members seal the bottom of a water tank with Tyvek material at the construction site of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 16, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

GUANGZHOU, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The world's largest transparent spherical detector started filling with ultrapure water Wednesday, signifying that the construction of the neutrino research facility has reached its last critical stage.

The ultrapure water, which has been filtered through multiple stages of the water purification system, is injected at a flow rate of 100 tonnes per hour into the detector pool of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), according to the Institute of High Energy Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the project's leading institution.

The core of JUNO is a liquid scintillator detector immersed in a 44-meter-deep cylindrical pool in the underground hall buried deep in a granite layer of a hill in Kaiping, Jiangmen City, in south China's Guangdong Province. The detector is supported by a stainless steel mesh shell with a diameter of 41.1 meters, which holds an acrylic sphere with a diameter of 35.4 meters to be filled with 20,000 tonnes of liquid scintillator.

The detector is equipped with 20,000 photomultiplier tubes of 20 inches and 25,000 photomultiplier tubes of three inches, as well as cables, magnetic shielding coils, light baffles and other components.

The pool housing the detector serves as a water Cherenkov detector and a shield, with a 1,000-square-meter cosmic ray tracker at its top. The water Cherenkov detector and the cosmic ray tracker work together to detect cosmic rays, thereby eliminating the impact of cosmic rays on neutrino detection.

The water in the pool also shields the interference of natural radioactivity from the surrounding rock and a large number of secondary particles produced by cosmic rays in nearby rocks.

The photomultiplier tubes covering the inner walls of the liquid scintillator detector will jointly detect the scintillation light produced when neutrinos are captured by the liquid scintillator, converting the light signals into electrical signals for output.

Compared to the best international level, the volume of the liquid scintillator has increased by 20 times, the photoelectron yield has increased by three times, and the energy resolution has reached an unprecedented level of 3 percent.

The liquid-filling process is divided into two steps. The pool and the space inside the acrylic sphere will be filled with ultrapure water in the first two months. After that, the water inside the acrylic sphere will be replaced with a liquid scintillator in six months.

The entire filling process is expected to be completed in August 2025, followed by the formal operation and data collection.

Neutrinos, the smallest and lightest among the 12 elementary particles that make up the material world, are electrically neutral and travel at a speed close to light. Since the Big Bang, they have permeated the entire universe and generated various phenomena, such as nuclear reactions inside stars, supernova explosions, the operation of nuclear reactors, and the radioactive decay of substances in rocks.

Since neutrinos rarely interact with ordinary matter, they can easily zip through our bodies, buildings or the entire Earth without being felt, hence earning the nickname "ghost particles." Due to their elusive nature, neutrinos are the least understood fundamental particles, requiring massive detectors to capture their faintest traces.

JUNO aims to measure the neutrino mass hierarchy as its primary scientific goal and will conduct several other cutting-edge research projects. The JUNO team comprises more than 700 members from 17 countries and regions.

JUNO is expected to become an important facility for international neutrino research, along with the Hyper-Kamiokande neutrino experiment in Japan and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment in the United States, which are currently under construction.

This photo taken on Dec. 16, 2024 shows the central detector of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

This photo taken on Dec. 17, 2024 shows photo-multiplier tubes seen from the top of the acrylic sphere of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Ma Xiaoyan, chief engineer of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), inspects the construction site of JUNO in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 17, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Staff members cover the last hole in the water tank of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 17, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Wang Yifang (L), chief scientist of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), communicates with his colleague at the construction site at the bottom of a water tank of JUNO in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 16, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Wang Yifang (2nd R), chief scientist of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), and Ma Xiaoyan (4th R), chief engineer of the JUNO, check the status of liquid filling of JUNO in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 18, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

This photo taken on Dec. 17, 2024 shows the central detector of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Researchers observe the status of the water tank after the liquid filling process started at the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 18, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Wang Yifang (2nd R), chief scientist of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), together with other researchers, starts the liquid filling of JUNO in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 18, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

This photo taken on Dec. 17, 2024 shows photo-multiplier tubes inside the acrylic sphere of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Ma Xiaoyan, chief engineer of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), checks the bottom of a water tank of the JUNO in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 16, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Researchers make a toast to mark the start of liquid filling at the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 18, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Researchers pose for a group photo to mark the start of liquid filling at the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 18, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Staff members seal the bottom of a water tank with Tyvek material at the construction site of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 16, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Wang Yifang (L), chief scientist of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), and Ma Xiaoyan, chief engineer of the JUNO, inspect the construction site at the bottom of a water tank of JUNO in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 16, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

A researcher adjusts displacement sensors at the top of the central detector of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 17, 2024. The liquid filling of the central detector of JUNO started on Wednesday. As one of the world's most powerful experiments to uncover neutrino mystery, JUNO is expected to operate for at least 30 years. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A 28-year-old Orangeburg man is accused of burning a puppy alive, according to the Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office.

Desmond Levon Brown, of Juju Lane, is charged with:

 One count of ill-treatment of animals

 One count of second-degree domestic violence

 One count of chop shop violation

 Two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle valued at $10,000 or more

Brown begged for leniency during his bond hearing Thursday, saying Im not a hateful person.

He was not released on bond.

Deputies were first called to a Norfield Drive home in Norway just after 10 a.m. Wednesday after someone reported an alleged domestic incident between Brown and his girlfriend.

The caller claimed Brown threw his girlfriends puppy into a fire while burning clothes and that he was recording the incident on Facebook Live.

Brown allegedly tried to push his girlfriend into the fire too, according to the sheriffs office.

When deputies arrived, both Brown and his girlfriend denied that anyone burned a puppy, according to the incident report.

The girlfriend told deputies that shed had a puppy, but a coyote got it, the report states.

Deputies claim the girlfriend called over two hours later, alleging that Brown did burn her puppy and she didnt know where he took the puppy afterward.

A deputy searched the yard for the deceased puppy, but didnt find it.

During the search, however, the deputy discovered two 2019 Dodge Chargers partially hidden behind a dually truck, according to the incident report.

A check of the vehicle identification numbers showed theyd allegedly been reported stolen in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Richard Walker said the puppy's remains were found near the residence.

During Browns bond hearing before Orangeburg County Magistrate Kimberly Cummings-Roache on Thursday, he told the court, I have three kids. Im an active father. Im a hard-working man.

Brown acknowledged the charges seem heinous, but said he could explain.

He noted hed hit a rough patch for the past three months. He cited job and relationship troubles.

It just all takes a toll, he said. Im just ready for me and my girlfriend to move on. This isnt the type of life I want to leave.

At one point, Cummings-Roache told Brown, Putting your hands on a woman is never the answer to anything.

Brown then addressed the charges about the two cars.

He claimed hes a part-time mechanic.

He alleges someone brought the cars to him and asked him to put the engine from one of the cars into the other one. He hadnt started the work because he hadnt been paid yet.

I wasnt going to touch the cars until I got my money, he said.

Sheriffs Office Sgt. Raquan Brown urged the court to deny Browns bond.

That is sickening, Sgt. Brown said. He said, There is video out there of this crime occurring.

He tried to throw his girlfriend in the fire, who is pregnant, Sgt. Brown claimed.

Sheriffs Office Victims Advocate Cynthia Tapia-Cooper noted, We feel like hes a danger to the community, especially torturing the dog.

She also claims that Browns girlfriend supports him.

I dont think she sees the severity of all thats going on, Tapia-Cooper said.

While defendant Brown addressed the court about several matters, Tapia-Cooper claimed Hes not showing any remorse for the animal he tortured. Hes not showing any remorse to that animal.

Defendant Brown spoke up again.

That was our pet, he said. Brown said hed wait until his day in court to go into details about the situation about the dog.

After the Facebook Live video was recorded, Brown and his girlfriend cried in each others arms, he said.

I just ask for you all to forgive me. Im not making excuses for what I did. It was wrong, he said.

Im not a hateful person, he added.

He begged the court for leniency and understanding.

He vowed he wouldnt get into any other trouble and asked the court to hold him accountable to his words.

Sheriff Leroy Ravenell replied, Im not in a position to hold you accountable for your words, Im here to hold you accountable for your actions.

You and your girlfriend crying on each others shoulders was cute and everything, Ravenell said.

Browns girlfriend pleaded with the court to set bond on her boyfriend.

We have three kids, Christmas and a birthday is coming up, she said.

Im not afraid or scared of him, she added.

We was laughing and smiling in that video, she explained.

She told the court she and her boyfriend have been in a relationship for the past one year and two months.

After Cummings-Roache denied bond on each of Browns charges, he asked if he could speak to his girlfriend.

He said, I apologize. I guess just try to put that money on a lawyer.  Im sorry. I apologize. Ill make up all of this to you.

A circuit judge may consider setting his bond later.

At the time of his arrest, Brown was out on bond on charges of third-degree domestic violence and second-degree domestic violence.

If Brown is convicted of his most serious charges, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine.
Gia vang the gioi sang nay ap sat moc 3.000 USD/ounce  muc ky luc chua tung co trong lich su. Trong nuoc cung khong ngoai le, khi lan luot tang tu 700 en 1 trieu ong/luong. "Vang ang trong thi truong tang gia dai han. Chung toi du bao gia se giao dich trong khoang 3.000-3.200 USD trong nam nay", Alex Ebkarian, giam oc ieu hanh tai Allegiance Gold cho biet.
(TBTCO) - e at uoc muc tieu tang truong GDP 8% trong nam 2025, van e huy ong nguon luc la cot loi cho tang truong cua Viet Nam. Va e at uoc ieu o, Viet Nam can nguon von hon 4 trieu ty ong, tuong uong khoang 160 ty USD  ay la mot con so rat lon. Do vay, ben canh nhung nguon von chuan bi tu ngan sach nha nuoc, thi thi truong von la kenh huy ong rat quan trong cho nen kinh te, ac biet la e phuc vu cho muc tieu tang truong.
After pilot testing in two cities, the Housing First concept is being taken up in towns around the Czech Republic, offering stable housing for those in need.

Earlier this year, Lucie, her partner, and young son found a new home in a pedestrian zone in Jihlava. After life in overpriced hostels, it was like a dream come true. I got married and moved to Prague, then I got divorced and at the same time my parents died, she says. I still had permanent residence in Prague, so I lost the right to my parents apartment. My son and I went from hostel to hostel.

Lucie (she asked to keep her identity private because she fears negative reactions from the public) tried to work in the hostels. Her last such gig was housekeeping and laundry, although she studied nursing. The hostel completely overwhelmed me, she recalls. When you see those life situations all around you, it automatically drags you down. Ill be blunt: I started drinking.

Hundreds of others are in a similar situation in Jihlava, a city of about 50,000 in the south-central part of the Czech Republic. But helping them take charge of their lives might be easier than one might think: offer them an apartment. A city-owned apartment, for which they regularly pay rent. And when they stabilize their mental and physical health, they can start looking for work.

Lucie was lucky. Shes no longer in danger of being thrown out onto the street. Jihlava City Hall drew her name as one of 12 households in the Housing First pilot project late last year. Lucie first entered her apartment building, near Jihlavas main square, on 1 March this year. At first glance it appears neglected, but inside its neat and orderly: No trash; no kicked-in doors or broken glass.

A Higher Level

When we came here, the apartment was in perfect condition, Lucie praises her new home. But there was nothing inside except the kitchen cabinets, stove, and water heater. Social workers from the local branch of Charita, a partner in the Housing First project in the Vysocina region of which Jihlava is the administrative center, helped Lucie and her family find furniture. We had something to build on, even if we started again from scratch, Lucie says. In her last boarding house, she paid 14,000 crowns ($625) for two rooms; the city-owned apartment will come to 9,000 crowns, all in  at the low end for rents in the city center. Her lease is for a year; the boarding house was month to month.

My partner has already found a permanent job, and Im going for an interview next week, she says. Weve made a lot of progress; were already at a higher level. Her son has been getting better grades; here he can study in his own room. And he gets sick much less often. The family gets along with the neighbors.

In the beginning, its important that people settle in, feel at home, and not just see it as another temporary accommodation, says Pavlina Kolarova, a social worker from Charita. Only then can they start progressing and work on employment, for example. She gets together with clients at least once a week, helping them acclimate, find furniture, and look for work.

People often judge others based on first impressions, but everyone lives in some kind of social bubble. Its good to realize that the individual isnt always to blame, she says.

Housing First was developed in the 1990s by Canadian community psychologist Sam Tsemberis in New York. It soon proved to be a very successful form of combating homelessness among people with a high need for social assistance. Providing housing is the primary goal, hence the name Housing First. Another focus is improving peoples health. This is a big difference from Housing Ready services that try to prepare homeless people to move into their own housing before letting them take that step. To date, EU-supported Housing First projects in Czechia have found housing for about 400 people in more than 200 municipal-owned and private apartments in 16 cities.

Luck of the Draw

The project in Jihlava and a dozen other cities began at the end of 2019 thanks to subsidies for social services funded by European Union money and distributed by the Ministry for Regional Development. Prague began a separate Housing First trial in 2020 without tapping into EU subsidies. The ministry decided to invest in the project based on four years of results from Housing First in Brno, the countrys second-largest city. There the ministry noted significant improvement in the stability and quality of housing, family health, social integration of families, and prevention of institutionalization of children.

Jihlava, troubled for some time by a large number of people without permanent housing, received about 4 million crowns for testing the Housing First concept for two years. The city covers 5 percent of that  about 200,000 crowns. City officials in 2019 conducted an initial survey of potential locations with homeless and housing-insecure people. We went around pre-selected places, hostels, apartments, asylum houses, and filled in short questionnaires with families and individuals, which helped us assess their housing situation, says Daniel Skarka, city councilor for housing.

A total of 253 households met the criteria for inclusion in the project. The households were then divided into groups so their size corresponded with the size of available apartments. Then, with the participation of a notary, the lottery picked the candidates. The number of vacant city apartments was not enough to meet demand, and in the end, only 10 families and two individuals were selected for the pilot. The town hall spread them out throughout the city, so they would not end up in the same buildings if possible. The first household received its apartment in January 2020 and the last moved in last summer.

We realized that the Housing First principles will be unfamiliar to most politicians, as well as experts in Jihlava, Skarka says. Thats why we informed representatives from the beginning and attended seminars with the staff from the social affairs department. But Skarka wasnt able to fully dispel their concerns. The criticism often stems from uncertainty. Thats why we have to try out these things and learn together, even with occasional minor failures, he says. The project will be evaluated after two years, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Platform for Social Housing, an umbrella group of non-profits and experts, which helped set up the program in Jihlava. If the evaluation is positive, the Housing First approach will be included in the social housing system as one of the forms of support for families lacking adequate housing in Jihlava, Skarka says.

Some preliminary results are already in. Now that they have settled into their homes, some of the Jihlava households have begun to address other issues, such as debt repayment, unemployment, and health concerns. Social workers also observe a positive impact on relationships with extended family and with public servants. City Hall hasnt registered any instances of unpaid rent.

Complaints from neighbors have occurred about one larger family. Officials from the social services and housing departments are addressing the concerns, and social workers are working with the family. Local opposition politicians who lack confidence in the project often cite problematic coexistence with other households. I have reservations about it, says Magdalena Skorepova, a member of the citys social services commission. I would rather give starter apartments to young families or support single mothers. These problematic families, from whom its then hard to extract rent, are difficult to socialize.

Insufficient knowledge about Housing First often persists among officials and politicians, along with stereotypes about its target group. This group of people doesnt want to work for the most part, and we wont get them to work by giving them housing and starting to take care of them even more, says Radek Popelka, another Jihlava opposition politician. He believes that rather than helping those in need, the project benefits nonprofits, which make a very good living because of it.

Better Health and Less Expensive Care

Lack of understanding of the concept often goes hand in hand with weak political support. Every few years we have local elections, says Vit Lesak, director of the Platform for Social Housing. Even in places where the project is under way, such as four years ago in Brno, the opposition will eventually make an issue of it and want to disrupt it.

The Brno project, housing 50 families and 65 individuals, was significantly curtailed after the conservative Civic Democratic Party took over city leadership, Lesak notes. Among families and individuals in Brno, 96 percent of households managed to keep their apartment after the first year and 80 percent after the second year. According to a University of Ostrava study comparing housed families in Brno with similar families who didnt get an apartment, the Housing First families significantly improved their health and, because some children didnt have to be placed in costly institutional care, saved more than 1.5 million crowns ($67,000) in public funds over a year.

On the other hand, after the first year, half of the families owed money for rent. A special city fund partly covered the rent payments so the families were able to keep their apartments and manage the shortfalls. The poverty of some families has proved to be a major limitation. It turned out that many of them needed more support than Housing First could give, says Eliska Cerna, a University of Ostrava researcher who compiled the Housing First data in Brno.

A family that lives in a hostel, for example, and then takes part in Housing First needs time to adapt, Cerna says. A year is not enough; its just enough time to get the lay of the land, but in a lot of cities there were too many demands on a family after a year. Typically, the children needed supplies with the start of the school year, so families found themselves on the edge; they got into debt.The city reacted by setting up a crisis fund, so that if a family found itself in unexpected financial distress that threatened their ability to pay rent, they could request a one-off payment. This helped some families to overcome the critical first year and continue living in their homes.

Brno City Hall received about 30 complaints about coexistence with neighbors during the first 18 months of the program, which remains Housing Firsts biggest problem when it comes to families. Experts say its important to explain the principles of the project to the neighborhood ahead of time, as many complaints arise before and shortly after homeless families move in. And the employment status of adults among the Housing First families in Brno hasnt changed much, but according to the University of Ostrava study, this may be due at least in part to the fact that almost half of the women were on parental leave.

The project achieved more encouraging results with its individual participants. A year after settling in, three quarters of them had kept up with rent payments; after a year and a half, there had been 12 complaints about the 65 individual tenants. Because of difficulty in housing families with children, some Brno social workers would prefer a housing ready approach  offering them a city-owned apartment only after their situation stabilizes.

A Nameplate on the Door

In other countries, Housing First mostly serves individuals. Families were included in the Czech projects because the country has a large number of families without permanent homes. The main cause is legally mandated seizure of goods to pay debts. Successful examples from abroad can therefore be better applied to working with individuals. In Finland, for example, Housing First has cut the number of homeless people in half since 1987, to about 7,000. In comparison, Ostrava alone has about 3,000 homeless. The low number of Finns living on the streets is, among other things, the result of the work of the Y-Foundation, which today manages almost 17,000 apartments throughout Finland.

Its not just about giving those people an apartment, but above all to give them support so they can keep the apartment, says Finnish Interior Minister Maria Ohisalo, who previously worked at the Y-Foundation. It starts with little things, such as a nameplate on their door. Y-Foundation believes that if homeless people get as close to normal life as possible, they will eventually understand that living in an apartment is better than just surviving on the street or in hostels. We explain to them that they have more freedom in an apartment, Ohisalo adds. They have somewhere to come back to, so theyre not hostage to having to decide where to sleep today.

Experts agree that more testing of a larger sample of households and for a longer period of time is needed before the relative success of Housing First for individuals and families in Czechia can be evaluated. The current expansion of the conceptto 16 cities could yield results in a few years, although they say it is too early to decide which lessons from the Brno and Jihlava trials can be applied elsewhere.

An insufficient supply of municipal-owned apartments continues to be a major limitation. This is one reason most of these 16 cities also work with private landlords, to whom they guarantee payment of rent. For the private sector, this means reliable and long-term rental income. For people like Lucie it means a greater chance of returning to a normal life. Im glad that our city wont write off everyone, that they gave us a chance, she says in the living room of her apartment in Jihlava.

Jan Novotny came to the business weekly Euro in 2015 after working at the largest serious Czech daily, Mlada fronta Dnes. He has covered a number of high-profile corruption and political stories. Barbora Doubravova contributed reporting.

This article first appeared in Euro and was produced within a Transitions project to support solutions journalism in our coverage region.

Translated by Dasa Obereigner.
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EY has announced the launch of its new academy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that will offer world-class, digitally enabled talent development products and programmes across multiple industries and sectors.

The organization is the first of its peers to gain a license to operate an academy in KSA.

Abdulaziz Al-Sowailim, EY Mena Chairman and CEO, said: "We are pleased to expand the EY Academy capabilities into the Mena region. We chose to first launch this in KSA to further support the nations Vision 2030 goals of developing a more agile and innovative business landscape."

"At EY, we believe a human-centric approach is key to building a future-ready workforce and we look forward to adding value to both the public and private sector with our expertise and world-class research," he noted

In KSA, the academy will feature in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, offering a range of bespoke programs for public and private sector entities aiming to upskill and reskill their workforces.

Programs will focus on areas essential to sectors pivotal to economic progress such as finance and accounting, leadership and management, data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and sustainability and innovation, it added.

According to EY, the courses are designed to build capacity and confidence to shape the future across technical expertise, leadership excellence and leading innovation and change.

Their digitally enabled offering strives to accelerate the adoption of critical skills and knowledge with practical and authentic work-based learning programs for employees at all levels.

Khurram Mian, the EY MENA Assurance Leader, said: "We are proud to launch our academy for the benefit of industries in our region. Forecasts indicate that millions of jobs in the Mena region will require new skills and to support an increase in productivity, making our launch both timely and relevant."

"Our vision is to champion the delivery of value-driven learning and development opportunities in order to drive progress across multiple industries and sectors, support the nations economic transformation, and contribute to a sustainable future," satted Mian.

Fazeela Gopalani, EY Mena Academy Leader, said: "Our decision to pursue an academy license in KSA was driven by our commitment to supporting the countrys ambitious Vision 2030, with an emphasis on education and workforce development."

"EY often highlights the importance of education and training in driving economic growth, productivity, and competitiveness in the global market. Our regional and global wealth of expertise and knowledge can contribute significantly to fast-tracking the availability of skilled workers, and we are committed to offering our support to help realize this transformative vision," she stated.

"We are eager to give back to the Saudi business community and its people, and to help shape its citizens and residents into future leaders capable of driving the nations progress," she added.-TradeArabia News Service
Trip.com Group, a multinational travel agency holding company based in China, has announced a strategic partnership with summit host city Abu Dhabis Department of Culture and Tourism to showcase the destinations global appeal.

Travel industry leaders gathered at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for Trip.com Groups Global Partner Summit, celebrating a year of strong growth marked by a 70% year-on-year increase in Asia-Pacific bookings.

Held under the theme A Shared Journey to a Better World, the summit drew over 2,000 industry leaders, including representatives from accommodation providers, airlines, attractions and tour operators as well as tourism boards.

The summit provided a forum for stakeholders to come together to celebrate the industrys resilience, reflect on its achievements, and chart a collective path towards future success.

Opportunities, collaboration, and future growth took centre stage at the event which put spotlight on issues with regard to the future of travel.

"In recent years, the travel industry has faced immense challenges. By working together, we have not only overcome these, but emerged stronger, and with renewed innovative vigour," said Jane Sun, the CEO of Trip.com Group.

"This years summit celebrates the spirit of unity and collaboration that drives us to create new opportunities and underpins our collective efforts towards a brighter future. Together with our partners, we are paving the way for travel to inspire and connect, and making strides towards a better world," he added.

Celebrating progress and creating opportunities

The summit highlighted the remarkable progress made by the travel industry in 2024. Trip.com Group data indicates that hotel and flight bookings have grown by over 60% year-on-year, reflecting robust global demand.

The Asia-Pacific region demonstrated particularly strong performance, with a more than 70% year-on-year increase in overall bookings, while international flight bookings across Asia almost doubled compared to last years volumes.

Trip.com Group has further solidified its leadership, including through partnerships with airlines such as Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, and has earned recognition from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) with its GoGlobal certification, the industry's gold standard.

In the accommodation sector, Trip.com Group supports 1.7 million hotel partners worldwide, leveraging technology to drive growth, including through Trip.Best, its hotel review ranking system, which delivered an over 20% increase in traffic for participating properties.

To further enhance the travel ecosystem and meet growing traveller demand for experiences, Trip.com Group is transforming the way attractions and activities are accessed and booked.

The Open API Platform, based on the Octo standard, streamlines connectivity for suppliers, eliminating the need for complex integrations and making it easier for customers to discover and book attractions, tours, and experiences.

This innovation simplifies operations for partners while providing travellers with a seamless booking experience.

Trip.Biz, the corporate travel arm of Trip.com Group, also showed strong global momentum. In the Asia-Pacific region, innovative solutions like the globally available Trip.Biz VCC payment system, as well as a 135% increase in hotel coverage, contributed to a 53% year-on-year growth in clients.

These achievements reflect how Trip.com Groups commitments to collaboration and innovation are enhancing global travel ecosystems and driving growth across all sectors.

Driving sustainability and innovation

In line with its vision of building a better world through travel, Trip.com Group reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability with initiatives that promote eco-conscious travel and community development.

For instance, the Trip.com Group Country Retreats Project supports local social and economic development through investments in high-end eco-tourism accommodation in rural regions. To date, the 34 retreats have boosted local economies, created sustainable employment opportunities, and set new benchmarks for eco-conscious tourism.

The project was also recently recognised in the UN Global Compact's ESG 20 Report, highlighting Trip.com Groups pioneering role in advancing sustainable growth for the travel and tourism industry.

Trip.com Group has made strides in promoting more sustainable travel practices, including the introduction of innovative travel products and carbon-saving solutions that reduced travel-related emissions by over 260,000 tonnes in 2024.

Working with partners, Trip.com Group is also leading industry-wide action, including through its Low-Carbon Hotel Initiative, which encourages the integration of renewable energy solutions such as photovoltaic solar panels, saving costs and improving efficiency for participating hotels.

Since November 2024, Trip.com has featured "Certified Sustainable" labels for properties certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, making it easier for travellers to identify and book eco-friendly options.

Creating positive, lasting value for customers, partners, communities, and the environment lies at the heart of our mission, said James Liang, Chairman of Trip.com Group.

From pioneering a family-friendly workplace, to promoting travel practices that support social and economic development, we are working with stakeholders worldwide to build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable future for travel.

Forging strategic partnerships

At the event, Trip.com Group also announced a strategic partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi (DCT) for 2025. Through this collaboration, both sides will promote Abu Dhabi as a premier global travel destination and encourage extended stays for international visitors.

Trip.com Group will, through its channels, help connect travellers with Abu Dhabis attractions, resort experiences, and seasonal highlights, as well as offer curated group tours and one-day itineraries that showcase the regions unique culture and natural beauty.

Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed delight at partnership with Trip.com Group to enhance Abu Dhabis presence among travellers worldwide.

"This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that expand our global reach and connect visitors to Abu Dhabis diverse and world-class offerings," he stated.

"With Trip.com Groups extensive influence across key international markets we aim to create meaningful value for all stakeholders and showcase Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for culture, adventure, and year-round experiences," he added.

According to Trip.com, the travel to the Middle East has seen a significant surge.

As per its Group data, international flight bookings to the region for the first eleven months surged by over 70% compared to the same period in 2023, and were more than 430% higher than in the same period in 2019.

The top source markets were China, the UK, and Germany, highlighting the regions broad appeal. The partnership with DCT will build on this momentum to showcase Abu Dhabis unique offerings to global audiences.

On its future outlook, Trip.com Group said it remains committed to its mission of leading with values of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, striving to secure opportunities for sustainable growth, and working towards a more connected and better world for all.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia's leading low-cost carrier flynas has announced the addition of a new domestic destination with direct flights from King Fahad International Airport in Dammam to Red Sea International Airport, further expanding the flynas network.

This comes in line with its expansion plan and the national objectives in the aviation sector, said flynas i a statement.

As of December 28, two weekly flights will be operated from Dammam - one of the four flynas operational bases around the kingdom - to the Red Sea International Airport.

Located in the northwest of the kingdom, it serves the mega tourism development, the Red Sea Project, which is being developed as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program.

flynas connects more than 70 domestic and international destinations with over 1,500 weekly flights, said the statement.

The Saudi carrier has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim of reaching 165 domestic and international destinations in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

.-TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain on Wednesday (December 18) proudly marked the inauguration of the milestone Bapco Modernisation Project (BMP), which stands as the largest strategic undertaking in the kingdoms history and a pivotal development in the energy sector.

His Majesty King Hamad, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the project at a grand ceremony last night.

The milestone coincides with Bahrains 53rd National Day celebrations and the 25th anniversary of His Majestys accession, reported BNA.

This landmark project, the largest capital investment in the history of Bahrain, commemorates more than 93 years since the establishment of Bapco and the first crude oil flow in the Gulf region.

The project, comprising 15 substations and 21 new processing units, was executed by a global consortium of leading companies alongside local partners.

With the commencement of crude oil processing in the new units, more than 500 Bahraini engineers are poised to oversee and manage the operations, embodying His Majestys vision for the sector and commitment to embracing rapid technological advancements.

Upon the arrival, His Majesty was received by his representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Bapco Energies board of directors chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bapco Refining chairman Abdulla Jehad Al Zain, Bapco Energies Group chief executive Mark Thomas and Bapco Refining chief executive Dr Abdulrahman Jawahery alongside members of the board of directors and senior officials from the company.

Following the inauguration, His Majesty toured the accompanying exhibition for the inauguration, titled A Journey Through Time.

The exhibition showcases three distinct eras representing the past, present and future. It begins with the initial stages of oil exploration in the kingdom, leading up to its discovery in 1932, followed by the export of the first shipment and highlights the developmental projects and companies established in the oil and gas sector during that period.

The exhibition then transitions to the various milestones achieved over the years and looks ahead to the future with vivid imagery utilising the latest artificial intelligence technologies.

Shaikh Nasser delivered a speech, underscoring the significance of the project as one of the most advanced refineries in the region and globally, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies.

During the ceremony, His Majesty underscored the significance of the project in fostering national development and sustainability, aligning with the Bahrains ambition to maximise the value of its natural resources for economic and societal advancement.

This landmark project reflects our enduring commitment to sustainable growth, utilising Bahrains natural energy resources to power economic progress and development, His Majesty stated.

He highlighted the projects role in driving the kingdoms energy transition strategy, emphasising the governments steadfast dedication under the leadership of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to advancing economic recovery through strategic investments in high-potential sectors.

His Majesty acknowledged the crucial role of Bapco Energies in advancing Bahrains energy sector and supporting the kingdoms broader energy transformation, said the BNA report.

During the ceremony, His Majesty underscored the significance of BMP in fostering national development and sustainability, aligning with the Kingdom of Bahrains ambition to maximise the value of its natural resources for economic and societal advancement.

"This landmark project reflects our enduring commitment to sustainable growth, utilising the Kingdom of Bahrains natural energy resources to power economic progress and development," His Majesty stated.

King Hamad highlighted the BMPs role in driving the Kingdoms energy transition strategy, emphasising the Governments steadfast dedication under the leadership of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to advancing economic recovery through strategic investments in high-potential sectors.

Through the integration of advanced technologies and processes, the Bapco Modernisation Project is set to improve operational efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and further align with the ever-changing global industry standards, His Majesty remarked.

"This project represents over ninety years of development in the Kingdom of Bahrains energy sector. With significant investment, it lays the groundwork for continued progress, creating lasting economic value for the Kingdom," he added.

His Majesty the King praised the commitment of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa to the sector. His Majesty acknowledged the significant contributions made by His Highness in supporting and advancing the sector, which has been instrumental in driving progress and enhancement of its competitive capabilities.

His Majesty attributed the successes and achievements realised by the Kingdom to the active and dedicated participation of the citizens of Bahrain in the national endeavor.

He emphasised that their unwavering commitment and hard work have demonstrated an exemplary model of creativity, achievement, and the anticipation of a promising future for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Bapco Modernisation Project is a cornerstone of the Kingdom of Bahrains 2030 Vision, and reinforces its long-term goals of increasing refining capacity, diversifying its energy portfolio, and enhancing efficiency.

It positions Bapco Energies amongst the leading energy companies delivering sustainable energy solutions and bolsters the Kingdom of Bahrains position as a global energy innovator, he added.
InSpotLight, the regions ultimate technology showcase for lighting industry, will return to Light+ Intelligent Middle East expo in Dubai next year featuring 40 international speakers as well as industry leaders, who will discuss the future of lighting, design and technology.

Light + Intelligent Building Middle East is now in its 18th edition and coincides with Intersec Dubai to form the Mena regions largest trade fair covering the building services sector.

The upcoming show will be the largest in the events history, with exhibitors from over 30 countries and an expanded exhibition space of 20% compared to 2024, said the event organisers Messe Frankfurt Group.

It will also host the final round for the Product of the Year category for the Light Middle East Awards.

To be held from January 14 to 16, InSpotLight provides a platform for industry leaders, enthusiasts and innovators to come together to discuss the future of lighting, design, and technology.

Now in its third year, InSpotLight will highlight the latest innovations in lighting, focusing on how these advancements can improve illuminated environments and transform the industry.

The InSpotLight stage will see leading industry experts outline the latest innovations in lighting technology and advancements in international lighting standards, providing invaluable guidance for designers in the region.

The expo's opening day will feature the final round of judging for The Specifiers Arena  Product Pitch, where the overall winner will be awarded the Light Middle East Awards 2025 Product of the Year.

The 'Product of the Year' category covers four subcategories which include 'Indoor Lighting', 'Outdoor Lighting', 'Decorative Lighting', and 'Intelligent Lighting Solution of the Year.'

Representatives from various companies, including LEDFlex Group, iGuzzini, BEGA, Targetti Sankey, Media Facade Limited, Catellani & Smith, Intra Lighting, Arkoslight, Erco Lighting, atelje Lyktan, EWO, Inventronics, Flashnet, Madrix | inoage GmbH and Linea Light, will take the stage to present their shortlisted products to an independent panel of judges.

On the final day of InSpotLight, the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) will host an industry workshop on Building Commonality in Global Lighting Best Practices.

Abdul Muhsin, the show director for Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, said: "Each presentation promises to highlight the unique capabilities and advancements of their products, setting the stage for a dynamic competition in the regional lighting industry."

"The Specifiers Arena  Product Pitch perfectly sets the tone for three days of innovation, creativity and industry best practices at InSpotLight," he stated.

The second day of InSpotLight will feature a series of presentations and panel discussions which highlight the latest industry innovations. Tac Lion, General Manager, Media Facade will host a fascinating session on the ways in which smart lighting systems are changing the way we interact with our surroundings.

Meanwhile, Matteo Toscan, Head of Application, Street and Area at Inventronics will conduct a presentation on Outdoor Smart Lighting and IoT integration, exploring how connectivity technology and smart LED systems improve outdoor lighting, helping end-users to reduce energy and maintenance costs.

On the final day of InSpotLight on January 16, the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) will join forces to host a workshop on Building Commonality in Global Lighting Best Practices.

As the world becomes more interconnected, the importance of aligning various aspects of lighting has never been greater. This interactive session will examine the core principles that guide the best lighting design practices, including energy efficiency, sustainability, human-centric lighting, dark skies and more.

Brienne Wilcock, Director of Education and Standards, IES said: "Standardisation in lighting has always been a collaborative effort."

"To be impactful for the industry, the IES values any opportunities to partner with organisations that are regional, national, and global to increase awareness and provide education in the context of standards," he added.

During the workshop, IES will also provide an update on the insights shared at the Global Lighting Summit.

An interactive tool developed by the IES will also be showcased, which allows users to find illuminance recommendations in lux and footcandles from any IES standard in one convenient place.

Commenting on the tool, Wilcock said: "We are excited about its potential for widespread use and believe it offers an innovative approach to enhancing the credibility of learning about appropriate light levels."

"In addition, InSpotLight will feature an exclusive workshop on DALI, which will address unique approaches to elevate designs. DALI is the internationally standardised protocol for digital communication between lighting control devices, established by the global industry organisation, the DALI Alliance," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Elite Group Holding, a leading diversified automotive and services conglomerate in the UAE, has signed an agreement with Tecom Group to establish a 1 million sq ft integrated facility within Dubai Industrial City.

The key facility, being set up at a total investment of AED 100 million ($27.2 million) in Dubai Industrial City, one of Tecom Groups ten specialised clusters, aims to drive the growth of the automotive and e-commerce sectors, underlining Elite Group Holdings commitment to driving innovation across its diverse portfolio.

The signing ceremony of the Musataha Agreement for the new project in Dubai Industrial City was attended by Saud Abu Al Shawareb, Executive Vice President of Tecom Group - Industrial Sector, and Tamer Abu Khalaf, Partner at Elite Holding Group.

The centre, which is expected to be operational in Q2 2026, will serve as a leading hub for Elite Holding Groups operations, catering to local and global markets.

The groups portfolio includes companies such as Elite Cars, the UAEs leading luxury car retailer, which has exclusive partnerships with prominent global brands such as Danish luxury car manufacturer Zenvo Automotive, leading SUV brand Jetour, and emerging SUV brand Soeast. The groups subsidiaries also include ZRT Contracting and ART Elite, which specialise in car rental, among others.

Al Shawareb said: "The automotive sectors drive to continually innovate is driving the economy, attracting investment and creating new jobs that require specific skills. Elite Holding Groups investment in Dubai Industrial City is a testament to the growing confidence in the UAEs robust and thriving business environment and its ability to attract companies looking to expand their operations across the region."

The new facility will contribute to enhancing industrial excellence and will have a significant positive impact on our society and economy in general, by enhancing efficiency in vital sectors such as automotive and e-commerce, he stated.

"We always welcome such partners to join our leading industrial community, to contribute to achieving our aspirations related to economic growth in line with the objectives of the 300 Billion Project strategy, the Make in the Emirates initiative and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33," he added.

On the deal, Abu Khalaf said: "We are excited and optimistic about the future of our company as we embark on a new phase of growth and expansion. This investment is a significant step in our ambitious drive to expand our business across key sectors and consolidate our position in this dynamic region."

"The integrated work environment at Dubai Industrial City supports our vision of innovation and leadership in industries that contribute to shaping our future economy, as it is a centre of excellence that contributes to enhancing efficiency, sustainability and innovation across our operations," he added.

-TradeArabia News Service
Zid, Saudi Arabia's leading commerce enablement platform, has unveiled Total Commerce - a unified ecosystem redefining digital retail - at Ripple 2024, the companys flagship event held at JAX District in Diriyah, Riyadh.

The event is a milestone for retail innovation in the kingdom and across the region, and was attended by a distinguished audience of over 1,000 from across the retail ecosystem including government officials, retail leaders, tech enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs.

Total Commerce unites every aspect of modern retail into one seamless ecosystem, enabling merchants to sell across multiple channels and deliver products to customers effortlessly. A single dashboard enables businesses to manage e-commerce stores, social media sales, and physical outlets, gaining full visibility and control over their online and offline operations. It creates new opportunities for merchants to expand across local, regional and international markets.

Uniting operations

Sultan AlAsmi, CEO and Co-founder of Zid, commented: Total Commerce empowers every entrepreneur with the tools they need to thrive. By uniting operations, marketing and logistics; and simplifying and streamlining the entire retail ecosystem - we are setting a new standard for commerce in the region. Every solution we offer is designed to multiply the critical 'moments of truth' that drive business growth."

Ripple 2024 underscored Zids pivotal role in shaping the future of retail. Merchant success stories demonstrated the tangible impact of Zids platform on business growth. With Saudi Arabias e-commerce market projected to reach SR82.5 billion ($22 billion) by 2027, Zids Total Commerce reaffirms the companys role in leading this transformation.

Ripple 2024 showcased Zids AI-powered marketing dashboard where businesses can design, launch, and optimise targeted campaigns across major platforms. Zids integration with Snapchat gives merchants access to enterprise-grade tools that enhance engagement and sales. Additional integrations with TikTok Shop and Amazon Marketplace give merchants unprecedented, seamless access to global audiences.

Predictive analytics

Predictive analytics capabilities enabling merchants to anticipate market trends and refine their offerings were also introduced, further reflecting Zids commitment to equipping merchants with cutting-edge solutions for success in a competitive retail world.

Zid also unveiled its unified logistics dashboard. The tool simplifies inventory management, shipment tracking, and order fulfillment for local and cross-border sales. The enhanced features ensure seamless delivery experiences, help merchants consistently meet customer expectations and allow merchants to expand market reach without compromising efficiency.

Mazen AlDarrab, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Zid, added: Ripple 2024 demonstrated how we are shattering the traditional barriers in commerce. When you give merchants the right tools, the right support, and the right ecosystem, they become unstoppable. This underlines our commitment to creating that environment where every entrepreneur can compete and win.--TradeArabia News Service
Dassault Aviation, a leading French aerospace company, will be showcasing its range of aircraft including the new extra wide body Falcon 6X at the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) Air Show which opened today (December 10) in Dubai.

A global player with a presence in over 90 countries across six continents, Dassault designs and builds the family of Falcon business jets as well as the Rafale fighter jet.

According to Dassault, the aircraft received FAA and EASA certification in late 2023 and was recently certified in India and Canada.

The demonstrator that will be on display has traveled the globe since approval was completed, visiting 194 destinations in 49 countries, and accumulating nearly 1,000 hours in the air.

The 6X has performed with high reliability, allowing for an aggressive demonstration schedule, and won plaudits from customers for its comfortable, smooth ride, bright and quiet interior, and exceptional productivity. Examples of the 6X are now operating with customers in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.

Dassault Aviation pointed out that its cabin height of six feet, six inches and width of eight feet, six inches exceed the cross section of any purpose-built business jet, and its interior has won notable design awards.

It can carry up to 16 passengers with an unprecedented level of comfort and fly distances up to 5,500 nautical miles, long enough to connect Dubai to Tokyo or Cape Town nonstop.

Flagship Falcon 8X also on display

A Falcon 8X ultra-long-range demonstrator will be also on display at the show this week. The aircraft flies 6,450 nautical miles nonstop, allowing flights from New York to Dubai or Dubai to Melbourne, Australia nonstop.

The 8X also seats up to 16 and, like the 6X, offers exceptional efficiency and short field capability and an ultra-quiet cabin.

Both aircraft feature advanced digital (fly-by-wire) flight controls, derived from Dassaults front line fighter jets, and the companys latest flight deck technology, including the new-generation EASy IV flight deck and FalconEye Combined Vision system. FalconEye gives pilots a clear view of terrain in total darkness or low visibility.

Expanded factory service in UAE

Last year, Dassault inaugurated one of its largest and most modern factory service centers at Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport. The 163,000 sq-ft facility, part of Dassaults wholly owned ExecuJet MRO Services network, will provide expanded Falcon service opportunities throughout the Middle East and be able to accommodate the companys largest business jets, including the new Falcon 10X ultra wide body ultra long range twin, currently in development.

In the past five years, Dassault said it has doubled the size of its global service network as part of a strategy aimed at making support available as close as possible to customers in all corners of the world.

ExecuJet MRO in Dubai is one of 40 factory service centers worldwide. The network also includes an additional 20 authorized service centers and 15 spares distribution hubs.-TradeArabia News Service
Shaza Hotels, a leading hotel management company, has signed a brand-wide global agreement with Halalbooking, the worlds leading search and booking platform for Muslim travellers.

The partnership aims to establish unified pricing and global distribution for all Shaza and Mysk Hotels across Halalbookings extensive network.

The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony between Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President Business Development at Shaza Hotels, and Enver Cebi, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Halalbooking.

Valuable opportunity

The signing took place during Shazas Annual Partner Meet held at Shaza Riyadh, an event designed to foster stronger relationships with key stakeholders. This high-profile gathering brought together travel trade partners, government officials, potential investors, and media representatives. The hotel team engaged with trade and other industry associates to discuss strategic partnerships for the future while thanking them for their support in achieving a successful financial year in 2024.

Abu Salih said: The success of our Annual Partner Meet 2024 provided a valuable opportunity to meet and engage with our business partners. As we transition from a regional brand to a global brand with properties in the USA, Asia, and beyond, collaborations like this are integral to our growth strategy. Halalbooking provides access to core target audience  Halal-conscious travellers  who are our direct consumers.

With KSA being one of our primary markets for growth, we are committed to expanding our footprint in the region. This partnership offers mutual benefits and will elevate the visibility of both brands in niche markets globally, while further strengthening our presence in KSA and beyond.

Enver Cebi, Co-founder and COO of Halalbooking, added: As the worlds leading platform for halal-friendly accommodation, we are delighted to work closely with the Shaza and Mysk brands, with which we share strong values of exceptional customer service, professionalism, and respect for heritage. Together, we aim to adopt innovative approaches to better serve Muslim travellers.

Shaza and Mysk brands

We look forward to showcasing the Shaza and Mysk brands to our global customers and supporting their journey of sustainable growth. With properties located in some of Halalbookings most sought-after destinations, Shaza and Mysk are set to become favourites among guests seeking luxury accommodation that meets halal requirements.

Shaza Hotels also unveiled its ambitious expansion plans, which include upcoming properties Saudi Arabia such as Mysk Jeddah, Mysk Madinah, and Mysk Bahrain, along with additions to the Mysk Retreats portfolio, such as the Mysk Muttrah Collection in Muscat. Additionally, Shaza announced plans to expand beyond the GCC region, with developments in Orlando (US), Turkey, Egypt, and the Levant, reinforcing its position as a global leader in luxury hospitality. Looking ahead, Shaza Hotels plans to implement consistent and strategic partner engagement initiatives across major source markets and cities to sustain brand engagement and further strengthen its B2B network.--TradeArabia News Service
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 Support Forces of Ukraine soldier installs a Starlink terminal in July 2022. The Pentagon has added funding to expand a government version of the SpaceX-owned satellite communications service to 3,000 terminals in the embattled country. Ministry of Defense of Ukraine The Starlink manufacturing facility in Bastrop is expanding rapidly as the SpaceX subsidiarys government and civilian businesses grow. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Starlink satellite internet service is provided to residents of Kupiansk, Ukraine, in September 2022 after a Russian occupation of the city ended. Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

SpaceX is increasing Ukraines access to secure satellite communications via Starshield, an encrypted service of the companys Starlink satellite internet system.

Under a Pentagon contract first reported by Bloomberg, the arrangement gives 2,500 already-deployed Starlink terminals internet access via the service the commercial space company is developing for government entities. The addition gives Ukraine a total of 3,000 Starshield-enabled terminals for use in its fight against Russia.

Encrypted communications are just one aspect of SpaceXs fast-growing Starshield business line. Ukraine is usning it to maintain communications amid Russian hacking and jamming attacks that have targeted traditional Starlink systems.

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The increased Starshield access for Ukraine deepens the Texas-based companys involvement in the conflict despite CEO Elon Musks mixed record regarding Ukraines defense. It also highlights the ways the Texas tech moguls business dealings are becoming more complicated since he began supporting Donald Trumps reelection earlier this year.

In November, Musk made a surprise appearance on a post-election phone call between President-elect Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian leader thanked Musk for providing Starlink service, and Musk said he would continue to provide the satellite internet connections, according to an Agence France-Presse report.

The eight-month Starshield service contract began in August and runs through April, a Space Force spokesperson said via e-mail.

Growing business

Space Systems Command declined to disclose the value of the contract but drew a distinction between its version of Starshield and another one also being built by SpaceX.

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This is not a militarized version of the Starlink satellites, it said of the system being expanded in Ukraine, but a negotiated service plan aligned for military use. The so-called Starlink over Starshield service does not use a classified signal. In fact, the command said, the terminals are using the same encryption as available commercially.

Its also separate from the fleet of satellites owned by the National Reconnaissance Office under a $1.8 billion contract with SpaceX to create a spy satellite network also known as Starshield.

Reuters reported that the reconnaissance offices Starshield includes hundreds of satellites with Earth-imaging capabilities.

Its also separate from Starlink, SpaceXs constellation of 6,869 satellites that provide civilian broadband internet access around the world.

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The name confusion hints at SpaceX and the Defense Departments larger vision for Starshield, a project the company describes as designed for government use, with an initial focus on three areas: Earth observation, communications (and) hosted payloads.

SpaceX also is one of 16 contractors on Space Forces Proliferated Low Earth Orbit Satellite-Based Services program, an initiative originally worth up to $900 million. An October report said the Pentagons budget for the program is expected to balloon to $13 billion. The Department of Defense has so far allocated $660 million in task orders under the program, mostly for Starshield.

Between its government and civilian versions, Starlinks business has grown quickly, with its revenue last year eclipsing that of its parent companys launch business for the first time.

Space economy research firm Quilty Space has said Starlink is on track to generate $6.6 billion in revenue this year, up from $4.2 billion in 2023, when it eclipsed SpaceXs $3.5 billion in launch revenue.

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Starlink terminals are made at a growing SpaceX factory in Bastrop County that opened late last year. The company recently began an $8 million, 700,000-square foot expansion it said would double its Central Texas footprint.

Conflicts, concerns

Musk, who also leads Tesla Inc. and other Texas-based companies, is an informal adviser to Trump and poised to be the nations most influential civilian after inauguration day. Hes been picked to co-lead, with businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, an unofficial government cost-cutting agency.

But the tech mogul has drawn criticism for alleged communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin, including calls for an investigation from the NASA administrator and several lawmakers.

Other concerns arise from the fact his companies hold government contracts worth billions of dollars and the potential his growing political influence has for creating conflicts of interest.

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On Tuesday, the New York Times reported Musk and SpaceX have repeatedly failed to comply with federal reporting protocols, triggering at least three federal investigations. The newspaper said the Defense Departments Office of Inspector General opened a review into the matter this year, and the Air Force and the Pentagons Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security separately initiated reviews last month.

Earlier this month, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, a Ukrainian-American advocacy group, petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to not consider licensing requests from SpaceX, partly due to Musks reported contact with Putin. It also asked the FCC to deny the companys request to expand its Starlink constellation because of environmental concerns at the companys Starbase rocket production and launch facility in South Texas.

The group argued Musks new government role combined with his federal contracts violates the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Support for Ukraine

While Starlink and Starshield have contributed to Ukraines war effort, the Ukrainian groups concern comes after Musks alliance with Trump, who has threatened continued U.S. aid to the embattled country.

Musk also has questioned the amount of aid to Ukraine at the same time his satellite communications services are impacting the war. SpaceX quickly provided free Starlink access  with the help of U.S. and other funding  to Ukraine for civilian and military use after the Russian invasion in February 2022. The country has used the technology widely throughout the conflict but there have been hiccups.

In September 2022, Musk denied Ukraines request to use it in a planned drone attack against the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea, citing concerns of escalation.

Musk said the refusal was to avoid making SpaceX, Starlinks parent company, complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.

Later that year, SpaceX announced development of Starshield, partially in response to Starlink being used for combat in Ukraine. Musk and the company have maintained that Starlink is intended for civilian use.
USAA's campus in Phoenix, where USAA Federal Savings Bank's headquarters moved from San Antonio in the spring. USAA

A national banking regulator is dropping the hammer on USAA Federal Savings Bank  again.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said in a cease-and-desist order Wednesday that new or continuing violations of law, rule, or regulation exist at the embattled bank, which is part of USAA, the San Antonio-based insurance and financial services giant.

Its taking action against the institution for engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, including those relating to management, earnings, information technology, consumer compliance, and internal audit. The regulator also said its failed to meet heightened standards requirements for large banks.

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MORE ON THE BANK: USAA Federal Savings Bank has quietly changed its headquarters from San Antonio to Phoenix

Thats not all. USAA Bank also has failed to complete corrective actions it was given in similar orders issued in 2019 and 2022. Its now required to take comprehensive corrective actions to enhance risk governance, compliance risk management, information technology management (and) fraud risk management, among other items.

The order also imposes limitations on the banks ability to add new products and services, as well as on expanding its membership criteria.

USAA spokesman Roger Wildermuth said the OCC has outlined requirements to advance the banks risk and compliance management to the level we and our regulators expect.

Although our progress has not been consistent or swift enough, the bank is well-positioned to complete this work, he said. With a stronger foundation in place to prevent and mitigate risk, we will continue to enhance our capabilities and processes to ensure we consistently serve our members with excellence.

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Wednesdays order from the OCC terminates and supersedes other actions it has taken against USAA Bank in recent years.

In 2019, the regulator uncovered evidence of 600 violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the Military Lending Act. An $85 million civil penalty was assessed in 2020 for failing to implement and maintain an effective compliance risk management program.

In 2022, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network slammed the bank with $140 million in fines for deficiencies in its Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering compliance program.

Federal law requires banks to be vigilant for signs that depositors might be laundering crime proceeds, financing terrorism or committing other financial misdeeds. If they spot something amiss, it must be reported to regulators promptly. In 2022, USAA Bank admitted it had willfully failed to meet those obligations.

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The OCC also assessed a $60 million civil penalty for that failure, but FinCEN agreed to credit that amount so the bank only had to fork over $140 million.

Wildermuth said the OCCs latest order confirms the progress the bank has made on its Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering program.

Within 90 days, the bank is required to submit to an examiner an acceptable written action plan detailing the remedial actions necessary to achieve compliance with part of the order.

USAA Banks path is clear, Wildermuth said.

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Managing risk effectively and operating in a compliant fashion are the foundation of serving our members and delivering on our mission, he said. We continue to identify and resolve issues while strengthening the rigor of our programs and processes. We also are investing in additional systems and training while reinforcing the behaviors of a strong risk management culture. Our focus is on getting this right for USAA and our members.

Wednesdays action comes about eight months after USAA Bank quietly shifted its headquarters to Phoenix from San Antonio, where it had been based for about four decades. Wildermuth described it as a paper move to simplify our operations.
U.S.-based Boeing, one of the world's largest aerospace companies, has introduced to Vietnam four new aircraft and vessel products that the firm says meet the countrys needs at the 2024 International Defense Expo, which kicked off on Thursday in Hanoi.

At the four-day expo, Boeing has for the first time opened a booth featuring four defense and security products useful for multiple tasks including rescue and relief operations, Dale McDowall, vice-president of Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space and Security in Southeast Asia, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper in an interview on Wednesday.

These new products include the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, MH-139 Grey Wolf multi-mission helicopter, ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system (UAS), and Wave Glider, the worlds most proven autonomous surface vehicle.

Asked about Boeings expectation, McDowall said that these products meet the needs of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam.

McDowall added that he and other Boeing officials had meetings with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the representatives of these two ministries on Wednesday within the framework of the expo.

During the talks, the Boeing representatives said the firm wishes to invest in Vietnam, seek business partners, and hopes that the defense ministry will buy more military arms from Boeing to modernize Vietnam's military capabilities, McDowall narrated.

Michael Nguyen, director of Boeing Vietnam, told Tuoi Tre that all Boeing products showcased at the exhibition have garnered interest from the two ministries.

Highlighting the aircraft on display, McDowall noted that the ScanEagle UAS is a highly reliable system, boasting 1.5 million flight hours globally.

A Boeing ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system. Photo: Boeing

With a continuous flight time of 18-19 hours, a flying altitude of 5,800 meters, and the ability to carry equipment, the ScanEagle is very convenient for performing maritime security, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, he commented.

Boeing is supporting the Vietnam Coast Guard to install and trial this UAS type in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, near Ho Chi Minh City, while offering training in relevant operation and maintenance, McDowall said.

He added that 60 percent of the world's maritime traffic volume passes through Vietnam's exclusive economic zone.

Regarding the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, McDowall said that this aircraft has been relentlessly improved and developed over the past 60 years, making it a match for humanitarian missions.

Meanwhile, the MH-139 Grey Wolf multi-mission helicopter, developed based on the Leonardo Helicopters AW139 helicopter model, can perform multiple missions such as patrol, search, and rescue, as well as transport of very important persons (VIPs), troops, and cargo, according to Boeing.

As the only vessel of Boeing at the expo, Wave Glider, which runs on solar batteries and wave power, has outstanding durability and can perform an uninterrupted mission lasting for months.

The 2024 International Defense Expo will last until Sunday, gathering over 200 enterprises from more than 30 countries, including the U.S., Russia, the UK, France, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, China, and others.

The expo, in its second edition, features combat vehicles, weapons, military equipment, and technological solutions for the navy, army, air defense force, logistics, and technical support.

The first Vietnam International Defense Expo was held in 2022, attracting 174 enterprises from 30 countries.

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received a delegation of aerospace, defense, and security companies under the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) in Hanoi on Wednesday.

The delegation, led by USABC senior vice-president and regional managing director Brian McFeeters and president and CEO of I.M. Systems Group Imelda Martin-Hum, traveled to Vietnam for the participation in the second Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024, held by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense.

The expo was set to kick off in Hanoi on Thursday.

Members of the delegation include representatives from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Bell Textron, A2G (Air to Ground), AeroVironment, Atmo, Blue Halo, IMSG, Loading Republic, Oliver Wyman, Realtime Robotics, R-MOR, and Stick Rudder Enterprises.

During the reception, the prime minister expressed his appreciation for the delegations participation in the expo, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam Peoples Army and the 35th anniversary of the All-People Defense Festival.

PM Chinh emphasized that the Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership, established last year, has grown significantly across all key sectors.

He noted that the political ties between the two nations are at their strongest since the normalization of relations in 1995, as both sides prepare to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

Economic, trade, and investment cooperation remains a pivotal driver of this bilateral relationship, while the potential for partnerships in these fields is huge, said the prime minister.

With a target of double-digit annual growth, Vietnam is working to tap into emerging industries such as aerospace, aviation, maritime, and underground spaces.

The vision and orientation of U.S. companies align well with Vietnams strategic goals and trends, he said.

PM Chinh encouraged the USABC and U.S. enterprises to cooperate closely with the Vietnamese side to enhance partnership in trade, technology transfer, investment, and manufacturing, as well as training.

He proposed strengthening cooperation and realizing new opportunities in the spirit of harmonizing benefits and sharing risks.

Vietnam is committed to ensuring the legal and legitimate rights and interests of investors, while maintaining an environment for peace, stability, cooperation, and development, he said.

PM Chinh suggested that the USABC and U.S. firms call on the U.S. government to foster sustainable economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries.

He also called for the U.S. recognition of Vietnam as a market economy and the removal of Vietnam from its list of countries with restrictions on hi-tech exports.

McFeeters and other members of the delegation congratulated Vietnam on the expo as it will offer opportunities to U.S. groups to cooperate with Vietnamese defense industry agencies, organizations, and businesses.

The U.S. firms were committed to further supporting Vietnam in various strategic and high-potential sectors, aiming to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

They praised Vietnams remarkable achievements and adaptability, referring to the significant potential for deeper cooperation between the two nations.

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Thousands of Amazon.com workers will walk off the job on Thursday morning, in the crucial final days of the holiday season, after union officials said the retailer failed to come to the bargaining table to negotiate contracts.

The strike is a challenge to Amazon's operations as it races to fulfill orders during its busiest season of the year, although union-represented facilities represent only about one percent of Amazon's hourly workforce. In the New York City area, for example, the company has multiple warehouses and smaller delivery depots.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters said unionized workers at facilities in New York City; Skokie, Illinois; Atlanta, San Francisco and southern California will join the picket line to seek contracts guaranteeing better wages and work conditions.

The Teamsters union has said it represents about 10,000 workers at 10 of the company's U.S. facilities. Workers at seven of those facilities will walk out on Thursday, the Teamsters said.

An Amazon spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

The union had given Amazon a deadline of Sunday to begin negotiations, and workers at facilities voted recently to authorize a strike.

Teamsters local unions are also putting up picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide, the union said in a statement on Wednesday.

Observers said Amazon is unlikely to come to the table to bargain, calculating it could open the door to additional union actions.

Amazon clearly has developed a strategy of ignoring their workers rights to collectively organize and negotiate, said Benjamin Sachs, a Harvard Law School professor of labor and industry.

He noted that more than two years after workers at a Staten Island warehouse became the first in the United States to vote to unionize, Amazon still has not recognized the group.

Amazon, which has said it prefers direct relationships with workers, has challenged union drives while saying workers have the right to organize.

A person works at the Amazon warehouse, busy on Prime Day, in Melville, New York, U.S., July 11, 2023. Photo: Reuters

The company has filed objections with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over the 2022 Staten Island election, alleging bias among agency officials, among other issues. Further, Amazon challenged the constitutionality of the NLRB itself in a September federal lawsuit.

The Seattle-based company has also said the Teamsters "attempted to coerce" workers illegally to join the union.

The Teamsters said the Staten Island warehouse could join the strike at any time, as well as another southern California facility that had earlier voted to join the walkout.

Amazon is unlikely, at least initially, to come to the table with the Teamsters because there is little legal pressure to do so, said Jake Rosenfeld, a sociology professor at Washington University in St. Louis who has studied unions. He noted that there has been no apparent penalty to Amazon for ignoring the Staten Island workers' demands.

"It's been a very successful strategy, the work continues there and there is still no contract," said Rosenfeld.

In recent years, Amazon.com has faced worker walkouts in Spain and Germany, among other regions, over pay and working conditions.

As the world's second-largest private employer after Walmart , Amazon has long been a target for unions. Some workers have said Amazon's emphasis on greater speed and efficiency can lead to injuries, while Amazon has said it pays industry-leading wages and regularly introduces automation designed to reduce repetitive stress.

The company will face other union actions in the months ahead. Workers at a Philadelphia Whole Foods in November filed to hold a union election, the first since Amazon acquired the grocery chain in 2017.

Last month, an administrative judge ordered a third union election at an Alabama warehouse after ruling Amazon had acted unlawfully to thwart unionization there.

Earlier this year, Amazon announced a $2.1 billion investment to raise pay for fulfillment and transportation employees in the U.S., increasing base wages for employees by at least $1.50 to around $22 per hour, a roughly seven-percent increase.
Police in Hanoi have arrested a 51-year-old suspect for starting a fire that killed 11 people at a coffee shop late on Wednesday evening.

The suspect, C.V.H., a resident of Hanois Dong Anh District, was charged with murder after allegedly setting fire to a cafe located on Pham Van Dong Street in Bac Tu Liem District at nearly 11:00 pm on Wednesday, the citys investigation police agency reported early on Thursday.

After being notified of the blaze at 11:03 pm, local police deployed firefighters, rescuers, 10 fire trucks, and several ambulances to the scene to deal with the incident.

Rescuers remove a victim from the blaze at a coffee shop on Pham Van Dong Street in Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi, December 18, 2024. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen

Rescuers later saved seven people from the coffee shop, including five who were found in normal conditions and two who were hospitalized for emergency aid.

Firemen stamped out the fire at 11:30 pm and found 11 people dead in the shop.

Tuan, a local resident, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that there were many people inside the five-story cafe at the time of the fire, but they could not escape as the blaze began in the entrance area on the ground floor.

Firefighters search for victims during a fire that occurred at a coffee shop on Pham Van Dong Street in Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi, December 18, 2024. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen

The fierce fire consumed a number of motorbikes in the entry area before rising to the floors above, where many people were screaming for help, Tuan narrated.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai and Lt. Gen. Nguyen Hai Trung, director of the municipal Department of Public Security, arrived at the scene to direct fire extinguishing and rescue operations.

Suspecting arson, city police launched an investigation and gathered information, which resulted in the arrest of H. around midnight on Thursday, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Police revealed that H. had two prior convictions for robbery and theft.

The coffee shop, located on Pham Van Dong Street in Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi, after it was set on fire by a local man on December 18, 2024. Photo: Hai Nguyen

The suspect poured a bucket of petrol on the cafes ground floor, causing the blaze, a police officer in Bac Tu Liem said.

The man told investigators that he committed the crime following a conflict with the shops staff.

H. confessed he had brought petrol to the cafe and then poured the fuel on the ground floor of the building before setting it on fire.

Hanoi police are still identifying the victims of the fire and continuing their investigation into the arson.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai (C) and other local officials are seen at the scene of a fire that occurred at a coffee shop on Pham Van Dong Street in Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi, December 18, 2024. Photo: Nguyen Thanh

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In addition to traditional labor export markets such as Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, Vietnamese labor has begun making inroads in Greece, France, Hungary, Spain, Finland, and Australia.

The Vietnamese and Australian governments signed a memorandum of understanding in agriculture cooperation early this year which involved some 1,000 Vietnamese laborers to be recruited for work in Australia, Pham Viet Huong, deputy head of the Department of Overseas Labor, said at a workshop hosted by Nguoi Lao Dong (Laborer) newspaper on Wednesday.

The Department of Overseas Labor has announced criteria for enterprises wishing to participate in the program and has so far received applications from 33 businesses.

The department has sent dossiers of 15 firms to Australia and six of them will be chosen, Huong informed.

Vietnam is negotiating labor cooperation agreements with Greece, France, Finland, Poland, and Spain.

Its traditional markets are also looking for employees for new sectors, specifically aircraft engineers in South Korea and railway engineers in Japan.

The move is expected to create favorable conditions for laborers to get better jobs.

Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs Nguyen Ba Hoan speaks at a workshop held in Ho Chi Minh City on December 18, 2024. Photo: Vu Thuy / Tuoi Tre

However, enterprises currently face difficulties in identifying appropriate candidates.

I returned from a business trip to Japan where many enterprises complained about difficulties in finding laborers, so they have had to turn to the Philippines, Myanmar, and Indonesia, said Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs Nguyen Ba Hoan.

He noted that more than 450 Vietnamese companies had been licensed to send workers abroad and that the number is expected to increase to over 500.

As of November this year, approximately 700,000 Vietnamese workers were employed overseas, spanning 30 industries in more than 40 countries and territories.

Deputy Minister Hoan expressed concern about the illegal activities of numerous organizations involved in facilitating overseas employment.

These unauthorized labor brokerage centers often charge exorbitant fees, placing significant financial strain on workers.

Some companies which are not licensed to export laborers have looked for candidates and transferred them to labor export companies for VND10-20 million (US$392-785) each, said Duong Thi Thu Cuc, general director of Saigon International Group.

Deputy Minister Hoan insisted on eliminating illegal activities and unhealthy competition in the labor export sector.

He suggested ensuring that workers with strong language skills, professional expertise, and a disciplined mindset are placed in favorable work environments where they can enjoy appropriate benefits.

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Vietnams health authorities are going to remain vigilant against a mysterious disease outbreak causing hundreds of deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo even though the Congolese health authorities have confirmed it as malaria.

On Tuesday, the Congolese Ministry of Health reported that the mystery had finally been solved.

It's a case of severe malaria in the form of a respiratory illness, it said.

Unfortunately, malnutrition in the affected area has weakened the local population, leaving them more vulnerable to this disease, which is already responsible for hundreds of deaths.

This confirmation came amid the Vietnamese health sectors efforts to prepare for coping with the ailment previously described as a fatal mysterious disease.'

The General Department of Preventive Medicine will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other international partners, to share updates and assessments related to the illness outbreak and take appropriate measures, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Hanoi Center for Disease Control has tightened remote health monitoring for passengers at Noi Bai International Airport in the Vietnamese capital to detect signs of the illness.

The same preventive measures are in place in Ho Chi Minh City, where an international health quarantine team is stationed at the airport and seaports to monitor and block potential pathogens from entering the city.

According to the citys Department of Health, there are no direct flights connecting Vietnam and Congo.

Passengers traveling from the African country must transit through other countries in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East before reaching Vietnam.

The department has directed the municipal Center for Disease Control to keep a close watch on the outbreak in Congo and make all necessary preparations for them to respond timely to any developments.

Earlier this month, Congolese authorities reported that the disease had killed 143 people in Kwango Province in November, with patients having symptoms like fever, headache, cough, runny nose, and body aches.

The serious situation has prompted the WHO to raise an alarm against the outbreak and send a team of investigators to the African country.

There have been 592 cases recorded since October, with a fatality rate of 6.2 percent, according to the WHO statement.

Last week, WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that ten early samples from Congolese patients had tested positive for malaria.

However, Ghebreyesus added that he had not ruled out the possibility that these patients suffered from other concurrent diseases.

Malaria takes nearly 600,000 lives a year worldwide, and 12 percent of those deaths occur in Congo, according to the Guardian.

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Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is surrounded by photographers during a meeting of the ruling radical left Syriza partys central committee in 2015. Greece showed then that bailouts can work, our columnist says. Thanassis Stavrakis/Associated Press file photo The pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program, which our columnist says was a grant masquerading as a loan, helped make many business owners hypocrites about bailouts. Getty Images A locked gate at the U.S. Department of Treasury building as it joined other government financial institutions to bail out Silicon Valley Bank's account holders after it collapsed last year. U.S. President Joe Biden tried to assure the public that the U.S. banking industry was safe after the bank's collapse and New York regulators forced closure of Signature Bank. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images file photo

Bailout is kind of a dirty word for many of us most of the time.

It makes us think of free lunch, which we believe nobody deserves. It makes us think about moral hazard, the idea that if you eliminate the negative consequences of risky behavior, the bailout recipient will engage in the risky behavior again.

But we should love them. And bailouts are my origin story.

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I started writing about finance after the 2008 financial crisis known as the Great Recession. A major fallout of that crisis was the unprecedented bailout of banks and insurance companies. That, in turn, led to the rise of the tea party movement on the right and Occupy Wall Street on the left. Those anti-establishment camps continue to echo through our politics.

Those anti-establishment groups were wrong about bailouts. Besides, theyre not all the same.

Pandemic bailouts

You may recall that the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury Department teamed up early in the COVID-19 pandemic to launch two novel and giant business-bailout programs. Now at the end of 2024, were beginning to read about some of the failures and writeoffs of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and Main Street Lending Program, just two of the many COVID-era business bailouts.

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The Main Street program targeted medium-size businesses able to take loans between $100,000 and $300 million, with the median loan size $40.5 million. The Treasury ultimately took on 95% of the risk of the $17.5 billion in loans, leaving private bank underwriters just 5% of the default risk.

That means we, the taxpayers, took on the risk. There was plenty.

As of July 2023, 43 Main Street loans worth $164 million had been charged off. Of those, a little less than half were under investigation for fraud. By this October, losses had spiked significantly, to $1.2 billion, so were running at a 6.8% loss rate, which is high for large loans. But losses are likely to increase to multiples of that from here.

Thats because Main Street program borrowers have been able to make interest-only payments through 2024. Significant principal payments are due in 2025 and 2026, with the remaining 70% of the loans due at the end of year five. All of that implies this: Much larger problems are still to come in the next three years. Expect much worse headlines on the program.

Then there's the Small Business Administration-led Economic Injury Disaster program loans, which ranged from $2,000 to $2 million (expanded from an original $500,000 limit.) The SBA issued 3.9 million loans totaling $378 billion, of which $32.5 billion went to Texas businesses.

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In 2023 $51 billion of the programs loans were charged off  14% of the portfolio. That is really high in traditional lending terms.

But wait. It got worse.

To date in 2024, an additional $18.6 billion of Economic Injury Disaster loans have been charged off, adding up to a total of $71 billion, or 19% of all loans that were made. Many more are in deferment or arrears but not yet charged off, so the percentage of charge-offs is going to grow significantly. That rate of losses, compared with any regular private loan program, is staggering.

Even with all that, I still think those business bailouts were worth trying.

Here I should also mention my own company took out an Economic Injury Disaster loan for $12,700 back in 2022. It has an attractive 3.75% rate, a 30-year amortization and I am current on the payments. Meaning, my loan is not one of the charge-off statistics.

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Eurozone bailouts

It doesn't just happen in the United States. Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain all faced a crisis in their financial systems from 2010 to 2015, with Greece ultimately restructuring some of its debt. This led to grumbling by richer European countries like Germany, which ultimately offered bailouts through the European Central Bank.

In the past five years, those smaller, poorer countries have grown faster than Germany and France.

A notable development this November  well, notable to bond nerds like me  is that borrowing costs for the Greek government dipped lower than French government borrowing costs for the first time in, basically, forever. In financial terms, this is a kind of miracle that seemed impossible back in 2010, when Germanys finance minister suggested Greece should maybe leave the Eurozone, and in 2015, when the Greek finance minister basically said the European powers were trying to keep the country in a debtors prison.

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Why am I getting into these European details? Just that its a dramatic, recent, observable example of a giant bailout that clearly worked, prevented further human misery and mostly avoided a Great Depression-type scenario across Europe. Everybody hates a bailout, but lots of times bailouts are the best choice.

Dont be a hypocrite

I do not enjoy listening to business owners who espouse the well-worn and overly simple view that governments should be tiny, businesses are virtuous, business owners are job-creators and low-income people getting government subsidies are leaches. Too many of them have totally memory-holed the pandemic-era bailout programs, which saved millions of business owners bacon. The government did that for them!

Im very much pro-markets. I understand governments are inefficient and laughably clunky in many areas. Im anti-corruption and Im not complacent about the possibility of government-based corruption.

But Im even more pro-honesty and anti-hypocrisy than that.

If you are a business owner who took some form of a bailout during the COVID-19 pandemic, I dont blame you  unless you then go on some Ayn Rand-inspired, Rand Paul-flavored, Grover Norquist-quoting libertarian rant about shrinking government down to the size at which it can be drowned in a bathtub. Because then you are a hypocrite.

I havent even mentioned the COVID-era gravy-train that was Payroll Protection-grants-masquerading-as-loans that propped up every business that employed anyone anywhere prior to the pandemic. If youre a business owner, you know how much money that made you. If you are an employee, you might be outraged to learn the truth of how much money that PPP program made your boss.

So everybody hates bailouts. Until they get one.

And we dont have the counter-factual of what would have happened without them. But I remain open to the idea that the capitalist creative destruction that would have happened would have been far worse than the gentler version of destruction we've experienced. The cure can be worse than the disease.
Since the start of 2024, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has conducted five on-site supervisions into key traffic infrastructure projects in the Mekong Delta region, as well as chaired several meetings and assigned his deputies to remove obstacles in a bid to speed up works on these projects.

The prime minister also urged relevant units to accelerate works on the north-south expressway project, especially the Can Tho - Hau Giang - Ca Mau section and the Chau Doc - Can Tho - Soc Trang expressway.

Traffic infrastructure is the backbone of connectivity and a driving force for the regions development.

The governments strong determination and local authorities concerted efforts are a significant contribution to the upgrade and expansion of traffic infrastructure.

After decades of lacking expressways, the Mekong Delta is undergoing a transformative phase with several major infrastructure projects underway.

These developments are expected to drive significant socio-economic growth in the region.

To accelerate progress on road and bridge projects, the government has implemented special measures, including sourcing river sand, exploring offshore sand resources, and granting local authorities the power to manage site clearance and expedite construction.

Several localities such as An Giang and Dong Thap Provinces have pioneered the provision of river sand for filling, while Soc Trang Province has focused on supplying sea sand.

With a few delays, the site clearance for key traffic projects in the delta has reached over 90 percent.

However, challenges have emerged in the final stages of completing the infrastructure system.

Ongoing efforts to streamline the political system have led to anticipated changes in management, leaving some officials hesitant to move forward with ongoing projects or make investment decisions.

To address these issues, state-run agencies and local authorities should strengthen project inspections to foster accountability and confidence in decision-making.

Empowering officials appointed to new positions with clearly defined goals could help ensure progress and continuity.

Another challenge is that complicated procedures for land clearance, bidding, and capital disbursement might slow down the progress of projects.

A shortage of workers during peak construction seasons should be addressed promptly to ensure the quality and progress of the projects.

The regions localities must proactively align their development strategies with the general regional plan to tap into all benefits from key traffic infrastructure projects, as well as attract local and foreign investment.

It is necessary to have synchronous measures to make great breakthroughs after new roads and bridges are opened to traffic.

Apart from the source of public investment capital, localities should call for investments from the private sector to reduce reliance on the state budget.

The region should also prioritize inter-provincial and inter-regional traffic projects, especially those connecting with Ho Chi Minh City, to open a wider door for the deltas socio-economic growth.

Furthermore, it is vital to promote the performance of the regional coordination council so that funding will not be used inefficiently.

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Stan has released a new sneak peek for the second season of Black Snow, premiering on New Years Day.

This first look features Travis Fimmel (Vikings, Dune: Prophecy) and Megan Smart (Class of 07) as Detective Cormack and police officer Samara Kahlil investigating Zoe Jacobs disappearance from twenty years earlier.

Filmed in Queensland and set amongst the Glasshouse Mountains, he reprises the role of Detective Cormack, and stars alongside new cast members Jana McKinnon (Bad Behaviour), Megan Smart (Class of 07), Alana Mansour (Erotic Stories), Dan Spielman (Bad Behaviour, The Newsreader), Victoria Haralabidou (The Tourist) and Kat Stewart (Offspring).

In this returning season, cold case Detective Cormack tackles two separate missing persons cases. One is professional, as he investigates the disappearance of Zoe Jacobs (McKinnon), who hasnt been seen since her own 21st birthday party in 2003. And the other is personal, as Cormack searches desperately for his own younger brother, who went missing when they were children.

The first season of the Stan Original Series Black Snow was a global success, embraced by audiences and critics alike. With an audience spanning three continents, season one has since premiered internationally in the USA, UK and Canada, and rights have recently been sold to a suite of other territories including Africa, the Middle East, New Zealand, Austria, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Greece and Iceland. Season one was nominated for Most Outstanding Drama Series at the 2023 Logie Awards, as well as seven nominations at the 2024 AACTA Awards, including Best Drama Series and Best Lead Actor in a Drama for Travis Fimmel.

After a critically acclaimed first season, director Sian Davies (Stan Original Series The Gloaming), executive producer Rosemary Blight (The Invisible Man), and series creator Lucas Taylor (Harrow) return to the series, with Helena Brooks (Stan Original Series Population 11) joining as director with Travis Fimmel. Season one lead actor Talijah Blackman-Corowa joins the second season as directors attachment, supported by Screen Queensland.

The brand new season of the Stan Original Series Black Snow is produced in association with All3Media International and Sundance Now and with financial support from Screen Queensland, Screen NSW and City of Gold Coast. A Goalpost Pictures Production. Stan Executive Producers Cailah Scobie and Amanda Duthie. Black Snow will return to U.S. audiences via AMC Networks popular streamer, Sundance Now, in 2025.

Double episode then weekly from Wednesday January 1 on Stan.
Nine has appointed Brendan Hockings and Michael Genovese as TV News Directors in Queensland and Western Australia, respectively.

Brendan Hockings (pictured left), who has been acting in the role since November, will oversee 9News operations for Brisbane, Gold Coast and Darwin, succeeding Amanda Paterson, who is currently locked in legal proceedings with the network following her dismissal.

He joined Nine in 2005 as a Production Assistant & Assistant Chief of Staff before 2 years at WIN News as News Editor / Chief of Staff, returning to Nine in 2008, rising to National Executive Producer, News Events.

Michael Genovese (pictured right) will oversee the TV Newsroom in Perth after acting in the role for the past three months. He has held a number of positions within Nine including WAtoday, 6PR, Today show and 9News where he was based in LA as Nines US Correspondent. He succeeds Gareth Parker following his appointment as Network News Content Director.

Their appointments follow a year of upheaval and change within Nine News senior positions, triggered by the departure of boss Darren Wick.

Director of TV News & Current Affairs Fiona Dear said: We were overwhelmed with applications from highly talented journalists and leaders during this process and these internal appointments showcase the depth we have within 9News.

Both Brendan and Michael are exceptional journalists, leaders, and people, and we are extremely fortunate to have individuals of their calibre to appoint into these key leadership positions to drive our transformation and continue to uplift Nines culture.

Over the past few months they have provided leadership stability and strong editorial guidance to their respective newsrooms, and I am proud to formally announce them in these roles today.

Brendan Hockings said: I marvel constantly at the creativity, passion and dedication of our 9News Queensland team. Im honoured to take up this role and look forward to leading this extraordinary team of people as we tell Queensland and the Northern Territorys greatest stories.

Michael Genovese said: Nine Perth has been my home for over a decade and its a privilege to take on the role of News Director and lead the hard-working team here. As West Australians turn to 9News as their trusted source of information, we remain committed to delivering the stories that matter to Perth, every single day.

Recruitment for the Sydney TV News Director role remains underway.
BEIJING  Chinese media outlets, including The Paper, CRI, Sohu, Sina, the Guangdong E-Commerce Association's website, and BWC, have published numerous reports and analyses highlighting Viet Nams remarkable economic achievements in 2024 and its promising outlook for 2025.

According to these reports, Viet Nam's economy demonstrated robust growth this year, with GDP expanding by 6.42 per cent in the first half and projected to surpass 6.8 per cent for the entire year. Optimistic forecasts suggest growth could even reach 7 per cent, exceeding the Vietnamese Governments expectations and outperforming the average growth rate in recent years.

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the Southeast Asian country is expected to maintain its growth momentum, achieving breakthroughs and diverse development across various sectors. Its export-driven industries are projected to continue thriving as the global economy gradually recovers and its role in global supply chains strengthens. Domestic consumption and investment are also anticipated to serve as key drivers of economic growth.

Chinese media also highlighted Viet Nams proactive efforts in industrial upgrade and transformation, focusing on switching from traditional labour-intensive to technology-driven industries. The Government is ramping up support for high-tech and green energy sectors, boosting the economys value-added potential and competitiveness.

Tourism, assessed as a key pillar of Viet Nams economic growth, is poised for a boom as the global tourism market recovers and local infrastructure is being improved. The nation is also making progress in digital economy development and technological innovation, integrating advanced technologies like the Internet, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its real economy. This integration is anticipated to inject fresh vitality into the economy, improving production efficiency and service quality, and driving high-quality development.

Furthermore, Chinese media spotlighted Viet Nams active participation in international cooperation, regional integration, as well as economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges with neighbouring nations. Through promoting mechanisms like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the country is expected to play an increasingly pivotal role in this realm.  VNS
HA NOI  A total of 133 enterprises were given the National Quality Awards for their outstanding achievements in production and services at a ceremony in Ha Noi on Wednesday.

The companies were assessed based on their performances from 2021 to 2023.

The awards are granted by the Prime Minister to organisations and businesses that have outstanding achievements in production, business, and services in Viet Nam.

It is the only annual quality award specified in the Law on Product and Goods Quality, issued according to international standards, and part of the International Quality Award system by the Asia-Pacific Quality Organization.

It aims to encourage Vietnamese businesses to build and apply advanced management models, and develop resources to enhance the productivity and quality of products, goods, and services.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh at said that the complicated global economic and political landscape from 2021 to 2023 significantly affected the operations of organisations worldwide, including businesses in Viet Nam.

The efforts to be flexible, innovate, and adjust to these difficult circumstances of the businesses that were given the awards are highly commendable, he said.

"To spread the positive values of the National Quality Award to the growing community of Vietnamese businesses, the Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to refine and implement the award, making it more comprehensive, effective, and widespread across the country, becoming a standard and motivation for many businesses to strive for," the minister said.

In addition, two companies were given the Asia-Pacific International Quality Award for the year 2021, which are the Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Soft Drink JSC and the TH Milk Food JSC.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed incentives to attract investments in renewable energy projects in a draft decree on implementing the Law on Electricity, which has recently been made public for comments.

Notably, to attract investments in offshore wind power, the ministry proposed an exemption of marine area use fees during construction and a 50 per cent reduction in fees for the 12 years after operations begin.

Under the 8th national power development plan, Viet Nam aims to use 6,000MW of offshore wind power by 2030 and 30,00050,000MW by 2050 to become an offshore wind power hub in Southeast Asia.

Currently, there is no operating offshore wind power project in the country.

Enterprises that are wholly State-owned and that invest in offshore wind power projects can be granted higher credit than the cap set in accordance with the Law on Credit Institutions. However, the offshore wind power projects' investment policies must be approved before January 1, 2031 to enjoy these incentives.

The draft also sets requirements for selecting foreign investors to implement offshore wind power projects in terms of capacity.

Foreign investors must have implemented at least one project at a similar scale in Viet Nam or elsewhere and have total audited net assets higher than the project investment for the last three years. These projects must also have the participation of Vietnamese enterprises, with foreign investors allowed to hold less than 65 per cent of the joint ventures charter capital.

Under the draft decree, the ministry has also proposed incentive policies for solar and wind power projects with storage systems that are connected to the national grid, including giving priority to power from these projects. Incentives are also being proposed for green hydrogen and green ammonia projects.

The Law on Electricity was passed on November 30 and is scheduled to come into effect on February 1, 2025.  VNS
BINH INH  The Peoples Committee of Binh inh Province on Wednesday inked a cooperation deal with the Japan  Viet Nam Friendship Association of Sakai city as part of the south-central provinces efforts to attract more investment and development resources from the Northeast Asian country.

Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Pham Anh Tuan said Binh inh views the Japanese market and partners as of having great potential. Therefore, it has been working hard to not only attract investment from Japanese enterprises but also strengthen cooperation with Japanese localities and partners so as to make use of their resources, particularly capital, machinery, and scientific - technological advances, to support local socioe-conomic development.

He assigned the provincial Department of Foreign Affairs to monitor the implementation of cooperation activities and continue discussing with the friendship association of Sakai as well as related units and localities to work out practical programmes and activities for each year.

The two sides are set to coordinate in introducing Binh inhs potential, advantages, and investment opportunities to Japanese companies, investors, and partners, assisting investors from Sakai to survey and seek investment and business chances in Binh inh; and helping the two sides enterprises to access each others markets.

Binh inh currently houses 19 investment projects worth US$96.67 million from Japan. They operate in such fields as afforestation, apparel, wood and aquatic product processing, and renewable energy.

In the first 11 months of 2024, the province exported nearly $263.5 million worth of goods to Japan, equivalent to 121.17 per cent of the figure recorded in the same period last year. Main exports included cassava and related products, ores and other minerals, timber, aquatic products, and apparel.

Binh inh has signed three local-level cooperation agreements with Japan, namely the deal between the Binh inh Peoples Committee and the administration of Izumisano City of Osaka Prefecture, another between the Peoples Committee of Vinh Thanh district and the administration of Yoshino town of Nara Prefecture, and the one between the Peoples Committee of Quy Nhon City and the administration of Ashikaga city of Tochigi Prefecture.  VNS
TOKYO  Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien on Thursday chaired the Viet NamJapan Business Forum 2024 in Tokyo, as part of his official visit to Japan.

Organised by the ministry, the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan and the ASEANJapan Centre, the event provided an opportunity for businesses, leaders and experts from both countries to discuss and explore new cooperation opportunities.

Speaking at the foum, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien expressed his gratitude and appreciation towards the diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Japan, a relationship which was established more than 50 years ago and has been beneficial for both. The two countries established a strategic partnership in 2009, upgraded it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia in 2014, and further elevated it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World in 2023.

Japan is currently Viet Nams fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade expected to reach over US$46 billion this year, accounting for 6 per cent of Viet Nams total import-export turnover. Japan is Viet Nams fourth-largest export market and third-largest import source.

"Viet Nam is very pleased to witness the strong development of Japan and warmly congratulates Japan for having strengthened its position and influence, regionally and globally," said Minister Dien, who will be in the country until Sunday.

Japan is recognised as one of the most stable and developed economies in the world, and as a centre of innovation, with a high level of scientific and technological expertise, he added. The country is also known for its achievements in the development of renewable energy, new energy, including nuclear energy, with clean energy solutions and green technologies.

For its part, Viet Nam is considered one of the most dynamic economies in the region and the world, with a GDP of approximately $500 billion, ranking third in ASEAN and 32nd globally, Dien said.

In terms of foreign trade, Viet Nam is one of the top 20 economies in international trade, with a total import-export turnover nearing $800 billion. The country is also signed up as a full member of 18 free trade agreements, with most of the major economic partners around the world.

The achievements of both economies are commendable and a source of pride, the trade minister said.

However, he pointed out that both countries would continue to face fast-moving, complex, unpredictable global challenges that require more cooperation, particularly in trade, industry and energy.

For Viet Nam, in the process of international economic integration, we aim not only to increase export turnover but also to focus on building a material production base and a green, clean and sustainable industrial sector, Dien said.

With the support of several partners, Viet Nam is accelerating efforts to develop renewable energy sources, green energy, and apply advanced technologies in industrial and energy production, he added. The country is also restarting a nuclear power development programme and the nuclear power project in Ninh Thuan to ensure national energy security, aiming towards a the net zero goal.

Dien expressed his hopes that Japanese businesses will consider and, hopefully rapidly, launch new investment projects in Viet Nam, particularly in high-tech sectors where the needs are high and favourable investment policies are on offer, such as in the semiconductor arena, manufacturing, electronics, chemicals, new materials and new energy.

The Vietnamese Government and its ministries are ready to cooperate with Japans agencies to provide legal support and serve as an effective bridge for the business communities of both countries to carry out future cooperation activities, the minister added.

Viet Nam is committed to always sharing, accompanying and creating the most favourable conditions in accordance with the law, reflecting the strong friendly partnership between the two countries, to help Japanese businesses invest, produce, and operate effectively and sustainably in Viet Nam, he said. The success of Japanese businesses in Viet Nam is the success of Viet Nam itself.

In return, Viet Nam also hopes that Japanese authorities will support Vietnamese businesses in finding new opportunities to invest in and put into operation in Japan.  VNS
The United Kingdom-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), effective since 2021, reduces or eliminate tariffs on many product groups, helping strengthen bilateral trade, which in turn is making Viet Nam an increasingly attractive business partner for UK firms.

Zac Leon is the director of Viet Product Source, a sourcing company that brings together foreign businesses and quality Vietnamese manufacturers.

He has over 15 years of experience working in Viet Nam besides long experience in supply chain, quality control and product management.

Leon speaks with Viet Nam News about Viet Nams manufacturing prowess and how the UKVFTA is facilitating co-operation between businesses in the two countries.

From your observation as a sourcing company, how has the UKVFTA impacted trade between Viet Nam and the UK?

The UKVFTA has significantly boosted trade between the two countries, particularly in sectors like textiles, footwear, electronics, and agricultural products.

UK exports to Viet Nam have seen growth, especially of machinery, pharmaceuticals and tech products, while Vietnamese exports to the UK, such as wooden furniture, seafood, coffee, and apparel, have also benefited from reduced tariffs.

I think the agreement has created a more transparent environment for both markets, offering better protection for intellectual property and reducing non-tariff barriers, which have been key to facilitating smoother trade.

How do you assess Viet Nams capabilities in production and working with foreign partners?

Viet Nam has become a global manufacturing hub, with strong capabilities in several sectors. The country has a skilled and competitive labour force and well-established infrastructure. These factors make Viet Nam an attractive partner for foreign businesses looking to source products.

As a sourcing company, I would say that Viet Nams commitment to quality, rapid delivery timelines and ability to adapt to international standards make working with Vietnamese suppliers quite beneficial. The ability to scale production quickly, coupled with the governments pro-business reforms, has made operations smoother.

The UKVFTA has enhanced this by simplifying the regulatory environment, providing more certainty and stability for foreign companies looking to expand their operations to Viet Nam.

What are most UK businesses looking for in Vietnamese suppliers?

UK businesses typically look for Vietnamese suppliers who can provide high-quality products at competitive prices. Common product groups include textiles and apparel, seafood, coffee and other agricultural products, furniture, and electronics.

UK businesses look for several main criteria. The first is certification: suppliers are often required to have certification such as ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management) and HACCP (food safety). For certain industries, certification like Fair Trade or organic may be important.

Then there is compliance with international standards such as CE marking for products exported to the EU, which is crucial, especially for sectors like electronics and machinery.

UK companies are also increasingly looking for suppliers with strong sustainability practices and ethical labour standards to ensure social and environmental responsibility.

Traceability is an important factor as well. Particularly in sectors like food and beverage, having clear supply chain traceability and adherence to food safety standards is highly valued.

Have Vietnamese companies working with Viet Product Source increased trade with the UK? Did the UKVFTA make it easier for Viet Product Source to connect UK and Vietnamese businesses?

Since the UKVFTA came into effect, many Vietnamese companies have seen increased opportunities in the UK market.

For instance, a Vietnamese furniture supplier partnering with Viet Product Source reported a 30 per cent year-on-year increase in UK orders between 2023 to 2024. This was largely due to reduced tariffs under the FTA, which made the products more competitively priced in the UK market.

Besides, the agreements provisions on trade facilitation, such as the recognition of customs procedures and intellectual property protections, have helped smooth the process of connecting suppliers and buyers in the two countries.

The UKVFTA has certainly made it easier for sourcing companies like Viet Product Source to bridge the gap between UK businesses and Vietnamese suppliers. The rise in UK companies looking to work with Viet Nam has been noticeable, especially in sectors Viet Nam excels in.

There is also a growing awareness in Viet Nam of the UK markets demands, which has led to better-prepared and more competitive offerings.

Are there more UK businesses looking to invest in Viet Nam? Can you share some insights about this?

The UKVFTA has opened up new avenues for investment, with both countries keen to strengthen their economic ties.

Since its implementation, there has been an uptick in UK companies considering Viet Nam as a key investment destination, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology.

One notable example is UK-based renewable energy companies that are exploring partnerships with Vietnamese companies to develop wind and solar power projects.

The agreements emphasis on protecting foreign investments, reducing barriers to market entry and enhancing intellectual property protection has made Viet Nam a more attractive investment destination.

An anecdote worth mentioning is the case of a UK-based logistics firm that recently decided to establish a regional distribution hub in Viet Nam, thanks to the favourable conditions under the UKVFTA. This move not only strengthens bilateral trade but also facilitates easier access to the ASEAN market.

Do you have any advice for Vietnamese and UK businesses for working together and making use of the UKVFTA?

Vietnamese businesses need to focus on understanding the specific needs and preferences of UK consumers. This includes market research and ensuring products meet UK quality standards and certifications.

Working with UK trade advisors and customs experts can help maximise benefits, especially around tariff reductions.

Vietnamese companies should focus on building long-term, transparent relationships with UK partners, and they should also ensure compliance with UK regulatory standards, especially in terms of labour rights, environmental standards and product safety.

As for UK businesses, they should keep in mind that Viet Nam offers a wide variety of products, from textiles to electronics to agricultural goods. They can look beyond traditional sectors and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Understanding the cultural nuances of working with Vietnamese partners can go a long way in building trust and effective communication.

Additionally, utilising local expertise can be a big help. Local sourcing agencies like Viet Product Source can help businesses navigate the Vietnamese market, handle logistics and ensure quality control.  VNS
Mexican cinnamon can star in several holiday favorites. Paul Stephen/Staff

Sugar, spice and everything nice.

That spice bit can get a little bit confusing. Come the holiday season, most of us are thinking of cinnamon. In South Texas, that typically means Mexican cinnamon. And there's plenty to unpack from our collective carry-on luggage there.

Cinnamon is ground from the bark of trees native to Asia. DavorLovincic/Getty Images Trees that produce cinnamon are now grown around the world. Peter Essick/Getty Images/Cavan Images RF Cassia cinnamon is recognizable by its thick coils of tree bark. R.Tsubin/Getty Images

Cinnamon, broadly speaking, is one of the most popular spices in the world, ranking right up there with culinary staples such as peppercorns, chiles and ginger. It's an essential element to many recipes, particularly this time of year.

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And it's probably one of the most misunderstood.

Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of several varieties of trees in the genus Cinnamomum. Ceylon cinnamon, often called "true" cinnamon, is native to the South Asian country of Sri Lanka. Most of the cinnamon you'll find in stores is cassia, or cinnamon derived from trees grown in Indonesia, China and Vietnam. The flavor is similar to Ceylon cinnamon, but tends to have a more punchy, kick-in-the-teeth presence. Cassia is more widespread and affordable, but it lacks the subtlety of its Sri Lankan relative.

Sri Lankan, or "true" cinnamon, is identifiable by its thin layers of tree bark. Bloomberg Creative/Getty Images/Bloomberg Creative

Mexican cinnamon, which has a role in many traditional dishes and beverages beloved throughout the region, falls firmly into the "true" cinnamon, or Ceylon, camp. Initially brought to the Veracruz area (thanks to its climate similar to Sri Lanka) through a complicated trade history involving Spain, the Netherlands and the Philippines, Mexican cinnamon has become its own being.

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There are subtle, but easy to spot, differences between cassia and Ceylon cinnamon. The more common (and affordable) cassia is thicker and more rigid. Ceylon cinnamon, whether grown in Mexico or Sri Lanka, is thinner and breaks apart more easily.

"The differences are in the looks but also in the flavor and aroma," noted food writer and chef Pati Jinich says on her website. "Ceylon or true cinnamon, has a milder but sweeter taste. It crumbles much easier, has a lighter color and each stick looks different from the rest. It also has more fragrance than cassia."

If you're a cinnamon fan, there's a whole rabbit hole to disappear into. A visit to any spice shop that takes its cinnamon seriously can turn into a days-long tasting session trying to pluck out the nuanced differences. Chances are very good none of your friends or family will detect one from the other, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't dive in deep. Especially with Mexican cinnamon, or canela, this time of year.

When shopping, it can be difficult to differentiate. The safe bet is to assume all of the preground cinnamon is cassia. With cinnamon sticks, be critical in your evaluation. The thick coils of bark that don't bend or flake are probably not Ceylon ("true") cinnamon. The good stuff isn't hard to find, though. Common brands such as San Antonio's own Bolner's Fiesta-branded cinnamon sticks are on shelves across the city. It's worth the effort to take a few of those and grind them up on your own over using a prepared product. An inexpensive coffee grinder is more than qualified for the job.

Once your cinnamon source is secure, here are some classic ways to use it this holiday season.

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Rice pudding (Arroz con Leche) features Mexican cinnamon and raisins for a sweet and nostalgic flavor. Paul Stephen/Staff

Arroz Con Leche (Rice Pudding)

Raisins are controversial in this dessert. If you like an extra burst of sweetness, go for it. You can make this into a nearly labor-free recipe using the "porridge" setting on many rice cookers.

7 cups water

1 cup long-grain white rice

3 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks

1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk

1 (14-ounce) can condensed milk

1 cup whole milk

3/4 cup raisins

Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Instructions: Put the water, rice and cinnamon sticks in a medium-size heavy saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, uncovered, and cook until the rice is tender, 18-20 minutes. Strain out the liquid, discard the cinnamon sticks and reserve the rice.

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Return the rice to the saucepan. Stir in the evaporated milk, condensed milk and whole milk. Continue cooking over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick, about 20 minutes. Add the raisins, and stir well. Transfer the pudding to a serving bowl. Dust the top of the pudding with ground cinnamon and serve.

Makes 4 servings

Recipe from foodnetwork.com.

Cinnamon cookies are a family favorite during the holiday season. Paul Stephen/Staff

Polvorones de Canele (Cinnamon Cookies)

In a perfect world, these bake up as small, round balls. Don't feel bad if yours spread out into a more conventional cookie shape. They'll taste just as great.

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1 cup butter

1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, divided use

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided use

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease two cookie sheets.

Beat butter and 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Combine flour, salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir into butter mixture to form a stiff dough. Shape dough into 1-inch balls.

Mix 1 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Roll balls in cinnamon mixture to coat and transfer cookies to prepared cookie sheets.

Bake in the preheated oven until nicely browned, about 15-20 minutes. Cool cookies on wire racks.

Makes 2 dozen cookies

Recipe from allrecipes.com.

Roles de Canela are easy to make at home. Paul Stephen/Staff

Roles de Canela (Cinnamon Rolls)

Whether you place icing on these or not (just beat a dribble of milk into powdered sugar if you're on Team Icing) these cinnamon rolls will remind you of a visit to any panaderia in town.

1 cup flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 (7 gram) package fast-rise instant yeast

1/2 cup whole milk (warmed to 110 degrees in a saucepan)

1 large egg

11 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, divided use

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 pinches salt, divided use

2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup raw pecans, chopped (optional)

Instructions: Add flour, sugar and fast-rise instant yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook attachment, turn mixer to speed 2 to combine dry ingredients. Add warm milk, 1 large egg and 3 tablespoons of butter to the bowl and increase speed to 4 for 5 minutes.

Add pure vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt to the bowl and continue to mix on speed 4 for about another 10 minutes, until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and mostly gathers around the hook. You may need to stop the mixer partway through to scrape down the sides with a spatula so no dough is wasted.

Prepare a large glass bowl or a 6-quart food container with lid for proofing the dough by spraying the inside with cooking spray so the dough wont stick to the sides. Turn the dough out from the stand mixer bowl into the bowl or container to proof and cover. Allow dough to rise undisturbed for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Once dough has doubled in size, turn out onto a floured surface (use all-purpose flour for this part, just enough so the dough doesnt stick to your work surface). Gently roll out to 9x13-inch rectangle with a floured rolling pin.

In a stand mixer, cream the remaining butter and brown sugar, then add ground cinnamon, pure vanilla extract and remaining salt. Mix on speed 4 until well combined.

Using a spoon or offset spatula, spread the filling mixture on your rolled out dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped pecans (if using) evenly over the filling and gently roll starting with the long side inward. Tuck the dough seam underneath the roll. Using a bench scraper or very sharp knife, divide the dough into nine equal pieces. Arrange them in a 9x9-inch parchment paper-lined pan and cover with a kitchen towel for the second rise, until doubled in size. This should take about an hour and a half to two hours.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes, until the tops and sides are sufficiently browned but not burned. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 9 servings
HA NOI  Networking organisation C asean Vietnam successfully organised a roundtable discussion about ' A Look on Culinary Culture and Mobility in Viet Nam' in Ha Noi on December 18.

The event brought together experts from diverse fields, including world-renowned food rating systems, restaurant alliances, mobility service providers, chefs and the founders of restaurants.

As Vietnamese cuisine continues to gain global recognition and solidify its position on the world map, the event focused discussion on opportunities to elevate Vietnamese culinary culture, while leveraging modern mobility and tourism trends to promote it internationally.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Restaurant Association of Vietnam (RAV) and ASEAN Restaurant Association Alliance (ARAA) Chu Hong Minh said that RAVs strategy has focused on three pillars: resource development and collaborations, communications and gastronomic economy with the vision of positioning Viet Nam as a 'New Culinary Capital of the World' by 2030.

As the Chair of ARAA for 20242025, Viet Nam's initiatives will spotlight key projects: Culinary competitions, trade within ASEAN and globally, productivity training programs for small and medium-sized restaurants and culinary tourism within ASEAN.

In addition, Viet Nam will also boost strategic collaborations with international organisations, such as the World Association of Master Chefs (WAMC), the National Restaurant Association (NRA) in the US, and the World Food Travel Association (WFTA).

Managing Director of Michelin Vietnam, Ahmad Faiez Mohamed Pisal, shared the company's 130-year history of innovations. To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Michelin has adopted the 'All Sustainable' strategy, balancing the three key pillars of people, business performance and the planet.

In 2020, the Michelin Green Star was introduced to recognise dining establishments pioneering sustainable gastronomy, delivering experiences that combine culinary excellence with serious environmental commitments.

Speaking about the Green Star Award, Pisal emphasised its profound significance in raising awareness and embedding sustainability-driven business philosophies into the operations of the food service industry, fostering a stronger connection between behaviour and environmental consciousness.

Head of Public Affairs at Grab Vietnam, ang Thuy Trang, discussed consumer trends of using online platforms to discover new dining experiences.

Leveraging real-time analytics and platform tools to optimise accessibility and visibility for restaurant partners, Grab enhances user experiences and contributes to preserving and advancing Viet Nams culinary richness. Grab Vietnam has also collaborated with local tourism authorities to further introduce dining opportunities to both Grab users and travellers, supporting Viet Nam's culinary diversity, according to Trang.

Founder and Executive Chef of Nen Danang & Nen Light, Summer Le, highlighted her restaurant's sustainable initiatives, including utilising traditional ingredients, fostering talent development and preserving the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine through meaningful storytelling behind every dish.

As the first Vietnamese restaurant awarded a Michelin Green Star, she considered this accolade a responsibility to promote sustainability awareness. She emphasised that achieving sustainable culinary operations is feasible, even in large urban areas.

Co-founder and Head Chef of Gia Restaurant Sam Tran, emphasised the importance of a people-centred business philosophy, which she credits to Gias Michelin Star recognition. She highlighted continuous learning and teamwork as crucial to delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Gia embraces a 'fearless of change' approach, reflected in its regularly updated menu, ensuring diverse experiences for diners. As an expert in traditional Vietnamese cuisine, she regards herself as a cultural ambassador for Viet Nam.

The discussion illuminated the close relationship between culinary culture and mobility, demonstrating the immense potential to promote and develop Vietnamese cuisine globally. It also showcased the creativity and innovation of Viet Nams culinary community within an increasingly internationalised landscape.

This event is part of C asean Vietnams series of sessions to foster the development and connectivity of ASEAN communities through in-depth exchanges on culture, arts, talent development and sustainable business practices.  VNS
HA NOI  The four-day Viet Nam Defence Expo 2024 officially opened on Thursday morning at Gia Lam Airport in Ha Noi.

The event is part of the 80th anniversary of the Viet Nam People's Army (December 22, 1944-2024) and the 35th anniversary of the National All-People Defence Day.

Politburo Member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the opening ceremony, along with various senior leaders from the Party and the State of Viet Nam, while foreign guests include defence ministers from Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Thailand, Brunei, and Mongolia.

Held on a grand scale with the participation of over 2,000 officers and soldiers from the Vietnamese army, the highlights include the aerial salute by the Viet Nam People's Air Force, martial arts demonstrations by special operations forces, and displays of skills and training by border guard canine units.

In his address, PM Chinh emphasised the profound significance of the expo. Themed "Peace - Cooperation - Development," the exhibition serves as a prominent international event promoting defence diplomacy and cooperation across various fields for peace, stability, and development in the region and worldwide.

PM Chinh reiterated Viet Nam's commitment to peace, righteousness, and justice in international relations. He affirmed Viet Nam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, and diversification of partnerships, as well as its aspirations to be a good friend, a reliable partner to all countries, and a proactive, responsible member of the global community.

Viet Nam actively seeks to enhance defence cooperation to build trust, address common security challenges, deter conflicts and prevent wars, based on the principles of international law, contributing towards the goal of global peace, development and prosperity.

Drawing from its painful experiences of war, Viet Nam values friendship and peace, the Government leader noted.

He reiterated Viet Nam's steadfast pursuance of its "Four Nos" defence policy: no military alliances, no siding with one country against another, no letting foreign military bases or use of its territory against others, and no use or threat of force in international relations.

Viet Nam is dedicated to building a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern military force and strengthening its defence capabilities to protect the nation proactively. The country prioritises the advancement of a self-reliant and modern defence industry, integrating dual-use technologies to enhance both national security and economic development.

The 2nd edition of the Viet Nam Defence Expo, following the inaugural one in 2022, affirms Viet Nam's role in global defence cooperation and showcases trust, respect, and goodwill among nations for a peaceful and prosperous world. With the participation of 66 international delegations and over 240 defence enterprises from 49 countries, the event underscores Viet Nam's credibility and organisational capacity.

The exhibition also offers an opportunity to strengthen relationships, promote cultural exchange, and introduce Viet Nam's resilient, peace-loving, industrious, and hospitable people.

PM Chinh expressed his gratitude to international guests and enterprises for their participation and confidence in the exhibition's success. He highlighted the event's potential to foster collaboration, share technological advancements, and drive innovation in military trade.

This year, the exhibition area spans over 100,000 sq.mm including 15,000 sq.m of indoor exhibition space (double the size compared to 2022) and more than 20,000 sq.m of outdoor space.

The exhibition showcases a diverse range of military equipment, including aircraft, tanks, missiles, radar systems, drones, and firearms, from various countries, such as China, the United States, Russia, India, Israel, France, the UK, and Spain, among others.

The exhibition features demonstrations, product showcases, business networking, and technical seminars to promote international military trade and the exchange of expertise.

It also highlights Viet Nam's defence industry capabilities, traditions, and achievements over the past 80 years, and shares its defence policies and strategies.

The event fosters trust-building, expands international defence relations, and explores opportunities for collaboration in technology transfer, production, and equipment procurement.

It also serves as a platform to promote and publicise the capabilities and technological potential of weapons and equipment produced by Viet Nam's defence industry to international friends and the domestic public, while seeking opportunities to export defence industry products.

Many Vietnamese products on display at the exhibition are developed by agencies and units under the Ministry of National Defence, such as the General Department of Defence Industry, the Air Defence-Air Force Service, the Navy Service, the Military Technical Academy, the Viet Nam-Russia Tropical Center, the Armored Corps, the Chemical Corps, the Institute of Military Science and Technology, the Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel).

The event will open to the public from 9:00 am on December 21.  VNS
HAVANA  Divisional General Victor Leonardo Rojo Ramos, Chief of the Political Directorate of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, has expressed his admiration for the remarkable development of the Viet Nam Peoples Army which is marking its 80th founding anniversary on December 22.

In a recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency, he highlighted the VPAs historic triumphs, particularly the ien Bien Phu Victory in 1954 and victory on April 30, 1975, thanks to its sound attrition warfare strategy.

Following the successes, the force focused on national defence and reconstruction, he said. The Party and State have made unceasing efforts to modernise the armed forces through enhancing soldiers expertise and renovating military equipment. The nation and its military have made remarkable strides in advanced technologies such as drones and air defence systems, contributing to enhancing its ability to protect the people.

He went on to commend Viet Nam's Four Nos policy, describing it as a balance between maintaining peaceful diplomacy and ensuring territorial integrity. This policy, he noted, has become a valuable reference in international military doctrine.

Touching on the bilateral military cooperation, Ramos laid stress on the strong defence ties between Viet Nam and Cuba, rooted in their collaboration in the struggles against colonists and imperialists.

The cooperation, spanning military training, technical expertise, intelligence, science  technology, and logistics, is a vivid demonstration for the time-honoured friendship as well as shared ideological principles and struggles. It has been brought to a new high following the signing of bilateral military cooperation treaty over 40 years ago, he added.  VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam on Thursday attended and delivered a speech at a national teleconference held by the Party Central Committees Secretariat to sum up the Partys inspection and supervision activities in 2024 and put forward tasks for the following year.

The results of the Party's inspection, supervision, and discipline enforcement tasks in 2024 showed that Party committees at all levels have inspected 55,075 Party organisations and 308,028 Party members. Of the total, 1,709 organisations and 6,058 members have shown shortcomings or violations. As a result, 35 organisations and 189 members have to be disciplined, in which disciplinary measures have been imposed on seven organisations and 136 members.

The Party committees at all levels have also conducted inspections when there were signs of violations against 344 Party organisations and 2,379 Party members. Among those, 233 organisations have committed violations, and 98 have to be disciplined, with disciplinary measures already imposed on 71. There are 1,934 Party members found to have violated rules, 1,326 of whom have to be disciplined, and 1,210 have been already disciplined.

The inspection commissions at all levels have conducted inspections when there were signs of violations against 3,133 Party organisations and 8,123 Party members. Following the inspections, 2,228 organisations and 6,685 members have been found committing violations. As a result, 262 organisations and 2,716 members have to be disciplined, and disciplinary measures have been imposed on 191 Party organisations and 2,345 Party members.

They have also monitored the implementation of inspection and supervision tasks for 33,546 Party organisations. Results revealed that 1,854 Party organisations have not performed well the inspection and supervision tasks; 1,574 Party organisations have not effectively led and directed the implementation of these duties, and 518 others do not have inspection and supervision programmes.

Regarding the directions for 2025, Standing Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committees Inspection Commission Tran Van Ron stated that there will be a timely improvement of procedures related to the Party's disciplinary systems to ensure consistency with the new Party organisation model to better meet the requirements of the tasks set out./.
HA NOI  On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Viet Nam Peoples Army (December 22, 1944 - 2024) and the 35th anniversary of the All Peoples Defence Festival (December 22, 1989 - 2024), General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Military Commission To Lam has written an article titled Viet Nam Peoples Army  A pride of the nation.

The following is a translation of the article.

VIET NAM PEOPLES ARMY  A PRIDE OF THE NATION

1. The Viet Nam Peoples Army (VPA) was born from the people and fights for the people. Over 80 years of growing, fighting, winning, and maturing under the leadership, education, and training of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, from a small and rudimentarily equipped army, it has become a powerful army and, together with the people, created glorious victories and pride-worthy feats of arms, symbolising the Vietnamese peoples spirit of being determined to fight and determined to win, and becoming a pride of the Vietnamese Party, State, and people as well as peace-loving friends around the world.

On December 22, 1944, under the directive of leader Ho Chi Minh, in a forest located between the Hoang Hoa Tham and Tran Hung ao areas of Nguyen Binh District, Cao Bang Province, the Viet Nam Propaganda Unit of Liberation Army was established with 34 soldiers wearing simply brown pants and fabric shirts  the forerunner of the VPA, led by Comrade Vo Nguyen Giap. Shortly after its establishment, with support and assistance from the people, the Viet Nam Propaganda Unit of Liberation Army obtained the Phai Khat and Na Ngan victories, starting the tradition of winning one hundred victories in one hundred battles of the VPA. Under the Party and Uncle Ho's leadership, the Viet Nam Propaganda Unit of Liberation Army, together with the national salvation forces units and guerilla units, developed into the Viet Nam Liberation Army, which joined hands with people nationwide to launch a general uprising that led to the successful August Revolution in 1945, seizing power for the people and founding the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam  the first democratic state of the people in Southeast Asia, heralding a new era in the nations history  an era of independence and freedom.

In the resistance war against the French colonialist invaders, our Army grew quickly in every aspect. With the determination to fight, the determination to win, and the spirit of dying for the Fatherland to live, the army joined the entire people in the prolonged resistance war, defeating the enemys fighting fast and winning fast strategy and pacification and counter-attack plot, making brilliant feats of arms. The Winter - Spring strategic offensive (1953 - 1954), with the peak being the historic ien Bien Phu Victory that resounded across the five continents and shook the globe, forced the French Government to sign the Geneva Accords to restore peace in Indochina and withdraw troops; and completely liberated the North. The VPA became a pride and a bright example for national liberation movements around the world when, for the first time, a colonised country with a young army defeated a professional military equipped with modern weaponry of a colonial empire.

In the resistance war against the US  an imperialist country boasting world-leading economic and military strength together with a professional expeditionary force of powerful troops and commanders, under the brilliant and wise leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the VPA upheld their revolutionary nature and heroic tradition with the spirit of courage, intelligence, creativity and determination to fight and win. Implementing Uncle Hos direction of fighting until the US leaves and their puppet administration falls, the army overcame all difficulties, hardships and sacrifice, embodying the spirit of daring to fight, determined to fight, knowing how to fight, and knowing how to win. Together with the whole people, it smashed the USs Special Warfare, Localised Warfare, and Vietnamisation strategies; defeated two air and naval wars targeting the North and won the ien Bien Phu in the Air victory (December 1972); conducted the 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising culminating in the Ho Chi Minh campaign that marked the triumphant end of the resistance war, gloriously completed the mission of national liberation and reunification, and wrote a heroic and resounding chapter in the Ho Chi Minh era. The country entered a new era  that of peace, independence, and freedom with the nation advancing towards socialism.

Beyond securing independence for the nation and freedom for the people, the VPA actively carried out its noble international duties by helping the Lao people protect their revolutionary achievements and assisting the Cambodian people in escaping genocide and carrying out national revival. It also achieved victory in the wars defending the Fatherland along the southwestern and northern borders.

During the period of oi moi (renewal), the fine nature and tradition of the Uncle Hos soldiers, which were nurtured through two resistance wars, continue to shine in building and protecting the socialist nation.

The VPA has set prime example in implementing the Partys resolutions, directives and conclusions; made unceasing efforts, promoted solidarity and unity to overcome difficulties and challenges, and joined hands with the Party, the whole people and military to steadfastly defend the socialist nation in all situations. It has actively engaged in socio-economic development, taken care of the peoples lives, and unceasingly contributed to peace and stability in the region and the world. The image of military officers and soldiers who are always present in crucial, difficult, dangerous sites, braving dangers to themselves to protect the lives and property of the people, and actively promoting the mass mobilisation work, has further highlighted the noble qualities and traditions of the "Uncle Ho's Army, tightened solidarity and bonds between the military and people, built a solid peoples hearts and minds posture, and reinforced the peoples confidence in the Party, State and socialist regime. The presence of Vietnamese soldiers in international peacekeeping forces in many war-torn regions across the globe has demonstrated the VPAs new stature and strength.

The armys great accomplishments in the cause of national liberation, in defending and building the socialist Fatherland, and in fulfilling international duties over the past eight decades are attributed to: (i) The VPA is always under the absolute, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Party, embodying the nature of the Vietnamese working class and carrying the historical mission of the working class, people, and nation of Viet Nam. (ii) The VPA is an army of the people, by the people, and for the people; it bases on the strength of the people, maintains a close bond with them, and always has an aspiration for their prosperity and happiness; apart from serving the interests of the Fatherland and the people, our army has no other interests. (iii) The purpose of building the army is to defend the nation, secure independence for the nation and freedom for the people, safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, maintain peace and stability, and contribute to regional and global peace and stability. Our army fights for the only goal of successfully realising the ideals of the Party and the working class, for national independence, and for socialism. (iv) Generations of officers and soldiers, with their steel-like spirit and will, courage, intelligence, and unwavering determination, have never feared difficulties or sacrifices, while always raising high the flag of national independence, the people's freedom and happiness, and socialism. (v) Solidarity and support from international friends have contributed significantly to the strength of the VPA.

2. The world is undergoing a period of epochal changes, marking a pivotal moment to shape our future. Strategic competition among major powers is intensifying, posing increasing challenges to the peace, stability, and development of nations. This epochal transformation brings both new opportunities and challenges, with the latter outweighing the former. However, new opportunities can emerge in the blink of an eye amid sudden changes in the global situation and our task is to seize those opportunities to propel the country forward.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been changing operational methods and ways of warfare organisation, engagement and intervention by states, and various other aspects of military, security, and intelligence activities. Hostile forces, reactionaries, and political opportunists are relentlessly pursuing the "peaceful evolution" strategy with many insidious, sophisticated, and dangerous tricks. This situation demands increasingly higher requirements for the task of safeguarding the Fatherland. To meet these demands and fulfill the mission in the new stage, the People's Army must uphold its noble essence and the tradition of "Uncle Ho's Soldiers," focusing on several key tasks as follows:

Firstly, we must strengthen the absolute and direct leadership of the Party in all aspects, and unceasingly consolidate the working class nature and the people-oriented and national characteristics of the Army. The leadership of the Party is an immutable principle, an objective requirement, and the decisive factor in all victories in the cause of safeguarding the Fatherland and in the national defence task. In any circumstances, we must maintain and strengthen the absolute and direct leadership of the Communist Party in all aspects over the Army.

It is necessary to uphold the revolutionary nature; steadfastly pursue Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought in building and organising the implementation of the functions and tasks of the Army; and consolidate the unity between the working-class nature, people-oriented and national characteristics of the Army. They are the conditions to ensure that our Army will forever be a truly clean political and fighting force, absolutely loyal and trustworthy to the Party, State and people.

The Army must be filial to the people, have the responsibility to serve the people, serve the Fatherland, respect the people, be closely attached to the people, share the hardships and difficulties of the people, stand ready to sacrifice to save the people, and win the people's trust, respect and love, so that the people will remember the soldiers when they go, and love the soldiers when they stay.

The Army should stay united and closely coordinate with the People's Public Security to build and promote the people's heart position in the all-people national defence, and the all-people national defence position associated with the people's security, and the solid position of people's security.

Secondly, the Viet Nam People's Army must set example and take the lead in implementing the Party's resolutions, directives and conclusions, first of all Resolution No. 44-NQ/TW of the 13th Party Central Committee on the national defence strategy in the new situation.

It must keep abreast of and make accurate forecasts on the situation and prompt advice and effectively handle situations regarding defence, so that absolutely avoid to be passive and surprised in any situation. It should maintain independence and self-reliance; ensure the highest interests of the nation and people on the basis of fundamental principles of international law; firmly defend the socialist Fatherland early and from afar; resolutely and persistently protect the independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, seas, islands and airspace of the Fatherland.

The Army needs to actively mobilise and set examples for the people to well implement the Party's guidelines and the States policies and laws, carry out patriotic emulation movements and revolutionary tasks; firmly consolidate the great national unity bloc, and mobilise the peoples great strength in national building and safeguarding.

Thirdly, we must focus on building a truly pure, strong, elite, and modern People's Army that meets the requirements and tasks in the new era, an era of development and prosperity. Drastic measures should be taken to "build an elite, streamlined and strong army by 2025, laying a solid foundation to fulfil the 2030 goal of developing a revolutionary, regular, elite, modern military that is strong in politics, ideology, morality, organisation, and personnel," as outlined in the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress. We should build a modern army in the spirit of "people first, weapons second" and proactively make preparations in all aspects for modern warfare; take strong actions to master the space and promote intensive research to master water surface, ocean, and the seabed; develop air defence, air force, and control airspace, as well as effectively manage unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the air, at sea, and underwater robots.

It is necessary to build a politically strong army, with Party organisations that are clean and strong in politics, ideology, ethics, organisation, and personnel. Building a contingent of military officers who are absolutely "loyal to the country and the people," dedicate all their life to the ideals and objectives of the Party; wholeheartedly serve the homeland and the people, and always put the interests of the country, the nation, and the people above all; live modestly, honestly, and selflessly; dare to think, dare to act, dare to take responsibility, and dare to innovate for the common cause; and set examples in following the Party's policies.

Fourthly, the Viet Nam People's Army must contribute more to the implementation of the centennial strategic goals under the leadership of the Party, marking the 100th founding anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam), and the maintenance of peace and stability in the region and the world. In implementing the Partys strategic objectives, there are many difficulties and challenges alongside opportunities and advantages, which requires the entire Party, people, and armed forces with the VPA as one of the core forces, to seize opportunities and overcome challenges. The VPA must truly be a "fighting force," a "working force," and a "production force", with emphasis on further developing the role of the "production force" in the development of the defence industry within the broader framework of building an independent and self-reliant economy. It is necessary to enhance Viet Nam's contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world through the VPA's activities, firstly through defence cooperation to reinforce trust, minimise differences and conflicts, and active engagement in international search and rescue operations and United Nations peacekeeping missions.

With its glorious victories and great contributions to the cause of national liberation and safeguarding of the socialist homeland over the past 80 years, and with its revolutionary nature and tradition of "Uncle Ho's Soldiers," the VPA truly deserves to be the heroic army of the heroic Vietnamese nation, the pride of the Party, State and people of Viet Nam, and those loving peace, freedom, and justice worldwide.  VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary To Lam, Secretary of the Central Military Commission, hosted a reception in Ha Noi on Thursday for Chinese Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun and a delegation from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) that are in Viet Nam for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Viet Nam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the All People's Defence Festival (December 22).

Hailing Dong and the Chinese delegation's visit, General Secretary Lam described it as a strong commitment of the Party, Government, and PLA to the traditional friendship between the two Parties, States, and armies.

The visit helps materialise high-level common perceptions on strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation as a key pillar in Viet Nam-China relations, he said.

The top leader extended his regards to General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He congratulated China on its remarkable achievements during over 40 years of reform and opening up and in 2024, meeting its first centenary goal and advancing toward second centenary goal, contributing positively to regional and global peace and stability.

For his part, Dong conveyed the regards from Xi to Lam, and congratulated Viet Nam on the achievements that the Viet Nam People's Army (VPA) has made over the past 80 years. He expressed his confidence that under the steadfast leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam led by General Secretary Lam, Viet Nam will achieve new great successes in its renewal and socialist construction, realising its goals on the 100th founding anniversary of the country and Party.

General Secretary Lam affirmed that the Party, State, army, and people of Viet Nam always treasure the significant support from China throughout various historical periods, and highly value the substantial and breakthrough progress in relations between the two Parties, countries, and armies.

He noted that bilateral defence cooperation has been strengthened to become increasingly practical and effective, contributing to enhancing political trust, solidarity, and friendship between the two Parties, States, and armies, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples and making positive contributions to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

The leader asked the two Ministries of National Defence and armies to increase all-level exchanges and meetings, effectively implementing existing cooperation mechanisms, and exploring new areas of potential collaboration. He emphasised the need for expanding cooperation in political and ideological education, personnel training, and border defence, and better managing and settling disputes at sea based on high-level common perceptions and international law.

Dong affirmed that China always attaches great importance to the traditional friendship between the two Parties, States, and armies. He emphasised the PLA's readiness to implement high-level common perceptions and to work with the VPA to promote substantive and comprehensive cooperation, contributing to building a Viet Nam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.  VNS
VIENTIANE  Vietnamese Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh paid courtesy calls on Lao Party General Secretary and State President Thongloun Sisoulith, and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane on Thursday, as part of his working trip to the neighbouring country from December 18-20.

At the meetings, Ninh provided a comprehensive update on the progress of cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao justice ministries, the outcomes of their talks on December 18 and the agenda for the 6th expanded judicial conference of Vietnamese and Lao border provinces scheduled for the same day.

He highlighted the increasingly substantive and effective judicial and legal cooperation between the two ministries, with the regular exchange of experiences and mutual support in personnel training and the settlement of emerging legal issues.

According to the minister, the cooperation mechanism, established through the past five conferences, has been highly effective in quickly resolving legal issues and strengthening the relationship between the two nations.

The Vietnamese MoJ always offers all possible support to cooperation with its Lao counterpart to match the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, he said.

Thongloun, for his part, spoke highly of the effective legal and judicial cooperation mechanism between the two nations and ministries in recent years, believing that the inherent similarities and efforts of both sides would elevate their legal and judicial collaboration to a new height.

The Lao leaders suggested the MoJ share more experiences in the enforcement of civil judgments, particularly dealing with existing cases and legal issues related to border security and order.

Furthermore, they also underlined the importance of improving the legal system to address issues faced by the Government, such as land and mineral exploitation policies, to ensure both development and strict management.

At talks between Ninh and his Lao counterpart Phaivi Sibualipha in Vientiane a day earlier, the two sides discussed collaboration to contribute to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and people, making it more substantive and effective.

Ninh noted that to date, the provincial justice departments from 24 pairs of localities of the two countries, including 10 pairs of border provinces and six twinned provinces and cities, have signed cooperation agreements. Many of these deals, including civil registration, nationality services, legal aid, and grassroots mediation, have significantly improved the lives of residents along the shared border, including Lao citizens.

The conference offered a chance for the two sides to enhance the quality of legal activities, helping promote socio-economic development and ensure defence-security in each country, while vividly demonstrating the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

At the event, participants sought solutions to address legal challenges faced by border communities. They emphasised ensuring compliance with laws, supporting livelihoods, and protecting the rights and interests of residents on both sides of the border.

The same day, the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice's delegation visited the new headquarters of the Lao Ministry of Justice, and presented the ministry with 20 sets of computers and gifted the departments of justice of Lao localities with five others.  VNS
KHANH HOA  The south-central coastal province of Khanh Hoa is gradually establishing itself as a leading centre for marine aquaculture in Viet Nam based on its advantages of a coastline extending over 380km, sheltered bays and a history of marine research.

The province has long been home to numerous scientific research institutions focused on marine and ocean studies, while local communities have been engaged in seafood farming for generations.

According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, since 2021, Khanh Hoa has seen a growth in both the cultivation and harvest of aquatic products.

Fisheries are a key sector for the province's economic development strategy, contributing significantly to the shift in the agricultural economy and providing jobs for over 82,900 people, nearly 10 per cent of the region's total workforce.

Provincial authorities have been proactive in encouraging businesses to invest in industrial parks and bringing seafood processing factories to the area, such as in the Suoi Dau Industrial Park and the ac Loc-Nha Trang Industrial Park.

There are currently 64 seafood production and processing facilities in the province, concentrated in the Suoi Dau Industrial Park.

The facilities have been certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for meeting industry standards.

By the end of October, Khanh Hoa's seafood export turnover exceeded US$511 million.

The province is also recognised for its strong focus on research into sustainable aquaculture.

Khanh Hoa Province is home to several leading research institutions, including the Institute of Oceanography, the Research Institute for Agriculture No 3 and Nha Trang University.

The agencies have carried out in-depth studies, particularly on developing artificial breeding methods as well as sustainable and efficient aquaculture practices.

This research has contributed to marine environmental protection, helping to manage and maintain ecological balance in aquaculture areas.

It not only promotes sustainable growth within the seafood sector, but also helps safeguard natural resources for future generations.

Le Van Hoan, Deputy Director of the provinces agriculture department, said Khanh Hoa currently has four main aquaculture regions: Van Ninh District, Ninh Hoa Town, Cam Lam District and Cam Ranh City.

The primary species farmed include white leg shrimp, black tiger shrimp, marine fish, sea snail (Babylonia areolata) and crabs, with over 4,000ha dedicated to aquaculture each year.

Lobster and various marine fish species such as cobia, pompano, grouper and barramundi are the main species farmed in floating cages.

Pacific oysters, sea cucumbers, clam species, pearl oysters and seaweed are also economically viable for local farmers.

The total annual aquaculture production in Khanh Hoa exceeds 18,000 tonnes.

Challenges

However, marine aquaculture in the province faces several challenges.

The province currently has over 97,000 fish cages, concentrated in Van Ninh District, Cam Ranh City and Ninh Hoa Town.

For many years, local aquaculture has relied on traditional wooden cages (floating platforms) and metal cages (sinking cages).

But these methods are now outdated, and most farmers use fresh feed.

The stocking density in many areas is still suboptimal, leading to significant risks from environmental factors, natural disasters and disease outbreaks, particularly affecting lobsters.

For example, in April 2024, the provinces Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Division reported widespread deaths of farmed lobsters in floating cages in the Khai Luong and Ha Gia villages of Van Ninh District.

Tran Minh Hien, a lobster farmer in Khai Luong Village, said that the hot weather and fluctuating tides had caused ongoing lobster deaths, with around six to seven lobsters dying each day in his 1,000-lobster pond.

Similarly, Tran Trung Thong, Deputy Chairman of the People's Committee of Van Hung Commune, said that although lobster farming in the region had always faced losses, this year's mortality rate was notably higher.

Local authorities have worked with relevant agencies to collect samples for testing and to advise farmers on disease prevention.

High-tech marine farming

In January, 2022, the Politburo issued Resolution No 09-NQ/TW, setting out a vision for the development of the province by 2030, with a long-term outlook to 2045.

The Resolution advocates for a significant boost to the marine economy, particularly focusing on high-tech, environmentally friendly marine aquaculture.

In line with the vision, the provinces agriculture department has collaborated with the the Research Institute for Agriculture No 3 to develop and refine a pilot project for high-tech marine aquaculture in Khanh Hoa.

The project has an estimated budget of VN1 trillion ($29 million), including VN300 billion ($11.7 million) from the provincial budget and VN400 billion ($15.7 million) from farmers.

In mid-2023, the first high-tech marine aquaculture model was implemented in Cam Lap Commune, Cam Ranh City.

After a year, the project has been deemed successful, achieving its intended goals.

The report highlighted that the High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) cages used in the project performed better than traditional wooden cages, with an average profit margin of 172 per cent for cobia, 112 per cent for lobsters and 131.4 per cent for grouper.

This success sets the foundation for expanding the adoption of high-tech marine farming methods.

Nguyen Van Ty, a pioneer in cobia farming in open waters in Cam Lap, said that before switching to HDPE cages, farmers faced significant challenges with traditional floating platforms, especially in areas with strong waves and storms.

Operating wooden cages was cumbersome and unsuitable for larger-scale operations.

However, since adopting HDPE cages, farming has become much easier.

The sturdy and mobile HDPE cages are able to withstand environmental changes, ensuring the safety of marine farming in deep or high-wave areas.

Ty added that the HDPE cage system optimised farming space, saved time and effort and improved economic returns through reduced costs and enhanced seafood quality.

However, he pointed out that the high initial investment remained a significant barrier, with many farmers hesitant to make the switch.

Financial support

Nguyen Tan Tuan, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said the province would introduce financial support policies, including subsidised loans, to help fishermen transition from traditional cages to high-tech farming systems capable of withstanding storms of up to level 10-12, ensuring the safety of their assets.

The provincial authorities were also working on insurance policies for farmers in open-water aquaculture zones as well as accident insurance schemes.

Phung uc Tien, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, revealed that marine aquaculture farmers would soon be included in a Government loan survey as part of a loan package worth VN30 trillion ($1.17 billion).

The provincial People's Council will also develop policies to ease the difficulties farmers face in leasing sea water areas and securing loans.

This support will be crucial in rolling out the high-tech marine farming programme.

The implementation of the plan will occur in three phases.

Under the first phase, by the end of 2025, a 30ha area to serve marine aquaculture for 150 households will be established in Van Ninh District, Ninh Hoa Town and Nha Trang City, with an estimated investment of over VN75 billion ($2.94 million) from local budgets, enterprise support funds and farmers' contributions.

Under the second phase in 2026 and 2027, the plan will expand the high-tech farming model to 100ha for 500 households, with a total cost of VN225 billion ($8.8 million).

Under the third phase, expected to end in 2029, the model will be extended to 110ha for 550 households, with an estimated budget of VN245 billion ($9.6 million).

To encourage the adoption of high-tech marine aquaculture, Tuan emphasised the importance of ensuring high-quality breeding stock for farmers and good management of farming zones.

Additionally, the province should continue to implement supportive policies to motivate farmers to engage in the development of high-tech marine aquaculture.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ha Noi City Police Investigation Agency on Thursday morning announced its decision to initiate legal proceedings and detain a man with two prior convictions to investigate and handle his act of setting fire to a cafe, which resulted in multiple fatalities in Bac Tu Liem District late Wednesday night.

C.V.H., 51, residing in ai Mach Commune, ong Anh District, was accused of murder. The suspect had two prior convictions for robbery and theft.

At 11.03pm on Wednesday, the 114 Emergency Command Centre of the Ha Noi City Police received a report about a cafe fire at No.258 Pham Van ong Street, Co Nhue 2 Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, with multiple people trapped inside.

The police immediately deployed firefighting and rescue forces, including the Fire and Rescue Police, and police from Bac Tu Liem, Nam Tu Liem, Cau Giay, Thanh Xuan, and Tay Ho Districts, to the scene to coordinate with local authorities and residents in firefighting and rescue efforts.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Hai Trung, Director of the Ha Noi City Police, was present at the scene to directly oversee the rescue and firefighting operations. Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Secretary of the citys Party Central Committee, also arrived at the scene to direct local authorities, city departments and relevant agencies to promptly addressing the aftermath of the fire.

By 11.40pm the same day, the fire was brought under control.

Firefighters found 11 dead people and managed to rescue seven individuals, of whom five were in stable condition and two were taken to the hospital for emergency treatment.

Initial investigations by the police showed that the cafe was intentionally set on fire. The suspect was swiftly identified and arrested at approximately midnight on Thursday.

At the police station, C.V.H. initially confessed that after drinking beer at the cafe, he got into an argument with the staff. He then purchased gasoline, poured it onto the first floor of the cafe where multiple motorcycles were parked, and set it on fire.

After seeing the flames spread, he fled the scene.

Trung, the Director of the Ha Noi City Police, has ordered the Investigation Agency to quickly investigate and clarify the motives of the crime. The victims identities are also being verified.

Additionally, he has directed relevant units and Bac Tu Liem District Police to coordinate with city departments and agencies to visit and provide assistance to the victims' families. VNS
HA NOI  Among the four people currently receiving emergency treatment following the deadly cafe arson case in Ha Noi late Wednesday night that resulted in 11 deaths, the condition of two patients is deteriorating.

Nguyen Thanh, Director of the Ha Nois 115 Emergency Centre, said that immediately after receiving information about the cafe fire at 258 Pham Van ong Street, Co Nhue 2 Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, the centre dispatched nine ambulances with 31 medical personnel, along with two ambulances from E Hospital and Nam Thang Long Hospital, to the scene.

Four people were injured with three suffering from smoke inhalation at the E Hospital and one with severe burns at 198 Military Hospital.

Of the three victims with smoke inhalation, two are in more serious condition, with their health worsening, likely due to carbon dioxide poisoning.

Medical staff are currently utilising all available resources to provide the best possible emergency care and treatment for the victims.

At the funeral home of the Ministry of Public Securitys 19-8 Hospital, dozens of relatives of the victims of the cafe fire sat in grief, waiting for identification results and the release of the bodies to bring them home for burial.

Authorities are urgently conducting examinations and legal procedures for victim identification and handover.

As of noon on Thursday, four victims have been identified by their families, and their remains have been handed over to relatives by the authorities.

PM urges investigation into deadly cafe fire

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday morning signed an official dispatch requiring an urgent investigation into the tragic fire.

On behalf of the Government, the Prime Minister extended his profound condolences to the families of the victims.

He urged the Minister of Public Security to direct the functional forces to coordinate with the citys People's Committee to focus on overcoming the consequences, promptly investigate the case and strictly handle any violator according to legal provisions.

The police units and localities were asked to continue to seriously and effectively implement the directives of the Party and State in ensuring security and order and preventing and combating crimes and violations of the law.

The People's Committee was required to organise visits to offer timely encouragement and support and create the best conditions to help the families of the victims.

The Government leader also urged the Ministry of Health to instruct medical examination and treatment facilities to create the best conditions to treat the injured.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long inspected the scene and directed the work of overcoming the consequences of the fire and visited the injured victims under treatment at Hospital E.

Chairman of the Ha Nois People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh directed relevant units to visit and provide material and emotional support to the families of the victims.

He also urged local authorities and communities to intensify awareness campaigns, encouraging households and those combining residential and business spaces to equip and install early fire warning systems to prevent risks and damage caused by fires and explosions.

Nguyen Thanh Cong, 44, a resident of Co Nhue 2 Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, recounted that he was preparing to go to bed when he heard ambulance sirens.

He rushed to the scene, about 300 metres from his home, and saw flames engulfing the first floor, where motorcycles were parked in front of the cafe.

The fire was massive, blocking all exits, and the smell of gasoline was overwhelming. People shouted to alert those inside to escape, but there was no response, Cong said.

Some other residents near the scene also reported that the fire was discovered quickly as it was not too late at night when the incident occurred. However, by the time people arrived, the fire had already spread fiercely, making it impossible to extinguish.

The Ha Nois Police Investigation Agency previously announced its decision to launch legal proceedings against a 51-year-old man to investigate and handle his act of setting fire to the cafe.

At the police station, C.V.H., residing in ai Mach Commune, ong Anh District, initially confessed that after drinking beer at the cafe, he got into an argument with some of the customers in the cafe and got beaten up by them (different from the initial statements that the conflict was between H. and the staff). In anger, he then went out, purchased gasoline, poured it onto the first floor of the cafe where multiple motorcycles were parked, and set it on fire.

After seeing the flames spread, he fled the scene.

He was then arrested and accused of murder.  VNS
Chinas strengthening marine capacity contributes to global trade, development

08:44, December 19, 2024 By Wang Yi ( Global Times

(Illustration: Xia Qing/GT)

In its efforts to build into a strong maritime country, China is solidifying its leading position in global shipping and trade capacity. Initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), along with the promotion of green shipping, are strengthening China's maritime capabilities and making positive contributions to global trade and development. These efforts enhance the efficiency of global supply chains, reduce logistics costs, and offer substantial benefits to developing countries.

After overtaking Greece last August to become the world's largest maritime fleet owner in terms of gross tonnage (GT), China is solidifying its position as the world's largest shipowning nation, pulling nearly 30 million GT ahead of Greece, the latest data from global shipping information provider Clarksons Research showed, industrial information site Maritimebell reported on Monday.

Currently, China's commercial fleet has reached 282.9 million GT, while Greece holds second place with 254 million GT. Chinese shipowners have a significantly larger orderbook, totaling 46.7 million GT, compared to Greece's 35.4 million GT, according to Maritimebell.

This trend significantly enhances China's competitiveness in international trade. A strong commercial fleet is improving China's cargo transportation capacity and reducing logistics costs. Meanwhile, the growing strength of this fleet also fosters economic connections and trade cooperation between China and other nations.

The enhancement of China's shipping capacity and its efforts to facilitate global trade are making a significant contribution to global trade, particularly amid the uncertainties facing globalization and marine transportation.

With foreign trade shipping volume accounting for around one-third of the world's total shipping volume, the considerable improvement in China's cargo transportation capabilities has stabilized global trade and provided crucial support for the trade development of developing countries and emerging economies, contributing to world development. In this sense, China distinguishes itself from Western nations, underscoring its crucial role in the global trade system.

For developing countries and emerging economies, China's advancements in marine transportation capacity offer numerous advantages. While enhanced transportation networks reduce shipping costs, facilitating greater participation in the global market for these nations, China's improved logistics systems have expedited the movement of goods, resulting in shorter delivery times and allowing products from developing countries to access international markets more swiftly. As transportation capacity improves, the industrial chains in developing countries can also expand and upgrade, promoting diversified economic development.

Initiatives like the BRI have fostered closer trade ties between China and numerous countries, promoting regional economic interconnectivity and integration. China's expertise and technological advancements in logistics and transportation can serve as valuable references for other developing nations, helping them enhance their own transportation capabilities.

The Chancay Port, which was inaugurated on November 14 in Peru, is not only an important project under Belt and Road cooperation, but also the first smart and green port in South America. The first phase of the project, when completed, will reduce the sea shipping time from Peru to China to 23 days, thus cutting logistics costs by at least 20 percent, Xinhua reported.

China will continue to deepen maritime cooperation with countries participating in the BRI cooperation, advocating for new solutions for international port and shipping connectivity. Efforts will be made to improve cooperation and communication mechanisms in areas such as customs clearance integration and logistics and warehousing integration.

China's efforts to strengthen its marine capacity and related initiatives aimed at boosting global trade cooperation will remain vital to enhancing the trade capabilities of developing countries. These initiatives are expected to significantly contribute to their economic growth and facilitate their integration into the global economy.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Elizabeth Zavala covers federal courts for the Express-News. She can be reached at ezavala@express-news.net.

Zavala is a veteran reporter who has been a journalist for nearly 40 years. She joined the Express-News in 2013 and covered the Bexar County criminal courts for nine years. Liz grew up on the near West Side. She graduated from Fox Tech High School and Texas Womans University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism.

Liz has worked in various reporting and editing positions at five daily newspapers in Texas, including The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Denton Record-Chronicle.
The overview of the third Vietnam Manufacturing Investment Summit

The annual event, organised by the China-India-Vietnam Mobile Electronics Business Association and Vietnam Investment Consulting, brought together nearly 500 delegates from government agencies, investment consulting firms, and manufacturing businesses in Vietnam, China, South Korea, and other countries.

At the summit, Amata Vietnam engaged with guests and experts in finance and investment to seek strategic partnerships and expand its network with prominent businesses in the electronics and multinational manufacturing sectors.

Le Ngoc Tram, sales director of Amata City Halong along with other delegates

With nearly 30 years of experience in industrial real estate development in Vietnam, Amata proudly showcased its projects spanning the northern, central, and southern regions. Two notable projects include Amata City Halong (Song Khoai Industrial Park (IP), and Amata City Long Thanh (Long Thanh High-Tech IP).

Located in Quang Yen Coastal Economic Zone, Amata City Halong is a prime investment destination in northern Vietnam due to its rapid development. Within seven years of receiving its investment registration certificate, Amata City Halong has attracted 19 multinational projects with a total investment of $2.9 billion. Most of these are high-tech, environmentally friendly enterprises like Jinko Solar (Hong Kong), Foxconn (Taiwan), and Autoliv (Sweden).

Factories at Song Khoai Industrial Park

In the south, Amata City Long Thanh is gaining significant interest from domestic and international businesses. To date, six secondary investors have been granted investment registration certificates at the IP, with a total investment of nearly $200 million.

Strategically located with direct connections to Ho Chi Minh City  Long Thanh  Dau Giay Expressway and just 10km from Long Thanh International Airport, Amata Long Thanh is an ideal investment destination in the south of Vietnam. By the end of 2024, Amata City Long Thanh is expected to pull in three tenants, increasing total investment by $60 million.

Factories under construction and in the pipeline at Amata Long Thanh

It can be seen that Amata's IPs in Vietnam continue to grow rapidly, attracting more and more manufacturing projects and creating thousands of jobs for the local community.

Through the Vietnam Manufacturing Investment Summit, Amata's commitment to the sustainable development, Amata Vietnam aims to boost its investment cooperation network while affirming its position as an ideal destination for domestic and international investors.

Amata Vietnam scoops accolade for green transformation efforts Amata Vietnam was honoured for its outstanding green transformation strategies at the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2024 on July 30 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Amata fosters economic ties between Vietnam and Thailand Amata Vietnam welcomed a delegation from the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association on September 13, led by the association's president Nguyen Van Thanh to attend a luncheon at Amata Corporation in the eastern province of Chonburi in Thailand.
DongA Bank could be close to a similar transfer, as urged by the government, photo Le Toan

Last week, troubled lender Oceanbank announced a transformative phase, with plans for rebranding and new leadership following its compulsory transfer to Military Bank (MB). MB, which took over the struggling zero-VND bank nearly a month ago, has outlined a strategic roadmap to revitalise the institution.

Starting December 18, Oceanbank will be renamed Vietnam Modern One Member Limited Liability Commercial Bank (MBV). In addition to the rebranding, MB has appointed senior executives to key leadership positions at MBV. MB personnel assumed the roles of chairman and general director from December 10.

This development comes on the heels of a historic milestone in October, when Vietnam successfully executed two mandatory banking transfers under a newly introduced mergers and acquisitions (M&A) framework.

Besides the OceanBank-MB deal, Vietnam Construction Bank was transferred to Vietcombank. The framework, made possible by the amended Law on Credit Institutions which took effect in July, provided the legal foundation for these complex transactions.

Assoc. Prof. Dinh Trong Thinh said, The new regulations not only safeguard depositors rights but also protect shareholders and customers at acquiring banks. However, addressing the challenges of weak banks post-transfer could take 7-10 years.

Following these transfers, MB and Vietcombank are exploring various strategies for their newly acquired banks. Options include full integration into parent operations, maintaining them as independent subsidiaries, or transferring them to new investors.

Concurrently, the government has urged the State Bank of Vietnam to expedite similar transfers for other underperforming banks, such as GPBank and DongA Bank, with deals anticipated to close by the end of the year. Other banks, including VPBank and HDBank, have also announced plans to acquire struggling institutions, reflecting the governments commitment to stabilising the sector.

At VPBanks AGM in April, deputy CEO Pham Thi Nhung said, We are fully prepared to mobilise our resources and will begin restructuring the acquired bank immediately after the transfer is completed.

While domestic investors dominate Vietnams banking M&A market, foreign participation remains limited. Notable domestic transactions include Thanh Cong Groups acquisition of a 40 per cent stake in PGBank through affiliated companies in April 2023, and Gelex Groups purchase of a 10 per cent stake in Eximbank earlier this year.

Foreign investor involvement has faced hurdles, with key deals being delayed. Both BIDV and Vietcombank postponed plans to raise $1 billion each through private placements to international investors, shifting their targets to 2025. Vietcombank remains committed to its private placement strategy, although progress has been slower than anticipated.

Meanwhile, Techcombank is actively seeking a foreign strategic partner for a 15 per cent stake.

Speaking to Bloomberg TV in November, CEO Jens Lottner said, Techcombank, as Vietnams largest publicly listed private bank, has always prioritised strategic partnerships. While we previously sought investors to strengthen our capital base, we are now focused on acquiring expertise, particularly in technology and access to trade corridors. A 15 per cent stake is a figure we are realistically considering offering to the right partner.

Weak bank reform to facilitate expansion activities A number of domestic banks are planning to restructure distressed zero-VND banks, but experts warn that the process is fraught with significant risks, such as rising non-performing loans and unresolved debts.
Carbon markets could unlock a total revenue of $3 trillion for Southeast Asian countries by 2050, according to a joint report by carbon market platform Abatable, the ASEAN Alliance for Carbon Markets, and advisory firm Equatorise.

Businesses pivotal in offsetting carbon measures in Vietnam, Source: freepik.com

The cumulative revenue of $3 trillion could be generated through the reduction or removal of emissions equivalent to 1.1 gigatonnes per year of CO2, stated the December 4 report. The amount is made up of estimated potential total values of reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation markets at $27 billion annually, blue carbon markets at $96 billion per year, and biochar carbon markets at $144 billion per year by 2050.

Southeast Asia has significant potential to supply carbon credits through nature-based solutions, the report added. A novel type of project that the region can look into is biochar, which is created from agricultural or forestry residues, of which ASEAN has in abundance.

The projected amount is significant when considering the wider Asia-Pacific region needs at least $1.1 trillion per year in climate financing but is facing a shortfall of at least $815 billion per year.

Vietnam will operate its carbon credit market on a trial basis during 2025-2028 without any sales to non-nationals, as well as regulations on credit exchanges with regional and global markets. Over the three years, international transactions will not be made, except for carbon exchange activities under international agreements.

From 2029, the market will be fully operated across the nation, with a study of the ability to link up with international markets. It aims to improve the competitive edge of Vietnamese firms both domestically and internationally, branching out a low-carbon economy, and responding to climate change towards the net-zero target by 2050.

Several manufacturers in Vietnam are getting to work for GHG emission mitigation. Binu Jacob, CEO of Nestle Vietnam, emphasised that sustainability is an essential part of the companys long-term business strategy.

Nestle has implemented a comprehensive strategy to reduce carbon emission levels, optimise supply chains, and invest in renewable energy in Vietnam. However, 90 per cent of businesses in Vietnam still lack in-depth knowledge and clear direction in this area.

We have developed a specific roadmap to achieve this goal. In 2020, Nestle announced a net-zero roadmap based on the Science-Based Targets Initiative to reduce emissions. This plan allows us to leave behind the highest carbon emissions and achieve positive results towards the GHG reduction target of reducing by 20 per cent by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050, Jacob said.

In Vietnam, Nestle contributes to sustainable development goals in agriculture, water resource management, promoting the circular economy, health and nutrition, and efforts to empower women.

According to Nguyen Dinh Tho, general director of the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, establishing a carbon credit market is an important solution to fulfil the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Specifically, priority sectors for emission reduction include food and agriculture, construction, transportation, and textiles and garments.

The carbon market is not only an important tool to reduce emissions but also opens up financial opportunities for developing countries, Tho stressed. At COP29, developed countries committed to provide $300 billion per year to support developing countries, but this amount is still insufficient to meet the actual needs, estimated to reach up to $2.4 trillion per year by 2035.

He stated that failing to meet international standards could lead to serious economic losses, especially as international export market regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. In the textile and garment sector, Vietnam has lost 10 per cent of revenue from late 2021 to 2023, equivalent to $5 billion, for not meeting green standards compared to Bangladesh, Tho said.

Nguyen Quang Vinh, vice chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and chairman of the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development, believed that businesses play an increasingly important role in sustainable development in globalisation.

Quantifying carbon emissions and implementing offset measures not only meet the urgent requirements of the era but also a key factor to help businesses survive and thrive in the green economy, Vinh said. Therefore, close cooperation between the business sector and state management agencies is essential to minimise impacts on biodiversity and ensure a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Vietnam needs skilled workers to drive carbon credit market growth Industry experts have emphasised the critical importance of building a skilled workforce and establishing a strong legal framework as Vietnams emerging carbon credit market gains momentum.

Supporting a green strategy for the automotive industry With 6.5 million cars and 74 million motorcycles, Vietnam is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from road transport in Southeast Asia, following Indonesia. Emissions from road vehicles in the country are rising rapidly, with an average annual increase of about 15 per cent over the past decade.
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Compensation and benefits have always been key factors in employee satisfaction. However, as workforce needs evolve, these elements will undergo significant shifts.

Guided by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, businesses will need to rethink their approach to meet basic material needs and address psychological safety, personal development, and recognition, ensuring a more holistic and motivating work environment.

Level 1: physiological needs  competitive salary

Salary and compensation should directly reflect on performance, meaning pay should reflect results rather than just the number of hours worked, said Minh Man, a 29-year-old office worker.

Historically, salary and benefits were regarded as the most decisive factors in employees' job choices. However, in the modern workplace, the appeal of compensation extends beyond mere numbers. It now relies on fairness and transparency in performance evaluation. A well-defined performance assessment system empowers employees with clear expectations, guiding them on how to achieve bonuses or salary increments, thereby fostering motivation and driving higher performance.

Nguyen Thi Quynh Phuong, head of Human Capital Solutions at Talentnet said that pay transparency will be a winning factor in every organisations pay strategy in 2025. Incentive-based rewards, such as KPI bonuses, project success bonuses, and promotion opportunities tied to achievements, are effective ways to motivate employees to reach their full potential, hence, help companies to retain their best talent.

Level 2: safety needs  mental health enhancement

Mental health benefits are becoming a critical focus for businesses aiming to enhance employee satisfaction and retention. Modern employee benefit programmes are no longer limited to basic health insurance but are now personalised to meet the diverse needs of both employees and their families.

59 per cent of employers recognise family-oriented benefits as a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent. One example is the extension of health insurance coverage to include employees' spouses and children, rather than restricting it to the employee alone.

By shifting the focus to the wellbeing of employees' families, businesses foster a deeper sense of stability and emotional support. This is especially crucial in an era of heightened workplace pressures, where mental health directly impacts employee performance and organisational engagement. Companies that prioritise holistic well-being not only boost employee morale but also strengthen long-term loyalty and productivity within the workforce.

Level 3: belonging needs  SuperCollaboration is key

AI improves meeting efficiency, offers quick chatbots, and enhances team coordination

Beyond improving communication and team collaboration, AI plays a significant role in boosting employee performance. A Harvard study found that employees using AI tools can increase their work quality by up to 40 per cent compared to those without AI support. By leveraging AI for routine tasks, employees can focus on more high-impact work, meeting the demands of their roles with greater ease and securing their relevance in an evolving job market.

At the same time, the collaboration between humans and technology, particularly AI, has become a critical issue that businesses must address. Companies can no longer simply view AI as a tool to assist employees; they must embrace the concept of SuperCollaboration (a concept innovated by James Taylor, a keynote speaker at The Makeover 2024) - a close partnership between humans and technology. This means that in the future, AI will not only support tasks but also participate in decision-making, creativity, and process improvement. Businesses must create environments where both humans and AI can develop together, supporting each other, instead of viewing AI solely as a tool.

Level 4: esteem needs  real-valued impact of a company

Employees today are no longer just looking for a paycheck; they aspire to contribute to something meaningful. By implementing ESG principlessuch as investing in green technology and developing carbon reduction strategies - companies create sustainable value and empower employees to feel proud of their contributions, knowing that their work drives tangible and positive change. With ESG-related assets projected to reach $53 trillion by 2025, ESG is not only an inevitable trend in global decisions but also strengthens the alignment between corporate missions and employees' personal aspirations.

To effectively engage employees, organisations must integrate ESG into the entire employee lifecycle - from recruitment and training to career development and recognition. Programmes focused on green skill development, internal ESG initiatives, and structured career paths in ESG enhance employee loyalty and inspire greater commitment.

When employees see their efforts aligned with a greater purpose, they develop a stronger sense of self-esteem, increased productivity, and deeper loyalty towards long-term sustainability goals. By prioritising ESG, companies can create a workplace where employees feel valued, inspired, and motivated to make a meaningful difference, Quynh Phuong said.

Level 5: Self-actualisation needs  EQ leadership

One of the most effective ways to foster respect within an organisation is through leadership that demonstrates emotional intelligence (EQ). EQ leadership goes beyond recognising and managing ones own emotions - it involves understanding and connection with others on an emotional level. Leaders with high EQ know how to listen, show empathy, and build trust within their teams, ensuring that every employee feels respected and valued.

EQ leadership is about listening, showing empathy, and building trust to make everyone feel valued

Leadership is not just about strategy; it's about connection. At Talentnet, we believe that EQ is the foundation for extraordinary leadership, which is why we offer EQ courses that inspire growth, build trust, and unlock the power of compassionate leadership, Phuong said.

These five aforementioned HR needs are expected to continue shaping the labour market in 2025, driving significant changes. However, depending on each companys strategic goals and priorities, HR departments should tailor their plans accordingly. It may also be beneficial to consult professional HR advisory services to ensure they are not simply following trends, but instead aligning strategies with the companys actual needs.

Elevate your HR strategy with Talentnet. As your strategic HR partner, we offer comprehensive solutions to optimise your workforce, boost productivity, and drive business growth. Discover how Talentnet can transform your HR function. Visit https://tinyurl.com/53tpbuwx to learn more.

HR firm Talentnet increasing regional footprint Human resources (HR) consultancy Talentnet opened a new branch in Cambodia and a representative office in Singapore in January in a bid to expand its business and to assist Vietnamese firms more effectively in finding growth opportunities in new markets.

The Makeover 2024 promises to unlock green-growth secrets The Makeover is an annual event taking place in Ho Chi Minh City on October 15 and 16 with the participation of more than 20 innovation strategists and people management experts from leading global enterprises.
The scene of the fire (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 19 signed an official dispatch requiring an urgent investigation into a cafe fire that killed 11 persons in Co Nhue 2 ward, Hanois Bac Tu Liem district, at night a day earlier.

The dispatch, sent to the ministers and heads of ministerial-level agencies, and the Chairpersons of the Peoples Committees of Hanoi, and other centrally-run cities and provinces, notes that at around 11pm on December 18, an arson attack caused a fire in the cafe, resulting in serious consequences and dozens of casualities.

On behalf of the Government, the Prime Minister extended his profound condolences to the families of the victims.

He urged the Minister of Public Security to direct the functional forces to coordinate with the Hanoi People's Committee to focus on overcoming the consequences, promptly investigate the case, strictly handle any violator according to legal provisions.

The police units and localities were asked to continue to seriously and effectively implement the directives of the Party and State in ensuring security and order, and preventing and combating crimes and violations of the law.

The Hanoi People's Committee was required to organise visits to offer timely encouragement, and material and spiritual support, and create the best conditions to help the families of the victims, and well treat the injured.

The Government leader also urge the Ministry of Health to instruct medical examination and treatment facilities to create the best conditions to treat the injured.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long inspected the scene, and directed the work of overcoming the consequences of the fire and visited the injured victims under treatment at Hospital E.

The Hanoi city Police Investigation Agency previously announced its decision to launch legal proceedings against a 51-year-old man to investigate and handle his act of setting fire to the cafe.

At the police station, C.V.H., residing in Dai Mach commune, Dong Anh district, initially confessed that after drinking beer at the cafe, he got into an argument with the staff. He then purchased gasoline, poured it onto the first floor of the cafe where multiple motorcycles were parked, and set it on fire. After seeing the flames spread, he fled the scene.

He was then arrested, and accused of murder.
The carbon market is considered a vital tool for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and driving the green transition. However, it is still relatively new in Vietnam. What is your assessment of the current situation and scale of the carbon market?

Nguyen Thanh Cong, deputy head of the Department of Climate Change Economics and Information, at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

The global carbon credit market has been very active since the Kyoto Protocol was established in 1997 and continues to grow strongly, with countries and regions having rolled out mandatory carbon credit trading systems, reaching a total value of $104 billion in 2023. The European Union and China are typical examples, while the US has regional markets like California.

In South Korea, the carbon market has been in place since 2015. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia are either planning or already implementing this market.

Vietnam has been participating in the carbon market since 2005 through the Clean Development Mechanism. In terms of the number of projects, Vietnam is currently ranked fourth in the world, with over 250 projects and more than 40 million carbon credits generated from related projects.

In addition, Vietnam also has bilateral mechanisms such as the Joint Crediting Mechanism with Japan, through the establishment of its own carbon standards or voluntary international standards such as the Gold Standard and Verified Carbon Standard.

Vietnam is also expected to establish a market in the future after completing its legal framework and raising awareness and capacity among businesses. The period from now to 2027 will serve as a testing phase for the carbon market in Vietnam, focusing on major emitting sectors such as energy and industry.

It is forecast that by 2035, the carbon market in Vietnam will become an important part of the strategy for green and sustainable economic development, contributing to the carbon neutrality goal.

What is the relationship between the compliance carbon market and the voluntary carbon market?

The carbon market includes both mandatory markets and voluntary markets. The mandatory carbon market is one where carbon credit trading is based on commitments from countries or regions regarding climate change within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to achieve GHG reduction targets. The participants in this market are mainly large emission facilities, not all businesses or facilities across the market.

The voluntary carbon market operates outside the mandatory market, allowing organisations, businesses, and individuals to trade carbon credits in accordance with standards recognised by the market and internationally, on a voluntary basis to meet emission reduction commitments.

In the voluntary market, the scope is broader, encouraging investment participation by businesses, creating a link between the compliance and voluntary markets. When a business is allocated a quota, if they wish to emit more, they must purchase additional quotas from the market or buy credits from the voluntary mechanism.

South Korea allows businesses to use 10-15 per cent of carbon credits to offset exceeding their quota. For example, if a company is allocated 100 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 100 quotas, they can buy an additional 15 credits to emit 115 tonnes of CO2. Additionally, many companies worldwide, such as Nestle and Coca-Cola, have their own net-zero commitments, investing in reducing GHG emissions or purchasing credits to offset their emissions.

What policies has Vietnam put in place to organise and develop the carbon market?

The carbon market in Vietnam has great potential, but it still faces many problems in its development, particularly regarding legal factors, technical infrastructure, business awareness, and financial resources.

The development of the carbon market was regulated in the Law on Environmental Protection 2014 (LEP), focusing on the international market. The 2020 version of the law also addresses the organisation and development of the domestic market. Vietnam will establish two: one for compliance, related to the allocation of GHG emission quotas, and one voluntary market, which sets carbon standards for businesses to voluntarily participate in creating credits.

In 2022, the government detailed several provisions of the LEP, especially regarding the roadmap for developing the carbon credit market and the responsibilities of stakeholders to organise and develop it domestically. Facilities were to submit information regarding their activities to specialised agencies in 2024 so that these agencies can assist in calculating the results of GHG inventories. Starting from 2025, businesses must independently calculate and submit their data for local authorities to verify and report to relevant agencies.

The first step in developing the carbon market is to establish information and data systems to allocate GHG emission quotas to businesses.

The government has listed requirements for businesses and facilities emitting GHGs to conduct inventories. Currently, over 2,150 businesses across industry, construction, transport, agriculture, and forestry are reporting on their GHG inventories.

Based on the 2025 carbon market pilot, Vietnam will expand the markets scope by 2028 and officially launch the market. By 2050, it will consider connecting Vietnams carbon market with regional markets.

Towards 2026, the government plans to allocate free quotas to about 150 businesses in the thermal power, steel, and cement sectors. The initial quota allocation will be based on GHG inventory data and business output.

To promote the development of the voluntary market, the Vietnamese government also allows businesses to use up to 20 per cent of carbon credits to offset their GHG emission quotas. This percentage is relatively high compared to international markets, such as China 10 per cent or South Korea around 15 per cent.

For the domestic voluntary market, ministries and specialised agencies will propose carbon standards for each sector and support Vietnamese businesses to invest in and develop projects and sell credits on carbon exchanges managed and developed by the Ministry of Finance.

Vietnam capable of earning 200 million USD per year from carbon credit trade Vietnam is capable of selling some 40 million carbon credits for a revenue of 200 million USD annually, the Department of Forestry has calculated.

Revealing the truth about the carbon credit market Carbon credits have recently made headlines in Vietnam, with the concept often surrounded by overblown expectations of an easy option, or suspicions of what feel unlikely attempts to cancel out greenhouse gas emissions.

Suggestions pour in for carbon credit development There is an urgent need for rules to develop Vietnams carbon credit market, given the countrys significant potential to generate carbon credits from its vast forests and numerous greenhouse gas reduction projects.

Key components can provide basis for carbon credit market Companies in Vietnam must begin to report their carbon inventory and participate in carbon credit exchanges. Lam Nguyen Hoang Thao, senior associate at Russin & Vecchi, provides deep analysis of the issue.

Vietnam needs skilled workers to drive carbon credit market growth Industry experts have emphasised the critical importance of building a skilled workforce and establishing a strong legal framework as Vietnams emerging carbon credit market gains momentum.
Tram Tau hot spring in the northwestern province of Yen Bai (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  Australians are continuing to travel in record numbers with the latest data revealing Vietnam as one of the three top-growth destinations, according to the Singapore-based asianaviation.com on December 16.

Citing the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA)s December Travel Trends report, the site cited the most recent data as showing that in October alone, 1.66 million Australians departed for international destinations, a 12.1% increase against the same month last year.

Japan recorded an astounding 73.8 per cent year-on-year growth (567,330 Australians travelling as of late October compared to the same period the previous year). Vietnam was up 35.4 per cent (423,630), and Indonesia was up 26 per cent (1,644,010).

ATIA Director of Membership and Industry Affairs Richard Taylor said destinations like Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia are seeing unprecedented growth. These figures highlight the evolving preferences of Australian travellers. Leisure travel is driving this surge, with 63.6% of Australians travelling for holidays.
Vietnam SuperPort, UTT, and the Singapore Supply Chain and Logistics Academy (SCALA) signed an MoU on December 17 to set up an advanced laboratory and launch initiatives aimed at preparing workers for Vietnams logistics sector.

The signing ceremony, witnessed by Nguyen Khac Hieu, Deputy Chairman of Vinh Phuc Provincial Peoples Committee, his excellency Jaya Ratnam, Singapores Ambassador to Vietnam, along with representatives from Vietnam Superport, UTT, and SCALLA, saw the three parties agree to collaborate on initiatives designed to enhance the quality of logistics staff, developing them in a modern, intelligent, and sustainable direction.

Yap Kwong Weng, CEO of Vietnam SuperPort, said, The collaboration aligns with Vietnam SuperPorts development strategy and its commitment to enhancing Vietnams logistics industry capabilities. The joint laboratory supports innovation and helps stakeholders meet new demands from the workforce and Vietnams pursuit for logistics excellence.

Located at UTTs Vinh Phuc campus, the laboratory will serve as a centre for innovation and digital technology, focusing on the application of AI, digital transformation, and sustainable development. The undertaking will offer training programmes for high-quality personnel and organise industry-specific conferences and seminars. Moreover, it will provide a platform for students, scholars, and industry professionals to conduct scientific research, while offering academic and practical insights to support the development of strategies and policies for Vietnams logistics sector.

Nguyen Manh Hung, vice rector of UTT, said, "Logistics is now considered one of the key economic sectors, playing a critical role in Vietnams development. With the accelerating pace of international economic integration, the demand for high-quality workers with profound deep expertise and the ability to apply modern technology and innovative thinking has never been more urgent."

"The establishment of the laboratory and the implementation of training initiatives will be of significant importance. Our students will be exposed to the latest technologies and solutions in the logistics industry. At the same time, we will promote research collaboration, technology transfer, and closer ties between the academic and business sectors to meet the new demands of the labour market," Hung added.

During the event, the parties also emphasised the importance of enhancing training programmes through practical learning methods. Experts from Vietnam SuperPort and SCALA will participate in teaching courses and workshops hosted by UTT, sharing real-world knowledge and experiences from the industry. UTT students will also have the opportunity to visit and learn from Vietnam SuperPort and the Supply Chain CityTM in Singapore, gaining exposure to advanced logistics infrastructure.

Ian Dyason, CEO of SCALA stated, We are committed to improving training and development in Vietnams logistics sector through this collaboration. By combining the expertise of SCALA, Vietnam SuperPort , and UTT, we aim to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to meet industry demands.

Vietnam SuperPort will also offer internship opportunities for selected UTT students, including a nine-month talent development course at YCH Groups headquarters, Singapore's largest home-grown supply chain solutions company, providing valuable hands-on experience.

Enhancing teaching quality is also a key part of this strategic partnership. Vietnam SuperPort and SCALA will design a specialised training scheme for UTT faculty, focusing on advanced supply chain models, integrating technology, and promoting sustainable practices.

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.

Vietnam SuperPort: Exploring new terrain in green logistics Vietnam SuperPort, jointly developed by T&T Group and Singapores YCH Group, is doubling down on its sustainability efforts. Yap Kwong Weng, CEO of Vietnam SuperPort, shared with Thanh Van how the port is driving green logistics.
This strategic partnership combines two industry powerhouses, creating a best-in-class ecosystem of solutions that will help global and regional brands thrive in Southeast Asias dynamic and fast-evolving digital landscape.

Together, OnPoint and CREA serve more than 250 brands, backed by a robust workforce of more than 600 in-house employees and more than 1,000 outsourced personnel specialising in warehousing, livestreaming, and end-to-end e-commerce operations.

OnPoint and CREA stand out as leading forces in Southeast Asias e-commerce and social commerce ecosystem, renowned for their robust comprehensive e-commerce solutions. Their commercial and marketing solutions incorporate advanced AI-driven tools designed for content creation, livestreaming, and tailored consumer engagement, reflecting a strong commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced operational efficiency, shopper engagement, and customer experiences.

Both companies are part of a select group of enablers known for their financial stability, profitability, and scalability. Onpoint is backed by SeaTown Private Capital Master Fund, a private equity fund managed by SeaTown Holdings International Pte. Ltd.

Tran Vu Quang, founder and CEO of OnPoint, said, This partnership with CREA represents a pivotal milestone in our mission to drive digital commerce across Southeast Asia. CREA has accomplished extraordinary achievements under exceptional leadership. By combining our strengths, we are uniquely positioned to help brands succeed in the dynamic and fast-evolving digital economy of the region.

In the next five years, OnPoint and CREA are united in their vision to become Southeast Asias leading and most innovative e-commerce solutions providers. This partnership marks the dawn of a new era in e-commerce enablement, where innovation meets purpose. Together, OnPoint and CREA will empower global and regional brands to not only thrive but lead in the ever-evolving digital economy of Southeast Asia. With bold ambitions to serve over 600 million consumers and facilitate social, and cross-border commerce, this collaboration is a testament to their unwavering commitment to shaping the future of commerce.

From 2024-2030, Southeast Asia's e-commerce market is poised for rapid expansion, with the region's gross merchandise value projected to grow significantly. The region's e-commerce is expected to reach $370 billion GMV by 2030 under favourable conditions, according to the e-Conomy SEA 2024 Report by Bain & Company, Temasek, and Google.

OnPoint bringing expertise in new e-commerce phase While online shopping has gained increasing traction since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, technical solutions are becoming more essential in order for e-commerce platforms to evolve. Tran Vu Quang, CEO of end-to-end e-commerce solutions provider OnPoint, shared with VIRs Hara Nguyen how technology can multiply retailers performance figures.

Vietnam's OnPoint bags $50 million in Series B from SeaTown SeaTown Private Capital Master Fund by SeaTown Holdings International, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore state investor Temasek, has invested $50 million in OnPoint, a Vietnamese e-commerce solutions provider.
In his first extended public comments since his sister-in-laws disappearance, Barton T. Simpson spoke to the San Antonio Express-News about his family's heartbreak and his commitment to raising awareness about domestic violence.

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Police believe Suzanne Simpson is dead. They have charged her husband Brad Simpson, 53, with her disappearance and death. He is being held at the Bexar County jail in lieu of $5 million bail, charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, tampering with a corpse and possession of a prohibited weapon.

I would not have ever thought that I would be sitting here today in this capacity to discuss this, Barton Simpson said in a video podcast with the Express-News. This is as close to home as it gets. And the pain that has been caused to our family and the greater community by an incredibly bad decision is amazing. My parents are suffering, my sister is suffering, and the kids are suffering.

Although hes become the spokesperson for the Simpson family, he couldnt speak directly about the investigation because Judge Joel Perez recently issued a sweeping gag order that bars attorneys, police and witnesses from discussing the case.

Barton Simpson, the brother of Brad Simpson, and Marta Prada Palaez, CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc., discuss the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence in San Antonio, especially during the holiday season. Monte Bach/STAFF

In the podcast, Barton Simpson spoke to Marta Prada Pelaez, a San Antonio domestic violence expert. Pelaez has served as the CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc., which operates the Battered Women and Childrens Shelter in San Antonio, for 26 years.

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She said one in three women in San Antonio have experienced abusive relationships.

It can happen to anyone, Pelaez said.

The average demographic of those who stay at the San Antonio shelter is a 36- to 38-year-old woman with three children, she said.

Suzanne Simpson, a 51-year-old mother of four children ages 5-20, was last seen alive Oct. 6. Authorities have found no trace of her since then, despite extensive searches. They say Brad Simpson has refused to assist them in finding her body.

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Police investigators found Suzanne Simpsons DNA on her husbands power saw, Barton Simpson recently confirmed to the San Antonio Express-News. He said Olmos Park Police Chief Fidel Villegas told him the DNA was part of the evidence presented to the grand jury when it indicted Brad Simpson.

Suzanne Simpson was last seen on October 6. Presumed dead by law enforcement, her body hasn't been found. Her husband, Brad Simpson, is charged with murder in the disappearance of his wife. Raul Trey Lopez/San Antonio Express-News

Visibly emotional, Barton Simpson said he was frustrated with innuendo that family members are somehow to blame because they didnt do something to prevent what happened. He asked Pelaez for advice, such as what signs they could have watched for and any actions they could have taken.

Trying to comfort him, Pelaez told him that he and Suzanne Simpsons other family members and friends shouldnt feel guilty about her death.

While those are emotions that are perhaps inevitable, they should be checked, because ultimately the responsibility is on the one who caused the fatality, Pelaez told him. The one who is causing all of the pain is the abusive person. That is the only person who is responsible.

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Barton Simpson and Pelaez discussed the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence in San Antonio, especially during the holiday season. They encouraged domestic violence victims to reach out for help and take advantage of available resources.

He noted that his role as executive director of institutional advancement at the Alamo Colleges District involves raising awareness about domestic violence.

Emphasizing the insidious nature of domestic violence and its prevalence in San Antonio, Pelaez said the risk increases during the holiday season, in part because of the emotional stress and financial pressures. She said domestic violence is generational and progressive.

Brad Simpsons lawyer Steven Gilmore is seeking to have the murder charge against his client thrown out, arguing that the indictment that accuses him of killing his wife does not spell out the manner and means by which she died.

As hes done before, Barton Simpson urged his brother to cooperate with authorities in the investigation.

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Without speaking specifically to my brother, Brad, when somebody is in this situation, it would be so much better if you put yourself at the mercy of the court, he said. There is a redemption in the truth the truth will set you free

Brad Simpson, who is charged with murder in connection to the disappearance of his wife Suzanne Simpson, appears during a bond modification hearing in Judge Joel Perez's court on Thursday. The judge limited his contact with some of his children. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

Barton Simpson said hes grateful to have a large family that lives in the San Antonio area who can lean on one another during the holiday season. He said the family will continue to focus on supporting the Simpson children.
Judge Joel Perez reprimanded Teresa Clark, the sister of Suzanne Simpson, who was accused of violating a gag order by speaking to the media. Clark was present for a bond modification hearing for Brad Simpson who is charged with murder in connection with his wife Suzanne Simpson's disappearance in October. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Brad Simpson, who is charged with murder in connection to the disappearance of his wife Suzanne Simpson, appears during a bond modification hearing in Judge Joel Perez's court on Thursday. The judge limited his contact with some of his children. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Brad Simpson, who is charged with murder in connection to the disappearance of his wife Suzanne Simpson, appears during a bond modification hearing in Judge Joel Perez's court on Thursday. The judge limited his contact with some of his children. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Brad Simpson, who is charged with murder in connection to the disappearance of his wife Suzanne Simpson, appears during a bond modification hearing in Judge Joel Perez's court on Thursday. The judge limited his contact with some of his children. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

A judge has reprimanded Suzanne Simpsons sister for violating a gag order by speaking to the media about the case. He also ordered that Brad Simpson can have limited contact with some of his children.

Brad Simpson is charged with murder in connection with the disappearance of his wife Suzanne Simpson.

Brad and Suzanne Simpson are the parents of four children, ages 5-20.

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The hearing to modify bond conditions took place Thursday morning in the 437th District Court with Judge Joel Perez presiding. It came one day before Suzanne Simpsons family plans to hold a private memorial for her.

During the hearing, Perez ruled that Brad Simpson is not allowed to have contact with his 5-year-old child.

The judge also ruled that Brad Simpson is not permitted to have in-person contact with his 15-year-old child  but he can write letters that must first be reviewed by Child Protective Services officials.

The two adult children, who are 18- and 20-years-old, previously requested no contact, but they asked to be allowed to communicate with their father if they wish; the judge approved it.

In addition, Perez also ruled that Brad Simpson cannot have contact with James Val Cotter, his longtime business partner who was indicted by a grand jury this week on charges of tampering with evidence to impair an investigation and possession of prohibited weapons, both third-degree felonies.

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When asked by the judge if he had discussed the bond modifications with his lawyer and if he would abide by them, Brad Simpson, who was under oath, said yes.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Brad Simpsons court-appointed defense attorney, Steven Gilmore, told the judge there had been at least one definite violation and one potential violation of the gag order issued by the judge earlier this month.

The gag order bars law enforcement, attorneys and their staffs, and witnesses from discussing the case with media or the public.

We would just ask that the court would admonish those present if they were persons who gave statements to law enforcement over the course of this investigation which at this point is still ongoing, that they refrain from making any additional statements to the media, Gilmore said during the hearing.

Gilmore told the judge that Suzanne Simpsons sister, Teresa Clark. may have violated the gag order. Gilmore accused her of reaching out to the media after the gag order was issued.

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It is unclear which media outlet she reached out to or what she said.

Perez asked Clark to approach the bench and asked her if she is a witness in the case.

Clark, who was visibly nervous and apologetic, acknowledged that she had given statements to authorities. She also said she had spoken to the Olmos Park police chief who had told her that her sisters DNA was found on a saw owned by Brad Simpson.

Perez asked Clark to remain calm.

You dont need to be nervous. Nothing bad is going to happen here, Perez said.

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Im just very scared right now because this whole thing is very upsetting to me, Clark replied. Because this is my little sister, and I feel responsible for her. Ive known her since I was 3 years old and I would never want anything to happen to her. Im sorry, Im just so upset by this whole thing.

The judge then explained why he issued the gag order.

I issued the gag order to protect the rights of the accused and to ensure that at some point in the future, we will get an impartial jury, Perez said. Whatever it is that you did, refrain from that from now on.

Clark said she understood and would comply.

Gilmore told the judge that Brad Simpsons brother, Barton T. Simpson, violated the gag order in an Express-News podcast published Thursday.

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Casey Sandoval, the prosecutor, told the judge she had not yet watched the podcast, but she had read an article about it.

And I do agree that there was a statement to the media concerning this case, Sandoval added.

Barton Simpson was not present at the hearing on Thursday.

In the Express-News podcast, Barton Simpson spoke about raising awareness about domestic violence. He appeared alongside Marta Prada Pelaez, a San Antonio domestic violence expert. Pelaez has served as the CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc., which operates the Battered Women and Childrens Shelter in San Antonio, for 26 years.

In addition to the murder charge, Brad Simpson is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, tampering with a corpse and possession of a prohibited weapon. He is being held at the Bexar County jail in lieu of $5 million bail.

Suzanne Simpson, 51, was last seen alive on Oct. 6, and authorities have found no trace of her remains, despite extensive searches.

Gilmore is seeking to have the murder charge against Brad Simpson thrown out, arguing that the indictment does not detail the manner and means by which Suzanne Simpson was killed.

In a motion filed Dec. 3, Gilmore wrote that the allegations in the indictment are vague, indefinite, ambiguous, uncertain and do not properly apprise the defendant of the nature of the proof against him. Gilmore argued that the lack of specifics violates Brad Simpsons constitutional rights because he is not able to prepare a defense.

Gaps in the indictment stem in part from authorities' inability to find Suzanne Simpsons remains. Investigators said Brad Simpson has refused to assist them in locating her body.

The indictment, handed down by a Bexar County grand jury earlier this month, says Simpson killed his wife by a manner and means unknown. It says that after her disappearance, knowing that an investigation was in progress, Simpson concealed a power saw and an automatic weapon so they could not be used as evidence against him.

Police investigators found Suzanne Simpsons DNA on the power saw, Barton Simpson confirmed to the Express-News.

In an affidavit supporting Simpsons arrest, Olmos Park Police Lt. Hector Ruiz described his movements the night Suzanne Simpson was last seen alive and the next day, Oct. 7, when she was reported missing by a friend.

According to the affidavit, Olmos Park police officer Jarrod Tubbs said a teacher at the Simpsons 5-year-old daughters school said the child told her that on that the night of Oct. 6, a Sunday, her father had pushed her mother against a wall, hit her on the face and hurt her elbow. Her father also turned off her mothers cell phone, the girl said.

In addition, a neighbor told police he witnessed Brad Simpson and Suzanne Simpson loudly arguing and physically struggling after 10 p.m. on Oct. 6 in front of his home.

The neighbor said he later heard screams from a wooded area across from his home. About an hour later, he heard Brad Simpsons truck start and leave the area, Ruiz wrote.

By viewing security video, police tracked Brad Simpson to his daughters school, a Boerne Whataburger and a local Home Depot, where he purchased concrete, heavy duty trash bags and Clorox disinfectant spray, among other items. The items were visible on his truck bed in the surveillance video.

A man told police that Simpson walked up to him in the Home Depot parking lot and asked him where the nearest dump was in Boerne. The man gave him directions to the solid waste site in Boerne.

Surveillance video captured Brad Simpson leaving the Boerne waste site and going to a nearby gas station.
Deep concerns after Digital Voice failures in storm mirror warnings in Wrexham

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 19th, 2024

A nearby council said there were no requests for help from residents during the recent storm, however it has emerged The reason for that is that residents had no way of letting anybody know due to digital lines failing.

The Digital Voice programme is a UK wide programme which will see all landlines moved over from analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) lines to broadband Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) lines. The programme has been led by the telecoms industry to replace the antiquated and increasingly unreliable PSTN network. We recently reported that local exchanges are now on the list of areas where sale of copper-based telephony services will be stopped due to move to digital.

In 2022 Wrexham councillors expressed concerns at the roll out, where it was noted after a power outage, when they convert the phones they dont seem to tell the customer that they now need a digital phone, and then if theres no electricity, they have no phone. Mobile services were also out due to Storm Arwen as backup power to mobile masts ran down. An action was taken by Wrexham Council in 2022, but no public update has appeared.

That warning of a possible problem following storms appears to have taken place around 30 miles to the east of Wrexham, with a surreal situation where a council was confident in saying they were currently not aware of any requests for assistance from our residents  however a councillor has said that was because residents had no way of letting anybody know.

Wrexham.com understands if you explain that concern to some providers, such as BT, they should offer a battery pack as a back up power unit now. Those who have Care Call or similar telecare services should also get specific support if asked.

Further, Wrexham.com understands BT have stoped any renewals as well as new orders of telephony or broadband products in Wrexham to opt out of Digital Voice due to the stop sell programme  however those wishing to delay for as long as possible could look to renew other aspects of their packages such as mobile phone or TV services which should then extend your broadband/telephone services to avoid Digital Voice for as long as possible.

On the BBC LDRS wire the below story has been reported from an area to the east near Nantwich:
GPs in Wales vote overwhelmingly to reject GMS contract offer

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 19th, 2024

GPs in Wales have voted overwhelmingly to reject the 24/25 General Medical Services (GMS) contract offered by the Welsh Government last month.

The result was delivered just weeks after the BMAs committee of GP representatives in Wales voted to reject the contract.

GPs and GP registrars from across the country took part in BMA Cymru Wales online referendum which ran from 25 November to 16 December, with 99% voting reject to the question: Do you accept the 2024/25 GMS Contract offer for General Practice from the Welsh Government?.

The GMS is a framework agreement between general practitioners and the Welsh Government, outlining the delivery of primary care services in Wales and the terms under which they provide services to patients.

But according to the BMA Cymru Wales the offer was deemed derisory after it failed to offer a sustainable future for GP services which see up to 90% of NHS patient contact.

The BMAs Welsh GP committee, which represents the profession, says it will now take this mandate to the Welsh Government and ask that they urgently improve the terms on offer.

If they choose to ignore the unified voice of Welsh GPs, the BMA will continue with preparations for industrial action by GPs.

Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of the BMAs Welsh GP committee said: The profession has delivered a clear message with this result.

We simply cannot keep services going and meet the needs of our patients with less money and fewer resources.

If we accept the offer as it is more practices will undoubtedly close leaving patients in greater peril, thats why GPs from across Wales have taken a stand.

For years, the service has been starved of adequate funding which has led to the closure of 100 surgeries since 2012.

This is having a devastating impact on general practice. A recent survey of our members showed that 91% of GPs are routinely unable to meet patient demand due to unsustainably high workloads.

With fewer surgeries available, GPs are now seeing up to 35% more patients each, leading GPs to burnout, reduce their hours or leave. This is neither safe nor sustainable.

That is why we launched our Save Our Surgeries campaign last year which called on the Welsh Government for an urgent rescue package.

Despite this, the Welsh Government has once again chosen to disregard our major, evidence-based concerns with this derisory offer.

We know that if general practice had a fairer portion of NHS funding for the wide-ranging portfolio of services we provide, the NHS in Wales would have a far greater chance of success, and most importantly, benefit patients overall.
Signage plans submitted for Wrexhams new indoor trampoline park

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 19th, 2024

Plans to install exterior signage at a new indoor trampoline park in Wrexham have been submitted.

The application to Wrexham Council has been lodged on behalf of Airhop, a leading indoor amusement venue in the UK.

In July, Wrexham.com reported that plans to transform the former Debenhams building, located in Eagles Meadow, into a trampoline park had been unanimously approved by Wrexham Council.

The building has sat empty since May 2021, when the major high street chain entered administration.

Now, plans to install seven new signs on the former department store have been submitted by planning agents Kirkman Architects Ltd.

The proposal includes the installation of Airhop signs at the entrance and exit of the building, along with temporary vinyl images on the windows.

The application also states that, if approved, the signage would be in place from April 2025 through spring 2026.

Speaking at a meeting earlier this year, planning officer Matthew Phillips said the former Debenhams unit, which comprises a third of the Eagles Meadow retail space, had been marketed since 2021 with no success.

He said: Overall, it complements the retail function of Eagles Meadow and would also benefit the wider city centre  bringing a unit back into use and increasing footfall in the area.

There are limited changes to the unit, just to facilitate an additional entrance on the raised walkway of Eagles Meadow, and also some minor changes to the shopfront, but theyre all in keeping with the existing commercial character of the building and wider Eagles Meadow.

Its in a central or relatively central location within Wrexham, and its relatively accessible by a range of non-car modes.

So, on that basis, its in a highly sustainable location. Given the previous use and the proposed use, it is unlikely that there would be any significant additional or different types of demand, both in terms of traffic and parking, than whats already there.

Airhop, which is part of Activeon, operates 26 trampoline and activity centres across the UK.

The application will be considered for approval by Wrexham Council at a later date.
Wrexhams MP says the previous Conservative Government did not budget any funds for Waspi compensation

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Dec 19th, 2024

Wrexhams MP Andrew Ranger has pointed to the previous Conservative government for not budgeting any funds for Waspi compensation, as he has detailed his view on the issue.

The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign represents women born in the 1950s who were affected by changes to the UK state pension age. Historically, women received state pensions at 60 and men at 65. The Pensions Act 1995 aimed to equalize pension ages, raising womens state pension age to 65, with the transition accelerated by the Pensions Act 2011. Many women felt inadequately informed about these changes, disrupting their retirement plans and causing financial hardship.

In March 2024, under a Conservative Government, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommended compensation between 1,000 and 2,950 for affected women, citing maladministration in communicating the changes.

However this week the UK Labour Government rejected this recommendation, stating that taxpayers could not afford the estimated 10.5 billion payout and asserting that most women were aware of the changes.

This decision has sparked significant backlash from campaigners and Labour MPs, who accuse the government of betrayal and breaking previous promises to support the WASPI women.

Locally, Wrexhams MP Andrew Ranger has give his view on the issue.

Mr Ranger said, Throughout the election campaign and since becoming an MP, I have supported Waspi women both in private meetings and publicly through written articles and social media.

In the Secretary of States statement to Parliament, I was pleased to hear her apologise to the Waspi women for the delay in letters being sent on behalf of the Government and made assurances that lessons have been learned from this complex case.

I completely understand the disappointment that will be felt today from the women who have been

fighting for many years. Many women are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by 14

years of Conservative economic crisis.

Shamefully, the previous Conservative Government did not budget any funds for Waspi compensation and instead of facing up to difficult decisions, they called an early election to avoid having to make them. They cant make tough decisions, they spend without knowing where the moneys coming from, and they should never again be trusted with our precious public services.

This Government will stand up for working people by protecting the pensions triple lock so that the yearly State Pension is forecast to increase by up to 1,900 by the end of this Parliament. We will drive down waiting lists, so women get the treatment they need, with an extra 22 billions of funding for the NHS this year and next. We will deliver the jobs, homes and opportunities their families need to build a better life.

I would like to stress that I will continue to have conversations with other MPs, ministers and

campaign groups to ensure support for the triple lock and our pensioners going forward.
Former school district police officer Adrian Gonzales, center, shakes hands with a Uvalde County sheriffs deputy, right, as he walks into the Uvalde County Justice Center for a pre-trial hearing with his legal team on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. He was charged with 29 counts of abandoning or endangering a child after his response to the Robb Elementary mass shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Javier and Gloria Cazares, center, walk out of the Uvalde County Justice Center after attending a pre-trial hearing for two officers involved in the Robb Elementary mass shooting on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Cazares daughter Jacklyn Cazares was killed in the May 2022 shooting along with 18 other children and two teachers. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Javier Cazares talks with news media outside of the Uvalde County Justice Center following a pre-trial hearing for two officers involved in the Robb Elementary mass shooting on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Cazares is the father of Jacklyn Cazares, who was killed in the May 2022 mass shooting along with 18 other children and two teachers. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Brett Cross, guardian of Robb Elementary shooting victim Uziyah "Uzi" Garcia, cools off after getting into an altercation with law enforcement officers at the Uvalde County Justice Center, where a pre-trial hearing for two officers involved in the Robb Elementary mass shooting was being held, on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former school district police officer Adrian Gonzales, center, and his legal team walk into the Uvalde County Justice Center for a pre-trial hearing on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. He was charged with 29 counts of abandoning or endangering a child after his response to the Robb Elementary mass shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorney Paul Looney talks to news media outside of the Uvalde County Justice Center following a pre-trial hearing for his client Pete Arredondo on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Senior State District Judge Sid Harle denied a motion from Arrendondos legal team to dismiss his charges  10 counts of abandoning or endangering a child in response to the Robb Elementary mass shooting  and sent a tentative trial date of Oct. 20. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former school district police officer Adrian Gonzales walks out of the Uvalde County Justice Center following his pre-trial hearing on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. He was charged with 29 counts of abandoning or endangering a child after his response to the Robb Elementary mass shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Sandra Torres, left, and her partner Mack Segovia walk out of the Uvalde County Justice Center after attending a pre-trial hearing for two officers involved in the Robb Elementary mass shooting on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Torress daughter Eliahna Torres was killed in the May 2022 shooting along with 18 other children and two teachers. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorney Paul Looney leaves the Uvalde County Justice Center following a pre-trial hearing for his client Pete Arredondo on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Senior State District Judge Sid Harle denied a motion from Arrendondos legal team to dismiss his charges  10 counts of abandoning or endangering a child in response to the Robb Elementary mass shooting  and sent a tentative trial date of Oct. 20. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Law enforcement officers stand outside of the Uvalde County Justice Center following a pre-trial hearing for two school police officers involved in the May 2022 Robb Elementary mass shooting on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former Uvalde school district police chief Pete Arredondo leaves the Uvalde County Justice Center, carrying a box of case discovery, following his pre-trial hearing on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Senior State District Judge Sid Harle denied a motion from Arrendondos legal team to dismiss his charges  10 counts of abandoning or endangering a child in response to the Robb Elementary mass shooting  and sent a tentative trial date of Oct. 20. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former school district police officer Adrian Gonzales, center, and his legal team walk into the Uvalde County Justice Center for a pre-trial hearing on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. He was charged with 29 counts of abandoning or endangering a child after his response to the Robb Elementary mass shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former Uvalde school district police chief Pete Arredondo, left, and his defense attorney Paul Looney walk into the Uvalde County Justice Center for a pre-trial hearing on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. He was charged with 10 counts of abandoning or endangering a child after the Robb Elementary shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Felicha Martinez, from left, Abel Lopez and Evadulia Orta walk out of the Uvalde County Justice Center after attending a pre-trial hearing for two officers involved in the Robb Elementary mass shooting on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Martinez and Lopez lost their son, Xavier Lopez, and Orta lost her son, Rojelio Torres, in the May 2022 mass shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former Uvalde school district police chief Pete Arredondo, right, walks into the Uvalde County Justice Center with his legal team, including his defense attorney Paul Looney, second from right, for a pre-trial hearing on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. He was charged with 10 counts of abandoning or endangering a child after the Robb Elementary shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorney Paul Looney and his client Pete Arredondo, former Uvalde school district police chief, walk into the Uvalde County Justice Center for a pre-trial hearing on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Arredondo was charged with 10 counts of abandoning or endangering a child after the Robb Elementary shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Former Uvalde school district police chief Pete Arredondo, 52, prepares to walk into the Uvalde County Justice Center for a pre-trial hearing on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. He was charged with 10 counts of abandoning or endangering a child after the Robb Elementary shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News At least 380 officers from two dozen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies responded to the May 24, 2022, mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Uvalde Police Department

UVALDE  A judge has refused to dismiss an indictment that accuses former Uvalde school district police chief Pedro Pete Arredondo of abandoning or endangering children through his actions during the Robb Elementary School shooting.

The ruling, handed down Thursday morning by Senior State District Judge Sid Harle, means Arredondo will stand trial on the charges. The judge set a tentative trial date of Oct. 20.

Rejecting a defense motion to quash the indictment on the grounds that it was legally flawed and overly vague, Harle said from the bench that the indictment was sufficient to allege a criminal offense on Arredondos part.

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Arredondo and former Uvalde school police officer Adrian Gonzales are charged in the case. Both men, dressed in suits and ties, sat silently with their attorneys during the pretrial hearing, held in a small courtroom at the Uvalde County Justice Center.

Gonzales attorneys said they will file a motion seeking to move the trial out of Uvalde County. Harle will decide where the trial will be held.

Most of the victims family members who attended the hearing sat quietly in the spectator section. But when Arredondo walked outside afterward, a woman shouted a question at him in the parking lot.

You got anything to say to the parents? yelled Denise Feldtman, a neighbor and friend of a family whose daughter was killed in the school shooting. No apologies? Anything?

Arredondo did not reply and climbed into a truck that someone else quickly drove away.

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RELATED: Former Uvalde school police chief is an exile in his hometown

Arredondo was the presumed incident commander and Gonzales was among the first police officers on the scene when an 18-year-old former Uvalde High School student opened fire inside Robb Elementary on the morning of May 24, 2022. The gunman used a high-powered AR-15-style rifle to kill 19 fourth graders and two teachers.

In June, a Uvalde County grand jury indicted Arredondo, 52, on 10 counts of abandoning or endangering children  one count for each of 10 named survivors of the shooting. The indictment says he failed to identify the attack as an active shooter incident or to respond as trained and instead called for a SWAT team, thereby delaying the response of other law enforcement officers.

Gonzales, 51, is charged with 29 counts of abandoning or endangering a child  one for each of the 19 children killed and one for each of the same 10 survivors.

Abandoning or endangering a child is a state jail felony, the lowest-level felony in the Texas Penal Code, and is punishable by up to two years behind bars.

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Christina Mitchell, district attorney for Uvalde and Real counties, has not explained why Gonzales faces more charges than Arredondo, or why those two are the only officers to be charged among the nearly 400 law enforcement personnel who responded to the shooting.

The assailant entered Robb Elementary through an unlocked rear door, walked into two interconnected classrooms filled with children and fired more than 100 rounds in 2 minutes. Nearly all of the victims are believed to have been killed or severely wounded in that initial fusillade.

Although police doctrine calls for officers to confront an active shooter immediately, even at risk to their own lives, Arredondo held off on ordering officers into the classrooms. He opted to evacuate the rest of the building first, which proved to be a lengthy process. He later told investigators his aim was to avoid further injuries or loss of life from an exchange of gunfire with the attacker.

Official inquiries also accused Arredondo of wasting time by searching for keys to a classroom door, which he mistakenly believed was locked, and for breaching tools. Meanwhile, the police response devolved into chaos as officers from two dozen local, state and federal agencies, unsure who was in charge, awaited instructions. Some officers prevented frantic parents from running into the school to save their children.

Finally, four Border Patrol agents and two sheriffs deputies formed a column, stormed the classrooms and killed the attacker  77 minutes after he began his rampage.

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In their motion to quash the indictment, Arredondos defense attorneys, Paul Looney and Matthew Hefti, said their client committed no crimes while carrying out his duties under impossible circumstances.

Even if Arredondo's decisions could be questioned, his conduct by itself did not put children and teachers in peril, Hefti argued in court on Thursday.

In this case, the only person who placed those children in danger was the lone gunman, Hefti said. Mr. Arredondo did nothing to place those children in the path of a gunman. He did nothing to place those children in the danger they were in. The indictment does not even allege that.

Several of parents of the slain and wounded children shook their heads in response to the lawyer's words. A few wiped away tears with tissues as they listened. Some quietly consoled one another.

One woman whispered an expletive followed by the word idiot.

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No talking, please, a sheriffs deputy admonished the audience.

Special Prosecutor Bill Turner, a former Brazos County district attorney who is assisting Mitchell, countered Hefti's arguments by asserting that the case strikes at the very heart of Texas child endangerment law.

Hearing gunshots and childrens screams that day, Arredondo directed other law enforcement officials  through his words and actions  to stand down, Turner told Harle.

The state alleges (Arredondo) was absolutely aware of the dangers to the children and, by his actions, told the officers to stand down and not do their duty, Turner said.

Prosecutors dont dispute that Arredondo had a right to call SWAT for assistance and to evacuate surviving children from the school. But Turner said the defenses arguments in seeking to have the indictment tossed amount to dangerous thinking that would grant police officers unbridled discretion in such situations.

The state is not charging Mr. Arredondo with a discretionary act, he said. The state is charging him with acting recklessly, based on the circumstances.

Looney said outside the courtroom that the former chief didnt discourage officers from ever storming the classroom to confront the attacker. What he told them was stand down until we get these kids evacuated ... He was doing his best to make sure no more gunshots were coming out toward that hall," Looney said.

He added that the victims families are suffering horribly and deserve to know what happened.

The evidence is going to show this man in a different light, he said of Arredondo. This man was really, really trying to save these children.

Gonzales lawyer, former Bexar County district attorney Nico LaHood, said there is much evidence in the case that the public has not seen, and that none of it justifies the charges against Gonzales.

The U.S. Border Patrol has not allowed attorneys on either side to see its full, unredacted reports on the case. The agency had 148 agents at the scene of the shooting, more than any other law enforcement agency.

If the Border Patrol continues to resist handing over evidence, prosecutors and defense lawyers will likely join in a motion to be filed in federal court  perhaps as soon as next week  seeking to compel the release of the material.

Obviously, this case cannot go forward without that evidence, Harle told attorneys Thursday. I dont know the motivation of the federal agencies not complying.

An outburst occurred more than an hour before the hearing when Brett and Nikki Cross, the guardians of a 10-year-old boy who was killed in the shooting, were turned away from the courtroom after getting into a noisy confrontation with Uvalde County sheriffs deputies.

TV footage of the fracas showed Brett Cross falling to the ground as deputies escorted him out of the building. His wife fell backward when deputies pulled her away as she tried to help her husband. Brett Cross said later on social media that the couple were injured and went to a doctor's office for treatment.
DECEMBER 19 UPDATE:

An arrest has been made in a shooting near the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony that happened on Wednesday night.

---

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

A suspect is still at large in a shooting near the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony that started in Sparks and hospitalized one.

Police first responded to the incident just after 7:30 p.m. according to the Chief of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Police.

One person was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Reno Police and Sparks Police are both helping in the investigation, and authorities are still seeking a suspect.

The incident is being described as a drive-by shooting by authorities.

The investigation is ongoing.
The mother of the teen suspected in a double stabbing in Fernley has been released from the hospital.

The suspect, 19-year-old Adam Miller appeared in Fernley District Court Tuesday morning. During the short appearance, he was scheduled to undergo a competency hearing on January 13, 2025.

According to the criminal report, Miller allegedly stabbed his father, Lance Miller in the neck and chest, killing him. His unidentified mother was transported to a hospital where she recovered.

Authorities say Miller surrendered after a 30+ hour manhunt that prompted temporary school closures and shelter-in-place orders in neighborhoods.

Update (12/20/2024, 11:10 a.m.):

The teen arrested in connection with a double stabbing in Fernley now faces murder-related charges.

19-year-old Adam Miller faces charges of open murder, attempted murder, concealing/destroying evidence and domestic battery or strangulation after being booked into the Lyon County jail.

Miller is accused of fatally stabbing his father and seriously injuring his mother, both believed to be his adopted parents, late Wednesday morning in Fernley.

A 30+ hour manhunt ensued, eventually ending inside a barn on Thursday afternoon in Fernley.

DECEMBER 19, 2024:

Lyon County deputies say a 30+ hour manhunt is now over after a teen stabbing suspect was found by SWAT inside a barn early Thursday afternoon.

Deputies say 19-year-old Adam Miller surrendered and then was transported to a nearby hospital for a medical evaluation.

Miller is suspected of stabbing his father and mother Wednesday morning in Fernley. They are believed to be his adoptive parents.

Earlier, authorities said that they narrowed their search to about 16 homes in Fernley, but did not immediately say if Miller was found within that area.

Deputies say they used cell phone technology, along with help from the FBI, to eventually find Miller. About 25 deputies helped in the search along with a helicopter.

Thirty hours after a shelter-in-place was issued for a new area Thursday morning, Sheriff Brad Pope announced that Miller's father had died while his mother is expected to survive.

Miller was believed to be in the area of Sweetwater Road - Richards Way - Drayer Lane - Park Court - Smithridge Lane - Barndale Road - Alta Vista Way - in Fernley. And because of that, the shelter-in-place issued remains.

Deputies say the 19-year-old is considered to be 'armed and dangerous'.

Deputies say that they believe he 'hunkered down' somewhere either in a manmade dwelling or some type of bunker, they say it was possible that he could be hiding in an outbuilding, trailer, or RV.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office says the teen has a violent history and has been arrested before.

Earlier, the Lyon County School District announced that area schools would be open for Thursday.

The district says they are committed to providing a secure environment for learning, and that due to uncertainty surrounding the safety of neighborhoods in the area, they will not provide transportation services to and possibly from school.

When the school day started, a lockout was implemented to maintain the safety of all students and staff until Miller is in LCSO custody.

UPDATE - 5:25 p.m.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office has released an updated photo of the teen suspected of stabbing his parents fleeing the scene.

In the photo, released on Facebook, he is seen wearing red pants and a black shirt.

UPDATE - 4:09 p.m.:

While deputies are still searching for this armed and dangerous suspect, they have advised that all Fernley students will be released from school, but they advise every student must be picked up by their guardian, and that guardian must provide identification.

Deputies say that no buses are running and no student will be released without a guardian.

Deputies say to expect delays picking up students as there are major back-ups around all the area schools.

ORIGINAL STORY - 2:25 p.m.:

Lyon County Deputies have released a photo of the teen suspected of stabbing his parents.

Deputies say Adam Miller should be considered armed and dangerous and has a violent history - and to call 911 if you see him. He was last seen wearing red sweatpants.

Deputies say that Washoe County Sheriff's Office has Raven in the air searching for Miller along with other agencies, road closures will remain in place as the suspect is still on the loose and believed to be in the areas that are blocked off.

Deputies say the stabbing happened around 11 a.m. on Wednesday and there's no immediate word on the condition of the parents of the 19-year-old suspect.

On Facebook, Lyon County deputies initially said they were responding to a 'major law enforcement incident' on Farm District Road near Clearwater Parkway.

Deputies also say, 'schools are on lockdown at this time.' Residents are being asked to shelter-in-place.

Farm District Road is currently closed in both directions from Jessica Lane to Desert Lakes Drive.

Avoid the area.

If you have any information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.

We have a crew on scene getting more details.
Jacob Beltran covers crime, breaking news and general assignments for the Express-News. He can be reached at jbeltran@express-news.net.

A San Antonio native, Jacob began his journalism career in 2010. He's worked for the student-run newspaper for San Antonio College, The Ranger, and for Texas A&M University-San Antonio, The Mesquite.

He enjoys video games, photography and exploring during his free time.
Renown Health just opened northern Nevada's first kidney transplant institute, known as the Renown Transplant Institute.

The only other institute capable of performing kidney transplants in Nevada is in Las Vegas.

Those needing kidney transplants in the past would have to travel there or out of the state.

So, while trying to deal with the stress of getting a life saving transplant, people would have to leave their jobs and families to get the care they needed.

However, Renown Health can now administer kidney transplants in the biggest little city.

"As the population of our area has increased, the need for transplant services is quite incredible," said Dr. Rahul Mediwala, CEO, Renown Medical Group.

"That's probably the best part of this story, is that those people that didn't have those resources, especially in the rural areas here in northern Nevada, now have the ability to save their life because the program is here," said Joseph Ferreira, Founding President for the Nevada Transplant Institute and CEO for Nevada Donor Network.

The Nevada Donor Network secured $15 million in an American Rescue Plan Act grant from the state of Nevada.

This money was used to help start the Nevada Transplant Institute.

$3 million of those funds were used to help recruit staff and resources for this transplant program.

The William N. Pennington Foundation also granted $5.5 million.

This grant also starts the William N. Pennington Assistance Fund, which will help patients who don't have the proper funds to pay for the process.

The team Renown assembled that will be working this program are mostly from the area.

However, one-quarter of the staff come from other parts of the country to put the final pieces together.

"People were very excited. It's not often that a new kidney transplant gets set up," Dr. Mediwala said. "So, we've actually had our pick of individuals, and we picked the best individuals we possibly could. Incredible individuals with lots of experience coming from all over the country to staff the program."

"I think it's a great opportunity to bring out the new transplantation center from scratch," said Dr. Narisorn Atsava-Svate, Transplantation Nephrologist, who came from Oklahoma.

That new team is not only trying to be the first but stand toe-to-toe with the other institutes across the country.

"We are going to be the best," said Dr. Ernesto Molmenti, Executive Director and Surgeon, Renown Transplant Institute.

For one woman, years ago she received the news that she needed a new kidney.

"I remember honestly just getting on my knees in the doctor's office and saying thank you for the time that I have been given," said Massiel Smith, who received a kidney transplant in 2019.

In 2011, Smith was given five years to live, but she was able to defy the odds.

Since our region didn't have the capabilities, she tried to find a place that could.

"I connected with my insurance, and I asked them how does this work, who's a network and they sent me a little map that said in blue, in network, anyone in red, out of network," Smith said.

Smith said that the hospital she chose was more expensive than she had thought.

"So my funds were running out very fast, which was very overwhelming in that process," she explained.

However, that part of the process will now be alleviated for northern Nevadans, and kidney transplants are just the first domino to fall.

"The idea is to add all the organs that people may need, especially in a population our size here in the state of Nevada," Ferreira said.

The next one the NTI is planning on bringing is live transplants.

Renown Health is working on sending out referrals to those patients in need of a kidney.

People who are interested and want to get screened for a kidney transplant can call 1-833-RING-NTI.
Whether you head out to the coast with its picture-perfect seaside bluffs and crashing waves, or keep inland to the oak woodlands and vineyard views, the trails in Marin and Sonoma are as enchanting for canine-kind as they are for us.

From the Marin Headlands to Mount Burdell, these seven dog-friendly trails are a howling good time.





Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands. (Courtesy of @mermaidwarrior18)

Rodeo Beach, Coastal + Miwok Trail (5.2-mile loop)

Its never not a good day for a hike in the Marin Headlands. Mostbut not allof the state park is dog friendly and this five-mile loop has everything you and your pup could ever want: beach frolicking, ocean views, and a few heart-pumping climbs. Start at Rodeo Beach and head counter-clockwise past the lagoon and into the bluffs via the Miwok Trail. Around three miles in, youll pick up the Coastal Trail and follow it back to the beach. The overall elevation gain isnt too intense (1,059 feet) and you should be able to complete it in under three hours, no problem.

// 11050 Mitchell Rd. (Mill Valley), nps.gov/goga





South Beach Trail (7.1 miles out-and-back)

Want a long hike without the climbs? Check out the South Beach Trail at the Point Reyes National Seashore. The 7.1-mile out-and-back follows the stunning coastline just northeast of iconic Point Reyes Light Station from parking lot to bluff and back again. Dont expect anything too easy, though. Yes, the trail gains only a little more than 200 feet of elevation but because its soft sand, not packed earth, your progress will be slower than usual. Watch out for high tides and elephant seals, who sometimes post up near the hikes turn-around point.

// South Beach (Inverness), nps.gov/places

Cataract Falls at Mount Tam (Courtesy of @ranger_perspective)

Cataract to Mickey OBrien Trail (6.6-mile loop)

Just because Mount Tamalpais State Parks trails arent dog-friendly doesnt mean you and your four-legger cant hike Marins tallest peak. This 6.6-mile hike in the Mt. Tam Watershed meanders from meadow to forest to chaparral passing Cataract Falls along the way. Start the lollipop loop on the Cataract Trail which, shortly after it begins to curve, turns into High Marsh Trail. You and your pup will do a fair amount of up and down as you continue on to CC Boys Trail and Kent Trail (including a steep climb around the 3.5-mile mark) before arriving at the Mickey OBrien Trail and the turn back to Cataract. Day-use parking passes are $8/car.

// 49 Sky Oaks Rd. (Fairfax), marinwater.org





Bolinas Point Loop (2.5-mile loop)

Just because a dog is less active doesnt mean they dont deserve a walk on Marins beautiful oceanfront just as much as their speedy counterparts. This trail in Bolinas is just 2.5 miles long and almost entirely flat, making it a great choice for older or differently-abled pups and humans who love a world-class view. Theres a very slight slope down to the coast and another one on the return back up, but the loop gains less than 200 feet in elevation altogether.

// Bolinas Point (Bolinas), alltrails.com

Tennessee Beach. (Courtesy of @lizziemalay)

Muir Beach to Tennessee Beach (7.8 mile loop)

If your dogs energy seems boundless, try this 7.8-mile hike from Muir Beach to Tennessee Beach. Go clockwise from the Muir Beach Trailhead, keeping left from the Coastal Trail onto the fire road through the hills. Pick up the Coastal Trail again and continue on to Tennessee Beach for a well-deserved break for you and a splish-splash in the waves for your pup. On the way back, the trail hugs the coast. You can head down to the water again at Pirates Cove but take your time! The spur trail to the beach is very steep. When the hike is over, stop by the Pelican Inn at the entrance to Muir Beach for authentic English pub vibes and a dog-friendly lawn.

// 199 Pacific Way (Muir Beach), nps.gov/goga





Burdell Mountain Loop (4.5-mile loop)

You dont have to go all the way out to the coast to find a hike both you and your pup will love in the North Bay. At Mount Burdell, Marins largest open space preserve, the landscape more closely resembles the oak woodlands and meadows of the East Bay and Peninsula than the rocky shorelines of the countys western edge. The 4.5-mile loop is uphill right away along the San Carlos Fire Road (where dogs can be off leash) and on to the Cobblestone Fire Road and the summit of Burdell Mountain. Come back down clockwise along the Old Quarry Trail. Theres some interesting history along the way, including a stone wall built in the 1870s by Chinese laborers and the remnants of the quarry from which SFs cobblestone streets were made in the 1880sbut dont be offended if your dog isnt interested.

// Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve (Novato), parks.marincounty.org

Fog at Taylor Mountain Regional Park (Courtesy of harminder dhesi/Flckr/CC)

Taylor Mountain via Western, Eastern + Sky Lupine Trail (5.8 mile loop)

This pretty, nearly six mile hike through Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve pairs wicked inclines with beautiful views of Santa Rosa. Leash up your pup at the Redtail Trailhead and continue up, up, up for about three miles. Whether you go clockwise or counterclockwise around the loop, there's no escaping the climb; this is a mountain, after all. Luckily, the whole second half of the hike is a fairly gentle downward slope. There's not a whole lot of shade on this one so be sure to bring enough water for you and your pup, especially if you're hitting the trail in the summer months. The day use parking fee is $7/car.

// 2080 Kawana Terr. (Santa Rosa), parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
With the arrival of a splashy new version of the horror classic Nosferatu starring Nicholas Hoult and Lily-Rose Depp (in theaters Dec. 25), it seems like an excellent time to stay out of the sunlight and catch up on the best and most iconic vampire movies of all time. So sit back, draw the curtains, and sink your teeth into these tasty treats.

Members only

Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922)

This is where it all began. Five years before German director F.W. Murnau would head to Hollywood and share the first-ever Best Picture Oscar for 1927s Sunrise, he conjured this bone-chilling silent classic about the mysterious Count Orlok (Max Schreck), an insatiable specter whose bat-like ears and long, bony fingers make even his shadow terrifying. The long-popular myth that Schreck was actually a real-life vampire (after all, his name means "terror" in German) only added to the power of Murnaus nightmare fuel.

Where to Watch: Prime Video

Bram Stokers Dracula (1992)

The opulent, shoot-the-works retelling of Stokers Transylvanian tale by Francis Ford Coppola, 85, is a lavish throwback to the pre-CGI era  he orchestrates the whole film like one long magic trick. Winona Ryder, 53, and Keanu Reeves, 60, deliver the requisite romance (and exposed necks) and Anthony Hopkins, 86, adds a touch of class, but its Gary Oldman, 66, (beneath layer upon layer of old-age putty and prosthetics) who gooses this dazzling period piece to lip-smacking life as the ageless count. Every heavily accented word that comes from his mouth feels like a sinister invitation to the dark side. The costumes are (literally) to die for.

Where to Watch: YouTube

Shadow of the Vampire (2000)

Speaking of Nosferatu and its enigmatic star, Max Schreck, this pitch-black comedy riffing on the making of Murnaus expressionist classic stars John Malkovich, 71, as the German director who takes Method acting a bit too far, knowingly hiring a real vampire (Willem Dafoe, 69, as Schreck) for his latest movie. The crews eyebrows are raised when theyre told that this very odd leading man can only act at night and prefers to stay in character while various people on the set start to go missing. A delirious What If of a movie, starring two titans of strangeness.

Where to Watch: Prime Video

The Lost Boys (1987)

This Brat Pack-adjacent coming-of-age chiller feels like a Reagan-era time capsule these days. But back in the pre-Twilight 80s, it was the teen-targeted vampire movie of choice. Jason Patric, 58, and Corey Haim play brothers who move to a new town and immediately suspect that something fishy is afoot. Namely, that the rebel cool kids in the area (hello, Kiefer Sutherland, 57!) are actually bloodsuckers, taking peer pressure to a whole new level. Once considered a bit of a guilty pleasure, The Lost Boys has aged into just a pleasure, period.

Where to Watch: Prime Video

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

In the brief window between his breakout on E.R. and his Oscar-winning movie career, George Clooney, 63, starred in director Robert Rodriguezs blood-spurting, stake-driving B-movie about a pair of hair-trigger fugitives and their hostages heading south of the border in an RV. Harvey Keitel, 85, plays a lapsed priest, Juliette Lewis is his daughter, and Clooney and Quentin Tarantino, 61 (who also wrote the script) play the violent, on-the-run brothers. The first half of the film is all set-up, but then all hell breaks loose in the back half at a roadhouse populated by the undead, including a snake-dancing vamp by Salma Hayek, 58. A blast.

Where to Watch: Prime Video
Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net.

Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023.
The SpaceX Super Heavy rocket and Starship spacecraft, collectively called Starship, lift off during a flight test Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, near Starbase in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Rio Grande Valley organizations are suing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for allowing SpaceX to discharge wastewater in South Texas while the company applies for the proper permit.

SpaceX uses a deluge system that sprays water onto its launch pad each time its Starship rocket takes off to protect the pad and suppress dust and debris. Most of the water, which is heated as it mixes with the rockets flames, is captured in retention basins or vaporized. But tens of thousands of gallons of the heated water overflow into the nearby wetlands.

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The company was initially operating the system under a stormwater permit, but federal and state regulators determined it needed an industrial wastewater permit. They fined SpaceX and the company applied for the proper permit on July 1.

The companys latest permit application is still being reviewed, though a TCEQ agreed order has allowed SpaceX to continue using its deluge system while the process is underway.

The Rio Grande Valley organizations  the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, Save RGV and the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas  allege that TCEQ is acting outside its authority.

They filed their lawsuit Monday in Travis County District Court seeking to stop the company from using the system until the permitting process is complete. SpaceX recently received permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to proceed with its next flight test, which could occur early next year.

The Clean Water Act requires the TCEQ to follow certain procedural and technical requirements, attorney Lauren Ice, who represents the Rio Grande Valley organizations, said in a statement. By bypassing these requirements, the Commission has put the Boca Chica environment at risk of degradation.

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The TCEQ said it does not comment on pending litigation. Its preliminary decision for the SpaceX industrial wastewater permit found that no significant degradation of water quality is expected in tidal wetlands.

In September, SpaceX emphasized that it uses literal drinking water for its deluge system. The company also said that post-deluge testing showed negligible traces of any contaminants, and the federal and state fines were caused by disagreements over paperwork.

Paying fines is extremely disappointing when we fundamentally disagree with the allegations, SpaceX said in a written statement, and we are supported by the fact that EPA has agreed that nothing about the operation of our flame deflector will need to change. Only the name of the permit has changed.

The community organizations contend that the TCEQ is setting a bad precedent for companies discharging water before getting the proper permits. And they said SpaceX and its founder Elon Musk get preferential treatment from the state.

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Regulators like the TCEQ, the FAA, and others refuse to protect the land, air, and water and instead work to protect Musk and his explosive space business, Bekah Hinojosa, with the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, said in a statement. Community organizations like ours are forced to scrap together limited resources to demand regulators like TCEQ stop destroying our coastline.
Leading global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) India, has announced the appointment of Kunwar Vijayant Singh and Ranajit Sahu as Managing Directors. These appointments underscore A&Ms commitment to strengthen its leadership bench and enhance its capabilities to deliver bespoke solutions to clients across energy and resources, metal and mining sectors.

Based in Delhi, Singh brings more than 24 years of experience, with specialization in digital and analytics-led transformations, holistic operations improvement, and business strategy. He has deep expertise across sectors such as metals, mining, chemicals, auto & auto components, electrical products, and heavy engineering. Prior to joining A&M, Singh was a Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he led McKinsey Indias Materials and Advanced Analytics in Metals practices, delivering measurable results for clients across geographies including India, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the US. He holds an engineering degree from IIT Delhi and an MBA from IIM Calcutta. At A&M, he will be co-leading the Energy and Resource Practice for A&M India, along with Vivek Kamra , a seasoned operator turned consultant professional.

Sahu, based in Bengaluru, joins A&M with over 13 years of experience in strategy consulting and industry roles, with a focus on large-scale business and digital transformations. He specializes in operational excellence, mega capital project management, and EBITDA improvement programs. Sahu previously led the Metals & Mining practice for Accenture Strategy in India, spearheading major transformation projects, including the digitalization of operations for the worlds largest coal mining company. Sahu earned his bachelors degree in Instrumentation and Electronics Engineering from the College of Engineering & Technology, Bhubaneswar, and a postgraduate diploma in management from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai.

Himanshu Bajaj , Managing Director and India Co-Country Leader at A&M, said, Kunwar and Ranajit bring invaluable expertise and a proven track record in driving large-scale transformations. Their addition strengthens our ability to address the evolving needs of clients across these industries. As Indias industrial and economic landscape evolves, their leadership will play a key role in delivering impactful results and fostering growth for our clients.

Vivek Kamra , Managing Director, said, We are pleased to welcome Kunwar and Ranajit to the team. Kunwars extensive experience in industrials (including, metals, mining, chemicals and energy) space along with Ranajits expertise in driving transformational initiatives within the metal and mining industry will play an instrumental role in furthering our efforts to serve clients with a distinct edge.

He further added, With Kunwar, Ranajit, Pankaj Bhagat and Santosh Kamath, A&M now brings a formidable capability in energy and resources space. The leadership team with an already strong track record of delivering multiple successful programs with a Commercial and Strategy think tank, Operators, Technology evangelists, turnaround experts cover client requirements from supporting businesses in Formulating Business Strategy, Revenue Enhancement, Large Scale Transformation, Technology and Digital led performance improvement and effective Capital Project Management.

Singh said, Indias industrial landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology and increasing global competitiveness. These shifts present tremendous opportunities for businesses to innovate and achieve sustainable growth. Alvarez & Marsals client-focused approach and operational excellence create a strong foundation for enabling such transformations. I am excited to contribute to this journey and collaborate with clients to deliver impactful outcomes.
The National Film Awards, India's most prestigious film awards, have always been a benchmark for outstanding cinematic excellence. Over the years, numerous actresses have received the coveted honor for their remarkable performances. Here are some of the recent winners whose roles have left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry:

Pallavi Joshi  The Kashmir Files

Pallavi Joshis powerhouse performance in The Kashmir Files earned her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2022. Apart from this, she also won a National Award for The Tashkent Files (2021) in the Best Supporting Actress category. Yet, another time Pallavi won the National Film Award for Woh Chokri (1992) in the Special Jury award category. In the critically acclaimed film, Joshi portrayed the tragic journey of a mother caught in the turmoil of Kashmir during the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Her nuanced portrayal of grief and resilience resonated deeply with audiences.

Alia Bhatt  Gangubai Kathiawadi

Alia Bhatt bagged the Best Actress award for her transformative role as the indomitable Gangubai Kothewali in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022). Alia's brilliant portrayal of a woman who rises from adversity to become a powerful figure in Mumbai's underworld was praised for its depth and intensity, solidifying her as one of Bollywood's finest actresses.

Kriti Sanon  Mimi

In 2023, Kriti Sanon was honored with the Best Actress award for her role in Mimi (2021), where she played a surrogate mother grappling with unforeseen circumstances. Kritis heartfelt performance and ability to balance humor with pathos won her widespread acclaim, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Sridevi  Mom

The late Sridevi posthumously won the National Award for Best Actress in 2018 for her role in Mom. Her portrayal of a mother seeking justice for her daughter in the face of unimaginable trauma was powerful and poignant, further cementing her legacy as one of India's greatest screen legends.

Nithya Menen  Thiruchitrambalam

Nithya Menen won widespread praise and a National Award for her role in the Tamil film Thiruchitrambalam (2022). Playing a complex character navigating love and personal challenges, Nithyas subtle yet impactful performance added a unique charm to the film.



Sonam Kapoor- Neerja

Sonam Kapoor earned a National Film Award Special Mention for her compelling performance in the biographical thriller Neerja. Sonam Kapoor delivered an outstanding performance as Neerja Bhanot, the courageous flight attendant who risked her life to protect the passengers. Sonam brought the character to life with remarkable authenticity, portraying Neerja's bravery and raw emotions with depth and sincerity. Her nuanced performance captured the essence of Neerja's selflessness and heroism, earning her widespread acclaim.



Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmi, one of India's finest actors, has won multiple National Film Awards for her exceptional performances. She received Best Actress honors for Ankur (1975), Arth (1983), Khandhar (1984), Paar (1985), and Godmother (1999). Renowned for her versatility and depth, Shabana's performances continue to leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema, showcasing her unparalleled acting prowess.
NPCI BHIM Services Ltd. (NBSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India, has announced a campaign, Gift Happiness, in partnership with CRY (Child Rights and You). This initiative intends to bring joy to underprivileged children across India by fulfilling their heartfelt wishes for New Year. Every transaction made on the BHIM app between December 16th and December 31st will contribute to this cause, making it a special new year for the kids.

The Gift Happiness campaign captures the essence of new beginnings and hope, associated with the New Year. It's a simple way to give back during the holiday season while enjoying the functionality of the BHIM app. The campaign encourages users to participate in the cause without altering their everyday behaviour, simply by using the BHIM app for their regular payments.

On the initiative, Rahul Handa, Chief Business Officer, NBSL, said, The New Year is a time of hope and new beginnings. Through the Gift Happiness campaign, we are taking a small step towards bringing joy and fulfilling the dreams of underprivileged children. Each transaction made via the BHIM app is a step towards making these wishes come true. We are proud to leverage our platform to spread happiness and support a brighter future for these children.

The partnership with CRY underscores the significance of this initiative. This collaboration ensures contributions made through the BHIM app reach those who need them most, making a tangible difference and upholding BHIM's commitment to financial inclusion.

We are happy to partner with BHIM this New Year for this unique initiative. It goes without saying that partnering with BHIM through this campaign 'Gift Happiness', is a step towards the kindness and support that every single child truly deserves," says Kreeanne Rabadi, Regional Director - CRY (West).

This campaign allows BHIM users to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children this New Year. By using the BHIM app, known for its intuitive interface, users can contribute to a good cause while enjoying a seamless payment experience. This initiative is a testament to BHIM's proposition to add value to its customers and give back to the community.

Also Read: BHIM collaborates with CRY for Meethi Diwali campaign
Curie Money, a next-generation fintech platform, has raised $1.2 million in a Seed funding round led by India Quotient, with participation from prominent institutional investors and angel investors in the fintech sector.

The funding will be deployed to strengthen Curie Moneys core team, advance product development, scale its technology infrastructure, and build strategic partnerships to accelerate growth and market expansion into current account and MSME segment.

Curie Money is pioneering Indias first high yield savings account which enables instant payments directly from mutual funds. To enable this Curie Money has partnered with YES BANK to offer a no minimum balance savings account & ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund to offer its fixed income mutual fund schemes. The company recently secured the approval from NPCI to operate as a TPAP, similar to Google Pay / PhonePe to offer UPI services. Users can get up to 7.3% CAGR returns by keeping their savings in ICICI Prudential Liquid Fund, which is significantly higher than traditional savings accounts.

Commenting on the fundraise Arindam Ghosh, Co-Founder of Curie Money, said, We founded Curie Money to solve a deeply personal challengemaking savings work harder without sacrificing liquidity. This funding is a testament to the market need for an integrated solution that combines the high returns of mutual funds with the convenience of banking. With the support of India Quotient and our investors, we are well-positioned to redefine personal finance and expand our reach.

Madhukar Sinha, Partner at India Quotient, added, Curie Money is at the forefront of a significant shift in the way people manage their finances. By seamlessly integrating mutual funds with banking and payments, they are empowering users to maximize their financial potential. We are excited to support Arindam, Tushar, and the team as they scale this innovative solution.

Inspired by financial ecosystems in the USA, Europe, and China, where money market accounts are widely used as a standard tool for personal finance, the founders recognized a major gap in the Indian market, which lacked an equivalent solution. Curie Money addresses this issue by bridging the gap between the potential returns of idle balances and the need for liquidity.

Curie Money combines the higher returns of mutual funds, which typically yield 78%, with the liquidity of savings accounts, addressing a key gap in personal finance. By enabling instant redemption at the time of payment, the platform ensures that users funds are always accessible while delivering better returns than traditional savings accounts.
PepsiCo India celebrated the extraordinary contributions of women in agriculture by launching the RevolutioNari Conference and Awards 2024 in New Delhi. This inaugural event underscores the companys commitment to fostering inclusive growth through collaboration with the government, partner organizations, and local communities.

The RevolutioNari Awards aim to recognize and amplify the leadership and impact of women in agriculture, honoring their essential role in driving agricultural innovation and sustainability.

The event, which also marked the launch of the RevolutioNari Anthem, saw ten women farmers from across India being awarded for their groundbreaking work. These women were selected after a comprehensive evaluation of nominations from across the nation. An esteemed jury of experts, led by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, reviewed the submissions under five key categories:

 Breaking Gender Stereotypes & Implementing Best Farming Practices:

Gold: Tapasi Pal (West Bengal)

Silver: Sanju Yogi (Rajasthan)

 Economic Empowerment through SHGs:

Gold: Ganapathi SHG (Telangana)

Silver: Sarayan Farmer Producer Company Ltd. (Uttar Pradesh)

 Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture:

Gold: Shivani Kisku (Jharkhand)

Silver: Manguben Jaga (Gujarat)

 Protection and Promotion of Native Indigenous Food Systems:

Gold: Monika Mohite (Maharashtra)

Silver: Sujata Paramanik (West Bengal)

 Youth Innovators in Agriculture:

Gold: Surbhi Kumari (Bihar)

Silver: Anima Aind (Jharkhand)

The awards ceremony, attended by prominent dignitaries, included the Hon'ble Chief Guests Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, and Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Minister of Women and Child Development, as well as the keynote speaker Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Government of Punjab. The dignitaries delivered inspiring addresses emphasizing the crucial need to elevate womens roles in agriculture.

Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary shared: With changing times, our farmers have embraced sustainable agricultural practices, and women have emerged as strong pillars of this system, playing an indispensable role in driving progress. Agricultural development is unimaginable without their invaluable contribution. I congratulate PepsiCo India for empowering and recognizing them as key leaders in the industry.

Ajit Balaji Joshi highlighted: I am incredibly proud to see womens representation in this room surpassing that of men. Organizations like PepsiCo India are instrumental in helping farmers explore opportunities in agriculture, food processing, and beyond. Womens participation in this sector is essential for driving sustainable growth and innovation.

Jagrut Kotecha, CEO, PepsiCo India and South Asia, stated: At PepsiCo India, we are committed to an inclusive future where women are empowered to lead change. Through our RevolutioNari initiative, which aims to empower 1 million women across India by 2026, we are driving tangible, positive societal impact. As an agri company working closely with farmers for over three decades, we are proud to bring these remarkable stories to life through the RevolutioNari Awards.

The event also featured insightful panel discussions, workshops, and knowledge exchanges. Topics like Policy Perspectives: Advancing Gender Equality in Agriculture, Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion, Innovation, and Technology, and Seed to Smile: Cultivating Resilience for a Better Tomorrow focused on empowering women in agriculture through innovation, financial inclusion, and climate-smart practices.

The event was made possible with the support of The Social Lab as the knowledge partner, and Avian WE, the official outreach partner, who helped drive awareness and engagement for this pioneering initiative.
A VIA Transit bus travels north along San Pedro Avenue on Oct. 17. VIA has landed a grant from the Federal Transit Administration to pay for the bulk of the new Green Line rapid bus route. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News A rendering shows VIAs planned Green Line, which will be the first rapid transit option in San Antonio.

Local leaders have landed a $268 million federal grant to help pay for the next generation of San Antonios public transit system: a rapid bus route running from the South Side to the airport.

On Wednesday, VIA Metropolitan Transit signed a grant agreement with the Federal Transit Administration for the grant, which will fund the bulk of the 10.4-mile route, known as the Green Line.

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The Green Line's plans call for buses to run every 10 minutes on weekdays, offering a rapidity of service that does not currently exist in San Antonio. For much of the route, the buses will have their own lanes, so they will not get snarled in traffic, and signals will be programmed to keep them moving at intersections.

The hope is that the speedier service on the Green Line, as well as on a sister east-west route known as the Silver Line, will lead motorists to ditch their cars for the bus  fulfilling VIAs 1980s-era slogan by making it easy when you take the bus.

The grant is the largest federal investment VIA has received in its history, the agency said.

Big dreams for bus routes

Along with reducing traffic while the local population continues to boom, the rapid routes are intended to reduce stress and save time for residents who rely on buses in their daily lives, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said.

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Speaking during a Wednesday ceremony outside VIAs transit hub on San Pedro Avenue  which will serve as the spine for much of the Green Line  Nirenberg said the project offers "mobility, in the broadest sense. Not just moving people physically, but moving them socioeconomically."

He described the rapid bus line as part of an effort to envision a more equitable San Antonio tomorrow."

Federal Transit Administration Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said 60% of VIAs riders use its services to get to work, and 15% don't have a car in their household.

VIA plans to begin construction next year and to have the route running by late 2027.

Along with designated lanes and new stops  designed so that riders will pay before hopping on, reducing the amount of time the buses are stopped  the construction will include 7.3 miles of new or repaired sidewalks, 13 new signalized pedestrian crossings and 151 new or replaced stormwater drains, according to information supplied by VIA.

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The total budget is $480.8 million. VIA plans to contribute $54.1 million, which it will be able to raise thanks to a ballot measure that voters approved in 2020 redirecting a 1/8-cent sales tax to the agency starting in 2026.

The Advanced Transportation District  a taxing entity that has the same board as VIA  will raise $153.7 million by issuing revenue bonds.

The route will stretch from Interstate 10 near the vacant Lone Star Brewery through downtown all the way to San Antonio International Airport north of Loop 410.

More frequent service

VIA has based its growth strategy on offering more frequent service. Though the agencys ridership has grown since the depth of the Covid-19 pandemic  from a low of 23.3 million in fiscal year 2021 to 27 million in 2023  it is still far below where it was a decade ago, mirroring a trend seen in other transit agencies in the Lone Star State. In fiscal year 2013, VIA reported nearly 46.1 million riders, according to data from the states annual Texas Transit Statistics report.

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In past interviews, VIA representatives have attributed the ridership decline since 2013 in part to the difficulty the agency has had in hiring enough drivers after a rash of retirements during the pandemic. On Wednesday, VIA spokesman Josh Baugh said the agency doesnt expect to have trouble hiring drivers for the Green Line because it will be able to use drivers from routes the Green Line is replacing.

Over the past decade or so, VIA has embraced the idea of bus rapid transit routes, also known as advanced rapid transit, after local leaders failed in yet another effort to build a light rail system. Bus rapid transit routes have recently been implemented in other U.S. cities such as Indianapolis and Madison, Wisconsin. Austin is now building two of them.

On Wednesday, Vanterpool described bus rapid transit as being a policy focus of the Federal Transit Administration under the administration of President Joe Biden.

"A lot of communities automatically think of rail as synonymous with public transportation, but here in the United States we're using our roadways, built to support a car culture, to create a new, cost-efficient way for people to get around, and so attract a new generation of riders, she said.

The Silver Line  set to run from Our Lady of the Lake University on the West Side through downtown to the East Sides Frost Bank Center  is about two years out from getting its own federal grant locked down, said Jeffrey Arndt, VIAs president and CEO. In August, the Bexar County Commissioners Court committed to providing the necessary $100 million local match.

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Arndt said the reelection of President Donald Trump isn't expected to have any impact on the funding. Vanterpool, a political appointee, said on Wednesday that she would be leaving her job with Bidens departure. Arndt is preparing to leave VIA on Jan. 4, to be replaced by Jon Gary Herrera, currently the senior vice president of public engagement.

Some of the ongoing bus rapid transit projects across the U.S. were launched in the first Trump administration.
A Kamaka Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (N689KA), performing a training flight, went out of control and crashed into a vacant building, shortly after takeoff from runway 4L at Honolulu-International Airport (HNL), Hawaii.

Both pilots were killed.pic.twitter.com/v9FfPpsbvy  Aviation Safety Network (ASN) (@AviationSafety) December 18, 2024 Flugzeugabsturz am Flughafen Honolulu,  XSL

 aero.de | 19.12.2024 06:49

HONOLULU - Die US-Flugunfallstelle NTSB ermittelt nach einem Vorfall auf Hawaii - unmittelbar nach dem Start ist eine Cessna 208 Caravan am Flughafen Honolulu in ein leerstehendes Gebaude gesturzt.Kamaka Air verbindet seit uber 30 Jahren die Hawaii-Inseln miteinander. Am Dienstag ist eine Cessna 208 Caravan der Airline am Flughafen Honolulu abgesturzt."Es handelte sich um einen Trainings-, nicht um einen Passagierflug", teilte das Verkehrsministerium des US-Bundesstaats Hawaii mit. Die Cessna flog nach dem Start eine Kurve und sturzte in ein leerstehendes Gebaude in einem Gewerbepark. Beide Insassen waren nach Behordenangaben auf der Stelle tot.Nach Medienberichten hatten die Piloten vor dem Absturz noch Kontrollprobleme an den Tower gemeldet. Die Unglucksmaschine aus dem Produktionsjahr 2011 war auf Runway 4L gestartet.
Alabama chef and six-time James Beard Award semifinalist Rob McDaniel and his wife, Emily, are opening a seafood-focused restaurant and raw bar next door to their first restaurant, Helen, in downtown Birmingham.

Their new restaurant, Bayonet, is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025 in the Berry Building at 2015 Second Ave. North.

The name Bayonet refers not to the steel blade affixed to the end of a combat rifle but to the Spanish plant, a resilient evergreen with white, bell-shaped flowers and long, sharp-tipped leaves.

Most people think of a sword when they first hear (bayonet), Rob McDaniel tells AL.com. Its actually named after the Spanish bayonet plant, which symbolizes strength, protection, endurance, growth and resilience . . . a lot of things that we represent as a restaurant.

Its the unexpected part of that name that I really like, he adds. Our goal is to deliver an experience that people arent expecting to get.

The Bayonet menu will feature fish and oysters not just from the Gulf of Mexico but also from the Atlantic and Pacific, McDaniel says.

Raw oysters will play a large role, he says. We hope to have 10 to 12 varieties of oysters. I mean, its the focal point. . . .

But theres also a ton of stuff out there that I want to work with, he adds. I want to get lobsters in. I want to get Dungeness crab in.

Theres just a lot of diversity out there -- from the East Coast, the West Coast, Canada and the Gulf Coast -- and were excited to experiment with it.

Bayonet will be open for lunch and dinner, with some dishes available on both menus, McDaniel says.

RELATED: 10 new restaurants that opened in Birmingham in 2024

The restaurant, on the ground level of Birminghams historic four-story Berry Building, will seat 54 guests, including 10 seats at the raw bar and 12 at the cocktail bar. Guests also may mingle in an adjoining parlor.

I think thatll be a fun place to have cocktails, whether youre waiting on a table for here (at Helen) or waiting on a table there (at Bayonet), McDaniel says of the parlor. Or maybe you just want to stop by there and get a cocktail.

The McDaniels worked with Carter Hughes and his brother, Scott Hughes -- principals at H2 Real Estate, which owns, and has its offices in, the Berry Building -- to develop the Bayonet space. H2 also owns the two-story, 1920-era building that is home to Helen.

It was vacant for a long time, and they just didnt really have any bites, Emily McDaniel says of the Bayonet space. It worked out perfectly for us to open something next door and work with H2 again.

Charlie Norton of Harbert Realty Services helped the McDaniels with the leasing process for both Helen and Bayonet.

The new Bayonet space features 17-foot ceilings, a custom-built raw bar, subway tile trim, and commissioned art from a local artist.

Ivy Schuster of Hatcher Schuster Interiors designed the interiors. Schuster also designed the interiors for Helen.

The adjectives that were using are, its vibrant, its fun, its lively, Emily McDaniel says of the Bayonet design. Weve got lots of color. Its seafood but not beachy.

RELATED: The story behind Helens famous angel biscuits

Some members of the Helen kitchen and service staff will transition to the new restaurant, the McDaniels say.

Daniel Goslin, the general manager at Helen since 2020, will be the general manager at Bayonet.

When we started (Helen), our goal was to try to build a different work environment, promote from within, and hold on to people as much as we could, Rob McDaniel says. For us to do that, weve got to grow, and part of that growth is promoting folks.

A Haleyville native and Auburn University graduate, McDaniel attended the New England Culinary Institute and worked under Chris Hastings at Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham and Drew Robinson at Jim N Nicks Bar-B-Q before becoming the founding executive chef at SpringHouse restaurant near Lake Martin in 2009.

After a decade at SpringHouse, McDaniel and his wife wanted a restaurant of their own, so they moved to the Birmingham metro area to open Helen in August 2020. Emily is the restaurants hospitality director and co-owner.

During his time at SpringHouse, McDaniel was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: South for five consecutive years.

Earlier this year, as the executive chef at Helen, he was selected as a James Beard semifinalist for the sixth time.
Two Alabama men and a government contracting official for Redstone Arsenal pleaded guilty Wednesday for their roles in a conspiracy to bribe a public official, prosecutors announced.

Coogan Preston, the 55-year-old Redstone Arsenal official from Columbia, South Carolina, and Alabama residents Francisco Guerra, 55, of Lexington and Jason Ingram, 47, of Rogersville, pleaded guilty in Huntsville federal court to conspiracy to bribe a public official.

The scheme occurred from 2016 to 2021 and involved Guerra agreeing to provide money and other items of value to Preston in exchange for Preston identifying subcontracting opportunities for companies owned and operated by Guerra.

Preston then convinced the prime contractor to use one of Guerras companies as a subcontractor.

This office is committed to prosecuting individuals who illegally prioritize their personal gain over the fiduciary responsibilities of a federal government official, said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona of the Northern District of Alabama, who along with Keith Kelly, special agent in charge for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Divisions Fraud Field Office announced the guilty pleas. Persons who seek to enrich themselves through bribes and illegal payments undermine the publics trust and the basic concept of fairness.

The men pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Liles Burke, who scheduled sentencing hearing for March 15.

We are very pleased with todays announcement, said Kelly. This is a true testament to our continued commitment to work closely and seamlessly with our outstanding fellow law enforcement agencies to help bring those to justice who attempt to defraud the U.S. Government and U.S. Army.
John Michael Legg was spared the possibility of a death penalty after he pleaded guilty Wednesday morning through an agreement with the district attorney to three counts of capital murder in the 2020 shooting deaths of seven people in Valhermoso Springs.

It was a negotiated plea, and it was impacted by the previous trial of Mr. (Frederic) Rogers, Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson said. Of course, in that case, we sought the death penalty.

Circuit Judge Stephen Brown accepted 23-year-old Leggs pleas and sentenced him to life in prison without parole for each count.

Legg belonged to a motorcycle gang called Seven Deadly Sins when he was invited, along with Rogers, 26, to a dinner party on June 4, 2020. The pair had planned to wipe the slate clean over perceived disobedience toward the club from some inside the home, according to testimony at Rogers trial. Legg was 19 years old at the time.

Legg and Rogers shot and killed Jeramy Roberts, 31, of Athens; James Wayne Benford, 22, of Decatur; William Zane Hodgin, 18, of Somerville; Roger Lee Jones Jr., 20, of Decatur; and Valhermoso Springs residents Tammy England Muzzey, 45, Emily Brooke Payne, 21, and Dakota Green, 17. Afterward, Legg and Rogers tried to burn some of the victims bodies.

Rogers was convicted of capital murder following a lengthy trial and sentenced in September to life without parole on the 10-2 recommendation of a jury.

The jury found Rogers guilty on three counts: murder during a burglary, murder of two or more people by one act, and murder during arson. Legg pleaded guilty to the same charges Wednesday morning.

After Legg and Rogers were indicted in 2021, Anderson told The Decatur Daily that he would seek the death penalty for both men.

Naturally, that sentence from (Rogers) jury impacted our view of this case. It was our determination, as we prepared for Rogers trial, that Mr. Rogers was more culpable in the commission of these crimes than was Mr. Legg, Anderson said.

And so, just out of a pure sense of justice, we felt like it would be unjust to seek the death penalty on Mr. Legg when Mr. Rogers did not receive the death penalty. And so, that jury had a major impact on how we saw Mr. Leggs case.

Anderson said his office met with the victims families after Rogers was sentenced and explained the situation.

They didnt necessarily like it, but they understood that we have to be just for everybody, he said. I applaud them for that maturity and understanding that we have to seek justice, and sometimes we dont know what that justice is until a jury tells us.

Its always our hope that theyll receive some type of closure in their lives. We cant bring their loved ones back  wish we could but we cant  but we can give them justice ... and weve done that.

Before Legg was sentenced Wednesday morning, the court heard impact statements from the victims families. Legg, flanked by his attorneys, John Berry and Brandon Little, stood shackled and motionless before the bench.

Meadow Hodgin, the younger sister of William Hodgin, read a statement on behalf of her family written by her sister, Fiona. She told how William always stood up for his sisters and helped his grandfather on the farm. William was an active member in the church who touched so many hearts.

Assistant District Attorney Courtney Schellack read letters on behalf of other families.

A letter from Roberts family said he had a heart of gold and a gorgeous smile. Roberts left behind children and siblings. His family said his death will haunt (them) everyday for the rest of their lives.

Englands mother described Tammy as a caring mother of four, a daughter and a friend who opened her home to those who needed a hot meal or a place to stay.

I no longer find joy in the things I used to do, the mothers letter said. She has suffered from anxiety, panic attacks and nightmares since Englands death. We will never have peace.

Schellack also read a letter from one of Englands daughters.

A letter from Englands youngest daughter and Paynes best friend described difficulty holding a steady job due to frequent panic attacks since the murders. The daughter used to be a hairstylist who practiced with Paynes and her mothers hair. Now, styling hair is too painful a reminder.

I just want to talk to my mom, another of Englands daughters wrote.

Brown then asked Legg if he had anything he would like to say before sentencing.

No sir, Legg replied.

Anderson said he expects some people will criticize him for not seeking the death penalty for Legg. He said such criticism, if it comes from those who have not sat in the courtroom and are not privy to all the facts and applicable laws, is off base.

Berry and Little did not respond to requests for comment.

 david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438.

___

(c)2024 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.)

Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Montgomery Youth Detention Facility officer has been arrested in the alleged sex abuse of a young inmate.

Kentavious Miller, 32, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse, the Montgomery County Office announced Thursday.

Assistant Chief Deputy Wesley Richerson said Miller is no longer employed as an officer at the facility.

Charging documents state the incident happened between 7:30 and 8 p.m. Sunday at the juvenile lockup.

The 14-year-boy was in his assigned cell when authorities say Miller entered the cell and grabbed the boys genitals.

Miller was taken into custody Wednesday. His bond was set at $7,500.

The sheriffs office is committed to prosecuting those who take advantage of their position to harm innocent victims, Richerson said. We will leverage all resources to ensure justice is carried out in this case.
Abelardo Abe Saavedra and South San Superintendent Henry Yzaguirre listens to those who attended the meeting where the Texas Education Agency gave a brief presentation and answer questions about application and process for the Board of Managers on Monday, Dec.9, 2024 at South San Auditorium Ronald Cortes Abelardo Abe Saavedra greets South San Superintendent Henry Yzaguirre as the Texas Education Agency gave a brief presentation and answer questions about applications and process for the Board of Managers on Monday, Dec.9, 2024 at South San Auditorium Ronald Cortes Karyn Tomlinson address the Texas Education Agency who gave a brief presentation and answered questions about applications and process for the Board of Managers on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 at South San Auditorium Ronald Cortes Abelardo Abe Saavedra South San Board Monitor listens as Texas Education Agency gave a brief presentation and answered questions about applications and process for the Board of Managers on Monday, Dec.9, 2024 at South San Auditorium Ronald Cortes South San Superintendent Henry Yzaguirre listens as Herman Sanchez address the Texas Education Agency who gave give a brief presentation and answered questions about applications/process for the Board of Managers on Monday Dec.9, 2024 at South San Auditorium Ronald Cortes Herman Sanchez address a question to the Texas Education Agency who were giving a brief presentation and answering questions about applications and process for the Board of Managers on Monday Dec.9, 2024 at South San Auditorium Ronald Cortes

While the fate of the South San Antonio Independent School District board has yet to be determined, the Texas Education Agency began looking last month for prospective candidates to replace trustees.

The response may have come as a surprise. The TEA said nearly 50 people, including two of the district's past leaders, had applied for the position as of Dec. 12.

Their consideration is contingent upon South San ISD becoming the tenth school district in Texas to be taken over by a state-appointed board of managers since 2000. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath is expected to decide next month whether the current board should be removed.

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Part of his deliberation process is asking me and my team to set up an application process to ascertain interest from the community, TEA Deputy Commissioner of Governance Steve Lecholop said at a Dec. 9 community meeting. This is one of many data points the commissioner will consider as he ultimately makes his final decision.

Of the 48 individuals who applied to serve on the potential South San ISD board of managers, the TEA said 29 reside outside the district. A vast majority  45  live in Bexar County.

Nine are current South San ISD parents, and seven had children graduate from the district. Half are South San alumni.

Two former superintendents are among the mix of candidates, though the TEA didn't disclose their names. So are six former board members, two current district employees and 13 former employees.

Seven applicants have a doctorate, 21 have a masters degree and 40 have a bachelors degree.

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TEA spokesperson Jake Kobersky said 33 applicants attended the agencys required Lone Star Governance training last weekend. The TEA is extending the deadline to apply for the board of managers to Jan. 8, allowing it to hold an additional training session.

Morath also instructed his staff to recruit applicants to serve as the South San Antonio ISD superintendent. Kobersky said current superintendent Henry Yzaguirre is welcome to apply.

The job posting comes after an investigation revealing deep-rooted operational and governance chaos within the district.

The subject of multiple state probes in recent decades, the South San board signed a settlement agreement in September 2023 that gave it one year to prove it could govern itself effectively to avoid being replaced by a board of managers.

Last month, the districts conservator, Abe Saavedra, said trustees fell short of that goal and failed to complete mandatory training and maintain proper decorum, had poor attendance and spent on average only a third of their meeting time discussing student outcomes.

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He recommended the highest level of intervention to address the decades-long dysfunction and bad behavior.

A board of managers is a temporary replacement for an elected board of trustees appointed by the commissioner when a school district or charter school fails to meet state standards, including in accreditation criteria, academic performance, financial accountability and governance.

South San ISD is no stranger to state intervention. A TEA presentation said board infighting led to the assignment of a state-appointed monitor in 1989, and noncompliance issues related to finances and operations resulted in the appointment of a conservator in 2016. Another monitor was assigned in 2018 to support board training.

Saavedra was appointed the district's conservator in 2023 after serving as its monitor for two years.

The TEA's decision to begin taking applications for the board of managers last month came in response to Saavedras concerns about a lack of public engagement. In a letter to Morath, the former superintendent cast doubt about the boards ability to represent community interests since it does not publicly engage with its constituents.

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Saavedra said he recommended to board president Manuel Lopez that they host a series of community leadership meetings to educate residents about the responsibilities of a school board member. The meetings never occurred, and months later, the board election was canceled because only three incumbents filed to run for their respective board seats and only one community member filed for the remaining open seat.

Spate of takeovers

Houston and Shepherd independent school districts were taken over by boards of managers after receiving five consecutive unacceptable campus academic ratings. The state seized control of La Joya ISD in February after investigating the school board for allegations of fraud and conflicts of interest.

San Antonio has seen its fair share of state takeovers. Southside and Edgewood ISDs were both run by a board of managers due to governance failures and have since transitioned back to a fully elected board.

Lecholop said the TEA hosted the Dec. 9 information session in South San to generate interest in serving on a board of managers and to attract the most qualified citizens of Bexar County."

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I know how committed the people of South San are, Lecholop said. I fully expect there to be a high-quality and deep pool of candidates for the commissioner to consider.

South San substitute teacher Herman Sanchez attended the meeting after submitting his application. Sanchez said he has lived in the district for more than 30 years. His wife was a South San teacher for 35 years and his two daughters graduated from the district.

If theres some help that needs to be done to get these board members back on track, whatever I can do to help, said the retired insurance field underwriter and safety inspector. I will go up there, and if Im deemed well enough to do that, I will get in there and work.
Alabamas veterans have higher rates of serious mental illness, opioid misuse, and alcohol misuse than non-veterans, according to a report Wednesday to the Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee.

David Albright, principal investigator for VitAL, a research partnership of the University of Alabama and state agencies, presented the information to the Steering Committee, which the Legislature created in May.

In addition to the higher rates of mental illness and opioid and alcohol misuse, state Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell said the VitAL report showed an overall shortage of services for veterans and disparities in some geographic areas.

Read the presentation.

The information gathering is part of the Steering Committees mandate.

The bill creating the committee, passed in May, requires the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) and the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs to collaborate on developing a comprehensive plan for mental health, substance use, and other services for veterans.

The plan is due April 1, 2025.

The report from VitAL was to show the landscape of mental health needs for Alabama veterans and establish a baseline on the rates of mental illness, substance use, and other problems, as well as the availability of services.

The legislation creating the Steering Committee authorizes the ADMH to establish pilot programs for veterans services. Boswell said the agency is preparing to issue a request for proposals that will be funded with $3 million in opioid settlement funds.

There is a need for creativity and innovation, Boswell said. And so we would love to see some pilot projects that would demonstrate really strong peer support programs. And then we would know if those are successful - if we needed to replicate them statewide.

Wednesdays meeting was the third for the 20-member steering committee, which includes lawmakers, state officials, representatives of veterans services and support organizations, and mental health and substance use providers.

R.B. Walker of Alabama Power spoke to the Steering Committee about the idea of a public-private partnership to help veterans by connecting them with employers, educational programs through colleges and trade schools, peer support through veterans organizations, and mental health services.

Walker said the proposed Alabama Service Member Welcome & Transition Center would help veterans find careers to provide the purpose and sense of belonging they need after their military careers end. He said it could help rural and underserved communities and that Alabama Power was eager to collaborate with the Steering Committee.

Boswell said she is encouraged by the ideas being generated.

Per capita we have a lot more vets than other states, Boswell said. So really trying to address their health and behavioral health needs is really important.

I think you heard that from everybody that spoke today. I think youve seen it in the attendance at this committee meeting. I think there is just a real commitment to address the health and behavioral health needs of the veterans in our state because theyre really important to us.

The committee is expected to meet again in January.
A man previously charged in connection with a shooting on the campus of Alabama A&M University in Huntsville is now facing an additional attempted murder charge for the same incident.

Juvuan Maurice Richards Jr., 20, of Mobile, was arrested March 18 and charged with discharging a gun in an occupied building.

Court documents say Richards fired a Glock 17 Gen5 handgun at the Knight Living and Learning Complex on March 18, while officers and students were in the area.

Alabama A&M Police Chief Montrez Payton said on the day of the shooting that a campus police officer was on the fifth floor of the Knight Complex residence hall conducting a routine patrol around 1:50 p.m., when the officer heard shots fired below him.

As the officer responded to see where the shots were coming from, he made contact with a person in the southwest stairwell of the residence hall.

Multiple shots were exchanged in that stairwell, Payton told AL.com.

An individual was hit multiple times.

The shooting victim, another student, was taken to Huntsville Hospital with undisclosed injuries.

Records show that Richards was also charged with firing two shots at a university police officer.

The officer, who was not publicly identified, was not injured.

The attempted murder charge was filed in September.

In October, Richards bond on the second charge was reduced to $25,000, according to court documents. It was $50,000 for the initial charge.
Weeks of drone sightings over New Jersey and New York have sparked concerns  and conspiracies. The FBI is investigating more than 3,000 reports of unexplained drone sightings in New Jersey alone. The vast majority of the reports are turning out to be airplane but other sightings of the unexplained drones are just that  unexplained.

But more than a decade before drone dread hit the country, Alabama was in the center of a sky mystery of its own. This one didnt involve buzzing drones but rather a mysterious blob that first appeared on radar followed by scattered debris across North Alabama.

Redstone Blob

It was June 5, 2013 when an unexplained image appeared on the weather radar of WHNT in Huntsville. The anomaly, which came to be called a blob, popped up in the late afternoon centered near the northwest edge of Redstone Arsenal, home to NASA, Missile Defense Agency, Missile and Space Intelligence Center, the Armys Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command and Redstone Test Center. There was no thunderstorm in the area and the blob had appeared suddenly, spreading nearly 10 miles wide and a mile high. It stayed on the radar for almost nine hours yet nothing could be seen from the ground.

At first, it was believed the image was caused by a damaged electrical substation but Huntsville Utilities quickly ruled that out. Arsenal officials were mum, saying they didnt know what was causing the echo to appear.

Social media stories spread quickly and soon, images of a white substance falling from the sky in the area of the blob were everywhere.

Conspiracy theories exploded with  of course  aliens taking center stage. Others ideas were more practical, citing smoke, weather patterns or even a swarm of bugs as possible reasons behind the blob. It was logical to assume the blob was related to something at Redstone Arsenal but officials there were circumspect.

As a matter of Operational Security policy, we do not offer details concerning the circumstances under which testing activities are performed. Further, discussing specific measures and operational procedures could adversely affect the success of testing activities. We routinely evaluate and validate weapon systems and components so that we and our allies can maintain the edge over adversaries. Testing assures that war fighting capabilities are in a high state of readiness, officials said in a statement.

The idea that military testing was involved grew after Severe Weather and Radar Research groups at UAH found fiberglass chaff near Zierdt Road in Huntsville, about the point of the blobs origin. Chaff is small reflective strips released by aircrafts or ships to create false radar signals and confuse enemy tracking systems. Experts werent convinced, however, saying the chaff typically produced long, elongated signatures on radars, not concentrated blobs that hung around for hours.

Conspiracy theories grew after a silvery white substance was found on the ground below the radar-indicated blob above Redstone Arsenal.AL.com file

But, as with most conspiracy theories, it turned out the answer was fairly straightforward.

Chaff emitted from an aircraft conducting routine testing was to blame for the Redstone Blob, arsenal officials said in a statement issued after speculation over the anomalys origin grew. Weather conditions in the area caused the chaff to essentially be suspended in the air for longer than normal before it fell to Earth and was spotted in Huntsville. The delay also allowed it to show up on radar late into the evening.

This RR-188 (chaff) showed as an anomaly on local weather screens as weather conditions caused it to linger longer than normal, the statement read.

There was no danger or environmental issues from the chaff and soon, life in Huntsville, returned to normal  at least as normal as it can be with military testing rattling windows on a regular basis and a hum of state-of-the-art helicopters overhead.
Saturday will mark 10 years since a beloved husband, father, grandfather Jordanian immigrant and Dominos pizza driver was murdered in an ambush robbery during a delivery at an apartment complex in the popular Summit shopping center off U.S. 280.

Murdered on Dec.21, 2014, 63-year-old Najeh Masaeids daughter said at the time that little was more important to her father than doing the right thing for the right reason, especially when it came to money.

Jordan Masaeid-Hosey put it best when she said a decade ago, He came here for the American Dream, and it was shattered by American greed.

Masaeid-Hosey, now a 36-year-old successful realtor, developer and business owner, wanted to publicly honor her father on the milestone anniversary of his death.

She has put a billboard behind Franklin Automotive at the Colonnade to make sure no one forgets her father or the impact he left on his customers, his community and, most of all, his family.

Every time I drive through Cahaba Heights, its like this dark cloud is hanging over me, Masaeid-Hosey said.

One day I was sitting in traffic there looking at a Dominos billboard, and I was like, I just need to celebrate him instead of remembering him from a depressed state of mind.

People still talk about him all of the time, so I wanted to honor him and keep his memory going, she said. Hed been (working) there nearly two decades, and he really did impact that community.

You dont think a delivery driver can make that kind of impact, and thats what really inspired me, Masaeid-Hosey said.

You dont have to be the greatest, most influential, richest person to make an impact, she said. You just have to be a person with a hard work ethic, and thats who he was and thats what he instilled in me.

Najeh Masaeid, 63, was shot to death during a robbery Nov. 21, 2014, while delivering Dominos pizza at the Summit apartments. His daughter, Jordan Masaeid-Hosey, put up a billboard to honor him 10 years after his murder.(Contributed/AL.com)

Masaeid, a father of four, was found dead that Sunday evening in the hallway of a building at the apartment complex. A resident called 911 about 6:45 p.m. after making the awful discovery in the breezeway.

He had been called to deliver a pizza to a vacant apartment in the complex. When he arrived, then-17-year-old Corey Arrington Jr. punched Masaeid and knocked him down before punching the deliveryman again.

When Masaeid fell, he hit his head on the concrete ground.

Arrington told investigators Masaeid was bleeding from the mouth and choking when he turned the body over to get his wallet.

According to the owner of the Cahaba Heights Dominos, Masaeid did not have more than $20 in his wallet.

Masaeids car was still running when police arrived. A warming bag holding pizzas was found near him.

Arrington, initially charged with capital murder, pleaded guilty two years later to felony murder and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

He was also sentenced to 10 years for robbing and assaulting a Papa Johns deliveryman - 67-year-old Jimmy Lanford - at the same apartment complex weeks before Masaeids death.

Najeh Masaeid, 63, was shot to death during a robbery Dec. 21, 2014, while delivering Dominos pizza at the Summit apartments. His daughter, Jordan Masaeid-Hosey, put up a billboard to honor him 10 years after his murder.(Contributed/AL.com)

Masaied moved to the U.S. almost 30 years ago and obtained citizenship. He took a job with his close friend at Dominos and worked at least 80 hours a week to make ends meet.

He and his wife lived in a modest Shelby County apartment. Though he was eligible for government assistance, he never took it.

His work was honorable, his daughter said. He wasnt making the greatest money in the world, but he did something he loved, and he enjoyed it and that was enough for him.

In the 10 years since his slaying, Masaeid has missed so much, Masaeid-Hosey said.

He has missed out on watching me build my first hotel, he has missed out on obviously a million milestones of our kids growing up, he has missed out on watching me build my first brokerage, which now Im building in Trace Crossings and Im building a new condo hotel in Trace Crossings in Hoover also, she said.

Masaeid-Hosey, managing broker and CEO of HBH Realty, this past year opened Buck Creek BNB, a boutique bed & breakfast in Helena. It is the first commercial lodging in the city in recent memory.

She also hosted an HGTV episode called, The American Dream, and broke ground on her brokerage in Hoover.

Developer Jordan Masaeid-Hosey, lead agent of Housed by Hosey and CEO of Game On Bnb, a short-term rental company.

Masaeid always had a great love for real estate and architecture. The father and daughter duo often would crash open houses.

He would take me to different buildings of different architects because he was enamored by architecture, especially with the way they built things here versus back home where everything is built out of cinder block, Masaeid-Hosey said.

I think thats where I got my love for real estate and architecture, and I just took that and ran with it, she said. I wish more than anything he could see that.

Also since his death, Masaeid-Hosey bought several homes for her mother and then built her mother a house from scratch.

He never owned a house. He always talked about it, Masaeid-Hosey said of her father. He would say, One day, were going to own our house, were going to live in our own house. Were not going to rent apartments anymore.'

I made that happen. Not just for me, but I taught my mom how to do it, Masaeid-Hosey said. I taught her how to build her credit and create income. At 65 years old, to be a first-time homeowner is pretty fantastic. Its never too late.

Masaeid-Hosey said shes amazed, and touched, at how many people remember her father.

He is still talked about, she said. People tell me the wildest stories.

He took his job so seriously, but he really connected with people and made an impact on him, she said.

Thats what I want people to remember. Remember who they are and what they are and how much a humble background can really impact the community you live in and serve in. I just think its so great.

Im going to continue honoring him as long as Im alive, she said.

The teen who killed Masaeid is now a 27-year-old man and still behind bars.

Masaeid-Hosey said she expects he will come up for parole at some point, and she plans to be involved in that process.

I want to know who he is now. He was 17 and barely knew what he was doing, she said.

I believe in my heart he didnt mean to kill him, she said. He was trying to rob him, and it was the way my dads head landed on the concrete just that caused immediate internal hemorrhage in his brain.

When Arrington was sentenced in 2016, he made a short statement and said he was truly sorry for his actions which resulted in Masaeids death.

If I could give my life for his... I would, he said, adding that he would suffer every day of his life.

Ive forgiven him. I hope hes doing something with his life, Masaeid-Hosey said. Vengeance is not mine to carry.
A juvenile suspect has been charged with murder in the shooting death of 18-year-old Cameron Jamal Miikquise Thompson, who was found slain Monday in Tuscaloosa.

Authorities are not releasing the name of the teen suspect, even though the suspect is being charged as an adult.

Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy on Wednesday said the motive appears to be related to comments Thompson posted on social media regarding the suspects sexual orientation.

Thompson was a transgender woman, and her family members believe her shooting death was a hate crime.

Thompson graduated earlier this year from Job Corps and had worked for UPS for about a month. She lived with her mother and her 16-year-old brother.

She was a very sweet person, very nice person, never met a stranger, said her aunt, Tara Matthews. She loved hair and nails.

Thompson left her familys home about 1 a.m. Monday, only taking her cell phone with her, family said.

The mother, who works overnight, noticed about noon Monday that Thompsons purse and other person items were still in her bedroom.

That wasnt like her to leave her belongings, Matthews said.

Family members repeated tried calling Thompsons phone, but it went straight to voicemail.

That was unusual, so we kept trying to call and see what was going on, Matthews said.

The family called police about 4 p.m. Monday to file a missing persons report, and it was then they learned that a body had been found a couple of hours earlier.

Once my sister identified the body, they came over and matched the person killed to my niece, Matthews said.

Authorities found Thompson about 1 p.m. in the 600 block of East 35th Avenue.

Kennedy said Thompson had been shot several times. He said the shooting happened in the early-morning hours.

Matthews said the family is heartbroken over Thompsons death.

She was very quiet, very to herself, always very private, Matthews said, adding that Thompson was loved by those who knew her.

Its very hard for her mother, Matthews said. Shes grieving and were just trying to be supportive.

A GoFundMe has been started to help with Thompsons funeral. Donations can be made here.
The U.S. State Department has reissued a Level 4 warning - its strongest  for a European country, urging Americans to leave the country immediately.

The do not travel status covers Belarus, an Eastern European country bordered by Russia, Ukraine Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. The warning, according to the State Department, is due to the Belarusian authorities arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the risk of detention, the continued facilitation of Russias war against Ukraine, the potential of civil unrest, and the Embassys limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.

READ MORE: New travel alerts: U.S. issues 2 new tourist warnings, including a level 3 reconsider travel level

In early 2022, the State Department ordered the departure of U.S. government employees and suspended operations at its Embassy in Minsk. And, because Belarus does not recognize dual nationality, authorities often refuse to acknowledge dual U.S.-Belarusian nationals American citizenship, denying or delaying consular assistance to detained people.

Tens of thousands of individuals, including some U.S. citizens, are being detained in the country for alleged affiliation with opposition parties and participation in political demonstrations, according to the State Department. About 1,300 of those prisoners are currently in jail for political acts that wouldnt be considered criminal in the U.S. and prisoners are routinely denied access to their embassy and lawyers and any outside communication.

Anyone who is in the country is advised to avoid public demonstrations and reconsider bringing electronic devices, most of which are being monitored by Belarusian security services, into the country.

Belarus is among 20 countries classified under Level 4: Do not travel warnings. The others are:
A man died in a crash in rural Mobile County early this morning, officials said.

Officials with the Mobile County Sheriffs Office said the man was driving along Salco Road in Chunchula when the vehicle hit a power pole at about 6:30 a.m. His identify has not been released.

Multiple power lines were knocked down.

Salco Road has been closed to traffic attempting to enter from Celeste Road until the damage is cleared.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will be leading the investigation into the wreck.

No other vehicles were involved in the wreck.
A Minnesota man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in an international drug trafficking operation that led to the death of a former distinguished University of Alabama professor.

U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced 46-year-old Christopher Louis Bass following Basss guilty plea earlier this year, according to a joint statement Wednesday by Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector-in-Charge Mona Hernandez of the Houston Division.

Louis Donald Burgio, 68, died Aug. 20, 2022.

Burgio was a psychology professor at the University of Alabama and the University of Michigan.

In 2004, UAs Board of Trustees recognized Burgio as the Universitys Distinguished Research Professor for his work in the Applied Gerontology Program, the highest honor bestowed upon a faculty member at the University.

Authorities said Bass admitted that Burgios death resulted from Basss criminal activity.

According to the plea agreement, Bass used the U.S. Postal Service to distribute narcotics, primarily counterfeit Oxycontin, throughout the U.S.

Bass received orders over the internet for counterfeit pills and then concealed shipments of pills within priority Mail packages.

In August 2022, Burgio received counterfeit narcotics in Tuscaloosa that were shipped by Bass. Unknown to Burgio, the counterfeit pills also contained fentanyl. He died at home as a result of the toxic effects of fentanyl, prosecutors said.

A search of Basss Minnesota residence after Burgios death led to the seizure of counterfeit pills, fentanyl, and packaging material. A search of Basss phone revealed spreadsheets of customers, addresses, U.S. Postal Service tracking numbers, weights and quantities of orders, and pricing for pills.

This case reminds us all too clearly that drug distribution is not a victimless crime, Escalona said.

The case was investigated by the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Birmingham and in the Twin Cities, the East Central Drug Task Force, and the Anoka-Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force.

Assistant United States Attorney Alan S. Kirk prosecuted the case.

The overdose death in this case is a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and why the Postal Inspection Service remains committed to eradicating these illicit substances from the U.S. Mail and consequently safeguarding our community, Hernandez said.

Burgio left behind a wife and three daughters.

He loved his daughters with a fierce and uncommon devotion,' according to his obituary.They were truly the center of his world for much of his life and for all of theirs.

He instilled in them the importance of hard work and receiving a good education and...afforded them every opportunity to do so, the obituary read. He raised them to enjoy an eclectic range of musical artists and genres. He believed that music was in the soul. He valued legacy, tradition, and a dedication to his family culture. He was an epic story teller, and his comedic timing was priceless.
An Alabama man charged in the death of a friend during a bachelor party in Florida has been sentenced to prison.

John David J.D. Nabors, a 28-year-old Mountain Brook man, was indicted on felony charges of distributing a controlled substance causing death.

Thomas Gleason, a 26-year-old University of Alabama graduate, died of fentanyl poisoning in May 2022, days after collapsing during a weekend with friends in Floridas Santa Rosa Beach.

The Walton County Sheriffs Office on Thursday announced Nabors has been sentenced to eight years in prison followed by five years of probation.

This case relied heavily on witness testimony proving Nabors provided the drugs during the party, said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson.

That single decision altered the course of an immeasurable number of lives.

Our hearts ache for the Gleason family and an entire community who is still in mourning, Adkinson said. Let this be a lesson to all of us of the profound losses we face at the hands of drugs and addiction.

In his victims impact statement, Gleasons father, Bob Gleason, said the pain was unimaginable.

Mr. Nabors actions took Toms life and in doing so, tattooed an indelible sadness on the hearts of myself, my wife, our daughter, and the more than 500 people who attended Toms funeral, Gleason said.

The underlying cause of Gleasons death was a lethal dose of fentanyl which was found in narcotics directly provided by Nabors, the sheriffs office said.

Bob Gleason previously spoke with AL.com about the events he said took his sons life in hopes that others will learn from Toms death.

Tom Gleason, who was from Connecticut, jumped into a whole different world when he chose to attend the University of Alabama, his father said.

He joined Phi Delt fraternity and met the friends with whom he attended the bachelor party. Tom Gleason was set to be the grooms best man, and the group  mostly from Georgia and Alabama  settled in for a weekend of fun in the sun.

Bob Gleason said his son hadnt had a drink in 10 months prior to the trip. He had a great job and was succeeding in life.

They all were, he said of the group on the trip. These guys were making it in the world.

One of the men on the trip brought out some cocaine. They all used it, and it was gone, Bob Gleason said.

Later that night, the party continued at their rental house on Sand Dunes Road. There were drinks, and there were strippers  nothing unusual for a bachelor party.

According to Bob Gleason, Nabors went out to his car and returned with a cigar box containing illicit drugs. He said Nabors snorted a line of the drug, and then others did as well.

Tom Gleason immediately collapsed.

First responders arrived and began to give the younger Gleason CPR and administered an AED. While doing so, three more men collapsed and became unresponsive.

All four were transported to Sacred Heart hospital in Pensacola.

Tom Gleasons family rushed from Connecticut to the Florida hospital.

By the time we got to Charlotte (for a layover), the doctor was like, Do you want us to keep him alive? Thats how it was, Bob Gleason said.

They arrived to find their son on a ventilator, and eventually made the decision to take him off life support.

Toms Gleasons three friends spent several days in ICU.

The groom, whose engagement was called off immediately after the ill-fated bachelor trip, did not snort the drug and was not among those hospitalized, the elder Gleason said.

Bob Gleason said at first thought the guys had just ended up with a bad batch of drugs. But he said he believes Nabors knew he was giving his friends fentanyl  which law enforcement says takes only a very small amount to kill.

When the toxicology came back, Tom wasnt even drunk. He had his wits about him and so did everybody else, he said. But the fentanyl level was of the charts.

It wasnt like these guys went down the street and found a dealer. They trust him because he was their fraternity brother, Bob Gleason said. They got it from a trusted friend, and this is what happened.

Bob Gleason said he knew little about fentanyl before his sons death and has spoken about it since then to help educate others.

I didnt know anybody who had tried it and Tom didnt know anybody who had tried it, he said. It was something that wasnt in his sphere.
The nations death penalty watchdog group released its annual report Thursday, showing Alabama led the country in executions in 2024.

Its the first time Alabama has executed more people than any other state.

The Death Penalty Information Center, a national nonprofit who provides data and analysis on capital punishment, released its year-end report and showed that while nine states carried out executions in 2024, just four states made up three-fourths of the total 25 executions.

Those four states included Alabama. The Yellowhammer state executed six people in 2024: Kenneth Smith, Jamie Mills, Keith Gavin, Alan Miller, Derrick Dearman, and Carey Grayson. Smith, Miller, and Grayson were put to death using nitrogen gas.

The other three leaders were Missouri (4), Oklahoma (4), and Texas (5). The others were South Carolina two executions with one each in Georgia, Utah, Florida and Indiana.

Smith was the first inmate to be executed using the new method in the United States. The method was approved by the Alabama Legislature years ago, and inmates had a chance to request to change their method of execution to gas in June 2018 instead of the default method of lethal injection. Smith elected to make that change.

That execution, which happened on the evening of Jan. 25, set off calls from around the world to discontinue use of nitrogen executions after the 58-year-old writhed and thrashed on the gurney for several minutes.

Alabama state Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika, spoke at a rally to protest the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith in January.(Mike Cason/mcason@al.com)

In her dissent in the Smith case, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, Having failed to kill Smith on its first attempt, Alabama has selected him as its guinea pig to test a method of execution never attempted before. The world is watching With deep sadness, but commitment to the Eighth Amendments protection against cruel and unusual punishment, I respectfully dissent.

But the calls didnt help. In September, Miller, who killed three men in a string of workplace shootings in 1999, was executed with nitrogen pumped through a gas mask, just like Smith. Miller had no pending appeals at the time of his death and had entered into a confidential settlement with the state weeks prior.

Miller struggled against his restraints for about two minutes, shaking and trembling. The shaking was similar to what was seen at Smiths execution, but was not as long nor violent.

Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm said after Miller died that those movements werent surprising.

Theres going to be involuntary body movements as the body is depleted of oxygen, so that was nothing we did not expect, Hamm said.

Officials from the Alabama Attorney Generals Office have argued that Smiths execution was prolonged because he held his breath, delaying the nitrogen entering his body.

According to the Death Penalty Information Centers report, public support for the death penalty remains at 53%, a 50-year low. This year was the 10th consecutive year with fewer than 30 executions, according to the report.

The report also notes lawmakers and elected prosecutors from both sides of the aisle who publicly supported prisoners with innocence claims, including Richard Glossip in Oklahoma, Marcellus Williams in Missouri, and Robert Roberson in Texas.

In 2024, we saw people with credible evidence of innocence set for execution, followed by extraordinary levels of public frustration and outrage, said Robin Maher, Executive Director of the Death Penalty Information Center.

Several high-profile cases fueled new concerns about whether the death penalty can be used fairly and accurately. A new poll also predicts a steady decline of support in the future, showing for the first time that a majority of adults aged 18 to 43 now oppose the death penalty.

The report shows 26 people were sentenced to death in America this year, including four in Alabama. Three of the four were imposed by non-unanimous juries.

Alabama and Florida are the only two states where non-unanimous juries can impose a death sentence: eight out of 12 are needed in Florida, while 10 out of 12 are needed in Alabama.

Six of those 26 death sentences in 2024 were imposed in Florida.

Yet, the courts are not taking up more death-penalty cases. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review 114 of 117, or 97%, of appeals from death-sentenced prisoners in 2024, according to the nonprofit report.

Read the full report here.
Over 90% foreign travelers use enhanced mobile payment services in China travel: report

08:47, December 19, 2024 By Qi Xijia ( Global Times

A recent study conducted by a research team of the Institute of Silk Road Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) revealed that foreign travelers in China are experiencing improved mobile payment services.

According to the research report released on Wednesday, 90.95 percent of foreign travelers who had visited China before expressed an improved experience with mobile payment during their most recent trip.

This further confirms the effectiveness of a series of policies designed to facilitate mobile payments for foreign visitors. The measures have successfully improved the experience of foreign travelers using mobile payment systems in China, Wu Hao, principal investigator of the research team and associate professor at the Country and Area Studies Academy at BSFU, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The research team conducted a survey from October 31 to December 1 in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an, the capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, which encompassed 2,077 valid responses from foreign travelers across 111 countries.

The study found that 74.36 percent of respondents knew about China's mobile payment system before their trip, and 77.6 percent of them used mobile payments while traveling in China.

A total of 58.79 percent of the travelers have used Alipay. The proportion of travelers who want to try Alipay's tap-and-pay service is as high as 85.37 percent, according to the research.

In the first half of 2024, spending among inbound travelers on Alipay surged eightfold year-on-year, and the number of Chinese companies using Alipay for business involving international tourists saw a yearly increase of 300 percent, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

China is making continuous efforts to ensure that payments are more accessible for foreign travelers.

In a latest move, Chinese financial services provider UnionPay International, in collaboration with Tencent's payment service, Weixin Pay has introduced enhanced payment services for foreign visitors to the Chinese mainland, aiming to offer more diverse and convenient payment options, Xinhua reported.

Travelers using any of eight overseas e-wallets, including Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking and NAVER Pay, can now make payments on the mainland by scanning China's WeChat QR codes.

For the next step, Weixin Pay will continue to expand its cooperation with overseas e-wallets, including those in South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, Tencent told the Global Times in a statement on Wednesday.

This upgrade is a significant step in China's broader efforts to ease the entry and stay of foreign visitors. On Tuesday, China announced a relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, extending the permitted stay duration for eligible foreign travelers from the initial 72 hours and subsequent 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days.

In November, the number of Weixin Pay transactions made using foreign card payments increased 6.4 times from the figure recorded in July 2023.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Melissa Manno is a reporter covering education for the San Antonio Express-News. She can be reached at melissa.manno@express-news.net.

She graduated from Penn State University in 2022 with a bachelors degree in journalism and minors in geography and digital media trends and analytics. She is also the 2021 Hearst National Journalism Writing Champion.
Check out the podcast today for what we know so far about the missing Fayette County 1-year-old whose father and sister recently died in a car crash. Its a story shrouded in mystery and certainly heartbreak.

The rest of todays report follows. Thanks for reading,

Ike

Fentanyl sentencing

The fentanyl-related death of a University of Alabama professor has led to a 20-year prison sentence for Minnesota drug trafficker, reports AL.coms Carol Robinson.

Louis Donald Burgio, a psychology professor at Alabama as well as the University of Michigan, died in 2022 in Tuscaloosa. He was recognized as the Universitys Distinguished Research Professor back in 2004.

Meanwhile, according to the plea agreement in the case, Christopher Louis Bass shipped counterfeit pills, such as counterfeit oxycontin, through the U.S. Postal Service.

In August 2022 Bass shipped Burgio pills that Burgio didnt know also contained fentanyl.

Prosecutors say the effects of the fentanyl killed Burgio at age 68.

Bass entered a guilty plea earlier this year and admitted that his role led to Burgios death.

Package swipers

Speaking of 20-year prison sentences, thats what some porch pirates could get under a proposed bill for next years legislative session, reports AL.coms Mike Cason.

By porch pirate, of course, we mean people who steal delivered packages off front porches in this era of Internet shopping. Porch piracy is a risky venture already, with all the hidden cameras, video doorbells, home security systems, loose dogs and grumpy old men who often work from home coming through the front door with a stick.

Still, some lawmakers are saying its a growing problem that needs addressing. The bill will be sponsored by state Sen. April Weaver, a Brierfield Republican.

Possible sentences would depend on the value of the packages that are pirated off your porch.

A theft of less than $500 could get you up to a year behind bars. A theft of $500 up to $1,499 could get you one to five years. A theft of $1,500 up to $2,500 could get you one to 10. And a theft of more than $2,500 could get you up to 20.

The next Alabama Legislative session -- our second-most intense season -- begins Feb. 4.

Defense spending

The defense spending bill that passed the U.S. Senate on Wednesday will send more than a billion dollars to military bases and defense and aerospace industries in Alabama, reports AL.coms Howard Koplowitz.

The bill had already passed the House. President Joe Biden is expected to sign it if he doesnt balk at a measure that would ban taxpayer-funded military healthcare coverage of puberty blockers for children.

About $725 million of the spending is headed for Alabamas missile-defense industry.

And $300 million is going to projects at Redstone Arsenal, Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker) and the Anniston Army Depot.

There also is money in the bill for projects at Maxwell Air Force base and the states ship-building industry.

Warmed up and chilled out

We have a big cooldown today that should last through the weekend. But the warmer weather weve had has actually been record-setting in a couple of areas.

Were coming off two days of record-breaking highs in Mobile, where it reached 80 degrees Tuesday and 78 degrees Wednesday. Montgomery reached 79 degrees on both those days, both tying records set in 1984.

Leigh Morgan has more on all that on AL.com/weather.

Quoting

I definitely feel like I showed enough that I am capable of being a starter in this league.

NFL quarterback and Hueytown High grad Jameis Winston, wholl be a free agent at the end of the season.

More Alabama News

The podcast

Public-safety reporter Carol Robinson joins John Hammontree to talk about the missing Fayette County 1-year-old whose father and sister recently died in a car crash.

You can find Down in Alabama wherever you get your podcasts, including these places:
Hundreds of thousands of Americans moved South this year, fueling a boom in population for a region thats already the largest and fastest-growing in the United States.

The South added nearly 1.8 million people in total in 2024, including an influx of more than 1.1 million people who moved from abroad.

With a total population of nearly 133 million people, roughly 39% of Americans now live in the South, a 17-state region defined by the Census as stretching from Texas over to Florida and up to Maryland.

[Cant see the map? Click here.]

While the South benefitted from international migration, it also stood out as the biggest destination for American movers. It was the only region to see net population gain from domestic migration, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Bustling states like Texas and Florida added gas to the Souths fire, but they werent the only reasons for its growth. Six of the 10 fastest growing states in the nation (including the District of Columbia) are Southern.

North and South Carolina each saw huge net gains in domestic migration. That means more Americans moved into those states than Carolinians who moved away.

North Carolina gained more than 82,000 people, second in the country behind only Texas. South Carolina was third in the nation with a net gain of 68,000 from American newcomers. Both beat out Florida, often near the top destinations for American migrants, which was fourth with a net gain of 64,000 people.

All of the top five states for net population gain from migration within the United States were in the South, and seven of the top 10. That includes Alabama, which gained around 26,000 people through domestic migration, and another 16,000 from international migration. Those figures were more than enough to offset the fact that Alabama, for the fourth year in a row, saw more deaths than births.

[Cant see the map? Click here.]

Alabama is one of 17 states to lose population through natural change. Its a sign that the state, and some others, may still have yet to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Alabama had never seen more deaths than births in modern history until it did so in 2020.

Overall, Alabama still managed to grow this year, adding roughly 40,000 people, a growth rate of 0.8%. As of July 1, 2024, the Census Bureau estimated Alabama was home to 5,157,699 people.

Almost every state in the nation grew in 2024, but while the South grew like kudzu, it was also home to two of the three states that lost people. Both Mississippi and West Virginia shrank last year, along with Vermont in the northeast. Though the population loss in each of those states was small.

International migration fueled growth everywhere in the nation last year, leading to an overall growth rate of 1% for the United States as a whole, the fastest annual growth since 2001, and a sharp turn from the nations record low growth of 0.2% just three years ago.

[Cant see the map? Click here.]

Ramsey Archibald is an award winning data reporter and editor at al.com. To read more Alabama data stories, click here. Have an idea for an Alabama data story? Email rarchibald@al.com or follow him on Twitter and Bluesky.
Decatur police on Wednesday said they are searching for a serial rapist who sexually assaults his victims during burglaries over the last eight months.

In all three incidents stretching back to April 27, the suspect gained entry through an unlocked window before sexually assaulting the victims.

The suspect has been described by victims as a Black male between the ages of 20 and 45, about 5-feet 6-inches to 5-feet 9-inches tall with a slender to medium build.

He has covered his face during the incidents.

Decatur police urged residents to lock their doors and windows, especially during the night.

The first burglary occurred the night of April 26 on Ferry Street NE, where police said the suspect entered a home through an unlocked window and sexually assaulted the victim.

The burglaries and sexual assaults continued Dec. 7 on Hay Drive SW and again early Saturday morning on 2nd Avenue SW.

Decatur polices Criminal Investigation Division asked anyone with information that may be helpful to the case or leads on the suspects identity to call the departments tip line at 256-341-4636.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity was asked to call Decatur police at 256-341-4660 to report it.
As noted by Chief Justice John Roberts in his landmark July 1, 2024 immunity decision in Trump v. U.S., a former president of the United States had never been indicted by the United States prior to Jack Smiths filing charges against President Trump. The case of USA v. Trump was, ipso facto, a perverse joke. It was a diabolical move to change America. Nonetheless, the federal court system, up to and including the Supreme Court, had to take it seriously. That is why the nefarious forces behind Jack Smith saw to it that the grossly politicized District Court for the District of Columbia should serve as the base of operations for this leftist commando raid on the rule of law.

For Trump. the court system by 2023 had by default become the last refuge in a crisis that had burst through the traditionally defined and universally understood boundaries of Article I, Article II, and Article III of the U.S. Constitution. There were eight issues that had to be examined in order to sift through the miasma of Democrat party lawfare. What is unique is the fact that any one of these eight issues offered an independent basis for determining the outcome of USA v. Trump. The eight issues can be analyzed as follows.

I. EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE

In Judge Aileen Cannons September 5, 2022 decision in the Trump Mar-a-Lago search warrant case, Judge Cannon cited SCOTUSs decision in Trump v. Thompson (See Part III), citing 142 S.Ct. 680, 688 (2022). SCOTUSs July 1, 2024 immunity decision verified Judge Cannons suspicion that Trump has at least some level of presidential immunity protecting his conduct that Joe Biden could not waive.

II. THE PRESIDENTIAL RECORDS ACT

In Armstrong v. Executive Office of the President, 1 F. 3d 1274, 1291 (1993), the term federal records was defined in federal cases as agency records. Unless Jack Smith could prove that Trump had in his possession identifiable records taken from federal agencies, they should be deemed to be presidential records. If they were agency records, the Archivist would then follow Federal Records Act procedures. If Armstrong applied to Trumps actions, Jack Smiths case should have ended right there. The actions of the Archivist in making a criminal referral against Trump will in all likelihood be reviewed in future investigations.

III. THE CLINTON SOCK DRAWER CASE

In Judicial Watch, Inc. v. National Archives and Records Administration, 845 F.Supp.2d 288 (D.D.C.2012), the Court held that plaintiffs injury was not redressable because the National Archives had no authority or means to obtain the records from the president at all. Judge Amy Berman Jackson held that under the Presidential Records Act, courts had no statutory means to second-guess a former presidents handling of his presidential records.

Obviously, the aforementioned decision applied to Trumps actions. The Jack Smith filing should have ended right then and there, but Democrats and left-leaning judges chose to ignore the Clinton Sock Drawer case.

IV. OBAMAS EXECUTIVE ORDER

Executive Order 13526 was issued on December 29, 2009 by President Barack Obama. It is one of a series of executive orders from U.S. presidents outlining how classified information should be handled. In Judicial Watch, Inc. v. US Dept. of Defense, 715 F. 3d 937, 941, D.C. Circuit 2013, the appellate court held that Executive Order 15326 covers all substantive and procedural criteria for classification. Section 4.1(a)(3) says that access to classified records may be granted to persons with a right to know. Section 4.4 of the E.O. states that the right to know application is waived for a former president or vice president.

Pursuant to Executive Order 13526, Trump was an authorized holder of classified documents as per Section 6.1(c), which cross-references Sections 4.1(a)(3) and 4.4(a)(3).

In addition, Section 3.2(d) of Executive Order 13526 states that the National Archives had no right to demand accessioning of classified documents transferred pursuant to the Presidential Records Act, 44 USC Section 2203. Once Trump had declassified documents, NARA could not reclassify those documents after they had been transferred to Mar-a-Lago. At that point, Trump became the originator of the documents. If any federal court had decided that Executive Order 13526 applied to Trumps actions, then Jack Smiths garbage filing should have ended right there. No attention was given to the Obama executive order, because it did not fit the lawfare narrative.

V. DOJs OFFICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL MEMORANDUM

The OLCs Memorandum of March 24, 2019 was written by the Justice Department after Robert Mueller had issued his report on Trump Russia Collusion. Volume II of the Mueller Report left open the possibility of prosecuting Trump on an obstruction charge. However, Attorney General Barr subsequently signed off on the Office of Legal Counsel opinion, which concluded that an obstruction charge would not be appropriate. Legal commentators have raised the issue of whether Bidens attorney general decided not to follow the 2019 OLC opinion when a decision was made to indict Trump. Presumably, this is an important issue that may in fact be raised in future investigations.

VI. ESPIONAGE ACT

The Espionage Act charge filed against Trump allegedly arose under 18 USC 793  Gathering, transmitting or losing defense information. Subsection (f) refers to gross negligence. It is difficult to discern how Trump could be grossly negligent if his lawyers had advised him of any of the eight issues examined in this article. Jack Smiths Espionage Act charge had no basis in legal precedent whatsoever. This will most likely be at the center of future investigations.

VII. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE

The pertinent obstruction statute is 18 USC Section 1512. An issue arose as to whether, under the OLCs memorandum of March 24, 2019, a Presidential Records Act could in fact be an official proceeding, due to the fact that no criminal enforcement measures are contained in the PRA. Trump had an affirmative defense (burden shifts to prosecution) that his actions were at all times intended to carry out a lawful purpose. Making Jack Smiths position even more ludicrous was SCOTUSs decision of June 28, 2024, in Fischer v. U.S. The Fischer decision was additional proof that Jack Smiths lawfare filings were based on a left-wing political fever dream rather than upon legal precedents.

VIII. CRIME FRAUD EXCEPTION TO ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE

U.S. v. Zolin, 491 U.S. 554 (SCOTUS 1989) established the parameters of the crime fraud exception. The Zolin Court said an in camera examination by a judge is important to help the court to discern what, for example, would have been the actual crime that Trump specifically hired Evan Corcoran to aid him with. Obama-appointed judge Beryl Howell ordered Trump lawyer Corcoran to testify before Jack Smiths grand jury. It is highly likely that future investigations will delve into whether Judge Howell willfully chose not to adhere to the Zolin case.

In conclusion, it is abundantly clear that Jack Smiths outrageous lawfare cases against Trump will not be ignored by the incoming Trump administration. There will indeed be some serious DOJ scrutiny of Smiths actions.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
It was galling, to say the least, to see President Joe Biden, taking credit for the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Biden (and his administration) did everything he could to preserve Assad by restraining Israel and preventing it from destroying Hezballah, which served as his private army. Biden did this by threatening Israel with U.S. and possible UN (and European) sanctions, ceasefire deals, and withholding vital weaponry.

Despite protestations to the contrary, he had been slow-walking, if not denying, much-needed ammunition soon after the October 7 massacre in 2023. Later in the conflict, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin even suggested that an invasion of Rafah (on the Gazan border with Egypt) would force the administration to change the US calculus on security assistance to Israel. That, of course, would alter a long-standing security alliance the U.S. and Israel have enjoyed at least since 1952.

It was the Obama/Biden administration that elevated Iran and its terrorist proxies in client states like Syria and Lebanon in the first place. Biden hired the same Obama team, his administration representing Obamas third term. These included Robert Malley as the Iran Envoy (since removed for mishandling classified documents), Jake Sullivan, Obamas National Security Advisor, Anthony Blinken, now Secretary of State, and Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. They are Iran-firsters. It has also been one of their obsessions to pursue the so-called Joint Coordinated Plan of Action (JCPOA ) that ultimatelyprovides a pathway to a nuclear bomb for the ayatollahs and Iran, an oil-rich nation with a radical Islamic regime -- that would render the region and world far less safe.

They maintain an overbearing concern for Iran and seek to help the long-suffering Shiite Persians restore an ill-conceived notion of balance in the Middle East between the Sunni Arab states and Israel, on one hand, and Iran on the other. That the ayatollahs can be found leading chants for death to America and death to Israel on a weekly basis is considered a plus for todays Democrats.

But their theories have come crashing down in the face of Israeli military power, moral vision, and will -- and Trumps victory in November. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is loathed by Biden/Harris and the Democrats at least as much as Trump, and the two hold similar statuses in their respective nations, as populist outsiders, despised by their own leftist/globalist establishment and deep state.

The current cease-fire is Bidens doing in the first place, and at a time when Israel was positioned to end Hezballah forever. Hopefully, Israel will accomplish it anyway. But it will have to overlap into Trumps term, which is unfortunate. Nonetheless, that should remain a goal of Israel -- and the U.S. Not a sliver or a remnant of that terrorist organization, or Hamas, should be allowed to survive.

Biden threatened Netanyahu with his own ceasefire deal in place of the more draconian ceasefire that would have come from the UN Security Council. Most American administrations, however, would have vetoed such a resolution, being long familiar with the long-standing hatred of Israel by the UN; but not this administration or any Democratic Party regime to come.

It has been the Obama/Biden policy to elevate Iran and its client states including Syria and Lebanon, and its terrorist proxies comprising Hezballah, Hamas, and the Houthis. The Democratic party today is pro-Iranian, a legacy of Obama now carried forward into the Biden administration. They did not enforce sanctions on the sale of Iranian oil as was done during the first Trump presidency, which had brought Iran financially to its knees, leading to the Abraham Accords under Trump, an unprecedented era of peace in the Middle East. Under the third Obama/Biden term, free to sell its oil, Iran was flush with money and able to fund its proxies. The result was October 7 and war in the Middle East.

But Israel has rendered it all moot. They have decimated Irans terrorist proxies and ended their domination of Syria and Lebanon by destroying them militarily in a war as significant for Israel and the region as the Six Day War was in 67. Hence the fall of Assad and a new opportunity for a Lebanon, free of the baleful influence of Hezballah.

Iran is now alone, defenseless after the first Israeli strike on their air-defenses, thus leaving their nuclear crown jewels exposed as they await the inevitable Israeli attack. The geopolitical landscape has been completely altered through Israeli military prowess and Netanyahus decision to ignore Biden and the Democrats and go it alone: despite the Biden administrations demands, threats, and withholding of needed military supplies in the midst of war.

Biden sought not to retire Assad at all. Nor did he seek the fall of his regime. It was his wish that Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and their terrorist proxies continue dominating the Middle East. He and his Obama era advisors wanted a resurgent Iran, with its terrorist proxies intact. In the twisted cult-Marxist mind of the Left, this was proper because the Shiite Iranians are conceived as oppressed. Obama/Biden sought a Middle East dominated not by Israel, a liberal democracy and the one Jewish state, but Iran and its terrorist proxies and client states.

That strategic vision however has been overturned. Israel is now the hegemon astride the Middle East, not Iran, despite the best efforts of Obama, Biden, and the Democrat Party. The last thing Biden sought was for Assad to depart and his regime to fall. Rather, he and his advisors, the Obama holdovers, wanted Israel and the Sunni Arab states diminished -- especially Israel, which the cultural Marxists of the Democratic party loathe and absurdly perceive as an oppressor. It is the opposite of what he claimed. But then he is shameless. Lies are his stock in trade. We cannot be rid of him soon enough.

Richard Moss, M.D., a surgeon practicing in Jasper, IN, was a candidate for Congress in 2016, 2018, and 2024. He has written A Surgeons Odyssey, Matildas Triumph, and Empire of Eunuchs: How the Republican Party Betrayed America, available on amazon.com. Contact him at richardmossmd.com or Richard Moss, M.D. on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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After the recent school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, the usual suspects immediately called for more gun control. Joe Bidens White House released a statement demanding these additional infringements upon Americans Second Amendment rights: Universal background checks. A national red flag law. A ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. (The president conveniently ignored reports that the teenaged attacker used a 9mm pistol.) Democrat Congressman Mark Pocan insists that gun manufacturers be held responsible for the school shooters violence. Disgraced former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe (who was rewarded for leaking classified information and lying to federal agents) wants legislation that changes the context of gun ownership in the United States and new requirements that eliminate the ability of Americans to purchase guns without a background check.

So the departing president wants executive authority to determine which Americans enjoy Second Amendment protections. The congressman from Wisconsin wants to hold manufacturers criminally and civilly liable for the misdeeds of others. And the former acting director of the FBI wants to fundamentally transform the context of gun ownership. What part of shall not be infringed do they not understand?

If we were still a country that took loyalty oaths seriously, it would be worth noting that all three of these men raised their hands and solemnly swore to protect and defend the Bill of Rights. As retired FBI supervisory special agent Arthur P. Meister once wrote, all public office oaths require true faith and allegiance to principles of lawful authority derived from the Constitution. An officials deference to the Bill of Rights must trump all other promises and commitments precisely because the public elects, empowers, and allows a select few to govern many. The U.S. government cannot expect public trust if its officers regularly violate their oaths to the U.S. Constitution. Accordingly, if faith in the U.S. government is historically weak, then government officials should consider their disregard for the Bill of Rights the proximate cause.

Unconstitutional attempts to confiscate Americans firearms have become such a regular reaction to mass shootings that lawmakers act as if erasing the Second Amendment were no big deal. Oh, whats the harm? they dismissively suggest on cable television. Its just an annoying little right. It was written, like, three centuries ago...by white supremacists! And if it saves even one child, its worth it!

It does not take much mental acuity to recognize how dangerous the Lets do it for the children exception to the Constitution is in practice. To save the children from misinformation, we must embrace censorship! To save the children from hate, we must snoop on their private text messages and their parents bank accounts! To save the children from inequality and State-sponsored religion, we must discriminate by race and ban school prayer! To save the children from global warming, we must redistribute wealth and ration life-saving energies! Doing it for the children makes it super-easy to dispense with the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments!

Surely thats constitutional, right? James Madison must have squeezed some special language into one of the Constitutions articles or amendments that clarifies, All of this goes straight out the window if doing so might save the children. You cant find anything like that in the text? Dont worry; some left-leaning jurist who prefers to make up the Constitution as we go has almost certainly discovered the Do it for the children escape clause hidden within an imaginary penumbra or emanation of the Bill of Rights.

Aside from the detestable way gun control advocates flippantly dispatch Americans Second Amendment protections for their own good, I also find their commonsense solutions repugnantly shortsighted. Biden and McCabe desperately want universal background checks and red flag laws to filter Americans into two groups: those who are permitted to exercise their Second Amendment rights and those who will be denied the privilege. This always conjures in my mind the image of well armed federal agents patting me down while government psychiatrists ask me a series of probing, personal questions before informing me which of my constitutional rights the U.S. government has  in its infinite wisdom  decided that I may retain.

Now, if all Americans were impartially treated to such unpleasant invasiveness, surely some of the Democrats favorite people would be forced to surrender their rights. Hunter Biden and other members of the Biden Crime Family? Sorry, no Second Amendment protections for people who sell out their country for hookers, drugs, and cash and require eleven years worth of presidential pardons for crimes against the United States (including, if you can believe it, federal gun charges). All those Bluesky nutjobs celebrating the assassination of a husband, father, and businessman in New York City? Nope, those guys cant be trusted to own a deadly weapon, either. Theyre too psychologically unstable to pick up a butter knife without supervision.

In fact, if well armed federal agents and crack squads of government psychiatrists were empowered to hand out Second Amendment rights  and if they did so without fear or favor  some of the most famous people in Washington, D.C., would soon find themselves second-class citizens. After all, had disgraced former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe not been given special treatment, he would have been prosecuted and likely convicted for unlawfully divulging State secrets and subsequently lying to government agents about his documented crimes. In a world where criminal statutes are equally enforced and background checks are universally applied, McCabe would be not only a convicted felon, but also a disarmed one.

So would James Comey, John Brennan, Hillary Clinton, and every other co-conspirator of the Russia collusion hoax who lied to Congress, mismanaged classified documents, defrauded the American people, or destroyed subpoenaed evidence. As a new congressional report concludes, Liz Cheney likely broke numerous federal laws while serving as vice chair of Nancy Pelosis January 6 Select Committee. There are credible allegations that J6 committee members destroyed evidence. Both J6 Select Committee chairman Bennie Thompson and Russia collusion propagandist Adam Schiff are reportedly looking for pre-emptive pardons from Joe Biden. If government agents enforced criminal laws as stringently against their own VIPs as they have against J6 political prisoners, pro-life protesters, election integrity activists, and anyone tangentially connected to President Trump, then many of Barack Obamas and Joe Bidens most prominent political allies would have faced prosecution and the loss of their Second Amendment privileges. Instead, they laugh it up on cable news programs while pushing red flag laws and gun confiscation for everyone else.

National red flag laws wont be any more evenhandedly administered than national criminal statutes are today. Two-tiered justice in America is not the exception; it thrives wherever Democrat prosecutors and politically partisan judges have control. Democrats know this. They know that criminal justice policy flows from the president, the attorney general, the FBI director, the heads of other law enforcement agencies, and the U.S. attorneys across the country who would decide how universal background checks and red flag laws operate.

All of this raises the question: now that President Trump is returning to office next month, do Democrats still want to give elected politicians control over constitutional rights? Shouldnt they be concerned that the man they have compared to Hitler for eight years would abuse his authority over how red flag laws are applied? Shouldnt Democrats fear that a so-called fascist administration would protect its friends and deprive its enemies of Second Amendment rights? Shouldnt constitutional rights be so cherished and guarded that they remain insulated from the whims of any government official  whether authoritarian or not?

If Democrats cant see the slippery slope of empowering politicians to dismantle the Bill of Rights, they are a danger to us and to themselves. Isnt that a red flag?

Image via Pexels.
Dr. Anthony Faucis reputation has long polarized public opinion. Whereas some view him as a scientific beacon guiding the world through a pandemic, others criticize his perceived inconsistency, advocacy for extreme policies, and support for ethically questionable research.

Faucis recent article in Clinical Infectious Diseases, subtitled Shared Lessons from Two Pandemics, further deepens the divide. Despite being framed as a viewpoint piece, the article raises serious concerns about Faucis injection of political bias and selective presentation of facts. By leveraging the credibility of a respected medical journal, Fauci transforms a platform intended for impartial scientific discourse into a tool for advancing narratives that align with his political perspective. This undermines trust in the objectivity of scientific publications and blurs the line between evidence-based guidance and personal ideology. Two of Faucis eight lessons stand out as particularly disconcerting.

Distorting Views on Political Leadership

One of Faucis key lessons asserts, With pandemics, political leadership at the highest level is critical. Though superficially uncontroversial, his accompanying analysis betrays a palpable bias against President Trump, supported by dubious citations. Fauci claims that Trump frequently minimized the seriousness of the pandemic, citing a biased CNN article that paints a one-dimensional narrative by tracking Trump statements suggesting that COVID-19 would disappear.

A closer look at some of the quoted remarks reveals a more complex picture. For example, on March 10, 2020, CNN highlights Trump saying, It will go away. Just stay calm. It will go away. Although this quote implies dismissal, the same press conference includes Trump saying, With all of that being said, were taking this unbelievably seriously, and I think were doing a really good job. And, again, the task force ... has been fantastic.

Similarly, on July 21, 2020, CNN quotes Trump as saying, Well, the virus will disappear. It will disappear. In that same press briefing, Trump also remarked, And then this came in, and the plague  I call it the plague  the plague came in. A terrible thing. Shouldve been stopped. Wasnt stopped. It came in. We had to shut things down to save potentially millions of lives. We did that. Fauci omits the fuller context, instead relying on CNNs selective excerpts to reinforce his biased narrative of negligence.

Doubling Down on Fake News

Faucis most egregious claim, however, is that Trump endorsed unproven and potentially dangerous substances for COVID-19 prevention and treatment such as bleach injections, the antimalarial hydroxychloroquine, and the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin. Fauci supports this assertion by citing his personal memoir and a strange journal article analyzing Trumps press statements and their correlation with internet searches of certain products. Neither source substantiates the inflammatory claim of endorsing bleach injections.

In reality, Trumps remarks stemmed from a moment of brainstorming during a press conference on April 23, 2020 where scientific advisers discussed disinfectants ability to kill viruses on surfaces. Trump speculated, And then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning. ... So, that, youre going to have to use medical doctors. ... But it sounds  it sounds interesting to me. Yes, it does sound crude on its face, but so does the injection of radioactivity into the human body. Yet scientific progress has led to the injection of radioactive isotopes for both biomedical diagnostic testing and therapeutics.

This was obviously not a call for citizens to inject bleach, but the biased media immediately followed up for clarification by asking, The President mentioned the idea of cleaners, like bleach and isopropyl alcohol you mentioned. Theres no scenario that that could be injected into a person, is there? Trump responded: It wouldnt be through injection. Were talking about ... sterilization of an area. Faucis willingness to propagate this false narrative in a medical journal is dishonest and undermines his credibility as a scientist.

Fauci also dismisses hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin as dangerous without acknowledging their broader context and the fact that as FDA-approved drugs, their safety profile is known. He ignores studies that show some benefit toward COVID-19 for hydroxychloroquine. He also fails to mention that ivermectin is deemed safe enough for the CDC to recommend it for all U.S.-bound refugees, even without being diagnosed with a parasite infection. These omissions reflect a selective narrative designed to delegitimize treatments that did not align with Faucis preferred messaging.

Weaponizing Misinformation While Suppressing Dissent

Another troubling lesson in Faucis article is his assertion that misinformation and disinformation are universal enemies of pandemic control. Fauci makes his case to support efforts by social scientists and others to develop strategies to fight false and manipulated information. Fauci asserts himself as the arbiter of truth; all information will need to pass through his filter before dissemination. But there are many examples of narratives that media and government label as misinformation that are later found to have been true.

In his 2024 article, Fauci includes the narrative that the abundant evidence from top evolutionary virologists and leading scientists in other fields strongly suggests that the virus jumped species from an animal reservoir to humans in the Huanan market in Wuhan, China. He provides three citations from 20212022. In 2024, the credibility of the lab leak theory has surpassed this natural species jump theory, but this did not even warrant a mention from Fauci.

The first COVID-19 cases were indeed tracked to a market in Wuhan, China, just a 12-mile drive from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, where they were working on coronaviruses. Is this a coincidence? I point you to John Stewarts thoughtful perspective on this, but I will add here some additional facts to drive the point home.

The original SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) genetic sequence was most similar to a bat betacoronavirus sequence submitted by the Wuhan Institute of Virology. A major difference between these two viruses is that SARS-CoV-2 has a furin-cleavage site introduced into its spike protein. A research scientist at the Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology in Wuhan published a study that reported engineering a furin-cleavage site in a pig coronavirus, resulting in expanding the tropism of the virus. That means making it infectious toward a wider variety of cell types.

The landmasses of the Earth cover approximately 57 million square miles, yet the pandemics epicenter was within 18 miles of two laboratories conducting relevant coronavirus research. One housed the most similar known virus on the planet, and the other conducted gain-of-function experiments that mirror the key features of the COVID-19 virus. Faucis unwillingness to acknowledge this extraordinary coincidence further undermines his credibility.

Conclusion

Faucis use of a scientific journal to advance politically charged narratives erodes trust in both science and public health leadership. His selective citation, misrepresentation of facts, and suppression of alternative perspectives should concern anyone who values evidence-based discourse. Science must remain an arena for evidence and inquiry, not a platform for advancing biased narratives.

Faucis call to debunk misinformation may already be influencing A.I. platforms, subtly shaping what is deemed acceptable to depict or discuss. For example, my attempt to create an A.I.-generated image illustrating improper mask-wearing (a common sight during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic) revealed an intriguing limitation. One A.I. tool produced only images of properly worn masks, while another claimed that the request violated content guidelines. Are we content with a society that demands adherence to Faucian content guidelines?

Dr. Mack Ransom explores overlooked scientific and cultural connections, blending his passion for science, Christian faith, and the pursuit of truth. Additional articles can be found at Dr. Macks Commentary Shack.

Image: Anthony Fauci. Credit: Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
Do people on the radical left demonstrate a mental disorder? Most people on the right roll their eyes at the hysteria and fears of the left, but whats to be done?

Given that there were major shifts on the left in the 2024 election, is it possible that somehow sanity is breaking through? With the ongoing polarization that has burdened this country, its worthwhile to examine the psychological framework of leftists, both how they see themselves and how they see others. The results may also indicate whether the changes in voting behavior might continue, or whether they were situational.

A phrase thats been coined is Left-Wing Authoritarianism (LWA) or Left-Wing Extremism. A report from last year shed some light on this mentality of the left:

Narcissistic individuals and those with psychopathic tendencies are more likely to strongly endorse left-wing antihierarchical aggression, according to new research published in Current Psychology. [snip] Based on our results, we introduced a new contribution to the literature on dark personality traits, coining the term dark-ego-vehicle principle (DEVP), [researchers] Krispenz and Bertrams explained. According to this principle, individuals with dark personalities  such as high narcissistic and psychopathic traits  are attracted to certain forms of political and social activism which they can use as a vehicle to satisfy their own ego-focused needs instead of actually aiming at social justice and equality.

Other studies reflect results that differentiate between left-wing and right-wing authoritarianism:

LWA is also linked with signs of mental distress, such as symptoms of anxiety and depression. Another European study of social media users addressed how LWA may be specifically linked with perceived grievance and prejudice. LWA relates to the tendency to see sexism and White privilege in everyday life, as well as holding negative views of men. These patterns are nearly the exact opposite of existing evidence on RWA [emphasis added].

Traits of authoritarianism arent unique to the left, but they manifest differentlyand all too often, violently:

An individual high in LWA might declare anyone to be old fashioned who is opposing their own progressive values, strive to suppress free speech to regulate the expression of right-wing beliefs in educational institutions, and even endorse the use of violence to reach their own political goals, the authors said.

What are some of the conclusions we might draw from a better understanding of those with LWA?

1. A good place to start is a shared understanding of the meaning of psychopathology. Here is one definition: Psychopathology describes a wide array of mental health conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and various personality disorders. Another way to define psychopathology is the term abnormal behavior. We could explore what the word abnormal means, but most people would likely agree that participation in violent protests against innocent parties is not the norm.

2. LWAs may not just be ideologues. They may not even have an ideology. Instead, they are driven by their mental constructs. For example, compared to people within the RWA category, evidence exists that individuals high in LWA are more emotionally reactive. Also, see this:

A team of American and Dutch researchers carried out 12 studies across 74,000 people worldwide. They concluded that high LWA persons tended to: See threats in multiple aspects of everyday life.

Believe the world is a just and fair place.

Demand others be politically correct.

Hold prejudiced views of African American and Jewish persons.

Show mental inflexibility.

Examples of how these beliefs manifest would be seen in cancel culture, claims of systemic racism, and anti-Black and anti-Semitic beliefs and language.

3. It is nearly impossible to have a productive discussion with a person who has the LWA traits. They are overly emotional, so that rational conversation is discounted; you are likely to be accused of being a Nazi or racist. Having an intellectual discussion will also be difficult, since they are narcissistic and assume their views (progressivism) are the correct ones to have; they have all the information they need.

One last question to ask: To what degree are most leftists LWA? Probably a staggering amount.

So is waiting for the LWA to come around and approach politics rationally and maturely a foolish notion? It might be.

I think the best thing people can do is be open to discussing conflicting views, as difficult as that might be. If a person wants to talk politics with you, you can choose, before you launch the discussion, to set the parameters: Demonstrate listening by paraphrasing what the person says; maintain a tolerable temperature through the discussion; avoid name-calling; commit to learning from each other; and make an agreement to provide resources after the discussion.

You may not get past the first parameter, but your effort will be one small attempt toward unifying a struggling country.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
On November 5, 2024, there was a seismic event of immense magnitude: Donald J. Trump was elected president of the United States. Trump won both the Electoral College and the popular vote. The Republicans won control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. Most of the country moved right, but Oregon, with its broken, corrupt election system, moved farther left into the New Dark Ages. There were thousands of illegal registrations in the election, without any resolution on whether or not these illegal ballots were used to vote. But Oregons governor and secretary of state certified the election with this pronouncement, via a local outlet on December 11, 2024:

As promised, both the Primary and General Election in 2024 were the most secure in history, said Secretary Griffin-Valade. We owe this entirely to the dedicated election officials across the state, who worked tirelessly to ensure this election was safe, secure, and accurate. I am immensely proud of their efforts, as Oregon once again demonstrated why we are the gold standard in election administration.

The rest of the United States voted for Trump, but Oregon did not. The new Trump Republican administration is saying they will cut waste and fraud. With its apparent cheating in elections and tantrum against Trump, I believe these proposals will cost Oregon dearly. Whether it is karma, the political winds shifting, or divine intervention, you can only get away with cheating for so long, and then the bill comes due.

The Oregon Democrats have rigged the elections in Oregon for years, and will not allow any audits or questioning of the results. They have gotten away with this cheating for decades, but this years election was unlike any other. With the landslide Republican victory, Oregon will have little influence and voice in any financial decisions, including grants for Oregon programs.

The rest of the United States is hopeful, looking forward to prosperity with their businesses, preparing for a roaring economy.

Instead of citizen prosperity, Oregon wants to spend its time making sure our pronouns are used correctly. Oregon continues to allow pornographic teaching materials in elementary schools, and Oregon continues to push gender issues. Oregon is seeing layoffs in key industries. Oregon has turned its cash crop, timber, into a green energy boondoggle. Oregon continues to promote wind and solar while hooking up giant data farms to an already tottering electrical grid.

Oregon keeps pouring the taxpayers money into black holes to solve the homeless problem, and all it does is get more prominent.

Oregon legalized pot, and now Oregon has record overdose death rates in 2023. Is there a Connection? Nah, that would be outside the realms of possibilities.

Oregon has a $1 billion dollar hole in the Department of Transportation budget; how do they want to fix it? Easy, levy a $0.35 gallon tax on every gallon of gas sold in Oregon.

If these things happen as expected, Oregonians will see stagnation and

much higher taxes. If the number of Oregonians did vote Democrat as stated, and it wasnt cheating, then soon they will bask in the radioactive glow of a state economy melting down.

Meanwhile the rest of the red states will prosper and grow. Maybe cheating in the elections wasnt such a good idea, after all. Oregon will be left sitting in the mud hole into which they dug themselves. Elections have consequences, just like stupidity; you can get away with cheating for a while, until the winds change. The winds changedOregon didnt!

John Woods: Husband, Father, Veteran, Patriot, Conservative, Delegate to the Oregon State Republican Party.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
Voters made their intentions clear in this past election that endless, bottomless, government spending has got to stop.

That means nothing to Democrats in Congress, who have put their foot on the accelerator of government spending ahead of their last day in office in the upcoming budget bills, stopgap and omnibus. They call it 'cramulus.'

Ever seen a bigger piece of pork? pic.twitter.com/ZesFCNSNKp  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2024

Enter Sen. Rand Paul, the best, most Milei-like, fiscal libertarian in the Senate.

According to The Hill:

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is threatening to hold up a short-term funding package that needs to pass by the end of the day Friday to avoid a government shutdown unless leaders in Congress agree to vote on amendments to offset the cost of new spending in the proposal. Paul has significant leverage to force colleagues to vote on spending cuts because congressional leaders are late in unveiling the continuing resolution, which is expected to fund the government until March 14. The House may not even vote on the package until Wednesday or Thursday, which means Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) will need the cooperation of all 99 other senators to get it through the Senate by the end-of-week deadline. But Paul says he wont yield back time on the floor unless Schumer guarantees fiscal hawks a full debate and opportunity to vote on amendments to offset the cost of new spending in the proposal.

 BREAKING: Senator Rand Paul has announced plans to DELAY the passage of a $1 trillion "Minibus" Omnibus CR spending bill, which must be approved by Friday to avoid a Govt shutdown.



Paul emphasizes that he will obstruct the bill unless it includes significant spending cuts, pic.twitter.com/nk7YdrSNXy  Publius (@OcrazioCornPop) December 17, 2024

Paul is demanding that the Senate start finding ways to 'pay for' (or find 'payfors') in its expansive spendathon.

He's not an axe-guy, however. He's forcing his fellow pols, who include characters like Mitch McConnell and John Thune, to prioritize what they want to spend federal cash on, such as genuine disaster relief (over green pork).

He told The Hill:

" ... Well probably put forward some pay-fors, Paul told The Hill, flagging green-energy subsidies as spending that could be cut to offset the cost of disaster relief for North Carolina and other states hit hard by recent hurricanes. There are some big existing pay-fors and I think they should be forced to decide: Do you want to help the people in Asheville or do you want to help green-energy companies, multimillion-dollar companies with subsidies for green energy? Theres about $4 billion out there in that, he said.

Hard to find anything more corrupt and prone to losses and missing money than cash for green cronies, given the number of scandals.

He's also after the mother-of-all-hog wallows, useless, unaccountable defense spending, which comes into the hundreds of billions. The Pentagon has failed some seven audits with no one knowing where the money went. Those guys need a heavy hand, given what they have done.

And to his credit, he went after them even on the Republican side, given the number of pork enthusiasts who can be found in those quarters, calling House Speaker Mike Johnson "a weak, weak man." He gave no quarter to the swamp:

Rand Paul being a fucking Legend as always https://t.co/ynusQ9Nv6D pic.twitter.com/1s5dmA586c  G.M (@GMfromny) December 18, 2024

It's what real lawmakers who believe in the future should do. Paul gets it. He's got his finger on the pulse of the voters. If Congress doesn't rally round to his leadership, then it's time to get ready for primary time. The Doge Duo, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, have already pledged to fund these primaries for these Republican pork enthusiasts.

Call your elected representatives today to stop the steal of your tax dollars!

pic.twitter.com/6suIuQMcO4  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2024

And this just in, they're getting results:

BREAKING: Fox News reports that @ElonMusks posts vowing to fund primary challenges against Republicans who support the Continuing Resolution have effectively killed the bill.



 is the most powerful platform on the planet and is forcing the government to answer to the people. pic.twitter.com/gLs3jQ8mAm  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 18, 2024

JUST IN: Fox News reports that Elon Musk's posts on X sent shockwaves through the Capitol, forcing them to likely kill the spending bill.



None of this would be possible without X 



"A post on X by Elon Musk sent shockwaves through the Capitol. House Republicans were trying to pic.twitter.com/7Am9HHLorW  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 18, 2024

Had Rand Paul not pulled the brake lever on this runaway train, Elon could not have moved in for the kill -- and they would have gotten away with it one more time.

This is the real leader of the Senate. Let's hope he becomes just that in reality, too.

Image: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America // CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A new report has revealed some alleged changes in the internal evaluation policies of Gemini, Googles AI-powered chatbot, that could lead to less accurate responses. Among those evaluating such responses are also employees of external contractors working under Googles guidelines. That said, Google could be forcing contractors to rate Geminis responses on topics they are not qualified to answer.

Training AI-powered chatbots is a more complex process than you might think. Its not just about adding as much data as you can to an AI models knowledge base. That data must meet certain parameters, such as an appropriate organizational structure, to be useful. Plus, there are hundreds (or thousands) of humans evaluating the quality of the responses. AI-focused companies work hard to try to reduce the percentage of potentially erroneous responses to the minimum possible.

Google could be forcing contractors to rate Geminis answers on topics outside their area of expertise

However, a TechCrunch report claims that Google has become more lax regarding its policies for rating Gemini responses. The source claims that contractors had the option to skip rating a specific answer if they felt unqualified to do so. For instance, they could have skipped rating an answer pertaining to health issues.

More specifically, Googles previous guidelines reportedly stated the following: If you do not have critical expertise (e.g. coding, math) to rate this prompt, please skip this task. That has since changed, according to internal correspondence seen by TechCrunch. Now, the guidelines say that contractors should not skip prompts that require specialized domain knowledge, the outlet claims.

For answers on topics for which contractors do not have enough knowledge, Google could be urging them to rate the parts of the prompt you understand. In these cases, they must also leave a note stating that they did not have sufficient expertise in the area.

There are still some exceptions

There are still some situations where contractors can completely skip a response. The Mountain View giant allows this when there is completely missing information, the report states. That is, they can only do so when key information is missing at the point of making the response or prompt incomprehensible. Another case where the exception applies is when the response includes potentially harmful content. These types of responses require additional consent through forms.

The alleged new policies are raising concerns about the quality of Geminis responses. The issue could be especially sensitive when users turn to the chatbot to look for information related to their health, for example. In such a case, high precision is absolutely key, and the margin of error should be practically nonexistent.

There is still no official word from Google on the matter. It is possible that the company has also tweaked some additional things to ensure that their alleged new review policies for Gemini replies do not affect their accuracy. However, this is just speculation pending a statement from the firm. Hopefully more news will emerge soon.
Imagine police pulling you over for a routine traffic stop and then taking you to the station. After your release, you notice your phone behaving suspiciously. This is what happened to Serbian journalist Slavisa Milanov, who later discovered an undocumented Android spyware called NoviSpy installed on his phone.

Installed without consent

According to Amnesty Internationals Security Lab, Slavisa discovered that his phone was acting strangely after leaving the police station. Someone had turned off the data and WiFi settings on his phone. Slavisa had the presence of mind to note that this could be a sign of hacking. Combined with the surveillance threats faced by journalists in Servbia, Slavisa contacted the Security Lab to analyze his device.

The organization analyzed his phone and discovered several traces indicating that someone had unlocked his device without his consent. It seems that the authorities had used a Cellebrite product to unlock the journalists phone. The authorities searched Slavisas device without his consent, as they didnt inform him of their intent to search nor request for his passcode.

It also uncovered that someone had installed the Android spyware NoviSpy. This spyware would have allowed the attacker to capture sensitive personal data. It also gives the hacker the ability to turn on the phones microphone or camera remotely. This would allow the attacker to spy on their target and listen in to private conversations.

That being said, the Serbian police have refuted Amnestys report. They released a statement to the Associated Press claiming that the report is absolutely incorrect.

Qualcomm zero-day bug

It turns out that the spyware managed to work the way it did was due to an exploitation of a Qualcomm zero-day bug. Googles Project Zero initially identified the flaw, CVE-2024-43047, as being exploited in October 2024. Qualcomm later patched the flaw in November.

Googles Threat Analysis Group has discovered other flaws in addition to this one. Several reported security flaws remain unaddressed. BleepingComputer contacted Qualcomm for comment and learned that a fix for at least one flaw had been developed. Qualcomm is currently going through the disclosure process, with the fix expected to arrive in January 2025.

Technology is progressing rapidly. There is a lot of push for messages to be more private and secure. This is why more messaging apps are starting to get end-to-end encryption features, but this might not necessarily be the solution. At the end of the day, its a game of cat and mouse. The improvement of technology can be a double-edged sword. While it gives developers tools to make their services more secure, it also gives hackers more tools to crack it.
The December 2024 security update continues to make its way to Samsung mobile devices, and now its the turn of the Galaxy S22 series. The patch is the prelude before the highly anticipated rollout of One UI 7 to all eligible phones. Meanwhile, Samsung is making your phone more secure by fixing multiple potentially exploitable vulnerabilities.

The December 2024 security update arrives for the Samsung Galaxy S22 series

All models in the Galaxy S22 lineup are receiving the December 2024 security update under the same build number S90xBXXSDEXKA. This includes the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra. Lets remember that Samsung did not release an FE variant for its 2022 generation of flagship mobile devices.

So far, the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Galaxy A54 have also received the latest security patch. This update primarily focuses on addressing software and hardware vulnerabilities in Galaxy devices. The South Korean giant is reserving the new features for One UI 7.

The company listed up to 48 fixed vulnerabilities, with 34 contributed by Google for One UIs Android core (28 of High severity and six of Critical severity). On the other hand, Samsung Mobile resolved vulnerabilities that affected some of its own features, such as ThemeCenter, Dex, and Galaxy Watch Bluetooth connectivity. Even Samsung Semiconductors contributed a couple of fixes for vulnerabilities related to Exynos hardware.

As usual, you should receive a notification once the update is available for your device. However, you can always try a manual check under Settings > Software Update > Download and Install. If your phone does not find any available update, do not worry, as it will only be a matter of waiting a few days.

One UI 7 will also arrive for the Galaxy S22 series eventually

Fortunately, the Galaxy S22 series is also eligible to receive the One UI 7 update. However, being old phones, even access to the beta program could take some time to arrive. Anyway, at least users of these devices will enjoy this big update for Galaxy devices sooner or later.
The wearable market isnt just about Apple and Samsung, a few more players are doing better. Huawei is one such name that has surpassed Apple and secured the top spot in the global wrist-worn wearable shipment for the first three quarters of 2024. The latest result is based on the Global Wearable Device Market Quarterly Tracking Report published by the International Data Corporation (IDC).

Huawei passes Apple to secure top spot in the global wrist-worn wearable shipments

The IDCs report reveals the top five tech giants that have shipped the most wrist-worn wearables globally in the first three quarters of this year. Huawei has topped this list with the highest annual growth and market share. Talking in numbers, Huawei made shipments of 23.6 million units of wrist-worn wearables in the last three quarters.

The companys smartwatch shipment bumped up by 7.3 million units, an impressive 44.3% boost from last year. In addition, the brand has also secured a 16.9% market share. IDCs report credits the launch of the Huawei GT5 series and WATCH D2 (Review) for the growth. The report also suggests that Huawei received more attention in various markets like Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East.

On the other hand, Apple has secured the second spot with 22.5 million shipments and a 16.2% market share. It should be noted that the Cupertino tech giant is seeing a decline of 12.8% in annual growth rate. Xiaomi, Samsung, and BBK are the other brands that made it onto IDCs top five list.

It seems smartwatches are getting less popular

Xiaomi is placed in the third position with 20.5 million wearable shipments. It has secured a market share of 14.7% in the last three quarters and a growth rate of 26.5% from last year. Meanwhile, Samsung ranks fourth with 11.5 million wearable shipments with a 24.3% year-over-year growth rate. It has also grabbed a market share of 8.3% for the last three quarters this year.

The IDC report also suggests that the smartwatch segment is becoming less popular among customers. Per the report, the makers shipped a total of 112.2 million units of smartwatches globally in the first three quarters of 2024, down by 3.8% from last year. Whereas, the wristband market saw a growth of 12.7% with 26.8 million units shipped in the same period.
Its the most wonderful time of the year! Were not talking about Christmas, were talking about the lead-up to CES 2025. Tech companies are getting ready to showcase their latest and greatest tech, and Lenovo is one of them. Over the past couple of years, the company has showcased its concept for a laptop with a rollable screen. Thanks to a new leak, it looks like Lenovos rollable laptop will make an appearance at CES 2025.

What is this laptop all about?

With the foldable phone, companies realized the utility of flexible screens. They can alter their form to provide either extra screen real estate or extra portability. Now that companies are working on rollable screens, this could be the next frontier in tech. Lenovo believes this, as the company has been working on a laptop with a rollable display.

When rolled up, the screen will resemble a normal computer display. However, the screen will be able to expand vertically, giving you a bit more screen space. Its truly an innovative concept, and we know that people will find a use for it.

Looking at the images provided, it looks like the computers screen will almost or wholy double its vertical height. This could give the user the ability to stack full windows one on top of the other.

What makes this computer significant is the fact that it will have a motorized mechanism. This is what the company showed off during CES 2022. So, youll just need to activate the mechanism and watch as the screen extends like magic.

As you can guess, we dont have any sort of pricing or availability information about this computer. Just dont expect it to come cheap, thats all were saying. Foldable phone companies are struggling to get their book-style phone prices under $1,100. Imagine how tall the price for this tall computer will be.

Lenovos rollable laptop could show up at CES

What will make upcoming CES different from past events? Well, according to Blass, Lenovo could actually announce a commercially-available device rather than a concept. It could bear the name Thinkbook Plus 6th-Gen.

If Lenovo does announce and release this device, then it might be the first ever commercially-available laptop with a rollable screen. There are already laptops with foldable screens, but this could be a major step forward for flexible screen computers.

Right now, were missing all sorts of information like specs, but thats what CES is for. Were certain that this will be one of the most interesting devices to make an appearance at CES 2025, so keep your eye out for it!
The advancement of technology is amazing, but as technology becomes more advanced, so do the cyber security threats that follow. In a recent security report, it seems there has been a spate of phishing scams that abuse Google Calendar to bypass its spam filters. This means that the system that would have normally stopped these attempts is no longer as effective.

Bypassing spam filters

This is based on a report from Check Point, a company specializing in cyber threat intelligence, which has been monitoring the attacks. So far, the company found that these hackers have targeted 300 brands and have sent out over 4,000 emails over the course of four weeks.

The companies included in their hacks are educational institutions, healthcare services, banks, and more. What makes this particular phishing scam effective and dangerous is it manages to bypass the Google Calendar spam filters. These spam filters are designed to filter out emails from suspicious emails that might be scams or spam.

Similar to Gmails own spam filters, the Google Calendar spam filters work quite well. The fact that these hackers managed to bypass it is worrying. This is because the attackers use Google Calendar services to initiate these invites.

As a result, the spam filters dont work because as far as the system is concerned, it is coming from a legitimate service. If you are the target of an invite youre unfamiliar with, the best thing to do is ignore it. Especially if it contains a link that asks you to click on it.

Staying safe out there

A recent report has indicated that phishing attacks are on the rise. The report claims that it has seen an increase of 40% in phishing attacks in 2023. This is extremely worrying as phishing attacks are designed to steal information from users.

More traditional hacking attempts use brute force methods. Phishing, on the other hand, relies on cleverly disguised emails or websites to trick users into entering their credentials. This means that users might inadvertently hand over sensitive information. This includes login names, passwords, or credit card numbers.

One of the ways to ensure that youre not a target of a phishing attack is to double-check the email address or website URL. For example, you might receive an email from someone claiming to be from Google. The email address, upon first glance, might look like its from Google with an @google.com address. Upon closer inspection, it could turn out to be @gooogle.com or something designed to look very similar to the unobservant eye.

This same method of double-checking can be applied to websites. Another way is to just go to the website directly, or search for it and click it directly from the search results.
The Android industry has left behind the trend of curved displays for flagship phones. Samsung was one of the pioneers in this type of device with the launch of the aging Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy Note Edge. The latest generations of the companys flagship mobile devices have opted for a flatter profile. However, it is possible that Samsung has not yet ruled out a future dominated by curved-display smartphones.

MSPoweruser spotted a patent filed by Samsung in June 2024 before the USPTO, although the entity just made it public this month. The patent shows a curved display smartphone with special mechanisms to enhance its durability and prevent leaks of sealing liquid during assembly.

Samsungs patent shows a curved display smartphone with a reinforced structure

According to the document, the system incorporates two sealing layers and a separate section that is specifically designed to prevent spills from the sealing liquid. This section, called the blocking part, is part of the visible portion of the devices design. It is attached directly to its frame through a series of special grooves. The blocking part results in fewer damaged screens during assembly due to liquid sealant spills and even more resistant devices. After all, this component serves as an additional frame to reinforce the main structure.

It is not known if the South Korean giant will ever use this technology in a commercial device. For now, there have been no leaks about smartphones with curved displays from the firm. The Galaxy S25 series will maintain a design similar to that of its predecessors. Interestingly, another Samsung patent discovered this year describes a curved-display smartphone without physical buttons. Both patents seem to be compatible with the development of future devices. That said, this is just speculation for now.

The pros and cons of curved screens

Curved screen technology in phones has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are mainly aesthetic, as the devices look more premium and advanced. Plus, they help hide the side bezels of the screen, giving the sensation that they do not exist.

However, curved screens also have disadvantages that affect functionality, which is why manufacturers have been leaving them aside. The curved section presents a different color tone than the rest of the panel under certain viewing angles. Curves also make it difficult to use styluses, which are a key accessory on modern Galaxy S Ultra phones. Likewise, curved screens are problematic when trying to apply third-party protectors. Lastly, they make your phone more prone to damage after a fall since they leave a section of the screen more exposed.
The chip manufacturing industry can be quite complex, and thats normal. After all, there are multiple factors that go into the performance of a SoC, making it a success or directly ruining a good design. Chip packaging technology is one of the main keys, and TSMC also dominates in that section. That said, Qualcomm could shake the foundations of the industry by depending less on TSMCs advanced packaging services in favor of UMCs.

What is a chip packaging technology?

Packaging technology is not the first thing youll hear about when talking about chips. Parameters like the manufacturing process, core architecture, core speed, and even factories used to manufacture the chip tend to stand out more. However, good packaging technology is important to ensure that all the technologies implemented work properly.

Chip packaging helps protect the SoC from potential damage related to corrosion and other situations. However, the most important thing for many is probably that it determines the quality of the connection of components on the chips PCB. Basically, the packaging tech encapsulates all the chips technology securely. In turn, it can even help boost performance. For example, more advanced packaging technology can shorten the distance between the chip components and the PCB. This translates into lower latency (faster and more efficient task performance).

Qualcomm reportedly sets deal for UMCs advanced chip packaging tech, challenging TSMC

Now that you have a very brief context, you need to know that, for a long time, TSMC has been the leader in the segment. Yes, the Taiwanese company not only offers the most reliable chip manufacturing factories and wafers that all the big brands are looking for. They also provide their own packaging technologycalled CoWoSfor the chips they produce. In addition to manufacturing its flagship chips at TSMC, Qualcomm utilizes their packaging technologies.

That said, a new report claims that Qualcomm has reached an agreement with United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) to implement its advanced packaging technology in its chips. Qualcomm may be the first major player to dare leave TSMC in this particular segment.

The main reason for the movement could be Qualcomms need to ensure a constant supply of advanced chips. Since TSMC is the biggest player in chip manufacturing, many big companies are constantly looking for them. So, the availability of TSMCs technology is not consistent enough to give Qualcomm any guarantees.

Plus, it seems that UMC has made notable strides in its advanced packaging technology. Reports claim that it is on par with TSMCs in terms of performance. It is also possible that they offer more competitive prices compared to TSMC. All of these factors could have led Qualcomm to make a decision that could cause a knock-on effect in the industry. After all, if a well-known company suddenly shows interest in a certain technology, others will follow.

TSMC will continue to manufacture Qualcomm chips

Anyway, the report claims that Qualcomm is far from abandoning TSMC completely. The company will continue to rely on TSMC factories to produce its flagship SoCs. After all, TSCM seems far superior to its competition in chip manufacturing.

Qualcomm is also not expected to completely stop using TSMCs chip packaging services. However, they could begin to use chips with UMCs technology in 2026. 2025 will be a year of test production to determine whether they can continue smoothly to the mass production stage.
With the stable version of One UI 7, Samsung is reportedly planning to introduce a native App Lock feature. For now, the company is evaluating the possibility of the feature for the next major update for Galaxy devices. This can provide an easy option to lock individual apps, without relying on Samsungs Secure Folder.

Galaxy devices might get the App Lock feature

According to a moderator on the One UI Beta Program community, the final version of One UI 7 may include a native App Lock feature for Galaxy devices. In a response to the Samsung users post on the forum, the moderator said, If your suggestion aligns with our direction, we will consider applying it to the official release. Notably, the first two One UI 7 beta builds do not include an App Lock feature.

The native App Lock feature will provide users with an easy way to lock apps like Gallery, Messages, or social media without relying on third-party apps. The feature will most likely allow users to lock specific apps with a PIN, password, or even biometric authentication like a fingerprint or facial recognition.

Unlike Secure Folder, which essentially creates a separate version of an app, the App Lock feature would allow users to secure their existing apps directly. The user would no longer need to maintain duplicate apps or worry about transferring data between the regular and secured versions of an app.

Chinas One UI version already offers this feature

Interestingly, this feature has been part of the Chinese variant of One UI for some time. Galaxy users outside of China have frequently requested the global release of App Lock. As a result, Samsung is now considering the feature. If approved, it may be part of the final release or could be introduced later, possibly in an update like One UI 7.1. The One UI 7 stable update will likely arrive in January 2025 alongside the Galaxy S25 series.

Now, Android 15-based One UI 7 Beta 2 is out for the Galaxy S24 series in some regions including the US. If you havent signed up yet, there might still be slots open. App Lock is not included in this release but you can try it out. Remember this is a beta so it might have some bugs. If One UI 7 Beta is available in your region, you should see a banner on the Samsung Members apps home screen to join.
The University of North Texas Health Science Center sold at least a dozen unclaimed bodies for research without consent from their families, NBC News reports. Dreamstime/TNS

Just two months after arriving in the U.S. in hopes of building a better life for her family, a 21-year-old Venezuelan migrant was shot dead in a road rage incident. Her body parts then were sold to science without her family's knowledge.

That's according to an article by NBC News, part of the publication's series Dealing the Dead. Aurimar Iturriago Villegas was one of at least a dozen whose bodies were donated to the University of North Texas Health Science Center and used for research without their families' consent.

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Villegas traveled for two months through desert and jungle before crossing the U.S. border in September 2022, planning to find a job to send money home to her mother in Venezuela. After reaching the U.S., she lived in Dallas with an acquaintance named Alexis Moreno, NBC News reported.

She moved to Florida for a cleaning job before returning to Dallas in late October for a visit. Villegas was in the backseat of a car with two acquaintances early on Oct. 29, 2022, when 25-year-old Shardrel Webb shot into the rear window, according to NBC News.

ALSO READ: Top 10 Comfort Food Restaurants in San Antonio

Villegas' acquaintance managed to pull into a nearby apartment complex, where Villegas was pronounced dead from a single gunshot wound to the head.

NBC News reported that Webb claimed he shot in self-defense after the car drove him off the road. He pleaded guilty to murder in February and was sentenced to 23 years in prison, according to court records.

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After Villegas' death, officials began searching for her next of kin. Her family heard news of her death from a neighbor in Venezuela and were devastated, NBC News reported. According to Villegas' sister, she spoke with someone she believed was with the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office and agreed that Moreno, Villegas' acquaintance in Dallas, would be the primary point of contact for the family.

Villegas' case file, obtained by NBC News, told a different story. Officials said that in a phone call, Villegas' mother had granted Moreno authority to act as Villegas' legal next of kin. Villegas' mother said this phone call never happened

Officials say both Moreno and Villegas' family stopped answering messages, and six weeks after she died, Villegas' body was considered "abandoned." Following protocol, her body was delivered to the University of North Texas Health Science Center, according to NBC News.

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In spring 2023, the center charged $900 for Villegas' torso to be used in training for a back pain surgery. This January, after part of her body had already been cremated, her legs were sold for $703 to train physician assistant trainees.

Meanwhile, Villegas' family says they were working to collect the thousands needed to transport her remains back to Venezuela. Communication was difficult because Villegas' mother could not call landlines in the U.S.  she could only make calls through WhatsApp.

After Webb pleaded guilty, Villegas once again asked officials about the whereabouts of her daughter's body. They told her Villegas' body had been deemed "abandoned" and that she had been cremated.

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NBC News' reporting for its Dealing the Dead series is how Villegas' family found out her body had been used for science. She reached out to the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office in hopes of bringing her daughter's ashes back home, and was only told that Villegas was buried in a local cemetery.

Villegas' mother told NBC News she is losing hope of ever laying her daughter to rest.

After NBC News' reporting in Dealing the Dead, the Health Science Center fired the leaders of the donation program and paused the program's operations. The center also pledged to stop using unclaimed bodies.

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Angela Rippon will be replaced by former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin in the upcoming series of Rip Off Britain.

The BBC said that from January Minchin joins the line-up of Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville on the consumer programme, which began in 2009 with Rippon as co-host.

Somerville joined in 2011, replacing Jennie Bond from the third season on.

Louise Minchin will join Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville (Rip Off Britain/BBC Studios/PA)

It is understood by the PA news agency that Rippon is focusing on other projects and the BBC is looking forward to having her back for a future season of the show.

Minchin, 56, said: Im delighted to be joining the incredible team at Rip Off Britain.

Ive always admired the show for really making a difference, for shining a spotlight on the issues that matter most to people and empowering viewers with the knowledge to tackle everyday challenges and stand up for their rights.

From uncovering scams to giving audiences the advice they need to safeguard their money, well do our best to promote the stories that expose the latest consumer issues and help to make a real difference. Its going to be an exciting series.

Last year, Rippon took part in Strictly Come Dancing with Kai Widdrington after hosting the shows predecessor Come Dancing between 1988 and 1999.

The 80-year-old, who was the first regular female news anchor on the BBC, also joined the 2024 Strictly tour, and presented some of the latest series of Rip Off Britain.

Angela Rippon and Strictly partner Kai Widdrington. (Jacob King/PA)

The new series of Rip Off Britain will take a look at holidays including compensation from the 2024 Dubai floods, parcels being destroyed as well as the high-pressure sales tactics by a domestic heating company  and hear from customers who ended up with rocketing energy bills.

The commissioning editor for daytime, Rachel Platt, said: Louise is a great addition to the Rip Off Britain team.

She brings both the journalistic rigour needed to hold organisations to account and the warmth and empathy to get to the heart of real stories.

Rip Off Britain returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on January 6.
The Solicitor Generals bid to increase the sentences of Britains youngest knife murderers for the murder of Shawn Seesahai is expected to be considered by the Court of Appeal.

The two boys, who cannot be identified, were given life sentences with minimum terms of eight-and-a-half years for the murder of 19-year-old Mr Seesahai in Wolverhampton on November 13 last year.

Floral tributes left at the scene at Stowlawn playing fields in Wolverhampton where Shawn Seesahai died (Matthew Cooper/PA)

The defendants, now 13, were both 12 years old at the time of the murder and were described during their sentencing in September as the countrys youngest knife murderers.

They are believed to be the youngest defendants convicted of murder in the UK since Robert Thompson and Jon Venables were found guilty in 1993 when they were 11 years old of killing two-year-old James Bulger.

The Attorney Generals Office (AG0) confirmed in November that it had referred the sentence to the Court of Appeal, claiming it was unduly lenient.

Mr Seesahai was stabbed through the heart and lungs and suffered a skull fracture during the attack on Stowlawn playing fields in East Park, with one of the wounds he suffered measuring 23cm deep  almost passing through his body.

Both boys pleaded not guilty to murder, blaming the other for inflicting four wounds with a machete.

One of the youths admitted to possession of the knife before their trial at Nottingham Crown Court and the other was found guilty of the same charge when they were both unanimously convicted of murder in June.

The defendants were 12 years old when they attacked Mr Seesahai at East Park in Wolverhampton (Family Handout/PA)

High Court judge Mrs Justice Tipples had ruled the defendants should be protected by anonymity orders, saying their welfare outweighed the wider public interest in open justice and unrestricted reporting.

Sentencing the pair, she said the murder was horrific and shocking and that Mr Seesahai had everything to live for.

The Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme allows relatives, victims and members of the public who believe sentences are unreasonably low to ask the AGO to review cases relating to several specific serious offences and consider whether they should be sent to the Court of Appeal.

In a victim impact statement read to the sentencing hearing, the family of Anguilla-born Mr Seesahai, who was living in Birmingham, described his murder as tragic, unexpected and senseless, and having been committed for no reason at all.

The hearing before Lord Justice William Davis, Mr Justice Bennathan and Judge Nicholas Dean KC is due to start at 10:30am on Thursday at the Royal Courts of Justice.
A new image of Barry Keoghan and Cillian Murphy in the upcoming Peaky Blinders film has been released as the two Irish actors wrap production.

Keoghan, famed for Saltburn and The Banshees Of Inisherin, is playing an undisclosed role in the film, which is believed to be titled The Immortal Man and is set following the events of sixth season of the original BBC show.

On Thursday, Netflix wrote on X: Thats a wrap. The Peaky Blinders film has completed production.

Oscar winner Murphy, 48, is seen as Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby with a flat cap smiling opposite Keoghan, who is dressed in a grey suit and similar hat.

Barry Keoghan in Peaky Blinders. (Netflix/Robert Viglasky Photography)

Written by creator Steven Knight, the new movie is set during the Second World War, and is teased to involve new conflicts for the Shelby family.

When the series came to an end in 2022 after nine years, Tommy appeared to put his criminal past behind him.

The series has tackled the rise of fascism, Irish republican politics and communist activities throughout the period after the First World War  along with Tommys ambitions in politics.

Returning cast includes British actors Stephen Graham as union organiser Hayden Stagg and Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby, while Dune actress Rebecca Ferguson and Pulp Fiction actor Tim Roth have also joined for the film.

THAT'S A WRAP. The Peaky Blinders film has completed production. : Robert Viglasky pic.twitter.com/VImZlFWZdQ  Netflix (@netflix) December 19, 2024

Knight told Netflixs Tudum site: It will be an explosive chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. No holds barred. Full-on Peaky Blinders at war.

Cork-born Murphy, also known for 28 Days Later and Batman Begins, won the best actor Academy Award for blockbuster Oppenheimer earlier this year.

In 2023, Dublin native Keoghan was Oscar nominated for The Banshees Of Inisherin and picked up a best supporting actor Bafta for the same film.

The 32-year-old is also known for The Killing Of A Sacred Deer, war blockbuster Dunkirk and Marvel film Eternals.
Britains diplomatic contact with banned Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) risks giving the organisation legitimacy in the country after the fall of President Bashar Assad.

Senior officials met with the leader of the group earlier this week in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

After Mr Assad fled the country nearly a fortnight ago, HTS has named a prime minister to lead an interim government until March 2025.

Photographs showed senior officials, including the UKs special representative for Syria, Ann Snow, meeting HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Mohammed al-Golani.

Shadow Foreign Office minister Wendy Morton said that UK Government representatives meeting with the group would give them more credibility in Syria, at a time of political instability.

HTS was banned as a terror organisation within the UK in 2017, due to their connections with al-Qaeda.

Responding to a statement in the Commons by Foreign Office minister Anneliese Dodds, Ms Morton said: This house has many serious questions about the decision to establish a diplomatic channel with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

HTS is a proscribed terrorist organisation, but the Foreign Secretary says the UK is nonetheless able to have diplomatic contact.

So, can the minister clarify the specific legal basis on which she has established contact? And is HTS the only such organisation operating in Syria that now has a diplomatic channel?

She asked whether Ms Dodds believed HTS would lead to a peaceful transition of power to a genuine civilian government which protects minority groups.

Ms Morton added: The Government needs to be extremely careful, because by dealing with HTS and publicly doing so, there is a risk of legitimisation of the organisation and its position in Syria. These are very early days in the new post-Assad reality and we need to judge HTS by its actions and not its words.

Ms Dodds said the UK Government supported the transition to a secure and peaceful Syria in the aftermath of Mr Assads rule.

The UK has given Syria 61 million in aid in total, after more was announced on Saturday. It will help provide healthcare, nutrition and support displaced children, she said. More than 16 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance, inside Syria alone.

Ms Dodds said: We are hopeful that anyone seeking a role in governing Syria will demonstrate a commitment to the protection of human rights, including for women and girls, to unfettered access for humanitarian aid, to safe destruction of chemical weapon stockpiles and to combating terrorism and extremism.

The UK urges the transitional government to adhere to these principles, to build a more hopeful, secure and peaceful Syria.

She added: Along with our partners we want to see a new political process that is comprehensive, representative, inclusive and most importantly, determined by the Syrian people themselves.

She went on to say: For all these reasons it is right that the UK seeks to use all of the channels available to us to deal with HTS, where we have to.
Computer scientist Dr Craig Wright, who falsely claimed to be the founder of Bitcoin, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, for contempt of court after breaching a High Court order.

Dr Wright lost a legal battle against Crypto Open Patent Alliance (Copa), a non-profit group including cryptocurrency firms, earlier this year over claims that he was Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym attributed to the person widely credited with establishing the cryptocurrency.

In March, a judge found that he had lied extensively to support the false claim and barred him from launching or threatening further legal action related to Bitcoin through a court order.

On Wednesday, lawyers for Copa told a hearing that Dr Wright issued a claim worth more than 900 billion related to Bitcoin in October which constituted contempt of court, and that he should be jailed as a result.

In a judgment on Thursday, Mr Justice Mellor said Dr Wright had committed a clear breach of the order and was therefore in contempt of court beyond any reasonable doubt.

He said the breach of the order was flagrant and that Dr Wright has expressed no remorse whatsoever.

Dr Wright attended court on Thursday via a video link, having not attended a hearing on Wednesday.

He told the court he was in Asia but refused to specify which country after being asked by the judge.

He said I still dont believe that the areas that you have addressed are correct, and that he will be appealing against the contempt finding, stating: Copa are an organisation with one purpose  to sue me.

The court heard on Wednesday that Dr Wrights latest claim, over intellectual property rights related to Bitcoin, represented multiple, clear breaches of the order which were impossible to remedy and for which he has shown no remorse.

Jonathan Hough KC, for Copa, said on Wednesday: Bitcoin developers have once more had to suffer the distress and inconvenience of knowing or at least suspecting that Dr Wright is attempting to sue them for huge sums of money and intending to use the proceedings to blacken their names.

The order was made after careful judicial consideration to prevent this happening, and Dr Wrights conduct has so far denied developers the benefit of its protection.

On Thursday, he described Dr Wrights conduct as a desperate publicity stunt to keep his cultish supporters engaged and said: It is difficult to imagine a more serious and stark breach of an anti-suit injunction.

Mr Hough told the court that Dr Wright should be jailed for two years  the highest sentence the court can pass for contempt  which would include an 18-month unconditional sentence, and a further six months to be added on if Dr Wright does not promptly discontinue the new claim.

Mr Justice Mellor said Dr Wrights arguments comprised of legal nonsense but acknowledged that he was not in the UK and appears to be well aware of countries with which the UK does not have extradition arrangements.

While the judge said that he would give a more detailed set of reasons for the sentence later, he also threw out Dr Wrights latest legal claim and ordered the Australian to pay around 145,000 of Copas legal cost.

Copa previously sued Dr Wright over his claims that he was Satoshi, which a trial in London earlier this year heard was a brazen lie supported by forgery on an industrial scale.

The original Bitcoin founding document, a white paper named Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System, was released in 2008 and was authored under Satoshis name.

Lawyers for the computer scientist told the trial there was clear evidence demonstrating his creation of the digital currency but Mr Justice Mellor ruled in March that the evidence was overwhelming that his claim was false.

In July, the same judge ruled that relevant papers from the case would be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether criminal charges should be brought, stating that Dr Wrights claims were a most serious abuse of the courts process.
A deal has been struck to save troubled shipbuilder Harland and Wolff with Spanish state-owned business Navantia stepping in to buy it.

The Belfast-based company was placed into administration in September for the second time in five years.

Harland and Wolff, which famously built the Titanic, is a subcontractor in part of a consortium that landed a major contract to build new fleet solid support ships for the Royal Navy.

Navantia UK is the main contractor on that contract.

The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, will secure 1,000 jobs at Harland and Wolffs four shipyards  one in Belfast, two in Scotland (Methil on the Firth of Forth and Arnish on the Isle of Lewis) and one in England (Appledore in north Devon).

The purchase agreement is set to protect workers existing terms and conditions.

The Government has also agreed to amend the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Programme contract with Navantia to ensure the company can still deliver on the contract and build all three Navy ships.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: This deal is a major vote of confidence in the UK from Navantia, which will not only secure the future of UK shipbuilding but protect 1,000 jobs across the country and bring future investment into shipbuilding right across the UK.

National security is the foundation of our Plan for Change  without it we cant deliver on our milestones to raise living standards across the UK  with good skilled productive jobs.

That is why we are steadfast in supporting the future of UK shipbuilding. This deal will guarantee our sovereign shipbuilding capability to bolster our Navy and ensure the industry can continue to deliver economic growth and boost coastal communities right across the UK.

Defence Secretary John Healey added: This agreement keeps vital defence manufacturing in the UK and protects skilled jobs at historic shipyards across our nations.

It strengthens our sovereign capability to support Royal Navy operations worldwide, while building the industrial partnerships that will drive growth.
Farmers are in it for the money because they are businesses that need to make a profit, the Environment Secretary has said.

Steve Reed also accused the Conservatives of posturing while he took questions about farmer suicides and after Conservative shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins said not everyone will be able to celebrate Christmas this year.

Liberal Democrat environment, food and rural affairs spokesman Tim Farron also said farmers are genuinely devastated by the Governments family farm tax.

Earlier this year, the Government unveiled changes to the agricultural property relief, ending the 100% exemption from inheritance tax on qualifying business and agricultural assets worth more than 1 million.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed (James Manning/PA)

Mr Reed told MPs: The shadow secretary of state, as well as the former prime minister, keep telling farmers theyre not in it for the money. We know that they are.

Theyre businesses that need to make a profit, and our new deal for farmers, including increasing supply chain fairness is intended to make farms profitable and successful for the future, in a way that they were not under the previous government.

Josh Fenton-Glynn, the Labour MP for Calder Valley, had earlier described an increasingly unprofitable agricultural sector which had been undercut by previous trade deals.

He had asked whether farmers in his West Yorkshire constituency would get their fair share from a new 25-year roadmap to make farming profitable again.

Mr Farron later told MPs: Farming communities across the country are genuinely devastated by the Governments family farm tax, which will affect many in my patch who are on less than the minimum wage.

Mr Reed replied: The vast majority of APR (Agricultural Property Relief) claimants will not pay anything. This Government, unlike the previous government that thought farmers were not in it for the money, wants them to succeed.

So were embarking on a farming road-map and a new deal for farming that will look at supply chain fairness, stopping farmers being undercut in trade deals like the one they agreed with Australia and New Zealand.

Our intention is to make farming profitable for the future, their record is 12,000 farming businesses that went bust.

Ms Atkins said: Not everyone will be able to celebrate Christmas. In recent weeks, a farmer took himself off to a remote part of his farm and killed himself. The message he left his family, who wish to remain anonymous, is that he did this because he feared becoming a financial burden to his family because of changes to inheritance tax.

This is the human cost of the figures that the Secretary of State provides so casually. What does the Secretary of State say to that grieving family?

Mr Reed said: I send my heartfelt sympathies to that family but I think it is irresponsible in the extreme to seek to weaponise a personal tragedy of that kind in this way. Where there is mental ill health then there needs to be support for that, and this Government is investing in it.

She knows from the last year for which data is available that the vast majority of claimants will pay absolutely nothing following the changes to APR.

Following up, Ms Atkins called for farmer and landowner suicide data on a monthly basis so that we  the House  and the outside community can understand the human costs, as she labelled Mr Reeds answer as heartless.

Mr Reed replied: Mental health services are the responsibility of the National Heath Service and the former health secretary (Ms Atkins)  who broke the NHS  is in no position to lecture anybody about public services.

She was no friend of the health services, no friend of the mental health services and she is no friend of farming.

Twelve thousand farms went bust on their (the Conservatives) watch. They failed to get 300,000 out of the doors and into the pockets and bank accounts of farmers, and they signed a trade deal with Australia that undercut British standards on environmental and welfare standards.

I hear the posturing. It is this Government that is standing up for farming.
Travis frontman Fran Healy has said a campaign he is backing in support of UK food banks is helping people from his own background, having grown up in a poor area of Glasgow.

The Scottish rock band, comprised of Healy, Dougie Payne, Andy Dunlop and Neil Primrose, have been touring the UK throughout December while encouraging audience members to donate to food donation platform Bankuet for its Christmas Eat The Beat appeal.

Im from Possilpark, I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, Healy, 51, told the PA news agency.

Fran Healy of Travis performing at the Trnsmt Festival at Glasgow Green in Glasgow (Michael Boyd/PA)

So Im from that, thats my background, he said in reference to the people who use food banks.

Weve been going on stage every night and persuading our audience by saying, like If youre thinking of buying a T-shirt, dont. Give money to the food banks instead.

It (Bankuet) is a brilliant food distribution platform, he added.

The Trussell Trust said its food banks provided 262,479 food parcels to people in Scotland between April 2023 and March 2024.

During this period, parcels were distributed from 144 locations across Scotland and 1,699 locations (including Scotland) across the UK, as part of the charitys network.

Speaking about the amount of food banks in the UK, Healy said: I would say its a real damning indictment on the situation that we find ourselves in.

Were one of the most generous, most charitable countries in the world, and were given this idea that everyones suffering and everyones scrambling around

People have money, loads of people have loads of money, and theyre just keeping it all to themselves.

He added: We can put a little bit in and help best we can, and thats what this country is famous for.

Through the campaign, Healy said he discovered that food banks are not just about providing food.

Its to see someone coming in at the edge of their I cant live any more. I cant take it any more, he said.

And to leave with a bag of food, and not only that, just this belief that theyre not alone, that someone does care for them and that lifes worth living, even when theres not an awful lot to live for. And thats about community.

Travis have been performing across the UK for their Raze The Bar tour and will take to the stage at Glasgows OVO Hydro on Saturday before embarking on their North American tour in January.

Fans at their gigs have been receiving Eat The Beat donation badges at merch stands when they make a donation via the Bankuet website.

Healy said concert-goers have been very generous and thanked them for buying tickets to their gigs.

Bankuet said it has raised over 4.5 million through fundraising campaigns to help keep UK food banks stocked.
Outnumbered is back for a 2024 Christmas special. (BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence) (BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence)

Outnumbered is reuniting the Brockman family for a Christmas special after eight years away from screens - but what became of the child cast after the last time we saw them together?

The BBC has announced that the sitcom, which ran from 2007 to 2014 and last aired in a 2016 Christmas special, will join Gavin & Stacey in its festive line-up this year.

Sue (Claire Skinner) and Pete (Hugh Dennis) will invite all of their now-adult children, plus a grandchild, over for a traditional family Christmas - but like anything involving the Brockman family, it doesn't quite go to plan.

All three former child stars will return to their roles, as well as Dennis and Skinner who are now a couple in real life, too. Dennis said: "Pete and Sue have downsized, the children are no longer children, but Im sure family life will prove to be just as chaotic as ever."

Skinner added: "Im really looking forward to being reunited with my TV family. Working on this wonderful BBC comedy doesnt feel like work and is one of the greatest joys for us all."

Here's what the young cast have been up to since finding fame on the BBC comedy.

Tyger Drew-Honey - Jake

Tyger Drew-Honey has continued his acting career since Outnumbered ended. (BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence) (BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence)

The Brockmans' eldest child Jake is played by Tyger Drew-Honey, who is now 28 and has racked up a long list of credits since Outnumbered ended.

His most prominent role in the years in between has been as Dylan in BBC sitcom Cuckoo, where his co-stars included Andy Samberg, Taylor Lautner, Andie MacDowell and Greg Davies.

Drew-Honey also had a recurring role in Citizen Khan and has appeared in Midsomer Murders, Death in Paradise and Grantchester.

As a TV presenter, his work has included Friday Download and docuseries Tyger Takes On..., while he's also featured in reality shows Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity MasterChef.

It looks like the actor has stayed close to his former co-stars, too, as he has posted photos on social media of meet-ups with his screen siblings from Outnumbered.

Daniel Roche - Ben

Daniel Roche plays middle child Ben in Outnumbered. (BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence) (BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence)

Daniel Roche played chaotic middle child Ben and made a big impression on the world of comedy at the time, bagging a nomination for best newcomer at the British Comedy Awards.

He also landed the lead role in a 2010 adaptation of Just William while still in Outnumbered, which won a children's BAFTA for best drama.

Now 24, Roche has posted on social media about staying in touch with his Outnumbered co-stars and has made appearances in children's TV series including Dani's House, Blue Peter and Pet School, although he hasn't been seen in other projects recently. He is also a keen rugby player.

Ramona Marquez - Karen

Ramona Marquez will be back as Karen. (BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence) (BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Adam Lawrence)

Littlest Brockman Karen was played by Ramona Marquez, who is now 23 and clearly still close to her screen brothers.

Marquez made a few appearances in high-profile films during her time on Outnumbered, including The King's Speech, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and a voice role in Arthur Christmas.

However, since the sitcom ended she seems to have turned her back on acting and has been enjoying life away from the spotlight.

The Outnumbered 2024 special airs on BBC One on Boxing Day

This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/outnumbered-kids-where-are-they-now-105916499.html
Households in England and Wales will see their water bills increase by an extortionate average of 86 next year alone, as firms faced accusations of years of under-investment in their crumbling infrastructure.

Regulator Ofwat said it will allow companies to raise average bills by 31 a year, or 157 in total, over the next five years to 597 by 2030 to help finance a 104 billion upgrade for the sector.

That represents a 36% increase before inflation, which will be added on top.

However, despite the average 31 a year increase, households will be hit particularly hard from April with an average hike of 86 or 20% front-loaded into the coming year, with smaller percentage increases in each of the next four years.

Consumer groups warned that the increases were more than what many people can afford.

Consumer Council for Water chief executive Mike Keil said: These bill rises may be less than what water companies wanted but they are still more than what many people can afford.

We know at least two in five households will find these increases difficult to afford but the support being offered by some water companies lacks ambition.

Tom MacInnes, director of policy at Citizens Advice, said the price rises will hit many households hard.

(PA Graphics)

Friends of the Earth accused Ofwat of caving to pressure from firms, leaving customers to pick up the tab for decades of under-investment in our crumbling water infrastructure.

Sienna Somers, senior nature campaigner at the organisation, said: Dirty water companies shouldnt be able to rely on their customers to foot ever higher bills while they line the pockets of their shareholders and leave our rivers brimming with sewage.

These extortionate price rises wont guarantee us cleaner water or solve the sewage crisis, they simply reward businesses for breaking the rules that protect people and nature. Thats why now more than ever, we need the human right to a healthy environment enshrined in law, so that communities can hold water companies to account.

The confirmed increase to bills is significantly higher than the 21%, or 19 a year, rise per household, outlined in the regulators draft proposals in July.

Since then, the regulator has been in detailed discussions with each water company over their spending plans.

The biggest bills increase will be allowed for Southern Water, whose customers will pay 53% more by 2030. This is likely to cause further frustration for almost 60,000 households across Hampshire who have been hit by a water outage at a Southern Water supply works this week. The company has apologised and said the issues may continue until the weekend.

Bills will rise by 47% for Severn Trent customers, with a 42% increase for customers of the Welsh water companies Dwr Cymru and Hafren Dyfrdwy.

Thames Water is to be allowed to hike consumer bills by 35%, as the regulator also handed it an 18.2 million fine for paying unjustified dividends to shareholders.

The ruling falls well short of the 59% Thames Water had said it needed in the run-up to the decision, as the embattled water company tries to negotiate a bailout.

The company, which serves about 16 million people in London and the South East, is battling a funding crisis that could see it run out of cash by March.

Ofwat chief executive David Black said: Today marks a significant moment. It provides water companies with an opportunity to regain customers trust by using this 104 billion upgrade to turn around their environmental record and improve services to customers.

Water companies now need to rise to this challenge, customers will rightly expect them to show they can deliver significant improvement over time to justify the increase in bills.

Industry body Water UK said: After a decade of cuts Ofwat has finally listened to public anger and agreed a much-needed quadrupling of investment in our ageing infrastructure.

This will be the largest amount of money ever spent on the natural environment, and will help to support economic growth, build more homes, secure our water supplies and end sewage entering our rivers and seas. Each water company will now need to take time to assess what Ofwats decision means for them.

We understand increasing bills is never welcome. To protect vulnerable customers, companies will triple the number of households receiving support with their bills to three million over the next five years.

We've approved substantial improvements for customers and the environment through a 104 billion upgrade for the water sector Ofwats David Black: "Customers will rightly expect companies to show they can deliver significant change over time to justify the increase in bills" pic.twitter.com/PxalE17uEt  Ofwat (@Ofwat) December 19, 2024

This Labour Government will ringfence money earmarked for investment so it can never be diverted for bonuses and shareholder payouts. We will clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: Under the Conservatives, our sewage system crumbled. They irresponsibly let water companies divert customers money to line the pockets of their bosses and shareholders.

The public are right to be angry after they have been left to pay the price of Conservative failure.

This Labour Government will ringfence money earmarked for investment so it can never be diverted for bonuses and shareholder payouts. We will clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.
Jack Draper has pulled out of the United Cup and Great Britains Davis Cup clash with Japan because of a hip injury.

The British number one sustained the problem during pre-season training and was forced to miss a scheduled practice week with Carlos Alcaraz in Spain.

He had been due to fly out to Australia on Monday before playing with Katie Boulter for Britain at the United Cup, an international team tournament in Sydney beginning on December 30.

Draper said: As I work to get on top of my hip injury and get match-fit, I have unfortunately been advised not to play in the United Cup.

While we are very positive about competing in the Australian Open this year, I know I wont be able to jump straight into a packed schedule as I manage and strengthen my hip. (Im) gutted as I was really looking forward to playing in the United Cup for the first time.

The 22-year-old is now planning to fly to Melbourne later this month as he races to be fit for the opening grand slam of the new season, which starts on January 12.

The news is a setback for Draper, who finished the 2024 season at a career-high ranking of 15 after winning his first two ATP Tour titles, reaching the semi-finals of the US Open and, crucially, avoiding the injury issues that had dogged him in the past.

He has also decided to miss the Davis Cup first-round tie in Japan, which immediately follows the Australian Open.

Together with (captain) Leon (Smith), we have also made the difficult decision for me to sit out the upcoming Davis Cup match in Japan in order to give me the opportunity post-Australian Open to complete the rehab and strengthening of my hip, said Draper.

He cannot be replaced in the United Cup team so Billy Harris, ranked 125, will step up, while the Japan tie now looks significantly more tricky for Britain.

Drapers absence could mean a debut for Scot Jacob Fearnley, who has soared up the rankings to 99 this season, making him British number three behind Draper and Cameron Norrie.
Gavin And Stacey star James Corden has said he never ever thought the sitcom would be a long-running show and that its success had been a dream come true.

The 46-year-old added that just having a show that is worthy of a Christmas special was enough for him and that he thought ending at three series was the right decision.

Gavin And Stacey: The Finale will air on Christmas Day on the BBC and it will be the shows final episode following 2019s festive special which ended on a cliff-hanger when Vanessa Nessa Jenkins, played by Ruth Jones, proposed to Cordens character Neil Smithy Smith.

Corden and Ruth Jones were speaking ahead of the shows Christmas special (Ian West/PA)

Speaking at a screening in London ahead of the Christmas Day episode airing, Corden said: Weve honestly never ever thought past what weve been commissioned to do, when we were writing the scripts for the first series, we didnt know if the show would get green lit.

Then it gets green lit, then you shoot it, and then youre hoping that someone finds it, then you get to do another series.

And then suddenly, as that one starts coming out, it feels like lots of people are watching it.

And then we did the first Christmas special, which was just a dream come true for us, like an absolute dream come true, to have a show that was considered worthy of a Christmas special, that was enough for us is the truth.

And then we really felt like we probably told enough of the story, and if were honest with ourselves, we were finding it hard to construct ways for the families to keep meeting up And so I think when we ended the third series, it was definite that was it.

He explained that a finale episode was not certain and there was a chance that he and co-writer Jones would leave the show at its cliff-hanger ending.

Corden added: We had a week in September, where we were like lets get together then, and if theres nothing there, if the characters dont show us what the story is, it doesnt matter.

We havent told anybody, we havent told the cast, we havent spoken to the BBC, and its kind of lovely hearing Charlotte (Moore, the BBCs Chief Content Officer) talk about those moments.

The special will air on Christmas Day at 9pm (Toffee International Ltd/Tom Jackson/PA)

We didnt contact Charlotte till weve written, I think 70 pages of this special, because by then we felt like, oh, weve got something that we feel that were ready to share.

Because it may sound like a complete nonsense but it doesnt really feel like were in charge of writing, I feel like we just have to be together, and we sort of open a portal and the characters arrive, and they tell us what they want everybody to know.

The actor, who used to front US talk show The Late Late Show With James Corden, said he felt the shows success was a lesson in impatience.

He added: Were sort of told now, particularly in television, or the way that we consume stuff, we talk about content and we talk about consumers, and we talk about speed, and weve decided that speed is the single most important thing in everything that you can do, I ordered it then, and it arrived then.

And you get young people now watching things at twice the speed that it was ever meant to be formatted at, and youre told speed is important, and heres a show that ended 15 years ago, waited 10 years to tell another hour-long story, and waited five more years to end it.

And maybe the lesson for all of us is actually, maybe time and patience, and care, might be the answer to things to have a longevity outside of what we consume on our phones.

Gavin And Stacey: The Finale will air on BBC One from 9pm on Christmas Day and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

The documentary Gavin And Stacey: A Fond Farewell will be shown at 7pm on New Years Day on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Two MPs traded jibes in the House of Commons chamber after they became involved in a row following the final debate before Christmas.

Reform UKs Rupert Lowe approached transport minister Mike Kane and accused him of talking absolute drivel in response to his concerns over a damaged ship which docked in his Great Yarmouth constituency while carrying potentially explosive fertiliser.

When the minister walked across the chamber to speak with Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice, Mr Lowe could be heard saying: Dont turn your back on me.

Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe (left) and Reform deputy leader Richard Tice (Maja Smiejkowska/PA)

Serjeant-at-Arms Ugbana Oyet, who is responsible for keeping order within the Commons, approached Mr Kane and Mr Lowe and advised them not to hold such a discussion in the chamber.

Mr Lowe said please answer the questions as he left the chamber, with Mr Kane aiming a jibe at the Reform UK MP related to his time as Southampton chairman.

The minister was heard to say: Sold Gareth Bale  put them into administration.

The heated exchange took place just moments after the House rose for the Christmas recess and the broadcast feed of proceedings had ended.

It followed a short debate in which Mr Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, asked for a parliamentary inquiry into the case of the MV Ruby.

The Maltese ship docked in the town after it was damaged in bad weather in the North Sea.

It held 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertiliser, which is generally safe but can become explosive if improperly managed and exposed to heat or pressure.

Norfolk County Council last month said the ship left the port to discharge some contaminated fertiliser at sea, but was given permission to return by officials acting on behalf of the Government.

Transport minister Mike Kane (UK Parliament/PA)

Mr Lowe told the Commons: The MV Ruby is a sorry tale of bad decision-making by Government and a selection of unaccountable, unelected quangos operating in silos without any application of common-sense.

He added: The outcome was a shocking and avoidable double act of environmental terrorism when around 300 tonnes of ammonium nitrate  better known as agricultural fertiliser  was dumped in the sea about 12 miles off the coast of my constituency, Great Yarmouth.

Mr Lowe said he was excluded from all communication and decision-making leading up to the catastrophic dumping operation last month, as he questioned the Governments account of events.

He raised 18 questions about the case, including asking how close did Great Yarmouth come to evacuation.

Mr Lowe added: We now need an official parliamentary inquiry, which I very strongly request having researched the matter in great depth.

It must not happen again and the appropriate heads must roll.

Mr Kane said MV Ruby left Great Yarmouth on December 1 and is now undergoing repairs.

He added the ship carrying the uncontaminated cargo left the town on December 16 for onward voyage to the Rubys original destination.

Mr Kane said: Throughout this situation, my department and other authorities exercised their duty for the safety of the UK and its population along with the ship and her crew.

I stand by all the decisions and actions we took and I note that everything has been resolved successfully, as we were always confident it would be the case.

After Mr Tice (Boston and Skegness) intervened to ask the minister to release all the documentation connected to the case, Mr Kane replied: The way this is being raised is a playbook.

Assertions are made that are often outlandish, simply wrong, its designed to appeal to malcontents. A victimisation part comes into that playbook, habitually casting oneself as a victim of dark forces, of conspiracies, of cover up, always wanting to know where and when and transparency.

Expecting others to accept the premise of their questions and then belittling officials and workers, who have worked extraordinarily hard, often in difficult circumstances in our seas, to belittle them, to make them see that they are wrong and that they are right.

I think there should be a little more dignity in the approach taken by members opposite in this matter.
Sara Sharif - Surrey Police/PA

Domestic abusers are using a playbook to win custody of their children after the Fathers 4 Justice campaign, victims have said following Sara Sharifs murder.

Mothers who have been through the family court system told The Telegraph they were warned not to bring up allegations of domestic abuse.

Their own legal teams said it would make them more likely to be viewed as hysterical and crazy.

The women said they believed the Fathers 4 Justice campaign had influenced the way the courts viewed domestic abuse allegations  and had helped create a playbook men could use.

Researchers and barristers also said they felt the groups campaigns had changed the system.

This week, Urfan Sharif, 43, and Beinash Batool, 30, were sentenced to life in prison for the 2023 murder of Sara, Sharifs 10-year-old daughter.

Sara Sharif aged four  she died at the hands of her serially abusive father six years later - PA

Sharif was awarded shared custody of Sara in 2019 at the family court in Guildford, despite previously being accused of assault by three different women.

There were also numerous allegations of violence against him made by children in his care spanning almost a decade.

Sharif gained shared custody after filming Sara making abuse accusations against his former partner.

Fathers 4 Justice ran a high-profile, sometimes controversial, campaign for improved rights for men who wanted access to their children.

In 2004, it carried out a number of protests and disruptions. In one, a man dressed as Batman scaled Buckingham Palace.

In another, a package of flour was hurled at Sir Tony Blair in the House of Commons. Caroline Nokes MP received death threats from followers of the group who threatened to burn her house down.

A member of Fathers 4 Justice scaled the front of Buckingham Palace in 2004 - John Taylor

However, guidance published on Wednesday by the Family Justice Council said family court judges in England and Wales should give more weight to allegations of domestic abuse than to claims of parental alienation.

When parents have separated, and are arguing over their children in court, claims and counterclaims are common.

One parent, often the mother, may accuse the other of abuse. The father may counter that she has manipulated the children against him  termed parental alienation.

Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno, a researcher at the University of Manchester, said that parental alienation was essentially a playbook being used by men accused of abuse.

She said: When a father raises parental alienation, it flips the courts focus in terms of who the perpetrator is.

Fathers 4 Justice founder Matt OConnor agreed that the safety of the child should always be the focus of the court.

He said: Were in court every single day representing people. Our experience of the family justice system is, in my opinion, considerable, and I can tell you, there are very draconian safeguarding measures in place.

He added: I can tell you, these safeguards are very heavily enforced in the courts. So it is very, very difficult for ordinary fathers to get contact, let alone if theres any allegation.

Portrayed as a crazy woman

One woman who spoke to The Telegraph about her experience in the family court said she had been pushed out of a moving vehicle by her ex-partner before they separated.

She met the man in 2013 and said that while he initially appeared charming he quickly became manipulative and abusive.

He later allegedly punched her in the stomach before throwing her into a shower door.

She said she contacted police around 20 times in total, and her ex-partner was arrested on at least four occasions.

However, when her case finally came to the family court, she was portrayed as a liar and a crazy woman by her husbands barrister who accused her of repeatedly raising false abuse allegations, she said.

Ultimately, the court awarded her partner shared residency.

Another woman who spoke to The Telegraph said she was explicitly told by her barrister not to bring up allegations of abuse.

If you raise allegations of abuse you are more likely to lose custody of your kids. It is bizarre, she said.

She said she was painted as anxious by her partners barrister.

I was anxious because my partner had been violent towards me and I was terrified for both my child and myself, she said.

On one occasion, she said, the police were called after her ex-partner came to her home and broke in leaving her cowering in the kitchen. Her partner was ultimately awarded 50/50 custody.

Another woman, who also had her case heard in the Guildford family court, said her ex-husband has been abusive to her throughout their 20-year marriage.

She said that, on one occasion, her husband had come home coked-up to the eyeballs and smashed her head into a wall. Her daughter witnessed the assault, she added.

Nicole Jacobs, the domestic abuse commissioner, said there were serious concerns about the ability of family courts to protect children and vulnerable women.

Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: Ive heard many, many victims say that their legal representative has encouraged them not to raise domestic abuse because they dont think it will bode well for them.

Dr Charlotte Proudman, a barrister who has represented numerous women in the family courts, said the system was failing to protect victims of abuse.

She added: The family courts minimise domestic abuse, victim-blame, and pathologise victims.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said child safety was absolutely paramount and the department was determined to ensure victims of domestic abuse and their children receive the support they need in the courts.
Matt Hancock, the former health secretary, made his comments on a science podcast - YouTube

AstraZeneca received unfair flak for its Covid vaccine, Matt Hancock has said.

Mr Hancock, the former health secretary, was in office during the pandemic when the AstraZeneca vaccine was created by scientists at the University of Oxford and then deployed.

More than three billion doses of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine have been administered in more than 170 countries.

It is credited with saving more than 6.5 million lives in 2021 alone, and was called a triumph for British science by Boris Johnson, the then prime minister, at the end of 2020.

However, it has been plagued with controversies and linked to dozens of deaths in people who suffered fatal blood clots after being vaccinated.

Boris Johnson, who received the AstraZeneca vaccine himself in March 2021, called it a triumph for British science - Frank Augstein/WPA Pool/Getty Images

The vaccine was withdrawn from sale earlier this year, and Mr Hancock said the company had received a load of unfair flak for it.

He told Prof Sir Andrew Pollard, the jabs co-developer and the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, that AstraZenecas decision to give the vaccine away for free was the biggest corporate gift in history.

I think we did the most extraordinary thing  and you were part of it, Mr Hancock told Prof Pollard on the podcast The Oxford Colloquy: Trusting the Science. I think we do an enormous disservice to ourselves when we dont articulate this.

AstraZeneca agreed to distribute the vaccine globally for no profit during the pandemic. It was cheap to manufacture and easy to store, which allowed it to be used internationally.

However, the vaccine and its manufacturers received criticism because it was less effective than the mRNA Covid vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna, as well as because of the risk of side-effects.

AstraZeneca accepts that the vaccine could trigger a rare blood clotting disorder called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TSS), which has been linked to more than 80 deaths in the UK.

Mr Hancock said: When AstraZeneca picked up the Oxford vaccine  and it was going to go to Merck, who were going to take it in a much more commercial direction  they signed up to give it away for free during the pandemic to the whole world, and they did that.

The result of that, which was Oxfords idea that was strongly supported by the UK Government which AstraZeneca agreed to, so all three parties deserve credit in this, is that that vaccine was both the biggest vaccine in the world, saved the most lives  millions of lives  and was by far and away the most used in the developing world.

The former Conservative MP for West Suffolk added: I think the only error in this space was not to win the argument that what the UK did was unbelievably generous ... what AstraZeneca did was, I think, the single biggest corporate gift in history.

It gave away all the billions it could have made in profit, like Pfizer and the others did. The ones who created a successful vaccine made an absolute fortune, except for AstraZeneca. All they got was a load of unfair flak.
Kemi Badenoch said it was a delight to meet local farmers at Jeremy Clarksons pub - Edward Massey/CCHQ

Kemi Badenoch discussed Labours inheritance tax raid on farmers as she dropped into Jeremy Clarksons pub on Thursday.

The Tory leader said family farms were at risk as she met the former Top Gear presenter at The Farmers Dog in Burford, Oxfordshire.

She posted on X, formerly Twitter: A delight to meet local farmers at Jeremy Clarksons pub, where everything served is produced by British farmers.

Family farms across the country are now at risk because of Labours Budget. Conservatives support farmers and will reverse the cruel family farms tax at the first opportunity.

GB News

A source said of the meeting: They discussed the general challenges facing farmers  tax, regulation and Labours family farms tax. They discussed how you make farming attractive to the next generation so that UK farming can prosper in the future.

Clarkson, 64, has been a vocal critic of Rachel Reevess inheritance tax raid, and joined farmers who descended on London to protest against it last month.
Defence Secretary John Healey said Britain needs to make the training a better fit for what the Ukrainians need - STEFAN ROUSSEAU/AFP/Getty

The Defence Secretary has opened the door to British troops being sent to Ukraine to help train the countrys soldiers.

John Healey said Britain needs to make the training a better fit for what the Ukrainians need during a visit to Kyiv.

He told The Times: We [need to] make it easier for the Ukrainians to access and we [need to] work with the Ukrainians to help them motivate and mobilise more recruits.

When asked if this meant extending the training of Ukrainian recruits inside the UK to Ukraine itself, he said: We will look wherever we can to respond to what the Ukrainians want. They are the ones fighting.

Last year, Grant Shapps, the former defence secretary, expressed his support for such a move in an interview with The Telegraph.

Mr Healey is believed to be the first Government figure to float the same proposal.

John Healey met the Ukrainian Minster of Defence in Kyiv on Wednesday - Stefan Rousseau/Reuters

He made the comments as he committed Britain to a 225 million package of support for Ukraine as the country comes under growing pressure to enter peace talks with Russia.

During his re-election campaign, Donald Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine on his first day in office while JD Vance, the incoming vice-president, has said Ukraine should cede land to Russia in exchange for peace.

By contrast, Mr Healey said Kyiv should enter talks from a position of strength not weakness in an apparent rebuke to the president-elect.

He added that Ukraine needs to continue to build up its ability to fight and deter Putin, and added: We cant take the eye off the ball.

Announcing the support package, he said: Nearly three years after Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion, the depths of his miscalculation are clearer than ever, as the brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit.

But they cannot go it alone - which is why the UK will step up our international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025.

He also told LBC on Thursday that now is a critical period for Ukraine.

He added: Russians are putting Ukraine under pressure on the front line, but Putin himself is showing signs of weakness, calling in North Korean troops to reinforce his own army, walking out on Assad and failing to defend his own positions in Syria.

Mr Healey attended a meeting at the Ministry of Defence in Ukraine - Stefan Rousseau/Getty

It comes after the former foreign minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, accused Sir Keir Starmer of watering down Britains support for Ukraine.

He suggested Labour had simply followed the Americans, while the previous government had taken more of a leadership role.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said during a visit to Norway that it would be a big mistake if allies did not maintain their support.

In Westminster, the Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill cleared the Commons without any opposition on Wednesday afternoon.

The Bill allows the Government to provide loans and other financial assistance to Ukraine.

Britains contribution to the G7 group of nations loan package is 2.26 billion. Other contributors include the United States, the European Union, Canada and Japan.
The political future of Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, is uncertain. Photograph: Dave Chan/AFP/Getty Images

One person, at least, was clearly delighted by the political upheaval triggered in Canada by this weeks sudden resignation of the countrys deputy prime minister.

Chrystia Freeland, who stood down on Monday, had clashed with Justin Trudeau over the appropriate response to stiff tariffs threatened by Donald Trump  and the US president-elect was relishing the drama.

In social media posts, Trump reveled every minute: belittling Canadas prime minister as a mere governor and repeatedly suggested that the country should consider becoming a US state, in what political analysts are seeing as a preview of whats in store for 2025.

Related: Canadas turmoil is harbinger of diplomatic havoc in second Trump term

The crisis has once again prompted questions over Trudeaus political future  but also over the appropriate diplomatic response for Canada and other countries bracing for a second Trump term.

Trumps threat to impose 25% tariffs on all goods and services from Canada and Mexico was presented as a measure to force the two countries to clamp down on cross-border drug- and people-smuggling.

It represented an unprecedented act of diplomatic aggression against two allied countries which are also the USs biggest trading partners, and left Trudeau  and Mexicos Claudia Sheinbaum  scrambling to respond.

The very next day, Trudeau rushed to Florida to meet Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort, where the prime minister promised he would look into reinforcing the border.

The two were pictured dining together and smiling, and Trudeau might have perhaps hoped he had fended off the challenge.

Instead, he became the subject of Trumps mockery  and when Trudeaus team announced a $1.3bn plan to shore up border security and surveillance, the president-elect portrayed the move as a personal victory.

President Trump is securing the border and he hasnt even taken office yet, crowed a news release from Trumps transition team. Facing an uproar among his own citizens, embattled Prime Minister Justin Trudeau just announced a billion-dollar plan for major border security improvements and increased border patrols.

(Trumps insults were not reserved for Trudeau; he also badmouthed Freeland as totally toxic and claimed that the US subsidize[d] Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year.)

Trying to give Trump what he wants almost never works for anybody. The more he gets, the more he wants. He doesnt respect people who give into him, he only respects absolutely loyal followers, said Dennis Pilon, the chair of the political science department at York University in Toronto.

Related: Canadas deputy PM resigns from cabinet as tensions with Trudeau rise over Trump tariffs

In stark contrast to Trudeaus attempts to placate Trump, the conservative premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, has become an outspoken critic of the Trump plan, engaging in a US media blitz to portray tariffs as a grave mistake for two countries whose economies and supply chains are closely intertwined.

You know, both sides of the border are going to feel the pain. We rely on each other, Ford told CNN on Tuesday. Ford also threatened to cut off energy exports to the US last week if tariffs are implemented  but after warnings from other regional premiers has more recently taken a softer tone.

On Monday, the premiers of the countrys provinces and territories met to discuss the tariff threat and projected a united front on tackling the issue. And with parliament on holiday until the new year, the premiers vocal opposition is the best way for Canada to keep its focus on the tariffs issue, said Jean-Rodrigue Pare, a political science professor at the University of Ottawa.

Trump is so unpredictable, that right now the thing to do  is to design a strategy to protect the Canadian economy against these threats, he said.

The premiers show of strength is important  especially as Trudeau is now in a very weak position after his deputys resignation, he said.

Trump is certainly preying on that, he said.

Since Freelands departure, Trudeau has faced calls to resign, from outside and inside his party from a string of MPs. The loss of such a key ally marked a serious blow to a prime minister whose popularity had already bottomed out before the seismic events of this week.

But whether or not Trudeau is still in power in the coming months, Trumps planned tariffs arent going away anytime soon, said Pare.

Nations like Canada are going to have to find a way to deal with the possibility of their economies being upended.

Trump is now a constant, he said. This would happen, whoever is in power right now.
Courtroom sketch of Dominique Pelicot during the mass rape trial in Avignon. Photograph: ZZIIGG/Reuters

Dominique Pelicot, who has been jailed for 20 years for drugging his then wife, Gisele Pelicot, and inviting men to rape her, faces a further investigation for the rape and murder of an estate agent in Paris in 1991, and an attempted rape in 1999, amid questions over whether he could have been a serial offender for decades.

Investigators in Nanterre outside Paris have reopened two cold cases and placed Pelicot under formal investigation, as police consider potential links to other cases involving young estate agents. Pelicot could face another trial at a later date.

He was found guilty on Thursday of crushing sleeping tablets and anti-anxiety medication into Gisele Pelicots food and, over a nine-year period from 2011 to 2020, inviting dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious, in the village of Mazan in Provence, where the couple had retired. After videos of the rapes of Gisele Pelicot by him and other men were found meticulously categorised on his computer hard drive in a file labelled abuse, Pelicot, 72, admitted the charges in court, telling judges: I am a rapist.

A total of 50 men were found guilty alongside him on Thursday but about another 20 shown in videos were not able to be identified and are potentially still at large.

Police uncovered Pelicots rapes of his wife after they investigated his computer equipment when he was arrested for secretly filming up womens skirts in a supermarket in the southern French town of Carpentras in 2020.

But he first came to the attention of police a decade earlier, in 2010, when he was caught filming up womens dresses with a small camera hidden in a pen in another supermarket in the Seine-et-Marne area east of Paris, near where he and Gisele lived at the time. He was arrested and accepted a fine of 100 to avoid going to court. Gisele was not informed.

After that arrest in 2010, police collected Dominique Pelicots DNA. When it was entered into a national database, it matched with a trace of blood found on a shoe at the scene of an attempted rape of a young estate agent outside Paris in 1999.

At that time, Pelicot was 46 and had previously worked as an estate agent himself. The attacker had walked into an estate agents office in the Seine-et-Marne area and said he wanted to urgently view a top-floor rental flat, giving a false name and address. The young estate agent tasked with showing the man round was 19 and had just started working there.

Once in the flat, the estate agent was pushed to the ground on her stomach, her hands tied behind her back with rope and her mouth and nose covered with fabric soaked in ether, which can have an anaesthetic effect. It smelled very strong  it made my head turn, the woman later told investigators. I was a prisoner in my body and felt I couldnt move. The attacker removed some of her clothes and placed her shoes neatly beside her. She felt a knife held to her neck. She came round and fought back, managing to lock herself in a cupboard, and the man left.

The 2010 DNA evidence that showed a match with Pelicot did not make it into the case file at the time. It is unclear why. But the cold case was reopened by an investigating magistrate in Nanterre after Pelicots 2020 arrest for raping his wife. Questioned by police in 2022, Pelicot first denied any involvement, until he was presented with the DNA evidence of his blood on the shoe.

He then admitted attempted rape to police investigators but denied using a knife as a weapon. He is expected to face trial at a later date.

He told police he had had an urge the moment he saw the woman, but that when he took her trousers off he had realised she was the same age as his daughter and had felt blocked. Gisele Pelicot had no idea of the 1999 case. When I discovered that hed attempted to rape a young woman the same age as his daughter, it was like an explosion, she said in court in Avignon.

Police noticed there were similarities between the 1999 attempted rape and a 1991 rape and murder of another estate agent, aged 23, who had also just started her job. A man who gave a false name and address asked to look at a top-floor flat in Paris. The estate agent, who had been strangled to death and knifed, was found on her stomach, hands tied behind her back, shoes carefully placed beside her, with a smell of ether in the room and traces of ether in her blood.

Pelicot has denied any involvement. He has been placed under formal investigation for both crimes and the investigation continues.

Florence Rault, a lawyer for the families of the two women, said police work on the cases would continue. She said: Investigations are ongoing so we have to see what that brings. There are likely to be further interviews in the cases.

She added: Clearly the families hope that they will one day have a definitive answer and a conviction in court.

Antoine Camus, a lawyer for Gisele Pelicot and other members of her family, had told the Avignon trial that questions remained over the full extent of Pelicots offending. Today, my clients struggle to believe that between 1999  to just take one date  and 2011, Dominique Pelicot was off playing board games. My clients, unfortunately, rule nothing out and are eaten up by anxiety over discovering even more, and over years.

Camus said the Gisele Pelicot investigation showed that Dominique Pelicot only admitted crimes when irrefutable evidence was presented, and even then often only partially. He said Pelicot had, in his first police interviews, minimised the potential number of men involved in the rapes of Gisele.

 Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In France, the France Victimes network can be contacted on 116 006. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, or 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
Tech billionaire Elon Musk is in talks with UK anti-immigration firebrand Nigel Farage about donating to his hard-right party, the British lawmaker has said.

Writing in the Telegraph newspaper, Farage said "the issue of money was discussed" when he met the X owner at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday.

"There will be ongoing negotiations on that score," the arch-Eurosceptic wrote, in comments that will likely unnerve the ruling Labour party and main Conservative opposition.

Musk "described the Labour and Conservative parties as the uniparty, and left us in no doubt that he is right behind us", Farage added.

Farage's upstart Reform UK party won five seats in the 650-seat UK parliament in July's general election, although it received roughly 14 percent of total votes cast.

Reform took support from both Labour and the Tories, and the Brexit cheerleader has said it can win the next election in 2029 -- although Britain's voting system favours the two main parties.

Newspaper reports have suggested that Musk is preparing to donate up to $100 million to Reform, but Farage told the BBC on Tuesday that the pair did not discuss numbers.

"He wants to help us, he's not opposed to the idea of giving us money provided we can do it legally through UK companies," he told the broadcaster.

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Musk and Farage -- the MP for Clacton, east of London -- are both ardent supporters of Trump.

Musk spent at least $270 million to help the Republican win the US presidency, according to recent federal filings, making him the country's biggest political donor.

Trump has picked the South African-born tycoon to co-lead the so-called Department of Government Efficiency when he returns to the White House on January 20.

His role is likely to complicate relations between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump since Musk has been a vocal critic of the Labour government.

He has branded Britain a "tyrannical police state" and drew criticism from Downing Street during far-right riots this summer when Musk said "civil war is inevitable" in the country.

Foreign donations to UK political parties are technically banned, but there are loopholes in which donors abroad can give money through British entities.

The government has said it is "committed to strengthening the rules".

Farage has previously criticised American political figures for wading into UK politics.

In 2016, he said then-president Barack Obama had "behaved disgracefully" by suggesting the UK would be "at the back of the queue" for a US trade deal if it voted for Brexit.
Elon Musk speaks as Donald Trump reacts during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on 5 October 2024. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

Using the power of the social media platform he owns and the threat of spending millions against Republicans in primaries, Elon Musk effectively tanked a bipartisan congressional spending bill that would have kept the government running.

After their initial failure at Musks hands, House Republicans on Thursday scrambled to put together another deal, which they said would provide a few months of spending and, according to reports, suspend the debt limit at Donald Trumps request. The pared-down spending bill failed to pass the US House in a vote on Thursday evening.

The worlds richest man flexed the muscle he gained during the 2024 election, in which he spent big to help elect Trump and spread rightwing rumors on X. Since the spending bill was introduced, Musk has fired off tweet after tweet attacking it, amplifying false claims about what it includes and dooming its fate.

Shutting down the government (which doesnt actually shut down critical functions btw) is infinitely better than passing a horrible bill, Musk wrote in one post.

He and the account for the department of government efficiency or Doge, a government body that Trump says hell create , claimed the bill would significantly raise pay for members of Congress  it wouldnt. He claimed it includes funding for bioweapons  it does not. He erroneously shared that it would direct billions for a stadium in DC. He offensively used the word retard to joke about language changes in the bill, then joked further about his use of the word.

Trump and JD Vance opposed the bill, releasing a statement about it, but did not speak out publicly to nearly the degree Musk did. Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt responded to the Muskmania by boosting her boss as the partys leader. As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR, Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican party. Full stop, she said.



Related: Bernie Sanders criticizes President Elon Musk over effort to derail funding plan

Musk urged people to contact their lawmakers to kill the bill. And when the bill was effectively killed, he claimed the victory was the voice of the people: America is for you, the beloved people.

Musk has no formal role in the second Trump administration aside from being tapped to helm an external group, but he showed this week the extreme influence he has on the party  and on the incoming presidency.

The ordeal is a sign of whats to come for Musk in his influential role, with a social media platform he can use to go after those he disagrees with. His tweets receive millions of impressions and signal to the rightwing online ecosystem what the lines of attack will be.

He has indicated this is just the beginning, saying no bill should be passed until Trump takes office. He also promised that his group has no choice but to go after public servants because unless @DOGE ends the careers of deceitful, pork-barrel politicians, the waste and corruption will never stop.

Congressional Republicans mostly cheered him on. Rand Paul, the senator from Kentucky, suggested on Thursday morning that Musk should become the speaker of the House, noting that the speaker doesnt have to be a member of Congress, as it is traditionally.

Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk  think about it  nothings impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka uniparty, lose their ever-lovin minds), Paul wrote on X.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia congresswoman, said she was open to the idea of Musk as speaker. DOGE can only truly be accomplished by reigning in Congress to enact real government efficiency. The establishment needs to be shattered just like it was yesterday. This could be the way, she wrote on X.

Democrats called Musk the president, the co-president and the fourth branch of government, saying hes shown hes more powerful than Trump, according to Axios. Mark Pocan, a Democratic representative from Wisconsin, created AI images of Musk controlling Trump, including one where Musk is being sworn in by the incoming president. We just returned from the future and got this photo from the inauguration, Pocan wrote.

One piece of misinformation Musk perpetuated about the bill is that it would have given lawmakers an eye-popping 40% raise, bringing their pay from $174,000 to $243,000. This is not true  it does include a cost-of-living raise of 3.8%, or $6,600. The Doge tweet claiming the massive increase has not been corrected.

Dan Crenshaw, a Republican Texas congressman, was caught in the rumor mill of the pay raise. Some accounts claimed he was the one pushing for the raise, which Crenshaw said was false. He responded to those accounts by calling one a fucking lying piece of shit and fucking incel, and another an anonymous coward who was talking shit without any evidence.

Musk responded to the claims of Crenshaws involvement by saying Congress should only get a raise when the budget is balanced.

Crenshaw then came back at Musk with: I love you Elon but you need to take 5 seconds to check your sources before highlighting bottom feeders looking for clicks.

 This article was amended on 20 December 2024. Rand Paul is the senator for Kentucky, not Texas as a previous version said.
Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves visit Southampton docks on the general election campaign trail in June 2024. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Polly Toynbee is correct that there are few quick fixes for the biggest problems facing the country (Labour seems to be flailing, but keep faith: Starmers long-term plans are both radical and sound, 17 December). But we shouldnt delude ourselves that political leadership alone is enough to shift the dial on many of these generational challenges.

While I have critiqued the detail of Whitehall reforms announced by Labour this winter, most of us who have worked in or with Whitehall would accept the need for these institutions to work differently. Central government must pay proper respect to the distinct contributions and roles of others  the devolved administrations; local government; public bodies; and the third and private sectors.

Furthermore, while people might poke fun at the language of missions and milestones, the prime minister and his team are right to try to paint a picture of better lives in an improved country. Since early in the 2000s, governments across the world and closer to home have been adopting so-called wellbeing frameworks comprising a long-term vision and ambitious cross-government outcomes for their populations. This sort of tool could help the UK government tell a better story about our shared ambitions and plans.

Sarah Davidson

Chief executive, Carnegie UK; former director-general, Scottish government

 At last, an article that goes against the grain of constant carping and tells a coherent, convincing story of what our grownup government is doing right. An account of the initiatives ministers and advisers have set in train over their first five months in office is welcome. These include the proposed anti-corruption measures that put the quibbling about gifts of Taylor Swift concert tickets into perspective.

How refreshing to read of cross-departmental working in recognition that so many of the policy challenges and changes are connected and, fuelled by the injection of public and private investment, they will restore the public realm. And they have every chance of reviving civic life after the ravages of the last decade and a half.

Hopefully those naysayers who seem to collude with rightwing media barons in finding fault round every corner might resolve in the new year to return with more balanced perspectives.

Bryan Merton

Leicester

 The governments aspirations are indeed exceptionally difficult, as Polly Toynbee says, but populists lie in wait for the electorates trust that the plans will work to dissipate. Why is it waiting for enough fruit to ripen by the time of the next election, when the government should be acting now to stop voters deserting to the right?

Does Toynbee really expect us to trust in the governments economic nous when its budget had hedge fund managers celebrating their lobbying coup? How can we have faith in a government that is helping to arm a country still breaking every international and humanitarian law in the book? Little point in having a sound long-term agenda when in the short term there is so little of the promised change being delivered.

Bernie Evans

Liverpool

 Polly Toynbees excellent article was very welcome. However, I feel that for the vast majority of voters who, sadly, do not read the Guardian, Labours plans remain a mystery. The old political adage of Never explain is for the neocons and the populists. Engage and explain will surely help to keep the voters onside. Treat us as the adults we are, keep us informed, about the why as well as the what, and we will surely keep the faith well beyond the next election.

Philip Oliver

Farnham, Surrey

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Lisa ONeil with her husband and son during a snowmobile trip that was called off owing to a lack of snow - BBC

When Lisa ONeil and her family booked a four-day trip to Lapland, they packed their bags in anticipation of fun-filled days of husky rides, reindeer spotting and snowmobile trips.

There was only one problem when they landed in Finland: no snow.

Mrs ONeil, her husband Wayne and son Finn spent all their savings on the 3,482 four-day trip to the Finnish resort through travel operator Tui, only to be left stressed and disappointed at the lack of the white stuff they had hoped to enjoy.

The family say they had even raised concerns about the lack of snow with their tour operator in advance, based on their reading of the weather forecast, and had been expecting Tui to cancel or reschedule the trip under its no snow, you dont have to go policy.

But, despite Tui remaining confident that local conditions would allow the planned snow activities to go ahead, they say they were left disappointed.

Although there was some snow on the ground when they first arrived, allowing the ONeils to enjoy some sledging and snowball fights, it soon melted away, forcing them to abandon the rest of their planned adventures.

The husky ride, snowmobile trip and a reindeer encounter the family booked were all cancelled.

Staff were confident trip could go ahead

It was just very disappointing, said Mrs ONeil, 39. Everybody was obviously very upset, very angry that this situation had been foreseen by so many of us who had already phoned and raised concerns ahead of time.

Mrs ONeil said she raised concerns with Tui about the forecast before setting off on Dec 1, but was told staff on the ground were confident the holiday could go ahead.

She said she was informed at that point that the family would not be entitled to any refunds if she cancelled the holiday herself.

On the first full day of the holiday the ONeils were able to recoup 15 for the cost of the meal which had been promised with the activities, and were told the snow experiences would be rescheduled for the next day.

But, the following day, mid-way through what should have been their husky experience, the event was cancelled once again.

We got on [the bus] with all these hopes and crossing our fingers, and then half way there the rep said unfortunately there was going to be no husky rides today because there was no snow, Mrs ONeil told the BBC.

She said they were allowed to stroke and cuddle the dogs, but that it was far from the experience their son had been looking forward to.

[Finn] picked up on it a lot, said Mrs ONeil. Hes seven and hes quite sensitive, so he knew that something wasnt right. But we just spent a lot of energy trying to keep him happy and not upset.

The ONeils have been offered a 50 percent refund on their holiday, but say they want a full refund, arguing that Tui should have rescheduled their trip.

I want them to do the right thing, said Mrs ONeil. Im not asking for anything unreasonable, Im asking for them to follow their own self-imposed policy.

On its website, the travel company says: If we think theres not enough snow to run the itinerary... youll have the opportunity to amend to something else or choose not to travel.

A spokesman for Tui said: Our teams have been in direct contact with all impacted guests to offer a resolution.
Fani Willis pictured at a press conference in Atlanta in 2023 - John Bazemore

The prosecutor in the only outstanding criminal case against Donald Trump has been disqualified by a judge.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was removed from the case due to the impropriety of having a relationship with a man she hired to be a special prosecutor.

But an appeals court declined to dismiss the allegations of election interference completely.

Instead Ms Williss office will have to appoint a new prosecutor in her place.

Mr Trump was charged with racketeering over his efforts to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

The case has been stalled for months and is likely to be frozen in January under the Justice Department policy of not prosecuting a sitting president.

Relationship with Nathan Wade

In March the trial judge had ruled that Ms Willis could stay on the case after a highly embarrassing mini-trial earlier over her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade.

Mr Trumps lawyers appealed to a higher court which overturned the decision.

In its ruling, the Georgia Court of Appeals said that the significant appearance of impropriety could have tainted the case.

The ruling said: While we recognise that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings.

The appeals court declined requests from Mr Trump to dismiss the case entirely.

The ruling said: We cannot conclude that the record also supports the imposition of the extreme sanction of dismissal of the indictment.

Ms Willis can appeal her disqualification to the Georgia Supreme Court.

Donald Trumps criminal cases

The Georgia case is the only remaining criminal prosecution facing Mr Trump as he prepares to return to the White House.

Steven Sadow, Mr Trumps attorney, has argued that the case should be dismissed now that he is the president-elect.

A sitting president is completely immune from indictment or any criminal process, state or federal, Mr Sadow said, and the continued prosecution of Mr Trump in Georgia would be unconstitutional.

Special Counsel Jack Smith has dropped the two federal cases against Mr Trump citing the policy of not indicting or prosecuting a sitting president.

Mr Trump was accused of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election and of removing large quantities of top secret documents after leaving the White House, but neither case came to trial.

Mr Trump was convicted in New York in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her from revealing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter.

The judge in that case on Monday rejected a bid by Mr Trump to have his conviction thrown out on the grounds that a former president has broad immunity from criminal prosecution.
Learco Chindamo, Abu Qatada and Wahbi Mohammed are among those who have relied on human rights legislation to avoid deportation - Metropolitan police/PA

The revelation that a Turkish heroin dealer has been allowed to stay in Britain has refocussed attention on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and how criminals use it to evade deportation.

The 70 year old, who has been granted anonymity, is an Alevi Kurd and argued he would be persecuted as such if returned to Turkey.

He is said to have been one of the UKs biggest drug dealers  once responsible for 90 per cent of the UK heroin trade  and jailed for 16 years for plotting to supply the drug.

But he won the right to remain in Britain, relying upon Article 8 of the ECHR, which protects the right to a family life. This is despite having an extramarital affair during a trip to Turkey.

He is one of many dangerous criminals who have cited the ECHR to avoid deportation  here are just some of them.

Abu Qatada

Successive governments attempted to deport Abu Qatada before finally getting approval to do so in 2013 - AP

Successive Labour and Conservative governments spent years trying to deport radical cleric Abu Qatada to Jordan, where he was facing multiple terror charges.

Despite being accused of having links to terrorist organisations, he claimed asylum in the UK in 1993 on a forged passport.

The Court of Appeal ruled in 2008 that if he was deported he could face a new trial and be tortured as part of efforts to obtain evidence from him.

The European Court of Human Rights then ruled in January 2012, using Article 6 of the convention, that he might lose the right to a fair trial due to the risk of torture if he were returned to Jordan.

It was only after the UK and Jordan ratified a treaty explicitly clarifying that evidence potentially gained through torture would not be used against him in his trial, that he was eventually returned deported to the Middle Eastern state on July 7, 2013.

He was later acquitted of multiple terrorism charges.

Fatmir Bleta

Earlier this year, The Telegraph revealed that Fatmir Bleta has been able to avoid being deported to the country where he is wanted for murder - Facebook

Wanted for murder in his home country of Albania, in a judgment revealed by The Telegraph earlier this year, Bleta, 64, won the right to remain in the UK on the grounds that deportation would breach his Article 6 rights to a fair trial under the ECHR.

He fled Albania in December 1998, two months after allegedly shooting a man in the head with a Kalashnikov rifle, for which he was convicted and sentenced in absentia to 13 years in prison.

After coming to Britain with his family, he sought asylum, falsely claiming to be Kosovan. They were refused asylum but granted indefinite leave to remain. He gained British citizenship in 2017 but was subsequently convicted of making an untrue statement to procure a passport, along with three other counts of dishonesty. In 2018, he was jailed for 33 months and two weeks. After completing his sentence, the Home Office sought to deport him but two judges ruled that there was a real risk that returning the claimant would amount to a flagrant breach of Article 6 ECHR.

Speaking to The Telegraph in October, Bleta denied being convicted of murder and said he had been cleared. Im clear of everything, he said.

Gjelosh Kolicaj

Gjelosh Kolicaj smuggled 8 million from the UK to his homeland but used Article 8 ECHR to avoid deportation - NCA

By the time the National Crime Agency caught up with Albanian-born crime boss Kolicaj, he and his gang had managed to smuggle nearly 8 million of profits from his groups enterprises in the UK to his homeland.

He arrived in Britain in 2005 and secured indefinite leave to remain two years later after marrying a British woman. He later gained full citizenship and, by February 2009, had a UK passport.

Having gained dual nationality, he divorced his wife to marry an Albanian woman with whom he has children.

But the career criminal was jailed for six years in 2018 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to remove criminal property from the UK, prompting the Home Office to try and strip him of his citizenship and deport him. The attempt failed after his lawyers successfully argued it would be a breach of this right to a family life under Article 8 of the ECHR.

Ardit Binaj

The Albanian national arrived in Britain in a lorry in 2014 and just two years later was handed a 30 month sentence for one burglary, alongside a six month prison term for another and 18 weeks for a separate theft.

Under a prisoner transfer agreement, he was deported to Albania but he returned after just five months, breaching the deportation order, to be with his Lithuanian girlfriend who had leave to remain in the UK under the governments EU settlement scheme.

The pair then had a baby and married. Earlier this year, The Telegraph revealed that he had claimed any second removal from Britain would breach Article 8 of the ECHR, the right to a family life. His lawyers argued that his wife was suffering severe anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Wahbi Mohammed

Despite his role in the attempted 21/7 bombings, the Home Office repeatedly failed in their attempts to deport Wahbi Mohammed to Somalia - Metropolitan Police/PA

Despite being jailed for his role in planning the failed bomb attempts on 21/7, 2005, Mohammed has evaded deportation to Somalia, with his lawyers claiming there is a risk of him being tortured if he is returned, breaching Article 3 of the ECHR.

He stood trial at Kingston Crown Court in 2008 with four others, accused of assisting the 21/7 bomb plotters. The five were accused of providing the gang with safe houses, clothing, food, passports and assistance during their escape.

Mohammed was found guilty and was jailed for 17 years, later reduced to 13 years on appeal.

It is understood the Home Office has repeatedly tried to deport him to Somalia  to no avail.

Learco Chindamo

Despite killing headteacher Philip Lawrence, Learco Chindamo avoided deportation to Italy in order to protect his human rights - Metropolitan Police/PA

One of the most notorious cases was the killer of school headteacher Philip Lawrence. Chindamo was just 15 years old when he fatally stabbed Lawrence outside St Georges Roman Catholic Comprehensive School in London in 1995. Having been handed a life sentence for the crime, the Home Office tried to deport him to Italy, where he was born.

But Chindamos lawyers successfully argued that sending him there would be a breach of his human rights, and said it would be an illegal move as he was from an EU country and had already lived in the UK for 10 years by the time of the crime.

The judgment found there would be insurmountable obstacles to the Chindamo family living in Italy and concluded that the government had not shown the breach of Article 8, right to a family life would be proportionate.

Jumaa Kater Saleh

Jumaa Kater Saleh didnt just avoid deportation - he won damages from the Court of Appeal

In November 2004, UK border officials opening the back of a lorry found 16-year-old Saleh. He had travelled more than 3,000 miles from his home in war-ravaged Sudan and was seeking asylum in Britain.

Despite his application being rejected, Saleh was given leave to remain until his 18th birthday. Because of the backlog in cases, he remained in the country thereafter, however, and made a further application to remain for humanitarian protection.

But in May 2007, he was arrested over serious sexual offences, part of a gang of five men who lured underage girls into a house for sex. In 2008, he was convicted of two sample offences of sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl. He was sentenced to four years in a young offender institution.

He completed his sentence in May 2009 after his sentence was discounted automatically to two years, but his offence meant he was due for automatic deportation.

In an appeal against the deportation, his lawyers argued that he was at risk of being tortured if he was returned to Sudan, under Article 3 of the ECHR  and in May 2011, the immigration tribunal ruled that a return would constitute a breach of his human rights.

During his legal battle he was detained at Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre at Heathrow. He later won damages after the Court of Appeal ruled he had been held in custody for too long during the failed attempts to deport him.
Ingrid Lewis-Martin is escorted into Manhattan criminal court on 19 December 2024, in New York. Photograph: Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

A former chief adviser to New Yorks mayor, Eric Adams, surrendered to city prosecutors on Thursday to face criminal charges related to an ongoing investigation of the mayor and his circle.

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a powerful adviser of Adams, her son Glenn Martin II, aka Suave Luciano, and two real estate investors were indicted in an influence-peddling $100,000 bribery scheme.

Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, alleged in a statement that Lewis-Martin had used her authority to engage in a long-running bribery, money laundering and conspiracy scheme by using her position and authority to illegally influence Department of Buildings and other city decisions in exchange for more than $100,000 in cash and benefits for herself and her son, Glenn Martin.

According to court documents, Lewis-Martin and her son traded on the access and influence of her position with two New York business owners, Raizada Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi, to speed through construction permits for a rooftop bar and a hotel.

Prosecutors called Lewis-Martin the second most senior person in city hall and said she abused her position and sold her influence to enrich herself and her family.

The indictment unsealed today can be summarized in three words  quid pro quo, Bragg told reporters.

Jocelyn Strauber, New York Citys department of investigation commissioner, said that when city officials monetize their office for personal gain, they undermine fundamental principles of integrity in government, diminish trust in public officials, and unfairly tarnish the reputations of the countless city employees who use their office solely to serve the public good.

Lewis-Martin and her son allegedly made attempts to cover up the conspiracy by asking the participants to communicate on Signal, a third-party encrypted messaging app, and to use coded messages.

Lewis-Martins son allegedly received two $50,000 checks from his co-conspirators in August 2023 and deposited them in a bank account he held with his mother. $50,000 was transferred to a DJ production company and used to buy a Porsche.

The case is separate from the federal charges Adams is facing over alleged corruption involving luxury travel gifts in exchange for expediting the New York fire department to approve the opening of a new high-rise Turkish consulate.

Lewis-Martins attorney, Arthur Aidala, told WABC on Monday ahead of Lewis-Martins surrender to authorities that the pieces of puzzles are going to be put together to make it look as horrible as possible.

But we know the truth, and the truth is Ingrid Lewis-Martin never broke the law, Aidala added. At the same press conference, Lewis-Martin denied knowledge of any influence-peddling scheme.

I have not made any arrangements in advance to take any gifts or money, or to have any gifts or money given to a family member or a friend in order for me to do my job, she said.
Gisele Pelicot at the sentencing of her ex-husband to the maximum term of 20 years jail - BENOIT PEYRUCQ/GETTY

It was the final day of an emotionally devastating four-month rape trial and one might have expected Gisele Pelicot to be huddled with her daughter inside court as she awaited the verdict against her ex-husband in a case that has shocked the world.

Yet Gisele, 72, and her daughter Caroline, 45, sat strangely far from each other in the Vaucluse criminal court in Avignon, southern France, as they awaited sentences against Dominique Pelicot, 72, the man who drugged his wife and invited strangers to rape her in their Provence home.

For several weeks, there have been signs relations between them were frosty after Caroline made it clear she didnt think Gisele had supported her enough after photos of her, seemingly drugged, were found on her fathers laptop.

Entitled Around my daughter, naked, the photo-montage showed her nude or in her mothers underwear. Dominique Pelicot shared them with one defendant via the internet but has always denied drugging and abusing his daughter.

On Thursday, he was handed the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for aggravated rape. The judge said that the court recognised he had taken the photos of his daughter. Some 50 other men were all found guilty of aggravated rape or molestation and given sentences of between three to 15 years  considerably less than prosecutors had requested.

Caroline Pelicot has a strong conviction she suffered similar abuse from her father - GETTY

Those who have spoken to her say Caroline has told them in private that she feels her mother could have been more supportive of her intimate conviction she received similar abuse.

I consider myself to be the forgotten victim of this trial, she told the court. Gisele was certainly raped. She was chemically subdued, of course. The only difference between Gisele and me is that for her, there is proof. For me, its an absolute tragedy.

In a sign that relations are strained, she only turned up to the Vaucluse criminal court on rare occasions and even then the pair didnt arrive or sit together. She would often leave without a glance at her father or mother.

Caroline Darian is a pen name she has used since writing a book two years ago on the veritable cataclysm she went through upon discovering in November 2020 that her father was one of the worst sexual predators in the last 20 years.

In her book, Ill never call him dad again, she recounted the trauma of being shown two photos by police of a young woman asleep in bed wearing beige knickers. The photos were zoomed in on her bottom. Only when the police pointed out a birthmark was Caroline able to identify herself. Normally Im a light sleeper. So I had been drugged too. It turned out that the second photo had been taken in her own home. I was his second prey.

She told the court early on in the trial that the bombshell of his serial abuse of her mother and the existence of photos of her led to a nervous breakdown. I found that my father in whom I had total confidence had photographed me undressed. Why?

She checked into a psychiatric clinic shortly afterward.

The family began to fracture.

Carolines mother, the book recounts, found herself instinctively sympathising with her husband. Hes not happy where he is, you know. Hes suffering, she told her astonished daughter. It left Caroline in despair: Because of my father, now Im losing my mother too

Gisele Pelicot arrives at the Avignon courthouse with her lawyer Stephane Babonneau on Thursday - MIGUEL MEDINA/GETTY

From prison, Caroline said, her father managed to get a letter to her mother. Im not surprised. Hes trying to divide us.

Early in the trial, her mother recounted that her children were worried about leaving her alone but that in fact, she preferred isolation as she found her daughters fragile state a burden.

She also expressed reservations about her bringing out a book ahead of the trial because she thought it would place her struggling daughter under huge media scrutiny.

In fact, Caroline used her fame to launch the campaign group Dont put me to sleep to raise awareness of the perils of date rape drugs and the so-called chemical submission of women. She is set to feature in a documentary on the issue next year.

Her campaign is one reason they have waived anonymity at todays trial. But a source close to the daughter said she felt her mother could have given her more credit for ensuring the trial was kept open to the public for posterity.

Caroline, who lives and works in Paris, recently checked into a psychiatric clinic again.

On the final day in court, she arrived separately and with her two brothers, David, 50 and Florian, 38, who all have spoken of how their lives have been ripped apart by the trauma.

The brothers too have expressed their distress and sense of isolation.

David learnt that his father, who he dubbed this man, had insisted that his grandson, then aged three, play doctor with him. A separate legal complaint is pending.

This trial isnt just about Gisele Pelicot. I hope you dont mind me saying that, Mum. Its the trial of an entire family destroyed.

His brother Florian turned to his father in court and said: You said she was a saint. But you, youre the devil in person! Our family has completely exploded. What do we do now? What are the instructions?

Investigators found photos of Florians wife, Aurore, naked in a bathroom, and Pelicot had made a photo montage with his genitals on the young womans body. His marriage did not survive the revelations, and Aurore filed a civil suit on her own behalf.

Later on in the trial, Florian even questioned whether he was his fathers son after Gisele admitted in court she had had an affair.

I dont look like my brother and sister. And I was probably the one who had the least in common with my father. I want to remove the doubt. I need to take this [paternity] test.

Does it ever occur to you that you might be the motive? asked the familys lawyer Antoine Camus. Am I the motive?, Florian asked his father. Absolutely not. Absolutely not, he hit back.

Given such undercurrents, Gisele Pelicots statement after the verdict was all the more poignant.

At this moment, I am thinking first and foremost of my three children, David, Caroline and Florian, she said.

Im also thinking of my grandchildren, because they are the future, and its also for them that Ive fought this battle, as well as my daughters-in-law, Aurore and Celine.

Im also thinking of all the other families affected by this tragedy. Im also thinking of the unrecognised victims, whose stories often remain in the shadows. I want you to know that we share the same struggle.
Jill Biden is eight years younger than her husband Joe Biden - Elizabeth Frantz/REUTERS

Jill Bidens press secretary was told to stop talking about her frenetic presidential campaign schedule because it upstaged her husband, a report has claimed.

The first ladys communications staff were chided by their superiors in 2020 for telling journalists in Iowa that she held more events in the state than the president.

The message from Joe Bidens inner circle was that the more you talk her up, the more you make him look bad, Michael LaRosa, her press secretary, said.

The claims have been made in an article by the Wall St Journal that describes Mr Biden, 82, the oldest president in history, as diminished during his presidency.

Jill Biden at the Paris Olympics in July - Gonzalo Fuentes/REUTERS

Mr Bidens inner circle allowed his mental decline to go unchecked for years, the article claims.

That included during his 2020 presidential campaign which he mostly ran from the basement of his home in Delaware.

Mrs Biden enthusiastically hit the campaign trail in Iowa, the first state to hold a primary election.

At the time, Mr LaRosa was proud of the fact that Mrs Biden had hit more counties than her husband, and shared it with a local journalist in Iowa.

But he was quickly reprimanded, the Journal reported, and on a ride in a minivan in Iowa, Anthony Bernal, then a deputy campaign manager and chief of staff to Mrs Biden, told him to call the reporter back.

Mr LaRosa said he was told to de-emphasise the difference between the plodding pace of Mr Biden and that of his wife, who is eight years younger than him.

According to Mr LaRosa, the message was: The more you talk her up, the more you make him look bad.

Mrs Biden with Olena Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine, at the UN assembly this year

After Mr Biden took office in 2021, his schedule was tailored further to his needs: meetings were kept short and scheduled for the afternoons because that was when he was at his best.

During the Spring of 2021, one national security official told an aide that a meeting had to be rescheduled because the president was having a bad day.

The aide recalled the official saying: He has good days and bad days, and today was a bad day so were going to address this tomorrow.

Representative Adam Smith of Washington said he tried to speak to the president ahead of the catastrophic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021  widely seen as Bidens biggest foreign policy failure  but could not get him on the phone.

Mr Smith, a Democrat who at the time was chairman of the powerful armed services committee, said that Mr Biden was more insulated than most presidents.

He said: I spoke with Barack Obama on a number of occasions when he was president and I wasnt even chairman of the committee.

Even Janet Yellen, the Treasury secretary, had an arms length relationship with Mr Biden and one-on-one discussions with him were rare, the Journal reported.

Mrs Biden speaks to Donald Trump at the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in December - LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Andrew Bates, the White House spokesman, said Mr Biden earned the most accomplished record of any modern commander in chief and rebuilt the middle class because of his attention to policy details that impact millions of lives.

Mr Biden was forced to drop out of the presidential race following his disastrous June debate performance against Donald Trump.

According to the article, a small group of aides stuck close to Mr Biden, especially when he was in public.

A person who witnessed this said: They body him to such a high degree, adding that the hand holding is unlike any other president in modern times.

Inner circle fiercely loyal

Mr Bidens inner circle were said to be fiercely loyal and long-serving, but that meant they did not tolerate criticism of him or any dissent.

Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he had no personal contact with the president despite working on the reauthorisation of national security surveillance powers.

Even those who did speak to Mr Biden regularly saw that he was not the man he used to be during his five decades of public service, starting with his election to the Senate in 1973.

Senator Joe Manchin, the West Virginia independent, said Mr Biden had lost that fight, and did not seem to have enough energy to do the job.

According to Mr Manchin, he did not think Mr Biden had the ability to continue to stay on, just grind it, grind it, grind it.

Mr Manchin said that Mr Biden let a group of his staff, who he called the eager beavers take care of more things than he expected, rather than doing them himself.

Ron Klain, Mr Bidens chief of staff for the first half of his administration, disputed this and said that the agenda was set by the presidents direction and leadership.

But cabinet members voiced frustration that they could not get a call with Mr Biden and one even stopped asking for them after being told such requests werent welcome, the Journal claimed.

Lloyd Austin, the defence secretary, found that his relationship with Mr Biden drifted over the past four years despite his brief including the wars in Ukraine and Israel.

Fewer cabinet meetings

Mr Biden also held fewer cabinet meetings during his presidency: just nine so far compared to 19 for Mr Obamas first term and 25 for Mr Trump.

In late 2023 the president was interviewed by Special Counsel Robert Hur who was investigating whether Mr Biden had deliberately removed and stored classified documents.

The presidents team spent three hours a day for a week preparing him but Mr Biden still could not remember lines he was given.

Mr Bidens energy levels were up and down during the prep sessions and he made a series of blunders in the interviews, the Journal said.

Mr Hurs devastating report concluded that Mr Biden should not be charged, adding that he was a sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.

The efforts to protect Mr Biden continued into his re-election campaign where questions from donors at meet-and-greets were pre-approved and printed on cards.

Mr Biden still made a series of gaffes which surprised the donors as they knew he was expecting their questions.

Other Biden aides would often repeat basic instructions to the president such as where to enter or leave a stage.

He still managed to get this wrong and at the end of a press conference on an official trip to Brazil last month, Mr Biden wandered off from the podium and into the rainforest, apparently unclear where he was going.
x

How do you beat Donald Trump?

The Democratic Party once thought they had the answer to that question. But last month, they discovered that they were very, very wrong.

Six weeks after an election that left the Democrats shell-shocked and dispirited, there are now major divides in the party over how to win back the American electorates support.

In her first major address since losing to Mr Trump last month, Kamala Harris urged her supporters on Tuesday not to give up on their progressive mission.

This fight now, it continues with you, she said.

The president-elect has spent the last 42 days holed up in Mar-a-Lago, strategising with his top team of loyalists and billionaires as to how to tackle his second term in office.

Donald Trump speaks from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America

Democrats, one would think, should have been preoccupied in this time with fighting his MAGA agenda. But instead, it seems they have been fighting each other.

John Fetterman

Mr Trumps historic win saw victories in all seven swing states.

Voters overwhelmingly flipped towards Mr Trump on average within the majority of the USs 3,000 counties.

John Fetterman, an outspoken Pennsylvania senator, has urged Democrats to engage with Mr Trumps administration and vision for the country, or risk fading into irrelevance.

He has backed Mr Trumps choice for ambassador to the United Nations, Elise Stefanik, who has been highly critical of the organisation for its stance on Israels policy in the war in Gaza.

He was also the first Democrat to meet Pete Hegseth, Mr Trumps controversial choice to lead the Department of Defence.

Mr Hegseth has attracted the ire of many Democrats because of claims about his alleged sexual misconduct and drinking on the job at Fox News, where he worked until recently. He has denied those claims.

John Fetterman has urged Democrats to engage with Donald Trumps administration - REBECCA DROKE/AFP

But Mr Fetterman met him anyway, arguing: If he is going to be the head of one of the most important parts of our government, then do you think Im doing a job by flipping anyone off?

His willingness to engage with the MAGA project appears to have startled some congressional colleagues, who feel Ms Harris was hamstrung during the election campaign by the legacy of Joe Biden.

Some have called for the party to become more Left-wing, echoing the diagnosis of Bernie Sanders in the days after the Nov 5 defeat.

If youre an average working person out there, do you really think that the Democratic Party is going to the mat, taking on powerful special interests and fighting for you? the veteran Vermont senator said. I think the overwhelming answer is no, and that is what has got to change.

New generation of leadership

The second major divide between Democrats on Capitol Hill is whether the party is ready for a new generation of leadership, amid accusations it was the octogenarian Mr Biden and his boomer colleagues who scuppered Ms Harriss chances this year.

There have been calls for a change of staffing at the Democratic National Committee, which has been presented with a slate of Gen Z and millennial candidates for senior roles, and demands for younger officers of the party in Congress.

Leading the charge for both of these arguments is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 35, the firebrand New York representative and former member of the Squad of ultra-liberal Democrats in the House.

She appears to be adopting a less conciliatory approach than Mr Fetterman. After the election, AOC explicitly compared Mr Trump to a fascist dictator.

Our main project is to unite the working class in this country against a fascist agenda, period, she said.

We have had an enormous setback in this election, because the fascist won a lot of working-class support, which has happened before in history.

It was a characteristically acerbic take on the election result, and followed five years of her distinct political style that blends activism with lawmaking.

After her first election to Congress, but before being sworn in, she joined a climate demonstration at the offices of then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urging her to back proposals for a Green New Deal. Fifty-one people were arrested.

After taking office, she became known for her fiery appearances on the House Oversight Committee. Fans praised for her frankness and passion, while critics said she was performing for social media, rather than effectively scrutinising witnesses.

In 2021, she appeared on the steps of the Met Gala wearing a dress emblazoned with the words tax the rich. She was later investigated by the House Ethics Committee over whether the dress was an improper donation.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wears a dress emblazoned with the words tax the rich to the Met Gala in 2021 - Jamie McCarthy/MG21/Getty Images Contributor

Since Oct 7 last year, she has become a standard bearer for liberal Democrats who support Palestine, and accused Israel of genocide on the floor of the House. That position has brought her into direct conflict with Mr Fetterman, a staunch supporter of Tel Aviv.

But like Mr Fetterman, while her swashbuckling approach has drawn her significant support online  it has not made her universally popular with colleagues.

Perhaps sensing the imminent demise of the current party leadership, AOC ingratiated herself with the Democratic establishment during the campaign by appearing in ads for Mr Biden  a man she had previously opposed from the partys Left wing.

But her post-election career took a blow this week, when she lost an internal election to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, in an apparent rejection of her plan for the partys future.

The winner was Gerry Connolly, a long-time Virginia representative more than double her age.

Chief among his duties is battling investigations by Mr Trumps administration into his enemies in Congress.

Addressing the concerns of voters

While Mr Fetterman and AOC might have different ideas about the direction of the party, they agree on one thing: it must do more to address the concerns of voters.

There is rising panic among commentators and staff that Democrats have yet to establish a convincing reply to Mr Trumps populist rhetoric and man-of-the-people persona. While he may be perceived by voters as an arrogant strongman, he is not viewed as out of touch.

Aspiring party leaders of all stripes can see that Mr Bidens party has become disconnected with the voters that propelled him to power in 2020. Even ethnic minority voters, long the backbone of a Democrat majority, swing to Mr Trump this year.

Rahm Emanuel, a former senior aide to Barack Obama, wrote on Tuesday that the Democrats had become blind to the rising sea of disillusionment, running a system seen to be rigged in favour of the powerful.

Working out the solution to that problem is a matter of urgency. Although the next presidential election is four years away, Mr Trump will take office in a month, and midterm campaigns will begin in haste next year.

During her ill-fated presidential bid, Ms Harris called repeatedly for a new way forward for America. Now, her own party needs the same.
Ofcom said comments made in Julia Hartley-Brewers interview with Mustafa Barghouti needed to be editorially justified

Julia Hartley-Brewers heated exchange with a Palestinian politician was the most complained about TV event of the year, Ofcom has said.

Remarks made by the broadcaster during an interview on TalkTV with Mustafa Barghouti, the general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, on Jan 3 received 17,366 complaints.

Hartley-Brewer was discussing the Hamas-Israel war with Dr Barghouti after a senior official in the militant group Hamas, Saleh al-Arouri, was killed.

In a clip of the interview shared by TalkTV, Hartley-Brewer accused interviewee Dr Barghouti, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, of interrupting her, saying: Maybe youre not used to women talking, I dont know, but Id like to finish the sentence!

She added at the end of the interview: Sorry to have been a woman speaking to you but there you are.

Julia Hartley-Brewer clashes with with Palestinian MP Dr Mustafa Barghouti after the Hamas deputy leader was assassinated.



Julia: "For the love of God, let me finish the sentence man!"



Mustafa: "You are misleading the public!"@JuliaHB1 pic.twitter.com/uVar87ijYM  Talk (@TalkTV) January 3, 2024

After assessing the complaints, Ofcom said it told TalkTV to take extra care to ensure that potentially highly offensive comments are editorially justified.

The volume of complaints received for Hartley-Brewers interview was almost double last years most complained about programme  Laurence Foxs misogynistic comments about female journalist Ava Evans, in which he asked who would want to shag that?, received 8,867 complaints.

The Hartley-Brewer incident beat an episode of ITVs Good Morning Britain on Aug 5 to the top spot, which picked up 16,851 complaints.

The majority of those complaints were about an argumentative interview with Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana about the violent protests in some parts of the UK in the wake of the killing of three young girls in Southport.

About 1,000 complaints were also directed at presenter Ed Balls interviewing his wife, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, about the protests.

Julia Hartley-Brewer at Nigel Farages 60th birthday party this year - Twitter

The media regulator said its assessment found Ms Sultana was given ample opportunity to express her views and respond to the questions put to her, and it reminded ITV of the need to make relationships, such as the fact Mr Balls and Ms Cooper are married, clear to viewers and their responsibility to due impartiality.

An episode of the ITV breakfast show on May 30 also garnered 1,777 complaints, putting it in fourth place for the year.

The complaints came after a debate between guests, broadcaster Mike Parry and dog trainer and XL Bully owner Kay Taiwo about whether the dogs should be put down.

Meanwhile, in third place was an episode of dating show Love Island which received 1,832 complaints, mostly about the behaviour of contestants Joey Essex and Sean Stone.

The figures do not include complaints about the BBC, which are handled by the corporation in the first instance.

Over the year, Ofcom received 69,080 complaints about more than 9,065 cases, a drop from last years total of 69,236 complaints.

The watchdog also launched 43 broadcast standards investigations, finding in 40 of these cases that its rules had been broken.
The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled Thursday to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from prosecuting the case against President-elect Donald Trump and alleged co-conspirators accused of 2020 election subversion.

The decision, which concerns a state criminal case already paused, casts uncertainty over whether the case can proceed. The court determined that Willis' office cannot continue handling the case, requiring the appointment of a new special prosecutor for it to move forward.

Citing a "significant appearance of impropriety," the court expressed concern about potential public perceptions affecting the case. However, it declined to dismiss the broader racketeering conspiracy charges entirely.

"While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings," the court wrote in Thursday's opinion.

The court added: "We cannot conclude that the record also supports the imposition of the extreme sanction of dismissal of the indictment."

Trump and several co-defendants sought to have Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis disqualified from the case, citing her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she appointed to assist with the case. The defendants claimed Willis financially benefited from the relationship, alleging Wade funded multiple vacations for the couple.

Trump and his co-defendants argued for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' disqualification, citing her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she appointed. They alleged Willis financially benefited from the relationship, claiming Wade paid for several vacations they took together.

"Failing to do so put Judge McAfee in an untenable position," said Merchant, who represents Mike Roman, a former Trump 2020 campaign official. "This failure of judgment is the exact reason Mr. Roman was forced to move to disqualify her in the first place, so we are thankful that the court agreed she should not be allowed to prosecute this case any further."

Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesman, said in a statement: "In granting President Trump an overwhelming mandate, the American People have demanded an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all the Witch Hunts against him. We look forward to uniting our country as President Trump Makes America Great Again."
Tulip Siddiqs government role involves tackling financial corruption. Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian

Keir Starmer has given his full support to Tulip Siddiq, the Treasury minister, after Bangladeshs anti-corruption commission accused her and family members of embezzling billions as part of a deal for a nuclear power plant.

Siddiqs role as economic secretary to the Treasury includes responsibility for tackling financial corruption. She has denied any involvement in the claims.

While Downing Street strongly defended her, it is another headache for Starmer after a turbulent few months that included the sudden departure of another minister, the former transport secretary Louise Haigh.

The Conservatives in the UK immediately seized on the allegations, saying it was the latest stain on Keir Starmers judgment.

Siddiq is the niece of Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh who ruled the country for 15 years before being toppled in a revolution in August.

Related: Bangladesh to seek extradition of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina from India

Hasinas regime was accused of authoritarianism, human rights abuse and rampant corruption, and she and her ministers are now facing an investigation for mass murder and crimes against humanity. An arrest warrant was recently issued for Hasina, who is now living in exile in India and has denied the allegations.

The inquiry into Siddiq was opened as part of a wider investigation by Bangladeshs anti-corruption commission, which is looking into crimes and corruption that took place under Hasinas rule.

The submission to the anti-corruption commission has alleged that Siddiq was instrumental in managing the affairs and coordinating meetings with Russian government officials to orchestrate the deal and that Hasina and family members received 30% of the embezzled funds in exchange for their mediation.

The deal was signed in the Kremlin in 2013, with photos showing that Siddiq was present, standing alongside Hasina and Vladimir Putin, Russias president. Siddiq had previously denied any wrongdoing and said she was present at the signing as part of a family occasion.

In response to the allegations, Starmers official spokesperson said the prime minister had full confidence in Siddiq, and confirmed that she would be continuing to handle anti-corruption issues.

The minister has denied any involvement, he said. Obviously, I cant speak to the Bangladeshi anti-corruption commission, and also cant comment on unconfirmed media speculation.

In the register of ministers interests released last month, Siddiq had recorded that her aunt was previously prime minister of Bangladesh. Starmers spokesperson said she had also recused herself from any decision-making connected to Bangladesh.

Asked whether her involvement in the deal nonetheless represented a conflict of interest, the spokesperson said: I cant speak to events that happened prior to a ministers time in government.

He added there was a very clear declaration process for ministers, which had been followed.

Hasina, Siddiqs mother, Sheikh Rehana, and other family members have also been named as part of the investigation. It relates to a 10bn deal struck with Russia in 2013 to build a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh, from which Siddiq, Hasina and other family members are accused of taking 4bn in kickbacks.

It is understood that Bangladeshi authorities have not contacted Siddiq as part of the investigation, which was based on allegations raised by Bobby Hajjaj, who was in opposition under Hasinas rule.
Lord Mandelson will become Britains new ambassador to the US - Jamie Lorriman

Lord Mandelson is to be made the British ambassador to the US as Sir Keir Starmer rushes to build a relationship with the incoming Trump administration.

In a remarkable comeback, the former Cabinet minister, a key architect of New Labour under Tony Blair, will take over as Donald Trump begins his second term as the US president.

It is understood the Prime Minister hopes that, by appointing an experienced figure with a global reputation, the UK may be able to navigate potential trade wars. Mr Trump has threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on imports.

However, the appointment may backfire if Trump allies  some of whom have been highly critical of the EU  alight on Lord Mandelsons previous role as commissioner for the bloc.

His past role may also cause him problems, as former commissioners are generally expected not to take up roles where there is a potential conflict of interest with the EU. If found to have broken the rules, he could lose his right to a pension.

The Government has been trying to forge a better relationship with the Trump team, in the face of obstacles including that high-profile Labour politicians have previously attacked Mr Trump. In 2018, Lord Mandelson called him a bully and a mercantilist.

Sir Keirs decision to appoint a political ally was designed to signal to Mr Trumps team that Downing Street is taking engagement with him seriously.

Starmer hopes Mandelson will be able to build bridges with the Trump administration - Justin Tallis/AFP

As a party heavyweight, Lord Mandelson will have a direct line to the Prime Minister and will be able to speak to him frankly about the challenges presented by the Trump administration.

Lord Mandelson is also a close ally of Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keirs chief of staff, who visited the US last week to boost relations with the incoming president. He held talks with Susie Wiles, the political strategist who masterminded Mr Trumps re-election campaign.

It is understood that he also received the backing of David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, last week.

Government figures involved in the decision are understood to have also been impressed by the Labour peers contact book in the US, where his advisory firm does business with major companies.

Ministers believe Lord Mandelson has a greater understanding of global commerce than most civil servants. His appointment comes as the UK faces the threat of Trump tariffs on exported goods, and the Foreign Office hopes to expand the export of British services to the US.

A source said: The fact the Prime Minister has chosen to make a political appointment and send Lord Mandelson to Washington shows just how importantly we see our relationship with the Trump administration.

Were sending someone close to the Prime Minister with unrivalled political and policy experience, particularly on the crucial issue of trade. Hes the ideal candidate to represent the UKs economic and security interests in the US.

Lord Mandelson recently said Britain must find a path between the US and the EU if Mr Trump pushes ahead with a blanket tariff on imports.

We have got to navigate our way through this and have, Im afraid, the best of both worlds, he said. We have got to find a way to have our cake and eat it.

He said the UK could not give up on transatlantic trade, adding: We cannot come out of the largest export market, difficult enough as it is to trade freely there, having left the European Union.

But we still trade. Its our biggest export market still. We cant leave that.

The choice of Lord Mandelson has been made even though Mr Trump tweeted in the autumn that Nigel Farage would be a great choice.

Lord Mandelson recently suggested the Government should use the Reform UK leader as a bridgehead to the Trump team, and that the next ambassador should try to befriend Elon Musk.

Elon Musk has become a prominent part of the Trump team - Alex Brandon/AP

If I were the Government here, Id be asking the embassy in Washington DC to find out who [Mr Musks] other British friends are, he told Times Radio. National interest is served in all sorts of weird and wonderful ways.

The Telegraph revealed in August that Lord Mandelson was in line for the job after putting forward a credible pitch.

Rishi Sunak had chosen Sir Tim Barrow, a career diplomat, for the job, but Downing Street did not confirm the appointment amid concerns that it would be cancelled by the incoming Labour administration in July.

After taking office, Sir Keir scrapped the plans for Sir Tim to head to Washington, and told staff he would reopen the process.

Sir Nigel Sheinwald, who served as the UKs ambassador to the US between 2007 and 2012, said Lord Mandelson would take over the job at a time of jeopardy for British interests.

He will need all his strategic nous and networking skills to bring UK interests to bear on President Trump at a moment of real risk for those interests, he told The Telegraph. His professional embassy team will no doubt help him to make a difference on the big geopolitical issues, which dominate the transatlantic scene.

His trade policy experience will give him an advantage in handling Trumps planned tariff increases, and in explaining why getting the best deal for the UK must not imperil our reset with the EU, which is essential for UK security and growth.

Dame Karen Pierce, the current ambassador, will stay in post until the end of next month, when Mr Trump is inaugurated.

She has extensive contacts among Republicans and was credited with securing a dinner meeting between Mr Trump, Sir Keir and Mr Lammy in November.

Lord Mandelson was picked ahead of David Miliband, the former foreign secretary, Baroness Amos, a former development secretary, and Baroness Ashton of Upholland, who succeeded him as European trade commissioner.

It is believed to be the first political appointment to the role since the Labour prime minister James Callaghan gave the job to his son-in-law Peter Jay, a journalist, in 1977.

Lord Mandelson was sacked by Sir Tony in 1998 over a home loan he did not declare from another senior minister. He returned soon after but had to resign again following a passport scandal involving the Hinduja brothers, the billionaire businessmen.

He famously declared he was a fighter not a quitter when he won his Hartlepool seat in 2001, and Sir Tony later appointed him as Britains EU commissioner.

He was recalled to frontline politics by Gordon Brown, when he became first secretary of state and business secretary with a seat in the House of Lords.

Recentlym he failed in an attempt to become chancellor of Oxford University.
Beverly Johnson walks the runway for Dennis Basso during New York fashion week on 13 February 2023. Photograph: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

More than 200 top fashion models including Christy Turlington, Helena Christensen, Alessandra Ambrosio and Beverly Johnson have sent an open letter to the New York governor, Kathy Hochul, asking her urgently to sign a bill of rights giving models protection from sexual harassment, discrimination and AI.

The Fashion Workers Act was passed in the New York assembly and Senate in June, but needs Hochuls signature to become law before a deadline of 24 December.

As models, we know firsthand how urgently we need basic labor protections to create a safe, equitable work environment in the fashion industry, the letter reads.

Each one of us has a story that demonstrates how New York is failing the faces of one of its most culturally vibrant, economically significant industries in the world.

The Fashion Workers Act has been in the works since 2022, overseen by the Model Alliance, an organisation that advocates for the labour rights of models working in the US.

Related: US Amazon workers go on largest strike against company, Teamsters union says

I really do hope that as the first female Democratic governor of New York, she will stand with our mostly female, often immigrant, workforce, said Sara Ziff, the executive director.

The bill aims to protect against power imbalances between models and agencies. Models, who are often young women in their first job, are typically not aware of the money they are earning, nor the impact of various commissions and other expenses.

This vulnerability can be exacerbated if the model is not American, because the agency can also be both their visa sponsor and responsible for finding them accommodation.

Ziff said any concern from modelling agencies and organisations about the impact of the law on their businesses would itself indicate the problem. If they are worried that they cant operate while having to show models their own contracts and be transparent about their finances then, frankly, they have a broken business model, she said. If your business is predicated on exploiting young girls, then maybe you need to think about your business.

The AI provisions in the bill reflect similar concerns to those of Hollywood workers who went on strike for five months last year. We have common concerns: our livelihood is based on our image and our likeness, Ziff said. What we are asking for is so basic  its that creating, altering or manipulating a models digital replica using AI would require clear written consent.

Whereas the Sag-Aftra union of actors and screenwriters eventually agreed a deal with studios to ensure consent and compensation for use of AI replicas, however, models are not unionised.

Models are often considered to be independent contractors and US federal law states independent contractors cant unionise, Ziff said. A lot of the work that Ive done over more than a decade has been to think how we can win rights and protections outside the traditional union model. Thats why we really need the Fashion Workers Act.
Nigel Farage hopes Elon Musk can help him capture the youth vote - DAVID ROSE

Reform would use Elon Musks millions to recruit an army of young voters ahead of the next election, the partys deputy leader has said.

Richard Tice revealed that a large donation from the worlds richest man would be put to use encouraging young people to sign up to vote.

His remarks come after Nigel Farage, the partys leader, revealed Mr Musk, the Tesla owner, is actively considering making a large donation.

Foreign donations are not allowed in UK politics, but donations can be made through a UK-registered company which is incorporated in the UK and carries on business in the UK, according to Electoral Commission rules.

There has been speculation that a donation could therefore be made through the UK branch of X, Mr Musks social media company.

It comes as the Electoral Commission calls on Sir Keir Starmer to change donation rules to protect elections from foreign interference.

Vijay Rangarajan, chief executive of the elections watchdog, told the Guardian the system needs strengthening.

We have been calling for changes to the law since 2013, to protect the electoral system from foreign interference, he said.

We recommend three key changes: limit company donations to the money that they have made in the UK; legally require parties to conduct know-your-donor checks on donations to assess and manage their risks; and ensure those who donate to unincorporated associations are permissible donors.

US election inspiration

Reform hopes to emulate the success that Donald Trumps recent US election campaign had in getting previous non-voters to the ballot box.

Mr Tice told The Telegraph: Young people are very energised about what were doing and weve got to make sure theyre on the electoral roll.

Thats something Musk did brilliantly. It takes skill, expertise and money and thats a big opportunity.

If we get lots of young people who may not have voted at all and who are voting Reform youll see us potentially leading the polls.

Richard Tice (left) said that he did not know if Mr Musk would make a donation but welcomed his very strong support for Reform - Carl Court/Getty Images Europe

During the US election, Mr Trumps team heavily targeted non-voters in seven swing states, with the Republican going on to win all of them.

To encourage people to sign up, Mr Musk gave away $1 million (790,000) each day to people who became spokespeople for the campaign.

Reform has given no indication that this tactic is under consideration.

Reform is also hoping to learn from the parties in France, Italy and Germany which have tapped into youth disillusionment.

Polling during Julys election campaign found that almost a quarter of 16 and 17-year-olds would have backed Reform if able to vote.

At the election, the party was the third most popular amongst men aged 18-24.

Sizeable donation on the cards

Mr Tice said Mr Musk is considering a sizeable donation because he wants the UK to avoid an economic catastrophe.

He added that Mr Musk wants Britain to do well and he recognises the UK economy is in a terrible state.

Mr Farage held talks with Mr Musk at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trumps Florida resort, this week and the issue of money was discussed.

There has been speculation that he could donate as much as $100 million (78.8 million).

Mr Tice said that he did not know if Mr Musk would make a donation but welcomed his very strong support for Reform.

Asked about the possibility of a donation, Mr Tice told Sky News: Lets wait and see. I dont know. The reality is he has indicated very strong support for Reform.

He recognises that Britain, the UK economy, is in a terrible state. He has got significant business interests here with regard to Starlink, X, Tesla.

He wants Britain to do well. At the moment Britain is doing badly, we have got an economy that is flatlining, going down, we have got job vacancies reducing, business confidence collapsing, so Mr Musk supports Reform. He knows that Britain needs Reform.

Mr Tice claimed the UK would go bankrupt if we carry on like this under this Labour Government.

He said: Higher taxes, higher wasteful spending, lower growth. It is a catastrophe and we have got to change course.

We have got to reform the way we run our economy, the way we run our public services, the way we run this country.

Asked again about the possibility of a donation from Mr Musk, Mr Tice said: Is he going to donate? It would be great if he does.

The issue of money was discussed when Nick Candy, Reforms treasurer, Mr Musk and Mr Farage met at Mar-a-Lago this week - Stuart Mitchell/Reform UK/PA

Mr Musk has been a vocal critic of Sir Keir Starmer and the Government.

In August, he attacked the Prime Ministers response to the summer riots and accused him of going full Stalin after the Governments inheritance tax raid on farmers.

Mr Musk appeared to back a petition calling for a fresh UK general election at the end of November.

In November he also predicted that all establishment parties in the UK will get crushed in the next election.
The DUP said the new EU rule would create additional trade friction between Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe

Unionists in Northern Ireland have launched a bid to block an EU law being implemented in the province for the first time since Brexit.

The DUP has moved to trigger a mechanism in an effort to prevent a piece of Brussels legislation from coming into force.

The party initiated the process to pull the so-called Stormont Brake oversight element of the UK and EUs Windsor Framework over an updated EU regulation related to the labelling of chemicals.

Its leader said it would create additional trade friction for the flow of products between Great Britain and Northern Ireland if it is implemented.

The brake is a mechanism that allows a minimum of 30 members of the Stormont legislative assembly, from at least two parties, to refer a proposed law change to the UK Government.

The Government then makes an assessment of the proposed change on Northern Ireland and can ultimately veto its application in the region.

The process is a potentially lengthy one and, if the Government believes the brake has been appropriately pulled, will involve direct engagement with the EU to find a solution.

Gavin Robinson, leader of the DUP, said: We will use the Stormont Brake to full effect in the pursuit of our overall objectives - Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe

The DUP is unable to pull the brake on its own, so required other members to sign the petition it lodged with Speaker Edwin Poots.

It is understood the petition has already secured the required 30 signatures, with Ulster Unionist Party members among those adding their support.

The framework, and its predecessor the Northern Ireland Protocol, require checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland.

Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules.

This has proved highly controversial, with unionists arguing the system threatens Northern Irelands place in the United Kingdom.

Advocates of the framework within the Assembly argue it serves to protect Northern Ireland from negative economic consequences of Brexit.

Additional trade friction

Explaining the move, DUP leader Gavin Robinson said industry representatives had warned that an updated EU law (Regulation 2024/2865) affecting the labelling of chemicals would create additional trade friction for the flow of products between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The DUP is focused on fully restoring Northern Irelands place in the United Kingdom and its internal market, he said.

We have made no secret of the fact that we will use the Stormont Brake to full effect in the pursuit of our overall objectives.

This EU regulation introduces a host of new requirements for labels attached to chemical products, including new minimum font sizes and rules around spacing.

This would make current labels unusable for the majority of products. Critically, these changes would not be required for products on the market in Great Britain.

With trade flows in chemicals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland worth in the region of 1 billion annually, the impact of this divergence would be significant.

Earlier this month Stormont voted to continue Northern Irelands post-Brexit trading agreements despite all unionist members of the assembly voting against. The vote only needed to pass by a simple majority.
Paul Whitehouse (Grandad), Sam Lupton (Del Boy), Vinnie Jones (Danny Driscoll), Tom Major (Rodney) - Trevor Leighton

God bless Hooky Street, indeed. Five years after Jim Sullivan and Paul Whitehouse turned the nations most beloved sitcom into an almost fittingly wonky West End musical, its back, touring the UK until next summer. The only 2019 cast member still doing the rounds, funnily enough, is Whitehouse as Grandad, who is nimble enough to lead us in a right old cockney knees-up at 66.

Watching the aged-up Whitehouse, its weird to think that Lennard Pearce, who originated that part, was only 69 when he suddenly died after season three. Whitehouse also gives himself a cameo as Uncle Albert, vigorously gurning into his beard, and gets a hearty welcome almost whatever hes doing.

The spirit of this generally buoyant show is alive and well. It aims for affectionate nostalgia with an undertow of where did the time go? melancholy. Whitehouse and Sullivan really cant miss, however erratic the songbook, however skimpy the plot. Our love of the characters is simply too great to resist every well-honed callback, whether its to Peckham Spring or  all in good time  falling though the bar at the Nags Head.

The one oddly fitting element is Vinnie Jones, in a three-weeks-only London engagement for panto season as hard man Danny Driscoll, roughly Peckhams answer to Reggie Kray.

Id forgotten all about the Driscolls, who only had one episode across the sitcoms entire lifespan. (Roy Marsden played Danny.) Jones certainly looks the part, doing hulking self-parody (its been emotional) in spanking pin-striped suits. Its just not much of a part, giving him about 10 scattered minutes of stage time: he lends Del Boy two large, then comes around menacingly to collect.

No matter. Its far more important that the Trotters are up to snuff. Sam Lupton is a truly uncanny Del: you would swear theyre piping in actual dialogue once recorded by David Jason (who was beaming in the audience on press night). Lupton has the porky swagger down pat, but its not a hollow party-trick impression  his manic loneliness is the emotional glue.

Del, of course, thinks Cyrano de Bergerac stars John Nettles. As he muses to Raquel (Georgina Hagen) on their first date, my mind is a suppository; hes a gasbag, a pathological liar, throws around every French phrase hes ever heard to sound classy, and we love him dearly.

Vinnie Jones (second left) with Sam Lupton (centre) as Derek Del Boy Trotter during the curtain call - Doug Peters

Tom Majors professional debut as Rodney is another plus  hes endearingly whiny and lanky in all the right ways, even if Cassandra (Nicola Munns) suddenly looks more like this striplings mum than ever. Munns does particularly well in her other role as Marlene, ever-flirty adjunct to the braying Boycie (Craig Berry), and offers the best singing we get on stage, give or take Hagen.

The comic peaks here are bursts of run-on inspiration, such as Whitehouse riffing joyously on rhyming slang for haemorrhoids, or the funniest song, A Bit of a Sort, which is a duet between Del and an ultra-camp dating agent (a gleefully OTT Richard J Hunt) about who hed like to match with.

Id be telling porky pies if I didnt describe the evening as a mixed bag, but we let it off, much like the Trotters.

Touring until July 2025; onlyfoolsonstage.com
The King waves to onlookers as he arrives at Buckingham palace - Paul Grover for The Telegraph

The Prince and Princess of Wales chose not to attend the Royal familys pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, joining the Duke of York as high-profile absentees.

It marked the first time the couple have missed the annual get-together since they married.

The couple and their three children  Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis  had already decamped to Norfolk for the festive period, a Kensington Palace source revealed.

The decision not to attend the lunch is said to have been made some time ago but the Prince and Princess are understood to be looking forward to spending time with the family as usual at Sandringham over Christmas.

The King was accompanied on his journey to the palace by Sir Clive Alderton, his private secretary - Justin Goff/KGC-03

Prince Andrew pulled out of the event earlier this week after becoming embroiled in a Chinese spy scandal. He had been urged by royal insiders to steer clear of the private lunch to avoid further embarrassing the King.

The Duke agreed not to attend following some deft family diplomacy on the part of Sarah, Duchess of York, who intervened to persuade her former husband that it would not be a good idea. The King was said to be very grateful for her efforts.

Around 70 members of the extended family were invited to the lunch, which traditionally takes place the week before Christmas and allows the monarch to celebrate with the many cousins, nieces and nephews he would not otherwise see.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived around 20 minutes after the King - Paul Grover for The Telegraph

Guests sit down for a Sandringham-bred turkey and all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding and accompanied by champagne and wines. There are crackers, jokes and party hats, although young royal children dine separately with their nannies.

The King was the first to arrive at the palace, photographed in the back of a car alongside his private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, at 11am.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived 20 minutes later, followed by the Queen, who smiled and waved to the crowds.

The Queen acknowledges well-wishers as she arrives - Paul Grover for The Telegraph

Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, arrives - Aaron Chown/PA

Princess Beatrice, with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Princess Eugenie, with her husband Jack Brooksbank, were also seen being driven into the palace grounds.

The lunch offered the sisters a chance to touch base with the family, having decided some time ago to spend this Christmas with their respective in-laws rather than at Sandringham.

The Duke of Kent, Lord Frederick Windsor, with his wife Sophie Winkleman and daughter Isabella, and Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, were also seen arriving, as were the Princess Royal and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi arrive for the lunch - Aaron Chown/PA

The Waleses decision not to join the family comes at the end of a difficult few months that saw the Princess diagnosed with cancer and undergo a gruelling course of chemotherapy.

Prince William admitted recently that it had been a brutal year and probably the worst of his life.

While the Princess has begun to make a very gradual return to public life, she remains largely at home, last seen in public when she hosted her annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Dec 6.

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank arrive at the palace - Aaron Chown/PA

In a personal letter written to guests, she suggested the time away had allowed her to reflect on what was important.

She said Christmas was a time not just for celebration but also to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.
Sir Keir Starmer said he was very pleased to be delivering  and delivering from a position of power - Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street

Sir Keir Starmer has said he has no regrets about the decisions he has made in the past six months and would do nothing differently.

The Prime Minister made the comments as he answered questions from the liaison committee of senior MPs from all parties for the first time.

They came despite the backlash faced by his Government over recent policy decisions including the inheritance tax increase for farmers and the decision to limit the winter fuel allowance for pensioners.

Labour has also faced accusations of a betrayal of the Waspi women after the Government refused to pay any compensation to those who lost out over changes to the state pension age.

During the 90-minute grilling, he called on Donald Trump, the US president-elect, not to impose tariffs on British goods.

Sir Keir has had a rocky few months since entering Downing Street on July 5. His top team has been subject to internal turmoil, with Sue Gray, his chief of staff, ousted in favour of long-time Labour adviser Morgan McSweeney.

Asked by Dame Meg Hillier, the Labour MP, whether there was anything he would have done differently, the Prime Minister said: No. We had to do tough stuff, we are getting on with it, and I am very pleased to be delivering  and delivering from a position of power rather than going round the division lobbies losing every night. I have had too much of that.

Sir Keir insisted there would be no U-turn on farmers inheritance tax changes as he stressed the need for the Government to raise extra money.

He said he was not specifically targeting either family farms or wealthy landowners using agricultural land as a way of dodging tax, insisting the move was not aimed at a particular group of individuals.

Alistair Carmichael, the chairman of the Commons environment committee, claimed the Prime Minister had undermined the case made previously by the Government that the change was about tackling alleged tax avoidance.

In her Budget, Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, ended inheritance tax exemptions for farms worth more than 1 million, although in some cases that threshold could be as high as 3 million.

Sir Keir defended the way the policy had been drawn up, restating the Governments view that the vast majority of farms will not be affected, and that the revenue raised was necessary to fund public services.

Asked by Mr Carmichael whether he was targeting the super-rich sheltering wealth or family farmers, the Prime Minister said: The purpose was to raise revenue in the Budget, so it wasnt aimed at a particular group of individuals.

Earlier in the session, Sir Keir said the UK would have to make sure that we avoid tariffs as he faced questions on his approach to Donald Trump.

Mr Trump has pledged to introduce wide-ranging tariffs on the first day of his new administration, which starts on Jan 20, with experts predicting damaging consequences for Britains goods trade with the US.

Sir Keir said he was alive to the danger of tariffs but would not speculate as to what the incoming president might do. He added: I am not a fan of tariffs and, therefore, we have to make sure that we avoid tariffs. We have got very good trade with the US, as we have got very good trade with other countries around the world. I want to improve on that.

The Prime Minister met choir members from Alma Primary School in London as he hosted a reception to celebrate Chanukah on Wednesday - Alistair Grant/PA Wire

The Prime Minister also said he was not in favour of blanket safe and legal routes for asylum seekers to come to the UK.

And he refused to answer a question on whether stateless individuals in Syria  such as Shamima Begum, who left London as a teenager to join Islamic State and was stripped of her UK citizenship  should be allowed to return to the UK.

Sir Keir said: I dont think its wise for me to comment on individual cases. I think the principle that we have to apply is that our national security comes first, and so thats the way in which we will look at these cases. Each of them will be different and I wont comment on individual cases.

But I do think the principle has to be our national security first and that will be the primary consideration in the decisions that fall to be taken if and when they do fall to be taken.
Nathan Lawler outside Bulford Military Court - Solent News

A soldier left colleagues with hearing loss after recklessly setting off a battle noise simulator to celebrate the end of an exercise, a court martial has heard.

Nathan Lawler, a fusilier, caused fellow troops significant injuries after activating the device  designed to replicate the sounds of war  after they had removed their hearing protection.

A military court heard the 22-year-old was copying others he had seen using the simulator, which was set to mimic the sound of an explosive mortar round.

However, Lawler, who was not trained to use the device, left one of his colleagues with a ruptured eardrum and another suffered hearing loss that meant he could not be deployed after the ill-judged incident, Bulford Military Court heard.

Lawler, of the 1st Battalion of Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was given a community order and told to pay 1,000 in compensation after pleading guilty to one charge of failure to perform duty.

Capt Michael Acton, prosecuting, told the court that the incident happened on the roof of a two-storey building at the end of a 31-day exercise at the Altmark training area in Germany on Aug 30 2023.

Other soldiers had started to climb down the roof when he set off the battle noise simulator while still close to four colleagues who had removed their hearing protection, the court heard.

Capt Acton told the court: Before all the [colleagues] had left the roof, Fusilier Lawler had decided to discharge the [battle noise simulator] on the roof.

Nathan Lawler deafened fellow soldiers with his stunt - Solent News

He immediately apologised to the individuals who had been harmed, Capt Acton said.

The hearing was told that all four experienced pain and ringing in their ears after the incident.

One was left with hearing loss, and was unable to be deployed as a result, and another was left with a ruptured left eardrum and was downgraded for three to six months as a result of his injuries.

It was the soldiers duty once the exercise was over not to set off pyrotechnics like this, Capt Acton said.

The prosecutor said: This is something that he had seen others do as a way to celebrate the end of the exercise.

Benjamin Hale, defending, said that there was no evidence to suggest they are permanent injuries, adding that Lawler had not slept for 48 hours at the time of the incident.

Lawler would have had a safety briefing before the exercise, but he had not completed training to handle this [simulator], the court heard.

He should never have had possession of this item in the first place, Mr Hale said.

The incident was an attempt at celebration which was ill-judged, but nonetheless momentary.

He added: He didnt intend for anyone to be injured in any way.

Assistant Judge Advocate Gen John Atwill told Lawler: You made a serious mistake that day and put your colleagues who couldnt do anything to protect themselves at serious risk.

You didnt intend to harm [your colleagues]. You were reckless to cause them harm.

He was sentenced to a service community order of 80 hours unpaid work to be carried out over the next 12 months, and must pay a service compensation order of 1,000, which is two sums of 500 to be paid to two of his colleagues who were injured.

Lawler left the Army in November this year.
A protester in a Yoon Suk Yeol mask in Seoul on Thursday during a demonstration against the South Korean president - Jung Yeon-je/AFP

A former military commander has been accused of ordering the kidnap of election officials as part of Yoon Suk Yeols coup attempt in South Korea earlier this month.

Noh Sang-won, the former head of the countrys secretive Defence Intelligence Command (DIC) allegedly tasked 38 soldiers  mostly majors and lieutenant colonels  to kidnap 30 officials from the National Election Commission (NEC) on Dec 3, the night the South Korean president declared martial law.

The plan was to detain them in an underground bunker at the armys headquarters, it has been alleged.

Opposition lawmakers have accused Mr Noh of playing a key role in planning and implementing Mr Yoons short-lived declaration of martial law.

He allegedly planned the raid of the NEC, during which Mr Yoons government was trying to find evidence of electoral fraud in Aprils general election.

Soldiers try to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul on Dec 4 after martial law was declared - Jung Yeon-je/AFP

Soldiers advance to the main building of the National Assembly on Dec 3 - Yonhap/via Reuters

An emergency vote held by the National Assembly rejected the martial law declaration and Mr Yoon was eventually forced to withdraw it six hours after its imposition.

Mr Noh allegedly met with three top colonels from the DIC at a burger shop in the city of Ansan to talk about an important mission two days before the declaration of martial law.

If we check the computer servers of the National Election Commission we can find evidence of fraudulent elections, Mr Noh allegedly told the three colonels.

Mr Yoon was eventually forced to withdraw his declaration of martial law six hours after its imposition - The Presidential Office/via Reuters

The colonels then reportedly ordered 38 DIC soldiers to prepare to take part in the planned kidnap and detention of the NEC staff.

While Mr Yoon claimed he ordered Kim Yong-hyun, the countrys former defence minister, to raid the NEC because its servers might have been hacked by North Korea, some critics said the president had been influenced by election fraud conspiracies spread by hard-right forces in South Korea.

In addition to the planned arrest and detention of NEC staff, Baek Seung-ah, a South Korean lawmaker, said the countrys military also deployed 100 military vehicles, 12 Black Hawk helicopters and more than 1,000 soldiers on Dec 3.

South Koreans celebrate Mr Yoons impeachment in Seoul last Saturday - Ahn Young-joon/AFP

Last week, Kwak Jong-geun, the commander of South Koreas Army Special Warfare Command, said that Mr Yoon ordered him to break into the National Assembly and drag out lawmakers to prevent them from passing the vote to strike down the martial law decree.

Although Mr Yoon has apologised to the public for causing chaos, he defended the martial law declaration.

He described it as an attempt to prevent the opposition parties, who he accused of being close to North Korea, from paralysing state affairs by trying to impeach several cabinet members.

Supporters of Mr Yoon at a rally in Seoul on Tuesday - Jeon Heon-kyun/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The National Assembly passed the motion to impeach Mr Yoon last Saturday. Twelve lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party defected and voted in favour of his impeachment.

South Koreas constitutional court has begun its deliberation on the impeachment motion, and the prosecution is continuing the probe into the botched martial law declaration.

While Mr Yoons presidential power has been suspended, he has repeatedly refused to accept summons delivered by South Koreas corruption watchdog.

In addition to refusing to accept the summons, Mr Yoons security guards have also repeatedly obstructed law enforcements attempts to search the presidential office.

Kim Yong-hyun, South Koreas former defence minister, who Mr Yoon claimed he ordered to raid the NEC because its servers might have been hacked by North Korea - Alex Wong/Getty Images North America

Kwak Jong-geun, the commander of South Koreas Army Special Warfare Command, said Mr Yoon ordered him to break into the National Assembly - Jung Yeon-je/AFP

On Thursday, Mr Yoons lawyer said that the president still denies the insurrection charges that he faces but is willing to represent himself in the legal proceedings.

South Koreas constitutional court has up to six months to decide whether or not to uphold Mr Yoons impeachment. The first hearing has been scheduled for Dec 27.

If the court upholds the presidents impeachment, South Korea will have to hold a presidential election in 60 days.
Jim Carrey as Ivo Robotnik and Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) in "Sonic the Hedgehog 3." Paramount Pictures and Sega of A/TNS

The thing about the Sonic the Hedgehog movies is that they continue to surprise  with how humorous, self-referential and even insightful they can be. Since the first movie defied expectations in 2020 (the creative team redesigned the character after online backlash to a first look), the third film now cruises into theaters, and the series shows no signs of stopping.

Helmed at a breakneck pace by Jeff Fowler, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is loud, chaotic and often corny, with a visual style that can only be described as retina-searing, but the script by Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington is funny, punny and doesnt take itself too seriously. Its a clever genre play sanded down for kiddos (a Mission: Impossible riff this time) that gleefully breaks the fourth wall to bring us all in on the jokes.

There are also references to The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and John Wick, particularly with the vocal casting of Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog, a sort of dark Sonic character, who here is a wounded warrior bent on vengeance. Ben Schwartz returns as the voice of Sonic, the sunny blue alien hedgehog whos gotta go fast.

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But the real reason to give the Sonic films a chance is the bravura performance of pure clownery from Jim Carrey as Sonic foe Dr. Robotnik (forgive me, I did chuckle when Sonic cheekily refers to him as Dr. Robuttstink, its been a long year). And in the third installment, its double the Robotnik, double the fun, and twice the chance for Carrey to demonstrate the brand of outsize physical humor that made him famous. Carrey co-stars as his characters own grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, who experimented on Shadow in a secretive military lab 50 years ago.

The plot is some gobbledygook about a key and a space laser that Robotnik the elder and Shadow would like to use to blow up the Earth because theyre angry at the loss of a dear grandchild and friend, Maria (Alyla Browne). Robotnik the younger joins the mission in the interest of family bonding, while Team Sonic, which includes grumpy Knuckles (Idris Elba) and perky Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), as well as their human caretakers, Tom and Maddie (James Marsden and Tika Sumpter) band together to try and stop the Robotniks, and learn some important lessons about teamwork and cooperation along the way.

And then, among all the chaos, dance breaks and befuddling body swaps (Krysten Ritter also briefly shows up in a role that feels like it was largely cut out of the film), Sonic the Hedgehog 3 suddenly stops for a moment, for a shockingly trenchant discussion about grief and loss. That this conversation happens between two animated hedgehogs sitting on the moon only enhances the surreal nature of this surprisingly moving moment, but Reeves voice performance, known elsewhere for his role as an anguished vengeance-seeker, manages to sell this meditation on learning to live with the pain of loss. Shadow and Sonic come to the realization together that isolation and bitterness is no way to honor a lost loved ones memory.

'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' Rated PG: For action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements and mild language Running time: 110 minutes Where: Playing throughout Houston  (out of 5)

The series shows no signs of stopping (there are not one but two post-credits teasers), and with each iteration, there are diminishing returns on this character and formula, but as long as they keep up the silly, fourth-wall breaking humor, and earnest messages of teamwork and unity, the Sonic franchise just might have some legs.
PMQs

Labours promised reset with the EU came back under scrutiny this week. About time too. Starmers Labour refuses to set out its objectives for this renegotiation in any detail  contrast the 30-page document in which Boris Johnson and I set out our aims in 2020  so we are left guessing.

Luckily, as so often nowadays, we learn more from the EU side than our own  from an admittedly leaked paper setting out the EUs own planning for the reset, approved by EU ministers on Tuesday.

It shows just what a mess the Government has got itself into and how difficult it is going to be to get out of it without embarrassing concessions to the EU. Thats what happens when you dont think things through. A re-run of Theresa Mays disastrous negotiating tactics is now distinctly on the cards.

The EU is doing what it always does. First it makes clear what can be on offer and what cant. Its paper notes, awkwardly for Labour, but entirely correctly, that significant further reductions in trade friction, the avowed aim of the reset, would require a different model for cooperation, ie participation by the UK in the single market and/or customs union, that is, a Norway or Swiss model.

But Labour has ruled these out. So the reset already appears a little pointless  unless, of course, you dont trust Labours words. After all, weve learnt not to.

Second, it turns on the pressure. It launches court cases  as it did this week, taking us to the European Court of Justice on the basis of claims it first made 15 years ago. It activates its friends in the media and academia to publish a barrage of reports claiming, wrongly, that trade is collapsing.

And it sets out preconditions for talks: issues that must be resolved before any discussions can begin. So it notes so-called deficiencies in implementing the Windsor Framework, telling us we must make significant further efforts, and that only the full and faithful implementation of all obligations by the UK  can create the solid basis for moving ahead.

It goes on to insist that current access by EU fishermen to UK waters must be maintained as long-term commitments and that the reset is only credible if it is based on an early understanding on this. In short: do what we tell you in Northern Ireland, sign away fishing rights, and then we might talk.

Try to set aside the language, redolent as it is of the imperial capital addressing a recalcitrant protectorate, and consider that this behaviour ought to be a total try-on.

But the EU senses weakness. It can see that Keir Starmer and Labour dont really understand what they are doing and dont know what they want (the EUs paper itself notes that Britain has offered a security and defence agreement but without providing details).

The Government is starting off in the traditional fashion of British negotiators: just start the talks and lets see what we can get. That always ends up with us persuading ourselves that whatever feeble concessions we can get are what we wanted all along.

Unless it can be stopped, the outcome is entirely foreseeable: Labour is about to be taken to the cleaners by the Commission.

It will end up giving away fishing rights; accepting EU law and European Court jurisdiction over our food and veterinary trade, where the balance is already hugely in the EUs advantage; endorsing a foreign policy and defence agreement that gives priority to participating in EU arrangements; and agreeing to unbalanced youth mobility provisions, perhaps even taking some EU asylum seekers too.

The naive bumblers in Labour will represent this as a balanced package that smooths our trade with the EU, and the ideologues behind the scenes will be quietly pleased that the first step has been taken back towards EU membership once again. And everyone will tell you: nothing to see here.

The truth is Britain doesnt need to do any of this. We lose a lot and gain almost nothing from it. All these arrangements benefit the EU much more than us. But Labour just wants to be part of the club again and to be liked by the Euro-elites.

It is blind to the reality of the EU, of failing economies, of slow growth, of the dead hand on innovation, and of political systems that are in free fall because they cant respond to their voters needs. Labour doesnt care about this and thats why it will give so much away.

Labour has a huge majority and there is only so much we can do about its plans.

But we need the Opposition, that is, for now, principally, the Conservative Party, to step up.

There are three things Kemi Badenoch could and should do.

First, ask Starmer: will you accept the EUs preconditions? In the unlikely event that he says no, the reset has failed before it starts. If he says yes, or flannels, then we know hell give away anything to get a deal.

Second, make clear that whatever Labour negotiates will be reversed if the Conservatives return to power. This is necessary not just on its own merits but because the EU has less interest in negotiating substantial change if it might lose it all again in a few years time. So watch out for Labour trying to sign a deal without an exit clause.

Third, and finally, commit explicitly to finishing the Brexit job. It was largely done at the end of 2020, but we never took full advantage, partly because of the drag of the Northern Ireland arrangements, partly because the ECHR filled the space previously occupied by the EU.

All this must now be swept away. There needs to be a firm commitment to scrap the Windsor Framework and make the British state sovereign again in Northern Ireland; to end what is left of the Withdrawal Agreement and put it into UK law, so we cant be summoned before the EUs court any longer.

For me, this is a crucial test. Historically, the Conservative Party is the party of national sovereignty and national democracy. Everything in its DNA should tell it to stand up for these things. If it wont do so, people will start asking: why is it there at all?
The rail union says industrial action will recommence immediately after the NSW government failed in its bid to prevent work stoppages across Sydneys train network. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The Guardian

Commuters have been warned to expect very significant disruptions imminently across Sydneys train network  including in the lead up to the busy new year period  after a court quashed a bid to halt industrial action.

It led the New South Wales transport minister, Jo Haylen, to concede on Thursday afternoon that the government had no certainty about the level of train services that would run from now until a new pay deal is struck, after the federal court earlier in the day dismissed the Minns governments attempt to stop industrial action  including work stoppages  that rail unions had voted to take.

Rail unions can now take any of the more than 200 approved industrial actions  which include work stoppages, distance limits for drivers, orders to deactivate Opal readers and a ban on the state changing rosters  without needing to provide an official notice period.

Unions are yet to notify the government of the next actions they will take.

Haylen appeared furious on Thursday as she accused the unions of putting a gun to our head during negotiations with the threat of cutting services throughout the rest of December but especially on New Years Eve, when more than a million people will rely on trains to enjoy what is a global event for Sydney.

This is not a toy train set. You cant just move it around with a click of your fingers and expect that thats going to service the millions of people across Sydney that rely on it each and every day, Haylen said.

Matt Longland, the CEO of Sydney Trains, warned authorities expect between Thursday and New Years Eve to be a challenging period on the rail network.

So this will be a very significant impact for the travelling public  we do expect that we will see impacts from this industrial action in the coming days, he said.

Toby Warnes, the New South Wales secretary of the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), said the union would now tell its members they could bring forward industrial action.

Prior to Thursdays ruling, the union had applied for a fresh protected industrial action ballot  which members had voted in favour of  that would be exempt from the interim injunction.

Related: Fleeing Xis China: following the trail of migrants trying to reach Australia through Indonesia

The earliest that industrial action under a new ballot could have taken place was 28 December, but Thursdays decision removes that time barrier.

As a result, industrial action will recommence immediately. Were going back to our office to inform our members to enforce the bans that were on immediately before the injunction two Sundays ago, Warnes said.

Our message to the government is our door is open for the next two weeks at least to get this deal done. All weve ever wanted is to get the deal done. Come and talk to us and well finish this and let the people of NSW get on with their festive season.

We say to commuters that they deserve a government that values its public transport system and right now it doesnt. Warnes said.

After Thursdays federal court decision, the NSW government vowed to take every possible measure to ensure Sydneys train network runs smoothly over Christmas and New Years Eve.

Related: Pleading and begging: prison guards switched off water to cell of mentally ill, dying inmate held at Silverwater jail

A NSW government spokesperson said the government would now lodge a section 424 with the Fair Work Commission to suspend or terminate industrial action  arguing it will risk community safetyand cause economic harm  to protect New Years Eve and stop rail disruption.

Haylen said the uncertainty and disruption that industrial action wreak at this time of the year was intolerable, and justified the legal challenge to ban stoppages on New Years Eve.

The courts decision follows weeks of intense negotiations to resolve the pay dispute.

After the court decision, Damien Tudehope, the opposition industrial relations spokesperson, said: Another cheap and desperate stunt has failed, leaving NSW families to suffer through a Christmas and New Years marred by rail chaos.

Earlier this month, the government had successfully applied for an interim injunction that effectively paused rolling industrial action  which had been launched after an intense negotiating period for a new pay deal broke down.

Combined unions representing 13,000 rail workers have refused to budge from their demands for a 32% pay rise over four years  8% a year  while the NSW governments starting offer to the rail unions has been a 9.5% pay rise over three years, claiming the unions demand was unaffordable.

In November, NSW police won a pay deal that will see wages rise by up to 40%.

Warnes previously said unions and the government had been within a whisker of a deal and were caught by surprise when they learned of the governments extremely damaging legal action to block the industrial action.

However on Thursday, Haylen said tensions had left the parties a long way apart from a deal. The treasurer and I met with rail union leaders late into the night last night, the government has put very reasonable offers on the table  but the fact is that the union has continued to strangle our public transport network.

Before the dispute descended into legal action, combined rail unions had pushed the government into agreeing to run 24-hour services  used as a bargaining chip during pay deal negotiations  or else they would have launched a multi-day strike in late November.

However, the government said 24-hour services were unsustainable long-term given the need for maintenance works overnight.

The potential for a similar ultimatum for 24-hour services or no services at all could still arise, with Haylen refusing to speculate how the government would respond.

 Additional reporting by AAP
Diane Abbotts scathing criticism adds fuel for the critics who say there are no promises Labour would not consider breaking - PA Wire

Of all the people Britain looks to to bring our nation together at Christmas time, Diane Abbott might not be top of the list. Whether its her inability to add up the cost of a key Labour pledge in a radio interview, or her loyalty to Jeremy Corbyn, one of the worst and most ill-suited leaders of a major party in living memory, the veteran MP and Mother of the House has a habit of dividing opinion.

But, last night, in a blistering interview on Newsnight, the 71-year-old launched a personal tirade against Sir Keir Starmer that had viewers of very different political stripes nodding in agreement. It was so catty, you kept expecting host Victoria Derbyshire to offer her a saucer of milk.

He doesnt understand, said Abbott, when asked about the Prime Ministers refusal to compensate the Waspi women, the 3.8 million women born in the 1950s who say they lost out when changes were made to the state pension. Thats the problem. One of the things about Keir is hes only been in the party for a short period of time. Then he got parachuted into Holborn and St Pancras [in 2014]. He didnt even have to contest it. That was a safe seat so he didnt have to fight for that.

Starmer represents everything Abbott hates: dispassion, managerialism, winning. She also seems to see the Prime Minister as the embodiment of treachery. He was prepared to work with Corbyn before 2019, then kicked him out of the party. He abandoned hopes of reaching the sunlit uplands of a socialist utopia for a rather miserable live within our means pragmatism once in office.

He has no feel for politics, added Abbott, with a melodious, high-pitched snarl. He might say he has a great feel for politics because he smashed people like [me], but hes got no feel for politics and he doesnt know how [the Waspi women] feel and hes on that fat DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] pension. What does he know about ageing women who rely on the state pension? He really doesnt know.

That last point was particularly cutting. In 2013, Starmer was accused of hypocrisy when he received a special tax unregistered pension scheme when he stood down as DPP. It all adds fuel for the critics who say there are no promises Labour would not consider breaking and no double standards they would not countenance.

But the MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington also put her finger on something that the majority of voters are coming to realise about Sir Keir: he lacks feels. He doesnt do vibes, as the kids say. He says he is making tough choices, but unless he can offer something positive and constructive voters can really believe in, the unpopular decisions he says he is being forced to make will cause public confidence to erode, to borrow from Larkin, like a coastal shelf.

And he may have five years to scramble out of his current slough of despond, but bad news and bad politics is a dangerous mix. In the absence of inspiration and charisma, he needs to be demonstrably effective. The jury is definitely out on the latter.

You can read a lot into this feud. The resentment seems to have grown deeper as Abbott has become an inside-Labour proxy for the outside-Labour Corbyn, with whom she shared a relationship in the late 1970s (the details of which are somewhat toe-curling to comprehend, but it appears to have petered out when his vegetable growing took precedence over her social life).

During the great purge of 2023  in which Starmer saw off various MPs and candidates he didnt fancy  Starmer and Abbott did a kind of hokey cokey. Following an article that included the musing that Jews experienced prejudice rather than racism, the Labour Whip was removed.

In the end the partys National Executive Committee issued her a formal written warning. Abbott eventually had the Whip restored in May 2024, but not before various public figures had campaigned on her behalf, and by extension against Starmer, including his deputy leader, Angela Rayner.

The lobby of public figures who signed an open letter in her support inevitably accused the Labour leadership of systemic racism, which must have left a nasty taste in Starmers mouth. After a delay, Abbott was allowed to stand again in Hackney, one of the few genuine reversals Starmer encountered on his downhill sprint to the general election in July.

Judging by his inability to look Abbott in the eye in the House of Commons this week, the loathing is mutual. As we know, civil wars are even nastier than the regular kind. No one would think of Abbot as a mouse, but she has roared.
Around 7,000 cases of spiking are reported to the police each year - Getty

Its the time of year for flocking to pubs, bars and parties to celebrate the festivities and let your hair down. However, its important to keep your wits about you to avoid spiking.

Around 7,000 cases are reported to the police each year, latest figures show. But research suggests that this is a drop in the ocean, representing just 2 per cent of all cases that actually occur.

While its not clear if there is a seasonal pattern, it stands to reason that the festive period is a risk period as people go out more for office parties or socialising generally, says Ian Hamilton, an associate professor in addiction at the University of York. Here, he shares the warning signs that youve been spiked and, vitally, what to do if it happens to you.

What are the signs that youve been spiked?

Much will depend on the type of drug used, however in the main the person would feel drowsy, confused, disorientated, nauseous, disorientated, struggle to communicate and ultimately become unconscious, says Hamilton.

Other symptoms of spiking can include vomiting, hallucinations, paranoia, memory loss, lowered inhibitions, loss of balance and problems with vision, according to the Met Police. These usually kick in within 15 minutes of someone spiking you and can last for hours.

As the symptoms overlap with the signs of drinking excess alcohol, it can be difficult to know for certain whether youve been spiked.

There could be clues in your drink itself, such as it changing colour or looking cloudy. Any obvious signs will depend on the drug used, how soluble it is, what form it was administered and the drink involved, explains Dr Agatha Grela, a senior lecturer in forensic chemistry at Anglia Ruskin University. For example, adding a tablet or powder to a carbonated drink might make it fizzier.

However, Hamilton says it is unlikely that there would be any noticeable change. The drugs selected are chosen due to their ability to dissolve and go undetected, he notes.

What drugs are typically used?

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), also known as liquid ecstasy, is one of the most commonly used drugs for drink spiking, says Hamilton.

It induces euphoria, relaxation and confidence, he says. Other drugs produce similar effects, the drug chosen will depend on what is available at the time to the perpetrator.

Rohypnol, also known as roofie, is also routinely used, according to Drinkaware.

But enzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine, amphetamines opioids and antidepressants, too, are commonly used in cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault, Dr Grela notes.

As well as drugs, spiking also covers adding extra alcohol into a persons drink without their permission. Pouring stronger measures of alcohol or adding extra drinks continues to be the main way that people are deceived and tricked, Hamilton says.

Who is most at risk of being spiked?

Young women are most at risk of being spiked, according to latest data from the National Police Chiefs Council. In the year to April 2023, the police received 6,732 reports of spiking.

Victims were aged 26 on average and women were targeted in three-quarters of cases. Most incidents occurred in bars and night clubs, though they were also reported in peoples homes, mostly during house parties, as well as in student unions, restaurants, music venues and at festivals.

In separate research from Drinkaware and Anglia Ruskin University published in November 2024, 2.2 per cent of people reported having their drink spiked in the last year (equating to around 1.2 million adults in the UK) and 11 per cent of adults said they had been spiked at some point in their lives.

What should you do if you think youve been spiked?

While it can be difficult to know if someone has spiked you, the Met recommends getting help straight away if you feel strange or like youve had more alcohol than you actually have.

Tell someone as soon as you can, Hamilton says. Many people might not know they have been spiked until they are experiencing disabling symptoms that make it difficult to communicate so raise the alarm as soon as possible, he says.

This includes getting medical attention if you feel unwell and calling an ambulance if symptoms get worse. If admitted to hospital, doctors can monitor you and decide on the best course of treatment. Stomach pumping is not routinely offered for spiking.

If you are at home after a suspected spiking, the NHS recommends staying with an adult for 24 hours (which is how long the effects can last for), keeping hydrated, avoiding alcohol and caffeine and returning to hospital if you feel more unwell or you become drowsy.

The Met also urges people to call 999 or 101 as soon as possible to report the incident. Officers can then take a urine sample, which can help to bring a prosecution. This test is usually offered up to seven days after the spiking took place, as thats how long some drugs can remain in the body. However, the sooner the better as some drugs leave the body in less than 12 hours.

If possible, the spiked drink should be kept, for example the glass or bottle, says Dr Grela. Even if it has been consumed, toxicology tests can be carried out on dried residue in a glass.

What are the long-term health risks?

Poor mental health is a potential long-term consequence following a drink spiking.

Victims told the Home Affairs Committee that they had suffered from anxiety and were left taking antidepressants since being targeted. Others told of dealing with embarrassment, shame, loss of confidence and trauma for years after the incident.

Are there any preventative steps you can take?

There are some simple steps that people can take to reduce the risk of spiking, such as only accepting a drink from someone you trust, ensuring you keep sight of your drink and keeping your drink covered when not drinking, says Hamilton.

Other protective steps include using drink stoppers for the top of your bottle to prevent someone dropping something into your drink, according to Drinkaware.

Sticking with a friend or someone you know can help but is no guarantee that you wont be spiked, he warns. We know there have been examples of spiking carried out by someone the victim knows, Hamilton adds.

Common sense advice is to be vigilant and always keep an eye on your drink, says Dr Grela. The problem with this of course is that it puts the focus and responsibility on the potential victim. We need to be shifting the attention towards the perpetrators and make sure they know that drink spiking is a crime.
Luigi Mangione arrives at a heliport with members of the NYPD on 19 December. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcares CEO has been charged in Manhattan federal court on four counts, including murder, stalking and firearms offenses.

The federal criminal complaint against Luigi Mangione was unsealed two days after state prosecutors announced a grand jury indictment against him in the murder of executive Brian Thompson, who was shot dead on the streets of Manhattan.

The federal criminal complaint unsealed on Thursday charges Mangione with stalking  travel in interstate commerce, stalking  use of interstate facilities, murder through use of a firearm and a firearms offense.

The complaint alleges that Mangione was caught with evidence directly tying him to Thompsons murder.

Mangione was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol and silencer consistent with the weapon used to kill the victim, clothing that matched apparel that the shooter wore in the security camera videos, a notebook  several thousand dollars in cash  and a letter addressed To the Feds, the complaint states.

It adds: The notebook contained several handwritten pages that express hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular.

The complaint claims in an entry marked as 8/15 a passage describes how the details are finally coming together and Im glad  in a way  that Ive procrastinated, bc it allowed me to learn more about [acronym for Company-1], which the complaint states is UnitedHealthcare.

The entry also states the target is insurance because it checks every box, the complaint claims.

Another entry marked 10/22 allegedly states: 1.5 months. This investor conference is a true windfall  and  most importantly  the message becomes self evident.

And later in the notebook it describes an intent to wack the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference, the complaint states.

The notebook is separate from a letter addressed To the Feds, the complaint says, in which Mangione allegedly wrote: I wasnt working with anyone and PS you can check serial numbers to verify this is all self-funded.

This was fairly trivial: some elementary social engineering, basic CAD, a lot of patience, the complaint alleges Mangione wrote in the letter.

The complaint also alleges Mangione traveled to New York for the purpose of stalking and killing Thompson and that while in the city, he stalked and then shot and killed the executive.

Prosecutors also have put together an alleged timeline of Mangiones movements from 24 November up to and including 4 December, the date that the killing occurred, through hundreds of hours of security footage recordings.

They say that he arrived in New York City on 24 November on a bus that originated in Atlanta, Georgia. He then took a taxi to the area around the hotel where Thompson was shot, and stayed in the area for around an hour before taking another taxi to a hostel located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

At the hostel, they allege that he registered under the name Mark Rosario and provided a fake New Jersey ID.

On the day of the murder, the suspect allegedly left the hostel at around 5.35am and rode an electric bike down to a location near the midtown hotel, wearing a gray backpack.

After arriving in the area, Mangione allegedly walked around and at one point purchased items from a nearby coffee shop and then returned to a bench in the vicinity of the hotel.

At around 6.45am the suspect allegedly saw and approached Thompson and shot him multiple times, and then fled on foot, then electric bike, then taxi, dropping his backpack on the way.

Earlier on Thursday, Mangione appeared in court in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested last week after five days on the run, and agreed to be extradited to New York.

He waived a preliminary hearing on the Pennsylvania charges in exchange for the prosecutor giving him a 20-page investigative report from the Altoona police department.

Mangione arrived in New York later on Thursday in a police helicopter and was then transferred via a perp walk into a waiting vehicle. Mangione walked slowly, flanked by law enforcement, as he wore an orange jumpsuit and had his hands handcuffed in front of him.

Related: Rage, race and good looks: the forces behind the lionization of a murder suspect

Authorities have said Mangione was carrying the gun used to kill Thompson, a passport, fake IDs and about $10,000 when he was arrested on 9 December while eating breakfast at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Earlier this week, Mangione was indicted by a New York grand jury and charged with state murder charges including first-degree murder, two counts of murder in the second degree, along with other weapons and forgery charges.

The New York state case against Mangione will happen alongside the federal case against him.

In court in Manhattan, Mangione, now wearing a blue sweater and beige slacks, with his ankles in chains, made an initial appearance on the federal charges before US magistrate judge Katharine Parker. He spoke briefly to confirm to Parker that he understood his rights and the fresh federal charges.

Mangiones lawyer told the court that he would not seek to be released on bail and Parker ordered that he remain in custody. He will be asked to enter a plea at a future hearing.

Mangione is also facing separate charges in Pennsylvania.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed reporting
Semiconductors are essential to electronics used in defense, medical devices, smart phones, clean energy and more Photograph: Cseh Ioan/Alamy

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is quietly fast-tracking approval of new PFAS forever chemicals for use by the semiconductor industry at the same time the agency is publicly touting increased scrutiny of new PFAS and other chemicals.

As US semiconductor production ramps up, the hastened reviews could sharply increase pollution containing little-studied PFAS that are likely toxic, accumulative in the environment and contribute to climate change.

Despite the risks, the EPA is bending over backwards for the semiconductor industry, said Mike Belliveau, the founder of the Bend The Curve non-profit who has lobbied on toxic chemical legislation.

Were going to see more and more [PFAS pollution], he said. No one is happy that PFAS is in their drinking water or raining down from the air, and EPAs permitting runs counter to rising scientific and public concern  so tension is mounting.

Related: EPA bans widely used chemicals linked to cancer before Trump takes office

PFAS are a class of about 15,000 chemicals often used to make products resistant to water, stains and heat. They are called forever chemicals because they do not naturally break down, and are linked to cancer, liver problems, thyroid issues, birth defects, kidney disease, decreased immunity and other serious health problems.

Semiconductors are essential to electronics used in defense, medical devices, smart phones, clean energy and more, and the Biden administration has spurred the industrys onshoring with billions in incentives. But the industry is a prolific polluter and a major source of unregulated and unmonitored PFAS, creating tension with Bidens sweeping plan to rein in PFAS pollution.

The controversy represents a confluence of what environmental advocates have said are major deficiencies in PFAS regulation. Its generating debate over the definition of PFAS, political meddling in EPA decisions, the rapid accumulation of little-studied PFAS and regulators black box decision making around chemical safety and approvals.

The EPA in early December announced it would strengthen its review of new chemicals as part of the 2016 rewrite of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which are the laws governing the nations use of toxic substances.

Previously, industry could begin selling a chemical if the EPA didnt review it within 90 days, resulting in thousands of substances being sold with virtually no review.

The law also included a low volume exemption that allows chemicals to be sent to market in fewer than 30 days with little scrutiny if theyre used in small amounts and do not put workers health at riskl over 600 PFAS were given low volume exemptions in recent decades, including those that were lethal if inhaled and corrosive to the skin.

The 2016 TSCA rewrite eliminated those problems, but the first Trump EPA never implemented the law. The Biden EPA published it in early December, stating the agency should encourage innovation, while also making sure that new chemistries can be used safely before they are allowed to enter commerce.

Today, weve modernized our chemical reviews and continued to protect people from unsafe new PFAS, said Michal Freedhoff, an EPA chemical safety administrator.

But 40 pages into the rule are two paragraphs that advocates say contradicts the rules intent. It points to PFASs critical role in semiconductor production, and states that the agency prioritizes those PFAS and now reviews these new chemicals in a third of the time compared to other sectors  or as little as 90 days.

The EPA further claims it put in place a framework to ensure the chemicals are safe, but the details are unclear. It also justifies the decision in part by claiming that semiconductor PFAS are used in a closed loop, meaning they are contained in the facility, do not put workers at risk and are properly disposed of.

But advocates say that is untrue. While industry uses robots in many chip making processes, the facilities pump an enormous volume of PFAS waste into water or air. Some capture waste and send it to incinerators that are technologically incapable of fully destroying PFAS, and instead send toxic waste into the air around those facilities.

The Biden administration has acknowledged the PFAS waste problem, but still claims the process is closed loop.

There is no closed system for PFAS, Belliveau said.

Its also unclear exactly how the EPA is weighing chemicals risks. The agency generally relies on industry science, and in other situations in which it has fast-tracked approval of new chemicals, it uses standardized formulas to assess health and environmental risks that seem designed to get them to [say] yes, said Tosh Sagar, an attorney with Earthjustice, which litigates on PFAS issues.

If there is health and safety data on the new chemicals, it was developed by industry and largely is legally hidden from the public under confidential business information claims.

Its innocent until proven guilty and thats a fundamental problem, said Lenny Siegel, with Chips Communities United, a group working with industry and the administration to improve environmental safeguards. If there are safety reports, then show me  the chemicals are going to be in our environment and blood for a long, long time.

While the industry has tried to evade environmental oversight, it is looking for alternatives to PFAS, but development is slow and difficult. Producing semiconductors is a highly complex process and PFAS are essential ingredients used in as many as 1,000 steps at the nanometric level.

Recent testing data showed 78,000 parts per trillion (ppt) of PFAS in wastewater from one facility; the EPA legal limit for several common PFAS compounds is 4 ppt.

The process also demands the use of fluorinated gases, or PFAS gas, in a range of processes, and their toxicological risks remain largely unknown. But they often turn into TFA, a toxic greenhouse gas that can stay in the atmosphere for 1,000 years. TFA is often found at higher levels than any other PFAS compound in the air, water and human blood, but independent researchers are only beginning to study it.

Meanwhile, the EPA has altered the definition of PFAS in the rule to exclude many gases that are considered PFAS by most public health agencies worldwide, Sagar said. The exclusion has been a priority for the chemical industry and military.

Chip makers and the Biden administration have argued that the benefits of unhindering the semiconductor industry outweighs the risks. That may be a point of debate, Siegel said, but he added: Thats not what the EPA is saying  theyre saying theyre protecting us.

The EPA is not doing their job, Siegel added.
House speaker Mike Johnson in Washington. Photograph: Will Oliver/EPA

Donald Trump threw his support behind House Republicans new plan to avert a government shutdown a day after the president-elect torpedoed a bipartisan plan to fund the government and plunged Capitol Hill into chaos days before the Christmas holiday.

SUCCESS in Washington! Trump posted on social media, as key Republicans said they had reached a tentative deal. Speaker Mike Johnson and the House have come to a very good Deal.

Congressman Tom Cole, chair of the House appropriations committee, told reporters that Republicans had reached an agreement, but offered no further details. Another Republican lawmaker, the Oklahoma congresswoman Stephanie Bice told reporters: There is a deal, and the details are forthcoming.

The new proposal, according to Republicans, would extend funding at current levels through mid-March, provide disaster assistance for hurricane-battered states and suspend the debt limit through January 2027. It remains unclear if the plan has enough support to pass the narrowly divided House chamber.

Federal funding expires at 12.01 on Saturday morning, leaving members of Congress scrambling to reach a solution before they leave Washington for the holidays to cobble together a short-term spending bill and avoid a shutdown. The plan rejected on Wednesday would have extended funding through 14 March.

In the Senate, some Republicans aired their frustration over Trumps 11th-hour intervention. Leaving a lunchtime meeting with Trumps vice-president-elect, JD Vance, Maine senator Susan Collins told Politico that there was still no plan to avoid a shutdown.

Iowa senator Chuck Grassley told CNN: When you have a $35tn national debt, its stupid to shut the government down.

Trumps sudden entrance into the debate and his demands sent Congress spiraling. It left Johnson scrambling late into the night at the Capitol. On Thursday morning, Trump told NBC News that Congress should get rid of the so-called debt ceiling  a limit on what the US treasury can borrow to pay its bills  a proposal that has traditionally won more support from Democrats than Republicans.

Related: US funding plan collapses as Trump makes demands days before shutdown

In an interview with NBC News, Trump said eliminating the debt ceiling was the smartest thing it [Congress] could do  I would support that entirely.

The idea was quickly shot down by the Democratic House leader, Hakeem Jeffries.

GOP extremists want House Democrats to raise the debt ceiling so that House Republicans can lower the amount of your Social Security check. Hard pass, Jeffries posted on his Bluesky account on Thursday.

The day before, Trump proposed a stopgap measure that would combine some continuation of government funds along with a much more controversial provision to raise the nations debt limit  something his own party routinely rejects.

Republicans must GET SMART and TOUGH, Trump and Vance said in an earlier statement. They added: Anything else is a betrayal of our country.

Democrats decried the GOP revolt over the funding bill, which would have also provided some $100.4bn in disaster aid to states hammered by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other natural disasters.

This reckless Republican-driven shutdown can be avoided if House Republicans will simply do what is right for the American people and stick with the bipartisan agreement that they themselves negotiated, Jeffries told reporters on Capitol Hill on Thursday. He called Trumps debt-limit proposal premature at best.

But some Democrats are ready to seize the offer. I agree with President-elect Trump that Congress should terminate the debt limit and never again govern by hostage taking, the progressive Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren wrote on X.

Already, the massive 1,500-page bill was on the verge of collapse, as hard-right conservatives rejected the increased spending. They were egged on by Trumps billionaire ally Elon Musk, who rejected the plan almost as soon as it was released.

Rank-and-file lawmakers complained about the extras, which included their first pay raises in more than a decade  a shock after one of the most unproductive, chaotic sessions in modern times.

Even the addition of much-needed disaster aid, some $100.4bn in the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural calamities that ravaged states this year, plus $10bn in economic assistance for farmers failed to win over the budget-slashing GOP. A number of Republicans had been waiting for Trump to signal whether they should vote yes or no.

This should not pass, Musk posted on his social media site X in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

One lawmaker said office phone lines were flooded with calls from constituents.

My phone was ringing off the hook, said Andy Barr, a Republican representative from Kentucky. The people who elected us are listening to Elon Musk.

The outcome comes as no surprise for Johnson, who, like other Republican House speakers before him, has been unable to persuade his majority to go along with the routine needs of federal government operations, which they would prefer to slash.

He met behind closed doors late into the night at the Capitol with GOP lawmakers trying to figure out a way out of the bind. Vance joined them until nearly 10pm, his young son  in pyjamas  in tow.

We had a productive conversation, Vance said as he and his son exited the speakers office, declining repeated questions about the details.

Were in the middle of these negotiations, but I think well be able to solve some problems here.

It all shows just how hard it will be for Republicans next year, as they seize control of the House, Senate and White House, to unify and lead the nation. And it underscores how much Johnson and the GOP leaders must depend on Trumps blessing to see any legislative package over the finish line.

Musk, who is heading a government body that Trump claims hell create called the department of government efficiency, warned: Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years!

Its not an idle threat coming from Musk, the worlds richest man, who helped bankroll Trumps victory and can easily use his America Pac to make or break political careers.

Jamie Raskin, a Democratic representative of Maryland, said this is the problem with an oligarchy  a handful of wealthy people run everything and everyone is supposed to live in fear of them.

The bipartisan package that Trump rejected extended existing government programs and services at their current operating levels for a few more months, through 14 March 2025.

The stopgap measure is needed because Congress has failed to pass its annual appropriations bills to fund all the various agencies in the federal government, from the Pentagon to health, welfare, transportation and other routine domestic services.
A US Marine Himars (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is offloaded from an air-cushion landing craft during training. The Himars vehicle can fire long-ranging precision missiles - Daniel Cole/Reuters

The US Marine Corps has a bold new strategy in the event China makes good on decades of threats and attacks Taiwan.

One problem, however: the US Navy amphibious ships that are supposed to carry the Marines into battle are in such poor condition that many of them may not even be able to leave port, much less take part in an epoch-defining conflict with a powerfully-armed foe.

Amphibious warfare ships are critical for Marine Corps missions, but the Navy has struggled to ensure they are available for operations and training, the US Government Accountability Office concluded in a December report.

Shockingly, some of the Navys 32 amphibious ships have not been available for years at a time, the GAO revealed.

The Corps fought for years to get a law passed establishing a 31-ship floor for the Navys amphibious flotilla. In theory, the fleet has one more amphib than its required to have. In practice, few of the ships are ready when theyre needed.

The problem comes down to poor planning and inadequate maintenance. The Navy has consistently underfunded repairs to the amphibs, which are big, slow and lack heavy weaponry. The Navy would rather spend its budget on carriers and their aircraft, nuclear submarines and powerful surface warships. The sea service, left to itself, would not have as many amphibs as it does. The Navy has entirely cancelled vital maintenance for older amphibs it proposed to decommission, but which Congress has ordered it to retain in service.

As of March 2024, half of the amphibious fleet is in poor condition and these ships are not on track to meet their expected service lives of 40 or more years, the GAO warned. It could cost a billion dollars or more per ship to keep the six oldest amphibs  those launched in the 1990s  in service until their 40th birthdays.

Thats a problem for the Marines, who traditionally deploy as Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) aboard three-ship amphibious ready groups. An MEU is built around a marine infantry battalion, but many other things are attached to form a complete air-ground task force. The MEU has its own large aviation element, logistics, artillery, swimming armour and many other things. It may be several thousand strong. If the Navy cant sail the right three big ships at the right time, the Marines must either deploy without critical equipment  or not at all. New amphibs are on order, but a labour crisis affecting the whole US naval shipbuilding industry means many new ships are years behind schedule.

The ship shortage comes at an uncertain time for the Marine Corps. Its war plans are in flux. But instead of evolving its doctrine from a position of strength and flexibility, the Corps is rewriting its strategy while begging for the bare minimum of resources to perform its missions the usual way.

Until now, Marines have deployed as MEUs or even bigger formations  potentially many thousands of personnel in all. Their main mission has been to land in force and establish a beachhead from which they can move forward to fight a land-air battle against opposing ground troops.

But fast-improving enemy missile technology has rendered major, static beachhead operations dangerous if not suicidal. So the Marines have pivoted. Instead of sending whole MEUs or even bigger brigade-sized task forces to the same beach, they now plan to land smaller contingents of Marines  potentially just 200-person companies  across many small islands spread across a wide area.

From these tiny, hard-to-detect outposts, the Marines would launch drones and missiles in order to find and sink enemy warships  and aid the Navy in its efforts to roll back the kinds of massed maritime deployments that might precede, say, a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The Marines would use small islands as unsinkable missile-firing warships, fighting a primarily maritime battle. The small, mobile detachments would be hard for China to target at long range, and if China sent an overwhelming force to seize an island the Marines would withdraw back to sea  having drawn away combat power from the attack on Taiwan.

But this new Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations ploy wont work if the Marines cant reach their island outposts, many of which might lie along the so-called first island chain between Japan and The Philippines.

The Navy has a plan to build dozens of small transport ships that can blend in among merchant traffic and secretly deploy Marine companies into the carefully-surveilled waters of the China and Philippine Seas. But these light amphibious ships have been delayed by the same poor planning and industrial woes that have corroded the existing amphibious flotilla.

For now, the Marines need their big, old amphibs  whether they deploy in big MEUs or small island detachments. But the ships are rusting away for want of maintenance. Its a shameful state of affairs for what purports to be the worlds leading fleet.
Watch: Councillors square up and fling 'Nazi' insults as meeting descends into chaos

Credit: Oldham Council

A council meeting in Greater Manchester descended into chaos on Wednesday after a debate about the green belt ended with councillors allegedly squaring up to each other.

Councillors at the Oldham council meeting shouted at each other  with one being called a Nazi  in a debate about the towns participation in Greater Manchesters controversial joint housing and business development plan.

Under plans signed off this year, the majority of councils in the Greater Manchester combined authority agreed to allocate land for 115,000 new homes over the next 15 years.

Oldham is expected to build 11,560 by 2039  although this could increase by up to 54 per cent after the Government increased its house-building target once it had come to power.

However, after Labour lost its ruling majority on Oldham council in Mays local elections, opposition members voted for the authority to write to Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, and ask to leave the deal.

On Wednesday, councillors complained that she had not yet been informed of Oldhams revocation of the scheme. Some in attendance accused the council of gaslighting the chamber in an act they said amounted to a breach of constitution by not yet opting out of the scheme.

The meeting boiled over as Cllr Lewis Quigg, the deputy leader of Oldham Conservatives, was seen calling Labour Cllr Arook Shah, the council leader, a dictator. He could then be heard shouting over Cllr Marc Hince, an independent, as he made a representation.

Despite Dr Zahid Chauhan, the mayor, calling for members to refrain from name calling or personal insults from the outset, things soon spiralled.

Cllr Hince later turned around to somebody behind him and shouted: Take that back now after being called a Nazi.

Earlier this year, he was criticised after a photograph emerged of him wearing a German military uniform with Nazi symbols on. He apologised and said he had been wearing it for a re-enactment weekend with a friend in which there were representatives of both Allied and Axis forces.

Cllr Marc Hince was called a Nazi during the heated meeting

The argument prompted an initial 90-minute pause in proceedings, when police were called, before Dr Chauhan fully adjourned the meeting after taking a vote. It was reported that Cllr Graham Sheldon, the Oldham Conservative leader, and Cllr Quigg argued and squared up to each other during the break, although the latter denies any physical confrontation.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that officers attended Oldham Civic Centre at 5.30pm on Wednesday evening and that inquiries remain ongoing into racially aggravated public order.

Those watching online saw the livestream cut out, with a message stating that the meeting had been temporarily adjourned displayed on their screens. Despite being told that it would return shortly, it did not resume until more than 90 minutes later, when the mayor instructed several councillors to apologise for their behaviour.

Addressing the chamber, Cllr Hince said: Ive had my fair share of abuse from within the chamber and outside. But I will not be called a Nazi by anyone. I find that deeply offensive. He said the comparison was totally disrespectful, and revealed that it was now a police matter.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: Officers responded to reports of a disturbance from a member of the public at Oldham Civic Centre on West Street at around 5.30pm on Wednesday. Police are currently investigating reports of racially aggravated public order, and inquiries into this remain ongoing.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children (from left) Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, embrace and smile in the touching image used for their Christmas card - Will Warr/Kensington Palace/AFP via Getty Images

The Prince and Princess of Wales have released their Christmas card for this year, which shows their happy young family on a Norfolk beach.

The image is a still taken from a video by Will Warr, issued in the autumn, in which the Princess told the world that she had finished her course of chemotherapy.

Showing the family with their arms around each other and beaming, it reflects the Prince and Princesss priorities this year.

The card has already been sent to the Waleses family, friends and patronages, and has now been shared with the public via their social media channels.

A short video showed the card on a table in front of a Christmas tree, with snow falling in front of it.

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas  pic.twitter.com/pL3t13sTlu  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 19, 2024

The Prince and Princess are not attending the Royal familys traditional pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

They are instead beginning their family Christmas early at their home in Anmer, near Sandringham, after Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis broke up from school.

A royal source confirmed that William and Kate are already in Norfolk, as had been planned, and are looking forward to spending time with the rest of the Royal family at Sandringham over Christmas.

The Buckingham Palace lunch is a private event for senior royals and their wider family who will not be attending the Christmas celebrations at the Kings Norfolk home.

Earlier this week, the Duke of York pulled out of the meal as he continues to be dogged by his links to an alleged Chinese spy.

Members of the family pictured arriving at Buckingham Palace on Thursday included the King and Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke of Yorks daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, with their husbands.

The King waves to onlookers as he arrives at the palace for the Christmas lunch - Paul Grover for The Telegraph

Also attending were Lord Frederick Windsor, his wife Sophie Winkleman and their daughter Isabella, the Duke of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, the Earl of St Andrews, Lady Marina Windsor and Lady Amelia Windsor, Timothy Taylor, Lady Helen Taylor, Estella and Eloise Taylor, Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones and Lord Downpatrick.

The Princess joined William and their children at Westminster Abbey for her annual Together at Christmas carol service earlier this month, in a gradual return to public events after completing her cancer treatment.
Barbacana chef Christian Hernandez at the new downtown restaurant located in the Bayou Lofts building in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

At Barbacana, chef Christian Hernandez is serving what he calls Houston-inspired cuisine, giving American dishes a flare of international flavors.

The restaurant opened this week downtown in the Bayou Lofts building, 907 Franklin. For now, it is serving a tasting menu before debuting its a la carte options in a couple of weeks. Hernandez, 34, has a resume of working at fine dining restaurants in Houston and New York, including Michelin-starred establishments.

NEW OPENING: Bar Doko opens from Handies Douzo team as unique Japanese cocktail experience in Autry Park

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"Some of the highest expression of cuisine happens in places that have fine dining tasting menus because the chefs are given the freedom by the guest to push outside the ordinary, so I always knew I wanted that somehow incorporated in my restaurant," Hernandez said.

Texas Wagyu Denver is one of the dishes served at Barbacana, a new downtown restaurant located in the Bayou Lofts building in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Tasting menu snacks include a jicama tetela, left, and a prawn carpaccio at Barbacana, a new downtown restaurant located in the Bayou Lofts building. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer The Harrisburg, a house drink at Barbacana featuring tequila, amaro, and Benedictine. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Crab with butter onion is one of the dishes at Barbacana, a new downtown restaurant located in the Bayou Lofts building. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Cold smoked red grouper is an item served at Barbacana, a new downtown restaurant located in the Bayou Lofts building. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Yellow snapper crudo is a tasting menu item at Barbacana, a new downtown restaurant located in the Bayou Lofts building. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Chocolate and pecan coulant served with black tea ice cream is one of the desserts served at Barbacana, a new downtown restaurant located in the Bayou Lofts building. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A tasting menu for Barbacana, a new downtown restaurant located in the Bayou Lofts building, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

The tasting menu will update nearly monthly. Hernandez's debut dishes include Vermillion snapper crudo, crab with buttered onion, cold smoked red grouper, dry-aged duck, Texas wagyu Denver steak, and for dessert a chocolate and pecan coulant with black tea ice cream and a husk cherry stroopwafel. Elements of African, Middle Eastern and Japanese cuisine can be recognized throughout the courses.

"It was very intentional that I wanted to create a place where we were not pigeonholed to one cuisine," Hernandez said. "It's kind of a way for us to cook whatever we want, as long as we have a good story behind it and somewhere to tie it to. I really wanted this place to be an open book where we can kind of write whatever we want into the chapters."

The full a la carte menu will feature variations of the dishes on the tasting menu, like Vermillion snapper and a Texas wagyu striploin. A wine pairing is available with the tasting menu. Cocktails were created by Kristine Nguyen of Capt. Foxheart's Bad News Bar.

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Raised in Houston, Hernandez started cooking at a young age to help his single mom at home. He started working at a catering company at the age of 14, but thought he wanted to become a veterinarian and studied biomedical science at Texas A&M University. He worked at the Republic Steakhouse in College Station, which sparked his interest in cooking as a career.

A husk cherry and a house-made stroopwafel is a dessert snack offered with the tasting menu at Barbacana, a new downtown restaurant located in the Bayou Lofts building. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Hernandez attended culinary school in Houston and worked as a line cook at Justin Yu's first restaurant Oxheart  one of the most exciting restaurants at the time. After graduating from culinary school, he worked at a few more restaurants in Houston like BCN and the now-closed Pax Americana before packing his bags for New York, even though he had nothing lined up. He eventually secured a job at Contra, which achieved a Michelin star in his time there.

This was a milestone in his career, he said.

After New York, he went to Mexico City, where he was the chef de cuisine at Emelia, now renamed Em; it received a Michelin star recently. He moved back to Houston in 2019 and became the chef de cuisine at March, which was recently awarded a Michelin star; he left in 2022.

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"If you look at all the places I worked, Barbacana is very much like a combination of all of them," Hernandez said. "I wanted to do what I've always done and what I love, which is tasting menus and fine dining."

Interior of Barbacana, a new downtown restaurant located in the Bayou Lofts building. Elizabeth Conley

He wants his restaurant to be approachable. When customers walk in, their eyes are drawn to the colorful and intricate murals by Daniel Anguilu, a Houston graffiti artist he's followed since he was a kid. There are no white tablecloths; instead, the 150-seat dining room has an industrial-modern design. Hernandez conceptualized the design and brought it to life with Eaves Construction.

The tasting bar lines the almost completely open kitchen, where diners can see their dinner made. This was a really important feature for Hernandez.

The team is made up of longtime industry professionals, like sous chef Hugo Castro, who worked with Hernandez at March. Pastry chef Priscilla Trevino comes with experience from Leo's River Oaks, Georgia James and Bludorn. General manager Jake Ho previously worked at Bludorn, and assistant general manager Ziad Batshoun worked at two-Michelin-star restaurant Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York. The other assistant general manager is Nicholas Madison, who was last at Late August.

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Opening crews including chef Christian Hernandez, center, of Barbacana, a new downtown restaurant located in the Bayou Lofts building. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

While he and other members on his team have worked at Michelin-starred restaurants, he's motivated by his passion for cooking and creating a memorable customer experience.
The rules around donations to political parties need strengthening to protect the electoral system from foreign interference, the head of the elections watchdog has said.

Vijay Rangarajan, chief executive of the Electoral Commission, told The Guardian that it is crucial that people have trust in the financing of the political system.

It comes amid reports that X owner Elon Musk has been preparing to make a large donation to Reform UK.

In an interview with the newspaper, Mr Rangarajan said: Its crucial that UK voters have trust in the financing of our political system, so they need to see how parties and campaigners are financed and how they spend that money at elections.

Handout photo issued by Reform UK of their leader Nigel Farage and party treasurer Nick Candy during their meeting with Elon Musk (Stuart Mitchell/Reform UK/PA)

He added: We recommend three key changes: limit company donations to the money that they have made in the UK; legally require parties to conduct know-your-donor checks on donations to assess and manage their risks; and ensure those who donate to unincorporated associations are permissible donors.

According to UK election rules, parties can accept donations from a number of sources including individuals on the UK electoral register or a UK-registered company.

Earlier this week, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage suggested talks were underway with Elon Musk about a potential donation to the party, saying that the two had discussed money and there will be ongoing negotiations.

Mr Farage described his hour-long meeting with Mr Musk at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort on Monday as great and historic, saying he and party treasurer Nick Candy had learned a great deal about the Trump ground game.

We only have one more chance left to save the West and we can do great things together, he said.

Writing in The Telegraph after the meeting, Mr Farage said Mr Musk described Labour and the Conservatives as the uniparty and left us in no doubt that he is right behind us.

Inevitably, following such intense media speculation, the issue of money was discussed, and there will be ongoing negotiations on that score, the Reform UK leader added.
A prison maths teacher who smuggled codeine into jail for an inmate she was having a relationship with was caught when a love letter was discovered in her handbag, a court heard.

Kelsey Calvert was spared jail after pleading guilty to misconduct in a public office and carrying a prohibited article into prison while she was employed at HMP Holme House, a category C mens prison in Stockton-on-Tees.

The 28-year-old sobbed in the dock as she was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, after a judge said she had had her head turned by a deeply manipulative criminal.

Teesside Crown Court heard Calvert worked at the jail from April to November 2022 until she was searched on her way into work one day and a letter was found in her handbag suggesting she was having a personal relationship with a serving prisoner.

When spoken to by the deputy governor, Calvert said she and the inmate had been exchanging love letters.

She also admitted bringing codeine that had been prescribed for her father into the jail because the prisoner told her he needed it to cope with the pain.

Prosecutor Shaun Dryden told the court: (Calvert) said the prisoner had begun writing her letters which she initially refused but he persisted and she had fallen for, in her words, all the bullshit.

Calvert also confirmed she had been speaking to the prisoner as one of his list of contacts using a false name.

An investigation found love letters between the two in the prisoners cell and Calverts home, and police also uncovered seven phone calls between them confirming they had a sexual relationship, Mr Dryden said.

In the calls the inmate also told Calvert he was in trouble and needed to get drugs into the prison, seemingly in order to pay off a debt, it was said.

When interviewed by police Calvert said she had brought codeine to the prisoner on one occasion as he was suffering from pain after having a tooth removed, the court heard.

Mr Dryden said: The defendant said the prisoner asked her to collect a letter from a friend but when she met this male she believed the envelope contained drugs so hadnt done that.

In mitigation, the court heard Calvert was mortified by what she was influenced to do and had been taken advantage of and manipulated by someone who expressed feelings for her.

Giving her a suspended prison sentence, Judge Joanne Kidd told Calvert: You had your head turned by a deeply manipulative criminal who groomed you from first to last.

I have listened to the phone calls that passed between you. You loved him and he told you that he loved you, and such was your level of vulnerability  that you wanted to hear what he said.

Calvert, of Ryhope, Sunderland, was also ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: The overwhelming majority of people working in prisons are hardworking and honest but our Counter-Corruption Unit is catching more of the small minority who are not.
Julie Martin shares the devastating effects of her niece, Amy May Shead, then 26, suffering a life-threatening allergic reaction, after a restaurant in Budapest served her peanuts. This is despite the waiter having been told in writing in Hungarian and in person multiple times that she had a severe allergy to them.

Amy (left, before the accident) was clinically dead for six minutes after going into anaphylactic shock. She is now blind, and unable to walk or talk. Pictured now with her parents Sue and Roger Shead. (Supplied) (Supplied)

If you'd met my niece, Amy, youd never forget her. Before that fateful night in Budapest, she was the kind of person everyone loved to meet. She had a larger-than-life personality and was endlessly kind. She was the sort of person that made friends anywhere and everywhere she went.

She was only 26 when tragedy struck and yet she had lived more fully than many do in a lifetime. She completed two university degrees, was a journalist at ITV and had just bought her first flat in London. Her life was one of promise and potential. But during a girls' trip to Budapest in April 2014, everything changed in an instant.

Amy was born with a severe nut allergy and she took it very seriously. She was never complacent, always double- and triple-checking her food to make sure it was safe.

A devastating reaction

In Budapest, she followed her usual routine of showing the waiter her allergy card  printed in the local language  and asked him to confirm her meal with the chef. Confident they understood, Amy took one bite of her dish and immediately felt something was wrong.

It all happened so fast. Amy administered her EpiPen (an adrenalin injection) and tried to calm herself, but the reaction was too severe. She used a second EpiPen, but it still wasnt enough. Realising she was going into anaphylaxis and feeling her airways close, she ran outside for air and collapsed near the restaurant as her friends frantically called for an ambulance.

Paramedics rushed Amy into the ambulance where they performed such forceful CPR that her friends could see the vehicle bouncing up and down from the pressure of her chest compressions.

Despite emergency services arriving quickly after, Amy had already gone into cardiac arrest on the pavement outside the restaurant. Paramedics rushed her into the ambulance where they performed such forceful CPR that her friends could see the vehicle bouncing up and down from the pressure of her chest compressions.

Amy used to light up the room with her 'larger than life' personality. (Supplied) (Supplied)

Starved of oxygen

But Amys condition was critical. The severity of her reaction left her brain starved of oxygen for six long minutes. For those six minutes, Amy was clinically dead, and this is when the catastrophic brain damage occurred.

Doctors placed Amy in three progressively deeper, induced comas to try to limit the brain damage.

She was transferred to Peterfy Hospital in Budapest, where she spent three weeks in intensive care. Doctors placed her in three progressively deeper, induced comas to try to limit the brain damage. A probe was also inserted to relieve the pressure and reduce swelling in her skull, but the damage was irreversible and her life was being maintained by a life support machine.

After three gruelling weeks, she was airlifted to St. Thomas Hospital in London, where she spent nearly another 11 months in ICU and was cared for by incredible nursing staff.

Changed forever

Amy survived, but her life  and the lives of her closest family and friends  was forever changed. Today, at 37, Amy lives in Essex with her parents and requires round-the-clock care. She is blind, unable to speak and completely immobile. She cannot feed herself and is reliant on a feeding tube.

Amy lives in Essex with her parents and requires round-the-clock care. She is blind, unable to speak and completely immobile. She cannot feed herself and is reliant on a feeding tube.

Each of these disabilities on their own would be devastating enough, but together, theyve left Amy in a state where her existence is profoundly limited. While she does understand some things, her inability to communicate is heartbreaking. We dont know how much she comprehends and its a constant mystery that weighs heavily on all of us.

Therapy has been a lifeline  initially for recovery  and now to maintain some quality of life. She undergoes regular physiotherapy to prevent her body from stiffening further and hydrotherapy, which she loves.

Amy had two university degrees and a promising career ahead, before the accident robbed her of her future. (Supplied) (Supplied)

No responsibility

Music therapy has also been a source of comfort, helping stimulate her mind in ways words cant. All of this is funded by the Amy May Trust, which my son Tom and I founded to ensure Amy has access to the care and resources she needs.

Despite Amy providing clear instructions about her allergies, the restaurant failed to follow them.

The restaurant where this tragedy occurred has never taken responsibility. Despite Amy providing clear instructions about her allergies, they failed to follow them. In Hungary at the time, businesses werent required to have public liability insurance, so even though their negligence caused this catastrophe, there was no legal recourse.

Travel insurance covered Amys initial medical bills and her repatriation to the UK, but beyond that, there was no support to cover the ongoing costs of her care. Compensation isnt about replacing what was lost, its about funding the immense expenses that come with caring for Amy. Weve had to fight for everything and the lack of accountability from the restaurant still hurts.

Saving others

My son Tom and I set up the Amy May Trust to support Amys care and raise awareness about the seriousness of allergies. Over the years, weve organised fundraising events and educational campaigns to highlight the potentially fatal consequences of allergic reactions, especially during busy periods like Christmas.

With restaurant staff under extra pressure, it becomes far easier for crucial messages to kitchens to be missed or miscommunicated. But allergies are not just an inconvenience  they are life-threatening.

Amy was a bright, vibrant woman who had so much to give. Now, she lives a life of silent strength, unable to share her thoughts or feelings.

Our hope is that by sharing Amys story, we can prevent another family from experiencing this kind of heartbreak. Amys parents (my sister and brother-in-law) are dedicated to caring for Amy and the day-to-day realities of their lives are already overwhelming. Thats why its so important for us to keep the trust running and ensure Amy gets the support she needs, while also driving awareness.

Amy was a high-achiever with a wide social circle, now 37, she lives with her parents and needs 24/7 care. (Supplied) (Supplied)

Unimaginable pain

Amy was a bright, vibrant woman who had so much to give. Now, she lives a life of silent strength, unable to share her thoughts or feelings, but Amy is still here and she still matters. Her spirit, though trapped, continues to inspire us. She may not be the effervescent young woman she once was, but she is still Amy  and she is loved and cherished.

Our family has endured unimaginable pain and Amys story is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to allergies. A single mistake can have catastrophic consequences.

We hope that by sharing Amys journey, we can create a world where tragedies like this are prevented and allergies are taken seriously.

If you would like further support or advice in regards to allergies, you can contact Allergy UK on their helpline on 01322 619898.

Read more about food allergies:
The New Saints were knocked out of the Conference League as they twice squandered the lead in a 3-2 defeat at Celje.

The Welsh Premier champions twice led in the first half after Danny Davies and Rory Holden scored.

But Edmilson levelled within a minute on both occasions and then David Zec won it for the Slovenian side in the second half as TNS exited the competition.

Craig Harrisons men took the lead when Davies headed home Ryan Brobbels free-kick in the 19th minute, with the goal surviving a VAR check.

But the advantage was short-lived as the hosts levelled almost immediately as Edmilson slotted past Connor Roberts after latching on to a loose pass.

The Slovenian side thought they had gone in front when Mark Zabukovnik converted soon after but he was ruled offside after a VAR check.

It was Saints who went back in front, though, as three minutes before half-time Holden finished off a quick counter-attack.

But they again could not hold on to their lead for more than a minute as Svit Seslars ball set Edmilson clear and he made no mistake.

Strong second-half pressure from the hosts eventually took its toll on Saints and they conceded in the 79th minute.

Zec was in the right place at the right time to tuck home a loose ball from close range to win it for the home side.
Anas Sarwar understands that difficult decisions must be made in government, Ian Murray has said after the Scottish Labour leader voiced disappointment at the UK Governments choice on the Waspi women.

With disagreement on the issue, the Scottish Secretary said policy differences between Scottish Labour and the Labour-run UK Government are to be expected as it is the way devolution works.

UK Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced on Tuesday there will be no compensation for women born in the 50s who were not aware of changes to the state pension age.

A number of Labour figures have previously been supportive of the Waspi campaign for compensation.

Mr Sarwar has sought to distance himself from Labour ministers position, saying there is justified frustration that there will not be blanket compensation for the women affected.

Mr Murray was speaking as he visited the Harland & Wolff fabrication yard in Methil, Fife, following news it is to be taken over by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia.

Speaking to journalists at the yard, the Labour MP said the parliamentary Ombudsman had found there had not been financial detriment to the Waspi women.

He told the PA news agency: The Governments just got to balance all of that in terms of the public finances that are available.

The decision, while disappointing  while frustrating and angering some of the Waspi women  is right for the Government.

Because we cant justify all of that taxpayers money being paid in compensation at a flat rate to everyone when 90% of women knew that the changes were being made.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said there is justified frustration over the UK Governments decision on Waspi women (PA)

Its a difficult decision, but government is difficult.

He said Labour had fought a 2011 decision by Chancellor George Osborne to accelerate pension changes, also highlighting that compensation for Waspi women had not been in the Labour manifesto.

Asked about his discussions with Mr Sarwar on the issue, Mr Murray said devolution means it is possible for different parts to take different positions.

The Scottish Secretary said: We have discussed this and Anas is very much of the view that being in Government is difficult, particularly with the inheritance of the financial situation weve got

He understands the position of being in Government and he will do what he needs to do in terms of the position he wants to take in terms of the Scottish Labour Party because thats the way devolution works.

I had the privilege of speaking with a group of @WASPI_Campaign women @ScotParl. I assured them of my support to press the U.K. Labour Government to deliver the compensation they are entitled to receive. pic.twitter.com/ySTNMTQ5Cr  John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) December 19, 2024

Mr Murray also told the BBC that he had not deleted anything from his website regarding his past support for Waspi campaigners.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Scotlands Finance Secretary urged the UK Government to reverse its decision.

But when asked if she could offer financial support to the women impacted, Shona Robison said it is not possible under devolution rules.

She said: The Scotland Act is very specific in ruling out any mitigation around pensions so its not something we have any power to do at all, unlike other benefits, so we are not able to step into that territory.

First Minister John Swinney also urged Labour to compensate Waspi women.

He said on social media: I had the privilege of speaking with a group of @WASPI_Campaign women @ScotParl.

I assured them of my support to press the UK Labour Government to deliver the compensation they are entitled to receive.
Sir Keir Starmer has backed Tulip Siddiq, Downing Street indicated, after the Treasury minister was named in an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh.

Ms Siddiq is alleged to have been involved in brokering a 2013 deal with Russia for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh in which large sums of cash are said to have been embezzled.

The Labour ministers aunt, Sheikh Hasina, was until recently prime minister of Bangladesh for more than 20 years.

She is facing a wider investigation by an anti-corruption commission in the south Asian country after being deposed.

As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for tackling corruption in the UKs financial markets.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman indicated Sir Keir continues to have confidence in Ms Siddiq.

Sheikh Hasina, the now deposed prime minister of Bangladesh and aunt of Tulip Siddiq, pictured during a 2014 visit to London (Oli Scarff/PA)

She has denied any involvement in the claims accusing her of involvement in embezzlement, according to No 10, and continues to maintain her responsibility as a minister.

Pressed about whether there was any conflict of interest in Ms Siddiqs involvement in the 2013 deal, the spokesman said: I cant speak to events that happened prior to a ministers time in government.

He added there was a very clear declaration process for ministers, which had been followed.

Ms Siddiq has not been formally contacted by relevant Bangladeshi authorities, it is understood.

She has been approached for comment, and the Labour Party has declined to comment.

But sources close to the minister have described the allegations as spurious.

The Conservatives suggested reports about Ms Siddiq revealed a stain on the Prime Ministers judgement, and urged the Treasury minister to address the claims directly.

Matt Vickers, a shadow Home Office minister, said: It is high time she came clean. The British public deserve a Government that is focused on their priorities, not distracted by yet another scandal.

The investigation is based on allegations made by a political opponent of Ms Hasina, Bobby Hajjaj.

Former Bangladeshi leader Ms Hasina fled to India in August following an uprising, and is regarded by her critics as an autocrat.

They have since accused Ms Hasina, the leader of Bangladeshs Awami League political party, of multiple crimes.

Ms Siddiq, the MP for Hampstead and Highgate, was first elected in 2015.

In court documents seen by the BBC, Mr Hajjaj claims Ms Siddiq mediated and co-ordinated meetings as part of a deal between the Bangladeshi and Russian governments to build the Rooppur Power Plant.

It is also claimed that Ms Hasina and members of her family siphoned off cash from the deal for their own private use.

Associated Press footage from 2013 shows Ms Siddiq attending the signing of the deal between her aunt and Russian president Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.
The UK needs to talk to Syrias leaders to make sure what comes next is better, Sir Keir Starmer has said after officials met with the rebel group that has taken power in the country.

A senior Tory said Britains diplomatic contact with banned Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) risks giving the organisation legitimacy in the country after the fall of President Bashar Assad.

Senior officials met with HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Mohammed al-Golani, earlier this week in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

After Mr Assad fled the country nearly a fortnight ago, HTS named Mohammed al-Bashir as caretaker prime minister to lead an interim government until March 2025.

Photographs showed senior officials, including the UKs special representative for Syria, Ann Snow, meeting Mr al-Sharaa.

Sir Keir said the situation in Syria is fast moving but that the fall of Mr Assad was a good thing.

However, he warned against making the mistake of thinking that what comes next is necessarily going to be different and better, as he answered questions from senior MPs at the Liaison Committee.

Sir Keir said the Government was talking to regional leaders and the UKs international allies about Syria on how we collectively ensure that what comes next is better.

Obviously, that also includes talking to those on the ground.

Screen grab of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer appearing before the Liaison Committee at the Houses of Parliament in London (PA)

I wont go into the detail of that, but you will understand that those conversations need to be had to ensure that if it is possible we will have a regime that complies with international law, that protects the rights of civilians and minorities, and that this can be a genuine turning point for Syria.

Earlier, Shadow Foreign Office minister Wendy Morton said HTS would gain credibility in Syria after UK Government representatives met with them.

The Government needs to be extremely careful, because by dealing with HTS and publicly doing so, there is a risk of legitimisation of the organisation and its position in Syria. These are very early days in the new post-Assad reality and we need to judge HTS by its actions and not its words, Ms Morton told the Commons.

HTS was banned as a terror organisation within the UK in 2017 due to their connections with al-Qaeda.

Ms Morton asked if HTS was the only such organisation in Syria with a diplomatic channel to the UK and if Foreign Office minister Anneliese Dodds believed HTS would lead to a peaceful transition of power to a genuine civilian government which protects minority groups.

Ms Dodds said the UK Government supported the transition to a secure and peaceful Syria in the aftermath of Mr Assads rule.

The UK has given Syria 61 million in aid in total, after more was announced on Saturday. It will help provide healthcare, nutrition and support displaced children, she said.

More than 16 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance, inside Syria alone.

Ms Dodds said: We are hopeful that anyone seeking a role in governing Syria will demonstrate a commitment to the protection of human rights, including for women and girls, to unfettered access for humanitarian aid, to safe destruction of chemical weapon stockpiles and to combating terrorism and extremism.

The UK urges the transitional government to adhere to these principles, to build a more hopeful, secure and peaceful Syria.

She added: Along with our partners we want to see a new political process that is comprehensive, representative, inclusive and most importantly, determined by the Syrian people themselves.

She went on to say: For all these reasons it is right that the UK seeks to use all of the channels available to us to deal with HTS, where we have to.
Thames Water is to be allowed to hike consumer bills by 35% by 2030 following a decision by the industry regulator, as it was also handed an 18.2 million fine for paying unjustified dividends to shareholders.

The average annual bill will rise to 588 by 2030, Ofwat said, 152 more than current levels of 436 a year.

Ofwat said the lions share of that increase, about 108 of the 152, will come in the 2025-2026 financial year.

The ruling falls well short of the 59% Thames Water had said it needed in the run-up to the decision, as the embattled water company tries to negotiate a bailout.

The company, which serves about 16 million people in London and the South East, is in the grip of a funding crisis and needs a 3 billion loan from creditors to keep operating beyond March.

Ofwat said the 18.2 million fine was for paying 158.3 million in dividends to shareholders which it said were not justified.

The regulator said it will make Thames Water hand back 131.3 million of the payments via reductions in customer bills.

Ofwat chief executive David Black said the penalty was a clear warning to the whole sector over unjustified dividend payments.

He added: We will take action against companies who take money out of these businesses, where performance does not merit it.

Thames Water is in more than 16 billion-worth of debt, and earlier this week held the first of several high court hearings over its proposed 3 billion bailout.

We're using our new powers for the first time to take enforcement action against a water company that didn't link dividends it paid out to performance Read our announcement on Thames Water breaking dividend payment rules: https://t.co/2Z2sJQ0vnT pic.twitter.com/wBTVOQLyx8  Ofwat (@Ofwat) December 19, 2024

The cluster of investment firms that drew up the deal  including BlackRock, Abrdn and M&G  have said they need a sizeable increase in bills to make it happen.

It is unclear whether the 35% bills hike will be deemed enough for the bailout to go through, after the investors had also been in talks with Ofwat in recent weeks.

Thames Water said earlier this year that failing to grant it the bills hike it asked for would also prevent the turnaround and recovery of the company.

Bosses now have the option to refer Ofwats decision to the Competition and Markets Authority.

That would kick off a fresh process which could see consumers wait months more to find out how much they will have to pay over the coming years.

If it does not get the 3 billion bailout, Thames Water is likely to fall into public hands via a Government-handled administration, which could be costly for the taxpayer.

Thames Water said it will tell customers how much more they will pay next year by early February.

(PA Graphics)

Ofwat said the steep hike in bills would allow Thames Water to spend 20.5 billion on improving its network of pipes, sewers and drains over the next five years.

The regulator set the company a target of reducing spills from storm overflows by 29% and reducing pollution incidents by 30%.

The utility firm said that the deliverability and investability of Ofwats decision to allow bills to rise is critical to the companys future.

Given its importance and complexity, Thames Water will take time to review the determination in detail before making its response.

The company will set out by early February the charges for customers that will apply from April 2025.

These charges will reflect Ofwats final determination, and Thames Water remains committed to supporting those customers who need help with their bills.

The company said bosses remain focused on maintaining the stability of the business as it seeks a 3 billion loan bailout from investors.

On the dividend fine, a spokesperson added that they disagree with Ofwats decision and we will be providing a comprehensive response to their consultation in due course.

Thames Water says it paid the dividends to its parent company at the time, a group of investment firms including Australian finance giant Macquarie, to pay off debts.

No distributions have been made to external shareholders of the group and they have not taken an external dividend since 2017, the spokesperson said.

They added that this was to prioritise investment in improving service for customers and to protect the environment.

Our plans assume no external dividends to shareholders until at least 2030, to support our turnaround, they said.
The Court of Appeal will on Thursday consider whether to change the sentence of the two 13-year-old killers of Shawn Seesahai, who became Britains youngest knife murderers when they were convicted at Nottingham Crown Court earlier this year.

The two boys, known only as BGI and CMB for legal reasons, were aged 12 at the time of the murder and are believed to be the youngest defendants convicted of the crime in the UK since Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, both aged 11, were found guilty in 1993 of killing two-year-old James Bulger.

The Solicitor General has referred their sentences to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme (ULS), with the cases set to be considered by Lord Justice William Davis, Mr Justice Bennathan and Judge Nicholas Dean KC from 10.30am at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Shawn Seesahai (West Midlands/PA)

Here, the PA news agency sets out how the scheme works and the options available to judges considering the case.

 What happened to Shawn Seesahai?

Anguilla-born Mr Seesahai, 19, was fatally attacked by the boys on Stowlawn playing fields, Wolverhampton, on November 13 last year.

He died at the scene after being stabbed through the heart and lungs with a machete, with one of his wounds measuring 23cm deep, almost passing through his body.

In a victim impact statement read to the sentencing hearing, the family of Mr Seesahai, who was living in Birmingham, said they are haunted by thoughts of how scared he must have been when he was killed.

They also described his murder as tragic, unexpected and senseless, and having been committed for no reason at all.

 What is the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme?

The Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme allows sentences to be referred to the Court of Appeal if the Attorney Generals Office (AGO) considers them potentially unduly lenient.

Under the scheme, any person or institution can ask for any sentence handed down in a crown court to be reviewed.

The AGO has 28 days from the sentencing date to consider the request and, if deemed necessary, refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal.

The test for whether a case is referred is high. The sentence can only be deemed unduly lenient if it falls outside the range of sentences considered reasonably appropriate for the sentencing judge to hand down, based on the facts and evidence of the case.

 What sentence was given to the boys?

The boys were both sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court in September to life with a minimum term of eight-and-a-half years.

In her sentencing remarks, Mrs Justice Tipples said the boys acted together to kill Shawn and were jointly responsible for his death.

Nottingham Crown Court (Rui Vieira/PA)

She said the killing was horrific and shocking and that Mr Seesahai did not deserve to die.

But she said she also needed to take into account the boys emotional maturity and other factors connected to their age and upbringing.

 What could happen at the Court of Appeal?

Cases are usually heard by three senior judges.

They cannot examine or change the offences for which the defendants were sentenced or look at any new evidence related to the case.

Instead, they can only assess whether a sentence was unduly lenient based on the evidence before the sentencing judge at the time.

Barristers for the Solicitor General will tell the court that the sentences were unduly lenient and should be increased.

If judges agree that the sentence is unduly lenient, it will be quashed and a new sentence substituted in its place.

However, the court could dismiss the bid, meaning the sentences will remain the same.
By Julio-Cesar Chavez and Jonathan Allen

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Penn. (Reuters) -The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson was transferred into the New York Police Department custody on Thursday to face murder charges after he waived his right to extradition proceedings in a Pennsylvania court hearing.

Luigi Mangione, 26, appeared in an orange jail jumpsuit at the Blair County courthouse, where he consented to surrender to the New York police officers who also attended the short hearing. He departed the courthouse in a New York police vehicle and was expected in Manhattan later on Thursday.

A grand jury in New York has indicted Mangione on 11 counts, including first-degree murder and murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione has been in jail since his arrest. Mangione has not yet entered a plea. His New York defense lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, has said Mangione has been "overcharged" and that he would fight the charges in court.

He was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 9, five days after Thompson was fatally shot outside a Manhattan hotel before a company conference in what law-enforcement officials have called a premeditated assassination.

While the killing of Thompson has been broadly condemned, Mangione has been feted as a folk hero by some Americans who decry the steep costs of healthcare and the power that insurance companies have to deny paying for some medical treatments. A small crowd of supporters stood outside the courthouse, some waving signs that condemned the health insurance industry.

Late on Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Mangione would also face charges from federal prosecutors in Manhattan, citing unnamed people familiar with the matter. It was not immediately clear what those charges would be.

Federal charges would potentially allow prosecutors to pursue the death penalty, which has been outlawed in New York for decades, according to the report. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan declined to comment.

"The federal government's reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns," Mangione's lawyer Friedman Agnifilo said in a statement. "We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought."

In Pennsylvania, police said Mangione had a self-assembled 9mm handgun in his backpack and a homemade silencer when he was arrested after being spotted at a McDonald's restaurant. The handgun resembled the weapon used to kill Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the largest U.S. health insurer.

Mangione, a Maryland native who had lived in Hawaii, also had multiple fake identification documents, including a fake New Jersey ID that was used to check into a Manhattan hostel days before Thompson's shooting, police said.

In Pennsylvania, Mangione has been charged with forgery and illegally possessing an unlicensed gun.

At the courthouse on Thursday, Mangione had a preliminary hearing for the Pennsylvania charges, immediately followed by a second on New York's extradition request. The Pennsylvania prosecutors told the court they had agreed to pause the Pennsylvania proceedings until after the conclusion of the New York prosecution.

Mangione spoke only briefly at the extradition hearing, saying he understood his rights and telling Judge David Consiglio he consented to surrender to New York police.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office is accusing Mangione of an act of terrorism under New York law because Thompson's killing was intended to intimidate or coerce civilians or "influence the policies of a unit of government."

(Reporting by Julio-Cesar Chavez in Hollidaysburg and Jonathan Allen in New York; Additional reporting by Luc Cohen; editing by Donna Bryson, Jonathan Oatis and Nick Zieminski)
Workers install a Texas flag near a groundbreaking for Northport Logisticss new 1.2 million square-foot facility in Conroe Park North, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, in Conroe. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Texas led the nation in population growth again in 2024, according to new data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau, marking at least the 14th year in a row that Texas has added more residents than any other state in the country.

Texas added over 560,000 residents in 2024, according to the bureau's latest population estimates. That's nearly 100,000 more than second-place Florida, and more than twice as many new residents as California, which was third in population growth.

The Lone Star State is now home to over 31 million residents, a nearly 2% increase from 2023 and over 7% jump since 2020. Only Idaho and Florida have grown at higher rates since 2020, census data shows.

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Texas State Demographer Lloyd Potter said that Texas' relative affordability, coupled with its growing economy and the job opportunities that come with it, have made the state a destination for over a decade.

"Relative to other states, Texas is still affordable," Potter said. "We don't have income tax, so those factors  the jobs that we have, the affordability and the overall quality of life in Texas  make it an attractive place for people to move to."

Migration fueling growth in U.S.

Texas' continued surge comes amid a year of remarkable population growth across the entire country, which the Census Bureau said was driven by an increase in international migration. The 1% growth nationwide marks the fastest annual population growth since 2001.

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The Census Bureau also, for the first time, included refugees in its count of immigrants in the U.S., though only at a national level. Immigrants accounted for about 84% of the 3.3 million new people in the U.S. in 2024, the bureau said. It was not immediately clear how many of those 2.8 million people were considered refugees, but part of the spike comes from improved methodology within the bureau to track net migration, the agency said.

In Texas, more than half the state's new residents between 2023 and 2024 were international migrants, Census Bureau data shows, the third-most in the nation after Florida and California.

Nearly a third of Texas' growth came from natural change, or the difference between births and deaths, and the remainder came from people moving to Texas from within the United States.

The Vintage 2024 population estimates released Thursday include only national and state totals, and reflected the estimated population as of July 1 of this year. The 2024 population estimates for counties, cities and metropolitan areas, along with some of their demographic breakdowns, will be released intermittently throughout the first half of 2025.
If, in a moment of tension, youve heard yourself saying something like, Santa wont come unless you ... [Stop hitting your brother! Put down that rock! Quit whining!]  dont worry, youre not alone.

Getting kids to consistently listen can be challenging. It can be even more difficult during the holidays, Leah Orchinik, a pediatric psychologist at Nemours Childrens Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, told HuffPost.

There are often events, activities, changes in routine, excitement for Christmas or other holidays and time off from school, Orchinik said.

We fill kids with treats, ply them with presents and then expect them to be on their best behavior in front of friends and relatives. Its a recipe for kids to test boundaries that can easily try a parents patience. A threat, like Santa not coming or taking away toys, can result in a behavior shift that makes a situation bearable. This is probably why parents turn to this strategy so frequently.

A recent Mott Poll from the University of Michigan found that 1 in 4 parents with children ages 3 to 5 used Santa not coming or no gifts as a threat to get their children to behave.

Mott Poll co-director and pediatrician Susan Woolford explained that the poll found other threats were even more common with children of this age. About 80% of parents say they threaten to, for example, leave a place or an activity to encourage their children to behave well. And even more, 85%, said they threatened to take away toys or electronics.

But although such threats are common, they arent particularly effective. We asked experts to explain why this is and to recommend other strategies.

Why Threats Dont Work

The number one reason that these threats dont work? Parents dont follow through on them. (Think about it. Do you know anyone who ever actually received a lump of coal in their stocking?)

If parents are not going to follow through and follow through consistently, then the children very rapidly learn that they can ignore their parents. And so these approaches are not very effective in the long run, Woolford said. She explained that once kids understand that these threats are hollow, they realize they dont actually have to change their behavior.

Orchinik explained that in some cases a threat  or its close cousin, a bribe  can actually reinforce the misbehavior.

If a child throws a tantrum in a store because they cant get a toy, and they are told they will get a toy if they calm down and stop hitting, then the take-home message is that the tantrum was successful in getting them the toy, they wouldnt have gotten it if the tantrum hadnt occurred in the first place, Orchinik said.

It can feel like victory for the parent if they use a threat to get the tantrum to end in this kind of a situation, but in fact it will likely only lead to more tantrums.

What To Do Instead

The tricky part is that the best solutions to behavior issues begin before a child starts to misbehave. Praising and rewarding good behavior as well as having a plan in place for what you will do when misbehavior happens will reinforce positive behavior and leave you less likely to resort to threats in tough moments.

Woolford recommended that parents give specific praise and encouragement when their child demonstrates positive behavior by saying things like, Its so kind to help your sister, or Thank you for helping Mommy pick up your toys.

What children want, Woolford explained, is attention, and they will turn to the behaviors that elicit the most of this from their parents, even when that attention is negative. This means parents have to stay on top of positive reinforcement. In addition to using praise, simple reward systems like sticker charts can work well with young children. A child might earn a sticker to put on their chart every time they help clean up the toys, for example, and a new toy car for every 10 stickers.

Toddlers, Woolford said, are really rarely willfully misbehaving. Theyre just sort of exploring their world. So redirection and distraction are good ways of helping very young children stay safe because thats generally the issue.

For children who are a little older and able to understand your directions, you want to use clear, simple language like If ... then statements: If you dont take turns with the toy, Im going to put it in the closet.

Its important to be both deliberate and consistent. I think one of the first things that parents should decide is which behaviors are important enough to address, because it really is impossible to address every behavior, Woolford said.

Once youve homed in on the behavior youre going to focus on, make a commitment to address every instance of misbehavior. Both parents should be on board with the plan.

Many families use a time-out for addressing negative behaviors, particularly aggressive ones like hitting or kicking, though Woolford advised that parents implement the time-out in a way that functions more like a reset rather than isolating the child in their room, and keep the child where you can see them. In my house, the big blue recliner in the living room became the relaxing chair, and my kids would sit in it until they calmed down enough that they were able to stop hitting or throwing things. Sometimes I sat with them in the chair, holding them there.

Setting expectations beforehand can also prevent meltdowns and conflicts. If youre taking children into a store, for example, you might want to let them know that youre going to purchase only the things on your list or remind them not to touch anything you arent going to buy.

When a child is upset, its helpful if the parent can stay calm. You can validate your childs feelings  I know youre angry because you want to buy the candy  and acknowledge that they are struggling without caving to their demand.

Consistency Is Key

The Mott Poll found that parents faced a number of obstacles when it came to being consistent with discipline. About a quarter of parents said that sometimes theyre not consistent because they get too irritated by a childs behavior or that they react before thinking, Woolford said. Twenty-four percent said they felt too tired to be consistent with discipline.

Notably, 13% of parents said they hadnt thought about a discipline strategy. Not having a plan in place increases the odds that parents will resort to a threat or a bribe during a stressful moment.

A number of parents (42%) also admitted to sometimes spanking their children, which experts recommend against, Woolford said, as it has been associated with aggressive behavior and depression as children get older.

About a third of parents, Woolford said, reported problems being consistent with discipline because they worried about what others would think of them when they saw their child having a tantrum in a public place.

Parents would be surprised how many others could identify with that and really would express empathy as support rather than criticism, she said, noting, again, that if a parent caves to a childs demands in order to get them to quiet down, then the child will learn that the way to get what they want is to throw a tantrum.

Overall, Woolford said, parents dont need to worry as much about children misbehaving in public, and they should not allow  if possible  a concern about kids misbehaving in public to stop them from being consistent.

Though a threat or a bribe might stop a tantrum, Woolford explained that there might be other ways to give children what theyre looking for, which is often attention or control.

Often theres so much going on that [a threat or bribe] seems like the fastest way to address the situation, and maybe it would be helpful if one could take a moment to give the child a moments attention, she said. Because the child is ratcheting it up to get the attention, sometimes giving them that attention, without acquiescing to their demand, can help de-escalate the situation: I see youre really upset. I know you want to buy the candy. Were not buying any candy today.

Another strategy is to offer kids a limited choice. It can help them feel a sense of control if, for example, they get to choose pretzels or apple slices for a snack, or whether they want to hold Mommys hand or sit in the stroller as you walk back to your car.

Related...
There is nothing quite like the bond between siblings. On the surface, it may seem like endless bickering and teasing, but for many, its the most special relationship in their lives.

Kevin Nguyen

That was certainly true for Kevin Nguyen and Lian Yankey. He just meant everything to me, Lian said.

But for the last six years, a piece of Lians heart has been missing: her brother, Kevin.

Dateline spoke to Lian as she recounted the night her life changed forever.

It was the night of December 8, 2018. Kevin was out drinking at the Brass Rail Bar in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Around 2:00 a.m. on December 9, Lian received a phone call from her brother asking for a ride home. At 2:00 in the morning, it sounded like he was laughing and talking to somebody, Lian said. But he called me to come pick him up.

Lian agreed, but before she could get out the door, her mother stopped her and told her she would go instead. She went to go find him, but by the time she went, he was nowhere to be found, Lian said.

Lian says she immediately went back to sleep. What happened next still haunts her. A lot of people dont know this because it kind of it still hurts. But he called again. But I missed the call, Lian said. And I feel like, if I would have picked up, maybe we could have done something.

Lian told Dateline she received the second phone call about 30 minutes after the first one. She estimates it would have taken her mother about 20-30 minutes to drive from their home to the bar where Kevin said he was that night.

Kevin Nguyen

Shortly after that second call was made to Lians phone, she got a third call. This one woke her up.

But this time, it did not come from Kevin. It was from her mother. Shes like, Wheres your brother? Where is he at? Like, He should be at the bar, Lian remembered thinking. I gave her the directions and everything. I said, He should be at that bar.

Lian says her mother searched the area for a while, in her pajamas, before eventually returning home.

My mom and I were like, Hell be home the next day, Lian said.

But Kevin did not return home the next day.

Then it started kicking in when he wasnt picking up his phone, Lian said. Kevin always answered when their mother called. It started kicking in that something might be wrong.

Lian called the police to report her brother missing.

According to the Fort Wayne Police Departments website, On the evening of Saturday, December 8, 2018, Kevin Nguyen was at the Brass Rail Bar, located at 1121 Broadway, Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he may have been involved in an altercation.

The site states that Nguyen was later seen on surveillance video at Arbys, 610 West Jefferson Boulevard, at 0240 hours and that Kevin has not been seen or heard from since then.

The FWPD states that while Kevin is known to wear glasses, a pair of glasses was found in the parking lot of the bar, suggesting Kevin does not have his glasses with him.

The FWPD advises anyone seeking additional information to go to Kevins NAMUS entry.

Dateline reached out to the Fort Wayne Police Department for an update on Kevins case, but has not heard back.

Over the past six years, Kevins grandmother, Dee Campbell, has been leading the charge to find answers in her grandsons disappearance.

Dee told Dateline that through speaking with law enforcement, Kevins social circle, people who were at the bar that night, and social media, she was able to gather some information about the events of that night. She says people who were at the bar have told her Kevin was acting unruly that evening, got into an altercation, and was kicked out of the bar. It is unclear exactly what the altercation was over or who else was involved.

He cleared his tab at just a couple of minutes after midnight and, at some point, Kevin was kicked out -- physically removed from the bar, Dee said. However, he was apparently able to make his way back into the bar a second time before being kicked out again. It was after the second time Kevin was removed from the bar that Dee believes he dropped his glasses in the parking lot. According to Dee, Kevin then walked to the nearby Arbys, where he is seen on security video in the early morning hours of December 9.

Dee says Kevins glasses were found by a family member searching the area in the days after Kevin went missing. They were all searching that area, trying to find Kevin in the parking lot. My daughter found the frame of his glasses, Dee said. And it looks like the glasses had been ran over back there, and the lens popped out, and the frame had gotten bent slightly.

Kevin Nguyen

While exactly what happened that night is unknown, one thing is certain. Kevins family misses him dearly.

That was my best friend, Lian Yankey told Dateline. She and Kevin loved spending quality time together. Whatever Kevin wanted to do, Lian would always be there. It was always a yes with him because he  he was my best friend, she said. When I had my first heartbreak, a lot of girls would go to their dad or their mom. When I had my first, like, mega heartbreak, I ran straight to my brother, bawling my eyes out. And he just dropped everything he was doing just to comfort me, Lian remembered.

Lian and Kevins father, Lance, passed away in 2024. Lian says she feels hurt that her father didnt get to find out what happened to Kevin. But I think what hurts my heart the most is my mom because shes just losing everybody, Lian said. And she -- she cant sleep. She lost her husband; she lost her son.

Grandma Dee, as Kevin used to call her, refuses to give up. I have made it my mission as long as Im alive to never let Kevin be forgotten, Dee Campbell said. As long as I can breathe, and as long as I can type and print flyers, Kevins not going to be forgotten. Were going to find him.

Dee is an administrator of the Facebook group HELP Bring Kevin Nguyen Home!! where updates and information about Kevins case are posted.

Kevin is 60 and 160-180 lbs. He has short black hair, and brown eyes. He also has a birth mark on his inner right thigh. He would be 31 years old today.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Brian Martin of the Fort Wayne Police Department at (260) 427-1369 or email brian.martin@cityoffortwayne.org.

If you have a story to share with Dateline, please submit it here.
MILWAUKEE  A 20-year-old California man has been detained on suspicion of "plotting" to coordinate a mass shooting at a government building in conjunction with the Madison school shooter, according to court records.

FBI agents detained Alexander Paffendorf, of Carlsbad, California, according to an emergency gun violence restraining order reviewed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of USA TODAY Network. Authorities in Wisconsin said Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow, 15, shot and killed a student and teacher, and injured six others, at Abundant Life Christian School earlier this week.

The detainment was first reported by CBS 8 on Wednesday.

"During an FBI interview, Paffendorf admitted to the FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun and that he would target a government building," the order says.

According to the order, FBI agents "saw the messages from Paffendorf to Rupnow."

Lives 'torn apart': Grieving Wisconsin community struggles to make sense of shooting

In an interview with the Journal Sentinel Wednesday evening, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said he did not have information about the arrest in California and referred questions to the FBI. A spokesperson for the FBI's San Diego field office declined to comment.USA TODAY reached out to the Carlsbad Police Department on Wednesday for comment.

A San Diego judge approved the order on Tuesday. It orders Paffendorf to surrender any firearms and ammunition and prohibits him from getting more.

Not long after the judge signed the order, Paffendorf's neighbors in Carlsbad saw more than a dozen police cars enter the apartment complex, according to CBS 8. "They had their full guns out all over the street," neighbor Alex Gallegos told the station. "There were cop cars. I'd say about 15 cops here."

A court hearing for Paffendorf is scheduled for Jan. 3.

Authorities said Rupnow, a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School, brought two handguns to school on Monday but appears to have only used one in the attack.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Contributing: Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin shooting: California man detained in connection to attack
Hector Medina plays Paco in "Los Frikis," based on real events in Cuba in the early 1990s. The movie takes its title from the Spanish translation of the word "freaky."

A coming-of-age movie with a dramatic punk rock twist has a storyline that may sound unreal, but it's based on true events.

In "Los Frikis," set in early 1990s Cuba, hundreds of young, disenfranchised Cubans inject themselves with HIV during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, hoping to escape political repression by going inside government-run clinics, or sanitariums.

Based on true events, the film takes its title from the Spanish translation of the word freaky, referring to the punk rock movement that came together in Cuba during the 1980s and 1990s.

I grew up in Miami, I have Cuban family, Cuban friends, but I didnt know this story specifically, so it was very important for me to tell it, said one of the movie's leads, Puerto Rican Guatemalan actor Adria Arjona.

Arjona, who starred earlier this year in the romantic comedy crime movie "Hit Man" and is known for her roles in the series "Andor" and "True Detective," spoke to NBC News alongside two of the movie's co-stars, Hector Medina and Eros de la Puente.

"Los Frikis" was written and directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, creators of "The Peanut Butter Falcon," the 2019 comedy drama about a young man with Down syndrome who escapes from a care facility.

Adria Arjona in "Los Frikis."

During the AIDS crisis, Cuba's sanitariums drew both praise and criticism. While they were credited with containing the spread of HIV on the communist island, the clinics were described as a pretty prison by Dr. Jonathan Mann, the first AIDS director at the World Health Organization.

According to an article in The Lancet, Cuba had 927 cases of HIV seropositivity and 187 cases of AIDS as of May 1993. By comparison, neighboring Puerto Rico, with roughly one-third the population of Cuba, had over 8,000 cases of AIDS at the time, and New York City, with a population closer in size to Cuba, had 43,000 patients with AIDS then.

But Cubas health policy led to "unintended consequences," The New York Times wrote in 2012 about this period.

To stay out, some Cubans tried to avoid testing. But a few others, usually teenagers estranged from their families, deliberately got themselves infected to get in, The New York Times reported.

Patients were initially confined to the medical center by the military. But life inside, which ultimately inspired Los Frikis, could also be less austere than what these punk rockers faced on the streets.

Inmates got food, medical care and their old salaries; theater troupes and art classes formed. Gay men could live together, which was not true in the macho culture outside, The New York Times reported.

"Los Frikis."

Los Frikis tells the story of this second young group, who lived in a Cuba that was increasingly isolated after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the ensuing demise of the Soviet Union and the communist bloc. Fidel Castros revolutionary government cracked down in response to dissidents and others who didn't fit in.

Theyll throw you in jail for anything here. Its impossible to survive without breaking the law, Paco (played by Medina), one of the punk rockers in the film, says.

Paco, like other young people, believed he could escape from government repression by entering a sanitarium after injecting himself with HIV. Punk bands started forming at these medical centers, and recorded cassettes inspired hundreds to self-inject.

But many would soon face a rude awakening as they died of AIDS; it would be years before the current treatments that have made it possible to live with HIV as a manageable condition.

Medina  who will play Raul Castro, the brother of Fidel Castro and the former president of Cuba, in an upcoming movie with Al Pacino  said that he prepared for his role in Los Frikis by speaking to a sanitarium doctor who now lives in the U.S.

The doctor had worked at Los Cocos, a sanitarium about 30 minutes southwest from Havana by car. He told Medina that it was painful to remember, since he had become friends with his patients who later died of AIDS.

Eros de la Puente and Adria Arjona in "Los Frikis."

Medina said much of the punk music that Los Frikis made at the time was not preserved. But viewers could still connect with the very positive message of their culture in the film, which shows how they found freedom in friendship, love and the communities they created at the sanitariums.

This message, Arjona said, transforms the Frikis from scary outcasts to relatable people who are vulnerable and want to heal from different traumas.

In the movie, Arjonas character, Maria, tells Gustavo (played by de la Puente) that you cant expect to hold onto anything.

Faced with the deaths of her peers, Maria poetically says that loved ones, sunsets and even cherished animals like horses eventually disappear.

This makes de la Puente think about one of the most enduring messages from the Frikis movement.

You dont need many things to have everything, he said. I am referring in the context of the film, and how that group of people becomes a family and creates such a beautiful experience in a moment from the history of Cuba that was very empty.

Los Frikis releases in New York and Los Angeles on Friday and select movie theaters nationwide Dec. 25.
The Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsins capital remains a crime scene as detectives search for a motive in the deadly Monday morning shooting carried out by a student and probe her possible links to a California man who authorities say was planning another mass shooting.

The campus remains closed as investigators comb through social media and documents to understand how 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who went by Samantha, got a firearm used in the killings at the private school in Madison.

Rupnow used a handgun to carry out the attack, authorities said. The handgun and a second gun not used in the attack were found at the scene, Madison police said Wednesday. The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has traced the origins of the weapons, but police wont provide further information on the guns, as it could jeopardize our investigation, a police statement said.

During an FBI interview Paffendorf admitted to the FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun and that he would target a government building, the documents revealed, but did not identify the building.

As investigators sift through Rupnows social media and analyze documents she is purported to have written, it also appears she had been in contact with Alexander Paffendorf, a 20-year-old man in Carlsbad, California, who was allegedly plotting a separate mass shooting with the teenager, San Diego County court documents show.

A California judge issued a restraining order against Paffendorf on Tuesday under Californias red flag law. The order requires him to turn over his guns and ammunition to authorities within 48 hours unless an officer asks for them sooner.

CNN has attempted to reach Paffendorf for comment, but its not clear where Paffendorf is now.

As Wisconsin detectives search for the motive behind the shooting, the public face of the investigation  Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes  will be leaving the department, the city announced Friday.

Barnes, who was a teacher before becoming a police officer and Madisons top cop, will become Seattles new police chief, the Seattle mayors office said.

In a video shared on Seattles YouTube page, Barnes introduced himself as the citys new police chief and said he planned to visit next month to learn more about the Seattle Police Department and our commitment to safety and service.

Barnes noted this weeks tragic circumstances in Madison prevented him from visiting sooner, according to the video.

In light of the recent school shooting  my priority must be here with our community and the dedicated men and women of the Madison Police Department, Barnes said.

Our officers and community are now navigating the emotional aftermath of this tragedy, he said. My immediate responsibility is to support my officers as we come to terms with this devastating event.

Barnes is expected to leave MPD in February, Satya Rhodes-Conway, Madisons mayor, told CNN affiliate WISC on Friday. Details have not been finalized on who will take over updating the public on the shooting investigation, a city spokesperson told CNN.

There is no threat in 2 states, officials say

A neighbor, Alex Gallegos, said he witnessed authorities carrying out a big black box during a search of Paffendorfs residence this week, when he saw about 15 police officers on the quiet street. It looked like a gun case of some sort, and thats all I know, Gallegos said.

The Carlsbad Police Department told CNN there is no threat to the city.

We are in communication with our federal partners, and we do not believe there to be a threat to our city, the police department said in a statement, adding it did not have additional details to share.

The FBI said it is also not aware of any ongoing threats associated with this matter in Wisconsin or California, the agency said in a statement to CNN.

The father of the 15-year-old Madison, Wisconsin, school shooter posted a photo to Facebook of his daughter, Natalie Rupnow, at a shooting range in August. - From Jeff Rupnow/ Facebook

The Abundant Life Christian School attack was one of more than 80 school shootings across the United States this year  surpassing 2023 for the most in a single year since CNN began tracking such incidents in 2008.

Teacher Erin Michelle West, 42, of DeForest, and freshman Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, of Madison, died at the scene, the Dane County Medical Examiners Office said in a news release Wednesday.

Six people were injured in the shooting. Two students remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition, a University of Wisconsin Health spokesperson said Friday. Four other people with minor injuries were discharged earlier this week, according to the Madison Police Department.

Rupnow was pronounced dead at a hospital Monday as a result of firearm related trauma, the medical examiners office said, noting additional testing is underway.

Active shooting incidents involving female shooters are rare, data from an FBI study and other reports suggest. CNN has documented 83 school shootings in 2024, and of the 59 in which the gender identity of the suspected shooter was available, only two were female.

What we know about the shooters life

The mayor of Madison said it is too early to comment on whether the parents of the shooter will face criminal charges, as have a few other parents of US school shooters in recent years.

(Authorities) want to be very careful to do everything that they can properly and to execute the investigation in the best way possible, and so thats something that is going to unfold over, you know, months, Rhodes-Conway told WISC.

Investigators are looking at if the parents may have been negligent, the police chief said Tuesday. He also said investigators have no reason to believe that they have committed a crime at this time.

Rupnows parents, Jeff and Mellissa Rupnow, have not responded to CNNs repeated requests for comment. They have been cooperating with police, Barnes has said.

Court records obtained by CNN show Rupnows parents have been married to each other and divorced from each other twice, with court orders requiring the teen to split time between her mothers home and her fathers, court records obtained by CNN show.

Jeff Rupnow had posted a photo on Facebook of his daughter at a shooting range in August. In the photo, the teenager can be seen wearing a black shirt with the name of the band KMFDM.

The German bands lyrics were cited by the students who carried out the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado, where 13 people were killed and a song by the band was featured in a TikTok video posted moments before a 17-year-old unleashed gunfire at Iowas Perry High School, killing a sixth grader and wounding seven other people in January.

KMFDM issued a statement condemning the 1999 attack and expressed sympathy for the victims, adding their music was intended to stand against violence, according to Reuters.

Police in Wisconsin are also talking to Abundant Life Christian School students to determine whether bullying was one of the factors in Mondays shooting, Barnes said.

Mackynzie Wilson, a sophomore at the school who had a locker next to Rupnows, said she never thought the student she described as shy would be capable of carrying out an act of such violence.

She was really quiet. She didnt really have any friends, and she just seemed really lonely, Wilson told CNN. It wasnt like she was trying to fit in. She seemed very content being alone.

Victim fights for life as families plan funerals for others

Erin West, a teacher who was killed in the Madison school shooting - From Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care

A funeral service will be held for West, a teacher employed part-time by the school, on Monday. Students described West as a loving person who devoted her time to supporting them.

Angel Brube, a seventh-grader at the school, told CNN he knew the teacher well and described her as always very kind and caring.

Vergara was an animal lover who was passionate about art, reading, singing and playing music, according to her online obituary. Her funeral will be held on Saturday.

West and Vergara died of homicidal firearm related trauma, preliminary autopsy results found. The medical examiners office said it will be conducting additional testing.

Meanwhile, the family of a student who suffered life-threatening injuries in Mondays shooting is asking for prayers and privacy as they focus on their sons recovery.

Madison school shooting victim Rubi Vergara, 14 - From Gunderson Funeral Home

The boy, referred to as Samy in a Facebook post, remains in critical condition, according to the post by Marcio Sierra Jr., the senior pastor at Lighthouse Church in Madison.

He said the family are members of the church and hes been in daily contact with them. The family asked him to be their voice to the community, he said.

They ask that you please continue to pray for Samy, he needs a miracle. The family understands the power of prayer, and they know that Samy is in Gods hands, Sierra wrote.

For now, their request is that we stand with them in prayer and speak life over Samy, he wrote.

The United Way of Dane County in Wisconsin has collected nearly $96,000 from 870 donors on behalf of Abundant Life Christian School, according to an emergency and recovery fund verified by CNN. All funds will go directly to the school.

The organization is working with the school to determine how the funds will be used, a United Way of Dane County spokesperson told CNN in an email.

Residents and officials call for action

Hundreds gathered outside the Wisconsin State Capitol on Tuesday night to remember victims. A Christmas tree twinkled as mourners met in freezing temperatures to grieve, holding candles and hugging therapy dogs.

For students like Wilson, it was difficult returning to the school for the vigil because of the fear and trauma that built up, she said.

Madison local Justin Myers brought his two young children to the Tuesday vigil, telling CNN he had told them the truth about what happened at Abundant Life.

Its an epidemic, and Im not a big believer in the thoughts and prayers crap  I dont think it works, he added. We need action, legislation and laws to make sure that guns dont get into the hands of people who dont have them.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan called for more action from Congress to address gun violence.

From Newtown to Uvalde, Parkland to Madison, to so many other shootings that dont receive attention  it is unacceptable that we are unable to protect our children from this scourge of gun violence, Biden said in a statement Monday.

Existing Wisconsin law limiting gun access to children is not sufficient, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard said Tuesday. Our laws in Wisconsin are far too lax when it comes to access of guns by children, Agard said Tuesday.

We should have background checks. We should have red flag bills, we should be providing adequate support for everyone in our community when it comes to behavioral health, Agard added.

Both federal and Wisconsin law generally make it illegal for someone younger than 18 to possess a firearm. State law similarly makes it illegal for any person to intentionally sell, loan or give a dangerous weapon to someone younger than 18  but there are exceptions such as allowing minors to possess a firearm for target practice under adult supervision, for use in the armed forces or for hunting.

Wisconsin also has a child access firearm law that makes it illegal to recklessly store a loaded firearm within reach or easy access of a child younger than 14, with penalties of up to nine months in prison if that child takes the firearm without permission and if the child uses the gun and causes bodily harm or death to himself, herself or another.

In April, the parents of the teenager who killed four students in the 2021 school shooting in Oxford, Michigan, were each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter.

In October, a Georgia grand jury indicted a father on murder and other charges in the mass shooting by his son at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, as the nation continues to struggle with accountability for the violence plaguing American schools.

CNNs Jack Hannah, Taylor Romine, Sarah Dewberry, Elise Hammond, Whitney Wild, Holly Yan, Steve Almasy, Jillian Sykes, Caroll Alvarado, Taylor Galgano and Ashley R. Williams contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
(Reuters) -Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a former top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has been indicted on bribery charges, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said on Thursday.

Lewis-Martin took bribes from two real estate investors in exchange for expediting construction permits for businesses they owned, according to Bragg's office.

"We allege that Ingrid Lewis-Martin engaged in a long-running bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy scheme by using her position and authority as the Chief Advisor to the Mayor of the City of New York," Bragg said in a statement.

Lewis-Martin resigned from her post last weekend.

Adams himself was hit with an unrelated five-count federal corruption indictment in September. The mayor allegedly accepted illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel from Turkish nationals seeking to influence him. Adams has denied wrongdoing and says he will fight the charges in court.

According to prosecutors, the real estate investors gave $100,000 in checks in August 2023 to Lewis-Martin's son, who deposited them in a bank account he shared with Lewis-Martin and used the funds to buy a Porsche.

Lewis-Martin asked the investors to use the encrypted messaging app Signal to conceal the scheme, Bragg's office said.

"To think that a high-ranking city official would take a bribe in the form of a check deposited into their own bank account defies common sense," Arthur Aidala, Lewis-Martin's attorney, said in an email. "We look forward to the citizens of the city of New York, who Ingrid has served so admirably for decades, clearing her name after a trial."

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson, Costas Pitas and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Caitlin Webber, Franklin Paul, Jonathan Oatis and Leslie Adler)
Luigi Mangione is led into the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pa., for an extradition hearing Dec. 10.

Federal prosecutors are looking into whether to charge Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of United Healthcares CEO, two sources familiar with the matter told NBC News on Wednesday.

If federal charges are filed, the New York state murder case against Mangione would have priority, the sources said.

Mangione, 26, was indicted Tuesday on first-degree murder and other charges in the targeted killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who authorities said was shot from behind as he walked on a Manhattan sidewalk on Dec. 4.

New York police said Mangione targeted Thompson, possibly because of the size of the private health insurance company he led. United Healthcare is the largest private health insurer in the United States.

Mangione was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, in addition to counts of second-degree murder and other counts.

In New York, a first-degree murder charge needs a special circumstance beyond intent, like the killing of a witness, being a murder for hire, the killing of a police officer or the killing of someone in furtherance of terrorism.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo, one of the attorneys representing Mangione on the New York charges, said Wednesday night that they are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.

The federal governments reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns, she said.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Tuesday that the ambush killing of Thompson was "intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation."

Mangione, wearing a hooded a jacket and a mask, waited for nearly an hour near a hotel for Thompson to arrive and then shot him from behind with a 9 mm handgun equipped with a suppressor at around 6:45 a.m., Bragg said.

Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 9 after he was recognized from security photos New York police and the FBI distributed.

He is being held in Pennsylvania and has contested extradition to New York. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the federal prosecutor's office in Manhattan, declined to comment.

Representatives of the FBI and the New York Police Department also declined to comment.

If he is convicted of either first-degree murder or second-degree murder as an act of terrorism, Mangione could face up to life in prison without parole, Bragg said. If he is convicted of a normal charge of second-degree murder, the maximum sentence is 25 years to life, Bragg said.
Animals with large eyes  lemur  Jearu/Shutterstock.com

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Although there are more than 100 species of lemurs, the ring-tailed lemur is arguably the most well-known thanks to King Julien in the hit childrens film Madagascar. His need to move it, move it pretty much put these lemurs on the popularity map.

This easy-to-recognize primate has a distinctive black and white ringed tail. And true to the movies depiction, there is, in fact, only one place on Earth where you will find these animals living in the wild: southwestern Madagascar.

Ring-tailed lemurs are as fascinating as they are intelligent, but what most people (including me, until now) dont know is that they also have a rather smelly mating habit. Its called stink flirting, and its purpose is to get a females attention. Check out the video above from the Smithsonian Channel to see lemurs stink-flirt. As the narrator explains, this mating ritual may attract the females, but it can also bring unwanted attention from other males.

zhaojiankang/iStock via Getty Images

Where Do Ring-Tailed Lemurs Live?

Apart from zoos, the only place you can see a ring-tailed lemur is in southern Madagascar, a large island off the southeast coast of Africa. Scientists believe the islands lack of predators is why lemurs flourish here. And its likely why they cant be found anywhere on the continent of Africa.

Madagascar is nearly the size of Texas, and many animals that live there are different from any other animals on Earth. In fact, its believed that 92% of mammals living in Madagascar dont exist anywhere else on the planet. In terms of ring-tailed lemurs specifically, there is a large number of them living in Amoroni Onilahy, a protected area on the island known for its biodiversity.

About Their Flirting Method

Lemurs use their keen sense of smell to find and attract mates. Like cats, dogs, and some primates, lemurs have a rhinarium, which is a moist patch of sensitive skin on the tip of the nose that gives them not only super smelling capabilities, but also the ability to detect where an odor is coming from.

Lemurs have scent glands on their chests, backsides, groins, armpits, and wrists, which scientists say release pheromones. During the spring mating season, males looking for a mate will rub their scent onto their tales and wave them at the females. They dont have much time to capture the attention of a potential mate as the females are only receptive to mating for about one or two days each year.

The typical scent from a male year-round is bitter and used to mark its territory. But the scent changes during mating season to something more pleasant  at least to the female lemurs  and is described as sweet and tropical.

The Dangers of Stink Flirting

Not only do females notice the male lemurs scent, but other males react to it as well. Unfortunately, another males reaction is instant aggression, which can lead to a fight among the males. When males release their scent, they arent only letting the female lemurs know they are interested, they are showing the females they are a strong partner, willing to risk a fight with another male.

How Ring-Tailed Lemurs Reproduce

The females usually have only one baby per year, although they sometimes give birth to twins. Newborns stick close to their moms for the first few months and are fully weaned around six months old. Caring for babies is a group affair, and although the fathers dont spend much time caring for their young, everyone in the troop, regardless of sex, helps raise the infants. Females tend to stay with the same troop they were born into, while males usually move to a new group when they become sexually mature.

Artush/Shutterstock.com

Is the Ring-Tailed Lemur Endangered?

The ring-tailed lemur is an endangered species. Before people arrived in Madagascar around 2,000 years ago, the island was covered by forests. Today, approximately 80% of that forest land is gone. The island is also heavily impacted by climate change, experiencing both severe droughts and cyclones, which puts the lemurs at risk of losing their habitat. Additional risks to the lemur population are being hunted and sold as pets for the exotic pet trade, and natural predators, like boa constrictors, hawks and domesticated cats and dogs.

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The post The Foul Flirting Method of Male Ring-Tailed Lemurs appeared first on A-Z Animals.
With a government shutdown narrowly avoided late Friday into Saturday morning, the House and Senate sent a funding bill to President Joe Biden's desk.

An initial bipartisan deal was tanked earlier this week by President-elect Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk. Then on Thursday night, the House failed to pass a revamped plan that included Trump's explosive demand that the debt limit be extended.

Under the proposal, the 118-page bill contains most of the provisions that were put in place in the bipartisan bill that was agreed to on Wednesday. The bill includes $100 billion for disaster aid, $30 billion for farmers and a one-year extension of the farm bill, provisions that were under heavy debate prior to this week's votes.





Latest Developments





Dec 21, 12:45 PM

Biden signs short-term government funding bill

President Joe Biden signed into law the short-term funding bill on Saturday, according to a release from the White House. Biden signed the bill this morning after lawmakers sent it to his desk after late-night negotiations.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden departs from St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church, on the day of the anniversary of the death of the President's first wife and daughter who died in a car accident in 1972, in Wilmington, Delaware, Dec. 18, 2024. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

The bill extends funding for the government until mid-March, has $100 billion for disaster aid, something the White House wanted, and extends funding for farmers.



"This agreement represents a compromise, which means neither side got everything it wanted. But it rejects the accelerated pathway to a tax cut for billionaires that Republicans sought, and it ensures the government can continue to operate at full capacity," Biden said.



-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart





Dec 21, 6:01 AM

Biden to sign funding bill Saturday, White House says

President Joe Biden will sign the short-term funding bill that Congress passed overnight on Saturday, according to the White House.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden stand for a group photograph with White House staff members outside the White House on Dec. 20, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Ben Curtis/AP)

The White House Office of Management and Budget stopped "shutdown preparations" overnight in expectation that Congress would pass the short-term funding necessary to keep the government running.



"Because obligations of federal funds are incurred and tracked on a daily basis, agencies will not shut down and may continue their normal operations," an overnight White House statement said.



"There is a high degree of confidence that Congress will imminently pass the relevant appropriations and the president will sign the bill on Saturday," the White House said.



"Because obligations of federal funds are incurred and tracked on a daily basis, agencies will not shut down and may continue their normal operations," the White House added.



-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart





Dec 21, 12:52 AM

Senate approves short-term government funding bill



The Senate approved the House-passed short-term government funding bill in a just-after-midnight vote by a vote of 85-11.

The legislation will extend government funding until March 14. It provides $100 billion for disaster aid, $30 billion for farmers and a one-year extension of the farm bill.

The gavel technically fell in the Senate at 12:38, meaning that Congress technically missed its midnight deadline to avert a shutdown by 38 minutes.

President Joe Biden still needs to sign the bill, but a shutdown has for all intents and purposes been averted and no real tangible effects of it will be felt in the window between now and Biden's signing of the bill.

PHOTO: The U.S. Capitol is pictured in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 20, 2024. (Richard Pierrin/AFP via Getty Images)

Before the vote, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the work of the Senate in passing this bill.

"Tonight the Senate delivers good news for America: there will be no government shutdown right before Christmas," Schumer said. "After a chaotic few days in the House it's good news that the bipartisan approach in the end prevailed. It is a good lesson for next year: both sides have to work together."

He heralded the legislation as a "good bill".

"It is a good outcome for America and the American people," Schumer said.

The passage of the passage of the short-term funding bill marks the end of the 118th Congress. The Senate will now depart for the holidays, and return on January 3, 2025, when the 119th Congress will be sworn in.

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin





Dec 20, 10:56 PM

Senate has plan to pass funding bill before midnight deadline: Schumer

The Senate is, after several hours of stalled debate, beginning a series of votes that are all but certain to end in the passage of the House-backed short-term continuing resolution.



"I have very good news for my colleagues and the country: Democrats and Republicans have just reached an agreement that will allow us to pass the CR tonight before the midnight deadline," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the floor.



The Senate was first voting on a series of amendments to the Social Security Fairness Act, a bill that would boost Social Security payments for millions of public service retirees who also receive pensions.



Final passage of the short-term funding was expected to be the last vote Friday evening.



-ABC News' Allison Pecorin





Dec 20, 10:10 PM

Ahead of vote on shutdown bill, Senate approves funding for pediatric cancer research

Ahead of an expected vote late Friday to keep the federal government running, senators voted unanimously to approve some of the funding for pediatric cancer research that was stripped out of the House version of the stopgap funding bill.



Since President-elect Donald Trump helped to torpedo the original bipartisan funding deal in the House, Democrats have decried the fact that a measure to reauthorize National Institutes of Health funding for pediatric cancer had been removed.

PHOTO: Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer speaks as he is flanked by Democrats from the Senate Judiciary Committee during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

But it turns out that a clean version of that bill -- albeit with less money -- has been sitting in the Senate since the House passed it in March.



On Thursday night, without much fanfare and ahead of approving the stopgap funding bill, the Senate unanimously approved the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0.



The bill reauthorizes a pediatric disease research initiative within NIH through fiscal 2028 and requires the agency to coordinate pediatric research activities to avoid duplicative efforts.



The legislation was led by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.).



Senators were also expected to advance both the government funding bill and the Social Security Fairness Act.



-ABC News' Allison Pecorin





Dec 20, 7:39 PM

Jeffries calls funding bill passage 'a victory'

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the passage of the government funding bill "a victory" for the American people during remarks after the vote.



"House Democrats have successfully stopped the billionaire Boys Club, which wanted a $4 trillion blank check by suspending the debt ceiling in order to enable them to cut Social Security, cut Medicare and cut nutritional assistance, while providing massive tax breaks for the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected," he said.



Jeffries took no questions.





Dec 20, 7:18 PM

Schumer confident Senate will pass government funding bill

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he is confident the Senate will pass the government funding bill.



"The House has overwhelmingly passed a bill to keep the government open, and Im confident the Senate will pass it as well," he said. "We hope to get it passed as soon as possible."



As of now, it is unclear when the vote will be. If the vote is moved to Saturday, there would be a lapse in government funding starting at midnight, but the impact of a shutdown would be minimal given it is a weekend.



"Though this bill does not include everything Democrats fought for, there are major victories in this bill for American families -- provide emergency aid for communities battered by natural disasters, no debt ceiling, and it will keep the government open with no draconian cuts," he added. "As I have said, the only way to keep the government open is through bipartisanship."



-ABC News' Mariam Khan





Dec 20, 6:33 PM

Johnson says House will address debt limit in January

House Speaker Mike Johnson said the House will address the debt limit "early in January."



Asked whether he still wants to be speaker, Johnson paused before expressing his appreciation for the challenging leadership post.



"Being speaker of the House is a challenge in this modern era, but its a challenge that we accept. Its a great honor to serve in the position. I wouldnt say its the most fun job in the world all the time, but its an important one. Its a hugely consequential moment for the country," he said.



-ABC News' John Parkinson





Dec 20, 6:29 PM

Johnson celebrates passage of funding bill, urges Senate to clear it swiftly

"We are really grateful that tonight, in bipartisan fashion, with overwhelming majority of votes, we passed the American Relief Act of 2025. This is a very important piece of legislation," Johnson said.



Johnson said the bill is "a necessary step to bridge the gap, to put us into that that moment where we can put our fingerprints on the final decisions on spending for 2025. We also, in this bill, as you know, took care of Americans who desperately needed and deserve the assistance.



"We also took care of our farmers, many of whom were on the brink of collapse because of Bidenomics, frankly, because the inflationary cost of their inputs," he added.



The speaker said he was in "constant contact with President Trump" and spoke with him 45 minutes ago.



"He knew exactly what we were doing and why, and this is a good outcome for the country. I think he certainly is happy about this outcome as well," he said.



Johnson said he talked to Elon Musk an hour ago, saying, "We talked about the extraordinary challenges of this job, and I said, 'Hey, you want to be speaker of the House?' I don't know. He said, this may be the hardest job in the world."



-ABC News' Lauren Peller and John Parkinson





Dec 20, 6:08 PM

Voting formally ends, Democrats vote yes

With an overwhelming bipartisan majority, Republicans and Democrats came together Friday evening to pass a short-term spending bill to keep the government open through March 14.



The final vote was 366-34-1, easily surpassing the two-thirds majority threshold needed for passage under suspension of the rules.



No Democrats voted against the measure, while 34 Republicans voted against it. One Democrat voted "present."



The bill now heads to the Senate with about six hours left before tonights deadline.



-ABC News' John Parkinson

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A memorial for Maira Gutierrez, photographed Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at a Texas Department of Transportation storage lot in Houston. She was found fatally shot at the lot after being kidnapped at gunpoint hours earlier. Police have been searching for her ex-boyfriend Daniel Chacon in connection with her killing. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Pasadena police have an arrest warrant out for Daniel Chacon due to him being a person of interest in the murder and kidnapping of woman found in Houston on Monday. Pasadena Police Department

A man who kidnapped and killed a Pasadena mother of four was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison Tuesday, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

Daniel Chacon, 32, was found guilty of capital murder by a Harris County jury. He won't be eligible for parole.

Chacon killed his ex-girlfriend, Maira Gutierrez, 38, on Oct. 3, 2022.

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Gutierrez, a victim of domestic violence, had been trying to separate herself from Chacon, who had a history of violence against his partners, District Attorney Kim Ogg said.

This was a mother who was doing everything right to get away from a violent and controlling partner but still lost her life, and the only just result is that he spends every day of the rest of his life in prison," Ogg said.

Gutierrez and Chacon had a 6-month-old child together. They had broken up about a month before her death, according to the DA's office.

Chacon kidnapped Gutierrez after she had visited her child at Chacon's apartment. He had temporary custody of the child, and was living with another woman who he has two children with, prosecutors said. As Gutierrez visited the baby, Chacon hid in the back of her GMC Yukon with a handgun. When she returned to the Yukon, Gutierrez spotted Chacon and tried to run. He forced her into the back seat of the SUV and drove away.

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Chacon shot Gutierrez in the head and left her body at a Texas Department of Transportation property in southeast Houston. Her body was found the day she was a kidnapped, in a lot used store concrete barriers.

Chacon fled to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, after Gutierrez's death, and later turned himself into authorities.

Chacon's capital murder trial began Dec. 9. Prosecutors told the jury Chacon killed Gutierrez because he had lost control of her and felt he was going to lose custody of the baby.

This was always about Daniel Chacon trying to control Maira, taking advantage of the system to lie, make false statements and play games with her over custody of her child, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Dupont said. We believe he killed her because he was about to lose that leverage because she was doing everything right.
WASHINGTON  A deal to avoid a government shutdown that was backed by top Republicans failed in the House on Thursday, with dozens of right-wing lawmakers joining with Democrats to reject the plan.

The agreement was a a slimmed-down version of the bipartisan deal lawmakers announced earlier this week to temporarily avoid a government shutdown, provide disaster relief, and more. But that wasn't enough to win over Democrats in the lower chamber.

A government shutdown will begin at midnight on Friday if lawmakers don't act before the deadline. Thousands of federal employees would be furloughed, and other services would be endangered.

The latest move did pick up support from one pivotal backer: President-elect Donald Trump. He called it a "success" in the nation's capital. Trump's comments come after he joined allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in urging Congress to vote against a bipartisan agreement earlier this week to keep the government funded through March.

Catch up with USA TODAY for live updates throughout the day.

Mike Johnson criticizes Democrats after deal fails

House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters it is very disappointing that all but two Democrats voted against the continuing resolution on Thursday.

I want you all to remember that it was just last spring that the same Democrats berated Republicans and said that it was irresponsible to hold the debt limit, the debt ceiling, hostage. What changed? It is, I think, really irresponsible for us to risk a shutdown over these issues on things that they have already agreed upon, he said.

He added that Republicans will regroup and try to come up with another deal. Democrats, meanwhile, accused Republicans of backing away from a bipartisan agreement lawmakers made earlier in the week.

 Sudiksha Kochi

Plan to avoid government shutdown fails in the House

House Republicans had hurried to craft a new continuing resolution, or temporary means to keep things up and running, on Thursday, after their original bipartisan agreement was torpedoed by Trump and allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

The House voted 235-174 to reject the spending bill where two-thirds of the chamber was needed for passage. Thirty-eight Republicans joined 197 Democrats in opposing the bill.

 Savannah Kuchar

'Put on your big boy pants and pass your own bill'

Lawmakers are having a spirited debate about the funding extension that appears poised to fail on the House floor this evening.

Republicans are alternatively arguing against it and for it. At one point, Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-NY, who is presiding over the chamber, broke a gavel trying to keep the chamber in order.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Florida, told his GOP colleagues to put on your big boy pants and pass your own bill.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said he doesnt know why Republicans proposed this bill.

Because youre liars, Democrats shouted in response.

 Riley Beggin

Democrats accuse Republicans of going back on bipartisan deal

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said Republicans violated their word and are not going to get help from Democrats to pass their latest extension proposal  as they have on all of the previous deals.

Hakeem Jeffries basically doesnt know who his negotiating partner is, he said. Is it Mike Johnson? Is it President Elon Musk or Vice President JD Vance or Junior Vice President Donald Trump? Who knows?

Lawmakers unveiled a bipartisan funding extension earlier this week that would have dodged a government shutdown, but Republicans dropped the plan after Trump came out against it.

 Riley Beggin

Democrats and Republicans start the blame game

Democrats and Republicans are already prepared to throw each other under the bus if Congress can't pass the latest government funding proposal  or if a shutdown ultimately sets in this weekend.

If it doesn't pass, this is on Hakeem Jeffries shoulders alone, said Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis. When it gets over to the Senate, if it doesn't pass, it's (Sen. Chuck) Schumer's shutdown period.

Top Republicans negotiated a new funding bid on Thursday, but it has already picked up bipartisan opposition. Some hardline Republicans, including Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas., have opposed the bill. Several Democrats were also unhappy with the new bills provisions.

We arrived at a bipartisan legislative compromise, the Senate Democrats, the Senate Republicans, the House Democrats, the House Republicans, everybody agreed, and then it was blown up by Elon Musk, who apparently has become the fourth branch of government, said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., referring to an earlier funding deal rejected by President-elect Donald Trump and his allies.

 Sudiksha Kochi

Democrats balk at GOP agreement

After Republicans announced a new proposal on Thursday afternoon, several Democratic lawmakers quickly rejected the potential deal.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., called the new bid laughable and not serious.

Extreme Maga Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown, he told reporters.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said that Democrats are going to try to figure out how we can salvage the public good out of the wreckage that is just enforced upon.

Who is our leader, Hakeem Jeffries, supposed to negotiate with? Is it Mike Johnson? Is he the Speaker of the House, or is it Donald Trump? Or is it Elon Musk, or is it somebody else? Raskin said.

 Sudiksha Kochi

Donald Trump backs new funding proposal, removing major hurdle

Trump said the latest funding agreement Republicans reached on Thursday afternoon marked a "SUCCESS in Washington!"

"Speaker Mike Johnson and the House have come to a very good Deal for the American People. The newly agreed to American Relief Act of 2024 will keep the Government open, fund our Great Farmers and others, and provide relief for those severely impacted by the devastating hurricanes," Trump said.

He also applauded a reported piece of the agreement: Suspending the nation's debt ceiling for two years.

 Marina Pitofsky

New agreement will be defining moment for Mike Johnson

Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., who has yet to look at the new agreement Republicans reached on Thursday, said the saga surrounding the continuing resolution will be a defining moment for House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

This is a defining moment for his career as speaker, said McCormick. What he does and how he handles this, how he handles our conference, which I'm sure we're going to have a conference meeting here shortly to discuss what's in this new bill, how he handles it will define who he is, if he's a serious leader, and if he's going to survive this leadership vote quite frankly, McCormick said.

Asked whether he will support Johnson for an another term as speaker in January, McCormick said, Once I read the details (of the agreement), Ill let you know.

 Sudiksha Kochi

Donald Trump blasts right-wing Rep. Chip Roy as government shutdown talks continue

Trump took aim at hardline conservative Rep. Chip Roy on Thursday, suggesting the Texas Republican should face opposition in his 2026 primary election.

Weak and ineffective people like Chip have to be dismissed as being utterly unknowledgeable as to the ways of politics, and as to Making America Great Again, Trump wrote on social media.

Roy has been a vocal opponent of the funding extension plan released by House Speaker Mike Johnson earlier this week and killed by Trump and allies soon after. But Trump has also called for Congress to eliminate the debt ceiling, or limit to which the government can borrow money, something that could rub Roys fiscal conservatism the wrong way.

 Savannah Kuchar

GOP lawmaker says Musk and Ramaswamy have no sway with him

Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., chair of the House Agriculture Committee, told reporters on Thursday that he will not vote in support of an extension for government funding that doesnt include disaster assistance relief for farmers.

We know that there are farmers and ranchers being turned down for access to credit right now as we stand hereand you lose your farm or ranch, there's not a lot of people standing in line to come in and farm behind you and and that leads to food insecurity and only national insecurity, he said.

Asked what he thought about Musk and Ramaswamy saying farm aid in the bill is not efficient, Thompson said, I mean, they have a lot of say. Musk and Ramaswamy were tapped by Trump to head the Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at cutting federal spending and regulations.

Do they have a lot of sway? Not with me, Thompson said.

 Sudiksha Kochi

Congressional gridlock as deadline for yet another US government shutdown edges closer

The clock is ticking as Congressional lawmakers scramble to prevent yet another government shutdown, which will kick into effect just after midnight on Saturday, Dec. 21.

Since 1976, the government has partially closed a total of 21 times - the last and longest one resulted in a 35-day standoff between then-President Donald Trump and Speaker Nancy Pelosi from December 2018 to January 2019.

 Terry Moseley

Will a government shutdown affect Social Security checks? Here's what you need to know

During a government shutdown, some federal agencies continue their work because at least some of their workers are considered essential to continue activities such as air traffic control, border protection, law enforcement, in-hospital medical care, and power grid maintenance, notes the nonprofit, nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

Among those agencies and programs that continue on because some of their mandatory spending is not subject to annual appropriations by Congress: Medicare, Medicaid and, yes, Social Security.

Social Security has "dedicated funding, so it's outside of the budget process," said Craig Copeland, director of wealth benefits research at the Employee Benefit Research Institute. "All that money is there to paid (out). It doesn't have to be appropriated.  You're still going to get your checks."

 Mike Snider

Former president Donald Trump speaks during a campaign stop on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the Livingston County Sheriff's Office in Howell.

'President-elect Musk': Elon's influence on display in government spending fight

Hours before Donald Trump blew up a bipartisan stopgap funding deal Wednesday, putting the federal government in danger of a Christmas holiday shutdown, an influential member of his inner circle already was working hard to sink the bill.

Elon Musk took to X  a social media platform he owns  to slam the spending measure, repeatedly posting that lawmakers should kill the bill. When Trump finally weighed in, 14 hours after Musk first attacked the spending measure, it looked like he was following the tech impresario's lead.

Democrats and Trump critics decried Musks successful effort to derail the spending bill, with some pointing to his wealth to argue he is out of touch.

The richest man in the world says he wants to shut down the government, forcing millions of American workers  including our troops  to go without pay through the holidays, Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., whose district has many federal workers and includes the Pentagon, posted on X. Republicans are following his orders. This is insane.

Others, especially Republican lawmakers, were supportive. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wi., was glad to see Musk get involved in the budget fight, saying its good to have somebody in the media that can promote conservative and fiscal responsibility.

 Zac Anderson and Josh Meyer

Republicans say they're 'making progress' on a spending deal

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) speaks at a press conference for House Republicans, as he stands with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), following their leadership meeting, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., November 13, 2024. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

House Republicans told reporters on Thursday they anticipate a breakthrough on the government funding impasse before a shutdown happens this weekend.

The vibe in the room is a collaborative one," Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., said upon leaving Speaker Mike Johnson's office in the U.S. Capitol. "We're making progress."Johnson declined to go into detail over the discussions in the speakers office. "Ultimately, this package is going to get done tremendous things," he said, adding: "We're going to end up in a really, really good place. And listen, it's not always going to be a smooth journey, this deal is going to end up in a good spot.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said she expected the House to vote later Thursday on the issue but wouldn't specify if that would entail a new version of a continuing resolution different from the one Speaker Mike Johnson and Democrats unveiled earlier this week.

 Sudiksha Kochi

What is the debt ceiling?

The debt ceiling is the limit placed by Congress on the amount of debt the government can accrue. In order to pay its bills to those it borrowed from and dole out money for everything from Medicare benefits to military salaries, the government needs more money, so the debt ceiling has to be raised.

Created in 1917, the legislative cap has to be raised by a majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

That vote does not pledge any additional spending. It merely raises the limit on the amount of money the government can borrow to pay back commitments already agreed upon by Congress.

 Anna Kaufman

Is mail service or the post office impacted by a government shutdown?

U.S. Postal Service mail clerk Nadine Cure sorts boxes at the Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center on December 17, 2024 in Opa Locka, Florida.

No. The U.S. Postal Service remains unaffected by a government shutdown because it does not depend on Congress for funding.

In a statement posted to their website on Sept. 29, 2023, during risks of a government shutdown, USPS said their "operations will not be interrupted in the event of a government shutdown, and all Post Offices will remain open for business as usual."

"Because we are an independent entity that is generally funded through the sale of our products and services, and not by tax dollars, our services will not be impacted by a government shutdown," it said.

 Saman Shafiq

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), President-elect Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Vice President-elect JD Vance attend the 125th Army-Navy football game at Northwest Stadium on December 14, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.

Trump says Congress should eliminate debt ceiling

President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday said Congress should eliminate the debt ceiling, one day after the incoming president torpedoed a bipartisan deal hours earlier to fund the government before a looming shutdown heading into the end-of-year holidays.

Trump told NBC News in a phone interview that getting rid of the debt ceiling would be the "smartest thing it (Congress) could do," adding, "I would support that entirely.

The debt ceiling, which caps the amount the federal government can borrow, had previously not been on the table during negotiations over a stopgap spending bill before Friday's midnight deadline to keep large parts of the U.S. government open.

A bipartisan deal reached earlier this week between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democrats to fund the government through mid-March crumbled Wednesday after Trump came out against it and tech billionaire Elon Musk spent the day slamming the legislation on social media.

Republicans have balked at various add-ons in the 1,500-page bill, which includes pay increases for members of Congress, $100 billion in emergency relief and $21 billion for farmers who have experienced crop or livestock issues.

Trump now wants a clean spending bill passed without "Democrat giveaways," combined with increasing the debt ceiling  or getting rid of it  while President Joe Biden remains in the White House.

 Joey Garrison

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) stands with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following their meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 12, 2024. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz

Rand Paul calls for Musk to replace Speaker Johnson

Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul threw billionaire Elon Musk's name in the hat on Thursday to replace House Speaker Mike Johnson amidst the chaos on Capitol Hill.

"The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress," Paul said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, Musk's social media platform. "Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk... think about it... nothing's impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka 'uniparty,' lose their ever-lovin' minds)."

Freedom Caucus member and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed her support on the platform, saying that "The establishment needs to be shattered just like it was yesterday. This could be the way."

Musk is not a member of Congress, and though all House speakers have been representatives, there is no rule saying that is a requirement.

 Sam Woodward

Trump weighs in on Fox and Friends

With just over two days until deadline came the death knell: President-elect Donald Trump told Fox and Friends he is "totally against" the funding extension.

"Republicans must GET SMART and TOUGH," Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance said in a statement opposing the current proposal. "If Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want, then CALL THEIR BLUFF."

Now House Republican leaders are scrambling for a plan B, potentially crafting a more bare-bones resolution that will win back enough support from their caucus. But if GOP members throw out the old version in favor of a cleaner funding extension, they risk losing backing from congressional Democrats who still control the Senate.

The process is already causing GOP rifts weeks before Trump is set to be sworn into office.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said he spoke with Trump Wednesday evening on the phone and that the president-elect expressed frustration with House Speaker Mike Johnsons handling of the funding extension.Is this how you want your government to run? Hawley said he asked Trump. I mean, these guys cant manage their way out of a paper bag.

Dec 17, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) alongside Steve Scalise (R-LA), left and Tom Emmer (R-MN), right, during a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 17 on Capitol Hill in Washington. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

How likely is a government shutdown?

Following the backlash from Trump and others, Speaker Johnson, R-La., spent hours holed up in his office Wednesday, visited by a rotating door of fellow Republicans seeking a path forward.

Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., said the day had been "pretty crazy," upon exiting his meeting with Johnson.

A lot of folks have had second thoughts (on the bill) and so now we gotta recalibrate, he said.

Fellow Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole, appropriations chairman, did not answer repeated questions about the state of affairs while on his way into the speaker's office.

 Riley Beggin and Sudiksha Kochi

A National Park entrance fee collection service is temporarily suspended at Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in North America, during the partial U.S. government shutdown, in Death Valley, California, U.S., January 10, 2019.

Democrats say they will not be bailing out their colleagues.

House Republicans will now own any harm that is visited upon the American people from a government shutdown or worse, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told reporters.

Any deal House Republicans cut will have to go through Senate Democrats  who have little incentive to agree to GOP demands, given they will have no negotiating power under the coming years Republican trifecta.

A group of Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee members huddled on the Senate floor with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Wednesday night, but members did not indicate what Democrats may be willing to agree to.

Republicans have a hard time governing, said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich. This just shows what we're gonna be dealing with over the next two years."

US Speaker Mike Johnson (L), Republican from Louisiana, and US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat from New York, attend a Hanukkah event at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on December 17, 2024. (Photo by Allison ROBBERT / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP via Getty Images)

As of end of day Wednesday, Congress has 48 hours to find a way to keep the government funded and running.

 Savannah Kuchar

Lawmakers debate how to proceed

Key to Republicans' objections were the various add-ons, which Trump and Vance called "sweetheart provisions."

From health care reforms to congressional pay raises, the 1,547-page bill included a myriad of extra provisions that many in the GOP caucus have called on Johnson to remove.

But some Republicans say they don't want to see everything get slashed.

Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., says he wont vote for the funding extension if it doesnt have disaster funding in it.To anybody who thinks disaster relief is pork, come to where I live, he said.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), front, along with Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Katie Britt (R-Alabama) at a press conference on Dec. 7, 2023 in Washington, D.C, regarding issues related to border security and President Joe Biden policy.

The current proposed resolution includes about $100 billion in disaster aid.Graham added that the government spends a lot of money it shouldnt, but theres a time for the government when people have lost everything.This is an absolute moral imperative to get money into the system to help these people get back on their feet.

Riley Beggin

What happens in a government shutdown?

Should Congress fail to agree on and pass a funding extension, America would face a government shutdown with wide-ranging impacts.

In that case, federal agencies except those determined to be "essential"  such as the U.S. Postal Service, Medicare and Social Security  would stop work.

Federal employees would be furloughed through a shutdown, while those "essential" workers continue to work unpaid with the promise of backpay at the conclusion of the shutdown. Government food assistance benefits will also be delayed and national parks will temporarily close.

The last time there was a holiday shutdown was also the last time there was any government shutdown. From December 2018 through January 2019, the government shutdown for 35 days under the first Trump administration.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chances of a government shutdown; furlough meaning: Replay
Former Rep. Liz Cheney speaks during a conversation with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris moderated by Charlie Sykes in Brookfield, Wisconsin, on October 21, 2024. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

President-elect Donald Trump has long suggested he would try to prosecute his political opponents, and House Republicans delivered him a new opening on Tuesday through a report recommending that GOP former Rep. Liz Cheney be prosecuted by the FBI for her role in probing the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

Trump, who has said Cheney should go to jail and even amplified posts on social media calling for a televised military tribunal for her, said on Truth Social Wednesday morning that Cheney could be in a lot of trouble based on the report released by House GOP Rep. Barry Loudermilk. Trumps elevation of the report carries even more weight considering he has chosen loyalist Kash Patel, who has a retribution list of his own, to lead the FBI.

In the report, Loudermilk singles out Cheney, a longtime top target of Trump, and claims that she colluded with former Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, whose explosive testimony was crucial to the former select committees investigation.

Based on the evidence obtained by this Subcommittee, numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney, the former Vice Chair of the January 6 Select Committee, and these violations should be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the report states.

Although Trump told NBC News earlier this month that he wont direct his subordinates to prosecute his political opponents, he likely wont have to, considering those in his closest orbit have echoed his claims that the legal system was weaponized against him and have their own retribution plans.

Pam Bondi, Trumps pick for attorney general, said in a TV appearance in August 2023 that the prosecutors will be prosecuted and the investigators will be investigated, while Patel has been fueled by his crusade against the so-called deep state and efforts to defend Trump.

Trumps daughter-in-law and former co-chair of the Republican National Committee who could fill a potential US Senate vacancy in Florida, Lara Trump, foreshadowed how Patel, and even Trumps pick to lead the intelligence community, would handle the allegations against Cheney.

These people ought to be ashamed of themselves. I know they arent, so well go ahead and shame them, Trump said. Wait until Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard get in there.

The broader Republican-led investigation into the former select committee and security response to the Capitol attack stems from an expansive party effort to rewrite the narrative of January 6 on behalf of Trump and deep-seated distrust for law enforcement agencies that party leaders claim has been weaponized against conservatives.

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Loudermilk wrote in the report that until we hold accountable those responsible, and reform our institutions, we will not fully regain trust.

Cheney, who lost reelection to a Trump-backed challenger in 2022 for her role as vice chair of the January 6 committee and voting to impeach Trump for inciting the Capitol riot, fiercely defended her work in a statement on Tuesday, pointing to her committees work product.

Chairman Loudermilks Interim Report intentionally disregards the truth and the Select Committees tremendous weight of evidence, and instead fabricates lies and defamatory allegations in an attempt to cover up what Donald Trump did, Cheney said.

Their allegations do not reflect a review of the actual evidence, and are a malicious and cowardly assault on the truth. No reputable lawyer, legislator or judge would take this seriously, she continued.

The former chair of the January 6 committee, Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, said of Loudermilk in a statement to CNN, His so-called report is filled with baseless, conclusory allegations rather than facts. Thats because theres no escaping the reality that Donald Trump bears the responsibility for the deadly January 6th attack no matter how much Mr. Loudermilk would love to rewrite history for his political purposes.

With Trump laying the groundwork for political retribution, senior Biden White House aides, administration officials and prominent defense attorneys in Washington, DC, have been discussing potential preemptive pardons or legal aid for people like Cheney who might be targeted for prosecution by the incoming Trump administration.

There are also significant protections from federal criminal investigations that exist around members of Congress and the legislative work they do, which would include committee work such as the January 6 House special investigation. Members of Congress have broad immunity under the Speech or Debate Clause of the Constitution. That prevents federal criminal investigators from even accessing their communications around legislative work in a probe, and also bars that work from ever coming into court.

Prosecution threat strikes nerve with Republicans

The threat of a criminal investigation looming over Cheney struck a nerve with some Republicans who are struggling with their partys appetite to carry out Trumps vow for revenge.

Indiana GOP Rep. Greg Pence, the brother of former Vice President Mike Pence who has said Trump was wrong for claiming that he had the right to overturn the 2020 election, called on his Republican colleagues to move on following the release of the report. God put our eyes in the front of our head because we should move forward, he said.

Its even left some lawmakers concerned about whether they could be the next target.

I dont want him coming after me. I dont think thats fair to Liz Cheney, one GOP lawmaker who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told CNN. I hope he doesnt follow through with that.

Congressional Republicans have signaled they may pursue investigations targeting special counsel Jack Smith over his two criminal cases against Trump and special counsel David Weiss over his handling of the tax and gun prosecutions of President Joe Bidens son Hunter. Lawmakers also have put members of the Biden administration on notice that theyll be under scrutiny.

But investigating Cheney seems to be another matter.

That will be up to the new Justice Department, House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, who was subpoenaed by the former January 6 committee, told CNN when asked if Cheney should be criminally investigated. Jordan claimed that Trump is against retribution and that hes into winning and success for the country.

Another Judiciary Committee member, Rep. Darrell Issa, outlined that the bar for criminally prosecuting Cheney is different than being politically against her.

I dont have knowledge of Liz Cheneys wrongdoing from a criminal standpoint. I do have her hypocrisy in her political life, and for that Im disappointed, the California Republican said. I dont want to confuse the two.

Should we prosecute Liz Cheney? We should investigate if there are credible accusations, he added.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Shania Shelton and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Nassau County unveiled a state-of-the-art drone-tracking command center, but can only take them down with good old gunfire for now.

Meet the new space cowboys.

Nassau County cops have gotten the green light to shoot troublesome drones out of the sky  with officials saying they dont want to wait for something disastrous to happen.

The order went out Thursday as county officials unveiled a new state-of-the-art drone command center that can track the mysterious flying crafts from miles away, but they need the feds to sign off on high-tech tools to intercept and take down the drones.

Instead, theyre taking matters into their own hands.

We dont want to wait until we have some kind of disastrous event to then say, Well, we could have done this and we could have done that,' Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told reporters.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder unveiled a new drone tracking command center on Thursday. Dennis A. Clark

The Nassau County Police Department has the authority and certainly has my approval that if there is a mass gathering anywhere and there is a drone that is a threat to the public at large, they have the authority and the jurisdiction and the right to shoot down that drone.

Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said his team is trained up and ready to roll.

Do you have footage of drones over the skies of New Jersey or New York? Send it to The Post at drones@nypost.com.

As far as my snipers go, I have 30 of the best, world-renowned snipers in the country that can hit a quarter a mile away, he said. Thats how good they are.

The announcement comes as the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily banned drone operations over parts of New Jersey and decreed that deadly force can be used to bring them down.

The agency said that at least until Jan. 17 unmanned aircraft are barred from flying within a nautical mile of specified airspace outlined in an FAA Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM.

Nassau Countys new drone-tracking command center can spot drones from miles away, officials said Thursday. Dennis A. Clark

Repeated mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey and elsewhere have officials and locals alike concerned Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Drone sightings in recent months, primarily over New Jersey and portions of New York, have raised the alarm among locals and security concerns for authorities, who fear foreign agents are behind them.

The Post reported this week that there have been sightings near at least 17 US military installations as far off as Hawaii and Utah that located near property owned by the Chinese.

Nassau Countys new command center can now keep tabs on any drones near their air space.

But theres a limit to what officials can do without the feds lending a hand.

I can see a drone coming from 20 miles, but I cant stop it, Ryder said Thursday. Thats what were asking for. The county exec is asking Congress to push that bill forward so we can get our drone mitigation here.

Nassau County officials said they can track drones anywhere over the county and have now authorized cops to shoot them down if they seem to pose a threat. Dennis A. Clark

The White House has largely downplayed the concerns despite repeated calls from local residents and government officials demanding action to at least get answers for the mysterious flying objects.

One lawmaker, Republican New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew, has gone so far as to suggest that the drones may be coming from an Iran mothership high over the Atlantic Ocean.

He called the federal governments lack of response is not just frustrating  its dangerous.

Blakeman said Nassau County can only do so much without the federal government approving and sharing with local jurisdictions the technology to intercept the drones.

We would like the power to do a few things, he said. Number one, we would like the technology so we dont have to shoot it down, because that creates a whole nother set of problems with the people who are on the ground.

But the technology is there there to jam it and send it back to its home base, Blakeman added. And we want that. We also want federal legislation that would allow us to issue a federal summons in that even that someone was violation the law.
Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo/Bloomberg via Getty Luigi Mangione

Weeks before allegedly shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Luigi Mangione wrote that the company's investor conference was a perfect place to "wack" a top insurance executive, federal prosecutors contend in a criminal complaint filed Thursday, Dec. 19.

Citing a notebook found in his possession upon his arrest in Altoona, Pa., the Justice Department alleges that Mangione had his eyes set on UnitedHealthcare's investor conference as early as Oct. 22, six weeks before Thompson's death, according to a copy of the complaint, which was still sealed Thursday afternoon but was published by the New York Times.

The notebook entry describes the investor conference as "a true windfall" where "the message becomes self-evident," per the indictment. Later in the entry, Mangione allegedly describes his "intent to 'wack' the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference."

Thompson, 50, would be fatally shot by a masked gunman outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel early in the morning of Dec. 4, as preparations were underway for the conference. The Justice Department and the Manhattan District Attorney have identified Mangione as the suspect.

Related: Luigi Mangione Returns to New York to Face Federal Murder Charges that Could Carry Death Penalty

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According to the complaint, Mangione wrote in the notebook as early as August that "the details are finally coming together" and that "the target is insurance" because "it checks every box."

It's possible the plans were allegedly underway well before that as well, because the author acknowledges having "procrastinated" in order to learn more about an unnamed corporation.

Mangione, 26, is charged federally in New York's Southern District with murder, stalking, and firearms violations; if convicted of the murder count, he could face the death penalty.

The University of Pennsylvania graduate from a prominent Maryland family has also been indicted on first and second-degree murder charges in New York State, where prosecutors accuse him of committing an act of terrorism. He also faces weapons and forgery charges in Pennsylvania.

The defendant arrived in New York by helicopter on Thursday and was immediately taken to the federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan to be arraigned. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, at an unrelated press conference, said the federal and state prosecutions will run "parallel" to one another.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the Pennsylvania charges; his plea in the New York and federal cases has not yet been filed.



Read the original article on People
NEW YORK -- UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione appeared in federal court in New York City Thursday after waiving extradition in Pennsylvania.

He faces four new federal charges, including murder, which could make him eligible for the death penalty. He is also facing multiple state charges.

Mangione, 26, appeared in front of a federal judge in New York City just before 3 p.m. after being transported from Pennsylvania. He wore a navy sweater over a white shirt and khaki pants during his afternoon court appearance. He nodded as his rights were read to him, and said "yes" when asked if he understood those rights. He also replied "yes" when asked if he understood what he's accused of. He was not wearing handcuffs in court, but his ankles were shackled.

He was ordered held ahead of his preliminary hearing, which is now set for Jan. 18.

It came hours after he departed Pennsylvania, where NYPD detectives were on hand to ensure he was transported back to New York City for his arraignment. He landed at Long Island's MacArthur Airport just after noon, and then flown in a helicopter to the Wall Street helipad and brought straight to court.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was at the helipad to see Mangione with his own eyes.

"Police Commissioner Tisch and I are going to send a very clear and loud message that this act of terrorism and violence that stems from it is something that will not be tolerated," Adams said. "There are mechanisms in this country on how to organize on those issues of concern... we don't use a gun, and anyone that celebrates that, it is vile, and it is sending the wrong message."

Mangione is currently being held at a federal prison in Brooklyn, the same facility housing Sean "Diddy" Combs.

There's no word as yet as to when he will appear in Manhattan Criminal Court.

Mangione faces 4 federal charges

Mangione faces four federal charges, including two counts of stalking, murder through the use of a firearm, and using a weapon equipped with a silencer. The charges are important because they raise the possibility of the death penalty, if prosecutors choose to seek it.

According to the federal criminal complaint, Mangione "traveled from Georgia to New York, New York for the purpose of stalking and killing Brian Thompson."

The complaint says Mangione used a cellphone and the Internet to plan the killing.

The federal criminal complaint also details notes Mangione made dating back to August. On August 15, the FBI says Mangione wrote in a notebook "the details are finally coming together" and "I'm glad - in a way - that I've procrastinated, [because] it allowed me to learn more about [acronym for Company-1]... the target is insurance [because] it checks every box."

Another entry describes an intent to "wack" the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference.

On October 22, the FBI says Mangione made another entry.

"1.5 months. This investor conference is a true windfall... and - most importantly - the message becomes self-evident," he allegedly wrote. "P.S. You can check serial numbers to verify this is all self-funded. My own ATM withdrawals."

It's expected the same evidence will also play a role in Mangione's case with the state. The Manhattan DA is expected to arraign him soon on 11 charges.

The complaint also says the words "deny," "delay," and "depose" were written on the side of some of the shell casings found at the scene of Thompson's killing. These are viewed as a reference to a phrase used by insurance industry critics -- the "three Ds of insurance."

"Today, the Justice Department has brought federal murder charges against Luigi Mangione. As alleged, Mangione planned his attack for months and stalked his victim for days before murdering him  methodically planning when, where, and how to carry out his crime," Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

"NYPD detectives worked relentlessly to identify and widely distribute images of the suspect who allegedly carried out this premeditated, preplanned, targeted murder, and they are committed to assisting prosecutors in seeing this important case through to its rightful conclusion. This senseless incident highlights the critical role of the public in the NYPD's public safety mission, and I thank everyone who saw something, said something, and did something. It is because of the public's actions that we now have an alleged killer in custody back in New York City," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

"We charged him here in Manhattan earlier this week with murder in the first degree, among additional charges which carry the maximum sentence of life without parole," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. "Speaking generally, we've had state prosecutions and federal prosecutions proceed as parallel matters, and we're in conversations with out law enforcement counterparts."

"We're gonna respectfully decline to make any comment at this time, but Mr. Mangione appreciates everyone's support, thank you so much," Mangione's Manhattan prosecutor-turned-defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo said.

In court, Friedman Agnifilo expressed confusion about the federal and state case, telling the judge one seemed to be about terrorism, and the other stalking, and asking for clarification about whether this was a joint investigation. The judge told the attorneys to get together to discuss at some point after court.

Federal complaint outlines timeline of killing

The complaint also details Mangione's movements surrounding the killing, saying he arrived at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on Nov. 24 and took a taxi to the hostel where he stayed on the Upper West Side. He used a fake New Jersey driver's license with the name "Mark Rosario" when he arrived. He removed his mask briefly when he checked in.

On Dec. 4, Mangione allegedly left the hostel at 5:35 a.m. and rode an electric bicycle near the location of the shooting, stopping at a coffee shop to buy some items. He then waited about an hour, according to the complaint before allegedly shooting Thompson.

He then allegedly rode into Central Park, and when he came out of the park, he no longer was carrying his backpack.

At 7 a.m., he allegedly caught a cab, and took it to the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal. Police he believe that's when he left New York City.

On Dec. 9, he was spotted by a worker at a fast food restaurant in Altoona, Penn., and was taken into custody. When he was arrested, he presented his fake ID, according to the complaint. Responding officers also found him with "a loaded 9mm pistol and silencer consistent with the weapon used to kill the the victim, clothing that matched apparel that the shooter wore in the security camera videos, a notebook, several thousand in cash, and an envelope associated with an FDIC-insured bank, and a letter addressed "to the feds."

Federal authorities say they found this weapon on Mangione, which they say was used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. / Credit: U.S Attorney's Office

Authorities have also recovered a document roughly two to three pages in length in which Mangione allegedly expressed frustration with the health care industry.

"The federal government's reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns. We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought," Agnifilo said in a statement Thursday morning.

"As alleged, this defendant brazenly shot Mr. Thompson point blank on a Manhattan sidewalk. The Manhattan D.A.'s Office, working with our partners at the NYPD, is dedicated to securing justice for this heinous murder with charges of murder in the first degree. The state case will proceed in parallel with any federal case," the Manhattan DA's office said in a statement.

What it was like in the courtroom for the Mangione hearing

CBS News New York's Ali Bauman described the Pennsylvania courtroom as packed. There were about a dozen NYPD officers seated in the front row waiting to take him back to New York.

"I mean, there were people sitting on the floors, people standing in the back. It was - people waiting outside to get in. Right now behind me, actually, there are even supporters of Luigi that are outside here with signs saying 'Free Luigi,'" Bauman reported.

UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione appears in a Pennsylvania courtroom for his extradition hearing. / Credit: Dave Klug

Bauman said Mangione was clean shaven, wearing an orange jumpsuit, with his hands and ankles shackled. He appeared to be more subdued than his last appearance, Bauman reported, and "seemed relaxed, he at times was even smiling, and even shrugging, and being very expressive with his facial expressions."

Mangione signed the waivers for his extradition. When the judge asked him directly if he wished to waive, Mangione stood and answered "yes."

He was immediately remanded into NYPD custody to be flown directly to New York, instead of stopping first at the Pennsylvania prison where he was being held.

Mangione's attorney told the Pennsylvania court things have changed since they initially fought extradition last week, saying they have been in constant communication with his legal counsel in New York, and he is now confident this decision is in his client's best interest.

"We're ready to do this now. Before we weren't ready. It's in his best interest," Mangione's attorney Tom Dickey said.

There was a significant amount of downtime in the 90-minute hearing, Bauman reported. For some of it, Mangione whispered with his attorney, at times smiling and shrugging, making very animated facial expressions as they spoke. But when his attorney left at the desk alone to speak with the judge, Mangione read papers in front of him, talked to the sheriff's deputies standing beside him, and spent a while seemingly staring off into space.

Mangione was transferred to the custody of the NYPD after the hearing. He was escorted into an SUV and a caravan of six of them left the courthouse, with lights and sirens on, to take him to a waiting airplane for transport back to New York City.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania prosecutors haven't dropped the forgery and gun charges against him, and his next court appearance in Pennsylvania is scheduled for February.

"Our intention is to keep our case active and, at the conclusion of the New York case, which obviously is the primary case against the defendant, and we intend to assist them in any manner that they might need. You know, we'll evaluate our case and determine how to proceed," Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks said.

What about the first degree murder charge?

"The terrorism charge is there because it's the necessary component to get to first degree murder. Intentional killing in New York is only second degree murder, and the difference is you can't get life imprisonment without parole unless you get convicted of first degree murder. So they had to add the terrorism aggravating factor to ratchet it up to first degree so they can try get life imprisonment without parole," explained trial attorney Richard Schoenstein.

Schoenstein, who is not affiliated with the prosecution or defense in this case, offered analysis of the charge.

"I think the theory is that this defendant wanted to send a message with this killing. He had no personal connection that we know about to Brian Thompson. He didn't have an individual gripe with him. This killing was designed to make a statement about the health care industry. And you can have whatever you want to have about the health care industry, but shooting a guy in the back on the street to make a statement - that's not the way we make statements in this country. It is to send a message. It is arguably to invoke fear in people who work in that industry, and maybe even to persuade them, I don't know, to change what they're doing. And I think that's the kind of argument that's going to be made to support the terrorism charge," he said.

What is an extradition hearing?

Extradition is the process by which one state (or nation) surrenders an individual who has been accused, or convicted, of a criminal offense outside of that state's territory to the state where the offense occurred so the individual can face justice in that state, after the state requests it.

An extradition hearing is the legal proceeding in which evidence is reviewed to determine if there is probable cause to grant the extradition request.

By waiving the hearing, that review of evidence is waived, meaning they can proceed with necessary steps to face trial where a person has been accused.

What if Mangione contested extradition?

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday she had a plan -- and a warrant -- in place if Mangione did not waive extradition.

"When that happens, I will send that warrant to the governor. He has told me he will sign it immediately and the extradition will proceed," Hochul said. "He may waive that, there is word he may waive and come back on his own. But I'm ready to bring him back here and make sure that justice is served to someone who had the audacity to gun down any New Yorker, I don't care what their title is, with that brazen move on our streets, must result in severe consequences."

"The benefit is he gets his New York case to start. We already know that Pennsylvania has said they are not going to move forward with their case until the New York case is completed, and so this means that once he's here, he can actually be arraigned and the case can begin with respect to his New York charges," explained New York Law School professor Anna Cominsky.

Mangione's life behind bars

While Mangione was being held in Pennsylvania, he received dozens of emails and pieces of mail following his arrest last week at a McDonald's in Altoona, CBS News New York has learned.

He also had three visitors -- his attorneys -- including Friedman Agnifilo, who, before she became his attorney, said in an interview his best defense would be to plead not guilty by reason of insanity.

Mangione faces murder, terrorism charges

Mangione was initially indicted Tuesday on 11 charges, including on first degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, in the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4 in Midtown Manhattan.

"This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock, attention and intimidation," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said, adding the killing was "intended to evoke terror."

Who is Luigi Mangione?

Mangione was born and raised in Maryland, and is related to a prominent Mary family that owns country clubs, health care facilities and real estate companies, according to CBS News Baltimore. His family released a statement after his arrest saying in part, "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."

He attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2020, a school spokesperson confirmed.

The NYPD said his last known address was in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he was part of a co-living community. A former member of that community said Mangione had left due to a lifelong back injury.

Mangione said on Reddit that he had spinal surgery in June 2023.

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NEW YORK (AP)  The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcares CEO was whisked back to New York by plane and helicopter Thursday to face new federal charges of stalking and murder, which could bring the death penalty if he's convicted.

Luigi Mangione was held without bail following a Manhattan federal court appearance, capping a whirlwind day that began in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested last week in the Dec. 4 attack on Brian Thompson.

The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate had been expected to be arraigned Thursday on a state murder indictment in a killing that at once rattled the business community and galvanized some health insurance critics, but the federal charges preempted that appearance. The cases will now proceed on parallel tracks, prosecutors said, with the state charges expected to go to trial first.

Mangione, shackled at the ankles and wearing dress clothes, said little during the 15-minute proceeding as he sat between his lawyers in a packed federal courtroom.

He nodded as a magistrate judge informed him of his rights and the charges against him, occasionally leaning forward to a microphone to tell her he understood.

After the hearing, a federal marshal handed Mangiones lawyers a bag containing his belongings, including the orange prison jumpsuit he had worn to court in Pennsylvania.

Mangione had been held in Pennsylvania since his Dec. 9 arrest while eating breakfast at a McDonald's in Altoona, about 233 miles (37 kilometers) west of Manhattan.

At a hearing there Thursday morning, Mangione agreed to be returned to New York and was immediately turned over to at least a dozen New York Police Department officers who took him to an airport and a plane bound for Long Island.

He then was flown to a Manhattan heliport, where he was walked slowly up a pier by a throng of officers with assault rifles  a contingent that included New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

The federal complaint filed Thursday charges Mangione with two counts of stalking and one count each of murder through use of a firearm and a firearms offense. Murder by firearm carries the possibility of the death penalty, though federal prosecutors will determine whether to pursue that path in coming months.

In a state court indictment announced earlier this week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office charged Mangione with murder as an act of terrorism, which carries a possible sentence of life in prison without parole. New York does not have the death penalty.

Mangiones lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said its a highly unusual situation for a defendant to face simultaneous state and federal cases.

Frankly Ive never seen anything like what is happening here, said Friedman Agnifilo, a former top deputy in the Manhattan district attorney's office.

She reserved the right to seek bail at a later point and declined to comment as she left the courthouse.

Mangione, of Towson, Maryland, is accused of ambushing the 50-year-old Thompson as the executive arrived to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference.

Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting Thompson from behind. Police say the words delay, deny and depose were scrawled on the ammunition investigators found at the scene, echoing a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims.

The gunman then pedaled a bicycle through Central Park, took a taxicab to a bus station and then rode the subway to a train station before fleeing to Pennsylvania, authorities said.

There, a McDonalds customer noticed that Mangione looked like the person in surveillance photos police were circulating of the gunman, prosecutors said.

When he was arrested, they say, Mangione had the gun used to kill Thompson, a passport, fake IDs and about $10,000.

According to the federal complaint, Mangione also had a spiral notebook that included several handwritten pages expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives. UnitedHealthcare is the largest health insurer in the U.S., though the insurer said Mangione was never a client.

An August entry said that the target is insurance because it checks every box, according to the filing. An entry in October describes an intent to wack the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference, the document said.

Mangione initially fought attempts to return him to New York. In addition to waiving extradition Thursday, he waived a preliminary hearing on forgery and firearms charges in Pennsylvania.

The killing unleashed an outpouring of stories about resentment toward U.S. health insurance companies while also shaking corporate America after some social media users called the shooting payback.

Mangione, a computer science graduate from a prominent Maryland family, repeatedly posted on social media about how spinal surgery last year had eased his chronic back pain, encouraging people with similar conditions to speak up for themselves if told they just had to live with it.

In a Reddit post in late April, he advised someone with a back problem to seek additional opinions from surgeons and, if necessary, say the pain made it impossible to work.

We live in a capitalist society, Mangione wrote. Ive found that the medical industry responds to these key words far more urgently than you describing unbearable pain and how its impacting your quality of life.

He apparently cut himself off from family and close friends in recent months. His family reported him missing in San Francisco in November.

Thompson, who grew up on a farm in Iowa, was trained as an accountant. A married father of two high-schoolers, he had worked at UnitedHealth Group for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance arm in 2021.

___

Scolforo reported from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Associated Press writers Mike Rubinkam in Allentown, Pennsylvania; and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; contributed.
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A 40-year-old man has pled guilty to charges of stalking and harassing UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers, ESPN reports.

Robert Cole Parmalee, of Grants Pass, Oregon, entered a guilty plea in Connecticut's Rockville Superior Court on Wednesday and was handed a one-year suspended sentence and three years' probation after he was arrested and charged with breach of peace, electronic stalking and harassment in September. A protective order put in place in September will remain in effect until Jan. 4, 2064.

According to the plea agreement, Parmalee will be prohibited from entering the state of Connecticut, in addition to arenas, hotels and practice facilities that the UConn women's basketball team is using. He will also be barred from all WNBA arenas and facilities, the State's Attorney told ESPN.

Connecticut State Police arrested Parmalee on Aug. 27 as he was walking along the highway near Bradley International Airport after he flew cross-country to Hartford, Connecticut. When asked by police what brought him to Connecticut, Parmalee told authorities that he was going to see Bueckers, claiming she was a "friend."

ESPN reports that Parmalee first began seeking contact with Bueckers in February. An affidavit on an arrest warrant application for Parmalee cites that he would send videos to Bueckers via Instagram. Bueckers says she never responded.

Paige Bueckers during UConn's game against Notre Dame.

Parmalee would also post threatening messages on his social media pages, with one post on his TikTok reading, "And if I cannot live with a woman of my choosing, (Bueckers), then I will choose to die, and I will choose to take all of you that (op)pose me, oppose us, to hell, and return, king..."

In court on Wednesday, Parmalee apologized to the state of Connecticut and UConn. He's set to leave the state for Washington Wednesday evening, his lawyer said. "My client had requested that (Parmalee) return home, get the evaluation and treatment that he needs, and that she be left alone," Robert Britt, who represented Bueckers in court on Wednesday, told ESPN. "We're very happy with that."

Contributing: Jon Hoefling

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news  fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man pleads guilty to charges of stalking, harassing Paige Bueckers
Ethiopia and Kenya both embrace renewables for their electricity production.

Ethiopia produces all the power for its national grid from renewable sources, and is home to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the largest hydropower plant in Africa. In Kenya, renewables account for around 90% of electricity, and the country boasts one of the largest geothermal facilities in the world, in the Olkaria Area.

But relying on renewables can be hard: electricity cant always be generated when needed (a drought can mean no hydropower) and renewable energy is difficult to store. One solution? The Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway.

The vast piece of infrastructure opened officially last year after a decade of work and $1.2 billion of investment. Now, when one country needs more electricity for its national grid and the other has a surplus, electricity automatically flows across the border, along 650 miles of transmission lines, so that supply meets demand. Last week, a Kenya-Tanzania link began operations, which will let energy flow across that border, too.

A man looks at part of the 650 miles of transmission lines that makes up the Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway. - Dr. Eng. John Mativo/KETRACO

Power sharing

Experts say sharing electricity (or power sharing) between African countries is fundamental to a successful clean energy transition. According to Darlain Edeme, African Energy Analyst for the International Energy Agency (IEA), it can improve quality, reliability, security, and have benefits on prices, in a continent where demand for electricity is rapidly increasing.

In Ethiopia, a country with a population of nearly 130 million, electricity consumption per capita quadrupled between 2000 and 2022. In Kenya, it rose by three quarters within the same period. And its set to continue rising  in 2017 Ethiopia launched its National Electrification Plan that aimed to achieve universal electrification by 2025, despite only about one in four rural households currently having access to electricity. Across Africa, the UN has targeted universal access to electricity by 2030, which would mean adding the 600 million people currently without it  nearly half the population of the continent  in the next five years.

With a rising energy access deficit  the difference between supply and demand  it makes sense for neighbors to pool their resources. But power sharing requires sophisticated infrastructure  namely, interconnectors  transmission lines that enable electricity to flow both ways across a border or over a large distance.

And its expensive, too. The Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway follows the model of other interconnectors in Africa, including one between Zambia and Namibia, which has run since 2010 and cost $300 million to construct, and a 1,000-mile interconnector between two regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, running since 1982 and costing over $800 million.

A substation (where electricity is converted) in Suswa, Kenya. - Dr. Eng. John Mativo/KETRACO

For the African Development Bank (AfDB), which contributed over $300 million of funding towards the Ethiopia-Kenya link, its worth it. You see population growth somewhat outstripping the growth of new connections, said Daniel Schroth, director of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department at the AfDB. Theres a big push on addressing this energy access deficit more decisively.

Energy security for East Africa

Since the highway opened, Ethiopias electricity supply has provided vital backup for Kenya, which has been importing 200 megawatts (MW) of power daily from its neighbor, equivalent to around 10% of the peak demand of Kenyas national grid. The interconnector has the capacity to transfer up to 2,000 MW.

For many countries in East Africa with a history of power outages, including Ethiopia and Kenya, access to a backup supply could be a lifeline. But while Alemayehu Wubeshet Zegeye, manager for Regional Power Systems Operations in the East African Region for the AfDB, said that the new interconnector absolutely will reduce the number of blackouts, it cannot remove them entirely. IEA analyst Edeme said that while having access to backup supplies of electricity is one thing, having functioning utilities to distribute it is another. Across Africa, he said, utilities are not in the best shape from a financial perspective.

In September, Reuters reported two major blackouts in Kenya in a single week, with Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi blaming sub-optimal investment in infrastructure.

Connecting the continent

The Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway, also funded by the World Bank, is one part of a wider project for the Eastern African Power Pool (EAPP), a group of 13 countries brought together to meet rising demand for electricity and ensure backup supplies.

The EAPP is one of five power pools in Africa, which, with the help of interconnectors, could one day link together the energy supplies of every region in the continent.

The Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway is one of many interconnector projects in Africa. - Dr. Eng. John Mativo/KETRACO

The vision clearly articulated by the African Union is to create an African single electricity market building on the regional power pools being interconnected, said Schroth. The hope is that with increased competition will come falling prices for consumers, and new sources of revenue for countries producing surplus energy that  in the absence of expensive storage systems  would otherwise go to waste. Already, due to the electricity highway, Ethiopia has increased revenue from its electricity exports, which were previously limited to Djibouti, by almost a half, according to Zegeye.

Having added the Kenya-Tanzania interconnector to its power sharing network, the next target for the EAPP is to link Tanzania (and therefore Kenya and Ethiopia, too) to Zambia, both countries in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

Environmental benefits around the world

Interconnectors are popular outside Africa, too, with a network of over 400 in Europe. A link between Spain and Morocco already connects the electricity supplies of Europe and Africa, and another  between Greece and Egypt  is currently under construction, with the aim of completion by 2029.

I think there has been a rallying call over the last two years, said Schroth, explaining the proliferation of interconnector projects across the continent and the world. There wont be an energy transition without transmission.

With more funding and international cooperation, there is hope that Africa will one day become a clean energy powerhouse. Im optimistic, said Edeme, I see a lot of momentum right now in the sector.

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At least 17 military bases adjacent to Chinese-owned farmland across the US have experienced a rash of drone sightings in recent weeks, The Post has learned.

Mysterious drones have been reported near military bases in Hawaii and by installations in Utah, California, Maine and Florida  among other facilities scattered throughout the country.

The Post previously identified 19 military bases that lie in close proximity to farmland bought up by Chinese-owned companies  a situation that has worried China analysts, who feared the Communist country would use the land to spy on US military operations.

All of those facilities apart from Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota and Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis in Texas had reports of drones either attempting to fly over their bases or nearby, according to local reports.

A map showing 19 military bases across the US and where Chinese-owned farmland is in relation to them.

It comes as residents in New York and New Jersey have reported thousands of sightings of unexplained mystery drones in the night skies.

Unmanned drones in the sky could be used by adversaries to spy on activity at military bases, experts told The Post. J.C. Rice

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said Tuesday he believes some of the unidentified drones are spy drones from China.

We need to identify who is behind these drones, he said. My judgment based on my experience is that those that are over our military sites are adversarial and most likely are coming from the Peoples Republic of China.

In southern California, drones were reported over Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in recent days.

Spokesman Capt. James C. Sartain told The War Zone that between Dec. 9 and 15, there were six instances of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) seen entering the airspace over Camp Pendleton.

At the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, officials were forced to shuts its airspace for four hours last week because of concern about the small unmanned aerial systems, Bob Purtiman, the chief spokesman for the 88th Air Base Wing, told The Post.

An unidentified object spotted over New Jersey with white and red lights. Guitarland/Reddit

A No Drone Zone sign posted at a military facility. James Linsell Clark / SWNS

Mysterious drones have been spotted across the country near military bases adjacent to farmland owned by Chinese companies. USA TODAY photo illustration; photos by Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In Virginia, drones have been spotted over Virginia Beach, which is about 24 miles from the Naval Station in Norfolk.

Meanwhile, in Washington state, mysterious drones were also spotted earlier this week close to the Fort Lewis Army base near Tacoma.

Unidentified aircraft have also been reported this month above New Jerseys Picatinny Arsenal and the states Naval Weapons Station Earle  and on Sunday forced the temporary closure of Stewart International Airport in New York near Poughkeepsie.

Sources have previously raised their concerns to The Post over Chinese landowners, who are usually linked to, or working on behalf of, the countrys communist government.

Morgan Lerette, a former contractor for private military contractor Blackwater, previously told The Post: The Chinese are, or will, use this farmland to learn more about US military capabilities, movements, and technology.

This will allow them to better understand how to transition their military from a defensive strategy to an expeditionary one.

A report in the Wall Street Journal from September 2023 found Chinese intruders attempted to breach military facilities over 100 times in recent years, including sneaking onto a missile range in New Mexico and scuba divers spotted near a government rocket-launch site in Florida.

Michael McCaul, the chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs believes that China may be behind the rash of drones that have been spotted across the country. AP

Mysterious drones have been spotted close to the Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. near Chinese-owned farmland. AP

There were several incidents of drones over Camp Pendleton in California in recent days. AP

Menawhile, analysis from the Farm Service Agency of the USDA, Chinese investors owned 349,442 acres of US farmland as of December 31, 2022.

Billionaire and Chinese Communist Party member Chen Tianqiao is the second-largest foreign owner of farmland in the US. He bought nearly 200,000 acres of farmland in Oregon in 2015 at about $430 an acre, according to the Land Report.

However, his purchase of the acreage did not appear in government records of land ownership by foreign investors when it was first revealed in January, according to the Daily Caller.

Chinese holdings total under one percent of foreign-owned agricultural land in the US, per NBC, but its the proximity to critical military installations which raises concerns, critics have charged.

Meanwhile, the FBI said this week it has received over 5,000 reports of drones since November, but that less than 100 of them required further probing.

The FBI, FAA, Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security have all tried to downplay concerns, and said in a joint statement Monday there was little reason for citizens to worry.

We assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones, the agencies said.
By Andrew Goudsward

(Reuters) -A Georgia appeals court ruled on Thursday that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be disqualified from prosecuting President-elect Donald Trump and several of his allies for attempting to interfere in the 2020 election in the U.S. state.

The ruling throws into doubt the future of the case, which includes Trump and 14 allies. The appeals court in Atlanta, in a 2-1 ruling, found that a romantic relationship between Willis and a former top deputy, Nathan Wade, created "a significant appearance of impropriety."

"While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings," the court wrote in its opinion.

Willis' office said in a court filing that it intends to appeal the ruling to the Georgia Supreme Court. A spokesperson for the office did not respond to a request for comment.

The case was one of four criminal prosecutions that Trump faced in the years since his 2020 presidential re-election loss. Just one  a New York case over a hush money payment to a porn star during his 2016 campaign  went to trial. He was found guilty in that case but has not yet been sentenced.

Trump criticized all four cases as politically motivated attempts to keep him from returning to power.

The Georgia court did not require that the case be tossed out, but its decision will require a new state prosecutor to take over in order for it to continue.

Steve Sadow, Trump's lead lawyer in the case, called it "a well-reasoned and just decision."

The case was already expected to be at least paused against Trump when he returns to the White House on Jan. 20. He has said it should be dismissed in its entirety.

"The American People have demanded an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system," a Trump spokesperson said in a statement reacting to the ruling.

Trump has publicly discussed using the federal government, including the Justice Department, to investigate his political rivals when he returns to power.

"We are very pleased the court of appeals agreed with Mr. Roman and the other defendants that Ms. Willis should not have been allowed to prosecute this case," said Ashleigh Merchant, a lawyer for Trump co-defendant Michael Roman, who initially sought Willis' removal from the case.

SPRAWLING CASE

Trump and 18 of his allies were initially charged in 2023 in what prosecutors alleged was a sprawling conspiracy to undo Trump's narrow defeat in the battleground state in the 2020 election. The defendants include former Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

Four people initially charged pleaded guilty to lesser offenses.

Trump and 14 others pleaded not guilty.

Trump and eight co-defendants moved to disqualify Willis from prosecuting the case early this year, alleging that Willis received a financial benefit from her relationship with Wade and had an improper motive to prolong the case.

Willis hired Wade, an Atlanta lawyer, to help run the investigation and prosecution of Trump and his allies.

Willis admitted to the relationship with Wade, but denied allegations of wrongdoing. She said she reimbursed Wade in cash for vacations the two took together.

After a multiday court hearing, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee ruled in March that Willis could remain on the case as long as Wade stepped down, which he agreed to do.

But the appeals court found that McAfee's ruling did not address the appearance of wrongdoing that occurred earlier on, "when DA Willis was exercising her broad pretrial discretion about who to prosecute and what charges to bring."

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward and Susan Heavey; Editing by Scott Malone, Chizu Nomiyama and Jonathan Oatis)
County in SW China's Chongqing develops thriving cured meat industry

People's Daily Online) 09:30, December 19, 2024

Cured meat has become a calling card of Chengkou county in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

The techniques of making Chengkou cured meat, with a history stretching back over 2,500 years, was listed as an intangible cultural heritage, according to Dong Yifeng, head of the county.

Photo shows cured meat in Chengkou county, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (People's Daily Online/Liu Zhengning)

Chengkou cured meat is the only cured meat product designated as a time-honored brand in China, with a brand value reaching 690 million yuan (about $94.81 million).

Four years ago, the county strategically positioned the cured meat industry as a key driver of rural revitalization.

By adopting an innovative development model that integrates companies, collective economic organizations, and farmers, over 60 percent of households in the county are now involved in the cured meat industrial chain, expanding the income for each household by an average of more than 12,000 yuan. In 2023, the number of pigs ready for slaughter in the county reached 197,000, up 29.8 percent year on year.

Photo shows pork to be processed into cured meat in Chengkou county, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (People's Daily Online/Liu Zhengning)

The pigs used for Chengkou's cured meat are carefully selected, with specific requirements not just limited to the variety of pigs, but also for the altitude where they are raised and rearing methods.

The quality of Chengkou cured meat is graded into three levels, catering to diverse consumer preferences.

Traditionally, cured meat production was constrained by seasonal limitations. However, the smart workshop of Chongqing Meizhuimei Food Co., Ltd. located in Chengkou county has revolutionized the production of cured meat.

Workers take down cured meat in Chengkou county, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (People's Daily Online/Liu Zhengning)

"We can now produce cured meat products year-round," says Wang Juncheng, deputy general manager of the company, adding that the company's intelligent equipment has increased production efficiency by 50 percent while reducing both production and management costs and maintaining quality.

The annual output of Chengkou cured meat has surged from 3,500 tonnes four years ago to 12,000 tonnes, with the annual output value of the industry jumping from 350 million yuan to 1.2 billion yuan. The output value of the entire cured meat industrial chain in the county exceeds 3 billion yuan.

Photo shows smart equipment for making cured meat in Chongqing Meizhuimei Food Co., Ltd. in Chengkou county, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (People's Daily Online/Liu Zhengning)

So far, Chengkou's cured meat products have reached nearly 30 provincial regions in China and over 10 countries and regions around the world.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
The teacher, who has not been charged with a crime, resigned in July 2022 from Sutton Elementary at 7402 Albacore and no longer works for Houston ISD, district officials said. Google Maps

Former second grade teacher Manuel Ponce will serve the rest of his life in state prison after a Harris County jury on Wednesday found him guilty of sexually abusing four Sutton Elementary School students.

Several of the girls family members tearfully embraced each other once the jury announced the guilty verdict in the 182nd District Criminal Court. Prosecutors said that Ponce, 47, was a serial molester who gained the trust of parents, some of them immigrants lacking permanent legal status. Eleven girls shared testimony alleging continuous abuse between 2019 and 2022, describing escalating behavior over the period.

Each time he touched a different little kid, he gave that little girl a life sentence, prosecutor Danielle Oxford said in her closing arguments to jurors. He deserves every single one of those years.

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Ponce denied the allegations. Defense attorney Nathan Hennigan said he respected the jury's verdict but asked them to give the minimum sentence of 25 years without parole, which they ultimately did not grant. He informed the court that he anticipated Ponce filing an appeal, as is customary after a conviction.

The Texas criminal code allowed the prosecution to introduce additional sexual abuse victims to testify against Ponce, despite four being named in the case. In victim interviews ahead of the trial, several of the girls said the abuse occurred when they were called into the classroom while other students were on restroom breaks.

One of the girls also testified that Ponce inappropriately touched her on one occasion outside of the school, on a shopping trip to JCPenney.

Several jurors remained after the trial to hear parents of victims speak directly to Ponce from the witness stand. Herbert Rico said his daughter's testimony gave him the courage to speak to the former teacher as well, voicing a pain that is "so deep you can't get it out."

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"We trusted you with the most precious thing that anybody can have, and you abused that," Rico said. "You didnt do your job well, thats why youre here."

Other parents said their children have experienced panic attacks and sleepless nights since the abuse occurred. Some of the families had connected with Ponce based on their shared religious faith, they said, and some invited them into their homes, according to court documents.

"Im sure that that God you preach is going to punish you harshly," one mother said Wednesday.

More by Samantha Ketterer: 10 UH buildings have 'critical' deferred maintenance needs, according to annual report

During the trial, a mother testified in Spanish that she trusted the math teacher with her daughter, letting him give her rides for summer school. She would come home with gifts  a dress on one occasion. The child became increasingly unhappy each time she came home and often went straight to bed and refused food.

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She refused to say what was wrong and stopped letting her father hug her.

I saw a change in her, the mother said through a translator.

When Ponce quit at HISD, the girl finally revealed him as the source of her pain and said he had inappropriately touched her. The child has since gone to therapy to grapple with self harm and a suicide attempt, her mother said.

She took some pills and wanted to die, the mother testified.

Several of the girls are children of non-U.S. citizens. The Harris County District Attorney's Office runs a certification program designed to encourage crime victims who are not U.S. citizens to cooperate with law enforcement by helping them obtain green cards in exchange.

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Recommendations for certification are prioritized for those who cooperate with the prosecution, and parents of at least four victims have applied for certification visas, said Cindy Contreras, who handles visa certification recommendations in the program.

Immigrant families can be vulnerable to situations like the Sutton families experienced, said Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL Houston, an immigrant-led civil rights organization. Often lacking resources, they sometimes trust people because they feel they have no other choice, he said.

"When youre in a place that might be new to you and somebody offers a helping hand, it might be the only person that does that," Espinosa said.

HISD declined to comment, citing "an ongoing legal matter."

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"Our priority remains ensuring the safety and education of our students," press coordinator Jose A. Irizarry said.
By Jack Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) -At least 100 North Korean troops deployed to Russia have been killed with another 1,000 injured in combat against Ukrainian forces in intense fighting in the Kursk region, a South Korean lawmaker said on Thursday citing the country's spy agency.

The heavy losses are attributed to the lack of experience by North Korean troops in drone warfare and unfamiliarity with the open terrain where they are taking part in the battle, a member of parliament Lee Seong-kweun told reporters.

Lee was speaking after a closed-door briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to parliament.

The discrepancy in the estimate of the troops killed from that made by a U.S. military official who cited several hundred casualties is because of the relatively conservative analysis by the NIS, Lee said.

"There was a report that there have been at least 100 deaths and the injured are approaching 1,000," he said.

There are indications that the North is preparing for additional deployment, Lee said, including intelligence of the country's leader Kim Jong Un overseeing training.

The report echoed comments by U.S. and Ukrainian officials that North Korean losses are heavy and that Russia was using them in large numbers in assaults in Kursk, a Russian region where Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion in August.

More than 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to help Russia in the war, according to U.S. and South Korean officials. Pyongyang has also shipped more than 10,000 containers of artillery rounds, anti-tank rockets as well as mechanised howitzers and rocket launchers.

Neither the North nor Russia have officially acknowledged the troop deployment or the weapons supply.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang in June and signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that included a mutual defence pact.

Earlier on Thursday, North Korea said its military alliance with Russia is proving "very effective" in deterring the United States and its "vassal forces," denouncing a recent statement by Washington and allies against ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

North Korea made no mention of its involvement in the war in Ukraine or casualties.

Instead it denounced a statement by the United States and nine countries and the European Union issued on Monday as "distorting and slandering the essence of the normal cooperative relations" between the North and Russia.

In a statement by an unnamed foreign ministry spokesman, the North blamed Washington and its allies for prolonging the Ukrainian war and destabilising the security situation in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

"It is because of the misguided acts of the U.S. and the West persisting in their structure-destructive, hegemony-oriented and adventuristic military policy," it said.

(Reporting by Jack Kim, Editing by Deepa Babington and Michael Perry)
Arelis Coromoto Villegas learned what happened to her daughter's body from NBC News and Noticias Telemundo.

This article is part of Dealing the Dead, a series investigating the use of unclaimed bodies for medical research.

Every day for two seemingly endless months, Arelis Coromoto Villegas repeated the same prayer: From her small, cinder-block home in Venezuela, she asked God to protect her 21-year-old daughter as she trekked thousands of miles through treacherous jungle and desert terrain to reach Americas southern border.

Her prayers were answered in September 2022 when Aurimar Iturriago Villegas crossed safely into the U.S. and continued north with her own prayer  to land a job and eventually earn enough money to help her mother build a new house.

But within two months of her arrival in Texas, Aurimar was dead, shot in a road rage incident near Dallas as she sat in the back seat of a car.

And then, for her mother, the unthinkable somehow became the unimaginable.

Para leer en espanol, haga click aqui

Without her familys knowledge, county authorities donated Aurimars body to a local medical school, where officials cut it up and assigned dollar figures to parts that hadnt been damaged by the bullet that struck her head  $900 for her torso, $703 for her legs.

Remnants of Aurimars body were cremated and buried in a field among strangers in a Dallas cemetery, all while her mother desperately sought to have her murdered daughter returned to Venezuela, unaware her body had become a commodity in the name of science.

Arelis only learned her daughter had been used for research two years after her death, when NBC News and Noticias Telemundo  as part of a broader investigation of the U.S. body industry  published the names of hundreds of people whose unclaimed bodies were sent to the Fort Worth-based University of North Texas Health Science Center.

Its a very painful thing, Arelis said in Spanish, in an interview from her home in a small town in western Venezuela. Shes not a little animal to be butchered, to be cut up.

Aurimar hoped to lift her family out of poverty.

What happened to Aurimar was a matter of money, part of a pattern NBC News uncovered over the past two years: Across the United States, vulnerable peoples bodies often are mistreated and their families wishes disregarded as overwhelmed local officials grapple with rising numbers of unclaimed dead amid widespread opioid addiction, surging homelessness and increasingly fractured families. Reporters found that county coroners, medical institutions and others repeatedly failed to contact reachable family members before declaring bodies unclaimed.

In some cases, people were buried in paupers fields as their loved ones reported them missing and searched for them. In others, corpses were sent to medical schools, biotech companies and for-profit body brokers without consent.

Aurimar was one of about 2,350 people whose bodies were sent to the University of North Texas Health Science Center since 2019 under agreements with two local counties, which helped the center bring in about $2.5 million a year and saved the counties hundreds of thousands of dollars in cremation and burial costs, according to financial records.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center dissected, studied and leased out hundreds of unclaimed bodies.

Hundreds of the bodies were used for student training or research. Others were leased out to medical technology companies that require human remains to develop products and train doctors on them. Some, including Aurimars, were used for both.

Donated bodies play a key role in medical education and the biotechnology industry, helping surgeons build their skills and researchers develop potentially lifesaving treatments. While using unclaimed bodies for this purpose remains legal in much of the country, including Texas, its widely viewed as unethical because of the absence of consent and the pain it can inflict on survivors.

Reporters have identified two dozen other cases in which families learned weeks, months or years later that a relatives body had been provided to the Health Science Center. Eleven of those families only learned what happened from NBC News and Noticias Telemundo  including five, in addition to Aurimars loved ones, who were horrified to find their relatives names on the list of unclaimed bodies published by the news outlets this fall.

In response to NBC News findings, the Health Science Center suspended its body donation program, fired the officials who ran it and pledged to stop using unclaimed bodies. Spokesperson Andy North did not answer questions about Aurimars case, but said in a statement to reporters that the center extends apologies to all the individuals and families impacted and has taken multiple corrective actions.

In many of the cases NBC News uncovered, the people whose bodies went unclaimed were homeless, struggling with drug addiction or estranged from their families.

Aurimar was none of these. She was in constant touch with her mother  speaking to her just hours before she died. Her family immediately scrambled to scrape together the thousands of dollars it would have cost to have her body repatriated to Venezuela, believing falsely month after month that her remains were preserved in a Dallas morgue.

Instead, what followed were a cascade of bureaucratic breakdowns and communication failures. The Dallas County Medical Examiners Office had Arelis cellphone number on file, but theres no record in documents obtained by NBC News that the agency attempted to call her before declaring Aurimars body abandoned. The agency declined to comment.

Throughout this ordeal, Arelis has struggled  from a home with no internet, in a country with no diplomatic ties to the U.S.  to reclaim her daughters body.

Until then, she said, she cant truly begin to mourn.

Every night I say, My God, why did you take my daughter? she said. I dont accept my daughters death. Not yet.

Month after month, Arelis waited for updates from the United States about the return of her daughter's body.

Aurimar long dreamed of helping her family. She grew up under a sheet-metal roof in a home with spotty electricity in La Villa del Rosario, about an hour and a half from the nearest city. She quit school when she was 16 and found jobs cleaning homes and doing yard work, determined to pull her family out of poverty. She would tell her mother, Dont worry, Mami, Im going to work to give you all the things you need.

In 2022, she was living in Colombia, where she rode a bicycle through the bustling streets of Bogota making deliveries. But she wanted to earn more. That spring, she called her mother to share her new plan: She would join a group of six other people bound for the U.S.

Arelis pleaded with her not to make the journey, knowing all too well that many migrants die every year attempting to cross the infamous Darien Gap  an area of treacherous rainforest, swamps and mountains that spans the border of Colombia and Panama.

Aurimars older brother, Yohandry Martinez Villegas, had mixed feelings about his sisters plans. He shared his mothers fears, but also admired how Aurimar was fighting for a better future.

Aurimar and her group entered the eastern edge of the Darien jungle on July 1. For two weeks, Arelis heard nothing from her daughter as she moved through the remote tropical forest with no cell reception. Arelis cried every day, terrified that her daughter might have fallen from a cliff or drowned in a river. Finally, Aurimar texted from a migrant camp in Panama: Mami, were out of the jungle.

Aurimar became ill with flu-like symptoms as she traversed Honduras, but she recovered, celebrating her 21st birthday in Guatemala. In early September, Arelis said her daughter crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into Texas. After turning herself in to border authorities, she said Aurimar was released from a detention center and went to stay with an acquaintance near Dallas, a former neighbor from Venezuela named Alexis Moreno.

With Morenos help, Aurimar quickly lined up a cleaning job in Florida, promising her mother that she would soon have plenty of money to help her buy new appliances and treatments for her fading eyesight. Late on the evening of Oct. 28, 2022, while back in Texas for a short visit, Aurimar climbed into a car in a suburb north of Dallas with two acquaintances, neither of whom could be reached by NBC News or Noticias Telemundo.

Its not clear where the three were going, but this much is known, according to police and court records: About 12:15 a.m., 25-year-old Shardrel Webb fired a gun into the rear window of the car Aurimar was riding in. He contended that the car had forced him off the road and that hed initially shot in self-defense. Panicked, Aurimars acquaintance sped to a nearby apartment complex as more gunshots rang out.

A gunman fired shots into a car in Carrollton, Texas; Aurimar sat in the back seat.

Thats where police and paramedics found her, slumped over in the back seat, dead from a single gunshot to the head.

It had begun to rain when the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office representative arrived about 3:30 a.m. The death investigator removed a yellow tarp that had been draped over Aurimar and took notes on what he saw. He looked through her pockets, finding only a lighter and $8.18, which he placed in an evidence bag.

Workers then put Aurimar in a blue body bag and sealed it with a red tag: No. 3440146.

Her body was taken to the medical examiners office, where, according to protocol, the search for her next of kin would commence.

Authorities found Aurimar dead in the back seat of a car outside an apartment complex.

Aurimars younger sister, Auribel Acero Villegas, just 17 at the time, was the first to learn of her death later that morning  not from authorities but from a neighbor in Venezuela who knew Moreno.

Before Aurimar left for the U.S., she made Auribel promise that she would take care of their mother. Now, Auribel had to deliver news that she feared would break her.

Arelis had been speaking to Aurimar the night before, but her later calls went unanswered. About 2 a.m., Arelis had received a vague message from a neighbor about a shooting at Morenos apartment. She couldnt sleep.

As soon as she saw the shaken expression on her younger daughters face that morning, Arelis heart sank. She cried out: What happened?

Nothing, nothing happened, Auribel responded, not wanting to deliver the blow while her mother was standing. Lets sit down, lets make some coffee.

Arelis dropped to her knees and pleaded: Swear to me! If you really love me, swear to me that your sister wasnt killed!

No words were needed. The tears in Auribels eyes said everything.

Arelis has two surviving children, her son, Yohandry, and daughter Auribel.

Its not clear precisely what transpired in the days after Aurimar was killed. Memories are shaky and some notations in public records are disputed by her family.

Their attempts to glean details about Aurimars death and claim her body were complicated by the fact that Arelis could make and receive calls outside Venezuela through the messaging app WhatsApp, but couldnt afford to call landlines in the U.S. As a result, much of the information the family received came second hand.

The day after Aurimar died, Auribel said she spoke briefly with a person whom she believed worked at the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office. The call came through a neighbors phone, she said, and the person asked for permission for Moreno to act as the familys primary point of contact, which she agreed to. Thats as far as the conversation went, she said.

Aurimars case file, obtained by reporters through a public records request, contains no mention of any such call. Instead, in an entry dated Oct. 31  two days after her death  a county official reported meeting with Moreno in person and speaking to Arelis on Morenos cellphone. According to the note, Arelis granted Moreno authority to act as Aurimars legal next of kin.

Arelis said that the call never happened and that she only wanted Moreno to help coordinate her daughters return to Venezuela, not take over legal decision-making authority. Nevertheless, without requiring Arelis to sign anything, a county employee updated Aurimars file to list Moreno as her official next of kin in the countys system, records show  a move that granted him authority over what was to be done with the body, potentially cutting out Arelis. The county employee also wrote Arelis phone number in the file, but nothing indicates anyone at the office attempted to contact her over the next two years.

Meanwhile, Aurimars friends and family launched a fundraising campaign to help send her remains home.

Catherine Romero Ortega, Aurimar's cousin, helped collect donations to have Aurimar's body repatriated to Venezuela.

But two and a half weeks after her death, Moreno wrote to the University of North Texas Health Science Center, offering to donate Aurimars body to the program on behalf of her mother  something Arelis said she never agreed to.

Tyler Johnson, the assistant manager of the centers body donation program, responded the next day, relying on Google Translate to compose the note in Spanish: First I need to confirm you and the mother understand body donation, Johnson wrote, detailing how the process works. After Moreno confirmed he wanted to proceed, Johnson sent donor consent forms and gave an eight-hour deadline to return them.

Unfortunately, we have little time for these forms to be returned to our offices, Johnson wrote.

Moreno never sent the paperwork, according to follow-up emails from Johnson and Dallas County. And soon, Aurimars family said, Moreno stopped answering their messages, too.

Moreno didnt respond to repeated requests for comment from NBC News and Noticias Telemundo.

Six weeks after Aurimars death, the Medical Examiners Office concluded its work on the case, records show. Because nobody had followed through on making arrangements, Aurimars body was now considered to be abandoned, according to a letter sent to an email address that was redacted from her case file.

The Dec. 15, 2022, letter said only that Aurimars remains will be processed following our standard procedures, providing no other details. Arelis said she never received any such notification.

Legally, it no longer mattered that she never signed donation papers; that same day, under those standard procedures, Aurimars body was delivered to the Health Science Centers freezers.

The stress of not knowing what happened to Aurimar's body has taken a toll on Arelis' health, her family says.

By early 2023, Arelis had begun to fear something was amiss.

Morenos sister-in-law had previously shared an email address for Johnson at the Health Science Center. Arelis was uncertain of his role in the process, only that he might have information about Aurimars body. So she wrote to him on Feb. 10, saying in Spanish, I have not heard anything about the body of my daughter Aurimar del Carmen Iturriago Villegas. Please, I need to know. God bless you greatly.

Johnson quickly replied, copying his supervisor, Claudia Yellott. He forwarded Arelis his earlier exchange with Moreno, adding that her former neighbor never followed up to complete the donation. Johnson suggested Arelis contact the medical examiner, sharing a county phone number that she had no means of calling.

What Johnson and Yellott didnt tell her: The Health Science Center had her daughters body in its possession and would soon be preparing it for one of its top customers.

A Health Science Center spokesperson didn't answer questions about Aurimar's case.

Johnson and Yellott have since been fired, and neither responded to messages.

Three months later  as Arelis slipped deeper into depression, her health declining under the stress of not knowing the whereabouts of her daughters body  workers placed Aurimars torso onto a table inside the Health Science Centers BioSkills laboratory.

The biotechnology company Relievant Medsystems had paid the center $35,672 to host a four-day course, according to an invoice, and needed 18 torsos for training on its Intracept back-pain procedure  a surgical technique so promising that the biotech giant Boston Scientific paid $850 million to acquire the company a few months later.

Jessica Sachariason, a Boston Scientific spokesperson, said Relievant officials did not know that the center had provided the company dozens of unclaimed bodies over the years, including Aurimars. In response to NBC News investigation, Sachariason said the company had updated its policies to require consent from the dead or their next of kin for any human specimens used in training.

Our deepest condolences go out to the mother and the family of Aurimar Iturriago Villegas, Sachariason wrote. No family member should have to experience something this tragic.

A month and a half after the Relievant training, on July 5, 2023, the Health Science Center sent a portion of Aurimars body to a Dallas-area crematory, according to billing records. And that September  just weeks after what would have been her 22nd birthday  her ashes were delivered to the Dallas County medical examiner, as required under the medical schools contract with the county.

But the Health Science Center was not finished with her.

Before leaving Venezuela, Aurimar told her mother of her plans to find prosperity: Dont worry, Mami, Im going to work to give you all the things you need.

On Jan. 23, 2024, records show, Aurimars legs were used to train students studying to become physician assistants. North, the Health Science Center spokesperson, didnt answer questions about what happened to the limbs after the course or whether it was routine for the center to hold onto parts of peoples bodies after other portions had been cremated.

That month, Arelis received a call via WhatsApp from the Dallas County district attorneys office: Prosecutors had reached a plea deal to send Webb, her daughters killer, to prison for 23 years. He later wrote a note to the judge to say that he was devastated when he learned hed killed someone and that he prayed the family would forgive him.

Arelis thanked the officials and asked about her daughters body. Although the district attorneys office wasnt responsible for Aurimars remains, spokesperson Claire Crouch said a prosecutor tracked down information and followed up to inform Arelis that her daughter had been deemed unclaimed by the county and cremated.

We understand how deeply this has compounded their grief, Crouch told NBC News, offering condolences.

She said a prosecutor also attempted to connect Arelis with local officials who could answer questions about the location of Aurimars remains. Arelis said she never spoke to anyone after that.

Nine months later, more answers came  in the form of a news article.

Arelis has put up a memorial to Aurimar in her home and prays for her each day.

Aurimars brother, Yohandry, was scrolling through Instagram in October when he saw a Noticias Telemundo post promoting an article headlined Do you know these people? Dozens of unclaimed bodies of Latinos were sent to a Texas medical school.

The social media post included a few dozen names from the list of more than 1,800 compiled and published by NBC News, including one that stopped Yohandry cold: Aurimar Iturriago Villegas.

He showed the list to his mother.

The revelation that her daughter had been taken for research outraged Arelis, but it also gave her a brief sense of hope. Could this mean Aurimars body hadnt been cremated and was preserved somewhere? Maybe she could see her daughters face one last time. Maybe she could give her a proper burial.

After Arelis emailed Noticias Telemundo, a reporter shared some of the information gathered as part of the NBC News investigation  including the likelihood that Aurimars body had already been cremated  and an email address to contact an official at the Dallas County medical examiner whose job is to assist families.

She emailed the employee on Nov. 12, asking if she could have her daughters ashes. God bless you greatly, Arelis wrote once again, ending the message with two hands folded in prayer.

The official wrote back that day:

Good afternoon, Mrs. Villegas,

First of all, I express my condolences to you for the loss of your daughter, Aurimar Iturriago Villegas. My heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your daughter, and I hope that the fond memories you have of her will help you through this difficult time. While I know this may be a difficult time for you and your family, I was able to locate your loved one.

Mrs. Aurimar Iturriago Villegas has been buried in Laurel Land Memorial Park. Attached you will find a map of your family members burial location at Laurel Land Memorial Park. Please note that since your loved one was buried at county expense, there is no individually marked grave.

Again, I extend my condolences to you and your family.

The official provided no information about what it would take for her daughters ashes to be exhumed, and no instructions on how to have them shipped to Venezuela, if that was even an option. There was just a map of a cemetery Arelis had no way of visiting, half a world away.

Aurimar's cremated remains were buried in an unmarked plot at a Dallas cemetery with others whose bodies had been deemed unclaimed.

And thats when what little hope she held onto began to leave her.

Even though it hurts my soul, Arelis told a reporter, I think Im going to throw in the towel and leave things in Gods hands.

In recent interviews, Arelis family said theyre worried about her. She hasnt been eating. Her blood pressure has spiked. And she appears suddenly much older than her 55 years.

She still prays for Aurimar every day, but its a different prayer now. Kneeling over a candlelit memorial in the corner of her house, she asks God to please bring her daughter home.




Kevin Ray Underwood is set to be executed Thursday, eighteen years after his brutally murdered his 10-year-old neighbor Jamie Rose Bolin in his apartment.

This story includes graphic descriptions of crimes committed against a young girl.

Oklahoma executed Kevin Ray Underwood on Thursday for killing a 10-year-old girl in April 2006, making him the fourth inmate executed in the state this year and the 25th in the nation.

Underwood was executed by lethal injection on his 45th birthday, according to Kay Thompson, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Underwood was declared deceased at 10:14 a.m. local time, the Department of Corrections shared with USA TODAY.

Underwood was convicted in the murder of his neighbor, Jamie Rose Bolin, who he beat with a wooden cutting board, suffocated to death and later raped and mutilated at his apartment in Purcell, a small community about 40 miles south of Oklahoma City.

Underwood's attorneys have spent the better part of a decade arguing in state and appellate court that he is a "profoundly ill man" worthy of mercy.

"I recognize that although I do not want to die  I deserve to for what I did," he said in a tearful two-minute statement Friday at his clemency hearing. "And if my death could  change what I did, I would gladly die."

Underwood was executed the day after Indiana executed Joseph Edward Corcoran, the first death row inmate executed in the state in 15 years.

Here's what to know about Underwood's last execution, his last words, the case and the victim.

'This does not bring our Jamie back,' sister says

A young Jamie Bolin pictured on a floral-printed couch surrounded by stuffed animals.

Lori Pate, Jamie's sister, thanked everyone who worked to get justice for Jamie on the family's behalf.

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Office of the Attorney General and the hard work and determination demonstrated by the prosecutors, investigators and all involved who have not only held the responsible party accountable but have also provided a sense of closure for our grieving family," Pate said in a statement. "We would also like to send out a heartfelt thanks to Greg Mashburn who has been with us since the beginning."

Jamie's family acknowledged the execution marks the end of a very painful chapter; one they will now begin to work on healing from.

"This doesn't bring our Jamie back but it does allow the space in our hearts to focus on her and allow the healing process to begin," Pate said.

'Justice for Jamie finally was served,' attorney general says

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond pictured at a congressional hearing on Jan. 10, 2024.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond prays Underwood's execution brought Jamie's family and all those who continue to mourn Jamie a sense of closure.

"Justice for Jamie finally was served this morning with the execution of the depraved murderer who took her away from her family and loved ones, Drummond said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY. I pray that Jamie's family and all who continue to mourn her loss find a sense of peace after todays action.

What were Underwood's last words?

Underwood used his last words to apologize.

"I would like to apologize again for all the terrible things that I did," Underwood said from the execution gurney. "I hate that I did those things, and I wish I could take them back."

He blinked rapidly after finishing his last words, and a tear rolled down his face.

Underwood called the decision to hold the execution on his birthday and six days before Christmas "a needlessly cruel thing to do to my family."

The scheduling of Underwood's execution on his birthday was a coincidence that came about in part because the procedures are only done on Thursdays. Two years ago, death row inmate Richard Fairchild also was executed on his birthday.

While strapped to the gurney, he looked over more than once at his mother, Connie Underwood. He apologized to his family as well as to the victim's family.

What was Underwood's final meal?

He ate his last meal consisting of chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, pinto beans, a hot roll, cheeseburger and fries with ketchup. and a soda at 5:40 p.m. on Wednesday.

Underwood was also given Xanax on Wednesday night and again Thursday morning before he was injected with a three-drug cocktail of midazolam, vecuronium bromide and potassium chloride.

What was Kevin Underwood convicted of?

Underwood was convicted for Jamie's murder in 2008, two years after he acted on a recent desire to abduct a person, sexually molest them, eat their flesh, and dispose of their remains, a 26-year-old Underwood told FBI agents in an interview following his arrest.

Jamie had come over to play with Underwood's white pet named Freyja after school and was viciously attacked while she was watching "SpongeBob SquarePants." He beat Jamie with a wooden cutting board, suffocated her and sexually molested her before he attempted to decapitate her with a decorative dagger.

Local authorities searched far and wide for Jamie after she failed to return home to the apartment shared with dotting father, Curtis Bolin.

The "frantic" search for Jamie ended on April 14, 2006, two days after her father realized she was gone and 24 hours after local authorities issued an Amber Alert for the young girl.

Underwood consented to a search of his apartment, where Jamie's remains were located in a storage container in his bedroom, when he sat down to speak with authorities Jamie's whereabouts. FBI agents also found a disassembled purple bike, meat tenderizer and skewers.

Go ahead and arrest me  Shes in there. I hit her and chopped her up, Underwood said. Im going to burn in hell."

'Kevin lost his battle with his mental health problems,' lawyer said

Underwood grew up a "social outcast" that was severely bullied and relied on friends and family to rescue him, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY. He had close relationships to immediate family and had a few close friends but mostly kept to himself.

Underwood could be either glued to his computer or at a local grocery store where he worked as a stocker with his father. He was unable to finish college because his panic attacks and debilitating anxiety, court documents show.

As his mental illness "continued to worsen," he turned to the internet for comfort, retreating "further into his virtual world and fantasies," according to court documents. He also kept a blog, where he complained about his life, shared dark musings and previously joked about cannibalism, The Oklahoman reported in April 2006.

Medication, Underwoods lawyers wrote in 2019, could have reduced the effects of his sexual urges, depression, social anxiety and obsessive thoughts.

"Pretty much the only time I believe in God is when I want to blame Him for something, Underwood wrote in a February 2006 blog post obtained by the Oklahoman. Or, when I'm really depressed, to cry and beg Him to make me better, to make whatever is wrong in my brain go away, so that I can live like a normal person."

Various attorneys have implored the courts and most recently the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board to consider his consider mental health, as he suffers from a "major psychiatric illnesses ranging from depression to schizotypal personality disorder.

"Other experts have simply said that Kevin's struggles go beyond what current psychology can diagnose," Underwood's attorney Brendan Van Winkle at the clemency hearing, as reported by The Oklahoman. "Ultimately, we're here today because Kevin lost his battle with his mental health problems."

The Board unanimously voted 3-0 against a clemency recommendation early Friday morning, allowing state correction officials to move forward with the execution.

Jamie's family receive 'closure they deserve' from execution

Jamie Rose Bolin

In the eyes of Jamie's family, the only just punishment for Underwood is death.

Several family members expressed, in various victim statements ahead of the execution, that they have been waiting for justice for "Coppertop" since she was killed.

"I feel justice would be served by his serving his sentence including execution. He did not consider the impact this has had for all the families involved, the local people, and even his own family," Don Fox, Jamie's grandfather wrote. "Many have been forever changed by this murder and how many are still affected today.

Underwood "took away" Jamie's ability to lead a fulfilling life or make new memories, Jessica Stegner, Jamie's aunt wrote. Instead, she's buried in a cemetery with her mother, her grandmothers, her great grandmothers and so many others who have passed.

"She should have had a place with us here now, but that was taken away from her and her family and her friends," Stegner wrote. "She didnt get to have those firsts, make those memories, go to those celebrations, try new food, go on vacations, make mistakes and learn lessons, have laughs and tears and all that is in between."

"This family has served enough time and we are due for some mercy," Stegner wrote.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oklahoma execution: Kevin Underwood put to death for girl's slaying
dog in airport terminal on vacation  damedeeso/iStock via Getty Images

Whether by plane, train, or automobile traveling with a pet can be daunting, requiring extra planning and lots of luck. Knowing your pet is safe during the holidays when nerves (might) already be frayed is an easy way to check one worry off your list. With that in mind, we have created a list of pet carriers designed to keep your precious cargo safe and comfortable in the air, on the rails, or simply driving down the road. Continue reading to discover some of the most innovative pet carriers available, from least to most expensive.

Petmate Vari Kennel

The Vari Kennel is made in the USA using eco-friendly plastic.   Original

The Vari Kennel is made in the USA from EcoTEC plastic, which consists of 90% recycled materials. Petmate kennels are easy to assemble using bolts and wing nuts, which make Vari Kennels airline-compliant, though the website suggests checking with your airline to verify their requirements. Available in six sizes, smaller Vari Kennels (19, 24, 28) have handles for carrying and securing, while larger models (32, 36, 40) are equipped with tie-down strap holes to secure the crate in a vehicle. This eco-friendly crate (starting at $40) is purrfect for travel

Amazon Basics Folding Soft Pet Crate

Amazon Basics pet carriers are sturdy and easy to use thanks to the additional top door.   Original

During my summer visit with the niece and nephew who live 8 hours away by car, bringing the dogs for Thanksgiving seemed like a dandy idea, given that my two and their four have run together before and had a splendid time. Fast forward four months and the idea of traveling with two spirited pups was overwhelming until I happened upon Amazon Basics Folding Soft Pet Crates.

These travel kennels were exactly what I needed. I especially appreciated the crates top door which made clipping on their leashes for rest stops easier and safer. Their regular pet beds were the perfect fit for the kennels, which do not have rigid /solid bottoms. Both dogs were content for the length of the trip and appeared no worse for wear upon arriving at our final destination. After four days of non-stop doggo fun, they slept all the way home. Amazon Basics Folding Soft Pet Kennels are available in four sizes ( 26, 30, 36, 42) from $56- $82. NOTE: While theyre suitable for long car trips, they are not airline-compliant.

Oskar Friends All-Black Pet Travel Carrier

The All-Black Pet Travel Carrier ensures your pets safety and comfort, without compromising your reputation for style.   Original

This airline-compliant pet carrier is PETA-Vegan certified, which means no animals were harmed in the manufacturing of Oskar Friends All-Black Pet Travel Carrier. Designed for your pets safety and comfort, this carrier has a sturdy frame and mesh ventilation windows. A machine-washable Sherpa pad, guaranteed to keep your small pet comfy, is standard. The All-Black Pet Travel Carrier comes in two sizes (16 and 17) and has several pockets for storing your pets travel needs, from meds to toys and treats. Customer reviews are positive and note the durability of the carrier. Best practice dictates checking with your airline before booking a flight with your pet. Check out the All-Black Pet Travel Carrier for yourself at Oskar Friends. Find it for $84.95.

Mr. Peanuts Soft Side Pet Tote

Adorable little bags like this make me yearn for a smaller dog, or possibly a cat.   Original

Youre sure to turn a few heads when you and your pet arrive in style in Mr. Peanuts Gold Series Airline Compliant Pet Carrier! This carrier has it all, from a leash tether and a top door to mesh windows on all sides and thermal comfort padding. Customers (including a veterinarian) praise the craftsmanship of the bag as well as the customer service, which is reportedly second to none! If youre traveling with a smaller pet, you owe it to yourself and your pet to give Mr. Peanuts a visit. The Gold Series Airline Compliant Pet Carrier is $99. Remember to contact your air carrier directly to avoid last-minute hiccups!

Ruff Land Performance Kennels

Fingers crossed you never have to experience a rough landing with Ruff Land Performance Kennels.   Original

Manufactured in Tea, South Dakota, Ruff Land Performance Kennels have numerous details, both technical and cosmetic, worthy of mention, like Ruff-Flex technology, for example. Ruff Land crates are made from flexible plastic that absorbs energy, making the ride smoother for your dog. Debris and liquids are not a problem thanks to Ruff Lands raised interior floors, which sluff off liquids and other waste. Cosmetically, these kennels are available in an array of appealing colors, and $25 will get you a personalized nameplate, which allows handlers to know your dogs name, which is always a nice touch. Ruffland Performance Kennels are available in six sizes from small ($291.99) to X-Large ($440.99). Ruff Land also has airline-compliant transports for your feathered friends. Ruff Land Cackle Boxes start at $67.99. But, you know, check with your airline before you fly.

Dakota 283

The company motto Unparalleled Pet Protection gives you a good idea of what to expect from Dakota 283 crates.   Original

Based in Pennsylvania, Dakota 283 originally manufactured military cases for defense contractors. This work allowed owner Greg Cronkhite to recognize that his dog, and all dogs, were the most important cargo, and should be well-protected. Designed with working dogs in mind, the glowing customer reviews are centered on camping and hunting trips. Dakota 283 crates are airline-compliant, and the website includes a comprehensive list of individual airlines and airports specific requirements, but its still a good idea to check with your carrier directly. See the full line of Dakota 283 pet carriers, which come in a variety of sizes and an array of colors, starting at $329.

Impact Dog Crates

These aluminum kennels, made in Idaho, come in a variety of styles and sizes.   Original

From collapsible crates to high-anxiety crates, Impact crates carry a variety of designs to meet your and your dogs specific needs. If your furry friend is a little (or big) Houdini, Impacts escape-proof crates might be the ticket. Customer reviews cite tranquility while flying and the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that your escape artist is secure. Manufactured of aluminum in five sizes, Impact crates are built to last and start at $959.

The post Pet Carriers: Ensuring Safe Travels for Your Furry Friends appeared first on A-Z Animals.
A protester holds a sign as the Republican-dominated North Carolina House convened to complete the override of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of a bill that aims to weaken the powers of Cooper's soon-to-be successor and other Democratic statewide winners in the Nov. 5 elections, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  Democrats in North Carolina were celebrating big wins in the swing state after the November election, including victories in races for governor and other top statewide offices. But the political high didnt last long.

Republican lawmakers are stripping away some core powers of the newly elected officials through a series of wide-ranging changes, anticipating that the result of a yet-to-be-called state legislative race will cost them their veto-proof majority next year. Critics say the moves, which were rushed through without any chance for public comment or analysis, undermine the voters and are simply undemocratic, but they have few options for undoing them.

Let us speak plainly: This bill is nothing more than a desperate power grab, said Courtney Patterson, vice president of the NAACP's North Carolina chapter.

Among the changes, which were included in a bill that also addressed Hurricane Helene relief, are stripping the incoming governor of the authority to appoint members to the state elections board and instead giving that responsibility to the state auditor  a job won by a Republican last month. The measure also weakens the ability of the governor to fill vacancies on the state court of appeals and the state supreme court. It prohibits the attorney general from taking legal positions contrary to the legislatures and weakens the powers of the state school superintendent and lieutenant governor.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein, who will succeed Cooper next month, have already filed a lawsuit against Republican lawmakers, saying many portions of Senate Bill 382 violate the state constitution. The Republicans' actions in North Carolina are the latest example of how majority parties in some states have tried to undermine representative democracy in recent years, using extreme gerrymandering to expand their hold on power or trying to undercut officeholders of the opposing party or ballot initiatives that passed in statewide elections.

This is not how healthy democracies work," said Steven Greene, a political science professor at North Carolina State University. You dont lose and decide youre going to change the rules because you dont like that you lost. Its corrosive of the basic principles of democracy.

Greene said he was disappointed but not surprised by the effort he describes as part of a familiar playbook. In 2016, hundreds of people protested and more than two dozen were arrested after Republicans passed a bill that stripped powers from Cooper's incoming administration during a special session.

Republicans point out that Democrats acted to weaken executive branch positions after voters elected the state's first GOP governor in the 20th century, in 1972, and the century's only GOP lieutenant governor in 1988. North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger blamed Democrats blatant partisanship for necessitating the changes, which came just weeks after voters chose Democrats for the top statewide positions.

The new measures in Senate Bill 382 actually balance our three branches of state government so that North Carolina remains on a positive trajectory, free from Democratic Party and liberal activist obstruction, he said in a statement earlier this month.

While Democrats have won many top statewide offices for several election cycles, Republicans maintain a tight grip on the other two branches of government in North Carolina. Republicans have control of the legislature and hold at least a 5-2 majority on the state Supreme Court, where any dispute over the power-stripping legislation could ultimately land.

Since winning control of North Carolinas legislature in the 2010 elections, Republican lawmakers have repeatedly drawn voting districts to their favor, just as Democrats had done when they were in charge. That has helped Republicans retain a firm hold on power in the legislature while also triggering protracted court battles over redistricting.

The current legislative districts are advantageous to Republicans. The GOP won about nine more state House seats this year than would have been expected based on their average share of the district votes, according to an Associated Press analysis using a mathematical formula designed to detect gerrymandering.

North Carolina is very much a purple state, said Melissa Price Kromm, executive director of North Carolina for the People Action. ... But our legislature has been gerrymandered to allow for a Republican supermajority that makes these nefarious attacks on our democracy possible. Its baked into the system.

Meanwhile, an extremely tight race for a state Supreme Court seat has sparked a legal battle over the potential removal of tens of thousands of ballots. With the incumbent Democratic justice clinging to a narrow lead, the Republican candidate's challenge includes objecting to ballots from voters whose registration lacks drivers license or Social Security numbers. His attorneys argue that makes them incomplete.

North Carolina voters see that the same folks who are trying to overturn the results of the state supreme court race are the same people who are trying to change the way our elections are handled, the way powers and government functions are handled, said Julia Hawes, communications director at the statewide advocacy group Democracy North Carolina. A lot of us have been watching these power grabs and attempts to overturn the will of the people for over a decade.

In several other states, lawmakers also have made attempts to nullify some results of the November election. In Missouri, Republicans are taking initial steps to curtail voter-approved abortion protections by introducing a new constitutional amendment to restrict abortion access. Massachusetts Democrats are exploring options to alter the auditing process after voters overwhelmingly approved giving the state auditor the authority to watchdog the Legislature.

During last week's veto override in the North Carolina House, over 100 demonstrators chanted Shame and People power as they were escorted out of the chamber's gallery. Two days before, hundreds marched to the Legislative Building to deliver documents opposing the bill.

Rep. Cynthia Ball, a Democrat and member of the election law committee, criticized Republicans for not making the bill public earlier, not offering a public comment period and tucking such a significant power shift into legislation that included storm relief.

"Our democracy is threatened more and more when things are done behind closed doors, she said.

Della Hann, 64, traveled the 2 1/2 hours to Raleigh from her home in Southport to demonstrate when the Senate agreed to override Coopers veto of what she called a horrible bill.

The legislation, she said, is not for the people of the state. Its for the people sitting in that room to keep their power.

Kromm, of North Carolina for the People Action, said watching crowds gather in protest offered hope and said her group would be focused on educating voters so they can hold lawmakers accountable.

The sheer number of people who turned up showed that people in North Carolina care about whats happening in our legislature, and they dont give up without a fight," she said. "They know authoritarianism thrives on complacency and that we must stand together and refuse to let this assault on democracy go unanswered.

___

Fernando reported from Chicago. Associated Press writers Makiya Seminera in Raleigh, North Carolina, and David A. Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri, contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The president of a Michigan-based manufacturer was stabbed by one of the company's employees during a staff meeting, police said.

Nathan Joseph Mahoney, 31, has been charged with assault with intent to murder and fleeing and eluding a police officer in connection to the stabbing of Erik Denslow, the president of Anderson Express Inc., according to the Fruitport Township Police Department and Michigan court records.

Mahoney allegedly stabbed Denslow around 9:20 a.m. on Tuesday at Anderson Express Inc. in Muskegon, Michigan, Fruitport Township police said in a news release.

Muskegon is about a 40-mile drive northwest of Grand Rapids.

Fruitpot Township police officers were dispatched to the business at 9:23 a.m. after receiving a 911 call about a reported stabbing, according to the department.

Denslow was stabbed in his side with a knife, allegedly by Mahoney, who subsequently ran away from the business, entered his vehicle and fled the scene, police said. Mahoney was eventually stopped by police and taken into custody about 15 minutes after the incident, according to the department.

USA TODAY contacted Mahoney's public defender on Thursday but did not receive a response.

Latest news: CEO slaying suspect Luigi Mangione drops extradition fight, to return to NY

'We remain in shock over the incident'

Police said fellow employees described Mahoney as "having a quiet demeanor." Witnesses of the incident told police Mahoney entered the conference room wearing a black medical mask before walking up to Denslow and sticking a red-handled knife with a four-inch blade into his side, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by MLive.

A motive for the stabbing has not been determined, the department said. Denslow is currently out of surgery and remains in serious yet stable condition, according to police.

Mahoney had only worked for Anderson Express Inc. for two weeks and was being trained to replace a retiring employee at a high position in the company, police said, per WOOD.

We remain in shock over the incident that happened at our plant yesterday, a spokesperson for Anderson Express said in a statement to MLive. Our first thought is with our president, who has a good prognosis for a full and speedy recovery. We are also focused on supporting our employees as they process this senseless assault.

Inmate records show that Mahoney, who lives in Walker, Michigan, is still in custody with a $500,000 bond. His next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 26.

Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Company president stabbed in Muskegon, MI; Nathan Mahoney arrested
The U.S. Marshals Service in the District of Nevada issued a plea for help and additional reward money to find a man wanted for killing his girlfriend during an argument a year and a half ago in Las Vegas.

U.S. Marshals said in a press release Wednesday that they are offering $3,500 to find Oswaldo Nathanahel Perez-Sanchez, 26. The agency is working with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Previously, the FBI offered a $30,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

The victim was killed on April 22, 2023 during an argument with Perez-Sanchez, who she was dating, reported U.S. Marshals. She was eventually identified as 26-year-old Tabatha Tozzi, according to television station KSNV.

Perez-Sanchez and Tozzi were arguing at her home in Las Vegas when he shot her to death, U.S. Marshals said in the press release. He is also accused of carjacking a witness and fleeing the scene.

More news: CEO slaying suspect Luigi Mangione drops extradition challenge, will return to New York

U.S. Marshals also shared information about the suspect on Facebook Thursday morning.

He is now on the run and facing charges such as open murder with the use of a deadly weapon or tear gas, coercion constituting domestic violence with the threat or use of physical force, robbery with the use of a deadly weapon or tear gas and grand larceny of motor vehicle, according to the FBI.

Victim was her familys lifeline, according to fundraiser

Tozzis family and friends gathered a year after her death to remember her, reported KSNV.

A woman who appears to be Tozzis mother, Regina Lacerda, also started a GoFundMe shortly after her death. She said her daughter called her asking for help because she was having a (dispute) with her boyfriend, who they referred to as Nate.

I raced over in a panic, the woman wrote in the fundraiser description. When I arrived at the scene it was the worst fear any mother could have. My daughter had been shot by the man who claimed to love her and whom I trusted with my daughter, who was my entire world. She is all I had left and my heart is completely shattered.

According to the womans mother, she was her only daughter and they had a beautiful bond. Calling her daughter a beautiful soul, she said she was proud to be Tozzis mother and best friend.

She was bubbly and had a warm smile, her mother said.

The woman started the fundraiser because her daughter was the head of their household. She paid for their expenses, as well as for her grandmother who has dementia and lives in Brazil.

She was our lifeline, the woman wrote about the victim. During this difficult time, I am asking for your help financially to assist with any costs that may arise as I go through my grieving process.

As of Thursday, the fundraiser has raised nearly $55,000.

'Armed and dangerous'

Officials said Perez-Sanchez, the suspect, is a white Hispanic male, stands at 5-feet-9 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes and tattoos on his neck, chest and both arms.

He should be considered armed and dangerous, U.S. Marshals wrote in the press release.

U.S. Marshals ask that anyone who knows where Perez-Sanchez to call 1-877-WANTED2 or 1-877-926-8332. Tipsters can also submit information via the USMS Tips App.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia  the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Reward offered to find man accused of killing girlfriend Tabatha Tozzi
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, (R-Ok.) said the details of the discussions have been "very secret."

A bipartisan group of senators has been discussing a very secret border deal for early 2025  as red-state Democrats move to take action after the partys embarrassing 2024 presidential election loss, according to a report.

The illegal immigration crisis was a lightning-rod issue during the 2024 presidential race, with President-elect Donald Trump vowing to shut down the border and deport millions of undocumented migrants when hes back in the White House in January.

A small group of senators is considering a bipartisan border deal that would secure the 60 necessary votes to pass, Axios reported.

President-elect Trump has promised to deport millions of illegal immigrants. Getty Images

At least two Democrats hailing from Trump states are involved in the talks, with Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) telling the outlet that the discussions have been very secret.

The potential bipartisan deal comes as GOP lawmakers squabble over how to best deal with the crisis in Trumps first 100 days in office.

Top GOP senators, however, have previously promised to move quickly on a border package as early as February by using a two-part budget reconciliation process to get it done.

If we can do border separately  without reconciliation  then [Trumps] okay with one reconciliation package, Mullin told Axios.

Opponents of the two-part reconciliation plan have proposed a single massive reconciliation package for the funding.

Mullin later told Fox News that Axios report regarding senators meeting in secret is not true at all and that hes been working on a government spending package to avert a shutdown.

I think that was misunderstood about maybe doing reconciliation and two different packages, he said.

Democrats, including Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), have been working across the aisle to get something done.

If theres willingness to work in a bipartisan way to do some stuff, not only on border security, but on immigration reform, I think it would be great, Kelly said.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who is up for re-election next cycle in the key swing state, told Axios the small group of Democrats are gonna be certainly engaged in efforts to make that happen.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said the details of the discussions have been very secret. Bonnie Cash/UPI/Shutterstock

There are all kinds of conversations  and I hope to be a part of them as they continue  aiming at comprehensive immigration reform, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told the outlet.

More Senate Democrats have also expressed their willingness to join the conversation about a bipartisan border package.

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), who represents a state Trump won in 2024, said she would like to be part of those conversations.

Border state Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) said he would not be surprised if a bipartisan deal passed.

Weve been clear as Democrats in the Senate that were willing to work with our Republican colleagues to solve this problem, he told Axios.

Trump adviser Stephen Miller said earlier this month that a border package would be passed by early February  indicating Trumps team supports the two-part reconciliation plan.

As much as $120 billion could be put toward the border in the possible first of two packages, which also includes energy and defense spending, a source familiar with the plan told Axios.

Republicans have been arguing over how to pass border and immigration reform once Trump takes office. Omar Ornelas / El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The money would go toward building the necessary infrastructure to carry out Trumps deportation efforts, as well as wall construction and border agents.

Trump has vowed to carry out the largest deportation in US history beginning on day one of his presidency on Jan. 20, and has threatened countries by vowing to not do business with them if they refuse to accept their citizens back into their countries.

Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, revealed Wednesday he wants congressional funding and 100,000 beds for migrants to support Trumps expensive plan, which he estimated could cost upward of $86 billion.

Homan argued the American people voted for more funding for deportations since they elected Trump and urged Congress to pass additional funding through reconciliation.
Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to US president-elect Donald Trump and reiterated the need for allies to stand together with Ukraine, Downing Street has said.

The two men spoke on Wednesday afternoon, in a conversation that also touched on conflict in the Middle East and the the Prime Minister mentioned need to work together to ensure peace.

There have been concerns about whether the US will maintain its level of support for Ukraine when Mr Trump re-enters the White House in January.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with President-elect Donald Trump (Alistair Grant/PA)

The incoming president has said that he wanted to end the conflict on day one of his term in office.

A statement released by Number 10 on Wednesday evening said that Sir Keir began the call by congratulating President-elect Trump on his recent team appointments.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: Both agreed on their joint ambition to strengthen the close and historic relationship between the UK and the US. They looked forward to working together on shared priorities, including international security and delivering economic growth and prosperity.

Turning to global conflicts, the Prime Minister reiterated the need for allies to stand together with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position.

On the Middle East, the Prime Minister underscored the need to work together to ensure peace and security in the region.

They agreed to keep in touch and looked forward to seeing one another at the earliest opportunity.

Donald Trump has been outspoken on his opinions on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East (Suzanne Plunkett/PA)

Mr Trump said that he disagreed very vehemently with Ukraine firing US-made missiles into Russia in a recent interview with Time magazine, but insisted that he would not abandon Kyiv.

On the Middle East, the incoming president said earlier in December that there would be hell to pay if Israeli hostages are not freed before he is sworn into office.

In a post on his Truth Social site, Mr Trump wrote: Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity.

It comes as The Daily Telegraph reported that Sir Keirs chief of staff Morgan McSweeney has held talks with Mr Trumps team.

The newspaper reported that Mr McSweeney travelled to the US earlier this month.

Earlier this week, Sir Keir said that it would be a big mistake if Ukraines allies did not continue to give it the strongest support.

He urged western allies to not take our eye off the ball as the third anniversary of the invasion approaches.

Speaking during a visit to Norway, Sir Keir warned it was time for Kyivs allies to double down on the financial commitments, sanctions and the training they were providing to Ukraine.

Its important that we put Ukraine in the strongest possible position if there are to be negotiations, and even if there arent to be negotiations, he said.

But it would be a big mistake, in my view, to take our eye off the ball and not ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position, which is why weve been doubling down on this at many of the international meetings weve had with our allies to discuss this.
Hattie Mae Educational Center is photographed Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 in Houston. Houston ISD is collecting feedback on a new teacher evaluation system it aims to launch next academic year. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Houston ISD is collecting feedback on a new teacher evaluation system it aims to launch next academic year.

Eighteen campuses, called "Trailblazers" by the district, are testing the system, and representatives from those campuses meet monthly for feedback sessions, HISD said via email Tuesday.

HISD is seeking board approval for the system in March, it said. If the system is approved by the state-appointed board of managers, "Trailblazer" campuses will continue to collaborate with the administration every month for feedback on the training and implementation of the "Teacher Excellence System."

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"HISD's goal is to ensure that the new teacher evaluation system is rooted in the strengths of the current system and a foundation in student achievement and growth and high-quality instruction, while allowing for meaningful teacher and leader input that allows HISD to improve and innovate," the district said.

Here's what to know about the new evaluation system:

Which campuses are piloting the Teacher Excellence System?

The following schools were chosen for the program to ensure a "representative sample" of campuses with varying locations, achievements and student demographics, according to HISD:

Anderson Elementary School Benbrook Elementary School Davila Elementary School DeAnda Elementary School Dogan Elementary School Edison Middle School Energy Institute High School Henry Middle School Herrera Elementary School Hogg Middle School Milby High School Mistral Early Childhood Center Sterling High School Sutton Elementary School Twain Elementary School Wainwright Elementary School West University Elementary School Young Women's College Preparatory Academy

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HISD LOST THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS: Charter and suburban enrollment grew in past decade

Campuses will have discussions on the new system the week of Dec. 16, and the district said it will continue to seek input from teachers and leaders outside of the "Trailblazer" campuses.

How will teachers be evaluated?

Fourth grade science teacher Paul Obakpolo during a tour of Benavidez Elementary School on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Deputy Chief of Academics Alyssa Murray said the system is focused on student achievement and quality of instruction, with possible additional elements like student survey input and how teachers' serve their campus action plans.

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How teachers will be measured on those benchmarks is still being ironed out.

Officials said Monday that HISD sought feedback on the system district-wide by surveying the majority of principals (222 principals out of 264); assistant principals (529 out of 656); and teachers (8,277 out of 10,380, or 78%).

Nearly two thirds of teacher participants indicated student growth should carry more weight in their evaluations than student achievement. Most said that achievement should be measured as progress compared to students' baseline performance at the beginning of the year.

Only 28% of teachers said they agreed or strongly agreed that classroom observations helps schools improve quality of instruction, while nearly all the principals agreed or strongly agreed.

The majority of teachers said examples of strong practices would provide the best support for those observations among a list of possible supports. The district said it is creating a video library exhibiting high-scoring practices.

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While it is unclear which components will ultimately be included in the new system, the components appear to echo state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles' Dallas ISD Teacher Excellence Initiative, using student surveys, classroom observations and test scores.

Teacher Samuel Shurtleff speaks with Benavidez Elementary School principal Dr. Rania Khalil during a tour of Benavidez Elementary School on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Student surveys and campus action plans

HISD is partnering with Panorama Education to administer student surveys in grades 3 through 12 as part of the teacher evaluations, Murray said.

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Only one in five teachers felt favorably toward student surveys, while about one in four felt neutral. There was no "unfavorable" category displayed in the district's Monday presentation.

"So, you see some apprehension here from teachers and from leaders," Murray said, adding HISD has been implementing the student surveys at the "Trailblazer" campuses.

Murray said if those surveys were added to the system, HISD would likely administer it twice but only count the end-of-year student perception.

Students may also be surveyed about their school, with questions such as "How often do your teachers seem excited to be teaching your classes?" and "How much respect do students show at your school?"

A principal's campus action plan could also factor into evaluations. Nearly one in four teachers agreed or strongly agreed that campus action plans, which outline goals, steps, and outcomes for student achievement, should be used as part of the evaluation, while nearly half felt neutral.

Teachers can sign up for upcoming topic-specific focus groups, and there will be a special education teacher focus group in 2025.
Kyle Clifford pleaded not guilty to imprisonment and two counts of possession of offensive weapons

A 26-year-old man accused of killing the wife and two youngest daughters of a BBC racing commentator in a crossbow attack has been further charged with rape, a court has heard.

Kyle Clifford is accused of stabbing 61-year-old Carol Hunt, the wife of John Hunt, to death, and fatally shooting 25-year-old Louise Hunt and Hannah Hunt, 28, with a crossbow at their family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire on July 9.

Clifford, of Enfield, north London, pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder, one charge of false imprisonment and two counts of possession of offensive weapons.

Cambridge Crown Court heard that the defendant is accused of raping Louise on the same day, after the charge was added to the indictment against him on Thursday.

Louise Hunt, 25, Carol Hunt, 61, and Hannah Hunt, 28, were killed at their home in July

The defendant, who appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh, entered his not guilty pleas to all charges except the new count of rape, for which he is yet to be arraigned.

A trial is expected to take place at Cambridge Crown Court in March.

In a statement issued following the incident, Mr Hunt and his third daughter Amy said: The devastation we are experiencing cannot be put into words.

The false imprisonment charge alleges Clifford assaulted and unlawfully and injuriously imprisoned Louise Hunt and detained her against her will. A previous court hearing was told that she had been found tied up when officers attended the property.

John Hunt with his wife Carol

Mr Hunt, who had been working for the BBC at Lingfield Park racecourse, returned home to discover the scene.

Mr Clifford, a former soldier, was arrested 24 hours later in Lavender Hill Cemetery, close to his home in Enfield, north London, following a huge manhunt.

An inquest found that Carol Hunt died from stab wounds to her chest and abdomen, while Hannah and Louise died from crossbow bolt injuries.

The killings ignited a debate about the availability of crossbows, with Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, announcing in July that she would urgently examine a ban on the sale of crossbows as weapons.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Speaker Mike Johnson

President-elect Donald Trump predicted that House Speaker Mike Johnson would easily hold onto the gavel if he course-corrects on the government funding package that has plunged Republicans into an open revolt.

Trump, 78, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, 40, maneuvered Wednesday to completely kill the bipartisan deal to avert a partial government shutdown amid mounting GOP backlash. The incoming president wants Johnson (R-La.), 52, to dramatically overhaul the plan.

If the speaker acts decisively, and tough, and gets rid of all of the traps being set by the Democrats, which will economically and, in other ways, destroy our country, he will easily remain speaker, Trump told Fox News.

House Speaker Mike Johnson had roiled the Republican Conference with the government funding deal. Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Tuesday evening, congressional leaders had unveiled the stopgap funding plan, which wouldve staved off a shutdown at midnight Friday into Saturday and kept the governments lights on through March 14, 2025.

But that 1,547-page bill was laden with an assortment of add-ons such as $100 billion in disaster relief, $10 billion in assistance for farmers, what wouldve been the first congressional pay raise since 2009, support for returning the Washington Commanders to the RFK Stadium site and more.

Republicans erupted in open revolt, while Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) co-heads Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy turned on the speaker and urged Republicans to kill the bill.

Trump had initially been mum. Then later in the day Wednesday, he and Vance demanded the GOP rip out Democrat giveaways and work in an increase to the debt ceiling.

Anything else is a betrayal of our country, Trump and Vance declared in a joint statement.

The remarkable shift against the GOP speaker raised questions about the extent to which Trump and Johnson coordinated on the funding bill. Both men have been in contact and were seen talking at the Army-Navy game over the weekend.

President-elect Donald Trump demanded Republicans go back to the drawing board on the government funding bill. Getty Images

Last year, following a nasty funding flap, Congress agreed to suspend the debt ceiling, the cap on the governments borrowing authority, until early 2025. That means it is poised to become a tricky issue for the next administration to address early on at a time when Trump will be eyeing a broader legislative agenda.

Vance met with Johnson for about an hour Wednesday evening and later claimed to have had a productive conversation, without divulging too many specifics.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) has indicated to reporters that the funding deal that was rolled out publicly late Tuesday has fallen by the wayside.

Anybody that supports a bill that doesnt take care of the Democrat quicksand known as the debt ceiling should be primaried and disposed of as quickly as possible, Trump added to Fox News about the funding bill.

Multiple Republicans have publicly yanked their support for Johnson retaining the speakers gavel amid a brewing mutiny.

He does not have my vote, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) bluntly told CNN during the funding row.

From the other chamber, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) suggested his colleagues in the House contemplate Musk to serve as speaker.

Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk  think about it  nothings impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka uniparty, lose their ever-lovin minds), he posted on X.

The vote for the House speaker is set to take place when the new Congress gets sworn in on Jan. 3, 2025.

Johnson is up against the clock and has been in a bind. He has a couple of members of the House Republican caucus who may very well be opposed to almost any spending patch to avert a shutdown.

The incoming president was seen conferring with top Republicans and other key allies at the Army-Navy game Saturday. Getty Images

That means he will likely need Democratic support to get the measure through the House. From there, it needs to clear the Democrat-controlled Senate and win President Bidens signature.

House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government. And hurt the working class Americans they claim to support, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) wrote on X.

You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences that follow.

Meanwhile, as GOP leadership races to cobble together a plan B on the funding measure, the White House is lashing out at them for the chaos.

Republicans need to stop playing politics with this bipartisan agreement or they will hurt hard-working Americans and create instability across the country, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre chided in a statement.
Los Angeles public health officials strongly encourage residents to avoid consuming raw milk and to not feed it to their pets. Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Reuters

Health officials in Los Angeles are investigating three household cats presumed to have bird flu, as officials confirmed the disease in two other cats who drank recalled raw milk and died.

The Los Angeles county department of public health confirmed two fatal cases of H5 bird flu in cats on Wednesday. The two felines had consumed raw milk linked to Raw Farm, a dairy in Fresno, California, that was subject to a recall of raw milk and cream products last month.

The two cats initially showed a lack of appetite, fever and neurologic signs. As their symptoms worsened, they tested positive for influenza A, a rare result in cats, that was later confirmed as H5 bird flu.

The three cats who may also now be infected with bird flu all lived in the same household, according to authorities. Humans who came into contact with the animals are now being monitored for symptoms. Cats are considered highly susceptible to bird flu.

At a Texas dairy earlier this year, 12 barn cats died after drinking infected raw milk.

But the three sick cats in Los Angeles are not known to have consumed raw milk and other sources of infection, including raw meat, are being investigated. The alert noted that cats are known to have transmitted another influenza strain to humans, but there have been no known cases to date of H5 bird flu transmitted from cats to humans.

The risk of H5 bird flu remains low in Los Angeles county, but these confirmed cases of the virus in pet cats are a reminder that consuming raw dairy and meat products can lead to severe illness in cats, said Dr Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles county department of public health, in a statement.

To avoid the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, we strongly encourage residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, limit contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds, and keep pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds, Ferrer added.

The report of cats infected with bird flu comes as the California governor, Gavin Newsom, declared a state of emergency as the bird flu virus moved from the Central valley to southern California dairy herds.

On Wednesday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first case of severe bird flu in a 65-year-old patient with underlying medical conditions in Louisiana.

The patient is in critical condition in a hospital after experiencing severe respiratory illness related to bird flu infection. The patient is the first case of human bird flu in the US, linked to exposure to a backyard flock that may have been infected by migrating birds.

Genomic data showed the Louisiana patient was infected with a version of the virus recently found to be spreading in wild birds and poultry in the US, and found in some human cases in Canada and Washington state, according to the CDC.

This version of the H5N1 virus is different from the virus circulating in dairy cattle and some poultry populations in the US. To date, more than 846 cattle herds across 16 states in the US have been hit, interrupting milk supplies.

But the H5N1 infection of cats is alarming to virus experts; a new study found that cat cells allow viruses to mix and mutate, potentially providing a bridge that allows the H5N1 bird flu to mutate and jump to humans.

A study, published in the academic journal Emerging Microbes & Infections, found that cats, like pigs, had cellular receptors which allow them to act as mixing vessels for reassortment of avian and mammalian influenza viruses.

Furthermore, cats which had recently died of H5N1 bird flu were found to have unique mutations suggestive of potential virus adaptation.

The continued exposure, viral circulation, and adaptation of the H5N1 virus in cats raise significant concerns for transmission and public health, the authors of the University of Pittsburgh report said.

Cats, they added, frequently interact with humans and other species and could therefore serve as a bridge for cross-species transmission of H5N1 viruses.

In April, Marylands school of public health warned that a review of scientific literature suggests domestic cats can get bird flu and transmit it to humans, and should be monitored.

As companion animals, domestic cats provide a potential pathway for avian influenza viruses to spill over into humans, said Kristen Coleman, an assistant professor at the school.

So far, there have been 61 human cases of bird flu in the US since April, according to the CDC. The patients had mostly been in contact with infected cattle or infected livestock.

Prior to the Louisiana patient, cases had been mild and patients had all recovered after receiving antiviral medication, according to the CDC and state health officials. One previous case in Missouri ended up in hospitalization.

Related: Bird flu sweeps through zoos with grave implications for endangered animals

In addition to the Louisiana case, Delaware recently reported a probable H5N1 case that was detected by routine state influenza surveillance.

The infected person did not have known contact with sick animals. The CDC could not confirm the type of influenza A virus after multiple tests and has classified it as a probable case.

In Los Angeles, public health officials strongly encourage residents to avoid consuming raw milk and to not feed it to their pets.

They also advised people to limit unprotected contact with sick or dead animals or birds or any materials contaminated with bird feces, to keep pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds, and to remove bird feeders and baths to reduce the risk of the virus spreading from bird to bird.
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is among the defendants in a lawsuit filed this month by a UCLA student who said she was rushed into a gender transition.

A UCLA student is suing multiple California health care providers and hospitals for medical negligence, alleging she was wrongly diagnosed with gender dysphoria and then fast-tracked onto the conveyor belt of irreversibly damaging puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgery, according to her lawsuit.

Kaya Clementine Breen, 20, said she experienced sexual abuse as a young child, and by the time she was 11, she began struggling with the thought of developing into a woman and began to believe that life would be easier if she were a boy, according to her suit filed last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court. When she expressed this to her then-school counselor, the counselor told her that she was transgender and called her parents to tell them the same.

Kaya Clementine Breen.

Breen, who was also suffering from anxiety, depression and undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the lawsuit, was then taken by her parents to the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, where she said she was diagnosed with gender dysphoria  the distress one can experience when their gender identity and birth sex are in conflict  and began to receive transition-related care at 12 years old.

This case is about a team of purported health care providers who collectively decided that a vulnerable girl struggling with complex mental health struggles and suffering from multiple instances of sexual abuse should be prescribed a series of life-altering puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, ultimately, receive a double mastectomy at the age of 14, Breens lawsuit states.

Breen began receiving puberty-suppressing medication at 12, was prescribed cross-sex hormones from 13 to 19 and underwent a double mastectomy at 14, according to court documents, which stated that her her mental health progressively declined following these treatments.

In an interview with NBC News on Thursday, Breen said, In retrospect, I wish that somebody had suggested real, genuine therapy first, instead of gender-specific therapy, because really the only therapy that I received until much later was specifically focused on gender dysphoria, and didnt connect my gender dysphoria to anything else.

Breen said she began to question her decision to transition after she started dialectical behavior therapy, a type of talk therapy that seeks to help those struggling with intense emotions, earlier this year.

I sort of started questioning my own gender identity and if I was doing this for the right reasons, she said.

The defendants in Breens lawsuit include Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, an adolescent medicine physician specializing in gender-affirming care; Childrens Hospital Los Angeles; Dr. Scott Mosser, a plastic surgeon specializing in gender-affirming surgery; the Gender Confirmation Center of San Francisco; UCSF Health Community Hospitals; and psychotherapist Susan P. Landon.

When asked to comment on the lawsuit, a spokesperson said the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, where Olson-Kennedy works, has provided high quality, age-appropriate, medically necessary care for more than 30 years.

Treatment is patient- and family-centered, following guidelines from professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, and Endocrine Society. We do not comment on pending litigation; and out of respect for patient privacy and in compliance with state and federal laws, we do not comment on specific patients and/or their treatment, the spokesperson said in an email, adding that Dr. Olson-Kennedy is unavailable for comment.

In response to a request for comment, a spokesperson for the Gender Confirmation Center in San Francisco, where Mosser works, said theres no such thing as a rubber stamp patient interaction at their health facility.

As healthcare providers, and in compliance with HIPAA considerations, we are unable to comment on specific protected health information or pending litigation, the spokesperson added in their email, which also included a link to a statement from Mosser.

Mossers statement, which appears to have been posted to the Gender Confirmation Centers website last week, applauded the center as being at the forefront of gender-affirming surgery, with the wellbeing of our patients as our highest priority.

Our robust processes and protocols are designed to ensure that patients navigating our services fully understand the implications of the gender-affirming procedures they may choose to undergo as part of their transition, Mosser stated. We regularly hear from former patients sharing updates about the overwhelmingly positive impact these surgeries have had on their lives  messages that continue to arrive many years after their procedures.

UCSF Health Community Hospitals, which is named in the lawsuit, told NBC News that Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, where Breen was a patient in 2019, was not acquired by UCSF until August of this year. It had no further comment.

Landon did not respond to a request for comment.

Breen said she doesnt believe the individual health providers named in her lawsuit intentionally acted in poor faith, but she alleged they were dismissive of her pre-existing mental health issues.

When asked what she hopes to get from this lawsuit, Breen said she wants some semblance of justice or change. While she is seeking financial reimbursement for the amount that this has cost me and my family, she said, she most of all wants to help dismantle the rumor that no one is ever fast-tracked into gender treatments.

A long list of major U.S. medical associations  including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association  support transgender minors having access to transition-related care, like puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, and have denounced state laws restricting such care.

There is strong consensus among the most prominent medical organizations worldwide that evidence-based, gender-affirming care for transgender children and adolescents is medically necessary and appropriate. It can even be lifesaving, Dr. Moira Szilagyi wrote on the American Academy of Pediatrics website in August 2022, when she was the organizations president. The decision of whether and when to start gender-affirming treatment, which does not necessarily lead to hormone therapy or surgery, is personal and involves careful consideration by each patient and their family.

Gender-affirming care for minors can look different depending on the childs age and circumstances. For young children, care may involve a new name or pronoun as opposed to physical changes. At the onset of puberty, children may begin puberty blockers to inhibit them from developing secondary sex characteristics like breasts or facial hair. Hormone therapy may come next, which would allow the teenager to physically develop into the gender matching their identity. Surgical gender-affirming care is rarely performed on minors, and these procedures are illegal in dozens of states, though California is not among them.

Over the past few years, there have been several lawsuits filed in the U.S. and the U.K. by detransitioners, or those who transitioned genders and then transitioned back to their birth sex. A 21-year-old New York woman who had detransitioned sued Planned Parenthood and several individual health care providers in April claiming medical malpractice and a lack of informed consent, alleging the defendants rushed her into undergoing gender-affirming care when she was 18.

Research suggests that regretting treatment for gender dysphoria is extremely rare, according to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, or WPATH. A survey conducted in 2015 by the National Center for Transgender Equality found that 8% of respondents detransitioned at some point in their life, with 62% of that group only detransitioning temporarily.

Transition-related care for minors has been a divisive political issue, with Republicans in 26 states passing measures to ban or restrict gender-affirming care for minors in recent years, according to the Movement Advancement Project, an LGBTQ think tank. The Supreme Court is currently weighing a case challenging Tennessees ban on such care.

The politics surrounding gender-affirming care for minors were also reportedly behind a decision by Olson-Kennedy, one of the defendants in Breens lawsuit, to delay publication of a study she conducted on the effects of puberty blockers. Olson-Kennedy told The New York Times in an article published in October that she didnt publish the results, which found the medication did not improve the mental health of minors with gender dysphoria, because she feared the findings might fuel the types of political attacks that led to state bans on gender-affirming care.

CORRECTION (Dec. 19, 2024, 11:45 a.m. ET): An earlier version of this article misstated at what age the plaintiff in a Planned Parenthood lawsuit was when she started gender-affirming care. She was 18, not a minor.
(Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved Mesoblast's cell therapy for treating a type of complication that occurs after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

The therapy, branded as Ryoncil, is the first mesenchymal stromal cell therapy approved to treat pediatric patients aged two months and older whose GVHD symptoms have not responded to standard steroid therapy.

The company did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment on pricing and availability.

GVHD is a complication that might occur after a cell transplant, where the donated stem cells attack the recipients cells, viewing them as an unfamiliar threat.

Mesenchymal stromal cells are spindle-shaped cells that can have various roles in the body and can differentiate into multiple other types of cells. The cells are isolated from the bone marrow of healthy adult human donors.

The FDA advises the treating physician should monitor the Ryoncil infusion, and discontinue it if there is any evidence of a reaction such as shortness of breath, low blood pressure, fever, or rapid breathing, among others.

Last year, the U.S. health regulator declined to approve the therapy as it required more data to support marketing approval.

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)
FILE - Anchor Neil Cavuto appears on the set of his "Cavuto: Coast to Coast" program, on the Fox Business Network, in New York on March 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Neil Cavuto, a business journalist at Fox News Channel whose weekday afternoon news show frequently annoyed President-elect Donald Trump and his supporters, left the network after 28 years following a final show on Thursday.

A workhorse who had been with Fox since its inception in 1996, Cavuto also hosted programs at Fox's sister, the Fox Business Network, and was not considered one of the stable of opinion hosts.

His final show briskly moved through a succession of news stories, including the potential for a government funding deal, stock market fluctuations and a strike by Amazon workers. He addressed his exit at the end, thanking Fox for his years on the network but saying that I'm not leaving journalism. I'm just leaving here.

I got to do what I love here  report the news, not shout the news, not blast the news, he said, adding that his goal was to tell truth to power and fairness to all. That's me.

He thanked viewers, while noting the ones who wrote to suggest he do things that I think were anatomically impossible to do.

Fox said in a statement: Neil Cavuto's illustrious career has been a master class in journalism and we're extremely proud of his incredible 28-year run with Fox News Media. His programs have defined business news and set the standard for the entire industry. We wish him a heartfelt farewell and all the best on his next chapter.

Unlike many at Fox, he has not interviewed President-elect Donald Trump since 2017 and sometimes has angered him. One time came when Cavuto said on his show in September that Trump had decisively lost his debate with Democrat Kamala Harris.

Cavuto remarked this summer that when the stock market goes up, Trump says it is because of investors looking forward to him being back in power, but when it's down, he blames the Democrats.

On social media Thursday, Trump used all-caps to say Cavuto's departure is GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA. He said it should have happened a long time ago.

While Cavuto's exit removes a Trump irritant from Fox just before the president-elect returns to office, that fact had nothing to do with it, said a person at the network with knowledge of the discussions but spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk about contracts. Cavuto's contract was coming to an end and while he was offered an extension, he decided to leave, the person said. Cavuto confirmed the offer, while not explaining his reasons for exiting.

With the television news business hurting financially, some major personalities have reportedly been asked to take pay cuts. Some, like the Today show's Hoda Kotb, decided to leave instead.

Even before Cavuto addressed his exit, each of the guests on his final show saluted him. Reporter Aishah Hasnie called him a hero, and billionaire investor Ken Fisher said, if you need any help, you will always have a friend in me.

You call balls and strikes, said Bob Cusack, editor in chief of The Hill. You're not a yes man.

Cavuto, 66, has stayed on the job despite a number of health issues through the years. He has multiple sclerosis, underwent heart surgery and had bouts of long COVID. One fellow Fox personality, Janice Dean, said on social media that when she was diagnosed with MS, Cavuto gave me hope that I could still pursue my dreams.

There's no immediate word on who will replace Cavuto at 4 p.m. Eastern on Fox's schedule, a coveted slot before the network's most popular show, The Five.

___

David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social.
Beyonce Knowles Carter and her daughter Blue Ivy Carter both voice characters in Disney's new movie "Mufasa: The Lion King," out Friday. It's the latest way Beyonce has interwoven her legacy  and her family's  with the film franchise.

In "Mufasa," Beyonce reprises her role as Queen Nala from the 2019 movie "The Lion King." Her oldest daughter, Blue Ivy, plays the role of Princess Kiara, the eldest daughter of Nala and Simba, voiced again by actor and singer Donald Glover.

Directed by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins and scripted by writer Jeff Nathanson, "Mufasa" is a prequel to the "The Lion King." It takes viewers back to the origin story of the king of lions, who is voiced by Aaron Pierre, with Kelvin Harrison voicing the role of Scar.

Many fans are excited to see Blue Ivy make her feature film debut. But this isn't even the first time the young star has been associated with the franchise. She attended "The Lion King" premiere with her mom in 2019, and appeared on her mom's album inspired by the film.

Blue Ivy Carter and Beyonce attend the premiere of Disney's "The Lion King" at the Dolby Theatre on July 9, 2019, in Hollywood, California.

Beyonce releases 'The Lion King: The Gift'

Beyonce was cast as the voice of Nala in the 2019 remake of the animated classic and spoke about the significance of the film to her.

"'The Lion King' (is) something I grew up watching, and Im so excited for my kids to see it. But it means even more to share this experience and this culture of 'The Lion King' with my mother and my family, she said in an interview at the Wearable Art Gala the year the film was released.

"My mother just praised being Black and made sure we were proud, and we were very aware of our roots. We saw how beautiful and profound Black women were, and how different we were and how you couldnt put us in one box, and how it was all Black and beautiful," she continued.

She released her album "The Lion King: The Gift" on July 19, 2019. It was a companion project that put Beyonce's musical touches on the film's soundtrack. She called the album a "love letter to Africa," and it featured a multitude of artists such as Mr Eazi, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage and Kendrick Lamar.

"I wanted to make sure we found the best talent from Africa and not just use some of the sounds and do my interpretation of it. I wanted it to be authentic to what is beautiful about the music in Africa, she said in a 2019 interview on "Good Morning America." "The soundtrack becomes visual in your mind. Its a soundscape. Its more than just the music, because each song tells the story of the film.

The same year, Beyonce also released the TV special "Beyonce Presents: Making the Gift," which took fans behind the scenes of Beyonce's journey through Africa and the album's creation. The project was shot in parts of Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and the U.S.

Beyonce's new visual album, "Black Is King," is inspired by "The Lion King."

Beyonce releases 'Black is King'

In 2020, Beyonce released a visual companion for the album "The Gift," titled "Black is King." The musical film was directed, produced and co-written by the megastar.

"Black is King" follows a young African prince who is exiled from his kingdom after his fathers death. As he matures, the prince embarks on a journey of self-discovery, guided by his ancestors, before he attempts to reclaim his throne. The story acts as a metaphor for the African diaspora's journey of discovery and reclaiming their heritage and culture.

Beyonce used the film to highlight the beauty and diversity of African culture and the diaspora through music, dance, costumes, hair, sets and other designs.

"Its been a year in the making. I worked with a diverse group of very gifted directors and actors and creatives from all over the world to re-imagine the story of 'The Lion King.' The narrative unfolds through music videos, fashion, dance, beautiful natural settings and raw, new talent," she said in another GMA interview.

"But it all started in my backyard. So from my house, to Johannesburg to Ghana to London to Belgium to the Grand Canyon, it was truly a journey to bring this film to life. And my hope for this film is that it shifts the global perception of the word Black, which has always meant inspiration and love and strength and beauty to me. Black is King means Black is regal and rich in history, in purpose and in lineage."

"Black is King" received much praise on both cultural and artistic levels. It scored six Grammy nominations, including for best music film. "Brown Skin Girl" featuring Blue Ivy, Saint Jhn and Wizkid won for best music video, and "Black Parade" won for best R&B performance award. The film also earned an Emmy for outstanding costumes for a variety, nonfiction or reality program.

Follow Cache McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyonce Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why Beyonce made 'The Lion King' part of her legacy  and her family's


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Just days before Christmas, workers are several Amazon facilities across the nation went on strike after failed contract negotiations with the e-commerce giant. Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Just days before Christmas, workers at several Amazon facilities across the nation went on strike after failed contract negotiations with the e-commerce giant.

While no Texas facilities are involved yet, Amazon officials say it wont affect deliveries.

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Who are the Teamsters?

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is a labor union representing workers in various occupations in the United States and Canada.

According to their website, the Teamsters have been a leader in setting the standard for higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions for workers.

Whats happening?

The Teamsters say Amazon workers, who authorized strikes in the past few days, are joining the picket line after the company ignored a Sunday deadline the union set for contract negotiations. Amazon says it doesnt expect an impact on its operations during what the union calls the largest strike against the company in U.S. history, the Associated Press reported.

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The International Brotherhood of Teamsters say they represent nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, a small portion of the 1.5 million people Amazon employs in its warehouses and corporate offices.

Where are the Amazon strikes happening?

The strikes are taking place at one Amazon warehouse in San Francisco, California, and six delivery stations in southern California, New York City; Atlanta, Georgia; and Skokie, Illinois, according to the unions announcement.

NEW BARN: Conroe ISD looks for new home for agriculture barn as lease ends for property

"Patience has run out for Amazon Teamsters. Its time for the $2 trillion company to recognize our union and negotiate a Teamsters contract," the Teamsters posted on X, formerly Twitter.

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If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it, Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien stated in a news release from the organization. These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, theyve pushed workers to the limit and now theyre paying the price. This strike is on them.

Will deliveries be affected in Texas?

Amazon says it doesnt expect an impact on its operations despite the strike, according to the Associated Press.

For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement.
Jeremy Denk

Allen Guelzo

Excerpts from my most recent More than Music show on NPR: Finding the Common Good  Charles Ives at 150:

Ives is a self-made Connecticut Yankee, born in 1874, whos all about seeking common purpose, common sentiment, common good. So at a moment when our nation seems to be coming apart, Ives speaks to us about the things that hold us together  or used to. And yet this years Ives Sesquicentenary  remarkably  is mainly being celebrated abroad, by European orchestras.

Im recently back from a nine-day Indiana University festival  by far the biggest Ives celebration here in the US, with two and three events daily. Among the participants was the pianist Gilbert Kalish, still going strong at the age of 89. Back in the 1970s, when the music of Ives was being discovered half a century after he composed it, Kalish was a key figure in a great awakening. At a public forum on Ivess piano music, I asked him to reflect upon the fate of Charles Ives in the US today. He suddenly fell into a crestfallen mode and said:

Its a kind of cultural tragedy in a way  if you think of it.

Why would losing touch with Charles Ives seem a tragedy for Americans? Its not just because hes our most remarkable concert composer. Its because he embodies what were losing touch within the American arts today: cultural memory.

Heres a perspective on Ives from a distinguished Civil War scholar, Allen Guelzo:

Ives fills a great blank in the experience of a lot of Americans. We exist in an environment that is so immediate, that is so rootless, which lacks so much in the way of cultural ballast, that we feel sometimes like were floating weightlessly. In that respect we live downstream from the cultural shift that occurred in Ivess lifetime. And Ives responds to it by trying to provide for us ballast in the form of the past and the experience of the past. And thats different from the way other American composers have come at it. Because a lot of American composers who want to invoke the past really do it almost in a decorative fashion. Its almost like walking into an antique store. That is not the case for Ives.

Ives, Guelzo says, negotiated a cultural shift at the turn of the twentieth century, when American lives were challenged by new technology, and by a decline in the authority of religion and other sources of moral authority. That reminds him of today. And Allen Guelzo is also reminded, by Charles Ives, of Abraham Lincoln. They both feasted on American memory. They both furnished the kind of cultural ballast with which were losing touch.

Lincoln constantly surprises me. I keep finding entirely different ways of looking at the man and how the man looked at things. I am impressed by his sense of historical capacity, and how the history of the country weighed on him, almost as a burden. He felt a kind of responsibility, especially in 1861 to 1865, that everything was balanced on a pinhead, and he was determined to keep that balance the way it had been designed. Hes determined to do that because the future depends upon it. Not only the future of the country, but the future of the very idea of democracy.

Abraham Lincoln and Charles Ives, Allen Guelzo says, shared a capacity to inhabit American history. And they rallied people  in their different spheres of government and the arts  to participate in that, and discover common roots.

In some respects Ives parallels his European contemporary Gustav Mahler, intermingling high and low  the philosophic with the everyday. Ivess Concord Sonata closes with a transcendental Nature reverie remembering Thoreau playing the flute on his doorstep overlooking Walden Pond. But an earlier movement of the same work triggers a blast of ragtime to evoke Nathaniel Hawthornes fanciful short stories.

It cannot be coincidental that two of the most notable exponents of the Concord Piano Sonata also relish rags by Scott Joplin and his progeny. One is Steven Mayer, who weve been listening to. The other pianist is Jeremy Denk, whos just released an Ives album on Nonesuch including all the piano and violin sonatas. Ragtime was the rage beginning in the 1890s, when Ives was at Yale and pounded ragtime in theaters and taverns. In fact, ragtime was an essential catalyst for what Denk calls the whole universe of American popular music. And he continues:

Ragtime is a way of taking a pre-existing tune and syncopating it and giving it a new life; its an act in which you revive something thats square and stale.

European composers, and also American composers, attempted to harness jazz  and shackled it with quotation marks. Ives, by comparison, is never slumming or condescending. His deployment of ragtime is torrential, impolite, elemental. Denk experiences in Ives a tremendous homage to ragtime, an oppositional and improvisational abandon. And he cites as a case in point Ives Third Violin Sonata, begun in 1905. Its one of five works on his new Nonesuch Ives Sesquicentenary release, in which hes joined by the violinist Stefan Jackiw.

Heres a LISTENING GUIDE to the whole NPR show  which you can access here:

3:00  Allen Guelzo on Ives and cultural ballast

4:50  The parade down Main Street: William Sharp and Steven Mayer perform The Circus Band

7:00  The Alcotts and the human faith melody

12:00  The sonic sorcery of The Housatonic at Stockbridge

22:30  Jeremy Denk, Ives, and ragtime

30:00  Slavery, Old Black Joe, and the Second Symphony

39:30  Edie Ives on why her father was a great man

42:30  Allen Guelzo on Ives and Lincoln

44:00  William Sharp and Steven Mayer perform Serenity
by Joseph Masilamany

They are 48-year-old Mohammed Farik Amin and 47-year-old Mohammed Nazir Lep, who spent - without trial - 18 years in the Cuban prison. They will now have to serve five more after the proceedings in which they pleaded guilty and cooperated with justice. They will undergo a rehabilitation programme.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - Two of the bombers who took part in the 2022 Bali (Indonesia) massacre, in which 202 people, mostly foreign tourists, died, have returned to Malaysia and will undergo a rehabilitation programme while continuing to serve the rest of their sentences in prison.

They are Mohammed Farik Amin, 48, and Mohammed Nazir Lep, 47, who admitted responsibility by pleading guilty to offences such as murder and conspiracy [of a confessional nature], for which they were imprisoned in the notorious Guantanamo prison.

Both are former members of the Islamic extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and participated in several attacks, including one on the popular tourist destination island and, a year later, one at the Marriott Hotel in Jakarta.

Both were sentenced to five years in prison in January this year, having already spent 18 years in the maximum security prison on the island of Cuba, subjected to gruelling torture and interrogation.

The US Department of Defence yesterday announced their repatriation from the notorious Guantanamo Bay facility, with them being handed over to the authorities in Kuala Lumpur. In a note posted on its website, the department explained that the two men pleaded guilty before a military commission to multiple offences. These include murder in violation of the law of war, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, conspiracy and destruction of property'.

The Pentagon said the duo cooperated by testifying against Encep Nurjaman, or Hambali, who is believed to be the mastermind of the Bali nightclub attacks and the J.W. Hotel Marriott hotel bombing in Jakarta.

During their 18 years of imprisonment, both never faced trial until the year that is drawing to a close. In January, in a plea bargain, both reached a deal with prosecutors on charges of complicity in the Bali terror attacks.

The US Department of Defence added that in June, the convening authority recommended that both be repatriated or transferred to a third sovereign nation to serve out the remainder of their five-year sentences.

Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the government had agreed to the return of the two men to their home country on humanitarian grounds, adding that the executive has drawn up a comprehensive reintegration programme for them. The programme includes support, assistance and health checks'.

JI is a Southeast Asian militant group linked to al-Qaeda. Both men were arrested in Thailand in 2003. Mohammed Farik was detained in June, and Mohammed Nazir two months later along with Hambali. In a surprise move, the Islamic extremist movement announced its disbandment on 30 June during a gathering of its senior leaders in Bogor, Indonesia. They expressed their commitment to the state by adhering to the law and promising to renovate their educational institutions to align with traditional Islamic teachings.

One of the worst Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist attacks in Asia, the Bali bombing killed 202 people from over 20 different countries. The attack on the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, on the other hand, killed 12 people and injured 150 others. At present, more than 20 detainees remain at Guantanamo, 15 of whom can be transferred and three others are awaiting review. Despite US President Joe Biden's pledge to resettle eligible detainees, the facility remains open as legal and political challenges affect its status.
Provincial authorities in Bolikhamxay are sounding the alarm as drug trafficking and possession cases rise in the past six months. A methamphetamine tablet costs less than 25 cents US in the region.

Vientiane (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Bolikhamxay, a province in central Laos, is grappling with a growing drug crisis among students. Authorities are reporting alarming trends, with new drugs gaining popularity, like kratom (which is the name of the tree as well), and drug-laced coffee.

Kongchan Xaypanya, head of Bolikhamxay Public Security, reports 309 cases related to drug abuse in the province in the last six months. During this period, the authorities seized 19,835 methamphetamine pills, 61 kilos of ecstasy, 1,559 kilos of methamphetamine (ice), 320 kilos of dried cannabis, 15 kilos of kratom, and 37.5 kilos of heroin.

The problem is not limited to traditional narcotics, according to Kongchan. Increasingly, illegal substances are often consumed in social settings (bars, karaoke lounges, and even weddings or ceremonies) making it hard to detect use.

Provincial authorities have responded by launching an awareness campaign aimed at students and teachers.

According to national data released in November by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, General Vilay Lakhamfong, 3,395 cases related to drug trafficking were reported in 2024, leading to the arrest of 5,168 people, including 199 foreigners.

Substantial amounts of drugs were confiscated: almost 381 kilos of heroin, over 81 million amphetamine pills, 4,800 kilos of methamphetamine (crystal meth), 84.86 kilos of opium, 3,600 kilos of cannabis, and over 10,000 kilos of other substances.

Laotian authorities have also identified more than 5,800 hectares given over to opium poppy production in nine provinces.

The countrys 14 rehabilitation centres have treated 5,132 people this year. Of these, 2,513 have returned home, while 2,619 remain in treatment.

The government is also building a new facility, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. In addition, it has set up 28 community counselling centres and declared 3,222 villages, 163 schools, and 38 workplaces to be drug-free zones.

Northern Laos is part of the so-called golden triangle, a region of drug production that also includes northern Myanmar (a leading producer), and northern Thailand.

With a plentiful supply, methamphetamine pills are sold for less than US$ 0.25 in these countries.

Like other Southeast Asian countries, Laos has the death penalty in its legal arsenal for drug-related offences, although no executions have been carried out since 1989. It is estimated that more than 300 people are currently on death row.
Enron's corporate flag was reflected in the windows of its downtown headquarters in 2001. Steve Ueckert/Houston Chronicle

The company that recently resurrected Enrons fallen brand announced Friday it would host a town hall to address residents concerns after its CEO was allegedly targeted in a pie attack in New York.

Despite the Chronicles best efforts, nailing down the details of Enron's supposed town hall proved an elusive task. The company did not respond to multiple requests for more information, and never publicly shared an address or time for the event. All Enron shared in terms of specifics was that it would be hosted near Enrons original headquarters.

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Efforts to RSVP to the town hall within minutes of the event being announced on social media were met with an automated response claiming it was full.

Thank you, Houston, for coming to our Town Hall. For listening. For opening your hearts. For sharing your honest concerns. You inspire us, and we promise to make you proud. #EnronFamily pic.twitter.com/N2JETcrYMF  Enron (@Enron) December 17, 2024

The company initially claimed the town hall was scheduled for Monday, but later shared pictures of a $50,000 check generously made to the Citizens of Houston dated Sunday.

We are deeply saddened and shocked by yesterday's attack on our CEO, Connor Gaydos. Its clear not everyone shares the enthusiasm surrounding our return. To address this, we are hosting a Town Hall in Houston, near Enron's original headquarters, in 3 days. Locals are invited to https://t.co/CbirlSY6Ah  Enron (@Enron) December 13, 2024

Its unclear who the beneficiaries of the check were intended to be, but the Chronicle was unable to verify any Houston resident receiving a payout as of Thursday evening. Enron did not respond to a request for clarification.

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The company claimed the check, which included the phrase looking forward in the memo line, was presented as an olive branch to Houston residents incensed by the infamous companys reported return, according to a Monday news release.

Everything is bigger in Texas  and last night was no exception. In the spirit of reparation, Enron committed a significant amount of money to help the people of Houston as they move forward into the future, the release said.

Enron claimed the Houston residents gathered at its town hall were so overcome by the spirit of reconciliation that they somehow produced a banner with the words we forgive you Enron as a gesture of gratitude for the check.

No one saw this coming. The gracious people of Houston surprised CEO Connor Gaydos with a banner emblazoned with the words We Forgive You, Enron, the company stated in the release. Forging a path forward is not easy, but as always, the citizens of the great city of Houston charge on.

Enron never publicly announced its intent to issue the check, and the company declined to elaborate on how a group of what appeared to be around 30 residents managed to sew a custom-made banner on the spot.

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Gaydos, the enigmatic 28-year-old Enron CEO, has a history of elaborate pranks. He co-authored Birds Arent Real, a book about a gag conspiracy theory made popular in the early years of the pandemic, and has yet to release any concrete details regarding his vision for the reborn Enron.

Despite the companys refusal to directly state its business model, vision or anything beyond its self-proclaimed status as the worlds leading company, the alleged residents who were allegedly gathered at the event Enron allegedly held, were allegedly so pleased with the companys efforts they gathered in prayer for the companys future with Gaydos at the center.

They prayed for the prosperity of Enron and extolled the virtues of second chances. It was a calm and resolute moment of hope  that ordinary people can build a world where no one is beyond redemption or forgiveness, the company claimed in the release.
Both diplomatic missions had functioned throughout Syrias bloody civil war in large measure because of the existence of an ethnic Armenian community there. The once thriving community has been in limbo since the unexpected fall of Assads regime. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamist militant group, which controls the countrys new government, has assured its leaders as well as representatives of other minorities that their security and rights will be protected.

In Aleppo, which is now home to an estimated 10,000-15,000 ethnic Armenians, life seems to be slowly returning to normal. Local Armenian schools as well as some shops and other businesses reopened earlier this week.

They are not yet working as usual because the countrys airports remain closed and communication with the outside world has still not been restored, Zarmig Boghigian, the editor of the local Armenian newspaper Kantsasar, told RFE/RLs Armenian Service on Thursday.

People do travel from city to city and the roads are open, she said. But trade has not yet been restored. So people remain out of work.

Boghigian also spoke of Aleppo Armenians lingering security concerns, saying that many of them still do not leave their homes after dark due to increased crime and the absence of visible police presence in the city.

So far have been no signs of a mass exodus of the Armenians remaining in Syria. But some of them have already migrated to Armenia via Lebanon. Aida Momjian, a pianist from Damascus, was among several dozen Syrian Armenians who arrived in Yerevan on Tuesday on a flight from Beirut.

We bought one-way tickets, Momjian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. The situation is dangerous and we dont know how it will develop and what the future holds. These Islamists are not showing their true colors for the moment.

Another Syrian Armenian woman, Seda Sefejian, reached the Armenian capital two days after leaving another war-torn Syrian city, Homs. She too was not fully convinced by the security guarantees offered by HTS. In her words, many other members of the citys small community also want to leave the country but lack the money to do so.

It's a state of suspense, we don't know what will happen, said Bedig Chalbachurian, an Aleppo resident who arrived at Yerevans Zvartnots airport with his wife and two young children. They will therefore stay in Armenia for now, he said.
19 December 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Since the installation of the first border post on April 23, 2024, which was part of the process of establishing coordinates based on geodetic measurements on the ground, expectations were high that this initiative would progress the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia positively. However, that optimism has not yet materialized. This moment stands as the last significant positive development in the push for a peace agreement between the two sides. The current stalemate raises concerns that negotiations for a peace agreement, following the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from Armenian occupation, may falter. But how long can this uncertain situation persist?

Historical context:

The groundwork for these negotiations lies in Azerbaijans restoration of sovereignty over Garabagh in 2023. This decisive moment marked the end of nearly three decades of occupation and shifted the focus to normalization efforts. Delimitation and demarcation discussions began in earnest in 2024, with tangible results such as Armenia's return of four border villages to Azerbaijan. However, these advancements coexist with unresolved tensions, including constitutional and territorial disputes.

The post-2023 landscape has seen tangible progress in Azerbaijan-Armenia relations. Key milestones include:

Territorial Restitution: Armenias return of four villages to Azerbaijan in 2024, in line with the Alma-Ata Declaration, marked a critical step in acknowledging each other's territorial integrity.

Bilateral Border Delimitation: Establishing a de facto peace regime has led to unprecedented cooperation, with border guards patrolling demarcated areas without helmets or bulletproof vests.

Despite these advancements, contentious issues remain particularly Azerbaijan's demand for constitutional amendments in Armenia to formally renounce territorial claims. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan faces mounting domestic opposition, complicating his governments ability to sustain diplomatic momentum.

Now lets examine the latest events and consider what the upcoming year has in store.

On December 11 Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan firmly rejected Azerbaijans demand to amend the Armenian Constitution as a condition for a peace agreement. He emphasized that the Constitution does not contain territorial claims against Azerbaijan and stated that any amendments under pressure from Baku are not being considered. Pashinyan noted that the Constitutional Court of Armenia reaffirmed that the reference to the Declaration of Independence in the Constitution pertains only to its provisions.

Pashinyan himself declared in January that Armenia needs a new constitution reflecting the new geopolitical environment in the region. He denied critics claims that he wants to scrap the current constitution at Baku's behest. Still, Pashinyan said at the time that peace with Azerbaijan would be impossible as long as the constitutional reference to the 1990 declaration remained in place.

The issue traces back to Armenia's 1990 Declaration of Independence, which includes the concept of "miatsum," advocating for the annexation of Garabagh to Armenia. In May, the Armenian premier ordered an ad hoc government body to draft the new constitution by the end of 2026. The head of the body said afterwards that it will likely be put on a referendum in 2027.

Just after that, today President Ilham Aliyev, in a detailed interview with Dmitry Kiselev, laid bare the core challenges obstructing the treaty's finalization. These hurdles are not just about the two unresolved articles in the draft treaty but also reflect deeper geopolitical tensions and mutual distrust.

Let's take a look at the proposals.

Refraining from International Lawsuits

President Ilham Aliyev revealed that one unresolved article relates to both nations agreeing not to pursue international lawsuits against each other. This is critical, as Azerbaijan has meticulously documented damages from the Armenian occupation, estimated at over $150 billion. A mutual agreement would prevent prolonged legal battles and foster goodwill. However, achieving consensus on this point requires substantial political courage from both sides.

Non-Deployment of Foreign Representatives

The second contentious article concerns prohibiting the deployment of foreign representatives, particularly NATO-associated personnel, near Azerbaijans borders. Baku's concerns stem from the evolving role of the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA). Initially agreed upon as a small contingent of observers, the mission has expanded into what Azerbaijan perceives as a NATO-affiliated infrastructure. This escalation undermines the spirit of the 2022 quadrilateral agreement and has become a point of contention in peace discussions.

Beyond the peace treaty articles, Azerbaijan has set two additional conditions for normalization:

Amendments to Armenias Constitution

Armenias Constitution references its Declaration of Independence, which includes territorial claims against Azerbaijan, particularly over Garabagh. President emphasized that this amendment is not a matter of political symbolism but an "objective necessity" to ensure long-term peace and the legitimacy of Armenias recognition of Azerbaijani sovereignty over Garabagh.

Abolition of the OSCE Minsk Group

Despite its obsolescence following Azerbaijans 2023 victory, the Minsk Group formally remains in existence. Ilham Aliyev views its continued presence as a potential tool for Armenian revanchist aspirations. Azerbaijan demands its complete dissolution, aligning with the new reality where Gatabaghs status is no longer a matter of international dispute.

EUMA's Role: A Source of Friction or Stability?

The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA), established under the Prague Agreements of 2022, was initially envisioned as a temporary measure to facilitate peace negotiations. Yet, its continued presence has raised concerns in Baku. Azerbaijan perceives the mission as an external imposition that undermines the bilateral nature of peace discussions, a sentiment echoed by its leadership.

EUMA's activities, while framed as support for regional stability, appear to serve broader geopolitical interests. Critics argue that the mission is being used to strengthen EU influence in the South Caucasus amid waning Russian dominance. Meanwhile, financial constraints within the EU, coupled with Armenias strategic role in circumventing sanctions against Russia, further complicate the mission's legitimacy.

Moreover, the extension of EUMAs term beyond February 2024 could disrupt progress in bilateral negotiations. As Azerbaijan contends, external oversightwhether from military forces or "civilian observers in yellow vests"contradicts the principle of direct dialogue between the two nations. This viewpoint aligns with Azerbaijan's broader rejection of third-party interference, emphasizing mutual respect and sovereignty as the cornerstones of peace.

Conclusion

In addition just after President Ilham Aliyev's interview, Armenian Deputy prime minister Mher Grigoryan has also shared updates regarding the peace issue. According to Grigoryan, there will be a meeting in the near future because there was an agreement during the discussion, and approval phases of the regulation that we should meet and continue the work after the regulation comes into force. Interestingly enough, he also shared his thoughts regarding Zangazur Corridor stating, "We have repeated many times that there are red lines that are simply impossible to cross". However Azerbaijani side removed/paused the clause regarding this issue. They have also confirmed it subsequently.

The delays in signing the peace treaty cannot be viewed in isolation. Despite all the challenges, optimism remains. President underscored the progress achieved so far, with 15 of the 17 articles in the draft treaty already agreed upon. However, Armenia must demonstrate greater commitment to addressing Azerbaijans legitimate concerns, particularly regarding constitutional amendments and the Minsk Groups dissolution. Additionally, international actors must tread carefully to avoid exacerbating tensions through unilateral support or expanded military infrastructure.

Most importantly, Azerbaijan cannot take such a step without Armenia making the necessary constitutional amendments. Doing so would be reckless and risky, creating a potential crisis for future generations of Azerbaijanis. Delaying this process for two or three years could be problematic. The longer these issues remain unresolved, the higher the risk of returning to hostility. As President Aliyev remarked, the remaining obstacles are surmountable if Armenia demonstrates the political will to meet Azerbaijans conditions.

Only a revised or newly adopted Armenian Constitution, without any disrespect for Azerbaijans territorial integrity, can ensure lasting peace in the region. Ultimately, from a realistic standpoint, coming to a resolution regarding the last two issues should not be that difficult.
19 December 2024 20:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Ulvi Narimanli | AzerNEWS

Michael Sukkar, a Member of Parliament in Australia, has drawn significant attention with his recent letter to Azerbaijans Charge dAffaires, Vagif Jafarov, requesting the release of Bako Sahakyan, the former so-called President of Artsakh (Garabagh) and an individual accused of crimes against Azerbaijan.

In his letter, Sukkar claimed sponsorship of a warmonger Bako Sahakyan, urging monthly updates on Sahakyans physical and mental well-being. Sukkar referenced alleged reports of inhumane treatment, including those by Jared Genser, a lawyer associated with Armenian detainees. He also echoed narratives of Azerbaijans ethnic cleansing following the events of September 2023, during which Azerbaijan restored full sovereignty over its Garabagh region.

Sukkars actions reflect a narrow understanding of the conflict, heavily influenced by lobbying efforts. The Friends of Artsakh initiativea platform Sukkar aligns withhas consistently ignored Azerbaijans perspective while amplifying Armenian grievances.

Azerbaijans stance is unequivocal: Sahakyans prosecution is a matter of national sovereignty. Sahakyans tenure in Artsakh was marked by years of illegal occupation, armed resistance against Azerbaijani sovereignty, and systemic violations of international law. Of course, like all other Sahakyan has his human rights as everyone else. However, labelling him a political prisoner ignores the broader historical context of his leadership in a separatist regime, which operated in defiance of United Nations resolutions affirming Azerbaijans territorial integrity. Azerbaijan considers his detention a matter of upholding justice, with Sahakyan facing accusations of orchestrating violent acts and ethnic displacement against Azerbaijani civilians during the 1990s and beyond.

Azerbaijans stance on the matter is grounded in its sovereign right to prosecute individuals involved in actions threatening its territorial integrity. International law supports a nations jurisdiction over crimes committed within its borders, particularly in cases of separatist activities that result in violence and displacement. The events of September 2023, far from being an instance of ethnic cleansing, represented Azerbaijans lawful restoration of constitutional order. Reintegration efforts following this milestone have aimed to foster peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups in the region.

Sukkars sponsorship of Sahakyan reflects a troubling pattern of selective human rights advocacy. His involvement appears heavily influenced by lobbying from Armenian groups, such as the Armenian National Committee of Australia, which often presents a one-sided narrative of the conflict. The Friends of Artsakh initiative, which Sukkar is a part of, ignores the suffering endured by Azerbaijani victims of the decades-long occupation, including the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were forced to flee their homes.

Does Sukkars effort truly stem from a commitment to justice, or is it a politically motivated gesture aimed at appeasing a specific constituency?

Prioritizing Foreign Issues Over Domestic Challenges

Sukkars focus on Bako Sahakyan contrasts sharply with pressing domestic issues in Australia. Indigenous Australians, for example, face systemic challenges, including inadequate housing, limited access to education, and political underrepresentation. Indigenous communities in Australia face systemic barriers to education, healthcare, and political representation. The lack of urgency in addressing these challenges undermines Sukkars credibility as an advocate for human rights, particularly when his focus seems more attuned to foreign political causes than the well-being of marginalized groups in his own country. It seems, however, that the fate of Australias Indigenous people is less concerning to some Australian MPs such as Sukkar.

Claims of inhumane treatment of Armenian detainees are not substantiated by credible evidence. Azerbaijan has repeatedly emphasized its adherence to international standards in the treatment of detainees and its commitment to transparent legal proceedings. In contrast, Sukkars narrative disregards the plight of Azerbaijani civilians affected by Armenian aggression during the occupation of Garabagh. His selective outrage reflects a troubling double standard in human rights advocacy, one that prioritizes political expediency over balanced analysis.

Sukkars sponsorship of Bako Sahakyan reflects a contentious blend of humanitarian concern and political posturing. By challenging Azerbaijans sovereign right to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, Sukkar risks undermining international norms. His selective advocacy, influenced by lobbying efforts, overlooks the broader context of Azerbaijans reintegration efforts and the plight of Azerbaijani victims. Constructive engagement with Azerbaijangrounded in respect for its sovereigntyis essential for fostering lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus. It is surprising how some politicians accept money from lobbies to defend individuals labeled as war criminals, instead of researching something as essential as this.
19 December 2024 16:17 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

To address the issue of people in Azerbaijan's regions being unaware of the services provided by the state, extensive awareness and support programs are being implemented, Azernews reports, citing Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) under the Ministry of Economy, as he said at the Azerbaijan Career Development Forum held in Baku.

He noted that free training, masterclasses, and consulting services are offered to those interested in becoming entrepreneurs through the SME Development Centers.

"Through these programs, we enhance the knowledge and skills of young people, and guide those wishing to start entrepreneurial activities in the right direction. Those who want to become entrepreneurs should not fear risks and should make effective use of available support tools. We educate those interested in entrepreneurship through our 'SME Friends' networks in the regions, teaching them how to utilize all services effectively," said O. Mammadov.

The Chairman of the SMBDA also emphasized that the development of women's entrepreneurship and the inclusion of people with disabilities in business activities are key priorities for the Agency.

"We are implementing joint projects with various state agencies and providing advice, training, and practical support to those who wish to become entrepreneurs," said he.

O. Mammadov stressed that guiding individuals to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and ensuring the effective use of available services are among their top priorities.

"Our main goal is for young people to confidently start entrepreneurial activities and fully utilize the opportunities provided by the state," the chairman concluded.
19 December 2024 10:48 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Azerbaijan's non-resident ambassador to Bogota, Mammad Talibov, held discussions with Patricia Cortes Ortiz, head of the Europe Department of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to explore potential cooperation in trade, culture, education, and consular affairs, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on the matter.

The statement highlighted: "The Head of the Europe Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a productive meeting with the non-resident Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Colombia, Mammad Talibov. During the meeting, potential cooperation in areas of mutual interest was discussed, particularly in trade, culture, education, and consular affairs for the coming year."

It was emphasized that significant progress has been made in Azerbaijan-Colombia relations this year. Notable advancements include the meetings of Colombian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov during the UN General Assembly and COP29 held in Baku, as well as with Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev at COP16 in Kalida.

Additionally, it was noted that the Azerbaijani government has provided humanitarian financial aid to Colombia on two occasions this year to mitigate the impacts of climate-related emergencies.

These developments mark a significant stride in strengthening bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Colombia. The discussions and meetings underscore a mutual commitment to enhancing collaboration in various sectors, fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and educational partnerships. This ongoing dialogue and cooperation lay a robust foundation for future engagements and joint initiatives, aiming to benefit both nations and their respective populations.

The progress achieved in 2023 serves as a testament to the effective diplomatic efforts and the shared vision of Azerbaijan and Colombia, paving the way for continued partnership and increased cooperation in the years to come.
19 December 2024 15:35 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Members of the Azerbaijan-Turkiye interparliamentary working group met with the friendship group of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye in Ankara, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two fraternal nations, Azernews reports.

The Press and Public Relations Department of Azerbaijans Parliament reported that Shamil Ayrim, Head of the Turkiye -Azerbaijan interparliamentary friendship group, expressed satisfaction with the successful development of bilateral relations in all fields.

I believe this visit will further strengthen the ties between our countries, Ayrim stated.

Ahliman Amiraslanov, Chairman of the Health Committee of the Milli Majlis and head of the Azerbaijan Turkiye interparliamentary working group, emphasized the unparalleled nature of the relations between the two nations. Referring to President Ilham Aliyevs statements, he reiterated that the partnership is rooted in the guiding principle of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev: One nation, two states. Amiraslanov noted that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye continues to grow stronger across all sectors.

The meeting highlighted the unique role of parliaments in deepening ties between the countries. Our legislative bodies contribute significantly to the strengthening of relations, with successful cooperation on both bilateral and international platforms, participants said.

They underscored the importance of regular visits and communication between the friendship groups in fostering closer collaboration.

During the discussions, Azerbaijani representatives, including Eldar Guliyev, Musa Guliyev, Elshan Musayev, Agalar Valiyev, Heydar Asadov, and Elnara Akimova, alongside Turkish parliamentarians such as Orhan Erdem, Derya Ayaydn, Veysal Tipioglu, Cuneyt Yuksel, Ugur Bayraktutan, Yusuf Beyazit, Vedat Bilgin, Canturk Alagoz, and Ahmet Erbas, shared their views on further enhancing interparliamentary relations and addressing issues of mutual interest. Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening the historic and strategic partnership.
19 December 2024 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A meeting of Azerbaijani Cultural Ambassadors has been held at the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Rome, Azernews reports.

The event was organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry with the support of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Italy and the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Laureate of international competitions, conductor and composer Abuzar Manafzade performed the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, then a thematic video was shown.

The Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy Rashad Aslanov expressed satisfaction with the meeting of the country's art and culture figures in Rome.

The Azerbaijani Culture Minister Adil Karimli stressed that each of the participants in the event has achieved great success in various spheres of the national culture and contributed to its propaganda. The compatriots, regardless of their place of residence, are bearers of national identity.

According to him, the contribution of these people to the propaganda of Azerbaijan and its rich culture, their devotion to the Motherland deserves praise.

Chairman of the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan Fuad Muradov and Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijani Committee on Culture Gunay Afandiyeva emphasized that the cultural figures who took part in the meeting have exceptional merits in popularizing the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan.

The meeting also heard speeches by prominent figures promoting Azerbaijani culture and art abroad.

During the meeting of the Azerbaijani cultural ambassadors held in the capital of Italy, the Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli and a group of cultural and art figures got acquainted with the famous Borghese Gallery.

The Azerbaijani delegation was informed about the history of the art gallery and the art pieces presented there.

It was reported that the gallery, located in the Villa Borghese Park, was created by the architect Flaminio Ponzio in the early 17th century. It contains collections of paintings, sculptures and antiques.

The gallery exhibits works by famous artists Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, Michelangelo Merisi de Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, Peter Paul Rubens, Agnolo Bronzino and other painters. Since 2014, the art gallery has been a state museum of Italy.
19 December 2024 15:22 (UTC+04:00)

Covering up government failures is a sign of a failed state, Azernews reports via the statement made by Aykhan Hajizada, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in response to a post by the French Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Anne Boillon, on "X" social account.

"Madam Ambassador Anne Boillon, covering up government failures is a sign of a failed state. Measuring the success of France's foreign policy by the number of visa applications seems to be a new method. However, once again, this strategy's failure to reflect accurate facts indicates flawed analysis and erroneous foreign policy. Madam Ambassador is well aware that the French Embassy in Baku does not only issue visas for travel to France," he said.

Hajizada also shared some real figures: "Despite France's biased policy against our country and the travel warning issued since September this year, the number of applications from French citizens to travel to our country has increased compared to the same period last year (536 in September 2023, 467 in October 2023, 562 in September 2024, and 605 in October 2024)."
19 December 2024 15:41 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan's Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, has sent a congratulatory letter to Adylbek Kasymaliyev on his appointment as the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Azernews reports.

The Cabinet of Ministers, the letter expressed satisfaction with the current level of traditional friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, which is built on common historical roots and spiritual values.

The letter also conveyed confidence that the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan will continue to develop effectively and be enriched with new content and joint projects. Additionally, it emphasized the readiness for active cooperation to further develop mutually beneficial collaboration in all areas for the welfare of the brotherly peoples of both countries.
Juan Chavez handles baggage as is comes off an aircraft upon landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Dec. 21, 2023, in Houston. Passengers can blame flight delays or cancellations during the holidays because of the weather about 75% of the time, according to the FAA. Brett Coomer/Associated Press

Weve all been there: Rushing to the airport for the holidays, only to find out our flight was delayed or canceled  and more often than not, you likely can blame the weather because it accounts for about 75% of delays lasting more than 15 minutes in the United States, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

On Thursday, less than a week before Christmas, airports across the upper Midwest are likely to see weather-related delays. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in dozens of counties across the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Snow and high winds are expected to hamper air travel through Minneapolis, which has the largest airport affected by the storm warning.

Meanwhile, Houston airports and other Texas air travel hubs on Thursday were enjoying clear skies and northerly breezes after the passage of a strong cold front the previous day.

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Two Texas airports fare better than most of the nations airports when it comes to weather-related delays during the holidays, a new study from Austin-based travel company Upgraded Points found.

Using air travel data compiled by the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics from 2019 to 2024, the study focused on November to January and looked at how many delays or cancellations were caused by the weather. It found that holiday travel through the smaller airports in Dallas and Houston were among the least affected by weather-related delays. Houstons Hobby Airport had a weather-related delay rate of only 12.3%, while Love Field in Dallas had a weather-related delay rate of 12.7%.

But the study found that these five major airports had the highest rate of weather-related delays: At the top of the list was San Francisco International Airport, 42.3%; Newark Liberty International Airport, 42.1%; New Yorks LaGuardia Airport, 38.3%; Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 38.1%; and Bostons Logan International Airport, 31.3%.

The study found that Texas airports benefited from less severe winter weather than other travel hubs. The airports with the most delays, largely situated in the northern third of the United States and near oceans, experienced more snowfalls and other weather hazards.

COMPARE AIR HUBS: Traveling by air? How do Houston airports compare for flight delays

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Although the study focused on holiday weather, all kinds of weather events, from severe thunderstorms to extreme temperatures, can wreak havoc on airport operations and can cause disruptions.

But not all weather events created equal when it comes to flight cancelations and delays.

Travelers line up to check in for lights out of Love Field Airport in Dallas. Air travel data from November to January, compiled by the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics, showed that Love Field in Dallas had a weather-related delay rate of 12.7%, one of the lowest in the nation. LM Otero/Associated Press

The usual suspect: Thunderstorms

The FAA says that thunderstorms are responsible for most of the weather-related flight disruptions.

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Its the thunderstorms that can really throw a kink into the flow at the airport, said Troy Kimmel, a longtime Austin-based meteorologist and senior lecturer at the University of Texas. You get lightning within a 5-mile diameter of any airfield, and ramp operations shut down.

Ramp operations are activities dedicated to the service and operation of the aircraft, such as loading and unloading, fueling, maintenance, communication and aircraft positioning. Making sure airport crews take shelter and stay safe during lightning-filled thunderstorms is a priority, but taking precautions can create an immediate 20- to 30-minute delay.

Thunderstorms also can result in updrafts, downdrafts and extreme mid-air turbulence that pose dangers to the aircraft and everyone on the plane. When the cloud pillars in severe thunderstorms reach certain altitudes, jet planes cant fly above them so they must change routes, which can lead to further delays or cancellations. As planes approach airports, pilots may be instructed to decrease speed or hold their position until the storm passes.

Flights can become bottlenecked as more planes arrive and holding patterns continue. Once overcrowding the airspace or running out of fuel become serious issues, planes often are diverted to alternate airports to wait out the bad weather, refuel and fly again later to the original destination.

Airports collaborate with the National Weather Service to identify adverse weather conditions before they pose problems. Utilizing a weather tracking system, real-time observations from the Automated Surface Observing System and on-site weather observers, airports try to ensure the safety of passengers and flight crews while maintaining a continuous flow of travel.

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LaGuardia Airport in New York was among five major airports that had the highest rate of weather-related delays. A study found that the airport had a delay rate of 38.3% during the holidays. Yuki Iwamura/Associated Press

Wintry hazards

Snowstorms and ice accumulation can disrupt airport operations because the weather can make runways and taxiways too slick or hurt aircraft performance. Prolonged exposure to below-freezing temperatures means aircraft wings, windows, and antennas require de-icing. The process typically uses a heated, glycol-based fluid sprayed onto the aircraft to melt ice and snow. After de-icing, an anti-icing fluid may be applied to prevent new ice from forming. Additionally, snow buildup can decrease visibility and create slippery runway surfaces, causing increased delays and cancellations.

Foggy weather

When dense fog creates low clouds or especially heavy rainfall leads to flight delays or cancellations, airports measure visibility using Runway Visual Range, which is a measurement of how far a pilot can see down a runway. If its too low or the air traffic controllers cant see clearly, then they may delay flights.

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Lower visibilities and fog can slow things down but usually with the current navigation aids available to the aircraft and the modern technology, that even runs pretty smoothly, UTs Kimmel said.

Dangerous winds

High winds will cause delays, especially if its a crosswind. At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the air travel hub serving the Texas capital, runways are orientated north to south, so the crosswinds from east to west give them the most concern, according to airport officials.

Each aircraft is different when it comes to winds threshold, a Boeing 737 taking off a runway has a maximum allowable crosswind of 38 mph while an Airbus 320s maximum crosswind speed is 44 mph.

Extreme temperatures

Extremely high temperatures can adversely affect a planes takeoff performance because the heated air at ground level has a lower density, which then provides fewer air molecules to lift the plane. As a result, planes may require longer runways for takeoff in hot weather and airlines might need to reduce weight by carrying fewer passengers and luggage.

A 2015 study by the American Meteorological Society found that the number of summer days necessitating weight restriction has increased since 1980 along with the observed increase in surface temperature.
19 December 2024 16:42 (UTC+04:00)

We strongly condemn the slanderous statement by the US Embassy in Azerbaijan, which interferes in our country's internal affairs, Azernews reports, citing a declaration made by the Western Azerbaijan Community.

We would like to draw the attention of the US Embassy, which attempts to explain the smear campaign against Azerbaijan by alleging problems in the field of freedom of speech, to the fact that the real reason for these pressures is Azerbaijan's restoration of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, the declaration reads.

The Community added that the current US administration has lost the right to speak about human rights by pursuing a policy of ethnic and religious discrimination against Azerbaijanis, selectively approaching the territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries, and supporting Armenia's policies of deportation, ethnic cleansing, aggression, and occupation.

As the Western Azerbaijan Community, we constantly feel this unjust approach and discrimination. Furthermore, the aggressive rhetoric of the US Embassy in response to even the slightest criticism or simple questions shows their hypocrisy regarding the 'freedom of speech' and 'diversity of opinion' they so often preach.

We demand that the current US administration cease its interference in our country's internal affairs, its discrimination against our people, and its misuse of human rights for political purposes," the declaration concluded.
19 December 2024 17:41 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Milli Majliss Commission on Foreign Interventions and Hybrid Threats has released a report titled Hybrid Attacks Against COP29: Our Society Should Not Be a Victim of Hybrid Threats!, Azernews reports.

The report underscores a surge in coordinated information operations targeting Azerbaijan following the announcement that the COP29 climate conference would be held in Baku on December 11, 2023.

Acting under the instruction of Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, the Commission launched investigations into these attacks, culminating in a public discussion on October 21. The discussion involved Milli Majlis deputies, civil society representatives, think tanks, and experts on hybrid threats and cybersecurity. Insights from these discussions, along with open-source analysis, contributed to the creation of the report, which is available in Azerbaijani and English.

The report categorically addresses:

Hybrid threats against Azerbaijan : These include disinformation campaigns, misuse of legal terms, and other coordinated attacks allegedly organized by specific countries and entities.

: These include disinformation campaigns, misuse of legal terms, and other coordinated attacks allegedly organized by specific countries and entities. Mechanisms of evasion : It details how some nations bypass international norms and principles to launch such hybrid operations.

: It details how some nations bypass international norms and principles to launch such hybrid operations. Roles of organizations and individuals : The report examines the activities of international human rights organizations, parliamentarians, media outlets, and Armenian lobby groups, highlighting their alleged coordination in anti-COP29 campaigns.

: The report examines the activities of international human rights organizations, parliamentarians, media outlets, and Armenian lobby groups, highlighting their alleged coordination in anti-COP29 campaigns. Social media analysis: It analyzes recent hashtag campaigns and presents statistical data on global media interest in COP29.

The document also spotlights the involvement of Armenian officials, wealthy diaspora members, and lobby organizations in these activities, asserting their longstanding hostility towards Azerbaijan.

To enhance international awareness, Azerbaijan plans to distribute the report to the parliaments of friendly and partner countries.
19 December 2024 19:21 (UTC+04:00)

By News Center

Turkiye, a trailblazer in the global defense industry with its indigenous and national defense systems, has signed a historic agreement with Portugal. For the first time, Turkiye will export military ships to a member of both the European Union (EU) and NATO. Under the agreement, two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) and Logistics Support Ships will be designed and built with STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc. as the main contractor.

In a statement regarding the agreement, the President of the Defense Industry, Prof. Dr. Haluk Gorgun, said, "Turkiye, one of the ten countries in the world capable of producing its own warships, is now not only manufacturing these products but also exporting them to friendly and allied countries."

The signing ceremony for the AOR+ Project between Turkiye and Portugal took place in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, attended by Prof. Dr. Haluk Gorgun, Commander of the Portuguese Navy Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, President of the Portuguese Defense Industry Agency (IdD) Carlos Felix, Turkish Ambassador to Portugal Haldun Koc, Deputy President of the Defense Industry Prof. Dr. Ihsan Kaya, STM General Manager Ozgur Guleryuz, and representatives from the Portuguese Ministry of Defense and Navy.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Gorgun highlighted the importance of strong cooperation with NATO allies in defense and the defense industry for Turkiye.

"These two ships will enhance the operational effectiveness, resilience, and rapid response capabilities of the Portuguese Navy for humanitarian efforts, training exercises, and joint operations with other allies," he stated

Gorgun emphasized that the agreement signifies not just the acquisition of new platforms but the beginning of a broader relationship, with Turkiye ready to share knowledge to improve the overall fleet readiness and long-term growth of the Portuguese Navy.

"In addition to manufacturing, we have started to export to friendly and allied countries," Gorgun continued. "Turkiye's defense industry, with its project activities from design to mass production, R&D and innovation to industrialization, continues to work to meet the needs of all security units most effectively."

He mentioned the involvement in over 1,100 projects with a total volume exceeding $100 billion and the sector's significant contribution to the national economy, employing more than 90,000 people. He noted Turkiye's leading position in UAV technology and as one of the top three countries globally.

Gorgun added that the agreement could pave the way for further cooperation in other areas such as unmanned naval systems, electronic warfare systems, and additional shipbuilding and naval modernization projects.

Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo of the Portuguese Navy acknowledged the significance of the partnership, highlighting Turkiye's robust defense industry as the main reason for their collaboration. He noted the strategic geographical importance of both nations and their longstanding maritime heritage.

STM General Manager Ozgur Guleryuz also expressed pride in representing the Turkish defense industry on the global stage, noting the successful completion of various surface and submarine projects for Ukraine, Malaysia, and Pakistan.

The logistical support ships, with their innovative design and versatile mission capabilities, will be constructed in Turkiye starting in 2025. These ships, featuring a modular and original design, will perform various tasks, including humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and hospital services during crises.

With a length of 137 meters, a displacement of 11,000 tons, and a top speed of over 18 knots, these ships will remain at sea for up to 90 days without interruption. They will be equipped with advanced communication systems, command and control capabilities, and a variety of weapon and sensor systems to ensure comprehensive defense capabilities.

In conclusion, this agreement marks a significant milestone as Turkiye conducts its first military ship export to an EU and NATO member, showcasing the nation's growing expertise and prominence in the global defense industry.
19 December 2024 19:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The U.S. Supreme Court has announced that it will consider whether the law related to the sale of assets of the TikTok social network or its potential ban in the United States violates the First Amendment. The court was informed that TikTok's arguments will be heard on January 10, but the decision to enforce the last day (January 19) for the sale of assets of the social network will remain in effect, Azernews reports.

It is worth noting that TikTok has appealed to the Supreme Court, requesting the reversal of a Court of Appeal decision which upheld that the ban on the use of the social network is grounded in national security concerns. The U.S. Congress passed the law in April with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Supporters of the bill argue that TikTok poses a serious threat to national security, claiming that the Chinese government could use the app to spy on American citizens and spread propaganda.

While former President Trump attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, he later promised to preserve the social network during his re-election campaign. The legal battle over TikTok's future in the U.S. continues to raise questions about the intersection of national security, technology, and free speech.

The debate over TikTok in the U.S. isnt just about national securityits also a discussion about data privacy, the reach of foreign influence, and the power of tech giants. As the social network continues to gain millions of American users, concerns over the potential misuse of personal data and the app's algorithmic influence on public opinion have intensified. The Supreme Court's decision could have significant ramifications, not only for TikTok but for how the U.S. regulates foreign-based tech companies moving forward.
The health system told Hanover County that it would no longer seek zoning approval to develop a medical campus that would include an ASC. According to the report, HCA still wants to construct a surgery center but is looking for alternative sites for the facility.

HCA did not comment on why it decided to pull the campuss zoning application, which also included a hospital and other facilities. The system had previously won CON approval for the center after two consecutive rejections due to pushback from rival system Cincinnati-based Bon Secours.
The system will renovate two vacant office spaces, in partnership with the regions 95-year-old Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, its 2,000 Sutter-aligned physicians and The Sobrato Organization, a real estate developer, according to a Dec. 17 news release.

The two campuses will offer a full spectrum of ambulatory services, including primary and specialty care, imaging, lab and diagnostic services, and ambulatory surgery.

Hundreds of new physicians, advanced practice clinicians and employees will also be added to support this patient care expansion, according to the release.

The Sutter West Santa Clara Campus will total 700,000 square feet and offer orthopedics, cancer care, womens health and heart and vascular, with plans to welcome its first patients in 2027.

The Sutter East Santa Clara Campus will total 300,000 square feet and offer primary care, specialty clinics, advanced diagnostic lab and imaging, primary and specialty pediatric care, and adult and pediatric urgent care.

The first building is expected to open in the latter half of 2025.
Birmingham, Ala.-based Encompass Health plans to build a 50-bed rehabilitation hospital in Bangor, Maine.

Four things to know:

1. The inpatient hospital is expected to open in 2027, according to a Dec. 18 news release from the health system.

2. The facility will feature private patient rooms, a therapy gym, an in-house dialysis suite and a pharmacy.

3. It will serve patients recovering from brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations, strokes and other complex orthopedic conditions.

4. This will be Encompass Health's second Maine hospital.
Tallahassee (Fla.) Memorial HealthCare is rescheduling surgeries and procedures as it works to resolve an IT disruption.

"TMH experienced a disruption in our technology systems affecting the computer network and phone  this is not related to a cyber event," the hospital said in a Facebook post early Dec. 19.

"Our teams have taken immediate action to ensure the safety of our patients and have gone into standard downtime procedures. Colleagues have attempted to reach all scheduled patients with updates on surgeries and procedures."

A spokesperson for the hospital told the Tallahassee Democrat that staff members are reaching out to patients to reschedule surgeries and procedures.

The 772-bed hospital and its physician practices remain operational and are accepting patients, though some ambulances are being diverted to other hospitals.

The health system anticipates it will resume full operations in 12 to 48 hours.

Becker's has reached out to Tallahassee Memorial and will update this story if more information becomes available.
Google continued its push into the healthcare industry in 2024, with new health system partnerships and artificial intelligence products.

Here are the tech giant's top 10 healthcare moves of the year, as reported by Becker's:

1. Google expanded its AI collaboration with Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare, to generate nurse handoffs and emergency department visit notes.

2. Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems started rolling out generative AI features from Google Cloud in January, including drafting patient letters and clinical documentation.

3. Google researchers said in January they developed healthcare AI that is more accurate  and empathetic  than real-life physicians.

4. Pittsburgh-based Highmark Health worked with Google in 2024 to create more personalized materials for members and accelerate prior authorization and claims processing.

5. Google launched MedLM for Chest X-ray, a generative AI-powered tool to classify medical images, in March.

6. Worcester-based UMass Memorial Health teamed up with Google Cloud in March to use AI to identify medication possibilities for chronic disease patients.

7. Google partnered with the White House in June to help rural hospitals with cybersecurity.

8. Google terminated its employee healthcare contract with Amazon One Medical in August.

9. Google unveiled Health AI Developer Foundations, a suite of open-weight AI models designed to simplify and accelerate the development of healthcare applications such as imaging, in November.

10. Layoffs at Google in January affected the company's Fitbit arm.
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center is the 2024 recipient of the Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity from The Joint Commission and Kaiser Permanentete.

The hospital was recognized for its efforts to reduce racial disparities among Black patients with heart failure. It created artificial intelligence-based tools to help identify and manage high-risk patients and opened a new clinic to address their social and behavioral health needs. Since 2022, the hospital has reduced the readmission rate gap between Black patients and the general heart failure patient population by 5.4%. Overall, readmission rates for heart failure patients fell from 33% to 20%.

The Joint Commission and Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanentete created the health equity award in 2021 to honor the system's late Chairman and CEO Bernard Tyson. The award recognizes healthcare organizations that achieve measurable and sustained reductions in healthcare disparities, according to a Dec. 19 news release.

Learn more here.
In an aerial view, a section of the border wall is being constructed along farm land adjacent to road FM 1430 on November 23, 2024 in La Casita-Garciasville, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Wednesday that border wall material set to be auctioned off this week  which had sparked outrage from Texas Republicans who said the sale was meant to undermine President-elect Donald Trumps ability to resume construction  will not be sold until after Trump takes office.

Patrick said in an interview with Hearst Newspapers that state officials who traveled to Arizona to try and purchase the steel bollards for Trump were told by auctioneers on Wednesday that the sale would be postponed until after the inauguration.

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The Republicans comments capped a week of GOP outrage over the sale, which has been underway for six months under an order from Congress but spiraled into a firestorm as Trump caught wind and deemed it almost a criminal act. Attorney General Ken Paxton and Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham are also arguing in court that the administration was flouting a federal court order by selling the material.

The Ritchie Bros. auction house, who bought the panels from the federal government earlier this year, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday night.

A spokesman for the Defense Logistics Agency, which buys and sells equipment for the Department of Defense, said in a statement Thursday that it sold the material to Iron Planet, a Ritchie Bros. company, and that Iron Planet has "sole ownership of the material and sole discretion on the method of resale, dates of resale, and starting bid prices on sales."

"No DoD organization has directed Iron Planet to stop or pause sales of this material, and DoD/DLA has no authority to do so," the spokesman said.

Patrick had initially deemed the panels a pile of junk not worth the shipping cost, but said the state now wants to buy them because theyre better than originally thought.

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President Joe Biden halted most construction on the border wall when he took office in 2021. Texas has been buying unused material from the federal government for years as the state has continued to build portions of wall after Trump left office.

The Department of Defense says it is selling this latest batch as directed by Congress, which included a provision in last years defense bill directing the agency to use, transfer, or donate to States wall material it was not using.

The back and forth started last week when The Daily Wire, a conservative online news outlet, published a video showing flatbed trucks hauling unused sections of the wall away from the border near Tucson. The outlet quoted an unnamed Border Patrol agent saying the goal was to move the material before Christmas.

Trump appeared to take notice, slamming the sale during a news conference this week at Mar-a-Lago and imploring President Joe Biden to stop selling the wall.

The Department of Defense has been disposing of the material since March, when the agency first offered wall material to border states and other federal agencies, a defense official said.

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Most of the unused material went to Texas, California and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Texas purchased $12 million worth of material to construct more than three miles of wall this summer, Patrick said.

The federal agency reached an agreement in June to sell the rest through GovPlanet, a site owned by Ritchie Bros. that auctions surplus government equipment. The material currently being sold through GovPlanet no longer belongs to the U.S. government, the official said.

Patrick wrote last week on the social media site X that the states facilities commission had previously looked at the material now being auctioned off and determined it was mostly junk, with most panels covered in concrete and rust. The few panels that could be useful, he wrote at the time, were not worth the cost of shipping to Texas from Arizona.

But Patrick said Wednesday that there was more useful material for sale than the state previously realized. Auctioneers told state officials Texas would be contacted first when it goes on sale again, he said.

Patrick has made multiple Fox News appearances to talk about the issue and equated the sale to treating our national security as if its a yard sale. He cast it as Biden fighting against the incoming president.

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In my view, its just evil, because who hes really fighting is against American people, Patrick said in a Fox News interview.

Abbotts office did not respond to a request for comment. The governor on Thursday suggested Texas could begin to construct wall segments for the Trump administration, though he did not comment directly on the material that had been up for sale.

"They know that we have capability of building the wall, maybe faster and cheaper than what they are able to do  we'd be more than happy to build the wall, assuming the federal government pays for it," Abbott said during a border-related press conference in Eagle Pass.

Paxton entered the fray on Tuesday, asking a federal judge to determine whether the sale violated a court order from earlier this year, which blocked the administration from using money earmarked for the border wall in 2020 and 2021 on anything other than the construction of physical barriers, such as additional walls, fencing, buoys, etc.

Texas is going to court to prevent any border security materials from being unlawfully sold and to find out the truth about what the federal government may be doing to subvert border wall construction, Paxton said in a statement. President Trump has an overwhelming mandate from the American people to build the wall and I will do everything in my power to prevent any acts of sabotage by the outgoing administration.

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The court filing, which is also on behalf of Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, argues that if border wall materials bought with the money covered by the court order were sold to third parties, it would be as if the administration took the congressional appropriation and gave the funds to a third party.

Buckingham said in a statement that she believes the court needs to investigate if this border material was unlawfully sold in violation of the courts ruling.

I urge my fellow state leaders to join me in this paramount call to examine this questionable activity, Buckingham said. Texans and the American people deserve to know the truth about what the Biden Administration may be doing behind the scenes to prevent the incoming Trump Administration from securing our border quickly and more cost-effectively.

The Defense Department says there is no factual or legal basis for Paxtons filing.

In a statement included in the court filing, the agency stressed that the bollards being sold had nothing to do with the 2020 or 2021 funding in question. The statement said Customs and Border Protection had not disposed of any bollards bought with the past funding, or spent any of that funding to dispose of bollards.
Navantia has been in talks with Belfast-based shipyard since October

The UK government has confirmed a deal by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia to buy Harland & Wolffs four shipyards, securing 1,000 jobs in total and the future of shipbuilding in Belfast and Scotland.

Navantia, situated in Cadiz, has been in talks with Harland & Wolff since October following the Belfast-based shipyards holding company collapsing into administration.

The deal has secured around 500 jobs in Belfast.

In a statement on Thursday morning, the Department for Business and Trade said the deal will secure the future of Harland & Wolffs shipyards in Northern Ireland (Belfast), Scotland (Arnish and Methil) and Devon (Appledore), and protect workers existing terms and conditions.

Navantia has been in talks with Belfast-based shipyard since October

Deal struck to save Titanic shipbuilder Harland and Wolff

It added: It will also ensure the delivery of the Ministry of Defences contract with Navantia to build three Royal Navy ships which would transport munitions, spares and supplies to UK aircraft carriers  the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Programme.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: This deal is a major vote of confidence in the UK from Navantia, which will not only secure the future of UK shipbuilding but protect 1,000 jobs across the country and bring future investment into shipbuilding right across the UK.

National security is the foundation of our Plan for Change  without it we cant deliver on our milestones to raise living standards across the UK  with good skilled productive jobs.

That is why we are steadfast in supporting the future of UK shipbuilding. This deal will guarantee our sovereign shipbuilding capability to bolster our Navy and ensure the industry can continue to deliver economic growth and boost coastal communities right across the UK.

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said: This investment is great news for Belfast, for the Northern Ireland economy and, above all, for Harland and Wolffs hugely skilled shipbuilding workforce.

Harland and Wolff is an iconic, internationally-renowned company with a long and proud history.

I am delighted that, with this deal, it will now have a bright future ahead.

But trade union GMB was cautious in its response. National officer Matt Roberts said: Todays announcement is a hugely positive step for retaining UK sovereign manufacturing.

But despite all four yards remaining open, GMB remains cautious.

Without a steady drum beat of work these yards will continue to struggle.

GMB will continue the fight to ensure that does not happen.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at trade union Unite  the biggest union in the Harland & Wolff workforce - said: After countless meetings with government, the employer, and prospective buyers, we now have a good news story offering real hope for the future. Unite will always do whatever it takes to fight for workers interests.

The trade union had led a sit-out of members in 2019 when the company previously went into administration, ahead of its sale to InfraStrata. And it said it would focus on ensuring workers terms, pay and conditions were protected following the deal under Transfer of Undertakings, Protection of Earnings (TUPE) legislation.

George Brash, Unite regional officer in Belfast, said: Once again the workers and Unite have had to fight hard to secure a positive result. We are now focused on the delivery of guarantees both for the jobs and continuity of employment.

Unite will now engage with the detail of the deal to ensure that our members demands have been met and workers have the full protections afforded to them under TUPE regulations.

"We want to secure deal that offers a bridge into the future for our members and the centuries old Belfast shipbuilding industry.

Gavin Robinson, east Belfast MP and DUP leader, said: I am delighted that this agreement has been reached which will secure the future of jobs in Belfast and in its other sites.

"This has been a hugely unsettling time, particularly for all the staff at the yard, but the contract for the Ministry of Defences FSS was always crucial to a solution being found.

"Harland & Wolff forms part of a wider defence sector that has huge potential for further growth in Northern Ireland. I am looking forward to joining the Secretary of State at Harland & Wolff later today and to meet and discuss with staff.

The staff are the yards biggest asset, and this has been a worrying period. This announcement should provide some very welcome relief and reassurance to them as we look forward to Christmas.

Peter McReynolds, East Belfast Alliance Party MLA, said the deal was fantastic news.

"Today's deal is welcome and we must now support staff on the site to ensure their terms and conditions are maintained following the transition.

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our staff and unions for their invaluable input and unwavering commitment to preserving Harland & Wolffs reputation on the world stage."

Harland & Wolff, founded in 1861, is best known for its construction of the Titanic and has built some of historys most significant ships.

It was a global leader in its sector up until World War Two when the company began to face consecutive crises.

Navatia is fully owned by the Spanish government and receives significant funding from the European Commission.

It has an annual turnover over of around 1.3bn (1bn) and employs over 4,000 people.
The deal is set to secure 1,000 jobs at Harland and Wolffs four shipyards (Liam McBurney/PA)

The devil will be in the detail of Spanish shipbuilder Navantias deal for Harland & Wolff, a trade union has said.

The Government announced that an agreement had been struck for a reported 70m, safeguarding 1,000 jobs across four H&W shipyards, including an estimated 500 in Belfast.

Navantia is a Spanish state-owned company and the senior partner of H&W in a major deal announced in 2022 to build three Royal Navy fleet solid support ships.

Jobs in Belfast are secured for three years and for two years at its three shipyards in Scotland and Devon, beyond the seven-year duration of the fleet solid support ship programme, which begins in 2025.

Despite that 2022 deal, financial troubles at H&Ws holding company had mounted, and were exacerbated when it failed to secure a 200m Government export loan.

It suspended trading in its shares on the Alternative Investment Market in July and went into administration in September.

The Government is not providing direct financial support or loan funding to H&W to support the new deal. However, the Government is paying more to Navantia for the fleet solid support ships than had been previously agreed under the contract.

Trade union Unite said Navantia had given commitments around preserving workers conditions and had also indicated long-term plans for the yards.

George Brash, Unite regional coordinating officer, said: Unite and our stewards have been working day and night to secure the interests of the workers at H&W.

"The workers and Unite have had to fight hard to secure a positive result that guarantees jobs and continuity of employment. We will now engage with Navantia over the coming days/weeks to ensure that our members demands have been met.

"Navantia have given us several commitments that secure jobs, continuity of employment, pay and conditions that will be afforded to workers under TUPE regulations.

Navantia have also indicated their long-terms plan for the yards which are categorised into three main areas  defence, ship repair, and renewables.

He added: We are very cognisant that the devil is always in the detail, but we will be relentless to ensure that the commitments given are delivered for workers.

Navantia did not respond to a request for comments on how much it paid for Harland & Wolff and on its long-term plans for the shipyards following completion of the fleet solid support ships work.

The Department for Business and Trade said the deal will secure the future of Harland & Wolffs shipyards in Northern Ireland (Belfast), Scotland (Arnish and Methil) and Devon (Appledore), and protect workers existing terms and conditions.

It added: It will also ensure the delivery of the Ministry of Defences contract with Navantia to build three Royal Navy ships which would transport munitions, spares and supplies to UK aircraft carriers  the FSS programme.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: The deal we have brokered guarantees not only all four yards but the jobs in the Belfast yard for three years, and for two years in the three other yards.

"And therefore we have a chance not just for new investment coming into those yards, (but) for the long-term future to be secured, for a pipeline of work and energy and defence contracts  a really vibrant and successful opportunity for the future."

He also confirmed there was "no large foreseen delay" to the delivery of three fleet solid support ships for the Navy.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said: I am delighted that this agreement has been reached which will secure the future of jobs in Belfast and in its other sites.

"This has been a hugely unsettling time, particularly for all the staff at the yard, but the contract for the Ministry of Defences FSS was always crucial to a solution being found.

"Harland & Wolff forms part of a wider defence sector that has huge potential for further growth in Northern Ireland.

The deal is set to secure 1,000 jobs at Harland and Wolffs four shipyards (Liam McBurney/PA)

News Catch up - Thursday 19 December
Northern Ireland

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Co Down stabbing of two women leaves community reeling as one victim suffers serious knife wound to neck
The dates for the 2025 North West 200 Race Week have been confirmed for May 7-10

Some planned VE Day anniversary events could clash with the North West 200 next year, it has been warned.

Concerns have been raised about the matter at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Previously, DUP councillor Dawn Huggins proposed that the council organise and host a programme of events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on May 8.

At this months Commemoration and Celebration Subcommittee meeting, members were presented with a draft VE programme for 2025.

The programme included plans for a range of activities throughout the borough on May 8, culminating in the lighting of a beacon at the Diamond, Coleraine, at 9.30pm.

However, the report noted that May 8 is race day, so road closures will be in place which may impact on planned activities for VE Day.

DUP councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan asked for confirmation on the times of the race, as it was her understanding that races took place during the day and would possibly not clash with the evening event.

However, Director of Corporate Services, Moira Quinn, confirmed that on May 8 practice took place from 9am to 3pm, with evening racing from 4.45pm to 9pm.

Ms Huggins said the North West 200 shouldnt detract from VE Day, what its about and what were going to commemorate.

She concluded: If theres a race in the evening, and the beacon lighting has got to be at 9.30pm, everything is coming into question because of the North West.

But not all roads into Coleraine arent going to be shut, are they? Its only Portrush.

So Coleraine is not going to be affected; not everybody goes to watch the North West 200.

The North West is the biggest event in the local sporting calendar with upwards of 100,000 motorbike fans descending on the area.

The dates for the 2025 North West 200 Race Week have been confirmed for May 7-10

News Catch up - Thursday 19 December
A teenage girl suffered a facial injury after the car she was travelling in crashed into a building in west Belfast.

It happened in the early hours of Thursday morning.

PSNI officers while out on a routine patrol of the area came across the scene of a one vehicle road traffic collision involving a car and the wall of a building in the Falls Road area.

Damage has been caused to a dental surgery in the area as a result of the collision.

In a statement the PSNI said: It is believed that a number of people were travelling in the vehicle. One teenage girl received medical treatment at the scene for a facial injury before being transported to hospital.

There were no reports of any other serious injuries.

Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene.

One male aged in his late teens was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit, and failing to stop, remain and report a collision.

He was subsequently street bailed to allow for further enquiries.

Sergeant Costley continued: Our enquiries are continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who has any information which may assist to get in touch.

The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 93 of 19/12/24.

The Northern Ireland Fire Service said they attended reports of a crash at 2.08am.

One appliance was sent to the scene and firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to isolate the car battery.

A spokesperson said the six casualties were left in the care of the NIAS and PSNI. The incident was dealt with by 2.48am.

McHugh Dental Care on the Falls Road had a note on the premises this morning saying: Apologies!! Due to a car crashing into the building last night, the practice will remain closed today. We will be in contact with all patients today.
A new Stormont report on violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland must serve as a wake-up call to the Executive after it found that one in 10 female respondents had experienced sexual violence in the last five years.

Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and attitudes of adults in Northern Ireland in 2023 was published on Wednesday by The Executive Office.

The report by the NI Statistics and Research Agency highlights the widespread prevalence of gender-based violence and concerning societal attitudes towards this issue.

It found that psychological violence was the type of gender-based violence most experienced by respondents in the last five years (13%).

This includes being insulted, stalked, harassed, threatened, humiliated, denigrated or controlled against your will.

Second place was shared by online, physical and sexual violence, all experienced by 7% of respondents.

The report also revealed that a significantly higher proportion of females (10%) reported experiencing sexual violence in the last five years than males (4%).

Young women appear most at risk, with 18-29 year-olds experiencing more sexual, psychological and online violence than other age groups.

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin said the findings in this report must serve as a wake-up call for all of us.

This report lays bare the scale of gender-based violence in Northern Ireland and the shocking experiences endured by women and girls in our communities, she said.

The findings that 10% of women have experienced sexual violence in the past five years and that 18-29-year-olds are disproportionately affected by sexual, psychological, and online abuse are utterly appalling.

These are not just statistics  they reflect lives that have been damaged by violence and a society that is failing to protect women and girls.

Equally concerning are the attitudes revealed in this report. The fact that 35% of respondents believe most people find cat-calling acceptable and that 8% think sending intimate photos without consent is acceptable demonstrates the urgent need to challenge harmful behaviours and societal norms.

These attitudes perpetuate a culture where violence and harassment are normalised, and this must change.

She urged the Executive to accelerate the delivery of and properly resource the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework to ensure we continue to tackle violence, addresses harmful attitudes and provide support for victims and survivors.

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw, Chair of the Committee for the Executive Office, said: Tragically we have seen again this week just why ending violence against women and girls must be an absolute priority of the Executive Office and of the Executive as whole.

The headline figures for female victims of violent crime are already deeply shocking. These newly-released figures show the underlying attitudes, and we can see immediately the number of people, and perhaps even more particularly young women, still experiencing sexual abuse is beyond unacceptable.

There remains also, even beyond these figures, a tendency to tolerate and even enable misogyny, including in the political sphere, which goes well beyond what we should be allowing.

DUP MP Carla Lockhart said yesterday she had met with Home Office Minister, Jess Phillips to stress the urgent need for Government to adopt a UK wide approach to combatting violence against women and girls.

"This strategy must address the root causes of this violence, improve conviction rates, introduce tougher sentencing for perpetrators, and provide better support for victims and their families, she said.

"Violence against women is not inevitable. It is preventable.

"The time for change is now.
Two parents have described their joy at being able to take their children to Lapland just days before Christmas.

Some 80 children battling life-threatening and life-limiting conditions, accompanied by a parent or carer, flew to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle, where they enjoyed an enchanting day filled with reindeer and husky rides, mini ski-doo adventures, magic sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris and a magical meeting with Santa Claus himself.
Men paid UVF protection money to peddle cocaine on streets of east Belfast

Mark Magee (left) Colin Baine (top right), George McMaster (middle right) and Rodney Gourley (bottom right)

Four Belfast men have been sentenced for their involvement in a "24/7" drugs delivery service.

They were caught after the PSNI stopped a car in the early hours of August 20, 2022.

The vehicle was searched, both cocaine and cash were located, and mobile phones were seized and examined. The cocaine had been split into deal bags and was valued at 3,440.

The four defendants were sentenced at Belfast Crown Court by Judge Sandra Crawford.

Mark Magee (35), from Parkgate Parade, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine on dates between February 24 and August 21, 2022.

Described as the leader of the operation, he was handed a sentence of 25 months split equally between prison and custody.

George McMaster (29) from Clandeboye Street admitted two charges - being concerned in the supply of cannabis between February 27 and August 18, 2022 and being concerned in the supply of cocaine between February 24 and August 21, 2022.

He was driving the Nissan that was stopped by police and he was handed a 13 month sentence which was also divided equally between prison and licence.

Colin William Baine (40) from Derwent Street admitted possessing cocaine and possessing criminal property, namely 310, on August 20, 2022.

Caught in possession of the drugs in the Nissan, he had a 10-month sentence imposed which was suspended for two years.

Rodney William John Gourley (29) from Lindsay Court admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis between March 13 and August 17, 2022.

A passenger in the car, when his mobile was examined it emerged he was involved in supplying the Class B drug. He had a four-month sentence imposed which was suspended for 18 months.

The sentencing of a fifth defendant - Richard Blair (29) from Euston Parade - was adjourned until February.

The Sunday Life reported that all five were working for a criminal gang linked to the East Belfast UVF, paying the terror group protection money to be allowed to deal drugs on its turf. This was alluded to during a brief hearing at Belfast Crown Court last Thursday ahead of the gangs sentencing today.

Barristers for the four sentenced men spoke of a lack of sophistication in the drugs operation.

Defence barrister Paddy Taggart said his client Baine was unaware of the purity of some of the cocaine found in the car and spoke of a shift in his life since August 2022.

Sean Mullan, representing McMaster, said his client's involvement stemmed from his own drug use which he had "successfully combatted" and added McMaster's life has "transformed" since his arrest.

Gourley's barrister Peter Canavan outlined his client's low level of culpability and that he didn't have a "full understanding" of the scale of the operation.

Michael Boyd, the barrister representing for Magee, also spoke of "a considerable improvement in his lifestyle and attitude" and told the court: "This is not a sophisticated drugs gang, this is a motley crew of five fairly chaotic individuals working together."

Crown barrister James Johnston rejected this and said the police do not accept the gang was a 'motley crew' but that this was a "24/7 delivery service" with a "degree of structure to it."

Branding the enterprise as a "dial-a-drug" operation, Judge Crawford said "all drugs have a great capacity to cause harm."

After she imposed the sentences, the judge ordered that all the money seized be donated to Addictions NI and the drugs destroyed.
An NI man detained in Dubai after leaving a negative online review has said he is on his way home for Christmas.

Craig Ballentine (33), from Cookstown, was detained when he arrived in Abu Dhabi to visit friends in October.

He was then transported to Dubai to face charges of slander under the United Arab Emirates (UAE)s cybercrime laws.

The strict legislation prohibits any form of online criticism.

The Cookstown man left a negative online review relating to a dog grooming centre where he had been working when the centre recorded him as having absconded following a period of sick leave.

Mr Ballentine had been stranded in Dubai since October without employment and faced two years in prison.

Speaking to the BBC before his flight was due to leave Dubai on Thursday, Mr Ballentine confirmed that this travel ban had been lifted.

He said: "Reality hasn't really kicked in yet. Once I return back and I see Dublin outside the plane window that's when I will be relieved. It has been an exhausting journey for both myself, family and friends.

"It's coming up to Christmas so now I hope to return and rest for a day or two then get prepared to enjoy the festivities."

Radha Stirling, CEO of advocacy group Detained in Dubai, previously said she was pushing for diplomatic action in Craigs case.

In November, First Minister Michelle ONeill  who is Craigs local MLA  also said she was monitoring his case.

Mr Ballentine, who is an autism support worker by trade, accepted a role as a dog groomer in one of Dubais canine salons in 2023.

He had been employed by the salon for almost six months when he required a number of days off due to sickness.

After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, he informed his employer and submitted a doctors certificate. The company, however, registered him as having absconded.

Mr Ballentine was left unemployed and attempting to remove a travel ban from his passport in order to return home to NI.

After his experience, he left an online review of the centre and his former boss, noting the problems she had caused him.

Craig Ballentine (33)

News Catch up - Thursday 19 December
Northern Irelands top legal adviser has issued a warning around commentary on social media following the murder of Karen Cummings at the weekend.

Ms Cummings was found dead at her home in Laurel Heights area of Banbridge on Saturday, with two men having appeared before Newry Magistrates Court via video link from Musgrave Police Station on Wednesday.

The court appearance has prompted speculation and commentary across social media.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Northern Irelands Attorney General urged caution.

"The recent murder of Karen Cummings in Banbridge has understandably attracted much commentary. The tragedy and emotive nature of such cases cannot be underestimated, Dame Brenda King said.

However, a member of the public may well be in contempt of court as a result of publication or commentary on social media in relation to active criminal proceedings.

As two persons have been arrested and charged in respect of this matter these proceedings are active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

The Attorney reminds the public that social media posts have the potential to impact jurors who have to decide whether someone is guilty or not of an offence based on evidence properly before them. A person can be found in contempt of court if something they publish creates a substantial risk that justice in the criminal proceedings would be seriously impeded or prejudiced, regardless of their intent to do so.

"A sentence of up to two years imprisonment can be imposed if found to be guilty of contempt of court.

Glenn King, 32, whose address was listed as no fixed abode, Lurgan, was charged with murder.

Kevin McGuigan Jnr, 42, from Annacloy Park in Hillsborough, was charged with her murder and possession of a double barrel shotgun and ammunition and handling of stolen property.

Yesterday at court the two men, wearing grey police issue tracksuits and handcuffed, spoke only to confirm their names and dates of birth.

District judge Eamonn King heard that neither defendant was applying for bail.

They were remanded into custody to appear in court again via video link on January 9.

Karen Cummings

News Catch up - Thursday 19 December
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and incoming Border Czar Tom Homan make remarks at a Thanksgiving lunch event at Forward Operating Base Eagle, a newly built military base serving Operation Lone Star near the Rio Grande River on Tues, Nov. 26, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

Texas is putting up dozens of billboards in Mexico and Central American countries warning migrants of the dangers of trying to come to the U.S., Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday.

The billboards will offer bleak messages in multiple languages. Many girls who try to migrate to Texas are kidnapped, one will say. Your wife and daughter will pay for their trip with their bodies, will read another. A third will ask, How much did you pay to have your daughter raped?

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This is tough medicine, Abbott told reporters in Eagle Pass, describing the roughly $100,000 marketing campaign as an attempt to push back on messaging by cartels and smugglers. He did not say where the money for the ads was coming from.

We are trying to provide a push back against that narrative and provide reality  facts  for immigrants thinking about coming here to save their lives, to save them from sexual assault  save them from being arrested, and let them know there are consequences if they take any further steps to come to the state of Texas, Abbott said.

The governor rolled out the campaign on a border ranch where the owners say they have found migrant women beaten and left to die.

It makes you terrified to go outside of your own house and enjoy your own property, Kimberly Wall said.

Sexual assault of migrants has been documented for years, though there is limited data on its prevalence. The New York Times in 2019 found more than 100 documented reports of sexual assault of undocumented women along the border in the past two decades, a number the paper reported is probably far from a complete accounting. Reuters reported last year that criminal investigations of rape in the Mexican border cities of Reynosa and Matamoros were the highest on record, as more migrants were waiting there for legal entry into the country to claim asylum.

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Abbott cast the campaign as the latest effort by Texas to deter migration to the state. Under his direction, Texas has spent more than $11 billion over the last four years on a border security crackdown that includes stringing razor wire and other barriers along the Rio Grande and arresting migrants on trespassing charges.

The governor also vowed that Texas will work closely with the incoming Trump administration on President-elect Donald Trumps mass deportations, though he did not say exactly what role the state will play.

Abbott has largely avoided commenting on Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckinghams offer to let the Trump administration use a 1,400-acre ranch in Starr County to house those waiting to be deported.

The message is: do not risk a dangerous trip just to be arrested and deported, Abbott said.
Police have re-issued an appeal to help find missing man Philip Porter who was last seen in Moira earlier this month.

The 46-year-old was last seen in the early hours of the morning on December.5 on the Lurgan Road in the town.

Among the appeal, police are asking local residents to check their properties and any outhouses.

PSNI Inspector Moore has also appealed to motorists who were in the area between 2.15am, shortly before Mr Porter was last seen, and 6am, to check their dash-cam footage.

Philip is described as 57 in height, with grey coloured hair and of slim build. He was last seen wearing navy blue trousers, a navy coloured jacket and a green and black checked shirt," they added.

Philip also had on a navy hoodie with white toggles under his jacket and was wearing black high-top style trainers which had beige soles.

We are asking business owners in Moira to check their yards, store rooms and premises as well as asking residents to check their sheds, garages and any outbuildings including fixed security cameras.

To any motorists, were you travelling in the Moira and Magheralin areas between 2.15am and 6am on Thursday 5th December? Please review any dash-cam footage you may have as this could assist with our enquiries.

Philip had also made reference to travelling to the Mourne Mountains, so if anyone in that area believes they may have seen Philip these last few weeks, please contact local police on 101 quoting reference number 438 05/12/24.

Mr Porters sister Heather Rosbotham previously told the Belfast Telegraph her brother had been going through a difficult time but hadnt given any indication that he wanted to leave, and it was completely out of the blue.

She said family and friends, who have been searching for him, are absolutely devastated adding: Phil is one of the most warmest, most loyal, most friendly, most loving, most funny guys youll ever meet. Hes so creative, hes so clever. He kind of reminds me of the guys from the A-Team, where he can make something out of anything.

Missing man Philip Porter (46)

News Catch up - Thursday 19 December
A convicted rapist has pleaded guilty to the harassment of three female journalists who have worked for the Sunday World.

Mark McAnaw (52) appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today where he was arraigned on three counts of harassment.

McAnaw of no fixed abode and previously of Letterkenny, Co Donegal, pleaded guilty to the harassment of Nicola Tallant, Deirdre Reynolds and Amanda Brunker on various dates in August 2023.

Judge Martin Nolan ordered the preparation of victim impact statements.

McAnaw was remanded in continuing custody for sentence on March 7 next.

McAnaw has a number of previous convictions and was jailed for nine years for raping a foreign student in Donegal in October 2010.

He was convicted by a jury in 2012 of orally raping and sexually assaulting the student.

McAnaw also has a 1989 conviction for kidnapping and convictions for assaults causing actual bodily harm from a Derry court in 2011.

He also attacked a woman in her home days after they had gone on a date together in April 2018.

In this incident, he was armed with a large kitchen knife when he forced his way into a womans home.

McAnaw received an eight-year and four month sentence for this in June 2023, backdated to 2018 when he went into custody.

The final 16 months of this sentence were suspended for 16 years with McAnaw placed under the supervision of the Probation Services.

Rapist Mark McAnaw

News Catch Up - Wednesday 18 December
Say Nothing: Why the prison in IRA chief The Darks mind was so much harder to escape from

The life of Belfast IRA chief and Long Kesh jailbreaker Brendan Hughes features heavily in TVs Say Nothing, but if his story tells us anything, its how our conflict took terrible toll on all involved

Antony Boyle plays a young Brendan Hughes in TV show Say Nothing

Allison Morris Thu 19 Dec 2024 at 07:00

It has been one of the TV hits of 2024, bringing the story of the Troubles to a new audience and turning the spotlight back on once familiar names from our violent past.
The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Ahmad al-Sharaa, (Abu Mohammed al-Golani), right, as he meets with the United Nations special envoy to Syria, Geir Pederson, in Damascus (SANA/AP)

Britains diplomatic contact with banned Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) risks giving the organisation legitimacy in the country after the fall of President Bashar Assad.

Senior officials met with the leader of the group earlier this week in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

After Mr Assad fled the country nearly a fortnight ago, HTS has named a prime minister to lead an interim government until March 2025.

Photographs showed senior officials, including the UKs special representative for Syria, Ann Snow, meeting HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Mohammed al-Golani.

Shadow Foreign Office minister Wendy Morton said that UK Government representatives meeting with the group would give them more credibility in Syria, at a time of political instability.

HTS was banned as a terror organisation within the UK in 2017, due to their connections with al-Qaeda.

Responding to a statement in the Commons by Foreign Office minister Anneliese Dodds, Ms Morton said: This house has many serious questions about the decision to establish a diplomatic channel with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

HTS is a proscribed terrorist organisation, but the Foreign Secretary says the UK is nonetheless able to have diplomatic contact.

So, can the minister clarify the specific legal basis on which she has established contact? And is HTS the only such organisation operating in Syria that now has a diplomatic channel?

She asked whether Ms Dodds believed HTS would lead to a peaceful transition of power to a genuine civilian government which protects minority groups.

Ms Morton added: The Government needs to be extremely careful, because by dealing with HTS and publicly doing so, there is a risk of legitimisation of the organisation and its position in Syria. These are very early days in the new post-Assad reality and we need to judge HTS by its actions and not its words.

Ms Dodds said the UK Government supported the transition to a secure and peaceful Syria in the aftermath of Mr Assads rule.

The UK has given Syria 61 million in aid in total, after more was announced on Saturday. It will help provide healthcare, nutrition and support displaced children, she said. More than 16 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance, inside Syria alone.

Ms Dodds said: We are hopeful that anyone seeking a role in governing Syria will demonstrate a commitment to the protection of human rights, including for women and girls, to unfettered access for humanitarian aid, to safe destruction of chemical weapon stockpiles and to combating terrorism and extremism.

The UK urges the transitional government to adhere to these principles, to build a more hopeful, secure and peaceful Syria.

She added: Along with our partners we want to see a new political process that is comprehensive, representative, inclusive and most importantly, determined by the Syrian people themselves.

She went on to say: For all these reasons it is right that the UK seeks to use all of the channels available to us to deal with HTS, where we have to.
Sea slugs making a home in the UK due to climate change are among the species spotted around the countrys coasts in 2024, The Wildlife Trusts said.

Sea monitoring by volunteers and conservationists this year also revealed invasive species such as Pacific oysters and showed some wildlife making a comeback, including St Pirans hermit crabs along the south coast  which were wiped out by the Torrey Canyon oil spill of 1967.

The Wildlife Trusts annual marine review for 2024 highlighted conservation projects to reconnect land and ocean habitats and restore native oyster beds and a network of snorkelling trails to bring people closer to nature in Scotlands seas.

A rainbow sea slug in a Wembury rock pool (Paul Naylor/PA)

The Trusts said volunteers clocked more than 46,000 hours of surveys and beach cleans in 2024, with numerous wildlife discoveries made during a national survey programme of shorelines and estuaries, Shoresearch, and volunteering days.

The UK became the first country in 2024 to map its blue carbon  the carbon stored in seabed mud and coastal habitats such as saltmarshes  thanks to a project by a number of charities, including the Wildlife Trusts.

The Wildlife Trusts is calling for better protection of the UKs seas, such as banning destructive bottom trawling fishing practices, which damage and destroy carbon and nature-rich seabed habitats.

Monitoring of marine habitats highlights that species recover when properly protected, the trusts said, such as the discovery of a spiny lobster in Wembury Bay for the first time in living memory following excessive fishing in the 1960s and 1970s.

In Sussex  three years after a byelaw protected more than 100 square miles of seabed from trawling  giant mussel beds, more lobsters, a tope shark and European eel were among 81 species recorded.

Huge numbers of juvenile bass were found in Medway in the UKs largest no-take zone.

A warty Doris sea slug in Sussex (Sussex Wildlife Trust/PA)

Species recorded on the UKs coasts in 2024 included climate indicators such as the first record of a rainbow sea slug in Devon, found by a school student on a family day trip to Wembury Beach, and the first record of a warty Doris sea slug in Chichester Harbour, Sussex.

Both sea slugs are normally found in warmer waters and have only been recorded in UK waters in the past couple of years, suggesting they are moving due to climate change.

Hundreds of mauve jellyfish, normally found in warmer waters such as the Mediterranean, washed up in Cornwall and on the Isles of Scilly  possibly due to weather conditions.

A spiny lobster was found in Wembury Bay for the first time in living memory (Keith Hiscock/PA)

A loggerhead turtle  a species which is at home in warmer waters but occasionally turns up in the UKs seas  was found in Cumbria and released in the Azores.

Monitoring also uncovered non-native species that could affect British wildlife, including pom-pom weed, an Asian-native seaweed that could displace barnacles, in Devon and Asian shore crab on the Naze in Essex that could outcompete the native species for food.

A very dense collection of invasive Pacific oysters, which can alter ecosystems and displace native oysters, was logged at Hope Cove in Devon.

Among other notable wildlife sightings in UK waters were 30 humpback whales recorded off Cornwall last winter, including Ivy who was freed from entanglement by lifeboat crews, and a rarely seen sea mouse worm, normally found on the seabed, moving through the sands at high tide.

Gannets have been surveyed on Alderney in the English Channel with drones (Seabird Watch/PA)

In Dorset, a black bream caught at Poole Bay contained 38 seahorses  which have few predators as they are well camouflaged  in a case that baffled experts.

Numerous shallow pits were discovered in the Lyme Bay seabed, with investigations confirming the presence of porpoises thought to be foraging for sand eels.

Marine conservation projects ranged from Cornwall Wildlife Trusts tor to shore project to join conservation on land with protecting seagrasses and maerl seaweed beds in St Austell Bay, to schemes restoring native oysters in the Humber estuary and in Essex.

Alderneys northern gannets, which make up 1% of the global population, became one of the first in the world to be surveyed using drones and AI.

And Scottish Wildlife Trust completed its snorkel trail network with two final routes in Orkney, meaning there are now 13 trails to help snorkelling wildlife-lovers explore Scotlands seas.

Conservationists work on the Wilder Humber oyster restoration project (Finn Varney/PA)

Ruth Williams, head of marine conservation at The Wildlife Trusts, said: People are central to nature recovery and made huge contributions to our knowledge of UK seas this year.

Wildlife surveys and monitoring have led to incredible discoveries, including new species on UK shores.

Success stories demonstrate the enormous value of marine conservation and why robust protection is critical for nature recovery.

She said the seas were also the unsung heroes in our fight against climate change and urged: We need policies that stop damaging activities in protected areas, plus continued support for innovation, monitoring and work to improve coastal habitats.
Dr Craig Wright arrives at the Rolls Building in London for the trial earlier this year (Lucy North/PA)

Computer scientist Dr Craig Wright, who falsely claimed to be the founder of Bitcoin, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, for contempt of court after breaching a High Court order.

Dr Wright lost a legal battle against Crypto Open Patent Alliance (Copa), a non-profit group including cryptocurrency firms, earlier this year over claims that he was Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym attributed to the person widely credited with establishing the cryptocurrency.

In March, a judge found that he had lied extensively to support the false claim and barred him from launching or threatening further legal action related to Bitcoin through a court order.

On Wednesday, lawyers for Copa told a hearing that Dr Wright issued a claim worth more than 900 billion related to Bitcoin in October which constituted contempt of court, and that he should be jailed as a result.

In a judgment on Thursday, Mr Justice Mellor said Dr Wright had committed a clear breach of the order and was therefore in contempt of court beyond any reasonable doubt.

He said the breach of the order was flagrant and that Dr Wright has expressed no remorse whatsoever.

Dr Wright attended court on Thursday via a video link, having not attended a hearing on Wednesday.

He told the court he was in Asia but refused to specify which country after being asked by the judge.

He said I still dont believe that the areas that you have addressed are correct, and that he will be appealing against the contempt finding, stating: Copa are an organisation with one purpose  to sue me.

The court heard on Wednesday that Dr Wrights latest claim, over intellectual property rights related to Bitcoin, represented multiple, clear breaches of the order which were impossible to remedy and for which he has shown no remorse.

Jonathan Hough KC, for Copa, said on Wednesday: Bitcoin developers have once more had to suffer the distress and inconvenience of knowing or at least suspecting that Dr Wright is attempting to sue them for huge sums of money and intending to use the proceedings to blacken their names.

The order was made after careful judicial consideration to prevent this happening, and Dr Wrights conduct has so far denied developers the benefit of its protection.

On Thursday, he described Dr Wrights conduct as a desperate publicity stunt to keep his cultish supporters engaged and said: It is difficult to imagine a more serious and stark breach of an anti-suit injunction.

Mr Hough told the court that Dr Wright should be jailed for two years  the highest sentence the court can pass for contempt  which would include an 18-month unconditional sentence, and a further six months to be added on if Dr Wright does not promptly discontinue the new claim.

Mr Justice Mellor said Dr Wrights arguments comprised of legal nonsense but acknowledged that he was not in the UK and appears to be well aware of countries with which the UK does not have extradition arrangements.

While the judge said that he would give a more detailed set of reasons for the sentence later, he also threw out Dr Wrights latest legal claim and ordered the Australian to pay around 145,000 of Copas legal cost.

Copa previously sued Dr Wright over his claims that he was Satoshi, which a trial in London earlier this year heard was a brazen lie supported by forgery on an industrial scale.

The original Bitcoin founding document, a white paper named Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System, was released in 2008 and was authored under Satoshis name.

Lawyers for the computer scientist told the trial there was clear evidence demonstrating his creation of the digital currency but Mr Justice Mellor ruled in March that the evidence was overwhelming that his claim was false.

In July, the same judge ruled that relevant papers from the case would be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether criminal charges should be brought, stating that Dr Wrights claims were a most serious abuse of the courts process.
The family of a student nurse who died at a Buckinghamshire hospital from a rare and complex lung infection on Christmas Eve have said there were clear failures in her care, despite an inquest finding she died of natural causes.

Zoe Bell, 28, died on December 24 2022 after waiting 12 hours in A&E at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury, where she had been working.

Concluding an inquest into her death on Thursday, senior coroner Crispin Butler said the hospital had some learning to do from its role in the incident but that it did not negatively impact Ms Bells outcome.

Zoe Bell, 28, died on Christmas Eve 2022 (Family handout/PA)

Buckinghamshire Coroners Court heard that Ms Bell arrived at the hospital at 10.14pm on December 23 and was not initially assessed by doctors with a chest X-ray until 7.30am the following morning.

There was also no log kept by hospital staff of Ms Bells condition between 11.34pm on December 23 and 10am on December 24.

Mr Butler ruled this did not represent evidence of a systemic failure, but rather reflected the pressures during that shift for the hospitals staff.

The coroner said Ms Bell died from a rare and complex lung infection  which was not, on balance of probabilities, treatable.

In a statement given after the inquest, Ms Bells father Nick said: Zoe was a beautiful and delicate young woman with so much potential, and her absence leaves a hole in our lives that can never be filled.

But we hope Zoes legacy, the kindness and love that she showed others, will live on in those lives that she touched. We will forever cherish our memories of her and carry her in our hearts.

It is a heartfelt wish that lessons can be learned from Zoes death and that changes are made to the way A&E departments are run, and the coroner has indicated that he will now take time to consider these.

We want doctors to have great awareness of the symptoms of these infections in healthy young people, who can sometimes mask their symptoms. We want medics to take greater account of the concerns of patients and their families, who may be best placed to notice changes in their loved ones condition.

We want A&E units to examine patients more quickly and timely, for their symptoms be recognised and treated with more urgency. Now that the inquest process has concluded, it is difficult to comprehend that an otherwise healthy, 28-year-old who had flu can go to A&E with a serious viral infection and pass away within 20 hours.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Bell said: The outcome of the inquest is that nothing the hospital could have done would have made a difference.

The factual evidence that has come up (said) there were significant failures, failures in Zoes care, in the treatment of sepsis, which ultimately took her life while she was in the emergency department.

I will counter that with the exceptional care that she got in ICU, because the doctors and nurses who allowed me to stand alongside them were working their hardest and trying their best to save Zoes life, and they were exceptional. But (there were) clear failures in Zoes care to identify that she was compensating.

The coroner gave Ms Bells cause of death as staphylococcal aureus septicaemia and bronchopneumonia with acute lung failure, combined with influenza B.

There was no evidence of an underlying medical condition.

Andrew McLaren, chief medical officer at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, had earlier said at the inquest there were a number of factors that contributed to the issues the night Ms Bell died, including a lack of observations.

He told the inquest: There were a number of interactions with Zoe which we accept were not fully documented.

It wasnt that nobody was coming to see her (Zoe), but they were making clinical decisions at the time that she was OK.

Mr McLaren said there had been an incredibly rapid deterioration in Ms Bells condition after 8.30am on December 24 which surprised hospital doctors, who had said she seemed fine at that time.

He also said the hospital had been recognised as having insufficient bed stock but that numbers had now improved following the opening of a new hospital ward.

Ms Bell was taken into surgery at 3pm later that day and was pronounced dead at 6.45pm, family solicitors Leigh Day said.

Asked by counsel representing Ms Bells family what steps the trust had taken since her death, Mr McLaren said the hospital had stopped using agency staff and increased staffing numbers in the A&E department, and had increased the presence of senior medical doctors on the wards.

He told the inquest the working environment had changed considerably, including the department team now having huddles every two hours and encouraging reviews of sepsis documentation.

Ms Bells father, stepmother and stepbrother attended the inquest alongside several of her friends.

A picture of Ms Bell was displayed in a frame in the court during the hearing.

Mr Butler said during the hearing: Nothing I say can diminish the loss of a previously young, healthy lady who aspired to a career in nursing to help others.

Andrew McLaren, chief medical officer of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said: On behalf of the Trust I would like to express my heartfelt personal condolences to Zoes family, friends, and colleagues for their tragic loss.

The Trust is grateful for the detailed investigation conducted by the Coroner which has identified a number of learning points, which the Trust has taken on board and has been addressing.

It is noted that the Coroner concluded that, sadly, there was not an opportunity to provide any care following Zoes admission to hospital which would have avoided her decline, and she died of natural causes from a rare combination of infections.
The steel box around the Hill House will remain in place until 2028 (Andrew Milligan/PA)

A steel box built to protect and dry out Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece the Hill House will remain in place until 2028, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has announced.

The giant box was constructed around the property in Helensburgh in 2019 to protect its saturated walls from further damage from the elements, and enable it to gradually dry out as part of a long-term conservation programme.

The NTS said new funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will now enable it to fully remove the existing render from the building, which was completed in 1904, and find a replacement that will resolve the longstanding damp issue.

The conservation charity added that once the metal structure is removed in 2028 it plans to add updated permanent visitor facilities to the site on Upper Colquhoun Street, including a cafe, shop and toilets.

The 1.1 million package of funding, which is the first stage towards a wider 7.3 million award, will support the charitys Mackintosh Illuminated project, which aims to celebrate the genius of both Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald.

The funding announcement comes a year after the charity acquired the Mackintosh at the Willow tearoom on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow.

The building, which was designed by the pair, had been struggling due to the impact of the pandemic and two fires at the Glasgow School of Art.

The NTS said new funding would enable it to replace the existing render on the Hill House with one that would resolve the longstanding damp issue (Andrew Milligan/PA)

National Trust for Scotland chief executive Philip Long said: We are enormously grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for this generous grant which will help us do all we can to make sure that Mackintosh and Macdonald get the recognition globally and at home that their brilliant design and creativity merit.

As the charity privileged to care for some of the finest remaining examples of the couples work, we feel strongly that their contribution should be better understood and celebrated.

With the Hill House and the Mackintosh at the Willow at the centre of all our work, we will engage with more people in person and online, to tell the story of their creation and the inspiring people involved in those visionary ventures.

And, as a conservation charity, we will protect both buildings to be enjoyed and experienced long into the future.

At the Hill House, this means continuing our work to solve its century-long issue with damp, both preserving this masterpiece and pioneering methods that add to the global conservation sectors knowledge of how to care for and repair 20th century buildings, and helping train new craftspeople who can carry out work like this in the future.

At the Mackintosh at the Willow, that means ensuring that this excellent experience thrives under the trusts care and continues to grow and contribute to a much-needed revitalisation of Sauchiehall Street and to Glasgows heritage as a whole.

The new funding comes a year after NTS acquired the Mackintosh at the Willow tearoom in Glasgow, which was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald (Jane Barlow/PA)

It was just a year ago that the future was in doubt for the tearoom.

Now this new funding means the future looks bright, both for the Mackintosh at the Willow and for the appreciation of Mackintosh and Macdonald and their unique take on, and place in, nature, beauty and heritage.

The charity said the project aims to raise the profile of Mackintosh and Macdonald both internationally and at home, through the creation of an online learning resource, and an expanded programme of property-based community and education work in both Helensburgh and Glasgow.

It also aims to encourage more people to visit both sites to get a richer picture of the pairs skill and versatility.

Caroline Clark, heritage fund director for Scotland at the National Lottery, said: Conserving the architectural masterpiece of the Hill House and enabling the National Trust for Scotland to tell the story of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonalds creative collaboration is hugely important.

Thanks to National Lottery players, the Hill House and the stunning Mackintosh at the Willow on Sauchiehall Street will together enable visitors to explore the work of these two artistic virtuosos whose influence stretches around the world.
South Koreas Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who became the countrys acting leader after parliaments impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, speaks during a meeting at the government complex in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Han sang-kyun/Yonhap via AP)

South Koreas acting leader said on Thursday he would veto a spate of contentious bills sponsored by the main opposition party, deepening political strife in the wake of parliaments impeachment of president Yoon Suk Yeol.

The ruling and opposition parties have been bickering over how much authority prime minister Han Duck-soo, the countrys second-in-command, has assumed since the opposition-controlled National Assembly last Saturday voted to suspend Mr Yoons presidential powers over his short-lived December martial law.

The Constitutional Court is to determine whether to formally dismiss the conservative Mr Yoon as president or reinstate him.

Law enforcement authorities are also separately investigating whether Mr Yoons martial law enforcement amounted to rebellion.

Supporters for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally against his impeachment near the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, South Korea (AP/Ahn Young-joon)

Mr Yoons defence minister, police chief and several other military commanders have already been arrested over the case.

The main liberal opposition Democratic Party earlier considered impeaching Mr Han as well for failing to stop Mr Yoons martial law declaration, but shelved the idea after he became acting leader.

Four of the six bills to be vetoed by Mr Han were meant to introduce greater state financial assistance programmes for the countrys agriculture and fisheries industries.

The most contentious bill is the Grain Management Act, which would require the government to buy surplus rice if the price drops too sharply to protect the countrys farming industry and promote its food sovereignty.

Mr Han said the bill would cause immense financial burdens on the government and eventually lead to further drops in rice prices.

Another controversial bill is the National Assembly Testimony Appraisal Act, which would give lawmakers more power to request people to attend parliament hearings and submit documents.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals could no longer decline such requests by citing the protection of trade secrets or personal information.

The Democratic Party said the bill is necessary to determine the full details of Mr Yoons martial law decree.

But Mr Han said the bill would likely infringe upon peoples privacy and that there are concerns among business leaders that key technology and company secrets could be leaked.

Im heavy-hearted because Ive asked the National Assembly to discuss and act on the six bills again at a time when we desperately need cooperation among the government and the ruling and opposition parties, he said.

South Koreas main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, left, and Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader and interim chairperson of the ruling People Power Party (AP/Ahn Young-joon)

But the government should make a responsible decision that prioritises the principles of the Constitution and the future of our country.

Democratic lawmaker and spokesperson Noh Jongmyun quickly criticised Mr Han, warning him not to cross a line, adding: Well immediately drag him down if hes found to have collaborated with the rebellion.

Observers earlier speculated the Democratic Party would reconsider impeaching Mr Han if he vetoed the bills.

Another source of contention between the rival parties is whether Han has the right to appoint three vacant justices seats at the Constitutional Court, as filling the vacancies could affect the courts decision on Mr Yoon.

The martial law enactment lasted only six hours, but it caused huge political turmoil in South Korea and set off alarms from its neighbours and diplomatic partners.

Mr Yoon sent hundreds of troops to the National Assembly to block its vote on his decree. But many lawmakers managed to enter a parliament hall and unanimously voted it down, forcing Mr Yoons Cabinet to lift it.
Samsung's next foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, will be thinner, thanks to a significant change in its design approach. To achieve this, the company plans to overhaul its S Pen, a key feature of its foldable devices, by drawing inspiration from Apple's Pencil technology.

The move to make the device thinner has led Samsung to rethink the S Pen's design, which was notably absent from this year's Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. While Samsung does not want to sacrifice the S Pen, it faces the challenge of integrating the stylus while reducing the thickness of the device.

S Pen to Feature Apple Pencil-Like Technology

According to a report from ETNews (via 9to5Google), Samsung plans to revamp its decade-old S Pen technology for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The company is expected to switch from the current electromagnetic resonance (EMR) technology to active electrostatic technology (AES), which Apple uses in its Pencil. AES technology allows for more precise control and better functionality in device stylus use.

Currently, Samsung's foldable devices rely on EMR technology, which necessitates a bulkier display assembly to work with the stylus. In contrast, Apple's AES technology is fully integrated with its Pencil accessory, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient design. By adopting AES, Samsung aims to achieve a thinner device while maintaining compatibility with the S Pen.

Thinner Device and S Pen Integration

To achieve a thinner design for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung will have to remove the EMR layer from its display technology. This would allow the device to be more compact, but it also requires revamping the S Pen to include an electric field, similar to the Apple Pencil's independent power source. The report suggests that this change will enable Samsung to bring back the S Pen, which was notably absent from the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition.

Samsung's Foldable Device Developments

Samsung's foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Galaxy Z Flip 6, have been well-received for their innovative features. The Z Flip 6, in particular, gained attention for its larger rear screen, improved display, and reduced crease, which were also featured in the Z Fold 6, along with enhanced hinge technology.

In response to consumer demand for thinner foldable designs, Samsung released the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition in October. This version was thinner than its mainline counterpart but lacked the S Pen. Samsung plans to continue refining its foldable lineup, with rumors suggesting a "Slim" version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 could arrive in the fall, further emphasizing the company's commitment to reducing the thickness of its foldable devices.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7, expected to incorporate the S Pen with AES technology, represents Samsung's ongoing efforts to create foldable smartphones that balance innovation with functionality.
Akhmadzhon Kurbonov is accused of planting the bomb which killed a Russian general (Pavel Bednyakov/AP)

An Uzbek citizen accused of acting on behalf of Ukraine has been charged in a Russian court with this weeks assassination of a Russian general and his assistant in an electric scooter bombing, Russian state media said on Thursday.

Akhmadzhon Kurbonov was ordered detained until at least February 17 in Tuesdays bombing that killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the chief of Russias radiation, biological and chemical protection forces, the Tass state news agency reported.

Kurbonov was charged with the killings, carrying out a terrorist act and illegally manufacturing explosives, the news agency said.

Lt Gen Kirillov was killed by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter outside his apartment building in Moscow, a day after Ukraines security service levelled criminal charges against him. His assistant, Ilya Polikarpov, also was killed.

Bombing suspect Akhmadzhon Kurbonov sits in a cage in a courtroom at the Basmanny district court in Moscow (Pavel Bednyakov/AP)

Kurbonov, previously referred to by news agencies as Akhmad Kurbanov, was detained by Russian security services Wednesday.

Shortly after he was detained, Russias Federal Security Service, or FSB, which did not identify him, said he was born in 1995 and was recruited by Ukraines security service.

The Associated Press could not confirm the conditions under which the suspect spoke to the FSB.

The suspect said he had been promised 100,000 US dollars (79,600) and resettlement in a European Union country in exchange for killing Lt Gen Kirillov, according to the FSB.

The agency said that acting on instructions from Ukraine, the suspect picked up a homemade bomb in Moscow, placed it on an e-scooter and parked it at the entrance to Lt Gen Kirillovs apartment building.

He rented a car to monitor the location and set up a camera that livestreamed the scene to his handlers in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the FSB said, detonating the bomb when Let Gen Kirillov left the building.

Lt Gen Kirillov, 54, was the head of Russias radiation, biological and chemical protection forces.

The special troops are tasked with protecting the military from use of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and ensuring operations in a contaminated environment.

He was under sanctions from several countries, including the UK and Canada, for his actions in Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

On Monday, Ukraines Security Service, or SBU, opened a criminal investigation against him, accusing him of directing the use of banned chemical weapons.

Russia denied using any chemical weapons in Ukraine and has accused Kyiv of using toxic agents in combat.

An SBU official told AP on Tuesday that the agency was behind the attack.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to release the information, described Lt Gen Kirillov as a war criminal and an entirely legitimate target.
Haymarket owners plough 3m into cool concept bar packed with games and gimmicksThe Stock Exchange, 84 Royal Avenue, Belfast

Box-fresh boozer The Stock Exchange first opened its doors a fortnight ago, just in time for party season.

Aiming to offer socialites of Belfast and beyond a unique, one-of-a-kind bar experience while putting a firm focus on fun and games, I recently paid a visit after going one-on-one with Storm Darragh to see what all the fuss is about.
South East Antrim UDA rocked by more sex attack cover-up claims

Military commander sends in his heavies to blacken victims name

Some of the South East Antrim UDA's sex offenders. Top to bottom: Graham Bingham Jnr who sexually assaulted two young women; paedophile Bradley McGarrell; ex-soldier Jonny Falls who sexually assaulted a sleeping woman.

Sunday Life Reporter Thu 19 Dec 2024 at 08:14

The South East Antrim (SEA) UDA is being accused of protecting yet another pervert.
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Wars, pandemics, natural disasters, and global unrest have many people asking a sobering question: Are we nearing the end of time? If youve wondered the same, youre not alone. According to a recent Pew Research survey, 40 percent of Americans believe were living in the end times. This widespread belief might also explain the growing fascination with apocalyptic themes like zombies, global catastrophes, and end-of-the-world scenarios in popular media.

But what does the Bible actually say about the end times and the rapture? In this article, well explore eight biblical signs that point to the rapture, examining how ancient prophecies appear to align with the current state of the world. From wars and famines to moral decay and chaos, these controversial verses provide insight into whats to come and how believers can prepare spiritually.

Global Explosion

With pandemic conditions and global digitization, virtual church attendance has increased 300 percent. Matthew 24:14 states that every people (possibly every culture with its own language) worldwide will hear the gospel before Christ calls His followers home. More than ever before, the gospel has been shared in virtually every corner of the world. Ministries are now using AI and VR, combined with social media, online portals, and mobile apps, to drive that continued growth. The meaning of "unto all nations" is still debated, so Matthew 24:14 and similar verses are controversial.

Increase in Natural Disasters

Luke 21:11 talks about the earthquakes, famine, and pestilence in the End Times. Jesus foretold that crises like these would escalate, leading to higher mortality rates and threatening food security. Issues such as environmental degradation, fragile food supply chains, antibiotic-resistant superbugs, and outbreaks of viruses like Ebola and COVID-19 could represent the birth pains mentioned in the Bible.

As we observe current events, we may wonder: are natural disasters and health crises becoming unusually severe? Not just the periodic challenges seen every few decades or centuries, but a surge of crises occurring for reasons that often defy full understanding?

Wars and Rumors of Wars

There have always been wars and violent conflicts around the world, but the upsurge in violence is real. Matthew 24:6-7 refers to the wars and rumors of wars. Beyond the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, there was a record number of 59 conflicts in 2023.

As historian Jennifer Rosenberg reflected, The 20th century was dominated by war and conflict that continually shifted the balance of power around the globe from global wars to civil wars and coups. When we pair this information with the disturbing statistics about wars so far in the twenty-first century, we may ask, Whats the trend? Could the increase in warfare and devastation signal the imminent return of Jesus?

Increase in Knowledge and Travel

You can quickly access global information, technology, and connectivity. The global travel market has surged by 98 percent. This travel, connectivity, and digital information era has reshaped society and broadened our realms of knowledge and influence.

Daniel 12:4 mentions an increase in knowledge as many shall run to and fro. Online learning has grown by 900 percent, with expectations that the overall worth of the industry will be $687 billion by 2030.

Moral Decay and Lawlessness

Global conflicts have nearly doubled over the last five years. Almost 20 percent of the worlds population live in or are directly affected by violence in their daily life. Its a world of social and moral decay.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 mentions how evil and wrong people will be in the last days: without natural affection but also traitors, heady, high-minded. Incidents of social unrest have increased in 83 countries around the world.

False Christs

Matthew 24:4-5 says, Jesus warned His disciples, Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, I am the Messiah, and will deceive many.

You may recognize names like David Koresh, Jim Jones, and Charles Mansoneach of whom falsely claimed to be Christ. While these figures are infamous, they are far from the only ones to make such claims. During the Crusades, individuals asserting equality with Jesus became more common. One example is David Alroy, a Jewish leader from Kurdistan who, around 1121 AD, gathered a significant following. He promised to establish a kingdom in Jerusalem and led his followers in an unsuccessful coup against Sujak Sultan Mukta. Historical accounts suggest Alroy was executed after the failed rebellion.

Throughout church history, many individuals have claimed to be Christ, making it challenging to determine which ones to watch for. However, Scripture reminds us to be cautious of anyone making such claims, as Jesus has already come and will return only at the time of the final resurrection.

Israel's Restoration

The Israelites' gathering into "one land" fulfills several Old Testament prophecies. This shows God's faithfulness. Ezekiel 37:21-22 mentions that the children of Israel will be gathered into their own land.

After the 1917 Balfour Declaration supported a Jewish national home, Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948. Millions of Jews have returned to Israel since 1948. Israel's restoration is still debated, so these are controversial verses in the Bible.

Global Economic Instability

Political and economic unrest and upheaval are signs of the end times in many biblical references to the rapture. Revelation 13:16-17 mentions the mark of the beast or 666 amidst economic instability. As the End Times approach, people will be marked with 666 as a form of protection and affiliation.

The 666 number is the sign of man, representing wickedness and evil as well as everything that opposes God in an apocalyptic vision of the End Times. Its a rejection of God. The Book of Revelations indicates that everyone will be forced to accept the mark on their forehead or hand.

Some critics and commentators believe that the post-pandemic stimulus packages, political shifts, and global instability are all signs that indicate that the end times and rapture are near. Knowingly or unknowingly, you may be forced to take the sign of the beast.

Amid all the prophetic scriptures, one thing is still clear. Matthew 24:36 says that no one knows the day or hour of Christs return. No matter how you interpret these signs, the message is clear about what's coming. Biblical teachings urge you to be prepared and ready for the end times and the rapture. Whether the Lord returns tomorrow or in the next century, we must remain on mission as we share the love of Christ with those in need of the Savior. Jesus is our true and beautiful hope.

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 Bennington judge refused to allow an as-yet seated jury in a 2019 murder case to visit the site where the remains of the victim were found as new felony counts mount against the accused murderer.

Deven Moffitt, now 34, was officially charged Monday with two new counts related to the murder of Jessica Hildenbrandt, 47, his then-girlfriend, in Searsburg in 2019 after a 33-month investigation revealed a violent and abusive relationship that started when Moffitt was a Vermont prisoner. Those new charges came after the judge denied a state request for a jury visit to the site where the scattered remains were found.

State Prosecutor Jared Bianchi had filed a motion earlier this year to allow the as-yet seated jury to visit the site where Hildenbrants remains were discovered by a man walking through a gravel pit at 1550 Somerset Road in Searsburg in September 2019. In her reasoning, Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady denied the request due to the logistics of the trip and the fact that the site where the remains were found would be significantly different in January than they were in September 2019.

In his motion, Bianchi argued that the site and the path of egress to and from the site are evidence of Moffitts knowledge, lack of mistake, and intent in Hildenbrandts murder. Bianchi proposed that the jury board buses and travel in unison to the pit to allow jurors to understand the length of the drive from Bennington, the difficulty undertaken in disposing of the deceased at that place, and the measure undertaken to conceal the remains from discovery. Included in the filing were photos from the gravel pit and the area of the shallow grave where the remains were found.

Defense attorney Robert Sussman opposed the jury visit. In his opposition, Sussman argued that the primary questions to be answered in the case were how the decedent died and who placed the body in the gravel pit. Sussman argues, "There is nothing about a site visit that would answer either of these questions.

Using neither side's argument, the judge decided that the opposite season, winter to fall, would not allow for a fair comparison and that the logistics of the trip to the far-off rural site during the middle of a murder trial in mid-winter would be too difficult to pull off.

Moffitt is scheduled for a 12-day trial in Bennington starting in early January.

Moffitt was charged Monday with two additional counts on top of the murder charge. Initially, prosecutors charged Moffitt with three new counts, but one of those charges  aggravated domestic assault  was not granted probable cause due to the fact that the alleged assault occurred in Windham County, not Bennington, shifting jurisdiction.

Moffitt pleaded not guilty to the two other felony counts of obstruction of justice. Both new charges carry a possible life sentence due to Moffitt being a habitual offender in Vermont with three other felony convictions on his record. He is already facing a potential life sentence on the murder in the second-degree charge if found guilty.

The two obstruction charges come after further investigation revealed two separate incidents of Moffitt allegedly trying to alter blame to another individual and mislead investigators away from himself by intimidation and offers to pay someone else with cash and drugs in exchange for taking responsibility in the murder.

Moffitts lawyer, Robert Sussman, has asked the judge to dismiss both the testimony of the witness who told investigators about Moffitts attempts at obstruction and the two obstruction charges themselves due to the fact that the testimony had been undisclosed to the defense until very recently  less than four weeks before the start of the trial and that, because of the delay, the rights of the accused would be prejudiced if the charges did not strike them.

On a sunny day in mid-September 2019, a man walking through a gravel pit in Searsburg discovered what appeared to be a human jawbone on the ground. Vermont State Police soon arrived and started searching the area. What they found launched a long homicide investigation that ended in Moffits arrest after a joint operation made up of Bennington Police, FBI, Homeland Security, and Vermont State Police. It ended with Moffitt being chased and then tackled on Jefferson Avenue in Bennington.

After searching the area in and around the gravel pit for several days after the 2019 discovery, police found a shallow grave nearby on Somerset Road. The grave was covered with dirt, rocks, and tree branches. It was apparent to investigators that the grave had been disturbed by animals.

There, they found large amounts of human hair still attached to the scalp, fingernails, teeth, and jewelry. Additional bones were discovered nearby. Later, DNA testing revealed a match to Hildenbrandt. Deputy Chief Pathologist Elizabeth Bundock of the Office of The Chief Medical Examiner completed a death certificate, listing the manner of death as a homicide.

According to police affidavits, Hildenbrandt was in a tenuous and abusive relationship with Moffitt while he was serving time in Vermont for leaving the scene of a crash with property damage and escaping custody.

Moffitt allegedly demanded Hildenbrandt begin sneaking contraband drugs into the prison for him by sewing Suboxone strips into her court clothes and bringing them into the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield. The affidavit names several other females that Moffitt also used as drug mules at the prison for illegal drugs.

Hildenbrandt, feeling threatened, eventually emailed the Windsor County States Attorneys Office to indicate that she was in fear for her life.

Please Help Me  Jessica, she wrote at the end of the email to authorities.

In subsequent emails to Vermont State Police Detective Sgt. Jesse Robson, she said, His behavior was calling me out by my name, calling me [expletives]. She then told Robson in an email that Moffitt told her, If I was to leave him that, he would kill me. You know I am coming home, and I will kill you.

At one point, Moffitt allegedly intimidated Hildenbrandt into putting her house up as collateral so he could get out of jail. That was July 8, 2019, six days before police believed Hildenbrandt might have been killed. She is believed to have been slain sometime between July 14 and 15 of that year.

Moffitt has several felony convictions in Vermont, including escaping custody in 2022, unlawful trespass in occupied residence in 2015, escaping custody in 2014, and aggravated assault in 2009. He also has numerous misdemeanor convictions.

Moffitt is being held at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans. Moffit was recently convicted in a federal court on drug and gun charges. The twelve-day jury trial is set to begin on January 8th, 2025.
Director and creator of the critically acclaimed Netflix series Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, revealed why he didn't cast a real trans actor for the role of a trans character in the show's return  he simply wasn't able to.

In an interview with TV Guide, Hwang explained that he'd seen the backlash coming for the aghast reactions he'd received from fans upset with the decision to cast a cis actor, Sung-hoon, for the role of Hyun-ju, a transgender woman, in the show's season two installation.

"I did anticipate such discussions to arise from the first moment I began creating the character Hyun-ju," Hwang said.

"In the beginning, we were doing our research, and I was thinking of doing an authentic casting of a trans actor."

After doing a bit of digging, however, Hwang's hopes to diversify his cast were quickly dashed.

"When we researched in Korea, there are close to no actors that are openly trans, let alone openly gay, because unfortunately in the Korean society currently the LGBTQ community is rather still marginalized and more neglected, which is heartbreaking," he said.

"It was near impossible to find someone who we could cast authentically," Hwang continued.

"And that led us to the decision to cast Sung-hoon. I have watched his work ever since his debut, and I had complete trust in him that he would be the right person in terms of talent in portraying this character."

When it comes to LGBTQ rights, South Korea is still several steps behind the U.S., with the country not yet having legalized same-sex marriage, and discrimination against the queer community still running rampant.

It wasn't until July that South Korea's Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples can receive the same health insurance benefits as heterosexual couples, according to Amnesty International.

Squid Game Season 2, which recently got nominated for a Golden Globe Award ahead of its release, is set to premiere December 26 on Netflix.

-- Originally published in Kpopstarz
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Chinese VP meets India's national security adviser

Xinhua) 09:47, December 19, 2024

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Shri Ajit Doval, India's national security adviser and special representative for the India-China boundary question, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Shri Ajit Doval, India's national security adviser and special representative for the India-China boundary question, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Han said that China and India, as ancient oriental civilizations and emerging major powers, adhere to independence, solidarity and cooperation, which is of global influence and strategic significance.

Noting that next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India, Han said the two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, foster political mutual trust, and gradually resume institutional dialogue as well as exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and culture, to bring bilateral relations back onto the track of stable development.

Doval said the resumption of the meeting between special representatives of both countries for the boundary question after an interval of five years is an important move to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and is of great significance for advancing bilateral relations.

India is willing to strengthen strategic communication with China, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations, said Doval.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Shri Ajit Doval, India's national security adviser and special representative for the India-China boundary question, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
South Korean boy group INFINITE successfully held the first leg of their "INFINITE 15th Anniversary Limited Edition World Tour" at the KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Seoul, from December 6th to 8th, 2024.

The three-day concert was a sold-out event, where INFINITE and their fans, INSPIRIT, created unforgettable memories together.

As a special gift for their 15th debut anniversary, INFINITE meticulously prepared this grand tour. The Seoul concert was not only a musical feast but also a time capsule for fans to reminisce together.

The concert kicked off with classic tracks like "Last Romeo," "Paradise," and "The Eye," followed by popular hits such as "The Chaser," "Destiny," and "Amazing." INFINITE captivated the audience with their powerful stage presence and infectious live performances.

Additionally, the members showcased their individual talents with unique solo stages, demonstrating their growth as musicians over the past 15 years.

To make the concert even more memorable, a special VCR titled "INFINITE's 15-Year Time Capsule" was prepared, offering a heartfelt look back at the group's journey. The members expressed their gratitude to INSPIRIT through video messages, thanking fans for their unwavering support. They also surprised fans with the announcement of a new film documenting the preparation and performance of this tour, providing fans with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look.

The concert reached its climax with INFINITE performing their new, unreleased song "SAD LOOP" and announcing that it would be included in their upcoming album. INFINITE said, "For the past fifteen years, thank you to INSPIRIT for always being by our side. This tour is our sincerest gratitude to all of you. In the future, we will continue to work hard and bring you even better music."

Following the sensational Seoul leg, the "INFINITE 15th Anniversary Limited Edition World Tour" is set to continue, with INFINITE taking their music to Taipei, Macau, Jakarta, Singapore, Yokohama, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong. Kuala Lumpur is particularly anticipated! On February 22, 2025, at 8 PM, INFINITE will meet Malaysian INSPIRIT at the Mega Star Arena KL.

Organized by AllStar Sports, Star Planet as event management company, tickets is available for purchase starting December 13, 2024, at 12:00 PM via the official ticketing platform, my.bookmyshow.com. For additional information, please visit starplanet.com.my.
A deal has been struck to save troubled Belfast shipbuilder Harland and Wolff with Spanish state-owned business Navantia stepping in to buy it.

The company was placed into administration in September for the second time in five years.

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Harland and Wolff, which famously built the Titanic, is a subcontractor in part of a consortium that landed a major contract in the UK to build new fleet solid support ships for Britain's Royal Navy.

Navantia UK is the main contractor on that contract.

The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, will secure 1,000 jobs at Harland and Wolffs four shipyards  one in Belfast, two in Scotland (Methil on the Firth of Forth and Arnish on the Isle of Lewis) and one in England (Appledore in north Devon).

Ireland Woman settles case over alleged sexual harassment... Read More

The purchase agreement is set to protect workers existing terms and conditions.

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The UK government has also agreed to amend the contract with Navantia to ensure the company can still deliver on the contract and build all three Navy ships.

Britain's Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: This deal is a major vote of confidence in the UK from Navantia, which will not only secure the future of UK shipbuilding but protect 1,000 jobs.
138 prisoners will be granted varying periods of temporary release from Irish prisons this Christmas, the Irish Prison Service has confirmed.

This compares to 139 approved applications in 2023, 129 in 2022, 70 in 2021, and 37 in 2020, and 113 in 2019.

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In 2020 and 2021 the numbers were greatly impacted by Covid-related conditions, the prison service said.

The periods of release vary from a few hours up to seven nights, and all releases are subject to stringent conditions and any offender who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by the gardai.

Many of the prisoners being released are nearing the end of their sentences and the overriding concern when considering the applications is the safety of the public, the Irish Prison Service said.

Ireland Brothers of Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes to be sente... Read More

In addition to compassionate and humane considerations, other criteria taken into account include the nature and gravity of the offence, length of sentence served to date, prior record on temporary release, behaviour while in custody and previous criminal history.

The sensitivities of victims are an issue that has also been taken into account. Additional specific conditions will also apply in relation to victim cases.

Furthermore all registered victims with the Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service will be informed in the cases where prisoners are receiving Christmas Temporary Release
An army instructor who ripped a hole in the jeans of a female recruit at a social event in a military barracks and drank alcohol out of a bra has avoided being demoted to the rank of private by the narrowest of margins at a court martial.

A military judge issued Corporal Keith Lynch of the 27th Infantry Battalion at Aiken Barracks in Dundalk, Co Louth with a fine of 21 days pay and severely reprimanded him after he pleaded guilty to charges of assault and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.

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The judge, Colonel Michael Campion, said the accuseds conduct represented the type of culture that is not, and never was, acceptable in the Defence Forces.

The offences occurred in the vicinity of the NCO mess at Aiken Barracks on March 25th, 2021 during a social event following a passing-out parade of a group of recruits from a training course where Corp Lynch had been the instructor.

The charge of assault contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 related to Corp Lynch placing his hand in a designer hole in the right knee of the jeans of a young female soldier and ripping it a few inches up her thigh.

The second charge relating to him drinking alcohol from a bra took place on the same date in the same location after the garment had been presented to one of Corp Lynchs friends in a mock Oscars ceremony.

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At a sitting of a court martial at the Military Justice Centre in McKee Barracks in Dublin, Col Campion said aggravating factors in the case were the defendants rank and experience as well as the age and rank difference between him and his victim.

He claimed the assault had taken place at a time when there had been a pattern of intergender violence involving other NCOs in Corp Lynchs unit.

The judge noted those soldiers had already been dealt with by a court martial and were no longer members of the Defence Forces.

He said Corp Lynchs conduct had an impact on a recruit in a formative stage of her military career as well as being corrosive of authority and respect for NCOs.

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Col Campion said the accuseds actions had also represented a breach of the trust placed in him by both his superiors and his victim as her instructor.

He said Corp Lynch had demonstrated an inappropriate level of familiarity and had shown a serious lack of self-discipline and control against a background of alcohol consumption.

The judge also criticised the defendant for attempting to minimise his actions when giving evidence by suggesting he had pulled at a thread on his victims clothing rather than ripping her jeans.

However, he also acknowledged a number of mitigating factors including the accuseds guilty plea and his previous good character.

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The court heard that there was no evidence that Corp Lynch suffers from any addiction or mental health issues, while he had no record of any previous inappropriate behaviour during around 20 years serving with the Defence Forces.

Col Campion accepted that Corp Lynch had shown insight and remorse and noted he had already suffered some financial consequences by being withdrawn from an overseas trip due to his prosecution.

However, he said the conduct of the accused had no place in the Defence Forces even if it was perceived as occurring in an informal social setting.

The judge remarked that while the nature of what happened might not be regarded as an assault colloquially as there was no evidence of any violence or aggression by the accused, he stressed that no form of contact with another individual was acceptable.

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Although Corp Lynchs behaviour might have been out of character, he said it represented a clear breach of the dignity charter of the Defence Forces.

Col Campion reminded the defendant that it was never appropriate to touch a person, particularly a member of another gender and of a lower rank, without their consent even in a relaxed, informal setting.

Ireland Army officer dismissed from Defence Forces over at... Read More

The judge he believed that Corp Lynch may have missed out on training for addressing such conduct and he sought and received an undertaking from the accused as part of his sentencing that he would complete a course in sexual ethics and responsible relationships within three months.

He set a headline sentence of demotion of the defendant to the rank of private for the assault conviction but decided by the narrowest of margins to reduce it to a fine of 14 days pay and a severe reprimand.

Corp Lynch was also fined seven days pay and given another severe reprimand for the disciplinary offence related to drinking alcohol from a bra.

The judge concluded by emphasising to the defendant that he would not be given a second chance if he appeared before a court martial on disciplinary issues again.
Former Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS) boss Michael Fingleton has lost his Supreme Court bid to halt his civil trial alleging he negligently mismanaged the failed lender.

Five judges of the top court held that the 86-year-old, acting through his wife and son, Michael Fingleton jnr, under their powers of attorney, fell considerably short of the threshold that would convince the court it should dismiss his case before a hearing.

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The High Court and Court of Appeal had already refused to halt the trial, which is scheduled to run next year.

Mr Fingletons lawyers had urged the Supreme Court to end the 2012 civil claim brought against him by the liquidators of the State-owned Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC), which took over INBS after it collapsed.

They argued he cannot receive a fair trial due to being incapacitated after suffering a stroke several years ago and because of the passage of time since the alleged events.

The liquidators senior counsel, John D Fitzgerald, submitted that halting the case would be a draconian step.

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The claim against Mr Fingleton was originally pitched at 6 billion, the amount lost by the lender after the 2008 property crash. It has since significantly narrowed to about 290 million and centres around a series of five loans issued between 2006 and 2009.

He denies the claims against him.

Giving the Supreme Courts judgment on Thursday, Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe said ill-health does not, in itself, ground an entitlement to have a case dismissed.

He concluded that the Court of Appeal had applied the legal principles correctly in finding that Mr Fingleton had not discharged the very high burden in attempting to secure a dismissal.

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The lower court correctly concluded that Mr Fingletons inability to instruct his lawyers or to give evidence in court falls short, and considerably so, of the threshold to persuade the court to dismiss the case before a trial, said Mr Justice Woulfe.

Ireland Army instructor 'ripped hole in female recruit's j... Read More

The judge said the balance of justice and fairness will remain a live issue for the High Court trial judge to monitor. The judge hearing the case next year will have a duty to ensure fairness, he said.

Mr Justice Woulfes decision was unanimously supported by his four colleagues: Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne, Ms Justice Iseult OMalley, Mr Justice Gerard Hogan and Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly.

Mr Fingleton led Irish Nationwide between 1971 and 2009, holding the role of managing director for much of the period, though his title was changed to chief executive close to the end of his time in charge.

Mr Fingleton jnr has said his father, who was worth 75 million in 2006, had less than 25,000 in two personal bank accounts and outstanding judgment debts of more than 10.7 million as of late 2022.
Gardai investigating the suspected murder of Irish schoolboy Kyran Durnin have released photographs of what they believe are the last known images of him before he disappeared.

Kyran, who would now be eight years old if he was still alive, was reported missing in August of this year, but investigators suspect he may have been killed up to two years ago.

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A murder investigation was launched in October, but gardai believe he might have died in 2022 when he was aged six.

It emerged that Kyran had not been seen since May 2022, when he had been a pupil at a local primary school in Dundalk.

However, gardai confirmed that as part of their ongoing inquiries, new images of Kyran, which were taken in June 2022 when he was six, have been provided to the investigation team.

A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of his murder in the last two weeks, while three domestic properties and adjoining lands have also been searched.

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Earlier this week, the man who was arrested was found dead.

Gardai said emergency services were contacted following the discovery of the mans body at a house in Drogheda on Tuesday.

The man was aged in his 30s.

Investigators say they have received extensive support from the public.

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They also said they are aware of the extensive public commentary on the investigation including speculation, rumours and theories on what may have happened to Kyran.

An Garda Siochana continue to appeal to the public, notwithstanding all the information that is in the public domain, to not assume that the investigation team know the information that you may have, a spokesman said.

Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will be welcomed by the investigation team. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

The garda investigation team can be contacted at Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or through any garda station.
A greenway which travels through the heart of east Cork has opened fully to walkers and cyclists.

The second and final phase of the 23km Midleton Youghal Greenway became accessible to the public at midday on Thursday.

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This follows the completion of the last 15km stretch of the route from Mogeely to Youghal.

Members of the public can access the greenway through the trailheads at Midleton Station, Mogeely, Killeagh, and through the MacCurtainstown Car Park in Youghal.

Trees and hedgerows have been retained along the greenway and a significant programme of native planting has been undertaken.

Mayor of Co Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll, hopes that the greenway will become a must-visit destination within Irelands Ancient East.

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It complements and enhances the existing tourism offering in the county, allowing visitors to explore East Cork in a safe, off-road and traffic free environment. We hope the greenway will also serve as a catalyst for economic growth and tourism development," he said.

Ireland Michael Flatley increases insurance cover on his C... Read More

"By attracting visitors from near and far, the greenway will stimulate local business and create opportunities in the hospitality, retail, and service sectors to boost tourism revenue and revitalise our towns and villages.

Chief executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said the project aims to meet the needs of local communities in terms of active travel, recreation, well-being and connection to nature.

Meanwhile, the council says that it recognises the extensive consultation and engagement by both farmers and property owners adjoining the greenway.

The greenway will integrate with existing and planned cycle infrastructure in the west towards Cork City and east towards Waterford. It will also form part of the EuroVelo 1 route. The first stage of the greenway opened in March.
The president of the High Court has suspended a dentist from practising after hearing claims he was black market supplying medicines to people who were not his patients.

Mr Justice David Barniville was completely satisfied that significant issues of public safety and patient safety arose to necessitate the interim suspension orders.

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His orders, which last until the court decides to alter or remove them, were made in response to an application by the Dental Council under section 44 of the 1975 Dentists Act.

The judge stressed that the extremely serious allegations are at this point still just claims and the man vehemently denies any wrongdoing.

It was not the courts function in this application to make findings of fact, as this task will fall in time to the councils fitness to practise committee or other court if the claims are referred on, said the judge.

The dentist, who cannot be identified due to a court order, did not substantially engage with the councils claims.

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This was due primarily to maintaining that he enjoys the presumption of innocence and the privilege against self-incrimination in circumstances where the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is separately investigating allegations of criminal conduct, said the judge.

The HPRA is investigating alleged breaches of the Medicinal Products Regulations, including the potential supply of prescription-only medicinal products without prescriptions and the potential placement of unauthorised medicinal products on the market, he said.

Mr Justice Barniville said the council was briefed earlier this year on a claim the dentist sold botox products and weight loss/antidiabetic drug Ozempic to a woman without a prescription.

The council asked if the man was prepared to provide a written undertaking not to engage in dentistry until the conclusion of its complaints process.

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He refused mainly on the basis that he denies the claims and says his practice is his livelihood. The dentist offered to provide other undertakings that the council believes effectively amounted to complying with the law. He also indicated he was open to one related to supervision of his practice.

His lawyers submitted to the council that there was no risk of immediate danger to the public.

The council applied to the court for an interim suspension order as it considered the allegations were extremely serious and went directly to the protection of the public.

Ruling, Mr Justice Barniville said, while he was not tasked with making findings of facts, he could not ignore the fact that there is evidence that appears to show that the man sold a botulinum toxin product that is not licensed for sale or supply in Ireland.

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The judge said a piece of evidence also appears to show him selling two prescription-only medicinal products, called Lidocaine and Lorase, to a non-patient without a prescription.

He also appeared to sell Ozempic to a non-patient without a prescription, the judge said, adding that a dentist would not appear to have an entitlement to sell this drug even to a patient.

Ireland Seven years for killer of child and father branded... Read More

Mr Justice Barniville said the council alleges the claims amount to a black market supply of medicines on a large-scale basis. The judge was satisfied the allegations disclose a real and substantial immediate risk to the public.

The judge said he had to keep in mind the dentists various constitutional rights, his privilege against self-incrimination and the presumption of his innocence in relation to claims of criminal wrongdoing.

The judge said the balance of justice very clearly lies in favour of making the orders to ensure the protection of the public.

He scheduled for the case to return to court next February so he can be updated on the status of the HPRA investigation and the councils fitness to practise proceedings.
A man who attacked a cardiologist with a champagne bottle in the victims home after they met in a pub in Dublin that night has been jailed for nine years and six months.

Liam Whelan (43) of no fixed abode, had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing serious harm and robbery of the victim in Dublin city on August 25th, 2023.

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Whelan was convicted unanimously by a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury on both counts following a trial in November.

The court heard that the victim later required surgery to remove a large blood clot that was putting pressure on his brain and to reconstruct his skull due to a fracture. He has suffered permanent hearing loss in one ear and was unable to work for six months due to a risk of epilepsy and seizures.

On Thursday, Judge Patricia Ryan handed Whelan a sentence of ten years and six months, with the final 12 months suspended for three years on strict conditions.

Garda Ryan Delaney told Conor McKenna BL prosecuting the victim lived and practiced as a cardiologist outside of Dublin but had come to Dublin that night to a home he owned in the city. He went for dinner with a friend before he went for drinks in The George Bar on Georges Street in the city centre.

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The victim met Whelan while he was outside in the smoking area and the men decided to go back to the victims home nearby.

Gda Delaney agreed with Mr McKenna that the victim has very little recollection of what happened afterwards but recalled going to his bedroom with Whelan before he heard a crunching noise. He came to later on the ground in a pool of his own blood.

He estimated that he had been there for some time as his face was stuck to the ground.

The doctor continued to go in and out of consciousness. He recalled seeing Whelan in the room, naked trying on his clothes and asked him to call an ambulance.

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He remembered Whelan laughing at him and saying to the victim that he had not made up his mind yet if he was going to clip him.

Whelan later left the house with the victims money, wallet, credit cards, phone and clothing.

The victim got out of the house and bought some paracetamol before he returned home to sleep.

It had been his intention to seek help in St Jamess Hospital but when he arrived there, he discovered there were 11 ambulances lined up, so he decided to drive to his home in the south of the country.

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The doctor was treated for the following day in hospital. He underwent surgery to remove the blood clot in his skull and to reconfigure the fragmented bones in his skull.

He spent five days in hospital and was not able to return to work as a cardiologist or drive for six months due to the potential risks of seizures.

Medical reports

Mr McKenna said there were two medical reports before the court. The first outlined that the victim suffered severe bruising to his head and face and had multiple cuts to his face and scalp.

He suffered a significant skull fracture and a facial fracture.

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The blood clot which was removed was considered large and life threatening.

A second medical report indicated that the victim would have a permanent hearing loss in one ear and his balance was also impacted.

Mr McKenna reminded the court that the jury were shown photographs of the mans injuries and the scene of the attack.

They also viewed various pieces of CCTV footage which showed the mens first meeting, them walking back to the victims home hand in hand and them arriving at the victims home.

Whelan was identified on CCTV footage and was ultimately arrested on January 4th this year. During the subsequent garda interview he claimed that he had been sexually assaulted by the victim and as a result he struck him with a bottle.

He maintained this defence throughout his trial. He also claimed that the victim came at me with a knife.

Gda Delaney said Whelan had 63 previous convictions including breach of barring order, road traffic offences, possession of drugs for sale or supply, possession of knives and handling stolen property.

Victim impact statement

A victim impact statement read into the record by Mr McKenna said the victim has made a good physical recovery  all things considered.

He had an estimated loss of earnings of 106,760 due to the fact that he could not practice in cardiology for six months.

He said he lost seven pints of blood during the attack and the walls in his bedroom needed to be repainted due to blood splatter. He has scars on his face and scalp.

The doctor said he previously had no history of mental illness but has since suffered severely. He said through counselling he has begun to deal with his social anxiety and is very dependent on friends and family. He suffers from severe and crippling depression which he finds both socially and professionally embarrassing.

I am a paper-thin version of the person I was, the statement continued.

I will never understand how someone I was having a lovely time with refused to call an ambulance, laughed at me and allowed me to fall back into a pool of my own blood, he said.

It is difficult to accept the reality of life now, he concluded.

Gda Delaney agreed with Maurice Coffey SC, defending, that at the time of the offence Whelan was a homeless drug addict.

He accepted that he has no previous convictions for violent assaults or robbery.

Mr McKenna said the Director of Public Prosecutions view is that the offence fell into the upper range and justified a sentence of between 10 and 15 years given the severity of the injuries and the impacts it had on his life, the fact that it was an unprovoked attack that occurred in the victims home and that Whelan had used a bottle as a weapon.

The maximum penalty available to the court for both offences is life imprisonment.

Mr Coffey told Judge Ryan that while Whelan still maintains that he was acting under self-defence he accepts that he carried out those actions and caused the harm.

Ireland Brothers of Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes to be sente... Read More

He deeply regrets the level of harm done to the victim, Mr Coffey said adding that Whelan is remorseful for the injuries caused.

Mr Coffey asked the court to accept that his client had a difficult life and handed in a letter from his sister which portrayed the difficult family background they had.

He had tragedies within the family and the deaths of close friends and family throughout his early life impacted his life in a severe way, counsel continued.

Mr Coffey asked the court to take in account Whelans vulnerability at the time of the offence but acknowledged that it was a very severe assault that had long lasting and permanent injuries on the victim.
A teenager who was part of a group of youths who carried out an unprovoked attack on British tourists in Temple Bar has been jailed for three years.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Scott Cahill (19) of St James Road, Greenhills, Crumlin, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault causing harm in Temple Bar on August 11th, 2023.

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He has four previous convictions, which include assault and the production of an article. Cahill was on bail at the time of this offence.

Passing sentence on Thursday, Judge Pauline Codd noted the victims were subjected to an unprovoked attack by the accused and a group of other teenage males.

She said that Cahill's involvement through punching, kicking and stomping on one of the victims was a significant aggravating feature. The judge said other aggravating factors include that Cahill was on bail at the time and the impact on the victims.

The judge said she had considered the mitigating factors, including Cahill's guilty pleas, expressions of remorse, his youth and the contents of reports submitted to the court.

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Judge Codd imposed an effective sentence of five years, with the final two years suspended on strict conditions, including that Cahill place himself under the supervision of the Probation Services upon his release from custody.

She backdated his sentence to September 5th, 2023, when he went into custody. Judge Codd said the court noted that Cahill hasnt been particularly well behaved in prison, and it was important Cahill understands that he must be of good behaviour in prison and for the duration of the suspended sentence.

At a previous hearing, Garda Derek Brereton told George Burns, BL, prosecuting, that four British tourists were the victims of violent disorder just after 10pm on the night in question.

The court heard that the tourists encountered a large group of youths who asked if they wanted to buy drugs. One of the tourists declined the offer and walked on and then felt a punch to the back of his head.

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The court heard Cahill (then 18) punched three of the men several times, both when they were standing and while they were on the ground. He also stamped on the head of one of the men.

CCTV of the incident was shown to the court, and gardai used this footage to identify Cahill. On his arrest, clothing matching that shown in the CCTV footage was seized.

Gda Brereton told the court that two of the men were taken to hospital with the following injuries: a broken nose, bruising and swelling to the left eye, lacerations and one had a cut to the back of his head that needed to be glued.

Victim impact statements were handed into the court from the men. The statements described how one of the men struggled to feel safe and had been diagnosed with PTSD. He said that he lacks confidence and, at a time, was physically unable to leave the house.

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A second injured party said that he suffers from constant headaches, is hyper-vigilant in crowded areas and has lost interest in activities since the attack. He said he was an outgoing person who liked to travel but now is a nervous wreck.

Scott was refused bail and has been in custody since September 2023.

Gda Brereton agreed with Michael OHiggins, SC, defending, that his client was 18 at the time of the offence and that he had serious substance abuse issues.

The garda agreed with counsel that Cahill had a turbulent childhood and was not difficult to deal with. The garda further accepted that Cahill identified himself on CCTV.

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Mr OHiggins said, This is a serious case and is recognised by my client as serious. It lasted less than a minute, and the level of violence was strong.

Ireland Man jailed for nine and half years for champagne b... Read More

Counsel said Scott has shown empathy and remorse and has a desire to correct his behaviours.

He said Scott grew up in a volatile environment and was placed into foster care as a child.

He asked the court to take into account the contents of a psychological report and a probation report.

Mr O'Higgins noted that his client is assessed at high risk of re-offending and asked the court to structure a sentence to include a period where his client would be under the supervision of the Probation Service. He said his client now has family support and is undertaking a number of courses while in custody.
European Union leaders have insisted that no decisions can be taken about the future of war-ravaged Ukraine without its consent or behind the backs of its partners in Europe, barely a month before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Ukraines position is precarious more than 1,000 days into the war.

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Russia continues to make gains on the battlefield, pushing the front line gradually westwards despite suffering heavy casualties. Ukraines energy network is in tatters and military recruits are hard to find.

In a show of solidarity at a summit in Brussels with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, many EU leaders repeated a variation of what has become a common mantra  nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, nothing about security in Europe without Europeans.





Mr Trump returns to the White House on January 20 having promised to end the war in Ukraine quickly and talked up his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many Europeans are concerned that it might result in a poor deal for Ukraine.

Rumours are swirling in Europe about possible peace talks in early 2025, and whether European peacekeepers might be needed to enforce any settlement, but the leaders are trying to keep a lid on speculation about what they are prepared to do, so as not to tip their hand to Russia.

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The priority now, they say, must be to strengthen Ukraines hand, should Mr Zelensky decide it is time to negotiate.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that it is important to ensure long-term aid to Ukraine  it must be clear that we are prepared to enable support as long as it is needed. Air defence, artillery and ammunition are high on the list, he told reporters.

Asked about Mr Trump, Mr Scholz said that his impression from talking to the president-elect is that good co-operation between Europe and the US is possible. He said that the principle is always: no decisions over Ukrainians heads, and that of course means over those of the European states.



European Union leaders at the summit in Brussels (Omar Havana/AP)

Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden had a similar message.

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We need to stand with Ukraine, and every step needs to be taken with Ukraine and in the presence of the European Union. The future of Ukraine is decided in Europe and not elsewhere, he said.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof underlined that Ukraine must be the country that determines under what conditions talks can possibly take place, adding: And it is not for us to talk about that. At the moment, Ukraine has not yet indicated that they are prepared to do so.

It is difficult to predict what Mr Trump might do, and whether history might be a reliable guide.

Under his previous presidency, in 2020, the United States inked a deal on a military withdrawal from Afghanistan directly with the strongest player  the Taliban insurgents  mostly playing down the concerns of the Afghan government and president.

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The chaotic exit in 2021, finally ordered by US President Joe Biden, humiliated Washington and its allies in Nato as the Afghan security forces they had trained for years and invested billions in collapsed and the Taliban swept to power.

From the beginning of next year, we need very much unity between the United States and EU, and countries of Europe, Mr Zelensky told reporters at the summit. Only together the United States and Europe can stop Putin and save Ukraine.

He added: Its very difficult to support Ukraine without American help.
At least nine people have been killed in Yemen after a series of intense Israeli air strikes shook the rebel-held capital and a port city on Thursday, officials said.

The air strikes came shortly after a Houthi missile targeted central Israel.

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They risk further escalating conflict with the Iranian-backed Houthis, whose attacks on the Red Sea corridor have drastically impacted global shipping.

The rebels have so far avoided the same level of intense military strikes that have targeted Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanons Hezbollah, fellow members of Tehrans self-described Axis of Resistance.



The damage caused after a large piece of shrapnel from Houthi missile collapsed a school building in Tel Aviv, Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Israels military said it conducted two waves of strikes in a pre-planned operation that began early Thursday and involved 14 fighter jets. The military said the first wave of strikes targeted Houthi infrastructure at the ports of Hodeida, Salif and the Ras Isa oil terminal on the Red Sea.

Then, in a second wave of strikes, the military said its fighter jets targeted Houthi energy infrastructure in Sanaa.

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The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah said that some of the strikes targeted power stations in the capital, posting videos of flames engulfing one structure, as civil defence workers doused it in water, trying to put out the fire.

The channel, citing its correspondent in the port city of Hodeida, said that at least seven people had been killed at the nearby port of Salif, while another two had been killed at the Ras Isa oil terminal.

Others suffered wounds at the Hodeida port as well, it said.

An Israeli military statement offered no damage assessment.

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Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, said the strikes hit energy and port infrastructure, which he alleged the rebels have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military action.

I suggest the leaders of the Houthis to see, to understand and remember: Whoever raises a hand against the state of Israel, his hand will be cut off, whoever harms us  will be harmed sevenfold, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said.



Smoke rises from the scene of an Israeli air strike in Yemen (Osamah Abdulrahman/AP)

Rebel-held Hodeida, about 90 miles south-west of Sanaa, has been key for food shipments into Yemen as its decade-long war has gone on. There is also longstanding suspicion that weapons from Iran have been transferred through the port.

The strikes happened just after Israels military said that its air force intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it entered the countrys territory.

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Rocket and missile sirens were sounded following the possibility of falling debris from the interception, the Israeli military said. Sirens sounded near Tel Aviv and the surrounding areas, and a large explosion was heard overhead at the time.

In Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, fragments from the missile collapsed a school there, without causing any injuries.

Brig Gen Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed the attack hours later in a prerecorded video statement, saying the rebels fired two of its Palestine ballistic missiles at Israel.

Israel previously struck Hodeida and its oil infrastructure in July after a Houthi drone attack killed one person and wounded 10 in Tel Aviv.

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In September, Israel struck Hodeida again, killing at least four people after a rebel missile targeted Israels Ben Gurion airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arriving back in the country.

American forces have also launched a series of strikes on the Houthis over nearly a year because of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor.



People examine the damage caused by a Houthi missile (Ariel Schalit/AP)

On Monday, the US militarys Central Command said that it hit a key command-and-control facility operated by the Houthis in Sanaa, later identified as the al-Ardi complex once home to the governments defence ministry.

But Israel appears to have carried out Thursdays strikes alone. A US military official said that Washington had no part in them.

The Houthis have targeted about 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip started in October 2023 after Hamass surprise attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage.

Israels grinding offensive in Gaza has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, local health officials say. The tally does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The Houthis have seized one vessel and sunk two in a campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by separate US and European-led coalitions in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have also included western military vessels.

The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the US or the UK to force an end to Israels campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.

The Houthis have battled a Saudi-led coalition in the wider Yemen war, which has killed more than 150,000 people, including civilians. The conflict also has created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters that is believed to have killed tens of thousands more.

But the Houthis are still standing even as Israels campaign against Hamas and Hezbollah has decimated those militant groups.
Deception Island, located in the Southern Ocean near mainland Antarctica, is a unique and fascinating landform with a storied history.

Shaped like a horseshoe, the island is a semi-submerged volcanic caldera formed by one of Antarctica's most significant eruptions around 4,000 years ago. Today, it serves as a natural harbor, scientific hub, and sanctuary for wildlife, making it a vital part of the Antarctic region.

The Hidden Lagoon Inside Deception Island's Volcanic Rim

The island is part of the South Shetland Islands, situated about 65 miles from the Antarctic mainland in the Drake Passage, Britannica said.

This stretch of water, often called the "iceberg graveyard," is notorious for its rough conditions and the disintegration of massive icebergs that drift from Antarctic ice sheets.

Deception Island's most striking feature is its hidden lagoon, known as Port Foster, which is accessible only through a narrow opening in the caldera's rim called Neptune's Bellows. From the sea, the island appears as a solid landmass, but this deceptive facade hides its welcoming harbor.

First discovered in 1820, Neptune's Bellows quickly became a refuge for sailors facing the harsh storms of the Southern Ocean.

The sheltered waters of Port Foster made the island a critical stop for explorers and later, a base for commercial whaling and sealing operations during the early 20th century.

Monitoring Deception Island's Dormant but Active Volcano

According to LiveScience, the volcanic eruption that created Deception Island was massive, spewing up to 14 cubic miles of ash and magma into the atmosphere, making it the largest eruption in Antarctica in the last 12,000 years.

Since then, the island has experienced at least 20 smaller eruptions, with the last major activity occurring in 1970. Although the volcano has been quiet since 2015, it remains active, and scientists closely monitor its behavior.

Today, Deception Island hosts two permanent research stations operated by Argentina and Spain.

These facilities study the island's geology, volcanic activity, and unique ecosystems. The island is also home to tens of thousands of chinstrap penguins, along with various seals and seabirds, making it a hotspot for wildlife research.

Despite its remote location, Deception Island attracts thousands of tourists annually. Visitors arrive on cruise ships to explore its volcanic springs, historic sites, and breathtaking landscapes.

Its mix of natural beauty, scientific significance, and historical importance make it one of the most remarkable destinations in Antarctica.
An Uzbek citizen accused of acting on behalf of Ukraine has been charged in a Russian court with this weeks assassination of a Russian general and his assistant in an electric scooter bombing, Russian state media said on Thursday.

Akhmadzhon Kurbonov was ordered detained until at least February 17 in Tuesdays bombing that killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the chief of Russias radiation, biological and chemical protection forces, the Tass state news agency reported.

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Kurbonov was charged with the killings, carrying out a terrorist act and illegally manufacturing explosives, the news agency said.

Lt Gen Kirillov was killed by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter outside his apartment building in Moscow, a day after Ukraines security service levelled criminal charges against him. His assistant, Ilya Polikarpov, also was killed.



Bombing suspect Akhmadzhon Kurbonov sits in a cage in a courtroom at the Basmanny district court in Moscow (Pavel Bednyakov/AP)

Kurbonov, previously referred to by news agencies as Akhmad Kurbanov, was detained by Russian security services Wednesday.

Shortly after he was detained, Russias Federal Security Service, or FSB, which did not identify him, said he was born in 1995 and was recruited by Ukraines security service.

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The Associated Press could not confirm the conditions under which the suspect spoke to the FSB.

The suspect said he had been promised 100,000 US dollars (79,600) and resettlement in a European Union country in exchange for killing Lt Gen Kirillov, according to the FSB.

The agency said that acting on instructions from Ukraine, the suspect picked up a homemade bomb in Moscow, placed it on an e-scooter and parked it at the entrance to Lt Gen Kirillovs apartment building.

He rented a car to monitor the location and set up a camera that livestreamed the scene to his handlers in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the FSB said, detonating the bomb when Let Gen Kirillov left the building.

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Lt Gen Kirillov, 54, was the head of Russias radiation, biological and chemical protection forces.

The special troops are tasked with protecting the military from use of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and ensuring operations in a contaminated environment.

He was under sanctions from several countries, including the UK and Canada, for his actions in Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

On Monday, Ukraines Security Service, or SBU, opened a criminal investigation against him, accusing him of directing the use of banned chemical weapons.

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Russia denied using any chemical weapons in Ukraine and has accused Kyiv of using toxic agents in combat.

An SBU official told AP on Tuesday that the agency was behind the attack.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to release the information, described Lt Gen Kirillov as a war criminal and an entirely legitimate target.
A bond-trading scandal, a culture crisis, environmental remonstration, human rights concerns related to the funding of arms maker Lockheed Martin and a mob of protesters outside.

Welcome to ANZ Banks annual general meeting, where theres plenty of angst to spare both outside and inside the building. As one frustrated and confused shareholder put it: In heavens name, can someone tell us what the hell is going on?

ANZ is drowning in a sea of issues that even includes that old chestnut of allegations that it charged the accounts of dead people  a problem that everyone thought had been relegated to the annals of history after the banking royal commission seven years ago.

Paul OSullivan chairs the ANZ shareholder meeting.

The large shareholders with voting heft, and their proxy advisers, had already made their dissatisfaction clear to the board, giving it a fair idea of just how unpopular outgoing chief executive Shayne Elliotts long-term bonus package was.
By working on case studies and live projects, I gained a hands-on understanding of what it takes to turn ideas into action.

Active engagement

Chris Raleigh had been a lawyer for 10 years when he decided on a change of direction, and co-founded Earthletica Activewear, alongside Olympic swimming champion Bronte Campbell and fitness trainer Libby Babet.

There was one problem: I needed to further develop my skill set to run a company, Raleigh says. So he enrolled in a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

He chose to do this at QUT, due to a number of factors, including his previous experience there (hed studied a graduate certificate in future law technologies), the business schools triple crown accreditation, its close ties with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and its practical approach.

After 10 years as a lawyer, Chris Raleigh (pictured) pivoted to co-found Earthletica Activewear.

QUTs focus on preparing students for the real world seemed like the best fit for Raleigh as he was establishing his business. And it hasnt disappointed.

You can tailor the MBA to what you want to get out of it, he says. For me, it has been about making sure everything I do is tailored to growing my company.

Raleigh, who is due to complete his MBA next year, was selected to attend a QUT-supported entrepreneurship course at MIT in 2023, which he describes as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And business is good.

Since Earthleticas high-performance, sustainable activewear was launched 18 months ago (following two years of product development), it has enjoyed awesome customer growth, Raleigh says. The brand is starting to gain recognition in the industry, having recently completed the prestigious Techstars accelerator program.

A real QUT success story in the making: Campbell and Babet also studied there.

Marginal gains

Gaj Panagodas career in paediatric rehabilitation has taken him from Far North Queensland to the Kimberley as he has pursued a passion for helping vulnerable and marginalised people.

But as he increasingly found himself performing management roles  for his own clinic, Superkid Rehab, as well as other organisations  Panagoda realised that being a clinician and a business decision-maker were two very different things.

So, in 2021 he enrolled in an MBA at QUT. And two years later, he launched Xstitch Health, a Brisbane-based startup that helps marginalised communities connect with the health system.

Its currently in the middle of its first big project, and Panagoda is applying what he learnt at QUT in everything from the businesss financial model to its workforce management.

Gaj Panagoda (pictured) credits his QUT MBA for bridging the gap between clinical care and business leadership.

He says the QUT Business School staffs strong industry experience made it easy to discuss not just business theory, but reality.

Its a different kind of conversation, because it makes it easier to jump from, OK, heres the research, heres the evidence, to what does that actually look like in practice?

Sharing problems with staff and students from across different industries was eye-opening, Panagoda says, providing practical ideas and solutions that helped him start his business, and which would have been much harder to find had he stayed within the silo of the medical profession.

It was incredibly helpful, because theres people that have tackled these problems in great ways, he says. But you only know if youre in the room with those people, and you build the trust to have those conversations.

Explore the courses mentioned in this article or discover the full suite of QUT business courses here.
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 Rodger Shanahan perfectly sums up the disturbing nature of Middle East commentary (Telling Israel the killing must stop in Gaza is not antisemitic, December 19), where advocates press hard for their side without conceding any ground to the other. On the left, we have the Greens and various conspiracy theorists calling any party that doesnt fully agree with them genocide-apologists. On the right, Peter Duttons Liberals and the Jewish lobby label any criticism of Israels slaughter of more than 40,000 civilians antisemitic. In such a volatile time, I thank our progressive government and the thoughtful Senator Penny Wong, who upheld the promise to govern for all Australians and cautiously steered the country down the sensible centre path.

Phil Bradshaw, Naremburn Mohammad Shouman carries the body of his daughter, Masa, who was killed in an Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, at her funeral in Rafah on Tuesday. Credit: AP Shanahan rightly takes Mike Kelly to task for his emotive and accusatory opinion piece on Australia and Israel. Standout points in his rebuttal include dismissing the claims that Israel is engaged in an existential conflict and that an early end to the Gaza war will mean an early end to the Israel-Palestine issue. Why not? Because of the Israeli settlements. Shanahan puts it plainly: The almost 700,000 settlers create facts on the ground designed to make any future two-state solution less and less practical. He could also have instanced as facts on the ground the expansion of Israeli control over southern Lebanon and Syria. Along with Gaza, these facts suggest a drive towards the creation of a Greater Israel that Australia must resolutely call out. Tom Knowles, Parkville (Vic) Thank you for supplying the one word I was trying to find  proportionality. I keep wondering why it is regarded as antisemitic to be devastated by the disproportionate loss of life in this conflict. Sadly, it may not be enough to save the continuing slaughter of innocent civilian lives. Sally Shepard, Nelson Bay Shanahan wishes there was more reasoned debate on Gaza. He observes we live in an era when identity is king, but doesnt question that. He dismisses Israels claim that it faces an existential threat, but stays silent on what follows: how then is Israels Gaza campaign essentially different to Russias in Ukraine? The International Court of Justice, citing plausible genocide in Gaza, is not captured by Israels identity mantra. Shanahan also fails to link Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian lands to the frustration behind Hamas bloody October 7 attack. If the settlements are a barrier to peace, then so are all the other Israeli abuses of occupation under the Geneva Conventions international law: incarceration of children, denial of medical access, travel rights. On which we and our friends, Israels friends, do nothing. In exposing the blind spots in Mike Kellys defence of Israel, Shanahan fails to see some in his own. Ken Blackman, Inverloch (Vic) What value to Country? Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price makes a good point about repetitive Indigenous recognition (Welcome to Country isnt for every event. Good on you, Storm, December 19). The acknowledgment of Country especially is vastly overdone. We dont sing the national anthem or recite the ode to the fallen every time a plane lands, or when a speech or presentation is given. And their words are not printed on the bottom of websites, advertising blurbs or grocery receipts. But the acknowledgment of Country has become so ubiquitous and perfunctory that the sheer repetition of it risks relegating the disadvantage that still blights Indigenous lives as having been properly taken care of by simply mouthing a bunch of well-meaning platitudes. Save it for more serious and pertinent occasions and get on with making Indigenous lives better. Just genuflecting at it at every turn only serves to vacuum non-Indigenous consciences into a state of self-satisfaction at best and indifference at worst. Adrian Connelly, Springwood

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Indigenous dancers perform during the Welcome to Country before a Melbourne Storm-Cronulla Sharks match. Credit: Getty Images I agree with Price when she says, many people have lost the ability to think and speak rationally about these issues. What comes to mind, in particular, as an example of this craziness are her own words uttered in the run-up to the Voice referendum about there being no entrenched disadvantage for Indigenous people in Australia. In saying this, she ignored the governments Bringing Them Home report, as well as mountains of evidence in numerous Closing the Gap reports, plus ongoing research by Indigenous and non-Indigenous anthropologists. Her article seems to conveniently side-step her nonsensical earlier comments, but we havent forgotten. Kerrie Wehbe, Blacktown Price highlights the dichotomy in the modern world of progressive identity politics. George Orwells all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others could be compared to a multicultural Australian society trying to promote inclusion but increasingly creating hostile diversity. Does the spectator at a sporting event switch off or genuinely contemplate the significance of a welcome to Country? Is a CEO at an AGM going through the motions and ticking boxes as he/she acknowledges traditional owners? The puerile obsession of trying to please everyone and offending no one creates a make-believe world where authentic gestures get lost in the nonsense and the genuine debate gets cancelled before it starts. Simon Pitts, Riverview Finally, Price brings the discussion about welcome to Country out in the open. The question is, what good does it do? Does it help disadvantaged Indigenous people? Does it engender mutual respect? There must be better ways to help. Ensuring outback schooling for all children, running centres offering useful activities to all citizens, police presence to ensure law and order in communities reportedly struggling with crime, to name a few. Where these things are put in place but fail, methods need to be changed. It would be good to see how Indigenous people have benefited from this policy  there must be some who are glad of it. Itd be heartening to hear how their lives have improved. But it looks like hypocritical jargon to some of us who wait impatiently for the end so we can just get started. Id happily be educated as to how and why the policy is valuable. Wendy Crew, Lane Cove North Here we go again, Price sowing the seeds of confusion under the guise of being an authority on what is good for the First Peoples of Australia. Price confuses acknowledgment of Country, a statement that this event is conducted on Aboriginal land, with welcome to Country, an ancient tradition that recognises the presence of a visitor on your land. She says, I am not interested in pointing out race for the sake of it. So if that is the ultimate aim of the recognition being promoted here, I want no part of it. Her contribution to the referendum debate was to confuse us by saying a Voice to parliament would divide us. It certainly has and this article will continue to do so. Chris Moe, Bensville If I could think of one thing that the Coalition has done to promote Indigenous health, I would take Price seriously and I would applaud her celebrating Melbourne Storms actions. The Coalition, in government and in opposition, has resisted every opportunity to correct the structural injustice of Indigenous people. Price prefers to rant on disadvantage rather than advance their cause. She is neither an appropriate adviser for Indigenous people nor for the settler groups, of which Melbourne Storm is one. Anne Eagar, Epping Two writers, Price and Shanahan, literally and metaphorically on the same page, writing about balance in public discussion. Both presenting some well-considered arguments. Good reading, great to see. Needs to be more of it in Australia.

Steven Lee, Faulconbridge

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Push for nuclear purely politics Australias Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation produced a report on small modular reactors recently; the essential theme is it is too early to tell. The present debate is being pushed by a person who thinks it is important politically but appears to have little understanding technically.

There are many places around the world planning to build nuclear power plants, all with no certainty in regard to the best design, the cost of building, the cost of the generated electricity, the building time and the clean-up at the end of their useful life, as well as the waste problem.

It appears to me the present push is very short on anything but politics. Peter Alway, Hunters Hill The Coalitions report on nuclear costings, while controversial for its convenient assumptions, surprisingly details a future energy mix with far less hydrogen than expected. Under the Coalitions modelling, hydrogens energy generation is as little as a seventh of that determined by Labor  a significant departure from Morrison and Turnbulls dreams of replacing gas with hydrogen. This is the death knell for fossil-fuel-derived hydrogen as its last political support dries up. Electricity needed to produce green hydrogen was also quietly snubbed from analysis, drawing ire from the already dwindling industry.

It seems Dutton no longer believes in his predecessors plans for hydrogen. Fortescue  Australias biggest green hydrogen player  withdrawing from the industry, coupled with growing expert criticism of its finance and emissions issues has likely made it too politically costly to pursue.

When even solar-produced hydrogen will emit too much to be considered green under global standards, it seems unsurprising the Coalition no longer thinks of hydrogen as the miracle it once did. Rosco Jones, Turramurra All thats left Rosemary OBrien claims Labors relentless push left as a fact (Letters, December 19). If thats the case, why do we still have negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount?

Judith Campbell, Drummoyne Your correspondent must be wearing strongly tinted glasses to be seeing what she claims is Labors relentless push left. Labor moved right of centre in the Hawke-Keating years and has never come back. Some would argue that that is what has driven the Liberals relentless push to the even-further right. Regardless, when did striving for a fair, equitable society become something of the left? Is that not just something driven by a compassionate, caring, humanitarian view? Peter Thompson, Grenfell The global economy has faced major headwinds and will continue to do so. Australia cant shelter from those. Quick, bring back Angus Taylor! Only joking. Dave Watts, Avalon

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Nothing too left in governing and caring for all Australians, Rosemary. There were signs not long ago that the conservatives would reverse aspects of the right to an abortion. Pretty far right, if you ask me! Claudia Drevikovsky, Croydon Oh, Rosemary! Your ideological slip is showing. There is abundant evidence of the Coalition rush to the right, but if you think helping people with great policy here at home and conducting ourselves well in the international sphere is a push to the left, I can only shake my head. Wolf Kempa, Lithgow Like this prayer In December 1999 John Marsden wrote A Prayer for the 21st Century (Acclaimed Australian author John Marsden dies aged 74, December 19). May those who live in the shadows/Be seen by those in the sun  I kept this quote on my desk, intending to use it some relevant time, never figuring it would be on his passing. Vale John Marsden. May your prayer be heard by many. Glenys Quirk, Forster John Marsden Credit: The Age Beyond HSC scores Congratulations to all those schools that did so well in the HSC (Letters, December 19). However, why not look beyond the numbers and see other achievements? For example, Dubbo College Senior Campus graduated 74 First Nations students this year. That is an incredible achievement for the school and also for our community.

It is an outstanding school that is recognised by the community with increasing enrolments. Supported by the junior campuses, the achievements of the Dubbo College Senior Campus are a true team effort. Philip Halpin, Dubbo

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I can see why North Sydney Boys excelled at English (Inside the island study camp where North Sydney Boys plotted their HSC success, December 19). The schools head of English, Ms Loveday Sharpington-Recny, has a name of which even Shakespeare would be in awe. Peter Hill, East Ballina Skids stuff With Hugh Marks as their new boss, will Roy and H.G. stop referring to him as Skid? William Galton, Hurstville Grove Try before high The Minns governments announcement of a pill-testing trial is certainly good news for drug users and those who care about them (Pill testing to go ahead at NSW summer music festivals, December 19), and is a significant win for reform advocates who worked so hard at the recent drug summit. It is to be hoped that this trial will be more robust, more comprehensive and more conscientiously carried out than the half-hearted debacle that was the six-month cashless gaming trial earlier this year. Meredith Williams, Baulkham Hills Missed talent I was saddened to read today of the death of performer Zulya Kamalova, but was impressed to see her so well acknowledged in Suzie Millers obituary (Musician with Tatar heritage made new life and her name in Australia, December 19). Years ago I heard her music on the radio, and its mysterious and haunting quality prompted me to buy her CD Elusive, which I am playing as I write this. Her Volga/Tatar background and transition to Tasmania forged a unique and versatile person and music. It was heartening to see her many awards listed. As Miller says, For those of us touched by her soulfulness, her tenderness and her talent, she lives on in all she created and the joy she brought and continues to bring. I trust this is consoling for her bereft family and friends. Jennifer Fergus, Croydon

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An elderly Ashgrove woman had a lucky escape on Thursday morning when her house collapsed around her, as it fell off its stumps.

Josephine Curties, 85, was sitting in the loungeroom when the Brown Parade house collapsed about 10.20am.

Her daughter, Mandy Curties-Partridge, said it appeared recent wet weather had caused the stumps to sink into the earth.

Its really a miracle she is [all right], she said.
Police have charged a man with child stealing and trespassing after an amber alert was issued for a missing girl.

It is alleged the man took the eight-year-old, who was known to him, from a building on Beach Road in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday morning.

Police issued an amber alert, asking for urgent public help to find her, and sent a police helicopter to search.

Police found the eight-year-old girl about 6pm on Thursday.

She and the man were found safe and well at a property in Eerwah Vale, about 40 kilometres away, about 6pm on Thursday.
In the late 1970s, Heidemann heard that Kujau had offered to supply a customer with a diary written by Hitler. This diary, according to Kujau, was one of a hoard recovered from the wreckage of an aircraft that had crashed in April 1945 near Dresden, hidden by local peasants and later passed to a relative of Kujaus, a general in the East German army, and smuggled across the border in grand pianos. Heidemann was in deep financial trouble at the time and felt that here at last was the scoop that would make his name. Having confirmed the facts about the air crash, he had no difficulty in believing Kujaus story that more volumes existed. Kujau set to work forging volume after volume of the diaries using an old steel pen and staining the pages with tea to make them look faded. Over a period of two years, Stern paid 3.3 million to a mysterious Dr Fischer through Heidemann, who travelled to Germany with bags of cash from his bosses at the magazine, living in expensive hotels and dining at fancy restaurants. A page from the forged diaries. Credit: Getty Images Later it transpired that the reporter had skimmed at least 4.4 million Deutschmarks into his own bank accounts. He said Fischer was having the diaries smuggled in from a secret location in East Germany.

But in reality Heidemann was in cahoots with Kujau, who made basic mistakes such as writing Hitlers supposed words in diaries made with materials not manufactured before 1950. The ink was also modern and the extracts were laced with modern-day phrases. For two years Heidemann desperately tried to shield Kujaus identity, eventually panicking when Stern bosses suddenly brought forward publication of the diaries while Kujau was still forging some of the later volumes in the series. While Heidemann continued to insist that all was well, Trevor-Roper, who had been asked to authenticate the diaries for Times Newspapers, was having doubts. Serialisation began in The Sunday Times on April 24 1983 under the headline WORLD EXCLUSIVE. When Trevor-Roper, a former interrogator of Nazi war criminals, grilled Heidemann one-to-one in a Hamburg hotel room that afternoon, all doubts evaporated after the reporter showed him the volume covering the Rudolf Hess affair, when Hitlers deputy parachuted into Scotland to sue for peace. It was so laughably superficial that Trevor-Roper declared it an unmistakable forgery. After the hoax was discovered, Heidemann claimed he had been the victim of a swindle, though it later emerged that he had kept much of the money for himself. Kujau confessed after a police search of his home revealed forgeries of art works by Durer, Rembrandt and Goya. Heidemanns claim to have found diaries of which there had been no previous record should have immediately sounded alarm bells inside Stern magazine. One of the editors later admitted that the prospect of such a sensational scoop had infected them with so much collective insanity that when Heidemann produced the first half-dozen black notebooks allegedly belonging to Hitler, nobody noticed that they were labelled FH instead of AH, one of Kujaus many blunders.

The air crash may have been verified, but the rest of Heidemanns story was fantasy. He had taken possession of the diaries, he said, when they were thrown from a speeding car through the open window of his Mercedes after he had tossed across bundles of banknotes to pay for them. He refused to reveal the name of his East German source, claiming that doing so would put the supplier in mortal danger. Gerd Heidemann was born on December 4, 1931 in Hamburg. When his single mother married a police officer, Rolf Heidemann, he took his stepfathers name, and as a teenager joined the Hitler Youth, leaving school at the age of 17 to become an apprentice electrician. He hankered to be a photographer and freelanced for a local picture agency before joining the staff of Stern magazine as a photographer and reporter in 1955. Tall, quiet, keen on chess and collecting model soldiers, Heidemann earned a reputation as a lone wolf, disappearing from the newsroom for weeks on end without telling anyone where he was going. At the same time he was considered one of the magazines most dogged investigative reporters, earning the nickname der Spurhund, the bloodhound. In 1973, short of money and ignorant of sailing, Heidemann bought Carin II, a dilapidated yacht formerly owned by Hitlers deputy Hermann Goering, and for five years conducted an affair with Goerings daughter Edda. When they entertained aboard, their guests included two Second World War generals, Karl Wolff and Wilhelm Mohnke. Having got wind of the alleged existence of Hitlers diaries, Heidemann spent a year tracking down the source and in January 1981, on the instructions of Sterns publishers, flew to Stuttgart with a suitcase stuffed with 200,000 marks, to clinch a deal with Fischer. Every few weeks for the next two years, Heidemann would collect a suitcase full of cash and disappear, re-emerging with a couple of newly-forged diaries.

The press conference at which the diaries were unveiled. Credit: Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images In April 1982 Heidemann told Stern that there were more than the 27 diaries he had originally claimed, and that the price had gone up. In all the magazines publisher spent 9.3 million marks to acquire some 60 volumes. Although Heidemann said he handed all the money over to Kujau, he pocketed nearly two million marks for himself, buying houses in Spain, a smart new flat and Nazi memorabilia, including (he claimed) the pistol with which Hitler shot himself. By early 1983 the publishers were offering syndication rights to other news outlets, among them Newsweek, Paris Match and The Times, who flew Hugh Trevor-Roper (by then Lord Dacre of Glanton) to Switzerland where the diaries were locked in a bank. He and other eminent historians declared them authentic, and on April 25 Stern held a news conference to announce their sensational scoop. But the vetting process had been flawed, largely because of the need to keep the news from leaking. When the German Federal Archives produced their own findings, exposing the diaries as clumsy fakes, Heidemann, hauled back from Munich at 5am, named his source as Konrad Fischer. Within three hours, Stern had ascertained that Fischer was Konrad Kujau, and both Kujau and Heidemann were arrested. The magazines top brass resigned, one senior editor later admitting that he had been shocked by the delusional secrecy with which the affair had been conducted. Looking pale and broken, Heidemann was tried and sentenced to four and a half years in prison for fraud. With Sterns money, he had been renting expensive residences, buying new cars and jewellery and buying more Nazi memorabilia.
Crime has reached the highest level on record in Victoria, driven by a surge in people stealing from cars and stores amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Youth crime also hit a 15-year peak and domestic violence reached a record high over the past year, according to the latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency.

Criminal incidents have hit the highest level since the Crime Statistics Agency started tracking numbers in 2004. Credit: Paul Rovere

Over the 12 months to September, there were 578,762 individual crimes recorded, up 13.4 per cent on the previous year, and more than 431,683 criminal incidents (a single incident can include multiple criminal offences), a record high.

However, criminal incidents have been higher per capita in previous years, including in 2020, 2019 and 2016. Victorias population has boomed over the past year, growing by 2.7 per cent to more than 7 million.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece accepted a donation from one of the financiers behind a proposed 57-storey tower in Arden, despite promising not to take funding from developers in the City of Melbourne.

Rich-lister Sidney Myer is one of the names behind a proposal, lodged this week with the state government, for a 609-apartment tower that would stand at three times the agreed height limit for the area.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece accepted a $5000 donation from Sidney Myer. Credit: Penny Stephens

But just a day after the plans were made public, there was already uncertainty over the development, with details removed from a government website for not complying with mandatory planning requirements.

Myer donated $5000 to the Team Nick Reece electoral campaign, raising a potential conflict for the lord mayor, his deputy, Roshena Campbell, and councillors Kevin Louey and Mark Scott, in making any decisions involving the proposed tower and nearby developments.
New York: The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcares CEO was whisked back to New York by plane and helicopter to face new federal charges of stalking and murder, which could bring the death penalty if hes convicted.

Luigi Mangione was held without bail following a Manhattan federal court appearance on Friday (AEDT) that occurred shortly after he was returned to New York. He remained shackled at the ankles throughout the 15-minute proceeding, during which he told a magistrate he understood the allegations against him.

Luigi Mangione was transferred to New York where he was charged with federal crimes. Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images

The hearing followed morning court appearances in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested last week, five days after Brian Thompson was shot outside a New York hotel. Mangione now faces state and federal prosecutions in New York. Manhattans top federal prosecutor said in a release that the state charges were expected to proceed to trial first.

After his Pennsylvania court hearings, Mangione was immediately turned over to at least a dozen New York Police Department officers who were in the courtroom and led him to a plane bound for Long Island. He then was flown to a Manhattan heliport, where he was walked slowly up a pier by a throng of officers with assault rifles.
Officers from the Madison police department have now identified a 15-year-old girl as the shooter on Monday's fatal school shooting incident in Madison, Wisconsin.

Natalie Rupnow, who also went by "Samantha," allegedly opened fire in a study hall classroom at the Abundant Life Christian School mid-Monday morning. The shooting incident was reported by a second-grade teacher.

The shooting led to the death of three people, including a teenage student and a teacher. No other details about the victims were released. It is unclear if the second-grade teacher who reported the shooting was killed. In addition, Rupnow was also found dead at the school with a gunshot wound.

Six other people were injured---all of whom were students. Two of the victims remain in critical condition and are receiving medical attention after sustaining life-threatening injuries.

Police To Determine Possible Motive of School Shooting

Speaking in a news conference Tuesday, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said they are still working to determine the motive behind the shooting. He added that preliminary investigation showed there was a "combination of factors" that led Rupnow to open fire at Abundant Life, but he declined to share information, according to WKOW.

That said, Barnes also acknowledged that there is a written document or manifesto believed to be written by Rupnow circulating online. He said they are still working to determine whether the 15-year-old girl had indeed authored the document.

Rupnow, who was a student at Abundant Life, appears to have shown interest in online content related to neo-Nazi violence and school shootings. Her Tumblr account also allegedly contained images of guns and other shooters, including Parkland high school shooter Nikolas Cruz, per ABC News.

School Shooting Aftermath

Police investigators found a handgun at the scene but are still working with federal agents to identify where and how Rupnow could have purchased it.

It is unclear whether Rupnow's parents would face criminal charges. Investigators are looking to see if they have been "negligent," but said it currently "does not appear to be the case." The parents are also reportedly cooperating with investigators.

It is rare for a school shooter to be a female, especially a young woman. As of 2024, only nine K-12 school shooting suspects were female. In comparison, there were 249 male shooters identified throughout the year, per the New York Times, citing the K-12 School Shooting Database.
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Will Trump use airstrikes in the Middle East? His first term offers clues, UB foreign policy expert says

Given the fall of Assad regime, Carla Martinez Machain says its unlikely U.S. will attack Syria anytime soon

Even though airstrikes are less politically costly than a ground intervention, they carry the potential to escalate. This is especially true if they are used against a regional power such as Iran. 

BUFFALO, N.Y. - How will U.S. foreign policy change during President-elect Donald Trumps second term in the Oval Office? In particular, how will Trump use the U.S. military to achieve his policy goals?

Carla Martinez Machain, PhD, professor of political science at the University at Buffalo College of Arts of Sciences, is an expert on international conflict and U.S. military policy. She says Donald Trumps past foreign policy actions can provide clues as to what to expect during the next four years.

Below, Martinez Machain discusses some possible scenarios for the incoming Trump administration.

Showing strength through airpower

One particular way in which the Trump administration could use U.S. military power to achieve its goals would be through coercive air power. This is a tool which the U.S. has often used to influence other states in the international system. Aerial bombing can be an appealing choice for powerful democracies such as the U.S., as it is perceived as being lower-cost (both in terms of political as well as military costs) than ground interventions. Though it can signal low resolve from the states using it, it can be effective in achieving limited goals more quickly than other military options. It thus could be an attractive option for the Trump administration, Martinez Machain says.

Trumps previous targeted airstrikes in Syria

In 2017 and 2018, the Trump administration bombed key military targets in Syria in response to the Assad regimes use of chemical weapons in the Syrian civil war. The Assad regime has recently been overthrown by rebel forces. Most of the remaining chemical weapon sites have been destroyed by Israels preventive attacks on Syrian territory. The Biden administration also bombed Islamic State sites in Syria after the fall of Assad. This makes it highly unlikely that the Trump administration would feel motivated to attack Syria again, as it has become less of a potential threat to the U.S. and its allies, Martinez Machain says.

Possibility of using airstrikes on other countries

Of course, the possibility remains that the Trump administration would choose to use coercive air power against other states. In 2019, Trump considered using airstrikes against Iran after the Iranian military destroyed an unpiloted U.S. surveillance drone. In the end, he decided against it. That said, as the conflict in the Middle East continues, there is a possibility that the U.S. administration could use airstrikes in support of Israel against states such as Iran, Martinez Machain says.

Airstrikes could be a dangerous response

Even though airstrikes are less politically costly than a ground intervention, they carry the potential to escalate. This is especially true if they are used against a regional power such as Iran. In addition, airstrikes can also produce significant civilian casualties, and carry with them an increased risk of collateral, as compared to ground campaigns. We thus should also expect some degree of restraint in the Trump administrations willingness to use force in the Middle East, Martinez Machain says.
Andersen Global continues to broaden its service offerings through a Collaboration Agreement with Valora, an independent firm specializing in providing custom solutions for both private and institutional clients globally.

Valora operates with offices in Miami and Raleigh, along with a global presence in the Dominican Republic, U.K., and Cayman Islands. Founded in 2011 by Partner Luis de Leon, Valora offers a comprehensive range of services, including valuation, performance, accounting and administration, global entity management, fund services, and other tailored solutions.

Collaborating with Andersen is an excellent fit for both our clients and our team, said Luis. The synergies within our service offerings will enable us to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions with ever-increasing global reach.

Global Chairman and CEO of Andersen Mark L. Vorsatz stated, Valoras team and culture, along with their practice focus, are well aligned with our organization as we continue to expand our global capabilities.

Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax, legal, and valuation professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 18,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 500 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218209506/en/
A father in Florida is now facing child abuse charges after he allegedly beat his child for nearly half an hour over a missing couch cushion.

Police said the beating happened on December 7 in the Kissimmee area. The father, identified as Lance Eugene Rachel, had gotten angry because a couch cushion had been displaced. He accused the child of lying about the cushion and proceeded to strike him at least 50 times with a belt over the course of 30 minutes.

In a press release, police said Lance had also choked the child and called him "several disparaging names and obscenities." He was also accused of threatening to break the child's jaw at least once during the incident.

Police have declined to release the victim's age and identity. Officers did not provide any information on the child's condition following the beating.

Discovering the Crime

At the time of the beating, Kimberly Corene Rachel---the child's mother---had been present. However, she did not report the crime or attempt to intervene. Law enforcement officers were only made aware of the alleged abuse on December 11.

It was unclear who reported the incident to the Department of Children and Families and the police.

Detectives who interviewed Rachel on Monday said he confirmed the beating happened and provided details about the abuse. Additionally, the beating was captured on the family's in-home surveillance cameras.

What Happens to the Couple?

Both Lance and Kimberly have since been arrested. Lance was charged with aggravated child abuse and battery by strangulation, online jail records showed. Kimberly is facing charges for failing to report known child abuse.

"Corporal punishment on your child is one thing, but child abuse and going too far is against the law," Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez said in the press release.

Officers from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office are encouraging anyone with more information related to the case to contact them at (407) 348-2222.

If you suspect or witness child abuse, contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential and anonymous.
SHELeadIndia is proud to announce the conclusion of EmpowerHER24, the second edition of its flagship event aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. EmpowerHER24 brought together not only hundreds of aspiring & leading women entrepreneurs from and around Pune, but also women industry leaders and experts across India for an event aimed at networking and business growth.



After the overwhelming success of last year's event, everyone was looking forward to this another opportunity. EmpowerHER24 is an event for women entrepreneurs by a woman entrepreneur. It acted as a platform for women entrepreneurs to express ideas, accelerate their ventures and establish new partnerships. This year's edition featured a diverse range of expertise designed to address the key obstacles or challenges and opportunities faced by our women entrepreneurs in business.



Women entrepreneurs are an inspiration and its important to provide them with equal opportunities. We all need to come together and grow broader aspects for the future leaders across the country, said Social Impact Expert, Sahiti Divi who was the keynote speaker.



The event brought together around 200 women entrepreneurs who had an opportunity to interact with industry leaders and business mentors and a possibility of new emerging collaborations. Leading entrepreneurs shared their insights on business strategy and innovation. As technology tools are playing a major role across industries, we had focused upon AI, e-commerce and other digital tools for scaling the business and creating opportunities. The future of women entrepreneurship is brighter than ever, and events like EmpowerHER24 are key to ensuring that we build the ecosystem that women entrepreneurs deserve," said Nikita Vora, Founder, SHELeadIndia.



"EmpowerHER24 has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for women entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow. We are thrilled to be a part of it and look forward to continuing to support and amplify the voices of women in business through SHELeadIndia ,  asserted Surbhi Anand, Founder of Kwirky, one of the participant entrepreneurs.



Industry pioneers like Author Nancy Katyal, VP - International Operations at INVIDI Technologies; Deepti Khutal, Menstrual Health Activist; Dr Sania Siddiqui and others shared valuable insights on leadership, business innovation and scaling ventures during this EmpowerHER24 for all women entrepreneur participants.
Novotech, the global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO), announces the release of its report, Parkinsons Disease: Global Clinical Trial Landscape 2024. This report provides critical insights into the trends, opportunities, and challenges in Parkinson's disease (PD) research, serving as a valuable resource for companies developing treatments for this complex neurodegenerative disorder.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218606779/en/

Report Highlights

Parkinsons disease is one of the fastest-growing neurological conditions, with prevalence expected to double by 2030. This report analyzes global clinical trial data, offering biotech and pharmaceutical companies key information to guide clinical development strategies. Key findings include:

Global Trial Distribution : Review of over 750 PD trials initiated since 2019, with Asia-Pacific leading at 44% of trials. Major regions include China, the U.S., and Europe, reflecting current research priorities.

: Review of over 750 PD trials initiated since 2019, with Asia-Pacific leading at 44% of trials. Major regions include China, the U.S., and Europe, reflecting current research priorities. Therapeutic Innovation : Overview of emerging approaches, such as gene therapy, deep brain stimulation, and cell-based therapies aimed at modifying disease progression and improving patient outcomes.

: Overview of emerging approaches, such as gene therapy, deep brain stimulation, and cell-based therapies aimed at modifying disease progression and improving patient outcomes. Pipeline Insights : Analysis of 145 preclinical and 64 clinical-stage drug candidates highlights a diverse therapeutic pipeline in various stages of development.

: Analysis of 145 preclinical and 64 clinical-stage drug candidates highlights a diverse therapeutic pipeline in various stages of development. Regional Recruitment and Trial Duration: Europe shows higher recruitment efficiency, while Asia-Pacific indicates a need for increased trial density, highlighting operational challenges and opportunities across regions.



Understanding PDs Growing Impact

The report also explores genetic, epidemiological, and socioeconomic factors influencing PDs global burden. These insights are essential for companies looking to design targeted, region-specific clinical trials that consider varying patient needs and regulatory requirements.

This report serves as a practical resource for the PD research community, providing actionable insights to support efficient, effective clinical trials.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Parkinsons disease clinical trial landscape and access actionable insights to support your development goals. Download the full report to inform your strategies in PD research and clinical trials.

About Novotech Novotech-CRO.com

Founded in 1997, Novotech is a global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) focused on partnering with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase.

Recognized for its industry-leading contributions, Novotech has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Frost &Sullivan 2024 Global Biotech CRO of the year award, Clinical Trials Arena Excellence Awards 2024, 2024 Employer of Choice, 2024 Great Place to Work in the US, 2024 Brandon Hall Gold Award, CRO Leadership Award 2023, the Asia Pacific Cell & Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Excellence 2023, the Asia-Pacific Contract Research Organization Company of the Year Award since 2006.

The Company offers a comprehensive suite of services including laboratories, Phase I facilities, drug development consulting, regulatory expertise, and has experience with over 5,000 clinical projects, including Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials and bioequivalence studies. With a presence in 34 office locations and a dedicated team of 3,000+ professionals worldwide, Novotech is a trusted end-to-end strategic partner of choice.

For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218606779/en/
Saviynt, a leading provider of cloud-native identity and governance platform solutions, has taken a significant step towards addressing the global skills gap in cybersecurity. Through its Saviynt University workshops held across two major locations in India, the company successfully trained over 250 Identity and Access Management (IAM) practitioners from 25+ global partner teams. These comprehensive 8 to 10-hour workshops focused on Saviynts Time-to-Value (TTV) offerings, equipping participants with tools to accelerate deployment and maximize ROI for customers leveraging Saviynt solutions.

According to the ISC Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the global cybersecurity workforce gap has grown to over 3.4 million professionals. In India, this shortage is even more pronounced, with organizations struggling to find and retain talent equipped to manage identity governance and cybersecurity challenges.

Our mission is to empower organizations with faster and smarter identity solutions, said Suraj Krishnaiah, VP - Enablement and Solutions, Saviynt. Through these workshops, we are enabling our partners to implement Saviynt solutions more effectively and ensuring that our customers experience unparalleled speed in realizing the value of their investment. No other solution in the market comes close to the Time-to-Value Saviynt provides.

The workshops highlighted critical delivery aspects of Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), while delving deeper on Saviynt TTV implementation methodology, and featured hands-on TTV simulation exercises. Participants, including members of the Saviynt partner community, augmented Saviynt TTV expertise to their existing IAM capabilities.

Indias shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals underscores the urgent need for programs like Saviynt University, said Sapna Nair, General Manager, Saviynt India. By empowering our customers, partners, and employees with deep technical expertise in Saviynt products, we are fostering a new wave of talent poised to deliver exceptional service. This initiative contributes to a safer and more efficient digital landscape.

Building on this success, Saviynt is expanding its global training initiative with workshops planned across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA), and Asia-Pacific (APJ) regions. These workshops will kick off in November and conclude by the end of H1 2025, reiterating Saviynts commitment to fostering a global community of skilled IAM professionals.

Saviynts dedication to bridging the IAM talent gap and empowering its ecosystem underscores its unwavering commitment to delivering customer and partner success across the globe.

About Saviynt

Saviynt empowers enterprises to secure digital transformation, safeguard critical assets, and meet regulatory compliance. With a vision to provide a secure and compliant future for all enterprises, Saviynt is recognized as an industry leader in identity security whose cutting-edge solutions protect the worlds leading brands, Fortune 500 companies, and government organizations. For more information, please visit www.saviynt.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218982463/en/
Car industry players can rely on Thales to provide digital and physical solutions that improve car access experiences, while ensuring data security .

. Thales's offer encompasses a digital car key solution, whose implementation follows the Car Connectivity Consortium 1 (CCC) standard. It is now completed by a brand-new contactless card, the Thales NFC CARd Key . The solutions enable car drivers to lock/unlock and start their vehicles using their smartphone or their card.

(CCC) standard. It is now completed by a . The solutions enable car drivers to lock/unlock and start their vehicles using their smartphone or their card. Drawing on its 15+ years of experience in the automotive industry, Thales delivers proven on-board car solutions leveraging its connectivity and cybersecurity expertise.

Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, provides car manufacturers with safe and hassle-free solutions to expand their customers vehicle access experiences. The offer leverages the digital car key solution and the smart NFC CARd Key, a new cutting-edge and customisable solution. Designed to complement the digital key, this innovative NFC-based card offers a reliable alternative in the event of disruptions on users smartphones, and allows drivers to unlock and start their cars with a simple tap.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217507780/en/

Thales NFC CARd Key (Photo: Thales)

The automotive industry is rapidly shifting from traditional to digital solutions, and the digital car key market is expected to grow at an impressive annual rate of over 21% from 2023 to 20312. Thales is addressing this growing demand, leveraging the CCC digital key functionality, demonstrating strong cybersecurity expertise into digital car key solution and securely creating and storing credentials in a vehicle, in a mobile device and/or in a contactless card.

After digitally enrolling drivers credentials upon the purchase of a car, Thaless digital car key system securely allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle using their smartphone, while the mobile device is still in the pocket or in the bag. Such flexible solutions enable a wide range of automotive use cases, making car access and sharing significantly easier. Private car owners can digitally share their access with family members or friends, while car rental firms can do the same with customers, physically removing the need to pick up car keys at a rental desk. Meanwhile, the introduction of Thaless NFC CARd Key perfectly supports scenarios when a smartphone might not be available.

Functioning like a contactless payment card, the NFC CARd Key establishes secure, encrypted communication with the vehicle, allowing instant access and engine start, just like the mobile app. With over 10 years of durability in the field, and a strong resistance to high temperatures, it ensures robust protection, while enabling a smooth and simple tap-enter-and-go experience. Beyond its technical features, the NFC CARd Key presents a valuable branding opportunity for automotive manufacturers, as its design can be customised, creating a unique and singular card thanks to Thales's wide range of printing options (3D effect, tactile varnish, etc.).

Thales brings over 15 years of experience in delivering connectivity and cybersecurity solutions to the automotive industry, with a deep understanding of customer requirements, from daily usage conditions to compliance with stringent standards. This extends to data security expertise in vehicles and mobile devices, providing peace of mind through a robust and resilient approach to cybersecurity, stated Christine Caviglioli, VP Automotive at Thales. With the launch of the NFC CARd Key, Thales complements its vehicle access offer with a singular innovation. Our ambition is to empower automakers and drivers alike with a flexible approach to secure mobility.

1 The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), an organisation that promotes seamless smartphone-to-car connectivity, has set the standard for digital car keys, enabling drivers to unlock and start their vehicles using smartphones or smartwatches.

2 According to Transparency Market Research.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialising in three business domains: Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital.

It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to 4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of 18.4 billion.

PLEASE VISIT

Thales Group

Digital Identity & Security

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217507780/en/
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By Grainne Ni Aodha and Cate McCurry, PA

The Labour party has ruled itself out of government formation talks with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail on Friday, blaming a policy gulf and different visions for Ireland.

The parliamentary party held a meeting on Thursday afternoon during which the decision was put forward and agreed.

I was updating colleagues at that meeting on the engagements weve had with both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail in recent weeks and I do want to acknowledge weve had engagements, its been very useful, she said at Leinster House.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik and Louth TD Ged Nash speak to the media outside at Leinster House, Dublin (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA)

However as I indicated to the parliamentary party today, following the engagements weve had, Ive formed the assessment that it is not possible to for us to enter any negotiations on government formation.

Ms Bacik said that she called the leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, Simon Harris and Micheal Martin, to tell them of her decision before announcing it to the media.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fail  the two main coalition partners in the last government  are expected to re-enter government together and replace the Greens for a group of independents as its junior partners.

This gained momentum when the Regional Group TD Verona Murphy was backed by Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to become the next Ceann Comhairle when the Dail returned on Wednesday.

Government formation talks are expected to continue in the coming days before breaking for the Christmas period and resuming in early January.

Ms Bacik said that the next government would be of the status quo and not a government for change that we stood for and we want to see, and said Labour would build on its ambitions in opposition.

Asked why the decision to rule out government was not made two weeks ago, she said the party did not want to walk away from talks without exploring whether it would be possible to see a way to implement our policies.

She said the party had genuinely constructive engagement with the two big parties.

But of course the numbers were always going to make it difficult for us, or any smaller party, going in with the bigger two to have the leverage to deliver on the policies that our communities need. That was always there, it was evident to everyone I think.

She said among the obstacles to forming a government were Labours call for a State construction company, which Ms Bacik said Fianna Fail raised concerns with, and with a public childcare system, to which she said there was reluctance to engage on that.

Louth TD Ged Nash said that a term that was used again by members of Labours parliamentary party was this appears to be a government of the status quo.

What we would have been disappointed with, as a party, is if we hadnt exhausted the process, and thats what our discussions last week were about, ensuring we enter the process to establish if there was, in fact, at all a basis for engaging in formal negotiations that has proven not to be the case.

It is a position that the entire parliamentary party is unanimous on.

Simon Harris was asked whether he will return to government as minister for Foreign Affairs (Brian Lawless/PA)

Meanwhile, Simon Harris declined to say what ministry he is in line for in the next government.

The Fine Gael leader, who is in Brussels for a meeting being attended by his EU counterparts and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, was asked whether he will return to government as minister for Foreign Affairs.

I just cant answer that yet, because I read lots of speculation in lots of newspapers about which individual Fine Gael politician may take up which ministry, he said.

I have to tell you, much to the disappointment of those who engage in the speculation, all of our priority at the moment is on the policy platform. Im in politics long enough, and Im in government long enough to know now what goes into the programme for government really matters.

There is very substantial talks under way between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail in relation to what we can deliver in the next five years.

He said he has had good engagements with Labour, the Social Democrats and the Regional Group of independents.

I want to be in a position to form the government in the month of January. Ive already outlined the kind of principles that need to underpin that government, mutual respect, respect for the mandates that parties received, including my own, where 458,000 people went out and gave us their number one vote, hundreds of thousands more people gave us second and third preferences, and we increased our seats in Dail Eireann.

We want to play a leadership role in the government. Weve worked well with Fianna Fail, and I believe it is possible for Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to put together, with others, a stable government that can deliver five budgets.

So five budgets, mutual respect, stability, agreed policy platform. Theyre all the priorities, and anything else is for another day.

But, I do hope we can do this in the month of January. Theres a lot of uncertainty in the world, theres a need to get it right, absolutely, and it needs to take the time it needs to take.

We need to go through our own processes then, in terms of consulting and balloting members but also, I dont think people want too much navel gazing either.

The people have voted, and they expect politicians to get on with it in terms of forming a government and thats certainly what we intend to do.
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The latest statistics show that during the first seven months of 2024, as much as 343,000t of cement were imported to Poland from Ukraine. This is more than in the full-year 2023, when some 331,000 had been imported. Industry representatives warn that these imports pose a considerable threat to the Polish cement industry.

Addressing this issue, Wojciech Ludwicki, secretary of the National Section of Building Materials and Wood Industry of the Independent and Self-Governing Trade Union Solidarity, has warned that the 2025 forecast suggests imports of 1Mt of cement from Ukraine. This is roughly the output of a single cement plant in Poland, he said.
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Finland based Wartsila has been awarded the contract to supply a complete propulsion package for the world's largest cement carrier.

Under the contract Wartsila will be supplying two Wartsila 32 engines and one Wartsila 25 auxiliary engine. In addition, the company will also deliver two gearboxes, two controllable pitch propellers, one tunnel thruster, three selective catalytic reduction exhaust after-treatment systems, a propulsion control system, two shaft generators (PTO/PTI0 and engine accessories. The start of delivery is scheduled for November 2025.

The contract follows a recent order for a HeatPower 300 system and an organic Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system for the carrier to Sweden based Climeon.

NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers (NACC)is currently has a 38,000dwt methanol dual-fuel cement carrier under construction by Zhejiang Xinle Shipbuilding Grou Co in China.

The new carrier is expected to be launched in late 2026.
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Tennessee Manufacturers Association announce the appointment of Josh Brown as their new president & CEO. Mr. Browns appointment positions him as the leading advocate for Tennessees business and manufacturing sectors.A lifelong Tennessean, Mr. Brown brings more than 25 years of experience in government, corporate and association leadership. He has an extensive background in corporate government relations, including more than a decade at Pfizer, where he rose to the role of vice president of U.S.Government Relations. In that position, Mr. Brown managed teams of government relations professionals, led federal and state advocacy efforts and built coalitions with policymakers, trade associations and key third-party organizations. His leadership included serving as chair of the State Section for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and as a member of the Biotechnology Innovation Organizations State Government Relations Committee.Mr. Brown has also served on the boards of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, the Business Council of Alabama and Life Science Tennessee, where he served a term as board chair. Hes also served as board president for Nashville-based Youth Encouragement Services, a non-profit organization serving inner-city youth.Joshs deep roots in Tennessee, along with experience in corporate, government and association settings, make him an ideal candidate to represent our states business community, said Andrew Tavi, chairman of the Chambers board of directors. We are fortunate to have his leadership as we continue to work with the state legislature and other key stakeholders to ensure a thriving environment for Tennessee residents and their employers.Earlier in his career, Mr. Brown served in the administration of former Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist, assisting with legislative affairs, business engagement and intergovernmental relations.Its an honor to take on this role and serve Tennessees dynamic business and manufacturing communities, Mr. Brown said. My experience in the public and private sectors has shown me the importance of fostering collaboration, advocating for forward-thinking policies and creating opportunities for growth.I look forward to building on the Chambers strong foundation and working with our members to drive innovation, investment and economic success across the state.
At the last commission meeting of 2024, Red Bank City Manager Martin Grannum summarized the status of the many projects that are in process.

Some of those are:

The comprehensive plan for future development of Red Bank will have its third public meeting on Saturday and the final meeting is planed for Jan. 28, 2025 at the community center. After the plan is decided on, it will go to the planning commission and then the city commission for approvals.

A restriping program along Dayton Boulevard where it turns into Cherokee Boulevard will be done in partnership with Chattanooga and TDOT.

Engineering is being done north of this area to channel southbound traffic into the new design around Signal Mountain Boulevard.

There are discussions ongoing about revitalizing the citys dog park. It will include sidewalks that separate dog park patrons.

Replacement of the Lullwater Bridge is a new project but has not yet begun.

ADA upgrades will be made on the south end of town.

Creation of a Bike Boulevard in the city is still in the consultant stage.

City staff is preparing a map with boundary descriptions and plans to add signage that will make The Field cemetery a protected area.

Leaf collection will continue through December.

In early December the city got the first request to pick up waste oil. This is a new program being offered by Red Bank to keep oil out of storm drains and back yards and other places that it does not belong.

After Christmas, live Christmas trees can be undecorated and taken to the recycle center where they will be ground into mulch.

Construction of new restrooms at the community center continues and should be finished at the end of December.

Mr. Granum announced changes to the citys schedule during the upcoming holidays. The first commission meeting in January has been cancelled. The next time that the commission will meet is on the third Tuesday of the month, Jan. 21, 2025. And city hall will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas, on Jan. 31 for New Years, and on Monday, Jan. 20, for Martin Luther King Day.

The city will use ARPA funds, (American Rescue Plan Act) for a contract addendum with Barge Design Solutions for professional services dealing with the current public works building. The cost is not to exceed $97,200. The work will include property title work to clean up property lines in order to get a clear title to the land. It also includes doing a site development plan and an environmental assessment of the existing public works structure.

The Red Bank city code was amended regarding the order of business during city commission meetings. It specifies when events take place during a meeting with the goal of increasing efficiency of time. The consent agenda portion of the meeting is another change, which expedites routine parts of a meeting so they can be all voted on with a single vote.

A resolution passed for the city to accept the 2024 Firefighting Support Grant in the amount of $1,000 from Tennessee American Water Company.

The Red Bank Cemetery Citizens Advisory Board consists of up to 10 members. On Tuesday night, Freddie Hanner was appointed to be a new member which will complete the board.
Fenix24, an incident response recovery firm, is launching a new battalion, Argos99. In conjunction with Fenix24, Conversant Group's recovery service, Argos99 helps increase cyber resilience and incident recovery by providing companies with expert insights into their own assets and infrastructure, said officials.

Conversant Group officials said many organizations struggle with limited visibility into their IT infrastructure, their critical on-premises and SaaS based key data repositories, and do not understand the interconnected dependencies of their critical systems. This lack of insight and visibility heightens security risks and leaves organizations more susceptible to cyberattacks and prolonged downtime due to extended incident recovery times. Argos99 helps solve the challenge of mapping dependencies, tracking, patching and managing distributed IT and cybersecurity assets, all within a single interface. The software discovers and tracks all IT assets, and key data repositories, including SaaS data, privileged identity credentials, shadow IT, endpoints, virtual infrastructure, and all of the dependencies that drive critical business functions.

"In the age of cyberwarfare where we are all potential victims, the biggest challenge for post incident recovery and pre-incident resiliency is the unknown," said Mark Grazman, CEO of Conversant Group. "Argos99 empowers businesses to proactively address these risks by providing interdependency mapping and a comprehensive view of their entire IT environment. Not only does Argos99 help organizations in peacetime, but it will also further accelerate Fenix24's recovery process, enabling faster and more effective responses when incidents occur."

Argos99 was designed to leverage the insight, best practices, scripts and automation developed by Fenix24, resulting in a tool that's not just about prevention but overall cyber resilience.



More Argos99 benefits:

Policy and configuration analysis helps organizations identify areas of improvement across current cybersecurity configurations, including Endpoint Detection and Response, firewalls, lateral movement, identity, storage and backups.



Configuration drift monitoring analyzes how cyber policies change over time from what you intended, with the functionality across all tools to roll those policies back to their intended posture.



Asset dependency mapping monitors critical Tier 0 infrastructure dependencies, uncovering essential relationships between databases, identity systems and application layers to deliver a deeper understanding of organizational operations.



Rapid hardening identifies configuration vulnerabilities, allowing Argos99 to create a roadmap so assessments can result in remediation, in days not months, while protecting against threat actors coming back and leveraging organizational weaknesses.



Argos99 is now available to all new and current customers. For more information, visit Argos99.com.
Prosecutors said a prior ruling of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals has required them to dismiss murder charges brought in connection with a violent home invasion in East Brainerd four years ago. One of the intruders was shot 10 times by the homeowner and killed. The homeowner was not charged, but another intruder was..

The hail of bullets included multiple shots that went into a house across Standifer Gap Road occupied by a woman and her 14-year-old daughter. One shot went just above the pillow where the woman had been sleeping before she and her daughter hit the floor.

Investigators built a case against 23-year-old Travien Cenar Reddick of Jackson, Tn., earlier, but he was only taken into custody by state troopers in Nashville recently.

However, the charges against Reddick were dismissed in General Sessions Court this week.

District Attorney Coty Wamp said, "TCA 39 13202 creates the offense of first-degree murder for an unlawful killing committed during the perpetration of certain enumerated offenses (what Mr. Reddick was originally charged with). This is what is commonly referred to as felony murder.

"The statute itself, and our appellate courts, make it abundantly clear that emphasis is placed on the term "perpetration". In the case of State v. Severs, 759 S.W.2d 935, 938 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1988), the court of criminal appeals concluded a felony murder conviction is inappropriate in a case in which the killing, committed by the intended robbery victim, was not in pursuance of the unlawful act, but rather to thwart it.

"The Severs opinion was cited more recently with approval in State v. Buggs, 995 S.W.2d 102, 106 (Tenn. 1999).

"While the law of the state may differ from some of our surrounding jurisdictions, it is the law of the land and the district attorney teneral has a constitutional officer is bound to enforce the law as interpreted by the courts of this state.

" In this case, because the deceased was killed by the intended victim, the law does not allow us to hold the defendant criminally responsible. Before this office could prosecute this type of conduct, there would first need to be a change to the language of TCA 39-13-202, which in the future may be something for which we lobby. Our office refers to this as a " Severs " issue. This is also not the first time State v. Severs has required a dismissal of a homicide charge."





Sheriff Detective Jason Maucere earlier said the incident involved three members of a violent West Tennessee gang coming to Chattanooga for a robbery where a former gang member was living with his cousin.

The cousin, Travist Patrick, killed one of the intruders, Antoine Allen, inside his home, and he engaged in a gunbattle with the other two invaders before firing multiple shots at their vehicle as they sped off.

On Oct. 28, 2020, a 911 caller who was in a panic, said, "I need the police at 8500 Standifer Gap Road. . somebody's shooting!" A female could be heard saying someone came in the house and started shooting at Patrick and "he's laying right here." Patrick told the dispatcher, "He's on the floor. . . We don't need the ambulance. . . dude dead. We need the police ASAP."

The woman across the street then called, saying, "Shots were fired through my window. I'm too afraid to look outside, but the glass is broken, and several shots were fired through my window."

Detectives spoke with a man on Gable Brook Drive - in the direction the fleeing car was going. A resident said a black male wearing a navy shirt and dark pants knocked on his door and asked to use the phone. He said his name was "Trey" and he was trying to reach someone named "Zay." He tried to call, but did not get an answer.

Arriving deputies at 8500 Standifer Gap Road found a man dead in the kitchen. They detained Patrick, who said he had shot the man in self-defense. He said he had fired at two others - one who left on foot and the other in a car.

Detectives found numerous firearms in plain view in the master bedroom and saw a large number of spent shell casings in the driveway of the residence, the hallway and the master bedroom.

Outside the residence was a gray 2020 Dodge Charger with a cell phone on top of the rear trunk and another on the roof of the vehicle. Inside the Charger, detectives found four large metal packaging containers filled with large bags of marijuana.

Inside the residence a Romarm Mini-Draco AK-47 pistol that had been used by Antoine Allen was found inside the bedroom. Detectives also observed a .40 caliber Glock 23C handgun with its slide locked back (indicating it had been fired and had run out of ammunition). Also found was a 9mm CZ Scorpion carbine rifle on the bed of the master bedroom.

There was a blood pool leading from the bedroom to the kitchen.

On Nov. 2, 2020, there was a narcotics search at 8500 Standifer Gap Road where Patrick was living with five others. Seized were 270 pounds of high grade THC vapes valued at $300,000.

Authorities said Patrick initially was not cooperative, but they said he agreed to tell the full story at a meeting at his attorney's office.

He acknowledged he was in the business of selling illegal drugs and cell phones. He said on the evening of the shooting he had agreed to meet a person at the Tiger Market gas station on Jenkins Road. He was to sell a "zip of weed" and an Apple iPhone. He said the meeting was arranged via Snapchat and he was to meet Antoine Allen.

Patrick said he drove to the Tiger Market in his girlfriend's white Lincoln MKZ. He said when an older-model maroon Chevrolet Malibu pulled up that Allen got out armed with an AK-47 pistol. He said a second person wearing a ski mask exited the Malibu armed with a black Glock handgun. He said a third person, who was also wearing a ski mask, was driving the Malibu.

He said Allen got in the front passenger seat of his vehicle and put the AK-47 to his head, while the second person got in the back seat and put the Glock to his head. He was forced to drive back to his residence with the Malibu following.

Patrick said when they arrived back that Allen forced him into the house to rob him, while the second man followed.

He said when they got to his bedroom that Allen told him, "Give us everything you have or we're going to kill everyone in the house."

Patrick said Allen was momentarily distracted admiring all the guns in the bedroom, and he used the occasion to grab a loaded Glock from his bed and begin firing at Allen, who fled into the kitchen.

Patrick said he engaged the second person in a firefight at the front door, and he afterward fired multiple times at the fleeing car.

No charges were brought against Patrick on grounds of self-defense.

Sgt. Maucere was notified by an officer of the Alamo, Tn., Police Department of a shooting that occurred there, which he said he believed was retailiation for the killing of Allen. He said he believed both incidents were gang-related.

He said Antoine Allen had been part of a criminal gang at Crokett County known as the GetBack Gang.

The shooting there was on Christmas Day and involved numerous bullets being fired into a house belonging to a man who is the father of the cousin who left the gang and went to live with Patrick in Chattanooga.

Alamo Police said the GetBack Gang had numerous violent YouTube videos depicting Allen and other members. One video, made after the Chattanooga shooting, memorialized Allen and made threats against those involved in his death.

A Chevrolet Malibu matching the description of the one used by the home invaders was seized in Crockett County. It belonged to Reddick, identified as a member of the GetBack Gang. It had bullet damage consistent with shots fired by Patrick at it.


Indias envoy, US officials discuss advancing space partnership Indias Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and US officials met at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Centre in Houston to take stock of space cooperation between the two countries and discuss advancing their partnership. While there on Wednesday, the teams from the two countries also met with Indian Astronauts Shubhanshu Shukla and Prashanth Nair, who are scheduled to fly on the Axios-4 mission to the International Space Station next year.



Ambassador Kwatra, who was accompanied by US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, met with representatives from the NASA and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the State Department said.



They also discussed plans to launch a jointly developed NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Earth Science (NISAR) satellite next year, the Department said.



Representatives from the private sector space industry met with them to explore strengthening commercial space sector cooperation, it added.



Kwatra said on X, Had the opportunity to discuss India and US space cooperation including in human space flight programme and enhancing partnership between the two private sectors in the fields of innovation and technology.



Indian Air Forces Wing Commander Shukla will be the pilot for the mission operated by a private company, Axiom, in cooperation with NASA using rocket and spacecraft from Elon Musks SpaceX to fly to the ISS.



Nair, who is also undergoing astronaut training, is on standby for the mission.



NISAR, which is scheduled for a March launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, jointly built by ISRO and NASA, NISAR, aims to improve what we know and, potentially, help us prepare for and recover from natural and human-caused disasters, according to NASA.



It will be a powerful tool to study earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides, as well as damage to infrastructure as it samples the Earths land and ice-covered surfaces twice every 12 days, it said.




Scouts participated in laying wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America

Scouts participated in laying wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America

Scouts participated in laying wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America

Scouts participated in laying wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America

Scouts participated in laying wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America

Scouts participated in laying wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America

Scouts participated in laying wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America

Scouts participated in laying wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America
Nationally renowned artist Alan Shuptrine has been selected to participate with Art in Embassies, a department within the U.S. Department of State. Mr. Shuptrines work will be displayed within the residence of the United State Ambassador to Qatar, Minister-Counselor Timmy T. Davis, an American diplomat and Foreign Service consular.

The Art in Embassies focuses on promoting diplomacy and cross-cultural connections through visual art. The idea began in 1953 when the Museum of Modern Art provided art for U.S. embassies across the globe. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy officially established the AIE as a program of the Department of State. Artists who are selected by curators are invited to participate. Artwork is hand-selected for private residences of the Ambassadors, embassies, consulates, and other U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world.

Mr. Shuptrines works can be found in numerous private collections, museums, historical institutions, corporate offices, and many collections, nationwide. Mr. Shuptrines chosen piece, Dancing Man, will be on display in the ambassadors private residence in Qatar for the next three years where official functions are held throughout his tenure.

Mr. Shuptrine is honored to have been chosen as a visual arts representative for the United States. He is preparing for a second international venue as he is currently creating a body of work for his upcoming 2025 Artist in Residency at Skibo Castle in Scotland.
Macao actively integrates into China's overall development

09:55, December 19, 2024 By Fu Zimei ( People's Daily

The Hengqin Line of the Light Rapid Transit (LRT), which connects China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Hengqin Island in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong province, officially opened on Dec. 2 this year.

The line has two stations, Lotus Station in Macao SAR and Hengqin Station, with a total traveling time of only two minutes.

"The extension of the LRT network to Hengqin has enabled the rapid transfer to the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity Rail, which had also been extended to link Hengqin Port. The interconnected rail system has further enhanced Macao's integration into the 'one-hour living circle' of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA)," said Raimundo Arrais do Rosario, secretary for transport and public works of Macao SAR.

A technician helps a resident from Macao recharge his new energy vehicle in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong province. (People's Daily Online/Zhou Zhiwang)

Hengqin, located just across the river from Macao, enjoys a natural advantage for Guangdong-Macao cooperation. The Chinese central government decided to develop Hengqin Island in 2009. In 2021, the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone (hereafter referred to as "cooperation zone") was established in Hengqin to foster closer connection between Guangdong and Macao. After 15 years of development, Hengqin has become a vibrant hub for innovation and a frontier of opening up.

Calvin Sio, founder of Zence Object Technology, an innovative company dedicated to solving global waste problems, is a young entrepreneur from Macao. Starting in Macao, the company has expanded its presence to Guangdong province. It has set up an R&D headquarters in Hengqin, a sales center in Shenzhen, and a smart factory in Dongguan.

"The GBA offers young people from Macao a broader platform for entrepreneurship and more opportunities to collaborate with cities in the Chinese mainland. More and more Macao entrepreneurs are embracing new prospects in Hengqin and across the GBA," he said.

Today, in the cooperation zone, a new model of industrial synergy is taking shape, which integrates Macao's platforms, international resources, and Hengqin's development opportunities to yield shared results. The zone has entered a fast track of development, marked by accelerated aggregation of innovative elements for new quality productive forces. Enterprises are increasingly flocking to the zone, and the efforts to attract talent have delivered tangible results.

As of now, the cooperation zone has recognized the initial six innovation and entrepreneurship bases for Macao youth, and acknowledged 86 startups initiated by young entrepreneurs from Macao in two groups. To date, it has incubated 443 new projects based in Macao.

In recent years, Hengqin has experienced a remarkable enhancement in its overall strength and a deeper connection with Macao.

In 2023, the GDP of the cooperation zone reached 47.25 billion yuan ($6.49 billion). By the end of that year, the zone had hosted 5,952 Macao-invested enterprises, with their annual added value reaching 2.98 billion yuan, a year-on-year surge of 186.2 percent and 1.9 times of that in 2021.

Photo shows the Ruins of St. Paul's, a landmark in Macao. (People's Daily Online/Kang Lei)

In the first three quarters of 2024, the new industries that the cooperation zone specifically focuses on - scientific and technological R&D, high-end manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, culture and tourism, conventions and exhibitions, and modern finance - reported an added value of 18.31 billion yuan, accounting for 49 percent of the zone's total GDP.

Deepened people-to-people exchanges with mainland

Every weekend, vehicles heading north from Macao would flow through the streets near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, making their way to border checkpoints.

According to Ms. Deng, a Macao resident, her holiday plans often include jogging, rowing, and photographing in Hengqin, dining in Zhongshan, shopping in Jiangmen, or visiting attractions like Chimelong. It has become a regular practice for people living in Macao to travel to the mainland.

In recent years, Guangdong and Macao have worked to facilitate infrastructure "hard connectivity" and rules and standards "soft connectivity," fostering a high-level, integrated system of opening up.

For instance, the "northbound travel for Macao vehicles" scheme has been jointly implemented by the two sides, which allows eligible Macao private cars to travel between Macao and Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge without the need to obtain regular quotas.

Besides, passenger and cargo vehicles crossing the border checkpoint between Macao and the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Zhuhai, can utilize the one-stop customs clearance service as coordinated by the two sides instead of the previous respective checks.

Thanks to the mutual recognition and exchanges of driving licenses, the mainland and Macao allow individuals holding valid driving licenses issued by authorities from either side to drive directly through or obtain driving permits on the other side without any additional tests.

Photo shows a view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. (People's Daily Online/Yuan Xinyu)

These efforts have enabled a more efficient flow of people, goods and services between the two sides. Macao residents now enjoy greater convenience in their daily lives along with a wider range of job opportunities available on the mainland.

For example, Macao professionals in architecture, traditional Chinese medicine, healthcare, pharmacy, education, and law have been provided with more preferential policies to work in Hengqin and the GBA. The vocational qualifications for chefs, beauticians, restaurant staff, and professionals in other service sectors are now mutually recognized by Macao and Guangdong.

Programs like the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme in the GBA, cross-boundary government services, and youth innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives continue to improve, making it easier for Macao residents to live and work on the mainland.

Platform for connection between China and PSCs

"Macao, a city that thrives by the sea, is an active participant, contributor, and beneficiary of the Belt and Road Initiative," said Cheong Chok Man, director of the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau under the Macao SAR government.

He said that Macao is playing an increasingly important role as a bridge linking China with the Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs).

Since the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao, was established in 2003, it has undergone two membership expansions, held six ministerial conferences, and developed six strategic plans for economic and trade cooperation.

Such cooperation has helped facilitate Macao's role as a commercial and trade service platform serving China and PSCs while bringing about greater opportunities for Macao's economic diversification.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming)


BJP MP alleges Rahul Gandhi pushed him, LoP dismisses claim A heated confrontation unfolded in Parliament premises on Thursday during a protest by Opposition MPs alleging disrespect towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The incident escalated when BJP MP Pratap Sarangi accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of pushing an MP, causing a chain reaction that led Sarangi to fall and sustain a head injury. Speaking to IANS, Sarangi claimed, "Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, and he collided with me. I fell and hit my head, which is bleeding. The push was initiated by Rahul Gandhi."



Denying claims of deliberately pushing the BJP leader, Rahul Gandhi told reporters, "It might be recorded in the cameras. BJP MPs were stopping us from entering Parliament. They blocked and threatened us. This is our right to protest."



The protest was held against Union Home Minister Amit Shahs recent remarks in the Rajya Sabha, which the Opposition claimed insulted Dr Ambedkar. The Opposition demanded HM Shahs removal from the Cabinet.



Meanwhile, BJP MPs staged a counter-protest, accusing Congress of disrespecting the Constitution and Dr Ambedkar. Led by BJP MP Anurag Thakur, they raised slogans such as "Congress party maafi maango, Ambedkar ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan (Congress must apologise, India will not tolerate the insult to Ambedkar)."



Thakur further criticised the Congress, stating, "The Nehru-Gandhi family has repeatedly disrespected Dr. Ambedkar. Despite being the architect of the Constitution, they worked to defeat him in elections and delayed honouring him with the Bharat Ratna, which was finally awarded by a non-Congress government."




President Yoon Suk-yeol addresses the nation on December 14, 2024, just over an hour after the impeachment motion was passed. | Photo Credit: Website/ Presidential Office of South Korea

In light of the National Assembly's approval of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 14, religious leaders are urging the Korean Church to pray for the stability of South Korea.

This impeachment vote came after President Yoon briefly imposed martial law, a move that faced widespread condemnation.

However, Amid a national crisis resulting from the Democratic Party of Korea's paralysis of state affairs and parliamentary dictatorship, President Yoon Seok-yeol declared martial law under the authority granted by the Constitution. This was an unavoidable decision made to protect the Constitution and the sovereignty of the people, asserted some conservative groups.

While calling for prayer, some church leaders also cautioned that the issues raised by the president regarding the opposition should not be overlooked. They pointed out that using their majority in the National Assembly, the opposition imposed severe budget cuts, pursued impeachments of high-ranking officials, and made attempts to shield their leader from facing his legal troubles.

The Rev. Jung Seo-young, president of the Christian Council of Korea (CCK), stated, We must observe the situation calmly and wait for the Constitutional Court's ruling on President Yoons impeachment. Regardless of whether President Yoon is impeached or not, we must pray for the stability of our nation.

He added, It is better to pray quietly in our private rooms. The foundation of religious freedom is liberal democracy. Let us pray for the preservation of South Korea's liberal democracy.

Emphasizing the role of the church, the Rev. Kwon Soon-woong, president of the Presbyterian Church of Korea Association, remarked, The Korean Church must pray. All history is under Gods sovereignty, so we should pray for our nation and society to be established rightly. From the perspective of Presbyterian values, democracy based on the separation of powers must function properly. It is not appropriate for the balance among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to collapse. According to Calvinism, maintaining proper balance is a core value of democracy.

Jung Sung-gu, the former president of Chongshin University, criticized the church's past shortcomings by saying, Over the past 50 years, the Korean Church has distanced itself from the Gospel. Pulpits have been filled with sermons focused only on material prosperity rather than preaching justice flowing like a mighty river. He urged, Messages from the books of Amos and Habakkuk must be proclaimed boldly from the pulpits.

Meanwhile, Kim Young-han, professor emeritus at Soongsil University, cautioned against placing sole blame on President Yoon for the current situation.

He noted, The Democratic Partys actions to cut funding for nuclear energy restoration or drug enforcement were not policies for the people. While President Yoons martial law declaration may have been excessive, declaring martial law is within his constitutional powers. Since he lifted it within six hours, it is difficult to classify it as rebellion.

He also stressed that For national stability, it is crucial not to frame President Yoons martial law as an act of treason. Instead, we must await the Constitutional Court's judgment on his impeachment.

The Rev. Won Sung-woong, former superintendent of the Seoul Conference of the Korean Methodist Church, reflected on his initial thoughts about President Yoons martial law, stating, Initially, I thought President Yoons martial law was a mistake, and I hoped for a political resolution. However, based on his statements and actions, his declaration of martial law seems to have been aimed at addressing the Democratic Partys budget cuts and investigating allegations of election fraud. It appears to be an exercise of constitutional emergency powers rather than treason.

He emphasized, The Korean Church must pray for Gods will to be fulfilled in this nation. Gods way will be opened.
Home News Appeals court rules that Texas, Louisiana can cut Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood

In a victory for the pro-life movement, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld two states bans on Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood Monday.

The Fifth Circuit, based in New Orleans, Louisiana, ruled en banc Monday that Texas and Louisiana can cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, concluding that federal law does not give Medicaid patients the right to challenge a States determination that a particular Medicaid provider is unqualified.

Opponents of Texas and Louisianas Medicaid bans argued that a freedom-of-choice provision in federal law prevents states from restricting which medical providers a Medicaid recipient can use.

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The opinion of the Fifth Circuit frequently cited a ruling from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upholding an Ohio law stripping Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics of public funding. Voices on both sides of the abortion debate weighed in on Mondays decision, which reverses earlier court rulings that blocked the states from enforcing the Medicaid bans.

The Fifth Circuit correctly rejected Planned Parenthoods efforts to prevent Texas from excluding them from the states Medicaid program, said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a supporter of his states Planned Parenthood Medicaid ban. Undercover video plainly showed Planned Parenthood admitting to morally bankrupt and unlawful conduct, including violations of federal law by manipulating the timing and methods of abortions to obtain fetal tissue for their own research.

Planned Parenthood is not a qualified provider under the Medicaid Act, and it should not receive public funding through the Medicaid program, he added.

Following the court ruling, Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood, warned that forcing Planned Parenthood out of the Texas Medicaid program would have a devastating impact on Texans, specifically people of color, women, and people with low incomes. Johnson vowed to fight back against any politician who doesnt prioritize expanding accessible, affordable quality health care.

The Fifth Circuits decision comes just days after the Sixth Circuit ruled that Tennessee can enforce a ban on abortions of babies based on their sex or a diagnosis with Down syndrome while litigation continues.

Texas efforts to deny Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood date back to 2015, when the pro-life group Center for Medical Progress released undercover videos showing Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale and harvest of aborted babies body parts. In October of that year, the Office of the Inspector General at Texas Health and Human Services informed Planned Parenthood that they would no longer receive Medicaid compensation.

More than a year later, the state had yet to officially deny Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood but a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the states attempt to cut Medicaid funding to the abortion provider, alleging that state health officials likely acted to disenroll qualified health care providers from Medicaid without cause.

In the summer of 2015, then-Gov. Bobby Jindal announced that the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals was ending its Medicaid Provider Agreement with Planned Parenthood, citing the undercover videos published by Center for Medical Progress.

A legal challenge from Planned Parenthood soon followed and the litigation ended up reaching the Supreme Court, which rejected Louisianas appeal of a lower court decision preventing the state from denying Medicaid funds to the abortion provider.

As Justice Clarence Thomas noted in his dissent in the courts decision not to hear the case of Gee v. Planned Parenthood of Gulf Coast, the question of whether Medicaid recipients have a private right of action to challenge a states determination of qualified Medicaid providers remains unresolved.

Thomas explained that at the time, five circuits have held that Medicaid recipients have such a right, and one Circuit has held that they do not. The last three Circuits to consider the question have themselves been divided.

The Supreme Courts reluctance to take on cases related to the defunding of Planned Parenthood was on display last month, when it rejected an appeal from South Carolina lawmakers seeking to end taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood clinics through Medicaid reimbursements.
Home News Episcopal Church-affiliated university loses accreditation, will appeal decision

A historically African American university affiliated with the Episcopal Church has had its accreditation revoked due to financial woes, though the academic institution is appealing the decision.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges voted at their annual meeting in Austin, Texas, to remove Saint Augustines University of Raleigh, North Carolina, from membership.

The decision from SACSCOC is not final, with SAU maintaining its accreditation while it appeals the vote, according to a Dec. 10 press release from the university.

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Because SAU will retain its membership with SACSCOC for the time being, students graduating this month and in May 2025 will still receive their degrees from an accredited institution.

SAU President Marcus Burgess was quoted in the press release as saying that he was confident they will win their appeal, as the SACSCOC decision did not factor in a recent deal made by the university to lease its property for $70 million.

SACSCOC could only consider information SAU presented as of November 18, 2024. Saint Augustines University has made significant progress even since that date, including finalizing the $70 million deal with 50 plus 1 Sports, Burgess stated.

Still, we look forward to providing that evidence during our February appeals hearing, along with other information that will definitively resolve all the remaining areas of concern.

Burgess added that although this may seem like a disappointing decision, we view this as an encouraging outcome that acknowledges our progress, and we are excited about the opportunity the appeal affords us.

This opportunity to prove that SAU is now a stronger and more financially healthy institution will bring confidence to our stakeholders and partners, ensuring them that SAU remains a cornerstone of opportunity and innovation for our students and the Raleigh community, he said.

SAU has faced financial difficulties in the last several years. From 2014 to 2018, for example, the university was placed on probation but later regained full accreditation, WRAL reported.

Last December, SACSCOC trustees voted to remove SAU from membership as an accredited institution over concerns about financial stability. SAU then launched the Falcon Pride Initiative Fundraising Campaign in February to help preserve its official accreditation. Later that month, however, an appeals committee upheld the earlier ruling.

In response to ongoing issues, the university began to move the bulk of its classes from in-person to online, with the measures taking effect in April. With Burgess saying in a March statement that it is also our utmost responsibility to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of the SAU community, especially our students.

The U.S. Department of Labor said it would investigate the university amid reports that employees had gone multiple pay periods without paychecks in May.

In July, an arbitration committee appointed by SACSCOC unanimously voted to support reversing the accreditation removal, though it maintained that SAU remains on probation.

"The SACSCOC arbitration committee's decision serves as a pivotal moment for SAU's redemption and renewal," said SAU Board of Trustees Chair Brian Boulware earlier this year.

"The unanimous reversal by the arbitration committee rightfully corrects the injustice inflicted upon SAU by SACSCOC's initial ruling and underscores the university's steadfast commitment to excellence and growth."

Last month, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve its financial standing, SAU announced that it would cut 67 staff positions, 37 full-time faculty positions and 32 adjunct faculty positions, which is around 50% of its employees.
Home News Fmr. archbishop of Canterbury resigns as priest after BBC investigation

The former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, has resigned as a priest after a BBC investigation claimed that he failed to properly handle a sexual misconduct case.

Lord Carey was archbishop of Canterbury between 1991 and 2002, during which time former Canvey Island rector David Tudor was allowed to return to ministry despite being barred by the Church of England from being alone with children.

His return followed a five-year suspension over allegations of sexual assault against teenage girls.

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He was barred from ministry for life in October after a tribunal upheld two complaints of misconduct involving teenage girls in the 1980s. Tudor admitted to sexual misconduct.

The BBC reported that while he was archbishop, Carey allowed Tudor to return to ministry under supervision and that minutes from a meeting spoke of him "advocating for" the disgraced priest. It further reported that Carey had agreed to remove Tudor's name from an official Church list of clergy who have received disciplinary action.

In his resignation letter, Carey wrote that he wished to surrender his Permission to Officiate (PTO).

"I am in my 90th year now and have been in active ministry since 1962 when I was made deacon and then priested in 1963," he said.

"It has been an honor to serve in the dioceses of London, Southwell, Durham, Bristol, Bath and Wells, Canterbury and finally Oxford."

Carey's decision to give up his PTO comes amid pressure on the archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, to resign over his handling of the Tudor case while he was bishop of Cheltenham.

Cottrell has denied claims of inaction in the Tudor case and is resisting calls to go.

"When I joined the Chelmsford diocese in 2010, I worked closely with its very professional safeguarding team to ensure the risk was managed," he said.

"But it was not possible to remove David Tudor from office until such time as fresh complaints were made, which happened when a victim bravely spoke to the police.

"Once this happened in 2019, I acted immediately. I suspended David Tudor from all ministry pending the investigation and subsequent tribunal hearing in which he was removed from office and prohibited from ministry for life.

"I am deeply sorry that we were not able to take action earlier, but that was the situation I inherited. It is extremely disappointing that this story is being reported as if it was an abuser being ignored or even protected."

The Church of England said in a statement on the BBC investigation, "Safeguarding decisions and all appointments today are subject to very clear guidance issued by the House of Bishops, which was not in place in the 1990s. It is currently being strengthened further.

"This involves a clear process, both around safer recruitment and in assessing risk, even when no further action is taken by statutory services, to ensure the Church is a safe place for all."

This article was originally published at Christian Today
Home News Joshua Harris posts 'updated' apology to LGBT community, others for 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye'

I Kissed Dating Goodbye author Joshua Harris recently shared an updated version of his apology addressing the impact of his work, apologizing specifically to the LGBTQ+ community and those negatively affected by purity culture.

In a statement posted on Instagram Monday, the former Evangelical pastor and author of the controversial 1997 book, said he wanted to revisit the journey that led him to reconsider its message and ultimately renounce its central tenets.

For many years, people have asked me whether I still agree with the ideas I wrote, Harris wrote. Some readers have shared that the book harmed them. Their words stayed with me.

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Harris detailed a years-long process of reflection that began in earnest during his time in graduate school in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, between 2015 and 2018. That period marked a turning point in his understanding of the books theological, sociological and cultural implications, he said.

Originally written when Harris was 21, I Kissed Dating Goodbye became a bestseller and a foundational text of the Evangelical purity movement. Its message encouraged young Christians to avoid dating and physical intimacy before marriage, advocating instead for courtship as a more godly path. The books teachings were embraced by many churches, youth groups, and parents during the late 1990s and early 2000s, shaping the relationship practices of a generation.

In his statement, Harris claimed he now believes the books ideas had fostered fear, shame and unrealistic expectations among readers.

I see now that in trying to warn people about the pitfalls of dating, the book instilled fear in many readers  fear of making mistakes, fear of having their hearts broken, fear of failing to live up to an ideal, Harris wrote.

Harris said he began publicly reevaluating his book in 2016, creating a space on his website for readers to share their experiences. Many responded with stories of how the books teachings had harmed their relationships and self-perception. These conversations informed "I Survived I Kissed Dating Goodbye," a 2018 documentary Harris co-created as a graduate school project.

I saw my book had many flaws, he wrote. In my effort to set a high standard, the book emphasized practices like avoiding dating and kissing before marriage, and concepts like giving your heart away  things that are not found in the Bible.

I no longer agreed with the central idea of I Kissed Dating Goodbye, that dating should be avoided, he wrote.

Harris also announced that he and his publisher had agreed to discontinue the book and its sequels in 2018.

Harris apologized specifically to the LGBTQ+ people for any pain or exclusion his writings caused. Since renouncing his earlier work, Harris marriage ended in 2019, and he said he no longer identifies as an Evangelical Christian.

"While I cant recall all the copies of my book, Ive worked to spread the word about its problems through public statements, media interviews and the documentary, Harris said.

For those who read my book and were misdirected or hurt by it, I want to say this clearly. I am sincerely sorry. I never intended to hurt anyone with what I wrote. I know my apology doesn't change anything for you, and I know it comes too late, but I want you to hear me. I regret any way that my ideas restricted you, hurt you, or gave you a wrong view of yourself, your sexuality or your relationships.

In 2015, Harris resigned as senior pastor of Covenant Life Church to attend Regent College, a graduate school in Vancouver, citing a desire to rethink his theology and pastoral methods.

In a 2019 Instagram post, Harris announced that he no longer considered himself a Christian, referencing the biblical term falling away to describe his spiritual state.

By all the measurements that I have for defining a Christian, I am not a Christian. Many people tell me that there is a different way to practice faith and I want to remain open to this, but Im not there now, wrote Harris.

In 2021, he announced he was offering a paid course to help people deconstruct their religious beliefs, but later pulled the course amid criticism over monetizing the process of spiritual deconstruction.
Home News Judge allows Texas to remove Planned Parenthood from Medicaid program

A judge has issued an order allowing Texas to remove Planned Parenthood from the state Medicaid program, preventing the abortion provider from getting an injunction.

State District Judge Lora Livingston of Travis County issued an order on Wednesday, blocking the injunction request, arguing that Planned Parenthood should pursue action through federal courts.

This decision is not made lightly. In the light of the ongoing public health crisis, the risks of the individual losing healthcare and medical attention requires increased attention and scrutiny, wrote Livingston, as reported by the Austin-American Statesman.

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Jennifer Allmon, executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, said in a statement approving of the removal that Texans already have better options for healthcare.

There are hundreds of providers throughout the state of Texas willing to serve poor women with authentic healthcare services that are not also peddling abortion, stated Allmon, as reported by Life News.

The Texas Pregnancy Care Network has a list of such providers throughout the state and if these providers do not accept Medicaid, they can make referrals to life-affirming Medicaid providers who can offer genuine healthcare to women in need.

Dyana Limon-Mercado, the executive director of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, denounced Texas removal of Planned Parenthood from Medicaid as harming healthcare [abortion] access for the most vulnerable Texans.

Planned Parenthood will do everything it can to protect and fight for its patients  since it remains painfully clear that [Texas Gov. Greg] Abbott and his administration will continue to fail Texans in the most devastating ways, stated Limon-Mercado, as reported by NPR affiliate KUT.

Last November, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an en banc ruling that said Texas and Louisiana could cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood.

Overturning an earlier panel opinion, the majority concluded that the law does not give Medicaid patients the right to challenge a states determination that a particular Medicaid provider is unqualified.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a supporter of his states Planned Parenthood Medicaid ban, released a statement last year approving of the Fifth Circuit's ruling.

Planned Parenthood is not a qualified provider under the Medicaid Act, and it should not receive public funding through the Medicaid program, he stated.

However, last month, Judge Maya Guerra Gamble had temporarily blocked Texas from removing Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program, arguing that the abortion provider deserved more time to make their case.
Home News Becket Fund gives 'Ebenezer Award' to US county for banning Christian, Jewish displays during holidays

A religious liberty advocacy organization has awarded one of the largest counties in the United States its Ebenezer of the Year Award for banning employees from displaying religious items in video calls and common areas during the Christmas season.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty announced Tuesday that King County, Washington, the 13th most populous county in the U.S. and home to the states largest city of Seattle, received its Ebenezer Award for implementing Guidelines for Holiday Decorations.

The guidelines prohibit county employees from displaying religious items associated with Christmas and Hanukkah such as Nativity sets and menorahs as well as religious symbols, including the Star of David and the crucifix in their common work areas and virtual work spaces.

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The word Ebenezer refers to the first name of the character Ebenezer Scrooge from the book, A Christmas Carol. Scrooge was well-known for his hatred of Christmas and signature phrase, Bah humbug.

A King County memo obtained by Seattle radio host Jason Rantz informed county employees that displays of religious symbols may only be displayed in an employees personal workspace. It stated that religious symbols should not be displayed in or as a background to an employees virtual work space.

Gloria Ngezaho, the Workforce Equity Manager for King Countys Department of Human Resources, wrote the memo. He also warned that religious displays in common areas may cause disruption to co-workers or members of the public that do not share that particular religion.

Some employees may not share your religion, practice any religion, or share your enthusiasm for holiday decorations. Displays of religious symbols may only be displayed in an employees personal workspace, the memo added.

The Christian Post reached out to King County for comment. A response was not received by press time.

Becket COO and Executive Director Montse Alvarado said in a statement shared with CP that Religious employees of King County will likely feel like the ransacked residents of Whoville this Christmas and Hanukkah season. The government has no right to rob its employees of holiday cheer by forcing them to take down their Nativity sets and menorahs, particularly in their own homes.

Becket asserted that there is a proper role of government in religious displays, stating that because religious holidays are an important part of human culture, governments are allowed to recognize and celebrate those holidays with appropriate symbols. The advocacy organization further noted that the Supreme Court has long upheld government holiday displays that send a message of pluralism and freedom of belief during the holiday season, including displays that have distinctive religious elements.

This is the time of year that Americans ought to come together in the spirit of Christmas to support one another and spread joy and hope, Alvarado concluded. But as always, there are bureaucrats like those in King County that scrub religion out of the holiday season. Lets hope their hearts grow a few sizes this Christmas.

The Ebenezer Award is part of Beckets annual examination of the most absurd affronts to the Christmas and Hanukkah Season that is reserved for the most scandalous holiday season transgressor.

Previous Ebenezer Award winners include the atheist organization Freedom From Religion Foundation, which successfully convinced a Kansas school district to end its partnership with the faith-based charity Samaritans Purse to send Christmas gifts to needy children abroad, and the state of Rhode Islands holiday tree.

In addition to the Ebenezer Award, Becket handed out an Eggnog Toast to the Dedham Public Library in Dedham, Massachusetts. The Eggnog Toast is designated for an individual or group who avoided a group visit from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. This recognition illustrates another homage to the plot line of A Christmas Carol, which features three ghosts who appear to Scrooge in an effort to get him to change his ways.

Becket awarded the Dedham Public Library in Dedham, Massachusetts its annual Eggnog Toast after the library reversed its decision to refrain from displaying a Christmas tree due to concerns that it might make people uncomfortable. Although library officials initially erred in their judgment, we salute them for turning their hearts back towards holiday cheer!

The Becket Fund is not the only advocacy group to use references to A Christmas Carol to single out King County over its efforts to restrict the display of religious symbols. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, formerly known as the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, identified King County as the First Amendment Scrooge of 2022, contending that the rules laid out in the memo run afoul of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

In a response email to FIRE supporters, hundreds of whom wrote to King County urging the reversal of its holiday display policy, James Bush of the King County Executives Office stood by the move to restrict religious displays.

While this policy requests employees to be sensitive regarding the religious beliefs of others, it allows the display of both holiday themed decorations and religious symbols in an employees personal workspace (a workspace/office/cubicle used by a single employee and not generally accessible to the public), Bush wrote. It also allows for non-religious winter holiday symbols (wreaths, pine trees, lights, holly, snowflakes) to be displayed in common areas within work units, such as breakrooms, conference rooms, and reception areas.

According to Bush, These guidelines, which were originally drafted several years ago, are intended to avoid any situation where King County would appear to favor any particular religion. They are content-neutral and do not violate the First Amendment rights of employees.

King County is one of the most Democratic counties in the United States. It gave President Joe Biden nearly 75% of the vote in the 2020 presidential election, while his Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, received just over 22% of the vote.
Home News Ohio Senate passes parental rights bill, school release time for students' religious instruction

The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that advances parental rights issues, including allowing public school students to be taken off campus during school hours to have religious instruction.

The state's upper chamber passed House Bill 8 on Wednesday in a vote of 24-7, with the Ohio House voting 57-31 to concur with any changes made to the legislation.

HB 8 now goes to Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who, upon receiving the bill, has 10 days to decide whether to sign the bill into law or veto it, according to CBS' Columbus affiliate WBNS.

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Primarily sponsored by Reps. D.J. Swearingen and Sara Carruthers, HB 8 declares that a parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent's child.

A school district board of education shall collaborate with a sponsoring entity of a released time course in religious instruction to identify a time to offer the course during the school day, continued the legislation.

While in attendance in a released time course in religious instruction, a student shall not be considered absent from school. No student may be released from a core curriculum subject course to attend a religious instruction course.

The bill also requires school districts to make sure that any sexuality content is age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate for the age of the student receiving the instruction and prohibits schools from directly or indirectly encouraging a student to withhold from a parent information concerning the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being, or a change in related services or monitoring.

Aaron Baer, president of the Center for Christian Virtue, released a statement Wednesday celebrating the legislation's passage, declaring, I praise God today for the leadership in the General Assembly that moved to protect parents and kids today.

The days of the ACLU and the most fringe voices on the left driving the political debate in America are over. The age of powerful parent voices is here, Baer said.

And for the Planned Parenthood employees in Ohio public schools disappointed today because they can no longer talk to 8-year-olds about their sexual orientation and gender identity, I have one message: its probably time to find a new line of work.

The Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union was among the critics of HB 8, with the advocacy group claiming in a protest letter that the bill puts the privacy and safety of Ohio students at risk.

It is imperative that trust between young people and a teacher or other school staff member remains intact. For students who do not feel safe at home, sometimes they have nowhere else to turn but to a teacher or guidance counselor, read the letter.

Additionally, HB 8s provisions about sexuality content will create a culture of censorship in our schools. Current law already allows for parental notice, review, and opting out of instruction.

The ACLU chapter also objected to the released time for religious instruction provision, arguing that such programs disrupt the school day for students who do not attend and their teachers.
Home News Pizzeria defends decision not to cater gay weddings amid LGBT backlash

The owners of a Tennessee pizzeria are standing by their beliefs after facing backlash for refusing to cater a same-sex wedding.

In a statement posted on Facebook Monday, the Tennessee-based Pizzeria Cortile acknowledged that, Recently, we made the difficult decision not to cater a wedding due to our personal beliefs, adding, This belief comes from a place of personal conviction, one we know is not shared by everyone, and it is one we hold without judgment towards others.

This decision was not intended to harm or hurt anyone, and we are sorry for the pain this has caused for people who have been a part of our community, the statement continued. We recognize and hear the feedback from everyone who has reached out today. We hope with time we can find an opportunity to extend grace and listen to one another, and remember that while we may not always agree, we can still treat each other with love and dignity.

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The owners of Pizzeria Cortile concluded by expressing gratitude for the relationships we have built with you over the years, adding, We hope you will give us the chance to continue showing love to you when you come through our doors.

While the Facebook post did not elaborate on the nature of the refusal to cater the wedding nor the feedback the establishment had received, The Chattanooga Holler shared an X post Monday featuring a screenshot of an inquiry sent to Pizzeria Cortile on Instagram about whether or not the business had refused to cater a same-sex wedding. The restaurant responded by declaring thank you for reaching out for clarification, we do not cater same-sex weddings.

The Chattanooga Holler cited its post about the Instagram conversation as an attempt at letting folks not waste their time (or money).

After word spread about the pizzerias position on catering same-sex weddings, Elizabeth Haley of The Seed Theatre took to Facebook Monday to encourage a boycott of the business and advised LGBT activists to reallocate the money they would spend on pizza, drinks and appetizers at the restaurant by making a donation to local organizations who are supporting queer people such as hers.

Haley also urged people to share screenshots of their donations to pro-LGBT organizations on social media and tag Pizzeria Cortile so they know that your money is going directly to support queer folks instead of their bigotry.

After the pizzeria confirmed its stance about not catering same-sex weddings, a business based in nearby Chattanooga announced it was cutting ties with the restaurant. In a statement posted on Facebook Tuesday, the bookstore The Book & Cover said it was ending its partnership with Pizzeria Cortile because its stance is not in keeping with our values as individuals and as a business.

According to the bookstore, It is vitally important to us that it is clear we treasure and respect the queer members of our community and celebrate the rights and love that they carry. We are committed to showing each person who visits The Book & Cover respect and care, and we believe affirming the love and humanity of folks is essential to ensuring that care is felt.

Pizzeria Cortile is not the first pizzeria to find itself embroiled in the ongoing debate about who should have the upper hand in the conflict between religious liberty and LGBT activists.

In 2015  as the U.S. Supreme Court was slated to hear arguments in a case surrounding whether or not there was a constitutional right to same-sex marriage and a Religious Freedom Restoration Act allowing businesses to opt out of providing services to same-sex couples if doing so conflicted with their deeply held religious beliefs  Memories Pizza in Indiana received national attention after a reporter asked the co-owner if the restaurant would cater a gay wedding, and she replied they could not because of their religious beliefs.

While the pizzeria invited its fair share of backlash, it also enjoyed a great deal of support from the American public. Within a week of the controversy making national headlines, the establishment raised more than $800,000 from those coming to its defense for standing by its convictions.

The Supreme Court has repeatedly sided with business owners who refuse to provide services to same-sex couples due to their deeply held religious beliefs. In 2018, the court ruled that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and demonstrated hostility toward the religious beliefs of baker Jack Phillips by penalizing him for declining to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding in 2012 when gay marriage wasn't even legal in Colorado nor nationwide.

More recently, in the 2023 case 303 Creative v. Elenisruling, the justices determined that the state of Colorado could not force a Christian website designer to create websites celebrating same-sex marriage.
Home News Religious liberty group awards Texas town for keeping Nativity scene at courthouse

A religious liberty advocacy organization awarded a group of residents in a Texas town this week for pushing back against a resident who attempted to have a Nativity scene outside their local courthouse removed.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty announced Tuesday that the citizens of Sweetwater were the recipients of its inaugural "Tiny Tim Toast" award for showing up in droves to express their opposition to taking down the Nativity scene outside the Nolan County Courthouse.

Sweetwater is a town of approximately 10,000 people about 40 miles west of Abilene.

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Last week, there was standing room only when the Nolan County Commissioners Court held a public forum regarding a call from Carolyn Anne Frawley to take down the Nativity, according to CBS affiliate KTAB.

Frawley penned a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, the Sweetwater Reporter, expressing her opposition to the Nativity display on government property, citing the separation of church and state.

Faraway notably left "Christian" uncapitalized in her letter, despite capitalizing "Jewish," "Muslim," "atheist" and "freethinkers."

"Not all residents of Nolan County are of one religion," Faraway wrote in part. "There are people who are Jewish and maybe even Muslim and of course Atheist. Yes, we do exist even though many christians choose to ignore or use intimidation to keep Freethinkers whispering instead of speaking out."

"The Obvious christian law display must be removed from our public property. The Nolan County Courthouse is a representative and place for government business for ALL Nolan County residents, not just christians," she added.

Faraway also attended the meeting on Dec. 9, but was the only one who spoke out in opposition to the display, according to CBS affiliate KTXS.

"The religious display should be removed from the Nolan County courthouse lawn," Frawley said. "It is a taxpayer-supported public building where county and city business is conducted. It is not a church and the display is an over-Christian display."

KTXS noted that eight other people spoke in support of the Nativity display, and that authorities took no action on the issue, which allowed the display to remain outside the courthouse.

Mark Rienzi, who serves as president and CEO of Becket, praised the solidarity of Sweetwater residents who showed up in support of their Nativity scene.

"When the humbug spirit tried to snuff out Sweetwaters cherished Nativity scene, the locals stood their ground with unshakable resolve," Rienzi said in a statement provided to The Christian Post. "God bless them for the courage they showed in the face of adversity  it should be an inspiration to all those who wish to keep the Christmas and Hanukkah season sacred."

The "Tiny Tim Toast" award  named after the boy in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol  took the place of Becket's annual "Ebenezer Award," which for 23 years highlighted "the most outrageous offenders of the holidays," according to its website.

This year, the group decided instead to highlight "an individual or group who inspires hope and perseverance in the face of adversity during the Christmas and Hanukkah season."

"Every Christmas and Hanukkah season, there are some bureaucrats and activists who seek to shut out the lights on religious displays and expression," Rienzi said. "This year, Becket is happy to raise a hearty toast to all those who stood firm against these efforts, unwavering in defending faiths rightful place in the public square. Heres to you, the citizens of Sweetwater, Texas, for keeping the faith."

According to Becket's 2024 Religious Freedom Index, 62% of Americans believe that people of faith are crucial to solving the problems facing the United States.


Indian Navy-ferry disaster: Hunt on for 2 more feared missing in Arabian Sea The search and rescue operations resumed on Thursday morning to trace out at least two tourists still missing after an Indian Navy speedboat crashed into a passenger ferry off the Gateway of India in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday evening claiming 13 lives, including that of four naval personnel, officials said. In one of the worst-ever maritime disasters around Mumbai, 13 people were killed while another 105 were rescued when the chockful ferry, Neelkamal was going from Gateway of India to Elephanta Isles, the famed UNESCO World Heritage site and was hit by the Navy speedboat.



An official said that the Indian Navy, Marine Police and other agencies have deployed their vessels to search for the two persons who were thrown into the waters after the deadly collision in mid-sea, around 5 kms from the Gateway of India, in the water channel near the tiny Butcher Island oil terminal.



The Indian Navy officially said that one of its speedboats which was on engine trials developed a snag, the pilot lost control and rammed with full force into the tourist boat, as chilling videos of the incident surfaced late last night.



The passenger boat, a private catamaran named Neelkamal, was ferrying more than 100 tourists plus five crew members when the disaster struck like a bolt from the blue, around 4 P.M.



Official sources said that the Navys rigid inflatable boat undergoing engine trials crashed into the Neelkamal at high speed, overturning it and throwing most of the tourists into the sea near Karanja on the Raigad coast, around 10 kms from the origin point, Gateway of India.



The owner of the vessel, Rajendra Padte, said that the Neelkamal had departed on its regular voyage to Elephanta Islands around 3.15 P.M and barely a couple of minutes later the tragedy was reported, but it was not our fault.



Peasants & Workers Party of India (PWP) General Secretary and ex-legislator Jayant P. Patil, who was present at the spot slammed the concerned authorities for the massive tragedy with the Neelkamal sinking soon afterwards.



President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis plus several Opposition leaders condoled the tragedy and the loss of innocent lives.



The PM announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh and the CM announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of each deceased, plus financial assistance to all the injured.



A civic official said that the JNPA Hospital has admitted 57 people, 24 in the Naval Dockyard medical facility, one in INHS Ashvini Hospital, 13 in INHS Sanghani (Karanja), 10 in St. George Hospital, and 12 in a hospital on the mainland at Karanja, plus around 8 who recovered have been discharged from the concerned hospitals.




Home News Switzerland breaks neutrality, votes to ban Hezbollah after outlawing Hamas, cutting UNRWA funding

In a departure from their longstanding position of political neutrality, Switzerland voted to ban Hezbollah on Tuesday.

The Swiss Parliament announced that the Lebanese-based terror group was a threat to international security and that Switzerland needed to stand against terrorism.

The Swiss government opposed the ban, citing the countrys intelligence act, which requires either sanctions or a United Nations designation for such measures to be implemented.

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If Switzerland now moves to ban such organizations with special laws, we must ask ourselves where and how the boundaries are drawn, Justice Minister Beat Jans said during the parliamentary debate.

However, the measure was approved in the upper house first and passed in the lower house with 126 votes in favor, 20 against, and 41 abstentions.

Last week, the Swiss Parliament outlawed Hamas in Gaza over the Oct. 7, 2023, terror group's attack in southern Israel, when 1,200 civilians were murdered and 251 more were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip.

The bill passed on Tuesday and was drafted in accordance with the Swiss governments practice of banning organizations on a case-by-case basis for extremely serious reasons.

Prior to the Hamas and Hezbollah ban, Switzerland had only banned al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS), which are on the U.N.'s list of terrorist organizations. Switzerland does not have its own national terrorist list, arguing that it only applies sanctions from the U.N. Security Council, which has not designated Hamas a terrorist group.

Before the November ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the terror group had been launching cross-border rocket and drone attacks on Israel from Lebanon since Oct. 8, 2023, resulting in 45 civilian deaths and causing 60,000 Israelis to be displaced from their homes in the north.

In September of this year, the Swiss National Council voted to stop payments to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees). The decision was based on evidence of UNRWA members' activity and association with Hamas, as well as the promotion of hatred and violence in UNRWA school curricula.

Jewish organizations in Switzerland had been calling for the country to declare Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist organizations.

Following the Oct. 7 massacre last year, the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG) and the Platform of Liberal Jews in Switzerland issued a joint statement that read, Without a clear ban, Hamas will continue to receive legitimacy as a normal political actor. All the more so because Hamas can move freely in Switzerland, collect donations and handle its finances.

This article was originally published by All Israel News.
Home News Kroger, Sam's Club push back on reports that they sell abortion pill

Two major retailers are insisting that they have no plans to sell the abortion pill after a report and their online catalogs indicated otherwise.

Kroger Foods, one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, has pushed back on the assertion made by The Washington Stand and Live Action News in stories published last week that it was selling the abortion pill marketed as mifepristone in the U.S. at a significantly discounted price of $7 to members of the Kroger Health Savings Club.

Live Action News, the news arm of the pro-life activist organization Live Action, provided a screenshot of mifepristone's entry on the Kroger Health Savings Club website, which made it clear that the abortion pill is "used to end a pregnancy."

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The Washington Stand, affiliated with the Christian conservative group Family Research Council, published a follow-up story Monday after receiving a statement from the supermarket chain declaring that "The Kroger Company Family of Pharmacies do not carry Mifepristone, nor do we dispense it."

When the publication noted that the product was still listed on Kroger's Health Savings Club website, the retailer reiterated that it does not sell the abortion pill and maintained that it was "listed on the Kroger Health Savings Club site in error."

According to The Washington Stand, the listing remained on the site at 5 p.m. EST. TWS sent a further email acknowledging Kroger's response but also pointing out that the abortion drug webpage was still live. Several minutes later, Kroger responded, stating, 'The link that you are using is old.' By 8 a.m. the following morning, the mifepristone listing was removed."

Live Action News and The Washington Stand also reported that Sam's Club, a division of Walmart, has also begun selling mifepristone. Sam's Club sent the publications a response stating, "We use a third party vendor to aggregate medication pricing, and their tool provided incorrect information."

Live Action News updated its original story Wednesday, including the company's response. The update also highlighted how the drug search feature on the Sam's Club website has now been removed. Screenshots documenting the previous presence of the abortion pill on the website show that Sam's Club, unlike Kroger, had listed the potential side effects of the drug.

"Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or dizziness may occur," the warning asserted. "Bleeding and cramping are expected during this treatment."

The section devoted to side effects also stressed that "Bleeding and spotting may last up to 30 days and may be much heavier than a normal period."

"In very few cases, this bleeding will need to be stopped by surgery," the site warned.

It urged women to "get medical help right away if you bleed enough to soak through 2 thick, full-size sanitary pads each hour for 2 hours in a row."

Additional possible side effects include a fever in excess of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit as well as "fainting, fast heartbeat, stomach/abdominal pain, or tenderness." The website acknowledged that "serious medical problems can occur when a pregnancy ends, including sometimes fatal infections and bleeding."

Concerns about the side effects of the abortion pill are one factor behind the efforts by pro-life organizations to oppose the push to make the drug more widely available.

Major U.S. retailers have begun to sell the abortion pill following the Food and Drug Administration's loosening of abortion pill restrictions in recent years under the Biden administration.

The pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS have already started selling the abortion pill in certain states. Other retailers, including Walmart, Kroger's, Costco, McKesson and Albertson's have faced pressure to do so.
Home News Michael Brown apologizes amid allegation of inappropriate relationship with friend's wife

Michael Brown, a Christian author, radio host and founder of the FIRE School of Ministry, has asked for forgiveness regarding allegations of misconduct from a couple of decades ago as a widower has come forward to accuse him of an inappropriate relationship with his late wife.

In a video posted on YouTube Tuesday, Brown addressed the recently reported allegations, saying that in late 2001 and early 2002, he developed an "emotional, not a physical, tie with another individual."

The Roys Report published a story about a man identified as "Ray," who said he and his wife were close friends with Brown and considered him a spiritual mentor. He accused Brown of pursuing an inappropriate relationship with his wife in the early 2000s. The wife died in 2021.

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In his video, Brown said he confessed his wrongdoing in 2002 to that friend and Brown's wife, Nancy.

Brown said that while he wanted to confess the matter publicly to his church community, the spouses involved in the situation decided it would be best to leave the matter undisclosed, having concluded that it was not adultery.

"That's the reason I have never discussed it with anyone else until recently. It was not to hide things. It was to honor my spouse whom I had hurt so deeply," he said. "In the months that followed in 2002, I made radical changes to my schedule and lifestyle. I received intensive counseling and experienced the holy discipline of the Lord."

Regarding an earlier allegation of misconduct with a FIRE School of Ministry staffer, named in reports as "Erin" to protect her identity, Brown said he apologized for interactions that she considered uncomfortable, which began when she was 18 years old and involved the slapping of her buttocks, kisses on the lips and hand-holding.

Erin said she quit working at the FIRE School of Ministry in 2002 when she was just 21 because she had grown uncomfortable around Brown. The ministry leader said that while he apologized to Erin in front of his wife in 2002, it was now clear that he didn't understand the "depth of what she was experiencing as a result of my actions."

Brown directly addressed the former staffer, asking her for forgiveness.

"Please forgive me for my actions, which caused you so much pain," he said. "Had I more clearly understood the result of those actions in 2002, I would have responded very differently. Again, from the heart, I ask you to forgive me. I am truly and deeply sorry."

From there, Brown directed his comments to staff members of FIRE, asking for forgiveness among those he has worked with in ministry over the decades.

"Please forgive me for my failings and my poor judgment and any mishandling of these situations during that time 23 years ago," said Brown. "I fell short of the high standards that we set. I disappointed you and I hurt you."

Brown then told "the larger Body of Christ" that "I deeply regret my behavior from 23 years ago, to the extent that it has caused pain, or been a distraction, or caused you to question God, or wonder who the real Dr. Brown is, I ask you as well to forgive me."

"I know I failed you during that period," he added, vowing that he "will continue to work to regain your trust."

Brown drew a parallel to Peter, who denied Jesus three times and wept bitterly when he realized the error of his actions, was "restored to God's grace," and "became a far better man through his experiences."

"If dredging up this painful time in my life, a time when I also wept bitterly for many days, deepens my humility and dependence on the Lord, then all the more do I embrace what He has called me to walk through today," said Brown.

"Regardless of the findings of the third party investigation, I do not minimize the wrongness of my past actions, and in the days ahead, I remain fully submitted to The Line of Fire Board, as I have entrusted the process into their hands."

Earlier this month, The Roys Report published allegations that Brown had engaged in inappropriate behavior with Erin from when she was 18 to 21 years old.

She had reportedly considered Brown to be like a father, while Brown considered her comparable to a daughter, with her even referring to him as "dad" from time to time.

In a statement given to both TRR and The Christian Post, Brown denied that he had engaged in adulterous behavior but also acknowledged a "lack of judgment" regarding his relationship with the former staffer.

"Nancy and I did have a relationship with the woman in question and considered her to be like a family member, and she conducted herself as one who viewed our relationship the same way. But she was not a family member, and aspects of my interaction with her, although totally non-sexual in every way, reflected a definite lack of judgment on my part," Brown added.

The Line of Fire Board reportedly hired the law firm Mitchell, Stein, Carey, and Chapman in November to conduct a third-party investigation into the abuse allegations against Brown.

Earlier this month, Brown announced that he was deactivating his account on the social media platform X, where he had some 63,000 followers until the investigation into the claims concluded.

"Because I can't make any comments on the current situation I'm dealing with until the investigation is completed, I'm going to deactivate my account until then. May the Lord be glorified," Brown wrote on X.
Home News Okla. gov. signs bill allowing students to leave school for religious instruction

A newly approved law will enable Oklahoma public school students to receive off-campus religious instruction during the school day if they choose to.

Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 1425 into law Wednesday. The bill was passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature last month, with the Senate voting 38-7 and the House of Representatives voting 51-40.

The law authorizes school districts boards of education to adopt a policy that excuses a student from school to attend a released time course for no more than three class periods per week or a maximum of one hundred twenty-five class periods per year.

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The legislation defines a released time course as a period of time during which a student is excused from school to attend a course in religious or moral instruction taught by an independent entity off school property.

The measure came with stipulations declaring that a students parent or legal guardian must provide written consent prior to the students participation in the released time course and prohibiting the use of school district funds or staff to provide the instruction.

Additionally, independent entities where students go during released time must keep attendance records and make them available to school districts and hold districts harmless with regard to any liability arising from conduct that does not occur on school property under the control or supervision of the school district. Parents are responsible for providing transportation for released time courses and students are responsible for any school work they miss when they leave campus.

The bill gives school and district administrators reasonable discretion over the scheduling and timing of released time courses. It also allows boards of education to provide students with credit for work completed as part of released time courses based on the amount of classroom instruction time, the course requirements and any material used in the course, methods of assessment used in the course and the qualifications of the course instructor.

While one Democrat joined all Republicans in supporting the measure in the state Senate, the opposite kind of defection occurred in the House, where 25 Republicans sided with Democrats in opposing it.

Greg Chafuen, legal counsel with the religious liberty legal nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom, released a statement in support of the bill on Thursday.

Parents have the right and responsibility to guide the upbringing and education of their children, he said. And many parents consider religious instruction an important part of their childs education. While public schools can teach about the Bible from a neutral, secular perspective, release-time programs offer religious courses taught by third-party charitable organizations off school grounds during school hours.

Chafuen added that the new law "ensures that every Oklahoman knows that the law respects their right to seek religious education for their children through these time-tested programs.

Oklahoma is not the first state to enable students to receive off-campus religious instruction during school hours. Ohio has a similar law, and the widespread embrace of students attending Bible classes by the ministry LifeWise Academy, which resulted from it, drew backlash from the atheist legal advocacy organization Freedom From Religion Foundation.

If parents want their children to learn about the [B]ible, there are so many ways to do it without cutting into valuable school hours, FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor asserted in a statement coinciding with the organizations distribution of a letter to school districts throughout the state. Participating students are being punished by losing hundreds of hours of academic instruction to LifeWises released time [B]ible study classes.

The letter submitted to the states school districts explained that FFRF has received several complaints from families in different school districts alleging that non-attending students were given busy work, or no work at all, as a consequence of staying behind during released time classes while the organization received at least one complaint reporting that a school assigned non-attending students additional homework seemingly as punishment for refusing to participate in a released time program.

The United States Supreme Court ruled in the 1952 case Zorach v. Clauson that released-time programs did not violate the U.S. Constitution, finding no constitutional requirement which makes it necessary for government to be hostile to religion and to throw its weight against efforts to widen the effective scope of religious influence.

When the state encourages religious instruction or cooperates with religious authorities by adjusting the schedule of public events to sectarian needs, it follows the best of our traditions, stated the majority opinion.

To hold that it may not would be to find in the Constitution a requirement that the government show a callous indifference to religious groups. That would be preferring those who believe in no religion over those who do believe."
(Photo: Unsplash)

Last month we observed Remembrance Day, the day on which people in Britain and elsewhere remember the end of the First World War and honour the memory of those who died in that war, the Second World War and in other conflicts since. But what is the Christian view of war? What is the Christian perspective on why wars occur? And is it right for Christians to participate in war?

Why do wars occur?

The Christian answer to the question 'Why do wars occur?' is that wars exist because of sin. In the words of C S Lewis, "God created things which had free will. That means creatures which can go either wrong or right."

When God's human creatures go wrong by acting in a way that is contrary to God's will that is what Christians call sin. If we probe further and ask what is involved in acts of sin, the answer is distorted desire resulting from a fallen nature. Because of the spiritual disaster that occurred at the beginning of human history and which the Christian tradition calls the Fall (Genesis 3:1-24), we are by nature creatures who desire, and therefore do, things that God has forbidden (as when Eve desired and therefore took and ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil - Genesis 3:1-6).

As the great Welsh Christian writer Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains in his little book Why does God allow war?, warfare is simply a particular form of this pattern of wrongful desire leading to sinful action. Drawing on the words of James 4:1-2, "What cause wars and what causes fightings among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members? You desire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war," he writes as follows:

".... The ultimate cause of war is lust and desire; this restlessness that is a part of us as a result of sin; this craving for that which is illicit and for that which we cannot obtain. It shows itself in many ways, both in personal, individual life, and also the life of nations. It is the root cause of theft and robbery, jealousy and envy, pride and hate, infidelity and divorce. And in precisely the same way it leads to personal quarrels and strife, and also to wars between nations. The Bible does not isolate war, as if it was something separate and unique and quite apart, as we tend to do in our thinking. It is but one of the manifestations of sin one of the consequences of sin. On a larger scale perhaps, and in a more terrible form for that reason, but still, in its essence, precisely the same as all the other effects and consequences of sin."

We can see this continuity between war and other forms of sin if we compare an act of armed robbery and an act of war. Imagine a gang of armed robbers breaking into a bank and shooting people in the course of robbing it. They have committed the sins of theft and murder because of their desire to obtain money. We call this act of sin a crime. Now imagine an army attacking a country and killing its inhabitants in order to obtain the territory and other resources of that country. Like the armed robbers in the previous scenario, this army is committing the sins of theft and murder, but in this case we call this act of sin an act of war.

Is it right for Christians to participate in war?

Because the cause of war is sin it is never legitimate for Christians to precipitate warfare. It is not right for Christians to attack other people, or other nations, as part of an army out of a desire to kill them or to take what they possess. Down the centuries there have been Christians who would go further than this and say that Christians must never go to war for any cause at all. However, this has not been the majority Christian view. The majority view has been that although Christians may not start a war as a result of sinful desire, they may nevertheless engage in warfare. As Article XXXVII of the Church of England's Thirty-Nine Articles puts it, "It is lawful for Christian men, at the command of the Magistrate, to wear weapons, and to serve in the wars."

To understand why the majority of Christians have taken this view, we have to first of all note that God in his mercy has ordained two ways of dealing with the existence of sin.

Firstly, God has ordained that the Christian Church should proclaim the saving work of Jesus Christ through word and sacrament so that people may receive forgiveness for the sins that they have committed and may also receive through union with Jesus Christ a new form of existence in which the illicit desire that leads to sin, and therefore the commission of acts of sin, are eradicated, partially in this life and fully in the life to come.

Secondly, because not all people chose to accept the deliverance from sin that God offers through the Church and also because, as previously noted, even those who have accepted this deliverance are still liable to sin in this life, God has given to the 'Magistrate' referred to in Article XXXVII, that is to say that political rulers of particular states, the responsibility to retrain the effects of sin by acting on God's behalf in taking judicial action against acts of wrong-doing.

Paul makes this clear in Romans 13:1-4: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer."

As Paul notes, in exercising their God given authority those with political authority have the right to use 'the sword,' that is to say, they have the right to use lethal force to counteract wrong-doing if no other option is available. Thus, in the case of armed robbery the police will be prepared to take the lives of the robbers in order to protect the lives of members of the public or other members of the police force.

The right of those with political authority to use lethal force in this way is underlined in an open letter written to Christians in Great Britain by the Swiss theologian Karl Barth in 1941. In this letter he declares that there is a realm outside of the Church in which God exercises his Fatherly care by giving the state the power of the sword: "Where the life of men will not be governed by the preaching of the Gospel nor by prayer, nor by Baptism or the Lord's Supper  in other words, where the bounds of the Church stop  there begins the realm within whose bounds God's fatherly care, which does not fail even there, must be maintained and imposed, if necessary, by the threat of the sword, and, in the last resort, by its use."

As Barth goes on to say: "The State would lose all meaning and would be failing in its duty as an appointed minister of God, and it would be depriving men of the benefit which God, by its function, had intended for them, if it failed to defend the bounds between Right and Wrong by the threat, and by the actual use of, the sword."

In these quotes what Barth is talking about is not simply police action, but resort to war, and this makes that point that the correct way to see war from a Christian perspective is in terms of its being what the Christian ethicist Oliver O'Donovan, calls "an extraordinary extension of ordinary acts of judgement". That is to say, just as the pollical authorities of particular states normally take action by means of the policing and judicial systems of their countries to enact the justice of God in response to various forms of wrongdoing, so also, on occasion, they have to resort to war for the same reason. War is permissible as a means of seeking to achieve justice in response to some form of wrongdoing caused by sin that would otherwise continue such, as for example the threat to the inhabitants of a country from an external power.

In the words of the medieval theologian Thomas Aquinas: "... as the care of the common weal [i.e. the common good] is committed to those who are in authority, it is their business to watch over the common weal of the city, kingdom or province subject to them. And just as it is lawful for them to have recourse to the sword in defending that common weal against internal disturbances, when they punish evil-doers, according to the words of the Apostle (Romans 13:4): 'He beareth not the sword in vain: for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil"; so too, it is their business to have recourse to the sword of war in defending the common weal against external enemies."

Seeing war in this light means understanding that war is not, as some societies have thought, a good in itself. No one should desire that even a just war should occur. It is always better that war should not take place because the wrongdoing that necessitates it does not occur. War is only ever justified as a last and lamentable resort when something has gone very seriously wrong as a result of sin.

Furthermore, the purpose of war is to prevent wrong-doing, not to kill the enemy as such. The only justification for killing enemy combatants is because they are capable of enabling wrongdoing to continue and to triumph. If this is no longer the case, their killing is unjustifiable. That is why the Christian tradition has insisted that the wounded who are incapable of fighting and those taken prisoner should not be killed because their ability to continue to do harm has ceased (in the same way that police should not kill a surrendered armed robber). For the same reason non-combatants among the enemy population should also not be harmed and steps should be taken to ensure that this is the case.

In summary, from a Christian viewpoint war is one of the results of the general sinfulness of mankind resulting from the Fall. The justification for Christian participation in war is to serve the common good by using lethal force at the command of those to who God has given political authority in order to prevent serious acts of wrong-doing that cannot be prevented in any other way. Understood in this way war, is never desirable, but may sometimes be necessary. However, the good news is that it will not be necessary forever. The Bible teaches us that that when God's kingdom is finally and fully manifested at the coming of Christ in glory, then the nations "...shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and the spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (Micah 4:3).

As sin ceases so will war. Amen, come Lord Jesus.

Martin Davie is a lay Anglican theologian and Associate Tutor in Doctrine at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.
Indian consulting giant Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has once again argued that employees in India should have a 70-hour workweek, NDTV reports. Murthy has previously made similar statements in October 2023 and in January 2024.

Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce centenary on Sunday, the billionaire argued that 70-hour workweeks are necessary because several hundred million Indian citizens live in poverty. His argument is that those who have jobs should work long hours and embrace entrepreneurship to create jobs for others.

We have to work hard and work towards making India No. 1, he said, emphasizing young people in particular need to understand this.


After uproar by SP members, UP Assembly adjourned indefinitely The proceedings of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly were adjourned indefinitely on Thursday following disruptions by Samajwadi Party (SP) members. The uproar arose from a statement made by Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. Samajwadi Party legislators entered the Assembly carrying a portrait of Dr Ambedkar and raised slogans, causing disruption. Despite repeated appeals from Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana for calm and constructive participation, the SP members persisted in their protest. Amid the chaos, the supplementary budget was passed without discussion, and the House was adjourned indefinitely.



Finance Minister Suresh Khanna criticised the SP members, accusing them of deliberately obstructing the Assemblys functioning. He said, "They came with the intent to disrupt proceedings and avoid meaningful discussion." The supplementary budget was passed unanimously, with the Speaker declaring its approval amidst the pandemonium.



The Speaker also addressed the Oppositions reluctance to discuss the Kumbh Mela, stating, "Kumbh is not on the Oppositions agenda. They dont want it to be discussed. But it is my duty to ensure the House debates the supplementary budget."



Talking about the great importance of the Kumbh Mela, Finance Minister Khanna highlighted its cultural importance. "Over 40 crore people are expected to attend the Kumbh. Such a grand event has no parallel in the world. Avoiding a discussion on it is an insult to our culture and Sanatani values," he remarked.



In contrast, SP MLA Atul Pradhan staged a protest outside the Assembly, sitting under Dr Ambedkars statue in Hazratganj. Pradhan had been expelled from the session on Wednesday following a heated exchange with the Speaker.



Speaking on the issue of Dr Ambedkars legacy, Finance Minister Khanna asserted that the BJP had shown the greatest respect for him by establishing Panch Teerth (five sacred places) in his honour. "The Opposition, on the other hand, has disrespected Dr Ambedkar by altering the Preamble of the Constitution he drafted," he added.



The Assembly Speaker reiterated the need to respect Dr Ambedkars contributions while urging the Opposition to focus on key issues like farmers welfare. "Everyone respects Baba Saheb. The entire state is watching. I appeal to the Opposition to respect his legacy and engage in meaningful discussions."




CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Reference code: SVN2024-35

Open to External Candidates

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

The overall task of the incumbent will be to contribute to strengthening the institutional capacity of the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, by providing information support as a Counsellor of the Green Line of the Call Centre within GIM. Category A Consultancy.

After weeks of heightened tensions and escalating conflict in eastern Ukraine, on 24 February 2022, Russian forces launched a full-scale assault on Ukraine, with its military attacking the country simultaneously by land, air and sea from the north, east and south. As a result, immediately before and during the crisis, a huge increase in migratory flows has been seen from Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova. It is estimated that over 4 million people, including refugees, third-country nationals and other migrants, may flee Ukraine over the course of the next six months, many of whom will be in need of humanitarian protection and support. The large number of persons who already arrived on the territory of the Republic of Moldova has led to considerable strain on the reception system in the country.

IOM is committed to strengthening the regional response in the next stage of the crisis through multi- dimensional approach aimed at widening the scope of implemented activities to assist in addressing complex migration and border management challenges in order to maintain the balance between the facilitation of cross-border movements, while upholding border security and protecting migrants rights. This also includes the operational support to national border and immigration agencies and other stakeholders responsible for ensuring voluntary transfer to pledging EU Member States and associated countries of Eastern Partnership citizens and voluntary and informed return of TCNs.

The projects Supporting Protection, Transit, Voluntary and Informed Return and Reintegration of Eastern Partnership Citizens and Third Country Nationals affected by the conflict in Ukraine (DG NEAR) provides for access to a hotline for potential migrants and victims of trafficking in human beings and a trusted and secured line of communication. Due to the crisis in Ukraine that lead to a high number of refugees in Republic of Moldova, as agreed with the donor, within this project IOM will support the Call Centre of the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM) of RM. The consultancy will provide counselling via the Green Line of the Call Centre of GIM. The purpose is to contribute to the qualitative functioning of the Green Line within the GIM Call Centre, according to the Regulation on Activity and Minimum Quality Standards. The Counsellor's mission is to achieve the prerogatives of the General Inspectorate for Migration related to migration, asylum, integration and statelessness, by providing information support and telephone counselling.

The Counsellor of the Green Line of the Call Centre is directly subordinated to the Coordinator of the Green Line of the Call Centre within GIM. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the Head of Migration Governance unit, and the direct supervision of the IBM Programme Specialist, the consultant will be responsible for providing effective and efficient support to the IOM IBM Programme Team, as well as to the direct project beneficiaries, namely GIM, within the framework of the project - Supporting Protection, Transit, Voluntary and informed Return and Reintegration of Eastern Partnership Citizens and Third Country Nationals affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

3. Ensure that callers are informed about the integration programs and the conditions for benefiting from such programs;

9.The Counsellor will work in shifts (day and night), according to the schedule established by the Coordinator of the Green Line of the Call Centre within GIM, to ensure the functionality of the service (24 hours / 7 days a week).

- to know the related legal and regulatory framework;

- to know the spectrum of services available to foreigners, migrants, refugees, stateless persons, etc.;

- to know the institutional framework in the field of migration, asylum, statelessness and integration of foreigners;

- to know the spectrum of available services to which the caller may be referred, in case of identification of needs beyond the mandate of the Green Line;

- working with information;

- effective communication;

- teamwork;

- on the use of technical means of office;

- communication in Romanian and Russian. Knowledge of English is an advantage;

- how to use Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).

- responsibility;

- respect for colleagues and beneficiaries;

- tolerance;

- the tendency towards continuous professional development;

- assertiveness in communicating with beneficiaries.

The fee will not cover travel and other expenses of the Consultant.

Values

Core Competencies  behavioural indicators

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this special vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

A prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station and work permit, as applicable.

How to apply:

Interested applicants are invited to send CV and Cover Letter in English to: hrchisinau@iom.int

Please, indicate the position you are applying for and reference code in the subject line of your message.

Closing date for applications is 02 January 2025.

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts the applications duly completed.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Posting period:

From 19.12.2024 to 02.01.2025

Alte articole de la acest autor:
Peste o mie de copii din raionul Criuleni vor avea acces gratuit la un spatiu modern pentru joaca si lectura
By Aquir, Adobe

The Charity Commission has disqualified a charity sector expert and two other former trustees of a Bedfordshire-based international aid charity after a two-year investigation.

It found serious failings at the Quba Trust , which was registered in 2014 to alleviate poverty, provide disaster relief and promote the Islamic faith.

Among the failings, the regulator found that the former trustees were unable to account for more than 250,000 that was transferred overseas.

Dawood Masood received the longest ban, for 10 years, due to his position as a sector expert, who regularly performs independent examinations for other charities.

Affaf Amir and Masood Akthar Hazarvi were also disqualified from holding senior roles at a charity, for 7.5 years and 5.1 years, respectively.

According to its latest accounts for the year to January 2024, the charitys total income was 4,440, while its total expenditure was 84,700.

Missing funds and unjustified spending

The regulator opened a statutory inquiry in May 2022 after its routine monitoring of the Quba Trust flagged serious concerns about the charitys governance and financial management, including in relation to its international operations in Pakistan.

Quba Trusts trustees at the time had also failed to act on regulatory advice and guidance issued by the commission to make improvements in how the charity was run and ensure it met legal obligations.

In its inquiry report, the regulator listed the failings by the charitys trustees across a number of areas which amounted to misconduct or mismanagement.

These included a failure to comply with the charitys governing document and a serious disregard for the importance of proper financial management and controls within the charity.

The regulator also found a failure to evidence the end use of charitable funds transferred overseas and poor record keeping and payments to trustee personal and connected company accounts.

During the investigation, the commission found that the former trustees were unable to account for more than 259,000 that was transferred overseas, with a further 522,000 lacking a satisfactory audit trail.

The charity was also largely inactive during the investigation but spent more than 36,000 on a consultant, which the commission concluded was not in the charitys best interests and constituted misconduct or mismanagement.

One of the trustees Dawood Masood also took a trip to Morocco following his resignation last year, the commission reported.

Although the trip was allegedly on behalf of the Quba Trust, it appeared to have been funded by money taken from the charitys bank account, which had been paid directly to a non-charitable company of which Dawood Masood was the sole director.

The firm is not named in the report but Dawood Masood remains the sole director of Quba Accountancy, according to Companies House.

Routine monitoring flagged serious concerns

Given the extent of the failings, the regulator disqualified three former trustees in May 2024, for periods ranging between five and 10 years.

Dawood Masood received the longest disqualification as he is a practising accountant, who regularly performs independent examinations for charities in England and Wales and is a charity sector expert, according to the regulator.

This therefore made him culpable to a greater degree than his colleagues of mismanagement and/or misconduct, the commission said, due to his knowledge of the charity sectors legal and regulatory frameworks, and his qualifications.

According to the commissions website, the Quba Trust now has two trustees, who took up their posts in April and October of this year, respectively.

Since the investigation, the current trustees have taken a number of steps to address the failures and weaknesses in the charitys governance, the regulator said.

International charities more vulnerable to abuse

Joshua Fairbridge, the commissions head of compliance visits and inspections, said: Charities which operate internationally can be more vulnerable to abuse or harm as a result of where and how they operate.

Our routine monitoring visit identified concerns which should have been addressed by the former trustees but were not.

Trusteeship is an important public role that carries legal duties and responsibilities, which includes acting in a charitys best interests and managing its resources responsibly.

In this case, the former trustees we have taken action against failed to meet the standards expected of them, leading to serious governance and financial management failings.

Our inquirys findings serve as a reminder of the duties placed on trustees. When those duties are breached, public trust and confidence in charities are undermined.

The Commission, as demonstrated in this case, will act to protect the integrity of both the charity involved and the wider charitable sector.

Civil Society has approached Quba Trust and Quba Accountancy for comment.

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Last week, Time continued its nearly century-old annual tradition of choosing a Person of the Year, or an individual who, for better or for worse, has had the biggest impact on the world over the previous twelve months. Donald Trump, who the magazine said has perhaps played the largest role of any individual in changing the course of politics and history, was Times pick for 2024. Alongside its big reveal, the magazine launched TIME AI: a platform that consists of generative AI tools meant to assist people as they read the story. Its a move that Time optimistically describes as setting a new standard for immersive storytelling. Its more than an experiment, a Time announcement proclaimed. Its a pivotal step toward charting the future of journalism.

Times new AI platform can answer readers questions about the current and previous three Person of the Year stories, summarize them at different lengths, and translate them into several languages. According to Time, the tool was developed through partnerships with AI companies, including Scale AI, and trained on a curated body of the magazines articles, other trusted sources, and the bots built-in general knowledge. The chatbot is instructed not to answer questions outside the realm of the magazines reporting. Indeed, the scope of what users can ask seems particularly narrow (when I asked for the capital of Egypt, the bot refused to answer). In other words, Time seems to be treading carefully so as not to let its bot run amok into misinformation territory, which surely would be particularly bad for an industry that sells itself on accuracy.

I reached out to Meg Heckman, an associate professor at the Northeastern University School of Journalism and Media Innovation, who reported for CJR when some local newsrooms launched chatbots in 2018. Injecting humility into a bot is not a bad thing, she said. Especially for a news organization that is attempting to rebuild very fragile audience trust. Indeed, as Heckman previously noted in CJR, the stakes are particularly high when bots speak for organizations that bill themselves as trustworthy sources of information, as opposed to, say, a shopping site. Thats why newsrooms that decide to test the waters with AI tools need to be overly transparent about where the data is coming from and remind readers that generative AI is not omnipotent, according to Heckman. Theres a role for all newsrooms to engage in some AI literacy for their readers, she said. If youre going to be putting this new AI voice on your website, have a couple of paragraphs somewhere explaining what it is. To its credit, Time did publish a somewhat detailed article about how the AI chatbot works.

Of course, Time is far from the only major newsroom to experiment with AI chatbots. Last month, the Washington Post launched Ask the Post AI, which produces answers based on the newspapers coverage. Like TIME AI, the Posts chatbot has guardrails to prevent its answers from straying too far from its source material. When I asked What was Trumps first public appearance after the 2024 election? it declined to answer my question. This product is still in an experimental phase, the bot explained. But when I asked the same question later in our conversation, the bot seemingly changed course: Trumps first public appearance after the 2024 election was at the New York Stock Exchange, it saidconfidently, but incorrectly. The Post has been experimenting with several AI tools during the past several years, launching a climate bot called Climate Answers in July. Vineet Khosla, the Posts chief technology officer, told Axios that the move is part of a strategy to engage young readers who, according to research conducted by the paper, often rely on story summaries rather than headlines to determine whether to read further.

With AI companies playing an increasingly large role as information providerspartly by remixing news articles into text that barely skirts copyright lawnewsrooms have been under pressure to shift their business model. Some have leaned into the technology, for instance, by launching their own chatbots or joining licensing deals that let AI companies train their models on the publications articles. (Of course, some publicationsamong them, notably, the New York Timeshave taken a different route, choosing to sue these companies over copyright infringement.) The Tow Centers research director, Pete Brown, who has been tracking these licensing and partnership deals, found that OpenAI has reportedly spent three hundred million dollars on them (a five-year deal between OpenAI and NewsCorp, which owns publications like the New York Post, is valued at two hundred and fifty million dollars). By writing checks, companies like OpenAI have been accused of being able to pick winners in the news industry. Often, these winners include large, mainstream news companies like Time, which currently has partnerships with several AI companies, including OpenAI and Perplexity.

And yet, even when participating in licensing and partnership deals, newsrooms arent guaranteed that their content is presented or cited accurately in AI-generated answers, according to new research from the Tow Center. In October, OpenAI launched an initiative called ChatGPT Search: a search engine similar to Microsofts Bing that provides answers and links to relevant Web sources based on the users question. A press statement by OpenAI said the tool was developed in collaboration with news providers and quotes outlets like Le Monde praising the tool as a way for publications to innovate. However, research by my colleagues Klaudia Jazwinska and Aisvarya Chandrasekar found that publishers face the risk of their content being misattributed or misrepresented regardless of whether they allow OpenAI to include their content in search results. Our initial experiments with the tool have revealed numerous instances where content from publishers has been cited inaccurately, raising concerns about the reliability of the tools source attribution features, the analysis found.

This points to a flawed relationship between tech companies and publishersa relationship that often benefits the former and ties the hands of the latter. When newsrooms build their own chatbots, it at least gives them some control back over how their content is attributed and cited. Unlike ChatGPT Search, Times and the Posts chatbots seem more upfront about what they dont know and cant address. At the same time, it seems counterintuitive for newsrooms to offer summaries of their own articles, allowing readers to skip over details and original reporting that could provide important context to the story. For now, according to Heckman, it remains unclear whether TIME AI will indeed be a pivotal step for charting the future of journalismor just another temporary product that will fade away once newsrooms realize readers rarely use them. We dont know yet how appealing its going to be, she said. I mean, this could be a flash in the pan.

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As the state of North Carolina was preparing for the decennial 2020 census, one of the paramount concerns involved hard to reach populations. This included people living in mountainous rural communities, who often have little or no access to broadband, as well as people with a first language other than English, and individuals who distrust public figures, often with good reason. In 2017, based on early discussions among nonprofits serving different communities in the state, a coalition called NC Counts was formed, with the sole purpose of ensuring a complete and accurate census in 2020. The importance of its mission, as its executive director, Stacey Carless, stated in the introduction to the post-census impact report, was clear: census data informs decisions on vital services, infrastructure, and opportunities. North Carolinas 2020 census count will determine resource allocation for the next decade.

With the help of federal funding and additional money from eight philanthropies, the NC Counts Coalition assembled 135 civil society organizations from across the state. Through collaboration with those organizations, they were able to find and reach people who are off the grid, because those people know and trust their local faith groups and healthcare workers. NC Counts was able to find and reach immigrant populations, because those populations know and trust the organizations that give them legal aid and housing assistance. They were able to find and reach military families, because those families rely on local civic organizations for help navigating schools and other services in their communities.

In other words, NC Counts leveraged existing civic engagement infrastructure and grew greater long-term capacity to organize in support of initiatives that empower local communities, as the impact report states. Since then, NC Countswhich remains in operationhas added nearly 100 new civil society organizations to its coalition.

The work around the 2020 census in North Carolina highlights the breadth and depth of local information and news networks, including in communities considered news deserts because they are not served by capital J journalism. But this does not mean that people dont still need, and seek out, civic information. What can we learn from seeing the civic information landscape as inclusive of these community organizations?

Local information oceans?

The work of mapping local journalism provision at the 30,000-foot level is vital and provides valuable data about established local journalism outlets across the country. The annual State of Local News report, begun by Penny Abernathy in 2016, has focused attention on the plight of local newspapers that have served as the primary conveyors of civic information for decades. What is becoming clear is that the digital transformation has finally yielded the democratization of news that was predicted in the halcyon days of the internet; peoples critical information needs are now met by all manner of local organizations, largely through social media.

This research therefore seeks to supplement the 30,000-foot view with a 30-foot view, focused on all civic information providers: local news outlets, yes, but also the communications of schools, chambers of commerce, health institutions, and small businesses. In other words, the public-information-producing organizations that constitute the infrastructure of community information and news landscapes.

However, understanding information landscapes at the 30-foot view, especially from afar and for a country as vast as ours, requires collaboration. This is why for this new endeavor we are reaching out to journalism support organizations, funders, and civic media who are based in each state to partner in building what were calling the Local Information and News Registry. These organizations have deep connections to their communities and knowledge that cannot be replicated. Their input and ownership of the registry is crucial for its success.

This is by no means a revelatory approach. Organizations such as Listening Post Collective at Internews have been following a similar line of thinking since 2013; Democracy Funds 2017 analysis of North Carolinas information ecosystem posed the thought experiment: instead of asking how do we save traditional models of local news, we ask about ways of strengthening peoples access to information that is central to a healthy democracy. Instead of asking about the health of any one organization, we examine the robustness of the relationships between them. More recently, a team of civic information practitioners called for a pivot from a local-news-ecosystem lens to a civic-media-system lens, which includes exactly the types of organizations being discussed here.

This is definitely not to say that local journalists are no longer needed. One publisher I spoke with recently from Kingston, New York, suggested that the entire framing of an area as a news desert obscures reality; instead, he said, we should be thinking of information oceans, in which people are awash and need journalists as lifeboats and beacons, lifting them above the noise and pointing them in the direction of factual and useful information.

This way of seeing has family ties to another recent turn, toward collaborative journalismespecially cross-field collaborationwhere journalism organizations partner with nonprofits and other civil society organizations (CSOs) both to share scarce resources and to maximize reach and impact. North Carolinas Border Belt Independent, a nonprofit news outlet, was born out of a chance conversation between its publisher, Les High, and a program officer at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, which to that point had funded only organizations related to health and wellness. High was hosting a forum to showcase a series they had done on the opioid epidemic, and as the two talked afterward they realized that they could have a greater impact together. In other words, High realized that by partnering with the health organizations fighting the epidemic hed have much richer journalism, while the funder realized that bringing a news organization into the fold would amplify the work being done by the health workersand hopefully lead to greater impact.

The skills and expertise of journalists are crucial for telling the stories of the good work being done in communities, and getting those stories into the halls of power. Likewise, civil society organizations have roots and have built trust; by working together, journalists are better informed and their content is more authentically reflective of the communities they serve.

North Carolina as jumping-off point

One of the reasons I chose to begin what will eventually be a nationwide effort in North Carolina is that the state is home to some of the most innovative and successful journalism support efforts in the country (other such states include New Jersey and Colorado). In addition, its 100 counties contain tremendous variety in terms of terrain and demographics, two variables known to affect peoples access to local news and all of the services and affordances that are associated with it.

North Carolina partners already on board include NC Local News Workshop, the Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media (CISLM), and the North Carolina Local News Lab Fund. In addition, we have received valuable input and assistance from Carolina Demography, the NC Counts Coalition, Tiny News Collective, Media Impact Funders, the Border Belt Independent, Metcalf Institute, and the Civic Information Index.

There are nearly 200 local news outlets operating in North Carolina, according to Medills 2024 State of Local News report. Unsurprisingly, they are not distributed equally across the state. Nine of North Carolinas 100 counties have zero outlets, according to the report; the majority (N=52) have only one. However, there are a handful of counties that have seven or more, while Wake County (home to Raleigh) has 13 and Mecklenburg County (home to Charlotte) has 22. It should come as no surprise that Wake and Mecklenburg also have the highest population densities in the state, as research on local news provision has shown that more densely populated areas have characteristicsa strong business base, a higher concentration of incomethat can sustain journalism.

In terms of the civil society organizations that supplementand increasingly stand in forlocal journalism, we have so far identified 257 CSOs operating in North Carolina (the 235 that make up the NC Counts Coalition plus the grantees of the NC Local News Lab Fund; some overlap) and have begun gathering data about their operations. The pattern in terms of where these organizations are based loosely follows the pattern for local journalism described above, but with some important differences. For example, Wake and Mecklenburg make up two of the top three counties in terms of the number of CSOs based there, with 49 and 23 respectively (Durham has 31). But for many counties that have only one news outlet, or none at all, there are several civil society organizations. This follows from the fact that many of the CSOs in our sample provide relief and assistance to struggling and marginalized populationsthe hard to reach in any number of ways. In those places, these organizations are crucial information providers.

For example, the Facebook page for Henderson Countywhich has three news outlets and 42 CSOs, according to its Chamber of Commercewas a lifeline for survivors of Hurricane Helene; on December 13 it issued an urgent call for volunteers to help out at the Henderson County Warehouse, moving pallets of donated goods and equipment, sorting, and helping with the paperwork for orders from local nonprofits. Your assistance is crucial in ensuring that supplies reach those in need, the post read. No prior experience is necessaryjust a willingness to help and a heart for our community. The post received 32 reactions, five comments, and 141 shares.

The Henderson County Facebook page is connected to hundreds of other local organizations, either by following their pages or being followed by them. Subsequent phases of this research will involve identifying the major players in these local information and news landscapes, and uncovering patterns in how information is originated and distributed, as well as the level of engagement by people in these communities.

One other finding from our early analysis of this sample of North Carolina civil society organizations is that the number of CSOs serving a community maps very closely onto the number of households with access to broadband. Again, not a huge surprise, but the data show what appears to be a magic number in terms of both the presence of CSOs as well as a marked increase in the likelihood of having at least one local news outlet: 10,000. In other words, the 65 counties that have 10,000 or more households with broadband are much more likely to be served by both civil society organizations and local news outlets.

Going forward

To what extent are CSOs the new local information producers? To what degree are audiences interacting with CSOs on social media? Where it exists, what is the role of local journalism in a reimagined local information landscape? These are questions that will be answered by this research as it goes forward. We will continue to build out our knowledge of North Carolinas information and news landscape, adding local partners and identifying communication networks, while at the same time beginning work on other states. We are in the process of building a public-facing website that will house the registry and make this data available to all.

In 2023 NC Local News Lab Fund director Lizzy Hazeltine wrote a post highlighting the work of El Centro Hispano, one of their grantees: We have a wide-open opportunity to weave community-based organizations into relationships with community-centered media of all types. This is what makes up the robust civic infrastructure of any community: newsrooms, community organizations, schools, libraries, and others all have a part to play in ensuring that information is shared widely. It feels like the time has come for a broader acceptance of the idea that local news landscapes include many more voices than just local journalists, with all of the challenge and opportunity this implies.

The Local Information and News Registry that we are building at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism aims to bring all the information that people and organizations need to navigate this reality into one place; it will provide an infrastructure where community members, journalists, policymakers, and civil society organizations can look to understand a local landscape in detail, find information players they may not already be aware of, and, eventually, contribute themselves. By collaborating with partners like the NC Local News Lab Fund, who know their ecosystems intimately, we will provide resources for everyone to navigate uncharted waters.

Tow researcher Aisvarya Chandrasekar contributed to this article.
U.S. auto safety regulators backed down from forcing a recall of about 50 million air bag inflators they have said could explode in a crash, de-escalating a fight that has dragged on for years.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a new filing that further investigation is warranted before it can finalize a decision about whether the parts are defective, a necessary step before an involuntary recall. The agency reconsidered its stance after reviewing comments noting manufacturing differences at plants where the components were installed, according to the document posted Wednesday on a federal government website.

The suspect parts were made by Knoxville, Tennessee-based ARC Automotive Inc. and the former Delphi Automotive Systems LLC. The air bags involved have been used by at least a dozen car manufacturers, including General Motors Co., Stellantis NV, Volkswagen AG and Hyundai Motor Co.

In May 2023, GM recalled 1 million vehicles manufactured from 2014 to 2017 that were equipped with ARC inflators. That same month, regulators recommended that ARC issue a widespread recall of its inflators. The closely held company has refused to do so.

Representatives for ARC didnt immediately reply to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Its extremely unusual for regulators to force a recall since most manufacturers usually agree to fix defective parts. The auto industry has been eager to avoid a repeat of the Takata air bags saga from more than a decade ago. Those fixes took years to complete and wound up becoming the biggest auto recall in US history.

NHTSA said in the new filing that its planning to request additional information from ARC and the affected carmakers, and it will evaluate their responses before deciding how to proceed. Another lengthy comment period may also be necessary before any action is taken, pushing the decision into the Trump administration.

An estimated 49 million cars in the US were installed with the potentially faulty ARC air bag inflators.

The NHTSA filing was reported earlier by the Associated Press.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
American Airlines has agreed to settle a race discrimination lawsuit by three Black men who were temporarily removed from a flight at the insistence of white flight attendants, according to a court filing on Thursday.

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but lawyers for the men said the settlement includes a commitment by American to take action to prevent discrimination in the future.

The plaintiffs had claimed that they and five other Black men were removed from a New York-bound flight out of Phoenix, Arizona, in January for about an hour after white flight attendants complained about a passenger with offensive body odor, in a lawsuit filed in Brooklyn federal court in May.

None of the men ordered off the plane had an odor, the plaintiffs said in the lawsuit. They called the incident traumatic, upsetting, scary, humiliating, and degrading.

The men accused the airline of violating a Civil War-era law banning race discrimination in contracts.

American Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment. When the lawsuit was filed, the airline said it takes discrimination claims seriously and was investigating the matter.

Lawyers for the three men who sued said American had fired the flight attendants involved in the incident and expressed a commitment to delivering a positive experience to customers who choose to fly with the company.

In 2017, the NAACP urged Black travelers not to fly American, citing what it said were a series of racially-based incidents. The civil rights organization withdrew its advisory the following year after the airline agreed to update its policies and train employees on implicit bias.

(Reporting by Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Aurora Ellis)
An Amazon delivery driver moves a cart stacked with packages in San Francisco in July. Hundreds of Amazon workers at a San Francisco warehouse have joined a nationwide strike demanding union recognition and improved working conditions. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Delivery drivers fill their trucks with packages at the Amazon warehouse facility in Milpitas in February. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The Amazon warehouse facility in Milpitas. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Amazon employees sort packages at the Amazon warehouse facility in Milpitas in February. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Delivery trucks drive into the Amazon warehouse facility in Milpitas in February. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Delivery drivers load packages into their trucks at the Amazon warehouse facility in Milpitas in February. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Less than a week before Christmas, hundreds of Amazon workers at a San Francisco warehouse have joined a nationwide strike led by the Teamsters, demanding union recognition and improved working conditions.

The strike at a facility on Toland Street in the Bayview neighborhood, which began early Thursday, is part of a broader movement involving thousands of workers across seven Amazon operation centers.

The workers, including drivers and warehouse employees, say they are protesting Amazons refusal to recognize their union and negotiate fair contracts.

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The Teamsters, representing more than 1.3 million workers, have been vocal in their criticism of Amazons labor practices. General President Sean OBrien condemned the companys greedy executives, accusing Amazon of exploiting workers and ignoring union demands.

Amazon rakes in more money than anybody, they subject workers to injury and abuse at every turn, and they illegally claim not to be the rightful employer of nearly half their workforce, OBrien said in a statement.

He also pointed out that Amazon missed a Dec. 15 deadline for negotiations.

Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland praised the protesters, stating, Workers deserve the right to join a union and collectively bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. Amazon must come to the table to negotiate.

Lee added that she is proud to stand with the Teamsters.

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Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Santa Clara, also expressed solidarity with the workers, stating, Hardworking Amazon drivers and warehouse workers deserve a fair contract. Amazon needs to come to the table and negotiate.

The strike has been called the largest against Amazon in U.S. history. Workers at facilities in New York, Illinois, Georgia and Southern California  including Victorville (San Bernadino County) and the Los Angeles County communities of Palmdale and City of Industry  have joined the action, disrupting operations nationwide during the crucial holiday season.

Amazon responded by asserting that many striking workers are not direct employees but contractors, and the company is not obligated to negotiate with them.

The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, Eileen Hards, an Amazon spokesperson, said in a statement.

However, the union maintains that Amazon exerts significant control over the working conditions of these drivers and warehouse workers, and therefore has a legal obligation to bargain with them.

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Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's recent performance in the Broadway musical "& Juliet" has sparked a debate about judicial impartiality.

Critics are questioning whether her involvement in a production featuring LGBTQ+ themes could affect her objectivity as the court deliberates on a significant case regarding the prohibition of transgender surgical procedures for minors in Tennessee.

Legal experts, including Thomas Jipping from the Heritage Foundation, have expressed concerns about the implications of Jackson's participation in such an advocacy-driven show.

Jipping stated to FOX News, "I think it's a huge mistake for federal judges, especially Supreme Court justices, to engage in activities that clearly put the stamp of approval on an ideological position regarding issues that could come before the court, which is practically the definition of a threat to their impartiality, the appearance of impropriety."

The musical "& Juliet" reimagines Shakespeare's classic tale, placing a strong emphasis on female empowerment and nonbinary representation.

Jackson's one-time performance at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre featured her alongside notable figures such as TikTok star Charli D'Amelio.

The show has been recognized for its modern take on traditional narratives, with Jackson fulfilling a personal ambition by becoming the first Supreme Court justice to perform on Broadway.

While some have compared to past instances of justices participating in the arts, such as Justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg appearing in a Washington National Opera production, the current climate surrounding judicial ethics is more scrutinized.

Jipping pointed out that liberal criticism of conservative justices for ethical lapses has grown, prompting calls for stricter oversight of the judiciary.

As the Supreme Court prepares for a pivotal ruling in the U.S. v. Skrmetti case, which could set precedents for future transgender rights issues, the focus on Jackson's Broadway appearance raises questions about the standards of conduct expected from justices.

The court is set to continue oral arguments in January, with a decision anticipated by July 2025.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Its that time of year, when folks like to pop bubbly to celebrate as they ring in the new year.

Related: 2024 high-end wine price guide: Reviews of 70 bottles from $26 to $185

Sparkling wine actually goes well with food. And like a lot of wine on the market, it helps to know a few terms because the flavor profiles range quite a bit - from sugary, fruity and sweet to bready, yeasty and dry. The price range for sparklers is pretty wide, also.

So heres our annual updated primer. We offer 75 terms about sparkling wine for you to know before you pop the cork.

How not to drink sparkling wine.Associated Press

Sparkling wine terms

Acidic content: Sparklers usually contain higher acidities than white still wines, which themselves usually contain higher acid levels than red still wines. Acidity gives fine sparkling wines its crispness. Acidity helps when drinking wine with food.

Agraffe: Small wire netting (also known as filling clip, wire basket, shipping clip, French muselet) surrounding the bottles lip. It prevents the cork from being shot out of the bottle accidentally.

Alcohol: Sparkling wine is usually in the 12.5% alcohol range. (Real Simple offers a list of alcohol percentages by types of wine.)

Amabile: Expect a sweet wine. Says italianwineguide.com: Literally means friendly or amicable and in terms of wine, it fits just fine, as the word here means sweet.  In American parlance, we might say crowd pleaser.

Asti: Fruity wine from Moscato grapes from northwestern Italys Asti region. Light and sweet with lower alcohol content.

Atmosphere: Measurement for pressure inside a sparkling-wine bottle. 1 atmosphere equals 14.7 pounds per square inch (standard atmospheric pressure at sea level). Commercial sparkling wines commonly contain 4 to 6 atmospheres of CO2 pressure. End result: A cork can fly out as fast as 25 mph or so. So: Be careful not to shoot your eye out.

Blanc de Blanc: Sparkler made from white grapes, usually Chardonnay.

Blanc de Noir: Sparkler made from dark-skinned grapes, Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier. Skins are removed quickly, and color can vary. By the way, Meunier  which means miller in French - is pronounced MUN-yay.

Bottling vs. harvest: Non-vintage sparklers often include the bottling year rather than the harvest year.

Brachetto dAcqui: Its a good bet that a bottle with this on the label is a light, fruity sparkler. Brachetto is the grape; Acqui is the district in Italys Piedmont region. The region is in the northwest part of the country, borders Switzerland and France, and encompasses Turin.

Most Champagne is non-vintage, so don't try to impress a server by asking "What year is this?"Associated Press

Brut: Very dry.

Brut Nature: No sugar.

Bubbles: A 750ml bottle of Champagne has about 49 million bubbles, according to thechampagnecompany.com.

Cage: Twisted wire contraption that wraps the bottles lip and surrounds the cork.

Cava: Sparkling wine from Spain. Inexpensive, great value. Often made with Macabeu, Xarello or Parellada grapes.

Celebs and bubbles: Winston Churchill was partial to Pol Roget. Charles de Gaulles favorite was Drappier. Mick Jagger likes Louis Roederer Cristal. Marilyn Monroe loved Dom Perignon. Jack Nicholson prefers Veuve Clicquot.

Champagne: Sparkling wine that comes from a specific French region about 90 miles from Paris.

Champagne law: The use of Champagne is regulated by European treaty and designated for the specific French region. But if a U.S. winery wants to make a sparkling wine and call it Champagne, it can. France might want to go to war with us, but I think we can take them.

Champagne region: According to the Champagne Bureau, there are 34,200 hectares of growing area for grapes across Champagnes three administrative regions. That is 0.5% of the worlds vineyard area.

Charmat: Sparkling-wine making process. Its when secondary fermentation for sparkling wine occurs in large tanks instead of in bottles.

Consumption: Germans drink the most sparkling wine. Wine Enthusiast says they average a gallon per person annually.

Coupes have a bit of history to them.Associated Press

Coupe: Old-fashioned (but still in use) wide-rimmed glass for sparkling wine. According to apocryphal origin, it is said to have been modeled after Marie Antoinettes breast.

Cremant: French sparkling wine not made in the Champagne region. The wine, which must maintain quality standards to achieve this designation, can be a tad less effervescent.

Cuvee: Blend of quality grapes and / or vintages. Different grapes from different years might be meshed into one bottle.

Demi-sec: Medium-sweet. Wine Spectator says the term translates to half-dry.

Disgorgement: Heres how the folks at thekitchn.com describe this: After the second fermentation the wine rests on the dead yeast cells (called lees)  This is called aging sur lie, or on the lees. Disgorgement is the process of taking these dead lees or sediment out of the bottle, so that when we buy the Champagne or sparkling wine it is crystal clear.

Dolce: Sweet in Italian.

Dom Perignon: A name even non-oenophiles are familiar with. Legend says Dom Pierre Perignon (1638-1715) invented Champagne. The Benedictine monk did not invent bubbles, but he did a lot for sparkling wine, understanding growing conditions and production.

Dosage: Added sugar. The amount will determine how dry or sweet a wine is.

Doux: Implies the sweetest of wines. So if you see this on a sparkling-wine label, you will know what you are in for.

Environmental concern: Champagne Bureau says 63 percent of wine-growing areas in Champagne are environmentally certified. The goal is 100 percent certification by 2030.

Food American Table French 75Associated Press

Etymology: Champagne is derived from Latin meaning plain flat land.

Extra Brut: Sparkling wines driest style.

Extra Dry: This is by far the most confusing term and one of the most important to know before buying. Dont take this literally. It means the wine is sweet, not really extra dry. Confusing, yes.

Flying cork record: The longest recorded flight of a cork from a Champagne bottle is approximately 177 feet, according to thechampagnecompany.com.

Food pairings: Dont hold for special occasions! Sparkling wine makes for a fine aperitif, and it goes well with a variety of food: Fish, sushi, cheeses and dishes with cream sauce, in particular. Comite Champagne, a resource for all things bubbles, says Rose Champagne goes very well with the elements of a traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner:

Turkey and savory stuffing  a mature, vintage Rose Champagne.

Cranberry sauce  Tartness pairs beautifully with a non-vintage Rose Champagne.

Apple pie  Freshness of the filling and buttery, crispy pie crust matches well with a vintage Rose Champagne.

Flute: Tall, thin elegant glass for sparklers. Hold by its stem so you dont warm the wine. Love this food52.com description: Somewhere after the mid-1950s, the Champagne flute began creeping onto the scene; by the 80s and 90s, there was nary a coupe in sight. Flute enthusiasts claimed that the glass was better suited to prolonging the trademark bubbles, sparking a tug-of-war between Champagne glasses that continues today.

French 75: Since we have a list of 75 items, we had to include this. The famed cocktail has sparkling wine, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. And we hear its addictive.

Frizzante: Italian word for lighter effervescence in sparkling wine.

Grapes: Most common for sparkling wine are Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir.

Grand Cru: Designated areas within Frances Champagne region. Only two varietals are allowed for this stamp of approval - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Flutes offer an elegance - and hold bubbles well.Associated Press

Glassware: The folks at the Champagne Bureau say preferred glassware is a tall glass that widens in the middle and narrows at the top, allowing the wines aromas to waft up and for bubbles to develop.

Grower Champagne: Similar to the estate designation on wine bottles. This indicates grapes grown and wine bottled by an estate winery. The meaning of estate on a bottle can vary country to country, but in the United States it means grapes are farmed by one winery or business. Wine Enthusiast has a good explainer on estate and estate-bottled wines.

History: When it comes to U.S. production, California often is associated with sparkling wine. But it was Nicholas Longworth near Cincinnati in the 1830s who made sparklers first in the United States, using the Catawba grape, according to capstonecalifornia.com.

Holidays: National Champagne Day is Dec. 31. Not to be confused with Global Champagne Day, which is Oct. 24, 2025  the fourth Friday of every October.

Imports: How much do we like Champagne? Champagne Bureau reports 33,720,198 bottles of Champagne were shipped to the United States in 2022  the most sent to any country outside of France.

Kloveo: Maker of a Champagne stopper. Its made with chrome-plated stainless-steel body and hinge construction. Its meant for those who dont finish the bottle in one night. As if those people exist. Available via Amazon.

Liqueur de Tirage: Yeast and sugar mixture that is added to still wine to begin a second fermentation.

Methode Champenoise: Traditional way of making sparkling wine. Second fermentation occurs in the bottle.

Millesime: Grapes from a particularly good year for harvest. The vintage year also will accompany the word.

Mousse: What the French call a sparkling wines foam.

You can waste sparkling wine, celebrate with it or pair it with food. Rather versatile, wouldn't you say?Associated Press

NV: Non-vintage. Means the wine is a blend of several vintages. Most Champagne is NV.

Nucleation: This point is a tiny etching at the bottom of a glass that acts as a kickstarter for bubbles.

Opening: A few important pointers: Never aim a bottle, dont shake it, and dont use a corkscrew. Always drape a towel over the cork. Grip and slowly turn the cork to wedge it out. Be cognizant of where the lip of the bottle is pointing, and make sure there is nothing but a lot of space or wall as you open. No joking matter. You wont know a cork is under pressure until after its shot out, and I have seen them fly as far as about 25 feet. (Mens Health says under certain conditions a cork can travel 70 feet, and I once inadvertently blasted a cork about 20 feet on the lawn at Blossom Music Center.) Severe eye injuries can occur.

Perlage: Its all about the bubbles. This refers to the varying effervescence and size of bubbles. Heres more about perlage.

Pet-nat: Petillant naturel. French, roughly meaning naturally sparkling. Still kind of a hot new thing. Food & Wine has a nice primer on the subject.

Pinot Nero: French indigenous grape but grown in several countries, primarily for sparklers.

Placomusophilia: The metallic cover atop the cork and under the wire is usually discarded, but those who save them are involved in placomusophilia. Theres your word of the day.

Production (world): About 300 million bottles of Champagne are produced annually, so says thechampagnecompany.com. By the way, the worlds largest producer of Champagne is Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, according to finance.yahoo.com.

Production (U.S.): In 2023, 833 producers made sparkling wine in the United States, according to ibisworld.com.

Prosecco: Light, inoffensive, inexpensive Italian sparkler. Aficionados can distinguish between a Prosecco and, say, yeasty expensive Champagnes. Common find for under $20. Mimosa fodder.

Cheers to looking ahead to 2025!

Riddling: Intervals of turning bottles to allow sediment to move to the neck before being removed.

Sales: Sparkling-wine sales topped $6.5 billion in 2022, according to finance.yahoo.com.

Sec: Dry in French.

Sekt: German for sparkling wine.

Spoon myth: Ever heard about dangling a little spoon in a Champagne bottles neck to ensure that it keeps? Supposedly it preserves bubbles. Its bunk, Comite Champagne says. Wine Folly cites different sources split on the subject.

Spumante: Italian for sparkling wine. The aptly named glassofbubbly.com notes it is a wide-open designation. Spumante can go on any label with any grapes from any region  as long as it is Italian.

Still wine: Wine that is not sparkling.

Storage: Place bottles of opened and unfinished bottles (does anyone have unfinished bottles?) upright or on the side with a topper.

Temperature (serving): Champagne should be chilled but not ice cold. Ideal temperature is 46 to 50 degrees. Quick chilling tip: Put the bottle in a bucket half filled with water and ice 20 to 30 minutes before serving.

Temperature (bubbles): Supposedly, cellar temperature affects bubble size. The colder it is, the smaller the bubbles, according to champagne-booking.com.

Valdobbiadene: Italian wine-growing area. It is a town in the Veneto region and home to Prosecco makers.

Veuve: This word, found on French labels, means widow. It is a testament to the many women who carried on and led Champagne houses over the years.

Vintage: If there is a year on a bottle, that is when the wine was produced  that is, when the grapes were harvested.

Viura: In Catalonia  a Spanish autonomous region - this grape is called Macabeo and is the primary blending grape in Cava.

I cover restaurants, beer, wine and sports-related topics on our life and culture team. For my recent stories, heres a cleveland.com directory. WTAM-1100s Bill Wills and I talk food and drink around 8:20 a.m. Thursdays. Twitter and IG: @mbona30. My latest book, co-authored with Dan Murphy: Joe Thomas: Not Your Average Joe by Gray & Co.

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Our weekly DineDrink C-L-E podcast covers North Ohios food and drink scene. Go to cleveland.com/topic/dinedrinkcle. And follow @DineDrinkCLE on Instagram.
Motorists travel along a rain-soaked Highway 101 during a storm in San Francisco on Jan. 31. Atmospheric river storms are expected to complicate record-setting travel for the December holidays in the Bay Area. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Police officers manage traffic congestion at San Francisco International Airport on Nov. 27. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Whats expected to be a record-setting December holiday travel season is about to begin, inevitably bringing crowds and frustration to travelers flocking to airports and freeways.

And the weather could make travels even more of a travail, potentially causing flight delays and making road trips a sloppy slog.

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Travel industry and traffic experts expect more than 119 million Americans to travel more than 50 miles from home during the upcoming holidays. That surpasses by 64,000 the number of winter holiday travelers from 2019, the previous record year, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Its also 3 million more than last year, according to AAA, which does annual analyses along with Inrix, a traffic information service.

The general consensus among travel experts is that airports will begin to get more crowded on Thursday, though estimates vary by airport. And with Christmas falling in the middle of the following week, travel days are expected to be spread out, with more cautious or nervous flyers starting the rush early.

The holiday travel season typically lasts from the weekend before Christmas to the first couple of days of the new year.

Bay Area airports are advising travelers to take the usual precautions  checking for delays with airlines, planning ahead for parking and being prepared for crowds and possible delays. Theyre also encouraged not to wrap presents because TSA agents may need to unwrap them to see whats inside.

Travelers line up to check in their bags into San Francisco International Airport on Nov. 27. Travel for the December holidays is expected to set records. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

While airports will be crowded, most holiday travelers  nearly 90%  will get behind the wheel and merge onto crowded highways. Although airports are expecting their busiest days to be Friday through Monday, Inrix said drivers should anticipate the worst overall gridlock on Sunday.

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The worst time and place for Bay Area congestion, according to Inrix, will be on Interstate 80 between San Francisco and the connecting routes to Napa on Saturday when an eastbound drive will take 2 hours, 20 minutes  about 82% longer than usual.

The slowest driving times over the next few days are expected to be 1-8 p.m. on Friday, 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, 3-8 p.m. on Sunday, and 1-6 p.m. on Monday. Christmas Eve traffic is expected to be relatively light.

Complicating the situation for travelers is an active weather pattern that will bring multiple atmospheric river storm systems to California during the holiday travel period, according to Chronicle newsroom meteorologist Greg Porter. The first system is expected to deliver light rain showers across the Bay Area on Saturday, with heavier rainfall targeting Northern California.

The second, more powerful storm system will arrive late Monday into Tuesday  Christmas Eve day  bringing moderate rainfall to the Bay Area and significant snowfall to the Sierra, including the Tahoe region.

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The active weather pattern will continue after the holiday as well, as several additional atmospheric river storms rotate through the state every few days.
Novato High School was placed on lockdown after a robbery occurred near the schools campus. Jacom Stephens/Getty Images

Novato High School was locked down for two hours Thursday as police searched for suspects tied to a robbery that occurred near the campus, officials said.

The robbery occurred a block away from the school around 11:30 a.m. after several boys approached the victim and demanded personal belongings, the Novato Police Department said in a Facebook post. Witnesses told police that one of the boys took out a gun during the robbery. The boys then fled onto the Arthur Street campus, police said.

Officers swept the campus and the surrounding neighborhood with the help of a police dog and a drone, and ultimately determined the suspects were no longer on school grounds, police said. The campus was deemed safe and the lockdown was lifted around 1:30 p.m.

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An injection pen of Zepbound, Eli Lillys weight loss drug, is displayed in New York City on Dec. 11, 2023.

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday said the active ingredient in Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound is no longer in shortage, a decision that will eventually bar compounding pharmacies from making cheaper, unbranded versions of the injection.

"FDA has determined that the shortage of tirzepatide injection products, which first began in December 2022, is resolved," the agency said in a letter. "FDA continues to monitor supply and demand for these products."

The agency's decision, based on a comprehensive analysis, marks the end of a period where certain pharmacies could make, distribute or dispense unapproved versions of tirzepatide  the active ingredient in Zepbound  without facing repercussions for violations related to the treatment's shortage status.

Compounding pharmacies must stop making compounded versions of tirzepatide in the next 60 to 90 days, depending on the type of facility, the agency said. The FDA said that transition period will give patients time to switch to the branded version.

It's a blow to some compounding pharmacies, which say their copycat drugs help patients who don't have insurance coverage for Zepbound and can't afford its hefty price tag of roughly $1,000 a month. Zepbound and other weight loss drugs are not covered by many insurance plans, but Eli Lilly's diabetes counterpart Mounjaro is.

It's the latest in a high-stakes dispute between compounding pharmacies and the FDA over a shortage of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in both Zepbound and Mounjaro. Eli Lilly has invested billions to expand its manufacturing capacity for tirzepatide as it struggles to keep pace with unprecedented demand.

A trade organization representing compounding pharmacies  the Outsourcing Facilities Association  sued the FDA on Oct. 8 over the agency's decision to remove tirzepatide from its official drug shortages list just days earlier. The group alleges the FDA acted without proper notice, ignoring evidence that a shortage of tirzepatide still exists. It also contended that the FDA's action was a coup for Eli Lilly that came at the expense of patients.

Following the suit, the FDA said it would reevaluate removing tirzepatide from the shortages list. That allowed compounding pharmacies to continue making copycats while the agency reviewed its decision.

Compounded medications are custom-made alternatives to branded drugs designed to meet a specific patient's needs. When a brand-name medication is in shortage, compounding pharmacies can prepare copies of the drug if they meet certain requirements under federal law.

The Food and Drug Administration does not review the safety and efficacy of compounded products, and the agency has urged consumers to take the approved, branded GLP-1 medications when they are available.

However, the FDA does inspect some outsourcing facilities that compound drugs, according to its website.
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, arrives at a helicopter pad after being extradited from Pennsylvania, in New York, U.S., December 19, 2024.

Federal prosecutors in New York have charged Luigi Mangione with murder, stalking and a firearms crime in the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

The federal criminal complaint was unsealed Thursday as Mangione, 26, agreed to be extradited to New York to face state court murder charges in Manhattan for Thompson's slaying.

Mangione is expected to appear later Thursday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan on the federal complaint.

Mangione consented to be taken by authorities to New York at a hearing Thursday morning in a Pennsylvania courtroom.

Afterward, he was taken to a plane in Altoona, which departed for New York.

The new federal complaint hinges on the two stalking counts, which claim that Mangione traveled to New York on Nov. 24 and used electronic communication devices to surveil and ultimately kill Thompson. Both stalking counts note that the travel and devices involved so-called interstate commerce, which federal prosecutors often use as grounds for filing criminal charges that otherwise might be handled exclusively by local or state prosecutors.

The third and fourth federal counts  of murder through use of a firearm, and firearms offense  accuse Mangione of using and carrying a handgun in relation to the stalking offenses.

Mangione is accused of fatally shooting Thompson as the CEO was headed into the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan for an investor day of his company's parent, UnitedHealth Group.

He was arrested five days later in Altoona after someone reported a suspicious person in a McDonald's.
Chair Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., conducts the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth hearing titled Promoting Competition, Growth, and Privacy Protection in the Technology Sector, in Dirksen Building on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

A "faulty" transfer of student loan accounts from Nelnet to Mohela in 2023 led to "millions of consumer credit reporting errors," lawmakers say in a new letter to government agencies reviewed by CNBC.

The change in loan servicers caused nearly 2 million duplicate student loan records to appear on borrowers' credit reports, while hundreds of thousands of borrowers' credit scores were reported incorrectly for up to a year and a half, according to the letter. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, and other lawmakers sent the letter on Wednesday evening to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Rohit Chopra and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.

As part of their investigation, the lawmakers sent inquiries to Nelnet, Mohela and three credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and Transunion. They asked the companies about what had gone wrong and how many borrowers were impacted.

In their letter, the lawmakers urged the government agencies to investigate the problems.

"We respectfully request that the CFPB and ED use their supervisory and enforcement authority to ensure that the appropriate parties are held accountable for these errors," the lawmakers wrote.

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Mohela appears to have failed to inform the credit reporting companies of each loan transfer from Nelnet, the lawmakers said they found in their investigation. As a result, many borrowers had their single loan balance reported twice, once by each servicer.

Duplicate student loan balances on a borrowers' credit report can reduce their credit scores and make it more difficult for them to obtain mortgages, car loans and other credit, the lawmakers note in the letter.

Nelnet spokesperson Ben Kiser said the issues "arose out of an ED-directed change in servicing requirements," which "are entirely outside servicers' control."

A spokesperson for Mohela said the company "strongly disagrees" with the allegations in the letter.

"MOHELA reported accurately and operated according to the standards provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Federal Student Aid," the spokesperson said.
Pia Harris, center, speaking at a San Francisco gala last fall, spent years in catering before realizing her dream and opening Nia Soul Food in the Fillmore. After her death at 46 following complications from surgery, her family will keep the restaurant going in her memory. Courtesy of Nikki Nichole Cooper

After catering for her entire professional life, Pia Harris was so excited to open her own soul food restaurant on Fillmore Street that on the first night, everything was free, to show her appreciation for the village it took to get the place open. She figured there would be a lifetime of paid nights because she was only 46, and this was her first restaurant and she had energy to burn.

Nia Soul Food held its grand opening Nov. 16, and one week later Harris went in for surgery to remove noncancerous growths on her pancreas. There were complications that required her to remain hospitalized at California Pacific Medical Center. Her condition steadily deteriorated, and she died Dec. 3, said her mother Adrian Williams.

Everybody loved Pia. She had the sweetest smile, said her mother, who runs the Village Project, a citywide nonprofit to mentor children and support seniors that operates out of St. Cyprians Episcopal Church in the Western Addition. Pia was always helping the underdog, that was her thing. She was patient with people and could help them define and implement their goals.

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She did this through her day job as chief economic development officer at the nonprofit San Francisco Housing Development Corp., which is involved in the resurrection of the city-owned Fillmore Heritage Center. One of her SFHDC projects, Minding My Black-Owned Business, has helped 135 Black entrepreneurs graduate from 12-week programs on starting or expanding a business.

Pia put her dreams on hold in order to empower and nurture other restaurant and business owners in the Fillmore to fulfill their dreams, said Melonie Green, who worked with Harris producing the Juneteenth San Francisco Freedom Celebration in the Fillmore. Green runs the African American Art & Culture Complex with her twin sister Melorra. She has a rich history of cultivating relationships, integrating art into merchant association events and in a lot of ways being the peacemaker in the community, said Melorra.

Pia Harris at Nia Soul Food, her newly opened restaurant in the Fillmore neighborhood. She loved cooking and feeding folk, said her mother, Adrian Williams. Thats the Southern tradition. Courtesy of Tony Nash

Harris had a vision for a shared marketplace for retailers who couldnt afford rent and improvements on their own. Called In the Black, it operates out of the basement at the Fillmore rock club and has a roster of 20 Black makers and creators who sell their products under a shared lease, controlled by SFHDC.

In my 30-plus year career in community development, Pia is one of the most talented, skilled, passionate, diligent and dedicated colleagues Ive had the pleasure to work with, said David Sobel, CEO of SFHDC. She was an amazing human being and is irreplaceable in the Fillmore and in the city at large. There is nothing anyone can say that truly captures the kind of person she was and the hole that is left now.

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In her memory, SFHDC will open a commercial kitchen to train chefs at the West Bay Conference Center in the Fillmore in early 2025. Already underway is the Peacock Lounge, another amazing concept from Pia, said Sobel. Taking the mothballed kitchen of an existing club, the program trained five Black chefs who now prepare hundreds of hot meals a week for low-income seniors, also in the Fillmore.

She was busy, said her mother.

Pia Karyan Harris was born on Mothers Day, May 14, 1978, at 5:14 p.m. at what is now Seton Medical Center in Daly City. Her father, Terry Harris, worked for Chevron. When she was 4, Pia and her mother moved to Chicago because Adrian had attended Northwestern University, earning her degree in psychology.

When Pia was 13, her mother moved back to San Francisco, and after a brief stay in San Leandro, they lived in a rented duplex on Potrero Hill while she was bused across town to high school  first to Galileo Academy of Science & Technology in North Beach and then to George Washington in the Richmond District. She was a varsity cheerleader, said Nikki Nichole Cooper, one of her best friends from high school, of whom there were four who were inseparable. It was there that she first took a cooking class, and that set her on her way.

Pias mother pushed her to apply to Northwestern, but she was set on opening a business after her graduation from Washington, in 1996.

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She was an entrepreneur. She didnt want to go to college, said her mother, who grew up in Monroe, La. She wanted to open her own business. She loved cooking and feeding folk. Thats the Southern tradition.

San Francisco Housing Development Corp. Chief Operating Officer Howard Green, left, Fillmore activist and business owner Pia Harris, SFHDC CEO David Sobel and comedian Donald Lacy. She was an amazing human being and is irreplaceable in the Fillmore and in the city at large, Sobel said. Courtesy of Erra Inc.

Harris daughter, Jazmine Thorne, was born in 1999, when Harris was 20. She raised her as a single mom in the Fillmore, just like her own mother had done. A second daughter, Aria Turner, was born in 2017. Harris worked full time for as long as Thorne can remember, including a long stint as manager at Gussies Chicken & Waffles, on Eddy and Fillmore.

She set the example to do right even in situations where doing wrong is the easier choice, said Thorne, who still lives in the Fillmore. She always taught me to kill people with kindness.

Fifteen years ago, Harris started Nia Soul, using the Swahili term for purpose or aim. It started as a catering company, but Harris purpose and aim from the start was to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant, her mother said.

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It took a while to get there. Her first space was a converted beauty salon that she spent more than a year trying to build out into a restaurant. She got as far as the awning on the door when a better location presented itself two blocks north on Fillmore. It had been Scotts Chowder House, so it was ready-made for a restaurant.

She left the awning up at the old location and made the move.

Nia Soul is a small cafe with 60 seats. This allowed Harris to work both the hostess station and the kitchen, where she was head chef. Her specialty of oxtail with rice and gravy is on the menu every night, with her five-cheese mac and cheese on the side.

Pia Harris meets comic and TV host W. Kamau Bell at an event in an undated photo. She has a rich history of cultivating relationships, said Melorra Green, who co-manages the African American Art & Culture Complex. Courtesy of Nikki Nichole Cooper

In the short time that Harris ran the place, Danny Glover came in to eat, as did Mayor London Breed and the Rev. Amos Brown. The Green twins hadnt yet made it but have plans to go.

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It made her feel very, very, very, very good, said her life partner, Ira Barker. Once we closed for the night, we couldnt wait to be there the next day. On a scale of 10, her energy was a 10. But she was also experiencing stomach pain and went in for tests, which led to three biopsies and major surgery.

She wanted to move forward and make sure she was healthy to start this new chapter in her life, said Barker, who has taken over day-to-day operations on behalf of Harris daughter Thorne, who is taking over the lease.

Its hard without her, but I feel great that we are pushing everything she wanted to do, said Barker. Keeping her dream alive is all any of us want to do.

That became clear the night after she died when a candlelight vigil was held outside Nia, where more than 100 people stood outside on the sidewalk to release 150 purple and white helium balloons into the sky, even as the restaurant inside was filled to capacity. But a force like Harris is worthy of two memorials, so a celebration of life was set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Third Baptist Church, with a repast the same evening at the African American Art & Culture Complex.

Pia herself organized many, many events and helped many, many in the community to establish their businesses, said Lynette Mackie, who organized the vigil. Organizing and helping the community with anything is who she was.
Video posted to X showed a man found shot near Ellis and Jones Streets in San Francisco's Tenderloin district Wednesday evening. Courtesy J.J. Smith

Two people were arrested on suspicion of separate homicides that occurred in San Franciscos Tenderloin neighborhood and Mission District earlier this year, police said Wednesday.

On Dec. 12, police arrested Michael Javius, 22, of Hayward, more than a month after he allegedly shot a man to death at the intersection of Ellis and Jones streets, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

The aftermath of the fatal shooting, which occurred just after 6 p.m. on Oct. 30, was captured by a citizen documentarian in a video that went viral on social media.

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The clip, posted on X by a user named J.J. Smith, showed a man sprawled on a street corner, lying in a pool of blood gushing from an apparent gunshot wound to his head. In the video, a witness on an electric scooter told the videographer that a perpetrator had shot the victim point blank as he emerged from a liquor store.

After the shooting, the victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later died, police said. The medical examiners office identified him as William Edward Clark, 64.

Police said they served search warrants in San Francisco, Hayward and Antioch during their investigation before arresting Javius. He was booked into jail on suspicion of homicide, conspiracy and accessory after the fact.

On Monday, police arrested another homicide suspect, Hector Armando Lopez Romero, 18, and booked him into jail. Romero is accused of fatally stabbing someone on Nov. 29 at around 6:25 a.m. near Mission and Sycamore streets, police said, an area a block south of the 16th Street Mission BART Station.

The victim was transported to a hospital with major injuries and was later declared deceased, police said. The victims identity was not immediately available.

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If you plan on uncovering something the government is keeping classified, expect a long quest ahead of you. It may start when youre investigating a broad injustice and decide you need more details. Youll request records from agencies, who will often turn you down, and what records you do manage to obtain will be redacted. Youll publish the little that you know. A whistleblower will now approach you, and theyll point you in a new direction, but it will still take more work to follow that lead to its ultimate conclusion.

Or maybe the secret will just be lying out there in the open one day. You just need to stumble over it.

4 The Soviets Left Obvious Signs Pointing Out Their Secret Underwater Cable Back before we had phones and satellites sending invisible signals through the air, wiretapping exclusively meant placing physical taps on physical wires. In 1971, the CIA and the NSA wanted to tap cables that the Soviets were using to communicate. It would be a secret mission  so secret that even most of the men on the ship (a submarine called the U.S.S. Halibut) didnt know what the mission was. They were given a cover story about the sub venturing into Soviet waters to retrieve bits of a missile. Don't Miss The Soviets had a base on a peninsula, while the headquarters were on the mainland, and it seemed a fair bet that the two would be connected by an underwater communications line. Exactly where the line was, however, the U.S. didnt know, and it would be tricky to find. The body of water they were searching, the Sea of Okhotsk, stretched over more than half a million square miles. But then they scanned the coast. They found that the Soviets had erected big signs on a beach, warning people not to launch ships from there because an underwater communications line ran nearby. Yeah  when we referred to obvious signs in the title of this section, we meant that literally. JukoFF/Wiki Commons That was TOO easy. Theyd been hoping to draw this out and admire the scenery. So, the sub found the line easily after that and tapped it successfully. As for those missile parts that they were only pretending to find, they actually managed to find those as well, and they reassembled them back at home. It was the weirdest bit of serendipity since the Navy pretended to be searching for the Titanic to cover up a secret mission and then, in the process, actually did find the Titanic.

3 China Took Over a British Sub and Then Wrote About It in a Magazine Advertisement Forty years before the Halibut, the British had a submarine in the Pacific named the HMS Poseidon, and its story didnt end happily. It crashed into a Chinese ship, and it took on water, sinking to the seabed. British naval policy at the time said that sailors in such a predicament should sit tight and wait for help, and the Navy did indeed have enough ships in the area that help arrived in the end. But they didnt come very quickly, so 21 in the crew died. The Navy now changed their policy to, Actually, when your submarine is sinking, get out of there and get to the surface as quickly as possible. via Wiki Commons There was probably also some rule about putting Rule, Britannia! on the phonograph first, but then came escape. That was the end of the Poseidons adventures, as far as British military records went. But then came the 1970s, and as weve learned, the 1970s were a great time for salvaging stuff from the ocean. The Chinese found the Poseidon, raised it, patched it up and pressed it back into service. Naturally, they didnt tell the British, and wed probably never know anything about it, because we knew very little about Chinas day-to-day submarine operations. Advertisement Advertisement But in 2005, a Chinese magazine named Modern Ships reported on the story. We dont know whats more surprising  that the Chinese authorities, despite their reputation for regulating the press, allowed this story to be published or that China had an entire magazine devoted to modern ships. But an American researcher, Steven Schwankert, got his hands on the article, and he shared it with the parts of the world that didnt regularly read Chinese watercraft periodicals. Confronted now about whether theyd found any human remains in the wreckage, and had discarded them while laughing, China now said they hadnt. The dead sailors relatives were pretty sure that was a lie. Were now browsing issues of Desecration Monthly for confirmation one way or the other. Advertisement

2 The Stealth Bomber Slipped into an Employment Brochure The Chinese arent the only ones who will just freely publish military secrets. In 1988, the defense contractor Northrop stuck a picture of the Air Forces B-2 Stealth Bomber in a recruitment brochure. By the end of the year, the military would unveil the plane to the world, but thanks to that brochure, people got an early look at it  and we dont just mean people Northrop recruited. The California advertising firm Rubin Postaer and Associates saw the brochure, and they used the image to build their own model bomber. Then they used this model in magazine ads advertising the Honda CR-X. They also put out a TV ad showing the car and plane together. The Honda is on the screen for only 10 seconds of the minute-plus ad, which is otherwise spent showing off the (agencys model of the) unannounced stealth bomber. Advertisement Advertisement The Air Force didnt have everyone involved in this campaign put to death. They did ask if they could have the model afterward, to display it at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Honda said sure, as it had completed its purpose of advertising the CR-X. We dont fully understand why seeing it next to the CR-X made anyone want to buy the far less impressive CR-X, but marketing is complicated. Advertisement
The 2025 Golden Globes are only two weeks away, meaning its time for host Nikki Glaser to sharpen her monologue knives. Im not out for blood. I want everyone to have a good night, Glaser told People. I am really in service of the people that are being honored there.

Sure, right, blah blah blah. But seriously, Glaser, who are you going to carve up first? I want Cynthia Erivo or Ariana Grande or Nicole Kidman to feel safe in my hands, she protested.

Fine, keep Nicole Kidman safe. But surely you have some targets in mind, right? As it turns out, Glaser does. Joker 2 didnt get any nominations. Not that anyone thought it would, she said. But it was such a cultural moment of us being disappointed.

Don't Miss

And while she wants to keep the Wicked stars safe, Glaser cant ignore the weird interview with Out.com when Grande grabbed Erivos finger and kept tapping it. That is all up for grabs, the comic admitted. And the fact that Ariana and Cynthia are in on the joke now, has made it a lot more accessible. That is up for grabs. At the same time youre like, Is that going to be funny in a month? (Note to Glaser: I barely remember it now.)

Glaser went through a list of other potential roast targets:

 Emilia Perez being the most nominated thing. No ones ever heard of it!

What's a fresh way to make fun of the fact that The Bear is nominated as a comedy and yet maybe shouldn't be? (Another note to Glaser: That angle has been beaten into the ground  move on.)

Meryl Streep seems to have a good sense of humor based on other award shows Ive watched. Ive been studying who has good reaction shots (to jokes).

But Glaser promises shes not going to let it rip, Ricky Gervais-style. Ricky Gervais earned the ability to get up there and say, I dont care. Im going to tell you how I feel, because that was his last time hosting (in 2020), Glaser pointed out. He didnt want the gig again. He was down to burn bridges.

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Revisionist history. Its true that Gervais had no effs left to give during his fifth and final hosting appearance in 2020, but he didnt exactly hold back in the previous years. In 2010, he ripped Steve Carell for getting credit for his jokes, accusing the American Office of jumping the shark. He let the crowd have it as well: Just looking at all the faces here reminds me of some of the great work thats been done this year by cosmetic surgeons.

Not to mention:

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In 2011: Id like to quash this ridiculous rumor going round that the only reason The Tourist was nominated was so the Hollywood Foreign Press could hang out with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. That is rubbish. That is not the only reason. They also accepted bribes.

In 2012: The Golden Globes are to the Oscars what Kim Kardashian is to Kate Middleton. A bit louder, a bit trashier, a bit drunker and more easily bought. Allegedly. Nothings been proved.

In 2016: The excellent Spotlight has been nominated. The Catholic Church is furious about the film as it exposes the fact that five percent of all their priests have repeatedly molested children and been allowed to continue to work without punishment. Roman Polanski called it the best date movie ever.

The Golden Globes clearly love a roast, Nikki Glaser. So dont be afraid to take off the gloves. If anything, Gervais proved its the best way to get asked back again.
The US government is investigating TP-Link, a Chinese company that supplies about 65% of routers for American homes and small businesses, amid concerns about national security risks. Reports suggest these routers have vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit to compromise sensitive enterprise data.

Investigations by the Commerce, Defense, and Justice Departments indicate that the routers may have been exploited in cyberattacks, raising alarms for individual users and enterprises relying on secure networks to support hybrid workforces.

If confirmed, these risks could lead to a ban on TP-Link products in the US as early as next year, reflecting escalating tensions between the US and China over cybersecurity vulnerabilities in technology infrastructure, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Hundreds of children stood bundled up on a recent evening, waiting in a lengthy queue that lined the streets of an otherwise quiet Livermore neighborhood.

Many warmed their hands around their cups of hot chocolate and had blankets draped over their shoulders as they inched closer and closer to the explosion of light and color before them at Deacon Daves House of the Dove on Hillcrest Avenue. Most had school the next morning, but that didnt seem to faze them.

Its always stunning, said Emily Silva, who visits the house multiple times each holiday season with her Girl Scout troop and family. Its just a really magical experience.

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During this visit, her dad, Jeff, was in just as much awe.

Its truly magical, he said. I mean, the amount of lights and the fact that they do this every year.  Its just amazing.

Deacon Dave Rezendes has been transforming his Livermore house into a large-scale holiday light display for more than four decades. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Dave Rezendes, better known as Deacon Dave, has been presenting the annual holiday display for more than four decades, transforming his neighborhood into an epicenter of festive fun.

I wanted to do something that would help ignite the Christmas spirit, said Rezendes, 81, who is a deacon at St. Michael Catholic Church in Livermore. I wanted to do something for people of all faiths or no faith.

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While it started as somewhat of an East Bay secret, in the past few years people from all over the region have traveled to Livermore to see its more than 900,000 lights, illuminated waterfalls, the three-tiered German Christmas tower with a rotating Nativity display and more.

The Great Christmas Light Fight champion trophy is displayed in a window at Deacon Daves House of the Dove in Livermore. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

But Deacon Daves House of the Dove is seeing an influx of new visitors this season since Rezendes was featured on an episode of ABCs The Great Christmas Light Fight this month.

After years of rejecting the showrunners invitation, Rezendes was encouraged to participate by his team of roughly 20 volunteers. He ended up winning the giant light bulb trophy and $50,000 cash prize. He donated the money to Santas Secret Service, a program run through his church that collects Christmas gifts for patients at the Livermore division of the Palo Alto VA Medical Center, care centers for the elderly and more.

Deacon Dave Rezendes funds his House of the Dove entirely himself each year, and a team of roughly 20 volunteers helps him in building and decorating. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Rod Hollister, who estimates hes been volunteering at Deacon Daves for 27 years, said he had never seen crowds so big.

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A crowd waits to enter Deacon Daves House of the Dove in Livermore, where 902,127 bulbs were used this year. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

The show absolutely had an impact, Hollister said. The weekend lines have been longer than normal.

Though his home is illuminated just as brightly each year  Rezendes recalls a visitor once describing it as a combination between Las Vegas and the Vatican  he switches up the theme each year. This season, its The World Celebrates Christmas, in recognition of worldwide tensions and war-torn conflicts, Rezendes explained. Each of the 902,127 lights are a prayer for world peace.

Eight countries are represented in the display, and flags from more than 30 nations also decorate the property.

The theme of Deacon Daves House of the Dove this year is The World Celebrates Christmas and includes the International Christmas Market section. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Its amazing to see the diversity of the people that walk through the display, said Hollister, who helps construct the elaborate displays. Its kind of a representation of this years theme.

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More Information Deacon Daves House of the Dove: 6-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays before Dec. 25 and between Christmas and New Years Day; 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 1. Free. 352 Hillcrest Ave., Livermore. www.casadelpomba.com

The installation takes up to a few hours to enter and about 10 minutes to walk through, though many linger inside to pose for photos along the way.

Its really heartwarming that he put so much work into making his house a ray of hope and beauty during the holidays, Emily Silva said.

Although the payoff comes at Christmastime, the process of putting it together typically begins as early as January or February, when Rezendes announces the theme of the years display.

In April, a planning committee convenes to brainstorm how to bring the concept to life, and in June the entire team meets to delve into the logistics and create a detailed plan before any decorating and building begins.

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Its Christmas 12 months a year, said Neil Donat, who, with his wife, Teri, has been volunteering with Deacon Dave for the past eight years.

A display called Doves of Peace is placed near a waterfall at Deacon Daves House of the Dove annual holiday light display in Livermore. The planning process for the large-scale display typically begins in January or February. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Construction typically begins in September, though this year it started in July so the team could give extra care to some older reused fixtures. Most of the displays and materials are stored on-site at the nearly 1-acre property, and much of it is repurposed from past years displays.

Rezendes funds the project entirely himself each year.

Its a true gift from him to all of us in Livermore and beyond, Livermore Mayor John Marchand told the Chronicle. Deacon Daves display, which has attracted people from around the country, embodies the warmth and the spirit that define Livermore during the holidays.

The spectacle usually opens to the public around the start of December and remains lit through New Years Day.

Keeping with the spirit of Christmas giving, Rezendes collects cash and Venmo donations on-site to donate to charity.

We truly have a passion for Christmas, Donat said. We always hope that at least for a few minutes while people are walking through the display, regardless of where theyre at in life  we can help to make them feel good and put a smile on their face.
Dokkaebiers Oakland taproom has offered poured pints and cans of beer to go in Jack London Square. It will close on Dec. 29. Esther Mobley/The Chronicle

Dokkaebier, a top Bay Area brewery known for its use of Asian ingredients, will pour the last pints of its crisp, Korean-inspired beers at its Oakland taproom in the coming weeks.

Rick Chen, a company spokesperson, confirmed to the Chronicle that the brewery will leave its Oakland hub in Jack London Square, where it operates a taproom and brewing facility. The taproom will close on Dec. 29 and brewing will move to different facilities around the Bay Area. The move comes as Dokkaebier shifts its focus to distribution to bars and restaurants, retailer stores and direct-to-consumer online sales.

The Oakland location was the former hub of Federation Brewing, until Dokkaebier acquired the company in April 2023.

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Were going to say goodbye, but just to our physical location. Its certainly not the end and our brand will still continue to grow, Chen said.

In a social media post, Dokkaebier founder Youngwon Lee thanked staff and customers for their support and for attending events that included holiday markets and chicken and beer festivals. This was a place where we could have everyone come experience the brand and the culture that were trying to build, he said.

Lee, formerly a wine importer in South Korea, founded Dokkaebier in 2020, setting out to brew ales and lagers with ingredients like lemongrass, Sichuan peppercorns, and kimchi. The brewery also produces more straightforward beers like hopped-up IPAs and a malty Korean-style brew. Because new beer recipes for different styles and flavors are often in the works, Lee named the brewery after dokkaebi, a shape-shifting creature of Korean folklore.

The taproom provided a venue to sell pints to the public and to take direct feedback on the final product. Chen said there have been more than 40 beer styles made since Dokkaebier launched. The company produced 2,200 barrels of beer in 2023.

Dokkaebier made its debut in San Francisco, with a pop-up taproom on Polk Street, before the onset of COVID-19 restrictions shut it down. It later shifted to a delivery model, with Lee dropping off cans at peoples homes around the Bay Area. Today, Dokkaebier ships four packs of brews like its bamboo lagers to customers in 40 states.

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The taproom, with capacity for 100 seated customers, featured pours and retail packs to go. Federation beers remained on tap at the space, along with beers from Black-owned brewery Hella Coastal.
Ever-opening health industry delivers hopeful ending to a family's disease-fighting odyssey

Xinhua) 10:06, December 19, 2024

HAIKOU, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The parents of seven-year-old Gungun (pseudonym) finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel when they heard that a foreign medicine they craved for their ill son might be available at a special medical pilot zone in Hainan Province.

Four years ago, the parents got the heart-wrenching message that Gungun was diagnosed with Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD), a life-threatening genetic metabolic disease with extremely low incidence globally.

A DISEASE-FIGHTING ODYSSEY

Since then, the family from Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province embarked on an odyssey to seek medical solutions to the rare disease, visiting hospitals in many places around the country.

However, since ASMD therapeutics in China are mainly symptomatic and supportive treatments with no targeted drugs available, Gungun's condition further deteriorated, leaving him unable to walk properly, dine, bathe, or go to school like his healthy peers.

Promising news came for the family: in 2022, Olipudase alfa, an innovative drug for ASMD treatment, was approved to hit the market in Japan, the United States and the European Union. However, domestic agencies had not imported the drug due to the scarcity of patients in China.

"After second reckoning, we found that it is not realistic to travel abroad to use Olipudase alfa," Gungun's father said.

While seeing a doctor in Shanghai early this year, they were told there was a good chance for the drug to become available at the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone. Established in 2013, the pilot zone was granted special policies enabling eligible pharmaceuticals and medical devices licensed abroad yet domestically unavailable to be applied for patients through streamlined procedures.

In February, the family flew to the Lecheng pilot zone and lodged their earnest request for Olipudase alfa, to which they received an immediate response. The central pharmacy of the Lecheng pilot zone commenced a mission to search for the drug through cooperation with pharmaceutical enterprises on a global scale. It helped pair domestic drug agencies and hospitals to participate in the cause.

A HOPEFUL ENDING

Roughly nine months later, thanks to coordinated efforts, Olipudase alfa officially entered the pilot zone at the Ruijin-Hainan Hospital affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.

On the very day of its arrival, the medicine was administered to Gungun at the hospital, making him one of the first recipients in China.

After his initial medication, Gungun's health condition has remained stable, showing no signs of adverse reactions.

"Gungun has been receiving follow-up treatment to keep his health condition from deteriorating rapidly. Now, with the help of Olipudase alfa, the first goal is to maintain his condition, and the second goal is to reverse his disease to a certain extent. I'm very hopeful about the result," said Ma Xiaoyu, deputy director of pediatrics at the hospital.

Gungun's family also shared the optimism. "Hopefully, one day he can go to school and travel around like his peers, as well as make friends and integrate into society," said Gungun's father.

Gungun is one of the beneficiaries of diversified diagnostics and therapeutics offered by the Lecheng pilot zone.

So far, the pilot zone boasts more than 30 public, private and international hospitals. It has established partnerships with over 170 pharmaceutical and medical device companies, including pharma giants Merck & Co., Inc. and Novartis, from 20 countries and regions.

An EVER-OPENING HEALTH INDUSTRY

Building on previous supportive policies, China announced in September that it would apply exemptions on import tariffs and value-added tax for eligible drugs and medical devices in the Lecheng pilot zone before 2025.

While introducing more world-class medical resources to China, the pilot zone is also reaching out to a growing number of clients overseas, especially from Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia.

The pilot zone is becoming a burgeoning international medical tourism destination, buoyed by China's facilitation measures, such as unilateral visa exemptions for more countries, to welcome international visitors in the post-pandemic era.

In 2023, it received 302,500 medical tourists, up 60.05 percent year on year. This year, it received over 320,000 medical tourists during the January-October period, marking a 37 percent year-on-year increase.

Lecheng's development epitomizes China's continuous endeavor to open up its health sector for the benefit of patients.

In one example, Chinese authorities unveiled a plan in September to allow the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in some major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, as well as the island province of Hainan. In addition, China has also made efforts to accelerate the approval of new drugs already in the overseas market.

In September, China approved the use of an immuno-inflammatory product developed by French healthcare company Sanofi as a targeted therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The drug's approval was granted even faster than in the United States and the EU, according to Sanofi.

This month, the company signed a memorandum to invest some 1 billion euros (about 953 million U.S. dollars) to establish a new insulin production base in Beijing. Frederic Oudea, chairman of the board of directors of Sanofi, expressed the company's confidence in the long-term growth prospects of the Chinese market.

China's policies of opening up and encouraging innovation and the sound business environment for foreign enterprises have strengthened Sanofi's commitment to participating in China's economic growth while advancing the high-quality development of its pharmaceutical industry, Oudea said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Elena Kadvany has been a reporter on the Chronicles Food & Wine team since 2021. She covers the ins and outs of the Bay Area food industry, from breaking news about the latest restaurant openings to investigative stories into wage theft and workers rights. In 2024, her food writing portfolio won second place in the Society for Features Journalism Excellence-in-Features awards. Previously, she covered restaurants and education for the Palo Alto Weekly; her work has also been published in Bon Appetit and the Guardian, and her reporting has been recognized by the California News Publishers Association.

She can be reached at Elena.Kadvany@sfchronicle.com.
Will Nigel Farage be our next prime minister? Lots of people think so. I sometimes do.

Even his enemies concede that he is an exceptionally talented and charismatic politician. Hes brave, good-humoured and quick-witted.

On policy hes on the right side of history, particularly when it comes to immigration. Whereas Labour and (even more so) the Tories have presided over huge inflows,

Mr Farage has long argued for the much lower numbers that most British people plainly want.

Many on the Right, and some Labour voters, are attracted by his championing of lower taxes, less regulation, higher defence spending, and a more measured approach to net zero.

Its no longer fanciful to imagine Reform challenging  or even eclipsing  the Tories in next years local elections and then at the general election, which Sir Keir Starmer will presumably delay for as long as possible, unless he is first led away by men in white coats.

I realise these are very early days but, by the side of Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch seems ponderous and underpowered. Maybe shell improve. I certainly hope so. Her enthusiasm the other day for a flat tax with everyone paying the same rate (a thought with which George Osborne once idiotically flirted) wasnt encouraging.

Rather than musing aloud about arcane ideas that will never be put into practice, she should be eviscerating the Government over its dishonesty on tax, its attempt to inveigle us back into the EU, and now the so-called Waspi women, who had good reason to believe that Labour would help them.

Nigel Farage with Donald Trump in the gold lift at Trump Tower in New York in 2016

Farage and Reform party treasurer Nick Candy meet billionaire Elon Musk at Trump's Mar-A-Lago estate in Florida this week - but the President-elect was too busy to see his British acolyte

Admittedly Kemi took a half-hearted swipe at Sir Keir yesterday at Prime Ministers Questions on behalf of the Waspi women, before slaloming ineffectually towards pension credit. It really shouldnt be so difficult to spear the heavy-footed, thin-skinned Starmer.

All in all, the outlook seems rosy for Mr Farage. He even has his own weeknight TV programme on GB News, though he doesnt always turn up. Incidentally, he is a kinder interviewer, and much less apt to interrupt those with whom he disagrees, than former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, who appears after him.

However, there is one rather large fly in the ointment  a weakness that his political opponents can exploit, and will doubtless do so once they wake up to it.

Nigel Farage is a courtier of Donald Trumps. Id go further. He is a lap dog, forever popping into Trump Tower, or nipping down to Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where he has just been. On this occasion the President-elect was too busy to see his British acolyte.

Im no fan of Trump. But even if I believed that he was the greatest statesman in the world and a fine human being, Id have serious qualms about Farage being an intimate member of his court, and a wide-eyed advocate of his supposed virtues.

The United States is our closest ally, but it is another country, with its own interests. Tony Blair forgot this when he supinely supported George W. Bushs disastrous invasion of Iraq, as well as the futile occupation of Afghanistan. Britain really did become Americas poodle.

Theres no reasonable objection to Farage being on good terms with Trump. That is welcome. Its a question of distance. I cringe when I see the man who could be our next prime minister cosying up to the President-elect in what I can only describe as an undignified way. Nigel Farage is out-poodling Blair.

He is now bending the knee even further to American power and wealth by discussing with Elon Musk the possibility of the worlds richest man bankrolling Reform with untold millions.

Sages tell us that this would transform the partys electoral fortunes. So it might. But some British voters  including me  dont relish the prospect of a political party being funded by a wacky if brilliant American multi-billionaire.

Musk is a foreigner  South African-born (admittedly with a British grandmother) and now with American citizenship. Do we want such a man shaping the political landscape of this country?

Moreover, he will have a senior role in Trumps administration, cutting government spending. This is a worthwhile project but the fact remains that Musk is not only an American businessman but also an American politician, who is intent on using his billions to refashion our country as if we were some far-flung colony of the Trump imperium.

My God, I understand that Britain is a diminished force in the world, and that nations no longer quake before our power. I fear that, with the hopeless Starmer in charge, our decline will gather force. I even wonder whether our denuded armed forces are able to protect us against Russian aggression.

But has it come to this: a possible future British prime minister looking like a Trump sycophant? He evidently thinks it entirely in order for his rising political party to be funded by a man who, for all his carping on X (formerly Twitter, which he owns), is not a citizen of this country.

What does this tell us about Farage? That, despite his charm and geniality, there is a lack of good judgment. I dont doubt his patriotism. Of course not. Im sure he wants Britain to be great again. But it wont happen on the coat-tails of Trump or Musk, or indeed of any American politician.

There is a further objection. What happens to Reforms political prospects if, as is not unlikely given Trumps mercurial character and feeble grasp of detail, his second administration turns out to be as undistinguished as his first? Having lashed himself to his flawed American hero, Farage would share his failures.

How refreshing it would be if the leader of Reform made fewer pilgrimages to America once Trump is installed in the White House. How uplifting if he sometimes criticised the bombastic new President.

How encouraging if Reform were sustained by the subscriptions of its own members, and money from wealthy British donors.

But I dont suppose Farage will take any notice. He is on a kind of high, with a roost  albeit not a very elevated one  near both the worlds most powerful man and its richest one.

Will Trump give his loyal disciple anything in return? I doubt it. There will surely be no US trade deal while Sir Keir Starmer is in No 10. By the time of the next British election, Trump will probably have retired to Mar-a-Lago, though I suppose he might be succeeded by his deputy, JD Vance, whom Farage has been buttering up.

No, Trump wont give Nigel Farage much other than lots of claps on the back and empty compliments. But he might do him some damage. Reforms enemies will criticise Farage for his too-close relationship with an American president, as well as with an American billionaire.

When I look at the Tories I see a tired, depressed party that seems not to be brilliantly led, carrying the heavy weight of past mistakes. I also see a party with a long and proud tradition, whose values remain grounded in British soil.
Its that time of year when newspapers and magazines publish their persons of the year: Taylor Swift, Donald Trump, President Zelensky, the usual suspects.

But for me there can only be one person deserving of the title, and thats Gisele Pelicot, whose scumbag of a husband was yesterday/today sentenced to the maximum term of 20 years in jail for drugging her and inviting strangers to rape her, while filming it all.

This unassuming grandmother from a small town in south west France, with her stylish auburn bob and elegant dress sense, may have been an unwilling participant in the horrific crimes against her  but she was instrumental to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Were it not for her dignity and courage in waiving her right to anonymity in the trial of her husband Dominique and his 50 co-defendants, its perfectly possible that many of them would have wriggled off the hook.

Were it also not for her steely determination to face her abusers in court and endure hours of harrowing, humiliating footage, filmed and meticulously catalogued by her husband for his own enjoyment, the world might never have realised the sheer extent of their depravity.

They will now pay for their crimes, even though 20 years (the maximum available to the judge) seems a derisory sentence for what Mr Pelicot did to her. Still: at least the principle of justice has been served.

But then this case was never just about the crimes of one nasty, perverted coward and his accomplices (many of whom may never be known).

It was about society, and how even in a country like France, after years of so-called equality and progress, women are still fundamentally seen as the property of men, to be treated as they please.

Gisele Pelicot gives her verdict on the trial after her ex-husband Dominique was sentenced to 20 years in prison

It was about technology and online pornography, and the way the internet has opened up, even normalised, new avenues of abuse. It was about a dark, seething underbelly of perversion, hidden beneath a facade of respectability; it was about how evil can hide in the most unexpected of places, living among us in plain sight.

All channelled through one unlikely woman, a septuagenarian with a core of steel, who over the course of her husbands trial become a lightning rod for every downtrodden wife or girlfriend, every victim of toxic masculinity in all its forms.

A woman who has shown other women that they do not need to be cowed, to hide away in shame. That when men carry out acts of violence against us, when they take advantage of our naivety or kindness, when they abuse our trust, when they lie to us and deceive us, when they gaslight us or coerce us, it is not we who should feel the humiliation  but they.

Her ability to hold her head up high is especially inspiring. So many female victims of male abuse blame themselves. We feel ashamed, inadequate, guilty, somehow responsible. Not Madame Pelicot.

Time and again during the trial, it was implied that one of the reasons her husband had taken to drugging her and inviting strangers to rape her was because she was unwilling to participate in his sexual fantasies. She didnt give me what I needed, so she drove me to it: that old trope. But she was having none of it.

It didnt matter what they threw at her, at no point was Gisele Pelicot diminished by her ordeal. If anything, it seemed to make her stronger, more defiant, more determined at every turn.

She showed the accused that she would not just quietly and conveniently disappear into a corner and die, broken and defeated. She was prepared not only to face the demons that did this to her, but turn the entire worlds attention on them, to shine a light on their depravity, even if it meant subjecting herself to the trauma of her abuse.

These men, including the husband she loved and who she thought loved her, treated her body like a rag doll; but they couldnt break her spirit. And thats what makes her such an inspiration. She may be just an ordinary 72-year-old mother and housewife from nowheresville; but she has the heart of a warrior.

Shes a modern-day Boudicca, defiant in the face of her tormentors, unafraid to take on this army of men who dared defile her. She also reminds us that heroes can emerge from the most unlikely scenarios; that its not money or status that count, but strength of character and a clear moral compass.

If you saw her in the street, you would never believe she had it in her. But not only has she exposed those who committed these crimes against her own person; she has also exposed a deep vein of misogyny that runs not just throughout French society, but so-called civilised society everywhere.

Because, yes, Madame Pelicot is an ordinary women. But her rapists are ordinary men, too.

There was veteran chief fireman Christian Lescole, hospital nurse Redouane El Farihi, local builder Thierry Parisis, marine firefighter Jacques Cubeau, IT worker Lionel Rodriguez, painter and decorator Husamettin Dogan and odd-job man Mathieu Dartus.

The list goes on and on, most of them middle-ranking, middle-aged family men, the kind you see drinking coffee or enjoying a beer in the local bar.

Worse still, many of them thought they werent doing anything wrong. One told police, rape is not possible if a womans husband is present, another claimed a man can do what he likes with his wife. Lescole, the firefighter, seemed to think he was entitled to do whatever he wanted to her in return for saving lives.

That such a mundane cross-section of men, from all walks of life, could delude themselves into thinking that raping a drugged, unconscious woman was even remotely OK betrays a level of unconscious misogyny that is utterly chilling. Talk about the banality of evil.

Crowds gather outside the courtroom in Avignon with one sign reading 'thank you for your courage Gisele Pelicot'

As girls and women, its drilled into us from a young age that we need to be vigilant. We understand this. We know not to put ourselves in danger, to be careful late at night, to avoid certain situations, to make sure we watch out for each other. But what Madame Pelicots case shows it that its not the obvious creep, the peeping Tom, the flasher you need to be aware of; its everyone. Literally, anyone could be that guy. Its terrifying.

And it makes you wonder, as a woman in the world: how many of the men you know and love as friends and colleagues secretly despise you?

How many, given the opportunity, would do what Dominique Pelicot and those 50 others have done? How many would think it an acceptable night out, just a bit of harmless fun? How many think so little of you they would do something that despicable, given half a chance?

It doesnt bear thinking about. Better instead to focus on the incredible achievement of Madame Pelicot in almost singlehandedly bringing down a vile rapist ring and who, for her incredible courage and fortitude, deserves every womans respect and gratitude.
The BBC is coming under pressure to play a spoof song criticising Keir Starmer for stripping pensioners of their winter fuel allowances.

Freezing This Christmas, by Sir Starmer and the Granny Harmers, is a parody of Muds Lonely This Christmas and is topping online download charts.

Yet the musicians behind the single say the Beeb is flatly refusing to play it, even though its a bit of fun designed to raise money for the charity Age UK.

This column, too, has a track record of spoofing old songs. So heres another late, Starmer-inspired bid for Christmas No1 that wont get played on the BBC, either.

Freezing This Christmas, by Sir Starmer and the Granny Harmers, is a parody of Muds Lonely This Christmas and is topping online download charts

I think this just about covers the waterfront, but - to misquote Eric Morecambe - although Ive got all the right freebies, they may not necessarily be in the right order. What can I say? Its Christmas...

On the first day of Christmas

Keir Starmer took for free

A new suit from Lord Alli.

On the second day of Christmas

Keir Starmer took for free

A frock for the missus

And a new suit from Lord Alli.

On the third day of Christmas

Keir Starmer took for free

Three pairs of glasses

Two pairs of trainers

A frock for the missus

And a new suit from Lord Alli.

On the fourth day of Christmas

Keir Starmer took for free

Four Calvin Kleins

Three pairs of glasses

Two pairs of trainers

A frock for the missus

And a new suit from Lord Alli.

On the fifth day of Christmas

Keir Starmer took for free

Five more freebies!

Four Calvin Kleins

Three pairs of glasses

Two pairs of trainers

A frock for the missus

Four Taylor Swift tickets

And a couple for Rachel Reeves.

On the sixth day of Christmas

Keir Starmer took for free

A few weeks in Soho

Courtesy of Lord Alli

(So his son could do his GCSEs)

Good old Waheed!

Four Calvin Kleins

Three pairs of glasses

Two pairs of trainers

A frock for the missus

Four Taylor Swift tickets

And a couple for Rachel Reeves.

On the seventh day of Christmas

Keir Starmer took for free

Proms tickets from the BBC!

A few weeks in Soho

Courtesy of Lord Alli.

(So his son could do his GCSEs)

Good old Waheed!

Four Calvin Kleins

Three pairs of glasses

Two pairs of trainers

A frock for the missus

Four Taylor Swift tickets

And a couple for Rachel Reeves.

On the eighth day of Christmas

Keir Starmer took for free

Eight designer tee-shirts

Proms tickets from the BBC

A few weeks in Soho

Courtesy of Lord Alli

(So his son could do his GCSEs)

Good old Waheed!

Four Calvin Kleins

Three pairs of glasses

A couple of Nike trainers

A frock for the missus

Four Taylor Swift tickets

And a couple for Rachel Reeves.

On the ninth day of Christmas

Keir Starmer took for free

Two tickets for Highbury.

Three grand for glasses

Fifteen for work clothes

A few weeks in Soho

Courtesy of Lord Alli

(So his son could do his GCSEs)

Good old Waheed!

Four Calvin Kleins

Three pairs of glasses

A couple of Nike trainers

A frock for the missus

Four grands worth of Taylor Swift tickets

And a couple for Rachel Reeves.

On the tenth day of Christmas

Keir Starmer took for free

More hospitality...

An executive box at Spurs

One at West Ham, too

And at Wolves as well

Dont forget Man City

And two tickets for Highbury.

(Breathe)

A few weeks in Soho

Courtesy of Lord Alli

(So his son could do his GCSEs)

Good old Waheed!

Four Calvin Kleins

Three grand for glasses

Fifteen for work clothes

Three pairs of glasses

A couple of Nike trainers

A frock for the missus

Four grands worth of Taylor Swift tickets

And a couple for Rachel Reeves.

On the eleventh day of Christmas

Keir Starmer took for free

A four grand Welsh holiday!

A few weeks in Soho

Courtesy of Lord Alli

(So his son could do his GCSEs)

Good old Waheed!

Eight designer tee-shirts

An executive box at Spurs

One at West Ham too

And at Wolves as well

Dont forget Man City!

Four Calvin Kleins

Two tickets for Highbury.

Three grand for glasses

Fifteen for work clothes

Three pairs of glasses

A couple of Nike trainers

A frock for the missus

Four grands worth of Taylor Swift tickets

And a couple for Rachel Reeves.

On the twelfth day of Christmas

Keir Starmer Took The Knee!

Plus...

(Breathe)

A four grand Welsh holiday!

A few weeks in Soho

Courtesy of Lord Alli

(So his son could do his GCSEs.)

Good old Waheed!

Proms tickets from the BBC

An executive box at Spurs

One at West Ham too

And at Wolves as well

Dont forget Man City!

Two tickets for Highbury

Four Calvin Kleins

Three grand for glasses

Fifteen for work clothes

Multiple pairs of glasses

A couple of Nike trainers

A personal shopper for the missus

Four grands worth of Taylor Swift tickets

A couple for Rachel Reeves

And another suit from Lord Alli!

So here it is Merry Christmas

Thats my lot until New Years Eve. What a crazy year its been. So no change there, then.

As always, thanks for all your kind letters, emails and contributions. I say it every year, but this column really wouldnt be the same without you.

Incidentally, Ive just read a report which says drinking a bottle of wine is a good as taking statins. So I think Ill do both, just to be on the safe side!

Until the next time, from Gary and me, have a very Merry Christmas.
A mother has revealed that her seven-year-old child's religion teacher told him that Father Christmas was not real.

Taking to British parenting platform Mumsnet, the mother claimed her son came home from school and revealed his teacher told him the 'truth about Santa'.

She claimed her child 'isn't one to exaggerate' and she questioned if it was 'reasonable' to tell a seven year old the truth.

Many rushed to the comments with mixed views, as some claimed teachers can't lie to students if they are asked.

The post read: 'Is it reasonable for a RE teacher to tell seven year olds that Father Christmas isn't real?

'My seven year old dear son has just told me that his RE teacher told the class Father Christmas 'isn't real' today.

'He isn't one to over-exaggerate. I asked if any of the kids prompted it by asking and he said no, she just said it.

'If you think it's unreasonable, would you say anything to the school? YABU - teachers are fine to say FC is not real at the age of 7

A woman revealed on Mumsnet that her seven year olds religion teacher told him that Father Christmas was not real (stock image)

Some people suggested that teachers can't lie to children if they are asked difficult questions.

One person wrote: 'Yes she is right, I expect a couple of the children asked and the teacher could hardly lie. Father Christmas isn't real!

'Children can be told about St Nicholas and others from whence the myth originated and it's fun to pretend but there comes a point where pretending stops.

'I certainly never believed in the Santa myth when I was seven, I doubt many did. It strikes me that parents get a lot more upset about it than their children.'

Another added: 'Sorry, but I think 7 is an age when they should probably learn that FC is not real.

'There have been quite a few discussions on here where people mentioned finding out at later ages and being quite traumatized by being lied to for such a long time.

'And letting everyone know now, together, as a group - at an age when none of the kids is going to be teased by peers if their reaction in class makes it clear that they believed up until this point - is a way of ensuring that some of the kids don't get mocked by other kids at 10 or 11 when it gets out that they still believe in FC.

Taking to British parenting platform Mumsnet , the mother claimed her son came home from school to revealed his teacher told him the truth about Santa

Some people suggested that teachers can't lie to children if they are asked difficult questions

'I think some of the parents here (especially nowadays? At my school in the 80s, I'm pretty sure everyone knew by 7 or 8 anyway?) are letting this stuff drag on way too long. I don't think it encourages critical thinking, and it creates the risk of teasing and humiliation at some point.'

Someone else added: 'Teachers have probably witnessed cases of kids being humiliated by being the one who believes in Santa at 10, and may feel they have a responsibility to prevent this.

'I think some parents are letting this go on a lot longer than is responsible and are doing it for themselves, not for the kids.'

A fourth said: 'Complain about what? she said something truthful when she was probably prompted by the topic they were discussing.

'What did you expect her to say? do you want your kids to respect their teachers and trust them?

'So a few years down the line when your DS learns the truth he'll remember his teacher lied about father christmas.

'He may not trust teachers in the future. WW2? yeah sure it happened the way you said, you also said father christmas was real. Do not complain about that teacher. she's doing her job ffs.'

Another added: 'Well he isn't real. At 7 I didn't believe in FC. Just the logistics of it. Hope he says the same about any God.'

Someone else said: 'Numerous psychological studies have proven that the Santa lie is harmful to children's well being.

'That it isn't 'magic' to feel all satisfied and smug when they fully believe and trust you. In addition, it is all over the news how archaeologists have found Santa's tomb, so just like the Wizard of Oz, the curtain has been swept aside.

'Your RE teacher did you a favour, any upset you feel is from you having to deal with the fallout from lying to your child sooner rather than later. Sooner is always better than later for the child's mental well-being.'

Many rushed to the comments with mixed views, as some claimed teachers can't lie to students if they are asked

However others said it was cruel for a teacher to ruin the magic of Santa Clause without the parents permission.

One person said: 'That is awful. I would be furious if anyone else, let alone a teacher, told my 7 year old that Father Christmas isn't real. Definitely complain.'

Another said: 'That's so mean, but i would tell your DS that father christmas must never have visited her.

'I would complain though because i would suspect the RE teacher must be a very conservative religious type who is anti FC, and she shouldn't be forcing her views on others.'

Someone else wrote: 'That's awful! It's a commonly held belief amongst that age group in this country so why on earth anyone would tell them that it categorically isn't true, I really can't understand.

'Even worse form an RE teacher, whose job is to share information about commonly held beliefs and teach tolerance and understanding of how different people can believe in different things.

'Telling any child what they believe in is untrue at that age is just so unnecessary - some of them believe in tooth fairies, general fairies, unicorns, Spider-Man, whatever!

'You can just teach them facts about the world without destroying the little bit of magic they experience related to these things, using neutral wording such as 'well what do you believe?' If asked, until that child is ready to question for themselves.'

It comes after a vicar has apologised after primary school children were brought to tears when he delivered a sermon explaining how Father Christmas was not real.

Parents accused Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain of 'ruining' Christmas after he addressed Year Six pupils from Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School in Hampshire.

The minister, who is a vicar of nearby St Faith's Church, allegedly told the children, 'You're all year six, now let's be real, Santa isn't real', during a talk about the Nativity.

Parents have accused Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain of 'ruining' Christmas with his comments about Father Christmas. Pictured is Rev Chamberlain in 2018, with the town's war memorial

Dr Chamberlain reportedly also told the children that their parents were the ones eating the cookies left out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

The remarks are said to have left children in floods of tears and teachers at the school have been left scrambling to try and bring the magic back.

A complaint has also been lodged against Dr Chamberlain by a parent.

Now, teachers have begun making badges for pupils which read 'Lee-on-the-Solent believe', to try and inspire some festive magic.

They also wrote to parents in an email explaining how they have told children that 'all stories and legends around Christmas' were legitimate.

One parent said: 'I don't know how it can be undone, but I think it's absolutely disgusting.'

The mother said she was now trying to 'push as much magic' over the festive period as possible.

The remarks were made in a talk to pupils at Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School in Hampshire

Another parent told how 'lots of children started crying in class' and that it was 'wrong' as 'a lot of parents have had to confess to their child'.

The Reverend has since written to pupils to apologise and is said to have accepted his remarks were 'an error of judgment'.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Portsmouth told MailOnline: 'We understand that the vicar of St Faith's, Lee-on-the-Solent, the Rev Paul Chamberlain, was leading an RE lesson for 10 and 11-year-olds at Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School.

'After talking about the Nativity story from the Bible, he made some comments about the existence of Father Christmas.

'Paul has accepted that this was an error of judgment and he should not have done so.

'He apologised unreservedly to the school, to the parents and the children and the headteacher immediately wrote to all parents to explain this.

'The school and diocese have worked together to address this issue, and the headteacher has now written to parents a second time, sending them Paul's apology.'
The King and Queen have issued their latest tranche of royal warrants, honouring everything from the royal rat-catcher to Camilla's hairdresser.

Royal warrants are given in recognition for the supply of goods or services to the Royal Household and senior members of the Royal Family, and are considered a much-coveted mark of excellence around the world.

Almost 400 companies are included in the latest batch of Royal Warrants of Appointment representing a range of different industries across the UK - and beyond - from heritage crafts to clothing and food manufacturers.

The King's list includes 386 companies which previously held a warrant to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, that he has decided to keep on.

These range from the official 'suppliers of Martini Vermouth', Bacardi-Martini, to Command Pest Control Ltd, Dunelm for soft furnishings, Foodspeed for milk, Kellogg's for cereals, florist Lottie Longman, and McIlhenny as the official supplier of Tabasco hot sauce.

Meanwhile Queen Camilla has issued seven royal warrants including to her long-standing hairdresser, Jo Hansford MBE, responsible for her familiar blonde tresses for the past 30 years.

Despite being married to the monarch, Camilla still likes to come in person to her Mayfair salon for regular highlights - and a good chat.

Ms Hansford told the Mail: 'It's a real honour to be granted a Royal Warrant from The Queen, who I have been proud to have as a client for more than three decades.

King and Queen have issued their latest tranche of royal warrants, which involves almost 400 companies

'I think it is particularly wonderful that The Queen has awarded it to an all-female owned and run business. It really shows that with grit and determination you can achieve truly incredible things. All our clients get the same treatment. We value each and every one of them.'

There are also warrants for three of the Queen's favourite couturiers, Anna Valentine - who designed her wedding dress - Fiona Clare and Mr Roy, as well as her favourite milliner, Philip Treacey, and her local vet, Benson & Babb in Gloucestershire.

Royal Warrants have been granted for centuries and currently last up to five years. Warrant holders are assessed against a range of criteria, including sustainability - a cause close to Charles' heart.

Royal Warrants enable companies to have a royal coat of arms on their packaging for at least five years, although they can be cancelled if products fall below expected standards.

Being awarded a Royal Warrant is considered a huge advantage for British firms both in the UK and abroad.

Owen Burek, of Wrexham-based Charles Owen, who holds a warrant as the Protective Headwear Manufacturer, said: 'As a British manufacturer serving a global market, holding a Royal Warrant is the ultimate recognition of the quality of our products and service. We have especially welcomed the Royal Household's increased attention to sustainability in recent years.'

Hillier Nurseries in Hampshire added: 'This Royal Warrant stands not only as a symbol of the trust placed in us by the Royal Household but also as an acknowledgment of our dedication to sustainability, excellence, and the highest standards of craftsmanship.

In May, Queen Camilla granted prestigious royal warrants for the first time and decided to award one to Fortnum & Mason.

King Charles has decided to allow the suppliers of Martini Vermouth, Bacardi-Martini, to continue to have their royal warrant which was initially issued by the late Queen

Queen Camilla has issued seven royal warrants including to her long-standing hairdresser, Jo Hansford MBE (pictured)

McIlhenny, the official supplier of Tabasco sauce, was also allowed to keep its royal warrant

The luxury department store is one of seven brands to be given Camilla's seal of approval.

Other businesses to gain a warrant include Wartski jewellers in London, who made the King and Queen's wedding rings in 2005.

Queen Camilla, who is known to enjoy a tipple and is president of Wine GB - the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry - has also chosen to bestow two wine businesses with her warrant.

Other recipients of warrants from Camilla include the London chemist D.R. Harris and Co, the 'floral alchemists' Shane Connolly & Co and the stationery suppliers Smythson.

King Charles even chose to renew Parker's royal warrant, despite getting visibly upset over a leaking fountain pen just days after his mother's death in 2022.

But not all companies retained their status. Queen Elizabeth's favourite village butcher previously spoke of his disappointment after King Charles removed one of his royal warrants.

The King's includes 386 companies which previously held a warrant to his mother, Queen Elizabeth, that he has decided to keep on

King Charles even chose to renew Parker's royal warrant in May, despite getting visibly upset over a leaking fountain pen just days after his mother's death

John Sinclair, co-owner of HM Sheridan, a butcher's shop near Balmoral Castle that has supplied the Royal Family for almost 40 years, said he feared he may have lost one of his two cherished royal warrants because his beef is not organic.

The decision was made as part of a review of 184 royal warrants that had been previously granted by the King when he was Prince of Wales.

Some of those who lost their warrants may not have re-applied, but The Mail on Sunday has established that at least eight firms, including HM Sheridan, did attempt to retain their status but were rejected by the Palace.

The royal warrants have varied enormously throughout the years, with a broomstick company even featured at one point.

The Nash family has been making broomsticks, besom brooms and pea sticks for around 300 years.

They gained the late Queen's seal of approval in 1999 and Bradley Nash supplied the Queen's household with around 120 besoms per year from his workshop in the village of Tadley in Hampshire.

But sadly, the firm did not feature on this year's warrant holder list.

Last October, it was reported that iconic British brands feared they could face losing millions of pounds and King Charles' seal of approval if they don't prove their green credentials.

Hundreds of firms granted a Royal Warrant under Queen Elizabeth II were subject to review by the royal household 'upon a change of the reigning sovereign' - with eco-conscious Charles looking specifically at their sustainability scores.

Consequently, some of the UK's best-known brands - including Cadbury, Burberry, and Audi - with a less than clean environmental record found themselves at risk of losing their warrants.

In June this year, Charles was urged to revoke the warrants of Cadbury and Marmite-owner Unilever because of their links to Russia.

Ahead of Charles' official birthday on June 15, Ukrainian campaigners urged the monarch to strip companies that continue to operate under Vladimir Putin's regujme of their awards.

B4Ukraine highlighted brands such as Bacardi, Nestle, Unilever and Mondelez, Cadbury's parent company, noting their 'prolonged presence and financial support of these companies in Russia only serves to prolong the brutal war'.

Nestle, Unilever and Mondelez were not given royal warrants in this latest round of awards but they continue to hold warrants given by the late Queen as of June.

In February, Charles said: 'I continue to be greatly encouraged that the United Kingdom and our allies remain at the forefront of international efforts to support Ukraine at this time of such great suffering and need. My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers.'

In a statement to The Telegraph, a spokesperson for Mondelez said: 'Cadbury is deeply proud to have been granted its first royal warrant in 1854 and has been a holder of a royal warrant from Her Late Majesty The Queen since 1955.'

A representative for Nestle highlighted a 2022 statement which noted a 'drastically reduced our portfolio in Russia'.

At the time, Unilever and Bacardi did not return the newspaper's request for comment.
Bobby Flay has shared his hot takes on some controversial cooking questions.

The Food Network star kicked off the Q&A by revealing that he doesn't add oil to his boiling water when making pasta.

He next revealed that he does indeed wash raw chicken before cooking it, but avoids using soap whenever he has to wash his cast-iron skillet.

'Pre-minced garlic is never okay,' he continued, before sharing that he likes to add creme fraiche to scrambled eggs.

When it comes to having animals in the kitchen, Flay said that only cats are acceptable.

Flay finished by revealing that he'd love to join fellow Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian in the kitchen one day.

The celebrity chef recently dished out some sage advice for securing a coveted table at popular restaurants.

Some restaurant scalpers have found a way to turn dining into a lucrative business by charging their clients over $1000 for reservations and tables at New York City's most exclusive restaurants.

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay has shared his hot takes on some controversial cooking questions

Flay, a native New Yorker, told the Wall Street Journal: 'I think the best way to get a table in any restaurant is to walk in.

'If youre standing in front of somebody and if that person is good at their job, theyre going to make sure they find you a tablemaybe not in the next four minutes, but have a drink at the bar, go take a walk around the block.

'The most frustrating thing as a customer is that you cant talk to anyone and nobody answers the phone anymore. It drives me crazy,' he continued.

'Im going to root for every restaurant; Id rather restaurants be super busy than super not busy.'

Flay recently announced the opening of nine new locations of his restaurant franchise Bobby's Burgers in Utah, reported Fox 13.

The TV star said his favorite menu item from Bobby's Burgers is the crunch burger.

'For Bobbys Burgers, its a crunch burger medium: a medium burger with two slices of perfectly melted American cheese, crispy bacon and thin crispy potato chips,' Flay said.

'We make the sauce, its mayonnaise and chipotle and roasted red peppers and some Dijon mustard, our version of special sauce or secret sauce.'

The Food Network star kicked off the Q&A by revealing that he doesn't add oil to his boiling water when making pasta and that cats are the only animal allowed in the kitchen

His show BBQ Brawl is a Texas based competition where pitmasters from across the country race to be named 'Master of 'Cue.'

Flay said the biggest grilling mistake people make is not letting their food cook long enough.

'They dont let the grill do its job, meaning they throw something on the grill, they get nervous that its going to stick and they start messing with it way too early. You have to leave it alone,' he said.

'The direct heat on whatever youre cooking starts to form a crust from the hot grates of the grill and then once that crust starts to form, the grates pull away from the protein and you can easily flip it.'

He also revealed what he thinks is the most overrated and unnecessary cooking tool people purchase.

'People buy way too many knives. You dont need 30 different knives,' Flay said.

'You probably need four or five: a paring knife, a filet knife, a chefs knife, a serrated knife.'
A mother-of-seven has revealed how she's doing the festive season on a tight budget.

Tess Giddings, 36, from Bournemouth, shares her savvy tips and tricks and this year she is buying deli meat for the Christmas Day roast and found bargains on Facebook.

The mother to Jacob, 18, Savannah, 16, Amiah, 14, Zion, 12, Nevaeh, nine, and twins, Hezekiah and Levi, seven, like most parents, is looking for ways to get more bang for her buck this Christmas.

And Tess has revealed how she managed to do it for under 800 including doing their Christmas dinner for 25 and not buying gifts for relatives.

The digital content creator said: 'I think a big expense for many is the dreaded Christmas food shop.'

'People think they have to go and do a huge spend for that three-day period.

'I've got friends who will easily do around 400 - it's mad.

'We don't do a specific food shop as such and make sure to never go over our usual weekly budget.

Mother-of-seven Tess Giddings, 36, from Bournemouth, revealed how she's doing the festive season on a tight budget (Tess with her husband, Christopher, their kids, Jacob, Savannah, Amiah, Zion, Nevaeh, and the twins, Hezekiah and Levi)

Tess said Christmas dinner doesn't have to cost a fortune, saying for nine of them, it costs 25. They buy 10 worth of sliced deli meat, instead of a whole Turkey, and 10 worth of vegetables, with 5 spent on pudding

'A Christmas dinner doesn't have to cost a fortune; for nine of us, it costs 25.

'We usually buy 10 worth of sliced deli meat, instead of a whole Turkey, and 10 worth of vegetables, with 5 spent on pudding.

'Obviously, we buy treats like a tin of chocolates, and some other snacks, but it doesn't need to be a massive spend for just one day.'

If they have other family members coming to stay, they 'sack off' doing a roast and instead, get a takeaway - chipping in 20 towards the feast each.

When it comes to gifts, she keeps things simple and only buys for her children and her husband.

She said: 'I don't get anything for close friends, my parents, siblings or the in-laws, as it's a waste of money.

'I'll give them a token present like a box of fudge, but it's more about the kids, in my opinion.

'And our families have agreed with us in recent years that it's just a hassle and unneeded expense to buy for everyone - including the adults.'

Tess often hits the headlines due to her savvy tips and tricks and this year she is buying deli meat for the Christmas Day roast and found bargains on Facebook

Tess with her husband, Christopher, their kids, Jacob, Savannah, Amiah, Zion, Nevaeh, and the twins

Tess' large brood, like most children, always ask for anything top-of-the-range and trending from Santa.

But to avoid a large credit card bill, the mother goes bargain-hunting instead.

The 36-year-old said: 'One of the best ways I've found to save money is buying second-hand, as there's no shame in buying used items.

'I've saved so much money looking on Facebook Marketplace, Vinted and eBay, for example.

'Last Christmas, one of my sons wanted a specific Xbox, which was 380 brand-new.

'I managed to get one for 115, still boxed with all the packing, from Facebook Marketplace.

'It's the same for things like bikes, I've never paid more than 35 for an immaculate used one, which sells for over 100 brand-new.

'For the kids, stocking fillers are from AliExpress or Temu, which cost no more than 10p each.

Tess says it's important for parents to remember not to push themselves to the limit and to stop comparing their lives to those on social media

Tess' large brood, like most children, always ask for anything top-of-the-range and trending from Santa. But to avoid a large credit card bill, the mother goes bargain-hunting instead

Tess puts away up to 100 each month throughout the year, so when Christmas rolls around, she doesn't have to fork into her general budget or savings pot

Tess buys the children's big gifts on Facebook marketplace for a fraction of the price

Zion playing with his Nintendo Switch purchased for 50 on Facebook Marketplace

The twins, Hezekiah and Levi, riding their second-hand bikes

The mother even found this gorgeous dollhouse for 2 on Facebook Marketplace

The family have kept the same tree for 18 years, which cost only 11 second-hand from eBay, and a single pack of new baubles in the last few years costing 2 from a charity shop

If they have other family members coming to stay, they 'sack off' doing a roast and instead, get a takeaway - chipping in 20 towards the feast each (last year they got a Chinese take away)

'And I always re-sell the kids' clothes and shoes when they've outgrown them.

'Once, I bought a pair of Nike trainers for 7 on Vinted and re-sold them for 25 - so it's a win-win really.'

Tess puts away up to 100 each month throughout the year, so when Christmas rolls around, she doesn't have to fork into her general budget or savings pot.

She said: 'I have always been extremely savvy when it comes to buying presents and sticking to a budget.

'People tend to get so carried away at Christmas and it often becomes a competition.

'I also believe that the more you buy for kids, the less they'll appreciate it.

'I used to be guilty of over-buying, but they were just ripping them open and then moving onto the next.

'Now, we tend to stick to one main present and a couple of smaller gifts.'

Tess with her husband, Christopher, their kids, Jacob, Savannah, Amiah, Zion, Nevaeh, and the twins, Hezekiah and Levi

Tess says stick to the basics and she even has enough left over to give back to those less fortunate over the holidays

The glamorous mother of seven often shares snaps from family holidays and their everyday life

The beauty often shares snaps from her busy life on her social media pages

Tess said there's no right or wrong on how to do the holiday, but for her family she try's to keep it traditional as it's all about quality family time

And it's not only food and gifts where they're scrimping and saving.

The family have kept the same tree for 18 years, which cost only 11 second-hand from eBay, and a single pack of new baubles in the last few years costing 2 from a charity shop.

Tess says it's important for parents to remember not to push themselves to the limit and to stop comparing their lives to those on social media.

For them, they stick to the basics and even have enough left over to give back to those less fortunate.

She added: 'Christmas puts a huge amount of strain on parents financially, especially with the ever-growing trends, such as Elf on a Shelf and Christmas Eve boxes.

'Each to their own, and there's no right or wrong on how to do the holiday, but for us, I try to keep it traditional. It's all about quality family time.

'I give out food to the homeless, too, and I recently found out my eldest son has been using his hard-earned wages to do the same - which makes me very proud.

'It's not always about what is under the tree, but who is around it.'
Rep. Barbara Lee speaks during an appreciation event held in her honor at the Kaiser Center for the Arts in Oakland on Dec. 14. A group of city leaders is urging the Oakland Democrat to run for mayor. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Some of Oaklands top elected officials and community leaders are urging Rep. Barbara Lee, who is ending her House career, to run for mayor.

The self-described group of business, labor, community, government, and faith leaders who rarely agree on things is coming together because of the extraordinary times and because Oakland is facing a crisis of leadership, in the wake of the recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao last month and the citys $130 million budget deficit that may portend cuts to basic city services  including public safety, they say in an open letter to Lee released Thursday.

The job would probably require Lee to approve painful budget cuts, including some that would affect her progressive base.

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Shes going to have to make major budget cuts, Dan Lindheim, a former Oakland city manager who now teaches at UC Berkeley, told the Chronicle last month. She is going to face probably the most serious budget deficit, or budget crisis, that anybody has faced without obvious ways of resolving them.

But the members of the self-organized group behind the letter say they believe Lee is the person with the gravitas for the job. Voters will pick a permanent replacement to serve the remainder of Thaos term in an April special election.

Our city needs someone who can restore integrity to the office of the Mayor, unite us in a time of division, and help us address critical issues around the budget, housing, community safety and inequity in our Town. We also need someone who can bring the new ideas, policies, resources and opportunities that the people of Oakland deserve. That person is Barbara Lee, the one-page letter says.

Signers include Keith D. Brown, executive secretary-treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council; Andreas Cluver, secretary-treasurer of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Alameda County; Seth Olyer, vice president of Oakland Firefighters IAFF Local 55; and Debra Jan Grabelle, executive director of IFPTE Local 21.

Labor leaders have been urging Lee to run, as many are looking for a champion to replace Thao, their chosen candidate two years ago. Not only do they believe there is no suitably union-friendly candidate among the current crop of people mulling a run, but union leaders worry the deep-pocketed moderate groups that led the recalls of Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price will back someone who will unflinchingly ask public-sector unions to take a pay cut to help Oakland right its ship.

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The list also includes outgoing Oakland City Council Members Nikki Fortunato Bas, who was just sworn in as interim mayor until she is sworn in next month to her new job as an Alameda County supervisor, Dan Kalb and Treva Reid, plus former Council Member Lynette Gibson McElhaney.

And it includes Isaac Kos-Read, a Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission member who told Oaklandside he was interested in running for mayor. Community leaders who signed the letter include Irene Kao, executive director of Courage California, and George Galvis, the executive director of Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice & Dream Beyond Bars Action Fund.

While several Oaklanders are mulling jumping into the mayors race, only a couple have formally launched campaigns, inducing Renia Webb, a former Thao staffer who kicked off her campaign last week with an event at the Oakland Museum of California, and Loren Taylor, a former City Council member who lost to Thao in 2022 by 677 votes. Also running is Republican Mindy Pechenuk, a supporter of President-elect Donald Trump who promises on her website,With me as Mayor, Oakland will have a very important friend  The President of the United States.

Lee, 78, was routinely reelected to her House seat with more than 80% of the vote, sometimes more, in what she often described as the wokest district in the country. Her constituents never forgot when she was the only member of Congress to oppose the authorization of military force in the aftermath of 9/11, and how she held her ground despite almost universal attacks and even death threats. On Tuesday, Lee gave her final floor speech after serving 26 years in the House.

As I look back on my time, I feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to not only serve my community but to advance justice, equity and peace throughout our country and the entire world, Lee said on the floor.

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Lee decided not to forgo a reelection bid and instead opted to run for an open U.S. Senate seat. She was defeated by Adam Schiff in the March primary.
After being wrongfully convicted for a murder, Amanda Knox has now shared advice on how others could avoid her same fate after she spoke with false confession experts to learn what not to do during police interrogations.

Knox was found guilty of fatally stabbing British exchange student Meredith Kercher in Perugia, Italy, in 2007, and was subsequently jailed.

But she was acquitted of the murder in 2011, and exonerated in 2015.

Knox said her statements about what happened that night - which she later retracted - came as a result of threats from police and the mental strain caused by their interrogations.

Now, in a series of posts to X, formerly known as Twitter, the 37-year-old shared the advice given to her by retired FBI Special Agent, Steve Moore, and two renowned false confessions experts.

She began the long thread by urging people not to be in a room with police for more than an hour.

'If they read you your Miranda rights, youre a suspect,' she declared. 'Shut it down. Demand a lawyer.'

Knox also recommended that people 'make a record of everything they do.'

Amanda Knox (seen in June) has shared advice on how to avoid falsely confessing to a crime, after she was wrongly convicted of murder in 2007 due to her own false confession

'They're taking notes, [so] you take notes,' she pointed out. 'If you're innocent, you've got nothing to lose.'

Her next piece of advice was to not repeat your story - even if you're asked.

'When they say, "Tell us what happened, tell them what happened." When they say, "OK, let's start over. Let's go back to that room," you say, "Nope, already asked and answered,"' she instructed.

According to Knox, the people interrogating you are 'trying to manipulate and confuse you.'

'Then when your stories don't match up perfectly, theyll say, "But you said you went through the front door at 11, and now you're saying 10:30. What else could have you gotten wrong?"' she pointed out.

Knox added that according to false confessions expert Steve Drizin, once your Miranda warnings are read: you are a suspect.

'Do not sign a waiver to give them up. Those Miranda rights are precious. Dont throw them away like garbage, no matter how much police try to get you to do that,' she urged.

Knox then revealed what to do if you're a witness, bluntly saying: 'Tell the truth and then shut up.'

She began a long thread on X with urging people not to be in a room with police for more than an hour. She's pictured in Italy in September 2008

Knox is now 37 and has two children. She spends her time advocating for criminal justice reform and campaigning against wrongful convictions. Seen with her husband Christopher

Meredith Kercher (pictured) was tragically murdered in 2007

'When they start to try to change your truth to fit their truth, you shut it down,' she explained.

'If they're not accepting your truth, say, "No more. I'm not going to talk until I have a lawyer."'

Knox then turned to a second false confessions expert, named Richard Leo, who said you should insist on recording any statement.

'We all have smartphones. Once you start being accused, they've made up their mind and their goal is to get a confession,' she pointed out.

Knox pointed out that most of the interactions people have with a police officer is when they are pulled over in a car, and instructed on what to do under these circumstances.

'The police say, "Do you know why I stopped you?" It's a trick question designed to get you to confess. And when the police stop you in your car, you're not free to leave,' she wrote.

She said you should not ask if you should get a lawyer, as the police may be trying to gather evidence against you for a crime.

'Be instinctively distrustful. Be respectful, cooperate if it's purely a witness role,' she advised.

Knox posted the thread online after speaking with a retired FBI Special Agent, Steve Moore, and two renowned false confessions experts

Knox also recommended that people 'make a record of everything they do.' She's seen leaving court after a final hearing before the verdict, in Perugia, Italy, in December 2009

'They use psychological techniques to get evidence. Oftentimes the evidence is accurate and it leads to the prosecution of the guilty. Too often it leads to the prosecution of the innocent,' she wrote.

US citizen Knox was a 20-year-old exchange student in the university town of Perugia when she and her then-boyfriend were accused of murdering 21-year-old Meredith, who was found dead in the apartment they shared on November 2, 2007.

The slaying of Kercher fueled global headlines as suspicion fell on Knox, and her new Italian boyfriend of just a week, Raffaele Sollecito.

Kercher's body was found splayed out in her bedroom, partially undressed, with 47 stab wounds.

In the statements given to police during an intensive questioning in the early hours of the morning in 2007, Knox said she remembered hearing Kercher scream, and pointed to the Congolese owner of a bar, Patrick Lumumba, for the killing.

Hours later at 1pm, Knox asked for pen and paper and wrote her own statement in English, questioning the Italian version typed up by police that she had signed in the night.

'In regards to this "confession" that I made last night, I want to make clear that Im very doubtful of the verity of my statements because they were made under the pressure of stress, shock and extreme exhaustion,' she wrote.

Despite Knox's attempts to walk back on her accusation, Lumumba was picked up for questioning and held in jail for almost two weeks.

Lumumba was only released after a Swiss university professor came forward with a receipt proving the father-of-two was at work and not involved in the crime.

The real murderer of Kercher was eventually identified as Rudy Guede, from the Ivory Coast, after his DNA was found on her body.

He was sentenced to 16 years before being freed in 2021 as he only needed to serve 13 years due to good behavior.

Knox is now 37 and has two children. She spends her time advocating for criminal justice reform and campaigning against wrongful convictions.
An influencer has lifted the lid on the surprising dress code her ultra-exclusive gym requires members to follow.

Caitlin Emiko is an Australian who moved to New York City and has been documenting her time in the Big Apple on her TikTok account ever since.

Most recently, the 25-year-old content creator took to the video-sharing platform to share the shocking guidelines she has to follow at her intense gym.

Caitlin gets her sweat on at NYC's Greenwich Village, which charges $218 a month for its Squad Membership.

And while the workout center is sure to get you sporting rock-hard abs in no time, it demands you don black activewear while perfecting your fitness regime.

In a viral video, which has so far amassed over 58,000 views, Caitlin lifted the lid on the dress code.

She showed off her strong physique while boasting her new black activewear.

The 25-year-old explained that the dress code was in place to 'avoid comparison' as she revealed that when it's your birthday, you can wear a colorful workout set.

An influencer has lifted the lid on the surprising dress code her ultra-exclusive gym requires members to follow

She captioned the clip: 'My only motivation to go to the gym.'

'You're only allowed to wear black activewear to my gym, let me explain why while I show you my favorite pieces,' the brunette beauty said at the beginning of the video.

She added: 'There is a few reasons they do this but the first reason is to avoid comparison.'

The influencer, who boasts over 95,000 followers, noted that it stops you from thinking you don't look 'as cool' as someone else.

'Because everyone looks the same, you just have a uniform that you wear to the gym and you don't have to worry about what you are wearing,' she explained.

Caitlin added that when it's your birthday, you can wear a colored workout set to the private gym.

The marketing head of the company also previously confirmed the reasoning behind the dress code was to eliminate comparison.

In a TikTok video, she added: 'When were on runs it makes it easier to stick together. It also just looks really cool. It makes my life easier so all the photos look aesthetic.'

Caitlin gets her sweat on at NYC's Greenwich Village, which charges $218 a month for its Squad Membership

People on the web flooded the comments section and praised the dress code

People on the web flooded the comments section and praised the dress code.

One person said: 'Wait, that's such a good idea.'

Another user added: 'I just do this anyways helps me not think about what I have to wear as well and black is always flattering even if I dont feel great still gets me in the gym!'

'Everything looks so great,' said someone else.
A body language expert has revealed her verdict on the touching photo Kate and William released for their annual Christmas card - and says it shows the Waleses are 'growing even closer as a family'.

William, 42, and his wife, Kate, 42, released their Christmas card earlier today, revealing a touching family photo taken in Norfolk with their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six. It is a still from a heartwarming video released back in September in which the Princess of Wales revealed she had completed chemotherapy.

Sparking joy among royal fans, the card was posted online three hours after it emerged the Waleses would not attend today's traditional Royal Family pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace.

The sweet family photo, which was originally released in September to mark the end of Kate's journey with chemotherapy, reveals the family 'growing even closer together over the years,' revealed body language expert, Judi James.

'Their poses have been relatable to all parents of a young family and they are all aimed at the camera to wish their good tidings to every recipient,' she added.

She described this year's Christmas yard as 'an almost nostalgic step back,' stripping back their usual sophisticated stature, taking the family 'back to those idyllic summer holidays when they all played together and had fun as a young family.'

Further, the choice to remember moments from Kate's completing chemotherapy, reveals her 'emotionally complex' state of mind in 'a very personal message to the public'.

'The body language looks spontaneous rather than posed with a card in mind. The family breakdown as in who poses where seems to have been decided naturally rather than the rather formally posed line-ups of the past.

The Prince and Princess of Wales released their Christmas card on social media today

'There is almost no age definition here or pecking order, either. William and Kate sit with their children like their children. Support and protection signals look almost mutual.'

Judi also noted the importance of the children's 'touch rituals', with Princess Charlotte sat in the middle of her mother and older brother, Prince George.

'The way Charlotte has sat in the middle with her arms thrown out round both her brother's and her mother's neck suggests a desire to keep both of them as close as possible and to protect both of them, too.'

Equally, Kate's pose reveals a loving and maternal stature as though a 'mother hen, with one arm round her two eldest children and the other reaching out to Louis.'

Suggesting their marriage is as strong as ever, Kate also has her hands 'resting on William's thigh to show ongoing attraction and affection.'

Meanwhile, 'William's 'wing' arm is around Louis but his left hand cups Kate's hip in a tender gesture of affection.'

'Louis's cheeky smile is in contrast to the other four, whose smiles are tempered smiles with a look of more reflective and even sad happiness, showing the emotions they must have shared over the last year.

'Kate's head is tilted and hers is the more wistful, thoughtful smile, while William, Charlotte and George loose any hint of 'Say cheese!' and show upper teeth, tight lips but also with a widening of the lips to signal happiness.'

William, 42, and his wife, Kate, 42, released their Christmas card earlier today, revealing a touching family photo taken in Norfolk with their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte , nine, and Prince Louis , six

Meanwhile, the Wales's Christmas cards over the years have offered different representations of how the family have experienced each year.

For example, their 2020 festive card was 'very causal in terms of styling', with haybales, wooly jumpers and sweet photos of the group laughing.

Then, 2021, saw 'a rather alpha-looking William sitting in shorts with his legs splayed in a gesture of confidence, looking very much like the head of the family as the others posed with the kind of perfect smiles that suggested the classic 'Say cheese!' command.'

The following year, the family were seen in 'a more even-status pose' and they were seen 'walking in one straight line, wearing the kind of Enid Blyton chic casuals that suggested they were happily on holiday.'

Last year marked a 'mood change to something cooler and more fashionable-looking,' according to Judi.

She said the move marked their three children growing up and adopting 'some much more sophisticated and stylish-looking poses'.

'The monochrome made it a less cosy photo that previously and, with Charlotte commanding the center and front of the pose in a chair while the others stood, there was a feel of William and Kate retreating to the back slightly to begin to allow their children to take the spotlight.'

George, William, Louis, Kate and Charlotte at Buckingham Palace for a flypast on June 15

Prince William, George, Charlotte, Louis and Kate during the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 6, 2024 - the last time the family were seen

Prince William and Kate are instead said to be looking forward to spending time with members of the Royal Family as usual at the Sandringham estate over Christmas.

MailOnline understands the Waleses are already in Norfolk with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and had always planned to be.

It has also been made clear that William and Kate's absence was in no way linked to Prince Andrew pulling out of the lunch amid the ongoing Chinese 'spy' scandal.

The confirmation from the royal source was given just before 11am, at around exactly the same time that Charles was spotted arriving at Buckingham Palace for the lunch.

Kate, who has been gradually returning to public events after revealing in September that she had finished a course of cancer treatment, was last seen with her family on December 6 at Westminster Abbey for her 'Together at Christmas' carol service.
She delighted fans by sharing a series of snaps showcasing her svelte physique

The media personality flaunted her figure as she rang in her birthday

Lauren Sanchez made sure to flash her flesh as she rang in her 55th birthday  showing off her ample cleavage in an extremely low-cut red cut-out dress.

The media personality, who is reportedly gearing up to wed Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in just a matter of days, turned up the heat in the tight ensemble.

In a daring photo shared on her Instagram Stories, she was seen posing alongside a friend in a bathroom stall.

Lauren smoldered at the camera with her luscious black locks cascading down her shoulders.

Her chest was on full display, as the dress contained a low-cut neckline and a little peephole slit below her cleavage.

Lauren posted a montage of images onto her Stories for her birthday - reposting many of her pals' tributes - including numerous shots in which she flaunted her svelte physique.

In one, she showed off her toned frame in a short dress as she stood on the deck of a yacht with two friends.

Another saw Lauren once again showing off her assets in a busty red bandeau dress.

Lauren Sanchez made sure to flash the flesh as she reined in her 55th birthday

The media personality posted a number of shots flaunting her svelte physique on Instagram

Lauren shared a photo of her posing in front of a city skyline

One day prior, Lauren took to her Instagram Stories to show off some of her birthday party planning process ahead of the celebration.

The former journalist took to social media to show fans a sneak peek at what looked to be her birthday cake, which was covered in a swirl of pastel pink frosting and adorned with white icing flowers.

The sweet treat was captioned with: 'Here we go!'

She also shared an image of a math equation, with the caption, 'If you know, you know.'

When breaking down the math problem, DailyMail.com found that it may point to coordinates in the Pacific Ocean, southwest of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula.

The area is known for its remote location and expansive views of the shimmering ocean, making it the perfect place for the couple to take their lavish yacht out for a spin.

Following Lauren's update, speculation had been swirling that the lovebirds were going to celebrate her birthday on the gorgeous vessel.

She had spent a great deal of time in recent months sailing the seas on her billionaire fiance's $500 million yacht.

She also showed off her assets in a busty red bandeau dress in one image

Lauren's friends posted sweet tributes as the helped her celebrate her big day

The future Mrs Bezos is no stranger to showing off her figure in a red dress

She is gearing up to marry Amazon founder Jeff Bezos this Christmas

The loved-up couple spent time over the summer enjoying a relaxing and romantic getaway in Greece alongside the brunette beauty's ex-boyfriend Tony Gonzalez, his wife October, and a few of their other pals - including Kim Kardashian.

And, the future Mrs. Bezos made sure to show off her sizzling physique while on the lavish vacation.

She donned a stunning mini dress that accentuated her slim frame.

Lauren - who said 'yes' to the business mogul after he proposed in May 2023 - and Jeff are reportedly tying the knot in a snowy Aspen ceremony this Christmas.

Although the lovebirds didn't share an exact date, it looks as though they are making sure to take time to ring in the brunette beauty's birthday beforehand.

Lauren detailed the heartwarming moment Jeff got down on one knee while speaking to Vogue last year.

She recalled how Jeff popped the question on the $500 million superyacht after they enjoyed a romantic dinner under the stars together.

Lauren said Jeff concealed the huge diamond ring under her pillow, adding that she almost 'blacked out' when she discovered it at the end of their romantic evening.

The couple recently relocated from Seattle, Washington, to Indian Creek Island in Florida - with Jeff purchasing three mansions on the island, totaling a whopping $237 million.
Lauren Sanchez looked desperate to 'keep up with' the Trumps during their dinner, a body language expert has revealed.

The former journalist, 55, and her billionaire fiance, Jeff Bezos, 60, were spotted enjoying a meal with President-Elect Donald Trump, 78, and his wife, Melania Trump, 54, on Wednesday at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

A video was shared to X, formerly Twitter, that showed the two couples walking through Donald's Florida estate together.

But according to UK-based body language expert Judi James, Lauren came off as 'nervous' and 'anxious' as she strutted alongside Donald and Melania.

Judi analyzed the brunette beauty's movements exclusively to DailyMail.com, and she explained that while Lauren does her best to seem confident, the 'tension' in her 'body' says otherwise.

'Lauren does look nervous here, thanks to some body tension and the way she performs [her] "lightning smile" that flashes on and off quite quickly,' Judi said.

The expert also pointed out that when Jeff stops to chat with some fans, Lauren appears to be 'anxious' to keep going so they didn't fall behind.

'She appears keen to keep up with the Trumps, walking ahead and looking anxious to move on when her partner stops to chat,' she noted.

Lauren Sanchez looked desperate to 'keep up with' the Trumps during their dinner, a body language expert has revealed

The former journalist, 55, and her billionaire fiance, Jeff Bezos , 60, were spotted enjoying a meal with President-Elect Donald Trump , 78, and his wife, Melania Trump, 54, on Wednesday

A video was shared to X, formerly Twitter , that showed the two couples walking through Donald's Florida estate together

Lauren put on a leggy display for the night out, opting for a little black dress and stiletto heels.

But according to UK-based body language expert Judi James , Lauren came off as 'nervous' and 'anxious' as she strutted alongside Donald and Melania

Jeff, for his part, donned a navy blue suit and white shirt underneath.

The Amazon founder is one of the latest tech giants to rub shoulders with Donald ahead of his presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025 - as Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg had dinner with him last month.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Jeff said he planned on donating $1 million to the incoming president's inaugural fund.

Donald's relationship has been rocky in the past, but appeared to improve after Jeff-owned newspaper, the Washington Post, refused to endorse a presidential candidate in the 2024 election.

This move broke tradition for the publication that has historically backed the Democratic party.

Lauren celebrated her 55th birthday on Thursday, and one day prior, she took to her Instagram Stories to share a sneak peek at how she will celebrate.

She shared an image of a math equation, with the caption, 'If you know, you know.'

Judi analyzed the brunette beauty's movements to DailyMail.com, and she explained that while Lauren does her best to seem confident, the 'tension' in her 'body' says otherwise

Lauren (seen with her sister) celebrated her 55th birthday on Thursday, and one day prior, she took to her Instagram Stories to share a sneak peek at how she will celebrate

She shared an image of a math equation , with the caption, 'If you know, you know.' It may point to coordinates in the Pacific Ocean

When breaking down the math problem, DailyMail.com found that it may point to coordinates in the Pacific Ocean, southwest of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula.

The area is known for its remote location and expansive views of the shimmering ocean, making it the perfect place for the couple to take their lavish yacht out for a spin.

Following Lauren's post, speculation had swirled that the lovebirds were going to celebrate her birthday on the gorgeous vessel.

She had spent a great deal of time in recent months sailing the seas on her billionaire fiance's $500 million super-yacht.

Lauren also show off her birthday cake, which was covered in a swirl of pastel pink frosting and adorned with white icing flowers.

The sweet treat was captioned with: 'Here we go!'
Ripa recalled how she fought with a neighbor, and Consuelos wasn't pleased

The husband and wife duo had an uncomfortable exchange on Thursday

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos had an uncomfortable exchange on Thursday's episode of their eponymous talk show after Ripa revealed she once called out her neighbors for throwing an 'illegal rave.'

Things got a little awkward as the pair discussed Airbnb's use of anti-party technology ahead of New Year's Eve, which had prompted Ripa, 54, to recall how a group of students renting a property next door had hosted a party during the COVID-19 lockdown.

During the segment, she revealed that she had called the cops on the bash due to the loud noise, but when they couldn't help her, she decided to go to the house on her own instead.

While Consuelos giggled at his wife's anecdote at first, he appeared to grow more uneasy as she went on.

'There were students staying on certain floors,' Ripa remembered. 'And then this one floor they rented out to somebody who allegedly, I guess, was staying there, as a student or whatever.

'But they were throwing illegal raves, like discos.'

At this point, Consuelos, 53, explained that he wasn't there because he was in Vancouver at the time.

Continuing with the anecdote, Ripa shared: 'First I called 3-1-1. Then I called 9-1-1.

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos had an uncomfortable exchange during Thursday's episode

Consuelos appeared to grow uneasy as his wife recalled angrily turning up at a neighbor's house during the COVID-19 lockdown after they woke her up with noise from a party

'9-1-1 was like, "Ma'am, a party's not an emergency." And I was like, "What do I do to make them stop?"'

After not getting the help she needed from the emergency services, Ripa stormed over to the property herself.

She shared: 'Finally, in the middle of the night, in winter, I, in a bathrobe, like a maniac, go over there and bang on the door.'

Ripa pressed every buzzer on the building to try and get in, and eventually she gained access to the right floor where she was asked if she was from Uber.

'I'm like, "I'm not the Uber, I'm your neighbor." These two college kids come out and I go, "First of all, what you're doing is illegal,"' she shared.

'They're like, "No, no, no, we live here." I go, "No, you don't. I actually know who lives here, and it's not you. I'm sure they don't know you're throwing a discotheque here. Turn the music off. It's a Tuesday."'

Consuelos then quipped: 'You became that person.'

That didn't set well with Ripa who retorted: 'No, I'm not that person. They are that person.'

Ripa revealed that she stormed over to the house after failing to get help from the cops

At first, Consuelos giggled along to Ripa's story, but as time went on he appeared more awkward

Unhappy with her husband's responded, she said to him, 'I like that suddenly I'm the villain in the story.'

She eventually confirmed - while her husband looked away awkwardly - that she did get them to shut the music off.

'It was 3 o'clock in the morning. On a Tuesday,' she added. 'What are you doing?'

The tense conversation comes just days after Consuelos made a cheeky quip about Ripa after she revealed she had been 'very silent' on their recent trip to Italy.

During Monday's episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the TV host shared that they had headed to Europe so that his spouse could see her first Campobasso Wolves game as the pair are both investors in the club.

Speaking about their trip, Ripa told viewers that she was forced to keep quiet on their vacation because she can't speak Italian.

She said: 'In Italy, I become even more silent because I don't speak Italian.

'So I am the most silent version of myself that I've ever been.'

Ripa and Consuelos have been married for 27 years and share three children; Michael, 27, Lola, 23, and Joaquin, 21

They eloped to Las Vegas on May 1, 1996, and have been together ever since

Consuelos then admitted that he was a fan of his wife being mute, and joked: 'I kind of liked it. It was really nice.'

'Your fantasy version of me,' Ripa responded. 'Somebody who has no idea what's going on.'

Consuelos revealed that because he speaks Italian, he took the helm on their trip and would order food for them every time they dined out.

But Kelly wasn't best pleased with her husband's efforts and branded him the 'worst translator.'

'For the record,' she continued. 'He is the only one of us that speaks Italian, and therefore, we rely on him to tell us things. So he, in turn, rewards us by not telling us a thing.'

Ripa and Consuelos have been married for 27 years and share three children; Michael, 27, Lola, 23, and Joaquin, 21.

The couple first met in 1994 when he was auditioning for the soap opera All My Children, which launched both of their careers.

They eloped to Las Vegas on May 1, 1996, and have been together ever since, welcoming their three children.
Iain 'Huey' Hewitson was a beloved fixture on Australian TV for decades - and now, after making a hugely successful return on TikTok, he's back sharing his top kitchen secrets.

Mr Hewitson began hosting the series Healthy, Wealthy and Wise in 1992, and went on to front the programs Huey's Cooking Adventures (1997) and Huey's Kitchen (2010).

His last new cooking episode was broadcast on free-to-air in 2014.

Since getting the proverbial tap on the shoulder from commercial TV bosses, the Melbourne-based Kiwi chef has kept a low profile.

But that all changed earlier this year when Hewitson's 22-year-old daughter Charlotte encouraged him to start a TikTok - and within days he was racking up hundreds of thousands of views with videos that have struck a nostalgic chord with fans.

The 75-year-old told FEMAIL he felt 'humbled' by the instant success, adding that his philosophy on TikTok is no different to when he was on TV: to inspire and teach others how to cook.

In terms of the Hewitson family Christmas menu - nothing is set in stone except for the top chef's famous glazed leg of ham.

'What I cook on Christmas Day changes every year,' he said. 'We're not a prawn and crayfish family.'

Iain 'Huey' Hewitson was a fixture on Australian TV for decades thanks to his popular afternoon cooking shows

Mr Hewitson is a 'great believer' in starting off with something you have pre-done so that you don't have to spend the whole day slaving away in the kitchen.

'I like preparing smoked salmon or smoked trout and asparagus and beans that you have blanched and refreshed are always a good option.

'Good cheese is a must - and not cheese to end the meal. I always serve burrata or baby bocconcini with lots of bread to go with it.

'Summer is also the time of really good tomatoes, which pair perfectly with the cheese and bread.'

Mr Hewitson prefers lots of large platters and he drizzles them with fig balsamic and olive oil.

His glazed ham is simple and easy to make with pantry staples you might have in your cupboard already.

The chef uses canned pineapple juice, ground sugar, and Dijon mustard for the glaze.

'It's quite thin to start off with but it caramelises as it cooks. You just keep basting the ham with it after you take the skin off,' he says.

Mr Hewitson began hosting the series Healthy, Wealthy and Wise in 1992, and went on to front the programs Huey's Cooking Adventures (1997) and Huey's Kitchen (2010)

'I don't bother with anything else - it's a really nice glaze on its own because it's sweet but also has the tang of the mustard.'

Another annual fixture at the Hewitson household is a Thai salmon salad.

'I make it with fresh salmon that's barbecued a bit under with a nice Thai dressing. I put in wombok, grated carrots, and lots of fresh herbs - like coriander and mint leaves,' he says.

When it comes to 'controversial' Christmas recipes - Mr Hewitson revealed he is partial to anchovies on bread.

'I ended up with a big lot of anchovies one year and I put them on baguettes I'd brushed with olive oil and baked in the oven.

'It was hugely popular - but my friends are anchovy eaters. We all know there's no in between with them - you either love them or hate them.'

In terms of hosting, the chef's 'ultimate hospitality tip' is to hand guests a parcel of food to take home after the meal.

When it comes to 'controversial' Christmas recipes - Mr Hewitson revealed that the was partial to anchovies on bread

'It's lovely to spend the next few days eating the leftovers, but it's even better to wrap up the food in foil and give it to your loved ones so that they can enjoy a sandwich as well.'

He added, 'It's not just me being a nice man - it also saves you from all these leftovers at the back of your fridge growing green. You won't have to feel guilty about not eating them.'

What Huey's six pantry staples?

There are several staples he cannot go without.

'I always have good olive oil. You also need balsamic and sherry vinegar,' he says.

When it comes to Asian ingredients, Mr Hewitson uses four and does so on a daily basis.

'I have soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sambal.

'I knew a Sydney chef whose signature ingredient was lemon - she added a squeeze of lemon to everything.

'I don't use lemon like that, but I add sambal to everything whether it needs it or not.'

Mr Hewitson is no stranger to experimenting with food - and his unusual hacks prove it

Mr Hewitson's love for the ingredient goes so deep that he discovered an unlikely dish for it to shine in.

'I worked with Leggo's for a puttanesca recipe recently.

'The campaign was about how recipes are not set in concrete - and we often have our own variations of classic dishes in things in Australia.

'We put pineapple on pizza, we don't care if we upset the nonnas.

'My addition to puttanesca is soy and sambal - and it's incredible.'

Huey's tips for cooking with cream and butter

Mr Hewitson, who is famous for his love and generous use of butter and cream, said that there were no replacements for maintaining the flavour they provide.

Instead, 'moderation' is key.

'My mother and grandmother lived to 94 and 96 respectively and butter and cream were the two essential ingredients for them,' he says.

Iain 'Huey' Hewitson was a fixture on Australian TV for decades thanks to his popular afternoon cooking shows - and now he has made a surprise comeback on TikTok

'My mum used to cook our breakfast in butter - there was no such thing as oil in our house.

'But moderation is very important - I do add a lot of butter and cream to things, but not every dish.

'I'm not like the French,' he laughed.

When the chef needs to cut down on the amount of fat in a dish, he uses olive oil and a little butter.

However, he revealed that neither butter nor cream were necessary when cooking vegetables.

'If you're cooking stir fry vegetables, all you need is a bit of oil, some garlic, and ginger.

'I went to Mr Wong in Sydney recently and that's just what we had - beautiful vegetables tossed in a wok with ginger and garlic.'

Mr Hewitson, who has famously cooked with a lot of butter and cream, said that there were no replacements that maintain the flavour - but that moderation is key

Huey's unconventional cooking tips

Mr Hewitson is no stranger to experimenting with food - and his unusual hacks prove it.

How to perfect spaghetti bolognese

When asked about what it would take to make the perfect spaghetti bolognese, the top chef suggested adding a square of dark chocolate to the sauce.

'It's bloody beautiful,' he insisted.

'I know we're talking about Italian food, but Mexicans are keen on adding a bit of chocolate which enriches the flavour.

'There's no way in the world you would stand there and say it has chocolate in it. It's just rich and lovely.'

How to perfect scrambled eggs

'The secret of scrambled eggs is passed down generation by generation - but amateur chefs nowadays don't know how to make it,' he says.

'Our mothers are time poor and no longer teach the basics. Maybe they'll teach their kids how to make a stir fry or barbecue, but no one thinks about the basics.'

The chef shared that he always uses heavy cream in his egg batter and beats it with a fork rather than a whisk.

'The secret to scrambled eggs is don't overcook them.

'Mix up the eggs with cream, and put it in a pan when the butter has just melted.

'Keep on stirring and pulling at the curds as they form on the outside, pushing them to the centre.

'Take them off before they're finished, because like most food - they will continue to cook once you've taken them off the heat source.'

Adding cream to the batter is a trick popularised by late great chef Bill Granger, who was described as 'the egg master of Sydney' by the New York Times and has been credited with making scrambled eggs 'sexy'.

His Darlinghurst cafe bills is celebrated for having 'perfected' scrambled eggs that were described by one food critic as 'light as the breath of an angel'.

Hewitson said: 'I think Bill's recipe had as much cream as eggs, but I'm not going to do that. I like to put in a good slurp of cream into my eggs before beating them with a fork.'

The chef advised against using a whisk because you want to keep some air in it.

Bill Granger was described as 'the egg master of Sydney' by the New York Times

How to perfect mashed potatoes

'I'm a great believer in going to your local greengrocer and asking about the best options for mash,' he says.

The goal, he explains, is floury potatoes, not waxy.

'Once you've boiled your potatoes and they're tender, drain them well and then put them back into the pan with some milk.

'I let the milk bubble up and then mash them, adding a small amount of cream and a small amount of butter.

'I also like my potatoes a bit rough - there's no need to put them through a sieve or do anything fancy.'

Mr Hewitson also adds chopped chives and spring onion to his dish.

Hewitson's 22-year-old daughter Charlotte (right) encouraged him to start the TikTok account

How to cook the perfect steak

Mr Hewitson recommends buying your meat from a a butcher and not the supermarket.

'Even though supermarket meat has improved dramatically in the last few years, you should still go to a butcher.

'The other thing is taking it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you cook it to bring it to room temperature.'

The top chef said you should always let your steak rest for ten minutes to 'relax' the meat.

'If you put steak on a grill, all the juices run to the centre because of the heat.

'When you cut it after it comes right off the barbecue, the juices are still in the centre and will just pour out.

'But if you leave it to relax, the juices will spread through the steak and it'll be infinitely more tender.'
The celebrity chef revealed he will be sit down with 24 others for the big meal

Gordan Ramsay has revealed how he will be spending Christmas this year, revealing he'll be forgoing the traditional turkey dish and his step-by=step guide to serving dinner for 25.

The celebrity chef, 58, has a big year ahead of him with three new restaurants set to open, as well as a cookery school and central London sky bar - though he is hoping his Christmas will be a laidback 'no rush' affair.

Speaking with The Times, the Kitchen Nightmares star explained that he would be spending the day with family in their southwest London home.

Though the Ramsay Christmas meal might look different to many others in the UK, with the chef revealing he will be sitting down with a whopping 24 others and will skip the turkey lunch for an evening beef wellington.

The Ramsay west London home will play host to all their children, who, after a three year refurbishment are reportedly keen to move back in to the family home.

He even said that his four eldest children had put their apartments up for rent' to return to the Ramsay nest.

Attending the turkey-free Christmas will be his wife Tana, 50, and their six children, Megan, 26, twins Holly and Jack, 24, Matilda, 23, Oscar, 5, and Jesse, one.

Filling up the huge 25 person table, will be the partners of Gordon's eldest children, with Holly's fiance, Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, set to join in on the festivities.

Attending the turkey-free Christmas will be his wife Tana, 50 (second left), and their six children, Megan, 26, twins Holly (second to Gordon) and Jack, 24, Matilda, 23, (right) Oscar, 5, (with Tana) and Jesse, one

Gordan Ramsay (left) has revealed how he will be spending Christmas this year, sharing his itinerary as well as some quirky food swaps for the big meal

Bringing in the big day, the Ramsay's will host an even bigger, 300 person soiree at Gordon's Bread Street kitchen restaurant, on Christmas Eve.

As the sun comes on on Christmas Day, Gordon said he will inevitably by his second youngest child, Oscar, will be 'bouncing' on the bed at 6am.

'So well go downstairs together and do presents for the boys. I never like to rush Christmas Day. For us it is all about enjoying the day and not stressing out,' he said.

The Christmas meal will have been meticulously planned in advance, with each family member taking on a dish each.

He said: 'The rule for a happy Christmas is delegate, delegate, delegate. Everybody will muck in. Meg and Tilly love their vegetables so theyre brilliant on veg prep. Holly takes care of decorations and Jacks obsessed with cooking meat. He does it brilliantly.'

A controversial take, Gordon revealed they will be skipping out on the traditional turkey centre piece, instead opting for a beef wellington - a decision he admitted would make his mother 'furious'.

But their 25 guests will have a while to wait before they can sink their teeth into the famous Ramsay wellington.

The first meal of the day will be a laid back 11am brunch with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon topped with truffle shavings.

The family will then sit down for 'at least 30 minutes,' sinking two a couple of glasses of champagne or buck's fizz.

Though the Ramsay Christmas meal might look different to many others in the UK, with the chef revealing he will be sitting down with a whopping 24 others and will skip the turkey lunch for an evening beef wellington

Filling up the huge 25 person table, will be the partners of Gordon's eldest children, with Holly's fiance, Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty , set to join in on the festivities

Doing everything to 'stretch the day out', the Ramsay's don't then eat the big Christmas dinner until 5:30pm in the evening.

Their late dinner is a controversial choice for many Brits, who typically settle down to enjoy their meal between 1-3pm, with the King's Christmas Day speech airing at 3pm.

The family will continue to celebrate until New Year's Eve, when they will celebrate the birthday's of twins, Holly and Jack, who will turn 25 this year.

Gordon and wife, Tana, will then head to Cornwall with their youngest son's to relax by the sea.

Offering his culinary advice on how to spread the festive meals throughout the day, the chef said he avoids trying 'to cram too many meals and too much food into one day'.

For their starter, the Ramsay's will dig into a vibrant starter of fresh figs, beetroot and ham, doused in balsamic vinegar and olive oil, which will be spread across the table for people to help themselves.

Suggesting festive treats to indulge in on the day, Gordon suggested batch roasting a tray of mixed nuts with cayenne pepper and smoked paprika.

He also recommended roasting rather than boiling sprouts - the most divisive of festive trimmings - and sprucing up bread sauce recipes with a dollop of clotted cream.

Defying tradition again, Gordon also recommended ditching the Christmas pudding and instead indulging in a chocolate bombe, made at home using a supermarket bought swiss roll and a jar cherries in kirsch-flavoured syrup.

Gordon shared that his favourite tipple on the day is a glass of champagne, prefacing that by insisting he doesn't like to 'over do it' and wake up to find Oscar has drawn whiskers on his face.

Finally, the hailed celebrity chef insisted that nothing is ever thrown away, with all of them tucking into a plate of leftovers with cold meats, piccalilli and salad, the next day.
Launceston property has captured the attention of thousands

It's been described as the 'most enticing property on the market' - and one look inside this four-bedroom home reveals why.

Perched on top of a hill in one of Launceston's most exclusive suburbs, Blackstone Heights, 27 Columbus Drive commands attention from all who step through the doors.

The gorgeous hideaway made the national 'most viewed homes' list on realestate.com.au this month thanks to its modern decor, thoughtful design and, most notably, the breathtaking view.

The 'tranquil retreat' features four generous bedrooms, two luxurious bathrooms and ten parking spaces - making it ideal for entertaining.

And while it may look relatively humble from the front, those who step inside are treated to exquisite finishing touches and panoramic views over Lake Trevallyn

The home is listed for sale with Bushby Creese and Insitu Property with no listing price.

However, it did sell for $2.2million in February 2024 despite four bedroom, two-bathroom homes in the area typically selling for around $800,000.

Agent George Bushby said he isn't at all surprised by the attention the home is getting.

27 Columbus Drive in Blackstone Heights, Tasmania has been ranked one of the most popular homes for sale in Australia right now

The home is perched on top of a hill over looking Lake Trevallyn

And each room has incredible views

'You cannot replicate the position and views of Lake Trevallyn and the South Esk River there's simply no other block like it,' he told realestate.com.au.

'The quality of the build is impressive and with the amenities it offers, it truly does feel like your own tranquil retreat.'

The home, which was built in 2020, is flooded with natural light thanks to its pitched ceilings. This is complimented by the rich, warm tones of the wooden floors.

These tones continue into the kitchen, which features the same wood as statement beams on the island bench, along the cupboards and even in the light fixtures.

They also flow into the huge butler's pantry where they are used on the counter tops and in the open shelves.

The butler's pantry keeps the kitchen clutter-free for a sophisticated, minimalist vibe.

In the living room the wooden tones are used, once again, for the lightshades. The grand space also feels cosy with the addition of a comfortable nook next to the television.

The bright, open living areas gently flow through to the alfresco zones which include a covered barbecue area and protected fire pit.

The home is cosy and extravagant at the same time

The warm tones of the flooring are carried through with light fixtures and furnishings

The feelings of space and luxury are reflected in the outside living areas as well

The L-shape home has a private, lush backyard

And it has incredible views

There is also a sauna and a hot tub to make the most of the private outside areas.

The home is built in an L-shape to make the most of the large block and amazing views, with each bathroom and bedroom boasting amazing outlooks.

The intriguing shape also makes the backyard feel super protected and private.

Each bedroom features grey carpet which makes them feel cosy and warm, while somehow carrying through the feeling of opulence thanks to the large windows with extraordinary views.

The master bedroom is located behind the kitchen, on the opposite end of the house to the three other bedrooms and family bathroom - making it the ultimate parent escape.

The butler's pantry also has amazing views

And doubles as the laundry. The warm tones are carried through here making it feel just as luxurious as the public areas of the home

The ensuite is light-filled and well-appointed

The sauna is one of many luxury inclusions

The bath in the main bathroom is deep and luxurious and has a great view

The nook in the living area makes the home fell cosy despite its huge size

The huge six-by-five metre bedroom has a large walk in robe and luxurious bathroom.

The family bathroom has a deep-set bath - perfect for an evening relaxation session.

The property also includes an attached double garage and stand-alone double workshop.
More than one in three pharmacies may not survive this winter without urgent financial support, industry leaders warn.

Owners warn the closures will leave patients without the care they need and pile pressure on other parts of the NHS.

It comes amid growing demand for help from customers with more complex needs - combined with a rise in the minimum wage and employers national insurance.

New polling by trade body Community Pharmacy England found 96 per cent of pharmacy owners are concerned or very concerned about the ability of their business to cope with winter pressures.

Some 39 per cent even fear their business will not survive the next few month, with 70 per cent saying patient safety may be affected.

The survey of 58 pharmacy owners or head office representatives, between them representing

3,565 pharmacy premises across England, found 81 per cent expect patients to face longer waiting times for medicines and 73 per cent a reduction in the availability of services.

A third (33 per cent) expect to have to reduce their opening hours.

New polling by trade body Community Pharmacy England found 96 per cent of pharmacy owners are concerned or very concerned about the ability of their business to cope with winter pressures (file image)

Owners warn the closures will leave patients without the care they need and pile pressure on other parts of the NHS (file image)

The Daily Mail has been campaigning to save High Street pharmacies, acknowledging the vital role they play in keeping communities thriving and healthy.

Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, said: Community pharmacies simply will not withstand another season of winter pressures, and if they are left to collapse, the impact on businesses and their staff, on patients, on the wider NHS, and ultimately on the nations health, will be unthinkable.

Years of underfunding, with cuts of 30 per cent in real terms, have left community pharmacies battling for survival.

They will continue to do everything they can to stay open and serve their patients, and they still have big ambitions to do even more to help people and the NHS in the future, but pharmacies now need urgent support.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: We inherited a broken system that is failing to support pharmacists to deliver care to their communities.

Community pharmacy has a vital role to play as we shift the focus of the NHS out of hospitals and into the community through our 10 Year Health Plan.

At the Budget we announced an extra 26 billion for the NHS and social care and will set out details on funding for next year in due course.
An early draft example of from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department of the type of public artwork that will be considered for temporary installation along the Upper Great Highway when it is turned into a permanent park in early 2025. Wes Skinner, fabricator and artist, Yzzo Studios/Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

Plans to install more than a dozen new public artworks along the southern stretch of San Franciscos Great Highway are already taking shape just days after state officials signed off on the citys application to turn the four-lane roadway into a permanent recreational promenade.

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department this week submitted a plan to a city Arts Commission panel for a temporary series of murals and sculptures along the Upper Great Highway  moving swiftly after voters in November approved Proposition K to permanently close the 2.5-mile stretch of road between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard to automobile traffic.

The plan calls for murals to be commissioned for eight major intersections along the Great Highway  Lincoln, Judah, Lawton, Noriega, Pacheco, Rivera, Taraval, Vicente  and more elaborate placemaking murals at the busier intersections of Sloat, Judah and Taraval. Bathroom wall murals are also planned at Judah and Taraval.

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Four sculptural elements are planned for the dunes and roadway  referred to in the memo as preliminary plans titled Wave Heart, Rock Spinner, Ocean Calling and Giraffes (near the San Francisco Zoo).

A map from the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department shows a draft plan for placement of public art installations along the Upper Great Highway when it is turned into a permanent park in early 2025. Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

Once the plan is fully approved, officials will sign off on the individual artworks to be installed in February or March, pending the full-time closure of the Great Highway to automobile traffic, slated for early 2025. The art program would last for one year.

The details of the draft plan were spelled out in a memo presented Monday by Sarah Madland, the Rec and Park director of policy and public affairs, to the Visual Arts Committee.

No final decisions have been made on the the specific artworks, but the memo said Rec and Park has worked closely with neighbors and artists and showed examples of some of the concepts it is considering: a large rock sculpture being spun by two people, a heart-shaped sculpture in the sand, and two roadway murals with wildlife and sea life.

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An early draft example from the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department of the type of public artwork that will be considered for temporary installation along the Upper Great Highway when it is turned into a permanent park in early 2025. Zachary Coffin/Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

The intent of these activations is to transform the roadway to a recreational promenade, creating a fun and exciting destination with programming and activities that changes on a regular basis, the memo said.

We are working with local artists and art professionals to identify some temporary installations to roll out when the park opens, said Lucas Lux, president of Friends of Ocean Beach Park.

The nonprofit, which is partnering with the city to create the new park, is both identifying the artists and awarding stipends, Lux said. Our goal is ensuring that the art reflects our community in the Sunset, he said.

An early draft example from the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department of the type of public artwork that will be considered for temporary installation along the Upper Great Highway when it is turned into a permanent park in early 2025. Nicole Hayden/Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

Renderings of the concepts will soon be posted at the Friends of Ocean Beach Park website, www.oceanbeachpark.org, with a portal for offering feedback.

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Much is still in flux, including whether to call the permanent 17-acre public space a park or a promenade, and what its formal name will be. It has been informally known as Great Highway Park, but that working name has given way to Ocean Beach Park.

As such, Friends of Great Highway Park has been rebranded as Friends of Ocean Beach Park. It will be putting together a community advisory board to guide future temporary art installations.

Adding temporary public art to the former Great Highway is an opportunity to merge the beauty of parks with the creativity of San Francisco, said Rec and Park spokesperson Tamara Aparton. Sculptures, murals, and interactive works by local artists enhance our shared outdoor spaces, foster community, and inspire connection.

The Great Highway plan will be partly funded by a $1 million grant awarded in November by the California State Coastal Conservancy. Funding for the art activations will come from multiple sources via Friends of Ocean Beach Park, and Building 180, a women-owned art consulting and production agency. The murals are budgeted at $186,000 and the sculptural elements at $448,000, as stated in the memo.

An early draft example from the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department of the type of public artwork that will be considered for temporary installation along the Upper Great Highway when it is turned into a permanent park in early 2025. Orlie K/Courtesy of San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

The new plan will supersede a pilot program that turned the highway and a median into a weekend car-free park starting in 2022. The pilot was scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Features from the pilot program are expected to be extended through 2025, including the Friday Jazz Happy Hour and Sundays at the Beach, a rotating roster of yoga classes and concerts.

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The transformation of one of the citys major transportation corridors comes after San Francisco voters approved Prop K. The controversial measure, which passed with 54% of the vote, sparked the threat of a recall of Supervisor Joel Engardio, who backed it.

At the meeting Monday, Lux acknowledged the divisions in the Sunset neighborhood and said his group viewed the art installations as a chance to use art and also community activation to bring people together.

Friends of Ocean Beach Park held an Outer Sunset Neighbors Dog Parade on Saturday. The group planned a Jingle on the Way Christmas carol sing-along and karaoke party Sunday, but it was canceled because of rain.

Come celebrate the holidays with us, and that includes a special present under all of our Christmas trees: a new oceanfront park, Lux said.
READ MORE: Scientists discover new frightening effect of lockdowns and masks

Hospitals in multiple blue states have brought back masking amid surges of winter viruses.

This week, New Jersey's largest hospital system, RWJBarnabas Health, reinstated its mask requirement for all staff, patients, and visitors, even though the state's Covid infection rate is 'low.'

The system, which treats 3million patients per year, said Monday that staff will provide new masks for everyone who walks in the door and 'may ask you to replace your own mask with a hospital-supplied mask' as part of the mandate.

Visitors will also be required to sanitize their hands before entering hospital buildings.

Several counties in San Francisco's Bay Area have also brought back mask rules with an order in effect from November 18 through April 30, 2025.

Meanwhile, hospitals in New York have also urged patients, staff and visitors to mask while indoors and get vaccinated against Covid and the flu as rates have 'really plummeted.'

And last month, New York City health officials recommended masking up on public transport as winter temperatures set in.

The return of masking comes amid a surge of four winter viruses, including Covid and the flu, which experts believe could be a sign of an impending 'quad-demic.'

New Jersey's largest hospital system, RWJBarnabas Health, reinstated its mask mandate for all staff, patients, and visitors (stock image)

The above map from the CDC shows Covid wastewater activity levels by state. Missouri and South Dakota had the most activity

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Dr Joe Bresee, an infectious diseases expert who spent two decades at the CDC, including its flu division, previously told DailyMail.com: 'We know these viruses are coming. We see them increase every year.

'We are in store for increases in circulation in these four over the next couple of months and that would cause what we call epidemics [outbreaks].'

RWJBarnabas Health said masks at outpatient facilities like doctors' offices are not currently required but are 'strongly encouraged.'

The system also said that patients with a fever, cough, muscle or body aches, or Covid- or flu-like symptoms should stay home and not come to the hospital.

RWJBarnabas Health said in a statement: 'Every patient has the right to request their healthcare provider and staff wear a mask when treating them.'

The CDC's wastewater data suggests that Covid activity is 'low' nationally and deaths are at historic lows.

However, surveillance shows there may be a slight uptick in infections.

Four percent of Covid tests detected the virus in the week of November 6, which rose to to 5.4 percent during the week of December 7.

Hospitalizations for flu-like illness are, however, rising.

Around 3.3 percent of all hospital admissions had a flu-like respiratory illness in the week to December 7 compared to 2.9 percent two weeks beforehand, a rise of 14 percent.

However, rates are only considered 'high' in Louisiana and Georgia.

The above shows flu illnesses in each state. Only two, Louisiana and Georgia, are currently experiencing high levels of the disease

The above shows the RSV hospitalization rate across the US by week

Hospitals in Nassau and Suffolk counties in New York have also urged patients to mask up and get vaccinated against Covid, flu, and RSV.

Dr Marc Lashley, a physician at Allied Physicians Group on Long Island, told WABC: 'I'm very concerned that the flu vaccine rate has dropped. It's really plummeted.'

Just under 22 percent of Nassau and Suffolk county residents report getting their annual flu shot, compared to 39 percent nationally.

However, the national rate is down from 40 percent at this time last year.

Covid boosters are also dwindling. As of last week, the Covid vaccination rate for Nassau and Suffolk counties was just over six percent, well below the national rate.

The CDC estimates that as of November 9, just 17.9 percent of adults having received the shot by the week to November 9.

Mask mandates have long been considered controversial.

A major study released last year by the Cochrane Institute, for example, found that masking made 'little to no difference' in Covid infetion or death rates.

And researchers at the University of East Anglia found in a May study that masks' protective effect seemed to disappear in February 2022, around the same time that California lifted its mandates.

The team believed this was due to the Omicron variant, which later mutated into FLiRT, being too infectious for masks to prevent it.
Scientists have revealed the key causes of dyslexia  and how it may shrink parts of the brain.

The learning difficulty, which causes sufferers to frequently spell and read words wrong, is known to run in families.

But scientists in the Netherlands have now pinpointed the exact DNA mutations that could be to blame for the problem  as well as the specific impact on the structure of the brain.

Dyslexia is partly influenced by genes and can be inherited, explained study author and neurogenetics researcher Sourena Soheili-Nezhad.

'Yet, dyslexia is a complex trait, which cannot be explained by changes in a single brain region or a single gene,' he added.

'Studying exactly which genes affect which brain networks can help to understand how cognitive functions develop differently in this learning difficulty.'

In the study, published in the journal Science Advances, researchers used data from more than a million people collected by 23andMe, a company that sells at-home DNA testing kits.

This data revealed the genetic variants that increase the chance of a person having dyslexia  which affects some one in 10 Brits.

It's estimated that up to one in every 10 people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia, according to the NHS

Researchers then used information extracted from the UK Biobank  a collection of health data from 30,000 people, including medical imaging and DNA mutations  to look for similarities in the brain scans of people with the previously identified genetic variant.

Researchers found those with the telltale genetic characteristics had a lower brain volume in areas of the brain involved with movement coordination and processing of speech sounds.

They also found above-average brain volume in the part of the brain responsible for vision.

A reduced amount of white matter, deeper tissue in the brain that contains nerve fibres, was also associated with dyslexia.

'Although our study used data from adults, some of the changes probably relate to altered development of the brain during early stages of life, for example in the foetus or during infancy, which then remain stable across the lifetime,' said genomics researcher Clyde Francks, who also worked on the study.

'Other changes might reflect responses of the brain to decades of altered behaviour in people with higher genetic disposition to dyslexia.

'For example, years of avoiding reading in personal and professional life might impact the brain's visual system.'

However, the study authors say future research should focus on data from children instead of adults to track brain changes in development that are associated with causing dyslexia.

'Understanding the brain basis of dyslexia could also possibly help to achieve earlier diagnosis and educational intervention in the future, with more targeted strategies suited to the profiles of individual children', Soheili-Nezhad added.

Intelligence is not affected by dyslexia  but people with the learning difficulty can struggle in school unless offered additional support.

Dyslexia is tricky to diagnose early as some signs, like making frequent spelling or pronunciation mistakes, occur normally as children learn to read and write.

Most children with the learning difficulty are only spotted in primary school but some people with the condition are missed until well into adulthood.

The NHS suggests that parents concerned about their child's reading and writing should talk to their teacher first, then consider seeking advice from a GP.

It adds that adults can arrange for an assessment with the British Dyslexia Association.
The Uncomfortable Truth

by Anna Mathur

(Penguin Life 16.99, 352pp)

In this punchy book packed with bracing common sense, psychotherapist Anna Mathur asks us to look our worst fears in the face.

We spend our lives finding new ways to skirt around the truths of life, she writes. But avoidance of lifes truths carries the highest price of all. Burnout, perfectionism, addiction, anxiety, people-pleasing, grief, and so, so much shame.

Among the ten fears she asks us to lean into are: Some people dont like me, I am going to fail, I will hurt people I love, life isnt fair, bad things will happen, I will lose people I love, and I am going to die.

If you dive headfirst into those uncomfortable truths, Mathur writes, youll feel less burdened by the troubles of the world on your shoulders and by the constant nagging voice of self-blame.

So: face up to past and future uncomfortable truths, rather than hiding away from them. In order to live a full and thriving life, you must live a risky one.

Stop Lying To Yourself

by Simon Gilham

(Ebury 14.99, 208pp)

Successful CEO and now highly successful relationship guru Simon Gilham speaks to millions of his followers daily on social media, in short, sharp bursts of harsh wisdom.

Heres a collection of 101 of his mantras, in large print on one side of the page, with a brief expansion and explanation on the other side.

This is far from being gentle woo-woo. Some people talk to you in their free time and some people free their time to talk to you. Make sure you know the difference.

They dont leave you for someone better, and they dont leave you for someone whos better looking. They leave you for someone whos easier.

When I was reading this book on the Tube, the man beside me asked to photograph the page I was reading: One of the most toxic traits a person can have is expecting you to be OK with something when they wouldnt be OK with it if the roles were switched.

Clearly, it hit the spot.

Bad Therapy

by Abigail Shrier

(Swift Press 20, 320pp)

When her 12-year-old son had a stomach ache, American author Abigail Shrier was shocked to discover hed been asked to fill in a mental-health questionnaire at the doctors, including queries such as, Are you having thoughts of killing yourself just now? If yes, please describe.

Todays paediatricians are asking children as young as eight whether they feel their parents might be better off without them.

In her highly persuasive anti-therapy diatribe, Shrier argues that, far from helping young children, such language can harm them.

Parents are signing their children up for therapy in astonishing numbers. But it should come with a warning label. Therapy can deliver unintended harm . . . It can hijack our normal processes of resilience, interrupting our psyches natural ability to heal itself, in its own way, at its own time.

She implores parents to stop implanting outsized worries in childrens heads, and stop allowing interlopers to insert themselves between you and your kids.

Watching the rising tide of adolescent unhappiness, mental health experts present themselves as the solution. Most of them ought to be fired on the spot.

Much More To Come

by Eleanor Mills

(HQ 16.99, 320pp)

Eleanor Mills hit what she calls the midlife maelstrom when, aged 49 in 2020, she was made redundant from the magazine editing job that had defined her for 25 years. Utterly thrown at first, she managed to pull herself back up again, through a mixture of hard work, determination, bloody-mindedness and rage that the world was writing off women like me when we still had so much to offer.

She coined the word Queenager to describe magnificent, adventurous women in their 50s, and set up a business called Noon, a community for women in midlife.

New friendships and relationships in a womans 50s are forged in fire, she writes, because by that age, over half of women have been through massive life-events: divorce, bereavement, redundancy, bankruptcy, or physical and mental health issues.

Mills has great fun with these women, as they blossom into midlife, swimming in the Ladies Pond in Hampstead Heath, going trekking in the Atlas Mountains, and laughing their heads off.

The Paleo Life

by Clare Foges

(Piatkus 16.99, 288pp)

Journalist, broadcaster and former speech writer for David Cameron, Clare Foges was wondering why she was feeling perpetually anxious and having panic attacks.

It dawned on her that we are living in a way evolution did not design us for, sitting in brightly lit boxes for nine hours a day, bringing up our children hundreds of miles from our families, or grazing all day on processed treats.

Its time to go back to our Stone Age roots, she argues.

Im not about to go all Flintstones, she assures us.

But she advises us to make some of the Paleolithic-era-inspired choices shes made about how to live, which have helped her feel better.

These include: have candlelit, screen-free evenings; make a social map so you dont squander time on acquaintances rather than connecting with the few friends who really matter; stop spending money the whole time; go for country walks; use your hands to do physical tasks; do a bit of Stone Age squatting every day; bring back regular rituals; and (if youre a parent), build your own alloparenting network  alloparenting meaning involving others, as our Stone Age ancestors did.

Nothing to Fear

by Julie McFadden

(Vermillion 16.99, 240pp)

You might think theres nothing worse than death but, according to hospice nurse Julie McFadden, there is. Its a death thats resisted, painful and chaotic.

In her impassioned book about how to die a good death, and how to help someone you love to do so, McFadden (who has more than a million followers on TikTok) implores us to be prepared for death, to talk about it in advance, to accept it, and to understand that death is as natural a process as birth.

Our bodies are built to be born, and they are built to die.

This book is a celebration of the hospice movement, which helps dying people in their dying moments.

A highly rational person, she herself clearly saw an angel standing serenely over the bedside of one dying woman  who then rallied and ate pancakes for breakfast the next morning.
Motorists have rallied behind the prospect of tougher sentences to tackle the ongoing scourge of drink-driving.

Harsher punishments were selected by nearly two in five (38 per cent) licence holders polled by the RAC when asked to choose three out of eight options that would best curb drink-driving.

Reducing the legal alcohol limit to zero was the second most popular option (34 per cent) among the 2,691 drivers surveyed, followed by giving the police new powers to immediately disqualify drink-drivers at the roadside (33 per cent).

Currently, only courts can impose driving bans, meaning after a drink-driver is caught they can continue to drive until their court appearance. Motorists face a minimum disqualification period of 12 months if they are convicted of drink-driving.

Drivers being over the limit contributed to the deaths of an estimated 300 people on Britain's roads in 2022.

With police cracking down on drink drivers in December over concerns about people getting behind the wheel during the Christmas party season, forces in the South West have launched a world first trial using artificial intelligence (AI) cameras positioned at the roadside to detect - and detain - motorists believed to be over the limit.

Motorists have rallied behind the prospect of tougher sentences to tackle the ongoing scourge of drink-driving

Devon and Cornwall Police this month launched a world-first trial to catch drink drivers in the act using the latest AI roadside cameras

RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said: 'It's clear motorists want to see something done differently to tackle the scourge of drink-driving, which is still responsible for the loss of far too many lives every year.

'Shockingly, Government data shows we're back to a similar rate of fatalities caused by people drinking and driving as we were in the late 1980s, and that a significant number of drink-drive offences are committed by reoffenders.

'We hope the issue of drink-driving will be addressed in the Government's soon-to-be-published road safety strategy, as clamping down on it in the right way could save hundreds of lives every year.'

Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for roads policing, said: 'We see the damaging impact of drink and drug driving all too often, and every fatality or serious injury which happens as a consequence of this is completely avoidable.'

Shockingly, Government data shows we're back to a similar rate of fatalities caused by people drinking and driving as we were in the late 1980s Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesman

Official figures obtained by the PA news agency in September showed 372 people had been caught drink-driving at least four times.

The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.

Nowhere else in Europe has a limit above 50mg/100ml.

The Scottish Government reduced its limit to that level in 2014.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: 'This Government takes road safety very seriously and there are already strict penalties in place for those who are caught drink or drug driving.

'We are committed to reducing the number of those killed and injured on our roads, which is why we will deliver a new Road Safety Strategy  the first in over a decade.'

AI cameras are being deployed at the roadside in the South West in December in a bid to catch drink drivers in the act

The cameras are already used to catch drivers using their phone behind the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt. But Devon and Cornwall are now deploying them to identify signs of drowsiness suggesting the motorists might be over the legal limit

Devon and Cornwall police are this month using technology to tackle drink-driving in a world first trial.

As part of its Vision Zero South West road safety campaign, it is using the latest AI roadside cameras - usually deployed to catch drivers using their phones or failing to wear seatbelts - to identify if motorists appear drowsy and under the influence at the wheel.

The AI cameras - provided by Australian manufacturer Acusensus - use cloud-based algorithms to analyse image data from passing cars to look for indicators that the driver might be impaired by drink or drugs.

If the cameras believe someone is driving under the influence, the software will alert officers waiting further down the road as part of the annual crackdown on drink drivers during the festive season.

At this point, the police will stop the car and ask the motorist to undergo roadside testing to prove they adhere to the legal limit.

Geoff Collins, UK manager at Acusensus looking after the rollout of the cameras in Britain, said: 'We are delighted to be conducting the world's first trials of this technology right here in Devon and Cornwall.

'We are all safer if we can detect impairment before it causes an incident that could ruin lives.'
Thames Water has been handed an 18.2million fine after regulator Ofwat used powers to crack down on firms paying 'unjustified' dividends for the first time.

The debt riddled utility, which was also given the green light to hike customer bills 35 per cent by 2030, was found to have unjustifiably paid 158.3million to shareholders.

Ofwat tightened rules on water companies' dividend policy in May last year, telling firms to stop the payment of dividends if they are of poor financial health.

The regulator said Thames Water made interim dividend payouts totalling 37.5million to its holding company, Thames Water Utilities Holdings Limited, in October last year and further payouts of about 158.3million in March 2024.

The regulator said it will claw back 131.3million of the payments so the money does not come out of customer bills.

David Black, Ofwat's chief executive, said the penalty was 'a clear warning to the whole sector.'

He added: 'We will take action against companies who take money out of these businesses, where performance does not merit it.'

In charge: Chris Weston is the chief executive of Thames Water

Thames Water customers to see bill hikes

Under plans revealed by Ofwat on Thursday, the average annual Thames Water bill will rise to 588 by 2030, 152 more than current levels of 436 a year.

Ofwat said the lions share of that increase, about 108 of the 152, will come in the 2025-2026 financial year.

The ruling falls short of the 59 per cent Thames Water had said it needed in the run-up to the decision, as the embattled water company tries to negotiate a bailout.

The company, which serves around 16million people in London and the South East, is in the midst of a funding crisis and needs a 3billion loan from creditors to keep operating beyond March.

Thames Water's bailout woes

Thames Water, which has over 16billion worth of debt, earlier this week held the first of several high court hearings over its proposed 3billion bailout.

The cluster of investment firms that drew up the deal, including BlackRock, Abrdn and M&G, have said they need a sizeable increase in bills to make it happen.

It is unclear whether the 35 per cent bill hike will be deemed enough for the bailout to go through.

However, Thames Water will have the option to refer Ofwats decision to the Competition and Markets Authority.

That would kick off a fresh process which could see consumers wait months more to find out how much they will have to pay over the coming years.

Thames Water said it will tell customers how much more they will pay next year by early February.

The utility firm said that the 'deliverability and investability' of Ofwats decision to allow bills to rise was 'critical to the companys future'.

It added: 'Given its importance and complexity, Thames Water will take time to review the determination in detail before making its response.

'The company will set out by early February the charges for customers that will apply from April 2025.

'These charges will reflect Ofwats final determination, and Thames Water remains committed to supporting those customers who need help with their bills.'

The company said bosses 'remain focused on maintaining the stability of the business' as it seeks a bumper loan bailout from investors.
It's lunchtime on High Street Kensington, one of the busiest shopping streets in London and perhaps the country.

I'm inside H&M, buying a few garments for the winter period two weeks before Christmas on my break. But, to purchase them, I will have to queue.

That's fine. After all, queuing is in our DNA. However, the queue hardly budges. Soon, there are nearly 20 shoppers behind me, snaking into the middle of the store. Some abandon it out of frustration. I'm tempted to join them.

Others tap feet, glance at watches, sigh. Not quite the shopping experience you'd expect from one of the biggest clothes retailers on the planet.

H&M bosses decided a while back to slim down the number of manned tills in this shop. Now, on the ground floor, there are just two  with four self-checkouts next to them.

On my frustrating outing, three of the self-checkouts  powered by Fujitsu  are not on for whatever reason, and the one that is has an occasional baffled customer.

Checkout cheek: Why has it become such a palaver to buy items in shops?

No staff member is helping on the self-checkout and the few customers brave enough to embrace it are expected to remove security tags, and fold items into their bag.

The manned tills also deal with returns, which adds to the pain of a man just looking to snap up a pair of jeans and a shirt, then get on with life.

Eventually, I get to the till. No apology for the wait, let alone an acknowledgment I exist. Indeed, the staff member spends quite a bit of the transaction speaking to her colleague about lunch breaks.

'Excuse me,' I ask. 'Will your bosses be putting more manned tills into this store next year? The queues seem mad every time I come in now. It never used to be like this.'

The staff member mistook me for blaming it on her. I don't blame her at all. I'd be frazzled trying to deal with this huge queue.

I took the shrug as: 'Probably not.'

To get an answer, instead, I contacted H&M directly to ask what it's playing at. Does it want customers? Is it monitoring the queues? Why have self-checkouts if they're not on?

And most importantly, will it listen and re-install a couple more manned tills?

A spokesman said: 'At H&M we are constantly pushing ourselves to offer the best possible experience for our customers.

'We utilise a mix of self-checkouts and manned tills with the aim of providing customers with a faster and more convenient shopping experience and we adapt our approach to each store.

'Any future changes will be based on customer feedback and operational efficiency and our primary goal is to enhance customer satisfaction.

'We have seen a very positive response from our customers with approximately 40-50 per cent choosing the self-checkout option when it is available.'

That doesn't mimic my experience. Are half of shoppers happy to just blindly use self-checkouts now?

It feels more shops have really upped the ante with self-checkouts since the summer, and maybe it is all coming home to roost in the run-up to Christmas.

On Saturday, I undertook a task I seldom do these days I went to a giant supermarket early doors to do a full trolley-loaded shop sans kids.

I've been pushed to having an online delivery pass these days, but I wanted to actually get inspired in the shop ahead of Christmas. Plus, I nearly always forget some crucial items in the online shop.

When I finished the mammoth task, I arrived at the tills to find there were no manned ones available.

That's right, one of the biggest supermarket chains in the country had no staff on tills. I certainly wasn't going to scan a plus-200 shop myself.

I was in some sort of weird Mexican stand-off with a staff member, who kept calling me 'mate', as I tried to badger her to open a till.

Soon, a handful of other shoppers were with me, awaiting further instruction. Such a bizarre experience, all to simply pay for my shopping at a supermarket I have chosen to give custom to.

Eventually, two tills were opened, and queues formed. Half of the manned tills in this store have disappeared this year.

It's all getting out of hand. I argued last year that while self-checkouts are fine for some grocery basket shopping, it's driving more of us online and my belief is shoppers are becoming fed-up. It only appears to have gotten worse.

Is it because self-checkouts don't have National Insurance contributions to fork out for? Pension plans? A salary?

That was what was insinuated by the boss of fast-food chain Itsu recently.

Customer service in big retailers has gone completely down the drain this year in my opinion. It's a real shame.

I'm now on a one-man campaign to get retailers to see sense. Not abandon self-checkouts altogether, but not abandon manned checkouts for something bosses see as cheaper and giving the spiel that it's more convenient. Sometimes it is, often it isn't.

So, let me know your horror stories: lee.boyce@thisismoney.co.uk. I will take them to the retailers in question
Insists the councillor who complained about it needs to publicly apologise

Former Deputy PM wants the painting of Sir Thomas Blamey to be rehung

Council accused of being 'gutless' after agreeing to remove war hero portrait

EXCLUSIVE

A furious slanging match has erupted over a portrait of Australia's most decorated war hero amid accusations it was removed from a city council meeting room following a complaint it was offensive.

The painting of Sir Thomas Blamey, who served in the First and Second World Wars and is credited with saving Australia from almost certain invasion, had hung in pride of place at Wagga Wagga's council chambers for almost a quarter of a century.

However, local MP and one-time deputy prime minister Michael McCormack said he was 'absolutely flabbergasted' to learn it was taken down in August after one of the city's councillors allegedly complained about its presence.

The former Minister for Veterans' Affairs has now accused the council of being 'gutless' and bowing to 'token wokism' after agreeing to move the offending painting.

'Our city is a proud military city - it's the only inland regional centre with all three arms of the Australia Defence Force present,' Mr McCormack told Daily Mail Australia.

'But an unnamed Wagga City councillor apparently took offence at Thomas Blameys picture in the main council meeting room, asked for it to be taken down and, shamefully, this was done.

'To think an elected representative would object to one of our greatest soldiers is nothing short of an insult.

The portrait of Sir Thomas Blamey held pride of place in Wagga Wagga's council meeting room for almost a quarter of a century before it was quietly moved to another building in August

Sir Thomas Blamey's leadership is credited with helping prevent an almost certain invasion of Australia at the height of the Second World War

'Why? What possible reason could there be to have Blameys portrait removed and placed in a broom closet?

'I have always been supportive of our council and its officials ... but I'm not prepared to accept a war hero being treated like that, and the council try to rewrite history 70 years after his death.

'It is an affront to Blamey, to every single person wearing a uniform in the ADF today (especially at our own Army base), to every veteran, to our garrison city and, quite frankly, to our intelligence.

'It seems these days it is somehow acceptable for a shopkeeper to display offensive words and anti-Semitic material in a Fitzmaurice Street business window, yet not right for a homegrown war heros picture to be displayed in our local council chambers.

'This is not how Wagga Wagga should be.'

Sir Thomas was born in Lake Albert, in Wagga's south-east, in 1884. He was the seventh of 10 children to an immigrant father and Australian-born mother.

He enlisted in the Australian Army as a regular soldier in 1906, before rising through the ranks and serving as a general in both World Wars, ultimately becoming the only Australian to ever attain the rank of Field Marshal.

Sir Thomas Blamey (pictured) served in the Australian Army in both World Wars and is the only Australia to attain the rank of Field Marshal

Between the wars he served as the chief commissioner of Victoria's police force for more than a decade despite a scandal erupting little more than a month into his reign when his police badge was found during a raid on a Fitzroy brothel.

He later explained he had given his keys and badge to a friend who had served alongside him at France so he could help himself to some alcohol in his locker at the city's Naval and Military club.

His official biography on the Australian War Memorial website notes that for all Sir Thomas's military accomplishments 'on a personal level, Blamey's public drinking and womanising harmed his reputation'.

His enduring legacy has been honoured with streets and parks named after of him throughout the country.

A statue of Sir Thomas stands in Melbourne's Kings Domain while the plaza outside the Department of Defence in Canberra is named in his honour, as is Blamey Barracks at the national Army Recruit Training Centre at Kapooka in Wagga.

The contentious portrait of Sir Thomas was gifted to the City of Wagga Wagga by the commandant and all ranks of Blamey Barracks on May 26, 2001, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his death.

'Was he perfect? No,' Mr McCormack said. 'But who is? Wagga Wagga should be forever proud of this man who is one of our very own.

'Our country would be a very different place without him and his leadership - he led Australia during both World Wars and we should be forever grateful his leadership helped prevent a possible Japanese invasion.

Former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack has savaged the council for bowing to 'token wokism' by shifting the portrait and wants it rehung in the chambers

'When at times all seemed lost and there were well-founded fears Australia would be taken over, Blamey stood tall.

'The Home of the Soldier, 1st Recruit Training Battalion at Kapooka, is appropriately named Blamey Barracks in his honour.

'He has a local hotel and a suburban street in Turvey Park named after him.

'But for all of those deserving accolades, he has now become the latest to fall victim to the wokeness permeating society.

'Cancel culture has caught up with this hero.'

Mr McCormack said he wanted the portrait to be immediately rehung in the council chambers and for the councillor who complained about it to issue a public apology.

'What an insult now to Blameys memory and to what Kapooka does for our city to have this gutless act carried out in the building there to serve the people of this military city,' he said.

'The unnamed councillor who complained would not be the type to place their head above the parapet and defend our nation against our enemies.

Sir Thomas has been honoured with a statue in the Kings Domain in Melbourne

'Thomas Blameys portrait should be returned to its rightful place in the chambers - today.

'And the councillor who raised their objection should issue an immediate apology  and then go and do what they were elected to do and fix a few potholes instead of trying to rewrite history.'

That appears unlikely to happen. The council fired back at Mr McCormack when approached for comment by Daily Mail Australia on Monday.

Wagga Wagga City Council General Manager Peter Thompson insisted the portrait had simply been shifted to a different building where it could be seen by more of the community.

'Wagga Wagga City Council takes enormous pride in its relationship with the Australian Defence Force over the past 100-plus years,' he said in a statement.

'The Member for Riverina, the Hon. Michael McCormack MP, has used the media to criticise the Council however the substance of his commentary regarding the portrait of Sir Thomas Blamey is misleading and untrue.

'The portrait of Sir Thomas Blamey has never been placed into storage.

'In August this year the portrait was placed on exhibition in a different location which is consistent with the routine rotation of many of our artworks.

'The portrait hangs proudly in our much-loved Museum of the Riverina Historic Council Chambers site, scarcely more than 40m from its previous location in the council meeting room, which is not open to the public unless a meeting is taking place.

'The portrait enjoys pride of place in a public museum which is free for all to attend.'

The 'Home of the Soldier', the Army Recruit Training Centre at Kapooka, in Sir Thomas's hometown of Wagga Wagga, are named in his honour

The council did not comment on the allegation that the portrait had been shifted as a result of a complaint from one of the city's councillors.

Mr McCormack refused to accept the portrait was moved as part of a 'routine rotation policy'.

'Sir Thomas Blamey's portrait has hung in the council meeting room for 23 years, ever since it was gifted to the city, so to take it down after 23 years for the first time is not a routine rotation,' he said.

'They're scrambling to come up with an excuse because they know was they've done is a disgrace and that it is wrong.'
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Gisele Pelicot today insisted she has no regrets after breaking her anonymity ahead of the Monster of Avignon trial which saw her ex-husband jailed for 20 years for orchestrating a decade of sexual abuse against her.

The brave 72-year-old grandmother has become a heroine in France and a symbol in the fight against sexual violence after she waived her anonymity to reveal how she was drugged and raped by dozens of men invited by her partner of 50 years.

It comes as Dominique Pelicot, also known as the Monster of Avignon, was found guilty of all the charges against him in France 's most notorious sex crime trial and sentenced to the maximum of 20 years in prison.

In total, 51 men were sentenced to more than 400 collective years behind bars with all of Pelicot's accomplices found guilty of sex crimes with 46 convicted of rape, two of attempted rape and two of sexual assault.

Our live coverage has now ended but for a full recap see below
A nine-year-old boy has put together an adorable child-friendly 'what to do in an emergency guide' for his five-year-old sister who suffers from epilepsy.

Theodor Smallwood created the guide after his sister was diagnosed as a way for him to deliver the emergency care she needed  and to help other young people who find themselves in a similar situation.

Theodor's sister Eleonor had her first seizure at just fifteen-months-old during the Covid lockdown in October 2020, which caused her to stop breathing and turn blue.

The family, from Liverpool, quickly phone an ambulance and Eleonor was rushed to hospital, but unfortunately the convulsions continued.

Theodor, who was just age five at the time, witnessed the seizure and the whole family said it was 'traumatising'.

When asked about Theodor's emergency guide, his mother Danielle said: 'Theodor has witnessed several of his sister's seizures and it was quite scary for him, so going through the steps helped him understand how to act in an emergency.

'Theodor brought it into school to show his teacher and friends. He also has a copy at home.

'Eleonor had a seizure after he wrote the guide and Theodor and Beatrice were an amazing help.

Theodor Smallwood, nine, created the guide after his sister Eleonor, five, was diagnosed as a way for him to deliver the emergency care she needed

Pictured: Theodor with his youngest sister Eleonor (pictured centre) and his other sister Beatrice (right)

Pictured: Theodor's hand-written guide of 'what to do in an emergency' to help someone having a seizure

'They were so calm and helped the emergency services gain access while I assisted Eleonor.

'They knew she had to be put in the recovery position and they also helped me pack a bag to go the hospital with her.'

Theodor's 'what to do in an emergency' guide reads:

If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes you need to call an ambulance

999 is the emergency number

Check around the person that there is no danger

Tell the operator where you are and tell them information about the seizure

Take deep breaths and stay calm

Look out for the ambulance and signal where you are

Tell the paramedic everything you know about the seizure

It can be a little scary but you learn how to deal with them

It wasn't until July 2022 that Eleonor was diagnosed with focal onset with secondary generalised epilepsy  a type of seizure that starts in one area of the brain and spreads, causing a loss of consciousness, jerking and breathing difficulties.

Theodor's mother Danielle said he and Eleonor have a really close bond

Theodor and Beatrice watch YouTube first aid for seizures and often recite to each other what to do in an emergency should their sister Eleonor (pictured centre as a baby) need help

Pictured: L-R: Darren Smallwood, Beatrice Smallwood, Eleonor Smallwood, Theodor Smallwood and Danielle Smallwood

'Having his guide and knowing what to do in the event of a seizure helps her so much.

'Theodor and his sister also watch YouTube first aid for seizures and often recite to each other what to do.

'They know she needs to be careful doing certain activities and will always be there to help monitor her.

'They have also said they will drive her around when she is older if her epilepsy prevents her from having a driving licence.'

Theodor took on a 10,000 step-a-day challenge in October to raise money for Young Epilepsy.

The organisation works to support young people with epilepsy by supporting education, conducting research and deliver health services and assessments.

Speaking on the JustGiving page, Theodor's father Darren said: 'We are so proud of Theodor for completing this challenge, all pictures of his Fitbit were posted on Instagram throughout the challenge.

'He hit is target which is absolutely amazing and thank you so much to everyone who has sponsored him and supported and encouraged him throughout.

'We decided to leave the sponsorship open a bit longer incase anyone else wanted to sponsor him. 1000 donations for Young Epilepsy go towards genetics testing.'

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com.
The women of The View were left stumped Wednesday when discussing how voters can reconnect with the Democratic Party.

Looking for an answer, the mostly progressive panelists looked to an unlikely source in Alyssa Farah Griffin - their lone Republican co-host.

'What does the party have to do to reconnect with voters?' asked Whoopi Goldberg, who posed the question after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's bid to become the Democratic chair of the House Oversight Committee failed.

The position went to an older, more moderate candidate - House Democratic veteran Rep. Gerry Connolly - sparking speculation between the five as to whether Dems are actually listening to what voters want.

Donald Trump's pronounced win over Kamala Harris was also likely fresh in their minds.

As the floor opened up, all looked for guidance from to the woman who worked as the then-president's special assistant for almost two years, leading her to appear startled before letting out a laugh.

'Why are you asking the Republican?' the 35-year-old political strategist said with a laugh.

Scroll down for video:

The women of The View were left stumped Wednesday when discussing how voters can reconnect with the Democratic Party

Looking for an answer, the mostly progressive panelists looked to an unlikely source in Alyssa Farah Griffin - their lone Republican co-host

'I think the Dems should start! I've got thoughts, but I'll let you start,' she said, paving the way for her colleagues to discuss AOC's failed bid.

'She has been demonized by the right,' co-host Sunny Hostin said of Ocasio-Cortez, who was bested by Connolly, 74, by a vote of 131-84.

Hostin did not appear convinced that Connolly's experience played a part in his win - instead defending Ocasio,Cortez, who embarked on a career in politics only six years ago.

'She's been demonized as this like, too progressive, far-left person,' Hostin went on to explain

'And I want to try to set the record straight,' she proclaimed. 'If she is too progressive, then the Democrats really are going to lose the working class.'

Co-host Joy Behar was similarly hesitant to look elsewhere while explaining the loss, and insisted that Democrats are stuck in their longheld ways - too focused on whose 'turn' it is to be elected.

'It's not about "Who's the best person?" It's about "Who do you feel is next in line to do the job?"' Behar said.

After much back in forth, Griffin eventually proved to be the voice of reason, explaining to the others how Ocasio-Cortez is merely 'too far left for the majority of the country.'

'What does the party have to do to reconnect with voters?' said co-host Whoopi Goldberg, who posed the question after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 's bid to become the Democratic chair of the House Oversight Committee failed

The position went to an older, more moderate candidate - House Democratic veteran Rep. Gerry Connolly - sparking speculation between the hosts as to whether Dems are actually listening to what voters want

Griffin eventually proved to be the voice of reason, explaining to the others how Ocasio-Cortez is merely 'too far left for the majority of the country'

She also set out to explain why she believes Harris lost the race.

'From my perspective, as a Republican who didn't support Trump, this may sound weird, I think Democrats focused too much on Trump,' the political strategist said.

'There needed to be more of a - "This is who we are. This is what were proactively fighting for."

'I can think of three or four policies that were laid out by the Vice President,' she continued, pointing out the lack of transparency from the progressive meant to replace Joe Biden.

'She talked about support for elderly parents, she talked about these first-time homebuyer payments.'

Hostin, in turn, reminded Griffin of Harris' promise for an 'opportunity economy' - one Griffin appeared to suggest most Americans did not really buy.

'But again, that's a platitude,' she said.

'What does it mean?

'In this world we live in, when you have three months especially,' Griffin added.

'I don't know that people knew what she was for.'

'And... a lot of her positions in 2020... she was on the completely opposite side of now,' she concluded, before offering some advice to listening Democrats.

'I think you have to decide: what is it, not what you're against.'
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.
A Christian ex-teacher jailed after a row over his refusal to address a transgender pupil as 'they' has been joined in prison by his father.

Enoch Burke has spent more than 450 days behind bars in Ireland for contempt of court, having repeatedly refused to stay away from his former school in accordance with a court order.

Now his father Sean has also been jailed for two months for assaulting a policewoman.

His imprisonment arose from a scuffle at Dublins Court of Appeal on March 7 last year, when his son lost a case he had taken against his suspension from Wilson's Hospital School.

Sean Burke, who is in his 60s, was jailed on Tuesday after he rejected the chance of a suspended sentence by refusing to sign a bond stating that he would be of good behaviour and keep the peace for one year.

His daughter, Ammi, 33, was cleared of obstructing another Irish police officer during the same incident, which saw his wife Martina escorted from the hearing for shouting at judges.

The Irish Prison Service would not confirm which jail Sean Burke will attend, but a source familiar with court procedures said it was normal practice for prisoners to spend the start of their sentence in Dublins Mountjoy Prison, where his son is being held.

Cloverhill District Court in Dublin heard that police officer Victoria Fisher was grabbed, knocked down and hit a radiator, during the incident which resulted in bruising.

Sean Burke (pictured centre with members of the Burke family) has joined his son Enoch in prison for assaulting a policewoman

Cloverhill District Court in Dublin heard that police officer Victoria Fisher (Pictured) was grabbed, knocked down and hit a radiator, which resulted in bruising

His son Enoch was jailed for a third time after he was arrested outside the school that sacked him for refusing to 'call a boy a girl' (Mr Burke pictured here arriving at the court of appeal in Dublin in February 2023)

Even though he had been spared a criminal record, Sean Burke unsuccessfully attempted to quash a guilty verdict delivered in the District Court in May.

Judge Ronan Munro referred to the uncontested evidence that Sean Burke shouted at the officers to leave his wife alone.

He did not accept the knocking down of the policewoman was accidental, and held that there was an intentional application of force.

The judge imposed a two-month sentence, but, noting the fathers lack of prior convictions, said he would suspend it on condition he keep the peace and be of good behaviour for one year.

However, he refused to sign the peace bond, at which point the judge said he would serve the sentence.

Sean Burke, who had represented himself and did not accept the verdict, shook hands with and hugged his other son, Dr Isaac Burke, before being led into custody.

In his ruling, Judge Munro said the officers had a duty to restore order following several interruptions by members of the Burke family.

He rejected arguments that the police dealing with the courtroom 'chaos' had no legal authority to remove them.

Enoch's father, who is in his 60s holding up a sign outside Wilson's Hospital School in December 2023. He was jailed on Tuesday after rejecting the chance of a suspended sentence by refusing to sign a bond

Enoch Burke's mother, father, sister and brother seen protesting outside Ballinrobe Community School in November on the day it was being visited by Norma Foley, the Minister for Education

Mr Burke leaving court in June 2024 with members of his family after his release from prison

The judge commented: 'Members of the public, including visiting schoolchildren, were forced to witness those scenes in a court of law, which I regard as offensive scenes.'

In evidence, Sean Burke said he had respect for the police and the courts, but was shocked at a remark by the Court of Appeal judge that his son Enoch had been talking in 'soundbites' or that the proceedings were not about transgenderism.

He said his family 'raised an objection, we spoke and objected to this', adding that he had affirmed the objection.

He said he was concerned when his wife was removed from the courtroom and went after her, but it was in a narrow, congested aisle, and he did not see Ms Fisher due to the height disparity between them. He rejected the assault allegation outright.

Ammi Burke, a qualified solicitor, was earlier fined 400 (330) and convicted of obstructing a garda by putting her hand on him for a few seconds as he helped arrest her brother Simeon Burke, 25, who was brought 'flailing' from the courtroom.

Yesterday, she succeeded in her appeal because Judge Munro had a reasonable doubt she had directly obstructed the arrest of her brother, given the fast-moving situation.

After being cleared, Ammi had to be escorted from the proceedings because she interrupted Judge Munro as he delivered his decision in her father's case.

School bosses began an investigation into Enoch Burkes conduct in May 2022 over his refusal on calling a transgender pupil 'they', insistent on referring to them as 'he'.

Mr Burke pictured at Wilson's Hospital School gate in 2023. He has repeatedly defied a High Court injunction banning him from the school's grounds

Former History and German teacher Enoch Burke seen outside Wilson's Hospital School in January 2023, violating their court order to stay away

Enoch Burke seen arriving at Wilson's Hospital School in January 2023 and ignoring the court order after being dismissed

The German and history teacher was suspended on paid leave until the outcome of an internal disciplinary process.

But he refused to stay away, instead arriving and sitting in an empty classroom at the school, saying he was there to teach.

The school's board of management obtained a court order preventing him from teaching or being physically present at the premises.

When Enoch Burke turned up again, he was arrested for breaching the order and hauled before a court where he was jailed for contempt in September 2022.

He previously told the High Court in Dublin: I would not call a boy a girl.' He added: 'Transgenderism is against my Christian belief. It is contrary to the scriptures, contrary to the ethos of the Church of Ireland and of my school.

'It's insanity that I will be led from this courtroom to a place of incarceration, but I will not give up my Christian beliefs.'

It is not the first time the evangelical Christian Burke family have courted controversy.

In 2021 Enoch Burke and three of his nine siblings lost a court case against the University of Galway over a decision to ban them from membership of college societies for life.

The court heard Ammi, Enoch, Isaac and Kezia Burke distributed flyers which implicitly connected gay marriage to paedophilia and incest.

All ten children were home schooled by their mother, Martina Burke, who runs the Burke Christian School in Castlebar.

Enoch Burke's case comes back before the High Court in Dublin for review on Friday.
Three top-end realtor brothers now accused of being serial rapists bragged that they need to live high on the hog to prove to their free-spending clients that they understand their needs.

'It makes people feel comfortable that we're not just your average real-estate peddlers,' Oren Alexander boasted.

'They trust us because we not only do it for work, but we also engage in it in our lifestyle, and that's always been our competitive advantage, he added in an interview with Business Insider.

But now that extravagant lifestyle, filled with private jets and multi-million-dollar homes, has come crashing down for Alexander, 37, his twin Alon and their older brother Tal, 38.

The brothers were arrested last week in Miami and charged with drugging and raping dozens of women over two decades  dating back to their high school years.

All three appeared in court on Friday, with Tal refused bail by a federal judge despite his familys pledge of a whopping $115million in real estate holdings to secure his release.

They currently remain in custody in connection with the charges, as their lawyers are battling to get them released on house arrest.

Despite facing life in prison if convicted of their sex trafficking conspiracy, the brothers could continue to live the high life inside their multi-million-dollar properties which boast home gyms and waterfront access away from prying eyes in an exclusive Miami enclave.

Tal Alexander, 38, (center) and his twin brothers, Oren and Alon, 37, were arrested last week in Miami, Florida, charged with drugging and raping dozens of women over two decades

The Alexander brothers' parents Shlomy (in light-colored jacket) and his wife Orly built a life for their family when the escaped poverty in Israel and arrived in Miami - building a multi-million-dollar empire through their security firm Kent Security

Shlomy and Orlys waterfront Bal Harbour residence is being used as collateral for their twin sons, Oren and Alon. Their five-bedroom, six-bathroom home is valued at $40 million and currently has a $3 million mortgage, according to pretrial release orders

Their parents, self-made real estate developer Shlomy and security executive Orly, emigrated from Israel in 1982 with 'practically no money', but soon built a multi-million-dollar empire after founding security firm Kent Security together.

Exclusive DailyMail.com photos reveal the extensive property portfolio enjoyed by the Alexander family, including the brothers who may seek refuge in these homes if federal judges approve their parent's bond pledge.

Shlomy and Orlys waterfront Bal Harbour residence is being used as collateral for their twin sons, Oren and Alon, in the recently granted bond by the state that could be finalized on Thursday. If the twins fail to appear in court while out on bail, Shlomy will be on the hook for a combined $5million.

Their five-bed, six-bath home is valued at $40million and currently has a $3million mortgage, according to pretrial release orders.

The proposed $115million bond for their son's release would be secured not only with this $40million property but also with a Miami office building and three waterfront residences in Miami Beach owned by the three brothers.

Photos obtained by DailyMail.com showcase the expansive property inside Bal Harbour's gated community, complete with a pool and underground garage. Three of the four multi-million-dollar properties owned by the brothers and their parents in Miami Beach feature waterfront access.

In May of last year, Tal and Oren  who launched the now sinking real estate company Official in 2022  sold a mansion they shared with Alon for $27.5million. Their father developed the 11,500-square-foot property in 2017.

This Flamingo Drive mansion is also where an alleged victim claims she was assaulted after being driven there by Oren in a boat. Court records do not indicate that any assaults occurred at the brothers' current properties, with allegations dating back from 2010 to 2021.

The Alexander brothers' riding in a private jet with friends. Federal prosecutor Lauren Astigarraga successfully argued against granting Tal bond saying he was a flight risk because of his ability to fly to his parent's homeland of Israel

Real estate millionaire Oren lives in a waterfront property with his pregnant Brazilian model wife. Oren originally bought the Miami Beach property for $10 million but realtors now estimate its value has tripled to $38.5million

If the twins fail to appear in court while out on bail that was granted by the state, Shlomy will be on the hook for a combined $5million - but it's likely the federal agents will swoop them up to face federal charges after they're released

Alon, who served as president of his father's company Kent Security Services, bought his Miami beach property for $2.8million in 2020. It's now valued at $6.3million and includes a pool and a dock with 92 feet of water frontage

Exclusive aerial shots show Alons $6.3million property, which includes a pool and a dock with 92 feet of water frontage.

Alon, who served as president of his father's company Kent Security Services, bought the property for $2.8million in 2020, with realtor estimates suggesting its value has more than doubled. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home has seen significant appreciation.

Oren bought a property in a gated Miami Beach community for $10million, and realtors now estimate its value has tripled to $38.5million.

The five-bed, four-bath home features 147 feet of water frontage facing Sunset Lake and boasted plans by renowned architect Cesar Molina. Its described as a private sanctuary with a pool.

Oren, soon to be a first-time father, faces more charges than his brothers and argued in court that he should be released due to his Brazilian model wife being nine months pregnant.

Tals four-bed, three-and-a-half-bath home in the exclusive Sunset Islands neighborhood near Miami Beach is valued at $13.5million. He lives there with his wife and young child, and the property also features a pool and boat dock. Tal purchased the home  which boasts a custom-designed kitchen  in October 2021 for $9.7million.

Tal has boasted that to attract the right clientele, they needed to live a luxurious lifestyle  complete with art, planes, yachts, and cars. Oren also mentioned that the brothers secured some of their biggest deals by living lavishly, partying with clients, and embracing this lifestyle.

Tal's love of private jets was used by federal prosecutor Lauren Astigarraga who successfully argued that he was a flight risk because of his ability to fly to Israel - where the possibility of extradition back to the United States could prove to be impossible.

Their wealth has been so vast that the brothers once owned a property at the New Museum Building in Manhattan - the building where Bon Jovi sold his penthouse for $37.5million.

But this luxurious lifestyle of mansions and penthouses could be a distant dream for the high-flying trio, who face federal sex-trafficking charges that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. Oren and Alon are also being slapped with sexual battery charges in Miami.

Oren is facing three charges of rape connected to separate incidents in Miami, and his twin has been charged with one.

Tal's $13.5million mansion is in the exclusive Sunset Islands neighborhood near Miami Beach He lives there with his wife and young child, and the property also features a pool and boat dock

The Alexander brothers' friend Ohad Fisherman cut his honeymoon short with his journalist wife to turn himself in to police on Wednesday morning for the alleged assault of a woman on New Years Eve in 2016

When the rape allegations broke, all three brothers shirked the limelight, locked down their social media and attended fewer high-profile events for the six months before they were hit with the slew of charges

Despite rumors they had fled to Israel, they were spotted over the summer in Bridgehampton, New York, at a Barrys Bootcamp class in Miami, and Oren was seen in Ibiza, behind a DJ booth, according to The Real Deal.

Following the charges against the brothers, the Department of Justice requested information from Douglas Elliman about Oren and Tals time at the brokerage, before they set up their own company.

A spokesman for the company confirmed that they are cooperating with the DOJs inquiry. Both brothers worked for the Elliman between 2012 and 2019, representing ultra wealthy and celebrity clients including Kanye West, Steve Madden, Leon Black and Jay-Z.

After their arrest, their lawyers worked out an agreement with the state that the twins could leave prison after posting a $5million bond. But it's expected they'll be swooped up by federal agents after the bond agreement is formalized.

A fourth man, Ohad Fisherman, has also been charged with sexual battery in Miami, where he is accused of holding down a woman by her shoulders with his knees the twins raped her on New Year's Eve in 2016.

Fisherman turned himself in to police Wednesday morning, cutting short his Japanese honeymoon with 24-year-old journalist Jordan Royt.

Federal authorities plan to relocate Tal to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The victims of a suspected murder-suicide where five people were found dead in their Utah home with a 17-year-old suffering from a gunshot wound to the head have been identified as a refugee family from Myanmar.

The bodies of a Dae Reh, 42, Bu Meh, 38, Boe Reh, 11, Kristine Ree, 8, and 2-year-old Nyay Meh were discovered inside a house at 3761 S. Oxford Way on Tuesday after a concerned relative went searching for them, according to a GoFundMe.

The family member discovered the surviving son, Sha Reh, 17, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head that left him with a severe brain injury in the garage and called the police.

'The mother and the two daughters were located in the bedroom in the upper level of the home, the bodies of the father and the 11-year-old son were located in the living room of the home and small handgun was found underneath the father,' West Valley Police spokesperson Roseanne Vainuku said.

'Our initial determination is that the father likely shot all of the members of the family and then himself.'

Police said they believe the teenager made his way into the garage after he was shot and was unable to call for help.

'The 17-year-old suffered a severe brain injury, he was shot in the head and he is not in a condition where we are able to speak to him,' she said.

A fundraiser for the teen's recovery revealed the family came to the United States a decade ago.

The bodies of a Dae Reh, 42, Bu Meh, 38, Boe Reh, 11, Kristine Ree, 8, and 2-year-old Nyay Meh were discovered inside their Utah home on Tuesday. The surviving son, Sha Reh (right), 17, suffered a gunshot wound to the head

The surviving son, Sha Reh, 17, was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the head that left him with a severe brain injury in the garage

A fundraiser for the teen's recovery revealed the family came to the United States a decade ago. Pictured: 2-year-old Nyay Meh

'Our hearts ache for the loss of life and potential. Bu Meh was a beautiful wife and mother. She brought light to her family. She worked hard to provide for them and to meet their needs,' the page said.

'Over ten years ago, she fled a violent situation in her home country of Myanmar, where her people were being ethnically cleansed by their government. She came to the United States with her husband and young family with little more than the clothing on their backs.'

The family member called police on Monday night to report being unable to contact a woman who lived at the home for several days, despite usually having regular contact with her, according to West Valley City Police.

Officers looked in windows and spoke to neighbors, but did not find any indications of an emergency or a crime so they asked the family member to keep in contact, spokesperson Roseanne Vainuku said.

'As we know, adults have the right to do what they want to do and they don't have to communicate with their family members if they don't want to,' Vainuku said.

'So that is kind of a tricky balance in protecting people's rights to do what they want to do but also acknowledging the concerns of family members.'

After the Meh did not show up for work on Tuesday, the family member went into the garage where she found the 17-year-old suffering from a severe brain injury and called police.

Officers found Meh, Reh along with the 11-year-old boy and the two girls, ages 9 and 2, dead in the house.

Bu Meh (pictured), 38, was described as a beautiful wife and mother

Residents said the family were 'the kind of neighbors you wanted to have.' Pictured: 11-year-old Boe Reh

The family was discovered by concerned relative who went searching for them. Pictured: 8-year-old Kristine Ree

'Absolutely horrific. This is something that certainly will weigh heavily on investigators in this case,' Vainuku said.

Residents told KUTV the family were 'the kind of neighbors you wanted to have' because 'they didn't get in your business.'

'I feel like the neighborhood is at unrest right now, you know, nobody really knows how to react to what this tragedy has brought to our neighborhood,' neighbor Cindy Lewis told Fox 13.

'I've talked to a couple of people around here and we're just all in shock, you know, and I think we're gonna be in shock for a while.'

Police are investigating inside the home and have also been talking with neighbors and looking for evidence from things like doorbell cameras, Vainuku said.
A 19-year-old student who wanted to find 'peace' with herself shot a classmate at a high school in the northern Brazilian town of Natal on Tuesday, the Rio Grande de Norte Civil Police said.

Authorities said that Lyedja Santos spotted an 18-year-old classmate along the hallway and shot him in the head at the E. Berilo Wanderley School.

Santos, who is in the 11th grade, then walked inside a classroom and attempted to shoot a teacher as students were about to being taking a test, but the gun got jammed, Brazilian news outlet G1 reported.

A student who was in the classroom told Inter TV Cabugi that one of their male classmates rushed at Santos and was able to restrain her.

'We were in the classroom about to take the test and she called her friends to talk to her, to talk about the classroom. A short time passed, about a minute, and we only heard the shot,' the student said.

'We didn't know for sure if it was a shot, we thought it was a bomb. She entered the classroom armed, aimed at the teacher's head, but the gun jammed,' they recalled.

'When it jammed, she turned her back to try to run, and the boy in the classroom jumped on top of her and managed to pull her away.'

The Rio Grande do Norte Military Police recovered the .38 caliber revolver that Santos had in her possession as well as three knives and several books about serial killers.

Lyedja Santos, a 19-year-old student, was arrested Tuesday after she shot an 18-year-old classmate in the head at E. Berilo Wanderley School, a high school in the northern Brazilian city of Natal. Santos had prepared a note in which she told her friends and family that she wanted to be at 'peace' with herself. Her classmate remained hospitalized as of Wednesday and is in stable condition

A student restrained Lyedja Santos (bottom right) while teachers tended to the wounded classmate (top left) who was shot in the head by Santos

Authorities also found a handwritten note that Santos had on her in which she detailed the motive behind the failed school massacre.

'I acted alone, I acquired everything on my own and no one knew anything about it,' she wrote.

'To my friends and family, I thank you for everything you have done for me and I am sorry for everything I have caused. I would never have dreamed of dying like this, but this was the best option.

'I loved each and every one of you, even if I didn't show it. I hope you understand and forgive me, because that is the only way I will find peace.'

The wounded student, who is also an 11th grader and whose name has not been released, is in stable condition at Monsenhor Walfredo Gurgel Hospital, his father told G1.

'There is an entry and exit hole, the bullet was not lodged,' said Ilzeany Dilis, a nursing technician with the Mobile Emergency Care Service.

'At the time [of the shooting], he was conscious, oriented, and had vomiting symptoms. He had a CT scan, was evaluated by a neurologist and his health is fine.'

Lyedja Santos has been charged with attempted murder. She was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday

Authorities seized three knives and the .38 caliber revolver that the 19-year-old girl used to shoot her high school classmate

Lyedja Santos prepared a handwritten note to explain her motive: 'I acted alone, I acquired everything on my own and no one knew anything about it. To my friends and family, I thank you for everything you have done for me and I am sorry for everything I have caused. I would never have dreamed of dying like this, but this was the best option. I loved each and every one of you, even if I didn't show it. I hope you understand and forgive me, because that is the only way I will find peace'

Santos was charged with attempted murder and was scheduled to make a court appearance Wednesday.

The Rio Grande do Norte Department of Education condemned the shooting and said the school would be closed until Thursday.

'The department is providing all the necessary information to assist the ongoing investigations, conducted by the competent authorities, in addition to providing all necessary support to the school,' it said in statement.

'The secretariat reinforces that the safety of students, teachers and staff is a priority and that it is closely monitoring the developments of this case. We express our solidarity with the family of the affected student and the school community. We reiterate our commitment to collaborate so that appropriate measures are taken.'

Lyedja Santos planned a massacre at Berilo Wanderley High School, a high school in Natal, Brazil on Monday and wounded a classmate and attempted to shoot a teacher before her gun jammed

Santos is escorted by a police officer Wednesday. The teen was charged with attempted murder

The school shooting took place after a 15-year-old high school student murdered a fellow classmate and a teacher and then killed herself at Abundant Life Christian Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.

Natalie 'Samantha' Rupnow, injured six others during her spree, two of whom have been described as being in a 'life-threatening' condition.

Madison's police chief says he's looking into possible social media posts by Wisconsin school shooter Natalie Rupnow that were shared online prior to the bloodbath Monday morning.

The most chilling post that may have been made by Rupnow shows a person inside a bathroom stall giving an 'OK' hand gesture, and wearing black Doc Marten boots.

It was posted shortly before a teacher and teenage student were killed at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison before Rupnow killed herself.

Authorities have yet to say whether that post or others were indeed made by the killer, 15, and DailyMail.com has not been able to authenticate them.

She injured six others during her spree, two of whom have been described as being in a 'life-threatening' condition.

The Doctor Marten boots post also shows Rupnow give an 'ok' hand symbol.

That symbol has since been co-opted by white supremacists because of its resemblance to the letters WP (white power).

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said the motive behind the shooting appears to have been a 'combination of factors'.
A British teenager who has been jailed in Dubai over a holiday romance was cleared of rape - but still faces a year in a hellhole prison because his accuser was two weeks shy of her 18th birthday.

Marcus Fakana says he enjoyed a holiday romance with the 17-year-old girl at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah - but her mother reported him to the authorities after finding birth control pills in her daughter's luggage.

It is not clear whether the accusation of rape originally came from the girls mother or was due to a misunderstanding or mistranslation by police officers, but the term raped by force in Arabic appeared on the initial police report.

But he was cleared after police reviewed hotel CCTV footage which showed the girl going into his hotel bedroom at 4am.

However, the fact that she was 17 put her under Dubai's age of sexual consent and Marcus was convicted of having under-age sex.

Marcuss ordeal began in late August when the girl's mother  who MailOnline isnt naming  discovered birth control pills in her daughters luggage when they returned home from a luxury break in the Gulf state.

The mother complained to the British Embassy in Dubai and consular officials passed on the claim to their counterparts in the Dubai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Marcus was arrested when officers swooped on his hotel at 7.30pm on August 31 while he was still on holiday.

British teenager Marcus Fakana who has been jailed in Dubai over a holiday romance was cleared of rape - but still faces a year in a hellhole prison because his accuser was two weeks shy of her 18th birthday

The girl's mother reported Marcus to the authorities after finding birth control pills in her daughter's luggage

Marcus Fakana says he enjoyed a holiday romance with the 17-year-old girl at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah (pictured)

He told officers hed had consensual sex with the girl on three occasions.

His version of events was backed up when officers viewed the CCTV footage of the pair.

Last week, Marcus told how he was shocked beyond belief by the year-long sentence handed out for having consensual sex with the girl, without her parents knowledge.

News of the Embassy officials apparently crucial role in the case comes after Foreign Secretary David Lammy  who is also Marcuss constituency MP - faced criticism at the weekend when his only comment on the case, was that Britons should follow the rules in other countries.

Campaign group Detained in Dubai, which is helping and advising Marcus, said: 'It's outrageous to remove himself from the case. He [Lammy] clearly did not want to help or have those conversations with the Dubai government.

'He is absolutely fine to see a young British tourist jailed for relations with someone who was one month away from being 18, simply saying you should follow the law.'

A summary of Marcuss court hearing given to MailOnline by court sources details that the two young people met at the 210-a-night Hilton hotel by the waters of the Gulf.

According to Marcuss account, which was accepted by the prosecutors, the pair had sex three times including in his bedroom and in his Mercedes hire car in the hotels underground car park.

Marcus was arrested when officers swooped on his hotel at 7.30pm on August 31 while he was still on holiday (Pictured: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah)

Key evidence clearing Marcus of the initial accusation of rape was CCTV footage showing the girl entering his bedroom at in the early hours of the morning (Pictured: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah)

The prosecution document stated: We received a complaint via the Dubai Police application about the rape of a 17-year-old British woman by an unknown person at the Hilton Palm Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.' (Pictured: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah)

According to his own account, apprentice builder Marcus had arrived in Dubai on August 26 with his family on holiday (Pictured: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah)

Key evidence clearing Marcus of the initial accusation of rape was CCTV footage showing the girl entering his bedroom at in the early hours of the morning.

According to a report of the court hearing in Dubai, which is closed to the public  and even Marcus as the defendant had to wait outside, he told investigators that sex was with the victims consent and without violence or coercion from him, and that the victim was the one who came to him and asked to have sex with her.

And upon reviewing the surveillance camera recordings, it was found that she had indeed entered his hotel room.

The chief investigator told the court: 'We were informed that we received a complaint via the Dubai Police application, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that they received notification from the British Embassy regarding a complaint filed by [name redacted] stating that her daughter, 17 years old, was subjected to forced indecent assault by the aforementioned accused [delete while they were staying at the Hilton Elite Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.'

Marcus told police after his arrest that the girl approached him and asked him to have sex with her.

The prosecution document stated: We received a complaint via the Dubai Police application about the rape of a 17-year-old British woman by an unknown person at the Hilton Palm Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.

When the complainant was asked over the phone about the details, she stated that an unknown person had recognized her daughter (the victim) at the hotel and raped her by force on August 27 while she was in the country.

According to his own account, apprentice builder Marcus had arrived in Dubai on August 26 with his family on holiday.

Marcus told police after his arrest that the girl approached him and asked him to have sex with her

The mother, in her late 30s, told the Dubai authorities that she found the birth control pills by chance in her daughters belongings, according to the document.

The court heard from the prosecutor: When she asked her about the pills, her daughter told her that she got to know the accused and that she had sex with him several times.

Asked whether the mother or her daughter were spoken to by police, the court heard: No, because they and her mother left the country and the mother reported the incident after leaving the country.

Since the court sentence last week, Marcus has been allowed out on bail, while both prosecution and defence decide whether to lodge an appeal, but he is barred from leaving the country and having to spend around 2,000 a month on an Airbnb rental property.

A Dubai police captain was asked by prosecutors if the CCTV footage in the hotel had been reviewed and he replied: Yes, by reviewing the recordings, it was shown that the victim entered the accuseds room at around four in the morning, and when they were visiting the parking lot where he parked his car.

The police said that Marcus had no criminal record in the official documents.

Marcus is said to have told the officers that he had rented a red Mercedes and the pair had sex in the vehicle at 3am in the hotel car park.

In his police interview, according to the document, Marcus was asked: Did you rape the victim by force? to which he replied: It was absolutely with her consent. No.

When he was asked if he knew her age, he said: Yes, and she told me that she is 17 years old and her birthday is in two weeks.

In some parts of the police documents, Marcus is referred to as Pakistani and aged 19, even though he was, and still is, aged only 18 and British.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'We are supporting a British man in the UAE and are in contact with his family.

'The British Embassy Dubai was not involved in reporting any offence to the UAE authorities.

'They have informed the UAE authorities of the error in their records and all other interested parties are also aware.'
Today show host Sam Armytage has scoffed at the Albanese government's claims it has reined in spending after a mid-year budget update revealed a ballooning deficit.

On Thursday morning Armytage introduced her interview with Finance Minister Katy Gallagher by calling budget figures revealed on Wednesday 'grim' with the deficit blowing out by nearly $22billion and national debt forecast to go over $1trillion.

In response Senator Gallagher claimed the government had found $92billion in savings, Armytage interrupted with a sceptical laugh.

'You're spending more, more than you forecast,' Armytage said.

Undeterred Senator Gallagher pressed on.

'We've found $92billion in savings, we've lowered the debt, we've lowered the interest on that debt, we've delivered two surpluses,' she said.

'The budget is $200billion better off than what we inherited, and that's because of the decisions we've taken, but yes, there is more work to do, there is always more work to do.'

Earlier, Armytage asked why spending had not been reined in.

Today show host Sam Armytage laughed at the claim by a federal minister that the Albanese government was cutting spending

'These figures are grim. You say this is a balancing act, but spending has blown out here. Why haven't you reined it in?' Armytage asked.

Senator Gallagher blamed automatic payments.

'I think one of the reasons that we've seen some of the slippage, as you say in your intro is really about those payments that are automatic, so pensions, payments to veterans, use of Medicare, use of childcare subsidy, she said.

'Those are important supports that the government provides to the Australian community to make sure that people are getting the help that they need.'

Armytage pointed out the government had set aside $5.5billion for an election 'war chest'.

'So, will we see more cost of living relief promised by the Treasurer ahead of the election, because this is all Australians are talking about at the moment,' she asked.

Senator Gallagher would not be drawn on new measures but listed actions the government had already taken such as subsidising energy bills, the Stage 3 tax cuts, childcare subsidies and HECs handouts.

'We keep an eye on what else we can do to make sure that we are providing cost of living support for the Australian people and we'll continue to do that,' Senator Gallagher said.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher (pictured right) insisted the Albanese government had reined in spending

When pressed further on cuts Senator Gallagher would only say what the government wouldn't touch.

'We will make sensible savings, we won't slash and burn,' she said.

'We're not going to pretend that you can cut Medicare or cut childcare subsidy or cut pensions as a way of getting the budget bottom line in better shape because people deserve and rely on those services as well.'

On Wednesday, Treasurer Jim Chalmers gave a mid-year update on the federal budget.

The figures showed the budget bottom line expected to be $21.8billion worse off than previously forecast over the next four years, the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook revealed.

With spending increasing due to challenges like an ageing population and tax receipts falling due to sluggish economic growth, Australia is not expected to be back in surplus until 2034/35.

EY chief economist Cherelle Murphy warned that the government's finances have long been in structural decline but nothing is being done to reverse it.

The deficit downgrades are expected to add an extra $49billion in government debt by 2027/28, meaning more money will need to be devoted to interest payments.

That meant less flexibility to fix the problems of the future, according to Ms Murphy.

'The government has failed to deliver a path to lift the prosperity of the Australian people and grow its way out of the debt burden,' she said.

'We need a plan to jump start our productivity through major reforms - including, importantly, to our tax system, trade and education - or we will face higher taxes and cuts to essential services in the future.'
Sydneysiders were left scratching their heads this week after a large cloud that resembled a hovering spaceship suddenly appeared in the sky.

The bizarre natural phenomenon formed over the ocean in Cronulla, in Sydney's southern suburbs, with many sharing snaps and videos of the cloud to social media.

But Weatherzone meteorologist Felix Levesque assured Daily Mail Australia the strange cloud was nothing to be worried about.

Some guessed the 'spaceship' was a lenticular cloud, which the forecaster said is formed when moist winds are forced over a barrier, such as a mountain.

'This rising motion over the barrier causes the air to cool and condense into a stationary cloud,' Mr Levesque explained.

'This stationary cloud will have a smooth oval appearance, hence why it's often mistaken as a UFO.'

Mr Levesque said the Cronulla cloud was in fact a roll cloud, a different species to the lenticular cloud which is caused by a similar process.

'Roll clouds form when a cooler, denser airmass pushes under another airmass, causing this rising and 'rolling' motion on the leading edge of the airmass  hence the name,' he continued.

Residents of Cronulla in Sydney's south were shocked by the unusual appearance of a cloud formation that resembled a spaceship

Weatherzone meteorologist Felix Levesque said Sydneysiders had nothing to worry about (pictured is the strange cloud that appeared over the ocean in Cronulla)

'Southerly busters, like on Tuesday, can bring roll clouds, and these can occur about three to five times a year in Sydney.'

'A common location for roll clouds is over the Gulf of Carpentaria  so common it's been given the name 'Morning Glory Cloud'', Mr Levesque said.

Social media users were quick to speculation on the cloud's origin, with many joking it was of an extraterrestrial nature.

'Don't believe anything they say. It's the government,' one wrote.

'How long before some local in the area offers them aliens some shrimp on the barbie and an ice cold beer?' another said.

'The mothership going by the size next we will be seeing UFOs, orbs and drones,' a third commented.
Questions have been raised about the mysterious mother of Natalie 'Samantha' Rupnow amid concerns over the Wisconsin school shooter's home life.

Investigators have been trying to figure out if the mass shooter's parents, Jeff and Melissa, had any involvement or contributed to Natalie's actions - which left two people dead and six injured before she shot and killed herself.

Natalie reportedly had a rocky home life and was forced to move from home to home as a result of her parents' turbulent marriage.

Authorities raided the Rupnow's Wisconsin home after Monday morning's tragedy, and Natalie's father has been reportedly compliant with the ongoing investigation.

The 15-year-old's parents are being investigated for any 'negligence' they may have been guilty of that could have led to the atrocity.

While some information has been gleamed about the troubled teen through her father's social media presence, little is known about mother Melissa.

While father Jeffrey's Facebook showed brief looks at his daughter - including a disturbing image of her firing a gun - Melissa's Facebook account appears to have gone private or been deleted.

She does have a still-active Pinterest account, and an either deleted or private Facebook with a profile picture and a photo of a trip to Florida.

Questions remain about the apparent troubled family environment that produced Wisconsin school shooter Natalie 'Samantha' Rupnow , including information regarding her mother Melissa (pictured right)

The parents of the 15-year-old Abundant Life school shooter are being investigated for any 'negligence' they may have been guilty of that could have led to the atrocity

The Pinterest, which has not been updated in several years, does include a pin titled 'Ideas for Natalie's room,' many of which are Disney-inspired.

She follows about 210 accounts, including that of Kim Kardashian, and has about 90 followers of her own. The profile photo is of herself with a little girl that resembles Natalie's photos on her father's Facebook.

According to court documents, Rupnow's parents first married two years after she was born, in 2011.

Mellissa had been previously married and divorced, and she had another daughter, now 20, with a different man to whom she was never married.

Court records indicated that Rupnow's half-sister had other permanent legal guardians.

Jeff and Mellissa divorced for the first time in 2014, where they agreed to have joint legal custody of Rupnow, but specified that she would primarily live with her mother.

The couple then remarried in 2017 and divorced for a second time in 2020, where they once again agreed to share custody of their daughter.

Rupnow then spent a more even amount of time between her two parents - two days with her father, two days with her mother, then three more with her father, before flipping the schedule the following week.

The parents were seen Natalie at a martial arts contest in 2017. Although the profile shows happy times, court records show Natalie was in therapy for much of her childhood

Not long after Rupnow's parents split up for the second time, the couple remarried once more - but by April 2021 they were petitioning for a third divorce.

A judge granted it a month later but noted that 'parties [were] admonished concerning remarriage,' according to court records.

Over a year later, in July 2022, the parents agreed they would share legal custody of the young girl but that she would now live mostly with Jeff.

By this time, Rupnow was enrolled in therapy, which was supposed to help her make decisions about which parent she would spend her weekends with, records show.

The 2022 custody papers said: 'The parents report a generally positive co-parenting relationship and will continue to communicate with one another by text messages and phone conversations.'

'We also want to look at if the parents may have been negligent,' Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said about Natalie's parents on Monday.

He added that the parents had been cooperating, and there was 'no indication' of a crime so far.

But Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said Tuesday it was 'far too early' to say if Jeff and Melissa will dodge charges.

Natalie Rupnow, 15, killed two people, as well as herself, and injured six others after unleashing hell at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin on Monday

Natalie 'Samantha' Rupnow arrived at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday morning - and just hours later, she opened fire on a study hall, killing two and injuring six others , before turning the gun on herself

'We dont know nearly enough yet,' the mayor asserted.

Police have been looking into how the 15-year-old killer got her hands on the gun she used when she wreaked havoc on the Catholic school.

In August, Jeff shared a photo on Facebook of a child - it is unconfirmed if it is Natalie or not - practicing at a gun shooting range wearing a shirt resembling the one worn by the Columbine school shooters.

The teen went through several rounds of therapy as her parents divorced and remarried several times, according to the Washington Post.

Records showed her therapy at this time was to help her decide which parent to spent weekends with.

Despite the reported familial struggles, Jeff's Facebook page is flooded with seemingly happy memories of him, Natalie and Melissa.

One photo shows him and Melissa brining Natalie home from the hospital after she was born in 2009.

In 2015, Jeff posted a photo of him and Natalie on the beach. Two years later, him and Melissa were pictured at one of Natalie's martial arts competitions.

Another post shows Natalie playing with two dogs in a pile of autumn leaves.

An alleged manifesto by Natalie, which has not been confirmed if it is legitimate or not by police, has been circulating online.

Barnes said on Tuesday: 'We have been made aware of a manifesto, if you want to call it that, or some type of letter thats been posted by someone who alleged to be her friend. We havent been able to locate that person yet, but thats something were going to work on today.'

Jeff, seen with Natalie at the beach in 2015, had a turbulent marriage with Natalie's mother Melissa that saw them divorce and remarry several times

Police said Natalie's motivation for killing a student, a teacher and injuring several others during study hall seems to have been a 'combination of factors.'

'Some have asked if people were specifically targeted. Everyone was targeted in this incident, and everyone was put in equal danger,' Barnes said, according to CNN.

Lyndsay O'Connor, a mother of two survivors, speculated that the regular study hall teacher, who was not there due to a 'planned absence,' may have been Natalie's target. Her idea has not been verified by police.

'We don't know if her target was the original teacher or just the kids in the class. She would have had to walk by the door and the door was open,' O'Connor said.
A tradie who murdered his pregnant wife of four months then dumped her body in an acid bath has been jailed for a minimum 16 years.

Meraj Zafar, 23, killed Arnima Hayat, 19 at their North Parramatta apartment in Sydney's west when she tried to end their turbulent marriage in January 2022.

Ms Hayat, a medical science student, had wanted to leave Zafar amid what a judge called his 'controlling and violent behaviour'.

Justice Deborah Sweeney jailed Zafar for a maximum 21 years and six months during a sentencing hearing in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday.

It was never established precisely how Ms Hayat was murdered but Zafar had taken her life 'by applying compression to her neck and/or smothering her' before placing her body in a bath of hydrochloric acid.

Justice Sweeney said Ms Hayat's body was so badly decomposed the aspiring doctor could only be indentified through DNA samples.

Her mother Mahafuza Akter broke down in tears of the floor of the court during the sentencing, Nine newspapers reported.

Ms Hayat's family migrated to Australia from Bangladesh when she was a child and established a successful butcher shop.

A tradie who murdered his pregnant wife of four months then dumped her body in an acid bath has been jailed for 16 years. Meraj Zafar killed Arnima Hayat at their North Parramatta home in January 2022 when faced with the prospect of her ending their turbulent marriage

Father Abu Hayat and Ms Akter became citizens and their eldest daughter appeared to have a promising future in medicine until Zafar - her first boyfriend - entered her life.

Ms Hayat was a studying at Western Sydney University when she fell for Zafar, a drug user who had transformed himself from a skinny teenager into a musclebound thug.

Her parents previously told Daily Mail Australia their daughter was a studious but fun-loving 'Aussie girl' who 'loved movies, music, she liked driving and shopping and buying pretty clothes'.

Once in a relationship with Zafar, Ms Hayat went from being a normal, sociable teenager who regularly told her family how much she loved them to being withdrawn.

The pair married in October 2021 but the union had already been marked by violence.

Police took out an apprehended violence order protecting Ms Hayat in May 2021 after an enraged Zafar put his hands around her neck, believing she had been seen with another man.

Zafar had also stalked and threatened Mr Hayat over the phone when he refused to give him permission to marry his teenage daughter.

The apprentice builder had a fiery argument with Mr Hayat after turning up at his home on the evening of October 8, 2021.

Ms Hayat, a medical science student, had wanted to leave Zafar amid what a judge called his 'controlling and violent behaviour'. Justice Deborah Sweeney jailed Zafar for a maximum 21 years and six months during a sentencing hearing in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday

Arnima Hayat's father Abu Hayat address the man who killed his daughter last month. 'You killed my daughter, you broke her future... you broke my family, you broke my heart' he told Meraj Zafar. Mr Hayat is pictured outside court on Thursday

Zafar had told Mr Hayat he intended to marry his then-18-year-old daughter with the older man requesting to meet the tradie's parents first.

When an argument broke out, the young couple went to a Hayat family friend and neighbour's flat.

About 8.45pm, Mr Hayat started receiving calls from an unknown number.

He answered the fourth call and her daughter's boyfriend was 'angry and started abusing' Mr Hayat 'and making threats of harm'.

A court heard Zafar said to his girlfriend's father, 'Are you a man or are you a lady? Why can't you make a decision? I want a decision quickly.'

Two hours later, Mr Hayat attended Campsie police station, where officers told him Zafar had admitted abusing the older man over the phone.

From October, 2021 - when Zafar and Ms Hayat moved in together - the family did not even receive phone calls from her.

She had sent a desperate message to a friend on the night of her death.

'I have nobody except you,' Ms Hayat wrote to her friend.

He replied: 'You have got no choice. You have to stay with him.'

In a final message at 9.10pm, Ms Hayat wrote: 'No, I hate him.'

Ms Hayat's parents Abu Hayat (left) and Mahafuza Akter (right) delivered heartbreaking victim impact statements ahead of their daughter's killer being sentenced

Within 45 minutes, she had been murdered by her husband who drove to Bunnings in Northmead to buy 100 litres of hydrochloric acid the following day.

Zafar then poured the acid over Ms Hayat's body in a bathtub 'in [an] attempt to dispose of her remains', the facts of the case state.

The facts reveal that Zafar searched on the internet, 'Can hydrochloric acid burn through skin?' and, 'How many years do you get in Sydney for murder?'

Zafar also called his mother and said that he had fought with his wife, and she was not breathing.

She advised him to ring an ambulance but he refused, saying: 'The police will get me and they will put me in jail.'

'The offender also asked his mother how much a ticket to go overseas was,' the facts state.

Zafar's mother called emergency services to the unit.

When police forced entry into the apartment, they discovered Ms Hayat 'lying face down with her face hidden and contorted in half' with 'a strong chemical odour in the air which was overwhelming'.

Mourners carry Arnima Hayat's coffin to her grave in the Muslim section of Rookwood Cemetery on February 8, 2022

NSW Fire and Rescue officers were forced to wear hazmat suits to enter the bathroom, finding only one of Ms Hayat's feet remaining undestroyed.

Zafar had fled the scene but two days later handed himself into police.

According to the facts, while on the run, Zafar told a friend: 'I married this girl last year, her parents didn't like me. I married her to have kids.'

Last month, Ms Hayat's father addressed the killer directly in court.

'You killed my daughter, you broke her future... you broke my family, you broke my heart,' Mr Hayat told Zafar. 'We lost our daughter and everything else.'

At the same hearing, Zafar offered an apology to Ms Hayat's parents without using their daughter's name, instead referring to her only as 'my wife'.

Crown prosecutor Fiona Gray had submitted that Zafar's inability to recognise Ms Hayat's value outside of her connection to him reflected his 'possessive and controlling' conduct throughout their relationship.

Mr Hayat said he had been unable to see his daughter one last time because the hydrochloric acid had destroyed her body.

Zafar told Mr Hayat he was going to marry his then-18-year-old daughter (pictured at her graduation) and became angry when he didn't receive the older man's blessing

'He burned the face I used to talk to every night - he burned her,' Mr Hayat said. 'Can you imagine someone burning your child?

'He burned her, and I can never see her again.'

Ms Hayat's mother remembered the day her life fell apart in a statement read by a volunteer from the Homicide Victims Support Group.

'My tears are never ending and the deep ache in my heart never stops - never stops, never stops,' her statement said.

'I cry day and night because she was stolen from me.

Weeping as her words were read, Ms Akter described Ms Hayat as a beautiful daughter and dedicated student who would have been a 'fun-long and wonderful mother'.

'The dreams we shared for her future were everything a mother could hope for, and losing that dream has left a void that can never be filled,' Ms Akter had written of her daughter.

'What happens to her dreams now that she has been murdered, the dreams we built together? Moving to Australia was supposed to be the start of our dreams, not the end.'

Arnima Hayat lived in this ground floor flat for three months before she was murdered in January 2022

Ms Akter said her daughter had been murdered by the person supposed to love her and 'protect her' and that she would 'give anything to see her face one last time'.

'Instead, I sit by her grave every Friday stroking the grass because I can no longer stroke her hair - I kiss and hug her tombstone, longing to hold her and smell her.'

Ms Hayat had married Zafar in a secret ceremony against her family's wishes and just four months later was dead.

'Please come home, Amy,' her mother begged. 'Please. I wish I could wake up from this nightmare and see you at home.

'I don't know how I ended up in this nightmare and everything went so wrong, but I knew he wasn't a good man.

Meraj Zafar was filmed in his work truck when he fled the flat where he had placed Arnima's body into a bath he filled with 100 litres of hydrochloric acid to dissolve her remains

'She was murdered by the person who was meant to love her, murdered by the person who was meant to respect her, by the person meant to protect her, the person meant to father her child and start a family with, by the person who was supposed to make all her dreams come true.

'She should be home helping me make dinner... and doing her make-up, studying for her end-of-semester exams, having tea and chatting with her father - she should be home.'

Once the grieving mother's statement was complete, Justice Sweeney told her: 'Ms Akter, I'm sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. You have my sympathy.'

In a letter addressed to the court and his victim's family, Zafar said he took full responsibility for his actions.

'I don't know how to begin to say how sorry I am for all that I have caused and all that I have affected through my actions,' he wrote in the letter read aloud in court.

'It's the most terrible thing to do to someone else.'

The murderer said no one should be treated with violence or 'discarded' in the way Ms Hayat had been.

'I hope one day you can forgive me,' he said. 'I am very sorry.'

Zafar will be eligible for parole in March 2038.
A man in South Dakota claimed he killed a woman with a can of beans because he heard his Denver Broncos jersey rip during an argument.

Pedro Simental, 45, has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison after he struck and killed 40-year-old Edleigha Little on November 8, 2023, with a can of beans.

Simental plead guilty last month to first-degree manslaughter and said he committed the violent act after he heard his jersey rip whilst the two had been arguing at a motel.

On the night of their altercation, Rapid City Police responded to a woman with 'suspicious injuries' at around 3am after she was transported to the emergency room from the Stardust Motel in Rapid City.

Police found Little unconscious with significant bruising to her head, neck and face, reported KOTATV.

She was pronounced dead from her injuries hours later, and her autopsy revealed she had died from 'significant blunt force trauma' to the left side of her head.

Simental had been at the motel when first responders arrived. While he 'did not implicate himself' in his initial interview, he told investigators in a follow up interview that the two had gotten into an argument on the night.

He further admitted that the argument turned into a physical fight, and he 'may have struck the victim in the left side of her head with a can,' prosecutors said according to Law & Crime.

Pedro Simental, 45, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter after he struck and killed 40-year-old Edleigha Little on November 8, 2023, with a can of beans

The pair had been reportedly arguing at the Stardust Motel in Rapid City, South Dakota, where Simental had allegedly heard his Denver Broncos jersey rip as she grabbed it

Little's niece spoke at a hearing on Monday, and said her aunt was a 'caring, thoughtful person' and accused Simental of regularly abusing Little

His chilling reason for striking her, he told investigators, was because she had grabbed his Denver Broncos jersey, and he had heard the clothing tear.

During his trial, Simental's attorney had highlighted Little's 'numerous pre-existing health conditions' and argued that these made her more vulnerable to the 'single, reckless blow' that caused her death, according to the Pennington County State's Attorney's Office.

His attorney had argued that Little's hematoma could have been spontaneous due to her alleged 'severe' alcoholism over multiple years, reported Law & Crime.

The State's Attorney, Senior Deputy Roxanne Hammond, expressed concerns over Simental's 'lack of accountability' and specifically highlighted his pre-sentence investigation showed 'little to no responsibility for his role in her death.'

Little's niece spoke at a hearing on Monday, and said her aunt was a 'caring, thoughtful person'.

She further accused Simental of regularly abusing Little and asked the judge to impose a lengthy sentence so that he could not 'do this to another woman and her family.'

Simental was sentenced to 15 years in prison and is currently held at the Pennington County Jail in South Dakota.
Charles (Ted Danson) and Calbert (Stephen McKinley Henderson) tour San Francisco in the Netflix show A Man on the Inside. Colleen E. Hayes/Netflix Charles (Danson) and Calbert (McKinley Henderson) admire the Golden Gate Bridge, one of many San Francisco landmarks that make an appearance in the Netflix show A Man on the Inside. Colleen E. Hayes/Netflix

Before I experienced the real streets of San Francisco, I watched The Streets of San Francisco.

The electric 1970s cop show had more authenticity in its opening credits than many modern shows set in San Francisco accomplish during their entire run. It was filmed in San Francisco. It had stars and producers and location scouts who knew and appreciated the city.

And now, a half century later, it functions as both time machine and history museum  with all the boxy sedans, bus stop ads and misbegotten double-decker waterfront freeways of the time.

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I thought that feeling  San Francisco authenticity on a television screen  was all but extinct. So what a joy to experience A Man on the Inside, the Netflix show starring Ted Danson as a lonely and retired Cal State East Bay professor infiltrating a Nob Hill retirement home to solve an apparent theft ring.

When it comes to local references, the comedy has its hits and misses, relying a little too heavily on tourist spots. But it stuck its San Francisco landing, with a powerhouse penultimate episode that understands both what its like to be a San Franciscan, and not be a San Franciscan. The perfectly written sequence with Dansons Charles and his Baltimore-born friend Calbert (a superb Stephen McKinley Henderson) escaping their retirement home and touring the city is the greatest San Francisco episode Ive seen on a small screen.

Ted Danson as Charles reads a newspaper, not the Chronicle but at least a newspaper, in Episode 101 of A Man on the Inside. Colleen E. Hayes/Netflix

Television overall is so much better in 2024 than it was in my youth. A Man on the Inside creator Michael Schur alone has developed or worked on four series  The Office, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Good Place  that are superior to 96% of the television from the 1970s and 1980s.

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But peak San Francisco television existed from the late 1960s to 1990s, when there were three or four channels, every new series was an event, and San Francisco-based television crews were actually embedded in the Bay Area.

The Streets of San Francisco, the radio-themed Midnight Caller and the Don Johnson cop show Nash Bridges filmed here, allowing the cast and producers to experience the city for months at a time, while the crew and extras were largely locals. (I once interviewed an actor who played six different characters during Nash Bridges 1996 to 2001 run.)

But a combination of technology, rising production prices and a growing sense that San Francisco is a difficult place to film have contributed to fewer programs spending extended time here. The modern model of S.F. television comes from the Full House/Monk/Charmed template, where local flavor is the Golden Gate Bridge in the opening credits and Bob Saget wearing a 49ers jacket while filming on a soundstage in Los Angeles.

Recent programs that have spent significant time in the city (including HBOs Looking in 2013 and Netflixs The O.A.: Part II in 2019) are generally on much tighter budgets, with less marketing or star power. A Man on the Inside, from the creators and star of pandemic streaming favorite The Good Place, was an event.

Dansons Charles talks with Lilah Richcreek Estrada as Julie in the Netflix series, which was just renewed for a second season. Colleen E. Hayes/Netflix

The shows Bay Area credibility begins dubiously, with a geographic blunder.

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Cal State East Bay over in Oakland. I taught engineering, Charles says in the first episode, when asked about his past as a college professor.

I groaned audibly on behalf of Hayward, Cal State East Bays main campus.

But the show takes a steady uphill climb halfway to the stars from there. The residents drink Mission District-born Philz Coffee. The show drops references to white-tablecloth restaurant Johns Grill and BART cards. And the posh retirement homes setting on California Street justifies the comical number of cable cars that appear in A Man on the Inside.

Other touches are more subtle. Charles daughter has moved to Sacramento to raise her three sons, a decision the sons and daughters of middle-class Bay Area families can relate to. And Charles love for architecture is both local and mostly accurate.

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Have you ever been here? St. Marys Cathedral, he says, pointing to a drawing of the Gough Street church. It was designed to look like a conquistadors helmet.

The show gets in a nice locational groove, but reaches nirvana in Episode 7, From Russian Hill with Love, when Charles and Calbert break off from the group for a wide-ranging tour, using Bay Area and San Francisco landmarks as conversation starters as their friendship grows and they analyze their loneliness and thoughts about death.

Set in San Francisco, A Man on the Inside goes beyond the requisite Golden Gate Bridge shot in the opening credits and copious footage of cable cars. Colleen E. Hayes/Netflix

(Perfect touch: They get from place to place in a car service Cadillac being charged to Calberts son, a Salesforce employee.)

More Information A Man on the Inside (TV-14) is available to stream on Netflix.

The two take a ferry ride past Alcatraz, stop at the Colonel Armstrong tree near Guerneville (quite a detour!) and walk onto the Golden Gate Bridge, with Charles pointing out accurately that the original design was much, much worse.

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When they sat in my favorite Oracle Park seats  Arcade Section 149 near McCovey Cove  I let out a small yelp of recognition. And the night ends at Tony Niks Cafe in North Beach, the kind of tourist-friendly San Francisco joint that locals love.

Its still early to make grand declarations; the series was just renewed for its second season. And according to Chronicle and SFGATE coverage, the San Francisco exteriors were shot in just one whirlwind week. They made the most of that time, but seven days (with a Los Angeles crew) wont make a shadow of the impact of a Streets of San Francisco.
Complaints to councils over smoke pollution coming from wood burners have rocketed in the past 12 months  but no one has been prosecuted.

Trendy open fires have been making a comeback in recent years with around 10 per cent of households burning wood.

But research by parents campaign group Mums for Lungs has found that complaints have hit 5,608 a year to local councils who responded to freedom of information requests.

But despite more than 100 complaints every week, there have been just four fines of around 300.

Smoke pollution from burning wood has been linked to increasing the risk of cancer and respiratory diseases.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has called for wood burning to be phased out to reduce the rate of asthma in children.

Jemima Hartshorn, of Mums for Lungs, said: If you open your door on a cold night in any town, city or village you can smell the wood pollution.

'You wouldnt want a truck pumping air pollution into your front room, but ironically even modern wood stoves cause six times the fine particle pollution of an HGV.

Trendy open fires have been making a comeback in recent years with around 10 per cent of households burning wood

Despite more than 100 complaints every week, there have been just four fines of around 300 issued by local councils

Weve known about the health impacts of wood burning for decades. We need to make sure councils are given the tools and resources to protect children from toxic pollution and not just talk about the risks.

'The current system is obviously not fit for purpose.

In Birmingham, there were 783 complaints made to the council but despite this, the council did not even issue a single enforcement letter or carry out an inspection.

Manchester City Council had 213 complaints, but issued just 7 warning letters, while Cheshire East had 141 complaints, but did nothing.

By contrast, Bromley Council in South East London issued 275 enforcement letters and carried out around 135 inspections.

North Tyneside Council wrote 270 enforcement letters in the same period, the second highest in the country.

The Government estimates that around 7.5 per cent of households UK rely on burning wood for heating around 2.1 million homes although campaigners say the number is much higher in some parts of the country.

Only four councils out of the 159 that responded to the requests said they had issued a penalty notice for wood burning - Bolsover, Bristol, Horsham and Wakefield.

St Helens Council said they issued four abatement notices and Norwich City Council issued a single community protection warning.

NEW: Air pollution in England has halved since 2003 after falling substantially during the pandemic, but inequalities in exposure remain.@LucieGadenne, @LeroutierM, @rodrigo_toneto and Bobbie Uptons new report examines how air pollution has changed in England over 20 years: pic.twitter.com/C99o4hEZO4  Institute for Fiscal Studies (@TheIFS) December 6, 2024

The only source of PM2.5 emissions that has increased since 2003 is domestic combustion, according to a recent Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) report

The figures include complaints submitted about different forms of smoke pollution from domestic wood burning.

Domestic combustion is a major cause of toxic air pollution in the UK, and is the biggest source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

In 2024, government data showed that wood burning was responsible for 22 per cent of particle pollution in the UK, compared to 18 per cent from traffic.

RCPCH Clinical Fellow, Dr Alice Willson, said: Wood burning releases harmful PM2.5 particles, contributing significantly to both indoor and outdoor pollution.

'Many people are unaware of the severe health risks, especially for children whose developing lungs make them particularly vulnerable to all forms of air pollution.

'In our recent position statement, we called for phasing out domestic wood burning in urban areas to reduce air pollution.

'Taking steps such as this will not only protect child health, but also the health of the planet.
More than a thousand women with advanced breast cancer are set to get more time with loved ones after a new treatment was given the go-ahead on the NHS.

The once-a-day table, elacestrant, will be prescribed to women with a gene mutation that makes traditional hormone-based treatments less effective.

Its rollout should benefit around 1,100 women and comes less than two months after Nice initially rejected the drug in October.

Campaigners welcomed the U-turn but remain deeply concerned many women with secondary disease are not getting the help the deserve under new criteria.

Earlier this year, another drug, Enhurtu, was denied on cost grounds, despite being available across large parts of Europe including Scotland, as well as the US, Australia and Japan.

Claire Rowney, chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, said Todays news is extremely welcome, but we remain deeply concerned that the system is not working in getting all secondary breast cancer drugs to the people who so badly need them.

We remain tireless in our efforts to ensure every person with secondary breast cancer can access the vital treatments that they both so desperately need and deserve.

About eight in ten breast cancer cases are hormone receptor-positive (HR+), meaning it grows in response to hormones such as oestrogen.

The once-a-day table, elacestrant, will be prescribed to women with a gene mutation that makes traditional hormone-based treatments less effective (file image)

Its rollout should benefit around 1,100 women and comes less than two months after the drug was rejected in October (file image)

These cancers are commonly treated with hormone-based therapy, also called endocrine therapy.

However, up to half of patients will acquire mutations in the ESR1 gene that can render conventional hormone therapy less effective than in patients without the mutation.

This drives growth of the cancer even in the absence of oestrogen.

In people with this genetic mutation, elacestrant works by degrading the oestrogen receptors on tumour cells, which can help limit the cancers ability to grow and divide.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said the decision had been made based on evidence from doctors and patients.

She said: The committee understood that patients living with advanced breast cancer prioritise treatments that extend life, support quality of life, and delay the need for chemotherapy, while being safe and tolerable.

Elacestrant is a promising new treatment with the potential to address these priorities.

Made by Menarini Stemline, genetic testing for the ESR1 mutation will be required to determine who is eligible.

It is recommended for patients whose cancer has worsened after at least a year of treatment with hormone therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitor, a drug that targets certain proteins on cancer cells to disrupt their growth.
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has labelled critics of the Melbourne Storm infantile, defending the NRL team for cutting down on Welcome to Country ceremonies.

The Storm made the decision last week, which led to backlash particularly from high-profile Indigenous rapper Adam Briggs, a former fervent supporter of the club.

Senator Price, who is the Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, responded with an article in Nine newspapers on Thursday where she said those demanding a Welcome to Country at every occasion lacked 'nuance' and 'rational thought'.

She questioned the mindset of Australians who believed it was racist if someone was 'not willing to wholeheartedly implement a Welcome to Country at every occasion'.

'Its infantile and a nation cannot function properly or hope to be strong with that as its foundational rhetoric,' Senator Price wrote.

Senator Price said the Storm was not doing away with Welcome to Country but instead was 'engaging with Indigenous communities to consider the way in which they recognise Indigenous people and culture at home games'.

It's believed the club will perform the ceremony on culturally significant occasions, such as the annual NRL Indigenous Round.

The Senator said it 'saddened her' that such a sensible approach could be brandished as an 'oppressive force'.

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says those criticising the Melbourne Storm's decision to cut back on Welcome to Country ceremonies 'infantile

The Melbourne Storm announced that they will not automatically perform a Welcome to Country before each home game

By contrast she said a nuanced approach would see the 'legitimacy and significance' of Welcome to Country 'most clearly borne out when we limit their proliferation'.

Senator Price believed the best way to preserve the 'sacred and genuine nature' of the ritual was to 'cease with the activism' by not using them as a chance to 'lecture in colonial guilt'.

'Have the ceremony, but lose the extremism,' she advised.

'It only discredits the person performing it and risks alienating the broader community.'

Senator Price questioned what the 'Indigenous recognition' offered by Welcome to Country did for disadvantaged Indigenous people living in remote areas and suffering high levels of violence and sexual assault.

'I am not interested in pointing out race, or treating people according to their race, for the sake of it,' she wrote.

'So if that is the ultimate aim of recognition being promoted here, I want no part of it.

'But if the aim of recognition is to address the disadvantage that our most marginalised Indigenous Australians face, I am all in.'

Following the Storm's announcement they would not be automatically staging a Welcome to Country during home games, rap star Adam Briggs, otherwise known as Briggs or sometimes Senator Briggs, slammed the club he was once a member of.

'See, the cost of living means cultural recognition is just not viable in this economy,' he wrote on social media platform X.

'Theres a price for cultural inclusion. Storm could do it if they wanted; if anyone knows how to work a salary cap - its them.'

He followed with post on Facebook.

'Unsurprising & underwhelming,' Briggs wrote.

'Whats your identity @Storm? I could care less about pageantry but the thin veil of respect is finally gone.

'We revealed a part owner $175,000 donated to the NO campaign. Whats a welcome worth when these are the people who are behind the decisions & identity of the club?'

The salary cap jibe is a reference to the Storm being caught deliberately flouting the salary cap by secretly overpaying players, which caused the NRL to strip all the club's honours from 2006 and 2010 including two premierships in that time.

Briggs announced he would no longer support the Storm in 2023 after discovering a board member made a substantial contribution to the No campaign during the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.
AI firms should pay for the creative content they rip-off to train their systems in the same way they pay staff wages and electricity bills, ministers have been told.

This comes as the Government was last night accused of failing to be an honest broker over its plans to allow AI companies to ignore copyright rules when training their systems.

There has been growing criticism over new Government proposals which would make it the responsibility of creative organisations to opt out, if they do not want their work exploited.

Yesterday MPs raised concerns about the proposed scheme, as media minister Sir Chris Bryant made a ministerial statement on the consultation.

Liberal Democrat Sarah Olney told Mr Bryant: Creatives deserve to be compensated for their work.

AI companies will happily pay the electricity bill for their data centres and wages for their staff. So why should they not also pay to access the creative content on which their models depend?

She said: Its clear that AI offers a fantastic opportunity for our economy, but it must supplement and grow industries rather than replace them wholesale.

Recent research, reported by the BBC, showed that generative AI systems could use about 33 times more energy than machines running more specific software.

The Government was accused of failing to be an honest broker over its plans to allow AI companies to ignore copyright rules when training their systems (file image)

Shadow minister for science, innovation and technology, Dr Ben Spencer, criticised the Government saying it had appeared to have been one-sided on the issue.

He said: Sadly, rather than taking an open position as an honest broker, it is clear today that the Government has already picked one side of this debate.

His preference for a data mining opt-out for the creative industries will place extra burden on creators to protect their intellectual property.

He added that the announcement of an opt-out represented nothing but uncertainty for the creative industries.

There is huge controversy over the way tech companies use content to feed their AI systems, without paying or crediting these firms.

More than 40 organisations from music, art, publishing and film, including Daily Mail owner DMG Media, this week called on the Government to tackle unauthorised use of content to train AI systems.

Speaking in parliament, the Liberal Democrats science, innovation and technology spokesperson, Victoria Collins, said: There is no uncertainty in existing laws. UK law is totally clear that commercial organisations must license the data to train their large language models.

She added: The announcement the government favours a text and data mining exception will be deeply concerning to the creative industries.

There has been growing criticism over new Government proposals which would make it the responsibility of creative organisations to opt out (file image)

This comes as the chief executive of the BPI, which represents the UKs music industry also raised concerns about the plans, saying they amounted to a subsidy for tech giants.

Dr Jo Twist said: A copyright exception would weaken the UKs copyright system and offer AI companies permission to take - for their own profit, and without authorisation or compensation - the product of UK musicians hard work, expertise, and investment.

It would amount to a wholly unnecessary subsidy, worth billions of pounds, to overseas tech corporations at the expense of homegrown creators.

Sir Chris Bryant told MPs yesterday: If we were to adopt a too-tight regime, based on proactive explicit permission, the danger is that international developers would continue to train their models using UK content accessed overseas but may not be able to deploy them in the UK.

As AI becomes increasingly powerful and widely adopted globally, this could significantly disadvantage sectors across our economy, including the creative industries and sweep the rug from underneath British AI developers.

He added: Many people have called this question an existential one for the creative industries. They are right.

We see this consultation, therefore, as a pivotal opportunity to ensure that sustained growth and innovation for the UKs AI sector continues to benefit creators, businesses and consumers alike, while preserving the values and principles that make our creative industries so unique.
The fathers of methanol poisoning victims Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones travelled to the same area 25 years ago together, as they lean on their decades-long friendship to navigate their grief.

Ms Bowles and Ms Jones, both 19, were travelling through Southeast Asia when they fell ill after drinking contaminated alcohol last month.

The best friends were among six tourists who died in the space of just a few days in the backpacking hotspot, Vang Vieng.

Mr Bowles has since revealed that he and Ms Jones' father, Mark, are long-time friends who had travelled a similar route together 25 years ago.

'When we're together, there's some comfort,' Mr Bowles Shaun told the BBC during a tearful interview this week.

'It's just bizarre to be going through the same thing with your best friends, but we are and just being together and just talking helps us get through.

'It just helps us get through the days.'

Mr Bowles said the girls were 'having an absolute blast' and had remained in touch with their families before they found out they had fallen unwell through a friend.

Holly's father Shaun Bowles (pictured) called for those responsible to be held accountable during a tearful interview with the BBC

Holly and Bianca were travelling across Southeast Asia when they fell ill after drinking contaminated alcohol last month. They sadly died just a few days later

Holly and Bianca's mothers soon flew out to Thailand to visit them in the Udon Thani hospital where they had been transferred.

Bianca tragically died on November 21 and Holly one day later.

Mr Bowles told the BBC his focus was on raising awareness of methanol poisoning in Southeast Asia - a destination popular with Aussie school leavers.

'We absolutely want whoever is responsible for this brought to account and brought to justice, and we're going to do everything that we can to make sure that is the case,' he said.

Mr Bowles said that he and Bianca's father, Mark, had also made a trip to Thailand some 25 years ago as friends.

He said their daughters were out in Laos to celebrate graduating from school.

They were taken to hospital after being found unresponsive, having failed to check out of the Nana Backpacker hotel.

Both girls were flown home to Australia one week after their deaths.

Mr Bowles (pictured behind Mr Jones) was a pallbearer at Ms Jones funeral

Bianca Jones' mother and father are seen beside Holly Bowles' mother (centre) at their daughter's funeral at Mentone Girls' Grammar in Melbourne on December 6

Ms Jones was farewelled at Mentone Girl's Grammar in Melbourne's south-east on Friday, December 6.

Her family said they hoped to spend 'the most important day' of their lives farewelling and grieving their beautiful daughter.

'Bianca was a private young woman, with a wonderful network, but she was not a celebrity,' they said in a statement.

'It is our wish Bianca be farewelled in a manner that reflects her life.'

Three days later, Ms Bowles was farewelled at the Beaumaris Secondary College in Australia, inviting friends and family to gather for an intimate service on December 9.

Mourners lined the street outside the school in a guard of honour as Ms Bowles made her final journey.

'We would like to thank the people of Australia, Canada and the rest of the world for the outpouring of love, support and compassion during this extremely difficult time,' Beaumaris Secondary College assistant principal Peter Bartlett said on behalf of Ms Bowles' parents Shaun and Samantha, and brother James.

The best friends were dancing happily together just weeks before their deadly Laos trip

'Your kindness has been a source of strength and comfort for our family. Today is a profoundly significant day for our family as we come together to celebrate Holly's life.

'Holly was loved and adored by so many people. Today is a reflection of her life however she will remain in our hearts forever.'

Eight people have been detained in connection with the case in Laos.

Hostel manager Duong Duc Toan and bartender Toan Van Vanng previously denied diluting their alcohol with methanol when questioned.
The mother of University of Idaho student Madison Mogen has broken her silence with a blunt message about her daughter's suspected killer's murder trial.

Karen Laramie interviewed for the first time since her daughter was named as one of four victims in the tragic Idaho murders on November 13, 2022.

Mogen, 21, her best-friend 21-year-old Kaylee Goncalves, 20-year-old Xana Kernodle, and 20-year-old Ethan Chapin were fatally stabbed in their off-campus home.

Laramie gushed about her daughter Maddie on the Today show on Wednesday, and spoke about her experience in finding justice ahead of Bryan Kohberger's trial which is to take place three years after the horrific murders.

'I feel like the legal system is not about the victims,' she said, when asked about the length of time it has taken to reach the upcoming trial set for August 2025.

Kohberger was charged in 2023 with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary.

Laramie hadn't spoken publicly since the students' lives were tragically taken but spoke about the toll of losing her daughter in such a horrific manner.

'It's real but I know where the girls are, and faith is really the basis of how you get up every morning when you have a loss this deep,' she said.

Posthumous bachelor's degrees were awarded to the families of Madison Mogen (pictured) and Kaylee Goncalves, who were both seniors at the time of the November 13 slayings

Karen Laramie, Mogen's mother, interviewed for the first time after her daughter was one of four victims in the tragic Idaho murders on November 13, 2022

Laramie gushed over her lost daughter and gave a blunt message about suspect Bryan Kohberger. She said: 'I feel like the legal system is not about the victims, and I'll leave it at that'

'Madison is absolutely amazing and always has been... she was just a joy.'

Laramie appeared alongside the mother of Mogen's best friend Ashlin Couch and discussed the Made with Kindness Foundation, created in honor of her daughter and her friends.

'So, I think the most important thing is it's going to be really fun to be part of the scholarship committee and just watch kids, read what they have to say, what's in their hearts, and be able to give them back something,' she said.

'Everyone needs a helping hand, and I'm just really super excited to see.'

Laramie told the outlet that she was inspired for the foundation by a memory of the two visiting Seattle, she recalled: 'I'm watching her as an adult, going shopping and being in these stores, and I'm like, "You're just so kind to everybody." Like, did I really, did we really ingrain that in you? Like, that's amazing.'

'One time, she called my cousin on Veterans Day and said, 'Thank you for your service,' after she lived with him and like, burned half his pans,' she said.

She described her daughter as someone who 'had that genuine love', and added: 'We're missing our kids, and to have something to put your heart into positively... there are no words.'

Ashlin Couch, Madison's former roommate and close friend, shared earlier this year the gut-wrenching moment she knew from a text chain that something was wrong and the heartbreak of losing her friends.

She had lived with the girls until May 2022 before Xana Kernodle took over her lease.

Couch recalled receiving the alert that there had been a homicide near her former home and texted her friends to see if they were okay.

The four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death in their off-campus home. Goncalves, 21 and Mogen, 21, were months away from receiving their degrees before their gruesome death

Ashlin Couch recalled the gut-wrenching moment she received an alert that there had been a homicide near her former residence and texted her friends to see if they were okay

Ashlin Couch (left), the former roommate of Madison Mogen (center) and Kaylee Goncalves (right), revealed the last message she sent her friends

'I texted like our group of friends, and I just had said, 'Has anyone heard from Maddie?' And I remember, like my last text message to her was like, 'Are you okay,'' Couch told KXLY.

'I felt it like right then and there, I kind of just knew that something was wrong.'

'It crosses my mind more that, that could have happened while I was there. And, you know, you never know like how long someone is watching your house,' she said.

Couch was also involved in the creation of the Made with Kindness Foundation in remembrance of her friends.

'I just wish that I could do at least one more time is like, you know, just give her one last hug just to be able to say goodbye,' Couch said.

In November, earlier this year, the parents of Kaylee Goncalves also spoke out as Kohberger attempted to fight the death penalty and gave him a stern warning.

Kristi and Steve Goncalves said to the suspected killer that he would 'burn in hell', as they stated they were '100 percent' adamant that he should face the death penalty.

Kohberger's defense claimed that he was suffering 'anxiety and fear' over his potential death sentencing, Kaylee's parents called the claims 'absolutely ridiculous.'

'Did my daughter know the way she was gonna go? Did Maddie know? Did any of the kids know the way they were gonna go? Did they know they had two hours left, one hour left, five minutes left,' Kristi asked.

Laramie described her daughter as someone who 'had that genuine love', and added: 'We're missing our kids, and to have something to put your heart into positively... there are no words'

Bryan Kohberger was arrested was arrested after a six-week manhunt and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary. His trial is set for August 2025

The scenes inside the home were so gruesome that blood dripped down the outside of the wall of the property, which investigators described as the worst crime scene they have ever seen

As Kohberger's defense issued their final arguments, stating that the death penalty does not reflect international law and modern-day standards of decency - Judge Hippler wasn't convinced.

'I understand the argument,' he said. 'It's falling about as flat as you would expect it to fall.'

His defense team had successfully argued that Kohberger's trial should be held outside of Moscow, Idaho, where the murders took place due to strong emotions and extensive media coverage.

Now, his trial - scheduled to begin with jury selection on July 30, 2025 - is being heard in Ada County in Boise in hopes of a more favorable jury.

Prosecutors have claimed that Kohberger's DNA was found on a Ka-Bar knife sheath found at the victim's off-campus home, though no murder weapon was ever found.

Officials have also claimed that cell phone data and surveillance put Kohberger's car at the crime scene.

Kohberger was a PhD criminology student and teaching assistant at Washington State University's Pullman campus, a 15-minute drive from Moscow, Idaho.

Kohberger has maintained his innocence since his arrest and filed his alibi in 2023 as 'late night drives'.
Justin Welby has made a donation to a childrens charity to accompany his last annual Christmas card before departing his role over the Churchs worst child abuse scandal.

The outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury raised eyebrows with the gesture after he was forced to quit over a damning report which found he had failed to act properly in the case of serial child abuser John Smyth.

The card from Dr Welby and his wife, Caroline, states that a donation has been made to The Childrens Society, which they noted works with children affected by criminal and sexual exploitation, abuse.

The couple said they had chosen to make a donation to a charity which restlessly pursues its goal of a society built for all children.

The donation was welcomed by clergy last night. Janet Fife, a retired priest and campaigner for victims of abuse in the Church, said she was glad that Dr Welby had donated to such a good cause.

Justin Welby (pictured) was forced to quit over the damning report

John Smyth (pictured) QC is believed to be the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church of England

The outgoing Archbishop donated to The Childrens Society noted for its work with children affected by criminal and sexual exploitation. Pictured: Childrens Societys HQ in London.

The card from Dr Welby and his wife, Caroline, highlights the work done by the Childrens Society to combat children affected by criminal and sexual exploitation, abuse

She added: I wish hed done more to protect children and vulnerable adults while he was in office, and to help survivors of abuse within the Church of England.

'And I note that Jesus told us to keep our charitable giving private, and not make a public show of it.

It comes after Dr Welby was forced to apologise earlier this month after his final speech in the House of Lords, which was criticised by clergy and survivors of abuse as tone deaf.

The Archbishop said he did not intend to overlook the experience of survivors, or to make light of the situation after joking that if you pity anyone, pity my poor diary secretary for having next years events cancelled following his resignation.

Archbishop Welby will formally step down from his role on 6 January and is not expected to take part in any public Christmas services before then, including the traditional Christmas day sermon.
Will he or wont he? That is the question keeping Conservative and Labour strategists awake at night as Elon Musk dangles the prospect of handing Nigel Farages Reform party the biggest donation in British political history.

There is not much doubt that he can. The worlds richest man has a 365 billion fortune. As a foreign citizen he is barred from donating directly to political parties in this country. But there is no limit on how much his companies in this country can donate.

The potential size of the donation  a reported $100 million, or 80 million  would dwarf anything seen in this country before. To put it in context, the main parties were allowed to spend a total of 35 million each at this years general election.

One former Tory cabinet minister said a donation on this scale  or even half this size  would change everything.

It would turn British politics on its head, the source said. It would allow Farage to build the kind of ground operation that you need to win elections and it would give him the momentum to carry on attracting defectors from us. Most of our members are already Reform-lite  this could tip a lot of them over the edge.

It is not just the Tories who are worried. Labour MPs in the Red Wall are already on the verge of panic over the rise of Reform. Of the 98 seats in which Nigel Farages party came second in July, 89 are now held by Labour.

No wonder it is Labour MPs leading the call for a clampdown on big foreign donations.

But the issue is not straightforward for the Labour leadership. Keir Starmer does not shout about it, but the partys biggest donation at the recent election was a 4 million gift from a hedge fund whose parent company is based in the tax-friendly Cayman Islands.

Nigel Farage and Party treasurer Nick Candy during their meeting on Monday with with Elon Musk at Mar-A-Lago, the Florida home of US President Elect Donald Trump

Keir Starmer does not shout about it, but the partys biggest donation at the recent election was a 4 million gift from a hedge fund whose parent company is based in the tax-friendly Cayman Islands

But it will become much more pressing if Musk goes ahead. Several recent opinion polls have put Reform neck and neck with Labour, or even ahead.

But why would the Tesla founder want to get involved in British politics at all? Well, for starters, he appears to have beef with Labour in general and Sir Keir in particular.

The feud appears to originate in Musks long-running row with the Centre for Countering Digital Hate, a campaign group founded by the PMs chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, which has accused him of poisoning the internet since his takeover of Twitter, now known as X.

The row exploded during the summer when Musk publicly criticised the PMs handling of the riots and enraged No 10 by suggesting that a civil war in the UK was inevitable.

Musk confirmed this week that Mr Farages claims of a close relationship with Reform are no exaggeration, posing for pictures with him and party treasurer Nick Candy at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

Mr Musk responded to Mr Farage's post about their meeting on his X social media site

Nick Candy and his former pop-star wife Holly Valance were photographed at Reform's conference in Birmingham in September

After the meeting, at which a potential donation was discussed, the X owner tweeted ominously: Time for massive Reform in Britain!

Would it work? The British public have rarely welcomed foreign interventions in the political system. Barack Obamas decision to weigh in behind the Remain campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum is widely seen as having backfired and boosted support for Leave.

But the British political system has rarely looked more fractured, with the two traditional main parties now struggling to command half the vote between them.

And, unlike Obama, Mr Musk is the kind of political outsider and disruptor who might just appeal to Reform-minded voters who feel they did not get the change they wanted in 2016 and 2019.
Eamonn Holmes's GB news co-host Isabel Webster is set to be replaced as part of a number of major changes announced by the broadcaster.

Ms Webster will be replaced by Ellie Costello, 31, as host of the breakfast show programme during the working week.

The 41-year-old, who had previously worked for Sky News and the BBC, had been a part of the show since it launched in 2022.

A GB News spokesperson said on Wednesday: 'Ellie Costello will now co-host GBN Breakfast five days a week, presenting alongside Eamonn Holmes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and with Stephen Dixon on Thursday and Friday.

'Stephen and Anne Diamond will continue to co-present GB News Breakfast at Weekends.'

Presenter Mark Dolan also announced on Wednesday evening that he had been 'relieved from his duties'.

The writer and comedian had hosted Mark Dolan Tonight at weekends on the channel since 2021, and also Mark Dolan Live on Fridays until November 2023, before being moved to the Friday Night Live show.

Posting onto X, Mr Dolan said: 'STATEMENT. GB News have made the decision to permanently relieve me of my duties at the channel. I will speak publicly about this in due course.'

Isabella Webster (pictured with Eamonn Holmes) will be replaced by Ellie Costello, 31, as host of the breakfast show programme during the working week

Presenter Mark Dolan also announced that he had been 'relieved from his duties

Posting onto X on Wednesday, Mr Dolan announced that the channel had let him go

The shock shake-up also saw Jacob Rees Mogg see his screen time cut. The Tory politician will only be required to host State of the Nation on Mondays and Tuesday, rather than his usual four days a week.

The GB spokesperson said: 'Author, political commentator and pollster Professor Matthew Goodwin will join GB News as a permanent presenter in 2025, presenting State of the Nation on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night. Jacob Rees Mogg will continue as the show's host on Monday and Tuesday.'

Elsewhere on the channel, Ben Leo will launch Ben Leo Tonight on Saturday and Sunday nights from January.

He will also continue to co-host Britain's Newsroom on a Friday.

Free Speech Nation will be hosted by comedian Josh Howie on Sundays between 7-9pm.

Andrew Doyle and Miriam Cates will also be given more permanent roles.

GB News's Head of Programming and Talent, Ben Briscoe, said: '2024 has been a truly fantastic year for us.

'Not only are we regularly beating the other established news channels, but we are also making inroads against the big public serving broadcaster terrestrial channels.

'Our initiatives will allow us to build on this success with a renewed focus and ambition.'
Syria's new de-facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has said the country is not a threat to the West or its neighbours.

In an interview with the BBC in Damascus, al-Sharaa said sanctions, which were opposed upon the country during the Assad regime, should now be lifted.

He said the sanctions must be lifted because they were 'targeted at the old regime' and said the 'victim' should not be treated in the same way as 'the oppressor'.

Sharaa is the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the dominant group in the rebel alliance.

He and HTS led the lightning offensive that toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime less than two weeks ago.

HTS started as a splinter group of al-Qaeda and is currently listed as a terrorist organisation by the UN, US, EU and UK.

Sharaa now says HTS should be de-listed as a terrorist organisation and insists it was not a terrorist group.

Syrian de-facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa speaking to BBC News about the takeover

Ahmed al-Sharaa addresses a crowd at the capital's landmark Umayyad Mosque on December 8

He said HTS did not target civilians or civilian areas and consider themselves to be victims of the Assad regime.

Sharaa denied that he wanted to turn Syria into a version of Afghanistan, saying the countries are very different, with different traditions.

Afghanistan was a tribal society, a different mindset to Syria, he said.

He said he believed in education for women and referred to the north-western province of Idlib, which has been held by rebels since 2011, where they have had 'Universities for more than eight years'.

Speaking to the BBC, he added: 'I think the percentage of women in universities is more than 60 per cent.'

He would not comment on whether drinking alcohol would be allowed in the country.

'There are many things I just don't have the right to talk about because they are legal issues,' he said.

'There will be a Syrian committee of legal experts to write a constitution. They will decide. And any ruler or president will have to follow the law'.

Sharaa also said he wanted to bring different religious groups together and 'not play on sectarian division'.

He added: 'The Syrian population has lived together for thousands of years. We are going to have dialogue and make sure everyone is represented.

'The old regime always played on sectarian divisions, but we won't. I think the revolution can contain everybody.

HTS is setting about bringing Syria under control, establishing a transition government and working to roll out aid and services to civilians.

Last week, HTS used state television to announce Sharaa- the head of the group's so-called 'Salvation Government' in Syria's northwest Idlib province - as interim Prime Minister of a transitional cabinet that will remain in place until March 1.

Meanwhile, it has been claimed former president Basher al-Assad handed over military secrets and extensive details of high-value assets to Israel to guarantee his safe passage out of the country.

People celebrate the collapse of 61 years of Ba'ath Party rule in Umayyad Square after armed groups opposing the Assad regime took control in Damascus

Former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad this week issued his first statement since being deposed by rebel groups and fleeing to Russia

Hours after Assad touched down in Moscow, Israel launched a widespread bombing campaign that delivered pinpoint strikes on hundreds of Syrian military targets.

The stunning claims of Assad's final cowardly act were made today by leading Turkish journalist Abdulkadir Selvi, who claimed in a column for Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper that a 'trusted source' provided details of Assad's communications with Israel.

It comes a day after the toppled leader made his first statement since seeking refuge in Moscow.

In a lengthy post released via the Syrian presidential Telegram channel, Assad said he was addressing 'a flood of misinformation and narratives far removed from the truth'.

'My departure from Syria was neither planned nor during the final hours of the battles, as some claim,' Assad declared. 'I remained in Damascus, carrying out my duties until the early hours of Sunday, December 8, 2024.

'At no point did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual or party. The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught.'
Light rain will dot the Bay Area landscape on Saturday morning. Baron/Lynx

The flood gates are about to open, just in time for the holidays. A series of storms, driven by rejuvenated atmospheric rivers, will begin to impact the Bay Area this weekend and persist through the holiday next week.

Models are advertising nearly a half dozen atmospheric river storm systems with eyes on California from now until the end of the year.

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Were looking at an active period in the next week to 10 days with several ARs in the form of a family making landfall in succession beginning late Friday into Saturday and through the Holiday. said Chad Hecht a meteorologist at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes.

The first of those storm systems moves in on Saturday morning and will bring light rain showers to the Bay Area on the first official day of winter.

The heaviest precipitation will be focused on the Northern California coast where upward of 1-2 inches of rain will fall in Eureka and Crescent City, with a few inches of snow falling across Mount Shasta and parts of the Northern Sierra. The storm will add to the above average snowpack already in place.

Upward of a half an inch of rain will fall across the North Bay, with up to 0.25 inches of rain falling in San Francisco, the Peninsula and East Bay. Little to no rain will fall south of the Peninsula.

Rainfall totals will generally be less than a half inch on Saturday. Baron/Lynx

A few rumbles of thunder cant be ruled out on Saturday morning either. As the frontal system moves through, it will tap into some instability, especially along the immediate coast where a few pop up thunderstorms may develop.

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The rain chances wont end there. Far from it actually. More showers will move into the region on Sunday evening, ahead of an even stronger storm system poised to bring more significant rain to the Bay Area and snow across the Sierra on Tuesday.

More storms will follow, ensuring that the year will end on a wet and unsettled note. The storms will come with an increased risk of flooding thanks to a combination of saturated soils from recent storms and the ones coming this weekend.

A atmospheric river will remain pointed at the Bay Area for the majority of next week. Baron/Lynx

Thursday breakdown

San Francisco: Dense low-level clouds and fog will blanket parts of the city on Thursday morning, especially over the Golden Gate, along the immediate coast and higher-elevation parts of the city. That fog will eventually lift by the late morning, leaving partly sunny skies and some high-level clouds filtering in through the afternoon. Temperatures will be a bit warmer than Wednesday, with highs in the low to mid-60s in the Sunset District, Pacific Heights and downtown. Low clouds and fog return overnight with lows in the upper 40s.

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North Bay: Low clouds and fog will hang tough around the Marin and Sonoma coastlines through Larkspur and Vallejo. Partly sunny skies will develop across the rest of the North Bay, with highs in the upper 50s in San Rafael and the low to mid-60s in Petaluma, Sonoma and Santa Rosa. Mostly cloudy skies return overnight with lows in the upper 30s to low 40s.

East Bay: Dense fog will linger along the Interstate 80 and 580 corridor and back across the interior East Bay Hills and valleys on Thursday morning. Partially sunny skies will develop by the afternoon in most spots, save for some pockets across the interior and along the immediate Contra Costa coastline. Highs will be in the upper 50s in Antioch and Concord and highs will be in the low 60s in Oakland and Hayward. Low clouds and fog return overnight with lows in the 40s.

Pacific Coast and Peninsula: Low clouds and fog will settle along the Peninsula coast on Thursday morning, eventually lifting by the late morning. Skies should be brighter from the start along the Pacific coast. Highs will be in the low to mid-60s in Half Moon Bay, Daly City and Redwood City.

Santa Cruz and South Bay: Clouds and fog will linger in the South Bay on Thursday morning, clearing by the early afternoon. Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Mountains should be mostly sunny for much of the day, with sunshine eventually breaking out across the Santa Clara Valley as well. Highs will be in the upper 60s to low 70s in Santa Cruz, San Jose and Milpitas. Low clouds and fog return to the South Bay overnight with lows in the 40s.

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The longtime business partner of a Texas real estate tycoon whose wife went missing has been charged over allegations he helped his friend hide evidence related to her murder.

James 'Val' Cotter, 65, was indicted by a grand jury on Monday on felony charges of tampering with evidence with intent to impair an investigation and possession of prohibited weapons in the case of missing realtor Suzanne Simpson, the San Antonio Express-News reports.

He is accused of entering the mom-of-four's husband Brad's gun room on October 8 and removing an AK-47 that prosecutors say was illegally modified into a 'machine gun' and was not properly registered, according to KSAT.

An arrest warrant obtained by My San Antonio claims Brad, 53, reached out to him that day, asking for help hiding a weapon.

'If you're in Bandera, can you haul a** and meet me at your house,' Brad allegedly wrote.

He later allegedly told Cotter 'make sure to leave all that s*** in the pump house, especially the gun.'

'Sorry for the urgency, but you're all I got especially now... social media is destroying me,' Brad texted his longtime friend, according to the warrant.

When questioned by police, Cotter initially claimed Simpson was referring to a .22 caliber rifle that he ad taken from Simpson's home.

James 'Val' Cotter, 65, was indicted by a grand jury on Monday on felony charges of tampering with evidence with intent to impair an investigation and possession of prohibited weapons in the case of missing mom-of-four Suzanne Simpson

She was last seen walking through her exclusive Texas country club, hours before a neighbor said she got into a physical altercation with her husband

But an anonymous witness later told police Cotter had actually taken an AK47 from the family Brad's walk-in vault that was stocked with weapons, according to the warrant.

Cotter was then arrested on October 22 when police officers found the rifle hidden behind a false wall at his Bandera home.

He posted bond on November 8, after a judge reduced his bail from $1million to $100,000.

Under the conditions of his release, Cotter cannot have any contact with Brad or be in possession of any firearm. He must also wear a GPS monitor, had to surrender his passport to law enforcement and submit to drug and alcohol testing.

Meanwhile, Brad is facing charges of first-degree murder in his wife's disappearance - despite investigators never finding her body.

Suzanne's family has told KABB that authorities told them her DNA was found on a handheld reciprocating saw - a motorized hand saw, which was mentioned in a newly-unsealed indictment.

It claimed that Brad 'knowing that an investigation was in progress, namely a missing persons investigation' hid the saw on October 8 'with the intent to impair its availability as evidence in the investigation,' My San Antonio reports.

The indictment does not specify how he hid the weapon or where it was found.

Prosecutors say he was a longtime friend of real estate tycoon Brad Simpson (right) and helped him hide a weapon following his wife's disappearance

Brad 53, was previously indicted by a grand jury on first-degree murder charges

The real estate tycoon was first arrested on October 9 in Kendall County - three days after the 51-year-old mother-of-four was last seen late out the front of her $1.5million home in San Antonio's ritzy Olmos Park having an altercation with him.

A neighbor had claimed that shortly before 11pm on October 6, they witnessed Brad and Suzanne in the midst of a heated argument in their garage and were 'physically struggling' with each other.

At some point, they said Suzanne 'was attempting to get away from Mr. Simpson's grasp as he tried to pull her downward', and he then chased after her when she ran away, per the affidavit.

The neighbor also allegedly claimed they heard screams from a wooded area, before Brad re-emerged around an hour later and drove off in his truck.

The Simpson's five-year-old child was also questioned by a school counselor, and claimed that his father 'pushed her mother against the wall, hit (physically) her mother on the face and hurt her mother's elbow inside their residence.'

Brad also allegedly 'turned off her mother's phone because they were fighting,' the child reportedly said.

Suzanne's family said that authorities told them her DNA was found on a handheld reciprocating saw - a motorized hand saw, which was mentioned in a newly-unsealed indictment

Police say Brad was seen the following day with bulky garbage bags and ice coolers covered up in a tarp in the flatbed of his truck as he pulled into a Whataburger, according to the New York Post.

He allegedly bought concrete and visited a dump site before spending 13 minutes in nearby Bandera where he seemingly unloaded a large object from the bed of his pickup truck.

It was that day that Brad first reported his wife missing, and the next day he was reportedly seen buying Clorox wipes and cement.

A man said Simpson walked up to him at the Home Depot parking lot and asked him where the nearest dump was, the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Authorities also said that in the first few days of the missing persons investigation, Brad showed 'no emotion.'

They said he appeared 'unconcerned about his wife being missing and showed little to no emotion,' with a Texas ranger also observing that Brad had several scratches and lacerations on his hands and arms.

Detectives later explained that his chilling behavior was a factor in them believing Brad 'intentionally and knowingly caused the death' of his wife on October 6 in San Antonio.

They noted that Brad was initially cooperative with police, but said he then gave conflicting stories when pressed for details over his wife's disappearance.

At first, he claimed he last saw her at 11pm on October 6, hours after Suzanne was last seen walking through her exclusive Texas country club.

But at another point he claimed he last saw her at around 6:30am on October 7, shortly before he said he dropped one of their children off at school.

He said he 'peeked into a separate room and observed his wife asleep' that morning.

When investigators searched through his phone, they reportedly found he had 'engaged in a series of complete shutdowns' starting at 11:09pm on October 6 and ending the next day.

He was allegedly going further than turning his phone off and instead put it on 'Lock Down' mode, which his arrest affidavit notes is classed by the FBI as 'done by a person who wants to avoid detection.'

But on October 9, police reportedly had a breakthrough when Texas Rangers located a ground-level burn site at Simpson's Bandera property, where they found a burnt laptop and three cellphones that once belonged to him.

When Brad was then arrested, officers said he 'did not appear surprised at the time of his arrest' nor 'question' why he was apprehended on charges of assault causing bodily injury, family violence and unlawful restraint.

Authorities are continuing to search for her remains, believing she is dead

Brad is now facing charges of second degree tampering with evidence with the intent to impair a human corpse, third degree possession of prohibited weapons and third degree tampering/fabricating physical evidence with the intent to impair.

If found guilty, he could be sentenced anywhere from two to 99 years or life in prison, depending on the charges he is convicted of.

But his lawyer has argued that the prosecutors cannot charge Brad without saying how he may have killed his wife.

Public Defender Steven Gilmore said the indictment is 'vague, indefinite, ambiguous and uncertain,' and argued that if the indictment does not say how Simpson killed his wife or where he hid the body it is impossible to craft a reasonable defense.

He said the state must present more evidence before the prosecution continues.

Brad is now due back in court on Thursday for a bond modification hearing, and will appear in court on April 8 for a custody hearing.
With its great hall, gables and priest hole, there can be few more splendidly atmospheric settings for a family Christmas than Spains Hall, the magnificent Elizabethan pile which Jamie Oliver and his wife, Jools, snapped up for 6million in 2019.

But, as the couple and their five children settle down for days of yuletide feasting in rooms now festooned with fairy lights and hung with mistletoe, might they be stalked by the Ghost of Christmas (very recently) Past?

The questions prompted by what appears to be the entirely unscripted departure of Olivers chief executive, Kevin Styles, 52, who took up the post as recently as 2022, amid great fanfare about a five-year plan hed developed after six months unsparing analysis of Olivers empire.

That was in the aftermath of the shattering failure of Jamies chain of Italian restaurants, which had collapsed in 2019 with debts of 83million, leaving scores of small suppliers thousands  sometimes tens of thousands  of pounds out of pocket.

At the time, Jamies chief executive was his brother-in-law, Jools sibling Paul Hunt.

Styles, a father of six and, like Jamie, an Arsenal fan, had a track record of success at Vue Cinemas. He seemed to have repeated it for Oliver, whose two main companies last year reported that their combined turnover had risen more than eight percent to nearly 30million.

Jamie and Jools paid themselves almost 7million in dividends  an absolute joke according to one creditor still owed almost 50,000 from the collapse of Jamies Italian chain.

Styles does not respond to my inquiry about his exit, while a spokesman for Oliver tells me: After nearly 2.5 years, Kevin Styles is leaving to focus on new opportunities.

Olivers chief executive, Kevin Styles, 52, (pictured) who took up the post as recently as 2022

Jamie and Jools paid themselves almost 7million in dividends  an absolute joke according to one creditor still owed almost 50,000 from the collapse of Jamies Italian chain

Sting MP's Syria sortie

Brooks Newmark, the former Tory minister who fell victim to a racy tabloid sting, is to travel next month to Syria, which has just been taken over by Islamists.

I want to see if I can meet one or two people from the leadership, to make my own judgment of whats going on, he tells me. Newmark met deposed president Bashar al-Assad in Damascus before the civil war began.

He also met rebels but probably wouldnt have encountered the countrys new leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.

Asked if this was because he might have had his head chopped off, he admits: Yes, exactly.

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

Still seeking your Kermit, Ivy?

This little piggy turned 30 as heiress Ivy Getty was just short of a snout at her wild costume party, dressed as her favourite Muppet.

The great-granddaughter of billionaire J. Paul Getty wore a butterfly necklace and colourful vintage Versace dress with blue straps and a green bust to match her Miss Piggy cake.

Ivy  who separated from photographer husband Tobias Engel, 28, earlier this year  even wore the same make-up as the Muppet character.

Heiress Ivy Getty enjoys wild 30th birthday party after her marriage split. The great-granddaughter of billionaire J. Paul Getty wore a butterfly necklace and colourful vintage Versace dress

Sienna brings jolly tidings to St Paul's

If Sienna Millers boyfriend, Oli Green, is worrying about what to buy her for Christmas, she may have dropped a few hints from behindthe lectern at St Pauls Cathedral.

Miller, 42, read The Twelve Days of Christmas  A Correspondence by John Julius Norwich in front of Green, 28, a fellow actor, at Blood Cancer UKs Christmas carol service, attended by charity patron, the Duke of Kent.

The spoof piece records the daily thank-you letters from an increasingly bemused young lady to her unseen admirer for gifts including eight milkmaids and the percussion section of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Oliver couldnt stop laughing as Sienna was reciting it, a guest tells me.

Sienna Miller speaks at Blood Cancer UK's Christmas Carol Concert at St Paul's Cathedral on December 17, 2024 in London

Gavin and Stacey star's choc therapy

Before co-writing and co-starring in Gavin And Stacey with James Corden, Ruth Jones appeared with him in Fat Friends.

Off screen, the Welsh actress, 58, struggled to shed the pounds, too. One of my attempts to lose weight was to go to a Paul McKenna workshop, a hypnosis, she reveals. I said that if I could stop eating chocolate, I would be fine. As part of the therapy, the actress thought of mushy peas, which she loathes, while she ate chocolate  and it worked.

I did not eat chocolate for five years  I couldnt stand the smell, she says. And when James and I were writing, some of the hotels that wed stay in would put complimentary chocolate on the pillow and I always used to test myself to see if I was still put off the chocolate, and I was.

However, when she unsubscribed from emails from the McKenna workshop, she lost all willpower. Speaking on the Table Manners podcast, Corden says: I went into the bathroom, came back, and Ruth was, like, Oh, my God, and she was holding the chocolates near her mouth

Despite the alleged injury the night before, Mathew was all smiles on Wednesday as he reunited with his co-stars at the Gavin And Stacey: The Finale screening at the Ham Yard Hotel (left to right: Steffan Rhodri, James Corden, Joanna Page, Larry Lamb, Alison Steadman, Mathew, Ruth Jones and Robert Wilfort)

Stars that don't read their own books

Some stars dont even read the autobiographies they allegedly wrote.

Novelist Candida Crewe reveals: One friend of mine, a ghost, went to an event in his local bookshop and left seething.

'The author was a celebrity on Strictly. During the Q&A, it became obvious he had not only not written his own book but had never even read it.

Candida (pictured) revealed during a Q&A it became obvious a friend of hers had not only not written his own book but had never even read it

Miliband's eco enthusiasms

The Duke of Beaufort remarks of Ed Miliband, Net Zero Secretary: Everything the super-dork touches turns to s****.

This has raised eyebrows among locals near his Badminton estate.

They point out the duke plans to take advantage of Eds eco enthusiasms by covering his estate with a vast new solar farm.
Thousands of Christmas presents will not be delivered in time for the holidays amid the continued closure of a major port connecting the UK and Ireland, haulage bosses have warned.

Holyhead Port in north Wales is set to remain closed until mid-January at the earliest with all ferry sailings cancelled up to that date, impacting up to 13,000 passengers a day.

The Welsh port shut on December 7 after sustaining infrastructure damage during Storm Darragh, and will not reopen until at least January 15.

Post and deliveries - many of them filled with Christmas presents, as well as products from pharmaceuticals to food such as cheese and beef - have been seriously affected as thousands of trailers filled with goods remained stuck in the UK.

One haulage firm boss with 50 trailers at Holyhead said the stuck goods included thousands of Christmas presents, as well as supplies for supermarkets, white goods, cleaning items and building products.

On the Irish side, ports have been left 'absolutely jammed' as passengers and hauliers frantically search for alternative routes.

The ongoing closure has left other ports, including Rosslare, Cairnryan and Fishguard, rammed as passengers and drivers seek alternatives.

Darren Murphy, managing director of BM Transport, a haulage company in Monaghan, told the Mail: 'Rosslare is always clustered. There wasn't enough space moving before, let alone now.

Thousands of Christmas presents will not be delivered in time for the holidays amid the continued closure of Holyhead, a major port connecting the UK and Ireland. Pictured: A view of the port prior to the storm

Thousands of trailers are stranded in the UK, while Irish ports are 'absolutely jammed', meaning Christmas parcels are now unlikely to arrive to their destinations by 25 December

'The level of traffic over the last three or four months has expanded exponentially. Most direct sailings from Europe have gone there since Brexit. There was traffic already.

'There are major works to increase capacity but it hasn't been completed yet so it is not a surprise at all.

'Rosslare is clogged. Birkenhead is still a mess. You can't access it until 12 hours before your sailing.

'All ferries are totally chock-a-block. Issues are only going to increase in the next 24 to 48 hours as people try to go on holiday. It's a mess for everyone.'

In an earlier interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme he said: 'There's nothing moving, it's a dustbowl at the moment.

'We've a depot in Holyhead. So we traditionally use Holyhead as one of our main routes into the UK, we'll be moving 75 to 100 trailers a day through it.

'We still have 50 trailers sitting there, that was up at 75 to 80 last week when the news was eventually given to us that they were closing the port.'

Asked what goods were stuck, he said: 'Everything. We are a dry freight operator so we have supplies for supermarkets, white goods, cleaning products, building products, a variety of goods.

Supplies for supermarkets, white goods, cleaning items and building products have also been delated at the closed port

Your browser does not support iframes.

'We're trying to prioritise parcels and items like that for Christmas. We're trying to give priority to those sort of loads.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary denies 500 Christmas flights are due to port closure Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has denied the prices of Christmas flights from the UK have risen to 500 one-way because of the ongoing closure of Holyhead Port, blaming the Dublin Airport passenger cap instead. The Welsh government had urged airlines not to hike prices for people who were no longer able to travel home by ferry. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary But prices for some flights between London and Dublin this week and next soared beyond 500. Mr O'Leary told Newstalk's The Pat Kenny Show: 'This Christmas at Dublin Airport, the airlines will offer 220,000 fewer seats than last year - that's a cut of about 10 per cent in seats. 'Airfares are already 20 to 25 per cent higher than last year. We predicted that some flights would be charging 500 one-way, and that's already sadly come to pass.' He claimed it was 'entirely avoidable' and blamed Dublin Airport having a 14.4million seat capacity limit for the winter 2024/25 season - from October 26, 2024 to March 29, 2025. Ryanair said 500 one-way air fares were now on flights from London Gatwick and Stansted to Dublin this Friday, while prices on flights from London to Dublin across the weekend of this Friday until next Monday were 'rising rapidly'. Advertisement

'We're speaking to our customers, seeing what can wait, what has to go. But it's just not simple now - everything we have, we'll not deliver in time for Christmas.

'Those 50 loads we still have in Holyhead, we're hoping there'll be a falloff at the weekend in regards to the amount of freight moving because the normal businesses will be closing on Friday for Christmas, so we're hoping to get those 50 trailers moved and away.'

He added that the Christmas break should help the firm catch-up on the freight backlog, but problems could re-emerge from the first week of January.

Meanwhile Dave McRedmond, chief executive of Ireland's national postal service An Post, revealed that more than half a million parcels had been sent to other ports.

He told The Telegraph: 'As we stand we don't have anything waiting in Holyhead, but of course it means the supply chains are very delayed,' he said.

'It's much longer to go via Pembroke or Fishguard, but there's no doubt this puts pressure on supply chains.

'And it just shows the reliance we have on what is now a single point of failure.'

Deliveries of Guinness to Britain could also be hit, weeks after Diageo said supplies to England, Scotland and Wales would be limited amid a surge in demand - fuelled by the stout becoming popular among young people and women in recent years.

With just one week until Christmas, passengers face serious disruption as they scramble to return home.

Eight daily sailings from Holyhead to Dublin usually transport up to 13,000 passengers and will not restart for another 28 days at least.

Some 150,000 passengers in Britain will be trying to get to Ireland for Christmas, and many booked in from Holyhead have been forced to find costly alternative routes.

All ferry services between Dublin and Holyhead are currently cancelled, affecting thousands of Irish people travelling home from the UK for Christmas.

Ger Hyland, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, told the Irish Daily Mail: 'Rosslare is absolutely jammed. Space remains non-existent. The last few days, the volume in every port is absolutely shocking.

'You just can't get any space on ferries. It's not just Rosslare; every port is in the same position. Every port is absolutely rammed on both sides.'

Mr Hyland added: 'It's likely to remain so until additional ferries are put on, which won't likely happen until the new year. It can't be cured overnight.

Holyhead Port in north Wales is set to remain closed until 15 January at the earliest

'There should have been a plan B for Holyhead's closure, but no one was expecting it to go down for so long.

What can affected ferry passengers do? Stena Lines said all ferries between Holyhead and Dublin have been cancelled until at least January 15. For passengers who were booked to travel from December 20 onwards, they can transfer their booking for free to alternative routes including: Birkenhead (Liverpool) to Dublin: motorist bookings only

Fishguard to Dublin

Fishguard to Rosslare

Cairnryan to Belfast

Liverpool to Belfast Customers can also cancel bookings online for free at stenaline.co.uk or stenaline.ie, or call 0344 770 7070 (UK) or + 353 1 907 5555 (Ireland). Advertisement

'We have drivers in ports waiting 24 hours to get on ferries. The wait at Cairnryan is especially bad. They are waiting there in a disused airfield.

'There are no facilities for people, no proper toilets, nowhere to make tea or coffee.

'If you want to book a ferry today for a truck you can't get one until Monday or Tuesday.'

Yesterday, Irish Ferries blocked new bookings on the Pembroke to Rosslare route to make sure there is 'enough capacity for our passengers already booked or on our cancelled Dublin-Holyhead services'.

Holyhead originally said the port would reopen today but announced on Tuesday it would stay closed until mid-January. There are fears it might not reopen until spring.

A joint statement from the Irish and Welsh governments said: 'This was not the news any of us wanted to hear.

'We know that this will cause some anxiety for people who are planning to travel to and from Ireland to be reunited with their loved ones this Christmas.' They said they are 'pressing ahead' with contingency plans at 'pace'.

But Mr Hyland said: 'We would be five or six days ahead if we were told before Tuesday.

'At this time of year there is very limited space on ferries but they will make it home. They might have to go around the country a bit but they will be fine.'

While retailers including Amazon and Tesco faced delays, medicine supplies were not affected.

Irish Ferries blocked new bookings on the Pembroke to Rosslare route to make sure there is 'enough capacity' for travellers who have booked the Dublin-Holyhead services

The Health Products Regulatory Authority told the Irish Daily Mail it is 'aware of the situation regarding hauliers and goods haulage being experienced' but 'to date no shortages of any medicine have been notified with a reason of distribution delays related to the situation at Holyhead'.

In a statement, Stena Line, which owns the port, said it had been 'working hard to provide alternative travel arrangements for customers during the busy festive period'.

'Stena Line is offering sailings for passengers and freight from Dublin to ports in Birkenhead and Fishguard.

'In addition, a new freight route from Dublin to Heysham has been added to assist continuity of trade flows.

'The company has also added additional sailings on the Belfast-Cairnryan route this weekend. Currently there is limited availability on the Belfast-Liverpool and Rosslare-Fishguard routes.

'Stena Line would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and assure customers that the company is doing everything in its power to mitigate the effects of the closure on passenger and freight traffic.

'Customers are currently being contacted and affected passengers are advised to amend their booking online free of charge or through the Contact Centre on 0344 770 7070 (UK)/ + 353 1 907 5555 (ROI).'

Irish Ferries said it is currently contacting customers affected and also 'working with UK ports with a view to adding further sailings to/from Ireland'.
Former Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci has turned his hand to investing after departing the grocery giant with a reported $24million payout.

South Africa-born Mr Banducci announced his surprise retirement in February, 48 hours after a Four Corners episode aired in which he walked out mid-interview.

His last day was in August, with replacement Amanda Bardwell taking the reigns.

Now, Mr Banducci has joined a consortium of investors in 8seats, a messaging platform for businesses which has so far raised $2million.

The company, co-founded by Iain McDonald in 2021, aims to compete with other messaging apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams.

It claims it will increase productivity by making communication more efficient, without the need for personal phone numbers or corporate email addresses.

Mr McDonald said the $2million raise is a boon for the company ahead of a public launch in 2025.

Before Mr Banducci turned his hand to investing, his tenure at Woolworths was a turbulent one.

Woolworths boss Brad Banducci (pictured) asked 'Can we take that out? Is that OK?', then seconds later said 'I think I'm done guys' and then walked out of the interview

8seats, co-founded by Iain McDonald in 2021, aims to compete with other messaging apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams

He steered the company through its disastrous Masters hardware collapse, the Covid pandemic, uproar over its ditching of Australia Day merchandise and allegations of price gouging which prompted a Senate inquiry.

But perhaps the most memorable moment of his tenure as CEO was when he walked out of an ABC Four Corners interview.

In the interview, reporter Angus Grigg put it to Mr Banducci that Rod Sims, the former head of the ACCC, had described Australia as having one of the worst concentrated supermarket industries in the world.

Mr Banducci said 'that's not true' and attempted to argue that the Australian supermarket industry was in fact 'an incredibly competitive market'.

He also pointed out that Mr Sims is 'retired'.

When Grigg asked the Woolworths head if he was 'impugning' Mr Sims' integrity, Mr Banducci asked: 'Can we take that out? Is that OK?'

Grigg then said 'we're on the record, you've said it... let's just move on'.

Seconds later, Mr Banducci said 'I think I'm done guys' and walked out of the room, prompting an astonished Grigg to reply: 'You're walking out? Really?'

Mr Banducci's tenure at Woolworths was a turbulent one, with perhaps his most memorable moment being his sudden exit from a Four Corner interview

Mr Banducci eventually returned to continue the interview. But just days later he announced he was stepping down from his role.

He had also come under fire in recent months for Woolworths' decision to dump Australia Day merchandise from all its stores.

The move provoked widespread anger, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton calling for a boycott of the supermarket chain.

Mr Banducci had spent 13 years with the company, including almost nine as CEO.

He received total pay of $8.65million last year and left the company with a package estimated to be worth $24.4million at the time.

His successor, Ms Bardwell, has since faced a 17-day strike at four major distribution hubs that left shelves empty in stores across Australia.

She will receive a base salary of $2.15million alongside generous bonus incentives.
George Stephanopoulos ignored several warnings from ABC News bosses not to use the word 'rape' in an interview discussing Donald Trump, a decision that has cost the network $16 million in a settlement.

Stephanopoulos, who became a target of Trump's ire over the summer and was referred to as 'Slopadopoulos,' said that the president-elect was 'liable for rape' against writer E. Jean Carroll in an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace in March.

The segment involved him interviewing the Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, with Stephanopoulos pressing her on why she endorsed Trump after he was found liable of sexual abuse.

Stephanopoulos said: 'I'm asking you a question, about why you endorse someone who's been found liable for rape?'

Multiple anonymous sources now tell the New York Post that the former aide to Bill Clinton was warned not to say 'rape' multiple times before going to air.

Stephanopoulos is reportedly 'apoplectic' and 'humiliated' about the decision by his longtime employers to pay the settlement money.

However, legal experts have claimed that ignoring network warnings not to say 'rape' likely hurt their ability to fight back against Trump.

The settlement, first reported by Fox News, was publicly filed on Saturday and revealed that the parties had come to an agreement in the suit.

George Stephanopoulos ignored several warnings from ABC News brass not to use the word 'rape' when referring to Donald Trump , a decision that has cost the network $16 million in a settlement

Stephanopoulos, who became a target of Trump's ire over the summer and was referred to as 'Slopadopoulos,' said that the president-elect was 'liable for rape' in an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace in March

It stipulates that the network will pay $15 million as a charitable contribution towards Trump's presidential library.

ABC will also post a note on its website expressing regret over the claim in a March 10 segment on "This Week" made by Stephanopoulos.

They will also pay his legal fees as part of the settlement, which have totaled $1 million.

A statement from the network said: 'ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABCs This Week on March 10, 2024.'

Trump had sued Stephanopoulos and the network for defamation soon after the segment aired.

His lawyers accused Stephanopoulos of making the statements with 'malice' and a disregard for the truth.

Mace, who has seen her stock rise since Trump's election, accused the anchor of trying to shame her by bringing up the case.

The congresswoman went on: 'As a rape victim, who's been shamed for years now because of her rape. You're trying to shame me again.'

The segment involved him interviewing Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, with Stephanopoulos pressing her on why she endorsed Trump after he was found liable of sexual abuse

Mace was raped when she was 16 years old and says it is what drives her to be an advocate for women's issues.

''I have endorsed a man that I believe is best for our country. It's not Joe Biden. You looked at the dueling rallies yesterday, in Georgia.

And here you are trying to shame a rape victim. I find it disgusting.'

'You keep saying I'm shaming you. How is a question about a presidential candidate' Stephanopoulos said. 'You're asking a rape victim,' Mace cut in.

A New York jury in May 2023 ordered Trump to pay $5 million in damages for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s.

He was then ordered to pay another $83.3 million for defamation after he publicly denied sexually abusing Carroll in a department store dressing room in 1996.

Jurors had deliberated for less than three hours following a two-week civil trial in which the former president testified for just three minutes.

Stephanopoulos was initially defiant of the lawsuit, telling Stephen Colbert that he wouldn't be 'cowed out of doing my job because of a threat'.

Trump's lawyers accused Stephanopoulos of making the statements with 'malice' and a disregard for the truth

A New York jury in May 2023 ordered Trump to pay $5 million in damages for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s

He added: 'Trump sued me because I used the word rape, even though a judge said thats in fact what did happen. We filed a motion to dismiss.'

Trump is also suing CBS News for $10 billion in damages alleging the network practiced 'deceptive conduct' when they interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris in October.

Lawyers for the president claimed numerous violations by the broadcaster including lying in a thoughtful and malevolent way, according to a lawsuit.

They wrote the complaint is because of 'CBS partisan and unlawful acts of election and voter interference through malicious, deceptive, and substantial news distortion calculated to confuse, deceive, and mislead the public.'

Trump and his team also allege that CBS News was trying to run cover for Democrats by making Kamala Harris' performance look better than it was.
A construction company has been fined 860,000 after an employee was crushed to death while working on the site of an island wind farm.

Liam MacDonald, from Tain, Ross-shire, was found with heavy machinery pinned to his chest inside a skip he had been cleaning at Viking Energys construction site in Shetland in 2022.

He had been crushed by the skips bale arm, weighing 170lb. The 23-year-old was working for contractor BAM Nuttall when the tragedy happened on June 5 that year.

The firm, which pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety laws, was fined 800,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of 60,000 at Lerwick Sheriff Court yesterday.

The fine was reduced from 1.2million for the early timing of the companys plea.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said he had to impose a fine which sends a message that companies must do all within their power to ensure safe working practices.

The court heard the incident was not indicative of a cavalier attitude to health and safety.

But Sheriff Cruickshank said Mr MacDonald had been sent to chip off hardened concrete from the inside of a skip with a hammer, which was not a task that he carried out before.

Liam MacDonald was found with heavy machinery pinned to his chest inside a skip he had been cleaning at Viking Energys construction site in Shetland

Viking Energy wind farm construction site (foreground) at Upper Kergord, which is operated by Cheshire-based BAM Nuttall

He added: He was not accompanied, unsupervised and was not provided with further instruction.

I was told the chipping of concrete with a hammer would ordinarily have been undertaken by a worker standing outside the skip.

Mr MacDonald was found motionless by colleagues and was removed from the skip when CPR attempts failed and an on-site defibrillator did not administer any charge.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was traumatic asphyxia. It is not known how the bale arm came to be unsecured.

The court heard that the bale arm was supposed to be secured by a carabiner and chain but was not in this case.

The Health and Safety Executive found BAM Nuttall had failed to ensure appropriate control measures were in place.

Solicitor Murdo MacLeod, acting for BAM Nuttall, previously told Inverness Sheriff Court that it was very much a one-off incident.

But Sheriff Cruickshank noted that the firm had a number of previous breaches of the Health and Safety Act.

The company had 16 contraventions of the act since 1999, he said, with fines ranging from 3,500 to 2,334,000.

BAM Nuttall has since apologised to the family for the circumstances leading to Mr MacDonalds death.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez saw the funny side after she was epically trolled by Donald Trump over losing the battle to lead the House Oversight Committee.

Trump shared on Truth Social that it was really too bad that Ocasio-Cortez was defeated by Gerry Connolly to lead the House Democrats on the panel.

She should keep trying, Trump added. Someday, she will be successful!

Ocasio-Cortez pursued a leadership position on the committee, challenging more established and more senior Democrats who were expected to get the role.

She lost to 74-year-old Connolly (D-Va.) with the final vote from her Democratic colleagues at 131 to 84. Connolly was recently diagnosed with esophagus cancer, with plans to undergo chemotherapy to address it.

Ocasio-Cortez reacted to Trumps post on social media, sharing an image of his reaction on her own X account.

Damn you know its bad when even Trump is feeling bad for me, Ocasio-Cortez replied with a laugh/crying emoji.

Ocasio-Cortez continues looking for ways to her political profile, especially after Democrats lost the Senate, the House, and the presidency to President-elect Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans in the 2024 election.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) joked on social media after President-elect Donald Trump mocked her for her failed leadership bid

Damn you know its bad when even Trump is feeling bad for me  pic.twitter.com/PWF6LV7PVV  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 18, 2024

Although in the minority, the position of the House Oversight Committee chairman is a prominent position for Democrats looking for ways to make a name for themselves by opposing Trump and hold him and his administration accountable.

But in Congress, seniority continues to reign, suggesting that the 35-year-old congresswoman will have to wait her turn.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was among Democrats who opposed Ocasio-Cortezs attempt to leapfrog over Connelly, as she made calls to fellow Democrats on his behalf.

Ocasio-Cortez reacted negatively after Trump won the presidency in November, warning her followers that the United States was entering a period of 'fascism.'

'We find ourselves I believe in a time where there are lets say peers in history of massive movements of people that mobilize to protect one another in times of fascism and authoritarianism. And this is the era that we are poised to enter,' she told her followers on Instagram.

President-elect Donald Trump made fun of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's failed leadership bid

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. responded to Trump with a self-deprecating post on social media

She later reflected on the fact that some of her supporters who voted for her also voted for Trump as president instead of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Some of her followers admitted they voted for Trump because they believed that he actually cared about the working class and would bring change to the country as an anti-establishment figure.

'I feel like Trump and you are both real,' wrote one follower simply.

'I feel that you both are outsiders compared to the rest of DC, and less establishment,' wrote another one of her followers.

'Voted Trump, but I like you and Bernie,' wrote another. I don't trust either party establishment politicians.'

Trump earned 33 percent of voters in Ocasio-Cortezs district, a shocking jump of eleven points from the 2020 presidential election.
A 74-year-old boater who vanished off the coast of Florida was found in his vessel drifting across international waters.

David Diehl was aboard the Stargazer, a 30-foot catamaran, when he was last heard from on December 4 about 20 miles off Fort Myers in southwest Florida.

According to the US Coast Guard, Diehl was spotted by a cruise ship who reported the boat as disabled and floating in waters 30 miles off Cuba.

A video of the floating ship showed Diehl on board as a rescue crew set out toward him.

Diehl had been floating adrift for two weeks, before he was found. The coast guard sent out an alert on December 12, with still no word on his whereabouts on December 14.

Diehl was found 'in good health' despite his terrifying two weeks at sea.

The US Coast Guard says his story highlights the importance of being as vigilant as possible.

'Tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back to keep loved ones from worrying this holiday season,' a spokesperson offered as a reminder.

David Diehl was aboard the Stargazer, a 30-foot catamaran, when he was last heard from on December 4 about 20 miles off Fort Myers in southwest Florida

Diehl had been floating adrift for two weeks, before he was found. The coast guard sent out an alert on December 12, with still no word on his whereabouts on December 14

While Diehl was found 'in good health', his terrifying two weeks drifting in the ocean highlights the dangers

Diehl's story comes just weeks after the Coast Guard performed a frantic search from five people in Alaska who went missing after a fishing boat capsized.

The ship overturned near Point Couverden in early December, before the search was called off after nearly 24 hours.

The search spanned over 108 miles after a mayday call from those onboard.

The families of Travis Kapp, Jacob Hannah, Alex Ireland, Emilio 'EJ' Celaya and Michael Brown spoke out to remember their loved ones.

'We are all so devastated,' Celayas aunt, Stephanie Molt told KTUU-TV.

Hannah's mother, Carol Hannah, told the outlet: 'I couldnt be mad at him because thats what hes lived for  is for going to Alaska and fishing,' Carol said.

'So he did what he wanted throughout his life. Im very proud because Alaska is what helped him become the man he was.'

The sister of Kapp's partner, Stephanie, shared that Kapp 'had three passions in life; being a great father to Paige, his new blended family with Stephanie and her daughter Alice, and running a commercial fishing operation.'

She added: 'We are beyond heartbroken. We love you so much EJ. Sending lots of love and strength to all the other crewmates' families.'
Is Sarah Ferguson distraught? Last year she couldnt restrain herself when invited to make her first Christmas appearance at Sandringham since divorcing Andrew.

She even live-tweeted from Sandringham after lunch, overwhelmed that she was finally back in the royal fold.

She told her followers: We are enjoying each others company and feeling grateful today. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Happy Christmas to anyone who celebrates and seasons greetings to all!

The prospect of a desultory lunch for two at Royal Lodge next week will not have her chirping like the happy budgie she usually is.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York attends the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York at the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham in 2023

Looking back on Christmases past with the late Princess of Wales, ubiquitous ex-butler Paul Burrell recalls how shed celebrate with William and Harry the weekend before they headed off to Sandringham to be with their father.

Of course, Diana was very jokey and she would put rude things in [the Christmas stockings] to embarrass them, he recalls.

William had a calendar one year with naked ladies on it just to make him blush and it worked. Is there no end to the embarrassing gossip from motor-mouth Burrell?

Looking back on Christmases past with the late Princess of Wales (pictured), ubiquitous ex-butler Paul Burrell recalls how shed celebrate with William and Harry the weekend before they headed off to Sandringham to be with their father

Embattled Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell first found faith as an Essex teenager while watching Robert Powells portrayal of the Messiah in TV-hit Jesus of Nazareth.

As I sat and watched it, I wept. My mum told me to pull myself together, he recalls.

Cottrell sensibly doesnt mention any boyhood admiration for Roberts other half, Pans Peoples stunner Babs Powell.

Embattled Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell (pictured) first found faith as an Essex teenager while watching Robert Powells portrayal of the Messiah in TV-hit Jesus of Nazareth

Almost 25 years after making that widely ridiculed claim he used to knock back 14 pints of beer a day when delivering the stuff in South Yorkshire as a teenager, William Hague finally admits the truth to Times Radio: It was one-and-a-half pints. Lightweight!

Former royal poobah Dickie Arbiter solves the mystery of how Mrs Keppels Faberge cigarette case became part of the Royal Collection.

Camillas grandmother gave the case to Edward VII in 1908. Following his death in 1910 and recognising its significance, Edwards widow, Queen Alexandra, returned it to Mrs Keppel as a memento.

Twenty-five years later, in 1936, Mrs Keppel gave the case to Queen Mary and following the dowager Queens passing in 1953 it ended up in the Royal Collection.

A Faberge cigarette case given to King Edward VII by his favourite mistress  an ancestor of Queen Camilla - will go on display for the first time at Buckingham palace next spring. Pictured: Faberge, Cigarette case, 1908

Christopher Biggins recalls his stint as artistic director of a Shakespeare opera season in Barbados when he was ambushed at The Ivy restaurant by Dames Maggie Smith and Joan Plowright, saying: They were a bit tipsy and called me over to their table.

They said: Now, Biggins, youre going to Barbados to do opera and Shakespeare. Why havent you employed us? Were bloody good Shakespearean actors!

Methinks if Biggins was in charge of a season in Scunthorpe, the boozy thespians would have slipped under The Ivy table cloth at the sight of beaming Biggins.
Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff was allegedly sent on a secret mission to the US to charm Donald Trump, a No10 insider has revealed.

Morgan McSweeney travelled to Florida to meet Susie Wiles, the political strategist who is set to be named set to be named the president's chief of staff in office.

Mr McSweeney also discussed policies with Mike Waltz, the congressman who has been named as Mr Trump's next national security adviser, in Washington earlier this month.

His trip suggests there is some worry within the Government about their relationship with the US and shows a focus on building bridges with the incoming president.

Mr McSweeney had faced criticism from Trump's campaign during the election when it emerged he had attended the Democrat's party's convention.

A number of Cabinet ministers have also been outspoken in their criticism of the president-elect, whilst Reform leader Nigel Farage is considered a 'friend' by Mr Trump.

The PM has also previously clashed with Mr Musk, who has become a key supporter of Mr Trump and been appointed by the President-elect to lead a new US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Despite this, the two nations leaders discussed the possibility of the Prime Minister visiting the US next February during a phone call on Wednesday.

Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) is said to be looking to build bridges with the incoming president

Sir Keir spoke to Donald Trump amid claims he is eyeing up a White House visit in February following the US President-elect's inauguration

Their conversation came amid claims Sir Keir is eyeing up a White House visit in February following the US President-elect's inauguration.

A senior Downing Street source told The Telegraph: 'The mood music was very warm. President Trump is nothing but warm about the UK.

'As the year closes, Team Starmer is confident the UK is in a good position for a strong bilateral relationship with the new presidency.'

Joining Mr McSweeney on the US trip was Jonathan Powell, the former chief of staff to Sir Tony Blair, who last month was made Sir Keir's national security adviser.

Mr Powell had previously negotiated the deal to give away the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which is now hanging in the balance following Trump's election win.

Mr Farage told the Commons on Wednesday that he had encountered 'very deep disquiet' in Mr Trump's team about the agreement when he visited his Mar-a-Lago estate earlier this week.

During the US charm offensive, the Labour delegates had a conversation about the UK-US trade relationship, as Sir Keir hopes to strike a trade deal with America, while avoiding any import tariffs imposed by Mr Trump.

Ukraine, China and the Middle East have also been a point of difference between the leaders, and Mr McSweeney and Mr Powell discussed working together on these polices whilst in the States.

Morgan McSweeney travelled to Florida to meet Susie Wiles, the political strategist who is set to be named set to be named the president's chief of staff in office

Ms Wiles (pictured) was the mastermind behind Mr Trump's re-election

Downing Street said earlier this week that the Prime Minister and Mr Trump discussed the Ukraine war and the Middle East crisis during their phone call.

Sir Keir also congratulated the President-elect on his appointments to his incoming administration, which include billionaire businessman Elon Musk.

No10 provided a readout of the pair's call amid reports the PM could make a trip to meet Mr Trump in person soon after his inauguration ceremony on 20 January.

The PM is expected to visit as early as February, according to the i newspaper.

Sir Keir met Mr Trump for the first time in September, prior to his US election victory, as they dined together for two hours in New York.

They were also joined by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who previously called Mr Trump a 'racist' and a 'neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath'.

In a readout of Sir Keir and Mr Trump's call, a Downing Street spokesperson said: 'The PM spoke to President-elect Donald Trump this afternoon from Downing Street.

'The PM began by congratulating President-elect Trump on his recent team appointments and President-elect Trump warmly recounted his meeting with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in Paris earlier this month.

Mr McSweeney also discussed policies with Mike Waltz, the congressman who has been named as Mr Trump's next national security adviser

Joining Mr McSweeney on the US trip was Jonathan Powell, the former chief of staff to Sir Tony Blair, who last month was made Sir Keir's national security adviser

'Both agreed on their joint ambition to strengthen the close and historic relationship between the UK and the US.

'They looked forward to working together on shared priorities, including international security and delivering economic growth and prosperity.

'Turning to global conflicts, the PM reiterated the need for allies to stand together with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position.

'On the Middle East, the PM underscored the need to work together to ensure peace and security in the region.

'They agreed to keep in touch and looked forward to seeing one another at the earliest opportunity.'

Sir Keir and Mr Musk, who met with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on Monday, clashed earlier this year over the widespread rioting in the UK.

The billionaire Tesla boss and owner of X sparked a furious backlash by claiming that 'civil war is inevitable' amid the violent chaos in British cities and towns.

He also branded the PM 'Two Tier Keir' as he fuelled claims that UK police treat some groups more harshly than others.

But Mr Musk was left red-faced after being forced to retract false claims about Sir Keir setting up detainment camps in the Falkland Islands for rioters.
Templeton Emerging Markets Investment Trust PLC (the "Company") announces that the Board of Directors (the "Board") have agreed to appoint Sarika Patel as a non-executive Director of the Company, with effect from 1 January 2025. The Board confirms that the intention is that Sarika will take on the role of Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee ("ARC") and will work closely in the coming months with Simon Jeffreys, current Chair of the ARC, to ensure an orderly handover of the role. Simon Jeffreys was appointed in 2016 and is retiring from the Board following the conclusion of the AGM in July 2025.

Sarika is Chair of abrdn Equity Income Trust and chairs the Audit & Risk Committee of SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust, she is also Chair of Action for Children and a non-executive director of the Office for Nuclear Regulation. Sarika is a Chartered Accountant. Sarika was previously Audit and Risk Committee Chair of both Foresight Sustainable Forest Company and Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Income Fund.

Sarika Patel commented "I am excited to be joining the Board of Templeton Emerging Markets Investment Trust and look forward to working with the other members of the Board and the teams at Franklin Templeton. Emerging markets continue to provide an exciting opportunity for investors."

Angus Macpherson said, "I am delighted that Sarika has agreed to join the Board, she brings proven judgement and a wealth of experience which will be of considerable value to the Board."

The Company discloses this information pursuant to the Financial Conduct Authority's UK Listing Rules 6.4.6 R (1) and 6.4.8 R (1). This disclosure is based upon information provided by this Director and has not been independently verified by the Company.

Sarika Patel has no details to disclose pursuant to UK Listing Rules 6.4.8 R (2) to 6.4.8 R (6).

For further information please e-mail temitcosec@franklintempleton.com

The information contained in this announcement is restricted and is not for publication, release or distribution in the United States of America, any member state of the European Economic Area, Canada, Australia, Japan or the Republic of South Africa.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

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A review of Britains relations with China has been delayed until after Rachel Reeves visits the country.

She is due to make a trip to Beijing in January  the first by a UK Chancellor in five years.

But as Labour tries to improve relations with the Communist superpower, the Government has postponed its publication of a cross-Whitehall China audit.

According to The Guardian, the report was set to be released in January but has now been pushed back to the spring.

It comes in the wake of the revelation that a Chinese businessman who befriended Prince Andrew has been banned from the UK on national security grounds  and fears that ministers will resist calls to take a tougher line on the country.

Rachel Reeves is due to make a trip to Beijing in January  the first by a UK Chancellor in five years

As Labour tries to improve relations with the Communist superpower, the Government has postponed its publication of a cross-Whitehall China audit (pictured: Keir Starmer during a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping of China at the G20 in Brazil last month)

MPs this week demanded that China be placed in the enhanced tier of a new register aimed at tackling foreign influence, but there are concerns the Government is being lobbied by big business to resist the move.

Yesterday Ms Reeves defended Labours approach  which has involved Sir Keir Starmer becoming the first Prime Minister since 2018 to hold face-to-face talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

She said: Its most important we always put our national security first. Our relationship with China will be a pragmatic one. But we should trade and seek investment when it is in our national interest to do so.
QUESTION: Why is there a blue plaque in Birmingham to the U.S. author Washington Irving?

Washington Irving (1783-1859), the celebrated American author, had a close relationship with Birmingham, where he spent many years.

His first visit was in 1815, at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, when he stayed with his sister Sarah, her husband Henry van Wart and their children.

Henry, an American businessman turned British citizen, was a significant figure in Birminghams civic and economic development, founding the Birmingham Stock Exchange and serving as one of the citys first aldermen.

Irving was in Birmingham to reconnect with British businesses and help his familys finances, which had been badly affected by the War of 1812.

Irving lived with the Van Wart family in various places around Birmingham, including Icknield Street West, Camden Hill (now Newhall Hill), 12 Calthorpe Street in Edgbaston (where the blue plaque is) and The Shrubbery on Hagley Road. He affectionately named the homes Castle van Tromp.

Irving worshipped at St Pauls Church in St Pauls Square. At the time when Irving was here, most of what we now know as Birmingham was countryside on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution.

Irving explored Birminghams surroundings, visiting landmarks such as Aston Hall and Perrotts Folly. His travels extended across England, Scotland and Wales, where he met notable literary figures Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Sir Walter Scott. Scott was a particularly prominent figure in Irvings life, becoming a mentor to him as well as a lifelong friend.

Drawing, 1929 by James Montgomery Flagg, for the book by Washington Irving

During his time in Birmingham, he wrote many of his well-known works including The Sketch Book Of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent (1819-20), which included his most famous stories Rip Van Winkle and TheLegend Of Sleepy Hollow.

Bracebridge Hall, Or The Humorists, A Medley (1822) was inspired by Aston Hall and its historical associations.Today, Birmingham honours the authors legacy with Irving Street and Washington Street, both of which are near the city centre.

Keith Jacobs, Birmingham

QUESTION: Why is the bastard toadflax plant so-called?

Bastard toadflax actually refers to two plants, depending on where you are.

The prefix bastard in botanical names historically denotes plants that resemble or are similar to another group but dont belong to it.

In North America, bastard toadflax is the common name of Comandra umbellata, which gets its scientific name from the Greek for male hairs (comandra; due to the hairs at the base of the plants stamens) and the shape of its flower.

The UKs bastard toadflax is Thesium humifusum, which, like Comandra umbellata, is hemiparasitic, meaning it photosynthesises as well as extracting water and nutrients from nearby plants.

Both bastard toadflaxes are members of the sandalwood family (Santalaceae), while true toadflax is from the Plantaginaceae (plantain) family, genus Linaria. It is thought that the name toadflax came about because the flowers look like little toads, with their wide mouth similar to that of a toad.

Toadflax pictured at the Chelsea Flower Show. In North America, bastard toadflax is the common name of Comandra umbellata

S. W. Davy, Southwell, Notts

QUESTION: What is a Marsden Square in cartography?

A Marsden Square is a system used in cartography and geography to divide the Earths surface into a grid of squares for easy referencing, particularly in mapping oceans.

Tomorrow's questions:

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It is beneficial for observations made by seafarers that are not made at fixed locations.

The system is fairly simple, whereby each ten-degree square of latitude and longitude has been assigned a number, beginning at Greenwich and the equator with 001 and progressing westward around the globe.

In this way, the world is subdivided into a grid of 936 Marsden Squares. These can then be subdivided into five- or one-degree squares for increased precision.

The system was named after William Marsden (1754-1836), Secretary of the Admiralty (and Vice-President of The Royal Society), who devised the grid idea in the early 19th century.

But available records suggest that the system was in fact probably invented, and certainly implemented, by Robert FitzRoy soon after he became head of the British Meteorological Office in 1854.

FitzRoy is mostly remembered as the captain of the Beagle from 1828 to 1836, during two surveying voyages to the southern coast of South America, who invited a young naturalist called Charles Darwin aboard for company.

While largely superseded by GPS and digital mapping systems, Marsden Squares are still important for historical data comparison.

Stuart Butler, Portsmouth
Alex Salmond helped detectives investigating Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell over more than 600,000 in donations allegedly missing from SNP funds.

The late former First Minister spoke to officers at length about the long-running fraud probe into the finances of the party he once led.

Detectives spoke to Mr Salmond about party spending during his leadership.

He secretly met Operation Branchform detectives but the Alba Party chief had not given a formal statement to officers before his death in October  despite helping the investigation into his former deputy Ms Sturgeon and other SNP figures.

It is understood Mr Salmond met detectives more than a year ago, following a request.

Details of the talks follow concerns about the time prosecutors are taking to decide whether to charge Ms Sturgeon and ex-SNP treasurer Colin Beattie after their arrest last year. They were both released without charge pending further investigation.

Former SNP chief executive Mr Murrell was charged with embezzlement in April.

Mr Salmond also spoke to police about Operation Newbiggin  a probe into claims of leaks about the Scottish Governments inquiry into his conduct. In March, police said no action was being taken.

Alex Salmond (pictured in 2018) spoke to officers at length about the long-running fraud probe into the finances of the party he once led

Officers raided Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrells Glasgow home and the SNPs Edinburgh HQ days after she stepped down as First Minister in March 2023

Operation Branchform was launched in July 2021 following allegations relating to how more than 600,000 of crowdfunding was used by the SNP.

Officers raided Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrells Glasgow home and the SNPs Edinburgh HQ days after she stepped down as First Minister in March 2023.

In a separate operation, officers took away a 110,000 camper van from outside the home of Mr Murrells mother in Dunfermline.

Ms Sturgeon, who denies wrongdoing, has insisted she is still in the dark about the probe.

Police Scotland said it would not comment on who it does or does not speak to as part of an investigation.

A police file into embezzlement allegations against Mr Murrell was handed to prosecutors in May.

Ms Sturgeon, who denies wrongdoing, has insisted she is still in the dark about the probe

Ms Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell was charged in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the SNP earlier this year

He is accused of embezzling party funds, which is said to have occurred between 2016 and last year. In an unusual statement, released on the first full day of General Election campaigning in May, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said prosecutors operate independently of political influence.

Mr Murrell was taken into police custody in April last year and was finally charged in April this year.

A Crown Office spokesman said: A standard prosecution report has been received by the COPFS from Police Scotland in relation to a 59-year-old man and incidents said to have occurred between 2016 and 2023.
Britain is sending Ukraine an additional package of military support worth 225 million, the Defence Secretary revealed on a visit to Kyiv.

John Healey met his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov yesterday and outlined how the UK will provide more air defence and electronic warfare equipment, and drones and munitions for the countrys navy.

The equipment will be provided by the International Fund for Ukraine, with Western allies sharing the cost. Mr Healey also set out the priority areas for the UKs support.

These include Ukraines military capabilities on the battlefield, the training of its soldiers by British troops, enhanced industrial cooperation and increasing pressure on Russia.

Last night, Mr Healey said: The UK will step up its international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025.

'We will enhance our offer of training and provide battle-winning capabilities, included in our new 225 million package.

During my meetings in Kyiv I made clear the UKs support will continue for as long as it takes, regardless of the situation in Ukraine and we will always stand shoulder to shoulder to ensure Putin cannot win.

Ukrainian servicemen fire a howitzer toward Russian positions near the front line in Chasiv Yar, Donetsk

John Healey (pictured) met his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov yesterday and outlined how the UK will provide more air defence and electronic warfare equipment, and drones and munitions for the countrys navy

The UK continues to co-lead both the international drone and maritime coalitions to provide Ukraine with advanced new weapons and equipment.

The International Fund for Ukraine is a funding mechanism that uses financial contributions from international partners to rapidly procure priority military equipment for Ukraine.

The fund is administered by the UK Ministry of Defence on behalf of an executive panel comprising the UK, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Lithuania. These partners, along with Iceland, Australia, Portugal, and New Zealand, have pledged more than 1.3bn to date.
Multi-million dollar heiress Paris Hilton brought her viral motorized suitcase to Washington, DC on Wednesday while celebrating a major achievement on Capitol Hill.

Hilton was spotted riding on her motorized suitcase during her trip to Capitol Hill, prompting observers to share photos of her on social media.

'My brother in law is in DC for work and saw Paris Hilton pass by on her motorized suitcase LMAO,' wrote user St. Paul Pork Product on X.

'She likes her soootcaaaase,' wrote Republican staffer Noah Sadlier, sharing the photo, and referring to the popular meme.

Hilton featured her suitcase on a TikTok video she shared in November, joining the millions of TikTok users who remixed and featured videos of themselves with the sound of President Donald Trump's young son Barron Trump talking about his luggage.

'I like my Slivcase,' she wrote, sharing heart emojis as the pink clad millionaire rode around a Christmas tree on a motorized suitcase.

Resurfaced CNN video of Barron as a young child features him talking about his appreciation of his 'suitcase,' a briefcase that he takes to school.

The clip uploaded to TikTok by the Daily Mail generated millions of views and prompted users to imitate the young Trump son with their own TikTok videos of luggage or dance remix versions of his remarks.

Celebrity hotel heiress Paris Hilton is photographed by a member of her team as she rides an Airwheel electric scooter luggage outside the U.S. Capitol

Club remixes of Barron's 'suitcase' voice track have even surfaced at clubs in the real world, as audiences cheer and pump their fists at the familiar sound of the young Barron Trump with a Slovenian accent talking about his luggage.

Hilton was on Capitol Hill to celebrate the passage of the Stop Institutionalized Child Abuse bill. The bill will establish an interagency work group under Department of Health and Human Services to provide oversight of 'troubled teen' facilities.

The House of Representatives passed the bill championed by Hilton after she publicly shared her traumatizing experience in a school for troubled minors when she was a teenager.

Hilton accused staff at the school of sexually and physically abusing her, force-feeding her medications, and putting her in solitary confinement during her two year experience at the facility. She first detailed her experience at the school in her 2020 documentary 'This is Paris.'

Paris Hilton meets with a supporters after speaking at a Stop Institutional Child Abuse

Hilton celebrated the bill's passage in the House

'I am so emotional right now. I have never felt prouder in my life,' Hilton said to reporters. 'Just to be here today and see our bill pass in Congress has been one of the most incredible moments of my life and I just know that the teenage me would be so proud of the woman that I am today -- turning my pain into purpose and being a voice for so many people who don't have a voice.'

The bill now heads to President Joe Biden's desk, as he is expected to sign it.

Hilton told reporters that she was encouraged by her success on Capitol Hill, conceding that a future run for political office could be in her future.

'After coming here so many times over the past couple of years and seeing that my voice really can make a difference and really shine a spotlight on things that are important around the world to make it a better place and safer for children, I can maybe see that happening one day,' she said.
ABC News is looking to keep both Donald Trump and George Stephanopoulos happy after paying Trump a $16 million settlement over their star anchor's comments about the president-elect.

The ex-Bill Clinton aide has reportedly signed a multi-year contract extension with the network, according to the LA Times.

Stephanopoulos was reportedly paid $20 million a year in his current contract for hosting Good Morning America and Sunday news staple This Week, as well as producing documentaries.

It comes after the 63-year-old ABC stalwart's on-air words have cost the Disney-owned network $16 million.

Stephanopoulos, who became a target of Trump's ire over the summer and was referred to as 'Slopadopoulos,' was the impetus behind a lawsuit after he said that the president-elect was 'liable for rape' against writer E. Jean Carroll in an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace in March.

It stipulates that the network will pay $15 million as a charitable contribution towards Trump's presidential library. They will also pay his legal fees as part of the settlement, which have totaled $1 million.

ABC also has to post a note on its website expressing regret over the claim in a March 10 segment on "This Week" made by Stephanopoulos.

Stephanopoulos is reportedly 'apoplectic' and 'humiliated' about the decision by his longtime employers to pay the settlement money.

ABC News is looking to keep both Donald Trump and George Stephanopoulos happy after paying Trump a $16 million settlement over their star anchor's comments about the president-elect

Stephanopoulos, who became a target of Trump's ire over the summer and was referred to as 'Slopadopoulos,' was the impetus behind a lawsuit after he said that the president-elect was 'liable for rape' against writer E. Jean Carroll in an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace in March

However, legal experts have claimed that ignoring multiple network warnings not to say 'rape' on-air likely hurt their ability to fight back against Trump.

Multiple anonymous sources now tell the New York Post that Stephanopoulos was warned not to say 'rape' multiple times before going to air.

The segment involved him interviewing Mace, with Stephanopoulos pressing her on why she endorsed Trump after he was found liable of sexual abuse.

Stephanopoulos said: 'I'm asking you a question, about why you endorse someone who's been found liable for rape?'

Mace, who has seen her stock rise since Trump's election, accused the anchor of trying to shame her by bringing up the case.

The congresswoman went on: 'As a rape victim, who's been shamed for years now because of her rape. You're trying to shame me again.'

Mace was raped when she was 16 years old and says it is what drives her to be an advocate for women's issues.

''I have endorsed a man that I believe is best for our country. It's not Joe Biden. You looked at the dueling rallies yesterday, in Georgia.

The segment involved him interviewing Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, with Stephanopoulos pressing her on why she endorsed Trump after he was found liable of sexual abuse

And here you are trying to shame a rape victim. I find it disgusting.'

'You keep saying I'm shaming you. How is a question about a presidential candidate' Stephanopoulos said. 'You're asking a rape victim,' Mace cut in.

The settlement, first reported by Fox News, was publicly filed on Saturday and revealed that the parties had come to an agreement in the suit.

A statement from the network said: 'ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABCs This Week on March 10, 2024.'

Trump had sued Stephanopoulos and the network for defamation soon after the segment aired.

His lawyers accused Stephanopoulos of making the statements with 'malice' and a disregard for the truth.

A New York jury in May 2023 ordered Trump to pay $5 million in damages for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s.

He was then ordered to pay another $83.3 million for defamation after he publicly denied sexually abusing Carroll in a department store dressing room in 1996.

Trump's lawyers accused Stephanopoulos of making the statements with 'malice' and a disregard for the truth

A New York jury in May 2023 ordered Trump to pay $5 million in damages for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s

Jurors had deliberated for less than three hours following a two-week civil trial in which the former president testified for just three minutes.

Stephanopoulos was initially defiant of the lawsuit, telling Stephen Colbert that he wouldn't be 'cowed out of doing my job because of a threat'.

He added: 'Trump sued me because I used the word rape, even though a judge said thats in fact what did happen. We filed a motion to dismiss.'

Trump is also suing CBS News for $10 billion in damages alleging the network practiced 'deceptive conduct' when they interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris in October.

Lawyers for the president claimed numerous violations by the broadcaster including lying in a thoughtful and malevolent way, according to a lawsuit.

They wrote the complaint is because of 'CBS partisan and unlawful acts of election and voter interference through malicious, deceptive, and substantial news distortion calculated to confuse, deceive, and mislead the public.'

Trump and his team also allege that CBS News was trying to run cover for Democrats by making Kamala Harris' performance look better than it was.
A popular home-internet router from China could face a complete ban as soon as next year as authorities investigate their potential link to cyberattack fears.

The China-based router manufacturer TP-Link is under federal investigation after recent cyberattacks on top US officials sparked urgency to quash any national vulnerabilities for more cyber threats.

The company holds a 65 percent market share in the United States and is the top choice on Amazon. It also powers internet communications for the Defense Department and other federal government agencies.

However, amid rising fears of cyberattacks and national security threats, the popular products could be banned from being sold as soon as next year, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Sources familiar with the matter told the outlet that an office of the Commerce Department has subpoenaed TP-Link.

The banning of the products would fall to president-elect Donald Trump, who has already signaled an aggressive approach to China, when he takes office.

Concerns for the Chinese-based products arose in October after Microsoft published a cybersecurity report, finding that a Chinese hacking entity maintains a large network made up mostly of compromising thousands of TP-Link routers.

Numerous alleged cyberattacks took place through the network, reported the WSJ, including on government organizations and Defense Department suppliers.

The China-based router manufacturer TP-Link is under federal investigation after recent cyberattacks on top US officials sparked urgency to quash any national vulnerabilities for more cyber threats

Concerns for the Chinese-based products arose in October after Microsoft published a cybersecurity report, finding that a Chinese hacking entity maintains a large network made up mostly of compromising thousands of TP-Link routers

Sources close to the matter, according to the outlet's report, claimed that the company often ships customers routers with security flaws they then fail to address.

While routers often have bugs regardless, TP-Link doesn't engage with security researchers concerned about them, the report claimed. While a spokeswoman for the company's California based unit said that they assess potential security risks and take action to address known vulnerabilities.

'We welcome any opportunities to engage with the US government to demonstrate that our security practices are fully in line with industry security standards, and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the US market, US consumers, and addressing US national security risks,' the spokeswoman told WSJ.

If the products are banned, it would be the biggest extraction of Chinese telecom equipment from the country since the Trump administration in 2019 ordered Huawei Technologies to be taken from American infrastructure, according to the outlet.

TP-Link has already joined with more than 300 internet providers in the US to be the router that is mailed to new homes that sign up for their services.

Their market dominance is believed to be related to their low prices, as they are often more than half the cost of competitors.

However, the low cost is being investigated by the Justice Department to see whether the price differences violate federal law prohibiting attempts at monopolies by selling products for less than they cost to make.

The Biden administration is exploring potential action against the company as part of a larger response to the recent cyberattacks linked to China, WSJ reported.

A spokeswoman for the company's California based unit said that they assess potential security risks and take action to address known vulnerabilities

The company holds a 65 percent market share in the United States, and the top choice on Amazon. It also powers internet communications for the Defense Department and other federal government agencies

As tensions rise between China and the United States, TP-Link's founders brothers Zhao Jianjun and Zhao Jiaxing in Shenzhen have attempted to distance the company from China

Part of the response may include fully purging the US of China Telecom from US telecom infrastructure.

The Defense Department launched an investigation into national security vulnerabilities in Chinese routers, according to WSJ sources. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party in August urged the Commerce Secretary to investigate TP-Link because it presents an 'unusual degree of vulnerabilities,' the outlet said.

Cyber threats became apparent after the phone calls of Trump, Vice president-elect JD Vance and senior Biden administration officials were targeted in a hacking campaign. The phone calls, which became public this fall, brought urgency to the matter.

US officials believe the Chinese hackers breached at least eight US telecommunications providers in their attempt to spy on top political figures in the US, reported CNN.

The Trump transition team made an effort to avoid attacks by rotating which phones senior staff used as well as conducting meetings in person at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

A spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, however, accused the US of using the guise of national security to 'suppress Chinese companies' and that Beijing would 'resolutely defend' the lawful rights and interests of Chinese firms.

As tensions rise between China and the United States, TP-Link's founders brothers Zhao Jianjun and Zhao Jiaxing in Shenzhen have attempted to distance the company from China.

According to the WSJ, the company said in a statement that its new headquarters in California would 'solidify its presence in the US market.'

The US is not the only country wary of the devices, as Taiwan banned the routers from government and educational facilities. The Indian Government also issued a warning about TP-Link saying the routers presented a security risk

Threats became apparent after the phone calls of Trump, Vice president-elect JD Vance and senior Biden administration officials were targeted in a hacking campaign. The phone calls, which became public this fall, brought urgency to the matter

Recently, the company also changed the name of its China entities, one of which is working on more than a half-dozen Chinese-government-run research and development projects, reported the outlet.

In a patent dispute last year, a US federal judge rejected the company's argument that there was no relationship between the US and China businesses and called the claim 'implausible'.

The US is not the only country wary of the devices, as Taiwan banned the routers from government and educational facilities. The Indian Government also issued a warning about TP-Link saying the routers presented a security risk.

DailyMail.com has reached out to TP-Link for comment.
A California man has been arrested for allegedly plotting a coordinated attack with Wisconsin school shooter Natalie 'Samantha' Rupnow.

Alexander Paffendorf, 20, of Carlsbad, was detained by FBI agents on suspicion of 'plotting' to coordinate a mass shooting at government buildings in conjunction with Rupnow, according to an emergency gun violence restraining order reviewed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

'During an FBI interview, Paffendorf admitted to the FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun that he would target a government building,' the order says.

It notes that FBI agents 'saw the messages from Paffendorf to Rupnow.'

A San Diego judge approved the order on Tuesday, and required Paffendorf to surrender any firearms and ammunition, and prohibited him from acquiring any more.

Shortly afterwards, neighbors told CBS 8 they saw more than a dozen police cars enter the apartment complex where Paffendorf lives.

'They had their full guns out all over the street,' neighbor Alex Gallegos said. 'They were cop cars. I'd say about 15 cops here.'

He said he saw police coming out of the building carrying what he described as a 'black gun box.'

A California man has been arrested for allegedly plotting a coordinated attack with Abundant Life Christian School shooter Natalie 'Samantha' Rupnow (pictured)

Officers were seen entering Paffedorf's apartment in Carlsbad and carrying out a 'black gun box'

'I saw them carrying out the big box. I didn't see them arrest anybody, but they gave high-fives as it came to an end.'

Paffendorf is now due in court on January 3.

It was not immediately clear how Paffendorf knew Rupnow, and Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes told the Journal Sentinel he did not have any information about the arrest in California, and referred questions to the FBI.

Meanwhile, police in Wisconsin are still trying to determine what Rupnow's motive may have been in the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday, saying it seems to have been a 'combination of factors.'

'Some have asked if people were specifically targeted. Everyone was targeted in this incident, and everyone was put in equal danger,' Barnes said, according to CNN.

Substitute coordinator Erin West, 42, and 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara were gunned down in the attack before Rupnow, 15, turned the gun on herself, the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office announced Wednesday.

Six others were wounded in the shooting, and two were left in critical condition.

It is unclear whether any of the victims were specifically targeted in the attack.

The school shooting took the life of 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara

Rupnow opened fire at the Abundant Life Christian School on Monday

But Lyndsay O'Connor, a mother of two survivors, suggested that the regular study hall teacher, who was not there due to a 'planned absence,' may have been Natalie's target - though her idea has not been verified by police.

'We don't know if her target was the original teacher or just the kids in the class. She would have had to walk by the door and the door was open,' O'Connor said.

Rupnow had two handguns with her during the attack but only used one to carry it out, Barnes revealed Wednesday, noting that he does not know how the teenager obtained the weapons.

'We may never know what she was thinking that day, but we will do our best to try to add or give as much information to our public as possible,' he said.

It was revealed Wednesday that Rupnow had two handguns with her but used only one in the attack, the city's police chief said

Police have said they received a call at 10:57am Monday morning, and within three minutes, county sheriff's deputies had arrived at Abundant Life Christian School, which educates about 420 students. Local police arrived seconds later.

At 11:05am, they said that they'd found the shooter wounded and recovered the weapon. Rupnow was pronounced dead on the way to hospital.

Simultaneously, fire department workers got to the scene and began to care for the victims.

Authorities raided the Rupnows' Wisconsin home after the tragedy, and Natalie's father has been reportedly compliant with the ongoing investigation.

Investigators have been trying to figure out if the mass shooter's parents, Jeff and Melissa, had any involvement or contributed to Natalie's actions.

The shooter's parents, who are divorced, jointly shared custody of their child - but Natalie primarily lived with her 42-year-old father.
Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan and Tucker Carlson have suggested a slew of 'rich, white, liberal neighborhoods' where illegal migrants could be sent.

Homan, 63, the former acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump's first term, has already laid out his plans to remove migrants who illegally crossed the southern border.

Carlson asked Homan on his X show Wednesday night: 'Is there anyway to move millions of Haitians into rich, white, liberal, neighborhoods?'

Homan laughed but Carlson made it clear he wasn't joking, saying 'I mean it' - before explaining the logic behind the move.

'The people who did this are rich, white liberals in the United States who hate themselves and the country and to punish it, they invited all these people illegally from failed countries but they can't stand the idea of living near these people because they're racist,' Carlson said.

He then suggested the exact neighborhoods he wanted to put the migrants in.

'Why wouldn't you move every Haitian to Bethesda and Brookline and Aspen and Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, like today, can we do that? I will donate money if we do that.'

Martha's Vineyard, in particular, was one of the many liberal enclaves migrants were sent via bus by Republican governors in an attempt to ease the burden of their arrival on their states, a point Homan celebrated.

Donald Trump 's border czar Tom Homan and Tucker Carlson have suggested a slew of 'rich, white, liberal neighborhoods' where migrants could be sent

Homan, 63, the former acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump's first term, has already laid out his plans to remove migrants who illegally crossed the southern border

Homan said: 'We absolutely could do it. Martha's Vineyard did it!'

He then revealed that the president-elect actually was the first person to come up with the busing idea.

Carlson gleefully responded: 'They called the cops immediately, because they're racist.'

He said he wanted to give Homan 'a list of zip codes' where the likes of Secretary of State Antony Blinken or Senator Bernie Sanders live to send the migrants.

The border czar then especially celebrated Texas Governor Greg Abbott, whom he said did 'more to secure the border than anybody in [the Biden Administration].'

Homan also praised Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for doing 'the same.'

'They need to be moved into the neighborhoods of the people who are calling you racist for wanting laws and borders,' Carlson said. 'They need to feel the effects of their own destruction.'

Homan said that the 'invasion' at the border amounted to at least 10.5 million illegal migrants 'encountered' with over two million having gotten away.

Carlson asked Homan on his X show Wednesday night: 'Is there anyway to move millions of Haitians into rich, white, liberal, neighborhoods?'

Martha's Vineyard, in particular, was one of the many liberal enclaves migrants were sent via bus by Republican governors in an attempt to ease the burden of their arrival on their states, a point Homan celebrated

'That's by design, that's not mismanagement,' claimed Homan, who called Joe Biden the first president to 'unsecure' the border.'

He suggested that Democrats like Biden 'see a future political benefit' in opening up the border, saying they see 'future Democrat voters.'

The plan is for Biden's policies to be undone by Trump to re-secure the border and 'finish the job.'

Homan also says there will be an investigation under Trump into NGOs, including the United Nations, into their 'complicit' role in the migration patterns.

He also accused Biden of being a puppet in office: 'Do I think Joe Biden had the expertise to do it? No. I think someone is pulling his strings. People need to be investigated, they need to be held accountable.'

Trump announced after he won a second term that Homan would serve as 'border czar' to oversee the largest deportation of immigrants in US history.

The president elect, 78, said on Truth Social that Homan would oversee the country's borders in the incoming administration just days after his landslide victory against Vice President Kamala Harris.

'I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation's Borders ("The Border Czar"),' Trump posted on his social network Truth Social.

The new 'border czar' is expected to oversee the mass deportation of illegal immigrants

'I've known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders.'

It comes after Homan said that Trump will use the US Army to round up and deport 'the worst of the worst' illegal migrants in an unparalleled crackdown.

Migrants who have committed crimes while in the United States will be the first to be targeted - followed by legal migrants, including asylum seekers and those who entered the US with humanitarian parole under the Biden Administration.

Homan said on Monday he would work on verifying the status of asylum seekers and arrest anyone who is found to be harboring criminal migrants.

He also reiterated that there is no plan in place to separate families, though he suggested 'it may happen.

'My goal is to enforce the law, but if you put yourself in that position, it may happen,' the incoming border czar said. 'But there's no plan in this administration right now to separate families.'

'However, we're going to enforce the law. So if you put yourself in that position it's on you,' he said, declaring that parents of Dreamers - the children of migrants born in the United States - have two options.

'You can either take a child home with your or they just stay here,' Homan said. 'But you don't get a pass.'

President-elect Donald Trump named Tom Homan, pictured above, as his new border czar. Homan served as the director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE during Trump's first term in office

He also said those who do not qualify for asylum through the courts system would be ordered to be deported.

'If we don't, what the hell are we doing? Shut down immigration court?' he asked, rhetorically.

'There's no more consequences. We have to remove them if the law requires.'

Homan then criticized media coverage of Trump's deportation plan and denied that it was racist.

'We know exactly who we're going to arrest,' he claimed. 'We know most likely where we're going to find them. We know a lot about them because of investigative case files.

'So it's not a sweep, it's not an uncontrolled operation. It's a very targeted operation.'

Homan, who was head of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump's first stint in the White House, has said he would revive the president elect's 'remain in Mexico' program, in which Mexicans would have their asylum applications processed on their side of the border.

He also promised to close the southern border and build a wall - another flagship Trump pledge.

Migrants wait between barbed wire near the US border wall while trying to enter El Paso, Texas on May 26

Trump announced the 'border czar' position on Truth Social

But the former immigration chief dismissed any suggestion that concentration camps could be used to hold migrants rounded up in the deportation program.

Instead he said he would explore possible arrangements for asylum seekers to be processed in third countries - in an echo of the Rwanda scheme previously touted under Britain before being ditched by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government.

Newly built holding centers could be built in the US alongside a larger role for the military in transporting refugees, the Times reported.

'It's going to be a lot different to what the liberal media is saying it's going to be', Mr Homan said.

Trump said Homan will be in charge of 'all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin.'

Homan appeared at the Republican National Convention in July, telling supporters: 'I got a message to the millions of illegal immigrants that Joe Biden's released in our country: You better start packing now.'

Trump has vowed to tackle migrant gangs using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 - which allows the federal government to round up and deport foreigners belonging to enemy countries - as part of a mass deportation drive he christened 'Operation Aurora.'

Aurora was the scene of a viral video showing armed Latinos rampaging through an apartment block that spurred sweeping, false narratives about the town being terrorized by Latin American migrants.
Has been closed for almost five years

One of Australia's most scenic mountains once visited by thousands of hikers and tourists each year will remain closed for at least another year.

Mount Warning (known as Wollumbin among Indigenous people) near Murwillumbah, in the NSW Northern Rivers, has been off-limits to the public for almost five years after the popular hiking trail was shut down to protect the site's Indigenous heritage.

The controversial ban left many Australians outraged and has sparked protests from hikers, led by NSW Upper House MP John Ruddick and Marc Hendrickx from the Right to Climb advocacy group.

More backlash is expected after the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service announced on Thursday that the summit track will remain closed until December 31 2025, to allow additional time for careful consideration of the site's future'.

'NPWS acknowledges the uncertainty the process has caused the community and businesses,' the statement read.

'For Aboriginal people there is a deep cultural and spiritual significance of Wollumbin, which is a declared Aboriginal place.

'Ensuring that all stakeholders, particularly Aboriginal custodians, are meaningfully engaged is critical to any future decisions about the site.'

The department acknowledged the importance of the site's future to the community, council and businesses.

Mount Warning (pictured) will remain closed to hikers and tourists until at least December 31, 2025

Mount Warning is the highest peak at Australia's most easterly point and is the first part of the nation each day to get sunlight.

'NPWS will continue to maintain and develop visitation opportunities in the region to support local communities and their economies,' the statement continued.

The rest of Wollumbin National Park remains accessible to the public.

Mr Hendrickx described his bitter disappointment in the extended ban as an understatement.

'It appears the incompetence of NPWS in managing the park for all Australians will continue into 2025 and it seems no resolution will occur now until 2026 or later,' he said.

'The track will have been closed for five years in March 2025 and there has been more than enough time for the (NSW government Environment) Minister to complete discussions and make a decision that benefits the entire NSW community and not just a handful of activists.

'The economic damage caused by the unreasonable decision to close the track continues to impact the local community.

'Mount Warning National Park should be defunded if the public cannot access the summit based on their ancestry and sex.'

Once visited by 120,000 visitors visitors every year, Mount Warning is the highest peak at Australia's most easterly point and is the first part of the nation each day to get sunlight.

The backlash over the ban began after the Wollumbin Consultative Group petitioned the former state government to ban non-Aboriginal Australians from visiting the area (pictured visitors at Mount Warning)

The summit trail was shut down in 2020 after the Wollumbin Consultative Group successfully petitioned the then Liberal state government to ban access to non-Aboriginal Australians.

The group, made up of Indigenous families and community organisations, stated the trail has cultural and spiritual significance to the Bundjalung men.

The group also claimed allowing females - including those of indigenous heritage - on the site would ruin its cultural significance.

The NSW Department of National Parks recommended handing the management of the area over to the group completely in 2022.

Prominent activist and author Marc Hendrickx (pictured) has been among the dozens of protestors, who have voiced their opposition to the ban on the hiking trail

The group's support of the ban has been opposed by members of the local Indigenous community.

Several indigenous elders have claimed the group appears to be extinguishing the ancestral women's lore sites by claiming everything in the park as exclusively male and Bundjalung.

Mr Hendrickx, who authored A Guide to Climbing Mt Warning, was among dozens of protestors who climbed the mountain on Australia Day this year.

Three months later, the prominent activist became the first person to be fined for climbing the mountain since the hiking ban was enacted.

Mr Hendrickx copped a $300 fine for breaching the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2019 for entering 'a park that is closed to the public'.

The engineering geologist previously told Daily Mail Australia the move to ban visitors to the site goes against the values Australians uphold.

'Access to these wonderful natural places is part of what really underlies and builds our Australian character; and if we were unable to access these places, then really it's like an attack on being Australian,' Mr Hendricx said.

Mr Ruddick launched a petition in February in a bid to reopen the mountain to the public.

'I dont believe it is the Aboriginal version of Jerusalem or Mecca or St Peters,' he said.
Comvita confirms that its bank syndicate has a revised covenant package for its Q2 FY25 covenants (to be tested as at 31 December 2025). This date should have read 31 December 2024, as presented below.

Comvita Limited (NZX: CVT ) provides an update on its Q2 FY25 covenants and underlying trading performance as the close of half year (H1FY25) approaches.

Bank Covenant update

Comvita confirms that its bank syndicate has a revised covenant package for its Q2 FY25 covenants (to be tested as at 31 December 2024).

As we announced at our Annual Shareholder Meeting, we do not consider that our present covenant structure is appropriate in the current circumstances. Without further covenant relief or amendment of our covenant structure, our present covenants (to be tested in Q3 and Q4) would not be met. However, we remain in productive discussions with our bank syndicate and we expect those discussions to continue as we progress through the balance of the financial year.

Half-year trading update

Comvita has broadly maintained its revenue through the first half of the year, despite a challenging global macroeconomic environment, suppressed consumer spending, and in-market deep discounting by entry level honey labels. The impact of aggressive competition and the associated pressure on gross margin will result in NPAT for H1 in the order of -$6.5M to -$7.5M (H1FY24: -$3.2M loss).

Brett Hewlett, CEO comments We continue to make progress on our cost out and restructuring initiatives, with the majority of that benefit falling into the second half. We have made the decision to revert to distributor models in UK and Europe. We are significantly simplifying our operations in North America and in China and have disestablished the two Regional CEO roles. In total, the Leadership Team will be reduced by four. Structural changes have already been implemented in our Forest management and Apiary business subsidiaries ahead of this season that are expected to provide greater efficiencies in the short to near term. The annualised benefit for these structural changes will be realised in FY26.

Progress is also being made in relation to inventory levels. Comvitas inventory levels will be circa $125M (H1FY24: $143M). We expect a net positive operating cash flow over our first half. Our net debt is expected to remain flat against pcp, with debt reduction remaining a priority for the second half.

Comvita will provide a more fulsome update on its cost out and restructuring initiatives, and progress on strategic initiatives, when it reports its half year results in late-February.

Bridget Coates

Board Chair

Brett Hewlett

CEO

ENDS.

For more information, please contact:

Brett Hewlett | Comvita

Mobile: +61 21 740160

Email: brett.hewlett@comvita.com

Background information

Comvita (NZX: CVT ) was founded in 1974/5, with a purpose to heal and protect the world through the natural power of the hive. With a team of 550+ people globally, united with more than 1.6 billion bees, we are the global market leader in Manuka honey and bee consumer goods. Seeking to understand, but never to alter, we test and verify all our bee-product ingredients are of the highest quality in our own government-recognised and accredited laboratory. We are growing scientific knowledge on Manuka trees, the many benefits of Manuka honey and propolis and bee welfare. We have planted millions of native trees, improving our natural ecosystems and biodiversity, and mitigating climate change in conjunction with our focus on carbon emissions reduction, while helping ensure the supply of high quality Manuka honey. In 2023 Comvita was certified B Corp, a global community of like-minded companies that strive to balance profit with purpose, seeking to use business as a force for good. Comvita has operations in Australia, China, North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe  and of course, Aotearoa New Zealand, where our bees are thriving.

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Union yet to reveal when and if industrial action will take place

Millions of commuters have been warned to brace for more travel chaos across Sydney's rail network just days out from Christmas.

Trains across the harbour city could come to an abrupt halt for 24-hours from Thursday night after the Federal Court gave the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) the green light to commence industrial action.

The move could cause travel chaos for commuters heading to work this Friday on the final working day of the year for many Sydneysiders.

Revellers heading into the CBD over the busy Christmas holiday period and on New Years Eve have also been warned that fewer train services may run.

Transport for NSW issued an urgent alert on Thursday afternoon warning commuters of disruptions across the network due to 'ongoing industrial action'.

'Expect delays and cancellations on Sydney Trains, Intercity and NSW TrainLink services due to ongoing protected industrial action,' the alert read

'Allow extra travel time and consider using alternative transport.'

The disruptions impact all Sydney Trains, intercity and NSW TrainLink routes.

Trains across the harbour city could come to a halt for 24 hours from Thursday night after the RTBU was given the green light to commence industrial action. Pictured commuters during peak hour at Central Station

Commuters have been urged to check transport websites and apps to monitor updates to disruptions to services.

RTBU NSW Branch Secretary Toby Warnes said workers are entitled to engage in the strikes until their demands are met.

'Members will do whatever it takes to achieve what they deserve and that will continue indefinitely over this weekend and then the reduction in kilometre ban coming from Monday,' Mr Warnes said.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia services on the South Coast Line were impacted on Thursday night due to the industrial action.

Trains are not running between Wollongong and Bomaderry in both directions.

'Passengers are urged to delay non-essential travel if possible or consider alternative transport options,' the spokesperson said.

'A very limited number of replacement buses are being organised.'

Delays and cancellations are also expected across Sydney Trains, Intercity and NSW TrainLink services on Friday.

'We are working through the full impact of the protected industrial action and will update passengers as soon as possible of any potential disruption to services,' the spokesperson said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the RTBU for further comment.

The industrial action could initiate network shutdowns unless trains run 24 hours across Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The RTBU has so far refrained from enacting a work ban on members and haven't indicated yet on when this will happen.

Train services were not impacted on Thursday night and Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland expects the network to run a normal timetable on Friday.

The union has warned on potential travel chaos or New Year's eve revellers (pictured)

The planned disruptions could affect travel plans for thousands of commuters to watch the annual fireworks display at Sydney Harbour (pictured)

Businesses and restaurants will be dealt a major blow if the planned disruptions go ahead with venues reliant on foot traffic during the busy festive season.

It comes as tensions continue to boil over between the state government and the union amidst an escalating dispute over wages, which has been running since April.

The Federal Court ruling dealt a massive blow to NSW Premier Chris Minns after the government's technical argument trying to invalidate the industrial action were dismissed.

It comes just days after the RTBU and several rail unions voted to go on strike from December 28, paving the way for around 8,000 workers to stage industrial action.

The union had previously planned to reduce the number of kilometres their members would travel to and from work.

Some of the other plans considered included 24-hour work bans as well as the speed trains will travel across the network.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen could not say what that response would be or to what extent the rail network would be disrupted.

'I expect that we will have a level of service available for passengers,' she said.

Ms Haylen also hit out at the union's demands.

'This is not a toy train set," she said.

'You can't just move it around with the click of your fingers and expect that is going to service the millions of people across Sydney that rely on it each and every day.'

Commuters (pictured centre) have been urged to check transport websites and apps to monitor updates to disruptions to the network

The union had previously planned to reduce the number of kilometres their members would travel to and from work (pictured commuters at Town Hall Station in Sydney)

Mr Longland said the RTBU is in a position to implement as many as 200 work bans, which will affect the way commuters (pictured) will travel across the public transport network

Mr Longland told reporters on Thursday afternoon the RTBU could issue any of the 200 work bans it has in place.

'We haven't yet been advised of the detail around which bans will be reapplied, from which time should they all be reapplied,' he said.

So, this will be a very significant impact for the travelling public. In the coming days and weeks, we'll be doing everything we can to minimise that impact ...,'

The Federal Court delivered the state government a brief reprieve from the industrial after it earlier pressed pause on planned work bans and strikes before they began on December 9.

Mr Minns managed to avert a major rail and tram crisis after the RTBU threatened to stage a three day shutdown, which was scheduled to begin on November 22.

The move would have resulted in one of the biggest rail strike shutdowns across Sydney.

The dispute between rail workers and the government is in relation to the continued demand for four annual wage increases of eight per cent.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman urged Premier Minns to 'sit down with these bastards' and resolve the dispute.

Mr Minns managed to avert a major rail and tram crisis after the RTBU threatened to stage a three-day shutdown, which was scheduled to begin on November 22 (pictured commuters at a light rail platform in Sydney)

Mr Minns has said the demand is unaffordable and could not occur while he is denying nurses a similarly costly claim.

The government previously offered 11 per cent across three years, including superannuation increases.

Ms Haylen said the government could argue before the Fair Work Commission that the disruptions will create commuter safety concerns and economic harm.

The Commission can suspend industrial actions under the Fair Work Act if the strikes are found to cause 'significant damage to the Australian economy' or risk pubic safety.
Two 12-year-old boys who hacked an innocent teenager to death with a machete in a completely random and unprovoked attack could get longer sentences as a bid to extend their prison terms is expected to be considered by the Court of Appeal.

The two boys were given life sentences with minimum terms of eight-and-a-half years for the murder of 19-year-old Shawn Seesahai in Wolverhampton last year.

The defendants, now 13, were both 12 years-old at the time and were described during their sentencing in September as the country's 'youngest knife murderers'.

They are believed to be the youngest defendants convicted of murder in the UK since Robert Thompson and Jon Venables were found guilty in 1993 of killing two-year-old James Bulger when they were just 11-years-old.

The Attorney General's Office (AG0) confirmed in November that it had referred the sentence to the Court of Appeal, claiming it was 'unduly lenient'.

The hearing before Lord Justice William Davis, Mr Justice Bennathan and Judge Nicholas Dean KC is due to start at 10.30am today at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Shawn Seesahai was stabbed through the heart and lungs and suffered a skull fracture during the attack on Stowlawn playing fields in East Park, with one of the wounds he suffered measuring 23cm deep - almost passing through his body.

Both boys pleaded not guilty to murder, blaming the other for inflicting four wounds with a 16-inch machete on November 13 last year.

Shawn Seesahai, 19, was stabbed in the heart and suffered a skull fracture last November

CCTV footage revealed the last moments of Shawn Seesahai as he headed to the park

One of the youths admitted to possession of the knife before their trial at Nottingham Crown Court and the other was found guilty of the same charge when they were both unanimously convicted of murder in June.

High Court judge Mrs Justice Tipples had ruled the defendants should be protected by anonymity orders, saying their welfare outweighed the wider public interest in open justice and unrestricted reporting.

Sentencing the pair, she said the murder was 'horrific and shocking' and that Mr Seesahai had 'everything to live for'.

The Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme allows relatives, victims and members of the public who believe sentences are unreasonably low to ask the AGO to review cases relating to several specific serious offences and consider whether they should be sent to the Court of Appeal.

In a victim impact statement read to the sentencing hearing, the family of Anguilla-born Mr Seesahai, who was living in Birmingham, described his murder as tragic, unexpected and senseless, and having been committed 'for no reason at all'.

Anti-knife campaigners previously slammed the 'shocking' sentence for the two boys.

The minimum tariff was branded a 'joke' by anti-knife campaigner Laura Hughes.

Ms Hughes set up campaign charity kNOw Knife Crime in 2019, to mark what would have been her brother Coline McGinty's 40th birthday.

Shawn Seesahai stumbled as he tried to flee from the boys in Wolverhampton, the court heard

Officers searched a storage space under one of the boy's beds and recovered a machete

An image retrieved from the phone of one of the boys showed long knives and swords on a bed

The anti-knife campaigner's brother was only 21 when he was stabbed to death in a case of mistaken identity in Liverpool in 2001.

Reflecting that it was difficult to comment on a case without knowing the full facts, she said: 'A minimum term of eight years and six months is not a proper deterrent. Murder is murder, they have taken a life.

'It is so shocking that children of that age could carry out such a violent crime. My heart breaks for the victim's family. It's a really distressing case.'

It came shortly after Shawn's friend told how they were threatened as they sat discussing their plans for Christmas. As the youth reached for his blade, Shawn shouted: 'Run, bro.'

He told the court: 'The dude took it out of its sheath. We started to run but Shawn tripped. I was running for my life  I couldn't stay there and watch.'

After fleeing the scene they went to one of the boy's homes where they played the video game Fortnite while Mr Seesahai lay dying.

One later said on Snapchat: 'Everyone's talking abt (sic) it, literally everyone knows.' His accomplice responded with the note: 'It is what it is.'

They then shared more messages, saying: 'I'm scared man'  before the other says 'I'm not', followed by the acronym 'IDRC' which means 'I don't really care'.

The boys are believed to be the youngest defendants convicted of murder in Britain since Jon Venables (left) and Robert Thompson (right), both aged 11, were found guilty in 1993 of killing two-year-old James Bulger

Venables and Thompson tortured and killed two-year-old James Bulger (pictured) in 1993

Forensics and police officers stand at the murder scene in Wolverhampton last November

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One of the defendants had an obsession with knives  even posing for a picture with a machete tucked into the top of his trousers hours before he committed murder.

Mr Seesahai who was from Anguilla and had been in the UK for six months, was stabbed with such ferocity the blade almost passed through his body.

His grief-stricken parents said he called for them as he lay dying, and had been excited to start a new engineering course the next day.

In a victim impact statement from the family, read to the court by Dorothea Hodge, the UK representative for Anguilla, they said: 'Losing a child is a parent's worst nightmare. To put it all down in a statement on how it has impacted our lives would take more than a day to read.

'It has left a huge hole in the pit of our stomach which nothing can fill, we are devastated as a family, totally heartbroken and confused.'

The statement added that Shawn was incredibly close to his younger sister, who had always dreamed of being there for his wedding and him being there for hers.

The family members, including parents Suresh and Maneshwary and sister Shana, added: 'Mentally it has been hard for any of us to function normally. None of us have had an unbroken night's sleep since Shawn was taken from us.

'Every time I close my eyes all I can think about are what his last moments were and how scared he must have been. It continually breaks my heart.

'The impact on us as a family is devastating, its hard to believe that we will ever come to terms with what has happened.

'We will never get to see Shawn get married or have a family of his own. These things have been taken from us for what appears to be no reason at all.'
Gisele Pelicot has arrived with her family to see justice served to her husband, Dominique Pelicot - the man dubbed the Monster of Avignon who is expected to be jailed for 20 years for allegedly orchestrating the mass rape of his wife.

The perpetrators of France's most notorious sex crime in which the 72-year-old grandmother was raped by dozens of men after being drugged by her depraved husband will learn their fate today as judges begin to deliver their verdicts.

The 50 men from all walks of life face a combined sentence of more than 600 years for their parts in Dominique Pelicot's warped ten-year campaign in which he watched his wife being abused while knocked out with powerful sedatives.

Pelicot, 72, who has failing health, has accepted that he will die behind bars, with his daughter yelling at him during the trial: 'You will die alone like a dog and caught out in lies!'

His 50 accomplices  all of whom are expected to be found guilty  face terms between four and 18 years each.

Each of the defendants is allowed to bring one relative into the court to learn their fate. One woman was seen breaking down in tears as she kissed her partner - probably for the last time for several years, as he is expecting to go to jail.

Other women could not hold back their tears as they sat in the court annexe where the verdicts will be broadcast.

The trial  which has gathered international attention  has gripped France and the world since its outset in September.

Some 180 journalists from across France and the globe queued outside the Avignon Criminal Court before dawn this morning to hear the verdicts.

Feminist campaigners have been protesting in the street outside the courthouse waving placards demanding 'Christmas in jail' and 'Easter behind bars' for Pelicot and the other defendants.

Supporters of Mme Pelicot have welcomed her with flowers, applause and words of encouragement throughout the more than three month trial, and this morning was no different, with the mother-of-three breaking into a smile as she was cheered by the crowds gathered outside.

Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, the victim of an alleged mass rape orchestrated by her then-husband Dominique Pelicot at their home in the southern French town of Mazan, arrives at court with her lawyers

Gisele Pelicot was cheered by crowds as she arrived at court in Avignon ahead of the verdicts

Crowds of journalists and members of the public gathered at the entrance of the courthouse in Avignon and Gisele Pelicot arrived this morning

The Pelicots' youngest son Florian and daughter Caroline Darian speak inside the courthouse

Caroline Darian and David Pelicot, the children of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, the victim of an alleged mass rape orchestrated by her then-husband Dominique Pelicot, arrive to witness the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-accused

Florian Pelicot, the youngest of the Pelicots' three children, arrives at the courthouse in Avignon to hear the verdict in his father's trial

One of the defendants arrives at the courthouse in Avignon ahead of the verdicts being delivered in the Mazan rape trial

A man holds placards which read 'Stop violence against women' and 'Justice for Gisele Pelicot' as journalists queue to enter inside the courthouse before the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot

Caroline Darian (2nd L) and David Pelicot (R) arrive at the courthouse in Avignon on December 19, 2024, as the verdict is expected in the trial of their father

Some 180 journalists from across France and the globe queued outside the Avignon Criminal Court before dawn this morning to hear the verdicts

A man holds a placard which reads 'So that shame changes sides' in front of the courthouse ahead of the verdict

Dominique Pelicot is seen arriving at court in the back of a police car earlier this week

Dominque Pelicot (pictured) is accused of drugging his ex wife Gisele and inviting dozens of men to rape her while he watched and filmed them over a decade long period of hell

People in the crowd outside the Avignon courthouse cried: Justice for Gisele! and sang protest songs calling for women to rise up against male violence.

Just moments earlier her alleged rapists had run the gauntlet to enter the courthouse with their faces covered.

Other defendants - including primary defendant Pelicot - were brought to the court in prison vans with sirens blaring across the medieval city.

Bus loads of other protesters are expected to join a mass demonstration in support of Gisele Pelicot who has stood proud in to face down her vile abusers over the four month trial that has shocked the world.

The bravery of Madame Pelicot in allowing her identity to be revealed - and the dignity with which she conducted herself throughout the trial - has seen the case become a cause celebre for campaigners against sexual violence.

Mme Pelicot held her head high as she heard and watched films taken by her husband of 50 years in which she was abused some 200 times by strangers he had invited into their home.

Having waived her legal right to anonymity in order to ensure the case received the maximum amount of publicity, the grandmother refused to be shamed - but instead repeatedly directed any shame at her abusers.

As interest in the case grew, Mme Pelicot was clapped and cheered as she arrived at court and left at the end of the day. Graffiti honouring her bravery was daubed on Avignon's medieval stone walls and protests in support of her erupted all over France.

Prosecutors have based their sentencing demands to the court for each defendant on aggravating factors including how many times they came to the Pelicot home and the extent of documented sexual contact.

By this assessment the worst offender, for whom prosecutors suggest an 18- year tariff, was a 63-year-old Romain Vandevelde. He was knowingly HIV-positive yet is accused of raping Mme Pelicot on six separate occasions without wearing protection.

Because the incidents were meticulously recorded by Pelicot the defendants have been unable to deny sexual contact with the victim - but most have claimed they were unaware of the circumstances Pelicot had engineered.

French criminal law defines rape as any sexual act committed by 'violence, coercion, threat or surprise' but makes no reference to any need for consent - an aspect that campaigners have fixed on as outdated and wrong.

The trial heard in disturbing detail how while outwardly a doting husband, retired electrician Dominique, was secretly engineering what may possibly be the greatest marital betrayal of all time.

Pelicot told the court: 'I am a rapist like all those accused in this room.'

Gisele Pelicot, 72, held her head high as she heard and watched films taken by her husband of 50 years in which she was abused some 200 times by strangers he had invited into their home

A courtroom sketch shows presiding judge Roger Arata (Top L), public prosecutor Jean-Francois Mayet and defendant Dominique Pelicot in front of many of his co-defendants

And as the evidence has been revealed, his 50 accomplices have wriggled and squirmed and repeatedly tried to protest their innocence.

One defendant told police; 'rape is not possible if a woman's husband is present', another claimed a man; 'can do what he likes with his wife', while most said they believed they were taking part in a 'kinky sex game' in which Madame Pelicot was a willing party.

One defence lawyer, the head of the criminal bar in Avignon, Master Guillaume de Palma, even told the court rape 'cannot occur' if the perpetrator did not 'mean to'. His remarks, in the second week of the trial, prompted outrage across France and added to the growing calls for justice for women.

However, the scores of videos of the unbridled truth, taken by Pelicot over ten years and shown in court to the shame-faced defendants and members of the public who queued every day to watch the real-life drama play out, left very little room for doubt.

Tossed around like a 'rag doll', and often snoring, Madame Pelicot, could be seen to be clearly unconscious and unable to give her consent.

In an electrifying 90-minute testimony, she told the hushed Avignon court: 'I was sacrificed on the altar of vice.

'My body might have been warm, but I was like a dead person.

'I was a dead woman, and these men take advantage of me, they defile me, they treat me like a bin bag.

'They didn't rape me with a gun or knife to their heads  they raped me in full consciousness.

'They treated me like a rag doll.

'It is unbearable, and I don't know if I will ever be able to get up [off the floor] again.'

The Pelicot home in the village of Mazan, now known as the house of horrors

Her abusers, most from within a 50-mile radius of the Pelicots' home, were seemingly ordinary men from all walks of life.

The fact that broadly represented a cross section of French society saw them collectively described as Monsieur-Tout-Le-Monde - or Mr Everyman.

There was veteran chief fireman Christian Lescole, 57, who protested in court at being locked up after spending 'a lifetime saving people'. Police also found naked pictures of children on his computer following his arrest.

Moroccan-born hospital nurse Redouane El Farihi screamed his innocence before a video of him assaulting Madame Pelicot while she lay motionless was played in court.

There was 'sexual predator' Jerome Vilela, a supermarket worker, who was described by his ex-partner as a 'sex-addict' and told a prison psychologist he saw sex as a 'conjugal right'.

Successful builder Thierry Parisis told the court he had fallen into a spiral of depression and alcoholism following the death of his son in a car crash. He added he remembered very little about his encounter with Madame Pelicot.

Retired marine fire-fighter Jacques Cubeau said he was lonely.

Gisele Pelicot speaks during the trial of her husband with 50 co-accused at the courthouse in Avignon

There was IT worker Lionel Rodriguez, 44; painter and decorator Husamettin Dogan, 43; odd-job man Mathieu Dartus, 53; motorcycle mechanic and racer Hugues Malago, 39; and farm worker Andy Rodriguez, 37.

And there was Romain Vandevelde, a 63-year-old man with HIV who visited the Pelicots on six different occasions between December 2019 and June 2020 to rape Madame Pelicot and refused to wear a condom.

These are just a handful of the strangers that took part in the mass rape that has put the tiny village of Mazan, that lies in France's most picturesque region, Provence, on the map.

Retired electrician Dominique Pelicot met each of his accomplices on an internet site for voyeurs called 'a son insu' which translates as 'without her knowledge'.

Over almost ten years he invited strangers  up to three times a week  to come to the couple's retirement chalet to rape his wife, which he had rendered unconscious by putting powerful sedatives in her dinner and glass of rose wine.

Pelicot, 72, who has failing health, has accepted that he will die 'like a dog' behind bars

To ensure they weren't seen, Pelicot told the would-be rapists to park well away from the house, avoid wearing after-shave or smelling of cigarette smoke, and ensure they left nothing behind in the bedroom.

He choreographed the multiple rapes of his sleeping wife with such attention to detail that a lawyer described him in court as a 'perverted Steven Spielberg'.

The potentially fatal doses of sedatives forced upon Madame Pelicot had a devastating effect on her health. She lost weight, her hair fell out and she suffered lengthy blackouts. Her doctor feared she was in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. She also became infected with four sexually transmitted disease. She had no idea how.

The abuse only stopped when Pelicot was arrested in October 2020 for taking pictures of women's underwear on his phone at his local supermarket  a tacky form of voyeurism known as 'upskirting'.

A search by gendarmes of his home discovered some 20,000 lurid images and images of his wife being violated in the marital bed on computer files and mobile phones.

Women gather in support of Gisele Pelicot outside the Avignon courthouse on November 27

The following month, while returning home from Paris where she had been looking after her grandchildren, detectives asked Madame Pelicot to come to the police station.

At first, she did not recognise the woman lying on the bed unconscious being abused in the photograph that the policeman showed her. Then she saw it was her and she had been used by her husband of 50 years in the depraved sex scenes he filmed.

'That day will be seared in my memory for ever,' Madame Pelicot told the court.

'It was a scene of barbarism. I was in a state of shock.

'I remember asking for a glass of water, then a psychologist came into the room, they said my husband had been detained - and everything just collapsed for me.

'We were 50 years together, with three children and seven grandchildren, and our friends said we were the ideal couple. I just couldn't take it in.'

Returning alone to the house where she had been so cruelly betrayed, she called her grown-up children  David, Caroline and Florian  to tell them their father was a monster.

Three days later she arrived in Paris with just two suitcases and her dog, never to return to Mazan.

The only defendant likely to receive the maximum sentence of 20 years is Pelicot himself, who has been dubbed 'The Monster of Avignon'

Asked before the trial court how she reacted on learning how she had been abused by the father of her three children, she replied: 'He disgusts me. I feel dirty, defiled, betrayed. It was a tsunami. I was hit by a high-speed train.'

Pelicot told investigators he carried out his warped fantasies because he was 'bored' and blamed his arrest for 'disrupting his happy life'. He also hinted that he continued to hold a grudge against his long-suffering wife for a brief affair she had over 30 years ago.

The grown-up children have all disowned their father.

But courageous Gisele  whose divorce from her perverted ex-husband was confirmed in the days before the trial began in September  vowed to keep her marital name during the proceedings to protect her children and grandchildren who are also called Pelicot.

However, the family's pain did not stop there.

During the four-year police investigation into this most cruel case of betrayal detectives uncovered a file entitled: 'My Daughter Naked'.

The bravery of his victim wife, Madame Pelicot, in allowing her identity to be revealed around the world - and the dignity with which she conducted herself throughout the trial - has seen the case become a cause celebre for campaigners against sexual violence

In it were photographs of Pelicot's daughter, Caroline Darian, as a young woman, lying asleep on a bed, dressed in lingerie and partially naked.

The pictures were taken at the family home in Villiers-sur-Marne, near Paris, before 2013 when Pelicot retired and moved to Mazan in the south of France.

Caroline Darian has written a book about the trauma she suffered after learning her father, who she had idolised, was serial sex attacker, entitled: 'I No Longer Call You Daddy.'

At different stages of the long trial Caroline Darian confronted her father about whether he had sexually abused her  as well as her mother  storming out of court several times in distress.

But in his final statement Pelicot admitted to the court that he was a sex addict but denied drugging his daughter Caroline and taking photographs of her semi-naked on a bed dressed in her mother's lingerie.

Turning to his daughter, he said: 'Caroline, I never did anything to you.'

But in a furious outburst Caroline Darian screamed: 'You are lying!

'You're not telling half the truth, even about your ex-wife!

'You will die alone like a dog and caught out in lies!'

Gisele Pelicot (R) sits beside her daughter Caroline Darian (C) and her son (L) at the courthouse during the trial, pictured on September 2

However, under questioning from his lawyer, Pelicot accepted he would 'die like a dog' in jail for the crimes he had committed, but refused to give his beloved daughter the truth she needed.

And while France's worst husband knows he has seen his family for the last time, he is expected to appear in court again, as Pelicot faces further allegations of rape and murder after France's cold case bureau in Nanterre linked him with at least six hitherto unsolved crimes.

Pelicot has admitted the rape of a young estate agent in the Paris suburb of Villeparisis in 1999 but denies being involved in the murder of another estate agent Sophie Narne in another suburb of the capital eight years earlier and other similar cases.

The Pelicot case in terms of number of defendants is not the largest sex crime case in French history - in that regard it is eclipsed by the child-sex rings that operated in the city of Angers in the early 2000s.

But the globally high-profile trial has meant that it is almost certainly the most notorious.
The former partner of a Hollywood actor has died on the day he was due to stand trial for an alleged assault.

Jason Hoganson was jailed in August for attacking his ex-girlfriend, Rachel Usher, in the street and breaching a restraining order.

The 53-year-old, who was the leading man in the cult 1980's film Empire state, was freed from HMP Durham 19 days later, under Starmer's measures to tackle overcrowding.

But he was rearrested just 48 hours later on two counts of allegedly breaching a restraining order and one count of assault.

Prosecutors said that Hoganson was suspected of sending Ms Usher two letters while he was behind bars in August and on September 3.

He was then accused of assaulting her by slapping her cheek at her home the day after his prison release.

Hoganson, of no fixed abode but from Newcastle, denied two counts of breaching a restraining order and one of assault by beating and he was remanded in custody until his trial on October 30.

However, on the day the trial was due to start, prosecutors received the tragic news that Ms Usher had died due to reasons unrelated to Hoganson.

Jason Hoganson was jailed in August for attacking his ex-girlfriend, Rachel Usher, in the street and breaching a restraining order

Jason Hoganson pictured at the time of his appearance in 1987 movie Empire State

Hoganson struggled with his early success after starring in Empire State, and his life descended into crime and addictions

On Wednesday this week, the case was listed back at Newcastle Magistrates' Court to determine whether the trial would go ahead in Ms Usher's absence. Jonathan Stirland, prosecuting, said: 'The matter was listed for trial and, on the day of trial, the Crown got news that the victim had sadly passed away.

'However, the Crown indicated that they were still minded to continue with the prosecution. That meant that the Crown had to get a death certificate and, I understand, an interim death certificate has been given to the court and the defence.'

Mr Sirland said Ms Usher's statements would be used in evidence, however, Mark Styles, defending, said the trial shouldn't go ahead as Ms Usher couldn't be cross-examined in person and he had letters she'd written to Hoganson, which 'undermined her credibility as a witness'.

District Judge Paul Currer decided that the trial should still go ahead in Ms Usher's absence. He added: 'It's in the interest of justice for the trial to go head - it's allegations of a serious breaches of a restraining order and an offence of battery.'

Hoganson was remanded in custody to next appear for his trial at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on January 24 next year.

Originally from Wallsend, Hoganson - who now has 109 convictions on his record - struggled with his movie career and fell into a life of drink, drugs and crime.

Hoganson had a leading role in the 1988 Hollywood movie Empire State, alongside Irish actor Ray McAnally, Jamie Foreman and US star Martin Landau.

Jason Hoganson, with his face crisscrossed with angry scars and his head covered in distinctive tattoos, gave a jubilant thumbs up to the camera as he left prison

The 53-year-old actor seen outside HM Prison Durham on September 10

Former actor Jason Hoganson and star of the film Empire State is now living on the streets and self-harming after battling drug addiction

Police have struggled to find him after he allegedly breached his licence conditions and evaded the force that is hunting for the actor to put him back behind bars

Playing an enigmatic Geordie drifter living among mobsters in London, Hoganson had been talent-scouted by producers who contacted his drama teacher looking for a youth to play the part in the 1987 movie.

Newcastle Crown Court previously heard Hoganson was caught on doorbell video camera when he attacked his former partner in Newcastle on December 11 last year.

Prosecutor Amy Levitt said he already had a restraining order to keep him away from the woman when he attacked her.

Miss Levitt told the court at the time: 'Footage shows the defendant assaulting the complainant. He slaps her to the face and she walks away. He walks after her.

'There are further hits and a push, where she falls to the floor. The assault continues while she's lying on the floor.

'She describes him, having pushed her, hit her, kicked her and put his body weight on her. The assault lasted around three minutes.'
Do you know more? Email lucy.manly@mailonline.com

Concerned parent speaks out about alleged bullying at school

EXCLUSIVE

A concerned parent has spoken out about unruly classes and classroom bullying allegedly taking place at her children's school in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

A young girl in her son's class in Darlinghurst Public School was allegedly subjected to vile harassment by a male grade four pupil in October.

The nine-year-old girl was left traumatised by the alleged incident and has since left the school.

Furious parents have accused the school of sweeping the incident under the carpet.

'He [allegedly] said something along the lines of 'Jospeh [name of student changed] wants to suck your boobs,' one mum recalled.

'If that was my daughter I would be be beside myself, there was absolutely zero duty of care for her.

'Being forced to sit in a class with the perpetrator for the remainder if the day - humiliated; and the situation diminished for her; much like how most sexual assault victims feel.'

'Darlo [Darlinghurst Public School] handled the situation poorly, a box was ticked and then it was swept under the carpet.'

A grade four student allegedly made inappropriate remarks to a nine-year-old girl at Darlinghurst Public School (pictured) in Sydney 's eastern suburbs.

The girl was left traumitised by alleged vile comments made by a male peer (stock image)

A number of parents claimed the male student wasn't punished and instead given a 'reflection sheet'.

The NSW Department of Education insisted the school reprimanded the boy over his behaviour.

'The school acted immediately after learning that an inappropriate comment was made, providing support to the female student. The other student was disciplined appropriately,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'The school communicated with the parents of both students about what occurred, and the actions taken.'

The girl's parents didn't wish to comment when contacted by Daily Mail Australia.

But the concerned mum who spoke out claimed that the much-loved community school, which previously had a stellar reputation now has unruly classrooms and schoolyard bullying.

'There is a culture of this at the school - zero accountability, zero punishment. The bullying is out of control and the teachers are often too inexperienced to deal with it,' she claimed.

The mum claims the much-loved community school now has unruly classrooms and schoolyard bullying (stock image)

'The school is too tolerant of poor behaviour and as a result, the teachers and local children are leaving in droves.

'The enrolments have consistently down since pre-Covid.'

The school's motto is 'Strive to Achieve', according to its website.

'Darlinghurst Public School teachers are committed to teaching a broad and balanced curriculum and to caring for the educational, emotional and social needs of all students,' the website states.

'Darlinghurst Public School is a secure and safe environment where students are engaged and challenged.'
A six-year-old boy has spent his 'final day of school in hospital' after a Coles anti-theft security gate left him a nasty gash.

Laura Jeacock was in her local Coles with her four children in Lara near Geelong south-west in Melbourne on Wednesday when she heard a panic by the self-checkout exit gates.

The mother rushed over to find her son Kenzie bleeding after he was cut by the corner of the glass doors.

Kenzie had been running towards the security gates when they closed without warning, busting his eye open.

A nearby customer rushed the boy's aid and helped keep pressure on the wound as Coles staff reportedly watched the chaos unfold.

His mum has spoken out to warn other parents of the danger.

'[This happening] a week before Christmas is not ideal. Spending his last day of school in hospital is not fun either... the doctors had to check there was no glass in the cut before they glued it together,' Ms Jeacock told Yahoo News.

'It was pretty shocking, the staff member who was supposedly medically trained had to Google it [what to do].'

Kenzie Jeacock was injured (pictured) by a Coles smart security gate in Lara on Wednesday

Coles rolled out the anti-theft security gates across Australia last year in response to a jump in shoplifting

The security gates are designed to 'automatically' open for customers after they have paid for their items.

Ms Jeacock claimed a Coles employee told her there was no sensor in the gates, meaning there's 'nothing to stop it shutting'.

The supermarket chain has since disputed the mother's claim.

'This smart gate technology is designed and tested to meet global and Australian standards and has inbuilt sensors to detect any objects nearby, ensuring the gates re-open automatically to avoid closing on customers,' a Coles spokesperson said.

'Safety is always our priority, and we take all concerns seriously.

'With this incident, we have fully investigated and can confirm that the gates operated correctly, however due to the boy's speed, the gates were not able to open in time'.

A store manager called Ms Jeacock on Thursday to check on Kenzie and reassure the mother 'someone had come to look at the gates' after reviewing CCTV.

Woolworths and Coles began rolling out the new security measure late last year in response to a rise in shoplifting.

The gates came under fire earlier this year after a wheelchair-bound customer was 'crushed' by them.

A Coles spokesperson said the gates are 'designed and tested to meet global and Australian standards and has inbuilt sensors to detect any objects nearby'

'Halfway through the gate slammed shut on me. Hit my arms and stopped my wheelchair,' they wrote on Reddit.

'Beeping away it opened after a second and I pushed through. Yes it hurt. Yes it scared me silly. No I'm not injured. No I don't think it damaged my wheelchair. No I didn't shoplift.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Coles for further comment.
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

Billionaire Jeff Bezos was spotted strolling into Mar-a-Lago Wednesday evening to enjoy a dinner with President-elect Donald Trump.

The Amazon founder arrived at the Florida mansion with his fiancee Lauren Sanchez for their first meal with Trump after his recent election win.

Footage shared on social platform X shows the couple holding hands and walking alongside Trump as they greet other guests.

The tech mogul wore a navy blue suit and white shirt, while his partner Sanchez put on a leggy display in a little black dress and stiletto heels.

Bezos is one of the latest tech giants who has rubbed shoulders with Trump ahead of his presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Bezos said he planned on donating $1 million to the incoming president's inaugural fund

Trump and Bezos' relationship has been rocky throughout the election, but appeared to improve after Bezos-owned newspaper, the Washington Post, refused to endorse a presidential candidate in the 2024 election.

This move broke tradition for the publication that has historically backed the Democratic party.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos was spotted strolling into Mar-a-Lago Wednesday evening to enjoy a dinner with President-elect Donald Trump

The Amazon founder arrived with his fiancee Lauren Sanchez

Trump at Mar-a-Lago last night when he hosted a dinner with billionaire Jeff Bezos

Bezos' visit to Mar-a-Lago comes after Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg travelled to Florida last month to dine with Trump at his compound.

Zuckerberg said he was 'grateful' for the opportunity to meet with the president-elect an attempt to get into his good graces ahead of his return to the White House, following years of hostilities between the two moguls.

Trump has previously launched several public attack against Zuckerberg over his perception that he and other conservatives have been unfairly censored by Meta.

This included claims in Trump's book Save America earlier this year, where he claimed Zuckerberg plotted against him in the 2020 election, and vowed Zuckerberg would 'spend the rest of his life in prison' if he did so again.

But the billionaires appeared to have put their differences aside this week in Florida, with a Meta spokesperson saying in a statement Zuckerberg was invited for the meeting by Trump.

'Its an important time for the future of American Innovation,' the statement read.

'Mark was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming Administration.

Bezos is one of the latest tech giants who has rubbed shoulders with Trump ahead of his presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025

Bezos and Trump last pictured together in 2017

Bezos' dinner with Trump comes a month after tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg met with the president-elect. Pictured: President Trump Meets with Mark Zuckerberg.President Donald J. Trump welcomes Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, to the Oval Office of the White House

Meanwhile, Tesla founder and billionaire Elon Musk has been at the foreground of Trump's election campaign and transition efforts

Other tech leaders have also shown interest in wanting to collaborate with Trump.

These include OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, who also met with the president-elect last week.

Meanwhile, Tesla founder and billionaire Elon Musk has been at the foreground of Trump's election campaign and transition efforts and was tasked with leading the president-elect's new Department of Government Efficiency.
The sentences of two 12-year-old boys who hacked an innocent teenager to death with a machete in a completely random and unprovoked attack were unduly lenient, a judge has ruled.

The two boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were initially given life sentences with minimum terms of eight-and-a-half years for the murder of 19-year-old Shawn Seesahai in Wolverhampton last year.

But the case was referred to the Court of Appeal after criticism from anti-knife campaigners, and the boys' minimum terms have now been increased to ten years.

The defendants, now 13, were both 12 years-old at the time and were described during their sentencing in September as the country's 'youngest knife murderers'.

They are believed to be the youngest defendants convicted of murder in the UK since Robert Thompson and Jon Venables were found guilty in 1993 of killing two-year-old James Bulger when they were just 11-years-old.

The Attorney General's Office (AG0) confirmed in November that it had referred the sentence to the Court of Appeal.

On Thursday, lawyers for the Solicitor General said the sentences of both boys were 'unduly lenient' and should be increased, stating it was a 'particularly serious type of case'.

Three senior judges ruled that the minimum terms should be increased to 10 years, meaning the youths will spend nine years and 60 days behind bars because of time already served.

Shawn Seesahai, 19, was stabbed in the heart and suffered a skull fracture last November

One of the killers is pictured with a machete across his chest - he cannot be named for legal reasons

CCTV footage revealed the last moments of Shawn Seesahai as he headed to the park

Lord Justice William Davis, sitting with Mr Justice Bennathan and Judge Nicholas Dean KC, said: 'We have, with some reluctance and sadness, come to the conclusion that the minimum terms imposed by Mrs Justice Tipples were unduly lenient.'

The judge said that full written reasons for their decision would come at a later date.

Shawn Seesahai was stabbed through the heart and lungs and suffered a skull fracture during the attack on Stowlawn playing fields in East Park, with one of the wounds he suffered measuring 23cm deep - almost passing through his body.

Both boys pleaded not guilty to murder, blaming the other for inflicting four wounds with a 16-inch machete on November 13 last year.

One of the youths admitted to possession of the knife before their trial at Nottingham Crown Court and the other was found guilty of the same charge when they were both unanimously convicted of murder in June.

High Court judge Mrs Justice Tipples had ruled the defendants should be protected by anonymity orders, saying their welfare outweighed the wider public interest in open justice and unrestricted reporting.

Sentencing the pair, she said the murder was 'horrific and shocking' and that Mr Seesahai had 'everything to live for'.

Both boys attended the hearing at the Court of Appeal in London today through videolink from separate facilities, with one wearing a grey tracksuit and supported by two adults, and the second in a white shirt and black tie.

In written submissions, the Solicitor General told the Court of Appeal in London that the sentences were 'significantly too short'.

She said the judge found that 'the offenders had intended to kill the victim', meaning they 'must have had a clear awareness of the consequences of his actions'.

Paul Jarvis, representing the Solicitor General in court, said that the judge 'made significantly too much allowance' for mitigating features.

He said that one of the defendants had 'significantly less forceful mitigation' than the other, adding: 'Even if eight years and six months for (boy one) was not unduly lenient, in our submission there was not a reason on the facts to treat (boy two) the same way.'

Shawn Seesahai stumbled as he tried to flee from the boys in Wolverhampton, the court heard

Rachel Brand KC, for one of the boys, said his 'immaturity' did 'significantly impact' his culpability.

She said: 'Perhaps (the judge) imposed a minimum term that others might regard as somewhat lenient, but we submit in the context of this case, it was not unduly so.'

Paul Lewis KC, for the second boy, said the judge was 'right not to draw distinction' between the two boys.

Following the hearing, a spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office said: 'This was a deeply distressing case. Shawn Seesahai was only 19 years old and had his whole life ahead of him but was brutally murdered over a minor disagreement.

'Knife crime is a scourge, and we welcome the Court of Appeal's decision to increase the sentences of Shawn's murderers, following the referral by the Solicitor General.'

Lord Justice William Davis said full written reasons for their decision would be provided later on Thursday.

Following the Court of Appeal's decision to increase the minimum terms Mr Seesahai's family said: 'We recognise that justice has been served today for the murder of our beloved son, Shawn, and we welcome the Court of Appeal's decision to increase the sentences of those responsible from eight-and-a-half to 10 years.

'Shawn's life was taken in a brutal and senseless act of violence. He was attacked with a weapon carried with clear intent, leaving us devastated and haunted by the thought of what he endured.

'While no sentence can ever bring Shawn back, we feel that today's decision better reflects the gravity of the actions that took him from us and acknowledges the immense loss we live with every day.

'We hope this outcome sends a strong and clear message that carrying and using knives will not be tolerated. We are grateful to everyone who supported the review of this case and to the Attorney General's Office for ensuring that justice was pursued.

'As we continue to honour Shawn's memory, we remain committed to raising awareness about the dangers of knife crime, in the hope that no other family has to endure the pain we carry.'

The Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme allows relatives, victims and members of the public who believe sentences are unreasonably low to ask the AGO to review cases relating to several specific serious offences and consider whether they should be sent to the Court of Appeal.

In a victim impact statement read to the sentencing hearing, the family of Anguilla-born Mr Seesahai, who was living in Birmingham, described his murder as tragic, unexpected and senseless, and having been committed 'for no reason at all'.

Anti-knife campaigners previously slammed the 'shocking' sentence for the two boys.

The minimum tariff was branded a 'joke' by anti-knife campaigner Laura Hughes.

Ms Hughes set up campaign charity kNOw Knife Crime in 2019, to mark what would have been her brother Coline McGinty's 40th birthday.

Officers searched a storage space under one of the boy's beds and recovered a machete

An image retrieved from the phone of one of the boys showed long knives and swords on a bed

The anti-knife campaigner's brother was only 21 when he was stabbed to death in a case of mistaken identity in Liverpool in 2001.

She said: 'A minimum term of eight years and six months is not a proper deterrent. Murder is murder, they have taken a life.

'It is so shocking that children of that age could carry out such a violent crime. My heart breaks for the victim's family. It's a really distressing case.'

It came shortly after Shawn's friend told how they were threatened as they sat discussing their plans for Christmas. As the youth reached for his blade, Shawn shouted: 'Run, bro.'

He told the court: 'The dude took it out of its sheath. We started to run but Shawn tripped. I was running for my life  I couldn't stay there and watch.'

After fleeing the scene they went to one of the boy's homes where they played the video game Fortnite while Mr Seesahai lay dying.

One later said on Snapchat: 'Everyone's talking abt (sic) it, literally everyone knows.' His accomplice responded with the note: 'It is what it is.'

They then shared more messages, saying: 'I'm scared man'  before the other says 'I'm not', followed by the acronym 'IDRC' which means 'I don't really care'.

The boys are believed to be the youngest defendants convicted of murder in Britain since Jon Venables (left) and Robert Thompson (right), both aged 11, were found guilty in 1993 of killing two-year-old James Bulger

Venables and Thompson tortured and killed two-year-old James Bulger (pictured) in 1993

Forensics and police officers stand at the murder scene in Wolverhampton last November

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One of the defendants had an obsession with knives  even posing for a picture with a machete tucked into the top of his trousers hours before he committed murder.

The sentencing judge said mitigating factors included the fact the 'spur-of-the-moment attack' was not premeditated, and the defendants' age.

The judge said that the first defendant was 'extremely vulnerable' and had admitted buying the murder weapon from a friend for 40 around a month before the attack.

She continued he had been 'groomed and exploited' by others and had had 'very many adverse childhood experiences' for which he was not responsible.

The second defendant had a supportive and loving relationship with his parents and was not previously known to the police.

Mr Seesahai, who was from Anguilla and had been in the UK for six months, was stabbed with such ferocity the blade almost passed through his body.

His grief-stricken parents said he called for them as he lay dying, and had been excited to start a new engineering course the next day.

In a victim impact statement from the family, read to the court by Dorothea Hodge, the UK representative for Anguilla, they said: 'Losing a child is a parent's worst nightmare. To put it all down in a statement on how it has impacted our lives would take more than a day to read.

'It has left a huge hole in the pit of our stomach which nothing can fill, we are devastated as a family, totally heartbroken and confused.'

The statement added that Shawn was incredibly close to his younger sister, who had always dreamed of being there for his wedding and him being there for hers.

The family members, including parents Suresh and Maneshwary and sister Shana, added: 'Mentally it has been hard for any of us to function normally. None of us have had an unbroken night's sleep since Shawn was taken from us.

'Every time I close my eyes all I can think about are what his last moments were and how scared he must have been. It continually breaks my heart.

'The impact on us as a family is devastating, its hard to believe that we will ever come to terms with what has happened.

'We will never get to see Shawn get married or have a family of his own. These things have been taken from us for what appears to be no reason at all.'
At least 100 North Korean soldiers deployed to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine have been killed since entering combat in December, South Korean lawmakers claimed this morning.

Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to reinforce the Russian military, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year.

But Ukrainian and South Korean officials say the North Koreans have proven a burden to Russian forces due to their outdated battlefield tactics, while inexperience with drone warfare makes them easy targets for Kyiv's battle-hardened warriors.

The Khorne Group - an organisation linked to Kyiv forces in the 116th separate mechanised brigade and 95th air assault brigade, shared footage showing what appeared to be North Korean soldiers dumbfounded by a Ukrainian FPV drone above them.

Another dark clip showed a line of what were said to be the bodies of soldiers from Pyongyang lying in blood-covered snow alongside slain Russians after their troop was all but wiped out.

The Khorne Group said: 'The long awaited North Koreans. Weakness and bravery are their tactics, their trump card is good fitness.'

They were 'applying the same tactics as 70 years ago', Khorne Group added, alluding to the Korean War.

It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared Russian troops were 'burning the faces' of dead North Korean servicemen to conceal their identities, sharing macabre images to illustrate his claim.

North Korean soldiers' faces revealed in first close-up videos as they fight for Putin in the Kursk region on the border with Ukraine

North Koreans were fighting with severely outdated tactics according to analysts and officials

A macabre image is believed to include dead North Koreans killed fighting for Russia in Kursk region.

Russia burns faces of dead North Korean soldiers to hide losses, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says

Citing a report by South Korea's intelligence services, MP Lee Seong-kweun said this morning: 'In December, they (North Korean troops) engaged in actual combat, during which at least 100 fatalities occurred.

'The National Intelligence Service also reported that the number of injured is expected to reach nearly 1,000.'

Despite those losses, the agency also said it had detected signs North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was preparing to train a new special operations force to ship westward.

Lee noted that the North's elite Storm Corps - from which the initial deployment was drawn - had 'the capacity to send reinforcements'.

The NIS also predicted 'that Russia might offer reciprocal benefits' for a new deployment, Lee said, including 'modernising North Korea's conventional weaponry'.

The lawmaker added that 'several North Korean casualties' had already been attributed to Ukrainian missile and drone attacks and training accidents, with the highest ranking 'at least at the level of a general'.

The NIS said the high number of casualties could be attributed to the 'unfamiliar battlefield environment, where North Korean forces are being utilised as expendable frontline assault units, and their lack of capability to counter drone attacks,' said Lee.

'Within the Russian military, complaints have reportedly surfaced that the North Korean troops, due to their lack of knowledge about drones, are more of a burden than an asset.'

Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation in Kyiv, said: 'The Russians' tactics in the Kursk direction are as follows - North Korean soldiers are being accumulated in the woodland and driven to storm narrow sections in several directions at the same time.

'Their losses are significant.'

Meanwhile, Zelensky claimed to have evidence of Russian soldiers masking and even burning the faces of dead North Korean troops to conceal their identities.

In one piece of footage shared on the Telegram messaging app, a North Korean soldier appeared to wave to camera as a Russian voice said: 'Tell him to put on a mask put on a mask.'

He shared images of a Russian soldier leaning over a body and setting it alight, with flames seen licking up from the corpse's head.

A North Korean soldier is seen hiding from a Ukrainian drone

Reports say new footage shows North Korean troops on the frontline fighting for Vladimir Putin in Russia's Kursk region, partially occupied by Ukraine

A macabre image is believed to include dead North Koreans killed fighting for Russia in Kursk region

North Korean soldiers are seen in this image shared by Zelensky

Zelensky said: 'Russia is not only involving North Korean soldiers in assaults on Ukrainian positions, but also trying to hide the losses of these people.

'There were attempts to keep the presence of soldiers from North Korea a secret.

'While they were being trained, they were even forbidden to show their faces. The Russian military tried to delete any video evidence of their presence.

'And now, after the battles with our guys, the Russians are also trying to literally burn the faces of the killed North Korean soldiers.

'This is a demonstration of the contempt that now reigns in Russia  contempt for everything human. There is no reason for Koreans to fight and die for Putin.

'This madness must be stopped  stopped with a reliable and lasting peace and Russia's responsibility for this cynical war,' he concluded.

Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky previously said North Korean troops had been at the heart of an 'intensive offensive' in Kursk.

North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

A landmark defence pact between Pyongyang and Moscow signed in June came into force earlier this month.

Experts say North Korea's Kim is keen to acquire advanced technology from Russia and battle experience for his troops.

Pyongyang on Thursday lashed out at what it called 'reckless provocation' by the United States and its allies for a joint statement criticising North Korea's support for Russia's war in Ukraine, including the deployment of troops.

A foreign ministry spokesman said the 10 nations and the European Union (EU) were 'distorting and slandering' Pyongyang's 'normal cooperative' ties with Moscow, according to state media.
Dominique Pelicot cried as he was sentenced to the maximum of 20 years in prison for raping and organising the mass rape of his wife - with all of his 50 co-defendants also receiving guilty verdicts for their part in France's most notorious sex crimes trial.

Dubbed the Monster of Avignon, Pelicot had already pleaded guilty to all the charges against him, including the aggravated rape of his then-wife Gisele and the attempted rape of the wife of one of his co-defendants.

Judges have also found him guilty of recording and illegally broadcasting images of his wife and of recording images of three other women. Police found some 20,000 lurid images and videos of Pelicot's wife being abused in files on his computer, as well as pictures of his daughter and his two daughters-in-law naked.

The 72-year-old has failing health, and his daughter Caroline Darian yelled at him as his sentence was delivered: 'You will die alone like a dog in jail!' She has directed the phrase at her cowering father throughout the trial.

Speaking outside court after the sentences were handed down, Pelicot's lawyer Beatrice Zavarro said her client was 'stunned' at the judges' decision to hand him the maximum sentence, as well as the suggestion that he could be kept in longer if he was still considered a security threat.

Maitre Zavarro said that no decision had yet been made on whether Pelicot will lodge an appeal, which he is able to do for the next ten days.

She said she will not criticise any decision made by the courts. Asked how her client is reacting, she said he is 'showing the same attitude as he has done throughout [the trial].'

Pelicot and his legal team will consider whether or not to appeal, she said, concluding in her comments: 'We are going to take the 10 days to digest this and he is going to think about his future.'

Guilty verdicts flooded in this morning, with the judge reading out each of the charges before delivering the sentences. All defendants were handed at least one conviction for horrific sexual crimes.

Gisele Pelicot's children reacted angrily as some of the sentences were read out, deploring 'it's not possible' as one convicted rapist was handed just five years. The family has said they are 'disappointed by the low sentences'.

The 51 men faced a combined sentence of 600 years ahead of the jail terms being handed down today. They will serve just a fraction of this - with a collective sentence of 400 years given out by the panel of five judges.

Dominique Pelicot, who has been labelled the 'conductor' of the 'orchestra' of rapists, hunched over in his chair and sobbed as his verdict - the longest of all the defendants - was read out.

His brave wife, who has stoically attended the trial for three months, looked defiantly at each of the defendants as they were convicted of her rape and other heinous crimes.

Gisele Pelicot is seen entering the courtroom moments before the verdicts were delivered

David Pelicot, one of Gisele's two sons, is seen giving a thumbs up as he takes a phone call outside the courthouse after his father was given the maximum sentence of 20 years in jail

Dominique Pelicot is seen leaving court after being found guilty of all the charges and handed the maximum 20 year prison sentence

Gisele Pelicot smiled as she was applauded by crowds outside the courthouse in Avignon this morning, ahead of the verdicts being delivered

This court-sketch depicts Gisele Pelicot during the hearing of the verdicts

Pelicot's lawyer Beatrice Zavarro said her client was 'stunned' at the judges' decision to hand him the maximum sentence

The Pelicots' youngest son Florian and daughter Caroline Darian speak inside the courthouse

One of the defendants arrives at the courthouse in Avignon ahead of the verdicts being delivered in the Mazan rape trial

Mme Pelicot looked at each of the defendants as their verdicts were read out. This court sketch depicts her looking at her husband

Dominique Pelicot is seen arriving at court in the back of a police car earlier this week

Dominque Pelicot (pictured) is accused of drugging his ex wife Gisele and inviting dozens of men to rape her while he watched and filmed them over a decade long period of hell

Gisele Pelicot arrived at the courthouse in Avignon with her lawyers early this morning to see the verdicts delivered in the case, which has lasted more than three months.

Her three children, sons David and Florian and daughter Caroline, arrived moments before her as they prepared to see their father and his accomplices served justice.

The verdicts Judge Arata said guilty verdicts had been given to the defendants: Dominique Pelicot, guilty of the aggravated rape of his then-wife, Gisele. Also guilty of the attempted aggravated rape of the wife of one of the co-accused, Jean Pierre Marechal, Cillia, and taking indecent images of his daughter and his daughters-in-law Charlie Arbo, guilty of aggravated rape of Gisele Pelicot Christian Lescole, guilty of aggravated rape Cyrille Delville, guilty of aggravated rape Fabien Rocca, guilty of aggravated rape Jacques Cubeau, guilty of aggravated rape Nicolas Francois, guilty of aggravated rape and child pornography possession Lionel Rodriguez, guilty of aggravated rape Simone Mekenese, guilt of aggravated rape Thierry Parisis, guilty of aggravated of rape and administering substances Patrice Nicolle, guilty of aggravated rape and administring Cyprien Cuveras, guilty of aggravated rape Matthieu Dartus, guilty of aggravated rape Quentin Hennebert guilty of aggravated rape Cyril Beaubis, guilty of aggravated rape Philippe Leleu, guilty of aggravated rape Nazir Hamida, guilty of aggravated rape Boris Moulin, guilty of aggravated rape, not disseminating substances Dominic Davies, is guilty of aggravated rape Jerome Vilela, guilty of aggravated rape Didier Sambuchi, guilty of aggravated rape Jean-Luc La, guilty of aggravated rape Fabien Sotton, guilty of aggravated rape Karim Sebaoui, guilty of aggravated rape and possessing child pornography Redouane Azougagh, guilty of aggravated rape Mohamed Kawai, guilty of aggravated rape Jean-Marc Leloup, guilty of aggravated rape Andy Rodriguez, guilty of attempted penetration, gang rape and administering substances Vincent Couillet, guilty of aggravated gang rape Adrien Longeron, guilty of aggravated rape Thierry Postat, guilty of aggravated rape and possessing child pornography Hugues Malago, guilty of attempted gang rape of Gisele Pelicot Ahmed Tbarik, guilty of aggravated gang rape Paul Grovogui, guilty of aggravated rape Omar Douiri, guilty of aggravated gang rape Husamettin Dogan, guilty of aggravated rape aggravated by being in a gang and administering substances Mahdi Daoudi, guilty of aggravated rape by being in a gang and administering substances Romain Vandevelde, guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang and administering substances Joseph Cocco, declared guilty of sexual molestation aggravated by being in a gang Hassan Ouamou , who remains on the run, was found guilty in his absence of rape aggravated by being in a gang Redouane El Farihi, found guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang and administering substances Saifeddine Ghabi, found not guilty of rape and attempted rape but found guilty of sexual molestation aggravated by being in a gang. Acquitted of criminal charges Jean Tirano, found guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang and administering substances Mohamed Rafaa, guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang and administering substances Patrick Aron found guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang Abdelali Dalal found guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang Gregory Serviol guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang on Gisele Pelicot Cedric Grassot found guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang and possessing child pornography Cendric Venzin guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang on Gisele Pelicot Advertisement

Each of the defendants is allowed to bring one relative into the court to learn their fate. One woman was seen breaking down in tears as she kissed her partner - probably for the last time for several years, as he is expecting to go to jail.

Other women, including the mothers of two defendants, could not hold back their tears as they sat in the court annexe where the verdicts will be broadcast.

The trial  which has gathered international attention  has gripped France and the world since its outset in September.

Some 180 journalists from across France and the globe queued outside the Avignon Criminal Court before dawn this morning to hear the verdicts.

Feminist campaigners protesting in the street outside the courthouse waved placards demanding 'Christmas in jail' and 'Easter behind bars' for Pelicot and the other defendants.

Supporters of Mme Pelicot have welcomed her with flowers, applause and words of encouragement throughout the more than three month trial, and this morning was no different, with the mother-of-three breaking into a smile as she was cheered by the crowds gathered outside.

People were heard crying: 'Justice for Gisele!' and sang protest songs calling for women to 'rise up against male violence'.

Just moments earlier her alleged rapists had run the gauntlet to enter the courthouse with their faces covered.

Other defendants - including primary defendant Pelicot - were brought to the court in prison vans with sirens blaring across the medieval city.

Bus loads of other protesters have since arrived i a mass show of support to Gisele Pelicot - who has stood proud and faced down her vile abusers over the four month trial that has shocked the world.

The bravery of Madame Pelicot in allowing her identity to be revealed - and the dignity with which she conducted herself throughout the trial - has seen the case become a cause celebre for campaigners against sexual violence.

The president of France's National Assembly has thanked Mme Pelicot for her courage.

'Through you, it is the voice of so many victims that carries today, the shame that changes sides, the taboo that is broken,' Yael Braun-Pivet wrote in a post on X.

'The world is no longer the same, thanks to you.'

Mme Pelicot held her head high as she heard and watched films taken by her husband of 50 years in which she was abused some 200 times by strangers he had invited into their home.

Having waived her legal right to anonymity in order to ensure the case received the maximum amount of publicity, the grandmother refused to be shamed - but instead repeatedly directed any shame at her abusers.

As interest in the case grew, Mme Pelicot was clapped and cheered as she arrived at court and left at the end of the day. Graffiti honouring her bravery was daubed on Avignon's medieval stone walls and protests in support of her erupted all over France.

Prosecutors have based their sentencing demands to the court for each defendant on aggravating factors including how many times they came to the Pelicot home and the extent of documented sexual contact.

By this assessment the worst offender, for whom prosecutors suggested an 18- year tariff, was a 63-year-old Romain Vandevelde. He was knowingly HIV-positive yet is accused of raping Mme Pelicot on six separate occasions without wearing protection.

Because the incidents were meticulously recorded by Pelicot the defendants have been unable to deny sexual contact with the victim - but most have claimed they were unaware of the circumstances Pelicot had engineered.

French criminal law defines rape as any sexual act committed by 'violence, coercion, threat or surprise' but makes no reference to any need for consent - an aspect that campaigners have fixed on as outdated and wrong.

The trial heard in disturbing detail how while outwardly a doting husband, retired electrician Dominique, was secretly engineering what may possibly be the greatest marital betrayal of all time.

Pelicot told the court: 'I am a rapist like all those accused in this room.'

And as the evidence has been revealed, his 50 accomplices have wriggled and squirmed and repeatedly tried to protest their innocence.

One defendant told police; 'rape is not possible if a woman's husband is present', another claimed a man; 'can do what he likes with his wife', while most said they believed they were taking part in a 'kinky sex game' in which Madame Pelicot was a willing party.

One defence lawyer, the head of the criminal bar in Avignon, Master Guillaume de Palma, even told the court rape 'cannot occur' if the perpetrator did not 'mean to'. His remarks, in the second week of the trial, prompted outrage across France and added to the growing calls for justice for women.

However, the scores of videos of the unbridled truth, taken by Pelicot over ten years and shown in court to the shame-faced defendants and members of the public who queued every day to watch the real-life drama play out, left very little room for doubt.

Tossed around like a 'rag doll', and often snoring, Madame Pelicot, could be seen to be clearly unconscious and unable to give her consent.

In an electrifying 90-minute testimony, she told the hushed Avignon court: 'I was sacrificed on the altar of vice.

'My body might have been warm, but I was like a dead person. I was a dead woman, and these men take advantage of me, they defile me, they treat me like a bin bag.

'They didn't rape me with a gun or knife to their heads  they raped me in full consciousness. They treated me like a rag doll.

'It is unbearable, and I don't know if I will ever be able to get up [off the floor] again.'

Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, the victim of an alleged mass rape orchestrated by her then-husband Dominique Pelicot at their home in the southern French town of Mazan, arrives at court with her lawyers

Some 180 journalists from across France and the globe queued outside the Avignon Criminal Court before dawn this morning to hear the verdicts

A man holds a placard which reads 'So that shame changes sides' in front of the courthouse ahead of the verdict

Gisele Pelicot was cheered by crowds as she arrived at court in Avignon ahead of the verdicts

Caroline Darian and David Pelicot, the children of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, the victim of an alleged mass rape orchestrated by her then-husband Dominique Pelicot, arrive to witness the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-accused

Florian Pelicot, the youngest of the Pelicots' three children, arrives at the courthouse in Avignon to hear the verdict in his father's trial

Gisele Pelicot, 72, held her head high as she heard and watched films taken by her husband of 50 years in which she was abused some 200 times by strangers he had invited into their home

A courtroom sketch shows presiding judge Roger Arata (Top L), public prosecutor Jean-Francois Mayet and defendant Dominique Pelicot in front of many of his co-defendants

The Pelicot home in the village of Mazan, now known as the house of horrors

Her abusers, most from within a 50-mile radius of the Pelicots' home, were seemingly ordinary men from all walks of life.

The fact that broadly represented a cross section of French society saw them collectively described as Monsieur-Tout-Le-Monde - or Mr Everyman.

There was veteran chief fireman Christian Lescole, 57, who protested in court at being locked up after spending 'a lifetime saving people'. Police also found naked pictures of children on his computer following his arrest.

Moroccan-born hospital nurse Redouane El Farihi screamed his innocence before a video of him assaulting Madame Pelicot while she lay motionless was played in court.

There was 'sexual predator' Jerome Vilela, a supermarket worker, who was described by his ex-partner as a 'sex-addict' and told a prison psychologist he saw sex as a 'conjugal right'.

Successful builder Thierry Parisis told the court he had fallen into a spiral of depression and alcoholism following the death of his son in a car crash. He added he remembered very little about his encounter with Madame Pelicot.

Retired marine fire-fighter Jacques Cubeau said he was lonely.

Caroline Darian (2nd L) and David Pelicot (R) arrive at the courthouse in Avignon on December 19, 2024, as the verdict is expected in the trial of their father

Gisele Pelicot speaks during the trial of her husband with 50 co-accused at the courthouse in Avignon

There was IT worker Lionel Rodriguez, 44; painter and decorator Husamettin Dogan, 43; odd-job man Mathieu Dartus, 53; motorcycle mechanic and racer Hugues Malago, 39; and farm worker Andy Rodriguez, 37.

And there was Romain Vandevelde, a 63-year-old man with HIV who visited the Pelicots on six different occasions between December 2019 and June 2020 to rape Madame Pelicot and refused to wear a condom.

These are just a handful of the strangers that took part in the mass rape that has put the tiny village of Mazan, that lies in France's most picturesque region, Provence, on the map.

Retired electrician Dominique Pelicot met each of his accomplices on an internet site for voyeurs called 'a son insu' which translates as 'without her knowledge'.

Over almost ten years he invited strangers  up to three times a week  to come to the couple's retirement chalet to rape his wife, which he had rendered unconscious by putting powerful sedatives in her dinner and glass of rose wine.

Pelicot, 72, who has failing health, has accepted that he will die 'like a dog' behind bars

To ensure they weren't seen, Pelicot told the would-be rapists to park well away from the house, avoid wearing after-shave or smelling of cigarette smoke, and ensure they left nothing behind in the bedroom.

He choreographed the multiple rapes of his sleeping wife with such attention to detail that a lawyer described him in court as a 'perverted Steven Spielberg'.

The potentially fatal doses of sedatives forced upon Madame Pelicot had a devastating effect on her health. She lost weight, her hair fell out and she suffered lengthy blackouts. Her doctor feared she was in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. She also became infected with four sexually transmitted disease. She had no idea how.

The abuse only stopped when Pelicot was arrested in October 2020 for taking pictures of women's underwear on his phone at his local supermarket  a tacky form of voyeurism known as 'upskirting'.

A search by gendarmes of his home discovered some 20,000 lurid images and images of his wife being violated in the marital bed on computer files and mobile phones.

Crowds of journalists and members of the public gathered at the entrance of the courthouse in Avignon and Gisele Pelicot arrived this morning

Women gather in support of Gisele Pelicot outside the Avignon courthouse on November 27

The following month, while returning home from Paris where she had been looking after her grandchildren, detectives asked Madame Pelicot to come to the police station.

At first, she did not recognise the woman lying on the bed unconscious being abused in the photograph that the policeman showed her. Then she saw it was her and she had been used by her husband of 50 years in the depraved sex scenes he filmed.

'That day will be seared in my memory for ever,' Madame Pelicot told the court.

'It was a scene of barbarism. I was in a state of shock.

'I remember asking for a glass of water, then a psychologist came into the room, they said my husband had been detained - and everything just collapsed for me.

'We were 50 years together, with three children and seven grandchildren, and our friends said we were the ideal couple. I just couldn't take it in.'

Returning alone to the house where she had been so cruelly betrayed, she called her grown-up children  David, Caroline and Florian  to tell them their father was a monster.

Three days later she arrived in Paris with just two suitcases and her dog, never to return to Mazan.

The only defendant likely to receive the maximum sentence of 20 years is Pelicot himself, who has been dubbed 'The Monster of Avignon'

Asked before the trial court how she reacted on learning how she had been abused by the father of her three children, she replied: 'He disgusts me. I feel dirty, defiled, betrayed. It was a tsunami. I was hit by a high-speed train.'

Pelicot told investigators he carried out his warped fantasies because he was 'bored' and blamed his arrest for 'disrupting his happy life'. He also hinted that he continued to hold a grudge against his long-suffering wife for a brief affair she had over 30 years ago.

The grown-up children have all disowned their father.

But courageous Gisele  whose divorce from her perverted ex-husband was confirmed in the days before the trial began in September  vowed to keep her marital name during the proceedings to protect her children and grandchildren who are also called Pelicot.

However, the family's pain did not stop there.

During the four-year police investigation into this most cruel case of betrayal detectives uncovered a file entitled: 'My Daughter Naked'.

In it were photographs of Pelicot's daughter, Caroline Darian, as a young woman, lying asleep on a bed, dressed in lingerie and partially naked.

The pictures were taken at the family home in Villiers-sur-Marne, near Paris, before 2013 when Pelicot retired and moved to Mazan in the south of France.

Caroline Darian has written a book about the trauma she suffered after learning her father, who she had idolised, was serial sex attacker, entitled: 'I No Longer Call You Daddy.'

At different stages of the long trial Caroline Darian confronted her father about whether he had sexually abused her  as well as her mother  storming out of court several times in distress.

But in his final statement Pelicot admitted to the court that he was a sex addict but denied drugging his daughter Caroline and taking photographs of her semi-naked on a bed dressed in her mother's lingerie.

Turning to his daughter, he said: 'Caroline, I never did anything to you.'

But in a furious outburst Caroline Darian screamed: 'You are lying!

'You're not telling half the truth, even about your ex-wife!

'You will die alone like a dog and caught out in lies!'

Gisele Pelicot (R) sits beside her daughter Caroline Darian (C) and her son (L) at the courthouse during the trial, pictured on September 2

A man holds placards which read 'Stop violence against women' and 'Justice for Gisele Pelicot' as journalists queue to enter inside the courthouse before the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot

However, under questioning from his lawyer, Pelicot accepted he would 'die like a dog' in jail for the crimes he had committed, but refused to give his beloved daughter the truth she needed.

And while France's worst husband knows he has seen his family for the last time, he is expected to appear in court again, as Pelicot faces further allegations of rape and murder after France's cold case bureau in Nanterre linked him with at least six hitherto unsolved crimes.

Pelicot has admitted the rape of a young estate agent in the Paris suburb of Villeparisis in 1999 but denies being involved in the murder of another estate agent Sophie Narne in another suburb of the capital eight years earlier and other similar cases.

The Pelicot case in terms of number of defendants is not the largest sex crime case in French history - in that regard it is eclipsed by the child-sex rings that operated in the city of Angers in the early 2000s.

But the globally high-profile trial has meant that it is almost certainly the most notorious.
A boozy hen do descended into chaos after a fight broke out at a city train station because of alleged 'queue jumping' in the toilets  as one woman was punched, shoved and had her hair pulled during the violent fracas.

Bride-to-be Dionne Pearson had been out in Newcastle city centre with her family and friends celebrating her forthcoming nuptials when a heated argument broke out between her party and a woman, Nadia Rhodes.

A court heard Rhodes had jumped the queue for the toilets at Newcastle Central Station, causing tensions to flare between the women.

CCTV then captured Rhode's partner, Lee Moore, enter the toilets which led to a fight subsequently spilling out onto the platform in front of children and families.

Pearson and five of her hens  Shauna Metcalfe, Tia Metcalfe, Michelle Wingfield, Sophie Wingfield-Herron and Charley Wingfield-Herron  were then seen to either punch, grab hair or shove during the scrap, Newcastle Magistrates' Court was told.

On the other side of the fray was Rhodes and Moore and their group of friends, who also rained down punches or pushed and shoved during the incident, which was described by a judge as 'unsavoury' and a 'very, very unpleasant melee'.

The fight was eventually broken up by police officers and an investigation was launched, involving the viewing the CCTV and deciphering who had done what.

Dionne Pearson pictured leaving Newcastle Crown Court and Magistrates court, in Newcastle Quayside - she had been out with her friends and family celebrating her forthcoming nuptials when the fight broke out between her party and Nadia Rhodes

Lee Moore and Nadia Rhodes pictured leaving Newcastle Crown Court and Magistrates court, Newcastle Quayside - a court heard Rhodes had jumped the queue for the toilets at Newcastle Central Station, causing tensions to flare between the women

Dionne Pearson, 30 and Shauna Metcalfe, 25, both of Browney in County Durham, Tia Metcalfe, 22, of Durham City, Michelle Wingfield, 43, of County Durham, Sophie Wingfield-Herron, 22, of Newton Aycliffe, and Charley Wingfield-Herron, 24, of Gateshead, all pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour to cause fear or provoke violence.

Rhodes, 25 and Moore, 32, both of Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to the same offence.

Prosecutor, Jonathan Stirland, said the fight happened on the evening of August 12 last year.

Mr Stirland continued: 'The genesis of the disorder appears to be a number of people being in the female public lavatories in Central Station. Someone (Rhodes) appears to have jumped the queue and it's caused a disagreement amongst the people waiting to use the cubicles.

'One of Miss Rhodes's friends, Lee Moore, comes into the female toilets and things have descended into a fairly unpleasant and unsavoury public disorder. It's a busy Central Station venue.'

The court heard that Tia Metcalfe was suspected of hitting Moore, then been punched in return, and Shauna Metcalfe punched someone repeatedly. Pearson was said to have grabbed a female by the hair.

Mr Stirland said Wingfield was suspected of trying to punch a male in the face several times, while Sophie Wingfield-Herron tried to punch a male in the back of the head and Charley Wingfield-Herron punched a female in the head.

Dionne Pearson (pictured) in her hen do outfit with BRIDE earrings and a matching headband

Shauna Metcalfe leaving Newcastle Crown Court and Magistrates court, Newcastle Quayside

Shauna Metcalfe (pictured) was one of Pearson's hens involved in the brawl

Tia Metcalfe leaving Newcastle Crown Court and Magistrates court, Newcastle Quayside

Michelle Wingfield leaving Newcastle Crown Court and Magistrates court, Newcastle Quayside

Michelle Wingfield pictured with a cocktail pitcher - she was one of Pearson's hens

Michael Crowe, defending all six of the hen party, said the group blamed the other side for starting the fight and each were acting in self-defence or to protect each other, although they all accepted their behaviour had gone beyond that. Mr Crowe said: 'Charley Wingfield-Herron and Michelle Wingfield were not actually in the toilets, they became involved after.

'It's quite clear from the CCTV that the violence that took place was provoked. When everyone came out of the toilets, there's a bit of chaos on the platform and it's difficult to decipher who has done what.'

The court heard that none of the hen group had past convictions and that Pearson was a married mum-of-two, who worked at a valuation office agency, Shauna Metcalfe worked at Durham University and also had two children and Tia Metcalfe was a nurse.

Meanwhile, Wingfield and Sophie Wingfield-Herron were both on benefits and Charley Wingfield-Herron worked as a teaching assistant.

Mr Crowe added: 'They all want to apologise for becoming involved. There were elements of significant provocation. They didn't go out looking for trouble.'

Sophie Wingfield-Herron leaving Newcastle Crown Court and Magistrates court, Newcastle Quayside

Charley Wingfield-Herron leaving Newcastle Crown Court and Magistrates court, Newcastle Quayside

Turning to Rhodes and Moore, Mr Stirland said the former was suspected of pushing, shoving and acting aggressively, while Moore was seen throwing punches. The prosecutor said Rhodes had no past convictions but Moore had two.

The court was told that Rhodes and Moore were both on benefits and were partners but lived separately with their children. They both said that the other side was to blame and they were protecting each other and acting in self-defence, albeit excessively.

District Judge Paul Currer fined Pearson and the two Metcalfes 500 each and ordered them each to pay 85 costs and a 200 victim surcharge. The rest were fined 300 each and must pay a 120 victim surcharge and 85 costs.

The judge said: 'I don't know what happened in the toilets and it's irrelevant. I do know that, once you spilled out, you all behaved in a way, which you ought not to have done. Each of you lost your temper and used violence, whether that was punching, striking blows or grabbing people by the hair.

'It was unnecessary and caused the prolonging of an unsavoury incident when children were present. It was a very, very unpleasant melee and it doesn't do any credit to any of you.'

The judge added: 'You all lost your cool and reacted extremely badly and violently when this incident occurred.'
Britain could send troops to Ukraine as part of a 225million support package for Kyiv, the Defence Secretary has hinted - as he vowed to 'put a lot more pressure' on Vladimir Putin.

John Healey appeared to be open to the idea of sending British soldiers into the war-torn nation to help train fresh Ukrainian recruits to fight the Russians.

The UK has already played a key role in preparing Ukrainian volunteers for the front line, training more than 51,000 soldiers at British bases since Putin launched his full-scale invasion in 2022.

But in a potential change of direction, Mr Healey said the UK now needs to 'make training a better fit for what the Ukrainians need' during his latest trip to Kyiv.

The Defence Secretary, 64, added that his son's service as an army reservist has helped him understand the 'gravity' of military action overseas for soldiers' families.

Speaking to The Times, the Labour MP said: 'We [need to] make it easier for the Ukrainians to access and we [need to] work with the Ukrainians to help them motivate and mobilise more recruits.'

Asked if this meant extending training of Ukrainian recruits inside the UK to Ukraine itself, he added: 'We will look wherever we can to respond to what the Ukrainians want. They are the ones fighting.'

Last year, former Tory Defence Secretary Grant Shapps expressed his support for such a move during an interview with the Sunday Telegraph.

Ukrainian troops are pictured being trained to assault a trench at a British Army facility in northwest England

British troops have training more than 51,000 Ukrainian soldiers since 2022. Pictured is a British soldier teaching Ukrainian recruits how to assault a building

Defence Secretary John Healey (right) is open to sending UK troops to Ukraine to train new recruits there. He is seen speaking with British soldiers at the Stanford Training Area on October 20, 2024 near Thetford, England

Mr Healey is thought to be the first Labour Government figure to float the same proposal.

It comes as the Defence Secretary revealed an ambition for Britain to 'put a lot more pressure' on Russia next year.

During his trip to the under-siege Ukrainian capital, he revealed the UK will be sending Ukraine an additional package of military support worth 225million, which would include deadly weapons.

Mr Healey met his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov yesterday and outlined how the UK will provide more air defence and electronic warfare equipment, and drones and munitions for the country's navy.

The equipment will be provided by the International Fund for Ukraine, with Western allies sharing the cost. Mr Healey also set out the priority areas for the UK's support.

These include Ukraine's military capabilities on the battlefield, the training of its soldiers by British troops, enhanced industrial cooperation and increasing pressure on Russia.

Last night, Mr Healey said: 'The UK will step up its international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025.

'We will enhance our offer of training and provide battle-winning capabilities, included in our new 225million package.

Ukrainian recruits and their British Armed Forces trainers pose for a photograph on an AS90 self-propelled artillery system at a military facility, on February 23, 2023 in Southern England

Ukrainian soldiers put their new skills into action, breaching a building while a British Army instructor watches on

John Healey (pictured) met his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov yesterday and outlined how the UK will provide more air defence and electronic warfare equipment, and drones and munitions for the country's navy

'During my meetings in Kyiv I made clear the UK's support will continue for as long as it takes, regardless of the situation in Ukraine and we will always stand shoulder to shoulder to ensure Putin cannot win.'

The UK continues to co-lead both the international drone and maritime coalitions to provide Ukraine with advanced new weapons and equipment.

The International Fund for Ukraine is a funding mechanism that uses financial contributions from international partners to rapidly procure priority military equipment for Ukraine.

The fund is administered by the UK Ministry of Defence on behalf of an executive panel comprising the UK, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Lithuania. These partners, along with Iceland, Australia, Portugal, and New Zealand, have pledged more than 1.3bn to date.
An argument between two women at a gym turned into a mass brawl with the pair pulling each other's hair and trading punches to the head.

In the shocking footage, filmed in the city of Goiania, central Brazil, two women - one wearing brown and the other wearing yellow - can be seen slapping each other while a third woman attempts to break up the scuffle.

As the fight intensifies, the gym-goers start hitting each other more aggressively and pulling hair. Two men try to intervene and break up the brawling women.

The video then cuts to show the same women arguing over a squat rack with a desperate bystander trying and failing to keep the peace.

She manages to move the women away from each other but they continue to fight and crash into a rack of weights.

The woman in brown then starts kicking out at the mediator.

In the seemingly never-ending disagreement, the women were then spotted fighting in another section of the gym as shocked onlookers watched on aghast.

The quarrel escalates further as the women resort to kicking one another before a group of men intervene to try and break up the fight once and for all - but not before one of the women lands a final kick.

In the shocking footage, filmed in the city of Goiania, central Brazil , two women - one wearing brown and the other wearing yellow - can be seen slapping each other's head while a third woman attempts to break up the scuffle

As the fight intensifies the gym-goers start hitting each other more aggressively and pulling their hair

In the seemingly never-ending disagreement, the women were then spotted fighting in another section of the gym as shocked onlookers watched on aghast

The fight reportedly took place at the Bluefit gym on Monday December 16, with the gym telling local media that it did not condone violence in any form.

Witnesses said that the women began arguing over a piece of workout equipment and that the verbal disagreement quickly turned physical.

People reportedly tried to break up the fight on a number of occasions but the women started fighting again.

A student who witnessed the incident, who preferred not to be named, told local media: 'I spoke with the instructors, and the fight happened because of sharing equipment.

'Since it's the end of the year, the gym is crowded, and they ended up having a disagreement. Jokes were exchanged, and it escalated to the point where they started fighting.'

According to the gym-goer, after being separated, the women were taken to the manager's office.

However, he could not confirm whether the individuals involved were expelled from the gym.

Bluefit said that the police were not called and no one suffered any serious injuries.
Sir Keir Starmer is facing a growing backlash to his decision to block compensation for millions of Waspi women - as it was revealed the Chancellor once railed against the 'injustice' they faced alongside her mother.

A former shadow employment minister is among those urging the Prime Minister to 'reconsider' the decision to rule out a package worth 10.5billion, while another senior MP said that a lot of MPs are 'very unhappy'.

Sir Keir has insisted that taxpayers could not afford the compensation, but there have been calls for a vote or for Number 10 to reconsider.

The Guardian reported that as many as 100 Labour MPs could rebel if it is put to a vote.

Sir Keir, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall  who ruled out a compensation package on Tuesday  are among the senior ministers who backed the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign when Labour was in opposition, including posing for pictures.

And last night it was revealed that Ms Reeves once campaigned against the change in the state pension age - making it 65 for both sexes - with her mum.

In 2016 she told a Parliamentary debate: 'The women who are being forced to wait longer for their pension, and who have been hit twiceby the changes in 1995 and then again in 2011have been done an injustice.

'In 2011, as shadow Pensions Minister, I was proud to work with Age UK, USDAW and many women, including my mother, in calling on the Government to think again.'

She is among the senior ministers who backed the Waspi campaign when Labour was in opposition, including posing for pictures in 2020 (above)

Ms Reeves once campaigned against the change in the state pension age - making it 65 for both sexes - with her mum. In 2016 she told a Parliamentary debate (pictured): 'The women who are being forced to wait longer for their pension, and who have been hit twiceby the changes in 1995 and then again in 2011have been done an injustice.'

However yesterday she said that the payout was not in the best interest of the taxpayer.

Last night veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott told Newsnight that the Prime Minister has 'no feel for politics' and accused him of not understanding how Waspi women feel.

Asked how Labour MPs were feeling about the decision, the Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP told the programme: 'I think a lot of MPs are very unhappy.'

Andy McDonald, who was shadow employment rights minister between 2020 and 2021, wrote to the Prime Minister to say 'the Government has made the wrong decision'.

'I urge you to reconsider this decision in the interests of justice for women denied a fair settlement,' he said.

Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he was 'deeply disappointed' by the 'blanket' decision to not award compensation, and thinks that ministers 'could have found a way forward'.

Speaking to STV News, Mr Sarwar said: 'I can completely understand, and I believe I was one of the ones that campaigned with them, had photographs with them, I was right to do that, I was right to campaign with them.

'I continue to stand with them in the face of their injustice. I think where there is justified frustration is in the blanket no compensation position.'

Last night veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott told Newsnight that the Prime Minister has 'no feel for politics' and accused him of not understanding how Waspi women feel.

He later added: 'I think a blanket no compensation position is the wrong one and I'm deeply disappointed by that.

'I think we could have found a way forward that recognised the difficult public finances, that recognised the difficult inheritance.'

At Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Independent MP Ian Byrne asked the Prime Minister to 'give members the opportunity to vote on whether they believe Waspi women are owed compensation'.

A newly elected MP is among those calling for ministers to reconsider the decision.

Brian Leishman, who has represented Alloa and Grangemouth since July, told Sky News that the Government 'really should deliver' on the compensation.

Mr Leishman said he was 'shocked' and 'disappointed' by the decision.

'This is a historical injustice that Waspi women have faced. We campaigned in opposition to correct that injustice, and now that we're in power we really should deliver on that,' he said.

Mr Leishman said there is 'a lot of disappointment and a lot of frustration' among colleagues, and said he would 'completely endorse' Mr Byrne's calls for a vote.

It is understood that the Liberal Democrats could consider means such as an opposition day or backbench debate if the Government chooses not to hold a vote.

On Wednesday, Downing Street said there were 'no plans' for a vote on the issue.

However, The Guardian reports as many as 100 Labour MPs would be willing to vote against the Government's decision.

In March, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommended the Government pay compensation to women born in the 1950s whose state pension age was raised so it would be equal with men.

The watchdog said the women should be paid up to 2,950 each, a package with a potential total cost of 10.5 billion to the public purse, as poor communication meant they had lost out on the chance to plan their retirement finances.

The Prime Minister said research indicates 'that 90 per cent of those impacted knew about the changes that were taking place'.

On Tuesday, Ms Kendall rejected this recommendation, though the Government has apologised for a 28-month delay in writing to the women.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister would not accept the suggestion he had 'misled' Waspi campaigners, adding the decision had not 'been taken lightly'.

However, the Waspi campaigners accused Sir Keir of cherry-picking the figures he referred to at the despatch box.

Angela Madden, chairwoman of Waspi, said: 'This isn't just misleading; it's an insult to millions of 1950s-born women who were blindsided by these changes.

'The ombudsman's findings were based on rigorous evidence showing that 60 per cent of women had no idea their own state pension age was rising.

'The Government's attempt to cherry-pick data to suggest otherwise is spreading dangerous misinformation, plain and simple.'
Female prisoners in a notorious Iranian prison are tortured, interrogated for hours on end and repeatedly threatened with execution, sources revealed

Women locked up in Iran's Evin prison are 'interrogated for 10 to 12 hours every day' and threatened with beatings and even executions, multiple sources told BBC 100 Women's new film.

Prisoner Nasim, 36, was put into solitary confinement for the first four months of her time at the notorious jail, where she spent her days in a tiny, windowless cell with no bed or toilet.

The only contact had with people she had during that time was with her interrogators, who allegedly tortured her to make false confessions.

The hairdresser thought she would die and no one would know with interrogators repeatedly threatening her with the death penalty.

Sources told the BBC that Nasim had cuts and bruises on her body when she came out of solitary confinement.

Nasim was arrested in April 2023 after joining the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' protests that followed the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022.

Tens of thousands of people were taken into custody and one of Nasim's friends was reportedly killed in the government crackdown.

Female prisoners in a notorious Iranian prison are reportedly tortured, interrogated for hours on end and repeatedly threatened with execution

Women locked up in Iran's Evin prison are 'interrogated for 10 to 12 hours every day' and threatened with beatings and even executions, multiple sources told BBC 100 Women's new film

A picture obtained by AFP outside Iran, shows people gathering next to a burning motorcycle in the capital Tehran on October 8, 2022. Iran was torn by the biggest wave of social unrest in almost three years, which has seen protesters, including university students and even young schoolgirls chant 'Woman, Life, Freedom'

Nasim had been charged with distributing propaganda and drawing arms against the Islamic Republic.

She had to spend nearly 500 days in prison detention waiting for her sentence, constantly being threatened with execution by the interrogators.

The 26-year-old was sentenced to six years in prison and was given 74 lashes as well as 20 years in exile in a small town far from Tehran.

Another woman arrested following the protests is Rezvaneh, who was detained alongside her husband in 2023.

Both were jailed in Evin, which has men's and women's wing. The latter houses about 70 prisoners, most of whom were arrested on political charges.

The inmates are cramped into three-high bunk beds in four cells of up to 20 people, where they are reportedly left 'freezing' in the winter and sweltering in the summer.

During Razvaneh's interrogations, they told her that her husband would be killed and that they would 'hit him so much that he would turn black like coal, and purple like an aubergine'. Rezvaneh was also put through solitary confinement.

After four months in the prison, Razvaneh surprisingly found out that she was pregnant after she and her husband, who is still jailed in Evin's men's wing, were allowed to meet in private on occasion, according to the BBC.

As Razvaneh got closer to her due date, prison authorities gave her permission to temporarily leave prison for the birth of her baby girl, which she had in October.

The inmates at Evin are cramped into three-high bunk beds in four cells of up to 20 people, where they are reportedly left 'freezing' in the winter and sweltering in the summer

Iranian women inmates sit at their cell in the infamous Evin jail, north of Tehran

While her husband was not allowed to temporarily leave the jail with her, she has been able to visit him with their baby.

But Razvaneh is due to be recalled to prison to serve the remaining four years of her five-year sentence.

Her daughter will likely be allowed to stay with her until the age of two, after which babies are usually sent to live with a close relative or they are placed in a children's home.

A third inmate, human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, was temporarily freed earlier this month on medical grounds due to her life-threatening heart and lung conditions.

At Evin, Narges had to fight for access to a doctor and reportedly had her treatment blocked several times after refusing to wear a headscarf to a medical appointment.

Prison authorities only gave in after Narges' fellow prisoners went on a hunger strike for two weeks.

Narges was released from prison on December 4 after undergoing a complex surgery that saw part of a bone in her right leg removed over cancer fears, her supporters said.

Another inmate, human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi (pictured), was temporarily freed earlier this month on medical grounds due to her life-threatening heart and lung conditions

A former inmate in the notorious prison is British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe (pictured), who was imprisoned in Iran for six years

Video footage showed the 52-year-old taken out of the back of an ambulance, her black hair fanned out without the required hijab, or headscarf, covering it as she called out into the street. Her right leg was covered in a fabric cast.

'Hello freedom!' she shouted. 'Women, life, freedom! Freedom is our right! Long live freedom!'

Campaigners said she would be free for 21 days, but would have to serve the remaining prison time later.

Narges is serving 13 years and nine months on charges of collusion against state security and propaganda against Iran's government.

She has kept up her activism despite numerous arrests by Iranian authorities and spending years behind bars.

Narges suffered multiple heart attacks while imprisoned before undergoing emergency surgery in 2022, her supporters say. Her lawyer last month revealed doctors had found a bone lesion that they feared could be cancerous.

A former inmate in the notorious prison is British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was imprisoned in Iran for six years.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe said about her time at Evin: 'I spent nine months in solitary confinement with very little access to anything. Being claustrophobic, solitary was a horrific experience.'
US special forces warned Syrian rebels to 'be ready' weeks before fighters launched the large-scale coup that toppled former President Bashar al-Assad's regime, it has emerged.

Capt Bashar al-Mashadani, a Revolutionary Commando Army (RCA) commander, told The Telegraph that Washington advised an attack against the Assad regime was imminent and helped the RCA strengthen its ranks.

'They did not tell us how it would happen,' Mashadani recalled. 'We were just told: "Everything is about to change. This is your moment. Either Assad will fall, or you will fall." But they did not say when or where, they just told us to be ready.'

Mashadani, who in October was second-in-command of the Abu Khatab brigade, claims American officers brought the brigade and other units under RCA command ahead of the December 8 offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

He alleges the move grew the RCA's ranks from 800 to 3,000.

Mashadani also claimed that America coordinated communication between the RCA and fighters of the HTS, which is led by Syria's interim leader Mohammed al-Jolani.

HTS started as a splinter group of al-Qaeda and is currently listed as a terrorist organization by the US, UK, United Nations and European Union.

US special forces warned Syrian rebel fighters to 'be ready' weeks before Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters launched the large-scale coup that toppled former President Bashar al-Assad's regime, it has emerged. Assad (pictured in 2020) this week issued his first statement since being deposed by rebel groups and fleeing to Russia

Capt Bashar al-Mashadani, a Revolutionary Commando Army (RCA) commander, also claimed that America coordinated communication between the RCA and fighters of the HTS, which is led by Syria's interim leader Mohammed al-Jolani (pictured on December 8, 2024)

Syrian rebels seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war, ending his family's decades-long rule.

Forces under the command of Ahmed al-Sharaa - better known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani - replaced the Assad family rule with a three-month transitional government that had been ruling a rebel enclave in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib.

Jolani, in an interview with the BBC in Damascus on Wednesday, has said the country is not a threat to the West or its neighbors.

Syria's new de-facto leader claimed sanctions, which were opposed upon the country during the Assad regime, should now be lifted.

He said the sanctions must be lifted because they were 'targeted at the old regime' and said the 'victim' should not be treated in the same way as 'the oppressor'.

He also said HTS should be de-listed as a terrorist organization and insists it was not a terrorist group.

Armed men pose for pictures near a military vehicle belonging to the Syrian regime forces and seized by anti government forces, on fire after it was hit by regime forces, in the Hama governorate, on December 7, 2024

People celebrate the collapse of 61 years of Baath Party rule as they gather at Umayyad Square after armed groups, opposing Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime, take control in Damascus, Syria on December 9, 2024

He claimed HTS did not target civilians or civilian areas and consider themselves to be victims of the Assad regime.

Jolani denied that he wanted to turn Syria into a version of Afghanistan, saying the countries are very different, with different traditions.

Afghanistan was a tribal society, a different mindset to Syria, he said.

He said he believed in education for women and referred to the north-western province of Idlib, which has been held by rebels since 2011, where they have had 'Universities for more than eight years'.

He would not comment on whether drinking alcohol would be allowed in the country.

Jolani also said he wanted to bring different religious groups together and 'not play on sectarian division'.

HTS is setting about bringing Syria under control, establishing a transition government and working to roll out aid and services to civilians.

Last week, HTS used state television to announce Sharaa- the head of the group's so-called 'Salvation Government' in Syria's northwest Idlib province - as interim Prime Minister of a transitional cabinet that will remain in place until March 1.

Meanwhile, it has been claimed former president Basher al-Assad handed over military secrets and extensive details of high-value assets to Israel to guarantee his safe passage out of the country.

Syrian de-facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa - better known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani - speaking to BBC News on Wednesday about the takeover

Hours after Assad touched down in Moscow, Israel launched a widespread bombing campaign that delivered pinpoint strikes on hundreds of Syrian military targets.

The stunning claims of Assad's final cowardly act were made today by leading Turkish journalist Abdulkadir Selvi, who claimed in a column for Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper that a 'trusted source' provided details of Assad's communications with Israel.

Assad on Tuesday made his first statement since seeking refuge in Moscow.

In a lengthy post released via the Syrian presidential Telegram channel, Assad said he was addressing 'a flood of misinformation and narratives far removed from the truth'.

'My departure from Syria was neither planned nor during the final hours of the battles, as some claim,' Assad declared. 'I remained in Damascus, carrying out my duties until the early hours of Sunday, December 8, 2024.

'At no point did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual or party. The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught.'
The hunt for a mystery female handbag 'thief' continues after an influencer had her brand new 10,000 Hermes Birkin bag allegedly stolen from a boutique changing room.

Police today admitted they did get a report at the time of the theft - just 24 hours after insisting they had no knowledge of the crime until video footage was posted on social media.

Model Janice Joostema posted CCTV of what appears to show her designer handbag being snatched while getting undressed in a VIP changing room at Maniere De Voir on Oxford Street, central London.

The influencer - who described herself a 'Birkin mommy' to her 1.3million Instagram followers - lost her red Hermes JPG Shoulder Birkin, which is valued at more than 10,000.

Ms Joostema told MailOnline she had reported the incident immediately afterwards, but the Met insisted they had no record of it until video footage was shared on social media.

However the force today admitted they did respond to the theft and spoke to the model at the time - contrary to their earlier insistence they knew nothing about it.

Ms Joostema said: 'We called the police immediately after, and then they gave me the number for the Canadian embassy as well.

'Several of the staff ran out after her and lost her, but people who work in the area said they are speaking to their bosses about getting more CCTV from the streets as well. The police are still investigating further.'

The influencer has now said she wants to 'move on' from the theft, but admitted on social media she has been left 'so sad' that she 'isn't a Birkin mommy anymore'.

Model Janice Joostema has shared the 'gut wrenching' moment her brand new Birkin bag was stolen from her as she was trying on clothes in a luxury shop in London.

Ms Joostema shared a photo of her brand new Hermes Birkin which she had only had a week

Footage shows the alleged thief prowling around the high-end store, looking at clothes and speaking to someone on the phone

It is unclear how the thief was able to enter the room without Ms Joostema noticing - and why the 'VIP dressing room' was left unlocked.

After the influencer's video went viral, she has now told her followers she simply wants to 'move on' - just 24 hours after asking them for help in finding the thief and her missing bag.

It comes amid a terrifying spate of designer handbag thefts, with burglars targeting 600,000 worth of products from two showrooms in London just three weeks apart.

Earlier this week Ms Joostema posted footage showing the alleged thief, dressed in a long white coat, walking around the high-end shop before opening and poking her head through the door of the room in which the model was trying on clothes.

Moments later, she is seen brazenly fully opening the door to the changing room, walking in and returning with the distinctive red handbag.

Ms Joostema claims that she had her back turned because the windows looked out onto Oxford Street and she was putting a top on, adding: 'She probably even saw me topless coming into the room and snatching it.'

It is not known why the door to the changing room was left unlocked - the store has been contacted for comment.

In the clip, the alleged thief's own bag got caught on the door handle, leaving her stuck trying to free herself for several seconds.

She eventually raced down the stairs and fled the building with the coveted purse, which wealthy bag aficionados clamour to buy.

Ms Joostema can then be seen walking in and out of the changing room several times, seemingly trying to work out what had happened.

She then runs out of the room and peers down the staircase. The CCTV footage then ends.

The thief then made a quick getaway, carrying the Hermes shoulder Birkin bag on her arm

Question marks about the incident remain after it emerged that Ms Joostema did not report the theft to the police, instead posting it online

Ms Joostema has called for people to help identify the woman who brazenly took her bag

This is the moment the influencer realised her Birkin was gone as she sprinted out of the changing room

Posting the video to Instagram, Ms Joostema said she saw the woman poke her head round the door but assumed she was 'looking for the bathroom'.

She made claims that the woman is 'known to rob lots of people... in Marble Arch area' and responded to one wellwisher and said the woman was part of a 'gang'.

But given police officers were not informed about the theft at the time, it is unknown how Ms Joostema was informed of this or if these claims are true.

According to the Met Police, Ms Joostema did not report the theft, and instead officers contacted her on Instagram after the video went viral. It is not known if she responded to their enquiries, but she later told followers officers had 'all the information'.

After first posting the footage of the theft, she told her followers she had 'a migraine from crying so hard'.

Just 24 hours later, she told her followers: 'I have been asked by several news outlets to provide CCTV footage and statements to take this further. However, I have made the decision to try and move on.'

Ms Joostema added she felt 'violated and scared' but was grateful to be 'unharmed', continuing: 'It's not worth it to put ourselves at risk trying to catch these people'.

She also advised followers not to carry expensive items around London.

Ms Joostema said:'It's really sad to know people exist in the world committing such acts of crime against other humans.'

Ms Joostema is a model and influencer. She was due to go on holiday but her passport was in the stolen bag

Made from materials like crocodile and alligator skins, as wells as luxe leathers with luxury names like Tadelakt and Monsieur Grainee, Birkin bags take a minimum of 18 hours to hand craft.

The influencer previously issued a stark warning to Londoners as she shared the shocking footage.

She wrote: 'Londoners beware. Thieves are coming into dressing rooms when they see you turned, they are watching you while you are changing and naked just to steal your belongings.

'My brand new Hermes shoulder Birkin I had less than a week was stolen while I was turned around in this room changing into a top, I was facing away from the door as the room is all windows.

'She poked her head in twice, I was naive and thought maybe she was innocently looking for the bathroom or something.'

Ms Joostema said she was 'unharmed' but that her passport was stolen at 'the hands of this selfish individual'. She was forced to cancel her holiday to Switzerland.

The model added: 'To work so hard for something and it be taken like this, is gut wrenching, for someone to purchase such items is a big deal, it's not something small, and I don't want to be materialistic but it's the human morals and principle of the value of money and that cuts deep for someone who's always dreamt of having an Hermes bag and it being taken like this.

Ms Joostema was in a VIP changing room at the time of the theft, with her bag on a table

The model thanks everyone for their support after 'losing faith in humanity'

Ms Joostema's holiday to Switzerland was cancelled because the passport was also stolen

'I believe everything happens for a reason but it's really sad to know people exist in the world committing such acts of crime against other humans.'

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'On Tuesday, 17 December, following circulation of a video of the incident, officers contacted the victim of a theft that happened inside a shop in Oxford Street.

'No arrests have been made at this stage. This matter is under investigation.'

It comes just two weeks after two masked robbers broke into a designer showroom and walked out with 'thousands of pounds' worth of luxury handbags during what the owner believes was a 'targeted' four-minute heist.

Evey Amery, a luxury consignment seller, was left feeling 'sick' and 'horrified' after discovering her north London showroom had been stripped of expensive pre-loved Chanel, Hermes and Dior bags in an 'aggressive' late night raid on December 3.

Her robbery comes just three weeks after three men stole 500,000 worth of luxury stock from a handbag shop called Sellier in Belgravia.

Police were not treating the robberies as linked but word has spread across the industry, with shops now on guard in the run-up to Christmas as the black market is in full swing.

Ms Amery, who has owned her business Eveyspreloved since 2021, found it deeply 'upsetting' to watch the CCTV of the robbery, but was thankful that she was not inside at the time.

In exclusive footage obtained by MailOnline, two masked robbers were seen attempting to break into the showroom at 10.40pm.

The black-clad robbers, carrying bags and tools with them, were seen violently trying to kick the door down. But when they couldn't break through the door with their body weight, they use what appears to be a crowbar or a similar tool to pry the door open.

Less than four minutes later, they reappear on CCTV, walking out with duffle bags stuffed with 'dozens and dozens' of pre-loved designer bags, including several from luxury brand Chanel. Cartier watches were also allegedly stolen in the shock heist.

It comes just weeks after two balaclava-clad men walked out of a North London showroom with two duffle bags full of stolen handbags

Evey Amery can be seen with the handbags behind her before they were stolen. There were several Chanel handbags on display which were taken

The masked robbers can be seen entering a first door into the corridor and scouring the area

They then target the third entrance on the right and attempt to knock the door down by kicking it

One of the thieves then turned around and attempted to use his body weight to kick open the door

The luxury handbags pictured above were among those that were stolen in the late night heist. It featured bags from Dior, Chanel and Hermes

That robbery came after three men stole 500,000 worth of designer goods from another luxury consignment shop in a raid that took just under four minutes again last month.

Luxury consignment has gained significant popularity in recent years. It allows buyers to get hold of second-hand luxury items for a cheaper price.

Shocking footage shows the trio dressed in black smashing through the front window and stealing the luxury items inside the Sellier store on November 13.

In the CCTV footage, two of the men could be seen breaking into the store before they began taking as much as they could.

They stuffed clothes and other luxurious items into duffle bags before quickly exiting the shop.

And in another handbag robbery, three men dressed in black launched a raid on the Sellier store in London in November

The store owner, Hanushka Toni said the burglary is 'absolutely devastating' for her business

Pictured: The smashed window burglars broke to gain access into the store before carrying out the raid

Blood was found at the scene by police officers who arrived just five minutes after the break-in happened at 1.50am on November 13.

The raided shop in upmarket Belgravia sells pre-loved luxury items and among the stolen items were six luxury bags that could be worth a combined 40,000.

This included four Chanel bags, a Hermes Kelly 35 and a Hermes Birkin that is currently selling for 14,000 online.

The third man waited outside the door on a motorbike acting their escape route as they rode off with the stolen goods.
A coroner has chastised police at a murder-suicide inquest, saying their submissions can be 'read as victim-blaming' the infant victim's mother.

South Australian Deputy Coroner Ian White is running an inquest into the deaths of nine-month-old Kobi Anastasia Isobel Shepherdson and Henry David Shepherdson, 38, at a dam north-east of Adelaide on April 21, 2021.

The pair died hours after a magistrates court granted a variation to a no-contact order to allow Shepherdson to care for Kobi while her mother was at an appointment.

The inquest has previously been told Shepherdson had called the baby's mother 149 times from prison, in breach of an intervention order, and coerced her into dropping charges against him.

During closing submissions on Thursday, Mr White had a tense exchange with Lauren Gavranich, who was representing government agencies including South Australia Police and the Department of Correctional Services.

'The (written) submissions, particularly on behalf of the commissioner of police ... commenting on Kobi's mother, caused me to have a very bad reaction,' Mr White said.

'They seem to not acknowledge the coercive pressure she was under at all.

'You and everyone else here heard 15 gruelling calls played in open court.'

Nine-month-old Kobi (pictured) died at a dam in Adelaide's north-east on April 21, 2021

The coroner said he was troubled by a paragraph of the police submission, which read: 'Kobi's mother did not need to pick up any of the calls or speak with him, particularly in circumstances where she was safe and he was in custody'.

'I believe these submissions on behalf of the commissioner are capable of being read as victim-blaming,' he said.

'Your Honour, I completely disagree with you and that is not the commissioner's position in any way, shape or form,' Ms Gavranich said.

'That's how it's going to be publicly recorded,' Mr White replied.

'It's a wrong submission to say she had no choice to pick up those calls.'

He said it was 'not being melodramatic' to say Shepherdson was an unusual and dangerous man.

Counsel assisting Martin Kirby said Kobi's mother was 'completely blindsided' when she received the first phone call from Shepherdson, from prison on January 31, 2021.

'She's quiet, she's initially unresponsive and she sounds fearful ... this would have been a very frightening and shocking moment,' he said.

Shepherdson had been prevented from contacting her and for six weeks, she'd been safe and supported with her family in Victoria, he said.

The inquest has previously been told that Henry David Shepherdson called Kobi's mother 149 times from prison, in breach of an intervention order (pictured baby Kobi)

'Not long after returning to Adelaide, where she was without family support, she answers the phone to have Mr Shepherdson telling her 'it's me, I'm back',' he said.

Shepherdson called her 13 times that day, immediately pressuring her to drop the charges against him and let him back into her life.

'He gaslit her, he dominated her, and he manipulated her,' Mr Kirby said.

Questions why Kobi's mother answered the phone and didn't tell police Shepherdson was contacting her 'discount and minimise the emotional and psychological issues that face domestic violence victims'.

Shepherdson, he noted, was a large man.

'She was a woman alone with a child. It is not speculative to consider the additional level of physical threat that his presence would have been,' Mr Kirby said.

Shepherdson had significant mental health and drug issues and a history that included threats of suicide.

And while his early life 'might inspire some sympathy' he was also a domestic violence perpetrator and convicted armed robber, Mr Kirby said.

SA Police's initial response to the case was appropriate, with Shepherdson being arrested and Kobi's mother being offered support, he told the court.

Baby Kobi (pictured) died hours after a magistrates court granted a variation to a no-contact order to allow Shepherdson to care for the infant while her mother was at an appointment

The coroner said a paragraph written in the police submissions about the hundreds of calls Kobi's mother received from Shepherdson could be interpreted as 'victim blaming' (pictured baby Kobi)

'Your Honour can find that the domestic abuse risk forms were completed inaccurately on each occasion and the processes in place by which those scores could be reviewed failed to detect the errors,' he said.

Mr Kirby said he was not seeking findings against any individuals because the issues were systemic.

He made a series of recommendations involving policies and procedures at various government agencies.

Mr White will deliver his findings at a later date.
This is the moment a man was burnt by a deep-fried chicken snack after the food item exploded as he bit into it.

The bizarre snack-related incident was captured on CCTV inside a cafe in the city of Curitiba, southern Brazil.

In the footage a waitress hands a customer a coxinha, a Brazilian deep-fried chicken croquette, before she leaves the man unattended by the bar.

As the man gets ready to tuck into his treat the coxinha suddenly explodes squirting its hot insides all over the man and the surrounding area.

Meanwhile, the heat from the croquette is visible from stream rising to the ceiling.

The shop's owner Christian de Souza Amaral - who witnesses the erupting snack - stands open-mouthed in shock as the dazed customer tries to wipe the burning filling from his face.

Mr Amaral then leaves seemingly to get help leaving the man to deal with his strange predicament.

It later emerged that the customer, not named in local media, had been treated for burns to his mouth.

The bizarre snack-related incident was captured on CCTV inside a cafe in the city of Curitiba, southern Brazil

As the man gets ready to tuck into his tasty treat it suddenly explodes squirting its hot insides all over the man and the surrounding area - with the heat from the croquette visible from stream rising to the ceiling

Mr Amaral explained: 'It went off with a sound like a tyre bursting. I was in shock watching the filling sticking to his face. It looked like a bomb.'

He added: 'We had already fried the coxinha and placed it in the display case. This guy was already there, he was a customer, and he said, 'The coxinha looks nice, doesn't it?' and asked for one.

'It had only come out of the fryer about five minutes earlier when we handed it to him.'

Bar staff gave the customer emergency first aid but recommended he go to hospital.

It is unclear, though, why the snack exploded so violently.

Bioscience expert Dr Laura Marise explained that if not handled properly, air can build up in a Coxinha and burst under pressure.

She told local media: 'Air can get trapped between the dough and the filling and, during the frying, it may have expanded, but not enough to break through the dough.

'But when it was bitten, the coxinha must have released all that pressure suddenly, which caused the explosion.'

The shop's owner Christian de Souza Amaral - who witnesses the erupting snack - stands open-mouthed in shock as the dazed customer tries to wipe the burning filling from his face

Coxinha - which translates to 'little thigh' in Portuguese, are a popular snack in Brazil consisting of shredded chicken and cheese covering in soft dough before it is deep-fried.

The savoury treat comes in a variety of sizes and can be found sold in most cafes and by street vendors.

It is widely believed to be one of the most popular fast food items in the South American nation.

Coxinha was allegedly created by a young Brazilian prince who created the poultry-filled croquette in order to resemble a chicken drumstick.
Police have foiled three late stag terror plots in the last year alone amid a 'smouldering' threat level, a senior officer warned yesterday.

Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for counter terrorism policing, said the two Islamist and one extreme right-wing plot they had prevented would have led to mass casualties.

Some were 'goal line saves', she said in her first public comments since taking up the role earlier this year.

Ms Evans described the terror threat as 'smouldering', adding: 'We have some really deep, dark hot spots, some pockets where we cannot leave the activity and the groups unattended, and we need to continue to maintain our focus on them to keep the threat at bay.

'The breadth and depth of what the teams and the wider national security system are dealing with is truly staggering, it's extraordinary.'

Overall, police and security services have stopped 43 late-stage terror plots since 2017, the police chief said, adding that one of her major concerns was that recent turmoil in Syria could 'create a space for extremism and acts of terror' in the UK.

Ms Evans said: 'In light of events in Syria, I can absolutely confirm that we're proactively reviewing our casework, proactively identifying whether there are any new risks in our system that have been inspired or committed by the events.'

Vicki Evans, the senior national co-ordinator for counter terrorism policing, warned of a 'smouldering' terror threat

The Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner warned that expressing support for HTS, the group that has taken control of the country, would be considered a crime because it has banned as a terrorist organisation in the UK.

'If we see evidence or receive reports of that happening in our communities or online, we will absolutely act in the way that we have done if we've seen support that any other prescribed organisation in our communities,' she said.

'History tells us that, unfortunately, any global instability creates space for extremism, for violence and acts of terrorism and you would expect me rightly to be concerned about the fact that we could have a void that is growing.'

Turning her attention to the radicalisation threat posed by social media, Ms Evans warned that children as young as ten are getting hooked on a 'pick and mix of horror' which is placing them on a 'conveyor belt' to terrorism.

She said officers were seeing a 'rapidly increasing fascination with extreme violence' among schoolchildren who are searching out horrific violence, 'gore', extreme pornography, and racism online.

Ms Evans said: 'What is new and becoming far more common and more prevalent is this rapidly increasing fascination with extreme violence and extreme content that we're seeing throughout our case work.

'The type of material that we're encountering, and my officers and staff are encountering in casework, is absolutely staggering and horrific.

'So we are seeing search histories which contain violence, misogyny, gore, extreme pornography, racism, fascination with mass violence, school massacres, incels...

Ms Evans described the terror threat as 'smouldering'. Pictured - file image of armed police

'Sometimes that's coupled with terrorist material, sometimes it's not. But what it absolutely is a pick and mix of horror.

'I can genuinely say I wouldn't wish the search histories that we see in some of our cases on anyone. These sort of grotesque fascinations with violence and harmful views that we're seeing are increasingly common.'

She added: 'We most definitely need to think differently about how we stop that conveyor belt of young people who are seeing and being exposed to this type of material, and unfortunately, sometimes then going on to commit horrific acts.'

Police arrested a record number of children, some as young as 12, for terrorism offences last year.

Children aged 11-15 now make up the largest proportion of referrals to the Government's de-radicalisation Prevent programme.

Of the 6,884 referrals made to Prevent in the year to March, 40 per cent (2,729 referrals) were aged 11-15, and hundreds of youngsters under the age of 10 were also referred.
China's first salt cavern compressed air energy storage station starts expansion

Xinhua) 10:27, December 19, 2024

Aerial photo taken on May 26, 2022 shows a salt cavern compressed air energy storage facility in Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Hu Ping/Xinhua)

NANJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's first salt cavern compressed air energy storage facility, located in the city of Changzhou in east China's Jiangsu Province, started its expansion on Wednesday, said China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd.

Touted as the world's largest of its kind, the phase II project is expected to enable the power station to achieve the largest capacity globally and the highest level of power generation efficiency.

The expansion project aims to build two 350 MW non-combustion compressed air energy storage units, with a total volume of 1.2 million cubic meters.

Once completed, the facility will be able to store 2.8 million kWh of electricity on a single charge, which can meet the charging needs of 100,000 new energy vehicles. By then, the station is expected to help save 270,000 tonnes of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 520,000 tonnes annually.

The power station uses electric energy to compress air into an underground salt cavern, then releases air to drive an air turbine, which can generate electricity when needed. The salt cavern was formed following the exploitation of the underground salt layer in the area. At about 1,000 meters below ground, the salt cavern has a storage room equal in size to 105 swimming pools.

The energy storage project was co-developed by China National Salt Industry Group Co., Ltd., China Huaneng Group and Tsinghua University.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A British Army soldier left colleagues with hearing loss after 'recklessly' setting off a battle noise simulator to celebrate the end of an exercise.

Fusilier Nathan Lawler caused fellow troops 'significant' injuries after activating the device, designed to replicate the sounds of war, next to them when they'd removed their hearing protection.

A military court heard the 22-year-old, who hadn't slept for 48 hours, was copying others he'd seen using the simulator which was set to mimic the sound of an explosive mortar round.

But he wasn't trained and his 'ill-judged' attempt to mark the completion of their 31 day exercise by letting off the pyrotechnic went disastrously wrong.

One of his colleagues ruptured an ear drum, and another suffered hearing loss which meant he couldn't be deployed, Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, heard.

Lawler, of the First Battalion of Royal Welsh Fusiliers, has now been ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and pay 1000 in compensation after pleading guilty to one charge of failure to perform duty.

Captain Michael Acton, prosecuting, told the court that the incident happened on the roof of a two storey building at the end of a 31 day exercise at the Altmark training area in Germany on August 30 2023.

Capt Acton said: '[Lawler's colleagues] removed their hearing protection and started to make their way down the ladder.

Nathan Lawler (pictured) caused fellow troops 'significant' injuries after activating a battle noise simulator, designed to replicate the sounds of war

A military court heard the 22-year-old, who hadn't slept for 48 hours, was copying others he'd seen using the simulator which was set to mimic the sound of an explosive mortar round

He has now been ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and pay 1000 in compensation after pleading guilty at Bulford Military Court (pictured) to one charge of failure to perform duty

'Before all the [colleagues] had left the roof, Fusilier Lawler had decided to discharge the [battle noise simulator] on the roof.'

It was Lawler's duty, once the exercise was over, not to set off pyrotechnics like this, according to Capt Acton.

The prosecutor said: 'This is something that he had seen others do as a way to celebrate the end of the exercise.'

In 'close proximity' to four of his colleagues stood on the roof who 'had removed their hearing protection' like they were meant to, he set off the battle noise simulator, the court martial heard.

He immediately apologised to the individuals who had been harmed, Capt Acton said.

The hearing was told that all four experienced pain and ringing in their ears after the incident.

One was left with hearing loss, and was unable to be deployed as a result, and another was left with a ruptured left eardrum and was downgraded for three to six months as a result of his injuries.

Benjamin Hale, defending, said that there is 'no evidence to suggest they are permanent injuries'.

He added that Lawler hadn't slept for 48 hours at the time of the incident, and the most sleep he'd had during the exercise was for three hours, three days before the incident.

Of the battle noise simulator, he said: 'He should never have had possession of this item in the first place.'

Lawler would have had a safety briefing before the exercise, but he had not completed training to handle this particular weapon, the court heard.

Mr Hale said that the incident was 'an attempt at celebration which was ill-judged, but nonetheless momentary'.

He added: 'He didn't intend for anyone to be injured in any way.'

Assistant Judge Advocate General John Atwill said: 'You made a serious mistake that day and put your colleagues who couldn't do anything to protect themselves at serious risk.

'You didn't intend to harm [your colleagues]. You were reckless to cause them harm.'

Lawler left the army in November this year to pursue a career in security.

He was sentenced to a service community order of 80 hours unpaid work to be carried out over the next 12 months, and must pay a service compensation order of 1000, which is two sums of 500 to be paid to two of his colleagues who were injured.
The Prince and Princess of Wales did not attend the King's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today as the wider Royal Family gathered for the annual event.

Prince William and Kate are instead said to be looking forward to spending time with members of the Royal Family as usual at the Sandringham estate over Christmas.

MailOnline understands the Waleses are already in Norfolk with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and had always planned to be.

It has also been made clear that William and Kate's absence was in no way linked to Prince Andrew pulling out of the lunch amid the ongoing Chinese 'spy' scandal.

The confirmation from the royal source was given just before 11am, at around exactly the same time that Charles was spotted arriving at Buckingham Palace for the lunch.

Kate, who has been gradually returning to public events after revealing in September that she had finished a course of cancer treatment, was last seen with her family on December 6 at Westminster Abbey for her 'Together at Christmas' carol service.

Four days later, William said during a visit to Picton Barracks in Wiltshire that he was looking forward to but 'not ready' for Christmas and would celebrate with 45 family members at Sandringham 'all in one room', although they are 'normally spread out'.

George, Charlotte and Louis have been on their Christmas holidays since last Friday when Lambrook School near Windsor, which they all attend, closed until January 8.

King Charles III and his private secretary Sir Clive Alderton arrive at Buckingham Palace today

Queen Camilla arrives for King Charles III's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrive for the lunch at Buckingham Palace this morning

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank arrive today, with their son August asleep in the back

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi arrive at Buckingham Palace this afternoon, with Christopher 'Wolfie' Woolf (rear left), eight, who is Edoardo's son and Beatrice's stepson

William and Kate have been pictured arriving for the lunch in previous years, including 2018 and 2019. The event was not held in 2020 or 2021 because of the pandemic.

Today, King Charles arrived at the palace in a car just before 11am with his private secretary Sir Clive Alderton for the private gathering, held for senior royals and their wider family who will not be attending Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were next to arrive at about 11.20am for the lunch at the monarch's official London residence, which saw dozens of Royal Family members enjoy organic Norfolk turkey and all the trimmings.

Further arrivals were then seen from 12.30pm, including Andrew's daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie with their husbands Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank - who were there without their father or mother Sarah.

Eugenie and Jack's three-year-old son August could be seen asleep in the back of the car wearing a Santa hat.

Christopher 'Wolfie' Woolf, eight, who is Edoardo's son and Beatrice's stepson, was also seen in the back of his parents' car.

Also arriving were Queen Camilla; Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence; and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

Others were the King's second cousin Lady Gabriella Windsor; Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma; and Lord Frederick Windsor with his wife Sophie Winkleman and their daughter Isabella.

Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence arrive this afternoon

Prince and Princess Michael of Kent at Buckingham Palace for the pre-Christmas lunch today

Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma arrives at Buckingham Palace today

The Duke of Kent arrives for the pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband Daniel Chatto arrive at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

Lady Marina Windsor (back left, hidden) Lady Amelia Windsor (back right) and the Earl of St Andrews (front right) arrive for the King's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today

Timothy Taylor (front left), Lady Helen Taylor (front right) and their daughters Estella and Eloise Taylor arrive for the King's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

Lord Frederick Windsor (left), Lady Frederick Windsor aka Sophie Winkleman (right) and their daughter Isabella (centre) arrive for the pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today

Lord Downpatrick arrives for the King Charles III's lunch at Buckingham Palace today

Lady Davina Windsor (back) arrives for King Charles III's pre-Christmas lunch today

Samuel Chatto, the son of Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto, arrives for the lunch today

Princess Alexandra arrives for King Charles III's pre-Christmas lunch this afternoon

Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband Daniel Chatto were there; as were Lady Marina Windsor, Lady Amelia Windsor and the Earl of St Andrews; and Timothy Taylor, Lady Helen Taylor and their daughters Estella and Eloise Taylor.

The event is designed to allow all those who don't make the cut to Sandringham - such as cousins, nieces and nephews  to celebrate with senior family members.

But the Duke of York pulled out yesterday as he continues to be dogged by his links to an alleged Chinese spy.

Andrew decided not to attend the event after speaking to his ex-wife and close friend Sarah, Duchess of York, according to a source.

The move was another embarrassing moment for the King's brother, who has already withdrawn from joining senior royals at Sandringham for the festive period.

Earlier this week, it was revealed in a High Court hearing that alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who was banned from the UK, was said to have been a 'close' confidant of Andrew.

Mr Yang, who was named after an anonymity order was lifted on Monday, has insisted it was 'entirely untrue' to claim he was involved in espionage and that he has 'done nothing wrong or unlawful'.

The businessman, previously referred to only as H6 in the legal case, was the founder-partner of the Chinese arm of the duke's Pitch@Palace initiative, and twice visited Buckingham Palace in 2018 to meet with the late Queen's second son.

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice arrive at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

Princess Eugenie arrives at Buckingham Palace today, with her son August asleep in the back

King Charles III arrives for his pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace this morning

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi arrive at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones arrives for King Charles III's pre-Christmas lunch today

Lady Sarah Chatto arrives for the pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

Princess Eugenie arrives for the King's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today

Timothy Taylor (front left) and Lady Helen Taylor (front right) arrive for the King's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrive for the lunch at Buckingham Palace this morning

Princess Anne arrives for the pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma arrives at Buckingham Palace today

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank arrive for the lunch at Buckingham Palace today

Princess Beatrice arrives for the pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

Lady Helen Taylor and her daughters Estella and Eloise Taylor arrive at the palace today

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank arrive today, with their son August asleep in the back

The King is driven into Buckingham Palace this morning for his pre-Christmas lunch

Queen Camilla arrives for King Charles III's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank arrive for the lunch at Buckingham Palace today

Lady Frederick Windsor aka Sophie Winkleman arrives at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

Prince and Princess Michael of Kent at Buckingham Palace for the pre-Christmas lunch today

The Duchess of Edinburgh arrives for the King Charles III's lunch at Buckingham Palace today

King Charles III arrives for his pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace this morning

Princess Beatrice (right) arrives for the pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today

The Earl of St Andrews (front centre) and Lord Downpatrick (right) arrive for the lunch today

Lord Frederick Windsor (left), Lady Frederick Windsor aka Sophie Winkleman (right) and their daughter Isabella (centre) arrive for the pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today

King Charles III and his private secretary Sir Clive Alderton arrive at Buckingham Palace today

Queen Camilla arrives for King Charles III's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today

The King is driven into Buckingham Palace this morning for his pre-Christmas lunch

Lord Frederick Windsor (left) and Sophie Winkleman (right) arrive at Buckingham Palace today

King Charles III arrives for his pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace this morning

The Earl of St Andrews arrives for the King's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace today

He is also said to have entered St James's Palace and Windsor Castle at Andrew's invitation.

Last Friday, the duke's office said Andrew 'ceased all contact' with the then-unnamed businessman when concerns were first raised about him.

Andrew met Mr Yang through 'official channels' with 'nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed', a statement said.

The duke, now 64, has disappeared from public life since stepping down from official duties in 2019 following the furore over his friendship with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew's status as a member of the royal family was left in tatters three years later when the Queen stripped him of his honorary military roles, remaining royal patronages and he gave up his HRH style in a dramatic fallout from a US civil sex case brought against him.

Prince William, George, Charlotte, Louis and Kate during the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 6, 2024 - the last time the family were seen

Prince Andrew is seen driving from his home at Royal Lodge in Windsor yesterday morning

Prince Andrew is accompanied by his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York at the annual royal outing to the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham, Norfolk, on December 25, 2023

Alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who forged links with the Duke of York

The legal process ended when he paid millions to settle the civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met and who was trafficked by Epstein.

The duke no longer attends Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph or the annual Commonwealth Day service.

But he was at the King's coronation, and is still a member of the Order of the Garter, taking part in the senior order of chivalry's annual service behind closed doors, but does not appear in the public procession.

Andrew carried on joining the royal family for Christmas Day, and last year walked from Sandringham House to church with the other royals - seen as symbolic of his gradual rehabilitation within the family. But it remains to be seen if he will return to the fold.
The new tenants at a home police suspect may have been the scene of a double homicide have broken their silence as the probe in the former occupants' deaths continues.

The remains of Zhuojun 'Sally' Li were discovered by a jogger wrapped in plastic in bushland along Foreshore Rd at Botany in Sydney, by a jogger on December 9.

Police held grave fears for her husband, Jai-Bao 'Rex' Chen for nine days until a body was found submerged in a creek and covered in reeds on Tuesday.

While the remains have not been officially identified, police believe they belong to Mr Chen.

A new family have since moved into the couple' former rental property in Greenacre in Sydney's south-west, just days after Ms Li's mother cleared out their possessions last weekend.

It's understood the four-bedroom house was sold in October, a month before the suspected murders.

A woman living in the home, who wished to stay anonymous, admitted that the family's move had been a nightmare due to the ongoing investigation into deaths of Ms Li and her husband.

She told NCA NewsWire her new home was being treated like a crime scene by media, despite being given the all clear by police to move in.

The new tenants of the home (pictured) where Zhuojun 'Sally' Li and her husband Jai-Bao 'Rex' Chen lived before their suspected murders have pleaded for privacy

The remains of Ms Li (pictured) were discovered by a jogger on December 9, prompting fears for her husband

Mr Chen's (pictured) body was found near the location of Ms Li's on December 17 with police investigating whether the couple were killed by loan sharks

The mental health of her entire family had been impacted by the ongoing reminders of the property's grisly past.

The woman said she felt for Ms Li, her husband and their loved ones but asked she and her family be given privacy in their new home.

Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty on Tuesday aired police's theory Ms Li and Mr Chen were killed inside the Greenacre property before their bodies were dumped in Botany.

'I don't want to jump the gun if this is Rex, but the location of the where the murder would have happened would have been in the Greenacre address, that's a strong theory that we have,' he told a press conference.

'The bodies then driven to Foreshore Drive and placed where they are now. They were there for some time.

'That's the likelihood, and that's where the investigation is running, that Greenacre was the actual location.'

Police are investigating two suspects who fled overseas following the couple's grisly deaths. Pictured is the crime scene on Tuesday after Mr Chen's body was found

The home was forensically examined by police last week before Mr Li's mother was given the green light to clear out the couple possessions last weekend.

Detectives haven't yet ruled out whether a crime occurred there.

'The scene has been processed, it's not a current active crime scene,' a NSW State Crime Command spokesperson told NCA Newswire.

Superintendent Doherty has also shared insight into police's manhunt for those responsible for the couple's death.

It's understood Mr Chen had racked up a significant gambling debt, fuelling theories he and his wife were targeted by loan sharks.

'They owed money,' Superintendent Doherty said.

'There was no other criminality that we were aware of, and certainly Sally has unfortunately become a victim because of that.'

It's believed Ms Li was unaware of her husband's financial woes.

A car, believed to have transported their bodies, has been seized and will undergo forensic examination.

Detectives are working with Taiwanese and Chinese authorities to locate the two suspects

A car (pictured), believed to have transported their bodies, has been seized and will undergo forensic examination

Police are honing in on two suspects who have allegedly fled overseas since the murders.

It's understood police believe they travelled to Queensland, where Mr Chen's phone was recovered, before heading offshore.

'We are liaising with Taiwan and Chinese authorities  possibility two people involved are both offshore,' Superintendent Doherty said.

'At least two people involved and have travelled overseas. Post the bodies being dumped.'
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

More Aussies left stranded in Vanuatu after a deadly magnitude 7.3 earthquake rocked the Pacific island nation have arrived home.

Hundreds of passengers touched down at Brisbane's International Airport at about on Thursday night after two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) planes were dispatched to the region to bring holidaymakers home.

Families with young children and teens were among those caught up in the chaos on the island nation, waiting for a way home.

The first plane departed Port Vila and arrived in the Queensland capital at about 6pm, a day after 148 fellow Aussies were flown home.

Photos showed travellers disembarking the RAAF aircraft, happy to be finally home.

They headed inside the airport terminal where they were greeted by loved ones and the waiting media.

Gold Coast mum Chantel Bastock thanked the federal government for organising the last minute flight.

'We're home ... we're safe, thank you to the Australian Defence Force, we love you guys,' she said.

Chantel Bastock (pictured with son Darcy) was among those happy to be back on home soil

Hundreds of passengers (pictured) touched down at Brisbane's International Airport on Thursday evening after two emergency RAAF planes were dispatched to the region

Young families were among the Aussie holidaymakers relieved to be home on Thursday night

Travellers caught up in the earthquake disaster made their way inside the airport terminal where they were greeted by loved ones

Some travellers were seen thanking the crew members from the aircraft by shaking their hands.

The quake, which occurred at 12.47pm on Tuesday, struck an area 30km west of Port Vila, causing multiple buildings to collapse in the bustling tourist hotspot.

At least 14 people have been killed and 116,000 civilians are understood to be affected by the natural disaster. Authorities expect the death toll to climb.

No Australians have been confirmed dead in the earthquake to date

The Red Cross reporting at least 200 people have been injured in the disaster.

Pictures from the scene showed a trail of destruction with several buildings flattened by the impact of the quake.

Several cars were crunched under the weight of the collapsed structures.

Locals reported on social media feeling violent shaking for around 30 seconds.

Communications were also affected at the time, including the Australian High Commission's systems.

Several government agencies and international embassies were also extensively damaged.

One Aussie traveller who arrived home on Thursday night recalled the terrifying moment chaos ensued after the quake struck.

'[I watched] buildings come down around me and people [started] screaming and running and I had no idea what to do,' he said.

Emer Entiana was swimming with her family at a lagoon when the water 'instantly turned brown'

'We were very far from where we stayed. It was shocking. We were struggling to get back to the hotel because there were landslides everywhere,' she said.

She has family from Papua New Guinea who remain stranded in Vanuatu.

The passengers were seen walking past the defence plane on the runway (pictured) before they made their way inside the airport terminal

Travellers were seen thanking RAAF aircraft crew (pictured) and shaking their hands

Other Aussies such as Henry described challenges including no communication from the Australian government and a struggle to find accommodation.

He sought help from the Australian High Commission but claimed there was no further communication or support after staff assured him they would arrange accommodation.

A Qantas representative was able to arrange a stay at the Holiday Inn.

But Henry said as of Thursday afternoon, many Australians were frustrated.

'All Australian guests staying here are feeling very frustrated as no representative from the High Commission has visited the hotel to provide updates,' he told AAP.

Aussie expat and Vanuatu Cricket chief executive Tim Cutler told Seven News that many fellow Aussies were desperate to leave the island nation and return home.

'One of them screamed out, 'we're going. The high commissioner is flying us home. Thank you for everything',' he said.

'And they literally just dropped their food and ran outside...to get themselves to the airport.'

The international airport runway in Vanuatu was cleared, but it remains closed to commercial traffic for 72 hours to prioritise relief and medivac flights.

Two plane loads of stranded Aussies touched down in Brisbane on Thursday night.

The first RAAF plane touched down in Brisbane at about 6pm on Thursday night. Pictured are travellers relieved to be back on home soil

Pictures from the scene showed a trail of destruction with several buildings flattened (pictured) by the impact of the earthquake

The federal government has sent 64 members of the Disaster Assistance Response Team to help with search and rescue operations and to provide essential health services.

Members of other government agencies including the Australian Medical Assistance Team, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the National Emergency Management Agency have also been deployed.

A rescue and aid package worth $2million will also be delivered.

Vanuatu's caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai has declared a state of emergency and a seven day curfew has been imposed on the areas that have been most affected.

DFAT is providing consular assistance to affected Australians in the region.

Foreign Affairs minister Penny Wong said the government will continue to provide further assistance to Vanuatu.

'We send our deepest condolences following this dreadful tragedy,' Minister Wong said in a statement.

'My message to the people of Vanuatu is Australia is here to help. This immediate package of support will ensure those in urgent need receive lifesaving assistance.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also pledged to 'assist the people of Vanuatu in any way we can'.

Geoscience Australia recorded a second quake earlier on Wednesday with the agency reporting it as a magnitude 6.0 with a depth of 72km.
A barber shop customer jumped from his seat while getting his haircut to help a police officer being attacked.

Kyle Whiting was in the barbers when he saw an officer standing near a man waiting at a bus stop in Warrington, Cheshire.

The attacker - in a black jacket and grey hoodie - then hit the officer forcing him to the ground during the attack on Tuesday at around 11.40am.

Without a moment's hesitation, Mr Whiting dashed out with his barber's cape still around his neck to assist the officer.

He pulled the aggressor off the officer as other witnesses gathered around to help before police back up arrived.

Another cop from a marked police car parked around the corner then ran over before a second squad vehicle pulled up.

The officer who was attacked suffered a broken finger as well as bruised ribs in the scuffle. A 50-year-old man was arrested following the incident.

Mr Whiting, who was getting a trim in Haron Barber's, said: 'I was sitting in the chair getting the back of my head shaved.

Kyle Whiting (pictured right) was in the barbers when he saw a man hit a police officer forcing him to the ground during an attack in Warrington, Cheshire

Without a moment's hesitation, Mr Whiting dashed out with his barber's cape still around his neck to assist the officer

He pulled the man off of the officer as other witnesses gathered around to help before police back up arrive

'The barber stopped and looking in the mirror for about 10 seconds, then went to the window and started recording.

'I got up from my chair, it all happened so quickly. Grateful to have helped, and glad no one else was hurt.

'My sister is a police officer, and if she was in this situation, I'd appreciate a Good Samaritan coming in to help her if it is safe to do so.

'No one is paid enough to be punched in the face unless you're Conor McGregor.'

UK Cop Humour, which shared the video, joked: 'Not all heroes wear capes...but this one does.

'Can we take a moment to applaud this fella, mid-haircut, but dashing out to aid a copper.

'Not enough people like you around. Kyle was keeping an eye on what was going on outside, because his sister is a police officer.

'Upon seeing the single-crewed officer attacked, he dashed out mid-haircut without a thought for his own safety to assist the officer.'

The officer who was attacked suffered a broken finger in the scuffle and also has sore ribs. A 50-year-old man was arrested following the incident

A Cheshire Constabulary spokesperson said: 'Officers have thanked a member of the public for his support after an officer was assaulted in Warrington.

'The incident occurred at around 11.40am on Tuesday, December 17 in the Lovely Lane area.

'As the assault was taking place a member of the public from a nearby hairdressers intervened to assist the officer.

'A 50-year-old man was subsequently arrested in relation to the matter.

'He has since been passed to the care of health professionals.'
Furious shoppers have blasted Amazon workers for throwing the holidays into chaos by launching the 'largest-ever' strike against the online retailer just six days before Christmas.

Workers from seven Amazon facilities across the US walked off the job today in a bid to pressure the company to come to a labor agreement during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters says it represents nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, though it is not clear how many people will participate in the walkout.

Teamsters boss Sean O'Brien has told customers to 'blame Amazon's insatiable greed' if their deliveries are 'delayed during the holidays'.

But angry shoppers have berated staff for putting their Christmases at risk by launching a strike during the last-minute shopping rush.

One customer argued 'it is not the time' for a strike, while others warned it was 'time to panic'. Another went as saying 'employees can kiss my a** right now for going on strike right before Christmas!'

Amazon says it doesn't expect an impact on its operations during what the union calls the largest strike against the company in US history.

Meanwhile, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez were spotted strolling into Mar-a-Lago last night to enjoy a dinner with President-elect Donald Trump.

Unionized Amazon workers at seven warehouse facilities across America have joined the picket line today to seek contracts guaranteeing better wages and work conditions. Pictured are Amazon workers striking in New York City today

The union gave Amazon a December 15 deadline to begin negotiations and warehouse workers had recently voted to authorize a strike. Teamsters members are pictured in NYC

Teamsters local unions are also putting up picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide. Pictured are New York City area Amazon workers on strike today

Workers joining the picket line after Amazon ignored a December 15 deadline the union set for contract negotiations.

The strikes are taking place at one Amazon warehouse in San Francisco, California, and six delivery stations in southern California, New York City; Atlanta, Georgia, and Skokie, Illinois, according to the unions announcement.

Amazon workers at the other facilities are 'prepared to join,' the union said, noting that Teamsters local unions are also putting up picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters say they represent nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, a small portion of the 1.5 million people Amazon employs in its warehouses and corporate offices.

At one warehouse, located in New York Citys Staten Island borough, thousands of workers who voted for the Amazon Labor Union in 2022 and have since affiliated with the Teamsters.

At the other facilities, employees - including many delivery drivers - have unionized with them by demonstrating majority support but without holding government-administered elections.

'Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,' O'Brien said in a statement.

'We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it. This strike is on them.'

He added: 'If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon's insatiable greed.'

But customers are seemingly blaming the striking staff and have taken to social media to air out their frustrations.

'Oh hell no Amazon on strike!! This not the time y'all,' an X user tweeted.

Another questioned: 'It's six days until Christmas and Amazon is on strike?!?'

'It's time to Panic for all those of us that haven't started shopping yet and Amazon is going on strike today in my area. Christmas shopping commence,' one added.

'Oooooo heck Amazon workers in US gone on strike today. That will put a huge spanner in da works!!! All those Crispmouse pressies!!!!' echoed another.

Amazon said it does not expect any impact to its operations, but shoppers have still taken to social media detailing concerns over the arrival of their holiday packages

The strike is a challenge to Amazon's operations as it races to fulfill orders during its busiest season of the year, although union-represented facilities represent only about 1 per cent of Amazon's hourly workforce.

Areas such as New York City have multiple warehouses and smaller delivery depots, which could help Amazon blunt any potential strike impact.

The Teamsters union has said it represents about 10,000 workers at 10 of the company's US facilities, a small portion of the 1.5 million people Amazon employs in its warehouses and corporate offices.

The Seattle-based online retailer has been seeking to re-do the election that led to the union victory at the warehouse on Staten Island, which the Teamsters now represent. In the process, the company has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board.

Meanwhile, Amazon says the delivery drivers, which the Teamsters have organized for more than a year, are not its employees.

Under its business model, the drivers work for third-party business, called Delivery Service Partners, who drop off millions of packages to customers everyday.

'For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public - claiming that they represent "thousands of Amazon employees and drivers". They don't, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative,' Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement.

'The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union.'

Teamsters members march through the streets of New York holding picket signs in demand of better working conditions

Amazon warehouse workers hold signs declaring the company is 'unfair' as they strike in NYC

Amazon warehouse workers assembled in NYC today after walking out in the largest strike against the online retailer in history

Observers have said Amazon was unlikely to come to the table to bargain as that could open the door to more union actions. Pictured are Teamsters members demonstrating in NYC today

Observers have said Amazon was unlikely to come to the table to bargain as that could open the door to more union actions.

It employs more than 1.5million people globally and has said it prefers direct relationships with workers.

The retailer's shares were trading slightly higher in premarket hours, a sign that investors do not expect a big disruption from the strike.

Earlier this year, the company announced a $2.1billion investment to raise pay for fulfillment and transportation employees in the US, increasing base wages for employees by at least $1.50 to around $22 per hour, a roughly 7 per cent increase.

Meanwhile, Amazon boss Bezos was at Trump's Florida mansion with his fiancee on Wednesday night for their first meal with the President-elect after his recent election win.

Footage shared on social platform X shows the couple holding hands and walking alongside Trump as they greet other guests.

The tech mogul wore a navy blue suit and white shirt, while his partner Sanchez put on a leggy display in a little black dress and stiletto heels.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos was spotted strolling into Mar-a-Lago Wednesday evening to enjoy a dinner with President-elect Donald Trump

The Amazon founder arrived with his fiancee Lauren Sanchez

Trump at Mar-a-Lago last night when he hosted a dinner with billionaire Jeff Bezos

Bezos is one of the latest tech giants who has rubbed shoulders with Trump ahead of his presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Bezos said he planned on donating $1million to the incoming president's inaugural fund

Trump and Bezos' relationship has been rocky throughout the election, but appeared to improve after Bezos-owned newspaper, the Washington Post, refused to endorse a presidential candidate in the 2024 election.

This move broke tradition for the publication that has historically backed the Democratic party.

Bezos' visit to Mar-a-Lago comes after Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg travelled to Florida last month to dine with Trump at his compound.
A would-be terrorist with an armoury of weapons including a crossbow and 14 knives has been jailed for 10 years for planning an attack on gay and transgender people.

Alan Edward, 54, amassed a terrifying collection of weaponry at his home in Redding, Stirlingshire.

The neo-Nazi, who glorified Hitler, also had a Samurai sword, knuckledusters, baton and stun gun stashed at his home alongside with Nazi and SS insignia.

Police also found an air pistol, an SS-style skull mask, fighting gloves with specially-hardened knuckles, pellets and ball bearings.

Prosecutors said Edward was a man with clear neo-Nazi ideals... preparing for an act of terrorism which would include an ideologically-driven incident of serious violence.

The former journalist was convicted of four charges under the Terrorism Act following a trial in Stirling in September.

He was sentenced by Judge Fiona Tait at the High Court in Glasgow today.

Edward appeared via video-link from prison where he had been on remand since September 2022.

Alan Edward was sentenced by Judge Fiona Tait at the High Court in Glasgow today

Edward has been jailed for 10 years for plotting a terror attack on gay and transgender people

She told him that he publicly and extensively posted views of an extreme right-wing nature and was found in possession of numerous items in circumstances that gave rise to suspicion it could be linked to a terrorist act.

Judge Tait added: The author of the risk assessment on you assesses you at high risk of re-offending.

For such serious offences there is no appropriate alternative to a prison sentence.

It is necessary to punish you and deter you and others from engaging in activities for the purposes of terrorism and to protect the public from you.

Edward will also be monitored for five years on his release.

Judge Tait further imposed a serious crime prevention order - known as a super-Asbo - which are designed to tackle and restrict the activities of criminals on their eventual release.

This will also be for five years.

Edward - who had 28,000 followers on social media - was known to be a Holocaust denier.

He also mocked the murder of George Floyd, killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020.

A document found on his computer referred to Norwegian neo-Nazi mass murderer Anders Breivik who killed 77 people during his murderous spree in 2011 as Saint Anders.

Jurors heard Edward was said to have notions of white supremacy, racial purity of whites, racism, anti-Semitism and hatred of homosexuals and transgender people.

Checks on his WhatsApp account revealed he had been messaging an associate in nearby Grangemouth - identified as Pello - about a proposed attack on the LGBT group, which met in Falkirk.

Hed used bigoted language in a series of texts expressing his desire to kill members of the transgender and Jewish communities with the messages described as incredibly sinister.

Edward remarked of the LGBT group: They have been pushing their luck for years. Now they will pay in blood.

He added: We should get masked up and go do a few of them in at their little club.

Edward also had two accounts on Gab - a free speech social media platform popular with the far-right.

He came to the attention of counter-terrorism investigators after posting a video glorifying a banned far right group called National Action.

Dad-of-one Edward who was arrested in September 2022 had denied the accusations that he faced.

The charges he was found guilty of included having ammunition and equipment for the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorist acts and encouraging terrorism.

He was separately convicted of racism, anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial and a breach of the peace.

The would-be terrorist was further guilty of producing and supplying cannabis, possession of a stun gun as well as threatening and abusive behaviour.

Would-be terrorist Edward had a huge stash of weapons at his home in Redding, Stirlingshire

Allan MacLeod, defending, yesterday said: It is clear his online activities are not to be repeated. He understands that.

He simply wants to put this matter behind him and concentrate on the future.

Edward was also made subject of the Counter Terrorism Act notification requirements.

This is a further method to keep track of him when he is released - such as providing the police with his address and passport number.

Following the sentencing, Detective Superintendent Stephen Clark, head of counter terrorism investigations at Police Scotland, said: Edward shared extreme racist and homophobic content online with the aim of stirring up hatred and spreading fear and alarm.

'His complete disregard for the corrosive impact this could have on our communities heightened these dangerous actions.

It is entirely unacceptable to promote terrorism or extremism, and this conviction displays how we will not hesitate to investigate online or offline behaviour which breaches terrorism or other criminal legislation.

Holding an array of weaponry posed a clear and significant risk to the public which underlines the importance of him being brought to justice.
This is the moment accomplices of the Monster of Avignon are jeered by crowds by crowds outside a French court.

Footage shows the men walking into the court in Avignon, France as the crowds booed, before they were jailed for their part in France's most notorious sex crimes trial.

People screamed 'rapists, we can see you' while holding up signs saying 'prison for all' and 'Christmas in prison, Easter in the slammer'.

Some even carried oranges as symbolic gifts for the men heading to jail. The gifting of oranges to defendants is seen as a traditional act of shaming in France, which indicates that the person receiving the orange will go to prison.

One accomplice was seen hanging his head in shame as he walked into the court, while others tried to hide their faces will masks and caps.

Other videos taken this morning captured the moment Gisele Pelicot was being led into the court building, with people screaming: 'Gisele, I love you' and 'Bravo, Gisele'.

Dominique Pelicot, 72, who has come to be known as the Monster of Avignon, drugged, raped and organised the repeated rape and sexual abuse of his now-ex-wife Gisele Pelicot by dozens of other men.

Firefighters, soldiers, lorry drivers, a DJ and a journalist are among those found guilty of raping 71-year-old Gisele at the behest of her husband Dominique over the course of a decade - all without her knowledge.

One accomplice was seen hanging his head in shame as he walked into the court

Others defendants tried to hide their faces will masks and caps

One of the defendant arrives at the courthouse in Avignon on December 19, 2024, after being booed by crowds outside

Other videos taken this morning captured the moment Gisele Pelicot was being led into the court building, with people screaming: 'Gisele, I love you' and 'Bravo, Gisele'

An activist holds a sign reading 'Prison for all' outside the Avignon court this morning

Today, the Monster of Avignon was slapped with a 20-year prison term by Judge Roger Arata after he pleaded guilty to drugging her repeatedly for almost a decade to rape her and to offer up her unconscious body for sex to dozens of strangers.

Several abusers have escaped justice, with police unable to identify more than 20 men involved in Gisele's abuse.

But Arata handed down guilty sentences to another 50 men besides Pelicot, many of whom contacted Gisele's husband online and were invited to his home in the sleepy Provence village of Mazan to assault his unconscious wife on camera.

Of the 50 accused of rape, just one was acquitted but was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault. Another man was also found guilty on the sexual assault charge that he was tried for - meaning all 51 of the defendants were found guilty in one way or another.

In a side room where defendants' family members watched the proceedings on television screens, some burst into tears and gasped as the sentences were revealed.

Protesters gathered outside the courthouse followed the proceedings on their phones. Some read out the verdicts and applauded as they were announced inside.

Prosecutors had asked that Dominique Pelicot get the maximum penalty of 20 years and for sentences of 10 to 18 years for the others tried for rape.

But the court was more lenient than prosecutors had hoped, with many sentenced to less than a decade in prison.

A man holds a sign reading: 'Christmas in prison, Easter in the slammer'

Defendants appear in the courtroom during their trial with Dominique Pelicot, who has allegedly drugged and raped his then-wife Gisele Pelicot

Dominique Pelicot is pictured arriving at the courthouse this week

Gisele Pelicot arrives in front of the courthouse before a verdict in the Pelicot case is delivered on December 19, 2024 in Avignon, France

For the co-defendants the sentences ranged from three to 15 years imprisonment, with some of the time suspended for some of them. Arata told six defendants they were now free, accounting for time already spent in detention while awaiting trial.

Dominique Pelicot admitted that for years he drugged his then wife of 50 years so that he and strangers he recruited online could abuse her while he filmed the assaults.

The appalling ordeal inflicted over nearly a decade on Gisele Pelicot, now a 72-year-old grandmother, in what she thought was a loving marriage and her courage during the bruising trial have transformed the retired power company worker into a feminist hero of the nation.

Stretching over more than three months, the trial galvanized campaigners against sexual violence and spurred calls for tougher measures to stamp out rape culture.

The defendants were all accused of having taken part in Dominique Pelicot's sordid rape and abuse fantasies that were acted out in the couple's retirement home in the small Provence town of Mazan and elsewhere.

Dominique Pelicot testified that he hid tranquilizers in food and drink that he gave his then wife, knocking her out so profoundly that he could do what he wanted to her for hours.

One of the men was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment not for assaulting Gisele Pelicot but for drugging and raping his own wife - with help and drugs from Dominique Pelicot, who was also found guilty of raping that man's wife, too.

The five judges voted by secret ballot in their rulings, with majority votes for the convictions and sentences.

This court-sketch depicts Gisele Pelicot during the hearing of the verdicts

A large banner that campaigners hung on a city wall opposite the courthouse read, 'MERCI GISELE' - thank you Gisele

Campaigners against sexual violence were hoping for exemplary prison terms and viewed the trial as a possible turning point in the fight against sexual violence and the use of drugs to subdue victims.

Gisele Pelicot's courage in waiving her right to anonymity as a survivor of sexual abuse and successfully pushing for the hearings and shocking evidence - including videos - to be heard in open court have fueled conversations both on a national level in France and among families, couples and groups of friends about how to better protect women and the role that men can play in pursuing that goal.

'Men are starting to talk to women - their girlfriends, mothers and friends - in ways they hadn't before,' said Fanny Foures, 48, who joined other women from the feminist group Les Amazones in gluing messages of support for Gisele Pelicot on walls around Avignon before the verdict.

'It was awkward at first, but now real dialogues are happening,' she said.

'Some women are realizing, maybe for the first time, that their ex-husbands violated them, or that someone close to them committed abuse,' Foures added. 'And men are starting to reckon with their own behavior or complicity - things they've ignored or failed to act on. It's heavy, but it's creating change.'

A large banner that campaigners hung on a city wall opposite the courthouse read, 'MERCI GISELE' - thank you Gisele.
A Texas mom who pretended she had stage four breast cancer and allowed friends to contribute to a GoFundMe has revealed the real reason why she lied after she was sentenced to five years of felony probation Monday.

Emily Joyce Hinojosa, 38, was arrested in July 2023 and admitted to police she had lied about her cancer diagnosis.

According to an arrest affidavit, the mother-of-three told cops she 'has a problem with making up stories about her medical health to gain sympathy from her friends so they would like her more'.

The GoFundMe set up for her by friend Natalie Nelson claimed she had been battling cancer for nine years.

The fundraiser, which is currently still live but inactive, said: 'As most of you are aware, Emily has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. Emily has battled this hideous disease for 9 years. After completing a pet scan last week, it was found the cancer has spread throughout her body. Emily immediately started treatments on Monday, September 21st and will continue treatments and radiation 3 times a week for 10 weeks. After the completion of the 10-week treatment, another pet scan will take place to determine the next course of action.

'Due to the expense of procedures and extended time-frame for treatment, there will be a significant cost for the family, even after insurance. This fundraiser will help offset the cost of Emilys medical expenses, travel expenses, and the loss of her income during this time', the post continued.

'Emily's contagious smile and enormous heart maker it a blessing to know her'.

According to police, Hinojosa collected $7,085 from the fundraiser.

A Texas mom who pretended she had stage four breast cancer and allowed friends to contribute to a GoFundMe revealed that the reason she lied about her illness was so people would like her more. Pictured: Mom-of-three Emily Joyce Hinojosa

The GoFundMe was created by a friend of Hinojosa's, Natalie Nelson. Nelson later told police she had grown suspicious of Hinojosa's condition due to a lack of symptoms

The fundraiser is no longer active, but Hinojosa received over $7,000 in donations as a result

However, Nelson grew suspicious of Hinojosa's apparent cancer diagnosis, and told officers that her condition and lack of symptoms 'did not match the extend of her claimed sickness', according to the arrest affidavit.

Police checked with four doctors Hinojosa claimed were treating her, and found that three of the medical professionals she named had no record of her being a patient.

The fourth doctor showed that Hinojosa had been diagnosed with cancer in 2014, but was said to be in 75 remission by May 2021.

'Nothing in the records from the fourth facility showed a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer from July 2020 through November 2020,' the affidavit stated.

From September 2020 to October 2020, 64 donations were made to her GoFundMe.

After her sentencing Monday, Hinojosa has been ordered to pay the money back to the people who contributed to her fundraiser.
A teaching assistant tried to sue for race discrimination after her colleague said 'there is a brown cow' during a phonics lesson.

Kamaljit Kaur claimed she was the victim of racism when the teacher repeated the phrase twice while teaching young children how to read and write.

In phonics, 'Brown cow' is used as a way to show children how to make the 'ow' sound.

But as a 'person of colour', Mrs Kaur claimed it was directed at her, an employment tribunal heard.

The teaching assistant also took offence when the word 'brown' was used at school when it was written under a picture of a woman to identify a 'brown bag'.

After she was sacked, the teaching assistant launched legal action against the school by pursuing claims of race discrimination at an employment tribunal.

The two claims were part of a 'long diary' of 'extraordinary and unlikely' incidents that Mrs Kaur alleged amounted to race discrimination.

But, following a preliminary hearing her case her case has been thrown out before it even got to a full tribunal.

Kamaljit Kaur claimed she was the victim of racism when the teacher repeated the phrase twice while teaching young children how to read and write (stock image, posed by models)

The tribunal in Leeds was told Mrs Kaur worked for The Blessed Peter Snow Catholic Academy Trust, which runs 15 schools in the Yorkshire area.

Having started working at the school in 2019, Mrs Kaur was 'not the only person of colour amongst the staff' as it was 'diverse', the tribunal heard.

She claims 'stress from being bullied' led to her being off sick with back pain from November 2021 until February 2022.

She attended work again in February 2022 until July 2022, but claims she was bullied, then was medically signed off with anxiety and depression in July 2022 until she was eventually sacked in September 2023.

Mrs Kaur claimed her bullying complaints, which started in June 2021, should have been thoroughly investigated but weren't.

Among them were two race discrimination allegations that the tribunal described as 'difficult' to prove.

Married mother Mrs Kaur took issue with the use of the word 'brown' used in her presence in a teaching setting.

Outlining her claims, a tribunal report said: 'On May 19 2022 a colleague with children in [Mrs Kaur's] presence repeating twice, "there is a brown cow" in the context of ostensibly delivering phonics teaching.

The class teacher used the phrase 'there is a brown cow' during a phonics lessons with young pupils - but teaching assistant Ms Kaur claimed the comment was directed at her as a 'woman of colour' (stock image, posed by models)

'On May 23 2022 staff displaying a big image of a brown lady in the staff room, "brown bag" wording written on a lunch bag.'

In separate allegations, Mrs Kaur claimed she was branded a 'snake' and that a teacher deliberately made her smell bleach.

'The nature of the detriment complaints is that some are comprehensible and possibly arguable - a suggestion that [Mrs Kaur] was labelled "a snake'" by some colleagues - but many appear extraordinary and unlikely,' the tribunal found.

'One of those discussed today highlights the nature of them - that a colleague running an art class would bring paintings smelling of bleach to dry in the room where [Mrs Kaur] was working because the colleague knew [Mrs Kaur] hated bleach...'

At the preliminary hearing at the tribunal dismissed Mrs Kaur's case because she brought the claims too late.

She did not bring her case until January 2024. Allegations must be brought to employment tribunals within certain timeframes.

The tribunal said that Mrs Kaur could have made the claims in time, that it would not be fair to teachers who she accused of racism to allow Mrs Kaur an extended time period to make them, and suggested that they lacked credibility.

As a result, Mrs Kaur had her claims of race discrimination and whistleblowing detriment thrown out.
Gisele Pelicot has given a powerful statement after the jailing of her depraved husband and his rapist accomplices, saying she has 'never regretted' her decision to waive her anonymity and that she did so to reveal to the world what they had done.

Dominique Pelicot cried as he was sentenced to the maximum of 20 years in prison for raping and organising the mass rape of his wife - with all of his 50 co-defendants also receiving guilty verdicts for their part in France's most notorious sex crimes trial.

Madame Pelicot later emerged from the courtroom to the waiting cameras of the world's media, saying she was 'emotional' as she issued a statement after what she said had been 'a very difficult test for me.'

'I am thinking first and foremost about my children, David, Caroline and Florian. I am thinking also about my grandchildren. For them I really wanted to take this struggle forward.

'I'm thinking about all the other families affected by the case and the not recognised victims in the shadows... I share their struggle.'

She went on to share her 'deepest gratitude' to all those who supported her throughout the trial, describing how 'witness statements and testimonials really gave me strength to keep coming back' throughout the three-month ordeal.

Referring to why she waived her anonymity, she said: 'I wanted when I started with this case on September 2 to ensure that society could see what was happening and I have never regretted this decision.

'I want to take hold of a future in which everybody, women and men, can live together in harmony, respect and mutual understanding.'

Asked for her view on the sentences handed out to her rapists, Mme Pelicot said: 'I respect the decisions and I respect the court.'

Her ex-husband, who has now been dubbed the Monster of Avignon, pleaded guilty to all the charges against him early on in the trial, including the aggravated rape of his then-wife Gisele and the attempted rape of the wife of one of his co-defendants.

Judges have also found him guilty of recording and illegally broadcasting images of his wife and of recording images of three other women. Police found some 20,000 lurid images and videos of Pelicot's wife being abused in files on his computer, as well as pictures of his daughter and his two daughters-in-law naked.

The 72-year-old has failing health, and his daughter Caroline Darian yelled at him as his sentence was delivered: 'You will die alone like a dog in jail!' She has directed the phrase at her cowering father, who the family has condemned, throughout the trial.

Gisele Pelicot talks to journalists after the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-accused

Gisele Pelicot is seen entering the courtroom moments before the verdicts were delivered

David Pelicot, one of Gisele's two sons, is seen giving a thumbs up as he takes a phone call outside the courthouse after his father was given the maximum sentence of 20 years in jail

Dominique Pelicot is seen leaving court after being found guilty of all the charges and handed the maximum 20 year prison sentence

Gisele Pelicot smiled as she was applauded by crowds outside the courthouse in Avignon this morning, ahead of the verdicts being delivered

This court-sketch depicts Gisele Pelicot during the hearing of the verdicts

Pelicot's lawyer Beatrice Zavarro said her client was 'stunned' at the judges' decision to hand him the maximum sentence

The Pelicots' youngest son Florian and daughter Caroline Darian speak inside the courthouse

One of the defendants arrives at the courthouse in Avignon ahead of the verdicts being delivered in the Mazan rape trial

Speaking outside court after the sentences were handed down, Pelicot's lawyer Beatrice Zavarro said her client was 'stunned' at the judges' decision to hand him the maximum sentence, as well as the suggestion that he could be kept in longer if he was still considered a security threat.

Maitre Zavarro said that no decision had yet been made on whether Pelicot will lodge an appeal, which he is able to do for the next ten days.

She said she will not criticise any decision made by the courts. Asked how her client is reacting, she said he is 'showing the same attitude as he has done throughout [the trial].'

Pelicot and his legal team will consider whether or not to appeal, she said, concluding in her comments: 'We are going to take the 10 days to digest this and he is going to think about his future.'

Guilty verdicts flooded in this morning, with the judge reading out each of the charges before delivering the sentences. All defendants were handed at least one conviction for horrific sexual crimes.

Gisele Pelicot's children reacted angrily as some of the sentences were read out, deploring 'it's not possible' as one convicted rapist was handed just five years. The family has said they are 'disappointed by the low sentences'.

The 51 men faced a combined sentence of 600 years ahead of the jail terms being handed down today. They will serve just a fraction of this - with a collective sentence of 400 years given out by the panel of five judges.

Dominique Pelicot, who has been labelled the 'conductor' of the 'orchestra' of rapists, hunched over in his chair and sobbed as his sentence - the longest of all the defendants - was read out.

His brave wife, who has stoically attended the trial for three months, looked defiantly at each of the defendants as they were convicted of her rape and other heinous crimes.

Mme Pelicot looked at each of the defendants as their verdicts were read out. This court sketch depicts her looking at her husband

Dominique Pelicot is seen arriving at court in the back of a police car earlier this week

Dominque Pelicot (pictured) is accused of drugging his ex wife Gisele and inviting dozens of men to rape her while he watched and filmed them over a decade long period of hell

Gisele Pelicot arrived at the courthouse in Avignon with her lawyers early this morning to see the verdicts delivered in the case, which has lasted more than three months.

Her three children, sons David and Florian and daughter Caroline, arrived moments before her as they prepared to see their father and his accomplices served justice.

The verdicts Judge Arata said guilty verdicts had been given to the defendants: Dominique Pelicot, guilty of the aggravated rape of his then-wife, Gisele. Also guilty of the attempted aggravated rape of the wife of one of the co-accused, Jean Pierre Marechal, Cillia, and taking indecent images of his daughter and his daughters-in-law Charlie Arbo, guilty of aggravated rape of Gisele Pelicot Christian Lescole, guilty of aggravated rape Cyrille Delville, guilty of aggravated rape Fabien Rocca, guilty of aggravated rape Jacques Cubeau, guilty of aggravated rape Nicolas Francois, guilty of aggravated rape and child pornography possession Lionel Rodriguez, guilty of aggravated rape Simone Mekenese, guilt of aggravated rape Thierry Parisis, guilty of aggravated of rape and administering substances Patrice Nicolle, guilty of aggravated rape and administring Cyprien Cuveras, guilty of aggravated rape Matthieu Dartus, guilty of aggravated rape Quentin Hennebert guilty of aggravated rape Cyril Beaubis, guilty of aggravated rape Philippe Leleu, guilty of aggravated rape Nazir Hamida, guilty of aggravated rape Boris Moulin, guilty of aggravated rape, not disseminating substances Dominic Davies, is guilty of aggravated rape Jerome Vilela, guilty of aggravated rape Didier Sambuchi, guilty of aggravated rape Jean-Luc La, guilty of aggravated rape Fabien Sotton, guilty of aggravated rape Karim Sebaoui, guilty of aggravated rape and possessing child pornography Redouane Azougagh, guilty of aggravated rape Mohamed Kawai, guilty of aggravated rape Jean-Marc Leloup, guilty of aggravated rape Andy Rodriguez, guilty of attempted penetration, gang rape and administering substances Vincent Couillet, guilty of aggravated gang rape Adrien Longeron, guilty of aggravated rape Thierry Postat, guilty of aggravated rape and possessing child pornography Hugues Malago, guilty of attempted gang rape of Gisele Pelicot Ahmed Tbarik, guilty of aggravated gang rape Paul Grovogui, guilty of aggravated rape Omar Douiri, guilty of aggravated gang rape Husamettin Dogan, guilty of aggravated rape aggravated by being in a gang and administering substances Mahdi Daoudi, guilty of aggravated rape by being in a gang and administering substances Romain Vandevelde, guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang and administering substances Joseph Cocco, declared guilty of sexual molestation aggravated by being in a gang Hassan Ouamou , who remains on the run, was found guilty in his absence of rape aggravated by being in a gang Redouane El Farihi, found guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang and administering substances Saifeddine Ghabi, found not guilty of rape and attempted rape but found guilty of sexual molestation aggravated by being in a gang. Acquitted of criminal charges Jean Tirano, found guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang and administering substances Mohamed Rafaa, guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang and administering substances Patrick Aron found guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang Abdelali Dalal found guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang Gregory Serviol guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang on Gisele Pelicot Cedric Grassot found guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang and possessing child pornography Cendric Venzin guilty of rape aggravated by being in a gang on Gisele Pelicot Advertisement

Each of the defendants is allowed to bring one relative into the court to learn their fate. One woman was seen breaking down in tears as she kissed her partner - probably for the last time for several years, as he is expecting to go to jail.

Other women, including the mothers of two defendants, could not hold back their tears as they sat in the court annexe where the verdicts will be broadcast.

The trial  which has gathered international attention  has gripped France and the world since its outset in September.

Some 180 journalists from across France and the globe queued outside the Avignon Criminal Court before dawn this morning to hear the verdicts.

Feminist campaigners protesting in the street outside the courthouse waved placards demanding 'Christmas in jail' and 'Easter behind bars' for Pelicot and the other defendants.

Supporters of Mme Pelicot have welcomed her with flowers, applause and words of encouragement throughout the more than three month trial, and this morning was no different, with the mother-of-three breaking into a smile as she was cheered by the crowds gathered outside.

People were heard crying: 'Justice for Gisele!' and sang protest songs calling for women to 'rise up against male violence'.

Just moments earlier her alleged rapists had run the gauntlet to enter the courthouse with their faces covered.

Other defendants - including primary defendant Pelicot - were brought to the court in prison vans with sirens blaring across the medieval city.

Bus loads of other protesters have since arrived in a mass show of support to Gisele Pelicot - who has stood proud and faced down her vile abusers over the four month trial that has shocked the world.

The bravery of Madame Pelicot in allowing her identity to be revealed - and the dignity with which she conducted herself throughout the trial - has seen the case become a cause celebre for campaigners against sexual violence.

The president of France's National Assembly has thanked Mme Pelicot for her courage.

'Through you, it is the voice of so many victims that carries today, the shame that changes sides, the taboo that is broken,' Yael Braun-Pivet wrote in a post on X.

'The world is no longer the same, thanks to you.'

Mme Pelicot held her head high as she heard and watched films taken by her husband of 50 years in which she was abused some 200 times by strangers he had invited into their home.

Having waived her legal right to anonymity in order to ensure the case received the maximum amount of publicity, the grandmother refused to be shamed - but instead repeatedly directed any shame at her abusers.

As interest in the case grew, Mme Pelicot was clapped and cheered as she arrived at court and left at the end of the day. Graffiti honouring her bravery was daubed on Avignon's medieval stone walls and protests in support of her erupted all over France.

Prosecutors have based their sentencing demands to the court for each defendant on aggravating factors including how many times they came to the Pelicot home and the extent of documented sexual contact.

By this assessment the worst offender, for whom prosecutors suggested an 18- year tariff, was a 63-year-old Romain Vandevelde. He was knowingly HIV-positive yet is accused of raping Mme Pelicot on six separate occasions without wearing protection.

Because the incidents were meticulously recorded by Pelicot the defendants have been unable to deny sexual contact with the victim - but most have claimed they were unaware of the circumstances Pelicot had engineered.

French criminal law defines rape as any sexual act committed by 'violence, coercion, threat or surprise' but makes no reference to any need for consent - an aspect that campaigners have fixed on as outdated and wrong.

The trial heard in disturbing detail how while outwardly a doting husband, retired electrician Dominique, was secretly engineering what may possibly be the greatest marital betrayal of all time.

Pelicot told the court: 'I am a rapist like all those accused in this room.'

And as the evidence has been revealed, his 50 accomplices have wriggled and squirmed and repeatedly tried to protest their innocence.

One defendant told police; 'rape is not possible if a woman's husband is present', another claimed a man; 'can do what he likes with his wife', while most said they believed they were taking part in a 'kinky sex game' in which Madame Pelicot was a willing party.

One defence lawyer, the head of the criminal bar in Avignon, Master Guillaume de Palma, even told the court rape 'cannot occur' if the perpetrator did not 'mean to'. His remarks, in the second week of the trial, prompted outrage across France and added to the growing calls for justice for women.

However, the scores of videos of the unbridled truth, taken by Pelicot over ten years and shown in court to the shame-faced defendants and members of the public who queued every day to watch the real-life drama play out, left very little room for doubt.

Tossed around like a 'rag doll', and often snoring, Madame Pelicot, could be seen to be clearly unconscious and unable to give her consent.

In an electrifying 90-minute testimony, she told the hushed Avignon court: 'I was sacrificed on the altar of vice.

'My body might have been warm, but I was like a dead person. I was a dead woman, and these men take advantage of me, they defile me, they treat me like a bin bag.

'They didn't rape me with a gun or knife to their heads  they raped me in full consciousness. They treated me like a rag doll.

'It is unbearable, and I don't know if I will ever be able to get up [off the floor] again.'

Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, the victim of an alleged mass rape orchestrated by her then-husband Dominique Pelicot at their home in the southern French town of Mazan, arrives at court with her lawyers

Some 180 journalists from across France and the globe queued outside the Avignon Criminal Court before dawn this morning to hear the verdicts

A man holds a placard which reads 'So that shame changes sides' in front of the courthouse ahead of the verdict

Gisele Pelicot was cheered by crowds as she arrived at court in Avignon ahead of the verdicts

Caroline Darian and David Pelicot, the children of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, the victim of an alleged mass rape orchestrated by her then-husband Dominique Pelicot, arrive to witness the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-accused

Florian Pelicot, the youngest of the Pelicots' three children, arrives at the courthouse in Avignon to hear the verdict in his father's trial

Gisele Pelicot, 72, held her head high as she heard and watched films taken by her husband of 50 years in which she was abused some 200 times by strangers he had invited into their home

A courtroom sketch shows presiding judge Roger Arata (Top L), public prosecutor Jean-Francois Mayet and defendant Dominique Pelicot in front of many of his co-defendants

The Pelicot home in the village of Mazan, now known as the house of horrors

Her abusers, most from within a 50-mile radius of the Pelicots' home, were seemingly ordinary men from all walks of life.

The fact that broadly represented a cross section of French society saw them collectively described as Monsieur-Tout-Le-Monde - or Mr Everyman.

There was veteran chief fireman Christian Lescole, 57, who protested in court at being locked up after spending 'a lifetime saving people'. Police also found naked pictures of children on his computer following his arrest.

Moroccan-born hospital nurse Redouane El Farihi screamed his innocence before a video of him assaulting Madame Pelicot while she lay motionless was played in court.

There was 'sexual predator' Jerome Vilela, a supermarket worker, who was described by his ex-partner as a 'sex-addict' and told a prison psychologist he saw sex as a 'conjugal right'.

Successful builder Thierry Parisis told the court he had fallen into a spiral of depression and alcoholism following the death of his son in a car crash. He added he remembered very little about his encounter with Madame Pelicot.

Retired marine fire-fighter Jacques Cubeau said he was lonely.

Caroline Darian (2nd L) and David Pelicot (R) arrive at the courthouse in Avignon on December 19, 2024, as the verdict is expected in the trial of their father

Gisele Pelicot speaks during the trial of her husband with 50 co-accused at the courthouse in Avignon

There was IT worker Lionel Rodriguez, 44; painter and decorator Husamettin Dogan, 43; odd-job man Mathieu Dartus, 53; motorcycle mechanic and racer Hugues Malago, 39; and farm worker Andy Rodriguez, 37.

And there was Romain Vandevelde, a 63-year-old man with HIV who visited the Pelicots on six different occasions between December 2019 and June 2020 to rape Madame Pelicot and refused to wear a condom.

These are just a handful of the strangers that took part in the mass rape that has put the tiny village of Mazan, that lies in France's most picturesque region, Provence, on the map.

Retired electrician Dominique Pelicot met each of his accomplices on an internet site for voyeurs called 'a son insu' which translates as 'without her knowledge'.

Over almost ten years he invited strangers  up to three times a week  to come to the couple's retirement chalet to rape his wife, which he had rendered unconscious by putting powerful sedatives in her dinner and glass of rose wine.

Pelicot, 72, who has failing health, has accepted that he will die 'like a dog' behind bars

To ensure they weren't seen, Pelicot told the would-be rapists to park well away from the house, avoid wearing after-shave or smelling of cigarette smoke, and ensure they left nothing behind in the bedroom.

He directed the multiple rapes of his sleeping wife with such attention to detail that a lawyer described him in court as a 'perverted Steven Spielberg'.

The potentially fatal doses of sedatives forced upon Madame Pelicot had a devastating effect on her health. She lost weight, her hair fell out and she suffered lengthy blackouts. Her doctor feared she was in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. She also became infected with four sexually transmitted disease. She had no idea how.

The abuse only stopped when Pelicot was arrested in October 2020 for taking pictures of women's underwear on his phone at his local supermarket  a tacky form of voyeurism known as 'upskirting'.

A search by gendarmes of his home discovered some 20,000 lurid images and images of his wife being violated in the marital bed on computer files and mobile phones.

Crowds of journalists and members of the public gathered at the entrance of the courthouse in Avignon and Gisele Pelicot arrived this morning

Women gather in support of Gisele Pelicot outside the Avignon courthouse on November 27

The following month, while returning home from Paris where she had been looking after her grandchildren, detectives asked Madame Pelicot to come to the police station.

At first, she did not recognise the woman lying on the bed unconscious being abused in the photograph that the policeman showed her. Then she saw it was her and she had been used by her husband of 50 years in the depraved sex scenes he filmed.

'That day will be seared in my memory for ever,' Madame Pelicot told the court.

'It was a scene of barbarism. I was in a state of shock.

'I remember asking for a glass of water, then a psychologist came into the room, they said my husband had been detained - and everything just collapsed for me.

'We were 50 years together, with three children and seven grandchildren, and our friends said we were the ideal couple. I just couldn't take it in.'

Returning alone to the house where she had been so cruelly betrayed, she called her grown-up children  David, Caroline and Florian  to tell them their father was a monster.

Three days later she arrived in Paris with just two suitcases and her dog, never to return to Mazan.

The only defendant likely to receive the maximum sentence of 20 years is Pelicot himself, who has been dubbed 'The Monster of Avignon'

Asked before the trial court how she reacted on learning how she had been abused by the father of her three children, she replied: 'He disgusts me. I feel dirty, defiled, betrayed. It was a tsunami. I was hit by a high-speed train.'

Pelicot told investigators he carried out his warped fantasies because he was 'bored' and blamed his arrest for 'disrupting his happy life'. He also hinted that he continued to hold a grudge against his long-suffering wife for a brief affair she had over 30 years ago.

The grown-up children have all disowned their father.

But courageous Gisele  whose divorce from her perverted ex-husband was confirmed in the days before the trial began in September  vowed to keep her marital name during the proceedings to protect her children and grandchildren who are also called Pelicot.

However, the family's pain did not stop there.

During the four-year police investigation into this most cruel case of betrayal detectives uncovered a file entitled: 'My Daughter Naked'.

In it were photographs of Pelicot's daughter, Caroline Darian, as a young woman, lying asleep on a bed, dressed in lingerie and partially naked.

The pictures were taken at the family home in Villiers-sur-Marne, near Paris, before 2013 when Pelicot retired and moved to Mazan in the south of France.

Caroline Darian has written a book about the trauma she suffered after learning her father, who she had idolised, was serial sex attacker, entitled: 'I No Longer Call You Daddy.'

At different stages of the long trial Caroline Darian confronted her father about whether he had sexually abused her  as well as her mother  storming out of court several times in distress.

But in his final statement Pelicot admitted to the court that he was a sex addict but denied drugging his daughter Caroline and taking photographs of her semi-naked on a bed dressed in her mother's lingerie.

Turning to his daughter, he said: 'Caroline, I never did anything to you.'

But in a furious outburst Caroline Darian screamed: 'You are lying!

'You're not telling half the truth, even about your ex-wife!

'You will die alone like a dog and caught out in lies!'

Gisele Pelicot (R) sits beside her daughter Caroline Darian (C) and her son (L) at the courthouse during the trial, pictured on September 2

A man holds placards which read 'Stop violence against women' and 'Justice for Gisele Pelicot' as journalists queue to enter inside the courthouse before the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot

However, under questioning from his lawyer, Pelicot accepted he would 'die like a dog' in jail for the crimes he had committed, but refused to give his beloved daughter the truth she needed.

And while France's worst husband knows he has seen his family for the last time, he is expected to appear in court again, as Pelicot faces further allegations of rape and murder after France's cold case bureau in Nanterre linked him with at least six hitherto unsolved crimes.

Pelicot has admitted the rape of a young estate agent in the Paris suburb of Villeparisis in 1999 but denies being involved in the murder of another estate agent Sophie Narne in another suburb of the capital eight years earlier and other similar cases.

The Pelicot case in terms of number of defendants is not the largest sex crime case in French history - in that regard it is eclipsed by the child-sex rings that operated in the city of Angers in the early 2000s.

But the globally high-profile trial has meant that it is almost certainly the most notorious.
A Chicago influencer has been spectacularly exposed as a liar after she tried to destroy a mom-and-pop restaurant with false claims.

Julia Reel, 22, saw six of her seven claims against the Windy City's Hubbard Inn dismissed by a judge this week.

The ruling specifically stated she'd lied about being manhandled out of the business by a bouncer during a March visit.

The influencer, who tried to destroy the business with a subsequent post, will still be allowed to pursue claims that she was injured by the bouncer.

Video shared by the Hubbard Inn rubbished Reel's claims that she was manhandled and shoved out of the restaurant, with the bouncer seen guiding her off the property without touching her.

Reel sued the Hubbard Inn seeking damages for alleged injuries including a concussion and significant bruises she claimed she suffered in the confrontation.

The restaurant subsequently counter-sued Reel for defamation and claimed her TikTok video led to losses of over $30,000.

The Hubbard Inn said in a statement after the ruling that it is 'pleased the court saw our side in rejecting Ms. Reels baseless claims.

'After enduring months of smears on social media, were thankful the court recognized the majority of the claims for what they are  rubbish.'

TikToker Julia Reel claimed in a video earlier this year that she was 'manhandled' and shoved down the stairs of Chicago's Hubbard Inn on a night out, before the restaurant countered with surveillance footage of how the situation actually unfolded

Although Reel deleted her TikTok allegations, the Hubbard Inn shared its own viral response to her video that received over 9.9 million views.

In the response video, the restaurant showed snippets of Reel's claims alongside surveillance footage of her encounter with the bouncer, starting with her claims of being 'manhandled' out of a bathroom.

Although Reel claimed the security guard grabbed her and her friend before she was 'given a chance to walk out on our own', the surveillance showed the bouncer walking next to her without touching her.

'I'm immediately grabbed by this man and he's grabbing my arm, he's pushing me, he's manhandling me, and what is going on?' Reel is seen claiming in her TikTok.

The Hubbard Inn captioned over footage proving the claim was a lie: 'Below is footage of Ms. Reel safely being escorted from the bathroom hallway to the exit stairs.'

Reel then escalated her allegations, claiming the bouncer shoved her down the stairs of the restaurant and 'sent me flying.'

In surveillance footage showing the staircase, Reel and her friend were seen walking down the stairs without ever being pushed as the bouncer guides them to the front exit with a flashlight.

After showing the vindicating surveillance footage, the Hubbard Inn followed up with Reel's description of the so-called 'incident.'

'It was the craziest experience I've ever been in,' she claimed. 'It was completely and utterly ridiculous how much it escalated.'

Although the footage showed Reel and her friend leaving the front door, the TikToker claimed through her attorneys that the restaurant's surveillance did not pick up the entire interaction.

Reel alleged that the bouncer grabbed her by the arm and 'manhandled' her from the bathroom, before the restaurant produced surveillance footage showing her walking side by side with the security guard without him touching her

Reel's allegations over being shoved down the stairs were mocked on social media after the restaurant showed footage of her calmly walking down the stairs and leaving

The TikToker maintained her side of the story and claimed through her attorneys that the restaurant's surveillance did not pick up the entire interaction

The Hubbard Inn said Reel's TikTok triggered a wave of negative reviews and hateful messages directed at staff.

In Reel's original lawsuit, she accused the restaurant ant the bouncer, who is not named, of battery, inflicting emotional distress, defamation and false light, reports the Chicago Sun Times.

On Wednesday, Cook County Judge Patrick Sherlock dismissed six of the seven claims, but allowed a single allegation of battery against the restaurant to continue in the courts.

Sherlock dismissed some claims as the bouncer was not named, and others due to a lack of evidence to support Reel's allegations.

The judge wrote: '(Reel) has failed to provide any allegations that would lead to a finding that the bouncers conduct was extreme and outrageous for which [Hubbard Inn] can be held liable.'

'By no means did [Hubbard Inn] make any insults or call [Reel] a liar, as [Reel] alleges. Additionally, although [Reel] claims [Hubbard Inn] acted with actual malice, the statements made by [Hubbard Inn] do not support malicious intent but rather a means by which to remediate the damage [Hubbard Inn] faced as a result of [Reels] original TikTok video.'

The Hubbard Inn's own defamation lawsuit against Reel was also allowed to continue in the ruling.

In her own statement after the ruling, Reel said through her attorney: 'We are quite pleased that the Court is allowing the lawsuit to proceed, including the uncontested claim about the harm that was done to Ms. Reel.

'We are also pleased that the Court rules create an opportunity to revisit some of the other claims now or in the future.

'As we all anticipated, this is going to be a long and difficult lawsuit, which will invariably go to the very end. Ms. Reel is prepared and ready for the battle against the Hubbard Inn.'
WASPI women have vowed to continue their fight for justice after Prime Minister Keir Starmer refused to payout 10.5billion to millions of female pensioners.

Campaign organisers have refused to admit defeat after the government denied paying any compensation to an estimated 3.8million women born in the 1950s who were hit by state pension age changes.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommended the women should be paid up to 2,950 each, although Sir Keir has insisted taxpayers cannot afford.

But Angela Madden, chair of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) group told MailOnline it was 'crazy' for the government to say there was no money available.

'We note that the train drivers got their pay rise and the miners got their payout. The only difference is that they are mostly men,' she added.

Ms Madden has vowed to continue campaigning for compensation for those women born between April 6, 1950, and April 5, 1960, who were affected by a change to the state pension age from 60 to 65 between 2010 and 2020.

She said: 'We are not leaving it there. We are more determined than ever to get what we think is rightfully ours.

'If they thought we were going away quietly then they have underestimated our skill, our ability, our tenacity, and even our intelligence.'

Angela Madden, chair of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) group, has vowed to continue their fight for justice after Prime Minister Keir Starmer refused to payout 10.5billion to millions of female pensioners

Keir Starmer is facing furious backlash after his government announced it would not pay a penny to the 'WASPI women'. Pictured: Keir Starmer posing with WASPI women campaigners in 2018

Ms Madden said the campaign group is considering every option available in order to continue their fight for compensation.

She said: 'Of course we are taking legal advice. We know what the government did was immorale but are there any [legal] challenges.

'We are taxpayers too. We have the same rates as other taxpayers. We have been paying taxes longer.

'I think you just have to look at Keir Starmer's popularity. I don't know what he is trying to do. He is alienating the electorate.'

Ms Madden also said campaigners were 'naive' to believe Labour MPs was ever in support of WASPI women, despite some cabinet members publicly backing the campaign while the party was in opposition.

'I think we have been naive. The politicians of today don't care about individuals.

'I think they were never in support of us. I think we believed what they said at face value.'

Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall are among the Labour frontbenchers who previously appeared in photographs alongside WASPI women to lend their support to the group.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves proudly posed for photographs in 2020 alongside Waspi campaigners

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has also previously shown her support for the campaign having posed with two WASPI women in 2019

Sir Keir claimed that research indicates 'that 90 per cent of those impacted knew about the changes that were taking place'.

However, Ms Madden accused Sir Keir of cherry-picking the figures he referred to at the despatch box.

She said: 'This isn't just misleading; it's an insult to millions of 1950s-born women who were blindsided by these changes.

'The ombudsman's findings were based on rigorous evidence showing that 60 per cent of women had no idea their own state pension age was rising.

'The Government's attempt to cherry-pick data to suggest otherwise is spreading dangerous misinformation, plain and simple.'

Campaigners has slammed the government's decision to refuse compensation as 'bizarre and totally unjustified', with Starmer already facing a barrage of criticism from his own MPs.

There have been calls for a vote or for Number 10 to reconsider, while The Guardian reported that as many as 100 Labour MPs could rebel if it is put to a vote.

WASPI campaigners stage a protest on College Green in Westminster, London, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers her Budget in the Houses of Parliament

WASPI campaigners stage a protest on College Green in Westminster, London, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers her Budget in the Houses of Parliament

Sisters Norma Elkington, 67, Susan Dutton, 69, and Mary Waterhouse, 72, said they feel 'betrayed' by the Government's decision.

Norma told ITV News: 'They just want us to die, to go quietly and die,' Norma Elkington, 67, said.

'We've been going to demonstrations in London, and demonstrating in the cold and the rain, we're doing it because we want to defend the weak.

'We met women there who have had to sell their homes, where they've lived all their lives. They've had to sell their possessions.'

Meanwhile, Lesley Wright, 67, said she has still not received a letter about the changes to the state pension age and only found out through the media at the time.

She told MailOnline: 'I am absolutely furious. It is absolutely outrageous.

'I was on a teacher pension so I am comfortable, but I have a couple of friends who really only have their state pension. One of them was in floods of tears last night.

'This government is morally bankrupt. They have no shame. Where is their care and compassion?

Sisters Norma Elkington, 67, Susan Dutton, 69, and Mary Waterhouse, 72, said they feel 'betrayed' by the Government's decision

Lesley Wright, 67, said she has still not received a letter about the changes to the state pension age and only found out through the media at the time

'I think they think old people are worthless. I feel as though I have been pushed aside.

'It is just one lie after another. One blow after another. First the heating allowance and now this. I feel this government hold old people in contempt.'

Jan Clarke, 69, said the move was 'appalling' and claimed the Government have put 'pensioners in the firing line' following its decision to also scrap the winter fuel payment for elderly people.

Ms Clarke, who was diagnosed with cancer in her 50s and was left unable to work due to the side effects from the treatment and medication, claimed to have lost thousands of pounds following the increase in the pension age.

She said: 'It adds insult to injury. Again the government has misled people. I have never seen a government break so many promises. I don't think this government has any conscious.

'It is a mess. It is far far worse than expected. It just seems they have pensioners in the firing line.

'A lot of WASPI woman and pensioners have been tax payers for years. We already paid into the pot. I have paid into the pot.

'I think [the WASPI scandal] is just going to wither on the vine and that will be the end of it.'

Jan Clarke, 69, said Labour's refusal to compensate WASPI women was 'appalling' and claimed the Government have put 'pensioners in the firing line'

On Wednesday, Sky News presenter Kay Burley got into a heated exchange with a minister live on-air while discussing Labour's decision to deny compensation to WASPI women.

The broadcaster tore into communities minister Rushanara Ali as she was repeatedly challenged about previous Labour promises to compensate the 'WASPI women'.

Ms Ali said going ahead with the 10.5billion pay package would not be 'fair or proportionate', adding that the Government was focused on improving the living standards of pensioners.'

During the excruciating on-air spat, both women could be heard repeatedly talking over each other, with Burley urging the minister to 'stay on topic'.

Burley was also quick to highlight how many pensioners feel betrayed by Labour after previously backing the campaign while the party was in opposition.

Burley said: 'Liz Kendall has been pictured with the WASPI campaign promising to deliver a fair solution, as has Rachel Reeves, as has Keir Starmer. Can you understand why people don't believe a word you say?'

Ms Ali then replied: 'I go back to the point about the lessons that need to be learned, and the fact that this Government has apologised for that delay. But we've got to focus on the issues at hand, in terms of improving the living standards of pensioners.'

Rachel Reeves has also defended the decision to block the compensation despite having previously been photographed backing the campaign.

Liz Kendall, who on Tuesday rejected the The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) watchdog's recommendation to compensate the WASPI women, poses with campaigners in 2019

The Chancellor said the massive payout was not 'the best use of taxpayers' money' and suggested only a small number of women has been unaware of the change.

Ms Reeves said: 'I understand that women affected by the changes to the state pension age feel disappointed by this decision, but we looked in full at the ombudsman recommendations and they said that around 90 per cent of women did know that these changes were coming.

'And as Chancellor, I have to account for every penny of taxpayers' money spent.

'And given that the vast majority of people did know about these changes, I didn't judge that it would be the best use of taxpayers' money to pay an expensive compensation bill for something that most people knew was happening.'
Alleged killer Luigi Mangione appeared to have had a makeover as he was greeted by adoring fans when he returned to court in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, on Thursday.

Mangione was clean-shaven with a fresh haircut and appeared to have had an eyebrow trim.

Fans with placards flocked to see the alleged killer whose good looks have made him a pin-up for some internet users, outraging many others appalled by Mangione's alleged crimes.

The 26-year-old was taken directly to the airport to board a private plane that flew to New York. He was switched to a helicopter and flown to Manhattan to face murder charges after he waived extradition.

He has been charged with the December 4 murder of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson in midtown Manhattan. Around 700 people were tracking the flight path online.

Mangione was seen being escorted into the aircraft at an airport in Martinsburg by several NYPD officers.

The alleged murderer waived a preliminary hearing on the Pennsylvania forgery and gun charges in exchange for the prosecutor giving him a 20-page investigative report from the Altoona Police Department. Mangione also agreed to be extradited to New York.

Earlier this week, he was indicted on charges of murder as an act of terrorism, under a NY state law that allows for stiffer sentences when a killing is aimed at terrifying civilians or influencing government.

NYPD officers were present in court for the extradition hearing, ready to take the suspect back to NYC. CNN has reported that Mangione will be flown to the city later on Thursday.

Mangione, who appeared to have also had a haircut since his last public appearance, left the Pennsylvania court in a black SUV with NY plates shortly after 10amEST.

Dozens of protesters showed up to court to support Mangione in a bizarre continuation of a public fixation with the alleged killer. They held signs with messages such as 'Health insurance practices terrorize people!' and 'Death by denial is murder!'

Luigi Mangione was escorted out of court by NYPD officers, who are expected to fly him to NYC

The alleged murderer was clean-shaven and appeared to have had a haircut as well as an eyebrow trim

The 26-year-old was taken directly to the airport to board a private plane that will take him to New York City to face murder charges over the killing of UnitedHeathcare CEO Brian Thompson

At least two of them were dressed as Luigi from the Super Mario Bros video game.

Several TikTok users shared on the platform that they had driven as much as six hours to attend the court appearance.

Some reportedly flew in from as far as California to support the alleged assassin.

Mangione could appear in state court for arraignment Thursday afternoon or Friday.

In a court filing last week, Mangione defense attorney Tom Dickey argued prosecutors hadnt shown theres sufficient evidence to hold Mangione, that he was in New York when Thompson was killed or that he is a fugitive from justice.

Mangione, of Towson, Maryland, was arrested on December 9 when police were called to a McDonalds restaurant on a commercial strip in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after he was reported to match the description of Thompsons killer.

Thompson was gunned down on the street as he walked to the hotel where his Minnesota-based company was holding an investor conference.

The shooting was captured on security video, but the suspect eluded police before Mangione was captured about 277 miles (446 kilometers) west of New York.

Mangione's good looks have seen him declared a hero by some internet users, sparking fury among those outraged by his alleged crime

Protesters showed up outside court to support Mangione on Thursday

Luigi Mangione supporters line-up outside the Blair County Courthouse complex in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania

Authorities say Mangione was carrying the gun used to kill Thompson, a passport, a fake ID and about $10,000 in U.S. and foreign currency.

His lawyer, Dickey, has questioned the evidence for the forgery charge and the legal basis for a gun charge. He had previously indicated Mangione would fight extradition to New York while being held in a Pennsylvania state prison.

Mangione, an Ivy League computer science graduate from a prominent family, was carrying a handwritten letter that called health insurance companies 'parasitic' and complained about corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press last week.

Mangione had an outburst last week as he entered court, yelling at reporters for being 'completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience!'

Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson at point-blank range on December 5

Surveillance camera footage showed the gunman, suspected to be Mangione, shooting UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson at point blank range outside of a Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan on December 4

The outburst occurred after someone asked the Ivy League graduate if he 'did it,' referencing Brian Thompson's murder, per the Wall Street Journal.

He also shouted out 'this is completely unjust and an insult to the American people' as he wrestled with police officers while shackled and in prison attire.
The American egg industry slaughters a gut-wrenching number of baby chickens each year for an unsettling reason.

About 350 million chicks are killed annually because they are males - so they cannot produce eggs and have minimal monetary value.

Most of these tiny birds are culled by maceration. This is a gory process using whirling blades that instantly kill them. Most of the time, they are just one day old when they die.

Despite the violent imagery, the industry has claimed this is the most humane way to end their lives.

'Does the animal suffer? No because it's instantaneous death. But it's not pretty because it's a series of rotating blades,' Suzanne Millman, a professor at Iowa State University who focuses on animal welfare, told the Associated Press.

These male embryos cannot be saved for poultry, either, because one kind of chicken - which tends to be scrawny - is typically bred for eggs while another kind is bred for meat.

Some hatcheries have adopted a new method for getting rid of their male eggs, which experts have claimed is a more ethical option.

The new system peaks inside of millions of fertilized eggs and determines their gender. The male embryos are then ground up before they mature into chicks.

About 350 million chicks are killed annually because they are males, so they cannot produce eggs

Emerging technology allows for a new and more humane way to sort through eggs before the chicks are born

It uses a bright light to see what color feathers the embryo has. Males have white ones and females have dark ones. Competing machines have to actually pierce the eggs, the Associated Press reported.

An Iowa Hy-Line hatchery was the first American company to utilize the German-made machine called the Cheggy. It processes about 387,000 eggs everyday at a rate of 25,000 eggs per hour.

A Hy-Line Texas facility has also started using the machine.

Executive vice president Jasen Urena of California-based national distributor NestFresh Eggs said his business will soon be supplied eggs processed through the new system.

He told the Associated Press: 'It's a huge jump in animal welfare. We've done so much work over the years on the farms. How do we make the lives of these chickens better? Now we're able to step back and go into the hatching phase.'

Urena said eggs sorted by the Cheggy were a bit more expensive, but any price increase in stores will be minimal.

Jorg Hurlin, managing director of Agri Advanced Technologies, the company that developed the Cheggy, said to the outlet: 'We now have ethically produced eggs we can really feel good about.'

European countries including France and Germany have outlawed killing chicks, which drove developers to find a way to determine gender before the birds are born.

But there is a catch: the large machine only works on brown eggs. In white eggs, male and female feathers are too similar in color.

The Cheggy was founded in Europe, where a few countries have already outlaws chick culling

An Iowa Hy-line North America hatchery was the first American company to utilize the Cheggy

In the US, 81 percent of egg sales are white, according to the American Egg Board. The brown ones are typically purchased by those looking for cage-free or organic ones.

This did not pose much of an issue in Europe, where the machine originated, because most eggs there are brown.

Hurlin asserted that within five years, his company will develop a system that works for white eggs as well. Other companies are on the same mission, according to the Associated Press.

Animal welfare group Mercy for Animals has been trying to raise awareness to chick culling for more than a decade. They said they are pleased with some American hatcheries using the new technology, but there is more to be done.

Walter Sanchez-Suarez, the group's animal behavior and welfare scientist, told the Associated Press: 'Mercy for Animals thinks this is an important step, but poultry producers shouldn't stop there and should try to see all the additional problems that are associated to this type of practice in egg production.

'Look for alternatives that are better for animals themselves and human consumers.'
The gorgeous New England city where Adam Sandler grew up has been named America's hottest real estate market.

Manchester, the largest city in New Hampshire, took Zillow's top spot in its list of 2024's most popular markets.

The city of over 115,000 people has seen growing interest among buyers, which has driven average home prices up 7.3 percent over the last year, up to $415,000, according to Treh Manhertz, a senior economic research scientist with Zillow.

In nearby Boston, the biggest city near Manchester, the average home value is over $750,000.

Boston renters have likewise been intrigued by Manchester, which is in the only state in the country besides Alaska to have no income tax or a general sales tax.

Manchester became the third most popular destination for renters in Boston to search for, according to Apartment List's Renter Migration Report.

'I think Manchester is a city filled with an incredible amount of promise and potential,' Jay Ruais, who was elected the city's mayor this year, told Boston.com in January. 'We have an awful lot of great accommodations within the city.'

Manhertz also recognized the city's appeal for out-of-towners, writing: 'Manchester has garnered particular attention from potential buyers outside of its metro area, suggesting a strong interest in relocating there.'

Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire and was Zillow's hottest real estate market in 2024. The average home appreciated 7.3 percent over the last year, jumping to $415,000

Adam Sandler and Seth Meyers are the most famous people to grow up in the Manchester area, with both of them graduating from high schools in the city

Manchester was also home to a young Adam Sandler, who grew up there from age 6 until he graduated from Manchester High School in 1984.

Fellow comedian Seth Meyers, who grew up in the Manchester suburb of Bedford, attended a different high school in Manchester, graduating in 1992.

Sandler is pictured at his high school graduation in 1984

Sandler has been known to pal around in his old stomping ground for years, with his most recent visit to Manchester coming a month ago.

He stopped in to the Puritan Backroom, a chicken restaurant he used to work at as a teen, and posed for photos with patrons and staff.

'Its always a wonderful surprise when Adam swings by the Puritan for dinner! Thanks for stopping by last night and saying hello to all of our staff!' the restaurant wrote on Instagram on November 16.

After Manchester, Zillow ranked Rockford, Illinois, as the second hottest housing market this year.

Compared to Manchester and other cities in the northeast, homes in Rockford are a bargain, coming in at an average of nearly $157,000.

Rockford is nicknamed 'the Forest City' for the many trees that adorn its residential neighborhoods and has a slightly larger population than Manchester at over 146,000. It is roughly an hour and 45 minute drive from Chicago.

Pictured: Sandler poses for a photo with the staff of the Puritan Backroom, a restaurant in Manchester that he used to work at as a teen

Pictured: A welcome sign for the Main Street District of Rockford, Illinois, Zillow's second hottest housing market in 2024

Pictured: The Harbor Point neighborhood of Stamford, Connecticut, the third most popular place for buying homes, according to Zillow

In third place was Stamford, Connecticut, with the typical home costing more than $665,000.

Connected to New York City via the Metro-North Railroad, Stamford is a hot spot for commuters looking to get to their jobs in the country's largest metro area.

Rounding out the top five were Columbia, Maryland - a suburb of Baltimore - and Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The rest of Zillow's hottest places to buy houses were all cities with populations roughly between 100,000 and 150,000.

They included Allentown, Pennsylvania; Peoria, Illinois; New Haven, Connecticut; Waterbury, Connecticut; and Sunnyvale, California.

To determine which markets had the most interest this year, Zillow analyzed page-view traffic on listings, home value growth and the speed at which homes sell.
A Los Angeles County Sherriff's deputy who was filmed beating up a transgender man who flipped him off agreed to plead guilty after lying to the FBI about the violent encounter and trying to cover it up.

Joseph Benza III, 36, agreed to plea guilty in federal court to a felony civil rights offense for attacking Emmett Brock, a then-23-year-old transgender man, in 7-Eleven parking lot in Glendale in February 2023.

He faces up to 10 years in prison for the offense, according to the Department of Justice.

'I'm in a state of shock,' Brock told The Los Angeles Times of the plea.

'And I want to acknowledge that there are a lot of survivors of police misconduct that don't see justice, so I feel incredibly lucky that I did.'

US Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement that Benza's violation 'corrodes trust in law enforcement and undermines the effectiveness of other officers who sacrifice to protect the public.'

'This senseless assault and subsequent attempted cover-up are an affront to our system of justice.'

Benza - who lied in his initial report about the incident and to the FBI - admitted to seeing Brock flip him off as the latter drove by him as Benza was responding to a domestic violence call in Whittier. Brock had been on the way to a therapy appointment and had left his teaching job early to attend it.

After seeing the gesture - which is protected under the First Amendment - Benza 'abandoned' his current call to follow Brock for nearly two miles with the intention of retaliating against him, according to the DOJ.

Los Angeles County Sherriff's Deputy Joseph Benza III agreed to plea guilty in federal court to a felony civil rights offense for attacking Emmett Brock, a then-23-year-old transgender man, in 7-Eleven parking lot in Glendale in February 2023

Benza attacked Brock after following him for nearly two miles when the teacher flipped him off and later lied in his incident report and to the FBI

'I'm in a state of shock,' Brock (pictured) said of the guilty plea. 'And I want to acknowledge that there are a lot of survivors of police misconduct that dont see justice, so I feel incredibly lucky that I did'

Brock, who believed he was being followed by a person intimating an officer, called 911, who told him he didn't have to pull over unless signaled too.

The teacher eventually pulled into the parking lot of the convenience store when Benza 'activated his overhead lights' and proceeded to 'violently body slam' Brock to the ground, the DOJ said.

'Once Victim [Brock] was on the ground, defendant Benza mounted Victim [Brock], punched Victim [Brock's] head and face multiple times, and pressed Victim [Brock's] face into the pavement,' the plea agreement read.

For several minutes, Brock struggled to get out of the hold Benza had him in, shouting: 'You're going to kill me, you're going to f**king kill me! Help! Help! Help! I'm not resisting!'

He was later placed in handcuffs and taken to the station for booking on three felony charges and one misdemeanor. Days later, he lost his job as a teacher due to the pending charges, according to the LA Times.

For Benza's incident report, he consulted other deputies about whether to include the fact that he had followed Brock because of the offensive gesture. At least three deputies at told him to omit the information, according to the plea agreement.

Instead, he lied and said he stopped Brock for having an air freshener hanging from from his rearview mirror. He also claimed that the teacher had bitten him and cited him with criminal mayhem, despite Brock not fighting back.

He also talked with other deputies about deleting text messages between them and other statements they should give federal investigators, the plea agreement said.

Brock, who lost his job as a teacher after Benza arrested him, was on the way to a therapy appointment when he was attacked

For Benza's incident report, he consulted other deputies about whether to include the fact that he had followed Brock (pictured) because of the offensive gesture

Benza told the feds in January 2024 that he did not know Brock had flipped him off and said he did not corroborate on his report prior to submitting it. The report had 'substantive portions' of it written by a fellow sergeant, according to the DOJ.

The LA County Sheriff's Department said Benza has been released from duties and additional employees could face discipline, according to the LA Times.

Sheriff Robert Luna called Benza's actions 'deeply troubling' and said that they 'undermine the integrity of our Department, the trust of our community, and the safety of those we are sworn to protect.'

Benza's attorney, Tom Yu, said he supports the deputy taking accountability.

'Although the use-of-force, standing alone is completely reasonable and justified, the before and after use-of-force conduct impacted the calculus of the evaluation of the takedown and the eventual arrest,' he said, according to the LA Times.

'We will be asking the court for probation on behalf of Deputy Benza.'

Brock's attorney, Thomas Beck, said that he was surprised by the outcome.

'First, the cop is actually being prosecuted, which I didnt think was going to happen,' he said, according to the LA Times. 'And second, there's significant evidence that the FBI got that I hadn't been able to get.'
The Environment Secretary insisted farmers are 'in it for the money' today as he defended the Budget inheritance tax raid.

Steve Reed argued that farms are 'businesses that need to make a profit' during bruising clashes in the Commons.

He also complained of 'posturing' about the risk of farmer suicides, after Tory counterpart Victoria Atkins said 'not everyone will be able to celebrate Christmas' this year.

The government has been struggling to contain anger about the decision to scrap the IHT exemption for agricultural businesses and assets worth more than 1million.

Ministers have been refusing to rethink despite furious campaigners warning it will wreak havoc on farms that have been in families for generations.

In the chamber today, Ms Atkins referred to an example of a farmer thought to have committed suicide 'because he feared becoming a financial burden to his family because of changes to inheritance tax'.

Steve Reed argued that farms are 'businesses that need to make a profit' during bruising clashes in the Commons

The government has been struggling to contain anger about the decision to scrap the the IHT exemption for agricultural businesses and assets worth more than 1million

'Not everyone will be able to celebrate Christmas,' she said.

'This is the human cost of the figures that the Secretary of State provides so casually. What does the Secretary of State say to that grieving family?'

Mr Reed said: 'I send my heartfelt sympathies to that family but I think it is irresponsible in the extreme to seek to weaponise a personal tragedy of that kind in this way. Where there is mental ill health then there needs to be support for that, and this Government is investing in it.

'She knows from the last year for which data is available that the vast majority of claimants will pay absolutely nothing following the changes to APR.'

He insisted that 12,000 farms had gone bust under the Conservative administration.

'I hear the posturing. It is this Government that is standing up for farming,' he added.

In another part of the exchanges, Mr Reed told MPs: 'The shadow secretary of state, as well as the former prime minister, keep telling farmers they're not in it for the money. We know that they are.

'They're businesses that need to make a profit, and our new deal for farmers, including increasing supply chain fairness is intended to make farms profitable and successful for the future, in a way that they were not under the previous government.'

Josh Fenton-Glynn, the Labour MP for Calder Valley, had earlier described an 'increasingly unprofitable' agricultural sector which had been 'undercut' by previous trade deals.

He had asked whether farmers in his West Yorkshire constituency would get their 'fair share' from a new 25-year roadmap to make farming profitable again.

The government has been struggling to contain anger about the decision to scrap the the IHT exemption for agricultural businesses and assets worth more than 1million (pictured, protests in London earlier this month)

Lib Dem Tim Farron told MPs: 'Farming communities across the country are genuinely devastated by the Government's family farm tax, which will affect many in my patch who are on less than the minimum wage.'

Mr Reed replied: 'The vast majority of APR (Agricultural Property Relief) claimants will not pay anything. This Government, unlike the previous government that thought farmers were not in it for the money, wants them to succeed.

'So we're embarking on a farming road-map and a new deal for farming that will look at supply chain fairness, stopping farmers being undercut in trade deals like the one they agreed with Australia and New Zealand.

'Our intention is to make farming profitable for the future, their record is 12,000 farming businesses that went bust.'
Residents of the Pennsylvania town where alleged killer Luigi Mangione was arrested are tired of talking about him as he returns to court for an extradition hearing today.

The 26-year-old was taken into custody after being recognized by one of the employees at a McDonald's in Altoona on December 9.

He has since been held at the State Correctional Institution Huntingdon and has been charged in New York City for the murder of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson in midtown Manhattan.

As hundreds of protesters flood the streets of Hollidaysburg in support of the 'folk hero', locals around Altoona are praying for him to return back to New York.

Brian Detwiler, owner of Mansion Donut Company in downtown Altoona, said he is 'ready to move on' and does not believe the Ivy League graduate should be hailed as a hero.

'It was a big deal that he was here. Looking online, people are split whether they think he is a hero or a killer.

'I get it, but there is a right way to express your frustration, and take another human's life is not it,' he exasperatingly told The State.

Bill Herr, who works at Triangle Barbershop on 12th Avenue further added that he is now suffering from 'Mangione fatigue' and simply said: 'I'm just tired of talking about it.'

Residents of the Pennsylvania town where alleged killer Luigi Mangione was arrested are tired of talking about him as he returns to court for an extradition hearing today

Mangione was escorted out of court by NYPD officers, who are expected to fly him to NYC

Some residents have also professed their dislike for the suspect's rising cult status.

'There are these people online that say there should be more people like him. C'mon, that's crazy,' Stephen Powell told the outlet.

Mangione was indicted on charges of murder as an act of terrorism, under a NY state law that allows for stiffer sentences when a killing is aimed at terrifying civilians or influencing government, earlier this week.

He went through two back-to-back hearings on Thursday - the first for forgery and firearms charges in Pennsylvania.

During the second hearing, Mangione waived extradition to New York to face murder charges. Mangione's lawyer previously said the alleged killer would fight extradition.

As he arrived in court, protesters held signs with messages such as 'Health insurance practices terrorize people!' and 'Death by denial is murder!'

At least two of them were dressed as Luigi from the Super Mario Bros video game.

Several TikTok users shared on the platform that they had driven as far as six hours to attend the court appearance.

Brian Detwiler, owner of Mansion Donut Company in downtown Altoona, said he is 'ready to move on' from the crime and does not believe the Ivy League graduate should be hailed as a hero

Bill Herr, who works at Triangle Barbershop on 12th Avenue, added that he is now suffering from 'Mangione fatigue' and simply said: 'I'm just tired of talking about it'

Protesters showed up outside court to support Mangione on Thursday

He has been held at the State Correctional Institution Huntingdon since his December 9 arrest

Some said they had flown in from as far as California to support the alleged assassin.

If a judge authorizes his extradition, Mangione would then be brought to New York, where he could appear in state court for arraignment Thursday afternoon or Friday.

In a court filing last week, Mangione defense attorney Tom Dickey argued prosecutors had not shown there was sufficient evidence to hold Mangione, that he was in New York when Thompson was killed or that he is a fugitive from justice.

Mangione, of Towson, Maryland, was arrested after he was reported as matching the description of Thompsons killer.

Thompson was gunned down on the street as he walked to the hotel where his Minnesota-based company was holding an investor conference.

The shooting was captured on security video, but the suspect eluded police before Mangione was captured about 277 miles (446 kilometers) west of New York.

Authorities say Mangione was carrying the gun used to kill Thompson, a passport, a fake ID and about $10,000 in U.S. and foreign currency.

The 26-year-old was taken into custody after being recognized by one of the employees at a McDonald's in Altoona on December 9

Mangione returned to the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, court on Thursday morning

Supporters line-up outside the Blair County Courthouse complex in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania

Mangione, a computer science graduate from a prominent family, was carrying a handwritten letter that called health insurance companies 'parasitic' and complained about corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press last week

His lawyer, Dickey, has questioned the evidence for the forgery charge and the legal basis for a gun charge. He had previously indicated Mangione would fight extradition to New York while being held in a Pennsylvania state prison.

Mangione, a computer science graduate from a prominent family, was carrying a handwritten letter that called health insurance companies 'parasitic' and complained about corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press last week.

Mangione had an outburst last week as he entered court, yelling at reporters for being 'completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience!'

The outburst occurred after someone asked the Ivy League graduate if he 'did it,' referencing Brian Thompson's murder, per the Wall Street Journal.

He also shouted out 'this is completely unjust and an insult to the American people' as he wrestled with police officers.
Sir Keir Starmer has backed his most senior anti-corruption minister, after it was revealed she is being investigated over claims she and members of her family took bribes of up to 4 billion.

City minister Tulip Siddiq  who is responsible for stamping out corruption in Britain's financial sector  is being investigated for the alleged embezzlement linked to a nuclear power plant deal in Bangladesh.

The country's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched the probe into Ms Siddiq, her UK-based mother Sheikh Rehana Siddiq, and her aunt, Sheikh Hasina Wazed  the ousted former prime minister of Bangladesh who ruled the country with an iron fist for more than 15 years.

The investigation was launched after an order from the country's High Court, which heard claims that London-born Tulip may have helped to 'broker' the nuclear deal, worth 10 billion in total.

The power plant was built by a Russian state-backed company called Rosatom, and the deal was signed inside the Kremlin back in 2013 by Hasina and Vladimir Putin in the presence of Ms Siddiq, who was then a Labour councillor.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman indicated this morning that Sir Keir continues to have confidence in Ms Siddiq.

She has 'denied any involvement in the claims' accusing her of involvement in embezzlement, according to No 10, and continues to maintain her responsibility as a minister.

Pressed about whether there was any conflict of interest in Ms Siddiq's involvement in the 2013 deal, the spokesman said: 'I can't speak to events that happened prior to a minister's time in government.'

Tulip Siddiq pictured with prime minister Keir Starmer. The senior Labour minister is being investigated over claims that she and members of her family have taken bribes of up to 4billion in a nuclear power plant deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin (centre), former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (left) and Tulip Siddiq MP (far left) attend the signing ceremony in the Kremlin on Jan 15, 2013

He added there was a 'very clear declaration process' for ministers, which had been followed.

Ms Siddiq has not been formally contacted by relevant Bangladeshi authorities, it is understood.

Hasina fled Bangladesh to India in August with Rehana at her side after weeks of violent protests in which security forces killed hundreds of civilians.

The ACC is also probing other members of Ms Siddiq's family, including her maternal cousin, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who lives in the US, and her paternal uncle Tariq Siddiq, who is believed to be hiding in Bangladesh. They were named in the court papers.

An ACC official said yesterday: 'The commission is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability, irrespective of the stature of those involved.'

Last night, Ms Siddiq declined to comment, but a source close to her said the allegations, which first emerged on an American website, were 'spurious'.

Syed Faruk, the UK general-secretary of Hasina's Awami League party and a family friend of Ms Siddiq, said: 'These stories are fabricated.

'These are 100 per cent politically motivated attacks against the Hasina family by the current government.

'They are attacking Tulip because she is the niece of our honourable prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.'

The bribes probe is the latest controversy surrounding Ms Siddiq since she became City minister in July.

Within weeks, she was investigated by Parliamentary Standards after The Mail on Sunday revealed she did not declare rental income for a London property for almost 14 months.

Parliamentary rules require members to declare such incomes within 28 days.

The Minister  whose official title is Economic Secretary to the Treasury  apologised and was cleared by the commissioner who accepted the mistake was 'inadvertent'.

In August, the same newspaper revealed how Ms Siddiq moved into a 2 million five-bedroom house two years ago, which she rented from a political ally of her then-PM aunt.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq meet senior bank leaders to discuss investment in the UK ahead of the International Investment Summit on 14 October

The latest probe into Ms Siddiq and her family comes after Bobby Hajjaj, a Bangladeshi opposition politician, filed a High Court petition in September.

It was made in response to various articles in the Bangladeshi media, quoted in the court papers, that alleged Ms Siddiq and her family took bribes in the nuclear deal.

The deal to build the Rooppur nuclear power plant in Ishwardi Upazila, 128 miles north-west of the capital Dhaka, was signed between Hasina and Putin in 2013 in a grand ceremony in the Kremlin where Ms Siddiq, her mother Rehana, 69, and the minister's younger sister, Azmina, 34, were present.

A beaming Ms Siddiq and her family even posed for photos with the Russian leader afterwards.

The Bangladeshi media reports were triggered by an article on a US-based news website called Global Defense Corp, which detailed how the 4 billion was siphoned off by Ms Siddiq and her family members, the writ claims.

The writ adds: 'The respondent No 13 [Ms Siddiq] is a British Member of Parliament and the niece of the respondent No 10 [Hasina].

'She was instrumental in managing the affairs and co-ordinating meetings with Russian government officials regarding the Rooppur nuclear power plant project.'

The documents further allege that 90 per cent of the 10 billion cost of the power plant was met by a loan from the Kremlin to the Hasina government, but 4 billion was embezzled by the Hasina family 'in collusion with Russian officials', through Malaysian banks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in a ceremony marking the delivery of Russian nuclear fuel to the first power unit of the Rooppur NPP in Bangladesh in October 2023

The documents say: 'It is alleged that the respondent No 13 [Ms Siddiq] along with respondent No 10 [Hasina] and other family members, received 30 per cent of the embezzled funds in exchange for their mediation.'

The papers claim that up to 709 million was siphoned out of Bangladesh through a 'fake' company called Prachhaya Ltd 'to different countries including the United Kingdom'.

Hasina's rule was characterised by human rights violations, extra-judicial killings and disappearances of political opponents, with groups such as Amnesty highlighting the abuses in their reports.

A Bangladeshi court issued an arrest warrant for her, and her son Sajeeb Wazed said last month his mother was ready to face trial and 'has done nothing wrong'.

But since Hasina was ousted, various court papers have been lodged citing her and her family members over the murders as well as other corruption issues.

Ms Siddiq has in the past praised her aunt as a 'role model', but has not publicly commented on her ousting in August.

However, the Treasury minister's connections with her aunt's hardline political party, the Awami League, go back more than a decade, as she once worked as its British spokesman.

Joe Robertson, the Tory MP for Isle of Wight East, said: 'It is clear that there are serious questions that demand answers  what is the minister's involvement?

Ms Siddiq has in the past praised her aunt as a 'role model', but has not publicly commented on her ousting in August

'What exactly is the nature of these allegations, and how can she possibly continue in post while under such a serious investigation?'

The Treasury, Labour Party and Ms Siddiq declined to comment, but a source said she had not been contacted about the matter.

Last night, Rosatom could not be contacted. But it has said previously: 'Rosatom rejects the provocative news published and circulated in the media regarding unethical financial transactions in the Rooppur nuclear power plant project.

'We are committed to transparent working practices, strict anti-corruption policies, and openness in all procurement processes.

'We view the false information published and circulated in the media as an attempt to discredit the project, which is vital for addressing Bangladesh's electricity shortage.'
Convicted sex attackers were met by angry crowds as they left the court in Avignon today - with protesters who have been supporting Gisele Pelicot through her rape trial ordeal declaring 'shame on you!' as the men emerged.

The criminals faced the fury of feminist protesters who were waiting outside the court, with scores of women showing up to cheer on Madame Pelicot, protest against what many consider to be an inadequate justice system, and admonish the culprits.

Firefighters, soldiers, lorry drivers, a DJ and a journalist were among those found guilty of raping and sexually abusing 71-year-old Gisele at the behest of her husband Dominique Pelicot over the course of a decade - all without her knowledge.

Defendants cowered behind masks and beneath hoods as they entered the court this morning, with several emerging again this afternoon after being handed sentences equivalent to or less than those they have already served.

One of the defendants had to be protected by police as he walked free from the court having served time in remand, with angry protesters jeering at him as he protected his head and concealed his face.

Supporters of Gisele Pelicot screamed 'rapists, we can see you' while holding up signs saying 'prison for all' and 'Christmas in prison, Easter in the slammer' when Pelicot's accomplices arrived at court this morning.

Some protesters even carried oranges as symbolic gifts for the men heading to jail. The gifting of oranges to defendants is seen as a traditional act of shaming in France, which indicates that the person receiving the orange will go to prison.

Meanwhile a defence lawyer of one of the dozens of convicted men taunted women outside the court as he left the trial today, swearing at them and labelling them 'hysterical knitters' in a bizarre rant.

Police had to protect the man hiding behind a face mask and hood from angry protesters jeering at him

Gisele Pelicot leaves the courthouse after hearing the verdict of the court that sentenced her ex-husband to the maximum term of 20 years jail

One of the sex attackers was met by a furious crowd when he was trying to leave the court after the verdicts were handed down

Others defendants tried to hide their faces will masks and caps

Christophe Bruschi, lawyer of one of co-accused, has a heated discussion with one of the women outside the trial

One accomplice was seen hanging his head in shame as he walked into the court

One of the defendant arrives at the courthouse in Avignon on December 19, 2024, after being booed by crowds outside

A man holds a sign reading: 'Christmas in prison, Easter in the slammer'

Defence attorney Christophe Bruschi, who represented Joseph Cocco, a 69-year-old man who was handed three years in jail after being found guilty of sexual assault, gloated that his client had 'walked free' having already served his sentence.

Shocking footage shows the lawyer laughing at the protesters, labelling them 'a bunch of hysterical knitters' and taunting them by saying 'my client has a message for you - the message is s***'.

He went on to say: 'Your request for 20-year prison sentences for all the defendants has been refused. My client has walked free... He thanks you and says, "Up yours!"'

Bruschi had smiled as he left the court, and told the waiting journalists: 'I don't want to provoke anybody when I walk past. I have individuals who are shouting. We may all be a bit provocative sometimes, aren't we?

'But when it comes to these debates I've listened and asked questions,' he insisted.

Brushci's client Cocco, a pensioner and among the oldest of the defendants in the notorious trial, was prosecuted for 'sexual assault in a group' and not for rape or attempted rape.

'It was difficult to get an erection,' he said in his defence during the trial, adding that he stayed at the Pelicots' home for 10 minutes and then left.

'Had I known what he was doing to his wife I would have reported him. This is atrocious,' he said.

Found guilty of sexual assault, he has been sentenced to three years in prison, which he has already served awaiting trial.

He was just one of the dozens of men invited by Dominique Pelicot to rape his unconscious wife at their home in Mazan, southern France - all without her knowledge.

Bruschi sparked anger in France after labelling the feminist protesters 'knitters'

Bruschi launched a bizarre rant as he was confronted by protesters, saying he had a message from his client and swearing at them

Defence lawyer Bruschi had a furious row with one of the protesters as he taunted the women over his client's sentence

The man tried to hide his face as he was ushered through the crowd by police

An activist holds a sign reading 'Prison for all' outside the Avignon court this morning

The 72-year-old, who has been dubbed the Monster of Avignon, drugged, raped and organised the repeated rape and sexual abuse of his now-ex-wife, and was today given the maximum sentence of 20 years in jail for his crimes.

Firefighters, soldiers, lorry drivers, a DJ and a journalist are among those found guilty of raping 71-year-old Gisele at the behest of her husband over the course of almost a decade.

In all, the court found 47 of the defendants guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault.

Guilty verdicts flooded in this morning, with the judge reading out each of the charges before delivering the sentences. All defendants were handed at least one conviction for horrific sexual crimes.

In a side room where defendants' family members watched the proceedings on television screens, some burst into tears and gasped as the sentences were revealed.

Protesters gathered outside the courthouse followed the proceedings on their phones, with some reading out the verdicts and applauded as they were announced inside.

Gisele Pelicot's children reacted angrily as some of the sentences were read out, deploring 'it's not possible' as one convicted rapist was handed just five years. The family has said they are 'disappointed by the low sentences'.

Pelicot, who has been labelled the 'conductor' of the 'orchestra' of rapists, hunched over in his chair and sobbed as his sentence - the longest of all the defendants - was read out.

While Dominique Pelicot's sentence of 20 years is the maximum he could have received under French law, campaigners and many across French society have slammed what they have seen as lenient sentences for the other defendants.

The 51 men faced a combined sentence of 600 years ahead of the jail terms being handed down today. They will serve just a fraction of this - with a collective sentence of 400 years given out by the panel of five judges.

Gisele Pelicot arrives in front of the courthouse before a verdict in the Pelicot case is delivered on December 19, 2024 in Avignon, France

A large banner that campaigners hung on a city wall opposite the courthouse read, 'MERCI GISELE' - thank you Gisele

Judge Arata told six defendants they were now free, accounting for time already spent in detention while awaiting trial.

Stretching over more than three months, the trial galvanized campaigners against sexual violence and spurred calls for tougher measures to stamp out rape culture.

The defendants were all accused of having taken part in Dominique Pelicot's sordid rape and abuse fantasies that were acted out in the couple's retirement home in the small Provence town of Mazan and elsewhere.

Dominique Pelicot testified that he hid tranquilizers in food and drink that he gave his then wife, knocking her out so profoundly that he could do what he wanted to her for hours.

This court-sketch depicts Gisele Pelicot during the hearing of the verdicts

One of the men was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment not for assaulting Gisele Pelicot but for drugging and raping his own wife - with help and drugs from Dominique Pelicot, who was also found guilty of raping that man's wife, too.

The five judges voted by secret ballot in their rulings, with majority votes for the convictions and sentences.

Campaigners against sexual violence were hoping for exemplary prison terms and viewed the trial as a possible turning point in the fight against sexual violence and the use of drugs to subdue victims.

The Pelicot home in the village of Mazan, now known as the house of horrors

Two women hold placards reading 'thank you Gisele' in support of the French grandmother

Gisele Pelicot's courage in waiving her right to anonymity as a survivor of sexual abuse and successfully pushing for the hearings and shocking evidence - including videos - to be heard in open court have fueled conversations both on a national level in France and among families, couples and groups of friends about how to better protect women and the role that men can play in pursuing that goal.

'Men are starting to talk to women - their girlfriends, mothers and friends - in ways they hadn't before,' said Fanny Foures, 48, who joined other women from the feminist group Les Amazones in gluing messages of support for Gisele Pelicot on walls around Avignon before the verdict.

'It was awkward at first, but now real dialogues are happening,' she said.

'Some women are realizing, maybe for the first time, that their ex-husbands violated them, or that someone close to them committed abuse,' Foures added. 'And men are starting to reckon with their own behavior or complicity - things they've ignored or failed to act on. It's heavy, but it's creating change.'

A large banner that campaigners hung on a city wall opposite the courthouse read, 'MERCI GISELE' - thank you Gisele.
A pair of brazen thieves were caught on CCTV stealing 15,000 worth of gold chains from a shop while on a crime spree totalling almost 50,000 across the country.

Married Vadar-Ghimes and Zinca Agafitei, both 46, were arrested after taking ten gold chains worth 15,000 from a jeweller's in Norfolk.

Enquiries revealed they had swiped jewellery worth another 48,000 from other locations around the Midlands and southern England in just a few weeks - after being allowed into the country despite a 'similar' spree of distraction thefts and burglaries, mainly at small, independent businesses in Italy, Malta, Turkey and Germany.

They have now been jailed for 27 months each after admitting three charges of burglary and two of theft. Vadar-Ghimes also admitted a fraud charge.

The couple had committed theft across counties including Warwickshire, Sussex, Wiltshire, Suffolk and Norfolk between May 14 and July 29.

The pair of them were finally arrested after striking at The Gold Shop in Thetford, Norfolk, on July 29.

Before that, on May 14 Agafitei stole an 11,500 Rolex from a jewellery shop after a staff member was distracted retrieving another one the couple had requested to view.

On June 17, a man and a woman entered a jewellery shop in Sussex and requested to view a watch which was on display in the window.

This is the moment Vadar-Ghimes (left) and Zinca Agafitei (right) steal 15,000 of jewellery in plain sight from a shop

The pair had previously swiped jewellery worth another 48,000 from other locations around the Midlands and southern England in just a few weeks

The pair of them were finally arrested after striking at The Gold Shop in Thetford, Norfolk, on July 29

Whilst the staff member was talking to Zinca Agafitei, Vadar-Ghimes leant behind her and stole a gold bracelet from the cabinet worth over 2,000.

In a third incident in Wiltshire on July 20, a man and a woman entered a jewellery shop asking to view bracelets.

The member of staff was assisting Zinca Agafitei with trying bracelets on when the Vadar-Ghimes Agafitei purposefully knocked over a display stand.

When tidying up the display, he stole more than 10 bracelets, worth more than 20k.

On July 25, a woman in her 80s had travelled to Newmarket, Suffolk to do some banking when Zinca Agafitei was seen on CCTV to be watching her.

Vadar-Ghimes Agafitei joins her and enters the bank, watching the victim enter her PIN at a cash machine.

They both followed the victim into a shop where Zinca Agafitei shows the victim an item of clothing.

A short while later, Vadar-Ghimes uses the victim's card at a cash machine and makes two withdrawals, totalling 700.

Officers obtained CCTV footage from all five offences, which showed the same man and woman to be responsible which were the pair.

Vadar-Ghimes Agafitei and Zinca Agafitei were intercepted on the M6 in Cheshire on October 17 and arrested.

They have since been sentenced to two years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of theft and two counts of burglary at an earlier hearing.

Vadar-Ghimes Agafitei was jailed for 27 months by Norwich Crown Court for his part in a spate of jewellery heists

Zinca Agafitei was also jailed for 27 months by Norwich Crown Court for her role in the heists with her husband

CCTV footage shows Vadar-Ghimes putting the gold chains underneath his t shirt

He then calmly walks out of the gold shop as if nothing had happened

Sgt Gary Morris said: 'This was a complex case where the offenders have travelled far and wide, often changing vehicles and locations to try and avoid detection.

'My thanks go out to the investigating officer, PC Luke Brown, along with the other forces involved.

'As a result of their efforts, the pair have been caught and will now serve custodial sentences.

'I am hopeful this case demonstrates that Norfolk is not an easy target, and anyone travelling to this county to commit crime will be dealt with robustly.'

Prosecutor Chris Youell also told Norwich Crown Court: 'What these two people have done is travel around England targeting jewellers and carried out distraction thefts and burglaries.'

There was a 'significant degree of planning' to the offences 'targeting high-value jewellers', he added.

Andrew Oliver, representing Vadar-Ghimes, admitted there was an element of 'professionalism' about his client's offences and his main mitigation was his guilty pleas.

The defendant had only been in the country for a few months, he said, and had been unable to find work because he didn't have a visa.

Ian James, for Zinca, said she was 'very much aware of the seriousness' of her crimes and she had 'learnt her lesson'.

The Times of Malta reported how Vadar-Ghimes and two Romanian accomplices were given two-year suspended jail terms in 2010 after admitting shoplifting 7,000 Euros (5,800) worth of goods from a string of jewellers on the island. All the items were recovered.
The Prince and Princess of Wales released their Christmas card on social media today, featuring a photograph of the couple with their three children in Norfolk.

The card was posted online at 2pm, three hours after it emerged the family would not attend today's traditional Royal Family pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace.

Prince William and Kate are instead said to be looking forward to spending time with members of the Royal Family as usual at the Sandringham estate over Christmas.

The card image shows William and Kate in Norfolk, where Anmer Hall became a safe haven for the Princess while she recovered from cancer treatment earlier this year.

It is taken from the video released by Kate in September which confirmed she would return to public duties following the completion of her course of chemotherapy.

The post on social media said: 'Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas' - with the words inside the card saying: 'Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.'

MailOnline understands the Waleses are already in Norfolk with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis , and had always planned to be.

It has also been made clear that William and Kate's absence from the lunch was in no way linked to Prince Andrew pulling out amid the ongoing Chinese 'spy' scandal.

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas  pic.twitter.com/pL3t13sTlu  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 19, 2024

The Prince and Princess of Wales released their Christmas card on social media today

The Prince and Princess of Wales in the original image, part of a video issued on September 9

The confirmation from the royal source was given just before 11am, at around exactly the same time that Charles was spotted arriving at Buckingham Palace for the lunch.

Kate, who has been gradually returning to public events after revealing in September that she had finished a course of cancer treatment, was last seen with her family on December 6 at Westminster Abbey for her 'Together at Christmas' carol service.

Four days later, William said during a visit to Picton Barracks in Wiltshire that he was looking forward to but 'not ready' for Christmas and would celebrate with 45 family members at Sandringham 'all in one room', although they are 'normally spread out'.

George, Charlotte and Louis have been on their Christmas holidays since last Friday when Lambrook School near Windsor, which they all attend, closed until January 8.

William and Kate have been pictured arriving for the lunch in previous years, including 2018 and 2019. The event was not held in 2020 or 2021 because of the pandemic.

Prince William, George, Charlotte, Louis and Kate during the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 6, 2024 - the last time the family were seen

It comes after William described the past year which has seen his wife and father being treated for cancer as 'brutal'.

The Prince spoke candidly about the royal family's major health scares in an interview while in South Africa last month, saying 2024 has 'probably been the hardest year in my life' and a 'dreadful' experience.

When asked on November 7 about his year, William replied: 'Honestly, it's been dreadful. It's probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.

'But I'm so proud of my wife, I'm proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it's been, yeah, it's been brutal.'

Kate appeared in a deeply personal video with her family in September to confirm her return to public duties following the completion of a course of chemotherapy.

The princess' heartfelt message about her cancer journey was spoken over images showing the Waleses and their children enjoying the outdoors, and she said her focus now was 'doing what I can to stay cancer free'.

The Princess of Wales during a visit to Southport Community Centre on October 10

The Princess of Wales at the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club on July 14

George, William, Louis, Kate and Charlotte at Buckingham Palace for a flypast on June 15

She described the previous nine months since her serious health issues began as 'incredibly tough for us as a family' and how the 'cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone', with the experience giving her a 'new perspective on everything.'

The King's cancer diagnosis was announced in February and he has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of the disease as an outpatient, but will be returning to fuller duties and greater overseas travel next year.

Yesterday, the Duke of York pulled out of the King's pre-Christmas lunch as he continues to be dogged by his links to an alleged Chinese spy.

Andrew decided not to attend the gathering after speaking to his ex-wife and close friend Sarah, Duchess of York, according to a source.

The King's brother had already withdrawn from joining senior royals at Sandringham for the festive period.

It was previously revealed in a High Court hearing that alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who was banned from the UK, was said to have been a 'close' confidant of Andrew.

Mr Yang, who was named after an anonymity order was lifted on Monday, has insisted it was 'entirely untrue' to claim he was involved in espionage and that he has 'done nothing wrong or unlawful'.

Earlier this week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared a rare picture of their two children as part of a series of images for their official Christmas card

Six images are featured with the card, sent by email, which has the message: 'On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful New Year'

Earlier this week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared a rare picture of their two children as part of a series of images for their official Christmas card.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were shown in the outdoors about to hug Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet as their son and daughter run into their arms.

The couple have rarely exposed their children to the limelight and in the image their faces are not shown as Lilibet, three, approaches her father while five-year-old Archie sprints to his mother.

It appears the couple, who stepped down as working royals and moved to California in 2020, may be in a park as their three dogs are in the picture.

Six images are featured with the card, sent by email, which has the message: 'On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful New Year.'

The card is intended for professional use by the couple and their team, with the Sussexes sending a separate card to their close family and friends which will remain private.
Liberal Justin Trudeau has suddenly launched a Trump-style crackdown on immigration as the Canadian government crumbles around him.

Canada's newly appointed Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced on Tuesday that the $1.3bn CAD ($930m USD) slate of new measures 'will secure our border against the flow of illegal drugs and irregular migration.'

The new measures will include 24/7 surveillance of the border using 'helicopters, drones and mobile surveillance towers', and upgraded detection tools to catch drugs slipping over the border.

The legislation is based on five pillars: Slowing the trade of fentanyl, improving border patrols' coordination, providing new tools for law enforcement, easing information sharing among departments and slowing migrant crossings, reports TNC.

Trudeau was previously famed for his progressive policies and urged migrants to flock to Canada - but has changed his tune in recent weeks as his polls tank.

It comes weeks after Trump threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on all imports from Canada, citing Trudeau's struggles in ensuring border security.

The five pillars appear to attempt to directly address the president-elect's concerns, as Trump has cited high illegal migration at the border and the flow of fentanyl as particular points of interest.

In his press conference Tuesday announcing the 'strike force', Leblanc said the actions are intended to 'detect and address fentanyl and its precursors.'

'Our investments will enable the Canada Border Service Agency to deploy new chemical detection, imaging and artificial intelligence-powered tools as well as new K-9 teams to better detect illegal drugs at ports of entry,' he said.

Justin Trudeau 's government introduced a $1.3 billion border security bill on Tuesday in a desperate attempt to combat Donald Trump 's tariff threat

Trump threatened Canada and Mexico with a 25 percent tariff if they do not curb illegal immigration and the flow of drugs across the borders to the US

The move comes days after rumors swirled that Trudeau would resign as his liberal government crumbled around him, including LeBlanc's predecessor Chrystia Freeland, who also served as deputy prime minister, quitting the party.

Freeland quit on Monday after clashing with Trudeau on issues including how to handle possible U.S. tariffs, in what was a huge blow to an already unpopular government.

Trudeau also made a public trip down to Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate earlier this month, which only worsened the crisis as Trump went on to mock his counterpart and imply that he would make Canada a US state.

With Trudeau currently on track to lose the next election to the Conservatives and their leader Pierre Poilievre, his party attempted to make inroads this week with their border bill.

LeBlanc said the wave of measures would include investments into the RCMP's 'new aerial intelligence task force.'

The task force will 'provide round-the-clock surveillance of ports of entry and complement existing foot and vehicle patrols', including the deployment of helicopters and drones.

Lawmakers also plan to expand the powers of border patrol officers, allowing them to inspect exports in the same way they inspect imports.

Hoping to open up communication with Americans south of their border, the Canadian official said he was proposing 'the creation of a new North American joint strike force to target transnational organized crime.'

Newly appointed Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced on Tuesday that the slate of new measures 'will secure our border against the flow of illegal drugs and irregular migration'

It comes after Trudeau also made a public trip down to Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate earlier this month, which only worsened the crisis as Trump went on to mock his counterpart and imply that he would make Canada a US state

Canada has seen a 130 percent spike in asylum seekers this year, prompting Trudeau's government to finally take action

LeBlanc's remarks were followed by Immigration Minister Marc Miller's proposal to end 'flagpoling', a practice where people briefly enter the US from Canada to take advantage of lax immigration laws.

The practice sees people cross into the US without intending to spend any time there, only to gain access to faster visa processing times than if they came straight into Canada.

'Flagpoling uses up valuable resources at both sides of the border,' Miller said Tuesday.

'When this change comes into effect, temporary residents already in Canada will have to apply online to extend their stay and flagpoling will no longer be an option.'

TNC reported that lawmakers struggled to provide a timeline for when the new measures would be implemented.

And when asked how many helicopters would be available, RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme responded: 'I cant just buy a helicopter but there are processes where you can rent a helicopter and were exploring every facet that we can.'
Democrats are mockingly referring to Donald Trump as 'vice president' after his political pal Elon Musk took the lead in tanking a government funding bill that has the nation on the verge of a shutdown.

Musk posted more than 100 times on the X platform he owns Wednesday, whipping up MAGA opposition to the bipartisan bill negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson to fund the government through March.

In just one of his missives, Musk wrote that any lawmaker who voted for it 'deserves to be voted out.' It was dead by the end of the day.

'Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government. The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesnt like it. Will Republicans kiss the ring?' wrote Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

'Its clear whos in charge, and its not President-elect Donald Trump, wrote progressive Rep. Parmila Jayapal (D-Wash.), adding her own moniker. 'Shadow President Elon Musk spent all day railing against Republicans CR, succeeded in killing the bill, and then Trump decided to follow his lead.'

Musk's flurry of posts came hours before Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance unloaded on the deal in a joint statement. Vance had been in the Capitol meeting with lawmakers.

'Look, President Musk this morning made it clear with all this vast government experience which is basically he became rich off the federal government  that he doesn't want Republicans to pass this,' said former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who served on the House January 6 committee that Trump referenced in his statement opposing the bill.

'Seemingly Vice President Trump kind of backed him up then at that point. And what it says about the politics is this is going to be a messy four years,' he told CNN poking at a well-established narrative that Trump does not like to be upstaged.

Republicans and Trump critics issued mocking comments about 'President Musk' and 'Vice President Trump' after the billionaire Musk started the X posts that took down a bipartisan government funding measure

'I think that President Elon has made it clear what his agenda for the next four years,' said the former Illinois lawmaker.

Longtime Democratic strategist David Axlerod pointed to different approaches in statements by Musk and Trump.

Trump had demanded Congress raise the debt ceiling before he takes office, and later said the statutory debt ceiling should be eliminated altogether.

But Musk tweeted that Congress should essentially shut down until Trump takes office.

'No bills should be passed Congress until Jan 20, when @realDonaldTrump takes office. None. Zero,' wrote Musk.

Axelrod said: 'They seem to be saying different things, and eventually they're going to have to get together and decide who the president is.'

'Let's just level set this: everyone who's watching this should strap on their seat belts, because this is what the next four years are going to be like. And Speaker Johnson ought to be strapping on his parachute,' he said.

'Its pretty clear that they were about to pass the bill, and Musk intervened, and Trump followed him. And now were headed into this crisis period,' he added.

Musk, who Trump named to go lead his 'Department on Government Efficiency' battled the bill with memes, including one of him about to slice the bill with a sword.

His first post came at 4:15 am when he wrote that 'This bill should not pass.'

Musk followed up, writing: 'Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years!'

'Please call your elected representatives right away to tell them how you feel' he added.

Also making the dig was Georgia Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson.

'Wow! Rather than serving the people who elected them by keeping the government open through the holidays, MAGA Musk Republicans have chosen to follow President-Elect Musks order to SHUT IT DOWN!' he posted.

Trump and Musk have been experiencing and incredible bromance, with Musk donating millions to his election and campaigning for him in Pennsylvania, and now appearing with him repeatedly at Mar-a-Lago

President-elect Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk as he arrives to watch SpaceX's mega rocket Starship lift off for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Nov. 19, 2024

Musk has made numerous posts disparaging Johnson's CR Wednesday morning

It wasn't until 13 hours after Musk's high-tech lobbying campaign that Trump weighed in against the 1,547-page bill, which included billions for disaster relief, a 3.8 percent pay increase for lawmakers in 2025, relief for farmers, and other provisions.

'Republicans must get smart and tough,' the Trump and Vance statement said. 'If Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want, then call their bluff.'

The Republican duo also signaled how they want Johnson to proceed, indicating they want a 'clean CR,' a bill without extra policy riders like disaster relief, money to combat growing Chinese influence, and raises for members of Congress that are in the current version.

'We should pass a streamlined spending bill that doesnt give Chuck Schumer and the Democrats everything they want,' Trump and Vance said.

Trump, in another post, threatened those who vote against a clean CR, saying, 'Any Republican that would be so stupid as to do this should, and will, be primaried.'
This is the moment a private jet owned by River Plate president Jorge Brito skidded off an airport runway in Argentina, crashing near multiple homes and killing both people on board.

The aircraft occupants were identified as Martin Fernandez, a 46-year-old pilot, and Agustin Orforte, a 35-year-old copilot.

Flight data showed that the Bombardier Challenger 300 made its first flight of the day at around 11:12 am when it departed San Fernando International Airport in San Fernando, 12 miles outside Buenos Aires, and landed at Punta del Este International Airport in La Capuera, Uruguay to drop off several passengers.

The aircraft departed Uruguay at about 12:44 pm and landed in San Fernando at around 1:18 pm.

Argentine news outlets reported that the private jet encountered problems breaking after it touched down, then veered off the runway before it plowed through the airport's perimeter fence.

Video footage showed the aircraft charging down the landing strip and disappearing from the camera before a large cloud of smoke hovered over the air.

Cellphone video filmed by a bystander showed residents keeping their distance from the burning jet and a wrecked vehicle.

A preliminary report released Thursday by Argentina's Transportation Safety Board indicated 'the aircraft registered LV-GOK had a runway excursion, stopping outside the airport grounds.'

Martin Fernandez (pictured) was identified as the pilot of the private jet that crashed in front of several homes after it skidded off the runway at San Fernando International Airport in San Fernando, Argentina on Wednesday. Agustin Orforte, the copilot, was also killed

Agustin Orforte was in the copilot seat when the Bombardier Challenger 300 barged through the airport perimeter fencing and crashed near outside several homes in San Fernando, Argentina on Wednesday, killing him and the pilot

A street surveillance camera registered the moment the private jet plowed through the perimeter fencing at San Fernando International Airport and crashed near multiple homes

Narcisa Martinez, a 62-year-old Paraguayan national, told El Trece television that she was home with her four grandchildren when the jet crashed.

'The plane was three steps away from me, then smoke began to rise,' said Martinez, who has been living in Argentina for three decades.

'They hugged each other to die. We saw them like that and then we ran. I saw them from the fence hugging each other. And there they died in the fire.'

Martinez lauded one her four grandchildren, 18-year-old Lautaro, for leading them and her great grandchild to safety by breaking down a wooden door.

'There were a lot of screams, so we thought there were more people on the plane,' she said. 'Heartbreaking screams could be heard all around the block, 'Get me out of here please.'

The Bombardier Challenger hit a tree several feet away from one of the homes, which was destroyed

The jet crash also destroyed a section of Daniel Pons' residence.

'I was in the kitchen when I heard the bang. I ran out and saw the plane destroy part of the house,' Pons told La Nacion newspaper. 'Everything happened so fast that I could barely react.'

'Estaba en la cocina cuando escuche el estruendo. Sali corriendo y vi como el avion arraso con parte de la casa. Todo paso tan rapido que apenas pude reaccionar',

Brito, who is the owner of Banco Macro, Argentina's largest banking institution had not commented about the crash as of Thursday.

His father, Jorge Horacio Brito, died in a helicopter crash in November 2020 in the northwestern city of Salta. The pilot was also killed.

The wreckage of a plane lays next to homes after crashing near the airport in San Fernando, Argentina on Wednesday

Argentina's Transportation Safety Board said the plane crash was due to the aircraft skidding off the runway

A firefighter inspects the wreckage of the Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft

Doctors assigned to the Argentine Federal Police indicated that the Loza and Orforte may have died from smoke inhalation.

A preliminary report released Thursday by Argentina's Transportation Safety Board indicated that the accident was caused by a 'track excursion.'

A more detailed report is due in 30 days, the agency said.

Florencia Escobar, who also lives in the neighborhood, recalled the December 6, 2019 Cessna plane that crashed on the roof of a home. All four occupants survived.

'It's a danger,' Escobar said. 'These planes shouldn't be so close to houses.'
Disturbing footage shows an XL bully owner beating his pet and whipping it with a metal lead.

Gareth Cox admitted to 'hitting the dog approximately nine times with a metal lead' - a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 - at Willesden Magistrates' Court.

In the shocking video of the 45-year-old's brutal attack, he is also seen hoisting his dog, named Cyrus, up by its throat and can be heard saying: 'Don't run off, you stupid f*****g dog'.

He pleaded guilty in court to failing to prevent his pet XL Bully from suffering.

An expert dog trainer who viewed the footage said Cox's behaviour was abusive and could potentially have made the XL Bully more aggressive.

The dog has now been seized and taken into police kennels.

Cox also admitted to breaching the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 by allowing a 'fighting dog' to be in a public place without a muzzle or lead.

He will be sentenced in February.

Gareth Cox admitted to 'hitting the dog approximately nine times with a metal lead' - a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 - at Willesden Magistrates' Court

In the video of the 45-year-old's brutal attack, he is also seen hoisting his dog, named Cyrus, up by its throat and can be heard saying: 'Don't run off, you stupid f*****g dog.'

Cox pleaded guilty in court to failing to prevent his pet XL Bully from suffering

It comes as an investigation has found that police have destroyed more than three dangerous dogs a day on average since the XL Bully ban came in nearly a year ago.

Forces in England and Wales say the cost of kennelling thousands of seized dogs, often for several months at a time, is now costing the taxpayer 25million a year - with many facilities at full capacity.

A crackdown on restricting the breeding and sale of XL Bullies came into force on December 31 last year following a spate of horrific attacks on the public. Then in February, it became illegal to own the breed unless it was registered before the deadline.

The XL Bully became the fifth breed to be banned in Britain, adding to the pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Doga Argentino and Fila Braziliero.

When the new laws came in, the government estimated there were around 10,000 XL Bully dogs in England and Wales. However, this was a major underestimate, with the figure more like 57,000.

Based on FOI figures from 19 police forces in England and Wales, the BBC found that 1,991 suspected banned dogs were seized in the first months of 2024. That is up from 283 in the whole of 2023.

Meanwhile, figures showed that 818 dogs had been destroyed, more than double than in 2023.

More than half of the forces that responded to questions about their kennels said they were full or near capacity.

An expert dog trainer who viewed the footage said Cox's behaviour was abusive and could potentially have made the XL Bully more aggressive

Cox also admitted to breaching the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 by allowing a 'fighting dog' to be in a public place without a muzzle or lead

The dog has now been seized and taken into police kennels

Since February, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption certificate

Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, the NPCC lead for dangerous dogs, said the cost of kennels and vet bills had risen from 4million to 25million, without taking into account added costs of training staff, buying extra vehicles and equipment and renting short-term kennels.

He said a 'strong request' was being put forward by the NPCC for the Government to provide more funding.

Policing the ban has proved to be made more challenging because working out whether a dog is an XL Bully can require specialist training or external expertise, which means keeping them in kennels for longer.

An XL bully is the largest kind of American bully dog and are described as large dogs 'with a muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power for [their] size'.
A female banker was turned down from a promotion because she was a black single mother, according to a discrimination lawsuit she has filed.

Brandie Falice is suing PNC Bank after she claims she was told by a regional manager she wasn't a good fit because she is a single mother.

She had joined the company in 2018 and told WSBTV that she was quickly put on a fast track to management and landed a senior position within a few months.

After Covid hit the country and forced the closure of some branches, she said she kept on moving up to become the assistant branch manager in 2022.

She then applied for a management position at a branch in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.

While being interviewed for the position, she claims in her suit that she was told she wouldn't be a good fit because most of the customers are white.

She also alleges that the interviewee, the regional manager, said it wouldn't work out because she couldn't work weekends as she was a single mother.

Speaking with the outlet, she said: 'It does feel like youre judged and it feels like youre not worthy as other people.'

Brandie Falice, from Atlanta, Georgia, is suing PNC Bank after she claims she was told by a regional manager she wasn't a good fit because she is a single mother

After Covid hit the country and forced the closure of some branches, she said she kept on moving up to become the assistant branch manager in 2022

While being interviewed for the position, she claims in her suit that she was told she wouldn't be a good fit because most of the customers are white

She added: 'I felt discouraged and I felt the time I spent with this company and my efforts to reach my goals in that space were shot down because of something that I love about myself.'

'It was very disrespectful and I questioned my worth altogether because of that.'

PNC Bank have denied the claims, saying in a statement: 'We believe Ms. Falice was treated fairly and consistent with our company values, policies and practices.

'PNC does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation and we look forward to presenting the facts in court.'

Her attorney Artur Davis told the outlet that he believes the bank could learn from the filing.

Davis said: 'Its a chance for them to show some accountability. How many young women of color are being denied opportunities for the same kinds of bias reasons used to hold Brandie Falice back.'

According to her LinkedIn profile Falice has left the company and now works as a Senior Account Executive for an IT company.
A drug addict who abandoned a terrified boy in a desolate wood before sparking a major missing person search has dodged jail.

Ashley McGovern drove the nine-year-old into the countryside near her then home in East Lothian before leaving the youngster, who was afraid of dark, to his fate

The 31-year-old sparked a massive search operation involving 60 police officers, the force helicopter with mountain rescue and coastguard teams having lied that the boy had vanished while picking up his bike.

He was found 24 hours later with no shoes and socks on after a dog walker heard him crying.

The traumatised schoolboy was badly affected by his ordeal, including suffering from brain injuries, and spent months in hospital undergoing extensive rehabilitation.

Medics also discovered he had traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system indicating that he was exposed to the substances before being dumped in the woods.

McGovern had earlier admitted wilfully ill-treating and neglecting the boy to his severe injury, permanent impairment and to the danger of his life. She previously faced an accusation of attempting to murder the child.

She also admitted attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

Ashley McGovern dodged a jail sentence at the High Court in Glasgow despite pleading guilty to 'wilfully ill-treating and neglecting' a boy she abandoned in the woods

High Court in Edinburgh (pictured)

A judge told her at the High Court in Edinburgh that they were extremely serious offences.

Lord Young said: Because of the significant harm caused to this child a custodial sentence would be the norm.

He had remanded her in custody following the guilty plea anticipating hed improve a jail sentence on her, but added he was persuaded a non-custodial sentence was appropriate.

Instead of prison, the judge ordered her to undertake 300 hours of unpaid work with as supervision requirement for the maximum period of three years.

First offender McGovern was assessed as a low risk of reoffending and someone who did not present a risk to the public.

Lord Young said she has suffered from clinical depression and anxiety linked to low self esteem for many years but has made great strides towards getting her life together.

He said she has weaned herself off illicit drugs which was greatly to her credit and her mental health has improved significantly.

But McGovern has been unable to explain why she left the child in the wood.

The court heard that the boy was in good spirits on the day before he got into McGoverns car and was driven into the countryside and left in Brock Wood, near the village of Spott.

Advocate depute Alan Cameron KC said the sun had set at the time and there was no other light source in the area, adding: The boy was known to be afraid of the dark.

The youngster was wearing a short-sleeved top and jogging bottoms and abandoned with no food or water.

McGovern then texted a man asking if he had seen the child and at first told her father that the boy was missing with the search operation launched.

After the distressed child was found by the dog walker, he was able to confirm his name but was extremely confused and struggled to stand with two pools of blood found nearby and he was taken to hospital with multiple injuries.

Mr Cameron said the boys condition deteriorated significantly as he experienced seizures, issues with his sight and involuntary limb movements. He ended up requiring a wheelchair to get about.

A medical specialist eventually though he may have ingested cocaine with tests confirming the suspicion with traces of alcohol also found along with a substance suggesting exposure to crack cocaine.

Defence counsel John Scullion KC said: The accused recalls feeling a sense of panic and describes feeling that something flipped in her mind that day.

He said McGovern was a vulnerable individual who was introduced to cocaine at the beginning of lockdown and quickly became dependent on the drug.

She also struggled with mental health issues.

Mr Scullion said a social work report into McGovern confirmed she displays shame and remorse for the pain and suffering she had caused which, in his submission, is both genuine and profound.
A Las Vegas mother convicted of abusing her adopted children by locking them in rooms where they were forced to relieve themselves in buckets said 'I'm not a perfect parent' as she was sentenced to several years in prison on Wednesday.

Addy Gonzales claimed at her sentencing that she 'did what I could' for the two children, who were Gonzalez's niece and nephew and had been living in foster care.

Gonzales, her boyfriend Daniel Omezcua, and her mother Maria Pasarin were arrested in November 2022 after the female victim, now 20, was found drinking from a hose in the neighbor's yard and had asked for a ladder to climb back into her second-story bedroom, according to The Las Vegas Review-Journal.

When police arrived at the home, they found the girl in a room with a single sheet and two empty dressers. She told authorities she had been locked in the room for a year and felt like a prisoner.

The girl, who was not identified, and her brother were frequently locked in their rooms, which was secured by a deadbolt, according to The Review-Journal.

'I'm not a perfect parent, your honor, I did what I could for them,' Gonzales told a judge on Wednesday. 'I gave them a roof, I gave them food.'

The former Clark County School District employee also said she frequently went to church with the children, who were in foster care before she adopted them.

Gonzales was sentenced to nine to 24 years in prison for the abuse. She was led out of court in handcuffs.

The educator pleaded guilty in August to four counts of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.

Addy Gonzales, a mother convicted of abusing her niece and nephew, claimed she 'did what I could' for the children - despite the victim calling it a 'nightmare'

Gonzales (pictured in blue) was sentenced to nine to 24 years in prison for abusing her niece and nephew for several years by locking them in rooms with buckets to relieve themselves in

Gonzales, her boyfriend Daniel Omezcua, and her mother Maria Pasarin were arrested in November 2022 after one of the victims (pictured), now 20, was found drinking from a hose in a neighbor's yard and asked for a ladder to climb into a second-story window

Pasarin pleaded guilty to two counts of child abuses and Omezcua pleaded guilty to a single count, according to The Review-Journal. The two were sentenced to probation.

The female victim also spoke at the sentencing on Wednesday, telling the judge: 'From the age of 10 until I turned 18, my life became a nightmare.'

'I still feel this weight of what Addy did to me,' she continued. 'I feel like I was robbed of a childhood, and now I'm being thrown into adulthood without the tools I need to survive.'

The young woman recalled her stepmother hitting her 'almost daily' and said she often withheld food from them as a punishment, according to The Las Vegas Review-Journal. She would also force them to clean the North Las Vegas house.

Pasarin used to sneak the children food and would occasionally allow them outside their rooms.

'Looking back, I know my grandma was part of the reason we survived,' she testified.

Her brother was not present in court on Wednesday.

The grandmother, who sat in a wheelchair in court, told the judge: 'I love those children very much.'

'And if I did something wrong with them, please forgive me, but I always treated them good,' she said.

Parasin pleaded guilty to two counts of child abuses and Omezcua pleaded guilty to a single count. The two were sentenced to probation

The victims spent years in foster care before being placed with their aunt in 2013. She formally adopted them in 2015, according to 8 News Now.

Gonzales said their mother suffered from substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health issues, while their father had been in and out of prison and was deported twice.

The stepmother told the judge she had done a better parenting job than their children's biological parents.

Gonzales' own son was treated better than the victim, photos from the house showed, according to 8 News Now.
Britain must make sure it avoids attracting tariffs when Donald Trump retakes power in the US, Keir Starmer admitted today.

The Prime Minister vowed to boost business with America under the new leader, as he faced senior MPs today.

Trump has vowed to introduce a range of tariffs during his second term in the White House, including a 10-20 per cent levy on all goods imports.

There will also be higher tariffs on goods from China, Mexico, Canada and nations that retaliate with protective measures of their own.

It has sparked fears that the UK could be sucked into a trade war between the US and the EU, despite having left the latter.

Asked how he would dissuade Mr Trump from imposing tariffs on the UK, the Prime Minister told the Liaison Committee: 'It won't come as any surprise to you, I am not a fan of tariffs and, therefore, we have to make sure that we avoid tariffs.

'We have got very good trade with the US, as we have got very good trade with other countries around the world. I want to improve on that.'

Sir Keir declined to give details of recent conversations with Mr Trump, but added: 'Am I alive to the danger of tariffs? Yes of course. I'm against tariffs, but I'm not going to speculate as to what the incoming president might do.'

The Prime Minister vowed to boost business with America under the new leader, as he faced senior MPs today.

Trump has vowed to introduce a range of tariffs during his second term in the White House , including a 10-20 per cent levy on all goods imports.

Sir Keir Starmer said he rejected the suggestion that the UK would have to choose between a closer trade deal with the EU and a free trade agreement with the US.

The Prime Minister told the Liaison Committee: 'I think we can pursue both. I don't accept the argument you have got to either be with the US or be with the EU, that isn't how it works at the moment with our current trade.

'We do want a closer relationship with the EU on security, on defence, on energy and, yes, on trade, and I've set out how we want to reset on a number of occasions.

'At the same time, I want to improve our trading relationship with the US. Is that going to be easy? Of course it's not. Do I think we can make progress? Yes, I do.

'And that's among the reasons that I'm making sure we've got a good relationship with the incoming president and that the relationship between our two countries is as strong in the future as it has been in the past.'
An image of Gisele Pelicot smiling alongside her husband Dominique has emerged as the so-called Monster of Avignon and his band of rapist accomplices were convicted of their crimes on Thursday.

In the selfie snapped by her cruel and abusive spouse, Gisele is seen beaming at the camera at a sun-soaked marina.

Her visible joy belies the heinous treatment to which she being subjected by Mr Pelicot, 72, who was routinely spiking her food with powerful tranquillisers before offering her lifeless body up to strangers to rape.

Mr Pelicot orchestrated this campaign of abuse for almost a decade, over which more than 70 men are believed to have visited their family home to abuse Gisele as she lay unconscious.

The sordid saga saw Gisele suffer all manner of health problems, including several sexually transmitted diseases and considerable psychological distress toward the end of her husband's insidious campaign.

Her ordeal was only brought to an end when Pelicot was arrested by police for attempts to take 'upskirt' photos of women in a shopping centre. The subsequent investigation uncovered his dark treasure trove of some 20,000 images and videos of Gisele being abused.

Today, 51 men identified in those videos by police were found guilty of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault. Pelicot himself was slapped with a 20-year sentence and was told by his daughter Caroline that he would 'die like a dog in prison'.

The sentencing concluded what has become France's worst-ever case of sexual abuse and one which has garnered international outrage.

In the selfie snapped by her cruel and abusive spouse, Gisele is seen beaming at the camera held by her then-spouse at a sun-soaked marina

Gisele Pelicot arrives in front of the courthouse before a verdict in the Pelicot case is delivered on December 19, 2024 in Avignon, France

Dominique Pelicot is pictured arriving at the courthouse this morning to face the verdict

Dominique was handed the maximum 20-year prison term by Judge Roger Arata after he pleaded guilty to drugging Gisele repeatedly to rape her and film her abuse at the hands of dozens more men.

Several abusers have escaped justice, with police unable to identify more than 20 men involved in Gisele's abuse.

But Arata handed down guilty sentences to another 50 men besides Pelicot, many of whom contacted Gisele's husband online and were invited to his home in the sleepy Provence village of Mazan to assault his unconscious wife.

Firefighters, soldiers, lorry drivers, a DJ and a journalist were among those found guilty of raping now 72-year-old Gisele at the behest of her husband.

In all, the court found 47 of the defendants guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault.

Chaos erupted outside the courtroom as the trial concluded this afternoon.

A large group of baying protesters gathered outside screamed 'shame on you' and 'rapists, we can see you' as the shamed defendants emerged, hiding their faces behind masks and under hoods.

Several demonstrators brandished signs saying 'prison for all' and 'Christmas in prison, Easter in the slammer'.

Meanwhile, the lawyer for one defendant was filmed laughing at the protesters, many of whom were part of a feminist advocacy group.

He labelled them 'a bunch of hysterical knitters' and taunting them by saying 'my client has a message for you - the message is s***'.

His client was found guilty of sexual assault but now walks free having already spent the length of his sentence behind bars.

'Your request for 20-year prison sentences for all the defendants has been refused... My client walks free, he says 'Up yours!' he declared, inciting yet more outrage.

Gisele Pelicot leaves the courthouse after hearing the verdict of the court that sentenced her ex-husband to the maximum term of 20 years jail

One of the sex attackers was met by a furious crowd when he was trying to leave the court after the verdicts were handed down

Police had to protect a man hiding behind a face mask and hood from angry protesters jeering at him

This combative atmosphere was briefly broken, however, when Gisele strode out of the building.

The crowd began cheering and applauding, with some participants even breaking into a song in her support.

The 72-year-old bravely waived her right to anonymity at the trial's outset, and today declared she never regretted allowing herself to be thrust into the spotlight.

In a rousing speech following the sentencing of her husband and his conspirators, the diminutive Frenchwoman said she hoped her ordeal would help make the world a better place for 'women and men alike'.

Her public stand against her abusers, which courted intense international media scrutiny on her and her family, was hailed by supporters outside the courtroom and by world leaders.
An investigation has uncovered multiple 'rape chats' where thousands of men discuss how to rape and sexually assault women including their own mothers and sisters.

The groups, which have up to 70,000 members from a variety countries, meet on the encrypted messaging app Telegram to share pictures and even live videos of sexual abuse.

Members have also claimed to have assaulted their wives and female family members with some even sharing advice and instructions on how to do it.

In one shocking instance, a German man said he would sedate his wife and allow other men to sexually assault her.

The existence of the so-called 'rape chats' were discovered over the course of a year-long investigation by German broadcaster ARD and its STRG_F investigative team.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the users also swapped tips on how to sedate partners and shared links to online shops where members could buy sedatives disguised as hair products.

Over the course of the investigation some of the groups have been shut down but members were sent links to join new ones.

The revelation comes on the final day of the Avignon mass rape trails in France which has seen Dominque Pelicot - alongside 50 other men - handed jail sentences for drugging, raping and sexual abusing Pelicot's now ex-wife Gisele Pelicot.

The groups, which have up to 70,000 members from a variety countries, meet on the encrypted messaging app Telegram to share pictures and even live videos of sexual abuse (file image)

Gisele Pelicot is seen entering the courtroom moments before the verdicts were delivered

Dominique Pelicot is seen arriving at court in the back of a police car earlier this week

The trial is France's worst-ever sexual abuse case and has seen firefighters, soldiers, lorry drivers, a DJ and a journalist among those found guilty of raping 71-year-old Gisele at the behest of her husband Dominique over the course of a decade - all without her knowledge.

Pelicot, 72, who has now become known as the Monster of Avignon, was slapped with a 20-year prison term by Judge Roger Arata after he pleaded guilty to drugging her repeatedly for almost a decade to rape her and to offer up her unconscious body for sex to dozens of strangers.

Several abusers have escaped justice, with police unable to identify more than 20 men involved in Gisele's abuse.

But Arata handed down guilty sentences to another 50 men besides Pelicot, many of whom contacted Gisele's husband online and were invited to his home in the sleepy Provence village of Mazan to assault his unconscious wife on camera.

In all, the court found 47 of the defendants guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault.

The trial has shocked the world but Gisele has been praised for making the courageous decision to waive her automatic anonymity so that the trial could be held in public.

Gisele later emerged from the courtroom to the waiting cameras of the world's media, saying she was 'emotional' as she issued a statement after what she said had been 'a very difficult test for me.'

'I am thinking first and foremost about my children, David, Caroline and Florian. I am thinking also about my grandchildren. For them I really wanted to take this struggle forward.

'I'm thinking about all the other families affected by the case and the not recognised victims in the shadows... I share their struggle.'

Gisele Pelicot talks to journalists after the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-accused

Gisele looked at each of the defendants as their verdicts were read out. This court sketch depicts her looking at her husband

One of the defendants arrives at the courthouse in Avignon ahead of the verdicts being delivered in the Mazan rape trial

In a statement, Telegram told MailOnline:' Content that encourages sexual violence is explicitly forbidden by Telegram's terms of service.

'Telegram has a zero-tolerance policy towards misuse of its platform and any groups, channels or users caught participating are immediately removed from the platform.

'Moderators empowered with AI and machine learning tools proactively monitor public parts of the platform and accept reports from users and organizations to remove millions of pieces of harmful content each day.

'Authorities or organizations aware of harmful groups are encouraged to report them via DSA channels within the EU or email hotlines elsewhere to aid in swift action. Additionally, valid court orders can be used to obtain IP addresses and phone numbers of violators.'
A computer scientist who falsely claimed to be Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto has been handed a suspended sentence for contempt of court after breaching a court order.

Dr Craig Wright lost a legal battle against Crypto Open Patent Alliance (Copa), a non-profit group including cryptocurrency firms, earlier this year over claims he was the man behind the pseudonym.

In March, a judge found that he had 'lied extensively' to support the false claim and barred him from launching or threatening further legal action related to Bitcoin through a court order.

Lawyers for Copa told a hearing hearing that Dr Wright issued a claim worth more than 900 billion related to Bitcoin in October which constituted contempt of court, and that he should be jailed as a result.

Handed him a 12-month jail sentence suspended for a year, Mr Justice Mellor said Dr Wright had committed 'a clear breach of the order' and was therefore in contempt of court 'beyond any reasonable doubt'.

He said the breach of the order was 'flagrant' and that Dr Wright 'has expressed no remorse whatsoever'.

Dr Wright attended court today via a video link, having not attended yesterday's hearing.

He told the court he was in Asia but refused to specify which country after being asked by the judge.

Dr Craig Wright is pictured outside a court in America before a separate hearing

Following a five-week trial, High Court judge Mr Justice Mellor ruled that there was 'overwhelming' evidence to prove that the Australian was not behind the pseudonym

He said 'I still don't believe that the areas that you have addressed are correct', and that he 'will be appealing' the contempt finding, stating: 'Copa are an organisation with one purpose - to sue me.'

The court heard yesterday that Dr Wright's latest claim, over intellectual property rights related to Bitcoin, represented 'multiple, clear breaches of the order' which were 'impossible to remedy' and for which he 'has shown no remorse'.

Jonathan Hough KC, for Copa, said: 'Bitcoin developers have once more had to suffer the distress and inconvenience of knowing or at least suspecting that Dr Wright is attempting to sue them for huge sums of money and intending to use the proceedings to blacken their names.

'The order was made after careful judicial consideration to prevent this happening, and Dr Wright's conduct has so far denied developers the benefit of its protection.'

Today, he described Dr Wright's conduct as a 'desperate publicity stunt to keep his cultish supporters engaged' and said: 'It is difficult to imagine a more serious and stark breach of an anti-suit injunction'.

Mr Hough told the court that Dr Wright should be jailed for two years - the highest sentence the court can pass for contempt - which would include an 18-month 'unconditional' sentence, and a further six months to be added on if Dr Wright 'does not promptly discontinue the new claim'.

Mr Justice Mellor said Dr Wright's arguments comprised of 'legal nonsense' but acknowledged that he was not in the UK and 'appears to be well aware of countries with which the UK does not have extradition arrangements'.

While the judge said that he would give a 'more detailed set of reasons' for the sentence later, he also threw out Dr Wright's latest legal claim and ordered the Australian to pay around 145,000 of Copa's legal cost.

No one knows who the true founder of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency is, as Satoshi Nakamoto is a pseudonym (File image)

Copa previously sued Dr Wright over his claims that he was Satoshi, which a trial in London earlier this year heard was a 'brazen lie' supported by 'forgery on an industrial scale'.

The original Bitcoin founding document, a white paper named Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System, was released in 2008 and was authored under Satoshi's name.

Lawyers for the computer scientist told the trial there was 'clear evidence' demonstrating his creation of the digital currency but Mr Justice Mellor ruled in March that the evidence was 'overwhelming' that his claim was false.

In July, the same judge ruled that 'relevant' papers from the case would be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether criminal charges should be brought, stating that Dr Wright's claims were a 'most serious abuse' of the court's process.

The judge added that Satoshi 'remains a pseudonym' but that 'it is likely that a number of people contributed to the creation of Bitcoin, albeit that there may well have been one central individual'.

Dr Wright previously told a separate hearing in the US that the infamous MI6 'spy in the bag' Gareth Williams played a key role in Bitcoin's creation.
President-elect Donald Trump's allies have urged him to take billionaire Illinois Governor JB Prtitzker to court over words he said about the incoming president in a speech earlier this year.

Calls from Trump's supporters come after he received a huge payout last week in a defamation case against ABC and George Stephanopoulos.

Trump's allies have eyed their next target to sue after JB Prtitzker called Trump an 'adjudicated rapist' and a 'cogenital liar' in a June speech.

'He's a racist, sexist, misogynistic narcissist who wants to use the levers of power to enrich himself and punish anyone who dares speak a word against him', he went on to say.

Bringing up Prtizker's comments, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Monday tweeted: 'Now that Trump successfully won his defamation case against ABC for calling him a 'rapist,' when will he sue Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for repeatedly lying & calling him the same thing?'.

Blagojevich's tweet was quickly picked up by MAGA fanatics and was shared hundreds of times, with several supporters pleading the president-elect to take legal action.

President-elect Donald Trump's supporters have urged him to to take billionaire Illinois Governor JB Prtitzker to court over words he said about the incoming president in a speech earlier this year

It comes after ABC News recently agreed to pay $15 million to Donald Trump to settle a lawsuit over assertions made by top anchor George Stephanopoulos (pictured) that he was found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll

President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with the House GOP conference, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington

Earlier this week ABC agreed to pay $15 million to Trump to settle a lawsuit over assertions made by top anchor Stephanopoulos that he was civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll in a March 10 segment on 'This Week'.

Neither verdict - both of which Trump is appealing - involved a finding of rape as defined under New York Law.

Trump's lawyers accused Stephanopoulos of making the statements with 'malice' and a reckless disregard for the truth.

The segment involved him interviewing Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, with Stephanopoulos pressing her on why she endorsed Trump after he was found liable of sexual abuse.

Stephanopoulos said: 'I'm asking you a question about why you endorse someone who's been found liable for rape.'

The congresswoman went on: 'As a rape victim, who's been shamed for years now because of her rape. You're trying to shame me again.'

Mace was raped when she was 16 years old and says it is what drives her to be an advocate for women's issues.

'I have endorsed a man that I believe is best for our country. It's not Joe Biden. You looked at the dueling rallies yesterday, in Georgia.

Laken Riley's family was with Donald Trump. They weren't with Joe Biden the same guy yesterday, that apologized for calling her killer an illegal who was an illegal.

And here you are trying to shame a rape victim. I find it disgusting.'

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Monday called for Trump to take legal action against Prtitzker in a tweet

'You keep saying I'm shaming you. How is a question about a presidential candidate' Stephanopoulos said. 'You're asking a rape victim,' Mace cut in.

A New York jury in May 2023 ordered Trump to pay $5 million in damages for sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s.

He was then ordered to pay another $83.3 million for defamation after he publicly denied sexually abusing Carroll in a department store dressing room in 1996.

Stephanopoulos was initially defiant of the lawsuit, saying that: 'Trump sued me because I used the word rape'.'

Trump is also suing CBS News for $10 billion in damages under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act alleging the network practiced 'deceptive conduct' when they interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris in October.

Lawyers for the president claimed numerous violations by the broadcaster including lying in a thoughtful and malevolent way, according to a lawsuit.

They wrote the complaint is because of 'CBS partisan and unlawful acts of election and voter interference through malicious, deceptive, and substantial news distortion calculated to confuse, deceive, and mislead the public.'

Trump and his team also allege that CBS News was trying to run cover for Democrats by making Kamala Harris' performance look better than it was.
Elon Musk took on the swamp and won  for now.

After a 12-hour social media barrage, beginning in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, Musk successfully killed a bill that would keep the federal government funded beyond December 20.

'Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years!' he tweeted.

By Wednesday evening, President-elect Donald Trump followed suit. A vote in favor of this bill would be a 'betrayal of our country,' Trump said.

The bill was DOA. Musk, the newly appointed grim reaper of federal inefficiency, had claimed his first scalp. But this victory may be short-lived.

The legendary industrialist may soon discover that it's far more difficult to fix America's broken gears of government than Tesla's assembly line.

Congress has spent most of the past 15 years breaking its own spending rules. There's supposed to be a procedure to decide on a budget. It sounds dull, but it's important. Otherwise, the country ends up $36 trillion in debt.

When the process works, there are committee hearings, members actually read bills and amend them, gutting wasteful spending and setting priorities.

After a 12-hour social media barrage, beginning in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, Musk successfully killed a bill that would keep the federal government funded beyond December 20.

Congress has spent most of the past 15 years breaking its own spending rules. There's supposed to be a procedure to decide on a budget. It sounds dull, but it's important. Otherwise, the country ends up $36 trillion in debt. (Pictured: House Speaker Mike Johnson)

When the process doesn't work, Congressmen cut back-room deals and then drop a gigantic 1,547-page bill on the eve of a holiday recess. (There are only 1,440 minutes in a day.)

Take it or leave it, the party leaders threaten their members.

If they vote 'no,' the government shuts down or lawmakers are stuck in DC for Christmas scrambling to write another bill.

If they vote 'yes,' they have greenlit every horrendous item in a piece of legislation that they haven't even had the time to read.

Speaker Mike Johnson got his job after eight Republicans revolted in 2023 over his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, repeatedly breaking the rules and jamming spending monsters through the House.

Now, Johnson's doing the same. Though it's not all his fault.

The Senate is also supposed to be responsible for debating and voting on a dozen or so bite-sized pieces of the federal budget that make up the whole. But they, too, have thrown fiscal responsibility out the window in favor or political expediency.

It goes without saying that President Joe Biden  remember that guy?  has no influence here at all. Congress is on its own. Trump and Musk can move votes; Biden and his vice president Kamala Harris can't.

This is broken business as usual in Washington DC.

Of course, Musk, who is supposed to be leading the fight against government waste and incompetence, objects. And he has a very big platform (208 million followers on X) when he does so.

Speaker Mike Johnson got his job after eight Republicans revolted in 2023 over his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy (pictured above right with Trump), repeatedly breaking the rules and jamming spending monsters through the House.

His pressure on Republicans in Congress worked this time and it is a sign of a new power on the block. But how long will it last?

Here's the reality check:

A government shutdown for Christmas or a new short-term deal would push this spending fight into January. That should be good news for Republicans, who take over the Senate on January 3 and the White House on January 20.

But it's not so simple. Trump has a lot else he wants to do. He wants Congress to deal with immigration and taxes. He needs the Senate to either confirm his Cabinet or (he says) go on a recess while he gives them all temporary jobs.

If Congress has to focus on the short-term budget in January or February, it can't do those things too.

Musk or no Musk, Trump is going to want a budget deal done pronto.

Perhaps the President-elect is starting to re-think putting this magician of industrial efficiency in charge of slimming down the bloated state Leviathan.

What really needs to happen is reform of the budget process, which has been broken since the mid-1970s.

Trump might support reform, but he's unlikely to put any effort into it.

When he and Musk combine forces, they can do a lot to stop backroom deals and wasteful spending  as so long as they are on the same page.
Controversial influencer Andrew Tate has secured a legal victory today after a Romanian court refused to put him on trial over human trafficking charges for now.

The Briton and his brother Tristan, who say they are innocent, are accused of having formed an organised criminal network in early 2021 in Romania and in Britain.

Prosecutors allege that 38-year-old Tate, his brother, 36, and two women set up a criminal organisation and sexually exploited several victims.

The ruling comes after a Romanian court found 'irregularities' in the indictment of Tate in mid-November, ordering prosecutors to rectify them.

On Thursday, the Bucharest appeals court decided to 'return to the Public Prosecutor's Office... the case in which the indictment was issued, by which the contestants were sent to trial', it said in a statement.

'They threw me in jail, took my money, my cars, and every ounce of my freedom. They made me the biggest enemy on the streets, dragging my name through the dirt with accusations of the lowest, most vile deeds a man can be accused of,' said Andrew Tate in a first reaction.

'This is all a lie,' he said in a statement, vowing to 'fight to the very end to... prove my innocence'.

His brother Tristan said the 'decision to reject the prosecution's case underscores the fundamental flaws in the evidence presented.'

Controversial influencer Andrew Tate has secured a legal victory today after a Romanian court refused to put him on trial over human trafficking charges for now

The Briton and his brother Tristan (pictured together in October), who say they are innocent, are accused of having formed an organised criminal network in early 2021 in Romania and in Britain

Tate's lawyer Eugen Vidineac hailed the court's decision as a 'significant legal victory' in a statement. Andrew Tate also shared his court victory on social media, writing: 'CASE DISMISSED. But I do not long for freedom. I long for justice'

Tate's lawyer Eugen Vidineac hailed the court's decision as a 'significant legal victory' in a statement.

Andrew Tate also shared his court victory on social media, writing: 'CASE DISMISSED. But I do not long for freedom. I long for justice.'

The Tates also face rape and assault allegations in separate cases in Britain, where they have also been accused of tax evasion.

Earlier this week, UK police in a separate case won a legal bid to seize more than 2 million ($2.5 million) from the Tate brothers to settle millions due in unpaid taxes.

Moreover, a Romanian court in August placed Andrew Tate under house arrest, and his brother Tristan under judicial control over a new investigation involving minors.

Prosecutors are investigating 'crimes of forming an organised criminal group, trafficking in minors', 'sexual relations with a minor' and 'money laundering'.

Andrew Tate moved to Romania years ago after first starting a webcam business in the UK.

In 2016, Tate appeared on the 'Big Brother' reality television show in Britain but was removed after a video emerged showing him attacking a woman.

He then turned to social media platforms to promote his divisive views.

Giving tips on how to be successful, along with misogynistic and sometimes violent maxims, Tate's videos have made him one of the world's best-known influencers.

His account 'Cobratate' on X has more than 10 million followers.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
A scientist who helped design breathalysers to catch drunken motorists has himself been banned for drink driving after failing a roadside breath test.

Retired Dr Richard Lacey, 70, mounted a roundabout in his car after drinking a bottle of wine and pints with his lunch.

A court heard his wheel was damaged in the incident, leaving his Peugeot 208 Gt Puretech immobile.

Lacey, who is now retired from his tech company Tilekiln Tech Consultants Ltd, told the court how he helped design breathalysers when he was working.

Dr Lacey said: 'I'm retired. I designed breathalysers and used to work with the police.

'I had a couple of glasses of wine with lunch and a few pints of beer.'

The court heard Lacey's breath was measured at 41 micrograms - exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

Lacey pleaded guilty to a single charge of drink driving.

Retired Dr Richard Lacey, 70, who helped design breathalysers (pictured), mounted a roundabout in his car after drinking a bottle of wine and pints with his lunch

Prosecutor Shane Maddocks told Llandrindod Wells Magistrates' Court that Lacey was described as 'wobbly' when police arrived at the scene in Powys on November 23

Lacey, who represented himself, said: 'I've really got nothing to say. I misjudged how much I'd drunk.'

The dreaded breathalysers were developed in the 1970s to detect whether motorists have consumed too much alcohol to legally be allowed to drive.

They were developed by Lion Laboratories in Barry, South Wales, and have caught tens of thousands of drunken drivers.

But the retired scientist became the latest caught after police were called to the collision on the A479 near Talgarth.

Prosecutor Shane Maddocks told Llandrindod Wells Magistrates' Court that Lacey was described as 'wobbly' when police arrived at the scene in Powys on November 23.

He said: 'PC Williams and PC Webber were on patrol in the Brecon area; they received a call from a member of the public, reporting that the defendant had mounted the kerb at a Talgarth roundabout.

'The car had been removed off the roundabout. The defendant had definitely been drinking and was wobbly.

'The vehicle was damaged, its right wheel was twisted, which had rendered the vehicle immobile.

'The defendant said he had drunk a couple of pints and a bottle of wine. He failed the roadside breath test and was arrested.'

Mr Maddocks said Lacey had no previous convictions.

Lacey of Wallstytch Lane, Kington, was disqualified from driving for 13 months - but can reduce this ban by 13 weeks by completing a drink drive awareness course.

He was also fined 600 and told to pay a 240 surcharge and 85 costs.
Incoming border czar Tom Homan got into a tense back and forth with CNN's Kaitlan Collins over President-elect Donald Trump's deportation plans, which he says will begin 'day one.'

Collins, 32, pressed Homan, 63, in a Wednesday night interview on his plans to potentially deport migrant parents whose children have U.S. citizenship, wondering if the families will be split up.

Homan, the former acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump's first term, replied that would be up to the parents.

But he made clear what Trump's policies come January 20, 2025, will be.

'If you are in the country illegally, and you've got orders for deportation, were going to arrest you, detain you and remove you,' he responded.

'Having a child in this country does not make you immune to our laws.'

He argued that if the parents were found to be in the country illegally, had court orders to be removed and were evading deportation, they need to be held accountable in accordance with current laws.

Letting parents stay because their children were born in the U.S. means 'the court order doesn't mean anything anymore,' Homan reasoned.

'Then what kind of message are we sending to the whole world?' he shot back at Collins.

CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins interviewed President-elect Donald Trump's incoming border czar Tom Homan on Wednesday about the details of the Republican's deportation plans

Migrants approach a wire fence guarded by the Texas National Guard in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico, on December 18, 2024, in their attempt to cross into the United States to seek asylum on International Migrants Day

A group of migrants wait at a border point in Juarez City, Chihuahua, Mexico, 18 December 2024. On International Migrants Day, the Texas National Guard fired pepper balls to disperse a group of more than 150 migrants, mostly from Central and South America, who were deceived on social networks into thinking that they would be allowed to pass through the border wall, in northern Mexico

The CNN host then inquired about what happens to U.S.-born children if their parents get deported.

'Would you put the child in foster care if there's not a relative?' she asked.

The incoming border czar answered: 'We dont deport U.S. citizens. But they put themselves in the position; we didnt.'

'A majority American thinks it's the right thing to do. A vast majority of Americans think public safety threats are here illegally, should be removed.'

When asked how many people he is prepared to remove, Homan responded it depends on how much money Congress approves for deportation operations and the agency's tasked with carrying them out.

'It all depends on the funding I get from the hill,' he said. 'I don't know what the budget is.'

Later Collins asked him how many deportations he would like to achieve in his first year.

Homan said he wants to arrest as many people as he can with the resources they have, and added that there are millions of fugitives within the U.S. who are pending arrest.

Donald Trump 's border czar Tom Homan and Tucker Carlson have suggested a slew of 'rich, white, liberal neighborhoods' where migrants could be sent

Over 10.5 million migrants have been encountered illegally entering the U.S. since 2021, federal data shows

'We want to arrest as many people as we can that are in the country illegally,' he said. 'We want to arrest every criminal, every gang member ... If you're here illegally, you're not off the table.'

Earlier in the week Homan spoke to Tucker Carlson about the possibility of sending migrants to 'rich, white' neighborhoods.

Carlson asked the incoming border czar on his X show Wednesday night: 'Is there anyway to move millions of Haitians into rich, white, liberal, neighborhoods?'

'The people who did this are rich, white liberals in the United States who hate themselves and the country and to punish it, they invited all these people illegally from failed countries but they can't stand the idea of living near these people because they're racist,' Carlson said.

Homan responded: 'We absolutely could do it. Martha's Vineyard did it!'

Martha's Vineyard, in particular, was one of the many liberal enclaves migrants were sent via bus by Republican governors in an attempt to ease the burden of their arrival on their states, a point Homan celebrated.
Police have revealed the painstaking CCTV investigation that led to the conviction of Bournemouth beach killer Nasen Saadi.

The criminology student, who was 'fascinated' with knives and had 'wanted to be the star of a true crime episode', was yesterday found guilty of stabbing personal trainer Amie Gray to death at Durley Chine Beach on May 24.

The 20-year-old was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Leanne Miles, after launching a savage attack both women as they enjoyed a late night chat next to a small fire.

A nine-day trial at Winchester Crown Court heard Saadi had meticulously planned the attack, having travelled down from his home in Croydon and scouted the beach the days before.

He even research which hotels in the area had CCTV and was wary about paying in cash, knowing it could be traced back to him.

In a bid to further evade police, Saadi also discarded the clothes and shoes he had worn during the attack and left Bournemouth early the next morning.

Dorset Police later launched a extensive murder probe, supported by the local authority as well as local businesses and residents, to catch the killer and track down his whereabouts.

But it was only after a large scale CCTV search that Saadi was eventually identified, all owing to one crucial slip up from the violence obsessed murderer - an innocent trip to a nearby corner shop.

Nasen Saadi (pictured) has been found guilty of murdering personal trainer Amie Gray on Bournemouth beach

Amie Gray, 34, from Poole, was murdered at Durley Chine Beach, West Undercliff Promenade on May 24

Sian Gray (right) with her wife Amie Gray who died after being stabbed on Durley Chine Beach, Bournemouth at around 11.45pm on May 24

Saadi's murderous plan began on May 21 when he travelled down from his home in Croydon to Bournemouth and he checked into a Travelodge hotel which he had booked in advance.

He was recorded at the beach on the same day, in what was described as the first of several visits to survey the scene.

On Friday May 24, Ms Miles and Mrs Gray had 'arranged to meet' at Durley Beach to enjoy a picnic and a drink together in a setting which Ms Miles described as 'peaceful and calm'.

Whilst they were sat in front of the fire pit to keep warm, Saadi 'loitered' behind them.

In a police interview, Ms Miles described turning round to see 'this boy' who 'wasn't very old'.

She said Mrs Gray smiled at him before he 'went towards me' to which her friend proclaimed 'What are you doing? Get off her'.

It was then that Saadi started to stab the two friends which prompted Ms Miles to run in an attempt to get help.

After running towards the promenade, Ms Miles said Saadi then 'came back onto me' and started 'continuously stabbing me', the court heard.

Saadi at Riddlesdown railway station, south London, before heading to Bournemouth

Saadi arriving at a Travelodge hotel in Bournemouth on May 21

Saadi was recorded at the beach on the same day as arriving in Bournemouth, in what was described as the first of several visits to survey the scene

Police were able to trace back the killer's whereabouts using CCTV footage and discovered he had been in a Superdrug and a Nisa store on the day of the attack.

A series of financial enquiries helped uncover his identity. The final piece of evidence that led to Saadi's arrest came after a witness to the horrifying attack identified the student in a police lineup.

Photographer Michael Priddle walked past a hooded Saadi who he described as having a 'grimacing' appearance.

Giving evidence at the trial, Mr Priddle said that moments before he heard two loud' and 'broken' screams.

After reading in the news that a woman had been murdered in that area, Mr Priddle contacted the police and was eventually able to pick Saadi out of a parade of ten suspects in a police identification procedure.

Saadi was arrested at his home on May 28. The knife used in the attack has never been found.

A rucksack containing white latex gloves, two of which were turned inside out, a black balaclava, torc, and used wet wipes was also found.

Interviewed by police, Saadi initially declined to answer questions before saying he would not kill someone for no reason.

The criminology student was seen on CCTV lurking behind Mrs Gray and Ms Miles just 20 minutes before attacking them

Saadi is seen on CCTV less than 20 minutes before he launched a ferocious knife attack on Mrs Gray and Ms Miles

Saadi walking along promenade on Bournemouth seafront, where Amie Gray and Leanne Miles were said to be sitting, on the night of May 24

But he then went on to say that he had an interest in true crime and enjoyed horror movies like the one he had seen in Bournemouth.

Asked why he liked the film, he replied that it was because the killer did not have a motive.

As part of the investigation, the student's devices were examined and officers discovered he used the usernames 'NSKills' and 'Ninja Kiler'.

When asked what he was doing on the night Mrs Gray was killed, he told police he had 'probably blacked out' or was 'sleep walking'.

During the interview, Saadi claimed he was being 'wrongly accused' of a serious offence he has 'nothing to do with' - and told Dorset Police he was being 'blamed' because they were 'under pressure' to find a suspect.

The trial heard that Saadi was interested in true crime, horror movies and knives which he bought on the internet and had called himself 'Ninja killer' for his username on Snapchat.

He was found to have obsessed over methods of murder and 'high profile' stabbings such as the murder of teenager Brianna Ghey - and looked up 'busiest beaches' as he plotted his crime.

Prosecutors claimed Saadi wanted to know how it felt to take a life and to gain the 'notoriety a killing of this sort might bring him'.

His tutors told the court that he had shown a 'degree of specific interest in matters not related to the subject of his lectures' and 'plied' them with questions relating to forensics, DNA, self defence, and policing.

Academic Lisa-Maria Reiss told jurors Saadi asked her questions on 'how to get away with murder' and asked 'how often' a self-defence argument would 'go through' if a 'person was attacked first'.

His questions prompted her to ask him 'You're not planning a murder are you?' - to which Saadi did not respond.

Saadi had taken such an 'interest' in true crime his lecturer had once asked him 'You're not planning a murder are you?' when he 'plied' her with questions about forensics and how different police forces operated.
Video footage has captured the heroic moment a brave third grader saved his classmate from choking on a grape.

Eight-year-old Thomas Conley was sitting next to Isaiah Rodriguez in Porter Elementary School's cafeteria in Mesa, Arizona, when he noticed something was terribly wrong.

'I heard him crying, so just like, what's wrong? And for a second I didn't know what what he was doing,' Conley told 12News.

'But finally I realized that he was choking, so I just decided to do the Heimlich.'

Without hesitation - and before any adults could even notice the emergency - Thomas leaped into action, performing the life-saving Heimlich maneuver that saved his classmate from choking on a grape.

'It's because that I don't want Isaiah to die,' Conley explained.

Porter Elementary School Principal Kathy Ray only heard about the incident after school when Isaiah's mom asked to see the video footage.

Thomas Conley was sitting next to Isaiah Rodriguez in Porter Elementary School's cafeteria in Mesa, Arizona , when he noticed something was terribly wrong

Without hesitation - and before any adults could even notice the emergency - Thomas leaped into action, performing the life-saving Heimlich maneuver that saved his classmate from choking on a grape

Ray was shocked by what she saw - and especially emotional as it comes seven years after a student died of choking in the same cafeteria.

'I had to just keep watching it, it was incredible,' she told the outlet. 'It was very emotional because seven years to the same month - almost to the day - we did have a student, a special needs student, choke in our cafeteria that did not make it.'

Thomas wasn't even sitting in his usual spot that day - but his presence turned out to be life-saving for Isaiah.

Additionally, the incident happened to occur the day after Conley's mother discussed what to do in the tragic case someone is choking.

'Just last night at the dinner table we were talking about how easy it is to choke on grapes,' Ray recalled Conley's mother saying. 'And that's just like - every hair on my body stood up.'

The brave third grader is now being hailed as a hero. Local firemen came to graduate Conley at a ceremony at the school on Tuesday

Thomas simply told the crowd, 'You shouldn't be scared to help somebody'

The brave third grader is now being hailed as a hero. Local firemen came to congratulate Conley at a ceremony at the school on Tuesday.

The Mesa Fire Department honored the young boy with a certificate of appreciation for his 'heroic actions.'

Thomas simply told the crowd, 'You shouldn't be scared to help somebody.'
A school trust has been fined 300,000 after 'management failures' resulted in the death of a teenager who choked on a paper towel.

Owen Garnett, 19, had an 'incredible sense of humour' and was a Sixth Form student at Welcombe Hills School in Stratford-upon-Avon.

He suffered from Pica - a potentially life-threatening disorder where sufferers have compulsive urges to eat substances with no nutritional value.

On January 9 this year Owen was unsupervised in the playground with other students.

He made his way to the back of the school, and several minutes passed before his absence was noticed. Owen was found around the side of the building, appearing to be choking.

When emergency services were called, they were able to remove a ball of paper towel from his throat and he later passed away in hospital.

Owen had been at the school since he was 11, which caters for students with special educational needs, and is part of the Unity Multi Academy Trust (MAT).

The trust pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined 300,000 at Coventry Magistrates Court on December 18.

Owen Garnett, 19, was unsupervised in the playground when choked to death on a paper towel

The incident devastated Owen's family, with Owen's grandmother Maureen Garnett providing a statement alongside her husband Cliff, before her passing.

'After Owen had passed away we never slept, we never ate, all we could do was cry,' they said. This lasted for months.

'This was supposed to be a place where Owen was safe and secure and happy.

'Owen had Pica and should have been kept under close supervision at all times and I can't understand why this didn't happen.

'We would describe Owen as a unique, lovable, challenging and caring and happy child.

'He will never be forgotten and our family will never get over this.'

A similar 'near-miss' incident had occurred just days prior - when a teacher had seen him in the playground choking on a blue towel, but he had been able to clear his airways on his own.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that none of the staff in Owen's class team had received any specific training on the management of safety risks associated with Pica.

Additionally, the investigation found that an individual risk assessment for Owen had identified his risk of choking associated with Pica, and had designated a 'named person' to supervise him and ensure he didn't eat anything that could cause harm.

Owen was a Sixth Form student at the Welcombe Hills School in Stratford-upon-Avon (pictured)

His foster parents, Jacqueline and Graham Blackwell, said the day Owen died had started out as any other.

'Owen got up and had his breakfast,' they said.

'I can still remember him waiting excitedly for his usual taxi driver to pick him up. He gave me a cuddle and then left for school.

'Owen was part of our family, we had made so many adjustments and made so many plans so that he could remain with us indefinitely.

'We had been saving to take him to Florida to swim with dolphins, but this is something he will never get to do.

'We ended up having to use this money to cover the cost of Owen's funeral.

'His death has ruined every part of our lives.

'Owen had everything to live for and was such a character and used to love joking and playing about - he had an incredible sense of humour.'

Unity MAT, c/o Woodlands School Packington Lane, Coleshill, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

They were fined 300,000 and ordered to pay 10,750 in costs at Coventry Magistrates Court on 18 December 2024.

HSE inspector Rebecca Whiley said: 'This tragic incident could have easily been avoided if Owen had been closely supervised, as he should have been

'The near miss incident a few days before should have raised the alarm with the school and triggered an investigation into how Owen had been able to access the paper towel, and steps could have been taken to prevent it happening again.

'His death resulted from a series of management failures throughout Owen's time at the Hub, and a failure by the school to act on the concerns raised by his family.

'Our thoughts today are with Owen's family.

'He was a young man with a happy life ahead of him. He should have returned home safely to his family after a day at school, but because of the failings by Welcombe Hills School and Unity MAT, he did not.'
A toddler's disappearance only came to light months later after his father and sibling were both killed in a horrific car crash.

Kahleb Rowan Collins, 1, was reported unaccounted for following a crash on December 8 near his home near Winfield, Alabama, that killed his father Steven Collins, 40, and his sister Raleigh, 2.

His mother Wendy Bailey, 22, was hospitalized following the collision and remains in a critical condition.

But Marion County Sheriff's Office now say Kahleb had vanished months before the smash, with his disappearance finally exposed by the accident.

According to Alabama State Troopers the family's Toyota Tacoma, driven by Collins, left the roadway at a speed of 92mph and collided with a tree.

Grim photos showed the truck torn in two by the force of the impact.

Later the same day, the local sheriff's office was told that the couple had another child who was unaccounted for according to a press release.

Investigators were stunned to discover the little boy hasn't been seen since early September, according to an emergency missing child alert issued on Tuesday.

Authorities have also arrested his grandfather John Elton Bailey, 55, who was charged last week with failure to report a missing child.

Kahleb Rowan Collins, 1, was considered missing following a crash on December 8 near his home near Winfield, Alabama

His father Steven Collins, seen here, and his sister Raleigh, also seen here as a baby, both died. His mother Wendy Bailey is in a critical condition

According to a criminal complaint obtained by USA Today, Bailey admitted to officers the boy hasn't been seen in months.

The outlet also report that the complaint indicates that Kahleb could have been harmed or taken from his home.

His grandfather remains in jail in Fayette County and he is being kept on a $100,000 bond.

Bailey has been charged under a statue that applies to custodians, with an unknown relative telling WBRC that Bailey had been living with his daughter and her family.

Court records also indicate that the Alabama Department of Human Resources were involved with the family, to which extent remains unclear due to privacy laws.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency say that Collins was 'driving aggressively at an extreme rate of speed' when he collided with the tree.

They say that the vehicle began to spin clockwise and hit the tree with the rear driver side hitting first.

A crash report seen by WBRC says that: 'The force of the collision caused the vehicle to spin counter-clockwise around the tree, coming to final rest facing northwest.'

According to Alabama State Troopers the family's Toyota Tacoma, driven by Collins, left the roadway at a speed of 92mph and collided with a tree

Authorities have also arrested his grandfather John Elton Bailey, seen here, who was charged last week with failure to report a missing child

On Thursday, officers with the Fayette County Sheriff's Office were seen gathered at the family home as they continue to look for the boy

The state trooper who responded to the scene noted that the road was wet and that Steven Collins had been ejected from the vehicle.

It is unclear if he was wearing a seat belt.

His young daughter Raleigh was unrestrained in the vehicle and sustained 'fatal injuries during the crash.

Bailey , who was seated in the front passenger seat, was ejected from the driver's door according to the report.

Bailey was airlifted to hospital where she remains, while Collins was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators found that the truck was being 'operated aggressively when the crash occurred'.

On Thursday, officers with the Fayette County Sheriff's Office were seen gathered at the family home as they continue to look for the boy.
An Australian waitress who vanished from a south London backpacking hostel two weeks ago - before sending friends a series of out of character text messages when they asked where she was, has been found safe and well.

Jessica Parkinson, 29, was first reported missing by her father on Sunday, December 8, after failing to make contact with relatives on Queenslands Sunshine Coast.

Greenwich MPS confirmed this afternoon she had been found safe and well.

A spokesperson said: 'Following a number of enquiries and support from Sussex Police, Jessica Parkinson has now been found safe and well. Thank you to everyone who helped with the search.'

Police have also urged members of the public to be aware of a 'bitcoin donation link' relating to the appeal to find Ms Parkinson.

They added: 'We urge you not to donate or continue forwarding the link unless you can confirm it is official.'

On Wednesday, December 11, Ms Parkinson had failed to turn up for a 4pm shift at Texas Joes, the barbecue restaurant where she has worked for the last year.

When managers texted to ask where she was, she claimed to have got her start time wrong - and promised to be right there by 5pm.

But she failed to show up as promised - and hasnt been heard from since sending another colleague a cryptic message later that evening.

She was reported missing for a second time last Friday after missing three shifts in a row.

Australian waitress Jessica Parkinson (pictured) who vanished from a hostel in south London, has now been found

She did not turn up to work at Texas Joes three days later. When asked where she was, she told managers she would be 'right there' by 5pm but never showed

The waitress was first reported missing by her father on December 8 after failing to make contact with relatives

Her manager Joe described her as 'reliable' as well as 'very clever, outgoing and friendly'

Restaurant owner Joe Walters told MailOnline: Jess was meant to work on Wednesday, and she was supposed to start at 4.

At around that time our manager sent a message asking where she was, and she responded that she thought she was in at 5 and she would be right there. That was very out of character for her.

She didnt show up, but sent a cryptic message to another member of staff that evening. She didnt mention missing work.

Then she didnt show up to work on Thursday and then when she didnt show up on Friday I reached out to her father in Australia.

He told me the police had been alerted and is being dealt with by the missing persons unit.

Shes very reliable and we have a close relationship, Joe added. She is very clever, outgoing and friendly.

She had recently had struggles with her housing and had been evicted from a flat share so was living in a hostel.

She wasnt very happy with that situation which I can imagine so we were trying to assist her with finding something and we hadnt made any progress with that. She was stressed out about it at the time.

She was going back to Australia for the holidays and said she might stay there until March to get stuff together and then come back but no one in Australia has heard from her.
SCOTLANDS crisis-hit hospitals face being overrun this winter as flu admissions are three times higher than last year having almost doubled in a week.

A Public Health Scotland (PHS) report showed the number of patients admitted for emergency care spiked by 82 per cent last week, from 372 to 677.

This compares to just 232 admissions during the same week last year and is the highest number so far this winter.

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane slammed SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray and said: This is deeply alarming. This stark rise threatens to overwhelm our NHS this winter.

It is clear Neil Gray didnt have a winter plan for Scotlands NHS.

Public Health Scotland said the figures indicate a rapid rise of flu

Flu-linked emergency admissions to hospitals are three times higher than last year

Some 67 per cent of all hospital admissions are now down to flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or Covid-19. But, while admissions for the latter two have reduced slightly, for the fourth consecutive week, confirmed cases of flu almost doubled, rising to 1,483 in the week to December 15, compared with 842 the previous week. The highest number of cases last winter stood at 824 in the final week of 2023.

A spokesman for the Royal College of Nursing said: Once again winter is exposing the true impact of failures to invest in our nursing workforce. The government must show it values the profession through action and not warm words.

PHS said it sees a rise in respiratory illnesses every winter and that flu activity is unpredictable.

A spokesman added: The figures indicate a rapid rise of flu, consistent with 2022-23. Whether activity continues in this way is unknown and could plateau or reduce.

They called on those eligible for a flu or Covid-19 vaccine, to take up the offer, saying its not too late to protect yourself and those around you this winter.

The report found that more than two-thirds of those at risk of flu and more than three-quarters of those at risk for Covid-19 have not yet been vaccinated.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: We continue to support our health boards in their response to the winter flu season.
The Department of Justice has requested that a court block an attempt by Derek Chauvin's lawyers to re-examine George Floyd's heart.

Federal prosecutors in Minnesota filed a motion on Tuesday asking a judge to reconsider his decision to allow Chauvin's legal team to look at Floyd's heart tissue and bodily fluids, among other evidence, to prove whether or not he actually died of a heart condition.

The day before, US District Court Judge Paul Magnuson ruled that the former cop's team could examine the deceased man's autopsy report.

Prosecutors from the US District Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota argued the request stems 'solely from an email [Chauvin] received from an unvetted doctor offering a weaker version of the medical defense than the version that the jury had previously rejected at his state trial.'

The doctor, Kansas forensic pathologist William Schaetzel, contacted Chauvin's team after he entered his plea, proposing that Floyd had not died due to the officer kneeling on his neck for several minutes.

Chauvin's latest bid to have his conviction tossed cites 'ineffective assistance of counsel' from original defense attorney Eric Nelson, whom he says failed to relay to him Schaetzel's theory that Chauvin did not cause Floyds death.

Minnesota prosecutors argued that Chauvin's team choosing not to examine Floyd's heart at trial was a 'strategic decision that courts have recognized as "virtually unchallengeable."'

'And even if [the] defendant could establish unreasonable performance, he could not demonstrate prejudice from counsel's decisions,' they wrote.

Federal prosecutors in Minnesota filed a motion on Tuesday asking a judge to reconsider his decision to allow Derek Chauvin's legal team to look at George Floyd's heart to prove whether he actually died of a heart condition

The day before, US District Court Judge Paul Magnuson ordered the former cop's team could examine the deceased man's autopsy report. Dr. William Schaetzel contacted Chauvin's team after he entered his plea, proposing Floyd had not died due to office kneeling on his neck

'It defies belief that, if [the] defendant had been aware of a weaker medical defense theory than the one already rejected by his state jury, he would have chosen trial again, in the face of overwhelming evidence and a Guidelines sentence of life.'

Prosecutors also argued that Dr. Andrew Baker, who performed Floyd's autopsy, testified during the trial that he didn't believe that the man's paraganglioma - a benign tumor found in Floyd's pelvis - had anything to do with his death.

'I did look at it under the microscope,' he testified.

'The most likely diagnosis is a paraganglioma, but I have no reason to believe that had anything to do with Mr. Floyd's death.'

Prosecutors added: 'Discovery on Dr. Schaetzel's opinion would not alter the reasonableness of [Chauvin's] choices.'

On Monday, Judge Magnuson ruled that 'given the significant nature of the criminal case that Mr. Chauvin was convicted of' there was 'good cause to allow Mr. Chauvin to take the discovery that he seeks.'

Legal experts also agree that Chauvin ought to be allowed to view the autopsy.

Former Philadelphia Prosecutor David Gelman told Fox News: 'Chauvin should have every opportunity to exhaust his appeals just like any other defendant. If this was any other case, I bet the Justice Department wouldn't have objected.'

Prosecutors argued the request stems 'solely from an email [Chauvin] received from an unvetted doctor offering a weaker version of the medical defense than the version that the jury had previously rejected at his state trial.'

The May 2020 encounter sparked swift public outcry as Floyd was an unarmed black man accused of a non-violent crime.

The North Carolina native had been suspected of using a fake $20 bill, leading to the fatal run-in with Chauvin and three other officers.

Attempting to restrain Floyd, Chauvin knelt on his neck and back for what officials would later deem was 9 minutes and 29 seconds, fatally asphyxiating him in the process.

In his final moments, Floyd uttered the words 'I can't breathe' - creating a rallying cry for a subsequent civil rights movement in the process.

Chauvin was convicted the following year, and is now a little more than three years into his 21-year federal prison sentence.

After his conviction, he was stabbed 22 times by an Mexican gangster in federal prison in 2023.

John Turscak, 52, was charged with attempted murder after he attacked Chauvin at the prison library with an 'improvised knife.'

He reportedly told investigators he chose the day after Thanksgiving for its symbolic connection to the Black Lives Matter movement, which was in part sparked by Floyd's murder.
Social media users are speculating that suspected assassin Luigi Mangione tried to send secret messages to the public as he was extradited to NYC from Pennsylvania.

Mangione landed in Manhattan on Thursday to be arraigned for the murder of UnitedHeathcare CEO Brian Thompson, and throughout the day repeatedly pushed his tongue against his cheek.

While it's likely a nervous tic, the gesture has sparked claims online that Mangione was trying to send some sort of message to his supporters, as social media platforms continue to be flooded with bizarre praise for the alleged killer.

One X user wrote: 'Luigi, pushing his tongue against his cheek means contempt! Which Means DISRESPECT! He sent a signal to ALL!'

Another person on the discussion website called Datalounge agreed, claiming Mangione was 'showing his tongue up into his upper cheek. Wisdom tooth pain or secret terrorist signal?'

According to Vocabulary.com, the phrase 'tongue-in-cheek' describes an 'exaggerated facial feature meant to convey contempt or irony.'

The 26-year-old was taken on a private plane from Pennsylvania to New York after he waived extradition in a hearing in Pennsylvania. Mangione was then switched to a helicopter and flown to downtown Manhattan to be indicted for murder charges. He has since been ordered held in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

The newly unsealed federal indictment against Mangione includes more details of the notes police say they found on his notebook when he was arrested last week - including his desire to 'wack' the CEO of an insurance company.

Social media users are speculating that Luigi Mangione pushed his tongue against his cheek to send a message of 'contempt'

The NYPD put up a huge show of force as Mangione landed on a Manhattan helipad

Mangione was seen doing the tongue in cheek gesture repeatedly in both Pennsylvania and NYC on Thursday

Mangione repeatedly wrote about his disdain for the health insurance industry and its executives, per prosecutors. In an entry from August 15, Mangione allegedly wrote how 'the details are finally coming together' and that 'the target is insurance' because' it checks every box.'

On October 22, Mangione allegedly wrote: '1.5 months. This investor conference is a true windfall... and - most importantly - the message becomes self evident.' In the same entry, Mangione describes his intent to 'wack' the CEO of an insurance company.

Mangione appeared in Manhattan court wearing street clothes  a white button-down shirt, navy three-quarter zip pullover and khaki pants. He had no shackles on his hand but there were shackles around his ankles.

His attorney did not ask for bail and he will be held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits trial.

It is the the same prison where Sean Diddy Combs is being held as he awaits trial. Combs is represented by the husband of Mangiones defense attorney, Mark Agnifilo.

Mangione has not yet entered a plea.

In addition to separate state charges in New York and Pennsylvania, Mangione faces federal charges of murder through use of a firearm, stalking and a firearms offense, according to the complaint.

Mangione was received at a downtown NYC helipad by dozens of armed NYPD officers as well as mayor Eric Adams and police commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Mangione was received at a downtown NYC helipad by dozens of armed NYPD officers as well as mayor Eric Adams and police commissioner Jessica Tisch

Mangione arrives at a heliport with members of the NYPD on December 19 before his arraignment

Mangione is seen in Manhattan before his arraignment on Thursday

He has been charged with the December 4 murder Thompson in midtown Manhattan. Around 700 people were tracking the flight path online.

One of the federal charges against Mangione, murder by firearm, could bring the possibility of the death penalty

Earlier on Thursday, fans with placards in Pennsylvania flocked to see the alleged killer whose good looks have made him a pin-up for some internet users, outraging many others appalled by Mangione's alleged crimes.

The alleged murderer waived a preliminary hearing on the Pennsylvania forgery and gun charges in exchange for the prosecutor giving him a 20-page investigative report from the Altoona Police Department. Mangione also agreed to be extradited to New York.

Earlier this week, he was indicted on charges of murder as an act of terrorism, under a NY state law that allows for stiffer sentences when a killing is aimed at terrifying civilians or influencing government.

NYPD officers were present in court for the extradition hearing, ready to take the suspect back to NYC. CNN has reported that Mangione will be flown to the city later on Thursday.

Mangione, who appeared to have also had a haircut since his last public appearance, left the Pennsylvania court in a black SUV with NY plates shortly after 10amEST.

Dozens of protesters showed up to court to support Mangione in a bizarre continuation of a public fixation with the alleged killer. They held signs with messages such as 'Health insurance practices terrorize people!' and 'Death by denial is murder!'

The 26-year-old was taken directly to the airport to board a private plane that will take him to New York City to face murder charges over the killing of UnitedHeathcare CEO Brian Thompson

Mangione's good looks have seen him declared a hero by some internet users, sparking fury among those outraged by his alleged crime

Protesters showed up outside the Pennsylvania court to support Mangione on Thursday

Luigi Mangione supporters line-up outside the Blair County Courthouse complex in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania

At least two of them were dressed as Luigi from the Super Mario Bros video game.

Several TikTok users shared on the platform that they had driven as much as six hours to attend the court appearance.

Some reportedly flew in from as far as California to support the alleged assassin.

Mangione could appear in state court for arraignment Thursday afternoon or Friday.

In a court filing last week, Mangione defense attorney Tom Dickey argued prosecutors hadnt shown theres sufficient evidence to hold Mangione, that he was in New York when Thompson was killed or that he is a fugitive from justice.

Mangione, of Towson, Maryland, was arrested on December 9 when police were called to a McDonalds restaurant on a commercial strip in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after he was reported to match the description of Thompsons killer.

Thompson was gunned down on the street as he walked to the hotel where his Minnesota-based company was holding an investor conference.

The shooting was captured on security video, but the suspect eluded police before Mangione was captured about 277 miles (446 kilometers) west of New York.

Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson at point-blank range on December 5

Surveillance camera footage showed the gunman, suspected to be Mangione, shooting UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson at point blank range outside of a Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan on December 4

Authorities say Mangione was carrying the gun used to kill Thompson, a passport, a fake ID and about $10,000 in U.S. and foreign currency.

His lawyer, Dickey, has questioned the evidence for the forgery charge and the legal basis for a gun charge. He had previously indicated Mangione would fight extradition to New York while being held in a Pennsylvania state prison.

Mangione, an Ivy League computer science graduate from a prominent family, was carrying a handwritten letter that called health insurance companies 'parasitic' and complained about corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press last week.

Mangione had an outburst last week as he entered court, yelling at reporters for being 'completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience!'

The outburst occurred after someone asked the Ivy League graduate if he 'did it,' referencing Brian Thompson's murder, per the Wall Street Journal.

He also shouted out 'this is completely unjust and an insult to the American people' as he wrestled with police officers while shackled and in prison attire.
Colombian lawmaker Cathy Juvinao was not ready for all the smoke.

The Bogota Congresswoman went viral earlier this week when she was caught vaping during a session to discuss health system reforms.

The camera was focused on House of Representatives President Jaime Salamanca as he was about to call Juvinao to address her fellow lawmakers during Tuesday's session.

Juvinao, a member of the Green Alliance, could be seen inhaling from a yellow vaping device and apparently noticed that the camera had zoomed in on her.

She blew the smoke out and quickly tucked the vape away from the camera's view.

Salamanca then called on the congresswoman by her last name before grabbed the microphone desk stand and started to address her congressional colleagues.

Juviano acknowledge she was at fault for not following the law that bans the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes across indoor settings.

'I apologize to the citizens for what happened yesterday in the plenary session,' the embarrassed lawmaker wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Colombian Representative Cathy Juvinao was caught on camera vaping moments after she was called on to speak during a health reform debate Wednesday

Cathy Juvinao, a Representative for the Colombian city of Bogota, apologized for vaping in Congress

'I will not join the bad example that is currently dominating public discourse and it will not be repeated,' Juvinao added.

'Rest assured that today I will continue to fight from the House with the same arguments and rigor as always.'

Rival congressional members were quick to pounce on Juvinao lack of judgement.

'Dear Representative Cathy Juvinao, Bill 2354 of 2024 prohibits the use of vapes in closed spaces, such as offices, bars, restaurants, and public transportation,' Cundinamarca Representative Eduard Sarmiento wrote on X.

'The goal is to protect non-smokers from exposure to vapor. No cheap moralism, but the laws must be followed,' the Historic Pact party member said.

Gustavo Bolivar, who oversees the Social Prosperity agency, which advocates for social inclusion and reconciliation, mocked Juvinao for constantly voting against measures that promote health entities.

'If Congresswoman Juvinao does not care about destroying her health, in the midst of a debate on health, what will she care about the health of the poorest Colombians?' Bolivar said, as quoted by Semana news magazine.

Congresswoman Cathy Juvinao, of the Green Alliance, came under fire after she was caught on camera vaping just moments before she was about to address her fellow lawmakers

Industry and Commerce Superintendent, Cielo Rusinque, called out Juvinao for appearing to be above the law.

'Man, what is eloquent about the image of Representative Juvinao vaping in Congress is her attitude and reaction to feeling observed,' Rusinque wrote on X.

'The obvious will to deceive, the full awareness of doing something prohibited by Colombian law but at the same time the tranquility with which she was going through the motions in that same 'temple of democracy' that recently decided to enact it.'

In May, President Gustavo signed Bill 2354 to tighten the adverting, sale, use and promotion of vapes and electronic cigarettes.

The bipartisan legislation amended Bill 1335, which was signed into effect in 2009 and offered protection for the health of the public, including children and people who do not smoke, and banned the indoors use of such products.
A Florida grandfather-of-two shot his wife's daughter and son-in-law in a murder-suicide after engaging in a heated argument with her.

On the night of December 13, Newell Mock, 67, was involved in a war of words with wife Rhonda Mock, 65.

As the fight became increasingly intense, Newell eventually 'armed himself with a handgun' - causing Rhonda to flee from the house, according to the Panama City Police Department.

Instead of disarming himself, the man instead traveled to the home of his wife's daughter, Jessica Johns, and her husband, Josh Johns, in the Sweet Bay neighborhood of Panama City.

In a press conference later Police Chief Mark Smith revealed that Nowell had taken his wife's car and phone.

On arrival, the armed killer 'forcefully entered' the house and immediately shot both of the 40-year-olds several times.

During the incident the couple's seven and five-year-old children were asleep in the house and remain unharmed.

Deputies responding to 911 calls found Newell sitting on the front porch of the residence armed with the gun in his hand.

Newell Mock, 67, shot his wife's daughter and son-in-law in a murder-suicide after engaging in a heated argument with her

Newell was involved in a war of words with wife Rhonda Mock, 65, and he eventually 'armed himself with a handgun' - causing Rhonda to flee from the house

'Officers attempted to de-escalate Newell, but he refused to engage in dialogue before fatally shooting himself.

'Mock did not threaten the officers, and no officers discharged their weapon,' the department confirmed in a Facebook post.

Cops found Joshua dead and Jessica alive with critical injuries. She is still in the hospital.

'Officers provided life-saving care for Mrs Johns while other officers cleared the residence, finding their five- and seven-year-old children asleep upstairs.

'Officers and a PCPD Volunteer Chaplain remained with the children until other family members could be located and brought to the residence to care for them.

'Mrs. Johns was transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries,'' the post continued.

According to Chief Smith, the gunmen's wife and family said that he had never been known to be violent and that there was no indicator he would act in this way.

Officials believe there is a possibility that Newell was under the influence of alcohol when he committed the fatal act.

Instead of disarming himself, the aged man instead traveled to his wife's daughter, Jessica Johns and her husband, Josh Johns' home in the SweetBay neighborhood of Panama City

On arrival, the armed killer 'forcefully entered' the house and immediately shot both of the 40-year-olds several times. During the incident, the couple's seven and five-year-old children were asleep in the house and remain unharmed

Chief Smith said that he believes Newell's anger was directed at his wife and that when he could not hurt her, he decided to hurt her family

Cops found Joshua dead and Jessica alive with critical injuries. She is still in the hospital

Smith also said that he believes Newell's anger was directed at his wife and when he could not hurt her, he decided to hurt her family.

He revealed that both children were told of what had unfolded the next morning. It is unclear whose care they remain in.

After the shooting, Molly Vise, Jessica's sister, created a GoFundMe to help support the family.

'To all who know this beautiful family, my name is Molly, and I am reaching out to you on behalf of the Johns Family. On December 14th, 2024, my brother-in-law, Josh Johns, passed away unexpectedly.

'This tragic event has also left his wife, my sister Jessica Johns, in the hospital, where she is recovering from serious injuries sustained during the incident.

'Josh was a loving husband, father, and friend. His sudden passing has created an immense void in our hearts, and our family is struggling with profound grief.

'Jessica is now facing a long and difficult road to recovery, both physically and emotionally.

'As she heals, she will also be navigating the challenging reality of raising their children without Josh,' she wrote.

The crowdfunding page has raised $99,615 - much higher than its original $8,000 goal.
Industrial action could fall just ahead of Christmas and NYE

Angry commuters have slammed Sydney Trains and Buses as they face yet another round of potential strikes in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year's Eve.

NSW Premier Chris Minns earlier this month secured a last-minute Federal Court Injunction blocking the rail union from taking industrial action.

However the court dismissed the state government's technical argument trying to invalidate the industrial action on Thursday afternoon.

The dismissal gave Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) the green light for up to 8,000 workers to strike in the lead-up to the festive season.

The move could see trains across the Harbour City come to a grinding halt for up to 24-hours at a time, causing travel chaos for commuters.

NSW TrainLink said services for Wollongong and Bomaderry had already stopped running on Thursday, with fears more train lines will be affected in the coming days.

The strikes have caused outrage among Sydneysiders, with commuters lashing out at the union and government for failing to reach an agreement.

'Outrageous. Sick of these clowns,' one person wrote on social media.

Angry commuters have slammed Sydney Trains and Buses after commuters face yet another potential round of strikes in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year's Eve

The union has not said when or if industrial action will take place but threatened that workers would do 'whatever it takes to achieve what they deserve'

'The government are clowns. If only they'd negotiate with the workers,' a second person agreed.

A third added: 'I love when they said on TV that nothing they do is against the people then immediately threatened to shutdown the entire network. Like stop d***ing around people's lives'.

Meanwhile, Qantas has sought to reassure passengers industrial action by maintenance engineers will not impact the airline's flights in the lead-up to Christmas.

The airline said it has put contingencies in place for industrial action on Friday, and similar action from engineers earlier in December had no impact on customers.

But unplanned maintenance issues, adverse weather, or other events could still impact operations, the flagship airline said.

'Our teams are working hard to ensure that this industrial action has minimal impact on customers' holiday plans and we have put a number of contingencies in place and extra resourcing on the ground to ensure our customers get away as planned,' a Qantas spokesperson said in a statement.

Qantas said about 160 line maintenance engineers were rostered to work during Friday's industrial action and that additional groups taking action were part of long-term maintenance teams that did not perform day-of-operation engineering support.




A candlelit vigil in memory of the seventh woman murdered in Northern Ireland this year has heard that 'enough is enough'.

Karen Cummings, 40, who was a children's nurse, was found unconscious at a house in Banbridge last weekend and died from a head injury a short time later.

Two men appeared in court early this week charged with her murder and were remanded in custody.

Crowds of people turned out for a vigil in memory of the mother of two at Solitude Park in Banbridge on Thursday evening.

Banners bearing the names of the 25 women killed in the region since 2020 were held up during the event which was organised by Women's Aid Armagh and Down and a moment of silence was held in their memory.

The organisation's chief executive, Eileen Murphy, urged that more be done by government to tackle violence against women and girls.

'Seven women, and the year isn't over yet, have been murdered in Northern Ireland,' she said.

'What we want is to urge the government for real and proper action because if we don't, we will continue to lose mothers and sisters, wives, daughters to perpetrators of violence.'

Karen Cummings, 40, was found dead at a house on Saturday after suffering a head injury

Crowds of people turned out for a vigil in memory of the mother of two at Solitude Park in Banbridge on Thursday evening

Banners bearing the names of the 25 women killed in the region since 2020 were held up during the event which was organised by Women's Aid Armagh and Down and a moment of silence was held in their memory

Noel McNally, father of Natalie McNally who was pregnant when she was murdered in Lurgan, Co Armagh in December 2022, also addressed the gathering.

'When we heard about Karen's brutal murder, it just brought it back to us what happened to our Natalie two years ago this week and we know exactly what Karen's family is going through,' he said.

'We are heartbroken for them, but I know all you here tonight coming to support Karen's family, how much comfort they will get from that because the comfort we got from people coming out to support us when Natalie died was absolutely fantastic.

'Violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland has to come to an end.'

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon deputy mayor Kyle Savage said enough was enough.

'We gather together here in sorrow, in remembrance and in solidarity to honour the life of Karen Cummings,' he said.

'This should not have happened to her and we hope by taking a stand such as this tonight that hopefully the message will be loud and clear that this cannot happen again.

'The violence that women face in our society can no longer be ignored or tolerated, every woman has the right to feel safe and live free from the fear of harm.

'To Karen's family and loved ones, our hearts are with you in this unimaginable moment of grief.

People take part in a vigil organised by Women's Aid Down Armagh at Solitude Park in Banbridge following the murder of Ms Cummings

She was found in at a house in Banbridge in County Down, Northern Ireland

Police and forensics teams remain on the scene as a murder investigation has been launched

'We mourn with you, we will continue to demand change. Let this be the moment when we say loud and clear, enough is enough, violence against women must end.'

Earlier on Thursday, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly said ministers had discussed with alarm the fact that seven women had been murdered in Northern Ireland in 2024.

During a meeting of the Stormont Executive, the politicians also discussed their strategy to end violence against women and girls.

'That's not acceptable by anybody's standards but it also highlights that we have a deep-rooted problem in society, that there's a huge amount of work to do, and it's not down to one body, one government department, one entity to fix this,' Ms O'Neill said.

She said preventative work is 'vitally important'.

Ms Little Pengelly added that the Executive wants to send a 'really clear message about the unacceptability of the levels of violence against women and girls and all violence overall'.

'We're absolutely dismayed by the most recent murder, as First Minister said, that is the seventh this year. It is a challenge everywhere. The levels are particularly high in Northern Ireland. That is why we moved to publish this strategy along with the delivery plan,' she said.

'And of course, our thoughts are with the family and all of those families of those women who have been killed this year but we are determined going into next year to ramp this up in terms of our focus on this very, very tragic issue.'
She may have limited criminal defense experience inside a courtroom, but Luigi Mangione's attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, is still considered a 'heavyweight' by those who know her.

The former Manhattan Chief Assistant District Attorney has been selected by Mangione to represent him at his New York trial for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

It means that Agnifilo, 58, will face off against her former colleagues and the office she used to help oversee.

'She'll be able to predict what the prosecutors will do before they do it,' lawyer Danya Perry told the Wall Street Journal.

Perry has worked with Agnifilo in private practice and is a co-host with her on the 'MissTrial' podcast.

Agnifilo is also a co-host on the 'Legal AF' podcast along with lawyer Michael Popok, who described her commitment to her work.

'Whatever she is going to do, she wants to do it to its best degree within her abilities,' Popok said. 'We look at ratings, how our views were. Is it something we did wrong? Can we improve?'

Others who have worked with Agnifilo described how she can be 'gently persuasive'.

Luigi Mangione's attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, is considered a 'heavyweight' by those who know her

She is defending Mangione, 26, against allegations he murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York earlier this month

Celebrity lawyer Mark Geragos said he was left 'slack-jawed' by her powers of persuasion.

Geragos described watching her talk the father of an accused murderer out of the bad legal defense he was encouraging her team to pursue.

'She had gotten so into the shoes of the father that she understood exactly why he was arguing for something that everyone else in the room thought was counterproductive,' Geragos said.

'She led him to that conclusion without pandering or beating him over the head. I was slack-jawed.'

Bonnie Sard, who worked with Agnifilo as an administrator at the DA's office, supported Geragos' view.

'You go out to lunch with Karen thinking, "I don't want to share a burger and fries,"' she said.

'And next thing you know, you are sharing a burger and fries.'

Sard added that Agnifilo doesn't shy away from the grittier aspects of the job.

Agnifilo is the former Manhattan Chief Assistant District Attorney but has minimal courtroom experience in criminal defense

'She wasn't afraid at all to get her hands dirty and be in the trenches with her colleagues, even on a challenging issue in the middle of the night,' Sard explained.

Agnifilo will come up against those same colleagues as she prepares to defend Mangione.

'It's a heavyweight matchup,' former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said.

Since leaving his office, Agnifilo has diversified her professional experience with her podcasts, work as an adviser on TV's Law and Order and through the creation of a specialized mental-health court for eligible defendants.

While Mangione, 26, is yet to plead or provide any defense against the charges, it is thought that prolonged back pain may have caused him to distance himself from friends and family.

Agnifilo has a close relative who has struggled with mental health, which could prove invaluable when it comes to understanding her client's emotional state.

She is also reportedly going to be supported by her high-profile lawyer husband, Marc Agnifilo, who is representing Sean 'Diddy' Combs in his federal sex-trafficking case.

The couple drove to see Mangione in jail in Pennsylvania earlier this week.

She is married to star defense attorney Marc Agnifilo, who is representing Diddy in his sex-trafficking case

Mangione has been charged with the murder of CEO Brian Thompson

On Thursday, Mangione, was extradited back to New York to face federal charges in a Manhattan court.

The accused faces charges of murder, stalking and weapons charges, according to the unsealed complaint.

Ghoulish fans had emerged outside the Pennsylvania prison where he was being held armed with cards and gifts.

The outpouring of support could prove a major stumbling block in his trial by making jury selection extremely difficult, an attorney has warned.

Former prosecutor Neama Rahmani has said the alleged assassin's fanbase could delay his criminal case as officials may struggle to select 12 unbiased jurors.
A Republican senator has launched a dramatic effort to relocate 30 percent of the federal workforce out of Washington D.C. in a bid to 'drain the swamp'.

Iowa lawmaker Joni Ernst, who is also the new Senate DOGE Caucus chair, unveiled the 'DRAIN THE SWAMP Act' on Thursday.

The bill would relocate a massive swath of federal workers away from the capital.

And the remaining employees in Washington would be required to show up at the office 100 percent of the time.

It would also assist in the sale of excess office space once changes have been made.

'Federal employees have shown they dont want to work in Washington, and in the Christmas spirit, I am making their wish come true,' Ernst said in a statement.

'Instead of keeping them bogged down in the swamp, Im working to get bureaucrats beyond the D.C. beltway to remind public servants who they work for,' she went on.

The Iowa Republican argued that in addition to improving government services, they can 'give taxpayers an extra Christmas gift by selling off unused and expensive office buildings.'

Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced the DRAIN THE SWAMP Act to relocate 30 percent of the federal workforce out of Washington, DC

The proposal is the latest in a push by the GOP lawmaker to get more federal workers back into offices after policies became lax during the coronavirus pandemic.

She's been backing President-elect Donald Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) which will be an outside effort headed up by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy focused on cutting government waste.

They have signaled that pressuring workers to either return to the office or voluntarily quit is one way they would attempt to slash spending.

Ernst started calling for an investigation into remote work practices in the federal government more than a year ago.

Her bill would require the head of each executive agency to relocate 30 percent of the employees assigned to the agency's headquarters outside the Washington.

The proposal gives agency heads 180 days to come up with a plan and submit a report to Congress identifying how it would proceed. Employees would then be notified of the plan.

It also directs the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to sell off unused property no longer necessary due to worker relocations.

Elon Musk (left) and Vivek Ramaswamy (right) were tapped by President-elect Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) tasked with cutting wasteful federal spending

A report earlier this year by OMB found 54 percent of federal government workers worked entirely in-person because their jobs could not be done through telework.

That left roughly 1.1 million workers eligible for telework, but the report found 10 percent, or 228,000 employees were entirely remote.

For those telework eligible, the report given to Congress also found overall they spend just over 61 percent of their work hours in person.

In her own report, Ernst cites a survey by the Federal News Network, which found 30 percent of respondents said they were entirely remote, six percent were entirely in person, and 64 percent had a hybrid schedule.

Those conducting the survey noted their results differed 'significantly from the actual breakdown for the federal workforce overall.'
New MasterChef host Grace Dent has repeatedly panned the show and its disgraced ex-presenter Gregg Wallace in her previous reviews of the programme.

The food critic is set to replace Wallace after he announced he was stepping aside amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct.

Dent said the new role was 'more than a dream to me', but the Mirror revealed that she had a history of slamming the show and its presenters, including her new co-host John Torode.

She once joked about any pencil skirt-wearing girl succeeding on the BBC programme by carrying an expression saying 'I like older men with no hair', making reference to Wallace's bald head.

The author also mocked the show by saying someone could set fire to the restaurant and still reach the celeb version semi-finals 'if you're pretty and made something for Gregg Wallace that involves custard and runny toffee'.

And after watching the celeb edition of MasterChef, she declared: 'We are in the dying days for many of these spin-rinsed TV formats.'

Dent will judge the upcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef, having appeared regularly as a guest and then even a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics in 2022.

Writing for The Guardian in 2011, she said of the show: 'For a long while I said any girl could get through round one of MasterChef simply by turning up in a pencil skirt and making a fried Nutella sandwich with condensed milk and an expression that says, "I like older men with no hair".'

Grace Dent will judge the upcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef with John Torode, having appeared regularly as a guest and then even a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics in 2022

The critic is set to replace Gregg Wallace (pictured) after he announced he was stepping aside amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct

However, she did add that her 'wholly unfair theory is disproven in episode one'.

Writing about the show's celebrity series that same year, Dent said: 'Celebrity MasterChef has fallen to 2.15pm on weekday BBC1 (with a Friday night half-hour highlights package).

'Perhaps the BBC sensed that the sight of Tony from Hollyoaks clumsily gutting a sole, splashing guts, brains and skin about, then frying the salvageable detritus was not top-drawer telly.

'I'd as much choose to watch people badly gutting, scaling and debraining animals on TV as I would gleefully jump out of a car on to the hard shoulder. And if it's not bloody, it's just bloody awful.

'We are in the dying days for many of these spin-rinsed TV formats. More worrying for British industry than rising fuel prices or depleted fish stocks is our national shortage of 'recognisable people to put on telly who the public give a damn about.'

Dent again slammed the programme in 2012, writing for The Independent: 'Is it my pained imagination or is MasterChef in some manifestation on British screens almost perpetually?

'The format has now been so hammered and drained of every surprise and twist that I've had happier times recovering from norovirus than sitting through 30 minutes watching former Olympic swimmer Steve Parry explain why he can't fillet a pollock.

'And do we care if Madge Bishop from Neighbours can make her own pasta? Oh and that bit where they're all sent to work in a restaurant and it's jolly scary and the big scary chef man is all gruff with them, but the round ultimately counts for bugger all as it's never mentioned ever again in any judging capacity (in fact one could set fire to the restaurant and calmly stand outside drinking a can of white cider when the fire engines arrive and still go through to the Celebrity MasterChef semi-finals if you're pretty and made something for Gregg Wallace that involves custard and runny toffee).'

In 2022, Dent extraordinarily quit I'm A Celeb after 'losing all her energy' in camp and reaching breaking point ahead of doing another Bushtucker Trial

And writing for the same publication in 2015, Dent said: 'I have written about MasterChef, due to its acid reflux staying power, more times than almost any other show.

'Perhaps the BBC's intention when commissioning MasterChef - endlessly, tirelessly, one strand blending into another, no change, no deviation - is to shake off TV critics.

'One day, surely, we'll have nothing left to say? Perhaps the plan is that in order for British citizens to feel the full value of their licence pennies, every living being should have 15 minutes of fame cooking John Torode pasta (which he pronounces 'pusta' and enjoys while wearing cowboy boots)?'

She also said: 'The one no one really loves, but hey, it's here now for another 24 episodes. Ever-shrinking Gregg - all eyes and teeth these days - doing a good line in "I'm still excited about this format". I don't think he is. I think his agent is. There are no more words to say about chicken rolled in parma ham. If a turbot is pan-fried in butter and John Torode doesn't taste it, does it still exist?'

Author and podcaster Dent's takeover from Wallace was first reported last week, with a source telling the Sun that Dent is seen as 'the perfect choice' for the show.

John Torodes wife Lisa Faulkner has voiced her support for Dent, responding to a BBC post announcing her appointment with three 'raising hands' emojis and a heart, writing: 'Go Grace!'

In 2022, Dent extraordinarily quit I'm A Celeb after 'losing all her energy' in camp and reaching breaking point ahead of doing another Bushtucker Trial.

Prior to her jungle entrance, the food critic revealed she would be 'strong and resilient' in camp due to her past tragedies.

Author and podcaster Dent's takeover from Wallace was first reported last week, with a source telling the Sun that Dent is seen as 'the perfect choice' for the show

John Torode s wife Lisa Faulkner has voiced her support for Grace Dent after she was named as Gregg Wallace's Celebrity MasterChef replacement

Restaurant critic Grace, 51, is set to step in to judge the next series amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct that have been made against Gregg

Dent had previously vowed never to take part in I'm A Celeb, describing the show as 'a puerile venture into starvation, televised constipation and animal cruelty, abbreviated by ads for Iceland 1 curries'.

A source close to the MasterChef star told MailOnline at the time: 'Grace decided to leave the jungle soon after it was announced that she would be doing the latest Bushtucker Trial.

'Knowing that she would be facing another tough challenge was the straw that broke the camel's back.'

They continued: 'It was mutually agreed upon that she would stand down from the competition, it was clear that she wasn't being herself, she had lost all energy when usually she's witty and fun to be around.

'ITV's duty of care and welfare teams had stepped in, and rightly so.

'She had struggled since living in the camp with less amenities, the weather this year has been particularly miserable and as a restaurant critic, not eating well proved to be harder than she could have ever imagined.

'Grace is looking forward to seeing her loved ones now and after a few days of rest and recovery will be fine.'

Wallace has faced a series of complaints about his alleged behaviour, including claims he made inappropriate sexual jokes, shared intimate details of his sex life and even walked around set naked except for a penis on his sock.

Wallaces lawyers have said it is false he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.

MailOnline has approached a representative of Grace Dent and the BBC for a comment.
Convicted drug smuggler Matthew Norman will soon swap a squalid jail cell for a waterfront mansion after spending two decades behind bars in Bali.

The 38-year-old is one of the remaining 'Bali Five' who touched down on Australian soil on Sunday from Indonesia, where the group spent 19 years behind bars for attempting to smuggle heroin out of Denpasar Airport in April 2005.

Norman, alongside Bali Nine members Scott Rush, Michael Czugaj, Martin Stephens and Si Yi Chen have left the Howard Springs Accommodation Village near Darwin where they have spent the past four days.

Norman arrived in Melbourne on Friday morning where it is believed he will then move into a waterfront mansion in Torquay, a popular tourist town known for its surf beaches.

The $4million two-storey home has four-bedrooms and is just a stones throw from Cosy Corner, a beach popular with families because of its calm swells.

The waterfront property is owned by Christian couple Ann and Alan Wilkins who offered the property to Norman after forming a close relationship in prison.

'It's been an interesting journey,' Mr Wilkins told the Geelong Advertiser.

'I can't really make much more of a comment at this stage.'

Convicted drug smuggler Matthew Norman (pictured with his Indonesian wife Anita and his step-daughter Stella) will soon swap a squalid jail cell for a sprawling waterfront mansion

The $4million home (pictured) boasts two storeys and four-bedrooms and is just a stones throw from Cosy Corner, a beach popular with families because of its calm swells

The Wilkins also formed a close bond with Andrew Chan, considered the ringleader of the Bali Nine, who was executed in 2015 on order of Indonesian officials.

Norman was sentenced to death in 2006 after he was caught trying to smuggle more than 8kg of heroin out of Bali. The sentence was reduced to life in prison in 2008.

He is the youngest member of the Bali Nine, being only 18-years-old at the time.

Norman married his Indonesian girlfriend Anita at the Kerobokan jail in 2014. She is expected to travel to Australia with her 15-year-old daughter Stella.

Norman's devoted father, Michael, will also likely return to Australia after moving to Bali over concerns for his son's wellbeing while in jail.

Anita will need to be granted an Australian visa to join her husband but their unconventional relationship might not pass muster with strict entry requirements.

'It is possible for a couple to be in a genuine spousal relationship for the purposes of the Migration Act even if they have never lived together,' Australian immigration lawyer Perry Q. Wood previously told Daily Mail Australia.

'The issue would be whether it is possible, despite this, to demonstrate that the relationship is a genuine spousal relationship.

Norman married his Indonesian girlfriend Anita at the Kerobokan jail in 2014 (pictured)

Norman expected to arrive in Melbourne in the coming days where he will move into a waterfront mansion in Torquay, a seaside town known for its pristine beaches (pictured)

'Taking into account evidence including the financial aspects, nature of the household, social aspects and the extent of the couple's commitment to one another.

'This can be difficult if the couple have never lived together, however the assessment would ultimately be up to a delegate of the minister.'

Norman left school aged 16 because he wanted to work and make money rather than finish his HSC and later told ABC News that he had been 'reckless, callous, wanted to cut corners in life'.

Just a naive teenager when he was first locked up in Kerobokan jail, Norman learnt his incarceration had a serious effect on his family back home. One of his sisters became anorexic, another was harassed and his parents received hate mail.

Norman youngest member of the Bali Nine, being only 18-years-old when he was arrested. He is pictured being escorted to his sentencing trial in Bali in 2006

One of just two of the original Bali Nine who remained in Kerobokan until his release, Norman (pictured in 2006) designed T-shirts, bags and posters applied for sentence reductions

One of just two of the original Bali Nine who remained in Kerobokan until his release, Norman designed T-shirts, bags and posters applied for sentence reductions.

But he admitted that every day was 'just a struggle to keep doing good things' amid the 'chaos' of prison.

The remaining members of the Bali Nine will have to undergo rehabilitation in Australia as part of the conditions for their release from Indonesia, but have no legal conditions.
Parliament's standards commissioner was last night urged to probe Tulip Siddiq after the Treasury minister was named in an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh.

Ms Siddiq - who is responsible for stamping out corruption in Britains financial sector - is being investigated over claims she and members of her family took bribes of up to 4 billion.

But last night a Conservative MP wrote to Daniel Greenberg, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, calling for him to look into the allegations.

In a letter seen by the Daily Mail, they said the concerning new developments warranted a probe into Ms Siddiqs financial interests, her declarations of interests to the House, and her conduct as a whole.

The public must be able to have confidence in the integrity of its Members of Parliament, the MP, who cannot be named, wrote.

Without proper clarification and transparency from Ms Siddiq, I feel that she risks bringing her position, and the wider House, into significant disrepute.

Bangladeshs Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched the probe into Ms Siddiq over the alleged embezzlement linked to a nuclear power plant deal in the country.

Her UK-based mother Sheikh Rehana Siddiq, and her aunt, Sheikh Hasina Wazed - the ousted former prime minister of Bangladesh who ruled the country with an iron fist for more than 15 years - are also being investigated.

Tulip Siddiq (pictured) - who is responsible for stamping out corruption in Britains financial sector - is being investigated over claims she and members of her family took bribes of up to 4 billion

Sir Keir Starmers (pictured) official spokesman yesterday indicated he continues to have confidence in Ms Siddiq

It was launched after an order from the countrys High Court, which heard claims that Ms Siddiq may have helped to broker the nuclear deal, worth 10 billion in total.

The power plant was built by a Russian state-backed company called Rosatom, and the deal was signed inside the Kremlin back in 2013 by Hasina and Vladimir Putin in the presence of Ms Siddiq, who was then a Labour councillor.

Ms Siddiq has refused to comment on the allegations since they emerged. But last night a Labour party spokesman said she totally refutes the claims.

The spokesman said: Absolutely no evidence has been presented for these allegations, which originated from an American aerospace website in August.

Tulip Siddiq has not been contacted on the matter and totally refutes the claims.

Sir Keir Starmers official spokesman yesterday indicated he continues to have confidence in Ms Siddiq.

She has denied any involvement in the claims accusing her of involvement in embezzlement, according to No 10, and continues to maintain her responsibility as a minister.

Pressed about whether there was any conflict of interest in Ms Siddiqs involvement in the 2013 deal, the spokesman said: I cant speak to events that happened prior to a ministers time in government.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (centre), former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (left) and Tulip Siddiq MP (far left) attend the signing ceremony in the Kremlin on Jan 15, 2013

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, centre, is flanked by her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, left, and sister Sheikh Rehana as she speaks to the media after casting her vote in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (R) flashes the victory symbol after casting her vote, as her daughter Saima Wazed Hossain (1st L) and her sister Sheikh Rehana (2nd L) look on at a polling station in Dhaka on December 30, 2018

But last night MPs were demanding that she comes clean on the issue.

Shadow home office minister Matt Vickers said: The fact Labours anti-corruption minister is reportedly embroiled in a corruption case is the latest stain on Keir Starmers judgement.

Tulip Siddiq has had housing provided by a key donor to her aunt, failed to properly declare interests, and is now apparently in the middle of an ongoing corruption probe by the government of Bangladesh, with alarming reports she met with the dictator Vladimir Putin.

It is high time she came clean. The British public deserve a government that is focused on their priorities, not distracted by yet another scandal.

And Tory whip Ben Obese-Jecty said: This is a shocking allegation about Tulip Siddiq.

As Economic Secretary to the Treasury she is the minister responsible for countering economic crime, money laundering and illicit finance, now shes potentially linked to an embezzlement investigation. Yet another Labour scandal.
A teenage girl gang who went viral on social media after they were filmed attacking train staff, passengers and police officers in an alcohol-fuelled rampage have been spared jail.

The five girls, who cannot be named for legal reasons, threw punches, headbutts and ripped out hair in an incident described as 'mass hysteria'.

One girl held up a clump of hair from the head of a rail passenger like a trophy during the hour-long melee, a court heard.

A judge said videos of the incident showed the girls were relentless, completely out of control and showing an ongoing determination to wreak havoc.

'It was chaos, mayhem, bedlam,' District Judge Teresa Szagun said.

The youngest was only 13 when a fight started at Barnham railway station in West Sussex between the group and another young girl.

Members of the public, train staff and police who tried to intervene were attacked by the girls.

Local residents claimed the usually quiet village of Barnham was being held hostage by feral youth after footage of the girl gang was widely shared on social media.

A teenage girl gang who went viral on social media after they were filmed attacking train staff, passengers and police officers in an alcohol-fuelled rampage have been spared jail

The five girls, who cannot be named for legal reasons, threw punches, headbutts and ripped out hair in an incident at Barnham railway station in West Sussex in March

All five admitted affray and assaults on train staff, police and members of the public.

Two women were thrown about by the girls before police were kicked and head butted as they tried to arrest them.

A train safety officer needed hospital treatment after he was smashed in the face with his own radio.

Judge Szagun told all five girls they would have been jailed if they had been old enough.

The attacks were completely out of character for the girls, the court heard.

One of the group had been head girl at her school and was described as an exemplary student.

Others were described as bright, capable and intelligent.

The court heard one of the girls held up a clump of hair like a trophy and laughed, Brighton Magistrates Court heard.

The judge told all five girls they would have been jailed for the attack on fellow passengers, train staff and police officers if they had been old enough

She told the girl, now aged 17: 'You were involved from start to finish for over an hour.

'You were seen to kick another girl over and over again while she was on the ground.

'Your aggression then turned towards the innocent bystander who was trying to stop this.

'Your reaction to realising you had a clump of her hair in your hand is horrific, it is almost as if you are holding it up as a trophy and laughing.

'This spurred you on to further violence, there was an ongoing determination to wreak havoc.'

The judge told another 16-year-old member of the group: 'Your behaviour was really aggressive.

'You were intimidating, squaring up to the officers.

'You were prepared to be pummelling an officer in the back of the head.

Two men needed hospital treatment and one victim had a substantial amount of hair pulled form her head, Brighton Magistrates' Court heard

'Another officer is taking off his vest when you take the opportunity to have a swing at him, as well as swinging at another officer when he thinks you've calmed down.

'He was taken unawares.'

She told another girl: 'You were completely out of control and relentless.

'If you were adults, I would be sentencing you to custody.'

The court heard it was clear all five were very drunk. Other passengers in a waiting room, who were concerned for their welfare, tried to give them water.

Fighting started after a confrontation with another girl and escalated quickly.

The judge told another girl: 'You just kept going.

'I don't think any compensation is going to make any impact on the individuals who must have been so frightened.

Two men needed hospital treatment and one victim had a substantial amount of hair pulled form her head.

Viral video of the incident, which occurred on Easter Saturday, March 30 and clips of shoplifting in Barnham led to police applying for dispersal orders.

Local shopkeepers hired private security and locals held a public meeting to demand action.

All five girls had been drinking before launching a violent attack on another girl in the waiting room at Barnham station.

None of the girls, two aged 15, two 16 and a 13-year-old at the time, can be named for legal reasons.

Defending one of the girls, Paula Bristow described the incident as having an element of mass hysteria.

'She is doing well at school and this was completely out of character.

'There is an element of mass hysteria in this incident.'

The three youngest girls were given nine-month referral orders.

The two older girls were given 12-month intensive referral orders.

Compensation will be paid to the woman who lost a clump of hair, her mother who she was travelling with and another police officer who also had her hair pulled out.
Whoopi Goldberg made an on-air joke about the hypothetical murder of President-elect Donald Trump at the hands of the incoming vice president and the richest man on the planet.

Her off-color remark on The View Thursday framed Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk as the conspiring, would-be culprits during a conversation about Musk's growing influence.

Late last month, Goldberg, 69, insinuated Musk was Trump's 'real' vice president, claiming to her fellow hosts that his new position within the looming administration and decision-making power effectively make him the second-in-command.

'Who is in charge? Because I've been saying it for a while. I've been saying it - I think Elon Musk believes he's president. I do,' Goldberg said on the talk show.

'Hey, you know who [Trump] - stay away from the stairways,' she continued

'Because, you know, people put their leg out to trip you going down the stairs. Watch out.'

The statement immediately drew a mix of laughter and applause from the live studio audience, and saw Goldberg again avoiding to say the president-elect's name.

The conversation persisted up until the commercial break, with Musk remaining the main subject.

Whoopi Goldberg made an on-air joke about the hypothetical murder of President-elect Donald Trump at the hands of the incoming vice president and the richest man on the planet

The off-color remark framed Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk as the conspiring, would-be culprits, during a conversation surrounding Musk's growing influence

After returning from break, Goldberg quickly attempted some damage control.

'I need to clean something up,' Goldberg, who has long been critical of Trump, said when the show returned.

'My cat lays in wait for me on my stairs all the time.

'That's what I was referring to,' she continued.

'I was thinking of that. I wasn't trying to indicate that they were actually standing there with their legs out hoping he would trip.'

After a brief beat, co-host Sunny Hostin jumped in seeking to further clarify her co-host's comments.

'Nobody wants anything done to the president,' she said, as the five-woman panel looked eager to move past the remarks.

Goldberg then puzzlingly proclaimed: 'It was light-hearted and it's the holidays, c'mon! My goodness.'

'Who is in charge? Because I've been saying it for a while. I've been saying it - I think Elon Musk believes he's president. I do,' Goldberg said. 'Hey, you know who [Trump] - stay away from the stairways'

'Because, you know, people put their leg out to trip you going down the stairs. Watch out,' Goldberg said, paving the way for some frantic damage control from the panelists

After a brief beat, co-host Sunny Hostin jumped in seeking to further clarify her co-host's comments

A more serious Hostin added: 'You did not mean that anybody should hurt the president.'

'No,' Goldberg said, before setting out on explaining her controversial comments - by bringing up her cat for a second time.

'The thing about this show, there's no way not to step in poo,' the 17-year View veteran said. 'There's no way to do it. There's no way not to do it. I got a cat who does it to me everyday - and that's what sparked it.'

As this was happening, lawmakers on the House floor were reportedly left fuming over Musk exerting his budding influence, after the crisis surrounding the bipartisan spending bill was escalated the day before by Trump himself.

Issuing his own barbs about the deal, Trump called it 'a betrayal of our country.'

Musk, meanwhile, falsely claimed that the deal Trump said favors Democrats contained new aid for Ukraine and $3 billion in funds for a new stadium in Washington.

Meanwhile, the likelihood of a government shutdown that the spending bill sought to avert has intensified, leading to Goldberg's comments.

It also earned some remarks from Sen. Bernie Sanders as well, with the Vermont politician sarcastically referring to Musk as the president.

Late last month, Goldberg, 69, insinuated Musk was Trump's 'real' vice president, claiming to her fellow panelists that his new position within the looming administration and decision-making power effectively makes him the real second-in-command.

Those comments came up during a discussion about the flood of liberals leaving Musk's X, and came up again this week during talks about a bipartisan deal to avoid a partial government shutdown - with Vance seemingly a casualty

House Speaker Mike Johnson is the one who penned the still-in-limbo spending bill - and Trump's lack of support could indicate the conservative cutting ties as the congressman in a few weeks is up for reelection

'Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government,' Sanders wrote on X.

'The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesn't like it. Will Republicans kiss the ring? Billionaires must not be allowed to run our government.'

House Speaker Mike Johnson, meanwhile, is the one who penned the bill - and Trump's lack of support could indicate the conservative cutting ties as the congressman in a few weeks is up for reelection.

He and other House Republicans are now scrambling to revise the 1,547-page plan to extend government funding to March ahead of Friday's deadline following pushback over provisions in the measure.

The bill includes additional disaster spending for communities hurt by Hurricane Helene but also includes pay raises for members of Congress and other unrelated spending priorities.
A Florida drawbridge operator who killed a grandmother when she prematurely raised the spans has been sent to jail after violating her probation.

Artissua Lafay Paulk, 46, opened the Royal Park Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway on February 6, 2022 as 79-year-old victim Carol Wright was still walking across with her bicycle.

It caused Wright, a retired newspaper editor who was riding back from a bookstore, to plunge 50 feet to her death landing on a concrete slab.

Paulk pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years of probation and 200 hours of community service.

However, she found herself back in the courtroom on Tuesday after she violated probation.

Court records obtained by CBS 12 show she violated her probation when she failed a drug test, did not complete mandatory community service and didn't pay court fines.

Paulk admitted to the court she violated the terms of her probation and her attorney argued that she was making progress and is a 'different person now,' as they pleaded for her probation to be reinstated.

Prosecutors requested that she be sentenced to 15 years in prison, and the judge ultimately sentenced her to 10 years behind bars.

Artissua Lafay Paulk, 46, was sentenced to 10 years behind bars after she violated her probation

Paulk was operating a bridge that connects West Palm Beach and Palm Beach when she opened the bridge to let a boat pass in 2022

Carol Wright, 79, was still walking across with her bicycle and plunge 50 feet to her death landing on a concrete slab

Paulk was operating a bridge that connects West Palm Beach and Palm Beach when she opened the bridge to let a boat pass in 2022.

After lowering its entrance barriers, she was supposed to go outside the bridge tender's station and make sure no cars, pedestrians or bicyclists were on it.

The operator originally told police she had checked the bridge, but surveillance video and text messages she sent to her boss immediately after Wright's fall show she had not.

As well as texting her friend, she also reportedly spoke to her supervisor Kathie Harper who happens to be her mother-in-law.

Harper instructed Paulk to tell officers she checked the bridge three times before lifting it which bridge tenders are required to do, the affidavit said.

She then asked Paulk to delete the messages which she did. Both were fired.

The victim was within 10 feet of reaching safety when the drawbridge started to go up at around 1pm.

A Good Samaritan, who witnessed the incident, raced to Wright's aid and tried to pull her to safety but lost his grip.

Court records show Paulk violated her probation when she failed a drug test, did not complete mandatory community service and didn't pay court fines

Florida Drawbridges, the private contractor that operates the government-owned span, paid Wrights family $8 million to settle a lawsuit

She slipped through the gap formed by the rising bridge and the main roadway and desperately tried to cling on, before falling more than five stories to the concrete base of the 1,238-foot span over the Intercoastal Waterway.

At the time West Palm Beach Police Spokesperson Mike Jachles said: 'The woman tried to hang on. There was a bystander nearby who tried to help her, but tragically she fell five or six stories below where she died landing on concrete.'

Florida Drawbridges, the private contractor that operates the government-owned span, paid Wrights family $8 million to settle a lawsuit.
A Michigan worker has been accused of stabbing the president of his company in a possible 'copycat' attempted murder following Luigi Mangione's alleged assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO.

Erik Denslow, the president of car part manufacturer Anderson Express Inc, was brutally stabbed by an employee during a Tuesday staff meeting in the company's Muskegon office, according to police.

The suspect, identified as Nathan Mahoney, 32, allegedly stabbed Denslow 'in the side with a knife' at 9:30 am before quickly driving away.

But police were able to catch him after about 15 minutes and he was charged with assault with intent to murder and fleeing a police officer, People magazine reported.

He is being held on a more than $500,000 bond and was arraigned on Wednesday, but records did not have any plea information listed.

Denslow was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery. He is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.

Co-workers told police that Mahoney has a 'quiet demeanor' and no specific motive for his violent outburst has been revealed. In his mugshot, the suspect is pictured smiling.

But Fruitport Township Deputy Chief Greg Poulson told News 8: 'We havent ruled out copycat motive in regards to this.

Nathan Mahoney, 32, allegedly stabbed Denslow 'in the side with a knife' during a potential 'copycat' attack

Anderson Express Inc president Erik Denslow is expected to recover from his injuries after he was stabbed on Thursday

Luigi Mangione was escorted out of court by NYPD officers (pictured). Police fear Mangione may have inspired people to attack CEOs with his alleged killing

'I think that comes to everyones mind in this time. Were going through all his social accounts, all his electronic media and trying to determine a motive for this act.'

He went on to say that violence and aggression against company higher-ups 'seems to be the popular thing in this day and age' after healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was assassinated in New York City.

Mangione, 26, has been arrested and charged with Thompson's murder, but has received loads of support and praise for his alleged actions.

'A psychopath was idolized and now there are going to be people emulating him,' one Instagram user wrote, speculating about a connection between Mahoney and Mangione's actions.

Another chimed in: 'This is sick. It's open session on CEOs I guess. People actually think it's okay.'

One commenter said: 'People tired of working hard and their bosses getting richer and richer... not saying this is right!'

The first Mangione 'copycat' is thought to have been a Florida woman who was accused of threatened her health insurer with the words Mangione allegedly wrote on the bullets that killed Thompson on December 4.

Briana Boston, 42, was charged over a threatening call she is alleged to have made to BlueCross Blueshield about a rejected medical claim.

Denslow was brutally stabbed during a Tuesday staff meeting in the company's Muskegon office

Mangione was arrested and charged for the murder of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson who was gunned down in New York City on December 4

Towards the end of the call, she allegedly told the operator: 'Delay, deny, depose. You people are next.'

She told investigators that 'healthcare companies played games and deserved karma from the world because they are evil.'

Boston allegedly claimed she chose the words 'because it's what is in the news right now,' referencing Thompson's death.

On Thursday, Mangione appeared in court in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania for his extradition hearing.

After the hearing, Mangione was escorted out of court and flown to New York City on a private jet. Around 700 people were tracking the flight path online.

The alleged murderer waived a preliminary hearing on the Pennsylvania forgery and gun charges in exchange for the prosecutor giving him a 20-page investigative report from the Altoona Police Department.

At court, dozens of Mangione fans rallied outside with signs conveying support for the suspect. At least two of them were dressed as Luigi from the Super Mario Bros video game.
Sir Keir Starmers refusal to compensate women hit by increases in the state pension age will affect more than 100,000 of his Cabinets constituents, new figures show.

As Opposition MPs prepare to force the Government into a vote on Labours betrayal, ministers were accused of ignoring their own constituents.

New estimates by the House of Commons Library show at least 3,800 women in the Prime Ministers seat of Holborn and St Pancras may lose out on compensation.

More than 4,500 women in Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendalls seat could be hit, while 6,150 of Education Secretary Bridget Phillipsons constituents will likely be affected.

In total, more than 114,000 people in the constituencies of Cabinet ministers are estimated to be affected, according to the Commons Library data obtained by the Liberal Democrats.

Lib Dem Work and Pensions spokesman Steve Darling told the Mail last night: The Cabinet are ignoring thousands upon thousands of their own constituents with their decision.

WASPI women deserve fair treatment, not the cold shoulder.

Sir Keir is facing a furious backlash from his own MPs for abandoning a vow to compensate the 3.8million women who were told they would have to work five years longer to receive their pension.

A handout photograph, released by the UK Parliament, shows Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) session in the House of Commons in central London, on December 18, 2024

Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners stage a protest on College Green in Westminster, London, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers her Budget in the Houses of Parliament

The PM said taxpayers could not afford the 10.5 billion compensation package for the Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women.

Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott told Newsnight that the Prime Minister has no feel for politics and accused him of not understanding how Waspi women feel.

Remember, hes on his big fat DPP pension, she said. What does he know about ageing women who really will depend on the state pension? He doesnt know.

Andy McDonald, who was shadow employment rights minister between 2020 and 2021, wrote to the Prime Minister to say the Government has made the wrong decision.

I urge you to reconsider this decision in the interests of justice for women denied a fair settlement, he said.

Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he was deeply disappointed by the blanket decision to not award compensation, and thinks that ministers could have found a way forward.

Speaking to STV News, Mr Sarwar said: I can completely understand, and I believe I was one of the ones that campaigned with them, had photographs with them, I was right to do that, I was right to campaign with them.

I continue to stand with them in the face of their injustice. I think where there is justified frustration is in the blanket no compensation position..

Angela Rayner seen with WASPI women in June 2019

File photo dated 31/10/2024 of WASPI campaigners stage a protest outside the Houses of Parliament, London

Rachel Reeves seen alongside WASPI campaigners in 2020

Newly elected Labour MP Brian Leishman said the Government really should deliver on the compensation, telling Sky he was shocked and disappointed by the decision.

This is a historical injustice that Waspi women have faced. We campaigned in opposition to correct that injustice, and now that were in power we really should deliver on that, he said.

It comes as MPs prepare to force a Commons vote on the issue, after Downing Street ruled one out.

Up to 100 Labour MPs could vote against the Governments decision to refuse to compensate the Waspi women if a vote is held, the Guardian reported.

Last night the Liberal Democrats said it would be disgraceful not to give MPs a vote.

A Lib Dem source told the Mail: Were pressing them to hold a vote, but if they continue to ignore the opposition they are facing on all sides of the House then we will explore all our options. WASPI women deserve better than the cold shoulder.

Conservative backbencher Sir John Hayes told MPs yesterday that it was essential that the Government give MPs a debate to not compensate Waspi pensioners.

Commons leader Lucy Powell replied: I know the strength of feeling is widespread and that people want to air those views and I am sure that there will be time, because I am sure that colleagues will apply for debates in the usual way.

In March, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) recommended the Government pay compensation to women born in the 1950s whose state pension age was raised so it would be equal with men.

The watchdog said the women should be paid up to 2,950 each, a package with a potential total cost of 10.5 billion to the public purse, as poor communication meant they had lost out on the chance to plan their retirement finances.

On Tuesday, Ms Kendall rejected this recommendation, though the Government has apologised for a 28-month delay in writing to the women.
Missing Texas realtor Suzanne Simpson's alleged killer husband begged to see their kids the day before her family held a funeral for her.

Brad Simpson, 53, was arrested on October 9 in Kendall County - three days after the 51-year-old mother-of-four was last seen late at night outside the front of her $1.5 million home in the city's ritzy Olmos Park having an altercation with him.

During court on Thursday, Brad and his attorney Steven Gilmore asked 437th State District Judge Joel Perez if the father could see his children.

He was allowed to see three of them, as a no-contact order remains in place for the fourth, and youngest child.

The fourth child might end up being a witness in the case, as investigators said she previously reported to her teachers that her father hit her mother, My San Antonio reported.

A no-contact order was initially in place for the couple's two adult children, but it was lifted. Brad's kids still don't want to see their father right now, but might want to in the future, according to a Bexar County Prosecutor.

Brad is allowed to see his fourth child, a 15-year-old, but a no harmful contact order was issued on Thursday, the outlet reported.

Suzanne's funeral will be held on Friday at a Presbyterian church in San Antonio, but exact details have not been made public.

Suzanne Simpson, the missing 51-year-old Texas realtor will be laid to rest on Friday at a private funeral at a Presbyterian church in San Antonio

On Thursday, he alleged killer husband, Brad Simpson, 53, asked a judge to see his four children, whom he shares with Suzanne

On the day Suzanne vanished, the couple were walking toward nearby bushland when a neighbor heard screams. She hasn't been seen since, leading cops to believe she's dead, but her body has not yet been found.

The neighbor said he saw Brad 'grabbing her upper torso area to gain control of her body,' according to a police report.

On December 3, Brad was also formally charged with second degree tampering with evidence with the intent to impair a human corpse, third degree possession of prohibited weapons and third degree tampering/fabricating physical evidence with the intent to impair.

The accused's family, who have cooperated with the police investigation, said they were 'deeply troubled and heartbroken' after the indictment.

'Our family is deeply troubled and heartbroken by the events surrounding the grand jury indictment of Brad for the tragic death of his wife. The details outlined in the case are disturbing and painful for all involved.

'We want to express our profound gratitude to the law enforcement agencies for their tireless work and dedication to seeking justice. Their commitment to uncovering the truth is something we hold in the highest regard.

'We have faith in our criminal justice system and believe that the grand jury has done their sworn duty to review the evidence and determine that it is sufficient to move forward to trial.

Brad was arrested on October 9 in Kendall County - three days after Suzanne was last seen late out the front of her $1.5 million home in the city's ritzy Olmos Park having an altercation with him

'We urge Brad to do the right thing by fully cooperating with the authorities. For the sake of his children and the family who loves him, we ask him to accept responsibility and place himself at the mercy of the court. It is our sincere hope that through accountability, healing can begin for everyone affected by this devastating loss.

'We ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult time and thank the community for their understanding and support.'

On December 9, Brad was seen smiling in court during his first appearance since being charged with his wife's murder.

Dressed in an all-red prisoner outfit, he appeared jittery as he sat in a swivel chair and swayed back and forth in a San Antonio courtroom.

Brad sat mostly silent during the brief hearing, only uttering 'yes' when the judge confirmed his identity and speaking quietly with his attorney, Steven Gilmore.

He stood with his gaze directed toward the ground and his muscular arms handcuffed in front of him as the judge spoke.

Brad and Suzanne's daughter, Chandler Simpson, claimed on social media that Brad 'took my mother's life in a state of rage and control,' adding that he was abusive.

Brad and Suzanne's daughter, Chandler Simpson, claimed on social media that Brad 'took my mother's life in a state of rage and control,' adding that he was abusive. (Pictured: Suzanne Simpson)

On the day Suzanne vanished, the couple were walking toward nearby bushland when a neighbor heard screams. (Pictured: The couple's four-bedroom, five-bathroom Olmos Park home)

The missing woman's mother, Barbara Clark, echoed this sentiment at a vigil that was held to honor her daughter.

The heartbroken mother said that just hours before Suzanne went missing, she received a harrowing call from her.

'She called me up and told me things Brad had done to her physically,' Barbara said.

Barbara explained that Suzanne confided in her, revealing that at about 9pm on October 6, the last day she was seen, Simpson had injured her arm and her back.

During court on Thursday, Judge Perez, who issued a rare gag order on any potential witnesses in the case, reprimanded one family member, accusing her of talking to the media.

On December 10, Perez issued the gag order, forbidding anyone who has provided statement's in the case from talking to the press. He said he chose to do so in order to prevent a future jury from being influenced.

Both Teresa Clark, Suzanne's sister, and Bart Simpson, Brad's brother, spoke to the media following the gag order, but only Teresa was slapped on the wrist for doing so as Bart was not in court Thursday.

'Im just very scared right now because this whole thing is very upsetting to me,' Clark told the judge.

'This is my little sister, and I feel responsible for her because Ive known her since I was 3 years old. I would never want anything to happen to her.'

If found guilty, Brad could face anywhere from two to 99 years or life in prison, depending on the jury's verdict

The missing woman's mother, Barbara Clark, explained that Suzanne confided in her, revealing that at about 9pm on October 6, the last day she was seen, Simpson had injured her arm and her back

Brad is not the only one charged for the mother's murder, as his longtime business partner James 'Val' Cotter, 65, was indicted by a grand jury on Monday.

James was hit with felony charges of tampering with evidence with intent to impair an investigation and possession of prohibited weapons in the case of missing realtor, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

He is accused of entering Brad's gunroom on October 8 and removing an AK-47 that prosecutors say was illegally modified into a 'machine gun' and was not properly registered, according to KSAT.

An arrest warrant, obtained by My San Antonio, claims Brad reached out to him that day, asking for help hiding a weapon.

'If you're in Bandera, can you haul a** and meet me at your house,' Brad allegedly wrote.

Brad is not the only one charged for the mother's murder, as his longtime business partner James 'Val' Cotter (pictured), 65, was indicted by a grand jury on Monday in connection to Suzanne's death

He later allegedly told Cotter 'make sure to leave all that s*** in the pump house, especially the gun.'

'Sorry for the urgency, but you're all I got especially now... social media is destroying me,' Brad texted his longtime friend, according to the warrant.

When questioned by police, James initially claimed Brad was referring to a .22 caliber rifle that he had taken from Brad's home.

But an anonymous witness later told police Cotter had actually taken an AK-47 from the family Brad's walk-in vault that was stocked with weapons, according to the warrant.

If found guilty, Brad could face anywhere from two to 99 years or life in prison, depending on the jury's verdict on his charges.
Six people have been charged in connection with the death of a seven-year-old disabled boy in Florida who died weighing just seven pounds.

Deonte Atwell was found horrifically malnourished and with gaping bedsore wounds at his Fort Lauderdale home on Christmas Day last year.

The youngster should have been receiving round-the-clock care for his thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus conditions, but was instead brutally neglected.

The final photo of Atwell shows him lying on his back with his breathing apparatus resting on his chest.

His mother, Michelle Doe, 37, and his brother, Tyreck Irvin, 21, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder and child abuse.

The boy's grandfather, James Graham, 70, and this week his uncle, Jeremy Graham, were charged with aggravated manslaughter and child abuse.

The owner of the home nursing company Mirlande Moltimer Ameda, 47, and Atwell's caregiver, Cassandre Lassegue, 33 are also facing charges.

Police discovered Atwell after responding to a reports of a medical emergency.

Deonte Atwell was found horrifically malnourished and with gaping bedsore wounds at his Fort Lauderdale home on Christmas Day last year

His mother, Michelle Doe, 37, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and child abuse

In court, prosecutors said the boy was painfully thin and had bones sticking out of his skin when he was discovered.

Fort Lauderdale Police Det. Jacqueline Sanchez estimated that he could have been suffering for six months to a year.

'It's sad that Deonte had to die in this manner,' she said. 'It's sad to say that Deonte had suffered all the way through his death by the people who were supposed to be caring for him the most.'

She added that at some point, Lassegue, who has been charged with murder and Medicaid fraud, had stopped her nursing visits.

The boy died during a scheme to defraud Medicaid for more than $10,000 but less than $50,000, according to investigators.

Atwell was taken to Broward Health Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, although medics said he may have been deceased for some time.

During a search, investigators found 264 bottles of unopened feeding tube formula at his home.

They also discovered that he had been sharing a bed with his siblings, aged nine and 16, at the time of his death. They were subsequently placed in the custody of the nine-year-old's father.

Doe was denied bail and has pleaded not guilty to the horrific charges

Atwell's brother Tyreck Irvin, 21, (left) was arrested on similar charges to Doe while the boy's uncle, Jeremy Graham, became the latest person charged in the brutal death

Grandfather James Graham was arrested and charged after the youngster was found in horrifying circumstances on December 25 last year

Health care providers Mirlande Moltimer Ameda (left) and Cassandre Lassegue (right) were also charged, with prosecutors implicating them in a Medicaid fraud scheme arising from the death

Doe, Irvin, Ameda, and Lassegue were ordered held without bond during their first court appearances earlier this year.

Grahams bond was set at $22,000 and he can be released on house arrest with a GPS monitor if it is posted.

Prosecutors said they will be seeking the death penalty against Doe, who has pleaded not guilty.

A fundraise set up by Atwell's mother to cover funeral costs has so far raised $500.

'My baby son passed away at the age of 7 due to his birth defects his life was a challenge I am asking for help to lay him to rest Im greatful [sic] for whatever is donated I appreciate it may god bless all helping hands,' she wrote.
READ MORE: Man arrested after he allegedly barricaded himself inside a home

He has refused to climb down from a crane

A man is refusing to come down from a crane at a construction site in Melbourne as police enter their fifth hour of tense negotiations.

Emergency services rushed to High Street in Thomastown, about 16km north of Melbourne's CBD, at 1.45am on Friday following reports of a fire.

Crews worked to extinguish the blaze, which police believe may have been deliberately lit.

While on the scene, officers spotted a man clinging to a crane high-up over the construction site.

He refused to get off the crane, sparking tense police negotiations.

The man was reportedly naked for some time but has since agreed to put pants on.

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area as High Street has been shut down in both directions between Main Street and Pleasant Road.

Commuters are advised to use Edgars Road or Dalton Road as alternative routes.

Police have entered their fifth hour of negotiations but the man (pictured) still refuses to leave the crane on High Street in Thomastown

Emergency services spotted the man high-up on a crane above a construction site in Melbourne's north following a suspicious fire
A killer has been jailed for 37 years for murdering his wife with an axe in front of their teenage children, in what a judge has described as a brutal and horrific attack.

Dinush Kurera, 47, blinked and looked straight ahead as Victorian Supreme Court Justice Amanda Fox handed down the sentence on Thursday morning.

He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.

Kurera claimed he was acting in self-defence when he repeatedly stabbed his wife Nelomie Perera with an axe and knife at her Melbourne home on December 3, 2022.

But a jury rejected his story and in August found him guilty of murder after only three hours of deliberations.

Justice Fox described the fatal attack as brutal and horrific, saying Kurera had clearly been in a rage.

'You were motivated by anger and saw everything of the prism of entitlement and ownership,' she said in her sentence.

'In your mind, Nelomie deserved to be killed for leaving you, excluding you from your house and seeing other men.'

Dinush Kurera has been sentenced to 37 years' jail for murdering his wife Nelomi Perera with an axe

A judge found Kurera showed no remorse for his actions

Kurera's teenage children witnessed the attack and his 16-year-old daughter even tried to stop him as he grabbed a knife.

The court heard she was forced to contemplate stabbing her father to save the life of her mother.

The audio had been captured on a special 'safety watch' issued to women who fear they might be at risk of harm from violent men.

'Suzy (not her real name) grabbed a black handled knife... to try and stop her father, by stabbing him,' Crown prosecutor Mark Gibson KC said.

'Suzy was too scared to actually stab him, and instead dropped the knife near the kitchen area.

'Nelomie looked at Suzy and said, "I'm dead".'

Her safety watch captured Suzy's voice and Kurera telling her: 'Go. I've got nothing to lose. Get out of here'.

Both children gave evidence at trial and described in victim impact statements how distressing the court process was.

The Sandhurst property where the bloody murder happened

How it began

Police said Kurera struck by surprise in the dead of night just weeks before Christmas in 2022, the court heard.

Dressed in black, police alleged he hit Ms Perera over the head with a hatchet as she stood on the rear porch of the family home having a cigarette.

The jury heard the couple had been in the midst of an ugly divorce spurred on by allegations of previous domestic violence and infidelity.

Upstairs in their bedrooms, Billy and Suzy (not their real names) heard screams and rushed downstairs to investigate.

On the rear deck they saw a fuel container and their mother bleeding from her head.

Crown prosecutor Mark Gibson KC told the jury Kurera warned his kids if they alerted police or tried to leave he would set fire to the house.

Dinush Kurera, Nelomi Perera and their family. A jury rejected Dinush Kurera's story that he acted in self-defence

'He said that he would kill everyone, including himself, if the children tried to leave or tried to call the police. Suzy stood behind her father and tried to stop him from striking her mother with the hatchet,' he said.

'Her mother managed to get up and she told Suzy that Mr Kurera had hit her with the hatchet and showed (her) where she had been hit by Mr Kurera.'

The jury heard Ms Perera begged for an ambulance and attempted to convince her estranged husband she would not call the police.

She was permitted to go to the bathroom while Kurera allegedly went about interrogating his children about whom his estranged wife might be seeing.

He told the kids he would be staying in the home, the jury heard.

The court heard that he asked if they would want to live with him, Suzy declined the offer.

'Do you think I would want to live with you after threatening mum with an axe,' she told him.

Kurera shouted back that her mother had ruined his life and had taken everything from him.

'He called her a whore and accused her of sleeping with other men,' Mr Gibson said.

Domestic violence claims

The jury heard Ms Perera had good reason to fear her ex-husband after telling him she wanted a divorce.

In 2013, while still living in Lynbrook, the jury heard Ms Perera claimed her then husband threatened to slash her tyres with a knife when she told him of her plans to leave with the children.

That same year she claimed Kurera struck her to the head with a hammer and stomped her head while she was on the ground during an argument.

Her sister told the jury that she observed at the time Ms Perera's face was covered in bruises and she struggled to walk.

In another incident that year, police were called to the home following a Triple 0 call by Ms Perera, who claimed Kurera had assaulted her.

By 2021, the jury heard Ms Perera was convinced her husband had been cheating on her while on frequent trips to Sri Lanka.

Kurera had been travelling back to their homeland with plans to build a hotel there.

Her suspicions carried on throughout the following year, prompting her to install a tracking application on her husband's phone.

In August that year a friend told Ms Perera she had located a photo of Kurera in bed with a woman in Sri Lanka.

The allegation prompted Ms Perera to engage a lawyer to commence divorce proceedings.

The jury heard Kurera took the news badly, prompting Ms Perera to approach police over concerns for her safety upon his eventual return.

The jury heard Ms Perera told police she was terrified Kurera might try and break into the house and put her in danger.

In September she told a domestic violence help organisation that Kurera had threatened over the phone to kill her.

She changed the locks on the family home and was provided with the watch that would later capture her alleged murder.

Fateful decision

Kurera again asked the children if they knew whether their mother was seeing anyone.

The jury heard Ms Perera had just months earlier began a new relationship with a man.

'Billy, who thought that instead of trying to make the situation worse by naming (that man), told his father that Nelomie was seeing a few people,' Mr Gibson said.

'This unfortunate comment by Billy, the Crown says, caused Mr Kurera to become more infuriated with Nelomie.'

Graphic video and photos of the bloody aftermath of what allegedly happened next were shown to the jury.

The jury heard Kurera approached his estranged wife and struck her body with the hatchet multiple times.

When his son attempted to flee, he was allegedly chased down by his father and struck in the back with the same hatchet.

The jury heard Ms Perera fought desperately to save her son, screaming at Kurera to 'get off him'.

Her efforts allowed Billy to escape, leaving his sister to allegedly witness what came next.

Final night

The jury heard with her safety watch now activated, authorities were able to hear Ms Perera's desperate cries for help - 19 in total.

Police scrambled to respond, but it would be too late.

Still in the home, Suzy saw a trail of blood leading into the kitchen and bravely went in to investigate.

The jury heard she saw Kurera still armed with the hatchet standing over her mother.

'He opened the kitchen knife drawer and Suzy pushed the drawer shut, which jammed Mr Kurera's fingers,' Mr Gibson said.

'Mr Kurera threatened Suzy with the hatchet, stating, "Nunga", which is Sinhalese (for) "I swear to God".'

The jury heard Kurera grabbed a 30cm black handled chef's knife from the drawer, lent over Ms Perera and started hitting and stabbing her with both the axe and the knife.

'Suzy grabbed a black handled knife... to try and stop her father, by stabbing him,' Mr Gibson said.

'Suzy was too scared to actually stab him, and instead dropped the knife near the kitchen area.

'Nelomie looked at Suzy and said, "I'm dead".'

Her safety watch captured Suzy's voice and Kurera telling her: 'Go. I've got nothing to lose. Get out of here'.

Aftermath

CCTV footage taken from the front porch of a neighbour's home and played to the jury captured Suzy's desperate calls for help.

'Please, dad's killing mum. He's cutting her, like, with a knife. He's, like, full-on bashing her with a knife. Billy's gone. I don't know where. She's dead, I'm pretty sure she's dead. He's in there with a knife. I tried calling Triple 0,' Suzy told her neighbours.

When police arrived, Kurera was in the toilet with his pants off.

The jury heard he approached them near the kitchen, where his wife's bloody body lay.

'All good. I'll pack my bags,' Kurera told the officers.

'Look, I killed my wife. I killed wife. I tell you exactly what happened. Killed my wife. I have no pants. I killed my wife. She's dead over there,' he continued, gesturing towards the kitchen.

In what now forms Kurera's defence, he told the officers he had acted in self defence.

'She tried to stab me, but she couldn't stab me. She couldn't stab me. I just - I just want to talk to her - my kids. She started to stab me. I killed her. I killed her,' he told police.

The end

Mr Gibson ran the jury through the events leading up to Ms Perera's death.

On September 27, Ms Perera sent a message to Kurera on her Viber app stating: 'I want a divorce. I am not going to live my life afraid of you anymore.'

Unable to go home without a police officer present, Kurera was escorted there the following day to pick-up keys for a storage locker where all his possessions had been placed.

When Kurera entered the storage unit he saw that his clothes and items were strewn across the storage facility.

Kurera began to cry and stated words to the effect of 'I built a five-bedroom house and look at this', as he pointed to his belongings in the unit.

On December 3, the day Ms Perera would die, Kurera went about purchasing the items he would later use to allegedly murder her.

CCTV at a local Bunnings Warehouse captured him buying a wrecking bar and hatchet.

He spent the early evening at the cinema watching the Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

At 10pm he was caught on CCTV at a Carrum Downs petrol station buying a 10 litre plastic jerry can, filling it with fuel before buying a lighter and paying for it all using his own credit card.

Less than 15 minutes later he allegedly used the wrecking bar to gain entry into the backyard of his home where he lay in wait in the dark.

In opening the case, Mr Gibson told the jury Kurera's alleged attack upon his wife was fuelled by a deep seated hatred he had for her.

'For the way he perceived he'd been treated by her. Her treatment of him, as he perceived it, was something he could not and would not tolerate from his then estranged wife,' he said.

'This attack upon her was his response to those grievances he was then feeling.'
The festive period is a busy time for many people, yet Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh has been hard at work and attended several engagements in recent weeks.

Whether singing carols or making mince pies, Sophie hasn't shied away from stepping up while Princess Kate has been making a gradual return to duties following treatment for cancer.

Back in November, the Duchess showed her supportive side when she warmly put her arm around a Yazidi survivor while attending a photography exhibition.

Then, earlier this month, Sophie wore a glamorous gown and attended the Qatar State Banquet at Buckingham Palace with other Royals.

Days later, the Duchess of Edinburgh joined in with the festivities during a visit to the Bagshot Women's Institute and made decorations.

While at the 'Together at Christmas' carol service at Westminster Abbey, Sophie was stood by the Princess of Wales, and the following week she got stuck in with Christmas fun with the Disability Initiative charity and sang carols.

She even found time to visit The Lighthouse Charity in Woking yesterday.

From taking part in charity work to attending glitzy events, Sophie has become somewhat of a Christmas angel for the Royal Family.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, during a visit to Disability Initiative's resource centre in Camberley earlier this month

The Duchess walking with her arm around Yazidi survivor Awaz Abdi in November

Sophie, Prince Edward, Princess Kate and Prince William viewing Qatari items on display in Buckingham Palace on December 3

On November 27, Sophie attended 'The Women Who Beat ISIS' photography exhibition at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.

The event was hosted by Farida Global which supports genocide survivors and victims of conflict and religious persecution.

During her visit, Sophie met Awaz Abdi and shared a tender moment with the Yazidi survivor. She put her arm supportively around the young woman while they were walking, deep in conversation.

The Duchess also took time to look at the portraits of other Yazidi women who had been held captive by ISIS and suffered terrible horrors.

Less than a week later, Sophie was busy attending the Qatari State Banquet and dazzled in an elegant black gown.

She accompanied Qatari Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi and wore the Wessex aquamarine tiara.

Other Royals in attendance included King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince William, Sir Timothy Laurence, Duchess of Gloucester, and Sophie's husband, Prince Edward.

Kate wasn't present at the banquet, but she did greet the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, on Horse Guards Parade in London. She also joined them for a private lunch at Buckingham Palace later that day.

Sophie accompanying Qatari Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi to the Qatar State Banquet

The Duchess joining in with festivities with Bagshot Women's Institute at St. Anne's Parish Hall on December 5

Sophie attending the 'Together at Christmas' carol service at Westminster Abbey which was hosted by Kate earlier this month

Kate stands beside her children and Sophie during the carol service in Westminster Abbey

Just two days later, Sophie got stuck in with festivities during a visit to St Anne's Parish Hall and joined the Bagshot Women's Institute's celebrations.

She made a decoration with greenery and a candle while chatting with the women and wore a colourful paisley print skirt, according to Hello! magazine.

The outfit choice was strikingly similar to what she donned later in the week to the 'Together at Christmas' carol service hosted by Kate at Westminster Abbey.

She wore a floral bohemian style dress and white wintry blazer, which she paired with brown boots and a white bag.

Sophie beamed as she walked into the Abbey and greeted clergy. She then sat beside Kate for the service.

The Duchess has showed support of the Princess's annual carol service by attending every year since it began in 2021.

Later on in the month, Sophie joined Disability Initiative - a charity she has been patron of since 2003 - at their resource centre in Camberley. The charity supports individuals with disabilities as well as their families.

During her visit, she made mince pies and painted a festive scene while donning a red Santa hat.

Sophie also sang a range of songs and Christmas carols with the group, including 500 Miles, Silent Night and Merry Christmas while playing the triangle, Hello! reported.

Chief Executive Lucy Brown, told Hello! magazine: 'The Duchess made mince pies - they were lovely - she also painted an incredible picture, and this was all an immersive experience.

'It was with the clients as well as our guests, so everyone was involved.'

Sophie making mince pies during a visit to Disability Initiative's resource centre in Camberley

She donned a red Santa hat while painting a festive scene with the charity

The Duchess serving food at The Lighthouse in Woking yesterday

Her most recent venture, yesterday, was to The Lighthouse in Woking, a charity that supports members of the community in need through hosting creative projects.

She looked elegant in a plum blouse and green trousers as she got stuck in with other volunteers and served food, Hello! reported.

Sophie has been a patron of The Lighthouse since 2022 and the charity's website reads: 'The Duchess regularly gives time volunteering at The Lighthouse and has been a huge encouragement to the team of volunteers.

'Her Royal Highness is a passionate advocate for those disadvantaged by circumstance, disability or inequality, and is an enormously valued champion in her role as the charity's Patron.'
Prince Andrew is considered such an embarrassment to the Royal Family that Buckingham Palace insiders briefed the Press this week that he should do the decent thing and voluntarily withdraw from public view over Christmas.

No sooner had these insiders opinions been published than the Duke of York said he would not be joining the rest of his family at Sandringham at all following the fallout from the so-called Chinese Spy scandal.

His ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, whose presence after a 30-year absence during the public walk from church on Christmas Day had been considered so significant last year, would also stay away from the private Norfolk retreat. The couples daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, had, reportedly already decided that they would spend the festive season with their in-laws rather than with the Windsors.

Then it emerged the Duke and Duchess had also pulled out of King Charless pre-Christmas private lunch for extended family and friends at Buckingham Palace today.

Yet, despite all of this, Andrew still holds a prestigious and potentially significant role in the monarchy.

Just like his nephew Prince Harry, who also stepped back from royal duties, Andrew is a Counsellor of State.

That means he is one of seven members of the Royal Family legally entitled to deputise for the King, who is still undergoing cancer treatment, in the event that [he] cannot undertake his official duties as Sovereign on a temporary basis due to illness or absence abroad.

Until 2022, the Counsellors of State were Queen Camilla, Prince William, Harry, Prince Andrew and his elder daughter, Princess Beatrice. But, many considered this situation unsuitable as the Dukes of York and Sussex, as well as Beatrice, arent working royals.

Prince Andrew drives his car away from Royal Lodge on Wednesday

The Duke of York and King Charles together at the late Queen's Diamond Jubilee ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral in London

Later that year, the King asked Parliament to add his sister, Princess Anne, and brother, Prince Edward, to the list.

It was reported he decided not to remove Harry and Andrew because he didnt want to escalate family tensions.

So not only are Andrew and Harry both Counsellors of State, they retain their places in the line of succession, the Duke of Sussex in fifth, the Duke of York in eighth.

Think about that for a moment: Andrew is seen as such a danger to the reputation of the Royal Family that he cannot be seen with them in public, yet he is considered a suitable candidate to stand in for our head of state.

Harry, meanwhile, who publicly criticised the royals and betrayed his family with his tawdry memoir, Spare, would be in line to succeed the King if disaster were to strike the Windsors.

This situation seems to be the wrong way round to me.

The King should be stripping Andrew and Harry of their formal roles, and their places in the line of succession, while treating them as loved ones in private, if he so chooses.

Andrew has repeatedly shown that he has terrible judgment when it comes to friends and associates. His ten-year friendship with the Chinese alleged spy Yang Tengbo, who was named this week, is just the latest example.

The letter sent by the dukes senior adviser Dominic Hampshire in 2020 telling Yang that, outside of his closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on, is excruciatingly embarrassing and highly damaging to the monarchy.

So, too, is the document found on Yangs phone that had main talking points for a call with Andrew, which said the prince was in a desperate situation and will grab on to anything.

A courtier told me this week that the King wouldnt take further action against his brother  or younger son  because he prefers to avoid confrontation wherever possible.

His Majesty does not want to exacerbate family tensions further, the source said. By nature, he is a unifier, not a divider.

But my fear is that the events of recent days have left the King looking weak. Using officials to plead with Andrew to do the decent thing and stay out of public view, and even urging his estranged wife, Sarah, to help talk him out of going to Sandringham, put our monarch in the position of a supplicant.

Instead, he should be the one in charge: stripping Andrew of his formal positions, but then inviting him to spend Christmas with his family as a brother.
Some of Australia's wealthiest suburbs seem to have it all - from tastefully renovated terrace houses to an array of fine-dining restaurants and bars.

These gentrified postcodes near the city are also renowned for their hipster vibe, green bike lanes and trendy political views.

The likes of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills in Sydney are so expensive that heritage-listed houses with a small courtyard typically cost more than $2.5million - or more than double the price of a much bigger home with a backyard in the western suburbs.

But beneath the glamour is an inconvenient statistical fact: crime.

The centre of Sydney and its inner-south postcodes near Central Station had some of the state's highest robbery rates in the year to March - with more than 41.8 thefts per 100,000 people, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures show.

By comparison, disadvantaged Mount Druitt, in the city's west, falls within an area where there are just over 25.1 robberies for every 100,000 people.

Douglas Driscoll, the chief executive of real estate group Starr Partners, says crime is the key factor in determining what makes a suburb rough - more so than even welfare dependency or poverty.

'I wouldn't agree with the common definition that "welfare dependence equals rough". I would say it's crime,' Mr Driscoll tells me.

Some of Australia's wealthiest suburbs seem to have it all - from tastefully renovated terrace houses to an array of fine-dining restaurants and bars (pictured is Surry Hills)

What makes an area 'rough'?

Actual signs your suburb is rough Crime - especially burglary : The statistics don't lie. Check official statistics before moving in

: The statistics don't lie. Check official statistics before moving in School truancy: Douglas Driscoll, the chief executive of Starr Partners, said school truancy is a reliable indicator of a struggling community

Douglas Driscoll, the chief executive of Starr Partners, said school truancy is a reliable indicator of a struggling community Proximity to busy public transport hubs : A higher influx of people attracts antisocial behaviour Common misconceptions Poverty : Many suburbs with poor residents actually have lower crime levels than pricey suburbs

: Many suburbs with poor residents actually have lower crime levels than pricey suburbs Welfare dependency : Again, crime statistics indicate having welfare recipients as neighbours does not make you any less safe

: Again, crime statistics indicate having welfare recipients as neighbours does not make you any less safe Gentrification means less crime : Data shows this isn't the case. Inner-city enclaves will always be a crime magnet, regardless of house prices Advertisement

'It's the people within an area, the community, that determine these things - not the aesthetic.

'There are instances where an area might look very pretty, but it's the people that live there that make it.

'You can go in there and spend an absolute load of money on making an area look "pretty" - in inverted commas - but if you want to actually improve an area, more police officers, more community officers, are needed.'

The centre of Sydney has Australia's busiest train stations and the close proximity to public transport means there's a greater influx of people coming into the area, including opportunistic or desperate thieves.

The 2010 postcode - covering Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and the nightclubs along Oxford Street - has an average taxable income of $114,577 - more than double Mount Druitt's $50,523 level within the 2770 postcode.

But Mr Driscoll says it's misleading to suggest an area is rough because it is poor, arguing things such as crime and school truancy are better measurements of a struggling community.

Mount Druitt may be a poorer area than, say, Surry Hills, but Mr Driscoll insists he would never call it a 'rough area' - adding residents would be insulted by the label.

Sydney's trendy hipster postcodes and the far outer suburbs are both home to public housing, meaning there are residents unable to afford to rent in the private market on both sides of the city.

Tellingly, the City of Sydney council website notes that crimes 'such as assault and robbery are unavoidable in large cities'.

The centre of Sydney and the inner-south postcodes had the city's highest robbery rate in the year to March with 41.8 thefts per 100,000 people, Bureau of Crime Statistics figures show

Douglas Driscoll, the chief executive of real estate group Starr Partners, says crime is the key factor in determining what makes an area rough, more so than welfare dependency or poverty

In contrast, crime doesn't get a mention in a 'social profile' report Blacktown City Council issued in 2016 that identified entrenched poverty as a key problem in Mount Druitt, 45km west of Sydney's city centre.

Poor locals, it seems, do not necessarily equal crime - and residents in the chic inner-city enclaves may be more at risk than their counterparts in the west.

Mr Driscoll, who has been working in real estate for two decades, says Mount Druitt is attracting first-home buyers who have been priced out of Blacktown and Parramatta.

'So you continue to go further west where you can get better value for money,' he says.

'That is probably why you are seeing that urban sprawl as a result of necessity.'

Poor locals do not necessarily equal crime - and residents in chic inner-city enclaves may be more at risk than their counterparts in the west, says Douglas Driscoll (pictured: Mount Druitt)

Mount Druitt's median house price is now north of $1million, but in Greater Sydney, $1.5million is now the mid-point.

While this westward trend will inevitably give Mount Druitt a more upmarket flavour over time, the suburb is still unlikely to gentrify like the hipster, inner-city suburb of Redfern, for example.

'It's fair to say that Sydney is a city that's increasingly cosmopolitan - that's from the further reaches of the east all the way out to the west,' he said.

'Normally, gentrification is a result of investment; I'm not sure it happens organically.

'Yes, I would argue that places like Mount Druitt continue to improve - whether the term gentrification is an appropriate one for suburbs such as that is debatable.'
Radiation levels have spiked in New York City, fueling conspiracy theories that the drones terrorizing the Northeast are searching for a missing nuclear warhead.

The emissions, clocked by GQ Electronics' Geiger Counter World Map, were detected near the Bronx and Upper West Side Wednesday.

The application shows a radiation reading of 1048 counts-per-minute (CPM), i.e. how many particles were detected, in the Bronx: higher than normal background radiation.

The average person is typically exposed to background radiation that measures around five to 60 CPM, though CPM varies with sensor devices, according to NASA.

And, on the the Upper West Side, the app's reading measured a still high 175 CPM.

Now, an attorney and long-time critic of China claims that the spikes are a clue that the northeast's mystery drones might be a secret US government effort to identify 'an implanted nuclear weapon' hidden somewhere in the city by America's enemies.

'This is not something which is just wild speculation,' that lawyer and author, Gordon G. Chang, told reporters Monday.

'For more than a decade,' Chang explained, 'US officials have been worried about the North Koreans taking apart a [nuclear] device, smuggling the parts into the United States and reassembling it in the location of their choice.'

A publicly accessible tool - GQ Electronics' Geiger Counter World Map - uncovered two spots in New York City that saw a spike in radioactive particle emissions (in counts-per-minute) this week. Some linked the radiation events to the region's wave of mystery drone sightings

'When you talk about radiation, clearly this could be one of the things that the drones are doing,' Chang told Forbes Newsroom, 'and that would explain why they're over residential areas because the device could be planted in one of those places'

Crucially, more current reports from the Geiger Counter World Map do not show the radiation spikes at this time.

The Environmental Protection Agency notes that radiation emission rates like CPM do not always match absorption by the human body and even changes in weather, like rain, can lessen the risk, making CPM a challenging tool to assess true risk.

Citizens, law enforcement and government officials have all put forward theories as to who or what is behind this recent wave of drone reports  from mass hysteria to foreign espionage, to space aliens, to the testing of an top secret military aircraft.

While Chang's account echoes rumors that New Jersey's mystery drones were US government aircraft equipped with High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) radiation detectors on the hunt for a nuclear bomb, the story has faced serious criticism.

For starters, it runs counter to the official stance issues jointly by the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the FAA and the Pentagon who all claim that the drones 'do not' currently present 'a national security or public safety risk.'

Some former Pentagon officials and military vets have also reported that their own current sources within the government have denied these 'nuke hunt' claims.

'They assured me that's not the case,' Navy veteran and former fighter pilot Lt Ryan Graves told podcaster Joe Rogan in a recent episode.

'There is not a "loose nuke" or any other type of weapon of mass destruction that these objects  whatever they are  are pursuing right now,' Lt Graves stated.

The Navy vet told Rogan that his sources were part of the team that would normally leap into action to deal with an imminent nuclear threat to the domestic United States, adding that swarms of aerial drone technology would be a poor system for the job.

Some former Pentagon officials and military vets - including former senior Pentagon security official Chris Mellon and retired US Navy Lt Ryan Graves (pictured) - have reported that their own current sources within the government have denied these 'nuke hunt' claims

'Having hundreds of drones trying to identify these isn't necessarily the best way,' Lt Graves explained. 'Gamma radiation is typically well-shielded in weapons.'

'And, at high altitudes  or even moderate altitudes, like we are seeing these drones  it would be pretty difficult to detect them [gamma rays],' he continued, echoing comments by nuclear emergency experts with the Department of Energy.

'The Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration's Nuclear Emergency Support Team does not employ drones for nuclear/radiological detection missions,' a department spokesperson told ABC News.

DOE's Nuclear Emergency Support Team, the spokesperson added, 'is not currently conducting any aerial operations in that region.'

Former senior Pentagon security official Chris Mellon, no stranger to stories of mysterious UFOs in the sky, corroborated these claims, posting to X.com, 'My own discussions with federal officials track with this as well.'

The FBI and other agencies are investigating the alleged drones, but a representative from the Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday, Dec. 11: 'We have no more information as to where these drones are coming from, where they're launching from, where they're landing'

'At this point we really need the president of the United States to actually address the American people,' an attorney and long-time critic of China, Gordon Chang (above), told the business publication Forbes. 'Tell us what the federal government knows and what it doesn't know'

Stories linking the still as-yet-unexplained drone sightings to loose radioactive material gained an injection of interest this Tuesday, when Belleville Mayor Michael Melham went public with news of a very real, damaged shipment of a medical device.

'There is an alert that's out right now that radioactive material in New Jersey has gone missing on December 2nd,' Mayor Melham told Fox 5 New York. 'There was a shipment. It arrived at its destination. The container was damaged, and it was empty.'

But the damaged device, which had been shipped from the Nazha Cancer Center in Newfield, New Jersey, was declared to be a 'non-emergency' by authorities.

The 'Event Notification Report' issued by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Operations Center on December 13, 2024 found that the device was 'very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals.'

The medical device in question, an Eckert & Ziegler model HEGL-0132, only contains trace amounts of the radioactive isotope Germanium-68.

But, regardless of the purpose of the drones, Chang emphasized to Forbes that the US government's vague assurances of safety were insufficient, a point also echoed by Mellon, Lt Graves and others.

'At this point we really need the president of the United States to actually address the American people,' Chang told the business publication, 'and tell us what the federal government knows and what it doesn't know.'
It looks like a cross between a toy airplane and a drone, but this British solar-powered aircraft could be the future of aerial surveillance.

PHASA-35, built by British company BAE Systems, is a 150kg solar-electric aircraft that can quietly cruise through the stratosphere for months at a time.

Named after its 35-metre wingspan, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) travels at a maximum height of 70,000 feet, at a leisurely speed of 55mph.

Designed as a cheaper and lighter alternative to satellites, it can be used for Earth observation and surveillance, border control, communications and disaster relief.

Now, BAE Systems reveals that PHASA-35 has just completed a second round of test flights into the stratosphere  the second layer of Earth's atmosphere.

Launching from Spaceport America in New Mexico, it flew for 24 hours, climbing to more than 66,000 feet before completing a smooth landing.

PHASA-35 will be able to fly non-stop in the stratosphere for up to 20 months by 2026, offering a 'persistent and affordable alternative' to satellites.

It harnesses power from the sun to stay airborne, charging a bank of small batteries during the day to keep it flying overnight.

BAE Systems has completed new stratospheric test flights of the PHASA-35, a British-built solar powered drone with a 115ft wingspan that can operate in the air for 20 months

It is powered by the sun during the day and by batteries overnight, allowing it to maintain flight for over a year operating in the stratosphere, lower than most satellites

The 150kg aircraft, which has a wingspan lined with solar panels, is powered by the sun during the day and by batteries overnight. This allows it to maintain flight for over a year operating in the stratosphere, lower than most satellites

BAE Systems said PHASA-35 completed two stratospheric test flights from Spaceport America in October, the first since its maiden flight in June 2023.

Both times it made a successful landing back down at Spaceport America in a serviceable condition, meaning it was ready to fly again just two days later.

This is a key advantage over satellites  that it can be brought back down to Earth again and the payload switched or added to and sent back up again quickly.

'These latest flight trials are a significant step forward in proving PHASA-35's capability for operations and a real moment of pride for our entire team,' said Bob Davidson, CEO of BAE Systems' Prismatic subsidiary.

'We're committed to continuing to develop PHASA-35 at pace to make it available for operational activity as soon as 2026.'

What's more, PHASA-35 has flown this time around with an operational payload for the first time  a software defined radio developed by BAE Systems.

'This is basically a really powerful sensor that allows for Earth observation and can be modified remotely using software,' a company spokesperson told MailOnline.

It weighed 10kg  a payload twice as heavy as its first stratospheric test flight in 2023  but PHASA-35 can carry a payload up to 15kg if required.

It harnesses power from the sun to stay airborne, charging a bank of small batteries during the day to keep it flying overnight

PHASA-35 builds speed on a runway just like more conventional aircraft but detaches its wheels shortly after takeoff and glides to a landing on its belly

PHASA-35 maximum payload of 15kg could comprise cameras, sensors and communications equipment to allow troops to talk to each other or provide internet access to rural locations during a natural disaster or emergency

PHASA-35: Key specs Wingspan: 115ft Weight: 150kg Payload limit: 15kg Max altitude: 70,000ft Power system: Solar powered Cost: Tens of millions of pounds Applications: Environmental surveillance

Disaster relief

Border protection

Maritime and military surveillance

Mobile internet communications Advertisement

These recent flights are part of a series of trials intended to confirm the performance of the aircraft before it can be bought by defence and commercial customers.

The firm wouldn't comment on who exactly these are, but it's in discussions with 'a number of customers' about further funding additional flight trials.

BAE Systems has invested tens of millions of pounds in PHASA-35, which builds speed on a runway just like conventional aircraft but detaches its wheels shortly after takeoff.

It glides to a soft landing on its belly and any damaged propellers or components are replaced.

Because it glides gently more akin to a paper plane, the risk of a hard landing causing any substantial damage is low.

Because it operates in the stratosphere, above any issues with weather like wind and rain, it can provide stable observations of a specific area for long periods.

According to Prismatic  the Hampshire-based BAE Systems subsidiary that has designed and manufactured the aircraft  PHASA-35 can deliver services at a 'fraction of the cost of satellites' and is capable of deployment anywhere.

Prismatic says: 'Further key benefits include the simplicity of construction and ease of transportation, due to the relative low number of structures forming the overall assembly of the aircraft.'

BAE systems say PHASA-35 will be available by the middle of the decade and provide a 'persistent and affordable alternative to satellite technology', which is traditionally heavier

PHASA-35's maximum payload of 15kg could comprise cameras, sensors and communications equipment to allow troops to talk to each other or provide internet access to rural locations during a natural disaster or emergency.

Engineers see a number of core applications for the drone in areas usually covered by satellites in low Earth orbit, like environmental surveillance, disaster relief, border protection, maritime and military surveillance and mobile internet communications.

An example is the ability to include a sensor, fly over a vulnerable forest for months at a time and constantly monitor moisture levels in the trees  predicting with weeks notice when a fire is likely to break out.

It also has the potential to be used in the delivery of communications networks including 4G and 5G, such as for regions that currently have poor coverage.

Construction of the UAV began in 2018 along with the release of concept images, following the successful launch of a quarter-scale model called PHASE-8 back in 2017.

The full-sized version of PHASA-35 got its maiden flight in February 2020, when it flew from the Woomera Test Range in South Australia, followed by the first full-sized stratospheric test in June 2023.
December 18, 2024: Poland wants long-term security and is willing to pay for it. Poland used to buy most of its tanks and other weapons from the United States and Germany. More recently Poland spent over $15 billion on South Korean tanks and other weapons. Now Poland is spending hundreds of million dollars to establish manufacturing for nearly all the components used in 155mm artillery shells. Currently many of these components are imported. This makes Poland dependent on those imports and Poland, as a matter of national policy, wants to reduce dependency in any way it can.

Poland has experienced many tumultuous events in the last two centuries and wants to establish a strong enough military and an array of powerful allies to deal with any potential Russian aggression. For a thousand years Poland has been threatened by attacks from the east and west. Poland joined NATO in 2009 and now belongs to the mightiest mutual defense alliance in the world. NATO nations also possess half the world's GDP. Strong economies can afford to defend themselves. For Poland the main threat is Russia and that was confirmed in 2014 when Russia seized Crimea and the adjacent Donbas provinces from Ukraine in 2014. That was 25 percent of Ukrainian territory. Ukraine has been fighting ever since to get its territory back. That has been successful so far as Russia currently occupies only 18 percent of Ukraine. Poland can sympathize with Ukraine because in the last two centuries Poland has been partitioned, occupied and generally abused several times.

What happened to Ukraine in 2014 was a wakeup call and Poland began rearming in a big way. For example in 2016 Poland ordered another 70 JASSM/Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles. This order was for the AGM-158B JASSM ER that had a longer range of 900 kilometers. In 2014 Poland ordered 40 AGM-158A missiles with a range of 400 kilometers. The Poles are also buying millions of dollars worth of spare parts, maintenance equipment and tech support. JASSM is used on Polish F-16 fighters and soon on Polands new F-35s.

Poland needs JASSM to deal with the modern air defenses Russia is building. Russia is the only real enemy Poland has in the region and Poland wants to be prepared for the worst. Poland believed the worst was coming and they were right. As a member of NATO Poland expects back up if the Russians come after them and JASSM provides a way to discourage or at least slow down Russian aggression.

JASSM is the third family of GPS guided smart bombs to be developed and is the most expensive. The original JDAM GPS bomb kit cost $26,000 each. The longer range JSOW JDAM with wings and a more powerful guidance system cost $460,000 each. The even longer range JASSM costs over half a million dollars for each of the 400 kilometer versions and over a million dollars for the 900 kilometer JASSM ER. Then there is the SDB/Small Diameter Bomb, a 114 kg JDAM that can also punch through concrete bunkers and other structures. These cost $75,000 each. All these are basically GPS guided smart bombs.

JASSM missiles are 1,045 kg weapons that are basically 455 kg JDAMS with a motor added. JASSM was designed to go after enemy air defense systems or targets deep in heavily defended (against air attack) enemy territory. The original reason for buying these was to have something to deal with air defenses of a nation like China. The missiles are ten times more expensive than a JDAM bomb of the same weight. Aviators make the argument that many aircraft and pilots would be lost if the air defenses of a nation like, perhaps China, were attacked without using JASSM.

JASSM is stealthy and uses GPS and terminal infrared guidance to zero in on heavily defended targets like air defense sites. The terminal guidance enables the missile to land within three meters of the aiming point. If there were a war with North Korea, for example, JASSM would be essential to taking out enemy air defenses, or any other targets that have to be hit early in a war before air defenses can be shut down. This capability is apparently what attracted the South Koreans, who now have F-15K aircraft that can carry JASSM. It also caught the attention of Poland when Russian began making threatening noises.

JASSM was designed to handle the most modern Russian surface to air missiles, which are also being sold to China. North Korea has older missile anti-aircraft systems and can't afford the newer Russian SAMs/Surface to Air Missiles. But even these older air defenses can be dangerous and are best addressed with long range missiles. So there is a need for a missile like JASSM, at least one that works.
An expert who has spent 50 years probing the Nessie phenomenon has delivered his devastating verdict on the monster  that people are actually seeing swans.

Naturalist Adrian Shine said people spotting 'long-necked' creatures on Loch Ness were actually misidentifying waterbirds in calm conditions.

While mysterious humps or loops in the water were really just boat wakes, he said, which are the 'largest cause of monster sightings'.

He added that the Nessie of popular imagination was simply the classic sea serpent depicted on old maps in a new inland setting.

Mr Shine, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and founder of the Loch Ness Project, says he is a 'sympathetic sceptic' when it comes to the monster.

But he offered few comforts to those who believe Nessie is real.

He said: 'Boat wakes are probably the number one cause of monsters sightings, and waterbirds are the long-necked ones.'

He continued: 'Of course there are long-necked creatures on Loch Ness  we call them swans.

An expert who has spent 50 years probing the Nessie phenomenon has delivered his devastating verdict on the monster  that people are actually seeing swans. Pictured: a composite image of different parts of a swan

He said: 'You cannot talk about Nessies as a single phenomenon  it is derived directly from the sea serpents controversy'

Sketches by various witnesses of their respective Loch Ness Monster sightings, published by Nessie investigator Rupert Gould in 1934

'And in calm conditions you can lose your ability to judge distance, and if you can't judge distance, you can't judge size.'

He's not the only one to notice the resemblance either.

Finnish photographer Tommi Vainionpaa edited together a convincing likeness of Nessie using images of different parts of a swan, captured in silhouette.

Other waterbirds mistaken for the monster included cormorants and mergansers, Mr Shine said.

The naturalist, who still lives by the loch near Drumnadrochit, also described how boat wakes could form the classic Nessie 'humps'.

He said: 'When a vessel is coming towards you, it is obvious what the wake is  you see it spreading out from the sides of the vessel approaching you, or indeed going away from you.

'But if it's going across your front, it's quite different  you see the individual wave train, the individual wavelengths, as solid black humps.

'They will be short and many for a vessel moving slowly, and they will be longer and fewer as the vessel gathers speed.

'Of course there are long-necked creatures on Loch Ness  we call them swans,' Mr Shine said

In his new book, A Natural History of Sea Serpents, Mr Shine probes how the sea serpent of nautical lore was reborn in Loch Ness

'The wave lines can be almost continuous, and it is a fascinating illusion. It is very compelling.'

In his new book, A Natural History of Sea Serpents, Mr Shine probes how the sea serpent of nautical lore was reborn in Loch Ness.

He said: 'You cannot talk about Nessies as a single phenomenon  it is derived directly from the sea serpents controversy.

'The way that it is perceived the two forms  the multi-humper and the long necker  are exactly where the 19th century debate got to with sea serpents.

'We know what sea serpents look like, you do, I do, everybody else does  and the things people see now in Loch Ness will confirm that.

'People will continue to come forward having seen things unrecognised by them, and which will inevitably confirm the stereotypes that society has  it is called confirmation bias.'

As for whether any other species might be responsible for Nessie sightings, Mr Shine characterised the other candidates as a 'basket of fish'  sturgeon, catfish and giant eels.

But a 2018 survey of the DNA in Loch Ness couldn't find any trace of the first two, while the eel DNA discovered could have come from eels of any size.

Naturalist Adrian Shine said people spotting 'long-necked' creatures on Loch Ness were actually misidentifying waterbirds in calm conditions

The naturalist added that there simply wasn't enough food in the loch for a hypothetical monster to survive anyway.

As evidence he cited the 10% rule, which stipulates that only a tenth of the energy in any level of the food chain will be passed to the next.

He said: 'We've measured the population of open-water fish acoustically, and we reckon it's about 20 tonnes.

'And so if you've got 20 metric tonnes of fish, then you could only have two tons of monster. That'd be about half the weight of a basking shark.

'You see the orders of magnitude that we've got to, and they're very low.'

In any case, Mr Shine believes the debate about Nessie will prove more enduring than the question of sea monsters in the world's oceans.

He said: 'The sea is too big for people to really argue about, whereas the loch represents a finite environment, more amenable to resolution.'

He continued: 'Yes, the loch is quite deep, it's quite big  there's more water in it than in the whole of England and Wales, but it's still relatively small place.

'It is finite, and therefore the answer seems not to be too far away. That's why it lends itself to popular curiosity.'

A Natural History of Sea Serpents is available from Amazon or Whittles Publishing directly, priced at 18.99.
They arguably have one of the best occupations in the world.

But whisky sommeliers may soon have some competition for their jobs  from AI.

Scientists have devised machine learning algorithms that can determine whether a whisky is of American or Scotch origin and identify its strongest aromas.

And they even outperform human experts, the results show.

A whiskys aroma is determined by a complex mixture of odorous compounds, which makes it highly challenging to assess.

Panels of human experts are often used to identify the strongest notes of a whisky but these require a significant investment in time, money and training  and agreement between experts is often rare.

A team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging in Germany assessed the molecular composition of seven American and nine Scotch whiskies.

These included 12-year-old Auchentoshan from the Scottish Lowlands, 10-year-old Talisker Isle of Skye Malt, Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey and Woodford Reserve Bourbon.

Scientists have devised machine learning algorithms that can determine whether a whisky is of American or Scotch origin and identify its strongest aromas

They arguably have one of the best occupations in the world. But whisky sommeliers may soon have some competition for their jobs  from AI (stock image)

To do this they used algorithms including a molecular odour prediction AI they had developed themselves called OWSum.

The algorithms analysed the whiskies based on their detected molecules and identified each drams country of origin and its five strongest notes.

The authors then compared the algorithms results to those from a panel of 11 experts.

Results showed OWSum was able to determine whether a whisky was American or Scotch with a greater than 90 per cent accuracy.

The AI identified caramel-like as the most characteristic note of American whiskies, and apple-like, solvent-like, and phenolic - often described as a smoky or medicinal smell - as the most characteristic notes of Scotch whiskies.

Both algorithms were able to identify the five strongest notes of a specific whisky more accurately and consistently on average than any individual human expert.

The authors believe that their approach could lead to the quick classification of whiskies and for the identification of key notes in their aromas.

Their findings were published in the journal Communications Chemistry.
Archaeologists have unearthed a 7,000-year-old figurine that looks like an alien.

Researchers discovered the unusual form while digging at a site in Kuwait called Bahra 1.

They described the clay figure as a 'small, finely crafted head, with slanted eyes, a flat nose and an elongated skull'.

It somewhat resembles an alien, or even the Sorting Hat from the Harry Potter franchise.

While it might look strange, this style was actually common in ancient Meopotamia, although this marks the first time one has been found in Kuwait or the Arabian Gulf.

The archaeologists who discovered it described the find as a 'total surprise'.

'[The] discovery of the figurine was a total surprise for the whole team,' Agnieszka Szymczak, an expedition leader, told Live Science.

'It was the first such find not just among the over 1.5k [1,500] small finds excavated from the Bahra 1 site but also from the Arabian Gulf region.'

Archaeologists have unearthed a 7,000-year-old figurine that looks like an alien

Researchers discovered the unusual form while digging at a site in Kuwait called Bahra 1

They described the clay figure as a 'small, finely crafted head, with slanted eyes, a flat nose and an elongated skull'

The joint Kuwaiti-Polish team have been excavating one of the Arabian Peninsula's oldest settlements, with occupation lasting from around 5500 to 4900 B.C.

The researchers say although the find is typical of figurines from the Neolithic Ubaid community, it is the first of its kind discovered in the Gulf region.

Professor Piotr Bieli*ski, of University of Warsaw's Mediterranean Archaeology centre, said: 'The presence of this figurine at our site raises intriguing questions about its purpose and the symbolic, and perhaps ritual, meaning it may have had for the community inhabiting this settlement.'

Another important discovery sees the confirmation of local production of pottery.

Since the beginning of the research at the Bahra 1 site, two types of vessels have been discovered.

This includes imported pottery associated with the Ubaid culture and completely different pottery, the so-called Coarse Red Ware (CRW), also known from other contemporary sites on the Arabian Peninsula.

CRW pottery has long been considered a local product, but until now there has been no evidence as to the specific places of its production.

The key discovery was the discovery of an unfired clay vessel, which helped confirm that Bahra 1 is the oldest known site of pottery production in the Gulf region.
Dozens of New Jersey towns, home to over one million people, have reported foul-smelling and tasting water pouring from their taps.

The complaints, which surfaced Wednesday, prompted an 'urgent notification' from New Jersey American Water which is now investigating the Raritan System and surrounding areas.

The company has taken samples from the water source and several treatment plants, reporting that its 'preliminary sampling results showed the water meets primary standards.'

The Raritan System provides drinking water to 64 towns in parts of Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties.

Customers in those areas received the notification at 9:30pm ET and an update is expected by 9:45pm Thursday.

Residents have reported a metallic taste and a smell similar to paint thinner.

The tainted tap water has led many on social media to speculate that drones flying over New Jersey may be connected to the changes, as initial sightings occurred over the Raritan Rivera vital source for the Raritan System.

However, some residents have attributed the issues to a water main that broke at 7am on Tuesday in Union City.

American Water has not specified if the water main break was the cause for issues with the Raritan System's water.

The Raritan System provides drinking water to 64 towns in parts of Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties

The mystery has left many residents frustrated, with one person sharing on Reddit: 'I'm surprised they don't give any directions... is it safe to drink, touch skin, etc.? Kinda wild that they omit the most important information for the customer.'

American Water said it began flushing hydrants last night, continuing into Thursday in an effort to help clear out the system.

[This may result in low pressure and/or discoloration. If your water is discolored, run the cold-water taps only, at the lowest level of the house for about 3 to 5 minutes until the water runs clear,' the company said in a press release.

Residents in Hillsborough, where a drone alleged crashed last week, and other towns have been told not to drink tap water and use bottled until further notice.

But as drones have invaded the skies over New Jersey for more than a month, conspiracy theories are swirling about the water changes.

'So there's been countless unidentified drones flying over our reservoirs completely unfettered, and now the water from an entire reservoir smells and tastes bad,' a New Jersey resident shared online.

'And they are 100% sure there is no connection, even though we don't know who is flying the drones, why the drones are flying, why they are over reservoirs, and why the water smells and tastes bad.'

A Facebook Group, New Jersey Mystery Drones - let's solve it, features a thread about the mysterious water issues.

Dozens of New Jersey towns, home to over one million people, have reported foul-smelling and tasting water pouring from their taps

The tainted tap water has led many on social media to speculate that drones flying over New Jersey may be connected to the changes, as initial sightings occurred over the Raritan Rivera vital source for the Raritan System

A Hillsborough resident posted: 'This could be completely unrelated and I am hoping that's the case....There are reports of foul smelling and tasting water in and around Hillsborough 08844. People are stating it tastes like nail polish. Any insight is appreciated.'

The first comment reads: 'Drones flying over reservoirs spraying stuff. Go figure. My country is run by idiots.'

Another New Jersey local shared the claims, saying: 'I seen this coming and warned everyone a couple days ago but everyone laughed at me.

'Guess that's what happens when Drones are seen spraying everywhere including water reservoirs.'

However, others commenting on the post sharing the issues with their tap water.

'Over the past month I've had 2 distinctive occasions when I've came in from outside and told my wife I have a metallic taste in my mouth,' one person shared.

While another said she was happy to have read the alert before bathing her one-year-old.

And many New Jerseyans warned the others to not drink the water.

Over the past month I've had 2 distinctive occasions when I've came in from outside and told my wife I have a metallic taste in my mouth.

While a mother said she was glad to read the post before bathing her baby with the smelly water.

The first New Jersey drone sightings appeared over the US Army's Picatinny Arsenal on November 18.

Officials then started receiving reports of craft flying of water reservoirs, electric transmission lines, rail stations, police departments and military installations.

The White House has stated multiple times that it has 'not identified anything anomalous or any national security or public safety risk.'

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday that people are misidentifying hobbyists, planes, and even stars as drones.

He noted that the FBI had received tips on 5,000 drone sightings in recent weeks, of which 100 were deemed worthy of further investigation.
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Stacey Solomon left fans in tears when she returned to screens on Wednesday for her annual Crafty Christmas special.

The festive one-off sees the Loose Women star, 35, find clever ways to cut costs, upcycle, and spread some homemade cheer during the festive season.

And this year's instalment was particularly tear-jerking as Stacey, her husband Joe Swash and their children, helped throw a Christmas party for her grandmother Gwen's care home.

The X-Factor star even went back to her roots to put on a performance and belt out some songs for the elderly residents.

Stacey's aunt Mary and niece, who live in Canada, also paid a surprise visit to the family in the festive special.

Before the episode aired, Stacey took to Instagram to share that she was tuning in at the care home alongside the residents, who were 'so excited and happy'.

Stacey Solomon left fans in tears when she returned to screens on Wednesday for her annual Crafty Christmas special

The festive one-off sees the Loose Women star, 35, find clever ways to cut costs, upcycle, and spread some homemade cheer during the festive season

She quipped: 'Guys I'm at my grandma's care home watching crafty Christmas and I'm actually crying at all of the staff and residents. They're so excited and happy.'

And fans who were watching along were equally emotional, as they took to X to praise the show.

Viewers wrote: 'All I do is cry around Christmas time. tonight its at Stacey Solomon decorating her Nans care home for a Christmas party??? I need help.'

'To hear Stacey Solomon sing at her nans nursing home... What a voice she has.. wish she would sing more @StaceySolomon plus I absolutely #CraftyChristmas as always do every year.. such a heart warming and Christmasy program.'

'They can never make me hate Stacey Solomon, her positivity and light is contagious I just love her.'

'I've got zero interest in crafting but I'm tuned into this Stacey Solomon show purely for the vibes.'

'Oh my, Stacey Solomon singing On My Own from Les Mis as a promise to Tony in the residential home has got me.'

'Well it wasnt the best for craft ideas but it was lovely what Stacey Solomon done for the care home & the careers & she can sing #craftychristmas.'

'I love Stacey Solomon - so positive and warm. This programme is so lovely with so many carers taking part - not often seen and do so much good work. #craftychristmas.'

And this year's instalment was particularly tear-jerking as Stacey, her husband Joe Swash and their children, helped throw a Christmas party for her grandmother Gwen's care home

Before the episode aired, Stacey took to Instagram to share that she was tuning in at the care home alongside the residents, who were 'so excited and happy'

It marks her third annual show, with the previous two specials in 2022 and 2023

And fans who were watching along were equally emotional, as they took to X to praise the show

It marks her third annual show, with the previous two specials airing in 2022 and 2023.

The new series includes fabulous ideas for all ages, with son Leighton helping Stacey create personalised Christmas crackers, and three-year-old Rex making marbleised baubles for the tree.

Elsewhere, Stacey and Joe 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 episode comes just after Stacey shared some adorable pictures with her grandmother in celebration of her 96th birthday.

She took to social media on Monday to pay tribute to her gran with an array of snaps from the special day.

The couple have son Rex and daughters Rose and 16-month-old Belle together, while Stacey has Leighton, 12, and Zachary, 16, and Joe has Harry, 16, from previous relationships

The episode comes just after Stacey shared some adorable pictures with her grandmother in celebration of her 96th birthday

She took to social media on Monday to pay tribute to her gran with an array of snaps from the special day

Stacey wrote on Instagram: '96 today it's Great Grandma's 96th birthday today. She has been our constant comfort & love all of our lives & we are so lucky to have her.

'So today we had afternoon tea in the front room & spent the day cuddling & catching up.'

The TV star made sure to note in her caption how 'happy' she was to have her grandma just around the corner from Pickle Cottage in Essex.

She added: 'Even Joe made it to celebrate. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA We are so so lucky to have you in our lives & I can't even tell you how happy we are that you're round the corner to us now.'

She concluded: 'We get to spend so much precious time with you! to the moon and back grandma.'

Last year, Stacey detailed how grateful she felt for being able to make 'more precious memories' since her grandmother moved to a care home nearby.

She posted a sweet snap cuddling her grandmother at Pickle Cottage, where she lives, and a picture of daughter Rose, two, on her lap.

She penned: 'Got Grandma To Pickle Cottage. I can't even describe how lucky & grateful we feel that we finally managed to convince grandma to move closer to us.

'This week we've been settling her in and it's been magical. Thank you Grandma for building up your confidence, we know how hard it was to leave a place you've been your whole life.

She concluded: 'We get to spend so much precious time with you! to the moon and back grandma.'

Stacey detailed her gratitude for being able to make 'more precious memories' since her grandmother moved to a care home (grandmother pictured with daughter Rose, two)

'But we are so excited to be in your life with you every single day & make the most of the gift that you are. To the greatest Great Grandma in the world we love you.'

Stacey also posted a black and white picture of the children's great grandmother, captioning: 'The kids have always been obsessed with great grandma and now they get to grow up with her properly.'

In the slew of photos also saw Stacey hold her 'grandma's' hand as they spent some quality time chatting on the sofa.

Adding: 'I'm just so grateful she's here now. She's always been the best Grandma we could have ever wished for and to be able to make the most precious memories as possible is all we've ever wanted.

'She's settled in so well and is so so happy. She's already made loads of friends too. Can't tell you how excited I am for Grandma cuddles everyday from now on.'
BBC Breakfast's Charlie Stayt muttered 'I'm saying nothing' as Carol Kirkwood swiped at Naga Munchetty to 'learn her lesson' and bite her tongue.

During Thursday's weather segment, hosts Charlie, 62, and Naga, 49, were chatting to Carol, 62, about Elton John's music video in which model Cara Delevinge is transformed into the musician.

Charlie said: 'Who do you think would play Carol in the video?'

But he quickly answered his own question, adding: 'Well she's listening so I'm not going to say. I can feel her presence.'

Chiming in as the weather presenter appeared on the screen, Naga said: 'You can feel her eyes boring into the side of you. Morning Carol!'

'I'm saying nothing,' Charlie muttered back.

'That's probably for the best Charlie', quick-witted Carol quipped back.

Naga added: 'I should probably learn that lesson from time to time I think.'

BBC Breakfast's Charlie Stayt muttered 'I'm saying nothing' as Carol Kirkwood swiped at Naga Munchetty to 'learn her lesson' and bite her tongue

'That's probably for the best Charlie', quick witted Carol quipped back at the two hosts

It comes after Naga Munchetty announced a new career change after 10 years hosting BBC Breakfast

Without missing a beat, Carol replied: 'Absolutely Naga, that could be your new year's resolution!', to which Naga said: 'Yeah alright! Fat chance!'.

The entire studio erupted into laughter over the trio's entertaining back and forth banter.

It comes after Naga took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the news with fans she is releasing a new book, Its Probably Nothing: Critical Conversations on the Womens Health Crisis, in April next year.

It follows Naga's own long and arduous journey getting diagnosed with Adenomyosis, a womb disorder, after three decades of being in agony.

Naga also shares stories from other women, who have faced other challenges within the healthcare system.

She said of the book: 'Its becoming increasingly clear that women, and those who love women, need to know how to fight for their health and arm themselves with the right tools to do that effectively.

'Im passionate about writing a book that can help women. Its time our health is taken seriously.'

The presenter, 49, took to Instagram to share the news with fans she is releasing a new book, It's Probably Nothing: Critical Conversations on the Women's Health Crisis, next year

The book is set to be released in hardback, e-book and audiobook form on April 24, 2025

She continued: 'ITS PROBABLY NOTHING is an exploration of the healthcare difficulties women face, from being heard, to diagnosed and treated.

'In the book, I share my own experiences, as well as those of many others, speaking to doctors and experts at every step of the way.'

The book is set to be released in hardback, e-book and audiobook form on April 24, 2025.

Last year, Naga revealed how her crippling womb disorder was dismissed by medics for three decades.

The presenter said at times it left her screaming in agony, with pain so severe she would lost consciousness and with no option but to call an ambulance.

BBC Breakfast airs on BBC One every day from 6am and is available to stream on iPlayer.
Against all the odds Netflix series La Palma has shot up the most-watched list on the streaming service.

The four-part show, which has been dubbed 'cringe-worthy' by some viewers, hit our screens last week - and it has already got a lot of people talking about it on social media.

La Palma follows the story of a Norwegian family that travel to the Spanish island.

Things don't get off to a good start, after a number of tourists die during a boat accident, just days before Fredrik, Jennifer and their kids, Sara and Tobias arrive.

It then gets worse after researchers Marie and Haukur spot the signs of a potential volcanic eruption - which could have devastating consequences for everyone on the island.

The brand new series has become a huge hit on Netflix.

'Cringe-worthy' series La Palma has become one of the most watched shows on Netflix

According to Uni Lad, La Palma has been streamed for more than 40 million hours on the streaming service.

Despite that, it has really left a divided opinion amongst those who have watched it, with many sharing their critiques on social media.

Some of those weren't a fan of what they watched and didn't hold back with their gripes.

One wrote on X: 'Oh dear shockingly bad in so many ways. Acting and overdubbing very poor, scenes cheap and nasty and the plot cringeworthy. Based on some hypothetical scenarios, but these are stretched beyond fiction.'

Another added: '#LaPalmaNetflix waste of time."

A third chimed in: 'La Palma on Netflix had some good but also bad plot moments."

The show hit streaming service Netflix earlier this month

La Palma is set on the Spanish island

Others viewers were left 'yelling at their tv' while watching the series.

Despite that, some were a huge fan of the programme.

Another wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: 'I dont understand the hate, I was fully locked into this show and loved it!'

A fifth chimed in on X: 'Unpopular opinion, I actually enjoyed La Palma on @netflix.'

A sixth tweeted: 'La Palma on Netflix is a good show.'

La Palma stars Thea Sofie Loch Nss, Anders Baasmo and Alma Gunther.

La Palma has divided viewers with their opinions on the series

Other stars include Ingrid Bols Berdal, Jenny Evensen, Amund Harboe and Jorge de Juan.

The drama is written by Lars Gudmestad and Rosenlw Eeg.

La Palma is directed by Kasper Barfoed.

Watch La Palma on Netflix now.
A long-serving BBC news reporter has announced she's quitting her on-screen role after a whopping 24 years with the channel.

Foreign Correspondent Jenny Hill shared the sad news that she will be leaving the broadcaster in a new post on social media on Wednesday.

Taking to X, she wrote: 'Personal update: I'm leaving the BBC today after 24 years. What a privilege it's been to travel the world and tell people's stories.

'Thanks to the many lovely colleagues whose talent, courage and friendship have made it such a pleasure.'

The journalist, who grew up on the island of Jersey, began her career with a stint at BBC Radio Jersey before heading to Cardiff University to undertake a masters degree in journalism.

After graduating, Jenny joimed Birmingham's Central Television as a reporter before moving back to the Channel Islands to work as a reporter, presenter, and producer in Jersey and Guernsey.

A long-serving BBC news reporter has announced she's quitting her on-screen role after a whopping 24 years with the channel

Foreign Correspondent Jenny Hill shared the sad news that she will be leaving the broadcaster in a new post on social media on Wednesday

Other career highlights include working on and fronting BBC Look North and BBC Breakfast, as well as covering the 2011 Japanese tsunami and the London riots.

In 2014 she became the corporation's Berlin correspondent and has also reported on the war in Ukraine.

Still living in the German capital, Jenny teased in her X bio that she is 'Planning new adventures from Berlin'.

Jenny was flooded with support from colleagues when she announced her departure from the BBC.

BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay said: 'It's been a privilege and pleasure to work with YOU! Very sorry you're leaving. All the very best for whatever follows'

BBC News analysis editor Ros Atkins gushed: 'We're going to miss you, Jenny. Best of luck,' while Chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet added 'Such a distinctive broadcaster and kind colleague. So sorry to see you go Jenny'.

ITV Granada host Elaine Wilcox penned: 'Sad to hear that @JennyHillBBC you've been brilliant. I love seeing you in Berlin, where I was born. Who's the lucky correspondent taking over? Have a blast with your next adventure.'

Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood wrote: 'It has been a pleasure working with you GG. We will miss you,' alongside a crying emoji.

Other colleagues and viewers alike quipped: 'I remember working with you, briefly in Hull as a camera operator, when you were at Look North. Good luck with the next chapter!'

Taking to X, she wrote: 'Personal update: I'm leaving the BBC today after 24 years. What a privilege it's been to travel the world and tell people's stories'

The journalist, who grew up on the island of Jersey, began her career with a stint at BBC Radio Jersey before heading to Cardiff University to undertake a masters degree in journalism

Jenny was flooded with support from colleagues when she announced her departure from the BBC

'Jenny I'm so sorry to hear this. You're outstanding. Have always loved watching your work. All the very best for what you do next.'

'Jenny, you've always been brilliant and I've always enjoyed your reporting. So much style and flare, the mistress of the well-chosen word! Best of luck with whatever's next.'

'We will miss you hugely ... loads of luck for the future and see you soon in berlin, i hope xxx.'

'You will be so much missed on the BBC but I can't wait to see what your next chapter holds in store.'

'Will always remember how hard you worked and didn't fuss about the prospect of sleeping in the car because we couldn't find accommodation when we deployed you to the Rhodes wildfires story. You simply just got on with your job, like you always do. A real loss for us. X.'
A terrifying Christmas TV series has just landed on ITVX and already has viewers hooked.

Pronounced Nosferatu, NOS4A2 is a new supernatural thriller based on Joe Hill's best selling 2013 novel.

The show follows Charlie Manx, a seductive immortal who preys on the souls of children to sustain his twisted existence.

His victims are transported to a sinister village called Christmasland, where unhappiness is forbidden by law.

But when a young working class artist in New England discovers her supernatural ability to unlock portals to find lost objects, she becomes his biggest threat.

As Vic McQueen finds out more about the dark universe, she will soon comes face to face with Charlie but risks losing her sanity.

A terrifying Christmas TV series has just landed on ITVX and already has viewers hooked

Pronounced Nosferatu, NOS4A2 is a new supernatural thriller based on Joe Hill's best selling 2013 novel

Actor Zachary Quinto takes on the role of supernatural villain Charlie in the supernatural series

It sees him transform with prosthetics into an ancient being, which is something that very much appealed to the actor.

He told Vulture: 'I'd been actively looking for a role that would let me disappear and really lose myself in the physicality of the character.

'Everything that you can do prosthetically, we did. There really was no part of my face that was uncovered,' he added.

It also sees Australian actor Ashleigh Cummings, who viewers will know from Westside and Gallipoli.

Supporting members of the cast include Olafur Darri Olafsson as Bing Partridge, Virginia Kull as Linda McQueen and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Chris McQueen.

Series creator Jami O'Brien told The Wrap: 'It's kind of a fun twist on the vampire genre.

'Charlie Manx is a kind of vampire but he's not any kind of vampire that we've seen before.'

The show follows Charlie Manx, a seductive immortal who preys on the souls of children to sustain his twisted existence

But when a young working class artist in New England discovers her supernatural ability to unlock portals to find lost objects, she becomes his biggest threat

NOS4A2 first landed on ITVX on December 16 and gave viewers a new festive horror to get fixed on.

Despite coming out in the US in 2019, this is the first time it has become available for Brits to stream.

UK viewers have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts on the show.

They wrote: 'NOS4A2 is now available on ITVX. Such a great series!'

'Just finished NOS4A2 and I really loved it.'

In response, another replied: 'One of the best horror series, period.'

The show has a score of 82% on review site Rotten Tomatoes.

Seasons 1 and 2 of NOS4A2 are available to stream on ITVX now.
December 18, 2024: Vladimir Putin is something of a professional terrorist. He has discreetly used terrorism throughout his 25 year political career. Putin became the Russian leader in 1999. Before that in the 1990s he staged some terror attacks inside Russia to encourage more popular support for his rule of Russia. News of this tactic only reached the West via a few Russian refugees. That information source dried up as Putin allegedly sent assassins to deal with talkative Russian exiles.

Putin acquired more rumors of dirty tricks after the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia, a Christian state in the otherwise Moslem Caucasus. Russia used terrorist attacks to justify the attacks on Georgia, which was a success. Despite the victory in Georgia, there were unexpected repercussions in Russia. There were protests by Russian voters in a democratic Russia that sent thousands of conscripts into the Caucasus to put down a Chechen uprising. Many conscripts were killed and Russian leaders finally remembered that they lowered their losses in Afghanistan by depending more on commandos and airborne troops, who were all volunteers. Some of those volunteers were conscripts who felt up to the challenge of being a spetsnaz commando or paratrooper, and the Afghans feared these troops. The Chechen War lasted from 2009 to 2017, when Putin ended the conflict by appointing the most powerful Chechen clan to subdue the other Chechen factions and run Chechnya for Russia. That worked, although anti-Russian Chechen factions continue to be a problem. In December 2024 Ukraine managed to damage a Chechen police station with a very long range drone. Ukrainians are angry about the terrorism and looting Chechen forces have carried out in Ukraine.

In 2014 Russian leaders decided to seize Crimea from Ukraine. At the time Russia had a long-term lease on the Crimean port of Sevastopol to serve as a base for their Black Sea Fleet. Several staged terrorist attacks in 2014 helped make this happen. When Russia decided in 2022 to invade Ukraine and annex the country, a contingent of Chechens participated but eventually left. This departure was motivated by growing terror attacks in Chechnya and Chechens fighting in Ukraine for the Ukrainians.

The war in Ukraine continues and the Ukrainians got creative in how they attack deep inside Russia with drones. Ukraine also has operatives inside Russia that stage terror attacks and target locations for Ukrainian drone attacks. There have been several spectacular attacks which destroyed stockpiles of munitions, fuel as well as fuel refineries. These attacks are carried out at night so the fires and explosions can be seen by more Russian civilians. The Russian government claims that Ukraine is all but defeated. These vivid drone attacks remind Russians and their government that terrorism works both ways. Ukrainian attacks inside Russia are increasing the variety of weapons used as well.

Vladimir likes to be the terrorist, not the terrorized. This Ukrainian response was unexpected and unwelcome. So Putin does not have an effective response except promises that he will turn his Ukrainian war into a forever war. His dwindling popular support is dwindling and more Russians are complaining about the high losses in Ukraine and the impact of Western economic sanctions. That form of terrorism is being felt all over Russia. Vladimir Putin is running out of potential solutions and his oligarch and military associates are running out of patience. Without the support of the wealthy business oligarchs and the corrupt generals, Putin cannot rule. For Putin, that is a personally terrorizing prospect.
Coronation Street have released the emotional Gail Platt tribute video that was shared at Helen Worth's leaving party.

It comes after actress Helen, 73, announced back in June that she was stepping away from the Cobbles following an incredible 50 years on the ITV soap.

Helen first appeared on Coronation Street in 1974 to take on the role of iconic character Gail - and fans were left devastated when she confirmed the news she had quit the soap over the summer.

The soap star is due to leave the show next week and the scenes will air on Christmas Day.

To celebrate Helen's time on the show, Coronation Street created a montage video of clips to honour all her hard work over the decades.

They played out the special video at the soap star's leaving party in November, and it certainly left everyone watching very emotional.

Coronation Street have shared Gail Platt's emotional tribute video that was shared at her leaving bash

The soap star has been on the ITV soap for five decades

Gail has been involved in a number of gripping storylines over the years

The stars and crew of Coronation Street struggled to fight back the tears as it played out in Weatherfield's very own Bistro.

Now Corrie fans can enjoy all of Helen's best bits for themselves.

The eight minute video has been uploaded to the ITV soap's official YouTube channel and named 'Celebrating 50 years of Gail'.

Over the years, Helen's alter-ego Gail has been involved in a number of gripping storylines.

Some include her various weddings, nearly getting murdered by her third husband Richard Hillman, her hilarious relationship with Eileen Grimshaw and the time her son David pushed her down the stairs.

Two months ago it was revealed that Helen was filming her final scenes.

Helen pictured with her on-screen son Jack P. Shepherd

Helen pictured with co-star Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Metcalfe on the Cobbles

The actress (middle) announced that she was leaving back in June this year

In her statement announcing the news, Helen said: 'This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world.

'I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.

'I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew.

'The past 50 years have flown by and I don't think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.'

Just last month, ahead of her departure, Helen made a rare public appearance at the North West Royal Television Society awards in Manchester.

The soap star looked worlds away from her alter-ego in a black suit and sheer top.
Welcome to The Group Chat with Lucy Manly, where Australia's most-trusted society insider shares the hottest gossip BEFORE it makes the news

The billion-dollar question

Will they or won't they?

It's the question on the lips of Sydney's society set regarding the nuptials of our favourite May-December lovebirds, 81-year-old billionaire Robert Whyte and his 38-year-old fashion marketer fiancee Alessandra Eddy.

According to several sources, their plans to walk down the aisle have not moved forward since news broke of their surprise engagement earlier this year.

'It's now a case of will they actually get married, not when,' one acquaintance of the age-gap couple tells me.

Will they or won't they? It's the question on the lips of Sydneys society set regarding the nuptials of our favourite May-December lovebirds, 81-year-old billionaire Robert Whyte and his 38-year-old fashion marketer fiancee Alessandra Eddy (pictured together)

Whyte proposed to Eddy, who is 43 years his junior, in May - just days before one of the ritziest days on the society calendar, the Gold Dinner fundraiser

'All bets are off, if you ask me.'

Whyte, a Rich Lister and former Kerry Packer confidant, proposed to Eddy, who is 43 years his junior, in May - just days before one of the ritziest days on the society calendar, the Gold Dinner, a fundraiser for the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.

Mr Whyte's estimated $898million fortune earned him a decent spot in the Australian Financial Review's 2024 Rich List of the nation's wealthiest 200 people.

He has amassed extensive assets spanning local and international equities, real estate and outdoor advertising.

Ms Eddy, a mother and prominent figure in Sydney's social scene, founded fashion brand Luna Atelier and is known for her role on the Gold Dinner committee.

It's no secret Ms Eddy's father Nicholas Eddy, a well-known Paddington lawyer, is said to be less than pleased about the relationship, especially after his daughter moved into Whyte's $30million mansion.

You're never too young for a (half) facelift

After last week's blind item about a fashion designer getting a 'partial facelift', my phone ran hot with calls and texts about all the celebrities who've secretly been under the knife for the surgery de jour.

For the uninitiated, a partial facelift (sometimes called a half or mini facelift) is a trendy cosmetic procedure that targets the lower third of the face, elegantly tightening and smoothing the skin around the jowls, neck and jawline.

It's a less invasive and more subtle alternative to a traditional facelift, which is why younger women prefer it.

It's also more budget-friendly, with a mini facelift costing as little as $20,000 while a comprehensive full face and neck lift can set you back up to $70,000.

While it may be a more delicate approach, it's still a facelift. Which is a pretty extreme surgery for anyone to have - especially the young influencers and socialites I am reliably informed are booking them in over Christmas.

Surgery enthusiast Skye Wheatley (pictured here after having fox eye lift surgery in Turkey) is one of few Australian socialites who'll admit they've had a mini facelift - the surgery du jour

I was a guest at an influencer summit this week in Bali, hosted by Balearic Beauty International. Everywhere I looked, I saw faces full of filler, porcelain teeth, bulging butts and breasts bursting with saline - and a few tell-tale signs of the half facelift.

Guests included former reality stars Skye Wheatley and Kiki Morris, and a heap of influencers excited for the chance to shoot content at the luxury private villa in Uluwatu.

Living in Sydney's eastern suburbs, I'm no stranger to the ever-changing faces of the glamorous elite. But some of the work these women were displaying was extreme!

Skye, 30, who was only recently forced to deny she was 'addicted' to going under the knife, told me she was trying to scale back her surgeries in 2025.

In September, she underwent a 'fox eye lift' in Turkey. The minimally invasive procedure uses dissolvable threads to lift and elongate the eye in order to create a more almond shape and an upturned look, and typically lasts for six to 12 months.

She also had a half facelift - making her one of the few celebrities among those I know have had it done to actually admit it.

Skye (pictured at the Balearic Beauty International rebrand event in Bali this week) has had a mini facelift, a less invasive, more subtle and usually cheaper alternative to a traditional facelift

And finally... guess who, don't sue

A popular on-air personality who likes a drink appears to have lost her driver's licence.

For weeks now, the radio star and her daughter have been ferried around Sydney in her SUV by an elderly gentleman who is neither her boyfriend nor a relative.

'He looks like a driver,' a clued-up paparazzi tells me.

She's been taken to work, home and massage appointments. Her usually responsive management did not reply when contacted for comment.
Trevor Nelson has confirmed he will replace Scott Mills on Radio 2s coveted afternoon show following Zoe Balls exit.

The DJ, who has been hosting the 10pm to midnight slot for eight years, revealed he will begin at the end of January as he joked that it was about time he got some vitamin D.

Speaking at Trevor Nelsons Soul Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall, he said: Now I have a public service announcement. I will be doing the afternoon show at the end of January.

It's about time you got your vitamin D, cause Im doing too many nighttime shows, Trevor said.

Im really happy its going to be a great time, please join me, if you dont listen please start listening, he added.

Trevor Nelson has confirmed he will replace Scott Mills on Radio 2s coveted afternoon show following Zoe Ball s exit

The DJ, who has been hosting the 10pm to midnight slot for eight years, revealed he will begin at the end of January as he joked that it was about time he got some vitamin D

The shake-up follows the announcement that Scott Mills will take over the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show from Zoe Ball, following her departure this month after six years in the role.

In November the veteran presenter, 54, revealed on air that she would be stepping away from the early alarm call to start a new chapter and focus on family.

She is due to host her last slot on December 20 before Scott, 51, who currently hosts Radio 2s weekday afternoon programme from 2 - 4pm, begins fronting the programme in early January.

As part of the reshuffle, Trevor will replace Scotts early afternoon slot.

In a statement, he said: Its going to be great being on daytime. Its the ultimate privilege as a broadcaster to entertain the nation on the biggest station in the UK every day.

Im looking to have lots of fun and will be bringing a bit of soul to the new show, he revealed.

The 60-year-old confirmed that his guess-the-artist game, Five Seconds to Name, will also transition with him to the new slot.

Radio 2 presenters Zoe Ball and Scott Mills leaving BBC Broadcasting House in London after Ball announced she was stepping down from the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show after six years

Trevors broadcasting career began on Londons Kiss FM in 1985, before he joined BBC Radio 1 in 1996 where he presented The Rhythm Nation, said to be the first national R&B show, until 2013.

From 2007, he presented the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra, and in 2008 he established a weekly soul and R&B show on Radio 2.

Trevor will also continue to host Trevor Goes Old Skool on BBC 1Xtra, airing Sundays from 11am to 1pm.

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: Im thrilled to be able to move Trevor into Radio 2s weekday daytime schedule.

A true radio pioneer, Trevor is loved by his listeners, and Im looking forward to hearing him bring a touch of hugely popular soul, funk and R&B to weekday afternoons, she added.

With Trevor making the leap to daytime, DJ Spoony will take over his former late-night Monday to Thursday slot.

The Good Groove show, which previously aired on Friday nights from 9 pm to 11pm, will now run Monday to Thursday from 10pm to midnight.

Trevor was joined at his annual sold out festive gig, which will air on Radio 2 over Christmas, by the likes of Kenny Thomas, Karen Sledge and the Kingdom Choir.
Rebecca Judd has denied rumours her dazzling smile is in fact thanks to a set of veneers.

The glamorous AFL WAG, 41, has long been a beacon of ageless beauty, spruiking skincare brands, facials and non-surgical treatments for her plump visage.

For two decades, she has denied having any plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure done, instead pointing to healthy living and expensive skincare as her saving grace.

And on Wednesday the Jaggad co-founder's followers quizzed her directly about whether or not she'd had cosmetic work done.

'Do you have veneers Bec?' one person demanded during an Instagram Q&A.

Replying with a close up shot of her pearly whites, Bec firmly shut down the suggestion.

Rebecca 'Bec' Judd, 41, (pictured) had a crazy night out over the weekend as she jetted up to Sydney with 15 of her glamorous friends to attend a Dom Dolla concert and party on a boat

But as the AFL WAG shared images of the social gathering to Instagram, one fan couldn't help but notice one detail in Bec's group photo with her gal pals

'No, these are all mine,' she began in her caption.

'I had braces when I was 15, Invisalign recently, and [I do] at home whitening often.

'You can see the Invisalign grips still on my teeth in this pic.'

The zoomed in photograph showed the small imperfections in Bec's smile and the clear, removable aligners on her upper canine teeth.

'I need to head back to [the dentist] to have them removed. I have a permanent wire on my bottom teeth to keep them straight.'

Rumours began to swirl last month that Bec and some of her glamorous friends might have matching veneers, after she jetted up to Sydney to party on a boat before attending Dom Dolla's concert.

As Bec shared images of the social gathering to Instagram, one of her followers pointed out that the mother-of-four and several of her friends appeared to have 'matching' veneers.

In the photo, Bec was all smiles as she posed with 11 of her friends ahead of Grammy-nominated Aussie DJ's concert and they were all flashing their pearly whites for the camera.

Bec Judd shut down rumours that she has a set of veneers as she revealed the details of her adult orthodontic work

One of the socialite's 756,000 thousand followers pointed out that the mother-of-four and several of her friends appeared to have 'matching' veneers

'All with the veneers I see,' one eagle-eyed follower suggested, as someone else agreed, saying: 'Three definitely matching teeth.'

Bec kept her look casual while partying on a boat just hours before her girl's night out, wearing a simple beige tank top and white slacks.

She snapped a selfie with her shoe designer girlfriend Lana Wilkinson, with the pair flashing their similarly blinding white smiles.

Veneers are a layer of material placed over a tooth to improve the aesthetics of a smile and protect the surface of the teeth from damage.

Invisalign and clear teeth aligners are a computer generated mould that can be used to gradually correct teeth without the need for braces.

Given Bec's response, it seems more likely that the similarities between the smiles in the group boat party photo are due to a photo editing effect.

The model once revealed in 2015 that she received some harsh advice about her smile when she was just 15-years-old.

After joining Vivien's Modelling Agency in Perth, Bec said she was told to 'finish school, get your teeth fixed and then after that go and work'.

She snapped a selfie with her shoe designer girlfriend Lana Wilkinson, with the pair flashing their similarly blinding white smiles

The former TV presenter must have taken the words to heart and has obviously worked hard to maintain her straight, pearly white chompers since entering the public eye.

Despite the ongoing speculation, Bec has always remained firm on the claim she maintains her glowing complexion using faces peels and skincare products.

Bec, who shares four childrentwins Tom and Darcy, eight, daughter Billie, ten, and Oscar, 12with husband Chris Judd, has been an ambassador for The Skincare Company since 2016 and a customer since 2014, often touting it online as her go-to for flawless skin.

The WAG also gets regular non-surgical cosmetic treatments from the Flawless Rejuvenation clinic in Melbourne.

These include: EXION RF microneedling, hydrafacials, laser genesis, fraxel laser treatments (which in 2017 Bec said felt like a 'blow torch' to the face), and LED masks.
Catriona Rowntree has proven the depth of her love for the popular Stan Western series Yellowstone by dressing up as a fan-favourite character from the show.

The long-time Getaway presenter, 53, shared a sweet picture to Instagram which capture her and her husband James Pettit dressing up as ranchers Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler.

The incredibly youthful-looking presenter was all smiles as she cheekily hammed it up in an eye-popping pink sundress, similar to those wore by the character played by English actress Kelly Reilly.

Her long blonde hair was elegantly styled in a manner similar to how Kelly wears hers on the hit series, set on the largest ranch in Montana.

Meanwhile, James looked dapper in an unbuttoned black jacket, matching shirt, jeans, aviator sunglasses and a cowboy hat as he put on his best impression of the ranch hand played by Cole Hauser.

The pair absolutely beamed as they cosplayed as two iconic characters from the popular American TV series.

Catriona Rowntree has stunned her fans by showing she is a huge fan of the popular Stan Western series Yellowstone, by dressing up as a character from the show. (Pictured with her husband James Pettit)

Catriona captioned the photo, ' Well buddy, what did you think of the @yellowstone finale? Thoughts? Is this the last time I'll be pulling out this homage pic (from our combined birthday party) to our beloved Beth n Rip Dutton?

'Or do you think a spin-off might actually happen? Either way, my fresh farmer and I kinda loved the last episode. You?'

Many of Catriona's followers quickly took to the comment section to gush over her top-notch cosplay.

'What a great pic,' one fan wrote and a second person added: 'I had to do a double-take.'

It comes after star Reilly gave a subtle nod to Australia during the series' highly anticipated finale.

The popular Stan series came to a head this week with the movie-length finale hitting the streamer on Monday.

Reilly, who plays Beth Dutton, gave a bravura performance in the episode that saw her family's tenure on the titular Montana ranch come to an end.

While she is known for her western chic look in the Taylor Sheridan-helmed series, one scene showed Kelly sporting a rather bohemian vibe.

The long-time Getaway presenter, 53, shared a sweet picture to Instagram which capture her and her husband James Pettit dressing up as characters Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. (Pictured: actors Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser)

Upon rising early in the morning, Reilly walks into the ranch's kitchen for her morning coffee.

Her character wore a breezy floral-inspired kimono from Australian label Spell & The Gypsy Collective.

The Byron Bay-based label is run by sisters Isabella Pennefather and Elizabeth Abegg and offers an array of summery boho styles.

While the stunning kimono is no longer available for sale on the Spell site, eagle-eyed fashionistas may be able to pick one up second-hand, with Kelly's Yellowstone look spotted on resale sites such as eBay for around $400.

Yellowstone's penultimate episode ended with Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) teasing that he would save the ranch by giving it away.

It comes amid a report that there will be a spinoff featuring Kelly and her onscreen husband, set to continue their engaging story.

Yellowstone is currently available to be streamed in Australia on Stan.
Lincoln Lewis has led the tributes to beloved Australian author John Marsden after his death.

Marsden, known for his best-selling Tomorrow book series, died at his home at the age of 74, according to a letter from Alice Miller School - which the author founded.

The school's statement told how Marsden 'died at his desk in his home, doing what he loved, writing', The Guardian reported.

No cause of death has yet been given but tributes have been flooding in for the esteemed author following the sad news of his passing.

Home and Away star Lewis, 37, led the charge as he took to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday to share some heartfelt words dedicated to Marsden.

He wrote: 'RIP John Marsden. Tomorrow, When The War Began has been in schools all across the country for many, many years and his books have been loved by so many.

Lincoln Lewis (pictured) has led the tributes to beloved Australian author John Marsden after his death

Marsden (pictured), known for his best-selling Tomorrow book series, died at his home at the age of 74, according to a letter from Alice Miller School - which the author founded

'Thanks for bringing us such incredible adventures mate.'

Lewis is known for his role as Kevin Holmes in the 2010 film adaptation of the first novel in Marsden's popular adventure series, titled Tomorrow, When The War Began.

In another tribute post, Lewis went on to detail how much he loved the Tomorrow series himself as a teenager and told how surreal it was when he was cast in the film.

He penned: 'I remember while reading, always imagining how it would look seeing it as a show or movie - not thinking in my wildest dreams that only several years after finishing high school, that I'd get to actually play one of his characters in the movie adaption!

'A career honor that I still am lost for words thinking about!'

Lincoln went on to praise Marsden for being 'polite' and 'a true gentlemen' when he visited the set of the popular movie.

'I remember John came for a set visit while we were filming in Fox Studios towards the end of production,' he continued.

'Very few times in my life have I been as star struck as when I shook his hand. Lost count how many times I told him that his books were the only thing I willingly read in high school.

Lewis is well-known for his role as Kevin Holmes in the 2010 film adaptation of Marsden's adventure book, Tomorrow, When The War Began (left with Deniz Akdeniz and Caitlin Stasey)

Lewis, 37, led the tributes as he took to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday to share some heartfelt words dedicated to Marsden

'He was so polite, so graceful and just genuinely happy to be there.

'Seeing his eyes and smile beaming after watching our scenes being filmed - getting to see his books brought to life is something I'll never forget, both as an actor & a fan of the books.

'He even wrote an email to Stuart Beattie - our director after his day on set saying how he had goosebumps watching every single take and went on to say how appreciative he was.

'A true gentleman and someone who's brought adventure to so many. Cheers JM.'

His co-star Andrew Ryan, who portrayed Chris Lang in the adventure movie, also shared a photograph of himself with Marsden alongside some sweet words.

'Thanks for the good times mate, rest in peace,' he wrote in an Instagram post.

Phoebe Tonkin, Caitlin Stasey, Ashleigh Cummings, Chris Pang and Rachel Hurd-Wood also made up the cast of Tomorrow, When The War Began.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to Marsden and told how his writing would 'live long in the national memory'.

Marsden's best-selling Tomorrow book series won several major awards for children's and adult fiction and inspired a movie and TV series (the movie's cast are pictured)

'John Marsden wanted young Australians to read more and his writing made that happen,' he wrote on X - formerly known as Twitter.

'Vivid, funny, quintessentially Australian, he wrote with a real love for our land and a true sense of our people's character.

'His was a great Australian voice that spoke to all ages, here and around the world. John's work will live long in our national memory.'

Australian author Alison Lester, known for her children's picture books, praised the 'legacy' Marsden has left behind with his novels.

'He would've got so many kids reading who would never have read otherwise, I think. Here was a whole world that they could believe in,' she said.

'Those books, they looked like they were going to change the world, they were such a force.

'The kids [in the books] were so powerful I think that was the most amazing thing.'

Marsden's best-selling Tomorrow book series won several major awards for children's and adult fiction - including the Lloyd O'Neil Award for contributions to Australian publishing in 2006.

Marsden was also well-known in the education community after serving as principal at two schools in regional Victoria

He created more than 40 books across multiple genres but made waves in the young adult category with Tomorrow, When the War Began.

The book followed a hypothetical war in which Australia was invaded and went on to inspire a movie and TV series.

He went on to write another six books in the series, which were praised by Marsden's publisher, Pan Macmillan Australia, as 'the best series for Australian teens of all time'.

Marsden was also well-known in the education community after serving as principal at two schools in regional Victoria.

In 2018, the author recalled his experiences founding and running Candlebark School, near Romsey, and Alice Miller in Macedon.

'Running a school is probably the most intense and complicated job I've had in my life,' he told the ABC.

'The only thing I can compare it to is when I worked in the emergency department at Sydney Hospital when I was about 19.

'It's very important that young people get their hands dirty, both literally and metaphorically  There's a lot of laughter. There's a lot of joking. There are a lot of serious conversations, too.'
Kieran Culkin spoke up about the various acting methods out there and just how he feels about them.

In short, he has no use for them and finds method acting particularly pretentious.

Especially when it comes to his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong's method acting and calling himself 'a storyteller.'

During a conversation with Coleman Domingo for Variety's annual Actors on Actors series, Culkin, 42, said, 'I object to when actors call themselves storytellers. I dont really like that. Sorry, Jeremy [Strong].

Culkin and Strong, 45, played siblings Roman and Kendall Roy on Succession, a series about the Roy family children vying for control over their father Logan's billion-dollar business.

'I dont think I'm telling the story. Jesse Eisenberg was really good at making sure everyone was involved, but he wrote it, he said, referring to his A Real Pain co-star.

Kieran Culkin spoke up about the various acting methods out there and just how he feels about them

'Hes telling the story. Were all helping him. So that note you got  if youre aware of the story youre trying to tell, and youre trying to tell the story in the scene, thats not really your job.'

Domingo replied, 'Were not storytellers. Were servants of the story,' prompting Culkin to say, 'Lets f***ing work together, man.

Strong was previously profiled in Vanity Fair talking about his commitment to method acting, a school of acting in which the actor inhabits the character 24/7 for the duration of the shoot.

Daniel Day Lewis is a famous and well-known actor who also was a method actor and he retired at 60, citing the toll that school of acting took and how he didn't believe in his work or characters anymore.

In an interview with The Sunday Times earlier this fall, Strong revealed that his role as Kendall Roy 'f***ed up his life' and had a worrying long-term impact on his mental health.

He explained that he 'sometimes lost touch with joy' while reflecting on his time playing the character on the Emmy-winning hit series Succession.

'It f***ed me up,' he admitted before adding that he 'doesn't miss it,' he said noting that unlike his co-stars, he didn't leave his character on set, he lived it all of the time.

'Listen, that show was an incalculable gift,' Strong said about Succession and finally leaving his character behind. 'The material a banquet. So I miss that.'

In short, he has no use for them and finds method acting particularly pretentious

Especially when it comes to his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong 's method acting and calling himself 'a storyteller.' Strong seen here on November 17, 2024

'I object to when actors call themselves storytellers. I dont really like that. Sorry, Jeremy [Strong],' Culkin said. Seen here on December 12, 2024

He continued: 'But Kendall's struggle was difficult to carry for seven years. And there's just so much more I want to do.'

When asked if he would return to the role for a spin-off if the opportunity presented itself, he shut it down.

'It's not something I have any wish to do any longer,' he said. 'I'm aware it is one of the main chapters of my life, but I don't miss it.'

Culkin isn't the only person that has criticized Strong's method acting, so has Brian Cox, who played the family patriarch Logan Roy.

In early 2023, he called Strong's method acting 'f***ing annoying.' But recently he had a somewhat backhanded compliment to pay to Strong.

'He was wonderful to act with. I had no argument with Jeremys acting,' Cox said in an interview with The Guardian.

'He would be an even better actor if he just got rid of that so there would be much more inclusiveness in what he did.'

During the Variety interview with Domingo, Culkin also revealed his favorite Succession cast member is Sarah Snook who played his sister Siobahn 'Shiv' Roy.

Culkin and Strong, 45, played siblings Roman and Kendall Roy on Succession, a series about the Roy family children vying for control over their father Logan's billion-dollar business

Domingo replied, 'Were not storytellers. Were servants of the story,' prompting Culkin to say, 'Lets f***ing work together, man. Strong seen here on December 10, 2024

'Youre not supposed to have favorites; I have a favorite,' he teased.

'There would be times, just for fun, I would take her line, and then give her a little side-eye.

'And then the scene would go on, and when it was my line, she would take mine and go, Got you, bitch.

'Right before we were about to finish shooting, she goes, Are you ready to cry? No ones ever going to cast the two of us in anything. Were never going to work together again. I just bawled,' he said.

'When youre on a show like that, and we play brother-sister, people will always make that comparison. So shes probably right.

Coleman asked Culkin if they keep in touch much now that Succession has concluded.

'She lives in Australia, so its hard to keep up. Im not the best with the phone thing,' he explained.

'I always relied on the fact that there was going to be another season. But shes my sons godmother and one of my favorite people in the world,' he gushed.

During the Variety interview with Domingo, Culkin also revealed his favorite Succession cast member is Sarah Snook who played his sister Siobahn 'Shiv' Roy

'Sometimes, on Succession, we would just shoot the shit. With the actors playing siblings, we were filling in gaps of whats happening between scenes,' Culkin said

Culkin also talked about moments of improvisation between the actors playing the Roy siblings.

'Sometimes, on Succession, we would just shoot the shit. With the actors playing siblings, we were filling in gaps of whats happening between scenes.

'It made the thing feel a little more full,' he said.

Succession ran for four seasons on HBO starting in 2018. It also starred Alan Ruck, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Macfadyen, and J Smith-Cameron as main cast members.
Sarah Michelle Gellar didnt hold back when discussing the state of marriage today, and her candid remarks appeared to subtly call out her Hollywood peers who havent exactly prioritized long-lasting relationships.

The drama unfolded when the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 47, was asked, yet again, about the secret to her enduring romance to Freddie Prinze Jr., a couple that has defied the odds of Tinseltowns notoriously short marriages.

Over two decades since their 2002 wedding, Gellars response was as no-nonsense as ever.

'I think everything takes work, whether it's a friendship or a work relationship or a marriage,' Gellar told Fox Digital on Wednesday. 'You have to put the work in.'

'We live in an extremely disposable society now,' she continued, referencing how people toss out their phones when they break instead of fixing them. 'And I think that's a lot of the attitude toward relationships.'

Sarah and Freddies ability to withstand the pressures of fame and Hollywoods turbulent relationship landscape makes their story a rare and refreshing exception.

Sarah Michelle Gellar didnt hold back when discussing the state of marriage today, and her candid remarks appeared to subtly call out her Hollywood peers who havent exactly prioritized long-lasting relationships

The drama unfolded when the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 47, was asked, yet again, about the secret to her enduring romance to Freddie Prinze Jr., a couple that has defied the odds of Tinseltowns notoriously short marriages; (seen in 2007)

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston tied the knot two years before Sarah and Freddie, only to split in 2005.

Meanwhile, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, who wed just months before Sarah and Freddie, ended their seven-year marriage shortly after.

Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey? Married in 2002 and divorced four years later.

Of course, those seem tame compared to the fleeting marriages of Britney Spears and Jason Alexander, whose 55-hour union and Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' 72-day stint are hardly in the same league.

Sarah and Freddie's incredible journey began on the set of I Know What You Did Last Summer in 1997, where they first met.

They started dating in 2000, got engaged in 2001, and said 'I do' in Mexico a year later.

Gellar was 24, Prinze was 26young, in love, and ready to take on the world together.

Freddie, ever the charmer, humorously attributed their successful marriage to his culinary skills in 2022.

Sarah and Freddies ability to withstand the pressures of fame and Hollywoods turbulent relationship landscape makes their story a rare and refreshing exception; (seen in 2023)

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston tied the knot two years before Sarah and Freddie, only to split in 2005

Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey? Married in 2002 and divorced four years later; seen in 2005

Of course, those seem tame compared to the fleeting marriages of Britney Spears and Jason Alexander, whose 55-hour union and Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' 72-day stint are hardly in the same league

'The reason why I think Sarah and I work is one: My mom was a chef and I learned how to cook. And I married someone who couldnt cook. So Im necessary. She needs me to live and sustain herself," he told The Independent, proving that a little humorand a good mealgoes a long way.

And if anyone had doubts about their lasting power, Gellar made sure to remind Howard Stern of a bet he once made.

When they hit their 20th anniversary, she posted on Instagram, '@SternShow, I think you owe us,' playfully holding Stern to his prediction of their marriages demise.

In a world where relationships often flicker out faster than a viral TikTok trend, Sarah and Freddies love story is a masterclass in resilienceand a reminder that good things, especially love, really do take work.
Bhad Bhabie is standing on her claim that Alabama Barker is a 'homewrecker.'

The 21-year-old media personality used Instagram Live on Wednesday to explain 'her side' of the story while some of her nearly 16 million followers tuned in.

According to the Only Fans creator, whose real name is Danielle Bregoli, 18-year-old Barker met her now ex-boyfriend Le Vaughn, 26, when they had spent weeks apart following a physical altercation.

Bregoli said in the recording, which was posted on her Instagram profile but has since been deleted, that his alleged cheating with Barker has resulted in them breaking up, although they are still co-habitating.

The exes share nine-month-old daughter Kali, who was born in March. In the clip, which sees the mother-of-one getting emotional, Le Vaughn casually walked by in the background.

At the start of the video, the music artist admitted she 'cheated first' with rapper Chief Sosa, but she did not specify the timeframe she was referring to.

Bhad Bhabie is standing on her claim that Alabama Barker is a 'homewrecker'

According to the Only Fans creator, whose real name is Danielle Bregoli, 18-year-old Barker met her now ex-boyfriend Le Vaughn, 26, when they had spent weeks apart following a physical altercation; Alabama pictured in an AndreDNA design in her most recent Instagram post

Meanwhile, Alabama earlier this week publicly shared her side of the story and insisted that Le Vaughn told her he was not in a relationship when they met.

Despite this, Danielle doubled down on her position, passionately stating in the clip: 'Even though Le Vaughn is in the wrong, Alabama [is wrong too].'

'A man is going to be a man, but b***h, you call yourself my friend,' she continued.

She also accused Barker, the daughter of Travis Barker and stepdaughter of Kourtney Kardashian, of having a reputation as a serial homewrecker.

'Alabama is a liar to some extent,' Bhad Bhabie said with conviction. 'She's a manipulator to some extent, as well as Le Vaughn.'

She called the situation 'beyond embarrassing' and 'beyond disturbing,' adding, '...especially with everything I'm going through,' seemingly referencing her cancer battle.

'I literally just had surgery a couple days ago and I'm dealing with this right now,' the star, who became famous from a viral Dr. Phill appearance in 2016, said elsewhere in the video.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Alabama seemed to hit back by sharing a quote that said, 'Be so confident in who you are that false narratives and rumors about you don't faze your being.'

Bhad Bhabie posted this now-deleted photo of her baby's father on Wednesday, calling him a 'sad ass mf'

Danielle shared a photos with Le Vaughn in a November 11 Instagram post, writing at the time, 'Its my baby birthday!!! I love you so much'

The exes share nine-month-old daughter Kali, who was born in March; pictured in February

And in a TikTok caption on Tuesday, she wrote, 'I'd never want a BUM.'

Alabama also appeared on the social media platform and shared a now-deleted post on Wednesday, per Us Weekly.

'Ive been to [Bhad Bhabie's] house one time and I guess [Le Vaughn] was there, but I never saw his face,' Alabama shared.

'Im not looking to wreck anyones home or family. I dont get any cool points from that and I dont benefit from it all. I also would never date this man,' she insisted.

'Sadly, I fell for his manipulative lies and after I told him I no longer wanted communication with him, he continuously tried to talk to me and put me in a very uncomfortable position,' the Vogue rapper claimed.

She added, 'Im not going to disregard my faults in the situation. There are definitely certain things I could have gone about differently.

'The situation is unfortunate and goes against my morals as a woman,' she declared. 'My intentions are never to break a family apart. That is the lowest of the barrel. Believe me or dont believe me, that is just disgusting.'

She added, 'Thankfully, Im not blind to the fact that hes manipulating her or myself. Hes also gaslighting the situation and trying to turn us against each other when really he was the problem from the beginning. Me and Danielle were more like acquaintances than anything.'
Courteney Cox has joined the cast of Scream 7.

On Wednesday, a source close to the 60-year-old actress revealed to Variety that she would be retuning to the hit horror franchise and reprise her role as Gale Weathers.

The official Scream movies Instagram account confirmed the news via their Story by resharing the article and including a link.

However, just two-and-a-half months ago the raven haired beauty said that she had not officially signed on to the project even though it was confirmed to be in the works.

'Im not officially signed on. Im not, but there will be a Scream 7,' she told the outlet at the time.

Though details surrounds the plot and casting have been kept under wraps, the actress said she was awaiting a final script.

Courteney Cox has joined the cast of Scream 7; seen in September

The official Scream movies Instagram account confirmed the news via their Story by resharing the article and including a link

She also noted that she was 'excited' that Kevin Williamson would directing the film  his first in the beloved franchise.

'You cant get better than that choice. Its going to be fun,' she said of Williamson, who was a screenwriter for the 1996 flagship film.

During the September interview, the Friends star said insisted that writing bring back her ex David Arquette's character Dewey despite being killed off in the fifth movie.

She said, 'I understand the reasons they did it, but whoa! Talk about a missed character.

'Dewey is so loved by Scream fans. They have to figure it out.'

However, there are no official plans to revive Arquette's character in the upcoming film.

Courteney and her actor ex said 'I do' back in 1999 and welcomed daughter Coco, 20, in 2004.

Arquette had starred in the first five films before his Dewey Riley was killed off in 2022's Scream.

On Wednesday, a source close to the 60-year-old actress revealed to Variety that she would be retuning to the hit horror franchise and reprise her role as Gale Weathers; seen in 2011

Aside the original film, Courteney has returned in all other Scream releases, including 1997's Scream 2, 2000's Scream 3, 2011's Scream 4, 2022's Scream and 2023's Scream VI

During the September interview, the Friends star said insisted that writing bring back her ex David Arquette's character Dewey despite being killed off in the fifth movie; seen in 2011

At the time, she explained that was no timeline in place about deciding whether or not she would return to the franchise.

'Theyre rewriting all the time. Its not like I dont know whats going on,' she shared.

Aside the original film, Courteney has returned in all other Scream releases, including 1997's Scream 2, 2000's Scream 3, 2011's Scream 4, 2022's Scream and 2023's Scream VI.

She also noted that she was 'excited' that Kevin Williamson would directing the film  his first in the beloved franchise; seen in January 2022

Scream 7 is slated to hit theatres on February 27, 2026.

Other cast members starring in the highly anticipated film includes Neve Campbell, Patrick Dempsey, Celeste O'Connor, Isabel May and Roger Jackson.

Back in late July, Neve Cambell confirmed her return to the franchise and opened up about how 'grateful' she is that the iconic films have had a lasting impact.

'I love these movies, they are so much fun to be a part of, I'm so grateful for them, I could never have imagined being a part of a movie that would have lasted this many decades,' she gushed.
December 19, 2024: Russian troops in Ukraine have been seen using Chinese 4x4 Tiger/ZFB-05 vehicles. These have a roof opening for one of the crew to use a machine gun up there. These vehicles were brought in by the Chechen contingent fighting alongside the Russians. The Tiger is a licensed version of an Italian vehicle.

The ZFB weight 4.6 tons with a 1.1 ton cargo capacity. A two man crew is required and the vehicle can carry up to nine passengers. Another half dozen passengers can be added in an emergency. Max road speed is 100 kilometers an hour and max road range is 800 kilometers on internal fuel.

China openly copies a lot of foreign military equipment designs, often in many variations because multiple manufacturers get involved. While the Chinese military thought the American HMMWV/hummer was a useful design, it was not adopted widely.

The basic tactical vehicle in the Chinese military is the BJ2022. The BJ2022 entered service in 2007 after being developed as a joint venture between a Chinese firm and Chrysler. Because of that American connection, the BJ2022 was legally based on the Jeep Cherokee. BJ2022 comes in two versions, with one being a bit longer and serving as something similar to the old American  ton truck. Most of the BJ2022 are basically much updated World War II American jeep designs that borrow much from SUV and four-wheel drive innovations. The basic version can carry a payload of 500 kg and seats four. The longer version carries 750 kg and seats up to eight. These are four-wheel drive vehicles have manual transmissions and are mainly used on roads or flat terrain.

Chinese hummer-like vehicles are popular with Chinese and foreign special operations troops. The Chinese armed forces are not buying a lot of these vehicles, only a few thousand or so a year at most although civilian versions became popular with Chinese and export customers. The most popular of these hummer clones comes from Dongfeng, which initially produced some hummers under license. Dongfeng has since produced a number of hummer variants, including armored models equipped to handle RWS/remote weapons systems. These were nicknamed Mengesha/east wind warrior. The latest of these, the CSK-181 is an eight ton armored hummer design similar to the new American JLTV. One characteristic of the Chinese hummers is the built-in night vision cameras, one in front and one in the back with a flat-screen display for the driver to use. There is also a satellite navigation system.

Although China tried Russian and European designs in their search for a new tactical truck similar to the American hummer, they finally settled on a hummer clone of their own. China still uses the Russian and German designs for most of its tactical vehicles but it is also buying a growing number of locally made hummer clones.

China got their hands on an American hummer in 1988. Initially, Chinese military officials felt the hummer was too expensive. But the performance of the hummer in the 1991 Gulf War with growing use of the American civilian version of the hummer, especially those brought in by oil companies for use in remote areas, changed minds. By 2003, two Chinese companies were producing hummer clones and the Chinese Army adopted one of them as the EQ2050. Within a decade an armored version was developed as the EQ2058 followed by several other variants, including a longer 6x6 vehicle.

Meanwhile, the United States developed a new hummer-like vehicle, the JLTV/Joint Light Tactical Vehicle hummer/MRAP replacement. Export versions sell for up to $400,000 each depending on accessories. Buyers like Britain order vehicles that allow for a lot of substitution of some American components with British equivalents and the use of British accessories. The American designer and manufacturer, Oshkosh, has been promoting the JLTV to military and police organizations worldwide and already has several other NATO allies discussing JLTV acquisition.

Mass production for JLTV began in late 2019 with most of those vehicles going to the U.S. Army, which currently plans to buy 49,000 vehicles to replace armored HMMWV vehicles as well as many MRAP armored trucks. As of early 2019, about 12,000 JLTVs had been produced with the last of the JLTVs being delivered by the end of the 2030s.
Viewers have called for Today show guest hosts Samantha Armytage and Dan Anstey to permanently replace veteran presenters Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo.

The pair have been filling in for Karl and Sarah on the popular Channel Nine breakfast show as the regular hosts enjoy their holidays - and viewers have called for their position to become permanent.

Fans took to social media to praise Sam and Dan's upbeat and engaging style - and claimed the show would be better if they became permanent presenters.

'Sam is great. I'm watching Today again after a long pause,' one fan wrote.

'Dan yes! Karl no! Sorry Karl,' a second person added.

'The girls are fantastic! Todays back!' a third user chipped in.

Fans have called for Today show guest hosts Samantha Armytage (right) and Dan Anstey (left) to permanently replace presenters Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo

It was no surprise that Samantha was a natural as she is a breakfast show veteran, having previously co-hosted Channel Seven's Sunrise opposite David 'Kochie' Koch for eight years from 2013 - 2021.

On Monday, Sam made her first appearance on Channel Nine's Today Show following her defection from Seven.

The veteran presenter, 48, kicked off the show by sharing a flirty exchange with her co-host Dan.

After introducing herself to viewers, Sam - who recently announced her split from husband Richard Lavender - told Dan she had first met him at the Melbourne Cup.

'I can't remember that. How was I?' he asked.

'You were handsome as always,' a giggling Sam responded, before Dan said: 'That was someone else. You confused me with another Dan.'

'Yeah I have actually. We'll get to that later on but it's lovely to see you all here,' Sam quickly responded before she introduced the news headlines.

Channel Nine was reportedly plunged into back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Sam onto the Today show as a summer fill-in co-host.

The pair have been filling in for Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo on the popular Channel Nine breakfast show as the regular hosts enjoy their holidays - and viewers have called for their position to become permanent. Both pictured

Viewers have taken to social media to praise Sam and Dan's upbeat and engaging style - and claim the show would be better if they became permanent presenters

The network's move has also sparked outrage among long-time staff, with insiders alleging the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling snubbed.

While Nine insists the move is purely seasonal, speculation is rife that it could be a trial run to see if Samantha is the right fit to join Today permanently.

The fall-out from the decision has been significant.

'There have been crisis meetings back-to-back since Sam was signed,' a source told Woman's Day earlier this month.

'The big bosses did not listen to the team when they objected to Sam coming on board.'

Meanwhile, a well-placed source tells Daily Mail Australia that Nine has a strategic reasoning behind Sam's appointment.

'Let's not pretend this isn't about ratings,' they said.

'If Sam manages to pull Today out of the shadow of Sunrise, even for a week, the network will see it as a win. For Sam, it's about proving she's still the queen of breakfast TV.'

One major source of resentment at her new network is the perception that Nine's existing talent has been overlooked.

Many insiders were reportedly blindsided by Sam's signing, particularly after she was chosen to host The Golden Bachelor, despite others at the network vying for the role.
Georgia Love recently sparked speculation she has split from her husband Lee Elliott by taking off her engagement and wedding rings.

Over the weekend, the former Bachelor star celebrated Christmas with a small group of friends, seemingly without Lee.

Several photos also showed her without her diamond rings on her left hand wedding finger.

But on Wednesday, her bling was back on as she stepped out at the Dear Evan Hansen premiere in Melbourne with her sister Katie.

For the red carpet appearance, Georgia donned a sleeveless silver cocktail dress and kept her accessories to a minimumsave for a simple leather clutch bag, a silver bracelet on her right wrist, and her custom diamond solitaire and matching wedding band.

Georgia and Katie wore complementary frocks for their evening at Playhouse, Arts Centre, taking in the musical about a socially anxious high schooler who is suddenly thrust into the spotlight.

Georgia Love wore her engagement ring on the red carpet premiere of musical Dear Evan Hansen in Melbourne on Wednesday after speculation she has split from her husband Lee Elliott

For the red carpet appearance, Georgia donned a sleeveless silver cocktail dress and kept her accessories to a minimumsave for a simple leather clutch bag, a silver bracelet on her right wrist, and her custom diamond solitaire and matching wedding band

On Sunday, the sisters also paid Santa a visit to recreate their childhood Christmas card.

'36 years and counting,' she captioned the sweet photos.

But for some of the influencer's fans, this appeared to be another cozy family moment Georgia's husband Lee was missing from.

Earlier this month, Georgia also documented putting her Christmas tree alone on social media - not wearing her ring.

'Where's Lee?' someone commented. Georgia did not respond to the question.

For those who remember, Katie wasn't the most fond of her little sister's now-husband when she first met him during the finale of Georgia's 2016 Bachelorette season, with her unimpressed expression going slightly viral.

Georgia treated her big sister Katie to a night on the red carpet and Lee was not in attendance

Rumours there was trouble in paradise between the married couple began earlier this month when fans noticed Georgia wasn't wearing her wedding ring.

Another photo captured her having a drink at an outdoor cafe with an attractive male friend and she was also not wearing her ring.

Fans took to the comment section on the photos to ask if she and Lee had called time on their relationship.

'Thinking [they] have broken up,' one fan speculated and another asked if Lee would be accompanying Georgia on her upcoming trip to New York City.

'Havent seen post of them together for a long time,' a third person wrote and another speculated if they would be 'the first Bachelor divorce'.

Elsewhere, another person asked 'Where is Lee?' in the clip Georgia posted about her upcoming New York holiday, and the reality TV star responded: 'He's literally in the video.'

The duo previously attended musical premieres together quite frequently, making this latest outing one in a series of influencer events and trips Georgia has taken solo in the past three months

Daily Mail Australia has contacted both Georgia and Lee for comment.

However, another fan pointed out that Georgia had simply shared an old photo: 'Haha, they are all old pics of them together.'

Georgia last posted an image of her and Lee together in September, while Lee last did so in August.

The duo previously attended musical premieres together quite frequently, making this latest outing one in a series of influencer events and trips Georgia has taken solo in the past three months.

Neither Georgia or Lee denied a break-up when approached by Daily Mail Australia last month for comment.

Last week, Georgia filmed some sponsored content for Bombay Sapphire, sharing videos promoting the gin brand to her Instagram Stories and later, her feed.

Standing on the sunny deck of the $1.3million townhouse in the upmarket Melbourne suburb of Hampton East - which she shares with husband Lee and Pawdry the cat - only the latter was present to help her film.

Georgia did not wear her rings for her first round of filming, but then put them on seemingly in the same morning to make her second video.

The pair met and fell in love in front of the cameras, as Georgia chose Lee as her winning suitor on the 2016 season of Channel Ten's The Bachelorette.

In 2021, Georgia and Lee married at the Frogmore Creek Winery outside Hobart, followed by an outdoor reception at the Shene Distillery.

Georgia and Lee were due to marry in Italy the year prior, but were forced to cancel due to Covid-19 travel bans.

The following year, they moved into their $1.3million townhouse in Melbourne's upmarket suburb of Hampton East.

At the time, Georgia was force to address rumours the pair had split after she was spotted without her engagement and wedding rings during an outing in Melbourne.
Her mother has proven herself to be a master of the casual-cool ensemble.

But Katie Holmes' Suri Cruise took things even further with a relaxed wintry look when she was spotted out in New York City on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old nepo baby  whom Holmes shares with her ex-husband Tom Cruise  was seen on her way to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway to support her mother on her 46th birthday as she performed in a production of Thorton Wilder's classic drama Our Town.

Katie appears as Mrs. Webb in the latest production, while Zoey Deutch appears as her daughter Emily and The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons plays the stage manager.

The Dawson's Creek star took to instagram earlier on Wednesday to reveal her daughter's birthday present to her.

For Suri's afternoon outing, she opted for a puff dark-green down jacket with a thick upturned collar that was guaranteed to keep her toasty.

Suri Cruise, 18, looked cool and casual in a dark-green down jacket as she walked to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway to see her mother perform in Our Town

She matched it with a set of straight-cut blue jeans that were faded over the thighs and knees.

The celebrity daughter kept things low key with a pair of classic sneakers, and she brought along a brown leather tote bag.

Suri accessorized with a dark choker, and she styled her shoulder-length straight brunette tresses with a middle part to highlight her modestly made-up face.

On Wednesday, Katie revealed that Suri had gotten her a bouquet of lovely purple roses for her birthday when she posted a closeup snap of them to her Instagram Stories.

'I am so grateful for all of my blessings, especially my daughter,' she captioned the photo.

The Batman Begins star also shared that her Our Town collaborators had banded together to celebrate her birthday backstage at the Barrymore Theatre by posting a photo of a hand-written sign noting that there would be cake and food, including falafel and shawarma.

She included a photo of her Our Town castmate Jim Parsons, who sported a thick beard, as he helped himself to the tasty spread

Earlier in December, DailyMail.com exclusively reported that Suri had become a millionaire overnight after the trust fund her father Tom created for her became available to her on her 18th birthday in April of this year.

The nepo baby wore relaxed straight-fit jeans with gray sneakers while carrying a studded brown leather tote bag

Katie has been starring in the classic play Our Town as Mrs. Webb, while Zoey Deutch plays her daughter Emily and The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons plays the stage manager

On Wednesday, which marked Katie's 46th birthday, she revealed that Suri had gotten her a bouquet of lovely purple roses for her birthday. 'I am so grateful for all of my blessings, especially my daughter,' she wrote

'It is part of the divorce deal that a trust fund provided by Tom Cruise be shared with daughter Suri Cruise when she turns 18, and it is substantial,' a source revealed.

However, there's no danger of her spending it all in a flash of opulent purchases, as the Mission: Impossible star organized it to be available to her in the long term.

'She was allowed to access it when she turned 18 in April. The rest of the money will become available to her once she enters her 30s,' the source continued. 'The trust fund was carefully constructed so that she does not get all the money at once and becomes overwhelmed.'

It was a double bounty for Suri, as DailyMail.com also learned that Katie had created her own trust fund for her daughter.

'Katie is fiscally minded and is looking out for her daughter, of course,' another source shared. 'She wants her to be well provided for and have a great quality of life.'

There shouldn't be any issue paying for Suri's lifestyle due to her parents' incredible wealth.

Katie is already a multimillionaire worth an estimated $15 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, but Tom's fortune is even more impressive, as he is worth around $600 million due to his lucrative film deals, according to the same site.

Despite his generous trust fund for Suri, Tom is reportedly no longer in her life.

Katie also shared that her Our Town collaborators had banded together to celebrate her birthday backstage at the Barrymore Theatre

She included a photo of her Our Town castmate Jim Parsons, who sported a thick beard, as he helped himself to the tasty spread

Suri became a millionaire overnight after her dad Tom Cruise's trust fund kicked in on her 18th birthday in April. However, he's reportedly not in her life now and has been living in the UK, where he supported Timothee Chalamet Tuesday at a Complete Unknown screening

The star has lately been spending most of his time in the United Kingdom, where he was seen catching up with Timothee Chalamet at an awards screening of his new Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

Suri may be on her college winter break after she began attending Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Her mother Katie shared her feelings about Suri's big transition shortly before she moved out of the family home.

'I'm proud of my daughter,' she told Town & Country. 'Of course, I will miss the close proximity, but I'm really proud of her and I'm happy.

'I remember being this age, this time of beginnings,' she added. 'It's exciting to learn about yourself, and I loved that time, so it makes me happy to think about it like that.'
Sir David Jason reportedly almost quit Only Fools And Horses during its prime.

The actor, 84, portrayed Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter on the beloved BBC sitcom which ran from 1981 to 1991 followed by several Christmas specials that ended in 2003.

According to The Sun, there was almost an entirely different ending for David's character when the actor was considering quitting the show back in 1986.

As the actor contemplated leaving, head writer John Sullivan wrote a potential final episode called Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

The episode did air that year but it almost had a very different ending. It saw a character named Jumbo Mills arrive in Peckham after supposedly making a fortune while living in Australia.

The initial idea was that Jumbo would cross paths with Del and tempt him to return to Australia with him to make his fortune there.

Sir David Jason (centre) reportedly almost quit Only Fools And Horses during its prime (pictured with Nicholas Lyndhurst and Lennard Pearce)

The actor, 84, portrayed Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter on the beloved BBC sitcom which ran from 1981 to 1991 followed by several Christmas specials (pictured in December 2024)

This would have given David the opportunity to make a clean break from the show while setting up for the series to carry on without him.

Producers were reportedly contemplating making Nicholas Lyndhurst the star of a new version of the show called Hot Rod, centred around his character Rodney.

While the fate of Only Fools And Horses hung in the balance, David ultimately changed his mind and decided to stay with the series.

The episode aired with Del rejecting Jumbo Mils' offer to go to Australia.

David previously told how he feels the 'ghost' of Del is following him and feels the character hangs over him.

He said: 'That Derek Trotter thing, he's a bit of a ghost that comes along behind me like A Christmas Carol.'

The star expressed frustration that despite a decades-long career in film and television he is most know for playing Del Boy.

He said the character 'only hangs me back, only upsets me slightly is because that seems to be the only thing that people remember me for.'

There was almost an entirely different ending for David's character when the actor was considering quitting the show back in 1986

While the fate of Only Fools And Horses hung in the balance, David ultimately changed his mind and decided to stay with the series

'I'm delighted in one way that it's reached so many people and they've enjoyed what I've done with the character, but I've done so many other things that everybody seems to have forgotten about. It's like I've only ever played Derek Trotter.'

David revealed that while he isn't disappointed with his career, there are still so many goals he hasn't achieved and put that down to being followed by the ghost of his most iconic character.

The star explained: 'My real disappointment or regret, if you like, is I always wanted to be a National Theatre player.

'I always wanted to be on the stage of the National Theatre. It was just that romantic image of playing those big productions with all those big, wonderful actors. That never happened.'

When host Jon suggested he still had time to realise his dream of taking to the stage, Jason replied that his time may have run out, explaining that his memory is not what it was.

He said: 'Well you wonder whether the old memory would be quite good enough. I could do it with the autocue things.'

David previously told how he feels the 'ghost' of Del is following him and feels the character hangs over him

But seeming to shake off his melancholy mood, he then playfully turned to the camera and said: 'Hey! Yes, National Theatre, I'm available!'

His admission comes after the star revealed he would take up his famous role again.

At the start of the year David said he would be happy to take on the role of Del Boy again but added that a reboot would be unlikely after the main writer of the hit TV series, John Sullivan, tragically passed away in 2011.

He told The Sun of a potential reboot: 'Well, to be honest with you, we would like that to happen very much because not only did we enjoy it so much, but so did most of the British public. Because of that, we would love to do it.

But he added: 'I don't think we could do another episode of Only Fools And Horses because the brains behind it, Mr John Sullivan, is unfortunately no longer with us.'
She's celebrating her first major stage role. But Daisy-Edgar-Jones brought a touch of Disney to the press night of her West End gig.

The actress channelled her inner Tinkerbell in a stunning dress by Victoria Beckham at the Cat on a Hot Tin Roof press night bash.

The 26-year-old Normal People star looked every bit the modern-day fairy as she stepped into the star-studded event held at Londons Almeida Theatre on Tuesday evening.

Exuding a Tinkerbell-like charm, Ms Edgar-Jones was wearing Mrs Beckhams Draped Tuck bold emerald green mini dress from the SS25 collection.

The dress featured an asymmetrical neckline and draped semi-sheer chiffon layers, with a subtly puffed hem.

And while her makeup was kept light and dewy, the actress looked effortlessly elegant as she styled her brunette locks into loose waves with a middle parting.

She paired the enchanting dress with some nude peep-toe heels by Tory Burch.

Inside the glitzy event, Ms Edgar-Jones was snapped mingling with fellow stars including Secret Invasion actor Kingsley Ben-Adir.

Daisy Edgar-Jones with Kingsley Ben-Adir in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at Londons Almeida Theatre

Looking impossibly glamorous in a silver slip dress and red lipstick, the actress, 26, stunned audiences on the Press night of her revival of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof at Londons Almeida Theatre

The 38-year-old, who will soon hit the screens as Bob Marley in his biopic, opted for an all-black look with a stylish maxi coat and patent leather loafers.

Elsewhere Ms Edgar-Jones also rubbed shoulders with Tina and Bobby star, Clare Burt, as well as I May Destroy You actress, Pearl Chanda.

The night marked a milestone for Daisy as she celebrated her first major stage role, portraying the headstrong Maggie in Tennessee Williams Mississippi family psychodrama.

It comes as casting directors are reportedly eyeing Daisy to star as a Disney princess opposite Chris Hemsworth as Prince Charming.

Sources have also revealed that she received scripts for the role of Lizzie Bennet in a new Netflix TV series adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, but she reportedly declined the opportunity.

The novel has already been adapted into film several times, including the iconic 2005 version starring Keira Knightley.

Daisy Edgar-Jones attends the press night after party for 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof' at London's Almeida Theatre

Inside the star-studded event, she was snapped posing alongside Secret Invasion actor Kingsley Ben-Adir

Ms Edgar-Jones, who recently signed as the face of Zara Hair, is the daughter of leading British TV executive Phil Edgar-Jones, 58.

Branded the new English It Girl, the actress has set the internet ablaze this year with her head-turning looks.

She appeared in the Cold Feet reboot, playing the daughter of Hermione Norriss character Karen.

But her breakthrough came in Normal People, based on Sally Rooneys bestselling novel, which earned Daisy Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.

Since then she has played opposite Andrew Garfield, 41, in the crime drama Under The Banner Of Heaven, and was the lead in the film Where The Crawdads Sing.
Tory Lanez has fired back at Megan Thee Stallion after she filed a restraining order against him over claims he's been harassing her from behind bars.

The rapper, 32, is currently serving a 10-year sentence at a California prison after being found guilty of shooting the female MC, 29, in the feet during a 2020 incident.

Earlier this week, Megan detailed months of alleged torment from Tory, which included him allegedly 'coordinating' with bloggers to spread 'lies' about her online, in a request to a judge.

It was also alleged that Megan's attorney had proof that Tory's father had made payments to Elizabeth Milagro Cooper, a blogger who Megan sued earlier this year.

In a statement to TMZ on Wednesday, Tory's legal team vehemently denied the harassment claims and told fans to 'stop believing [Megan's] narrative.'

They also said the 'payments' had nothing to do with their client and that the truth would eventually be revealed in court.

Tory Lanez has fired back at Megan Thee Stallion after she filed restraining order against him over claims he's been harassing her from behind bars; seen in 2018

Earlier this week, Megan detailed months of alleged torment from Tory, which included him allegedly 'coordinating' with bloggers to spread 'lies' about her online, in her request to a judge; Megan seen in October

They then branded Megan 'ridiculous' for claiming that Tory's legal team had filed a petition in October 2024 in an attempt to detract from the release of her emotional documentary In Her Words, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on October 31.

'Megan's claim that Tory filed legal docs to undermine her new Amazon Prime documentary is "ridiculous,"' Tory's legal team said Wednesday.

They claim that the timing of the court filing was unrelated to the release of Megan's doc and, instead, was done to 'comply with legal guidelines.'

The legal petition in question alleged that the gun used in the July 2020 shooting had been misplaced by the LAPD, as reported by BET.

However, the Los Angeles Attorney General's office ruled in November that Tory and his legal team failed to provide evidence to backup their claim.

Megan filed her request for a restraining order in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to TMZ.

Tory allegedly uses a network of bloggers, including Cooper, to spread harmful lies about her, according to the court documents obtained by the outlet.

The filing reveals that prison phone logs suggest a 'coordinated effort' between Tory and Cooper, including a call where Tory's dad allegedly asked about payments for the harassment campaign.

In a statement to TMZ on Wednesday, Tory's legal team vehemently denied the harassment claims and told fans to 'stop believing [Megan's] narrative'; Lanez seen in 2022

Megan claims that this relentless 'psychological warfare' has taken a serious toll on her mental health, leaving her depressed and distanced from friends.

In a deeply distressing statement, Megan said she 'sometimes wishes Tory would have shot and killed me, if I would have known I was going to go through this torture.'

As Tory appeals his conviction, Megan claims he's spreading falsehoods to reduce his sentence and is now seeking a restraining order to prevent further harassment, either directly or through others.

In October, Megan sued YouTuber and social media personality Milagro Gramz (Cooper) for allegedly acting as a 'mouthpiece and puppet' for Tory.

Megan's attorney Alex Spiro accused Gramz of carrying out a public campaign to 'denigrate, belittle, insult, and spread false statements' about Megan on behalf of Lanez.

The blogger is accused of going as far as to share a 'deepfake pornographic video' depicting the rapper, real name Megan Pete  a move that Spiro says violates a Florida statute banning 'altered sexual depictions' of real people.

In a statement shared with DailyMail.com, Megan said: 'It's time to hold bloggers accountable for years of harassment, cyberbullying and the publication of misinformation about my personal and professional life.

'I've endured countless attacks on my character based on false narratives from social media bloggers misrepresenting themselves as journalists.'

Lanez, 32, is currently serving a 10-year sentence at a California prison after being found guilty of shooting Megan, 29, in the foot during a 2020 incident

According to Megan's filing, Tory allegedly uses a network of bloggers, including Elizabeth Milagro Cooper (pictured)who Megan sued earlier this yearto spread harmful lies about her, according to the court documents obtained by the outlet

She continued: 'It's unacceptable behavior and these individuals need to understand there will be repercussions for recklessly posting lies and defamatory falsehoods.'

In a statement posted to X, Gramz acknowledged the lawsuit and confirmed that she had 'been informed that I'm being sued by Alex Spiro on behalf of his client Megan Thee Stallion.'

In August 2023, Tory was sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan in the feet during a drunken argument after a pool party at Kylie Jenners house in 2020.

The 32-year-old rapper, real name Daystar Peterson, begged the judge for mercy in a tense Los Angeles courtroom, claiming he still cared for Megan 'dearly.'

However, his plea didnt spare him from the decade-long sentence, handed down after a dramatic trial that captured the attention of the hip-hop world.

The shooting occurred following an alcohol-fueled altercation in Lanezs SUV, with Megan and her assistant, Kelsey Harris, present.

Megan testified that after a heated argument, she stepped out of the vehicle, only for Lanez to shout 'Dance, b***h' and fire five shots at her feet, leaving her with three bullet fragments that required surgery.

At his sentencing, Lanez admitted to making 'very immature' remarks and revealing 'secrets I shouldnt have revealed' during the ordeal.

The filing reveals that prison phone logs suggest a 'coordinated effort' between Tory and Cooper, including a call where Torys father allegedly asked about payments for the harassment campaign

Despite his conviction, he maintained that he still cared for Megan.

In December 2022, a jury convicted Lanez on three felony charges: assault with a semi-automatic firearm, shooting a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, and carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.

The jury also found that Lanez caused 'great bodily injury' to Megan, adding enhanced penalties to his sentence.

Despite pleading not guilty, Lanezs actions and his attempt to silence Megan with a $1 million bribe only added fuel to the fire.
Australian media trailblazer Vaughan Hinton died in August this year at the age of 91, with reports of his passing only recently becoming public.

The legendary newsman passed away in the small Victorian town of Monbulk in the Yarra Ranges, after a long health battle.

He was a jack-of-all-trades who worked as a journalist, presenter, producer and writer across his celebrate five-decade long career.

Hinton was born in Toowoomba, Queensland in 1933 and began his esteemed career in the mid-fifties as a journalist at a regional newspaper.

The media personality always had a strong interest in promoting social justice issues.

In 1977 he joined ABC Radio as a presenter, where he could speak on a range of issues that were important to him.

Australian media trailblazer Vaughan Hinton (pictured) died in August this year at the age of 91, with reports of his passing only recently becoming public

As an early advocate of Australia's LGBTQ community, Hinton was integral in ensuring Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was broadcast on the ABC and helped it first go to air in 1994.

He also worked on the program as an executive producer and it was an enormous success, with his colleagues at the network later congratulating him on attracting a then-record 2.5million viewers.

The passionate broadcaster continued to work with the ABC across the 80s and in 1986 was appointed the networks executive producer for all significant national events and Indigenous affairs.

The following year he created the long-running ABC lifestyle program Compass, in which spirituality, ethics and values were openly discussed.

The program continues to run to this day and is currently hosted by Indira Naidoo.

He was also a TV presenter on the critically acclaimed 70s ABC series Man in Question, in which he interviewed high-profile personalities and asked them hard-hitting questions.

Hinton also helmed two critically acclaimed shows which explored the lives of Indigenous people.

The programs - The First Australians and Blackout - featured Aboriginal people discussing relevant issues.

The legendary newsman passed away in the small Victorian town of Monbulk in the Yarra Ranges, after a long health battle

He was a jack-of-all-trades who worked as a journalist, presenter, producer and writer across his celebrate five-decade long career

He semi-retired in 1997 but continued to work on small projects up until 2003, when he relocated to regional Victoria with his family.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore paid tribute to Hinton in a public meeting.

'Vaughan wrote his life has been defined by walking through doors which did not reveal what was behind them,' Moore said.

'What has been revealed about us as Australians through his many programs is his legacy.'

In recognition of his long services to Australian media, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2004.

He outlived his wife Elizabeth by several years.

Hinton is survived by his long-term partner Kym, daughters Nicola and Caroline, and several children and great-grandchildren.
Australian theatre and film identity Wendy Dickson has died at age 92.

Well-known in showbiz circles Down Under for over six decades, Dickson was much admired for her costume and production designer work.

She has worked with legendary Hollywood names such as Meryl Streep and Charlton Heston in her stellar career.

Her major film credits include such classic Aussie films as The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978), Bliss (1985) and the award-winning drama Evil Angels (1988) in which Meryl Streep and Sam Neill co-starred as Lindy and Michael Chamberlain.

She also won praise for designing the costumes for the epic 1972 Shakespearean drama Antony and Cleopatra with Charlton Heston, one of Hollywood's biggest stars of all time.

Dickson's passing was announced in the Sydney Morning Herald in September but no details of the cause of death have been released.

Australian theatre and film identity Wendy Dickson has died at age 92. Well-known in showbiz circles Down Under for over six decades, Dickson was much admired for her costume and production design work. Pictured: A scene from Evil Angels with Meryl Streep and Sam Neill. Dickson was the production designer

Dickson won praise for designing the costumes for the epic 1972 Shakespearean drama Antony and Cleopatra with Charlton Heston. (Pictured)

Born in 1932 in the outback city of Broken Hill in NSW, she grew up in Sydney after her father, ALP member William Dickson, began a prominent political career.

Leaving Australia for the UK after finishing her schooling at Sydney Girls High, Dickson studied design and entered the film industry as an assistant.

She worked for the Oscar winning producer and writer Carl Foreman, who s best known for the classic American western High Noon (1952).

She returned to Australia to work in theatre after having worked with famed Welsh stage and screen star Richard Burton.

Racking up an impressive list of credits in Australian theatre in the 1950s and 1960s, Dickson was in demand as a designer when Australian film production soared in the 1970s.

Her credits in this period include the romance Break of Day (1976).

She won plaudits as production designer for The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978), in which she had to recreate with authentic accuracy the Australia of the early 1900s.

Dickson returned to work with the same director, Fred Schepisi, ten years later on the epic production of Evil Angels (1988).

She won plaudits as production designer for The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978), in which she had to recreate with authentic accuracy the Australia of the early 1900s. (Pictured)

The film recreated the controversial and notorious case of Lindy and Michael Chamberlain who were charged with murder after a dingo attacked and took their baby from a camping ground at Uluru in 1980.

The couple were later cleared of all charges. Dickson and the film crew were challenged with recreating a precise replica of the camp site in a studio.

Dickson married to the late Australian film director Ken Hannam in 1968, but the pair were divorced in 1986.

A lover of adventure and travel, she trekked through the Himalayas while still in her 70s.

Settling in Sydney's inner-west by the harbour in Balmain, Dickson spent her post-showbiz career studying French Colonial Architecture.
It reportedly included claims that he was violent toward multiple women

Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy was reportedly investigated over claims that he had been violent toward women prior to his arrest for domestic battery last week.

On Wednesday, Page Six reported that a Vanderpump Rules production insiderturnedwhistleblower shared a list of accusations that had been leveled against Kennedy, 32, with the show's production company, Evolution Media.

The list allegedly included a mix of allegations, some of which were reportedly based on rumors that had spread behind the scenes, while others referenced events alluded to by Vanderpump Rules castmembers while they were being filmed, according to sources.

The list reportedly included claims that Kennedy had been violent with multiple women he had been in sexual relationships with, though Page Six wasn't able to independently substantiate those claims.

DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Kennedy and Bravo for comment.

Kennedy was arrested on December 10 for misdemeanor domestic battery upon spouse/co-habitant after he allegedly pushed a woman to the ground.

Bravo had been investigation Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy, 32, for alleged instances of violence against women a year prior to his December 10 domestic violence arrest, Page Six reported on Wednesday; seen with girlfriend Ally Lewber on November 15 in LA

Sources alleged that a Vanderpump Rules production insider shared a list of a mix of behind-the-scenes rumors and incidents shared by castmembers on camera with VR's production company; Kennedy seen on VR

The woman's name was not revealed, but she reportedly described Kennedy as her boyfriend while speaking to police.

Since then, Kennedy's girlfriend Alley Lewber has been seen moving out of his home while the British DJ assisted her.

According to documents viewed by Page Six, Vanderpump Rules' network Bravo hired an independent attorney to run the investigation into Kennedy's dealings with women.

Sources told the publication that the whistleblower was dismayed to see Kennedy making an appearance at BravoCon with other Vanderpump Rules castmembers, despite the investigation still being conducted.

They were particularly disturbed that Kennedy was given a joking award  for 'Colloquial Excellence'  and was allowed to sing for the crowd.

According to sources, Kennedy sang a song titled You Can Suddenly Become The Number One Guy In The Group, which was reportedly inspired by behind-the-scenes jokes about the shifting pecking order of the cast.

It's currently unclear if the investigation had wrapped up and shared findings, and Bravo's decision to fire the vast majority of the Vanderpump Rules cast  aside from its namesake, Lisa Vanderpump  may prevent any conclusions from being shared.

On Tuesday, an insider exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that Kennedy and his girlfriend Ally Lewber are 'basically done' following his recent arrest for misdemeanor domestic violence.

Bravo reportedly hired an independent attorney to investigate the claims in the list, which allegedly included claims that Kennedy had been violent with multiple women he was sexually involved with; pictured in February in NYC

Sources said the whistleblower was later shocked to see Kennedy invited to BravoCon, despite the investigation allegedly being ongoing; seen in September 2023 in Beverly Hills

It's unclear if the investigation concluded, and findings may never be released after Bravo fired most of VR's cast  including Kennedy  last month; seen with girlfriend Ally Lewber on VR

Kennedy and his girlfriend Lewber are 'basically done' following his arrest for misdemeanor domestic violence, insiders previously shared with DailyMail.com; pictured November 2023

A source revealed that the couple of two years are currently giving one another space and are waiting for 'the dust to settle' for the sake of Kennedy's DJ career.

The source said the couple are 'indeed on rocky ground' and a complete split is the most probable outcome.

The insider also claimed Ally, 28, may even give Kennedy 'one more chance,' even though her friends and family want them to be over.

'James and Ally are basically done, hanging by a whim,' an insider told DailyMail.com 'They have agreed to give it some time apart and they want the dust to settle so he doesn't lose any future opportunities in DJing.'

Ally is also keen to see if James will emerge 'less unscathed' than what has already occurred if they wait it out, the source claims.

'And Ally loves him enough that she wants to see if the dust settles, he will get out of it less unscathed than what has happened so far. And of course, maybe she'll give him one more chance.'

The insider re-iterated it would a 'final chance', with Ally still harboring 'a lot of feelings'.

'And that is what it will be, one final chance. There are a lot of feelings still on the table for her, plus it's the holiday season and all the feels are there with that.'

The insider also claimed Ally may even give Kennedy, 32, 'one more chance' - however her friends and family want them to be over

However, Ally's friends and family want her to break it off with him completely.

'But her friends and family want her to be totally done with him. Easier said than done, but it is indeed on rocky ground and a full breakup is the most likely scenario.'

The source added that Kennedy, who said he was making 'meaningful changes' in his life after the incident, was primarily motivated to 'seek help' to save his DJ career and improve his image.

'James and his motivation to seek help is to save anything that he might have left with his reputation in the world of DJing and those he works with.

'It is his only outlet for money now that the Bravo train is running out. Though it looks like he might also be doing it to save his relationship with Ally, it is all about trying to make him look good and get his public image back that has taken a major hit.

'If him and Ally continue their relationship, that will be a bonus, but James is chasing his bottom line. Because if his DJ gigs dry up, then he is really screwed.'

Lewber was seen moving her belongings out of the home she shares with Kennedy on Sunday, and TMZ reported on Monday that she has since moved into an Airbnb that she will be sharing with her visiting family before celebrating holidays with them in Ohio.

At the time, the outlet reported they were still together but giving one another space.

The arrest occurred after Kennedy and Ally attended Kathy Hilton's Christmas bash together

Burbank Police Department responded to a call about a 'man and woman arguing' at Kennedys residence around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11.

At this time, there has been no confirmation Lewber was the reported victim.

The arrest occurred after Kennedy and Ally attended Kathy Hilton's Christmas bash together.

The Burbank Police Daily Arrest Log reported that an officer spoke with both Kennedy and a woman that night inside a residence after receiving a 9-1-1 call, according to TMZ.

While there, the woman, whose name was not revealed, told investigators she had been picked up by her boyfriend and that he threw her to the ground.

Police on the scene said they did not see any visible injuries on the alleged victim, but arrested Kennedy for misdemeanor domestic battery upon spouse/co-habitant.

Officers were initially summoned to the residence on reports Kennedy had gotten into an argument with the woman and grabbed.

On Saturday, Lewber spoke out on his arrest in a statement on her Instagram stories.

On Saturday, Lewber spoke out on his arrest in a statement on her Instagram stories. 'I'm okay and taking the time I need right now. I deeply appreciate all the kindness and respect for my privacy during this time,' she wrote

She penned, 'Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support and for checking in on me.'

'I'm okay and taking the time I need right now. I deeply appreciate all the kindness and respect for my privacy during this time.'

Kennedy broke his silence on the arrest on Tuesday, writing on Instagram: 'I am committed to making meaningful changes in my life.

'I am taking time to focus on my sobriety, personal growth and being present for my loved ones.

'Navigating challenging moments is not easy but I am determined to learn, grow and move forward with the incredible support system around me.'

Kennedy was released after paying a $20,000 bail, according to police records.

Kennedy's attorney, Scott Leeman, tried to downplay the severity of the incident, telling the outlet, 'We understand that there were no injuries and we are hoping that, after careful review, the city's attorney will decide not to file formal charges.'

A source told People: 'James was acting super aggressive all night long.'

A source told People that 'James was acting super aggressive all night long'; pictured December 10 in LA at Kathy Hilton's party earlier that night

'He was acting so erratic, running back and forth to the bar and body-checking people along the way,' the source alleged. 'He appeared inebriated. Spent the evening mostly alone but when he did speak to people, he appeared irritated and rude.'

Attorneys for Kennedy told DailyMail.com Friday: 'We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James.

'We understand that there were no injuries and we are hoping that, after careful review, the citys attorneys will decide not to file formal charges.'

Kennedy has been dating Lewber since 2022, following the end of his engagement to Rachel Leviss.
The Pioneer Woman star Ree Drummond joyfully announced on her website this week that she has become a grandmother.

Her daughter Alex, 27, revealed this June that she and her husband Mauricio Scott were expecting their firstborn child this winter.

Their bundle of joy arrived in time for Christmas when Alex gave birth to her daughter at 2:30am this Wednesday in Dallas, Texas.

Ree shared heartwarming snap of her cradling her 'perfect' newborn granddaughter - and just underneath it, she revealed the baby's name.

'My heart is exploding with happiness, so I couldn't wait to share the news with you that Alex and Mauricio's baby girl, Sofia, was born early this morning!' she wrote.

'My daughter just had a daughter. I'm honestly still trying to wrap my head (and heart) around it all,' the television personality glowingly added.

The Pioneer Woman star Ree Drummond joyfully announced on her website this week that she has become a grandmother

Ree and her husband Ladd, whom she has been married to for 28 years, were able to arrive at the Dallas hospital in time for the birth.

'Mauricio attended to Alex's every need, to the point that the rest of us questioned if we even needed to be there,' Ree gushed. 'What a gift to Ladd and me, for Alex to have a partner in life who demonstrates his love through such clear action.'

She described the baby as 'perfect,' adding: 'I'm saying that with as much objectivity as I can. But I'm not kidding...she is perfect. Like, if you looked up "perfect" in Miriam Webster, it would reference Sofia Scott, and maybe even show a photo of her. Although that would probably technically be an encyclopedia.'

Ree warmly told her fans: 'I want Alex's internet aunts and uncles, who have watched her grow up on my blog and cooking show, to be able to celebrate the best day of her life...and certainly my and Ladd's life.'

She closed by expressing her gratitude, writing: 'Thank you, God, for Alex and Mauricio, and for my beautiful granddaughter Sofia Marie Scott!'

Alex and Mauricio tied the knot at the Drummond Ranch in rural Oklahoma on May Day 2021, and announced she was pregnant this June.

'We can't wait to meet you, little one. Baby Scott joining the party this winter!' they wrote in a joint Instagram post. 'Thank you Lord for this precious gift.'

Weeks later, they disclosed that they were expecting a girl in a sweet video that showed their golden retriever George biting into a cupcake with pink filling.

Her daughter Alex, 27, revealed this June that she and her husband Mauricio Scott were expecting their firstborn child this winter; pictured in the delivery room

Their bundle of joy arrived in time for Christmas when Alex gave birth to her daughter at 2:30am this Wednesday in Dallas, Texas

'I want Alex's internet aunts and uncles, who have watched her grow up on my blog and cooking show, to be able to celebrate the best day of her life....,' Ree wrote

Ree's post was filled with gratitude, ending with the exclamation: 'Thank you, God, for Alex and Mauricio, and for my beautiful granddaughter Sofia Marie Scott!'

Ree shared heartwarming snap of her cradling her 'perfect' newborn granddaughter - and just underneath it, she revealed the baby's name

Ree and her husband Ladd, whom she has been married to for 28 years, were able to arrive at the Dallas hospital in time for the birth

She described the baby as 'perfect,' adding: 'I'm saying that with as much objectivity as I can,' then gushing: 'But I'm not kidding...she is perfect'

'What a gift to Ladd and me, for Alex to have a partner in life who demonstrates his love through such clear action,' said Ree in her birth announcement

In addition to Alex, Ree and Ladd also have a daughter called Paige, 24, who has been engaged to her boyfriend David Andersen since at least early August; Paige pictured with Sofia

'My daughter just had a daughter,' wrote Ree, who is pictured with Alex: 'I'm honestly still trying to wrap my head (and heart) around it all'

Alex and Mauricio tied the knot at the Drummond Ranch in rural Oklahoma on May Day 2021, and announced she was pregnant this June

In addition to Alex, Ree and Ladd also have a daughter called Paige, 24, who has been engaged to her boyfriend David Andersen since at least early August.

Ree responded gleefully to the engagement news, revealing she knew David was planning to propose for 'six weeks' before he did so.

'We are so happy!' she wrote in a joyful post on her website. 'Paige and David are such a great match, a terrific team!'

In September, Ree posted social media photos of her going bridal gown shopping with Paige, indicating wedding plans are well underway.

Her new suite of photos from Alex' hospital room includes a heartwarming snap of Paige in an armchair, holding her newborn niece Sofia.
Chinese medical team donates medicines, equipment to South Sudan's main hospital

Xinhua) 10:33, December 19, 2024

JUBA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The 12th batch of the Chinese medical team on Wednesday donated medicines and medical equipment to South Sudan's Juba Teaching Hospital ahead of the festive season.

Harriet Akello Pasquale, undersecretary of the National Ministry of Health, said the donation came at a critical time when medical staff are expected to deal with critical emergency cases stemming from road accidents and diseases that may arise during the festive season.

"These donations are timely, because every year during the Christmas season there is really a high need of having available sufficient medical supplies. During Christmas, we normally receive a lot of casualties, people may come due to intoxication of alcohol, injuries and many other diseases, that is why it is important to have available medical supplies in place," Pasquale said during the donation ceremony in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

Pasquale noted that this is not the first time that the Chinese people and their government have supported South Sudanese, adding that previous Chinese medical teams have not only donated medicines and hi-tech medical equipment but also trained their South Sudanese counterparts in various fields.

"Today we are in a modern building at Juba Teaching Hospital, and we have been receiving training in various medical fields and even we have the Chinese medical team embedded in Juba Teaching Hospital to work with the team at the hospital and give them all the necessary support in terms of service delivery and also in improving access to diagnosis and provision of diagnosis with high technology," she added.

The Chinese government is currently implementing the second phase of the Juba Teaching Hospital modernization and expansion project, to improve the delivery of health services in the main referral hospital.

Anthony Lupai Simon, director-general of Juba Teaching Hospital, said the donation of medicines and equipment demonstrates the strong relationship between China and the people of South Sudan.

He also commended the Chinese medical team for training the local medical personnel in the hospital and providing medical treatment to vulnerable people both in Juba and remote areas of the country.

Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang said that the medicines and medical instruments will ease the work of the staff at the hospital and also alleviate the financial burdens of the local patients.

Ma noted China medical teams have been delivering healthcare services to South Sudanese communities for over a decade through direct medical outreach and also providing capacity-building training to local doctors.

Over the past 12 years, a total of 180 Chinese medical personnel have served in South Sudan, providing medical services to over 80,000 patients, performing more than 1,400 surgeries, and rescuing 2,692 patients in critical condition.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Machine Gun Kelly is still 'doing the best he can' to win pregnant Megan Fox back.

The couple, who are expecting their first child together, recently called it quits on their tumultuous four-year relationship.

It came shortly after they announced their baby news with the world, after the 38-year-old actress previously suffered a miscarriage.

Their breakup was reportedly due to Fox finding 'upsetting material' on the 34-year-old music artist's phone during a Colorado vacation.

A source told ET that 'Megan doesn't like that she's been pulled back into relationship drama' as she awaits the birth of her fourth child.

It was added that the stars are 'trying to figure out what their next step should be as a couple and co-parents.'

Machine Gun Kelly is 'doing the best he can' to win pregnant Megan Fox back; pictured in November

The couple, who are expecting their first child together, recently called it quits on their tumultuous four-year relationship; pictured in May 2021

The relationship update comes after MGK's ex Amia Miley alleged he partook in a shocking sex act when they dated eight years ago.

While speaking on the Inside Only Fans podcast, she said: 'He'd be perfect for Only Fans if he [weren't] so emotionally unstable.'

In another part of the chat, she said, 'I mean, he drank my pee.

'I dont know what we were doing, but we got to his house and he was like, "Go in the shower." And Im like, "No, I dont need a shower."

'So I did and he held out his hand and hes like "OK, now pee. Then he started going like this into his mouth.'

She claimed the star 'never did it again after that one day' because her urine 'probably tasted gross.'

Fox purchased a new $8 million home in Los Angeles amid her and the rocker's split.

Sources told TMZ that the exes hadn't been living together throughout the past year.

MGK, born Colson Baker, reportedly bought a house years ago and always had guests at the home, leaving Fox concerned about safety and prompting her to live at her own place.

According to insiders, the Transformers siren has been renting over the last 12 months and is ready to put down roots.

The relationship update comes after MGK's ex Amia Miley alleged on a recent podcast episode that he 'drank [my] pee' during the time they dated; pictured in 2017

A source told ET that 'Megan doesn't like that she's been pulled back into relationship drama' as she awaits the birth of her fourth child; pictured in May 2022

The actress shares three sons - Noah, 12, Bodhi, 10, and Journey, eight - with ex-husband Brian Austin Green, who she split from in 2020 after a decade of marriage

'Megan was just done with all of it,' one person close to the stars told DailyMail.com exclusively about her decision to end the romance.

'She was done with his behavior and the way that he treated her. When she fell pregnant, he thought it meant that she would stay with him no matter what  and it is not the case.

'The most important thing in Megan's world right now is her unborn baby and she has no problem raising the child on her own,' the insider said.

It was added, 'She's left him before, but this time seems final. Her friends support her wholeheartedly and over the past few years they have grown to really dislike him.

'Her friends were worried this was going to happen.'

It's also been said that the siren is fuming with Baker's request to be present at the birth of their child, according to sources who claim she doesn't believe he 'deserves' to be in the room after she reportedly discovered he had been unfaithful.

The actress shares three sons  Noah, 12, Bodhi, 10, and Journey, eight  with ex-husband Brian Austin Green, who she split from in 2020 after a decade of marriage.
Samantha Armytage appeared to be in jovial spirits as she did some essential Christmas shopping on Thursday.

The new Today Show stand-in host, 48, appeared to be getting ready to celebrate Christmas with her loved ones after splitting from her husband Richard Lavender.

She flashed a huge smile as she bought a box of French champagne Louis Auger, which retails from $46.99 per bottle, ahead of the festive season.

Samantha, who is newly-single after her and Richard's separation, looked effortlessly stylish in a smart blue shirt and black wide-leg trousers.

She kept comfortable in a pair of white sling-back sandals and shielded her eyes with dark black shades while running her errands.

The former Channel Seven star appeared to be in excellent form as she beamed from ear-to-ear while taking her shopping back to her car.

Samantha Armytage appeared to be in jovial spirits as she did some essential Christmas shopping on Thursday

The new Today Show stand-in host, 48, appeared to be getting ready to celebrate Christmas with her loved ones after splitting from her husband Richard Lavender

Samantha was also seen taking a call at one point and flashed a huge smile as she chatted away to somebody on the phone.

It is not known how Samantha will be celebrating the Christmas period but she will no doubt be catching up with her family and friends.

It will mark her first Christmas since her separation from equestrian businessman Richard, 61, on the eve of their fourth wedding anniversary.

Samantha started dating Richard in April 2019, and they announced their engagement in June 2020.

The couple then tied the knot at his 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands in NSW on New Year's Eve of that same year.

But earlier this month, sources revealed their split exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, with Samantha then confirming that they had 'amicably' gone their separate ways.

'Yes Richard and I have separated. All breakups are hard, but it's somewhat lessened by the fact it's amicable and we wish the best for each other,' Samantha told the media.

'I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I won't be making any further comment.'

She flashed a huge smile as she bought a box of French champagne Louis Auger, which retails from $46.99 per bottle, ready for the festive season

Samantha, who is newly-single after her and Richard's separation, looked effortlessly stylish in a smart blue shirt and black wide-leg trousers

Samantha flashed a huge smile as she chatted away to someone on the phone while leaving the shops

She kept comfortable in a pair of white sling-back sandals and shielded her eyes with dark black shades while running her errands

The former Channel Seven star appeared to be in excellent form as she beamed from ear-to-ear while taking her shopping back to her car

It is understood that Samantha's television presenter friends had been comforting the star behind the scenes for some time.

Samantha and Richard had been last sighted together on September 5, when they arrived back at Sydney Airport following a trip to Noosa together.

Samantha is no longer followed on Instagram by Richard's two daughters, Sascha and Grace, although the former couple still follow each other.

It has been a huge period of change for Samantha as she also quit Channel Seven after 21 years with the network earlier this year.

The ex Farmer Wants A Wife host then made the sensational move to rival network Nine and she has already made her on-screen debut on the channel.

On Monday, Samantha joined the Today Show as a summer stand-in host and made quite the impression on viewers during her first episode.

The veteran presenter kicked off the show by sharing a flirty exchange with her co-host Dan Anstey.

After introducing herself to viewers, Sam recalled first meeting Dan at the Melbourne Cup.

Samantha carried her essentials in a cream handbag as she flashed a smile while running pre-Christmas errands

She got ready for the holiday period as she loaded boxes of champagne into her car ahead of the celebrations

Samantha showed off her stunning features with a glamorous make-up palette, including a matte slick of pink lipstick

She spared no expense on her Christmas purchases as she also loaded another bag of shopping into her car

It is not known how Samantha will be celebrating the Christmas period but she will no doubt be catching up with her family and friends

'I can't remember that. How was I?' he asked.

'You were handsome as always,' a giggling Sam responded, before Dan said: 'That was someone else. You confused me with another Dan.'

'Yeah I have actually. We'll get to that later on but it's lovely to see you all here,' Sam quickly responded before she introduced the news headlines.

Viewers have already called for Samantha and Dan to permanently replace Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo on the show as they praised the duo for their upbeat and personable presenting styles.

While Nine have insisted Samantha's Today role is purely seasonal, speculation is rife that it could be a trial run to see if she is the right fit to join Today permanently.

Nine was reportedly plunged into back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Samantha on to the Today show.

The move also sparked outrage among long-time staff, with insiders alleging the decision created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling snubbed.

'There have been crisis meetings back-to-back since Sam was signed,' a source told Woman's Day earlier this month.

It will mark her first Christmas since her separation from equestrian businessman Richard (both pictured in October 2021), 61, on the eve of their fourth wedding anniversary

'The big bosses did not listen to the team when they objected to Sam coming on board.'

Meanwhile, a well-placed source told Daily Mail Australia that Nine has a strategic reasoning behind Samantha's appointment.

'Let's not pretend this isn't about ratings,' they said.

'If Sam manages to pull Today out of the shadow of Sunrise, even for a week, the network will see it as a win. For Sam, it's about proving she's still the queen of breakfast TV.'

One major source of resentment at her new network is the perception that Nine's existing talent has been overlooked.
Aussie performers have slammed an event producer after claims has failed to pay them almost $200,000.

Producer Bass Fam, who has staged events at the likes of the Sydney Opera House and Adelaide Fringe Festival, owes at least $182,000 to artists and a lighting design company, News Corp reported.

However, the publication also claims sources say many more were owed money, by Mr Fam's company Bass Fam Creative.

Performers from the shows Matador, Mansion, Memories, and Oracle, have been chasing money they claim is owed to them for more than two years, with the publication reporting artists' agencies had raised concerns over non-payment in 2022.

The show Oracle, for example, was described as 'an intoxicating spectacle [of] the 12 zodiac myths, explored thematically through live vocals, world class circus acts, mesmerising aerials and steamy burlesque numbers'.

The show enjoyed sold out seasons in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide as well as a debut Sydney season at the Sydney Opera House in 2022.

Producer Bass Fam (pictured), who has staged events at the likes of the Sydney Opera House and Adelaide Fringe Festival, owes at least $182,000 to artists and a lighting design company, reports News Corp

Performers claimed that despite being offered a payment plan, no money had been forthcoming in months.

An email sent to a cast member claimed that once the business could establish 'consistent cash flow' a manageable payment plan would be put in place.

The email stated that it would be 'more attainable to create a payment plan that I could stick to which would consist of regular small payments, with lump sum injections from any additional big jobs/events.'

Australian burlesque performer Bettie Bombshell, who was in the cast of Oracle, claims that she is owed $7,000 as well as superannuation.

She told News Corp that the issue had been continuing for two years telling the publication that she was tempted to take a large gold martini prop glass as payment before changing her mind.

'Upon reflection and some very major events happening in my personal life I realised I couldnt pay my rent and bills with a prop,' she said.

'So I messaged him to say that would no longer work, and that I was in a bit of trouble financially. He still didnt pay me. He contractually agreed to pay me $7,000. The prop was worth about $3,000.'

Another performer, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that payments started arriving late which the cast and crew were initially sympathetic to.

Australian burlesque performer Bettie Bombshell, who was in the cast of Oracle, claims that she is owed $7,000 as well as superannuation after initially agreeing to accept a large martini glass prop as payment

However, the performer claimed that Mr Fam had gone to Europe to explore event opportunities with money outstanding.

Acknowledging the Europe trip to News Corp, Mr Fam claimed he had meetings in London about staging the show Matador, which did not come to pass.

'Everything almost went ahead, I have no reason to lie are you f**king kidding me?' he said.

'I have been doubted and mocked and ridiculed for trying to do things that are way beyond what other people are even trying.'

Mr Fam added that he had been told to liquidate the company, which is something he 'could not' do as nobody would get paid.

'We own nothing. There are no assets in the company's name and if I do no one gets paid,' Mr Fam said.

'I am only liable for everyones super and the two bank loans I have taken out as I have signed as a director.

'No ones invoices get paid if I liquidate, it will be thrown away and that will be a heartbreaking end to the f**king struggle that I have gone through.'

The publication also claimed that a Victorian-based lighting company, which had worked with the company for 'years' was owed $157,000.

Mr Fam acknowledged that he did owe the money, but claimed there were 'discrepancies in the invoices' that, once resolved by mid-2023, could not be paid as there 'was no money.'

A candid Mr Fam added that the situation and his businesses dwindling cash flow had caused a 'total mental and emotional breakdown.'

He added that he is now in a much better place and has paid back more then $47,000 worth of invoices.

He also claimed that the artists would receive a lump sum payment by Christmas.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Bass Fam for comment.
Paris Fury is preparing to reunite with her husband Tyson after the boxer revealed he hasn't said 'one word' to her in three months.

The mother-of-seven, 35, shared a selfie with her eldest son Prince John James, 13, as they travelled in luxury on their private jet to the match in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Smiling in the snap she wrote: 'On our way @tysonfury' after she spoke out earlier this week about the extraordinary measures the heavyweight champion has taken ahead of his next fight.

The boxer, who has been married to Paris for 16 years, revealed he had cut contact with his family completely over the past three months while he has been in training camp ahead of his match with Oleksandr Usyk.

Paris wrote: 'People don't see the sacrifices made I've let him solely concentrate on this fight. It seems like he's been gone forever especially with no contact but if it's what he needs.'

Tyson said of his plans after the fight to Dev Sahni: 'I'll be flying home for Christmas plenty of eggnog and mince pies and turkeys and all. I can't wait for Christmas.

Paris Fury is preparing to reunite with her husband Tyson after the pair confessed they haven't said 'one word' to each other in three months

The boxer revealed he had cut contact with his family completely over the past three months while he has been in training camp ahead of his match with Oleksandr Usyk

'I wish [the fight] was tonight. It's been a long camp being away from your wife and kids in three months. I've not spoken to Paris three months, not one word.'

Fans took to the comment section, surprised Tyson has cut contact with Paris and asked: 'Why wouldnt you speak to your wife and kids? I dont get that at all.'

Others wrote: 'This isn't inspiring, instead this is just sad. He's abandoned his family for months. He could at least pick up the phone. Poor Paris.#

'What's the logic in not talking to your wife at least on the phone or video chat? How does this help his training?'

'I dont care who you are or what youre up to, there is no excuse to not speak TO YOUR WIFE for 3 whole months. Just unnecessary in this day and age. He can spare 5min to do a televised interview yet cant spare 20 seconds to text Paris?? Pfffft. Not worth it.'

Tyson's extreme measures show just how seriously he's taking his rematch with Usyk, the man who handed him his first professional defeat and stripped him of the WBC heavyweight title.

Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion in Riyadh when he handed Fury the first professional defeat of his storied career, beating him via split decision.

Taking the upper hand in the clash, Usyk goes into Saturday's fight with a staggering 60 per cent of the total 150m purse secured.

Paris wrote: 'People don't see the sacrifices made I've let him solely concentrate on this fight. It seems like he's been gone forever especially with no contact'

Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight world champion of the four-belt era by stripping Fury of his WBC title during their first bout in May

The couple have three daughters and four sons (pictured Venezula, 15, Prince Tyson II, eight, Prince John James, 12, Valencia, six, Prince Adonis Amaziah, five, and Athena, three)

Fans took to the comment section, surprised Tyson has cut contact with Paris and asked: 'Why wouldnt you speak to your wife and kids? I dont get that at all'

Fury, who did have the negotiating power in May, will be left with the remaining 40 per cent.

After months of intense training and a complete mental reset, he insists he's more focused and driven than ever. However, he claims he will maintain the same style of fighting.

'I need to be more focused this time and not do as much showboating,' he said. 'One of the commentators said: 'Has anybody ever seen Tyson Fury clown this much against even lower level opposition?' That's how easy it was for me and you can get complacent.'

However, he went on to add: 'I won't change anything. Why would I when I had control of the fight for maybe 80 per cent of it? I'm landing on him at will, head and body, lead right uppercuts, left hooks, right hooks to the body, doubles at times.

'I don't need to change anything. I don't think he can, either, because he ain't going to outbox me on the back foot. He has to come forward and make a fight of it.'

Fury and Usyk will meet in a 12-round rematch at the Kingdom Arena as the Gypsy King seeks to bounce back from his only defeat in professional boxing career.

This time around there will be three belts up for grabs, as Usyk has since vacated the IBF belt.

Fury claims to have rewatched their first bout 'a hundred times' and will be making some adjustments in a bid to cause Usyk's first defeat of his career in their Riyadh showdown.

He has maintained that he was actually the victor from the first fight, and claims that he wasn't focused - something he is keen to put right this time.

'I need to be more focused this time and not do as much showboating, he said via GB News. 'That's how easy it was for me and you can get complacent.

'I don't believe the showboating cost me the fight but I need to be more focused this time and not do as much.

Fury and Usyk will meet in a 12-round rematch at the Kingdom Arena as the Gypsy King seeks to bounce back from his only defeat in professional boxing career

'I didn't feel as if I could have knocked him out at any point. I hurt him a few times to the body and with head shots but I didn't feel I was going to take him out.'

'It was my best performance in the last five years, probably more.'

Tyson and Paris have seven children together after welcoming Prince Rico to the clan back in September last year.

The couple have three daughters and four sons, welcoming their eldest child and first daughter, Venezuela Fury, in 2009.

Prince John James followed in 2011, with their brother Prince Tyson Fury II arriving in 2016.

Valencia Amber was born in 2017, with Prince Adonic Amaziah following in 2019 and Athena, arriving in 2021.
Sir David Jason made a rare public appearance for the gala performance of Only Fools and Horses The Musical in London on Wednesday evening.

The actor, 84, portrayed Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter on the beloved BBC sitcom which ran from 1981 to 1991 followed by several Christmas specials that ended in 2003.

Posing for photos backstage at the Eventim Apollo, he was joined by Sam Lupton who has taken on his iconic character for the UK tour.

David looked smart in a red zip-up jumper which he wore with a suede jacket and a pair of beige trousers.

Vinny Jones, who plays Danny Driscoll in the musical, and Paul Whitehouse who has taken on the role of Grandad were also present.

Chas and Dave star Dave Peacock was in attendance for the opening night, joined by his late co-stars wife Joan Hodges.

Sir David Jason made a rare public appearance for the gala performance of Only Fools and Horses The Musical in London on Wednesday evening (pictured with Sam Lupton)

The actor, 84, portrayed Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter on the beloved BBC sitcom which ran from 1981 to 1991 followed by several Christmas specials that ended in 2003

Only Fools and Horses The Musical will run for 28 shows at London's Hammersmith Eventim Apollo from December 17.

The show is now on a nationwide tour until July 5 next year, following its record-breaking four-year sold-out run in the West End.

Sir David reportedly almost quit Only Fools And Horses during its prime back in 1986 and almost an entirely different ending for Del Boy character was written.

According to The Sun, as the actor contemplated leaving, head writer John Sullivan wrote a potential final episode called Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

The episode did air that year but it almost had a very different ending. It saw a character named Jumbo Mills arrive in Peckham after supposedly making a fortune while living in Australia.

The initial idea was that Jumbo would cross paths with Del and tempt him to return to Australia with him to make his fortune there.

This would have given David the opportunity to make a clean break from the show while setting up for the series to carry on without him.

Producers were reportedly contemplating making Nicholas Lyndhurst the star of a new version of the show called Hot Rod, centred around his character Rodney.

Paul Whitehouse who has taken on the role of Grandad was also present

Vinny Jones is playing Danny Driscoll in the stage adaptation

David looked smart in a red zip-up jumper which he wore with a suede jacket and a pair of beige trousers (L-R Georgina Hagen, Sam, Craig Berry, Tom Major and Vinnie)

Chas and Dave star Dave Peacock was in attendance for the opening night, joined by his late co-stars wife Joan Hodges

He wore a blue checked shirt with a pinstriped jacket

While the fate of Only Fools And Horses hung in the balance, David ultimately changed his mind and decided to stay with the series.

The episode aired with Del rejecting Jumbo Mils' offer to go to Australia.

David previously told how he feels the 'ghost' of Del is following him and feels the character hangs over him.

He said: 'That Derek Trotter thing, he's a bit of a ghost that comes along behind me like A Christmas Carol.'

The star expressed frustration that despite a decades-long career in film and television he is most know for playing Del Boy.

He said the character 'only hangs me back, only upsets me slightly is because that seems to be the only thing that people remember me for.'

'I'm delighted in one way that it's reached so many people and they've enjoyed what I've done with the character, but I've done so many other things that everybody seems to have forgotten about. It's like I've only ever played Derek Trotter.'

David revealed that while he isn't disappointed with his career, there are still so many goals he hasn't achieved and put that down to being followed by the ghost of his most iconic character.

The star explained: 'My real disappointment or regret, if you like, is I always wanted to be a National Theatre player.'

They were joined at the event by Juliet Hodges

Theatre director Caroline Jay Ranger gave David a hug

Only Fools and Horses The Musical will run for 28 shows at London's Hammersmith Eventim Apollo from December 17

The show is now on a nationwide tour until July 5 next year, following its record-breaking four-year sold-out run in the West End

There was almost an entirely different ending for David's character when the actor was considering quitting the show back in 1986

While the fate of Only Fools And Horses hung in the balance, David ultimately changed his mind and decided to stay with the series (pictured in 1983's Christmas special)

He continued: 'I always wanted to be on the stage of the National Theatre. It was just that romantic image of playing those big productions with all those big, wonderful actors. That never happened.'

When host Jon suggested he still had time to realise his dream of taking to the stage, Jason replied that his time may have run out, explaining that his memory is not what it was.

He said: 'Well you wonder whether the old memory would be quite good enough. I could do it with the autocue things.'

But seeming to shake off his melancholy mood, he then playfully turned to the camera and said: 'Hey! Yes, National Theatre, I'm available!'
Ruth Langsford appeared to accept estranged husband Eamonn Holmes' olive branch as she made a cryptic social media move on Wednesday.

Eamonn issued a public display of support for ex-wife Ruth, 64, as she paid an emotional visit to her unwell mother Joan in hospital earlier this week.

In his first notable contact with Ruth since their separation, the GB News presenter, 65, liked her post.

The couple confirmed their 14-year marriage is over in June and are understood to be keen on ushering in a speedy divorce once Christmas and New Year are out of the way.

Now, Ruth has returned the public display of support and liked a post of he and his co-host Isabel Webster as they wrapped up their final show of the year.

Alongside the snap, Isabel gushed: 'Final show from us for 2024. Thanks for your company this year. See you soon! Merry Christmas - I hope you all find some peace and joy'

Ruth Langsford, 64, appeared to accept estranged husband Eamonn Holmes', 65, olive branch as she made a cryptic move in a post with he and co-host Isabel Webster on Wednesday

Eamonn issued a public display of support for ex-wife Ruth as she paid an emotional visit to her unwell mother Joan in hospital earlier this week

The couple confirmed their 14-year marriage is over in June and are understood to be keen on ushering in a speedy divorce once Christmas and New Year are out of the way

Isabel is set to be replaced by Ellie Costello, 31, during the working week as part of a number of major changes announced by the broadcaster.

The 41-year-old, who had previously worked for Sky News and the BBC, had been a part of the show since it launched in 2022.

A GB News spokesperson said on Wednesday: 'Ellie Costello will now co-host GBN Breakfast five days a week, presenting alongside Eamonn Holmes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and with Stephen Dixon on Thursday and Friday.

'Stephen and Anne Diamond will continue to co-present GB News Breakfast at Weekends.'

Ruth shared a photo from her 93-year old mother Joan's hospital bed on Wednesday evening.

Captioning her post, she wrote: 'Hospital visit.thank you all so much for your lovely messages and well wishes for my darling Mum. Shell be in hospital for a bit longer yet, but shes in pretty good spirits considering and I hope shell be home for Christmas.'

Joan was rushed to hospital in December after breaking her pelvis during a fall, with Ruth later confirming the news in an Instagram post on Sunday.

She wrote: 'No dancing in my kitchen peeling the veg for my darling Mum this Christmas.she's had a fall and fractured her pelvis!

In his first notable contact with Ruth since their separation, the presenter liked her post

Now, Ruth has returned the public display of support and liked a post of he and his co-host Isabel Webster as they wrapped up their final show of the year

It's understood that Eamonn and Ruth are hoping to settle their divorce imminently - with Ruth to keep their 3.5million Surrey mansion

Following Eamonn's olive branch to Ruth in the post about her mother, the presenter took to Instagram on Thursday to share an emotional tribute to his late mother

'She's okish, no surgery required thank goodness but she needs rest and time to heal now. She's in hospital at the moment but I'm hoping to get her home soon.

'This time last year she fell and broke her hip but recovered wellshe's a very strong woman so I'm sure she'll recover from this too. Puts life and what's important into perspective eh? Happy Christmas!'

Following Eamonn's olive branch to Ruth in the post about her mother, the presenter took to Instagram on Thursday to share an emotional tribute to his late mother.

He wrote: 'When folk ask me What do u want for Christmas? 3 Christmases without u now Mum and u r still top of my wish list '

It's understood that Eamonn and Ruth are hoping to settle their divorce imminently - with Ruth to keep their 3.5million Surrey mansion.

'The aim is for Eamonn and Ruth to resolve their divorce as quickly as possible in the New Year,' a source told The Sun.

'Ruth is keen to stay in their marital home as it is where she is settled, Eamonn on the other hand wants to get out and make a fresh start. They aren't dragging their heels and want this settled and done as quickly as possible.'

Eamonn recently sparked speculation that he is engaged to Alexander after she was spotted wearing a large ring on her engagement finger during a romantic getaway to Paris last week.

'Eamonn has been talking openly about his plans to marry Katie and has made it clear he wants to spend the rest of his life with her,' a source told The Sun.

'Theyre already living together and he knows it feels right. They have a very strong connection and get on very well. She has given him a real lust for life and she looks after him.'

Eamonn has already moved on with dating counsellor Katie Alexander, at 43 some 22-years the veteran presenter's junior

Eamonn and Ruth split after 27-years together (pictured 2009) and they are parents to son Jack, 22

In pictures obtained by the publication, the couple headed to the Louvre, with Alexander wearing a gold diamond ring on her engagement finger.

The counsellor was not pictured wearing the band at a Christmas carol concert in West London on December 5.

It was reported last month that Langsford has hired a 'fierce' divorce lawyer amid the bitter split.

As reported by The Sun, Catherine Costley has been called up by Loose Women host Ruth who seeks to end her 14-year marriage to Holmes with a financial settlement.

Costley is known for her fierce approach to divorce settlements and has said all women should have a 'go bag' fund when exiting a relationship, according to The Sun.

The divorce lawyer was once an apprentice of 'Steel Magnolia' Baroness Fiona Shackleton, Britain's highest-profile divorce lawyer who famously represented Charles in his split from Diana in 1996.

Baroness Shackleton has also worked with A-list stars including Sir Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher and Madonna.

She was once doused with water in court by a furious Heather Mills while representing the Beatles legend during the couple's divorce in 2008.
Molly-Mae Hague hinted at her split from ex-fiance Tommy Fury in a trailer for her new six-part series with Prime Video, Behind It All.

The Love Island star, 25, parted ways from the boxer, also 25, in August, after five years together, with fans hoping the documentary will reveal what really prompted the relationship to breakdown.

The couple have not yet revealed the cause of their break-up after reports emerged Tommy had cheated on her with a Danish woman he met' on a holiday in North Macedonia - something which he has always fiercely denied.

In the teaser for the upcoming documentary, which was released on Wednesday, Molly-Mae is followed by cameras in the aftermath of their split.

While she described the time as 'the worst months of my life', the reality star has maintained her stealthy tactic of not going into detail about the break-up.

Molly admitted to feeling 'angry' and 'hurt' by Tommy, with footage also showing her hang up the phone - but fans are still kept in the dark about what caused the demise of their relationship.

Molly-Mae Hague hinted at her split from ex-fiance Tommy Fury in a trailer for her new six-part series with Prime Video, Behind It All

The Love Island star, 25, parted ways from the boxer, also 25, in August, with fans who watched them fall in love on the show hoping to know what really prompted the split

The television personality previously spoke about how she keeps her personal life closely guarded.

She told Vogue: 'I try and say a lot, without saying anything at all, if that makes sense.

'Unfortunately in this job you do have to be that way, because you could say one comment and people could literally go from loving you to hating you overnight. And thats, like, quite savage, this whole cancel culture thing. Its pretty scary.'

The first three episodes will launch on 17th January, and fans will have to tune in to see if Molly-Mae opens up about her split from Tommy, or uses her tactic to 'say a lot, without saying anything at all'.

In the trailer, Molly reveals the depth of her heartbreak to her mother, admitting: 'I am angry at him, and I am very hurt' before she's filmed hugging daughter Bambi, 23 months, and saying: 'I feel like sometimes it just really hits you that I'm in this alone now.'

Molly's journey began in 2019 when she was 20 years old and she appeared on ITV2 show Love Island, where she fell in love with Tommy in front of the nation.

The couple welcomed their daughter Bambi in 2023 and seven months later got engaged after Tommy popped the question with a reported 600,000 diamond ring during an Ibizan clifftop proposal.

But the nation was left devastated this summer when their romance came to a shocking end despite plans in motion for them to wed next September.

The documentary series follows Molly as she navigates her breakup from Tommy, launches her first clothing business Maebe and parents the couple's daughter Bambi

The television personality previously spoke about how she keeps her personal life closely guarded - viewers will have to tune in to see how much she choses to reveal

Breaking the news to her 8.3million Instagram followers, Molly said: 'Never in a million years did I think I'd ever have to write this. After five years of being together I never imagined our story would end, especially not this way.'

The revelation led to months of speculation Tommy was unfaithful during their relationship, claims he vehemently denies.

Speaking about their breakup to British Vogue last month, Molly said: 'It was a bit of a shock. The circumstances I didn't want what happened to happen.

'I wanted to get married next September and it's very hard when it's kind of taken away. But I will always have a lot of love and respect for him.'

This week, the couple were pictured for the first time since their separation as they continue to co-parent Bambi, who turns two in January.
Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne has told how the final ever episode of the series is the 'perfect ending' to the long-running show.

The supposed 'last ever' installment of the beloved comedy will air in a 90-minute special on Christmas Day, after fans of the show begged for an end to the story following the cliffhanger 2019 special.

And in a new interview with FAULT Magazine, the actor, 46 - who plays the titular Gavin - spilled the beans on what fans can expect during the highly-anticipated festive special.

He shared: 'They can expect the perfect ending to a very long tale of love, friendship, and family. Im really proud of it. I didnt write it, but the quality of the script speaks for itself. Its the perfect ending on paper, and I think audiences will feel the same when they see it.'

After 17 years of playing Essex lad Gavin, Mathew is set to finally say goodbye to the character, who appears alongside Stacey (Joanna Page), Smithy (James Corden) and Nessa (Ruth Jones).

On whether it was 'emotional' closing the chapter on the show after all these years, Mathew told that while he held it together, he felt 'emotionally charged' filming the scenes, having worked with co-stars and crew members for all these years.

Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne has told how the final ever episode of the series is the 'perfect ending' to the long-running show

The supposed 'last ever' installment of the beloved comedy will air in a 90-minute special on Christmas Day, after fans of the show begged for an end to the story following the cliffhanger 2019 special

He said: 'I wouldnt say it was hard, but it was emotionally charged. After 17 years, its impossible not to feel a sense of significance.

'Working with people Ive known since the beginning made it bittersweet. Many of the crew members were there in 2007 for Series 1. Theres a deep sense of family, on and off screen. That emotional weight made it all the more meaningful.'

While Mathew has gone on to great career spanning theatre, TV and film, he acknowledges that his role of Gavin has 'defined my career and life so far', noting that he's never felt that the role is 'limiting'.

The star added that playing the role for so long is 'something to celebrate', adding that he's 'extremely grateful' to be part of something that has so much 'meaning' for people.

Meanwhile, despite having his own success, Mathew went on to admit having 'imposter syndrome' when it came to working alongside some great female actresses who he 'idolises' including Alison Steadman, Imelda Staunton, Catherine Tate.

Most recently he's been left in awe at Hollywood star Sigourney Weaver, whom he stars alongside in Jamie Lloyds production of Shakespeares The Tempest.

Detailing his imposter syndrome, Mathew recalled constantly asking himself 'Do I deserve to be here?', with the star noting that though 'surreal', overtime he's learnt to 'trust' that he's 'here for a reason'.

His words comes as he recently reunited with his co-stars at the Gavin And Stacey: The Finale screening at the Ham Yard Hotel.

In a new interview with FAULT Magazine , the actor, 46 - who plays the titular Gavin - spilled the beans on what fans can expect during the highly-anticipated festive special.

He shared: 'They can expect the perfect ending to a very long tale of love, friendship, and family. Im really proud of it. I didnt write it, but the quality of the script speaks for itself'

On whether it was 'emotional' closing the chapter on the show after all these years, Mathew told that while he held it together, he felt 'emotionally charged' filming the scenes

'Theres a deep sense of family, on and off screen. That emotional weight made it all the more meaningful'

Mathew was joined by his onscreen wife Joanna Page and co-stars Larry Lamb, Alison Steadman, Steffan Rhodri and Robert Wilfort, as well as show creators James Corden and Ruth Jones.

Mathew and James, 46, who also plays Gavin's best pal Smithy, shared a sweet encounter at the screening - putting their feud rumours well and truly to bed.

The actors proved they have no shared enmity as they wrapped their arms around one another, after Mathew hit back at claims they had had a 'bitter fallout'.

The pair were once inseparable and would frequently be spotted together, before James went on to find fame in America.

Speculation arose that the duo had fallen out after Gavin & Stacey finished airing in 2009 and James left to front his very own successful Late Late Show chat show across the pond.

However, Mathew has since rubbished the claims and expressed his frustration about having to repeatedly deny them, while also coming to the defence of James.

Speaking to The Times at the weekend, he said: 'This notion of us falling out in 2009  it wasn't true, but I couldn't really do anything about it.

'Because James then went off to the States, that was the narrative and however much I said that we didn't fall out, no amount of protesting would have convinced people that it didn't happen.'

His words comes as he recently reunited with his co-stars at the Gavin And Stacey: The Finale screening at the Ham Yard Hotel (left to right: Steffan Rhodri, James Corden, Joanna Page, Larry Lamb, Alison Steadman, Mathew, Ruth Jones and Robert Wilfort)

Mathew and James, 46, who also plays Gavin's best pal Smithy, shared a sweet encounter at the screening - putting their feud rumours well and truly to bed

Speculation arose that the duo had fallen out after Gavin & Stacey finished airing in 2009 and James left to front his very own successful Late Late Show chat show across the pond (pictured in November 2009)

He continued: 'It was a hectic time and I really don't want any more hecticness and chaos in my life. I just want to be grateful and enjoy the things that I'm so fortunate to have.

'Which is a really interesting, fun career and a beautiful family. Honestly, I'm sick of talking about 15 years of this, it sapped my energy at the time and it's not important.'

Defending James from trolls who target him for his success, Mathew added: 'The root of all of the flak that he takes  and it's beyond flak  is jealousy. He is a phenomenally gifted actor and writer, and a brilliant working-class success story.

'So yeah, I am protective of him. But I think I've been silenced in discussing him because of this narrative that's been imposed.'
Paul Rudd surprised pubgoers this week as he featured in their Christmas quiz.

The Barley Mow in Marylebone, central London holds a quiz every Tuesday which often features questions asked by a special guest.

Past readers have included Judi Dench, Michael Sheen and Will Ferrell.

For this week's festive edition it was none other than A-lister Paul, 55, who recorded himself asking the 'Top Ten Question'.

As his video was aired, pubgoers cheered and hollered while he asked them to name the top 10 Christmas carols - as voted for by Classic FM listeners.

So do YOU know the answer? Scroll down to find out.

Paul Rudd surprised pubgoers this week as he featured in their Christmas quiz, asking quizzers to name the top 10 Christmas carols - as voted for by Classic FM listeners

The Barley Mow in Marylebone, central London holds a quiz every Tuesday which often features questions asked by a special guest

This year's ticketed Christmas quiz helped raise money for the homeless charity Shelter.

As well as the quiz there was also a silent auction - where quizzers had the chance to bid for prizes such as a private cinema screening at Selfridges and a meal for two with wine chosen by a sommelier at The Chiltern Firehouse.

Overall, the event raised 2561.01 for Shelter.

The Barley Mow first trialled a weekly pub quiz over a decade ago - but it never really took off and was eventually 'killed' by Covid.

The pub's team decided to re-launch after the pandemic, and found there was 'a new appetite for quizzing', with the event getting busier and busier each Tuesday.

However, things really took off when they started inviting celebrity guests to read their Top Ten Question - with multi-award-winning actress Dame Judi Dench beginning the tradition.

Landlord Will Norris, who has worked at the pub on-and-off for a decade and bought it off its former owner three years ago, said: 'When we initially trialled it, it never really took off - and then Covid naturally killed it.

'But we re-launched in 2021 and it started growing really quickly.'

The Barley Mow first trialled a weekly pub quiz over a decade ago - but it never really took off and was eventually 'killed' by Covid - but things took off this year with celebrity involvement

Landlord Will Norris, who has worked at the pub for a decade, explained: 'Judi Dench kindly agreed to be our first ever Celebrity Reader, and once Judi says yes, most people will say yes'

He continued: 'I don't know if it was because people did so much quizzing during lockdown - or if people were just eager to come to events again - but there was definitely a new appetite for quizzing.

'We did this Top Ten Question every week and we decided it would be fun if we could get some celebrities to ask the questions.

'Judi Dench very kindly agreed to be our first ever Celebrity Reader, and once Judi says yes, most people will say yes.

'So it just really took off from there. Now we're pretty much always booked out three weeks in advance.'

The majority of The Barley Mow's employees are actors and musicians who work at the pub part-time alongside their main careers.

This means all of the quiz's celebrity guests have come from staff pooling their contacts - and appealing to any A-listers they have met or worked with.

Hosts so far include Hollywood stars like Michael Sheen, Hugh Bonneville, and Will Ferrell, as well as famous TV faces like Graham Norton, Dermot O'Leary, and Chris McCausland.

But it's not all about big names for their quiz events - as Will says a huge part of it is creating a 'community feel'.

He said: 'The sense of community we have purposely cultivated is something pubs in London don't always have.

'Even though we have a W1 postcode, we've created this special rare thing which people in London are desperate to find.

'People are loyal to us and lots of our quiz teams come regularly - it creates a feeling of safety and acknowledgement, and it brings comfort.'
Kate Ferdinand took some time off parenting duties to enjoy a festive girls' night out on Wednesday.

The former TOWIE star, 33, put on a glamorous display in a plunging white button up cardigan which teased a hint of her cleavage and toned abs.

Kate teamed the look with grey jeans, heels and a black handbag and styled her blonde locks in soft waves.

The reality star took to Instagram to share a mirror selfie from the bathroom of her outfit before posing for a group shot with her friends.

She captioned the post: 'Girls night'.

It comes after Kate celebrated her son Cree's fourth birthday with husband Rio, daughter Shae, 17 months, and step-daughter Tia, 13.

The family headed to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve earlier this week where they fed giraffes and also watched tigers prowl from their observatory.

Kate Ferdinand enjoyed a festive girls' night out on Wednesday. The former TOWIE star, 33, put on a glamorous display in a plunging white button up cardigan which teased her abs

The reality star took to Instagram to share a mirror selfie from the bathroom of her outfit before posing for a group shot with her friends

She wrote: 'A very special birthday morning for our Cree'.

Kate and her husband Rio, who married in 2019, are parents to Cree who born in December 2020 and daughter Shae, who was born last year via C-section.

She is also step-mother to his three children Lorenz, 18, Tate, 15, and Tia from his previous marriage to Rebecca Ellison who passed away in 2015.

Last month, Cree was rushed to hospital with a horror injury during a family trip to the Maldives.

Kate shared the scary news on her Instagram as she posted a snap in the back of an ambulance with her toddler but didn't say how he'd got the injury.

She wrote over the top: 'We ended a fabulous trip with a broken collar bone. My boy just always gets injured!!

'It's been sleepless nights, cuddles, tv & chocolate since.'

The podcaster told how the frightening incident occurred at the end of their 'fabulous trip' and said how Cree 'always gets injured'.

The stunner was later snapped leaving GAIA Greek Restaurant in London's Mayfair, with Kate adding an ivory coat to her look

The former TOWIE star added metallic, pointed heels and a grey scarf to her chic ensemble

It comes after Kate celebrated her son Cree's fourth birthday with husband Rio, daughter Shae, 17 months, and step-daughter Tia, 13

The family headed to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve earlier this week where they fed giraffes and also watched tigers prowl from their observatory

She wrote: 'A very special birthday morning for our Cree'

Last month, Cree was rushed to hospital with a horror injury during a family trip to the Maldives

During the trip Kate shared plenty of snaps of the time away as she posed in a pink bikini with shirtless Rio - before the accident happened

She said that since the injury they have been dealing with 'sleepless nights' as he recovers.

Kate has remained open candidly her struggle adapting in a blended family, admitting she 'overthinks' her actions when it comes to caring for her stepchildren.

During an appearance on Virgin Radio she explained: 'My family are so accepting. They love me. It's nothing to do with them. I just always will feel a little bit worried, and it will be a little bit of a struggle. I don't think the box is ever fully ticked.

'I think sometimes I can mistake them just being teenagers that don't listen. I start thinking, "Oh my god, is it me? Is it because I'm their stepmum?"

'And every now and then I just have to sit back and say, "They are teenagers and this is what teenagers do." But you can be a little bit more sensitive.'
Sir Paul McCartney was full of personal anecdotes as he took to the stage at London's O2 arena on Wednesday evening.

Reflecting on his years with The Beatles the legendary musician, 82, revealed the touching impact of the band's famous show in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Liverpudlian foursome were set to play the Gator Bowl in the city in 1964, however they were told the audience would be segregated by colour.

Recalling the story, Paul told the crowd: 'We didn't quite sort of understand it until we went there and we were playing a place called Jacksonville in the South.

'And the promoters said "Ok tonight you are playing to a segregated audience." And we said "What are you talking about?"

'They said there will be black people on one side and white people on the other, and we were like "No, I mean why would you do that what is the point?"'

Sir Paul McCartney has revealed the touching impact of The Beatles integrated Jacksonville show as he paid an emotional tribute to John Lennon at the London O2 Arena on Wednesday

The Liverpudlian foursome were set to play the Gator Bowl in the city in 1964, however they were told the audience would be segregated (John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul L-R pictured 1964 in Liverpool)

He continued: 'So we refused to play it [segregated] and we did play it and it was integrated.'

Revealing the touching impact from the show, he continued: 'Just the other day I got a text from this girl who was there at the time, she was a black girl and she was sitting with some white kids.

And she said "I had never sat with white people before." Imagine that, but she said "I loved it because we were all just Beatle fans screaming and it didn't matter".'

Paul also paid tribute to John Lennon during the set as he spoke about his late bandmate and friend.

Discussing how attitudes towards male emotions have changed he explained how back in the day it was viewed as strange to tell your friends you loved them.

He told the crowd: 'Even in a group you couldn't turn to your mates and say "I love you man," it just was not done you know.'

In an emotional tribute the star then performed a rendition of the band's 1969 hit Something on a ukulele gifted to him by the late George Harrison.

Meanwhile Paul gave The O2 Arena a veggie makeover for his final shows of 2024 with none other than Linda McCartney Foods.

Recalling the story, Paul told the crowd: '[Promoters] said there will be black people on one side and white people on the other, and we were like "No, I mean why would you do that what is the point?"'

The musician then revealed he recently received a text from a black woman who was at the Jacksonville gig who said: 'I had never sat with white people before'

Paul also paid tribute to John Lennon during the set as he spoke about his late bandmate and friend (pictured in 1963)

The 36-song setlist jumped between songs from The Beatles, Wings and his solo career

London Setlist CAN'T BUY ME LOVE JUNIORS FARM LETTING GO DRIVE MY CAR GOT TO GET YOU INTO MY LIFE COME ON TO ME LET ME ROLL IT GETTING BETTER LET 'EM IN MY VALENTINE 1985 MAYBE I'M AMAZED I'VE JUST SEEN A FACE IN SPITE OF ALL THE DANGER LOVE ME DO DANCE TONIGHT BLACKBIRD HERE TODAY NOW AND THEN LADY MADONNA JET MR KITE SOMETHING OBLA DI OBLA DA BAND ON THE RUN WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TIME GET BACK LET IT BE LIVE AND LET DIE HEY JUDE I'VE GOT A FEELING SGT PEPPER / HELTER SKELTER GOLDEN SLUMBERS Advertisement

The Band on the Run inspired Van on the Run food truck was outside the venue offering Linda McCartney's Best Burgers, Korean chicken bites, Vegemince Chilli nachos and Vegan Sausage corndog with chips.

Like Pauls music has changed the world, Linda McCartneys love of animals inspired her to become the meat-free food pioneers since 1991, and has changed the way that the UK eats plant based food.

Rebecca Fairbairn, Head of Marketing at The Hain Celestial Group, said: 'Were excited to be taking over concessions inside the arena for a celebration of music and plant-based living.

'While Paul McCartney has been inspiring generations through his music, Linda McCartney Foods, which is part of Hain Celestial Groups global family of brands, has been pioneering plant-based living for over 30 years so this is a perfect collaboration of our shared values.

'We look forward to giving fans a taste of our delicious, sustainable range for this unforgettable event and sharing the familys best recipes!'

Earlier this week Paul played his first UK date since his career-spanning set as Glastonburys Saturday night headliner in June 2022.

Taking to the stage at the Co-Op Live in Manchester, the star performed for two hours and 40 minutes in an epic set.

Weve been travelling around the world, and here we are up north again, he said, to loud cheers. Its good to be back!

Having opened the show in a blue jacket, he removed it before the Wings song Let Me Roll It.

Thats the one wardrobe change of the evening, he quipped.

There was a ballad, 2012s My Valentine, dedicated to his wife Nancy Shevell, who was watching from the sidelines: This ones for you, babe.

The 36-song setlist jumped between songs from The Beatles, Wings and his solo career.

He told the crowd: 'Even in a group you couldn't turn to your mates and say "I love you man," it just was not done you know'

In an emotional tribute the star then performed a rendition of the band's 1969 hit Something on a ukulele gifted to him by the late George Harrison

A Beatles-Wings one-two of A Hard Day's Night and Junior's Farm set the tone for an opening salvo dominated by hard-rocking numbers that played to the strengths of a four-piece backing band that have now been with him for 21 years and over 500 shows.

A three-piece brass and woodwind section, the Hot City Horns, appeared in the stalls to enliven Letting Go.

A pair of Band On The Run numbers, 1985 and Let Me Roll It, further raised the tempo, with the latter containing an instrumental coda in which McCartney, playing a paint-splattered Gibson, paid tribute to legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix.

The middle section was given over largely to The Beatles. An acoustic Blackbird was sung atop a 20-foot podium illuminated with blue LED lights.
Skye Wheatley gave a pulse raising display this week as she modelled some stunning outfits for a private jet photoshoot.

The influencer, 30, took to Instagram on Thursday to share a series of stunning photos to promote the Australian brand Balearic Beauty International.

Skye was posing in front of the brand's luxe plane-inspired digs at the Private Jet Villa in Uluwatu, Bali.

She wasn't afraid to flaunt an ample amount of cleavage in a figure-hugging gown from Melbourne bridal couture label Oglia Loro.

The stunning gown was sheer at the skirt and sleeves and featured aqua lacework.

The garment also exposed a hint of Skye's taut midriff as well as an ample amount of cleavage thanks to its plunging neckline.

Skye Wheatley gave a pulse raising display this week as she modelled some stunning outfits in a photoshoot to promote the Australian brand Balearic Beauty International. Pictured

Skye was posing in front of the brand's luxe plane-inspired digs at the Private Jet Villa in Uluwatu, Bali

The daring dress also exposed Skye's slender back and clung to her pert derriere.

She finished the look with a pair of pointed silver heels and she accessoried with a pair of silver teardrop earrings.

After a quick costume change, Skye was back posing in front of the unique aeronautical accommodation, giving another racy display.

This time her slender frame was encased in a plain white form-fitting dress that was embellished with a floral motif on the decolletage.

Another plunging neckline made sure Skye gave another busty display as she strutted along a boardwalk leading to the accommodation.

The dress also featured a thigh-high split at the front, ensuring that Skye's bronzed and toned pins were also on full display.

The jealousy-inducing images issued much chatter among followers with the likes of: 'Real life Barbie doll.'

Another chimed in with: 'OMG she's an actual angel.'

She wasn't afraid to flaunt an ample amount of cleavage in a figure-hugging gown from Melbourne bridal couture label Oglia Loro

The sheer garment exposed a hint of Skye's taut midriff as well as an ample amount of cleavage thanks to its plunging neckline

On Wednesday, Skye confirmed she is 'on' with with her on-again-off-again partner Lachlan Waugh following a series of brief splits.

The couple have been together for six years and share two children, in addition to jointly overseeing an ambitious and expensive home renovation project.

Skye revealed to Daily Mail Australia that she and Lachlan were in a better place after they decided to take time apart as 'co-parents'.

'Sometimes you need to take a break and evaluate where you're at and it can be very stressful,' she told me.

After a quick costume change, Skye was back posing in front of the unique aeronautical accommodation, giving another racy display

'But I am glad we did take a healthy breather because things are perfect now.'

The former reality star has previously spoken at length about the couple's struggles, including their experience in counselling.

'I feel like people can relate to what we've gone through - juggling work and kids is hectic,' she added.

'Relationships are hard and it's very challenging, but I'm also excited to get to Thailand [over Christmas] and have some family time and just not have to think about it and enjoy a break as a family.'

Skye first hinted at trouble in paradise in February last year, revealing she and Lachlan were 'on a break' and 'co-parenting' their two children, Forest, six, and Bear, three.

She, also confirmed she had no cosmetic work planned for 2025, after a recent slew of surgeries sparked concerns she was 'addicted' to going under the knife.

She underwent a 'fox eye lift' procedure at a clinic in Turkey earlier this year.

The minimally invasive procedure uses dissolvable threads to lift and elongate the eye in order to create a more almond shape and an upturned look, and typically lasts for six to 12 months.

She also had a partial facelift, a less invasive and more subtle alternative to a traditional facelift that only targets the lower third of the face.
Davide Sanclimenti is taking on Hollywood and has auditioned for a major film role as he kickstarts his acting career.

The reality star, 29, moved to Los Angeles after breaking up with his girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu, 30, earlier this year.

The pair shot to fame after they won Love Island together in 2022 and scooped the 50,000 cash prize.

But the former model has now turned his his attention to serious acting roles.

Davide has set his sights on conquering the States and to show how committed he is, he has enrolled at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

Alumni include Lady Gaga, Dustin Hoffman, Scarlet Johansson and Chris Evans and Davide is now hoping to join their ranks.

Davide Sanclimenti, 29, is taking on Hollywood and has auditioned for a major film role as he kick starts his acting career

The reality star moved to LA after breaking up with his girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu, 30, earlier this year but he has now turned his back on reality TV and has turned his attention to serious acting roles (pictured with his mother)

Davide has set his sights on conquering the States and to show how serious he is, he has enrolled at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute

And the star appears to have got off to a good start and was approached earlier this year by Hollywood producers to audition for an upcoming feature film.

The Italian hunk has not turned his back on reality TV forever and remains open to all opportunities but is now focusing on his possible film role.

A source told MailOnline: 'He moved to the USA earlier this year and was training at the Lee Strasberg Institute.

'After completing the course he was approached by Hollywood producers in Los Angeles and was asked to audition for their up and coming feature film for 2025

'Hes excited by the opportunity and is giving this audition process as much care and attention required in order to secure the role!'

They added that Davide is grateful to ITV for helping to launch his career, adding: 'He will always be appreciative of ITV for giving him the opportunity on Love Island and winning in 2022 - he does loves reality TV and remains open to all reality TV opportunities.'

And the star has been sharing his LA life on Instagram, posting snaps of him working at his new drama school, annotating a script while sipping on an iced coffee.

In one snap, Davide revealed he was still working away behind the scenes and was spotted acting opposite a dark-haired woman on a sofa.

Davide has been sure to make it a family affair as he took an adorable selfie with his mother who had come to the US to visit him for the first time.

And the star appears to have got off to a good start and was approached earlier this year by Hollywood producers to audition for an upcoming feature film

The Italian hunk has not turned his back on reality TV forever and remains open to all opportunities but is now focusing on auditions

Davide's career announcement comes as his former partner has returned to her reality TV roots.

Ekin-Su become the first contestant to sign up to Love Island: All Stars last week.

The former Love Island winner won over ITV2 viewers during her first appearance on the show where she and Davide, who famously accused Ekin-Su of being a 'liar' and an 'actress', became known for their tempestuous romance.

After their bitter breakup earlier this year, Ekin-Su starred on Celebrity Big Brother but was branded 'fake' by her housemates, with the reality star avoiding the show's final following an 'uncomfortable backlash.'

Ekin-Su later admitted to being in 'survival mode' and said she was carrying a lot of 'baggage' because of her split from Davide, who was accused of being unfaithful during their relationship on multiple occasions.

But now, by returning to the show that made her name, Ekin-Su hopes to be her own person again and finally find the right man to settle down with.

A TV source told MailOnline: 'Ekin-Su has been the number one priority for casting producers, they know fans would love to see her return to the villa.

'She was so iconic during her first appearance on the show and now she's single again at the perfect time.

'The deal is agreed in principle, there's still some details to sort out, but there's huge hope she's finally agreed to take a second chance at finding long-lasting love in front of the nation.

Davide and Ekin-Su shot to fame after they won Love Island together in 2022 and scooped the 50,000 cash prize (pictured after their win)

After their bitter breakup, Ekin-Su starred on Celebrity Big Brother (pictured) but was branded 'fake' by her housemates, with the reality star avoiding the show's final following an 'uncomfortable backlash.'

'Ekin's in her 30s now too, she really wants to meet someone genuine who she can settle down with and after seeing it happen for last year's All Stars winners, she's keeping her fingers crossed she can be next.'

Molly Smith and boyfriend Tom Clare became the first Love Island: All Star champions after falling for each other in South Africa.

The show, hosted by Maya Jama, returns to screens in January with a lineup of former Islanders including the likes of Gemma Owen already rumoured to be taking part.

And bosses are hoping the show will be as successful as last year's debut after Love Island was streamed 640million times following the launch of ITVX two years ago.

While Ekin-Su focuses on finding a long-term love in the villa once again, Davide has been bouncing back from a terrifying burglary that saw 1million worth of 'precious and personal belongings' stolen from his LA home.

The star revealed on Instagram in August that he had lost 'precious and personal belongings' worth about 933,312 in the theft, which he claimed took six minutes.

He told fans he is 'trying to stay positive' and added that he will be moving house as a result of the incident.

Speaking about the theft on Instagram, Davide said: 'I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has displayed their concern and is DMing me and asking why I have been quiet over socials.

'As you all know I'm living in LA atm. Our home got broken into and was robbed of nearly 1.2m worth of precious and personal belongings, gone within six minutes.

Davide has been bouncing back from a terrifying burglary that saw 1million worth of 'precious and personal belongings' stolen from his LA home

The star revealed on Instagram in August that he had lost 'precious and personal belongings' worth about 933,312 in the theft, which he claimed took six minutes

'Just goes to show the saying is true, the evil always target the pure hearted, but I'm trying to stay positive that the good people will always win in the end.

'I'm taking a few days to reset, change house and keep moving forward.'

The former Love Island star posted photos which showed empty shelves with just a couple of items - including a Christian Dior bag - left strewn on the floor, seemingly dropped in the robbers' haste.

The thieves were thorough, even reportedly taking a safe, using a drill to extract it from a closet.
Daisy May Cooper reunites with brother Charlie as she makes a special appearance in the new series of his show Myth Country.

The actress, 38, will feature in the Winter Solstice special of the BBC series as her This country co-star and co-creator prepares to head off to explore different winter festivals across the country, with the latest seeing him look at barrel burning in Devon.

But while Charlie, 35, believes his sibling will be accompanying him on the trip, she leaves him disappointed when she soon informs him that she will not be making the journey alongside him.

A preview clip ahead of Friday's episode sees Daisy arrive outside Charlie's house in a car while he is filming a piece to the camera.

It's then apparent that he believes she will be coming with him to Devon as he cheerfully remarks: 'Aah it's Dais, oh no way she's gonna come! She's coming, brilliant!'

But Daisy soon reveals she cant as she tells him she's 'waiting on a solar powered generator'.

Daisy May Cooper reunites with brother Charlie Cooper as she makes a special appearance in the new series of his show Myth Country

The actress, 38, will feature in the Winter Solstice special of the BBC series as her This country co-star and co-creator [pictured] prepares to head off to explore different winter festivals across the country, with the latest seeing him look at barrel burning in Devon

Quizzing his sister on why she's getting a generator, Daisy simply replies: 'because of the end of the world thats why.'

The Rain Dogs star also randomly reveals she's got a hole in her leggings and cheekily turns around to show her sibling - much to his chagrin.

The clip also sees the actress - who featured on the phone and discussed aliens and crop circles with her brother in the last series - give Charlie a spell book for 'protection', believing he will need it on his travels.

Daisy also gifts a present to 'the kid of yours that I actually like.'

As her brother asks Charlie asks: 'why do you hate him?', Daisy replies, stating: 'I hate him and he hates me'.

Charlie then goes on to put this down to he fact that his sister and his son are both so similar.

The encounter is short-lived as Charlie, who is packed and ready to go, is keen to head on the role, hurrying his sister as she gives him other bits for the trip.

However, just before he departs, he tells his sister that their dad keeps asking about Christmas, with Daisy bluntly replying: 'Well I'm not having him!', before wishing him 'good luck' and heading off.

But while Charlie, 35, believes his sibling will be accompanying him on the trip, she leaves him disappointed when she soon informs him that she will not be making the journey alongside him

Quizzing his sister on why she's getting a generator, Daisy simply replies: 'because of the end of the world thats why'

The Rain Dogs star also randomly reveals she's got a hole in her leggings and cheekily turns around to show her sibling - much to his chagrin

The clip also sees the actress - who featured on the phone and discussed aliens and crop circles with her brother in the last series - give Charlie a spell book for 'protection', believing he will need it on his travels

Before he departs, he tells his sister that their dad keeps asking about Christmas, with Daisy bluntly replying: 'Well I'm not having him!', before wishing him 'good luck' and heading off

After a successful launch in October, Charlie Cooper's Myth Country is set to make a comeback this week, this time with a winter special.

The festive edition of the show will see the host eschew modern Christmas festivities and instead explore alternative winter celebrations and understand the deeper meaning behind them.

Hopping into his trusty yellow campervan once again, Charlie will travel the length and breadth of the country to immerse himself in different winter festivals - from barrel burning in Devon to Morris dancing in Gloucestershire.

The series will see the This Country actor also take a particular interest in the winter solstice as he delves in to the countrys Pagan past.

His itinerary will see him head to The Barrel Burning festival in Devons Ottery Saint Mary which has been held annually since the 17th century, where townspeople believe that by lighting barrels filled with tar and running through the streets, they can protect their community from malevolent forces.

Sharing his excitement at the upcoming show, Charlie shared in a statement last month: 'Im thrilled that the BBC cameras will follow me again as I explore our wonderful, wild and sometimes hair-raising winter festivals, which for centuries have brightened up the darker months.'

After a successful launch in October, Charlie Cooper's Myth Country is set to make a comeback this week, this time with a winter special

The festive edition of the show will see the host eschew modern Christmas festivities and instead explore alternative winter celebrations and understand the deeper meaning behind them

Hopping into his trusty yellow campervan once again, Charlie will travel the length and breadth of the country to immerse himself in different winter festivals - from barrel burning in Devon to Morris dancing in Gloucestershire

Tom OBrien, MD of Naked and Executive Producer said of the show: 'Charlie Coopers Myth Country immediately connected with a large and engaged audience on the BBC.

'Were excited to bring it back for another look at a special moment in the years calendar - one steeped in lore, tradition and storytelling. Charlie will continue to feed his passion for the weird and the wonderful.'

While Nasfim Haque, Head of Content, BBC Three added: 'Audiences will be delighted that Charlie is back for a solstice special after his first outing attracted so much love. Charlie getting the inside track from unique festivals across the UK is going to be the perfect winter warmer.'

Charlie Coopers Myth Country: Winter Solstice airs Friday at 10pm on BBC Three and iPlayer.
Grace Dent was seen for the first time on Thursday after it was announced she will replace Gregg Wallace as MasterChef judge.

The food critic, 51, will host the show alongside John Torode, 59, after Gregg, 60, stepped away from the BBC show while an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour takes place.

With her headphones on, Grace cut a low-key figure as she headed out in London dressed in all black with a striped wool scarf around her neck.

The presenter, who said becoming a judge is a 'dream role', didn't let the excitement of being Gregg's replacement show on her face, smiling only briefly.

Gregg stepped back after he faced a series of complaints about his alleged behaviour, including claims he made inappropriate sexual jokes, shared intimate details of his sex life and even walked around set naked except for a sock on his penis.

He also reportedly would take off his clothes in front of women on set, flirt with members of staff and has been accused of groping two crew members.

Grace Dent was seen for the first time on Thursday after it was announced she will replace Gregg Wallace as MasterChef judge amid his sexual misconduct storm

With her headphones on, Grace cut a low-key figure as she headed out in London dressed in all black with a striped wool scarf around her neck

Gregg, 60, stepped away from the BBC show while an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour takes place. Gregg's lawyers have previously denied any allegations

At least 13 women have made formal complaints about the presenter across five shows over a 17-year period, with more describing inappropriate experiences on social media since the scandal broke.

Gregg's lawyers have previously denied any allegations that he has engaged in behaviour that amounts to sexual harassment.

The BBC previously cancelled two planned Christmas specials of MasterChef amid the publicity storm surrounding the presenter, as the show's producers Banijay began their investigation.

Grace, who has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics, was tipped to takeover before it was announced this week.

Of the new role, the author and podcaster said: 'I've been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa. My whole family watches it. It's all about uncovering and championing talent  and to have ended up in this position, is more than a dream to me.

'I'm so excited that I can't eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic. I feel very lucky to be stepping in for the next Celebrity MasterChef.

'I can't wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025.'

John, who has presented MasterChef since 2005, added: 'I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.

'Expertise is what MasterChef is all about, from the contestants to our wonderful production team, to us as judges.

John Torode and Grace will present and judge the next series of Celebrity MasterChef. The author has described it as her 'dream role'

Grace, who has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics , was tipped to takeover before it was announced

The presenter, who said becoming a judge is a 'dream role', didn't let the excitement of being Gregg's replacement show on her face, smiling only briefly

At least 13 people have made a formal complaint against Gregg, while other celebrities and former contestants have also spoken about his alleged inappropriate behaviour

'The love of food, the love of MasterChef, and that unquestionable expertise, makes Grace the perfect person to step in alongside me as judge for the forthcoming Celebrity MasterChef series.'

Her takeover from Gregg was first reported last week, with a source telling The Sun, the former I'm A Celebrity star is seen as 'the perfect choice' for the show.

They added: 'She's knowledgeable about food and opinionated, plus it's great to have a woman as a judge on the show. It will shake things up and give the series the boost it needs after such an upsetting and uncertain time.

'She is already a fan favourite and has won lots of respect in the foodie world thanks to her no-nonsense style and sense of humour.

'Bosses love her already, know she is a safe pair of hands and trust her to help steer the ship with John to steadier waters.'

Grace was born and raised by her parents in Carlisle and went on to study at Stirling University, bagging herself an English Literature degree.

During her time at university, Dent kicked off her journalism career, writing features for Cosmopolitan, according to The Sun.

After leaving full-time education, she worked as an editorial assistant for Vogue, and then a freelance journalist for various magazines such as Marie Claire, Glamour and more.

She also spent 12 years, from 2000 until 2012, writing about all things TV, before making her way to The Independent and specialising in food.

As well as appearing as a judge on all three UK MasterChef franchises, Grace has also been a judge on Great British Menu.

Grace was a restaurant critic for The Guardian and from 2011 to 2017 and wrote a restaurant column for the Evening Standard

She has regularly appeared on MasterChef as a guest judge and critic across multiple series

The food critic also appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2023, but left the camp after seven days due to medical issues

Fans were concerned for Grace after she had begun to look 'scarily unwell' during her time in the jungle

For many, Grace Dent is most recognisable for her stint in the I'm A Celeb jungle in 2023, before she left due to health issues.

After completing several Bushtucker trials, fans had been left concerned for her after she had begun to look 'scarily unwell' during her time in the jungle.

Viewers spotted she appeared gaunt, tired and lacking in energy, and often looked on the verge of tears.

Sources said her ordeal in the makeshift jungle camp 'was a mental battle rather than physical'.

She decided to leave after 'losing all her energy' in camp and reaching breaking point as she faced the prospect of doing another Bushtucker Trial, and left a heartfelt goodbye note to her fellow campmates.

Within three hours of the announcement being made Grace was spotted at Brisbane Airport as she made her return to the United Kingdom.

It was recently revealed Gregg admitted 'defeat' and accepted his career is over in the wake of an investigation by a production company into his alleged sexual harassment and groping.

After allegations against him were first made, Gregg took to Instagram and blamed a handful of 'middle-aged' women for the complaints - before backtracking and apologising for any 'offence caused' after sparking national outrage with the video.

A source has now told MailOnline that Gregg has told friends that he 'accepts his TV career is basically at an end.'

Among those to have spoken out about his behaviour are former Newsnight host Kirsty Walk, Penny Lancaster and TV chef Gizzi Erskine.
Lynda Carter had the chance to celebrate the holidays by spending time at the White House and shared an intimate Christmas portrait from her visit.

The Wonder Woman actress, 73 - who recently joined forces with Ryan Reynolds for a SickKids Foundation video - posted the picture to Instagram on Wednesday posing with President Joe Biden his wife, Jill Biden.

Vice President Kamala Harris and husband, Douglas Emhoff, as well as two other guests were pictured together in between two decorated Christmas trees and beneath a portrait of George Washington in the Diplomatic Reception Room.

However, social media users quickly jumped to the comment section to point out how Joe appeared to be standing very close to Carter - while his wife, Jill, was inches away from the others.

One wrote: 'Same Joe, same,' followed by a laughing face emoji, while another added, 'Why does @flotus look like she's photobombing.'

A fan replied to the comment by sharing, 'I was wondering the same!'

Lynda Carter, 73, had the chance to celebrate the holidays by spending time at the White House and shared an intimate Christmas photo from her visit

Another penned, 'Stunning! You gotta love Joe,' followed by a laughing face emoji.

In response, one Instagram user questioned: 'Why love Joe? Why was Jill so far from Joe?'

Some of the comments were even more brutal, referring to the presidents age and decline.

In the portrait, Lynda could be seen towards the middle of the group as she wowed in a long-sleeved, gold dress that flowed down towards the ground.

The star's brunette locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly cascaded past her shoulders in elegant curls.

She flashed a cheerful smile as they stood in front of a fireplace in the room, which is directly below the Oval Office and a favored place for visitors to pose.

Joe wore a classic, black suit while his wife, Jill - who recently decked out the White House with Christmas decorations - opted for a champagne-colored ensemble.

In the caption of her latest post, Carter wrote to her nearly 300k followers, 'Merry Christmas! What an honor to once again be in the White House. With love, admiration, and friendship, Lynda.'

Last month in November, she encouraged fans to vote during the 2024 presidential election by sharing a snap of herself wrapped in an American flag.

The Wonder Woman actress uploaded the picture to Instagram on Wednesday as she posed with President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden

However, some social media users jumped to the comment section to point out how Joe appeared to be standing very close to Carter - while his wife, Jill, was inches away from the others

One typed out, 'Same Joe, same,' followed by a laughing face emoji, while another added, 'Why does @flotus look like she's photobombing'

A fan replied to the comment by sharing, 'I was wondering the same!'

Another penned, 'Stunning! You gotta love Joe,' followed by a laughing face emoji

While standing on a dimly lit set, she looked off into the distance as a light shone down on her.

At the time, she had written, 'Women unite! Vote for reproductive freedom! Vote for @kamalaharris and @timwalz! VOTE BLUE!'

Back in April, Carter also glammed up to attend the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington D.C.

She turned heads wearing a dark navy gown with embellishments on the front while a fuzzy shawl draped down towards her elbows.

Lynda has been keeping busy during the Christmas season, and recently starred alongside Ryan Reynolds in a video for the SickKids Foundation earlier this month.

He also got some help in the humorous video from his eight-year-old daughter Inez, whom he shares with his wife Blake Lively.

As part of his campaign to raise awareness about the SickKids Foundation, the acting couple will be matching any donation to the foundation up to $500,000.

Reynolds, whom Forbes reported to be worth $71.5 million as of 2020, appeared on a rooftop in his Deadpool ensemble with what appeared to be Santa's sleigh.

'Benevolence is thirsty work!' he shouted as he tossed a bag into it while Inez, who played Kidpool in Deadpool & Wolverine, sat in it.

Last month in November, she encouraged fans to vote during the 2024 presidential election by sharing a snap of herself wrapped in an American flag; seen in April in Washington D.C.

'Where to next?' she asked as they prepared for the next stop of the night, with Ryan replying with, 'Well, I thought we'd eliminate sick kids.'

'Oh, dude, that's so f***ed up,' Kidpool said as Deadpool sputtered and tried to correct himself.

'We're eliminating the sickness by encouraging people to donate,' he clarified.

But he thought it was a job for more than just the two of them, as they were 'technically R-rated' and might not be appropriate for little ones.

Then there was a burst of sound and light, and suddenly the actress Lynda Carter was seen crouching down with her fist to the ground.

'Did someone call for help?' she asked before breaking into an ear-to-ear grin. She was clearly alluding to her lead role on the television series Wonder Woman, which ran from 1975 to '79.

'Aren't you a ... wonderful woman,' Deadpool said. Carter was on board, so he asked her to 'do the thing,' at which point she began to spin around in a circle as her Wonder Woman character would do to get into costume while she was bathed in golden light.

But corporate intellectual property rights appeared to get in the way, as Carter's look suddenly changed into a green-and-red holiday sweater with a large gold bow placed over her midriff, just like the sweater Reynolds has worn in advertisements for the SickKids Foundation.

After she looked dumbstruck at the sweater, the Deadpool family shouted 'f***!' in quick succession.

'Who did this?!' Carter asked, aghast, with Deadpool answering, 'The DC lawyers. I knew it!'

Lynda has been keeping busy during the Christmas season, and recently starred alongside Ryan Reynolds in a video for the SickKids Foundation earlier this month

But corporate intellectual property rights appeared to get in the way, as Carter's outfit suddenly changed into a green-and-red holiday sweater with a large gold bow

He joked that the culprit was 'probably the same guy that got [Superman star Henry] Cavill and that other Batman.'

At the end of the clip, Deadpool said they should untie Santa after finishing their work, but Kidpool shouted 'Never!'

Reynolds and Lively will be matching donations to the SickKids Foundation, which was founded in 1972, up until midnight on December 24.

The organization helps raise funds for The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
Kevin Costner was spotted taking his yellow Labrador for a walk in Aspen accompanied by a mystery woman on Wednesday.

Both Kevin and the woman were dressed for the ski town's chilly temperature in black puffer coats, jeans and sunglasses.

The sighting comes as his character John Dutton was not so shockingly killed off in during season 5B of Yellowstone.

The Bull Durham star, 69, had a falling out with series creator Taylor Sheridan and was long rumored to be leaving the series.

But it isn't only Sheridan who Costner has issues with. He's also reportedly feuding with his on screen son, played by actor Luke Grimes.

The Dances with Wolves actor shared his thoughts on the episode with DailyMail.com, saying, 'Im not thinking about it, I dont think Ive given it any thoughts, well just let it go.'

Kevin Costner was spotted taking his yellow Labrador for a walk in Aspen accompanied by a mystery woman

Both Kevin and the woman were dressed for the ski town's chilly temperature in black puffer coats, jeans and sunglasses

In the episode, Kevin's character John was killed in a murder-for-hire plot staged to look like a suicide during the premiere of Yellowstone's season 5B.

He was killed in the first few minutes of the premiere, with the show wasting no time ending Costner's run on the series.

Kevin acrimoniously exited the show over scheduling conflicts with his Western movie franchise Horizon, burning bridges on his way out.

'Hopefully everyone can see that it was time,' Luke Grimes said of Kevin departing from popular Paramount+ drama.

'To be really honest, there was a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone.'

He continued: 'Obviously, it didnt make it super fun to be around... Not pointing any fingers, but it was actually the easiest season weve filmed.'

He was later asked by Men's Health if they are still in contact, to which he said: 'No, I haven't talked to him since. It's not a case of any hard feelings or anything; its just, he's Kevin Costner,' he said with a laugh.

'He's a big deal. I do have his phone number - I just don't feel like it's my place to reach out. He can reach out to me if he wants,' Luke continued.

The sighting comes as his character John Dutton was not so shockingly killed off in the series finale of Yellowstone. Seen here on December 5

Luke added, 'None of us saw it coming the way it did, and obviously there was news about possible blowups behind the scenes or whatever. But just like in life, man, these things happen, they happen fast, and they're not predictable.'

Fans have their opinions about the latest episode and many felt that series creator Sheridan, who plays Tyler Wheatley on the show, got way too much screen time.

it seems Sheridan may have been making up for the absence of Costner's John Dutton with some screen time of his own, complete with a strip poker game that featured real-life supermodel Bella Hadid.

'15 minutes of story and scenes wasted with watching Taylor Sheridan showboat on his own show, partying and just doing his thing. Wouldnt be surprised if thats what he does in real life too,' one unimpressed viewer wrote.

Another added, 'As if Taylor Sheridan wasted one of the last episodes of this show by inserting himself so he could parade around with half-naked women. We could have had 8 more episodes of Kevin Costner instead of this bs #Yellowstone.'

One fan lamented, 'Yeah, and theyve treated the best actor on the show, @modernwest, Kevin Costner. He was willing to come back, and of course, Sheridans ego got in the way. What a sad end for John Duttons legacy.'

Someone else quipped, 'Being generous on the 15 minutes :) Felt more like an hour with 25 minutes of storylines that we actually want to see.'

The episode had all the subtlety of a neon sign flashing, according to another critic, as they commented, 'The episode was a look at me Im Taylor Sheridan. He may as well have Kevin Costner just come out of the shower at this point,' referring to the infamous 'Who Shot J.R.' episode of Dallas in the 1980s.

Costner shared his thoughts on the episode, saying, 'Im not thinking about it, I dont think Ive given it any thoughts, well just let it go.' Seen here on November 17

Fans were shocked by a surprise cameo by Hadid and her boyfriend Adan Banuelos in the December 8 episode.

The new episode found Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) traveling to Texas to oversee Wheatley selling the ranch's horses.

Fans were quite surprised when Beth knocked on Travis' door and found it being answered by his girlfriend Sadie, played by Hadid.

Aside from being a supermodel Bella is also an accomplished equestrian.
Danny Masterson's attorney Cliff Gardner officially filed his 246-page appeal to Superior Court Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo on Wednesday after she sentenced him in September 2023 to 30 years to life in prison on two counts of felony rape.

The disgraced 48-year-old allegedly drugged two women - referred to in court filings as 'J.B.' and 'N.T.' - before sexually assaulting them in 2003, but he claims the encounters were completely consensual.

'The trial court violated Mr. Masterson's rights to a fair trial by complaining witnesses had a strong financial incentive to characterize the long past sexual encounters as forcible rape,' Gardner wrote in the legal doc.

'The prosecutor reminded jurors that "there is no evidence - there is none at all" to support defense counsel's suggestion of a financial motive."'

Gardner continuously brought up the state's '16-year delay in bringing charges' during which the two women had 'ongoing communications' with each other before 'changing their testimony.'

During the retrial, 18-year police veteran Detective Esther Myape testified that she felt the 'ongoing communications between the complaining witnesses did not in fact contaminate their testimony.'

Danny Masterson's attorney Cliff Gardner officially filed his 246-page appeal to Superior Court Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo on Wednesday after she sentenced him in September 2023 to 30 years to life in prison on two counts of felony rape (pictured December 27)

Gardner said J.B. could not be believed as she gave six different versions of her story from September 2003 - the last of which involved Danny wielding a gun and forcing anal sex.

The defense argued that Masterson could not have gotten her intoxicated with half a spiked GHB vodka drink at his home when she was already intoxicated and urinating on the street before arriving.

This, after J.B. had described their first sexual encounter in April 2003 to her friend P.D. as 'the best sex [I] had ever had.'

As for N.T. who - like the That '70s Show alum - was a Scientologist, she gave seven different versions of her story from 2003.

N.T. claimed she came over to Danny's house and had wine with him before getting sick, vomiting on herself, and showering with him before passing out.

The woman then alleged that Masterson was already raping her when she awoke, smothered her face with a pillow, and choked her until she passed out.

But even at trial, N.T. admitted she called and told The Ranch alum several days later: 'I really like you. I thought you liked me. I thought you were going to call.'

Gardner's appeal came a month after LA County Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller asked the court for a full hearing to consider sanctions against Danny's legal team to stop contacting the jurors, who had deliberated for 29 hours at his retrial.

Tony Ortega's Underground Bunker reported that Judge Olmedo 'sent a letter to all counsel on the case September 17 stating several jurors had submitted complaints of unwanted contact at their homes or work by members of the defense team.'

The disgraced 48-year-old allegedly drugged two women - referred to in court filings as 'J.B.' and 'N.T.' - before sexually assaulting them in 2003, but he claims the encounters were completely consensual (pictured in 2023)

Gardner continuously brought up the state's '16-year delay in bringing charges' during which the two women had 'ongoing communications' with each other before 'changing their testimony' six or seven times (pictured in 2023)

Gardner's appeal came a month after LA County Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller asked the court for a full hearing to consider sanctions against Danny's legal team to stop contacting the jurors, who had deliberated for 29 hours at his retrial (pictured in 2023)

Tony Ortega's Underground Bunker reported that Judge Olmedo (pictured) 'sent a letter to all counsel on the case September 17 stating several jurors had submitted complaints of unwanted contact at their homes or work by members of the defense team'

Masterson's legal team previously got into hot water with Judge Olmedo over 'leaking sensitive evidence in the case to Scientology's attorneys, who then used that evidence to demand an internal investigation by the LAPD of detectives assigned to the Masterson case'

The Long Island-born actor is currently serving hard time at California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, CA where former inmates include Suge Knight, Charles Keating Jr., Charles 'Tex' Watson, and Timothy Leary

Danny's estranged wife Bijou Phillips filed for divorce from him 11 days after he was sentenced, and she retained full custody of their 10-year-old daughter Fianna Frances Masterson (pictured Wednesday)

On Wednesday night, the 44-year-old socialite Instastoried footage of little Fianna singing at a Christmas pageant in a church, and they visited Masterson in prison last March for his birthday

The Art Center College of Design drop-out first found fame as biracial bad boy Steven Hyde in Fox sitcom That '70s Show, which aired for eight seasons spanning 19982006

Masterson's legal team previously got into hot water with Judge Olmedo over 'leaking sensitive evidence in the case to Scientology's attorneys, who then used that evidence to demand an internal investigation by the LAPD of detectives assigned to the Masterson case.'

The Long Island-born actor is currently serving hard time at California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, CA where former inmates include Suge Knight, Charles Keating Jr., Charles 'Tex' Watson, and Timothy Leary.

Danny's estranged wife Bijou Phillips filed for divorce from him 11 days after he was sentenced, and she retained full custody of their 10-year-old daughter Fianna Frances Masterson.

On Wednesday night, the 44-year-old socialite Instastoried footage of little Fianna singing at a Christmas pageant in a church, and they visited Masterson in prison last March for his birthday.

Bijou and Danny - who wed in 2011 - originally met at a poker tournament in Las Vegas in 2004, and they co-starred in three films (Wake, Made for Each Other, and The Bridge to Nowhere) as well as a 2011 episode of Fox's Raising Hope.

The nepo-baby of John Phillips and his third wife Genevieve Waite has been dating Re/Done denim co-founder Jamie Mazur since April.

Masterson first found fame as biracial bad boy Steven Hyde in Fox sitcom That '70s Show, which aired for eight seasons spanning 19982006.
Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes are still only communicating through their lawyers, despite the pair's amicable olive branch on social media this week.

The Loose Women star, 64, appeared to accept ex husband Eamonn's peace offering and returned the like on a post of he and a his co-host Isabel Webster as they wrapped up their final show of the year.

It comes after Eamonn issued a public display of support for ex-wife Ruth, 64, as she paid an emotional visit to her unwell mother Joan in hospital earlier this week.

In his first notable contact with Ruth since their separation, the GB News presenter liked her post.

But MailOnline understands that the estranged couple's relationship hasn't thawed despite the cryptic move on Instagram.

Ruth's ill-stricken mother Joan has always played an important part in Eamonn's life, so it was important to him to like her post.

Ruth Langsford, 64, and Eamonn Holmes, 65, are still only communicating through their lawyers, despite the pair's amicable olive branch on social media this week

The Loose Women star appeared to accept ex husband Eamonn's peace offering and returned the like on a post of he and a his co-host Isabel Webster as they wrapped up their final show of the year

Ruth Langsford, 64, appeared to accept estranged husband Eamonn Holmes', 65, olive branch as she made a cryptic move in a post with he and co-host Isabel Webster on Wednesday

MailOnline have contacted Ruth and Eamonn's representatives for a comment.

The couple confirmed their 14-year marriage is over in June and are understood to be keen on ushering in a speedy divorce once Christmas and New Year are out of the way.

Eamonn's co-host Isabel is set to be replaced by Ellie Costello, 31, during the working week as part of a number of major changes announced by the broadcaster.

The 41-year-old, who had previously worked for Sky News and the BBC, had been a part of the show since it launched in 2022.

A GB News spokesperson said on Wednesday: 'Ellie Costello will now co-host GBN Breakfast five days a week, presenting alongside Eamonn Holmes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and with Stephen Dixon on Thursday and Friday.

'Stephen and Anne Diamond will continue to co-present GB News Breakfast at Weekends.'

Ruth shared a photo from her 93-year old mother Joan's hospital bed on Wednesday evening.

Captioning her post, she wrote: 'Hospital visit.thank you all so much for your lovely messages and well wishes for my darling Mum. Shell be in hospital for a bit longer yet, but shes in pretty good spirits considering and I hope shell be home for Christmas.'

Eamonn issued a public display of support for ex-wife Ruth as she paid an emotional visit to her unwell mother Joan in hospital earlier this week

The couple confirmed their 14-year marriage is over in June and are understood to be keen on ushering in a speedy divorce once Christmas and New Year are out of the way

Joan was rushed to hospital in December after breaking her pelvis during a fall, with Ruth later confirming the news in an Instagram post on Sunday.

She wrote: 'No dancing in my kitchen peeling the veg for my darling Mum this Christmas.she's had a fall and fractured her pelvis!

'She's okish, no surgery required thank goodness but she needs rest and time to heal now. She's in hospital at the moment but I'm hoping to get her home soon.

'This time last year she fell and broke her hip but recovered wellshe's a very strong woman so I'm sure she'll recover from this too. Puts life and what's important into perspective eh? Happy Christmas!'

Following Eamonn's olive branch to Ruth in the post about her mother, the presenter took to Instagram on Thursday to share an emotional tribute to his late mother.

He wrote: 'When folk ask me What do u want for Christmas? 3 Christmases without u now Mum and u r still top of my wish list '

It's understood that Eamonn and Ruth are hoping to settle their divorce imminently - with Ruth to keep their 3.5million Surrey mansion.

'The aim is for Eamonn and Ruth to resolve their divorce as quickly as possible in the New Year,' a source told The Sun.

In his first notable contact with Ruth since their separation, the presenter liked her post

Now, Ruth has returned the public display of support and liked a post of he and his co-host Isabel Webster as they wrapped up their final show of the year

It's understood that Eamonn and Ruth are hoping to settle their divorce imminently - with Ruth to keep their 3.5million Surrey mansion

Following Eamonn's olive branch to Ruth in the post about her mother, the presenter took to Instagram on Thursday to share an emotional tribute to his late mother

'Ruth is keen to stay in their marital home as it is where she is settled, Eamonn on the other hand wants to get out and make a fresh start. They aren't dragging their heels and want this settled and done as quickly as possible.'

Eamonn recently sparked speculation that he is engaged to Alexander after she was spotted wearing a large ring on her engagement finger during a romantic getaway to Paris last week.

'Eamonn has been talking openly about his plans to marry Katie and has made it clear he wants to spend the rest of his life with her,' a source told The Sun.

'Theyre already living together and he knows it feels right. They have a very strong connection and get on very well. She has given him a real lust for life and she looks after him.'

In pictures obtained by the publication, the couple headed to the Louvre, with Alexander wearing a gold diamond ring on her engagement finger.

The counsellor was not pictured wearing the band at a Christmas carol concert in West London on December 5.

It was reported last month that Langsford has hired a 'fierce' divorce lawyer amid the bitter split.

Eamonn has already moved on with dating counsellor Katie Alexander, at 43 some 22-years the veteran presenter's junior

Eamonn and Ruth split after 27-years together (pictured 2009) and they are parents to son Jack, 22

As reported by The Sun, Catherine Costley has been called up by Loose Women host Ruth who seeks to end her 14-year marriage to Holmes with a financial settlement.

Costley is known for her fierce approach to divorce settlements and has said all women should have a 'go bag' fund when exiting a relationship, according to The Sun.

The divorce lawyer was once an apprentice of 'Steel Magnolia' Baroness Fiona Shackleton, Britain's highest-profile divorce lawyer who famously represented Charles in his split from Diana in 1996.

Baroness Shackleton has also worked with A-list stars including Sir Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher and Madonna.

She was once doused with water in court by a furious Heather Mills while representing the Beatles legend during the couple's divorce in 2008.
Megan Barton Hanson is set reveal all on the impact of joining OnlyFans as she stars in a new docuseries, In Real Life, for the platform.

The Love Island star, 30, who is reportedly earning a whopping 1.5million a month thanks to her racy content on the subscription service, is set to join fellow reality stars including Marnie Simpson as they give fans a glimpse of their real lives.

The second season of the docuseries, which airs on OnlyFans free-to-view streaming platform OFTV, will see Megan and other content creators step out of the comfort zones as they embark on action-packed challenge while sharing giving an 'unfiltered insight' into their lives and careers on the platform.

As well as Megan and Marnie, former Love Island bombshell Hannah Elizabeth, Too Hot To Handle's Sophie Stonehouse and creator and campaigner Rebecca Goodwin will feature in the series.

And while fans are used to seeing Megan showcase her incredible figure in an array of skimpy ensembles, her latest project will allow fans to see her as they've never done before as she tries her hand at white water rafting.

In a promo for the series, Megan swaps her bikini for a wetsuit and life jacket as she joins host Casey Boonstra for a chat in a casual interview format.

Megan Barton Hanson is set reveal all on the impact of joining OnlyFans as she stars in a new docuseries, In Real Life, for the platform.

The second season of the docuseries will see Megan and other content creators step out of the comfort zones as they embark on action-packed challenge while sharing giving an 'unfiltered insight' into their lives and careers on the platform

Meanwhile, while Hannah morphs into a farmer for the day and Sophie bravely attempts a bungee jump, former Geordie Shore star Marnie, 32, channels her inner Bridgerton as she goes through etiquette lessons.

The beauty features in the first episode, which is available to stream now, where she opens up about soaring to fame, motherhood and her husband's support for her her OnlyFans career.

She says: 'After 12 years in reality TV, it was refreshing to share parts of my life that I don't always talk about.

'OnlyFans really helped rebuild my confidence, and it was great to open up to Casey about everything - from being a mum to how my husband supports me in what I do.'

Meanwhile, Keily Blair, CEO, OnlyFans, said: 'The first UK season of In Real Life was a huge success. Fans loved the chance to get to know the real people behind some of the countrys most popular OnlyFans accounts and we are excited for season two to air.

'The award-winning reality TV output on OFTV is going from strength to strength and continues to showcase the incredible stories of OnlyFans creators.'

While most of the episode are already available to view, fans will have to wait until January to see what Megan and Hannah get up to.

Megan's latest project comes after she told how going under the knife helped her from being bullied as a teen for her looks, to transform into the 'Alan Sugar of strip clubs'.

While fans are used to seeing Megan showcase her incredible figure in an array of skimpy ensembles, her latest project will allow fans to see her as they've never done before as she tries her hand at white water rafting

The Love Island star, 30, who is reportedly earning a whopping 1.5million a month thanks to her racy content on the subscription service, is set to join fellow reality stars as they give fans a glimpse of their real lives

Former Geordie Shore star Marnie, 32, channels her inner Bridgerton as she goes through etiquette lessons

The beauty features in the first episode, which is available to stream now, where she opens up about soaring to fame, motherhood and her husband's support for her her OnlyFans career

Meanwhile, Hannah morphs into a farmer for the day [pictured], while Sophie bravely attempts a bungee jump

The former Love Island star first went under the knife at the age of 19 for a double surgery, a nose job and a breast augmentation.

Megan, who rose to fame on the 2018 series of the ITV dating show, confessed she was bullied for her nose and sticky-out-ears in school which prompted her to change her appearance.

After 'barely being able to afford a train ticket to work' in London from Essex, Megan opened up to dating expert Paul Carrick Brunson for his We Need To Talk podcast.

Paul, 50, asked: 'You've had your ears pinned back, first procedure, then you have your breasts done. What drove you to get your breasts done at that age?'

Megan, from Essex, admitted: 'I'll be brutally honest - money.

'I had no issues, I was quite body confident with my natural boobs but there was this girl and she was on social media making a lot of money basically doing Page 3, but she was her own boss.

'I remember saying to my first boyfriend, 'babe, she's making so much money, don't you think I'm prettier, I could definitely do that if I had bigger t**s'.

'I wanted my nose done, that was another thing from school kids would pick on.

It comes after Megan Barton-Hanson said braving going under the knife helped her from being bullied as a teen for her looks, to the ' Alan Sugar of strip clubs'

The former Love Island star first went under the knife at the age of 19 for a double surgery, a nose job and a breast augmentation

She said: 'I wanted to be a glamour model, a Page 3 girl. 'I was working in London and it was minimum wage, barely affording my train ticket to commute from Essex to London. I was like, this can't be what life is, surely'

'I hate being put to sleep so I'll get my t**s done, the nose done, all in one and I can make so much money, either on social media, or back then, Page 3 was still a thing.

'I wanted to be a glamour model, a Page 3 girl.

'I was working in London and it was minimum wage, barely affording my train ticket to commute from Essex to London.

'I was like, this can't be what life is, surely.'

Megan was working as a Legal PA at the time, but decided to invest in breast surgery.

After this, the reality star began to flaunt her new look through scantily clad pictures on Instagram and quickly racked up a huge following before her Love Island fame.

Six years on, she now has 1.4 million followers, she shared: 'I've got a lot to thank for Instagram, just posting more sexy pictures. The likes started growing.'
MBABANE - Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) Executive Director Mmeli Hlanze, says lending and photocopying books is a copyright infringement.

For this reason, they are urging offenders to cease such activities so that publishers can sell and provide services to the local education system. This statement was made by Hlanze during the Booksellers Breakfast Meeting hosted on Tuesday at The George Hotel in Manzini. A lot of what we have been doing in the past 12 months is engaging stakeholders and raising awareness. We are yet to engage them even more. We have met with the Ministry of Education to inform him about the challenges we face concerning our schools. As time goes on, we anticipate that copyright infringement will come to an end. This will create an opportunity for publishers to sell books and provide services to the education sector.

Infringement

This will also invigorate our economy, Hlanze said. He further discouraged those who lend and photocopy books, stating that no one ends up buying books from local publishers. When we talk about infringement, it includes the fact that in schools books are photocopied, scanned, and lent. According to the Copyright Act, this is not permitted. It is not allowed to photocopy and lend books among pupils. We must remember that we are trying to protect the economic interests of copyright owners. If we continue to lend books, who will end up buying them? No one will purchase the books, he added.The Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) is an umbrella Collective Management Organisation (CMO) in Eswatini dedicated to safeguarding and advancing the economic interests of copyright holders across various creative industries.

Registration

ESWACOS operates under the mandate granted through the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, Act No. 4 of 2018, which establishes ESWACOS as the sole organisation responsible for the administration of copyright and neighbouring rights in Eswatini. Their mission is to generate substantial economic value for rights holders, both domestically and internationally, through comprehensive registration and licensing of their works. They are responsible for the collection and distribution of royalties, ensuring that creators receive fair compensation for the use of their works.
Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso enjoyed dinner with friends in Beverly Hills on Wednesday evening.

The actor, 54, and his wife, 48, of 19 years were spotted leaving Funke restaurant, looking joyful following a meal at the Italian eatery.

The couple were showered with gifts during the gathering, as Matt was seen leaving with hands full of various presents.

Matt and his wife dressed up for their dinner gathering, with the actor clad in a smart grey cardigan paired with dark trousers and glossy sneakers.

He was still rocking the bushy beard that he's been seen sporting as of late.

He paled in comparison to his stunning wife Luciana, who was glammed up in a burgundy silk dress.

Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso enjoyed dinner with friends in Beverly Hills on Wednesday evening

She donned a matching sweater that draped off her shoulders in addition to a pair of peep toe heels.

Matt's scruffier look appears to be for his upcoming Netflix film, RIP, which he is starring in and producing alongside his BFF Ben Affleck.

The crime thriller follows a group of Miami cops who discover a stash of millions in cash, leading to friction as outsiders learn about the huge seizure, making them question who they can rely on.

Matt and Ben were seen laughing while shooting scenes for the film in Los Angeles last month, and the Good Will Hunting duo are producing the movie via their Artists Equity production company, which they launched in November 2022.

Matt's outing with Luciana and their daughters comes after he revealed their family dynamic has changed since their 18-year-old daughter Isabella moved out and left for college.

The Oscar winner and his wife are the proud parents of daughters Isabella, Gia, and Stella, while he is also dad to daughter Alexia, 26, from a previous relationship.

Speaking to E! News about the family adjustment after Isabella left for college in September, Matt explained: 'We have a 26-year-old [Alexia], so we've been through this once before but it's still a major adjustment for us and her sisters.

'It's a different household with one less person there. So, it's a big adjustment.'

The actor, 54, and his wife, 48, were spotted leaving Funke restaurant, looking joyful following a meal at the Italian eatery

He previously got candid about what it means to be a girl dad during an appearance on SiriusXM show Radio Andy in August.

When asked what his best advice is on being a father to four girls, Matt admitted: 'Oh man I don't know. I wouldn't deign to give anybody advice other than I just try to listen and be helpful.

'I mean ultimately it's about building self-esteem. You know 99% of the decisions they make you're not gonna be there right?'

Host Andy Cohen then asked: 'What kind of dad are you when they bring a boy home and they say, "I'm dating this..."'

Matt replied: 'Oh I'm fine. I'm cool with that. You know what I mean?'

Andy probed further, asking if the famous Boston native doesn't 'turn all Boston' on his daughters' prospective partners.

The couple met in 2003 before tying the knot in 2005; pictured May

But Matt assured: 'No, no, no. That's like an old trope that I think people, you know like to play up. You know dads like to joke about it amongst each other I think sometimes but no'.

The Talented Mr. Ripley star added that eldest daughter Alexia has an 'incredible' boyfriend, whom he and Luciana 'adore'.

He said: 'You know at least our [26-year-old] has you know, she's got this incredible boyfriend who Lucy and I just love. We adore the guy and to see that she's making those kinds of choices, really, it's as good as it gets.'

Matt and wife Luciana met in April 2003 in Miami at a bar she worked at, while he was in town working on comedy Stuck on You.

During an interview with Vogue Australia in 2018, Luciana spoke about the moment the couple first met, quipping: 'Matt's story is that he saw me across the room and there was a light on me. And I'm like, "Yeah it was a nightclub - there were lights everywhere!'

The Oscar winner and his wife are the proud parents of daughters Isabella, Gia, and Stella, while he is also dad to daughter Alexia, 26, from a previous relationship (pictured L-R Alexia. Isabelle, Gia, Matt, Luciana and Stella in July)

Luciana recalled that people were recognizing him and asking for pictures and autographs so Matt went behind the bar to hide.

She explained: 'It got kind of aggressive because people are drinking and stuff He came and hid behind the bar... [wanting to] just hang out back there and have a drink. He says, "Oh I saw you and I really wanted to talk to you."'

But she told him that if he wanted to stay behind the counter he had to help out, saying: 'He had trained as a bartender for a film years before so he started making drinks.

'And he made a ton of money in tips that night, because of course everyone wanted to go and see him. So it turned into a really fun night and then 15 years later here we are'.

Matt went on to pop the question to Luciana in September 2005 and they tied the knot just a few months later at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau on December 9.
Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith made a rare public appearance together while attending the BAA Brand launch party in West Hollywood.

The father-son duo appeared in high spirits as they joined other guests to celebrate the brand's debut on Wednesday evening, just months after the actor opened up about how being more vulnerable has changed his relationship with his children.

The Oscar winner opted to wear a timeless black look while Jaden, 26, showed off his eccentric style in a polka-dot jacket over a graphic hoodie and bold hat.

Following the event, Will and Jaden stuck close to each other as they waited for the valet to bring over their car.

In October, the King Richard star revealed that he's grown closer to his three kids, Jaden, Willow, 23, and Trey III, 31, by being more transparent and not pretending to have all the answers or be 'Superman.'

'My children are moving closer to me,' he told People. 'I feel like I'm becoming a valuable elder.'

Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith made a rare public appearance together while attending the BAA Brand launch party in West Hollywood on Wednesday evening

Their latest sighting also comes after Will denied any association with Diddy while performing a comedy skit in San Diego on Thursday.

While taking the stage at the Observatory North Park, he weighed in on fans sharing memes about him and the jailed rapper, 55, who is facing federal charges federal charges of racketeering, conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation for purposes of prostitution.

'The world were in right now is really hard for yall to discern whats real and whats true,' he began. 'I havent addressed any of this publicly, but I just wanted to say this very clearly. I don't have s**t to do with Puffy so yall can stop all the memes.'

He continued: 'You can stop all that bulls**t. I aint been nowhere near those damn Freak-Offs. I do enough of my own s**t, dont be putting other peoples bulls**t.'

'I aint been anywhere near that man [or] did none of that stupid s**t, so whenever you guys hear that, its a damn lie.

'No damn freak off! I got my own s**t to deal with.'

'I don't even like baby oil, your memes was doing too much!'

Smith and Diddy have had a longstanding friendship since the 1990s and in 2004 Smith attended one of the rapper's notorious Miami parties.

After the 2022 Oscars where Smith memorably slapped Chris Rock, Diddy quipped: 'Will and Chris, were going to solve that like family at the Gold Party... but right now, we are moving on with love.'

Diddy who has denied all the allegations is incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn after being denied bail for the third time.

It is alleged that the rapper would coerce and manipulate victims into taking part in days-long sexual performances, which he dubbed 'freak offs'.

Among the most shocking claims is how federal agents seized 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant from his Miami and Los Angeles homes during raids earlier this year - with baby oil quickly trending on X at the time.

Diddy's associates would allegedly ply victims with drugs to keep them compliant and would make threats against anyone refusing to engage, in claims similar to those made in a civil lawsuit brought by Diddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie last year.

Their latest sighting comes after Will denied any association with Diddy while performing a comedy skit in San Diego on Thursday - pictured 2008

Diddy has pled not guilty to charges alleging he coerced and abused women for years, aided by associates and employees, and silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings.

Over the past year, Combs has been sued by people who say he subjected them to physical or sexual abuse. He has denied many of those allegations and his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, called the new indictment an 'unjust prosecution.'.

After seeing another request to be freed ahead of the trial denied, Combs will remain at MDC until May 5.

Afederal racketeering charge could see him sentenced to life when spring comes around.

A count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion also carries a life sentence, while a count of transportation for purposes of prostitution carries an additional max of 10 years. Separate suits have accused the rapper of being a rapist.

The rapper has been accused of arranging 'Freak Offs,' described as 'elaborate and produced sex performances' with reports '1000 bottles of baby oil' were found in his raided home

The case is being handled by the US Attorney Office's Civil Rights Unit, along with US Attorneys Meredith Foster, Emily A. Johnson, Christy Slavik, Madison Reddick Smyser and Mitzi Steiner.

This week Combs was accused of drugging and raping three men in shocking new filings.

The anonymous complainants claim the disgraced music mogul plied them with spiked drinks before attacking them while unconscious.

The incidents allegedly took place between 2019 and 2022, according to the documents filed in New York state's Supreme Court by lawyer Thomas Giuffra.

One of the men, who says he used to work for Combs, claims he was raped by Diddy at a Manhattan hotel after he agreed to meet him to discuss missed payments.

Smith is pictured with Diddy and Jay-Z - who has been named in a lawsuit accusing him and Diddy of raping a teenager - in 2004 - also seen Ashton Kutcher

He claims he was given a drink laced with drugs which caused him to feel sleepy, prompting Combs to encourage him to take a nap on a couch.

When he awoke, he was on his stomach and found his boss on top of him raping him, according to the lawsuit.

'When Plaintiff questioned Defendant Sean Combs and attempted to resist his advances, COMBS told him to stop and that he was almost done,' the filing states.

Another man alleged that his attack was filmed and he was given $2,500 in cash after the incident.

The third man claims Combs and his associates 'from Bad Boy Records' took turns sexually assaulting him at a party in the Hamptons.

'These complaints are full of lies. We will prove them false and seek sanctions against every unethical lawyer who filed fictional claims against him,' Combs' representatives said.
Ethan Slater's ex-wife Lilly Jay has today spoken of being unable to 'escape' the 'darkness' of watching him move on with his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande while she brings up their young son, calling it 'the saddest days of my life'.

Slater, 32, and Grande, 31, met on the British set of the film adaptation of the celebrated musical in 2022, when both were married. Ariana plays Glinda  the good witch  alongside Ethan as munchkin Boq.

Lilly, 32, has revealed her grief at having to witness her ex-husband promote Wicked around the world with the woman he left her for, calling it a very painful reminder of the 'public downfall of my marriage'.

She revealed that she had moved to Britain with their newborn baby to 'support' Ethan as he filmed Wicked. They were high school sweethearts, however, he then left her for Ariana.

'I confidently moved to another country with my 2-month-old baby and my husband to support his career', Lilly wrote. 'Consumed by the magic and mundanity of new motherhood, I didn't understand the growing distance between us.'

In an essay for The Cut, published last night, the clinical psychologist, who shares a two-year-old son with Slater, reflected on navigating life as a single mother and the end of their six-year marriage.

She admitted there are 'days when I can't escape the promotion of a movie associated with the saddest days of my life are darker'. Lily also said that as she rocks their son to sleep for 'countless hours' she is also trying to 'accept the sudden public downfall of my marriage.'

'No-one gets married thinking they'll get divorced, in the same way we don't board a plane expecting to crash', she said.

And in another slight on her ex and his new lover: 'I really never thought I would get divorced. Especially not just after giving birth to my first child and especially not in the shadow of my husband's new relationship with a celebrity.'

Ethan Slater's ex-wife Lilly Jay penned an essay detailing her painful divorce and watching her former high-school sweetheart move on with Ariana Grande; seen in 2018

Slater, 32, began dating Grande, 31, following his separation from Jay (pictured together last month promoting the movie)

Slater, 32, and Grande, 31, met on the British set of the film adaptation of the celebrated musical in 2022, when both were married. Ariana plays Glinda  the good witch  alongside Ethan as munchkin Boq.

In recent months Ethan and Ariana have been on front pages all over the world as they embraced on red carpets to promote Wicked, arguably the biggest movie of 2024.

Meanwhile Lily, who was married to Ethan between 2018 and 2024, is bringing up their toddler.

She wrote: 'Days with my son are sunny.

'Motherhood, I have learned, fills your time but not your mind. In the countless hours I spend rocking my son to sleep, pushing his stroller, marveling at his sweaty little hands grasping a crayon, I work diligently on my private project of accepting the sudden public downfall of my marriage.

'This, I tell myself, is nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide.'

Ms Jay also reflected how nobody 'one gets married thinking they'll get divorced, in the same way we don't board a plane expecting to crash.'

'But I really never thought I would get divorced. Especially not just after giving birth to my first child and especially not in the shadow of my husband's new relationship with a celebrity,' Jay noted, alluding to his relationship with Grande.

She went on to write: 'In this season of shock and mourning, over a year after the end of my marriage was made public, I deeply miss the life of invisibility I created for myself as a psychologist specializing in women's mental health.'

Despite their split, she still praised Slater for being a wonderful co-parent as she stated that while their 'partnership has changed' their 'parenthood has not.'

'Both of us fiercely love our son 100 percent of the time, regardless of how our parenting time is divided,' she emphasized.

Jay explained that while 'people from [her] past have reached out to say they saw my face in a tabloid' that her 'patients have remained silent' about it.

'At the Children's Hospital, my invisibility was welcome protection from hard conversations for me and my patients,' she said.

'And while I still firmly believe in following my patients' leads and not presuming to know what parts of my personhood resonate with them, the publicity I did not consent to increasingly feels like both a challenge and an opportunity.'

'If I'm discovered  as what, being vulnerable?  perhaps it could be a point of connection rather than a clinical liability,' she added.

At her lowest, she said that she 'feared that loss of control and postpartum depression would destroy' her for her 'entire adult life.'

Additionally, Jay noted that her career has seemingly been affected by her and Slater's public fallout.

Jay and Slater officially finalized their divorce in September after separating last year; Slater pictured with Lilly

In her essay, Jay noted that she had not prepared to get divorced right after giving birth to her first child as her husband moved on 'with a celebrity' (Slater pictured in November with Grande)

'It's hard to measure an absence, and I can't say for sure how much my career has been impacted by what's out there online,' she wrote. 'But there have been hints along the way, like the job offer that dissolved without explanation after yet another tabloid news cycle or the patient who's scheduled for a first appointment but seemingly vanishes.'

This has, admittedly, left her, on 'darker' days to stew angrily on 'the unfairness of a public divorce.'

'Slowly but surely, I have come to believe that in the absence of the life I planned with my high-school sweetheart, a lifetime of sweetness is waiting for me and my child,' she told readers.

Jay proceeded to explain that if she 'can't be invisible anymore' that she thought it was time to properly 'introduce' herself to the world.

'You know how a sponge is most effective at absorbing liquid when it's already a bit wet? Maybe we can think about my messy not-so-personal life in that way: a dose of my own loss, rage, powerlessness, sadness that helps me hold yours,' she concluded.

Earlier in her essay, she noted that during her pregnancy she had 'never felt happier nor more aware of how precarious happiness could be.'

'I survived preeclampsia, a life-threatening birth complication, and finally, our family was whole. Mine is a story of worrying in the wrong direction,' she recalled.

Despite understanding how hard the postpartum period can be on a marriage, Jay said she 'confidently moved to another country' her then-two-month-old baby and husband to 'support his career.'

Jay and Slater officially finalized their divorce in September after separating last year.

Slater filed for divorce on July 26, 2023, five years after he tied the knot with Jay, who he began dating when they were both just teenagers.

Grande and Slater met in December 2022 on the UK set of the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked

Ariana announced her separation from Dalton just three days before confirming her new relationship with Ethan, who then filed for divorce from Lilly (seen with Slater in June)

At the time, Grande was still married to Dalton Gomez; she filed for divorce in September 2023 and listed the date of separation as February 20, 2023.

Ariana's divorce was settled in October 2023, with the performer making a single $1,250,000 payment to Gomez in lieu of spousal support.

She also paid $25k of the real estate broker's attorney fees.

Both parties announced they had split from their spouses within a few days of each other.

Ariana announced her separation from Dalton just three days before confirming her new relationship with Ethan, who then filed for divorce from Lilly.

He cited irreconcilable differences and asked for joint custody of their two-year-old son.

Lilly later damned Ariana in a series of disparaging interviews, telling Page Six the music artist is 'not a girl's girl' and adding that 'my family is just collateral damage' to her.

In October, Slater addressed the backlash over his and Grande's relationship amid infidelity rumors

In October, Slater addressed the backlash over his and Grande's relationship amid infidelity rumors.

'I think there was something that was really difficult about things in your private life being commented on and looked at by the public,' he told GQ.

He continued: 'There were a lot of big changes in private lives that were really happening, so it's really hard to see people who don't know anything about what's happening commenting on it.'

Last month, Grande insisted that 'there couldn't be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him [Slater].'

'No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about,' she told Vanity Fair.
AJ Pritchard girlfriend Zara Zoffany has said how she was left terrified after being targeted by a gang of phone snatchers during an outing in London on Wednesday.

The influencer, 30, who has been dating the ex Strictly star, 29, since 2022, took to her Instagram Stories and admitted she was still 'shaken up' following the incident.

Zara claimed the two men targeted herself and a pal as they caught up over coffee but thankfully 'listening to her gut' and being on guard stopped the crime in it's tracks after she screamed and spooked the pair.

In the clip she said: 'I'm still a bit shaken up but let me try to articulate this. You know when you have a gut feeling and you don't listen to it and that thing happens, that's exactly what just happened to me'.

'I was meeting a friend at Tottenham Court Road in Starbucks and said to myself, this is not the safest area 'do not use your phone, look after your possessions', but ended up thinking it would be fine.

'We were showing each other photos on our phones, showing each otehr our lives, her kids. It's been seven years to catch up on. Next thing these two guys come over putting papers in our faces and getting super close to my face.

AJ Pritchard girlfriend Zara Zoffany, 30, has said how she was left terrified after being targeted by a gang of phone snatchers during an outing in London on Wednesday

The influencer who has been dating the ex Strictly star, 29, since 2022 (pictured together) took to her Instagram Stories and admitted she was still 'shaken up' following the incident

Zara continued: ' 'I instantly knew what was going to happen so I grab our phones and start screaming, saying 'what are you doing, f*** off'.

'I look around and everyone stayed silent but [the two men] got spooked and run away.'

She captioned the slip: 'Moral of the story is listen to your gut. I'm hoping everyone was in shock and that's why no one said anything. So happy to be with my friend and nothing serious happened or was taken.

'Weirdly felt like an adrenaline rush/ small victory but would not have been the case if something was taken. Another reminder to always stay alert and keep your phone is out of sight.'

It comes after AJ's ex Abbie Quinnen, 27, to take a swipe at him as she posed up a storm in a sexy costume for Halloween.

The model and the Strictly dancer were together for four years before AJ 'dumped' Abbie after she found messages from another woman.

And now, the beauty is letting her Halloween costume do the talking by taking to Instagram and sharing a carousel of sizzling snaps dressed as a sultry cheetah.

She flaunted her stunning figure in a skin-tight, backless bodysuit with cheetah print that left little to the imagination.

Zara claimed the two men targeted herself and a pal as they caught up over coffee but thankfully 'listening to her gut' and being on guard stopped the crime in it's tracks

'I'm still a bit shaken up but let me try to articulate this. You know when you have a gut feeling and you don't listen to it and that thing happens, that's exactly what just happened to me'.

Zara and AJ pictured at The Fashion Awards 2024 earlier this month

The star took the look to the next level with barb wire stockings, long lace gloves, brown heeled boots, and a cheetah ears headband.

She captioned the snap: 'Dressing up as my ex this year for Halloween.'

MailOnline contacted a representative for AJ for comment at the time.

Abbie and AJ split in September 2022, after she found texts from another woman on his phone.

Speaking to The Sun about her relationship breakdown, Abbie said: 'I'm completely devastated and my world has fallen apart. AJ isn't the person I thought he was, after everything I went through with him I thought we would be together forever.

'He has been the biggest disappointment to me. This has knocked my confidence after my accident and I need to rebuild myself now. AJ was my world and I didn't recognise the guy who was breaking up with me.'

Abbie went on: 'I kept asking him about the girl from the messages, but from the moment I brought her up he completely changed. Just a few weeks back AJ and I went on a romantic holiday to Turkey, it was so lovely.'

Their split was one year after Abbie suffered serious burns when a viral social media stunt went wrong.

She was involved in a freak fire accident which took place when she was filming a YouTube video with her then-boyfriend AJ, in which they attempted to turn a wine bottle into a vase.

It comes after AJ's ex Abbie Quinnen, 27, to take a swipe at him as she posed up a storm in a sexy costume for Halloween (pictured in October)

The model and the Strictly star were together for four years before AJ 'dumped' Abbie after she found messages from another woman

The star took the look to the next level with barb wire stockings, long lave gloves, brown heeled boots, and a cheetah ears headband

Abbie did not hold back with her dig

Abbie said the injuries meant that she and AJ had to have therapy sessions and she once found him 'crying hysterically' as he struggled to cope with the aftermath.

The professional dancer needed three skin grafts after her YouTube skit went wrong in 2021 and her hair, skin and face were engulfed in flames.

Speaking on Lorraine in 2022, she said: ''It completely blew up and I was engulfed in flames. I didn't know if I would ever look the same again if I would get my movement back.

'The burns unit looked after me so well. I felt like I looked horrific and if AJ or my family saw me it would break their hearts. I was embarrassed of how I looked. It was a lot of trauma.

Despite the traumatic experience, Abbie explained that she did not need further surgery and was 'feeling so much better' as she got her confidence back.
Peter Thomas of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame will now be heading to prison after failing to pay taxes.

The Bravo alum, who was previously married to RHOA star Cynthia Bailey, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after he plead guilty to failing to account for and pay over to the trust fund taxes due and owing on behalf of the employees of PT Media, LLC, according to the Department of Justice.

Thomas' sentence includes two years of supervised release following his imprisonment, in addition to a payment of more than $2.5 million as restitution to the IRS.

He allegedly failed to pay over $2.5 million in employment taxes from various sports-themed bars, restaurants, and lounges he owned in different states from 2017 to 2023.

This figure also included $1,740,000 in trust fund taxes he collected from employee wages.

'Court documents show that instead of paying the trust fund taxes that were due on behalf of the Charlotte businesses, Thomas used the trust fund taxes for other purposes, including more than $2.5 million in cash withdrawals, $370,000 for travel, real estate purchases, and more than $250,000 in retail purchases, including on high-end purchases at Neiman Marcus, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy,' according to the Department of Justice.

Peter Thomas of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame will now be heading to prison

Thomas was previously married to RHOA star Cynthia Bailey

Thomas plead guilty to the charge over the summer but was only sentenced on Thursday.

Prosecutors wanted Thomas to spend two years behind bars but his attorney, C. Melissa Owen, fought for a sentence of one year and one day, insisting he was 'incredibly remorseful', according to the Baltimore Banner.

The reality alum said he was prepared to 'face the music' in video posted the day before his sentencing.

Poignantly, Thomas made the announcement on the 50th anniversary living in the United States.

'Tomorrow, I'll be making an appearance in the United States government federal court house, here in Charlotte, North Carolina, to face the music.

'The music of not paying consistent, consistently withholding taxes for business for over 10 years,' he said.

'I thought it was something that I could rectify by getting on a payment plan and paying it but it doesn't work like that with withholding taxes.

'I was found guilty. Not found guilty, I plead guilty, and with my plea of guilty I have to sit down for a while.

In a video posted a day ahead of the sentencing, the reality alum admitted to his Instagram followers that he had 'plead guilty' and that he was heading to court the following day to 'face the music'

Thomas urged other small business owners to avoid making the same mistakes he did.

'So my public announcement is to tell all small business owners, this is one of those things that you will get locked up for if you don't pay those withholding taxes consistently. United States government don't play with that.

'So if you don't have that budget to handle your payroll consistently and enough to pay your payroll before you pay your rent, cause the landlord could evict you, you ain't going to go to jail though. Okay? But you will go to jail for not paying your withholding taxes to the United States government.'

Thomas appeared to accept the consequences of his actions and was at peace with how things played out.

'Tomorrow I'm taking the flame away from all you bloggers out there. Tomorrow I'm in federal court and by tomorrow afternoon this time I'll know my fate.'

Thomas exchanged vows with Bailey in a 2010 ceremony that was shown on the Bravo show's third season

'I have to stand up for it. Because I was wrong. And I have to pay the dues. My parents are not excited by this, I know my dad is rolling over in his grave now... and my mom, she wanted to make the trip here to Charlotte, North Carolina and I told her, "No, I don't want you to see me like that."

'Pay those withholding taxes. Don't fall in the same situation I have.'

Thomas exchanged vows with Bailey in a 2010 ceremony that was shown on the Bravo show's third season.

Thomas and Bailey separated in 2016 after three years of marriage and their divorce was formalized in 2017.

He's had other brushes with the law, including a recent arrest for DUI.
Ashley Benson celebrated her 35th birthday with a hearty Italian meal at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, CA on Wednesday night alongside her husband Brandon Davis.

The Wilderness actress covered up her leggy LBD with a shiny burgundy leather jacket featuring a faux-fur collar and trim along with glossy oxblood boots.

Ashley happily hauled two shopping bags - one of which was from early aughts staple, Kitson.

Benson and the 45-year-old grandson of industrialist Marvin Davis were joined by her best friend Emma Roberts wearing a leopard-print coat over a leggy LBD and $99.99 Chinese Laundry 'Dario' boots.

The 33-year-old niece of Julia Roberts is one of the 10 executive producers of Meaghan Oppenheimer's college-set drama Tell Me Lies, which Hulu renewed for a third season on Thursday.

In late July, Emma and her towering fiance Cody John vacationed with the Pretty Little Liars alum and Brandon in Saint-Tropez.

Ashley Benson celebrated her 35th birthday with a hearty Italian meal at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, CA on Wednesday night alongside her husband Brandon Davis

Ashley and Davis - who are proud parents of 10-month-old daughter Aspen - celebrated their first wedding anniversary in November.

Benson shed all of her baby weight with help from yoga/Pilates instructor Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, and denied ever using semaglutide injectables.

'I know a lot of people taking Ozempic and it's totally fine. To each their own,' the first-time mother - who boasts 33.4M social media followers - wrote via Instastory in June.

'But don't discredit people who also work very hard to get their body back like I've done with mine. Getting back to work forced me to focus on my health and working out and I wanted to feel confident and good about myself. And again, couldn't do this without my @melissawoodtepperberg app.'

In July, Ashley wrapped her role as exotic dancer Bailey in Clark Duke's comedic thriller Stranglehold alongside Jake Lacy, Justin Long, and Ron Perlman.

Benson portrays Cindy in Mike Ott's psychological thriller McVeigh about Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, which has yet to secure distribution since premiering June 7 at Tribeca.

The Anaheim native also keeps busy working as brand ambassador for boozy brand Thomas Ashbourne as well as running her cosmetics company Ash by Ashley, which originated as a fragrance line in 2022.

Meanwhile, the twice-rehabbed oil heir originally launched his company Brandon Davis Projects seven years ago with a pop-up art show featuring Bosco Sodi's paintings at the Paul Kasmin Gallery.

However, there appears to have been no update or venture for Brandon's company since 2016, and the headquarters on Robertson Boulevard have been permanently closed.

The Wilderness actress covered up her leggy LBD with a shiny burgundy leather jacket as she happily hauled two shopping bags

Ashley and the 45-year-old grandson of industrialist Marvin Davis were joined by her best friend Emma Roberts wearing a leopard-print coat over a leggy LBD and $99.99 Chinese Laundry 'Dario' boots

The 33-year-old niece of Julia Roberts is one of the 10 executive producers of Meaghan Oppenheimer's college-set drama Tell Me Lies, which Hulu renewed for a third season on Thursday

In late July, Emma and her towering fiance Cody John vacationed with Benson and Brandon in Saint-Tropez (pictured July 26)

The Pretty Little Liars alum and Davis - who are proud parents of 10-month-old daughter Aspen - celebrated their first wedding anniversary in November (pictured September 29)

Ashley shed all of her baby weight with help from yoga/Pilates instructor Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, and denied ever using semaglutide injectables (pictured December 9)

Benson wrote via Instastory in June: 'I know a lot of people taking Ozempic...But don't discredit people who also work very hard to get their body back like I've done with mine. Getting back to work forced me to focus on my health and working out'

Davis - who's worth an estimated $55M - has a substantial rap sheet, having been arrested for battery, cocaine possession, and a DUI in the past.

The LA socialite - who notoriously called Lindsay Lohan 'firecrotch' in 2006 - was previously romantically linked to The O.C. alum Mischa Barton, socialite Brittny Gastineau, and hotel heiress Paris Hilton.

Before Ashley began dating Brandon in January 2023, she romanced Bay Area rapper G-Eazy and Her Smell co-star Cara Delevingne.
The Holiday has been called out for another glaring and hilarious plot hole.

The beloved 2006 movie sees chronically unlucky in love Amanda (Cameron Diaz) plan a house swap and spend the holidays in a cute country cottage in the UK, which belongs to journalist Iris (Kate Winslet).

Surrey-based Iris ditches her picturesque English home for Amanda's LA mansion and both lovelorn women are swept off their feet with an exciting new romance when they meet Graham and Miles.

However, after an array gaffes and impractical timelines from the film were unveiled during the festive season, fans have realized another bizarre detail - which involves Winslet's scenic drive from LAX to Beverly Hills.

In the scene shared by TikToker Camberapp , Iris' cab is seen driving alongside the ocean on the Pacific Coast Highway as she takes in the sunshine, beach views and palm trees -which was mocked by LA natives.

A video showing the moment was captioned: 'Me trying to figure out why Kate Winslet's character in The Holiday is going south down PCH to get from the airport to Beverly Hills.'

The Holiday has been called out for another glaring and hilarious plot hole

The beloved 2006 movie sees chronically unlucky in love Amanda ( Cameron Diaz ) plan a house swap and spend the holidays in a cute country cottage in the UK, which belongs to journalist Iris ( Kate Winslet )

One fan wrote: 'She fly into Burbank? Or getting her directions from Party in the USA?

Others wrote: 'lol best part of living in LA is watching all the movies absolutely in awe how they jump around the city in less than an hour.

'Its giving Miley seeing the Hollywood sign leaving LAX.'

'Or in La La Land when they meet up at the studio lot in Burbank and the next scene theyre at the jazz club in Hermosa?? Wheres the scene of them fighting for their lives in traffic for 2 hours between the 101 and 405??

'She is being scammed by the cab driver, very common

'Been wondering that for years

'Cabbie is just running up that bill.'

Last month Jude Law burst the bubble when he spilled filming secrets from his Christmas classic The Holiday on BBC Radio 2 with host Zoe Ball and comedian Kerry Godliman on Friday.

However, after an array gaffes and impractical timelines from the film were unveiled during the festive season, fans have realized another bizarre detail - which involves Winslet's scenic drive from LAX to Beverly Hills

In the scene shared by TikToker Camberapp , Iris' cab is seen driving alongside the ocean on the Pacific Coast Highway as she takes in the sunshine, beach views and palm trees -which was mocked by LA natives

Last month Jude Law 'burst the bubble' when he spilled filming secrets from his Christmas classic The Holiday on BBC Radio 2 and revealed Rosehill Cottage [pictured above] never existed

'So, we were shooting in the winter here and every time I go in that door, we cut and we shot the interiors in LA about three months later', Jude revealed (pictured with Cameron)

Rosehill Cottage became somewhat of a phenomenon after the film was released, with fans calling it the perfect English dream home for Christmas

Cameron's character chose the cottage, bedroom interior pictured, as an escape from her fast-paced life in the US

Speaking about the picturesque cottage where Amanda holidays, Kerry asked: 'Can you Airbnb that cottage?', while Zoe replied: 'I think so', Jude told them the truth.

'That cottage doesnt exist. So the director, she's a bit of a perfectionist, toured that whole area and didn't quite find the chocolate box cottage she was looking for,' he revealed.

'So she just hired a field and drew it and had someone build it. But here's the funny thing if you watch it.

So, we were shooting in the winter here and every time I go in that door, we cut and we shot the interiors in LA about three months later.'

Stunned, Zoe said: 'We dont want to hear anymore. We cant bear it', while Kerry added: 'That's very upsetting'.

Looking sheepish, Jude replied: 'Just burst the bubble, sorry.'

Despite Rosehill Cottage not being real, the cast did film in the Surrey villages of Shere and Godalming.

The Honeysuckle Cottage in Holmbury St Mary, which was put up for sale in 2021 and now an Airbnb, provided the inspiration for the crew who designed it.

Rosehill Cottage became somewhat of a phenomenon after the film was released, with fans calling it the perfect English dream home for Christmas.

While the exterior was lightly dusted in snow, the inside had a roll top bath and a shabby chic kitchen.

Back in June, Jude confirmed he would be up for starring in a sequel of The Holiday.

Speaking to E! News at the New York City's Tribeca Festival, Jude said: 'I love the idea.'

Although he admitted he would have to ask director and writer Nancy Meyers first, he added: 'Why not?'

Graham is father to children Olivia and Sophie, played by Miffy Englefield and Emma Pritchard.

Back in June, Jude confirmed he would be up for starring in a sequel of The Holiday

Graham's daughter's also fall in love with Amanda as they accept her into their family.

Despite his on screen daughters being grown up now, Jude believes the plot could still be revisited as he added that he doesn't believe his character will have changed much.

'I think Graham still has cardigans and glasses, and reads,' he joked. 'He's probably worried sick about the girls, right? The daughters will be 28, 29.'
Vogue Williams has become the latest celebrity to tear into Meghan Markle over her new show, With Love, Meghan. The takedown is close to home given the Irish TV and radio presenter is connected to the royal family. Her husband, Made in Chelsea alum Spencer Matthews, is brother-in-law to the Princess of Wales's sister, Pippa. 'I saw a bit where she was making her kids a rainbow platter of fruit,' Vogue began.
Travelers can now stay at one of four newly restored cottages on the California coast just days before Christmas.

Guests visiting Newport Beach during the holidays can book reservations for one of the cottages near Crystal Cove State Park starting Thursday.

Those who nab a stay at one of the revamped cottages will be able to vacation there starting December 23.

The four restored cottages up for grabs are The Carpenter's Castle, The Crow's Nest, Grunion Run, and Board and Batten.

The Carpenter's Castle, Grunion Run, and Board and Batten start at $320 per night.

The Carpenter's Castle can house a maximum of eight travelers, while Grunion Run and Board and Batten can only have up to six.

The Crow's Nest, with only two guests per reservation, goes for $228 a night.

Crystal Cove Conservancy president and CEO Kate Wheeler said bookings at the four cottages 'will go fast' while speaking with The Orange County Register.

These restored cottages are among many around Crystal Cove State Park that were newly renovated.

Guests visiting Newport Beach can book reservations for one of the four restored cottages near Crystal Cove State Park starting Thursday

Travelers who manage to grab one of the four cottages can stay at the locations starting on December 23

The restored cottages are part of a $55 million North Beach restoration project.

They are part of 17 renovated properties on the north end of the Crystal Cove Historic District.

The Crow's Nest, the smallest of the four, is described as a 'cozy studio retreat with sweeping ocean views and endless sunshine.'

The two-story studio comes with a queen size bed, a nook, and a single bathroom.

The cottage has some of the best views in the park, according to the Crystal Cove website.

The Carpenter's Castle features four bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms and is ideal for anyone 'seeking a serene coastal getaway.'

Grunion Run is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage with a white picket fence surrounding the property.

It also includes tons of natural light and ocean views from the patio and living room.

Board and Batten features two bedrooms and one bathroom with an 'ocean view living room.'

The Crow's Nest cottage is a studio that can accommodate up to two guests for $228 per night

Grunion Run cottage accommodates up to six guests for $320 a night

The Board and Batten cottage has two bedrooms and one bathroom, while The Carpenter's Castle is a four-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom property

Plans for the cottages' restorations began in the early 2000s, including a long permitting phase with the California Coastal Commission.

The commission granted the approvals in 2017 after details involving boardwalk updates were added to construction plans.

The funds used to support the project came from various sources, including donors, low-interest loans, grants, and revenue from other cottages.

The final $10 million needed to fund the project was an investment from Bank of America.

California State Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris also helped the Conservancy secure $30 million in state funding.

Once the funding was secured, the project was split into two phases: infrastructure and restoration.

The infrastructure portion was completed in 2020, and each Crystal Cove cottage listing now features a phase III restoration notice.

The four restored cottages taking reservations are part of a $55 million North Beach restoration project

All 17 cottages included in the restoration project have features seen in homes between the 1930s and 1950s.

The tiny details were implemented in the restored properties as a way to represent the time period when the cottages were originally built.

'I love these kinds of projects. The No. 1 challenge is maintaining the historical features. It's very, very important to put every piece where they belong,' Randy Gamache, project manager for the Crystal Cove Conservancy, told The Orange County Register in 2023.

Crystal Cove confirmed in its restoration notice that remaining construction in the area includes infrastructure installation and rehabilitation of the remaining cottages.

The notice also states that activities would be 'most noticeable' near Cottages 9, 18, and 29.

'Really, coming in on the close of this project feels like a bit of a miracle,' Wheeler told The Orange County Register.

'When we started this project in the years leading up, we didn't have the funding and didn't know where the funding was going to come from.'

Plans for the Crystal Cove cottage restoration began in the early 2000s and include features found in homes between the 1930s and 1950s

Over the years, 33 out of 46 cottages in the area were restored through a partnership between California State Parks and the Conservancy.

Eight restored cottages opened to the public in 2023.

Five restored cottages and a six-unit duplex are also expected to be available to the public in 2025.

There are currently three Crystal Cove cottages dedicated to disabled guests.

The goal of the restoration project is to double its yearly capacity from 24,000 to 48,000 guests.

Guests looking for a more affordable stay can opt to book private rooms starting at just $50.

Guests looking to rent one of these rooms or cottages can do so by going online or calling the Crystal Cove Visitor Center.

Because of the area's 98 percent year-round occupancy rate, all stays are expected to be in high demand.
The cost of living in America has surged to an all time high, and California is no exception.

Although San Francisco's Bay Area is still the most expensive place to live in the U.S., some cities in the West Coast state are offering affordable housing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The low cost of housing does come with a serious downside though, as high utility bills are trending in nearly all of the 'cheapest' locations in the state, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Utility prices have skyrocketed over the past five years in the U.S., with many in California getting hit with the worst of it.

The state has seen an uptick in electricity prices due to the impact of extreme weather sparked by climate change, which has led to many staying indoors and cranking up their air conditioning systems, Yahoo Finance previously reported.

From 2018 to 2023, energy costs in California have increased 47.8 percent, while the country's average overall prices have jumped 21.9 percent, according to a report from S&P Global - a Capital market company.

While the cost of electricity has had a severe impact on California residents, the price of water has also affected West Coast communities.

The average family of four spends $73 a month on water, but in California, the price has risen to $77, compared to both Vermont and Wisconsin's average water bill costs that are around $18 a month, according to Forbes.

Hanford, California came in first place for the lowest housing prices in the state. The city has seen a 31 percent drop in housing

Hanford

Hanford, a city in Kings County, came in as the number one most affordable place in the state.

As of 2023, housing prices in the city have decreased 31 percent, making for an overall two percent difference when compared to the national average.

Despite housing costs lowering in the San Joaquin Valley city, utility costs have risen by 39 percent, according to the data.

Although the area's living costs are 2 percent below the national average, Hanford is still the 89th most expensive metro area in the U.S., the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Merced

Merced, also located in the San Joaquin Valley, came in second place with the lowest housing rates in the state.

Housing prices in the city - home to one of the University of California's campuses - dropped by 23 percent as of last year.

Merced, also located in the San Joaquin Valley, came in second place with the lowest housing rates in the state that have dropped by 23 percent as of last year

El Centro, located in Imperial County, came in third as housing prices have decreased by 22 percent

Meanwhile, the city's utility prices have risen 43 percent, according to the data.

Overall, the cost of living is one percent below the national average.

El Centro

El Centro, a city located in Imperial County, came in third place for the lowest housing prices in California.

The city - close to the Mexico border - offers affordable housing 22 percent below the national average, data found.

Although housing prices have dropped in the area, the cost of living in the rural community has increased due to a 37 percent increase in utility prices.

The data found no change in the overall cost of living compared to the national average.

Visalia

Visalia, a city also located in the San Joaquin Valley, came in at fourth place, the data revealed.

Although housing prices have dropped by 17 percent, utility prices have increased by 41 percent

Bakersfield came in fifth place as housing costs have dropped by 12 percent

The cost of housing in the city has dropped 17 percent, but like the others, utility prices have made up for it.

Utility prices have increased by 41 percent in the city, and its cost of living is one percent above the national average.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield also offers affordable housing in the Golden State, as it came in at fifth place.

The cost of housing in the city, located in Kern County, has dropped by 12 percent, data showed.

But, utility prices - like the other cities - have risen, as Bakersfield has seen a 43 percent increase.

The cost of living in the city is two percent above the national average.

Redding

Redding is also in the same boat as the other California cities, as it came in sixth place.

Housing prices in Redding have dropped by 10 percent, but utility bills have surged to a 42 percent increase

Madera came in seventh place with a nine percent decrease in housing costs, while its utility prices have increased by 44 percent

The city, located in Shasta County, saw housing prices drop by 10 percent, as of 2023.

While housing prices have lowered, utility costs have only risen - coming in at 42 percent increase.

Overall, the cost of living in the city is three percent above the country's average.

Madera

Madera, also located in the San Joaquin Valley, came in seventh place for its low housing costs.

The city has experienced a nine percent decrease in housing prices, data revealed.

But again, while the price of housing became affordable, utilities costs have risen by 44 percent.

The cost of living in Madera is three percent over the national average.
LUDZIDZINI - Thousands of emaSwati yesterday gathered inside the Ludzidzini Cattle Byre for the main Incwala Ceremony.

Incwala Ceremony is the most significant cultural event, which brings emaSwati in one accord at the Ludzidzini Cattle Byre, for the celebration of the harvest of the first fruit.

The nation also celebrates the existence of peace and stability since the country gained its independence from Britain in 1968. It is in this event that the nation thanks God and ancestors for the gift of life and seeks His guidance and protection during the course of the new year.

The event saw emaSwati joined by other nations of the world, some of who were represented by the ambassadors in the country. Clad in their traditional attires, emaSwati started arriving at the main royal residence as early as 8am and waited for the blowing of the trumpet. Worth noting is that a trumpet is used to communicate orders during cultural activities in the country. The first trumpet, which saw warriors preparing themselves, was blown at around 2pm. The warriors proceeded to the cattle byre immediately after the second trumpet. They were followed by the guard of honour, which marched and assembled in front of the cattle byre, shortly before the arrival of His Majesty King Mswati III. At that time, members of the public who anticipated seeing the King had positioned themselves.

Public

The King arrived at around 3pm and sang the national anthem, before he inspected the guard of honour. Members of the public, who had an opportunity to see the King, shouted Bayethe, as they saw the King from a distance. The head of state then sang the national anthem and proceeded to the cattle byre, where he inspected the regiments before greeting the diplomats. After greeting the diplomats, the King proceeded to the regiments, marking the start of the main Incwala Ceremony. Among the distinguished guests who attended the occasion were chiefs, diplomats and individual tourists. The Incwala ceremony holds immense cultural significance for the nation, symbolising the renewal of the kingdom and the strengthening of the bond between the king and his people.
Dave Ramsey has issued some blunt retirement advice to Americans about the benefits and pitfalls of 401(K) and IRA retirement plans.

The finance guru explained in a blog post how both plans are great ways to build wealth for retirement, but it is crucial to understand their differences and how they can work together before investing.

A 401(K) workplace plan is sponsored by an employer, he said, and often involves the company matching contributions taken out of workers' paychecks.

The money you put in is tax-deferred, which means you will not pay taxes on it until you start taking funds out in retirement.

A Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA), on the other hand, is an account which you can open yourself to save a certain amount of after-tax dollars per year for retirement.

'When you hear the word Roth, your ears should automatically perk up - because a Roth IRA allows your savings to grow tax-free,' said The Ramsey Show host.

'That means once you turn 59 1/2, you can withdraw money from your account without owing a penny in taxes.'

Ramsey explained some of the advantages of a Roth IRA over a 401(K).

Dave Ramsey has issued some blunt retirement advice to Americans about the benefits and pitfalls of 401(K) and IRA retirement plans

Since you invest in a Roth IRA with money that has already been taxed, the money will grow tax-free inside the account, he said.

'And here's the deal: Once you're ready to retire, most of the money in your Roth IRA will be growth,' he explained.

'So, no taxes on that growth means hundreds of thousands of dollars stay in your pocket and out of Uncle Sam's!'

With a Roth IRA, you are not limited by 'some third-party administrator deciding which funds you can invest in', he continued, which means you have thousands of mutual funds to choose from.

Plus, it is not tied to your employer in any way, which means you will not have to roll over the funds if you switch jobs, which you have to do with a 401(K).

With a Roth IRA, you also do not have to make Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), which means you can let more of your money keep growing over a longer period of time, Ramsey said.

But there are some limitations to the account which the finance guru warns Americans should know about.

It is crucial Americans understand the difference between a 401(K) and a Roth IRA before investing, Ramsey said

There are different advantages and disadvantages of 401(K) and Roth IRA accounts

There is a possibility you may not be eligible to put money in a Roth IRA if your income is above a certain threshold.

The account also has a five-year rule, Ramsey said, which means you will be penalized if you take money out of the account less than five years after you first contributed to it. You will also face a penalty if you withdraw cash from the account before you reach the age of age 59 1/2.

'You can only invest up to $7,000 in a Roth IRA in 2024 (or $8,000 if you're age 50 or older),' he added.

If you compare that to the 401(K) contribution limit which is $23,000 for 2024, that may seem like a small sum.

'That's why 401(k)s and Roth IRAs work better together,' he added.

When it comes to 401(K)s, the main advantages are the higher contribution limit - which is even higher for over 50s at $30,500 for 2024 - and the fact that you invest in the account with pre-tax dollars, which lowers your income tax bill.

'Probably the best thing about a 401(K) plan,' Ramsey said, 'is that your employer can match your investment up to a certain amount. That's a 100 percent return on your investment right off the bat.

'Matching isn't required by the government, so not all employers offer it. If yours does, make the most of it. Don't overlook free money!'

The Ramsey Show host is known for his blunt financial advice

But there are also various key disadvantages to a 401(K) plan, according to Ramsey.

There are fewer options for mutual funds, and you have to start withdrawing money from the plan once you reach a certain age or you will have to pay a penalty.

Ramsey warns that there is also a 'catch' to the tax breaks you get by investing in a 401(K).

'Since you fund a 401(K) with pretax dollars, you won't pay taxes now - but you will pay taxes on that money in retirement,' he said.

'This could lead to a pretty hefty tax bill depending on what tax bracket you're in when you retire.'

The finance guru is a big advocate for investing in both of these retirement accounts in order to reap the benefits of both.

Putting money away in a 401(K) and a Roth IRA means Americans can take advantage of an employer match, while also getting the tax benefits of a Roth IRA later in life.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is home to Harvard University, has been named the top place for the young and wealthy to live.

That is according to fresh insights released this month by GOBankingRates.

Traditionally, major cities like New York City and Los Angeles have been associated with young Americans with money to spend.

But this demographic is now prioritizing living in safe metros where they can earn upwards of $150,000 a year and continue growing their wealth, according to the study.

Cambridge took the top spot due to its livability and low crime rates.

Just over 40 percent of the population are aged between 25 and 44, and 63 percent of these households have an income of $150,000 or more - the income threshold the study deemed 'wealthy.'

The second best place for the young and wealthy to live was Jersey City, New Jersey, according to GOBankingRates, and Santa Clara, California, came in third place.

Rounding out the top 10 best places was Hillsboro, Oregon, Boston, Massachusetts, Sandy Springs, Georgia, Rochester, Minnesota, Austin, Texas, Seattle, Washington, and Sunnyvale, California.

Cambridge, Massachusetts , which is home to Harvard University, has been named the top place for the young and wealthy to live

Natalie Portman and Matt Damon both attended Harvard University. Portman enrolled in 1999 and graduated four years later. Damon was part of the class of 1992 but dropped out before completing his degree to take the lead role in Geronimo: An American Legend

Although Massachusetts had two cities in the top 10, Texas had the most cities out of any state to rank in the top 50.

The seven cities were Austin, Richardson, Denton, Dallas, Irving, Odessa and Lewisville.

To find the best places for the young and wealthy to live, GOBankingRates analyzed the U.S. Census American Community Survey, Sperling's BestPlaces, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey and Federal Reserve Economic Data.

It also analyzed the property crime and violent crime statistics per 1,000 residents for each city, which was sourced from the FBI.

In terms of quality of life, the study used the livability index from AreaVibes.

Cambridge has a livability score of 86 out of 100, according to the study.

While it is most famous for being home to the Ivy League Harvard University and the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge also boasts many historical sites and vibrant art and culture venues.

It is also located only a short distance across the Charles River from Boston, which makes it an ideal place for wealthy young professionals who work in the city.

Cambridge took the top spot due to its livability and low crime rates

While it is most famous for being home to the Ivy League Harvard University and the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge also boasts many historical sites and vibrant art and culture venues

To find the best places for the young and wealthy to live, GOBankingRates analyzed the U.S. Census American Community Survey, Sperling's BestPlaces, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey and Federal Reserve Economic Data

It comes as a nearby Massachusetts city was named the hottest housing market in the US.

Springfield, which is an hour and a half's drive from Boston, is now also the most in-demand city in the US, according to Realtor.com, with the number of budding homeowners outweighing the supply of properties.

Homes in Springfield attracted nearly three times the national average in views per listing last month, and were snapped up more quickly than in almost any other market.

On average, homes sold in just 37 days - compared to 62 days nationally.

But, much like Cambridge, part of the city's appeal comes from its proximity to Boston.

For the past few years, almost all of the hottest markets have had it in common that they are close to Boston, according to Realtor.com.

'One of the reasons that markets around Boston have done so well is the success of Boston itself,' said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com chief economist.

'The region is an education hub, home to many top universities, and as a result, attracts workers in high-paying knowledge industries like technology and research.'
MBABANE  Businessman Kareem Ashraff and Y.G.A. Papers (PTY) Limited, are facing legal action from the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) over alleged unpaid taxes.

The ERS has filed a lawsuit against the company and its directors, including Ashraff and Collen Mdluli, demanding payment of E1 074 956.96 in outstanding value added tax (VAT). The revenue authority alleged that this amount remains unpaid as of November 28, 2023. Despite lawful demand having been duly made, the defendants (YGA Papers, Ashraff and Mdluli) persistently refuse, fail and/or neglect to pay same to the plaintiff (ERS), reads part of the summons.

These are allegations, whose veracity is still to be tested in court and the defendants are yet to file their papers. Notably, when the initial summons was issued in this matter, the company and Mdluli were the only ones who were cited as respondents. However, ERS, through its attorneys, has since filed a notice of joinder, which means Ashraff has now been joined as a party in the proceedings as one of the directors. In another matter, ERS has obtained a writ of execution against Mavela Sigwane. Sigwane, who is the Head of Business Transformation for the Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC), is reportedly owing ERS a sum of E4 566 797.79.

A writ of execution is a court order that directs a law enforcement officer, such as a sheriff or marshal, to enforce a judgment. This usually involves seizing and selling the judgment debtors non-exempt property to satisfy the judgment creditors claim. In a writ of execution, the court authorised a deputy sheriff of the Lubombo Region to cause to be realised the sum E4 566 797.79 together with interest in terms of the VAT and cost of suit.

Sigwane

In the initial court papers prior to the issuance of the writ, ERS stated that the defendant (Sigwane), as a vendor and upon collection of the VAT from consumers, had a duty to remit the collected tax to the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, a levy on all goods and services consumed, calculable through applying rates of tax to the taxable value on each transaction, completed with the consumer.

ERS submitted that as empowered by the legislation it has calculated the amount of the VAT that remains unpaid by Sigwane and the money he is presently owing is E4 566 797.79.

The plaintiff (ERS) brought it to the courts attention, that the defendant having collected VAT on consumed goods and services as per the statutory obligation imposed by the VAT, has breached the provisions of the Act by failing to remit the said sums, which now include additional tax and penalties for the said evasive, negligent, reckless and/or fraudulent failure to remit the VAT.

According to ERS, Sigwane collected VAT from consumers; on goods and services consumed as per the statutory obligations imposed by the Value Added Tax Act of 2011 and breached the provisions of the Act by allegedly negligently, failing and/or refusing to remit the said sums to the plaintiff, thereby evading tax and being unjustly enriched. The plaintiff argued that in light of the defendants failure and refusal to remit the above-stated amount, he has acted illegally and/or negligently traded in a reckless manner thereby committing fraud and tax evasion.The court was informed that despite demand, Sigwane allegedly refused and/or neglected to pay the said amount of money. Appearing for ERS in both matters are lawyers from S.V. Mdladla and Associates.
Supported by generous donors, post-secondary institutions across Nova Scotia once again came together to address food security among students, raising a record $343,000 on Giving Tuesday.

This was the fifth year for the Food Security Project campaign, a Dal-led initiative that benefits student-run food banks and programs on campuses at post-secondary institutions across Nova Scotia. Acadia, Cape Breton University, the University of Kings College, Mount Saint Vincent, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD), Nova Scotia Community College, Saint Marys, Saint Francis Xavier and lUniversite Sainte-Anne all participated in the campaign this year.

At Dalhousie, 450 alumni, faculty, and friends from Canada, India, Scotland, and the United States helped raise $140,000, which exceeded the goal of $90,000. The average gift was $152, with the largest one coming from the Dalhousie Faculty Association ($3,000). Dalhousie also received a significant boost in its fundraising efforts this year as gifts were tripled thanks to a pledge from the J & W Murphy Foundation and a personal matching gift from a loyal Dalhousie alum.

Once again, we are truly inspired by the way in which Dalhousie and the community have rallied for food security on behalf of students, says Lisa Murphy (BA88, LLB92), co-director of the foundation with her sister, Karen Spaulding. Each year, they go above and beyond to ensure that the nutritional needs of students are being met so they can achieve their goals and graduate ready to succeed. Thats why the J & W Murphy Foundation continues to support the Project through Giving Tuesday.

The success of the 2024 Giving Tuesday campaign, especially with the generous match from the J & W Murphy Foundation, will have a transformative impact on our students says Finn Snodden, academic & financial advisor at NSCAD. This generosity not only helps students in their day-to-day lives but also empowers them to fully embrace the opportunities we have to offer."

Meeting more than nutritional needs



The Food Security Project recognizes that not all students have access to affordable, nourishing food. In fact, the need has grown. According to Statistics Canada, the overall prices for food purchased from stores rose 2.4 per cent in September over the same month last year. With other living costs continuing to rise, such as rent and transportation, students are working multiple jobs to make ends meet. That leaves little time for sourcing and making nutritious food that helps them stay focused.

This was a motivating factor for donors like Lois Murray to support Giving Tuesday. When I was an undergrad, I couldnt afford enough nutritious food, she says. There were no food banks at that time. I am grateful that there are easily accessible food banks available for Dalhousie students to assist them.

Dalhousie Student Union Food Bank manager Louis Holman says that funds raised on Giving Tuesday will have an impact beyond ensuring students have access to nutritional food.

The response this year makes it possible for us to expand our operations, invest in new equipment, and offer more services that help students reduce their grocery bills and make their food last longer," Holman says. "We're really grateful for Giving Tuesday for strengthening our efforts to address food insecurity among students."

The strong response to Giving Tuesday will also allow the Dal Agricultural Campus Food Pantry to expand its programming to focus on kitchen skills, grocery budgeting, and recipes that use affordable, in-season options to address food security barriers among students.

We are currently serving approximately 100 students every month, which emphasizes how much of our student population is struggling to afford food and other living expenses, says Alexe Indigo, the Food Pantrys manager.

The continued generosity and contributions from the Dalhousie community make a tangible difference in their lives, and each donation we receive is felt and appreciated.
RJ Roggeveen spent two days making sure the email he received from Good Morning America (GMA) in early December was legitimate.

The second-year medical student and full-time wheelchair user  Dalhousie Medicines first  couldn't quite fathom that the top morning show in the United States was interested in sharing his story.

I didnt tell anyone at first and was looking up links and profiles, and when I felt confident enough that it was real, I told my partner and family, he recalls. I was unsure whether I should do it because representing your school is important, and I didnt want to do anything to jeopardize that role or the schools view.

With support from his family and the Faculty of Medicine, he decided to move forward with the interview, which ran Dec. 16.

Watch the video: RJ Roggeveen on Good Morning America

RJ, who lost significant use of his legs after a fall in 2021, has built a following of 25,000 on Instagram. What began as comedic videos about poor accessibility has grown into the sharing of resources and motivation for others with disabilities.

I wanted to show that its possible to succeed, even if you havent seen someone like yourself in the field

When people began to reach out, it became clear that sharing my experiences was helping others, says RJ. When I got into medical school, I wanted to show that its possible to succeed, even if you havent seen someone like yourself in the field.

From setback to success



RJ, who is part of the first cohort of students admitted to medical school under the Indigenous Admissions Pathway, is Metis from Kelowna, B.C. With a dream of a career in medicine, he enrolled in the Dalhousie Medical Sciences program for his undergraduate training. The first in his family to attend university, he arrived in Halifax and quickly fell in love with the city.

When his injury required a switch to part-time studies, RJ became ineligible for medical school and shifted focus to a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy, graduating with honours in June 2023.

During the pandemic, changes to medical-school admissions criteria removed the full-time studies requirement, rekindling RJs dream. Suddenly, medical school was back on the table.
MBABANE - In an intricate love triangle, a 26-year-old man of Zombodze was savagely butchered by his love rival, who hacked him and chopped some of his limbs.

According to the deceaseds uncle, Mduduzi Sukati, his nephew was attacked with a bush knife, which his love rival used to chop both his hands. "It is unbelievable how someone could have the courage to commit such a crime, he said. His hand was nearly severed, with only a small portion of flesh still attached. Sukati also reported that the suspect attempted to sever the victims left leg from the knee. Vuyo Friday Mamba, of Nkamazi near Ludzeludze, also sustained injuries from the bush knife attack, including wounds to his left jaw and the back of his neck.

Relationship

Sukati explained that Mamba became entangled in a love triangle after beginning a relationship with a woman who resides at Ludzeludze, in the Manzini Region. The couple allegedly began visiting each other and introducing each other to their respective families. We eventually got to meet his girlfriend, and she spent several nights here with us, Sukati added.

*Mumcy, the woman Mamba was in a relationship with, allegedly had a child from a previous relationship. Mambas family is said to have known about the child. We later learnt that she lived with the childs father at Ludzeludze, as well as with her mother, Sukati stated.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday night. It is alleged that the couple spent the entire day together at Mambas home. In the evening, Mamba briefly stepped out, and Mumcy reportedly left the compound to return home and accompany her child to Ludzeludze. Upon his return, Mamba was informed that Mumcy had already left. He is said to have followed her. When Mamba reached Mumcys home, according to his uncle, he found her mother, who informed him that Mumcy had departed, as she was hoping to find her sisters at home, but that was not the case, and she decided to return to Mambas residence. Mamba is then reported to have followed her to the bus stop, where he found her with the father of her child. Sukati expressed the familys confusion regarding eyewitness accounts, claiming that Mamba was the initial aggressor during the altercation, despite his assailants body showing no signs of injury, in contrast to his nephews fatal wounds.

It is difficult to believe that Vuyo attacked him first. If this was not a premeditated act, where did the bush knife come from, especially at a bus stop? he wondered. My nephew was not merely hacked; his attacker inflicted deep, severe wounds, exposing a bone, Sukati recounted. His left knee was also hacked, and his left jaw and the back of his neck were not spared. He sustained multiple deep lacerations across his body. When asked how the family learnt of Mambas death, Sukati explained that they were notified on Monday by Mumcy and her mother. Unfortunately, there were no adults present at home when they came to report the incident. They left the message with the children, he stated.

Sukati further mentioned that he only returned home on Monday evening and, on Tuesday morning, requested his younger brother to accompany him to the police station. Before proceeding to the police station, Sukati and his brother visited Mumcys home to urge her and her mother to accompany them to Sigodvweni Police Station, given their knowledge of the situation. We wanted them to reiterate the statements they made when they initially reported the incident, as no adults were present at our home at the time. I also brought my younger brothers wife, who was also present when they initially reported the incident, to ensure the consistency of their statements at the police station, Sukati added. He stated that this is how they learnt about the entire sequence of events leading up to the tragic incident.
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Kilfennan Presbyterian Church recently held two cyclathon events in their local SPAR stores to raise money for people living in poverty around the world.

Pam Royle, who volunteers as Tearfunds Church Rep in the church, says: "We had been thinking of doing a fundraiser for some time. We wanted to raise awareness (in the North West) of the work of Tearfund. So when we heard the Henderson group was going to match any donations to the Christmas Appeal, we thought it would be a good idea to approach our two local SPAR stores to see if we could organise a collection."

Pam continues: "We decided to do a cyclathon last Saturday, December 14. We opened it to our church family, and the response was brilliant - with young and older taking part. We also announced the event in neighbouring congregations."

The group held a cyclathon in EUROSPAR Rossdowney and a cash collection in SPAR Church Meadows on Saturday, December 14.

"People were very generous, and some hadnt heard of Tearfund, so we were able to explain about the Christmas Appeal and how Tearfund work alongside communities in areas of need."

The church, based in the Waterside area of the City, has raised an incredible 1050.47, which will now be doubled.

Break the Cycle of Poverty, the new festive appeal from Tearfund in partnership with SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO stores across Northern Ireland, will aim to raise 350,000 through shopper donations this year.

The retailer will match every 1 raised by shoppers, meaning an incredible 700,000 could go towards people living in extreme poverty around the world, like Malich and her family.

Pam Royle, Tearfunds Church Rep volunteer, and a members of Kilfennan Presbyterian taking part in the fundraising activities. (Photo credit: Pam Royle)

Malichs family live in northern Kenya, in a community where, traditionally, they relied on livestock farming to survive. Constant cycles of droughts and floods mean that is no longer possible. Malich must search for water or rely on water trucks to refill tanks which they eke out, little by little. Her family also survives on little more than wild fruit to eat.

Chris Thompson, Tearfunds Director in Northern Ireland, says its often women that bear the brunt of this; Women like Malich are walking tens of kilometers in search of jerry cans of water and fruit to pick, which leaves them vulnerable to attacks while they seek to keep their families alive.

Tearfund exists to empower individuals like Malich, and the communities they live in, to break the cycle and lift themselves out of extreme poverty. We've been working in communities in this area of Kenya for three years enabled by our supporters' generosity. Our partners have also been supporting drought recovery through a resilience-building project, helping people explore viable alternative livelihoods, such as crop and chicken farming.

Chris Thompson finished; Around the world, we see the impact that donations have on the most vulnerable. A huge thank you to all at Kilfennan Presbyterian, as well as to all across NI who will donate to help families thrive and break the cycle of poverty for good.

Break the Cycle of Poverty is now live, with donation boxes in SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO and ViVOXTRA stores throughout Northern Ireland, running until 31st January 2025. Shoppers can also donate online and find out more via tearfund.org/spar.
SITEKI - Four people died on the spot during the Malindza horrific accident; the driver of the kombi and three passengers.

Sixteen others were hospitalised. The accident happened on Tuesday afternoon at Mfelafutsi, between Malindza and Mpaka, in the Lubombo Region, along Mpaka/Mbhadlane MR3 Public Road. The vehicles involved in the accident are a Toyota Quantum, which operates between Shewula and Manzini, and a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV, which belongs to Good Shepherd Catholic Mission, in Siteki.

According to a source close to the matter, the kombi, which was from Shewula, under Lomahasha Inkhundla, was moving towards Manzini when the accident happened. The passengers included an unconfirmed number of Roman Catholic Church altar boys, who were going to church in Manzini, a pregnant woman and a member of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), who was going back to work, among others.

Opposite

On the other hand, the source said the Toyota Land Cruiser SUV was moving in the opposite direction. According to the source, when the Toyota Quantum had gone past the Mpaka Filling Station T-junction, the driver, Mcolisi Mabila (37) of Shewula, saw the Toyota Land Cruiser SUV overtaking some vehicles and he tried to slow down to allow the oncoming car, which was on his lane, to overtake and return to its lane. However, the source claimed that the space was not big enough for the SUV to overtake the vehicles and return to its lane.

Therefore, said the source, the driver of the Toyota Quantum decided to swerve to the left - towards the sidewalk, in a bid to avoid colliding with the SUV head-on.

Unfortunately, at the very same moment, the driver of the SUV swerved to his right - towards the sidewalk, in order to try to avoid crashing into the vehicles he was trying to overtake and the oncoming Toyota Quantum. This resulted in both vehicles colliding head-on, towards the end of the Mpaka/Manzini lane, he said. The source said the impact of the collision was huge, such that the driver of the Toyota Quantum and some passengers were trapped in the public service transport vehicle for some time, until they were extricated by firefighters and police officers. He said Mcolisi (the driver), together with three passengers; Nomvuselelo Matsenjwa (27) of Matsetsa, a 37-year-old man of Mankayane and a 12-year-old girl of Shewula, died on the spot.

He said 14 passengers, who were also aboard the Toyota Quantum Kombi, together with the driver and passenger of the SUV, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital.

This publication managed to speak to six of the accident survivors, who were passengers in the Toyota Quantum and they included the conductor. One of them is Bayandza Mthembu (14), who is doing Form II at Shewula High School. He was among the Roman Catholic Church altar boys, who were in the Toyota Quantum. His left leg was fractured during the accident and he is currently admitted to Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital.

Another survivor is Nomphumelelo Myeni (24) of Ngogola, Mafutseni, in the Manzini Region. Myeni, who is nine months pregnant, said she was sitting in the back seat when the accident happened and she does not know what happened exactly. She said she was rushed to hospital after she vomited blood. I supposed I was terrified, because doctors say there are no visible injuries. However, they said they will do more scans, she said. Meanwhile, Majahonkhe Ndlovu (33) of Sikhuphe, in the Lubombo Region, who is a soldier, said he was going to work when the accident happened. He said his camp is Mbangweni Army Barracks, but he is based at the borderline at Mpuluzi.

I was the last passenger to board the Toyota Quantum before the accident, as I boarded it at Mpaka Filling Station, which is at the T-junction to King Mswati III International Airport, and in about two minutes, the accident happened, he said. The military man sustained injuries to the head, such that he had to be stitched. He was also injured on the left hand. He said he was feeling pain around the right ribs and neck. Bonginkhosi Nqwanya (29) of Malindza, who is a Junior Forman at Investage Investments (a construction company), said he boarded the Toyota Quantum at Matsetsa and his right leg was fractured during the accident. He said he was sitting on the first row of seats, behind the front seats in the Toyota Quantum.

He said medical practitioners told him that they might put an external fixator in his leg. External fixators are metal pins or screws that are placed into the bone through small incisions into the skin and muscles. The pins and screws are attached to a bar outside the skin. The conductor of the public transport vehicle, Thulani Mkhonta (29) of Shewula, said his left arm was broken and his right thigh was in pain. He said he had worked in the public transport sector for about eight years and had never been involved in a traffic accident such that he had to be hospitalised. He said in a previous accident, he escaped unhurt and it was after the kombi had a tyre burst.

Lungile Motsa (37) of Malindza said her left foot was fractured and her backbone was painful, such that she could not walk properly. She said she had difficulty walking to the bathroom and the medical practitioners said they would run more scans. This publication gathered that the driver of the SUV and the passenger were admitted to private wards at Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital, where visitors are not allowed.

On the other hand, some of the Toyota Quantum passengers, who were critically injured, were transferred to Mbabane Government Hospital, while others were discharged later on.

The death of Matsenjwa was confirmed by her mother, Thini Masango, who said her daughter was staying at Luve and had visited them to drop some paint. He said she was involved in the accident while on her way back to Luve, where she made means to earn a living.

The grieving mother said they are struggling to make ends meet as a family and in that regard, she appealed for assistance from members of the family, so that they can be able to bury her daughter. She said as parents of the deceased, they are unemployed and live with two children aged 32 and 14 years old. She said those who are willing to assist them can contact her at 7637 8075 or the deceaseds brother at 7603 8682. On the same note, the demise of the kombi driver was confirmed by his uncle, Bonginkhosi Mabila. However, he said at the moment there was nothing much they could say about the matter, because they were yet to meet the police to find out more about what happened.

Meanwhile, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, confirmed the accident. She said on Tuesday, at around 3:30pm, near Malindza (Sitsembiso Carriers Trucks), along Mpaka/Mbhadlane MR3 Public Road, a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV, which was driven by a man from Khutsala (Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital), collided with a Toyota Quantum, which was driven by a 37-year-old man of Shewula. She said the driver of the SUV sustained serious injuries, together with a 55-year-old female passenger of Matsetsa, and they were rushed to Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital, where they were admitted.

Passengers

On the other hand, the police communications officer said the driver of the Toyota Quantum and three passengers; a 38-year-old man of Mankayane, 27-year-old woman of Matsetsa and 12-year-old girl of Shewula, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the same hospital, where they were certified dead upon arrival. She added that 14 passengers of the Toyota Quantum were also seriously injured and were rushed to the same hospital, where some were admitted. She said the 14 passengers included a 29-year-old man of Malindza, a 26-year-old man of Luve, a 22-year-old man of Shewula, a 17-year-old woman of Shewula and a 19-year-old man of Shewula. According to Vilakati, others are a 44-year-old man of Matsetsa, a 37-year-old woman of Malindza, a 33-year-old man of Nsulutane (Sikhuphe), a 15-year-old boy of Shewula, a 17-year-old boy of Shewula and a 14-year-old boy of Shewula. Others are a 44-year-old woman of Malindza, a 14-year-old boy of Shewula and a 10-year-old boy of Mliba.
China leads battery materials as South Korea's Posco Future M faces exit; Lotte eyes LFP mass production

China's battery materials sector is thriving, backed by government subsidies, low electricity costs, and cheaper labor, enabling aggressive investment. In contrast, South Korean firms, lacking comparable support, are struggling with mounting losses and potential market exits, threatening the stability of South Korea's EV supply chain.

KED Global reports that Posco Future M, South Korea's only anode material producer, has seen its utilization rate plummet below 30%, with daily lows of just 10%. If the company exits the market, South Korea will lose its sole domestic supplier of anode materials.

Across the four core battery materialscathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytesseven South Korean companies reported losses, while Chinese firms remained overwhelmingly profitable.

South Korean EV battery market share falls to 23.4% in 3Q24

Yonhap News reports that South Korea's top three EV battery manufacturers saw their global market share fall 2.7pp quarter-over-quarter to 23.4% in the third quarter of 2024.

According to SNE Research, global EV battery installed capacity reached 258.5 GWh as of December 2. South Korea's top three battery makers held a 23.4% market share, led by LG Energy Solution (LGES) with 14.1% (down 0.6pp), ranking second globally. Samsung SDI and SK On followed with 5.7% and 3.6%, ranking fourth and fifth, respectively. China's CATL dominated with 28.5%, while BYD's FinDreams ranked third at 12.3%.

South Korea's top three battery makers held 17.2% of global installed capacity in the third quarter of 2024, down from 25.3% in the first quarter and 19.9% in the second quarter. LGES ranked third with 11.2%, followed by Samsung SDI at 3.2% (seventh) and SK On at 2.9% (eighth). Chinese firms dominated with 52.2%, led by CATL at 35.2% and BYD at 17%.



Source: SNE Research, compiled by DIGITIMES, December 2024

Profit and loss snapshot: Chinese vs. South Korean battery players

Posco Future M's anode materials division is projected to lose approximately US$2.722.79 million in the third quarter of 2024, while China's Shanshan Group and Btr New Material Group posted profits of US$47.82 million and US$47.68 million, respectively.

In the electrolyte sector, South Korea's Enchem reported a US$4.95 million loss, while China's Tinci Materials posted a profit of US$31.79 million.

In separators, SKIET posted a US$50.89 million loss in the third quarter of 2024 and is projected to lose US$195.54 million for the year, with SK Group unable to find buyers for the company. Fellow South Korean separator maker WCP reported a US$13.52 million loss, while China's Innovation New Material posted a profit of US$50.33 million.

South Korea's cathode material makers face mounting challenges. EcoPro BM and L&F posted third-quarter losses of US$28.72 million and US$50.47 million, respectively, while Posco Future M's cathode division lost US$8.37 million. In contrast, China's Ningbo Ronbay, Hunan Yuneng, and Beijing Easpring reported profits of US$33.95 million, US$27.12 million, and US$25.72 million, respectively.

Cathode materials: Lotte targets China's lead with LFP production

The Elec reports that Lotte Energy Materials will complete its LFP cathode pilot line in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, by December 2024. Mass production, starting at 1,000 tons per year, is set for the first quarter of 2025, with plans to gradually increase utilization.

Lotte Energy Materials is ramping up LFP cathode production by repurposing NCM cathode lines and converting legacy LMO facilities inherited from its Iljin Materials era.

Currently, LGES, Samsung SDI, and SK On have all initiated the commercialization of LFP batteries, with LGES and Samsung SDI being particularly proactive.

In July 2024, LGES secured a 39 GWh LFP battery deal with Renault, enough for 590,000 EVs, and supplied an 8 GWh energy storage system (ESS) to US renewable firm Terra-Gen LLC.

Samsung SDI is investing KRW1 trillion (approx. US$697.12 million) to build an LFP battery line and a dedicated ESS production line at its Ulsan plant, including a cathode material facility.

South Korea's push to break China's grip on LFP battery supply chain

Under pressure from Chinese competition, South Korean battery makers increasingly rely on Chinese materials, which are 2030% cheaper. Except for high-end NCM components, most supply chains now depend heavily on China.

Producing LFP batteries depends on Chinese imports of cathode materials, lithium carbonate (Li2CO3), and lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), maintaining South Korea's reliance on China.

With large-scale investment, Lotte Energy Materials could establish a robust LFP cathode supply system by 2026, diversify its revenue, and reduce reliance on copper foil while expanding into solid-state and silicon anode materials.

LFP batteries, made from lithium, phosphorus, and iron, are cheaper but less energy-dense than NCM batteries, which require nickel, cobalt, manganese, and aluminum. Chinese firms currently dominate the market.

Since 2023, South Korea has committed KRW23 billion over four years, including KRW16 billion in support, to develop LFP batteries. Progress by Lotte Energy Materials could enhance South Korea's competitiveness and challenge China's dominance in the global LFP market.

Policy gaps undermine South Korea's battery material competitiveness

China's price advantage in battery materials stems from nearly US$700 million in subsidies, tax breaks, low-interest loans, and land incentives. By contrast, South Korean firms face 6070% higher electricity costs and far greater labor expenses, with little policy support.

Batteries, seen as the next pivotal industry after semiconductors, could face severe disruption if China gains full control over key materials. Experts urge the South Korean government to provide targeted support, including production subsidies, local procurement incentives, and investment tax breaks.
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Micron is optimistic about HBM demand and AI growth despite market challenges

After revealing the latest financial results, Micron held an earnings call, discussing the recovery paces across markets. The company is optimistic about the demand for HBM as it continues to secure customers and develop HBM4.

At the earnings call, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said that despite the lackluster demand for consumer electronics, the global PC market is gradually recovering, with modest unit volume growth expected in 2024, adding that the rise of AI-powered PCs, requiring more DRAM, will drive future growth. The Windows 10 end-of-life in 2025 is also expected to boost PC sales in 2025.

He said that the smartphone market is on track to achieve mid-single-digit growth in 2024 and low-single-digit growth in 2025, driven by AI applications.

The automotive market faces challenges due to lower production levels and a shift towards value-trim and electric vehicles (EVs). While current inventory adjustments impact memory and storage content growth, long-term optimism remains high, driven by the adoption of ADAS, infotainment, and AI.

DRAM bit shipments are expected to decline sequentially, with a notable drop in NAND bit shipments. However, a rebound is anticipated in the second half of the fiscal year. NAND industry conditions may affect near-term gross margins, but growth in HBM and data center DRAM will provide some mitigation.

Mehrotra explained that the current weakness in the fiscal second quarter guidance is primarily due to inventory adjustments in consumer-oriented markets and some moderation in data center SSD purchases. However, he believes that inventory levels in consumer markets will improve in the spring, leading to increased shipments in the second half of the fiscal year. Additionally, data center storage demand, driven by AI and data center build-outs, is expected to rebound in the second half.

Mehrotra outlined the key factors driving Micron's optimism for a stronger second half of the fiscal year. These include improved inventory levels in consumer-oriented markets, a rebound in data center SSD demand, continued momentum in HBM, and increasing AI penetration in smartphones and PCs. The combination of these factors is expected to lead to significant shipment growth and healthier revenue in the second half.

Mehrotra addressed the development of HBM, noting the transition from 8-High to 12-High configurations. He stated that HBM3E currently has a trade ratio of about three. Looking ahead, he anticipated that future iterations like HBM4 could reach higher ratios.

He continued that this shift is expected to result in a 50% increase in memory capacity per cube, which could enhance the performance potential of GPUs and accelerators. As development progresses, the importance of HBM is expected to rise, particularly with the advent of future generations, such as HBM4 and HBM4E, which are likely to offer more customization options.
Network Ireland Louth held its AGM and Christmas Dinner on Thursday 5 December in The Monasterboice Inn.

The event was attended by a large number of members who gathered to celebrate a very successful year. Outgoing President, Estelle Cotter, of Green Opal Media, was warmly acknowledged for her contribution to the network, and the members welcomed the incoming President, Nicola Connolly Byrne, who promised an action packed year in 2025.

Estelle thanked the committee for their support and dedication in 2024 and reflecting on the year she said: It has been such an amazing year, in terms of learning and building connections. The events were designed to showcase the skills, products & services of many of our members and also to bring in external speakers to share their knowledge.

Estelle proudly handed over the Chain of Office to Nicola Connolly Byrne who thanked the committee for inviting me to become part of the most dynamic and talented team I have ever worked with  you guys are amazing.

Nicola went on to say that through our monthly in person events, I plan on providing the tools we all need to be proud of the services and products we provide and become more visible in the world. We owe it to ourselves and others to inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

Nicola introduced Pauline Clarke, of KooKee, as her Vice President for 2025, saying she chose her because she needed a vivacious, strong, and tenacious woman by her side who can think outside the box.

A raffle took place on the night with all proceeds going to The Birches Alzheimer Day Care Centre in Dundalk. Funds raised at the Awards night in June went to support Tredagh Lodge Alzheimer Day Care Centre in Drogheda. Outgoing President Estelle Cotter said that Network Ireland Louth was delighted to support Alzheimer care throughout the county in 2024.

Network Ireland Louth is a branch of Network Ireland, a Nationwide organisation supporting the professional, and personal, development of women. It provides support, learning and networking opportunities for women in business and enterprise, throughout Ireland, through the branch network.

Network Ireland is a progressive, dynamic organisation supporting the professional and personal development of women. With over 1,200 members and a strong nationwide presence, the group holds regular events, workshops, and networking opportunities that promote empowerment and leadership for women in business.

Photos to follow.
The median house price for houses sold with the Dundalk Eircode A91 in October 2024 was 302,500, according to figures released by the CSO (Central Statistics Office).

The county wide median house price for Louth now stands at 320,000.

Of the 68 houses sold in Dundalk in October, 32 were to first time buyer owner-occupiers; 32 to former owner-occupiers and 4 were to non occupiers.

Forty-six of these houses were existing builds while twenty-two were new homes.

The median price of the new houses sold was 380,000 and the median price of existing houses sold in October was 257,500.

In Drogheda, the median price of residential properties sold in A92: Drogheda in October 2024, was 340,000.

Twenty-one of the houses sold were new houses and eighty-one were existing. The median price for the new houses sold was 375,000 while for existing houses it was 302,000.

Nationally, the Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) increased by 9.7% in the 12 months to October 2024, with prices in Dublin rising by 10.4% and prices outside Dublin up by 9.2%.

Read Next: Plans for 63 new houses at Mount Avenue in Dundalk

In October 2024, 4,881 dwelling purchases by households at market prices were filed with the Revenue Commissioners, up by 6.0% when compared with the 4,604 purchases in October 2023.

The median price of a dwelling purchased in the 12 months to October 2024 was 350,000.

The lowest median price for a dwelling in the 12 months to October 2024 was 179,000 in Leitrim, while the highest median price was 645,000 in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

Outside Dublin, house prices were up by 9.4% and apartment prices increased by 5.9%. The region outside of Dublin that saw the largest rise in house prices was the Border (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo) at 14.4%, while at the other end of the scale, the Mid-East (Kildare, Louth, Meath, and Wicklow) saw a 7.5% rise.
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What are your most cherished memories of the festive season growing up? Christmas Eve, and the excitement reaching fever pitch? Almost more thrilling than the actual day itself! Wondering what Santa might you get?

If you were old enough, perhaps it was carefully wrapping those presents and bringing them to the tree or the room dedicated to The Gifts of Christmas. (Nothing of course to be opened until the next morning.)

Or maybe the opening of the Crib, or Midnight Mass. Singing carols for the neighbours. The Holly Bough being brought home and dipped into by everybody, young and old alike, the smaller ones searching for their special puzzle and cartoon pages, the older seeking out the tales of festive seasons gone by, and smiling as they remember when they too were young.

The Holly Bough is  gosh, 127 years old now, and the firmest of continuing traditions at a time when so much is changing all around.

Christmas cards used to be such a huge part of the lead-up. Who remembers the excitement of those sheaves of envelopes coming through the letterbox? And the increase of visits from the postman, sometimes three or four a day, to cope with all the good wishes. Frantic cries from Mum as she opened one and realised she had forgotten to send that relative a card herself.

Dad, of course, absented himself from such ceremonies, but children get involved from an early age, choosing their own penny cards in the local post office or general store and addressing the envelopes with much care to their best friends.

It was a long-lived era, but one which, alas, has now almost disappeared, replaced by emails, texts, WhatsApp, and video chats.

The card sent by Frankie Buckley in 1949.

Throwback Thursday reader Fintan Bloss has sent us a vintage card, from his uncle, Frankie Buckley, to his mother in 1949, along with the message within it.

He would have been 28 at the time, said Fintan. He took his final vows as a Redemptorist (Brother Berchmans) in September 1953, and went to India in May 1954. He died on August 31, 1968, and is buried in Mount St Alphonsus, South Circular Road, Limerick.

Thank-you for sharing that treasure, Fintan.

Another reader, Tim Cagney, also has some wonderful memories of childhood Christmases.

One of my favourites was paper chains, which were attached to ceilings, using drawing-pins. You might then suspend balloons from them.

Blowing up the balloons was a somewhat tricky exercise  my own late mother always had a fear that you might inadvertently suck it down your throat!

A copy of the message on Frankie Buckley's Christmas card.

You could buy real holly  with berries  from the shawlies down the Coal Quay.

A supply of Christmas Drink would be delivered to the house  a wooden crate, containing bottled stout (for my father), Tanora and lemon soda for the rest of us, recalled Tim.

The latter beverages came in large bottles, fitted with siphons, which added a touch of fun when dispensing the contents. A bottle of sherry and/or whiskey, in case someone called.

Dad used always treat himself to a drop of sherry with his Christmas dinner. My mother  a tad more abstemious  shared the Tanora with myself and my younger brother.

Dad was also rather fond of spiced beef, so it had to form part of the festive cuisine (the rest of us hated it). On one occasion, Mam carried the beef into the dining-room, at which point a teddy-bear (seated beside my brothers plate, ready to partake in the repast) fell backwards off the table.

We all decided the bear was displaying his distaste at the spiced beef, and laughed our heads off.

The shop windows of Cork always, of course, provided an air of magic  particularly the toy shops, added Tim.

Places such as Kilgrews and Days presented the eyes of awestruck youngsters with a cornucopia of playthings.

There was also the traditional visit to Santa, a representation of the Great Man being provided in most of these emporia.

My favourite was Days. A photo of my brother and I  taken there with Santa  hung in our living-room at Gardiners Hill for many years.

The quality of the parcel in Days also seemed to be of superior quality to packages handed out in other stores. I seem to remember they were brown in colour, and contained high-quality trinkets.

I once got a gun there. It was an air-powered toy rifle, which propelled a cork with a most realistic bang. If I fired the cork from the bottom of our stairs, it had sufficient potency to send the missile all the way up to the door of the spare room.

Moreover, the acoustics on the landing lent themselves perfectly to the authentic-sounding reverberations of the weapon.

Tim continued: Prior to Christmas, of course, there was the obligatory task of writing letters to Santa.

Con (my brother) and myself were polite little boys, of course, and always started our letters with Dear Santa, I hope you are well, before launching into our demands for gifts.

These were found on Christmas morning stuffed inside old nylon stockings (no tights, in those days!) There was always an orange in the toe  I never quite knew why.

Larger presents were usually placed under the bed. These consisted of things such as board-games, mechanical toys and books.

One year, I got a train set. In those days, they were made of painted metal, and driven by clockwork mechanisms, which had to be wound with a key.

Cons list was always topped by a request for a teddy bear. By the time he had outgrown Santa, I reckon he must have had a collection greater than the entire output of Steiff! (A German toy company founded in 1880, which claims to have made the worlds first teddy bear).

Tim said: Another favourite toy, in those days, was a gun. These usually replicated the celebrated Colt 45 of cowboy fame, and were fitted with rolls of percussion-caps, to deliver the requisite bangs.

One Christmas, Con, myself, and Dad each armed ourselves with a Colt and had a shoot-out in the living-room, which soon became filled with realistic-looking smoke.

Afterwards, we invaded the two-tier tin of Afternoon Tea biscuits and washed-down the confectionery with Tanora.

As for the dinner, this consisted of the mandatory turkey, ham, Brussels sprouts and  as previously mentioned  the dreaded spiced beef.

Christmas pudding would be served later in the day, as Mam considered wed all be too full to attempt eating it immediately following a rich dinner.

I used to love plum pudding, especially during the preparation process, where it would simmer on a low gas flame in the kitchen for hours, filling the entire house with heavenly aromas.

The fun as a child continued after Christmas Day, recalled Tim.

St Stephens Day would usually be devoted to playing with Christmas toys, or, in my case, reading. One year, I got Treasure Island, and in some strange way, the exploits of Long John Silver and his cronies seemed to blend well into the Christmas spirit!

Part of the day would, of course, be spent dishing out pennies to the Wren Boys. I always considered their musical efforts as dire, totally unworthy of monetary reward, but Dad always observed the traditional custom.

Great memories, Tim, thanks for sharing them.

And here is a more poignant story from Brian Cronin. You will remember that last week he told us about singing in the Christians school concert. But there was an added twist to that tale...

I was chosen for a solo and the song I chose was Little Boy Blue. I practiced morning and evening until I had it word perfect and still remember the words of the first verse:

The little toy dog is covered with dust,

but sturdy and staunch he stands;

And the little tin soldier is red with rust,

And his musket moulds in his hands...

My Mum, for some reason, found the song quite emotional and was very supportive of my choice.

Brian recalled: It was particularly cold and frosty on the night of the concert and we were well wrapped up as we headed up the Lower Road, and inside my overcoat I wore a blue outfit to match my song.

My Mum had even knitted me a blue scarf, which was more than welcome on those chilly nights.

The weather forecast that morning predicted snowfall as well as a severe frost and sure enough, snow started to fall - pitter, patter - as my Mum and I walked along.

On arrival at the College, I found a seat for my Mum in the front row of the crowded hall and scuttled around to the back stage to join the other boys waiting in the choir.

Peering around the curtains, I could see my Mum sitting down below waiting in anticipation for the concert to begin. My three sisters and several of their friends from St Angelas school came along too as word had spread that I was going to sing solo that night. I was going to be a celebrity!

Just as we were about to go on stage, Mr OCallaghan beckoned me over with dreadful news. Due to the severe frost, the amplification in the hall had broken down and as I had a drawing room voice, he was afraid that the sound wouldnt carry around the large hall.

So, I would have to wait for another day to sing my Little Boy Blue. I took my place in the choir trying hard not to show the devastation I was feeling inside.

What a sad moment for a little boy.

Brian said: Later, as we headed for home, it was clear that my Mum was very angry as she could tell how I was feeling. She gripped my hand tightly as we walked along and I can still hear her voice and what she said, If your father was still alive, he would never have allowed that to happen.

My father was gone from us only two years by then, and it was one of the few occasions that she ever spoke about him as she found it too difficult.

So, my little Toy Dog no doubt gathered even more dust from that night on as I didnt have the heart to sing him ever again, and that was that was his only outing on that Christmas of 1953.

Oh Brian, how heartbreaking! All readers of this page will sympathise with your experience!

Meanwhile, reader Micheal Kenefick has contributed an interesting addition to the story of the famous Christmas Truce in 1914 during World War 1, when German and British troops ceased firing, shook hands, and sang carols together.

Do you know, the very first official ceremony to acknowledge this gesture of humanity didnt take place until 2008! said Micheal.

On November 11 that year, a plaque was unveiled in the French town with the German-sounding name of Frelinghien. Both German and British troops attended a mass which included the singing of Stille Nacht. A barrel of beer was then rolled from the Germans to the British, as happened in 1914.

Wonderfully, the grandsons of two soldiers who shook hands in 1914 are both military men and that handshake symbolically took place again. They were Major Myles Stockwell of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and Oberstleutnant Joachim Freiherr Von Sinner.

Micheal, heartfelt thanks for sharing this. At least that demonstration of common humanity on Christmas Eve, 1914, was acknowledged at last.

Its something we should all keep in mind this festive season.

May you all have a very happy Christmas, and if you recall any festive memories you would like to share, then send them to us.

Email jokerrigan1@gmail.com. Or leave a comment on our Facebook page; www.facebook.com/echolivecork.
I didnt even put up a Christmas tree this year, thats how down I am about ever getting out of here, said one of the last residents of a block of flats Cork City Council intends to demolish.

The council showed us a place near enough to here and it was perfect, I had my heart set on it, that must be two months ago, and weve heard no more about getting a key since.

In the meantime, were left freezing in a damp, mouldy flat for Christmas, they told The Echo, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Last year, council tenants in 1960s-era blocks of flats on Noonans Rd, St Finbarrs Rd, Fort St, and Dean St spoke in this newspaper about living in crumbling homes prone to mould and damp, with regular infestation by rats and mice living in the ceilings and hollowed-out walls.

Championed by local housing activist William OBrien, the residents secured in July of last year a visit to Noonans Rd and St Finbarrs Rd by the then Cork City Council chief executive Ann Doherty.

Two months later, Cork City Council told tenants that it favoured the demolition of the flats.

Now, two Christmases on, roughly half of the 60 flats on Noonans Rd are shuttered, and the remaining tenants say only three or four of the flats on St Finbarrs Rd are still in use.

That would be a mixture of families and individuals across the two, William OBrien said.

Housing activist William O'Brien, standing outside the Noonan's Road flats. Picture: Donal O'Keeffe

In a statement, the council said 30 offers of alternative accommodation have now been accepted, while 16 refused and 14 are still in process.

However, most of the 38 flats on Fort St and Dean St are still occupied, with residents there saying they are dealing with ongoing problems with cold, damp, mould, and rats.

Every day my dog is killing rats out the back of my home, and every month we are painting wet walls and the paint is sliding off, one Fort Street tenant said, asking to remain unnamed.

And we can still hear the rats in the walls and the ceiling.

The council said it had made seven offers of alternative accommodation to Fort St and Dean St residents, of which one has been accepted, three refused, and three are in process.

Some of the Noonans Rd and St Finbarrs Rd tenants also spoke anonymously, fearing that to give their names might result in further delay to their being moved to better homes.

Three months ago I was shown a lovely place in [a nearby area] and I thought it was grand altogether, but since then Ive been on to the housing officer again and again and I still cant get a key, said one person.

Another tenant agreed that there seemed to be a complete slow-down in recent months, and now of course its Christmas, so now therell be nothing done til February or March.

Another resident said there seemed to be a completely bananas policy whereby sitting tenants were ignored despite asking for improvements to their homes for years while, as soon as a property was vacated, the same property would be completely renovated.

If youre talking to the council, will you ask them why they gut perfectly good properties before new tenants can move in? asked one person, repeating a concern voiced by other tenants.

Because theyre wasting money tearing out brand new fitted kitchens and fireplaces and the like.

Cork City Council said it deals with repairs and renovations in vacant properties on a case-by-case basis.

Mr OBrien said a number of the remaining tenants were dealing with disabilities and other issues and had not received the support they needed from Cork City Council or from other State bodies.

Unfortunately, and this is not unique to Noonans Rd or the flats around Noonans Rd, people have often been left to their own devices in substandard housing, people who need help more than most.

Mr OBrien said the remaining tenants were deeply frustrated with the slow pace of the councils dealing with their own cases.

People are living on their nerves in the OByrne flats and I just cannot understand why the council cant just move people out, the way they were promised, he said, referring to the Noonans Rd area flats, which were built six decades ago under the then city architect, Eamon OByrne.

The OByrne flats were a creative solution to public housing difficulties at the time, but there has been little or no money put into them in the 50 or more years since they were built, and theyre absolutely not fit for purpose in the 21st century, he said.

To be fair to [former city council chief executive] Ann Doherty, she did own up to their shortcomings, but the response from the council since then, over a year, wouldnt inspire confidence.

Some of the tenants just feel completely abandoned.

Its another Christmas, and we have people still living in cold, damp flats, with black mould on the walls and rats and mice for company. Its just not good enough, Mr OBrien said.

Cork City Council said its project liaison officer was available to engage one-on-one with tenants, and further engagement with tenants would take place in the New Year.

In the interim, our housing assets section continues to provide assistance where tenants raise issues in relation to maintenance concerns which are within the city councils responsibility, it said.

Arses need kicking

Local authority housing flats at Noonans Rd, St Finbarrs Rd, Fort St, and Dean St were built in the 1960s and follow a three-storey maisonette design introduced to what was at the time called corporation housing in Cork city by the then-city architect Eamon OByrne.

The OByrne flats were initially planned to have a 50-year lifespan, but six decades on, dozens of examples of occupied OByrne flats can be found across the city, including at Bakers Rd, Mount Farran Pl, Togher Rd, Sycamore Pl, Maple Pl, Cattlemarket Ave, and Clashduv Rd. All are of a similar vintage.

Last year, The Echo highlighted a campaign by residents living in damp, mouldy and rodent-infested conditions in social housing flats in Noonans Rd, St Finbarrs Rd, Fort St, and Dean St.

In late July, Cork City Councils then chief executive Ann Doherty visited council flats on Noonans Rd and St Finbarrs Rd, accompanied by assistant chief executive Brian Geaney and city architect Tony Duggan.

During her visit to the southside flats, Ms Doherty, who had been chief executive since 2014, said she was shocked at living conditions there, telling tenants: A couple of arses need kicking, to be honest, because its not acceptable, and that will be dealt with.

Ten days after Ms Dohertys comments, The Echo published details from a December 2022 draft Cork City Council report which identified major structural defects in the Noonans Rd and St Finbarrs Rd flats, including hollowed-out, loosened walls, and loosened roofs. The report strongly recommended the complete demolition of the buildings.

Last September, council tenants in the Noonans Rd area flats were told by Cork City Council that it favoured rehousing tenants, demolishing the dilapidated blocks, and redeveloping the sites.

Since then, a significant number of residents of the Noonans Rd and St Finbarrs Rd flats have been rehoused, but a minority of tenants still remain. The flats on Fort St and Dean St remain, for the most part, still occupied.

Separately, residents of OByrne flats in Gurranabraher and in Togher have recounted to The Echo a litany of complaints regarding damp, mould, crumbling masonry, and rodent infestation, complaints they have accused the council of having ignored.

However, in each case, the council has said it has identified and addressed necessary repairs.
Latest:

A man is due to appear in court this morning, charged with the seizure of 840,000 worth of suspected cocaine.

Gardai searched a vehicle on the M8 at Glanmire on Wednesday and discovered the alleged cocaine.

The man in his 30s was arrested and has since been charged.

He is due to appear before Cork District Court this morning.

Thursday:

A man has been arrested and 840,000 of suspected cocaine seized after a vehicle was intercepted in Cork yesterday evening.

As part of an intelligence-led national operation, gardai stopped a car travelling southbound on the M8 motorway at Glanmire.

"Following a search of the vehicle, 12kg of suspected cocaine was discovered, with an estimated street value of approximately 840,000.

"The driver, a male in his 30s, was arrested at the scene and detained at a garda station in Cork city under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. He remains in Garda custody at this time," a garda spokesperson said.

The drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.

Gardai say investigations are ongoing.
Members of Telus Digital Ireland in Cork are working with ALONE this Christmas to help spread a little joy to those who need it most.

Telus staff members will be taking part in the ALONE holiday parcel appeal to support older people in the community.

This is their second year doing so.

Team members will band together to fill individual boxes with their chosen selection of hats, scarves, gloves, sweet treats, and more.

ALONE is a national charity that works with all older people, providing practical supports, befriending, a variety of phone services, social prescribing, housing with support, and assistive technologies.

There was great uptake of this appeal last year from the team and even more this year, Nora Clancy, senior director global compliance and audit at Telus Digital Ireland, said.

We are delighted to donate almost 40 of these boxes that our team members put together with love and care and to know they will end up in the hands of someone receiving support from ALONE.
A woman given temporary release from jail very soon after she received a six-month prison sentence for thefts went shoplifting again when she got out and today she was given another prison sentence.

33-year-old Julianne OFarrell of Marble Hall Park, Douglas Rd, Cork, also appeared at Cork District Court after her early release and was granted bail on the strict condition that she would not commit further offences.

Judge Mary Dorgan recalled that OFarrell told her she wanted to spend Christmas with her family and would not commit any further offences if released.

However, she was arrested and brought before a special sitting of Cork District Court last Saturday. She was charged on that occasion with three new counts of shoplifting. They included stealing a gift set at Kilkenny design shop on Emmet Place on December 11 and stealing items at Claires Accessories in Cork city on December 13.

Today at the same court she appeared by video link from prison and indicated through her solicitor, Shane Collins Daly, that she was pleading guilty to the new charges.

The judge said she was disappointed the woman was now getting this sentence before Christmas having failed to stay out of further trouble. Mr Collins-Daly said the 33-year-old was pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity. She has 234 previous convictions  85 of which were for theft.
International students in the Colorado College (CC) are encouraged to return to campus before January 20, 2025, which is the spring semester and the date that coincides with the US Presidential Inauguration Day of the Trump Administration.

With this announcement, CC wants to ensure that its international students, who hold F-1 and J-1 visas, avoid any potential disruptions that may arise due to new immigration policies that might come into effect.

The college spokesperson said that beginning Block 5, which is the academic term, would coincide with the inauguration, KRDO reported. While CC does not envision the changes having an immediate effect, taking preventative measures will ensure the safe return of its international students. The school has been directly in touch with its international students and informed them to arrive on campus before January 20.

Call for International Students in Colorado College

According to KOAA News 5, there are around 110 international students, or 4.5% of the college's population. These students are an important part of the college's community, and their successful readmission back to campus remains a concern.

Apart from dealing with immediate worries, the college has reassured the students and families that they are closely monitoring any federal change that could affect visa holders. In particular, the school administration is keenly looking into the potential immigration policies which will affect their travel plans. As part of this, it reassures its commitment to students amid transitions.

As the semester comes to a close on December 18, international students can make their plans to return during the holiday break. In doing so, Colorado College is being forward-thinking and sensitive to its diverse student body by aligning its recommendations with the inauguration timeline.
A ceremony was held in honour of Ballincollig Tidy Towns this week, to celebrate the Cork town being the overall winner of this years SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition.

The Lord Mayor of Cork Dan Boyle hosted the civic reception on Tuesday, celebrating the towns 12th time as a gold medalist, as well as being named Irelands Tidiest Large Urban Centre 2024.

This award is so well-deserved, Mr Boyle said. Ballincollig Tidy Towns is a shining example of community spirit, collaboration, perseverance, and civic pride. They have done fantastic work around greening, fostering biodiversity, and are trailblazers in terms of community climate action.

Their success is testament to the efforts of an army of volunteers who work week-in week-out, on litter picks, environmental projects, floral and landscaping projects, and much, much more.

The competition is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and has been sponsored by SuperValu since 1991.

Director of services at Cork City Council, Rebecca Loughry, said: This award, and their success over many years, is testament to their fantastic community spirit and great pride of place which is evident for all to see in Ballincollig. Cork City Council is very proud to support and appreciates the dedication and volunteer effort that goes into winning such a prestigious award.

I also want to thank our teams in City Hall, who work with and support those voluntary efforts.

The judges, in their report from their visit to Ballincollig, commended all those involved for bringing together all that is good in a community to create a town that future generations can be proud of.
Elizabeth City, N.C. Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) has joined forces with the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and two other UNC system institutions to revolutionize air mobility and drone innovation in North Carolina. As part of the newly launched University Transportation Center of Excellence for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), ECSU will play a role in researching drone technologies and their applications for emergency response in rural communities.

This initiative includes North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University (N.C. A&T) as the project lead and North Carolina State University (N.C. State). It positions North Carolina as a leader in integrating advanced aviation technologies into its transportation systems. With $2 million in initial funding over two years, the center is addressing critical challenges such as rural emergency response, infrastructure development, and workforce training to prepare the state for the future of transportation.

ECSU will focus on leveraging its drone technology expertise to provide life-saving solutions in underserved rural areas. This research will inform policymakers and create training programs for the next generation of drone operators, ensuring that these technologies are accessible and effective where they are needed most.

We are proud to play a pivotal role in this transformative partnership that bridges cutting-edge drone technology with real-world applications. By focusing on rural emergency response, we are ensuring that underserved communities are not left behind as North Carolina embraces the future of advanced air mobility. This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovation, economic development, and preparing our students to lead in a rapidly evolving industry, said Kuldeep Rawat, ECSU dean for the School of Science, Aviation, Health and Technology.

With Rawat as the lead, the ECSU team includes Kevin Kupietz, chair and associate professor for ECSU's aviation and emergency management department; Chandra Asthana, UAS program coordinator and associate professor; Elton Stone, aviation lecturer; Scott Bradshaw, professor of psychology; Aron Bechiom, UAS lab tech.

According to a press release from the NCDOT, the center's work will be divided among the three universities, each bringing unique expertise:

N.C. A&T will lead the project, developing simulation platforms to coordinate air and ground transportation systems, with an emphasis on safely deploying electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. They will also focus on public engagement and workforce readiness.

N.C. State will integrate surface and air mobility systems, enhance rural emergency response capabilities, and assess advanced air mobility's economic and workforce impacts.

ECSU will specialize in UAS research, providing critical guidance for policymakers and designing training programs to equip future operators with the skills needed for a changing transportation landscape.

"This center represents an extraordinary opportunity to revolutionize transportation in our state," said Nick Short, NCDOT's interim director of aviation. "By investing in this research, we're not only shaping the future of air mobility but also preparing North Carolina's workforce to lead in this exciting and rapidly evolving field. I am especially thrilled to see N.C. A&T State University take the lead on this project. Their expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing this initiative, and it's an exciting moment for the state as we pave the way for the future of transportation."

The center's emphasis on workforce development ensures that students and professionals have access to educational opportunities that align with the state's growing aviation industry. ECSU's contributions are essential for rural and underserved areas, where advanced air mobility could have the greatest impact.

With a long history of excellence in aviation education, the university continues to empower its students and faculty to solve real-world problems through these partnerships and collaboration.

As North Carolina prepares for a future where drones and advanced air mobility become everyday tools, ECSU stands amongst those at the forefront, ensuring that the skies above benefit all communities below.

For more information, visit the NCDOT's story here.
(Photo: REUTERS / Finbarr O'Reilly)Britain's then Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams (L) listens while Sarah Finch introduces a private members motion on the Independent Commission on Assisted Dying during the Church of England General Synod at Church House in London February 6, 2012.

Medically assisted dying  also known as voluntary euthanasia  accounted for 4.7 percent of deaths in Canada in 2023, new government data shows.

The country's fifth annual report since euthanasia was legalized in 2016 showed around 15,300 people underwent assisted dying last year after being successful in their applications, the BBC reported.

The median age of this group was more than 77.

The massive majority  some 96 percent - had a death deemed "reasonably foreseeable," due to severe medical conditions such as cancer.

Canada is among a few countries that have introduced assisted dying laws in the last 10 years. Others include Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Austria the BBC said.

More than 320,000 people died in Canada in 2023, and 15,300 of those deaths - about one in 20 - were medically assisted.

In Canada, consenting adults can seek medical assistance in dying from a healthcare provider if they have a serious and permanent medical condition.

Provisions in place, include having two independent healthcare providers confirm that the patient is eligible before their request is approved.

Around 96 percent of recipients for assisted dying identified as being white people who account for around 70 percent of Canada's population.

The second most reported ethnic group was east Asians (making up 1.8 percent), who account for about 5.7 percent of Canadians.

Canada's assisted deaths are growing, but the country is outpaced by the Netherlands, where euthanasia accounted for around 5 percent of total deaths in 2023.

In Britain, members of parliament voted in late November to pass a similar bill that gives terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to have an assisted death, although the BBC reported, it will face months of further scrutiny before it can become law.

"Please be in prayer for the Lord to intervene in the lives of those considering medically assisted suicide," Faithwire pleaded on Dec. 17.

The wire said that medically assisted suicide is currently legal in 10 U.S. states  Maine, New Jersey, Vermont, New Mexico, Montana, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii  and Washington, D.C.

Concerns have been recently that regulators are not effectively policing the country's euthanasia program.

"A bombshell report in November alleged that out of hundreds of violations of the country's controversial euthanasia law over the course of several years, none of them had been reported to law enforcement," reported Catholic News Agency on Dec. 12.

Al Jazeera reported that back in 2016, assisted suicide and euthanasia were legalizd in Canada and the term medical assistance in dying (MAiD) was coined for both methods of administering death.

"MAiD was sold to Canadians as a humane way to end the lives of consenting adults who were experiencing intolerable suffering," Ramona Coelho wrote in an opinion piece in Al Jazeera back in February.

The Al Jazeera piece cited "numerous alarming stories" about MAiD abuses that are emerging from Canada "that should give us pause."

It cites Rosina Kamis who it said explains in her recordings and her writings that she was driven to MAiD by loneliness and poverty.
History of Blackberry - Research in Motion, RIM For many years, a little known company called Research in Motion, RIM, lead the field introducing a type of moble phone that would lead to the smartphone of today.

History of Mobile Phones Includes:

Cellular telecommunications history Cell phone systems table Vintage & classic mobile phones GSM history UMTS history 5G history & timeline History of Blackberry & Research in Motion, RIM

Blackberry, or as it was initially called, Research-in-Motion, RIM was a small company that shot to prominence with its Blackberry phone that offered a good display and a keyboard, as well as its secure message or email service.

The Blackberry phone was ahead of its time and it caught the market, leading over the other phone manufacturers in many ways.

Unfortunately RIM, which later branded itself as Blackberry did not have the same level of innovation, and other smartphone manufacturers caught up and overtook them.

Blackberry undertook a period when its very existence was at stake, and eventually the phones and later the secure messaging / email service was discontinued.

Now, BlackBerry has focussed on offering services and software for cybersecurity, helping businesses, government agencies, and safety-critical institutions of all sizes secure the Internet of Things (IoT) against the ever growing threats of hacking, intrusion and data-theft, etc.

Early history

Research in Motion, RIM, was founded in 1984 by Mike Lazardis and two friends in Waterloo, Canada.

Lazardis was 23 at the time, and his parents were Greeks who had immigrated from Turkey to Canada in 1967. He had been studying Electrical Engineering at Waterloo University but he had dropped out and wanted to start his own company.

The company's first contract was to provide industrial automation to General Motors of Canada. For several years, RIM took on various contracts and by the end of the 1980s it had twelve employees.

The BlackBerry Revolution: A New Era of Mobile Communication

The early 2000s marked the beginning of the BlackBerry's golden age. RIM introduced a series of innovative devices that combined email, mobile phone, and internet browsing functionalities.

RIM had sensed the need for email clients when on the move and had started to develop a secure email service that could be used by bueiness people.

The BlackBerry's iconic QWERTY keyboard and trackwheel navigation made it a favorite among professionals and executives.

9320 Curve Blackberry dating from around 2012

The BlackBerry's success was also fueled by its strong focus on security and reliability. The devices used a proprietary network that provided end-to-end encryption, making them popular in industries with high security needs, such as government and finance.

By 2007, BlackBerry had captured nearly 50% of the U.S. smartphone market, and its future success seemed totally assured for many years to come as it was a total leader in the mobile market.

RIM launched a huge number of phones during the peak of their success, some of the major ones are listed below.

Selection of Major Blackberry Phones & Launch Dates

Phone Year BlackBerry 8700 2006 BlackBerry 7130g 2006 BlackBerry Pearl 2007 BlackBerry Curve 8300 2007 BlackBerry Pearl 8120 2007 BlackBerry Bold 9000 2008 BlackBerry Storm 2008 BlackBerry Curve 8900 2009 BlackBerry Curve 8520 2009 BlackBerry Bold 9700 2009 BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9105 2010 BlackBerry Bold 9900 2011 BlackBerry PlayBook 2012 BlackBerry Priv 2015 BlackBerry DTEK60 2016 BlackBerry Motion 2017

The iPhone and Android Challenge: A Shift in the Mobile Landscape

The arrival of the Apple iPhone in 2007 and the subsequent rise of Android-based smartphones marked a turning point for RIM and the BlackBerry.

The iPhone's large touchscreen, intuitive interface, and focus on multimedia consumption challenged the BlackBerry's traditional strengths. Android devices, with their open-source nature and wide range of hardware options, further intensified the competition.

RIM struggled to adapt to the changing mobile landscape. Its attempts to introduce touchscreen devices, such as the BlackBerry Storm, were met with criticism due to their subpar user experience.

The company also faced challenges in developing a competitive app ecosystem, an area where Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store excelled.

9370 Curve Blackberry dating from around 2013

The Decline and Fall: Missed Opportunities and Strategic Errors

By the early 2010s, BlackBerry's market share had plummeted, and the company was facing mounting losses. RIM's leadership was criticized for its slow response to the changing market, its reluctance to embrace new technologies, and its failure to attract a wider consumer audience.

In 2012, RIM announced a major restructuring plan, which included laying off thousands of employees and rebranding the company as BlackBerry.

Despite these efforts, BlackBerry continued to struggle. The company's new BlackBerry 10 operating system, while innovative, failed to gain traction with consumers.

In 2016, BlackBerry announced that it would no longer manufacture its own devices, instead licensing its brand and software to other manufacturers.

The Legacy of BlackBerry: A Pioneer of Mobile Technology

While BlackBerry's dominance of the smartphone market was relatively short-lived, the company's contributions to mobile technology are undeniable. BlackBerry pioneered push email, a feature that is now ubiquitous in smartphones.

Its focus on security and reliability set a new standard for mobile communication. The BlackBerry's iconic design and user interface influenced the development of subsequent mobile devices.

Today, BlackBerry has reinvented itself as a cybersecurity company, providing software and services to businesses and governments.

While its smartphone business is a shadow of its former self, BlackBerry's legacy as a pioneer of mobile technology remains secure.

History of Blackberry - Research in Motion, RIM

Key Dates Year Details 1984 Research in Motion Ltd. (RIM) is founded by Mike Lazardis. 1988 RIM begins working on wireless data-only applications. 1996 RIM develops a PCMIA plug-in card for computer-enabled wireless e-mail. 1997 RIM goes public and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. 1999 RIM introduces the BlackBerry personal digital assistant (PDA); Lazardis and a RIM coworker receive an Academy Award for technical achievement. 2000 The popular BlackBerry is named Product of the Year by InfoWorld; RIM launches its Wireless Handheld product line. 2002 RIM introduces the BlackBerry 5810, which incorporates cell phone service.

Written by Ian Poole .

Experienced electronics engineer and author.

More History:

Radio history timeline History of the radio Ham radio history Coherer Crystal radio Magnetic detector Spark transmitter Morse telegraph Valve / tube history PN junction diode invention Transistor Integrated circuit Quartz crystals Classic radios Mobile telecoms history Vintage mobile phones

Return to History menu . . .
Longyan in SE China's Fujian injects new vitality into intangible cultural heritage

People's Daily Online) 10:39, December 19, 2024

An artist performs during a magic night of intangible cultural heritage in Liancheng county, Longyan city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Liancheng county)

Longyan city, a famous home of the Hakka people in southeast China's Fujian Province, boasts a rich tapestry of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). With 293 ICH items at the municipal level and above and 265 representative inheritors, the city has breathed new life into its cultural treasures.

In recent years, Longyan has developed cultural and creative industrial parks as a key driver for promoting the development of cultural and creative products inspired by ICH. These industrial parks not only gather cultural and creative resources but also serve as windows for people to learn about and experience ICH.

A cultural and creative industrial park located in Xinluo district of Longyan is home to various kinds of cultural and creative stores. One store in the park displays a wide range of stone carving and wood carving products.

"An increasing number of tourists are willing to buy cultural and creative products at my store. We also provide experience activities such as stone rubbing, an ICH item," said Fang Jingsheng, manager of the store, adding that the industrial park attracts crowds of young people and tourists for its rich cultural resources.

Longyan is intensifying the construction of a cultural and creative industrial park themed on ICH and folk culture, which has already attracted several programs on ICH items like the art of incense, guqin, and festive lanterns.

This year's "magic night of intangible cultural heritage," a major culture and tourism brand launched by Longyan, boosted the city's cultural and tourism market.

The event showcased nearly 200 ICH items from provinces like Fujian, Guangdong and Jiangxi, as well as the Taiwan region.

Photo shows a traditional wedding ceremony performance in the Yongding Tulou scenic area in Yongding district, Longyan city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Yongding district)

To prevent ICH from remaining hidden, Longyan has incorporated regular performances in scenic areas and neighborhoods. These performances have enhanced tourist experiences and enabled local residents to enjoy a cultural feast at their doorsteps.

Since 2020, tourism activities have driven 1.4 billion yuan (about $192.44 million) in sales of ICH products, according to an official with the Longyan municipal bureau of culture and tourism.

In recent years, Longyan has leveraged ICH to advance rural revitalization, building 56 ICH-themed villages and one provincial demonstration ICH workshop.

A standout example is Zhangping farmers' painting, included in Fujian's ICH list in 2019. Established in 2010, the farmers' painting academy in Zhangping, a county-level city administered by Longyan, now hosts over 100 farmer painters, who create more than 1,000 works annually.

Another example is Yongding Wanying Tea, which was listed as a national ICH and is a mixture of Chinese medicinal ingredients and tea leaves. A company that produces Yongding Wanying Tea in Yongding district of Longyan provides jobs for over 60 local people, according to Shen Hongmei, a provincial-level inheritor.

In addition, the company has a planting base of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs covering 885 mu (59 hectares) in the district, directly or indirectly creating jobs for 2,300 people, with their per capita annual income reaching 50,000 yuan.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Pennsylvania State Police announced that Elizabethtown College will create a new police academy on campus.

Now, this academy will offer the ability for students enrolled in the Municipal Police Officer Training minor to receive Act 120 trainingthe required 26-week program for those interested in becoming municipal police officers in Pennsylvaniaright at the college, instead of needing to train at other academies and go through additional logistical processes.

Kadee Crandall, criminal justice program director at college, stated that the academy fits in well with the college's community service and workforce development missions.

Lancaster Online reported that students who enroll in this program can graduate with a four-year bachelor's degree and police academy training with no delays in their policing careers. The college proactively responds to the region's need for police training facilities as well.

The new academy will be the first Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission-accredited facility in Lancaster County. It will also support training for municipal police departments in both Lancaster and York counties, filling a long-standing gap in local law enforcement education.

Michael Corricelli, the Director of Training and Curriculum Development at the commission, shared that the academy will open doors for aspiring police officers in the area. This means that individuals from Lancaster and York counties have access to top-tier training and resources, which leads to a more skilled and prepared police force.

Although the timeline for the acceptance of future officers is not yet decided, this development puts Elizabethtown College ahead in police education and training.
There's no arguing that AI still has quite a few unreliable moments, but one would hope that at least its evaluations would be accurate. However, last week Google allegedly instructed contract workers evaluating Gemini not to skip any prompts, regardless of their expertise, TechCrunch reports based on internal guidance it viewed. Google shared a preview of Gemini 2.0 earlier this month.

Google reportedly instructed GlobalLogic, an outsourcing firm whose contractors evaluate AI-generated output, not to have reviewers skip prompts outside of their expertise. Previously, contractors could choose to skip any prompt that fell far out of their expertise  such as asking a doctor about laws. The guidelines had stated, "If you do not have critical expertise (e.g. coding, math) to rate this prompt, please skip this task."

Now, contractors have allegedly been instructed, "You should not skip prompts that require specialized domain knowledge" and that they should "rate the parts of the prompt you understand" while adding a note that it's not an area they have knowledge in. Apparently, the only times contracts can skip now are if a big chunk of the information is missing or if it has harmful content which requires specific consent forms for evaluation.

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One contractor aptly responded to the changes stating, "I thought the point of skipping was to increase accuracy by giving it to someone better?"

Shortly after this article was first published, Google provided Engadget with the following statement: "Raters perform a wide range of tasks across many different Google products and platforms. They provide valuable feedback on more than just the content of the answers, but also on the style, format, and other factors. The ratings they provide do not directly impact our algorithms, but when taken in aggregate, are a helpful data point to help us measure how well our systems are working."

A Google spokesperson also noted that the new language shouldn't necessarily lead to changes to Gemini's accuracy, because they're asking raters to specifically rate the parts of the prompts that they understand. This could be providing feedback for things like formatting issues even if the rater doesn't have specific expertise in the subject. The company also pointed to this weeks' release of the FACTS Grounding benchmark that can check LLM responses to make sure "that are not only factually accurate with respect to given inputs, but also sufficiently detailed to provide satisfactory answers to user queries."

Update, December 19 2024, 11:23AM ET: This story has been updated with a statement from Google and more details about how its ratings system works.
SpaceXs satellite-to-cell Starlink texting service can now operate throughout New Zealand, thanks to the telecommunications company One NZ . The New Zealand-based provider says this is the first time that a nationwide satellite text messaging service has been powered by Starlink. T-Mobile has been making a lot of noise about getting this going, but it looks like One NZ beat it to the punch.

Whats the benefit here for New Zealand residents? Its a country with many rural areas without access to mobile towers , resulting in weak or no signals. This should even the playing field for people who dont live near big cities.

Now onto the caveats, and there are a couple of big ones. Starlink texting is incredibly slow when compared to traditional methods. One NZ says that most messages should be sent and received within three minutes during the initial rollout, but admits that timeframe could increase to 10 minutes or longer. It is for this reason that the company continues to urge folks to carry a personal locator beacon when traveling to a remote area.

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The service is also only supported by four smartphone models , which includes the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and OPPO Find X8 Pro. This list of eligible devices is expected to grow next year. The company also intends to eventually expand the service to include voice calling and data.
As countless artists struggled and suffered, stars like Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Marshmello misused millions of taxpayer dollars in government-issued COVID-19 relief money for their own pleasure, according to documents reviewed by Business Insider.

Details from BI's investigation expose how numerous musicians allegedly exploited the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), a program signed into law in 2020 to support hard-hit independent venues and struggling artists, to fund their already luxurious lifestyles. A gaping loophole allowed millionaire musicians to receive funds meant for struggling artists, allocating their millions to deck out lavish parties, purchase designer pieces, and fly private.

One of the stars exposed includes rapper Lil Wayne, who allegedly received $8.9 million in grant funds from SVOG. This money reportedly went to many luxury purchases, including private jet travel and purchased pieces from high-end brands like Balenciaga and Gucci. Many thousands also went to housing different women while touring, funding flights and luxury hotel rooms.

Read more: Lil Wayne Is Dating His Personal Chef After His Last One Sued Him for Wrongful Termination

R&B superstar Chris Brown personally received a whopping $5.1 million. A big chunk went to a lavish 33rd birthday party with a $80,000 price tag, spent on "atmosphere models," an LED dance floor, bottle service, hookahs, and "nitrogen ice cream," among other purchases.

Other artists, including Steve Aioki and members of Alice in Chains, were also called out for abusing federal resources. Producer and DJ Marshmello reportedly received $9.9 million in grant money, all of which he awarded to himself.

Many of these artists billed taxpayers fees for shows that never even happened. In fact, Lil Wayne logged just under $88,000 for expenses related to a concert he never performed (scheduled to take place on New Year's Eve 2021 in California).

Read more: Saweetie Addresses 21 Savage Romance Rumors Amid Latto Drama

With Business Insider condensing this information for public consumption, it may very well lead to consequences for the musicians. No artist has yet to respond to the allegations. According to Business Insider, Lil Wayne was reached by text and made a sexually explicit overture to a reporter but did not respond to questions.

--Originally appeared on 'Music Times.'
Brian Jordan Alvarez of the comedy series 'English Teacher' has been accused of sexual assault.

The breakout actor was accused by Jon Ebeling, a former co-star from the 2016 drama, "The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo."

Ebeling alleged that Alvarez assaulted him over eight years ago while the two were shooting a scene for the web series, according to 'USA Today.'

Ebeling stated that he filed a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department in September, in addition to reporting Alvarez to the Screen Actors Guild, known as SAG, per 'USA Today.'

During the web series, which aired back in 2016, Ebeling alleged the two were playing a scene for "Caleb Gallo" which called for Alvarez's character to ask to perform oral sex on him. Per the news outlet, Alvarez pulled down his undergarments and actually performed the act on him.

technically a web series but the gay and wondrous life of caleb gallo actually invented comedy https://t.co/JZwd6pigyB pic.twitter.com/vaxQcWOKRa  noa  (@noafense) January 27, 2023

"I am assuming nobody on set knows what's going on under the comforter, and I'm just frozen," he stated per 'USA Today.' "I didn't know what to do. I'm on set with my director, who is assaulting me. It was a horrible feeling."

Ebeling stated that he had previously given consent to Alvarez to perform oral sex on him in the past after Alvarez allegedly pressured him to hook up. That said, Alvarez claimed that Ebeling "enthusiastically gave consent."

But Ebeling gave a different perspective, admitting that he came to the realization that he may have been violated on set. "I was like, 'Wait a second. I didn't consent to this. We didn't talk about this.' I was raped."

"Brian briefly made contact with Mr. Ebeling's penis under the covers, believing (correctly and justifiably in light of Brian's then-current sexual relationship with Mr. Ebeling) that Mr. Ebeling was fine with it," Alvarez stated via his lawyer, Michael J. Kump.

Representatives of Alvarez also stated that Ebeling "consented verbally" to doing the act "for real" before the scene, which Ebeling has denied.

Alvarez continues to declare that his "interactions with Jon Ebeling were always entirely consensual  as numerous witnesses have attested," per the outlet, stating "in 2018, two years after this alleged incident, Mr. Ebeling himself unambiguously said as much on tape."

Some men just want to watch the world learn... FX's new comedy English Teacher premieres 9.2. Stream on Hulu. pic.twitter.com/TocYXW6OcL  Brian Jordan Alvarez (@brianjoralvarez) August 5, 2024

The future of FX's 'English Teacher' appears to be up in the air, as the comedy series  although well received  has yet to be renewed for a second season.
A Scottish man who once served as a body double for Brad Pitt on the set of World War Z was sentenced to 16 years in prison for the brutal rapes and beatings of several woman over a 12 year period.

Luke Ford, 35, was convicted of 19 charges involving violence, sexual assault, threats and abuse against women. As part of the charges, he was also convicted of "stealthing" refusing to use protection during sexual intercourse without a partner's knowledge or consent, which equates to rape, according to the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service.

He was sentenced at the High Court of Edinburgh Wednesday.

Of Ford's nine victims  whom he met on dating apps  six were victims of rape.

He also strangled, smashed a woman's head on a car window, and slapped another victim in the face, authorities said, according to the BBC.

Several women accused him of exhibiting threatening, abusive and controlling behavior that made them fearful for their lives and safety.

"Ford is a dangerous and manipulative sexual predator," Police Scotland Det. Insp. Steven Gray said in a statement. "I would like to acknowledge how hard this has been for those involved and to also tell them that their testimonies vastly contributed to Ford being convicted. I hope that knowing he is now behind bars for his crimes helps them continue to move forward with their lives."

Ford targeted women beginning in 2008 until police launched an assault investigation into him in June 2020.

The "stealthing" case involved a victim he met on Tinder. The pair agreed to have sex after a few dates under the guise that Ford would wear a condom, authorities said, according to the outlet. Afterwards, he told her he nixed the contraceptive and that if she were to get pregnant, she would need to "get rid of it."

"Luke Ford is a serial offender who demonstrated no respect for the consent of his victims," Scotland's Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, Katrina Parkes, said in a statement.

"He was prepared to use manipulation, force or threats to carry out his abuse. He showed disregard for the importance of consent between partners," she continued.

"It is significant that amongst the many offences he committed our prosecutors were able to prove rape in Ford's failure to use a condom during sex  without the consent of his then-partner."

"I hope that the many victims in this troubling case find some relief in Ford being held accountable for his offending. I commend them for their courage and strength," she concluded.

Ford will be forced to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

--Originally appeared on 'Lawyer Herald.'
Management change at X-CAGO: Ingo Kastner takes over the reins / Anke Illing - PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG

(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

Berlin/Roermond, December 19, 19 Dic. (News Aktuell) - .- On 1 January, Ingo Kastner, Managing Director of PMG Presse-Monitor, will also take over the management of X-CAGO. The Dutch company is a leading international specialist for data and content conversion in the international publishing industry. The previous Managing Director and founder, Koos Hussem, will be taking his well-deserved retirement at the turn of the year, but will continue to be available to the company with his expertise.

Ingo Kastner has headed PMG Presse-Monitor since 2019. He played a leading role in initiating the acquisition of X-CAGO in 2021. Since then, he has been responsible for the Dutch company's business together with Koos Hussem.

Olivera Kipcic, Chairwoman of the PMG shareholders' meeting and shareholder representative of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, emphasises:

Ingo Kastner is an accomplished manager and expert in digital content marketing. In recent years, he has created new opportunities to successfully market high-quality content digitally. Under his leadership, PMG and X-CAGO have become a strong strategic unit. His takeover of the management is the next logical step in continuing this success story.

Ingo Kastner bids Koos Hussem farewell with the following words: I would like to thank Koos warmly for the trusting collaboration over the last few years. With his commitment and vision, he has made X-CAGO one of the most sought-after providers of content management and data conversion since it was founded in 2000. It is an honour for me to continue on this successful path.

Together with his first-class team, we will continue to expand X-CAGO's role as a technical pioneer and offer content producers worldwide perfect solutions for successful digital marketing.

About PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG and X-CAGO B.V.

With the largest daily updated press database in the German-speaking world, PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG is a leading provider of digital media monitoring, press review creation and media analysis.

PMG markets the content and rights of around 900 newspaper and magazine publishers. Of over 4,000 print and online sources, around 3,000 are available digitally in the PMG press database. The company supplies over 5,000 customers from companies, associations, public institutions, media monitoring services and PR agencies from its base in Berlin.

Founded in 2001, PMG is a joint venture of German newspaper and magazine publishers with the shareholders Axel Springer, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Gruner + Jahr, Handelsblatt Media Group, Hubert Burda Media, Spiegel-Verlag, Suddeutsche Zeitung as well as the Bundesverband Digitalpublisher und Zeitungsverleger and the Medienverband der freien Presse.

In 2021, PMG is taking a major step towards becoming a central data hub for content publishers with the acquisition of Dutch data converter X-CAGO B.V. The company is internationally successful in converting and standardising a wide variety of content formats. ArchiveExpress, X-CAGO's digital archive solution, is used by publishers worldwide as a distribution platform for their content.

Press contact

PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG

Roger Dormeier

Marketing | Kommunikation | PR

roger.dormeier@presse-monitor.de
Anything can happen in the month of December on the Chicago Board of Trade. In December, there are actually days off and some disruption of normal routines as family men working on the Chicago Board of Trade remember that there are more important things then the price of corn, soybeans and wheat.

Some days in December feature the Board being closed or having limited hours. I suspect that the advent of electronic trading, started in 2006 as an addition to pit trading, and the start of electronic-only trading in 2015 limited trading liquidity problems.

I think of this as I remember fondly my first trip to Chicago as the organizer of a 10-person jaunt in Boyd Wallbrowns 35-foot motor home by staff and customers of Deerfield Farms of Deerfield, Ohio. Several of us who were brought up driving commercial grain trucks shared driving duties. Dean Miller took the last leg into Chicago, delivering the motor home to the driveway of a parking lot in the shadow of the Board of Trade building.

I had space reserved there, and Dean insisted I do the parallel parking in a lot that was actually lines of cars parked bumper to bumper. I agreed to do it if he and three others would stand in sight of my mirrors and direct me. The entire process involved moving a dozen cars in three different rows in three stages. Nearly 30 years later, I still remember the challenge.

All trading was then done by open-outcry, a bedlam of shouting and hand signals that incredibly resulted in the prices that were continuously posted.

During my years as a cash grain trader, this process changed. Early examples of computer trading replaced some of the pit trading. In 2006, the Board started side-by-side trading, with both the electronic trading and the pit trading being used to create live prices. In 2015, open-outcry trading was eliminated in favor of all electronic trading.

We are now more than halfway through December. Since only wheat is in the growing season, and it is dormant, fundamental news that moves the market is limited to production reports from the Southern Hemisphere and changes in some estimates contained in some monthly or quarterly reports as actual measurements are more accurate. Technical reports based upon charting (and, I have always suspected, stirring of chicken entrails) tend to dominate trading.

The December WASDE tends to be more important than a similar report from early summer. The WASDE was released Dec. 10, and the results were notable but not earth shaking.

The WASDE is a fundamental report, being the latest estimates of crops growing and stored around the world. From this report, we learned that corn prices might go up because the grain stocks are now estimated to be less than previously thought, decreasing supply. Soybeans might go down because we are finally getting good rains in Brazil, and the early crop prospects have improved, increasing supply.

Weather forecasts, another fundamental outside of government grain reports, tells us that for the period that is 8 to 14 days out, the Midwest U.S. will be warmer than normal and dry. This only marginally affects our grain prices because of the soil moisture supply to our dormant wheat. As we get into the heart of winter, the weather is more important, especially if we get too cold and freeze out wheat that has insufficient snow cover.

Traders are also looking at trading patterns in December. This week, we were told that the spec funds added 500 contracts to long positions, added 3,500 soybean contracts, shorted an additional 11,000 contracts of corn and shorted an additional 2,500 contracts of wheat. This is a reaction of funds to current market conditions, and must be respected by anyone predicting price changes.

Many specs are following trends. So, it is important to know that corn prices are being supported by the current WASDE report, and by the higher-than-normal export and ethanol demand for corn.

Corn futures have had several cycles in the last 3 1/2 months. The important technical indicator is that we have traded mostly between $4.13 and $4.52 on the March contract. We got to $4.52 1/4 Oct. 2, and we got to a high of $4.51 1/4 Dec. 11.

To a technician this means that we have resistance at or near $4.52, and it is a big deal if we could trade through that number. Until then, the market is limited by that number, and we may not go higher without some big fundamental reason, which is unlikely until we have another crop growing or until export demand or domestic usage surprises us.

Soybeans are having a recent downturn. We were trading the March futures at $9.88 going into Dec. 17. As recently as early November, we traded $10.55, so there has been volatility in the soybeans. In early November, we were talking about slow planting in dry conditions in Brazil, but now that idea has gone away.

The weakest look on the charts comes from the Chicago March wheat contract. Our recent high was at $6.39 Oct. 3, but we are now at $5.50 after going nearly to $5.40. The chart has shown a steady downturn. We are a long way from the $7.72-3/4 we saw at the end of May.
COLUMBUS  Results from the annual Lake Erie fish surveys revealed that walleye hatches were below average and yellow perch hatches were above average in two of the three management zones, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.

Although the 2024 walleye hatch was below average, robust hatches from 2018 to 2023 will provide ample fishing opportunities. Based on the 2024 survey results, anglers can expect good yellow perch fishing in the western half of Lake Erie.

Data from annual trawl surveys conducted by the Division of Wildlife are combined with those collected by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources to indicate the success of spawning and early life survival of walleye and yellow perch in the western basin. In the central basin, Ohios trawls are utilized in conjunction with other agency surveys to gauge hatch success.

Results allow biologists to predict how many young fish will enter the catchable population two or three years later. These indices are a key piece of information used by the inter-agency Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to determine annual levels of safe harvest for walleye and yellow perch.

Walleye

Lake Erie has a robust, sustainable population of adult walleye following an unprecedented run of six straight above-average walleye hatches.

Surveys conducted in 2024 show a below-average hatch. The 2024 western basin walleye hatch index was 19 fish per hectare (a standard measure of catch per area). This was the smallest hatch since 2016 and below the average of 58 fish per hectare, ranking 21st of 37 years. Although this years hatch is below average, anglers can expect these fish to contribute to the catch in 2026.

Central basin results were similar with a survey index of 7 young-of-year walleye per hectare, slightly below the average of 7.6 fish per hectare. This was the lowest value since 2017. Central basin walleye hatches are likely a small component of the lake-wide population, but tagging studies suggest that fish hatched in the central basin spend more time there compared to migratory walleye from the western basin. Central basin walleye hatches may seasonally provide local fishing opportunities when schools of migratory walleye are not present.

Walleye typically grow to the 15-inch minimum length for harvest two years after hatching. Because recent hatches have been above average and walleye can live more than a decade, Lake Erie anglers can expect walleye fishing to remain good for many years.

Perch

Lake Erie yellow perch are surveyed and managed as regional populations within management zones.

The western basin yellow perch hatch was above average and should make a noticeable contribution to the catchable adult population in 2026. The Ohio-Ontario survey index was 673 young-of-year yellow perch per hectare, above the average of 462 fish per hectare and ranking seventh of the surveys 37 years.

In 2024, mid-summer and late fall yellow perch fishing in the western basin provided great catch rates and excellent fish size. Division of Wildlife surveys in the past decade have shown a trend of more consistent hatch success in the western basin. This years hatch, along with contributions from previous years, should continue the trend of good yellow perch fishing in 2025 and beyond.

The central basin is split into two management zones for yellow perch: the central zone (Huron to Fairport Harbor) and the east zone (Fairport Harbor to the Ohio-Pennsylvania border). Hatch results were encouraging in the central zone, with an index of 50 young-of-year perch per hectare, above the average of 37. The east zone index of 11 per hectare was below the average of 36. The central and east zone hatches ranked 10th and 22nd of the 35 survey years, respectively. Late fall limit catches of large yellow perch were again common near central basin harbors in 2024, indicating that good seasonal opportunities still exist despite lower population sizes.

Variability in regional yellow perch hatch success is expected on Lake Erie because of the size of the lake, differences among basins and zones, and prevailing weather conditions. Hatch success is largely determined by the timing and availability of favorable conditions for both spawning and survival of newly hatched yellow perch in the spring and summer. Strong lake-wide yellow perch hatches are rare.

For more information on the Lake Erie fisheries and to find fishing reports, visit wildohio.gov.
COLUMBUS  The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is adding at least 10 new wells to the statewide Ohio Groundwater Observation Well Network that will enhance opportunities for long-term monitoring of important groundwater levels in northwestern Ohio.

Located throughout Williams, Defiance and Fulton counties, the new observation wells will help the ODNR Division of Geological Survey track water levels in the area while advancing understanding of the groundwater inventory in northwestern Ohio. The first well was drilled in September in Holiday City, Williams County and extends approximately 200 feet deep into the sand-and-gravel aquifer.

The observation wells were funded by Ohio H.B. 33 as a one-time priority project through the Ohio Department of Development to estimate the storage capacity and maximum annual yield of the aquifers north of the Maumee River in northwestern Ohio.

Pumping testing and geophysical surveys will be conducted once each well is fully drilled. In addition, the Division of Geological Survey will drill temporary wells to conduct testing to characterize the distribution and movement of groundwater in the aquifer in each location. Data from the new wells will be available after the testing is complete. The new data will help improve forthcoming versions of an updated statewide aquifer yield map and inform future hydrogeologic modeling in the region.

Final observation well installation will be completed in early 2025 and aquifer testing will occur in spring 2025. To learn more about groundwater, explore the online Ohio Groundwater Observation Well Network interactive map at ohiodnr.gov/groundwater.
SALEM, Ohio  Just Rite 4H Club held its meeting on Dec. 1 in Salem, Ohio, with 45 members in attendance.

The club signed Christmas cards for its annual card drive, and members later distributed cards to local nursing homes. This year, they will have 392 cards to deliver to area homes, including Blossom, Circle of Care, Centreville Village and Auburn. The club has participated in this service project for many years.

Officer nominations were also held. Those who received nominations included Camryn Cody, Callie Koons, Ally Lacey, Madison Aegerter, Alaina Grubb, Caroline Moser, Kace Fisher and Case Koons. Officer elections will be held next month.

The meeting concluded with a presentation by Eve Kiko, Gwen Gruszecki and Farrah Berger. The Stryffeler family provided snacks and the Narbey family provided drinks.
Farming campaigners have launched a Christmas appeal asking children to write a letter to the prime minister about the impact of the 'family farm tax'.

Save British Farming, an industry pressure group, said the inheritance tax proposals in the budget would be 'disastrous' for British agriculture.

Its new initiative asks the children of farmers to write a letter to Sir Keir Starmer - and Santa - about 'their wishes for British farming in the new year'.

"We want government to hear personal stories from our children about what this disastrous budget means for farms across the country," the group said.

"We are asking children to write letters to explain their feelings."

?? Families help us this Christmas ??

?? We are launching a Christmas appeal to ask children to write a letter to @Keir_Starmer as well as Santa ?? about their wishes for British farming in the New Year.



?? We want Sir Keir and his Government to hear personal stories from our pic.twitter.com/TgG9FpjQPi  Liz Webster (@LizWebsterSBF) December 18, 2024

The letters will be handed directly to Number 10 Downing Street at 12:30pm on 2 January 2025.

Before that, Save British Farming is urging families to assemble with some tractors in preparation to deliver the letters to the prime minister.

Letters can be sent to Simon Broad, Hartsland Farm Cottage, Walters Green Road, Penshurst, Kent TN11 8HD.

Save British Farming recently organised a London tractor rally, dubbed 'RIP British Farming', which took place on 11 December.

The campaigning group has frequently called out the government's 'disastrous and damaging anti-farming policies'.
A new survey of hundreds of farmers has highlighted the ongoing damaging impacts of the Welsh government's strict water quality regulations.

The costs many farms have had to suffer in order to comply with the nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) rules, rolled out gradually since 2021, have been laid out.

NFU Cymru's survey of over 400 farmers also underlines the 'unworkable' record keeping requirements and the low levels of confidence in the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) Regulations.

Of the 65% of farmers who had either already invested in infrastructure or were planning to imminently, 30% said it had come at a cost of over 100,000, with 12% stating the cost was over 200,000.

Of those 146 farmers who had already invested in infrastructure to adhere to the rules, less than 40% had received grant support towards the costs, citing the lack of availability of support and the complexity of the application process.

Almost half of farmers said they had required planning permission to reach compliance with the regulations and the feedback received clearly stated the difficulties farmers had endured with this process.

The union's survey highlighted key issues with the rules relating to record keeping, the storage requirements, closed periods and nitrogen limits.

The record keeping requirements attached to the regulations were criticised; nearly 77% of farmers found the ongoing day to day recording of data very difficult or fairly difficult.

In fact, only a quarter of farmers said they had not required any support from an adviser or consultant to assist with the record keeping elements.

Just under three quarters of the farmers polled did not believe the agricultural pollution regulations would lead to an improvement in water quality. Just 2% said that they had already seen improvements.

A clear majority (84%) of respondents identified that the closed periods for the spreading of organic manures with high readily available nitrogen and manufactured fertilisers were having a negative impact on their businesses.

Over a third (38%) of farmers told NFU Cymru that their farm had been impacted by the 170kg/N/Ha limit from livestock manures - this increased to 69% of dairy farms.

Of those affected farmers, almost half (48%) had needed to reduce livestock numbers, while 51% said they had rented or bought additional land in order to comply.

NFU Cymru water quality review group chairman, Martin Griffiths said the results of the survey showed that farmers were experiencing a range of negative impacts of the regulations.

He said: "The survey also shows that farmers continue to question the effectiveness of the regulations, as well as the appropriateness and benefit of applying the regulations across the whole of Wales.

The survey has highlighted farmer concerns that the inflexibility within the regulations, in particular the closed periods inhibit their ability to make decisions about field activities, including spreading, appropriate to the prevailing growing, weather and ground conditions.

"This reinforces NFU Cymrus long held view that the farming by calendar approach does not work in a changing climate."

NFU Cymru said the Welsh government should adopt an 'evidenced-based approach', with the regulations being targeted to those areas where improvements to water quality had been shown to be needed.

The union added that a long-term sustainable solution was now urgently needed to allow farmers to operate above the 170 kg/N/ha limit from livestock manures from 2025 onwards.

Mr Griffiths concluded: It is a source of significant regret to us that, almost four years after the introduction of the regulations, the serious concerns expressed by NFU Cymru are being borne out on farms across Wales."
Farmers and landowners across Wales are being encouraged to support peatland restoration with the launch of a new 700,000 funding pot.

The Peatland Restoration Grant offers farmers and land managers between 10,000-250,000 to develop and deliver peatland restoration in 2025.

The Welsh government-funded scheme is allocated through the National Peatland Action Programme (NPAP), which is managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

NRW said the new flexible, 100% funded grant would offer opportunities to both landowners new to peatland restoration and those with shovel-ready plans.

Grant applications are open until March 2025, with further webinar guidance available on the NRW's website.

Figures show that peatland covers only 4% of the total land area of Wales, yet stores 30% of its land-based carbon.

But Mannon Lewis, strategic projects lead for NPAP said: As 90% of our peatlands are damaged, they actively release harmful greenhouse gases.

"In contrast, restored healthy wet peatland continuously forms peat layers that capture carbon.

"Peat at a depth of 30cm has captured carbon for around 300 years, including the carbon from our industrial age."

Since 2022, the National Peatland Action Programme has distributed 26 competitive grants worth 1.4m.

The application deadline for the Peatland Restoration Grant is 18 March 2025.

Mr Lewis said: "Offering this open competitive grant is one way NPAP can support partners to achieve ambitious restoration goals for the benefit of future generations.
Farming unions are stepping up their campaign against the government's proposed farm inheritance tax plans with UK-wide roadside and gate banners.

The 'Big Banner Day', taking place on Thursday (19 December), will see signs displayed to amplify farmers' discontent with the so-called 'family farm tax'.

Led by NFU, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and the Ulster Farmers Union, the initiative has been described as a 'nationwide display of solidarity'.

The government announced in the autumn budget a 20% inheritance tax for agricultural assets over 1m, which will roll out from April 2026.

The announcement has triggered a series of protests and rallies across the country, with London seeing tens of thousands of farmers descend on it in the last month alone.

As part of the Big Banner Day campaign, signs will be located in prominent positions with the aim of keeping public attention and building political pressure on the IHT changes.

To support the campaign, car stickers will also be available to boost visibility, allowing supporters to spread awareness wherever they travel.

NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy said the campaign had an aim to keep the pressure up on the UK government to review its 'deeply flawed' taxation plans.

He said: Not only are the tax proposals imposing untold pressure on family farms, but they completely miss the intended target of large-scale investors using land as a tax haven.

The volume of evidence disputing the information that Treasury is using to justify its proposals is increasingly compelling and we will continue to build the case.

With pressure, we must see this changed or our ability to continue to produce food to the standard we are proud of and continue to be the custodians of our landscape will be significantly compromised."

The NFU has also urged farmers to meet their MPs, together with their accountants and advisers, 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 owners of tens of thousands of family-run farms and businesses urged the government earlier this week to scrap its controversial tax changes.

Thirty-two trade associations, representing 160,000 family-run firms, warned that the move could trigger substantial job losses and a fall in investment.

Meanwhile, several local councils across England have overwhelmingly voted to support farmers against the government's plans.

The movement, dubbed the 'town hall rebellion', has in the past few days seen Suffolk, North Northamptonshire, Devon, Cambridgeshire and Harborough councils pass motions supporting the industry.


Mumbai: Bombay Christmas At Maska Bakery

Highlights: The Maska Christmas Cake in two forms - a bundt and a Gingerbread House Cake; Rum Ball Baubles; Croissant Christmas Bows; traditional Goan Christmas Rose Cookies dressed up with peppermint chocolate; Christmas Panettone (it takes 72 hours to make!)...

More: Maska Bakery, Unit 4&5, Ground Floor, inside Nav Vivek Industrial Estate, Mogul Lane, Mumbai; via Thrive or call/whatsapp at 8591162752; Gingerbread Cookie Wreath: Rs 339




The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) recently praised the inclusion of the renewal of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) programme and the Haiti Economic Lift Programme (HELP) in the Continuing Resolution, a stopgap measure to keep the US government funded for the next three months.

"We urge Congress to pass this measure, not only because it keeps the government funded past Friday's deadline but also because it includes a crucial 5-year renewal of the Haiti HOPE/HELP programme, which allows duty-free access for certain apparel and textile products from Haiti to the US market. This renewal is urgently needed to help combat the crisis that continues to unfold in our island neighbour by anchoring much needed textile and apparel jobs, which in turn support US jobs, in the region at a crucial time, said AAFA president and chief executive officer Steve Lamar in a statement.

AAFA recently praised the inclusion of the renewal of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement programme and the Haiti Economic Lift Programme in the 'Continuing Resolution', a stopgap measure to keep the US government funded for the next three months. It was, however, disappointed that the measure doesn't include renewals of the AGOA and the GSP.

These trade preference programmes are set to expire on September 25, 2025. Lamar feels abandoning the Haiti HOPE-HELP programmes next year would imperil a much-needed driver of the countrys economy.

At the same time, we are deeply disappointed that this measure doesn't include the much-needed long-term renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the long overdue retroactive renewal Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), which has now been expired for nearly four years. Congress must prioritise passage of these vital programmes to support a return to a predictable and investment-based trade policy," he added.

AAFA continues to advocate for a 16-year AGOA renewal and retroactive renewal of GSP.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Keerthy Suresh recently tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend Antony Thattil in a beautiful ceremony in Goa on December 12. The couple's wedding was graced by the presence of Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay, who attended the festivities to bless the newly weds after receiving their humble invitation. Keerthy shared pictures from the wedding on social media, capturing special moments with Vijay.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keerthy Suresh (@keerthysureshofficial)

In one of the photos, Keerthy and Antony pose with Vijay, who looks dashing in a white kurta, while the couple dons traditional wedding attire. The second photo shows Keerthy greeting Vijay with a handshake, with Antony joyfully standing beside her. She captioned the post, expressing her happiness at having her dream icon bless them on their special day.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2024) - ADSL Holdings Inc. (Cboe CA: ADSL) (FSE: 25YO) (OTC Pink: AMNNF) ("ADSL" or the "Company") announces that, further to the Company's news releases dated October 15, 2024, September 4, 2024 and August 30, 2024 as a result of (a) completion of the previously announced sale of certain of the Company's assets utilized for the sale and distribution of television productions through television, streaming and other platforms, and (b) completion of the sale of the Company's film production and distribution business (collectively, the "Transaction"), the Company expects to delist its common shares from the Cboe Canada Inc. (the "Exchange"), complete its first distribution to the Company's shareholders (the "First Distribution") in connection with its previously announced returns of capital (the "Returns of Capital") and complete the voluntary dissolution of the Company in accordance with the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Dissolution").

Delisting

Further to the Company's news release dated September 4, 2024, following completion of the Transaction, the Company received notice from the Exchange that trading of its securities had been suspended pursuant to the rules of the Exchange. Pursuant to the rules of the Exchange, if the suspension has not been lifted, the securities of the Company will automatically be delisted on January 31, 2025 without further notice.

Prior to such automatic delisting the Company intends on voluntarily delisting its common shares from the Exchange on or around December 27, 2024 (the "Delisting") and, accordingly, trading of the Company's common shares will cease in the Canadian public market. The Company will apply to withdraw the quotation of its common shares from the FSE and OTC as soon as possible after Delisting. The Delisting remains subject to the final acceptance by the Exchange.

First Distribution

Further to the Company's news release dated October 15, 2024, the First Distribution is expected to be in an aggregate amount of approximately $3,900,000 (or approximately $0.053 per common share). The record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive the First Distribution will be the close of business (Vancouver time) on December 19, 2024. Only shareholders of record on the record date will be entitled to the First Distribution. The payment date for the First Distribution will be on or about December 23, 2024. Subject to settlement or all liabilities of the Company, the Company intends on completing one or more additional Returns of Capital prior to the Dissolution.

Dissolution

Following the Delisting, the First Distribution and any further Returns of Capital, the Company intends on completing its previously announced voluntary winding-up and dissolution in the first quarter of 2025. The Dissolution remains subject to the Company causing all its debts and liabilities to be satisfied and distributing any remaining assets to its shareholders through the additional Returns of Capital.

The Returns of Capital, Delisting and Dissolution were approved by the Company's shareholders on August 28, 2024. Further details with respect to the above transactions can be found in the Company's management information circular dated July 28, 2024, a copy of which is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. Shareholders are advised to consult with their own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of the above noted transactions, including the First Distribution and the Returns of Capital.

About ADSL Holdings Inc.

For further information about ADSL, see its disclosure documents on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" as such terms are defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements include disclosure regarding possible events, that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action, and, in certain cases, can be identified by the use of words such as "potential", "propose", "aim", "depend", "seeks", "plans", "expects", "is expected", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "can", "could", "should", "shall", "would", "might" or "will", or the negative forms of any of these words and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements related to the consummation (if at all) and timing of the Delisting, the First Distribution including the amount (both in the aggregate and per common share) that shareholders are expected to receive and the Dissolution. There can be no assurance that the Delisting, the First Distribution, any additional Returns of Capital or the Dissolution will be completed at all or on the terms and conditions contemplated in this news release. Forward-looking information and statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information and statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the timing and completion of the Delisting, the First Distribution, any additional Returns of Capital, the Dissolution and the ability of the Company to pay its liabilities and obligations in order to complete the First Distribution or any additional Returns of Capital, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information in this news release is made as of the date hereof and qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Investors are cautioned that, trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and uncertainties, please see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated June 2, 2024, and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234413

SOURCE: ADSL Holdings Inc.
SINGAPORE / ACCESSWIRE / December 18, 2024 / Sotavento Medios, a leading digital marketing agency and marketing consultancy founded in 2017, is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its innovative SEO tool, Lolibaso, set to debut in 2025. With a solid customer base of over 1,500 active clients across Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia, Sotavento Medios is poised to revolutionize the SEO landscape by providing a comprehensive tool designed to outperform established competitors like SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz Pro, and Surfer SEO.

At a recent private event that took place at the beginning of December 2024, there was an astounding amount of interest in Lolibaso. More than 400 SEO agencies from all around the world expressed their excitement about its capabilities. This cutting-edge tool will not only improve conventional SEO tactics, but it will also incorporate cutting-edge capabilities that are powered by artificial intelligence into its functionality.

Key Features of Lolibaso

Lolibaso will offer an extensive suite of features tailored for digital marketers and business owners:

AI-Driven Content Creation : The tool will include AI detection-free content writing capabilities that generate SEO-friendly articles while effectively filling content gaps.

Comprehensive Keyword Research : Users will access extensive keyword data, including search volume and difficulty metrics, allowing them to identify high-potential keywords for their strategies.

Competitor Analysis : The tool will provide insights into competitors' top-performing keywords and backlink profiles, enabling users to benchmark their performance against industry leaders.

Site Auditing Capabilities : Lolibaso will feature robust site auditing tools that conduct technical assessments to identify issues such as broken links and crawlability challenges.

Backlink Analysis : Users can analyze backlink profiles in detail, assessing link quality and uncovering potential link-building opportunities.

Traffic and Rank Tracking : Built-in monitoring tools will allow users to track organic search traffic and keyword rankings over time with customizable alerts for significant changes.

Content Optimization Tools : The tool will assist users in creating high-quality content optimized for search engines through readability analysis and keyword usage recommendations.

Local SEO Tools : Features specifically designed for enhancing local search visibility will help businesses connect with nearby customers effectively.

Daily and Weekly Customizable Reports : Users can generate detailed reports tailored to their specific needs, providing insights into their SEO performance.

Keyword Ranking Value Metrics: The tool will provide valuable metrics regarding keyword ranking value, helping users prioritize their efforts effectively.

While pricing for Lolibaso has not yet been finalized, Sotavento Medios is committed to offering it at an affordable rate of less than $100 per month. This pricing strategy reflects the company's dedication to making advanced SEO tools accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Comparison with Other Leading SEO Tools

Many different tools have emerged as leaders in the SEO environment as it continues to evolve. The following is a comparison of Lolibaso to some of the most widely used alternatives:

About Sotavento Medios

Sotavento Medios is not only a leading digital marketing agency but also a marketing consultancy that has successfully assisted numerous super brands in developing strategic marketing formations across the Philippines and the United States. Additionally, Sotavento Medios is a SaaS builder that recently launched two new products: PingHowe, a job portal (PingHowe), and Komersyo, an online educational platform (Komersyo).Furthermore, Sotavento Medios is the founder of leading health news provider One Health Singapore (One Health Singapore) and Travellers Labs (Travellers Labs), platforms where users can plan their vacations or conduct research effectively.

Executive Insights

"We are thrilled about the launch of Lolibaso," said Stephanie Huang, who is the Corporate Communications Manager at Sotavento Medios for the company. Our group has put in a lot of effort to develop a solution that not only satisfies but also surpasses the requirements that our customers have set forth. We believe that Lolibaso will enable businesses to accomplish their digital marketing objectives by virtue of its robust analytics and user-friendly design.

This comparison emphasises the unique assets that Lolibaso possesses: the ability to create content powered by artificial intelligence and complete reporting capabilities. The goal of Sotavento Medios is to give businesses with a strong solution that is specifically built to meet their requirements. This is accomplished by putting an emphasis on the user experience and integrating advanced capabilities into a single platform.

Media Contact

For more information about Sotavento Medios or its upcoming launch of Lolibaso:Stephanie Huang

Corporate Communications Manager

Email: info@sotaventomedios.com

Website: Sotavento Medios

Facebook: Sotavento Medios Facebook Page

One Health SG Facebook Page: One Health Singapore Facebook Page

SOURCE: Sotavento Medios

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2024) - Eureka Lithium Corp. (CSE: ERKA) (OTCQB: SCMCF) (FSE: S580) ("Eureka Lithium" or "Eureka" or the "Company") announces that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Private Placement") of up to approximately 1,363,636 flow-through common shares of the Company ("Flow-Through Shares") at a price of $0.22 per Flow-Through Share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to approximately $300,000.

Closing of the Private Placement is anticipated to occur on or about December 27, 2024. Closing is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals. The net proceeds of the Private Placement are intended to be used to advance the Company's Raglan West, Raglan South and New Leaf Camps. Finders' fees may be paid to eligible arm's length persons with respect to certain subscriptions accepted by the Company, in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Flow-Through Shares will have a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issue.

The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or available exemptions from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States, or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Corporate Video

To view a new Eureka Lithium corporate video, visit www.EurekaLithiumCorp.com (https://eurekalithiumcorp.com) or the following URL:





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vvm0zfNFp4

Corporate Presentation

Visit the Eureka Lithium homepage or click on the following URL to view the Company's Corporate Presentation:

https://eurekalithiumcorp.com/EurekaLithium_Q3_2023.pdf

About Eureka Lithium Corp.

Eureka Lithium is the largest lithium-focused landowner in the northern third of Quebec, known as the Nunavik region, with 100% ownership of three projects comprising 1,408 sq. km in the emerging Raglan West, Raglan South and New Leaf Lithium Camps. These claims were acquired from legendary prospector Shawn Ryan and are located in a region that hosts two operating nickel mines with deep-sea port access.

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, such as statements regarding the contemplated closing of the Private Placement or whether it will close at all, statements contained within the Corporate Video and Corporate Presentation, and the use of proceeds from the Private Placement, are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations and are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, nor that the Private Placement will be completed as contemplated, or at all. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234427

SOURCE: Eureka Lithium Corp.
Tesla's bold design philosophy is making waves as the company implements a surprising branding strategy for its newest vehicles, the Cybertruck and Cybercab. In a departure from industry norms, Tesla has chosen to forgo traditional brand logos on these models, betting that their distinctive appearance and innovative features will serve as sufficient brand identifiers. This strategic shift comes at a critical time for the company, as it grapples with technical challenges in its vehicle computer systems, particularly affecting GPS functionality and camera systems integral to its autonomous driving capabilities.

Market Pressures Mount

The unexpected departure of Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory leader has sparked concern among investors, highlighting growing pressures in the Asian market. This leadership vacuum emerges as the company faces intensifying competition from both traditional automakers and emerging electric vehicle manufacturers in the region. The situation is further complicated by potential consolidations among Japanese manufacturers seeking to strengthen their position in the electric vehicle sector, potentially threatening Tesla's market dominance.

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Neuromoment, a company dedicated to enhancing well-being through cutting-edge technology, is excited to announce the launch of its crowdfunding campaign for Slyric, a revolutionary sleep aid app. Now live on Indiegogo, the campaign invites supporters to join Neuromoment in transforming how we sleep, rest, and recharge.

Revolutionizing Sleep: The Vision Behind Slyric

Sleep is not just about rest - it is essential for mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical health. Despite its importance, millions worldwide struggle to achieve deep and rejuvenating sleep. Recognizing this universal challenge, Neuromoment set out to create Slyric, an app designed to help users improve their sleep quality effortlessly.

What sets Slyric apart is its unique combination of features, which include:

Synchronized Sleep Sounds : Custom-engineered soundscapes that work in harmony with natural sleep cycles to promote relaxation and help users fall asleep faster.

Advanced Sleep Monitoring : A detailed analysis of sleep patterns provides actionable insights, empowering users to make adjustments for improved sleep health.

Device-Free Accessibility: Unlike many sleep solutions on the market, Slyric requires no additional hardware. It functions seamlessly on smartphones, making it a cost-effective and convenient solution for all.

Crowdfunding Campaign Details

The Slyric campaign, launched on Indiegogo, offers early supporters the chance to contribute to this innovative project and access exclusive rewards. Backers can learn more about the campaign and support it by visiting https://igg.me/at/YAPNqsUxPMg/x#/.

The funds raised through the campaign will go toward finalizing development, enhancing the app's functionality, and expanding its global reach.

"Our goal is simple yet profound: to make quality sleep accessible to everyone, everywhere," said Namjoo Lee, CEO of Neuromoment. "With Slyric, we are leveraging technology to address one of the most significant health challenges of our time. This app is more than a tool - it's a pathway to better living."

The Science Behind Slyric

Neuromoment has invested heavily in research to ensure Slyric meets the needs of diverse users. By combining the latest advancements in sound therapy and data-driven insights, the app not only helps users fall asleep but also ensures they stay asleep and wake up refreshed.

Unlike wearable devices or expensive hardware, Slyric utilizes smartphone technology to simplify the sleep improvement process. This approach aligns with Neuromoment's mission to create accessible, inclusive solutions for global audiences.

About Neuromoment

Founded in 2023, Neuromoment is a trailblazing company committed to enhancing lives through innovative technology. With a focus on well-being, the company develops solutions that address everyday challenges from sleep difficulties to mental health.

Neuromoment's previous successes have established its reputation as a trusted leader in the wellness technology space. The launch of Slyric marks another step in the company's journey to empower individuals worldwide.

For more information about Neuromoment, visit its official website at www.neuromoment.com.

Get Involved

Neuromoment is calling on supporters to help bring Slyric to life. Contributions to the Indiegogo campaign will help finalize the app's development, improve user features, and accelerate its launch worldwide.

SOURCE: Neuromoment

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Hyundai Motor Group has emerged as the global automotive industry leader in vehicle safety, securing an impressive 22 awards from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2024. This remarkable achievement, representing 21 percent of all awards granted, significantly strengthens the company's market position. The Hyundai brand alone captured nine distinctions, securing second place in the overall rankings. This exceptional performance in safety standards has contributed to robust market performance, with the company's stock climbing to 49.95 on December 18, 2024, marking a notable 3.85 percent daily gain.

Market Performance Indicators

The automotive giant's stock demonstrates strong momentum, building on its previous day's closing price of 48.70. With a market capitalization of 2.2 billion and 43.9 million outstanding shares, Hyundai Motor continues to solidify its position as a major player in the global automotive sector. Despite a monthly decline of 8.73 percent, the stock maintains an impressive 26.25 percent year-over-year growth, trading 25.93 percent above its 52-week low, reflecting sustained investor confidence in the company's strategic direction.

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EQS Newswire / 19/12/2024 / 11:16 UTC+8



Hong Kong - December 19, 2024 - ( SeaPRwire ) - SeaPRwire, a leading technology company specializing in press release distribution and earned media communications management, has announced its latest initiative to expand its media network in Cambodia. With the introduction of the Media-Empower-Pack as part of its Branding-Insight Program, SeaPRwire is set to empower businesses and PR professionals in Cambodia and across Southeast Asia.

SeaPRwire's Cambodia media network now includes a robust lineup of platforms such as Cambodia Net , See Cambodia , Cambodia Press Release , Khmer Online , Phnom Penh Business , and Visit Khmer . These additions solidify SeaPRwire's presence in the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage for brands seeking impactful media exposure in the Cambodian market.

The Media-Empower-Pack brings innovative solutions to the table, providing global press release distribution to over 8,000 media outlets and covering multiple industry-specific lists. With support for multimedia and unlimited word counts, it ensures that companies can communicate their messages effectively and broadly. A key feature of the Media-Empower-Pack is its multilingual capability, accommodating more than 17 languages, including English, French, German, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Filipino, Malay, Thai, Italian, Russian, and more.

"Our mission is to bridge brands and audiences by delivering strategic media communications," said James Scott, Chief Marketing Officer of SeaPRwire. "With the expansion of our Cambodia media network and the introduction of the Media-Empower-Pack, we aim to provide businesses in Phnom Penh and across Cambodia with the tools they need to succeed in today's competitive landscape."

The Branding-Insight Program, powered by the Media-Empower-Pack, enhances the ability of PR and communications professionals to build and manage tailored media lists. With real-time updates, users can effortlessly access contact cards containing essential details such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses of media contacts. The dashboard further allows for seamless customization, enabling users to split, edit, or merge lists for a more targeted approach.

"Leveraging thought leadership content to reach the right audience at the right time has become a cornerstone of successful media strategies," added Scott. "We ensure that every dollar spent on media and marketing communications yields measurable returns, enabling our clients to achieve their goals. In challenging economic times, utilizing an informative, engaging press release as a marketing tool can be a game-changer for businesses."

SeaPRwire's expansion into Cambodia aligns with its broader strategy to support businesses in Southeast Asia. With an increasing focus on Khmer audiences, the company is committed to enabling brands in Phnom Penh and beyond to craft compelling stories that resonate with local and global markets.

Scott emphasized the importance of media outreach in driving growth and visibility for companies. "For CEOs, especially in today's economic climate, leveraging effective media strategies can generate significant ROI. Our integrated solutions, like the Branding-Insight Program, are designed to help brands deliver strategic media pitches and earn valuable media mentions."

In addition to the Media-Empower-Pack, SeaPRwire provides a suite of tools to support brands in their communications journey. The program enables businesses to track and analyze the performance of their campaigns, ensuring a data-driven approach to media management. With its robust infrastructure and commitment to innovation, SeaPRwire continues to set the benchmark for press release distribution in Asia.

Businesses and PR professionals interested in exploring the opportunities offered by SeaPRwire's expanded network in Cambodia or its Branding-Insight Program can learn more by visiting www.SeaPRwire.com. By harnessing the power of media, brands can enhance their visibility, build meaningful connections with their target audience, and drive growth in an increasingly competitive market.

About SeaPRwire

SeaPRwire ( https://www.SeaPRwire.com/ ) is a leading global provider of wire distribution services to media relations and marketing communications professionals. SeaPRwire's platform allows clients to identify key factors of their press releases and measure meaningful impact. It has a strong media network in Southeast Asia, indexing news from thousands of worldwide sources. SeaPRwire's media network support multi-lingual press release distribution , including English, Chinese, Burmese, Khmer, Laos, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay, Indonesian, Filipino and more. SeaPRwire provides real time press release distribution for companies and organizations to 6,500+ media outlets.

Media Contact

Tina Lee, PR manager

cs@SeaPRwire.com

https://www.seaprwire.com

SOURCE: SeaPRwire

19/12/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 18, 2024) - Woodbridge Ventures II Inc. (TSXV: WOOD.P) ("Woodbridge" or the "Corporation") announces that the annual and special meeting of shareholders of Woodbridge will take place on December 30, 2024 at 10:00a.m. (Toronto time) at the offices of CP LLP, 77 King Street West, TD North Tower Suite, Suite 700, Toronto, ON, M5K 1G8 and by teleconference at Toll Free - North America: (+1) 866-281-9204 (Access Code: 6007158) (the "Meeting").

The Corporation also announces that due to the ongoing Canadian postal strike the Corporation will be relying on CSA Coordinated Blanket Order 51-931 (the "Order") for exemption from the requirements to send proxy-related materials (the "Meeting Materials") in connection with the Meeting.

The matters to be voted on by the shareholders at the meeting, as further described in the meeting materials, are as follows:

To receive the audited financial statements of the Corporation for the financial year ended August 31, 2023, together with a report of the auditors thereon;

To set the number of directors of the Corporation at three and to elect the directors of the Corporation;

To appoint auditors for the Corporation and to authorize the directors to fix the auditor's remuneration; and

To annually approve the Corporation's stock option plan

In accordance with the Order, electronic versions of the Meeting Materials have been filed under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and at the Corporation's website at https://universalbusinessworks.com. Registered holders and non-objecting beneficial owners can request their control number in order to submit their vote from the Corporation's transfer agent, TSX Trust, at tsxtis@tmx.com. Objecting beneficial owners should contact their broker to request their voting instruction forms, voting control numbers and instructions for voting.

The Corporation has satisfied all the conditions to rely on the exemption from the requirement to send proxy-related materials in the Order.

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.

Notice on Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this press release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected" "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts". "estimates", "believes" or intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could, "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this press release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to the timing of the Meeting. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; and the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder, court or regulatory approvals, including approval from the Exchange. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Woodbridge assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234436

SOURCE: Woodbridge Ventures II Inc.
SINGAPORE, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" - SGX: B58), an independent, global hospitality company, reflects on a landmark 30th year of progress and celebrations, alongside announcing an exciting pipeline for 2025. The Group is set to welcome its 100th resort for its homecoming debut in Singapore, and will see openings in new destinations beyond Asia, including Tanzania and the Dominican Republic.

"We are in our next chapter of growth and innovation, building momentum from the last 30 years as we enter this new phase. 2025 will continue to be a meaningful evolution of our dynamic portfolio as we plant flags in new locations in Asia and beyond. With new destinations, products, experiences and partnerships, we also look forward to the deepening of our sustainability promise and commitment to wellbeing." said Eddy See, President and Chief Executive Officer, Banyan Group.

Brand Evolution Continues with New Frontiers in 2025

Growth momentum is poised to continue in the upcoming year, with 15 new hotel and resort openings, and five new branded residence developments set to expand the Group's portfolio. Reflecting a continued brand evolution, key hotel and resort openings in 2025 will offer multi-concept spaces that transform the boundaries of traditional hospitality to offer guests a layered experience-integrating wellbeing, nature, culture, community, retail and more-that evolves throughout their travel. Highlights include:

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree , Banyan Group's inaugural resort in Singapore. The 338-room resort nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve-Singapore's integrated wildlife and nature destination-offers a nature-inspired stay where every element, from the architecture to the interiors, is designed to harmonise with the environment.

, Banyan Group's inaugural resort in Singapore. The 338-room resort nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve-Singapore's integrated wildlife and nature destination-offers a nature-inspired stay where every element, from the architecture to the interiors, is designed to harmonise with the environment. Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape , Banyan Group's first safari resort and opening in Tanzania. Cradled within the largely untouched wilderness of Ruaha National Park and along the banks of the Great Ruaha River, the resort provides a purposeful discovery experience that brings deep connection and immersion into the local community, culture and wild encounters.

, Banyan Group's first safari resort and opening in Tanzania. Cradled within the largely untouched wilderness of Ruaha National Park and along the banks of the Great Ruaha River, the resort provides a purposeful discovery experience that brings deep connection and immersion into the local community, culture and wild encounters. Banyan Group's first standalone integrated development , a boutique urban offering located in the vibrant city of Bangkok. Combining accommodations, spa, dining, a membership club, and a nightclub, the development offers a dynamic space where guests can connect, relax, and work, providing a rich, evolving experience within a single destination. More to be announced in 2025.

, a boutique urban offering located in the vibrant city of Bangkok. Combining accommodations, spa, dining, a membership club, and a nightclub, the development offers a dynamic space where guests can connect, relax, and work, providing a rich, evolving experience within a single destination. More to be announced in 2025. Multi-brand expansion continuing in Asia , with new hotel and resort openings in the region, including Banyan Tree Zhuhai Phoenix Bay in China; Banyan Tree Haeundae Busan and Cassia Saekdal Jeju in South Korea; Cassia Ram-Intra Bangkok, in Thailand; and Homm Mandaue City Cebu in the Philippines, among others.

, with new hotel and resort openings in the region, including Banyan Tree Zhuhai Phoenix Bay in China; Banyan Tree Haeundae Busan and Cassia Saekdal Jeju in South Korea; Cassia Ram-Intra Bangkok, in Thailand; and Homm Mandaue City Cebu in the Philippines, among others. Expanding presence in the Caribbean , with the opening of Cassia Punta Cana, Banyan Group's first resort in the Dominican Republic.

, with the opening of Cassia Punta Cana, Banyan Group's first resort in the Dominican Republic. Increasing retail footprint, with Banyan Tree Gallery products made available to global travellers on board Emirates and EVA Air from 2025.

Banyan Group's founding ethos of 'Embracing the Environment, Empowering People' will also continue to drive developments across the sustainability and wellbeing realms:

Marine conservation efforts will be strengthened with the launch of the Coral Reef Restoration Project on Hainan Island, in partnership with the China Environmental Projection Foundation, as well as with the introduction of a new coral larval restoration method to be adopted in the Maldives.

Supported by the Rewilding Banyan Fund, rewilding efforts aimed at restoring natural habitats will be expanded to include an upcoming bee-friendly forest on Bintan Island in Indonesia.

Banyan Group's proprietary 8 Pillars of Wellbeing will be further integrated across the stay experience through retreats, visiting practitioner programmes, alongside exciting developments to the Group's spa brands in 2025.

Landmark Year in 2024

Reflecting on the year passed, Banyan Group significantly expanded its portfolio and introduced a suite of anniversary events and commemorative initiatives globally. Highlights included:

Record 18 new hotel and resort openings , with six in Japan and South Korea, and eight in China as part of the Group's multi-brand expansion strategy across Asia-among them, Banyan Tree's debut in Japan with Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto.

, with six in Japan and South Korea, and eight in China as part of the Group's multi-brand expansion strategy across Asia-among them, Banyan Tree's debut in Japan with Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto. Six new branded residence developments unveiled , including the first-ever Garrya Residences and projects within the nature-integrated Laguna Lakelands. Agreements were also signed to launch branded residences in Madrid and Dubai, bolstering the Group's upcoming presence Europe and the Middle East.

, including the first-ever Garrya Residences and projects within the nature-integrated Laguna Lakelands. Agreements were also signed to launch branded residences in Madrid and Dubai, bolstering the Group's upcoming presence Europe and the Middle East. 11 new galleries, 12 new spa openings and a steadfast focus on wellbeing , with the launch of seven retreats and experiences of various themes and formats, designed to foster a global community of wellbeing enthusiasts and like-minded individuals who share a commitment to personal growth and fulfilment.

, with the launch of seven retreats and experiences of various themes and formats, designed to foster a global community of wellbeing enthusiasts and like-minded individuals who share a commitment to personal growth and fulfilment. Continued advocacy for sustainable hospitality , with the establishment of the Rewilding Banyan Fund, underscoring the Group's commitment to environmental stewardship; the expansion of Our Marine Lab at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, reinforcing the Group's leadership in marine conservation; and the funding of the Greater Good Grants initiative to benefit the local communities and environments in which the Group operates.

, with the establishment of the Rewilding Banyan Fund, underscoring the Group's commitment to environmental stewardship; the expansion of Our Marine Lab at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, reinforcing the Group's leadership in marine conservation; and the funding of the Greater Good Grants initiative to benefit the local communities and environments in which the Group operates. Commemorative 30th anniversary initiatives, including a brand evolution and name shift to Banyan Group, the launch of an experiential members programme, withBanyan, and publication of a special edition anniversary book to mark the occasion. Key initiatives also centred around celebrating 30 years since the inception of the Group's first and flagship Banyan Tree brand, which saw its hotels and resorts worldwide offering a curated collection of anniversary experiences, alongside the introduction of Banyan Tree Gallery retail exclusives.

Banyan Group's milestones and achievements were globally recognised in 2024 with over a hundred awards and accolades achieved across the business this landmark year.

For high-resolution images, please download here

ABOUT BANYAN GROUP

Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" - SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans 91 hotels and resorts, over 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of "Embracing the Environment, Empowering People" is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2582895/Mandai_Rainforest_Resort_by_Banyan_Tree.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2582894/Banyan_Group_Shorthand_black_Logo.jpg

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U Mobile encourages 5G adoption by providing solutions that leverage AI, automation, and MEC, unlocking enterprise potential and value.

SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently assessed the mobile services industry and, based on its findings, recognizes U Mobile with the 2024 Malaysian Company of the Year Award. The company recognizes the local community's need for fast and reliable connectivity and its role in promoting digitalization for the next generation. As part of its vision to be Malaysia's favorite mobile and digital services provider, U Mobile is committed to bringing the benefits of 5G technology to consumers, enterprises, and the public sector, and enabling the digital infrastructure needed to drive digital adoption. U Mobile innovates so that its products and services offer unbeatable value at accessible price points. It provides seamless, unlimited connectivity to the masses with various options tailored to different needs and budgets. The company has maintained its prepaid stronghold for many years, ranking high with consumers and evidenced by its consecutive awards for its prepaid plans. U Mobile's revised data speeds and Fair Usage Policy for its award-winning prepaid range push boundaries with seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing, raising industry standards in customer experience. In East Malaysia, U Mobile launched U Borneo plans specifically designed to meet the needs of East Malaysian subscribers with up to 2,000 GB 5G data for only RM15 monthly. Across all its product offerings, U Mobile has successfully provided the best value for the price despite market challenges, as seen by its increasing revenue, postpaid subscribers, and broadband subscriber numbers.

For enterprises, U Mobile constructed a product offering portfolio that looks into the needs of big and small businesses. A highlight and critical differentiator is the monthly complimentary global roaming, which is capped only after 15 GB and incoming calls from 63 destinations. This enables its micro-SME customers to stay connected with their partners without incurring bill shock or incurring high travel claims. Other innovative enterprise service offerings include its U Biz Fibre 10Gbps offering, which provides uninterrupted connectivity with complimentary secure DNS. As Malaysia's fastest business fiber plan, U Biz Fibre 10Gbps aligns with U Mobile's ambition to drive digitalization for enterprises by providing a plan designed to handle data-intensive tasks that support technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive high-definition media. Further leveraging its network and emerging technologies, U Mobile also has a portfolio of enterprise solutions aimed at reaping the benefits of digital transformation for businesses, such as U Biz dedication internet access (DIA) service, U Biz P2P (point-to-point), and U Biz Private Network.

Mei Lee Quah, director of ICT research at Frost & Sullivan, observed, "By leveraging 5G technology, U Mobile has shown effort and dedication to shaping a digitally inclusive future with enterprises and supporting Malaysia's ambition to be a digitally enabled and technology-driven nation is starting to bear fruit, with early results showing promising outcomes."

U Mobile's collaboration with global technology players increases its leadership edge in 5G, helping it accelerate 5G adoption within the enterprise segment and elevate the customer experience. It can more effectively and efficiently explore the potential of 5G innovation and how it can digitally transform various industries, particularly with 5G solutions and use cases for the enterprise segment. An equally critical enabler is the opportunity for U Mobile to upgrade its technology to better support enterprises. Its partnerships foster greater efficiency, speed, and agility for both consumer and enterprise segment applications and help improve the intelligence of U Mobile's network with autonomous network development and deployment and with AI/machine learning adoption. This leads to more efficient and reliable mobile network operations and better performance.

"Over the past year, U Mobile rolled out many new plans to address market needs and entered into multiple partnerships to tap into 5G's potential. The company's efforts to innovate will likely receive a boost from technology upgrades; with better technological capabilities and a wider scope, the company can make an even bigger impact on the local community and the country's growth," added Quah. By constantly pushing boundaries and creating competitive differentiators, U Mobile is quickly becoming a formidable participant in the Malaysian mobile services market. With its strong overall performance, U Mobile earns Frost & Sullivan's 2024 Malaysia Company of the Year Award in the Mobile Services industry.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year award to the organization that demonstrates excellence in terms of growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies, and the resulting leadership in terms of customer value and market penetration.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, megatrends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Tarini Singh

E: tarini.singh@frost.com

About U Mobile

U Mobile's vision is to be Malaysia's most favourite digital services partner through innovations that constantly make things possible. To realise this, we are committed to providing unbeatable quality connectivity experiences that are best-in-class and 5G speeds that are ultra-fast at no extra cost. We believe our accessible quality connectivity narrows the digital divide by providing Malaysians access to the right skills and tools to unleash their unbeatable potential. For more information on U Mobile, please visit www.u.com.my.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2584229/U_Mobile_Award.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/u-mobile-is-applauded-by-frost--sullivan-for-its-key-role-in-narrowing-east-malaysias-digital-divide-with-affordable-5g-connectivity-solutions-and-leading-market-innovations-302335253.html
The new fund is expected to be the largest infrastructure fund to hold a final closing worldwide in 2024

Regulatory News:

Antin Infrastructure Partners (Paris:ANTIN), one of the world's leading infrastructure investment firms, announces today that it has successfully closed its fifth flagship fund above target, raising 10.2 billion ($10.7 billion).

The new fund is expected to be the largest infrastructure fund to reach a final closing worldwide in 2024. Its size represents an increase of over 50% from Antin's previous Flagship Fund IV, which closed in 2020 at 6.5 billion. The outcome is a standout achievement in the current fundraising environment.

Flagship Fund V achieved this successful result through the support of both existing investors, as evidenced by the fund's re-up rate of more than 90%, and new relationships. Over 120 new investors joined the fund, further diversifying Antin's growing investor base. Commitments from North America in the new fund were nearly five times larger than in Antin's prior flagship fund. Commitments from Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America also significantly increased.

Alain Rauscher, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, said: "Exceeding our target for Flagship Fund V in today's challenging fundraising environment is a major achievement that underscores the trust our investors place in our investment strategy and expertise. We are extremely grateful for their continued partnership and look forward to investing the new fund in essential businesses that support communities, drive long-term value and foster a more resilient society."

The new fund will continue Antin's 17-year successful history of making value added infrastructure investments across Europe and North America in the energy and environment, digital, transport and social infrastructure sectors. To date, Flagship Fund V has already invested approximately 40% of its capital in five companies, including Blue Elephant Energy, Consilium Safety, Opdenergy, Portakabin and Proxima, with a strong pipeline of future opportunities.

Evercore Private Funds Group acted as global placement agent for the fundraise and Kirkland Ellis acted as Antin's legal advisor.

About Antin Infrastructure Partners

Antin Infrastructure Partners is a leading private equity firm focused on infrastructure. With over 32 billion in assets under management across its Flagship, Mid Cap and NextGen investment strategies, Antin targets investments in the energy and environment, digital, transport and social infrastructure sectors. With offices in Paris, London, New York, Singapore, Seoul and Luxembourg, Antin employs over 240 professionals dedicated to growing, improving and transforming infrastructure businesses while delivering long-term value to portfolio companies and investors. Majority owned by its partners, Antin is listed on Euronext Paris (Ticker: ANTIN ISIN: FR0014005AL0).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218148128/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts

Antin Infrastructure Partners

Nicolle Graugnard, Communication Director

Email: media@antin-ip.com

Ludmilla Binet, Head of Shareholder Relations

Email: shareholders@antin-ip.com

Brunswick

Email: antinip@brunswickgroup.com

Tristan Roquet Montegon +33 (0) 6 37 00 52 57

Gabriel Jabes +33 (0) 6 40 87 08 14
PADOVA study showed numerical delay in motor progression and positive trends on multiple secondary and exploratory endpoints

Prasinezumab continues to be well tolerated and no new safety signals were observed

Roche is further evaluating the data and will work together with health authorities to determine next steps



Basel, 19 December 2024 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today results from the Phase IIb PADOVA study investigating prasinezumab in 586 people with early-stage Parkinson's disease, treated for a minimum of 18 months while on stable symptomatic treatment. Prasinezumab showed potential clinical efficacy in the primary endpoint of time to confirmed motor progression with a HR=0.84 [0.69-1.01] and p=0.0657, missing statistical significance. In a pre-specified analysis, the effect of prasinezumab was more pronounced in the population treated with levodopa (75% of participants), HR=0.79 [0.63-0.99]. Consistent positive trends across multiple secondary and exploratory endpoints were also observed. Prasinezumab continues to be well tolerated and no new safety signals were observed in the study.

"Parkinson's is complex and devastating with no disease modifying treatment options available for the millions of people impacted," said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Roche's Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. "We believe the consistent efficacy trends from the Phase IIb study of prasinezumab merit further exploration. We will continue our close collaboration with the Parkinson's community as we further evaluate the data to determine next steps."

The Phase II PASADENA and Phase IIb PADOVA open-label extension studies will continue in order to explore the observed effects in both studies. Roche will continue to evaluate the data and work together with health authorities to determine next steps.

Full results from the PADOVA study will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.

About prasinezumab

Prasinezumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody designed to selectively bind aggregated a-syn and reduce neuronal toxicity. By targeting the build-up of a-syn protein in the brain, prasinezumab can potentially prevent further accumulation and spreading between cells, thereby slowing down the progression of the disease. The evidence supporting targeting a-syn aggregates as a mechanism of action in Parkinson's disease is based on a wide range of scientific evidence in the field.

Prasinezumab is currently being assessed in ongoing open-label extensions of the Phase II PASADENA and Phase IIb PADOVA studies. Four-year data from the PASADENA study showed potential evidence of sustained slowing of motor progression compared to a matched PPMI natural history study cohort, published in the October 2024 edition of Nature Medicine. The PASADENA delayed-start (n?=?94) and early-start (n?=?177) groups showed a slower decline (a smaller increase in score) in MDS-UPDRS Part?III scores in the OFF state (delayed start, -51%; early start, -65%) than did the PPMI external comparator (n?=?303). The safety database for prasinezumab consists of data from more than 900 Parkinson's disease study participants that have been treated with the investigational medicine, including more than 500 who were treated over 1.5-5 years.

Roche entered into a Licensing, Development, and Commercialisation agreement with Prothena in December 2013 to develop and commercialise monoclonal antibodies targeting a-syn, such as prasinezumab, for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

About the PADOVA study

PADOVA is a Phase IIb multicentre, randomised, double-blind trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of prasinezumab compared with placebo in 586 randomised patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease who were on stable symptomatic treatment (stable doses of levodopa or monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor as monotherapy for more than three months at baseline). Patients receive monthly intravenous doses of prasinezumab 1500 mg or placebo every four weeks for at least 76 weeks. This is followed by a two-year open-label extension phase in which all participants receive active treatment, which is currently ongoing.

The primary endpoint of PADOVA is the time to confirmed motor progression of Parkinson's disease (=5-point increase in Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [MDS-UPDRS] Part III score assessed in OFF medication state). A 5-point increase in MDS-UPDRS Part III represents a clinically meaningful motor progression event (Trundell et al., in press).

About Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative disease characterised by the gradual loss of neurons that make dopamine and other nerve cells, and the development of motor and non-motor symptoms that may appear years before diagnosis. Today, PD affects over 10 million people worldwide. The prevalence of Parkinson's disease is increasing, and it has become one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders. Currently, symptomatic treatments that effectively alleviate motor symptoms are available today, having a significant impact on people's quality of life; however, no available symptomatic therapies slow down or stop the clinical progression of Parkinson's disease and the effects wear off over time as the disease progresses.

Roche is evaluating multiple approaches to slow down disease progression and potentially prevent Parkinson's disease that involve targeting underlying disease processes such as aggregated a-syn production, lysosomal dysfunction and neuroinflammation.

About Roche in Neuroscience

Neuroscience is a major focus of research and development at Roche. Our goal is to pursue groundbreaking science to develop new treatments that help improve the lives of people with chronic and potentially devastating diseases.

Roche is investigating more than a dozen medicines for neurological disorders, including neuromuscular diseases: Duchenne muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy; neuro immune diseases: multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; and neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Together with our partners, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding to solve some of the most difficult challenges in neuroscience today.



About Roche

Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world's largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice.

For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roche's business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045.

Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com .

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.





Roche Global Media Relations

Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com

Hans Trees, PhD

Phone: +41 79 407 72 58 Sileia Urech

Phone: +41 79 935 81 48



Nathalie Altermatt

Phone: +41 79 771 05 25 Lorena Corfas

Phone: +41 79 568 24 95



Simon Goldsborough

Phone: +44 797 32 72 915 Karsten Kleine

Phone: +41 79 461 86 83



Nina Mahlitz

Phone: +41 79 327 54 74 Kirti Pandey

Phone: +49 172 6367262



Yvette Petillon

Phone: +41 79 961 92 50 Dr Rebekka Schnell

Phone: +41 79 205 27 03

Roche Investor Relations

Dr Bruno Eschli

Phone: +41 61 68-75284

e-mail: bruno.eschli@roche.com Dr Sabine Borngraber

Phone: +41 61 68-88027

e-mail: sabine.borngraeber@roche.com (mailto:sabine.borngraeber@roche.com)



Dr Birgit Masjost

Phone: +41 61 68-84814

e-mail: birgit.masjost@roche.com

Investor Relations North America

Loren Kalm

Phone: +1 650 225 3217

e-mail: kalm.loren@gene.com





Attachment
Communique de presse

Convening of the Annual General Meeting to approve the 2023 financial statements to be held on January 31, 2025 and evolution of the Atos Board of Directors

Paris, France, December 19, 2024

Convening of Annual General Meeting

The meeting notice).

Evolution of the composition of Atos Board of Directors

Atos' Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Nominations and Governance Committee, chaired by Elizabeth Tinkham, Lead Independent Director, has approved the following changes to its composition to be proposed at the General Meeting called to approve the 2023 financial statements to be held on January 31, 2025, in line with the needs identified by the Board and in the context of the Group's transformation.

As announced in the Company's press release of October 15, 2024, Jean Pierre Mustier will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and his directorship on January 31, 2025, at the end of the General Meeting, thus ensuring an orderly, constructive, and efficient transition. As of February 1, 2025, Philippe Salle will become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Atos SE.

The Board of Directors has also been informed that Alain Crozier, Monika Maurer, and Astrid Stange have decided not to seek renewal of their terms of office as directors, which will expire at the end of the General Meeting of January 31, 2025.

Ratification of the cooptation of Directors

The ratification of the cooptation of the following Directors will be submitted to the vote of the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of January 31, 2025:

Francoise Mercadal-Delasalles, independent director of Atos since January 2, 2024;

independent director of Atos since January 2, 2024; Jean-Jacques Morin, independent director of Atos since January 2, 2024;

independent director of Atos since January 2, 2024; Sujatha Chandrasekaran, independent director of Atos since January 14, 2024;

independent director of Atos since January 14, 2024; Monika Maurer, independent director of Atos since January 14, 2024;

independent director of Atos since January 14, 2024; Alain Crozier, independent director of Atos since April 2, 2024; and

independent director of Atos since April 2, 2024; and Philippe Salle, non-independent director and Chairman of the Board since October 14, 2024, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with effect from February 1, 2025.

Renewal of the mandate of a director

It will be proposed to the vote of the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on January 31, 2025, to renew the term of office of Sujatha Chandrasekaran as a director, for a duration that will expire at the end of the General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.

Appointment of two new directors

It will be proposed to the vote of the shareholders at the General Meeting on January 31, 2025, to appoint Joanna Dziubak as independent director, and Hildegard Muller as director1, for a duration that will expire at the end of the General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.

Subject to approval of the proposed ratifications, renewal and appointments by the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors will comprise eight members (in addition to the director representing employees), including six independent members, 62.5% women and six nationalities represented on the Board.

Directors representing employees and employees shareholders

The Board of Directors will be reduced to eight members (in addition to the employee representative appointed in accordance with legal provisions). In accordance with article 16.1 of the Company's articles of association, the number of directors representing employees will be reduced to one, and Mandy Metten's term of office will consequently expire at the end of the Board meeting acknowledging that the number of directors has been reduced to eight.

Furthermore, noting that the threshold of 3% of the Company's share capital held by employees of the Company and its affiliates within the meaning of Article L. 225-180 of the French Commercial Code has been crossed downwards, and that Article L. 225-23 of the French Commercial Code, requiring the appointment of a director representing employee shareholders, no longer applies, Kat Hopkins' term of office will expire at the end of the General Meeting of January 31, 2025, subject to the approval by the said Meeting of amendments to the articles of association to this effect. It is planned that the said General Meeting will vote on an amendment to article 16.2 of the Company's articles of association, to include, in a final paragraph, provisions outlining the consequences of a downward crossing of the threshold making the appointment of a director representing employee shareholders mandatory and the effective date of expiry of the said term of office.

Philippe Salle, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Atos SE, declared: "I am delighted with the proposed appointment of new directors and the renewal of a term of office on our Board of Directors. These changes bring a valuable blend of continuity and new perspectives, which will enable the Board to continue its work and further strengthen its skills. First and foremost, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Jean Pierre Mustier for his exceptional contribution during this crucial period of transformation for the Group. I would also like to warmly thank Alain Crozier, Kat Hopkins Monika Maurer, Mandy Metten and Astrid Stange for their commitment to the work of the Board, which has strengthened our mission and our collective vision."

***

About Joanna Dziubak

A former executive at Goldman Sachs and Park Square Capital, and founder of an advisory firm, Joanna Dziubak would bring her experience in strategy, financing and M&A essential to the Group's growth. Her in-depth financial expertise and strategic vision would reinforce the diversity of skills on the Board. In addition, with a wealth of experience as a director in various sectors and as a committee member, her leadership and governance expertise would also contribute effectively to the Board's work.

Biography of Joanna Dziubak

Joanna Dziubak began her professional career in 1995 at Goldman Sachs in the M&A Group in London, and was promoted to Managing Director within the Principal Investment Area, where she managed Goldman Sachs' private equity funds and mezzanine debt funds. In 2009, she joined Park Square Capital in London as Partner and Member of the Investment Committee, where she was responsible for the subordinated debt and special situations strategies. During her tenure as an investment executive, she served on the boards of 17 portfolio companies across a range of industries and European countries.

In 2016, Joanna Dziubak launched her own advisory firm in Paris and served on a number of boards in an independent non-executive capacity, notably as a member of the Supervisory Commission of Groupe Caisse des Depots appointed by the President of the National Assembly.

Joanna Dziubak holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, summa cum laude, from University of Pennsylvania, a Master in Economics and Finance, Laureat avec Felicitations du Jury, from Sciences Po Paris, and a Master in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

About Hildegard Muller

Hildegard Muller is an experienced leader with a career in politics and industrial and banking groups, including roles as Minister of State in the German Federal Chancellery and as a member of supervisory boards such as Siemens Energy AG and Vonovia SE. Being President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) since 2020, she has in-depth international expertise in industrial and economic issuesand challenges as well as extensive transformation processes, especially in the automotive and energy sectors, and would be an undeniable asset to the Board's work.

Biography of Hildegard Muller

Hildegard Muller began her professional career in 1995 at Dresdner Bank. In 2002, she was a Member of Parliament in the Deutscher Bundestag, a position she held until 2008. Concurrently, from 2005 to 2008, she served as State Minister to the Federal Chancellor in the Bundeskanzleramt. In 2008, she became Chair of the Executive Board at the Bundesverband der Energie - und Wasserwirtschaft (BDEW) in Germany, where she led the organization until 2016. From 2016 to 2019, she served as Chief Operating Officer for Grid, Network & Infrastructure at Innogy in Germany.

In addition to her executive roles, Hildegard Muller has held several prominent non-executive positions. Since 2020, she has served as a member of the Supervisory Board and Member of the Audit Committee of Siemens Energy AG in Germany. She has also been a member of the Advisory Board at DUK Versorgungswerk since 2014 and has served as a member of the Supervisory Board of Vonovia since 2013, where she is a member of the Finance, Strategy & Sustainability Committee. Since 2012, she has been a member of the Advisory Board at IKB Deutsche Industriebank.

Hildegard Muller holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Dusseldorf, Germany. In 1989, she completed an apprenticeship as a bank clerk at Dresdner Bank, Germany.

***

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 82,000 employees and annual revenue of c.  10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atosis to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Contacts

Investor relations: David Pierre-Kahn | investors@atos.net| +33 6 28 51 45 96

Individual shareholders: 0805 65 00 75

Press contact : globalprteam@atos.net

1 At its meeting on December 18, 2024, the Board of Directors decided to qualify Hildegard Muller as a non-independent director, given her mandate as a member of the Supervisory Board of Siemens Energy AG and the existing business links between the Atos and Siemens groups.

Attachment
TOKYO, Dec 19, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda will present the world premiere of two prototype models at CES 2025 representing two Honda 0 Series models the company is planning to introduce to the global market starting in 2026. Honda will also introduce its original vehicle operating system (OS) planned to be adopted to the Honda 0 Series models. CES 2025 will be held January 7-10, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.In January of this year, at CES 2024, Honda premiered the Honda 0 Series and its "Thin, Light and Wise" development approach. At CES 2025, Honda will hold a press conference on January 7, 2025 with a focus on the "Wise" value of the Honda 0 Series. Honda will introduce the value to be realized by the original vehicle OS and automated driving technologies to be installed to its Honda 0 Series models, and provide an overview of the System on Chip (SoC) that will support the value Honda 0 Series models will offer as Software Defined Vehicles (SDV).Honda is also planning to introduce a new energy service, scheduled to be launched along with the Honda 0 Series models, as a part of its initiatives toward the realization of carbon neutrality.Source: Honda Motor Co, LtdCopyright 2024 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WARSAW, Poland, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Flipster, one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency trading platforms, is proud to announce its recent achievement of the ISO/IEC 27001 certification, an internationally recognized standard for information security management. This milestone underscores Flipster's dedication to safeguarding user data and ensuring a secure and trustworthy platform for its users.

This certification enables businesses across industries and organizational sizes to effectively address security risks, protect sensitive data, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. By adhering to this standard, organizations demonstrate their commitment to information security and resilience in the face of evolving threats.

Achieving the ISO/IEC 27001 certification represents Flipster's commitment to transparency, reliability, and trust. It reinforces the platform's ability to manage user information securely and aligns with its mission to provide a safe and seamless environment for trading and asset management. The certification not only reflects Flipster's dedication to excellence but also assures customers that their data is handled with the utmost care and security.

With the ISO/IEC 27001 certification, Flipster users can trade and invest with confidence, knowing that the platform is equipped with industry-leading security measures to protect their data and assets.

About Flipster

Flipster is one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency exchanges, offering both futures and spot trading to traders globally. It supports users in capitalizing on market opportunities with ease. Especially known for its lightning-fast perpetual futures listings, Flipster offers 250+ crypto futures pairs tradable with up to 100x leverage with zero trading fees, deep liquidity, and narrow spreads. Core products include:

Earn Campaign: High APR rewards of up to 22% by depositing USDT, BTC, or ETH.

Launchpool: Daily USDT rewards through staking, with additional rewards through task-based multipliers.

Airdrops: Crypto rewards from new and popular crypto projects by completing missions.

Flipster also offers a range of programs for VIPs, Referrals, and Affiliates. For the latest updates, follow Flipster on X.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2585005/Flipster_Achieves_ISO_IEC_Certification.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/flipster-achieves-isoiec-certification-302335888.html
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen weakened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday.The yen fell to nearly a 1-month low of 155.49 against the U.S. dollar and a 3-day low of 172.83 against the Swiss franc, from yesterday's closing quotes of 154.80 and 171.73, respectively.Against the euro and the pound, the yen edged down to 161.48 and 195.74 from Wednesday's closing quotes of 160.25 and 194.63, respectively.Against the Australia and the New Zealand dollars, the yen slipped to 96.90 and 87.49 from an early 10-day high of 95.90 and more than a 3-month high of 86.75, respectively.The yen slid to a 2-day low of 107.73 against the Canadian dollar, from an early 8-day high of 106.92.If the yen extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 157.00 against the greenback, 175.00 against the franc, 164.00 against the euro, 196.00 against the pound, 100.00 against the aussie, 92.00 against the kiwi and 112.00 against the loonie.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Invesco Perpetual UK Smaller Co's Investment Trust Plc - Change of Investment Management Arrangements

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 19

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CONSTITUTE INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE UK'S MARKET ABUSE REGULATION. UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, SUCH INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

Invesco Perpetual UK Smaller Companies Trust plc

Change of Investment Management Arrangements

Invesco Perpetual UK Smaller Companies Trust plc to appoint Artemis Fund Managers Limited as investment manager

No change to investment objective, investment policy or dividend policy

Shareholders to benefit from a reduction in management fees as well as an initial nine month fee waiver

Company to be renamed in due course to reflect the change in management and to leverage Artemis' strong brand in UK equities

Introduction

The Board of Invesco Perpetual UK Smaller Companies Trust plc (the "Company") is pleased to announce that, following a review of the Company's investment management arrangements, it has entered into a conditional agreement to appoint Artemis Fund Managers Limited ("Artemis") as the Company's investment manager.

The Company's core investment objective and policy, being to achieve long-term total return for shareholders primarily by investment in a broad cross-section of small to medium sized UK quoted companies, will not change.

The Company's portfolio will be managed by Mark Niznik and Will Tamworth. They have worked as co-managers at Artemis since 2015 and each brings considerable prior expertise in the UK small-cap equity space.

The fund managers will seek to capture the small cap performance premium (3% annualised since 1955), by employing a research-driven, stock picking process to select portfolio companies from the ~1,000 companies that make up the smallest 10% of the UK market by market capitalisation. The fund managers look for good businesses, with attractive financials and seek to acquire them at reasonable valuations. The portfolio will typically contain between 50 and 70 stocks, constructed without reference to the benchmark, though remaining economically diversified.

The Board believes that the change in investment manager will provide the following benefits to shareholders

Top quartile track record : The Artemis team have a strong investment track record. The open-ended Artemis UK Smaller Companies Fund is ranked top quartile over 3, 5 and 10 years relative to the IA UK Smaller Companies peer group (to 29 November 2024). Since taking over management of the Artemis UK Smaller Companies Fund in 2011 the team has returned 259% compared to 185%% for the Deutsche Numis Smaller Companies (ex IT) Index and 181% for the IA UK Smaller Companies sector

: The Artemis team have a strong investment track record. The open-ended Artemis UK Smaller Companies Fund is ranked top quartile over 3, 5 and 10 years relative to the IA UK Smaller Companies peer group (to 29 November 2024). Since taking over management of the Artemis UK Smaller Companies Fund in 2011 the team has returned 259% compared to 185%% for the Deutsche Numis Smaller Companies (ex IT) Index and 181% for the IA UK Smaller Companies sector Reduction in fees : Artemis will charge a management fee of 0.65% of net assets up to 50 million and 0.55% thereafter (compared to the fee of 0.75% of gross assets currently paid by the Company)

: Artemis will charge a management fee of 0.65% of net assets up to 50 million and 0.55% thereafter (compared to the fee of 0.75% of gross assets currently paid by the Company) Waiver of management fees : Artemis will waive the first nine months of management fees post appointment

: Artemis will waive the first nine months of management fees post appointment Alignment : The fund managers, alongside other individuals at Artemis, have committed to invest a significant amount into the Company

: The fund managers, alongside other individuals at Artemis, have committed to invest a significant amount into the Company Marketing: Artemis's distribution capability will assist in finding new demand for the Company's shares

Information on the Artemis group

Artemis is an independent and owner-managed fund manager, offering a range of funds which invest in the UK, Europe, the US and around the world. As a dedicated, active investment house, it specialises in investment management for both retail and institutional investors. The firm was launched in 1997. The main operating entity, Artemis Investment Management LLP, is a Limited Liability Partnership and currently has 25 partners, who are fund managers and other key individuals at the firm. www.artemisfunds.com

Details on the appointment of Artemis

Artemis will receive an annual management fee of 0.65% of the net assets of the Company up to 50 million and 0.55% thereafter.

As a contribution to the costs of the change of investment manager, Artemis will waive the management fee payable to it for a period of nine months from its appointment as investment manager, as well as making a significant contribution to the Company's marketing budget.

The investment management agreement shall be terminable by either party serving six months' notice.

Expected timing

The Company has provided notice to terminate the appointment of Invesco Fund Managers Limited as the Company's AIFM, company secretary and administrator.Subject to regulatory approval and finalising transitional arrangements, Artemis's appointment as investment manager and AIFM is expected to become effective in Q1 2025. A further announcement will be made in due course.

Bridget Guerin, Chairman, commented:

""Having reviewed a variety of options, Artemis stood out as not only top performers but also very enthusiastic about taking over the management of IPU. To reinforce their commitment to managing the Company, both fund managers and other staff members within Artemis have agreed to invest meaningful amounts of money into the fund. The Board and Managers are excited about the prospects for UK small companies which are now trading at historically cheap levels.""

Mark Murray, Senior Partner, Artemis, commented:

"We are delighted that the Board has appointed Artemis to manage the Company. Mark and Will have an outstanding investment proposition. Combined with Artemis' strong brand and marketing expertise, we believe we have a compelling proposition to deliver success for the Company and its shareholders."

For further information please contact

Invesco Perpetual UK Smaller Companies plc via J.P. Morgan Cazenove Bridget Guerin J.P. Morgan Cazenove +44 (0)20 3493 8000 William Simmonds, Rupert Budge Artemis +44 (0)20 7399 6039 Lawrence Gosling

LEI: 549300K1D1P23R8U4U50

Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance. Performance data is sourced from Deutsche Numis, Artemis, Lipper Limited, class I accumulation units in GBP. Data is total returns with dividends and/or income reinvested, net of all charges. Performance does not take account of any costs incurred when investors buy or sell the fund.
Press release

19 December 2024 - N 24

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Success of the tender offer on existing RT1 Notes for an amount of EUR 186.4 million

SCOR SE (the "Company") announces the success of the tender offer in cash (the "Tender Offer") for any and all of its EUR 250,000,000 Fixed to Reset Rate Undated Subordinated Notes (ISIN: FR0012199123) (being eligible as Tier 1 Own Funds regulatory capital and benefitting from transitional measures for tiering of subordinated liabilities until the end of December 2025) issued on 1st October 2014, with a First Call Date on 1st October 2025 (the "Notes").

The Tender Offer expired at 5:00 p.m. (CET) on 18 December 2024 and the settlement date of the Tender Offer is expected to be on 23 December 2024.

The aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered and accepted by the Company in the context of the Tender Offer is EUR 186.4 million. The Notes repurchased pursuant to the Tender Offer will be cancelled by the Company.

Following the settlement of the Tender Offer, the remaining outstanding amount of the Notes will thus amount to EUR 63.6 million in principal amount of the Notes and will remain admitted to trading on the regulated market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

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SCOR, a leading global reinsurer









As a leading global reinsurer, SCOR offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. Applying "The Art & Science of Risk", SCOR uses its industry-recognized expertise and cutting-edge financial solutions to serve its clients and contribute to the welfare and resilience of society.









The Group generated premiums of EUR 19.4 billion in 2023 and serves clients in around 160 countries from its 35 offices worldwide.









For more information, visit: www.scor.com (http://www.scor.com/en/)





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Attachment
Resolution will provide shareholders full visibility into independent, comprehensive, and transparent analysis on merits of unification

Open letter to the Board highlights c.$50 billion in shareholder value destruction

Letter and all materials outlining Palliser's thesis on Rio Tinto available at UnifyRio.com

Palliser Capital ("Palliser"), an investor with a significant interest in Rio Tinto (being Rio Tinto Plc (LSE: RIO) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and collectively referred to as "the Company") and over 100 other shareholders today requisitioned a resolution for the Company's next annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders calling for an independent, comprehensive, and transparent review on the merits of unifying Rio Tinto's current dual listed company ("DLC") structure into a single Australian-domiciled holding company with a primary listing on the ASX and ongoing LSE and NYSE (ADR) listings.

Palliser explained in a letter to the Rio Tinto Board of Directors ("the Board") that the resolution has been put forward to provide all shareholders with access to independently sourced information and ensure a robust review on whether Rio Tinto should keep its current ownership structure, which has already contributed to an estimated c.$50 billion in value destruction since 1995, or embrace unification, thus unlocking a path to $28 billion in near-term upside for PLC shareholders and setting the Company on a trajectory for sustainable growth.

Full details are available on Palliser's website dedicated to its ongoing engagement with Rio Tinto: UnifyRio.com

The full text of Palliser's letter to the Board follows:

19 December 2024

The Board of Directors

Rio Tinto plc ("PLC")

6 St James's Square

London SW1Y 4AD

United Kingdom

Rio Tinto Limited ("LTD") (together with PLC, "Rio Tinto")

Level 43

120 Collins Street

Melbourne VIC 3000

Australia

Dear Members of the Board (the "Board

We write to you on behalf of Palliser Capital (UK) Limited and its affiliates (together, "Palliser" or "we"), following our letter to the Board and accompanying presentation dated 4 December 2024 (https://unifyrio.com).

In those materials, we set out the irrefutable case for unifying Rio Tinto's dual-listed companies ("DLC") structure into a single Australian-domiciled holding company. We highlighted management's flawed and unconvincing commentary in defence of the status quo. We called upon the Board to instigate a robust and vigorous review that would test the anomalous conclusions of management's cursory internal assessment which conflict so starkly with the global opinion on the durability of the archaic structure.

We sent our letter to the Board after over 6 months of good faith effort on our part to engage with management on the multiple significant benefits of unification. That included numerous requests to meet with Mr. Stausholm, which finally happened on 4 December 2024. Despite us demonstrating the overwhelming empirical evidence in favour of unification, management has remained adamant that there is no value case for this step whatsoever.

When the directors (a cumulative >136 of them) of almost every other DLC, together with independent experts, have consistently set out the clear and compelling reasons for an unwind as the plethora of statements from them at Appendix 1 demonstrate we believe that the global "value-case" for unification is conclusive. In our view, it is, in fact, incumbent on management to now fully and transparently justify to the investor community exactly why Rio Tinto is immune from all of the globally-accepted inefficiencies of a DLC structure. In short, so persuasive is the evidence in favour of unification that it is incumbent on management to explain why unifying Rio Tinto's DLC would fail to unlock the universally agreed-upon significant advantages of a simplified structure that so many have cited and benefited from.

In our 4 December letter, we asked the Board to commission a comprehensive review which would look into these exact issues. However, despite our request for a reply by 18 December 2024, we are yet to receive any substantive feedback in this regard.

Members' Resolution

At this juncture, we have every reason to doubt Rio Tinto's commitment to treating the topic of unification with the importance it deserves. Management's superficial review is simply not good enough and we are worried that the Board will not take appropriate steps to rectify its shortcomings.

Management have told us that investors are not concerned about whether to unwind Rio Tinto's structure and that it is mainly Palliser raising the question. However, since our letter and presentation of 4 December, we have received an outpour of support from a diverse range of stakeholders and buy-side and sell-side analysts across Australia and the United Kingdom all of whom have expressed overwhelming support for the rationale to unify that we put forward.

For these reasons, we are now compelled to take action to exercise our rights as shareholders to ensure that the Board steps up for all those investors who agree with our perspectives. Accordingly, Palliser and >100 other shareholders have today requisitioned a resolution be moved at the next AGM pursuant to s.338 of the Companies Act 2006. The resolution is simple it directs the Board to conduct an independent, comprehensive and transparent review on whether unification of Rio Tinto's DLC structure is in the best interests of Rio Tinto's shareholders and to share the detailed findings of that review with the market.

Palliser did not take this step lightly or without a great deal of deliberation. We took this step because we believe that the market is long-overdue the review we are requesting and, if the Board is not willing to procure it of its own accord, then we must ensure that shareholders have the ability to require them to do so.

The resolution we have co-filed provides an opportunity for shareholders of Rio Tinto to be heard. It enables management to genuinely test whether shareholder support for unification is "impossible", as they have asserted. It allows the pressing questions around the unwind of the current ownership structure to take its place on the AGM agenda, alongside all of the other matters of critical importance to shareholders.

Time is of the essence: Future-proofing Rio Tinto

It should not take investor pressure for management to do the right thing to resolve the value destructive inefficiencies of their outdated structure and set Rio Tinto on the trajectory of long-term value enhancement. In the words of your chairman, Mr. Dominic Barton, "It should not take an activist hedge fund attack to prompt executives to lay out their strategy for long-term value creation."1

The directors of former DLCs have been perfectly clear that unification is an essential and critical step to future-proof their businesses to accelerate shareholder returns, enable meaningful portfolio evolution and catalyze their ability to compete effectively with their DLC-free peers.

The members of the Board must also look to the future of Rio Tinto. At a time when there is fierce competition in the mining industry to diversify and secure future facing commodities critical to the energy transition, Rio Tinto cannot afford to be hampered by a clunky and inefficient structure that removes all important equity currency from the negotiation table in M&A transactions.

It is simply unsustainable for the Board of the second largest mining company in the world to keep working around the value-destructive constraints of its archaic structure, while its DLC-free peers optimize value through their unrestricted access to the full suite of capital allocation tools.

Accordingly, the resolution we and our co-filers have put forward today ensures the topic will finally be given the focus and attention it requires, without further delay. As BHP's chairman put it, "Unifying BHP's corporate structure today is about setting BHP and its Shareholders up for tomorrow" It is about time Rio Tinto and its shareholders are set up for tomorrow too.

We greatly appreciate the Board's consideration of our views.

Yours faithfully

For and on behalf of

Palliser Capital (UK) Limited

____________________________

By: James Smith, Chief Investment Officer

Appendix 1

The Irrefutable Strategic Benefits and Value Case for Unification2

Whilst Mr. Stausholm holds onto the notion that the DLC structure somehow offers "the best of two worlds",3 every other large cap DLC has long concluded that the perceived benefits of their structure are not real. The capital flexibility it was supposed to provide "has proved illusory", to quote BHP's independent expert, Grant Samuel. The former chairman of BHP, Don Argus who oversaw the formation of BHP's DLC structure confirmed its temporary, "stop-gap" nature ("The DLC was always a short-term thing"4

BHP's CEO, Mike Henry, succinctly summarised the value case for an unwind: "A unified corporate structure will make BHP simpler and more agile, with the strategic flexibility required to shape our portfolio to deliver value through producing the commodities needed for continued economic growth, improved living standards, electrification and decarbonisation

"We will retain listings in the UK, US..and Australia, providing BHP with continued access to global markets and giving shareholders the opportunity to benefit from our portfolio, management and operating performance for long-term value." 5

Grant Samuel concluded, off the back of a detailed 45-page independent expert report (https://www.bhp.com/-/media/documents/investors/shareholder-information/2021/unification/3_circular.pdf), that "The advantages [of unification] clearly outweigh any disadvantages. Shareholders in both Limited and Plc are likely to be better off if Unification proceeds. Accordingly, in Grant Samuel's opinion Unification is in the best interests of BHP shareholders

Glass Lewis recommended in favour of that unification on the basis that it would "improve BHP's flexibility and focus on maximizing long-term value for shareholders."6 ISS did the same, noting "Overall, compelling rationale has been provided to justify the unification."7

Large cap companies such as Unilever confirm the universal rationale for moving away from a DLC structure: "simpler legal structure would give...greater strategic flexibility to grow shareholder value, providing a catalyst for accelerated portfolio evolution and greater organisational autonomy.

Shell reached similar conclusions: "[unification] will simplify the company's share structure and bring it in line with other companies so as to increase its capital and portfolio flexibility. The simplification will make Shell more competitive, it will allow for an acceleration in shareholder distributions and speed up Shell's transition to a net-zero emissions energy business

In the same vein, Thomson Reuters noted "Unification would benefit our shareholders by creating a single, global and deep pool of liquidityand a simpler, more transparent capital structure

(1) Efficient capital structure, (2) strategic flexibility, (3) tax optimisation (especially the efficient utilisation of franking credits for UK/Australian DLCs), (4) a simplified corporate governance regime, and (5) streamlined costs and focus are repeated, time and time again, as the key reasons to unify:

1) Efficient capital structure

"The transaction aims at giving the group a single listed holding company structure to provide the basis for easy access to capital markets." (Dexia)

"The merger of the Bank's two owner companies has eliminated the share quotation difference caused by the previous structure."8 (Nordea)

"Unification under the Proposals will eliminate the difference between the trading prices of Allied Zurich Shares and Zurich Allied Shares relative to the value implied by the Equalisation Ratio

"The boards of Zurich Allied and Allied Zurich believe that unification of the share structure will enhance long term value for shareholders by: Increasing the liquidity of new Zurich Financial Services Shares by comparison with Allied Zurich Shares and Zurich Allied Shares

" The unified Fortis share will benefit shareholders in the following aspects: Increased stock market visibility of the Fortis share, i.e. the combined market capitalization of Fortis and a single trading line on stock exchanges. Enhance liquidity of the Fortis shares and the weighting of Fortis in the principal share indices."



"Your Directors are recommending the Unification because they believe it willeliminate the differential between the price at which BIL Shares have historically traded on the ASX and BIP Shares have historically traded on the LSE." (Brambles)

"However, on announcement of the proposed unification, the share price differential was largely eliminated on the expectation that the proposed unification would be implementedThe removal of the share price differential is a benefit of the proposed unification. It is a direct benefit for BIP shareholders but should also have broader capital markets benefits (for both BIL and BIP shareholders)."9 (Brambles)

"Your Directors are recommending the Unification because they believe it willlead to Brambles Limited having an increased index-weighting in major Australian indices due to the issued capital being consolidated under a single holding company, which is likely to result in enhanced demand from institutions that track Australian indices

"Unification will consolidate our liquidity, reduce trading volatility in our shares and make it easier for our investors to acquire and build meaningful ownership positions, which should increase demand for our shares. Our shares are currently split between two public companies and are listed on four different stock exchanges, which has fragmented our overall trading liquidity." (Thomson Reuters)

"Since Thomson Reuters was formed, the trading price of our ordinary shares on the LSE has varied from the trading price of our common shares on the TSX and NYSE, even though the shares represent the same economic interest in Thomson Reuters. Unification will eliminate confusion regarding the valuation of our shares. Following Unification, we will have a traditional single parent company structure with one class of publicly traded common shares

"The Merger should eliminate the differential in share prices between RELX PLC and RELX NV, and the trading anomalies resulting therefrom

"Over time, it is expected that the combined market capitalisation will lead to improved visibility, enhanced liquidity and increased demand for RELX PLC Shares

"Dividends to RELX PLC Shareholders and RELX NV Shareholders are, other than in special circumstances, currently equalised at the gross level. The exchange rate used for each dividend calculation as defined in the Governing Agreement is the average of the closing mid-point spot euro:sterling exchange rate. This potentially results in diverging dividend growth rates that are also different to adjusted earnings per share growth. Following the proposed Simplification, this divergence will be eliminated

"Upon completion, there would be one market capitalisation, one class of shares and one global pool of liquidity, whilst maintaining the Unilever Group's listings on the Amsterdam, London and New York stock exchanges

"Plc Shares have generally traded at a lower price than Limited Shares. Following Unification, Limited Shares traded on the ASX, LSE and JSE will be interchangeable and there are not expected to be any material differences in the respective share prices on each exchange (when adjusted for currency differences), including for the Limited Shares represented by ADSs traded on the NYSE." (BHP)

2) Strategic flexibility

"The share capital simplification will enhance the liquidity of the ABB shares.This will allow us to handle acquisitions and strategic alliances by using shares in addition to debt financing."10

"With ownership concentrated in a single owner company, the potential to develop a strong Nordic financial group has been improved. Single ownership will also strengthen the Group's position for additional structural changes."11 (Nordea)

"Acquisition of new share capital and structural transactions have also been facilitated."12 (Nordea)

" The boards of Zurich Allied and Allied Zurich believe that unification of the share structure will enhance long term value for shareholders by: Enhancing strategic flexibility within a rapidly consolidating financial services industry; Simplifying capital raising for the Group and reducing capital raising for investors;"



"The current corporate structure has restricted the flexibility of the Group with regard to both debt and equity issuance. One of the benefits of the proposed structural changes is that these impediments are removed." (Shell)

"The existence of a single parent company that is an SEC registrant will facilitate the issuance of registered debt securities by avoiding any need for multiple obligors or guarantors." (Shell)

"[Malcolm Brinded, executive director, Shell:] Having a single stock to make acquisitions is "a tool we didn't have before.""13

"The proposed unification will reduce complexity and costs, provide greater strategic flexibility"14 (Brambles)

"The Boards believe the Simplification will simplify cash and dividend flows, increase transparency, remove the complexity associated with the current DLC structure and enhance strategic flexibility." (Mondi)

"The complexity of the dual structure was cited by Graeme Pitkethly, Unilever finance director, as a reason making it harder to spin off businesses, such as the group's margarines unit, which is being sold in an auction. It also makes it harder to undertake large deals involving shares..."15

"Unilever said the board had determined that unification with a single share class would be in the best interests of Unilever and its shareholders, providing greater ongoing strategic flexibility for value creating portfolio change."16

"Having considered all of these factors, the Boards consider unification under PLC as the best practical option to achieve Unilever's objectives of creating a simpler company, with greater strategic flexibility, that is better positioned for future success in light of a business environment in which having as much flexibility and responsiveness as possible will be critically important

[Mike Henry, CEO, BHP:] "Having a more complex structure in place puts one at a disadvantage relative to others who don't have that complex structure. And so by simplifying the structure things can be approved at least as quickly, for the right opportunities at the right time."17

[Don Argus, former chairman, BHP:] "But there comes a time when you want to get your balance sheet working for you, and when you've got a dual-listed company structure you can't use your paper as effectively as a company that's got its balance sheet in good shape and can use that paper as currency to do things."18

"The apparent capital flexibility provided by the DLC structure has proved illusory. To the contrary, it appears likely that in some circumstances the DLC structure may represent a significant impediment to new equity issues or a major equity funded acquisition."19 (BHP)

"The DLC Structure complicates the execution of rights issues, in particular their pricing, given the differential between the Limited and Plc share prices. Following Unification, any rights issue will involve an issue of one class of share (with a broadly equivalent trading price across stock exchanges) to one set of shareholders." (BHP)

"...the benefits of unification have become progressively more apparent. Unification will reduce BHP's operating costs (although the savings are not material) and remove the distractions for the Board and management posed by the DLC structure's complexity. More importantly, Unification is likely to facilitate the ongoing strategic re-shaping of BHP's asset portfolio. Major demergers (such as the proposed demerger of BHP Petroleum) will be more easily achieved in a unified structure. Unification has the potential to facilitate major acquisitions, whether through simplifying a major equity issue required to fund an acquisition or through increasing the attractiveness of BHP shares offered as acquisition consideration."20

"Unification has the potential to facilitate major acquisitions, whether through simplifying a major equity issue required to fund an acquisition or through increasing the attractiveness of BHP shares offered as acquisition consideration."21

"And we unified our dual listed company structure. In doing so we removed a 10 to 20 per cent discount on the 40 per cent of the company that was primary listed in London, and it's made us simpler and leaner. Now, as flagged at the time, it's also made it more practical for BHP to pursue scrip-based acquisitions, as we're now doing with our proposal for Anglo American."22

3) Tax Optimization

"In addition, unlike dividends currently paid on Plc Shares, dividends paid on the Limited Shares issued to the Plc Shareholders on Unification will be able to be franked. Australian tax resident holders who hold or acquire Limited Shares issued to Plc Shareholders are expected to be able to use those franking credits." (BHP)

"BHP chairman Ken MacKenzie says wastage of close to $6 billion worth of franking credits on the divestment of the company's petroleum division will be avoided after investors voted to unify BHP's corporate structure first."23

4) Simplified Corporate Governance Regime

"A unified share simplifies the voting structure for shareholders, as well as corporate governance." 24(ABB)

"The merger of Dexia Belgium and Dexia France in a single holding company, Dexia, has allowed the group to simplify its organization by ensuring greater coherence and transparency

"the expectation that the Transaction will lead to increased accountability and clarify lines of authority." (Shell)

"the Transaction will increase the efficiency of decision-making and management processes generally, including throughthe elimination of duplication and the centralisation of functions." (Shell)

"The simplified corporate structure will be easier for shareholders and the financial community to understand. In particular, the shareholder voting process will be more straightforward. It will also provide the opportunity for cost savings."25 (Brambles)

"Unifying our capital structure will reduce complexity and make it easier for investors to follow Thomson Reuters. The DLC structure is complex and has additional burdens associated with maintaining two publicly listed parent companies

"This simplificationis a natural next step for RELX Group, removing complexity and increasing transparency

"Furthermore, it is expected that having a single company with one market capitalisation, one class of shares and a single tax residence will be more easily understood by investors and stock market analysts." (RELX)

"The removal of the two parent holding company structure is expected to result in a simpler governance structure as there will only be one board" (RELX)

"As the Group has evolved, its Non-South African Operations have grown faster than its South African Operations, reflecting the relative scale of opportunities in each respective market. For the year ended 31 December 2018, over 90% of the Group's underlying earnings were generated outside South Africa. This results in an imbalance between the share of the Group dividend which Mondi Limited is required to support, being approximately 24%, and the contribution of Mondi Limited to the Group's profits available for distribution. The Simplification will simplify cash and dividend flows

"Removing complexity and further strengthening Unilever's corporate governance, creating for the first time an equal voting basis per share for all shareholders

"Unification will also result in BHP having a corporate structure that is easier for investors and other stakeholders to understand

"It appears clear that investors have a preference for simplicity and clarity, and that the disadvantages inherent in the artificial nature of DLC structures have generally outweighed whatever benefits were previously perceived in those structures."26 (BHP)

5) Streamlined costs and focus

"The proposed unification will replace a complex corporate structure with a simpler corporate structure and provide some associated cost savings."27 (Brambles)

"Unification would also reduce costs and complexity across our company." (Thomson Reuters)

"Unification will eliminate complexities of the DLC Structure (such as the requirement to hold two separate shareholder meetings). It will free up resources and management time, allowing for greater focus on BHP's strategic objectives

"The complexity of BHP's current structure derives from the ongoing requirement to engage with, and have regard to, the interests of two sets of shareholders, the ongoing management of Plc's distributable reserves to support its dividend payments and potentially other corporate transactions as well as the administrative burden imposed by the operation of two separate companies, duplicated share registries, dual annual general meetings and other related duplication. BHP post-Unification will be a simple and conventional corporate entity."28

Disclaimer

This letter has been issued by Palliser Capital (UK) Ltd ("Palliser UK") which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). Nothing within this letter promotes, or is intended to promote, and may not be construed as promoting, any funds advised directly or indirectly by Palliser UK (the "Palliser Funds").

The views expressed herein represent the opinions of Palliser UK and its affiliates (collectively, "Palliser") as of the date hereof. Palliser reserves the right to change or modify any of its opinions expressed herein at any time and for any reason and expressly disclaims any obligation to correct, update or revise the information contained herein or to otherwise provide any additional materials.

This letter is for discussion and informational purposes only, and does not purport to be complete and its contents are not intended to be and do not constitute or contain (a) an offer, inducement, recommendation or invitation to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or to otherwise engage in any investment business, or provide or receive any investment services in respect of, any security or other financial instrument and no legal relations shall be created by its issue, (b) a "financial promotion" for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the U.K. (as amended), (c) "investment advice" as defined by the U.K. FCA's Handbook of Rules and Guidance ("FCA Handbook"), (d) "investment research" as defined by the FCA Handbook, (e) an "investment recommendation" as defined by Regulation (EU) 596/2014 and by Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it forms part of U.K. domestic law by virtue of Section 3 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA 2018") including as amended by regulations issued under Section 8 of EUWA 2018 or (f) "financial product advice" as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). No information contained herein should be construed as a recommendation by Palliser. This letter is not a prospectus, disclosure document or other offering document under Australian law or under the laws of any other jurisdiction and no part of this letter will be lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission or any other regulator. The letter is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or suggest an investment strategy. The letter is not (and may not be construed to be) legal tax investment financial or other advice.

No investment decision should be made on the basis of this letter and no reliance placed on the information set out on this letter. This letter has been prepared without taking into account the investment objectives, taxation situation, financial situation or needs of individuals. Each person reviewing this letter should review all documents and materials relevant to any investment decision regarding matters described herein and seek appropriate independent advice from their own legal counsel and tax and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. This letter is not intended for review by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such review would be contrary to local law or regulation, and it is the responsibility of any person reviewing this letter to inform themselves of and to observe all applicable laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction. In particular, this letter is not intended as marketing of a fund in any member state of the European Economic Area for the purposes of the Directive 2011/61/EU on Alternative Investment Fund Managers.

All of the information contained herein is based on publicly available information with respect to Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited (each a "Company" and together, the "Companies") and any other company mentioned herein, including public filings and disclosures made by the Companies and other sources, as well as Palliser's analysis of such publicly available information. Any and all market data contained or referred to herein is as of close of trading on the London Stock Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange on 29 November, 2024 unless otherwise stated. Palliser has relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of all data and information available from public sources, and no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to its accuracy, correctness, completeness or adequacy. Each person reviewing this letter should make its own enquiries and investigations regarding all information in this letter. You are solely responsible for forming your own opinions and conclusions on such matters and the market and for making your own independent assessment of the information in this letter. Palliser recognises that the Companies may possess confidential or otherwise non-public information that could lead them to disagree with Palliser's views and/or conclusions and that could alter the opinions of Palliser were such information known.

No representation, warranty or undertaking, express or implied, is given and no responsibility or liability or duty of care is or will be accepted by Palliser, the Palliser Funds or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or advisors (each a "Palliser Person") concerning: (i) the letter and its contents, including whether the information and opinions contained herein are accurate fair complete or current; (ii) the provision of any further information, whether by way of correction, update or revision to the information and opinions contained in the letter or otherwise to the recipient after the date of the letter; or (iii) that Palliser's or the Palliser Funds' investment processes or investment objectives will or are likely to be achieved or successful or that Palliser's or the Palliser Funds' investments will make any profit or will not sustain losses. Past performance is not indicative of future results. To the fullest extent permitted by law, none of the Palliser Persons will be responsible for any losses, whether direct, indirect or consequential, including loss of profits, damages, costs, claims or expenses relating to or arising from the recipient's or any person's reliance on the letter.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the information and opinions included in the letter constitute forward-looking statements, including estimates and projections prepared with respect to, among other things, each of the Companies' anticipated operating performance, the value of each Companies' securities, debt or any related financial instruments that are based upon or relate to the value of securities of each Company (collectively for each Company, "Company Securities") general economic and market conditions and other future events. You should be aware that all forward-looking statements, estimates and projections are inherently uncertain and subject to significant economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies and have been included solely for illustrative purposes. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates, projections or assumptions contained herein due to reasons that may or may not be foreseeable. There can be no assurance that the Company Securities will trade at the prices that may be implied in this letter, and there can be no assurance that any estimate, projection or assumption in this letter is, or will be proven, correct. Nothing in this letter or any related materials is a statement of or indicates or implies any specific or probable value outcome for holders of the Company Securities in any particular circumstance.

No agreement, commitment, understanding or other legal relationship exists or may be deemed to exist between or among Palliser and any company referred to in this letter, any person reviewing this letter or any other person by virtue of Palliser furnishing this letter. Palliser is not acting for or on behalf of, and is not providing any advice or service to, any person reviewing this letter. Palliser is not responsible to any person for providing advice in relation to the subject matter of this letter. Before determining on any course of action, any person reviewing this letter should consider any associated risks and consequences and consult with its own independent advisors as it deems necessary.

The Palliser Funds may have a direct or indirect investment in one or both of the Companies. Palliser's interests may consist of various interests in the Companies or their equity or debt securities, and such interests may include derivative instruments or short positions which may comprise all or some of Palliser's interests in the Companies. Palliser therefore has a financial interest in the profitability of the Palliser Funds' positions in one or both of the Companies. Accordingly, Palliser may have conflicts of interest and this letter should not be regarded as impartial. Nothing in this letter should be taken as any indication of Palliser's or the Palliser Funds' current or future trading or voting intentions which may change at any time without notice to any person (other than as required under, or in compliance with, applicable laws and regulations).

Palliser intends to review its investments in each of the Companies on a continuing basis and depending upon various factors, including, without limitation, each of the Companies' financial position and strategic direction, the outcome of any discussions with one or both of the Companies, overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to Palliser, and the availability of Company Securities at prices that would make the purchase or sale of Company Securities desirable. Palliser is in the business of investing and trading in securities.

Palliser may from time to time (in the open market or in private transactions including since the inception of the Palliser Funds' position) buy, sell, cover, hedge or otherwise change the form or substance of any of the Palliser Funds' investments (including Company Securities) to any degree in any manner permitted by law and expressly disclaims any obligation to notify others of any such changes. Palliser also reserves the right to take any actions with respect to the Palliser Funds' investments in any of the Companies as it may deem appropriate, including but not limited to, communicating with other investors, shareholders, industry participants, experts and/or relevant parties with respect to any company referred to herein. Palliser has not sought or obtained consent from any third party to use any statements or information contained herein. Any such statements or information should not be viewed as indicating the support of such third party for the views expressed herein. All trademarks and trade names used herein are the exclusive property of their respective owners.

This letter does not purport to be all-inclusive or to contain all of the information that may be relevant to an evaluation of the Companies, Company Securities or the matters described herein.

About Palliser Capital

Palliser Capital is a global multi-strategy fund. Our value-oriented investment philosophy is applied to a broad range of opportunities across the capital structure with a focus on situations where positive change and value enhancement can be achieved through thoughtful, constructive and long-term engagement with companies and across a range of different stakeholder groups. All available materials on Palliser's ongoing engagement with Rio Tinto can be found at: UnifyRio.com

1 Financial Times, 1 April 2015.

2 Unless otherwise stated, quotations are taken from the shareholder circular (or equivalent document) issued by the relevant boards in relation to the proposed unification.

3 Page 9 of the Rio Tinto UK Analyst Q&A Conference Call, 31 July 2024 on Rio Tinto's website.

4 The Australian, "Former chairman Don Argus hails BHP's courageous restructure" (17 August 2021)

5 The Australian, "BHP board approves collapse of company's dual structure" (2 December 2021)

6 Glass Lewis Proxy Paper, BHP dated 20 December 2021.

7 ISS Proxy Analysis and Benchmark Policy Voting Recommendations: BHP Group Plc, 23 December 2021.

8 1999 annual report of MeritaNordbanken Group.

9 Grant Samuel independent expert report dated 12 September 2006 in relation to Brambles unification.

10 ABB press release, "ABB Creates New Single Share" (4 February 1999)

11 1999 annual report of MeritaNordbanken Group.

12 1999 annual report of MeritaNordbanken Group.

13 Wall Street Journal, "Royal Dutch/Shell Shareholders Approve Unification Proposal" (29 June 2005)

14 This is Money, "Brambles break up and switch to Oz" (29 November 2005)

15 Financial Times, "Unilever delays choice of UK or Netherlands as sole HQ" (28 November 2017)

16 Wall Street Journal, "Unilever Sees Single Structure as Best for Shareholders" (28 November 2017)

17 Australian Financial Review, "Single listing will help BHP move and shake" (3 December 2021)

18 The Australian, "Former chairman Don Argus hails BHP's "courageous" restructure" (17 August 2021)

19 Grant Samuel independent expert report dated 8 December 2021 in relation to BHP unification.

20 Grant Samuel independent expert report dated 8 December 2021 in relation to BHP unification.

21 Grant Samuel independent expert report dated 8 December 2021 in relation to BHP unification.

22 BHP presentation and speech to Bank of America 2024 Global Metals, Mining and Steel conference (14 May 2024)

23 Australian Financial Review, "Next stop petroleum as BHP unification saves $6bn" (21 January 2022)

24 ABB press release, "ABB Creates New Single Share" (4 February 1999)

25 Grant Samuel independent expert report dated 12 September 2006 in relation to Brambles unification.

26 Grant Samuel independent expert report dated 8 December 2021 in relation to BHP unification.

27 Grant Samuel independent expert report dated 12 September 2006 in relation to Brambles unification.

28 Grant Samuel independent expert report dated 8 December 2021 in relation to BHP unification.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218612021/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Prosek Partners

Brian Schaffer Kiki Tarkhan

Pro-Palliser@Prosek.com
Brooklyn, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Troxel Law, a national firm, is strengthening its support model to offer enhanced legal services for individuals and small businesses fighting for justice against big corporations. Troxel Law offers expert legal support in cases involving corporate misconduct, defective products, environmental harm, and workplace abuses - representing clients who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by well-resourced corporate legal teams.





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New Initiatives to Better Serve Clients

Corporations often have substantial financial resources, extensive legal teams, and the ability to prolong litigation, making it difficult for smaller entities to keep up. To bolster its efforts in helping its clients, Troxel Law has implemented key updates, including expanding its bilingual legal team, introducing new client-focused technology tools, and launching a dedicated task force. These changes are designed to improve accessibility, efficiency, and outcomes for clients navigating complex legal battles.

Specialized Task Forces: Dedicated teams now focus exclusively on specific types of cases, such as workplace violations and environmental harms. These task forces leverage cutting-edge legal strategies and industry expertise to maximize client compensation.

Bilingual Legal Support: A larger team of bilingual personnel now provides seamless communication for clients who speak Spanish and other languages. This initiative enhances accessibility, and fosters trust within diverse communities.

Enhanced Technology Platform: Troxel Law has upgraded its client portal to offer improved case tracking and direct communication with legal teams. These features simplify the legal process, empowering clients to stay informed and engaged.

Streamlined Case Management: By integrating new technologies and processes, Troxel Law seeks to reduce the time required to assess and resolve claims, facilitating more timely legal resolutions.

Troxel Law's enhanced service model aims to provide comprehensive support, addressing not only the legal aspects of a case but also the broader needs of clients. The firm has also strengthened its partnerships with industry experts, including medical professionals and analysts, to present compelling evidence and craft stronger cases on behalf of its clients.

As Troxel Law continues to increase its impact, it remains committed to delivering results for clients who may otherwise struggle to navigate the complexities of corporate litigation, furthering its mission to bring accountability to corporate misconduct, making the process of bringing a claim as easy and stress free as possible.

Individuals and businesses affected by corporate negligence can learn more at www.troxellaw.com.

About Troxel Law

Troxel Law is a national law firm dedicated to representing individuals, families, and small businesses in complex legal battles against corporate giants. With a focus on cases involving defective products, workplace violations, and environmental harms, the firm combines legal expertise with cutting-edge technology to ensure accessible, client-centered advocacy.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/230555

SOURCE: Brand Featured
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - In response to the increasing need for skilled project management professionals across industries, the Technical Institute of America (TIA), led by CEO Andrew Ramdayal, has announced initiatives to strengthen its Project Management Professional (PMP) certification training program. This move aims to equip more professionals with the critical skills and credentials needed to drive organizational success.

Technical Institute of America

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A recent report from the Project Management Institute (PMI) underscores the importance and urgency of this effort, revealing that the global economy will require 25 million new project managers by 2030. This demand is fueled by the increasing complexity of modern projects and the need for organizations to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

A Strategic Investment for Organizations

With its strengthened PMP training programs, TIA seeks to bridge the skills gap by providing accessible, high-quality education tailored to the evolving demands of the global workforce. Its programs enable professionals to implement project management best practices and help their organizations operate more efficiently, mitigate risks, and achieve strategic goals.

Key features include:

Flexible Learning Options: TIA provides self-paced and live training programs. These courses are designed to accommodate busy schedules while delivering comprehensive training.

Updated Study Materials: TIA's bestselling PMP study guides have been refreshed to reflect the latest PMP exam content, incorporating updated frameworks and methodologies to ensure alignment with PMI's evolving standards.

Comprehensive resources: TIA's PMP courses include PMP exam preparation tools like study guides and simulators.

Accessible Expertise: TIA's courses demystify complex project management concepts, making them approachable for all experience levels.

Real-World Application: The courses incorporate practical scenarios enabling students to bridge theory and practice and deliver immediate results in their roles.

The Benefits of PMP Certification

PMP certification provides numerous competitive advantages for professionals and the organizations they serve. TIA's PMP training and resources support businesses in fostering professional development and building a skilled workforce capable of navigating challenges and capitalizing on opportunities.

Key benefits include:

Higher Project Success Rates: Standardized methodologies improve consistency and effectiveness, enabling projects to be completed on time, within scope, and on budget.

Enhance Resource Allocation: PMP-certified project managers are skilled in optimizing resource use, reducing redundancies, and increasing operational efficiency.

Risk Mitigation in Projects: Certified professionals know how to identify potential risks early and develop proactive strategies to address them.

Global Recognition: PMP certification is recognized in more than 200 countries, providing credibility and career mobility for professionals worldwide.

Increased Earning Potential: PMP-certified professionals earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified peers.

These benefits demonstrate why organizations that prioritize PMP certification report stronger performance and outcomes than those that do not invest in structured project management practices. According to PMI's Pulse of the Profession report, these organizations waste 28 times less money.

Empowering a Global Workforce

The initiative to strengthen TIA's PMP certification training program builds on the institute's history of innovation and leadership in professional education. Under Ramdayal's leadership, TIA has become a trusted partner for professionals seeking to excel in project management. Ramdayal's ability to simplify complex concepts has helped thousands of aspiring project managers succeed through bestselling study guides, user-friendly online courses, and engaging classroom instruction.

This expansion reaffirms TIA's mission to make high-quality project management training accessible to professionals worldwide, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving business environment.

To explore Technical Institute of America's PMP training courses, please visit https://tiaexams.com/.

About the Technical Institute of America (TIA)

The Technical Institute of America (TIA) is a leading technology training provider, offering courses in Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, CompTIA, and more. Licensed by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Better Business Bureau, TIA trains thousands annually with hands-on, instructor-led courses and state-of-the-art technology. Known for affordable, high-quality education, TIA partners with Fortune 500 companies and provides free retakes, ensuring students gain real-world skills and achieve their professional goals.

About Andrew Ramdayal

Andrew Ramdayal, PMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP, CISSP-ISSMP, is an accomplished project management expert with over 15 years of IT experience and 60+ professional certifications from leading organizations like PMI, Microsoft, and Cisco. Holding a Master's in Management Information Systems with a minor in project management, Andrew has led numerous ERP, IT security, and networking projects. For 18+ years, he has taught PMP and security courses worldwide, helping thousands pass exams and apply practical skills in real-world scenarios. Andrew is also the author of Amazon Bestselling Study Guide "PMP Exam Prep Simplified" and has taught over 500,000 students to pass the PMP exam.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/233906

SOURCE: Brand Featured
Group prepares ACE Market listing with public issue of 140.0 million shares

ES Sunlogy Berhad ("ES Sunlogy" or the "Company"), an established provider of mechanical and electrical ("M&E") engineering services and renewable energy solutions, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an underwriting agreement with M & A Securities Sdn Bhd("M&A") for the Company's upcoming initial public offering ("IPO") on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad ("Bursa Securities").

(L-R) Mr. Gary Ting Hua Tai, Head of Corporate Finance of M & A Securities Sdn Bhd; Datuk Bill Tan, Managing Director of M & A Securities Sdn Bhd; Mr. Khor Chuan Meng, Managing Director of ES Sunlogy Berhad and Mr. Chu Kerd Yee, Executive Director of ES Sunlogy Berhad

Based on the prospectus exposure published on the Bursa Securities website, ES Sunlogy's listing exercise involves the public issue of 140.0 million new shares, representing 20.0% of the Company's enlarged share capital of 700.0 million shares, and an offer for sale of 70.0 million shares, representing 10.0% of the enlarged share capital.

The IPO shares will be allocated in the following manner:

Public Issue

Malaysian public

35.0 million issue shares representing 5.0% of the Company's enlarged share capital, of which 2.5% will be made available to public investors and 2.5% to Bumiputera public investors.

Eligible directors, employees and persons who have contributed to the success of ES Sunlogy and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Group") ("Eligible Persons")

17.5 million issue shares representing 2.5% of the Company's enlarged share capital to be allocated to Eligible Persons ("Pink Form Allocations").

Private placement to Bumiputera investors

87.5 million issue shares representing 12.5% of the Company's enlarged share capital reserved for Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry ("MITI").

Offer for sale

Offer for sale of 70.0 million offer shares representing 10.0% of the Company's enlarged share capital by way of private placement to selected investors.

Under the underwriting agreement, M&A will underwrite 52.5 million issue shares to be made available for application by the Malaysian public via public balloting and Pink Form Allocations. The balance of 87.5 million issue shares and 70.0 million offer shares will be placed out by M&A and will not be underwritten by M&A.

Managing Director of ES Sunlogy Berhad, Mr. Khor Chuan Meng, said, "The signing of this underwriting agreement with M&A marks a significant corporate milestone for ES Sunlogy as we embark on our IPO journey. With a solid track record in delivering high-quality M&E engineering services and a growing portfolio of renewable energy projects undertaken, we are well-positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for sustainable M&E engineering solutions. Based on independent market research, sectors such as commercial, residential, industrial, solar, and data centers are demonstrating a rising need for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions, positioning us to effectively meet these customer demands. The proceeds to be raised from this IPO will enable us to further strengthen our technical capabilities and expand our existing project portfolios, while also allowing us to grow our footprint in the generation and sales of renewable energy."

(L-R) Datuk Keh Chuan Seng, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of ES Sunlogy Berhad, Mr. Khor Chuan Meng, Managing Director of ES Sunlogy Berhad; Mr. Chu Kerd Yee, Executive Director of ES Sunlogy Berhad; Datuk Bill Tan, Managing Director of M & A Securities Sdn Bhd and Mr. Gary Ting Hua Tai, Head of Corporate Finance of M & A Securities Sdn Bhd.

According to the prospectus, independent market research by Providence Strategic Partners highlights robust growth of Malaysia's M&E engineering industry, projected to expand from RM7.3 billion in 2023 to RM10.6 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 13.2%. This growth is driven by rising investments and growth in the residential, commercial and industrial property markets support demand for M&E engineering services as well as growth in the end user industries which drives demand for M&E engineering services. The data centre sector presents opportunities for the company as demand for energy-efficient and sustainable infrastructure solutions continues to grow, supported by Malaysia's position as a digital infrastructure hub. The renewable energy sector is also thriving, with solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity growing at a CAGR of 29.3% from 2019 to 2022, supported by government initiatives to further tap into new renewable energy solutions via various initiatives such as the Corporate Green Power Programme, National Energy Transition Roadmap and Large-Scale Solar 5 progamme recently launched. These trends align with ES Sunlogy's strategic focus on renewable energy sector, positioning the Group to capitalise on these opportunities through its IPO.

ES Sunlogy's commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability has positioned it as a trusted partner in the industry, and the Group aims to leverage its IPO to further contribute to Malaysia's energy transition goals.

ABOUT ES SUNLOGY BERHAD

ES Sunlogy Berhad ("ES Sunlogy" or the "Company") is an established provider of mechanical and electrical ("M&E") engineering services, specialising in electrical engineering services for electricity supply distribution systems, mechanical engineering services for building services, as well as generation and sales of renewable energy. The Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Group") has an extensive portfolio of projects across Malaysia, including industrial, commercial and residential properties, and solar facilities. ES Sunlogy has established itself as a trusted name in delivering innovative, efficient, and high-quality engineering solutions. The Group is committed to contributing to Malaysia's sustainable energy landscape with its focus on solar energy projects and renewable energy solutions.

For more information, visit www.essunlogy.com.

Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of ES Sunlogy Berhad

For more information, please contact:

Jazmin Wan

Email:j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz

Mandy Tan

Email:m.tan@swanconsultancy.biz

SOURCE: ES Sunlogy Berhad

View the original press release on accesswire.com
PURCHASE (dpa-AFX) - Food and beverage giant PepsiCo, Inc.'s unit Frito-Lay is recalling Lay's Classic Potato Chips due to undeclared milk, a known allergen.According to the US Food and Drug Administration or FDA, the company recalled the 'Lay's' brand's limited number of 13 oz. 368.5 grams flexible bags of potato chips.The recalled product has a 'Guaranteed Fresh' date of February 11, 2025 and one of the following Manufacturing Codes: 6462307xx or 6463307xx. The UPC is 28400 31041.The product was distributed to retail stores and e-commerce distributors in Oregon and Washington and would have been purchased as early as November 3.The product contains undeclared milk that can cause allergy or severe sensitivity risking a life-threatening allergic reaction.However, no allergic reactions have been reported to date.Consumers with a milk allergy or sensitivity should avoid consuming the product and dispose of it immediately.In recent recalls, California-based Cal Yee Farm LLC in mid-December recalled chocolate and yogurt-covered products, Tropical Trail Mix, and Butter Toffee due to undeclared milk along with other potential allergens.For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.comCopyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
BRUSSELS, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dstny, a leading European provider of cloud-based business communications, has once again secured a top position on the Frost & Sullivan UCaaS Frost Radar 2024. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Dstny has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan for its ongoing innovation, strategic growth, and commitment to delivering world-class UCaaS solutions (Unified Communications as a Service).

"Dstny has risen to rank among the top European UCaaS leaders," said Robert Arnold, Industry Director, Information & Communications Technology at Frost & Sullivan. "Its multifaceted approach enables a differentiated market presence compared with many providers. Moreover, Dstny's ability to deliver native mobile UCaaS is a key differentiator and growth catalyst as European businesses adapt to distributed, remote, and hybrid workforces."

Dstny continues to innovate its leading SME-focused mobile-first UCaaS. To date, Dstny delivers market-leading Teams voice integration through Call2Teams and offers Multi-UCaaS capability with its BYOC offering - Carrier Automate.

"Our strengthened position on the 2024 Frost & Sullivan Radar reaffirms our commitment to enabling businesses to communicate and collaborate seamlessly. We continue to push the boundaries of innovation to deliver solutions that empower organizations to stay agile, connected, and productive in today's dynamic marketplace. And we are excited to launch our highly anticipated Dstny Converge solution in early 2025 - helping Service Providers leverage FMC easier than ever," said Neil Greenwood, VP of Product at Dstny.

Download the Full Report:www.dstny.com

For Further Information:

Christian Hed - CMO, Dstny

Email:Christian.hed@dstny.com

Tel: +46707187603

About Dstny

Dstny is a leading European provider of cloud-based business communications, delivered both directly to businesses and through partners and service providers. The company aims to simplify the daily lives of its more than 3.5 million users: its interactive business communication tools are delivered as-a-service and connect employees and customers through all possible communication channels (voice, video, chat, and others).

Dstny's tools are mobile-first, locally customizable, user-friendly and easy to integrate. By combining innovative technology with close relationships with partners and service providers, as well as strong local teams, Dstny can provide the best possible user experience and make the latest applications accessible to companies across Europe.

Headquartered in Zaventem, Dstny has more than 1,000 employees in 7 European countries (Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, UK). More information: www.dstny.com

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- Global Market Expansion Accelerates with Back-to-Back FDA and EC Authorizations

Dong-A ST (CEO: Jeong Jae-hoon, KRX: 170900) proudly announces that its Stelara biosimilar, IMULDOSA (Project Name: DMB-3115, Active Ingredient: Ustekinumab), has received marketing authorization from the European Commission (EC) as of December 18.

This landmark approval comes just two months after the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) under the European Medicine Agency (EMA) recommended the product for approval in October. Combined with its successful U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in October, IMULDOSA is now fully authorized to enter the global market.

IMULDOSA, a biosimilar referencing Stelara of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, is indicated for treating inflammatory diseases, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease.

Stelara, with its active ingredient ustekinumab, is among the top-grossing biologics worldwide, generating $20.323 billion in cumulative global sales in 2023, according to IQVIA.

The development of IMULDOSA began in 2013 as a joint project between Dong-A Socio Holdings and Meiji Seika Pharma. In July 2020, the development and commercialization rights held by Dong-A Socio Holdings were transferred to Dong-A ST to ensure the efficient execution of the global project. Since then, Dong-A ST and Meiji Seika Pharma have continuously collaborated to develop it.

In July 2021, Dong-A ST signed a global out-licensing agreement with multinational pharmaceutical company Intas Pharmaceuticals for IMULDOSA. Through Intas and its subsidiaries, including Accord Biopharma in the United States and Accord Healthcare in Europe, the UK, and Canada, IMULDOSA is set to be launched in multiple regions.

A representative for Dong-A ST commented, "With the consecutive approvals in the United States and Europe, IMULDOSA is now one step closer to entering the global pharmaceutical market. We will continue to dedicate our efforts to ensure that IMULDOSA establishes a strong presence in the market, providing an effective treatment option to patients worldwide."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219254328/en/

Contacts:

Dong-A ST CO., Ltd

Shin-Hee Park

+82-32-610-2481

sh-park@donga.co.kr
Financing led by OrbiMed, Avoro Capital, and Samsara BioCapital, with additional investment from founding investor Medicxi

Strengthens its leadership team with the appointments of industry veterans Rick Anderson as SVP Finance, Spencer Fisk as Chief Technical and Quality Officer, and Ling Zeng as General Counsel and EVP of Execution

IND-enabling studies underway for first-in-class PD1/VEGFR2 bifunctional antibody

LONDON and BOSTON, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ottimo Pharma ("Ottimo"), a private biotech company pioneering bifunctional medicines to extend the lives of people living with cancer, today announces the completion of a Series A financing round of over $140 million. The financing will accelerate the lead asset, Jankistomig, a first-in-class PD1/VEGFR2 bifunctional antibody for multiple solid tumor indications, in both IV and SC forms as well as a pipeline of follow-on bifunctional assets.

The round was led by OrbiMed, Avoro Capital, Samsara BioCapital, and included blue chip investors RTW Investments, Decheng Capital, Janus Henderson Investors, J.P. Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital, Invus, and founding investor Medicxi. In connection with the financing Peter Thompson (OrbiMed), Mark Chin (Avoro Capital), and Srini Akkaraju (Samsara BioCapital) will join the Board of Directors.

Simultaneously, Ottimo has expanded its management team under the leadership of David Epstein, Chair and Chief Executive Officer. The Company announces the appointment of Rick Anderson as SVP Finance, Spencer Fisk as Chief Technical and Quality Officer, and Ling Zeng as General Counsel and EVP of Execution. Rick, Spencer, and Ling bring extensive pharma experience, having held senior roles at Seagen, Novartis, and Dicerna Pharmaceuticals.

Ottimo, co-founded by Medicxi and Jonny Finlay, emerged from stealth in October 2024. It is advancing IND-enabling studies for lead molecule Jankistomig, with a planned IND filing in late 2025.

Jankistomig is a first-in-class PD1/VEGFR2 bifunctional antibody that is differentiated from bispecific antibodies. It is exquisitely designed as a dual pathway, biparatopic single-agent IgG therapy, targeting immune checkpoint inhibition and angiogenesis in the treatment of cancer. This innovative approach aims to offer a wider therapeutic window regardless of tumor VEGF levels, with the potential to improve outcomes across multiple solid tumor indications. Jankistomig is expected to address a global oncology market valued at well over $50 billion.

David Epstein, Chair & Chief Executive Officer of Ottimo Pharma, said: "The successful completion of our Series A financing marks a milestone for Ottimo as we advance our goal to make first-in-class bifunctional medicines to extend the lives of people living with cancer. Jankistomig represents a significant breakthrough with its novel design and mechanism of action, and we are incredibly grateful to have the backing of such well-renowned healthcare investors. With the addition of Rick, Spencer, and Ling, we have assembled a proven leadership team to progress Ottimo to our first IND by late 2025."

Peter Thompson, General Partner at OrbiMed, Board Director of Ottimo Pharma, commented: "Ottimo's unique approach has differentiated itself in the PD1/VEGF field. We are looking forward to working alongside this experienced team with their extensive track record to develop new cancer treatments with improved outcomes for patients."

Francesco De Rubertis, Co-Founder and Partner at Medicxi, Board Director of Ottimo Pharma added: "Ottimo has shown considerable progress with Jankistomig. As a co-founder of the Company, we are pleased to welcome top-tier investors including OrbiMed, Avoro Capital, and Samsara BioCapital to the syndicate as we advance the pipeline to address multiple solid tumor indications."

Fredric (Rick) Anderson has more than 30 years of leadership experience in strategic financial and operations management. Rick was the Vice President, Corporate Controller for Seagen Inc. from 2018, where he supported the Company's growth and international expansion. He was a key member of the leadership team that led the $44 billion acquisition by Pfizer and supported the post-acquisition integration. Rick holds an MBA from the University of San Diego. He started his career as a CPA for Ernst & Young and later joined their mergers & acquisition group.

Spencer Fisk has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing and CMC product development. Spencer joins Ottimo from National Resilience, Inc. where he transformed the R&D focus to deliver on disruptive approaches to accelerate multi-modality drug development. From 2018 to 2022, he served as the Chief Technical Operations Officer at Rubius Therapeutics. Before Rubius he held senior roles at Novartis AG where he led the team to the successful registration and launch of the first CAR-T cellular therapy product, Kymriah. Prior to Novartis, Spencer held various technical development and manufacturing roles at Merck, Genentech, Genencor, and Novo Nordisk.

Ling Zeng, Esq. was previously Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and a member of the executive leadership team of Omega Therapeutics. Prior to Omega, she was the Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Dicerna Pharmaceuticals and played a critical role in executing the Company's strategy including the $3.3 billion acquisition by Novo Nordisk in 2021. Before working in biotech companies, Ling was Deputy Head Legal, Group Mergers and Acquisitions, at Novartis AG, responsible for global transactions across the Novartis Group. From 2009 to 2017, Ling held various executive roles of increasing responsibility at Bausch Health Companies.

About Ottimo Pharma

Ottimo Pharma is a private biotechnology company, co-founded in 2020 by Medicxi and Jonny Finlay, focused on the development of pioneering innovative cancer therapies for solid tumors. The Company's lead asset, Jankistomig, is a PD1/VEGFR2 bifunctional antibody designed as a dual pathway, biparatopic single-agent IgG therapy, targeting both immune checkpoint inhibition and angiogenesis in the treatment of cancer. By advancing this dual-pathway approach, Ottimo aims to offer a wider therapeutic window, improve cancer treatment outcomes and reduce the overall healthcare burden. Ottimo anticipates filing of its first IND in late 2025.

Ottimo is backed by a global syndicate of life science investors including Medicxi, OrbiMed, Avoro Capital, Samsara BioCapital, RTW Investments, Decheng Capital, Janus Henderson Investors, J.P. Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital, and Invus. The Ottimo board includes Francesco De Rubertis, Co-Founder and Partner of Medicxi, Peter Thompson, General Partner at OrbiMed, Mark Chin, Partner at Avoro Capital, and Srinivas Akkaraju, founder, and Managing General Partner at Samsara BioCapital, alongside David Epstein and James Sabry. For more information, please visit: www.ottimopharma.com.

About OrbiMed

OrbiMed is a leading healthcare investment firm, with $17 billion in assets under management. OrbiMed invests globally across the healthcare industry, from start-ups to large multinational corporations, through private equity funds, public equity funds, and royalty/credit funds. OrbiMed seeks to be a capital provider of choice, providing tailored financing solutions and extensive global team resources to help build world-class healthcare companies. OrbiMed's team of over 100 professionals is based in New York City, London, San Francisco, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Herzliya, and other key global markets. For more information, please visit www.orbimed.com. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @OrbiMed.

About Avoro Capital

Avoro Capital is a global life sciences investment firm with over $6.5 billion in capital primarily focused on supporting emerging life sciences and biotechnology companies. For more information, please visit: www.avorocapital.com

About Samsara BioCapital

Samsara BioCapital is a new breed of biotech investment firm focused on translating cutting-edge biology into new therapies to treat patients with unmet medical needs. Founded in 2016 by Srinivas Akkaraju, M.D., Ph.D., our team of scientists, investors and entrepreneurs takes a long-term view on value creation across all stages of public and private life science companies. We believe in a collaborative, hands-on approach, working closely with entrepreneurs to harness exciting scientific advances and build leading companies. Samsara actively manages assets on behalf of endowments, foundations, and family offices. For more information, please visit www.samsaracap.com.

About Medicxi

Medicxi is a healthcare-focused investment firm with the mission to create and invest in companies across the full drug development continuum. Leveraging deep expertise in drug development and company creation spanning over two decades, Medicxi invests in early and late-stage therapeutics with a product vision that can fulfill a clear unmet medical need. For more information, please visit: www.medicxi.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ottimo-pharma-raises-over-140-million-in-series-a-financing-302335272.html
BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTC PINK:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT), a bioscience innovator specializing in advanced drug delivery systems, is pleased to announce the expansion of its intellectual property portfolio with the filing of new international patents for sublingual delivery technologies targeting autoimmune neurodegenerative diseases.

Building upon the positive International Preliminary Report on Patentability (IPRP) issued by the European Patent Office (EPO) in September 2024, BioNxt has initiated national-level filings in key jurisdictions, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan. These patents are designed to protect the Company's proprietary sublingual formulations of anticancer drugs repurposed for the treatment of conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

"Securing robust intellectual property rights across major markets is a critical component of our strategy to bring innovative, patient-friendly therapies to individuals affected by autoimmune neurodegenerative diseases," stated Hugh Rogers, CEO of BioNxt Solutions. "Our sublingual delivery platform offers significant advantages in terms of rapid absorption and ease of administration, particularly for patients experiencing difficulty swallowing."

BioNxt's lead product, BNT23001, is a proprietary sublingual thin-film formulation of Cladribine for the treatment of MS. Preclinical studies, as reported in internal research data and third-party evaluations, have demonstrated high absorption rates and bioequivalence to existing oral therapies, with plans underway to commence clinical trials in 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

In addition to MS, the Company is advancing sublingual Cladribine formulations for Myasthenia Gravis (MG), addressing a significant unmet need in this patient population. The global MG market is projected to reach USD 6.7 billion by 2032 (Clinical Trials Arena), highlighting the substantial opportunity for innovative treatments.

Strategic Vision for 2025 and Key Milestones

As BioNxt enters 2025, the Company has set a series of critical milestones to advance its sublingual drug delivery platform and bring its innovative therapies closer to commercialization. Key objectives for 2025 include:

Initiation of Clinical Trials: Launching comparative bioequivalence trials for BNT23001, BioNxt's proprietary sublingual Cladribine formulation for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Regulatory Submissions: Preparing and submitting clinical trial applications (CTAs) in key jurisdictions to support clinical trial activities.

Partnership Development: Pursuing strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to accelerate development and commercialization pathways.

Pipeline Expansion: Advancing the development of sublingual therapies and exploring additional applications for its sublingual delivery technology.

Investor and Industry Engagement: BioNxt's management will actively participate in key industry conferences throughout 2025, to meet with industry leaders, engage with investors, and explore potential strategic partnerships.

Industry Collaboration and Strategic Alliances

To foster industry collaboration and partnership development, BioNxt's management team, including CEO, Hugh Rogers, and Director of Business Development, Dr. Oleksandr Zabutkin, will attend key global conferences in 2025, to meet with industry leaders, potential partners, and investors. These engagements aim to strengthen the Company's strategic alliances, identify co-development and licensing opportunities, and highlight BioNxt's role in advancing sublingual drug delivery technologies.

About BioNxt Solutions Inc.

BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on next-generation drug delivery technologies, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. The Company's proprietary platforms-Sublingual (Thin-Film), Transdermal (Skin Patch), and Oral (Enteric-Coated Tablets)-target key therapeutic areas, including autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and longevity.

With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization e?orts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patient-centric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide.

BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets: BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com.

Investor Relations & Media Contact

Hugh Rogers, Co-Founder, CEO and Director

Email: investor.relations@bionxt.com

Phone: +1 778.598.2698

Web: www.bionxt.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxt-solutions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the development, testing, regulatory approval, and commercialization of BioNxt's sublingual drug products, as well as projected milestones, anticipated partnerships, and potential market opportunities. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to significant risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, many of which are beyond BioNxt's control. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, delays in regulatory approvals, negative outcomes from clinical trials, changes in market demand, fluctuations in funding availability, or disruptions in supply chains. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. BioNxt undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected include changes in market demand, regulatory developments, delays in clinical trials, fluctuations in financing availability, supply chain disruptions, and unforeseen competitive pressures.

SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Regulatory News:

Groupe SEB (Paris:SK) acknowledges the press release published by the French Competition Authority on December 19, 2024, with respect to an inquiry launched in October 2013, into France's domestic appliance manufacturing and distribution sector.

The French Competition Authority has penalized a number of domestic appliance manufacturers and distributors. The Authority imposed to Groupe SEB France and Groupe SEB Retailing a fine of 189,5 million for allegedly imposing fixed selling prices to its distributors during the 2008-2013 period. However, the Authority ruled out the existence of a horizontal agreement regarding statistical information that is shared through a trade association.

Groupe SEB has always acted in its customers' best interests and for the benefit of French consumers, in strict compliance with the regulations in force. Groupe SEB therefore categorically refutes the French Competition Authority's findings brought against the Group and denies all allegations that its practices have not complied comply with competition rules.

Groupe SEB will take note of the Authority's ruling and will lodge an appeal to the Paris Court of Appeals, confident in its ability to prove that the Authority's ruling has no legal or factual validity.

Groupe SEB reaffirms its strong commitment to strictly observing the law, and particularly competition laws.

Key dates 2025 23 January after market closes Provisional sales 2024 27 February pre-market 2024 Results 24 April after market closes Q1 2025 sales and financial data 20 May 2:30 p.m. Annual General Meeting 23 July after market closes First-half 2025 sales and results 23 October after market closes 2025 Nine-month sales and financial data

Find us on www.groupeseb.com

World reference in small domestic equipment and professional coffee machines, Groupe SEB operates with a unique portfolio of 40 top brands (including Tefal, Seb, Rowenta, Moulinex, Krups, Lagostina, All-Clad, WMF, Emsa, Supor), marketed through multi-format retailing. Selling more than 400 million products a year, it deploys a long-term strategy focused on innovation, international development, competitiveness, and client service. Present in over 150 countries, Groupe SEB generated sales 8 billion in 2023 and has more than 31,000 employees worldwide.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219003224/en/

Contacts:

Investor/Analyst Relations

Groupe SEB

Financial Communication and IR Dept

Olivier Gernandt

Guillaume Baron

comfin@groupeseb.com

Tel. +33 (0) 4 72 18 16 04

Media Relations

Groupe SEB

Corporate Communication Dept

Cathy Pianon

Anissa Djaadi

Marie Leroy

presse@groupeseb.com

Tel. 33 (0) 6 33 13 02 00

Tel. 33 (0) 6 88 20 90 88

Tel. 33 (0) 6 76 98 87 53

Image Sept

Caroline Simon

Claire Doligez

Isabelle Dunoyer de Segonzac

caroline.simon@image7.fr

cdoligez@image7.fr

isegonzac@image7.fr

Phone +33 (0) 1 53 70 74 70
TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Astellas Pharma Inc. (ALPMY) Thursday said it has signed an agreement with Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. (SGMO) to leverage Sangamo's proprietary neurotropic adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid, STAC-BBB, to deliver genomic medicines to treat certain neurological diseases.Astellas gets a worldwide exclusive license to utilize the STAC-BBB capsid for one target, with the right to add up to four additional targets after paying additional fees.As per the deal, Sangamo will receive an upfront payment of $20 million, with earnout payments of up to $1.3 billion, as well as mid-to-high single digit royalties on potential net sales of the five potential disease targets.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.
This agreement highlights the shared commitment of ENGIE and Energy Dome to advancing long-duration energy storage solutions, marking a significant milestone in the commercial deployment of innovative clean technologies

As part of the global transition from research to commercial deployment of cleantech technologies, Energy Dome, a visionary long-duration energy storage (LDES) technology company, and ENGIE a global reference in low-carbon energy and services, have signed an offtake agreement for the first full-scale CO2 Battery developed by Energy Dome in Ottana, Sardinia, Italy.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219221848/en/

Rendering of Energy Dome's CO2 Battery plant in Ottana, Sardinia, Italy. (Photo: Business Wire)

At the time of commissioning in the first quarter of 2025, the CO2 Battery will be one of the few operational energy storage assets in the global market with a 10-hour discharge duration supported by a commercial offtake agreement. Under the agreement, Energy Dome will own and operate the CO2 Battery facility, while ENGIE will leverage its market expertise to optimize and dispatch the stored energy in the Italian power markets.

The agreement underscores the importance of long-duration energy storage in enhancing grid resilience and reliability, demonstrating the value of the CO2 Battery technology for industry leaders and markets alike. ENGIE's involvement in the project aligns with its strategy to strengthen its position in energy storage, leveraging flexible and dispatchable solutions such as the CO2 Battery to meet growing renewable energy needs. In Italy ENGIE has been pioneering the dispatching and the optimization of BESS (battery energy storage systems) since 2023; with an existing portfolio of 43 MW/48 MWh, the agreement with Energy Dome will consolidate ENGIE's know-how in storage optimization.

Energy Dome's Ottana Project was the first European initiative to receive funding from EU-Catalyst, a program designed to mobilize public and private resources to accelerate the deployment of emerging climate technologies. This funding partnership, supported by Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, was announced at COP28 in Dubai last December. At the recent COP29, global stakeholders highlighted the importance of technologies like long-duration energy storage (LDES) in meeting the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, which aims to achieve 1,500 gigawatts of energy storage capacity worldwide.

Edouard Neviaski, CEO of ENGIE's business entity 'Global Energy Management Sales', said: "ENGIE is thrilled to partner with Energy Dome on this groundbreaking energy storage project. This collaboration highlights our unwavering commitment to developing sustainable and flexible solutions that drive the energy transition. By strengthening our expertise in energy storage, we are advancing our mission to provide reliable, low-carbon energy solutions that meet the increasing demand for renewables and support our customers on their decarbonization journey."

Mario Fernandez, Head of Catalyst, Breakthrough Energy, said:"Scaling first-of-a-kind projects is immensely complex and requires not just technological innovation but new commercial and market approaches. This partnership is a tangible example of a replicable commercial innovation and confirms the Ottana CO2 Battery is not just a demonstration but a viable facility, which will unlock Nth-of-a-kind opportunities that can lead to true global scale."

Claudio Spadacini, CEO of Energy Dome, commented on the milestone: "Our agreement with ENGIE confirms our deployment readiness, validates our business model, and underlines the market-leading value proposition of our technology. The era of deployment has arrived, and this collaboration will undoubtedly accelerate our mission to decarbonise the world by providing sustainable, utility-scale energy storage."

Gelsomina Vigliotti, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, said: "The European Investment Bank plays a key role in accelerating the green transition by financing breakthrough technologies like Energy Dome's CO2 Battery. We congratulate Energy Dome and ENGIE on the milestone achieved today, which will contribute to Italy's national climate and energy goals. This announcement demonstrates the important and tangible impact of the EU-Catalyst partnership in supporting green technologies that will decarbonise our economies while strengthening competitiveness."

The partnership represents Energy Dome's first offtake deal under its "Energy Storage as a Service" model. This commercial arrangement with ENGIE, along with a recent equipment supply contract for a project with Alliant Energy in the US, demonstrates Energy Dome's market readiness to scale its energy storage solutions at a commercial level, which was made possible also through public support mechanisms dedicated to accelerating emerging clean technologies.

The Ottana project, nearing completion, features a 20MW/200MWh CO2 Battery unit, capable of providing electricity for approximately 14,000 households over a continuous 10-hour period. This design is consistent with the unit deployed for Alliant Energy in Wisconsin, highlighting the scalability of Energy Dome's technology for future projects.

For more information on Energy Dome's projects, please visit energydome.com.

About Energy Dome

Energy Dome is at the forefront of redefining long-duration energy storage with its CO2 Battery. The properties of carbon dioxide allow the system to store energy efficiently and cost-effectively through a patented thermodynamic process, hence representing the most valid alternative to lithium-ion batteries or pumped-hydro solutions. The CO2 Battery is already a fully validated and cost-effective system that uses no lithium or rare-earth elements to store electricity, boasting superior round-trip efficiency. With a modular approach and site-independent footprint, CO2 Batteries use readily available, off-the-shelf components from reliable, existing supply chains, providing a scalable pathway to store massive amounts of intermittent renewable energy and accelerate the energy transition; it's the only technology available today offering the right combination of efficiency, cost, scalability and that's viable globally. For more information, please visit energydome.com.

About ENGIE

ENGIE is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. With its 97,000 employees, clients, partners and stakeholders, the Group strives every day to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by its purpose statement, ENGIE reconciles economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on its key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to its clients.

About Breakthrough Energy

Breakthrough Energy is a global network of climate leaders committed to accelerating the world's journey to a clean energy future. The organization funds breakthrough technologies, advocates for climate-smart policies, and mobilizes partners around the world to take effective action, accelerating progress at every stage.

Breakthrough Energy Catalyst is a novel platform that funds and invests in first-of-a-kind commercial projects for emerging climate technologies. By investing in these opportunities, Catalyst seeks to accelerate the adoption of these technologies worldwide and reduce their costs.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219221848/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact: Mario Torchio m.torchio@energydome.com
SENS ANNOUNCEMENT

(the "Notice" or "Announcement")

ISSUER

ZCCM INVESTMENTS HOLDINGS PLC ("ZCCM-IH")

[Incorporated in the Republic of Zambia]

Company registration number: 119540000771

Share Code: ZCCM-IH

ISIN: ZM0000000037

Authorised by: Charles Mjumphi - Company Secretary

SPONSOR

Stockbrokers Zambia Limited

[Founder Member of the Lusaka Securities Exchange]

[Regulated and licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia]

Contact Number: +260-211-232456

Website: www.sbz.com.zm

APPROVAL

The captioned Notice or Announcement has been approved by:

The Lusaka Securities Exchange ("LuSE") The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") ZCCM Investment Holdings Plc ("ZCCM-IH")

RISK WARNING

The Notice or Announcement contained herein contains information that may be of a price-sensitive nature.

Investors are advised to seek the advice of their investment advisor, stockbroker, or any professional duly licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia to provide securities advice.

ISSUED: 19 December 2024

ZCCM INVESTMENTS HOLDINGS PLC

[Incorporated in the Republic of Zambia]

Company registration number: 771

Share Code: ZCCM-IH

ISIN: ZM0000000037

["ZCCM-IH" or "the Company"]

MARKET ANNOUNCEMENT

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ZCCM-IH PARTICIPATES IN THE 2ND TRANCHE OF THE FLAGSHIP

CEC RENEWABLES LIMITED GREEN BOND ISSUANCE WITH $10M SUBSCRIPTION

18th December 2024, Lusaka Zambia: ZCCM Investments Holdings PLC ("ZCCM-IH") is pleased to announce its participation in the second tranche of the CEC Renewables Limited ("CEC-R" ), Green Bond with a USD10 million (approximately ZMW275 million) subscription.

The second tranche of the bond raised USD96.7 million that will go towards funding the 136MW Itimpi-2 project, an expansion of the 60MW Itimpi-1 solar PV plant.

ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ndoba Vibetti, highlighted the strategic importance of this subscription:

"Our mission is to create tangible wealth sustainably for the benefit of the Zambian people and all our stakeholders. This bond, which finances the development of solar PV projects, aligns with this mission and our strategic focus in growing our footprint in energy, particularly during the ongoing energy crisis in Zambia, whilst also lowering ZCCM-IH's overall carbon footprint."

ZCCM-IH's participation in the second tranche of the CEC-R green bond aims at diversifying the composition of the company's investment portfolio and enhancing its returns. This is aligned with the company's 2023-2026 strategic plan that focuses on investments primarily in the mining and energy sectors.

This participation is a further testament of the company's commitment to the development of the Zambian capital market.

The CEC-R green bond issuance complies with the ICMA Green Bond Principles, including participation from other local investors.

The CEC-R green bond was privately placed and is listed on the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE).

-End-

Issued by:

Loisa Mbatha

Corporate Affairs Manager

ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc

By Order of the Board

Charles Mjumphi

Company Secretary

Issued in Lusaka, Zambia on 19 December 2024

Lusaka Securities Exchange Sponsoring Broker T | +260-211-232456



E | advisory@sbz.com.zm



W | www.sbz.com.zm



Stockbrokers Zambia Limited (SBZ) is a member of the Lusaka Securities

Exchange and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia

First Issued on 19 December 2024

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ACCRA, Ghana, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 19, the "Light Up Africa" Children's Solar Lamp Project, jointly initiated by KuCoin, Global CSR, and the Smiling Simon Greenbuild Foundation, held its donation ceremony in Ghana. The project aims to provide light for schoolchildren in underdeveloped areas of Africa, promoting education equality and improving their living conditions.

This charitable initiative originated at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in 2023, where KuCoin made a firm commitment to support social welfare initiatives during the "KuCoin Green Future Dinner", witnessed by over 200 guests from various countries. In 2024, KuCoin has continued to fulfill its social responsibilities by launching a series of impactful public welfare projects, with the "Light Up Africa" Children's Solar Lamp Project standing out as a prime example.

Through the donation of solar reading lamps, the project provides opportunities for children in rural African areas without electricity to study at night, illuminating their path to knowledge. In February 2024, the first batch of 2,500 solar lamps was delivered to 25 schools in Nigeria. By October 2024, an additional 7,200 solar lamps were distributed to various communities in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Ghana, benefiting even more children.

At the donation ceremony in Ghana, Dr. Anita Nana Okuribido from the Smiling Simon Green Building Foundation expressed sincere gratitude to KuCoin. She highlighted that local children previously relied on candles or dim moonlight for their evening studies. The solar lamps donated by KuCoin have significantly improved their learning conditions. One solar lamp impacts at least five students, meaning this project directly benefits 36,000 children, helping them step out of darkness and embrace the light of knowledge.

Zhao Jing, Chairman of Global CSR, emphasized that this project has ignited African children's enthusiasm for learning, boosting their confidence and instilling hope for a brighter future. This effort is not merely a material donation but also a profound source of encouragement.

As a global leader in the digital economy, KuCoin remains committed to sustainable development goals, focusing on areas such as climate change, health, and education, and has achieved significant positive social impact. KuCoin's Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), Nancy Cheung, stated that the "Light Up Africa" project is a key step in KuCoin's journey to advance the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. KuCoin will continue to support children's education and technological innovation, driving society toward a better future.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and an exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 37 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots. KuCoin has garnered accolades such as "Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges" by Forbes and has been recognized among the "Top 50 Global Unicorns" by Hurun in 2024. These recognitions reflect its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2356857/KuCoin_Horizontal_Green_LOGO_Logo.jpg

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The English-language edition of the Annual Report will be published in January 2025 at www.roblon.com

Summary

The Group reports profit from continuing operations for 2023/24. Divestment process underway for Roblon's US subsidiary.

For its continuing operations, Roblon realised revenue of DKKm 245.4 and an operating profit (EBIT) before special items of DKKm 29.3, equalling an EBIT margin of 11.9%.

In Company Announcement no. 7 of 16 September 2024, Management announced the initiation of a process to divest Roblon's US subsidiary. Both demand and the competitive situation had deteriorated to such an extent that Management made the decision to initiate a divestment of the subsidiary.

At the end of 2023, the business intelligence company CRU (www.crugroup.com/), which covers the FOC industry, expected that the US market would in 2024 return to normal market conditions comparable to those of 2022. This did not happen, however, in part because the launch of government stimulus projects to fund the roll-out of broadband in the USA proceeded more slowly than expected. Also, the competitive conditions in a temporarily reduced addressable market have become significantly tougher, partly due to competition from the Far East.

Following the announcement of the divestment process for its US subsidiary, Roblon has received a number of enquiries from potential buyers. Management expects the divestment process to be finalised by the end of March 2025. Consequently, the US subsidiary is reported under discontinued operations in the annual report for 2023/24. Comparative figures for 2022/23 have been restated accordingly.

In the coming years, Roblon's activities will focus on the development of products and services for the primary market, comprising the EMEA countries and selected overseas customers and customer leads. Roblon's defined primary market is growing, boosted by the current and future expansion of international digitalisation and energy grid infrastructure.

During the 2023/24 financial year, the Board of Directors decided to downsize the Executive Management from three to two members in a bid to strengthen the Company's strategy execution. Accordingly, Roblon's CEO, Lars stergaard, resigned his position on 13 May 2024. Kim Muller, who until 13 May 2024 held the position of CTO, took over the reins as CEO, and Carsten Michno, until 13 May 2024 the Company's CFO, took on the position of Co-CEO/CFO.

Selected financial highlights for the Group's continuing operations

Order intake of DKKm 236.9 (DKKm 202.7)

Revenue of DKKm 245.4 (DKKm 245.0)

Gross profit of DKKm 149.3 (DKKm 127.5), equalling a gross margin of 60.8% (52.0%)

Operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and impairment (EBITDA) and before special items of DKKm 44.9 (DKKm 27.3)

Operating profit (EBIT) before special items of DKKm 29.3 (DKKm 10.0), equalling an EBIT margin of 11.9% (4.1%)

Profit from continuing operations before tax of DKKm 27.2 (DKKm 24.6)

Return on invested capital (ROIC) before tax of 16.1% (5.2%)

Earnings per B share after tax of DKK 11.7 (DKK 11.3)

Product development costs in 2023/24 totalled DKKm 7.6 (DKKm 6.1), corresponding to 3.1% (2.5%) of total revenue





Selected financial highlights for the Group's continuing and discontinued operations

Loss after tax for continuing and discontinued operations of DKKm 9.6 (a loss of DKKm 4.6)

Net cash inflow from operations for the period of DKKm 56.2 (DKKm 17.8)

Net cash outflow for the year of DKKm 11.8 (net inflow of DKKm 21.4), mainly due to a DKKm 55.0 reduction of operating credits

The Group worked purposefully to reduce its working capital in 2023/24 and succeeded during the period. This strengthened the Company's liquidity resources, which amounted to DKKm 101.9 at 31 October 2024 (DKKm 66.2)

The equity ratio, positively affected by the reduction of total assets, amounted to 71.4% (57.0 %)





Roblon's revenue for the financial year 2023/24 was DKKm 245.4 (DKKm 245.0), in line with last year. Revenue for the Composite product group amounted to DKKm 185.4 (DKKm 154.0). The DKKm 31.4 improvement was due to a realised increase in deliveries of strength members for submarine cables, while deliveries to the offshore oil and gas industry were realised at the same level as last year. The FOC product group generated revenue of DKKm 60.0 (DKKm 91.0). The DKKm 31.0 decline reflected the continuing challenging market conditions for the FOC industry in EMEA in 2024.

EBIT before special items was an operating profit of DKKm 29.3 (DKKm 10.0), and the improvement was due to a favourable product mix and profitability improvements realised through technology and process enhancements. EBIT for 2023/24 was adversely affected by remuneration during the notice period for the parent company's former CEO and the General Manager of the Group's Czech subsidiary totalling DKKm 4.4.

EBIT after special items amounted to DKKm 29.3 (DKKm 27.9). The 2022/23 figure was positively affected by a profit of DKKm 17.9 from the sale of the former head office building in Frederikshavn.

Revenue for 2023/24 in Roblon's US subsidiary, recognised under discontinued operations, amounted to DKKm 102.2 (DKKm 110.0). The drop in revenue was attributable to the current US market conditions in the fibre optic cable industry and the fact that the competitive conditions became significantly tougher during 2023/24, partly due to competition from the Far East. Discontinued operations realised a loss before tax of DKKm 26.9 (a loss of DKKm 27.7), in line with Management's guidance.

Realised EBITDA and EBIT for continuing and discontinued operations for 2023/24 were in line with Management's guidance.

Roblon realised a net loss for the year for continuing and discontinued operations of DKKm 9.6 for 2023/24 (a loss of DKKm 4.6).

Based on the reported loss for the year 2023/24, the Board of Directors proposes to the shareholders at the general meeting that no dividend be distributed.

Guidance for 2024/25

In Company Announcement no. 11 of 18 November 2024, Roblon set out Management's revenue and earnings guidance for the 2024/25 financial year.

Management expects the challenging market conditions for the FOC product group to continue in the 2024/25 financial year. Management foresees a decrease in gross margin in 2024/25 compared with 2023/24, partly due to an expected change in product mix and partly due to expected stronger price competition.

Management's guidance with respect to continuing operations for FY 2024/25 is as follows:

Revenue of DKKm 210-240 (realised 2023/24: DKKm 245.4).

Operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and impairment (EBITDA) and before special items of DKKm 30-40 (realised 2023/24: DKKm 44.9).

Operating profit (EBIT) before special items of DKKm 16-26 (realised 2023/24: DKKm 29.3).

Special items relating to costs in connection with the divestment of the subsidiary are expected to be DKKm 2.5-4.

Revenue and results of the Company's US subsidiary in the process of being divested are reported as discontinued operations and are consequently not included in the above guidance for the 2024/25 financial year. As the Company is in the middle of an ongoing divestment process, Management is currently not in a position to calculate how the divestment of the US subsidiary will affect the financial statements.

The guidance for the year is subject to significant uncertainty, mainly related to the continuing geopolitical challenges and market conditions for the FOC product group, which are expected to continue to be impacted by the aftermath of the 2022 COVID-19 pandemic period.

Frederikshavn, 19 December 2024

Roblon A/S

Jrgen Kjr Jacobsen Kim Muller

Chairman CEO

Enquiries regarding this announcement should be addressed to:

Co-CEO Carsten Michno, tel. +45 9620 3300
Stellantis has achieved remarkable success with its global "Shares to Win 2024" employee stock ownership program, securing approximately 94.5 million in total investments. The initiative, which was made available to employees across 18 countries, resulted in the acquisition of roughly 9.7 million shares. The program offered attractive terms, including a 20% discount on the stock price and a matching contribution of up to 1,000, attracting participation from about 15% of eligible employees who invested an average of 1,960 each. This widespread employee engagement demonstrates strong internal confidence in the company's future, despite current market headwinds.

Market Performance and Production Adjustments

The automotive giant's stock has recently experienced downward pressure, with shares declining 3.30% to $12.91. This market response coincides with strategic shifts in the company's operations, including production adjustments at key facilities and modifications to vehicle launch schedules. Notably, the company has announced plans to prioritize the release of its Range-Extended Ram 1500 Ramcharger ahead of the battery-electric Ram 1500 REV, with orders set to commence in the first half of 2025.

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Kamloops, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Infracon Construction, Inc. ("Infracon") is pleased to announce the acquisition of 2333382 Ontario, Inc., owner of the former Agrium Phosphate Mine in Kapuskasing, Ontario, a processing plant located in Matheson, Ontario and various other mineral properties in Ontario, through its wholly owned subsidiary, KAP Minerals, Inc. ("KAP") Geoff Hampson, CEO of Infracon Construction, Inc. will act as the CEO of the company.

KAP Minerals Inc. has collaborated and consulted with the Taykwa Tagamou Nation ( "TTN") and has agreed to work with them to put in place a Benefits Agreement that will develop programs to provide employment and contracting opportunities with First Nations-owned businesses in the region. Kap Minerals plans to deploy substantial capital to bring this asset back into production, providing economic opportunities to the region by facilitating training and creating jobs. KAP is committed to fostering a skilled workforce within the community and to collaborating with the TTN.

KAP Minerals will focus on commercializing the Apatite deposit, located in the Cargill Township Carbonatite Complex. The deposit is known for its high-quality Phosphate rock with ultra-low Cadmium levels. Globally, only 5% of the phosphate rock reserves consist of low-cadmium igneous rocks. The KAP site also has a significant Rare Earth deposit in the existing tailings that are also in strong demand as critical minerals for the North American and global markets.

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are the primary nutrients in commercial fertilizers. Phosphate rock plays a vital role in ensuring the food security and adequate nutrition of billions of people worldwide. Phosphate has recently been added to the EU and Canadian Critical Minerals List. In addition to fertilizers, phosphate is crucial for growth in the renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industries by supporting feedstock growth and contributing to the overall sustainability of these alternative fuels. Phosphate is also a critical mineral for producing Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are integral for electric vehicles and battery storage.

KAP Minerals, Inc. also announces that it has appointed Mr. Jeff Ivan of Okotoks, Alberta, as President and COO of the Company. Jeff Ivan is an accomplished professional in the Agri-minerals business with 35 years of experience and brings a unique talent to the company, having conducted business in various international markets. His experience and knowledge of the Agri-minerals business, as well as the international fertilizer markets, will be instrumental in the future developments of KAP Minerals. Jeff also co-founded Soilgenic Technologies, which focuses on improving fertilizer efficiency with a suite of technologies that reduce the global impact of nutrient loss and the production of GHG emissions. Jeff's expertise and focus on improving fertilizer efficiency will be essential to KAP Phosphate and the development of future sustainable phosphate fertilizers.

ABOUT THE INFRACON GROUP

The Infracon Group of Companies ("Infracon") is a collection of specialty construction companies involved in heavy civil, pipeline, welding, and construction materials businesses in Western Canada. It is one of the fastest-growing construction groups in Canada, with an average annual revenue growth of over 65%. Infracon has expanded from revenues of under $30 million in 2018 to over $180 million in 2022. The group also boasts several successful Indigenous partnerships that contribute significantly to local communities. Infracon operates centers in Kamloops, Merritt, Hope, and Dawson Creek, BC, as well as Calgary, AB. The company specializes in pipeline integrity and construction, heavy civil construction, mine construction, contract mining, and mine remediation in both urban and remote projects.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234434

SOURCE: Infracon Construction Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Canadian Copper Inc. (CSE: CCI) ("Canadian Copper" or the "Company") provides a review of its progress throughout 2024 and outlines its key priorities for 2025. After completing several corporate activities in 2024, the Company remains focused on advancing the Murray Brook deposit ("Murray Brook") and Caribou Processing Complex ("Caribou") in the Bathurst Mining Camp, New Brunswick, Canada. Our metallurgical program is underway at SGS Lakefield (see Photo A), picture taken yesterday with description below.

Simon Quick, CEO of Canadian Copper: "2024 has been a productive year for Canadian Copper. Through several key transactions, we have executed on our proposed plan to consolidate two complementary assets, the Murray Brook deposit and the Caribou Processing Complex, to form one low capital intensity and near-term development project. Further through the sale of our non-core properties and the closing of two equity financings, we have secured the funds necessary to execute the next steps in our strategy."

2024 Highlights:

Company Financing Activities

In January 2024, Canadian Copper signed an Offtake Agreement for copper concentrate and an unsecured Credit Facility for the Murray Brook deposit of up to US$1.5M with Ocean Partners UK Ltd (see January 30th, 2024 press release). This provided funding for the Murray Brook acquisition in addition to new offtake channels for future production. In December 2024, Canadian Copper closed an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement, raising $1.83 million (see December 6th, 2024 press release). This capital will be used to complete a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on processing the Murray Brook deposit at the Caribou Processing Complex. Release date is expected in the first half of 2025.

Asset Consolidation

In March of 2024, the Company announced the sale of its Chester and Turgeon Projects, non-core in Canadian Copper's portfolio, to Raptor Resources Ltd. (see March 4th, 2024 press release). The non-dilutive transaction was valued at C$2.1M and positions Canadian Copper to allocate capital and its focus on the development of Murray Brook.

Acquisition of the Caribou Processing Complex

In October 2024, Canadian Copper announced the planned acquisition of the Caribou Processing Plant Complex (see October 28th, 2024 press release), a fully permitted milling and flotation facility with an associated tailings deposition area located approximately 10 km from Murray Brook with good road and power access. This transaction will unlock synergies in the Bathurst Mining camp as the Caribou Processing Complex reduces the capital intensity and permitting timeline for a production scenario for the Murray Brook deposit. With a previous processing capacity of 3,000 tonnes per day, the facility will provide the necessary infrastructure to produce copper, zinc and lead, concentrates, with silver credits, aligning with the Company's vision of becoming a near-term Canadian critical mineral producer.

Fostering Local Partnerships

Canadian Copper announced the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the Pabineau First Nation (see October 8th, 2024 press release) also known as Oinpegitjoig L'Noeigati, a Mi'kmaq nation located south of Bathurst, New Brunswick. The partnership builds on Canadian Copper's commitment to the responsible development of the Murray Brook deposit. Our goal is to generate long-term value for stakeholders through the creation of local job opportunities, supporting contracting opportunities for regional businesses, and fostering economic growth in the region.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, Canadian Copper is focused on completing its key milestones as it continues its strategy to establish a near-term critical mineral producer in Bathurst, New Brunswick. Those milestones are:

Murray Brook updated metallurgical testwork program occurring Q4 2024 - Q1 2025.

Murray Brook mine design and site layout work occurring Q1 - Q2 2025.

Preliminary Economic Assessment due H1 2025.

Closing of the Caribou Process Plant acquisition in Q2-Q3 2025.

Canadian Copper would like to thank its shareholders, partners and stakeholders for their continued support throughout 2024, and looks forward to building on its success and delivering continued progress through 2025.

Photo A: Zinc Flotation from Current Cu/Zn/Pb/Ag Testwork Underway

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9218/234435_figure%201.jpg

Program Description

Four composite samples are at the metallurgical testing facilities of SGS in Lakefield, Ontario. The samples will be tested to determine hardness characteristics for SAG and ball milling. In parallel, a flotation testwork program will assess the metal recoveries and concentrate qualities achievable through an optimization process from which primary and regrinding stages grind sizes, flotation retention time requirements per stage and chemical reagent types and consumptions will be confirmed.

The testwork outcome will provide inputs to the PEA such as confirming the Caribou plant throughput capability and what modifications might be called for to align in an optimum fashion the individual flotation and slurry pumping stages to what the testwork outcome will dictate. It will also be used for metallurgical recovery and concentrate quality projections as well as providing inputs into the operating costs estimate in relation with processing consumable consumptions.

About Canadian Copper Inc.

Canadian Copper is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company with defined copper and other base metals resources. The Company is focused on the prolific Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC) of New Brunswick, Canada. There are currently 102,271,319 shares issued and outstanding in the Company.

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Company's option to acquire properties under the Puma Option Agreement, the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the CSE), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk and Uncertainties" in the Company's annual management discussion and analysis for the year ended October 31, 2023 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this presentation or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234435

SOURCE: Canadian Copper Inc.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and American President-elect Donald Trump have agreed to strengthen the close relationship between the two countries.They looked forward to working together on shared priorities, including international security and delivering economic growth and prosperity, 10 Downing Street said in a statement.Starmer congratulated Trump on his recent team appointments while the President-elect recounted his meeting with the Prince of Wales in Paris earlier this month.The UK Prime Minister reiterated the need for allies to stand together with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position.On the Middle East, the Prime Minister underscored the need to work together to ensure peace and security in the region.Starmer is one of the first leaders to speak over phone to Trump ahead of him assuming office for a second term.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- H.I.G. Capital ("H.I.G."), a leading global alternative investment firm with $67 billion of capital under management, is pleased to announce that one of its affiliates has completed its subscription in a rights issue, thereby acquiring a controlling stake in The Grounds Real Estate Development AG ("TGD" or the "Company"), a German real estate developer with a significant presence in the Greater Berlin Area.

Founded in 2007, TGD owns and manages a diversified residential real estate portfolio comprised of standing assets, developments, and a substantial land bank across the Greater Berlin Area. The Company has consistently developed high-quality residential properties that cater to the evolving needs of Berlin's residents.

With this new investment, TGD is poised to expand its reach, enhance its current offerings, and ensure sustainable growth in the market. It will also allow the Company to capitalize on attractive buying opportunities which address the critical shortage of quality housing in Berlin.

Riccardo Dallolio, Managing Director and Head of H.I.G. Realty in Europe, commented, "Our investment in TGD and its management team gives us outstanding access to the German residential market, allowing us to leverage value-add opportunities at a pivotal time in the cycle."

Stelios Theodosiou, Managing Director at H.I.G. Realty in Europe, added, "This transaction underscores our strong belief in the enduring value of the German residential sector. We are eager to join forces with TGD's management team to drive forward our shared vision and capitalize on the market's long-term potential."

About H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. is a leading global alternative investment firm with $67 billion of capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco in the United States, as well as international affiliate offices in Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Dubai, and Hong Kong, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to middle market companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach:

H.I.G.'s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses.





H.I.G.'s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche, and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets. H.I.G. also manages a publicly traded BDC, WhiteHorse Finance.





H.I.G.'s real estate funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices.





H.I.G. Infrastructure focuses on making value-add and core plus investments in the infrastructure sector.

Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 400 companies worldwide. The Firm's current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of $53 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at hig.com.

*Based on total capital raised by H.I.G. Capital and its affiliates.



Contact:

Riccardo Dallolio

Managing Director

rdallolio@hig.com

Stelios Theodosiou

Managing Director

stheodosiou@hig.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2524016/HIG_Europe_Logo.jpg

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Hannan Metals Limited ("Hannan" or the "Company") (TSXV:HAN)(OTC PINK:HANNF) is pleased to report the discovery of a significant chargeability anomaly at the Ricardo Herrera copper-gold porphyry project within the Company's 100%-owned Valiente copper-gold project in Peru (Figure 1).

Highlights: Major Discovery in 3DIP Survey Results : A substantial chargeability anomaly measuring 1,000 m by 250 m has been mapped to 350 m depth (Figures 3 to 6). This compelling anomaly demonstrates strong correlation with multiple indicators: Outcropping porphyry-style mineralization within a multi-stage calc-alkaline intrusion (Figure 2) Well-defined positive magnetic anomaly (Figure 2) Distinctive "bulls-eye" soil anomaly containing Cu-Au-Zn-Pb (Figure 3)

Second Parallel Target Identified : A significant high chargeability anomaly discovered parallel to the main body (Figures 4 to 6), presenting an additional strong drill target within the project area.

Extensive Surface Mineralization : Outcropping porphyry-style copper-gold mineralization at Ricardo Herrera spans 800 m by 255 m ( reported here ), featuring multiple mineralized channel samples.

District-Scale Potential : Ricardo Herrera lies within 2 km of the recently announced Vista Alegre epithermal target ( reported here ), indicating a potentially large-scale mineralized system (Figure 7).

Drill-Ready Status : Fourteen drill platforms approved under the recently granted DIA permit ( reported here ).

Near-Term Catalyst: Inaugural drilling program scheduled to commence Q2 2025.

Michael Hudson, CEO, states: "The identification of this extensive IP anomalies at Ricardo Herrera marks a pivotal development in our understanding of the copper-gold porphyry potential at Valiente. The convergence of multiple exploration indicators - from geophysics to surface geochemistry - has provided us with highly promising drill targets. With our recently approved DIA permit and 14 drill platforms in place, we are excellently positioned to test this compelling porphyry system in Q2 2025."

Geophysical Interpretation

Ricardo Herrera represents an outcropping Miocene calc-alkalic porphyry system where surface copper mineralization coincides with extensive phyllic and intermediate argillic alteration over 800 m x 250 m. Following a successful 2D IP orientation survey in 2023 that mapped the system to 500 m depth, our new 3DIP survey has significantly advanced the subsurface understanding and further de-risked our upcoming drill program. Two distinct anomalies have been identified:

The Main Anomaly: This extensive feature correlates directly with surface mineralization, exhibiting: A robust chargeability anomaly extending over 1,000 m strike length and 250 m width

Chargeability values typically ranging 12ms to15ms with peaks up to 26ms

Strong correlation with surface mineralization and alteration patterns

Clear definition to at least 350 m depth (Figures 4 to 6) The Parallel Target: This newly identified anomaly presents compelling characteristics: Located immediately SW of and parallel to the main anomaly

Dimensions of 400 m length by 200 m width

Strong chargeability values ranging from 8ms to -26ms

No surface expression, representing an exciting blind target within the permitted drilling area

The geophysical results strongly support surface observations, confirming Ricardo Herrera as the upper portion of a substantial multistage high-K calc-alkalic porphyry system. While surface mineralization is strongly leached, the chargeability data reveals a large chargeable body persisting to at least 350 m depth, suggesting preservation of the mineralizing system at depth.

Geophysical Survey Details

The Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysical survey was carried out by GeoMad E.I.R.L, a Lima-based consultancy company. The survey employed a pole-dipole electrode configuration on single lines with electrode spacing at 100 m intervals. Four lines were surveyed with lengths varying between 1.2 km and 6.8 km. Equipment used included:

Huntec 10Kw 20A transmitter

10 channel ELREC PRO receiver

LECIA GS15 GNSS for station recording

Geological Setting and Mineralization

Ricardo Herrera is an outcropping Miocene calc-alkalic porphyry target hosted within a grey to greenish porphyritic intrusion with hornblende and feldspar phenocrysts. The mineralization shows:

Strong phyllic and intermediate argillic alteration over 800 m x 250 m

Both M (magnetite-bearing), B (quartz/biotite) and A-veins (saccharoidal quartz/K-feldspar) with encouraging densities of approximately 6 veins per metre

Evidence of supergene enrichment in lower topographic levels where chalcocite replaces chalcopyrite

Secondary copper within manganese oxides (neotocite) and red iron oxides (hematite) in the leached zone with values exceeding 0.1% Cu

About the Valiente Project

Hannan Metals' Valiente Project identified a Miocene porphyry copper-gold belt in Peru's back-arc, with 18 Cu-Au porphyry and epithermal systems across 140 km x 50 km. The Belen Prospect (Figure 1), 19 km east of Tingo Maria, features three main targets: Ricardo Herrera, Vista Alegre, and Sortilegio. Despite being only 4% of Hannan's holdings, Belen shows significant potential through extensive anomalies.

Technical Background

All samples were collected by Hannan geologists. Samples were transported to ALS in Lima via third party services using traceable parcels. At the laboratory, rock samples were prepared and analyzed by standard methods. The sample preparation involved crushing 70% to less than 2 mm, riffle split off 250g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed by method ME-MS61, a four-acid digest preformed on 0.25g of the sample to quantitatively dissolve most geological materials. Analysis is via ICP-MS. Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization samples and sample widths quoted approximate the true width of mineralization, while grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. Gold was analyzed by ALS in Lima using a standard sample preparation and 30g fire assay sample charge.

About Hannan Metals Limited (TSXV:HAN) (OTCPK: HANNF)

Hannan Metals Limited is a natural resources and exploration company developing sustainable resources of metal needed to meet the transition to a low carbon economy. Over the last decade, the team behind Hannan has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in Europe and Peru.

Mr. Michael Hudson FAusIMM, Hannan's Chairman and CEO, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

On behalf of the Board,

"Michael Hudson"

Michael Hudson, Chairman & CEO Further Information

www.hannanmetals.com

1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7

Mariana Bermudez, Corporate Secretary,

+1 (604) 685 9316, info@hannanmetals.com

Forward Looking Statements. Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. In making the forward-looking statements the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news.

SOURCE: Hannan Metals Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - IsoEnergy Ltd. (TSX: ISO) (OTCQX: ISENF) ("IsoEnergy") and Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. (TSXV: PTU) (OTCQB: PTUUF) ("Purepoint") are pleased to announce the successful implementation of their previously announced joint venture (the "Joint Venture") (see press release dated October 22, 2024), consolidating 10 uranium projects spanning over 98,000 hectares in the eastern Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan (Figure 1). This strategic collaboration strengthens both companies' efforts to advance high-potential uranium assets in one of the world's premier uranium-producing regions.

The joint venture establishes an initial ownership structure of 60% by IsoEnergy and 40% by Purepoint, with the option to adjust to a 50/50 split through the exercise of put/call options (the "Put/Call Option") pursuant to which 10% of IsoEnergy's initial participation interest may be transferred to Purepoint in exchange for 4,000,000 common shares of Purepoint (the "PTU Shares"). The Put/Call Option is exercisable within six months of the Joint Venture's formation, with the exercise of one option resulting in the expiry of the other. Following completion of the Put/Call Option period, IsoEnergy will hold a further option to purchase an additional 1% interest from Purepoint for $2 million, giving IsoEnergy a 51% participation interest and Purepoint a 49% participation interest. This option expires on the earlier of February 28, 2026, or 60 days after a material uranium discovery. The ownership interests of each company are subject to standard dilution, with any participation interest that is reduced to 10% or less being automatically exchanged for a 2% net smelter royalty (NSR) on the Joint Venture properties.

The Joint Venture brings together a complementary portfolio of highly prospective properties strategically positioned along the Larocque Trend, a region renowned for high-grade uranium discoveries such as IsoEnergy's Hurricane Deposit (Figure 2). Subject to the terms of the Joint Venture agreement, Purepoint will serve as operator during the exploration phase, while IsoEnergy will assume operational control as the projects advance to pre-development stages. Work programs across the joint portfolio are expected to commence in the near future.

Philip Williams, CEO and Director of IsoEnergy, commented, "This partnership allows us to advance a promising portfolio of uranium projects while maintaining our focus on IsoEnergy's core development assets. By working alongside Purepoint, a highly experienced operator in the Athabasca Basin, we ensure these projects receive the dedicated attention and resources needed to unlock their full potential."

Chris Frostad, President and CEO of Purepoint, added, "Our strategy of partnering with the strongest players in the uranium sector ensures that our most prospective projects, like those within this joint venture, are supported by a secure and sustainable source of funding. This collaboration not only validates the potential of these assets but also aligns with our commitment to advance them responsibly and efficiently."

Figure 1: Joint Venture Portfolio, including 10 Projects Covering More Than 98,000 Hectares in the Athabasca Basin

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3218/234370_4feda723d44828d2_001full.jpg



Figure 2: Complimentary and Prospective Ground Covering the Larocque Trend with Strong Discovery Potential

* See Qualified Person Statement below.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3218/234370_4feda723d44828d2_002full.jpg

Early Warning Disclosure

In connection with the formation of the Joint Venture, IsoEnergy is deemed to have acquired beneficial ownership of the 4,000,000 PTU Shares issuable upon exercise of the Put/Call Option pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. Prior to the implementation of the Joint Venture, IsoEnergy beneficially owned an aggregate of 3,333,334 PTU Shares and 3,333,334 warrants ("PTU Warrants"), representing approximately 5.81% of the issued and outstanding PTU Shares on a non-diluted basis, and approximately 10.98% of the issued and outstanding PTU Shares on a partially diluted basis, assuming the exercise of the PTU Warrants held by IsoEnergy. Following implementation of the Joint Venture, IsoEnergy beneficially owns an aggregate of 7,333,334 PTU Shares and 3,333,334 PTU Warrants, assuming the exercise of the Put/Call Option, representing approximately 11.94% of the issued and outstanding PTU Shares on a non-diluted basis, and approximately 16.48% of the issued and outstanding PTU Shares on a partially diluted basis, assuming the exercise of the PTU Warrants held by IsoEnergy.

While IsoEnergy currently has no plans or intentions with respect to the Purepoint securities, IsoEnergy may develop such plans or intentions in the future and, at such time, may from time to time acquire additional securities, dispose of some or all of the existing or additional securities or may continue to hold the PTU Shares, PTU Warrants or other securities of Purepoint based on market conditions, general economic and industry conditions, trading prices of Purepoint's securities, Purepoint's business, financial condition and prospects and/or other relevant factors.

A copy of the early warning report to be filed by IsoEnergy will be available under Purepoint's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or by contacting Graham du Preez, Chief Financial Officer of IsoEnergy, at 306-373-6399. IsoEnergy's head office is located at 217 Queen St. West, Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 0R2.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release relating to IsoEnergy was reviewed and approved by Dr. Dan Brisbin, P.Geo., IsoEnergy's Vice President, Exploration, who is a "Qualified Person" (as defined in NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")).

For additional information with respect to the current mineral resource estimate for IsoEnergy's Hurricane Deposit, please refer to the Technical Report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 entitled "Technical Report on the Larocque East Project, Northern Saskatchewan, Canada" dated August 4, 2022, available under IsoEnergy's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About IsoEnergy Ltd.

IsoEnergy is a leading, globally diversified uranium company with substantial current and historical mineral resources in top uranium mining jurisdictions of Canada, the U.S. and Australia at varying stages of development, providing near-, medium- and long-term leverage to rising uranium prices. IsoEnergy is currently advancing its Larocque East project in Canada's Athabasca basin, which is home to the Hurricane deposit, boasting the world's highest-grade indicated uranium mineral resource.

IsoEnergy also holds a portfolio of permitted past-producing, conventional uranium and vanadium mines in Utah with a toll milling arrangement in place with Energy Fuels. These mines are currently on standby, ready for rapid restart as market conditions permit, positioning IsoEnergy as a near-term uranium producer.

About Purepoint Uranium Group Inc.

Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. (TSXV: PTU) (OTCQB: PTUUF) is a focused explorer with a dynamic portfolio of advanced projects within the renowned Athabasca Basin in Canada. The most prospective projects are actively operated on behalf of partnerships with industry leaders including Cameco Corporation, Orano Canada Inc. and IsoEnergy Ltd.

Additionally, the Company holds a promising VHMS project currently optioned to and strategically positioned adjacent to and on trend with Foran Corporation's McIlvena Bay project. Through a robust and proactive exploration strategy, Purepoint is solidifying its position as a leading explorer in one of the globe's most significant uranium districts.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Press release.

Disclosure regarding forward-looking statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". This forward-looking information may relate to the Joint Venture, including statements with respect to the anticipated benefits of the Joint Venture to the parties; the expected ownership interests of IsoEnergy and Purepoint in the Joint Venture; the prospects of each company's respective projects, including mineralization of each project; the potential for, success of and anticipated timing of commencement of future exploration and development of the Joint Venture projects; IsoEnergy's expectations with respect to the sale or purchase or sale of Purepoint securities shares in the future; and any other activities, events or developments that the companies expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, the accuracy of management's assessment of the effects of the successful completion of the Joint Venture and that the anticipated benefits of the Joint Venture will be realized; the anticipated mineralization of IsoEnergy's and Purepoint's projects being consistent with expectations and the potential benefits from such projects and any upside from such projects; the price of uranium; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms; and that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Joint Venture's planned activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although each of IsoEnergy and Purepoint have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Such statements represent the current views of IsoEnergy and Purepoint with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by IsoEnergy and Purepoint, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: the inability of the parties to realize the benefits anticipated from the Joint Venture and the timing to realize such benefits; changes to IsoEnergy's and/or Purepoint's current and future business plans and the strategic alternatives available thereto; growth prospects and outlook of IsoEnergy's and Purepoint's business; regulatory determinations and delays; stock market conditions generally; demand, supply and pricing for uranium; and general economic and political conditions in Canada, the United States and other jurisdictions where the applicable party conducts business. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in each of IsoEnergy's and Purepoint's most recent annual management's discussion and analyses or annual information forms and IsoEnergy's and Purepoint's other filings with the Canadian securities regulators which are available, respectively, on each company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. IsoEnergy and Purepoint do not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234370

SOURCE: Purepoint Uranium Group Inc.
MADRID (dpa-AFX) - Spain's foreign trade deficit decreased in October from a year ago, as exports grew faster than imports, preliminary data from the Economy Ministry showed on Thursday.The trade deficit dropped to EUR 3.9 billion in October from EUR 5.1 billion in the corresponding month last year. In September, there was a shortfall of EUR 3.29 billion.Exports climbed 9.3 percent year-over-year in October versus 1.9 percent growth in September. Shipments of consumer durables grew the most by 17.9 percent. Imports rose 4.8 percent from last year, following only a 0.1 percent increase a month ago.On a monthly basis, both exports and imports surged by 11.7 percent and 12.4 percent, respectively.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.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2024 / Black Book Market Research, a leading global healthcare technology research firm, has released the findings of an extensive ten-month survey conducted in 2024. The survey engaged 2,525 technology, clinical, and financial leaders across healthcare systems worldwide, including Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America. The study highlights how nations are leveraging advanced digital solutions to revolutionize population health management (PHM) and address critical healthcare challenges.

Global Impact of Population Health Management Tools

The independent polling reveals that PHM tools are significantly enhancing care delivery and coordination globally. In the Asia-Pacific region, 85% of respondents reported substantial improvements in care coordination after implementing PHM tools, accompanied by a 17% reduction in preventable hospitalizations. Similarly, in urban Europe, 78% of respondents experienced improvements in care coordination, with a 35% reduction in preventable hospitalizations. These findings underscore the global impact of PHM tools in improving healthcare outcomes and reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.

Technological Advancements in Population Health Management

The research indicates a growing trend among healthcare organizations and governments in emerging markets to integrate sophisticated population health tools into their ecosystems. These tools encompass advanced analytics, care coordination, and statistical modeling, playing a pivotal role in identifying at-risk populations, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring efficient healthcare delivery. Adoption rates for PHM tools in English-speaking regions have increased by 62% since 2020, driven by the demand for scalable solutions to combat chronic diseases and improve public health outcomes.

"Sophisticated software solutions are empowering healthcare providers with real-time data analytics, predictive modeling, and integrated care pathways," added Doug Brown, Founder and CEO of Black Book Market Research. "By leveraging these technologies, global locations are overcoming logistical and resource constraints to improve healthcare delivery and foster more resilient health systems."

Standout PHM Vendor Performances 2024

The survey provides insights into the population health software capabilities of various providers, focusing on implementation stories, client experiences, and healthcare delivery outcomes:

MedicalDirector (Australia): MedicalDirector's "MD Insights" is a population health reporting system that enables healthcare providers to securely identify patients based on previous investigations, filter information to identify recall candidates, and access highly customizable clinical reporting features. This tool enhances patient care and supports practice accreditation by providing actionable insights into patient populations.

Intrahealth (New Zealand): Intrahealth specializes in public health software solutions designed to synchronize, analyze, and adapt to changing standards. Their systems facilitate efficient task management, promote evidence-based practices, enhance clinical decision-making, and reduce care variability. Intrahealth's configurable solutions meet the unique needs of organizations with complex workflows across multiple disciplines, including public health, justice health, and community health services.

Fujitsu (Japan): Fujitsu's Next-Generation Healthcare Innovation Center has introduced the 4th generation of regional Health Information Network for population health management. In Finland, Fujitsu provides Virtual Connected Care across hospital, community, and social care services through the HUS Health Village, enhancing care coordination and patient engagement.

Innovaccer (India. Asia Pacific): Innovaccer's solutions have been associated with reductions in hospital readmissions and improvements in rural healthcare access in the Asia-Pacific region. Their AI-driven analytics enhance care coordination and predictive patient outcomes.

Epic Systems (United Kingdom. Australia): Epic's "Healthy Planet" module has been implemented in the United Kingdom and Australia, with reports of reductions in emergency department visits for diabetic patients in the UK. Health systems in Australia have observed improvements in rural patient follow-up rates through Epic's telehealth capabilities.

InterSystems (International): TrakCare has been utilized in chronic disease management in South Africa, with reports of reduced treatment delays by 40%. In Bahrain, it has been used to streamline immunization efforts, improving vaccine administration rates by 35%. It has also been associated with reductions in hospital readmission rates across Europe.

Oracle Health (International): Oracle's AI-driven analytics have been linked to reductions in treatment delays in India and support for the Healthy China 2030 initiative. Their solutions contribute to reducing complications related to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in Australia.

CitiusTech (India, Southeast Asia): CitiusTech's tools have been associated with increases in early diagnosis rates for chronic disease management and reductions in patient wait times in India and Southeast Asia.

Dedalus (Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Australia): Dedalus has played a pivotal role in managing aging populations and supporting telemedicine in Italy and the Netherlands, helping to deliver efficient care to elderly patients. In Japan, Dedalus has contributed to aging population management and telemedicine. In Australia, it has been involved in improving rural healthcare access with increases in telehealth consultations.

Softway (Brazil, Mexico): Softway's culturally adaptive approach has been involved in chronic condition management and prevention programs in Brazil and Mexico, with AI-powered platforms aiming to improve health literacy in underserved communities.

Nizi (Brazil, Mexico): Nizi's digital health tools have been associated with improvements in patient engagement and adherence in Brazil and Mexico, leading to positive health outcomes in chronic disease management and prevention.

CompuGroup Medical (Germany, Africa): CompuGroup Medical's solutions have been involved in chronic disease management and immunization tracking in Europe and Africa, as well as in maternal and child health programs in Africa.

Milliman (Japan, India, China, South Korea): Milliman's analytics have been associated with reductions in healthcare costs, optimization of hospital resource allocation, and support for aging population initiatives.

NEC Corporation (Japan): NEC's AI-driven platforms in Japan have been linked to improvements in early detection of chronic diseases, enhancing preventive care and patient satisfaction.

Telstra Health (Australia): Telstra Health has been involved in managing chronic conditions through remote patient monitoring and facilitating data sharing for improved care coordination in Australia.

Orion Health (New Zealand): Orion Health's interoperability-focused platforms have been associated with reductions in hospital admissions for chronic disease patients and improvements in clinical decision-making through better data accessibility in New Zealand.

Health Catalyst (International): Health Catalyst has extended its data and analytics solutions beyond the United States, engaging in strategic partnerships to enhance healthcare delivery in various regions. In 2020, the company entered a multi-year strategic partnership with the Middle East Healthcare Company (MEAHCO) to service six Saudi German Hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aiming to provide advanced data and analytics technology solutions to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Additionally, under the leadership of Farhana Nakhooda, Senior Vice President for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, Health Catalyst focuses on improving healthcare outcomes, access to care, and reducing costs across APAC, leveraging data and analytics to drive improvements in healthcare delivery.

Comarch (Poland, China, Finland, Netherland): Comarch provides end-to-end healthcare IT solutions, including EHR, telemedicine, and hospital management systems. In Finland and the Netherlands, Comarch has driven improvements in patient engagement and preventive care strategies through analytics-driven solutions, enhancing population health management initiatives. In China, Comarch has been instrumental in enhancing regional population health strategies by improving patient engagement and supporting preventive care initiatives.

These vendors have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in population health management across global locations, contributing to improved healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through innovative technologies and services.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Global Population Health Technology

The report underscores the urgent necessity of deploying scalable digital health solutions in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Developing nations, particularly in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, have demonstrated the potential of technology to address systemic challenges. For example, real-time disease tracking has significantly curtailed the spread of infectious diseases in Southeast Asia, while mobile-first health tools have driven notable increases in rural vaccination rates across Sub-Saharan Africa.

In more developed regions, urban centers in Europe are leveraging advanced analytics and predictive modeling to meet the demands of aging populations and the complexities of chronic disease management. Cities such as Warsaw and Berlin are leading by example, showcasing measurable gains in operational efficiency and resource optimization through the integration of these cutting-edge tools.

"Population health tools, particularly those rooted in data-driven analytics and sophisticated care coordination frameworks, are transforming the healthcare landscape globally," remarked Brown. "While adoption rates have surged in high-resource settings, the challenge lies in bridging the gap for underserved regions. The integration of these technologies into broader health systems, coupled with innovative partnerships, is critical for ensuring universal health coverage. Notably, 68% of global healthcare stakeholders indicate plans to expand their PHM capabilities by 2026, highlighting a steadfast commitment to advancing digital health innovation."

About Black Book Market Research

Black Book Market Research is an independent authority in healthcare IT market research, dedicated to providing unbiased evaluations through rigorous survey methodologies. Our commitment to enhancing worldwide healthcare delivery is evident in our focus on population health tools available globally. We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Black Book of Global Healthcare Information Technology is available for complimentary download on our website.

Contact Information

Press Office

research@blackbookmarketresearch.com

8008637590

SOURCE: Black Book Research

View the original press release on accesswire.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2024 / American Critical Minerals Corp., formerly American Potash Corp., (the"Company") (CSE:KCLI)(OTC PINK:APCOF)(Frankfurt:2P3) is pleased to announce that it has closed its non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering"). The Offering was oversubscribed and on closing the Company issued 13,455,000 units (each, a "Unit"), at a price of $0.08 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $1,076,400 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire an additional common share at a price of $0.15 until December 19, 2026.

In connection with completion of the Offering, the Company paid to certain arms-length parties $57,323 in finder's fees and issued 716,538 finders' warrants exercisable on the same terms as the Warrants. Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws, all securities issued in connection with closing of the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period expiring on April 20, 2025.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering to advance the Company's Green River Project focusing on both Potash and Lithium evaluation and exploration and for general working capital purposes.

In addition, the Company confirms that it has changed its name from "American Potash Corp." to "American Critical Minerals Corp." (the "Name Change"), to better reflect the Company's dual focus on Potash and Lithium, critical to US Agricultural, Food, Energy and Industrial Security. It has also consolidated its outstanding common share capital (the "Consolidation") at a ratio of 2.5 pre-Consolidation shares to 1 post-Consolidation share. As a result of the Consolidation and following completion of the Offering, the number of issued and outstanding common shares will be reduced from 137,077,449 to 54,830,980 shares, subject to adjustment for rounding. The common shares are expected to commence trading on a post-Consolidation basis on the Canadian Securities Exchange, under the new symbol "KCLI", effective as of market open on or about December 23, 2024.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities offered in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

Simon Clarke, President and CEO stated,"this over-subscribed financing comes at the end of a highly successful year for the Company. After an 8 year process, the Company secured 11 potash prospecting licenses across 25,480 acres of its Green River Project, Utah, within the Federally administered Red Wash Potash Leasing Area in the heart of the historic Major Potash Zone in the Paradox Basin., close to existing Potash Solution Mining. Combined with its State Licenses and approvals, the Company now has a total of 7 exploratory drill holes authorized.

The Company also recently rounded out and strengthened its Board and with this re-branding now complete, financing closed and a tighter capital structure, the Company will enter 2025 well positioned to implement the steps needed for brownfield / confirmation drilling. Such drilling will focus on the validation of its large 43-101 Potash Exploration Target* as well as historic oil & gas data across, and surrounding, the Green River Project and recent lithium discoveries to the North and South of the Company's acreage. The Company will also target Maiden Resources for both Potash and Lithium."

*Agapito Associates Inc. Technical report (October 2012) quantifies the Green River Potash Project's potash exploration potential in the form of a NI 43-101 Exploration Target. The Exploration Target estimate was prepared in accordance with the National Instrument 43-101 -Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). It should be noted that Exploration Targets are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define them as Mineral Resources, and, while reasonable potential may exist, it is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the determination of a Mineral Resource under NI 43-101. The Exploration Target stated in the Agapito Report is not being reported as part of any Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve.

Qualified Person

The Technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P.Geo. the Chief Operations Officer ("COO") of the Company and a qualified person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

Engagement of Market One Media Group

The Company has also entered into a media services agreement with Market One Media Group Inc. ("Market One"). Market One, with offices in Vancouver and Toronto, is a multiplatform media solution for the capital markets operating in editorial, video and digital media. The media message is distributed via broadcast, digital and social media channels, including media platforms such as BNN Bloomberg.

Market One's engagement is for a term of twelve months. Market One will provide services including editorial and video. The Company will pay Market One a fee of $50,000 plus GST for the services provided, which will be payable within thirty days.

The Company does not propose to issue any securities to Market One in consideration for the services to be provided to the Company. Further, Market One and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities and, at the time of the agreement, neither Market One nor any of its principals have an interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the Company. Market One can be contacted through Brett Yelland (brett@marketone.ca) or 440 West Hastings Street, Suite 320, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1L1.

Engagement of Evolux Capital

The Company also announces that it entered into an agreement with 1822053 Alberta Ltd. (d/b/a Evolux Capital) ("Evolux") to provide marketing services to the Company. The services are expected to include the creation and distribution of social media advertising, development and implementation of communications strategies, assisting with brand development, and coordinating with social media and advertising partners.

Evolux is an arm's-length marketing firm and has been engaged for an initial six-month term ending June 17, 2025 for total consideration of $80,000 which is payable upfront. The Company does not propose to issue any securities to Evolux in consideration for the services to be provided to the Company. Evolux can be contacted at (evoluxcapital@gmail.com) or 126 Mitchell Crescent, Blackfalds, Alberta, T4M 0H6.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Simon Clarke, President & CEO

Contact: (604)-551-9665

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

SOURCE: American Critical Minerals Corp

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Scottsdale, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - TriStar Gold Inc. (TSXV: TSG) (OTCQB: TSGZF) (the Company or TriStar) is pleased to provide an update on the requests from a Federal Public Prosecutor to government regulators related to the Company's Castelo de Sonhos gold project in Brazil; see press release dated October 1, 2024, for the details of these requests.

The Company's LP permit for Castelo de Sonhos remains valid; also known as the Licenca Previa or Preliminary License, it represents the most critical permitting milestone. The permit was received in August 2024 (see press release dated August 29, 2024 for details). The permit is in good standing and there are no restrictions in place that would stop the project from moving forward.

The government regulators, including the Para Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainability (SEMAS), our principal regulator, have provided responses to the public prosecutor from the Federal Public Prosecution Office (MPF). The regulators, and importantly SEMAS have provided a strong technical defense of the permitting process and the results of the LP permit approval. TriStar has also submitted a defense of the permitting process, showing how we not only applied the letter of the law but in most areas, also went much further and made sure that all possible impacts from the planned future mine were considered.

"We are very encouraged to see the strong show of support by SEMAS in defense of the robust permitting process completed over the course of 2 years at Castelo de Sonhos and remain confident that this process fully and accurately accounts for potential impacts of developing Castelo de Sonhos," says Nick Appleyard, TriStar's President and CEO. "We are evaluating our options to finance the project so that we can perform the required drilling and feasibility studies that will allow us to move forward towards a construction decision."

About TriStar

TriStar Gold is an exploration and development company focused on precious metals properties in the Americas that have the potential to become significant producing mines. The Company's current flagship property is the Castelo de Sonhos gold project in Para State, Brazil. TriStar has completed a pre-feasibility study and is now working to advance the project towards a feasibility study while evaluating optimization options. The Company's shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol TSG and on the OTCQB under the symbol TSGZF. Further information is available at www.tristargold.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements under Canadian securities legislation which are not historical facts and are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects" or "it is expected", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's reasonable expectations and business plan at the date hereof, which are subject to change depending on economic, political and competitive circumstances and contingencies. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause a change in such assumptions and the actual outcomes and estimates to be materially different from those estimated or anticipated future results, achievements or position expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company's plans to change include changes in demand for and price of gold and other commodities (such as fuel and electricity) and currencies; changes or disruptions in the securities markets; legislative, political or economic developments in Brazil; effects of the COVID-19 virus on all aspects of the Company's business, the need to obtain permits and comply with laws and regulations and other regulatory requirements; the possibility that actual results of work may differ from projections/expectations or may not realize the perceived potential of the Company's projects; risks of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in development programs; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, mining or development activities; the speculative nature of gold exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves and resources; and the risks involved in the exploration, development and mining business. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234371

SOURCE: TriStar Gold Inc.
Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE:BOOM)(OTC PINK:GGDCF) (the "Company" or "Galloper") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Nader Elm to the Company's Board of Directors.

Mr. Elm is a seasoned senior business executive currently residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who excels at strategic planning, operations and execution, with a focus on technology, media and telecommunications, aerospace and mining. He has brought entrepreneurial and transformational elements from start-ups to multi-billion dollar enterprises.

Mr. Elm is Founder of Exyn Technologies Inc., a successful spin-out from the University of Pennsylvania's GRASP Labs leveraging ground-breaking AI robotics research in autonomous navigation for vehicles to execute complex missions in commercial operations;

Prior to Exyn, Mr. Elm was Senior VP of Strategy & Corp. Development at IMAX Corporation where he was also General Manager of IMAX Private Theatre which grew rapidly from launch;

Prior to IMAX, Mr. Elm was a member of the senior leadership team for Rogers Digital Media, a division of Rogers Communications, where he successfully led the acquisitions and integration of two digital properties;

Mr. Elm's earlier experiences also include Director of Corporate Strategy at Bell Canada, Vice-President of Business Development at Blue Spark Media, and Senior Consultant at Boston-based Adventis Consulting.

Mr. Hratch Jabrayan, Galloper CEO, commented: "Nader's business acumen and ability to create and drive value across multiple sectors are skills that have made him a highly successful entrepreneur. I've had the pleasure of knowing Nader for many years and I'm delighted he's agreed to join the Galloper Board. The fact he has connections with many investors around the world, and often travels abroad on business, greatly extends Galloper's reach."

Mr. Elm holds a B.Eng (Hons) from University College London, London University, and an MBA from London Business School.

To make room for Mr. Elm on the Galloper Board, Mr. Bryan Loree has resigned as a Director but remains the Company's Chief Financial Officer. Galloper thanks Mr. Loree for his contributions as a Director.

About Galloper Gold Corp.

Galloper is focused on mineral exploration in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt with its Glover Island and Mint Pond properties, each prospective for gold and base metals. The Glover Island Property consists of 532 mining claims totaling 13,300 hectares while Mint Pond consists of 499 claims totaling 12,475 hectares.

For more information please visit www.GalloperGold.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Mr. Hratch Jabrayan

CEO and Director

Galloper Gold Corp.

Company Contact:

info@gallopergold.com

Tel: 778-655-9266

Investor Relations:

MarketSmart Communications

Tel: 877-261-4466

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally, risks related to capital markets, risks related to the state of financial markets or future metals prices and the other risks described in the Company's publicly filed disclosure.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this news release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Galloper Gold Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Cosa Resources Corp. (TSXV: COSA) (OTCQB: COSAF) (FSE: SSKU) ("Cosa" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results from basement-hosted radioactivity intersected in the fall drilling program at the Company's 100% owned Ursa uranium Project in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan ("Ursa" or the "Property").

Highlights

Uranium confirmed as source of anomalous radioactivity intersected by UR24-06, including 0.22% U3O8 over 0.7 metres

Uranium mineralization in UR24-06 is the strongest and widest intersected to date on the Project

Cosa's 2024 exploration confirmed prospective geology is present at Ursa and developed numerous follow-up targets which remain untested

Andy Carmichael, Vice President Exploration, commented: "In only 18 months, Cosa has significantly derisked the Ursa Project and proven that the geology of the Kodiak trend is highly consistent with that underpinning producing mines in the eastern Athabasca. Our strategy of using large-scale Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) surveys to prioritize conductive strike produced the strongest and widest mineralization on the Project from our very first drill hole to test an ANT target. With only 21 drill holes completed within the 65-kilometre-long Project, Ursa has vast underexplored and increasingly prospective exploration space to fit multiple tier-1 deposits, and we have demonstrated that modern geophysical surveys have produced target areas far beyond conventional EM alone."

UR24-06 Assay Results

Chemical assays have confirmed that uranium mineralization is the source of radioactivity intersected by UR24-06 (See Cosa news release dated October 30, 2024). As at basement-hosted uranium deposits in the region (e.g, Gryphon, Arrow, and Eagle Point), mineralization is monometallic and significant enrichment of uranium pathfinder elements such as arsenic, nickel, and cobalt is not present.

The mineralization was intersected by drill hole UR24-06 (Table 1) which tested an ANT anomaly along the Kodiak conductive trend interpreted to reflect favourable structural disruption and/or hydrothermal alteration of the Athabasca sandstone. UR24-06 intersected a zone of sandstone-hosted structure and alteration from 814 to 923 metres. The unconformity was intersected at 1033.0 metres. Multiple intervals of basement-hosted uranium mineralization were intersected between 1087.8 and 1116.8 metres. The strongest mineralization is between 1088.6 and 1089.3 metres where disseminated and fracture-filling uranium mineralization within weakly graphitic and pyritic pelitic gneiss averaged 0.22% U3O8 over 0.7 metres. Several additional intervals of weak uranium mineralization were intersected as much as 84 metres below the unconformity with a strong correlation to increased pervasive hematite alteration. As UR24-06 did not intersect conductive basement rocks and mineralization is located more than 50 metres below the unconformity, the drill hole is interpreted to have missed the optimal target.

The results from UR24-06 significantly upgrade the Kodiak trend and validate Cosa's approach of using ANT surveying to prioritize conductive strike for drill testing.

Table 1 - Summer 2024 Drilling Program Uranium Assay Results

Hole From To Length U3O8 Orientation ID (m) (m) (m) Wt.% (Azm/Dip) UR24-06 1,087.8 1,088.0 0.2 0.06 130 / -65.5 and 1,088.6 1,089.3 0.7 0.22 incl. 1,088.6 1,089.0 0.4 0.30 and 1,095.7 1,096.0 0.3 0.09 and 1,116.1 1,116.3 0.2 0.13 and 1,116.7 1,116.9 0.2 0.04

Figure 1 - Ursa Target Areas over Basement Conductivity Model (100 metres Below the Unconformity)

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Figure 2 - Cross Section of UR24-06

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9865/234438_6f13d229c4ac68a1_004full.jpg

As the orientation of mineralization is unknown, the true thickness is also unknown. For additional information regarding the Company's Ursa Project, please see the Technical Report dated October 5th, 2023 on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Cosa Resources Corp.

Cosa Resources is a Canadian uranium exploration company operating in northern Saskatchewan. The portfolio comprises roughly 237,000 ha across multiple 100% owned and pending Cosa operated Joint Venture projects in the Athabasca Basin region, all of which are underexplored, and the majority reside within or adjacent to established uranium corridors.

Cosa's award-winning management team has a long track record of success in Saskatchewan. In 2022, members of the Cosa team were awarded the AME Colin Spence Award for their previous involvement in discovering IsoEnergy's Hurricane deposit. Prior to Hurricane, Cosa personnel led teams or had integral roles in the discovery of Denison's Gryphon deposit and 92 Energy's Gemini Zone and held key roles in the founding of both NexGen and IsoEnergy.

Cosa's primary focus through 2024 was initial drilling at the 100% owned Ursa Project, which captures over 60-kilometres of strike length of the Cable Bay Shear Zone, a regional structural corridor with known mineralization and limited historical drilling. It potentially represents the last remaining eastern Athabasca corridor to not yet yield a major discovery, which the Company believes is primarily due to a lack of modern exploration. Modern geophysics completed by Cosa in 2023 identified multiple high-priority target areas characterized by conductive basement stratigraphy beneath or adjacent to broad zones of inferred sandstone alteration - a setting that is typical of most eastern Athabasca uranium deposits. Guided by a recently completed Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) survey, Cosa's second and most recent drilling campaign at Ursa intersected a significant zone of unconformity-style sandstone hosted structure and alteration underlain by several intervals of anomalous radioactivity in the basement rocks.

In November of 2024, the Company announced a transformative strategic collaboration with Denison Mines that, upon completion, will secure Cosa access into several additional highly prospective eastern Athabasca projects while offering Denison Mines exposure to Cosa's potential for exploration success and pipeline of potentially ISR-amenable uranium deposits. Work plans for 2025 are currently being developed.

Technical Disclosure

Drilling reported in this news release was completed with oriented NQ diameter drill core which was logged and sampled to capture geological information including alteration, structure, and mineralization. All drill core was systematically scanned for total gamma radioactivity using an RS-125 hand-held spectrometer and the average cps recorded for each 3-metre drill run. Intervals measuring over 1.5 times background levels were broken out and recorded. For intervals with elevated (>300 cps) radioactivity (RS-125), total gamma radioactivity was measured by removing sequential 0.1 metre lengths of drill core to an area with background radioactivity and scanned with an RS-125. For intervals measuring >500 cps (RS-125), spectral analyses were made using an RS-125 to characterize the relative contributions of uranium, thorium, and potassium to total gamma radioactivity.

Following completion of each drill hole, down-hole total gamma logging was completed using a Reflex EZ-Gamma system lowered inside the drill rods using the drill wireline. Measurements of total gamma were collected every 0.1 metres in both the down and up directions. Down-hole gamma logs were plotted alongside RS-125 total gamma measurements to confirm depths, handheld spectrometer readings, and assess total gamma radioactivity through intervals of unrecovered core.

Sampling was completed through zones measuring >300 cps using half-core samples between 0.1 and 0.5 metres in length. Samples were transported by Company personnel to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (SRC) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited) for U3O8 assay and multielement analysis. Certified reference material CRM blanks were inserted into the split core sample series. SRC independently conducts a QA/QC programme comprising repeat analyses and insertion of CRM standards CAR218, BL4A, and BL2A. SRC's CRM results are verified by Cosa staff.

Qualified Person

The Company's disclosure of technical or scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Andy Carmichael, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration for Cosa. Mr. Carmichael is a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101.

Cautionary Statements

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-Looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements in this press release include but are not limited to statements regarding, the Company's exploration and development plans. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-Looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including the price of uranium and other commodities; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms. 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. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234438

SOURCE: Cosa Resources Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Pelangio Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PX) (OTC Pink: PGXPF) ("Pelangio" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of a high-resolution UAV airborne magnetics survey on its Obuasi property in Ghana. The survey has returned highly encouraging results, highlighting the interpreted strike extension of the Obuasi Mine trend (operated by AngloGold Ashanti) with multiple untested targets.

Ingrid Hibbard, President and CEO, commented:

"The UAV airborne magnetics survey has delivered a much clearer picture of the geological and structural framework over a section of our Obuasi property. This improved understanding will help us identify and prioritize targets for Obuasi-style mineralization. Pelangio retains 100% ownership of this highly prospective ground. We look forward to TuNya's detailed interpretation of the survey and proposed follow-up programs."

Background

The survey was completed as part of TuNya Mineral Resources Ltd.'s US$250,000 technical study, which is part of their earn-in agreement on the southern Tarkwaian portion of Pelangio's Obuasi property. Following analysis of historical data and field mapping programs, TuNya identified the northwestern section of the property as particularly prospective. This area covers the interpreted strike extension of the Obuasi Mine trend and hosts numerous highly anomalous rock chip samples (Figure 1).

Survey and Results

The UAV magnetics survey was conducted by SEMS Exploration of Ghana and covered an area of 18 square kilometers with 50-meter line spacing for a total of 392 line-kilometers flown. The survey utilized a Matrice 300 RTK drone towing a GEMS Systems AIRBIRD magnetometer.

The key findings are as follows:

Highly Prospective Stratigraphy A high-magnetic horizon interpreted to represent the mafic volcanic unit along which most of the Obuasi Mine mineralization sits has been well defined by the survey ( Figure 2 ). Numerous anomalous ( > 1 g/t Au ) rock chip samples obtained in past exploration programs by Pelangio are located along the magnetic feature and a historical trench situated on the eastern flank of the magnetic high returned 30 meters at 0.47 g/t Au . Six kilometers strike of this target horizon is untested by drilling .



Fold Structure At the northern end of the high-magnetic feature a low-amplitude fold is mapped by the magnetic survey. In the core of this fold are numerous anomalous rock chip samples including nine samples with gold values ranging from 5.0 to 11.9 g/t Au , and historical trenching returned up to 34 meters at 0.59 g/t Au . The majority of this area is untested by drilling .



Improved Geological Interpretation Compared to Pelangio's 2007 VTEM/Magnetic survey (flown with 200-meter line spacing, Figure 3 ), the new UAV data offers superior resolution and defines a more accurate north-northeasterly geological and structural orientation.



Pelangio retains 100% ownership of this highly prospective ground, ensuring the Company maintains full control over future exploration and potential discoveries.

Next Steps

To further advance exploration, the following activities are planned:

A small number of survey lines will be re-flown to meet QAQC standards.

Advanced processing will combine the new UAV data with the historical VTEM + magnetic survey to refine targets.

TuNya will complete their interpretation and propose follow-up trenching programs to test the most promising targets.

With a significant portion of TuNya's US$250,000 work commitment still available, Pelangio is well-positioned to accelerate exploration on this highly prospective section of the Obuasi property.

Figure 1. Obuasi Project UAV Magnetics Survey Area

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Figure 2. UAV Magnetics Survey Results (TMI RTP, Tilt Derivative)

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Figure 3. Airborne Magnetics from VTEM Survey (RTP, Automatic Gain Control)

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Qualified Person

Mr. Kevin Thomson, P.Geo. (Ontario, #0191), is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Thomson approved the technical data disclosed in this release.

About Pelangio

Pelangio acquires and explores prospective land packages located in world-class gold belts in Ghana, West Africa and Canada. In Ghana, the Company is focused on its two 100% owned camp-sized properties: the 100 km2 Manfo property, the site of eight near-surface gold discoveries, and the 284 km2 Obuasi property, located 4 km on strike and adjacent to AngloGold Ashanti's prolific high-grade Obuasi Mine, as well as the Dankran property located adjacent to its Obuasi property. See www.pelangio.com for further details on all Pelangio's properties.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements herein may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements or information appear in a number of places and can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the Company's strategy of acquiring large land packages in areas of sizeable gold mineralization, and the Company's ability to complete the planned exploration programs. Regarding forward-looking statements and information contained herein, we have made many assumptions, including about the state of the equity markets. Such forward-looking statements and information are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Such risks include the changes in equity markets, share price volatility, volatility of global and local economic climate, gold price volatility, political developments in Ghana, and Canada, increases in costs, exchange rate fluctuations, speculative nature of gold exploration, including the risk that favourable exploration results may not be obtained, near-term production may not be viable, delays due to COVID-19 or other safety protocols, and other risks involved in the gold exploration industry. See the Company's annual and quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statement and information. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. All forward-looking statements and information herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.



Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234453

SOURCE: Pelangio Exploration Inc.
Waste Energy Corp. (formerly Metaworks), (OTCQB:WAST), a company pioneering clean energy solutions through the use of Pyrolysis technology, today announced key changes to its management and board of directors to align with its strategic transformation from a Web3 and blockchain business to a waste-to-energy conversion company.

Effective immediately, company founder Cameron Chell has stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Directors and will now serve as Chairman of the company's Advisory Board. This new role will enable Mr. Chell to leverage his expertise and entrepreneurial vision to support the company's growth in the waste-to-energy sector.

"I am confident in the company's new direction and its ability to create a meaningful impact on the energy landscape," said Mr. Chell. "As Chairman of the Advisory Board, I look forward to leveraging my expertise to support Waste Energy Corp's anticipated growth into 2025 and beyond, ensuring our strategic vision aligns with the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions," said Mr. Chell. "This shift represents a bold step toward addressing environmental challenges while creating sustainable energy solutions."

Additionally, Shelly Murphy has resigned from her position as a member of the Board of Directors. Ms. Murphy's decision reflects the company's renewed focus on sustainable energy initiatives. Waste Energy Corp extends its gratitude to Ms. Murphy for her contributions during her tenure and wishes her continued success.

Current Board member Mr. Ed Moy will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors. Mr. Moy has years of experience interacting with federal and state government agencies including the department of energy. He is the former Director of the U.S. Mint who also served for more than five years as Special Assistant to the President during the Bush Administration.

"I'm excited to work with Waste Energy Corp's talented management team and new board to bring about a cleaner future. The Company's dedication to sustainable innovation aligns with my passion for better environmental stewardship and my past experience working closely with the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during my service at The White House." commented Mr. Moy.

Scott Gallagher, who currently serves as President of Waste Energy Corp, has been appointed Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the company aims to accelerate its mission of converting discarded plastics into clean energy through Pyrolysis technology, a process that addresses global environmental challenges while creating renewable energy.

"These changes underscore our commitment to aligning leadership expertise with our new strategic direction," said Scott Gallagher. "As we transition into a waste-to-energy business, our leadership team is uniquely positioned to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact on the clean energy landscape."

To further strengthen the company's board, Waste Energy Corp is pleased to welcome Mr. W. Scott McBride as a new member of the Board of Directors. Mr. McBride holds a degree in Environmental Sciences and brings a wealth of experience as the founder and CEO of EnergyFX, a sustainable energy company specializing in Pyrolysis. His deep industry knowledge and commitment to environmental stewardship will be invaluable as Waste Energy Corp advances its mission.

"I am excited to join the board of Waste Energy Corp at such a pivotal moment in its evolution," said Mr. McBride. "The company's focus on Pyrolysis technology positions it to play a vital role in addressing the critical waste crisis and transitioning to clean energy solutions."

Waste Energy Corp remains committed to its mission of creating sustainable energy from waste and driving innovation to support a cleaner, greener future.

About Waste Energy Corp.

Waste Energy Corp is committed to redefining waste as an asset and to reducing the volume of non-recyclable waste in landfills and incinerators. Specializing in the conversion of waste plastics and used tires into clean diesel fuel. The company will combine AI & Pyrolysis technologies to reduce the volume of plastic and tire waste in landfills while developing a new, clean, US based energy source.

Waste Energy Corp. trades on the OTCQB market, over the counter under the ticker symbol: WAST. Waste Energy Corp is an SEC exchange act, fully reporting company. For more information on Waste Energy Corp, please visit www.WasteEnergyCorp.com. For additional investor or financial information visit: www.SEC.gov.

Company Contact:

?Scott Gallagher, President

(727) 417-7807

scott@metaworksplatforms.io

SOURCE: Waste Energy Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
MineHub's year-to-date revenue has increased by 19% year-over-year, driven by growth in SaaS revenue.

MineHub's customers have transacted US$11.5 billion in commodities on the MineHub platform in Fiscal 2025 to date, a 19% year-over-year increase, demonstrating strong growth and customer engagement.

Abaxx Technologies Inc. intends to increase its strategic ownership of MineHub to 19.99%, following the planned acquisition of additional shares from MineHub.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - MineHub Technologies Inc. (TSXV: MHUB) (OTCQB: MHUBF) ("MineHub" or the "Company"), a leading provider of digital supply chain solutions for the commodity markets, is pleased to announce it has filed its interim financial statements (the "Interim Financial Statements") and management's discussion and analysis (the "MD&A") for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2024. Copies of the Interim Financial Statements and MD&A are available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Andrea Aranguren, President and CEO of MineHub, commented, "We're pleased to see our customers driving 19% year-over-year growth on the MineHub platform, demonstrating the value we bring to the commodities market. Our expansion into Asian markets is a key strategic priority for us, and we're thrilled to have made significant strides in this area through our partnerships with prominent companies like Sumitomo Corporation and Elane Technology Co. Limited. Additionally, the partnership with Abaxx Technologies Inc. is an important milestone in our journey towards digitizing the commodities industry, and it positions us well for continued growth and innovation. As we move forward, we remain focused on executing our growth strategy and delivering value to our customers, shareholders, and partners."

Accelerating Customer Activity

Accelerating customer activity is increasing cumulative gross merchandise value ("GMV") transacted on the MineHub platform. MineHub achieved GMV of US$11.5 billion of commodities transacted on its platform in the nine months ended October 31, 2024, compared to US$9.6 billion of commodities transacted on its platform in the nine months ended October 31, 2023.

MineHub is pleased to report progress toward expansion in Asia:

On September 26, 2024, the Company announced that it signed an agreement with its first Chinese smelting company (the "Smelter") as a user of MineHub's Trade Management Platform. This marks an important milestone in the Company's expansion into the Chinese copper market. With the largest smelting capacity in the world and a robust domestic manufacturing supply chain, China is a critical market for the global copper ecosystem.

On October 16, 2024, the Company announced the expansion of its commercial agreement with Sumitomo Corporation ("Sumitomo"), to include all of Sumitomo's non-ferrous metals business. This milestone solidifies the successful relationship between the companies and unlocks new opportunities for growth beyond copper markets, where MineHub has been focused to date. Expansion into additional metals markets is expected to be a key driver in potential future revenue growth for the Company.

On November 26, 2024, the Company announced that it signed an agreement with Elane Technology Co. Limited ("Elane"), a prominent logistics technology provider based in Beijing, China, and owner of CargoGo, a major visibility platform serving 57 China based Fortune Global 500 companies. This strategic partnership will leverage the strengths of both companies to unlock enhanced shipment tracking and visibility capabilities across commodity markets in Asia. MineHub has partnered with one of Elane's premier visibility platforms, CargoGo, to enable its ability to serve its increasing customer base in Asia. The integration of MineHub's cloud-based platform with CargoGo's advanced logistics solutions will enable seamless, secure sharing of data between the two platforms.

Corporate Updates

On August 1, 2024, the Company announced a strategic partnership and share exchange with Abaxx Technologies Inc. ("Abaxx"). The companies are partnering to explore a wide range of commercial and product collaboration opportunities to drive digitization more broadly within the commodities markets. The share exchange closed in two tranches on August 23, 2024 and September 9, 2024, with Abaxx now holding approximately 10.83% of MineHub on an outstanding basis.

On November 18, 2024, the Company announced that it entered into a letter of intent with Abaxx, wherein Abaxx will increase its strategic ownership of MineHub to a 19.99% interest in the capital of the Company. Abaxx will acquire 8,810,000 Common Shares at a deemed price of $0.35 per share, in exchange for $3,083,500 in cash or the issuance of 237,192 Abaxx common shares at Abaxx's sole election prior to closing. The transaction is expected to close on or before December 31, 2024, and is subject to the approval of the TSXV. MineHub subsequently entered into the definitive purchase agreement in respect of the sale of its common shares to Abaxx, as announced on December 5, 2024.

Third Quarter Financial Highlights

MineHub's third quarter fiscal 2025 revenue was $402,211. This represents a decrease of $248,766 compared to the prior year, as the Company has successfully transitioned to a recurring SaaS subscription revenue model rather than pursuing one-off professional services fee arrangements that occurred in fiscal 2024.

MineHub recorded a net loss of $1.8 million in the third quarter, compared to $1.4 million in the same period last year. This increase of $412,615 was primarily due to changes in other income and expenses as net loss from operations improved by $33,353.

Year to Date Financial Highlights

MineHub recorded revenue of $1.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2025, an increase of 19% as compared to revenue of $1.4 million generated in the prior year. SaaS revenue increased by $310,877 as a result of both increasing revenue from existing customers and new customer growth. Growth in SaaS revenue was able to more than compensate for a decrease in professional services revenue.

Net loss for the nine months ended October 31, 2024 was $4.7 million, compared to a net loss of $5.2 million in the prior year. The decrease in net loss is primarily due to improved costs and increased revenue, partially offset by non-recurring other income in the prior year.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended Oct 31, Nine Months Ended Oct 31, Select Financial Information 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue $ 402,211 $ 650,977 $ 1,633,522 $ 1,367,684 Cost of sales 283,262 335,881 883,888 813,628 Gross margin 118,949 315,096 749,634 554,056 Operating expenses Research and development 730,410 1,037,742 2,373,110 3,657,330 Sales and marketing 251,431 162,314 749,007 361,254 General and administrative 616,578 595,174 1,649,162 2,192,258 Stock based compensation 164,964 189,997 357,706 458,313 Amortization 26,820 34,476 80,456 86,190 Total operating expenses 1,790,203 2,019,703 5,209,441 6,755,345 Net loss from operations (1,671,254) (1,704,607) (4,459,807) (6,201,289)

Total other income (expenses) (139,768) 306,200 (223,596) 966,448 Net and comprehensive loss $ (1,811,022) $ (1,398,407) $ (4,683,403) $ (5,234,841)



Key Goals for Fiscal 2025

MineHub is pleased to re-iterate its four goals for Fiscal 2025:

Continue to accelerate the Company's growth, improve margins and increase long-term customer value. Increase the Company's Annual Recurring Revenue (or "ARR")(1) by executing new customer contracts and expanding volumes of commodities managed for existing customers. Improve profitability with cost containment strategies while increasing revenue and cash flow. Leveraging MineHub's successful implementations with industry leaders to continue to grow the ecosystem of companies on the MineHub network.

Management has provided a fulsome update on the Company's progress toward these goals in the Business Outlook section of the MD&A.

Webinar Details

The Company will also host an investor webinar to discuss its third quarter financial results on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 9:00 am PT (12:00 pm ET). The webinar will be hosted by Andrea Aranguren, Chief Executive Officer, and Monika Russell, Chief Financial Officer, who will provide a corporate update, review the third quarter financial results, and discuss the company's outlook; followed by a question and answer session.

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/MHUB-Q3-2025

Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024

Time: 9:00 am PT (12:00 pm ET)

Dial-in: 778-907-2071 (Vancouver local)

647-374-4685 (Toronto local)

Confirmation #: 836 7018 2619

About MineHub

MineHub is the digital supply chain platform for the commodity markets, making raw material supply chains more efficient, resilient and sustainable. MineHub provides enterprise-grade digital solutions that connect buyers, sellers, laboratories and financiers within physical commodities supply chains in a digitally integrated workflow powered by data that is useable, shareable, verifiable and unforgeable. Users of MineHub solutions are in full control of their supply chains, enabling them to optimize their use of resources, respond better and faster to disruptions, and provide a better customer service. Global enterprises already use MineHub solutions as part of their logistics, compliance, trade management and financing operations.

Andrea Aranguren

CEO, MineHub Technologies Inc.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains statements that are considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements") with respect to MineHub including, but not limited to, statements with respect to MineHub's future operational plans, the timing of such plans and anticipated customers. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts are generally, but not always, identied by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although MineHub believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its operations, applications and for general working capital purposes, changes in economic conditions or nancial markets, changes in laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, dependence on its key management personnel and market competition. Other risk factors are identified in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the Company's management discussion and analysis for the year ended January 31, 2024, available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. There may be other risk factors not presently known that management believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date included herein, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of MineHub's management on the date the statements are made. However, except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change.

Footnotes:

(1)ARR is a Key Performance Indicator for the Company. Management considers ARR a key indicator of future recurring revenues and the trajectory of the business. ARR includes annualized revenue of all active SaaS platform revenue as of a specified point in time and assumes all active contracts are renewed on existing terms. ARR is subject to change through acquisition of new customers, and expansion or attrition of existing customers. ARR is not a standardized measure and may not be comparable to ARR disclosed by other issuers.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234416

SOURCE: MineHub Technologies Inc.
Clients around the world will experience superior fraud detection and risk-scoring solutions

Visa (NYSE: V) today announced it has completed its acquisition of Featurespace, a developer of real-time artificial intelligence (AI) payments protection technology that prevents and mitigates payments fraud and financial crime risks. This will bolster Visa's fraud protection capabilities and enhance security for its customers and consumers worldwide.

Visa will add Featurespace's capabilities into its range of fraud prevention and risk-scoring offerings. By combining the two companies' highly complementary products and tools, customers will have access to enhanced fraud protection services to help keep their businesses safe and secure, including real-time detection of sophisticated fraud attacks, without adding friction to the user experience.

Antony Cahill, President, Value-Added Services at Visa, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Featurespace to Visa. Both our companies have been at the forefront of using AI to solve longstanding challenges and pain points in the payments industry. Together, we will offer a valuable combination of cutting-edge technology and industry expertise to help our clients continue to grow amidst an increasingly complex threat landscape."

Over the coming months, Featurespace's product portfolio will be incorporated into Visa's existing offering, expanding the available range of fraud prevention solutions and use cases. The Featurespace and Visa teams will bring together their knowledge, modelling methodologies and tools to further enhance the joint offering.

Dave Excell, Founder of Featurespace, added: "We developed our innovations to help crack even the most complex fraud cases. As part of Visa, we will be able to set a new standard in AI-powered fraud prevention and integrate our solutions into a series of products and services that will help make the world a safer place to transact."

The Featurespace business will become part of Visa's Risk and Identity Solutions business unit.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

About Featurespace

Featurespace is a global, AI-native transaction monitoring company that helps to prevent fraud and financial crime. Using artificial intelligence, it analyses data in real time to identify and stop existing and new forms of fraud and financial crime.

Delivering on its mission to make the world a safer place to transact, Featurespace works with many of the world's largest banks and financial institutions, protecting 500 million consumers globally and safely processing over 100 billion payment events each year.

Over 100,000 businesses put their trust in Featurespace's technology including HSBC, NatWest, TSYS, Worldpay, Danske Bank, Akbank and Edenred. Founded in 2008, and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, Featurespace has more than 400 team members, operating globally from six locations.

Learn more at featurespace.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218857122/en/

Contacts:

Fletcher Cook, +1 650-432-2990, press@visa.com

Mark Hooper, +44 7795 5336, europeanmedia@visa.com

Kendra Rogers, +44 1223 345940, kendra.rogers@featurespace.co.uk
Highlights Significant Opportunity to Create Value by Repurchasing Shares

Impactive Capital, LP ("Impactive"), an active, impact-driven investment firm, which together with its affiliates owns more than 10.0% of the outstanding common shares of Basic-Fit N.V. (AEX: BFIT) ("Basic-Fit" or the "Company"), today issued a letter to Basic-Fit's CEO and Supervisory Board regarding the significant opportunity to create value by repurchasing shares of the company on the open market.

The full text of the letter is set forth below:

Rene Moos

Chief Executive Officer, Basic-Fit

December 19, 2024

Dear Rene and members of the Supervisory Board,

As you know, Impactive has been a significant shareholder of Basic-Fit for more than two years. Today, we are the company's largest single shareholder.1

We are writing to recommend that you initiate meaningful share repurchases. You have heard this recommendation from us before, including during our recent conversations in New York, and we hope this letter will convey our conviction in the opportunity to create significant value by repurchasing shares on the open market at anywhere near the current price. We have appreciated our collaboration to date and look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue.

Over the past five years, through a difficult operating environment that included a global pandemic, Basic-Fit has more than doubled in size and profitability, growing from 784 to 1,575 clubs and increasing EBITDA from 155 million to 318 million.2 In the Benelux, France, Spain, and now Germany, access to a gym membership is greater than ever before. In large part, that's because of Basic-Fit. You, the entire management board, and Basic-Fit's more than 8,000 employees should be incredibly proud of this achievement.

Yet, Basic-Fit's valuation has not kept pace with this growth. The company's enterprise value is virtually unchanged since 2019, and the company's share price has fallen by 38%.3 As discussed above, profits are much higher today, and the lack of share price performance over the past five years is attributable to a 48% decrease in the company's forward EBITDA multiple, from 11.7x to just 6.1x.4 Even more starkly, Basic-Fit currently trades at less than seven times the cash management expects the company to produce next year prior to spending on new clubs.5 Such a valuation is typically reserved for companies for which investors expect profitability to decline. However, Basic-Fit will grow EBITDA by more than 20% this year and recurring free cash flow by more than 30%.6

Basic-Fit currently trades at an all-time low valuation despite significant growth in free cash flow that will come over the next few years, driven by maturation of existing clubs, improved performance of recent gym cohorts, leverage on corporate expenses, and the launch of the company's capital-light franchise initiative. As long as the profitability growth from these drivers is not recognized by the market, it makes sense to buy back stock.

With respect to alternative uses of capital, we acknowledge the importance of continuing to source attractive locations and densify your network in geographies where competitors are expanding. For that reason, we believe a dual approach of opportunistically repurchasing shares and continuing to grow organically in countries like Spain best advances the company's long-term goals.

Based on your expectations for club profitability at maturity, you'd be repurchasing shares today at just 4.5x mature EBITDA, even if Basic-Fit never opens another club.7 We think you agree that the company's shares are deeply undervalued at this price, based both on your public comments and the fact that you and other members of Basic-Fit's management board have purchased shares at similar prices on multiple occasions.8

Over the next three years, based on management expectations, Basic-Fit will produce between 799 million and 931 million of cumulative free cash flow before new club capex, representing, at the midpoint, an astonishing 63% of the company's current 1.4 billion market capitalization.9 Even at the low end of this range, Basic-Fit can repurchase 300 million of its own shares, reducing shares outstanding by more than 20% at today's price, while continuing to open 100 clubs per year, before any growth from franchised clubs, and de-levering from 2.8x as of June 2024 to below management's mid-term net debt to EBITDA target of 2.0x by year-end 2027.10

We support making progress towards what management and the supervisory board consider an optimal leverage level over time. However, in determining the pace of de-levering, it is prudent to take into account opportunity cost. When the opportunity cost of cash is high, as it is today with Basic-Fit's shares trading well below their intrinsic value, the pace of de-levering should be slowed. Even while repurchasing 100 million of its own shares per year, Basic-Fit would rapidly de-lever over the next three years as EBITDA grows. The company has the financial strength to buy back stock now and achieve its leverage targets.

During our time as shareholders, in addition to our interactions with the management board, we have valued building a relationship with Basic-Fit's supervisory board, including Chairman Jan van Nieuwenhuizen and Vice-chairman Carin Gorter. Having had the opportunity to speak to Jan, Carin, and other board members, we are grateful to have them as stewards of the company. We know the supervisory board appreciates the importance of repurchasing shares as a capital allocation tool, given their approval of an authorization to repurchase up to 10% of shares outstanding at the company's annual general meeting in April.

Long-term shareholders benefit to the extent the company repurchases shares below intrinsic value. They benefit most if the company does so at the lowest possible price. In that sense, a low stock price, when acted upon, is good. However, especially if a company does not choose to act, persistent and extreme undervaluation creates risks. At any time, an interested party could make a public offer to acquire the company that fails to reflect its full value.

As we previously outlined, Basic-Fit currently trades at a valuation that does not capture its substantial growth prospects. We believe this undervaluation reflects investors' concerns that the company may not re-deploy its future cash flows optimally.

We urge you to build confidence that you will pursue an optimal capital allocation policy by acting on the clear undervaluation of Basic-Fit today in the market via repurchasing shares. Without taking this step, there can be no guarantee that shareholders with shorter time horizons would not support a transaction that undervalued Basic-Fit's very bright future.

Customers across Europe have benefitted from Basic-Fit's growth under the stewardship of the current management team and supervisory board. Basic-Fit has expanded access to fitness by making it available and affordable, with approximately half of the company's new members having never held a gym membership. More than 4 million members are healthier, and happier, because of Basic-Fit. Customers are not the only ones benefiting. Basic-Fit's efficient model that forgoes energy-intensive pools and other amenities is reshaping the industry's environmental profile, and the company continues to improve in this area, reducing per-club energy use by 17%11 in 2023 and transitioning its clubs to cleaner energy sources like solar.

We want to see Basic-Fit remain a successful, stakeholder-minded public company for a long time. Demonstrating flexible capital allocation is a necessary part of ensuring that's possible.

We have always appreciated our open and direct dialogue and look forward to continued discussions regarding why a capital allocation policy that involves opportunistically repurchasing shares is in the best interest of all Basic-Fit's stakeholders.

Sincerely,

Alex Van Buskirk

Lauren Taylor Wolfe

Christian Asmar

Notes

1 Based on disclosure from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), Rene Moos is the largest non-Impactive shareholder, owning 7.7 million shares of Basic-Fit. As of the date of this letter, Impactive owns more than 7.7 million shares.

2 2019 clubs and EBITDA as reported. Clubs of 1,575 based on management guidance for year-end 2024. EBITDA of 318 million based on midpoint of management guidance for 2024 of 305 million to 330 million.

3 From year-end 2019 to December 18, 2024, Basic-Fit's enterprise value increased by 3% from 2.3 billion to 2.4 billion. Current enterprise value based on 21 share price, 66 million shares outstanding, and 1.0 billion in net debt as of June 30, 2024. Outstanding convertible bond treated as debt at face value of 304 million. Over that same period, the company's share price decreased by 38% from 34 to 21.

4 As of year-end 2019, Basic-Fit traded at a forward EBITDA multiple of 11.7x based on an enterprise value of 2.3 billion and consensus 2020 EBITDA of 196 million (average of ING, Morgan Stanley, and RBC). As of December 18, 2024, Basic-Fit traded at a forward EBITDA multiple of 6.1x based on an enterprise value of 2.4 billion and consensus 2025 EBITDA of 386 million. Consensus 2025 EBITDA based on median of 9 analysts as published on Basic-Fit's investor relations website on September 10, 2024.

5 Based on a current market capitalization of 1.4 billion and management's 2025 free cash flow before new club capex range of 3.50 to 4.10 per share, or 231 to 271 million, from Basic-Fit's November 9, 2023 capital markets day. 231-271 million range based on 66 million shares outstanding as of November 2023 CMD. Free cash flow before new club capex ("recurring free cash flow") defined as underlying EBITDA, less maintenance capex, other capex, cash interest, and cash taxes; definition excludes the impact of changes in working capital which have historically been a source of cash.

6 EBITDA growth rate based on 2023 EBITDA of 261 million and management guidance for 2024 EBITDA of 305-330 million, or 318 million at the midpoint, representing growth of 22%. Recurring free cash flow growth rate based on 2023 free cash flow before new club capex of 138 million (2.09 per share) and management guidance for 2024 free cash flow before new club capex of 2.60-2.95 per share, 2.78 per share or 183 million at the midpoint, representing growth of 33%. Management guidance as provided in Basic-Fit's Q3 2024 trading update press release (October 18, 2024).

7 Mature Club EBITDA based on management expectation for 460,000 in EBITDA per mature club and 1,575 existing clubs or 725 million. Mature EBITDA of 518-542 million based on mature Club EBITDA of 725 million less marketing of 87-95 million and corporate overhead of 95-111 million. Marketing expense based on management's "medium term" expectation of 5.5-6.0% of revenue per November 2023 CMD and 1H24 results call (July 26, 2024). Corporate overhead expense based on management's "medium term" expectation of 6.0-7.0% of revenue per November 2023 CMD. Revenue for expense calculations based on management expectation for 1 million in revenue per mature club per November 2023 CMD and June 11, 2024 investor presentation plus 11 million in non-club revenue (1H24 annualized). Current enterprise value of 2.4 billion divided by 518-542 million yields a range of 4.5x-4.3x mature EBITDA.

8 Based on AFM disclosure. Basic-Fit CEO Rene Moos purchased 150,000 shares at an average price of 22.08 on November 3, 2022. Basic-Fit CFO Hans van der Aar purchased 6,000 shares at an average price of 19.85 per share on March 25, 2024, 2,000 shares at an average price of 20.58 on April 29, 2024, 1,000 shares at an average price of 20.05 on June 20, 2024, and 10,000 shares at an average price of 22.10 per share on December 5, 2024.

9 Based on management's expectation for free cash flow before new club capex per share from November 2023 CMD of 3.50-4.10 in 2025 and 4.30-5.00 in 2026 or total free cash flow before new club capex in 2025 and 2026 of 231-271 million and 284-330 million, respectively. For simplicity, 2027 free cash flow before new club capex range assumed to be equal to 2026 range of 284-330 million.

10 Free cash flow before new club capex of 799 million (low end of range), less 375 million of new club capex (1.25 million per club, per management commentary; multiplied by 100 clubs per year, or 300 total), less 300 million of shares repurchased (100 million per year), would yield 124 million of cash available from 2025-2027 to pay down debt. At year-end 2027 net debt of approximately 0.9 billion, net leverage as defined under the company's bank covenants will fall below 2.0x on an LTM basis as long as 2027 covenant-defined EBITDA is equal to or greater than approximately 450 million. Covenant-defined EBITDA permits up to 15% in pro forma adjustments per company disclosure. Consequently, year-end 2027 net leverage would fall below 2.0x as defined by Basic-Fit's bank covenants if 2027 reported "underlying EBITDA" is equal to or greater than approximately 383 million. For reference, consensus underlying EBITDA is currently 386 million for 2025. Year-end 2027 net debt based on June 2024 net debt of 1.0 billion less 124 million and assumes no benefit from 2H24 cash flow.

11 Basic-Fit 2023 annual report.

About Impactive

Impactive Capital, LP is a $3 Billion active investment management firm based in New York. Impactive invests in high quality, attractively valued businesses and engages collaboratively with management teams and Boards to unlock shareholder value using capital allocation, operational and returns-linked ESG tools. Investing over a longer term, multi-year time horizon allows Impactive to think and invest like owners to drive long term sustainable returns for all shareholders.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219259914/en/

Contacts:

Walter Lee, (212) 218-8815

info@impactivecapital.com
Smurfit Westrock plc (NYSE: SW, LSE: SWR) ("Smurfit Westrock") announces that it has applied to the Autorite des marches financiers (the "AMF"), as Smurfit Westrock's principal securities regulator in Canada, for a decision that it has ceased to be a reporting issuer (the "Order Sought") in Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia (the "Canadian Jurisdictions

If the Order Sought is granted by the AMF, Smurfit Westrock will cease to be a reporting issuer in the Canadian Jurisdictions and, as a result, will no longer be subject to continuous disclosure requirements under Canadian securities legislation.

Notwithstanding a decision that Smurfit Westrock is not a reporting issuer in Canada, Smurfit Westrock will continue to file all financial statements and other continuous disclosure materials required to be filed by it in accordance with the applicable securities laws of the United States and the United Kingdom and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and London Stock Exchange. All such continuous disclosure documents of Smurfit Westrock are publicly available to all security holders of Smurfit Westrock under Smurfit Westrock's profile at www.sec.gov and Smurfit Westrock's security holders resident in Canada will continue to receive copies of the continuous disclosure documents that are required to be delivered to security holders in the United States, in the same manner and at the same time as is required under the applicable securities laws of the United States and the rules of the NYSE.

This press release is being issued pursuant to certain Canadian regulatory requirements.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable United States and Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs and expectations of Smurfit Westrock relating to the possible granting of the Order Sought by the AMF, are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "anticipate", "intend", "continue", "believe", "expect", and variations of these words and similar future or conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. While Smurfit Westrock believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Smurfit Westrock. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon future circumstances that may or may not occur. Actual future results, including whether the Order Sought will be granted, could vary from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release, and depend on a number of factors, including regulatory developments and the actions taken by the AMF and/or other regulatory bodies. Neither Smurfit Westrock nor any of its associates or directors, officers or advisers provides any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements will actually occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and, other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations (including under the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the UK Market Abuse Regulation and other applicable regulations), Smurfit Westrock is under no obligation, and it expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219655981/en/

Contacts:

Ciaran Potts

Smurfit Westrock

T: +353 1 202 71 27

E: ir@smurfitwestrock.com


EQS Newswire / 19/12/2024 / 14:30 CET/CEST

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 December 2024 - Vietnam continues its robust efforts to implement the European Commission's (EC) recommendations for combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with a commitment to securing the removal of the 'IUU yellow card' in the coming months.

Following the EC's fourth inspection in October 2023, the government of Vietnam has maintained close oversight in addressing IUU fishing practices. The Secretariat issued a directive to strengthen Party leadership in combating IUU fishing and fostering sustainable fisheries development on April 10 2024.



The government of Vietnam has instructed ministries, agencies and localities to focus on rectifying shortcomings in the management of fishing vessels and cracking down on IUU violations, including VMS disconnection and illegal fishing in foreign waters.



It has also introduced revised decrees to regulate seafood imports from container vessels, impose stricter penalties for fishing beyond designated zones and deploy six means and technical techniques for administrative enforcement in the fisheries sector.



The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam has amended regulations to address no registrations, no checks, no licenses fishing vessels. On June 12 2024, the Supreme People's Court issued a resolution guiding the application of specific Criminal Code provisions to penalise those facilitating illegal fishing in foreign waters.



Vietnam has identified and documented its nationwide fishing fleet, totalling 84,752 vessels, of which 77,717 are registered. Among 15 metres or longer vessels, 98.62 per cent have installed vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and 98 per cent have been marked for compliance.



The offshore fishing license quota for 2024-2029 has been announced, with 29,552 permits issued. Local authorities have compiled and managed lists of high-risk vessels, ensuring rigorous monitoring through vessel monitoring systems, port entries, and dock operations.



Specialised agencies have also tightened regulations on seafood traceability. For domestically harvested seafood, authorities have implemented and required localities to report and update the daily output of aquatic products unloaded at fishing ports via Google Sheets for monitoring.



An electronic traceability system (eCDT) has been established to ensure transparency and legality in certifying, verifying and tracking the origins of seafood exports. As of now, 80 fishing ports and landing points have adopted these measures.



For imported seafood, new regulations have been rolled out to control products brought into Vietnam via container vessels in accordance with Article 70a and updates under the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA). To date, the EC has recognised Vietnam's progress in enforcing regulations to monitor imported seafood, highlighting full compliance with PSMA requirements.



Moreover, Vietnamese authorities have intensified law enforcement efforts to address IUU fishing, yielding significant outcomes. 12 criminal cases were prosecuted, involving falsification of documents, manipulation of VMS, illegal departures and brokering activities that facilitated the deployment of fishing vessels for illegal operations in foreign waters.



Additionally, 4,237 administrative violations in the fisheries sector have been penalised, amounting to over VND109 billion in fines. Of which, since the beginning of this year, authorities have handled 3,387 administrative violations, imposing fines exceeding VND75 billion, an increase of about 30 per cent year-on-year.



Violations related to VMS alone accounted for fines of over VND38 billion, while 21 cases of illegal fishing in foreign waters resulted in fines totalling VND23 billion.



Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Le Minh Hoan, emphasised to the European Commission (EC) that combating IUU fishing remains a core priority for Vietnam's fisheries sector. It is not solely aimed at ensuring compliance for seafood exports to the European Union but also serves to promote sustainable aquaculture and fisheries, reflecting Vietnam's responsibility and maintaining its global reputation.



Vietnam also considers the issue of 'yellow card' as an opportunity to foster more sustainable fishing practices. Through its ongoing efforts, the country is optimistic about the EC's timely removal of the 'yellow card' warning.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

News Source: MARD

19/12/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


Customers Gain Flexibility to Ensure Data is on the Right Hybrid or Public Cloud at the Right Price Point with Zero Risk

Boston, Massachusetts, Dec. 19, 2024a leader for modern data protection for on-prem, cloud services, and SaaS, and one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, announced the expansion of HYCU R-Cloudto deliver protected data mobility for databases and applications running both in on-premises infrastructure and in public clouds. This allows customers to have application and database consistent workloads being migrated to the right on-prem hypervisor or public cloud infrastructure of choice. Since typically 40% of the moves from one cloud or service to another results in a repatriation or move to a different infrastructure, customers need to plan a holistic strategy and eliminate unnecessary hardware or software tools. With the ability to protect and move data across platforms that now includes Azure Local(formerly Azure Stack HCI), HYCU has the broadest coverage of infrastructure that includes AWS, AWS GovCloud, Azure, Azure Gov Cloud, Google Cloud, Nutanix, VMware and many more.

According to a Gartner Report, "Through 2028, disruptions in the server virtualization market will result in more than 60% of enterprises accelerating their public cloud migrations and exploring revirtualization of virtual workloads.1" When coupled with additional research that indicates on average a third of IT leaders are challenged with both applications and data when migrating data to public cloud, the need to address these challenges has never been greater.

"As technology continues to transform organizations at a rapid pace, our customers are being forced to look at new ways to adopt technologies and platforms at an accelerated pace. This is further exacerbated by the change in industry consolidation and tremendous cost pressures that customers need to address. To counter this, customers need to make sure their applications and key data workloads are set up in such a way to be quickly mobile so they are able to take advantage of the right platform at the right price point," said Simon Taylor, Founder and CEO, HYCU, Inc. "With HYCU, our customers now have the ultimate freedom to choose the infrastructure that best suits their needs, be it on-premises, in the cloud, or on a SaaS or cloud service of their choice. We are freeing applications from infrastructure lock-in!"

With the latest HYCU R-Cloud enhancements and updates, customers and partners now can rapidly migrate in an application-centric manner to, from, and between platforms like AWS, AWS GovCloud, Azure, Azure GovCloud, Azure Local, Nutanix, VMware and physical servers. This allows companies to no longer be anchored to any one single infrastructure. Customers now gain the following benefits:

Risk-free technology adoption. Customers can avoid being trapped with one vendor or system for storing or managing their data, unlocking new infrastructure's cost or performance benefits while retaining the ability to move quickly and without friction.

Zero-risk, low-cost mobility. Moving workloads should not be a monumental task. HYCU allows rapid and efficient movement without planning nightmares or hefty expenses. The solution automatically discovers applications, protects them seamlessly, and prepares them for mobility-saving hundreds of hours and significant costs typically associated with such projects.

Unified data protection, disaster recovery, and migrations. Operations are simplified by unifying backup, disaster recovery, and migration processes into a single platform. HYCU R-Cloud covers the entire technology stack, reducing complexity and making managing IT environments easier.

Enterprise scale, consumer-grade simplicity. Enterprise-scale solutions do not have to be complicated. HYCU offers one-click operations for protection, recovery, mobility, and more. It is a powerful technology with a user-friendly approach, allowing teams to focus on what matters most.

Protect data every step of the way. Data loss is not an option. HYCU provides purpose-built data protection before, during, and after any infrastructure changes. With native, agentless backup and disaster recovery, application-centric protection is maintained, always keeping data safe.

Free up budget and resources: By placing workloads in their most suited locations, HYCU helps free up budget and resources. This flexibility allows reinvestment in areas that drive growth and innovation, such as:

Adopting new technologies like AI or automation

Enhancing cybersecurity measures to safeguard data

Training teams to handle new tools and technologies

Supporting business expansion into new markets or services

Zero barriers to technology adoption. HYCU R-Cloud removes obstacles to fully adopting a hybrid multi-cloud environment. Workloads can run where they perform best. It provides the flexibility to innovate and stay ahead in a rapidly changing tech landscape.

"It is not unheard of for companies to need tens of thousands of dollars to move a large VM across platforms. There is one enterprise I know that was told the cost to move one VM would be approximately $90,000 due to its size. That enterprise also needed to move many thousands of VMs which quickly became a cost prohibitive exercise," said Jerome Wendt, Founder and Principal, DCIG. "At a time when IT departments are tasked to do far more with less, being locked-in because they have no cost-effective, pain free migration option in today's hybrid world makes no sense. This makes what HYCU has done so much more impressive. Its ability to seamlessly, and securely move data with minimal to no need for additional services or without extraneous hardware or software stands out. Further, HYCU performs migrations in an application consistent manner thereby helping organizations retain control of their applications and workloads in their hybrid IT environment."

For more information on the latest enhancements to HYCU R-Cloud, visit:www.hycu.com, follow us on X, connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

[1] Gartner, "2025 Planning Guide for Cloud, Data Center and Edge Infrastructure, Gartner, October 14, 2024

###

About HYCU?

HYCU is the fastest-growing leader in the multi-cloud and SaaS data protection as a service industry. By bringing true SaaS-based data backup and recovery to on-premises, cloud-native, and SaaS IT environments, the company provides unrivaled data protection, migration, disaster recovery, and ransomware protection to thousands of companies worldwide. The company's award-winning R-Cloud platform eliminates complexity, risk, and the high cost of legacy-based solutions, providing data protection simplicity to make it the#1 SaaS Data Protection platform. With an industry leading NPS score of 91, HYCU has raised $140M in VC funding to date and is based in Boston, Mass. Learn more at www.hycu.com.?
AptarGroup, Inc., a global leader in drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies, and Nadara, Europe's largest independent power producer (IPP) of onshore wind, today announced the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the output of three agrivoltaic solar farms in Sicily, Italy Landolina, Sughero Torto and Sardella. This energy strategy, in addition to creating environmental benefits, provides a more localized source of renewable energy dedicated to Aptar.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219517403/en/

Image: Aptar and Nadara Collaborate to Drive Renewable Energy Generation in Europe (Graphic: Business Wire)

Since 2019, nearly 100% of Aptar's electricity usage in Europe has been covered through the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) to facilitate minimal CO2 impact of its electricity consumption. Now the company is transitioning a portion of the portfolio through the PPA with Nadara. Per the terms of the agreement, Aptar will purchase the renewable generation output of three solar farms for a 10-year period covering approximately 40% of Aptar's electricity needs in the region, with the remaining needs in the region continuing to be covered by RECs. As shared by Philippe Robert, Aptar's Global Purchasing Vice President, "Aptar is committed to increasing the portion of PPA in its electricity mix. Aptar's electricity needs in Europe will continue to be fully covered by renewable electricity through this combination strategy."

All three solar farms are expected to be operational in 2026 with Landolina already having begun operations in 2024. The combined energy generation output will be around 100GWh per annum when all three solar farms are fully operational. Both Aptar and Nadara share a commitment to supporting local communities and the creation of the solar farms, together with the PPA agreement, will provide more opportunities to directly benefit local residents.

Beth Holland, Aptar's Chief Sustainability Officer, explained, "Increasing renewable electricity is an important part of our sustainability strategy and Aptar is proud to have already achieved over 95% sourcing of renewables within our operations. Entering into a PPA with Nadara is the next step in maturity in this area, securing long-term energy availability that will power our future operations. We are committed to the goal of 100% renewable electricity procurement by 2030, as aligned with our science-based targets, and this partnership ensures we maintain our progress towards that goal."

Joanna Ellis, Chief Commercial Officer at Nadara, said, "We are thrilled to announce this agreement with Aptar, which further demonstrates the technical, commercial and community benefits that solar farms managed and operated by Nadara can deliver. The deal also supports our holistic approach to development which prioritizes robust stakeholder relationships and meaningful community impact. Initiatives across the three sites can ensure local communities receive direct benefits from the operations, while supporting Aptar to advance its sustainability goals."

The PPA is a demonstration of a collaborative approach to growth that can help to deliver positive, long-term benefits to the industry, communities and broader society.

About Aptar

Aptar is a global leader in drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies. Aptar serves a number of attractive end markets including pharmaceutical, beauty, food, beverage, personal care and home care. Using market expertise, proprietary design, engineering and science to create innovative solutions for many of the world's leading brands, Aptar in turn makes a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of millions of patients and consumers around the world. Aptar is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois and has over 13,000 dedicated employees in 20 countries. For more information, visit www.aptar.com.

About Nadara

Nadara brings together 30 years of combined industry experience to become one of Europe's largest renewable energy IPPs. Nadara has an installed 4.2GW portfolio of over 200 plants including onshore wind, solar, biomass, and energy storage, and a pipeline of 18GW. The company operates in Europe notably in the UK, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal and the US, and has more than 1,000 employees. The company's name was inspired by the Scottish Gaelic word 'Nadarra', which means 'natural' it embodies the natural energy we harness in the renewable energy plants that we develop, own and operate. For more information on Nadara visit https://nadara.com or LinkedIn.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "future," "potential," "continues" and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would" and "could" are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. Accordingly, our actual results or other events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements due to known or unknown risks and uncertainties that exist in our operations and business environment including, but not limited to: the successful integration of acquisitions; the regulatory environment; and competition, including technological advances. For additional information on these and other risks and uncertainties, please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Forms 10-K and Forms 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219517403/en/

Contacts:

Aptar Investor Relations Contact

Mary Skafidas

mary.skafidas@aptar.com

+1 347 351 6407

Aptar Media Contact:

Katie Reardon

katie.reardon@aptar.com

+1 815 479 5671

Nadara Contacts:

Jo Clarkson

Head of Corporate Communications

+44 7514 734 135

Sam Ballard

Senior Communications Brand Manager

+44 7929 866705

Nadara@fticonsulting.com
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is no longer just a trend or an additional marketing tool; it is an indispensable tool for organizations across industries to connect and thrive. From optimizing customer interactions, boosting brand reputation, and accelerating overall growth, this domain is gaining incredible popularity for all the right reasons. One such prominent player to date remains Salesforce. As the demand for CRM solutions skyrockets globally, Salesforce consulting is projected to witness exceptional growth in 2025. Recent reports indicate that approximately 92% of companies now acknowledge CRM tools like Salesforce are vital for scaling functionalities, which leads to the projected market size of a staggering $14 billion by the end of 2025.

Diverse industry sectors such as banking, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, are facing tremendous hurdles in integrating customized Salesforce solutions that adapt to their unique operational needs. Despite many leading Salesforce consultation companies, lacking specialized skills frequently stops you from achieving optimal results. Hyperlink InfoSystem- an official Salesforce consulting partner, bridges this gap by delivering tailored solutions that boost the potential of Salesforce technology, enabling businesses to transform their operations, facilitate customer interaction, and acquire lasting success.

With over 120 successfully delivered Salesforce projects and an exceptional 98% client retention rate, Hyperlink InfoSystem persists in setting the benchmark in the Salesforce consulting market. The organization offers end-to-end Salesforce consulting services, enwrapping Salesforce undertaking, app development, integration, customization, and support. Their team of professionals leverage relevant tools including Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning Web Components, for delivering solutions that are scalable and efficient. Catering to businesses of every size, Hyperlink InfoSystem also provides services in IoT, AR/VR, AI, and data analytics, enriching the versatility of Salesforce solutions for multiple industries. With the increased demand for Salesforce consultants, the company currently serves numerous clients across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Harnil Oza, the chairman and CEO of Hyperlink InfoSystem, says, "Salesforce has become a vital component for firms seeking to succeed in today's digital-first-in-nature marketplace. At Hyperlink InfoSystem, we delight in offering customized Salesforce consulting solutions that are helping organizations worldwide accomplish their overall strategic objectives. Our team's commitment combined with an intricate understanding of modern technologies, guarantees that we provide only the best solutions that perform effectively for each client. We're sincerely thankful to our team and esteemed clients for deeming us a reliable reputation in Salesforce consulting."

As Hyperlink InfoSystem looks to the future, they wish to remain true to remaining a top choice for Salesforce consulting services in 2025 and beyond. By continually investing in emerging technologies and in-house training programs for their team, they strive to deliver the most innovative and effective Salesforce solutions there are. Their diverse client portfolio entails a massive list of startups, Fortune 500 companies, and established enterprises who believe in their digital transformation strategies using the power of Salesforce. By delivering agile and competitively priced Salesforce resolutions, Hyperlink InfoSystem assists companies in achieving quicker ROI and long-term growth. To inquire more about their bespoke Salesforce services, contact their team at +1(309) 791-4105 or email info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com.

About Hyperlink InfoSystem

Hyperlink InfoSystem is a prominent international enterprise excelling in IT solutions in many domains. Since its humble beginnings in 2011, its specialization in technologies has expanded across web development, mobile app development, enterprise software solutions, and now Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 1200+ employees and a global presence in the USA, UK, UAE, France, India, and Canada, Hyperlink InfoSystem is dedicated to assisting corporations to leverage the complete power of technology to accomplish their goals.

Contact Details:

Hyperlink InfoSystem

Harnil Oza

+1-309-791-4105

info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com

New York Address:

One World Trade Center

285 Fulton Street suite 8500,

New York, NY 10007,

United States

Ahmedabad Address:

C-308, Ganesh Meridian,

Opp Kargil Petrol Pump, S.G. Highway,

Sola, Ahmedabad, 380061

India

London Address:

Level 30, The Leadenhall Building,

122 Leadenhall Street,

London EC3V 4AB

Canada Address:

151 Yonge Street, 11th Floor,

Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W7,

Canada

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) ("Forum" or the "Company") announced today that the Company is not aware of any undisclosed material information that might be contributing to the recent decline in the Company's share price.

As announced in its news release dated December 16th, 2024, the Company is raising $1,250,000 which consists of a combination of shares and flowthrough units. Common shares are being purchased by its strategic investor and insiders for general working capital purposes. The flow-through units are being purchased by its long-term investor and supporter Pavillion Resource Fund for procurement of supplies and services for the 2025 drill program on the Aberdeen Uranium Project in the Thelon Basin, Nunavut (Figure 1).

As announced in previous news releases, assays from its 2024 summer exploration program at its Aberdeen Project in Nunavut, Canada consisting of thirty diamond drill holes covering a total of 6,962 meters are being processed at the SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan which is experiencing an extreme backlog given the increased drilling activity this past year. To date, Forum has received 608 geochemical results from the 11 holes at the Tatiggaq Main and West zones located 5 kilometers from Orano's Kiggavik deposit. Seven of these 11 holes contained mineralization. (See November 26, 2024 news release for detailed description of drilling highlights).

Assay results from the remaining eight holes along parallel structures in the Tattigaq anomaly are expected in early January. Eleven holes targeting Qavvik, the company's second discovery, and other high impact targets including Ned, Ayra and Loki are also expected in the new year. After receipt and review of all of the assays from the 2024 drill program, the Company will compile this data in combination with all prior data from the more than 135 drill holes completed by Cameco during its tenure on the property.

Rebecca Hunter, Ph.D., P.Geo., Forum's Vice President of Exploration and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

Figure 1 The Thelon Basin is a geologic analogue to the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan. Orano/Denison/UEC's Kiggavik, End and Andrew Lake uranium deposits host 133 million pounds of uranium grading at 0.54% U3O8* in two proposed open pits and one underground mine. Forum owns 95,519 hectares of prospective ground along the same controlling structures as at Kiggavik.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4908/234440_14940c2014131b6c_003full.jpg

*Source: The Kiggavik deposit is held by Orano (66.2%), Denison (16.9%) and Uranium Energy Corp. (16.9%). Kiggavik mineral resources are 127.3 million pounds Indicated mineral resource grading 0.55% U3O8 and 5.4 million pounds Inferred mineral resource grading 0.33% U3O8 as reported on the Denison Mines Ltd. Corporate Presentation dated November 2024, p. 23 on their website and the Orano 2023 Activities Report converted from tonnes U to pounds U3O8 and from %U to %U3O8. Cut-off grades and other assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate resources are unknown. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and the issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is focused on the discovery of high-grade unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and the Thelon Basin, Nunavut. For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Forward-Looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Forum's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related to the historical data, the work expenditure commitments; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund future exploration or development programs; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; changes commodity prices, litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties or an inability to obtain permits required in connection with maintaining or advancing its exploration projects.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234440

SOURCE: Forum Energy Metals Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - BELGRAVIA HARTFORD CAPITAL INC. (CSE: BLGV) (OTC Pink: BLGVF) ("Company") is pleased to announce that it plans to make its first investment by its wholly owned subsidiary, NodeVest IO Inc. ("NodeVest"), in a yield bearing stake of USD $100,000 (the "Investment") in Sui blockchain ("Sui"), through a partnership with Karrier One, the largest Sui staking infrastructure in Canada.

NodeVest intends to employ risk mitigation strategies focused on position sizing and investment timing . The Investment will form part of a diversified crypto asset portfolio. NodeVest will also monitor key metrics including developer activity, TVL and transaction growth throughout the life of the Investment and will maintain awareness of competitor developments and regulatory changes affecting layer-1 platforms.

Jaclyn Rosenthal, Director of Media & Corporate Affairs of the Company is pleased to announce that Dr. Victor Cook, PhD, President and Chief Technology Officer of NodeVest, will be appearing live on TraderTV at 1:45pm (EST) on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Dr. Cook will be discussing recent trends and developments in the blockchain and crypto asset space. Interested readers can watch live at the following address: TraderTV.Live Official Website.

Sui, launched in 2023 by former Meta (Facebook) employees through Mysten Labs, represents a significant evolution in blockchain architecture. The platform emerged from extensive research and development in scalable blockchain solutions, particularly drawing from experience with the Diem/Libra project. Sui's fundamental design prioritizes horizontal scalability and immediate transaction finality, addressing key limitations of traditional blockchain platforms.

Notable applications built on Sui include lending platforms Suilend, NAVI and Scallop, with over USD $1 billion in combined Total Value Locked ("TVL"). The Sui Move ecosystem has attracted significant developer innovation, with projects like Deepbook (orderbook infrastructure), Bucket Protocol (lending), and Aftermath Fi (perpetual trading) demonstrating the platform's versatility for DeFi applications.

*******************************

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the "United States" or to "U.S. persons" (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Belgravia Hartford

Belgravia Hartford Capital Inc. is an investment issuer, listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange, focused on the tech and finance sectors of the worldwide economy. The Company's focus, as set out in its 2018 Investment Policy, specifies cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, media and digital streaming opportunities. Belgravia invests in a portfolio of private and public companies located in jurisdictions governed by the rule of law. It takes a multi-sector investment approach with emphasis in the resources and commodities sector. Belgravia and its investments are considered high risk holdings and it may expose shareholders to significant volatility and losses.

For more information, please visit www.belgraviahartford.com.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the structure of the Investment, anticipated risk mitigation strategies, Mr. Cook's planned appearance on TraderTV, and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, changes in market trends, the completion, results and timing of research undertaken by the Company, risks associated with resource assets, the impact of general economic conditions, commodity prices, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory, environmental, and governmental approvals, and the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234457

SOURCE: Belgravia Hartford Capital Inc
Marking 29th Acquisition in Portfolio

Viking Capital, a distinguished private equity firm renowned for its expertise in transforming multifamily assets, proudly announces the successful acquisition of The Townhomes at BlueBonnet Trails, a coveted 114-unit Build-to-Rent (BTR) community in the rapidly expanding Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metro area. Strategically located in one of the nation's fastest-growing markets, this acquisition reinforces Viking Capital's commitment to capturing high-growth opportunities that deliver substantial value to its investors.

About The Townhomes at BlueBonnet Trails:

The Townhomes at BlueBonnet Trails represent a unique multifamily investment within Viking Capital's expanding portfolio. Purpose-built to meet the demands of today's affluent tenant demographic, this BTR community combines the spaciousness and comfort of single-family homes with the benefits of multifamily efficiency. Each unit features amenities such as large floor plans, private front yards, attached garages, and home offices, catering to the needs of the work-from-home tenant base. By offering these exclusive features, the property delivers an appealing alternative to traditional apartment living while driving operational efficiencies and cost savings for management.

Key Investment Highlights:

DFW's strong job market, population surge, and increasing rental demand make The Townhomes at BlueBonnet Trails a compelling investment in a top-ranked metro area for investor property returns. This BTR model, which merges the best elements of single-family home living with the financial benefits of multifamily real estate, addresses the evolving needs of renters in high-growth areas like DFW.

Strategic Portfolio Expansion:

This acquisition strengthens Viking Capital's impressive portfolio of multifamily and BTR assets, reflecting the firm's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional investment opportunities. "At Viking Capital, we are committed to offering accredited investors access to premier real estate opportunities that harness the powerful growth trends in markets like DFW," said Chris Parrinello, Director of Investor Relations. "The Townhomes at BlueBonnet Trails exemplify our approach to capturing growth while delivering substantial cash-flow potential to our investors."

About Viking Capital:

Viking Capital is a leading private equity firm specializing in multifamily and Build-to-Rent properties. Known for its strong track record of success in high-growth markets, Viking Capital provides accredited investors access to institutional-quality real estate opportunities that deliver risk-adjusted returns and wealth-building potential. For further details, please visit www.vikingcapllc.com .

SOURCE: Viking Capital

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The following closed-end funds reported sources of distribution for December and this fiscal year to date.

Distribution Period: December 2024 Ticker Taxable Funds Distribution Amount Per Share PHD Pioneer Floating Rate Fund, Inc. $0.0850 Ticker Tax-Exempt Funds Distribution Amount Per Share MAV Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Fund, Inc. $0.0325 MHI Pioneer Municipal High Income Fund, Inc. $0.0350 MIO Pioneer Municipal High Income Opportunities Fund, Inc. $0.0500

The following tables set forth estimates of the character of the current distribution and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: Net Investment Income; Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains; Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains or Return of Capital. All amounts are expressed per common share.

Pioneer Floating Rate Fund, Inc. (NYSE: PHD) Percentage Total Percentage Make up Make up of Cumulative of Total Cumulative Current Current Distributions Distributions Distribution Distribution Fiscal Year to Date Fiscal Year to Date Net Investment Income $0.0766 90.1% $0.0766 90.1% Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0.0% $0.0000 0.0% Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0.0% $0.0000 0.0% Return of Capital $0.0084 9.9% $0.0084 9.9% Total per Common Share $0.0850 100.0% $0.0850 100.0%

Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Fund, Inc. (NYSE: MAV) Percentage Total Percentage Make up Make up of Cumulative of Total Cumulative Current Current Distributions Distributions Distribution Distribution Fiscal Year to Date Fiscal Year to Date Net Investment Income $0.0289 88.9% $0.2487 85.0% Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0.0% $0.0000 0.0% Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0.0% $0.0000 0.0% Return of Capital $0.0036 11.1% $0.0438 15.0% Total per Common Share $0.0325 100.0% $0.2925 100.0%

Pioneer Municipal High Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: MHI) Percentage Total Percentage Make up Make up of Cumulative of Total Cumulative Current Current Distributions Distributions Distribution Distribution Fiscal Year to Date Fiscal Year to Date Net Investment Income $0.0332 94.9% $0.2476 88.4% Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0.0% $0.0000 0.0% Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0.0% $0.0000 0.0% Return of Capital $0.0018 5.1% $0.0324 11.6% Total per Common Share $0.0350 100.0% $0.2800 100.0%

Pioneer Municipal High Income Opportunities Fund, Inc. (NYSE: MIO) Percentage Total Percentage Make up Make up of Cumulative of Total Cumulative Current Current Distributions Distributions Distribution Distribution Fiscal Year to Date Fiscal Year to Date Net Investment Income $0.0421 84.2% $0.3308 82.7% Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0.0% $0.0000 0.0% Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0.0% $0.0000 0.0% Return of Capital $0.0079 15.8% $0.0692 17.3% Total per Common Share $0.0500 100.0% $0.4000 100.0%

Notes:

Investors should not necessarily draw any conclusions about the funds' investment performance from the amount of these distributions.

Each fund estimates that a portion of its distribution does not represent income or realized capital gains. Therefore, such portion of its distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur when some or all of the money invested in the fund is returned to the investor. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the fund's investment performance and should not be considered "yield" or "income."

The amounts and sources of distributions reported under the notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources for tax reporting purposes will depend upon each fund's investment experience during the remainder of its respective fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. Each fund will provide investors with a Form(s) 1099 for the calendar year that explains how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The funds are closed-end investment companies. The funds trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the following symbols: PHD, MAV, MHI and MIO.

Keep in mind, distribution rates are not guaranteed. A fund's distribution rate may be affected by numerous factors, including changes in actual or projected investment income, the level of undistributed net investment income, if any, and other factors. Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. Once issued, common shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the open market through a stock exchange and frequently trade at prices lower than their net asset value. Net Asset Value (NAV) is total assets less total liabilities divided by the number of common shares outstanding. For performance data on Amundi US's closed-end funds, please call 800-225-6292 or visit our closed-end pricing page.

About Amundi US

Amundi US is the US business of Amundi, Europe's largest asset manager by assets under management and ranked among the ten largest globally1. Boston is one of Amundi's six main global investment hubs2 and offers a broad range of fixed-income, equity, and multi-asset investment solutions in close partnership with wealth management firms, distribution platforms, and institutional investors across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

With our financial and extra-financial research capabilities and long-standing commitment to responsible investment, Amundi is a key player in the asset management landscape. Amundi clients benefit from the expertise and advice of 5,5003 team members and market professionals in 35 countries3. A subsidiary of the Credit Agricole group and listed on the Paris stock exchange, Amundi currently manages approximately $2.445 trillion of assets3

Amundi, a Trusted Partner, working every day in the interest of our clients and society.

www.amundi.com/us

Follow us on linkedin.com/company/amundi-us/ and twitter.com/amundi_us.

1 Source: IPE "Top 500 Asset Managers" published in June 2024, based on assets under management as of December 31, 2023. 2 Boston, Dublin, London, Milan, Paris, and Tokyo 3 Amundi data as of 9/30/2024

Amundi Distributor US, Inc., Member SIPC

60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109

2024 Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219635421/en/

Contacts:

Shareholder Inquiries: Please contact your financial advisor or visit www.amundi.com/us.

Broker/Advisor Inquiries Please Contact: 800-622-9876

Media Inquiries Please Contact: Geoff Smith, 617-504-8520
Motorola Solutions will continue to operate and service the country's nationwide TETRA network that provides first responders with trusted, reliable and secure voice communications

Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI) has been awarded a five-year contract by the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), starting at the beginning of 2027, to continue to manage Norway's nationwide critical communications network, Ndnett, which is relied upon by over 60,000 first responders every day. The new contract is valued at 1,78 billion NOK (approximately 160 million USD) and will run through 2031 with an option for a two-year extension.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219784204/en/

Photo credit: Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (Photo: Business Wire)

"The agreement is vital for public safety and emergency preparedness in Norway. In an increasingly demanding environment, Ndnett is a critical tool for emergency services and other preparedness organizations," said Director General Elisabeth Aarsther at DSB.

Motorola Solutions has supported Ndnett since 2012 and will continue to deliver operational, lifecycle management and technology upgrade services under the new agreement, providing highly reliable and secure digital radio communications for Norway's emergency services users, including police, fire and medical services. Ndnett is designed to cover 100% of the population, including the country's mountainous terrain and hundreds of tunnels, and to interoperate with the TETRA networks in neighboring Sweden and Finland for vital cross-border collaboration between public safety organizations.

"The TETRA standard is designed for the specific requirements of public safety users, providing proven resilience and reliability that's trusted by governments globally," said Michael Kaae, senior vice president, Motorola Solutions. "We're proud to continue supporting the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection in helping to protect Norway's communities for years ahead."

Norway is amongst many countries worldwide, including Denmark, Austria and Portugal, making significant investments in digital radio network technology, as supported by an Omdia report highlighting expectations for continued growth of the TETRA market. Motorola Solutions has deployed more than 1,000 TETRA systems worldwide, from nationwide to local networks.

About Motorola Solutions

Motorola Solutions is solving for safer. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions enable the collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises that's critical for a proactive approach to safety and security. Learn more about how we're solving for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses safer everywhere at www.motorolasolutions.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219784204/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Elvan Lindberg

Motorola Solutions

Mobile: +46 (0) 707448893

Elvan.Lindberg@motorolasolutions.com
MASON (dpa-AFX) - Cintas Corporation (CTAS) said, for fiscal 2025, the company now expects EPS in a range of $4.28 to $4.34, revised from prior range of $4.17 to $4.25. The company updated annual revenue expectations to a range of $10.255 billion to $10.320 billion, from a range of $10.220 billion to $10.320 billion. The company noted that there are two fewer workdays in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024.Second quarter net income was $448.5 million compared to $374.6 million in last year's second quarter, an increase of 19.7%. Earnings per share was $1.09 compared to $0.90. Analysts on average had expected the company to earn $1.02 per share, according to figures compiled by Thomson Reuters. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.Second quarter revenue was $2.56 billion compared to $2.38 billion in last year's second quarter, an increase of 7.8%. The organic revenue growth rate was 7.1%. Analysts on average had estimated $2.56 billion in revenue.For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Macao breaks new ground in practice of "one country, two systems"

11:14, December 19, 2024 By Fu Zimei ( People's Daily

Over the past 25 years since Macao's return to China, the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved remarkable success, thanks to the Chinese central government's strong support and the continuous efforts made by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government and all sectors of society.

Under the "one country, two systems" framework, Macao has made remarkable strides in politics, economy, improvement of people's livelihoods, and regional development, with increasing international influence.

Photo taken on Dec. 14, 2024 shows tourists flocking to the Ruins of St. Paul's, a landmark in Macao. (People's Daily Online/Liang Jianqing)

"One country, two systems" is an unprecedented innovation. Since Macao's return to China, chief executives in each term and their respective governance teams have been committed to fully and faithfully implementing this fundamental principle.

The institutional framework supporting the implementation of the Constitution and the Basic Law of the Macao SAR has been continuously refined to ensure the effective functioning of the SAR's constitutional order.

Macao's practice of "one country, two systems" is consistently based on an accurate understanding of the guiding principles of the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Chinese central government's overall jurisdiction, and compliance with the authority of these legal foundations.

Apart from a top-level design and institutional arrangement, "one country, two systems" is also a cornerstone driving Macao's economic development, livelihood improvement, and social stability.

"We Macao people have deeply felt the benefits of 'one country, two systems.' We are both beneficiaries and practitioners of this principle," said Cheong Chok Man, director of the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau under the Macao SAR government.

Over the past 25 years, Macao has undergone the fastest development of the highest quality in its history, marked by the strongest sense of fulfillment, happiness and security of the people.

In the early days of Macao returned to China, there was a big economic gap between the SAR and the "Four Asian Tigers," also known as the "small dragon" economies of East Asia. Back then, the per capita GDP of Macao ranked only around 40th in the world.

Thanks to the comprehensive and targeted implementation of "one country, two systems," the tremendous opportunities brought by the rapid development of the Chinese mainland, and the concerted efforts of the Macao SAR government and all sectors of society, Macao has experienced an amazing transformation and achieved remarkable progress in economic and social development that has attracted worldwide attention.

By the end of September 2024, Macao's fiscal reserves had amounted to 617 billion patacas ($77.04 billion), and foreign exchange reserves had reached 230.6 billion patacas.

With the support of the Chinese central government, Macao has seen a larger space for development.

In December 2015, the Chinese central government approved Macao's land reclamation plans and granted it administration over 85 square kilometers of surrounding waters, to align with its land area of 33.3 square kilometers. It also launched a general plan for developing the Macao SAR to improve the living environment, develop marine tourism, and promote regional cooperation.

Photo shows the cityscape of Macao. (People's Daily Online/Kang Lei)

In 2021, the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone was established to deepen collaboration between Macao and south China's Guangdong province. The zone, on the island of Hengqin in Zhuhai, Guangdong, which covers an area of 106.46 square meters, has further expanded the development space of Macao to 224.76 square meters.

The establishment of the cooperation zone also marked the beginning of a new management mechanism that features mutual discussion, joint construction, joint administration and shared benefits between Macao and Guangdong.

Since its return to China, Macao has experienced a continuous expansion of institutional and policy space.

In September 2021, China's central authorities issued a general plan for building the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, mapping out a blueprint for the cooperation zone.

In December 2022, the "northbound travel for Macao vehicles" scheme was officially implemented, which allows eligible Macao private cars to travel between Macao and Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge without the need to obtain regular quotas.

In December 2023, China's State Council approved an overall development plan for the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone, which specified the development blueprint and guiding principles for the next 10 to 15 years.

Since this year, a range of measures have been taken successively to foster a closer connection between Macao and the Chinese mainland.

In March this year, Hengqin started a new customs operation that allows most goods to be moved there tax-free from the neighboring Macao SAR; two months later, six policy measures were implemented to provide greater convenience for Chinese mainland residents who come to Macao for business, exhibitions, medical treatment, or art activities.

Starting from July, non-Chinese permanent residents of the Macao SAR are eligible to apply for special travel permits to enter the Chinese mainland. In November, China's central government approved new travel policies allowing Zhuhai permanent residents to apply for a "one trip per week" permit for Macao, and enabling permanent residents and residence permit holders in Hengqin to apply for multi-entry permits to Macao.

Over the past 25 years, the Chinese central government has continuously introduced policies and measures, dispatched to Macao professionals in various fields such as science and technology, education, healthcare, and culture, and actively promoted all-round exchanges and cooperation. The Chinese mainland has continuously opened up its vast market to Macao, leading and driving the high-quality economic and social development of the SAR.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Sun Peak Metals Corp. (the "Company" or "Sun Peak") (TSXV:PEAK)(OTCQB:SUNPF) is pleased to provide an update on its Shire Project in Ethiopia, highlighting recent exploration results and outlining key targets for its 2025 drilling program.

Greg Davis, President and CEO commented, "We are excited to advance exploration on the Shire Project, particularly at the Meli and Anguda North trends. Our recent mapping and surveying efforts have revealed significant new targets that reinforce the Shire Project's exceptional copper-gold potential. As we prepare to launch drilling in early 2025, we remain focused on unlocking the value of this promising VMS system."

Key Highlights of the Shire Project

2025 Exploration Program :

Drilling to commence in Q1 at the Meli Trend and the Anguda North Target .

Detailed Ground Deep Time Domain Electromagnetic (DTEM) surveys scheduled for January to refine drill location targeting.

Proven VMS Belt :

Located in a district-scale VMS belt with high-priority copper-gold targets.

Previous Sun Peak drilling has intercepted significant copper-gold mineralization at the Meli, Argo, and Keel targets - all remain open for expansion. Intercepts include:

Meli

ML-001 - 15.30m @ 3.18 g/t Au, 25.0 g/t Ag and 2.2% Cu

ML-002 - 37.23m @ 2.45 g/t Au, 29.4 g/t Ag and 2.4% Cu

ML-003 - 35.43m @ 2.52 g/t Au, 22.3 g/t Ag and 1.8% Cu

Keel

KL-006 - 17.85m @ 3.95 g/t Au, 45.5g/t Ag, 1.4% Cu, and 1.6% Zn

Argo

AR-001 - 6.57m @ 1.34 g/t Au, 54.3g/t Ag, 6.3% Cu, and 1.7% Zn

All targets drilled by Sun Peak to date have intercepted VMS style mineralization, confirming the effectiveness of the team's exploration methodology.

Numerous new high-quality targets are currently being developed showing strong copper and gold potential.

2025 Exploration

The exploration team has been conducting extensive detailed geological mapping and prospecting in the field as part of the Company's preparations for the upcoming drilling program on the Shire Project, which will target the Meli Trend and Anguda North.

Ground Deep Electromagnetic Time Domain ("DTEM") surveys on both the Meli Trend and Anguda North targets will begin in early January and drilling is planned to begin late January. The results from the DTEM work will be used to enhance targeting drill locations.

Figure 1: Map of Shire Project exploration licenses and key targets

Meli VMS Trend

Exploration work at Meli has primarily focused on a greater than 3km long, east-west oriented VMS trend, containing targets such as Meli Main, Meli Central, and Meli Far-West (Figure 2). The trend is anchored at each end by strong gold and copper drill intercepts (Meli Main and Meli Far West), which are part of an extensive VMS system containing intermittent gossans and hydrothermally altered zones. Detailed gravity surveys have revealed strong anomalies and are largely untested by diamond drilling. These strong anomalies will be a key focus of the upcoming drill program.

Figure 2: Key VMS Targets on the Meli License

Meli Main Target

The Meli Main Target is located at the east end of the Meli trend and has been the focus of previous successful drill programs by the Company, resulting in some of the best copper-gold VMS intercepts on the Project. The target includes an area of massive sulphides below an exposed 600m long gold-rich VMS gossan (some of which has been mined to a depth of averaging 20 meters), with additional intermittent gossans along trend to the east and west.

Drilling by the Company at Meli Main in 2020 demonstrated the potential of the Meli trend. Highlights from the 2020 drilling at Meli include (full results in table at end of this news release):

ML-002 - 37.23m @ 2.45g/t Au, 29.4g/t Ag, 2.4% Cu, and 1.3% Zn

ML-003 - 35.43m @ 2.52g/t Au, 22.3g/t Ag, 1.8% Cu, and 1.5% Zn

ML-013 - 8.89m @ 2.76g/t Au, 31.8g/t Ag, 2.22% Cu, and 1.75% Zn

ML-014 - 11.48m @ 3.57g/t Au, 31.2g/t Ag, 2.38% Cu, and 0.65% Zn

ML-018 - 9.61m @ 3.18g/t Au, 32.3g/t Ag, 2.21% Cu, and 0.56% Zn

The Meli Main Target remains open to depth and along trend.

Meli Central

The large Meli Central Target has a very strong gravity anomaly located within the Meli VMS Trend. The target is untested, and the signature of the gravity anomaly has strong similarities in size and magnitude to the signatures from the Emba Derho and Bisha VMS Deposits in the same region.

The target is located only 2 kilometers west of Meli Main and the trend is defined by smaller gravity anomalies along the trend over known mineralization.

Meli Far-West Target

The Meli Far-West Target is located approximately 3 km west of Meli Main within the Meli VMS trend. In November 2020, two shallow drill holes for a total of 108 meters, were drilled at the target and designed to test the gold oxide gossan. MW-001 intercepted 15.84 meters averaging 1.90 g/t gold.

Drilling confirms the presence of significant gold mineralization in the gossan and demonstrates the potential for the Meli Far-West Target to host gold and copper VMS sulphide below the gossan. The mineralization is open to depth and along strike, and future drilling at the Meli Far-West target will test the massive sulfide potential beneath the gossan.

Anguda VMS System/Trend

The Anguda VMS Trend, situated within the Terer exploration license, is a prominent VMS system extending for over 10 kilometers. Key targets along this trend include the Anguda North Target, Anguda Main Target, Anguda Main (N), Anguda Southern Limb Target, and the Terer VMS Target (Figure 3).

Recent drilling activities at the Hamlo and Terer VMS Targets, alongside limited drilling at the Anguda Southern Limb in 2020, have revealed typical VMS metal zoning patterns - see Sun Peak news release, dated July 25, 2024. The data suggests a potential increase in precious and base metal concentrations in other VMS zones within the Anguda trend.

The drill results at the Terer Target, outlined a VMS system along the trend of the Anguda North gravity high anomaly located approximately 2 kilometers east. Final drill results from Hamlo and Terer drilling can be found in table at the end of this release.

Anguda North VMS Target: Defined by a strong soil geochemistry anomaly, detailed ground gravity high anomalies, airborne VTEM conductor, and 800 meters long gossan outcrops. The gossan outcrops were defined in recent geological mapping work which was following up on the anomalies identified by the geophysical and geochemistry surveys.

Ground DTEM survey is scheduled in Q1 2025 which will be immediately followed by drilling at Anguda North.

Anguda Main (N) VMS Target: Defined by a greater than 1.5-kilometer-long mineralized zone of gossans and hydrothermal alteration horizons, plunging and increasing in size to the east. The target is identified by a copper and zinc soil geochemistry anomaly and a gravity high coincident with VTEM conductors.

The upcoming work program in Q1 2025 will include ground DTEM surveys over the Anguda North and Anguda Main Targets, with drilling to follow.

Figure 3: Anguda regional VMS trends underlain by gravity surveys and soil geochemistry

High Priority Targets

The main focus of the upcoming drill program in early 2025 will begin with the Meli Trend and the Anguda North Target, however exploration work will also include other high priority targets throughout the year. A summary of these other key targets is as follows.

Keel and Argo VMS Trend

The Keel and Argo Targets are part of a significant VMS system that extends over 6 kilometers and includes several other highly prospective targets such as the Northwest Zone (Figure 4).

During the Company's initial drill program in 2020, Sun Peak drilled 12 holes and intercepted high-grade copper-gold VMS mineralization at both Keel and Argo targets. The VMS zones remain open in all directions with untested gossans and gravity anomalies directly on strike from Keel and Argo.

Future work will focus on extending these zones laterally and testing new zones along the trend.

Figure 4: Keel-Argo VMS Trend

Meda VMS Target: Defined by a 1.2 kilometers long gold, silver, copper, and zinc soil geochemistry anomaly, several gossan outcrops, and a gravity high anomaly. A single historic vertical RC hole was drilled in 2004 into the gossan which assayed 18 meters of 2.77 g/t gold from surface (Figure 5).

Future drilling will attempt to define the VMS Zone laterally along strike and to depth.

Figure 5: Meda VMS target underlain by geology

Target Development Work

Sun Peak's Shire Project has approximately two dozen VMS and gold prospects currently being developed by the Company. The Sun Peak exploration team has been in the field in Q4 2024 to follow-up on some of these prospects including prospecting, sampling, and detailed and structural mapping. The Sun Peak team is encouraged by the findings and several of these prospects showing strong potential for VMS and gold drill targets. The Company will provide further details of these "pipeline" targets in a subsequent news release in the new year.

Drill Results Summary

The following table summarizes all Sun Peak drill results since 2020 on the Shire Project over 7 targets.

Meli Main (2020) Date Reported Hole ID From To Interval Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) ML-001 7.86 17.2 9.34 0.07 2.2 0.5 0.1 Aug 10, 2020 ML-001 55.6 70.9 15.3 3.18 25 2.2 1.4 Aug 10, 2020 ML-002 47.37 84.6 37.23 2.45 29.4 2.4 1.3 Aug 10, 2020 ML-003 87.74 123.17 35.43 2.52 22.3 1.8 1.5 Aug 10, 2020 ML-004 72.46 83.2 10.74 3.34 27.3 1.8 1 Aug 10, 2020 ML-005 90.26 101.25 10.99 3.01 26.8 1.8 0.8 Aug 10, 2020 ML-006 70.95 74.79 3.84 2.57 30.3 1.9 0.7 Aug 10, 2020 ML-007 18.05 23.3 5.25 <0.01 3.3 2.3 <0.1 Aug 10, 2020 ML-007 34.05 35.17 1.12 3.07 45.2 5.7 <0.1 Aug 10, 2020 ML-007 39.32 40.82 1.5 1.19 12.9 0.1 <0.1 Aug 10, 2020 ML-007 52.55 53.53 0.98 4.34 38.9 5.4 <0.1 Aug 10, 2020 ML-007 61.03 63.32 2.29 2.97 24.2 1.5 0.65 Aug 10, 2020 ML-009 68.8 71.16 2.36 1.6 7.4 1.42 0.74 May 28, 2024 ML-010 13.65 17.5 3.85 0.01 1.9 0.66 0.1 May 28, 2024 ML-013 142.23 151.12 8.89 2.76 31.8 2.22 1.75 May 28, 2024 ML-014 162.6 174.08 11.48 3.57 31.2 2.38 0.65 May 28, 2024 ML-018 108.64 118.25 9.61 3.18 32.3 2.21 0.56 May 28, 2024 Meli Far West (2020) Hole ID From To Interval Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) MW-001 5.5 21.34 15.84 1.9 10.7 0.04 0.01 May 28, 2024 including 5.5 7 1.5 2.34 0.6 0.04 <0.01 May 28, 2024 including 11.05 21.34 10.26 2.51 15.6 0.036 0.01 May 28, 2024 including 11.05 18.6 7.55 2.94 16 0.04 0.01 May 28, 2024 Keel (2020) Hole ID From To Interval Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) KL-001 52.78 58.7 5.92 5.01 176.2 <0.1 <0.1 Aug 10, 2020 KL-001 59.44 79.6 20.16 0.78 18.4 0.6 2.3 Aug 10, 2020 KL-002 100.25 133.91 33.66 0.92 22.6 0.9 2.7 Aug 10, 2020 KL-003 63.15 78.35 15.2 0.84 20.2 1.1 1.3 Aug 10, 2020 KL-004 113.13 122.05 8.9 0.58 16 0.4 <0.1 Aug 10, 2020 KL-004 132.7 134.63 1.93 0.88 10.9 0.2 0.4 Aug 10, 2020 KL-005 106.71 110.36 3.65 3.11 23.2 0.6 0.8 Aug 10, 2020 KL-006 89.68 92.68 3 0.08 1.1 0.8 <0.1 Aug 10, 2020 KL-006 160.45 178.3 17.85 3.95 45.5 1.4 1.6 Aug 10, 2020 Argo (2020) Hole ID From To Interval Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) AR-001 7.62 10.67 3.05 1 16.9 0.2 0.3 Aug 10, 2020 AR-001 10.67 17.24 6.57 1.34 54.3 6.3 1.7 Aug 10, 2020 AR-002 64.05 69.66 5.61 1.04 25.7 1.2 5.2 Aug 10, 2020 AR-003 95.15 129.72 34.57 0.33 3.4 0.5 0.2 Aug 10, 2020 including 101.06 114.8 13.74 0.49 7.1 1.1 0.3 Aug 10, 2020 AR-004 86.24 111.85 25.61 0.82 14.2 1.2 2.4 Aug 10, 2020 including 86.24 100.44 14.2 1.07 23.9 1.7 4.2 Aug 10, 2020 AR-005 49.08 62.24 13.16 1.35 16.9 1.1 1.7 Aug 10, 2020 including 49.08 59.9 10.82 1.55 19.8 1.3 2 Aug 10, 2020 AR-006 44.76 64.58 19.82 0.63 15.9 0.4 2.5 Aug 10, 2020 including 44.76 51.58 6.82 0.68 25.3 0.6 4.6 Aug 10, 2020 Anguda Southern Limb (2020) Hole ID From To Interval Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) AN-002 25.95 29.09 3.14 0.35 4.67 0.45 0.33 May 28, 2024 AN-003 44.07 46.23 2.16 0.27 3.5 0.5 1.22 May 28, 2024 AN-004 70.9 72.35 1.45 0.25 4.12 0.46 1.25 May 28, 2024 AN-006 63.75 66.75 3 0.21 3.33 0.48 0.64 May 28, 2024 AN-007 99.9 107.35 7.45 1.29 2.95 0.42 0.81 May 28, 2024 AN-008 42.51 44.06 1.55 0.54 2.49 0.02 0.53 May 28, 2024 AN-008 47.46 54.46 7 0.2 4.15 0.33 1.76 May 28, 2024 AN-009 63.46 67.23 3.77 0.22 4.46 0.27 1.59 May 28, 2024 AN-009 69 71.61 2.61 0.2 5.6 0.64 0.99 May 28, 2024 AN-010 99.06 99.36 0.3 1.12 8.8 0.03 1.54 May 28, 2024 AN-010 107.87 116.14 8.27 0.18 4.95 0.36 0.87 May 28, 2024 including 107.87 110.75 2.88 0.2 6.29 0.28 1.17 May 28, 2024 including 111.55 116.14 4.59 0.19 4.95 0.47 0.82 May 28, 2024 Terer Main (2024) Hole ID From To Interval Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) TR-001 102.65 104.22 1.57 0.349 7.3 0.05 0.25 July 25, 2024 TR-001 119.02 120.35 1.33 0.177 3.9 0.14 0.6 July 25, 2024 TR-001 126.24 132.84 6.6 0.366 6.7 0.47 1.46 July 25, 2024 TR-002 168.65 169.66 1.01 0.634 9.2 0.32 1.32 July 25, 2024 TR-002 172.14 190.6 18.46 0.316 7.2 0.47 1.85 July 25, 2024 including 172.14 181.94 9.8 0.385 10.2 0.81 3.11 July 25, 2024 including 172.14 173.98 1.84 0.497 12.3 0.87 9.24 July 25, 2024 including 175.17 176.86 1.69 0.254 5.2 0.17 6.97 July 25, 2024 including 178.53 181.94 3.41 0.573 17.7 1.65 0.32 July 25, 2024 including 185 190.6 5.6 0.356 5.8 0.14 0.63 July 25, 2024 and 196.44 205.15 8.71 0.29 5.1 0.56 0.65 July 25, 2024 including 196.44 202.12 5.68 0.429 7.1 0.84 0.98 July 25, 2024 including 202.12 205.15 3.03 0.031 1.4 0.03 0.03 July 25, 2024 *TR-003 208.19 210.27 2.08 0.154 2.4 0.08 1.45 Dec 19, 2024 including 209.77 210.27 0.5 0.264 4.9 0.21 5.65 Dec 19, 2024 and 228.6 231.44 2.84 0.459 8.7 0.98 0.24 Dec 19, 2024 *TR-004 162.48 167.93 5.45 0.28 5 1.06 0.25 Dec 19, 2024 and 198 201.36 3.36 0.184 3.8 0.41 0.43 Dec 19, 2024 *TR-005 188.52 192.56 4.04 0.447 3.3 0.276 0.094 Dec 19, 2024 *TR-006 97.57 102.39 4.82 0.38 5.72 1.37 0.47 Dec 19, 2024 including 99.49 100.45 0.96 0.254 4.3 1.31 1.36 Dec 19, 2024 *TR-008 72.87 73.93 0.96 0.185 6.6 1.6 0.22 Dec 19, 2024 *TR-010 264.48 271 6.52 0.263 4.3 0.42 0.92 Dec 19, 2024 including 264.48 266.97 2.49 0.439 6.7 0.6 1.77 Dec 19, 2024 and 288.36 295.53 7.17 0.38 6.14 1.4 0.25 Dec 19, 2024 including 291.85 295.53 3.68 0.51 7.6 1.85 0.26 Dec 19, 2024 *TR-012 149.78 152.32 2.54 0.587 7.6 0.98 4 Dec 19, 2024 and 155.68 162.7 7.02 0.167 2.5 0.33 0.99 Dec 19, 2024 including 155.68 159.25 3.57 0.273 4.2 0.44 1.36 Dec 19,2024 and 169.6 178.9 9.3 0.24 4.88 0.86 0.94 Dec 19,2024 including 176.38 178.9 2.52 0.27 5.9 1.25 0.97 Dec 19,2024 Hamlo (2024) Hole ID From To Interval Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Zn (%) HM-002 0 23.3 23.3 0.137 1 0.029 <0.01 July 25, 2024 HM-002 104.54 108.45 3.91 0.085 1.1 0.023 1.15 July 25, 2024 HM-003 197.11 209.86 12.75 0.155 0.9 0.13 0.41 July 25, 2024 HM-006 288.3 303.05 14.75 0.228 3.3 0.035 1.01 July 25, 2024 *HM-009 118.5 125.08 6.58 0.18 1.3 0.049 <0.01 Dec 19, 2024 *HM-010 158.74 165.75 7.01 0.15 4.7 0.047 1.08 Dec 19, 2024 including 161.64 165.75 4.11 0.18 6.6 0.054 1.54 Dec 19, 2024 *HM-011 345.25 346.75 1.5 6.32 4.5 0.012 0.014 Dec 19, 2024 *HM-012 181.5 186 4.5 0.21 4.3 0.011 0.36 Dec 19, 2024 * New drill results from Terer and Hamlo Targets in this news release

No significant intercepts in the following holes:

Meli - ML-008, ML-011, ML-012, ML-015, ML-016, and ML-017, reported May 28, 2024

Meli Far West - MW-002, reported May 28, 2024

Anguda Southern Limb - AN-001 and AN-005, reported May 28, 2024

Terer - TR-007, TR-009, TR-011, new drill results reported in this news release

Hamlo - HM-001, reported July 25, 2024 and HM-008, new drill result reported in this news release

QUALIFIED PERSON'S STATEMENT

David K. Daoud, P. Geo, Vice President Exploration is the Qualified Person overseeing Sun Peak's exploration projects in Ethiopia and has reviewed and approved this press release.

All drill holes reported are diamond drill core holes.

A Quality Assurance/Quality Control program was part of the sampling program on the Hamlo and Terer prospects. This program includes the systematic submittals of standards, duplicates, and blank samples into the flow of samples produced by the sampling.

Samples were prepared at ALS Laboratory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and analyzed at ALS Laboratory in Dublin, Ireland. Gold is assayed using a 50-gram of -75 micron-size pulp is fire assayed and finished by ICP-AES analysis to detect content between 0.01 and 10.0 ppm. Gold returning over limit values are re-assayed with higher detection limits using a gravimetric finish. As well, a 0.5 gram cut from the pulp of each rock sample is dissolved by aqua regia acid digestion and analyzed by mass spectrometry for a suite of 51 additional elements. Analytical values for silver, copper, zinc, and lead over detection limits are re-assayed with higher detection limits, using aqua regia digestion. Drilling intercept lengths and estimated true thicknesses are reported in the tabulations.

ABOUT SUN PEAK METALS CORP.

Sun Peak is exploring the district-scale Shire VMS Project in the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia. The Shire Project is comprised of six exploration licenses and covers approximately 1,450 square kilometers in the prospective Arabian Nubian Shield. The licenses are in the same geological environment as both the Bisha Mine and the Asmara Projects. The Meli and Terer Licenses are part of a joint-venture agreement with Ezana Mining, a private Ethiopian Company and the other four are 100% owned by Sun Peak. The Sun Peak team have worked in East Africa for more than two decades and the Company's strategy is to apply exploration techniques that have worked successfully in the region before, to build assets through major copper-gold VMS discoveries.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SUN PEAK METALS CORP.

Greg Davis,

President, CEO & Director

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Greg Davis

(T): +1 (604) 999 1099

(E): info@sunpeakmetals.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain information and statements in this news release may be considered forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for purposes of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which reflect the expectations of management regarding its disclosure and amendments thereto. Forward-looking statements consist of information or statements that are not purely historical, including any information or statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information or statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the goal of making a significant discovery and the development of a large-scale project in Ethiopia and identifying other potential properties and opportunities both in Ethiopia and globally. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits Sun Peak will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation: the risk that the results of the planned drilling and exploration programs at the Shire Project do not meet expected results. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable securities laws, Sun Peak assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties are set out in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section in the Prospectus filed with Canadian security regulators.

SOURCE: Sun Peak Metals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
LONDON, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to honouring those top companies worldwide, Business Worldwide Magazine's (BWM) Global Corporate Excellence Awards are a leading force.

Their judging panel have chosen industries and businesses which excel in terms of innovation, leadership and sustainability. Other attributes recognised by our winners include vision and community engagement, as well as an ethical outlook.

Outstanding success is a tall order for many businesses, especially in today's tough economic climate - and that's what makes the Award's recipients particularly inspiring.

"But that's not just our impression", said BWM spokesman Robert Weinberg.

"Many of the winning companies we have highlighted were voted for by those who purchase their goods or services. That's because customer satisfaction was extremely high on our list of Awards criteria. At the same time nominations also came in from employees and other fellow companies within a particular sector or industry.

"These Awards are so inspiring,' he said. "I'm always overwhelmed at what individuals and companies can achieve, even in the toughest of economic circumstances. Those who have a strong businesses strategy in place will usually succeed though, and it's these companies which we're about to introduce you to today, for they are inevitably our winners.

In terms of geographical reach, Europe was particularly well represented. So too was the United States, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Central Asia. A host of different sectors were nominated, from the traditional finance, banking and consulting industries to the newer technology and recyclables firms, as well as manufacturing and life sciences.

The Awards were open to individuals, small to medium-sized firms and large corporations. And they were certainly hotly-contested. Judges were forced to make a short-list before finally agreeing on the winners.

Mr Weinberg added: "I'd like to congratulate those Award winners as well as thank everyone who took the time to send our judging panel a nomination. It all bodes well for a positive business climate in future years, especially since there was such a huge variety of companies involved, many of which were focused on new technologies or services."

For more information about the 2024 Global Corporate Excellence Awards and its winners, please visit https://www.bwmonline.com/awards/2024-global-corporate-excellence-awards-winners/

About Business Worldwide Magazine

Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enable an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few.

Contact

David Jones

Awards Department

E: david@bwmonline.com

W: www.bwmonline.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/leading-companies-recognised-in-business-worldwide-magazines-2024-global-corporate-excellence-awards-302336210.html
Strengthened editorial integrity and global expansion pave the way for being the most credible crypto news source

SINGAPORE, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Foresight Ventures is celebrating a year of remarkable success following its $70 million acquisition of The Block, a leading cryptocurrency media outlet. This investment underscores Foresight Ventures' commitment to advancing credible, unbiased reporting in the rapidly evolving crypto industry.

The acquisition was guided by three key principles:

Recognizing the transformative role of media in shaping crypto narratives. Preserving The Block's neutral and research-driven editorial independence. Aligning the platform's mission with Foresight Ventures' strategic vision for global blockchain innovation.

A Year of Significant Achievements

Over the past year, The Block has seen:

40% growth in pageviews, a 33% rise in unique users, and a 24% increase in monthly article output.

in pageviews, a in unique users, and a in monthly article output. Enhanced reputation through data dashboards, frequently cited by industry experts and even in U.S. government filings.

The launch of advanced tools such as ETF tracking, price pages, and the Global Market Crypto Index (GMCI).

New content formats, including two podcasts and a funding newsletter, broadening its offerings for diverse audiences.

The successful inaugural Emergence Conference in Prague, with over 1,100 attendees, 564K social media impressions, and participation from Czech political leaders.

Expanding Horizons

Foresight Ventures has propelled The Block into new markets, particularly in Asia, where its presence now provides critical insights into regional trends and regulatory developments. Innovative tools and expanded content formats have positioned The Block as more than a news platform-it is now a hub for industry insights and analytics.

A Blueprint for Portfolio Success

Foresight Ventures views its approach to The Block as a model for supporting portfolio companies across various industries, from DeFi to consumer tech. "The lessons we've learned with The Block are universal-when you prioritize integrity, empower teams, and focus on strategic alignment, the results follow," said Forest Bai, Co-founder of Foresight Ventures.

Looking Ahead

With the aim of becoming the "The Most Credible News Source in Crypto," The Block plans to enhance its content, expand regional coverage, and host larger events like the Emergence Conference. "Our goal is not rapid expansion but thoughtful evolution," Bai explained. "We are building a resource that embodies credibility, inclusivity, and innovation, bridging the crypto world across continents."

About Foresight Ventures

Foresight Ventures is the first and only crypto VC bridging East and West. With a research-driven approach and offices in the US and Singapore, we are a powerhouse in crypto investment and incubation. Our premier media network includes The Block , Foresight News , BlockTempo , and Coinness . We aggressively invest in the most daring innovations. We are dedicated to partnering with visionary projects and top teams to help them succeed, reshaping the future of digital finance and beyond.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Discord | Linktree

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/foresight-ventures-marks-the-blocks-record-growth-and-milestones-on-acquisition-anniversary-302336232.html
Research conducted in collaboration with Supply Chain Dive underscores the financial gains of sustainability-driven strategies.

CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2024 / Integrating sustainability into supply chain operations is more than an ethical imperative-it's a smart business move. A study by DP World, conducted in partnership with Supply Chain Dive's studioID, reveals that 82% of supply chain professionals believe organizations that embrace sustainability achieve improved financial performance over time.

The report, "Sustainability Drives Financial Benefit Across Supply Chains" surveyed 150 supply chain, operations, and procurement professionals from various industries across North America. The findings reveal a significant shift in how businesses view and implement sustainability, as sustainability investments reshape how companies manage resources, select partners, and measure success.

Morten Johansen, Chief Operating Officer of DP World Americas, said: "As we observe the transformative shift in supply chain practices, it's evident that sustainability is not just a trend but a foundational element for modern business strategies. This report highlights how integrating sustainability measures can serve as a catalyst for substantial improvements in both economic efficiency and strategic innovation. Companies are now recognizing that sustainable practices enhance operational resilience and are essential for long-term profitability."

Key highlights from the report include:

Efficiency and Resilience Lead the Way: Over one-third (36%) of respondents are driven by the efficiency or financial gains from sustainability initiatives, while 30% highlight improved supply chain resilience. Nearly one-third (32%) see sustainability as a critical competitive advantage.

Sustainability Gains Momentum. Compared to three years ago, 74% of respondents report a greater focus on supply chain sustainability and decarbonization. Additionally, eight in 10 plan increase resources, both financial and through headcount, toward sustainability over the next three years.

Adapting to Change: Despite Scope 3 emissions being excluded from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's 2024 rulemaking, many organizations are incorporating similar requirements. Top strategies include reconfiguring supply chains, such as nearshoring or reshoring (25%) and collaborating across industries to achieve decarbonization goals (25%).

Preparing for Carbon Accountability: Organizations are building capabilities to measure and report emissions. Top strategies include improving collaboration between accounting and supply chain teams (35%), investing in tools and systems for carbon accounting (33%), and setting clear emission reduction targets (33%).

Supplier Decarbonization Capabilities: Nearly half (44%) of respondents state that a supplier's decarbonization and sustainability capabilities are a key factor in future partnerships.

Sarah Mourino, Senior Director, Sustainability for DP World Americas, said: "Investment in supply chain sustainability is proving its value beyond compliance and stakeholder reputation. Moving forward, supply chain decision-making - for everything from partner selection to budget allocation and network design - will consider both the economic and environmental benefits of sustainability."

The full report, "Sustainability Drives Financial Benefit Across Supply Chains," is available for download from the DP World website.

Survey Methodology

DP World collaborated with Supply Chain Dive to conduct an online survey, polling 150 respondents in operations, supply chain, and procurement roles across various industries. The respondents represented a diverse range of sectors, including industrial manufacturing (39%), healthcare/hospitals (20%), consumer products manufacturing (9%), and technology (9%). The largest segment of respondents came from organizations with annual revenues between $101M-$500M (19%), followed by $51M-$100M (16%), and $1.1B-$10B (15%). The survey respondents were based in the United States and Canada.

For more information, visit DP World.

- END -

DP World Americas Media Contact:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications

M: (+1) 704-605-6159

E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

About DP World

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world's trade flow better, changing what's possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 111,000 employees from 159 nationalities, spanning 77 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that's fit for the future.

We're rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses -- Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology - and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.

What's more, we're reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we're at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer's door.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

TO CHANGE WHAT'S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DP World on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: DP World

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/dp-world

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: DP World

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - A new study from Preszler Injury Lawyers has revealed a troubling rise in motor vehicle fatalities across Canada. The findings shed light on the increasing dangers for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures.



Motor vehicle fatalities in Canadian provinces in 2023

While advances in vehicle safety technology and awareness campaigns have aimed to reduce accidents, this recent data shows fatalities are climbing. Key factors like distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and aging infrastructure continue to play a significant role in these tragic incidents. With road conditions worsening in certain areas and urban populations growing, the risks for both drivers and vulnerable road users have intensified. These findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing road safety strategies to prevent further loss of life and protect Canadians.

Key Takeaways from the Study

The report analyzed accident trends across the country and identified several major contributors to the rise in fatalities:

Distracted Driving : Distractions, including mobile phone use, remain a major cause of accidents.

Risks for Pedestrians and Cyclists : Vulnerable road users, especially in urban areas, face increasing dangers.

Speeding and Reckless Driving : Excessive speed continues to be a leading factor in fatal crashes.

Impaired Driving: Despite awareness efforts, impaired driving - from alcohol and drugs - persists as a significant issue.

The study also noted regional differences, with certain provinces showing sharper increases in fatal crashes compared to others.

A Push for Safer Roads

"These findings are a wake-up call for Canadians," said a spokesperson from Preszler Injury Lawyers. "We need to take immediate action to address the causes behind these fatalities. That means stricter enforcement, better infrastructure, and ongoing education campaigns to promote safe driving habits."

The study emphasizes that a coordinated effort from government agencies, law enforcement, and communities will be essential to reduce fatal accidents. Initiatives like safer road designs, harsher penalties for distracted and impaired driving, and better support for vulnerable road users are critical for change.

Initiatives like safer road designs, harsher penalties for distracted and impaired driving, and better support for vulnerable road users are critical for change.

Supporting Canadians Affected by Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in Canada. For individuals and families impacted by such tragedies, it's essential to know their rights and legal options to help them recover and move forward.

To read the full study, visit: Motor Vehicle Fatalities on the Rise in Canada.

Projected rise of motor vehicles fatalities in Canada for 2024

About Preszler Injury Lawyers

Since 1959, Preszler Injury Lawyers has been dedicated to representing individuals across Toronto and Ontario in personal injury claims. From motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-fall injuries to pedestrian accidents, defective products, negligence, and institutional abuse, our team works tirelessly to help clients recover the compensation they deserve for pain and suffering. With a legacy of compassion and results-driven advocacy, we are committed to supporting those affected by life-changing injuries.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234337

SOURCE: Preszler Injury Lawyers
Based on promising early clinical results from PeproMene Bio's PMB-102 Phase 1 study, they will receive $6M USD upfront plus an additional $5M USD in conditional tranched investments from the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation.





Patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma will be included in the expansion phase of PeproMene Bio's PMB-102 Phase 1 study evaluating BAFF-R targeting CAR T cells (PMB-CT01) in adult patients with r/r B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL).

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PeproMene Bio, Inc. (PMB) has announced an $11M investment from the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI) to support the clinical development of PMB-CT01 (BAFF-R CAR T cell therapy) in patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) follicular lymphoma. The investment includes $6M USD upfront and an additional $5M USD in conditional tranched funding. Building on the promising results of PMB's Phase 1 study, the expansion phase will now include patients with r/r follicular lymphoma, further evaluating the safety and efficacy of BAFF-R targeting CAR T cells in heavily pretreated patients.

BAFF-R CAR T cell therapy was developed by City of Hope to provide an alternative or follow-on treatment option for the significant number of patients with B-cell malignancies that relapse after receiving standard of care medication including commercial CD19 CAR T cell therapy.

"There is a significant unmet need for effective treatments following CD19 CAR T therapy that are both safe and effective in heavily pretreated patients," said Hazel Cheng PhD., COO of PMB. "We are deeply committed to the ongoing scientific and clinical development of this potentially promising new cell therapy in r/r follicular lymphoma and other types of B cell malignancies."

"It's truly encouraging that all six patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with PMB-CT01 have demonstrated 100% CR rate and only low-grade treatment emergent adverse events, specifically Grade 1 CRS and Grade 1 ICANS)," said Elizabeth Budde M.D., PhD., the trial's principal investigator and associate professor of hematology at City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. "Most of the trial participants relapsed after CD19 CAR T therapy and/or presented with CD19 negative tumor. PMB-CT01 could therefore offer a viable therapeutic option for patients facing this challenging scenario. It is also noteworthy that BAFF-R CAR T might outperform the FDA approved CD19 CAR T cell therapies given its consistently favorable balance of efficacy-safety."

"PMB-CT01 shows tremendous potential in enhancing patient outcomes for Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas, particularly follicular lymphoma," stated Michel Azoulay, M.D., CMO of IFLI. "We are thrilled to back PeproMene Bio, Inc. in their exploration of PMB-CT01 for follicular lymphoma patients."

For more information on PeproMene Bio, Inc. visit pepromenebio.com, and for more information on the Institute for Follecular Lymphoma Innovation visit i-fli.org.

About PMB-CT01

PMB-CT01 is a first-in-class, BAFF-R targeted, autologous CAR T cell therapy. BAFF-R (B-Cell Activating Factor Receptor), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, is the main receptor for BAFF and is expressed almost exclusively on B cells. Since BAFF-R signaling promotes normal B-cell proliferation and appears to be required for B-cell survival, tumor cells are unlikely to escape therapy via loss of the BAFF-R antigen. This unique characteristic makes BAFF-R CAR T therapy a highly promising option for treating B-cell malignancies. The BAFF-R CAR was constructed using anti-BAFF-R single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies and second-generation signaling domains CD3? and 4-1BB. Our research has demonstrated that BAFF-R CAR T cells effectively kill human lymphomas and leukemias both in vitro and in animal models. PeproMene Bio has licensed intellectual property relating to PMB-CT01 from City of Hope.

About PeproMene Bio

PeproMene Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotech company based in Irvine, California and is focused on the clinical development of novel therapies to treat B-cell malignancies and autoimmune disorders. PeproMene's lead candidate, PMB-CT01 (BAFFR-CAR T cells) is currently being investigated to treat relapsed and refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL; NCT05370430), B-cell, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL; NCT04690595) in phase 1 clinical trials. PeproMene Bio is also developing BAFFR Bispecific T Cell Engager and BAFFR-CAR NK cells.

About iFLI

About The Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation The Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI) is a global, non-profit, private foundation dedicated to accelerating the development of innovative treatment options for patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). IFLI supports cutting-edge research and technology to lead to the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics and/or biomarkers for the treatment of FL, and to understand the biology of FL. The foundation deploys its budget across grants, project-based partnerships, and venture philanthropic investments to achieve its innovation goals. IFLI promotes collaboration and works to enable data sharing and the exchange of knowledge and expertise among researchers and institutions advancing FL research. Learn more at www.i-fli.org.

Media Contact, PreproMene Bio, Inc.

John Fry, Executive Director Business Development

john.fry@pepromenebio.com

www.pepromenebio.com

Media Contact, IFLI

Laura DiCaprio

McDougall Communications

laura@mcdougallpr.com

+1 (585) 434-2153

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2584643/PMB_x_IFLI_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pepromene-bio-inc-and-the-institute-for-follicular-lymphoma-innovation-announce-11m-investment-to-advance-pmb-ct01-baff-r-car-t-cell-therapy-for-relapsedrefractory-follicular-lymphoma-302335681.html
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - SinglePoint Inc. (OTC Pink: SING) is a renewable energy and sustainable lifestyle company that offers clients environmentally friendly energy efficiencies and healthy living solutions. The company is exploring growth opportunities in air purification, electric vehicle charging, solar as a subscription service, and additional energy efficiencies and appliances that enhance sustainability and healthier lives.

Wil Ralson, CEO of SinglePoint Inc., participated in Hawk Point Media Group's "Take Five" series to explain how his company intends to accomplish its ambitious agenda, responding to timely questions about where his company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Boston Solar, stands and where it's heading in 2025. Here's what he said:

Q. SinglePoint recently posted its Q3 financial report, which included solid results from its wholly-owned subsidiary, Boston Solar. What are the standouts that may be getting overlooked?

A. SinglePoint's latest Q3 financial report, which included results from our wholly-owned subsidiary, Boston Solar, showed some remarkable progress, especially given the current challenges in the solar market. Particularly, it shows the company is edging closer to achieving positive cash flow, driven by substantial cuts in operating overhead, which ensures that a larger portion of revenue directly contributes to the bottom line. Despite a 19.2% drop in total income to $5.54 million compared to $6.85 million in Q3 FY23, gross profit increased significantly, reaching $2.5 million, or 45.1% of total income, up from 29.8% the previous year. This demonstrates the company's strong focus on cost reduction and operational efficiency.

Additionally, SinglePoint achieved a net operating income (EBIT) of $418,196, which is 7.5% of total income-a notable turnaround from the 5.3% loss reported last year. The net loss also saw a substantial reduction, improving by 72.5% to just $103,363, or 1.9% of total income. Together, these financial metrics reflect the resilience and strategic success of SinglePoint's operations in navigating a tough industry environment.

Q. Investors will point to that number still being negative. How do you respond?

A. Regarding the remaining net loss, it's important to note that the company has reduced overhead expenses by $3.5 million since Q1 2024. This reduction, combined with increased installation throughput, positions SinglePoint and Boston Solar on an accelerating trajectory toward posting net income, potentially by the end of Q4 this year at the operating subsidiary level. As expense reductions start to be fully reflected in the balance sheet, along with addressing one-time losses during the business turnaround, the data shows the company is on a positive path toward profitability, which has been the mandate all year. It is reassuring to see the positive changes occurring.

Q. If so, how would you describe your company's current stock price in terms of forward-looking expectations?

A. In my opinion, at current levels, considering we're on pace to report over $20 million in 2024 sales, the share price appears appreciably disconnected from our intrinsic value and inherent potential. Markets have never been perfect appraisers of value, and for the solar energy sector-which has experienced a challenging downturn in residential installations-valuations have been severely pressured.

However, looking ahead, a new administration set to take office in 2025 is providing key roles to individuals with a very friendly bias toward green energy. I believe we can capitalize on our larger market share to energize revenue streams in a U.S. solar industry projected to grow significantly in the next fiscal year. If we navigate as planned, valuation gaps typically close, reflecting that success.

Q. Do industry trends support that optimism?

A. President Trump's election has undoubtedly introduced uncertainties around the future of solar tax credits and renewable energy policies. However, I'm confident that the solar industry is poised for continued growth, and here's why. The industry's resilience is market-driven, with technological advancements and decreasing costs fueling significant demand. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects solar power generation to grow by 75% between 2023 and 2025, reflecting its increasing role in the energy mix.

Solar energy is also a major driver of economic growth, creating jobs and stimulating local economies. The Solar Energy Industries Association highlights that the industry employs hundreds of thousands of Americans, a figure that continues to rise. Furthermore, state-level initiatives and renewable energy standards provide a stable foundation for progress, even amid federal policy shifts.

Beyond these factors, the pursuit of energy independence and diversification remains a national priority, and solar energy is central to this strategy. With costs having decreased by over 60% in the last decade due to technological advancements, solar is now more competitive than ever with traditional energy sources. Consumer and corporate demand for reliable and renewable energy solutions, such as solar and battery storage, is also accelerating investment and development in the sector.

While federal policies may evolve, the fundamental drivers of solar growth-economic benefits, technological progress, state initiatives, and market demand-remain strong. Our company is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends and deliver exceptional value to our investors. Thus, to answer your question more directly from a macro observation- absolutely.

Q. Final question- how do you see FY/2025 playing out?

A. We've worked hard to lay a solid foundation, and we're in an excellent position for 2025. While this journey has been more of a turnaround acquisition than initially expected, we're incredibly close to turning the corner. The market environment has been challenging, and there's still some operational cleanup to do, but our team's resilience and the company's competitive strengths set us up for success in 2025.

With that in mind, I'm confident that Boston Solar has the potential to reach $50 million in top-line revenue in the next few years-our local market supports that level of growth. As we head into 2025, we're taking a fresh approach to operations, efficiency, and leadership, focused on driving profit and growing revenue. That focus, combined with the business momentum behind us, positions us for what can be a transformative year.

End interview

Printed with permission from Hawk Point Media Group, Llc. This interview is non-sponsored. Additional disclosures pertaining to prior digital marketing services can be found HERE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234430

SOURCE: Hawk Point Media Group.
initiated by

ETNA FRENCH BIDCO

presented by

BNP PARIBAS LAZARD Morgan Stanley SOCIETE GENERALE

Guaranteeing and presenting bank Presenting banks

Regulatory News:

Exclusive Networks (Paris:EXN):

THIS PRESS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A TENDER OFFER. THE OFFER AND THE DRAFT OFFER DOCUMENT REMAIN SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE AMF

This document is an unofficial English-language translation of the French-language press release which was published by the offeror on 18 December 2024. In the event of any differences between this unofficial English-language translation and the official French-language press release, the official French-language press release shall prevail.

PRICE OF THE OFFER: EUR 18.96 per Exclusive Networks share DURATION OF THE OFFER: 12 trading days The timetable of the simplified tender offer referred to herein will be set out by the French financial market authority (Autorite des marches financiers) (the "AMF") in accordance with the provisions of its general regulation (the "AMF General Regulation AMF AUTORITE DES MARCHES FINANCIERS This press release (the "Press Release") was prepared by Etna French Bidco and published pursuant to Article 231-16 of the General Regulation of the AMF. The offer and the draft offer document remain subject to review by the AMF.

IMPORTANT NOTICE In accordance with the provisions of Article L. 433-4 II of the French Monetary and Financial Code and Articles 237-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulation, in the event that, at the closing of the offer, the number of shares of Exclusive Networks not tendered to the offer by the minority shareholders of Exclusive Networks (excluding treasury shares held by Exclusive Networks, shares covered by a liquidity mechanism and/or assimilated to shares held by the Offeror, alone or in concert) does not represent more than 10% of the share capital and voting rights of Exclusive Networks, Etna French Bidco intends to require the AMF, at the latest within three (3) months following the closing of the offer, to implement a squeeze-out procedure for the shares of Exclusive Networks not tendered to the offer (excluding treasury shares held by Exclusive Networks, shares covered by a liquidity mechanism and/or assimilated to shares held by the Offeror, alone or in concert) to be transferred to Etna French Bidco in exchange for compensation per share equal to the offer price, i.e., 18.96 per Exclusive Network share, net of all costs. The Press Release must be read together with all other documents published in connection with the offer. In particular, in accordance with Article 231-28 of the General Regulation of the AMF, a description of the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of Etna French Bidco will be filed with the AMF and made available to the public no later than the day preceding the opening of the offer. A press release will be issued to inform the public of the manner in which this information will be made available. The offer is not and will not be proposed in any jurisdiction where it would not be permitted under applicable law. Acceptance of such offer by persons residing in countries other than France and the United States of America may be subject to specific obligations or restrictions imposed by legal or regulatory provisions. The recipients of the offer are solely responsible for compliance with such laws and it is therefore their responsibility, before accepting the offer, to determine whether such laws exist and are applicable, based on the advice they obtain from their own advisers. For more information, see Section 2.12 (Offer restrictions outside of France) below.

The draft offer document prepared by Etna French Bidco (the "Draft Offer Document") is available on the websites of Exclusive Networks (www.exclusive-networks.com) and of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and may be obtained free of charge from:

Etna French Bidco 37, avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie 75008 Paris BNP Paribas (Departement M&A EMEA) 5, boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris Lazard Freres Banque 175, Boulevard Haussmann 75008 Paris

Morgan Stanley 61, Rue de Monceau 75008 Paris Societe Generale GLBA/IBD/ECM/SEG 75886 Paris Cedex 18

1. OVERVIEW OF THE OFFER

Pursuant to Title III of Book II and more specifically Articles 233-1 and 234-2 et seq. of the AMF General Regulation, Etna French Bidco, a simplified joint stock company (societe par actions simplifiee) with a share capital of EUR 108,272,026.16, having its registered office at 37, avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75008 Paris, registered with the Paris Trade and Companies Registry under number 930 705 991 ("BidCo" or the "Offeror") irrevocably offers to all the shareholders of Exclusive Networks, a public limited company (societe anonyme) with a share capital of EUR 7,333,622.88, having its registered office at 20, Quai du Point du Jour, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, registered with the Nanterre Trade and Companies Registry under number 839 082 450 "Exclusive Networks" or the "Company", and together with its directly or indirectly controlled subsidiaries, the "Group"), to purchase in cash all of their shares in the Company admitted to trading on compartment A of the Euronext Paris regulated market ("Euronext Paris") under ISIN code FR0014005DA7 with mnemonic "EXN" (the "Shares") other than the Shares held by the Offeror (subject to the exceptions set out below) in the context of a simplified mandatory tender offer, the terms of which are described below (the "Offer

The Offer price is eighteen euros and ninety-six cents (EUR 18.96) per Share (the "Offer Price")1. The Offer Price is the same as the price paid in cash by the Offeror in connection with the Acquisitions (as defined below).

As a result of the crossing of the thresholds of 30% of the Company's share capital and voting right following the completion of the Acquisitions and Contributions (as defined below), the Offer is mandatory pursuant to the provisions of Article L. 433-3, I of the French Monetary and Financial Code and Article 234-2 of the AMF General Regulation.

The Offer follows the completion of the Acquisitions and Contributions, pursuant to which the Offeror has acquired and now holds 66.66% of the share capital and theoretical voting rights of the Company2

As of the date of the Draft Offer Document, BidCo holds directly 61,109,300 Shares and 61,109,300 voting rights representing 66.66% of the share capital and the theoretical voting rights of the Company3

In accordance with Article 231-6 of the AMF General Regulation, the Offer targets all Shares, whether outstanding or to be issued before the closing of the Offer, that are not held, directly or indirectly, by the Offeror, i.e., to the knowledge of the Offeror and as at the date of the Draft Offer Document, a maximum of 29,547,754 Shares, except for the Shares held in treasury by the Company, i.e., to the knowledge of the Offeror and as of the date of the Draft Offer Document, 1,013,232 Shares, which the board of directors of the Company decided not to tender to the Offer.

To the knowledge of the Offeror, as of the date of the Draft Offer Document, except for the existing Shares and the Free Shares (as defined below) granted by the Company, there are no other equity securities or other financial instruments issued by the Company or rights conferred by the Company that may give access, immediately or in the future, to the share capital or voting rights of the Company.

The Offer will be conducted under the simplified procedure in accordance with the provisions of Articles 233-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulation.

The Offer will be, if the required conditions are met, followed by a squeeze-out procedure pursuant to Articles L. 433-4 II of the French Monetary and Financial Code and 237-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulation.

The duration of the Offer will be 12 trading days.

In accordance with the provisions of Article 231-13 of the AMF General Regulation, BNP Paribas, Lazard Freres Banque, Morgan Stanley, and Societe Generale, acting as the presenting banks of the Offer (the "Presenting Banks"), have filed the draft Offer and the Draft Offer Document with the AMF on behalf of the Offeror.

It is specified that only BNP Paribas is guaranteeing, in accordance with the provisions of Article 231-13 of the AMF General Regulation, the content and irrevocable nature of the commitments made by the Offeror in the context of the Offer.

1.1. Background of the Offer

1.1.1 Reasons for the Offer

Exclusive Networks is a global trusted cybersecurity specialist helping to drive the transition to a totally trusted digital world for all people and organizations. Exclusive Networks has grown to become one of the pre-eminent cybersecurity solutions businesses, building a platform to service both leading cybersecurity vendors and thousands of global partners and end-users.

The Consortium (as defined below) is willing to support the Company so that it can better execute on its value creation plan and grow its business to establish itself as a true global champion thanks in part to the combined expertise of the members of the Consortium (as defined below) including CD&R's long track record in the technology sector, including IT services and solutions, Permira's 35+ years of investing in technology and the support of the Founder (as defined below).

On 22 July 2024, CD&R LLP, a limited liability partnership established and existing under the laws of the United Kingdom, having its registered office located at Cleveland House, 33 King Street, SW1Y 6RJ, London United Kingdom, and registered under number OC343911, acting in its capacity as advisor to Clayton, Dubilier and Rice, LLC, the manager of the Clayton, Dubilier and Rice private equity funds, a Delaware limited liability company whose registered office is at 375 Park Avenue, 18th Floor New York, NY 10152 and registered under number 4742790 ("CD&R") delivered a binding offer to the board of directors of Exclusive Networks, which was accepted by Exclusive Networks after completion, on 23 July 2024, of the Company's works council's consultation process, in the context of which the works council's issued a favorable opinion provided that the transaction does not have a negative social impact for the employees.

In this context, on 23 July 2024, CD&R, Everest UK Holdco Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, having its registered office located 80 Pall Mall, London, United Kingdom, SW1Y 5ES, registered under number 11382959 ("Everest"),HTIVB, a societe anonyme incorporated under the laws of Belgium, having its registered office located Grand Route 217, B-1428 Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium, registered with the trade and companies registry under number BE 0867 024 206 ("HTIVB"), Mr. Olivier Breittmayer, a French citizen, residing at 63, avenue de Lequime, 1640 Rhodes Saint Genese, Belgium, born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, on 9 March 1964 ("OB" and together with HTIVB the "Founder"), Etna UK Topco Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, having its registered office located C/O Alter Domus (Uk) Limited 10th Floor, 30 St Mary Axe, London, United Kingdom, EC3A 8BF, registered under number 15838779 ("UK TopCo"), Etna UK Midco Limited a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, having its registered office located C/O Alter Domus (Uk) Limited 10th Floor, 30 St Mary Axe, London, United Kingdom, EC3A 8BF, registered under number 15839201("UK MidCo"),Etna French Topco,a societe par actions simplifiee, organized under the laws of France, whose registered office is at 37, avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75008 Paris, and registered with the trade and company registry of Paris, under number 930 723 143 ("French TopCo"), Etna French Midco, a societe par actions simplifiee, organized under the laws of France, whose registered office is at 37, avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75008 Paris, and registered with the trade and company registry of Paris, under number 930 694 492 ("French MidCo") and BidCo entered into an agreement entitled "Consortium and Investment Agreement" to govern inter alia the terms of their consortium in the context of the Offer (as amended from time to time, the "Consortium and Investment Agreement"). CD&R, Everest and the Founder are hereafter referred to as the "Consortium

On the same day, BidCo entered into share purchase agreements with the Founder and Everest, respectively, and the Founder and Everest entered into contribution agreements with UK MidCo and UK TopCo, respectively, in relation to the Acquisitions and Contributions as further described in Section 1.3.2 of this Press Release.

On 24 July 2024, following the execution of the Consortium and Investment Agreement, the Consortium announced its intention to file a simplified tender offer for the Shares at the Offer Price following the implementation of an exceptional distribution of five euros and twenty-nine cents (EUR 5.29) per Share to be approved by the general meeting of the shareholders of the Company (the "Exceptional Distribution") and the completion of the Acquisitions and Contributions (as further described in Section 1.3.2 of this Press Release).

On 24 July 2024 the Company announced that the board of directors of the Company had formed an ad hoc committee composed of three independent members (the "Ad Hoc Committee"). The board of directors of the Company, upon the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee, appointed Finexsi, represented by Mr. Christophe Lambert, as an independent expert in order to deliver a fairness opinion on the financial terms of the Offer, including in the perspective of a potential squeeze-out, and a solvency opinion on the Exceptional Distribution.

It was also announced in the same press release that, upon the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee, the board of directors of the Company with the unanimous vote of the board members present or represented:

welcomed favourably the proposed Offer; and

- agreed to take certain undertakings including (i) a cooperation undertaking in relation to (x) the implementation of the Exceptional Distribution, (y) the negotiations and entering into the long form financing agreements and (z) the obtention of the regulatory approvals, (ii) an undertaking not to tender Exclusive Network's treasury shares to the Offer, (iii) an undertaking not to proceed to the issuance of new securities by the Group companies (except for shares issued as a result of the vesting of Free Shares (actions gratuites)) and (iv) a customary non-solicit undertaking.

On 31 October 2024, the shareholders' general meeting of the Company approved the Exceptional Distribution which was paid on 16 December 2024.

On 17 December 2024, the Acquisitions and Contributions were completed in accordance with the Consortium and Investment Agreement.

The Offer has been filed following the implementation of the Exceptional Distribution, the completion of the Acquisitions and Contributions and the subsequent crossing of the 30% threshold by the Offeror reported in a threshold crossing declarations filed with the AMF, as described in Section 1.1.4 (Declarations of crossing of thresholds and of intentions) of this Press Release.

1.1.2 Presentation of the Offeror

The Offeror is a simplified joint stock company (societe par actions simplifiee) incorporated under French law for the purposes of the Offer, which is jointly controlled by CD&R Stratos Limited ("CD&R Stratos", an entity indirectly ultimately controlled by funds controlled by CD&R) and Everest (an entity indirectly ultimately controlled by funds advised by Permira Advisers LLP, together "Permira") pursuant to the Shareholders' Agreement (further described in Section 1.3.3 of this Press Release).

As of the date of the Draft Offer Document, the Offeror is wholly owned by French MidCo, who itself is wholly owned by French TopCo, who itself is wholly owned by UK MidCo, who itself is 7.74% owned by HTIVB and 92.26% owned by UK TopCo, and UK TopCo is itself 48.76% owned by CD&R Stratos and 51.24% by Everest.

Following closing of the Offer, the shareholding structure of UK TopCo will be adjusted to reflect the share capital that will be subscribed by CD&R Stratos by way of set-off of shareholder loans provided in the context of the financing of the Transaction, as described in Section 2.10. Assuming implementation of the squeeze-out, UK TopCo would be c. 60% owned by CD&R Stratos, and c. 40% owned by Everest and would continue to be jointly controlled by CD&R Stratos and Everest.

Founded in 1978 and 1985 respectively, CD&R and Permira are leading global investment firms specializing, among other sectors, in technology. For his part, Mr. Olivier Breittmayer, has more than 35 years' experience of working with fast-growth technology companies across sales, marketing, product development and management roles and served as Chief Executive Officer of Exclusive Networks from 2005 to 2020.

1.1.3 Shareholding structure of the Company's share capital and voting rights

To the knowledge of the Offeror, as at the date of the Draft Offer Document, the Company has a share capital of EUR 7,333,622.88 divided into 91,670,286 Shares of a nominal value of 0.08 each.

(a) Shareholding structure of the Company's share capital and voting rights before the Acquisitions and the Contributions

To the Offeror's knowledge, ownership of the Company's share capital and theoretical voting rights broke down as follows before the Acquisitions and the Contributions:

Shareholder Number of Shares % of capital Number of voting rights % of voting rights Everest 52,509,374 57.28% 52,509,374 57.28% Founder4 8,599,926 9.38% 8,599,926 9.38% Bpifrance Investissement5 7,935,873 8.66% 7,935,873 8.66% Treasury Shares 1,013,232 1.10% 1,013,232 1.1% Free float 21,611,881 23.58% 21,611,881 23.58% Total 91,670,286 100.00% 91,670,2866 100.00%

(b) Shareholding structure of the Company's share capital and voting rights after the Acquisitions and Contributions

To the Offeror's knowledge, ownership of the Company's share capital and theoretical voting rights is currently as follows, after completion of the Acquisitions and Contributions:

Shareholder Number of Shares % of capital Number of voting rights % of voting rights BidCo 61,109,300 66.66% 61,109,300 66.66% Bpifrance Investissement7 7,935,873 8.66% 7,935,873 8.66% Treasury Shares 1,013,232 1.1% 1,013,232 1.1% Free float 21,611,881 23.58% 21,611,881 23.58% Total 91,670,286 100.00% 91,670,286 100.00%

The situation of the holders of Free Shares and details of free share plans awarded by the Company to certain managers and employees are described in Section 2.4 (Situation of the beneficiaries of Free Shares) of this Press Release.

1.1.4 Declarations of threshold crossing and of intentions

In accordance with Articles L. 233-7 et seq. of the French Commercial Code:

by declaration dated 17 December 2024, BidCo informed the AMF that, following the completion of the Acquisitions and Contributions, BidCo has crossed upwards the thresholds of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 1/3 and 50% of the Company's share capital and voting rights, and filed a statement of intents;

on the same day, BidCo also informed the Company of the upwards crossing of the statutory threshold of 1% of the Company's share capital and voting rights, and multiple of this percentage up to 66.66%, in accordance with Article 11 of the Company's articles of association;

by declaration dated 17 December 2024, Everest informed the AMF, that, following the Everest Acquisition and Everest Contribution, that Everest has crossed downwards the thresholds of 50%, 1/3, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% and 5% of the Company's share capital and voting rights;

on the same day, Everest informed the Company of the downwards crossing of the statutory threshold of 1% of the Company's share capital and voting rights, and multiple of this percentage, in accordance with Article 11 of the Company's articles of association;

by declaration of dated 17 December 2024, the Founder informed the AMF that, following the Founder Acquisition and Founder Contribution, the Founder has crossed downwards the threshold of 5% of the Company's share capital and voting rights; and

on the same day, the Founder informed the Company of the downwards crossing of the statutory threshold of 1% of the Company's share capital and voting rights, and multiple of this percentage, in accordance with Article 11 of the Company's articles of association.

1.1.5 Acquisition of Shares by the Offeror during the last 12 months

Neither the Offeror nor the persons acting in concert with the Offeror have acquired any Shares in the twelve (12) months preceding the filing of the Draft Offer Document at a price higher than the Offer Price.

1.1.6 Regulatory administrative and antitrust approvals

The Offer is not subject to any regulatory approval, as the antitrust, foreign direct investment and foreign subsidy regulation approvals (or the confirmation that no regulatory approval was required), required for the closing of the Acquisitions and Contributions and/or the opening of the Offer (as applicable), have already been obtained from the relevant authorities.

1.2. Intentions of the Offeror for the next twelve months

1.2.1. Industrial, commercial and financial strategy

The Offeror intends to maintain the Group's integrity, and, with the support of the current management team, to continue the main strategic orientations implemented by the Company and does not intend to materially modify the operational model of the Company, outside the normal evolution of the business.

1.2.2. Intentions regarding employment

The Offer is consistent with the continuation of the Company's business activities and development. As a result, the Offer should not in itself result in any particular impact on the Company's workforce, compensation policy or human resource management policy.

The Offeror intends to set up a long-term incentive plan the beneficiaries and terms of which have not yet been determined. Should such a long-term incentive plan be implemented, the mechanisms envisaged would be customary and in line with market practice for this type of transactions so as not to include clauses that could be construed as an earn-out or a guaranteed sale price clause for those beneficiaries who would also be shareholders of the Company.

1.2.3. Composition of the Company's governing bodies and management

The board of directors of the Company currently comprises eight (8) directors (including the CEO), three (3) of which represent the Consortium.

Promptly following the closing of the Offer, the Offeror intends to modify the current composition of the Company's board of directors to reflect the fact that it controls the Company, so that, regardless of the outcome the Offer, at least the majority of the members of the board of directors of the Company be appointed upon the proposal of the Offeror. In this context, the Company's board of directors' composition may not comply with the AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance code.

In the event of the implementation of a Squeeze-Out, the Offeror may vote further changes to the Company's corporate governance.

1.2.4. Interest of the Offer for the Offeror, the Company and its shareholders

The Offeror is offering the Company's shareholders who tender their Shares to the Offer the opportunity to obtain immediate liquidity at an attractive price.

The Offer Price of eighteen euros and ninety-six cents (EUR 18.96) per Share represents a premium of 48.7% on the undisturbed stock price of EUR 12.75 (ex-post) as of March 13, 2024 (being the date prior to initial market rumors8), and a premium of 49.6%, 42.0%, 48.7%, and 40.9%, respectively, on the volume-weighted 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month average share prices (ex-post VWAP), before initial market rumors, as well as a premium of 20.7% compared to the all-time high share price (ex-post) before initial market rumors, reached on May 17, 2023.

The summary of the assessment of the Offer Price, including the premiums offered as part of the Offer, are set out in Section 3 (Summary of the assessment of the Offer Price) of this Press Release.

1.2.5. Synergies Economic gains

The Offeror is a company incorporated in France on 5 July 2024, whose corporate purpose is to acquire, animate and hold stakes in the share capital and voting rights of French and foreign companies. The Offeror, which does not have any stake in other companies, does not anticipate the realization of cost or revenue synergies with the Company following the completion of the Offer.

1.2.6. Intentions regarding a potential merger or legal reorganization

The Offeror does not intend to merge with the Company.

However, in the event of the implementation of a Squeeze-Out, the Offeror reserves the right to proceed with any subsequent changes in the organization of the Group, the Company, or of other entities of the Group.

1.2.7. Intentions regarding the implementation of a squeeze-out and a delisting of the Company following the Offer

In accordance with the provisions of Article L. 433-4, II, of the French Monetary and Financial Code and Articles 237-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulation, the Offeror intends to ask the AMF, within three (3) months from the closing of the Offer, to implement a squeeze-out procedure for the Shares not tendered to the Offer by the minority shareholders of the Company (other than (x) the Shares held by the Company or its subsidiaries and (y) the Shares assimilated to shares held by the Offeror) to be transferred to the Offeror, if they do not represent more than 10% of the share capital and voting rights of the Company, following the Offer (the "Squeeze-Out

In such case, the Squeeze-Out would be implemented for an indemnification in a per Share amount equal to the Offer price, i.e., eighteen euros and ninety-six cents (EUR 18.96) per Share, net of all costs. The implementation of this procedure will result in the delisting of the Shares from Euronext Paris.

The amount of the indemnification will be paid, net of all costs, at the end of the Squeeze-Out, into a blocked account opened for this purpose with Uptevia, appointed as centralising agent for the cash indemnification transactions for the Squeeze-Out. After the closure of the affiliates' accounts, Uptevia, upon presentation of the balance certificates issued by Euroclear France, will credit the account-holding custodian institutions with the amount of the indemnification, who will be responsible for crediting the accounts of the holders of the Shares with the indemnification due to them.

In accordance with Article 237-8 of the AMF General Regulation, the unallocated funds corresponding to the indemnification for Shares whose beneficiaries remain unknown will be held by Uptevia or by the relevant account-holding custodian, as the case may be, for a period of ten (10) years from the date of the Squeeze-Out and paid to the French Caisse des depots et consignations at the end of this period. These funds will be made available to the beneficiaries subject to the thirty-year prescription period in favour of the French State.

1.2.8. Company's dividend distribution policy

Following the settlement-delivery of the Offer, the Company's dividend policy and any change thereto will continue to be determined by its corporate bodies in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and the Company's articles of association (as may be amended from time to time), and based on the Company's distributive capacity, financial situation and financial needs.

The Offeror reserves the right to change the Company's dividend policy following the settlement-delivery of the Offer in compliance with any applicable regulatory requirements.

1.3. Agreements that may have a significant impact on the assessment or outcome of the Offer

1.3.1. Consortium and Investment Agreement

As set out in Section 1.1.1 (Reasons for the Offer), the Consortium and Investment Agreement was entered into between CD&R, Everest, the Founder, UK TopCo, UK MidCo, French TopCo, French MidCo and the Offeror, on 23 July 2024 (as further amended on 2 August 2024, 20 November 2024, and 17 December 2024), to and sets the terms and conditions of the Acquisitions, Contributions and the Offer (the "Transaction") as well as the respective obligations of the parties in connection thereto.

Financing of the Offer

The Consortium and Investment Agreement provides that the acquisition of the Shares in the context of the Acquisitions and the Offer, as well as the transactions costs, will be funded by debt financing and equity financing, in cash or in kind, by the members of the Consortium.

Acquisitions and Contributions

The Consortium and Investment Agreement provides notably for an undertaking by BidCo, UK TopCo, UK MidCo, Everest and the Founder to enter into the agreements regarding the Acquisitions and Contributions further described in Section 1.3.2 below.

Launch of the Offer

The Consortium and Investment Agreement provides notably for:

the main terms of the Offer, to be filed by the Offeror with the AMF promptly following completion of the Acquisitions and Contributions; and

an acknowledgement of the fact that BidCo intends to seek to enter into put and call options with the holders of the Unvested Free Shares (as defined and described in Section 2.4) allowing for the transfer of the underlying Shares to BidCo or any affiliate thereof or any third-party that BidCo may substitute.

Regulatory clearances

The Consortium and Investment Agreement provides for an undertaking by the parties to take all necessary steps to obtain approvals from the competent antitrust, foreign direct investment and foreign subsidy authorities, in the context of the Transaction.

Commitments concerning the Group

The Consortium and Investment Agreement provides that the Founder and Everest shall exercise all their powers to enable the Company and its subsidiaries to operate their business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice (including, not to issue or authorize any issuance of any security of the Company, except if such issuance results from the vesting of free shares (actions gratuites, within the meaning of Articles L. 225-197-1 et seq. of the French Commercial Code)).

Other commitments

Lastly, the Consortium and Investment Agreement provides for:

an undertaking by the parties to co-operate, collaborate and otherwise work together in good faith in order to facilitate, proceed with, negotiate and agree and complete the Transaction as soon as reasonably practicable;

an undertaking by the parties not to knowingly take any action or knowingly omit to take any action that is inconsistent with, or which could frustrate, or which could be reasonably expected to delay, disrupt, prejudice or otherwise negatively impact the implementation or likely success of the Transaction;

an undertaking from Everest (i) not to take certain actions in relation to the holding companies incorporated for the purposes of the Transaction (BidCo, French MidCo, French TopCo, UK MidCo and UK TopCo) which are wholly owned by Everest until obtaining the regulatory approvals and (ii) to sell 40% of the share capital of UK TopCo to CD&R following the obtention of the last regulatory approval;

an undertaking from Everest and the Founder, to the extent of their powers and subject to applicable laws, to exercise their powers to have a representative of CD&R at the board of directors of the Company;

an acknowledgement that certain managers and employees to be identified by the members of the Consortium may be offered the opportunity to roll-over a portion of their Shares representing a portion (to be determined) of the net proceeds which would have resulted for them from the disposal of their Shares in the context of the Offer, providing that they enter into specific arrangements to be agreed with them; and

a customary standstill undertaking from the members of the Consortium.

1.3.2. Acquisitions and Contributions Agreements

On 23 July 2024, BidCo entered into (i) a share purchase agreement9 with Everest, pursuant to which BidCo agreed to acquire, and Everest agreed to sell (in accordance with the terms of the amendment agreement dated 17 December 2024) 25,501,852 Shares held by Everest at the Offer Price (the "Everest Acquisition") and (ii) a share purchase agreement with the Founder, pursuant to which BidCo agreed to acquire, and the Founder agreed to sell (in accordance with the terms of the amendment agreement dated 17 December 2024) 4,176,664 Shares held by the Founder at the Offer Price (the "Founder Acquisition") and together with the Everest Acquisition, the "Acquisitions

On 23 July 2024, UK TopCo and Everest also entered into a subscription and contribution agreement, pursuant to which Everest agreed to contribute (in accordance with the terms of the amendment agreement dated 17 December 2024) 27,007,522 Shares to UK TopCo at the Offer Price paid in ordinary shares to be issued by UK TopCo for the same value (the "Everest Contribution") and UK MidCo and the Founder entered into a subscription and contribution agreement, pursuant to which the Founder agreed to contribute (in accordance with the terms of the amendment agreement dated 17 December 2024) 4,423,262 Shares to UK MidCo paid in ordinary shares to be issued by UK MidCo for the same value (the "Founder Contribution", and together with the Everest Contribution, the "Contributions

The Acquisitions and the Contributions were subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent: (i) the payment of the Exceptional Distribution and (ii) obtaining the regulatory clearances.

These conditions precedent having been satisfied, the Contributions were completed on 17 December 2024.

1.3.3. Shareholders' Agreement

Pursuant to the Consortium and Investment Agreement, the members of the Consortium have undertaken to enter into a shareholders' agreement consistent with the terms and conditions included in a term sheet attached to the Consortium and Investment Agreement and described below:

(a) Governance

UK MidCo is a a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales under the control of a board of directors (the "Board"). The Board will initially be comprised of seven (7) directors appointed as follows:

three (3) directors appointed by CD&R Stratos;

three (3) directors appointed by Everest; and

OB.

(b) Transfer of the securities

The following provisions are notably contemplated regarding the transfer of the securities of UK TopCo and UK MidCo:

lock-up period: all shareholders of UK TopCo and UK MidCo are prohibited from transferring their shares for a period of three years, except with regards to customary transfers to affiliates or family members, or transfers in the context of a sale of all or substantially all of the securities to a third party or an IPO;

drag-along right: all shareholders of UK TopCo and UK MidCo will be subject to a customary drag-along obligation in the event of a sale approved by CD&R Stratos and Everest, or as the case may be, CD&R Stratos or Everest, depending on the timing of the sale and/or whether certain financial conditions are met, as the case may be;

tag-along right: all shareholders of UK TopCo and UK MidCo will benefit from a customary proportional tag along right in the event of a transfer of securities of the UK TopCo by CD&R Stratos or Everest, except with regards to certain transfers to affiliates or transfers required pursuant to the drag-along provisions; and

(c) Exit

The following provisions are applicable to an exit:

initiation of an exit: CD&R Stratos and Everest can jointly initiate an exit process at any time and each of CD&R and Everest can individually initiate an exit process following (i) the fifth anniversary of completion in the case of an IPO or (ii) the sixth anniversary of completion in the case of a sale (it being specified that, depending on the timing of the sale, the initiation of such process by Everest requires that certain financial conditions are met).

exit assistance: shareholders of UK TopCo and UK MidCo agree to provide their reasonable assistance in case of implementation of an exit process.

1.3.4. Liquidity Agreements

The Offeror will propose to the beneficiaries of the Unvested Free Shares (as this term is defined in Section 2.4) and Unavailable Free Shares (as this term is defined in Section 2.4) (together, the "Covered Shares") to enter into put and call options for their Covered Shares in order to enable them to benefit from cash liquidity for the Covered Shares that could not be tendered in the Offer (the "Liquidity Agreement

Pursuant to the Liquidity Agreement, if an event of squeeze out, delisting, insufficient liquidity on the market (if the Company remains listed) or a change of control (together, a "Call Event") has occurred, the Offeror will have against each beneficiary of Covered Shares a call option (the "Call Option"), whereby the beneficiary irrevocably and unconditionally undertakes to sell to the Offeror, its Covered Shares at the Offeror's request at any time during the applicable Call Exercise Period (as defined below).

In the event of delisting or squeeze-out of the Company and absent any exercise of the Call Option by the Offeror during the Call Exercise Period, as well as in the event of a change of control, the beneficiaries will benefit from a put option granted by the Offeror (the "Put Option", together with the Call Option the "Options"), whereby the Offeror irrevocably undertakes to acquire from the beneficiary, its relevant Covered Shares, upon request by the beneficiary request at any time during the Put Exercise Period (as defined below).

The exercise price shall correspond to the price per Covered Share resulting from the fair market valuation carried out by an expert on the basis of the last consolidated accounts of the Company relating to the financial year closed on December 31 of the year preceding the end of the relevant Applicable Restricted Period (the "Consideration"). By exception, in respect of the Call Option, the Covered Shares whose vesting period will expire in 2025 may be acquired by the Offeror at an exercise price equal to the Offer Price.

By way of exception, if the Call Event or Put Event triggering the exercise of the Options is a change of control, the Consideration per Covered Share shall be calculated consistently with the price of the securities transferred as part of the change of control.

The Unavailable Free Shares for which a Liquidity Agreement will have been entered into, within the framework of the liquidity mechanism described above, will be assimilated to the Shares held by the Offeror in accordance with article L. 233-9 I, 4 of the French Commercial Code, and will not be covered by the said squeeze-out.

It is specified that the Options do not contain any contractual mechanism likely to (i) be analyzed as a price supplement or (ii) call into question the relevance of the Offer Price per share or the equal treatment of minority shareholders.

"Applicable Restricted Period" shall mean the period during which the beneficiary may not dispose of the Covered Shares without triggering unfavorable tax or social security consequences, corresponding to the applicable lock-up period pursuant to the relevant Free Shares Plans; it being specified for the sake of clarity that the Applicable Restricted Period of certain Covered Shares may expire after the expiration date of the Applicable Restricted Period of other Covered Shares of the same Free Shares Plan, as the case may be.

"Call Exercise Period" shall mean (i) in case of a Call Event that is a Change of Control, a four-month period starting on the date of consummation of the Change of Control, and (ii) in case of any other Call Event, a four-month period starting on the first business day following the later of (x) the last day of the Applicable Restricted Period for the Covered Shares and (y) the date on which the Consideration Notice is issued during the fiscal year during which the Applicable Restricted Period expires.

"Consideration Notice" shall mean the notice sent by the Offeror to the beneficiary of the Consideration as determined by an expert within five (5) business days after receipt by the Offeror of the expert conclusions.

"Put Exercise Period" shall mean a period starting on the first business day following the expiry of the Call Exercise Period applicable to any given Covered Shares and expiring on the 10th of December of the year during which the Call Exercise Period expired with respect to such Covered Shares.

1.3.5. Managers and employees undertakings

Certain managers and employees have been proposed to execute unilateral undertaking vis-a-vis the Offeror to execute an agreement to contribute their Shares to UK MidCo at the Offer Price and paid in ordinary shares issued by UK MidCo valued by transparency with the Offer Price.

Pursuant to such unilateral undertaking, the rolling managers and employees will enter into a long-form shareholders agreement on or before the date on which their contribution is implemented and reflecting customary terms regarding lock-up, drag-along, tag-along and leaver provisions.

1.3.6. Other agreements of which the Offeror is aware

With the exception of the agreements described in this Section 1.3 (Agreements that may have a significant impact on the assessment or outcome of the Offer) of this Press Release, the Offeror is not aware of any other agreement which could have an impact on the assessment or outcome of the Offer.

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OFFER

2.1. Terms of the Offer

In accordance with Articles 231-13 and 231-18 of the AMF General Regulation, the Presenting Banks, acting as presenting institutions on behalf of the Offeror, filed the draft Offer with the AMF on 19 December 2024, in the form of a simplified tender offer for all the Shares outstanding or to be issued other than the Shares held by the Offeror (subject to the exceptions set out in Section 2.3 (Number and nature of the Shares targeted by the Offer) of this Press Release), i.e., a maximum of 29,547,754 Shares. A notice of filing will be published by the AMF on its website (www.amf-france.org).

In the context of the Offer, which will be carried out in accordance with the simplified procedure in accordance with the provisions of Articles 233-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulation, the Offeror irrevocably undertakes to the Company's shareholders to acquire all the Shares that will be tendered to the Offer, during the Offer period, at the Offer Price, i.e., eighteen euros and ninety-six cents (EUR 18.96) per Share.

The attention of the Company's shareholders is drawn to the fact that, as the Offer will be conducted following the simplified procedure, it will not be reopened following the publication of the result of the Offer by the AMF.

BNP Paribas, as guaranteeing bank, guarantees the content and the irrevocable nature of the commitments made by the Offeror as part of the Offer, in accordance with the provisions of Article 231-13 of the AMF General Regulation.

2.2. Adjustment of the terms of the Offer

Any distribution of a dividend, interim dividend, reserve, share premium or any other distribution (in cash or in kind) decided by the Company where the ex-date or any share capital reduction would occur before the closing of the Offer, shall give rise to the adjustment, on a euro-for-euro basis, of the price per Share proposed in the context of the Offer.

2.3. Number and nature of the Shares targeted by the Offer

As of the date of the Draft Offer Document, BidCo holds 61,109,300 Shares and 61,109,300 voting rights representing 66.66% of the share capital and the theoretical voting rights of the Company10

The Offer targets all the Shares, whether outstanding or to be issued, that are not held, directly or indirectly, by the Offeror, i.e., to the knowledge of the Offeror and as at the date of the Draft Offer Document, a maximum of 29,547,754 Shares, except for the Shares held in treasury by the Company, i.e., to the knowledge of the Offeror and as of the date of the Draft Offer Document, 1,013,232 Shares, which the board of directors of the Company decided not to tender to the Offer.

To the knowledge of Offeror, as of date of the Draft Offer Document, except for the Unvested Free Shares granted by the Company (as described in the Section 2.4), there are no other equity securities or other financial instruments issued by the Company or rights conferred by the Company that may give access, immediately or in the future, to the share capital or voting rights of the Company.

2.4. Situation of the beneficiaries of Free Shares

To the knowledge of the Offeror, as of the date of the Draft Offer Document, the Company has set up several plans (the "Free Shares Plans") for the allocation of free shares for certain employees and/or corporate officers of the Company and its Group (the "Free Shares

The main characteristics of the Free Shares Plans as at 18 December 2024 are described in Section 2.4 of the Draft Offer Document.

Following the adjustment of the Free Shares Plans mentioned above, and to the Offeror's knowledge, a maximum of 1,588,023 Free Shares (in case of outperformance) or 942,159 Free Shares (in case of the performance conditions are met) are currently under a vesting period and shall remain so until the estimated closing date of the Offer (the "Unvested Free Shares"). The Unvested Free Shares are not included in the Offer (subject to the cases of lifting of unavailability period provided for by the applicable legal or regulatory provisions).

As of the date of the Draft Offer Document and to the Offeror's knowledge, on 14 May 2024, 63,914 shares have been issued to the CEO of the Company pursuant to a free shares plan dated 2022. As per applicable laws, the CEO is required to retain a number of free shares until termination of his functions (the "Unavailable Free Shares

The Offeror will propose to the beneficiaries of the Unvested Free Shares and Unavailable Free Shares to enter into put and call options for their Unvested Free Shares, and as the case may be Unavailable Free Shares, in order to enable them to benefit from cash liquidity for such Unvested Free Shares and Unavailable Free Shares under terms and conditions mentioned in Section 1.3.4 of this Press Release.

2.5. Terms and conditions of the Offer

In accordance with Article 231-13 of the AMF General Regulation, the Presenting Banks, acting on behalf of the Offeror, filed the Offer and the Draft Offer Document with the AMF on 19 December 2024. A notice of filing of the Offer will be published by the AMF on its website (www.amf-france.org) on the same day.

In accordance with Article 231-16 of the AMF General Regulation, the Draft Offer Document, as filed with the AMF, is made available to the public free of charge at the registered office of the Offeror and at the Presenting Banks and will be published on the websites of the Company (www.exclusive-networks.com) and of the AMF (www.amf-france.org).

The Offer and the Draft Offer Document remain subject to review by the AMF.

The AMF will publish on its website a clearance decision of the Offer after having verified its conformity with the legal and regulatory applicable provisions. Pursuant to the provisions of Article 231-23 of the AMF General Regulation, this clearance decision will serve as the approval ("visa") of the Offer document of the Offeror.

The Offer document having thus received the AMF's approval ("visa") will, in accordance with the provisions of Article 231-27 of the AMF General Regulation, be made available to the public free of charge, no later than the day before the opening of the Offer, at the Offeror's registered office and at the Presenting Banks. This document will also be published on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of the Company (www.exclusive-networks.com).

In accordance with Article 231-28 of the AMF General Regulation, the document containing "Other Information" relating to the legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics of the Offeror will be made available to the public free of charge, no later than the day before the opening of the Offer, at the Offeror's registered office and at the Presenting Banks. This document will also be published on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of the Company (www.exclusive-networks.com

In accordance with Articles 231-27 and 231-28 of the AMF General Regulation, press releases specifying the details for obtaining or consulting these documents made available to the public will be published, no later than the day before the opening of the Offer, on the website of the Company (www.exclusive-networks.com

Prior to the opening of the Offer, the AMF will publish a notice of opening and the timetable with respect to the Offer, and Euronext Paris will publish a notice setting out the content of the Offer and specifying the timetable and terms of its realization.

2.6. Procedure for tendering Shares to the Offer

The Shares tendered to the Offer must be freely negotiable and free from any lien, pledge, collateral or other security interest or restriction of any kind on the free transfer of their ownership. The Offeror reserves the right to reject any Shares tendered to the Offer that do not comply with this condition.

The Offer and all related agreements are subject to French law. Any dispute or litigation, regardless of the subject matter or basis, relating to this Offer shall be brought before the court having jurisdictions.

The Offer will be opened for a period of 12trading days. The attention of the Company's shareholders is drawn to the fact that, as the Offer will be conducted following the simplified procedure, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 233-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulation, the Offer will not be reopened following the publication of the result of the Offer by the AMF.

The Shares held in pure registered form ("nominatif pur") in the Company's register will have to be converted and held in administered registered form ("nominatif administre") or in bearer form ("au porteur") in order to be tendered to the Offer. Accordingly, holders of Shares held in registered form in an account managed by a financial intermediary and who would like to tender their Shares to the Offer should request, as soon as possible, the conversion of their Shares into administered registered form or bearer form in order to tender them to the Offer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shareholders whose Shares are held in pure registered form will also be able to tender their shares to the semi-centralized Offer on Euronext Paris without first converting them to bearer or administered registered shares by going through Uptevia, acting as registrar of the Shares.

The Offeror draws the attention of the shareholders to the fact that those who would expressly request the conversion into bearer form would lose the advantages of holding the Shares in registered form.

The shareholders of the Company whose Shares are registered with a financial intermediary and who would like to tender their Shares to the Offer must submit to their financial intermediary holding their Shares a tender or sale order at the Offer Price, i.e., eighteen euros and ninety-six cents (EUR 18.96) per Share, by using the form made available to them by such financial intermediary in time for their order to be executed and at the latest on the closing date of the Offer, specifying whether they opt either for the sale of their Shares directly on the market or for the tender of their Shares in the semi-centralised Offer by Euronext Paris in order to benefit from the Offeror reimbursing the brokerage fees by the Offeror under the conditions described in Section 2.11 (Reimbursement of brokerage fees) below.

Procedure for tendering Shares to the Offer directly through the market

The shareholders of Exclusive Networks wishing to tender their Shares to the Offer through the market sale procedure must submit their sale orders no later than the last day of the Offer and the settlement-delivery of the Shares sold will occur on the second trading day following the day of execution of the orders, it being noted that the trading costs (including the corresponding brokerage fees and related value-added tax ("VAT")) relating to such transactions will remain entirely at the expense of the shareholder selling directly on the market.

Exane, investment services provider duly authorised as a member of the stock market, will acquire, on behalf of the Offeror, the Shares that will be sold on the market in accordance with applicable regulations.

It should also be noted that the Offeror may acquire Shares in the context of the Offer by way of off-market purchases in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and as described in Section 2.7.

Procedure for tendering Shares in the semi-centralised Offer by Euronext Paris

Exclusive Networks' shareholders wishing to tender their Shares in the semi-centralised Offer by Euronext Paris must submit their tender order to the financial intermediary with which their Shares are deposited no later than the last day of the Offer (subject to specific time limits for certain financial intermediaries). The settlement-delivery will then occur after completion of the semi-centralisation transactions.

In this context, the Offeror will bear the shareholders' brokerage fees under the conditions described in Section 2.11 (Reimbursement of brokerage fees) below.

Euronext Paris will pay directly to the financial intermediaries the amounts due for the reimbursement of the fees mentioned below, as from the settlement-delivery date of the semi-centralisation.

The shareholders of the Company are invited to contact their financial intermediaries regarding the terms and conditions for tendering their Shares in the semi-centralised Offer and for revoking their orders.

2.7. Offeror's right to purchase Shares on and off the market during the Offer period

As from the publication by the AMF, pursuant to Article 231-14 of the AMF General Regulation, of the main terms of the proposed Offer, and until the opening of the Offer, the Offeror intends to acquire, on the market through BNP Paribas and/or off-market, Shares in accordance with the provisions of Articles 231-38 and 231-39 of the AMF General Regulation, within the limits set out in Article 231-38, IV of the AMF General Regulation, corresponding to a maximum of 30% of the existing Shares targeted by the Offer, i.e., a maximum of 8,864,326 Shares as at the date of the Draft Offer Document, by a market order at the Offer Price or by off-market purchases at the Offer Price.

Such acquisitions will be declared each day to the AMF and published on the AMF's website in accordance with the regulations in force.

2.8. Indicative timetable of the Offer

Prior to the opening of the Offer, the AMF will publish a notice of opening and timetable, and Euronext Paris will publish a notice announcing the terms and timetable of the Offer.

An indicative timetable of the Offer is proposed below for information purposes only:

Date Main steps of the Offer 19 December 2024 Filing of the Offer and the Offeror's Draft Offer Document with the AMF Offeror's Draft Offer Document made available to the public at the registered office of the Offeror and at the Presenting Banks and published on the websites of the Company (www.exclusive-networks.com) and of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) Publication by the Offeror of this Press Release announcing the filing of the Offer and availability of the Draft Offer Document 16 January 2025 Filing of the Company's draft response document (projet de note en reponse), including the reasoned opinion of the Company's board of directors and the independent expert's report Company's draft response document made available to the public at the Company's registered office and published on the websites of the Company (www.exclusive-networks.com) and of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) Publication by the Company of a press release announcing the filing and the availability of its draft response document 11 February 2025 Publication by the AMF of its clearance decision on the Offer, which serves as the clearance ("visa") of the Offeror's Offer document and of the Company's response document. Offeror's final Offer document having received the AMF's clearance ("visa") made available to the public at the registered office of the Offeror and at the Presenting Banks and published on the websites of the Company (www.exclusive-networks.com) and of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) Company's response document having received the AMF's approval ("visa") made available to the public at the Company's registered office and published on the websites of the Company (www.exclusive-networks.com) and of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) 11 February 2025 Filing by the Offeror of the "Other Information" document relating to the legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics of the Offeror with the AMF 11 February 2025 Filing by the Company of the "Other Information" document relating to the legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics of the Company with the AMF 12 February 2025 Offeror's offer document and information relating to its legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics are made available to the public and posted to the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and the Company (www.exclusive-networks.com) Publication by the Offeror of a press release announcing the availability to the public of its Offer document having received the AMF's clearance ("visa") and of the document containing "Other Information" relating to the legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics Company's response document and information relating to its legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics made available to the public and posted to the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and the Company (www.exclusive-networks.com) Publication by the Company of a press release announcing the availability to the public of its response document having received the AMF's clearance ("visa") and of the document containing "Other Information" relating to its legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics 12 February 2025 Publication by the AMF of the notice of opening of the Offer Publication by Euronext Paris of the notice relating to the Offer and its terms. 13 February 2025 Opening of the Offer 28 February 2025 Closing of the Offer 3 March 2025 Publication by the AMF of the notice of the result of the Offer 12 March 2025 Settlement-delivery of the semi-centralized Offer by Euronext Paris Week of the 17 March 2025 Implementation of the squeeze-out procedure, if applicable

2.9. Costs of the Offer

The overall amount of external fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Offeror as well as expenses incurred in connection with the Acquisitions and the Contributions including, in particular, fees and other expenses relating to its various legal, financial and accounting advisors, and any other experts and consultants, and the advertising and communication costs, is estimated to be approximately EUR 56.5 million (including taxes).

2.10. Financing of the Offer

As set out in the Section 1.3.1 (Consortium and Investment Agreement) of this Press Release, the Offer will be funded:

partially in equity, through a cash investment from CD&R, of an amount of up to EUR 360,842,129.33 which will be provided through shareholder loans to UK TopCo that will be cascaded down to the Offeror and then, following the closing of the Offer, capitalized in consideration for the issuance of new ordinary shares to be issued by UK TopCo, UK MidCo, French TopCo, French MidCo, and the Offeror it being specified that the number of shares to be issued by such entities pursuant to the capitalization of the shareholder loans will depend on the number of Shares acquired by the Offeror in the context of the Offer; and

partially in debt, by means of a term loan made available to the Offeror, under an English law senior facilities agreement (the "Senior Facilities Agreement"), in an aggregate maximum principal amount equal to EUR 300,000,000 and USD 133,000,000 with a maturity of seven years, an opening margin of 4.5% and whose purpose is, among others, to finance the Acquisitions and the purchase of the shares during the tender offer (including the Squeeze-Out) (the "B2 Facility

It is also specified that the Senior Facilities Agreement is structured with four facilities for a maximum principal amount of up to EUR 1,377,000,000 and USD 400,000,000:

a B1 facility being a term loan made available to Everest SubBidco (direct subsidiary of the Company) and Etna US Finco 1 LLC (for its USD portion) (direct subsidiary of Everest SubBidco) in an aggregate principal amount equal to EUR 607,000,000 and USD 267,000,000 with a maturity of seven years, an opening margin of 4.5% and whose purpose is, among others, to finance the Exceptional Distribution and the refinancing of any existing indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries;

the B2 Facility (as defined above) which will also be available to Etna US Finco 2 LLC for its USD portion (direct subsidiary of the Offeror);

two delayed draw term loan facility being two term loans made available to Everest SubBidco in an aggregate principal amount equal to EUR 235,000,000 with a maturity of seven years, an opening margin of 4.5% and whose purpose is, among others, to finance M&A activities, the general corporate and/or working capital purposes of the Group; and

a revolving facility made available to each of the Offeror, the Company and Everest SubBidco in an aggregate principal amount equal to EUR 235,000,000 with a maturity of six and a half years, an opening margin of 3.50% and whose purpose is, among others, to finance the general corporate and/or working capital purposes of the Group.

The bank financing described above will be secured by, among others, the granting by the Offeror as pledgor to the benefit of the lending banks of a pledge of securities account over the shares it will hold in the Company.

2.11. Reimbursement of brokerage fees

Except as set out below, no costs or fees paid by the Offeror to any intermediary or person soliciting the tendering of Shares to the Offer, or holder who tendered Shares to the Offer will be reimbursed.

The Offeror will bear the brokerage fees and related VAT paid by the holders of Shares having tendered their Shares in the semi-centralized Offer, up to a maximum of 0.3 (excluding taxes) of the amount of the Shares tendered to the Offer with a maximum of one hundred and fifty euros (EUR 150) per file (including VAT). Holders eligible for the reimbursement of the brokerage fees as described above (and the related VAT) will only be the holders of Shares that are registered in an account on the day preceding the opening of the Offer and who tender their Shares in the semi-centralized Offer. Holders who sell their Shares directly on the market will not be entitled to the aforementioned reimbursement of brokerage fees (and related VAT).

2.12. Offer restrictions outside of France

The Offer has not been subject to any application for registration or approval by any financial market regulatory authority other than the AMF and no measures will be taken in this respect.

The Offer is therefore made to shareholders of the Company located in France and outside France, provided that the local laws to which they are subject allow them to take part in the Offer without requiring that the Offeror complete additional formalities.

The publication of the Draft Offer Document, the Offer, the acceptance of the Offer and the delivery of the Shares may, in certain jurisdictions, be subject to specific regulations or restrictions. Accordingly, the Offer is not directed at persons subject to such restrictions, either directly or indirectly, and must not be accepted from any jurisdiction where the Offer is subject to restrictions.

Neither the Draft Offer Document nor any other document relating to the Offer constitutes an offer to sell or acquire financial instruments or a solicitation of such an offer in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation would be unlawful, could not validly be made, or would require the publication of a prospectus or the completion of any other formality under local financial law. The holders of Shares located outside of France may only participate in the Offer to the extent that such participation is permitted under the local laws to which they are subject.

Accordingly, the persons in possession of the Draft Offer Document are required to obtain information regarding any applicable local restrictions and to comply with such restrictions. Failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws.

The Offeror shall not be liable for any breach by any person of any applicable legal or regulatory restrictions.

United States of America

The Offer is made for the securities of Exclusive Networks, a company organized under French law, and is subject to French disclosure and procedural requirements, which are different from those of the United States. Shareholders in the United States are advised that the securities of Exclusive Networks are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange and that Exclusive Networks is not subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "U.S. Exchange Act"), and is not required to, and does not, file any reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") thereunder.

The Offer is made in the United States pursuant to Section 14(e) and Regulation 14E of the U.S. Exchange Act, subject to exemptions provided by Rule 14d-1(c) under the U.S. Exchange Act for a Tier I tender offer (the "Tier I Exemption"), and otherwise in accordance with the disclosure and procedural requirements of French law, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the offer timetable, settlement procedures, waiver of conditions and timing of payments, which are different from those applicable under U.S. domestic tender offer procedures and law. Holders of securities of Exclusive Networks domiciled in the United States (the "U.S. Holders") are encouraged to consult with their own advisors regarding the Offer.

The Offer is made to the U.S. Holders on the same terms and conditions as those made to all other shareholders of Exclusive Networks to whom an offer is made. Any information documents, including the Draft Offer Document, are being disseminated to U.S. Holders on a basis comparable to the method pursuant to which such documents are provided to Exclusive Networks' other shareholders.

As permitted under the Tier I Exemption, the settlement of the Offer is based on the applicable French law provisions, which differ from the settlement procedures customary in the United States, particularly as regards to the time when payment of the consideration is rendered. The Offer, which is subject to French law, is being made to the U.S. Holders in accordance with the applicable U.S. securities laws, and applicable exemptions thereunder, in particular the Tier I Exemption. To the extent the Offer is subject to U.S. securities laws, those laws only apply to U.S. Holders and thus will not give rise to claims on the part of any other person.

It may be difficult for Exclusive Networks' shareholders to enforce their rights and any claims they may have arising under the U.S. federal or state securities laws in connection with the Offer, since Exclusive Networks is located outside the United States, and some or all of its officers and directors may be residents of countries other than the United States. Exclusive Networks' shareholders may not be able to sue Exclusive Networks or its officers or directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of U.S. securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel Exclusive Networks and/or its respective affiliates to subject themselves to the jurisdiction or judgment of a U.S. court.

To the extent permissible under applicable law or regulations, the Offeror may from time to time and during the pendency of the Offer, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly purchase or arrange to purchase Shares outside the United States. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. In addition, to the extent permissible under applicable laws or regulations, the financial advisors to the Offeror may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Exclusive Networks, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities as long as such purchases or arrangements are in compliance with the applicable law. Information regarding such purchases or agreements will be published by the AMF on its website (www.amf-france.org).

The receipt of cash pursuant to the Offer by a U.S. Holder may be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes and under applicable U.S. state and local, as well as foreign and other, tax laws. Each shareholder is urged to consult an independent professional adviser regarding the tax consequences of accepting the Offer. Neither the Offeror nor its directors, officers, employees or agents or any other person acting on their behalf in connection with the Offer shall be responsible for any tax effects or liabilities resulting from acceptance of this Offer.

Neither the SEC nor any U.S. State securities commission has approved or disapproved the Offer, or passed any comment upon the adequacy or completeness of the Draft Offer Document. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense in the in the United States.

2.13. Tax treatment of the Offer

The tax regime of the Offer is described in Section 2.13 (Tax regime of the Offer) of the Draft Offer Document.

3. SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT OF THE OFFER PRICE

The table below displays the summary of the valuation derived from the valuation methodologies retained and outlines the premium (discount) of implied price per share compared to the ex-post Offer Price per Share of 18.96 (equivalent to 24.25 ex-ante).

Ex-post Exceptional Distribution Analysis of the historical stock market price Price per share () Premium (%) On March 13, 2024 12.75 48.7% 1-month VWAP 12.67 49.6% 3-month VWAP 13.35 42.0% 6-month VWAP 12.75 48.7% 12-month VWAP 13.46 40.9% 12-month highest price 15.71 20.7% 12-month lowest price 9.73 94.9% Highest price since IPO 15.71 20.7% Reference to precedent transaction on Exclusive Networks' capital Price paid for the acquisition of a 3.7% stake from HTIVB (Olivier Breittmayer) 13.71 38.3% Reference to the price paid for the acquisition of a block from Permira and Olivier Breittmayer Price paid for the acquisition of a block by the BidCo 18.96 0.0% Target prices of financial analysts Average 17.96 5.6% Median 19.46 (2.6%) Min 12.71 49.2% Max 20.21 (6.2%) Trading multiples Peers median EV EBIT 24E 11.34 67.2% Peers median EV EBIT 25E 10.46 81.3% IPO Ingram Micro EV EBIT LTM Sep-24E 8.29 128.6% Comparable transactions Median EV LTM EBITDAaL 8.60 120.4% Discounted cash flows ("DCF") WACC @10.03% and PRG @2.00% 15.52 22.2% WACC @9.78% and PRG @2.25% Central case 16.90 12.2% WACC @9.53% and PRG @2.50% 18.46 2.7%

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER This press release has been prepared for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to purchase. The dissemination, publication or distribution of this press release, the Offer and its acceptance may be subject to specific regulations or restrictions in certain countries. The Offer will not be directed to persons subject to such restrictions, either directly or indirectly, and may be accepted from any country where the Offer would be subject to such restrictions. This press release is not intended to be published and disseminated in such countries. Accordingly, persons in possession of this press release are required to inform themselves about and to comply with any local restrictions that may apply. Etna French Bidco disclaims any liability for any breach of these restrictions by any person.

1 Following payment of an exceptional distribution in an amount of EUR 5.29 per share on 16 December 2024.

2On the basis of a share capital comprising 91,670,286 Shares and a total number of 91,670,286 theoretical voting rights as of 23 September 2024.

3On the basis of a share capital comprising 91,670,286 Shares and a total number of 91,670,286 theoretical voting rights as of 23 September 2024.

4 Including 17,826 Shares held by OB and 8,582,100 Shares held by HTIVB.

5 Through the fund LAC I SLP.

6 The number of theoretical voting rights on 23 September 2024 which was communicated by the Company was 91,670,286 theoretical voting rights.

7 Through the fund LAC I SLP.

8 Article "Exclusive: Permira weighs taking private IT group Exclusive Networks, sources say" released by Reuters on March 14, 2024

9 As such share purchase agreement was amended on 17 December 2024

10On the basis of a share capital comprising 91,670,286 Shares and a total number of 91,670,286 theoretical voting rights as of 23 September 2024.

This press release does not constitute a tender offer.

The offer and the draft offer document remain subject to review by the AMF.

Translation for information purposes only

In case of discrepancy between the French and English version, the French version shall prevail

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219442003/en/

Contacts:

Exclusive Networks
Turin, 19th December 2024. IDV, the brand of Iveco Group (EXM: IVG) specialised in defence and civil protection equipment, has signed a contract with the Direzione Armamenti Terrestri (DAT) of the Italian Ministry of Defence for the supply of 1,453 tactical-logistic trucks. The new vehicles, to be delivered in the period extending from 2025 to 2038, represent an important step in the renewal and modernisation of the Italian Army's fleet of tactical-logistic vehicles. The value of the overall contract is 755 million euros.

The contract is for the supply of a variety of military logistic platforms based on the new IDV truck range and equipped with tactical cabins. The vehicles will be manufactured in the Iveco Group Piacenza plant and will come in diverse configurations - from troop and material transport to water tankers, fuel tankers, container carriers, recovery vehicles and towing systems - offering a deep logistical commonality among the different platforms as well. These are next-generation vehicles that ensure customers the highest levels of mobility, safety, manoeuvrability and reliability.

Entering into this new contract with the Italian Army reaffirms IDV's ability to contribute advanced technologies, manufacturing capabilities and supply chain governance to meet the most demanding requirements of its global customer base.

Iveco Group N.V.

Media Contacts:

Francesco Polsinelli, Tel: +39 335 1776091

Fabio Lepore, Tel: +39 335 7469007

E-mail: mediarelations@ivecogroup.com

Investor Relations:

Federico Donati, Tel: +39 011 0073539

E-mail: investor.relations@ivecogroup.com

Attachments
The much-anticipated capacity market auction for 2029 conducted by Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE) ended in the seventh round with a price of PLN 264. 90 ($62. 12)/kW per year. Such a clearing price rendered gas projects uneconomical and left significant room for battery storage systems to secure contracts. From ESS News The Polish capacity market auction for 2029 which awarded more than 8 GW of capacity contracts was a success for battery energy storage projects. While final results are yet to be released in January, industry insiders assess that the procurement exercise could have catalyzed ...

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.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2024 / Las Vegas Sands

Published by Las Vegas Sands on December 12, 2024

In collaboration with the Macao SAR government, Sands China launched its Community Revitalization Program in 2023 to support local efforts to restore the vitality of cherished Macao historical areas.

Over the past year, Sands China has implemented a series of projects to revitalize iconic landmarks under the theme "Reshape. Rejuvenate. Reimagine." The program supports culturally and commercially important areas in Macao, including the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory, the Taipa Houses, Rua das Estalagens and Macao Cultural Center Plaza.

Among these and other revitalization initiatives, one of the central components of Sands China's efforts is the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Program for Rua das Estalagens in conjunction with the Macao Chamber of Commerce. Launched last April, the program funds innovative entrepreneurial ventures from Macao residents interested in starting businesses on Rua das Estalagens, once a thriving commercial street in Macao that also holds significant historic and cultural value. Sands China awarded funding to seven local businesses from 128 applications, after hosting a series of trainings and other events to help the entrepreneurs prepare their proposals.

"Through various measures including operational subsidies, this initiative supports aspiring entrepreneurs interested in settling in the area," Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said. "The program introduces diverse business elements to the district to revive a bustling street atmosphere. The ultimate objective is to promote sustainable economic development within the community. We are committed to providing substantial assistance to local entrepreneurs through this program, empowering them to pursue their dreams."

Another core focus of Sands China's revitalization efforts is bolstering Macao as a tourism destination by spotlighting its history in the firecracker industry, which played an important role in the SAR's economic and cultural development. The company is focusing efforts around the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory in Taipa Village, which operated from 1925 until 1984, and is considered the best preserved industrial heritage site in Macao. It is currently open to the public, following the completion of the first phase of the historic building's renovation.

Through January 2025, Sands China is hosting the Colorful Spark Pop-up Cultural Creative Playground at the factory. The attraction features spark-shaped art installations, parent-child workshops and stamp collecting mini games at the factory. During the National Day holiday in October, Sands China presented a dragon and lion dance parade at Taipa Village.

Sands China's support for the factory began late last year when the company included the landmark in its celebrations for the 70th Macau Grand Prix by hosting a series of themed workshops and photo opportunities to highlight its place in Macao's culture. The company also presented a series of festivities in honor of the Year of the Dragon at both the factory and the Taipa Houses.

In the spring, Sands China transformed the factory into the Iec Long Zoo, with creative animal sculptures and an array of family attractions to promote the factory as a must-see Macao tourism destination. Other initiatives to revitalize iconic landmarks in Macao have included large-scale outdoor orchestral concerts and a summer art carnival held at Macao Cultural Center Plaza.

In support of these initiatives, Sands champion ambassador and six-time PGA TOUR winner Collin Morikawa visited revitalized areas being supported by Sands China in October of this year. Morikawa also focuses on community revitalization in his charitable work, and his tour of the Iec Long Firecracker Factory and Old Taipa Village helped Sands China showcase its commitment to preserving Macao's unique history and culture.

Sands China's program to revitalize iconic landmarks in Macao aligns with the company's commitment to preserving Macao's heritage and promoting the region as a major tourism destination. The program also incorporates the company's dedication to helping small and medium-sized enterprises grow and prosper by promoting local businesses in various revitalization initiatives.

To learn more about Sands China's revitalization efforts in Macao, visit www.sandschina.com/the-company/scl-community-revitalization-programme.html

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Las Vegas Sands on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Las Vegas Sands

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/las-vegas-sands

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Las Vegas Sands

View the original press release on accesswire.com
San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Powerledger's renewable energy certificate (REC) trading marketplace, TraceX launches the Counter-Offer feature to offer REC price negotiations. This new feature lets buyers and sellers negotiate REC prices on sell orders, breaking away from rigid, pre-set pricing structures.

TraceX by PowerLedger, A Digital Marketplace for RECs

With the Counter-Offer feature, TraceX transforms the traditional REC trading model, allowing participants to move beyond set pricing and volume. This increased flexibility helps buyers secure cost-competitive RECs aligned with their sustainability budgets, while sellers can achieve more favorable margins that reflect current market demand.

Benefits of TraceX's counter offer feature for REC pricing flexibility:

Increased revenue potential for renewable energy generators: Using the Counter-Offer feature, clean energy generators gain stronger revenue potential by negotiating directly with buyers and reaching more profitable agreements faster.

Cost efficiency for corporate & industrial REC buyers with sustainability goals: This feature enables corporate & industrial (C&I) REC buyers to get better control over their REC purchase strategy. Businesses with sustainability goals can now negotiate prices directly on sell orders, ensuring cost-efficient green energy procurement and better alignment with their sustainability goals.

Better alignment with clients' goals for brokers: Brokers can act on behalf of clients to negotiate deals that deliver optimal outcomes, ensuring better alignment with market conditions and client goals.

Faster trade completion: Provides great flexibility for a match in the market while optimizing prices. Delivering better market alignment.

The Counter-Offer feature goes beyond REC price negotiations; it encourages faster trade completion and REC price optimization for better market alignment, benefiting both REC sellers and buyers in their sustainability journey.

"We're committed to making TraceX a truly collaborative REC marketplace that brings together generators, brokers, corporate and industrial buyers, and utilities. By fostering active participation and enabling dynamic pricing and negotiation, we aim to maintain market competitiveness and ensure alignment with current market conditions. At its core, this approach focuses on reducing inefficiencies and shaping a marketplace that is both flexible and dynamic," says Fiona Tiller, CEO, TraceX, Powerledger.

About Powerledger

Powerledger is a software company that leverages blockchain technology to solve pressing energy challenges, enabling customers to access and trade cheaper, cleaner electricity and trade environmental commodities. Power utilities, governments, and large corporations use Powerledger's solutions to be at the forefront of the energy transition by tracking, tracing, and trading every kilowatt hour of energy and trading of RECs. Headquartered in Zug, Powerledger is recognized as one of the top 50 companies in Crypto Valley, Switzerland.

About TraceX

TraceX by Powerledger is an environmental commodities marketplace that uses cutting-edge technology to enhance transparency in renewable energy certificates trading. Generators use TraceX to track Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) from issuance through to sale, transfer and retirement for the end buyer. Companies with ESG goals can use the platform to track ownership, hold certificates for resale, or retire them to meet annual sustainability targets. TraceX is powered by cutting-edge technology to improve the reliability and transparency of energy credits.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234441

SOURCE: Power Ledger Pty Ltd.
Rapyuta Robotics, a leading provider of logistics solutions, has delivered its collaborative picking assist robot, the Rapyuta PA-AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot), to IKO, a leading manufacturer of needle bearings and linear motion rolling guides.

'Rapyuta PA-AMR' in Operation at IKO International

IKO is committed to improving operational efficiency while valuing the work-life balance of its employees. In line with this approach, IKO has been pursuing digital transformation (DX) in all areas of its business and has chosen to implement the Rapyuta PA-AMR to lay a foundation for sustained business growth through the digital transformation of its logistics.

The Rapyuta PA-AMR assists warehouse associates by calculating the most efficient picking routes, coordinating with multiple robots, and guiding operators to optimal paths. Engineered to handle dynamic environments, it can be installed without disrupting warehouse operations and integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

The introduction of the PA-AMR at IKO is expected to boost operational efficiency, help manage the extensive range of products - totaling tens of thousands - and reduce shipping errors, thereby enhancing both productivity and accuracy. The warehouse staff who were previously engaged in this work now have the opportunity to take on tasks that require more specialized knowledge and technical skills. As a result, IKO can deliver products quicker to meet customer needs and support them in case of emergency repairs such as machine breakdowns.

This implementation represents a significant step beyond mere automation. Fully automated warehouses are part of IKO's future vision but from the perspective of capital investment and business growth. It is better and more practical to take steps while feeling a sense of accomplishment in the results, such as humans and AMR robots working smoothly together. IKO plans to continue introducing further solutions to optimize their entire business and achieve sustainable growth.

"IKO is focused on the future. We understand the challenges and visions of our customers and provide product solutions and technical services to help them realize those visions. At the same time, we are challenging ourselves to utilize the latest technology in our business operations and build the foundation for continuous business growth. The Rapyuta PA-AMR robots have enabled faster and stronger customer support, while at the same time creating opportunities for warehouse staff to work on specialized tasks, such as product machining, where they can demonstrate their individual capabilities. The PA-AMR robots have integrated very well with our workers and are the first concrete embodiment of our warehouse reform in line with our management policy," said Ken Takamiya, President of IKO International.

Meanwhile, Ryo Mori, Executive Officer at Rapyuta Robotics, commented:

"From the beginning of our discussions, IKO's leadership team demonstrated a strong commitment to adopting new technologies, recognizing the critical importance of equipping employees with the knowledge needed to leverage these innovations and stay ahead of the competition. We are delighted to collaborate with such forward-thinking individuals and drive meaningful business and operational changes for IKO."

About Rapyuta Robotics

Rapyuta Robotics is a venture company spun off from ETH Zurich, an institution renowned for producing prominent researchers including Albert Einstein. With the vision of "Making robotics accessible and useful for everyone," Rapyuta Robotics focuses on developing next-generation cloud robotics platforms and providing comprehensive support for developing, deploying, and operating robotic solutions. With a team of skilled engineers and bilingual sales and customer success professionals from over 30 countries, Rapyuta Robotics delivers customized solutions to meet diverse customer needs. URL: https://www.rapyuta-robotics.com/

About IKO International

IKO is a U.S. sales subsidiary of Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo). With the motto of "customer first," IKO strives to develop high-quality, high-value-added products and is a technology development company that is always pursuing originality. Their product technology and quality have earned a high reputation in a wide range of industries, including semiconductor, automation, robotics, medical devices, and aerospace. They also provide innovative know-how and solutions for special operating environments such as cleanrooms, vacuum environments, and high-temperature areas. URL: https://ikont.com/

Contact Information

Daisuke TABUCHI, VP of Business Rapyuta Robotics Inc., Email: daisuke.tabuchi@rapyuta-robotics.com

Hiroki Kitai, General Manager - Southeast & Southwest Operations IKO International, Inc., hkitai@ikonet.co.jp

SOURCE: Rapyuta Robotics Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Rapidly expanding provider of drone Remote ID detection, announces transition out of stealth mode

As the public conversation around drones and their impact on society continues to grow, DroneSpotter, a rapidly expanding provider of drone Remote ID detection, today announced its transition out of stealth mode. The company is bringing reliable and actionable airspace insights to a growing community of stakeholders in response to the increasing scrutiny of drone activity across the U.S.

"With heightened discussions about drones, from privacy concerns to safety challenges, there's never been a more critical time to provide reliable airspace awareness," said Mike Munizzi, Founder & CEO of DroneSpotter. "We're thrilled to announce our public launch after years of work in research, development and testing, and offer our innovative solutions to those working to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving space. "

DroneSpotter was founded with a commitment to helping organizations navigate the increasingly complex airspace environment. The company's mission is to deliver affordable, effective airspace awareness solutions that empower businesses, government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions.

Their technology is already making an impact.

DroneSpotter already supports a wide variety of end-users, from government agencies, to Fortune 500 companies. One standout example is Purdue University, where DroneSpotter technology provides campus-wide airspace insights, including the nearby airport.

"With more than 200 unique drone detections on campus to date, DroneSpotter's technology has provided invaluable insights into drone activity we would not have otherwise known about," said Jefferson Howells, CEM, Director of Purdue University's Office of Emergency Preparedness. "When evaluating solutions, we found many were either too costly or overly complex for our needs. DroneSpotter delivered a campus-wide deployment in under a day while staying within our budget constraints."

From airports to critical infrastructure sites, DroneSpotter is expanding rapidly, now supporting diverse users across more than 10 major U.S. cities. By bridging the gap between traditional aviation practices and the evolving drone ecosystem, DroneSpotter is positioned to meet the rising demand for airspace safety solutions as public interest in drones continues to increase.

For more information, business inquiries, or partnership opportunities, DroneSpotter representatives can be contacted at info@dronespotter.com .

About DroneSpotter

DroneSpotter specializes in detecting and analyzing drone Remote ID broadcasts, enabling businesses, governments, and organizations to make informed decisions about airspace safety and utilization. With deployments across more than 10 major US cities, the company is actively monitoring drones over corporate campuses, airports, and critical infrastructure.

DroneSpotter is redefining airspace awareness by bridging the gap between traditional aviation practices and the rapidly growing drone ecosystem. By providing innovative and cost-effective solutions, DroneSpotter ensures safety, enhances decision-making, and empowers organizations to navigate an increasingly complex airspace environment.

Contact Information:

Mike Munizzi

Founder & CEO

media@dronespotter.com

SOURCE: DroneSpotter, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global smoke evacuation systems market, valued at US$175.5 million in 2023, is forecasted to grow at a robust CAGR of 7.3%, reaching US$187.6 million in 2024 and an impressive US$266.4 billion by 2029. The market has performed gallantly over the years driving growth in smoke evacuation systems market which are growing awareness regarding health from surgical smoke exposure, particularly respiratory and carcinogenic hazards involving the healthcare professionals, growing adoption of minimally invasive and energy-based surgical procedures that are smoke producing, regulatory guideline tension, and increasing emphasis upon workplace safety in healthcare premises.

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Based on product, the smoke evacuation pencil and wand are the largest share in smoke evacuation system market because they serve a very important function of capturing surgical smoke right at the origin from an undiscerned source during electrosurgical and laser-based procedures. Such devices get used with surgical instruments to perform effectively in evacuating the smoke two functions such as smoke evacuator and precision cutting or coagulation. Extensive applications are based on better visibility and safety consideration to satisfy strict regulatory standards governing operating room air quality. There are various other aspects such as ease of use during various procedures, growing awareness regarding the health hazards of surgical smoke, thus solidifying dominance in the market.

Based on application, laparoscopic surgery accounts for the largest share in the smoke evacuation systems market, setting the tone for more minimally invasive procedures performed throughout the world, accompanied by extremely large smoke created during these procedures. The closed environment of laparoscopic surgery makes the effective smoke management strictly necessary for proper visibility and the safety of both patients and surgeons. Such systems are increasingly applied to these interventions to prevent complications such as diminished visualization, heat-related tissue damage, and occupational hazards for operating room staff. Increasing acceptance of laparoscopic procedures, combined with growing knowledge of the dangers of surgical smoke, will fuel the market for smoke evacuation solutions into this application.

Based on end user, hospitals have the largest market share in the smoke evacuation systems market because of their high surgical volume and adoption of advanced technologies in ensuring the safety of patients and staff. With diverse surgical specialties, hospitals are major consumers of smoke evacuation systems to comply with stringent regulatory standards and enhance operating room air quality. They are regarded as market leaders with the strength to invest in in-depth safety measures and are, as well, main centers of complex and minimally invasive procedures. Their raising attention to the dangers of surgical smoke, accompanied by a focus on higher standards of healthcare quality, will make this process strengthen in the future.

Based on region, North America has the largest market share for smoke evacuation systems due to a very advanced healthcare infrastructure in the region, large volumes of surgical procedures being carried out, and strict rules of occupational safety. The need for protecting healthcare workers and the quality of air leads the regions to accept smoke evacuation technologies widely among hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. Increasing awareness about the health risks associated with surgical smoke, along with huge investments in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries, further supports this growth. Major companies in medical devices and sustained innovation in smoke evacuation solutions dominate North America's market share.

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The prominent players in the smoke evacuation systems market are Conmed Corporation (US), Medtronic (Ireland), Stryker (US), Johnson & Johnson (USA), Olympus Corp. (Japan), Danaher Corp. (US), Ecolab (USA), Zimmer Biomet (USA).

CONMED CORPORATION (US):

ConMed Corporation is a medical technology company that provides comprehensive innovative surgical products, medical devices, and patient monitoring solutions. Established in 1970, the company is headquartered in Largo, Florida. The company commands wide, large-sized client bases in orthopaedics, endoscopy, cardiology, and minimally invasive surgery. ConMed provides high-quality products, which include the smoke evacuation system, electrosurgical generators, laparoscopic instruments, and arthroscopic devices. The smoke evacuation solutions by ConMed are designed to capture and filter the surgical smoke generated by electrosurgery, laser surgery, and other energy-based procedures. The company is dedicated to medical technology to better outcomes for patients and open opportunities for surgical procedures. ConMed has offices in more than 100 countries, and it further invests Research and Development for Healthcare Innovations.

MEDTRONIC (Ireland):

Medtronic is one of the largest medical technology, services, and solutions companies around the globe. The company was established in 1949, and its headquarters is in Dublin, Ireland. The company offers services in over 150 countries, which mainly cut across specialties in medicine: cardiology, neurology, surgical technologies, and diabetes management. The impressive portfolio includes such innovative products as smoke evacuation systems, pacemakers, insulin pumps, robotic surgical systems, and many more. Built from innovation and better healthcare, Medtronic blends its smoke evacuation technology with its vast offering of surgical instruments and energy-based products. To this end, by setting forth innovations in safety and efficiency, the company establishes itself as a trusted leader in the provision of state-of-the-art surgical solutions.

STRYKER (US):

Stryker is a global leader in medical technology that creates innovative products and services that enhance healthcare. Started in 1941 and now based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Stryker continues to operate through various disciplines in medicine, including orthopaedics, neurotechnology, spine, and surgical technologies. Stryker's market offerings include state-of-the-art medical and surgical equipment, smoke evacuation systems, implantable devices, robotic-assisted surgical systems, and digital health solutions. Stryker has developed solutions that protect the healthcare worker and the patient from harmful airborne contaminants while maintaining clear visibility in the operative field. Found in more than 75 countries, Stryker has earned a reputation for its commitment to innovation, quality, and a customer focus through continuous investments in research and development to keep its top standing in the advancements of medical technology.

For more information, Inquire Now!

Related Reports:

Electrosurgery Market

Veterinary Electrosurgery Market

Minimally Invasive Surgery Market

Medical Equipment Maintenance Market

Tumor Ablation Market

Get access to the latest updates on Smoke Evacuation Systems Companies and Smoke Evacuation Systems Market Size

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The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Jeff Carlson, Chief Executive Officer, Metavista3D Inc. ("Metavista3D" or the "Company") (TSXV: DDD), and his team, joined Tim Babcock, President, TSX Venture Exchange, TMX Group, to open the market to celebrate the Company's new listing on TSX Venture Exchange.





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Metavista3D is an award-winning research and development company focused on developing next-generation pseudo-holographic 3D display technologies. With a strong commitment to innovation, Metavista3D is dedicated to developing AI-based displays that enable superior spatial reality experiences without 3D glasses.

With over 20 patents, Metavista3D is revolutionizing the 3D display technology market worldwide. With the merger of the Swiss psHolix AG, which had developed this 3D display technology to market maturity over years, Metavista3D now has the technology to bring the next generation of displays to market.

Metavista3D's patented Super Multiview technology eliminates the so-called vergence accommodation conflict that causes headaches and eye pressure.

The possible applications are diverse: in addition to the obvious metaverse, also consumer electronics, gaming, automotive, defense, etc.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234474

SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange
For more than half a century, WOC has offered critical learning tools for ongoing success in the most substantial construction vertical.

World of Concrete (WOC), the largest and most comprehensive gathering dedicated to the concrete construction and masonry industries, highlights education sessions and hands-on learning for professionals attending the event, January 21-23 (Education January 20-23).

Sharing insight into new learning offerings and enhanced connection opportunities for the construction industry, Jackie James, Vice President of World of Concrete, details important events that sustain the growth of the sector.

"World of Concrete offers best in class training, certifications and growth value tailored to each portion of our attendee audience," shares Jackie James, Vice President of World of Concrete. "From four-hour seminars to interactive, hands-on workshops and training in partnership with leading education providers, we equip the community with unparalleled access to trusted partners who deliver top of the line resources, advancing the skillsets and capabilities of tradespeople, resulting in higher standards across the globe."

The education program is composed of 180+ sessions of solid, in-depth learning for every concrete and masonry professional. Featured education includes:

Performance Construction Advisors: The Top Ten Reasons Contractors Succeed

An in-depth look at the top 10 reasons contractors succeed and the requisite factors which can be copied and emulated in any size construction company. Attendees will benefit from 240 contractors sharing their leadership advice and business practices.

Fonte & Company: Fundamentals & Essentials of Successful Concrete Placement

This brand-new course addresses all aspects of concrete pavements including batch plants, mix designs, water-cement ratio and yield calculations, aggregate testing, joint plans, subgrades, finishes/textures, paving equipment and post-paving operations.

Master Builders Solutions: Meeting & Exceeding Sustainability Targets Using Admixtures???? ?

This session discusses reducing embodied carbon in concrete mixtures by 50% or more through advanced mixture optimization, minimizing concrete waste by extending its working time or repurposing returned concrete for subsequent beneficial use, with documentation of the resulting sustainability benefits using Lifecycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD).

Sika Corporation: Second Generation of 3D Concrete Printing?? - - ??

Innovations of 3D concrete printing will be introduced including the overall process for producing high-end products from start to end. Material and machine properties, printer styles available, types of 3D concrete printing applications and benefits to end users will be covered.

World of Concrete: Modern Concrete Technology: Design, Materials & Durability

This program provides a broad overview of modern concrete technology in today's construction marketplace. Selecting the appropriate materials from a wide range of choices is key to your project's success. The presentation focuses on designing a durable and sustainable concrete mix, types of available materials and products to provide a long service life. Additional topics include meeting specific project requirements for reduced shrinkage with extended joint patterns, waterproofing concrete and more.?

Building Tomorrow's Workforce: Addressing the Construction Labor Shortage

Dodge Construction Network discusses workforce shortages as an endemic challenge in the construction industry. Current demographics alongside other Dodge research suggest this will only grow more acute in the foreseeable future. Topics of discussion include recruiting new hires and the next generation of the concrete construction and masonry workforce.

World of Concrete Education Program Partners include industry associations, exhibitors and media groups which provide groundbreaking training and certification options, including American Concrete Pumping Association, Concrete Foundations Association, Fonte & Co., Basement Health Association, Tyfoom and Women's Association of Concrete Professionals, among many other contributors.

The full education agenda is now available, please visit www.worldofconcrete.com .

Registration is still open, those interested in attending World of Concrete, gathering over 50,000 professionals annually in the tradeshow capital of the world, please visit www.worldofconcrete.com .

About World of Concrete

World of Concrete is the industry's ONLY annual international event dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries. Featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits with the industry's leading suppliers showcasing innovative products and technologies, exciting demonstrations and competitions, and a world-class education program. Visit www.worldofconcrete.com for details.

Follow World of Concrete on LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook , X and YouTube to stay connected.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit ? www.informamarkets.com .

Media Contact

Informa Markets Construction and Infrastructure PR

constructionpr@informa.com

SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Intralot's (INLOT's) Q324 results demonstrated good underlying revenue growth, which was offset by one-offs and negative foreign exchange differences, and a typical seasonal and sequential (ie quarter-on-quarter) increase in EBITDA. Since the start of Q324, INLOT has announced a contract extension (at least two years beyond 2026) in Australia; a new iLottery contract win in British Columbia, extending the existing relationship with the province; and the loss of an important lottery contract, with current EBITDA of US$20m, in Ohio, US, from July 2027. We have reduced our FY24 EBITDA estimate by c 5%.

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.
Pexapark, a Swiss renewable energy market intelligence provider, says European developers signed 18 power purchase agreements (PPAs) totaling 1,054 MW in November. European developers signed 18 PPAs for 1,054 MW in November, according to the latest report from Pexapark. The result is a 10% decrease in disclosed volumes and a 26% drop in deal count when compared to October. Tracked PPA prices reached 51. 10 ($53. 19)/MWh in November, a 3. 8% increase on the month prior. Pexapark's latest report says the increase was driven by "bullish market dynamics and geopolitical developments. " Dutch PPA ...

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The AI developed by French company Qevlar AI has been integrated into Nomios' operational model, strengthening its 'Modern SOC' strategy, launched four years ago in seven countries.

Nomios, a leading European cybersecurity player, has announced the integration of Qevlar's generative AI within its Security Operations Centers (SOCs). Following a period of targeted evaluation, which delivered a marked improvement in the teams' efficiency, the Qevlar AI solution is now fully operational and integrated into Nomios' seven managed SOCs. Now, all 67 European clients can benefit at no extra cost.

Since opening its Modern SOC four years ago, Nomios has concentrated on expertise and customization to meet its clients' needs. Nomios SOCs were designed from the outset without a level 1 analyst, relying on automation (SOAR playbooks) to offer extremely rapid, high-quality detection, sorting and analysis times.

After having tested the Qevlar AI solution for its own needs (Nomios IS), Nomios became the first European managed SOC operator to put the French start-up's advanced technology into production and to make it available to its current and future clients.

Eric Bohec, Group CTO of Nomios stated: "With Qevlar's AI, our SOC analysts have become 'augmented analysts'. As such, they can focus more on critical, high value-added assignments for our clients. By integrating Qevlar AI into our SOC services, we are arming ourselves to lead the battle against cybercriminals. Accelerating processing time while improving quality is essential and inconceivable without the use of AI. Our analysts will maintain control over the verdict and the response to be provided, guaranteeing the context and the challenges faced by our clients".

Qevlar AI investigates alerts on an autonomous basis, and enriches, analyzes and structures data without human intervention. It generates detailed reports with corrective actions and assists SOC analysts in the validation and decision-making process.

The integration of Qevlar AI frees up the 60 Nomios analysts from carrying out several tasks, such as the initial investigation of alerts. For example, an investigation report, which used to take 30 minutes of manual analysis, can now be produced in three minutes thanks to Qevlar AI. Consequently, Nomios SOC level 2 analysts can hone their skills to transition towards level 3 analysis (BTL2 certification), assess new cybersecurity solutions and optimize the threat-detection process. The addition of Qevlar has saved our level 2 analysts 50% of their time, on average. This gain in time has also allowed us to develop and perfect new playbooks, while generalizing approaches such as Threat Hunting, strengthening our clients' overall cybersecurity framework.

Nomios has also become an integrator and reseller of the Qevlar AI solution in Europe

In addition to adopting Qevlar AI in its SOCs, Nomios has also become the first integrator and reseller partner of the Qevlar AI solution in Europe. As an integrator, Nomios is adding Qevlar AI to its catalogue of technology partners to meet the ever-increasing challenges of cybersecurity. Moreover, it always provides its clients with the best solutions the market has to offer.

Ahmed Achchak, co-founder and CEO of Qevlar AI declared: "We're proud of this cooperation with Nomios. Our AI, which is immediately operational, supports their vision of ambitious growth in the managed SOC market in Europe. As an integrator-reseller, Nomios has become a strategic ally in the deployment of our technology across a broader European marketplace.

This cooperation with Qevlar reflects Nomios' commitment to pooling technological innovation and human excellence in order to anticipate its clients' needs in the face of increasingly complex threats.

About Nomios

Nomios is one of Europe's leading providers of cybersecurity and secure network solutions and services. It has a broad client base in a wide range of sectors. Nomios has developed into an organization with over 22 offices in eight European countries and has continually expanded its range of professional services, managed services, support and SOC. For more information, please visit the website www.nomios.fr

About Qevlar AI

Qevlar AI is a fast-growing software company that delivers a tenfold increase in SOC productivity. Based in Paris, it develops autonomous agents that enable SOC analysts to entrust their time-consuming tasks to AI. Incubated by Meta and Microsoft, Qevlar already operates on a global scale and works with MSSPs and major businesses. For more information, please visit the website www.qevlar.com

The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241216293438/en/

Contacts:

We Talk Agency

Aurelien Rouby: +33 6 70 68 49 32 aurelien@wetalk-agency.com
IRONSCALES Recognized for Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute for Email Security Platforms

IRONSCALES, the AI-powered email security leader protecting 15,000 global customers from advanced phishing attacks, today announced that they have been positioned by Gartner as a Visionary in the Magic Quadrant for Email Security Platforms (ESP). The evaluation was based on specific criteria that analyzed the company's overall Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute.

"Our recognition as a Visionary validates the relentless focus we place on staying ahead of today's advanced threats," said Eyal Benishti, CEO and founder of IRONSCALES. "As generative AI tools emerge to boost productivity, so do adversarial attacks-from deepfakes to sophisticated social engineering threats that evolve faster than traditional defenses can handle. Our adaptive AI platform continuously learns and adjusts in real time, delivering smarter, more effective protection-because today's customers can't afford yesterday's technology."

IRONSCALES provides advanced threat detection against BEC and AI-generated phishing attacks-threats that often bypass legacy solutions. Trusted by over 15,000 customers, including 3,500 enterprises and MSPs worldwide, and boasting a 4.8-star user rating* on Gartner Peer Insights, IRONSCALES innovative ESP includes native phishing simulation testing and security awareness training, alongside behavior-based tools to counter social engineering threats. Driven by a commitment to customer satisfaction, market responsiveness, and continuous innovation, IRONSCALES continues to lead the ICES market with innovative product development and award-winning capabilities.

According to the Gartner Magic Quadrant report, "Visionaries address broadly applicable needs within the market that lack representation among other ESPs. Alternatively, they focus on addressing attack vectors or pain points that position them for broad adoption in the future. Visionaries may offer unique features, focused on a specific industry, or address a specific set of use cases to a greater extent than vendors in other quadrants."

Gartner Magic Quadrant reports are a culmination of rigorous, fact-based research in specific markets, providing a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the providers in markets where growth is high and provider differentiation is distinct. Providers are positioned into four quadrants: Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries and Niche Players. The research enables enterprise decision-makers to get the most from market analysis in alignment with their unique business and technology needs.

View a complimentary copy of the Magic Quadrant report to learn more about IRONSCALES strengths and cautions, among other provider offerings, at: https://secure.ironscales.com/gartner-magic-quadrant-email-security.

1Source: Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Email Security Platform, Max Taggett, Nikul Patel, Franz Hinner, Deepak Mishra, 16 December 2024

*Based on 155 reviews as of December 2024

Additional Resources

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Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences with the vendors listed on the platform, should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, Magic Quadrant and Peer Insights are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

About IRONSCALES

IRONSCALES is the leader in AI-powered email security protecting over 15,000 global organizations from advanced phishing threats. As the pioneer of adaptive AI, we detect and remediate attacks like business email compromise (BEC), account takeovers (ATO), and zero-days that other solutions miss. By combining the power of AI and continuous human insights, we safeguard inboxes, unburden IT teams, and turn employees into a vital part of cyber defense across enterprises and managed service providers. IRONSCALES is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. To learn more, visit www.ironscales.com or follow us on X @IRONSCALES.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219777839/en/

Contacts:

Douglas De Orchis

Scratch Marketing Media for IRONSCALES

ironscales@scratchmm.com
Agoura Hills, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Cydcor, a leader in outsourced sales and customer acquisition, proudly partnered for the third consecutive year with the Spark of Love Toy Drive, the nation's largest community holiday initiative. Team members from Cydcor's Agoura Hills Headquarters volunteered and joined forces with the Ventura County Fire Department and ABC7 to ensure local children and families experience a joyous holiday season.

Caption: Cydcor at Spark of Love

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Continuing its longstanding commitment to giving back, Cydcor once again donated $5,000 to the Spark of Love initiative to help ensure the needs of the community were met. Cydcor's team members devoted more than 200 volunteer hours to collect, sort, and prepare toys-assembling bikes and even handling last-minute holiday shopping-to benefit families across Ventura County. This year's donations will bring smiles to over 30,000 children and teens who otherwise might have gone without gifts during the holiday season.

"The Spark of Love Toy Drive continues to thrive because of the generosity of partners like Cydcor," said Captain Mike Davis, Ventura County Fire Department. "Their ongoing support and dedication make a tremendous difference for so many families in our community."

"The Spark of Love Toy Drive is an eagerly anticipated event and team building tradition for our team," said Cydcor CEO Vera Quinn. "It's a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose. The toys collected represent more than gifts - they symbolize the connection within the community, our team, and people served by this event. Every year, Spark of Love highlights the collective spirit of caring and generosity. It's incredible to see our team unite to make the holidays brighter for families in need."

With approximately 3 in 11 Ventura County children serviced by the drive, The Spark of Love initiative has been a cornerstone of holiday giving for more than 30 years, providing gifts, food, and joy to underserved children and teens. Since its inception, the program has distributed more than 11 million toys throughout Southern California and continues to grow with the support of local businesses, community members, and dedicated volunteers like the Cydcor team.

Caption: Cydcors Contribution to Spark of Love

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10205/234386_e57c85da24f8aa3f_002full.jpg

How You Can Help

Spark of Love continues to rely on the generosity of the community. Donations can be made online through the Ventura Fire Foundation. All proceeds go directly to purchasing gifts for children and teens in need. For more information about donating or participating in the Spark of Love Toy Drive, visit Spark of Love's website.

About Cydcor

Cydcor provides customer acquisition solutions to Fortune 500 and emerging companies in a wide range of industries. Through a unique combination of in-person sales and digital marketing services, Cydcor has mastered the power of building relationships with consumers while leveraging technology to acquire, grow, and retain customers for its clients. Founded in 1994, the privately held company is based in Agoura Hills, California.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234386

SOURCE: Cydcor LLC
Applying to college is stressful enough without the added pressure of taking standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Thankfully, with the rise of test-optional admissions, many students can breathe a sigh of relief. In fact, more than 1,900 colleges and universities in the United States now allow students to apply without submitting standardized test scores.

But just because the SAT and ACT are no longer mandatory doesn't mean the process has become easier. In a test-optional world where the competition is stiff, you need to find other ways to make your applications stand out.

So, how do you maximize test-optional admissions to your advantage? AdmissionSight shares some helpful and effective tips.

First things first: what exactly does "test-optional" mean? Simply put, at test-optional schools, students can decide whether or not they want to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you believe your test scores reflect your academic ability, go ahead and include them. But if your scores aren't as strong, you can choose to omit them and focus on other areas of your application.

Don't confuse test-optional with test-blind. Test-blind schools, like the University of California system, don't consider test scores at all-even if you submit them. Test-optional policies give you more flexibility, but that also means it's up to you to decide whether or not your test scores will help your application.

So, when should you submit your scores?

According to AdmissionSight's Eric Eng, CEO of the nation's leading college admission consultant company, "One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to submit your test scores. Here's where strategy comes into play. If your SAT or ACT score falls within or above the middle 50% range of admitted students at your target school, it might be worth submitting."

Eng continued, "If the middle 50% SAT range for a school is 1250 to 1400, and you scored a 1450, submitting your score could strengthen your application. On the flip side, if your score is below that range, you will have far better chances if you don't submit the score and focus on other parts of your application, such as your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars."

Students admitted to Columbia University - a test-optional Ivy League school - usually have SAT scores in the top percentiles. According to the latest data, the middle 50% range for SAT scores at Columbia is about 1480 to 1580. For Ivy Leagues, Eric Eng proposed that if your SAT score is above a 1500+, it is for your own advantage that you include your test scores together with your other admission requirements.

When you apply to test-optional Ivy League schools like Cornell, Princeton, UPenn and Columbia , it's wise to be selective about submitting SAT or ACT scores. These schools get tons of applications from top students, so only send your scores if they're high-typically within or above their average range. If your scores are lower, they could hurt your chances.

The rest of the Ivy League - Brown , Yale, Dartmouth, Harvard - are no longer test-optional so you will be required to send in your test scores if you decide to apply for admission.

Focus on your academic record and extracurriculars.

The AdmissionSight team strongly believes that without test scores, admissions committees will put a greater emphasis on your high school transcript. Your grades, course difficulty, and overall GPA will be front and center in determining your admission readiness.

If your standardized test scores aren't as high as you'd like, but you've taken challenging courses (such as AP, IB, or honors classes) and earned strong grades, your transcript can speak volumes. Colleges are looking for evidence that you challenged yourself academically and that your performance over time reflects your readiness for college. The easy classes will not cut it for you.

Write a standout personal statement.

With test scores out of the equation, your personal statement (or college essay) becomes even more critical. This is your chance to show admissions officers who you are without your grades and activities. A compelling personal statement can make a good impression and will definitely set you apart from other applicants.

"Be real and write about something that genuinely matters to you-admissions officers can spot an over-polished essay easily, so let your unique voice shine through. Instead of listing achievements, focus on a specific experience that shaped you, and use descriptive language to paint a picture rather than just telling them you're hardworking," Eng suggested.

Test-optional admissions give you the chance to shine in areas beyond your standardized test scores. Eric Eng and his team of experts from AdmissionSight firmly believe that "the key to success in a test-optional environment is to present a well-rounded, authentic application that reflects who you are as a student and a person. This covers your academic record, extracurriculars, and a standout personal statement."

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to college admissions-so take advantage of the flexibility that test-optional policies offer and let your unique qualities shine.

About AdmissionSight

AdmissionSight is a full-service admissions consulting company with over 10 years of experience guiding students through the competitive admissions process to college, transfer, graduate, and international programs.

AdmissionSight's services include SAT/AP preparation, science research program, passion project development, extracurricular involvement, academic competition preparation, summer program applications, personal statement editing, interview preparation, and letter of recommendation strategy. On average, 75% of their students are admitted to an Ivy League university, Stanford, MIT, UChicago, and Caltech, one of the highest track records in the industry.

Media Contact:

AdmissionSight Inc.

info@admissionsight.com

(650) 338-8226

SOURCE: AdmissionSight

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Regulatory News:

Advicenne (Euronext Growth Paris ALDVI FR0013296746), a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative treatments for those suffering from rare renal diseases, today announced the conclusion of an agreement with Primex Pharmaceuticals AG, a Swiss biopharmaceutical company. This agreement finalizes the restructuring of contracts signed in 2016. Under this agreement, Advicenne will receive 3.5 million euros, half of which will be paid in fiscal year 2024 and the balance over the next 18 months. Advicenne is also eligible for additional amounts for commercial rights outside Europe.

This agreement concludes several months of discussion between the two parties to successfully renegotiate the original terms of our licensing agreement with Primex Pharmaceuticals AG.

Didier Laurens, Chief Executive Officer of Advicenne, commented: "I am glad we reached an agreement with Primex. It results from lengthy discussions aimed at preserving the best interests of Advicenne. It ends a long period of uncertainty with the contractual situation, enabling the company to receive 3.5 million euros in total, including 1.75 million euros immediately. This initial amount extends our financial visibility until the end of the second quarter of 2025

ABOUT ADVICENNE

Advicenne (Euronext: ALDVI) is a specialty pharmaceutical company founded in 2007, specializing in the development of innovative treatments in Nephrology. Its lead product Sibnayal has received Marketing Approval for distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) in EU and GB. ADV7103 is currently in late-stage development in cystinuria in Europe and in dRTA and cystinuria in the US and Canada. Headquartered in Paris, Advicenne, listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange since 2017, has now been listed on Euronext Growth Paris since its transfer on March 30, 2022. For additional information, see: https://advicenne.com/.

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Advicenne group and its business, including its prospects and product candidate development. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Advicenne considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the French financial market authority on April 5, 2024 (a copy of which is available on www.advicenne.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Advicenne operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Advicenne or not currently considered material by Advicenne. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance, or achievements of Advicenne to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. Advicenne expressly declines any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219534486/en/

Contacts:

Advicenne

Didier Laurens, CEO

+33 (0) 1 87 44 40 17

Email: investors@advicenne.com

Ulysse Communication

Media relations

Bruno Arabian

+33 (0)6 87 88 47 26

Email: advicenne@ulysse-communication.com
Utility industry's only Silicon Valley venture arm reports nearly 80% of portfolio companies have engaged with its parent company to upgrade the grid, improve operations and drive the next era of innovation

MENLO PARK, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National Grid Partners , the corporate venture capital and innovation arm of one of the world's largest utilities, has surpassed $500 million deployed since its 2018 founding to improve the aging power grid and accelerate the utility industry into the next era. The group also reported that nearly 80% of its portfolio companies have strategically engaged with National Grid's businesses units, validating its mission to bring startup innovation to utility scale.

"Utilities face a new era of operational challenges-from the electrification of everything and the integration of low-cost renewables to the widespread deployment of artificial intelligence," said Steve Smith, president of National Grid Partners and chief strategy and regulation officer at National Grid. "We've built National Grid Partners to not only fund the most promising startups addressing these challenges, but also to make a real impact on our business and across the industry. Moreover, our investments attract further momentum, with our $500 million having unlocked $3 billion in follow-on funding for our portfolio companies."

National Grid supplies power to more than 20 million people in New York and Massachusetts, serves as the electricity transmission provider to all of England and Wales, and owns and operates the U.K.'s largest electricity distribution network. The utility has directly engaged with more than 30 National Grid Partners portfolio companies, including:

AiDash , which unites satellite data with artificial intelligence (AI) and helps utilities identify in real time hotspots that should be prioritized for hazardous tree removal. National Grid has seen outages drop by 30% in jurisdictions where AiDash has been deployed.

, which unites satellite data with artificial intelligence (AI) and helps utilities identify in real time hotspots that should be prioritized for hazardous tree removal. National Grid has seen outages drop by 30% in jurisdictions where AiDash has been deployed. LineVision , which provides real-time transmission line data to help utilities better assess how much electricity their lines can carry at any given time. This improved data enables more than 30% more energy to pass through existing infrastructure. The startup's technology was fully deployed across National Grid transmission lines in western New York this year and is now integrated in the utility's control room-the largest such deployment in the United States.

, which provides real-time transmission line data to help utilities better assess how much electricity their lines can carry at any given time. This improved data enables more than 30% more energy to pass through existing infrastructure. The startup's technology was fully deployed across National Grid transmission lines in western New York this year and is now integrated in the utility's control room-the largest such deployment in the United States. Risilience , a climate intelligence platform that helps businesses assess climate risk and turn that data into actionable insights to speed net zero progress. The startup showed National Grid Electric Transmission how to save 3.5 million in operating expenses for its U.K. electric vehicle fleet while reducing scope one emissions by 57,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

National Grid Partners was founded to help utilities overcome traditional struggles to internalize innovation and more closely collaborate with startups. In a recent survey , just 26% of utility innovation leaders said they turned to startups for fresh thinking, relying instead on their own employees for ideas. Moreover, these executives reported that just one in four innovation projects in planning ever gets implemented (24%). The survey data was announced at the recent NextGrid Alliance Summit, hosted by National Grid Partners to bring together startups and leaders from more than 120 global utilities to foster collaboration and innovative solutions.

"The innovation companies National Grid Partners supports are essential to enable the energy transition," said John Pettigrew, CEO of National Grid Group. "By making collaboration an organizational priority and dedicating time and resources against our mission, we are demonstrating that startups and utilities can team to make a singular impact on how we do business. Building on this progress is essential to build the utility of the future."

Noting that National Grid has committed more than $75 billion for infrastructure projects to upgrade the grid, he added that startups in the National Grid Partners portfolio will be front and center in transforming the company into "a more resilient, dynamic utility that can double capacity by 2050."

Corporate venture firms are helping startups achieve tangible results in today's tough markets. According to a recent Silicon Valley Bank report , companies backed by corporate venture capital have a success rate double that of startups backed by purely financial VCs.

Where startups don't exist to address industry challenges, the National Grid Partners Innovation team develops prototypes and hands them off to National Grid business units to scale. Twenty such projects have been completed, including OceanBrain , a tool to monitor and protect subsea power and telecom cables that allow critical resources to flow between countries.

"National Grid Partners is focused on innovation everywhere, from dedicating internal teams that develop new technologies to supporting innovative startups and introducing them across National Grid and the NextGrid Alliance," noted Smith. "We are in a unique position between the startup world and one of the largest listed utilities to foster innovation at scale and bring new technologies to the grid faster."

About National Grid Partners

National Grid Partners is the venture investment and innovation arm of National Grid plc., one of the world's largest investor-owned energy companies. By providing corporate venture capital, business development counsel and direct integration with National Grid's innovation teams, National Grid Partners is accelerating the energy transition and helping new technologies reach critical scale faster. We also convene the NextGrid Alliance ( www.ngalliance.energy ), a network of senior innovation executives from more than 120 worldwide utility companies focused on harnessing the industry's latest technologies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, National Grid Partners has offices in Boston, London, and New York. Visit ngpartners.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn .

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/national-grid-partners-surpasses-500m-invested-to-lead-the-energy-future-302335100.html
The "Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Application, Deployment Type, Solution, Security Type, and Region Analysis and Forecast, 2024-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market is becoming increasingly critical as the demand for secure, high-performance semiconductor chips grows in tandem with the proliferation of connected devices, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and advanced computing systems. Semiconductors are the foundation of modern electronics, powering everything from smartphones and industrial equipment to critical infrastructure and military technologies. As these chips become more integrated into sensitive systems, ensuring their security against cyber threats has become a top priority for industries and governments alike.

The growing complexity of semiconductor supply chains, coupled with rising threats from nation-state actors, cybercriminals, and industrial espionage, has heightened the need for robust cybersecurity solutions tailored to semiconductor technology.

These solutions encompass hardware-based security measures, encryption technologies, secure boot processes, and the integration of advanced AI and machine learning algorithms for real-time threat detection and prevention. As semiconductor manufacturing becomes more globalized, securing the integrity of the chips from design to deployment is crucial to prevent malicious attacks, intellectual property theft, and system tampering.

Government regulations and industry standards are also driving the demand for enhanced semiconductor cybersecurity. Sectors like automotive, healthcare, telecommunications, and defense, where secure data processing is vital, are pushing for stricter security protocols in semiconductor design and manufacturing. In response, semiconductor companies are investing heavily in research and development to integrate more advanced security features directly into the hardware, ensuring that the chips themselves are resistant to a wide range of cyber threats.

As more critical systems rely on connected and autonomous devices, the Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market is expected to experience rapid growth. However, challenges such as the high cost of implementing security measures, maintaining performance efficiency, and evolving threat landscapes remain. Despite these obstacles, the market is poised for significant expansion as industries recognize the indispensable role of secure semiconductors in safeguarding the digital infrastructure of the future.

How can this report add value to an organization?

Product/Innovation Strategy: This report provides a comprehensive product/innovation strategy for the global semiconductor cybersecurity market, identifying opportunities for market entry, technology adoption, and sustainable growth. It offers actionable insights, helping organizations gain a competitive edge, and capitalize on the increasing demand.

Growth/Marketing Strategy: This report offers a comprehensive growth and marketing strategy designed specifically for the semiconductor cybersecurity market. It presents a targeted approach to identifying specialized market segments, establishing a competitive advantage, and implementing creative marketing initiatives aimed at optimizing market share and financial performance. By harnessing these strategic recommendations, organizations can elevate their market presence, seize emerging prospects, and efficiently propel revenue expansion.

Competitive Strategy: This report crafts a strong competitive strategy tailored to the semiconductor cybersecurity market. It evaluates market rivals, suggests methods to stand out, and offers guidance for maintaining a competitive edge. By adhering to these strategic directives, companies can position themselves effectively in the face of market competition, ensuring sustained prosperity and profitability.

Major Semiconductor Cybersecurity Companies Featured

ACL Digital

Amida

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Dell Inc.

HCL Technologies Limited

Innova Solutions

Kudelski Group

Palo Alto Networks

Plurilock Security Inc.

Secure-IC

SGS

Siemens

TXOne Networks

Wipro

Key Topics Covered:

1. Markets: Industry Outlook

1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment

1.2 Supply Chain Overview

1.2.1 Value Chain Analysis

1.2.2 Pricing Forecast

1.3 R&D Review

1.3.1 Patent Filing Trend by Country, by Company

1.4 Regulatory Landscape

1.4.1 Overview of Global Semiconductor Security Standards

1.4.2 National and Regional Regulatory Frameworks

1.4.2.1 US: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Guidelines

1.4.2.2 EU: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Cybersecurity Act

1.4.2.3 China: Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China

1.4.2.4 Japan: Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI)

1.4.3 Industry Certifications and Standards (ISO, IEC, FIPS)

1.4.4 Impact of Regulations on Semiconductor Cybersecurity

1.5 Stakeholder Analysis

1.5.1 Use Case

1.5.2 End User and Buying Criteria

1.6 Technology Trends and Innovations

1.6.1 AI and Machine Learning in Semiconductor Cybersecurity

1.6.2 Advances in Quantum-Safe Cryptography

1.6.3 Integration of Blockchain in Secure Semiconductor Designs

1.6.4 Use of Zero-Trust Architecture in Semiconductor Manufacturing

1.6.5 Emerging Trends in Cloud Security for Semiconductor Operations

1.7 Case Studies

1.7.1 Implementation of Secure Semiconductor Solutions in Automotive

1.7.2 Role of Semiconductor Cybersecurity in 5G Rollout

1.7.3 Enhancing Medical Device Security through Semiconductor-Based Solutions

1.7.4 Industrial Control System (ICS) Security in Manufacturing

1.8 Investment Analysis

1.8.1 Funding and Investments in Semiconductor Cybersecurity

1.8.2 Venture Capital Activity in the Market

1.8.3 Analysis of Key Market Players' Investment Plans

1.9 Impact Analysis for Key Global Events

2. Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market (by Application)

2.1 Application Segmentation

2.2 Application Summary

2.3 Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market (by Application)

2.3.1 Aerospace and Defense

2.3.2 Automotive

2.3.3 Consumer Electronics

2.3.4 Healthcare

2.3.5 Industrial Automation

2.3.6 Others

2.4 Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market (by Deployment Type)

2.4.1 On-Cloud

2.4.2 On-Premises

3. Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market (by Product)

3.1 Product Segmentation

3.2 Product Summary

3.3 Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market (by Solution)

3.3.1 Hardware-Based Security Solutions

3.3.1.1 Trusted Platform Modules (TPM)

3.3.1.2 Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)

3.3.1.3 System-on-Chip (SoC) Security

3.3.1.4 Others

3.3.2 Software-Based Security Solutions

3.3.2.1 Firmware and BIOS Security

3.3.2.2 Encryption Software

3.3.2.3 Others

3.3.3 Services

3.3.3.1 Managed Security Services (MSS)

3.3.3.2 Technical Consulting Services

3.3.3.3 Support and Maintenance

3.3.3.4 Others

3.4 Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market (by Security Type)

3.4.1 Application Security

3.4.2 Cloud Security

3.4.3 Network Security

3.4.4 Endpoint Security

3.4.5 Others

4. Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market (by Region)

4.1 Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market (by Region)

4.2 North America

4.2.1 Regional Overview

4.2.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth

4.2.3 Factors Challenging the Market

4.2.4 Application

4.2.5 Product

4.2.6 North America Semiconductor Cybersecurity Market (by Country)

4.2.6.1 U.S.

4.2.6.1.1 Market by Application

4.2.6.1.2 Market by Product

4.2.6.2 Canada

4.2.6.2.1 Market by Application

4.2.6.2.2 Market by Product

4.2.6.3 Mexico

4.2.6.3.1 Market by Application

4.2.6.3.2 Market by Product

4.3 Europe

4.4 Asia-Pacific

4.5 Rest-of-the-World

5. Companies Profiled

5.1 Next Frontiers

5.2 Geographic Assessment

5.3 Company Profiles

5.3.1 Overview

5.3.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio

5.3.3 Top Competitors

5.3.4 Target Customers

5.3.5 Key Personnel

5.3.6 Analyst View

5.3.7 Market Share

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3qxrz3

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219239450/en/

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Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

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New World Solutions Inc. (CSE:NEWS)(OTC:REGRF)(FSE:RT5) ("New World" or the "Company") wishes to provide an update on the trading halt and CSE suspension.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has suspended the Company while it reviews certain aspects of the recent dialMkt acquisition. In particular, the transaction resulted in a new control person without shareholder approval, and the Exchange has objected to the Company's association with a person. The affected person has exercised their right to appeal. The appeal will be held in January, and the Company has been informed that the suspension will not be lifted prior to the appeal being heard.

The Company will provide a further update to shareholders in January.

About:

dialMKT is addressing the digital transformation of the global luxury wrist watch enthusiast market by developing a blockchain-powered digital ecosystem that integrates content, e-commerce, and community.

The company's video-first content platform WatchReporter.com is produced by watch enthusiasts - for watch enthusiasts and features the latest relevant articles, and videos on: watch auction news, collector interviews, watch reviews, and growing database on buyer guides on vintage and modern watches from the top brands. The newly launched dialMKT.com plans to offer rare and hard-to-find vintage and modern watches at the most competitive prices, with a high level of transparency, and concierge-style service for serious watch enthusiasts.

About New World

New World Solutions is an innovative technology company, driving innovative solutions to new world problems. Through our blockchain and technology experience, we are leveraging solutions in the decentralized finance space as well as the electric vehicle area. We look to acquire and launch a balanced spectrum of solutions to become a leader in this dynamic tech landscape.

For additional information on New World and other corporate information, please visit the company website at https://www.newworldinc.io/.

For further information, please contact:

Paul Haber, C.P.A., C.A., C.Dir

Chief Executive Officer

New World Solutions Inc.

Phone: (416) 318- 6501

Email: phaber@newworldinc.io

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements.

Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the risks associated with the blockchain in general, the risk that the Transaction will not be completed as contemplated or at all. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results, or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

The Canadian Stock Exchange (the "CSE") does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: New World Solutions Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Approval of all resolutions supported by the Board of Directors

Regulatory News:

TotalEnergies EP Gabon's (Paris:EC) Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting was held today in Port-Gentil, chaired by Mr. Michel ANTSELEVE, vice-chairman of the Board of Directors.

The shareholders adopted all the resolutions supported by the Board of Directors, including in particular the payment of a net dividend of $71.11 per share related to the financial year 2023.

A detailed breakdown of the vote tallies will be posted on the Company's website www.ep.totalenergies.ga in the coming days.

The Board of Directors in its meeting today approved the modalities of the dividend payment. The $71,11 per share dividend will be paid in euro on January 06, 2025, in an equivalent amount of 68.41 per share, based on the European Central Bank's rate (or its corresponding value in CFA francs) of $1.0395 per euro on December 19, 2024.

About TotalEnergies EP Gabon

TotalEnergies EP Gabon is 58.28% owned by TotalEnergies SE, 25% by the Gabonese Republic and 16.72% by the public.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

TotalEnergies on social media

X: @TotalEnergies

LinkedIn: TotalEnergies

Facebook: TotalEnergies

Instagram: TotalEnergies

Cautionary Note

The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. TotalEnergies SE has no liability for the acts or omissions of these entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219253656/en/

Contacts:

TotalEnergies EP Gabon

actionnariat-epgabon@totalenergies.com



Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com
Hivera, a Telegram-based mini-app, is redefining how people can make use of their unused internet bandwidth. By connecting to the app, users support the development of artificial intelligence and earn Hira tokens for their contributions. In just two days since its launch, Hivera has already gained traction with over 250,000 users, signaling strong interest in its unique approach.

The platform operates by securely transmitting small, encrypted data segments to train AI models. In exchange, contributors receive Hira tokens, which can be tracked and managed within the app. Bandwidth speed plays a key role in determining the rewards, creating a fair and competitive environment where participants are incentivized to optimize their networks.

"Hivera gives everyone with an internet connection the chance to be part of something meaningful while earning rewards," said Adam Lou, a current user of Hivera. "It's easy to use, operates quietly in the background, and keeps security at the forefront of its design."

The process is simple. Users activate the Telegram Hivera app, connect their bandwidth, and start earning Hira tokens immediately. The app is designed to be non-intrusive, ensuring internet speed remains unaffected. With robust encryption in place, users can rest assured their privacy and security are protected.

Hivera's concept isn't just about earning tokens; it's about contributing to a broader vision. By decentralizing bandwidth, the platform provides the infrastructure needed to support advanced AI technologies, all while benefiting its community of users.

To learn more or get started, visit:

Website: www.hivera.org

Mini App: t.me/hiverabot

X (Twitter): @hivera_app

Telegram Community: https://t.me/hivera_group

Company name: Hivera

Contact person: Justin Dong

Email contact@hivera.org

About Hivera:

Hivera is a Telegram mini-app that allows users to monetize unused internet bandwidth by supporting AI development. It's designed to be user-friendly, secure, and rewarding, making it easy for anyone to contribute to advancing technology while earning tangible benefits.

SOURCE: Hivera

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Forstrong Global Asset Management Inc. ("Forstrong") is pleased to announce the quarterly regular cash distributions for its ETFs, all of which trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Unitholders of record of a fund on December 30, 2024, will receive cash distributions payable in respect of that fund on January 7, 2025.

ETF Name Trading Symbol Distribution Amount (Per Unit) Forstrong Global Income ETF

(ETF Units) FINC $0.2160 Forstrong Global Balanced ETF

(ETF Units) FGBL $0.5177 Forstrong Global Growth ETF

(ETF Units) FGRW $0.3337 Forstrong Global Ex-North

America Equity ETF (ETF Units) FINE $0.3325

There is no regular cash distribution for the Forstrong Emerging Markets Equity ETF (ETF Units) (ticker "FEME") for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

About Forstrong Global Asset Management Inc.

Founded in 2001, Forstrong is a trusted global macro investment manager with specialized international expertise. Our active macro investment process is used by the firm's clients to meet the challenges of today's new economic and geopolitical realities. Forstrong is an independently owned firm with offices in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Kelowna.

Forstrong Global and the Forstrong Global logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Forstrong Global Asset Management Inc. in Canada.

Management fees, brokerage fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in ETFs. Please read the prospectus, which contains detailed investment information, before investing. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. ETFs units are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. ETF units are bought and sold at market price on the TSX or another exchange or marketplace and may only be bought and sold through licensed dealers. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. There can be no assurance that ETF units will trade at prices that reflect their net asset value per unit. If ETF units are purchased or sold on the TSX or another exchange or marketplace, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying units of an ETF and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There can be no assurance that an active public market for ETF units will develop or be sustained. There is no guarantee that the ETFs will achieve their stated objectives and there are risks involved in investing in the ETFs. Before investing you should read the prospectus or relevant ETF Facts and carefully consider, among other things, each ETF's investment objective, risks, charges and expenses. A copy of the prospectus and ETF Facts of each ETF is available at www.forstrongetfs.com or www.sedarplus.ca.

Certain statements may constitute a forward-looking statement within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to a future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding future financial performance. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect our current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that is contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.

This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the securities referred to herein. This press release is not for dissemination in the United States or for distribution to U.S. news wire services.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234498

SOURCE: Forstrong Global Asset Management Inc.
Zello, the leading voice-first communication platform powered by industry-defining push-to-talk technology, is proud to announce the winners of the 3rd Annual Zello Talks Awards, honoring organizations and individuals who leverage Zello to enhance operations, drive efficiency, and save lives.

The awards embody Zello's mission to empower frontline workers worldwide with instant access to the people and resources they need. This year's submissions spanned industries and continents, showcasing the transformative power of Zello in diverse operational settings.

The 2024 Award Winners are:

"Less Chatter, More Communication": Justin Fincher, Children's of Alabama

"Since 2022, Children's of Alabama has used Zello in its IT Desktop Team, resulting in improved communication and project deployment efficiency. In 2024, the Security department transitioned from Motorola walkie-talkies to Zello-enabled devices, enhancing connectivity and reducing costs."

"Talk a LOT": Rei Osaku, All Nippon Airways, Ltd.

"Zello has become our main communication tool, allowing us to target communications. It saves us a lot of time."

"Talk of the Town": Christopher Vasconcellos, Colonial Consultants

"Zello is an essential part of our communications network, particularly as we serve high-risk security clients, including schools. Our supervisors and response units are connected via Zello, which provides a faster and more organized response than traditional dispatch systems."

"Let the Numbers Do the Talking": Janice Morgan, Action Express and Hotshot

"Janice has been exceptional on the Customer Service Rep dispatch channel, dominating it with her helpfulness. Drivers know they can rely on her for quick support."

"All-Star Hero MVP for First Responders": Oscar Trejo, Direccion de Gestion del Riesgo de Desastres

"When a major landslide threatened a rural community near the Galeras Volcano, CAM used an early warning system powered by Zello to coordinate evacuations in minutes. This rapid response, which could have otherwise been delayed due to geographic and communication barriers, saved numerous lives and prevented widespread devastation."

With an ever-growing mobile workforce, businesses across industries are recognizing the critical need for reliable tools to connect teams instantly and foster real-time collaboration.

"These awards honor the creativity, resilience, and problem-solving abilities of frontline workers who rely on Zello every day," said Bruce MacFadyen, Chief Operating Officer of Zello. "The stories shared by this year's winners demonstrate not just their incredible dedication, but also how Zello is a cornerstone in enabling seamless communication that powers life-saving decisions and everyday operational successes."

Alex Gavrilov, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Zello, emphasized the company's enduring commitment to supporting frontline heroes, particularly through the Zello for First Responders initiative:

"We are immensely proud to stand alongside first responders and essential workers worldwide. Since its launch in July 2019, the Zello for First Responders program has supported over 3,700 organizations in 114 countries, providing $16 million worth of donated services. These awards reflect not only our gratitude but also the tangible difference Zello makes for those on the front lines."

Judges included Don Marsh, Editor at Semco Publishing, and Mimi Fernandez, customer success thought leader specializing in healthcare, technology, and sustainability.

SOURCE: Zello

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Discussions at the Sustainable Solar Europe event, held yesterday in Brussels, reveal that clearly recorded and available information is the key to ensuring sustainable and ethical practices all along the solar supply chain. And clear standards for the accuracy and relevance of this information are needed to ensure that all are moving toward the same target. The day also saw the launch of such a standard in the Solar Stewardship Initiative's Supply Chain Traceability Standard. Sustainable Solar Europe, an annual event jointly hosted by industry association SolarPower Europe and event organizer ...

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.
NB Advisors Brings Expert Financial Solutions to Darby's Growing Business Community.

NB Advisors, a premier accounting firm specializing in small business solutions, is excited to announce the opening of its newest service area in Darby, Pennsylvania. This expansion allows NB Advisors to provide personalized financial services to the local business community, empowering entrepreneurs to navigate the unique economic landscape of Darby.

Darby's economy is anchored by a diverse array of industries, employing approximately 3,910 people. The largest sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and educational services, which collectively account for a significant portion of the township's workforce. Notably, Darby's highest-paying industries-educational services, transportation & warehousing, and professional, scientific & technical services-highlight the area's potential for economic growth and innovation.

As a trusted Darby small business accountant, NB Advisors is dedicated to helping local businesses succeed by offering services such as tax planning, bookkeeping, CFO advisory, and compliance management. These services are tailored to meet the needs of Darby's businesses, particularly in an economic climate where strategic financial management is critical.

"Darby's economy is driven by a diverse range of industries, and its business community is brimming with opportunity," said Ryan Niedoba, Managing Partner of NB Advisors. "We're thrilled to bring our expertise to Darby, helping small business owners overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth in a competitive market."

NB Advisors' new location is strategically positioned to support entrepreneurs in these sectors and beyond by providing innovative financial solutions that drive long-term success.

NB Advisors is inviting local business owners to explore how their personalized accounting services can help them streamline operations, reduce tax burdens, and achieve their financial goals. For more information on this Darby small business accountant, visit https://nbcpa.us/small-business-accountant-darby-pa/ or call (856) 263-2626.

About NB Advisors:

NB Advisors is a fourth-generation family-owned accounting firm headquartered in Philadelphia, PA dedicated to helping small businesses minimize their tax burden and maximize profitability. With decades of experience, they offer personalized and innovative strategies to save clients $100K to $1M in taxes while ensuring sustainable business growth. Led by Ryan and Kevin Niedoba, NB Advisors takes pride in treating each client's business as their own, offering proactive, world-class service with a commitment to transparency and excellence.

SOURCE: NB Advisors

View the original press release on accesswire.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed bird flu cases in a commercial broiler farm in Cullman County, which is Alabama's top poultry-producing area, and a backyard flock in Pickens County.The result was confirmed at the Alabama State Diagnostic Laboratory in Auburn after the samples of the affected birds were tested for the virus.Following the confirmation, the health officials quarantined the affected farms and culled over 115,000 birds to prevent the disease from spreading.'For small scale producers, it's going to be a very large hit,' Nick Jones, with Five Sons Farms in Madison County, told FOX54. 'An outbreak of the avian flu would be, obviously, devastating to myself or any other farmer's annual income. It would be huge.''But you still have a responsibility to report something like this.' The ongoing avian influenza poses a threat to Alabama's economy as it ranks second in the U.S. for broiler production, with Cullman County generating more than $800 million in annual chicken sales.To address the outbreak, the state health department is working closely with state animal health officials to form a joint response plan. Also, the officials are monitoring all poultry situated within a 10-kilometer radius of the Cullman farm to contain the virus.Despite the outbreak, Dr. Tony Frazier, Alabama state veterinarian, assured, 'The poultry meat is safe. It is available to the consumer, they should enjoy that and not be worried that they are going to get bird flu from eating a Chick-Fil-A sandwich. That's just not going to happen.'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.
Phoenix Specialty Mfg. Co. announces the retirement of Steve Cornforth, Sales Manager, effective December 31, 2024. The company also proudly announces the promotion of Allison Penick as his successor.

Steve's remarkable career in manufacturing has spanned over four decades. Prior to his tenure at Phoenix Specialty, Steve served in various manufacturing roles at Savannah River Site in Aiken, SC and Zeus Industrial Products, Inc. in Orangeburg, SC. He also owned and operated a successful CNC Machine Shop in Denmark, SC for nearly 15 years.

Steve joined Phoenix Specialty in 2012 as Machine Shop Manager. His leadership and expertise led to his promotion to Operations Manager in 2016 and then to Sales Manager in 2019. Steve also served on the Leadership Team, where his extensive industry knowledge and strategic vision helped play a critical role in guiding the company's growth and success.

"All of us at Phoenix Specialty are extremely grateful for Steve's service over the years," said Russell Hurst, CEO of Phoenix Specialty. "Both his leadership and mentorship have been instrumental in building a strong Sales team and lasting customer relationships. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

Allison Penick's promotion to Sales Manager recognizes her dedication and contributions to Phoenix Specialty since joining the company nearly ten years ago. Allison was hired in 2015 as a Marketing Assistant and quickly demonstrated her talent and drive, advancing her through many roles within the company. In 2018, she was selected for Phoenix Specialty's Leadership Development Program, where she gained experience as a Customer Service Representative (CSR), Sales Representative, Engineering Assistant, and Production Scheduler/Expeditor. In early 2022, she became the Shipping Manager, fueling her growth in team leadership. Most recently, Allison served as Assistant Sales Manager beginning in October 2023, where she worked under Steve's mentorship and contributed significantly to the department's success.

Allison received her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of South Carolina Aiken in December 2021. She also completed the Precision Metalforming Association's Management Development Academy in early 2022.

"Allison's journey at Phoenix Specialty exemplifies our company's dedication to cultivating leadership from within," said Hurst. "Her experience across departments, vision for the future, and commitment to success make her the perfect person to lead the sales team. We are confident that the sales team will continue to thrive and grow under her leadership."

About Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing

Since 1907, Phoenix Specialty Mfg. Co. has been the leading supplier of custom parts to America's OEMs. Located in Bamberg, South Carolina, Phoenix delivers high-quality precision parts - all made in the USA. Serving all industries, this business has manufactured millions of parts, for thousands of customers worldwide. With an extensive raw materials inventory and an in-house tool & die shop, Phoenix has the capability to produce specialty parts fast. Offering a written Risk-Free Promise and a Managed Inventory System, Phoenix Specialty has made sourcing custom components easy for more than a century.

For more information about Phoenix Specialty, visit www.phoenixspecialty.com.

SOURCE: Phoenix Specialty Mfg. Co.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Expert facial plastic surgeon discusses the role of thick skin in rhinoplasty success.

Dr. Joanna Kam, a renowned facial plastic surgeon, sheds light on the complexities of rhinoplasty for patients with thick skin, offering tailored techniques that provide natural, harmonious results. Double board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Kam at Kam Facial Plastic Surgery is committed to overcoming the unique challenges posed by thick nasal skin, achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes with personalized care in Voorhees and Sewell, New Jersey.

Announcing Advanced Rhinoplasty Techniques for Thick Skin in Voorhees and Sewell, NJ

Dr. Joanna Kam at Kam Facial Plastic Surgery personalizes her surgical approach for thick skin rhinoplasty by considering each patient's unique characteristics, such as facial features, gender, ethnicity, nasal structure, and skin type. She carefully adjusts cartilage grafts, techniques, and recovery protocols for varying skin thicknesses, ensuring the best possible outcome for every patient.

By integrating each patient's unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, Dr. Kam ensures that the final nasal shape is harmonious, well-defined, and optimally suited to the patient's entire facial framework.

Understanding the Impact of Nasal Skin Thickness on Rhinoplasty

Nasal skin thickness plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of rhinoplasty procedures . Thicker nasal skin can reduce the visibility of noticeable changes and may make subtle adjustments less apparent, impacting the final appearance of the nose.

By considering a patient's skin thickness, a skilled surgeon can tailor the approach, ensuring that the selected rhinoplasty techniques align with the patient's nasal skeletal architecture, underlying cartilage, and unique facial features.

Adapting Surgical Techniques for Thick- and Thin-Skinned Noses

Proper rhinoplasty techniques are tailored to the patient's skin type. For patients with thick skin, surgeons may utilize cartilage grafts to strengthen the nasal framework, addressing the subcutaneous fatty layer and improving nasal structure. In contrast, precision techniques are utilized to minimize scarring while maintaining natural definition for thin-skinned patients. This careful balancing act ensures that both types of noses achieve harmonious and lasting results that can be seen 12-18 months after surgery.

Overcoming Challenges in Thick Skin Rhinoplasty Procedures

Thick skin tends to retain more fluid and takes longer to heal after surgery, which can lead to extended swelling. It can also obscure fine details in the reshaped nose, potentially making the initial results appear less defined, sometimes requiring a revision rhinoplasty to achieve the desired look. To address these challenges, surgeons may use intraoperative techniques or postoperative injections to reduce scar tissue and precise sculpting of the nasal structure to enhance definition. An experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon can expertly guide patients with thick nasal skin through a successful rhinoplasty and recovery process.

About Dr. Joanna Kam and Kam Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Joanna Kam is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, with exceptional training in facial plastic surgery. Her practice, Kam Facial Plastic Surgery, serves patients in Voorhees and Sewell, NJ, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Dr. Kam attended Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine on a full-tuition scholarship and completed her residency at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI.

Comprehensive Rhinoplasty Services, Including Ethnic and Feminization Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a core focus of Dr. Kam's practice. She offers open, closed, ethnic, feminization, and functional rhinoplasty procedures. Her approach is tailored to each patient's needs, considering factors like nasal skin thickness. Dr. Kam uses specific techniques to address associated challenges for patients with thick skin.

The rhinoplasty process typically begins with a consultation. The procedure, typically performed on an outpatient basis, generally involves either IV sedation or general anesthesia and lasts about 2 to 3 hours. Patients can resume most daily activities within a week, with final results visible over the course of a year as swelling subsides.

Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Treatments

Kam Facial Plastic Surgery also offers non-surgical facial rejuvenation options, including Botox injections, cosmetic fillers, and laser skin resurfacing. These can complement surgical procedures or serve as standalone options.

Dr. Kam's expertise extends to other facial plastic surgery procedures like facelifts, brow lifts, eyelid surgery, and neck lifts. She also focuses on facial reconstruction after skin cancer removal.

Patients in Voorhees and Sewell, NJ, can benefit from Dr. Kam's comprehensive approach to facial aesthetics. Her background in classical piano and microbiology, along with her surgical expertise, gives her a unique view of facial plastic surgery.

Contacting Dr. Joanna Kam for Thick Skin Rhinoplasty in New Jersey

Rhinoplasty for patients with thick skin demands proficiency from an experienced surgeon. Dr. Joanna Kam brings extensive expertise to address the unique challenges of thick skin rhinoplasty.

A consultation with Dr. Joanna Kam is an essential first step for anyone considering facial plastic surgery or other enhancement. Dr. Kam's attention to detail and thorough explanations ensure that you feel informed and confident about your options. She also uses the consultation to discuss realistic outcomes and provide honest guidance, helping you make well-informed decisions.

Kam Facial Plastic Surgery: Locations in Voorhees and Sewell, NJ

Dr. Kam's practice in Voorhees and Sewell, NJ, offers a range of facial rejuvenation and reconstruction procedures, focusing on creating natural-looking results that match each patient's features and aesthetic goals. The Kam Facial Plastic Surgery team delivers outstanding care and assistance throughout the surgical process.

Dr. Kam provides comprehensive rhinoplasty consultations to evaluate nasal skin thickness and determine appropriate surgical techniques. This includes a thorough examination and discussion of patient goals to create a tailored surgical plan. Call our Voorhees or Sewell office for more information on setting up an appointment .

Voorhees Office:

Address: 1605 East Evesham Road, Suite 202, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043

Phone Number: 856-565-2903

Hours of Operation: Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Sewell Office:

Address: 570 Egg Harbor Road, Suite B2-B, Sewell, NJ 08080

Phone Number: 856-565-2903

Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Closed Saturday and Sunday.

SOURCE: Kam Facial Plastic Surgery

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Gift will support scholarships, technology enhancements, and student engagement

RESTON, VA / ACCESSWIRE / December 12, 2024 / Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) announced a $750,000 donation to Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. The gift will benefit students and faculty across multiple disciplines, including the School of Science, the School of Engineering, the School of Liberal Arts and Education, as well as various technological advancements at the university.

"We are proud to join with Hampton University to invest in the future of education and technology," said Leidos CEO Tom Bell. "This gift reflects the strength of our relationship with the school and our ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, developing talent, and ensuring students have the tools and experiences they need to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world."

"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Leidos," said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. "This donation will directly impact our students by providing them with vital scholarship opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, and access to advanced technology. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Leidos, which will enrich both our academic programs and the broader community."

The multi-year Leidos contribution will fund student scholarships, provide students with learning opportunities at Leidos facilities, and enhance Hampton University's technology infrastructure to foster a more dynamic and interactive educational environment. The donation will also support establishing the Leidos Innovation Studio at Hampton University, further strengthening the collaboration between academia and industry. The new Leidos Innovation Studio workspace will enable students to intern with Leidos and work on real-world projects, providing valuable exposure to industry practices and professionals.

The contribution to Hampton University is another example of Leidos' steadfast commitment to supporting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority serving institutions, including a donation announced earlier this month to Drake State Community & Technical College in Huntsville, Alabama.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500 innovation company rapidly addressing the world's most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's global workforce of 48,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

About Hampton University

Hampton University, nestled along the scenic shores of Hampton, Virginia, is a dynamic historically Black institution with a storied legacy of academic excellence, pioneering research, and dedicated community service. Here, students discover an empowering environment that fuels their ambitions, nurtures their potential, and inspires them to rise, lead, and excel.

Founded in 1868, Hampton combines a robust liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on scientific and professional disciplines, offering a wide range of distinctive programs, including leading-edge degrees in STEM, business, arts, and health sciences. The University is at the forefront of research in areas such as atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and cybersecurity, driving innovation that impacts the world. Additionally, the newly launched School of Religion stands out as the first HBCU to offer a doctoral degree in theology, religious studies, and ministry. Contributing $530 million annually to both the regional and the Commonwealth of Virginia's economy, Hampton plays a vital role in regional development while championing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity.

Recognized by Money Magazine as one of the "Best Colleges in America" and honored by Coastal Virginia as the "Best Private College," Hampton University is a close-knit community of learners and educators representing 44 states and 32 territories and nations. Committed to nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, Hampton prepares its students to lead and thrive in an evolving world. For more information, visit www.hamptonu.edu.

Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams and Leidos CEO Tom Bell

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Leidos on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Leidos

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/leidos

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Leidos

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Tamarack, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) (OTC Pink: TLOFF) through its subsidiary Talon Nickel (USA) LLC ("Talon" or the "Company"), submitted an amended Environmental Assessment Worksheet ("EAW") to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the State's Environmental Impact Statement scoping process for the Tamarack Nickel-Copper Project, a proposed small-footprint, high-grade underground nickel mine that would be located near the City of Tamarack in Aitkin County, Minnesota (the "Tamarack Mining Project").

Talon first began the review process in June 2023 (see the Company's press release dated June 21, 2023). Since that time, the proposed Tamarack Mining Project has gone through two rounds of comments with the Minnesota regulatory agencies and participating tribal governments/organizations. After receiving the second round of comments on the EAW in February 2024, Talon has taken steps to investigate and propose engineered solutions to potential concerns. While this process has taken several months, the responsive engineering work underscores the Company's commitment to incorporating meaningful improvements that not only address technical requirements but also respond to broader stakeholder interests and concerns.

The amended EAW covers several key conceptual aspects of the Project for scoping.

Consolidation of operations into a single enclosed building

This proposed change:

Eliminates outdoor waste rock stockpiles, significantly reducing the risk of fugitive dust outside of a controlled environment.

Simplifies stormwater management by removing the need for extensive systems to handle outdoor contact stormwater from the Tamarack Mine Project.

Reduces the developed footprint, which is now over 10 acres smaller than in the original design, reflecting the Company's focus on minimizing environmental impacts while maintaining operational goals.

Significantly diminishes nighttime light pollution preserving the natural dark-sky quality of the area.

Reduces the sound generated by future operations further limiting the project's sensory impact on the surrounding environment and community as the building serves as an effective noise barrier.

Further proposed enhancements

Transitioning from a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) method that would require a looped tunnel, to a single decline ramp. This proposed change will decrease the volume of development rock generated and reduce material handling demands.

Shifting from manifest trains to unit trains to optimize rail transportation, reducing the frequency of shipments from the site (a single unit train equates to approximately three manifest trains).

"These proposed updates reflect Talon's ongoing commitment to listening and responding to feedback, ensuring that the Tamarack Mine Project evolves in a manner that addresses both technical requirements and the expectations of those invested in the project's success. By prioritizing environment protection, operational sustainability, and community well-being, this amended EAW underscores Talon's dedication to advancing the project responsibly," said Chris Wallace, Vice President of Environmental and Permitting for Talon.

Jessica Johnson, Talon's Vice President, External Affairs also stated, "Talon is excited to continue the environmental review process, where the project design will go through further evaluation. Soon the process will encourage formal public participation through providing comments on the proposed project. These comments can further shape and refine the project design."

Information about the Environmental Review process is available on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website: Home | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)

JESSICA JOHNSON TO LEAD EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TEAM

Jessica Johnson has been promoted to Vice President, External Affairs assuming all responsibilities for all external Company engagement (media, communities and government relations). Johnson has been with Talon since 2019 and has held successive roles of responsibility in external engagement for the Company. Johnson takes over leadership of the external affairs functions from Todd Malan who is transitioning to an advisory role for the Company. Malan joined Talon in September 2021 from Rio Tinto and worked closely with Johnson to build up the external and internal capabilities, resulting in extraordinary federal government support for Talon's projects in Minnesota, Michigan and North Dakota. Cody Mayer has been promoted to Director, Tribal and Community Engagement and will report to Johnson. He will be based at Talon's mineral exploration operations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan but support tribal engagement across Talon's operations. Johnson lives proximate to the Tamarack Nickel Project and was born and raised in northern Minnesota. Mayer was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, a tribal sovereign government in the region.

ABOUT TALON

Talon is a TSX-listed base metals company in a joint venture with Rio Tinto on the high-grade Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project located in central Minnesota. Talon's shares are also traded in the U.S. over the OTC market under the symbol TLOFF. The Tamarack Nickel Project comprises a large land position (18km of strike length) with additional high-grade intercepts outside the current resource area. Talon has an earn-in right to acquire up to 60% of the Tamarack Nickel Project, and currently owns 51%. Talon is focused on (i) expanding and infilling its current high-grade nickel mineralization resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 to shape a mine plan for submission to Minnesota regulators, and (ii) following up on additional high-grade nickel mineralization in the Tamarack Intrusive Complex. Talon has a neutrality and workforce development agreement in place with the United Steelworkers union. Talon's Battery Mineral Processing Facility in Mercer County was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for US$114.8 million funding grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the U.S. Department of Defense awarded Talon a grant of U.S. $20.6 million to support and accelerate Talon's exploration efforts in both Minnesota and Michigan. Talon has well-qualified experienced exploration, mine development, external affairs and mine permitting teams.

For additional information on Talon, please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com or contact:

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to the consolidation of operations into a single enclosed building; the size of the above ground mine operation campus; the use of single decline ramp; using manifest trains; the project design; the timing and outcome of the environmental review process, including the EIS. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company which risks includes (and is not limited to) the Company's ability to secure all necessary permits relating to the proposed operations. Other risks related to the Company and the Tamarack Mining Project are set out in the Company's financial statements and Annual Information Form.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234508

SOURCE: Talon Metals Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE" or "the Exchange") today announced market statistics for November 2024.

November 2024 Operating Statistics

Trading volume of CSE listed securities totaled 1.5 billion shares;

Trading value of CSE listed securities was $491 million;

CSE issuers completed 100 financings that raised an aggregate $292 million; and

The CSE welcomed listings from four new companies, bringing total listed securities to 777 as at November 30, 2024.

"November was by far the most active month for trading activity on the Canadian Securities Exchange in more than a year," said Richard Carleton, CEO of the CSE. "We have witnessed continued positive momentum since the summer, underscoring the expanding investor interest in emerging companies. Another indicator of this growing interest was on the financing side, as four of the ten largest financings completed by CSE-listed issuers to date in 2024 all happened in November."

What's On at the CSE

On December 18, the CSE hosted a special market open ceremony with the Canadian Helen Keller Centre (CHKC). Jennifer Robbins, CEO of the CHKC, rang the opening bell and discussed how her organization provides affordable housing and other crucial services to Canadians who are deafblind. Following GivingTuesday, the CSE was honoured to raise awareness in the Canadian business community of the CHKC's life-changing initiatives.

The CSE team is excited to be returning to the annual Vancouver Resource Investment Conference, which takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre (West Building) on January 19-20, 2025. The event, presented by Cambridge House, features an impressive line-up of expert speakers, and the list of exhibitors includes numerous CSE-listed companies. Attendees are invited to visit the CSE in booth #1020.

The largest microcap event in the United States is taking place in Atlantic City on January 28-30, 2025, and the CSE is excited to be attending once again. The Microcap Conference, presented by DealFlow Events, features more than 150 companies, more than 500 investors, and, naturally, a poker tournament. The participating companies include the CSE issuers FendX Technologies Inc. (FNDX) and Railtown AI Technologies Inc. (RAIL).

New Listings in November 2024

Dunbar Metals Corp. (DMC)

Adelphi Metals Inc. (ADP)

Canary Gold Corp. (BRAZ)

Onco-Innovations Limited (ONCO)

About the Canadian Securities Exchange:

The Canadian Securities Exchange is a rapidly growing exchange invested in working with entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors to access public capital markets in Canada. The Exchange's efficient operating model, advanced technology and competitive fee structure help its listed issuers of all sectors and sizes minimize their cost of capital and enhance global liquidity.

Our client-centric approach and corresponding products and services ensure businesses have the support they need to confidently realize their vision.

The CSE offers global investors access to an innovative collection of growing and mature companies.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CSE

=============================

Website: https://thecse.com/

Blog: https://blog.thecse.com/

CSE TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/csetv

CSE's "The Exchange for Entrepreneurs" Podcast: https://blog.thecse.com/category/cse-podcast/

Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/canadian-securities-exchange

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CSE_News

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadianexchange/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianSecuritiesExchange/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234527

SOURCE: Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE)
Requisitions General Meetings of Shareholders of Seven Investment Trusts Currently Managed by Baillie Gifford, Herald Investment Management, Janus Henderson Investors and Manulife CQS Investment Management

Intends to Reconstitute the Boards with Experienced Directors Who Will "Mind the Gap" Between the Trusts' Trading Price and Net Asset Value

Details Plan to Quickly Deliver Substantial Liquidity and Long-Term Returns for All Shareholders

Visit www.mindthegap-uktrusts.com to Sign Up for Important Campaign Updates, Meet Saba's Director Candidates and Learn How to Support Saba's Resolutions at the General Meetings

Saba Capital Management, L.P. (together with certain of its affiliates, "Saba" or "we") today announced that it has requisitioned the Boards of Directors (the "Boards") of Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust PLC (USA:LSE), CQS Natural Resources Growth Income PLC (CYN:LSE), Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust PLC (EWI:LSE), European Smaller Companies Trust PLC (ESCT:LSE), Henderson Opportunities Trust PLC (HOT:LSE), Herald Investment Trust PLC (HRI:LSE) and Keystone Positive Change Investment Trust PLC (KPC:LSE) (collectively, the "Trusts") to convene general meetings of shareholders (the "General Meetings") to provide shareholders the opportunity to vote on resolutions to remove the Trusts' existing directors and appoint highly qualified directors to replace them. Saba is convening the General Meetings because we believe the current Boards of Directors and investment managers have failed to perform versus their benchmarks and have, therefore, required Saba's investment to narrow the deep trading discounts to net asset value and deliver returns for shareholders.

In connection with its requisitions, Saba today issued the following open letter to its fellow shareholders. For more information on the director candidates and Saba's plans for the Trusts, including its intent that the current investment managers be replaced, visit: www.mindthegap-uktrusts.com.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION

18 December 2024

Fellow Shareholders,

On behalf of Saba Capital Management, L.P. (together with certain of its affiliates, "Saba" or "we"), I am writing to inform you that we have requested the Boards of Directors (the "Boards") of seven investment trusts (listed below) convene general meetings (the "General Meetings"). The seven trusts are Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust PLC, CQS Natural Resources Growth Income PLC, Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust PLC, European Smaller Companies Trust PLC, Henderson Opportunities Trust PLC, Herald Investment Trust PLC and Keystone Positive Change Investment Trust PLC (collectively, the "Trusts"). We called these General Meetings because the current Boards have failed to hold the investment managers accountable for the Trusts' wide trading discounts to net asset value ("NAV") and their inability to deliver sufficient shareholder returns.

Saba holds an interest in approximately 19% to 29% of each Trust's shares, making us the largest investor in each Trust, aligning our interests with yours and giving us the right to requisition the General Meetings. We believe that the Boards have not minded the trading gap, which is why we want to offer you the opportunity to elect new directors with a concrete plan to deliver shareholder value.

Saba's Strong Track Record and Views on the U.K. Investment Trust Industry

Investment trusts first caught my eye as an individual investor more than two decades ago, early in my career at Deutsche Bank. I was drawn to the inconsistency: while some trusts traded near fair value, others were stuck at a yawning discount. This discrepancy fascinated me. I saw an opportunity to apply techniques from my institutional markets experience to a space largely driven by small investors. It was the perfect arena to combine my analytical skills and passion for navigating the odds, whether as an investor, blackjack card counter or chess master.

Today, it's a core strategy for us at Saba Capital, as we seek to help millions of individual investors realize significant value. What has caught my attention for the past three years is that the U.K. trust industry's discounts have deepened as a consequence of investors losing faith in managers after shockingly poor performance in certain trusts. At the same time, the boards have not held those managers accountable.

Saba prefers private engagement with the boards of the trusts we invest in, but underperformance, persistent trading discounts and disengaged management teams leave us no choice but to act. The value creation opportunities are vast when trusts are overseen by skilled managers and boards operating with best-in-class governance. This is why we believe change is urgently needed at these Trusts

As one of the world's single-largest investors in investment trusts, Saba has a track record of pursuing changes that return discounted trusts to their full NAV and create long-term value for shareholders. We have negotiated dozens of shareholder-friendly corporate actions such as tenders, share buybacks, restructurings and discount management plans and changes to investment approaches in investment vehicles where shareholders had previously suffered from prolonged poor performance and subpar management.

With our industry expertise, we have identified a clear path forward to transform these Trusts and deliver greater shareholder value than under the current Boards and respective investment managers, as outlined below.1

Mind the Gap: Why Saba Believes New Boards Are Necessary to Correct Underperformance

Saba is concerned that the current managers' and Boards' inability to mind the gap between each Trust's trading price and NAV has destroyed significant value for shareholders. It is important to note that the Trusts' discounts to NAV have narrowed significantly over the last six months. We consider this to be a direct result of Saba building our total stake in these Trusts to 1.5 billion. Without such buyer demand or the prospect of active steps being taken to improve returns to shareholders, there is a risk of the Trusts' share prices falling and discounts widening again if we are unsuccessful in our pursuit to reconstitute the Boards of the seven Trusts.

As evidenced in the chart below, the Trusts have also delivered underwhelming, and in some cases disastrous, total shareholder returns ("TSR") compared to their respective benchmark indices during the last three years.2,3

Trust 3-Year Average Discount to NAV 3-Year TSR vs. Benchmark USA -13.8% -52.8% KPC -12.0% -47.0% EWI -12.9% -43.1% CYN -14.0% -30.0% HOT -13.4% -26.9% HRI -14.7% -7.4% ESCT -13.5% 11.0% Source: Bloomberg. Data is in GBP and as of 13 December 2024.

The takeaway is clear: the Trusts' managers and their directors have failed shareholders. Performance demonstrates that they have not taken sufficient steps to resolve the Trusts' structural issues, depriving shareholders of superior returns. While there are multiple levers to narrow these persistent discounts, inaction has been the consistent course of current leadership.

Saba's Resolutions: Reconstitute the Trusts' Boards with Exceptionally Qualified Directors

The current Boards' failure to hold management accountable for the Trusts' poor performance has left us no choice but to take the extraordinary step of requisitioning a General Meeting for each of the seven Trusts. To swiftly capitalize on the significant upside opportunity for all shareholders, we have requested that each Board conduct its General Meeting as soon as possible and expect that all General Meetings will be scheduled, at the latest, by early February 2025.4

At each of these meetings, shareholders will have the opportunity to vote on two critical resolutions (the "Resolutions") proposed by Saba to 1.) remove all current directors of the Trusts, and 2.) appoint new, highly qualified candidates to replace them.5

By fully reconstituting the Trusts' Boards, we believe that we can unlock greater value for shareholders and address the long-term structural issues that have hamstrung the Trusts' return potential under current leadership. Each of the director candidates shares a deep commitment to improving shareholder returns and putting your interests above their own.

We have proposed to replace the full Board of each Trust with the director appointees set out in the following table:

Proposed New Directors Summary Biographies Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust PLC (USA:LSE) Boaz Weinstein is a leading hedge fund manager overseeing $5.5 billion in assets at Saba Capital, one of the world's single-largest investors in investment trusts with a track record of pursuing changes that create long-term value for shareholders. Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Saba, which was named Hedge Fund of the Year by Risk.net and two-time Activist Hedge Fund Manager of the Year by Institutional Investor.

by Risk.net and two-time by Institutional Investor. Former Co-Head of Global Credit Trading at Deutsche Bank, where he had dual responsibility for proprietary trading and market making. Miriam Khasidy is a legal professional and former business consultant based in London who has experience advising clients on growth strategy, operational optimization, due diligence processes, banking and finance arrangements, M&A activity and investor relations. Former Director at Pantechnicon Capital LLC, an alternative investment manager, and former Executive Director at Caerus Group, a real estate investment and development company.

Former U.S. Capital Markets Associate at Clifford Chance LLP, an international law firm where she specialized in advising and managing disclosure requirements and complex execution mechanics for cross-border transactions. CQS Natural Resources Growth Income PLC (CYN:LSE) Paul Kazarian is the Principal Executive Officer of Saba's publicly traded investment trusts, leads Saba's investment trust and exchange-traded fund strategy and products, and has extensive experience as an investment trust director. Partner and Closed-End Fund Portfolio Manager at Saba.

Serves on the Board of Trustees of various publicly traded trusts. Marc Loughlin is an investment and exchange-traded fund expert with nearly three decades of experience on the buy- and sell-side of the sector. Director of Closed-End Fund and Exchange-Traded Fund Trading Solutions at WallachBeth Capital, a leading provider of institutional execution services.

Former Head of Non-Standard Arbitrage at Societe Generale in London, where he spent 13 years, and Head of U.S. Closed-End Fund Sales at Canaccord Genuity. Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust PLC (EWI:LSE) Paul Kazarian. See bio above. Jonathan Zucker is a seasoned investment manager and former lawyer with 13 years of experience in the investment and finance industries. Principal of JOAD Investments, a private investment firm, since 2011.

Former Assistant District Attorney at The Bronx County District Attorney's Office in New York City. European Smaller Companies Trust PLC (ESCT:LSE) Paul Kazarian. See bio above. Doug Hirsch has significant investment experience, which includes serving on the Board of Directors of several investment funds and an affiliate of a formerly publicly traded U.K. company. Founder and Managing Partner of Seneca Capital Investments, a value-oriented, event-driven investment partnership, which is now a family office.

Serves on the Board of Directors for several funds managed by Greenlight Capital and an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, and previously served on the Board of Directors of Smith New Court New York, an affiliate of Smith New Court PLC, Britain's largest independent stockbroker until its sale to Merrill Lynch. Henderson Opportunities Trust PLC (HOT:LSE) Paul Kazarian. See bio above. Simon Reeves is a wealth management industry veteran, with more than 25 years of investment experience, specializing in advising high-net-worth individuals and families. Managing Partner at Pasadena Private Financial Group, a private wealth advisory firm catering to affluent families and their businesses. Former Member of the American Stock Exchange and CBOE making markets in stock options.

Currently on the investment committee of the Catalyst Fund, an early-stage venture fund led by the Alliance for SoCal Innovation. Previously served on the Board of Directors of Saddleback Memorial Foundation, one of southern California's leading hospital chains, helping manage their endowment. Herald Investment Trust PLC (HRI:LSE) Paul Kazarian. See bio above. Jassen Trenkow is a former finance and banking executive with 20 years of experience at Wall Street's top banking institutions. Founder and Managing Partner of DynamiCOO, where he serves as an on-demand Chief Operating Officer for companies of various sizes.

Former Head of Finance Structural Reform and Transformation at Barclays, and Former Chief Operating Officer of Goldman Sachs Asset Management in Asia. Keystone Positive Change Investment Trust PLC (KPC:LSE) Paul Kazarian. See bio above. John Karabelas has 25 years of experience in fixed income investments, including overseeing the development, implementation and operation of credit products for a global bank's institutional investor client base. Head of US Institutional Sales at MUFG since 2019.

Former Partner and President of Kildonan Castle Asset Management, an opportunistic credit alternative asset management firm.

The Plan: Deliver Substantial Liquidity Long-Term Returns for Shareholders

We have identified a clear path forward to transform these seven Trusts and deliver greater value than you could otherwise realize under the current Boards and managers. Our plan is simple: with a reconstituted Board, we intend to provide shareholders with long-overdue liquidity options alongside the opportunity for greater long-term returns under a new investment strategy and manager.

If appointed, the new directors will transparently assess all go-forward options available to the Trusts, including:

Offering liquidity events, including tender offers and share buybacks, so that all shareholders immediately have the opportunity to receive substantial liquidity near NAV, if they wish.

Terminating the Trusts' current investment management agreements.

Replacing the Trusts' current investment managers.

Refocusing the Trusts' investment mandates on purchasing discounted trusts and/or combining them with other investment trusts, where appropriate, to realize scale benefits and synergies.

The Opportunity: Unlock Value with a Proven Investment Manager

Saba has seen demand from investors to bring a product similar to our CEFS exchange-traded fund, which actively invests in discounted closed-end funds, to the U.K. market. This campaign answers this call.

At each Trust where shareholders pass our Resolutions, the Board will be changed immediately, and each newly appointed Board will consider the optimal investment strategy and manager going forward. If a new Board, in accordance with its fiduciary duties, decides to proceed with replacing the existing manager and introducing a new investment policy, we anticipate the following process:

The anticipated notice period of three months (EWI, KPC), six months (CYN, ESCT, HOT, USA) and 12 months (HRI) for each investment management agreement will be followed.

If the Board of a Trust decides to proceed with the termination of any existing investment management agreement, new arrangements will be considered and put in place prior to its expiry.

We intend to propose Saba as the new investment manager to each of the Boards for their consideration.

If a Board ultimately decides to vote on the appointment of Saba, Mr. Weinstein and Mr. Kazarian will recuse themselves from voting on Board decisions related to Saba.

To ensure compliance with the highest standards of governance, it is intended that one or more further independent directors will also be appointed to each Board as soon as reasonably possible following the Trusts' General Meetings.

If the director candidates are appointed, they intend to first assess options to provide shareholders the opportunity to achieve substantial liquidity near NAV if they do not wish to remain in a Trust with a new investment manager and mandate. If a newly reconstituted Board selects Saba as the new investment manager, we intend to deliver attractive terms and greater value to shareholders by shifting the Trusts' investment mandates to focus on purchasing discounted trusts consistent with our successful strategy at CEFS, as investors have consistently called for.

Vote "FOR" Saba's Resolutions at the Upcoming General Meetings

As shareholders, you deserve an investment that provides reliable returns, Boards that advocate for your best interests and managers that are focused on delivering enhanced value.

If you are ready for positive change, then we strongly urge you to vote in favour of the Resolutions as we firmly believe they are the only credible, long-term way to earn outsized returns on your investment. Saba believes that passing all the Resolutions is in the best interests of each Trust and its shareholders. Accordingly, Saba will exercise all our voting rights in favour of each Resolution at the Trusts' General Meetings.

We look forward to continuing this dialogue with you and appreciate your consideration. We are available to discuss our Resolutions and our campaign to MindTheGap.

Sincerely,

Boaz Weinstein

Founder Chief Investment Officer, Saba Capital

SABA HOLDINGS IN EACH TRUST

As of 18 December 2024, Saba, directly or indirectly, has the following aggregate interest in each of the Trusts (including at least a 5% holding of shares in each Trust):

Trust Manager of Interest Aggregate Interest6 Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust PLC Saba Capital Management, L.P. 25.2% CQS Natural Resources Growth Income PLC Saba Capital Management, L.P. 25.1% Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust PLC Saba Capital Management, L.P. 21.1% European Smaller Companies Trust PLC Saba Capital Management, L.P. 29.1% Henderson Opportunities Trust PLC Saba Capital Management, L.P. 23.4% Herald Investment Trust PLC Saba Capital Management, L.P. 18.6% Keystone Positive Change Investment Trust PLC Saba Capital Management, L.P. 29.2%

Saba's interest in each Trust is currently less than 30% of the issued share capital of each relevant Trust. Although Saba has no current intention to acquire 30% or more of any Trust, following the potential replacement of applicable investment managers, Saba, as a shareholder, intends to explore possible means by which portfolios of the Trusts may be aggregated, where appropriate, to realise scale benefits and synergies.

White Case LLP is acting as legal adviser to Saba Capital Management, L.P.

About Saba

Saba Capital Management, L.P. is a global alternative asset management firm that seeks to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns for a diverse group of clients. Founded in 2009 by Boaz Weinstein, Saba is a pioneer of credit relative value strategies and capital structure arbitrage. Saba has offices in New York City and London. Learn more at www.sabacapital.com.

DISCLAIMER

Saba Capital Management, L.P. ("Saba") is publishing this announcement solely for the information of other shareholders in each of Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust PLC (USA:LSE), CQS Natural Resources Growth Income PLC (CYN:LSE), Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust PLC (EWI:LSE), European Smaller Companies Trust PLC (ESCT:LSE), Henderson Opportunities Trust PLC (HOT:LSE), Herald Investment Trust PLC (HRI:LSE) and Keystone Positive Change Investment Trust PLC (KPC:LSE) (the "Trusts"). This announcement is not intended to be and does not constitute or contain any investment recommendation as defined by Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (as it forms part of the domestic law in the United Kingdom by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018). No information in this announcement should be construed as recommending or suggesting an investment strategy. Nothing in this announcement or in any related materials is a statement of or indicates or implies any specific or probable value outcome in any particular circumstance. This announcement is provided merely for general informational purposes and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as (1) investment, financial, tax or legal advice, or (2) a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security or other investment, or to pursue any investment style or strategy. Neither the information nor any opinion contained in this announcement constitutes an inducement or offer to purchase or sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell any securities or other investments in the Trusts or any other trust by Saba or any of its affiliates in any jurisdiction. This announcement does not consider the investment objective, financial situation, suitability or the particular need or circumstances of any specific individual who may access or review this announcement and may not be taken as advice on the merits of any investment decision. This announcement is not intended to provide the sole basis for evaluation of, and does not purport to contain all information that may be required with respect to, any potential investment in the Trusts. Any person who is in any doubt about the matters to which this announcement relates should consult an authorised financial adviser or other person authorised under the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. To the best of Saba's ability and belief, all information contained herein is accurate and reliable, and has been obtained from public sources that Saba believes to be accurate and reliable. However, such information is presented "as is", without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, and Saba has not independently verified the data contained therein. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice, and Saba does not undertake to update or supplement any of the information, analysis and opinion contained herein.

The reference herein to CEFS (and Saba as its portfolio manager) is solely provided for context in discussing the proposals related to the Trusts and is not intended to be, nor is it, an offer to sell interests of that fund or any other Saba-managed or subadvised vehicle.

Saba may continue transacting in the shares and securities of the Trusts, and/or derivatives referenced to them (which may include those providing long and short economic exposure) for an indefinite period following the date of this announcement and may increase or decrease its interests in such shares, securities and/or derivatives at any time.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements and information that are based on Saba's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, Saba. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about strategies, plans, objectives, expectations, intentions, expenditures and assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. When used herein, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and "project" and similar expressions (or their negative) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect Saba's current views with respect to future events, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially and adversely from those described herein. There is no assurance or guarantee with respect to the prices at which any securities of the Trusts or any other trust will trade, and such securities may not trade at prices that may be implied herein. Any estimates, projections or potential impact of the opportunities identified by Saba herein are based on assumptions that Saba believes to be reasonable as of the date hereof, but there can be no assurance or guarantee that actual results or performance will not differ, and such differences may be material and adverse. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is given by Saba or any of its officers, employees or agents as to the achievement or reasonableness of, and no reliance should be placed on, any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects or returns contained herein. Neither Saba nor any of its directors, officers, employees, advisers or representatives shall have any liability whatsoever (for negligence or misrepresentation or in tort or under contract or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising from any use of information presented in this announcement or otherwise arising in connection with this announcement. Any historical financial information, projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects or returns contained herein are not necessarily a reliable indicator of future performance. Nothing in this announcement should be relied upon as a promise or representation as to the future. Nothing in this announcement should be considered as a profit forecast.

PERMITTED RECIPIENTS

In relation to the United Kingdom, this announcement is being issued only to, and is directed only at, (i) investment professionals specified in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 as amended (the "Order"), (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order and (iii) persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities of the Trusts or any member of their respective groups may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "Permitted Recipients"). Persons who are not Permitted Recipients must not act or rely on the information contained in this announcement.

DISTRIBUTION

Not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in, into or from any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws of that jurisdiction. The distribution of this announcement in certain countries may be restricted by law and persons who access it are required to inform themselves and to comply with any such restrictions. Saba disclaims all responsibility where persons access this announcement in breach of any law or regulation in the country of which that person is a citizen or in which that person is residing or is domiciled.

1 The Trusts' investment managers include Baillie Gifford, Herald Investment Management, Janus Henderson Investors and Manulife CQS Investment Management.

2 The list of benchmark indices includes S&P 500 Index (USA), MSCI ACWI Index (KPC), S&P Global Small Cap Index (EWI), MSCI World Energy Sector Index (CYN), FTSE All-Share Index (HOT), Russell 2000 Tech Index (HRI) and MSCI Europe ex U.K. Small Cap Index (ESCT).

3 Source: Bloomberg. TSR data is inclusive of dividends and as of 13 December 2024.

4 Following receipt of the notice in accordance with applicable law and each Trust's articles of association.

5 For USA, there will be a third resolution to reduce the minimum permitted board size from three to two directors.

6 Having consulted with the Takeover Panel, Saba is not aware of other interests or holdings in any Trust of persons considered by the Takeover Panel to be acting in concert with it.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217573649/en/

Contacts:

Investor Contact

Alliance Advisors

Timothy Marshall Adam Riches, 0800-102-6570

saba@allianceadvisors.com

Media Contact

Longacre Square Partners

Charlotte Kiaie Kate Sylvester, +1-646-386-0091

ckiaie@longacresquare.com ksylvester@longacresquare.com
Attorneys encourage the next generation of students to think critically about jury trials.

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View the original press release on accesswire.com
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Gunnison Copper Corp. (TSX: GCU) (FSE: 3XS) (OTCQB: GCUMF) ("GCC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed a National Instrument ("NI") 43-101 Technical Report dated effective November 1, 2024 (the "Report") on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. The Report is with respect to the results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on its 100%-owned Gunnison Project in the Cochise Mining District, Arizona. The Gunnison Project is presented as a conventional open pit and heap leach operation which will produce finished copper cathode for domestic U.S. consumption. All dollar amounts are in US dollars and "Tons" refer to U.S. short tons (1 short ton equals approximately 0.91 metric tonnes).

Highlights of the PEA (United States Dollars)

The Gunnison Project, a fully vertically integrated operation producing finished copper cathode on-site in Arizona for domestic U.S. supply chains, has an after-tax net present value (8%) of $1.3 billion and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 20.9% at a long-term copper price of $4.10/lb;

One of the most substantial open pit copper projects in the U.S. with total Measured and Indicated ("M&I") Mineral Resources in the open pit of 551 million tons at a total copper grade of 0.35%, capable of supplying 8% of recent annual U.S. domestic copper production [1]

Simplified and lower risk path to permitting; the Gunnison Project has current operating permits and there is a more streamlined amendment process to State and Local permits to proceed with open pit mining;

Significant benefits for the community and local economy through the payment of over $840 million in U.S. federal, state, and local taxes, partnerships with local institutions such as Cochise College, and the creation of over 650 local jobs;

Average annual copper cathode production of 83,700 tons (167 million lbs) over the first 16 years and total production of 1,355,900 tons (2,712 million lbs) over the entire 18 year mine life at an average Cash Cost (C1) of $1.42/lb and Sustaining Cash Cost [2] of $1.94/lb of copper produced;

of $1.94/lb of copper produced; Total initial capital cost of $1.3 billion and after-tax payback period for initial capital of 4.1 years;

Environmental advantages include lower water usage per pound of copper produced versus copper concentrate producers, up to 10% reduced energy consumption due to on-site clean energy production, and zero risk of environmental impacts from tailings dam failures as there are no tailings produced.

Dr. Stephen Twyerould, CEO, commented: "The positive outlook for copper prices, combined with advancement of sulfide leaching technologies, and the greater overall copper extraction afforded by open pit mining and heap leaching, has prompted us to focus on an open pit alternative to ISR. We are very excited by these results, which clearly demonstrate the project is substantial and highly competitive amongst its peers."

Craig Hallworth, CFO, commented: "Gunnison Copper, with its newly optimized Gunnison Project and soon to be producing Johnson Camp Mine, presents an attractive opportunity for investors to gain leverage to the copper price through a pure play vehicle. Given the portfolio's location in the Arizona Copper Belt, the fully permitted status of Johnson Camp and streamlined path to permitting for Gunnison via permit amendments, we look forward to directly supplying critical U.S. supply chains in the clean energy, defense, and manufacturing sectors in our expected macro environment of rising copper prices and producer multiples."

Roland Goodgame, SVP Business Development, commented: "The future of Gunnison has evolved to a lower risk open pit option with great economics. The opportunities the Gunnison project presents will benefit the local community and the greater Arizona economy. Significant direct jobs (over 650) and indirect jobs will be created in addition to $842 million in revenues to local, state and federal tax. The historical mining assets in the Cochise Mining District will be leveraged and fully developed to benefit the local community."

The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the conclusions reached in the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

The PEA was completed by M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation ("M3") of Tucson, AZ and is effective as of November 1, 2024. The prior technical report on the Gunnison Project included the Johnson Camp Mine ("JCM"); however, with the new open pit development of the Gunnison Project and the current construction and upcoming restart of production at JCM in 2025, the Company will no longer develop the Gunnison Project and JCM using common infrastructure. As a result, an updated technical report on JCM will be prepared and filed.

Preliminary Economic Assessment Summary

The Project is in Cochise County, Arizona, approximately 65 miles east of Tucson and is held or controlled 100% by GCC. The Gunnison deposit of the Gunnison Project was previously designed and developed as an in-situ recovery ("ISR") copper operation. The advancement of sulfide leaching technologies and the greater copper extraction of open pit mining and heap leaching has prompted GCC to focus on the open pit alternative to ISR. Nevertheless, the optionality on the fully permitted ISR operations and well stimulation remains an asset to the Company and this optionality will be maintained. This includes maintaining full compliance with all regulatory and permit requirements including maintaining hydraulic control, pumping, monitoring and regulatory reporting.

The Gunnison Open Pit PEA plans to pre-strip alluvial overburden using leased owner-operated equipment. The deposit is a single large body allowing for more cost effective haulage costs, versus mining from numerous regional deposits. A primary gyratory crusher will be installed to crush to a P80 of 6 inches for leaching predominately oxide mineralized materials on the leach pad. A rail spur from the Union Pacific Southern Pacific (UPSP) will provide straightforward access and inexpensive transportation for incoming sulfur and outgoing copper cathodes. The sulfuric acid plant will produce acid with a net cost of approximately $36 a ton and 27 MW of clean energy.

GCC has a successful track record of permitting and community relations. This, along with the fact that the Gunnison open pit has no federal permitting nexus, on flat ground with no identified endangered or threatened species or habitat, and no historical, archaeological, or Native American artefacts, indicates the Company's prior permitting track record can be maintained.

Table of Key Metrics





Table 1

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Notes:

1. Hard rock waste includes 85 million short tons of pure limestone, a highly marketable material.

2. Excludes recovery of sulfides from conventional leaching. Some sulfides are expected to leach and provide up-side to recoveries and copper production.

3. Includes acid plant, leach pad, SX-EW, crushing facility, truck shop, mining pre-strip, highway move, owners' costs and other minor infrastructure.

4. Sustaining Capital includes $346 million in deferred stripping costs.

5. Cash Cost includes mine operating, crushing and leaching, process plant operating, and general and administrative costs ("G&A").

6. Sustaining Cost includes Cash Cost, Sustaining Capex, Deferred Stripping, and Royalties.

7. EBITDA = Revenue - Cash Operating Expenses; Average annual of Y1 to Y16; Revenue includes sales of copper to U.S. based customers at Spot Price and sales of copper to Triple Flag at Stream Fixed Price (25% of spot).

8. Free Cash Flow = Operating Cash Flow (After Tax) - Capital Expenditures; Average annual of Y1 to Y16.

Financial Analysis

The PEA base case generates an after-tax Net Present Value of approximately $1.3 billion (at a discount rate of 8%) and an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 20.9%. This financial analysis is based on a non-levered cash flow model, revenues and costs priced in 2024 real US dollars, mid period discounting, and a valuation date set at the start of Project construction.

Key cash flow model parameters include:

Copper selling price of $4.10/lb;

Net copper premium of $0.02/lb (metal premium less freight out);

Stream deliveries at 25% of market price;

NSR royalties of 4.5% applies to all copper produced;

State royalty of 5.5% applies to the mineralized material mined from State land (~10% of copper produced)

Total copper recovery of approximately 69.5%;

LoM average of approximately 10.6 pounds of acid consumed for every pound of copper produced (52 lbs per ton of mineralized material processed);

Electricity price of $0.079 per Kwh;

Acid plant construction in year -1 with a price of sulfur of $110 per short ton delivered based on long term price forecast of $75/ton CFR Tampa benchmark plus average direct rail freight in from Houston suppliers of $35/ton. Including co-generation power credits, the realized price of acid produced on site averages $36/ton;

Acid buying price of $150/ton if acid is required above the acid plant's capacity, and an acid selling price of $130/ton if excess acid is produced in any specific year;

Federal income tax rate of 21% and the State income tax rate of 4.9%. State income tax is deductible for federal income purposes resulting in a combined income tax rate of 24.9%.

Table of Capital Costs

The capital cost estimates for this PEA, shown in table below, were developed with a -25% to +30% accuracy. The Company has used an overall contingency of 20% in accordance with Association of the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACE) Class 5 estimate guidelines.





Table 2

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Total initial (pre-breakthrough) capital expenditures (including 20% contingency, EPCM, capital spares, owner's costs, mobile equipment and freight) are estimated at $1,343 million for initial production of copper cathode. Mine costs includes pre-stripping and capitalized pre-operating mobile fleet lease costs. Total sustaining capital costs over the life of the mine are $876 million, which includes deferred stripping, leach pad expansion and mining equipment.

Facilities at the mine site will include one open pit, two waste stockpiles, primary crushing plant and conveying system, heap leach pad, Solvent Extraction-Electrowinning (SX-EW) process plant, sulfur burning sulfuric acid plant with cogeneration capability, technical and operational support offices, mine truck shop and maintenance buildings, refueling systems, electrical substation and distribution, water supply and distribution, warehousing and Union Pacific rail spur.

Table of Operating Costs





Table 3

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Mining operating cost estimates, prepared by Independent Mining Consultants (IMC), are based on an owner's team managing mining activities, using an owner-operator model. Process operating cost estimates and G&A cost estimates were prepared by M3, as summarized in the table above (note numbers may not add due to rounding). Sequencing of operations and annual cash flows are detailed in Exhibit 1 and 2, at the end of this news release.

The operating site includes numerous infrastructure and location advantages including:

Union Pacific rail line right next to the property with a 2 km rail spur envisioned.

High voltage power lines with clean power from SSVEC.

Close to local and regional labor pools of Benson, Willcox, and Tucson.

Flat land conducive for development.

Deposit is within an enclosed basin; therefore no 404 permit is required.

No endangered flora or fauna on the property.

Table of Profitability Metrics





Table 4

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Table of Sensitivities





Table 5

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Mine Plan and Production Profile

Figure 1 shows the stacked total mining profile of waste and process feed. Overall strip ratio is ~2:1, however 67% of the waste is alluvium gravel which has the advantage of lower mining costs. The equivalent striping ratio based on hard rock waste mining costs is approximately 1.57:1.





Figure 1

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Figure 2 shows the LoM stacked annual copper production by conventional oxide leaching compared to sulfide leaching. Sulfide leaching makes up only 14% of the total LoM copper production and does not commence until year 8 of operations.





Figure 2

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Mineral Resource Estimate

The mineral resource estimate for the Gunnison Deposit is based on results from 122 drill holes totalling 158,785 feet and is effective as of September 4th, 2024. Gunnison deposit mineral resources are classified in order of increasing geological confidence into Inferred, Indicated, and Measured categories in accordance with the "CIM Definition Standards - For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" and therefore Canadian National Instrument 43-101. GCC is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other issues which may materially affect its estimate of mineral resources.

The Gunnison deposit mineral resources are reported within an optimized pit at cut-offs that are reasonable given anticipated open-pit mining methods, processing costs, and economic conditions, which fulfills regulatory requirements that a mineral resource exists in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.

The pit-constrained mineral resources are tabulated using an internal cut-off grade of 0.05% TCu. No mineral resources were estimated within overburden (Tertiary/Quaternary alluvium), and the reported mineral resources are restricted to lands controlled by GCC.

Total Resources Resource Class Short

Tons

(millions) Total

Cu (%) Cu

Pounds

(millions)

Measured 191.3 0.37 1,420 Indicated 640.2 0.29 3,684 Measured +

Indicated 831.6 0.31 5,104 Inferred 79.6 0.20 325

Notes:

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are reported at a 0.05% total copper cut-off grade within an optimized pit. Rounding as required by reporting guidelines, may result in apparent discrepancies between tons, grade, and contained metal content. The Effective Date of the Mineral Resource estimate is September 4, 2024.

The Gunnison mineral resources were modeled to reflect the detailed lithologic, structural, and oxidation modeling completed by GCC. Copper mineral domains guided by these geological controls, were interpreted on east-west vertical cross sections on 100-foot spacing, which encompass the 2.3-mile north-south and 1.3-mile east-west extents of the deposit. These domains were then used to explicitly constrain the estimation of copper grades into 50 x 100 x 25-foot (x, y, z) model blocks using 20-foot composites and inverse-distance interpolation. The grade estimation is further controlled by the incorporation of search ellipses that reflect the orientations of modeled structural zones, as well as those of favorable stratigraphic units in areas unaffected by the structures. Sequential copper assay ratios were used to define three-dimensional surfaces separating the Oxide, Transitional, and Sulfide zones of the mineralization.

All samples were prepared from manually split half-core sections on-site in Arizona. Split drill core samples were then sent to Skyline Assayers & Laboratories ("Skyline") in Tucson, Arizona, an independent laboratory, for Total Copper (TCu) and Sequential Copper analyses, Acid Soluble Copper (ASCU) and Cyanide Soluble Cu (CNCu). Skyline is accredited with international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories. Analytical results for (TCu), (ASCu), and (CNCu) were reported. GCC has no relationship with Skyline Labs other than Skyline being a service provider. Standards, blanks, and duplicate assays are included at regular intervals in each sample batch submitted from the field as part of an ongoing Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program.

Mr. Jeffrey Bickel, C.P.G., with the independent firm RESPEC Company LLC ("RESPEC") of Reno, Nevada, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and is responsible for this mineral resource estimate. He has verified, reviewed, and approved the technical disclosure contained in this section of the news release. Mr. Bickel has verified the data underlying the results by reviewing the drilling, sampling, assay, and quality assurance and quality control data, as well as the geologic interpretations completed by GCC. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. As the Company has completely rescoped the operation from ISR to open pit using a PEA, the prior mineral reserve estimate on the Gunnison Project is no longer current and should be disregarded.

Risks

Certain risks and opportunities are associated with the Project, as is typical for mine development projects. These risks may include and are not limited to environmental permitting, title issues, taxation, public/political opposition, or legal impediments to operating this type of mining/processing operation at this location. The following Project-specific risks have been identified along with the measures that GCC envisages to mitigate the risk.

Slope Stability. Slope recommendations received from Call & Nicholas, Inc. ("CNI") were based on rock quality designation (RQD) data from core holes and experience at other Arizona mines in similar rock formations. Actual slope angles may have to be decreased, increasing the amount of waste handling required.

Mitigation. Geotechnical drilling, along with in-depth slope stability analysis, could result in achievable pit slope angles that are more shallow or steeper than the angles used in the analysis that will be presented in the report.

Blasting Costs. Drilling and blasting in the weakly cemented alluvium overburden is assumed to be approximately 2.6 times more productive than in the bedrock. Overestimation of blasting productivity in the overburden would result in increased costs.

Mitigation. Additional investigation of the weakly cemented alluvium could remove uncertainties for this productivity differential.

Mine Design Uncertainty. The tonnage expected to be placed on the leach pad could change as more drilling and engineering are completed. Metal prices, changes in metal recovery, or increases in operating costs could change the potential tonnage of heap leachable material.

Mitigation. Additional investigation as the project moves toward implementation should reduce the uncertainty.

Copper Recovery. The heap leaching process for recovering copper from oxidized mineralization can be unpredictable. Metallurgical testing has established that coarse crushed mineralization is amenable to copper heap leaching and recovery. Metallurgical testwork results have been used to approximate results of leaching, although they may not reflect the LOM actual leach recovery performance. There is risk that additional testwork or actual performance could indicate the possibility of lower copper recoveries at the current crush size, acid application rate, or leach cycle estimates..

Mitigation. Operational strategies will involve adjusting crush sizes, flowrates and acid strengths based on operational experience to maximize infiltration rates and increase PLS grades.

Leach Pad Flow Attenuation. Production of excess fines, compaction of lift surfaces on the leach pad, decrepitation of host rock mineralized material, and precipitation of minerals due to acid depletion could cause the formation of zones of low permeability. As with all leach pads, there is risk of poor vertical solution flow and leach pad hydrodynamics.

Mitigation. Placement and distribution of the leach material will be monitored to prevent compaction and enhance uniform distribution of leach solutions. Boreholes drilled through zones identified with low permeability can enhance vertical migration of solutions. Segregation or special treatment of materials that are identified as decrepitation (breaking down) and/or releasing fines may be necessary to mitigate this type of flow attenuation.

Acid Consumption/Cost. This Project relies on large volumes of sulfuric acid to liberate and dissolve copper from the leach pad materials to produce a saleable product. Acid consumption is estimated to range from 24 to 70 pounds of acid per ton of leach material based on the various rock types and carbonate content. The actual acid consumption could potentially be higher.

Mitigation. Controlling excess sulfuric acid consumption may require careful management and segregation of the materials as they are placed on the leach pad. The height of each lift could be increased to reduce the time that the lower portion is subjected to leach solutions consuming acid. Placing geomembranes or low permeability layers between lifts could isolate depleted, acid-consuming materials at the bottom of the pad. Studies into mineralized material sorting to reject high carbonate-low copper mineralization will be conducted to determine the applicability and economics of this technique. Mineralized material sorting has the potential to reduce acid consumption in practice.

Permitting Difficulties. Permitting for mining projects in the western US and Arizona has often been an arduous and unpredictable task in the recent past. Regulations and social attitudes can change. Although the Company has previously been able to obtain all operating permits in a reasonable time frame, there is no certainty this track record will continue.

Mitigation. Permitting difficulties for changing the mining method for the deposit can be mitigated by developing support within the local community, identifying, and fixing potential areas of contention before they arise, getting support from community leaders in advance of applying for permits. Another measure is developing realistic permitting schedules that incorporate time to deal with challenges which also helps minimize deleterious consequences.

Opportunities

Several opportunities have been identified which could enhance the viability and economic attractiveness of the Open Pit Project. Many of these opportunities may be realized by removal of risk and uncertainty that are present at the PEA level.

Acid Consumption. Mineralized material sorting is a significant value-add opportunity for the Gunnison open pit. Greater than 80% of the mined copper is oxide mineralization, forming visually distinct blue-green and red-brown zones that are ideally suited to optical mineralized material sorting. Preliminary data suggest sorting of this material has the potential to greatly reduce acid consumption and volume of material leached by removing 40 to 50 percent of the process stream as unmineralized, higher acid consuming, waste. This would result in significant savings on operating costs. Pit Slope Angles. The pit wall angles for the Gunnison open pit are considered reasonable based on the data available, however it is conceivable that pre-feasibility geotechnical data can steepen the pit walls in the gravel-alluvium, thus reducing pre-strip capital costs and life of mine waste mining costs. Copper Recoveries. The anticipated copper recovery is an estimate based on the best interpretation of existing test work. This copper recovery could be exceeded in practice. Recovery increases could improve the rate of recovery, as well as increase total copper recovered. Improvements in the rate of recovery would mean lower flows from the leach pad for the same level of copper production, lowering operational costs., Or, the increased grade could result in higher copper production (revenue) for the same operating cost. Improvements in total copper recovered have the obvious benefit of increasing total revenue during the life of the mine. Increased Copper Price. The current financial analysis is based on an average, long-term copper price of $4.10 per pound based on current consensus pricing. Current spot markets are currently 5% to 10% higher than long-term pricing estimates. Global demand increases for copper have the potential to drive copper prices higher, thereby increasing the economic (revenue) outlook for the Project. Strong and Harris Copper-Zinc-Silver Project. The Company filed a separate technical report dated October 20, 2021, on the Strong and Harris Copper-Zinc-Silver Project titled "Estimated Mineral Resources and Preliminary Economic Analysis, Strong and Harris Copper-Zinc-Silver Project, Cochise County, Arizona" (the "S&H PEA"). At present, the S&H PEA contemplates development of the project on a standalone basis with its own infrastructure. JCM is also now being developed on a standalone basis in collaboration with Nuton, LLC, without sharing infrastructure with Gunnison. However, with the potential development of an open pit at Gunnison, the opportunity for shared infrastructure, capital, and operating costs with the Strong and Harris open pit is significant and may form the basis for future technical reports integrating all deposits: Gunnison, Strong and Harris and Johnson Camp Mine. Gravel Revenue. 759 million tons of alluvial gravel is expected to be mine during the mine life. Gravel as an aggregate or rock product is a potential source of revenue. The planned rail spur and railyard provides the Company with access to larger markets for the sale of construction aggregates. Presently, the sale of construction aggregates, is not included in the financial analysis presented in this report. However, if just 10% of this material could be sold for a net cost of $5/ton, it could potentially add $380M in revenue to the Project. This does not include the costs of making this material marketable, and there is no guarantee it can me made marketable. Limestone Revenue. Similar to construction aggregates, 85 million tons of clean limestone waste will be produced from the mining operations at Gunnison. Crushed limestone is highly valuable commodity in cement, aggregate, chemical and agricultural industries, selling for between $10/ton and over $60/ton in the region. Previously, the Johnson Camp-Gunnison area has been investigated as a source of limestone. With the rail spur and railyard, this material could be transported by rail to several regional markets. If 50% of this limestone waste could be sold at $20/ton it could generate approximately $850M in additional gross revenue. This does not include the costs of making this material marketable, and there is no guarantee it can me made marketable. Alluvium Mining. 67% of the waste mined in the pit is weakly cemented gravel (alluvium). The current design includes 40% drill and blast for this gravel however it is possible much of this material will not need any drill and blast. This will be investigated during the planned pre-feasibility study ("PFS"). Alternative Mining of Alluvium. The current removal of alluvium envisions the use of blast-haul operations. There are potential cost savings by developing other means of removal such as use of conveyors, dozers, or earth movers instead of blast-load-dump equipment. These will be investigated during the "PFS". In-pit Leaching. In-pit leaching provides an opportunity to reduce operating costs and improve leach recovery over the life of mined mineralized material. The nature of the Gunnison deposit and aquifer would allow control of leach solutions. Permitting of in-pit leaching would be required through Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, though it is currently being employed at other properties in Arizona. Production sequencing will utilize in-pit leaching as a trade-off to the construction and maintenance of a heap leach pad during PFS work on the Gunnison open pit. Exploration Potential. The mining district that GCC has consolidated in recent years exhibits significant exploration potential. Modern exploration activity has not occurred in the district. District-wide data consolidation and integration should be conducted to evaluate its overall mineral potential and identify exploration targets. Exploration for the source of the porphyry copper sulfide mineralization at Gunnison has never been conclusively conducted and copper skarn deposits such as Gunnison are often associated with large nearby porphyry copper deposits. Several historic carbonate replacement deposits including the Republic and Moore deposits merit additional exploration attention. Significant areas of Earp Formation, Colina Limestone and Horquilla Limestone are under cover and have not been explored. These same formations host the mineralization in the Hermosa-Taylor deposits being developed by South 32 in southern Arizona.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this PEA, it is recommended that GCC consider proceeding with a PFS of the open pit project which is expected to take approximately 18 months. A feasibility study will be proposed on successful completion of the PFS.

Additional drilling for resource verification and geotechnical coverage is recommended to support mine planning. Updating the acid plant design for the selected capacity is also recommended. Additional planning and costing work are required to establish the schedule and costs for the relocation of Interstate 10 and the addition of the rail spur to the Union Pacific Railroad.

Additional drilling will be required for metallurgical studies. Pilot metallurgical heap leach testing is recommended to investigate the recovery kinetics and flow characteristics for the heap leach design. In addition, mineralized material sorting studies are recommended to determine the effectiveness and economics.

A mine plan, heap leach design, SX-EW design and highway move design are necessary to complete the PFS.

GCC has proposed a list and budget for additional work that will support a Prefeasibility Study (PFS).

Prefeasibility Study Budget for the Open Pit Gunnison Project

Detail Cost $US Resource Upgrade $ 4,091,448 Metallurgy $ 7,856,000 Geotechnical $ 210,000 Pit design $ 300,000 Infrastructure design/PFS study $ 1,385,000 Total $ 13,842,448

Ownership, Social License and Permitting

The Project is in Cochise County, Arizona, approximately 65 miles east of Tucson and is held or controlled 100% by GCC through its wholly owned subsidiary Excelsior Mining Arizona, Inc. (GCAZ).

The project is comprised of 9,756 acres including freehold land, state mineral claims and permits and BLM unpatented mining claims and excludes the Johnson Camp and Strong and Harris projects. There is no federal nexus for permitting the project and all permitting is limited to State of Arizona-required permits including the Aquifer Protection Permit, Industrial Air permits and the Mined Land Reclamation Permit.

GCC has a well-developed community engagement plan that has been implemented through numerous public meetings and outreach programs. The Company intends to maintain this approach by continuing to engage with, and meet and discuss its projects with, the local and regional communities and stakeholders.

The Cochise Mining district has legacy mining assets and is a combination brownfields/greenfield site. The Company anticipates the Project will create decades of high paying jobs that will benefit the local communities and the state.

GCC has entered into an option agreement dated November 12, 2024 (the "Option Agreement") with certain local landowners providing the option (the "Option") for a period of six years to acquire a total of 3,906.57 acres of land (the "Option Land"). Portions of the Option Land will contain the proposed open pit and related infrastructure. The terms of the Option Agreement require an initial payment of $1,000,000, and annual payments of $250,000 in years 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Option. The final purchase price for exercise of the Option is based on the exercise date and is set forth in the table below:

Final Payment Date Total Price During the period within 1 year from Effective Date $ 28,000,000 During the period after 1 year but within 2 years from Effective Date $ 30,000,000 During the period after 2 years but within 3 years from Effective Date $ 31,250,000 During the period after 3 years but within 4 years from Effective Date $ 33,500,000 During the period after 4 years but within 5 years from Effective Date $ 35,750,000 During the period after 5 years but within 6 years from Effective Date $ 37,000,000

Royalties and Metal Stream

Greenstone Royalty: Greenstone Excelsior Holdings L.P. ("Greenstone") holds a 3.0% gross revenue royalty over the Gunnison Project. The gross revenue royalty is defined as royalty percentage times receipts, which is the sum of physical product receipts and deemed receipts. The Greenstone royalty applies to the entirety of the Gunnison Project and production therefrom.

The Gunnison Project is also subject to a Metal Stream Agreement with Triple Flag Mining Finance Bermuda Ltd. ("Triple Flag") that is applicable to all oxide minerals production from the parts of the Project located in the "Stream Area". The Metal Stream Agreement is summarized in the table below, where mppa denotes million pounds per annum.

Triple Flag Metal Stream Agreement for the Gunnison Project

Stream Deliveries Excelsior Mining Arizona Inc. ("Seller") is required to deliver Grade A Copper Cathodes in an amount equal to the "Payable Copper". The amount of Payable Copper is calculated based on a percentage of the amount of copper that is sold and delivered to Offtakers under the terms of Offtake Agreements (for percentages see heading - Payable Copper). Payment The Buyer pays to the Seller a price for copper equal to 25% of the daily official LME Grade A Settlement quotation for copper quoted in U.S. Dollars, as published in the Metal Bulletin. Payable Copper "Payable Copper" means a percentage of the Reference Copper equal to:



Scenario Stage 1

(25 mppa)

Stage 2

(75 mppa)

Stage 3

(125 mppa) Upfront Deposit 16.5% 5.75% 3.5% Upfront Deposit + Expansion Option

16.5%

11.0%

6.0%



At the current stage of the Project, the Buyer has made the initial Upfront Deposit ($65 million) and the Seller is ramping up to 25 mppa.

The "Expansion Option" provides Buyer the option to invest an additional $65 million in the event Seller approves an expansion to at least 50 mppa.

Callinan Royalties Corporation (now a wholly owned subsidiary of Altius Minerals Corporation) holds a gross revenue royalty over the Gunnison Project. The gross revenue royalty is defined as royalty percentage times receipts which is the sum of physical product receipts and deemed receipts. The royalty rate is 1.625% while the plant capacity is less than 75 million pounds per annum and 1.5% once plant capacity is greater than or equal to 75 million pounds per annum.

Pursuant to the terms of the Bowlin option agreement, Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc. has been granted a 1% gross revenue royalty on any copper mined and processed from certain areas of the property.

The Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) owns a sliding net return royalty (2.0% to 8.0% and estimated at 5.5%), payable to ASLD and the State Trust.

Prior Operations

The Gunnison Project was previously designed as a copper in-situ recovery ("ISR") mine using solvent extraction-electrowinning ("SX-EW") to produce copper cathode. The ISR operation commenced ramp-up to production in 2020; however, as previously disclosed, it had operational issues related to low flow rates, so the Company began evaluating alternatives and opportunities to fix the ramp-up challenges. Well stimulation (small scale, shallow level, hydraulic fracking), has the potential to fundamentally change the performance of the wellfield and fix many of the low productivity issues. The Company has obtained a permit for well stimulation and the next step would be to conduct field trials. If well stimulation is successful, it could provide an operation with superior economics to the open pit operation and be in copper production much quicker than an open pit. However, due to the technical risks of ISR and substantially improved viability of the open pit operation, GCC intends to focus the PFS on an open pit operation as the alternative to ISR. If future financing is available for ISR activities, the Company may elect to conduct well stimulation field trials, but such field trials will not hinder the open pit studies. The Company intends to maintain the optionality of future ISR operations and well stimulation trials as this remains an asset to the Company. This includes maintaining full compliance with all regulatory and permit req'ts, including maintaining hydraulic control, pumping, monitoring and regulatory reporting.

Exhibit 1: Mine production schedule

Year Mined Tons mtons Head Grade Recovered Copper Total

Moved Mined

Material Alluvium

Waste Hardrock

Waste % TCu ktons mlbs -2 95.0

95.0







-1 95.0 1.5 93.4 0.1 0.37 3.46 6.9 1 95.0 22.9 71.2 0.9 0.50 74.66 149.3 2 100.0 31.1 54.0 14.9 0.41 83.30 166.6 3 100.0 23.9 73.1 3.0 0.52 87.17 174.3 4 100.0 30.1 63.5 6.5 0.43 87.51 175.0 5 100.0 31.0 60.9 8.1 0.38 87.49 175.0 6 105.0 37.7 32.1 35.1 0.34 87.63 175.3 7 120.0 33.7 77.5 8.7 0.37 87.25 174.5 8 120.0 39.6 28.0 52.4 0.31 87.28 174.6 9 120.0 33.8 65.3 20.8 0.37 87.23 174.5 10 120.0 36.7 41.1 42.1 0.34 86.91 173.8 11 120.0 41.0 4.1 74.9 0.30 84.48 169.0 12 120.0 41.6

78.4 0.26 73.91 147.8 13 62.2 40.4

21.8 0.33 85.86 171.7 14 42.0 38.7

3.3 0.33 86.11 172.2 15 36.2 35.0

1.2 0.35 85.06 170.1 16 34.8 31.9

2.9 0.29 65.96 131.9 17









11.36 22.7 18









3.23 6.5

Exhibit 2: DCF Model Annual Cash Flows ($ millions)





Exhibit 2

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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TECHNICAL REPORT AND QUALIFIED PERSONS

The Report was prepared under the supervision of John Woodson, PE, SME-RM, of M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation, Tucson, Arizona, who is a Qualified Person that is independent of the Company. The Report also received contributions from the following additional Qualified Persons, who are also independent of the Company:

Mr. John Woodson, of M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation, Tucson, Arizona ((capital and operating costs, and economic analysis).

Mr. Jeffrey Bickel of RESPEC of Reno, Nevada (geology and mineral resource).

Mr. Jacob Richey, of IMC of Tucson, Arizona (mining methods).

Mr. Thomas M. Ryan, of CNI of Tucson, Arizona (pit slope angles)

Dr. Terence P. McNulty of T.P. McNulty & Associates of Tucson, Arizona (metallurgy).

Dr. Abyl Sydykov of M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation, Tucson, Arizona (mineral recovery)

Mr. R. Douglas Bartlett, of Clear Creek and Associates of Phoenix, Arizona (hydrology, mining method, permitting and environment).

Each of these Qualified Persons has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release that is relevant to their area of responsibility and verified the data underlying such technical information.

About Gunnison Copper Corp.

Gunnison Copper Corp. is a multi-asset pure-play copper developer and producer that controls the Cochise Mining District (the district), containing 12 known deposits within an 8km economic radius, in the Southern Arizona Copper Belt. Its flagship asset, the Gunnison Copper Project, is a significant resource containing over 831 million tons with a total copper grade of 0.31% and yielding robust economics including an NPV8% of $1.3Billion, IRR of 20.9%, and payback period of 4.1 years. It is being developed as a conventional operation with open pit mining, heap leach, and SX/EW refinery to produce finished copper cathode on-site with direct rail link.

The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the conclusions reached in the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

In addition, Gunnison's Johnson Camp Asset, which is under construction with first copper production in H1 2025, is fully funded by Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto Venture, and has a production capacity of up to 25 million lbs of finished copper cathode annually. Other significant deposits controlled by Gunnison in the district, with potential to be economic satellite feeder deposits for Gunnison Project infrastructure, include Strong and Harris, South Star, and eight other deposits.

For more information on Gunnison Copper, please visit our website at www.gunnisoncopper.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" concerning anticipated developments and events that may occur in the future. Forward-looking information contained in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) the future development plans for the Gunnison Project; (iii) the results of the PEA including operating and capital costs estimates, along with the economics of the Gunnison Project; (iv) the intention to mine the Gunnison Project and future production therefrom; (v) risks and opportunities associated with the Gunnison Project; (vi) future intentions regarding well stimulation trials; (vii) the future completion of a PFS.

In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved" suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources, the realization of resource estimates, copper and other metal prices, the timing and amount of future development expenditures, the estimation of initial and sustaining capital requirements, the estimation of labour and operating costs (including the price of acid), the availability of labour, material and acid supply, receipt of and compliance with necessary regulatory approvals and permits, the estimation of insurance coverage, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks inherent in the construction and operation of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined including the possibility that mining operations may not be commenced at the Gunnison Copper Project, risks relating to variations in mineral resources, grade or recovery rates, risks relating to the ability to access infrastructure, risks relating to changes in copper and other commodity prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of copper and related products, risks related to increased competition in the market for copper and related products, risks related to current global financial conditions, risks related to current global financial conditions on the Company's business, uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral resources, access and supply risks, risks related to the ability to access acid supply on commercially reasonable terms, reliance on key personnel, operational risks inherent in the conduct of mining activities, including the risk of accidents, labour disputes, increases in capital and operating costs and the risk of delays or increased costs that might be encountered during the construction or mining process, regulatory risks including the risk that permits may not be obtained in a timely fashion or at all, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks, risks related to disputes concerning property titles and interests, environmental risks and the additional risks identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's reports and filings with applicable Canadian securities regulators.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information.

[1] U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2024

[2] Sustaining Cash Cost = Cash Cost + Sustaining Capex + Deferred Stripping + Royalties

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234526

SOURCE: Gunnison Copper Corp.
Portland's trusted CPA firm transforms financial planning by offering strategic, year-round financial guidance for small business owners and high-net-worth clients.

Breaking free from the traditional "tax season only" approach, Downing & Co. has redefined the role of CPAs by offering year-round financial guidance to empower small business owners and high-net-worth individuals. This proactive approach ensures clients are always prepared for tax season and are positioned for growth with strategic financial planning.

Year-Round Financial Guidance

While many business owners scramble to organize their taxes at the start of the year, Downing & Co. takes a proactive approach to ensure clients are ready long before the deadlines. According to Forbes , "The best way to prepare for taxes is by working with your accountant throughout the year." By focusing on strategic tax planning, the firm provides Portland clients with actionable insights to reduce liabilities, maximize deductions, and stay ahead of tax obligations.

"Most CPAs limit their services to tax preparation, leaving clients with questions the rest of the year," said Tim Downing, Managing Principal of Downing & Co. "At Downing & Co., we believe in walking alongside our clients every step of the way, helping them make informed decisions and reap the benefits of comprehensive, year-round financial guidance."

The Benefits of Strategic Tax Planning

Downing & Co.'s year-round approach includes mid-year tax strategy sessions to create and implement personalized plans that minimize taxes and maximize financial growth. Clients gain:

Tax Liability Mitigation : A robust tax plan ensures small business owners reduce their liabilities, particularly on taxable transactions, while taking advantage of available deductions.

Maximized Tax Relief : Identifying untapped opportunities, such as expense deductions, ensures that clients pay only what is necessary.

Avoidance of Common Errors : Proactive planning reduces the risk of mistakes that can result in penalties or missed opportunities.

Improved Cash Flow Control: Clients gain the flexibility to manage when and how they pay taxes, giving them greater financial stability year-round.

Beyond Tax Season: Comprehensive Financial Services

Downing & Co.'s year-round financial guidance goes beyond strategic tax planning. The firm offers a holistic suite of services tailored to the needs of Portland's business owners, from advanced tax reduction strategies to wealth preservation and estate planning. By providing ongoing support, clients enjoy peace of mind knowing their financial future is secure.

Serving over 101,000 businesses across Portland and the Southwest Washington area, Downing & Co. is committed to ensuring clients have the tools and insights needed to thrive, no matter the time of year.

"Tax season doesn't have to be a stressful race against the clock," said Tim Downing, Managing Principal of Downing & Co. "Our approach ensures clients are not only ready but in a position to succeed."

For more information on Downing & Co.'s year-round financial guidance and strategic tax planning, visit https://downingpdx.com/ or contact the team at (503) 445-3578.

About Downing & Co:

Downing & Co. is a leading estate planning CPA firm dedicated to helping high net worth individuals and small businesses save up to 40% in taxes now and for the legacy they leave behind. Established in 1964, Downing & Co. offers comprehensive services, including tax planning, accounting and bookkeeping services, estate planning, and wealth management.

Contact Information

JP Richards

Director of Communications

releases@drakedigital.com

(346) 660-4994





SOURCE: Downing & Co.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
IFF (NYSE: IFF) today unveiled the next phase in the evolution of its Board of Directors, aimed at bolstering the company's long-term strategic vision and driving profitable market share growth.

New Board Chair: Kevin O'Byrne-an experienced IFF board member and chair of Centrica plc-will become Board Chair at the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting. O'Byrne will succeed Roger W. Ferguson, Jr. who has served as Chair since 2022. Ferguson notified IFF of his intent to not stand for reelection at the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting after 14 years of distinguished service.

Board Appointments: Cynthia Jamison, Dr. Mehmood Khan and Vincent Intrieri will join the Board of Directors effective Jan. 1, 2025. Intrieri's appointment is at the request of Icahn Capital LP pursuant to the Cooperation agreement. He replaces Gary Hu, who will step down from the IFF Board on Dec. 31, 2024.

Board Retirements: Christina Gold and John Davidson have announced their plans to not stand for reelection at the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting. When these departures are in effect, IFF will have ten board members.

"It has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve on the IFF Board," said Ferguson. "IFF has the right leaders in place, a dynamic team fueled by science and creativity, plus a world-class portfolio backed by a cutting-edge R&D pipeline. The Company is very well placed to meet the needs of its customers, powering everyday products for tomorrow's consumers. I am very proud of the strong progress in the last twelve months and excited to see IFF build on this momentum in the coming years. I want to thank Erik and the entire team at IFF for their commitment and support."

"We are grateful for Roger, Christina, John and Gary's invaluable contributions to strengthening IFF," said Erik Fyrwald, IFF CEO and director. "As we author our next chapter, I look forward to working with Kevin in his new role. I am delighted to welcome Cindie, Mehmood and Vince to the board. Their expertise, experience and insights will support us in unlocking our full potential to serve our customers, deliver innovative, sustainable solutions, and profitably grow IFF."

About Cynthia Jamison

Cynthia "Cindie" Jamison is a seasoned executive with more than two decades of corporate boardroom and financial leadership experience. She currently chairs the boards of Darden Restaurants and Big Lots, and previously chaired Tractor Supply Co.

Before focusing on board service, Jamison was the CFO of AquaSpy, Inc. and held CFO roles at various companies during periods of growth or turnaround. From 1999-2009, she was a managing partner at Tatum LLP, leading the CFO Services practice and overseeing more than 400 CFOs nationally. She also served as CFO or COO for several companies, including eMac, Inc., Cosi, Inc., SurePayroll and Illinois Superconductor.

Her earlier career includes roles at Chart House Enterprises, Allied Domecq Retailing USA, Kraft General Foods and Arthur Andersen LLP.

Jamison is recognized as an expert in financial and economic issues, frequently speaking on topics related to CFOs and board governance. She has been quoted in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek and The Economist. She is an NACD Board Leadership Fellow named among the NACD D100.

About Mehmood Khan

Dr. Mehmood Khan is the CEO of Hevolution Foundation, a first-of-its-kind global non-profit organization with a mission to extend healthy lifespan for people everywhere. Hevolution provides grants and early-stage company investments to incentivize independent research and entrepreneurship in the emerging field of healthspan science. The organization aims to increase the number of safe and effective treatments entering the market, compress the timeline of drug development using the latest tools and technologies, and increase accessibility to therapeutics. Hevolution has committed more than $400 million in grants, partnerships and early-stage biotech investments in just over two years, making it the world's largest philanthropic healthspan science funder.

Dr. Khan is a member of the Board of Directors of Reckitt Benckiser and the Saudi Research, Development, and Innovation Authority and the Saudi National Biotechnology Strategy Steering Committee.

He previously served as a Chairman of the Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology of the United States' National Institute of Standards and Technology, and as the Executive Chair of Life Biosciences after serving as the CEO from 2019-2024. Life Biosciences is based in Boston and leverages a platform approach to develop therapeutics that can reverse and prevent multiple age-related conditions.

Prior to this role, Dr. Khan served as PepsiCo's Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer of Global Research and Development. With net revenues of more than $64 billion in 2018, Dr. Khan oversaw the PepsiCo global Performance with Purpose sustainability initiatives, inspired by the fundamental belief that business success is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world we share. He led PepsiCo's research and development efforts, creating breakthrough innovations in food, beverages and nutrition-as well as delivery, packaging and production technology-to capture competitive advantage and drive PepsiCo's businesses forward.

Prior to joining PepsiCo, Dr. Khan was President of Takeda Global Research Development Center, overseeing Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company's worldwide R&D efforts. He was also a faculty member at the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minn., serving as Director of the Diabetes, Endocrine and Nutritional Trials Unit in the endocrinology division. He also spent nine years leading programs in diabetes, endocrinology, metabolism and nutrition for the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in London, a Fellow of the American College of Endocrinology and an Elected Fellow in the Department of Pharmacology at University of Oxford.

About Vincent Intrieri

Vince Intrieri is the founder and CEO of VDA Capital Management LLC, a private investment fund established in 2017. Intrieri previously worked for Carl Icahn-related entities in various investment roles from 1998 to 2016, including serving as senior managing director of Icahn Capital LP from 2008 to 2016.

Intrieri is currently a Director of Transocean Ltd, Hertz Global Holdings and Chairman of the Board of Sandridge Energy Inc. His past directorships include Navistar International Corp., Energen Corp., Conduent Inc., Chesapeake Energy Corp., CVR Refining GP LLC, Ferrous Resources Ltd., Forest Laboratories Inc., CVR Energy Inc., Federal-Mogul Holdings Corp., Icahn Enterprises LP, Dynegy Inc., PSC Metals, Motorola Solutions Inc., XO Holdings, National Energy Group, American Railcar Industries, WestPoint Home LLC and Viskase Companies Inc.

Intrieri graduated with distinction from Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in accounting in 1984 and was a certified public accountant.

Welcome to IFF

At IFF (NYSE: IFF), we make joy through science, creativity and heart. As the global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences, we deliver groundbreaking, sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products-advancing wellness, delighting the senses and enhancing the human experience.Learn more at iff.com, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

2024 by International Flavors Fragrances Inc. IFF is a Registered Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219567125/en/

Contacts:

Media Relations:

Paulina Heinkel

332.877.5339

Media.request@iff.com



Investor Relations:

Michael Bender

212.708.7263

Investor.Relations@iff.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Expedia Group (EXPE) Thursday announced the appointment of Scott Schenkel as Chief Financial Officer.As previously announced, Julie Whalen will remain in the CFO role through February to ensure a smooth transition.As CFO, Schenkel will be responsible for leading Expedia Group's global finance organization and will be based in Seattle, reporting directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Ariane Gorin.'Scott joins Expedia Group with extensive financial leadership experience across global businesses, particularly in e-commerce,' said Ariane Gorin, Chief Executive Officer, Expedia Group. 'His expertise, operational acumen, and strategic insight will be instrumental as we strengthen our position as a global leader in travel. I look forward to working with Scott to drive our strategic goals forward. I also want to thank Julie for her significant contributions and dedication during her tenure as CFO, as well as for ensuring a smooth transition to Scott.'Schenkel most recently served as the Interim CEO of eBay Inc. from September 2019 through April 2020 and its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2015 to 2019. Prior to the eBay CFO role, he spent six years as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of eBay Marketplace, having originally joined eBay in 2007 as Vice President of Global Financial Planning and Analytics.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.
Electronic Team Inc. releases a new version of its popular iOS screen mirroring and content streaming app, DoCast. The coming update is aimed at improving the user experience.

DoCast 5.0 has received a new welcome tour, improved speed and stability, an updated interface, and a weekly subscription.

Version 5.0 now includes an updated welcome tour - a short guide that introduces new users to the main features of DoCast. The tour helps quickly set up the app and start using its features without effort. For those already familiar with DoCast, the welcome tour will be a helpful reminder of what's available.

The update also includes improvements in speed and stability, which makes using the application even more enjoyable. Changes in the interface and interaction with a large number of devices and technologies allow adapting to different needs of users.

The subscription plans have also undergone some changes. Starting from version 5.0, along with the existing subscription options, users can benefit from the weekly subscription. This option gives users the flexibility and opportunity to try all the features of the app without a long-term commitment.

Along with the above-mentioned improvements and changes, DoCast key features are the following:

Wireless Streaming: eliminate the inconvenience of cables by streaming images, videos, and music from your iPhone or iPad to practically any Smart TV or streaming device.

Mirroring: mirror your iPhone's/iPad's screen on your TV, showcasing presentations, educational materials, games, and more.

Broad device compatibility: DoCast works with different models of Roku, Fire TV, and Chromecast streaming devices, as well as TVs equipped with these technologies.

For more information, visit the https://www.electronic.us/products/docast/

DoCast can be found on the App Store or the official website .

SOURCE: Electronic Team, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Winnipeg, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Novra Technologies Inc. (TSXV: NVI) ("Novra") is issuing this notice to provide additional specific details and updates related to the binding Convertible Loan Agreement (Loan) it announced on September 10, 2024. As indicated previously, with this agreement a US-based private investment group commits to provide $12.258 million for a term of two years and bearing interest at 1% per annum. The Loan may, at the option of the lender, be convertible into common shares of Novra at $0.34 per share. Novra would also have the right at the end of the term to force the conversion of the principal sum of the Loan at the same conversion price. As part of the agreement, no additional shares of Novra may be issued before June 30, 2025 without the approval of the lender.

This Loan is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval as well as the approval of Novra's shareholders before the conversion of the loan to shares takes place. These approvals have not yet been received

The lender for this Loan is SNAPS Holding Company (SNAPS), a privately held global enterprise headquartered in Fargo, ND with business interests in technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and commercial real estate (CRE) assets. With over 35 years of management history, SNAPS has a proven track record of successfully acquiring multiple hi-tech, mission-critical application companies worldwide. SNAPS is currently diversifying its portfolio by divesting some of its CRE holdings and reinvesting the capital in identified high-growth technology entities.

Before Novra entered into this Convertible Loan Agreement on August 30, 2024, SNAPS had already initiated a divestiture process for some of its identified assets to fund its diversification strategy, including the Novra investment. These transactions were originally expected to close by November 30, 2024. However, due to the temporary slow down in US and global credit markets, primarily caused by uncertainties of the outcome of the US elections, the closure of these transactions as originally contemplated was delayed. These transactions are now expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025 and, as a result, the closing date for the Loan is now set to be on or before March 31, 2025. All terms of the Loan agreement other than timing remain unchanged.

"SNAPS views Novra as a strategic asset, leveraging its global market reach, engineering excellence, SaaS/cloud proficiency, and wireless technology expertise. By investing into Novra, SNAPS aims to strengthen its position as a driver of innovation in the communications market with the addition of one or more of SNAPS' unique flagship products into Novra's technology arsenal to support its continued success at a much higher growth rate", said SNAPS' spokesperson.

As Novra has not yet confirmed receipt of funds for the Convertible Loan Agreement, the company cautions investors to refrain from placing undue reliance on statements regarding this potential transaction. Novra can provide no assurance that the Convertible Loan Agreement will be completed as proposed, or at all.

While Novra does not anticipate receiving any funds until some of the lender's assets are sold, the company expects to receive all funds from the lender by the end of March 31, 2025, as required by the binding Convertible Loan Agreement.

As insiders, Novra's Directors and Officers are currently subject to a trading blackout and this will continue for an additional one-week period after an update announcing an end to the blackout, or an announcement that the Loan has closed, is released.

While not a condition or term of the Convertible Loan Agreement, Mr. Harris Liontas, Novra's CEO, has agreed to continue to lead Novra for at least 2 years as CEO, and up to 5 years as a director, once the Loan closes.

About Novra Technologies Inc.:

Novra (TSXV: NVI) (OTCQB: NVRVF) is an international technology provider of products, systems and services for the distribution of multimedia broadband content. The Novra Group of companies includes Novra Technologies Inc, International Datacasting Corporation, and Wegener Corporation. The companies in the group are known for a strong focus on applications, including: broadcast video and radio, digital cinema, digital signage, and highly reliable data communications.

For more information visit: www.novragroup.com

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, concerning but not limited to: pending closing of this transaction, required TSX Venture Exchange approval of this transaction, Shareholder approval of this transaction, and anticipated developments in our operations in future periods. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by words such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "predict", "outlook", "opportunity", "momentum", "potential", "proposed", "targeted", "plans" "possible", "positive indication for", "looking forward to", "getting ready to", "is starting to", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. As such, forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect our current assumptions and expectations regarding future events. These are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions. Some of these risks and uncertainties are described under the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of Novra's MD&A.

For the above reasons, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

# # #

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234529

SOURCE: Novra Technologies Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Minnova Corp. (TSXV: MCI) (OTC Pink: AGRDF) ("Minnova" or the "Company"), announces that, further to its press release of April 29, 2024, it intends to settle an aggregate of $800,000 of indebtedness to certain creditors of the Company through the issuance of an aggregate of 15,999,999 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of $0.05 per Common Share (the "Debt Settlement").

The Company owes Mr. Gorden Glenn, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company an aggregate of $708,542 (the "Glenn Debt"). The Company and Mr. Glenn have agreed, subject to the receipt of shareholder approval and the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), to allow for the conversion of the Glenn Debt into 14,170,835 Common Shares. In the event that the Glenn Debt is convert into Common Shares, Mr. Glenn's holdings, together with Mr. Glenn's current holdings, of Common Shares will be approximately 19,441,575 Common Shares, representing approximately 22.48% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. The settlement of the Glenn Debt will result in the creation of a new "Control Person" (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSXV Corporate Finance Manual) and, is subject to shareholder approval pursuant to the policies of the TSXV.

The Debt Settlement remains subject to receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV and disinterested shareholder approval which it will be seeking at its upcoming annual and special shareholder meeting being held on January 22, 2025.

All securities issued in connection with the Debt Settlement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

The Debt Settlement is constituted "related party transactions" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), as certain insiders of the Company will receive an aggregate of 14,299,999 Common Shares. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as the securities of the Corporation are only listed on the TSXV. Completion of the Debt Settlement is subject to the minority approval requirement of MI 61-101 and will require the approval of shareholders, excluding any votes attached to the Common Shares held by Messrs. Glenn and Irwin (and any related parties of Messrs. Glenn and Irwin and any persons acting jointly or in concert with Messrs. Glenn and Irwin or related parties of Messrs. Glenn and Irwin)

The Debt Settlement was approved by the members of the board of directors of the Company who are independent for the purposes of the Debt Settlement, being all directors other than Mr. Gorden Glenn and Mr. Chris Irwin. No special committee was established in connection with the Debt Settlement, and no materially contrary view or abstention was expressed or made by any director of the Company in relation thereto.

About Minnova Corp.

Minnova Corp. is focused on the restart of its PL Gold Mine, which included completion of a Positive Feasibility Study in 2018. The study concluded the restart of the PL Mine, at an average annual production rate of 46,493 ounces over a minimum 5-year mine life, was economically robust. Importantly the global resource remains open to expansion, as does the reserve. The PL Gold Mine benefits from a short pre-production timeline forecast at 15 months, a valid underground mining permit (Environment Act 1207E), an existing 1,000 tpd processing plant, over 7,000 meters of developed underground ramp to -135 metres depth. The project is fully road accessible and close to existing mining infrastructure in the prolific Flin Flon Greenstone Belt of Central Manitoba.

Visit our website at www.minnovacorp.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION INTO THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234562

SOURCE: Minnova Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Bayhorse Silver Inc, (TSXV: BHS) (OTCQB: BHSIF) (FSE: 7KXN) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") reports on the progress of the underground diamond drilling underway beneath the Company's silver-copper-antimony rich Bayhorse Silver Mine in Oregon, USA.

As drilling progressed beneath the silver-copper-antimony Bayhorse Mine deposit, at 112 m (370ft) downhole it entered a strongly brecciated zone, that continues to the current depth of 148 m (488ft). Drilling is ongoing.

The Company's senior consulting geologists have suggested the zone is a highly silicified hydrothermal polymictic breccia. It contains multiple rounded, "milled" clasts that probably resulted from high pressure fluids derived from a buried pluton streaming up through the breccia.

Rock types that make up the bulk of the breccia include: rhyolite, andesite, quartzite, meta sedimentary rocks and granite.

An XRF field analysis shows elevated levels of copper, zinc and lead. The reader is cautioned that the XRF field analysis needs to be confirmed by a formal laboratory 35 element assay. The core is in the process of being split and logged prior to submission for laboratory analysis.





Figure 1. Representative core sample from the underground drill holes



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Figure 2. Representative core sample from the underground drill holes



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The Bayhorse exploration model holds that the silver-copper-antimony rich mineralization at the Bayhorse Silver Mine could have its source in underlying shallow granites that may host porphyry copper mineralization.

Bayhorse CEO, Graeme O'Neill, comments, "The drilling entering into a highly siliceous brecciated zone, and the presence of elevated levels of copper, is very encouraging. Drilling is ongoing and further updates will be forthcoming."

This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its content. Mark Abrams, AIPG, a Qualified Person has prepared, supervised the preparation of, or approved the technical content of this news release.

On Behalf of the Board.

About Bayhorse Silver Inc.

Bayhorse Silver Inc. is an exploration and production company with a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine located in Oregon, USA and the Pegasus Project, in Washington County, Idaho. The Bayhorse Silver Mine and the Pegasus Project are 44 km southwest of Hercules Metals' porphyry copper discovery. The Bayhorse Mine includes a state of the art Steinert Ore-Sorting technology reducing waste rock entering the processing stream by up to 85%. The Company has created a minimum environmental impact facility capable of mining 200 tons of mineralization per day and the ability to process and supply 3,600 tons per year of silver/copper concentrate ranging between 7,500 to 15,000 g/t using standard flotation processing at its milling facility in nearby Payette County, Idaho, USA, with an offtake agreement in place with Ocean Partners UK Limited. The Company also has an option to acquire an 80% interest in the Brandywine high grade silver/gold property located in B.C. Canada. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive mining expertise in both exploration and building mines.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234586

SOURCE: Bayhorse Silver Inc.
This news release is not for distribution to U.S. newswire services for dissemination in the United States

Tier One Silver Inc. (TSXV:TSLV)(OTCQB:TSLVF) ("Tier One" or the "Company") announces that is has amended the terms of the private placement previously announced on November 20, 2024. Under the amended terms, the Company will now issue up to 20 million units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at an offering price of C$0.075 per Unit (the "Unit Price") for gross proceeds of up to C$1.5 million (the "Offering"). Each Unit will consist of one common share (a "Share") and one full common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of C$0.15 at any time on or before the date which is 36 months from the closing date of the Offering. The amended terms of the Offering no longer include a warrant expiry acceleration.

The proposed use of proceeds from the Offering is to fund general working capital.

In accordance with applicable securities laws, the securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a four-month and one day hold period from the date of issuance of the Units in Canada.

Closing of the Offering is anticipated to occur on or about December 31, 2024, subject to the receipt of investor documentation, funds and TSXV approval.

The Company may pay finders' fees in cash and broker warrants in compliance with the policies of the TSXV. The Company is no longer retaining any securities dealers or other placement agents in connection with this financing.

It is possible that insiders of the Company may participate in the Offering relying on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of Canadian Multilateral Instrument 61-101 -Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of any securities issued to nor the consideration paid by such person could exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Tier One Silver

Tier One Silver is an exploration company focused on creating value for shareholders and stakeholders through the discovery of world-class silver, gold and copper deposits in Peru. The Company is focused on its flagship exploration project, Curibaya. The Company's management and technical teams have a strong track record in raising capital, discovery and monetization of exploration success.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TIER ONE SILVER INC.

Peter Dembicki President, CEO and Director

For further information on Tier One Silver Inc., please contact the Company at (778) 729-0700 or visit the Company's website: www.tieronesilver.com

Capital Markets Contact:

Julia Becker

Julia.becker@tieronesilver.com

Forward-Looking Information and General Cautionary Language

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events in connection with the planned financing. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and therefore may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be heavily relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. In particular, and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements in regard to the size, closing and use of proceeds of the Offering and receipt of regulatory approval.

Readers should refer to the risks discussed in the Company's Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, and subsequent continuous disclosure filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Tier One Silver, Inc.

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A live stream of the ribbon cutting and new store opening celebration will be held on Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 PM CDMX / 3:00 PM EST on JOi's Instagram page: @joi.dollar.plus

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - PesoRama Inc. (TSXV: PESO) ("PesoRama" or the "Company"), a Canadian company operating dollar stores in Mexico under the JOi Dollar Plus brand, today announces the upcoming grand opening of store #25 on December 21st in Portal Centenario.

The 413-square meter site in Portal Centenario, Alvaro Obregon, Mexico City. This municipality has a population of approximately 759,137 inhabitants. La Condesa store is located 19.5 kilometers from the center of Mexico City.

"The opening of our 25th JOi Dollar Plus Store in Mexico, bodes well for our overall expansion and provides greater accessibility to Mexican consumers who want to shop at our stores," said Rahim Bhaloo, Founder, CEO & Executive Chairman of PesoRama. "There are multiple new locations with a high density of potential customers, where we would like to open our stores to drive continued growth and success."





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Join Our Live Stream on Instagram!

A live stream of the ribbon cutting and new store opening celebration will be held on JOi's Instagram page on Saturday, December 21st at 2:00 PM CDMX / 3:00 PM EST. Join us in celebrating and follow along on Instagram: @joi.dollar.plus

About PesoRama Inc.

PesoRama, operating under the JOi Dollar Plus brand, is a Mexican value dollar store retailer. PesoRama launched operations in 2019 in Mexico City and the surrounding areas targeting high density, high traffic locations. PesoRama's 24 stores (25th store opening on December 21st ) offer consistent merchandise offerings which include items in the folloswing categories: household goods, pet supplies, seasonal products, party supplies, health and beauty, snack food items, confectionery and more. For more information visit: http://pesorama.ca.

For further information please contact:

Cautionary Note

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, among other things, statements regarding the Company's planned expansion, new store openings and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate. While the Company believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements, including due to changes in consumer behaviour, general economic factors, the ability of the Company to execute its strategies, the availability of capital and the risk factors which are discussed in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's prospectus dated January 31, 2022 and filed under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. PesoRama undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of PesoRama, its securities, or its financial or operating results (as applicable).

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234579

SOURCE: PesoRama Inc.
THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

South Star Battery Metals Corp. ("South Star" or the "Company") (TSXV:STS)(OTCQB:STSBF), is pleased to announce that it that it has successfully completed a second tranche of its non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of units (the "Units") for gross proceeds to the Company of US$1,312,528 (CA$1,837,538.78). When combined with the proceeds from Tranche 1, the gross proceeds of the Private Placement to the Company total US$2,120,550.55 (CA$2,968,769.62). Proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for exploration, development, production activities, as well as corporate G&A and general working capital requirements.

Tranche 2 of the Private Placement consists of issuing 3,052,390 Units consisting of a common share priced at US$0.43 (CA$0.602) and 3,052,390 common share purchase warrants. Each warrant is exercisable into one common share at a price of US$0.89 (CA$1.246) for 5 years from the date of issue (the "Warrants") subject to an acceleration clause (described in more detail below). The Units and Finder's Shares issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period. Closing of the Private Placement is subject to customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. In connection with the second tranche closing of the Private Placement, the Company paid finder's fees of US$32,813.20 (CA$45,938.48) and issued 61,046 common shares (the "Finders Shares").

Insiders of the Company participated in the Private Placement for an aggregate amount of $812,528 for 1,889,600 Units. The transaction with the officer constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemptions under section 5.5(a) and section 5.7(1)(a) from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the Units issued to the related party and the consideration paid by the related party under the Private Placement does not exceed 25% of Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Private Placement, as the details of the participation by related party of the Company were not settled until shortly prior to closing of the Private Placement.

Acceleration Clause

The acceleration clause of the Warrants and Finder's Warrants will provide that, if, during any period of ten (10) consecutive trading days between the date that is four (4) months following the closing of the Private Placement and the expiry of the Warrants and Finder's Warrants, the daily volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange (or such other stock exchange where the majority of the trading volume occurs) is equal to or exceeds US$1.79 (CA$2.506) on each day, the Company may, within thirty (30) days of such an occurrence, give notice, via news release, to the holders of the Warrants and Finder's Warrants that all unexercised Warrants and Finder's Warrants will expire at 4:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on the 30th day following the giving of such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the holders of the Warrants and Finder's Warrants will have thirty (30) days to exercise their Warrants and Finder's Warrants and any Warrants and Finder's Warrants that remain unexercised will expire.

# # #

About South Star Battery Metals Corp.

South Star is a Canadian battery-metals project developer focused on the selective acquisition and development of near-term production projects in the Americas. South Star's Santa Cruz Graphite Project, located in Southern Bahia, Brazil is the first of a series of industrial- and battery-metals projects that will be put into production. Brazil is the second-largest graphite-producing region in the world with more than 80 years of continuous mining. Santa Cruz has at-surface mineralization in friable materials, and successful large-scale pilot-plant testing (> 30 tonnes) has been completed. The results of the testing show that approximately 65% of graphite concentrate is +80 mesh with good recoveries and 95%-99% graphitic carbon (Cg). With excellent infrastructure and logistics, South Star Phase 1 is ramping up commercial production with first sales expected to be delivered in October 2024. Santa Cruz Phase 1 commercial production has a nameplate capacity of 12,000 tpy and is the first new graphite production in the Americas since 1996. Phase 2 production (25,000 tpy) is partially funded and planned for 2026, while Phase 3 (50,000 tpy) is scheduled for 2028.

South Star's second project in the development pipeline is strategically located in Alabama, U.S.A. in the center of a developing electric-vehicle, aerospace, and defense hub in the southeastern United States. The BamaStar Project includes a historic mine active during the First and Second World Wars. A NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment will be filed on SEDAR+. Trenching, Phase 1 drilling, sampling, analysis, and preliminary metallurgical testing have been completed. The testing included a traditional crush/grind/flotation concentration circuit that achieved grades of approximately 94-99% Cg with approximately 90% recoveries. The vertically integrated production facilities include a mine and industrial concentrator in Coosa County, AL and a downstream value-add plant in Mobile, AL, which will be upgrading natural flake graphite concentrates from both Santa Cruz and BamaStar mines. South Star is executing on its plan to create a multi-asset, diversified battery-metals company with near-term operations in strategic jurisdictions. South Star trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol STS, and on the OTCQB under the symbol STSBF.

South Star is committed to a corporate culture, project execution plan and safe operations that embrace the highest standards of ESG principles, based on transparency, stakeholder engagement, ongoing education, and stewardship. To learn more, please visit the Company website at http://www.southstarbatterymetals.com.

This news release has been reviewed and approved for South Star by Richard Pearce, P.E., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and President and CEO of South Star Battery Metals Corp.

On behalf of the South Star Board of Directors,

MR. RICHARD L. PEARCE,

President & Chief Executive Officer

For additional information, please contact:

South Star Investor Relations

Email: invest@southstarbatterymetals.com

Phone: +1 (604) 706-0212

Website: www.southstarbatterymetals.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/southstarbm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southstarbatterymetals

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southstarbatterymetals/

YouTube: South Star Battery Metals - YouTube

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to statements regarding moving Santa Cruz into production and scaling operations as well as advancing the Alabama project; and the Company's plans and expectations.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

SOURCE: South Star Battery Metals Corp.

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TurboPass, the leader in instant verifications for the auto finance industry, proudly announces the winners of the 2024 Dealer of the Year Awards. These annual awards honor dealerships and dealer groups nationwide for their commitment to operational excellence, fraud prevention, and exceptional customer service through the innovative use of TurboPass.

Toyota of Hollywood has been named the National Dealer of the Year, reflecting their unparalleled leadership and advocacy for TurboPass. A long-time partner, Toyota of Hollywood utilizes hundreds of TurboPass reports each month, exemplifying their dedication to streamlining verifications and improving operational efficiency.

Tropical Chevrolet has earned the title of Franchise Dealer of the Year for their remarkable dedication to creating a fraud-free, customer-first car-buying experience.

SS Motor Cars receives the Newcomer of the Year award for their swift and effective adoption of TurboPass technology.

Kargar Motors has been recognized as the Independent Dealer of the Year for the East region, demonstrating outstanding commitment to delivering superior customer experiences. Mundo Autos and Carsight INC have earned the same title for the Central and West regions, respectively, setting high standards for operational excellence in their markets.

Dealer group awards honor Gilstrap Family Dealerships in the East, EchoPark Automotive in the Central region, and AutoSavvy in the West, each of which exemplifies leadership and effective utilization of verification technology.

Eagle Motorsport has been recognized with the Product Pioneer award for their adoption of the TurboPass Identity Report, showcasing innovation and leadership in leveraging advanced verification tools.

Mike Jarman, CEO of TurboPass, shared his excitement for the award recipients, stating, "These dealerships and dealer groups represent the best of what's possible when innovation meets dedication. Their success is a testament to the transformative power of TurboPass solutions, and we're thrilled to celebrate their achievements as we continue to advance the future of automotive finance."

TurboPass reached significant milestones in 2024, including surpassing more than 10,000 customers and expanding its impact across diverse industries such as direct-consumer lending and property management. The company is thrilled to share that as of this year over 800,000 reports have been requested, underscoring our pivotal role in shaping the future of verifications.

As TurboPass reflects on an exceptional year of growth and collaboration, the company extends its sincere gratitude to all dealer partners for their trust and partnership throughout 2024. TurboPass looks forward to continuing this journey of innovation and excellence in the years ahead.

TurboPass Corporation is a financial technology software company based in Austin, Texas, specializing in automation, SaaS, and cloud-based solutions for automotive dealerships, banks, and finance companies across North America. Learn more at www.turbopassreport.com.

Contact Information

SOURCE: TurboPass Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Clean Air Metals Inc. ("Clean Air Metals" or the "Company") (TSXV:AIR)(FRA:CKU)(OTCQB:CLRMF) announces that it has filed its unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2024, available for viewing on www.sedarplus.ca.

Financial Highlights

Total assets as at October 31, 2024 of $37,234,144

Total cash as at October 31, 2024 of $3,121,173

Working capital as at October 31, 2024 of $212,518

Shareholder's equity as at October 31, 2024 of $33,555,754

Mike Garbutt, CEO of the Company, commented, "The third quarter marked a period where we activated a drill program to expand on higher grade pods at the Current deposit, and outlined a revised development path for the asset as a high-grade, low tonnage project. This was achieved while continuing to control overall spending for the quarter. We are comfortable with our financial position to continue our project development path through 2025."

Full details of the financial reports and operating results for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2024 are described in the Company's unaudited consolidated interim financial statements with accompanying notes and related Management's Discussion and Analysis, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Clean Air Metals

Clean Air Metals is a development and exploration company advancing its flagship, 100% owned Thunder Bay North Critical Minerals ("TBN") project, 40 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The TBN project, accessible by road and next to established infrastructure, hosts two (2) deposits - the Current and Escape deposits, only 2.5 km apart. Together, the deposits host a 13.8 Mt indicated mineral resource containing 2.4M Pt eq. oz (Technical Report on the Thunder Bay North Project, Ontario Canada, NI43-101, SLR Consulting Canada Ltd, June 19, 2023) with significant potential for expansion down-plunge.

One of the rare primary platinum resources outside of South Africa, the TBN project is in a stable and mining-friendly jurisdiction and benefits from longstanding relationships with local First Nations. With its proven technical team, Clean Air Metals is committed to growing the resources at the TBN project and creating long-term value for shareholders.

Social Engagement

Clean Air Metals Inc. acknowledges that the Thunder Bay North Critical Minerals Project is located within the area encompassed by the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850, and includes the territories of the Fort William First Nation,?Red Rock Indian Band, Biinjitiwabik Zaaging Anishinabek and Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek. Clean Air Metals also acknowledges the contributions of the Metis Nation of Ontario, Region 2 and the Red Sky Metis Independent Nation to the rich history of our area.?

The Company appreciates the opportunity to work in these territories and remains committed to the recognition and respect of those who have lived, traveled, and gathered on the lands since time immemorial. Clean Air Metals is committed to stewarding Indigenous heritage and remains committed to building, fostering and encouraging a respectful relationship with First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples based upon principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity and collaboration in the spirit of reconciliation.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Mike Garbutt"

Mike Garbutt, CEO of Clean Air Metals Inc.

Connect with us on X/ Facebook/ Instagram.

Visit www.cleanairmetals.ca for more information or contact:

Mia Boiridy

Director of Communications and Investor Relations

250-575-3305

mboiridy@cleanairmetals.ca

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties

which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration

or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of

production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

SOURCE: Clean Air Metals, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 19, 2024) - Mason Resources Inc. (TSXV: LLG) (OTCQB: MGPHF) ("Mason") ("Mason" or the "Company"), reports, in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, that the nominees listed in the Management Information Circular dated October 30, 2024 for the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Company (the "Meeting") were elected as directors of the Company. Over 50% of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company were represented at the Meeting. The Company elected seven directors to its board, namely, Peter Damouni, Fahad Al-Tamimi, Tayfun Eldem, Nav Dhaliwal, Francois Perron, Roy McDowall and Adree Delazzer.

Shareholders at the meeting also approved the appointment of McGovern Hurley LLP as the Company's auditors and reapproved the Company's Stock Option Plan pursuant to which the Company may issue stock options to eligible participants, subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSXV.

Mason's board would like to express its gratitude to its shareholders for their continued support.

For more information:

Mason Resources Inc. on behalf of the Board of Directors

Peter Damouni, President & Chief Executive Officer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the impact of the results and appointment on the Company. Although the Company believes that such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and risks, including, uncertainties of the global economy, market fluctuations, the discretion of the Company in respect to the use of proceeds discussed above, any exercise of termination by counterparties under applicable agreements, the Company's inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities, to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies and other risks identified in its disclosure documents filed at www.sedarplus.ca. This press release is not, and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities in Canada or in the United States.

Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual events, results and/or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with and as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234556

SOURCE: Mason Resources Inc.
London, UK, December 19th, 2024, Chainwire

As cryptocurrency adoption expands, so do the associated risks, including physical threats targeting crypto holders. Traditional wallets often lack safeguards to address real-world coercion scenarios. Addressing this challenge, Deus Wallet introduces a new feature: Duress Mode.

This technology, integrated into Deuss non-custodial framework, provides an added layer of security to help safeguard cryptocurrency assets and user safety in high-risk situations.

The Issue: Crypto Security Is More Than Digital

While digital security has advanced with multi-signature wallets, biometric authentication, and hardware devices, physical security remains overlooked. Criminals have adapted their tactics, targeting crypto holders.

Considering Real-Life Examples:

2022, London: Criminals broke into a businessmans home and extorted $1.1 million in Bitcoin at gunpoint.

2023, New York: A crypto trader was kidnapped and forced to transfer $400,000 while held captive.

2021, Bangkok: A prominent investor managing millions in crypto was ambushed by an international gang and coerced into transferring $2.7 million.

In each case, victims lacked the tools to mitigate risks under pressure. Standard wallets provide no last line of defense for these real-world threats.

Deus Wallet: Next-Level Protection

Deus Wallet tackles this vulnerability with its non-custodial structure and Duress Mode. This approach allows users to retain full control over their assets while incorporating an additional security measure designed to address specific risks.

Non-Custodial Goal

With Deus, private keys are stored exclusively by the user, not on any centralized server. This eliminates third-party risks such as hacking, insider theft, or regulatory overreach. In an era where centralization poses increasing threats, non-custodial wallets offer unparalleled independence and security.

Duress Mode was developed with one goal: to protect users in life-threatening situations.

The way it works:

Duress PIN Configuration: Setting a secondary PIN during wallet setup.

Under Coercion: Entering the Duress PIN instead of the regular one.

Seamless Decoy: The wallet opens a fake account with minimal or no funds, while users actual assets remain hidden.

This feature ensures that attackers see what appears to be the entire wallet balance, without ever suspecting the existence of hidden funds.

Deus Wallet is part of a growing movement to rethink cryptocurrency security. As the crypto ecosystem matures, protecting users in both digital and physical spaces is becoming more important.

The Bigger Picture:

Rising Crypto Adoption: As cryptocurrencies enter mainstream finance, the average user profile shifts from tech-savvy enthusiasts to general consumers, many of whom lack advanced security awareness.

Criminal Adaptability: Criminals exploit the pseudonymity of blockchain transactions, knowing that once assets are transferred, theyre nearly impossible to recover.

The Security Gap: While solutions like hardware wallets protect against cyber threats, tools like Duress Mode address the issue of physical security.

Deus Wallet is at the forefront of this shift, setting a new standard for protecting users and their assets.

Key Features of Deus Wallet

Non-Custodial Architecture: Full control of private keys ensures users funds are always theirs.

Duress Mode: A revolutionary feature to safeguard assets under physical coercion.

User-Friendly Design: Intuitive interface suitable for beginners and experts alike.

Advanced Encryption: Multi-layered security protects against cyberattacks.

Customizable Settings: Users can define access parameters and Duress Mode triggers according to their preferences.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available on iOS, Android.

In todays world, digital and physical security go hand-in-hand. Deus Wallet provides a comprehensive solution, ensuring that users assets and personal safety are never compromised.

About Deus Wallet

Deus Wallet offers a comprehensive platform for storing and managing cryptocurrencies and NFTs, featuring tools to track account activity and streamline asset management. By integrating multiple functionalities, Deus Wallet eliminates the need to navigate several decentralized platforms.

With a focus on user-friendly design, Deus Wallet balances simplicity and functionality, making it a practical choice for those seeking efficient and accessible solutions.

Trusted by users in over 166 countries, Deus Wallet serves a broad audience, including individuals and enterprises, across five continents.

Deus Wallet is designed to support both new and experienced users, providing tools for secure asset management and streamlined engagement with decentralized finance.

Users can visit https://deuswallet.com to learn more about how Deus Wallet is reshaping crypto security for the modern age.

Contact

Pavel Derkach

DEUS WALLET APS LTD

[email protected]
GAIB, a Singapore-based provider of a platform creating financial infrastructure for AI computing, raised $5M in Pre-Seed funding.

The round was led by Hack VC, Faction, and Hashed, alongside strategic investments from groups including Spartan, CMCC, L2IV, Animoca Brands, IVC, MH Ventures, Presto, J17, IDG Capital, 280 Capital, Aethir, and Near Foundation, as well as angel investors.

The company intends to use the funds to expand the R&D and operations teams, accelerate product iteration, and strengthen its infrastructure.

Led by CEO and Founder Kony Kwong, GAIB is an economic layer for AI compute, creating a new type of yield bearing assets backed by real AI demands. It tokenizes enterprise-grade GPUs and their yields, creating a decentralized liquid market for GPU financing, addressing the growing demand for computing while giving investors direct exposure to GPU assets. The platform enables a variety of decentralized finance (DeFi) use cases to be built on top, including GPU backed stablecoins, lending and borrowing, options and futures, and various structured products.

FinSMEs

19/12/2024
SpinaFX Medical Inc., a Toronto, Canada-based provider of a minimally invasive image-guided spinal care solutions, closed the Series B funding, raising a last tranche of CAD $5.3M.

Backers were not disclosed.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts.

Founded by Dr. Kieran Murphy and led by CEO Jeff Cambra, SpinaFX is a medical device company working on bringing innovative, minimally invasive image-guided treatments to patients with back pain due to contained herniated discs. The company is addressing this therapeutic gap with a minimally invasive, image-guided therapy for contained herniated discs, called Triojection a not yet approved therapy, which consists in delivering an ozone-oxygen mixture into the disc. Preliminary data from studies indicates the potential of this outpatient procedure to address disc volume and related nerve pressure, pending further clinical validation and regulatory approval.

SpinaFXs not yet approved treatment Triojection for contained herniated discs  fills the therapeutic gap between conservative care and surgery (CNW Group/SpinaFX)

FinSMEs

19/12/2024
Larnaca, Cyprus, December 19th, 2024, FinanceWire

VCG Markets has announced the launch of the VCG Markets Trading App, a new platform designed to provide seamless access to a wide range of financial markets.

Catering to both novice and experienced traders, the app offers tools for trading cryptocurrencies, indices, forex, commodities, and shares, delivering a robust and user-friendly mobile-first trading solution.

A Seamless User-Centric Experience

The VCG Markets Trading App puts usability at the forefront by offering an intuitive design and exceptional UX/UI, the app is built to simplify the trading journey. Its clean layout and user-centered features allow traders of all levels to navigate the markets effortlessly, focusing on trading rather than navigating complex tools.

Supporting Diverse Trading Needs

Designed to accommodate various trading approaches, the app includes:

Real-Time Market Data : Access live updates for informed decision-making.

: Access live updates for informed decision-making. Customizable Alerts : Tailor notifications to align with personal trading strategies.

: Tailor notifications to align with personal trading strategies. Advanced Tools: Equip traders for day trading, swing trading, or long-term investment.

New Signal Technology Integration with Trading Central

In collaboration with Trading Central, VCG Markets has introduced an innovative trading signals feature, offering actionable insights directly within the trading platform. Key highlights include:

Professional Analysis : By leveraging Trading Centrals extensive market analysis capabilities, traders receive institutional-quality trading signals based on comprehensive technical and fundamental analysis.

: By leveraging Trading Centrals extensive market analysis capabilities, traders receive institutional-quality trading signals based on comprehensive technical and fundamental analysis. Trading Sentiment Analysis: Leverage built-in features to assess market sentiment and make informed trading decisions based on current trends.

Leverage built-in features to assess market sentiment and make informed trading decisions based on current trends. Enhanced Price Range Monitoring: Utilize specialized tools to monitor price movements effectively across various timeframes for intraday trading.

Utilize specialized tools to monitor price movements effectively across various timeframes for intraday trading. Customizable Alert System: Traders can set personalized parameters for signal notifications, ensuring they never miss potential trading opportunities that match their strategy.

Traders can set personalized parameters for signal notifications, ensuring they never miss potential trading opportunities that match their strategy. Direct Graph Integration: Trading signals are displayed directly on price charts, allowing traders to evaluate opportunities and trade in a single click.

Trading signals are displayed directly on price charts, allowing traders to evaluate opportunities and trade in a single click. Multi-Asset Coverage: The system can overlay signals across any tradeable asset on the platform, from stocks and forex to cryptocurrencies and commodities.

The system can overlay signals across any tradeable asset on the platform, from stocks and forex to cryptocurrencies and commodities. Transparent Transaction History: By utilizing all these features, traders will be able to access a clear and comprehensive record of all trades, and deposits, and make withdrawals effortlessly.

Commitment to Security and Transparency

VCG Markets has implemented industry-leading security measures, including secure digital wallets for cryptocurrency holdings and robust account protections for traditional assets. Additionally, traders benefit from transparent transaction histories and efficient trade execution, ensuring confidence in every trade.

Streamlined Onboarding with Reward Opportunities

Participants can receive $100 by completing a step-by-step onboarding process.

Complete Profile : Earn $10

: Earn $10 First Deposit : Earn $20

: Earn $20 Identity Verification : Earn $30

: Earn $30 First Trade: Earn $40

This limited-time offer is only unlocked after completing all steps and is tracked via a simple progress bar.

Educational Resources and Community Engagement

VCG Markets offers educational tools within the app to support traders in refining their strategies. The app also connects users to VCG Social, a platform for following and replicating top traders activities, fostering a collaborative trading environment.

Responsive Customer Support

VCG Markets prides itself on its responsive and knowledgeable customer support team. Available to assist traders with any technical or trading inquiries, the support team ensures a smooth experience at every step of the trading journey.

Positioning To Be a Market Leader

The launch of the VCG Markets Trading App marks an important milestone in the evolution of mobile trading platforms. By combining multiple asset classes, advanced trading tools, and user-friendly features in a single application, VCG Markets has positioned itself to meet the growing demand for comprehensive trading solutions and democratizing access to global financial markets.

About VCG Markets

VCG Markets wants to be the top forex broker for traders looking for a dependable and honest trading experience, by expanding product offerings and strengthening customer relationships. It focuses on providing guidance, fair pricing, and transparency to give traders confidence in their journey with VCG Markets.

For more information about the VCG Markets Trading App, users can visit https://vcg.onelink.me/jfQR/haklxnqe

Contact

CMO

Daniel Hendler

VCG Markets

[email protected]
The fall of Bashar al-Assads government in Syria has unravelled a bigger issue within the country. A Captagon drug industry worth billions of dollars was being capitalised by the former Syrian president. Here is all you need to know about it read more

Captagon pills hidden inside an electrical component at the warehouse in Douma city, Syria. AP

Since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, industrial-scale manufacturing facilities of the amphetamine-like stimulant Captagon have been uncovered around the country, which experts say fed a $10 billion annual global trade in the highly addictive drug.

Among the locations used for manufacturing the drug were the Mazzeh air base in Damascus, a car-trading company in Latakia and a factory that once made snack chips in the Damascus suburb of Douma. Government forces seized the factory in 2018.

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 Assads collaborators controlled this place. After the regime fell I came here and found it on fire, Firas al-Toot, the original owner of the factory, told The Associated Press. They came at night and lit the drugs on fire but couldnt burn everything.

From here, Captagon pills emerged to kill our people, Abu Zihab, an activist with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main group now ruling the country, said while his group gave journalists access to the site.

Syrias nearly 14-year-old civil war fragmented the country, crumbled the economy and created fertile ground for the production of the drug. Militias, warlords and the Assad government transformed the production of Captagon from a small-scale operation run by criminal groups into a billion-dollar industrial revenue stream.

The recent ousting of Assad has disrupted these networks and has given a closer look at its operations  revealing the workings of a war economy that sustained Assads power over Syria. Experts say the change in Syria might create an opportunity to dismantle the Captagon industry.

History of Syrias Captagon empire

Captagon was first developed in Germany in the 1960s as a prescription stimulant for conditions like narcolepsy. It was later outlawed due to heart issues and its addictive properties.

Its amphetamine-like effects made it popular in West Asia among both elites and fighters, as it enhanced focus and reduced fatigue.

Assads government recognised an opportunity in the cheaply manufactured drug amid Syrias economic turmoil and the heavy sanctions imposed on it.

Captagon is produced through a simple chemical process that involves mixing amphetamine derivatives with excipients to form tablets, typically in makeshift labs.

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The Captagon trade began industrialising around 2018-2019 as the Assad regime  and other armed groups in Syria  invested in production facilities, warehouses and trafficking networks. This allowed Syria to emerge as the largest producer of Captagon globally, with some production also occurring in Lebanon.

Most seized consignments of Captagon originated from Syria, according to data by the New Lines Captagon Trade Project, an initiative of the New Lines Institute think tank.

Evidence of the Assad regimes sponsorship of the Captagon industry is overwhelming, the report published in May said. The Security Office of the 4th Armored Division of the Syrian Arab Army, headed by Bashar al-Assads brother Maher oversaw operations and created a coordinated production system, the report added.

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The process of smuggling Captagon

Captagon was smuggled across borders in trucks and cargo shipments. Sometimes the drugs were concealed in food, electronics and construction materials to evade detection.

The primary smuggling routes were Syrias porous borders with Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, from which the drug was distributed throughout the region. The leading markets are wealthy Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

In Lebanon, the Captagon trade has flourished, particularly near the Syrian border and in the Bekaa Valley. Lebanese authorities struggled to curb the flow of Captagon from Syria, which analysts say was facilitated by the Hezbollah militant group.

Following the discovery of crates of fruit meticulously packed with bundles of the drug hidden among pomegranates and oranges, Saudi Arabia and the UAE implemented bans on Lebanese agricultural products.

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Captagon spread on the floor after a search was conducted at a warehouse in Douma city in Syria. AP

Captagon has also found its way as far as Southeast Asia and parts of Europe.

Revenue Captagon produced for Assad regime

The annual global trade in Captagon had an estimated value of $10 billion, with the ousted Assad familys annual profit reaching around $2.4 billion, according to Caroline Rose, director of the New York-based New Lines Institute Captagon Trade Project.

Seeing the uncovering of so many industrial-scale facilities affiliated with the regime was shocking but not surprising. There was extensive evidence linking key regime-aligned cronies and Assad family members to the trade, said Rose, whose organisation tracks all publicly recorded Captagon seizures and lab raids.

The discovery of the facilities, she said, confirmed the concrete relationship between Captagon and the former regime.

The exact number of factories in Syria remains unclear, but experts and HTS members estimate that there are likely hundreds spread throughout the country.

Captagon as a narco-diplomatic tool

While neighbouring countries have long sought to curb drug trafficking, their influence over Assad was limited.

Saudi Arabia imposed strict penalties for Captagon trafficking and enhanced border security, collaborating with other Gulf states to monitor smuggling routes. However, these efforts faced challenges from the complex networks operating across Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

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Captagon provided Assads government with leverage to end his political isolation. In recent years, as several Arab states reestablished ties with him, stopping the Captagon trade was a key demand in talks aimed at normalising relations. In May 2023, Syria was readmitted to the Arab League, where it had been suspended since 2011 due to Assads brutal crackdown on protesters.

Syria pledged to clamp down on smuggling, leading to the formation of a regional security coordination committee.

Shortly after the summit and in a possible sign of behind-the-scenes trade-offs, Jordan intensified surveillance along the Syrian border. Activists and experts attributed airstrikes on a known drug kingpins home and on a suspected Captagon factory near Daraa to Jordan, likely with Assads consent.

Future of Captagon in post-Assad Syria

Assad has turned Syria into the largest Captagon factory in the world, HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa stated in a victory speech at Damascuss Umayyad Mosque on December 8. Today, Syria is being cleansed, thanks to the grace of Almighty God.

While Assad and his circle may have been the primary beneficiaries, there is also evidence that Syrian opposition groups were involved in drug smuggling. Rebel groups, local militias and organized crime networks manufactured and smuggled the drug to finance their operations, analysts say.

A Syrian member of rebel shows Captagon hidden inside an electrical component at a warehouse in Douma city, Syria. AP

Likely, we will see a short-term supply reduction in the trade, with a decline in the size and frequency of seizures as industrial-scale production is largely halted. However, criminal actors are innovative, likely seeking out new locations to engage in production and smuggling, particularly as demand levels remain stable, Rose said.

They may also seek out alternative illicit trades to engage in instead, she said.

In addition to dismantling the Captagon trade, the countrys transitional government should establish programs for economic development that will incentivise Syrians to participate in the countrys formal, licit economic sphere, Rose said.
China is planning to build the worlds largest artificial island airport in Dalian, in northeastern Liaoning province. The artificial island airport will cover 20.9 square kilometres and surpass similar projects worldwide in both size and scale. It aims to bolster Dalian, a port city located near Japan and South Korea, as a regional transport hub read more

Dalian Jinzhouwan International Airport will be the first artificial-island airport on mainland China's coast. Strategically located near China's regional neighbours, Japan and South Korea, the port city of Dalian is a key hub for oil refineries, shipping, logistics, and coastal tourism. Image for Representation. Image courtesy: X/@Marksmen daily

China is gearing up to achieve another engineering marvel with plans to construct the worlds largest artificial island airport.

The ambitious project, as highlighted by the South China Morning Post, is set to turn Daliana bustling port city in northeastern Liaoning provinceinto a regional transportation powerhouse with a superior geographic location.

The proposed Dalian Jinzhouwan International Airport will be unlike anything the world has seen. Built entirely on reclaimed land in the sea, its poised to become the largest artificial airport of its kind, designed to handle an extraordinary volume of passengers.

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But how exactly will this megaproject come to life? Heres what we know.

Dalian Jinzhouwan International Airport will be the first artificial-island airport on mainland Chinas coast. Strategically located near Chinas regional neighbours, Japan and South Korea, the port city of Dalian is a key hub for oil refineries, shipping, logistics, and coastal tourism.

The artificial island airport will cover an impressive 20.9 square kilometres and will surpass other similar projects worldwide in both size and scale, as per the Liaoning provincial governments official website.

To put its scale into perspective, the Dalian Jinzhouwan Airport will be significantly larger than Hong Kong International Airport (12.48 sq km) and Kansai Airport (10.5 sq km), both renowned artificial island airports. For Dalian people to say its the largest, thats exactly what it is, aviation consultancy founder Li Hanming told the Chinese news outlet. The artificial island airport will cover an impressive 20.9 square kilometres and will surpass other similar projects worldwide in both size and scale. The Dalian Jinzhouwan Airport will be significantly larger than Hong Kong International Airport (12.48 sq km) and Kansai Airport (10.5 sq km), both renowned artificial island airports. Image courtesy: X/

The construction involves advanced land reclamation techniques, using millions of cubic meters of sand and rock to create the artificial island. Once completed, it will feature four runways and an enormous terminal spanning 900,000 square metresroughly 9.69 million square feet.

The new airport is set to replace the ageing Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, which was originally built nearly a century ago during the Japanese occupation.

Further, Li said the existing airport is hard to navigate for pilots because it is in a valley that is blocked by nearby mountains, adding that its location could make flights quite dangerous during adverse weather.

The existing airport is struggling with growing passenger traffic. Despite undergoing several expansions, the Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport has reached its maximum capacity. Last year, the airport handled 658,000 international passengers, according to Xinhua.

The new terminal will, however, resolve the issue. Initially, it will accommodate 43 million passengers annually, more than doubling the capacity of its predecessor. Eventually, it will handle 80 million passengers and process 1 million tonnes of cargo annually, addressing the surging demand for air travel in the region and solidifying Dalians status as a major economic and transportation hub.

The ambitious $4.3 billion project is expected to be completed by 2035, according to Airports Council International, a Canada-based global industry organisation.

As of August, the Liaoning provincial government reported that deep foundation treatment had been completed on a 77,000-square-metre reclamation area, with further land reclamation and terminal foundation work progressing steadily.

With this new addition, Chinas aggressive infrastructure expansion shows no signs of slowing down. According to a market intelligence CAPA Centre for Aviation, 22 new airports worth a collective $19.6 billion were under construction across the country as of July.With input from agencies
Dominique Pelicot, 72, has been convicted of drugging and raping his ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot, by a court in France. He has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Fifty other men have also been found guilty. From a journalist to lorry drivers, heres who they are read more

People hold placards as they gather in support of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, the victim of an alleged mass rape orchestrated by her then-husband Dominique Pelicot at their home in the southern French town of Mazan, during the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-accused, in front of the courthouse in Avignon, France, December 19, 2024. The slogan reads "Shame changes sides". Reuters

Shame has changed sides. Dominique Pelicot has been sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment for drugging and raping his ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot, by a court in France. All 50 other men who were on trial, along with Dominique, have also been found guilty.

On Thursday (December 19), a panel of five judges found 47 of the defendants guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault.

The mass rape case that horrified France and shocked the world has turned Gisele Pelicot into a symbol of courage and resilience. The men who raped her came from all walks of life such as lorry drivers, soldiers, security guards, a journalist and a DJ.

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Heres a look at who they are.

Dominique Pelicot

Dominique Pelicot, 72, admitted to drugging and raping his wife of 50 years and offering an unconscious Gisele to dozens of men to rape her.

Dominique, a construction supervisor, real estate agent and salesman, solicited dozens of strangers from 2011 to 2020 in the village of Mazan, in Provence, to rape his wife while she was sedated and unconscious.

He contacted men on an online chatroom titled without her knowledge to invite them to come to the couples home in Mazan to rape his wife after mixing sleeping tablets and anti-anxiety medication into her food and drink that left her unconscious.

This courtroom sketch by Valentin Pasquier shows Gisele Pelicot, left, and her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, right, during his trial at the courthouse in Avignon, southern France, on September 17, 2024. File Photo/AP

I know Im going to get 20 years, Ive lost everything, Dominique told the court. Ill die alone like a dog.

He pleaded guilty saying: Im a rapist and so are all of them, referring to the other 50 men who were on trial.

Dominique has been sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in jail. He was found guilty of aggravated rape of his ex-wife, and the attempted aggravated rape of the wife of one of the co-accused, Jean Pierre Marechal.

He has also been found guilty of taking and distributing sexual images of his adult daughter, Caroline, and his daughters-in-law, Aurore and Celine.

Dominique Pelicot has been in jail since November 4, 2020. At age 72, it is likely he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Jean-Pierre Marechal

Jean-Pierre Marechal, a former lorry driver for an agricultural cooperative in southern France, has been found guilty of attempted rape and aggravated rape of his wife.

Dubbed as Dominique Pelicots disciple, Marechal sedated and raped his own wife and even enlisted Pelicot to rape her with him.

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As per The Guardian, Marechal came into contact with Dominique on the online chatroom without her knowledge. Pelicot allegedly provided the 63-year-old drugs to sedate his wife, told him the technique and then went to rape her himself.

Marechals wife was raped 12 times between 2015 and 2020. He admitted the charges in the court.

Marechal was the only defendant not accused of raping or assaulting Gisele Pelicot.

Charly Arbo

Charly Arbo was 22 when he first went to Pelicots home for the first time to rape Gisele Pelicot, who was 64 then, in January 2016.

He returned five more times, between December 2018 and June 2020.

Arbo denied the charges during the trial, saying: I was told it was a scenario in which she was asleep. In that scenario, she was consenting. For me, I didnt intend to rape. I didnt want to rape her; I didnt want to do something bad to that family.

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When Arbo, who had worked as a vineyard worker, was asked by Dominique whether there is another woman he would like to rape or see raped, he suggested his own mother because it was the only woman who came to mind.

He said he did not go through with it and made excuses.

Arbo, now 30, has been found guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Joan Kawai

Joan Kawai, a 26-year-old soldier in the French military, raped Gisele Pelicot on two separate visits to her home in 2019 and 2020.

He told the court: Im a rapist because the law says I am  but he said he did not intend to rape and at the time I did not know what consent was.

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Kawai was absent for the premature birth of his daughter on the night he sexually assaulted Gisele Pelicot in her home for the first time in 2019.

He has been discharged from the army.

The court in Avignon found him guilty of aggravated rape, sentencing him to 10 years in prison.

Nicolas Francois

A 42-year-old freelance journalist said he got up and logged into the hook-up website Coco every morning to try to find a sexual partner. This is where he came into touch with Dominique Pelicot.

Francois claimed he went to Pelicots home in 2018 for a homosexual encounter with Dominique, who denied this.

Video evidence showed him on a bed with Gisele Pelicot.

He dismissed the rape charge but conceded that he should never have walked through the door, reported The Telegraph.

Investigators discovered child pornography on USB sticks at his home for which he was charged. He denied downloading it himself.

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Francois has been sentenced to eight years for aggravated rape and possessing child abuse imagery. He has also been banned from working in jobs with children for several years, as per BBC.

Mohamed Rafaa

Mohamed Rafaa, 70, the Moroccan-born man is a former discotheque worker from La Rochelle. In 1999, he was sentenced to five years in prison for raping his 17-year-old daughter.

Rafaa was charged with raping Gisele Pelicot in May 2019 at the holiday home of her daughter on the Ile de Re in the west of France.

Denying that he raped Gisele, he told the court: I couldnt imagine for a fraction of a second that Dominique Pelicot did that without his wife knowing.

He has been found guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced to eight years.

Redouan El Farihi

The 55-year-old worked as a community nurse in Avignon.

Born in Morocco, Redouan El Farihi went to Mazan on the night of June 8, 2019 to rape Gisele Pelicot at her home. He said Dominique Pelicot had told him that his wife would pretend to be asleep, as per The Telegraph.

He claimed in the trial that he was a victim of a trick and had been too terrified of Dominique to leave.

What I did was out of fear, to not frustrate him, he seemed like a psychopath. However, the video evidence showed otherwise.

A trained anaesthesia nurse, he said he thought Gisele Pelicot was pretending to be dead but never that shed been drugged.

El Farihi has been sentenced to eight years in prison for aggravated rape.

Karim Sebaoui

Karim Sebaoui, a computer expert with two university degrees, were aware that Gisele Pelicot was unconscious. As per The Telegraph, he asked Dominique Pelicot in a Skype chat on June 27, 2020: Is the sleeping pill working?

He raped Gisele on June 27 of that year at the Pelicots home. Sebaoui told the court of the night: I did not go there with the aim of committing a crime and I had absolutely no idea that Mrs Pelicot was not consenting.

He is also charged with possessing child abuse imagery found on his computer. The 40-year-old claimed he had downloaded it inadvertently.

Dominique contacted him again but he refused to return as the June encounter had been too bizarre for me.

Sebaoui has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for aggravated rape and possessing child abuse imagery.

Quentin Hennebert

Quentin Hennebert, a prison warden, said he came into contact with Dominique Pelicot on the Coco website where he had sold drugs.

Dominique Pelicot told the 34-year-old he had a female friend who had a fantasy about playing the sleeping woman.

Hennebert travelled to Mazan on the night of November 30, 2019. He said he realised later that something wasnt right.

The scene was bizarre. [Gisele Pelicot] had no normal reactionIt was only halfway through that I realised something was wrong. Shes the victim, I have no excuse, Hennebert told the court.

Hennebert has been found guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced to seven years in prison.

Cyrille Delville

Cyrille Delville admitted raping Gisele Pelicot in her home in September 2019.

The 54-year-old said he had realised later that Gisele had not consented. I did what [her husband] wanted, I dont know why. I couldnt stop. I was disconnected.

He told the court that while in prison on remand he had understood that women do not belong to men.

Delville, who had a violent childhood, had a partner of 32 years with whom he shared two children.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Vincent Flegon, owner of bar-brasserie Le Siecle in Mazan, described Delville as a really nice guy, a family man, a Monsieur-tout-le-monde.

Delville has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment for aggravated rape.

Other convicted men

Florian Rocca, a 32-year-old delivery driver, has been found guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced to seven years.

Cyprien Culieras, a former lorry driver aged 43, has been sentenced to six years for aggravated rape.

Dominique Davies, a 45-year-old ex-soldier who visited the Pelicot home six times between 2015 and 2020, has been sentenced to 13 years for aggravated rape.

Boris Moulin, 37, has been sentenced to eight years for aggravated rape.

Jerome Vilela, a volunteer in the fire service, has been found guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced to 13 years.

Didier Sambuchi, a 67-year-old retired ex-trucker, has been sentenced to five years for aggravated rape.

Philippe Leleu, 62, has been sentenced to sentenced to five years of which two are suspended. He has been convicted of aggravated rape.

Jean-Luc LA, a 46-year-old mirror maker, was found guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced to 10 years.

Jean Tirano, a former roofer, has been sentenced to eight years for aggravated rape.

A 39-year-old storekeeper, Ludovick Blemeur has been sentenced to seven years for aggravated rape.

Patrick Aron, 60, was sentenced to eight years for aggravated rape. However, he will walk free due to medical issues and the need for a special prison.

Cedric Grassot, a 50-year-old computer technician, has been convicted of aggravated rape and sentenced to 12 years.

Gregory Serviol, 31, has been sentenced to eight years for aggravated rape.

Cendric Venzin, a 44-year-old restaurant manager, has been sentenced to nine years for aggravated rape.

Paul-Koikoi Grovogui, 31, has been sentenced to eight years for aggravated rape.

Omar Douiri, a 36-year-old cleaner, has been sentenced to eight years for aggravated rape.

Redouane Azougagh, 40, has been convicted of aggravated rape and sentenced to nine years in prison.

Thierry Postat, 61, has been found guilty of aggravated mass rape and drugging, along with possession of child pornography. He has been sentenced to 12 years, and banned from working with children for life.

Mahdi Daoudi, a 36-year-old transport worker, was found guilty of mass rape and drugging. He has received a sentence of eight years in prison.

Abdelali Dallal, 47, was sentenced to eight years for aggravated rape. However, he will walk free due to medical issues and the requirement for special prison.

Saifeddine Ghabi, a 36-year-old lorry driver, was acquitted of rape and attempted rape. He was found guilty of sexual assault and sentenced to three years.

Andy Rodriguez was found guilty of attempted rape and aggravating factors. He has been sentenced to six years.

Vincent Coullet was sentenced to 10 years for aggravated rape.

Adrien Longeron was found guilty of aggravated rape and child abuse imagery. He has been sentenced to six years.

Hughes Malago was sentenced to five years for attempted rape and two aggravating factors.

Ahmed Tbarik was found guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced to eight years.

Husamettin Dogan was sentenced to nine years for aggravated rape.

Fabien Sotton was found guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced to 11 years.

Nizar Hamida was found guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced to 10 years.

Jacques Cubeau was convicted of aggravated rape and sentenced to five years.

Patrice Nicolle was found guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced to eight years.

Thierry Parisis was convicted of aggravated rape and sentenced to eight years.

Christian Lescole was found guilty of aggravated rape but acquitted of having child abuse imagery. He has been sentenced to nine years.

Hassan Ouamou was convicted of aggravated rape and sentenced to 12 years. The 30-year-old is currently on the run in Morocco and has told police he has no intention of returning to France.

With inputs from agencies
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both of whom serve as Special Representatives (SRs), held the 23rd round of SR talks on Wednesday. During the meeting, they agreed on six key points to address the border issue between India and China. What are they? read more

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on Wednesday for the 23rd round of Special Representatives talks. Image courtesy: X/@EOIBeijing

To mend bilateral relations, representatives from India and China held a meeting focused on ensuring peace and stability along the border.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both of whom serve as Special Representatives (SRs), met on Wednesday for the 23rd round of Special Representatives talks, marking the first such discussion in five years. They agreed on six key points to address the border issue.

The meeting was expected to cover various topics aimed at rebuilding ties between the two nations, following the disengagement and patrolling agreement in eastern Ladakh on October 21.

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What are the six points India and China have agreed upon?

The discussions between Doval and Wang Yi came after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Kazan last month. This marked a breakthrough after tensions escalated following the clashes in Ladakhs Galwan Valley, which were the most severe in decades.

During the meeting, both countries discussed the necessity of maintaining a political perspective on the overall bilateral relationship as part of their approach to resolving the border issue, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

They reiterated their commitment to continue seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable package solution to the boundary issue in accordance with the political guidelines agreed upon by the special representatives of the two countries.

Ajit Doval held the 23rd Meeting of SRs on the India-China Boundary Question with his counterpart Wang Yi. Image courtesy: X/@EOIBeijing

The points of consensus include promoting cross-border tourism in regions such as Tibet, improving cross-border river cooperation, boosting trade at the Nathu La border, and resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

In its statement, the MEA said that the special representatives provided positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers, and border trade.

ALSO READ | Why is Xi Jinpings China purging its senior military leaders?

Both sides evaluated progress on the border issues, reiterating that the implementation work should continue. It was also agreed that the border issue should be managed in the broader context of bilateral relations.

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Further, India and China reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution to the boundary question, guided by the political framework agreed upon in 2005. They discussed taking constructive steps to advance this process.

The two countries also reviewed the border situation and agreed to refine border management rules, improve confidence-building measures, and maintain sustainable peace and tranquillity along the border, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

It was agreed to strengthen the special representatives meeting mechanism further, improve coordination in diplomatic and military negotiations, and direct the China-India Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs (WMCC) to oversee the implementation of decisions made during this meeting.

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Notably, both sides agreed to hold a new round of special representatives talks in India next year, with the timing to be finalised through diplomatic channels.

The discussions also covered a wide range of bilateral, international, and regional issues of mutual concern. Both nations analysed the importance of a stable, predictable, and cooperative relationship between China and India for ensuring regional and global peace and stability.

China ready to work with India

Ahead of the discussions, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that China is prepared to collaborate with India to implement the key agreements reached between their leaders and work towards restoring bilateral ties to a stable footing as soon as possible.

#FPVideo: India's National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the 23rd round of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China on December 18. The meeting will focus on maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border areas. pic.twitter.com/g4WRiupv5w  Firstpost (@firstpost) December 18, 2024

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Beijing also noted the importance of respecting each others core interests and major concerns, building mutual trust through dialogue and communication, and resolving differences sincerely and in good faith.

China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of China and India, respect each others core interests and major concerns, strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication, properly settle differences with sincerity and good faith, and bring bilateral relations back to the track of stable and healthy development as soon as possible, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said.

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently told the Parliament that disengagement in Eastern Ladakh has been fully achieved through a phased process, including the resolution of issues at Depsang and Demchok. He also reiterated that peace and tranquillity in border areas are essential for strengthening India-China ties.

In October, India and China finalised an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the border areas, marking progress in their efforts to stabilise relations.

ALSO READ | Disengagement, de-escalation, de-induction: Three Ds in India-China border deal and what they mean

What was the India-China military clash in 2020 about?

Since May 2020, Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a standoff, turning into a violent clash in Ladakhs Galwan Valley in June of that year. The conflict claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese soldiers, marking the most severe conflict between the two nations in decades.

Notably, the 4,000-km (2,500-mile) border between India and China remains largely disputed, and the Galwan Valley holds strategic importance due to its access to Aksai Chin.

The tensions in 2020 were primarily caused by Chinas objections to Indias infrastructure projects, particularly a road connecting the Galwan River Valley to a critical airbase. China considered the development as a threat to its territorial claims.

On October 21, 2024, India announced an agreement with China on patrolling protocols along the LAC. This breakthrough marked the resolution of a four-year-long standoff initiated by the deadly 2020 clash. On October 31, in keeping with the Diwali tradition, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets along the border.

With inputs from agencies
Following the devastating boat accident in Mumbai that resulted in 13 passenger deaths, those who survived share harrowing accounts of their nightmarish journey, shedding light on glaring gaps in maritime safety measures. A naval speedboat collided with a tourist ferry near Mumbais Gateway of India on Wednesday evening. It was overcrowded and many passengers did not have life jackets read more

Passengers aboard the private boat Neel Kamal have since shared harrowing accounts of how their seemingly ordinary voyage spiralled into a disaster, shedding light on glaring gaps in maritime safety measures. PTI

What began as a routine ferry ride to the serene Elephanta Island turned into a nightmarish ordeal on Wednesday evening when an out-of-control navy speedboat crashed into a crowded tourist vessel near Mumbais Gateway of India.

The devastating accident claimed at least 13 lives, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in the open sea, desperately fighting for survival in the chaotic aftermath.

Passengers aboard the private boat Neel Kamal have since shared harrowing accounts of how their seemingly ordinary voyage spiralled into a disaster, shedding light on glaring gaps in maritime safety measures.

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Heres a deeper dive into the events that unfolded.

Navy boat performed stunts

Shravan Kumar, a resident of Jalore in Rajasthan, told India Today that the Navys speedboat appeared to be performing stunts dangerously close to the passenger ferry, which carried over 100 passengers, including 20 children.

This raised our suspicions, so I started recording. Moments later, the boat collided with our ferry, Kumar said.

The video captured by Kumar shows the Navy boat circling twice before suddenly speeding up and crashing into the ferry.

Exact Moment When A Speed Boat Hit Ferry Enroute To Elephanta pic.twitter.com/oOdQUsjvnM  Timeline. (@timelinelatest) December 18, 2024

The Indian Navy has stated that the accident occurred due to a technical malfunction during engine trials of the rigid inflatable boat (RIB), however, local accounts paint a different picture.

Subhash More, a local boat operator, alleged that naval boats frequently operate recklessly near ferries, often destabilising them.

He claimed that multiple complaints to naval authorities had been ignored, with requests to maintain a safe distance going unheeded, he told The Times of India.

Following the incident, the Police registered an FIR against the driver of the speedboat after a survivor, Natharam Chaudhary from Mumbais Sakinaka filed a complaint.

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For passengers, the collision was nothing short of a nightmare. Gautam Gupta, a 25-year-old on board the ferry, vividly recalled the horrifying impact.

Passengers being rescued after a ferry capsized off Mumbai coast when a Navy craft crashed into it, Wednesday, December 18, 2024. PTI

I was recording the speedboat, thinking it was doing stunts, when it suddenly rammed into our ferry, Gupta told the newspaper. He said his aunt remains missing.

To my utter disbelief, the impact was so intense that it flung a speedboat passenger into the air. His mutilated body landed just beside me on the deck. Its a sight I will never forget.

No life jacket, no safety training

Passengers aboard the ill-fated Neel Kamal ferry revealed shocking lapses in safety protocols, claiming they were neither provided life jackets nor given any safety instructions before departure.

The ferry, owned by Mahesh Tours and Travels, is one of 285 licenced boats operating in the Mumbai region. Nearly 200 of these ply daily across 31 routes, connecting key points like the Gateway of India, Ferry Wharf, Elephanta, Mandwa, JNPT, Versova, and Madh Island.

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Natharam Chaudhary, a passenger, told The Indian Express that the ferry operators were grossly negligent about safety measures.

None of us were wearing life jackets. Even after the boat capsized, very few managed to put one on. Some of the children were supported by fellow passengers, he recalled.

Passengers aboard the ill-fated Neel Kamal ferry revealed shocking lapses in safety protocols, claiming they were neither provided life jackets nor given any safety instructions before departure. PTI

Chaudhary, a Kurla resident, had joined his relatives visiting from Ahmedabad for a trip to Elephanta Island. They were among those rescued.

My relatives were leaving for Ahmedabad the next day, so we decided to visit Elephanta Island on their last day here, said Jitu Chaudhary, Natharams uncle. The crew gave us no life jackets and didnt issue any safety instructions while we were onboard.

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Dinesh Adkane, another survivor, shared a harrowing account of the overcrowded ferry.

The boat was completely packed. I saw some people fall into the sea. They screamed for help, but no one came for nearly 30 minutes. Eventually, rescue boats arrived. At the time of the collision, no one was wearing life jackets. We were only told to wear them when the ferry started sinking, Adkane told NDTV.

The devastating accident claimed at least 13 lives, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in the open sea, desperately fighting for survival in the chaotic aftermath. PTI

Rescue officials noted that the presence of a nearby JNPT pilot boat, stocked with life jackets, prevented an even bigger tragedy.

Its mandatory for boats to carry life jackets, but passengers rarely wear them unless theres an emergency. This kind of complacency can be fatal, a port official said.

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Sources within maritime authorities stressed the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations. Operators who fail to provide life jackets to all passengers should face serious penalties, a source told The Times of India.

The aftermath

In the wake of the devastating ferry collision, the Indian Navy swiftly initiated a large-scale rescue operation, joined by the marine police and the Coast Guard. Four helicopters were deployed to assist in the life-saving efforts, while police personnel and local fishermen also played a crucial role in the operation.

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives, and Rs 50,000 for the injured passengers.

Maharashtras Chief Minister also pledged a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased, offering some support to those affected by the catastrophe.

Following the incident, security measures have been tightened at the Gateway of India, with authorities halting tourist access to the site. The offices of boat operators in the area, usually bustling with activity, remain closed as investigations into the incident continue.

Ambulances and emergency teams are stationed at the scene, as authorities work to uncover the full details of the tragic event.

With input from agencies
The government will send the One Nation, One Election bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for a broader consultation. The panel consists of a combination of leaders from various political parties. Prominent names include Anurag Thakur and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra read more

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Wednesday, December 18, 2024. PTI

The One Nation, One Election plan has finally reached the Parliament.

On Tuesday, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal tabled two bills  the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Amendment Bill  to align the general and Assembly elections. What followed were hours of intense debates and a division vote.

As anticipated, the first obstacle was easily overcome, with 269 MPs in favour and 198 voting against it.

A joint parliamentary committee will now engage in wider consultation on the bills.

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A maximum of 31 Members of Parliament (MPs) would make up the JPC.

Heres all we know about it.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee

There are 21 Lok Sabha members and 10 Rajya Sabha members on the panel.

Within 24 hours, Speaker Om Birla will decide on the joint committees members.

The deadline is crucial because the winter session of Parliament concludes on Friday. If a committee is formed and assigned tasks, the bill expires and needs to be reintroduced in the next session.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal proposes bills should be sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee. https://t.co/rERBLlzvuA  ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2024

There has been no announcement of the mechanism used to fill the committee.

As the only party with a majority in the Lok Sabha, the BJP will undoubtedly hold both the majority and the chair of the committee.

The committee is supposed to have 90 days from the time it is formed to submit a report. If necessary, this time may be extended.

Members of the Committee

A combination of leaders from different political parties comprise the 21 Lok Sabha MPs who have been designated as JPC members.

Prominent names include Anurag Thakur, a former Union Minister, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a recently elected Congress MP. Vadra is in her maiden term as an MP after winning the Wayanad constituency. She recently made headlines for her unique protest style.

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Others on the committee include PP Chaudhary, CM Ramesh, Bansuri Swaraj, Parshottambhai Rupala, Vishnu Dayal Ram, Bhartruhari Mahtab, Sambit Patra, Anil Baluni, Vishnu Datt Sharma, Sukhdeo Bhagat, Dharmendra Yadav, Kalyan Banerjee, TM Selvaganapathi, Supriya Sule, TDPs GM Harsh Balayogi, Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Chandan Chauhan, and Balashowry Vallabhaneni.

Media reports say that P Wilson, Saket Gokhale, Sanjay Jha, and Manish Tiwari JD(U) will also likely be on the committee.

Their task

It is anticipated that the JPC will engage in wider discussions with a range of stakeholders, including non-committee MPs as well as legal and constitutional experts, including former judges and attorneys.

Consultations may also be held with former Election Commission members.

If the constitutional amendment bills and the one nation, one election law are approved by Parliament and subsequently adopted by the states, the EC, the nations highest polling body, will be tasked with the highly challenging duty of holding parallel Lok Sabha and state elections.

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According to NDTV, the BJP is interested in talking with all of the Assembly Speakers.

The public will probably be asked for feedback as well.

The JPC will examine the full text of both bills to amend the Constitution, clause by clause, after these inputs have been obtained, according to the NDTV report, before submitting a final report.

About One Nation, One Election

The proposed bill of One Nation, One Election will enable all Indians to cast votes in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections simultaneously, or in the same year, to choose their national and state representatives.

In 2024, only four states held Lok Sabha elections in addition to the AprilJune Lok Sabha elections: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Odisha.

In October and November, voters cast votes in three more states: Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir.

The remaining states have non-synchronised five-year cycles; for instance, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana were among those that voted at various times last year.

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Delhi and Bihar will do so in 2025 and Tamil Nadu and Bengal in 2026.

In order for it to succeed, the Constitution must be amended and approved by the governments of every state and union territory as well as, perhaps, significant political parties.

These include Articles 83 (parliamentary term), 85 (presidential dissolution of the Lok Sabha), 172 (duration of state legislatures), 174 (dissolution of state legislatures), and 356 (imposition of Presidents Rule).

The idea will be subject to criticism if it violates the nations federal structure if such revisions are not passed, according to legal experts.

The opposition has objected to the bills, with the INDIA bloc dubbing the move dictatorial. The government has defended the proposed legislation, with Meghwal saying that the bills did not attack the basic structure doctrine, as claimed by the opposition.

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With inputs from agencies
On Tuesday afternoon, a powerful earthquake struck 30 kilometres off the west coast of Efate, the main island of Vanuatu. At a magnitude of 7.2 and a depth of just 50 kilometres, the earthquake damaged many buildings, killed 14 and left dozens of people injured in Port Vila, the Pacific nations capital. Heres what experts say could come next read more

The inside of a building damaged is seen in Port Vila, Vanuatu, following a powerful earthquake Tuesday. AP

The toll from Vanuatus earthquake disaster continues to rise, with international search and rescue operations underway to help people hit by the initial quake and its aftershocks.

On Tuesday afternoon, a powerful earthquake struck 30 kilometres off the west coast of Efate, the main island of Vanuatu. At a magnitude of 7.2 and a depth of just 50 kilometres, the earthquake damaged many buildings and injured dozens of people in Port Vila, the Pacific nations capital.

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Since then, there have been numerous aftershocks at nearly the same location, including a magnitude 5.5 on Wednesday, further adding to the devastation and injuries.

Based on previous experience, heres what we might see next.

What about aftershocks?

At 7.2 magnitude, Wednesdays quake is considered a major earthquake.

The several aftershocks of magnitude 5 in the same area are typical of an aftershock sequence  the series of smaller earthquakes that tend to follow the large one, known as the mainshock.

In fact, for this particular earthquake at a magnitude over 7, we would expect at least a few aftershocks in the range of magnitude 6 as well. In a typical aftershock sequence, there would be ten times as many aftershocks in the magnitude 5 range, and ten times as many again in magnitude 4, and so on.

This pattern can continue for weeks to several months, or even longer, with the magnitude and frequency of earthquakes typically diminishing with time.

Another, bigger quake on horizon?

There is a very small chance that an earthquake bigger than Wednesdays 7.2 might still occur. In this case, Wednesdays earthquake would have been a foreshock  a smaller earthquake preceding a larger one.

Members of Australias Federal Police and other rescue workers stand by a collapsed building in Port Vila, Vanuatu, Thursday. AP

However, this is not very common. Only in about five per cent of cases will a major earthquake of such magnitude be a foreshock to an ever larger one.

What about Ring of Fire?

Vanuatu sits within the Ring of Fire  a belt of tectonic activity that surrounds the Pacific Ocean, thanks to a series of plate boundaries around the Pacific plate.

Its name comes from the volcanoes associated with subduction along the margins. Subduction is when one tectonic plate is pulled beneath another.

The Pacific plate and the Australian plate meet to the immediate west of Vanuatu. The Australian Plate is being subducted  it dives beneath the Pacific plate at a rate of about 80 to 90 millimetres a year, which makes it quite a fast-moving plate boundary.

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The Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga are also on this plate boundary, as is New Zealand to the south.

In regions prone to earthquakes due to subduction, its possible to have earthquakes above magnitude 8. However, there are none above this magnitude in historical records for the region of Vanuatu.

While the earthquake will continue to produce aftershocks, these will occur in the vicinity of the mainshock.

Of course, earthquakes elsewhere on the plate boundary are always possible, but these distant events wont be as a result of the earthquake.

Why are quakes so common in Vanuatu?

Earthquakes are common in Vanuatu, due to the aforementioned Ring of Fire. Since 1990, there have been 11 earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 7 within 200 kilometres of the event.

In 2010, a 7.5 magnitude quake struck just 40 kilometres from Port Vila at a depth of 35 kilometres, generating a small tsunami. However, no deaths or injuries were reported.

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The last time an earthquake sequence had a significant death toll in Vanuatu was in November 1999, when a shallow quake of magnitude 7.5 occurred off the coast of the volcanic island Ambrym, triggering a tsunami.

At this particular plate boundary, earthquakes can be as deep as 300 kilometres or so. The deeper the earthquake, the less damage its going to cause, because its further away from the surface and therefore causes weaker shaking.

Thats another reason why Wednesdays earthquake near Port Vila was so damaging  it was reasonably shallow for a plate boundary region, and produced very strong ground shaking.

Dee Ninis, Earthquake Scientist, Monash University

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This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Ukraine has said it has now developed a laser weapon, called the Tryzub, which can hit targets two kilometres away. Also known as the Trident, this new type of arms can be a game-changer for Kyiv in its war against Russia. Heres how read more

In the war against Russia  now crossed 1,000 days  Ukraine is believed to have an edge. Kyiv is believed to have developed a Star Wars-style laser weapon, named the Tryzub, or Ukrainian for trident, a nod to the countrys national symbol representing independence, strength, and unity.

Speaking at a defence summit in Kyiv earlier this week, Vadym Sukharevskyi, Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraines Unmanned Systems, confirmed the development of the laser weapon, being quoted by the Kyiv Post as saying, It really works; it really exists. We can state that today Ukraine is, if Im not mistaken, the fifth country that can say it has a laser weapon.

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But what do we know about Kyivs new laser weapon? How will it be an advantage to Ukraine in its war against Russia? Which other countries possess such arms? We get you the answers.

What we know of the Tryzub

Not much is known of the Tryzub or Trident. As of now, all that is known about the weapon is that it is capable of downing aircraft at distances of more than two kilometres.

Col Vadym Sukharevskyi without providing any more specifics said that the Tryzub was real and currently operational, though he did not say where exactly it is deployed.

While it is unknown how Ukraine developed the Tryzub, or the Trident, some defence experts believe that it could have taken inspiration from the UKs design of the DragonFire. The DragonFire is a cutting-edge laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW), which uses an intense light beam to cut through its target and can strike at the speed of light.

UKs DragonFire, built by British scientists, is a revolutionary 10-a-shot laser said to have enough precision to hit a 1 coin over a kilometre away. File image/UK MoD

The DragonFire is designed to shoot down drones, missiles, planes, and even satellites, with some noting that it could hit targets the size of a 1 coin. UK has not specified its range, but some say it can engage with any visible target and heats it to over 3,000 degrees Celsius. Moreover, as long as the gun has power, it will never run out of ammunition.

Notably, UKs former Defence Minister Grant Shapps had said that the DragonFire was to be unveiled in 2027  meaning it isnt yet operational. In April, Shapps had even said that the UK could move up the production of the DragonFire in order to send it to Ukraine to use in the ongoing conflict.

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How Tryzub could be beneficial to Ukraine

If Ukraine is to be believed and the Tryzub is operational, it will provide Kyiv with a huge advantage to the country in its fight against Russia. Experts note that it will pave the way for a low-cost alternative to missiles, to shoot down targets such as drones. Moreover, if it is inspired by the DragonFire system it could have an operational expense of less than 10 a shot.

The Tryzub would also be able to counter Russian hypersonic missiles, which can travel as fast as 6,115 kmph and are difficult to shoot down with existing weaponry.

The big deal with lasers is that they provide a way of downing cheap weapons such as drones without using something costing vastly more, Martin J Dougherty, a weapons expert and author of Aircraft, Tanks and Artillery of the Ukraine War, told The Telegraph.

Another expert also noted that an advantage of a laser weapon is that it provides an infinite magazine. What this means is that unlike traditional weapons such as guns and cannons that have a finite amount of ammunition, a high-energy laser can keep firing as long as it has electrical power.

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However, laser weapons also have limitations. Patrick Senft of the Armament Research Services, a technical intelligence consultancy specialising in arms in munitions research, told CNN that faster-moving or heat-resistant targets  such as artillery shells, and ballistic missiles  are much harder to neutralise and demand a more advanced system.

Countries possessing laser weapons

With the Tryzub, Ukraine has now joined a small, elite club of countries which are in possession of laser weapons. The US Army is reportedly deploying a truck-based high-energy laser to shoot down a range of targets, including drones, helicopters, mortar shells and rockets.

Furthermore, other countries including Israel, Turkey, Germany, Japan and China have also developed laser weapons. Recently, it was reported that even Taiwan was now in possession of a laser weapon.

The laser weapon system (LaWS) is tested aboard the USS Ponce amphibious transport dock during an operational demonstration. File image/Reuters

In July, South Korea said it would begin deploying laser weapons systems designed to intercept North Korean drones, which have caused security concerns in the South in recent years. South Koreas Defence Acquisition Program Administration said that it will deploy at least one anti-air laser weapons system called Block-I by the end of this year and more in the coming years.

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According to officials, the Block-I system is capable of launching precision attacks on small incoming drones and multi-copters. It said the system, developed by local company Hanwha Aerospace, costs just 2,000 won (about $1.50) per shot.

India, too, has been testing laser weapons. The DURGA (Directionally Unrestricted Ray Gun Array) and KALI (Kilo Ampere Linear Injector) weapons have been in the works since the late 1980s. According to an IndiaToday report, while DURGA is expected to be a space-based laser weapon capable of destroying satellites in any orbit, KALI is speculated to be a linear electron initiator capable of firing very powerful pulses of Relativistic Electron Beams (REB).

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Ukraines enemy, Russia too appears to be developing a ground-based high-energy laser to blind their adversaries satellites.

Most defence experts note that low-cost drones will make laser weapons a must for all countries to possess and most countries will find non-military applications for lasers such as defending the public against terrorist attacks.

With inputs from agencies
US President-elect Donald Trump has said that Liz Cheney is in a lot of trouble after his Republican allies in the House of Representatives released a report calling for her to be prosecuted by the FBI. She has been targetted her role in probing the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol read more

Donald Trump isnt in office yet.

But the US President-elect and House GOP are already going after his enemies.

At the very top of his hit list is Republican Liz Cheney  the daughter of former US vice-president Dick Cheney.

Republicans in the House of Representatives are now calling for Cheney to be prosecuted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Trump, who is set to return to the White House in January, on Wednesday morning took to his Truth Social website to say that Cheney is in a lot of trouble.

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But what happened? And why are Trump and the House Republicans going after Cheney?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

As per CNN, Trumps allies in the House have now released a report saying Cheney be prosecuted by the FBI for her part in probing the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol.

As per Hindustan Times, the report was released by the House Administration Oversight Subcommittee chaired by Republican Barry Loudermilk.

As per CNN, It accuses Cheney of colluding with ex- Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson to aid the January 6 committees investigation  essentially witness tampering.

It was Hutchinson, a former young White House aide, who provided some of the most detailed descriptions of the defeated presidents actions that day.

Based on the evidence obtained by this Subcommittee, numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney, the former Vice Chair of the January 6 Select Committee, and these violations should be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the report states.

Evidence uncovered by the Subcommittee revealed that former Congresswoman Liz Cheney tampered with at least one witness, Cassidy Hutchinson, by secretly communicating with Hutchinson without Hutchinsons attorneys knowledge, the report added.

According to The Guardian, the report also accused Cheney and Hutchinson of lying under oath.

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of US President Donald Trump riot at the US Capitol Building in Washington, US, January 6, 2021. File Image/Reuters

The Federal Bureau of Investigation must also investigate Representative Cheney for violating 18 U.S.C. 1622, which prohibits any person from procuring another person to commit perjury. Based on the evidence obtained by this Subcommittee, Hutchinson committed perjury when she lied under oath to the Select Committee, the report states.

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The GOP panels findings revisit the multiple security failings on January 6, 2021, and revive the dispute over the lag in calling in the National Guard, which along with police reinforcements, restored order at the Capitol by nightfall.

Congress returned to work that evening and worked into the next morning to certify the 2020 election for Biden.

This report reveals that there was not just one single cause for what happened at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, Loudermilk wrote in an introduction. The Capitol is no safer today.

Speaker [Nancy] Pelosis multimillion-dollar Select Committee was a political weapon with a singular focus to deceive the public into blaming President Trump for the violence on January 6 and to tarnish the legacy of his first Presidency, the report states as per The Hill.

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Why is this happening?

As per Hindustan Times, the report is an attempt by House Republicans to absolve Trump of any responsibility for the 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol.

It instead seeks to lay the blame on series of intelligence, security, and leadership failures at several levels and numerous entities for the incident.

Until we hold accountable those responsible, and reform our institutions, we will not fully regain trust, Loudermilk wrote as per CNN.

And also because Trump has long called for his political enemies including Cheney, those who brought criminal cases against him while he was out of power, and former officials he contends impeded him during his 2017-2021 term to be prosecuted.

Cheney, a fierce critic of Trump, was vice chair of the January 6 committee.

She was also among the few Republicans in the House that voted to impeach Trump for inciting the Capitol riot.

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The former rising star in the Republican party was relieved of her positions in leadership after her actions against Trump.

She also her lost her re-election campaign in Wyoming to a Trump-backed challenger.

Cheney further endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris for president and even campaigned with her, warning the public that Trump wants to be a tyrant.

Former US Representative Liz Cheney speaks, during a town hall held by Kamala Harris. Reuters

Trump previously said Cheney should go to jail and even mused about her facing a military tribunal.

As per The Guardian, Trump also mused about her facing rifles shooting at her  which some took to mean a firing squad  and called her a radical war hawk.

Trump in an interview earlier this month revived his campaign promises to go after those who blamed him for January 6.

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Honestly, they should go to jail, referring to members of Congress who investigated the Capitol attack.

Trump has also said he would pardon those convicted of crimes on January 6.

if they were non-violent, I think theyve been greatly punished, Trump recently told Time Magazine. And the answer is I will be doing that, yeah, Im going to look if theres some that really were out of control.

More than 140 police officers were injured in the violence, five people including a police officer died during or shortly after the riot and the Capitol sustained more than $2.8 million in damage.

The Department of Justice has prosecuted some 1,500 people including the leaders of the militant Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, and indicted Trump on four criminal charges, including conspiracy to overturn the election.

Special counsel Jack Smith has since abandoned the case against Trump ahead of the inauguration in adherence to Justice Department guidelines that sitting presidents cannot be charged.

President Joe Biden is considering issuing pardons to spare members of Congress and others from Trumps wrath. But several of the people involved have said they are not seeking or dont want pardons from Biden.

Among those Trump wants prosecuted are Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Cheney and others members of the January 6 committee, as well as Jack Smith, the DOJ special counsel who indicted Trump.

However, Cheney isnt intimidated.

Chairman Loudermilks Interim Report intentionally disregards the truth and the Select Committees tremendous weight of evidence, and instead fabricates lies and defamatory allegations in an attempt to cover up what Donald Trump did, Cheney said.

Their allegations do not reflect a review of the actual evidence, and are a malicious and cowardly assault on the truth. No reputable lawyer, legislator or judge would take this seriously, she continued.

The report also accused Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who chaired the Jan 6 committee, of breaking House rules in the handling of files and transcripts.

Thompson responded by telling CNN, His so-called report is filled with baseless, conclusory allegations rather than facts. Thats because theres no escaping the reality that Donald Trump bears the responsibility for the deadly January 6th attack no matter how much Mr Loudermilk would love to rewrite history for his political purposes.

With inputs from agencies
Five terrorists have been killed during an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district on Thursday. The cordon and search operation was started late on Wednesday following inputs about the presence of suspected terrorists hiding in the Behibagh area of the district read more

Five terrorists, who were allegedly hiding at Kedar in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, were eliminated by security forces during an encounter on Thursday.

All the five bodies have been spotted and the identification process is underway, sources to News18 said.

Two Army personnel were also wounded in the clash. They have been moved to the hospital for treatment.

The gunfight began in the early hours of Thursday after security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Kadder in the Behibagh area of Kulgam district late on Wednesday following inputs about the presence of suspected terrorists hiding in the area.

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#Encounter has started at Kadder area of #Kulgam district. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.@JmuKmrPolice  Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) December 19, 2024

The search operation, however, turned into an encounter as the terrorists opened fire on the security forces, who then effictively retaliated, the Indian Armys Chinar Corps aid in a post on X.

#WATCH | J&K | Visuals from Kulgam district where an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists



On 19 Dec 2024, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation launched by Indian Army & J&K Police at Kader, Kulgam. pic.twitter.com/VTmgJZ1TfE  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

OP KADER, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army and J-K police at Kader, Kulgam. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate and heavy volumes of fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress, read the post by the Indian Armys Chinar Corps.

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OP KADER, Kulgam



On 19 Dec 24, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice at Kader, Kulgam. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened pic.twitter.com/9IxVKtDZkl  Chinar Corps - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) December 19, 2024

Earlier this month, a terrorist involved in civilians killing at Gagangir, Ganderbal and many other terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir was killed in an encounter in Srinagar district.

On November 23, Baramulla Police, in a joint operation with security forces, busted a terror hideout in the Kunzer area of the district.

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The police informed that the joint operation was carried out following credible leads generated during the investigation. During the search operation, the cops recovered arms and ammunition, and it also destroyed the hideout, thwarted any possible untoward incident, and scuttled the nefarious plans of terrorist outfits to derail peace and harmony in the Kashmir Valley.

In November, three terrorists were gunned down by security forces during encounters in the Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag and Khanyar.

With inputs from agencies.
Human error by the aircrew understood to mean mistakes during flight by the crew in-charge was identified as the cause of the incident involving the 2021 Mi-17 V5 helicopter crash that was carrying Gen. Rawat read more

The Indian Air Force, in a recent report tabled in the Lok Sabha, has confirmed that the helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 others was caused by human error.

According to the report from the Standing Committee on Defence presented in on December 17, there were 34 aircraft accidents recorded during the thirteenth defence plan period. Human error (aircrew) was identified as the most frequent cause, responsible for 16 accidents, including the incident involving the 2021 Mi-17 V5 helicopter that was carrying Gen. Rawat at the time of the crash.

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Other contributing factors included technical defects, which were cited in seven cases, as well as foreign object damage and human error (servicing), each noted in two cases. Additionally, bird strikes and incidents still under investigation were each reported once.

The Ministry of Defence, led by Rajnath Singh, informed the Standing Committee that all remedial measures stipulated by Chief of the Air Staff remarks are binding and actioned. Most have been actioned while a few are under implementation.

The crash that led to Gen. Rawats death

On December 8, 2021, a crash occurred in the Coonoor region of Tamil Nadu, resulting in the death of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 others.

They were aboard an Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17 V5 helicopter, which was en route to the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, where General Rawat was scheduled to address faculty and students.

The helicopter took off from Sulur IAF station at approximately 11:50 AM but crashed around 12:20 PM, just 10 kilometers from its destination.

Eyewitnesses and official sources indicated that the helicopter was flying at a low altitude in thick fog when it collided with a valley and subsequently fell through the trees.

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With inputs from agencies
Vijay Mallya claimed that the Indian banks have recovered more than double the amount owed in the Kingfisher Airlines case and said despite that he is labelled as economic offender. The fugitive businessman also said that he is entitled to relief after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the Parliament that PSUs have recovered Rs 14,131.60 crore from sale of assets belonging to him read more

I am entitled to relief, said fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, claiming that the Indian banks have recovered more than double the amount he owed in the Kingfisher Airlines case.

His statement came within hours after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the parliament that public sector banks (PSBs) recovered Rs 14,131.60 crore from the sale of assets belonging to Mallya. The amount, which the fugitive businessman said was twice more than the debt adjudicated by courts.

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In a series of posts on social media platform X, Mallya said that the debt recovery Tribunal had assessed the Kingfisher Airlines debt at Rs 6,203.

Unfairly labeled an economic offender'

Mallya also claimed that he has been unfairly labeled an economic offender despite repaying the loan and interest in full.

The Debt Recovery Tribunal adjudged the KFA (Kingfisher Airlines) debt at Rs 6,203 crores including Rs 1,200 crores of interest. The FM (Sitharaman) announced in Parliament that through the ED, Banks have recovered Rs 14,131.60 crores from me against the judgement debt of Rs 6,203 crores and I am still an economic offender.

I am entitled to relief

Mallya further argued that unless the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and banks can legally justify how they have taken more than two times the debt, I am entitled to relief which I will pursue.

The Debt Recovery Tribunal adjudged the KFA debt at Rs 6203 crores including Rs 1200 crores of interest. The FM announced in Parliament that through the ED,Banks have recovered Rs 14,131.60 crores from me against the judgement debt of Rs 6203 crores and I am still an economic  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 18, 2024

More than Rs 8,000 cr recovered over & above judgement debt

In another post, Mallya said: Whatever I have stated about my liabilities as guarantor of KFA loans is legally verifiable. Yet more than Rs 8,000 crores have been recovered from me over and above the judgement debt.

Will anyone, including those who freely abuse me, stand up and question this blatant injustice? To be seen to support a much maligned me requires guts. Sadly no guts for justice particularly for me, he further said.

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Whatever I have stated about my liabilities as guarantor of KFA loans is legally verifiable. Yet more than Rs 8000 crores have been recovered from me over and above the judgement debt. Will anyone, including those who freely abuse me, stand up and question this blatant injustice  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 18, 2024

9 years & no conclusive evidence of fraud, misuse of funds

In a different post, Mallya said: Government and my many critics say that I have CBI criminal cases to answer. What criminal cases filed by CBI? Never borrowed a single rupee, never stole, but as guarantor of KFA debt I am accused by CBI together with many others including IDBI Bank officials of fraudulently obtaining a Rs 900 crore loan from IDBI Bank duly approved by their credit committee and Board. Full loan and interest repaid. After 9 years why no conclusive evidence of fraud and misuse of funds?

Government and my many critics say that I have CBI criminal cases to answer. What criminal cases filed by CBI ? Never borrowed a single rupee, never stole, but as guarantor of KFA debt I am accused by CBI together with many others including IDBI Bank officials of fraudulently  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 18, 2024

What FM Sitharaman told Parliament about Mallya?

Replying to a debate on the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday (December 17), Sitharaman said that Rs 14,131.60 crore worth properties belonging to Mallya have been restored to PSUs.

She further said that the central enforcement agency has successfully restored properties worth around Rs 22,280 crore  only the major cases included.

Where is Vijay Mallya now?

The Indian government has been seeking Mallyas extradition from the United Kingdom to face trial. He fled India in 2016 amid Rs 9,000 crore loan default allegations by several banks related to the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

Mallyas assets were seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and were liquidated to recover dues owed to banks and other creditors.

With inputs from agencies.
Ghost guns are untraceable, most often self-assembled and can be put together with the help of a 3D printing machine and metal parts bought online in a matter of a few hours read more

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shocking killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, made his first appearance in court on Tuesday. He was arrested after a McDonalds employee recognised him and called the authorities, while he sat at a corner table wearing a blue face mask and stared into a laptop for hours. Amongst his belongings was found the 3D printed gun that he used to assassinate Brian Thompson. A ghost gun that was seen on the surveillance footage of the crime, that looked so unfamiliar that even police veterans were puzzled by it.

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The ghost gun found on Mangione was capable of firing a 9mm round and had a suppressor, also known as a silencer, that muffles the sound of the gunshot.

Ghost guns are untraceable, most often self-assembled and can be put together with the help of a 3D printing machine and metal parts bought online in a matter of a few hours. They dont have serial numbers which can make them almost impossible to track and regulate.

The United States of America, where gun laws have been a hotly contentious and angrily debated issue for decades now, is now faced with a new dilemma.

3D printing of firearms

In the United States, 3D printing has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years. There are now 3D printers available for a price as low as $350 that can reliably print, post 0-5 hours of tuning. There is barely any real skill required anymore, as there is far less troubleshooting than earlier. There are now better stock slicers settings, a toolpath generation software used in 3D printing, that facilitates the conversion of a 3D object model to specific instructions for the printer, and more accessible guides on diagnosing and fixing.

The files needed for 3D printing have gotten better and better since Cody Wilson released the Liberator (the first 3D printed gun ever). Technologies often develop faster than the laws that govern them, and when Cody Wilson a former law student from Texas founded Defense Distributed in 2012, to defend the civil liberty of popular access to arms and fired the Liberator, 3D printing lost its innocence forever.

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The Liberator STL files were made public for use on Wilsons own search engine for 3D printable models, DEFCAD. The Liberator was made of 15 parts of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrine) plastic, slightly tricky to print and weaker, and had only a single shot.

Now there is access to better filament PLA and PLA plus which are easier to print. There are now printed magazines available for Glocks, CZ Scorpions, MP5s, ARs, Aks, etc, on many platforms. Also in a country like the US where the sale of metal arms for firearms are mostly entirely unregulated, magazines for guns are not marked, which makes putting a date on them difficult. So, a magazine printed today could not be easily differentiated from one made later, in case of a possible future legal ban.

If it was ever legally required that a gun made by any process after 2025 had to have a serial number, there would simply be no way to tell if the gun was made before that rule and was grandfathered in. The Grandfather Clause is a policy that originated in late 19th century legislation, passed by several southern US states. It is a provision in which an old rule continues to apply in some situations, while a new rule will apply to all future cases.

In the US you must grandfather in guns without serial numbers, because their 1968 Gun Control act required all commercially manufactured firearms to have serial numbers, and guns made before that law came into effect might not have a serial number, which means that there are potentially hundreds of thousands of guns that simply do not have a serial number.

There is the crucial question of how to enforce serial numbers on existing 3D printed guns. There is also the challenge of regulating the files required for the 3D printer, since theyre on the internet, and the sheer widespread piracy of movies and media shows us how difficult it is to actually control file sharing in the cyber world.

For the same reason, regulating the technology will also be equally difficult. There are three essentials required to print a gun using a 3D printing machine. There is open source CAD (Computer Aided Design) software that is locally hosted, which means that it cannot be checked or reported to a regulator without access to the device. Requiring everyone with a computer to always have access to the internet is simply not doable, and also an invasion of privacy, while requiring that all CAD software be cloud based gets us back to the question of how to stop file sharing.

The slicers (super slicers, prusa slicer, cura and orca slicers) are all locally hosted and open source. This means that even if you required them to check, regulate and not process gun files, any user could go into the code and remove the code that does that. This would require that the project would have to go closed source, which would dramatically hamper and slow its development, not address slicers from outside the US and would be a huge step back for software development in the US.

When it comes to the printers there is an excellent slew of open source printers (Prusa, Voron, RepRap) that use parts that would be equally at home on a PC as they would on more advanced machines. You cannot effectively regulate printer parts without controlling CNC routers. All these factors make it effectively impossible for the US government to restrict the production of 3D printed guns.

The idea that a resistance movement can take place using 3D printed guns has already been tested in Myanmar, who have utilised the FGC-9, a design that requires nothing beyond hardware store parts, as a service weapon. Is it ideal? No. Is it actually good enough? Most definitely, yes.

Americas gun saga, its deep roots in their culture and their firearm laws have been long discussed in the country and around the world, with their recent epidemic of mass shootings bringing the spotlight right back on it. Ghost guns are undoubtedly the latest chapter and challenge in this long chronicle of frequent disasters and of course, the pits and peaks of modern technology as it continues to blaze forward at a dizzying speed, that mankind is now at times finding it hard to keep up with.

The author is a freelance journalist and features writer based out of Delhi. Her main areas of focus are politics, social issues, climate change and lifestyle-related topics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
If the presidential election has proven anything, it is that President Donald Trumps brand of MAGA populism, christened America First, is a big tent. Far from the Republican party of Mitch McConnell, Americas ruling coalition is a refreshing new blend of old principles that include a robust, domestic industrial policy unburdened by excessive regulation and taxes, a renewed commitment to the First Amendment, a purging of the bureaucratic federal agencies, and an overhaul of military spending and foreign entanglements. It emphasises freedom, family, and faith, while rejecting globalism, Marxism, and elitism.

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But as patriots across the country celebrate Trumps victory, lurking in the shadows is a sinister threat to the new conservative alignment. This faction of the America First< camp has grown increasingly since the October 7 massacre in Israel, attracting monikers such as the reactionary right, identitarian right, revisionist right, and barbarian right. But no tag has garnered as much online fanfare as the woke right.

Several podcasters and social media users have taken note of this phenomenon, discerning that though they self-identify with America First, the woke rights tactics emulate their collectivist contenders on the left. But few realise that both political aisles also share the same values and ideology. Characterised by a form of right-wing nihilism comprised of a vile strain of jealous anti-Zionism and a disdain for the post-World War II, US-led unipolar order, the woke right embraces narratives that undercut a strong and successful America, and undermine core conservative ideals of liberty, tradition, and capitalism. In short, both the woke right and woke left hate America, as she currently stands, and wish to see her fall.

Who is Woke Right?

This loose cast of characters encompasses libertarians such as Dave Smith and Scott Horton, groypers like Nick Fuentes and Jake Shields, Christian nationalists like Candace Owens and Lauren Chen, self-declared fascists like Darryl Cooper and Karlyn Borysenko, and health freedom advocates like Stew Peters and Kim Iverson. At the helm is paleoconservative Tucker Carlson, without whom these individuals and their supporters would remain peripheral and largely irrelevant.

Antisemitism and Revisionism

The woke right repeatedly questions Americas righteous authority on the global stage by approaching history through a revisionist lens. Instead of dispassionate critiques, they arrogantly villainise Western heroes such as Martin Luther King and grossly minimise tragic events such as the Holocaust. While the progressive left destroys statues of Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln, the woke right destroys their namesakes. Such rhetoric mirrors progressive critical theory, with its aim to tear down the moral and historical foundations of Western civilisation. Journalist Mary Harrington has referred to such tactics as the rights 1619 project. Insisting that they are merely questioning the status quo, in truth, the woke right are eager to sacrifice any history or mythology, sans Christianity, to the altars of postmodern deconstructionism, and fall back on the defence of  just asking questions to mask their bad faith inquiries, in the same way anti-racist educators pose pseudo-innocuous questions to kindergarteners about how many privileges their white peers enjoy.

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The woke right has even adopted the standard, progressive, intersectional hierarchy, in which Zionist Jews are framed as the ultimate oppressors. But in this pseudo-right-wing version, Jews are responsible for the suffering of both Muslims and Christians. Like the progressive left, which recklessly levels the charge of racism without consideration of its merits and, conversely, ignores actual racism where it arises, the woke right care little for the churches being regularly burned and defaced in Canada or the routine slaughters of Christians taking place throughout the Arab world and parts of Africa. Instead, their vitriol is reserved for the Jews, under the euphemistic guise of opposing Zionists. Unfounded diatribes about Jewish mistreatment of Christians contrast sharply with America Firsts recognition of Israel as a key ally and a safe haven for Christians  the one place in the Middle East, in fact, where the Christian population is not only increasing, but is the most successful minority, even outpacing Jews by certain metrics.

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The woke right extend their vitriol of the collective Jew (the Jewish state) to the individual, often resurrecting ancient blood libels in which Zionists are accused of global conspiracies, from the assassination of JFK and the Armenian Genocide to, to the sinkings of the Titanic and OceanGate, to the attacks of both September 11 and October 7. America First, on the other hand, cherishes Judaism as the cradle of Western morality, inextricably linked to Christian values. It applauds Israel for being the only developed country with an increasing birth rate, and one that has yet to be overrun by the secular, self-destructive ideology of neo-Marxism. But inconvenient facts be damned to the woke right.

Isolationism vs. Strategic Leadership

Last February, Tucker participated in a globalist forum in Dubai, where he characterised America as an imperialistic hegemon. Resembling President Obama more than President Trump, Tuckers rhetoric is toxic to the nationalism of America First. Much more than a policy disagreement, the woke right are not satisfied with valid critiques of the neoconservative project of nation-building. Like their counterparts on the left, they are dogmatic in the view that nothing is, and cannot be, more heinous than US imperialism.

Once a person accepts that Western imperialism is the greatest possible evil, writes former Marxist Kathleen Hayes, she must cheer any atrocity carried out by the neocolonial oppressed against it; or if she has any kind of conscience, lie about what her heroes actually do. Columnist David Marcus took note of this woke right tendency, remarking on X, When (did) America First become Blame America First?

In contrast, America First recognises that while America has squandered vast resources and sacrificed her men in the failed project to defend her and her allies abroad, they do not consider her intrinsically sinful for doing so. This is what distinguishes the foreign restraint of America First from the blind isolationism of the woke right, the latter of which is so idealistic that they fail to realise the consequence of their supposedly pro-America protectionism: a multi-polar world scheming collectively to counter American economic power through the establishment of BRICS or threats of a nuclear Armageddon, and of which America must support strategic alliances to prevent. The woke rights pride in anti-war neo-isolationism is not indicative of patriotic nationalism. It is appeasement, a capitulation to the values of Americas ideological enemies. Their ignorance of military deterrence begs the question: If a hostile actor knows there are no significant consequences to starting a war, why wouldnt he start one? Journalist Douglas Murray puts it best: These keyboard warriors live in this post-historical dream, where there are no enemies, where the jungle isnt there.

The woke right have also failed to grasp a key component of American exceptionalism beyond her promise of free speech and small government: Pro-American democracies that are less resourceful and more vulnerable depend upon the US to protect them from rogue, malevolent states and non-state actors. America has assumed this responsibility precisely because she puts her national interests first, recognizing that such a strategy avoids having to fight an eventual war on her own soil. The woke right are adept at articulating the threat to the Western way of life within its borders but fail to consider the foreign threats to their freedom as seriously as required.

In deliberate denial about the routine Death to America chants echoed by the Ayatollahs in Iran and the IRGCs assassination attempts on President Trumps life, and unconcerned with the Chinese Communist Partys documented 100-year plan to bring America to her knees, theyll revere Putin for his anti-woke lip service while disregarding his partnership with China against the US for more than a decade. When Andrew Tate praises the Taliban on Tuckers show without a word of pushback, its clear that their priorities do not include free speech and democracy.

Apart from Zionists, there is no worse menace to the woke right than a neoconservative. A pimp like Andrew Tate? A gambler like Dan Bilzerian? No problem  a little Christian charity here please. But a neocon? Irredeemable. In fact, the woke right frequently indulge leftists and Islamists, no matter how woke or anti-American, as long as they deplore neoconservatives.

From Chomsky acolyte Glenn Greenwald and self-declared communist Jackson Hinkle to Islamic fundamentalist Suleiman Ahmed and dye in the wool globalist Jeffrey Sachs, the woke right appear to be replicating a right-wing iteration of the red-green alliance  the post-9/11 joint project of liberal-progressives and illiberal Islamists to overlook their ideological differences with the ulterior aim of tearing down the Western order, beginning with the state of Israel. A couple of pedophiles who fled to Israel and havent been extradited (due to Israels long-standing policy of not extraditing Jews) is proof to the woke right that both Israel and Judaism have demonic origins but referencing the Catholic church, with all its pedophilic lawsuits and scandals, is bad form and beyond the pale. Indeed, while performing as righteous puritans, invoking biblical language in a battle between good vs. evil, they hypocritically endorse guests who are guilty of the very sins they condemn.

The Danger Within

Figures affiliated with the woke right adopt progressive tactics such as purity tests, bullying, name-calling, and self-righteous victimology. The online trolls are particularly vicious. Advocate for a victorious Ukraine or Israel, and you are hit with the charge of being mentally unwell, a neocon, a war-hawk, evil, satanic, demonic, a Zionist, a Jewish supremacist, or even just a Jew. Resorting to pejorative labeling of ones detractors is rank identity politics in lockstep with left-wing smears of QAnon, white supremacist, or racist (Note that Jewish supremacist, warmonger, and Zionist are common cries of both groups). When you dare criticize one of their icons, notes commentator Ian Haworth, they sound exactly like purple-haired Palestine flag-waving AOC fans.

Worse, and in keeping with woke orthodoxy, the woke right perceive any objection as an attempt at cancellation. Some on the right have become addicted to finding cancel culture everywhere, says biologist Collin Wright. This victim mentality affords them a degree of political power, positioned as heterodox underdogs fighting the prevailing consensus. Their wrecking ball strategy is circular, making provocative declarations with the aim of evoking criticism, then citing that criticism as evidence that their topic of conversation is societally taboo.

Preserving America First

As the 2024 US presidential elections drew nearer, the woke rights rejection of America First principles became clear when some of its proponents began denouncing President Trump and his running mate, often for their support of Israel. And yet, the America First crowd has been largely ignorant or unwilling to accept that Tucker Carlson is attempting to realign the conservative movement by mainstreaming an army of disaffected Christians, as author James Lindsay characterises it, who would have trouble finding a voice within ordinary society if not for the internet. The most influential Trump-aligned media figure in the country, notes journalist Jacob Siegel, is trying to establish a new normative politics for the Trump movement. Thus far, Trump has fortunately not appointed such individuals to serve in his administration. But there is inside pressure from the woke right on him to do so.

While the defining characteristic of America First in 2024 may be its broad coalition of diverse supporters, Trump conservatives must guard against factions that exploit its platform in service of an emotionally fragile and narcissistic agenda that mimics the identity politics of the left.

Trump conservatives must recognise that today, there are two America First camps and, ironically, one of them hates America.

The writer is a producer at the Epoch Times, a writing fellow with the Middle East Forum, a delegate for Israel365 Action, and a Rising Leader at the Global Liberty Institute. You can find her on X @rheakarys. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Recently, China hosted a two-day forum focusing on maritime security and boosting its presence in the west coast of Africa. Hosted by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the second edition of the seminar on Security Situation in the Gulf of Guinea brought together maritime armed force leaders and defence attaches from 18 nations, including Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Cote dIvoire and Nigeria.

The seminar, themed Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security and Cooperation, marks the first in-person international dialogue conducted by the PLA Navy on regional security in the Gulf. It follows an initial virtual meeting in 2022, during which participants explored maritime security challenges under the framework of a maritime community with a shared future, according to the statement. Speaking at the occasion, Admiral Dong Jun said that the Gulf of Guinea is the common home for regional countries and also an important bond for strengthening communication and cooperation between China and Africa and building a maritime community with a shared future.

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Furthering ties with the continent, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) became the premier coordinating mechanism for Beijings engagement with Africa. The recent session Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit took place between September 4-6 2024 in Beijing. The joint statement reads: China and Africa will continue to work together to safeguard the security of shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Guinea, Indian Ocean and Somali waters.

Gulf of Guineas strategic location

Geographically, the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) designates the vast Atlantic coast stretching from Angola to Senegal. Global interest on the GoG grew primarily due to the natural resourcesparticularly oil and gasin the region. The region hosts a number of leading oil-producing countries in sub-Sahara Africa, including Nigeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo-Brazzaville. In terms of geostrategic value its oil and gas accounts for 40 per cent of Europes and 30 per cent of the US energy supplies.

The regions maritime domain is valuable to both the global and regional economies, as it offers potential for sea transportation due to the absence of chokepoints, as well as opportunities for fishing and mining. This factor holds significant value in Chinese strategic thinking; hence, the economic ties between Beijing and the region reflect the importance attached to it, as it aligns with Chinas strategy to diversify its energy imports.

In spite of its importance, the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) region faces numerous maritime threats, highlighting the limited capabilities of GoG states to secure their waters. Piracy is a key component of maritime insecurity, while other blue crimes that threaten local economies, international energy supplies, and global shipping include illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, illicit transnational trafficking of weapons and narcotics, and armed robbery at sea.

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Such maritime insecuritiesthreaten both Chinese investments and, more broadly, its commercial interests reliant on maritime transport links. Africa, the continent alone hosts over 10,000 Chinese firms, one million Chinese immigrants, and approximately 260,000 Chinese workers, mostly working on the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative related projects. To counter these threats, the PLA Navy (PLAN) has maintained an active presence through anti-piracy measures since 2008.

Beijing has been involved in counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea and has conducted security exchanges with countries in the region. Broadly, the strategic location of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) coupled with its proximity and potential for maritime trade with neighbouring countries, explains Chinas push into this coastal area. This aligns with its broader ambitions to secure energy interests and expand its influence in Africa.

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Beijings Maritime Aspirations

In 2022, Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of US Africa Command, testified at the House Armed Services Committee hearing on national security challenges and US military activities in the Middle East and Africa. He mentioned that China was actively seeking a military naval base in Africa on the Atlantic coast. For years, officials and media outlets have reported on Chinas efforts to seek a military presence in West Africa, allowing it to access the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Since 2021, US defence officials have warned that China is considering to build a naval base in the Central African nation of Equatorial Guineas mainland port of Bata. Batas is one of Equatorial Guineas largest ports and its location is strategically positioned at the central point of the Gulf of Guinea coastline and benefiting from the proximity of Equatorial Guineas Bioko Island off the coast. This island could serve as a forward base for defensive assets in the event of an international crisis between the US and China. Regarding this Army Gen. Stephen J Townsend stated, Theyre looking for a place where they can rearm and repair warships. If realised, that prospect would enable China to base warships from its expanding navy in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He added that a Chinese naval base in the Atlantic would be unsettling for US military interests, given the relatively short distance between Africas west coast and the US east coast. A base on Africas northern Atlantic coast could become Chinas closest military facility to US national waters.

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A WSJ article in February 2024 published Chinas plans for a military base in the Central African state of Gabon. Similarly, U.S. officials also claimed that China was attempting to seek out a military base in neighbouring Equatorial Guinea, at Bata port. China is already invested in multiple commercial ports along the coast of West Africa  such as Kribi port in Cameroon, Lekki Port in Nigeria, and Lome Port in Togo.

Chinas anchoring influence

One, it must be noted that Chinese financing and construction of ports and related infrastructure, whether through aid or investment, indicate potential use by the PLA Navy. This is supported by domestic Chinese law, which requires civilian ports to support the PLA Navy when needed. Financial ties from port construction and expansion fosters Beijings enduring relationships that align with its overseas basing ambitions. Hence, the larger the financial outlays for such projects, greater the leverage to request favours.

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Two, for Beijing, a military presence in the Gulf of Guinea would allow the PLAN to expand beyond its current waters in the Indo-Pacific and Gulf of Aden into the Atlantic Ocean, opening the door for the Chinese military to the rest of the world. A potential base in West Africa would allow the PLA to go on longer and more distant missions than is possible right now, as Chinese ships will be able to replenish, rest, and refuel at such secure locations.

Three, an Atlantic base would place the PLA Navy in relative proximity to Europe, the Strait of Gibraltar, and key trans-Atlantic shipping lanes. A shift to the Atlantic would disadvantage the West, particularly the US, as it seeks to reconfigure its focus to the Indo-Pacific. The United States has been preoccupied with fighting wars that are largely counterterrorism in nature; thus, Beijings plans in the Atlantic would undermine Washingtons naval strategy.

Four, a report by the Heritage Foundation authored by Brent Sadler highlights the importance of Ascension Island. Both the US and the UK maintain bases on Ascension Island in the Atlantic Ocean for sensitive missile testing, in addition to rocket test launches from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Chinas sustained presence in the Gulf of Guinea would allow it to monitor these activities persistently. This is particularly significant for India, which has previously encountered Chinese surveillance vessels in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

A recent incident in April 2024 involved the high-endurance Chinese surveillance vessel Xiang Yang Hong 01, anchored 600 miles west of the Andaman Islands in the middle of the Bay of Bengal. The vessels purpose was to validate ocean models for the future deployment of naval assets in the IOR, such as aircraft carriers. The Chinese PLA gathers data on ocean temperature, salinity, sound velocity, sediment characteristics, and the sea bottom profile in the IOR. It can be certain that India will face increasing maritime coercion from China in the coming years.

Five, it is important to note Chinas use of naval statecraft as a framework. China has established an overseas naval base in Djibouti in 2017, and the CCPs desire to acquire naval-basing rights is not new. In many cases, it has adopted a subtle approach: for example, China is known to send its warships to commercial ports it has invested in, developed, and operates, such as Piraeus (Greece), and Ream Naval Base (Cambodia). However, Chinas efforts to facilitate trade and commercial operations often legitimise the need to secure its economic investments and resource access. This is likely to result in a consistent PLA naval presence in the Gulf of Guinea under the guise of protecting its legitimate interests.

Over the years, Chinas maritime forces have become highly active, with increasing maritime deployments by the PLA Navy. It underscores Chinas continued push for greater power projection and expanding global posture, with Africa playing a central role in this strategy. The evolving dynamics demand careful monitoring, as they will continue to shape the geopolitics of the Gulf of Guinea and the broader region.

Maritime security will remain a key driver of Chinas actions as its interests, economic assets, and activities increasingly extend beyond its borders. This shift significantly influences Beijings foreign policy, transitioning from an economics-driven approach to one that is security-led. Countries in the Indo-Pacific, including India, should closely observe the playbook China has adopted.

The writer is the Head of Strategic Studies Programme at the Centre for National Security Studies (CNSS), Bengaluru. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Turkey and Israel may rejoice in the short term, having captured major territory as buffer zone; however, developments in the future may well prove that such encroachments became the fundamental cause for unrest and conflict read more

The Syrian surprise is the latest episode of the war in Gaza which has now spread its tentacles all across the region and the repercussions of which threaten to alter the landscape of the region forever. It all started on 27 November when a coordinated assault was launched by a combination of terror groups from the north and northwest in Syria. The attack was led by the Sunni terror group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) and was supported by the Syrian National Army (SNA), also known as the Free Syrian Army, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) made up of Kurdish fighters, also known as the Peoples Protection Units (YPG).

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It is not as if these groups came out of nowhere and suddenly launched assault. Even before the assault, all three groups had firm physical presence along the north in Syria, especially in areas of Aleppo, Idlib and the northern borders shared with Turkey and skirmishes with the Syrian forces was a routine affair. However, this time the assault was better coordinated, capturing key territory rapidly. By 29 November, Idlib and Alleppo were in rebel control and by 8 December, the rebels had reached Damascus after taking over key cities of Homs and Hama. Syrian army did not offer any resistance and President Assad quickly flew out to Russia, abandoning the country which he and his family had ruled with an iron fist for over 50 years and had withstood repeated attempts of overthrow of regime in the past 13 years, since the outbreak of Arab Spring.

The Assad chapter was over and there was a spontaneous outflow of emotion and cheer on the street, having been freed of the dictator. While there is hope of a better life in the future, there are apprehensions too. HTS leader Abu Mohammad al Jolani, who is now the de-facto ruler of Syria, has a dangerous past, as the HTS is the new avatar of Al Nusra Front, an offshoot of Islamic State (IS) which was known for its brutality and terror. The IS had vowed to create the Islamic Caliphate and enforce strict implementation of Sharia in the land across Iraq and Syria. Although Jolani is trying to project a new and more moderate image by announcing that his regime will not enforce any dress or conduct code on women, form an inclusive government for the country and grant amnesty to the soldiers who lay down their arms, past precedents of similar experience in Iraq, Libya, etc, do instill fear and apprehensions.

In midst of the Assad exit and HTS takeover in Damascus, what however escaped the attention initially, is the opportunity that many external players are exploiting to quietly chip away Syrias territory while confusion and chaos still prevails.

Israel captures Golan, closes in on Damascus

One of the first to take advantage of the chaos was Israel. It immediately undertook a two pronged strategy in Syria. On one hand, it sent in its forces into the Golan to capture more territory and on the second hand, it launched over 350 airstrikes across Syria within the first 48 hours, targeting key military bases, air fields and naval vessels. It claims to have destroyed Syrias air force fleet, air defences and the naval fleet completely, while also taking out known weapon depots and suspected chemical weapons storage depots. It also claimed to have destroyed almost 90 per cent of Syrias known surface-to-air missiles, thus ending any threat to Israeli air force in any future engagements. Acknowledging it, Israels Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the operation to destroy the Syrian fleet had been a great success and further said that the IDF was aiming to destroy strategic capabilities that threaten the State of Israel.

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On the other hand, Israel, which is already occupying Golan Heights illegally, having annexed it in 1981, for the first time entered even the demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region established after the 1973 Middle East war. The UN immediately called it that Israels move into demilitarized zone a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria. However Israeli officials stated that their incursion was a limited and temporary measure, and described the buffer zone operation as essential to creating a defense zone free of weapons and terror threats in southern Syria. However, the most important capture in this operation has to be Syrias highest peak, the Mount Hermon summit which is the highest place in the region, giving Israel direct look into Lebanon and Syria. With reports of Israeli forces closing in areas in the South almost 25 km short of Damascus, Israeli forces would be tempted to retain what has been captured for keeps.

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Two statements, both coming from PM Netanyahus office spell out clearly Israels intention, of not vacating what has been captured. First was the statement from his office that the cabinet had unanimously approved a budget of over 40-million-shekel ($11 million) to encourage demographic growth in the Golan, out of a desire to double the population of the Golan". This was followed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus statement that, strengthening the Golan is strengthening the State of Israel, and it is especially important at this time. We will continue to hold onto it, cause it to blossom, and settle in it. With reports of Druz majority areas in the Southern Syria adjoining Golan, asking to be annexed by Israel, Israel may be further emboldened to hold onto what has been captured.

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Turkey captures Buffer Zone in the North

Turkey, which shares almost 900 km of border along the north with Syria, has borne the maximum brunt of the Syrian civil war since 2011. Influx of almost 3 ,illion refugees into Turkey escaping the civil war as well as the security threats posed to its South by the Kurdish rebels operating from Syrian posed constant threat to it. Turkey considers the Kurdish rebels to be a part of the larger Kurdish movement and an extension of the Turkey-based separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (KWP) which has been labelled as a terrorist group by Turkey.

Over the past few years, concerned by these threats originating from Syria, Turkey has been seeking to normalise ties with Syria however, President Assad has insisted that Turkey should first withdraw its forces from northern Syria before any talks of normalisation can proceed. It is also quite clear that Turkey played a major role in the current rebel offensive which overthrew Assad regime. The Syrian National Army (SNA), which is backed by Turkey, soon over-ran territory in the North-East including towns of Tal Rifaat and the city of Manbij which were previously under been control of by Kurdish rebels and the SDF. It has established a significant military foothold in the north, capturing areas such as the city of Afrin and parts of Aleppo and Turkey is keen to retain the captured territory along its South, as a buffer zone.

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Kurdish rebels may want to break free and join Kurdistan

The Syrian Democratic Front or the SDF may have aligned with the HTS and SNA to overthrow Assad but it does not fully align with the aims and ideologies of either. It has been fighting Turkey backed SNA for years and despite some setbacks in the north, has been able to extend its influence to the South almost up-to the Euphrates river, taking the entire northeast Syria under its control. If the HTS led government is not able to align with SDF in the future, the possibility of SDF breaking free a large area in the north-east and joining hands with Kurdish forces in Iraq cannot be ruled out.

What about the Alawites

Alawites, which constitute a mere 12 per cent of the population are concentrated in a small area along the Mediterranean coast in the areas of Tartus and Latakia. With Assad family being from the Alawite clan, they have benefitted the maximum over the last decades by retaining all important positions in the government and big businesses. With Assads ouster and Sunni movement led by HTS taking over reins, possibility of Alawites wanting to breaking free and forming their own small autonomous enclave, possibly with Russian help, cannot be ruled out.

Iran and Russia factor

The biggest hit that has been taken due to sudden collapse of Assad regime, is by Iran and Russia. Iran, already reeling under a series of setbacks in the war in Gaza due to heavy losses to its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah, seems to have been delivered a knockout punch with Syria going out of its hands. Similarly, for Russia, loss of Syria and being forced to vacate its military bases along the Mediterranean coast is a severe blow to its military and geopolitical outreach in the region.

However, there are already reports of re-calibration in the strategy by Iran underway and inputs indicate that it has already opened channels of communication with the HTS. If true, this will not be the first time that Iran would collaborate with a Sunni non-state actor. The successful example of Iran-Hamas relationship, despite Hamas being a Sunni organisation, is a perfect example. If Iran and HTS collaborate, things could shape up very differently in Syria.

Russia to might be forced to recalibrate. Despite granting asylum to Assad, it is likely that Russia will open some kind of communication with the new regime. It has started thinning out presence from its military bases but if things work out well, it might be able to negotiate a deal for for retaining the right to operate its military bases, especially the naval base in the Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase. As these are located in areas overlapping with Alawite majority areas, it will be interesting to see how HTS deals with it, if at all.

Return of the Islamic State?

The HTS has its roots in the IS. Already there are reports of IS sensing an opportunity, mustering up its cadres in Iraq and Eastern Syria. If IS and HTS rejoin hands, the whole scenario could turn out differently. A return of IS in Syria and Iraq would not only be a threat to them but also to the entire region as such, including US Assets and bases in Southern Syria and Iraq.

Conclusion

The Syrian debacle is yet to fully unfold. A number of external players are pushing to drive home the advantage. If winner takes all is permitted, we might just see a fragmented and unstable Syria and a growing threat of unrest and terror in the region.

Turkey and Israel may rejoice in the short term, having captured major territory as buffer zone; however, developments in the future may well prove that such encroachments became the fundamental cause for unrest and conflict. In midst of all this, the greatest challenge for the HTS and Jolani, who are trying to put up a moderate and modern mask, will be retaining the integrity of Syria.

Col Rajeev Agarwal is a military veteran and West Asia expert. During his service, he has been Director in Military Intelligence as well as Director in the Ministry of External Affairs. His X handle is @rajeev1421. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The strike comes amid escalating tensions between Amazon and its employees over the companys refusal to negotiate contracts with unionised workers. Union locals have been organising picket lines and other actions outside Amazon facilities nationwide read more

The push for strikes follows a missed deadline on 15 December, when Amazon was expected to agree to talks with workers at its JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island, the first Amazon warehouse in the US to unionise after a historic 2022 election. Image Credit: Reuters

Thousands of Amazon workers across the United States are preparing to go on strike starting Thursday, just days before the critical holiday shopping season. The strike comes amid escalating tensions between Amazon and its employees over the companys refusal to negotiate contracts with unionised workers.

Union locals have been organising picket lines and other actions outside Amazon facilities nationwide. The push for strikes follows a missed deadline on 15 December, when Amazon was expected to agree to talks with workers at its JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island, the first Amazon warehouse in the US to unionise after a historic 2022 election.

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Union calls for action nationwide

Union locals, including the Teamsters, are rallying support for Amazon workers. In Detroit, Teamsters local 299 had announced planned strike shifts for 19 and 20 December, urging solidarity among union members. Though the announcement was later deleted, the momentum has continued.

In Portland, Oregon, another Teamsters chapter issued flyers announcing picket lines on Thursday and Friday, accusing Amazon of refusing to recognise or negotiate with the union. Workers at several Amazon facilities, including locations in Staten Island, Queens, southern California, and Skokie, Illinois, have already voted to authorise strikes. Meanwhile, workers at two facilities near Atlanta have also signalled the possibility of joining the walkouts.

Growing frustration over Amazons labour practices

Sean OBrien, the general president of the Teamsters, criticised Amazon for its treatment of workers, describing the companys executives as corporate elitists who prioritise profits over employee well-being. He accused Amazon of exploiting its workforce and avoiding accountability as an employer, calling for change in a rigged system.

OBrien warned that if workers are forced to strike, Amazon would ultimately harm itself. These remarks come as employees have increasingly highlighted concerns about workplace injuries, alleged abuses, and the companys failure to engage with union demands.

Amazon pushes back

Amazon has strongly denied the accusations, with spokesperson Eileen Hands accusing the Teamsters of using illegal tactics such as intimidation and coercion to pressure employees and third-party drivers to join the union. The company claims these actions are the subject of ongoing unfair labour practice charges against the union.

As the strike looms, the standoff underscores the deepening divide between Amazons leadership and its workforce. With the holiday rush fast approaching, the strike could have significant consequences for both employees and consumers, potentially disrupting deliveries during the busiest shopping period of the year.
According to Apple, Meta has made at least 15 separate requests, including ones for iPhone mirroring and cross-device connectivity. Basically, Meta wants its Facebook and Instagram apps to be able to see all calls, messages, emails, images, calendar events, files, and even passwords read more

While Apple supports the EUs objectives of fostering innovation and competition, it expressed worries about how the mandate might be interpreted. Image Credit: Reuters

Apple has raised concerns about the European Unions interoperability laws, suggesting that the regulations, while well-intentioned, could unintentionally jeopardise user privacy. The company recently released a white paper, titled Its Getting Personal, which explores the potential pitfalls of the EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The law requires tech giants like Apple to share their proprietary technologies with competitors, enabling features such as using an iPhones microphone on non-Apple devices.

While Apple supports the EUs objectives of fostering innovation and competition, it expressed worries about how the mandate might be interpreted. It pointed out that ambiguous requirements could create loopholes, potentially exposing users personal data to misuse by rival firms.

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Concerns over Metas repeated requests

A significant portion of Apples white paper highlighted its issues with Metas persistent demands for access to its technology. According to Apple, Meta has made at least 15 separate requests, including ones for iPhone mirroring and cross-device connectivity. Apple argued that many of these requests seemed to have little connection to Metas own devices, such as its smart glasses or VR headsets.

Apple claimed that granting such access could significantly weaken its user privacy safeguards. The company alleged that Metas access requests, if granted would allow it to monitor user activity across apps, scan photos, and even log passwords  basically, Meta wants its Facebook and Instagram apps to be able to see all calls, messages, emails, interactions with other apps, images, calendar events, files, and even passwords. Apple suggested this could lead to unprecedented intrusions into users private data.

Potential breaches of GDPR

Apple warned that the DMAs interoperability mandate might inadvertently undermine the EUs existing data protection rules under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It stressed that firms might exploit the DMA to bypass these stringent privacy protections. For instance, Apple suggested that enabling Siri to interact with third-party apps like WhatsApp could grant external companies unintended access to sensitive information.

Image Credit: Apple

The white paper emphasised Apples commitment to supporting GDPR and maintaining its high standards for user privacy and security. However, the company urged the EU to implement the DMAs requirements with a careful balance to ensure compliance with GDPR.

Apples commitment to privacy

In closing, Apple reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding user privacy, describing it as a cornerstone of its philosophy. The company stated that while it supports the idea of interoperability, this must not come at the cost of compromising privacy and security. Apple expressed confidence in the European Commissions ability to enforce the DMA thoughtfully and responsibly.

Meanwhile, Apple remains committed to introducing its services, such as Apple Intelligence, across EU markets, despite delays stemming from related interoperability questions. The rollout aims to cater to diverse languages, including French, German, and Italian, reinforcing Apples presence in the region.
Founded in 2022, Perplexity AI has quickly carved a niche for itself. In April, Perplexity was valued at $1 billion, a figure that jumped to $3 billion in June after an investment from SoftBank Group Vision Fund 2. Now, it is valued at $9 billion after latest funding round read more

Despite its impressive growth, Perplexity is not without challenges. The AI search space has become increasingly crowded, with established giants like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google stepping up their game. Image Credit: Reuters

Perplexity AI, a rising star in artificial intelligence, has seen its valuation skyrocket to an impressive $9 billion following its latest funding round. The company, known for its search tool designed to rival Google, secured $500 million in fresh investment earlier this month. Institutional Venture Partners led the round, which highlights growing investor enthusiasm for AI-driven innovation in online search.

The startups journey to this milestone has been rapid, with its valuation multiplying significantly in just a few months. In April, Perplexity was valued at $1 billion, a figure that jumped to $3 billion in June after an investment from SoftBank Group Vision Fund 2. This latest round not only triples its valuation but also underscores its position as a key player in the competitive AI landscape.

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What sets Perplexity apart

Founded in 2022, Perplexity AI has quickly carved a niche for itself by offering real-time information through its AI-powered search tool. Unlike traditional AI chatbots, Perplexitys approach focuses on delivering up-to-date, accurate results, appealing to users looking for more reliable answers.

The startup has been proactive in expanding its offerings. Beyond its core search product, it provides tools for organisations to search internal files and offers finance-related features, such as tracking stock prices and earnings data. This diversified approach has attracted a user base of over 15 million active users as of March, a number that continues to grow.

Fierce competition

Despite its impressive growth, Perplexity is not without challenges. The AI search space has become increasingly crowded, with established giants like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google stepping up their game. OpenAI recently rolled out search capabilities for all ChatGPT users, while Microsoft and Google have integrated conversational AI features into their search platforms.

To stay ahead, Perplexity has introduced several revenue-sharing partnerships with major publishers like Time and Fortune. These collaborations aim to address past plagiarism accusations while enhancing the quality and range of content available through its platform.

Backed by big names

Perplexitys rapid rise has been supported by heavyweight investors, including SoftBank, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Nvidia. The latest funding round demonstrates continued confidence in the startups potential to disrupt the online search market with its innovative use of generative AI.

With its $9 billion valuation and ambitious roadmap, Perplexity is poised to remain a significant player in the evolving AI landscape. However, its ability to maintain its edge amid fierce competition will be crucial in shaping its future success.
Moore Threads and Biren Technology Chinas leading AI chip designers were restricted by the US for their involvement in developing tech for the Chinese military. However, they were able to get their hands on key American tech before the sanctions came into effect, through the UK read more

Despite this, both firms secured architectural licences from Imagination Technologies, a renowned UK-based chip designer. These licences allowed access to cutting-edge designs and processes integral to AI systems. Image Credit: Reuters

Chinese chipmakers Moore Threads and Biren Technology, known for their AI capabilities with potential military applications, reportedly gained access to advanced UK technology before being blacklisted by the US in 2023.

These companies, described as Chinas leading AI chip designers, were restricted by the US for their involvement in developing technologies linked to weapons of mass destruction and surveillance.

Despite this, both firms secured architectural licences from Imagination Technologies, a renowned UK-based chip designer. These licences allowed access to cutting-edge designs and processes integral to AI systems. While Imagination denies facilitating any military applications or breaching export laws, concerns have been raised about the risks of unintentional knowledge transfer.

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Concerns over knowledge transfer

Former employees of Imagination have alleged that the licensing deals included detailed knowledge transfer programmes, enabling Chinese engineers to learn the intricacies of chip design. This process, they claim, could allow Chinese firms to replicate Imaginations expertise. The programmes reportedly involved step-by-step training, although Imagination insists these arrangements were limited in scope and typical within the industry.

The controversy arises amid growing scrutiny of Chinese efforts to acquire advanced technology. Imagination, headquartered in Hertfordshire, specialises in graphics processing units (GPUs) essential for AI. Its designs power billions of devices, including iPhones and cars. Critics fear the architectural licences granted to Moore Threads and Biren Technology could inadvertently aid the development of military AI systems, such as autonomous weapons.

Tensions over Chinese ownership

Imaginations dealings with Chinese firms have been complicated by its ownership. The company was acquired in 2017 by Canyon Bridge, a private equity firm backed by Chinese state funding. This move, approved by the UK government despite objections in the US, raised fears about technology transfer to China.

Ron Black, Imaginations former CEO, expressed concerns about the Chinese governments influence, alleging attempts to gain control over the company. His departure in 2020 followed tensions over plans to appoint Chinese representatives to the board, which were eventually abandoned under government pressure.

Lingering risks and fallout

Although Imagination claims to have terminated its licences with the blacklisted Chinese firms, concerns persist. Reports suggest that Moore Threads GPUs may incorporate Imaginations technology, with some analysts accusing the company of lacking transparency. Biren Technology, meanwhile, has received funding from the Russia-China Investment Fund, heightening fears over its geopolitical implications.

This case highlights the challenges of balancing commercial partnerships with national security concerns, particularly as China accelerates its pursuit of technological dominance. The episode underscores the need for stricter oversight of sensitive technology exports to ensure they are not misused for military purposes.
The US EPAs approval allows the state to implement the Advanced Clean Cars II Regulations (ACC II), which were originally crafted and approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2022 read more

Californias strategy could serve as a blueprint for other states looking to adopt stricter environmental policies. As the largest car market in the United States, the states shift towards zero-emission vehicles is expected to influence the automotive industry. Image Credit: Reuters

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the green light to Californias ambitious plan to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars and light trucks by 2035. This approval allows the state to implement the Advanced Clean Cars II Regulations (ACC II), which were originally crafted and approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2022.

The plan sets a clear roadmap for transitioning to cleaner vehicle technologies, aiming to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Californias proposal not only targets passenger vehicles but also introduces stricter regulations for reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, a major contributor to smog.

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A year-by-year transition plan

Under the ACC II, California will gradually phase out combustion-engine vehicles, setting interim goals to encourage the adoption of cleaner alternatives. By 2026, 35 per cent of all new cars sold in the state must be electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids, or hydrogen fuel cell models. This target increases to 68 per cent by 2030, ultimately reaching 100 per cent by 2035.

While the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will cease, consumers and dealerships will still be able to buy and sell used gas-powered and hybrid cars. The California Air Resources Board estimates this plan could lead to a 50 per cent reduction in vehicle-related pollution by 2040, significantly improving air quality and public health.

Stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles

In addition to passenger cars, Californias plan addresses pollution from heavy-duty vehicles, which are a significant source of NOx emissions.

The state has set a target to reduce NOx emissions by 75 per cent initially, followed by a 90 per cent reduction in subsequent years. These measures aim to reduce smog and enhance overall air quality across the state.

A bold step toward cleaner air

California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the EPAs decision and the ACC II regulations as a landmark moment in the fight against climate change. He emphasised that the plan demonstrates the states leadership in tackling pollution and protecting public health.

Californias strategy could serve as a blueprint for other states looking to adopt stricter environmental policies. As the largest car market in the United States, the states shift towards zero-emission vehicles is expected to influence the automotive industry and accelerate the transition to cleaner technologies nationwide.
Israeli airstrikes on Yemen killed at least nine people, seven in port of Salif and rest two in strikes on the Ras Issa oil facility, both located in Hodeidah. Following the strike, Israel warned Houthi leaders it will reach you too read more

Israeli airstrikes on Yemen killed nine people early on Thursday, Al Masirah TV, the main television news outlet run by the Houthi movement controlling much of the country, said.

Of these, seven people were killed in a strike on the port of Salif and the rest in two strikes on the Ras Issa oil facility, both located in the western province of Hodeidah, Al Masirah said.

The Israeli strikes also targeted two central power stations south and north of the capital, Sanaa, it added.

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Israel retaliates

After the strike, Israeli military issued a statement saying that it conducted precise strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen, including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa after intercepting a missile fired from the country.

On Thursday (December 19), Israeli military said it had intercepted a missile from Yemen, the second time this week.

Israels warning to Houthi leaders

Israel also warned Houthi leaders it will reach you too.

I warn the leaders of the Houthi terrorist organisation: Israels long arm will reach you too, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said.

On Monday, the Houthis launched a missile which they claimed was aimed at a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa  a reference to Israels Tel Aviv area.

The same day, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said.

The Iran-backed Houthis maintained that they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians. On December 16, they pledged to continue operations until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted.

On December 9, a drone claimed by Houthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne.

In July, a Houthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, forcing retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.

The Houthis have been regularly targetting ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Houthi targets by the US and sometimes British forces.

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With inputs from AFP and Reuters.
Soon after returning from his three-day India visit, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with vice-chairperson of the National Committee of the CPPCC, Qin Boyong, in Colombo and discussed resuming maritime research. He is also expected to soon make a visit to Beijing read more

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake meets with Qin Boyong of CPPCC and expressed gratitude to China for supporting Sri Lanka in debt restructuring and economic challenges. Source X | @PMDNewsGov.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has had a hectic week as soon after wrapping up his three-day first overseas trip, after assuming office, to India, he got engaged in an intense discussion with a member of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) about developing partnership with China, investments and a possible resumption of maritime research.

Also, Dissanayake is soon expected to travel to China.

The Sri Lankan president, whose Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party or National Peoples Power (NPP) has for long been known for its anti-India stance, was in New Delhi between December 15 and 17. Soon after his return, Dissanayake on Wednesday (December 18) met with vice-chairperson of the National Committee of the CPPCC, Qin Boyong.

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Need for Chinas support in Sri Lankas future

What Dissanayake told Qin was somewhat similar to the praise he made for India after a bilateral with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

As per the Sri Lankan President office, in his meeting with Qin, Dissanayake expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its support during debt restructuring as well as in the face of the economic crisis".

He also emphasised the continued need for Chinas support in the future".

Met with Ms. Qin Boyong of CPPCC today (18) and expressed gratitude to China for supporting Sri Lanka in debt restructuring and economic challenges. I look forward to strengthening ties, expediting key projects like the Central Expressway, and enhancing partnerships in Colombo pic.twitter.com/fKd3T70Rp0  Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) December 18, 2024

There were also discussions on unfinished Chinese projects and potential investments.

Restarting maritime research activities & other projects

According to the statement by the Sri Lankan President office, Qin said that there are plans to restart maritime research activities, which were temporarily halted for various reasons, along with initiating relevant projects".

President @anuradisanayake thanked China for its unwavering support in debt restructuring and economic recovery during a meeting with CPPCC Vice Chair Ms Qin Boyong today. They discussed strengthening bilateral ties, key infrastructure projects, and future collaborations in Sri pic.twitter.com/6qiR7rBHwQ  President's Media Division of Sri Lanka - PMD (@PMDNewsGov) December 18, 2024

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Now, this statement holds significance for New Delhi as in recent years, it expressed concern to Colombo about allowing visits by Chinese research ships.

Also, Sri Lankas one-year moratorium  imposed by the island nation after concerns raised by India over Chinese research vessels docking at Sri Lankan ports  is expiring soon.

On his India visit, Dissanayake had assured PM Modi that Sri Lanka will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability."

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Chinese companies to set up business in Hambantota

Qin said that Chinese companies would set up business in the Hambantota investment zone in the vicinity of the Chinese-funded Hambantota port. Beijing clinched a 2017 deal to through a long lease of Hambantota to set up an industrial park around the port.

After India, is China the next stop for Sri Lankan President Dissanayake?

As per Qin, China has already begun preparations to welcome Dissanayake for his future visit.

The dates of Dissanayakes possible China visit has not yet been announced.

With inputs from agencies.
The centre-left government is planning to impose different speeds of visa processing in an effort to cut migration numbers ahead of the elections in the country read more

Australia is set to limit foreign student intake as it looks to reign in rental housing price surge due to immigration. Representation image/Pixabay

Australia plans to slow down its visa process for international students in its latest effort to cut migration numbers. The centre-left government is planning to impose different speeds of visa processing in an effort to cut migration numbers ahead of the elections in the country.

On Thursday, Education Minister Jason Clare announced the new ministerial directions, insisting the country would prioritise the processing of visa applications for those universities and colleges that are operating sustainably. As per the new changes, there will be two categories of visa processing: high priority visa and standard visa.

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Education providers will be receiving quick approvals up until they hit 80 per cent of their international student allotment. After that, visas will be processed at a slower pace. The new direction emerges as an alternative after legislation to put a cap on international student allocations at the universities failed in the parliament.

Australia struggles to control influx of migrants

The legislation to cap the number of international students failed after the centre-right opposition decided to vote against the plan, despite insisting it wanted something similar to be implemented. The rejection from the center-right came as the country is scheduled to go to the polls by May 17.

The initial polls indicate that the Labour government and Liberal-National opposition are running neck-and-neck as the country anticipates a close race. While speaking to Australias ABC News, the countrys Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the change would ensure that visa applications are processed in a way that those student numbers can be managed and also applications can flow to regional and smaller universities.

The Labour government are looking for ways to curb the new arrivals. Estimates for net overseas migration this fiscal year were revised up to 340,000 on Dec. 18 from 260,000 forecast in May. However, figures released last week reflected that there had been a 25 per cent drop in student visa arrivals in the 12 months, falling to 207,000 from 278,000 a year earlier, Bloomberg reported.

With inputs from agencies.
TP-Link routers are produced in China and account for over 65 per cent of Americas router needs for homes and small businesses. The router is also rated as the top choice on e-commerce site Amazon. It also powers internet connections for the Defence Department and other federal agencies in the US read more

Chinese-made routers that transmit internet to thousands of homes might be banned after they were linked to cyberattacks posing national security risks.

The sale of TP-Link routers, a top choice for Americans to set up their wifi at home, could be stopped in the country by next year, a report by the Wall Street Journal said. The US Justice, Commerce and Defence Departments have opened separate investigations into the router manufacturing company.

TP-Link routers are produced in China and account for over 65 per cent of Americas router needs for homes and small businesses. The router is also rated as the top choice on e-commerce site Amazon. It also powers internet connections for the Defence Department and other federal agencies in the US.

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Why have TP-Link routers become a target?

A Microsoft analysis released in October revealed that a Chinese hacking group operates an extensive network of compromised devices, predominantly consisting of thousands of TP-Link routers.

This network has been leveraged by various Chinese entities to carry out cyberattacks targeting Western organizations, including think tanks, government agencies, NGOs, and suppliers to the US Department of Defense.

Sources familiar with the matter told WSJ that TP-link routers are routinely shipped to US customers with security flaws like bugs which the company fails to address.

However, the business unit that is responsible for selling the routers in the US says that the company assesses potential threats and takes appropriate actions to fix them before they are shipped to customers.

A spokeswoman of the California-based business unit said, We welcome any opportunities to engage with the US government to demonstrate that our security practices are fully in line with industry security standards, and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the U.S. market, US consumers, and addressing US national security risks.

The Biden administration is considering measures against TP-Link in response to the recent wave of cyberattacks associated with China.

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Earlier this year, the Defense Department launched an investigation into national security risks associated with Chinese routers, according to sources familiar with the matter. In August, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party pressed the Commerce Secretary to investigate TP-Link, citing an unusual degree of vulnerabilities.

The following month, the House of Representatives passed a bill calling for a study on the national security threats posed by routers linked to foreign adversaries, though the Senate has not yet taken action on it.

How did TP-Link router become so famous in US?

TP-Link routers have become a household item in the US after the pandemic prompted office workers to set up shop at home. The Chinese-made routers proved to be a reliable device for stable internet connection during this time.

TP-Links share of the US market for home and small-business routers has grown significantly, rising from about 20 per cent in 2019 to approximately 65 per cent this year. Industry data shows the company captured an additional 5 per cent of the market in just the third quarter of this year.

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The company has also been able to claim the top spot in the American market through its cheap prices which are almost half of what competitors are offering. However, this factor has raised eyebrows in the Justice Department which is now probing whether the price discrepancies violate a federal law.
The United States imposed fresh sanctions on four entities which they claimed are supporting Pakistans controversial ballistic missile program read more

The United States on Wednesday sanctioned four entities which they claimed are contributing to Pakistans Ballistic Missile Program. The US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed the news, following which the department released a statement, revealing the names of the entities.

In the statement, the department maintained that the United States has been consistent about its concerns over the matter. Today, the United States is designating four entities that are contributing to Pakistans ballistic missile program. We have been clear and consistent about our concerns, and we will continue to engage constructively with Pakistan on these issues, Miller said in a post on X.

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Today, the United States is designating four entities that are contributing to Pakistans ballistic missile program. We have been clear and consistent about our concerns, and we will continue to engage constructively with Pakistan on these issues.  Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) December 18, 2024

In light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistans long-range missile development, the United States is designating four entities for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, the statement further reads. The department went on to claim that these entities are proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.

Names of the four entities

Shortly after Millers statement, the State Department listed out names of the four entities they claimed are helping Pakistans missile development program. They are as follows:

1. The National Development Complex (NDC): The complex is located in Pakistans capital Islamabad and has worked towards acquiring items in furtherance of Pakistans long-range ballistic missile program - including special vehicle chassis intended to be used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles and missile testing equipment. The United States assesses NDC is responsible for Pakistans development of ballistic missiles, including the SHAHEEN-series ballistic missiles, the department said in the Wednesday statement.

2. Akhtar and Sons Private Limited: The company is located in Karachi. The department claimed that it worked for NDC to supply a range of equipment to help with the program.

3. Affiliates International: The entity is also located in Karachi and has facilitated procurements of missile-applicable items for NDC and others in support of Pakistans ballistic missile program.

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4. Rockside Enterprise: The department claimed that the company located in Karachi has also supplied equipment to NDC.

USs concern over Pakistans ballistic missile programme

In September this year, the State Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies, claiming that they have been supplying the NDC with equipment.

At that time, Miller said that the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry had worked with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel systems and potentially for larger systems.

In 2023, Washington sanctioned three China-based companies, accusing them of supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan. Pakistan is yet to respond to the recent sanctions by the US.
The Russian politicians provocative remarks came after the editorial group of Times on Wednesday, described the assassination of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov as a legitimate act of defence by Ukraine read more

Deputy head of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called the editors of the British news outlet Times legitimate military targets. The comment attracted condemnation from UKs Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who described the comment as a gangster threat.

The Russian politicians provocative remarks came after the editorial group of Times on Wednesday, described the assassination of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov as a legitimate act of defence by Ukraine, which has claimed responsibility for the killing. Kirillov was the head of the militarys chemical, biological and radiological weapons unit, who was killed along with his assistant when a device attached to an e-scooter exploded as the two men left a building in Moscow.

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Kirillov was the most senior official in the Russian military to be assassinated as the Russia-Ukraine war continued to escalate. Those who carry out crimes against Russia  always have accomplices. They too are now legitimate military targets. This category could also include the miserable jackals from The Times who cowardly hid behind their editorial, the former Russian president wrote on Telegram.

That means the entire leadership of the publication, Medvedev, who served as Russias president between 2008 and 2012, wrote on his Telegram channel, he added. Medvedev insisted that Times should be careful as anything goes in London.

UK hits back

While responding to Medvedevs post, the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy described his remarks as a gangster threat. Our newspapers represent the best of British values: freedom, democracy and independent thinking, Lammy wrote alongside a picture of himself reading the Times.

When asked about Medvedevs comments the UK prime ministers official spokesperson said they were simply the latest in a series of desperate rhetoric coming from Putins government. Unlike in Russia, a free press is a cornerstone of our democracy and we take any threats made by Russia incredibly seriously," the spokesperson added.

Russia's Medvedevs gangster threat against Times journalists smacks of desperation.



Our newspapers represent the best of British values: freedom, democracy and independent thinking. I stand with @thetimes. pic.twitter.com/L6jscmESgn  David Lammy (@DavidLammy) December 18, 2024

Medvedev, who cast himself as a liberal reformer promising modernisation and democratisation served as the President of Russia between 2008 and 2012. Over the years Medvedev started taking a pro-war stance and eventually became the best known for his fiery anti-western remarks. He also remains a prominent Putin confidant and recently travelled to Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

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Meanwhile, in the same post, Medvedev also threatened Nato officials for assisting Ukraine. Theres a whole legion of them. Theres not even enough space to list them, but all these individuals can and should be considered legitimate military targets for the Russian state. And for all Russian patriots for that matter, he wrote.

With inputs from agencies.
As China strengthens its defence ties with Pakistan and Bangladesh, including the potential sale of advanced fighter jets, India faces an escalating challenge to its regional security and strategic balance read more

With Bangladesh considering upgrades to its ageing fighter jets, including the potential acquisition of Chinas J-10C Vigorous Dragon, the security scenario in South Asia is poised for change. Currently led by a government less aligned with India, Bangladesh is rapidly moving closer to Chinaa trend reminiscent of Pakistan on Indias western front. While Bangladesh looks to enhance its defence capabilities the pace of its alignment with Beijing is striking as it does not has an adversarial relationship with any of its immediate neighbours. However, it fits well in Chinas scheme of things of encircling India with military allies.

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Bangladeshs push for modernisation

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) operates a fleet of ageing aircraft, including the F-7MG and MiG-29 fighters, which are in urgent need of replacement. Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khans recent visit to China underscores Dhakas ambition to modernise its fleet with multirole combat aircraft and attack helicopters.

According to a South China Morning Post report, Khan attended Chinas Zhuhai Air Show and met with officials from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation, signalling Bangladeshs intent to strengthen defence ties with Beijing. Reports indicate that Dhaka is considering acquiring 16 J-10CE fighters, the export variant of the 4.5-generation J-10C, as part of its initial fleet upgrade.

Chinas role as a key defence partner

China is Bangladeshs second-largest arms supplier after Pakistan, having provided trainer aircraft, tanks, vessels and missiles over the years. Past deliveries include 16 F-7MG fighters between 2006 and 2013. The potential acquisition of J-10CE fighters would significantly enhance the BAFs operational capabilities.

The J-10C, often compared to the American F-16, features the advanced WS-10B engine and multirole combat versatility. However, Song Zhongping, a military analyst and former Peoples Liberation Army instructor, suggested to the Hong Kong-based newspaper that the cost-effective FC-1 multirole fighter might be a more pragmatic choice, given Bangladeshs security needs and budget constraints.

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Geopolitical ramifications for India

While the deal remains in the planning stage and may take years to materialise, Bangladeshs potential purchase of J-10C fighters underscores its deepening military cooperation with China. This development could strain relations with India, which closely monitors Chinas growing influence in South Asia.

Should Dhaka proceed with the J-10C acquisition, it would become the second South Asian country, after Pakistan, to operate advanced Chinese fighter jets. This move could heighten regional tensions, particularly given Indias sensitivities to Chinas strategic manoeuvers along its borders and in the maritime neighbourhood.

Pakistans fifth-generation leap: The FC-31 stealth fighter

While Bangladesh eyes the J-10C, Pakistan has taken a significant step forward by announcing plans to procure Chinas FC-31 stealth fighter jets in January this year. This fifth-generation aircraft, developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, offers advanced stealth capabilities, situational awareness and a versatile weaponry suite, making it comparable to the US-made F-35.

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Pakistans acquisition of the FC-31 would mark a generational leap in its air combat capabilities, granting it a strategic edge over India. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has seamlessly integrated Chinese platforms like the J-10C, JF-17 and HQ-series missile systems, which positions it to fully exploit the FC-31s potential.

Indias preparedness

India now faces a dual challenge as both Bangladesh and Pakistan strengthen their air forces with advanced Chinese fighter jets. While Bangladeshs modernisation may be less of a direct threat compared to Pakistans, India is likely monitoring the development carefully.

As of today, the Indian Air Force (IAF) boasts advanced platforms like the Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Tejas Mk-1A, equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, weaponry and electronic warfare systems. Indias integrated air defence system (IADS) combines advanced systems like the S-400 Triumf, Akash surface-to-air missiles and a multi-layered radar network creating a robust shield against aerial threats. The S-400 system, with a detection range exceeding 600 km and the ability to engage targets at varying altitudes, ensures effective protection even against advanced stealth fighters.

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Indias growing focus on domestic defence production, driven by initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, is significantly strengthening the IAFs self-reliance. Projects like the Tejas Mk-2, AMCA and unmanned combat aerial vehicles are expected to further enhance its capabilities, cementing its technological and strategic edge. However, the emergence of advanced Chinese platforms in its neighbours arsenals underscores Indias growing concerns about its national security as it pushes to expedite procurement and indigenisation plans.

Broader implications for South Asia

The changing air power dynamics in South Asia highlight the regions shifting geopolitics. Chinas increasing presence, driven by arms sales and defence partnerships, challenges Indias traditional position as a key security provider.

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For Pakistan, acquiring the FC-31 is a significant step that could alter the regional power balance, especially if India fails to match its stealth capabilities. For Bangladesh, the potential purchase of the J-10C or similar advanced jets will play a crucial role in shaping its defence strategy and regional position.

Bangladeshs interest in the J-10C reflects its aim to modernise its air force and boost its strategic independence. However, economic and geopolitical factors make this decision complex.

For India, Chinas growing influence in the region calls for a reassessment of its defence strategy. As Bangladesh and Pakistan deepen ties with Beijing, India may soon be reassessing its military modernisation plan.
A recent report by Pentagon says Beijings military  which it has been working to modernise for several decades  has made recent advances in the past year including the expansion of its nuclear force to possibly invade Taiwan read more

US officials have sounded the alarm bells of a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan after a Pentagon report revealed that Beijing has been rapidly expanding its nuclear force over the past year.

China, which considers Taiwan as part of its own territory, has also been expanding its military and strengthening ties with Russia to possibly launch an invasion of the island nation soon. While Taiwan continues to view itself as an independent state, its sovereignty has often been threatened by Chinas belligerent ambitions as the country frequently conducts drills and sends military planes into Taiwans airspace.

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The new Pentagon report has raised concerns over Beijings heightened military activities including the building of its nuclear force to invade Taiwan. But would this be enough to knock on Taiwans door?

What does the report say?

Beijings military  which it has been working to modernise for several decades  has made recent advances, the report said, citing intelligence and open-source data.

But efforts to improve its armed forces have been hampered by corruption that led to the removal of top leaders, it added.

Chinas stockpile of operational nuclear warheads has also increased from more than 500 last year to more than 600 in 2024, the report said.

It will have more than 1,000 by 2030, the Pentagon said, as Beijing pushes to modernize, diversify, and expand its nuclear forces rapidly.

This, it said, would enable China to target more US cities, military facilities, and leadership sites than ever before in a potential nuclear conflict.

China lacks sophisticated urban warfare

The Pentagon report, released on Wednesday, says that despite the Peoples Liberation Armys rapid progress, the force has not yet demonstrated the type and scale of sophisticated urban warfare or long-distance logistics capabilities that would likely be required for operations against Taiwan or major contingencies overseas.

A notable example is the Five Incapables slogan used by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) to emphasize key shortcomings that officers should avoid. It criticizes officers who struggle with assessing situations, interpreting the intentions of higher authorities, making operational decisions, deploying forces effectively, or managing unforeseen challenges, the report adds.

Meanwhile, analysts have also downgraded Beijings military buildup by saying there is no explicit evidence linking this expansion directly to plans for a nuclear-backed invasion of Taiwan. They say Chinas military developments aim to deter external intervention and assert its regional influence rather than indicate imminent offensive action.

Is China lagging behind US?

Taiwans biggest ally is the US and an invasion against the island country would mean a direct confrontation with the US.

Chinese soldiers are not considered battle-hardened, as they have not participated in a large-scale war since the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War.

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Unlike their American and European counterparts, who have been involved in multiple military operations and conflicts around the world, Chinese military personnel have had limited combat experience.

The US and NATO forces have been actively engaged in conflicts in the Middle East, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other peacekeeping and intervention missions.

Corruption plagues PLA

In its report, the Pentagon also highlighted Corruption in Chinas military may have disrupted its progress towards its 2027 military modernisation goals.

Since last year, Chinas military has undergone a sweeping anti-corruption purge and last month the defense ministry said a top-ranking military official had been suspended and was under investigation for serious violations of discipline.

The wide-ranging Pentagon report said that between July and December 2023, at least 15 high-ranking Chinese military officers and defense industry executives were removed from their posts.

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In 2023, the PLA experienced a new wave of corruption-related investigations and removals of senior leaders which may have disrupted its progress toward stated 2027 modernization goals, the report said, using an acronym for the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

With inputs from agencies
A survey conducted for Sud Radio by Ifop-Fiducial polled over 1,000 people and found that Some 64 per cent of people in France are dissatisfied with Bayrous appointment read more

It has been just a week since French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Francois Bayrou as the new prime minister of the country and more than half of Frances people are unhappy with him already, a recent poll has shown.

A survey conducted for Sud Radio by Ifop-Fiducial polled over 1,000 people and found that Some 64 per cent of people in France are dissatisfied with Bayrous appointment.

The poll said that 67 per cent of those surveyed felt Bayrous government would soon face no-confidence motions - similar to the one that felled Michel Barniers government.

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What challenges does the new PM face?

Last week, Bayrou said that he faces a Himalaya of a challenge to tackle Frances deficit as Macron picked him for the post to take France out of its second political crisis in six months.

Bayrou, a three-time presidential candidate who has long warned of French fiscal profligacy, inherits the same rowdy parliament that felled Barnier. His proximity to the deeply unpopular Macron may also hurt him.

In a speech alongside Barnier on Friday, Bayrou acknowledged the challenge.

Nobody knows the difficulty of the situation better than I do I am not unaware of the Himalaya that stands before us, he said. I believe that this issue, the deficit and debt, is an issue that poses a moral problem, not just a financial one.

Efforts to rein in the deficit, expected to close the year at over 6% of gross domestic product, lie at the heart of Frances political malaise.

The festering crisis has raised doubts about whether Macron will complete his second presidential term until 2027, lifted French borrowing costs and left a power vacuum in the heart of Europe, just as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House.

Bayrous immediate priority will be passing a special law to roll over the 2024 budget, with a nastier battle over the 2025 legislation looming early next year.

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An early test will come with the 2025 budget bill negotiations, expected to start in January.

Barniers bill, which aimed for 60 billion euros ($63 billion) in savings to assuage investors increasingly concerned by Frances deficit, was deemed too miserly by the far right and left. The governments failure to find a way out of the gridlock has seen French borrowing costs push higher.

With inputs from Reuters
Several children have died in a stampede in Nigeria during a funfair event at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Oyo State, near the economic hub of Lagos. Many kids, who were injured in the incident, were rushed to nearby hospitals where they are undergoing treatment read more

Multiple children have died and many others were injured in a stampede at a school during a holiday funfair in southwestern Nigeria.

The incident happened on Wednesday at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Oyo State, near the economic hub of Lagos.

Event organisers arrested

The event organisers have been arrested, state governor Seyi Makinde said in a statement.

Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries. This is a very sad day," Makinde said.

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We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths, he added.

What led to the stampede?

An investigation has been initiated into the causes of the stampede, Makinde said.

Anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable, the state governor further said.

Nigerias national emergency services has deployed a team to help provide assistance to the victims. The injured children were rushed to local hospitals where parents were asked to check for missing persons.

Who organised the event?

As per local media, the was organised by the Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation, who had held a similar event for children last year.

The Oyo-based Agidigbo FM radio station on Tuesday reported that the group was preparing to host up to 5,000 young people at this years event. It also cited the organisers who had featured on its program and said that children will win exciting prizes like scholarships and other bountiful gifts."

With inputs from Associated Press.
Assad fled to Russia after a rebel takeover became inevitable in Syria following the circling of the capital city of Damascus. Moscow was Assads key backer and had swept to his aid in 2015, turning the tide of the conflict read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday spoke about the situation in Syria for the first time saying that former President Bashar al-Assads fall has not impacted Russia and that Moscow has achieved its goals in the country.

You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia, Putin said at his annual end-of-year press conference.

I assure you it is not, he said, responding to a question from an American journalist.

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Assad fled to Russia after a rebel takeover became inevitable in Syria following the circling of the capital city of Damascus. Moscow was Assads key backer and had swept to his aid in 2015, turning the tide of the conflict.

We came to Syria 10 years ago so that a terrorist enclave would not be created there like in Afghanistan. On the whole, we have achieved our goal, Putin said.

The president said that although Assad continues to live in Russia, Putin has yet to meet him but plans on doing so soon.

I havent yet seen President Assad since his arrival in Moscow but I plan to, I will definitely speak with him, he said.

Putin was addressing the situation in Syria publicly for the first time since Assads fall.

Since the HTS and other rebel groups takeover, Russia has been busy securing its two military bases in Syria. The Tartus Naval Base and Hmeimim Air Base are Russias only military outposts outside the former Soviet Union and have been key to the Kremlins activities in Africa and the Middle East.

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Putin said there was support for Russia keeping hold of the bases.

We maintain contacts with all those who control the situation there, with all the countries of the region. An overwhelming majority of them say they are interested in our military bases staying there, Putin said.

He also said Russia had evacuated 4,000 Iranian soldiers from the country at the request of Tehran.

With inputs from AFP
Russia, together with its allies, will remain a dangerous actor in Europe even after the war in Ukraine and we cannot exclude the possibility of (them) threatening European countries with the use of military force, Hakkanen said read more

Finland's Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen has warned that the security threat from Russia will not stop with the Ukraine war. Reuters

Russia and its allies will continue to pose a long-term threat to Europe even after the war in Ukraine ends, Finlands Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said Thursday (December 19), citing Moscows growing ties with North Korea, Iran, and China as risks to regional stability.

Hakkanen made the remarks while presenting Finlands first defence policy review since joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) last year.

Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine had strained Finnish-Russian relations. In response to perceived security threats, Finland applied for Nato membership and officially joined the alliance in April 2023, ending its longstanding military non-alignment.

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Russia, together with its allies, will remain a dangerous actor in Europe even after the war in Ukraine and we cannot exclude the possibility of (them) threatening European countries with the use of military force, Hakkanen said.

Defence priorities and alliances

The policy review recommends that Finland prioritize strengthening its national defense, enhancing Nato cooperation, and building partnerships with key allies.

Hakkanen highlighted Finlands close collaboration with Sweden, Norway, the United States, Britain, and Estonia, as well as its work with South Korea, Israel, and Japan to secure defense materials.

Finland plans to allocate at least 2 per cent of its gross domestic product to defence spending, meeting Natos minimum target. By comparison, the Baltic nations and Poland are expected to spend between 3.2 per cent and 4.7 per cent, while Sweden and Norway aim to reach 2.6 per cent by 2030, according to the review.

Border security concerns

Finland shares a 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) border with Russia, which has been closed to all travellers amid Helsinkis accusations that Moscow is channelling illegal migration into Europe.

To enhance border security, Hakkanen said Finland is considering reintroducing anti-personnel landmines, which would require withdrawing from an international treaty ratified by over 160 countries but not Russia.

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Protecting our border is a top priority, Hakkanen said earlier this week in an interview with Reuters.

With inputs from agencies
Siddiq, elected as MP for Hampstead and Highgate in 2015, has denied any involvement in the alleged corruption. Syed Faruk, leader of the UK branch of Hasinas Awami League party, dismissed the claims as fabricated read more

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's (L) nice, Tulip Siddiq (R), has been named in graft probe in the UK. Agencies

A senior Labour minister in the UK has been implicated in a corruption investigation involving allegations that her family embezzled 3.9 billion (Tk 590 billion) from infrastructure projects in Bangladesh.

Tulip Siddiq, 42, who serves as Economic Secretary to the Treasury and oversees anti-corruption efforts in UK financial markets, is accused of brokering a 2013 deal with Russia for Bangladeshs Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant that allegedly inflated the projects cost by 1 billion, BBC reported.

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Siddiq denies the allegations.

The claims form part of an investigation by Bangladeshs Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as Bangladeshs prime minister in August after more than 20 years in power. Hasina is also accused of multiple crimes, including crimes against humanity during her tenure.

Siddiq has not been contacted by the ACC, according to the BBC. A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Siddiq has recused herself from any decisions related to Bangladesh but continues in her ministerial role. Starmer expressed full confidence in her.

The ACC investigation extends to other members of Hasinas family, including Siddiqs mother, Sheikh Rehana Siddiq, and several senior officials from Hasinas government. Arrest warrants have been issued for 45 individuals, including former Bangladeshi ministers, accused of embezzlement and other crimes.

Citing court documents, BBC reported that it appeared that Siddiq facilitated meetings between Bangladeshi officials and the Russian government. The 10 billion nuclear projects inflated costs allegedly diverted funds through offshore accounts, with 30 per cent of the excess funds distributed to Siddiq and her family, according to the documents.

Footage from 2013 shows Siddiq attending the Kremlin signing ceremony for the project, where Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin were present.

The ACCs investigation follows a pattern of allegations against Bangladeshi leaders after regime changes. Hasinas predecessor, Khaleda Zia, and former President Hussain Muhammad Ershad faced similar charges, which they claimed were politically driven.

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Siddiq, elected as MP for Hampstead and Highgate in 2015, has denied any involvement in the alleged corruption. Syed Faruk, leader of the UK branch of Hasinas Awami League party, dismissed the claims as fabricated.
Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to reinforce Russias military, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year read more

At least 100 North Koreans deployed to support Russias war effort in Ukraine have been killed since entering combat in December, South Korean lawmaker Lee Sung-kwon told reporters Thursday.

Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to reinforce Russias military, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year.

In December, they (North Korean troops) engaged in actual combat, during which at least 100 fatalities occurred, said Lee.

The National Intelligence Service also reported that the number of injured is expected to reach nearly 1,000.

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Lee added there were indications that several North Korean casualties, including high-ranking officials, had already occurred due to Ukraines missile and drone attacks, as well as training accidents.

The NIS said the high number of casualties could be attributed to the unfamiliar battlefield environment, where North Korean forces are being utilised as expendable frontline assault units, and their lack of capability to counter drone attacks, said Lee.

He added that within the Russian military, complaints have reportedly surfaced that the North Korean troops, due to their lack of knowledge about drones, are more of a burden than an asset.

Lee also said the NIS had heard rumors of additional troop deployments circulating within North Koreas Storm Corps.

They (NIS) are closely monitoring the possibility of further North Korean troop deployments, while also predicting that Russia might offer reciprocal benefits, such as modernising North Koreas conventional weaponry, said Lee.

The report comes after a senior US military official said Tuesday that North Korean forces have suffered several hundred casualties fighting against Ukrainian troops in Russias Kursk region.

The officials comments came after Ukraines commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said Russia had used North Korean troops at the heart of an intensive offensive in Kursk over several days.

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North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscows invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A landmark defence pact between Pyongyang and Moscow signed in June came into force earlier this month.

Experts say the nuclear-armed Norths leader, Kim Jong Un, is keen to acquire advanced technology from Russia and battle experience for his troops.
In the retraction notice, Elsevier mentioned that its integrity and publishing ethics team, as well as the journals co-owner, the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, found multiple issues with the study read more

A controversial study which promoted the use of hydroxychloroquine drug as a treatment for COVID-19 was officially withdrawn from an academic journal. On Tuesday, Elsevier, a Dutch academic publishing company which owns the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, issued a retraction of a study which was conducted in March 2020.

The company said that concerns have been raised regarding this article, the substance of which relate to the articles adherence to Elseviers publishing ethics policies and the appropriate conduct of research involving human participants." Elsevier further stated that the concerns had also been raised by three of the authors themselves regarding the articles methodology and conclusions."

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In the retraction notice, Elsevier mentioned that its integrity and publishing ethics team, as well as the journals co-owner, the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, found multiple issues with the study. Among those issues was the fact that the journal wasnt able to confirm whether any of the patients involved in the study were acquired before ethical approval had been obtained.

The journal was also unable to establish whether there was equipoise between the study patients and the control patients. As per the Association of Healthcare Journalists, equipoise refers to the genuine uncertainty within the expert medical community  not necessarily on the part of the individual investigator  about the preferred treatment.

The authors of the study disassociate from the article

The retraction notice also mentioned that the journal was not able to establish whether the subjects in this study should have provided informed consent to receive azithromycin as part of the study. Since the publication of the journal, even the authors of the study Johan Courjon, Valerie Giordanengo and Stephane Honore, have contacted the journal to express their concerns regarding the presentation and interpretation of results." They stated that they no longer wish to see their names associated with the article.

The original study noted that the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 would increase if used with azithromycin, which is an antibiotic. It went on to mention that at the time of the study, azithromycin was not considered standard care.

After the retraction statement was issued, several other authors disagreed with the move and disputed the grounds for it. What makes the matter concerning is the fact that the controversial study is the highest-cited paper on COVID-19 to be retracted, Nature reported. It was the second most cited paper on the virus overall.

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In the light of the study, in March 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization that allowed for the stockpiling of hydroxychloroquine as well as its distribution and use in certain hospitals with patients who were suffering from COVID-19.

Then US President Donald Trump also touted hydroxychloroquine as a miracle drug for Covid-19, at one point claiming that he was taking the drug prophylactically. After the retraction, the French Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics issued a statement condemning the study.

The body said that the study constitutes a clear example of scientific misconduct, marked by data manipulation and bias in the interpretation of results, aimed at falsely presenting hydroxychloroquine as effective.

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This highly controversial study was the cornerstone of a global scandal. The promotion of its results led to the overprescription of hydroxychloroquine to millions of patients, resulting in unnecessary risk-taking for millions of people and potentially thousands of avoidable deaths  One of the fundamental principles of medicine  primum non nocere (first, do no harm)  has been sacrificed here, with dramatic consequences, it added.
Days after Bashar al-Assad regime was ousted, his soldiers queued up in large number in a newly established HTS reconciliation centre in Latakia to seek amnesty read more

Men wait in line as Syrian soldiers, police and a some civilians surrender their weapons and register with the authorities, in the western port city of Latakia, on December 16, 2024. Source: AFP.

Hundreds of former soldiers and police officers gathered this week at a newly established reconciliation centre in Latakia, a Syrian port city once considered a stronghold of ousted President Bashar al-Assads regime.

The centre, operated by Syrias new transitional government led by the rebel coalition Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marks a turning point for the war-torn nation, offering amnesty to rank-and-file members of the former regime who surrender their weapons and renounce ties to Assad.

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This initiative comes as HTS consolidates its grip on power following the ousting of Assads decades-long rule, which was marked by systemic repression, including torture and executions of dissenters. While HTS has vowed to prosecute senior regime officials implicated in crimes, the amnesty program targets conscripted soldiers and lower-ranking personnel, aiming to ease their reintegration into society.

The Latakia reconciliation centre, one of the first of its kind, opened its doors on Sunday. By Monday, over 600 individuals had lined up, some waiting for hours in the cold to begin the process of clearing their names. This is only the first step, one supervisor said, adding that similar centres would soon open across the country.

As per reports the inside of the compound, saw a process that was meticulous and symbolic. Each individual received a numbered ticket, which they held for a mugshot as part of their temporary identification. At intake desks, officials recorded personal details while former soldiers handed over weapons through secured windows. One man, carrying a Soviet-era machine gun too large to fit through the slot, had to present it directly at the door.

Mohammad Mustafa, a masked security officer with HTSs interior ministry, oversaw the collection of surrendered weapons in a former interrogation room. AK-47s, handguns, and other arms were sorted into piles, marking the transition of the space from a site of repression under Assad to one of reconciliation.

For many, the process also involved questioning. The New York Times quoted Warrant officer Othman Karoom, a former traffic officer now working under HTS, documenting the military roles of those seeking amnesty.

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What was your specialty? he asked Mohammad al-Jarrah, a 28-year-old former conscript. When al-Jarrah replied, Cannons, Karoom pressed him further, demanding details of his involvement in shelling rebel-held areas. Al-Jarrah denied having blood on his hands, a defence echoed by many in the line outside.

The report further stated that tensions flared as the crowd outside the compound grew, with some individuals pushing and yelling to gain entry. Security forces restored order after a brief scuffle, but not before several people were injured in the crush. Those injured were allowed inside to complete the process.

Despite the initial rush, the road to full amnesty remains uncertain. Each individual is required to return in three months for further investigation by HTS authorities.

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The reconciliation centres represent a complex attempt to bridge the past and the future. For those who once served Assads regime, the centres offer a chance at a new beginning.
In a sharp turnaround from the position he held when he was the president, Donald Trump has said that he has a warm spot for TikTok and has vowed to save the app despite the bipartisan consensus that the app is a tool of the Chinese regime to advance its information warfare and espionage goals read more

US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to save TikTok from a ban in the United States.

This is a remarkable turnaround for a man who had once issued an executive order regarding the app and said it allowed the Communist Party of China (CPC) to spy on Americans and spread Chinese propaganda.

Trump has a history of having a fawning relationship with US adversaries like Vladmir Putin and Xi Jinping. He has long trusted these adversaries whether China or Russia over US intelligence agencies. These adversaries have long fooled Trump. For example, China convinced Trump into signing a trade deal in 2020 that spectacularly failed. Thera are signs that China may have won over Trump again regarding TikTok.

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Trump looking at a quid pro quo

Trump appears to be prepared for an exercise of quid pro quo.

As TikTok helped Trump win the 2024 US presidential election, he now appears set to return the favour.

Trump appears to be returning the favour either with the use of his executive power or hold over the Republican Party. He is supporting TikTok despite the bipartisan consensus in the US polity that the app is a tool of the Chinese regime to advance its information warfare and espionage goals.

Trump on Tuesday met TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and told the media after the meeting that he would take a look at TikTok after assuming office in January.

Trump further said, I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok.

Trump said that he won youth by 34 points, and there are those that say that TikTok had something to do with it.

This is a sharp turnaround from Trumps stand as the president. In August 2020, Trump in an executive order said that TikToks data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information  potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

Trump further said, TikTok also reportedly censors content that the Chinese Communist Party deems politically sensitive, such as content concerning protests in Hong Kong and Chinas treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. This mobile application may also be used for disinformation campaigns that benefit the Chinese Communist Party, such as when TikTok videos spread debunked conspiracy theories about the origins of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

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US Supreme Court & Congress expected to do Trumps bidding

Trump may not even need to get his hands dirty as he may have his appointees in the Supreme Court do his bidding.

In a remarkable decision, the Supreme Court on Wednesday accepted TikToks appeal against a lower courts decision to uphold a federal law banning the app on January 19 if TikToks parent company failed to sell the app to a non-Chinese entity by then.

The Supreme Court would hear the case on January 10 and is expected to pass a judgement by January 19.

As the Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority and three of these six conservative judges were appointed by Trump himself and belong to the hard-right brand of Trumps politics, the Supreme Court is expected to do Trumps bidding.

In recent years, the Supreme Court has delivered Trump and his far-right base several victories, such as overturning the Roe v Wade judgement, the judgement on affirmative action, and the judgement on transgender healthcare.

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Even if the Supreme Court somehow does not rule in TikToks favour, then Trump can command the Republican Party to overturn the TikTok law. Even though the Republican Party overwhelmingly favours banning TikTok, it is also completely at the service of Trump and is unlikely to disobey his commands.

In January, Trump is set to have a trifecta where Republicans control all three elected centres of power in Washington DC: White House, House of Representatives, Senate. While the Congress is a separate, independent branch of government, the Republican-controlled Congress is set to be a rubber-stamp body as Trumps hold over the party is absolute. Moreover, Trump also has the Supreme Court in his pocket, which means that he all means available to return the favour to TikTok.

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The SDF is an ally in the US coalition against Islamic State militants. It is spearheaded by the YPG, a group that Ankara sees as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants who have fought the Turkish state for 40 years read more

There is no talk of a ceasefire deal between Turkey and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria, contrary to a US announcement, a Turkish defence ministry official said on Thursday.

The State Department had said a ceasefire round the city of Manbij was extended until the end of this week.

As Turkey, it is out of the question for us to have talks with any terrorist organisation. The (U.S.) statement must be a slip of the tongue, the Turkish official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters.

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The SDF blamed Turkey for opposing international efforts to achieve a ceasefire. The Turkish occupation and its mercenaries did not abide by this decision and continue their attacks on the southern front of the city of Kobani, it said in a statement, vowing to keep fighting and urging people in Kobani to carry arms.

Washington brokered an initial ceasefire between Turkey-backed Syrian rebels and the SDF last week after fighting broke out as rebel groups overthrew Bashar al-Assad.

The SDF is an ally in the US coalition against Islamic State militants. It is spearheaded by the YPG, a group that Ankara sees as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants who have fought the Turkish state for 40 years.

Turkey regards the PKK, YPG and SDF as terrorist groups.

The U.S. and Turkeys Western allies list the PKK as terrorist, but not the YPG and the SDF.

When asked if Ankara was considering another ground operation into northern Syria, the same Turkish official said that Turkey still sees a threat to its borders from north Syria.

Our preparations and precautions as part of the fight against terrorism will continue until the PKK/YPG lays down its arms and its foreign fighters leave Syria, the official said.

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Turkey believes forces of its ally the Syrian National Army paramilitary group will liberate YPG-controlled areas in north Syria, the official said, signalling that Turkey does not plan an imminent operation into the region.
Turkeys Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan rejected US President-elect Donald Trumps claims that Ankara orchestrated the falls of Syrian President Bashar Al Assads regime. Fidan says it is incorrect to characterise the situation in Syria as an unfriendly takeover by Turkey read more

Turkey on Wednesday rejected US President-elect Donald Trumps claim that the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad by the rebel group was an unfriendly takeover by Ankara. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan raised concerns about the narrative pushed by Trump.

We wouldnt call it a takeover, because it would be a grave mistake to present whats been happening in Syria in those terms, Fidan told the Qatar-based news outlet on Wednesday. For Syrian people, it is not a takeover. I think if there is any takeover, its the will of the Syrian people which is taking over now," he added. The 24-year reign of the Syrian dictator ended after rebel groups took over the countrys capital Damascus.

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While speaking on the ongoing situation in Syria, Trump on Tuesday said that Turkey controls the militants that housed the Assad. Those people that went in are controlled by Turkey, he said at his first press conference since winning the presidential election in November. And thats okay, thats another way to fight.

Turkey calls out Trumps incorrect characterisation

While speaking to Al Jazeera, Fidan emphasised that it would be incorrect to characterize Turkey as the power that would eventually rule Syria. I think that would be the last thing that we want to see, because we are drawing huge lessons from whats been happening in our region, because the culture of domination itself has destroyed our region, he said.

Therefore, it is not Turkish domination, not Iranian domination, not Arab domination, but cooperation should be essential, he added. Our solidarity with Syrian people shouldnt be characterised or defined today as if we are actually ruling Syria. I think that would be wrong. Meanwhile, in the same interview, the Turkish minister warned Syrias new rulers to address the issue of Kurdish forces in the country, whom Ankara designates as terrorists.

There is a new administration in Damascus now. I think this is primarily their concern now, Fidan said. So, I think if they are going to, if they address this issue properly, so there would be no reason for us to intervene," he averred. Since the early days of the anti-Assad revolt, which has been brewing since 2011, Turkey has been a major backer of the rebel groups.

In the past, Ankara has hosted several political dissenters as well as millions of refugees and also backed rebel groups fighting the army.

Trump lauds Erdogan

While in Turkeys books, Trump assessed the situation in Syria the wrong way, the president-elect lauded the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey is a major force, by the way, Trump said in the Tuesday press conference. Erdogan is somebody I got along with great, but he has a major military force. And his has not been worn out with war. Hes built a very strong, powerful army," he added.

When asked about 900 US troops currently stationed in Syria, Trump recalled his decision to pull American soldiers out of the country during his last stint as president. We [had] 5,000 soldiers in between a five-million-person army and a 250,000-person army, and I asked a general: What do you think of that situation? He said: Theyll be wiped out immediately. And I moved them out. And I took a lot of heat. And you know what happened? Nothing. Nothing. I saved a lot of lives," he said.

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Now we have 900, they put some back. If youre talking about two, now that one of the sides has been essentially wiped out. But nobody knows who the other side is, but I do! Turkey. Turkeys the one behind it. Hes a very smart guy, theyve wanted it for thousands of years, and he got it," he remarked.

When asked if he is worried about the brewing tensions in the region, Trump said: Nobody knows what the final outcome is gonna be in the region. Nobody knows who will rule in the final. I believe it is Turkey. Turkey is very smart, he is a very smart guy and hes very tough. Turkey did an unfriendly takeover without a lot of lives being lost.

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With inputs from AFP.
The United Front Work Department (UFWD), described as magic weapon of Peoples Republic of China by its founding leader Mao Zedong and its current president Xi Jinping, is once again under scrutiny as it resurges under Xi Jinpings leadership, according to a report read more

United Front Work Department (UFWD), described as magic weapon of Peoples Republic of China by its founding leader Mao Zedong and its current president Xi Jinping, is once again at the centre of controversy.

According to a BBC report, The United Front has seen a renaissance of sorts in the last decade under Xi.

Following the end of the war in 1949 and the Communist Partys rise to power, United Front activities were sidelined in favour of other priorities.

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However, the magic weapon is back in the spotlight as Yang Tengbo, a 50-year-old Chinese businessman and alleged spy with links to Prince Andrew, was banned from the UK due to his ties to the UFWD.

The UK authorities claim Yang built an unusual degree of trust with Prince Andrew and cultivated relationships with politicians to be leveraged by China.

The allegations against Yang surfaced last week when a Special Immigration Appeals Tribunal upheld a Home Office order barring him from the UK on national security grounds, following a lengthy legal battle.

The existence of UFWD, which is raising as much alarm in the West as Beijings growing military arsenal, is far from a secret.

A long-established and well-documented arm of the Chinese Communist Party, the UFWD has been embroiled in controversy in the past. Investigators from the US to Australia have linked the UFWD to numerous espionage cases, frequently accusing Beijing of using it for foreign interference.

Beijing has denied all espionage claims, dismissing them as ludicrous, added the report.

What is the UFWD and what does it do?

The United Front, originally referring to a broad communist alliance, was once hailed by Mao Zedong as crucial to the Communist Partys victory in the decades-long Chinese Civil War.

After the war ended in 1949 and the party took control of China, United Front activities were sidelined in favor of other priorities.

The version of United Front under Xi largely aligns with earlier incarnations: to build the broadest possible coalition with all social forces that are relevant, BBC quoted Mareike Ohlberg, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund, as saying.

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On the face of it, the UFWD is not shadowy  it even has a website and publishes reports on many of its activities. Yet, the full scope and reach of its work remain unclear.

While much of its focus is domestic, A key target that has been defined for United Front work is overseas Chinese, Ohlberg was quoted as saying.

Today, the UFWD works to influence discussions on sensitive issues, such as Taiwan  which China claims as its own  and the repression of ethnic minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang. It also seeks to shape how China is portrayed in foreign media, target Chinese government critics abroad, and co-opt influential overseas Chinese figures, reported BBC.

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United Front work can include espionage but (it) is broader than espionage, Audrye Wong, assistant professor of politics at the University of Southern California, told BBC.

Beyond the act of acquiring covert information from a foreign government, United Front activities centre on the broader mobilisation of overseas Chinese, she said, adding that China is unique in the scale and scope of such influence activities.

China has long sought global influence, but its rise in recent decades has enabled Beijing to assert it more effectively.

Since Xi became president in 2012, he has actively shaped Chinas global narrative, promoting a confrontational wolf warrior diplomacy and urging the diaspora to tell Chinas story well.

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According to the BBC report, the UFWD operates through overseas Chinese organisations, which staunchly defend the Communist Party abroad. These groups have censored anti-CCP artwork, protested the Dalai Lama, and been linked to threats against persecuted minorities like Tibetans and Uyghurs.

However, much of the UFWDs work overlaps with other party agencies, often under a veil of plausible deniability, added the report.

It is this murkiness that is causing so much suspicion and apprehension about the UFWD.

When Yang appealed his ban, judges upheld the decision, agreeing with the secretary of states report that he posed a national security risk, partly due to his efforts to downplay his ties with the UFWD, reported BBC.

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Yang, however, denies any wrongdoing, calling the espionage claims entirely untrue.

Cases like Yangs are increasingly common. In 2022, British Chinese lawyer Christine Lee was accused by MI5 of using the UFWD to build relationships with influential figures in the UK. The following year, US citizen Liang Litang was indicted for providing information about Chinese dissidents to the UFWD.

In September, Linda Sun, a former aide in the New York governors office, was charged with using her position to benefit Chinese government interests, allegedly meeting a top UFWD official in 2017 who urged her to be an ambassador of Sino-American friendship.

It is not unusual for prominent Chinese figures to have connections with the party, especially in business, where approval is often essential.

But where is the line between peddling influence and espionage?

The boundary between influence and espionage is blurry when it comes to Beijings operations, BBC quoted Ho-fung Hung, a politics professor at Johns Hopkins University, as saying.

According to the report, the ambiguity has deepened since China passed a 2017 law requiring nationals and companies to cooperate with intelligence investigations, including sharing information with the government.

Hung argued that this law effectively turns everyone into potential spies.

The Ministry of State Security has released dramatic propaganda, warning that foreign spies are ubiquitous, cunning and sneaky.

Some students sent abroad on special trips were instructed by their universities to limit contact with foreigners and report their activities upon return, added the report.

Meanwhile, Xi is eager to promote China globally, entrusting a trusted arm of the party to project strength abroad.

This poses a growing challenge for Western powers: how to balance business with the worlds second-largest economy while addressing significant security concerns.

Wrestling with Chinas overseas influence

Concerns about Chinas overseas influence are fueling more hawkish sentiments in the West, placing governments in a difficult position.

Countries like Australia have responded with new foreign interference laws, criminalising those suspected of meddling in domestic affairs. In 2020, the US imposed visa restrictions on individuals involved in UFWD activities.

Beijing, irritated by these moves, has warned that such laws  and the prosecutions they provokeare damaging bilateral relations, reported BBC.

The so-called allegations of Chinese espionage are utterly absurd, BBC quoted a foreign ministry spokesperson as telling reporters on Tuesday in response to a question about Yang.

The development of China-UK relations serves the common interests of both countries, added the spokesperson.

Some experts say that the long arm of Chinas United Front is indeed concerning.

Western governments now need to be less naive about Chinas United Front work and take it as a serious threat not only to national security but also to the safety and freedom of many ethnic Chinese citizens, Hung was quoted as saying.

But, he added, governments also need to be vigilant against anti-Chinese racism and work hard to build trust and co-operation with ethnic Chinese communities in countering the threat together.

Last December, Di Sanh Duong, a Vietnam-born ethnic Chinese community leader in Australia, was convicted of planning foreign interference for trying to cosy up to an Australian minister.

Prosecutors argued he was an ideal target for the UFWD due to his past political run in the 1990s and connections with Chinese officials.

The trial focused on his statement that the ministers inclusion at a charity event would benefit us Chinese  raising the question of whether he meant the Chinese community in Australia or mainland China.

Duongs conviction and subsequent prison sentence raised alarms that broad anti-espionage laws and prosecutions could easily be used to target ethnic Chinese individuals.

Its important to remember that not everyone who is ethnically Chinese is a supporter of the Chinese Communist Party. And not everyone who is involved in these diaspora organisations is driven by fervent loyalty to China, BBC quoted Wong as saying.

Overly aggressive policies based on racial profiling will only legitimise the Chinese governments propaganda that ethnic Chinese are not welcome and end up pushing diaspora communities further into Beijings arms, he added.

With inputs from agencies
China, India reach six-point consensus on boundary question

Xinhua) 13:06, December 19, 2024

China's special representative Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with India's special representative and National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 18, 2024. China and India's special representatives on the boundary question held the 23rd meeting in Beijing on Wednesday and reached a six-point consensus. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and India's special representatives on the boundary question held the 23rd meeting in Beijing on Wednesday and reached a six-point consensus. It is the first meeting of its kind in five years.

Both sides agreed to continue taking measures to safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, and to continue seeking a package of solutions to the boundary question that is fair, reasonable and acceptable to both in accordance with the political guiding principles reached in 2005, according to the consensus.

They also agreed to further refine the rules for border area management and strengthen the construction of trust-building measures, to continue enhancing cross-border exchanges and cooperation to promote the resumption of Indian pilgrims' visits to China's Xizang, and to further strengthen the construction of the special representatives meeting mechanism.

A new round of the special representatives meeting will be held in India next year, according to the consensus.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of a stable, predictable, and sound China-India relationship for international and regional peace and stability.

China's special representative Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said that the leaders of the two countries met in October in Kazan, Russia, reaching important consensus on improving and developing bilateral relations, which set the course and direction for the recovery and development of China-India relationship at a critical moment.

Wang said both sides should, in the spirit of summarizing experience, looking to the future, and seeking win-win cooperation, place the boundary question in the appropriate position of bilateral relations, jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas, and promote an early return of China-India relations to a healthy and stable development track.

India's special representative and National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval said that both India and China have common interests and similar views, and it is necessary to coexist peacefully and develop together.

Doval said with the joint efforts of both sides, the issues related to the border areas have been properly resolved over the past five years, which is of great significance. The Indian side is willing to maintain pragmatic attitudes and effective communication with the Chinese side and continuously accumulate conditions for ultimately resolving the boundary question.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Britain has, on Thursday, unveiled an additional 225 million pounds military aid to Ukraine for next year to help it in the war against Russia. Read more to find out what all are included in it read more

Ukrainian service members of the 55th Separate Artillery Brigade fire a Caesar self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the town of Avdiivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine May 31, 2023. Source: Reuters.

Britain has unveiled a package of 225 million pounds (approx $286 million) in new military aid that it will send to Ukraine in 2025 to help it fight Russia.

The UK aid announcement to Ukraine comes within days after Kyiv urged allies to bolster it both on the battlefield as well as diplomatically before the potential talks with Russia.

On Wednesday, the UKs Defence Secretary John Healey visited Kyiv to hold talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov and vowed to step up British support to Ukraine in 2025.

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Healey said that three years since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine the depths of his miscalculation are clearer than ever, as the brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit.

But they cannot go it alone, he further said, vowing the UKs support for Kyiv was ironclad and Britain would always stand shoulder to shoulder to ensure Putin cannot win.

The new Labour government in July had vowed to commit 3 billion pound a year in military aid to Ukraine until 2030-2031.

What does UKs new package to Ukraine include?

As per the state by the defence ministry, the UKs new package to Ukraine comprise of:

- 92 million pound for equipment to bolster Ukraines navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones and uncrew surface vessels, loitering munitions and mine countermeasure drones.

- 68 million pounds for air defence equipment including radars, decoy land equipment and counter-drone electronic warfare systems.

- 39 million pounds to provide more than 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and for joint procurement of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of Ukraines Armed Forces.

- 26 million pounds to provide support and spare parts for systems previously delivered to Ukraine.

Healey informed that the UK would also boost a training programme for Ukrainian soldiers run with key allies on British soil known as Operation Interflex, under which 51,000 recruits have been trained since mid-2022.

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Ukraine thanks UK

Umerov thanked the UK for its support and in a statement said that the stable delivery of ammunition, especially for artillery, is critically important for our defence efforts.

Without providing much details, Umerov said that he and Healey reviewed the results of the use of Storm Shadow missiles.

London, for the first time in November, gave Kyiv its nod to launch the UK-supplied, long-range missiles into Russia.

With inputs from agencies.
Addressing reporters in Damascus, UN special envoy Geir Pedersen said there is a lot of hope that we can now see the beginning of a new Syria' read more

Syrians walk to the Umayyad mosque for Friday prayers in Damascus, Syria, on Friday. AP

The UN envoy to Syria called on Wednesday for free and fair elections after the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad, voicing hope for a political solution for Kurdish-held areas.

Assad fled Syria following a lightning offensive spearheaded by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), more than 13 years after his crackdown on democracy protests precipitated one of the deadliest wars of the century.

He left behind a country scarred by decades of torture, disappearances and summary executions, and the collapse of his rule on December 8 stunned the world and sparked celebrations around Syria and beyond.

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Years of civil war have also left the country heavily dependent on aid, deeply fragmented and desperate for justice and peace.

Addressing reporters in Damascus, UN special envoy Geir Pedersen said there is a lot of hope that we can now see the beginning of a new Syria.

A new Syria that will adopt a new constitution and that we will have free and fair elections when that time comes, after a transitional period, he said.

Calling for immediate humanitarian assistance, he also said he hoped to see an end to international sanctions levied against Syria over Assads abuses.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher called for a massive aid boost by donor countries to respond to this moment of hope for Syria.

Across the country, the needs are huge. Seven in 10 people are needing support right now, Fletcher told AFP in a telephone interview as he visited Syria.

Challenge in Kurdish-held regions

Pedersen said a key challenge was the situation in Kurdish-held areas in Syrias northeast, amid fears of a major escalation between the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkey-backed groups.

Turkey accuses the main component of the SDF, the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), of being affiliated with Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants at home, whom both Washington and Ankara consider a terrorist group.

The United States said Tuesday it had brokered an extension to a fragile ceasefire in the flashpoint town of Manbij and was seeking a broader understanding with Turkey.

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But later on Wednesday, a Syria war monitor said 21 pro-Turkey fighters had been killed after they attacked a Kurdish-held position near Manbij despite the ceasefire extension.

At least 21 members of pro-Turkey factions were killed and others wounded by fire from the Manbij Military Council after pro-Turkey factions attacked a position at the Tishreen Dam, some 25 kilometres (15 miles) from Manbij, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Manbij Military Council is affiliated with the SDF.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan later warned Syrias new rulers to address the issue of Kurdish forces in the country.

He was responding to a question on Al Jazeera about rumours that Turkey could launch an offensive on the Kurdish-held border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab.

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There is a new administration in Damascus now. I think, this is primarily their concern now, he said.

So, I think if they are going to, if they address this issue properly, so there would be no reason for us to intervene.

He rejected US President-elect Donald Trumps claim that the ouster of Assad amounted to an unfriendly takeover of Syria by Ankara.

We want to know

Rooted in Syrias branch of Al-Qaeda and proscribed as a terrorist organisation by several Western governments, HTS has sought to moderate its rhetoric by assuring protection for the countrys many religious and ethnic minorities.

It has appointed a transitional leadership that will run the country until March 1.

Fidan said in his interview that it was time for the international community to take HTS off its terror watchlists.

HTS has vowed justice for the crimes committed under Assads rule, including the disappearance of tens of thousands of people into the complex web of detention centres and prisons that was used for decades to silence dissent.

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We want to know where our children are, our brothers, said 55-year-old Ziad Alaywi, standing by a ditch near the town of Najha, southeast of Damascus.

It is one of the locations where Syrians believe the bodies of prisoners tortured to death were buried  acts that international organisations say could constitute crimes against humanity.

Were they killed? Are they buried here? he asked.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, more than 100,000 people died or were killed in custody from 2011.

Direct engagement

The countrys new rulers have sought to keep its institutions going and, on Wednesday, a commercial flight took off from Damascus airport to Aleppo, the first since Assad was toppled and fled to Russia.

They have also stepped up contacts with countries that had long seen Assad as a pariah, and with international institutions.

EU chief Ursula Von der Leyen said the bloc would intensify its direct engagement with the new administration.

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The UN chief Antonio Guterres also called for an end to Israeli strikes against Syrian military infrastructure saying that they were violations of the countrys sovereignty read more

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday said that the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has brought in a flame of hope in the country but warned of significant challenges in the road ahead.

The Middle East is being consumed by many fires, but today, there is a flame of hope in Syria, and that flame must not be extinguished, he said.

The UN chief also called for an end to Israeli strikes against Syrian military infrastructure saying that they were violations of the countrys sovereignty.

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Extensive Israeli air strikes continue. These are violations of Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity, and they must stop, Guterres said ahead of a UN Security Council meeting chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Guterres also raised the prospect of the international community making a first step towards easing sanctions in force on Syria.

There should be at least a first gesture  a first gesture showing solidarity with the Syrian people until conditions are met for all sanctions to be removed, he said.

UN special envoy calls for free and fair elections

Meanwhile, United Nations special envoy for Syria on Wednesday called for free and fair elections in Syria days after President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown following a widespread rebel movement.

Addressing reporters in Damascus, Geir Pedersen said there is a lot of hope that we can now see the beginning of a new Syria, which he expressed hope would also include a political solution in the Kurdish-held northeast.

The envoy added that there is hope to see a new Syria which adopts a new constitution in line with Security Council Resolution 2254 and that the elections are held after a transitional period.

With inputs from AFP
The only president ever to avoid an inauguration is the guy thats about to be inaugurated, said Biden referring to Trump who did not attend the swearing-in of Biden as the 46th US president in 2021 read more

US President Joe Biden said he would of course attend Donald Trumps presidential inauguration next month, personally confirming his presence and rejecting what he called the Republicans childish game.

Of course I am, Biden said in an interview broadcast on Thursday on the Meidas Touch network, when asked if he was planning to attend the January 20 transfer of power.

The only president ever to avoid an inauguration is the guy thats about to be inaugurated.

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The White House had said Biden would attend, but Biden had not previously addressed the matter personally.

Trump did not attend the swearing-in of Democrat Biden as the 46th US president on Jan. 20, 2021, becoming the first president in 150 years to break with a political tradition that is seen as affirming the peaceful transfer of power in the US.

Trump never conceded his defeat to Biden in the Nov. 3, 2020, presidential election and has continued to make unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud.

His refusal to concede led to a chaotic transition of government operations to the Biden administration, delaying funding and access to federal agencies.

For his handover, Biden invited Trump to the White House after his Nov. 5 victory and the two had a meeting described by the White House as very cordial. His administration has been instructed to follow traditional transition procedures.

The fact that he doesnt abide by the rules of the democracy weve established is not my concern, Biden said in the interview, conducted on Monday. My job is to make a transition workable and available.

The bottom line is that we cant keep this up. We cant keep up this childish game of walking away when you dont agree and not cooperating.
While the Senate Armed Services Committee typically limits background check access to its two lead senators, both Democrats and Republicans are now pressing to share the report with more lawmakers, as its contents could impact Hegseths confirmation, according to a report read more

Pete Hegseth walks to an elevator for a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower in New York, Dec. 15, 2016. AP File

At least a dozen senators are demanding access to the FBIs background check on Pete Hegseth, Donald Trumps controversial nominee for Pentagon chief, a rare move for the Senate Armed Services Committee that oversees his confirmation and a sign the former Fox News host still faces hurdles in the Senate.

According to a Politico report, while the committee typically limits background check access to its two lead senators, both Democrats and Republicans are now pressing to share the report with more lawmakers, as its contents could impact Hegseths confirmation.

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It would be helpful, given the allegations that have been lodged against Mr. Hegseth, to be able to see the FBI background check, Politico quoted Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a potential swing vote on Hegseth, as saying in an interview.

The push comes amid allegations of sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and mismanagement during Pete Hegseths time at two veterans groups, all of which he denies.

Despite these accusations, Trumps allies continue to rally behind the TV personality, with no Republicans publicly opposing him.

Senators have differing reasons for requesting access to the report. Some Republicans, including Collins and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, argue the allegations are serious enough to justify broader access to the findings. While the FBIs conclusions may not be made public, they could provide political cover for Republican senators to either oppose or defend Hegseth, reported Politico.

Ive encouraged all of the nominees, number one, be out front on the FBI background check, and you want that information shared at least with committee members, Politico quoted Tillis, a Trump ally, as saying.

The FBIs background investigation is expected to thoroughly examine Hegseths personal and professional history, including interviews with associates, reviews of financial records, and queries into past legal issues.

Trumps pick argues he has nothing to hide.

Mr. Hegseth not only welcomes but looks forward to the FBI background check, Politico quoted Hegseth adviser Arthur Schwartz as saying.

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The sexual assault allegations against Hegseth did not lead to criminal charges, and his attorney, Tim Parlatore, recently told CNN that Hegseths accuser was released from a non-disclosure agreement. While that might allow her to explain her side of the incident, Parlatore warned it could open her up to a defamation suit.

Hegseths background check, delayed by Trumps reluctance to sign agreements, is expected to proceed quickly, likely before his January 14 confirmation hearing, reported Politico.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed and ranking member Roger Wicker traditionally control access to FBI reports, but at least eight Senate Democrats, including Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren, are pushing for the report to be shared with all committee members.

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Having more information is a positive thing, even for the Republicans, Politico quoted Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) as saying.

As youve seen, there are some that are struggling with this nomination, Kelly added.

Reed acknowledged the growing calls for transparency but didnt say which way he was leaning. Everybody wants to look at it, he was quoted as saying. Thats a decision that has to be made by myself, Sen. Wicker and the White House, he added.

Republicans, too, are weighing in. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), a Trump ally, said simply, Im going to see it.

But some Senate Armed Services Republicans said they want to defer to the committees longstanding tradition and precedent.

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I dont think we need to make any special exceptions on any of this, Politico quoted Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as saying.

If we didnt do it for the Biden administration, we shouldnt do it for the Trump administration, Mullin added.

The background check played a vital role in the 1989 confirmation fight over John Tower, George H. W. Bushs pick for Defense secretary. The FBI report on Tower documented a pattern of alcohol abuse. His nomination was defeated.

With inputs from agencies
Federal funding for government agencies is set to expire at midnight Friday, and lawmakers had reached an agreement on a stopgap measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), to extend operations through the New Year, according to a report read more

Elon Musk speaks with US President-elect Donald Trump as they watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, US, on November 19, 2024. Reuters File

The United States was on the brink of a government shutdown Thursday, with a looming deadline to avert a holiday-period closure.

According to an AFP report, the crisis was triggered by late-hour interventions from former President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk, which jeopardised efforts in Congress to pass a temporary funding bill.

Federal funding for government agencies is set to expire at midnight Friday, and lawmakers had reached an agreement on a stopgap measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), to extend operations through the New Year, added the report.

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However, conservative lawmakers in the House of Representatives objected to what they called an overinflated package of pork spending, which they argued included unnecessary provisions unrelated to the bills core purpose.

Despite this opposition, the CR appeared poised for passage.

That was until Musk, the worlds richest man and President-elect Trumps incoming efficiency czar intervened. Musk, with 208 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), posted a series of tweets criticising the bill, many of which contained misleading or false claims.

Within hours, Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance joined the fray, releasing a statement condemning the bills provisions and demanding that it include an increase in the US debt limit, reported AFP.

Trump said Congress should not keep the government operating unless it also eliminates limits on the federal debt, which has grown rapidly over the past decade and now tops $36 trillion.

The debt ceiling should be thrown out entirely, Reuters quoted Trump as saying.

Unless a deal passes the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Democratic-majority Senate, the US government will begin a partial shutdown on Saturday that would interrupt funding for everything from air travel to law enforcement in the days leading up to Christmas and cut off paychecks for more than 2 million federal workers. Many government operations, such as Social Security retirement payments, would continue, reported Reuters.

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Raising the debt ceiling is a lengthy process that usually takes weeks of negotiation and requires approval from both chambers of Congress. With the shutdown deadline fast approaching, lawmakers were left scrambling to resolve the crisis.

The chaotic situation offered a preview of potential challenges ahead in Trumps second term, sparking questions about why a private citizen with no official government role, such as Musk, could wield such influence in shaping the nations legislative agenda.

Its weird to think that Elon Musk will end up having paid far less for the United States Government than he did for Twitter, prominent conservative lawyer and Trump critic George Conway posted.

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As time ran short, House Republicans and Democrats gathered separately to begin the seemingly impossible task of coming up with a Plan B with just hours to spare.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson was being criticised from all sides for having misjudged his own members tolerance for the bills spiraling costs, and for allowing himself to have been blindsided by Musk and Trump.

He is expected to introduce a slimmed-down funding patch, attaching a borrowing limit and removing most of the add-ons.

But Democrats, who control the Senate, have little political incentive to help Republicans and say they will only vote for the agreed package, meaning Trumps party will have to go it alone.

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This is something the fractious, divided party - which can afford to lose only a handful of members in any House vote - has not managed in any major bill in this Congress.

Asked if Democrats would support a pared-back bill with an extended borrowing cap, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries offered little hope that he would bail Johnson out.

He said talk of dealing with the debt limit was premature.

House Democrats are going to continue to fight for families, farmers and the future of working-class Americans. And in order to do that, the best path forward is the bipartisan agreement that we negotiated, he told reporters.

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Trouble with the bill began during the negotiations, as Republican leaders demanded billions of dollars in economic aid to farmers, prompting Democrats to start making their own requests.

While voicing frustration over spending levels, Trumps main objection was that Congress was leaving him to handle a debt-limit increase - invariably a contentious, time-consuming fight  rather than including it in the text.

He said Wednesday that everything should be done, and fully negotiated before he takes office.

But conservatives are generally against increasing the countrys massive borrowing  currently standing at $36.2 trillion - and multiple Republicans have never voted for a hike.

The Biden administration estimates that the debt limit wont actually be reached until the summer of 2025 and Republicans had been planning to handle an extension as part of other legislation.

The disarray jeopardizes $100 billion in disaster relief in the bill to help Americans hit by two devastating hurricanes in the fall, as well as $30 billion in aid for farmers.
In a case in which two men were arrested for running a police station for China in New York, one of the accused has pleaded guilty and admitted to being an unregistered agent of a foreign government read more

A six-storey glass facade building, center, is believed to be the site of a foreign police outpost for China in New York's Chinatown, Monday, April 17, 2023. (Photo: AP)

A US national has pleaded guilty of being an agent of the Chinese regime and running an illegal police station for China in New York.

The US man, 62-year-old Chen Jinping was arrested last year along with 61-year-old Lu Jianwang for running a police station for China inside a building in Chinatown neighbourhood of New York Citys Manhattan area. The case against the two was part of the broader ongoing investigation into transnational repression by the Chinese regime where it is setting up bases abroad and planting agents to hound dissidents and critics.

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Lu has not pleaded guilty and is awaiting trial.

In addition to Lu and Chens arrest, a second case charged 34 Chinese police officers of harassing Chinese nationals living in New York. A third case charged eight Chinese officials with ordering an employee at communications company Zoom to remove dissidents from its platform.

In 2022, it came to light that China was illegally running more than 100 police stations in 53 countries, including the United States. These police stations were part of the Chinese transnational repression campaign in which they targeted Chinese nationals in exile, critics of China, and sought to pressurise media outlets critical of China. These police stations were most active in places that had close ties with China, such as Italy, Croatia, Serbia, and South Africa.

The CNN at the time reported that the activities of these illegal police stations had led to investigations in at least 13 countries.

In the court, Chen admitted that he had agreed with others to act as an agent of a foreign government and that he was not registered as a foreign agent as legally required, according to The New York Times.

The newspaper further reported the prosecutors as saying that when Chen and Lu learnt of the investigation, they deleted test messages they had exchanged with their handler in the Chinese government.

This is the latest case of China using agents in the West for nefarious purposes. In September, Linda Sun, who was the Deputy Chief of Staff to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, was charged for being a Chinese agent. Similarly, earlier this year, 75-year-old Shujun Wang, who went around being a democracy activist, was convicted of being a Chinese spy. In 2020, several people were charged for pressurising a man in New Jersey at the behest of the Chinese regime to go to China to face charges against him there.

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Following Chens guilty plea, Breon Peace, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said Chen was part of a transnational repression scheme to establish a secret police station in the middle of New York City on behalf of the national police force of the Peoples Republic of China. He further said that US prosecutors had made it a priority to counteract the malign activities of foreign governments that violate our nations sovereignty by targeting local diaspora communities in the United States.

FBI Assistant Director in charge James Dennehy said that Chens illegal police station had been opened to further the nefarious and repressive aims of the PRC in direct violation of American sovereignty.

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Google has released the second Developer Preview (DP2) of Android 16 for Pixel devices, introducing enhanced features, improved app performance, and system-level optimizations. This release builds on the first preview, focusing on app functionality, battery efficiency, and system compatibility.

Key Highlights of Android 16 DP2

System-Triggered Profiling

The new ProfilingManager API enables system-triggered profiling, capturing essential events like app cold starts and ANRs for performance improvements.

Enhanced App Start Insights

The updated ApplicationStartInfo API introduces the getStartComponent() method, allowing developers to identify app startup components to streamline launches.

Custom Haptic Feedback

Developers can create custom vibration patterns using amplitude and frequency curves for consistent haptic responses across devices.

Job Management Enhancements

Job Introspection: JobScheduler APIs provide insights into pending jobs and constraint changes.

Job Execution Rules: Apps benefit from runtime quotas for efficient background processing.

Deprecated Features: JobInfo#setImportantWhileForeground() is now fully deprecated.

Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR)

New APIs like hasArrSupport() and getSuggestedFrameRate(int) simplify ARR implementation. ARR support extends to RecyclerView 1.4 for smoother animations.

Accessibility Improvements

The announceForAccessibility method is deprecated. Developers should use setAccessibilityPaneTitle() and setAccessibilityLiveRegion() for better accessibility support.

Cloud Search Integration in Photo Picker

Media providers now support cloud search in the photo picker, enabling seamless access to both local and cloud-based media.

Improved Location Security

WiFi 6s 802.11az standard introduces AES-256 encryption for WiFi location data, reducing the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks.

Health Connect Enhancements

A new ACTIVITY_INTENSITY data type supports WHO-defined activity levels.

data type supports WHO-defined activity levels. Updated APIs manage health records in FHIR format with user consent.

Predictive Back Navigation

New system-level callbacks like finishAndRemoveTaskCallback() and moveTaskToBackCallback() enhance back gesture responsiveness.

Android Release Roadmap for 2025

Google plans two major Android API releases in 2025:

Q2: A significant update focused on behavior changes.

Q4: A minor update targeting optimizations and bug fixes.

Quarterly updates in Q1 and Q3 will ensure continuous improvements.

App Compatibility and Testing

The Android 16 Preview program runs until its public release in 2025. Google expects to reach Platform Stability by March 2025, allowing developers ample time for final testing.

Availability

Android 16 DP2 is available for Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Devices running Android 16 DP1 will receive an OTA update, while the Android 16 Beta Program launches next month.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
Cases of minors endangering national security in China on the rise: MSS

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 18, 2024 06:07 PM

The Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) disclosed several typical cases involving minors engaging in activities that endanger national security. These cases reveal a rising trend that minors are targeted and recruited by foreign espionage and intelligence agencies, causing serious social concerns, according to the MSS WeChat account on Wednesday.

In one case disclosed by the MSS on August 23, an individual, who had received financial support from a teacher for many years due to poverty, was approached by the teacher to provide classified information after securing a government position. Sensing something was wrong, the individual reported the situation, uncovering that the teacher was a foreign spy attempting to recruit youth on the mainland through long-term sponsorship.

In another case disclosed by the MSS on December 6, a middle school student was deceived by a foreign spy posing as a member of a charitable organization who the student got to know through online platform, to take photos of docks, ports, and other locations in exchange for payment. The requests escalated to include military facility details, creating a severe security risk.

Minors are highly active on various online platforms, but because of their immaturity and low vigilance, they often become prime targets for foreign spy entities. Additionally, they often lack the judgment and discernment to recognize or understand the legal implications of their actions, MSS said in the article released on Wednesday.

According to the article, cases disclosed by the MSS show that minors involved generally lack a clear understanding of national security and relevant laws.

Meanwhile, the internet serves as the primary channel through which foreign intelligence agencies recruit minors. Several online platforms lack robust access controls and protections for minors. Additionally, security review mechanisms are often flawed, said MSS.

According to the MSS, protecting minors is a shared responsibility of society, strengthening prevention and governance of minors' involvement in national security-related crimes is essential for safeguarding the nation's future and long-term stability.

The MSS, in collaboration with relevant departments and all sectors of society, will work to strengthen minors' awareness of counterespionage and national security, fostering a coordinated effort to prevent minors from engaging in such activities and ensuring their healthy growth.

For cases involving minors, the MSS will adhere to a guide of "education rehabilitating," aiming to educate and reform minors involved in such activities, guiding them to acknowledge their errors. Furthermore, the MSS said they aim to promote comprehensive governance of online safety for minors, mitigating the risk of minors being recruited into activities threatening national security at its root.

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New York man pleads guilty to helping run 'secret Chinese police station'

Chen Jinping's court admission is the first among cases involving Chinese overseas police outposts, of which there are dozens around the world.

By Jane Tang and Tara McKelvey

2024.12.18

NEW YORK and WASHINGTON D.C. -- Manhattan resident Chen Jinping has pleaded guilty to a charge in federal court related to running a secret Chinese police station in New York.

Chen Jinping, a U.S. citizen, had assisted with administrative tasks at the hidden outpost in Manhattan's Chinatown in 2022.

According to U.S. prosecutors, it was set up by officials at China's Fuzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau, a branch of its Ministry of Public Security, and was used to intimidate and silence critics of the Chinese government in New York.

Chen's plea in Brooklyn on Wednesday is the first time a person involved in one of these overseas outposts has been held to account in court.

More than 100 of the Chinese police outposts have apparently been opened in cities around the world.

Chen, 61, admitted to conspiring to act as a foreign government agent, for which he faces up to five years in prison.

The existence of the police station in Chinatown and in other locations around the world was first reported in a 2022 report by the Spain-based human-rights group, Safeguard Defenders.

"I hope the outcome of cases like this will encourage victims of the PRC's transnational repression to come forward in greater numbers," Laura Harth, the campaign director of Safeguard Defenders, told RFA, referring to the People's Republic of China.

"I also hope that the 53 countries where 'overseas police stations' have been uncovered take note and take action. This case serves as a warning to anyone considering assisting the CCP in its covert operations: there is no advantage in doing so," she said, using an acronym for the Chinese Communist Party.

Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department said: "Today's guilty plea holds the defendant accountable for his brazen efforts to operate an undeclared overseas police station on behalf of the PRC's national police force  a clear affront to American sovereignty and danger to our community that will not be tolerated."

Chen Jinping was arrested in April 2023. He was charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He did not plead guilty to the second charge. He will be sentenced on May 30, 2025.

Chen Jinping, a home health aide, wore a dark blue suit and a red tie to appear before Judge Nina Morrison of the Eastern District of New York.

Rising to address the court, he read from a sheet of paper. "I knowingly acted as a foreign agent," he said in Mandarin. An interpreter from Fujian Province translated.

When RFA asked later how he felt after pleading guilty, he only smiled.

According to prosecutors, Chen and another man who was also charged, Lu Jianwang, worked at the outpost set up within the confines of the nonprofit American Chang Le Association in Chinatown.

RFA visited the association last year, and members of the Chinese community in New York disclosed that while the association had helped some in the diaspora with paperwork and logistics, it had also played a role in harassing others.

Responding to Chen's plea Wednesday, Zhou Fengsuo, a community leader, told RFA: "This is a representative case for the U.S. system, in which justice is served and evil is punished."

"We hope that more overseas police stations will be closed and investigated so that Chinese people living abroad will face less oppression and threats from the CCP," he added.

Lu is due in court in 2025.

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not return a request for comment by press time, but the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry has previously denied the existence of overseas police stations.

Updated to include comment from the Justice Department

Edited by Boer Deng

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 18, 2024

Contracts

Contracts For Dec. 18, 2024

NAVY

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Melbourne, Florida, is awarded a $3,459,276,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the engineering and manufacturing development of the E-130J, formerly known as E-XX, Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) Weapon System in support of the TACAMO Recapitalization Program for the Navy. This contract provides for the design, development, and integration of mature subsystems, to include Collins Aerospace's Very Low Frequency into the government-furnished C-130J-30 air vehicle. Additionally, this contract develops and procures integration laboratories, training courseware and devices, product support and initial spares, and test and delivery of three engineering development model aircraft. Finally, the contract directs Collins Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Corp., respectively, to be designated subcontractors to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. to support integration and airworthiness. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (35%); Marietta, Georgia (23%); Richardson, Texas (15%); Largo, Florida (8%); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (6%); Orlando, Florida (2%); Indianapolis, Indiana (2%); Phoenix, Arizonia (1%); Torrance, California (1%); Clearwater, Florida (1%); Fort Wayne, Indiana (1%); San Antonio, Texas (1%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (4%), and is expected to be completed in December 2034. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $27,000,000; and fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,300,000, will be obligated at the time of award; $9,300,000 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competed, and two offers were received. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001925C0130).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Rotary and Mission Systems, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $196,100,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide system design and development activities for common software builds and security and supportability builds in support of the management and maintenance of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System software product baseline and the required system and software documentation to support individual Foreign Military Sales customers capability requirements. Work will be performed in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed in January 2030. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001925D0009).

General Dynamics NASSCO, Norfolk, Virginia, is awarded a $62,596,477 modification to exercise options on a previously awarded contract (N00024-25-C-4427) for USS Porter (DDG-78) Fiscal 2025 Extended Dry-dock Selected Restricted Availability. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by May 2026. Fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $62,596,477 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $59,934,651 modification (P00009) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001923D0011). This modification increases the contract ceiling to provide continued integrated logistics support, sustaining engineering, spares support, material management, component overhaul, and training activities in support of sustaining the VH-92A Patriot in-service helicopter for the Navy. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (91%); Owego, New York (4.6%); Trumbull, Connecticut (1.5%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (CONUS) (2.9%), and is expected to be completed in November 2027. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The contract that is being modified was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $24,567,544 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-20-C-5405) for the procurement of components for Megatron obsolescence in support of Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) production requirements. Work will be performed in Lawrence, Massachusetts (77%); Tucson, Arizona (22%); and Warrington, Pennsylvania (1%), and is expected to be completed by February 2027. Fiscal 2024 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $24,567,544 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Detyens Shipyards Inc,* North Charleston, South Carolina, is awarded a $17,443,181 firm-fixed-price contract (N3220525C4003) for 135-calendar day shipyard availability for the midterm availability and dry docking of Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195). This contract includes a base work package and three unexercised options for additional work and time which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative value of this contract to $17,671,056. Work will be performed in North Charleston, South Carolina, beginning March 18, 2025, and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2025. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $17,443,181 are obligated for fiscal 2025, and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was a small business set-aside solicited via the sam.gov website and four offers received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220525C4003).

Detyens Shipyards Inc.,* North Charleston, South Carolina, is awarded a $17,293,543 firm-fixed-price contract (N3220525C4151) for a 104-calendar day shipyard availability for the de-activation availability of Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO 197). This contract includes a base period and two options for additional work and time which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative value of this contract to $17,380,148. Work will commence at the lay-berth location for a "dead-tow" to contractor's facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, on or about Jan. 20, 2025, and is expected to be completed by May 4, 2025. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $17,293,543 are obligated for fiscal 2025 and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was a small business set-aside with proposals solicited via sam.gov and three offers received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220525C4151).

Massa Products Corp., Hingham, Massachusetts, is awarded a $17,003,501 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract containing firm-fixed-price provisions. This contract is for the manufacture of TR-232C transducers as well as spare parts which include acoustic windows and electrical receptacle assemblies. Work will be performed in Hingham, Massachusetts, and the ordering period will be completed in December 2029 (with the latest possible delivery taking place 42 months thereafter). Fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $435,736 will be obligated at time of award on the first delivery order. This contract was competitively procured using full and open competition via the System for Award Management website with two offers received. Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, is the contracting activity (N6660425DE500).

Automatic Coating Ltd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is awarded a $13,160,633 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for TR-343 sonar transducer tube assemblies. Work will be performed in Suffolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by December 2029. Fiscal 2025 working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,459,375 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively solicited via the SAM.gov website, with one offer received. Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N0016425DGP83).

AIR FORCE

Firestorm Labs, San Diego, California, has been awarded a $100,000,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III decentralized indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for small unmanned aerial systems, support services, and research and development. This contract provides for Firestorm integration into AFWERX Prime Proving Ground; research and development efforts to support Adaptive Air Enterprise, Babbage Flock, and Hale Cluster projects; and to support robotic and autonomy platform for interoperable devices. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 16, 2031. This contract was a sole source acquisition under the SBIR Phase III program. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8730-25-D-B001).

The Boeing Co., Long Beach, California, was awarded a $51,326,843 ceiling, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for replacement heads-up display retrofit. This contract provides procurement and delivery of kit material and spares to retrofit and sustain the Air Force and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) C-17 aircraft. Work will be performed in Long Beach, California, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2028. This contract involves FMS to Australia, Canada, India, Kuwait, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Airlift Management Programme, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $35,066,248; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount $15,434,228, are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8557-25-F-B001).

Turion Space Corp., Irvine, California, was awarded a $32,600,000 firm-fixed-price contract for multi-payload satellites and real-time command and control. This contract provides for the demonstrations of a rapid build of three satellites with rendezvous proximity operations high-resolution satellite-to-satellite imagery collection capabilities. Work will be performed in Irvine, California, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2028. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 research and development funds in the amount of $8,000,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Space Systems Command, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (FA8809-25-C-B004).

ARMY

The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $48,993,371 cost-no-fee contract for research and development engineering and aviation services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2029. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-25-D-0004).



Southern Premier Foodservice LLC,* Houston, Texas, was awarded a $19,829,444 firm-fixed-price contract for full food service operations at Fort McCoy. Bids were solicited via the internet with nine received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 17, 2029. Army Field Directorate Office, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is the contracting activity (W5168W-25-D-0006).

Saint Mark's Powder Inc., Crawfordville, Florida, was awarded an $18,765,800 modification (P00005) to contract W15QKN-19-D-0074 for production of WC864 ball powder. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 8, 2026. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.

Boeing Co., The Defense, Space & Security, St. Louis, Missouri, was awarded a $12,681,061 firm-fixed-price contract for Next Generation Automated Test System Consoles and Self-Test Interface Adapters. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2025. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-25-F-0045).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Kandor Manufacturing Inc.,** Arecibo, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $30,667,425 modification (P00011) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-23-D-0008) with four one-year option periods for various types of coats and trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Jan. 5, 2026. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2026 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

S&H Products LLC,* Arvada, Colorado, has been awarded a maximum $18,800,000 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for water handling accessories. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a two-year base contract with three one-year option periods. The ordering period end date is Dec. 17, 2027. Using customer is Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2028 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE8E6-25-D-0002).

Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has been awarded a maximum $15,277,500 firm-fixed-price delivery order (SPRDL1-25-F-0037) against a three-year long-term contract (SPRDL1-23-D-0024) with no option periods for M977 heavy expanded mobility tactical truck pneumatic tire wheel assemblies. The ordering period end date is April 28, 2025. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan.

*Small business

**Small-disadvantaged business in historically underutilized business zone

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4011154/

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Army considers microreactors to increase installation readiness and resilience

By U.S. Army Public Affairs December 18, 2024

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Army is engaging with the advanced nuclear energy industry to explore potentially siting a microreactor on one or more Army installations by 2030, in furtherance of the Army's commitment to installation resilience and mission readiness.

"When it comes to installation energy resilience and reliable power to support operational and strategic readiness on installations, we can't leave anything off the table," said Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. "We are actively developing a solution set that includes all types of power that will meet those needs; nuclear is one that we are looking at as part of our deliberate and thoughtful planning."

Advanced nuclear power is one solution under consideration as part of a deliberate and thoughtful planning process aimed at ensuring reliable energy access for critical military missions.

The Army is dedicated to developing a comprehensive set of energy solutions, including nuclear, to meet its future needs. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance mission assurance, readiness and power-projection capabilities through a forward-leaning energy enterprise that leverages next-generation technologies.

The Army has partnered with the Defense Innovation Unit, interagency partners and utility providers to evaluate environmental, economic and safety factors that are crucial for determining reactor placement and operation.

For more information contact Mr. Matthew Ahearn, Army Public Affairs, at timothy.m.ahearn2.civ@army.mil or 703-697-5344.

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December 18, 2024

Release

Assistant Secretary of Defense Dr. Celeste Wallander Chairs Virtual G7 Defense Political Directors' Working Group

Pentagon spokesperson Tom Crosson provided the following readout:

On December 18, 2024, Assistant Secretary of Defense (ASD) for International Security Affairs Dr. Celeste Wallander chaired a virtual G7 Defense Policy Directors' Working Group (PDWG) with her counterparts from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union on coordinating and increasing support to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

This PDWG is an outcome of the G7 Defense Ministerial meeting hosted by Italy in October, when the G7 Defense Ministers agreed to form a sub-Ministerial working group on support to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

During the PDWG meeting, the participants affirmed the critical stabilizing role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the importance of restoring security for the Lebanese people. They also acknowledged the important role of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in monitoring and verifying violations of UNSCR 1701.

ASD Wallander stated that the cessation of hostilities presents an historic and strategic opportunity to establish security and stability along the Blue Line. ASD Wallander also emphasized the Department of Defense's support to the Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces to monitor, verify, and assist in ensuring enforcement of the cessation of hostilities.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4010455/

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EU-Western Balkans Summit: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas upon arrival

European External Action Service (EEAS)

18.12.2024

Brussels, 18/12/2024

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

I am happy to be here for the [European Union-]Western Balkans Summit.

The Western Balkans is an extremely important region for the European Union.

They belong to Europe geographically, so it is very important that we also advance in our relationship.

We have different cooperation points. Today we are going to discuss the Growth Plan, which is a very good piece of legislation.

We also had today a signing of the security and defence agreement with Albania.

We have one already with North Macedonia, so there is a lot of room for cooperation.

It is also clear that the Commission, together with the Commissioner for Enlargement [Marta Kos] and me, we want to see real advancement in the enlargement process during these five years of mandate that we have.

So, we are willing to work for this.

Of course, in the evening we will also discuss Russia's hybrid activities and war in Ukraine and what we can do more.

I see that there is the wish for some really short and fast solutions, but we are in this situation where Russia does not want peace, and that is a problem.

In order to have the best solution, we need to support Ukraine as much as we can.

The stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they are also around the negotiation table - and that is also in the interest of Europe.

Thank you.

Q&A

Q. First question on Ukraine. What exactly are the security guarantees that the European Union can give them? And if you're not talking about this right now, what is the strategy right now? Because otherwise Trump will decide in January.

Well, all the [European Union] Member States have signed the security guarantees with Ukraine, so it is a question for the Member States - which kinds of security guarantees they are giving to Ukraine, what they really comprise, what is the tangible thing there. Of course, what we can decide and talk on our level is what we can do together - for our own defence, the flagship projects, what we can do. Also, what we can do in order to help Ukraine, together. So, this is not only considering what is the outcome of the United States elections and the new administration, and what they are doing, but what we are also doing ourselves despite of that [outcome].

Q. What can the European Union do to pressure again the attack on [inaudible] children?

Well, of course, we are not going to discuss that today, but we are going to have discussions on the Middle East tomorrow. I think it is very important that we are -together with the regional partners when it comes to Arab countries, Turkiye, but also United States and European Union - [in agreement] on the basic principles that the new leadership of Syria should also follow what we want to see in order for Syria to develop.

Q. Can you comment about the latest threat coming out from Dmitry Medvedev? He's saying that the major allies sending help in Ukraine and military aid, they are legitimate targets.

Well, Russia is always threatening, and it is meant to scare us. So [based on] what we see, and the threats we have heard before, so I think the only response we can have is not to be afraid.

Q. Migration will be one of the topics today. Do you think the Syrian refugees should return to their homeland?

No, it is not going to be a topic today. I mean, today we have the Western Balkans Summit, so we are discussing the cooperation and what we can do with Western Balkans, and also we are discussing the Russian hybrid threats and actions in this regard.

Thank you very much.

Link to video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-265609

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Albania: press statement by High representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas following the Signing of the Security and Defence Partnership

European External Action Service (EEAS)

18.12.2024

Brussels, 18/12/2024

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Dear Edi [Rama, Prime Minister of Albania], dear Ministers,

It is really my pleasure to have this signing ceremony today.

Albania is already a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) member, so we have a cooperation with many European countries already there. It is great to begin this Western Balkan summit with the signing ceremony.

We have already supported Albanian armed forces directly.

Both of us want to do more.

This agreement shows that we will do more together. It clearly shows investment in our common security. It shows that Albania will be around all these important tables where we discuss the security and defence of Europe. It also allows a smoother flow of information, which is very important. It allows us to expand our cooperation in fighting hybrid threats, misinformation, cyber-resilience [and] tackling terrorism.

The worries that we have [exist] both in Europe and in the Western Balkans.

On the accession process, Albania is making significant progress. I am also happy that we get to discuss this further in our bilateral meeting.

Welcome and really looking forward to the cooperation.

Link to video (starting 2:34 until 4:12): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-265414



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23rd meeting of Special Representatives for China-India Boundary Question reaches six points of consensus

Global Times

Both sides agree border issue should not affect bilateral ties

By Zhang Yuying and Liu Caiyu Published: Dec 18, 2024 11:24 PM

The 23rd meeting of Special Representatives for China-India Boundary Question was held on Wednesday in Beijing where six points of consensus were reached.

China's Special Representative on the China-India boundary question, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi held in-depth and constructive talks with India's Special Representative and National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval.

Both sides positively evaluated the resolution reached on border-related issues between the two countries and reaffirmed the need to continue implementing the agreement. They agreed that border issues should be handled appropriately in the context of the overall bilateral relationship to ensure they do not affect the development of bilateral ties. Both sides also agreed to continue taking measures to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to seek a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable package solution to the border issue in accordance with the political guiding principles agreed upon by the two countries' special representatives in 2005, and to taking active measures to advance this process.

The two sides assessed the border situation and agreed to further refine the management rules for the border areas, strengthen confidence-building measures, and achieve sustainable peace and stability along the border.

Both sides agreed to continue enhancing cross-border communication and cooperation, promoting the resumption of pilgrimages by Indian pilgrims to Xizang, cooperation on cross-border rivers, and trade at the Nathu La Pass.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen the Special Representatives meeting mechanism, enhance coordination and cooperation in diplomatic and military negotiations, and tasked the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs (WMCC) with ensuring the follow-up implementation of this Special Representatives meeting.

Both sides agreed to hold a new round of Special Representatives meeting in India next year, with the specific date to be determined through diplomatic channels.

As two major developing countries, representatives of emerging economies, and important members of the Global South, the healthy and stable development of China-India relations aligns with the fundamental interests of over 2.8 billion people in both countries and is in accordance with the historical trend of the Global South's remarkable growth, Wang Yi said in the meeting.

Wang Yi told Doval that the special meeting is a timely and powerful measure to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. It is also the first formal special meeting in five years, which is hard-won and should be cherished.

Both sides should adopt a spirit of summarizing experiences, looking to the future, and pursuing win-win cooperation, communicate openly, enhance mutual trust, build consensus, and promote cooperation, investing their valuable resources into development and revitalization. The border issue should be placed in an appropriate position within bilateral relations, jointly maintaining peace and stability in border areas, and pushing for the early return of China-India relations to a healthy and stable development track, Wang said.

"The resumption of the Special Representatives' meeting sends a signal that both sides are willing and confident to resolve border disputes through peaceful negotiations," Long Xingchun, a professor from the School of International Relations at Sichuan International Studies University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The meeting is beneficial for fostering mutual trust between the two countries and contributes to the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border regions, Long said.

Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, said that after the Kazan meeting between the two leaders, a Special Representatives' meeting was held soon after, indicating that both sides are actively working to resolve the border issue and taking actions to further restore mutual trust. "This is a positive sign of facilitating the early return of China-India relations to a healthy development track," Qian told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The expert further noted that the Special Representatives' meeting is not only an important platform agreed upon by both sides to discuss solutions to the boundary issue, but also a platform for the heads of diplomatic and security affairs from both sides to engage in direct communication. "Therefore, this meeting is also expected to lay the foundation for further deepening of common interests between the two countries and continuing to advance cooperation in multiple areas," Qian said.

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Chinese VP meets India's national security adviser

Global Times

By Xinhua Published: Dec 18, 2024 11:15 PM

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Shri Ajit Doval, India's national security adviser and special representative for the India-China boundary question, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Han said that China and India, as ancient oriental civilizations and emerging major powers, adhere to independence, solidarity and cooperation, which is of global influence and strategic significance.

Noting that next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India, Han said the two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, foster political mutual trust, and gradually resume institutional dialogue as well as exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and culture, to bring bilateral relations back onto the track of stable development.

Doval said the resumption of the meeting between special representatives of both countries for the boundary question after an interval of five years is an important move to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and is of great significance for advancing bilateral relations.

India is willing to strengthen strategic communication with China, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations, said Doval.

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23rd Meeting of the Special Representatives of India and China

India - Ministry of External Affairs

December 18, 2024

The 23rd Meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China, respectively Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor of India, and Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was held in Beijing on 18 December 2024.

2. The SRs met in accordance with the decision taken during the recent meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan for them to meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace & tranquillity in border areas and to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question.

3. The SRs reiterated the importance of maintaining a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship while seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for settlement of the boundary question, and resolved to inject more vitality into this process.

4. This was the first meeting of the SRs since frictions had emerged in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas in 2020. The SRs positively affirmed the implementation of the latest disengagement agreement of October 2024, resulting in patrolling and grazing in relevant areas.

5. Both SRs underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas to promote overall development of the India-China bilateral relationship. They emphasised the need to ensure peaceful conditions on the ground so that issues on the border do not hold back the normal development of bilateral relations. Drawing on the learnings from the events of 2020, they discussed various measures to maintain peace and tranquillity on the border and advance effective border management. They decided to use, coordinate and guide the relevant diplomatic and military mechanisms towards this purpose.

6. The SRs exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. They provided positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges including resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade. They agreed on the salience of stable, predictable and amicable India-China relations for regional and global peace and prosperity.

7. NSA called on H.E. Mr. Han Zheng, Vice President of the People's Republic of China.

8. NSA invited Mr. Wang Yi to visit India at a mutually convenient date to hold the next round of SR meeting.

New Delhi

December 18, 2024

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Iran FM calls for Israel's immediate withdrawal from occupied lands

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called for an immediate withdrawal of the Israeli regime from the occupied territories in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

Addressing a meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) in Cairo on Wednesday, Araghchi reiterated Iran's position on Israeli acts of aggression in the region.

He also said in his speech that Iran would support any initiative that improves the economic sustainability in D-8 countries and helps their people cope with shocks caused by regional and international developments.

The following is the full text of the minister's speech to the D-8 ministerial meeting in Cairo:

Distinguished Chairman, Dear Brother, Minister Badr Abdelatty

Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to you and to the Arab Republic of Egypt for assuming the Chairmanship of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation in 2024 and 2025.

We are grateful to the great people and the Government of Egypt for warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation. This is always a pleasure for me to visit the historic and beautiful city of Cairo.

I also thank the Republic of Bangladesh for the able chairmanship of the D-8 in the last few years.

Honorable fellow Ministers, His Excellency Imam

Distinguished D-8 Secretary General,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We gather here to prepare for inshallah a successful D-8 Summit at the time when the Muslim world is still suffering from unprecedented cruelty of the Zionist regime in the last 15 months in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

The D-8 was among the first groups of countries who condemned, in October 2023, Israel's attack to Gaza. It was followed by an extraordinary meeting of D-8 Council of Ministers on Gaza in June 2024 in Istanbul.

The D-8 Special Summit on Situation in Palestine and the Lebanon here tomorrow will be the latest testament of our brotherly countries to our continued joint commitment to fraternity, peace, dialogue, justice and rule of law across the region and the world, as envisaged in the D-8 Charter.

The international community has embarrassingly failed to stop acts of aggression, war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide by the Zionist regime. This is largely attributed to the political, military, intelligence and financial support by the US administration to Israel.

The Special D-8 Summit tomorrow will hopefully send a strong message to the world that the Israeli aggressions and violations in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria shall be ended immediately; the Zionist regime and its allies shall be held accountable for their acts; a permanent ceasefire shall be established in Gaza to allow unhindered access of People of Gaza to humanitarian assistance; the Palestine Cause and the right of Palestinians to self-determination shall be realized; any attempt for land annexation by Israel shall be prevented; the Israeli forces shall immediately withdraw from occupied territories in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria; and last but not the least, that D-8 countries are prepared to support Palestine and Lebanon to address economic and related challenges and problems resulted from the current situation.

Mr. Chairman,

Since this is not a regular Council session today, I will not touch in details issues of cooperation within D-8 in my statement.

The draft Cairo Declaration, as finalized by the D-8 Commission on 16 December, presents a promising landscape for enhanced cooperation among our countries within the existing D-8 frameworks for cooperation in areas of common interest.

We believe that D-8 shall focus more on the ways and means to make our economies and our peoples more resilient against the possible shocks in the future. The new and emerging technologies present unprecedented opportunities as well as challenges and risks in this regard.

To conclude, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate all efforts by your able team, the D-8 Secretary General and his professional team, as well as D-8 Commissioners for their excellent work done so far. I wish a very successful meeting today and a promising Summit tomorrow.

I thank you for your attention.

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Gaza ceasefire talks underway with resolved contentious issues: Hamas official

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- A Hamas official has announced that ceasefire talks in Gaza are underway, noting that most contentious issues have been resolved.

A source informed Al-Araby al-Jadeed on Wednesday that Hamas leaders have recently held several meetings with officials from Qatar and Turkiye, noting that a delegation is scheduled to travel to Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday.

The source mentioned that ceasefire discussions are still ongoing within the movement and with mediators, noting that Hamas prefers not to discuss the details of the proposals on the table.

Furthermore, the Hamas official stated that the negotiations in Gaza have successfully addressed the majority of contentious issues.

The official also announced that the differences concerning Palestinian prisoners serving lengthy sentences have been resolved, indicating that the agreement may be nearing finalization.

Recently, an Egyptian official speaking to the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar indicated that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance on the Gaza ceasefire has softened considerably.

The official, who participated in the Cairo talks on Gaza, mentioned that Netanyahu has agreed to several issues he previously had reservations about or opposed, adding that the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza is imminent.

The official, preferring to remain anonymous, also pointed out that events in Syria caused a temporary pause in the Gaza talks; however, negotiations were resumed once again.

Additionally, he highlighted that Qatar and Turkiye have played a significant role in these discussions, which are now nearing completion.

3266**2050

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Hamas has recruited 4,000 new fighters: Israeli regime commanders

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime's military commanders have said that the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has recruited nearly 4,000 new fighters despite the regime's devastating campaign of attacks against Gaza, where Hamas is based.

In a report on Wednesday, the Zionist-controlled news website Walla quoted Israeli commanders as saying that Hamas has been training new fighters in the past months.

They said that Hamas' new fighters have been working with commanders who have escapade Israel's extensive terror campaign.

They said Hamas has been regrouping for battles against Israel in the south and north of Gaza.

The report comes a month after a senior commander of Hamas' military branch, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said that the group had started recruiting new forces despite Israel's devastating attacks.

The commander rejected reports suggesting that Al-Qassam had lost its control over field operations in Gaza, adding that coordination among Hamas leaders was excellent.

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In Tokyo, Lithuania and Japan agree to strengthen strategic partnership

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2024-12-18

On 17 December, Lithuania and Japan held bilateral political consultations in Tokyo to review the Strategic Partnership between Japan and Lithuania for the first time.

The consultations focused on the progress of bilateral relations between Lithuania and Japan two years after the establishment of the Strategic Partnership between Japan and Lithuania. The main topics of the consultations included bilateral cooperation in the fields of security and defence, response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, support to Ukraine and reconstruction of the country, cooperation in the field of science and innovation, the development of economic and trade relations, cultural ties and cooperation in international organisations.

"Lithuania and Japan share an understanding that threats and developments in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific regions are closely linked. Our aim is that the strategic partnership would help to implement concrete projects that will contribute to the enhancement of common security and the strengthening of economic and cultural ties," said Julius Pranevicius, Deputy Foreign Minister-designate, who led the Lithuanian delegation.

During his visit, Mr Pranevicius also met with Ms Kobayashi, Head of Communications of the Japanese Prime Minister's Communication Office, and experts on Japan's relations with Russia, the Indo-Pacific region, strategic communications, and economic security at the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA) of Tokyo University. He also visited the exhibition "Surviving Siberia: the story of Lithuanian exile in Siberia" at the Soldiers, Siberian Prisoners and Post-War Repatriates Memorial Museum in Tokyo.

The Strategic Partnership between Japan and Lithuania was established by a joint statement issued by Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on 26 October 2022.

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Minister Budrys: Lithuania is interested in expanding cooperation with Norway on security and defence

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2024-12-18

17 December, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys had a phone conversation with the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Norway, Espen Barth Eide. During the conversation, the ministers discussed bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Norway, regional security and defence issues, and support for Ukraine facing Russian aggression.

"Norway is a reliable partner of Lithuania; we are members of the Nordic-Baltic family and NATO allies. We thank you for your contribution to the security of Lithuania and the entire Baltic Sea region by deploying troops in the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battalion battle group in Rukla. It is important to remain united, continue strengthening our defence capabilities, and support Ukraine until victory," said Minister Budrys.

The head of Lithuanian diplomacy also emphasized that Lithuania is interested in strengthening cooperation with Norway in the areas of defence, energy security, protection of critical infrastructure, and the economy.

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Minister of National Defence D. Sakaliene met with a Swedish manufacturer about tracked CV-90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-12-18

Acquisitions and infrastructure development | Development and Strengthening of the Armed Forces

Today Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene met with representatives of the Swedish manufacturer BAE Systems Hagglunds to discuss acquisition of the CV-90 tracked infantry fighting vehilces and closer cooperation with the Lithuanian Defence industry.

"Important aspects are a quick and effective implementation and timely delivery of the IFVs because we cannot afford delays in the current security situation. Lithuania's objective is to have the national division at Full Operational Capability by 2030 and IFVs are inseparable part of the process that leads up to it. We will form a sustained and long-term industrial collaboration which will include Lithuania in the supply chains of the programme and ensure and effective CV90 maintenance and servicing in Lithuania," noted Minister after the meeting.

The Swedes were debriefed on the Government's decision to increase the limit on borrowing for defence to EUR 800 million next year and assured of comprehensive Government-level support for cooperation with the company if the negotiations were successful ad met Lithuania's interests.

Lithuania will join the IFV acquisition programme with Finland, Sweden and Norway. The model and terms of industrial cooperation will have to be approved by all the participant, therefore, the negotiations are planned to be completed in the end of 2025.

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The President: NATO Summit in The Hague requires concrete actions, not just words

President of the Republic of Lithuania

December 18, 2024

President Gitanas Nauseda, during the meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, emphasized that Lithuania expects concrete decisions at the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, which should aim to strengthen NATO, enhance support for Ukraine, and deter Russia.

"Over the past three years, NATO has made significant progress in supporting Ukraine and strengthening the Alliance's defense and deterrence capabilities. However, much more needs to be done to ensure a safe and secure Europe. That is why we look forward to concrete actions and commitments at the NATO Summit in The Hague, as discussed today with the Secretary General of the Alliance," the President said.

The Head of State highlighted that one of the most crucial decisions would be a commitment by NATO member states to allocate at least 3% of their gross domestic product to defense. The President noted that Lithuania's current national defense budget, already at 3.2% of GDP, is set to increase to 3.5% next year and could reach 5% of GDP in the future, with the goal of establishing the Lithuanian military division by 2030.

"As a NATO frontline state, we know what Russia is like and how to stop it. But this requires the involvement of all allies," President Gitanas Nauseda stressed.

The second important step Lithuania expects from The Hague Summit is a long-term NATO strategy on Russia. The Lithuanian Head of State stressed that the Kremlin regime is preparing for a long-term confrontation with the Western world and that Russia will remain the primary threat to the Alliance.

"The NATO-Russia Founding Act must be abandoned. Instead, we need to develop an effective strategy to contain Russia," the President stated during his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Increasing aid to Ukraine is the third major issue that Lithuania expects to be addressed at the NATO Summit in The Hague.

"We must increase military assistance to a country fighting against Russian aggression. This requires funding. At the Washington Summit we reached an agreement on a 40 billion aid commitment. But today this is insufficient to make a difference on the front line. We believe that each NATO member state should commit at least 0.25% of its GDP annually to this effort. Lithuania has done this every year since the beginning of the war in Ukraine," the President pointed out.

During his meeting with Mark Rutte, Gitanas Nauseda also discussed NATO-EU cooperation and countering hybrid threats. The President stressed that Lithuania supports Poland's initiative to use NATO's allied fleet to protect critical infrastructure on the Baltic seabed.

The President's Communication Group

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Remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with the Chair of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Presidency, Zeljka Cvijanovic

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

18 Dec. 2024

(As delivered)

President Cvijanovic, dear Zeljka, welcome again to NATO headquarters. Thank you for being here today as chairwoman of Bosnia Herzegovina's presidency.

NATO has been committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina for almost three decades. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement next year, our commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina and to regional stability remains firm.

We strongly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of your country, a stable and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina and a peaceful Western Balkans are in our strategic interest. I welcome today's meeting to discuss together how to further strengthen our cooperation and build on NATO's long-lasting support to your country's armed forces and defence and security reforms.

Through the implementation of our defence capacity building package and through the daily efforts of our headquarters in Sarajevo and our newly established political engagement support cell, these efforts are for the benefit of all of your citizens, and they are complementary to your country's EU accession process, which, as you know, we fully support.

NATO continues to work in lockstep with the European Union through Operation EUFOR Althea, with the support under the Berlin Plus arrangements. The security of Bosnia and Herzegovina matters for the region and the Alliance, and we will not allow hard-won peace to be jeopardised. I count on all political leaders in your country to work constructively together in the spirit of reconciliation and to safeguard the functionality of the state institutions. I believe this is key to ensure the lasting stability of your country and to address the needs of your people.

Once again, Bosnia and Herzegovina can count on NATO's unwavering support. I look forward to our discussions ongoing after today. We met first time in January when I was in my previous role. I really look forward to our ongoing discussions and meetings. But for now, it's my honour to give you the floor.

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NATO Secretary General commends Lithuania for defence production, support to Ukraine

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

18 Dec. 2024

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (18 December 2024), to discuss NATO's deterrence and defence and support to Ukraine.

The Secretary General thanked Lithuania for its significant contributions to NATO and shared security, including its leadership in defence spending and its efforts to boost defence production. He noted that Lithuania is "investing over 3% of GDP" in defence, adding that this figure is "set to rise to 3.5% soon". Mr Rutte also referred to the recent agreement between Lithuania and Rheinmetall to establish a 155mm artillery shell factory in Baisogala, which, he said "highlights your commitment to ramping up defence production". Lithuania hosts a German-led NATO forward land forces presence, which is expected to scale up to brigade level by 2027 - to include around 4,800 troops. "This will significantly strengthen our deterrence and our defence on the eastern flank of our Alliance," said Secretary General Rutte.

The Secretary General also thanked Lithuania for its strong support to Ukraine, including 1 billion in military assistance since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Lithuania has "pushed for all of us to do more, in particular to invest in Ukraine's defence industry," Mr Rutte said. He emphasised NATO's continued commitment to Ukraine, referencing the pledge to provide 40 billion in security assistance in 2024 and NATO's Security Assistance and Training Command in Wiesbaden which is already taking over responsibilities to support Ukraine.

Mr Rutte underscored the need to go further in supporting Ukraine to change the course of the war. "I know that I can count on Lithuania's support," he concluded.

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New Zealand Defence Force Support to Vanuatu

New Zealand Defence Force

The New Zealand Defence Force is providing assistance to Vanuatu following yesterday's 7.3 magnitude earthquake and is establishing an air bridge taking emergency workers, equipment and supplies to Port Vila.

18 December, 2024

Crew on a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-8A Poseidon today conducted a surveillance flight over key infrastructure sites in Port Vila, such as the airport, runway and port, as well as immediate surrounding islands.

The P-8A will overnight in Fiji and the crew will conduct another surveillance flight tomorrow.

Imagery from the flights will be used to help authorities understand the extent of the damage. Vanuatu has declared a state of emergency following the earthquake. Fourteen people have been confirmed as dead with more than 200 injured, with authorities anticipating the toll will rise.

An RNZAF Hercules aircraft departed RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai this afternoon, carrying Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff, and equipment to Vanuatu.

A second Hercules is also being scheduled to depart early tomorrow, with staff from other government agencies along with two NZDF personnel who will be part of a planning team assisting with the emergency response. More equipment and stores for the emergency response will also be loaded on the aircraft.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Rob Krushka, said the NZDF was ready to provide to further assistance to Vanuatu.

"We have personnel and platforms on stand-by to respond, and planning is ongoing to provide what Vanuatu needs," he said.



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South Sudan: Arbitrary arrests and detentions remain serious concern

Press releases

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

18 December 2024

GENEVA/JUBA -- Arbitrary arrests and ensuing detention of civilians remain a serious human rights concern in South Sudan, according to a joint report by the UN Human Rights Office and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Some 1,140 civilians were arbitrarily arrested and then detained for varying periods between January 2023 to May this year - among them at least 162 women and 87 children, according to the report.

The report, which draws on verified and documented cases of human rights violations attributed to both state security elements and non-state armed groups, says that women and girls were subjected to arbitrary and unlawful arrests largely for refusing arranged marriages, seeking divorce, or for alleged adultery, in patterns of abuse reinforcing the use of gender as an instrument of control.

It says individuals, including persons with disabilities, have often been detained without ever being found criminally responsible and, in many instances, without even having committed any offence. Members of the political opposition or those perceived to be connected to them, and individuals indicating their intentions to actively participate in political processes, have also been arbitrarily detained.

"It is concerning that individuals have been arrested and detained - in many cases for alleged conduct that does not amount to criminal offences. Such arrests and detention practices as outlined in our report detract from South Sudan's ongoing efforts to reform the criminal justice system and improve the protection of human rights," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.

"I call on the South Sudanese authorities to release all individuals arbitrarily deprived of their liberty, and to bring those responsible for such violations and abuses to justice."

The report says most of the arrests were carried by Government security agencies, namely the National Security Service, the National Prison Service and the South Sudan People's Defence Forces. Other arrests were carried out by the Sudan People's Liberation Army - In Opposition and the National Salvation Front armed groups, as well as on orders of state and county officials.

Despite the challenges recorded in the report, the Government of South Sudan has made efforts to improve the human rights situation and address certain challenges to justice delivery, as set out in its response to the report. With the support of UNMISS and other UN entities, the Government of South Sudan has taken measures to improve legal aid and justice sector reform in the country, among them the establishment of the Judicial Reform Committee, and the deployment of mobile courts and special courts. In its response to the report, the Government of South Sudan also expressed its willingness to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations of human rights violations contained in the report and to hold perpetrators accountable.

"The Government's willingness to investigate and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice is commendable. We urge them to also ensure that all victims of human rights violations and abuses receive the necessary support and reparation," said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General's Special Representative to South Sudan and Head of UNMISS.

"Building on past progress, I encourage the Government to continue its efforts to address the remaining challenges and ensure that justice delivery mechanisms are independent, effective and accessible for all citizens," he said.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General also called on the Government of South Sudan to promote and protect people's rights to personal liberty and their civil rights, and to ensure citizens' equal participation in public affairs in the lead up to the forthcoming elections. He said the UN remained ready to provide South Sudan with the necessary technical cooperation for prison reform, in line with the United Nations Common Position on Incarceration.

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P17-B earmarked in 2025 for soldiers' subsistence allowance -solon

Philippine News Agency

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

December 18, 2024, 8:35 pm

MANILA -- Congress has approved an allocation amounting to PHP17 billion in the proposed 2025 national budget to fund the PHP10,500 monthly subsistence allowance for soldiers, a lawmaker said on Wednesday.

In a statement, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan said the higher allowance for military troops aims to enhance the well-being of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) over 165,000 personnel.

"Both the House and the Senate, largely through the efforts of Speaker Martin Romualdez, have agreed to provide a 133-percent increase in the daily subsistence allowance for our soldiers -from PHP150 to PHP350- to further improve their welfare. The allowance is now equal to PHP10,500 monthly," Libanan said.

"We are aggressively investing in the well-being of our soldiers, who are at the core of our national defense, even as we spend an average of PHP30 billion every year to upgrade the military's hardware and systems under the revised AFP modernization program."

Libanan said the subsistence allowance, designated primarily for food and meal expenses, is part of a broader package of financial support for military personnel.

Additional compensation includes allowances for clothing, laundry, quarters, and economic relief, as well as bonuses and incentives such as longevity pay, mid-year and year-end bonuses, and performance-based rewards.

Certain groups of soldiers receive additional compensation, such as hazardous/hazard duty pay, hardship allowances, and combat duty pay, among other rewards. (PNA)

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World has 'embarrassingly failed to stop Israel amid incessant US support': FM

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 9:06 PM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has deplored the international community's abject failure to stop the Israeli regime's violations amid untrammeled support provided for Tel Aviv by the United States, its biggest ally.

The top diplomat made the remarks in Cairo on Wednesday, addressing the 21st Session of the Council of Ministers of D-8 (Developing-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation.

"The international community has embarrassingly failed to stop acts of aggression, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide by the Zionist regime," he said.

"This is largely attributed to the political, military, intelligence, and financial support by the US administration to Israel."

The foreign minister pointed to around 15 months of escalated deadly aggression by the regime against the Gaza Strip, where Tel Aviv has been waging a genocidal war, Lebanon, and Syria.

The war has so far claimed the lives of at least 45,097 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Around 4,000 people were also killed during the regime's intensified raids against Lebanon that began shortly after the launch of the brutal military onslaught, and lasted until last month, when a ceasefire took effect. Tel Aviv has violated the truce on many occasions to deadly effects for the Lebanese people.

Additionally, the regime has markedly ramped up its deadly attacks against Syria, especially targeting its military infrastructure, in the aftermath of the country's takeover by Western and Tel Aviv-backed anti-Damascus militants.

Araghchi likewise noted that the meeting of the developing nations had come at the time when the Muslim world was still suffering from unprecedented cruelty on the part of the regime.

He hoped that the nations' Special Summit, which is scheduled to go underway on Thursday, gathering representatives from the Islamic Republic, Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, would send a strong message to the world that the Israeli aggression and violations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria had to stop immediately.

The event, the official added, also had to convey the message that the regime and those of its allies that have been fueling its aggression, had to be held accountable, and a permanent ceasefire had to be established in Gaza to allow unhindered access to humanitarian assistance by the Gazans.

According to Araghchi, the summit was also expected to underline the imperative that the Palestinian cause and the right of Palestinians to self-determination had to be realized, any attempt for land annexation by the regime be prevented, and Israeli forces be immediately taken out of occupied territories in the coastal sliver, Lebanon, and Syria.

"Last but not the least, that D8 countries are prepared to support Palestine and Lebanon to address economic and related challenges and problems resulting from the current situation," he stated.

Araghchi, meanwhile, hailed the countries for acting as one of the first groups of nations to condemn the launch of the war on Gaza, adding that the Thursday event "will be the latest testament of our brotherly countries to our continued joint commitment to fraternity, peace, dialogue, justice, and rule of law across the region and the world, as envisaged in the D8 Charter."

The top diplomat, meanwhile, hailed a declaration that was issued during the Wednesday meeting for presenting a promising landscape for enhanced cooperation among the countries.

He finally advised the nations to focus more on the ways and means to make their economies and peoples more resilient in the face of possible shocks in the future.

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Israel must stop demolition of Palestinian homes in occupied West Bank: OCHA

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 4:25 PM

Israel is accelerating steps to consolidate the annexation of the occupied West Bank, including East al-Quds; replacing Palestinian communities with settlers in violation of international law.

In a recent report released on Wednesday, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Israeli forces recently carried out mass demolitions of Palestinian property in the occupied East al-Quds and al-Khalil governorate citing the lack of Israeli building permits.

This included the most recent reported demolition of nine homes and two additional structures which displaced at least 31 Palestinians in al-Bustan area of al-Silwan neighborhood in East al-Quds, OCHA said.

More than two dozen Palestinian homes were demolished in al-Bustan, with 100 other buildings housing 1,500 Palestinians currently under immediate threat of demolition.

The Bustan area in its entirety is slated for demolition as Israel advances a plan to replace it with a new settlement project.

"We affirm our categorical rejection of any project imposed on us through the use of threats, demolitions, and fire. We stress that our rights to housing and to a dignified life is non-negotiable," the residents of Bustan said in a statement to the media released on Tuesday.

According to the report, Israeli forces also reportedly demolished six more homes in Anata town, northeast of East al-Quds, which have been under the threat of demolition for the past four years.

The Palestinian residents' petition to halt the demolition was dismissed by an Israeli court, a routine outcome in most such cases.

In al-Khalil, commercial structures hosting about 50 Palestinian-owned shops were also demolished for lack of Israeli permits.

The shops were built to provide an alternative source of income for Palestinian families after their permits to work in Israeli settlements were revoked in the aftermath of October 2023 events.

On December 12, Israeli forces demolished eight residential buildings under construction in an area classified as a natural reserve: al-Malha in Bethlehem. This raises concerns about the unlawful expansion of Israeli sovereignty over more and more parts of the West Bank, the UN agency said.

Recent developments are of particular concern with mass demolitions in East al-Quds and demolitions carried out for the first time in a natural reserve in Area B which is under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian authorities.

"Nine new settlements and 49 new outposts were built on Palestinian land between 31 October 2023 and 1 November 2024, a 193 per cent increase compared to the previous year. In the meantime, 1617 Palestinian structures have been demolished in 2024 to date compared to 1175 in 2023," the report said.

Israel must immediately reverse this trend and comply with its obligations under international law, including those set out by the International Court of Justice, the UN agency demanded.

"These actions go counter to the findings of the International Court of Justice last July which concluded that the continued presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and must end as rapidly as possible and called for the immediate evacuation of all Israeli settlements in the West Bank."

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Dec. 17: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 6:13 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians so far, resistance groups in Palestine continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime.

The major operations by the Palestinian resistance groups on Tuesday, December 17, are as follows:

Al Qassam Brigades' operations on Dec. 17:

Blew up a booby-trapped house where Israeli soldiers had holed up, killing and wounding them all, in the middle of Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip.

Engaged in fierce clashes with an Israeli infantry force west of Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, killing at least three of them at point-blank range.

Targeted and destroyed an Israeli troop carrier with a "Shawaz" explosive device in the middle of Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Dec. 17:

Targeted military positions of Israeli forces and blew up military bulldozers in the Tulkarem camp, occupied West Bank.

Shelled with mortar shells an Israeli military command and control headquarters in the Abu Ariban site on the so-called Netzarim axis.

Martyr Omar Al-Qassem Forces' operations on Dec. 17:

Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces and military vehicles in the vicinity of the licensing building in the Al-Janina neighborhood, east of Rafah city, southern Gaza Strip, with heavy-caliber mortar shells.

Targeted Israeli military positions, vehicles, and the management and control room in the south of the Netzarim axis, in the middle of the Gaza Strip, with heavy-caliber mortars and 107mm rockets.

Targeted Israeli military positions in the vicinity of the Rafah crossing, southern Gaza Strip, with 107mm rockets.

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Secretary Blinken's Call with Foreign Minister Lipavsky

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 18, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky about the latest developments in Syria, where Czechia has served as the protecting power for U.S. interests since 2012. The Secretary affirmed the U.S. desire to continue this arrangement and expressed appreciation for Czechia's willingness to help U.S. citizens in Syria, even after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. During their call, Secretary Blinken also highlighted other areas of cooperation reflecting our deeply-shared values, including Czechia's significant military, political, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine; collaboration on Taiwan and the strategic challenges posed by the PRC; and efforts to increase defense spending and strengthen NATO's collective defense, including through the acquisition of U.S.-made F-35sthe largest military procurement in Czechia's history.

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Treasury Targets Financial and Political Enablers of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik

U.S. Department of the Treasury

December 18, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating three individuals and four entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) that form part of U.S.-designated Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik's (Dodik) financial network and enable the Dodik family's continued attempts to evade sanctions. Today's action also targets a BiH politician who serves as a key enabler of Dodik's corruption and destabilizing political agenda.

For years, Dodik has used his official position to accumulate personal wealth through companies linked to himself and his son, U.S.-designated Igor Dodik (Igor). This corruption, in tandem with Dodik's continued drive to destabilize BiH's governing institutions, undermines public confidence in BiH state institutions and the rule of law.

"Dodik and his family continue to rely on trusted associates to obfuscate their involvement in new business ventures, enriching themselves and their cronies while trying to circumvent U.S. sanctions," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States will continue to expose these efforts and hold accountable the individuals enabling these schemes."

The Dodik family continues its efforts to obfuscate its control of entities by manipulating management structures and re-registering companies under new names. Today's action builds on previous designations against the Dodik family by exposing their deliberate attempts to evade U.S. sanctions and targeting the individuals supporting these activities.

DODIK FAMILY'S FINANCIAL NETWORK AND ATTEMPTS TO EVADE U.S. SANCTIONS

The United States designated Dodik on January 5, 2022 pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14033 for being responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged in, a violation of, or an act that has obstructed or threatened the implementation of, the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA), as well as corruption related to the Western Balkans. The United States also previously designated Dodik on July 17, 2017 pursuant to E.O. 13304 for obstructing or threatening to obstruct the DPA. Additionally, the United States designated Dodik's adult children, Igor and Gorica Dodik, on October 20, 2023 pursuant to E.O. 14033 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Dodik, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

The Dodiks' efforts to enrich themselves led to OFAC's October 20, 2023, June 18, 2024, and November 6, 2024 designations of core parts of the Dodiks' corrupt patronage network, including several entities and individuals under Igor's direct control. Dodik used his official position to direct RS government contracts to a network of private companies that he and Igor oversee. While Igor controls many of the companies in this network, he obfuscates his personal connection to the companies by relying on distinct nominal owners and directors.

Nimbus Innovations d.o.o. Banja Luka (Nimbus) is a BiH-based information technology services company formed after the United States designated Igor-controlled Sirius 2010 d.o.o. Banja Luka (Sirius) on June 18, 2024. In the wake of Sirius's designation, Nimbus was formally established at the same address as Sirius and publicly announced that it would assume all of Sirius's assets, operations, and liabilities. Nimbus also retained Sirius's management and is owned by the same individual. Despite the change in name, Igor exercised control over the director of Nimbus, who provided Igor with business updates and solicited Igor's approval on business decisions.

OFAC is designating Nimbus pursuant to E.O. 14033 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Igor, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

Igor uses family members to enable entities in his patronage network. In November 2023, Dodik's cousin and BiH national Aleksandar Dobric (Aco) established RS-based Best Service d.o.o. Banja Luka (Best Service), under its original name, Agape Best d.o.o. Banja Luka. The United States designated RS-based Agape Gorica Dodik i Ivana Dodik S.P. Banja Luka (Agape) on October 20, 2023 pursuant to E.O. 14033 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Gorica Dodik. Best Service is registered at the same address as Agape and, like Agape, operates in the restaurant and food service provider sector of the RS. Aco executed instructions from Igor on Best Service operations. Additionally, Aco agreed to direct his father, Mirko Dobric (Mirko), to conduct business actions.

OFAC is designating Aco pursuant to E.O. 14033 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Igor, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

OFAC is designating Best Service pursuant to E.O. 14033 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Aco, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

Igor and BiH national Mirko are the owners of U.S.-designated Fruit Eco d.o.o. Gradiska (Fruit Eco), and Mirko also serves as its director. In April 2024, following Fruit Eco's designation, RS-based Zelena Jabuka d.o.o. (Zelena Jabuka) was established with Mirko as its sole owner and director. Zelena Jabuka is registered at the same address as Fruit Eco and both entities are involved with orchard fruit production. Following Igor's instructions, Mirko assisted Igor with a business proposal. The United States designated Fruit Eco d.o.o. Gradiska (Fruit Eco) on October 20, 2023 pursuant to E.O. 14033 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Igor Dodik, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

OFAC is designating Mirko pursuant to E.O. 14033 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Igor, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

OFAC is designating Zelena Jabuka pursuant to E.O. 14033 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Mirko, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

BiH national Vlatko Vukotic (Vukotic) is a former employee of U.S.-designated Alternativna Televizija d.o.o. Banja Luka (ATV), recent employee of U.S.-designated Prointer ITSS d.o.o. Banja Luka Clan Infinity International Group (Prointer), and the owner and director of RS-based Vorto d.o.o. (Vorto). Igor instructed Vukotic on financial obligations that Vukotic needed to fulfill. Vukotic sought Igor's guidance on a debt Vukotic's public relations firm Vorto owed. Additionally, following Igor's directions, Vukotic agreed to pressure entities that have taken measures against Igor's patronage network. Vukotic advised Igor on how to reduce scrutiny of U.S.-designated entities.

OFAC is designating Vukotic pursuant to E.O. 14033 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Igor, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

OFAC is designating Vorto pursuant to E.O. 14033 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Vukotic, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

The United States designated both ATV and Prointer, on January 5, 2022 and June 18, 2024, respectively, pursuant to E.O. 14033 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Igor, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

BiH POLITICIAN ENABLING DODIK'S CORRUPTION AND DESTABILIZING ACTIVITY

Stasa Kosarac (Kosarac) is the BiH Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, the Vice Chair of the BiH Council of Ministers (CoM), and a high-ranking member of Dodik's political party, the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD). In these roles, Kosarac is often tasked by Dodik to abuse his official position for Dodik's benefit.

As a BiH state-level minister and the vice chair of the BiH CoM, Kosarac has the access and authority to impact political and budgetary processes. For instance, Kosarac conspired to use his position to undermine the efficacy of state-level institutions to Dodik's benefit. For example, through at least October 2024, Kosarac planned to block the normal functioning of the BiH CoM to secure the appointment of a Dodik nominee. Additionally, Kosarac's positions afford him the ability to influence financial decision-making at the highest levels. On one occasion, Kosarac misused his official position to manipulate the BiH state budget to ensure that state-level funding could be directed to Prointer, an entity controlled by Igor; and on another occasion, Kosarac blocked efforts to pass the BiH 2024 state budget while Dodik planned to siphon off a portion of these funds for use by the SNSD in the 2024 local elections in BiH. Furthermore, these positions grant Kosarac credibility and political power, which he has used to Dodik's benefit. In 2023, Kosarac organized a meeting of senior Bosnian Serb officials where they pledged to support Dodik and, if ordered by Dodik, withdraw from BiH state institutions. Finally, Kosarac voted for a bill in the BiH CoM that would benefit Dodik politically by securing him favors from a high-level official.

OFAC is designating Kosarac pursuant to E.O. 14033 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Dodik, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14033.

ADDITIONAL RUSSIA-RELATED ACTION

Viktor Pavlovich Perevalov (Perevalov) is the First Deputy Director of U.S.-designated VAD, AO (VAD), a Russia-based construction company that has built infrastructure throughout Russia, as well as highways in Russia-occupied Crimea. OFAC previously designated Perevalov on January 26, 2018 pursuant to E.O. 13685 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, VAD. Today, OFAC is designating Perevalov pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the construction sector of the Russian Federation economy.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the persons above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as from engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

For identifying information on the individuals and entities sanctioned today, click here.

###

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"Lebanon's security cannot be assessed separate from the region's stability"

Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey

18.12.2024

Holding a joint press conference with Prime Minister Mikati of Lebanon, President Erdogan said: "Lebanon's security cannot be assessed separate from the region's stability. And our region cannot find peace unless a ceasefire and permanent peace is established in Gaza."

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon held a joint press conference following their tete-a-tete and the meeting between the delegations at the Presidential Complex.

"OUR REGION CANNOT FIND PEACE UNLESS A CEASEFIRE IS ESTABLISHED IN GAZA"

President Erdogan said: "Lebanon's security cannot be assessed separate from the region's stability. And our region cannot find peace unless a ceasefire and permanent peace is established in Gaza. I am hereby reiterating a fact that I express on every occasion that whoever thinks they will strengthen their security by further shedding blood, further destructing, further destroying, or further massacring civilians is gravely mistaken. We are witnessing that the Israeli government has yet to see this fact, or rather refuses to see it. Turkiye has supported Lebanon with all its means, and has maintained its humanitarian aid against the Israeli aggression."

President Erdogan stressed that the international community should continue to put pressure on Israel in order for it to abide by the ceasefire and compensate for the damage it has caused in Lebanon, adding that Turkiye will keep doing its part regarding this issue.

"A NEW ERA HAS NOW BEGUN IN SYRIA"

Stating that they have also discussed in detail the developments in Syria during today's talks, President Erdogan went on to say: "A new era has now begun in Syria. We, as the two important neighbors of Syria, have agreed on taking joint steps. Syria's stability means the region's stability. The entire region has suffered from the chaos in Syria for the past 13 years. Just like us, Lebanon has embraced our Syrian brothers and sisters without any hesitation, and hosted them. The reconstruction of Syria and the normalization of daily life is our priority. The formation of a permanent comprehensive and inclusive administration, whereby all segments are represented, is important not just for Syrians, but also for the countries in the region. The preservation of Syria's territorial integrity and its unitary structure is another issue which our country can never compromise. We have voiced our attitude, declared to the entire world and displayed our determination regarding separatist ambitions since the very first day."

President Erdogan added that Turkiye, as it has done since the beginning of the conflict, will stand with the Syrian people, and make all kinds of contributions.

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The UK calls on Israel to stop illegal settlement expansion on Palestinian land: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

18 December 2024

Thank you Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Dr Efron for your briefing.

And thank you, Mr Levy, for sharing your family's story with us.

The suffering you and your family have been through is unimaginable.

Let me state at the outset that the UK stands with you, and with all those hostage families seeking desperately to bring their loved ones home. We reiterate our condemnation of the abhorrent Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 and the kidnapping of over 250 hostages, including Emily Damari and three hostages with UK links. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.

Let me make three additional points.

First, the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza is appalling. Over 45,000 Palestinians have died since 7 October. And the last two months were the worst for aid since October 2023.

The UN has reported a shocking increase in cases of acute malnutrition in children, and that Gaza now has the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world.

The UK continues to urge Israel to do much more to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to abide by their international obligations.

This includes facilitating rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian aid and basic services to the Palestinian people.

UNRWA plays a crucial role in delivering this life-saving aid.

On 11 December, my Prime Minister committed an additional $16.5 million to UNRWA to support vital services for Palestinian refugees in the OPTs and the wider region, bringing the UK's support to UNRWA to $52 million since April this year.

Second, President, northern Gaza must not be cut off from the south.

The UK is clear: there must be no forcible transfer of Gazans from, or within, Gaza.

There must be no reduction of the territory of the Gaza Strip.

Israel's expansion of military infrastructure and the destruction of civilian buildings and agricultural land across the Strip is unacceptable.

Third, the UK calls on Israel to stop settlement expansion on Palestinian land, which is illegal under international law, and to hold violent settlers to account.

Continued instability and settler violence in the West Bank should not be tolerated by Israel and the culture of impunity must end.

This does nothing to bring about peace and security for Palestinians or Israelis.

We also note the decision of the Government of Israel to extend correspondent banking relations for twelve months and continue to urge Israel to remove its restrictions on clearance revenues.

President, the fall of Assad and the ceasefire in Lebanon offer a moment of hope for the people of the region, as we look ahead to 2025.

We must now use this momentum to deliver a long sought after ceasefire, secure the immediate release of all hostages and put an end to the humanitarian crisis and suffering in Gaza.

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Occupied Palestinian Territory: Security Council hears of ongoing violence, 'relentless' Israeli settlement expansion

18 December 2024 - The United Nations continues to voice major concern over hostilities and Israeli settlement expansion in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), the Security Council heard on Wednesday.

Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General in the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), presented the latest quarterly report on the implementation of Council resolution 2334 (2016).

It calls for Israel to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the OPT, including East Jerusalem, and for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians.

Ongoing hostilities in Gaza

Mr. Khiari said that hostilities and violence have continued throughout the OPT since the report's submission.

Among the incidents was the reported killing of at least 69 Palestinians from 14 to 15 December in four Israeli airstrikes on schools in Gaza sheltering displaced persons. This includes 20 people killed at a school run by UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA in Al-Mawasi, Khan Younis.

More than 250 Palestinians have been killed in such strikes over the past week, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. The authorities said that the death toll from the war has surpassed 45,000, while Israeli sources report that over 1,700 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed.

West Bank unrest

Meanwhile, an Israeli boy was killed in a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank on 12 December. Israeli forces reportedly killed a Palestinian man in an exchange of fire in a refugee camp that same day.

"Serious clashes have also taken place between Palestinian armed groups in the occupied West Bank and Palestinian security forces since the written report, particularly in Jenin camp following a Palestinian arrest operation and the seizure of Palestinian Authority vehicles by militants," he said.

He added that over several days, Palestinian security forces have killed an unarmed 19-year-old and detained numerous Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants, while the clashes have caused significant damage to the camp.

Hamas attacks condemned

Mr. Khiari highlighted some of the observations in the report.

He again strongly condemned the horrific 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on Israel and the continued holding of more than 100 hostages in Gaza.

Nothing can justify these acts of terror, he said, reiterating that all remaining hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally, while a ceasefire in Gaza is long overdue.

Devastation, death and humanitarian restrictions

He also drew attention to the widespread devastation and deprivation resulting from Israel's military operations in the north, and condemned its use of explosive weapons with wide area affects in densely populated areas across the Gaza Strip, which has caused massive casualties and damage, including to UN premises.

He mourned the UN personnel killed in Gaza and strongly condemned the killing of health workers, humanitarians and journalists, as well as the looting of aid in the context of a breakdown of law and order.

He further noted that continued restrictions imposed by Israel, looting and overall insecurity mean that aid entering Gaza is insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs.

Against settlement expansion

"I remain deeply alarmed by the relentless Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, that is fueling tensions, impeding access by Palestinians to their land and threatening the viability of a future independent, democratic, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State," he said.

He expressed deep concern that Israel has continued to systematically promote policies that have strengthened involvement of civilian officials in control over the occupied West Bank, which includes transferring of some security functions. Some Israeli Government officials also have called for annexing areas of the territory.

In this regard, he noted the recent findings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its Advisory Opinion on 19 July, which declared that Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and must end as rapidly as possible.

Support Palestinian government

Mr. Khiari said it is vital that the international community provide immediate support to the Palestinian Government so that it can address fiscal challenges, strengthen governance capacity, and prepare to reassume responsibilities in Gaza.

"We must establish political and security frameworks that can address the humanitarian catastrophe, start early recovery, rebuild Gaza, and lay the groundwork for a political process to end the occupation and establish a viable two-State solution as soon as possible," he said.

He stressed that these frameworks must facilitate a legitimate Palestinian Government that can re-unify Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem - politically, economically and administratively, while also reversing the steadily deteriorating dynamics throughout the OPT.

"Any attempt to establish settlements in Gaza must be firmly rejected. There must be no attempt to reduce or annex the territory of Gaza in whole or in part," he said.

Lay the foundation

Amid the conflict in Gaza and tensions in the West Bank, the UN continues to call for a two-State solution between Palestinians and Israelis.

"The devastation and misery of the past year have reinforced once again a simple truth: Palestinians and Israelis can no longer wait to establish a viable political horizon," he said.

"Now is the time to lay the foundations for a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the broader region,".

Mr. Khiari upheld the UN's commitment to support Palestinians and Israelis in ending the occupation and resolving the conflict in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions and bilateral agreements in pursuit of achieving the two-State solution.

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Winter rains and aid obstacles worsen ordeal for one million Gazans

18 December 2024 - Nearly one million Gazans risk spending winter without adequate shelter as UN agencies struggle to provide cold weather assistance, amid ongoing Israeli bombardment, repeated evacuation orders and restrictions on aid deliveries, they warned on Wednesday.

In an update, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, stressed that attacks on civilian infrastructure have not stopped, "particularly in North Gaza, where the UN World Health Organization (WHO) reports appalling conditions at Kamal Adwan Hospital - and where 61 out of 95 attacks on school buildings since 6 October 2024 took place".

Flooding has already caused damage to makeshift shelters across the Gaza Strip, but humanitarian teams have only been able to provide assistance to 285,000 people to carry out repairs between September and late November, because deliveries of materials into the enclave remain so limited.

"At least 945,000 others now require urgent winterization support to protect them from the rain and cold weather," OCHA said, noting that "waiting outside Gaza are 58,000 sealing-off kits and over 36,000 tarpaulins that have already been procured to cover the needs of about 400,000 people, but these would need two months to be brought in at the current rate of 10 shelter trucks entering Gaza per week".

Truck stop

Aid convoys continue to face "extreme insecurity" once inside Gaza, OCHA warned. "On 11 December, a 70-truck convoy entering through the Kerem Shalom crossing was violently attacked by looters, leading to the loss of nearly all food and aid supplies. On the same day, a WFP convoy leaving the Kissufim crossing also came under fire, with four out of five trucks violently looted.

Humanitarians have stressed that such attacks can be avoided, pointing to an agreement last Tuesday with the Israeli authorities that allowed a UN convoy to use the Philadelphi corridor - separating southern Gaza from Egypt - to reach nearly 200,000 people facing critical food shortages.

OCHA reported that between 1 and 16 December, out of 339 planned aid operations across the Gaza Strip requiring coordination with the Israeli authorities, 30 per cent (102) were approved, 42 per cent (141) were denied, 18 per cent (62) were impeded, and 10 per cent (34) were cancelled, owing to logistical and security challenges.

Disease surge

As temperatures drop, the UN health agency has reported a rise in infections including respiratory illnesses, diarrhoea and jaundice. In 2024, over 1.2 million respiratory infections were recorded, along with 570,000 cases of acute diarrhoea.

These diseases are expected to worsen, especially among children.

UN humanitarians also warned that many displaced people have built shelters on the rubble of destroyed homes in Khan Younis, Ma'an and Bani Suhaila. These structures are fragile and at risk of collapsing in the coming rains.

Besieged in north Gaza

Meanwhile, humanitarian aid to northern Gaza continues to be blocked by the Israeli military, which has been carrying out a ground offensive since 6 October, with clashes reported with Palestinian armed groups.

Despite multiple attempts, UN aid missions to besieged areas such as Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun and Jabalia have been "largely denied for more than 10 weeks", OCHA said.

Immediate action is needed to protect vulnerable populations during the winter, humanitarians insist, particularly for women and children in need of basic supplies such as warm clothing, nappies and baby formula.

Rising toll

In the last week, 273 Palestinians were killed and 853 were injured, according to the Palestinian authorities in Gaza. And since war erupted on 7 October 2023 after Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel, at least 45,059 Palestinians have been killed with 107,041 injured.

Citing the Israeli military, OCHA noted that between 7 October 2023 and 17 December 2024, more than 1,586 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed, the majority on 7 October 2023 and its immediate aftermath. This number includes 386 soldiers killed in Gaza or along the border in Israel and 2,488 injured since the beginning of the ground operation.

It is estimated that 100 Israelis and foreign nationals remain hostage in Gaza, including those declared dead and whose bodies have not been released.

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Noting More than 45,000 Palestinians Have Been Killed in Gaza, Assistant Secretary-General Tells Security Council 'Ceasefire Is Long Overdue'

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9819th Meeting (AM)

SC/15944

18 December 2024

Prolonged Occupation Will Only Breed More Hatred, Antagonism, Sowing Seeds of Instability in Middle East, Says Delegate

The collective punishment of the Palestinian people and the relentless bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces is horrific and unjustifiable, a high-level United Nations official told the Security Council today, which also heard from the brother of an Israeli hostage held by Hamas, who implored the 15-member organ not to let his brother's life to be "used as a bargaining chip".

"Ceasefire is long overdue," said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the United Nations Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations.

Since 7 October 2023, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to Gaza's health ministry, and over 1,700 Israeli and foreign nationals have been killed in attacks in or originated from Gaza, according to Israeli sources. All hostages must be treated humanely and allowed visits from the Red Cross, he said, condemning acts of sexual violence and abuse perpetrated against hostages.

International humanitarian law always applies to all parties to a conflict, and its application does not depend on reciprocity, he went on to say. The protection of civilians is paramount. There must be full accountability for any atrocity crimes that have been committed, he added, also condemning the looting of aid and calling for a full investigation into such acts.

He further reiterated that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, "have no legal validity" and are in flagrant violation of international law. Such acts are provocative, he added, calling on the Government of Israel to cease such settlement activities immediately.

Shira Efron, Director of Research at Israel Policy Forum, noting that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "remains a tragedy for both Jews and Arabs", said that, 438 days after 7 October 2023, 100 hostages, including a two-year-old baby and an 86-year-old grandfather, remain in captivity, while in Gaza, devastation is unimaginable, with countless lives lost, families shattered, homes reduced to rubble and a population struggling for food, water and healthcare.

A two-State solution will remain only a vision unless the international community shifts "from platitudes to planning". "There is still no shared coherent plan for post-war Gaza," she pointed out, adding that, without a green light from the Palestinian Authority, regional and other international partners will not commit to its recovery. Yet, the Israeli Government has until now vetoed Palestinian Authority involvement, exacerbating the risk of either full Israeli occupation of Gaza or a Hamas resurgence.

Involving the Palestinian Authority and ensuring it has the capacity to succeed would help alleviate fiscal and economic pressures in the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority should demonstrate that it can be part of the solution by reforming the so-called prisoner and martyr payments system, addressing incitement and undertaking education reform. For its part, Israel should take decisive action to stop settler violence in the West Bank. "The UN and Israel must repair their fractured relationship which has reached an unprecedented low", she said.

"My brother Or is one of the 100 innocent hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza for 439 days," Michael Levy told the Council. Or was abducted by Hamas from the Nova Music Festival which he attended with his wife. She was murdered. "Or is a real human being, a father to an amazing three-year-old son," he said. You have the power to save his life, he told Council member, appealing to them not just as diplomats, "but as people, as mothers, fathers, siblings and friends". "Your silence is deafening, your inaction is suffocating," he went on to say. "I refuse to accept the world where my brother's life can be used as a bargaining chip and be forgotten," he said, adding: "Demand the release of them all."

In the ensuing debate, delegates expressed alarm for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as well as Israel's continued settlement-expansion. The representative of Malta urged Israel to end its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory without delay. Reiterating condemnation of the horrific 7 October 2023 attacks, she also called for the unconditional release of all hostages.

Guyana's delegate called on Israel to strictly abide by its legal obligation as an occupying Power and safeguard the rights and interests of the Palestinian people. "It is unjust that Palestinians are forced to live with the constant threat of violence and even death by the Israeli security forces and Israeli settlers, even when they are engaged in routine activities, such as picking olives from their olive groves," she said. The Council has been unable to achieve consensus to act for the Palestinian people while hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians are killed, disabled, orphaned, widowed and starved.

Several delegations including representatives from Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, Japan, Mozambique, Ecuador, United Kingdom, France and the Republic of Korea also echoed calls, demanding an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, expressing concern that the widespread destruction of homes there has made the already vulnerable population exposed to extreme weather this winter.

"In Gaza, people are not living, they are simply waiting to die," said Algeria's delegate. Humanitarian aid remains highly insufficient to meet the needs of the population. Entire neighbourhoods in Gaza have been demolished. Violence, disease and starvation are omnipresent. "Quite simply, Gaza has turned into a graveyard of the living," he said.

The representative of the Russian Federation, noting that the United States vetoed a ceasefire six times so that the Israeli military operation can continue in Gaza, pointed to statements by Israeli officials about forcibly changing the demographics of the Strip. Highlighting atrocities in the West Bank, he said Israel is using the "fabricated pretext that that there are no construction permits" to systematically destroy Palestinian homes. The height of cynicism is that Palestinians who cannot afford to pay high duties to Israel are then compelled to destroy their homes with their own hands. "If you push people to a situation where they have nothing to lose, don't be surprised when radical ideas become popular," he said.

China's delegate pointed out that while the Jewish nation has long since had an independent State, the Palestinian people's right to statehood, survival and return has long been ignored. The prolonged occupation will only breed more hatred and antagonism, sowing the seeds of instability in the Middle East. Piece meal crisis management alone will not prevent a relapse into the vicious cycle of conflict, he said. Gaza is an inseparable and important part of Palestine, and its future should be decided by Palestinian people.

The representative of the United States said that granting Hamas, a terrorist organization, their demand for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire will not end the suffering of cycles of violence for Israelis and Palestinians. "Instead, we must speak with one voice and demand that Hamas agree to release the hostages they're holding," she said. It is time for Israel and the United Nations to stop working against each other and instead take pragmatic steps to ensure there's no interruption of humanitarian aid delivery. Advancing Israeli settlements in the West Bank is an obstacle to achieving a two-State solution. Hundreds of violent attacks over the past year have forced Palestinians to abandon their homes and vacate villages.

"In Gaza, every Palestinian life has either been upended, or completely ended," said the Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, adding that Palestinian children now represent the largest cohort of child amputees per capita in the world. Recalling that, over a year ago, his delegation called for a ceasefire that would allow Palestinian and Israeli families "to be reunited in life, not death", and warned of what would come if it was not imposed, he regretted that yet another ceasefire draft resolution, supported by 14 Council members was recently vetoed by the United States.

Israel's aim has always been "to seize maximum Palestinian land with minimum Palestinians, but even that was not enough", he said, adding that it is forcibly displacing Palestinian communities and building settlements in the heart of their cities in order "to destroy the territorial integrity of our State". Israel has now accused the UN, almost every State, international courts, as well as the world's most renowned moral voices of antisemitism. Recalling how the Israeli Foreign Minister closed his country's embassy in Dublin stating that Ireland has crossed every red line, he asked: "So, Israel commits genocide [...] but it is Ireland which has crossed every red line?"

Those who hope to end this conflict by taking more Palestinian lives and colonizing more Palestinian land are delusional, he said, adding: "We are out of time, but we are not out of options". Welcoming the launch of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, he highlighted the Assembly decision to hold a high-level international conference in June 2025 on the implementation of relevant UN resolutions. Each State must examine what more they can do to uphold international law. "We ask for nothing more than the rights international law guarantees to our people, but we also cannot accept anything less," he said.

The representative of Israel said that the Middle East in the past year has become "virtually unrecognizable". "We continue to dismantle Hamas [...] and rid Gaza from their terrorist oppressors," he said. "The chance before us is clear, the chance to finally end the Islamic regime of Iran's aspirations for a Shiite supremacist empire," he said. Israel has acted decisively. "We have struck the terror networks that once cast a shadow over our region," he said. Iran's provocations continue to escalate with shameless threats about its nuclear ambitions and its proxies in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq, remain active and deadly, spreading chaos far beyond the region.

This is not a localized threat, he said. Iran is a danger to the entire world. This is not about a hypothetical future. The danger is already here. The time to act is now. "This Council must implement crushing sanctions to suffocate Iran's ability to fund its proxies," he said. These steps are not optional. They are imperative. "The Islamic regime thrives on inaction and indecision," he added. Israel has no intention of occupying Syria or parts of Syria. "We are not empire builders; we are defenders," he said. Further, he urged the Iranian people to "take action now, the people of Israel stand by your side". "In your hands lie the power to restore the beautiful Iranian nation, to rebuild a land which is rich in history and culture," he said.

There are still 100 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, enduring conditions that are beyond comprehension, he added. Israel is negotiating for their freedom. Hamas' crimes against humanity are despicable, and yet much of the world remains silent. He pledged to continue to facilitate aid to be delivered to Gaza and open new aid crossings. "Israel will remain clear eyed," he said, vowing to "bring back all of our hostages".

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United States Naval Test Pilot School graduates Class 165

US Navy

18 December 2024

From U.S. Navy

NASA astronauts delivered the keynote address during the graduation ceremony for the United States Naval Test Pilot School.

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. - The United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) held a graduation ceremony for Class 165 on Dec. 13. Thirty-one students successfully completed the intense, 11-month course of instruction and received their designations as Engineering Test Pilots, Engineering Test Flight Officers and Test Project Engineer.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, both retired U.S. Navy captains, with a guest appearance by NASA Astronaut and U.S. Space Force Col. Nick Hague, delivered the keynote address in a recording sent from the International Space Station (ISS), preceded by a special address from USNTPS alumnus Commodore Chris Smallhorn, Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Commander Fleet Air Arm.

Williams graduated in 1993 from USNTPS with Class 104 and returned as a Rotary Wing Department instructor in 1995. So far, she has spent a cumulative total of over 510 days in space and currently commands Expedition 72 on the ISS.

Wilmore graduated from USNTPS in 1992 with Class 102 and also served on staff as a systems and fixed-wing flight test instructor. He is a veteran of two spaceflights and has spent a cumulative total of over 370 days in space

Both Williams and Wilmore have been in space since June 5, 2024, on their most recent mission. They are currently living and working aboard the space station as part of the Expedition 71/72 crew and will return home in February 2025 aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov on NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission.

Smallhorn joined USNTPS Class 115 and graduated in 1999. He has served as Commander Fleet Air Arm in the RAN since January 2016.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department in Lexington Park, Maryland. Graduates included members of the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Israeli Air Force, Italian Navy, French Defense Procurement and Technology Agency, Norwegian Defense Material Agency, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.

Capt. Elizabeth Somerville, Commander, Naval Test Wing Atlantic; Cmdr. Travis Hartman, U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer, USNTPS; and Dr. John Tritschler, Chief of Academics, USNTPS, presented diplomas and offered congratulations to the new testers.

Army Capt. Kenneth Dailey received the Empire Test Pilots School's Developmental Testing Thesis Award, recognizing his exceptional performance during the capstone exercise in Class 165. This prestigious award symbolizes the strong, longstanding partnership between the Empire Test Pilots' School in the United Kingdom and USNTPS.

Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Daniel received the Captain Willie McCool Outstanding Student Award for the top performing student in the categories of academics, flight performance and technical report writing. He was also recognized with the Developmental Testing Thesis Award for the best final capstone report.

Army Lt. Col. Mark Salvati received the Syd Sherby Leadership Award, named after Capt. Sydney Sherby, the founder of the test pilot training division, now USNTPS. The award recognizes the student who displays exemplary leadership in the class.

Nineteen students completed the requirements for the engineering test pilot course, seven students completed the engineering test flight officer course, and five students fulfilled the requirements for the test project engineer course.

USNTPS trains pilots and engineers for development test and evaluation of aircraft and aircraft systems. USNTPS is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic under Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) in Patuxent River, Maryland. NAWCAD advances capability and operational readiness for naval aviation.

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NATO Allies and the U.S. Navy Strengthen Interoperability in Denmark and France with VLS Reloads

US Navy

18 December 2024

From Courtesy Story

Naval Cargo Handling Battalions 10 and 1 reload vertical launching systems for USS Gettysburg (CG 64) in Skagen, Denmark and USS Stout (DDG 55) in Brest, France.

ROTA, SPAIN - Under the operational command of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68, Naval Cargo Handling Battalions (NCHB) 10 and 1 successfully completed vertical launching system (VLS) reloads for two U.S. Navy surface combatants: USS Gettysburg (CG 64) in Skagen, Denmark, and USS Stout (DDG 55) in Brest, France, showcasing NATO interoperability and expeditionary logistics capabilities. These developments represent a critical advancement in enhancing NATO's readiness and collective deterrence.

It was the first time a reserve Expeditionary Reload Team (ERT) conducted an expeditionary ordnance exercise (EXPORD) in a foreign country using live ordnance, and the Skagen operation was the first of its kind in Denmark. It entailed reloading Gettysburg, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser.

In order to secure the success of the intricate evolution, Danish military personnel joined forces with U.S. Sailors, thereby strengthening NATO cooperation.

"This vertical launch system reload event was the first with live munition, where U.S. and Danish personnel cooperated on the execution," said, Cmdr. John Aeroe Hansen, Royal Danish Navy Command N4 Logistics, Units and Shore Installations, Supply deputy branch chief. "I am pleased that the execution went smooth and without any hiccups and look forward to enhancing this mutual logistic support."

"The growing partnership between the U.S. Navy and the Danish Armed Forces was demonstrated by our ability to conduct VLS reloads in Skagen," said Lt. Aaron Dillon, commander of Task Group 68.5. "Wherever our forces are deployed, this evolution guarantees that we can maintain combat readiness."

Stout, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was unloaded and reloaded by NCHB 1 in Brest, France, demonstrating the flexibility of the U.S. Navy in utilizing NATO partner ports in non-traditional ways for vital missions.

"These reloads are more than logistical exercises," said Lt. j.g. Justin Morgan, NCHB 1 ERT Officer-in-Charge. "They're a testament to the capability and professionalism of our expeditionary logistics forces and our allies. Our combined strength is demonstrated by our ability to carry out this operation in various settings and with various allies and partners."

Conducting VLS reloads at two different sites demonstrated the flexibility of expeditionary logistical units, and verified the equipment and processes required to quickly replenish ships with guided munitions at any NATO port.

"By carrying out these evolutions, we ensure we are always ready to support forward-deployed combatants in contested environments," said Lt. Chris Garazatua, Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Group liaison officer to CTF 68. "In high-end conflict, this level of readiness can make the difference."

These activities also demonstrate the unity and capacity of NATO Allies at a strategic level.

"This type of highly complex, cross-training in cargo handling and reloading our surface combatants is precisely the kind of rehearsal that helps us achieve interoperability with our capable NATO Allies," said Commodore Task Force 68, Capt. Jeremy Wheat. "It gives us maximum flexibility to be able to conduct these types of evolutions, regardless of ship, port, or flag patch. It is this interoperability across NATO Allies and partners that proves to be our strongest deterrent."

CTF 68 is a part of the U.S. 6th Fleet and commands all Naval Expeditionary Combat Forces, in U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces bridge the gap from sea to shore and provides expeditionary capabilities in remote, complex and austere environments.

Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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More than 2 million Nigerians kidnapped in one year, survey finds

By Timothy Obiezu December 18, 2024

Security officials in Nigeria are raising concerns after a National Bureau of Statistics survey revealed that more than 2 million people were kidnapped in the West African nation between May 2023 and April 2024, and that Nigerians paid a cumulative $1.42 billion to kidnappers within the same period.

The NBS released its Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey 2024 on Tuesday. The report said some 600,000 Nigerians were killed and 2.2 million others abducted across the country between May 2023 and April 2024.

Armed gangs, known locally as bandits, were mostly responsible for the escalation of violence in northwest and north central Nigeria, while terror-related violence was reported in the northeast region of Nigeria.

The report said 91% of the kidnappings were attributed to ransom demands, while other cases were due to political, criminal or terrorist motives. It also said Nigerians spent $1.4 billion cumulatively to free their loved ones from kidnappers at an average of $1,700 per incident.

Security analyst Senator Iroegbu said the report is no surprise.

"The figure is not surprising. The only difference is that the media focus has shifted, and that's what makes it look as if it [insecurity] has reduced," Iroegbu said. "So, this report has brought back to light what is going on."

According to the NBS report, 82.1% of the kidnapped victims were released, 12.8% were killed, 3.3% remained in captivity and the outcome of about 1.3% of victims was unknown.

The report comes amid growing security concerns in Africa's most populous nation already struggling to curb a range of insecurities that have stretched the security forces thin.

It also revealed that nearly seven out of 10 households in Nigeria reported murder cases to the police within the same period.

Security analyst Saheed Shehu said the trend is worrying.

"These figures should serve as a yardstick as a baseline for the president and commander-in-chief to hold his military, police, accountable," Shehu said. "The figures should serve as a tool to hold the leaders of the security agencies accountable. We should not just be reading figures and then wait for the end of 2025 to release another figure."

In November, Nigeria announced the discovery of a new terror group known as Lakurawa but said security forces were already on their trail.

Two weeks ago, Nigerian defense authorities said the military killed a total of 8,000 terrorists and apprehended over 11,000 suspects and rescued over 6,000 victims between January and December.

But Shehu is skeptical.

"This report coming from the National Bureau of Statistics  to be honest, it makes me to be at a quandary whether the reports we're getting from security agencies of successes ... it does not balance with this report," Shehu said. "So, something must be wrong somewhere."

Improving security is a major challenge for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government as it desperately seeks to attract foreign investments to grow the country's struggling economy.

Nigeria allocated about $4 billion, or 12% of this year's budget, to defense and security  the largest single allocation to any sector.

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South Sudan set to hold elections in 2026, but will it be ready?

By Sheila Ponnie December 18, 2024

South Sudan is due to hold long-delayed general elections in December 2026, and some wonder if the world's youngest nation will be ready.

The vote was set for this month but was delayed for a number of reasons, including the need for more time to complete a census, draft a permanent constitution and register political parties.

The postponement, first announced in June, extended the term of the current transitional government, headed by President Salva Kiir.

Abendengo Akok, head of South Sudan's National Electoral Commission, told VOA that the political will must be present for the vote to be successful, using as an example the 2018 peace agreement that ended the country's civil war.

"If we are serious, two years are enough for us to run the election," Akok said, adding that adequate funding is necessary for a successful vote.

Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, warned last week that mismanaged elections could reignite violence and upset South Sudan's stability.

"We have been insisting that properly prepared elections, which have also been preceded by proper trust-building exercises, can play a significant role in taking an exercise which can be very divisive and make it a nation-building exercise," he said.

People coming together to vote, he said, will help them recognize that "together they control the future of South Sudan."

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011. The country was set to hold its maiden election in 2015, but civil war broke out in 2013. Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar, Kiir's former vice president, were locked in a power struggle, triggering fighting between forces loyal to each man.

In 2018, Kiir and Machar signed the comprehensive peace agreement, which was to culminate in elections this month. In June, however, Kiir and Machar agreed to push the election out another two years.

Wani Yusuf was 14 years old when he cast his vote in the referendum to secede from Sudan. Now he looks forward to casting his first vote as an adult and believes he will make an informed and independent decision in helping choose South Sudan's first democratically elected government.

Yusuf, however, questioned whether the 2026 vote will materialize.

"When you look at the period that we spend postponing the election, it still tells you that that if they cannot conduct election in that time up to now, then there is also high possibility that election might not take place within those two years' time," he said.

Apart from budgetary constraints, the electoral commission still needs to conduct a census and draw up guidelines, which will take up to 17 months, according to the document outlining the delay in the vote.

These processes have not started because of a lack of a budget, according to Gabriel Deng, the electoral commission's deputy chair.

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RNZAF continues more flights to support Vanuatu response

New Zealand Defence Force

19 December 2024

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130J-30 Hercules left at first light today and has arrived in Port Vila, with search and rescue equipment and more.

Also on board were Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular staff and six New Zealand Defence Force personnel, including medics and staff, who will assist with planning the emergency response and evacuation of New Zealanders.

Meanwhile, a second RNZAF C-130H Hercules has landed in Noumea to recover urban search and rescue members and equipment and take them to Vanuatu, after the earlier C-130H aircraft they were on last night diverted to New Caledonia following an engine fire warning indication.

The C-130H in Noumea will be repaired today with parts taken up on the recovery aircraft.

An RNZAF P-8A Poseidon is also airborne today, conducting another surveillance flight over Vanuatu including outlying areas to provide imagery for damage assessments.

This afternoon, an RNZAF Boeing 757 will depart RNZAF Base Auckland to transport more humanitarian assistance and disaster relief stores to Vanuatu and enable evacuations.

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Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen

By VOA News December 19, 2024

Israel's military said Thursday it carried out airstrikes against Houthi militant targets in Yemen.

A military spokesperson said the strikes targeted energy and port infrastructure used by the Houthis as part of their "military action."

Houthi-run media reported attacks in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, and that the strikes hit a power station and an oil facility.

A short time earlier, Israel said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen.

The Houthis have conducted multiple missile attacks directed at Israel and have carried out more than a year of drone and missile attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Iran-backed Houthis say their campaign is in solidarity with the Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The United States has designated Hamas and the Houthis as terror groups.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 18 December 2024 - Day 1029

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 224 combat clashes.

Russian zagarbniki launched one missile strike on the territory of Ukraine using one missile, 32 aviation strikes, dropping 31 controlled aviation bombs. In addition, 529 kamikaze drones were recruited and carried out more than 3,200 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian enemy once stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the Vovchansk district, the Defense Forces repelled the invaders' attempt to advance.

According to preliminary calculations, for today in this direction, the Russian enemy lost 44 soldiers killed and wounded, also Ukrainian soldiers destroyed three artillery systems, a unit of car transport, 17 BPLAs and two units of special transport of the occupiers, in addition, damaged a car and three units of special equipment.

In the direction of Kupyans komu, Russian forces carried out offensive actions near Petropavlivka, Kolisnikivka and Lozova. Ukrainian defenders stopped 18 Russian attacks.

In the Lyman direction Russian invaders 21 times stormed the positions of Defense Forces near Grekivka, Novoyegorivka, Nadia, Yampolivka and Terniv, received a cut-off, three fighting is ongoing.

Four attempts of attack actions of Russian troops were repelled by Ukrainian defenders in the Siversky direction, currently the battle near Verkhnyokamiansky is being sharpened.

Five times Russian forces tried to advance in the area of Chasovoye Yar, Grigorivka and in the direction of the White Mountain, one fight is not over yet.

13 boezitknen  took place in the Torec komu direction. Russian forces stormed the positions of Ukrainian units near Toretsk, diliivka and scherbinivka. Ten Russian attacks have been repelled, fighting continues.

On the pokrovsky direction, from the beginning of this day, the Russian opponent 45 times attacked in the areas of mirolubivka, ray, fox, dachensky, green, novovovasilivka, chumakky and novoolenivka. Ukrainian defenders have repelled 38 assaults, seven more clashes continue.

Today, according to preliminary data, 255 Russian occupants were defecated in this direction, 110 of them - irrevocably. The ATV and satellite equipment of the Russian enemy were also destroyed.

In the Kurakhiv direction, Russian forces made 22 attempts to break through Ukrainian defense near the settlements of Soncivka, Stari Tern, Kurakhove and Dachne. Eighteen clashes completed, four more to go.

On the Time Direction, Russian forces 24 times attacked Ukrainian units near Konstantinopolsky, Rozlivu, Great Novosilka, Graceful, New Mosquito and Watchman. Ukrainian defenders firmly hold the defense, ten combat clashes are still ongoing.

In the orihivs komu direction, Russian units tried to break through to novoandrivka, suffered losses and retreated.

Twice the Russian enemy has futile attacked Ukrainian defenders in the Pridniprovsk direction.

In Kur ini, the Defense Forces repelled 55 assaults of Russian zagarbnikiv, three clashes are still ongoing.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on armed formations of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Zolochev and Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 50 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, and four 122-mm D-30 howitzers.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one assault brigade of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Novomlynsk, Zagryzovo, Lozovaya (Kharkov region), Ivanovka, Torskoye, Terny (Donetsk People's Republic), and Novoyegorovka (Lugansk People's Republic). Two counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the enemy were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 540 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, one Polish-made Rosomak armoured personnel carrier, two pickup trucks, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 gun, three 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, and one U.S.-made 105-mm M101 howitzer. One Kvertus electronic warfare station was destroyed.

As a result of decisive actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Trudovoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

Losses were inflicted on formations of two mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade, one infantry brigade of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades near Dronovka, Chasov Yar, Reznikovka, Zvanovka, Fyodorovka, and Petrovskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 350 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, two motor vehicles, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

One U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar and one ammunition depot were destroyed.

As a result of successful offensive operations, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Starye Terny (Donetsk People's Republic).

Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one assault battalion of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and one special operations brigade near Dzerzhinsk, Zarya, Katerinovka, Shevchenko, Pravdovka, and Shcherbinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, 11 AFU counter-attacks were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 440 troops, one Canadian-made Senator armoured fighting vehicle, two motor vehicles, three 152-mm Msta-B howitzers, two 152-mm D-20 guns, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

Units of the Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences and inflicted losses on formations of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and two territorial defence brigades near Velikaya Novoselka, Zelenoye Pole, Razliv, Bogatyr, and Vremevka (Donetsk People's Republic). One counter-attack launched by the enemy's units was repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 160 troops, one UK-made Snatch armoured fighting vehicle, one 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one 152-mm D-20 gun.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Antonovka, Sadovoye (Kherson region), Nesteryanka, and Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region). Two counter-attacks launched by the enemy's formations were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 70 troops, two motor vehicles, two 152-mm D-20 guns, and one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck infrastructure of military airfields, UAV workshops and depots, as well as engaged AFU manpower and hardware clusters in 139 areas.

Air defence units shot down one U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectile and 43 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 650 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 37,910 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,834 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,501 MLRS combat vehicles, 19,803 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,294 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.

In the course of offensive operations, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of four mechanised brigades, one tank brigade, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and two assault battalions of the AFU near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Daryino, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Melovoy, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, Staraya Sorochina, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on the enemy's manpower and hardware near Guyevo, Kolmakov, Kurilovka, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novoivanovka, Novaya Sorochina, Orlovka, Pogrebki, Rubanshchina, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Miropolye in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 210 troops, two tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier, four armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, one Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS launcher, one 152-mm D-20 gun, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 41,870 troops, 244 tanks, 184 infantry fighting vehicles, 127 armoured personnel carriers, 1,283 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,152 motor vehicles, 318 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 75 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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Feature: Macao brims with joy, hope ahead of 25th return anniversary

Xinhua) 13:32, December 19, 2024

MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Normally busy managing her restaurant, Macao resident Ana Maria Manhao Sou is lately very occupied with an important task: choreographing a Portuguese folk dance for a gala celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China.

Manhao Sou is a member of a unique group in Macao known as the "Macanese" -- individuals of Portuguese descent born and raised locally. As the choreographer for the performance, she was thrilled to contribute to the city she calls home.

"I'm very honored to be part of the grand celebrations and to showcase the rich blend of Chinese and Western cultures of Macao to the world," she said, adding that the preparations have reinforced her sense of belonging and love for the motherland.

For the celebrations, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday.

News of Xi's arrival headlined the front pages of Macao's mainstream media on Thursday, with much emphasis on the president's description of Macao as "a pearl on the palm" of the motherland in a brief speech at the airport.

Macao Daily, a leading local newspaper, highlighted the airport's welcoming crowd of hundreds of people including children, together with joyful dragon and lion dances. It also published a photo series showcasing Macao's transformation over the past 25 years.

The Macao SAR is brimming with cheerful vibes in the days leading up to the 25th anniversary.

Anniversary-themed posters and floral decorations adorn popular sites such as the Ruins of St. Paul's, while national flags and Macao SAR flags flutter along the streets.

A lion dance team performed at Macao Tower, culminating in celebratory banners unfurling from the lions' tongues on a platform 233 meters above the ground, much to the delight of tourists.

"This year's decorations are the most vibrant in 25 years, with an array of flags and lights. As a resident of Macao, it makes me feel warmly embraced by my country," said Leung Chon Long, a local middle school teacher who is the same age as the Macao SAR.

Next to the Macao Science Center, a heart-shaped tree is surrounded by two giant arm-shaped light installations, symbolizing Macao's growth and prosperity under the care of the motherland. This trending photo-op spot caught the attention of a group of students visiting from Hong Kong, another SAR of China.

Monica Zhang, a high school student from Hotung Secondary School in Hong Kong, was impressed by the joyful atmosphere in Macao's streets. "The city has become more modern since my last visit," she said, expressing the hope to make friends during her study tour.

Traditionally known for its casinos, Macao has transformed into a modern, international metropolis with strong support from the central government, achieving remarkable progress in both economic development and residents' livelihoods.

The city has been striving to appropriately diversify its economies, with the gaming sector's share of GDP falling to 37.2 percent last year. A key driver of Macao's economic diversification, the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone on Hengqin Island, located near Macao, was established in 2021 to expand living options and work opportunities for Macao residents.

Local entrepreneur Elwin Ho is seizing opportunities arising from these rapid developments. As the founder of an artificial intelligence company in the cooperation zone, Ho aspires to blaze new paths in the innovation and technology sector.

Leong Chon Kit, head of the Youth Association of Returned Overseas Chinese in Macao, noted that the 25th anniversary of Macao's return is a special occasion that reminds all residents of the significant achievements the city has made.

On Wednesday night, the association, along with more than 60 local youth associations, participated in a banquet celebrating the anniversary. "It is crucial for us to share this touching moment together and express our love for the motherland," Leong said.

An anniversary is not just about celebrations, but also a moment of hope. For Manhao Sou, her simple wish is to receive more guests at her restaurant. "We aim to introduce a new menu featuring more distinctive Macanese dishes, allowing tourists to relish the rich culture of Macao," she said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Norway and Germany sign agreement on space cooperation

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 18/12/2024

During a visit to Haakonsvern on 2 December, Norwegian Defence Minister Bjrn Arild Gram and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius signed a letter of intent aimed at strengthening space cooperation and the partnership between Norway and Germany.

'Space-based services and capabilities are essential for effective military operations going forward. Leveraging space-based capabilities will be crucial for Norway's ability to sustain situational awareness in the High North,' said Defence Minister Bjrn Arild Gram.

He emphasised that the tense security environment and the increasing threat to space-based systems underscore the need to further strengthen defence cooperation with Norway's allies in this domain.

'The signing of the letter of intent between Norway and Germany lays the foundation for collaboration across several areas, including space operations, defence industrial initiatives, and satellite launches from Andya Spaceport,' the Defence Minister added.

In the new Long-Term Plan on Defence, the Norwegian government is prioritising the development of military space operations capabilities and the establishment of additional satellite systems.

'Norway is a significant space nation, but collaboration with allies is vital for further development, creating synergies, and sharing costs. This will bolster Norway's position as a key player in space, while enhancing security and stability,' Gram concluded.

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Norway switches on Arctic Broadband Network

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 18/12/2024

With two Norwegian satellites launched this summer, the Armed Forces can now communicate more effectively and operate with greater efficiency in the High North.

'This strengthens the Norwegian Armed Forces' ability to understand and manage situations in the region, while enhancing collaboration with our NATO allies. It strengthens Norway's defence capabilities in the north, while enhancing presence and ensuring national control in our territories,' said Minister of Defence Mr. Bjrn Arild Gram.

The Defence Minister marked the activation of the satellite-based network with the first video call from the Armed Forces' Satellite Station at Eggemoen to the Coast Guard vessel KV Bjrnya, located north of the Arctic Circle. Photos available for download.

A milestone for Norwegian defence capabilities

The new broadband capacity in the Arctic represents a major milestone for Norway's defence.

'For the first time, we have full control over strategically critical communication services in a region that has previously lacked broadband. This provides better situational awareness in the north, crucial for ensuring stability and predictability in the region. It helps safeguard Norway,' said Gram.

Improved communication and surveillance

The Norwegian Armed Forces now gain reliable military communications in the High North for land, sea, and air operations, bolstering allied training and readiness in the region.

The broadband coverage will not only benefit the military but also sectors like aviation, research, and fisheries.

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National Space Defense Center spearheads NACE experiments

United States Space Force

Published Dec. 18, 2024

By Bridget Bonnette

U.S. Space Forces-Space Public Affairs

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- The National Space Defense Center has created the NSDC Advanced Concept Experimentation to innovate and optimize the NSDC's ability to execute the protect and defend mission.

The NACE program's mission is to rapidly iterate and improve space superiority, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and defensive cyber command-and-control processes and procedures. NACE is the NSDC's operationally and tactically focused venue to rapidly improve its ability to execute assigned missions through experimentation, utilizing space warfighters in live-ops and tabletop exercises using current and near-operational capabilities.

NACE is the next generation of experimentation within the NSDC designed to focus efforts on advancing mission execution, generating a warfighter mentality, and defining operational imperatives. NACE is not an exercise or evaluation used to validate processes and procedures or operator training. NACE events are designed to leverage mission partner opportunities while incorporating experimentation into existing integration efforts when possible.

"The NACE experiments are focused on integration and synchronization with mission partners and improving processes and operations holistically," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Utulo, Operations Experimentation director. "These experiments enable collaboration to see what processes enable tactical units the flexibility to achieve their warfighting functions. This will help understand what feedback mechanisms the center needs to fulfill Global C2/Battle Management obligations ... and just get better at warfighting."

NACE development and execution methodology are uncommon in the military operations community. Military operators usually have exercise, training, and/or test experience and often seek to fit NACE inside one of those constructs. Although NACE has some common elements and can support those efforts, it is different. Instead, NACE leverages the Agile Development Sprint concept, defined as a short period of focused effort seeking to rapidly advance an operational or tactical issue in new ways. Additionally, NACE utilizes a "scientific method like" approach to define a hypothesis and develop a scenario to prove or disprove the hypothesis.

The primary objectives of the NACE program are to:

-Improve and prepare the NSDC through rehearsal and refinement of existing C2 procedures to plan, execute, and assess space, cyber, and intelligence operations with the whole-of-center approach.

-Optimize support to real-world testing and future capability process and procedure development.

-Identify risks, issues, and gaps in current capabilities, processes, and authorities that support execution of space operations.

NACE events are free or low-cost experiments using tabletop, small scale, and large-scale field experimentation to rapidly identify operational and tactical level issues and then develop, refine, and prototype solutions. These events may be overlaid with other higher headquarters experimentation, advanced training and exercise events in support of common goals and may also contribute to NSDC operational crew advanced training through their participation in creative problem solving.

With the support of mission partners and tactical units, through NACE, the NSDC implemented a space tasking cycle and flexible battle rhythm schedule ensuring the NSDC is providing the best support to the joint warfighter in defense of the nation.

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Final F-35A aircraft delivered

Issued by Defence Media

19 December 2024

The final nine of Australia's full fleet of 72 F-35A Lightning II aircraft have arrived at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales, marking a significant milestone in Air Force's ability to defend our nation.

The F-35A aircraft fleet, in conjunction with the EA-18G Growler and F/A-18F Super Hornets, are the cornerstone of Australia's air defence and strike capability, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.

As a multi-role fighter, the F-35A can perform air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, and utilise stealth technology, electronic protection, electronic attack and advanced countermeasures to maximise lethality and survivability.

Defence has undertaken the rapid introduction of this important capability since the first two F-35A Lightning II aircraft arrived in Australia on 10 December 2018.

The arrival of the final nine aircraft also demonstrates an enhancement of the warfighting capability of Australia's F-35A fleet, with these aircraft the first in the fleet to receive Technology Refresh 3, enabling Block 4 upgrades that will support the new and enhanced capabilities required to meet the evolving threats of the future.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM said the delivery of the final aircraft was a key milestone for the Royal Australian Air Force and one that was achieved thanks to contributions of multiple stakeholders.

"The delivery of the final F-35A Lightning II aircraft is a practical demonstration of the Air Force's ability to deliver highly effective air power as part of an integrated and focused force, in line with the National Defence Strategy," Air Marshal Chappell said.

"Australians should be proud that our Air Force is flying the most advanced multi-role fighter in the world.

"Australian defence industry has been integral to the successful introduction of the F-35A, with more than 75 Australian companies having shared in over $4.8 billion in contracts to support production, sustainment and follow-on development, including as part of the F-35 global supply chain."

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Minister Blair meets with Polish Defence Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz

National Defence

Readout

December 18, 2024 - Warsaw, Poland - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, held a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Poland, Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.

Minister Blair expressed Canada's gratitude for our positive and growing defence relationship with Poland, including our cooperation on providing military assistance to Ukraine, and strengthening deterrence and defence along the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Eastern Flank.

During the meeting, Minister Blair reinforced Canada's commitment to strengthen our countries' bilateral relationship. Examples include our increasing focus on the Baltic Sea in line with NATO's Regional Plans, and our presence in Latvia, through the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia, which includes Poland as a member.

The Minister highlighted our countries' joint efforts in providing military assistance to Ukraine in the fight against Russia's illegal and unjustifiable war. Approximately 50 Canadian Armed Forces members are currently deployed to Brzeg and Wrocaw to provide combat engineer training to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Canada has also participated in Polish-led medical training for the AFU since March 2023.

Minister Blair expressed appreciation for the Polish Logistics Hub in Rzeszow for supporting Canada's equipment donations to Ukraine. The Minister reaffirmed Canada's commitment to supporting Ukraine and providing military assistance and training for as long as it takes.

Canada and Poland enjoy a positive defence relationship forged through our shared values and beliefs as like-minded Allies and partners.

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Minister Blair meets with Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds

National Defence

Readout

December 18, 2024 - Riga, Latvia - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

On December 16, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister for Defence of the Republic of Latvia, Andris Spruds.

The ministers discussed the close defence relationship between Canada and Latvia, based on our unwavering commitment to our shared values, the rules-based international order, and international security.

Minister Blair reinforced Canada's commitment to European and trans-Atlantic defence and security, and to strengthening our relationships with Allies. He emphasized that Canada will continue to underscore the importance of a strong and united North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to the Euro-Atlantic area, including through our ongoing military assistance to Ukraine.

In discussing their shared support for Ukraine, Minister Blair highlighted Canada's October 2024 commitment to contribute $5 million to the Drone Coalition Capability Common Fund led by Latvia and the United Kingdom. This coalition brings together Ukraine Defense Contact Group members to support Ukraine's drone industry and procure drones crucial to its defence efforts. He noted that since February 2022, Canada has committed $4.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine and over $19.5 billion in total assistance.

Minister Blair also recognized Latvia's lead in the effort to provide training to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), noting that the Canada-Latvia training relationship for the AFU has developed into a valuable venue for training staff officers since 2023.

The Minister further expressed Canada's appreciation for Latvia's support in hosting the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia (MNB-LVA), which Canada contributes to through Operation REASSURANCE, in support of NATO's deterrence and defence efforts. He noted that we look forward to continuing our work with Allies so that the troops, materiel, and infrastructure required to implement our Joint Roadmap are put in place.

Minister Blair highlighted that MNB-LVA will see further reinforcement of personnel - reaching a steady state of approximately 3,000 persistently deployed Allied soldiers by summer 2025with about 1,500 Canadian Armed Forces members currently at the Brigade and additional capabilities and personnel flowing into Latvia beyond that into 2026. He welcomed the success of Exercise RESOLUTE WARRIOR conducted last month across Central and Northern Latvia, which marked a major milestone for MNB-LVA as its first field exercise.

The ministers concluded the meeting by discussing ongoing efforts to strengthen NATO's deterrence and defence posture and reiterated both countries' commitment to stand together in the face of aggression and in solidarity against elements that threaten our individual and collective security.

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December 18, 2024

Transcript

Senior Defense Official Briefs on 2024 China Military Power Report

Conducted on December 16, 2024

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you all for joining. On Wednesday, December 18th, the department will release this year's China military power report. I thought I would open with some framing remarks and some key themes from this year's report and then open it up for questions. As you're aware, our national security strategy identifies the PRC as the only competitor with the intent and increasingly, the capability to reshape the international order.

The 2022 National Defense Strategy identifies the PRC and its increasingly capable military as the department's top pacing challenge. In the past, we've said that each year's China military power report illustrates why the NSS and the NDS identify the PRC as a competitor in the security realm and as the DOD's pacing challenge.

And this year's CMPR is no different. As in past years, this congressionally mandated report charts the current course of the PRC's national economic and military strategies and offers insights into the People's Liberation Army or PLA's strategy, its current capabilities and activities, as well as its future modernization goals.

As our baseline assessment of PRC military and security developments during 2023, along with some content on significant developments and events in 2024, this year's CMPR covers a lot of ground. I'm looking forward to answering your questions, but first, I'd like to offer some key takeaways and themes and raise a number of new topics that are covered in this year's report.

So first of all, here are some key takeaways from this year's report. First, the PRC is forging ahead with its long-standing national strategy while confronting what it views as an increasingly turbulent strategic environment. The PRC seeks to amass national power to achieve what Xi Jinping has referred to as the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by 2049 and to revise the international order in support of the PRC's system of governments and its national interests.

In 2023, and into this year as well, the PRC acknowledged that internal and external challenges have complicated its economic recovery and growth, which may have impacts on the PLA. PLA modernization objectives are commensurate with and part of the PRC's broader aspirations for its national development, which involve heavily investing in technological self-sufficiency and an advanced manufacturing.

Second key takeaway, the PLA continues to make steady progress in modernizing its conventional capabilities, but it also continues to struggle with long-standing deficiencies. In 2023, the PLA demonstrated key capabilities such as long range joint fires in major exercises such as the April 2023 Joint Sword exercise.

Some PLA services also reached key modernization milestones of their own. The PLA Air Force, for example, with respect to its modernization and indigenization of its unmanned aerial systems, is quickly approaching US standards. At the same time, through 2023 and again into 2024, PLA media have continued to highlight long standing problems in the PLA, and they especially highlight what they perceive as shortcomings with their commanders and personnel quality.

The PLA continues to highlight what they refer to as the five incapables, which is a PLA slogan asserting that some PLA commanders are incapable of judging situations, understanding higher authorities' intentions, making operational decisions, deploying forces or managing unexpected situations. And despite the PLA's rapid development, it has not yet demonstrated the type and sophistication of certain capabilities it would need in a major regional contingency.

These include urban warfare and long distance logistics. Third key takeaway, the PLA continues to struggle with deeply rooted problems of corruption. This year's CMPR includes corruption of the PLA as a special topic, acknowledging the severe corruption challenges the PLA has faced in the preceding year.

In the second half of 2023 alone, at least 15 high-ranking military officials and defense industry executives were removed from their posts for corruption. Several were responsible for overseeing equipment development projects related to modernizing China's ground-based nuclear and conventional missiles.

The most prominent of these cases was of course former Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu in late October 2023, but others included the former PLA Rocket Force commander Li Yuchao and political commissar Xu Zhongbo, as well as several deputy commanders. And earlier this year, the PLA dissolved its Strategic Support Force after creating it in December 2015 to consolidate its space cyber electronic information and psychological warfare capabilities.

This decision to dissolve the Strategic Support Force reveals compelling concerns that were sufficient to merit the dissolution of the force. This wave of corruption related investigations and the removal of senior leaders may have disrupted the PLA's progress toward its 2027 goals. Fourth key takeaway is that the PLA continues its rapid nuclear build up DOD estimates the PRC has surpassed 600 operational nuclear warheads as of mid-2024 and we estimate the PRC will have over 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030. The department also assesses the PRC will continue growing its nuclear force through at least 2035. Fifth key takeaway, the PRC continues to intensify its pressure against allies and partners such as the Philippines and Taiwan. Throughout 2023, the PRC escalated tensions with the Philippines in the South China Sea by ramming and boarding vessels en route to supply Second Thomas Shoal.

The PRC also amplified its diplomatic political and military pressure against Taiwan in 2023 and into this year. And finally, the last key takeaway, PRC Russia ties remain strong. The PRC continues to support Russia with material assistance as well as by promoting Russian narratives, blaming the United States and NATO for its war with Ukraine.

Excuse me. PRC and Russian bilateral military exercises through 2023 maintained exercises at levels that we have seen in previous years and it's signaling the enduring strength of the PRC Russia partnership. I'd also like to address a couple of other themes here as well before we turn to the Q and A.

On PLA strategy, the Chinese Communist Party maintained its long-standing objective of achieving, as I mentioned earlier, what Xi Jinping refers to as the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by 2049. Despite economic headwinds and a slow recovery throughout 2023, PRC leaders assessed their power to shape world events was growing and that they have what they refer to as new strategic opportunities to create an environment that's favorable to achieving their interests and goals.

The PRC's stated defense policy remains oriented toward safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, while emphasizing more of a greater global role for itself. This policy largely understates the PRC's objective of revising the international order in support of its interests, as well as its system of governance.

One key part of the PRC defense policy is its counter intervention approach, which aims to be prepared to counter the US in the East and South China Sea, as well as in the broader Indo-Pacific region. At the same time, the PRC is strengthening its capabilities to reach farther into the Pacific Ocean and beyond.

With respect to Xi Jinping's most near-term capability milestone for the PLA, she continued to reaffirm his commitment to the PLA's 2027 milestone for modernization, which if realized could give the PLA the capacity to be a more credible military tool for the Chinese Communist Party's Taiwan unification efforts.

On PLA capabilities, the PRC has continued the development of capabilities and concepts to strengthen its ability to, as they would put it, to fight and win wars against a strong enemy. PLA services are making steady and incremental progress toward their respective modernization goals. The PLA Army, for example, has demonstrated long range fires capabilities. The PLA Navy has conducted new operations beyond the first island chain. The PLA Air Force absorbed significant portions of PLA Naval Aviation. And the PLA Rocket Force continued to develop new missiles, including ICBMs, potentially including conventionally armed systems.

Before dissolving the Strategic Support Force in April 2024, the SSF's components continued to rapidly mature the PRC's space enterprise, and of course that work has continued after the dissolution of the Strategic Support Force. The PRC has continued developing counterspace capabilities that can contest or deny other nations access to and operations in the space domain. These include direct ascent anti-satellite missiles, co-orbital satellites, electronic warfare and directed energy systems.

The PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, or JLSF, has also continued improving joint strategic and campaign level logistics and trying to become more efficient by integrating civilian products and services. And this often focuses on facilitating the movement of PLA forces for equipment and training. The JLSF will probably play a similar traffic routing role in a mobilization or wartime scenario.

And lastly, before turning to the Q and A, I'd like to highlight just a little bit of the new content that appears in the report. Some other notable updates to this year's report include some discussion on what the PRC sees as its core interests and on what it means when it describes its objective as achieving national rejuvenation.

We've also included discussion of the PLA's growing nuclear and strategic capabilities, including space, counterspace and cyber capabilities. There is additionally some discussion on the PLA's relationship with Iranian proxies and its stance on Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, on the PRC's approach to the Israel-Hamas war and also a new section on PRC defense spending that evaluates the PRC's published defense budget.

We have in addition, a new section on PRC influence operations, which they refer to as cognitive domain operations. Some new content on how a military conflict in the Western Pacific would challenge the PRC's ability to secure its energy supplies, which I think is a notable new area of content for us, as well as some updates on the PLA's inventory of various types of capabilities, including the hypersonic glide vehicle capable DF-17. We've got a robust discussion on the status and the trajectory of bilateral defense contacts and exchanges, as well as a summary of PLA exercises, professional military education and training with foreign militaries.

And the report also looks at some of the PRC's lessons learned from Russia's war in Ukraine. There are also three new special topics in this year's report, the impacts of corruption on the PLA, which I mentioned earlier, one on political training in the PLA, and finally, a new special topic on the PRC's views of what it refers to as comprehensive national power.

So with that, I'm happy to open up for questions and my public affairs colleagues here are going to help moderate.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: All right. Thank you very much. We'll have Lita Baldor with AP give us our first question. Thank you.

Q: Hi. Good afternoon. Thanks a lot for doing this. I was wondering if you could just expand a little bit onyou talked about how they're reaffirming their commitment to 2027, but the report also talks about the impact of corruption, particularly on the 2027 goals. Does the US believe that 2027 is no longer as achievable for the PRC, particularly as it relates to reunification with Taiwan?

And then just a quick, the recent naval activity around Taiwan. That's, I'm guessing, not addressed in the report. I'm wondering if that changes anything? Thank you.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Thank you very much for the question. On 2027, I would reiterate that we don't think that uh conflict is imminent or inevitable. We think that we have deterrence today that's real and strong. We're doing a lot to try to keep it that way. Xi Jinping has reaffirmed his commitment to the 2027 milestone for modernization, which they define as being about integrating the development of mechanization informatization and intelligentization [ph], excuse me, of the PRC's armed forces. And we do judge that that is a capability development milestone that could give the PLA greater capacity to be a more credible military tool for the Chinese Communist Party's unification efforts.

We note in the report that the substantial problems they have with corruption that have yet to be resolved certainly could slow them down on the path toward the 2027 capabilities development milestone and beyond and I think that's our judgment in terms of the potential impact of corruption on the PLA's ability to achieve those milestones. The other question, I think, although we try to keep the report up to date, it is not quite that up to date as to address the most recent PLA operations that you mentioned. And so I don't have anything else to share on that at this point.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thank you. Next, we'll go to Jeff Schogol with Task and Purpose.

Q: Thank you very much. The report has the exact same number of ships in the PLA Navy as last year, more than 370 vessels. I'm hoping that you can say or provide a little more clarity exactly how many vessels does the PLA have? And I also, I'm a little confused about force structure. Last year's report said PLA ground forces were four million.

This year it says it's three million. There are half as many reservists and no paramilitary forces included. Can you explain the discrepancy? Thank you.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: I think I'll have to get back to you on the second question to make sure that we give you an answer that's as accurate and complete as possible, on the specific numbers of personnel in the ground forces. And on the size of the PLA Navy and shipbuilding, I think, unfortunately, all I can do here is refer you to the report. I don't have anything to share beyond what's covered in the report with respect to the details of shipbuilding and deliveries to the PLA Navy.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thanks. Next question will go to John Ismay with The Times.

Q: Hi, there. This may have been in the report, and I could have missed it, but I was wondering if you could explain who exerts command and control of Chinese forces outside of the country. I saw that the geographic Theater command, north, south, east, west central, but I didn't see anything about who's in charge of, say, camps in Djibouti or elsewhere.

And as sort of a corollary to that, I noticed the discussion of a carrier going to the Philippine Sea three times. Does the US have any sort of assessment on when a Chinese carrier strike group might, say, be able to reach Oahu or San Diego?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: OK. Well, I would note on the first question that the PLA's current theater command structure dates back to its last major round of reforms and reorganization, which were announced at the end of 2015. And their overseas command structure as of yet is not as well developed as their theater commands. So their overseas operations are commanded under the authority of a specific task force as in the case of the Gulf of Aden or otherwise under service authorities, which usually would be the PLA Navy, at least for now because they tend to be the ones who are globally deployed.

So the PLA has demonstrated some limited joint operational capabilities beyond the first island chain, but by and large when we're talking about overseas activities, we're mostly talking about activities that are conducted by single services and that don't involve combat operations. So that's kind of where they are right now, with respect to that question.

On the aircraft carrier, the report doesn't speculate on when the PLA Navy might be able to conduct carrier operations in the locations that you described, out to Hawaii or to the west coast. It does discuss at some length, the PLA Navy's efforts to increase its power projection capabilities.

And I'd refer you to the report for the details, but I would say that these have included efforts to increase the PLA Navy's distance sea training and what they call distance sea training. That includes in the eastern Indian Ocean and in the western Pacific Ocean. And they also have a pretty significant level of global engagements, including port calls as distant as the Middle East and Africa. So I think that's a pretty good encapsulation of where they are right now.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thanks. Next will be Natalia from Bloomberg.

Q: Thanks so much for the question. I just wanted to follow up on the point about corruption slowing down the modernization. Can you elaborate on why that is? Is it because the corruption, the anti-corruption programs is sapping resources, or is it the fact that they're having to find replacement for these commanders? Any more detail would be really helpful. Thanks so much.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Sure. I can offer a little bit there. I think I would say it's, partially what you identified in your question, that frequent turnover and replacement of high-level personnel certainly can be disruptive. And then the other point that I would add is that as they look to uncover corruption in, for instance, in a particular sector in the defense industry or in a major military construction project, I think that can have the effect of slowing them down as they try to conduct thorough investigations and try to understand the depth and the extent of corruption in a particular case.

And then as you may be tracking from reading some of the public reporting that the PRC puts out often on the investigations and the outcome of the investigations, it frequently seems to be the case that once they uncover corruption in one place or involving one senior official, there's sort of a bit of a spiraling kind of effect where it inevitably seems to draw in additional officials who are connected to that one official who is originally at the center of the investigation, or from one project, it seems that they will then start to look into other related projects that are related because either of the nature of the work or because of the entity that was responsible for the project projects or both and find additional instances of corruption, which then require further investigation and may generate additional leads.

So it seems to be that that kind of process here is also contributing to that assessment that this is something that may have the impact of slowing them down on the path that they're trying to be on to realize those capabilities development milestones.

Q: Sorry, just a quick follow up. Is it conceivable that they could abandon the anti-corruption goals just to meet the modernization ones?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: I don't think so. I mean that's ultimately, of course, a question that you could ask the PRC. But Xi Jinping appears to have made the anti-corruption campaign not only in the PLA, but in the party more broadly, really a hallmark of his tenure as the top leader. And I think that while corruption may slow them down, I think they've identified it as something that really poses great risks to the political reliability and ultimately the operational capability of the PLA. So I would certainly expect them to continue to pursue the anti-corruption campaign.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thank you. Next will be Noah Robertson, please.

Q: Hey. Thank you for doing this. I have a couple questions here. To start out with, I wanted to know if your assessment is that the current Minister of National Defense Dongjun is under investigation right now for corruption as well. And then secondarily, whether this overall is a solvable problem given the lack of a watchdog or independent media in the country? And then I have a follow up. Thank you.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Sure. I think Sabrina Singh addressed some of the media reports that you referred to pretty recently. We don't have anything new to add there. We're not in the position to confirm or deny any particular reports about any specific investigation into a specific individual. So I would just refer you to the PRC on that.

And on the second part of the question, there were other anti-corruption campaigns that preceded Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign. If you remember all the way back to the late 1990s, for example, under Jiang Zemin's leadership, they ordered the PLA out of business and that was its own process.

There were anti-corruption campaigns under Hu Jintao during his tenure as top leader, although they did not reach as high levels of the PLA and take down people of the kind of level and stature within their system that we've seen under Xi Jinping. So certainly, this seems to be a long-standing problem that has gone across the tenures of multiple top leaders in the PRC and it's something that, as I mentioned, Xi Jinping has really emphasized since his ascension to that position and the problem persists.

So I think it's a good assessment that you've made that there are deeper structural problems that have inhibited them in terms of really being able to root it out.

Q: On the follow up there, the 2035 goals that were moved to 2027 several years back in line with Xi's intent to have the capability though not the intent to unify with Taiwan by that year. I'm wondering if this is a sign given the corruption that it was, I don't want to say premature, but not feasible to move those goals so far left. Is that part of the assessment here? Am I misunderstanding that? I went more string [ph] on what Lita was asking.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Sure. Well, I'd say the PRC still has three different capabilities, development milestones for the PLA. So it's not the case that they changed 2035 to make it earlier. They added 2027 as an additional kind of interim milestone in between a when that was added in 2035. So they do still have 2027, 2035 and 2049 capabilities development milestones for the PLA. 2027, we've already talked about. 2035 is when the PLA is, as they put it, it's supposed to basically complete its modernization.

And then 2049 is the not as well-defined, but it's to become a world-class military. So they've got these three capability development milestones. And right now all three remain in effect as kind of targets for the PLA as it proceeds with its modernization toward 2049. Also, of course, is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the PRC and the target for national rejuvenation.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thank you. Next, we'll hear from Sam LaGrone.

Q: Hi. So looking at your report, you kind of talked a little bit about some recruiting and retention challenges that the PLA has had kind of hinted at throughout there. Two questions. One, can you all give us a sense of how that effort is going for the PLA in order to meet their goals? And then second, are you seeing any signs of the efficacy of their actual troops? I mean, it's real easy to look at a shipyard from space, going like, hey, they're building ten ships. I guess, it's harder for us to say, hey, are these folks actually any good. If you could kind of just touch on those two, that would be great.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So we do cover some of the personnel issues in the report. I don't really have more to share beyond what's in the report. I guess I would just highlight that the PLA for a long time has thought it very important to pay attention to the quality of personnel. This is, again, something that predates the Xi Jinping era.

If you go all the way back to Jiang Zemin, even then they talked about the importance of personnel quality. So this is something that through recruitment and retention, they're also thinking about education and the training, professional military education to try to develop the future force that they want for themselves, which is of course not just a matter of hardware, but also a matter of having personnel who are able to do everything from develop their future strategies and doctrine to command troops in the field and educate their future leaders and the like.

And so it's an area that they pay a lot of attention to in which they also would assess that they have yet to accomplish the objectives that they've set for themselves that they still have some challenges. Um, I think that's a pretty good summary of you know where they are right now. I'm sorry, could you please remind me the second half of the question?

Q: I mean, just in terms of trajectory, are they getting better from y'all's estimation, however you determine that?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes. I mean, I think we can see improvement over time. To be clear, they also, I think, find themselves still having some shortcomings that they need to continue to address. As for the sort of ultimate test of the personnel, I think that that for the PLA right now comes in their exercises and operations and they themselves note that they lack any recent experience in combat operations.

In fact, not just any recent experience, since the 1979 conflict with Vietnam was the last large scale combat operations they were involved in. And so I think that they do pay a lot of attention to their overseas deployments and to their exercises as the best way to measure the progress that they're making.

But I think that they at the same time note some uncertainty about that question because of the lack of recent combat experience and sort of high-intensity operational experience of the type that would really put it to the test.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thank you. Next, we'll have Idris Ali with Reuters.

Q: Yeah, two quick questions. Do you have a sense or a specific number for how many senior Chinese military leaders may have been removed for corruption or just a sense that we're talking a couple dozen of that? And then secondly, in the factsheet, you talk about how the PLA has made uneven progress towards its 2027 capability milestone.

Would you say that the PLA is closer to its 2027 goal this year as it was compared to last year or has there been a backsliding towards that goal this year?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: I don't have a specific number for the total of senior PLA officers who have been implicated in corruption scandals or arrested or convicted or anything like that. I mean, it might alsoyou'd probably have to think about how senior you're defining because although the senior most people tend to get the lion's share of the media attention, if you read the PRC official medial, they continue also to pursue people at all levels. So that's a notable component of the overall anti-corruption campaign. But dating back many years, they've talked about a campaign that would target from tigers to flies I think is the term if I'm remembering it correctly. And so they're kind of covering at all levels where they have found corruption to be a problem within the PLA. In terms of overall progress toward the 2027 modernization goals, we continue to track that very closely.

Each year, we're kind of presenting a snapshot and we continue to assess that and evaluate that as time goes on. And I don't believe that we make an overall judgment in the report this year about whether they're further along overall or have been sliding back. I think it's a mixed bag in that we certainly do highlight and take very seriously the progress they're making in a number of the areas that we noted in the report.

And at the same time, we try to take note of those areas in which they've demonstrated some shortcomings, whether they're ones that are self-assessed or that we've observed.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thanks. Next, we'll have Chris Gordon, please.

Q: Thank you. Thanks, sir, for doing this. The report says the PLA Air Force is modernizing its aircraft and unmanned aerial systems rapidly matching US standards. To clarify, should we read this as the PLA Air Forces' aircraft are a match for the US aircraft and other US military aircraft or is that an unfair characterization? Could you elaborate a little more on that point? And I have a follow up to that more specifically.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Sure. First of all, I'd say in the report, I think that reference is specific to the UAS, not to the entirety of the PLA Air Force. And secondly, I would say there are definitely continuing to improve their capabilities, but we would not assess that they have caught up with or surpassed the US Air Force.

That would go beyond the judgment that we reached in the report. And what's the second part of the question.

Q: Yeah. The second part of the question, the report says China has operationally fielded the J-20 stealth fighter. Can you say where and how they have fielded the J-20? And can you give a broad assessment of how the US assesses the capabilities of the J-35 stealth fighter that they've introduced?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So on the J-20, we can say that as of early 2023, they've been increasing their production capacity and building a new assembly plant to prepare to further expand production. It's an outcome of a long-standing effort to try to improve domestic aircraft engine production in part, and they have begun to switch to domestically produced engines, although some Russian engines may remain in use.

The PLA Air Force is also still working on upgrading the J-20. So we see a number of possibilities there in terms of upgrades for the J-20. And I think we have a little bit to say about some of those in the report. On the J-35, I don't think I can really provide anything beyond what we've shared in the report at this time.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: All right. Thank you very much. Next is Haley Britski with CNN.

Q: Thank you. Most of mine have been asked and answered, but just to follow up, I just want to double check, because it seemed earlier like there wasn't a super clear answer. On the corruption impacting the 2027 timeline, do you assess that it has already been impacted or that it just could be if they don't, I guess, fix that problem?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: I think it's having some impact already, but it could be at this point in terms of looking at the overall trajectory toward 2027. I think that's something that we'll, inevitably, we'll address again and update in the upcoming CMPRs as we continue to track the anti-corruption investigations and the impact that they're having on personnel, on construction projects and on the development and acquisition of new capabilities for the PLA.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thanks. Next, we'll take Ashley with breaking defense, please.

Q: Hi. Thanks. Just two quick questions. One, the report mentions lessons learned from the war in Ukraine possibly going into strategic objectives and possibly tactics. Are you able to give any color on that? And then also, it seems an ICBM that could potentially hit the US. It seemed to have similar language that they were thinking about it. Was there any progress over the last year developing such a weapon?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So first, let me take the question on Russia, Ukraine and then I'll turn to theI think you're asking about the conventional ICBM in particular.

Q: Correct.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So the PRC is definitely trying to learn lessons from Russia's war against Ukraine. And I think trying to apply those lessons to their own objectives and their own circumstances. Which of course, while there may be some similarities, there are some important differences as well.

But I think that they're looking at things like trying to persuade the countries that they would refer to as the global south to accept PRC narratives about global security issues and regional security issues about Taiwan. I think they see that the information space is an important domain for competition and for trying to advance their objectives. Which, of course, they've thought for quite a while, but I think the lessons from the war here are probably reinforcing that and taking them further down that path.

And I think that when they look at the western sanctions against Russia, that has certainly amplified the PRC's push to try to have greater self-sufficiency for defense and technology. And also more financial resilience to try to ensure that they would be able to withstand sanctions.

So those are just a few areas. I'm sure there's more we could get into, but I'll leave it there for now. On the ICBM, the overall kind of trajectory of the force here is about developing more and more survivable ICBMs. So more numbers and greater survivability to improve their nuclear capable missile forces.

But we have noted, as you pointed out, that they also are showing some interest in developing a new conventional ICBM that could strike Hawaii, Alaska and the continental United States. And I think this is in part to address what they've seen as a long-standing asymmetry in the US's ability to conduct conventional strikes against the PRC, and for many decades, their inability to reach out and strike the US territory with anything other than nuclear armed ballistic missiles.

So I think that's sort of the fundamental driver of trying to pursue that capability. Apart from that, I don't think we have any more to share at the moment beyond what's in the report on the conventional ICBM capability.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: OK. Next, we'll have Ryo Kiyomiya.

Q: Hi. Thank you for doing this. My question is about China's nuclear capability. Firstly, in the Pentagon's 2022 annual report on China, it was estimated that China aims to have around 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035. Does this estimation still hold? And secondly, last year the annual report estimated that China had over 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 and now it's estimated that China has more than 600 operational nuclear warheads as of mid 2024. So does this exceed some of Pentagon's previous predictions? Thank you.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So with the estimate that their stockpile contains more than 600 operational nuclear warheads as of mid 2024, it's about 100 more than the estimate in the previous year's report. At the risk of trying to do math without a calculator in front of me, I mean, I think we're showing a rate of growth that is pretty well consistent with what we've described in reports over the past three years, a few years about their nuclear expansion and modernization.

We're not including a 2035 number. As you noted, what we say in the report is that by 2030 we assess they'll have over 1,000 operational nuclear warheads and that we think that they will continue growing their force to 2035 in line with the previous estimates that you mentioned. For 2035, we're still over a decade away and I think we're still learning more, and the PRC may be still defining for itself, more of what basically completing PLA modernization means for 2035. That could certainly change the PRC's perception of its strategic security environment, is something that is always evolving and that that they're reassessing.

And so that certainly could impact the total number of warheads that they think that they will need that far into the future. So that's why we kind of stopped at 2030 this year, but I would certainly expect them to continue expanding and modernizing their force after that.

And beyond that, I would just note that the report covers at great length, not just the numbers, but also the diversification and modernization of their forces, which I think it's important to take a look at as well, because we've got a force that's not only growing in terms of those numbers of operationally deployed warheads, but also in sort of diversity and sophistication.

When you look at what they're trying to build here, it's a diversified nuclear force that would be comprised of systems ranging from low yield, precision strike missiles, all the way up to ICBMs with different options at basically every rung on the escalation ladder, which is a lot different than what they've relied on traditionally. And I think that really is the key takeaway on the nuclear force and the report.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: All right. Thanks. We'll go to Anton LaGuardia next.

Q: Hi, Mike. Thank you very much for doing this with us. Can I pick up on Ryo's question about the nuclear force? What do you assess as the Chinese objective in developing this escalation, options at every point in the escalation ladder. How far do they want to go? And what does that say about any change in the nuclear doctrine such as launch on warning or indeed getting away from their previous hitherto doctrine of minimal nuclear deterrence? And I got a follow up.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Oh, sure. Let me start with that part. So the PRC has reiterated on a number of occasions that their nuclear policy hasn't changed, but we certainly see them developing a force that gives them a much broader range of capabilities for different types of scenarios. As I mentioned, different rungs on the escalation ladder that goes beyond what they have traditionally considered sufficient for their requirements, not just in numbers, but also, again, in diversity of capabilities and in technological sophistication.

And so I think you would have to ask them about the exact motivating factors. But I think that there are a wide range of factors here. Again, it's everything from what they are thinking about their overall external security environment, which as we note in the report they see as becoming more turbulent.

It's a function of how they think about their relationships with the United States and other major powers who they consider potential adversaries or rivals. It's also, perhaps, to some extent, a little bit of technologically driven in terms of how they've modernized their conventional force and maybe some of those attributes and characteristics being applied to the nuclear force.

I think that certainly could be part of it as well. And I think we see them also presumably changing what they think is required for their national security needs. When we've engaged with the PRC on this, they've often stated with us that they continue to maintain their nuclear force at the level that they think is sort of the level that's required for their national security needs.

And our response to them has been that they must judge that their national security requirements have changed because of the size and structure of the force changing the way that it has. So I think that's basically what the case is here. They're going to be able to target, um a larger number of targets, some different types of targets, greater levels of damage, more options for multiple rounds of counter strikes and more kind of tailored employment of lower yield weapons and the like.

I mean, these are all attributes of their nuclear modernization and expansion. We'll certainly continue to monitor it. We would urge Beijing to be more transparent about it. And we make clear in our own Nuclear Posture Review that we're going to maintain an extended deterrence strategy that we won't be deterred from defending our allies and partners and that we won't be coerced.

So that's kind of where we stand. And we would urge the PRC to engage in more conversations about what they're developing is going to motivate the United States and others to take appropriate steps in response and what all of that means for strategic stability.

Q: And just as a follow up, apologies, you mentioned the greater capability to operate beyond the first island chain. Is the purpose of that simply to sort of defend in depth so that they could conduct an operation the first island chain or is that a different objective? And to what extent are the Russians, joint patrols and joint exercises with the Russians helping them to achieve that?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So I think that there is, as you put it, a defense in depth element to that, but they also perceive themselves as a global power with global security interests that requires military capabilities commensurate with meeting that challenge. So I think there are multiple factors that are leading them to want to be able to conduct different kinds of military operations at greater distances.

The exercises with Russia, I see a little bit more in the context of demonstrating the strength of their relationship and their partnership with the Russians as opposed to really focused on displaying or improving their ability to expand their global reach. But I think that's, apart from what we convey in the report, I think that's about as much as I've got to add at the moment.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thanks. We'll go to Liz Frieden with Fox News next.

Q: Hey, thanks for doing this. Can you point to a specific weapon or capability China's developing that's most concerning to you?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: I don't think that there's one specific capability that I would say concerns me above the rest. It really is less about any one individual weapon. And I know there would be plenty of candidates just based on questions people have asked today and then questions we've had in previous years. But I think we're focused most acutely on their ability to tie all of that together.

So not just any one weapon, but how they're able to employ the new capabilities that they're developing and acquiring to try to execute the types of campaigns that they have written about and that they try to prepare for through their exercises. So we're concerned about that and making sure that we're staying ahead of that pacing challenge.

And of course, we're also very focused on how they operate with the capabilities that they have today. So when we have some coercive or intimidating behavior toward our allies and partners, or unsafe operational behavior that risks an accident or an incident, I think those are the kind of things that concern me the most in the immediate term.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thanks. Next, we'll go to Brad Dress.

Q: Hi. Thanks for taking my question. One area that I noticed was lacking in the report was how advanced China's capabilities are on developing autonomous drones and AI weapons. So just curious, can you say how far advanced China is in this area and how do they compare to the US on this?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Unfortunately, I don't think I can really give you a very clear comparison with the US. I would say it's definitely an area that they have emphasized and made a lot of investments in and one where I think not just in terms of military developments. But it's one of many areas in which I think they're really looking for the civil military fusion, even though they don't use that term themselves anymore, to pay some dividends in terms of trying to incorporate advances from other sources of development of those kinds of technologies and capabilities in the PRC. So definitely one that they've emphasized that they have devoted a lot of attention to, that senior leaders mentioned in their speeches and the like, but I don't think I can give you a comprehensive assessment.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thanks. We'll go to Carla Babb next.

Q: Hey. Thanks for doing this. A couple of questions. First, can you just talk about how China's shrinking economy affected its investment in the military over the past year, if it was able to invest the same amount or less? And then my second question is just overall on the Navy, if you could follow up on Jeff Shogaol's point that the number has not changed with the size of their navy?

The US usually says, well they may have more ships, but we have more tonnage. Have the Chinese managed to shrink that advantage, that ability to place weapons and equipment on ships over the past year?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So on the ships, I will see if we can get back to you through the PA team with anything more detailed. But I think I would note also that, of course it's about when we're comparing naval capabilities, not just about numbers or tonnage, but about the quality, technological sophistication, performance, characteristics, are we talking about multi-mission ships that can conduct anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare and how well and how effectively can they tie all of that together with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities with what their other services are doing and so on. So that's kind of how you would think about it in the context of sort of a net assessment.

But let me see if we can get you any more on the shipbuilding question. On PRC defense spending, I would look at it this way. In the report this year we looked at multiple different approaches to modeling the PRC's defense budget. And what we found basically was that it's about one and a half to two times more than they announce their public defense budget to be. So if you're talking about a publicly stated defense budget of 220 billion, which I believe was the number in 2023, then we're telling you here that's probably something more like 330 to 440 billion, right, in terms of their actual defense spending relative to their announced defense spending.

The economic forecast that projects slowing PRC economic growth, not just right now, but what's projected like over the next five to 10 years or so, certainly could slow future defense spending growth. I would say, right now, I don't think we're in a situation where the PRC would be truly hard-pressed to continue to fund its defense modernization at the levels of what we've seen in recent years and what they appear to think is required to achieve their milestones and the sort of near, medium and long-term.

But I do think that slowing growth would inevitably cause them to think more about tradeoffs, what they're going to prioritize, what they're going to deprioritize and so on.

Q: OK. Thank you. So they could slow growth, but you haven't seen it yet?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Right. And I would say it's not just ayes, I mean it could slow growth in the defense budget, absolutely. And they've generally tried to have the defense budget sort of track where they are overall. I think there are a number of PRC scholars who have written about trying to avoid falling into the trap that the Soviet Union fell into with excessive defense spending that was unsustainable based on its economic trajectory.

So they are attentive to that to be sure. What I'm suggesting is that apart from the top line number or the rate of growth, that within even a growing defense budget, if they're looking to pursue potentially very expensive capabilities as they are nuclear force modernization aircraft carriers and so on, along with all the other things that they're doing, that one of the ways that you would see a slowing growth have an impact on the PLA would be in terms of forcing some prioritization, maybe having to cut something in order to be able to continue making progress at the desired rate on something else. I guess that's probably how I would think about it.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thanks. Next question goes to Howard Altman.

Q: Thank you very much for doing this, appreciate it. I got a couple of questions. One, on the H-20 and regional bombers, can you give more details about how many will be produced, when they'll be delivered, their stealth capabilities? Will they have a CCA like loyal wingman component and the DOD's concerns about what they could bring to the table? And then can you give us a status update of the Co orbital satellite development, where they are with that in terms of putting those weapons in space?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So I appreciate the questions and unfortunately, I can't really go beyond what appears in the CMPR on either of those topics. As you can imagine, we do try to make available as much information as we can, but I'm not able to go beyond what's in the report for now.

Q: OK. Thanks.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Thanks. Next, we'll have Dmitri.

Q: Thank you. Mike, I just want to go back to the question about why the 2035 nuclear warhead estimate, the 1,500 number, was not included. Did something change on the Chinese side that made you think you shouldn't put that number in there or have you just decided to be more cautious because it's harder to predict?

And then as a follow on, just to get it in early, in the fact sheet it says since late 2023, the PLA reduced the number of, quote, unquote, coercive and risky air intercepts. As of a couple of months ago, my understanding was there had been no intercepts since the San Francisco summit. So have they started again even if it's only a small number? Thanks.

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So on the first question, I think it's the latter of the options that you raised that the further out we go, I think the more challenging it is to have a projection that you can have great confidence in because there are so many variables that could cause them to adjust either what they think is necessary or what they're able to do at that point.

When you're talking ten years in the future as opposed to the next, say, three to five years. And on the second, the intercepts, as long as they're not coercive, risky, dangerous intercepts, I mean, intercepts happen pretty regularly. What we're saying is that we haven't seen intercepts of US forces that we would characterize as coercive or risky.

We certainly have seen both intercepts that are of a more expected kind of variety. That certainly happens. And we have seen also operational behavior directed toward our allies and partners that we absolutely would characterize as coercive and risky, and running the risk of an accident or an incident, injury, loss of life and so on.

Q: Just to clarify, so since San Francisco

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: I mentioned earlier, the Philippines as a prominent example of that.

Q: OK. Just to clarify, though, since San Francisco, you're still not aware of any coercive and risky air intercepts against US assets?

SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: No, nothing that I can identify off the top of my head at this time. I will ask the team to go back and double check and make sure I'm not missing anything, but I don't believe so.

Q: Thank you.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: All right. And last question will go to Courtney Kube with NBC, please.

Q: I'm all set. I don't have a question. Thank you. Sorry, did you hear me? I don't have a question. Thanks.

MAJ. PETE NGUYEN: Yeah. Thanks, Courtney. Thank you all for being here today. Again, you can attribute today's information to a senior defense official. The embargo on today's briefing lifts on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. My name is Maj. Pete Nguyen. My colleague, John Supple, can also take any follow up questions via email if you have any. Thank you so much.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4009708/

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'One Country, Two Systems' practice with Macao characteristics has achieved remarkable success in past 25 years: FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 18, 2024 06:55 PM

In response to Macao's upcoming celebration of the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland on December 20, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Wednesday that over the past 25 years, the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved remarkable success. With the strong support of the central government, Macao has actively engaged in foreign exchanges and cooperation, significantly expanding its network of international connections.

Lin said the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law of Macao SAR has been firmly upheld, the economy has developed rapidly, people's livelihoods have continuously improved, and society remains harmonious and stable.

The number of international organizations and institutions Macao participates in has increased to more than 190, and it has secured visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 147 countries and regions. Macao has signed nearly 60 agreements with foreign countries and established robust economic, trade, and cultural ties with over 120 countries and regions. The number of its sister cities has grown to 13, Lin said.

Lin further noted that in 2023, Macao's total trade with Belt and Road Initiative partner countries reached nearly 30 billion yuan, setting a historical record. Macao has fully utilized its role as a key link to Portuguese-speaking countries, hosting six Ministerial Conferences and one Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao). This has facilitated extensive exchange and cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Additionally, Macao has received multiple accolades, including being named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, a Culture City of East Asia, "Best Convention City (Asia)" and "Best BT-MICE City." Its Historic Centre has been inscribed on the World Heritage List, significantly enhancing Macao's international reputation.

Looking ahead, Lin expressed confidence that with the strong support of the central government and the mainland, and the concerted efforts of the Macao Special Administrative Region government and all sectors of society, Macao will continue to write new chapters of success in the implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" and further polish its reputation as a shining global metropolis.

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China firmly opposes certain US politicians smearing China's anti-drug efforts, says Chinese FM on US lawmakers proposing bills targeting 'China's role in fentanyl crisis'

Global Times

By Zhao Yusha Published: Dec 18, 2024 10:12 PM

In response to an inquiry regarding a bipartisan group of US lawmakers proposing three bills aimed at addressing "China's role in the US fentanyl crisis," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said China certainly won't accept it when some US politicians distort the facts and use disinformation to smear China's counternarcotics efforts.

The US needs to look within for the root cause of the issue of drug abuse, and the key to resolving the issue lies in the US's own hands, the spokesperson said, calling on some US politicians to face the US's own issues squarely and take more practical measures to strengthen drug control and cut demand at home, rather than scapegoating others.

The proposed legislation would "hold China accountable" for "directly fueling the fentanyl crisis through its state subsidies of precursors," said the House of Representatives' select committee on China, on which all of the sponsors of the bills sit, per Reuters.

One bill, The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act, introduced by Democratic Representative Jake Auchincloss, would codify authorities for the US to cut off Chinese companies from the US banking system, including vessels, ports and online marketplaces that "knowingly or recklessly" facilitate shipment of illicit synthetic narcotics.

Two other bills would create a task force of US agencies to conduct joint operations to disrupt trafficking networks, and allow for the imposition of civil penalties on Chinese entities that "fail to properly manifest or follow formal entry channels when shipping precursors to the US", the committee said.

Lin emphasized that China has the toughest resolve and policy against drugs and we have one of the best counternarcotics track records in the world. China has scheduled the largest number of substances and has the strictest drug control in the world.

Everyday, China's counternarcotics authorities fight the illicit diversion of precursor chemicals in strict accordance with law and make sure that relevant companies do their business in accordance with the laws and regulations, Lin noted.

The reason why some US politicians keep smearing China is that the fentanyl crisis is becoming more rampant within the US, and it is difficult to see any substantial improvements in the short term, Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times.

As a result, many US politicians are intensifying their efforts to shift the blame onto other countries. The essence of this problem lies in the ineffectiveness of the US domestic drug policy and the prevailing drug culture, Wu said.

Data released in April this year from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found fatal drug overdoses in the US fell by roughly 3 percent in 2023, but the toll from the overdose crisis in 2023 remained devastatingly high, claiming 107,543 lives, NPR reported.

That compares with 111,029 overdose deaths in 2022. Drug deaths in 2023 remained above the 106,699 fatalities recorded by the CDC in 2021.

During an interview with the Global Times in August, Yu Haibin, deputy director general of the Narcotics Control Bureau, China's Ministry of Public Security, said that the US has made various appeals to China for help in controlling the drugs.

Yu said that since China recognized fentanyl substances as a class, US law enforcement agencies have not reported any fentanyl-like substances coming from China, and the US has expressed its appreciation for this.

"On the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, we are willing to actively engage in drug control cooperation with the US government. However, if the US continues to ignore China's sincerity and efforts while simultaneously suppressing and pressuring China in various fields, and even infringing upon China's bottom line, we will have no choice but to respond accordingly," said Yu.

China's cooperation with the US on the fentanyl issue is a gesture of goodwill. If the US does not appreciate this and instead retaliates against China, it will certainly affect China's willingness to continue cooperating with the US and will create obstacles for future drug control collaboration, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times, noting that such blame game would further exacerbate US fentanyl problems.

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China now has more than 600 nuclear warheads, Pentagon says

The stockpiling reflects a changing attitude toward nuclear weapons among Chinese military planners, report says.

By Alex Willemyns

2024.12.18

WASHINGTON -- China's military is now in possession of more than 600 operational nuclear warheads, according to a new report from the Pentagon, tripling its estimated arsenal in just four years.

Beijing plans to continue building its stockpile through to at least 2035, the report says, and is on track to "probably" have 1,000 warheads by 2030 as part of an effort to be able to "dissuade, deter, or if ordered defeat third-party intervention in the Indo-Pacific."

The estimates were published in the Pentagon's annual China Military Power report, which is mandated by the U.S. Congress. It also comes about three months after China's first successful test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile in more than four decades.

Pentagon planners as recently as 2020 had believed that China's nuclear arsenal was at around 200 warheads and on track to hit 400 by 2030. But they dramatically shifted that estimate in the 2022 annual report to 1,000 warheads by 2030 and up to 1,500 by 2035.

The United States has about 5,000 nuclear warheads, just behind Russia's approximately 5,500 warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists' 2024 Status of World Nuclear Forces report.

Nuclear war

The 2024 China Military Power report says that China's aim in beefing up its nuclear arsenal is to "enable it to target more U.S. cities, military facilities, and leadership sites than ever before in a potential nuclear conflict," a historical shift away from its standard approach.

In the past, the report explains, Beijing assumed "being able to inflict even limited damage during a nuclear counterstrike was sufficient for deterrence," meaning that it did not need many warheads.

But Chinese military leaders now seek "to have the ability to inflict far greater levels of overwhelming damage to an adversary in a nuclear exchange, as well as engage in multiple rounds of counterstrike."

China "prioritizes maintaining a nuclear force able to survive a first strike and respond with sufficient strength to conduct multiple rounds of counterstrike, deterring an adversary with the threat of unacceptable damage to its military capability, population, and economy," it says.

But the report cautions that China is not seeking nuclear war.

Chinese military leaders are likely selecting potential "nuclear strike targets" in rival nations with an eye to achieving de-escalation in any conflict, and a speedy "return to a conventional conflict," it says.

"PLA planners would probably avoid a protracted series of nuclear exchanges against a superior adversary, and state that the scale and intensity of retaliatory force needs to be carefully controlled," it adds, using an acronym for China's People's Liberation Army.

Economic heft

Last year's China Military Power report suggested the country's military modernization was being hampered by economic woes, including a slumping real estate sector and rampant youth unemployment.

This year's report says that while China's annual growth is expected to slow from 5.2% in 2023 to around 4% in 2034, military expenditures will continue to rise -- even far above the officially reported amounts.

In fact, total expenditures on the military could be as much as "40% to 90% more than it announces in its public defense budget," the report says, implying a true 2024 defense budget of US$330-450 billion.

By comparison, the U.S. military has requested about US$850 billion for 2025, up from its approximately $842 billion request this year.

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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Xi Jinping arrives in Macau to mark 25 years of Chinese rule

With security tight, Xi calls city a 'pearl in the palm of the motherland.'

By Jasmine Man, Ray Chung and Luk Nam Choi for RFA Cantonese 2024.12.18 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the former Portuguese colonial city of Macau on Wednesday to mark the 25th anniversary of its handover to Chinese rule amid tight security and a clampdown on dissidents, including those living overseas.

"Macau is a bright pearl in the palm of the motherland," Xi said on arriving at Macau International Airport in comments quoted by state news agency Xinhua.

"In the next few days I will be walking around and having a look, as well as extensive and in-depth exchanges with friends from all walks of life to discuss development plans for Macau," he said.

Authorities banned drones and were taking steps to "disarm the city" ahead of Xi's arrival, following an order from Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng in November.

Weapons and ammunition suppliers have been shut down, with imitation weapons also banned for the duration of Xi's visit, and licensed holders of firearms have been required to hand over their guns.

Macau current affairs commentator and veteran journalist Camoes Tam told RFA Cantonese that the city had effectively declared martial law.

"Macau is already under martial law -- just without declaring it," Tam said. "It has banned drones, and all firearms for self-defense purposes have been handed over to the government for safekeeping."

"Compared with the visits of [former] Premier Wen Jiabao and the Portuguese president, who visited various places and interacted with the public before the handover, Xi Jinping's schedule seems very mysterious and confidential," Tam said.

'Well-behaved child'

Macau, which was handed back to China two years after Hong Kong, is governed under the same "one country, two systems" framework as Hong Kong, but political opposition and pro-democracy activism has typically been far more muted than in the former British colony.

Unlike Hong Kong, the city's 700,000 residents were post-1979 arrivals from neighboring Guangdong province who were never promised fully democratic elections, and the city's political and financial elite never wanted more democracy.

Pro-democracy politicians were barred from the city's Legislative Council in 2021, and from holding public office generally. But the city never saw mass public protests like those that emerged repeatedly in Hong Kong following the city's 1997 handover.

The contrast with Hong Kong has led some to dub Macau "the well-behaved child" out of the two cities, from Beijing's point of view.

"Despite Macau being the well-behaved child, they still have to be on such high alert," Roy Choi, a journalist from Macau currently living in Taiwan, commented on the security measures for Xi's trip.

"I'm not sure if that's because they lack self-confidence, or because they don't actually trust this good child?" he said.

Choi said the authorities have placed journalists and pro-democracy figures in the city under surveillance ahead of the presidential visit, and approached media outlets to lay down red lines for reporting of the anniversary.

He said he had postponed a visit back to Macau for a medical appointment for fear of being caught up in the security dragnet around Xi's visit.

Warned in the U.K.

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, former social activist Jason Chao received a text message from police in China warning him to keep a low profile during the visit.

"The 25th anniversary for Macau's return to the motherland is nearly here, so you are requested not to make any discordant sounds on social or mainstream media during the celebrations," the Dec. 8 message said.

"You should not attend or organize any activities connected to this event, OK?" it said.

Chao, who is a British citizen, said the message was an unacceptable "transnational threat."

"This is interfering with a British citizen's right to freedom of speech," he said. "I think it's a very serious violation because I'm in another country."

Former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam Sin said he was recently hauled in to "drink tea" with mainland Chinese state security police, who wanted to know that he wouldn't make trouble during Xi's visit.

He said that while the police seemed reassured by his response that he didn't have any secret activities planned, he was recently denounced on an online discussion forum as "an agent of anti-China forces."

"I think there is probably a group trying to create this image [of me] behind the scenes," he said of the forum posts. "There is definitely a political agenda."

"It's probably related to the anniversary of the handover and the visit of a national leader to Macau, but I still don't see what such slander actually achieves," Au said.

"I'm not going to let it silence me."

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. 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 conducts military drills near Vietnam

The three-day exercise takes place as Vietnam holds a large arms trade fair to modernize its army.

By RFA Staff 2024.12.18 -- China began on Wednesday military drills in an area overlapping with Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, in the South China Sea, the Sanya Maritime Safety Administration said in a navigation warning.

The "training exercise" is being conducted daily until Dec. 21 in waters southwest of China's Hainan island, with a portion lying inside Vietnam's EEZ where it has jurisdiction over resources in the waters and on the seabed.

Authorities in the Hainan city of Sanya did not specify what kind of training was involved but advised civilian vessels not to enter the area.

Vietnamese South China Sea watcher Duan Dang told Radio Free Asia that China's second aircraft carrier - the Shandong - was spotted approaching the exercise area on Dec. 17.

Several Chinese military aircraft including a high-altitude long-endurance drone Wing Loong-10 (WZ-10) that is mostly used for reconnaissance, were also seen.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited Sanya on Tuesday, Duan noted.

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, does not specify restrictions on military exercises and maneuvers but Vietnam's Law of the Sea requires that other countries should not conduct any activity to jeopardize its sovereignty and security inside its EEZ.

Vietnam, China and four other parties claim parts of the South China Sea but China's claim is by far the most expansive.

Tensions have been rising in recent months between China and the Philippines over some islands that both countries claim as theirs.

The military exercise takes place as Vietnam holds a large-scale arms trade fair, called Vietnam Defense Expo 2024, to diversify its weapons procurement and showcase domestic products.

Defense companies from nearly 30 countries, among them the United States, China, Israel, Iran, Ukraine and Vietnam's largest arms supplier - Russia - are participating in the event.

Edited by Taejun Kang.

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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Sanctioned by China, Rubio confident in engaging Beijing as US top diplomat

By Nike Ching December 18, 2024

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a "substantive" face-to-face meeting Wednesday morning with Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump as his nominee for the next U.S. secretary of state. The meeting comes as Trump's team prepares for the transition process.

"It was a good, constructive and substantive conversation," State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters during a briefing.

"We continue to stand ready to help support a seamless transition on January 20," he added.

In August 2020, China sanctioned Rubio, a longtime critic of the government in Beijing, along with others, citing what it described as "egregious behavior" related to "Hong Kong-related issues." Rubio told VOA earlier in December that he is confident in his ability "to find some solution" to engage with Beijing if confirmed.

When asked if he would maintain his previous stance on foreign policy issues, Rubio said, "The president sets foreign policy, and our job at the State [Department] will be to execute it."

Here is a look at Rubio's past legislative actions and public statements on key China-related issues:

Securing US technologies

Rubio has warned that "Communist China is the most powerful adversary the United States has faced in living memory," in a September report titled "The World China Made."

The report asserts that the Chinese Communist Party controls the world's largest industrial base through "market-distorting subsidies" and "rampant theft." Rubio urged a "whole-of-society effort" by U.S. lawmakers, CEOs, and investors to "rebuild our country, overcome the China challenge, and keep the torch of freedom lit for generations to come."

Rubio has been a vocal critic of U.S.-China research collaborations, warning that taxpayer funds have unknowingly supported Chinese military-linked experiments in areas like stealth technology, semiconductors, and cybersecurity  potentially giving Beijing a strategic edge.

In July, he introduced a bill to fortify U.S. research, with key provisions including the creation of a "TRUST" database to track high-risk Chinese research entities, stricter grant application transparency, and penalties for undisclosed foreign funding. The bill also enhances visa screening for individuals linked to adversarial foreign research and mandates stronger oversight of U.S.-China research partnerships.

Rubio has advocated for the bipartisan 2021 Secure Equipment Act, a law that prohibits the U.S. government from issuing new equipment licenses to Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE that the United States and other Western countries have deemed a national security risk.

Revoking China's 'most favored nation' status

Rubio is among the Republican lawmakers who proposed a bill to revoke China's Permanent Normal Trade Relations, or PNTR, with the United States.

Commonly known as "most favored nation" status, PNTR means that Chinese goods being imported into the United States are granted the most advantageous terms that the country offers when it applies tariffs and other restrictions.

Introduced in September 2024, the Neither Permanent Nor Normal Trade Relations Act marks a shift toward a more protectionist U.S. trade strategy. The bill aims to impose higher tariffs on Chinese imports, strengthen supply chain resilience, and reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese goods.

One of the key provisions includes the establishment of a trust fund using tariff revenue to compensate U.S. industries harmed by China's retaliatory trade actions, with priority support for agriculture, semiconductor, and aerospace sectors.

Rubio outlined his position as early as a 2022 speech at the Washington-based Heritage Foundation, calling the belief that free trade and globalization would change China "the single biggest geopolitical blunder of the last quarter century."

"For over two decades, China methodically undermined our economic strength by stealing our critical technology, our manufacturing capacity, and our jobs," he argued.

Monitoring China's human rights record

Rubio also chaired the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China, CECC, from 2017 to 2019 and continues to serve as a commissioner.

The CECC was established in 2000 in response to concerns that granting PNTR to China would eliminate Congress's ability to annually review and debate China's human rights record. The commission monitors China's compliance with international human rights standards and maintains a list of victims of human rights abuses.

Rubio has criticized China's crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, introduced bills to ban imports linked to forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and expanded sanctions on Uyghur human rights abusers.

The Florida senator has also supported U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and efforts to enhance its global standing.

He has met with Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists and has been a staunch advocate for their movement. He introduced the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which was signed into law in 2019.

Rubio also headed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act, signed into law in 2020, which imposed sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in Xinjiang. With the law's sanctions set to expire in 2025, Rubio introduced the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Reauthorization Act of 2024 in June, sponsored by CECC co-chair Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, to extend key provisions for another five years, ensuring continued U.S. support for the human rights of Uyghurs and other ethnic groups in China.

On April 10, 2024, Rubio and Merkley introduced a resolution reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Taiwan's vibrant democracy and recognizing the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act - a landmark U.S. public law that has guided U.S.-Taiwan relations since 1979. The TRA, as it is called, outlines U.S. policy to provide Taiwan with defensive arms and commits Washington to provide Taipei with the capacity to resist coercion or force that could threaten its security or economic system.

Rubio has been a vocal critic of China's increasing economic, military, and political coercion against Taiwan. He has introduced bills aimed at bolstering deterrence in the Taiwan Strait and led legislation to facilitate visits between U.S. and Taiwanese officials, such as the Taiwan Travel Act, which President Trump signed into law in 2018.

The law is considered a substantial upgrade to U.S.-Taiwan relations, as it removed previous restrictions on travel for officials.

The Communist Party-led People's Republic of China has never governed Taiwan but claims sovereignty over the self-ruled democracy. China has not ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

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Xi acknowledges work of outgoing Macao SAR chief executive

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:22, December 19, 2024

MACAO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Ho Iat Seng, the outgoing chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), expressing the central authorities' full acknowledgment of the work of Ho and the fifth-term Macao SAR government.

Xi said Ho has risen to challenges in a pragmatic and productive manner during his five-year term as chief executive. "This is no easy task, yet you have achieved high accomplishments," he noted.

Xi arrived in Macao earlier in the day for celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration of the SAR's sixth-term government. He will also inspect the Macao SAR.

Xi commended Ho for leading Macao in fully and accurately implementing the "one country, two systems" policy with unwavering determination, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, overcoming the severe challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and striving to diversify the economy in an appropriate way.

He expressed the hope that Ho will actively support the incoming chief executive and his team, and continue contributing to the advancement of the "one country, two systems" cause and the development of both Macao and the country as a whole.

Ho expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust and support given by President Xi and the central government, saying that the Macao SAR government, thanks to the staunch support from the central authorities, has elevated the SAR to a new level on all fronts.

Senior Chinese officials Cai Qi and Xia Baolong were present at the meeting.

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US sanctions 2 Chinese nationals over money laundering to support North Korea

Action targets North Korean money laundering linked to missiles and other weapons of mass destruction.

By Taejun Kang for RFA

2024.12.18

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The United States announced Tuesday sanctions against two Chinese nationals and one entity over money laundering to support North Korea, a day after it blacklisted 19 individuals and entities for ties to the North's missile program and deployment of troops to Russia.

The sanctions are part of a U.S. effort to disrupt North Korean money laundering, which is suspected of financing missile programs and other "weapons of mass destruction."

Lu Huaying and Zhang Jian, working out of the United Arab Emirates, or UAE, and utilizing a front company, laundered millions of dollars in funds from North Korea, said the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC.

The UAE-based front firm Green Alpine Trading enabled the money-laundering network, and the funds were eventually sent back to the North, according to OFAC.

The department added the network was orchestrated by already sanctioned North Korean Sim Hyon Sop, a China-based banking representative of Korea Kwangson Banking Corp.

OFAC said North Korea is using agents and proxies to tap into the global financial ecosystem, leveraging fraud, including digital asset theft.

"As the DPRK continues to use complex criminal schemes to fund its WMD and ballistic missile programs - including through the exploitation of digital assets - Treasury remains focused on disrupting the networks that facilitate this flow of funds to the regime," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith.

DPRK is short for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. WMD are weapons of mass destruction.

"The United States, along with the UAE and our other partners, will continue to target the financial networks that enable the Kim regime's destabilizing activities."

Sanctions block all property and interests in the U.S. or controlled by U.S. people. Financial institutions or others dealing with sanctioned individuals or entities may face enforcement actions.

OFAC's announcement came a day after the U.S. blacklisted 19 individuals and entities for ties to North Korea's missile program and deployment of troops to Russia.

North Korea has long sought missiles capable of reaching the U.S. and frequently tests shorter-range ones near Japan and South Korea.

The U.S. and South Korea estimate more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia to help its war against Ukraine, although neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have confirmed that.

Separately, South Korea announced on Tuesday that it will impose sanctions on three top North Korean military officers and one missile developer believed to have been deployed to Russia to support its war on Ukraine. The sanctions are set to take effect on Thursday.

On the same day, 10 countries, including the U.S., South Korea, Australia, Britain, France and Japan, as well as the European Union, issued a

statement condemning Pyongyang and Moscow's military ties "in the strongest possible terms."

Edited by RFA Staff.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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DPRK must cease its support for Russia's illegal war in Ukraine: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.

18 December 2024

Over the past year, we have seen the DPRK providing increasing support to Russia's illegal war against Ukraine, through the supply of munitions, ballistic missiles and now manpower, with the deployment of more than ten thousand DPRK troops to Russia.

The Council should be deeply concerned that DPRK troops are now engaging in direct combat operations against Ukraine, involving themselves directly in the largest war in Europe in a generation. A war the General Assembly has repeatedly described as a violation of international law.

While Russia's growing reliance upon third country support comes as no surprise given its weakened state, and its desperate efforts to steal more Ukrainian territory, this is a grave error by DPRK.

We call upon Pyongyang to withdraw its forces from the theatre of combat and encourage all countries with influence in Pyongyang to use it accordingly.

It should by now be crystal clear to the DPRK, your support for Russia's illegal war in Europe is not in your interests. You must cease this support immediately and return to meaningful engagement with the international community.

Colleagues, deepening military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK has significant implications for security and stability in Europe, the Korean Peninsula, and elsewhere.

We should all be worried about a DPRK with improved military technology and enhanced capacity to export weapons.

Recent reports that Russia intends to transfer MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter aircraft to DPRK further exposes Russia's willingness to raise tensions on the Korean Peninsula and undermine regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, all in service of its war against Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Lavrov's declaration that the notion of "denuclearising" North Korea is a "closed issue", is a reckless departure from the agreed principle of complete, verifiable and irreversible disarmament and undermines the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

We call on Russia, an NPT depositary state, to align their words and actions with their stated commitment to global nuclear non-proliferation principles.

We will continue to impose costs on Russia and DPRK for this dangerous expansion of the war.

If Putin was truly interested in peace, he could end this war today by ceasing his deployment of DPRK troops on the front-line and ending his country's aggression against Ukraine.

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Tensions escalating over DPR Korea, political affairs chief warns Security Council

18 December 2024 - The UN's top political affairs official on Wednesday expressed grave concern over rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, urging the Security Council to uphold the objective of preventing the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) - more commonly known as North Korea - from becoming a nuclear armed State.

Briefing ambassadors, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo highlighted the need for de-escalation and dialogue, while also noting "indications" that DPRK is continuing to actively pursue its nuclear weapons programme.

"Diplomatic engagement remains the only pathway to sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," she said.

She welcomed offers to engage in dialogue with DPRK, without preconditions.

Military advance

Ms. DiCarlo said North Korea was "working towards" achieving new military capabilities in line with a five-year plan it announced in January 2021.

This includes the 2024 launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) and short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs). There are also reports of the existence of a second uranium enrichment plant in Kangson, in addition to the uranium enrichment facility in Yongbyon.

Additionally, the DPRK attempted to launch a military reconnaissance satellite and showcased weapon systems it produced at an exhibition in the capital Pyongyang, in violation of Security Council resolutions.

"Their open display demonstrates that the DPRK is far from slowing down its ballistic missile programme," Ms. DiCarlo warned.

The conflict in Ukraine

Ms. DiCarlo also addressed reports of military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine, including the alleged transfer of over 13,000 containers of ammunition, missiles, and artillery - reports which have not been verified by the UN.

Media reports also suggest that North Korean troops have received training and equipment in Russia and have been deployed in Russia's Kursk region fighting alongside Russian forces.

"While the United Nations is not in a position to verify these claims, they are a cause for concern," Ms. DiCarlo said, echoing a warning issued by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The reported deployment of thousands of troops from the DPRK to the conflict zone and their involvement in the fighting adds fuel to the fire, further escalating and internationalizing this explosive conflict, she stated.

"We reiterate our call on all relevant actors to refrain from any steps that may lead to spillover and intensification of the war in Ukraine."

Uphold sanctions regime

Ms. DiCarlo said that in line with several resolutions, including resolution 1718, the DPRK "shall cease the export of all arms and related

Materiel", and that all Member States "shall prohibit the procurement of such arms and related materiel" from the DPRK by their nationals.

Recalling the legally binding nature of relevant resolutions, she reiterated the Secretary-General's assertion that any relationship a country has with the DPRK "must entirely abide by the relevant Security Council sanctions."

Concluding her briefing, Ms. DiCarlo also highlighted the reportedly dire humanitarian situation in the country, urging authorities to expedite the return of the UN Country Team to strengthen support for its people and advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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Democratic People's Republic of Korea Faces Security Council Scrutiny Over Military Aid to Russian Federation amid Reports of Troop Deaths

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9820th Meeting (PM)

SC/15945

18 December 2024

Pyongyang, Moscow Question Focus of Today's Debate, Highlight Legitimacy of Bilateral Cooperation

Following reports of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's troops killed in the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine, the Security Council today examined growing military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow amid ongoing disputes over sanctions on the North-East Asian country.

Jonah Leff, Executive Director, Conflict Armament Research, whose organization documents and traces weapons used in conflicts, presented findings from the analysis of ballistic missiles recovered in Ukraine. The first of those missiles struck Kharkiv on 2 January 2024, he said, determining that it belonged to the Hwasong-11 family, manufactured in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 2023. Three further missiles striking Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia were assessed to have been manufactured by the same country, he said. The Panel of Experts assisting the UN sanctions regime on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, whose mandate has now expired, subsequently confirmed his team's findings, he added.

In July and August, his team documented remnants of four missiles recovered, which they also attributed to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, he said, adding that one indicated production in 2024. "This is the first public evidence of missiles having been produced in North Korea and then used in Ukraine within a matter of months, not years," he stressed, adding that the presence of recently produced non-domestic components among those missile remnants illustrate Pyongyang's "robust acquisition network" despite relevant UN sanctions.

Any exports of ballistic missiles from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea after the imposition of UN embargoes in 2006 violate the sanctions regime, he said, adding that individuals and entities involved in the transfers of key components may also have committed sanctions violations. Despite two decades of sanctions, Pyongyang has demonstrated its ability to produce and supply ballistic missiles within months, he said, adding that his team will continue to investigate and document weapon systems used in Ukraine and highlight any developments as they occur.

Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, reported that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has been actively working towards acquiring new military capabilities in line with its five-year military development plan unveiled in January 2021. In 2024, the country launched one intercontinental ballistic missile, four intermediate range ballistic missiles, multiple short-range ballistic missiles, and attempted to launch a military reconnaissance satellite, she said, also pointing to signs of its active pursuit of its nuclear programme.

In September, the country's State media reported on an inspection of a "uranium enrichment base" by its leader, which corroborated earlier reports on the existence of a second, yet-to-be-declared uranium enrichment plant in Kangson, she continued. On 20 November, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that the Agency observed that the 5-megawatt reactor at Yongbyon was not operating between mid-August and mid-October, she said, adding that the organization's experts assessed that the gap would have provided sufficient time to refuel the reactor and start its seventh operational cycle.

She went on to highlight the open display in November of weapons delivery systems at an exhibition in Pyongyang, including the latest solid-fuel "Hwasong-19" intercontinental ballistic missile, reiterating her call on that country to fully comply with its international obligations. While the UN cannot verify the reported increase in Pyongyang-Moscow military cooperation through the transfer of ammunition and the deployment of troops, she echoed the Secretary-General's concern about such developments. Although the Council did not renew the Panel of Experts' mandate, the sanctions regime remains in place, she emphasized.

In the ensuing debate, Council members who requested the meeting  France, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and the United States  echoed their concerns about the growing Pyongyang-Moscow military cooperation. They underscored that such engagement poses a threat to the region and international security.

The Russian Federation's representative questioned the inclusion of unverified press statements in Ms. DiCarlo's address and reiterated that the Panel of Experts visiting Kyiv did not include a single ballistic [missiles] expert. Meetings, such as today's, aim to pin full responsibility of the deterioration of the security situation in the Korean Peninsula on Pyongyang, he said, stressing that such developments are due to "provocative acts" by Washington, D.C., and its allies, including the amassing of air and intelligence assets, as well as ground troops in the region. His country's cooperation with its neighbour, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is its sovereign right under international law and does not pose a threat to regional States, he said, adding that the two countries will continue to develop their cooperation, with a view to forging a fair international system. Such cooperation will maintain stability in North-East Asia, he said.

The delegate of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea also denounced today's "unlawful" meeting as an illustration of the United States' abuse of the Council as a platform for propaganda. He said that Washington, D.C.'s military aid to Ukraine exceeding $60 billion and its permission to strike the interior of the Russian Federation have driven the crisis in Ukraine to "a more dangerous phase, giving rise to concerns for the outbreak of a new world war". Also condemning Washington, D.C.'s annual staging of "aggressive, frantic war exercises" in the Korean Peninsula, he asserted that his country's relationship with the Russian Federation positively contribute to international security and "can by no means be a subject of criticism".

Countering that, Ukraine's delegate called the direct involvement of troops from Pyongyang in Moscow's war of aggression against his country "now a matter of fact". Video footage from Ukrainian drones confirms the participation of soldiers from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in assaults on Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region, he said, observing that the troops had suffered noticeable losses, as they employed infantry tactics dating from the second world war and lacked awareness of modern weaponry, including drones. Meanwhile, Pyongyang continues to supply Moscow with weapons and ammunition used against his country, he said, citing last week's missile strike on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Such arms transfers violate the UN arms embargo on Pyongyang, he said. Also drawing attention to the role played by loopholes in sanctions regimes, he called for decisive actions to strengthen such measures.

"Every single one of us must call out this recklessness," urged the representative of the United States, Council President for December, speaking in her national capacity. She warned that Moscow will become more reluctant not only to criticize Pyongyang's development of nuclear weapons, but also "further obstruct passage of sanctions or resolutions condemning North Korea's destabilizing behaviour  as we have already seen". "Each time we have reached out" Pyongyang has "responded with a clenched fist", she pointed out, affirming that the United States would welcome further dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

France's delegate urged the Russian Federation to end its war of aggression on Ukraine, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to rekindle dialogue to achieve complete, irreversible and verifiable denuclearization. Slovenia's representative added that "Russia must discontinue its illegal support to DPRK", stressing that "there is no legitimate alternative to dialogue and diplomacy"  a point echoed by Guyana's representative.

The United Kingdom's representative also called upon Pyongyang to withdraw its forces from "the theatre of combat" and encouraged all countries with influence on Pyongyang to use it accordingly. Japan's speaker warned that the advancement of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile activities is an imminent threat to the entire globe, calling on all UN Member States to uphold the non-proliferation regime, an appeal echoed by the representatives of Sierra Leone and Mozambique.

The Republic of Korea's delegate sounded the alarm that, given Pyongyang's pattern of provocations, "we must expect further uncertainties looming over the horizon". Council members "should stand united to address North Korea's unlawful WMD [weapons of mass destruction] program and remain prepared to deal with any possible provocations by the DPRK," he added.

Drawing attention to the statement by the Russian Federation's foreign minister describing Pyongyang's denuclearization as a "closed" issue, the representative of the European Union stressed: "The DPRK will never be accepted as a nuclear weapon State." He urged Pyongyang to return to compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and sign and ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty without any preconditions or further delay.

Meanwhile, Malta's representative voiced disappointment about the termination of the Panel of Experts, noting that "its absence greatly facilitates violations, with the results we are witnessing today." That concern was echoed by the delegate of Switzerland, who expressed regret about the Russian Federation's veto against the renewal of the Panel, which was investigating allegations of illegal arms transfers between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Ecuador's delegate voiced regret about the deadlock in the 15-nation organ on the issue, stressing: "The silence of the Council sends out the wrong message to Pyongyang."

Algeria's representative advocated for "a more comprehensive diplomatic approach" that addresses the underlying causes of tension on the Korean Peninsula. Sanctions, while part of the Council's toolkit, should be implemented alongside meaningful diplomatic initiatives aimed at building confidence and promoting dialogue.

For his part, China's delegate emphasized that the issues of Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula are "completely different in terms of origin and nature", warning that linking them would only make both issues more complicated and difficult to resolve.

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Expert: North Korea accelerating production, transfer of arms to Russia

By Margaret Besheer December 18, 2024

An independent weapons expert told the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday that North Korea is procuring parts for missiles from third countries and producing and transferring them to Russia faster than previously thought, for use in its war against Ukraine.

Jonah Leff, who heads Conflict Armament Research (CAR), an independent organization that tracks weapons used in conflicts, said his researchers documented remnants of four missiles they assess came from North Korea that were recovered in July and August in Ukraine. He said one of the missiles had markings indicating it was produced this year.

"This is the first public evidence of missiles having been produced in North Korea and then used in Ukraine within a matter of months, not years," Leff said.

He said this indicates "a very short" period between the production of these ballistic missiles, their transfer and eventual use in Ukraine.

Leff also noted that some missile remnants had components not manufactured in North Korea, including with production marks as recently as 2023, indicating Pyongyang has a "robust acquisition network for its ballistic missile program," despite international sanctions prohibiting such transfers to the rogue regime.

"Despite nearly two decades of sanctions on the DPRK, it has demonstrated this year its ability to produce and supply ballistic missiles for use against Ukraine within just a matter of months," he said, using the acronym for North Korea's official name.

Some parts for North Korean drones and missiles that have been used against Ukraine had components branded from companies in Europe, Japan and the United States.

"Through CAR's collaborative approach with industry, we have ascertained that these components found in remnants of weapons systems used against Ukraine derived from supplies by third-party distributors, mostly based in East Asia," Leff said.

Russian, North Korean ambassadors

Russia's ambassador did not address the transfer of arms from Pyongyang to the Kremlin. Of their deepening relations, Vassily Nebenzia said they are close neighbors and developing relations in "all areas."

"This is our sovereign right. Russian cooperation with the DPRK at the military and other areas is in accordance with international law, not in violation thereof," Nebenzia said. "This is not directed against any third countries. It does not pose any threat to states in the region or the international community  and have no doubt, we will continue to develop such cooperation."

North Korea's ambassador, Song Kim, said their relations are "a positive contribution to peace and security" and should not be criticized.

Wednesday's meeting was called by the United States, with support from South Korea, Japan and several Western council members.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Washington has information that "a large number of DPRK-origin 170 mm long-range self-propelled artillery pieces and 240 mm long-range multiple rocket launchers" are being introduced into the Ukrainian conflict.

"We also have information that Russia has transferred air defense systems to the DPRK," she said, indicating what Pyongyang may be getting in return for sending both arms and more than 11,000 troops to assist Moscow.

"And not just any soldiers," she said. "North Korea sent elite special forces units to Russia."

She noted that this is the first time that North Korean troops have been deployed in large-scale fighting in more than 70 years, and it is the first time outside the Korean Peninsula.

Ukraine's ambassador said Russian forces have integrated North Korean troops into joint units in the Kursk region.

"They primarily advance in large numbers on foot across open terrain, and in extended chains," Sergiy Kyslytsya said. "This approach bears a striking resemblance of infantry tactics employed during World War II but is highly unusual for the Russian-Ukrainian war."

He said that the North Korean troops do not appear well-trained in modern warfare.

"Available video evidence reveals that North Korean soldiers seem unprepared to react to enemy drones and lack even the basic understanding of measures to counter drone-related threats," he said, saying the joint units had suffered "noticeable losses."

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By deploying carrier strike group to Indo-Pacific for 1st time in 40 years, France aggravates tensions in Aisa-Pacific: expert

Global Times

By Guo Yuandan Published: Dec 19, 2024 09:25 AM

A French naval official said on Tuesday during his visit in Japan that part of a French carrier strike group - Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group (CSG) - is due to visit Japan sometime between February and March next year.

The commander of the French navy in the Pacific region, Rear Admiral Guillaume Pinget, was interviewed by the media on Tuesday in Tokyo. Pinget, who himself commanded the Charles de Gaulle between 2019 and 2021, said that while France as a Pacific nation regularly sends warships to the Indo-Pacific, this will mark the first deployment of a French carrier strike group to the wider region in over four decades," the Japan Times reported.

The new mission began on November 28, as the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle set sail from the southern French port city of Toulon, escorted by a nuclear attack submarine, a supply ship and frigates specializing in antisubmarine and antiaircraft warfare.

According to the French Embassy, the French carrier strike group will conduct two joint exercises in the Indian Ocean with countries such as India. It will head to the Pacific Ocean, where it will rendezvous with the US 7th Fleet and exercise with US, Japanese, Australian and Canadian navies as part of the Pacific Steller maneuvers. The French Embassy in Tokyo said the move will allow the country's military to deepen its longstanding partnerships in the region, according to the Japan Times.

Zhuo Hua, an expert on international issues at the School of International Relations of Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Wednesday that France's deployment of the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific region aims to highlight France's status as a military power and its identity of collective defense in EU through extra-regional military operations.

Moreover, through high-profile deployments in the Asia-Pacific and military cooperation among allies, this move can demonstrate Europe's military value and strategic stance in the context of security in the Asia-Pacific to the US, thereby seeking to secure the US' continued deep commitment to NATO and European security, he said.

It is noteworthy that the deployment of aircraft carriers by major European countries to the Indo-Pacific region invariably involves visits to Japan, though this time the French carrier group will only send escorting ship for port call due to "complicated procedure."

In 2025, UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales will visit Japan. Italia's aircraft carrier Cavour made its first-ever port call in Japan in August.

In this regard, Zhuo believes that the motivations behind the military deployments of the US, UK, and France in the Asia-Pacific region differ. However, objectively, these actions present a picture of major Western powers from outside the region engaging in military build-up in the Asia-Pacific. This intensifies tensions and undermines the efforts of Asia-Pacific countries to independently build a regional security framework.

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As Expiry of Iran Nuclear Deal Approaches and Regional Tensions Flare, Security Council Hears Calls for Return to Diplomacy that Achieved Agreement

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9818th Meeting (PM)

SC/15942

17 December 2024



With the clock ticking down towards the expiration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as conflicts proliferate in the Middle East, nuclear diplomacy is needed now, the Security Council heard today, even as its members disagreed on both how the Plan veered off-course and how to get it back on track.

Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, noting that 10 months remain until the "termination day" of resolution 2231 (2015), said that impasse on restoring the Plan persists while the regional context has deteriorated. The United States has not returned to the Plan, nor has it lifted or waived the unilateral sanctions it reimposed after withdrawing from the agreement in May 2018. Further, it has not extended waivers regarding the trade in oil with Iran. For its part, Iran has not reversed any of the steps it has taken since moving away from its nuclear-related commitments.

Citing the most recent quarterly report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), she said that the Agency's verification and monitoring activities related to the Plan have been "seriously affected by the cessation of Iran's implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under the [Plan]". The Agency also noted that it has lost continuity of knowledge on many aspects of Iran's nuclear programme. While IAEA remains unable to verify the country's stockpile of enriched uranium, it is estimated to be approximately 32 times the amount allowable under the Plan. She also cited the Agency's ad hoc reports regarding Iran's activities to increase production of uranium enriched to 60 per cent.

The restrictive measures set out resolution 2231 (2015) pertaining to nuclear activities and transfers will remain in place until 18 October 2025, unless otherwise decided by the Council, she added. Calling on all participants in the Plan  and the United States  to prioritize multilateralism and diplomacy, she said that these were the principles that made agreement possible in 2015.

"We still believe that diplomacy is the best way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme," said Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. Yet, Iran's accumulation of highly enriched uranium and expansion of its nuclear-enrichment infrastructure are of grave concern. Moreover, its lack of cooperation with IAEA is affecting the Agency's monitoring ability. Various comments made by Iranian officials  suggesting that the country's nuclear doctrine could change  are also of great concern, he added, highlighting Iran's military support to the Russian Federation's war of aggression in Ukraine.

"We continue to recognize that Iran has faced  and continues to face  very serious, negative economic consequences following the United States' withdrawal from [the Plan] and the reimposition of previously lifted unilateral sanctions," he said. Therefore, all parties to the Plan must sustain dialogue on the Iranian nuclear programme and related sanctions matters. Urging Iran to resume full cooperation with IAEA and to refrain from further moving away from its commitments under the Plan as a first confidence-building measure, he said that de-escalation on the nuclear front would help restore trust and could recreate an environment conducive to the assumption of negotiations.

Also addressing the Council today was Vanessa Frazier (Malta), in her capacity as Security Council Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), who said that IAEA plays an important role in the verification and monitoring of nuclear activities in Iran. Its work provides confidence for the international community that Iran's nuclear programme is for exclusively peaceful purposes. "We believe that, through dialogue and multilateralism, we can make the utmost effort in ensuring that the Plan and resolution 2231 (2015) are implemented effectively," she said.

As the floor opened, many Council members pointed to the spirit of negotiation and compromise that culminated in the Plan nine years ago. However, other speakers traded accusations regarding the aims of the relevant parties today.

"We have good reason to be concerned about Tehran's intentions," the representative of the United States said, expressing concern that Iran is ramping up production of enriched uranium and is not interested in verifying that its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful. "Iran will tell you its aims are peaceful  that they are for civilian use  but the IAEA's report calls this into question," he said, calling on that country to act to build international confidence. Also expressing concern over Iran's supply of prohibited ballistic-missile technology to the Houthis, its supply of weapons to Hizbullah and its transfer of drone technology and short-range ballistic missiles to the Russian Federation, he stressed: "A nuclear Iran can never be an option."

Echoing that, the representative of Germany said that there is no credible civilian justification for the scale of Iran's uranium-enrichment activities, asking: "Iran is the only State without nuclear weapons to enrich at 60 per cent  why?" In 2022, that country refused to seize a critical diplomatic opportunity to agree to a revised Plan and, highlighting recent statements by Iranian Government officials, she said that those generate grave concerns regarding Iran's commitment to not seek, develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. "The E3 [United Kingdom, France and Germany] remain firmly committed to work towards a diplomatic solution," she added.

Unfortunately, noted the representative of the Republic of Korea, recent developments are undermining a conducive atmosphere for negotiations with Iran  such as reports on the transfer of ballistic missiles and drones from that country to third parties. "This Council is well-aware, through its long experience dealing with North Korea, of the consequences when measures are not transparent," he added. For their part, the representatives of France and Japan expressed concern that IAEA has lost continuity of knowledge regarding certain aspects of Iran's nuclear programme, while the representative of the United Kingdom added: "Iran has a choice: it can continue to escalate in the coming months, or it can choose diplomacy. It must the latter."

However, meaningful diplomacy depends on mutual respect, Iran's delegate responded, adding that experience has shown that threats only undermine trust. The root cause of the current situation is that the United States abandoned its obligations and withdrew from the Plan. The allegation regarding his country's non-compliance is not only factually incorrect, but also relies on arbitrary interpretations of the Plan, he said. And, pointing to ongoing breaches of that agreement, he highlighted the refusal to implement certain commitments, the reimposition of lifted sanctions and the introduction of new unlawful restrictive measures.

"Iran's nuclear programme is  and has always been  exclusively peaceful, operating under the most rigorous monitoring regime in the IAEA's history," he stressed, highlighting the constructive visit of the Agency's Director-General to Tehran in November. He added that, while his country engaged in the Vienna talks in good faith and showed flexibility, negotiations failed because of the unrealistic demands of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the United States, as well as their attempts to link unrelated issues.

The representative of the Russian Federation also stressed that the current situation results from violations of agreement by the United States and the European parties to the Plan. The outgoing United States Administration, "which came to power on a wave of promises to correct the mistakes of its predecessors", has done absolutely nothing to bring Washington, D.C., back to the nuclear deal, he pointed out. "Brussels continues to abuse its powers," he added, while the United Kingdom, France and Germany seize any reason to ratchet up anti-Iranian hysteria. Highlighting Iran's cooperation with IAEA, he said that country is the most closely verified State among the Agency's members. Also expressing concern over direct threats to trigger the Plan's snapback mechanism, he said that any such attempts will be doomed to failure.

Amidst this heated discussion, several speakers stressed the need for dialogue. Among them, Algeria's delegate urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid provocative actions that risk escalating tensions or undermining diplomatic resolutions. He called on all parties to capitalize on progress made and to demonstrate the necessary political will to reach mutually acceptable solutions. Similarly, Mozambique's delegate observed: "Confrontation often exacerbates tensions, rather than resolve them."

Malta's delegate, meanwhile, noted that the Plan represented a great diplomatic achievement, while the representative of Guyana reminded the Council that cooperation and diplomacy were the basis on which it was negotiated. "We remain confident that there is only a political solution to Iran's nuclear issue," Slovenia's delegate added, while the representative of Ecuador said that collective security must prevail over individual interests.

Adding to that, the representative of China stressed the need to work towards a political settlement by maintaining the effectiveness of the Plan  "rather than overturning the Plan, or reinventing the wheel"  while Sierra Leone's speaker commended the Plan's Coordinator for his continued efforts to consult with parties to the agreement and the United States, facilitate the possible return of the United States to the Plan and ensure full and effective implementation of the agreement.

For her part, Switzerland's delegate said that non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament are particularly key at this moment, given the risk of escalation in the regional conflict. "We must work as quickly as possible to return to the path of negotiation and strengthen dialogue in the spirit that prevailed in Geneva, Lausanne and Vienna 10 years ago," she urged.

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AEOI chief urges IAEA to maintain neutrality

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has stated that it is unacceptable for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provocatively address Tehran's commitments without mentioning the failure of the other party to fulfill its obligations.

Mohammad Eslami made the remarks on Wednesday while reacting to IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi's comments, which suggested that Iran is enriching uranium close to military grades and is quickly moving towards becoming a nuclear-armed country. Grossi also claimed that the nuclear deal signed between Iran and the world powers in 2015, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is "no longer useful."

Eslami emphasized that this international body must maintain its neutrality and exhibit professional behavior, especially concerning Iran's peaceful nuclear program.

The Iranian deputy president also noted that it is now time to review United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which occurs every six months, adding that the resolution has two main aspects: one involves Iran accepting certain limitations to build trust in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, and the other pertains to the obligations of the other party.

The AEOI chief added that it is unacceptable for an international body to focus provocatively on one side of the issue while ignoring the main aspect, which is the failure to fulfill the obligations.

In conclusion, he said that the Islamic Republic expects the IAEA director-general, who is an experienced diplomat, to adhere to these principles.

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Deputy FM slams IAEA chief for drawing hypothetical scenarios about Iran nuclear program

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry's Deputy for Legal and International Affairs has slammed UN atomic chief for drawing hypothetical scenarios for Iran's nuclear program.

Kazem Gharibabadi wrote on his X account on Wednesday that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi's recent interview with the Italian news agency ANSA was full of unproven and imaginary hypotheses about the objectives of the Iranian nuclear program

Gharibabadi was referring to Grossi's remarks suggesting that Iran is enriching uranium close to military grades and is quickly moving towards becoming a nuclear-armed country.

Grossi also said that the nuclear deal signed between Iran and the world powers in 2015, known as the JCPOA, is no longer relevant, adding that there is a need for a new understanding about Iran's nuclear program.

Gharibabadi reacted to the remarks.

"It is expected that the director-general of an expert organization speaks based on facts and the technical reports of the Agency's inspectors," he said, adding that Iran's nuclear program serves the country's technical needs and fully complies with IAEA's safeguards.

He said that the IAEA director-general's statements are mixed with political overtones, saying he should not ignore the rights of sovereign countries to peaceful use of nuclear energy, including fuel enrichment.

The Iranian deputy FM reiterated that Iran's nuclear enrichment program has no military objectives, adding that the country has no limits to enrich uranium so long as it is under IAEA's oversight and does not deviate from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

He said that the main cause of the current situation around Iran's nuclear program is the failure of JCPOA signatories to fulfill their commitments and the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the agreement, which he said, was not mentioned in Grossi's recent interview.

Gharibabadi concluded that constructive and fair dialogue based on mutual respect and balanced commitments, and in a way that considers the lifting of sanctions from Iran, would be the only sustainable solution to the current standoff.

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Troika renews anti-Iran accusations ahead of UNSC meeting

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- As the UN Security Council convened Tuesday to review Resolution 2231 and the 2015 nuclear deal, three European countries - Britain, France and Germany- once again repeated their false accusations against Iran's peaceful nuclear program.

The three countries known as the European troika or E3 said in a joint statement on Tuesday ahead of a UN Security Council meeting that Tehran must "reverse its escalation of nuclear activities."

The statement claimed that Iran's enriched uranium reserves have reached "unprecedented levels," citing a part of the recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) while ignoring the reason behind the Iranian move.

The statement also claimed that Iran has increased the installation of advanced centrifuges, which is another destructive step in Iran's efforts to undermine the nuclear deal they claim to support.

Iran took new nuclear-related steps in response to an unconstructive resolution passed by the IAEA Board of Governors at the behest of Britain, France and Germany that had failed themselves to abide by their JCPOA obligations.

The troika has come up with several anti-Iran statement in recent weeks, calling Iran's actions have made the JCPOA hollow, without mentioning which parties' non-compliance and inaction brought the deal to a standstill.

Iran has, time and again, said that its nuclear-related measures in retaliation for west's inaction and sanctions, are reversible once the signatories to the JCPOA fully stick to their part of the obligations.

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UNSC members call for diplomacy with Iran, talks on JCPOA

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2024

New York, IRNA -- The UN Security Council (UNSC) periodic meeting to review Resolution 2231 and the Iran nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA) saw representatives of several countries stressing the need for diplomacy and efforts to implement the hard-fought 2015 agreement.

The meeting kicked off on Tuesday local time with the 18th report of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the implementation of the Security Council resolution on Iran and the JCPOA that was read by Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

Several members of the 15-member Council expressed their views on the latest report of the JCPOA facilitator on the implementation of resolution 2231 under the chairmanship of the United States that holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month (December).

Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative Amir Saeed Iravani also addressed the meeting and reiterated Iran's commitment to the JCPOA obligations and its readiness for diplomacy while at the same time warned European signatories to deal against misusing some of the clauses od the deal that he said could prompt Iran's decisive and proportionate response.

According to Resolution 2231, the UN Secretary-General's report is presented every six months at a regular session of the Security Council.

This meeting is held after a hiatus of more than two years and three months in nuclear negotiations except a recent meeting of the deputy foreign ministers of Iran, France, Germany, and Britain in Geneva where they discussed bilateral, regional, and international issues.

JCPOA facilitator: Everyone should support JCPOA implementation

The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations, whose country is the facilitator of the Iran nuclear deal called on all member states to continue the dialogue and acknowledge the importance of the JCPOA as a multilateral agreement on nuclear non-proliferation.

As the facilitator of the Security Council, I am increasingly aware of the challenging environment that "Resolution 2231" faces. However, I remain deeply committed to the JCPOA as endorsed by the Council in 2015, said Vanessa Frazier, whose country is a non-permanent UNSC member.

She further underlined that Malta remains focused on facilitating, strengthening and promoting the implementation of resolution 2231.

I call on all member States to continue the dialogue and reaffirm support for the JCPOA as a multilateral agreement, Frazier said while referring "he outreach activities of the Secretariat, as mandated by the note referred to in paragraph 1 of the UN report (S/2016/44), continue to raise awareness of resolution 2231 (2015)".

She also highlighted about efforts in preparing the draft of the present report, saying numerous bilateral consultations were held with member States and their representatives, including Iran, to discuss issues related to the implementation of resolution 2231.

In my role as facilitator, I continue to advocate for the collective responses of the Security Council to issues of international peace and security, she said, adding that I would also like to encourage the international community to act in accordance with paragraph 2 of resolution which calls on all Member States, regional organizations and international organizations to take appropriate measures to support the implementation of the JCPOA.

China urges diplomacy, warns against trigger mechanism

The Chinese ambassador and representative to the United Nations called on JCPOA signatories for the continuation of the talks, hailing the recent meetings between Iran and the European Union as well as visit of Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to Tehran.

Fu Cong while attending the UNSC meeting on Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA on Tuesday also stated that the use of the trigger mechanism is not constructive, warning that the Security Council trigger mechanism should not be used by a limited number of countries as a threat or blackmail.

On Grossi's visit, he said that cooperation between Iran and the Agency continues, and these developments are encouraging and that and everyone should take advantage of this opportunity.

Iran has long adopted a constructive approach and announced its readiness to resume negotiations, the Chinese ambassador emphasized, noting that the JCPOA was inked after more than 10 years of tough negotiations. "This agreement is the best solution to resolve the issue of Iran's nuclear program through diplomacy".

The senior Chinese diplomat continued by saying that Washington, as the main culprit in the JCPOA crisis, should refrain from its maximum pressure measures and show its good faith toward Iran.

European envoy calls for talks involving US, JCPOA parties

The European Union's representative to the United Nations called on all parties, including the United States, to resume negotiations on the JCPOA.

Stavros Lambrinidis at a regular Security Council meeting on Resolution 2231 and the implementation of the JCPOA said diplomacy is the best way to ensure the nature of Iran's nuclear program and the JCPOA will contribute to the stability of the entire region.

Without referring to the destructive actions of the European troika, he stated that Resolution 2231 remains the framework for the IAEA's reports on Iran's nuclear program but he also claimed that the Agency's recent reports indicate the growing level of Iran's enrichment and its lack of cooperation has disrupted the Agency's monitoring process.

While a acknowledging extensive economic pressure on Iran amid unilateral sanctions, the United States imposed after withdrawing from the JCPOA, Lambrinidis said "still Iran's nuclear program is more developed than ever."

The European Union's representative stated that the 27-member bloc is committed to a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear program and said: "The communication channel is open to receive various proposals."

He continued, without mentioning the US and Europe's reneging on their commitments: "We also call on Iran to return to its commitments under the JCPOA as a sign of good faith, as this will lead to a suitable environment for negotiations."

US says diplomacy best way to engage with Iran

US Ambassador and Deputy Representative to the United Nations reiterated Washington's claims against Iran but said diplomacy is the best way to achieve an effective and lasting solution to the concerns about Iran's nuclear program.

Robert Wood missed no chance to use the UNSC podium again to criticize Iran for its regional activities, claiming: "Iran continues to fuel conflict and instability in the Middle East and other parts of the world, and its nuclear activities remain worrisome."

We have good reasons to be concerned about Tehran's intentions as Iran's actions show that it is not interested in proving the verifiability of its nuclear program, re referred to the recent IAEA repot on enrichment which Iran had itself announced in repercussion to the last resolution at the IAEA Board of Governors that was pushed forth by the UK, France and Germany.

Without referring to the US's breach of commitment and withdrawal from the JCPOA, Wood claimed that "Iran has an opportunity to change course and engage in diplomacy".

The American diplomat added threatening tone at the same time: "While diplomacy is the best option, the United States has made it clear that a nuclear Iran can never be an option. We are prepared to use all means to ensure this."

Russia: Activating trigger mechanism doomed to failure

Russia's ambassador and permanent representative to the UN criticized the US and European approach to the JCPOA and said the threat of activating the trigger mechanism is doomed to failure.

Vasily Nebenzia also reacted to the statements of the European Union representative that the JCPOA cannot be considered logical and realistic.

By blaming Iran and making anti-Iranian statements, they are seeking to ignore their own violation of obligations under Security Council Resolution 2231, he underscored.

He emphasized: Past actions against Iran have had proved counterproductive and the attempt to apply the snapback (trigger mechanism) will be fruitless as well and it is doomed to failure.

Nine years ago, the parties to the JCPOA showed that differences can be resolved if political views are set aside and a realistic approach is adopted, the Russian envoy said, adding that the JCPOA allowed all parties to achieve their desires and showed the international community that Iran's nuclear program is completely peaceful, and over time, it became clear which countries were pursuing their political goals.

The Russian ambassador considered the current situation the result of an irrational decision and wrong policy by the United States and the European signatories to the JCPOA, and said: The UN Secretary-General openly stated that the United States had made no effort to make up for its mistakes.

The Biden administration came to power claiming to be trying to reach an agreement with Iran, but did not make any meaningful effort to return to the JCPOA, Nebenzia said.

The Russian ambassador added: Europeans are using false information to apply the policy of maximum pressure against Tehran.

Britain: European Troika will continue to engage with Iran

The British Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations said his country and its European partners are determined to reach a diplomatic solution and intend to engage with Iran to find a constructive way forward.

James Kariuki, without referring to the US and Europe's failure to implement the JCPOA, blamed Iran for developing its nuclear program without any credible civilian justification, and enriching uranium "more than 32 times the limits of the JCPOA."

The British diplomat cited the recent IAEA report on significantly increase in the production of 60 percent enriched uranium in Iran and said: "We should have no illusions about Iran's growing capabilities and the IAEA can no longer assure us that its objectives are exclusively peaceful."

"The UK and our partners in the E3 are determined to achieve a diplomatic solution", he said, adding that we are at a critical juncture as Security Council Resolution 2231 expires next October and we will take every diplomatic step necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

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Iran warns E3 against misusing JCPOA snapback mechanism

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2024

New York, IRNA -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, while emphasizing his country's commitment to diplomacy and dialogue, has warned Europe that the misuse of the snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), will be met with a decisive and proportionate response from Iran.

Amir Saeid Iravani issued the warning while delivering a statement before the Security Council during a session to discuss the JCPOA and Resolution 2231 based on a report from UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres on Tuesday local time.

Iran strongly rejects any threat related to the use of the so-called "snapback" mechanism by the European troika, Iravani said, referring to Britain, France and Germany, the three country together also called E3 and have been active on anti-Iran rhetoric and resolution at the UN and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under different pretexts.

Let us be clear once and for all: the so-called "snapback" mechanism (trigger mechanism) is not a tool in your hands that you can abuse to threaten Iran, the Iranian envoy stressed, adding that as the Iranian president has stated in a letter to the European troika back in 2019, any such move will create a major crisis that will not benefit either party.

The Iranian diplomat emphasized that Iran remains committed to cooperate with the IAEA in accordance with its obligations despite the baseless accusations and the pursuit of a politically motivated resolution by the European Troika and the United States, a reference to a recent resolution pushed by to Britain, France and Germany at the IAEA Board of Governors soon after "a constructive and successful visit" of the IAEA Director General to Tehran in November.

The following is the full text of Iravani's statement before the Security Council:

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

I thank USG, Ms. Di-Carlo for her briefing.

Since this is Malta's final report as co-facilitator of Resolution 2231, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Ambassador Frazier and her team for their dedicated efforts over the past two years.

Iran takes note of the Secretary-General's report (S/2024/896). In the report, the Secretary-General urged all participants in JCPOA, as well as the United States, to remain steadfast in their commitment to a diplomatic solution aimed at restoring the agreement's original objectives. He also called on all parties to prioritize multilateralism and diplomacy, the very principles that enabled the agreement's adoption in 2015. Iran reaffirms its steadfast commitment to this call and the pursuit of these shared principles.

We listened carefully to the statement delivered by the representative of the EU. However, despite the EU's role as the JCPOA coordinator, which should be impartial, the statement regrettably remained politicized, biased, and one-sided.

The unfounded accusations made against Iran today by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany cannot distort the facts on the ground nor serve to obscure or justify their own failures in fulfilling their commitments under the JCPOA and Resolution 2231.

The root cause of the current situation is undeniable: the United States unilaterally withdrew from the agreement, abandoned its obligations, and reinstated all lifted sanctions, while the E3 failed to honor their commitments under the deal.

Time and again, Iran has made it clear that its remedial actions were fully consistent with its rights under paragraphs 26 and 36 of the JCPOA, in response to the unilateral withdrawal by the United States and the non-compliance of E3 with their obligations and to restore the balance of commitments.

Therefore, allegations regarding Iran's non-compliance are not only factually incorrect but also rely on arbitrary and misleading interpretations of the JCPOA. These allegations aimed only to deflect attention from the E3's ongoing breaches, such as their refusal to implement their commitments on Transition Day, the reimposition of lifted sanctions, and their introduction of new unlawful restrictive measures all in flagrant violation of the JCPOA, and Resolution 2231.

Dear colleagues,

Iran's nuclear program is and has always been, exclusively peaceful, operating under the most rigorous monitoring regime in the IAEA's history. Claims that Iran seeks nuclear weapons are baseless and provocative. Iran remains steadfast in its commitment to the NPT and its inalienable right to peaceful nuclear energy and will never compromise its legitimate rights under the Treaty.

Despite unfounded accusations and the pursuit of a politically motivated resolution by the E3 and the United States, Iran is committed to continuing cooperation with the IAEA according to its obligations. Censure's resolution against Iran in the recent Board of Governors (BoG) meeting despite a constructive and successful visit of the IAEA Director General to Tehran in November, demonstrates that the E3 and the U.S. have politicized agenda to undermine diplomacy, trust, and the very principles necessary for constructive engagement.

Iran categorically rejects any threats of invoking the so-called "snapback," by E3 an action that would be both unlawful and counterproductive.

Let's make it clear once and for all: the so-called "Snapback" is not a tool in your hand to be abused for threatening Iran. Iran has made it very clear that such a provocative move will be reciprocated by a firm and proportionate response. This position was explicitly conveyed by Iran's then-President in a letter to the E3 leaders on 8 May 2019. Triggering the so-called snapback to "reapplication of the provisions of terminated resolutions" will create a major crisis that does not serve the interests of any side.

Iran has consistently acted in good faith to uphold the environment for the revival of the JCPOA, even after the United States' withdrawal and E3's persistence of violating their commitments.

Iran engaged in the Vienna talks in good faith, showing utmost flexibility to achieve a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement. Unfortunately, the unrealistic demands of the E3 and the United States, their lack of political will, domestic political considerations, and attempts to tie the negotiations to unrelated issues ultimately failed the efforts to revive the deal. Blaming Iran for the failure to conclude the negotiations is both unjust and factually incorrect.

Iran also rejects attempts to link Iran's JCPOA commitments to unrelated regional or geopolitical issues. Claims regarding Iran's alleged arms transfers to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict are entirely unfounded and politically motivated. Likewise, accusations against Iran's missile program, which falls outside the scope of Resolution 2231, are irrelevant and baseless.

Instead of diverting attention to fabricated threats, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, as permanent members of the Security Council must allow this Council to live up to its responsibility and address and confront the genuine sources of insecurity and instability in our region: the Israeli regime's illicit nuclear weapons arsenal, its decades of aggression and occupation, and its ongoing campaign of systematic war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Further, Israel's relentless aggression and atrocious crimes against Syria and Lebanon underscore its role as the primary driver of violence and instability in the region.

Equally destabilizing is the complicity of the United States, whose unwavering military, financial, and political support enabled Israel's atrocities in the region. This blatant hypocrisy not only emboldens Israel's crimes but also gravely undermines regional peace, international law, and the very principles this Council is duty-bound to uphold.

Dear colleagues,

Iran remains steadfast in its commitment to diplomacy and dialogue as the only viable path forward. In a spirit of constructive engagement, Iran's delegation held substantive rounds of discussions with the E3 and EU delegations in New York, on the sideline of the 79th session of the UNGA, and again on 28 and 29 November in Geneva. These talks aimed to exchange views on the current situation and explore the prospects for resuming nuclear negotiations. Iran has shown its seriousness and sincerity in these talks and expects its counterparts to do the same. It was agreed in Geneva to continue engagement in the upcoming weeks to create a conducive environment for meaningful negotiations.

Distinguished members of the Council,

Meaningful diplomacy requires mutual respect, reciprocity, and an unwavering commitment to international law.

The E3 and the U.S. must abandon confrontational approaches and demonstrate a true commitment to diplomacy.

The path forward lies in responsible and constructive engagement, not in threats, coercion, and pressure. Past experience has shown that threats and pressure are ineffective against Iran and only undermine trust and complicate future efforts.

We firmly believe that the JCPOA remains a robust and effective framework for resolving unnecessary and fabricated crises about Iran's peaceful nuclear program. Iran is ready to engage meaningfully, provided others show genuine political will and adhere to international law.

Thank you.

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UN urges JCPOA signatories to remain committed to diplomacy

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2024

New York, IRNA -- The Secretary-General of the United Nations has urged the signatories of the 2015 Iran deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) including the United States to remain committed to a diplomatic solution to revive the agreement in order to achieve sustainable peace and security.

Antonio Guterres issued the call in the 18th UN report that was read by Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo at the Security Council's regular meeting on the implementation of Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA on Tuesday local time which also stated that the United States has not renewed exemptions related to Iran's oil trade.

As we enter the final year of the implementation of Resolution 2231, I call on the parties to the JCPOA and the United States to prioritize multilateralism and diplomacy.

The text of the 18th two-page report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) is as followed:

Since my previous report, the regional context surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has further deteriorated, underscoring the critical need for a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. The United States of America has not returned to the Plan of Action, nor has it lifted or waived the unilateral sanctions re-imposed after its withdrawal from the Plan on 8 May 2018. It has also not extended the waivers with regard to the trade in oil with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran has not reversed any of the steps away from its nuclear related commitments that it has taken since May 2019, following the withdrawal of the United States from the Plan. As we enter the final year of implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), I urge participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the United States to remain committed to a diplomatic solution for restoring the objectives of the Plan, and I call upon them to prioritize multilateralism and diplomacy, the very principles that allowed them to forge this agreement in 2015. As I have repeatedly emphasized over the years, cooperation and diplomacy are the only pathways to enduring peace and security.

In its most recent report, the International Atomic Energy Agency reiterated that its verification and monitoring activities related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action had "been seriously affected by the cessation of Iran's implementation of its nuclear-related commitments" under the Plan and that it had lost continuity of knowledge on many aspects of the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Furthermore, the Agency noted that it had not been able to verify the total stockpile of enriched uranium in the Islamic Republic of Iran since February 2021 but estimated that, as of 26 October 2024, the total stockpile of enriched uranium was 6,604.4 kg (exceeding the limit of 202.8 kg set in the Plan), including 866.4 kg enriched to 20 per cent U-235 and 184.3 kg enriched to 60 per cent U-235. The Agency additionally reported on its high-level meetings with the Islamic Republic of Iran held on 14 November 2024, during which the possibility of no further stockpile expansion of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent U-235 by the Islamic Republic of Iran was raised. These discussions, however, would require continued consultations to establish the technical verification measures needed for the Agency to confirm implementation of such an arrangement.

In a letter dated 27 November 2024 addressed to me (S/2024/862), the Permanent Representatives of France, Germany and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland expressed their concerns about both the level of uranium enrichment and the accumulated quantity by the Islamic Republic of Iran, noting that "its overall stockpile of enriched uranium is now over 32 times the limit Iran committed to in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action". They emphasized that the installed centrifuge capacity of the Islamic Republic of Iran also "vastly exceeds the limits set under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" and that Iran remains in "ongoing and near-total non-compliance" with its commitments under the Plan. Despite these concerns, they reiterated the commitment of their countries to a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, particularly given the impending expiration of resolution 2231 (2015) in October 2025.

The Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a letter dated 2 December 2024 addressed to me (S/2024/874), reiterated that the steps taken by his country to reduce its nuclear commitments were "remedial and fully consistent with its legitimate rights" and constituted a "direct and legitimate response" to the withdrawal of the United States from the Plan. He also stated that "the E3 has repeatedly and egregiously failed to meet its obligations under paragraph 20 of annex V to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action". He added that, more recently, they failed to honour their sanctions-lifting commitments related to Transition Day again by extending or imposing new sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nonetheless, the Permanent Representative reaffirmed the "unwavering commitment" of his country to diplomacy.

The Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation, in a letter dated 3 December 2024 addressed to the President of the Security Council and to me (S/2024/878), expressed regret about the aforementioned letter from the Permanent Representatives of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, referring to it as "another attempt to mislead the Security Council". In his view, it showed "blatant disregard of the root causes of the current situation ... provoked by the withdrawal of the United States from the Plan" and sought to deflect responsibility onto the Islamic Republic of Iran for the challenges in the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. He emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran remains the most thoroughly and closely verified State member of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Reaffirming his country's unwavering commitment to the Plan and full implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), he called upon Member States to focus on constructive progress to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

The present report provides an assessment of the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) since the issuance of my seventeenth report (S/2024/471) on 19 June 2024. Consistent with previous reports, the focus of the present report is on the remaining restrictive measures related to nuclear-related transfers and activities, contained in paragraph 2 of annex B to the resolution.

Since 19 June 2024, no new proposals to participate in or permit the activities set forth in paragraph 2 of annex B to resolution 2231 (2015) have been submitted to and approved by the Security Council through the procurement channel. The Council has received four new notifications in the reporting period pursuant to paragraph 2 of annex B to resolution 2231 (2015) for certain nuclear-related activities consistent with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that do not require approval, but do require a notification to the Council or both the Council and the Joint Commission.

The Secretariat has continued to support the work of the Security Council, in close cooperation with the Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). It has also continued to liaise with the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission on matters related to the procurement channel. In addition, the Secretariat has provided induction briefings for the incoming members of the Council to assist them in their work on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015).

4399

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Iran rejects Canada-sponsored UNGA resolution as baseless, political

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 7:14 PM

The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry has rejected the Canadian-sponsored anti-Iran resolution by the UNGA, calling it legally baseless and fundamentally invalid due to its reliance on unfounded claims and flawed generalizations.

Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks in reference to a UNGA resolution accusing Iran of human rights violations, which was adopted on Tuesday with only 80 votes in favor, while 27 nations rejected it and 68 abstained from voting.

Baghaei noted that the majority of UN member states expressed dissatisfaction with the misuse of the UN General Assembly and the instrumentalization of human rights by voting against, abstaining from, or being absent during the resolution.

He stated that such unjustified measures, sponsored by certain players who themselves have a long history of gross human rights violationsparticularly through their military and political support for occupation and genocide in Palestinefail to promote the global status of human rights.

Instead, these actions reduce the noble concept of human rights to a tool for exerting political pressure on nations, the spokesman said.

Baghaei pointed out that the sponsors of the anti-Iranian resolution, including the Zionist regime, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, are among the most prominent violators of human rights, and this is a source of shame.

He urged Canadian authorities, who initiate such measures against Iran every year, to address their own domestic and international misconduct, including systematic policies aimed at the colonial eradication of Indigenous populations and complicity in genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.

Baghaei emphasized Iran's commitment to upholding and safeguarding human rights as a legal, religious, and ethical imperative under the country's constitution, statutory laws, and the principles of Islam.

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US sanctions 3 individuals, 4 entities over links to Iranian military

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 6:22 PM

The United States has announced new sanctions on Iranian and non-Iranian individuals and entities that it claims have been linked to Iran's military programs to design and develop legal weapons.

The US Departments of State and Treasury on Wednesday announced separate sanctions related to Iran's production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles.

A total of three individuals and four entities, one of them based outside Iran, were targeted by the sanctions.

The US Department of State said on its website that it had targeted Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Aerospace Force (IRGC ASF) Deputy Commander Brigadier General Majid Mousavi for engaging in activities that have "materially contributed" to Iran's ballistic missile program.

It also imposed sanctions on two entities, which it did not name, but said had assisted Iran's production of Shaheed-136 one-way attack UAVs.

The Department repeated its previous claims that Iran had supplied Shaheed-136 UAVs to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also released a statement on the Treasury's website saying that it had imposed sanctions on the Iran-based Sanat Danesh Rahpuyan Aflak Company, its CEO Mohammed Abedini Najafabadi and Chief Technology Officer Kaveh Merat as well as on the Switzerland-based Illumove SA, which it said was directly controlled by the Iranian company and its CEO.

OFAC said the two companies and the managers had been sanctioned because of their role in developing and procuring components for sensitive navigational systems for the Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization, an entity run by the IRGC ASF.

Iran has repeatedly rejected accusations about its missile and UAV production programs, including claims it has been supplying the weapons to Russia for use in the Ukraine war.

Iranian authorities say Washington's sanctions are solely aimed at forcing Iran to accept a series of political and military concessions.

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Iran nuclear chief urges IAEA to uphold impartiality, refrain from provocations

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 10:23 AM

The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) urges the United Nations nuclear agency's Director General Rafael Grossi to preserve the body's impartiality by taking other parties' non-commitment to their obligations towards the Islamic Republic into account.

"This international institution has to preserve its impartiality and adopt a professional behavior," Mohammad Eslami said in Tehran on Wednesday following a weekly meeting of the Iranian cabinet, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"It is not acceptable for an international institution to address just one aspect of the issue, in a provocative manner at that, and refuse to point to the main aspect, which is the obligated parties' non-commitment," he said.

"We expect the agency's director-general, who is a veteran diplomat, to observe these matters," Eslami noted.

The remarks came after Grossi told the Italian news agency ANSA that Iran had "developed much stronger capabilities" regarding various aspects of its nuclear energy program, alleging, "It (the Islamic Republic) has uranium at 60%  90% is military grade."

He went as far as claiming that the Islamic Republic "is thus practically at the same level as nuclear-armed states."

Back in 2018, the Islamic Republic resorted to a number of legitimate retaliatory measures in line with its entitlement under its 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers.

The steps came in response to the United States' unilateral and illegal withdrawal from the deal and its Western allies' refusal to restore the deal to its former glory by bringing Washington back into the accord.

Tehran took the measures after a drawn-out hiatus, during which it allowed the parties to the deal to walk back their unconstructive steps.

Last month, the US and its allies pushed the IAEA's Board of Governors into passing a resolution, which repeated the Western countries' unfounded accusation against the Islamic Republic of insufficient cooperation with the IAEA. The accusation comes although Tehran's cooperation with the body has increased in frequency and quality over the past years.

Grossi also said, "The philosophy of the original accord with Iran can be used, but that agreement is no longer useful."

Eslami concluded his remarks by noting that the UN Security Council was about to carry out its biannual examination of its Resolution 2231 that endorsed the nuclear deal in 2015.

"This resolution is of two parts, which address acceptance of [certain] restrictions on the part of Iran towards building up trust in exchange for elimination of the [illegal] sanctions [that have been imposed on the country] and implementation of the other parties' commitments."

The official urged the parties to live up to their contractual commitments and remove the sanctions.

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Iran warns E3 against misusing JCPOA snapback mechanism

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 3:17 AM

Iran has warned that invoking the so-called snapback by three European members of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will be reciprocated by a firm and proportionate response.

Amir Saeid Iravani on Tuesday warned that such an action by the E3 will be both unlawful and counterproductive.

Iravani was addressing a UN Security Council meeting on the JCPOA.

"Iran categorically rejects any threats of invoking the so-called 'snapback,' by E3 an action that would be both unlawful and counterproductive," he said.

"Let's make it clear once and for all: the so-called 'Snapback' is not a tool in your hand to be abused for threatening Iran. Iran has made it very clear that such a provocative move will be reciprocated by a firm and proportionate response," he said.

The so-called snapback mechanism allows for the return of anti-Iran sanctions suspended under the deal.

He reiterated Iran's position that the root cause of the impasse facing the JCPOA is the unilateral withdrawal of the US, and the E3's failure to honor their commitments under the accord.

"Iran has consistently acted in good faith to uphold the environment for the revival of the JCPOA, even after the United States' withdrawal and E3's persistence of violating their commitments," he said.

"Iran engaged in the Vienna talks in good faith, showing utmost flexibility to achieve a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement. Unfortunately, the unrealistic demands of the E3 and the United States, their lack of political will, domestic political considerations, and attempts to tie the negotiations to unrelated issues ultimately failed the efforts to revive the deal. Blaming Iran for the failure to conclude the negotiations is both unjust and factually incorrect," he added.

Iravani said that Iran also rejects attempts to link Iran's JCPOA commitments to unrelated regional or geopolitical issues.

"Instead of diverting attention to fabricated threats, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, as permanent members of the Security Council must allow this Council to live up to its responsibility and address and confront the genuine sources of insecurity and instability in our region: the Israeli regime's illicit nuclear weapons arsenal, its decades of aggression and occupation, and its ongoing campaign of systematic war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza," he said.

"Further, Israel's relentless aggression and atrocious crimes against Syria and Lebanon underscore its role as the primary driver of violence and instability in the region."

Iravani added that Iran's decision to walk back on some of its JCPOA commitments was a response to the West's bad promises.

He stressed that Iran is committed to continuing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency according to its obligations.

The Iranian diplomat urged the E3 and the US to abandon confrontational approaches and demonstrate a true commitment to diplomacy.

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Gharibabadi: Iran's nuclear enrichment program has no military objectives

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 2:48 AM

Iran's deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs says the Islamic Republic's nuclear enrichment program has no military objectives and the development of its nuclear program is in line with technical needs.

Kazem Gharibabadi made the remarks in a tweet he posted on X on Tuesday in response to an interview by Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency who said, "Iran is enriching uranium close to military levels and is rapidly moving towards becoming a nuclear state."

"The JCPOA is no longer relevant and a new understanding is needed to take into account the realities of Iran's nuclear program," Grossi added.

In response, Gharibabadi said, "First, the Director General of a specialized organization is expected to speak based on facts and technical reports from the Agency's inspectors. Reading intentions based on hypothetical scenarios is not part of the Director General's duties and is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Agency's statute."

"Second, the development of Iran's nuclear program is in line with technical needs and is being carried out fully under the Agency's safeguards supervision," he stated.

"Third, respect for the decisions and policies of countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including the fuel cycle (enrichment), is recognized in relevant international documents, and these statements by the Director General, which are tinged with political flavor, cannot ignore these facts," he stated.

"Fourth, Iran's enrichment program has no military objectives. Regarding the level of enrichment, it should also be noted that enrichment is not restricted under the Non-Proliferation Treaty as long as it is under the supervision of the Agency and does not deviate from peaceful purposes," Gharibabadi said.

"The Director General's statements are a clear violation of the rights of countries in creating an artificial threshold in the level of enrichment for peaceful purposes, deepening other discriminations in the non-proliferation regime," he said.

"Fifth and finally, what Grossi's statements never mentioned is the root cause of the current situation, which was the failure of the other parties to fulfill their obligations under the JCPOA and the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from it," he noted.

"Not mentioning this issue in a biased manner undermines the international community's trust in the UN institutions in correctly explaining the facts by the highest relevant authorities," he said.

"From this perspective, regardless of whether the JCPOA is relevant or not, it should be noted that constructive and fair talks based on mutual respect and balanced commitments, including in the area of lifting sanctions, will be a sustainable solution," he stated.

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U.S. Sanctions on Two Iran-Based Entities Pursuant to E.O. 13949 and One Iranian Individual Pursuant to E.O. 13382

US Department of State

Fact Sheet

Office of the Spokesperson

December 18, 2024

Iran-based Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia has contributed to the production of the Shahed series one way attack UAVs. The entity specializes in manufacturing aviation components, specifically the parts and bodies of Shahed-136 UAVs. Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia reportedly operates as a front company of the IRGC, which was designated as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) by the United States in 2019.

Iran-based Saad Sazeh Faraz Sharif has also contributed to the production of the Shahed series UAVs. The entity offers aerospace engineering services and manufactures parts of the Shahed UAVs, specializing in components, electronic circuits, and optical and communication systems.

Both entities are being designated pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 13949 for engaging in activity that materially contributes to the supply, sale, or transfer, directly or indirectly, to or from Iran, or for the use in or benefit of Iran, of arms or related materiel, including spare parts.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Aerospace Force (IRGC ASF) Deputy Commander Brigadier General Sayyed Hosein Majid Mousavi Eftekhari has engaged in activities that have materially contributed to Iran's ballistic missile program.

Sayyed Hosein Majid Mousavi Eftekhari is being designated pursuant to Section 1(a)(ii) of E.O. 13382 for engaging, or attempting to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or posed a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons), including efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer or use such items, by Iran, a foreign country of proliferation concern.

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Treasury Targets Facilitators for Procuring Sensitive Navigational Systems for Iran

U.S. Department of the Treasury

December 18, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning two entities and two individuals for their role in developing and procuring components for sensitive navigational systems for the Iranian military. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC ASF SSJO) and other Iranian organizations rely on these strategic components that are necessary for the production and proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles. Concurrent with this action, the U.S. Department of State is designating one individual and two entities involved in Iranian UAV and missile development. Treasury's action was taken in coordination with the Department of Commerce and the Department of Justice, the latter of which charged and helped coordinate the arrest of one of the individuals OFAC is sanctioning today.

"Iran continues to try to acquire these critical components covertly to facilitate the production of its ballistic missile and UAV weapon systems," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States will continue to disrupt Iran's attempts to provide its deadly weapons to Russia, its terrorist proxies, and other destabilizing actors around the globe."

Today's action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. The Department of State designated the IRGC ASF SSJO pursuant to E.O. 13382 on July 18, 2017 for engaging, or attempting to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery.

UAV NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM PROCUREMENT

Iran-based Sanat Danesh Rahpuyan Aflak Company Ltd (SDRA or SADRA) consults, designs, manufactures, and supplies navigation, automation, and instrumentation systems, including those for use in cruise and ballistic missiles, UAVs, unmanned underwater vehicles, and unmanned surface vessels. One of SDRA's primary systems is the SEPEHR navigation system that is equipped with a tactical MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) sensor, global positioning system, and an inertial measurement unit, which makes the SEPEHR appropriate for aircraft and UAVs. From 2022 to 2023, SDRA sold over one thousand SEPEHR navigational systems to the IRGC ASF SSJO, which constituted a significant portion of SDRA's net income for the time period. The IRGC ASF SSJO is involved in Iranian ballistic missile research and development and manages Iran's production of Shahed-series UAVs.

SDRA is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, the IRGC ASF SSJO, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13382.

Iran-based Mohammed Abedininajafabadi (Abedininajafabadi) is the Chief Executive Officer, member of the board of directors, and minority shareholder of SDRA. Iran-based Kaveh Merat (Merat) is the Chief Technology Officer, chairman of the board of directors, and minority shareholder of SDRA.

Abedininajafabadi and Merat are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, SDRA, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13382.

Abedininajafabadi is the sole member of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Switzerland-based Illumove SA, a company whose sole purpose is to represent SDRA's interests abroad, including its procurement of Western electronics and other technology.

Illumove SA is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for being owned or controlled by, or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Abedininajafabadi, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13382.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today.

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Myanmar military defends Bhamo with bombing blitz, residents say

China pushes rebels to talk but junta forces are also being pressed in west and east.

By RFA Burmese 2024.12.18 -- Myanmar's ruling military battled to defend a major northern town on Wednesday as its forces also came under pressure in the west and the east and its most important ally China worked to stop the onslaught by insurgents determined to end the generals' rule.

Forces of the junta that seized power in a February 2021 coup have been pushed back in different places across the country by ethnic minority insurgents and allied pro-democracy paramilitaries over the past year.

Ethnic Kachin insurgents have been attacking the northern city of Bhamo on the Irrawaddy River for two weeks and have advanced towards the military's headquarters there.

Junta forces have responded with heavy airstrikes, residents said.

"Last night at around 8 p.m., the planes were dropping bombs. There must have been about 100 strikes," said one Bhamo resident, who declined to be identified in fear of reprisals.

"On the side of the headquarters, fighting is continuing and we hear gunfire. We can also see houses near there burning."

Another resident of Bhamo, who also declined to be named, told RFA that houses were set on fire during the fighting.

"Houses were burnt down today, and three times yesterday," he said. "We can't get close to those houses. Fire broke out while the two forces fought, as artillery shells landed there."

An aid organization in the area said 30 civilians had been killed and nearly 150 wounded in Bhamo since Dec. 4. Among the dead were 10 children and five nuns, said a spokesperson from the group who declined to be identified.

"It's an approximation from people on the ground and those who fled," said the spokesperson. "The dead were killed by airstrikes and heavy weapons, and some by shooting when they fled."

RFA tried to telephone Kachin state's junta spokesperson, Moe Min Thein, to ask about the situation in Bhamo but he did not answer.

China, the junta's main foreign ally, has been trying to end the violence in its neighbor, where it has extensive economic interests including rare earth mines in Kachin state energy pipelines from the Indian Ocean, and has been pressing insurgents to strike ceasefires with the junta.

The chairman of the Kachin Independence Organization, or KIO, General N'Ban La, met senior Chinese official Wu Ken in the Chinese city of Kunming on Dec. 12 for talks on a truce with the Myanmar military and trade along Kachin state's border with China, said Kachin military information officer Naw Bu.

"They discussed a ceasefire and opening gates along the border, then after fighting stops, they talked about having peace talks with the junta," he said. "Neither side has made any formal decision or agreement."

He declined to say if China was putting pressure on the KIA but China has in recent days pressed two insurgent groups in Shan state, to the southeast of Kachin state, to agree to ceasefires after cutting off border trade.

Kachin political commentator Sha Bat said that although China is pressuring the KIA to end the offensives, the rebel group will not give up its political goals and military objectives.

"China is making demands to protect its interests," he said. "However, the KIO also has its own objectives and won't give up on them."

Manerplaw re-captured

In Myanmar's western-most Rakhine state, ethnic minority Arakan Army, or AA, insurgents have surrounded the army Western Command base in the town of Ann, one of the military's last major headquarters in the state.

The AA released drone video footage of the base on Wednesday, showing burning buildings in ruins, with smoke rising. Radio Free Asia could not verify the date the video was taken but it was clearly of the Western Command headquarters.

The AA also released video of scores of captured men, hands tied, marching in a line with white flags of surrender.

In the east, Myanmar's oldest insurgent group, the Karen National Union, or KNU, re-captured their headquarters at Manerplaw, which they lost in 1995 to the army following a split in their ranks.

"We are taking back the headquarters that we lost for 30 years," said the group's spokesman, Saw Taw Nee.

Manerplaw, on a river along the border with Thailand, is of great symbolic importance.

The Karen headquarters was the hub of opposition efforts by an alliance of ethnic minority groups and student fighters from the majority Burman community after the military crushed a pro-democracy uprising in 1988.

Those same groups are again striving for unity as they seek to end military rule and usher in what they say will be a democratic, federal Myanmar.

Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by RFA Staff.

This story has been updated to include comments by a resident of Bhamo and a Kachin political commentator.

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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Russia arrests suspect 'recruited by Ukraine' over killing of top general

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 9:31 AM

Russian authorities say they have arrested a suspect in connection with the assassination of top General Igor Kirillov, head of the country's army's chemical weapons division, adding that he was recruited by Ukraine.

The suspect, a 29-year-old citizen of Uzbekistan, was detained in the village of Chernoye in the Balashikha district of Moscow on Wednesday, according to Interior Ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk.

The arrested individual whose name was not released had allegedly been recruited by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to carry out the attack which killed the top Kremlin general and his assistant in Moscow a day earlier, the country's investigative committee said.

Investigation revealed that the assailant had been promised $100,000 and travel to the European Union after successfully accomplishing his mission.

The detainee traveled to Moscow and placed a homemade bomb under an electric scooter parked near the general's home, investigators said.

To monitor the area, he rented a car equipped with a surveillance camera, transmitting live footage back to the organizers in Dnepr, Ukraine.

After receiving the video signal of the officers exiting the building, the explosive device was remotely activated.

According to a spokeswoman for Russia's prosecutor's office, the detainee has confessed to planting the bomb.

Kirillov, head of the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense Forces (NBC), and his aide were killed early Tuesday morning in Moscow when an improvised explosive device, cleverly concealed within a parked scooter, detonated near a residential building on Ryazansky Prospekt, approximately 7 kilometers from the Kremlin.

The Investigative Committee of Russia confirmed the devastating impact of the explosion, which took the lives of Kirillov and his assistant and shattered windows in a nearby building.

The committee announced the opening of a criminal investigation into the incident and detailed the nature of the blast, which was equivalent in power to around 200 grams of TNT.

Later in the day, SBU claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ukrainian sources also claimed that 54-year-old Kirillov had a role in the alleged deployment of prohibited chemical weapons in Ukraine.

His death comes a day after Ukrainian prosecutors charged him with the alleged use of banned chemical weapons in the Ukraine war.

The Kremlin called accusations of using chloropicrin "baseless."

The general had faced sanctions from countries like the UK, Canada, and New Zealand prior to his death.

The assassination of Kirillov has intensified the already high-stakes conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

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U.S., U.K. Say Medvedev's Comment Calling NATO Officials 'Legitimate Targets' Irresponsible

By Rikard Jozwiak and Zoriana Stepanenko December 18, 2024

The U.K. and U.S. governments on December 18 said the comments of Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev following the assassination of a high-ranking Russian general by Ukrainian security services were irresponsible and yet another sign of Moscow's desperation.

Medvedev, reacting to an editorial in the London-based Times newspaper that called the December 17 killing of a high-ranking Russian officer "a legitimate act of defense by a threatened nation," said Moscow should apply the same logic.

Medvedev accused NATO and officials from countries allied with Ukraine in its battle to repel invading Russian troops of being participants in the conflict, making them "legitimate military targets."

The U.S. State Department told RFE/RL that Medvedev's comments amounted to more irresponsible rhetoric from the Kremlin and reiterated that the United States and NATO do not seek a military conflict with Russia.

"The Kremlin's aggression against Ukraine is the most significant and direct threat to Europe's security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. It is the Kremlin that started this war, and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin could end it today," the State Department's press office said in a statement e-mailed to RFE/RL.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told a briefing on December 17 that Washington had no connection to the killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces (RKhBZ), or any prior knowledge of it.

The U.K. Foreign Office said the comments were "just another example of Putin's propaganda machine," while a spokesman for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was quoted as saying Medvedev's comments were "simply the latest in a stream of desperate rhetoric" to come out of Putin's government.

"Unlike in Russia, a free press is a cornerstone of our democracy and we take any threats made by Russia incredibly seriously," the spokesman added, according to The Times.

"Our newspapers represent the best of British values: freedom, democracy and independent thinking," he said. "I stand with The Times."

In its article, The Times said the assassination was "a discriminate strike against an aggressor" and that it underlines the need for Western governments to give Ukraine "all support it needs to fight a just war of self-defense."

"All officials of NATO countries involved in decisions about military assistance to Ukraine and those participating in hybrid or conventional warfare against Russia are now considered legitimate military targets for the Russian state and all Russian patriots," Medvedev wrote in response.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told RFE/RL on December 18 that "Russia is always threatening. And it is meant to scare us, so what we see is the threats we have heard before."

Speaking in Brussels before a meeting of EU leaders to discuss the war, she said: "I think the only response we can have is not to be afraid."

The man nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia also weighed in on the killing, telling Fox News that it was "not a good idea" in his opinion.

"There are rules of warfare and there are certain things you don't do," said Retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg. "When you are killing [officers] in their hometown it's kind of like you kind of extended it and I don't think it's really smart to do."

Kirillov and his assistant were killed by a bomb concealed in a scooter outside the entrance of a Moscow building early on December 17.

Kirillov is one of a number of Russian officers and pro-war figures to be killed in Russia and in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. His death came a week after a senior official from a Russian company that develops cruise missiles used by Moscow in the war was reportedly shot dead just outside the capital.

Medvedev's rhetoric draws from the Kremlin's long-term narrative of blaming Western "forces" for anti-Russian actions worldwide and acts of sabotage and "terrorism" on Russian territory.

Russian investigators termed the killing a "terrorist" attack and immediately attributed it to Ukrainian intelligence. On December 18, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said it had detained a suspect -- a 29-year-old unnamed Uzbek national -- in the case.

Medvedev also threatened retribution against journalists from The Times, ominously warning that the newspaper could be included in those "legitimate military targets," adding that "in London, many things happen...be careful."

That warning appears to be a thinly veiled reference to the radiation poisoning of former FSB officer and Kremlin critic Aleksandr Litvinenko in London in 2006, and the attempted assassination of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal in the British city of Salisbury with a deadly nerve agent in 2018.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-s- medvedev-threatens-nato-officials-as-legitimate-targets- after-top-general-killed/33244497.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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Migrants On Edge As Russia Arrests Uzbek Over Ukraine's Assassination Of General

By RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 18, 2024

Russia accused Kyiv of "terrorism" after authorities said they had detained an Uzbek citizen who confessed to planting an explosive device that killed a high-ranking Russian officer on the instruction of Ukrainian intelligence.

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces (RKhBZ), and his assistant were killed by a bomb concealed in a scooter outside the entrance of a Moscow building early on December 17.

The speed of the arrest of the unnamed suspect led some analysts to question whether the 29-year-old Central Asian was a scapegoat, while unconfirmed reports swirled that police were ratcheting up raids on migrants.

"The special services have a clear interest in showing their superiors the result of their work, that a successful investigation has taken place, and so on. It's not the first time we've seen this. It's hard to judge right now how accurate this [arrest] is," political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin told Current Time.

While no individual or group officially claimed responsibility for the killing, a source at Ukraine's SBU security service told RFE/RL that the blast was the result of a special operation by the SBU.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said in a statement on December 18 that the unnamed suspect had been recruited and trained by Ukraine's special services and promised money to carry out the attack.

The FSB said the suspect, on instructions from Ukraine, "arrived in Moscow, received a high-power homemade explosive device, and placed it on an electric scooter, which he parked near the entrance to the house of Kirillov."

The Kremlin has not commented on the FSB statement, which said the suspect activated the bomb when Kirillov and his assistant were coming out of the building.

The accused man had been given $100,000 for the murder as well as residency in a European country, the statement said, adding that the suspect faces life in prison for his alleged crime.

"The Ukrainian special services officers involved in organizing the terrorist attack will be found and will receive the punishment they deserve," the FSB said.

The FSB did not present any evidence along with its statement, and some analysts questioned the speed of the response.

One woman from Kyrgyzstan told RFE/RL in Moscow that she expects a backlash for migrants from Central Asia.

"The situation is difficult," the woman said. "I think the position of Central Asian migrants will only worsen after this event. Street inspections will likely intensify."

The woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity because she was afraid to reveal her identity, recalled that events after the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in March there were many raids and deportations of Central Asians from Russia and it's possible this could happen again, she said.

Russian investigators said the assault in which 144 people were killed was carried out by four men, all Tajik nationals.

The Kyrgyz woman who spoke with RFE/RL said that she believes Uzbeks in Russia will continue to have a difficult time.

"Migration laws in Russia are already being tightened. Things will get worse for them regardless," she said, noting that new laws will come into effect on January 1 and "everything will become even harder."

Kirillov, 54, is the highest-level Russian military officer to be killed in an apparent assassination since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

His death came a day after the SBU reported that Ukrainian prosecutors had filed a charge against him, accusing him of being responsible for the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops during the war started by Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

The SBU has said Russian forces have used chemical weapons almost 5,000 times during the war in Ukraine under Kirillov's leadership. The claim could not be independently verified.

The RKhBZ are special forces who operate under conditions of radioactive, chemical, and biological contamination.

Kirillov is one of a number of Russian officers and pro-war figures to be killed in Russia and in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.

His death came a week after a senior official from a Russian company that develops cruise missiles used by Moscow in the war was reportedly shot dead just outside the capital.

Viktor Yahun, the former deputy head of the SBU, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service in an interview that with some 20 million people in Russia having Ukrainian origins, "you can find a percentage who are ready to sincerely work for Ukraine. That's why there are so many agents over there."

Kirillov was seen in footage that was central to an RFE/RL Russian Service investigation that revealed details about a restricted facility outside Moscow. The site is linked to a U.S. assertion that Russia maintains an offensive biological weapons program in violation of the UN Biological Weapons Convention.

Former President Dmitry Medvedev, now a senior Russian security official, told a meeting shown on state TV that NATO and Ukraine's Western allies were behind the attack because of their support for Kyiv throughout Moscow's full-scale invasion of its neighbor.

"These individuals can and should be considered a legitimate military target," he said.

NATO officials have not commented publicly on Medvedev's remarks, but Kaja Kallas, the top EU diplomat, told reporters in Brussels that "Russia is always threatening."

"And it is meant to scare us, so what we see is the threats we have heard before, so I think the only response we can have is not to be afraid," she added.

Security analyst Yuri Fedorov told Current Time he expects that Russia "will certainly try to retaliate, so it is very possible that there will be attempts by the Russian agents to kill high Ukrainian military and/or security services officers."

"The attacks on Russian generals could have a political and psychological effect, but they cannot seriously impede Russia's military effort: people like General Kirillov are not the irreplaceable figures who cannot be substituted."

With reporting by Zoriana Stepanenko in Brussels and Rikard Jozwiak in Prague

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-kirrilov-killing- uzbek-suspect-general-terrorism/33244018.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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Fear And Economic Uncertainty Weaken Russia's Pull For Central Asian Migrants

By Chris Rickleton and RFE/RL's Central Asian Migrants' Unit December 18, 2024

OSH/MOSCOW -- Aktilek, an entrepreneur from Kyrgyzstan, worked in Russia for a decade as a street-cleaner, cook, and taxi driver before returning to his homeland due to illness.

After launching a car import business in his native city of Osh, the 32-year-old was shocked when he returned to Moscow last month for the first time in four years.

"The difference between the old Russia and the new one is huge," said Aktilek, who only gave his first name.

He was stopped three times in a single day during his trip, he said, after being interrogated upon his arrival.

"As bad as it sounds, migrants there are treated like something to wipe your shoe with by both police and ordinary people," the businessman said.

For decades, Russia has been the main destination for millions of Central Asian workers, who have faced harassment and discrimination. But rising attacks and discrimination against migrants in recent years as well as the sliding Russian economy have lessened Russia's appeal.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which triggered international sanctions, has hit the economy and diminished the value of the ruble.

Meanwhile, Russia has deported or banned entry to tens of thousands of Central Asian migrants since the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) extremist group attacked a concert hall outside Moscow in March, killing around 140 people.

Several Tajik citizens were arrested over their alleged involvement in the worst attack in Russia in decades. The men appeared in court bearing clear signs of beating and torture.

"After the incident at Crocus City Hall, they started checking registrations and inspecting everything much more strictly," said a Kyrgyz migrant living in Moscow.

"They held us for five hours [in the airport]. They asked: 'What is your purpose for coming here?' They even checked our phones," he recalled.

'No Concessions'

Central Asians make up the vast majority of Russia's foreign workforce.

Many who still work in Russia cite economic uncertainty and police checks as some of their biggest concerns.

The year "2024 was a tough one. We mostly worked just to cover our expenses," said one migrant from Uzbekistan.

"I haven't heard anything good. News reports mention new laws [on migration]. I don't know what these laws are," said a Kyrgyz migrant who did not reveal his name for security reasons. "But I understand it will be a new year for migrants. There will be no concessions after this."

According to Russia's Interior Ministry, 143,000 people were denied entry to Russia from January to July this year, a significant spike compared to 2023.

Nearly 93,000 people were deported from Russia, a 53 percent rise compared to the same time last year, according to the ministry.

Some Central Asian migrants are choosing to leave of their own accord.

According to Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry, around 587,000 Kyrgyz were officially registered as living and working in Russia in 2022. This summer, the ministry said the figure had fallen to around 411,000.

Europe And South Korea No Panacea

As fewer Central Asian migrants move to Russia for work, more are seeking employment in Europe and South Korea.

In September, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev reached a migration deal with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, although neither side noted the size of the quota agreed.

Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry has cited a near doubling of the number of its citizens now registered as working in South Korea, from 8,000 in 2022 to 15,000 this year. Uzbekistan's Migration Service has said 92,000 Uzbek citizens are working legally in South Korea.

Wages in more developed countries can be significantly higher for foreign workers. But other countries appear unwilling to take in as many migrant workers as Russia.

Ironically, the growing workforce shortage in Russia is pushing up the wages that some Central Asian migrants can earn.

In the summer, the Russian research platform Migrant Servis reported that wages offered to migrants in industrial factories had risen from 105,000 rubles (less than $1,200) per month in January to 145,000 rubles (around $1,600) per month in June, and predicted future wage increases if the shortages continued.

"Those who wanted to go back to Kyrgyzstan left. Our paperwork became harder. Those who wanted to work here, still work here," said one Kyrgyz migrant who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asian-migrants- face-discrimination-russia-economic-shift-/33243452.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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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan Ayman Safadi

18 December 2024 16:33

2477-18-12-2024

On December 17, at the behest of the Jordanian side, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov engaged in a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ayman Safadi. During this conversation, Mr Safadi briefed him on the activities of the League of Arab States following the recent ministerial meetings in Amman concerning the situation in and around Syria.

Ayman Safadi expressed high regard for the alignment of positions between the Arab world and the Russian Federation, which advocates for the prompt normalisation of the Syrian situation. This stance is predicated on ensuring the legitimate rights of all Syrians without exception, as well as the unconditional respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The Ministers underscored the urgency of initiating a national dialogue involving all political and ethno-confessional forces within Syria, in accordance with the fundamental principles of political settlement as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254. In this context, they emphasised the necessity of expediting the implementation of the plan by UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen to convene a meeting in the near future. This meeting would involve all Syrian parties, with the participation of representatives from key regional and extraregional states capable of exerting a positive influence on the facilitation and advancement of the national reconciliation process. Moreover, it would address the immediate resolution of the humanitarian issues facing the population and establish conditions conducive to the dignified return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.

Sergey Lavrov and Ayman Safadi concurred on the importance of maintaining contact regarding the Syrian issue and other facets of the increasingly complex situation in the Middle East.

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Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - First Deputy Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Valery Gerasimov held a briefing for military attaches of foreign states

18.12.2024

Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - First Deputy Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Valery Gerasimov held a briefing for military attaches of foreign states in Moscow. The briefing with the participation of foreign military attaches was devoted to the results of the Russian Defence Ministry's activities in 2024.

Good afternoon, honoured ladies and gentlemen!

The Board Session of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation was held two days ago. The Minister of Defence delivered a detailed report summarizing the main results of the activities of the military department this year. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces set tasks to ensure the military security of the State.

The materials of the Board Session are publicly available on the website of the Ministry of Defence, and the event itself was covered in the mass media. I believe that you all had the opportunity to familiarise yourselves with them.

Today, in the course of our traditional meeting, I will focus on the situation in a number of regions of the world and some aspects of the activities of the Armed Forces.

The military political situation in the world is characterised by increase of armed conflicts in the various regions. This fact further undermined the regional and international security.

The main reason of escalation is the desire of the Collective West led by the USA to preserve their global dominance, continue to implement the so-called 'rules-based international order', which has no legal bases from the international law standpoint, by forceful method.

Over the past ten years, we repeatedly drew attention to the growing danger of the transition from the American-led War on Terrorism to instigating conflicts and territorial disputes.

Today we see crises being provoked in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

At the same time, there is a growing global awareness of the need to collectively oppose such Western policies.

The Global South countries, member-states of the SCO and BRICS international organisations are increasingly coordinating steps to ensure sovereignty and protect national interests.

The situation is also aggravated by the crisis in the system of international arms control commitments and agreements.

Since 2002, the United States has undermined all the agreements in this area signed during the Cold War - the ABM Treaty, the INF Treaty, and the Open Skies Treaty.

The reason why the USA withdrew from these agreements was to ensure that new weapons, which were considered the most destructive, could be developed.

First of all, these are medium and shorter range missiles and U.S. missile defence systems for deployment in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, which provokes a strategic offensive arms race.

Global awareness of the dangers of these steps is growing. Many countries have begun to think about appropriate responses.

In general, the topic of arms control is a thing of the past, as a return to a minimum level of trust is now impossible due to the West's double standards. And without trust, it is impossible to create an effective mechanism of mutual arms control.

At the regional level, tensions are rising in Europe.

Under the pretext of the alleged inevitability of an armed conflict between the NATO and the Russian Federation, the alliance, in violation of its commitments, continues its policy of expansion to the East, bringing the bloc's military infrastructure closer to our borders and steadily increasing its military potential.

Washington and Brussels have intensified the implementation of the NATO open door policy. As a result, Finland and Sweden became full members of the organisation, bringing the total number of participants to thirty-two.

Against the backdrop of heightened tensions, there has been an increase in the NATO activity near Russia's borders. The number of large-scale military exercises of the alliance countries has reached forty events per year.

Numerous military contingents are permanently stationed near our borders.

The bloc's anti-Russian rhetoric is borne out by this year's sweeping Steadfast Defender exercise. It involved all the countries of the alliance, practising the issues of large-scale military operations on the European continent.

During the exercise, significant contingents, including American troops, were redeployed to the Russian borders and a provocative deployment of a launcher of the Dark Typhon mobile missile system (range 2,400 kilometres) was carried out on the Danish island of Bornholm.

All these factors are not conducive to increased security for the population of European countries, especially for the new NATO partners, namely, Finland and Sweden.

We closely monitor All NATO exercises as a part of strategic deterrence. Units of the Russian Navy completed combat tasks, worked out the issues of searching for foreign submarines, as well as weapons tracking of ship groups of the NATO countries. Long-range aviation aircraft conducted air patrols in the vicinity of the exercise areas. During this period, air defence forces and means were on high alert to suppress violations of the Russian Federation's airspace.

The situation in the Middle East is steadily deteriorating. The risks of the crisis escalating into a regional war remain.

The most significant factor characterising the situation in the region has been the actual destruction of statehood in the Syrian Arab Republic.

On 27 November, an opposition offensive began from the Idlib de-escalation zone. Government forces were unable to offer sufficient resistance. This is due to the Syrian army's inability to conduct regular combat training and the low morale of its personnel due to the prolonged economic crisis caused by the unprecedented sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies.

In turn, Russia made attempts at a Syrian peace settlement in the Astana Format, but this did not suit primarily the USA and the UK.

Today, the situation in the region remains challenging in the area of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Republic of Lebanon and Yemen.

The humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip has become the largest in the entire period of confrontation in the region.

The support of extra-regional States for the warring parties in the Middle East, the involvement of Lebanon and attempts to provoke Iran create dangerous preconditions for the expansion of the zone of instability in the region.

The situation in Africa remains challenging. This is because Western countries continue to adopt neo-colonial approaches, viewing the continent solely as a source of strategic raw materials. Such approaches are not supported or understood today. The West continues to lose ground in the region as more African countries fight for independence.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, in order to ensure regional security and strengthen control over national territory, proclaimed the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States last September and withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS (comprising 15 States) in January this year due to its inability to assist in the fight against terrorism.

Ukraine-backed terrorist organisations pose a particular threat to the security of the Sahel region. It is about training terrorists in the use of UAVs, training in subversive activities against civilians.

For our part, we will continue to support African partners in defending sovereignty and ensuring a secure environment for their development.

The situation in Transcaucasia remains challenging. Destructive influence on its development is exerted by the aspirations of extra-regional players, primarily the United States and the European Union, to strengthen their positions in the region, hold Georgia and draw Armenia into the orbit of their influence.

The West seeks to destabilise the situation by financing and directing protests in Georgia. These attempts reveal an interest in dragging the country into active anti-Russian actions according to the Ukrainian scenario.

In contrast to the destructive actions of the West, Russia is taking constructive measures in the region.

Thanks largely to the efforts of our state, the positive progress of Baku and Yerevan towards the normalisation of bilateral relations is evident. For example, the demarcation of one of the most difficult sections of the inter-State boundary line between the Gazakh region of Azerbaijan and the Tavush region of Armenia has now been completed.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the White House seeks to reorganise an aseanocentric security system into a network of alliances under its control.

In the interests of the U.S., the largest grouping of troops and forces of about 400,000 strength is deployed in the region.

An Asian NATO is also being establish, where the main role is given to the triple alliance of the US-Japan-Republic of Korea. New formats of engagement involving Australia and the Philippines are being promoted. The AUKUS (Australia, UK, USA) is implementing an ambitious programme to equip Australia with five Virginia-class nuclear-powered multipurpose submarines by 2035.

Russia, China and the DPRK have been announced as opponents of unification. Tensions around Taiwan persist.

Washington has encouraged Taipei's separatist aspirations and supplied it with sophisticated weapons. U.S. Navy ships regularly carry out provocations in the Taiwan Strait.

The U.S. actions in the Philippines, to which Washington has assigned the role of an outpost for its forces, are a cause for concern.

Last year, the White House struck an agreement with Manila to station a U.S. military contingent in the country. Another step in the implementation of these agreements was the relocation of the Dark Typhon mobile missile system to the island of Luzon in April of this year.

All this raises tensions in the region. We are closely monitoring such actions and will work with our partners to respond to them.

To ensure its dominance in the region, it is building up its military presence in high latitudes and developing appropriate military infrastructure near the borders of the Russian Federation. These actions are aimed at coordinating the anti-Russian activities of the alliance and their partners in the Arctic.

They lead to increased tensions and conflict potential. As a response to ensure Russia's security, systematic work is under way to improve the combat capabilities of our Armed Forces and modernise military facilities at the northern latitudes.

The crisis in Ukraine remains a key factor in shaping the politico-military situation both regionally and globally.

The involvement of the countries of the collective West in the confrontation with Russia in the Ukrainian direction creates global risks.

In an effort to inflict a strategic defeat on the Russian Federation, the Collective West is using common Ukrainians as hostages to its aspirations. The destructive policy of the Kiev regime has already led to complete dependence on external management and foreign funding, and as a consequence - the loss of state sovereignty.

The United States and its allies have significantly increased military and military-technical assistance to Ukraine.

As of today, more than 30 countries are supplying military products to Kiev. The most significant contributors are the USA, UK, Germany, France, and Denmark. The total foreign financial aid to Ukraine amounted to about 350 billion dollars, of which about 170 billion dollars for military needs alone.

From February 2022, thousands of weapons and military equipment and a significant amount of ammunition of various types have been handed over to Kiev.

Ukrainian servicemen continue to be trained to the NATO standards, and more than 165,000 people have been trained.

Nevertheless, despite the enormous help from the West, the initiative on the line of contact is in our hands and Russian troops are conducting an offensive along the entire front.

This year, more than 190 settlements have been liberated and some 4,500 square kilometres of territory have been brought under control.

The enemy's losses have amounted to up to one million troops killed and wounded, 20,000 tanks and armoured fighting vehicles, more than 19,500 field artillery guns, and 1,500 MLRS combat vehicles since the beginning of the special military operation.

In response to Russia's successes, the Kiev regime launched a terrorist attack on the Kursk region in early August. The purpose of this provocation is an information effect for Western sponsors. Kiev was counting on pulling back the reserves of Russian troops from Donbass, but this did not happen.

The enemy's advance has been halted. Air strikes and artillery fire foiled attempts by AFU mobile groups and foreign mercenaries to break through deep into Russian territory.

At present, the destruction and extrication of armed formations and foreign mercenaries from occupied population centres is continuing.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the enemy's lost more than 42,000 troops, more than 1,800 tanks and armoured fighting vehicles, more than 350 artillery guns, mortars, and MLRS combat vehicles.

Another round of escalation of the conflict in Ukraine was the authorisation by the United States of America and its NATO allies to use their long-range weapons systems on territory deep inside the Russian Federation.

In essence, the U.S. has authorised itself to use these systems on Russian territory.

The AFU is not able to enter space reconnaissance data on its own, or to ensure the preparation of flight missions for missiles.

In fact, after the strikes on Russian territory, the USA became a direct participant in the conflict, which means its escalation.

On 21 November this year, in response to the use of U.S. and British missiles on the territory of Bryansk and Kursk regions, the Russian Armed Forces completed a test of the latest Oreshnik medium-range missile system against one of the facilities of Ukraine's military-industrial complex.

In the future, we will respond to such actions based on security threat assessments.

Negative changes in the military-political situation have necessitated the refinement of the Fundamentals of State Policy of the Russian Federation in the field of nuclear deterrence and its adaptation to the new realities.

According to the Fundamentals of State Policy approved by the President of the Russian Federation on 19 November this year, aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear State with the participation or support of a nuclear State is considered a joint attack on our country.

The category of States and military alliances against which nuclear deterrence is exercised has been expanded, and the list of military dangers and threats for the neutralisation of which nuclear deterrence can be used has been clarified.

The new fundamentals of state policy became the occasion for an active propaganda campaign in the West, accusing Russia of strengthening its nuclear rhetoric and seeking to lower the threshold of nuclear deterrence.

I emphasise that the so-called deterrence threshold is not defined by any of our country's international obligations and is determined by the need to deter an aggressor and neutralise threats emanating from a potential adversary.

The U.S. doctrine does not clearly define the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons and is substantially lower than in the Russian updated documents.

At the same time, there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that we will take all necessary measures to respond to any threats to security and use the weapons we deem appropriate.

In the current situation, the Russian Defence Ministry continues its planned activities to strengthen the country's defence capability.

During the year, the tasks of increasing the combat potential of the Armed Forces, improving personnel training, troop and weapons management methods were addressed.

The basis of the country's security is the nuclear triad.

As of today, the rearmament of the ground-based Strategic Nuclear Forces grouping to modern mobile ground-launched missile systems has been fully completed. The planned re-equipment of the stationary grouping to the Yars strategic missile system continues.

State trials of the new Borei-A project strategic missile submarine cruiser Knyaz Pozharsky are being finalised in the naval Strategic Missile Forces. In addition, two more Borei-A nuclear-powered submarine cruisers are under construction, which will be incorporated into the Russian Navy by 2028.

Deliveries of the first modernised Tu-160m long-range bombers to have begun this year. The modernisation of the Tu-160 and Tu-95MS aircraft in service continues by equipping them with more powerful engines and new onboard equipment, as well as expanding the range of weapons used.

Today, the share of modern weapons in the Strategic Nuclear Forces is 95 per cent.

In view of the NATO's enlargement and the experience of the special military operation, necessary measures were taken to develop general-purpose forces.

In accordance with the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the phased build-up of the Armed Forces has continued, and their full-time strength has been increased to 1.5 million servicemen.

In the Land Forces, the Moscow and Leningrad Military Districts, two combined arms armies, an army corps and 16 formations were formed this year.

One Russian Aerospace Forces formation has been established to enhance the capabilities of the Russian Federation's aerospace defence system. The formation of the first regiment equipped with the S-500 anti-aircraft missile system capable of strategic missile defence is nearing completion.

In the Russian Navy, a river flotilla and two formations were established. It comprises 38 ships, combat boats and support vessels, including a multi-purpose nuclear submarine and small missile ships, which are carriers of long-range precision weapons.

The main training event for the Armed Forces this year was the Ocean-2024 strategic command and staff exercise It involved the forces of the fleets and the Caspian Flotilla, as well as formations and military units of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

During the exercise in the Far East, Pacific Fleet forces performed joint tasks with ship and air groups of the People's Liberation Army of China.

The Russian Navy demonstrated its readiness to fulfil the tasks of ensuring the defence of national interests in important areas of the world's oceans and regional security together with the armed forces of friendly states.

Ten countries (China, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, DPRK, Nicaragua, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Thailand, India, Indonesia, the DPRK, Nicaragua, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam) were represented as observers at the exercise. This practice of training troops will be continued in the future.

Next year, the main training event for the Armed Forces will be the joint strategic exercise with the armed forces of Belarus Zapad-2025.

Within the framework of military and military-technical co-operation, the pace of co-operation with foreign military departments continued to increase. At the end of the year, more than 700 significant events were organised.

Special attention was paid to consolidating reliable, long-term and mutually beneficial bilateral relations within the framework of the Union State of Russia and Belarus, the CSTO and the CIS, as well as with friendly states from the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

The course towards the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership with China was continued, as well as the build-up of mutually beneficial military and military-technical co-operation with India.

Comprehensive co-operation with the DPRK has been intensified. In June this year, the heads of Russia and the DPRK signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty.

In the current year, meetings of the CIS Defence Ministers Council, the Council of Defence Ministers of the CSTO, the CSTO Military Committee, the Meeting of Defence Ministers of the SCO member States and others were held.

In the CSTO format, the main efforts were focused on ensuring that the components of the CSTO Troops (Collective Forces) were ready to respond promptly to challenges and threats to the military security of the Organisation's member States. Joint exercises were conducted with the armed forces of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Cooperation with Latin American countries is actively pursued. Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela are now our strategic partners.

Strengthening of defence cooperation will continue.

Cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran is of a strategic nature. In March, the Russian-Iranian-Chinese naval exercise Sea Security Belt was held in the northern part of the Indian Ocean.

Despite the encouragement of blatant Anti-Russian sentiments by the countries of the collective West, there is a high level of interest in the ARMY International Military and Technical Forum

This year, despite attempts of open pressure from the West, the Forum was attended by 80 foreign delegations, 35 of which were headed by heads of military departments and chiefs of general staff, as well as more than 120 foreign companies.

More than 240 expositions were presented on thematic platforms, including those from friendly countries - Belarus, Iran and China.

Exhibitions were held of trophy military equipment captured by Russian servicemen in the course of the special military operation. The exposition consisted of more than 30 exhibits of armoured vehicles and various types of small arms and engineering weapons produced by the NATO member-states.

Next year on 9 May we will celebrate the eightieth anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Today, some countries are trying to distort history and devalue the Great Victory over fascism, destroying monuments and seeking to erase the historical truth about the exploits of the Soviet people.

Russia will always remember and will not allow the heroism of the citizens of the Soviet Union and the countries of the Anti-Hitler coalition shown in the fight against fascism to be forgotten.

Summarising the performance of the Armed Forces this year, I note that all the tasks set by the country's leadership have been accomplished.

The Armed Forces are developing weapons and military equipment are being upgraded, and the level of training of senior personnel and units is increasing.

In conducting the special military operation zone, we have accumulated a great deal of practical experience in the conduct of combat operations by various formations, the use of aviation, air defence and other branches of the armed forces.

The objectives of the special military operation will certainly be achieved.

We have a clear understanding of the capabilities of the potential enemy, its tactics on the battlefield, and the strengths and weaknesses of Western-made weapons.

We know what needs to be done and the challenges ahead. In the future, we will continue to work to create conditions for stabilising the situation at the global and regional levels, as well as the progressive and balanced development of the Army and Navy to ensure the peaceful socio-economic development of our country.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you, dear ladies and gentlemen, for your constructive co-operation, and to congratulate you on the coming New Year 2025 and Christmas. I wish you and your loved ones health, peace and prosperity.

Thank you for your attention.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Syria

Press Release

Security Council

SC/15943

17 December 2024

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Linda Thomas-Greenfield (United States):

The members of the United Nations Security Council called for the implementation of an inclusive and Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process based on the key principles listed in resolution 2254 (2015) that is facilitated by the United Nations. They supported in that regard the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to help facilitate such a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process. This political process should meet the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians, protect all of them and enable them to peacefully, independently and democratically determine their own futures.

The members of the Security Council also reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and called on all States to respect these principles. They also underlined the need for Syria and its neighbours to mutually refrain from any action or interference that could undermine each other's security.

The members of the Security Council underscored the importance of combating terrorism in Syria and also recalled all parties' obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions related to countering terrorism, in particular resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) and related to the situation in Syria. In particular, they underscored the importance of preventing ISIL (also known as Da'esh) and other terrorist groups from re-establishing their capabilities and denying them safe haven in Syria. The members of the Security Council underscored that Syria must abide by all relevant resolutions of the Council regarding non-conventional weapons. They called on Syria to cooperate with international efforts.

They reiterated the obligation to respect human rights, including the right to seek justice, and international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including by allowing and facilitating humanitarian access and urged additional international support for the efforts of the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to surge humanitarian support for civilians in need across Syria. The members of the Security Council expressed solidarity with victims, families, disappeared persons and the Syrian people.

They reiterated their support for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the implementation of its mandate and called for the parties to refrain from any activity that may risk the safety and security of the peacekeepers and its infrastructures. They also called for the respect of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, including the principles regarding the Area of Separation, and stressed the obligation on all parties to fully abide by its terms and to maintain calm and reduce tensions.

They reiterated that the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel as applicable must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law.



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Israeli troops won't withdraw from Syria's Jabal al-Shaykh: Netanyahu

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 18, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israeli troops will not withdraw from a "buffer zone" in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

During a visit to the summit of Mount Hermon, known as Jabal al-Shaykh in Arabic, Netanyahu stressed the strategic importance of the occupied territory, situated about 10 kilometers from the Golan Heights border.

Israeli forces occupied Jabal al-Shaykh when they moved into a demilitarized zone between Syria and the occupied Golan Heights following the fall of the Syrian government earlier this month.

Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the Israeli military would remain in the Golan Heights until "another arrangement is found that ensures Israel's security".

In a related development, media reports said Israeli settlers crossed into Lebanon and set up tents in the area of Maroun al-Ras.

The provocative move has raised concerns about escalating tensions along the Lebanese border, following a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Additionally, sources reported sightings of an Israeli drone flying over Beirut and the southern suburbs. Since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, there have been numerous breaches by Israeli forces, resulting in casualties among Lebanese civilians.

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UN condemns Israel for violating 1974 Syria truce deal after seizing 'buffer zone'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 3:29 PM

The United Nations has denounced Israel for violating a 50-year-old ceasefire agreement with Syria after Israeli troops captured a buffer zone, as the occupying regime continues its efforts to claim more Syrian territory following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Israeli military forces captured the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the occupied Golan Heights hours after Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group took control of the Syrian capital of Damascus on December 8, unseating the Syrian government.

Israel has already been widely and vehemently condemned over termination of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Syria, and exploiting the chaos in the Arab nation in the wake of Assad's downfall to make a land grab.

"The presence of" the Israeli military forces "in the buffer zone is a violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement," said UN secretary-general's spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Tuesday, stressing that the agreement "needs to be respected, and occupation is occupation  whether it lasts a week, a month or a year, it remains occupation."

His comments came after Tel Aviv claimed in a message to the UN Security Council that it had taken "limited and temporary measures" in a demilitarized strip on the border in Syrian territory, alleging that the step was taken to "counter any threats" to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The buffer zone in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights was created by the United Nations after the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. A UN force of about 1,100 troops - the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) - had patrolled the area since then.

Israeli troops occupied the summit of Jabal al-Shaykh which provides an observation point for areas in Syria and Lebanon. It rises to 9,232 feet (2,814 meters) and is the highest point on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

The regime's troops have advanced beyond the so-called buffer zone toward Damascus, while the regime's warplanes have conducted hundreds of aerial assaults on Syria.

They also entered the town of al-Hurriya in Quneitra province on Thursday. Local sources said Israeli forces also carried out a forced evacuation of the residents of the village of Rasem al-Ruwadi in the region.

The UN Security Council on Tuesday urged all parties to fully comply with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement regarding the "area of separation" in Syria, calling for calm and a de-escalation of tensions.

In a press statement, the Council members also emphasized their unwavering support for Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.

Since the downfall of Assad, Israel has wiped out Syrian naval vessels, sea-to-sea missiles, helicopters and planes, including the entire fleet of MiG-29 fighter jets, and stockpiles of ammunition in attacks on at least five air bases.

The Israeli army occupied the Syrian Golan Heights during the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel refused to withdraw its forces or return the territory amid demands by the UN Security Council Resolution 242.

The Tel Aviv regime has already set up about three dozen Jewish settlements in the occupied Golan over the past years.

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Senior Iranian diplomat warns of Syria's disintegration, spread of insecurity to Iraq

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 11:21 AM

A high-ranking Iranian diplomat says destruction of Syria and rendering it weak in the face of the Israeli regime's aggression have always formed part of the United States and the regime's agenda, warning that the Arab country could fall apart amid the conflicting foreign interests that have come to affect it.

Kamal Kharrazi, head of the Islamic Republic's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, made the remarks in Tehran on Wednesday, in a meeting with Mohamed al-Hassan, the United Nations special representative for Iraq and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

"The macro plan consisting of decreasing the regional countries' capability in the face of the Zionist regime's violations, including destruction of Syria as a country that supports the resistance, has always been on the US and the regime's agenda," the former foreign minister said.

Kharrazi cited remarks made by former US president Barack Obama during his tenure, in which he said, "Assad must go" as an example of Washington's destructive ambitions towards Syria.

The veteran diplomat pointed to the Israeli regime's having markedly intensified its deadly attacks against Syria, especially targeting its military infrastructure, in the aftermath of the country's takeover by the anti-Damascus militants, who are widely reported to have been receiving extensive military support and cooperation on the part of Tel Aviv and the West since the outbreak of foreign-backed militancy in the country in 2011.

Kharrazi expressed concern regarding the developments, especially the Israeli regime's efforts at availing itself of the power vacuum in the Arab country as well as Tel Aviv's violation of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity through extensive bombing of its military and civilian infrastructure.

The official warned about Syria's disintegration on the back of the opposing interests of the foreign parties that have thrown their support behind the militants.

He also said insecurity in the Arab country could, meanwhile, spread to neighboring Iraq, and urged the UN secretary general and the world body's Security Council to take immediate action to stem such repercussions.

Concluding his remarks, Kharrazi laid emphasis on the Islamic Republic's preparedness to help the UN implement its duties in this regard.

The UN official, for his part, provided Kharrazi with a report on UNAMI's activities, and expressed hope that the mission would be able to implement its obligations successfully, despite the existing concerns.

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Netanyahu says Israeli troops will remain in Syrian territory until 'another arrangement'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 6:48 AM

The Israeli prime minister says the regime's troops will remain stationed at a so-called "buffer zone" inside the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, seized following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, until another arrangement is found that will "ensure the usurping regime's security."

Benjamin Netanyahu made the comments on Tuesday from the summit of Mount Hermon, known as Jabal al-Shaykh in Arabic, the highest peak in the area  inside Syria, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the border with the strategic Golan Heights.

He was joined by the Israeli minister for military affairs, Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, head of the so-called internal security service Shin Bet, Ronen Bat, and Northern Command chief Major General Uri Gordin.

Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would remain in the area "until another arrangement can be found that guarantees Israel's security."

The prime minister said he had been on the same mountaintop 53 years ago as a soldier, but the summit's importance to the Tel Aviv regime's security has only increased given recent events.

It appeared to be the first time a sitting Israeli leader had set foot that far into Syrian territory.

For his part, Katz said Israeli forces would remain on the Syrian summit of Mount Hermon for "as long as necessary."

He said, "We will stay here for as long as necessary," asserting that deployment of Israeli troops to the strategically significant summit "strengthens security."

"Mount Hermon's summit is Israel's eyes for identifying near and distant threats. From here, we can see Hezbollah positions in Lebanon to the right, and Damascus to the left," Katz said.

Israeli military forces captured the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights hours after armed groups took control of the Syrian capital of Damascus on December 8.

Israel has been widely and vehemently condemned over termination of the 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria, and exploiting the chaos in the Arab nation in the wake of Assad's downfall to make a land grab.

The buffer zone in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights was created by the United Nations after the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. A UN force of about 1,100 troops had patrolled the area since then.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said on Tuesday that the presence of Israeli soldiers, however long it lasts, violates the deal that established the buffer zone.

That agreement "needs to be respected, and occupation is occupation, whether it lasts a week, a month or a year, it remains occupation," Dujarric pointed out.

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Peace must prevail for Syria's children

UNICEF

Statement by UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Director Edouard Beigbeder

18 December 2024

DAMASCUS, 17 December 2024 - "Today, I concluded my visit to Damascus, Homs, Hama, Aleppo and Idlib where I witnessed the dire situation for Syria's children. After 14 years of war, millions of children have known nothing but conflict, forcing them to grow up far too quickly. Yet there is hope and an opportunity for a better future.

"UNICEF remains on the ground delivering lifesaving assistance and supporting Syrian families as they chart a new path for their country. A credible and inclusive political transition must prioritise the rights of Syria's 10 million children.



"As I travelled across Syria, the scale of the need was staggering. 7.5 million children need humanitarian assistance. 6.4 million children are in urgent need of protection services as insecurity and economic hardship deepen child rights violations, fear and distress.



"Syria needs a large-scale social protection scheme to prevent the most vulnerable children and families from falling deeper into extreme poverty, as the prices of fuel, bread and basic goods continue to rise.



"The challenges families face are compounded by years of conflict. More than 2.4 million children are out of school, with another 1 million children at risk of dropping out. This puts them at higher risk of child labour, child marriage, trafficking, and recruitment and use by parties to conflict. Prioritising education, empowering teachers, and strengthening the education system are essential to foster social cohesion, tolerance, and peace.



"Healthcare remains fragile. Almost 40 per cent of hospitals and health facilities are partly or completely non-functional. Nearly 13.6 million people need water, sanitation, and hygiene services; and 5.7 million people, including 3.7 million children, require nutritional assistance. Reinforcing Syria's health, water, and sanitation infrastructure must be a priority.



"Early recovery must be supported by the international community. It is the only way to ensure sustainable, quality services for Syria's children and young people.



"Tragically, as families return to homes devastated by conflict, landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) pose a deadly threat. Since 2020, these remnants of war have killed more than 1,260 children. In just the past week, at least 11 children have lost their lives in incidents near Aleppo, Daraa, and Hama.



"Children are particularly vulnerable to these hazards, often mistaking UXO for toys or objects of curiosity. These risks not only threaten their safety but also hinder their ability to go to school, access health care, and rebuild their lives. UXO makes agricultural lands unusable, perpetuating

food insecurity and poverty for returning families. Urgent action is needed, including intensified humanitarian demining efforts, community awareness, and mine-risk education campaigns and support for victims.



"In northern Syria, objects indispensable for the survival of the civilian population continue to come under attack. Tishreen Dam, a critical water source for hundreds of thousands, has been badly damaged in ongoing clashes. UNICEF-supported teams are making repairs, but sustained and safe access is needed to prevent further damage.



"We urge all parties to refrain from military activity that puts the dam, its staff, or operations in jeopardy in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law. A collapse would devastate 45 downstream villages, home to 300,000 people - half of them children - creating a catastrophe of epic proportions.



"Peace must prevail for Syria's children. While the challenges ahead are immense, UNICEF urges all parties and the international community to take four critical steps:

State institutions must resume operations to sustain essential services, including education.

All possible actions must be taken to allow robust humanitarian response and economic recovery. Both public and private sectors should be engaged in this process.

Humanitarian assistance must be increased immediately, including for returning internally displaced persons and refugees, accompanied by safe, unimpeded access to reach families in need.

All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to ensure the protection of civilians at all times.

"UNICEF remains committed to staying and delivering for children. In 2024, UNICEF reached over 4.6 million people with critical education, nutrition, health, child protection, water, sanitation, and social protection services, including 2.7 million children, 1.2 million women, and over 40,000 people with disabilities. In response to recent escalations, UNICEF deployed 185 mobile medical teams, facilitated education for 10,000 vulnerable children with 12 prefabricated schools, and ensured access to clean water for over 3 million people. We also provided psychosocial support, protection services, and life-skills education to thousands of displaced people, fostering trust, social cohesion, and hope.



"With these steps, Syria can begin moving toward sustained peace.



"I sincerely hope these efforts will be realised and that 2025 will - finally - be a peaceful year for Syria's children."



#####

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Syria: UN envoy concludes talks in Damascus, citing hope for democratic future

By Vibhu Mishra

18 December 2024 - The UN Special Envoy for Syria concluded talks in Damascus on Wednesday, expressing optimism that the fall of the Assad regime could mark the start of a peaceful and democratic transition for the shattered country, while acknowledging challenges remain.

"It's early days," Geir Pedersen said referring to the dramatic events of less than two weeks ago that ended decades of dictatorship.

"But I think it is important to say that there is a lot of hope that we can now see the beginning of a new Syria."

He emphasised any transition must align with UN Security Council resolution 2254, which calls for a new constitution, free and fair elections, and a Syrian-led, inclusive political process.

Pledge of full support

Mr. Pedersen reiterated the UN's commitment to supporting the people of Syria in achieving these goals, while also acknowledging the significant challenges ahead.

He pointed to the volatile situation in parts of the country, particularly the northeast, where the ceasefire was recently extended.

"There is stability in Damascus, but there are challenges in some areas," he noted, expressing also the difficult economic situation.

"We need immediate humanitarian assistance, but we also need to make sure that Syria can be rebuilt, that we can see economic recovery and that we can hopefully see the beginning where we start the process to end sanctions."

Syrian-led political process vital: Security Council

Members of the UN Security Council also highlighted the importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process based on resolution 2254 (2015) that is facilitated by the United Nations.

In a press statement issued late on Tuesday, ambassadors reaffirmed their strong commitment to Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity while urging all nations to respect these principles.

"They also underlined the need for Syria and its neighbours to mutually refrain from any action or interference that could undermine each other's security," the statement noted, emphasising the need to combat terrorism and prevent extremist groups like ISIL/Da'esh from regaining a foothold in the country - where they have been active for years.

Council members also reiterated the obligation to respect human rights, including the right to seek justice, and international humanitarian law in all circumstances.

Grim picture for children

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis remains dire in the country, particularly for children.

According to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), more than 7.5 million children require humanitarian assistance, including 6.4 million children who are in urgent need of urgent protection from forced labour, early marriage and recruitment into armed groups.

"After 14 years of war, millions of children have known nothing but conflict, forcing them to grow up far too quickly," Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Director for Middle East and North Africa said.

He underscored the need for a large-scale social protection scheme to prevent the most vulnerable and their families from falling deeper into extreme poverty, as the prices of fuel, bread and basic goods continue to rise.

The healthcare system also remains fragile, with nearly 40 per cent of health facilities non-functional. Additionally, landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) continue to pose a deadly risk, claiming the lives of at least 11 children in the past week alone.

Call to action

Mr. Beigbeder called on all parties and the international community to take four critical steps, starting with resumption of vital public services.

All possible actions must be taken to allow robust humanitarian response and economic recovery, engaging both public and private sectors, he said, alongside massively scaling up humanitarian assistance.

"All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to ensure the protection of civilians at all times," Mr. Beigbeder stressed.

Restoring safety in Syria

Relief efforts continue

In parallel, the UN and partners continue efforts to provide families across Syria with vital assistance, despite access challenges.

The UN refugee agency, UNHCHR, is supporting refugees and displaced people, providing protection services, emergency cash assistance, core relief items, access to safe shelter, healthcare and psychosocial support, in coordination with authorities.

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, currently on a mission in the country, reiterated the Organization's commitment to providing life-saving aid to affected communities.

Women's role crucial

On Wednesday, he visited Homs and Aleppo, where he highlighted the resilience of local communities, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during his daily briefing in New York.

"During his meetings with community members, he emphasized that the UN will continue to support the people of Syria and scale up our humanitarian response," Mr. Dujarric told reporters.

Mr. Fletcher also heard from women heads of households how humanitarian organizations have supported them and their families and how funding for these projects needs to be sustained.

"He stressed the role of women in the response and rebuilding of Syria is critical," Mr. Dujarric added.

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New details emerge on Israel's actions in Syrian buffer zone, change in US position

By Michael Lipin December 18, 2024

New details have emerged of Israel's occupation of a Golan Heights buffer zone since Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad fell from power this month. Assad's fall also coincided with a change in U.S. language on Israeli activity in the zone from several weeks prior, VOA has learned.

A spokesperson for U.N. peacekeeping operations told VOA in a Monday interview that the U.N. Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has identified at least 10 locations occupied by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the buffer zone as of December 15.

The zone, which the United Nations calls an Area of Separation, is on the Syrian side of a 1974 ceasefire line that had divided Israeli and Syrian-administered territory following the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. Under the ceasefire, the area was intended to separate, or be free of, Syrian and Israeli forces.

UNDOF has called Israel's latest actions in the zone a "violation" of the ceasefire agreement.

The zone is 75 kilometers long, spanning from the peak of Mount Hermon in the north to the Yarmouk River along the Jordanian border in the south. It varies in width from 10 kilometers in the center to just 200 meters in its southern sector. The area is home to 11 Syrian towns and villages, with tens of thousands of residents.

Since 1974, UNDOF has monitored Syrian and Israeli ceasefire compliance from around 50 positions inside the zone and just outside it.

The U.N. spokesperson said the IDF has severely constrained UNDOF's freedom of movement between those positions since December 7 but added that Israeli troops' posture toward UNDOF has "for the most part not been aggressive." An IDF spokesman contacted by VOA confirmed it has instructed UNDOF to avoid travel on roads during IDF movements.

The U.N. spokesperson also said UNDOF has not observed the IDF building hard-walled accommodations for troops in the locations they have occupied. Rather, images published by the Israeli government showed troops positioned alongside green tents constructed at the summit of Mount Hermon as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site on Tuesday.

UNDOF is aware of Israeli troops installing "mobility impairment devices," or barriers, on some roads within the buffer zone, the U.N. spokesperson said. The IDF spokesman confirmed to VOA that the barriers are a security measure intended to slow the approach of unknown vehicles toward Israeli positions.

In a Tuesday briefing, the U.N. secretary-general's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, provided more details on how Israel's occupation of the buffer zone has impacted UNDOF.

"UNDOF used to conduct approximately 55 to 60 daily operational tasks and logistics activities. It is currently restricted to three to five essential logistics movements per day, which significantly affects its operations," Dujarric said.

Netanyahu, in a social media video posted from his visit to the Mount Hermon summit, said the IDF will remain in what he called an important place for Israel's security "until another arrangement is found" ensuring that security.

Israel has said its occupation of the buffer zone is a temporary measure to prevent Syrian armed groups that ousted Assad from threatening Israeli territory.

Retired Israeli Colonel Eran Lerman, vice president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, told VOA that Israel's newly established control of the Mount Hermon summit and of commanding geographical features of the largely abandoned city of Quneitra and areas further south enable the IDF to see deeper into Syrian territory.

"This is crucial for intelligence gathering, both visual and otherwise," said Lerman, a former deputy national security adviser.

In his first public comment on Israel's occupation of the buffer zone that began eight days earlier, Syria's main rebel leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, told Britain's The Times newspaper in a Monday interview that Israel must pull back to its previous positions.

"We are committed to the 1974 agreement. ... We do not want any conflict, whether with Israel or anyone else, and we will not let Syria be used as a launchpad for attacks," said Sharaa, whose HTS militia is a U.S.-designated terror group.

Syrian-born political analyst Rime Allaf, an Austria-based advocate of democracy in her native country, told VOA the new authorities in Syria have been much more focused on rebuilding the country after 13 years of war than on Israel's expanded control over the Golan Heights.

Prior to its occupation of the buffer zone, Israel had spent several months digging a trench along the Golan Heights ceasefire line as part of a nationwide effort to fortify its borders against future terror attacks like that perpetrated by Hamas from Gaza on October 7, 2023.

UNDOF had publicly complained to Israel about the trench construction, accusing Israeli forces of straying several meters into the Area of Separation at several points. Responding to a VOA inquiry on November 15, the State Department said it had received the UNDOF complaints of "unauthorized military personnel and equipment inside the Area of Separation." It criticized those activities as "encroachments [that] degrade the security situation."

Three weeks later, after the fall of Assad, U.S. officials changed their language regarding Israeli activities in the buffer zone, defending the Israeli presence as consistent with Israel's right to self-defense and important for its security. They also said the U.S. continues to support the terms of the 1974 Israeli-Syrian ceasefire agreement and wants to see Syria's territorial integrity upheld.

Asked by VOA if the State Department stood by its earlier criticism of the Israeli trench construction along the ceasefire line, a spokesperson responded on December 12 by pointing to a department press briefing that discussed Israel's buffer zone activities but not the trench issue specifically.

The U.S. recognized the Golan Heights ceasefire line as Israel's border with Syria in 2019. The rest of the international community has not done so, with most nations labeling the Israeli-administered part of the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian territory.

Allaf said many Syrians do not see Israel as having acted in self-defense by occupying the buffer zone.

"I'm on the phone with people in Syria every day, and most of them are outraged about the Golan Heights because nobody has done anything to threaten Israel. They see Israel as acting illegally and opportunistically to expand its territory in a way that creates more tension with Syria," she said.

Lerman said that while Israel's occupation of the buffer zone may be prolonged as Syria's new rulers try to form an internationally recognized political entity, he does not anticipate an eventual Israeli annexation of the territory.

"Once there is a legitimate regime in Syria, Israel can trade away the buffer zone for a stable arrangement, perhaps short of a peace deal, that would enable us to concentrate on other missions," he said.

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Taiwan defense chief sees call for more transparency as a 'dilemma'

ROC Central News Agency

12/18/2024 04:16 PM

Taipei, Dec. 18 (CNA) An American scholar's recent call for greater transparency in reporting China's military incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) presents a difficult choice, Defense Minister Wellington Koo () said Wednesday.

"This is a dilemma for us," Koo told reporters on the sidelines of a legislative session in Taipei in response to the criticism.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) wants to make information more transparent, but there are also risks to doing that, Koo said.

If the MND disclosed too much information based on the results of its surveillance of People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces, it could expose Taiwan's intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities and the potential sources of its information-gathering process, Koo said.

He pledged, however, that the military will continue to regularly review the information it releases on PLA incursions to make it more transparent, while at the same time not disclosing its sources of intelligence during the process to protect national security.

Koo was responding to questions about criticisms of Taiwan's military voiced by Thomas J. Shattuck, a special project manager at the University of Pennsylvania's Perry World House policy research center, in a recent interview with CNA.

According to Shattuck, the MND has made frequent, unexplained changes in its public reporting of Chinese military activity in recent years, undermining the campaign's effectiveness.

There have also been inconsistencies between the Chinese and English versions of the reports, and changes -- such as starting, and then halting reporting on Chinese balloons -- have been made without explanation or any clear logic, he said.

Shattuck acknowledged that the MND has a difficult task but argued that by sharing less and abruptly changing what it divulges, Taiwan risked making it seem as if the threat was "not as significant," causing people in Taiwan and the United States to care less, he said.

The MND has released a daily "real-time military update" documenting PLA incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ since September 2020 to inform people at home and abroad on the increasing Chinese military threat.

An ADIZ is a self-declared area where a country claims the right to identify, locate and control approaching foreign aircraft but is not part of its territorial airspace as defined by international law.

(By Wu Su-wei, Shih Hsiu-chuan, Matthew Mazzetta and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ls

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Taiwan urges China not to attach political strings to cross-strait travel

ROC Central News Agency

12/18/2024 09:27 PM

Taipei, Dec. 18 (CNA) The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Wednesday urged Beijing not to politicize cross-strait travel and to lift all restrictions, reiterating that Chinese tourists are welcome to visit Taiwan.

Liang Wen-chieh (), deputy head and spokesperson of the MAC, Taiwan's top government agency handling cross-strait affairs, said at a news conference that the government has made all preparations needed to welcome back Chinese tourists.

"As long as the Chinese side does not act with political motives, attach conditions, or arbitrarily suspend tourism as a means of coercion, we will extend a warm welcome [to Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan]," Liang added.

"But if the Chinese side engages in political maneuvers, we will respond accordingly," he noted, without elaborating.

Liang's statement was in response to Shanghai Vice Mayor Hua Yuan's () remarks at the 15th Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum in Taipei on Tuesday that he would work to push for groups of Shanghai residents to visit Taiwan, particularly Taipei.

Chinese tourism in Taiwan, whether independent or group travel, has been largely frozen by the Chinese authorities for over four years. China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) currently only allows Fujian residents to visit Taiwan-held Kinmen and Matsu.

Zhu Fenglian (), a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), said later Tuesday that Hua's "expression of intent" aligns with the shared desire of people across the Taiwan Strait for exchanges and "has been welcomed by the public and the tourism industry on the island."

"We look forward to the resumption of travel by mainlanders to Taiwan, including those from Shanghai, as soon as possible," Zhu said.

In response to Zhu's remarks, Liang said the resumption would depend on whether China's MCT lifts the travel ban because doing so is not up to the Shanghai (government) nor the TAO, according to Chinese law.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (), who is in charge of matters relating to tourism, said earlier Wednesday he hopes China will lift political restrictions and allow Chinese tourists to freely visit Taiwan.

Lin Por-fong (), chairperson of The Third Wednesday Association, an organization formed by Taiwanese business owners and leaders, said that the business sector sees the Twin-City Forum in a positive light and hopes for more cross-strait exchanges, including tourists, businesspeople and the media visiting Taiwan.

(By Chiu Kuo-chiang, Yu Hsiao-han, Liu Chien-ling and Sunny Lai)

Enditem/kb

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/12/18

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Tuesday to Wednesday, Dec. 17-18

2.PLA activities

15 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels and 4 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's 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.

Diagram of PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

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PM call with President-elect Trump: 18 December 2024

The Prime Minister spoke to President-elect Donald Trump this afternoon from Downing Street.

18 December 2024

The Prime Minister spoke to President-elect Donald Trump this afternoon from Downing Street.

The Prime Minister began by congratulating President-elect Trump on his recent team appointments and President-elect Trump warmly recounted his meeting with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in Paris earlier this month.

Both agreed on their joint ambition to strengthen the close and historic relationship between the UK and the US. They looked forward to working together on shared priorities, including international security and delivering economic growth and prosperity.

Turning to global conflicts, the Prime Minister reiterated the need for allies to stand together with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position.

On the Middle East, the Prime Minister underscored the need to work together to ensure peace and security in the region.

They agreed to keep in touch and looked forward to seeing one another at the earliest opportunity.

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New winter support package for Ukraine: Switzerland helping to repair destroyed homes and energy infrastructure

Swiss Government

Bern, 18.12.2024 -- Due to the intensified Russian attacks, large parts of the Ukrainian population are suffering from cuts to power and heating. Switzerland is helping Ukraine to cope with the challenges of winter with almost CHF 45 million. The funds will be used to restore energy infrastructure, renovate damaged homes and meet urgent humanitarian needs.

The targeted attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure have had devastating consequences. More than half of the country's energy production has been destroyed, leaving millions of people without adequate access to electricity, heating and water. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) are helping the authorities, local partners and UN organisations to provide for the Ukrainian population this winter.

Specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) are also stationed in Kyiv. Throughout the country, they are supporting Ukrainian civil defence forces and heating providers in repairing damaged generators, heat pumps and energy systems and putting them back into operation. In Odesa, thanks to financial support and the SHA's expertise, it has been possible to ensure that vital facilities such as hospitals and schools remain open in wintertime and that 105,000 residents have a functioning heating system.

In parallel to this emergency aid, the SECO is supporting energy infrastructure and efficiency at the municipal level. Contributions to multilateral funds such as the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) and the Ukraine Energy Support Fund can be used to restore and modernise municipal energy systems. By financing spare parts and fuel, and investing in energy efficiency, they are helping to secure the supply of electricity to urban and rural areas. SECO has also financed the transport of power generating equipment, including cables and grid construction elements, a work platform and transformers, which were provided by a Swiss energy company and are urgently needed in Ukraine.

Support for vulnerable groups

Switzerland pays special attention to particularly vulnerable groups, especially internally displaced persons and people living near the front line or in remote regions. It is supporting them, for example, with distributions of fuel for heating, winter clothing, and also helping to renovate and insulate homes damaged in the war. Over 15,000 people receive this targeted aid thanks to cooperation with partner organisations such as the Danish Refugee Council, the UNHCR, and Swiss and Ukrainian organisations.

The winter aid package builds on existing experience and networks. In the last two winters, Switzerland provided a total of CHF 84.5 million for specific winter aid. The winter aid package is an integral part of Switzerland's international cooperation activities in Ukraine. Since February 2022, Switzerland has provided over CHF 477 million in support to people affected by the war in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries.

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December 18, 2024

By Joseph Clark, DOD News

Defense Official Outlines Continued Support for Ukraine

The Defense Department is committed to helping Ukraine prevail amid Russia's ongoing war of aggression and will continue sending key capabilities to meet Ukraine's battlefield needs in the weeks to come, a senior defense official said Monday.

The department is on track to allocate the remaining $1.2 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds approved by Congress to procure new capabilities by the end of the calendar year, the official said.

The U.S. will also continue sending Ukraine much needed equipment and munitions from DOD inventories by leveraging $5.6 billion in remaining presidential drawdown authority through the end of the Biden administration.

"The U.S. Department of Defense remains committed to putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield, including through significant security assistance," the official said during a call with reporters.

Earlier this month, DOD announced a $988 million package of new equipment provisioned under USAI that included unmanned aerial systems, rocket munitions and support for maintenance and repair programs. It marked the 22nd USAI package issued under the Biden administration.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has also continued to rally the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a global network of some 50 partners committed to Ukraine's near-term battlefield needs and its long-term ability to deter future aggression.

Thirteen members of the contact group are leading eight separate capability coalitions designed to drive Ukraine's long-term force development. Those coalitions focus on critical capabilities ranging from air defense to artillery.

The secretary will convene the 25th meeting of UDCG alongside Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in the new year where the capability coalitions will lay out their roadmaps toward "efficient and sustainable support for Ukraine," the defense official said.

These allies and partners have also continued to meet Ukraine's immediate battlefield needs, committing more than $59 billion in security assistance.

As a percentage of gross domestic product, more than a dozen allies and partners now provide more security assistance to Ukraine than the U.S. does.

"Our allies and partners have stepped up in a big way to first help Ukraine defend itself against Russian air strikes with everything from air defense systems to equipment to protect Ukraine's critical national infrastructure," the official said.

Ukraine is also working to defend key territory in the Donetsk region as Russia continues to maneuver toward the strategic Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk.

"This appears to remain Russia's main effort, and they continue to make incremental progress toward Pokrovsk," a senior military official told reporters on Monday's call. "In general, most of their maneuver has been toward this city on some fairly open terrain, and the Ukrainians have been ceding some of that terrain and falling back to more defensible positions."

The official noted that while Russia has made significant progress over the long term, their progress has been slow day to day.

"As Ukrainians get to more defensible positions, we think they'll be able to shore up the defenses and last for some amount of time defending Pokrovsk, depending on how events on the battlefield play out," the senior military official said.

Ukraine is also working to defend territory in the Kursk border region, where Russia has launched a counteroffensive employing North Korean troops to fill out its ranks.

Approximately 12,000 North Korean troops have deployed to the region. The senior military official said yesterday that those troops have been used on the front lines and have suffered several hundred casualties, according to recent estimates.

The official added while the Russian counteroffensive has caused Ukraine to cede some territory in Kursk, Ukrainian defenses "appear to be holding at this time."

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Ukraine: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas at the EP plenary on Russia's disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression

European External Action Service (EEAS)

18.12.2024

Strasbourg, 17/12/2024

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Thank you.

Dear President,

Honourable Members of the European Parliament,

There is no rewriting of history that can ever explain away the invasion of another country today.

But some people just don't care.

Putin's justification for his war on Ukraine is steeped in lies. Ukrainians are fighting back every second of every day. And we will continue to support them until they win this war.

But there is also a war taking place off the battlefield. It is Russia's war of disinformation. Disinformation is a fundamental part of Russian military activities. And this is what we are here to discuss.

When Russia illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula, it began with a disinformation campaign based on falsely accusing Ukraine of a different history it never had. I will not repeat these lies here; anyone can find them online.

We are talking about coordinated and state-funded information manipulation campaigns. Not only in the media. Russian authorities are revising history textbooks for Russian pupils and students, bringing the imperial war propaganda to schools and brainwashing children, for years now, and it has a clear impact. Again, you can look at the videos online.

Russia jails its own historians and destroys organisations that seek truth. Like Yuri Dmitriev, for example, whose work identified the victims of Stalin-era repressions in Karelia. We have seen this all before, we have seen it in action in the Soviet Union.

Honourable Members,

We cannot accept the spill-over into Europe of Russian disinformation campaigns. It is a weapon to support the kinetic warfare on the ground. We have to fight it. This is hybrid warfare.

The frontline of this hybrid war runs through our own democracies: universities, parliaments, media and other institutions.

It aims at creating distrust - people don't know what to trust anymore -, sparking domestic divisions, influencing democratic decision-making - including the decisions we make at the ballot box. It aims at changing our policies and deterring Europe from supporting Ukraine.

Organised disinformation or sometimes also manipulated information which is partly true, reaches wide audiences via social media; it sits literally in our pockets, on our phones, in our apps.

The best way to counter propaganda and disinformation remains the same: expose it, provide facts and the truth, support the free and independent press. Traditional media and journalists play such a crucial role to ensure that propaganda and disinformation don't succeed.

Online, the major platforms also have a fundamental role in this regard. The European Union has been at the forefront of developing policies and tools to the fight against disinformation online.

With the Digital Services Act and the Code of Practice on Disinformation, the European Union put in place the framework to make sure that digital platforms are doing their job. But we also have to empower users, researchers and fact-checkers, demonetising disinformation and ensuring transparency of political advertising.

What is Europe doing against Russia disinformation aggression?

Following Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014, the European Union's work against disinformation began and has only become stronger since then. The East StratCom Task Force was created with a specific mandate from the European Council to counter Russia's disinformation campaigns.

Thank you to the European Parliament for pushing to set it up.

Since then, the European Union has done more to fight foreign information manipulation and interference.

We have built a Rapid Alert System (RAS) to share information, exchange best practices and coordinate responses with the European Union Member States and institutions.

Our objective is to collect evidence on all foreign interference activities, act quickly against disinformation campaign and expose Russia.

Beyond our immediate neighbourhood, we expanded our work in this area to support our European delegations around the world. We are working widely to safeguard civilian and military operations from all foreign information manipulation and interference.

We have built a Team Europe approach to tackle Russia's interference attacks against the European Union and our partners. We have experts in dedicated Task Forces now, focussing on other parts of the world such as the European Union's Southern Neighbourhood, the Western Balkans, China, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions.

To ensure that the information on the incidents and threats that we collect has a benefit for all, we have created a dedicated Information Sharing and Analysis Centre. This helps civil society in our Member States and beyond, to pool their knowledge about root causes, incidents, and threats.

Honourable Members,

Disinformation is a Russian military tactic and a threat to our security. Going forward, building on the work of the Commission services and the EEAS in combating foreign information manipulation, interference and disinformation.

We will cooperate better to make sure that we can better prevent, detect and also address domestic threats to democracy, as well as improving situational awareness of disinformation and crisis response mechanisms. It is key to talk about the concrete examples and I urge you to invite our experts also to [be briefed by] them.

As we recently saw in Romania, Moldova and Georgia, Russia does not stop its attempts to undermine and destabilise our Union and our partners. We know we must work especially with candidate countries, building their resilience to withstand Russia's attempts to keep them away from their European path.

Beyond our neighbourhood, we also need to rebuild the European Union's influence in third countries. We will work together closely with democracies in Sub-Saharan Africa and other regions where Russia is investing heavily in its information manipulation operations.

To tackle this, we also need to work with our like-minded partners, especially in the G7, to pool the know-how, resources and also respond collectively.

Thank you.

Link to video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-265245

Closing statements

Speech delivered by Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas

Thank you, Chair,

Honourable Members,

Thank you for this debate.

The Global Risk Report by the World Economic Forum ranked disinformation as the second biggest risk the world would face this year.

Disinformation threats pose a real risk to democracy. To counter orchestrated and programmed disinformation campaigns, we need to act on all grounds.

We must be prepared to recognise the disinformation; we need critical thinking and media literacy. We have to support the work of journalists, fact-checking organisations and rapid alert systems.

And we cannot take our foot off the pedal.

Going forward, including with a new European Democracy Shield to address the most severe risks to democracy in the European Union, there is a clear commitment to protecting democracy at home.

We must replicate this commitment in helping our neighbours too.

Because as we see in the lies that Putin's regime spreads to justify starting a war in Ukraine, fighting foreign interference and information manipulation is a matter of security.

And we as policymakers have a responsibility to our citizens to do what we can to protect our democracies.

Thank you.



Link to video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-265247

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JEF Leaders' Summit Emphasizes Continued Support for Ukraine

Government of Iceland - Ministry for Foreign Affairs

18 December 2024

Security developments in Europe, support for Ukraine, and increased defence cooperation were among the topics discussed by the leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) at their summit in Tallinn, Estonia, which concluded today. Foreign Minister ordis Kolbrun Reykfjor Gylfadottir attended the meeting on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the meeting via video link, and the leaders discussed the importance of supporting Ukraine's defence and ensuring the implementation and oversight of sanctions against Russia.

"Ukraine's defence against Russia's war of aggression is inseparable from Europe's long term security. This was made clear at the Summit, and our support for Ukraine must be considered in this context," the Minister said.

The leaders agreed to continue strengthening the defence capabilities of their nations and to enhance cooperation in this area, consistent with NATO commitments. Furthermore, it was decided that JEF nations would intensify cooperation regarding the so-called shadow fleet that Russia uses to circumvent sanctions.

In connection with the meeting, a Joint Statement was issued. It emphasized that "Russia is the most significant, direct, and long-term threat to the security, peace, and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area." The statement also highlighted that the ten JEF nations have significantly enhanced their cooperation and actions against Russian sabotage, violence, cyberattacks, disinformation, and other hybrid threats.

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Ukraine drones kill 50 North Koreans in battle in Kursk region

The North Koreans were not prepared to fight drones and used 1950s Soviet-era tactics.

By Park Jaewoo for RFA Korean 2024.12.18 -- Around 50 North Korean soldiers were killed in a battle against Ukrainian army drones in the Kursk region this week, video of the battle shared on social media revealed.

It's the latest evidence that North Korean forces are participating in Russia's war with Ukraine, a fact that Moscow and Pyongyang are trying to hide, including by allegedly burning the faces off of North Koreans who are killed in action.

The video, shared by Ukraine's 8th Special Operations Regiment on Facebook, showed a drone attack in the battle fought on Monday.

In the video, what are believed to be North Korean soldiers are seen running away or hiding behind trees when they encounter Ukrainian first-person-view drones, also known as FPV drones.

Sgt. Mykhailo Makaruk, a member of the Ukrainian unit confirmed to RFA Korean that he had fought against North Koreans in the battle captured on video.

"I think nearly 200 (North Korean soldiers) came to our position," Makaruk said, explaining that shortly after, the drones began an aerial attack.

He likened the North Koreans to zombies, a staple of horror films.

"They came and they came and the drones are bombing them," he said. "I don't understand how they can come to this war. They look like, you know, real zombies."

Makaruk did not disclose the exact location where the battle was fought because his unit is still deployed in a combat situation.

RFA has not verified the authenticity of the video.

Makaruk said that the North Korean soldiers involved in the battle moved alongside Russian troops, and that mid-level North Korean officers were among them.

He said the North Korean soldiers were equipped with Russian military supplies and used outdated tactics typical of the Soviet military in the 1950s.

They were totally unprepared to fight against drones, and they appear to think they can avoid detection while on the ground or under cover of night, Makaruk said.

These FPV drones are said to be able to reach speeds of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) per hour, meaning that if they encounter each other within 100 meters, it will take less than a second for them to collide.

Andrii Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, posted on his Telegram account that North Korean soldiers were no match for the drones, also called unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs.

"The dead DPRK soldiers did not have a visual understanding of the danger from UAVs before the drone strikes, which may indicate that the Russians poorly informed the Koreans about the use of drones at the front," Kovalenko said.

He also said that the Russian soldiers were seen trying to quickly recover the bodies of North Korean soldiers who died on the front lines, which was different from the way they recovered Russian casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday in an address that preliminary data suggests that the Russians were trying to hide the deaths of North Korean soldiers.

"Unfortunately, we are forced to defend against them as well, even though there is not a single reason for North Koreans to die in this war," Zelensky said. "The only reason is Putin's madness, which has consumed Russia and fuels this war."

Translated by Claire S. Lee and Leejin J. Chung. Edited by Eugene Whong.

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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Zelenskiy Huddles With European Leaders In Brussels Ahead Of Trump's Return

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service December 18, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met in Brussels on December 18 with NATO chief Mark Rutte and several European leaders to discuss war strategy amid concerns that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could pull U.S. support for Kyiv after he returns to the White House next month.

The meeting came as European leaders seek to develop their own plans if Trump, who has pledged to bring a swift end to the conflict, pulls support or forces Kyiv to make concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a cease-fire.

The key topic of Zelenskiy's meeting with Rutte was security guarantees, Zelenskiy's office said.

"It is very important to use these two days in Brussels to meet with all our partners and have the same, and very importantly, not divided -- the same -- common European position on how to secure Ukraine, how to strengthen our people and, of course, make our army stronger," Zelenskiy said, according to a statement released by his office.

Zelenskiy said earlier on X that he and French President Emmanuel Macron had a "detailed one-on-one discussion" that focused on priorities to further strengthen Ukraine's position.

"We continued working on President Macron's initiative regarding the presence of forces in Ukraine that could contribute to stabilizing the path to peace," Zelenskiy said in an apparent reference to a discussion of boots on the ground raised recently during a meeting between Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters ahead of the meeting that the priority of the meeting was to secure the "sovereignty of Ukraine and that it will not be forced to submit to a dictated peace." He said any discussion of boots on the ground would be premature.

Rutte said Kyiv's allies should focus on ramping up arms supplies to ensure that Ukraine is in a position of strength.

Strengthening Ukrainian air defense especially ahead of the winter was a key topic during Zelenskiy's meeting with Rutte, according to the statement from Zelenskiy's office.

"We have to do everything we can now to make sure that when it comes to air defense, when it comes to other weapons systems, we are doing everything we can to provide everything we can," Rutte said.

Zelenskiy was expected to again plead for more air-defense systems to try to help stave off Russian barrages against Ukraine's power grid.

Organized by Rutte, the meeting involves officials from Germany, Poland, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the European Union's main institutions.

Among the potential topics are possible security guarantees offered to Ukraine in the event of a cease-fire and how a cease-fire could be monitored, with one option being an international peacekeeping force.

NATO members have rebuffed Kyiv's calls for an invitation to join the alliance right away, sparking speculation that sending peacekeepers could be an alternative.

Rutte also said he wants to discuss military aid, especially air defense, with Zelenskiy, saying Ukraine needs 19 extra air-defense systems to protect the country's energy infrastructure from Russian bombardment.

Earlier on December 18, Rutte announced that a new NATO command in the German city of Wiesbaden has taken up its work to coordinate Western military aid for Ukraine.

"The NATO command in Wiesbaden for security assistance and training for Ukraine is now up and running," Rutte told reporters at NATO's headquarters in Brussels. Dubbed NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), the command takes over coordination of the aid from the United States in a move widely seen as aiming to safeguard the support mechanism against Trump.

NSATU is set to have around 700 personnel, including troops stationed at NATO's military headquarters in Belgium and at logistics hubs in Poland and Romania.

Russia has condemned increases in Western military aid to Ukraine as risking a wider war.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/nato-rutte-zelenskiy- scholz-russia-ukraine-war-defense-europe/33244858.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (18 December 2024)

18.12.2024

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

In the course of offensive operations, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of four mechanised brigades, one tank brigade, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and two assault battalions of the AFU near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Daryino, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Melovoy, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, Staraya Sorochina, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on the enemy's manpower and hardware near Guyevo, Kolmakov, Kurilovka, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novoivanovka, Novaya Sorochina, Orlovka, Pogrebki, Rubanshchina, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Miropolye in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 210 troops, two tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier, four armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, one Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS launcher, one 152-mm D-20 gun, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 41,870 troops, 244 tanks, 184 infantry fighting vehicles, 127 armoured personnel carriers, 1,283 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,152 motor vehicles, 318 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 75 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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Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron Discussed Strengthening Ukraine's Positions on the Battlefield and in Diplomacy

President of Ukraine

18 December 2024 - 23:04

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of France Emmanuel Macron in Brussels. It was their eighth meeting this year.

The Ukrainian leader expressed his condolences over the tragedy on the French island of Mayotte caused by cyclone Chido.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Emmanuel Macron for his personal efforts to consolidate international support for Ukraine. Establishing a just peace for our state means ensuring security for all other European countries.

The main topics discussed during the meeting were military assistance and the needs of Ukrainian warriors. The President of Ukraine provided a list of what is needed by the defenders on the battlefield, as well as for enhancing air defense and long-range capabilities.

He thanked France for all the defense assistance it has provided, which amounts to more than EUR 5 billion, for its participation in most of the Ramstein coalitions, and for training the Anne of Kyiv Brigade. Ukraine expects the start of the training for the second strategic reserve brigade.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stressed that Ukraine values France's support on its path to European integration.

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The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Noted Ukraine's Progress in Building Integrity

President of Ukraine

18 December 2024 - 18:57

Iryna Mudra, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, met with Julia Fromholz, Head of the Anti-Corruption Division in the Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The main topic of the meeting was the cooperation between the OECD and Ukraine in the fight against corruption, and the steps necessary for Ukraine to become a member of the organization.

Julia Fromholz highlighted Ukraine's significant progress towards joining the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and the Working Group on Bribery.

"Our country is steadily advancing towards greater transparency, enhanced governance efficiency, and strengthened institutional capacity," Iryna Mudra stressed.

The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office also thanked the Organization for helping Ukraine to become more transparent to its partners and attractive for investment.

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'We must not normalise the war in Ukraine,' warns country coordinator

18 December 2024 - On Wednesday UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale briefed the press after visiting the war-ravaged eastern Donetsk region, sharing harrowing accounts of human resilience amid the chaos of Russia's ongoing invasion.

The UN's top official in the country - who also coordinates all the organization's humanitarian work there - emphasised the urgent need for peace, justice, and sustained international support.

In October and November alone, over 2,180 civilian deaths and injuries were verified.

The intense fighting has also led to a stream of evacuations, with nearly 40,000 people displaced from frontline areas in the past two months.

Elderly and disabled worst hit

Mr. Schmale highlighted the heightened vulnerability of marginalised groups while recounting meeting two elderly evacuees in Dnipro, who shared their despair after losing everything to the war.

"Understandably, they expressed a pessimistic outlook for a better future," he noted.

He voiced concerns for people with disabilities as he observed firsthand their plight during a visit to a transit centre.

"I observed how incredibly challenging it is for people with disabilities to cope with the traumas and disruptions caused by the ongoing war," he underscored.

Resilience in crisis

Amid the devastation, frontline humanitarian workers have continued to serve communities in crisis.

In Donetsk, doctors and health staff, supported by the World Health Organization, provide essential healthcare in extremely harsh conditions.

However, as Ukraine enters its third winter since the full-scale invasion, below-zero temperatures and systematic attacks on energy infrastructure pose significant risks.

Recent strikes in late November and mid-December caused widespread blackouts, affecting millions and leaving vulnerable populations in high-rise buildings without heating, clean water, or functioning sewage systems.

"The attacks have already severely worsened the dire situation for the most vulnerable populations," the coordinator warned.

Addressing the winter crisis

The UN's humanitarian winter response plan aims to address emergency needs, including providing solid fuel, cash assistance, and water system repairs.

However, $500 million is required to fully implement these efforts by March 2025.

Additionally, a broader humanitarian appeal for $2.2 billion is being prepared for 2025 to assist an estimated 12.7 million people.

This includes sustaining early recovery programmes, such as education, while addressing critical emergency needs.

Concluding his statement, the Resident Coordinator delivered a powerful message: "We must not normalise the war in Ukraine."

"The guns must fall silent and there must be peace with accountability and justice served in full respect of the UN Charter and the territorial integrity of Ukraine," he emphasised.

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Zelenskyy: Ukraine lacks military strength to recover its Russian-occupied land

By VOA News December 18, 2024

Ukraine's president told a French newspaper Wednesday that his country does not have the military might to take back its Russian-occupied territories.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Le Parisien that Ukraine's military does not possess the strength it needs to expel Russian forces from the Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine that is has held since 2014.

Ukraine's constitution prohibits it from forfeiting its territories, he added.

"We can only count on diplomatic pressure from the international community to force [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to sit down at the negotiating table," Zelenskyy said.

If the West had given Ukraine all the defense systems it needed when Ukraine first asked for them, Ukraine would not be in the situation it is in now with Russia, he said.

Russia occupies about 18% of Ukraine.

NATO and Ukraine

Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels on Wednesday where he met with NATO chief Mark Rutte and other European leaders as Ukraine seeks to bolster its defenses against Russian forces.

As Rutte greeted Zelenskyy for their meeting, the NATO secretary-general said he did not want to speak publicly about when the peace talks would begin and if European peacekeepers would be involved because doing so would play into Putin's hands.

Rutte said Wednesday that Ukraine's partners will do whatever they can to provide Ukraine with everything it needs to defend itself against the nearly three-year war with Russia, including air defense and other weapons system.

On Tuesday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was in urgent need of military aid, especially air defense systems.

"We must do everything possible to destroy Russia's ability to wage war from as far away as possible," he said. "For this, we need more drones, more modern artillery, and long-range missiles."

Wednesday's talks come a month before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office, bringing uncertainty about the level of continued U.S. support for Ukraine from the new administration.

Among those expected to meet with Zelenskyy in Brussels were German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Ahead of the talks, Russia launched another round of overnight aerial attacks.

Ihor Taburets, governor of Ukraine's Cherkasy region, said Wednesday on Telegram that Ukrainian air defenses shot down 13 drones. He said there was no damage to infrastructure in the area.

Khmelnytskyi Governor Serhii Tiurin said Wednesday that Ukrainian forces shot down two drones.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Wednesday it destroyed two Ukrainian aerial drones over the Belgorod region, along with a drone over Bryansk and another over Kursk.

Moscow attack

Russia said Wednesday it detained a suspect in the killing of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the chief of the military's nuclear, biological and chemical protection forces.

Authorities described the suspect as a citizen of Uzbekistan who was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services to carry out the Tuesday attack in Moscow.

An official with Ukraine's Security Service, or SBU, said Tuesday the agency was behind the attack and called Kirillov a "war criminal and an entirely legitimate target."

Several countries, including Britain and Canada, had sanctioned Kirillov, 54, for his actions in Moscow's nearly three-year war in Ukraine.

Some information for this story came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Zelenskyy to meet with NATO, European leaders in push to bolster defenses

By VOA News December 18, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Wednesday with NATO chief Mark Rutte and European leaders in Brussels as Ukraine seeks to bolster its defenses against Russian forces.

Zelenskyy on Tuesday cited an urgent need to boost military aid to Ukraine, especially air defense systems.

"We must do everything possible to destroy Russia's ability to wage war from as far away as possible," Zelenskyy said. "For this, we need more drones, more modern artillery, and long-range missiles."

Wednesday's talks come a month before U.S. President Donald Trump takes office, bringing uncertainty about the level of continued U.S. support for Ukraine from the new administration.

Among those expected to meet with Zelenskyy in Brussels were German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Ahead of the talks, Russia launched another round of overnight aerial attacks.

Ihor Taburets, governor of Ukraine's Cherkasy region, said Wednesday on Telegram that Ukrainian air defenses shot down 13 drones. He said there was no damage to infrastructure in the area.

Khmelnytskyi Governor Serhii Tiurin said Wednesday that Ukrainian forces shot down two drones.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Wednesday it destroyed two Ukrainian aerial drones over the Belgorod region, along with a drone over Bryansk and another over Kursk.

Moscow attack

Russia said Wednesday it detained a suspect in the killing of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the chief of the military's nuclear, biological and chemical protection forces.

Authorities described the suspect as a citizen of Uzbekistan who was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services to carry out the Tuesday attack in Moscow.

An official with Ukraine's Security Service, or SBU, said Tuesday the agency was behind the attack and called Kirillov a "war criminal and an entirely legitimate target."

Several countries, including Britain and Canada, had sanctioned Kirillov, 54, for his actions in Moscow's nearly three-year war in Ukraine

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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In Brussels, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte Discussed Air Defense Strengthening and Security Guarantees for Ukraine

President of Ukraine

19 December 2024 - 00:12

Security guarantees for Ukraine are the key topic of negotiations in Brussels. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

"It is very important to use these two days in Brussels to meet with all our partners and have the same, which is very important, not divided - the same, joint position of Europe on how to secure Ukraine, how to strengthen our people and, of course, our army," the Head of State said.

Special attention was paid to strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities, especially now, during winter.

"We have to do everything necessary now to make sure that when it comes to air defense, other weapons systems, that we provide whatever we can. We know of your request to make sure that 19 systems are delivered to Ukraine to protect critical infrastructure. So, this will all be on the agenda," the NATO Secretary General said.

Mark Rutte added that another important topic of the talks was Ukraine's economy. According to him, the example of Denmark and Lithuania in procuring Ukrainian weapons is very important in this regard.

"This is good news because it means more weapons for Ukraine, but also money for the Ukrainian economy. So, this is a very practical way to support you," he concluded.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte will also meet with leaders, prime ministers and other representatives of European countries in Brussels.

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Washington, DC, Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) applauds bipartisan leaders in the House and Senate for their hard work to include crucial statutory PBM-related reforms in the Continuing Resolution before Congress this week. The reforms comprise long-fought NASP priorities to protect specialty pharmacies and patient access to the specialty pharmacy of their choice. It has never been more important for Congress to act and pass these reforms into law. Specialty pharmacies have sought to address these issues for many years, while being forced out of Part D networks.

If passed into law, the legislation will require the Administration to ensure Plan/PBM agreements with specialty pharmacies and other pharmacies are reasonable and relevant under Medicare Part D, overseeing and enforcing such protections. The legislation will also ban the practice of spread pricing by PBMs in Medicaid Managed Care, and work to establish Medicaid Managed Care payment protections for pharmacies.

Ultimately, these legislative protections support Medicare and Medicaid Managed Care beneficiaries who live with chronic complex conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Importantly, the reforms will ensure that Part D and Medicaid Managed Care patients can continue to see the specialty pharmacy of their choice, avoiding disruptions in their care.

For years specialty pharmacies have asked Congress, the Trump and Biden Administations and the Federal Trade Commission to act to address anticompetitive practices like below-cost drug reimbursement and intentionally unfair network terms that are only meant to exclude specialty pharmacies from participation, says Sheila Arquette, NASP President and CEO. This legislation would result in direct statutory protections to address our concerns at a critical time as more specialty pharmacies face financial and other unfair network pressures. We urge Congress to stay the course and pass these reforms into law before the end of the calendar year.

###

NASP represents all specialty pharmacy industry stakeholders. Specialty pharmacies serve communities of patients who have complex health conditions like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, organ transplantation and rare diseases. Specialty pharmacies are accredited by an independent, third party nationally recognized accreditation organization ensuring consistent quality of extensive drug management and clinical patient care services.
TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orca Energy Group Inc. ("Orca" or the "Company" and includes its subsidiaries and affiliates, including PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited ("PAET") and Pan African Energy Corporation (Mauritius) ("PAEM") (TSX-V: ORC.A, ORC.B) announces an operational update.

Unless otherwise stated, all amounts referred to herein are expressed in United States dollars ("$").

SS-7 Update

Further to previous announcements, the well intervention operations on SS-7 have now concluded. The work program, following a complex mobilization to Songo Songo Island, sought to restore the mechanical integrity of the well to shutoff water production in order to restart production from the southern compartment of the gas field. Following successful water shut off and reperforation of the Neocomian sands, limited and unsustained gas flows were observed. The Company, in line with its contingency plans, set a cement plug above the Neocomian interval and perforated the shallower Cenomanian sands.

Having completed all possible downhole work, and after an unsuccessful attempt to produce gas from the Cenomanian sands, the Company has ceased well intervention operations and commenced demobilization of the barge and jackup from the SS-7 site. The total expected project cost has increased to $27 million from $22 million, primarily as a result of the significant attempts required to shut off water and reproduce the well.

Following demobilization, a comprehensive post project analysis will be carried out to evaluate the intervention results, which have not met production expectations. Further updates on this matter will be made as appropriate.

Orca Energy Group Inc.

Orca Energy Group Inc. is an international public company engaged in natural gas development and supply in Tanzania through its subsidiary, PAET. Orca trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbols ORC.B and ORC.A.

The principal asset of Orca is its indirect interest in the Production Sharing Agreement with the Government of Tanzania, Tanzanian Petroleum Development Corporation ("TPDC"), and PAET (the "PSA")in the United Republic of Tanzania. This PSA covers the production and marketing of certain conventional natural gas from the Songo Songo license offshore Tanzania. The PSA defines the gas produced from the Field as "Protected Gas" and "Additional Gas". The Protected Gas is owned by TPDC and prior to July 31, 2024 was sold under the Gas Agreement ("GA") between the Government of Tanzania, TPDC, Songas Limited ("Songas") and PAET, to Songas and Tanzania Portland Cement PLC. Protected Gas production ceased on July 31, 2024, and accordingly all gas is to be sold as Additional Gas. PAET continues to act in the best interests of its Tanzanian stakeholders and make natural gas available to Songas for power, so that the country can continue to benefit from a reliable power supply. The Company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Tanzanian economy, following 20 years of continued investment in the country. However, as detailed in recent announcements, and as set out in the GA, the supply of Protected Gas ceased on July 31, 2024, with all gas now being produced from the Songo Songo gas field, being designated as Additional Gas. PAET's position is that it is entitled to compensation at commercial rates for any such gas supplied as Additional Gas and for which it has not received payment as a result of the position taken by TPDC. This is subject to ongoing dispute with TPDC, with TPDC asserting that Protected Gas continued after July 31, 2024.

Songas is the owner of the infrastructure that enables the gas to be processed and delivered to Dar es Salaam, which includes a gas processing plant on Songo Songo Island.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements or information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, which address activities, events or developments that Orca expects or anticipates to occur in the future, are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements often contain terms such as may, will, should, anticipate, expect, continue, estimate, believe, project, forecast, plan, intend, target, outlook, focus, could and similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

More particularly, this press release contains, without limitation, forward-looking statements pertaining to the following: the Company's expectation that PAET will receive payment in respect of Protected Gas supplied after July 31, 2024; and expectations surrounding demobilization of the barge and jackup from the SS-7 site. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, future actions, future payments, levels of activity, access to resources, results of negotiation, results from arbitration, amount of damages or costs incurred by the Company relating to negotiations and/or arbitration, since such expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, operational, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies.

These forward-looking statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control, and many factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by the Company, including, but not limited to: uncertainties involving demobilization of the barge and jackup from the SS-7 site; risk of decreased demand for production volumes from the Songo Songo gas field; risk that Orca does not receive payment of TPCPLC invoices; risks of non-payment by recipients of natural gas supplied by the Company; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, or regulations and/or changes in the administration of laws, policies, and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Tanzania; lack of certainty with respect to foreign legal systems, corruption, and other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; timing of receipt of, or failure to comply with, necessary permits and approvals; and potential damage to the Company's reputation due to the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, including negative publicity with respect to the Company's dealings with the Government of Tanzania, TPDC and TANESCO, whether true or not. Therefore, the Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

Such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors the Company believes are appropriate in the circumstances, including, but not limited to: the Company's relationship with TPDC and the Government of Tanzania; Orca's operations continue as anticipated, including in respect of production results; and other matters.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Photo credit: WorldCC

MELBOURNE, Australia, Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new report from World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) and Randstad Australia sounds the alarm on the state of procurement and contract management in Australia. The report, Workforce Dynamics in the Modern Era: Bridging Skills Gaps and Embracing Future Needs, uncovers a profession grappling with a widening skills gap, uncertainty surrounding AI, and a lack of clear career pathways  all of which could hinder Australias competitiveness in the global market.

The report, based on a comprehensive survey of professionals across Australia, paints a worrying picture:

Skills gaps: While 76% feel confident in their analytical abilities, a staggering 90% recognise a critical need for upskilling in risk management. Adding to this, 74% of respondents acknowledge the critical need for improved tools and training, with just 15% considering the current tools available within procurement fit for purpose.

Career paths: A mere 6.5% of procurement professionals have a clear understanding of their career progression opportunities. This lack of direction, coupled with the fact that only 46% are satisfied with current career development opportunities, contributes to a sense of career ambiguity and potentially hinders motivation and retention.

AI apprehension: Perhaps most surprisingly, the research uncovered a widespread lack of awareness surrounding the impact of AI. Almost 50% of respondents dont believe AI will significantly impact their roles in the near future. This points to a critical need for education and open communication to dispel myths and anxieties surrounding AI adoption.

Adding to the concerns around career progression, Rachel Homer, National Manager - Procurement, Contracts & Supply Chain at Randstad Australia, warns: The lack of clear career pathways isnt just a statisticits a barrier to attracting and retaining top commercial and contracting talent in Australia. Ambitious professionals need to see a future within their organisation. People leaders must prioritise building transparent, accessible career trajectories, supported by robust mentorship and development. This isnt just about retention; its about cultivating the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and elevate Australias competitive edge.

This need for a skilled and future-ready workforce is echoed by Tim Cummins, President at WorldCC, who emphasises the importance of proactive measures: The future of procurement and contract management depends on a workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate an increasingly complex landscape. We need to move beyond simply acknowledging the skills gap and actively invest in upskilling the workforce. This means providing targeted training in crucial areas like risk management and AI, but also creating clear career pathways that empower professionals to grow and thrive.

Finally, the report also highlights the importance of fostering inclusivity and driving innovation. It calls on organisations to create a culture of collaboration where diverse perspectives are valued and employees are empowered to contribute their unique talents.

Workforce Dynamics in the Modern Era is an essential resource for anyone involved in procurement and contract management. Download the full report today and discover how you can build a future-ready workforce: https://info.worldcc.com/workforce-dynamics-report-2024



About WorldCC

World Commerce & Contracting is a not-for-profit association dedicated to helping its global members achieve high-performing and trusted trading relationships. With 75,000 members from over 20,000 companies across 180 countries worldwide, the association welcomes everyone with an interest in better contracting: business leaders, practitioners, experts and newcomers. It is independent, provocative, and disciplined, existing for its members, the contracting community and society at large.

About Randstad Australia

Randstad is a global talent leader with the vision to be the worlds most equitable and specialised talent company. As a partner for talent, we provide clients with the high-quality, diverse and agile workforces they need to succeed in a talent-scarce world. We help people secure meaningful roles, develop relevant skills, and find purpose and belonging in their workplace. Through the value we create, we are committed to a better and more sustainable future for all.

Our national team of procurement, contracts & supply chain recruiters is composed of experienced recruitment consultants and full-time candidate managers, responsible for daily candidate generation. Our innovative sourcing techniques and technologies, combined with our extensive local procurement, contract, and supply chain industry connections, ensure we continually build our talent pipeline and provide our partners with access to the best talent.

With 31 offices in Australia servicing the local market, and headquarters in the Netherlands, Randstad operates in 39 markets and has approximately 40,000 employees. In 2023, we supported 2 million talents to find work and generated revenue of 25.4 billion. Randstad N.V. is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam.

Contact Information:

Kate Hodgins

Head of Marketing & Communications

World Commerce & Contracting

+44 7793 026783

khodgins@worldcc.com

www.worldcc.com

Mikaela Johnson

Head of Communications ANZ

Randstad Australia

+61 2 80951747

mikaela.johnson@randstad.com.au

www.randstad.com.au



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5167deb2-118d-4f86-8d57-7ceffc2e2ffe
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 10, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG), if they purchased the Companys shares between February 8, 2024 and October 29, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period) or purchased Chipotle call options or sold put options during the Class Period. This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Get Help

Chipotle investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-cmg-2/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Chipotle and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (1) the Companys portion sizes were inconsistent and left many customers dissatisfied with its offerings; (2) in order to address the issue and retain customer loyalty, the Company would have to ensure more generous portion sizes, which would increase cost of sales; and (3) as a result, defendants statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

The case is Stradford v. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., et al., No. 24-cv-2459.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
Oslo, 19 December 2024: Scatec ASA, a leading renewable energy provider, has reached financial close for the second 60 megawatt (MW) of the 120 MW Mmadinare Solar Complex in Botswana and is preparing for construction start.

In August 2022, Scatec, signed a binding 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) for a 60 MW solar PV facility in the Mmadinare District. In the third quarter 2023, Scatec was awarded a 60 MW expansion of the project, taking the total capacity to 120 MW.

The estimated total capital expenditure for the 120 MW project is BWP 1.5 billion (USD 108 million) with an estimated engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract value to Scatec of BWP 1.2 billion (USD 88 million). The solar power plants are estimated to be financed by BWP 1.0 billion (USD 73 million) of non-recourse project debt, and the remainder by equity from Scatec. Financing for the projects will be provided by the First National Bank of Botswana (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) and the World Banks International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Scatec owns 100% of the project and will be the designated EPC company, as well as asset manager (AM) and operations and maintenance (O&M) service provider. Construction and operation of the power plants will be managed by Scatecs organisation in South Africa. Scatec is targeting to reduce its long-term economic interest in the project by inviting additional equity partners.

We mark another achievement for our renewable energy journey in Botswana as we start construction of the second phase of the project. By doubling the total capacity of the solar power plant, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategy, robust business model and drive to contribute to the green energy transition in Africa, says Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog.

The plant will be located near Mmadinare, close to the former mining town of Selebi-Phikwe, 400 kilometres Northeast of the capital Gaborone. The solar power plant will ensure that approximately 48,000 tons of CO 2 emissions will be avoided and can power approximately 20,000 households annually.



For further information, please contact:

For analysts and investors: Andreas Austrell, VP IR, phone: +47 974 38 686, andreas.austrell@scatec.com

For media: Meera Bhatia, SVP External Affairs & Communications, phone: +47 468 44 959, meera.bhatia@scatec.com



About Scatec

Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy emerging markets. As a long-term player, we develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.8 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. We are committed to grow our renewable energy capacity, delivered by our passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of Improving our Future. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SCATC. To learn more, visit www.scatec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

This stock exchange announcement was published by Brage Krogsrud, IR Analyst at Scatec ASA, on 19 December 2024 at 07:34 CET
Dublin, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Power Tools Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global power tools market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.36% from 2023 to 2029.

China and India, with their rapidly growing economies and large populations, are pivotal in driving the expansion of the global construction industry. These nations are experiencing significant urbanization and industrialization, leading their governments to escalate investments in infrastructure to accommodate their burgeoning urban populations and boost economic activities. The synergy of environmental goals, economic growth in emerging markets, and rapid urbanization drive the global construction industry forward. China and India, in particular, are at the forefront, leading substantial investments in infrastructure development and technological advancements.





These factors enhance infrastructure capabilities, contribute significantly to sustainable economic development, and improve worldwide quality of life. In these economies, low-tech industries dominate low-income levels and offer large-scale employment. High-tech industries offer productivity gains advocated mainly by government and institutional reforms to escape the middle-income trap, which can substantially drive the demand for machines and power tools market share by brand during the forecast period.



Growing Adoption of Power Tools



The adoption of power tools has rapidly increased across various industries due to their ability to enhance productivity, precision, and efficiency. Power tools offer several advantages over traditional hand tools, including increased speed, precision, and efficiency. They can also help reduce operator fatigue, increase productivity, and improve work quality.



The popularity of power tools has grown significantly in recent years as manufacturers have introduced new models with improved features and functionality. Consumers are also increasingly interested in DIY projects, home renovation, and woodworking, further boosting the power tools market 2021. Bosch Power Tools is a key player in this market, known for its innovative and high-quality tools.



Rise in Residential Improvement & DIY Projects



Most adults indulge in creative and purposeful leisure activities in some developed North American and European economies. Some consumers also invest in home improvement and maintenance activities based on their interests. This concept is also gaining momentum in developing economies such as India, Brazil, and South Africa. Consumers in the residential sector often undertake repair and enhancement activities that improve their skills and prove cost-efficient. Furthermore, hypermarkets, supermarkets, and other specialty stores such as Home Depot offer more DIY products and drive the DIY tools market, eventually boosting the most bought power tools.



Furthermore, manufacturers are creating electric hammers with user-friendly features that attract DIY users, including lightweight designs, variable speed control, and easy-to-change drill bits. The growth of DIY activities is estimated to propel the growth of the cordless power tools market in particular. Cordless models provide greater convenience and portability, which makes them suitable for DIY users who may not have readily available power outlets in their work areas.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY OPERATION TYPE



The global power tools market by operation type is segmented into cutting, drilling, fastening, routing & planning, and others. Based on operation type, the cutting segment is expected to be the largest revenue segment of the global power tools market. Various industries have unique cutting needs, from construction and manufacturing to automotive and aerospace.



Each industry requires specific cutting tools and tools modified to its applications. For example, construction may require masonry drill bits and abrasive wheels, while manufacturing may need carbide-tipped saw blades and precision cutting discs. The diverse demands from these industries propel the development and availability of various cutting operation types in the market.



INSIGHTS BY TOOL TYPE



The global drilling and fastening tools market has been experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand across various sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and home improvement. In 2023, the drilling and fastening tools segment held the largest share of the global power tools market. Drilling and fastening tools have seen significant growth and are booming in the market due to several key factors. These tools, essential in various applications, from construction to home improvement, offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency. Bosch Power Tools and Makita are leading players in this segment.



Segmentation by Tool Type

Drilling and Fastening Tools

Cutting Tools

Grinding and Sanding Tools

Polishing Tools

Shaping and Routing Tools

Pneumatic Tools

Power Screwdrivers

Impact and Demolition Tools

Measuring and Layout Tools

Others

INSIGHTS BY POWER SOURCE



The global power tools market by power source is segmented into electric-powered, battery-powered, and others. The electric-powered segment dominates the global market. This segment encompasses a wide range of tools powered primarily by electricity, catering to diverse applications in both professional and consumer markets. The electric power tools market is projected to grow significantly with innovations in battery technology and smart tool integration.



Segmentation by Power Source

Electric-Powered

Battery-Powered

Others

Segmentation by End-User

Industrial

Commercial

Residential

Segmentation by Industrial

Energy

Construction

Aerospace

Automotive

Electronics

Shipbuilding

Others

Segmentation by Commercial

Segmentation by Residential

Segmentation By Distribution Channel

Offline

Online

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS



APAC held the largest share of the global power tools market, accounting for a global share of over 36% in 2023. APAC emerges as a vibrant and rapidly evolving hub for power tools, propelled by its diverse economies, burgeoning urbanization, and expanding commercial sectors. APAC witnesses notable growth in adopting power tool solutions. Furthermore, the North American power tools market is expected to maintain its position during the forecast period, with the U.S. power tools market contributing significantly. With advances in Li-ion battery technology, the North American cordless power tools market is expected to witness substantial growth.



Segmentation by Geography

North America US Canada

APAC China Japan India Australia South Korea Indonesia Malaysia Rest of APAC

Europe Germany France Russia UK Norway Denmark Italy Poland Spain Rest of Europe

Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Rest of Latin America

Middle East and Africa Saudi Arabia UAE South Africa Rest of MEA



COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE



The global power tools market is moderately fragmented and is dominated by vendors such as Stanley Black & Decker, Bosch Power Tools, and TTI. These major vendors have a global presence in the three major regions of North America, APAC, and Europe. The power tools market share by brand is competitive, with innovations and mergers further intensifying competition. Bosch Power Tools continues to lead through technological advancements, while local vendors strive to compete in this dynamic landscape.



Key Company Profiles

Stanley Black & Decker

Bosch

Techtronic Industries (TTI)

Makita

Hilti

Apex Tool Group

Snap-on

Koki Holdings

Fortive

Positec

Other Prominent Vendors

CHERVON

Fein

Ferm

Milwaukee Tools

Hitachi Power Tools

Ryobi

Erbauer

Metabo

Karcher

Wurth Group

Wacker Neuson Group

Mafell AG

Yamabiko Corporation

Pferd

AIMCO

Festool

CS Unitec

Dynabrade

Husqvarna

STIHL

Blount

KYOCERA Corporation

INTERSKOL

Panasonic

URYU SEISAKU

Atlas Copco

Ingersoll Rand

Emerson

Ridgid

Skil

Metabo

Craftsman

Porter-Cable

Irwin Tools

Diablo Tools

Kobalt

Dremel

Proxxon

Parkside

Chicago Pneumatic

Matco Tools

Cornwell Quality Tools

Senco

Paslode

Worx

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED



1. Which region dominates the global power tools market share?

2. How big is the power tools market?

3. What is the growth rate of the global power tools market?

4. What are the significant trends in the power tools market?

5. Who are the key players in the global power tools market?

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 542 Forecast Period 2023-2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $40 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $57.9 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.3% Regions Covered Global

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/o2m59l

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe E-Pharmacy Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Europe e-pharmacy market is expected to reach a value of $79.43 billion by 2029 from $29.65 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 17.85% from 2023 to 2029

Leading players focus on implementing various strategies, such as opening new facilities, marketing and promotional activities, pursuing M&A, increasing market penetration, and forming collaborations to enhance their market share and presence. These companies have a wide geographical reach across Europe, a diversified service portfolio, and a strong focus on delivering higher-quality services in Europe e-pharmacy market. Currently, some major companies are DocMorris (Zur Rose Group), Redcare Pharmacy (Shop Apotheke), Atida Sante Discount, and The Boots Company PLC.





In Europe, the market landscape for e-pharmacies is highly diverse mainly due to the regulations and demographics. In Europe, the UK and Germany are two major countries that allow to sale of prescription medicines through e-pharmacies. Some countries widely implemented e-prescription strategies, and some countries are expanding digital strategies to strengthen healthcare and pharmacy services.



For instance, in Finland, digital strategy is widely implemented. Finnish people can even buy their digital prescriptions in Estonia. Sweden and Denmark are the two countries with widely integrated digital tools in healthcare settings including pharmacies and are well ahead of the EU-5 countries. In Estonia, electronic solutions have long been leading the way in the healthcare sector, including e-pharmacies.

The EU-4 & UK accounted for the largest Europe ePharmacy market share. In the European e-pharmacy market, the EU-4 and UK regions have shown promising growth and significant dominance, driven by the allowance of prescription medicine sales in Germany and the UK. Additionally, the rollout of e-prescriptions in Germany is creating substantial momentum for market growth in the region.



France is one of the leading countries by revenue share, despite only allowing the sale of OTC products online. Italy and Spain are emerging market destinations where further development is needed to achieve substantial growth. The increasing adoption of e-health platforms and the mandatory e-prescription model in Germany and the UK are driving the expansion of e-pharmacy services in these two countries.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES & DRIVERS

Recent Developments In Europe ePharmacy



Europe has witnessed significant development in the e-pharmacy sector over the past few years. This growth has been primarily driven by the five major countries: Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain. Over the last 2-3 years, advancements in the healthcare sector across European countries have created a favorable environment for the expansion of the e-pharmacy market. For example, in 2022, the European Cross-Border Electronic Prescription (CBeP) system was introduced in six rapidly developing countries in the healthcare and e-pharmacy sectors, including Spain, Poland, Portugal, Croatia, Finland, and Estonia.



Additionally, several other countries are in the process of implementing CBeP, which is expected to create significant opportunities for the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) and certain prescription medications through e-pharmacies. Recently, Germany has made notable progress by taking steps toward the digitalization of its public healthcare sector, making e-prescriptions mandatory. As of 2024, patients in Germany now receive only digital prescriptions. This shift has increased public attention and acceptance of e-pharmacies, creating significant market growth opportunities.



Integration of E-pharmacies with Delivery Management Solutions



Integrating e-pharmacies with a delivery management solution is the new era of e-pharmacy development. Several integrated platforms offer pharmacy delivery services that help store data, deliver reports, and provide e-prescriptions. Furthermore, it also acts as a multi-store location and user management system. Providers offer data about medicine and drug inventory online with those delivery management services. The owner of delivery management systems (software) can access the system and edit drugs in case of unavailability.



Therefore, customers (physicians or patients) can easily select and buy the required medicine. Medicine delivery software and systems are integrated with multiple payment modes so patients can easily pay for selected medicines. Pharmacy services providers find it easy to conduct overall business procedures and streamline the functioning of systems with the help of pharmacy delivery management systems.



Rising Internet & E-commerce Penetration



Europe continues to evolve with increasing internet penetration, even in remote areas. As internet access expands, more people are becoming aware of online sales channels, including e-commerce and e-pharmacies. The rise in internet usage has spurred rapid adoption of e-commerce, enhancing consumer awareness of online shopping. E-pharmacies have been developing as essential channels in the pharmaceutical supply chain and continue to grow with broad acceptance. Purchasing medicines from verified and legitimate e-pharmacy websites has become a common practice, particularly in Germany and the UK.



INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Substandard and Falsified Medicines



Counterfeit, substandard, and falsified drugs are major concerns for health professionals in Europe and worldwide, affecting both traditional and e-pharmacies. The WHO has stated that these types of drugs are becoming a significant public health threat, impacting both developed and developing countries. Worldwide, approximately 11% of medicines are substandard or falsified. Counterfeit medicines pose a serious threat to public health, and the increased use of e-pharmacies has made it easier for these drugs to enter supply chains. The growing concern over the use of online pharmacies, combined with the mass production of fake medicines, leads to an increase in the falsified drugs industry.



A WHO survey estimated that 50% of drugs sold online or over the internet are counterfeit, even if internet dispensaries may appear legitimate. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy reported that 85% of online pharmacy drugs do not comply with the pharmacy laws and patient safety standards of NABP. In addition, it was revealed that 25% of patients treated with medicines from online pharmacies experienced adverse effects over the past decade.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

By Medicine Type: The OTC medicine segment holds the largest market share. The segmental growth is due to a shift towards home care, preventive healthcare, and the self -care/medication.

By Platform: The mobile segment shows the highest growth, with a CAGR of 18.03% as this platform is more convenient, portable, and accessible for buying medicines online.

By Product Type: The medication segment dominates & holds the largest market share of over 75%. The growing patient population with various health conditions and the demand for self-medication drive the segment.

By Age Group: The above 50 age group segment shows the highest growth, as this age group accounted for a high prevalence of chronic diseases.

By Region: The EU-4 & UK dominate & hold the largest Europe e-pharmacy market share. The EU-4 & UK region has shown promising growth and the highest dominance due to the allowance of prescription medicines in Germany and the UK.

Growth Factor: The Europe e-pharmacy market is set to grow due to the integration of e-pharmacies with delivery management solutions and increasing attention towards self-care & self-medication.

RECENT VENDORS ACTIVITIES

In 2024, DocMorris announced that the online customer of the Zur Rose Pharmacy will be supplied with OTC and Prescription Medicines on request by the DocMorries Pharmacy from its Heerlen-based logistic center. In upcoming years, DocMorris will close its Zur Rose Pharma GmbH service location in December 2024.

In 2024, DocMorries announced that it increasing investment in new prescription medicine (Rx) customers, as its sales of Rx grew year-on-year in Europe.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

How big is the Europe e-pharmacy market?

What are the factors driving the Europe e-pharmacy market growth?

What is the growth rate of the Europe e-pharmacy market?

Who are the major players in the Europe E-pharmacy market?

Which region dominates the Europe e-pharmacy market?

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 136 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $29.65 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $79.43 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 17.8% Regions Covered Europe



Key Vendors

DocMorris (Zur Rose Group)

Redcare Pharmacy (Shop Apotheke)

Atida Sante Discount

The Boots Company PLC

Other Prominent Vendors

Apotekete AB

AMX Holdings (MEDIX PHARMACY)

Apteka.ru

Chemist Direct

Lloyds Pharmacy

MonCoinSante

Apotea AB

Azeta

BestPharmacy

Chemist 4 U

Cococenter

eApteka

DeOnlineDrogist

Farmacia Internacional

Euro-pharmas

Express Pharmacy

EVERER GmbH

University Pharmacy

Index Medical (Dr Fox Pharmacy)

Juvalis

INHOUSE PHARMACY

Lyf og heilsa hf.

lekarnawpk.cz

MediService AG

farmae.it

Lekarnar.com

MEDS

Lyfjaver

myCARE eK

PromoFarma Ecom, S.L.

Newpharma

Mistletoe Pharmacy

Prvalekarna

Oxford Online Pharmacy

parafarmacia-online

Pharm24

Pharmacy2U

Pharmacy4U

The PROTEK Group

The Independent Pharmacy

shopware AG (Sanicare)

Simple Online Pharmacy

MedExpress Enterprises Ltd

The French Pharmacy

UK Meds Direct Ltd

WebMed Pharmacy

Vamida

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS



By Medicine Type

Over the Counter (OTC)

Prescription Medicine

By Platform

Mobile

Desktop

By Product Type

Medications

Health & Wellness and Nutrition

Personal Care & Essentials

Other Products

By Age Group

Below 50

Above 50

By Geography

EU-4 & the UK Germany UK France Italy Spain

Central & Eastern Europe Poland Netherlands Russia Switzerland Czech Republic

Nordic Countries Denmark Sweden Norway Finland Iceland



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/sunay6

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United States Data Center Switch Market, by Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The United States Data Center Switch Market was valued at USD 9.42 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 13.41 billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 5.91%, driven by the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity and the ongoing digital transformation across various industries. As organizations increasingly adopt cloud computing, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), the need for advanced networking solutions has intensified. Data center switches play a critical role in ensuring seamless communication between servers, storage devices, and other network components, thereby facilitating efficient data processing and storage capabilities.







The market is characterized by significant technological advancements, with companies investing heavily in the development of high-capacity and high-speed switches. Innovations such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) are transforming traditional data center architectures, enabling more agile and scalable networking solutions. These technologies allow organizations to manage and optimize their network resources more efficiently, thereby reducing operational costs and improving overall performance.



Moreover, the increasing focus on enhancing security measures within data centers has propelled the demand for advanced switch solutions equipped with robust security features. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, organizations are prioritizing secure networking environments to safeguard their sensitive data. Consequently, data center switches that incorporate advanced security protocols and features are gaining traction in the market.



The rise of edge computing is another significant trend shaping the data center switch market. As businesses seek to process data closer to the source to reduce latency and enhance performance, the demand for switches that can support edge data centers is increasing. This trend is particularly relevant for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles, where real-time data processing is critical. Furthermore, the growth of 5G technology is anticipated to boost the demand for high-performance data center switches. As telecommunications companies roll out 5G networks, the need for efficient data handling and transmission will rise, further driving the market.

Regional Insights



Northeast dominated the United States Data Center Switch market in 2023, driven by several key factors. First and foremost, the region's robust infrastructure and concentration of data centers provide a solid foundation for advanced networking solutions. Major cities like New York and Boston host numerous technology firms, financial institutions, and cloud service providers that require high-performance data center switches to support their operations. Additionally, the Northeast's strategic location offers significant advantages for businesses seeking low-latency connections. The proximity to major telecommunications hubs enables efficient data transmission, making the region an attractive destination for companies focused on enhancing their network performance. The ongoing digital transformation across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and technology, further fuels the demand for data center switches that can handle increased data loads and improve connectivity.



Northeast has seen substantial investments in cloud computing and edge computing solutions. With businesses increasingly relying on cloud services for data storage and processing, there is a growing need for scalable and efficient data center switch technologies. This trend is amplified by the rise of edge computing, where localized data processing requires specialized networking equipment to ensure rapid access and minimal latency. The region's emphasis on innovation and technology adoption is critical to its dominance in the market. The presence of leading technology companies and startups drives the demand for cutting-edge solutions, including Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV). These innovations not only enhance operational efficiencies but also support the growing requirements for data security and management.



Key Players Profiled in the U.S. Data Center Switch Market

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Arista Networks, Inc.

Mikrotikls SIA

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company

Juniper Networks, Inc.

Dell Technologies Inc.

Extreme Networks, Inc.

Nokia Corporation

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.

ZTE Corporation

Report Scope



In this report, the United States Data Center Switch Market has been segmented into the following categories:



United States Data Center Switch Market, By Switch Type:

Core

Distribution

Access

United States Data Center Switch Market, By Technology:

Ethernet

Fiber Channel

InfiniBand

United States Data Center Switch Market, By Port Speed:

10G & Below

10-25G

25-40G

40-100G

>100G

United States Data Center Switch Market, By Bandwidth:

< 1Gbps

1-10Gbps

10-40Gbps

Above 40Gbps

United States Data Center Switch Market, By End User Industry:

IT & Telecom

Enterprise

Government

Others

United States Data Center Switch Market, By Region:

Northeast

Southwest

West

Southeast

Midwest

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 88 Forecast Period 2023-2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $9.42 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $13.41 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.9% Regions Covered United States

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Cloud Services

Advancements in Networking Technologies

Rising Cybersecurity Concerns

Expansion of 5G Technology

Key Market Challenges

Rapid Technological Advancements

Cybersecurity Threats

High Capital Expenditure

Skilled Labor Shortage

Environmental Regulations

Key Market Trends

Increasing Adoption of Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Growth of 5G Technology

Emphasis on Security and Compliance

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bw1hei

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Premium Beauty Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Europe premium beauty market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.75% from 2023 to 2029, reaching a $25.35 billion in revenues, up from $20.33 billion.

The trend of digital beauty and tech integration, particularly through virtual try-ons and AR/AI tools, has significantly transformed the Europe premium cosmetics market. These technologies are reshaping how consumers interact with brands, try products, and make purchasing decisions, especially as the market shifts towards more personalized and engaging digital experiences. European consumers, particularly in the premium beauty segment, are seeking more customized and personalized shopping experiences. With AI-powered algorithms and AR tools, brands in the Europe premium cosmetics market can offer tailored recommendations based on skin type, tone, and personal preferences.





These technologies allow consumers to virtually try on makeup, experiment with hair colors, or test skincare products in real time, fostering deeper engagement. The skincare market has particularly benefited from this trend, as the shift to online shopping, which surged during the pandemic, has accelerated the adoption of digital beauty technologies. With more consumers shopping online, premium beauty brands have invested in AR and AI tools to bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences.



Virtual try-ons mimic the in-store experience, allowing customers to sample products before purchasing them online. The development of advanced AR and AI technologies has made virtual beauty experiences more accurate and lifelike. AI algorithms analyze user features in detail, while AR renders hyper-realistic product effects on the face or skin, further strengthening the Europe premium cosmetics market.



RECENT VENDOR ACTIVITIES

On April 26, 2024, L Catterton, a leading global consumer-focused investment firm, announced a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in KIKO, a prominent Italian beauty brand. This acquisition underscores L Catterton's commitment to expanding its presence in the premium beauty market.

In 2023, The Estee Lauder Companies completed its acquisition of the TOM FORD brand, making it the sole owner of the luxury brand and all its intellectual property. This acquisition represents a pivotal move for Estee Lauder, as TOM FORD has long been recognized as a leader in high-end fashion, beauty, and fragrance.

In 2023, Shiseido announced that its Board of Directors passed a resolution, with discretionary approval from the Representative Director, to acquire DDG Skincare Holdings (DDG), a New York-based company. DDG is a leading provider of science-driven, dermatologist-led prestige skincare, enhancing Shiseido's portfolio in the high-end skincare segment.

Rising Shift Towards Sustainability



The trend toward sustainability in the Europe premium cosmetics market is accelerating as consumers become more eco-conscious and demand greater transparency from brands. European consumers are increasingly environmentally aware, seeking products that are natural, organic, cruelty-free, and sustainably sourced. This growing demand in the Europe premium cosmetics market is driven by rising awareness of climate change, pollution, and the ethical implications of production processes in the beauty industry. For instance, in 2022, Chanel introduced its Chanel N1 line, featuring eco-designed packaging and natural ingredients to cater to eco-conscious consumers.



Shifting preferences have led consumers to reject single-use plastics and demand more recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable packaging. Brands are responding by adopting innovative materials such as glass, aluminum, paper, bioplastics, and refillable packaging systems. As the Europe premium cosmetics market focuses on sustainability, the use of natural, organic, and clean ingredients has become a priority for consumers concerned about environmental impact and personal health.



Premium beauty brands emphasize ethical and sustainable sourcing of raw materials, ensuring their formulations are free from harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. La Mer, renowned for its high-end skincare, underscores sustainably sourced ingredients, promoting both the efficacy of its natural formulations and its eco-friendly approach.



Digital Transformation and E-Commerce Growth



Consumers in Europe are increasingly turning to digital channels for their beauty product purchases. The convenience, variety, and personalization offered by e-commerce platforms appeal to modern customers who seek premium beauty products. Brands like Estee Lauder and L'Oreal have reported significant e-commerce growth across Europe. Digital transformation allows premium beauty brands to offer highly personalized shopping experiences through data-driven insights. With the integration of AI, machine learning, and big data analytics, brands can recommend tailored products to individual consumers based on their past behavior, skin type, and preferences.



L'Oreal's AI-powered beauty platform Modiface allows consumers to virtually try on makeup and skincare products before purchasing. This interactive experience has made online shopping more engaging and has helped boost conversion rates. Consumers are more likely to browse and purchase beauty products using their smartphones, making mobile-optimized platforms and apps critical for brand success. Sephora's mobile app, which features augmented reality for virtual product trials, loyalty programs, and personalized recommendations, has been highly successful in engaging mobile users and driving sales across Europe.



INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

High Competition



One of the main factors behind the high entry barriers in Europe's premium beauty sector is the selective distribution framework. This system allows manufacturers of luxury beauty products - such as skincare, makeup, and fragrances - to choose specific authorized retailers for distributing their products. Brands often establish strict criteria for their retail partners, which may include store ambiance, brand alignment, product knowledge, and overall customer experience. The European premium beauty market is densely populated with well-established global brands like Chanel, Dior, Estee Lauder, and Lancome, alongside a growing number of niche and indie brands.



This saturation results in intense rivalry, as companies compete for limited shelf space and consumer attention. Many new brands find it challenging to distinguish themselves in a crowded marketplace, often offering similar products in terms of quality and positioning. This can limit the appeal of new entries and reduce overall market dynamism. Consumers may experience product fatigue when overwhelmed by new launches, limited editions, and revamped formulas. With so many similar offerings available, it becomes difficult for consumers to differentiate products, leading to stagnating sales of innovations. Additionally, established brands retain large portions of the market share, which stunts the growth of new or smaller brands in the Europe premium cosmetics market.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT TYPE



The Europe premium beauty market by product type is segmented into fragrances, skincare, makeup, and hair care. The fragrances segment dominates and holds the largest market share of over 54%. In Europe, perfumes and colognes are not merely viewed as beauty products but as symbols of personal identity and status. The cultural significance of fragrance, particularly in countries like France and Italy, has been a key driver for premiumization in this market.



Consumers are increasingly seeking premium experiences through fragrances, with a focus on high-quality, artisanal blends. The fragrances segment within the premium beauty market in Europe has seen robust growth over the years, driven by several key factors such as consumer demand for personal luxury, evolving lifestyle trends, innovation in product formulation, marketing strategies, and the importance of e-commerce.



By Product Type

Fragrances

Skin Care

Makeup

Hair Care

INSIGHTS BY AGE



The Europe premium beauty market by age is categorized into millennials, Gen X, baby boomers, and Gen Z. The millennials segment accounted for the largest market share. Millennials often view beauty and skincare as an extension of self-care and wellness, rather than mere vanity. They seek premium products that promise efficacy, support well-being, and provide a sense of luxury in their daily routines.



Millennials are discerning consumers who prioritize quality over quantity. They are willing to spend more on premium beauty products that deliver visible results and offer high-quality ingredients. Rather than focusing on frequent purchases of budget items, Millennials prefer investing in fewer, higher-end products that offer long-lasting benefits, thus helping segmental growth.



By Age

Millennials

Gen X

Baby Boomers

Gen Z

INSIGHTS BY GENDER



Based on gender, the male segment shows significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR during the forecast period. The male grooming and premium beauty market is rapidly evolving, driven by changing cultural perceptions, increasing self-awareness, and a broader acceptance of male beauty products. In Europe, there has been a notable shift as more men become interested in skincare, grooming, and even makeup, embracing premium beauty products as part of their daily routines. Traditionally, beauty and personal grooming were seen as feminine pursuits, but this has changed significantly in recent years.



The modern man is increasingly open to embracing self-care, grooming, and skincare routines, reflecting a broader definition of masculinity that includes self-expression and personal well-being. Men are becoming more aware of the importance of skincare, driven by the desire to maintain a youthful appearance. High-end skincare, haircare, and grooming brands like Tom Ford Beauty, Kiehl's, and La Mer have introduced lines that appeal directly to men who are willing to invest in luxury products for their grooming routines, which are helping in the segment's growth.



By Gender

Female

Male

INSIGHTS BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL



Based on the distribution channel, the omnichannel segment holds the largest share of the Europe premium beauty market. An omnichannel approach is essential for premium beauty brands to meet luxury consumers' expectations for quality, personalization, and convenience. While physical stores remain vital for offering product engagement and personalized consultations, brands also leverage technology like virtual mirrors to enhance in-store experiences.



Many premium brands provide online platforms with AI-driven personalization, allowing virtual skincare consultations and tailored recommendations. Mobile commerce is growing among younger consumers, who appreciate streamlined mobile shopping and virtual consultations. The click-and-collect option is also popular, combining online shopping convenience with quick in-store pickup.



By Distribution Channel

Omnichannel

Offline

Online

REGIONAL ANALYSIS



Germany dominates and holds the largest Europe premium beauty market share. The premium beauty market in Germany is a significant and growing sector, driven by several factors such as rising consumer interest in self-care, the demand for high-quality and innovative products, sustainability, and evolving beauty standards. Germany is also at the forefront of technological innovation in the beauty industry. Many German consumers trust scientifically-backed products, particularly those developed with dermatological expertise. The country has a strong heritage in pharmaceuticals, and this scientific approach has extended into the beauty sector.



Digital transformation is playing a significant role in the premium beauty market in Germany. E-commerce has seen rapid growth, especially post-pandemic, with many consumers now purchasing their beauty products online. This shift is particularly important for premium brands that want to reach tech-savvy, younger consumers who are comfortable researching and buying luxury beauty products through digital platforms.



By Region

Germany

UK

France

Italy

Spain

Poland

Netherlands

Others

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE



The Europe premium beauty market report consists of exclusive data on 30 vendors. The competitive scenario in the Europe premium beauty market is currently intensifying with global and domestic players offering a diverse range of products. In terms of market share, a few of the major players are currently dominating the market. Some companies that are currently dominating the market are L'Oreal, Unilever, Coty, LVMH, The Estee Lauder Companies, Chanel, Procter & Gamble, and Shiseido.



Key strategies employed by vendors include a strong focus on product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic partnerships to bolster their market presence and expand their customer base. Vendors are expanding product portfolios to cater to a broader customer base and diverse beauty needs, offering tailored solutions that address specific consumer preferences and niche applications including personalized skincare, targeted treatments, and unique formulations.



Key Vendors

L'Oreal

Unilever

Coty

LVMH

The Estee Lauder Companies

Chanel

Procter & Gamble

Shiseido

Other Prominent Vendors

Henkel

Beiersdorf

Natura&Co

Clarins

Creed

L'Occitane

Bath & Body Works

Kenvue

Puig

Kao Corporation

Colgate-Palmolive

Biologique Recherche

Augustinus Bader

Caudalie

111 SKIN

MBR (Medical Beauty Research)

Sisley

KIKO

Oriflame

Natura Bisse

Dr. Hauschka

Rituals

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED



1. How big is the Europe premium beauty market in the global market?

2. What are the factors driving the Europe premium beauty market growth?

3. Who are the major players in the Europe premium beauty market?

4. What is the growth rate of the Europe premium beauty market?



Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 98 Forecast Period 2023-2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $20.33 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $25.35 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.7% Regions Covered Europe

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/z80uiy

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Tractor Tires Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global tractor tires market by shipments are expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.06% from 2023 to 2029. It will grow from $21.94 million in 2023 to $29.5 million by 2029.

The tire manufacturing industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by advancements in intelligent automation, 3D printing, and sustainable materials. Technologies like AI and IoT are enhancing efficiency, enabling real-time monitoring, and reducing operational downtime, as seen with Michelin and Bridgestone's innovations. The introduction of smart tire technologies and airless tires, such as those by SMART Tire Company, addresses critical needs in the agricultural sector, ensuring durability and sustainability. These advancements not only improve product performance but also respond to the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in tractor tires.







Expansion of Tractor Tire Markets in Emerging Economies



The global agricultural landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, largely influenced by urbanization, mechanization, and growing food demand. A key element in this shift is the expansion of the tractor tires market, particularly in emerging economies. Rising mechanization in agriculture, with nations like India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh recording over 5% CAGR in farm mechanization from 2020 to 2023, is driving demand for high-performance tractor tires.



Government support, such as India's agricultural mechanization policies and Brazil's National Rural Development Program, has further spurred tractor sales and consequently, tire demand. Additionally, rural infrastructure improvements and strategic partnerships with local manufacturers are enhancing market accessibility, positioning emerging economies as growth hubs for advanced tire technologies.



Government Support and Subsidies for Modernizing Agriculture



Government incentives and subsidies are crucial in driving agricultural modernization, spurring demand for tractors and related equipment globally. Programs like India's Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) provide substantial financial support, raising tractor sales in 2023 creating heightened demand for tractor tires, and supporting the tractor tires industry.



In North America, initiatives like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) encourage the adoption of modern machinery, leading to a projected 2.79% annual growth in the tractor tires market. Similarly, Europe's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports farmers in upgrading to advanced equipment and pushing tractor registrations in European nations. In emerging markets like Vietnam and Nigeria, government schemes are transforming agriculture, driving demand for tractor tires as mechanization expands.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT TYPE



The global tractor tires market is broadly categorized into two types: bias and radial tires. Currently, radial tires hold a leading position and this dominance stems from several key advantages, including superior ride comfort and the ability to operate efficiently at lower air pressures. The distinctive construction of radial tires, where rubber is molded around dual steel belts along the tire's circumference, significantly boosts puncture resistance, driving up demand. Furthermore, globally, the shift towards radial tires reflects broader changes in agricultural practices, as farmers increasingly seek solutions that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.



For example, radial tires are favored not only for their improved performance but also for their capacity to reduce soil compaction, a critical factor in sustainable farming. As agriculture adopts more eco-friendly practices, the focus on reducing environmental impact is pushing manufacturers to innovate with greener materials and technologies. These advancements are particularly important in regions with stringent environmental regulations, and they are expected to drive global demand for radial tires. Leading manufacturers such as Michelin, Trelleborg, and Bridgestone have already introduced tire lines designed to meet both performance and environmental standards, underscoring the market's shift toward sustainability.



Segmentation by Product Type

Radial

Bias

INSIGHTS BY SALES CHANNEL



The global tractor tires market experiences a balanced sales distribution between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket channels. However, the aftermarket segment is gaining traction due to growing consumer awareness and the expansion of tire retail networks. In 2023 the aftermarket segment held the largest segmental industry share, supported by farmers' increased recognition of the importance of maintaining tire performance to prevent issues such as soil compaction and reduced crop yields.



Tires in poor condition can lead to a 10-20% reduction in crop productivity, a significant concern as global farming activities expand. This has driven a surge in demand for tire replacements, particularly in regions like North America and Europe, where farmers are increasingly focused on optimizing their operational efficiency. For instance, in 2023, the European tractor tire aftermarket grew by nearly 3%, reflecting a trend toward frequent replacements to maintain equipment efficiency. Moreover, the emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices has led farmers to invest more in premium, eco-friendly tire solutions.



Up to 30% of soil degradation can be linked to improper tire pressure or low-quality tires, which is prompting regulatory bodies to push for stricter standards in agricultural equipment. Manufacturers are responding by developing tires with improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and longer lifespans, further driving the growth of the aftermarket sector.



Segmentation by Sales Channel

OEMs

Aftermarket

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS



The global tractor tires market is witnessing significant growth, driven by rising demand for agricultural mechanization, advancements in tire technology, and the increasing need for efficient farming solutions. Key geographical regions contributing to this market include Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, with each region displaying distinct trends and market dynamics. Asia-Pacific is emerging as a rapidly growing tractor tires market, driven by expanding agricultural activities in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia. The region's growth is supported by increasing government investments in farm mechanization to boost agricultural productivity.



In India, for instance, tractor sales have been rising consistently, and this has a direct impact on the demand for tractor tires. Furthermore, the North American tractor tires industry, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, is characterized by mature farming practices and high adoption of precision agriculture. The U.S. leads in market size, driven by its well-established agricultural sector and strong demand for technologically advanced tires that enhance fuel efficiency and durability.



Segmentation by Geography

APAC India China Thailand Malaysia Australia Indonesia

North America The U.S. Canada

Europe France Germany Italy Poland The U.K. Spain Sweden Finland

Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina

Middle East & Africa Turkey South Africa Egypt



VENDOR LANDSCAPE



The global tractor tires market features a dynamic and highly competitive vendor landscape, driven by the presence of both established multinational companies and emerging regional players. The competition in this market is shaped by continuous innovations, product differentiation, and the ability to meet the evolving needs of the agricultural sector. Key vendors in the global tractor tires market include Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear, Trelleborg, and Continental, among others, all of which have a significant presence globally.



Bridgestone Corporation, for example, commands a considerable tractor tires market share due to its strong global distribution network and advanced tire technologies. Its investment in research and development has resulted in durable, high-performance tires that cater to a range of agricultural applications. In 2023, Bridgestone launched its new VT-Tractor tire series, designed for fuel efficiency and better soil protection, which has gained traction in key markets such as North America and Europe.



Similarly, Michelin has strengthened its position in the tractor tires market with innovations like Ultraflex Technology, which offers enhanced load-bearing capacity and soil conservation, a feature increasingly demanded by farmers globally. Michelin's tractor tire segment saw a growth of 5.2% in revenue in 2023, driven by strong sales in Europe and APAC regions.



Furthermore, another significant player, Trelleborg, focuses on providing tires that optimize farming productivity. In 2023, Trelleborg's agricultural division reported a 4% growth in revenue, supported by rising demand for sustainable farming solutions. Trelleborg's tires are designed to minimize soil compaction, a critical issue for farmers aiming to increase crop yields.



Key Company Profiles

Alliance Tire Group

Balkrishna Industries Limited (BKT)

Bridgestone

Michelin

Titan International

Trelleborg

Other Prominent Vendors

Continental

Mitas

Carlisle

Vredestein

Galaxy

Linglong

Hankook

Pirelli

Toyo Tires

CEAT

Yokohama

Cultor

Kleber

Kenda Rubber Industrial Co. Ltd.

Kormoran

Nokian Tyres plc

MRF

Dunlop

Sava

Cooper

Camso

JK Tyre

Double Coin

Prinx Chengshan

Shandong Hengfeng Rubber & Plastic Co. Ltd.

Belshina

Petlas

Sime Tyres

Deestone Ltd.

ZC Rubber (Zhongce Rubber Group Co. Ltd.)

Armstrong Tires

Recent Developments in the Global Tractor Tires Industry

Firestone AG, a division of Bridgestone Americas, has launched a new line of premium Bridgestone tractor tires for US and Canadian markets in August 2024. These tires, designed with advanced tread and lug technology, offer enhanced durability, improved soil health, and fuel-efficient traction, delivering up to 45% more wear life. Available from September 1, 2024, the VX, VT, and VX-R TRACTOR tires cater to diverse farming needs with a 10-year limited warranty.

Hercules Tire and Rubber Company, a subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, launched the AG-TRAC F-2 in April 2024, a versatile tire engineered for superior performance across various agricultural surfaces. Available in two 16" sizes for 2WD front tractor wheels, this robust tire features durable construction, enhanced flotation, and excellent steering response, ensuring optimal traction and control in diverse farming environments.

On May 1, 2023, Trelleborg Wheel Systems announced the successful completion of its acquisition by The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. for 2.07 billion. The newly formed entity, Yokohama TWS, will maintain its existing organizational structure while enhancing Yokohama's position as a global leader in the off-highway tire market, complemented by Trelleborg's portfolio of brands and services.

On March 17, 2023, CEAT Specialty agreed with CNH Industrial to supply FARMAX agricultural radial tires for Case IH and New Holland tractors in Brazil and Argentina. This collaboration follows rigorous audits and testing, affirming CEAT's tire quality and its investment in advanced technologies, aiming for long-term partnership and enhanced agricultural productivity.

In 2022, Titan International Inc. and Kubota Tractor Corp. formalized an exclusivity agreement for select sizes of Titan's Trac Loader II tires, designed for compact and utility tractors. This collaboration marks Titan's inaugural OEM-branded tire offering and represents their second exclusive partnership with Kubota, following their previous association with the Goodyear brand R14T.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED



1. How big is the global tractor tires market?

2. Which region holds the most significant global tractor tires market share?

3. What are the significant trends in the tractor tires industry?

4. What is the growth rate of the global tractor tires market?

5. Who are the key players in the global tractor tires market?



Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 303 Forecast Period 2023-2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $21.94 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $29.5 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 5% Regions Covered Global

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/auviss

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ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "U.S. School Furniture Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis by Product (Seating Furniture, Storage Units) and Application (Classroom, Library & Labs), 2025 to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The U.S. school furniture market size is estimated to reach USD 2.91 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2030. The trend of providing comfortable and ergonomic seating arrangements for students along with individual storage cabinets, the need for mobile seats to help make classes more interactive, government initiatives boosting enrollment of students, and school buildings along with product innovations are major factors ramping up the demand for school furniture in the U.S. market.







Classroom ergonomics plays an important role in schools since students spend a considerable amount of time on the benches. Institutions have been increasingly focusing on school furniture and ensuring that it's suitable for the pupils, allows movement, and invariably encourages a good posture. Since young bodies develop rapidly, classroom seating should promote a healthy posture. Thus, the demand for such products is boosting the U.S. school furniture market.



The increasing number of school enrollments has also been contributing to market growth. The National Center for Education Statistics suggests that around 49.5 million students were enrolled in public schools from prekindergarten to grade 12 in the fall of 2021, which was approximately 78,100 students more than enrollment in the fall of 2020. Enrollment is also being boosted by the increasing number of international students in the country. The most popular schools for international students are scattered across the U.S., from New York to California to the American Rust Belt. To cater to the growing enrollment, the demand for school furniture has been expanding.



Furthermore, the development of furniture from environment-friendly products that are not manufactured from trees is expected to create new opportunities for companies operating in the school furniture market. One of the numerous ways classrooms as well as schools can go green is by investing in green furniture. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, air quality, as well as lighting improvements, can significantly increase the productivity of students. Hence, over the past few years, environmentally-conscious schools have been significantly investing in green desks and tables, green chairs, green preschool furniture, green library furniture, and green dry-erase boards, among others.



Classroom furniture trends these days highly emphasize flexibility and the ability to rearrange interior layouts. Mobile furniture is crucial as it helps develop multipurpose classrooms. Innovations in furniture have resulted in schools opting for lightweight products that can be easily moved within a classroom. Concentration, comfort, and flexibility of the students are some of the major factors that are influencing various school management to invest in ergonomic furniture and create modern classrooms.



U.S. School Furniture Market Report Highlights

The seating furniture segment held the largest share in the product category owing to its vast demand in every educational institution. The need for ergonomic furniture that boosts collaboration supports healthy posture, and aids in the concentration of students is boosting this product segment.

Increasing product innovations, the need for lightweight and comfortable seats, and rising enrollment rates are propelling the demand for school furniture in classrooms. Seating options with additional storage options act as a space-saving tactic in smaller, more compact classrooms, and the demand for the same has witnessed a considerable rise in recent years.

Numerous raw materials are being introduced for the production of furniture and these new materials have proven to be more stable and durable than traditional ones. These factors are expected to open new market avenues for manufacturers. The rising usage of eco-label certified furniture owing to the green marketing strategy adopted by companies is generating more opportunities for the consumption of eco-friendly furniture in schools.

Floor chairs are witnessing major demand as these home-like seating options are being paired with low-height floor tables or used on classroom rugs to create cozy learning zones. A public school in New Jersey, adopted diner-like booths to encourage collaborations, stadium seating, as well as soft seating with couches and beanbag chairs.

Why should you buy this report?

Comprehensive Market Analysis: Gain detailed insights into the global market across major regions and segments.

Competitive Landscape: Explore the market presence of key players worldwide.

Future Trends: Discover the pivotal trends and drivers shaping the future of the global market.

Actionable Recommendations: Utilize insights to uncover new revenue streams and guide strategic business decisions.

This report addresses:

Market estimates and forecasts from 2018 to 2030

Growth opportunities and trend analyses

Segment and regional revenue forecasts for market assessment

Competition strategy and market share analysis

Product innovation listing for you to stay ahead of the curve

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 110 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $2.06 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $2.91 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.2% Regions Covered United States

Key Topics Covered



Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2. Executive Summary

2.1. Market Snapshot

2.2. Product Outlook

2.3. Application Outlook

2.4. Competitive Landscape Snapshot



Chapter 3. U.S. School Furniture Market Variables and Trends

3.1. Market Lineage Outlook

3.2. Industry Value Chain Analysis

3.2.1. Sales/Retail Channel Analysis

3.2.2. Profit Margin Analysis

3.3. Market Dynamics

3.3.1. Market Driver Analysis

3.3.2. Market Restraint Analysis

3.3.3. Market Opportunities

3.3.4. Market Challenges

3.4. Industry Analysis Tools

3.4.1. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

3.5. Market Entry Strategies



Chapter 4. Consumer Behavior Analysis

4.1. Demographic Analysis

4.2. Consumer Trends & Preferences

4.3. Factors Affecting Buying Decisions

4.4. Consumer Product Adoption

4.5. Observations & Recommendations





Chapter 5. U.S. School Furniture Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis

5.1. U.S. School Furniture Market, By Product: Key Takeaways

5.2. Product Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 2030

5.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Product, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

5.3.1. Seating Furniture

5.3.2. Storage Units

5.3.3. Lab Furniture

5.3.4. Others

Chapter 6. U.S. School Furniture Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis

6.1. U.S. School Furniture Market, By Application: Key Takeaways

6.2. Application Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 2030

6.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

6.3.1. Classroom

6.3.2. Library and Labs

6.3.3. Others

Chapter 7. U.S. School Furniture Market: Competitive Analysis

7.1. Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, by Key Market Participants

7.2. Company Categorization

7.3. Participant's Overview

7.4. Financial Performance

7.5. Product Benchmarking

7.6. Company Market Share Analysis, 2024 (%)

7.7. Company Heat Map Analysis, 2024

7.8. Strategy Mapping

7.9. Company Profiles

7.9.1. Smith System (Steelcase Inc.)

7.9.2. MillerKnoll, Inc.

7.9.3. The HON Company

7.9.4. Virco

7.9.5. Fleetwood Group

7.9.6. VS America, Inc.

7.9.7. Hertz Furniture

7.9.8. Paragon Furniture

7.9.9. Haskell Education

7.9.10. Marco Group

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ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BizEquity , a leading cloud-based platform that provides business valuation services, today announced a partnership with Biz2Credit , a leading online small business funding platform, to help secure business financing for its US-based clients.

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"We are proud to partner with Biz2Credit with the announcement of BizEquity Capital to empower our advisor users, enabling them to become a key resource for their clients financing needs by seamlessly linking the valuation process with funding opportunities through Biz2Credit's innovative prequalification module and advanced underwriting technology, said Michael Carter, founder and CEO of BizEquity.

The companies are currently in beta with the new embedded platform and are planning a full launch in Q1 of 2025. Firms interested in participating in the beta or getting access to the full platform when its launched can inquire on the BizEquity website .

About BizEquity

BizEquitys mission is to democratize business valuation knowledge for every business owner in the world and for the advisors who serve them. Through our patented Valuation-as-a-Service (VaaS ) software platform, BizEquity makes business valuation knowledge accessible to millions of businesses worldwide. With the largest online business valuation cloud-based software product and service, and an extensive database, BizEquity's patented platform is used by over 2000+ financial services firms and 4,000 advisors, including TD Bank, UBS, Morgan Stanley, and PNC. For more information, visit BizEquity.com

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Founded in 2007, Biz2Credit has helped thousands of companies access more than $10 billion in small business financing. The company is expanding its industry-leading Biz2X technology in custom digital platform solutions for banks and other financial institutions, investors, and service providers. Visit www.biz2credit.com , LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook , and X (formerly Twitter).
Dublin, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Growth Trends in Europe's Precision Medicine Software Market: Focus on Product Type, Application, End User, and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2024-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Europe precision medicine software market was valued at $460.9 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $1.22 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.47% between 2024 and 2033. The market for precision medicine software in Europe is expanding significantly due to developments in data analytics, genomics, and tailored healthcare strategies.







Precision medicine software adoption is being accelerated by Europe's strong healthcare system and rising investments in digital health initiatives. Through programs like Horizon Europe, governments and organizations throughout the continent are giving genetic research and precision healthcare top priority, which is encouraging innovation in the field. The software's capabilities are further improved by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which permits real-time data analysis and customized treatment planning.



In Europe, pharmacogenomics, chronic disease management, uncommon disease detection, and oncology are among the main uses of precision medicine software. The increased emphasis on precision healthcare, along with developments in bioinformatics and big data, is propelling market expansion despite obstacles such data privacy issues and high implementation costs.



The market for precision medicine software is expected to be crucial in improving patient care and advancing personalized medicine, as Europe continues to lead the world in the adoption of cutting-edge healthcare technologies.



Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis

The companies profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analyzing company coverage, product portfolio, and market penetration.



Some prominent names established in this market are:

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Genedata AG

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

QIAGEN N.V.

SOPHiA GENETICS SA

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 58 Forecast Period 2024-2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $460.9 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $1.22 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 11.4% Regions Covered Europe

Key Topics Covered



Executive Summary



Scope and Definition



1 Markets

1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment

1.1.1 Rise in Personalized Healthcare

1.1.2 Cloud-Based Delivery Mode-Based Platforms Elevating Data Accessibility

1.2 Supply Chain Overview

1.2.1 Value Chain Analysis

1.3 Regulatory Landscape

1.4 Market Dynamics Overview

1.4.1 Market Drivers

1.4.1.1 Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Precision Medicine Together

1.4.1.2 Enhancement in the Precision Medicine Field Using Integrated and Automated Solutions

1.4.2 Market Restraints

1.4.2.1 Data Safety and Privacy Concerns

1.4.3 Market Opportunities

1.4.3.1 Leveraging Electronic Health Records in the Market



2 Regions

2.1 Regional Summary

2.2 Drivers and Restraints

2.3 Europe

2.3.1 Regional Overview

2.3.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth

2.3.3 Factors Challenging the Market

2.3.4 Application

2.3.5 Product

2.3.6 France

2.3.7 Germany

2.3.8 U.K.

2.3.9 Spain

2.3.10 Italy

2.3.11 Rest-of-Europe



3 Markets Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles

3.1 Next Frontiers

3.2 Geographic Assessment

3.2.1 F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

3.2.1.1 Overview

3.2.1.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio

3.2.1.3 Target Customers

3.2.1.4 Key Personnel

3.2.1.5 Analyst View

3.2.2 Genedata AG

3.2.2.1 Overview

3.2.2.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio

3.2.2.3 Target Customers

3.2.2.4 Key Personnel

3.2.2.5 Analyst View

3.2.3 Koninklijke Philips N.V.

3.2.3.1 Overview

3.2.3.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio

3.2.3.3 Target Customers

3.2.3.4 Key Personnel

3.2.3.5 Analyst View

3.2.4 QIAGEN N.V.

3.2.4.1 Overview

3.2.4.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio

3.2.4.3 Target Customers

3.2.4.4 Key Personnel

3.2.4.5 Analyst View

3.2.5 SOPHiA GENETICS SA

3.2.5.1 Overview

3.2.5.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio

3.2.5.3 Target Customers

3.2.5.4 Key Personnel

3.2.5.5 Analyst View



4 Research Methodology

4.1 Data Sources

4.1.1 Primary Data Sources

4.1.2 Secondary Data Sources

4.1.3 Data Triangulation

4.2 Market Estimation and Forecast



List of Figures

Figure 1: Precision Medicine Software Market (by Region), $Million, 2023, 2027, and 2033

Figure 2: Europe Precision Medicine Software Market (by Delivery Mode), $Million, 2023, 2027, and 2033

Figure 3: Europe Precision Medicine Software Market (by Application), $Million, 2023, 2027, and 2033

Figure 4: Europe Precision Medicine Software Market (by End User), $Million, 2023, 2027, and 2033

Figure 5: Key Events of Precision Medicine Software Market, 2023 and 2024

Figure 6: Role of Precision Medicine Software in Personalized Care

Figure 7: Benefits of Using Cloud-Based Delivery Mode Technology in Healthcare

Figure 8: Supply Chain and Risks within the Supply Chain

Figure 9: Precision Medicine Software (by Year), January 2021-December 2023

Figure 10: Impact Analysis of Market Navigating Factors, 2023-2033

Figure 11: Benefits of Integrating AI with Precision Medicine

Figure 12: Two Key Strategies for Empowering Precision Medicine

Figure 13: France Precision Medicine Software Market, $Million, 2023-2033

Figure 14: Germany Precision Medicine Software Market, $Million, 2023-2033

Figure 15: U.K. Precision Medicine Software Market, $Million, 2023-2033

Figure 16: Spain Precision Medicine Software Market, $Million, 2023-2033

Figure 17: Italy Precision Medicine Software Market, $Million, 2023-2033

Figure 18: Rest-of-Europe Precision Medicine Software Market, $Million, 2023-2033

Figure 19: Strategic Initiatives, 2021-2023

Figure 20: Share of Strategic Initiatives, 2021-2023

Figure 21: Data Triangulation

Figure 22: Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach

Figure 23: Assumptions and Limitations



List of Tables

Table 1: Market Snapshot

Table 2: Opportunities across Regions

Table 3: Precision Medicine Software Market Trend Analysis

Table 4: Cloud-Based Delivery Mode-Based Platform

Table 5: Role of EHRs in Advancing Precision Medicine

Table 6: Precision Medicine Software (by Region), $Million, 2023-2033

Table 7: Europe Precision Medicine Software Market (by Application), $Million, 2023-2033

Table 8: Europe Precision Medicine Software Market (by End User), $Million, 2023-2033

Table 9: Europe Precision Medicine Software Market (by Delivery Mode), $Million, 2023-2033

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bz8ddq

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Corporate Event Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global corporate event market is expected to grow from $325 billion in 2023 to $595.27 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of 10.61%.



Technology utilization is significant in the corporate event market through ticketing software, event applications, virtual reality, data analytics, information, and communication technologies. Technology is a crucial part of the execution of event planning and management as it enhances unusual levels of efficiency, processes that have been simplified, exceptional attendee experiences, and valuable decisions coming from the insight enabled by the data.



Also, in corporate event management, artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in virtual and hybrid events as its chatbots provide immediate personal responses to the attendees' queries, and machine learning algorithms are likely to forecast the attendees' behavior to justify planning decisions. These factors indicate the influence of technology on corporate events, positioning the circumstance for innovation to the continued growth and success in organizing events.





The hybrid event signifies a growing trend in the corporate event market; these events combine physical and online elements. It has gained substantial momentum in recent years and is closely related to the market dynamics of the corporate event, driving increased demand for corporate event services. Digital technology has also accelerated the adoption of virtual events as numerous organizations recognized the benefits of reaching an expansive and diverse audience by incorporating virtual factors into their events. This led to the progression of the hybrid approach, where attendees can choose to participate in person, virtually, or a combination of both.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY EVENT TYPE



The global corporate event market by event type is segmented into conferences & seminars, trade shows & exhibitions, company business events, and other events. In 2023, the conferences & seminars segment dominated the global market share. It is estimated to maintain its dominance through the forecast period. This is attributed to the fact that conferences & seminars are events conducted in a format that creates a learning-by-doing atmosphere through experiments, discussion, and interaction among the attendees.



Moreover, the rise of digital transformation, globalization, and the need for businesses to stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment has made conferences and seminars indispensable for knowledge transfer and innovation. Furthermore, the trade shows & exhibitions segment is growing at the highest CAGR of around 11% during the forecast period, owing to the rising industry events to raise business profile and generate brand awareness.



Segmentation by Event Type

Conferences & Seminars

Trade Shows & Exhibitions

Company Business Events

Other Events

INSIGHTS BY EVENT SIZE



The mega & large scale event size segment holds the most significant global corporate event market share. The mega & large event segment holds a prominent market share as the segment offers economic benefits, including new investments, business, sponsorships, etc. These events are characterized by their extensive planning requirements, high budgets, and the necessity for sophisticated logistics, as they often feature elaborate setups, advanced technology, and multiple stakeholders involved in their execution. However, with the rising popularity of small-scale events, the need for more personalized and intimate experiences allows participants to network more effectively, exchange ideas, and create lasting relationships. Thus, helping small & medium-scale corporate events is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.



Segmentation by Event Size

Mega & Large Scale

Small & Medium Scale

INSIGHTS BY PLATFORM



The global corporate event market by platform is segmented into physical, virtual, and hybrid. In 2023, the physical events segment held the highest market share as they are the most conducted due to extensive methodologies and techniques for conducting physical events. Physical corporate events include conferences, seminars, trade shows, exhibitions, product launches, team-building activities, and incentive programs. The industry increasingly delivers comprehensive, innovative solutions to meet clients' evolving needs.



Event management companies invest in technology-driven solutions, such as event apps, RFID badges, and AI-powered networking tools, to enhance the attendee experience. For instance, companies like Cvent and Freeman have developed end-to-end event management platforms that integrate registration, marketing, analytics, and on-site management, allowing organizers to streamline operations and gain valuable insights into attendee behavior.



Segmentation by Platform

Physical

Virtual

Hybrid

INSIGHTS BY INDUSTRY



The global corporate event market by industry is segmented into technology, automotive, healthcare & pharmaceutical, finance & banking, and other industries. The technology segment holds the most prominent global market share. The technology industry encompasses a vast array of businesses involved in the development, production, and distribution of technology-based products and services.



The rise of the technology industry has directly influenced the growth of corporate events as companies increasingly leverage these platforms to showcase their innovations and relationships within their ecosystem. Technology giants like Microsoft and Google hosted high-profile conferences that brought together industry leaders, developers, and customers, emphasizing collaboration and innovation. These events often feature speeches, product launches, and interactive workshops, creating opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing.



Segmentation by Industry

Technology

Automotive

Healthcare & Pharmaceutical

Finance & Banking

Other Industries

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS



The North American region dominated the global corporate event market, accounting for a global revenue share of over 35% in 2023. The region's high share can be attributed to its robust corporate culture and high demand for professional event management services. The industry in North America is substantial, with countries like the U.S. and Canada being the primary drivers of the market. For instance, events such as CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas and Dreamforce by Salesforce in San Francisco in 2023 emphasized the increasing demand for professional event services.



Additionally, Europe is the second largest market, accounting for an incremental growth of over USD 71.4 billion during the forecast period. Germany and the U.K. are some of the major countries contributing to the European market. The London Tech Week in 2023 they have attracted thousands of participants across the globe, contributing to the incremental market growth in Europe.



Further, the APAC region is experiencing rapid growth in the global corporate event market, surged by emerging economies like China and India, where the demand for large-scale events is accelerating. For instance, the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou 2024 involved multinational corporations contributing to the surging demand for event services. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa also offer opportunities for the corporate event market with rising international conferences and trade shows. Brazil and UAE are major countries for events, drawing thousands of professionals and major tech companies from worldwide.



Segmentation by Geography

North America

Europe

APAC

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

VENDORS LANDSCAPE



The global corporate event market is competitive, encompassing various services and solutions for planning, organizing, and executing multiple events, from corporate meetings, conferences, trade shows, and more. Service providers strive to distinguish themselves through strategies, strengths, and exceptional selling propositions. Major global corporate event market participants include American Meetings, Freeman, and 360 Destination Group.



Extreme competition has led to persistent innovation, with corporations concentrating on improving user experience and integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality to expand their global reach. For instance, in 2023, Freeman introduced eco-friendly event planning services, such as carbon offset programs and waste-reduction strategies, which became progressively important for clients to minimize their environmental footprint.



Key Company Profiles

American Meetings

Creative Group

Freeman

360 Destination Group

Other Prominent Vendors

American Express Global Business Travel

Asia Pacific Events

ATPI

BCD Meetings & Events

Clarion Events

Dragonfly Agency

Encore Creations Pvt. Ltd.

Entertaining Asia

GES

Hosts Global

Informa

Magma Event

Maritz

McVeigh Global Meetings and Events (MGME)

penguins

PRA Events

Reed Exhibitions

Riviera Events

Imprint Events Group

TCG Events

The Special Event Company (DRPG)

Vista Events

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED



1. How big is the global corporate event market?

2. What is the growth rate of the global corporate event market?

3. Which region dominates the global corporate event market share?

4. What are the significant trends in the corporate event market?

5. Who are the key players in the global corporate event market?



Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 304 Forecast Period 2023-2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $325 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $595.27 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.6% Regions Covered Global

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uj6ktl

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TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnviroGold Global Limited (CSE: NVRO | OTCQB: ESGLF | FSE: YGK) (EnviroGold, or the Company), a technology company enabling the global mining industry to monetize valuable metals contained in mine waste and tailings, reduce environmental liabilities and improve social and environmental outcomes, is pleased to announce that it plans to complete a non-brokered private placement financing (the Financing) for up to CAD$2,500,000 of gross proceeds, consisting of up to 2,500 units (the Units) issued at a price of CAD$1,000 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of CAD$1,000 principal amount of unsecured convertible notes (the Notes) and 11,112 common share purchase warrants of the Company (the Warrants). The Financing may close in one or more tranches, with the first tranche scheduled to close on or about January 7, 2025.

All Notes will have a maturity date of eighteen months from the date of issue and will bear interest from their date of issue at 10.0% per annum, calculated monthly, accrued and payable at maturity. The interest may be paid in common shares of the Company (Common Shares) at the election of the Company, at a price per share equal to the closing market price of the Common Shares on the last trading prior to maturity or repayment, as applicable.

The Notes will be convertible, at the option of the holders at any time prior to maturity, into Common Shares at a conversion price of CAD$0.06 per Common Share (with the accrued and unpaid interest at the time of conversion being repaid as aforesaid). Each Warrant may be exercised for one Common Share in the capital of the Company at a price of CAD$0.08 per Common Share and will expire twenty- four months after the date of issuance. All securities issued pursuant to the Financing will be subject to a four month hold period from the applicable date of closing.

The Company shall be entitled to prepay all or any portion of each of the Notes with a prepayment fee payable to each noteholder of 7.5% of the amount of the principal prepayment of the Note.

CEO David Cam stated, We are pleased to report the Company has secured a significant lead order under this Financing from a strategic partner in Australia, with a commitment for ongoing support. This private placement will enable the Company to complete its previously announced demonstration plant in Perth, Western Australia. The plant will serve as a central testing hub for multiple mining companies, showcasing our technology on their tailings material and accelerating commercial decisions. Additionally, the funds from this financing will support business development, general working capital, and associated financing costs.



The Company has engaged the services of Sequoia Corporate Finance Pty. Ltd. (Sequoia) to assist the Company with the Financing. The Company will pay Sequoia and other registered dealers a finders fee of 6% cash and 6% warrants.

The Company also announces that has issued an aggregate of 950,000 stock options to officers and consultants of the Company pursuant to its stock option plan. The stock options are exercisable to acquire Common Shares of the Company at a price of $0.06 for a period of 2 years from grant and will vest on issuance.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described in this news release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About EnviroGold Global

EnviroGold Global is a technology company enabling the global mining industry to monetise valuable metals from mine waste and tailings and reduce environmental liabilities. EnviroGolds proprietary technology is at the leading edge of demand for precious and critical metals and greater social demand for better environmental outcomes. The Company operates on a technology license fee model with low capex requirements and intends to establish itself as a leading global technology company focussed on shareholder value.

Contact

Mr. David Cam, CEO

Telephone: +1 416 842 9003

Email: InvestorRelations@EnviroGoldGlobal.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, without limitation, earnings guidance, economic guidance, operational guidance and future capital spending amounts. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, will continue, will occur or will be achieved. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements pertaining to the use of funds from the Financing and the anticipated closing date of the Financing, and the Companys ability to accelerate the worlds transition to a circular resource economy. Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Companys ability to continue as a going concern; the continued commercial viability and growth in the clean technology and mining waste reprocessing industry; continued approval of the Companys activities by the relevant governmental and/or regulatory authorities; the continued development of clean technology and mining waste reprocessing technology; and the continued growth of the Company. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the Companys inability to accelerate the worlds transition to a circular resource economy, the risks associated with assessing metallurgical recovery rates from mine tailings and waste and related volumetric assessments, the risks associated with the mining and mining waste recycling industry in general; increased competition in the clean technology and waste reprocessing market; the potential unviability of the clean technology and mining waste reprocessing market; incorrect assessment of the value and potential benefits of various transactions; risks associated with potential governmental and/or regulatory action with respect to clean technology and mining waste reprocessing; risks associated with a potential collapse in the value of clean technology and waste reprocessing; and risks relating to the Companys potential inability to expand its reprocessing pipeline.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Companys expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VR Resources Ltd. (TSX.V: VRR, FSE: 5VR; OTCBB: VRRCF), the "Company", or VR, has received the final, inverted data for the state-of-the-art, 3D array DCIP survey completed last month on its Silverback copper-gold project located in Northwestern Ontario.

A large, high amplitude chargeability anomaly is identified in the center of the project, central to the broadest part of the main mafic - ultramafic body with nickel-chrome mineralization, as shown in Figure 1 . Photo 1 shows copper-gold mineralization in a sheared and silicified mafic rock from a new showing discovered in January 2023 that is in the northern part of the new chargeability anomaly. Similarly, there are fractures with remobilized moly in gabbro in the southern part of this large chargeability anomaly.

. There are several additional chargeability anomalies to the west and northeast, also associated with edges of the mafic-ultramafic body, and anchored by north-south structures with known copper-gold mineralization.









Figure 1. Plan map of the Silverback 3D DCIP survey area with chargeability results as isoshells at 12.5 mV/V (orange) and 15 mV/V (red) with inferred shear-zones and margins of the nickel-mineralized mafic dykes and intrusions spanning the project area. The survey straddles the northern margin of the Lac des Mille Lacs greenstone belt with the Marmion batholith on a deep seated lithotectonic structures.

Initial Impressions. The dipole-dipole survey, with a 150m equant station grid array covered an area of 3,500 by 2,750 meters over the centre of the project. Firstly. All the strong chargeability anomalies correlate with the edges of the mafic-ultramafic body with copper-gold occurrences spanning some 4 km across the breadth of the property. But in addition, there is also a clear structural control to the new anomalies: the large, central anomaly is anchored by a north-south shear-zone with structural offsets evident on detailed airborne magnetic data obtained last winter, and the discreet anomalies that lie to the west occur on a west-northwest trend that is subparallel to the greenstone belt contact in the southern part of the Marmion terrane.

In summary, the new IP survey delineates chargeability anomalies at the intersection of mafic feeder dykes that are offset by sinistral, north-south faults. The new chargeability anomalies are potentially the source for remobilized and concentrated sulfide minerals on structure. Remobilized molybdenum is a crucial pathfinder metal for gold mineralization in the Hemlo gold camp, and is commonly cited as evidence for an intrusion-related source of mineralization. The molybdenite occurrence shown in Figure 1 in the southern part of the main chargeability anomaly at Silverback, and the porphyry unit with gold-bearing quartz-carbonate veins located to the west (see Photo 1 of NR24- dated October 24th) serve as important building blocks for this evolving, integrated model for a large, polymetallic copper-gold system at Silverback.

From VR's CEO Justin Daley: We designed the DCIP survey to help us target within a broad, 3 km trend of mineralization that provides evidence for an intrusion-related gold-copper system at Silverback. In order to identify a central target, or targets, hidden below cover at Silverback, we required a robust, modern geophysical tool to use along side strong, trace element vectors of molybdenum and silver, and the new evidence for a gold mineralized porphyry dyke in drill hole 002 from last spring. Once gain, Dias technology has delivered. The 1,200m long, oblate >15mV/V chargeability anomaly running right up the centre of the property aligns perfectly with known high-grade gold occurrences and with important structures mapped on surface and within our magnetic data.

As we spend more time working with the chargeability and resistivity results from this survey over the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing detailed exploration targets and plans for drilling in 2025.





Photo 1. Remobilized copper, gold and silver mineralization occur in shear-hosted chalcopyrite and bornite with strong silicification (pale areas around sulfides) in an amphibolite host. The sample is taken from an exploration trench situated above the newly defined chargeability anomaly shown in Figure 1.

About the Silverback Project

The project now consists of 71 mineral claims in 1 contiguous block covering 4,442 hectares. The project is located on Federal crown land, with mineral rights administered by the Ontario Ministry of Mines. There is a 2% net smelter royalty on the claims. There are no annual payments, but the Ministry requires certain annual exploration expenditures and reporting (ie. mineral assessment reports) in order to maintain a mineral claim in good standing. The Properties falls within the Lac de Mille Lac First Nation traditional territories.

Technical Information

Surface grab samples and drill core samples were submitted for geochemical analysis to the AGAT laboratory in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Drill core was logged, cut and sampled at the Holbik Exploration warehouse in Upsala, Ontario, with sample preparation completed by AGAT in Thunder Bay alongside gold and PGE determination by atomic absorption assay. ICP-MS analyses for base metals, whole rock, and trace elements is performed at AGATs laboratory in Calgary, AB. Analytical results are subject to industry-standard and NI 43-101 compliant QAQC sample procedures, including the systematic insertion of sample duplicates, blanks and certified reference material (CRM) done both externally and internally at the laboratory by AGAT, as described by AGAT.

Technical information for this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101. The content of this news release has been reviewed on behalf of the Company by Justin Daley, MSc, PGeo, President & CEO at VR, and a non-independent Qualified Person, oversees and/or participates in all aspects of the Companys mineral exploration projects.

About VR Resources Ltd.

VR is an established junior exploration company based in Vancouver (TSX.V: VRR; Frankfurt: 5VR; OTCQB: VRRCF). VR evaluates, explores and advances opportunities in copper, gold and critical metals in Nevada, USA, and Ontario, Canada. VR applies modern exploration technologies, in-house experience, and expertise in greenfields exploration to large-footprint systems in underexplored areas/districts. The foundation of VR is the proven track record of its Board in early-stage exploration, discovery and M&A. The Company is financed for its mineral exploration and corporate obligations. VR owns its projects outright and evaluates new opportunities on an ongoing basis, whether by staking or acquisition.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Justin Daley

Justin Daley, MSc, P.Geo

President & CEO

For general information please use the following:

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this document include statements concerning VRs expectations that it will share detailed exploration plans and plans for drilling in 2025, and all other statements that are not statements of historical fact.

Although the Company believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Companys ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

This news release may also contain statements and/or information with respect to mineral properties and/or deposits which are adjacent to and/or potentially similar to the Companys mineral properties, but which the Company has no interest in nor rights to explore. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on similar properties are not necessarily indicative of mineral deposits on the Companys properties.

Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Companys public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review them.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8060f94-2951-4df9-be58-c2108c3e44e9

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1f3d7def-0bc0-416c-a172-d699f6fdf32d
ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RWA Inc, a leader in Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization, has announced a significant expansion to its ecosystem with the development of a Layer 2 (L2) blockchain and a decentralized exchange (DEX). Scheduled for launch in the first half of 2025, this initiative builds on the companys recent successes, including the launch of their $RWA Token and Launchpad at the end of Q4 2024. This initiative aims to position RWA Inc as the first to deliver an end-to-end ecosystem designed specifically for RWA and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) projects.

Establishing the Foundation: Why an L2 Blockchain Matters

The L2 blockchain is at the core of RWA Incs ecosystem expansion, offering critical advantages in scalability, security, and interoperability. Designed to meet the demands of both RWA and DePIN projects, the L2 blockchain will be tailor-made to suit their unique requirements. This component aims to offer highly efficient blockchain solutions to clients at minimal cost while addressing the distinct challenges of tokenized assets and decentralized infrastructure, such as scalability and operational complexity. Additionally it provides:

Enhanced Scalability: Supports high transaction volumes with minimal fees, ensuring seamless user experiences across the ecosystem.

Supports high transaction volumes with minimal fees, ensuring seamless user experiences across the ecosystem. Improved Security: Utilizes robust decentralized consensus mechanisms to protect assets and data.

Utilizes robust decentralized consensus mechanisms to protect assets and data. Fosters Transparency: Enables real-time tracking and auditing, building trust among users and stakeholders.

Enables real-time tracking and auditing, building trust among users and stakeholders. Promotes Interoperability: Connects with other blockchain networks, broadening the scope and impact of tokenized assets.

This L2 blockchain will serve as the foundational structure supporting RWA Inc's RWA and DePIN network. By providing a robust and efficient infrastructure, it ensures seamless integration for tokenized assets and decentralized physical networks, setting the stage for a highly scalable and interconnected ecosystem.

Introducing the RWA DEX

Complementing the L2 blockchain, RWA Incs decentralized exchange (DEX) will serve as the platform for trading tokenized RWA and DePIN utility projects. Designed to drive liquidity within the ecosystem, the DEX will utilize staking and trading fees to incentivize participation while providing investors with a flexible entry point to these projects. By incentivizing trading and fostering liquidity, it will play a critical role in connecting investors, enterprises, and utility-driven projects.

Expanding the Vision: Chain Agnostic Marketplace Coming in 2025

To complete the ecosystem, RWA Inc plans to launch a chain-agnostic Security Marketplace in the second half of 2025. This marketplace is set to be the crown jewel of the RWA Inc ecosystem, serving as a central hub where users can buy, sell, and manage tokenized RWAs and DePINs across the world. This will be the capstone project that completes RWA Inc's mission to allow anyone, anywhere in the world, to invest in tokenized assets.

A Comprehensive End-to-End Ecosystem

With the marketplace completing the ecosystem, RWA Inc is establishing a fully integrated solution that connects all aspects of tokenization and decentralized infrastructure. This ecosystem will include:

Launchpad: Supporting new projects in raising capital and gaining visibility.

Supporting new projects in raising capital and gaining visibility. Stakingpad: Providing opportunities for token holders to stake and earn rewards.

Providing opportunities for token holders to stake and earn rewards. Vestingpad: Ensuring secure and transparent token vesting.

Ensuring secure and transparent token vesting. L2 Blockchain: Enhancing scalability and interoperability.

Enhancing scalability and interoperability. DEX: Facilitating decentralized trading with liquidity solutions tailored to RWA tokens.

Facilitating decentralized trading with liquidity solutions tailored to RWA tokens. Chain Agnostic Marketplace: Supporting multi-chain operations for diverse projects.

This holistic approach sets RWA Inc in a unique position as the first end-to-end ecosystem for RWAs and DePINs, providing the tools and infrastructure required to tokenize, trade, and manage tokenized assets efficiently.

A Global Impact

RWA Incs end-to-end ecosystem solution is set to become a global hub for RWA and DePIN projects. By creating a unified platform to address the growing demand for tokenization and decentralized infrastructure, RWA Inc is establishing a new benchmark for blockchain projects worldwide. This coming year will be pivotal for the project, as the team rolls out this comprehensive service that promises to reshape the RWA industry. Keep a close eye on this project as they seek to set the stage for a new era in blockchain-powered economies.

This ecosystem expansion is a leap forward in our vision to build a comprehensive RWA tokenization platform, said Kevin Yunai, CEO of RWA Inc. With the L2 blockchain, DEX, and upcoming marketplace, were building the infrastructure that will capture this 30 trillion dollar market

About RWA Inc

RWA Inc offers end-to-end real-world asset (RWA) tokenization through a cutting-edge multi-asset platform that includes tokenization as-a service, a launchpad, and a marketplace. With a short-term focus on startup utility tokens for our go-to-market strategy, our primary emphasis is on strategically expanding into startup equity tokens, real estate, collectibles, and other asset classes via registered security tokens. As an innovator in the RWA niche, we help tech startups and established companies successfully launch utility and security compliant tokens and thrive in the Web3 market. Our approach addresses the need for extensive tokenization support for Web2 startups, fostering their dynamic growth potential. Our versatile solution aims to unlock opportunities across diverse asset classes, enhance liquidity, broaden market reach, support business development, and unlock asset value, effectively meeting market demands.

Contact RWA Inc

https://www.rwa.inc/contact

RWA Inc Links - X | Telegram | TG Announcements | LinkedIn | Medium | Website

Contact Details:

Kevin Yunai

Founder and CEO

kevin@rwa.inc

Disclaimer: This content is provided by RWA. 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.




APIA, Samoa, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Christmas and the New Year approach, there's no better way to end the year than celebrating with your loved ones in a tropical paradise. Leading cryptocurrency exchange Phemex is excited to announce an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the holidays on the beautiful island of Bali, along with a chance to win 4 ETH! Join the festive Phemex Cryptomas Event and make your holiday season unforgettable.

Event Rewards

Cryptomas Award: Users who trade consecutively for 20 or more days will be eligible for a chance to win the top prizea Bali Island tour! One lucky winner will be selected from all eligible participants.

Gingerbread Man Award: Five additional eligible users will receive Christmas gift boxes, including a luggage case, socks, ornaments, and more.

Reindeer Award: Users who register and complete 15 days of trading will share a 2 ETH prize pool. Those who register and complete 2 days of trading will share another 2 ETH prize pool.

Snowman Award: Users who register and achieve a trading volume of $2,000 will be eligible to share in a 20,0000 USDT trading bonus pool based on their trading volume.

Celebrate the Season! Join the Phemex Cryptomas Celebration from December 18, 2024, to January 6, 2025!

Now is the perfect time to join Phemex, the leading exchange that offers new spot pairs daily for a competitive trading edge while prioritizing security with an innovative cold wallet system and a Proof of Reserves tool to ensure asset safety. As the first exchange to publish both proof-of-reserves and proof-of-solvency, Phemex stands out as a trustworthy platform with customizable features tailored to users' needs.

About Phemex

Phemex is a leading cryptocurrency exchange that specializes in spot and derivatives trading. It features 140+ USDT-margined contract trading pairs with up to 100x leverage that all support Hedge Mode, alongside 300+ popular spot trading pairs. Individuals from all over the world can instantly buy, sell, and trade blockchain cryptocurrency through a user-friendly and secure platform. Phemex has released transparent Merkle-Tree Proof-of-Reserves so all users can verify on the blockchain that all funds are 100% backed on the platform. As the first exchange to publish both proof-of-reserves and proof-of-solvency through a unique, self-proving approach, Phemex stands out as one of the best and most trustworthy crypto exchanges.

Contact

Oyku Yavuz; PR & Content Lead

oyku.yavuz@phemex.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Phemex. 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/0d8f756d-ac3a-45f4-bc31-518b992487dd
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

Setting New Standards: One of the Worlds Most Advanced Large-Capacity Refineries with an Unprecedented Safety Record in Construction

MANAMA, Kingdom of Bahrain, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, alongside His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP), marking a defining moment in the Kingdoms energy evolution. As the largest strategic initiative in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Bapco Energies history, this milestone underscores the Kingdoms commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification.

Coinciding with Bahrains National Day celebrations and the Silver Jubilee of His Majestys accession, commemorating 25 years of His Majestys reign, the event celebrated decades of progress while showcasing the Kingdom of Bahrains energy ambitions for the future. His Majesty toured the A Journey Through Time exhibition, which chronicled the Kingdoms pioneering role in the energy sector, from the discovery of oil in 1932 to present-day achievements and future aspirations, highlighted through state-of-the-art AI technology.

Powering a Sustainable Future

This landmark project reflects the Kingdom of Bahrains enduring commitment to sustainable growth, utilizing the Kingdoms natural energy resources to power economic progress and development. The project plays an important role in the Kingdoms energy transition and its alignment with Bahrains Vision 2030, underpinned by leadership focused on economic recovery and strategic investment.

His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majestys Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, and Chairman of Bapco Energies expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for their visionary leadership.

We are extremely honored to witness the inauguration of this transformative project under the patronage of His Majesty the King and with the invaluable guidance of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Bapco Modernization Project is a testament to their unwavering commitment to ensuring the Kingdom of Bahrains position as a global leader in energy innovation and sustainability. This strategic investment is not only a catalyst for economic growth but also a vital step in realizing the Kingdoms vision of a sustainable and resilient future. Bapco Energies remains fully committed to advancing the Kingdoms energy transition and contributing to the broader goals of The Kingdoms 2030 Vision, said His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Pioneering Energy Innovation

The Bapco Modernization Project elevates Bahrains refining capabilities and positions the Kingdom as a leader in advanced energy solutions. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, the BMP enhances operational efficiency, reduces carbon emissions, and aligns with international standards.

The project represents the culmination of over ninety years of development in the Kingdom of Bahrains energy sector. With significant investment, it lays the groundwork for continued progress, creating lasting economic value for the Kingdom.

A Vision for the Future

The Bapco Modernization Project is a cornerstone of the Kingdom of Bahrains 2030 Vision, and reinforces its long-term goals of increasing refining capacity, diversifying its energy portfolio, and enhancing efficiency. It positions Bapco Energies amongst the leading energy companies delivering sustainable energy solutions and bolsters the Kingdom of Bahrains position as a global energy innovator.

About Bapco Energies

Bapco Energies is the integrated energy company leading the energy transition in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The company is consolidating the energy value chain to meet Bahrains growing energy demands sustainably. Guided by the Blueprint Bahrain framework, Bapco Energies is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through the implementation of the National Energy Strategy. The Bapco Energies portfolio encompasses wholly-owned subsidiaries Bapco Refining, Bapco Upstream, Bapco Gas, Bapco Tazweed, Bapco Air Fueling and BeVentures.

Bapco Energies Contacts:

For media inquiries please contact communications.hq@bapcoenergies.com
New York, NY , Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expert Hairstylist introduces a wealth of hairstyle inspiration, offering fresh and trendy options for women, men, and girls of all ages. With a focus on individual hair types, personalities, and occasions, the platform ensures everyone finds the perfect look. Featuring insights from experienced stylists like Jessica Hamilton, Expert Hairstylist provides practical tips and modern trends to elevate every hair journey.

Expert Hairstylist offers comprehensive resources, including guides like Hair Style for Woman by Length, making it easy for every woman to find a style that suits her, whether it is a chic pixie cut or flowing long locks. The platform offers step-by-step styling advice, tailored recommendations, and creative inspirations for every occasion. Jessica, a trusted woman hair stylist in the hairstyling community, contributes her expert insights, further enriching this invaluable resource.



Expert Hairstylist

Hairstyling is not just about appearance; it is a way to express yourself, Hamilton said. Our goal is to inspire confidence and creativity in everyone who visits Expert Hairstylist.

Expert Hairstylist celebrates versatility and individuality, empowering women to embrace their natural beauty while discovering hairstyles that accentuate their unique features and preferences. Whether one is aiming for an elegant updo, relaxed waves, or a polished bob, the platform caters to every style.

With an easy-to-navigate website, Expert Hairstylist makes it simple to find personalized inspiration based on hair length or age. The Hair Style by Woman Age" section features looks that complement each stage of life, offering youthful, playful options as well as sophisticated, timeless styles. The Hair Style for Woman by Length section highlights the beauty of natural hair, providing creative tips and ideas to help individuals embrace their unique textures and experiment with versatile looks.

Expert Hairstylist stands out as the go-to resource for hairstyle inspiration and expert hair care advice. It features a blog from Jessica, which is a treasure trove of transformative tips and innovative styling ideas from a true industry insider. Whether someone is looking to refresh their look or explore the latest trends, the blog provides detailed guidance to inspire creativity and confidence.

With its inclusive approach, Expert Hairstylist celebrates the beauty of diverse hair types and styles, providing ideas and representation that resonate with everyone. Praised by industry experts and loyal users alike, the platform continues to set a high standard for quality and versatility.

As one satisfied user puts it, This is a game-changer for anyone looking to refine their personal style.

To get inspiration, expert tips, and trendsetting hairstyle ideas, visit https://experthairstylist.com.

About Expert Hairstylist

The Expert Hairstylist is a premier online destination for transformative hair inspiration and expert styling advice. With a mission to empower individuals through versatile and trend-forward content, the platform caters to diverse hair types, lengths, and ages. Featuring insights from top hairstylists like Jessica Hamilton, Expert Hairstylist combines creativity with practical guidance to inspire confidence and individuality. From timeless classics to bold, modern looks, this hair care hub celebrates the art of personal expression through hair, offering a wealth of resources that make every styling journey effortless and exciting.

###

Media Contact

Expert Hairstylist

Phone: (989) 997-6665

Website: https://experthairstylist.com





















newsroom: news.38digitalmarket.com

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HOUSTON, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahuna Workforce Solutions , a leading provider of skills and competency management software for frontline workers, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Diane Mitchell as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective December 2, 2024. With extensive experience driving strategic growth and enhancing brand positioning in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) companies, Mitchell is perfectly positioned to lead and enhance Kahunas marketing initiatives, advancing its mission to deliver skills-based solutions to the frontline workforce.



Diane Mitchell, Kahuna CMO



Were glad to welcome Diane to the Kahuna team during this phase of growth, said Jai Shah, CEO of Kahuna. Her expertise in crafting impactful, results-oriented marketing strategies and leading high-performing teams will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen Kahunas position as a trusted leader in skills and competency management across industries with a technical frontline workforce.

This appointment comes at an exciting time for Kahuna, following a successful Series B funding round in November 2023 and an additional investment from Memorial Hermann Health System in September 2024. Under Mitchells leadership, Kahuna is positioned to continue growing and expanding its impact across its key verticals of healthcare, manufacturing, field service, and energy, empowering businesses to more effectively manage and validate workforce skills to drive operational excellence.

Having spent more than 20 years in the SaaS industry with startups and high-growth companies, Im impressed with Kahunas vision and drive to be a valued and trusted partner, said Diane Mitchell, CMO of Kahuna. Im excited about Kahunas next phase of growth, their expert leadership team, and the entire companys passion for customer success. I look forward to focusing on Kahunas growth, strengthening its brand, and helping empower our customers to cultivate a more competitive and skilled workforce. Together, we can create lasting impact and drive success.

Mitchell previously held executive leadership roles for leading supply chain and talent management SaaS companies, notably E2open. She reimagined the companys brand, go-to-market, and customer marketing strategies to elevate awareness, thought leadership, and reputation. Mitchell began her career in product marketing at leading SaaS companies including Goal Systems, CA Technologies, Platinum Technology, and i2 Technologies. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Bethany College.

About Kahuna Workforce Solutions

Kahuna Workforce Solutions is the only skills management software built for operations, learning, and human resources. Kahuna equips enterprise organizations with validated skills data to understand workforce capability, align talent supply and demand, and increase the return on training investment. Across a wide array of industries including healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and field service, Kahuna helps organizations build a more skilled, competitive workforce. For more information, visit https://kahunaworkforce.com/.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d2d72ff8-035a-474d-b90e-c1e8aa33f1b0
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 2024 has proven to be a transformational year for Gold Bull. Although the gold price remains strong, the sentiment amongst the junior resource sector has remained weak, which in turn makes access to capital dilutive. For this reason, during the year, Gold Bull concentrated on conducting due diligence on numerous companies for potential merger or acquisition. Gold Bull focused on evaluating companies capable of generating cash flow; cash which is intended to fund the advancement of Gold Bulls Sandman asset, located in Nevada into near term production.

On the 10th of December, we announced that Borealis Mining Company (TSXV:BOGO) (Borealis) and Gold Bull have entered into a Definitive Agreement (transaction) whereby Borealis will acquire all of the shares of Gold Bull. A Gold Bull shareholder meeting to approve this transaction will be held in February 2025. The Gold Bull board is unanimously in favor of approving this transaction.

The transaction delivers Gold Bull shareholders a significant premium with an acquisition price of approximately $0.60 per Gold Bull share or a ratio of 0.93 Borealis Shares for each Gold Bull share, based on a 20-day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP).

The Borealis Mine and Sandman projects are synergistic in that the Borealis ADR (adsorption recovery carbon plant) facility can be used to process loaded carbon from the Sandman project as was proposed in the Sandman 2023 PEA by an external facility. Other benefits to Gold Bull Shareholders include:

Immediate and significant upside for Gold Bull shareholders with an acquisition price of approximately $0.60 per Gold Bull share representing a significant premium to Gold Bulls recent VWAP.

Meaningful ownership in the strategically combined entities providing continued exposure to Sandman and Big Balds Projects as well as to Borealis fully permitted Borealis Mine including its ADR plant, also located in northern Nevada.

The Borealis Mine infrastructure replacement cost is higher than the current market cap of Borealis.

Increased trading liquidity, capital markets presence, and enhanced combined value proposition.

Near-term revenue generation from the Borealis Mine may limit future shareholder dilution.

Combined entity creates increased financing options to advance Sandman near term into production organically.

We are convinced that combining forces with Borealis will unlock significant value for all shareholders, as Borealis has committed to advance the Sandman Project through to Feasibility Study with the aim of getting Sandman into production as soon as possible to feed their ADR facility. The intended outcome is to build the combined entity into a mid-tier gold producer with a Nevada focus.

Sandman Project, Nevada

The 2023 Sandman Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA or Scoping Study) investigated the viability of a small-scale startup operation (proposed mine) at Sandman, focusing on the existing gold resources.

The PEA considered a conventional heap leach mining operation targeting 38,000 ounces of gold produced per annum over a 9-year operation. Given the nature of the Sandman deposits (outcropping), a 2.2 Mtpa production rate and very low strip ratio of 2.2:1 extracts an average gold grade of 0.73 g/t Au (majority oxide). The economics using a gold price of $1,800 per ounce for this scenario is robust, with a 81% IRR (post tax) and NPV of USD$121M, with only a 1.3 year payback period (post tax). The capital required to build the above mine is modest at an initial pre-production capital of US$31.5 M and Phase 2 Capital of US$19.7M, paid by Phase 1 mining revenues (non dilutive). Total LOM capital is US$51.3M, for an all-in sustaining cost of US$1,337 per ounce of gold (post tax).

Sandmans economics is most sensitive to the gold price. In our PEA we used a gold price of $1,800. If we use todays gold price of circa $2,600, the NPV jumps from $121M to $323M with an IRR of 171.9% post tax: Gold Bulls Sandman Project Revised PEA Phase 2.

It should not be forgotten that immense exploration potential exists at Sandman and in the surrounding region and additional exploration is warranted as not all of the deposits are closed off and require further drilling as well as step out sterilization drilling.

Borealis have indicated their intent to commence the Sandman Feasibility Study in 2025 post transaction.





















Photos: The Gold Bull & Borealis management teams onsite inspecting the Borealis mine and supporting infrastructure at the Borealis Mine, near Hawthorne in Nevada, USA.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported Gold Bull this year: our communities and stakeholders, Board of Directors, accounts & admin team, advisors and consultants, supportive stockbrokers and I would like to acknowledge the dedication of our Nevada based technical team, led by Regina Molloy. Most of all, I thank you, our shareholders, for your continued support. I encourage you to learn more about the Borealis team and assets via their website: Borealis Mining Company Ltd. | High Grade Exploration Potential On behalf of Gold Bull, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, safe and Healthy New Year.

Cherie Leeden - President and CEO, Gold Bull Resources Corp.

About Sandman

In December 2020, Gold Bull purchased the Sandman Project from Newmont. Gold mineralization was first discovered at Sandman in 1987 by Kennecott and the project has been intermittently explored since then. There are four known pit constrained gold resources located within the Sandman Project, consisting of 21.8Mt @ 0.7g/t gold for 494,000 ounces of gold; comprising of an Indicated Resource of 18,550kt @ 0.73g/t gold for 433kozs of gold plus an Inferred Resource of 3,246kt @ 0.58g/t gold for 61kozs of gold. Several of the resources remain open in multiple directions and the bulk of the historical drilling has been conducted to a depth of less than 100m. Sandman is conveniently located circa 30 km northwest of the mining town of Winnemucca, Nevada.

Gold Bull is driven by its core values and purpose which includes a commitment to safety, communication & transparency, environmental responsibility, community, and integrity.

Qualified Person

Cherie Leeden, B.Sc Applied Geology (Honours), MAIG, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has read and approved all technical and scientific information contained in this news release. Ms. Leeden is the Companys Chief Executive Officer. Cherie Leeden relied on resource information contained within the Technical Report on the Sandman Gold Project, filed on SEDAR on October 27, 2022 and prepared by Steven Olsen and Jerod Eastman who are Qualified Persons as defined by the National Instrument NI 43-101. Each of Mr. Olsen and Mr. Eastman is an independent consultant and has no affiliations with Gold Bull except that of an independent consultant/client relationship.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential, indicates, opportunity, possible and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur. Although Gold Bull believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Companys ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward, to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing, to explore and develop its projects, to repay its debt and for general working capital purposes; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations, future prices of gold and other metals, changes in general economic conditions, accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates, the potential for new discoveries, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Companys plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources or conduct M&A transactions; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Companys operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.



Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7921a5e7-6821-4432-8293-5b6c98e64185

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0534f27b-7b4f-4ad5-9d43-0808dfc144f8

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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/12014350-b06e-4cf9-a55c-7b68ebe261d0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ae674f2-4b32-42e3-8997-9909087cd1cb
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, INTO OR WITHIN CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA, JAPAN, HONG KONG, SOUTH KOREA, OR ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

Oslo, 19 December 2024.

The board of directors of Belships ASA ("Belships" or the "Company", and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; OSE trading symbol "BELCO") today announces that an agreement (the "Transaction Agreement") has been reached with Blue Northern BLK Ltd ("Blue Northern" or the "Offeror") for the launch by the Offeror, subject to certain conditions, of a recommended voluntary cash tender offer (the "Offer") to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of the Company (the "Shares"). A cash consideration of NOK 20.50 (the "Offer Price") will be offered per Share, representing an aggregate equity purchase price of approximately NOK 5.182 billion (excluding the treasury shares owned by the Company).

The Offer Price represent:

* A premium of 29.4% to the closing trading price for the Shares on 19 December 2024 of NOK 15.84;

* A premium of 19.4% to the volume weighted average share price since the Company's announcement regarding a strategic review on 26 November 2024 of NOK 17.16; and

* A premium of 17.2% to the thirty (30) days' volume weighted average share price adjusted for dividend up to and including 18 November 2024 of NOK 17.49.

The Offeror is special purpose vehicle incorporated for the purpose of launching the Offer and was formed by funds managed by the Blue Ocean maritime investment team at EnTrust Global ("EnTrust").

The Company's board of directors (the "Board") has unanimously resolved to recommend the shareholders of Belships to accept the Offer. The Board has received a fairness opinion from Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge (the "Fairness Opinion") concluding that the Offer Price is fair, from a financial point of view.

Shareholders, including members of the Board and the executive management of the Company, who collectively own approximately 61.23% of the Company's issued and outstanding share capital (excluding treasury shares owned by the Company), have given irrevocable undertakings to accept the Offer. All share options held by management and employees will be cash settled based on the Offer Price in connection with the Offer.

Peter Frlich, Chair of the Board, and Lars Christian Skarsgard, CEO of Belships ASA, comments in a joint statement: "Six years have passed since the merger between Belships ASA and the Lighthouse Group and our goal was to develop the company through strategic investments aimed at expansion, and to obtain competitive returns for our shareholders. The total return during the period amounts to 455 per cent including dividends. This has been a successful exercise of value creation and company development, and we now find it compelling to be able to present our shareholders with the opportunity for realisation, and yet another step forward in Belships long history as a company. The board is satisfied that the offer represents a fair valuation in current circumstances, as is also reflected in the recommendation to shareholders to accept the offer."

Svein Engh, Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of EnTrust comments: "This acquisition will allow the Blue Ocean team to continue the growth of its maritime investment portfolio through an investment in an attractive and versatile platform with a modern fleet of Ultramax carriers. We are excited to partner with the Belships team and are committed to building on the company's strong track record in the coming years."

Key highlights of and summary of the Offer:

The complete details of the Offer, including all terms and conditions, will be included in an offer document (the "Offer Document") to be sent to the Company's shareholders with known addresses following review and approval by the Oslo Stock Exchange pursuant to Chapter 6 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. The Offer Document is expected to be approved by the Oslo Stock Exchange in time for the Offer Period (defined below) to commence no later than on 24 January 2025. The Offer may only be accepted on the basis of the Offer Document.

The Offer will not be made in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.

Offer Price

The Company's shareholders will be offered NOK 20.50 per Share in cash. The total value of the Offer is approximately NOK 5.182 billion, based on the number of issued and outstanding Shares (excluding the treasury shares owned by the Company) as at the date of this announcement.

If the Company should resolve to distribute dividends or make any other distributions to the Company's shareholders with a record date prior to completion of the Offer, the Offer Price shall be adjusted to compensate for the effects of such dividends or other distributions. If such adjustment is made, the acceptance by a previously accepting shareholder shall be deemed an acceptance of the Offer as revised.

Offer Period

The acceptance period for the Offer is expected to commence no later than on 24 January 2025, following publication of the Offer Document, and will remain open for no less than 20 U.S. business days (the "Offer Period"). The Offeror may in its sole discretion extend the Offer Period (one or more times) up until 31 March 2025 (inclusive). Any extension of the Offer Period will be announced prior to the expiry of the prevailing Offer Period.

Barring unforeseen circumstances or any extensions of the Offer Period, it is expected that the Offer will at the latest be completed during the first/second quarter of 2025, following satisfaction or waiver (as applicable) of all conditions for the Offer.

Board Recommendation

After careful consideration of the terms and conditions of the Offer, the Board has unanimously resolved to recommend that the shareholders of the Company accept the Offer. The Board has based its recommendation on an assessment of various factors, including but not limited to, its assumptions regarding the Company's business and financials, performance and outlook, as well as deal certainty.

When resolving to recommend the Offer, the Board has considered the Offer Price and the other terms and conditions of the Offer. The Board has received the Fairness Opinion from Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge, as an independent third party, with respect to the financial aspects of the Offer. On this basis, the Board believes that the terms of the Offer are fair, from a financial point of view, and that the Offer is in the best interests of the Company, its shareholders and its employees.

Pre-acceptances

The Company's largest shareholders, certain members of the Board and the executive management of the Company, being, either directly or indirectly, Lars Christian Skarsgard (CEO), Yngve Aslaksen Gram (CFO), Peter Frlich (Chair of the Board), Frode Teigen (Board member), Carl Erik Steen (Board member), Jorunn Seglem (Board member), Birthe Cecilie Lepse (Board member), Sten Stenersen (Board member) and Jan Erik Sivertsen (Observer), representing in aggregate approximately 61.23% of the Shares (excluding treasury shares), have entered into undertakings to tender their shares into the Offer. These pre-acceptances are binding and irrevocable, unless (i) the Offer has lapsed, been terminated or otherwise expired or (ii) if the Offeror has not, on or prior to 16:30 CET on 31 March 2025, publicly announced that the condition for closing of the Offer regarding "Minimum Acceptance" has been satisfied or waived by the Offeror.

Background and rationale for the Offer

EnTrust is actively focused on expanding its presence in maritime and maritime infrastructure investments through its Blue Ocean Strategy, which currently has over $5 billion in total managed assets and capital commitments. EnTrust has a dedicated team managing the firms maritime investments with long-term track records in related sectors. EnTrust believes this transaction represents a significant opportunity to increase Blue Oceans presence in the dry bulk shipping space, with Norway as an attractive maritime hub.



Conditions for Completion of the Offer

The Offer is not subject to any financing condition. As further detailed and specified in the Offer Document, completion of the Offer will be subject to fulfilment or waiver by the Offeror (in its sole discretion) of the following conditions:

* Minimum Acceptance: The Offer shall on or prior to the expiration of the Offer Period have been validly accepted by shareholders of the Company representing more than 90% of the issued and outstanding share capital and voting rights of the Company on a Fully Diluted (as defined below) basis, and such acceptances not being subject to any third party consents in respect of pledges or other rights. For this purpose, "Fully Diluted" shall mean all issued Shares in the Company (excluding any treasury shares) together with all shares and securities which the Company would be required to issue if all rights to subscribe for or otherwise require the Company to issue additional shares or securities, under any agreement or instrument, existing at or prior to completion of the Offer, were exercised, with the exception of 5,600,000 share options issued by the Company, which shall be settled in cash in conjunction with completion of the Offer (and subject to such cash settlement being made).

* Board recommendation: A recommendation from the Board to the Company's shareholders to accept the Offer shall have been issued and not, without the Offeror's written consent or as otherwise permitted under the Transaction Agreement, been amended, modified or withdrawn.

* Ordinary conduct of Business: Except as explicitly provided for under the Transaction Agreement or as disclosed to the Offeror prior to execution of the Transaction Agreement, that (i) the business of the Group, in the period until settlement of the Offer, has in all material respects been conducted in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (ii) there has not been made, and not been passed any decision to make or published any intention to make any changes in the share capital of the Company, issuance of options, warrants and/or rights which entitles holders to demand new shares or securities in the Company, declaration or payment of dividends or other distributions to the Company's shareholders (whether in cash or in kind) other than quarterly dividends in the ordinary course and consistent with past practice, proposals to shareholders for merger or de-merger, or any other change of corporate structure except for any merger, demerger or other change of corporate structure made as a part of any ordinary internal reorganisation; (iii) the Company shall not have entered into any agreement for, or carried out any transaction that constitutes, a competing offer; or (iv) the Company and its direct or indirect subsidiaries shall not have entered into any agreement providing for acquisitions or disposals other than in the ordinary course of business.

* No governmental interference: No court or governmental or regulatory authority of any competent jurisdiction shall have taken any form of legal action (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that has the effect of the Offer not being able to be consummated or, in connection with the Offer, impose conditions upon the Offeror or any entities within the Group which would require the Offeror to incur any material expenditure, would prohibit or significantly impair the Offeror's ownership or operation of the Group, or is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, property or financial condition of the Group or the Offeror.

* No Material Adverse Change: No Material Adverse Change shall have occurred between the date of the Transaction Agreement and until settlement of the Offer. For this purpose, "Material Adverse Change" shall mean any fact, circumstance, development, event or change, which individually or in aggregate, is materially adverse to the business, assets, operations, condition (financial or otherwise), or result of operations of the Group (taken as a whole), excluding facts, circumstances, developments, events or changes related to or resulting from (A) changes that generally affect the political environment, the economy or the credit, debt, financial or capital markets (save to the extent that the Group is materially disproportionately affected by such changes when compared to industry peers), (B) changes that affect generally the industry in which the Group operates (save to the extent that the Group is materially disproportionately affected by such changes when compared to industry peers), (C) changes in legal or regulatory conditions, applicable law, or statutory accounting principles, or (D) the announcement, existence or completion of the Offer or any action taken by the Offeror or its affiliates.

* No Material Breach or Termination of the Transaction Agreement. There shall have been no material breach by the Company of the Transaction Agreement, including for the avoidance of doubt no material breach of the warranties by the Company set out in the Transaction Agreement, and the Company shall not have terminated or attempted to terminate the Transaction Agreement, and the Company shall not have taken any actions or measures which would prevent or frustrate the Offer.

If, as a result of the Offer, the Offeror acquires and holds 90% or more of all Shares (excluding treasury shares owned by the Company), the Offeror will have the right, and intends to, carry out a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Shares. Alternatively, if the Offeror owns more than one third but less than 90% of the Shares following completion of the Offer (such situation requiring a waiver of the minimum acceptance condition to be resolved by the Offeror in its sole discretion), the Offeror will be required to make a mandatory offer for the remaining Shares in accordance with Section 6 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Furthermore, if, as a result of the Offer or otherwise, the Offeror holds a sufficient majority of the Shares, the Offeror intends to propose that the general meeting of the Company passes a resolution to apply for a de-listing of the Shares from the Oslo Stock Exchange.

Transaction Agreement

The Company and the Offeror have entered into the Transaction Agreement regarding the Offer. As part of the Transaction Agreement, and subject to customary conditions, the Board has entered into undertakings to only amend or withdraw its recommendation of the Offer if an unsolicited bona fide superior competing offer from a third party is made, and the Board determines (acting reasonably and in good faith and after consultation with its financial advisors and external legal counsel, taking into account all aspects of the relevant offers), that the superior competing offer is more favourable to the Company's shareholders, and the Offeror has not matched the superior competing offer within a period of up to five business days from the date notice of the superior competing offer was given by the Company to the Offeror.

About Belships

Belships was founded in 1918 and is a shipowner and operator of geared bulk carriers with a modern fleet of Ultramax vessels. Belships provides shipping transportation services in a global market with customers and partners in all parts of the world. Our groups business is managed from our office in Oslo.

About the Offeror and EnTrust

The Offeror is special purpose vehicle incorporated for the purpose of launching the Offer and was formed by funds managed by the Blue Ocean maritime investment team at EnTrust.

With over USD 15 billion in total assets*, EnTrust is a global alternative asset manager with over 500 institutional clients worldwide. EnTrust is headquartered in New York and London, with 11 offices globally, and provides alternative investment solutions through commingled funds and customized funds-of-one, with a focus on opportunistic credit, transportation finance, and energy transition strategies.

EnTrusts Blue Ocean maritime investment platform is one of the leading investors solely dedicated to the ocean industries, and has deployed and committed approximately $5.0 billion into credit and equity investments since inception in 2017.

*Total Assets may be based on estimates and includes mandates awarded but not yet funded, amounts distributed to investors and contractually subject to recall, an amounts under non-discretionary investment advisory arrangements.

Advisors:

Fearnley Securities AS is acting as financial advisor to the Company in connection with the Offer. Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma AS is acting as legal advisor to the Company in connection with the Offer.

ABG Sundal Collier ASA is acting as financial advisor to the Offeror and its affiliates in connection with the Offer. Advokatfirmaet BAHR AS and Watson Farley & Williams is acting as legal advisor to the Offeror and its affiliates in connection with the Offer.

Media Contacts:

Belships

Lars Christian Skarsgard, Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: +47 977 68 061

E-mail: LCS@belships.no

For EnTrust and the Offeror:

Hiltzik Strategies

E-mail: EnTrust@hstrategies.com

This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements according to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication by Yngve Aslaksen Gram, Chief Financial Officer, on 19 December 2024 at the time set out above.

* * *

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Offer and the distribution of this announcement and other information in connection with the Offer may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. When published, the Offer Document and related acceptance forms will not and may not be distributed, forwarded or transmitted into or within any jurisdiction where prohibited by applicable law, including, without limitation, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan, or any other jurisdiction in which such would be unlawful. The Offeror does not assume any responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions. Persons in the United States should review "Notice to U.S. Holders" below. Persons into whose possession this announcement or such other information should come are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.

This announcement is for information purposes only and is not a tender offer document and, as such, is not intended to does not constitute or form any part of an offer or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the Offer or otherwise. Investors may accept the Offer only on the basis of the information provided in the Offer Document. Offers will not be made directly or indirectly in any jurisdiction where either an offer or participation therein is prohibited by applicable law or where any tender offer document or registration or other requirements would apply in addition to those undertaken in Norway.

Notice to U.S. Holders

U.S. Holders (as defined below) are advised that the Shares are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange and that Belships is not subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "U.S. Exchange Act"), and is not required to, and does not, file any reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") thereunder. The Offer will be made to holders of Shares resident in the United States ("U.S. Holders") on the same terms and conditions as those made to all other holders of Shares of Belships to whom an offer is made. Any information documents, including the Offer Document, will be disseminated to U.S. Holders on a basis comparable to the method that such documents are provided to Belships' other Shareholders to whom an offer is made. The Offer will be made by the Offeror and no one else.

The Offer will be made to U.S. Holders pursuant to Section 14(e) and Regulation 14E under the U.S. Exchange Act as a "Tier II" tender offer, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Norwegian law. Accordingly, the Offer will be subject to disclosure and other procedural requirements timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments, that are different from those that would be applicable under U.S. domestic tender offer procedures and law.

Pursuant to an exemption from Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, the Offeror and its affiliates or brokers (acting as agents for the Offeror or its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly, purchase or arrange to purchase, Shares or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such Shares outside the United States during the period in which the Offer remains open for acceptance, so long as those acquisitions or arrangements comply with applicable Norwegian law and practice and the provisions of such exemption. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Norway, such information will be disclosed by means of an English language press release via an electronically operated information distribution system in the United States or other means reasonably calculated to inform U.S. Holders of such information. To the extent that the Offeror discloses any information about any purchases of Shares or any related securities outside of the tender offer in Norway, it will publicly discloses the same information in the United States. If the consideration paid by the Offeror or its affiliates in any transaction after the public announcement of the tender offer is greater than the tender offer price, the tender offer price shall be increased to match that price. In addition, the financial advisors to the Offeror may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Belships, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities.

Neither the SEC nor any securities supervisory authority of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States has approved or disapproved the Offer or reviewed it for its fairness, nor have the contents of the Offer Document or any other documentation relating to the Offer been reviewed for accuracy, completeness or fairness by the SEC or any securities supervisory authority in the United States. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.
Accelerates FLUENTs entry into one of the largest and fastest growing cannabis markets in the world

Enables FLUENT banner to expand its retail door count to 42, add on its first wholesale division as well as continue to expand its house of brands

One of the largest U.S. cannabis transactions of 2024, further bolstering FLUENTs balance sheet with approximately US $33 million1,2 in cash just weeks after securing industry attractive refinancing that positions the Company to consider additional M&A and growth opportunities

Acquires RIV Capitals assets and cash balance in a debt-free, all stock transaction: The Hawthorne Collective completes exchange of its existing Convertible Notes in RIV Capital for a new class of non-voting Exchangeable Shares of Cansortium, eliminating US$160 million3 of debt

Conference Call to be Held Today, December 19, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cansortium Inc. (CSE: TIUM.U) (OTCQB: CNTMF) (FLUENT or the Company), a vertically-integrated, multi-state cannabis company operating under the FLUENT brand, and RIV Capital Inc. (CSE: RIV) (OTC: CNPOF) (RIV Capital), a vertically integrated cannabis company operating the Etain brand in New York, are pleased to announce the completion of the previously announced arrangement with RIV Capital (the Transaction), whereby FLUENT acquired all of the issued and outstanding Class A common shares (the RIV Capital Shares) of RIV Capital in exchange for FLUENT Shares (as defined below) pursuant to the terms of an arrangement agreement dated May 30, 2024 (as amended, the Arrangement Agreement).

Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, RIV Capital shareholders (the RIV Capital Shareholders) received 1.245 of a common share of FLUENT (the FLUENT Shares) in exchange for each RIV Capital Share held. As a result, shareholders of FLUENT (the FLUENT Shareholders) hold approximately 51.25% of the combined business of FLUENT and RIV Capital (the Combined Company) and the RIV Capital Shareholders and The Hawthorne Collective, Inc. (The Hawthorne Collective), together, hold approximately 48.75% of the Combined Company, each on a fully diluted basis. The Combined Company will continue to operate under the FLUENT name and the FLUENT Shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE) under the symbol TIUM.U and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol CNTMF.

Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Robert Beasley has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Combined Company. The RIV Shares are expected to be delisted from the CSE at market close on December 19, 2024. The Company will cause RIV Capital to apply to the relevant Canadian securities regulatory authorities to cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws.

Management Commentary

I am thrilled to complete this transaction, and I would like to thank our combined teams for all of their hard work over the past few months and our shareholders for their strong support, said Robert Beasley, Chief Executive Officer of FLUENT. Together, we have created one of the most well-positioned cannabis operators in the industry, with a strategic footprint in four key growth markets and a strong balance sheet which will allow us to act on accretive growth opportunities. With integration activities well underway, our teams have continued to uncover synergies that, combined with our history of operational excellence, will enable us to build an efficient, profitable organization.

Mr. Beasley added, With New York legal retail sales on pace to exceed $1 Billion by year end4, our recent successful launch of MOODS in New York underscores the immense potential of the Combined Company, as we have introduced FLUENTs brands to scale the wholesale operations and gain additional shelf space in dispensaries across the state. With our proven retail and cultivation expertise, we will continue to optimize and build upon the strong foundation we have built in the attractive markets where we operate. Looking ahead, we remain focused on sustainable, long-term growth and will continue to drive efficiencies across all areas of the business to achieve our profitability and cash generation goals for our shareholders.

This is a transformational deal for RIV Capital and represents the culmination of substantial work for both FLUENT and RIV Capital, said David Vautrin, former Chief Revenue Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer of RIV Capital and, upon closing, Chief Commercial Officer of FLUENT. As evidenced by past performance, we believe FLUENT is one of the most fundamentally sound and now one of the most well-positioned multi-state operators in the United States. I am looking forward to fully unlocking the potential of this combined team to drive value for our shareholders.

Hawthorne Notes Exchange

Further to the Companys press release dated May 30, 2024, the Company and The Hawthorne Collective entered into an exchange and protection agreement on December 18, 2024 (the Exchange and Protection Agreement), pursuant to which The Hawthorne Collective exchanged its existing unsecured convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of US$160 million, including any accrued and unpaid interest payable by RIV Capital, for 153,069,395 non-voting exchangeable shares (the Exchangeable Shares) in the capital of the Company (the Hawthorne Notes Exchange). In addition, the Exchange and Protection Agreement contains certain provisions that prohibit The Hawthorne Collective from converting its Exchangeable Shares into FLUENT Shares where such conversion would result in The Hawthorne Collective, together with any person or company acting jointly or in concert with The Hawthorne Collective, having an aggregate beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, directly or indirectly, over 19.99% of the Companys issued and outstanding voting securities immediately after giving effect to such conversion, unless and until the Company has received the necessary shareholder approval in accordance with all applicable policies of the CSE. For more information on the Exchange and Protection Agreement and the Hawthorne Notes Exchange, see the Companys news release dated May 30, 2024 and the management information circular of the Company dated July 12, 2024 filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The foregoing description of the Exchange and Protection Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Exchange and Protection Agreement, a copy of which will be filed on the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Investor Rights Agreements

In connection with the Hawthorne Notes Exchange, the Company and The Hawthorne Collective also entered into an investor rights agreement (the Hawthorne Investor Rights Agreement), providing for, among other things, the right of The Hawthorne Collective to nominate up to two members to the board of directors of the Company (the FLUENT Board), so long as The Hawthorne Collective and its affiliates maintain certain specified beneficial ownership requirements as set forth in the Hawthorne Investor Rights Agreement. In addition, for so long as the beneficial ownership requirement is satisfied, The Hawthorne Collective is entitled to certain participation rights in order to maintain its pro rata equity ownership position in the Company in connection with any offering of FLUENT Shares, or securities exercisable, convertible or exchangeable for FLUENT Shares, by the Company, subject to certain exceptions, and certain other customary rights, including demand registration rights, piggyback rights and information rights.

In addition, further to the Companys press release dated November 26, 2024, the Company and certain of its affiliates and William Smith, a director and the Executive Chair of the Company, and certain companies controlled by Mr. Smith (together with Mr. Smith, collectively, the Smith Group), have entered into an investor rights agreement (the Smith Investor Rights Agreement) in connection with that certain amended and restated termination agreement dated November 26, 2024, providing for, among other things, the Smith Groups continued right to nominate two members of the FLUENT Board, so long as the Smith Group and its affiliates maintain certain specified beneficial ownership requirements as set forth in the Smith Investor Rights Agreement. The Smith Investor Rights Agreement contains substantially similar terms as the Hawthorne Investor Rights Agreement, including certain participating and piggyback registration rights.

The foregoing descriptions of the Hawthorne Investor Rights Agreement and the Smith Investor Rights Agreement are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full texts of the Hawthorne Investor Rights Agreement and the Smith Investor Rights Agreement, copies of which will be filed on the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Additional Information for RIV Capital Shareholders

Pursuant to the Transaction, former RIV Capital Shareholders are entitled to receive 1.245 FLUENT Shares for each RIV Capital Share held. In order to receive FLUENT Shares in exchange for RIV Capital Shares, former registered RIV Capital Shareholders must complete, sign, date and return (together with their certificate or DRS statement representing their RIV Capital Shares) the letter of transmittal that was mailed to them prior to closing of the Transaction. The letter of transmittal has been filed by RIV Capital under RIV Capitals profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on RIV Capitals website at www.rivcapital.com. The letter of transmittal is also available by contacting Odyssey Trust Company, the depositary for the Transaction, by telephone at (587) 885-0960 or by email at: corp.actions@odysseytrust.com.

Financial and Legal Advisors

ATB Securities Inc. acted as financial advisor to FLUENT and Paradigm Capital Inc. provided an independent fairness opinion to the FLUENT Board. Wildeboer Dellelce LLP and Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP acted as Canadian and United States legal counsel, respectively, to FLUENT.

Moelis & Company LLC acted as financial advisor to RIV Capital and provided a fairness opinion to the board of directors of RIV Capital (the RIV Capital Board). INFOR Financial Inc. provided an independent fairness opinion to the RIV Capital Board. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP and Goodwin Procter LLP acted as Canadian and United States legal counsel, respectively, to RIV Capital.

Conference Call

FLUENT will host a conference call and live audio webcast today at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss the Transaction as well as its financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024

Time: 4:00 p.m. Eastern time

Toll-free dial-in number: (844) 763-8274

International dial-in number: (412) 717-9224

Link: FLUENT Conference Call

Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization.

The conference call will also be available for replay via the News & Events section of FLUENT investor relations website at https://investors.getFLUENT.com/.

About Cansortium Inc.

FLUENT is a vertically-integrated cannabis company with licenses and operations in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. The Company operates under the FLUENT brand and is dedicated to being one of the highest quality cannabis companies for the communities it serves. This is driven by FLUENTs unrelenting commitment to operational excellence in cultivation, production, distribution and retail. The Company is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. The FLUENT Shares trade on the CSE under the symbol TIUM.U and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol CNTMF. For more information about the Company, please visit www.getFLUENT.com.

About RIV Capital

RIV Capital is a firm dedicated to developing a leading multi-state platform with a strong portfolio of cannabis brands focused on key strategic markets in the U.S. Backed by in-house expertise and cannabis domain knowledge, RIV Capital aims to grow its own brands and partner with established U.S. cannabis operators and brands to bring them to new markets and build market share. RIV Capital established the foundational building blocks of its active U.S. strategy with its previously announced acquisition of Etain. Through its strategic relationship with The Hawthorne Collective, a subsidiary of The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company (ScottsMiracle-Gro), RIV Capital is The Hawthorne Collectives preferred vehicle for cannabis-related investments not under the purview of other ScottsMiracle-Gro subsidiaries.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent the Company's expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on many opinions, assumptions, and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors described in the public filings of the Company and RIV Capital filed with Canadian securities regulators and available under the Companys and RIV Capitals respective profiles at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct.

The Company, through several of its subsidiaries, is directly involved in the manufacture, possession, use, sale, and distribution of cannabis in the adult-use and medical cannabis marketplace in the United States. Local state laws where the Company operates permit such activities however, investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. Cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute, or possess cannabis in the United States. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable United States federal money laundering legislation.

While the approach to enforcement of such laws by the federal government in the United States has trended toward non-enforcement against individuals and businesses that comply with adult-use and medical cannabis programs in states where such programs are legal, strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve the Company of liability under United States federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against the Company. The enforcement of federal laws in the United States is a significant risk to the business of the Company and any proceedings brought against the Company thereunder may adversely affect operations and financial performance.



The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For further information: www.getFLUENT.com .

Company Contact

Robert Beasley, CEO

(850) 972-8077

investors.getFLUENT.com



Investor Relations Contact

investors@cansortiuminc.com
TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wallbridge Mining Company Limited (TSX:WM, OTCQB:WLBMF) (Wallbridge or the Company) today reports the results of its 2024 metallurgical testing program for its Martiniere Gold Project (Martiniere). Test work completed by SGS Lakefield Research Ltd. (SGS Lakefield) indicates gold recoveries of up to 84.8% can be achieved using conventional and proven technologies.

The 2024 metallurgical testing program was done as an initial test to evaluate potential gold recoveries for various grind sizes and processing technologies applied to a representative sample composite collected from five holes drilled along the Bug Lake zone at Martiniere (see map below). Material collected was tested for its amenability to gravity separation, flotation, and cyanidation under varying grind sizes and conditions. Testing shows gold recoveries up to 84.8% can be achieved using a combination of gravity, flotation, regrind and cyanidation of sulfide concentrate and flotation tailings (see table below).

These initial metallurgical test results are positive and achieve two important objectives, stated Brian Penny, Wallbridge Chief Executive Officer. First, they demonstrate that good gold recoveries can be attained from Bug Lake mineralization. Second, they indicate these recoveries can be achieved using well-established time-tested mineral processing technologies. Moreover, the information generated by this years metallurgical testing program at Martiniere provides a solid foundation for the design of future metallurgical and related technical studies as we continue to explore the deposit and advance the project.

Metallurgical test work results:

The grade of the composite sample averaged 3.21 g/t Au. A gold recovery of 18.5% was achieved by gravity separation for material with a P 80 grind size of 150 microns (m). Flotation testing conducted on material with a P 80 grind size of 83 m achieved a gold recovery of 89.5%. Cyanidation (CN) testing done on flotation tailings material yielded a maximum gold recovery of 68.2%. Cyanidation of sulfide concentrate re-ground to P 80 at 29 m and 16 m returned gold recoveries of 62.0% and 82.9% respectively.

Overall, an average gold recovery of 84.8% was achieved after a 48 hour processing cycle involving a combination of gravity recovery, sulfide flotation, regrind of sulfide concentrate to P 80 at 16 m, and cyanidation of sulfide concentrate and residual flotation tailings.

Wallbridge Martiniere Gold Project: 2024 Metallurgical Test Summary Tests Gold Recovery % Gravity

Separation Cyanidation of Sulfide Flotation Concentrate and Flotation Tails Time (hours) t = 0 6 Hr 24 Hr 36 Hr 48 Hr Combined Tail  Concentrate @ 29 m 18.5% 71.0 73.2 73.0 73.6 Combined Tail  Concentrate @ 16m 18.5% 84.4 84.4 85.3 84.8 CN Flotation Concentrate @ 29 m 18.5% 66.4 67.3 67.2 67.8 CN Flotation Concentrate @ 16 m 18.5% 79.7 78.6 79.5 79.0 CN Flotation Tails @ 83 m 18.5% 23.1 24.3 24.3 24.3





2024 Metallurgical Composite Sample Locations

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Wallbridge maintains a Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") program for all its exploration projects using industry best practices. Key elements of the QA/QC program include verifiable chain of custody for samples, regular insertion of blanks and certified reference materials, and completion of secondary check analyses performed at a separate independent accredited laboratory. Drill core is halved and shipped in sealed bags to SGS in Val dOr, Quebec where they are re-distributed to other SGS laboratory facilities according to the analytical method being requested by Walbridge. Gold analyses are routinely performed via fire assay with ICP-OES finish methods. For greater precision and accuracy, samples assaying 10 g/t Au or greater are re-assayed via metallic screen fire assay method or fire assay/gravimetric finish, depending on the amount of sample material remaining available. Samples containing visible gold are submitted directly for analysis by metallic screen fire assay method.

Material collected for metallurgical testing was selected by Wallbridge geologists from individual drill core samples based on their analyzed gold grades and style of mineralization consistent with the broader Bug Lake zone. A total of 180 kilograms of mineralized drill core was collected and submitted to SGS Lakefield Research facility, a division of SGS Canada. SGS Lakefield is the only commercial laboratory that is accredited to ISO Guide 25, supplemented by CAN-P-1579 for mineral analysis.

SGS Natural Resources analytical laboratories operate under a Quality Management System that conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. All of SGS Canadian analytical sites are accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) for specific mineral tests listed on the scope of accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. ISO/IEC 17025 addresses both the quality management system and the technical aspects of operating a testing laboratory. Physical sample preparation involving accredited test methods as listed on the scope of accreditation may be performed at other sites listed on the SGS Canada Inc  Natural Resources  Minerals group accreditation or at offsite sample preparation laboratories that are monitored regularly for quality control and quality assurance practices, including SGS Canada Inc, Garson, SGS Canada Inc, Val dOr and SGS Canada Inc, Grand Falls-Windsor.

Qualified Person

The Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this news release is Francois Chabot, Eng., M.Sc., Manager Technical Studies for Wallbridge.

About Wallbridge Mining

Wallbridge is focused on creating value through the exploration and sustainable development of gold projects along the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend in Quebecs Northern Abitibi region while respecting the environment and communities where it operates.

Wallbridges most advanced projects, Fenelon Gold (Fenelon) and Martiniere Gold (Martiniere) incorporate a combined 3.05 million ounces of indicated gold resources and 2.35 million ounces of inferred gold resources. Fenelon and Martiniere are located within an 830 square kilometre exploration land package in the Northern Abitibi region of Quebec.

Wallbridge has reported a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) at Fenelon that estimates average annual gold production of 212,000 ounces over 12 years.

For further information please visit the Companys website at https://wallbridgemining.com/ or contact:

Wallbridge Mining Company Limited

Brian Penny, CPA, CMA

CEO

Tel: (416) 716-8346

Email: bpenny@wallbridgemining.com

M: +1 416 716 8346

Tania Barreto, CPIR

Director, Investor Relations

Email: tbarreto@wallbridgemining.com

M: +1 289 819 3012

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

The information in this document may contain forward-looking statements or information (collectively, FLI) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. FLI is based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this document.

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are FLI that involve various risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties. Generally, FLI can be identified by the use of statements that include, but are not limited to, words such as seeks, believes, anticipates, plans, continues, budget, scheduled, estimates, expects, forecasts, intends, projects, predicts, proposes, "potential", targets and variations of such words and phrases, or by statements that certain actions, events or results may, will, could, would, should or might, be taken, occur or be achieved.

FLI in this document may include, but is not limited to: statements regarding the results of the PEA; the potential future performance of the Common Shares; future drill results; the Companys ability to convert inferred resources into measured and indicated resources; environmental matters; stakeholder engagement and relationships; parameters and methods used to estimate the MREs at Fenelon and Martiniere (collectively the Deposits); the prospects, if any, of the Deposits; future drilling at the Deposits; and the significance of historic exploration activities and results.

FLI is designed to help you understand managements current views of its near- and longer-term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. FLI by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such FLI. Although the FLI contained in this document is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Company that actual results will be consistent with such FLI, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such FLI. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such FLI contained in this document to reflect new events or circumstances. Unless otherwise noted, this document has been prepared based on information available as of the date of this document. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the FLI, or information contained herein.

Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in FLI.

Assumptions upon which FLI is based, without limitation, include: the results of exploration activities, the Companys financial position and general economic conditions; the ability of exploration activities to accurately predict mineralization; the accuracy of geological modelling and metallurgical testing; the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; the legitimacy of title and property interests in the Deposits; the accuracy of key assumptions, parameters or methods used to estimate the MREs and in the PEA; the ability of the Company to obtain required approvals; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the evolution of the global economic climate; metal prices; foreign exchange rates; environmental expectations; community and non-governmental actions; and, the Companys ability to secure required funding. Risks and uncertainties about Wallbridge's business are discussed in the disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Notes to United States Investors

Wallbridge prepares its disclosure in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Terms relating to mineral properties, mineralization and estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources and economic studies used herein are defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Council on May 19, 2014, as amended. NI 43-101 differs significantly from the disclosure requirements of the SEC generally applicable to US companies. As such, the information presented herein concerning mineral properties, mineralization and estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f1619fa3-1fb1-46df-ae99-142e7f53cce6
NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questexs Fierce Network, a mega portal designed to meet the needs of decision makers throughout the global communications industry, today unveils the winners of the 2024 Fierce Network Innovation Awards. Building on the esteemed legacy of the Fierce Innovation Awards: Telecom Edition, this program recognizes the visionaries and innovators shaping the future of the network communications landscape  from wireless to broadband to cloud.

The Fierce Network Innovation Awards honor groundbreaking companies, technologies, and individuals that are revolutionizing the communications industry. These innovations demonstrate exceptional potential to drive cost savings, enhance customer engagement, and transform network capabilities.

The 2024 Fierce Network Innovation Awards Winners

AI

AI Empowered Receiver Design for 6G Wireless Communications: InterDigital



Analytics/Automation

Rakuten AI for Telecom: Rakuten Symphony



Business Services

MetTel SD-WAN: MetTel



BSS/OSS

Rakuten Symphony OSS Product Suite: Rakuten Symphony



Cloud Networking (Public, Private or Hybrid)

Rakuten Cloud: Rakuten Symphony



Cloud Data Center

Nokia Event-Driven Automation (EDA): Nokia



Customer Engagement

TNS Enterprise Branded Calling: Transaction Network Services



Digital Divide

Aqualinq: Aqualinq



IoT

CDM - Cognitive Digital Mine: Nokia



Network Test and Measurement

RADCOM Virtual Drive Test: RADCOM



Next-Gen Deployment Fiber/Wireline

Aqualinq: Aqualinq



Security

SingVerify and Enterprise Mobile Protect: Singtel



Sustainability

The Ocient Hyperscale Data Warehouse: Ocient



Top Changemaker

Rahul Atri, Managing Director, Rakuten Symphony India and President, OSS BU, Rakuten Symphony



Wireless  Fixed Wireless

Redefining Retirement Living Through 5G mmWave FWA Connectivity: Airspan Networks



Wireless  Mobile Evolution

Intrado Locate Before Route (LBR): Intrado



Wireless  Private Wireless Networks

Celona 5G LAN: Celona



Wireless  Wireless RAN

Opportunity for 50% greater spectral capacity using Coheres Universal Spectrum Multiplier Software xApp to relieve Congested Low & Mid Band FDD spectrum during O-RAN base station update: Cohere Technologies and Vodafone



Congratulations to this years Fierce Network Innovation Awards winners, the innovators shaping the future of network communications, said Elizabeth Coyne, Editor in Chief of Fierce Network. We commend them for this recognition and acknowledge their outstanding work.

Winners were selected by an esteemed panel of industry leaders as judges, including analysts and service providers, ensuring that only the most innovative and impactful contributions were recognized.

For more information on the awards program, visit https://awards.fierce-network.com/. For partnership inquiries, reach out to Scott Gruntorad at sgruntorad@questex.com.

About Fierce Network

The global communications, enterprise and cloud networking and infrastructure industries is converging as the separation between wireless, wireline and cloud ceases to exist while the worlds operators shift toward cloud-native, intelligent, automated networks driven by artificial intelligence. Fierce Network is tracking this sea change by delivering a mega portal of hard-hitting industry news and analysis, designed to meet the needs of todays decision makers. Fierce Network covers artificial intelligence (AI), automation, fixed and mobile broadband, cloud infrastructure, application modernization, security and more to help readers analyze the day's news and show them what they need to know and why they need to know it. Fierce Network also produces special reports that take stock of the industry's services and finances and shed light on industry trends. To learn more, visit https://www.fierce-network.com.



About Questex

Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy  connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact

Charlene Soucy

Senior Director, Marketing

Fierce Network Research

csoucy@questex.com
FEDERAL WAY, Wash., Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A groundbreaking study published in October 2024 demonstrates the long-term impact of integrating functional medicine principles into an employee health plan, showing stabilized healthcare costs and significantly lower pharmacy claims for plan participants with musculoskeletal disorders. Conducted by a multidisciplinary research team, including experts from The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, this study offers compelling evidence for the power of functional medicine in the transformation of health care delivery and outcomes.

The 11-year analysis of health claims from the Ashland School District's employee health plan found individuals under the care of integrative and functional medicine practitioners had lower annual pharmacy claims costs$534.81 less per yearin relation to those receiving conventional medical care. This reduction persisted even after adjusting for key factors such as age, comorbidities, and gender.

The study also confirmed that integrating functional medicine principlessuch as modifiable lifestyle factors like nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep qualityinto workplace wellness programs not only improves health outcomes but can also lower financial burdens for employers and employees.

Functional medicines focus on addressing root causes and empowering individuals to take charge of their health demonstrates how a whole person approach to care can lead to meaningful, lasting improvements in outcomes and cost, states Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA, CEO of IFM. This study provides a clear pathway for organizations to reimagine employee health programs by emphasizing a personalized approach to well-being.

Transforming Healthcare and Reducing Costs

Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of work-related disability among educators, with up to 95% of teachers and staff experiencing symptoms. This study highlights a powerful potential solution to address this pervasive issue. By empowering individuals with the tools to improve their own health through functional medicine, the Ashland School District achieved a model of care that:

Stabilized medical claims costs for more than a decade

Reduced reliance on high-cost prescription medications

Enhanced employee engagement and health outcomes

These findings underscore the immense value of functional medicine in addressing chronic conditions like musculoskeletal disorders, which disproportionately impact educators and contribute to significant societal and financial costs, said Christopher R. DAdamo, PhD, lead author of the study.

These results add to a growing body of evidence that functional medicine therapeutic interventions improve patient-reported outcomes and have the potential to reshape employer-sponsored healthcare by focusing on prevention and personalized care.

Our educators and staff are at the heart of everything we do, and their health and well-being are essential to our mission of providing quality education, said Serena Robinson, Employee Wellness Coordinator of Ashland School District. The positive impact of functional medicine on our educators goes beyond improved health outcomesit directly supports the incredible work they do every day in our schools. By embracing this innovative, whole-person approach to wellness, were not only empowering our staff to thrive but also ensuring that they can continue to inspire and educate our students. Prioritizing prevention and wellness allows us to sustain a healthier, more vibrant school community that benefits everyone.

Ashland School District partners with Sophus Health, part of OneDigital, to provide a custom health insurance program that emphasizes prevention and well-being, ensuring employees receive personalized care that addresses their unique health needs.

At Sophus Health were committed to empowering our members to achieve their health and well-being goals through customized, highly effective, and affordable programs based on the whole person, states Kelly Grebinsky, Chief Actuary and Analytics Officer with Sophus Health. By supporting this functional approach, we aim to not only improve patient satisfaction and outcomes but also reduce long-term healthcare costs for employers and employees through a focus on sustainable health solutions."

A Call to Action

This study is a call to action for organizations, healthcare systems, and policymakers, said David Jones, MD, co-author and co-founder of IFM. It demonstrates the viability and necessity of adopting a functional medicine approach to employee health programs to reduce costs, enhance well-being, and, ultimately, transform our healthcare system.

As functional medicine continues to gain recognition for its patient-centered, systems-based approach, this research further underscores its role as a catalyst in the transformation of healthcare.

Visit IFM.org to learn more about the benefits of functional medicine. Read here to learn more about this study.

# # #

About The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)

As the leading voice for functional medicine for more than 30 years, The Institute for Functional Medicine is advancing the transformation of healthcare for patients and practitioners worldwide. IFM supports the confident and competent practice of functional medicine through high-quality education, industry-leading certification, partnerships across medical disciplines, and advocating on behalf of functional medicine clinicians and patients around the globe. IFM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing educational programs directly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). For more information, please visit IFM.org.

About Functional Medicine

As a catalyst in the transformation of healthcare, functional medicine is a whole person approach to care that evaluates and addresses the root causes of disease to restore healthy function. Functional medicine is a vital partner to conventional medicine, focused on patient communication, patient evaluation, and personalized therapeutic interventions. From chronic illness to disease prevention, functional medicine considers the complex interactions among genetics, environment, and lifestyle for each individual, targets the underlying dysfunction causing symptoms, and seeks to restore balance to promote optimal health and well-being.
PHOENIX, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Big Auto Accident Attorneys, a Phoenix-based law firm with a national team of top vehicle accident attorneys, will give away free vouchers for Phoenix-area Uber rides on New Years Eve.

Nic Edgson, CEO and managing attorney of Big Auto Accident Attorneys, shared that this giveaway reflects the firms commitment to community support and aims to enhance safety on one of the most dangerous nights of the year. New Years Eve is a time to celebrate, reflect on the great things that happened in the year and set our sights on the new year, he said. Unfortunately, vehicle accidents, injuries and even fatalities happen at this time of year for too many people.

The number of crashes surges on New Years Eve, with up to 40% of those accidents caused by impaired driving, according to the National Safety Council. Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that 14 people were killed in vehicle accidents between Dec. 31, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023, in the state. These accidents are 100% preventable. We want to keep New Years Eve safe and give people one less thing to worry about, Edgson said.

Every day, Big Auto is focused on protecting the rights of people who are hurt in car and truck accidents, he added. We want to help make our community safer for everyone, and by reducing the number of people who get behind the wheel after partying on New Years Eve, we hope to prevent unnecessary accidents this year.

To request a free Uber voucher worth up to $20, visit bigauto.com/uber-campaign and enter your name, email address and phone number. Vouchers are for a limited time only and must be used between 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

Dont let an accident ruin your big plans for New Years Eve; get a ride courtesy of us! Edgson advised. "Celebrate and get home safely to enjoy the first day of a great New Year in 2025.

About Big Auto Accident Attorneys





Big Auto Accident Attorneys is a nationwide law firm committed to empowering individuals affected by personal injury. With the resources to maximize recovery for every client, Big Auto partners with top-tier auto and truck accident lawyers across the country to provide access to a vast network of legal expertise. Guided by an unwavering commitment to fairness, justice and results, Big Auto believes that big injuries deserve big results. Their mission is to redefine personal injury representation by building meaningful connections, sharing authentic stories and delivering unmatched legal support. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call 1-844-BIG-AUTO to start your free case today.
Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or dissemination in the United States.

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- White Gold Corp. (TSX.V: WGO, OTCQX: WHGOF, FRA: 29W) (the "Company") is pleased to announce, further to the previously non-announced non-brokered private placement (see Company news release dated December 5, 2024 on SEDAR+), its intention to increase the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement from $4,500,000 up to approximately $5,250,000 (the Offering).

We are very grateful for the strong interest and support of our exciting and impactful exploration activities in the White Gold District, stated David DOnofrio, Chief Executive Officer.

In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay to eligible finders a fee equal to 7.0% of the gross proceeds raised by the Company from the sale of Offered Shares to subscribers directly introduced to the Company by such finders. In addition, the Company may issue to eligible finders non-transferable warrants equal to 7.0% of the number of Offered Shares sold in the Offering to subscribers directly introduced to the Company by such eligible finders. Each finders warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.22 per Common Share for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance.

Closing of the first tranche of the Offering is expected to occur on or about December 20, 2024 and is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

About White Gold Corp.

The Company owns a portfolio of 15,876 quartz claims across 26 properties covering approximately 315,000 hectares (3,150 km2) representing approximately 40% of the Yukons emerging White Gold District. The Companys flagship White Gold project hosts four near-surface gold deposits which collectively contain an estimated 1,203,000 ounces of gold in Indicated Resources and 1,116,600 ounces of gold in Inferred Resources(1). Regional exploration work has also produced several other new discoveries and prospective targets on the Companys claim packages which border sizable gold discoveries including the Coffee project owned by Newmont Corporation with Measured and Indicated Resources of 2.1 Moz at 1.28 g/t gold and Inferred Resources of 0.2 Moz at 1.04 g/t gold(2), and Western Copper and Gold Corporations Casino project which has Measured and Indicated Resources of 7.6 Blb copper and 14.5 Moz gold and Inferred Resources of 3.3 Blb copper and 6.6 Moz gold(3). For more information visit www.whitegoldcorp.ca.

(1) See White Gold Corp. press release dated November 19, 2024, available on SEDAR+.

(2) See Newmont Corporation Form 10-K: Annual report for the year ending December 31, 2023, in the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Resources section, dated February 29, 2024, available on EDGAR. Reserves and resources disclosed in this Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with the Regulation S-K 1300, and do not indicate NI43-101 compliance.

(3) See Western Copper and Gold Corporation technical report titled Casino project, Form 43-101F1 Technical Report Feasibility Study, Yukon Canada, Effective Date June 13, 2022, Issue Date August 8, 2022, NI 43-101 Compliant Technical Report prepared by Daniel Roth, PE, P.Eng., Mike Hester, F Aus IMM, John M. Marek, P.E., Laurie M. Tahija, MMSA-QP, Carl Schulze, P.Geo., Daniel Friedman, P.Eng., Scott Weston, P.Geo., available on SEDAR+.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", proposed, "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, the Offering, including all regulatory approvals; the use of proceeds from the Offering; the Companys objectives, goals and exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Companys properties; future growth potential of the Company, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the Companys properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs and financing availability.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the expected benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and proposed to be conducted at the White Gold properties; the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals for the Offering; the completion of the Offering on the terms described herein, or at all; failure to identify any additional mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Companys properties; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; title to properties; and those factors described in the most recently filed managements discussion and analysis of the Company. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Contact Information:

David DOnofrio

Chief Executive Officer

White Gold Corp.

(647) 930-1880

ir@whitegoldcorp.ca
ATLANTA, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) today announced the recipients of its 2024 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund awards. Through the program, more than $55 million in grant funding is being awarded to 66 affordable housing initiatives in 12 states and Washington D.C. to assist in the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of more than 4,200 affordable rental and homeownership units.

For the complete list of 2024 awards, click here.

Each year, we are proud of how our member institutions leverage this annual fund to strengthen their communities and expand access to affordable housing, said FHLBank Atlanta President and CEO Kirk Malmberg. In total, FHLBank Atlanta contributed a record $120 million this year to affordable housing and community development efforts, and across the Federal Home Loan Bank System, more than $1 billion is being deployed in 2024 to address the growing need for affordable housing nationwide.

AHP General Funds are awarded annually through a competitive application process and distributed through FHLBank Atlanta member financial institutions. Since the programs inception in 1990, FHLBank Atlanta Bank has awarded more than $921 million in General Fund grants, providing more than 138,000 housing opportunities for moderate-, low-, and very low-income households.

FHLBank Atlantas Director of Community Investment Services Tomeka Strickland said, We are pleased to partner with 31 member financial institutions and 57 local developers and community organizations whose commitment and dedication make it possible to bring these resources into communities. Together, we are building stronger communities, ensuring more families have a safe, affordable place to call home.

The Banks Targeted Community Lending Plan and the AHP Implementation Plan will be published in January 2025 in preparation for the next AHP General Fund round to open during the second quarter of 2025. Potential applicants must work with an FHLBank Atlanta member financial institution to complete the AHP application. A list of member financial institutions is available on the FHLBank Atlanta website at www.fhlbatl.com.

About FHLBank Atlanta

FHLBank Atlanta offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to help member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Banks membersits shareholders and customersare commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $9.1 billion in Affordable Housing Program funds, assisting more than 1.2 million households.

For more information, visit our website at www.fhlbatl.com.

Media Contact

Sheryl Touchton

stouchton@fhlbatl.com

AHP General Fund Contact

Julia Brown

jlbrown@fhlbatl.com
Greenville, SC, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integrated Power Services (IPS), a world-class provider of electrical, mechanical, and power management systems, has acquired Switchgear Solutions, Inc., effective December 19, 2024. This strategic acquisition allows IPS to further expand its reach across the Southwestern United States, delivering a comprehensive suite of power management solutions tailored to the needs of industrial, commercial, and renewable energy markets, said Shannon Moses, Executive Vice President of the IPS Power Management Division.

Founded in 1992 and located in Tucson, Arizona, Switchgear Solutions provides a wide variety of field, shop and engineering services for power distribution and control equipment to mining, utilities and industrial customers. This includes remanufacturing engineered products, turnkey electrical construction projects, maintenance, power quality testing, and disaster and emergency services. Switchgear Solutions offers new and refurbished low- and medium-voltage circuit breakers, switchgear, variable frequency drives, and aftermarket switchgear with the ability to rebuild and refurbish legacy electrical power distribution equipment.



We are thrilled to be joining forces with Integrated Power Services, said Miquel Padilla, Area General Manager of Switchgear Solutions. IPS is the best company to help us grow and better serve our customers. As we integrate Switchgear Solutions into IPS, we anticipate playing a pivotal role in shaping our future and bringing IPS solutions and capabilities to the Southwest market.

IPS is committed to revolutionizing reliability and advancing its vision. With the acquisition of Switchgear Solutions, IPS now manages a network of 92 locations, including more than 50 full-service electromechanical remanufacturing centers and more than 15 power management remanufacturing locations, serving the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Caribbean.

IPSs strong network of existing repair and engineering services combined with Switchgear Solutions depth and expertise, will allow us to deliver the most complete and comprehensive single-source solutions to customers throughout the Southwest region of the United States, said Moses. Were excited about the possibilities this partnership offers. By working together, we can bring our combined customers improved solutions to meet their most critical power management, electromechanical and rotating equipment challenges.

SSI resides in a 46,500-square-foot building, located at 2540 N. Jackrabbit Avenue, Tucson, with an additional 10,000-square-foot e-house and storage facility at 2501 N. Jackrabbit Avenue.

About Integrated Power Services (IPS)

Integrated Power Services (IPS) is a leading provider of service, engineering, and remanufacturing for electrical, mechanical, and power management systems. With a focus on industry-specific expertise and a comprehensive range of capabilities, IPS supports critical infrastructure across a wide range of customers. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, IPS operates the largest network in the industry, with service and distribution centers, field offices, and strategically located warehouses across North America, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean. Each IPS location is equipped to respond, rethink, and resolve complex challenges, offering access to an extensive global talent pool and resources for seamless, single-source solutions. To learn more, visit www.ips.us.

PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.



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LIPHOOK, United Kingdom, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumi Global, a global leader in technology-driven meeting solutions across Annual General Meetings, Investor Relations, and Member meetings, proudly announces the acquisition of Assembly Voting, a technology company specializing in end-to-end verifiable, cloud-based elections and voting solutions via its proprietary platform, Electa. This strategic acquisition reinforces Lumi Globals commitment to innovation while expanding its capabilities beyond the live meeting environment to new market opportunities.

Key Highlights of the Acquisition

Enhancing Product Leadership Assembly Voting introduces advanced end-to-end verifiability to Lumis portfolio, ensuring secure, transparent, and verifiable election and voting processes for clients worldwide.

While Lumi Global has long offered anonymous voting solutions, Assembly Voting further elevates this capability with its advanced features, solidifying Lumi Globals position as a leader in meeting technology and election solutions. Strengthening Product Portfolio The Electa platform is purpose-built for scheduled elections and asynchronous voting, complementing Lumi Globals existing solutions designed for live meetings and synchronous voting.

With a focus on verifiability, security, and scalability, the Electa platform broadens Lumis ability to support organizations at every stage of their decision-making processes, both before and during key meetings. Catalyzing International Expansion This acquisition establishes Lumi Globals presence in Denmark and Spain, opening new opportunities in these strategically significant markets.

Lumi Global is strategically positioned to deploy the Electa platform across its key markets in North America, EMEA, and APAC. Driving Innovation with Expertise The inclusion of Assembly Votings experienced development team enriches Lumi Globals innovation pipeline, bringing new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The Electa platforms excellence is further validated by an independent study conducted by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), which ranked it among the top electronic voting solutions globally out of 82 tools analyzed. KITs SECUSO (Security, Usability, Society) research group, renowned for its work in cybersecurity and usability, has emphasized Electas robust focus on these areas, reinforcing its credibility and leadership in the field. The full study is available here .

Leadership Perspectives

This acquisition marks a bold step forward for Lumi Global, as we extend our product capabilities beyond the meeting day and into the wider elections market, said Richard Taylor, CEO of Lumi Global. The integration of Assembly Votings innovative technologies with Lumis Global platform will unlock new opportunities, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technology-driven meeting, election and voting solutions in Annual General Meetings, Investor Relations, and Member organization worldwide.

We are thrilled to join Lumi Global, a company whose vision and innovative approach align perfectly with ours, said Jacob Gyldenkaerne, CEO of Assembly Voting. This partnership not only expands the reach of our technology but also enhances our ability to serve an even more diverse, global client base with end-to-end verifiable election solutions.

Supporting Lumi Globals Strategic Goals

Lumi Globals acquisition of Assembly Voting underscores its dedication to powering the meetings and elections that matter for trusted decisions worldwide. As live meetings and general assemblies transition to increasingly digital formats, elections have similarly evolved from traditional paper ballots to more secure and reliable digital platforms. This digital transformation creates the opportunity for a unified platform that seamlessly serves both needs. Lumi Globals clients are increasingly seeking a comprehensive solution that delivers this integration.

About Lumi Global

Lumi Global powers the meetings and elections that matter for the worlds most trusted decisions, ensuring seamless, engaging experiences for in-room and online participants. Lumi Globals cutting-edge technology and unique global presence empower informed decision-making across annual meetings, elections, member meetings, legislative meetings, IR meetings, and earnings calls. For over 30 years, Lumi has driven industry innovation, co-creating solutions with customers to simplify the complex and deliver stress-free, flawless meetings that foster accountability and meaningful engagement.

For more information, please contact:

Sylvie Harton

Chief Business Strategy Officer

sylvie.harton@lumiglobal.com

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b52aaa2-db1a-4f84-b5a9-de6d0e1e94b3
SANDY, Utah, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mountain America Credit Union announced today its recognition as a Best Company to Work For by Utah Business. Mountain America stood out among this years honorees as the largest financial institution to earn this prestigious accolade, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

This recognition by Utah Business adds to Mountain Americas growing list of workplace honors. The credit union has also been acknowledged by USA Today, the Salt Lake Tribune, the Idaho Press, and Utahs Best of State for its dedication to employees and community service.

It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as one of the Best Companies to Work For by Utah Business, said Sterling Nielsen, president and chief executive officer of Mountain America Credit Union. At Mountain America, our commitment to our team members mirrors the dedication we show to our members and the communities we serve. Creating a positive and supportive workplace allows us to better fulfill our mission of guiding our members to achieve their financial dreams.

Trent Savage, chief human resources officer at Mountain America, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the credit unions innovative approach to employee development. We believe that by creating an environment where our team members can thrive, we empower them to deliver exceptional service to our members. Workplace innovation isnt just about perks; its about fostering the connection of employees to meaningful work, being empowered, and having opportunities to grow and develop.

Mountain America remains committed to investing in its workforce while continuing to provide exemplary financial services to its members. The organization is dedicated to maintaining its reputation as both a top employer and a trusted financial partner.

For more information about Mountain America visit macu.com.

About Mountain America Credit Union

With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multi-state region; and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain Americaguiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Project , the award-winning alliance of global creative agencies, is announcing a leadership transition, as Robert G. Vallee, Jr. will retire from his position as Chairman and CEO. Vallee has been designated Chairman Emeritus to honor his legacy, vision and impact.

As with any change, this isnt an easy decision, shared Vallee. But, the time is right: we have an all-time-high stock price, we have excellent leadership in place, and our collective future has never been brighter. I will most miss working with our dedicated employees, a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Together we have had some wonderful ups and some difficult downs. Through it all, its been a distinct honor to serve the business and the people who make so much possible, every single day.

The Project Board of Directors expressed considerable gratitude for Mr. Vallees remarkable legacy, sharing that Bobs service and vision have been instrumental in building Project into the thriving network of global creative agencies it is today. As one of the largest and most successful employee-owned enterprises in the United States, we owe much of our success to his dedication and leadership.

Vallee will be succeeded by Chris Meyer , the long-standing CEO of Project agency George P. Johnson. In making this appointment, the Board expressed that Chris is a uniquely talented executive who has transformed George P. Johnson over the past decade. His energy and expertise make him the ideal leader to drive Project Worldwide to even greater growth and profitability. We are thrilled with this appointment.

Bob accomplished so much during his long and successful tenure leading and building our incredible network, expressed Meyer. I am humbled by this opportunity and confident in our leadership teams ability to deliver world-class results to our clients. Together, we will build on the companys strengthsempowering our agencies, fostering unmatched creative collaboration, and driving innovation across the industry. Our unwavering focus on our clients and team-members will remain central to everything we do.

Laurence Vallee, Robert G. Vallee, Jr.s brother, has been elected Chairman of the Board, building on his current role as a Project Board member. No further leadership changes were announced at this time.

ABOUT PROJECT

Named in Ad Ages 2024 list of the worlds top agency holding companies, Project is an employee-owned alliance of 16 diverse agencies with 2,300 employees across 42 markets. The company has a unified culture centered around ambitious ideas that challenge conventions and deliver work with meaning. Its multi-agency platform harnesses collaboration to achieve exceptional results for clients.

Media Contact:

Jessica Anderson

SVP, Head of Marketing, Project

jessica.anderson@project.com





A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0f5c463-09d9-4604-8453-bc11e0fe8278
New western land-sea corridor starts key projects construction in Fangchenggang, S. Chinas Guangxi

Global Times) 13:56, December 19, 2024

A train runs on the railway that constitutes part of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor on Aug. 2, 2024. As of Aug. 2 this year, more than 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers for rail-sea intermodal transportation have been delivered via the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the highest level for the same period in all years. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, jointly built by provincial-level regions in western China and ASEAN members, expanded its reach to 490 ports across 120 countries and regions, according to data released in January by southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, the corridor's operational hub. (Photo/Xinhua)

An intermodal transport center of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor officially commenced construction on Wednesday in Fangchenggang, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which will further improve the capability of the international logistic artery as well as regional connectivity, China Media Group reported.

The intermodal center is backed with 430 million yuan, covers an area of 12.8 hectares, and its total track laying length reaches 2.3 kilometers. The first phase of the project is estimated to be delivered and operational by 2026, becoming an international logistic park facing the ASEAN countries.

Formed with dedicated railways, container yards, warehouses, and other supporting facilities and equipment, the center will be capable of freight train services, bulk cargo storage and handling, and container packing and unpacking.

Various types of cargo will be facilitated by the center, including grains, non-ferrous metal ores, and fertilizers, among others. It is expected that the annual transshipment service capacity of the center will reach 7.5 million tons, with a daily cargo distribution capacity of 20,000 tons, according to the report.

In September 2017, the "southward corridor" from Chongqing Municipality through Guizhou and Guangxi to Singapore, the precursor to the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, made its debut. By August 2019, a plan from the National Development and Reform Commission elevated it from a local initiative to a national strategic project.

After over five years of construction, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor now connects 548 ports across 126 countries and regions, and the range of goods transported has expanded to more than 1,166, according to Guanxi Daily.

As of 10 am on Sunday, the total cargo transported by the Western Land-Sea New Corridor's rail-sea intermodal trains reached 903,000 standard containers, a year-on-year increase of 9.6 percent, setting a new historical record, said the report.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unionized workers at Highline Mushrooms have overwhelmingly voted in favour of ratifying their first union contract, which will bring life-changing improvements to hundreds of temporary foreign workers. Earlier this year, 400 workers at Highline Mushrooms joined the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1518, becoming the largest group of farmworkers to unionize in Canada.

98% of workers voted in favour of the new agreement, which will bring wage raises, recall rights, support with permanent residency, and improved worker housing rights, among other benefits.

The new contract includes:

Total wage raises of 4.55% by June 2025, plus a 50 hourly bonus for late working for many employees.

A $500 signing bonus for all employees.

Support for temporary foreign workers to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada, including a $2,000 payment towards application and legal costs.

Job security and recall rights, which will ensure temporary foreign workers are called back for future contracts based on seniority.

A joint management-worker committee to oversee worker housing and address housing conditions.

Suitable clothing for outdoor work, paid for by the employer.

The new agreement for Highline Mushrooms workers was approved by online voting held on December 17-18, 2024, a notable moment that coincides with International Migrants Day, underscoring the importance of fair treatment and dignity for migrant workers worldwide.

UFCW 1518 President Patrick Johnson said: These temporary foreign workers secured a historic first contract that includes life-changing provisions and raises the bar for the agricultural industry in British Columbia.

Whats truly remarkable is that these members come from all corners of the world, speaking multiple languages, and have been united by their shared determination to win the respect and treatment they deserve.

Non-union migrant agricultural workers often endure long hours, difficult conditions, and low wages. This monumental win highlights why joining a union is the best way workers can secure better living standards, gain dignity at work, and hold their industries accountable to the highest standards.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact communications@ufcw1518.com.

UFCW 1518 is British Columbias largest private sector union, a movement comprised of tens of thousands of workers in BCs retail, industrial, professional and healthcare sectors. These members are working together to make life better for workers in BC.

Want to learn more about the movement? Check out our website at ufcw1518.com/join and follow UFCW 1518 on Facebook and Instagram.
NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Benjamin Wey Scholarship for Entrepreneurs, spearheaded by the acclaimed global financier and entrepreneur Benjamin Wey, announces its mission to cultivate innovation and foster entrepreneurial excellence among undergraduate students in the United States. This prestigious scholarship offers a one-time award of $1,000 to an exceptional individual demonstrating passion, creativity, and strategic thinking in business and entrepreneurship. The deadline for submissions is July 15, 2025, and the winner will be announced on August 15, 2025.

Benjamin Wey, renowned as the CEO of New York Global Group and a luminary in the world of private equity, created this initiative to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. With a career spanning more than two decades, Wey has led multi-billion-dollar projects globally, cementing his reputation as a visionary in international investment and corporate strategy. Beyond his professional achievements, Wey is committed to supporting young talent through educational and philanthropic ventures, including the Benjamin Wey Scholarship for Entrepreneurs.

Nurturing Innovation Through Education

The Benjamin Wey Scholarship for Entrepreneurs is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled at accredited universities or colleges across the United States. Candidates must be pursuing degrees in fields related to business or entrepreneurship. The cornerstone of the application process is a formal essay, where applicants are encouraged to showcase their innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit.

The essay prompt challenges applicants to reflect on their passions and propose a unique business idea:

Discuss an innovative business idea you are passionate about and explain how you would bring it to life. Highlight the challenges you may face, and how your education and entrepreneurial mindset will help you overcome them.

This essay provides applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to think critically, develop practical strategies, and articulate their vision for the future. Submissions will be judged on originality, clarity, and the potential impact of the proposed business idea.

Eligibility and Application Details

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be an undergraduate student enrolled at an accredited university or college.

Pursue a degree in a field related to business or entrepreneurship.

Submit a professionally written, well-structured essay of up to 1,000 words addressing the given prompt.



All applications must be submitted by July 15, 2025. For further inquiries or to submit an application, students are encouraged to email apply@benjaminweyscholarship.com.

Benjamin Wey: A Leader Committed to the Future of Business

Benjamin Weys illustrious career is marked by his exceptional contributions to global finance and his dedication to mentoring emerging talent. As the founder and CEO of New York Global Group, Wey has built a legacy of leadership in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and international investment strategy. His expertise has been widely recognized by leading financial publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and The Financial Times.

Weys philanthropic endeavors are a natural extension of his commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth. His journey as a mentor and philanthropist is deeply personal, inspired by his belief that education and opportunity are the cornerstones of success. By establishing the Benjamin Wey Scholarship for Entrepreneurs, he aims to empower students to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Entrepreneurship has the power to drive innovation, create jobs, and address global challenges. Recognizing this potential, Benjamin Wey envisions his scholarship as a bridge between academic achievement and real-world impact. By supporting students financially and encouraging them to think critically about the future of business, the scholarship serves as a catalyst for transformative change.

Through the Benjamin Wey Scholarship for Entrepreneurs, Wey invites the brightest minds to take bold steps toward realizing their dreams. By fostering a culture of innovation and resilience, the scholarship reflects Weys unwavering belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurial vision.

Mark Your Calendar

Scholarship Amount : $1,000 (one-time award)

: $1,000 (one-time award) Application Deadline : July 15, 2025

: July 15, 2025 Winner Announcement: August 15, 2025



Benjamin Weys enduring commitment to excellence and innovation underscores every aspect of this scholarship. For students eager to shape the future of business, this opportunity offers not only financial support but also a chance to gain recognition for their entrepreneurial acumen.

To learn more about the scholarship and its requirements, visit the official website at www.benjaminweyscholarship.com.

About Benjamin Wey

Benjamin Weys career exemplifies excellence in leadership, innovation, and philanthropy. Holding advanced degrees from Columbia Business School and the University of Central Oklahoma, Wey has cultivated a reputation for his strategic insights and global perspective. His unwavering dedication to nurturing talent has made him a revered figure in the entrepreneurial and financial communities.

Through the Benjamin Wey Scholarship for Entrepreneurs, he continues his mission to inspire, support, and mentor the next generation of leaders.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Benjamin Wey

Organization: Benjamin Wey Scholarship

Website: https://benjaminweyscholarship.com

Email: apply@benjaminweyscholarship.com
HOUSTON, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carriage Services, Inc. (NYSE: CSV) (Carriage or the Company) Carriage Services is proud to announce its recognition as #33 on Forbes prestigious list of Most Successful Small Companies for 2025. This distinction highlights the Companys continued growth, commitment to innovation, and unwavering dedication to serving families with compassion and care.

Being ranked among the top small companies in the nation reflects the collective contributions of Carriages remarkable team members, who each embody the Companys purpose of creating premier experiences through innovation, empowered partnership, and elevated service.

Carlos Quezada, CEO of Carriage, shared his thoughts on the achievement: To be ranked #33 on Forbes Most Successful Small Companies list is an extraordinary honor that underscores the passion and commitment of our team. At Carriage, we believe our success stems from the incredible people who dedicate themselves daily to serving families and supporting one another. This recognition is a tribute to their hard work, their drive for excellence, and their belief in our purpose. Together, weve built something truly special, and we are just getting started.

This milestone reflects Carriages ongoing efforts to redefine the funeral and cemetery profession by combining tradition with forward-thinking innovation. The recognition from Forbes serves as a reminder of the Companys mission to positively impact every community it serves while remaining focused on empowering its people and partners. Each year, Forbes selects its Most Successful Small Companies based on a rigorous analysis of performance metrics, including revenue growth, profitability, and innovation, as well as qualitative factors such as leadership, impact, and culture. The companies that earn a spot on this exclusive list represent the best of American business, demonstrating an ability to excel in competitive markets while maintaining a strong focus on purpose and people.

About Carriage Services, Inc

Carriage Services is a leading provider of funeral and cemetery services and merchandise in the United States and operates 162 funeral homes in 26 states and 31 cemeteries in 11 states. It is dedicated to delivering premier experiences through innovation, partnership, and elevated service.
NAPLES, Fla., Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Charles Eitel Scholarship proudly recognizes and supports academic excellence by providing financial aid to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Finance or Marketing within the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University. Established by Charles Eitel, a distinguished visionary and transformative leader with over four decades of professional excellence, this scholarship reflects his unwavering commitment to fostering talent and guiding future business leaders toward success.

This scholarship is tailored to assist students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, unwavering dedication to their studies, and a commitment to excelling in the fields of Finance or Marketing. By eliminating financial barriers, the Charles Eitel Scholarship allows students to focus fully on their academic and professional aspirations while benefiting from a robust educational foundation at Oklahoma State University.

A Scholarship for Exceptional Students

To be eligible for the Charles Eitel Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Enrollment : Be a full-time undergraduate student at Oklahoma State University.

: Be a full-time undergraduate student at Oklahoma State University. Field of Study : Pursue a degree in Finance or Marketing within the Spears School of Business.

: Pursue a degree in Finance or Marketing within the Spears School of Business. Academic Excellence : Exhibit strong academic performance and a clear commitment to their chosen discipline.

: Exhibit strong academic performance and a clear commitment to their chosen discipline. Merit-Based Selection: Recipients will be selected by a committee appointed by the Dean of the Spears School of Business based on merit and dedication to their academic and professional goals.

This scholarship reflects Charles Eitels dedication to supporting emerging talent in the business world, ensuring that the next generation of leaders receives the resources they need to excel in their chosen fields.

Charles Eitel: A Legacy of Transformative Leadership

Charles Eitel has built a storied career as a transformative leader who excels in guiding organizations through financial turnarounds, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. With a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University and induction into its Hall of Fame, he has always prioritized academic achievement and the development of future business professionals.

Throughout his career, Charles Eitel has demonstrated unparalleled leadership as CEO, COO, and Board Member for more than 20 companies across a variety of industries. His remarkable accomplishments include:

Leading major financial recoveries, including Serta Simmons Bedding and Standard Furniture Manufacturing.

Doubling revenues and significantly increasing shareholder value across multiple organizations.

Driving corporate cultural transformations by emphasizing the balance between human potential and financial success.



A Commitment to Education and Philanthropy

Establishing the Charles Eitel Scholarship is a testament to Charles Eitels belief in the transformative power of education. His ongoing commitment to advancing business education ensures that deserving students have the opportunity to excel in competitive industries like Finance and Marketing. In addition to his scholarship initiative, Charles Eitel is an active philanthropist, contributing to causes that advance educational access and community well-being, such as his involvement with the Mildreds Dream Foundation.

Building the Leaders of Tomorrow

The Charles Eitel Scholarship is more than a financial award; it represents an investment in the future of business leadership. Charles Eitel envisions a world where students with exceptional promise are given the tools, support, and opportunities necessary to contribute meaningfully to the business community.

By championing academic excellence and providing opportunities for deserving students, the scholarship seeks to inspire recipients to achieve their full potential. Through rigorous academic training at the Spears School of Business, students will develop critical skills and industry knowledge, laying the foundation for innovative leadership in the finance and marketing sectors.

About the Charles Eitel Scholarship

The Charles Eitel Scholarship, open to undergraduate students, is not bound to any city or state, allowing eligible students from across the United States to apply. The scholarships merit-based selection process ensures that only the most dedicated and capable students are chosen to benefit from this initiative.

Apply Today

Students interested in applying for the Charles Eitel Scholarship are encouraged to visit the official scholarship website at https://charleseitelscholarship.com/ for more details and application guidelines. The scholarship aims to identify and support the next generation of leaders, and applications are open now.

Through the Charles Eitel Scholarship, Charles Eitel continues his remarkable legacy of fostering academic excellence and supporting the aspirations of future business leaders.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Charles Eitel

Organization: Charles Eitel Scholarship

Website: https://charleseitelscholarship.com

Email: apply@charleseitelscholarship.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a7df8861-838c-421a-96e0-6e54cf940905
ST. LOUIS, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today reported selected operating results for November 30, 2024 in an effort to provide timely information to investors on certain key performance metrics. Due to the limited nature of this data, a consistent correlation to earnings should not be assumed.

Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, In November, total client assets under management climbed to a record $514 billion, including a record $197 billion in fee-based assets. This represents a 4% increase from the prior month, driven by strong equity markets and financial advisor recruiting. Client money market and insured product balances increased 3% from October as growth in sweep deposits and Smart Rate balances were comparable. The operating environment for our Institutional Group continues to improve as both client activity levels and investment banking pipelines increased.

Selected Operating Data (Unaudited) As of % Change (millions) 11/30/2024 11/30/2023 10/31/2024 11/30/2023 10/31/2024 Total client assets $513,931 $427,843 $493,469 20% 4% Fee-based client assets $197,333 $157,488 $189,326 25% 4% Private Client Group fee-based client assets $172,527 $138,296 $165,530 25% 4% Bank loans, net (includes loans held for sale) $20,727 $20,300 $20,722 2% 0% Client money market and insured product (1) $28,558 $25,526 $27,613 12% 3%

(1) Includes Smart Rate deposits, Sweep deposits, Third-party Bank Sweep Program, and Other Sweep cash.



Company Information

Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifels broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners and Miller Buckfire business divisions; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; in Canada through Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc.; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Companys broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Companys website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

Media Contact: Neil Shapiro (212) 271-3447 | Investor Contact: Joel Jeffrey (212) 271-3610 | www.stifel.com/investor-relations
ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Venture capital firm Energy Innovation Capital (EIC), global digital and AI transformation consulting firm A&MPLIFY by Alvarez and Marsal, world class engineering and research university Virginia Tech, leading cloud and AI platform Amazon Web Services (AWS), and DC region real estate owner and developer JBG SMITH today announced the launch of the Virtus Innovation Center (Virtus) in National Landing (www.virtusinnovation.com).

While Washington, DC is the epicenter for energy policy and national security, there is untapped potential in the market and a lack of innovation programs that effectively bridge capital formation, incubation, and acceleration for early-stage companies. Once funding is secured, Virtus differentiated platform aims to leverage the collective expertise of its partners to provide startup companies the physical resources, capital, and strategic support they need to develop innovative national security and energy technologies. The plan for Virtus integrated approach includes:

Venture Fund: The launch of an early-stage fund, in an effort to provide capital for companies pioneering emerging technologies in the focus areas of national security and energy resilience.

Incubator: A 40,000-square-foot facility located within JBG SMITHs National Landing portfolio that includes coworking and convening space to foster collaboration between start-ups and participating partners, lab and prototyping space, and access to Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) space.

Accelerator: Programming structured to facilitate innovation collaboration between start-ups, corporate sponsors, government agencies, and academic institutions, as well as support services, events, and grand innovation challenge thesis development.



The Virtus Innovation Center will be an independent organization managed by a board of directors comprising sponsors and partners. It is being developed by principals from EIC and A&MPLIFY by Alvarez and Marsal. It is supported by JBG SMITH, AWS, and Virginia Tech. EIC invests across industrial and energy technologies and managing a portfolio with $350 million AUM. A&MPLIFY by Alvarez and Marsal brings its digital, AI, innovation, federal, and energy expertise. Virginia Tech provides distinguished research capabilities and human capital with critical skills, and JBG SMITH will provide the physical space for the incubator alongside high quality amenities, both physical and digital, it is delivering across the National Landing neighborhood.

Over the last 20 years the team at EIC has invested in 150 industrial technology companies enabling electrification, decarbonization, AI, autonomy, and critical technology onshoring. The convergence of these sectors has created significant national security and energy resiliency innovation opportunities, said Andrew Lackner, Managing Partner of EIC Virtus. The Virtus Innovation Center will enable startups to leverage DCs defense and energy ecosystem to accelerate the commercialization of dual-use technologies. We look forward to collaborating with startups, corporations, federal agencies, and other investors to accelerate technologies critical to the national interest of the US.

Weve seen the success that is possible when startups and corporations work together to find better technological solutions, and Virtus Innovation Incubator is an exciting opportunity to accomplish that in an established and global industry, said Bob Ghafouri, Co-Founder and Managing Director at A&MPLIFY by Alvarez & Marsal. Large, forward-thinking companies are engaging successfully with startups, looking at startups as discovery arms and co-collaborators for innovation.

With the increasing importance of supporting the growth and energy demand of Artificial Intelligence, the intersection of energy and defense has become a national security priority, said Matt Kelly, JBG SMITH CEO. As the incubator partner of the Virtus Innovation Center, we are well-positioned with our physical space near the Pentagon and AI infrastructure to collaborate and scale innovation across the startup community to create new solutions for defense and energy.

Virtus aims to meet the heightened demand for technological advancement in energy and security, driven by various factors including: increased geopolitical activity and the evolving complexity of physical and digital threats; the multi-decade shift to lower-carbon energy; and the exponential growth of data, large language models, data centers, and widespread digitalization across sectors that has transformed how work is done.

Virtus will also directly benefit from its strategic location in National Landing, which offers a high concentration of defense-tech and adjacent industries, all of which are clustered together with immediate proximity to the Pentagon, Amazon HQ2, Virginia Techs $1B Innovation Campus and dozens of relevant private enterprises and government agencies, including seven of the ten largest recipients of federal defense spending.

Virginia Tech could not be more excited to collaborate with Virtus and partners to ensure cutting-edge technologies with dual-use applications including artificial intelligence, integrated communications and networking, and quantum information and sensing reach the marketplace to support the pressing needs of the nation, said Eric Paterson, Virginia Tech National Security Institute Executive Director. With proximity to the nations Capital, the institute and Innovation Campus bring vast expertise, unique research facilities, and mission-oriented initiatives, which position us to assist partners in the curation of new startups that seek to solve emerging national security challenges.

Learn more about the Virtus Innovation Center: www.virtusinnovation.com

About A&MPLIFY by Alvarez & Marsal

A&MPLIFY is the artificial intelligence and digital transformation unit of Alvarez & Marsal. We are marketers, product managers, technologists and data scientists from industry, consulting and technology with innovation studios across the US, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Australia and the Middle East. To learn more, visit www.a-mplify.com.

About Alvarez & Marsal

Founded in 1983, Alvarez & Marsal is a leading global professional services firm. Renowned for its leadership, action and results, Alvarez & Marsal provides advisory, business performance improvement and turnaround management services, delivering practical solutions to address clients' unique challenges. With a world-wide network of experienced operators, world-class consultants, former regulators and industry authorities, Alvarez & Marsal helps corporates, boards, private equity firms, law firms and government agencies drive transformation, mitigate risk and unlock value at every stage of growth. To learn more, visit AlvarezandMarsal.com.

About Energy Innovation Capital (EIC)

Energy Innovation Capital invests in companies that are developing industrial technologies transforming energy, national security, and resource intensive industries. EIC currently manages four venture capital funds with AUM of $350M, a corporate innovation partnership program, and an active portfolio of 33 companies. For more information, please visit www.energyinnovationcapital.com.

About JBG SMITH

JBG SMITH owns, operates, invests in, and develops mixed-use properties in high growth and high barrier-to-entry submarkets in and around Washington, DC, most notably National Landing. Through an intense focus on placemaking, JBG SMITH cultivates vibrant, amenity-rich, walkable neighborhoods throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Approximately 75.0% of JBG SMITH's holdings are in the National Landing submarket in Northern Virginia, which is anchored by four key demand drivers: Amazon's new headquarters; Virginia Tech's under-construction $1 billion Innovation Campus; the submarkets proximity to the Pentagon; and our retail and digital placemaking initiatives and public infrastructure improvements. JBG SMITH's dynamic portfolio currently comprises 13.1 million square feet of high-growth multifamily, office and retail assets at share, 98% of which are Metro-served. It also maintains a development pipeline encompassing 9.3 million square feet of mixed-use, primarily multifamily, development opportunities. JBG SMITH is committed to the operation and development of green, smart, and healthy buildings and plans to maintain carbon neutral operations annually. For more information on JBG SMITH please visit www.jbgsmith.com.

About Virginia Tech

In 1987 Virginia Tech was designated an R1 institution, which is the highest designation for research universities. With locations in Blacksburg and Roanoke, Virginia, and the Washington D.C. metro area including the Innovation Campus, Virginia Tech offers approximately 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 38,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across the commonwealth. The universitys research enterprise encompasses over $419 million in sponsored research expenditures in fiscal year 2023. Virginia Tech is one of six senior military colleges in the U.S., a National Security Agency Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research, Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations, and an Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence. One of the universitys seven research institutes, the Virginia Tech National Security Institute brings together transdisciplinary researchers, programs, and resources from across the university, integrating student learning and cutting-edge research at a scale unmatched by other organizations, producing research and impacting policy related to legal and practical challenges facing national intelligence, defense, law enforcement, homeland security, and cybersecurity communities that are relevant to current questions of national security law and policy and that aid senior policymakers, key departments, and agencies.




CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jura Energy Corporation ("Jura" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received a highly favorable ruling in its International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration proceedings involving Juras operating subsidiaries, Spud Energy Pty Limited (Spud) and Frontier Holdings Limited ("FHL) (together the Claimants), and Petroleum Exploration (Private) Limited (PEL), the operator of the Badin IV North and South blocks (together the Badin Blocks).

As previously disclosed by Jura, in 2022, PEL attempted to invoke the forfeiture of FHLs 27.5% working interest in the Badin Blocks for alleged non-payment of cash calls. The Claimants disputed PELs actions and the cash calls and initiated two arbitration proceedings against PEL. The first arbitration, under the terms of a Settlement Agreement dated August 12, 2016 (the Settlement Agreement), has been resolved in favor of the Claimants.

In a final arbitral award (subject only to reservation on costs), the ICC Arbitration Tribunal rendered a written decision declaring, among other things, that: (i) neither Spud nor FHL breached any of the terms of the Settlement Agreement in the manner alleged by PEL, (ii) PEL did breach the terms of the Settlement Agreement, (iii) FHL continues to be a 27.5% working interest owner in each of the Badin Blocks, (iv) PEL is not entitled to seek forfeiture of FHLs working interests in the Badin Blocks, (v) FHL is awarded damages against PEL in the sum of approximately US$2.48 million, plus interest at a rate of 2% per month on a compound basis, representing sums that should have been paid but were not paid to FHL relating to gas sale invoices in respect of Badin IV South for the period from November 2022 to July 2023, (vi) FHL is entitled to be paid any sums due to it pursuant to any gas sale invoices in relation to Badin IV South from August 2023 onwards along with interest thereon in like manner as aforesaid. The Arbitral Tribunal has also dismissed PEL counterclaims of approximately US$483 million. In short, the ICC Arbitration Tribunal ruled in favor of FHL and Spud on all their requested reliefs.

The estimated amount of damages and interest thereon awarded to the Claimants as of the date of the arbitral award is approximately US$5 million and US$2 million respectively. Interest will continue to accumulate on the amounts awarded until the time of the Claimants receipt of damages and interest.

Jura is working with its legal team to pursue enforcement of the arbitral award against PEL. Enforcement will necessarily require pleadings to be made in Pakistani Courts. While Jura is highly confident of achieving enforcement of the declarations, the legal process is likely to extend into the medium-term. Jura anticipates providing shareholders with updates to the enforcement process as major milestones are achieved. In addition, once Jura regains regularized access to operating and production information for the Badin Blocks, Jura anticipates being able to provide an update on remaining reserves for the Badin Blocks.

About Jura Energy Corporation

Jura is an international energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas properties in Pakistan. Jura is based in Calgary, Alberta, and listed on the TSX-V trading under the symbol JEC. Jura conducts its business in Pakistan through its subsidiaries, Frontier Holdings Limited and Spud Energy Pty Limited.

Forward Looking Advisory

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. The words "will", "approximately", and similar expressions are used to identify forward looking information. Specific forward-looking statements in this press release include information regarding the estimated amount of damages and interest thereon, the ability of Jura and anticipated timeline to enforce the arbitral award against PEL, Jura regaining regularized access to operation and production information for the Badin Blocks, and well as an update on the reserves information for the Badin Blocks.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made in light of management's experience, current conditions and expected future development in the areas in which Jura is currently active and other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Jura undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcome will not occur, including some of which are beyond Jura's control. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to: uncertainty relating to the outcome of arbitration in which Jura and its subsidiaries are involved, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in exploration, development and production, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, the imprecision of resource and reserve estimates, assumptions regarding the timing and costs relating to production and development as well as the availability and price of labour and equipment, weather, volatility of and assumptions regarding commodity prices and exchange rates, marketing and transportation risks, environmental risks, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, changes in applicable law, and risks resulting from the potential for ongoing or future global pandemics and their effects on general economic conditions and public markets, Juras business, and the ability of Jura to prepare and approve required filings in a timely manner. Additionally, there are economic, political, social and other risks inherent in carrying on business in Pakistan. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could vary or differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. See Jura's Managements Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, for further description of the risks and uncertainties associated with Jura's business.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Mr. Nadeem Farooq, CEO

Tel: +92 51 2270702-5

Fax: +92 51 227 0701

Website: www.juraenergy.com

EMail: info@juraenergy.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xali Gold Corp. (TSXV:XGC) ("Xali Gold or the Company) reports that, pursuant to the terms and conditions of its Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, an aggregate of 4,100,000 stock options to purchase common shares of the Company have been granted to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company. The options are exercisable for a period of five years at a price of $0.05 per share.

Xali Gold is pleased to announce the results of the Companys Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) held on December 19th, 2024. A total of 14,006,597 common shares of the Company were voted at the meeting, representing 9.83% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company. At the Meeting, all five director nominees listed in the Companys information circular dated November 8th, 2024, were elected as directors of the Company. In addition, shareholders voted to appoint Saturna Group, Chartered Professional Accountants LLP, as auditors for the Company and re-approved the Companys Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.

About Xali Gold

Xali Gold has gold and silver projects in Peru and Mexico. The Companys flagship project, El Oro, is a district scale historic producer of gold and silver. While the Companys main goal at El Oro is to make a new discovery, similar to the multi-million ounce (oz) gold and silver ore bodies mined historically, the Company has entered into two agreements to bring in cash flow. Two third parties now have signed agreements with Xali Gold Corp. for the rights to produce gold and silver from the El Oro Project. Kappes, Cassiday & Associates (KCA), in partnership with Starcore International Mines Ltd., has the right to reprocess tailings which contain 1.27 million tonnes at a grade of 2.94 gpt gold and 75.12 gpt silver (3.85 gpt gold equivalent) containing 119,900 oz of gold and 3,061,200 oz of silver*. Remedioambiente S.A. de C.V. (RM) has the right to recover gold and silver from mineralized veins and backfill left behind in the historic mine workings. The agreements provide for Xali Gold to receive funds from net smelter returns (NSRs) of up to 3% from each of these two agreements. In addition, the underground work by RM is expected to give the Company underground access for drilling the high-grade targets identified by previous drilling below the historic workings at El Oro and also assist in paying mineral rights fees.

Future exploration in Mexico will be focused on the El Oro property which covers 20 veins with past production and more than 57 veins in total, from which approximately 6.4M ozs of gold and 74M ozs of silver were reported to have been produced from just two of these veins (Ref. Mexico Geological Service Bulletin Nr. 37, Mining of the El Oro and Tlalpujahua Districts, by T. Flores in 1920). Modern understanding of epithermal vein systems indicates that several of the El Oro districts veins hold excellent discovery potential, particularly below and adjacent to the historic workings of the San Rafael Vein, which was mined to an average depth of only 200m.

With renewed interest in gold and silver exploration in South America, Xali Gold has recently been reviewing high sulphidation gold targets with features similar to Yanacocha and Pierina, within proven high sulphidation epithermal belts in Peru. The Company also still maintains other properties in Peru.

Xali Gold is dedicated to being a responsible community partner.

Joanne C. Freeze, P.Geo., President and CEO is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for the projects discussed above. Ms. Freeze has reviewed and approved the contents of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

On behalf of the Board of Xali Gold Corp.

Joanne Freeze P.Geo.

President, CEO and Director

For further information please contact:

Joanne Freeze, President & CEO

Tel: + 1 604-512-3359

info@xaligold.com

Forward-looking Information

This news release may contain forward-looking information (as such term is defined under Canadian securities laws) including but not limited to historical production records and resource estimates. While such forward-looking information is expressed by Xali Gold in good faith and believed by Xali Gold to have a reasonable basis, they may address future events and conditions and are therefore subject to inherent risks and uncertainties including those set out in Xali Golds MD&A. Factors that cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking information include, without limitation, gold prices, results of exploration and development activities, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of materials and equipment, timeliness of government approvals, potential environmental issues, availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Xali Gold expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (Cboe Canada: ZEFI) (Frankfurt: Y6B) (OTCQB: ZEFIF) (the Company, Zefiro, or ZEFI), an environmental services company specializing in methane abatement operations, took numerous steps in 2024 to accelerate the Companys profitability and commercial momentum. Specifically, Zefiros success over the past twelve months can be attributed to its execution of the Companys strategy to expand its commercial footprint in critical marketplaces across North America and generate industry-leading, American Carbon Registry-approved carbon credits via an expanding, nationwide orphaned oil and gas well plugging operation.

By actively advancing numerous strategic initiatives and bolstering its internal infrastructure throughout 2024, Zefiro is poised to remain at the forefront of the environmental services industry and reach yet another slate of notable accomplishments in the year ahead.

The Companys 2024 highlights include:





Crew members contracted by Zefiro subsidiary Plants & Goodwin on-site at an Ohio-based well plugging operation in November 2024.

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the link provided above. Please access SEDAR+ or the Investors section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing links and media.

Zefiro Founder and Chief Executive Officer Talal Debs commented, From our plugging crews completing projects across the country to our expert team of carbon market specialists connecting with customers throughout the world, we have strived to invest in the resources needed to position each of our dedicated team members for success. The string of new milestones that we have been able to achieve over the past twelve months is directly linked to our senior management teams commitment to that process, and I am incredibly proud that the progress that our team has earned in 2024 will guide our positive commercial momentum well into the future.

Zefiro Chief Financial Officer Mohit Gupta commented, 2024 has been a transformative year for Zefiro, and our ability to garner sustainable, increasing returns for our investors is a direct result of the unwavering dedication and expertise of our entire team. Through consistent execution of our comprehensive, client service-oriented strategy, we have established our position as a market leader, forged a consistent pipeline of project opportunities, and helped more communities safeguard public health.

About Zefiro Methane Corp.

Zefiro is an environmental services company, specializing in methane abatement. Zefiro strives to be a key commercial force towards Active Sustainability. Leveraging decades of operational expertise, Zefiro is building a new toolkit to clean up air, land, and water sources directly impacted by methane leaks. The Company has built a fully integrated ground operation driven by an innovative monetization solution for the emerging methane abatement marketplace. As an originator of high-quality U.S.-based methane offsets, Zefiro aims to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company,

ZEFIRO METHANE CORP.

Talal Debs

Talal Debs, Founder & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Zefiro Investor Relations

1 (800) 274-ZEFI (274-9334)

investor@zefiromethane.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

Rich Myers - Profile Advisors (New York)

media@zefiromethane.com

+1 (347) 774-1125

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seeks, believes, plans, expects, intends, estimates, anticipates and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information including statements regarding: the Companys intention to reduce emissions from end-of-life oil and gas wells and eliminate methane gas; the Companys partnerships with industry operators, state agencies, and federal governments; the Companys expectations for continued increases in revenues and EBITDA growth as a result of these partnerships; the Companys intentions to build out its presence in the United States; the anticipated federal funding for orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoring activities; the Companys expectations to become a growing environmental services company; the Companys ability to provide institutional and retail investors alike with the opportunity to join the Active Sustainability movement; the Companys ability to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns; and other statements regarding the Companys business and the industry in which the Company operates. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; (iv) failure to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; and (v) other risk factors set forth in its Prospectus dated April 8, 2024 under the heading Risk Factors. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. 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. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms

Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by Zefiro Methane Corp. can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca/.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a438934-f40c-440b-b8a7-af17ae78c414
Listing: TSX (Toronto Stock Exchange)

Symbol: CMR

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (BlackRock Canada), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock) (NYSE: BLK) announced on November 8, 2024, that it called a special meeting of unitholders (the Meeting) of the iShares Premium Money Market ETF (the iShares Fund), to originally be held on or about January 22, 2025 to approve a change to the investment objective of the iShares Fund to permit investments in asset-backed commercial paper (the Proposal).

As a result of the Canada Post labour disruption, BlackRock Canada is postponing the Meeting to February 3, 2025. BlackRock Canada is holding the Meeting solely as a virtual (online) meeting by way of live audio webcast.

In accordance with applicable securities laws, a management information circular relating to the Proposal (the Circular) will be made available to unitholders in advance of the Meeting. Notice of the Meeting and information outlining the procedures for accessing the Circular online (or requesting a copy thereof) will be mailed on or about January 3, 2025. Unitholders of record of the iShares Fund at the close of business on December 5, 2024, will be entitled to receive notice of, and vote at, the Meeting. The Circular will also be made available on www.sedarplus.ca and www.blackrock.com/ca and will include additional details regarding the Proposal.

Unitholders of record are entitled to vote: (i) by completing, signing and dating their voting instruction form and returning it by mail following the directions provided in the voting instruction form; (ii) via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com; or (iii) by calling the applicable number listed on the voting instruction form. Unitholders of record may experience significant delays in mail delivery due to the impacts of the Canada Post labour disruption. Unitholders of record are encouraged to use the alternative methods to submit voting instructions to avoid any delay. Unitholders of record who have not received their control numbers as a result of the Canada Post labour disruption may contact their brokers in order to obtain their control numbers in order to vote their units.

If the change to the investment objective is approved by unitholders of the iShares Fund, BlackRock Canada expects that the Proposal will be effective as of February 7, 2025.

For more information about the iShares Fund, please visit www.blackrock.com/ca.

About BlackRock

BlackRocks purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.

About iShares

iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1400+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.2 trillion in assets under management as of September 30, 2024, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

iShares ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

Contact for Media:

Sydney Punchard

Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com
TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2024 - Odyssey Resources Ltd. (the "Company") (TSXV: ODX.H) announces that, effective immediately, James Crombie has resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the board of directors of the Company. The Company also announces the resignations of Alain Krushnisky as Chief Financial Officer and Carole Plante as Corporate Secretary.

Concurrent with these changes, the Company announced the appointments of Matthew Goodman as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors, Darcy Donelle as Chief Financial Officer and Mark Pereira as Corporate Secretary.

The board of directors of the Company is now composed of David Charles, Gerald Riverin and Matthew Goodman. Both Mr. Charles and Mr. Riverin are independent members of the board.

Matthew Goodman is currently Vice President, Investments at Dundee Corporation and Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Goodman & Company, Investment Counsel Inc. Mr. Goodman joined Dundee in 2013 and was responsible for evaluating strategic resource investment opportunities. Along with being the Portfolio Manager of the CMP Funds, Mr. Goodman is currently the Portfolio Manager of New Venture Equities Fund LP, a private equity-style investment fund with a principal investment strategy to invest in a portfolio comprised of securities that conduct business within the mining sector. His background includes mineral exploration and equity capital markets experience. Matthew Goodman is a CFA Charterholder and holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, specializing in Microeconomic Analysis and Global Economics from York University.

Darcy Donelle is currently Vice President, Finance at Dundee Corporation, where he oversees the organization's finance and accounting functions and manages the financial planning and analysis (FP&A) process to support strategic decision-making. Mr. Donelle joined Dundee in 2010 and, prior to this, worked in audit at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Darcy Donelle currently serves on the Board of Managers and chairs the Audit Committee at Android Industries, LLC, a premier automotive assembler for tier 1 and OEM companies. He is a CFA charterholder and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA). He is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick, earning a BA degree in Economics and Political Science.

Mark Pereira is currently the Vice President and Corporate Secretary of Dundee Corporation. Mr. Pereira joined Dundee in August 2003 and has over 20 years of experience in the financial, wealth management and resource industries serving in a legal, compliance and corporate secretarial capacity. Before joining Dundee, Mr. Pereira spent over 7 years as a corporate and securities law clerk with two top Toronto law firms.

Additional information about the Company is available on the Company's website (www.odysseyresources.com) and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Matthew Goodman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: 416-350-3314

Email: info@odysseyresources.com
VANCOUVER, Dec. 18, 2024 - SKRR Exploration Inc. (TSXV: SKRR) (FSE: B04Q) ("SKRR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointments of Messrs. Aleem Fidai and Bryson Goodwin to the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board").

The Board accepted the resignation of Jeremy Ross as a director of the Company, and as member of the Board's Audit Committee effective December 18, 2024, and is pleased to announce that Mr. Aleem Fidai has joined as a director of the Company to fill the vacancy created by the foregoing resignation and has also been appointed to the Audit Committee in place of Mr. Ross.

The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Bryson Goodwin as a director of the Company.

Sherman Dahl, President & CEO of the Company, comments:

"Properly telling the company story to the investing community is a competitive business. If it is not done properly, the return on these initiatives is deeply impacted. Adding Aleem and Bryson to the team is a win for SKRR as we move forward into 2025. The board wishes to thank Jeremy Ross for his dedication and many contributions to the SKRR board over the years. We wish him well in his future endeavors."

Biographical Information of New Board Members:

Mr. Aleem Fidai, based in Vancouver, brings specialized expertise in strategic, investor-focused marketing, online communications, and shareholder relations. A successful resource sector investor, he has built a strong investor network and a track record in operational improvement, marketing strategy, and corporate promotion across North America and Europe. As the founder and CEO of Senergy Communications Capital, a leading investor relations and marketing firm, Aleem has managed multimillion-dollar media and advertising spend for publicly listed companies in Canada. Aleem understands the dynamics of attracting investors across all demographics. He has already worked with over 40+ public companies, making a notable impact in the industry at such an early stage in his career. Aleem is focused on adding true value to public companies with well thought out digital strategies.

Mr. Aleem Fidai comments: "I am thrilled to join the Board of Directors at SKRR Exploration and contribute to reshaping the company's trajectory. Together, we'll build a high-performing operational team and a strong project pipeline aligned with our long-term vision. It's an honor to be part of this journey, and I look forward to a successful collaboration that delivers lasting value for all shareholders."

Mr. Bryson Goodwin is a practiced international executive with extensive experience in finance, management, investor relations and operations with both private and public companies. His experience has demonstrated an operational, market and banking track record in the technology, biotechnology, oil/gas and resource sectors. Over the course of his career, he has fostered an extensive highprofile international association of contacts and close relationships through networking and proficient communication skills. He has been engaged by a number of resource, energy, clean tech and technology firms in the departments of finance, business development, public and investor relations, marketing, and sales. This has required extensive travel and flexibility in approach to business. Most recently he has held Clevel executive positions in a banking and finance capacity. He brings extensive experience in the systems governing Canadian and U.S. stock exchanges, as well as public company management, predominantly in the resource and energy sectors. Mr. Goodwin also sits on the board of a number of public and private companies.

About SKRR Exploration Inc.

SKRR is a Canadian-based precious and base metal explorer with properties in Saskatchewan - some of the world's highest ranked mining jurisdictions. The primary exploration focus is on the Trans-Hudson Corridor in Saskatchewan in search of world class uranium, precious, and base metal deposits. The Trans-Hudson Orogen - although extremely well known in geological terms has been significantly under-explored in Saskatchewan. SKRR is committed to all stakeholders including shareholders, all its partners and the environment in which it operates.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Sherman Dahl

President & CEO

Tel: 250-558-8340

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, the potential plans for the Company's projects, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of metals and uranium, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner and that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law.

SOURCE SKRR Exploration Inc.
High-angle Ag-Pb vein intercepts at the West Zone (W Zone): Hole ZKX1613 intersected 2,705 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver ("Ag"), 0.67% lead ("Pb"), 0.26% Zinc ("Zn"), and 0.14% Copper ("Cu") over a 18.02 metre ("m") interval of vein W18W at the 1,024 m elevation Hole ZKX13828 intersected 1,367 g/t Ag, 8.66% Pb, 1.12% Zn, and 0.32% Cu over a 1.80 m interval of vein W6E at the 839 m elevation

High-grade intercepts from low angle gold veins LM50, LM28 (Figure 1 below) and LM26 (Au Zone): Hole ZKX1019 intersected 34 g/t gold ("Au"), 31 g/t Ag, and 4.45% Cu over a 0.82 m interval of vein LM28 at the 1,019 m elevation Hole ZKX03X151 intersected 29 g/t Au, 30 g/t Ag, 0.47% Pb, and 0.22% Zn over a 1.11 m interval of vein LM50 at the 792 m elevation

High-grade Ag-Pb highlights from the E Zone: Hole ZKX10756 intersected 1,582 g/t Ag, 4.36% Pb, 0.51% Zn, 1.66 g/t Au, and 0.15% Cu over a 0.76 m interval of vein LM41E at the 571 m elevation

High-grade intercepts of Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization at the P Zone: Hole ZKX11241 intersected 4,738 g/t Ag, 2.12% Pb, 1.33% Zn, 0.19 g/t Au, and 0.64% Cu over a 1.80 m interval of vein LM32E at the 637 m elevation



VANCOUVER, Dec. 18, 2024 - Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp" or the "Company") (TSX: SVM) (NYSE American: SVM) is pleased to report assay results from its ongoing diamond drilling program at its LMW underground mine in the Ying Mining District ("Ying") located in Henan Province, China. LMW is one of seven underground mines at Ying, and the recent drilling focused on high-grade, low angle veins. Highlights include:

A plan view of the LMW mine at the 800 m level is shown below in Figure 2. From June 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, a total of 78,980 m in 678 diamond drill holes, including 639 underground holes and 39 surface holes, were completed at the LMW mine. Assay results for 548 holes have been received and select results are presented in Table 1 below.

This drilling program has been focused on four target areas: 1) expansion drilling of high-grade Ag-Pb and low angle Au-Ag-Cu veins west of the LMW mine (W Zone) at elevations above 900 m to surface (1,250 m); 2) expansion drilling of low angle Au and Ag-Au-Cu veins LM50, LM26, and LM21 (Au Zone); 3) drilling to extend the high-grade LM41E series veins at the eastern side of LMW (E Zone); and 4) infill drilling of Ag-Pb-Zn veins at the Production Zone (P Zone).

1) Expansion drilling of high-grade Ag-Pb and low angle Au-Ag-Cu veins at the W Zone

Drilling at the W Zone significantly expanded the low angle and high-grade Ag-Au-Cu vein LM28 (Table 1). This quartz-pyrite-chalcopyrite vein strikes between 240 and 250 degrees dipping to the north with a dip angle between 10 and 30 degrees and then to 70 degrees at elevations below 900m El. The drilling and tunneling have defined around 600 m along strike and 500 m down dip for LM28, at elevations between 1,120 m and 750 m. The high-grade assay results include 34.13 g/t Au and 4.45% Cu over 0.82 m from hole ZKX1019, and 5.28 g/t Au and 20.28% Cu over a 0.59 m interval of LM28 from hole ZKX13664. Tunneling at 988 m El to 1040 m El has demonstrated continuity of LM28.

At the W Zone, drilling also intersected high-grade Ag-Pb veins W1, W18 series and W6 series at elevations between 1,110 m and 800 m, with extension over 800 m along strike. The high-grade Ag-Pb assay results include 2,705 g/t Ag and 0.67% Pb over 18.02 m (true thickness of 10.02 m) of vein W18W from hole ZKX1613, 1,367 g/t Ag, 8.66% Pb, 1.12% Zn and 0.32% Cu over a 1.80 m interval of vein W6E from hole ZKX13828, and 1,346 g/t Ag, 5.35% Pb, 0.82% Zn and 0.29% Cu over a 3.06 m interval of vein W1 from hole ZKX0825. The drifts from surface at 1040 m and 988 m elevations have traced the high-grade Ag-Pb veins W1, and W18 series for up to 360 m in length in tunnels. Stopes at levels 1040, 988, 880 and 850 have been developed to mine the high-grade vein W18W.

High-angle Ag-Pb vein intercepts at the West Zone (W Zone): Hole ZKX1613 intersected 2,705 g/t Ag, 0.67% Pb, 0.26% Zn, and 0.14% Cu over a 18.02 m interval of vein W18W at the 1,024 m elevation Hole ZKX13828 intersected 1,367 g/t Ag, 8.66% Pb, 1.12% Zn, and 0.32% Cu over a 1.80 m interval of vein W6E at the 839 m elevation Hole ZKX0825 intersected 1,346 g/t Ag, 5.35% Pb, 0.82% Zn, and 0.29% Cu over a 3.06 m interval of vein W1 at the 1,032 m elevation



2) Expansion drilling of low angle Au and Ag-Au-Cu veins LM50, LM26, and LM21 at the Au Zone

Drilling for the low angle Au and Ag-Au-Cu veins targeted LM50, as well as LM21, LM26, LM22, LM51, and LM54. A continuous LM50 vein block extending 1000 m along strike and 450 m downdip has been defined. The high-grade assay results include 29.0 g/t Au over a 1.11 m interval from hole ZKX03X151, and 23.6 g/t Au and 261 g/t Ag over a 0.95 m interval of LM50 from hole ZKX01X102. The room-and-pillar stopes have been developed to mine LM50, LM26, LM21, LM52 and LM54. A new vein structure LM54_1 has also been discovered subparallel to and around 50 m above vein LM54, with 7.18 g/t Au over a 2.36 m interval from hole ZKX10519, 4.02 g/t Au over a 1.71 m interval from hole ZKX10515 and 5.54 g/t Au over a 1.52 m interval from hole ZKX10756.

High-grade intercepts from low angle gold veins LM50, LM28 and LM26 (Au Zone): Hole ZKX1019 intersected 34 g/t gold ("Au"), 31 g/t silver ("Ag"), and 4.45% copper ("Cu") over a 0.82 m interval of vein LM28 at the 1,019 m elevation Hole ZKX13664 intersected 5.3 g/t Au, 30 g/t Ag, and 20.28% Cu over a 0.59 m interval of vein LM28 at the 1,031 m elevation Hole ZKX03X151 intersected 29 g/t Au, 30 g/t Ag, 0.47% lead ("Pb"), and 0.22% zinc ("Zn") over a 1.11 m interval of vein LM50 at the 792 m elevation Hole ZKX01X102 intersected 23.6 g/t Au, 261 g/t Ag and 0.29% Pb, and 0.14% Zn over a 0.95 m interval of vein LM50 at the 795 m elevation Hole ZKX00X034 intersected 1.07 g/t Au, 1,542 g/t Ag, 1.80% Pb, 0.72% Zn, 1.15% Cu over a 2.91 m interval of vein LM26 at the 637 m elevation



3) Infill drilling of high-grade Ag-Pb veins at the E Zone

At the east side of the resource area (E Zone), infill drilling continued to intersect the high-grade Ag-Pb LM41E series veins, including LM41E and LM41E1. In particular, a new high-grade vein LM41E2 has been discovered subparallel to and around 105 m to the east of LM41E1 at an elevation between 1050 and 950 m. In addition to the LM41E series veins, the drilling program also intersected the northeast part of the LM17 series, including LM17, LM17W1 and LM17W2 at higher elevations between 1,060 and 830 m.

High-grade Ag-Pb highlights from the E Zone: Hole ZKX10756 intersected 1,582 g/t Ag, 4.36% Pb, 0.51% Zn, 1.66 g/t Au, and 0.15% Cu over a 0.76 m interval of vein LM41E at the 571 m elevation Hole ZKX1754 intersected 807 g/t Ag, 9.80% Pb, and 0.47% Zn over a 1.12 m interval of vein LM41E2 at the 952 m elevation, and Hole ZKX11333 intersected 709 g/t Ag, 9.67% Pb, 0.23% Zn, and 0.25% Cu over a 1.22 m interval of vein LM17W2 at the 860 m elevation.



4) Infill drilling of Ag-Pb-Zn veins at the P Zone

Most holes in this period targeted blocks of known Ag-Pb-Zn veins at the P Zone, including blocks that were previously missed due to limited drilling or tunneling, changes in the strikes and dips, and/or pinch-swelling of the pay-zones in the veins. The high-grade intercepts are mainly associated with the southwest-striking LM7 series, LM12 series and LM17 series of veins, and the northwest-striking LM14, LM19 series and LM20 series, LM30 and LM32E series.

High-grade intercepts of Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization at the P Zone: Hole ZKX11241 intersected 4,738 g/t Ag, 2.12% Pb, 1.33% Zn, 0.19 g/t Au, and 0.64% Cu over a 1.80 m interval of vein LM32E at the 637 m elevation Hole ZKX07X110 intersected 1,633 g/t Ag, 2.11% Pb, 0.21% Zn, 0.21 g/t Au, and 0.12% Cu over a 4.99 m interval of vein LM12_1 at the 646 m elevation Hole ZKX03X141 intersected 1,834 g/t Ag, 4.96% Pb, 0.96% Zn, 0.18 g/t Au, and 0.10% Cu over a 0.79 m interval of vein LM12E at the 665 m elevation



5) Tunneling Programs at the LMW Mine

A total of 15,694 m of exploration tunnels were developed at the LMW mine during this period. The exploration tunneling, comprised of drifting, cross-cutting and raising, was driven along and across major mineralized vein structures to upgrade the drill-defined mineral resources, and to test for new parallel and splay structures.

Figure 1: Newly discovered sub horizontal Vein LM28 with massive chalcopyrite, located in the W zone, showing high values of gold and copper grades at LMW

Figure 2: LMW Mine Plan View of the 800 m Level

Note: Underground workings shown at 800 m level, Vein LM28 occurs between the 1,050 m and 900 m levels, vein LM 26 occurs between the 750 m and 500 m levels, and vein LM32E occurs between the 670 m and 550 m levels.

Table 1: Selected intercepts from the 2023-2024 drilling program at the LMW mine

Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Elevation

(m) interval

(m) Ag

(g/t) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) Au

(g/t) Cu

(%) Vein Ore

Type Ore

Zone Low Angle Gold- Copper-Silver Veins ZKX03X104 90.86 91.53 851 0.67 36 0.00 0.06 0.01 6.54 LM50 Au Au ZKX03X101 86.51 87.84 825 1.33 895 1.03 0.06 4.41 0.16 LM50 Au Au ZKX03X100 94.18 95.95 819 1.77 22 1.20 0.80 2.66 0.04 LM50 Au Au ZKX0184 62.03 62.99 800 0.96 226 1.52 0.23 0.05 0.28 LM50 Au Au ZKX03X095 64.95 66.15 797 1.20 10 0.03 0.04 8.35 0.00 LM50 Au Au ZKX01X102 60.56 61.51 795 0.95 261 0.29 0.14 23.60 0.00 LM50 Au Au ZKX03X151 66.95 68.06 792 1.11 30 0.47 0.22 29.00 0.01 LM50 Au Au ZKX01X101 64.51 65.64 791 1.13 28 2.87 0.07 1.86 0.01 LM50 Au Au ZKX03X152 68.89 70.13 790 1.24 10 0.23 0.03 3.38 0.01 LM50 Au Au ZKX03X090 101.91 104.98 788 3.07 92 2.82 0.18 5.97 0.09 LM50 Au Au ZKX09X081 55.29 56.62 787 1.33 9 0.07 0.08 5.19 0.00 LM50 Au Au ZKX09X017 53.07 54.13 787 1.06 51 0.56 0.24 6.35 0.04 LM50 Au Au ZKX07X092 55.02 56.15 786 1.13 21 0.34 0.09 4.53 0.00 LM50 Au Au ZKX09X016 55.59 58.41 786 2.82 52 2.04 0.26 2.07 0.03 LM50 Au Au ZKX03X153 80.63 82.26 783 1.63 10 0.19 0.04 5.14 0.01 LM50 Au Au ZKX05X165 122.19 123.38 825 1.19 119 1.57 0.09 0.49 0.04 LM50_3 Au Au ZKX11012 54.86 55.82 684 0.96 12 0.35 0.22 2.76 0.01 LM51 Au Au ZKX10515 145.69 146.79 542 1.10 4 0.01 0.18 9.23 0.01 LM54 Au Au ZKX10756 119.6 121.12 579 1.52 16 0.50 0.30 5.54 0.04 LM54_1 Au Au ZKX10515 75.74 77.45 569 1.71 4 0.04 0.06 4.02 0.01 LM54_1 Au Au ZKX10519 53.69 56.05 567 2.36 5 0.04 0.05 7.18 0.00 LM54_1 Au Au ZKX13215 4.66 5.41 910 0.75 9 0.02 0.01 3.99 0.00 LM58 Au Au ZKX10529 112.07 113.54 584 1.47 3 0.01 0.01 2.82 0.01 NA Au Au ZKX0626 62.69 63.19 768 0.50 15 0.03 0.15 0.05 2.92 LM21 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX0264 61.04 62.34 741 1.30 434 0.74 0.15 0.31 0.02 LM21 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX0275 79.21 79.8 729 0.59 2 0.01 0.01 4.73 0.22 LM21 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX0279 77.12 77.63 724 0.51 3 0.01 0.01 7.10 0.32 LM21 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX0277 126.46 127.22 694 0.76 119 3.58 0.58 0.13 0.02 LM21 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX12812 16.92 17.45 687 0.53 239 0.34 0.13 0.05 0.01 LM21 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX03X083 105.04 105.6 653 0.56 102 0.01 0.12 3.37 14.36 LM21 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX0186 104.27 104.78 652 0.51 13 0.01 0.01 5.42 1.29 LM21 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX03X067 53.6 54.1 648 0.50 38 0.17 0.10 5.62 0.19 LM21 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX01X076 85.61 86.11 698 0.50 4 0.00 0.01 3.40 0.46 LM21_1 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX0372 83.94 85 957 1.06 80 0.62 0.40 0.03 2.73 LM22 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX05X127 135.15 135.66 937 0.51 212 2.26 0.20 0.18 4.29 LM22 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX11466 254.51 255.21 822 0.70 71 0.63 0.14 0.10 1.68 LM22 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX0469 19.66 20.17 747 0.51 42 0.04 0.06 1.28 2.04 LM23 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX10639 23.67 24.23 704 0.56 40 0.13 0.36 26.27 0.01 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX11040 42.71 44.72 689 2.01 1,154 0.04 0.06 1.09 0.09 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX03X140 56.35 58.13 688 1.78 29 5.40 0.04 0.15 0.01 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX0533 41.4 42.17 681 0.77 739 6.24 1.03 0.06 0.14 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX11061 63.05 63.55 680 0.50 7 0.03 0.05 3.38 0.00 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX11032 51.3 51.94 672 0.64 27 0.03 0.02 4.67 2.76 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX01X025 118.15 119.57 672 1.42 886 0.05 0.01 0.18 0.04 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX07X108 88.45 89.75 666 1.30 1,255 11.89 0.33 0.41 0.07 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX0185 107.85 112.19 664 4.34 149 1.80 0.13 0.03 0.08 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX05X053 76.49 77.56 664 1.07 59 0.03 0.03 4.74 1.90 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX00X037 55.24 55.87 647 0.63 10 0.05 0.08 3.16 0.12 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX01X023 56.37 56.87 646 0.50 216 0.64 0.15 2.70 0.81 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX05X093 33.64 36.38 641 2.74 253 1.45 0.39 0.12 0.09 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX03X075 67.99 69.17 637 1.18 3 0.01 0.01 2.74 0.22 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX00X034 62.1 65.01 637 2.91 1,542 1.80 0.72 1.07 1.15 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX03X078 116.79 118.18 609 1.39 1,260 0.09 0.04 0.48 0.86 LM26 Au-Cu-Ag Au ZKX1826 116.05 116.57 1,091 0.52 32 0.44 0.19 19.61 0.25 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W ZKX13620 81.96 82.6 1,036 0.64 4 0.01 0.01 3.38 0.63 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W ZKX1206 19.09 19.62 1,036 0.53 3 0.02 0.04 3.82 0.81 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W ZKX13666 26.42 26.98 1,035 0.56 396 0.06 0.00 0.58 0.91 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W ZKX1423 32.88 36.55 1,034 3.67 9 0.01 0.02 3.33 1.26 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W ZKX1416 22.44 22.99 1,033 0.55 3 0.01 0.01 3.50 0.54 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W ZKX13664 26.09 26.68 1,031 0.59 30 0.00 0.05 5.28 20.28 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W ZKX1207 17.32 17.82 1,031 0.50 67 0.11 0.17 1.42 2.21 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W ZKX1019 32.07 32.89 1,019 0.82 31 0.01 0.01 34.13 4.45 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W ZKX0679 9.47 11.75 992 2.28 23 0.01 0.02 11.10 1.80 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W ZKX0473 5.24 6.84 990 1.60 172 0.78 0.20 0.05 0.04 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W ZKX14410 88.9 90.47 966 1.57 1 0.00 0.01 4.73 0.00 LM28 Au-Cu-Ag W

High Grade Silver-Lead Veins at the W Zone ZKX1417 85 86.19 1,094 1.19 174 1.14 0.29 0.05 0.22 W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX1606 179.71 185.34 1,035 5.63 177 0.78 0.12 0.01 0.05 W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX0825 79.27 82.33 1,032 3.06 1,346 5.35 0.82 0.05 0.29 W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX1012 148.44 149.89 1,012 1.45 155 2.83 0.63 0.05 0.04 W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX0656 61.02 62.15 1,003 1.13 808 4.16 0.20 0.05 0.12 W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14229 7.05 7.62 993 0.57 670 0.51 0.45 0.01 0.04 W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13830 21.85 23.11 871 1.26 413 1.87 0.44 0.05 0.14 W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13831 32.44 35.13 871 2.69 653 2.36 0.69 0.05 0.19 W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13828 27.61 28.94 869 1.33 186 0.57 0.03 0.03 0.04 W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13838 17.04 17.78 869 0.74 456 4.44 0.18 0.05 0.07 W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14023 43.19 44.15 851 0.96 175 2.02 0.28 0.05 0.01 W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX1018 1.1 1.7 1,045 0.60 183 0.69 0.13 0.13 0.08 W18 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14411 50.76 51.94 1,013 1.18 179 3.49 1.17 0.05 0.08 W18 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14233 70.01 70.77 986 0.76 43 5.12 0.20 0.02 0.01 W18 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14414 76.2 78.01 982 1.81 1,129 0.74 0.64 0.04 0.24 W18 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14217 46.19 46.93 921 0.74 245 0.70 0.13 0.01 0.01 W18 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14406 54.16 54.8 908 0.64 221 5.61 0.28 0.05 0.02 W18 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13819 70.22 71 842 0.78 251 2.78 1.58 0.05 0.07 W18 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14220 21.8 22.4 931 0.60 42 0.19 0.17 0.01 3.42 W18E Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX1418 29.92 31.43 1,115 1.51 400 0.80 0.12 0.05 0.08 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX1607 59.14 60.66 1,108 1.52 319 0.61 0.17 0.05 0.03 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX0838 142.61 143.95 1,080 1.34 594 7.63 0.18 0.03 0.04 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX0839 157.35 158.13 1,069 0.78 593 2.75 0.69 0.01 0.30 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX1420 141.14 143.76 1,047 2.62 200 1.08 0.06 0.05 0.03 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX1613 137.35 155.37 1,024 18.02 2,705 0.67 0.26 0.07 0.14 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13667 81.65 86.62 1,018 4.97 1,393 1.39 0.27 0.01 0.13 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13666 75.31 77.9 1,017 2.59 247 0.17 0.13 0.02 0.02 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13664 93.53 94.7 996 1.17 686 3.09 0.82 0.04 0.07 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14008 135.94 136.66 960 0.72 214 0.68 0.04 0.02 0.02 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14256 115.26 115.98 902 0.72 493 10.47 7.44 0.01 0.10 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14250 139.29 139.8 874 0.51 235 1.89 0.50 0.05 0.05 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14248 92.32 93.27 872 0.95 55 12.85 0.05 0.02 0.01 W18W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14256 3.03 4.62 935 1.59 265 0.25 0.28 0.01 0.03 W18W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14250 11.88 12.38 932 0.50 217 6.71 0.28 0.05 0.09 W18W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14032 11.34 12.67 929 1.33 416 3.49 0.16 0.08 0.11 W18W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13819 0 0.8 884 0.80 685 1.52 0.24 0.05 0.11 W18W1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14248 75.71 78.36 875 2.65 98 6.25 0.07 0.02 0.02 W18Wa Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14231 32.29 32.88 969 0.59 738 0.73 0.22 0.03 0.08 W1W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX1412 150.48 151 1,052 0.52 1,078 0.25 0.15 0.05 0.02 W2 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX1613 106.4 109.25 1,047 2.85 247 1.33 0.07 0.05 0.03 W2W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13417 44.88 46.45 982 1.57 499 2.50 1.52 0.02 0.10 W6 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13826 47.67 48.18 929 0.51 232 10.53 0.13 0.02 0.05 W6 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13208 174.9 175.57 901 0.67 362 0.52 0.27 0.01 0.09 W6 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13831 58.82 59.37 860 0.55 467 1.85 0.58 0.20 0.04 W6 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14241 99.67 100.39 806 0.72 266 3.74 1.29 0.20 0.04 W6a Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14039 65.05 66 840 0.95 224 0.78 0.18 0.03 0.03 W6E Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13828 82.82 84.62 839 1.80 1,367 8.66 1.12 0.08 0.32 W6E Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX12813 275.21 275.8 674 0.59 610 41.32 4.96 0.05 0.03 W6E Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX12815 154.37 158.69 659 4.32 34 6.51 3.23 0.05 0.01 W6E Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13409 136.33 138.57 919 2.24 767 4.23 1.70 0.04 0.13 W6E1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13662 85.07 85.61 908 0.54 421 1.85 0.30 0.01 0.08 W6E1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13825 102.98 103.71 878 0.73 1,770 5.06 2.10 0.16 0.08 W6E1 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX0266 92.62 93.6 979 0.98 324 0.41 0.25 0.05 0.07 W6E2 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13417 115.47 117.2 964 1.73 285 0.61 0.80 0.03 0.12 W6E2 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13637 111.87 112.48 914 0.61 1,206 1.79 0.61 0.03 0.32 W6E2 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13831 121.28 121.94 833 0.66 1,734 4.09 0.30 0.05 0.31 W6E2 Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13825 27.96 28.73 919 0.77 47 5.52 0.23 0.05 0.02 W6W Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX0839 33.36 34.16 1,127 0.80 139 1.34 0.11 0.01 2.97 NA Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13667 75.55 76.69 1,019 1.14 169 2.68 0.23 0.01 0.04 NA Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX1206 100.23 100.76 998 0.53 335 0.15 0.04 0.02 0.04 NA Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14408 31.93 34.06 984 2.13 413 0.75 0.46 0.03 0.07 NA Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14016 83.7 84.3 974 0.60 180 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.32 NA Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14256 12.99 13.49 932 0.50 350 0.51 0.04 0.01 0.06 NA Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX13409 130.11 130.91 919 0.80 199 3.00 0.07 0.03 0.02 NA Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14248 97.83 99.74 872 1.91 341 0.80 1.74 0.02 0.07 NA Ag-Pb-Zn W ZKX14023 50.39 51.79 846 1.40 185 0.44 0.49 0.05 0.02 NA Ag-Pb-Zn W High-Grade Silver-Lead-Zinc Veins at the E Zone ZKX1527 123.29 124.82 1,062 1.53 296 0.90 0.10 0.05 0.04 LM17 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX1719 106.64 107.93 1,053 1.29 240 0.24 0.14 0.01 0.06 LM17 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX1520 147.32 147.87 1,022 0.55 160 5.59 5.00 0.05 0.05 LM17 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX1520 147.87 149.09 1,022 1.22 214 1.17 0.51 0.05 0.08 LM17 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX1517 29.96 33.02 997 3.06 958 0.38 0.19 0.05 0.05 LM17W1 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11535 30.14 31.05 982 0.91 246 0.39 0.08 0.05 0.01 LM17W2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11338 222.17 222.97 898 0.80 339 1.69 0.43 0.02 0.17 LM17W2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11157 229.58 230.14 865 0.56 277 0.39 1.35 0.03 0.08 LM17W2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11333 213.18 214.4 860 1.22 709 9.67 0.23 0.02 0.25 LM17W2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11343 100.97 101.91 845 0.94 901 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.05 LM17W2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11167 91.9 92.48 827 0.58 197 2.57 0.27 0.05 0.08 LM17W2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11330 102.84 103.37 878 0.53 291 2.07 0.30 0.05 0.08 LM41 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11526 116.97 119.04 870 2.07 577 2.32 0.18 0.01 0.10 LM41 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX10529 9.05 9.63 598 0.58 118 6.75 1.11 0.05 0.01 LM41 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX10991 127.66 128.51 574 0.85 221 1.34 0.15 0.05 0.07 LM41 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX10766 120.43 121.41 574 0.98 200 8.28 0.27 0.05 0.11 LM41 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11332 200.05 201.36 868 1.31 288 0.35 0.14 0.05 0.04 LM41_1 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11329 182.66 183.22 784 0.56 305 0.36 0.07 0.05 0.01 LM41_1 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11534 226.52 227.3 855 0.78 727 0.86 0.16 0.05 0.13 LM41E Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11539 126.67 127.19 837 0.52 882 6.39 0.14 0.03 0.29 LM41E Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11339 124.42 125.41 835 0.99 239 0.64 0.11 0.05 0.14 LM41E Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11167 131.33 131.96 818 0.63 1,394 1.79 0.41 0.17 0.24 LM41E Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX10955 124.46 125.48 672 1.02 245 0.96 0.13 0.05 0.02 LM41E Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11159 111.27 112.54 636 1.27 324 7.64 1.07 0.38 0.03 LM41E Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11162 109.71 113.33 613 3.62 661 3.08 0.66 0.17 0.03 LM41E Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX10756 165.04 165.8 571 0.76 1,582 4.36 0.51 1.66 0.15 LM41E Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11144 158.5 159.27 569 0.77 162 21.00 0.38 0.04 0.01 LM41E Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11535 84.62 85.12 948 0.50 315 0.66 0.19 0.05 0.03 LM41E1 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX1527 84.39 85.41 1,075 1.02 205 0.74 0.11 0.05 0.09 LM41E2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX1719 99.32 99.83 1,056 0.51 238 0.67 0.07 0.01 0.03 LM41E2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX1370 101.67 103.04 1,037 1.37 794 1.85 0.09 0.05 0.14 LM41E2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX1517 89.59 90.09 989 0.50 353 0.25 0.07 0.05 0.01 LM41E2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX1518 93.43 94.42 974 0.99 398 5.01 0.98 0.05 0.09 LM41E2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX1754 62.37 63.49 952 1.12 807 9.80 0.47 0.05 0.06 LM41E2 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11340 103.6 105.03 829 1.43 267 0.79 0.07 0.01 0.03 LM41E3 Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX1527 128.39 128.89 1,061 0.50 166 0.96 0.61 0.05 0.05 NA Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11337 198.06 198.81 895 0.75 164 2.57 0.36 0.19 0.06 NA Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11337 226.12 227.47 889 1.35 252 0.73 0.32 0.13 0.09 NA Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX11157 183.16 183.68 879 0.52 269 0.58 0.08 0.03 0.09 NA Ag-Pb-Zn E ZKX10990 103.75 104.36 617 0.61 32 4.60 0.05 0.05 0.01 NA Ag-Pb-Zn E High-Grade Veins at the Production Zone ZKX03X135 84.64 85.21 689 0.57 407 1.65 2.88 0.05 0.16 LM10 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX01X069 16.37 16.97 687 0.60 970 3.95 3.68 0.23 0.24 LM10 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX01X039 102.51 103.05 840 0.54 204 0.78 4.57 0.05 0.01 LM11E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX03X068 40.49 44.2 661 3.71 218 0.81 0.44 0.05 0.08 LM11E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX03X101 92.13 93.05 820 0.92 335 1.27 0.13 0.02 0.20 LM11E1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11428 11.2 12.25 697 1.05 217 0.76 0.08 0.01 0.21 LM11E1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX05X156 67.45 68.24 650 0.79 653 2.90 1.60 0.05 0.18 LM11E1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX07X106 49.44 50.81 694 1.37 240 2.33 0.16 0.05 0.11 LM12 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11041 91.39 91.89 676 0.50 219 1.13 0.16 0.05 0.17 LM12 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX00X044 76.32 77.65 669 1.33 374 0.25 0.02 1.41 0.01 LM12 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0620 115.01 115.75 733 0.74 206 1.36 0.05 0.05 0.22 LM12_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0626 135.09 135.82 732 0.73 105 3.26 0.05 0.05 0.12 LM12_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX04X006 99.99 100.99 681 1.00 700 0.61 0.75 0.17 0.28 LM12_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX07X110 98.5 99.65 649 1.15 1,341 1.81 0.17 0.18 0.10 LM12_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX07X110 104.61 109.6 646 4.99 1,633 2.11 0.21 0.21 0.12 LM12_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX07X108 71.08 72.24 673 1.16 1,115 2.70 6.49 0.41 0.20 LM12_2 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX07X089 76.73 79.28 672 2.55 317 0.53 0.57 0.07 0.06 LM12_2 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX05X053 65.34 69.06 669 3.72 154 0.92 0.42 0.14 0.06 LM12_2 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0185 114.02 115.04 661 1.02 106 2.59 0.80 0.02 0.55 LM12_2 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX05X172 65.86 66.98 659 1.12 387 0.80 0.44 0.14 0.11 LM12_2 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX05X173 15.15 16.28 682 1.13 1,079 8.87 0.33 0.06 0.40 LM12_2a Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX05X052 84.15 85.19 678 1.04 755 10.08 0.20 0.11 0.34 LM12_2a Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX07X108 77 77.56 671 0.56 485 1.43 0.89 0.17 0.11 LM12_2a Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX07X117 20.94 24.27 640 3.33 251 2.60 0.42 0.18 0.05 LM12_5 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0738 32.18 33.24 627 1.06 735 0.59 0.32 0.18 0.12 LM12_5 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX09X072 38.86 40.1 627 1.24 283 1.44 0.70 0.24 0.63 LM12_5 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX00X019 159 162.7 711 3.70 665 3.52 0.40 0.05 0.29 LM12E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX10645 35.94 36.81 696 0.87 163 22.00 0.27 0.05 0.01 LM12E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX05X162 62.54 63.23 690 0.69 380 1.84 0.12 0.02 0.16 LM12E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX03X141 92.88 93.67 665 0.79 1,834 4.96 0.96 0.18 0.10 LM12E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0371 73.45 74.42 937 0.97 197 0.42 0.52 0.03 0.07 LM12E1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0195 71.48 71.98 926 0.50 180 1.73 0.26 0.05 0.05 LM12E1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX00X019 111.48 112.65 754 1.17 53 15.48 0.69 0.05 0.02 LM12E1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX03X140 66.65 67.23 686 0.58 182 10.27 0.07 0.05 0.04 LM12E1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX07X106 56.91 57.5 693 0.59 632 1.49 0.14 0.09 0.04 LM12a Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX07X110 136.15 136.66 630 0.51 226 0.72 0.22 0.10 0.09 LM12a Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX01X063 72.1 72.78 837 0.68 940 0.55 0.16 0.05 0.04 LM13W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11252 10.94 12.58 799 1.64 208 1.75 0.05 0.05 0.19 LM13W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0626 3.11 6.04 798 2.93 281 0.34 0.03 0.05 0.08 LM13W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0620 4.12 4.9 797 0.78 1,035 0.58 0.10 0.05 0.35 LM13W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11456 13.9 16.15 791 2.25 249 6.70 0.47 0.04 0.07 LM13W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11439 23.03 24.94 786 1.91 465 2.35 0.78 0.13 0.19 LM13W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX02X011 84.12 85.05 764 0.93 212 3.28 1.66 0.05 0.06 LM13W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX03X117 50.23 50.78 722 0.55 139 8.19 0.06 0.03 0.70 LM13W2 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX10996 114.88 115.75 834 0.87 896 1.98 0.19 0.05 0.64 LM14 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX04X003 24.27 24.86 732 0.59 408 1.69 0.21 0.01 0.17 LM14 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX04X008 65.9 78.82 686 12.92 982 5.36 0.34 0.36 0.07 LM14 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0684 99.5 100.25 662 0.75 410 6.06 2.44 3.98 0.09 LM14_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11454 16.01 17.53 642 1.52 73 4.15 0.19 0.02 0.01 LM14_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11431 106.62 107.4 663 0.78 405 3.89 0.11 0.10 0.01 LM14_3 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11248 59.85 60.99 637 1.14 329 0.54 0.19 0.05 0.03 LM14_3 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0469 94.72 97.68 728 2.96 291 1.00 0.43 0.03 0.21 LM17 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0668 82.47 83.58 716 1.11 374 0.62 0.25 0.02 0.25 LM17 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0274 80.37 81.27 697 0.90 746 2.25 1.55 0.03 0.18 LM17 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX4221 79.12 84.57 563 5.45 243 0.78 0.22 0.05 0.05 LM17 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX01X101 14.7 15.26 840 0.56 116 2.98 0.07 0.03 0.01 LM19 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX01X102 22.68 23.18 832 0.50 182 2.33 0.02 0.20 0.01 LM19 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11428 82.77 84.1 681 1.33 334 0.70 0.44 0.12 0.10 LM19_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11033 31.73 32.31 583 0.58 935 4.61 0.26 0.13 0.15 LM19_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11034 35.68 36.28 575 0.60 459 2.52 0.52 0.09 0.12 LM19_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX05X076 135.01 138.35 531 3.34 1,698 0.42 0.07 0.66 0.11 LM19_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX10820 64.74 65.7 671 0.96 1,834 1.60 0.10 0.05 0.01 LM19W1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11606 36.32 38.1 736 1.78 1,033 6.86 0.08 0.14 0.16 LM19W1E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX00X014 94.95 95.96 681 1.01 364 2.21 0.11 0.01 0.03 LM19W2 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11456 117.28 118.15 725 0.87 514 5.02 0.20 0.04 0.41 LM19Wa Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11439 130.94 131.78 715 0.84 303 2.02 0.09 0.05 0.53 LM19Wa Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX01X044 41.85 43.93 726 2.08 201 0.61 1.44 0.02 0.10 LM19Wa Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0371 42.29 42.83 952 0.54 189 8.32 0.10 0.03 0.02 LM20 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX07X097 70.83 71.43 817 0.60 214 0.98 1.77 0.17 0.02 LM20 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX09X094 101.46 102.24 579 0.78 172 1.92 0.10 0.11 0.11 LM20 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX09X071 57.7 59.44 647 1.74 70 3.77 0.05 0.05 0.02 LM20_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0740 59.03 60.7 618 1.67 376 0.15 0.02 0.01 0.01 LM20_1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX05X162 75.07 75.62 689 0.55 739 8.68 1.24 0.21 0.13 LM20W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX05X163 88.67 89.96 661 1.29 356 0.08 0.03 0.82 0.12 LM20W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX12815 161.62 164.88 658 3.26 337 4.42 0.71 0.15 0.05 LM25 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX12818 41.53 42.67 910 1.14 495 0.10 0.05 0.05 0.05 LM25W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0287 30.98 32.3 913 1.32 272 0.64 0.06 0.01 0.02 LM25W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11418 53.08 53.95 623 0.87 156 7.20 0.15 0.11 0.94 LM27 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11012 71.74 75.3 679 3.56 485 5.50 1.12 0.40 0.11 LM30 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX03X133 99.76 101.79 662 2.03 252 0.54 0.11 0.01 0.01 LM30 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11418 48.74 49.35 626 0.61 827 7.59 0.31 0.12 0.72 LM30 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11450 52.47 53.7 614 1.23 311 7.26 0.17 0.05 0.57 LM30 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11242 100.3 101.48 631 1.18 787 1.94 0.26 0.01 0.12 LM32 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11242 21.1 22.82 646 1.72 277 1.55 0.47 0.01 0.09 LM32E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11249 18.35 19.49 643 1.14 433 4.18 0.52 0.05 0.14 LM32E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11241 23.78 25.58 637 1.80 4,738 2.12 1.33 0.19 0.64 LM32E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11248 71.69 72.83 635 1.14 282 0.60 0.58 0.05 0.11 LM32E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11453 82.61 83.2 599 0.59 340 11.32 0.12 0.07 0.03 LM32E Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11249 44.38 45.72 634 1.34 574 4.13 0.13 0.05 0.17 LM32E1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11248 122.46 123.51 625 1.05 922 6.37 1.92 0.05 0.28 LM32E1 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0947 106.45 107.31 670 0.86 394 0.18 0.02 0.05 0.16 LM7 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX1727 84.44 85.2 573 0.76 28 6.60 0.12 0.05 0.16 LM7 Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX09X016 22.01 23.42 818 1.41 456 0.24 0.09 0.05 0.01 LM7W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX09X069 34.87 35.73 808 0.86 157 2.35 0.08 0.09 0.02 LM7W Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX03X099 18.24 19.46 891 1.22 395 1.21 0.12 0.05 0.17 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX10317 129.9 130.41 725 0.51 1,730 2.29 2.31 0.02 0.17 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0255 27.44 28.64 695 1.20 554 1.60 0.66 0.03 0.13 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11439 166.99 167.81 692 0.82 247 0.57 0.16 0.05 0.26 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX03X121 83.23 83.96 684 0.73 174 1.87 0.08 0.01 0.32 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX00X014 147.35 148.56 671 1.21 186 2.98 0.84 0.05 0.03 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX00X078 75.65 76.83 661 1.18 80 4.95 0.02 0.05 0.01 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11262 1.14 1.78 649 0.64 229 1.08 0.33 0.05 0.01 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11032 152.81 153.39 622 0.58 205 1.02 0.11 0.16 0.04 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX11241 83.63 84.22 606 0.59 533 0.63 1.09 0.05 0.18 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX0548 153.55 154.1 574 0.55 173 1.07 0.22 0.05 0.07 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P ZKX05X076 147.87 148.99 519 1.12 225 3.39 0.08 0.05 0.11 NA Ag-Pb-Zn P

Note: [NA] No vein id has been assigned

Quality Control

Drill cores are NQ size. Drill core samples, limited by apparent mineralization contacts or shear/alteration contacts, were split into halves by sawing. The half cores are stored in the Company's core shacks for future reference and checks, and the other half core samples are shipped in securely sealed bags to the Chengde Huakan 514 Geology and Minerals Test and Research Institute in Chengde, Hebei Province, China, 226 km northeast of Beijing, the Zhengzhou Nonferrous Exploration Institute Lab in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, and SGS in Tianjin, China. All three labs are ISO9000 certified analytical labs. For analysis, the sample is dried and crushed to minus 1mm and then split into a 200-300 g subsample which is further pulverized to minus 200 mesh. Two subsamples are prepared from the pulverized sample. One is digested with aqua regia for gold analysis with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and the other is digested by two-acid digestion for analysis of silver, lead, zinc and copper with AAS.

Channel samples are collected along sample lines perpendicular to the mineralized vein structure in exploration tunnels. Spacing between sampling lines is typically 5 m along strike. Both the mineralized vein and the altered wall rocks are cut by continuous chisel chipping. Sample length ranges from 0.4 m to more than 1 m, depending on the width of the mineralized vein and the mineralization type. Channel samples are prepared and assayed with AAS at Silvercorp's mine laboratory (Ying Lab) located at the mill complex in Luoning County, Henan Province, China. The Ying lab is officially accredited by the Quality and Technology Monitoring Bureau of Henan Province and is qualified to provide analytical services. The channel samples are dried, crushed and pulverized. A 200 g sample of minus 160 mesh is prepared for assay. A duplicate sample of minus 1mm is made and kept in the laboratory archives. Gold is analysed by fire assay with AAS finish, while silver, lead, zinc and copper are assayed by two-acid digestion with AAS finish.

A routine quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedure is adopted to monitor the analytical quality at each lab. Certified reference materials (CRMs), pulp duplicates and blanks are inserted into each batch of lab samples. QA/QC data at the lab are attached to the assay certificates for each batch of samples.

The Company maintains its own comprehensive QA/QC program to ensure best practices in sample preparation and analysis of the exploration samples. Project geologists regularly insert CRM, field duplicates and blanks to each batch of 30 core samples to monitor the sample preparation and analysis procedures at the labs. The analytical quality of the labs is further evaluated with external checks by sending approximately 3-5% of the pulp samples to higher level labs to check for lab bias. Data from both the Company's and the labs' QA/QC programs are reviewed on a timely basis by project geologists.

Guoliang Ma, P. Geo., Manager of Exploration and Resource of the Company, is the Qualified Person for Silvercorp for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (''NI 43-101'') and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. The Qualified Person is of the opinion that the sample preparation, analytical, and security procedures followed for the samples are sufficient and reliable for the purpose of this news release and for the purpose of any future mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates. There were no limitations on the Qualified Persons' verification process. Silvercorp is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data reported herein.

About Silvercorp

Silvercorp is a Canadian mining company producing silver, gold, lead, and zinc with a long history of profitability and growth potential. The Company's strategy is to create shareholder value by 1) focusing on generating free cashflow from long life mines; 2) organic growth through extensive drilling for discovery; 3) ongoing merger and acquisition efforts to unlock value; and 4) long term commitment to responsible mining and ESG. For more information, please visit our website at www.silvercorpmetals.com.

For further information

Silvercorp Metals Inc.

Lon Shaver

President

Phone: (604) 669-9397

Toll Free 1(888) 224-1881

Email: investor@silvercorp.ca

Website: www.silvercorpmetals.com

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER - FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain of the statements and information in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategies", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "budgets", "schedules", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the price of silver and other metals; foreign exchange rates; the accuracy of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates at the Company's material properties; estimated mine life and any anticipated changes related thereto; the sufficiency of the Company's capital to finance the Company's operations; estimates of the Company's revenues and capital expenditures; estimated production from the Company's mines in the Ying Mining District; timing of receipt of permits and regulatory approvals; availability of funds from production to finance the Company's operations; and access to and availability of funding for future construction, use of proceeds from any financing and development of the Company's properties.

Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, risks relating to: fluctuating commodity prices; calculation of resources, reserves and mineralization and precious and base metal recovery; interpretations and assumptions of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; exploration and development programs; feasibility and engineering reports; permits and licenses; title to properties; property interests; joint venture partners; acquisition of commercially mineable mineral rights; financing; recent market events and conditions; economic factors affecting the Company; timing, estimated amount, capital and operating expenditures and economic returns of future production; integration of future acquisitions into the Company's existing operations; competition; operations and political conditions; regulatory environment in China, Ecuador and Canada; our ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws; environmental risks; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing global climate change or other environmental concerns; insurance; risks and hazards of mining operations; key personnel; conflicts of interest; dependence on management; internal control over financial reporting as per the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and bringing actions and enforcing judgments under U.S. securities laws.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended March 31, 2024 under the heading "Risk Factors". Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

The Company's forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information.

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO US INVESTORS

The technical and scientific information contained herein has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum classification system, which differs significantly from the standards adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, the technical and scientific information contained herein, including any estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies subject to the disclosure requirements of the SEC. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release uses the terms "measured resources," "indicated resources" and "inferred resources" as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards.

Further to recent amendments, mineral property disclosure requirements in the United States (the "U.S. Rules") are governed by subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") which differ from the CIM Standards. As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system (the "MJDS"), the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the U.S. Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. If the Company ceases to be a foreign private issuer or loses its eligibility to file its annual report on Form 40-F pursuant to the MJDS, then the Company will be subject to the U.S. Rules, which differ from the requirements of NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards.

Pursuant to the new U.S. Rules, the SEC recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources." In addition, the definitions of "proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" under the U.S. Rules are now "substantially similar" to the corresponding standards under NI 43-101. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Accordingly, U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, or inferred mineral resources that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable. Further, "inferred mineral resources" have a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. While the above terms under the U.S. Rules are "substantially similar" to the standards under NI 43-101 and CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the U.S. Rules and CIM Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that the Company may report as "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted under the U.S. Rules.



SOURCE Silvercorp Metals Inc


VANCOUVER, Dec. 18, 2024 - EMP Metals Corp. (CSE: EMPS) (OTCQB: EMPPF) ("EMP Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its announcement on November 25, 2025, it has issued 432,000 common share purchase warrants (the "Drawdown Fee Warrants") to Tembo Capital Holdings Guernsey Limited ("Tembo"), pursuant to the loan agreement dated November 25, 2024 (the "Loan Agreement") with Tembo.

The Drawdown Fee Warrants were issued following the drawdown by the Company of US$2,000,000 from the non-revolving loan facility provided under the Loan Agreement, which is to be repaid, along with the interest of 13.5% per annum accrued thereon, by the Company on December 31, 2025.

Each Drawdown Fee Warrant is exercisable to acquire one (1) common share of the Company (a "Common Share") at an exercise price of CDN$0.35 per Common Share until December 18, 2026.

The Drawdown Fee Warrants, including the Common Shares issuable on the exercise thereof, are subject to a hold period expiring on April 19, 2025.

About EMP Metals

EMP Metals is a Canadian-based lithium exploration and development company focused on large-scale resources using direct lithium extraction (DLE). EMP Metals currently holds 196,000 net (79,300 hectares) acres of Subsurface Dispositions and strategic wellbores in Southern Saskatchewan. For more information, please go to the Company's website at www.empmetals.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are 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. EMP Metals cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond EMP Metals' control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to EMP Metals' limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration and development objectives on its mineral properties, obtaining the necessary permits to carry out its activities and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, EMP Metals undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE EMP Metals Corp.







For more information, please contact:



Rob Gamley, President, rob@empmetals.com, Phone: 1-604-689-7422; Paul Schubach, COO, paul@empmetals.com, Phone: 1-306-519-8341


WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, Dec. 18, 2024 - Sandfire Resources America Inc. ("Sandfire America" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional drill results from its 2024 exploration drilling program since the Company's news release dated July 24, 2024. The ongoing drilling program aims to upgrade and expand the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone resource of 1.2Mt at 6.8% Cu (Measured and Indicated) and 0.5Mt at 5.9% Cu (Inferred).

HIGHLIGHTS

Continued exploration success at the Johnny Lee Copper deposit at the Black Butte Copper Project in Montana, USA.

Sandfire America has completed thirty-two drill holes in the current drill program. This update highlights results from eleven holes, with the significant results from the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone including: Drillhole SC24-296 3.19m at 19.46% Cu from 471.86m Drillhole SC24-302 2.84m at 8.98% Cu from 357.36m Drillhole SC24-303 2.79m at 11.82% Cu from 364.93m





See Table 1 below.

The ongoing 2024 drill program focuses on upgrading and expanding the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone resource which at last estimate consists of a measured and indicated resource of 1.2 million tonnes grading 6.8% Cu and an inferred resource of 0.5 million tonnes of 5.9% Cu (2020 Technical Report authored by GR Engineering*). Recent holes were designed to both infill and better define the outer boundaries of the Lower Copper Zone resource. Ongoing drilling includes gathering sample material for geotechnical and metallurgical testing. Since December 2023, the Company has drilled approximately 13,800 meters.

VP of Exploration, Jerry Zieg shared, "We are pleased with our additional drilling results. Our drilling is achieving consistent high-grade intersections in and around the resource as well as clearly defining its boundaries. This much improves the integrity of the resource model and adds significant value to the Black Butte project."

The current drill program is planned to extend into mid-summer of 2025 and is expected to lead to expansion and increased definition of the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone. The drill program will also provide sample material from both the Johnny Lee Upper and Lower Copper Zones for metallurgical testing and geotechnical testing; all with the expectation to better understand the economics of the project. The Company added a second drill in late November and plans to add a third drill in January 2025. Geological and geochemical results from the drilling program and from metallurgical and geotechnical testing will provide information for an updated Feasibility Study for the Johnny Lee deposit with an expected completion in 2026.

CEO Lincoln Greenidge closed stating, "We continue working diligently with this positive forward momentum to improve the permitted resource. This will ensure a robust Feasibility Study which will lead to an informed final investment decision related to building the project."

Table 1. Black Butte Copper 2024 Exploration Drilling Program Results

Drill hole ID collar x collar y collar z azimuth dip total depth From (m) To (m) Width (m) Cu % Resource SC23-278 506700.0 5180717.0 1741.0 16.6 -67.9 489.29 64.98 81.36 16.38 1.42 Upper Copper Zone SC23-278 433.46 446.37 12.91 4.7 Lower Copper Zone SC24-279 506628.0 5180702.0 1748.0 36.8 -70.2 502.31 62.86 76.25 13.39 2.3 Upper Copper Zone SC24-279 461.73 467.10 5.37 10.2 Lower Copper Zone SC24-280 507100.0 5180848.7 1709.4 36.8 -70.2 442.48 weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-281 506441.5 5180834.2 1767.5 31.8 -77.5 486.61 94.98 100.58 5.60 1.84 Upper Copper Zone SC24-281 431.66 437.54 5.88 4.60 Lower Copper Zone SC24-282 507650.0 5180746.0 1735.0 194.2 -86.5 494.57 weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-283 507213.0 5180540.0 1713.0 43.0 -71.5 560.98 471.44 477.93 6.49 2.45 Lower Copper Zone SC24-284 506900.0 5180832.0 1721.2 35.2 -83.0 426.11 383.44 392.98 9.54 7.42 Lower Copper Zone with 386.72 392.98 6.26 10.68 SC24-285 506900.0 5180832.0 1721.2 28.9 -67.6 392.03 363.65 365.45 1.8 15.30 Lower Copper Zone SC24-286 506609.0 5180868.0 1779.0 45.4 -73.9 495.67 77.23 80.77 3.54 4.67 Upper Copper Zone SC24-286 438.25 446.78 8.53 6.60 Lower Copper Zone SC24-287 506850.0 5180852.0 1731.1 336.0 -71.5 431.9 weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-288 506850.0 5180852.0 1731.0 110.0 -78.8 460.25 396.15 409.34 13.19 12.77 Lower Copper Zone SC24-289 506900.0 5180832.0 1721.0 51.0 -63.0 444.09 weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-290 506425.0 5180870.0 1767.0 82.0 -71.0 90.5 96.16 5.66 1.63 Upper Copper Zone SC24-290 506425.0 5180870.0 1767.0 82.0 -71.0 513.31 476.68 481.39 4.71 4.54 Lower Copper Zone SC24-291A 506622.0 5180877.0 1741.0 58.0 -68.5 507.03 67.25 70.37 3.12 3.67 Upper Copper Zone 80.9 82.9 2.00 5.36 Upper Copper Zone SC24-291A weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-292 506361.5 5180939.0 1771.0 0.0 -84.5 453.54 120.21 125.89 5.68 2.32 Upper Copper Zone SC24-292 369.02 371.81 2.79 4.08 Lower Copper Zone SC24-293 506354.0 5180981.0 1773.0 346.0 -76.5 362.1 126.39 134.92 8.53 4.01 Upper Copper Zone SC24-293 weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-294 506441.5 5180834.0 1768.0 64.0 -80.0 511.45 94.72 101.35 6.63 3.29 Upper Copper Zone SC24-294 Zone faulted away Lower Copper Zone SC24-295 506441.5 5180834.0 1767.55 38 -68 461.95 weakly mineralized Upper Copper Zone SC24-295 weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-296 507052.4 5180697.0 1711 315 -72.5 498.96 471.86 475.05 3.19 19.46 Lower Copper Zone SC24-297 507061.5 5180693.0 1712.6 332 -71.5 514.2 Faulted away Lower Copper Zone SC24-298 506454.0 5181004.0 1784 035 -86 395.63 104.14 115.74 11.6 1.61 Upper Copper Zone with 104.14 109.22 5.08 3.35 Upper Copper Zone SC24-298 368.31 372.95 4.64 1.81 Lower Copper Zone SC24-299 507222.4 5180646.0 1715 54.5 -74 518.6 Faulted away Lower Copper Zone SC24-300 507052.4 5180697.0 1711 319 -79 501.3 weakly mineralized Lower Copper Zone SC24-301 506899.0 5180826.0 1721 350 -59.5 174.65 27.67 36.79 9.12 1.72 Upper Copper Zone SC24-302 506899.0 5180826.0 1721 350 -59.5 383.74 30.8 35.72 4.92 2.21 Upper Copper Zone 357.36 360.2 2.84 8.98 Lower Copper Zone SC24-303 506899.0 5180826.0 1721 17 -60 398.37 364.93 367.72 2.79 11.82 Lower Copper Zone SC24-304 506852.0 5180856.0 1731 350 -70.5 441.84 Assays pending Upper Copper Zone Assays pending Lower Copper Zone SC24-306 506852.0 5180856.0 1731 003 -76 412.94 Assays pending Upper Copper Zone Assays pending Lower Copper Zone SC24-307 506700.0 5180717.0 1741 004 -63.5 492.92 Assays pending Upper Copper Zone Assays pending Lower Copper Zone SC24-307A 506703.7 5180888.5 1385.15 007 -65 77.69 Assays pending Lower Copper Zone SC24-308 506700.0 5180717.0 1741 010 -68.5 523.34 Faulted away Upper Copper Zone Assays pending Lower Copper Zone





Intercept calculations included a minimum of 2 samples above a 1% copper cutoff grade.

1) Drilling conducted by Ruen Drilling of Hope, Idaho. HQ3-sized core was collected. Drill holes were oriented with dips varying between -80 to -70 degrees in relatively variably dipping mineral zones. Intercepts may be slightly longer than true thickness.

2) After being logged and photographed in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, all mineralized zones were sampled by cutting half-core splits which were delivered to ALS labs in Reno Nevada for processing. ALS crushed the entire sample to 85% passing 2mm then split off 1kg, which was ground to 85% passing 75 micron and wet-sieved the split to ensure grinding passed specifications and then assayed for gold by fire assay with AA finish. Base metals were analyzed using a 4-acid digestion and ICP-OES analysis. Various other trace and major elements were also analyzed utilizing ICP procedures. Sandfire America utilized a QA/QC protocol which included inserting Certified Reference Materials (CRM) on a minimum of 1 CRM in 20 samples insertion rate. Assays of duplicates, and blanks were also included as part of the QA/QC program.

3) ALS Labs are accredited by ISO/IEC 170205:2017 methods for North America.

4) Drillhole collars are surveyed conforming to UTM NAD83 Zone 12.

5) The Company is aware of no drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to above.





Figure 1: Drilling completed at the Black Butte Project from mid-December 2023 to December 2024. Black diamonds show pierce points in Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone. Assay results are light brown for high grade and blue for low grade. Colored areas show Measured (red), Indicated (yellow), and Inferred (blue) resource areas from the 2020 Technical Report.

Johnny Lee Copper Deposit

The Johnny Lee deposit has a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 10.9 million tonnes (Mt) at an average copper grade of 2.9% for 311 thousand tonnes (kt) of contained copper (Cu) at a 1.0% Cu cut-off grade, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 2.7 Mt at an average copper grade of 3.0% for 80 kt of contained Cu at a 1.0% Cu cut-off grade (2020 Technical Report*). The Company has received a Mine Operating Permit from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for mine development of this deposit and has completed a majority of Phase I construction on surface construction facilities. The Company received a decision from the Montana Supreme Court on February 26, 2024, to re-instate the mine operating permit and allow construction to move forward.

Qualified Person

Jerry Zieg, Sr. Vice President of Exploration for the Company, is a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI?43-101 and has also reviewed and approved the information of a scientific or technical nature contained in this news release. Mr. Zieg verified the data disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information, or opinions contained in this news release.

*(2020 Technical Report) - "Feasibility Study (Johnny Lee Deposit) and Mineral Resource Estimate Update (Lowry Deposit) - Technical Report NI 43-101" dated October 19, 2020, and news release "Sandfire Resources America Achieves Major Milestones with Completion of Black Butte Copper Project Feasibility Study and Updated Mineral Resource for Lowry Deposit" October 27, 2020, authored by GR Engineering.

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.

Contact Information:

Sandfire Resources America Inc.

Nancy Schlepp, VP of Communications and Government Relations

Mobile: 406-224-8180

Office: 406-547-3466

Email: nschlepp@sandfireamerica.com

www.sandfireamerica.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain disclosures in this document constitute "forward looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "expects", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward?looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding the Company's drilling program and the expected timing and results thereof; the expansion and increased definition of the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone; the Company's plans to add a third drill and the expected timing thereof; and the completion of an updated Feasibility Study for the Johnny Lee deposit and the expected timing thereof.

In making these forward-looking statements, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including that the Company will be able to complete its drilling program as planned or at all; that the Company's planned drilling program will achieve expected results; that the Company will be able to achieve further expansion and increased definition of the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone; that the Company will be able to complete any environmental review, permitting process, or engineering and economic studies required for resource development of the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone; that the Company will be able to add a third drill to the Johnny Lee Lower Copper Zone by January 2025, or at all; and that the Company will be able to complete an updated Feasibility Study for the Johnny Lee deposit in 2026 or at all.

These forward?looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that results of exploration and development activities will not be consistent with management's expectations, delays in obtaining or inability to obtain required government or other regulatory approvals or financing, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the risk of accidents, labor disputes, inclement or hazardous weather conditions, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground control problems, earthquakes, flooding and all of the other risks generally associated with the development of mining facilities.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. We seek safe harbor.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ae30ac75-e859-4852-9c08-deb88a8a5601


Highlights Chargeability anomaly outlined directly beneath surface copper anomalism at Bambino Central in all profiles.

Large resistivity high anomaly identified as potential deep intrusive or zone of silicification beneath Bambino Central.

3D Geochemical porphyry targeting suggests potential deep porphyry target at Bambino.

Systematic exploration and data-driven approach point multiple high-priority drill targets for 2025.

Preparations for a 2,000-meter diamond drill program are well underway.

Electrum Discovery Corp. ("Electrum" or the "Company") (TSX-V:ELY |FRA:R8N |OTC:ELDCF) is pleased to announce the successful completion and results of its High-Resolution Induced Polarization ("HIRIP") survey conducted by Terratec Geophysical Services, and the results of 3D geochemical porphyry targeting analysis performed by Fathom Geophysics. These results highlight multiple high-priority targets at Timok East copper-gold project ("Timok East") in Serbia which the company plans to test with diamond drilling in Q1 2025.

Dr Elena Clarici, CEO and President of Electrum commented: "The IP survey results enhance our understanding of the subsurface mineralization potential at Bambino Central, providing critical information on the orientation of the target ahead of our maiden drill program at Timok East. The integration of IP and 3D geochemical targeting not only validate our exploration model but also outline multiple drill targets, both near surface and at depth at Bambino. With the recently completed financing, we are fully funded for our maiden 2,000-meter drill program, set to commence in early 2025."

High-Resolution Induced Polarization Survey

A HIRIP survey conducted by Terratec Geophysical Services of Germany completed three 950-meter survey lines using a 10-meter electrode spacing (see Figure 1). This high-resolution methodology produced approximately 1,100 data points per section, providing detailed 2D models of the subsurface chargeability and resistivity beneath Bambino Central.



Click Image To View Full SizeFigure 1: Map showing geology and surface geochemistry with electrode locations of completed HIRIP lines (P1, P2, P3) and planned phase two HIRIP lines.

Chargeability Anomalies: Significant zones of elevated chargeability, measuring up to 100 meters in width and extending to depths of up to 180 meters, were detected directly beneath surface copper anomalism across all three HIRIP profiles at Bambino Central. These anomalies generally exhibit a steep easterly dip and display an increase in size and intensity compared to their surface expression. Chargeability highs are commonly associated with sulfide mineralization and are interpreted as corresponding to a subsurface extension of the copper-bearing quartz-limonite stockwork mapped and sampled at surface. The increase in chargeability with depth potentially marks the transition from oxide to hypogene mineralization and an increasing sulphide mineral content. The results reinforce the geological model of a near-surface mineralized system beneath Bambino Central, represent robust drill targets, and provide critical insights for efficient drill targeting.

Additional zones of high chargeability were also identified in the flanking Paleozoic sedimentary and metasedimentary units to the east and west of Bambino Central, these geophysical anomalies are not associated with surface geochemical anomalism and are likely due to graphite or pyrite of the local lithologies.

Resistivity Anomalies: Resistivity highs, located beneath and adjacent to the chargeability anomaly at Bambino Central, were detected in all three profiles. These features are interpreted as potential quartz-rich intrusive bodies or zones of silicification. Such zones may represent the upper sections of a deeper porphyry target or conduits for mineralized fluids along its margins.



Click Image To View Full SizeFigure 2: Section showing resistivity and chargeability of HIRIP line P2 over the centre of Bambino Central geochemical anomaly, showing a chargeability high directly beneath surface copper anomalism; With geological and target interpretations and planned drill holes annotated.



Click Image To View Full Size Figure 3: Oblique 3D view downwards to the northeast with chargeability results from the HIRIP lines showing a chargeability high directly beneath surface copper anomalism of the Bambino Central geochemical anomaly.



Click Image To View Full Size Figure 4: Oblique 3D view downwards to the northeast with resistivity results from the HIRIP lines showing zones of high resistivity adjacent to surface copper anomalism of the Bambino Central geochemical anomaly.

3D Geochemical Porphyry Targeting

Electrum engaged Fathom Geophysics LLC ("Fathom") to perform 3D geochemical porphyry footprint modelling on geochemical data from soil and rock samples collected at Timok East.

The porphyry footprint modeling method takes a geochemical distribution of 11 chemical elements from an idealized 3D porphyry copper system model and moves this distribution through 3D space while comparing it to the distribution of the same 11 elements reported from surface soil or rock samples. The core of the system model is placed at every voxel (3D pixel) in the limits of the project's 3D model and the geostatistical fit between the observed data and the system model is assessed at every voxel. Each voxel is then assigned a score of between 0 and 1.

A value of 1 indicates that the rock or soil data perfectly match the porphyry system model and there is a high likelihood of porphyry mineralization at the location of the core of the system model. A value of 0 indicates that the data do not match a porphyry system model and there is a low likelihood of the presence of a porphyry mineralization. Values greater than 0.25 over approximately 1km distance are classed as a high-quality target for rock results, the threshold for high quality target for soil data is lower.

Porphyry footprint modelling was run three times to compare the surface sample data from rock samples to two porphyry system models, and data from soil samples to one porphyry system model.

This modelling indicates what Fathom describe as a "high-quality target" directly below the mineralised outcrops at Bambino Central. This target includes a strong deep porphyry target with a weaker high-sulphidation gold target closer to surface. The 3D location of the high-sulphidation gold target overlaps the resistivity high anomalies identified in Electrum's recently completed HIRIP survey.



Click Image To View Full SizeFigure 5: Fathom Porphyry footprint model (the Halley et al., porphyry system model using soil data) integrated with geology, IP and soil geochemistry results. The top right inset displays IP Resistivity data and the bottom right inset displays IP chargeability data.

Planned Work

Electrum is finalizing drill plans based on an integration of the HIRIP, surface geochemical results, porphyry footprint modelling, and recent geological mapping. A 2,000 meter diamond drill programme is scheduled to commence in January 2025, to test the shallow, steeply east-dipping, features beneath the mineralised outcrops at Bambino Central. Currently planned diamond drillholes are displayed on Figures 1 and 2.

Also in January, winter conditions permitting, three additional lines of HIRIP are planned to be measured to add additional along-strike information to the north and south of existing HIRIP lines at Bambino Central. Planned line locations are shown in Figure 1.

Sample Collection, QA/QC, Preparation and Analysis

Rock and soil samples were collected by the Company with locations recorded using a Garmin handheld GPS with a nominal accuracy of 3 meters. Samples were described and photographed in the field and remained in the Company's custody until handover to the sample preparation facility. Samples were prepared by SGS at facilities in Serbia and analysed by SGS at facilities in Bulgaria.

Rock samples were prepared using SGS method PRP89 (weigh, dry, crush to <2 mm, pulverise to 75 microns) before analysis using methods of FAA505 (50g fire assay with AAS finish) for gold, IMS40B (ICP-MS after a 4-acid digest) for a 49-element analysis suite, and over-grade analysis after IMS40B by AAS42S (4-acid digest and AAS finish) for selected elements of interest.

Soil samples were prepared using SGS method SCR95 (wet screen to 75 microns). Before analysis using methods of FAA515 (50g fire assay with AAS finish, low-level detection limits) for gold, IMS40B (ICP-MS after a 4-acid digest) for a 49-element analysis suite.

Rock and soil samples were submitted in separate batches made up of 41 field samples, one CRM and one blank. A duplicate of one rock samples per batch was taken by SGS after the crushing stage. All batches passed the Company's internal QAQC procedures.

About Electrum Discovery Corp.

Electrum Discovery Corp. is an emerging mineral exploration and development company focused on the prolific Western Tethyan Belt with two main projects spanning 645 square kilometers of prospective exploration ground in the Republic of Serbia.

Timok East extends over 123 square kilometers across the Timok copper-gold region and includes the recently discovered Bambino copper-gold anomaly, located less than five kilometers from the Bor Copper-Gold Mining Complex.

Novo Tlamino, located in the south-east of the Republic of Serbia, covers 522 square kilometers and includes an inferred mineral resource estimate of 670,000oz AuEq (7,100,000t at 2.9 g/t AuEq average grade) (PEA, January 7, 2021)1

Electrum Discovery is looking to maximize the value of our mineral projects for all stakeholders including our shareholders, the local community and government. We have an open-door policy and encourage all stakeholders to contact us through our website. We have a strong environmental and ethics policy to complete all our work in line with regulations in an open and transparent process. Our projects are at an early stage, and we plan continue our consultation with all stakeholders in a climate of mutual respect, while fostering sustainability, governance and knowledge transfer in the region.

Additional information on Electrum can be found by reviewing the Company's page on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

References:

Halley, Scott & Dilles, J. & Tosdal, Richard. (2015). Footprints: The Hydrothermal Alteration and Geochemical Dispersion Around Porphyry Copper Deposits. DOI:10.5382/SEGnews.2015-100.fea

Cohen, J.F., 2011, Mineralogy and geochemistry of hydrothermal alteration at the Ann-Mason copper deposit, Nevada: Com parison of large-scale ore exploration techniques to mineral chemistry: M.Sc. thesis, Corvallis, Oregon, Oregon State University, 112 p. plus appendices.

For more information contact:

Dr Elena Clarici, Chief Executive Officer and Director

T: +1 604 801 5432 | E: elena@electrumdiscovery.com | W: electrumdiscovery.com

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Mr. Thomas Sant BSc, FGS, CGeol, EurGeol.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information. Such statements include Company's expected achievement of specified milestones, results of operations, and expected financial results of the Company. Often, but not always, this forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Electrum, to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, uncertainties inherent in the PEA and exploration results and the estimation of mineral resources; risks related to the failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in Electrum's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under Electrum's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Rock chip and surface results are early stage and there is no assurance that future exploration will find mineralization of further interest. Although Electrum has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking information contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management. Forward-looking information has been made as of the date hereof and Electrum disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

1 Preliminary Economic Assessment and NI43-101 Technical Report for the Medgold Tlamino Project, January 7, 2021, www.sedarplus.ca. The effective date of the resource estimate is January 7, 2021. Authors of the Reports are: Mr. Richard Siddle, MAIG, of Addison Mining Services Ltd for Mineral Resources; Dr. Matthew Randall, FIMMM, of Axe Valley Mining Consultants Ltd for Mining; Mr. Ian Jackson, FIMMM, of Bara Consulting for Mineral Processing, and Dr. Andrew Bamber, MCIM, of Bara Consulting Ltd for Economic Analysis.

The PEA is preliminary in nature, and it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be characterized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realised.


Best Intersection: 2.2 m @ 21.7 g/t Au, 418 g/t Ag, 48.12% Zn, 4.59% Pb, and 2.67% Cu, 1,425 g/t Sb

Vancouver, December 19, 2024 - Nova Pacific Metals Corp. (CSE: NVPC) (OTCQB: NVPCF) (FSE: YQ10) (WKN: A40GFH) (the "Company", or "Nova Pacific") is pleased to report complete results from a backpack drilling program carried out on the Company's Lara Project on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Six BQ-sized holes totalling 18.11 m were drilled from two closely spaced collars using a Shaw backpack drill in order to confirm historic grades and to collect modern trace geochemistry information for massive sulphide mineralization in the Coronation Zone (Figure 1). A discussion of results from holes 24BP01 and 02 appeared in a November 27, 2024 news release.



Figure 1 - DDH Location Map



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Assay results from holes 24BP03 - 06 (Table 2) further confirmed the high-grade nature of the massive sulphide lens exposed in nearby Trench 86-43 (24.58 g/t Au, 513.6 g/t Ag, 3.04% Cu, 43.01% Zn and 8.30% Pb across 3.51 m). Of particular note is the intersection from hole 24BP05, the upper 2.2 m of which intersected massive light brown sphalerite, galena, and disseminated chalcopyrite. Samples across the full 4.26 metre hole returned a weighted average of 12.5 g/t Au, 409.3 g/t Ag, 37.92% Zn, 5.29% Pb, 2.31% Cu and 1,394 g/t Sb. A 0.9 m intersection from hole 24BP03 also returned 52.76% Zn. These numbers compare favorably with Abermin's trench results, but should not be considered representative of the average grade of the deposit, given the limited scope of the drilling program.

Hole # UTM Elevation Azimuth Inclination Northing Easting (m) (degrees) (degrees) 24BP01 5414851 433489 628 230 -60 24BP02 5414851 433489 - -90 24BP03 5414851 433489 315 -70 24BP04 5414851 433489 140 -50 24BP05 5414851 433486 190 -70 24BP06 5414851 433486 90 -45

Table 1 - Drill Hole Information



Au Ag Cu Pb Zn Sb g/t g/t % % % g/t Sample # Hole # From: To: Width (m)1











K838901 24BP01 0.00 1.00 1.00 12.70 456 2.04 6.38 43.09 1615 K838903 1.00 3.00 2.00 11.15 332 1.60 3.15 10.45 1345 K838904 24BP02 0.00 0.90 0.90 3.16 462 2.13 7.54 46.032 1725 K838906 0.90 2.40 1.50 0.48 165 0.52 0.56 1.38 577 K838907 24BP03 0.00 0.90 0.90 4.60 439 2.02 6.92 52.76 1505 K838909 0.90 1.80 0.90 1.91 392 1.10 2.93 6.21 1800 K838910 24BP04 0.00 2.10 2.10 3.12 328 2.21 4.01 40.53 1195 K838912 2.10 3.65 1.55 0.24 7.8 0.06 0.14 0.72 19 K838913 24BP05 0.00 2.20 2.20 21.70 418 2.67 4.59 48.12 1425 K838915 2.20 4.26 2.06 2.68 400 1.92 6.05 27.03 1360 K838916 24BP06 0.00 1.90 1.90 10.80 362 2.21 3.20 49.93 1315 K838918 1.90 3.00 1.10 2.54 484 1.23 6.99 33.44 1900 1 the true width of the sample/mineralization are unknown due to the limited depth of drill penetration. 2 duplicate sample assayed 46.13% Zn Note - standards: K838902, 08 & 14, blanks: K838905, 11 & 17 all appear to pass within 2SD

Table 2 - Assays: Holes 24BP01 - 06





Figure 2 - BQ-sized core from Hole 24BP05



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The Company will continue to evaluate these results in preparation for the upcoming drill program, expected to start early next year.

Samples consisted of half NQ-size diamond core that were split off-site, prepared at the ALS Canada Ltd. laboratory in North Vancouver, BC, and analysed for 48 elements via 0.25g four acid digestion with an ICP-MS finish and gold via 30g fire assay with an AAS finish. Ore grade samples were analyzed for silver, copper, lead and zinc via 0.4g four acid digestion with an ICP-AES finish and for gold via 30g fire assay with a gravimetric finish. The quality assurance-quality control ("QA-QC") program of Nova Pacific includes the insertion of certified (ME-1202) standards, (BL-10) blank and duplicate samples (see Table 2). The remaining half core has been retained for verification and reference purposes.

Marketing Agreements

Further to Company's news release dated October 31, 2024, Nova Pacific announces that it has terminated the previously-disclosed service agreement with Native Ads Inc. ("Native Ads") prior to the conclusion of the marketing campaign contemplated in that agreement. Accordingly, Native Ads has refunded a significant portion of the retainer previously paid by Nova Pacific.

In addition, Nova Pacific announces that the Company has entered into an investor relations consulting agreement with Stockwire Inc. ("Stockwire") dated December 17, 2024 (the "Effective Date"), pursuant to which Stockwire will assist the Company with its European marketing and communications strategy, including the creation of content, the coordination of press contacts and German distribution, programmatic advertising in Germany, programmatic re-marketing in Germany, native advertising in Germany on premium publishers, lead generation, and related services. The term of the agreement is scheduled to last until mid-March 2025 or until the advertising budget contemplated therein is depleted, with the associated marketing campaign expected to begin approximately 30 days from the Effective Date. The agreement requires the Company to pay Stockwire a total fee of USD$550,000 plus applicable taxes.

Stockwire and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities and neither Stockwire nor its principals have an interest, directly or indirectly, in any securities of the Company. The agreement does not obligate the Company to issue any securities to Stockwire and is subject to all necessary approvals of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

Stockwire can be reached at Suite 301, 47 Colborne Street, Toronto, Ontario M5E 1E3, telephone: + 1-416-268-0306, email: info@stockwire.com.

Qualified Person

David Nelles, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and verified the scientific and technical data contained in this news release.

Rights of Indigenous Communities Statement

Nova Pacific Metals recognizes the Rights of all Indigenous Peoples of Canada. Nova is committed to consultation and accommodation with the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group communities on whose Traditional, Ancestral and Unceded Territory the Lara Property is located. The Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group is a politically unified group that represents six Hul'qumi'num-speaking First Nations: Cowichan, Stz'uminus, Penelakut, Lyackson, Halalt, and Lake Cowichan.

About Nova Pacific

Nova Pacific is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on our key asset, the Lara Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) Project on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This brownfields development project boasts a significant historic resource rich in critical and precious metals situated in a prime location with excellent infrastructure. Nova Pacific's forward-looking strategy includes confirmation and infill drilling, completion of an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) and preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Study if and as required. We are committed to creating value for our shareholders while maintaining environmental responsibility and strong community relationships.

For additional information please visit: www.novapacificmetals.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors

J. Malcolm Bell

Chief Executive Officer, Director

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forwardlooking information. Forwardlooking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forwardlooking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forwardlooking information. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forwardlooking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to the Company's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forwardlooking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forwardlooking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forwardlooking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234312
Rio Tinto has appointed Georgie Bezette as its new Chief People Officer, succeeding James Martin, who will retire at the end of this year.

Georgie, who joined the organisation in 2008, is currently Chief Operating Officer, People, responsible for the transformation of the People function in support of Rio Tinto's ambitious cultural change journey. She will start in her new role on 1 January 2025 and be based in London.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: "As I have come to know Georgie, it is clear she is passionate about talent development, culture change, and creating inclusive environments that foster growth and innovation. This, combined with her operational experience, strong leadership capability and ability to make positive change a reality, will be a huge asset to the Executive Committee and to the business.

"I would like to thank James Martin for his leadership through a period of significant cultural change for our organisation. He has had a huge impact at Rio Tinto, and so I am pleased that he has agreed to stay on in an advisory capacity for another year".

Georgie Bezette said: "I am delighted to be stepping up into the role of Chief People Officer as we embark on a decade of growth. The Company has made great strides to enact meaningful cultural change across the industry over the last couple of years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues across the globe to continue that important work, whilst helping the business to deliver on its wider strategy."

This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Andy Hodges, Rio Tinto's Group Company Secretary.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210479254/en/

Contact

Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com

Media Relations,

United Kingdom

David Outhwaite

M +44 7787 597 493

Media Relations,

Australia

Matt Chambers

M +61 433 525 739

Michelle Lee

M +61 458 609 322

Rachel Pupazzoni

M +61 438 875 469

Media Relations,

Canada

Simon Letendre

M +1 514 796 4973

Malika Cherry

M +1 418 592 7293

Vanessa Damha

M +1 514 715 2152

Media Relations,

US

Jesse Riseborough

M +1 202 394 9480

Investor Relations,

United Kingdom

David Ovington

M +44 7920 010 978

Laura Brooks

M +44 7826 942 797

Wei Wei Hu

M +44 7825 907 230

Investor Relations,

Australia

Tom Gallop

M +61 439 353 948

Amar Jambaa

M +61 472 865 948

Rio Tinto Plc

6 St James's Square

London SW1Y 4AD

United Kingdom

T +44 20 7781 2000

Registered in England

No. 719885

Rio Tinto Ltd.

Level 43, 120 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

Australia

T +61 3 9283 3333

Registered in Australia

ABN 96 004 458 404

riotinto.com

Category: General
TUCSON, Dec. 19, 2024 - Liberty Star Minerals ("Liberty Star" or the "Company") (OTCQB: LBSR) reports assay results from its wholly owned Red Rock Canyon Gold Project (RRC) within its Hay Mountain Project in southeast Arizona. The RRC may possess commercially important metals associated with porphyry copper-gold-moly geologic structures, well represented in the area from central Arizona to northern Mexico.

Channel sampling at the Red Rock Canyon gold property continues to produce bonanza grades with 107.5 and 60.0 gpt reported in the latest assay results.

The Company has recently received results from 95 rock channel samples cut across the gold-bearing jasperoid lenses on the property. One-third of the samples submitted ran greater than 0.5 gpt Au 18% ran greater than 1 gpt and significantly, two samples 475956 and 475957 ran 107.5 gpt and 60 gpt respectively. Nine QA/QC samples were added to this batch for a total of 104 samples.

Liberty Star Chief Geologist, Jim Bryce stated, "We submitted these samples in early November, so the six-week wait has ended with an early Christmas present for us. These exciting results prove to us that mineralization on the RRC project is much wider spread than we, or previous prospectors originally thought. Our crew still has more sampling to do, so our hopes are high that we will see continued success in the channeling this spring. When the two high-grade samples from this report are plotted on a map along with other previous samples in the area which returned >10 gpt Au, there are six distinct hits in five different channel samples which form a gently sigmoidal line trending just west of due north. This is the same strike as most of the lenses in the area. Since there are few outcrop exposures in the area these channel samples were interpreted to be different lenses. I am beginning to believe that this is in fact a single high-grade vein which is mostly covered by overburden. If this is the case, then the vein, as currently understood, is at least 400' long. Mechanical excavation in the covered areas will help us understand the true dimensions of this vein at surface."

The company is currently in the process of entering this information into the database and a more detailed press release will be forthcoming with further details.

Liberty Star Minerals follows industry standards regarding sample collection, chain of custody and Quality Assurance - Quality Control. QA/QC samples consist of blanks, standards and sample duplicates. These are inserted into the sample stream every 10th sample. All samples are delivered directly to the ALS preparation laboratory in Tucson AZ, which ships the final prepared pulps to the main ALS analytical laboratory in Vancouver Canada.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Liberty Star Minerals

Visit https://www.libertystaruranium.com/ for more about Liberty Star Minerals, the Red Rock Canyon Gold Project & the Hay Mountain Project, including images, maps, and technical reports

About Liberty Star Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corp. (LBSR: OTCQB), d/b/a Liberty Star Minerals, is an Arizona-based mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Arizona and the southwest USA. Currently the company controls properties that are located over what management considers some of North America's richest mineralized regions for copper, gold, silver, molybdenum (moly), and associated metals. The Company's premiere property is the Hay Mountain property (exploration stage) for porphyry copper, gold, moly and other commercially important minerals. Specific targets have been selected to explore for near-surface and deep-seated ore bodies, of which there are numerous analogs nearby. Contiguous with the primary Hay Mountain porphyry exploration target, and part of the overall Hay Mountain property, is an increasingly attractive area of exploration stage gold mineralization denominated Red Rock Canyon. Red Rock Canyon exhibits what we believe are extensive, promising hydrothermal associated gold-bearing structures that are documented in historical public and Company records. View numerous geoscientific reports on our website. The Hay Mountain & Red Rock Canyon properties are in Cochise County (southeast) Arizona, USA.

Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in public release may contain "forward-looking statements," as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which are unforeseeable and beyond the Company's or management's control, that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may include but not be limited to the business strategies for the Company, assumptions of management, pending or future transactions, future estimated mineral resources or grades, investments, asset valuations, anticipated permits and approvals and other information that may be based on forecasts of future exploration, operational or financial results or estimates of matters not yet determinable. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance using words or phrases like the following may be forward-looking statements: : "estimate", "intend", "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" "may", "might", "could", "would" or similar words or expressions. Important factors that could differ materially from the expectations of the Company and management include, among other things, risks related to unsuccessful exploration results, metals prices, fluctuations in currency prices, international markets, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as changes in the availability of funding for mineral exploration and development and general economic conditions. Additional information about these factors, risks and uncertainties on which forward-looking statements are based is discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2024, as updated from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is not responsible for updating the information contained in this public release beyond the presentation date or published date, or for changes made to this document by wire services or Internet services. Risk factors for the company are set out in the 10-K and other periodic filings made with the SEC on EDGAR (ref. Liberty Star Uranium & Metals, Corp.).

Regulation S-K 1300 Matters On October 31, 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K ("Regulation SK-1300") to modernize the property disclosure requirements for mining registrants and related guidance, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All registrants are required to comply with Regulation SK-1300 for fiscal years ending after January 1, 2021. Accordingly, the Company must comply with Regulation SK-1300 for its fiscal year ending January 31, 2022. Regulation SK-1300 uses the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards ("CRIRSCO") based classification scheme for mineral resources and mineral reserves, that includes definitions for inferred, indicated, and measured mineral resources. Liberty Star is an "Exploration Stage Issuer" as defined in Subpart 1300. It currently has no exploration results, mineral resources, or mineral reserves to report, accordingly, no information, opinions or data included in the website or in any public releases includes any information or disclosures regarding exploration results, mineral resources or mineral reserves as defined in Regulation SK-1300. As a result, the Company is not required, at this time, to obtain or provide a Technical Report Summary as defined in Regulation SK-1300. U.S. Investors are cautioned not to rely upon or assume for any purpose that any part of the mineralized real property of the Company in these categories will ever be converted into inferred, indicated, and measured mineral resources or probable or proven mineral reserves within the meaning of Regulation S-K 1300.

UNLESS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY STATED ON THE FACE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION, NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLIC RELEASE IS, NOR DOES IT PURPORT TO BE, A TECHNICAL REPORT SUMMARY PREPARED BY A QUALIFIED PERSON PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUBPART 1300 OF SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION REGULATION S-K.

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CALGARY - Lithium Chile Inc. ("Lithium Chile" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on December 16, 2024, the Company executed a binding letter of intent ("LOI") with an arm's length party (the "Buyer") for the sale of Lithium Chile's 80% interest in the Arizaro project, marking a transformative milestone for the Company and its shareholders.

Transaction Highlights

Proposed Sale: The Buyer will acquire an 80% interest in the Arizaro project via the purchase of the Company's wholly owned Argentinian subsidiary, Geo Inversiones Mineras S.A.

Transaction Value: The purchase price is USD $180,000,000 (approximately CAD $250,000,000), to be paid in cash at closing, representing a substantial premium to the Company's current trading price.

Closing Conditions: Completion of the transaction (Closing") remains subject to certain conditions, including:

Satisfactory completion of a second round of due diligence by the Buyer; and

Government and Regulatory approvals and consents, including that of the TSX Venture Exchange which includes shareholder approval; and

Completion of definitive agreements pertaining to the sale (the Definitive Agreements"). The signatory to the Definitive Agreements will be the Buyer or a company controlled by the Buyer.

Exclusivity Period: The LOI provides a 90-day exclusivity period.

The Buyer is a large, Asian based company founded over two decades ago. The Buyer is a diversified enterprise with significant interests in mining, renewable energy, and technology sectors. Engaged in both domestic and international operations, the Buyer is focused on the exploration and development of essential resources. The Buyer is also the controlling shareholder of an Asian listed public company ("PubCo"). The Company has conducted financial due diligence on PubCo, and expects PubCo, and therefore the Buyer, has the financial strength and capability to successfully complete the proposed purchase of the Company's subsidiary, although there can be no assurance that the Buyer has the financial strength and capability to complete the transaction.

Lithium Chile previously owned an 80% stake in the Arizaro project via its wholly owned subsidiary, Argentum Lithium S.A. On December 13, 2024, the Company shifted this ownership to a newly established subsidiary, Geo Inversiones Mineras S.A. This move was made to separate its other Argentine property, Block IV, from the Arizaro Project.

Steve Cochrane, President & CEO commented: "Closing of this transaction will unlock the tremendous value of the Arizaro asset for the benefit of all Lithium Chile shareholders". He continued, "we will be able to deliver a substantial cash dividend to our shareholders all the while retaining our other significant assets in Argentina and Chile. I would like to extend my thanks to our stakeholders for their continued support while we proceeded with our strategic process".

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning a proposed transaction. Please be advised that there is no assurance that this transaction will be completed as proposed, or at all. Investors should be aware that the transaction is contingent upon satisfactory of completion of due diligence, fulfilling customary closing conditions and obtaining necessary governmental, regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Next Steps

Subject to Closing, the sale proceeds will position the Company to pursue growth opportunities across its extensive portfolio of lithium assets in Chile and Argentina while rewarding shareholders with a tangible return on their investment. Immediately after closing, it is Lithium Chile's intention to distribute the majority of the net proceeds from the sale to its shareholders via a special dividend. The Buyer has concluded its first round of financial due diligence which was followed up with field due diligence over the past month involving a team of technical and financial representatives who attended the Arizaro salar and Lithium Chile's Salta offices in Argentina. Both parties have agreed to work diligently to finalize the Definitive Agreements to affect Closing. Lithium Chile plans to issue a comprehensive press release detailing the transaction progress and specifics as soon as further updates become available.

In accordance with the agreement with Ventum Financial Corp., a financial advisory fee of 1.0% of the total enterprise value will be payable in cash, immediately upon the successful completion of the transaction.

ABOUT LITHIUM CHILE

Lithium Chile Inc. is an exploration company with a portfolio of 11 properties spanning 106,136 hectares in Chile and 29,245 hectares on the Salar de Arizaro in Argentina. The Company has successfully advanced its Arizaro project with the completion of NI 43-101 compliant Resource Report, Preliminary Economic Assessment and Prefeasibility Study which are all accessible on SedarPlus.ca under Lithium Chile's profile.

Lithium Chile's common shares are listed on the TSX-V under the symbol "LITH" and on the OTCQB Under the symbol "LTMCF".

To find out more about Lithium Chile, please contact Steven Cochrane, President and CEO via email: steve@lithiumchile.ca or Michelle DeCecco, COO via email: michelle@lithiumchile.ca or phone: 403-393-1990.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS:

This news release may contain certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified using forward-looking terminology such as "expected", "anticipated", "aims to", "plans to" or "intends to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and factors that may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, factors and assumptions with respect to the general stability of the economic and political environment in which the Company operates and the timely receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Closing of the sale transaction remains subject to significant risks including obtaining necessary regulatory body approvals including that of the TSX Venture Exchange. Closing also remains subject to the completion of Definitive Agreements in form satisfactory to the parties to the sale transaction and remains subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence by the Buyer.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing risk factors are not exhaustive. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Lithium Chile can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct or that any of the events anticipated by forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits Lithium Chile will derive therefrom. Similarly, the risk factors listed above are not exhaustive and other risk factors that have not been anticipated may become apparent as Lithium Chile proceeds to Closing. Lithium Chile does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Latest Headlines

Saving borrowers money

With a $500 million capital injection, Kiwibank says it can save New Zealanders $1.5 billion by having more aggressive pricing, better terms and better turnaround.

Friday, December 20th 2024, 7:22AM

by Sally Lindsay

Kiwibank chief executive Steve Jurkovich told Parliaments finance and expenditure committees inquiry into banking competition, being maverick means being independent and driving a lot more competition against the big four Australian-owned banks.

If Kiwibanks growth of 9% a year  more than twice that of the big four banks  continues Jurkovich says that will mean $1.5 billion of profit wont be available for those banks because the New Zealand-owned bank will have driven priced and the variety of products on offer.

Last week Finance Minister Nicola Willis gave the green light for Kiwibank to raise $500 million capital before a possible IPO in 2028.

Making Kiwibank more competitive to take on the big four banks was one of the recommendations of the Commerce Commissions banking competition inquiry earlier this year.

If we carry on our growth trajectory, in five years, we will double from where we are now and might be making New Zealand $400-500 million a year, Jurkovich says.

We will also have a bigger home loan book than BNZ.

And we will also have lived up to former Labour deputy leader Jim Andertons Kiwibank dream, which is to have an impact sometimes thats going to be financial and other times its going to be a reaction from competitors.

Jurkovich told the committee $500 million will give the bank a clear pathway, but it is a balancing act, as it must meet the Reserve Banks capital requirements, continue to invest in people, technology and processes and grow customers numbers. They all consume capital.

If we had $500 million, we could keep growing at our current rate for at least three or four years. If the capital doesnt arrive, we will still be operating but will have to dial back our growth and wont be seizing opportunities to deliver more competition.

He says Kiwibank has a winning strategy  being independent and being clear about the market it is after  first home buyers  and not trying to take every cent off the table.

What we are trying to do is have a competitive impact and doing it in the right way.

Other opportunities

The single biggest opportunity in front of Kiwibank is to push harder into small and medium businesses.

Jurkovich believes the bank can propel the right impact into that productive sector of small to medium enterprises. They are the people who create the economic engine and create the tax revenue that allows us to invest in other things.

In the past couple of years our big competitors havent allocated as much capital to business as they have done in the past, he says.

It gives us a great opportunity. We have capital we want to put in the hands of people who take risk and grow.

While we have done it successfully, we have such a small market share. Our percentage growth looks great, but our actual growth is at the point we are just getting started.

Open banking

Kiwibank is behind in introducing open banking compared to the big four.

It is trailing the others because it has chosen sequencing. Its not because we are against open banking, Jurkovich says. For us to build open banking on the technology we have now means we would have to throw it all away and rebuild it again.

Kiwibank will partner to get open banking off the ground. We are of a size that means we have to partner. When we introduced Google and Apple Pay customers had to wait until we could build it on technology that was sustainable and future ready.

Building on an old technology stack, it would have collapsed and we saw that once we launched it. Its uncomfortable but it is the right choice.

Regulatory barriers

One barrier to competition that has always perplexed Jurkovich is how risk is allocated.

If a mortgage borrower at one of the big four banks moves to Kiwibank, the bank needs to carry 45% more capital.

Jurkovich that capital should be allocated on risk. I am confused that when a borrower moves from one bank to Kiwibank we become 45% more risky.

He says relying on the internal ratings the big banks do based on confidence, it would be assumed the ratings have some degree of accuracy.

If you look through their disclosure statements that hasnt been proven to be correct. When you have one million customers things can go wrong, so to rely on them to be 45% better than what Kiwibank is seems to be disproportionate.

There are big elements of what we do that dont scale down for our size, so that is a headwind.

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Ferrari gifts Sainz his race-winning 2022 F1 car

Carlos Sainz may be leaving the team, but he will at least put a Ferrari Formula 1 car in his garage at home.

Carlos Sainz, British GP 2022

 Ferrari

La Gazzetta dello Sport reveals that the Maranello based team's parting gift to the Williams-bound Spaniard is the 2022 car with which he won his first career grand prix at Silverstone.

Just days ago, the 30-year-old tested his new car at Ferrari's Fiorano test track, where his famous father and namesake Carlos Sainz senior drove another 2022 model at the same time.

As for Sainz jr's priceless gift, journalist Luigi Perna revealed: It seems in fact that it was not any part of Sainz's contractual agreements.

Team boss Frederic Vasseur commented: "I spent two beautiful seasons with Carlos and I thank him.

I know it wasn't easy for him when he found out we wouldn't be renewing his contract, but Carlos remained focused and professional, helping the team fight until the last corner of the last lap of the last race in Abu Dhabi.

(GMM)
Verstappen denies considering Aston Martin move

Max Verstappen has denied he has ever considered a move to Aston Martin.

Fernando Alonso, Abu Dhabi GP 2024

 Aston Martin Racing

This week, in wide-ranging interviews with the broadcaster Viaplay, the quadruple world champion confirmed he sat down for talks about the future with Mercedes' Toto Wolff.

But even though Aston Martin has successfully poached Red Bull's highly respected technical guru Adrian Newey, and is regarded as a top team of the future, Verstappen denied being interested in wearing green.

No, we haven't talked about it at all. Nothing at all, the Dutchman insisted.

Earlier this year, Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll said signing up Newey was a game-changer for the team. He has to sell it like that, of course, Verstappen laughed.

He admits Newey, 65, was a game-changer for Red Bull, but explains that the British engineer has been less focused on Formula 1 in recent years compared to the past.

In recent years it has not been a one-man team, said Verstappen. There are a lot of engineers who are involved. But of course it is just very nice to have someone like that with the team.

But has he really not spent even a moment contemplating following Newey to Aston Martin?

No, Verstappen insists again. "That is very clear.

I know that in 2026 the rules will change, but to be honest, I'm not worried about it now. I'm still young and a lot can change in the future. And I don't just think about Formula 1 - afterwards, there are a lot of other things I would like to do.

Meanwhile, De Telegraaf newspaper reports that a long-time key member of Verstappen's engineering team, control engineer Michael Manning, will not be on the full-time travelling race team in 2025.

The report says Manning is eyeing a different, larger position at Red Bull.

(GMM)
Featured

Mponua Rural Bank posts strong financial performance

Charles Benoni Okine Business News Dec - 19 - 2024 , 17:52

Mponua Rural Bank posted a profit of GH5.4 million in the 2023 financial year. This represents a growth of 223.41 per cent over the 2022 profit figure of GH1.6 million.

The feat was mainly attributed to significant increases in income realised from investments and loans and advances coupled with stringent cost control measures during the year under review.

Stated capital, shareholders funds

The banks stated capital in 2023 stood at GH 2,467,665.00 from 2022 level of GH2,462,145.00, giving a marginal increase of GH5,520.00 or 0.22 per cent.

The bank said although it has been able to comply with the prescribed minimum capital requirement of GH1 million by the Bank of Ghana, in order to enhance its capacity to expand operations and maintain facilities to establish desirable standards, shareholders and the public are being entreated to buy more shares to increase

the stated capital.

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The bank also recorded an increase of 58.34 per cent in shareholders funds from 2022 level of GH8,988,310.00 to 2023 level of GH14,232,015.00 adding that the growth in the banks net profit largely accounted for the appreciable growth of the Shareholders Funds.

Dividend

In view the sterling performance of the bank, the board proposed cash dividend of GH0.3616 per share for the first time in the history of our bank.

The amount involved is GH541,718.60, constituting 10.0 per cent of net profit and duly approved by Bank of Ghana.

Performance analysis

Giving an over of the banks performance analysis, the Board Chairman of the bank, Daniel Ohene K. Owusu, at the annual general meeting of the bank said the bank recorded a growth in total assets from 2022 level of GH64.96 million to GH83.34 million in 2023, representing an increase of 28.29 per cent.

This increase, Mr Owusu said was largely financed by the growth in deposits and shareholders funds by 26.55 per cent and 58.34 per cent to the levels of GH67.91 million and GH14.23 million, respectively.

The total assets expansion was prudently deployed on earning assets with investments growing by 31.78 per cent to end of year balance of GH45.46 million as well as net loans increasing by 30.44 per cent to GH15.34 million.

Mr Owusu said total assets recorded persistent growth over the period with annualised rate of 25 per cent, while 2023 indicated a growth rate of 28.29 per cent, adding that the highest growth recorded was 44.9 per cent in the year 2020.

Deposits experienced persistent increasing trend and recorded an annualised growth of 25 per cent for the period, with 26.55 per cent attained in 2023.

Savings Deposit continued to be the major source of fund mobilisation, with a share of 42.10 per cent and Susu followed with 36.63 per cent.

However, Mr Owusu added that Susu deposit grew by 30.71 per cent over 2022 level of GH19,033,218.00, followed by current deposit by 26.76 per cent over 2022 level of

GH5,835,763.00.

The Investment portfolio grew by 31.78 per cent in 2023 from a portfolio level of GH34.50 million in 2022 to GH45.46 million in 2023.

Total loans and overdraft disbursed in 2023 amounted to GH35.26 million and this indicates an increase of GH10.10 million or 40.19 per cent over the amount of GH25.15 million in 2022, he added.

Image

Mponua Rural Bank Limited was rated strong throughout the four quarters in 2023 and due to its persistent hard work has been ranked as the number one Rural and Community Bank in the whole country for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 by the ARB Apex Bank PLC.

This is the third time that Mponua Rural Bank as attained this prestigious feat, he said.

Mr Owusu also informed shareholders that the bank has been admitted into the Ghana Club 100 by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.

During the recent 21st Edition of Ghana Club 100 Awards Ceremony, Mponua Rural Bank was ranked 55th among the elite companies in Ghana and 3rd in the rural banking sector.

These prestigious Awards have given recognition of the unwavering commitment of our bank in delivering exceptional quality banking services to the public towards the realisation of our strategic corporate objectives and values.
Featured

MTN Ghana directors acquire shares worth GH11million

Kweku Zurek Business News Dec - 19 - 2024 , 07:00

Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) has announced the acquisition of GH10.9million ordinary shares by some of its non-executive directors, furthering efforts to increase Ghanaian shareholding in the company.

According to a statement released by MTN Ghana, the shares were acquired on August 16, 2024, at a price of GHS1.77 per share.

The move was facilitated by Investcom Consortium Holdings SA, the majority shareholder, after an independent due diligence process. The directors acquired the shares under conditions extended to other independent third parties and in compliance with Ghanas Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), the Securities Industry Act, 2019 (Act 929), and the Ghana Stock Exchanges (GSE) regulations.

The directors who participated in the acquisition include:

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- Felix Addo, who purchased 5,568,144 shares, increasing his holdings to 0.0421%.

- Rosemond Bene Ebe-Arthur, who acquired 278,407 shares, now holding 0.0021%.

- Dr Ishmael Yamson, the Chairman, who added 167,044 shares, bringing his total holding to 0.0013%.

- Kofi Nkisah Dadzie, who bought 100,000 shares, raising his stake to 0.0008%.

- NanaAma Boama Botchway, who acquired 83,522 shares, holding 0.0006%.

The total shares purchased by the directors amount to 6,197,117, representing 0.0468% of the companys issued shares.

In its statement, MTN Ghana reaffirmed that the transactions align with the companys commitment to fostering greater local participation and investment in its growth.

"We confirm that these transactions do not contravene the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), the Securities Industry Act 2019, (Act 929), the Securities and Exchange Commission's Corporate Governance Code, 2020 or MTN Ghanas Insider Trading Policy," the company said in a statement.

"Furthermore, these shares were acquired under the same conditions as those extended to other independent third parties in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Ghana Stock Exchange (the GSE). We confirm that these transactions align with our commitment to ensuring greater local participation and investment in the Companys growth and success".

MTN Ghana closed trading yesterday at GH2.45 per share, reflecting significant value growth since the execution of these transactions.
Next article: Kwabena Kwabena and Kofi Nti to light up Ike City Hotel on December 21

Featured

Ghana mourns Mercy Little Smith, beloved Benyiwaa of Efiewura fame

Kweku Zurek Showbiz News Dec - 18 - 2024 , 19:21 2 minutes read

Ghanaian actress Mercy Little Smith, widely celebrated for her iconic role as Benyiwaa in the acclaimed television series Efiewura, has passed away.

The news of her demise was announced on the Efiewura TV series Facebook page on December 18, 2024, with the poignant message: RIP Benyiwaa. She left the earth plane yesterday. Bye.

Mercy Little Smith rose to prominence through her unforgettable portrayal of Benyiwaa, the witty and resilient wife of Judge Koboo, in Efiewura. Her performance captivated audiences across Ghana and cemented her legacy as one of the most memorable characters in local television drama.

Since the announcement, tributes have poured in from fans, colleagues, and the general public, all mourning the loss of a talented actress who brought joy and laughter to countless households.

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Kwame Dzokoto, her co-star on Efiewura, took to Facebook to pay an emotional tribute, revealing the extent of her recent health struggles and the support she received.

I have lost my dear on the screen. You fought so well over this health condition, and God knows whats best for you at this time. Life is like a stage play, and youve played your part, Dzokoto wrote.

He also disclosed the involvement of former President John Dramani Mahama, describing how the President-elect invested significantly in Smiths medical care in an effort to save her life.

I dont know how to break this story to the President-elect... John Dramani Mahama. I know he will be in shock with this news. He wanted you to overcome it. When he heard the news about your condition, he invested so much in your bills, just for you to survive. We are shattered, Dzokoto added.

Ghanaians have taken to social media to honour Mercy Little Smith, sharing fond memories of her work and highlighting the significant impact she made on the countrys film and cultural landscape.

Her performances in Efiewura not only entertained but also reflected everyday Ghanaian life, making her a beloved figure in the hearts of many.
Featured

One Night Guests will do magic - Peter Sedufia

Edith Mensah Showbiz News Dec - 19 - 2024 , 19:27 2 minutes read

Ghanaian director Peter Sedufia is confident his latest comic movie, One Night Guests, will captivate audience and set new benchmarks for African cinema.

Scheduled for a nationwide premiere in Ghana and Nigeria on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, Sedufia believes the films compelling elements will make it a success.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Mr Sedufia expressed optimism about the film's potential to grab attention widely.

This movie has all it takes to make a mark. The buzz even before the premiere is overwhelming, and its a strong indication that people are eager to see what weve created, he remarked.

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When asked what sets One Night Guests apart, Sedufia highlighted the film's star-studded cast, cross-cultural storytelling, and his well-established reputation for delivering memorable cinematic experiences.

Co-produced with Nigerian filmmaker, Chris Odeh, One Night Guest aims at showcasing the best of Ghanaian and Nigerian filmmaking, cementing its place as a must-watch release of the festive season.

The films plot is about Olumide, a wealthy father who upholds a heartwarming tradition of hiring Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and an elf to brighten his daughters Christmas.

However, this years festivities take a chaotic turn when two separate trios arrive at his doorstep, each claiming to be the official holiday characters. The ensuing comedy unfolds into a touching exploration of identity, privilege and the true meaning of family.

Through laughter and suspense, Olumide embarks on a transformative journey, discovering the joy of unexpected connections and the power of empathy.
Next article: Stone tablet engraved with 10 Commandments sells for $5 million

Featured

Ex-defence minister of Guinea jailed for corruption

bbc.com International News Dec - 19 - 2024 , 20:14 2 minutes read

A court in Guinea has sentenced a former highly influential defence minister to five years in prison for corruption, illicit enrichment, embezzlement and money laundering.

Mohamed Diane served as defence minister between 2015 and 2021 under President Alpha Conde, before the army seized power.

He was also ordered to pay a $58.5m (46m) fine, and his bank accounts and property in the capital Conakry and the eastern city of Kankan will also be confiscated by the state.

The judge said the assets were to be seized as their origin could not be justified.

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Diane has been in detention since May 2022 when the military junta launched a campaign against corruption in the country.

After taking power, the junta made fighting corruption one of its key priorities in the impoverished West African state and established an anti-corruption court.

Towards the end of 2022, the military leaders demanded legal action against over 180 people, including ex-ministers and other officials accused of corruption.

The junta had then already launched a case against former President Conde.

Many Guineans initially welcomed the military takeover but now accuse the junta, led by Gen Mamady Doumbouya, of stifling dissent.

There are growing concerns that the junta has heightened its crackdown on the opposition, especially former allies of the deposed leader.

Gen Doumbouya has in the past promised there would be no "witch hunt" against the former government.

The junta initially proposed a two-year transition to democratic elections from 2022, after negotiations with the West African regional bloc Ecowas.

The promised transition ends this year.

But there has been no progress towards organising an election or on a promised referendum on a draft constitution, which would precede an election.

In July, the junta presented a draft constitution that would potentially allow Gen Doumbouya to contest the presidency in the yet-to-be-announced elections.
Featured

East Legon Accident: Bishop Salifu Amoako's son gets six-month sentence

Justice Agbenorsi Dec - 19 - 2024 , 10:43 3 minutes read

The Family and Juvenile Court in Accra has sentenced a 16-year-old boy to six months at the Senior Correctional Centre after he rammed into another car in East Legon, killing two people.

The boy, who initially pleaded not guilty to eight counts, including manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence, later changed his plea to guilty. Presiding over the case, Judge Bernice Mensimah Ackon convicted him based on his own plea.

The six-month sentence is the maximum punishment prescribed under the Juvenile Justice Act 2003 (Act 653) for a juvenile offender charged with manslaughter.



As part of the sentencing, the juvenile must sign an undertaking not to drive until he turns 18, the legal driving age in Ghana. He is also required to report to probation officers every Friday.



The court fined the boys parents, Bishop Salifu Amoako and his wife, GH12,000 for failing to properly control their son. They are also required to sign an undertaking to ensure their sons proper upbringing.

Additionally, Bishop Amoako is ordered to pay for property damages, including a light pole valued at over GH8,000, which was destroyed in the crash.

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The Prosecutions case

Assistant State Attorney Ebenezer Yaw Acquah outlined the events leading to the tragic crash. Despite the juveniles lack of a drivers licence, his family had reportedly allowed him to drive their vehicles on multiple occasions.

On October 12, 2024, the family held a birthday party for the boy at an event centre in East Legon. During the party, he asked Linda Bonsu Bempah, a personal assistant tasked with supervising the event, for the keys to his mothers Jaguar F-Pace Sport car. Linda handed over the keys, and the boy left with a friend to meet others at the A&C Mall.

The group, driving in a convoy of three SUVs, sped through East Legon. At the Dzane-Ashie Road, the juvenile, leading the convoy, recklessly accelerated the Jaguar F-Pace Sport. At a T-junction on Mensah Wood Avenue, he collided with an Acura driven by Joseph Ackah, who had slowed to navigate a turn.



The collision was violent and destructive, propelling both vehicles across the street and into a wall, destroying an ECG pole in the process, Mr Acquah told the court.

Both vehicles caught fire almost immediately. The juvenile and his passenger managed to escape, but Ackah and the occupants of his vehicle, including two 12-year-old girls, were trapped.

Bystanders managed to pull Ackah and a toddler from the burning car, but the two 12-year-old girls could not be rescued and perished in the flames.

Investigations revealed the boys reckless driving was far below the standard expected of a competent driver and endangered the lives of road users. The juvenile admitted to taking the keys, picking up his friend, and driving to the A&C Mall before the crash.
Previous article: Ghana will not develop until we make efforts to end bribery and corruption  Aglow Internationals Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie

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Ghana Immigration Service refutes claims of $240million cost for E-Gates at KIA

Kweku Zurek Dec - 19 - 2024 , 21:02 5 minutes read

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has categorically dismissed claims circulating on social media that the recently installed electronic gates (e-gates) at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) cost the nation $240 million.

In a press release issued on Thursday, December 19, 2024, the GIS clarified that the actual cost of the e-gates is $1.7 million.

Clarification on costs

"The e-Gate system alone (comprising 15 units of e-gates with accessories), which forms part of the border management system being installed at KIA, costs $1.7 million (i.e., $1,760,479.80), the GIS stated.

The statement further explained that the $240 million figure relates to the entire lifecycle cost of the Immigration 360 system, a new integrated border management system being implemented at 48 entry points across the country.

The GIS elaborated that the $240 million includes periodic upgrades, maintenance, licensing, and taxes over a 10-year period to ensure the systems efficiency. After accounting for VAT and other taxes, the total comes to $274 million, which includes maintenance and hands-on support services over a ten-year period to guarantee the system is operational around-the-clock, the release added.

Details of the Immigration 360 system

The Immigration 360 system aims to automate passenger processing and data management at all approved entry and exit points to Ghana. It is designed to address challenges with sovereignty, interoperability, and inadequacies in existing systems.

The GIS also highlighted the system's capability to integrate with local databases such as the National Identification System (NIS) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), as well as international systems like INTERPOLs Global Stop/Watch List and ICAOs Public Key Directory.

This integrated approach will enhance travel, trade, and security, the statement noted.

Pre-financed implementation

The GIS revealed that the implementation cost of $94.6 million for phase one of the Immigration 360 system is being pre-financed by Margins ID Systems Application Ltd, a local Ghanaian company. Repayments will be sourced from revenue generated by the systems operations.

Response to minority allegations

The GISs response comes amid allegations from the Minority in Parliament, who claimed the government entered into a $147 million deal for the e-gates at KIA.

The Minority Chief Whip, Governs Agbodza, described the agreement as a blatant case of create, loot, and share, questioning why an e-gate system would cost nearly as much as the airports $250 million construction.

The Minority has demanded a halt to the project and a review of its financial implications, raising broader concerns about transparency in public procurement.

The GIS assured the public of its commitment to prudent resource management, emphasising that the implementation of Immigration 360 is part of a broader strategy to modernise Ghanas border management processes and improve efficiency at all entry points.

Read the entire statement below;



GHANA IMMIGRATION SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE

RESPONSE BY GHANA IMMIGRATION SERVICE TO FALSE CLAIMS ON THE COST OF E-GATES SYSTEM INSTALLED AT THE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KIA)

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has noted with great concern false claims circulating on social media and other platforms suggesting that the e-Gates System deployed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra costs the taxpayer $240 million.

The GIS wishes to clarify the facts and provide the public with accurate information regarding the e-Gates System and its associated costs:

1. It is inaccurate that the e-Gate system installed at the KIA cost a total amount of $240 million dollars.

2. The Ghana Immigration Service is implementing a new integrated border management system known as the Immigration 360. The system seeks to fully automate passenger processing and data management at all the forty-eight (48) approved entry/exit points to Ghana and other operational commands. The new system seeks to address challenges with sovereignty, interoperability and other inadequacies associated with the existing systems installed at twelve (12) approved borders.

3. The total cost of the new Immigration 360 border management system is $94.6 million (i.e., $94,664,374.57).

4. As part of Phase One (1) of the project, the GIS is installing border management systems including an e-Gate component at the KIA which is geared at enhancing smooth passenger clearance and processing. This whole component for the KIA comprising the immigration control systems and the e-gates cost $5.5 million (i.e., $5,548,860.89).

5. The e-Gate system alone (comprising 15 units of e-Gates with accessories) which form part of the border management system being installed at KIA costs $1.7 million (i.e., $1,760,479.80).

6. The $240 million referenced in the circulating article on social media is in relation to the whole cycle cost of the project (including the initial implementation cost of $94,664,374.57).

7. The $240 million includes two (2) periodic wholesale upgrades of the critical components of the system and cost of maintenance and licenses over the 10-year cycle of the project.

8. The first upgrade type is in three (3) replacement cycles of key components of the system. The second upgrade type is two (2) 5-year upgrade cycles within ten (10) years to replace major components of the technical infrastructure. This is to ensure a refresh of the system at all times and to ensure the hand back of a brand-new system at the end of the ten-year period.

9. After accounting for VAT and other taxes, the total comes to $274 million, which includes maintenance and hands-on support services over a ten-year period to guarantee the system is operational around-the-clock.

10. It is worth noting that the Immigration 360 provides the benefits of integrating seamlessly with:

(i) Local Databases:

 Ghanas National Identification System (NIS)

 Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)

 National Stop/Watch List, and

(ii) International Systems:

INTERPOLs Global Stop/Watch List

 ICAOs Public Key Directory (PKD)

 Advanced Passenger Information (API)

 Passenger Name Record (PNR)

 Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES) which facilitate travel, trade and security.



11. The system developed by Margins ID Systems Application Ltd, a private, local Ghanaian company, offers the capabilities to also integrate the various visas and permits issued by the GIS with the border controls processes across the country.

12. It is important to note that, Margins ID Systems Application Ltd (MIDSA) is pre-financing the implementation cost of $94,664,374.57 and will be repaid from revenue that will accrue from the use of the system.



SGD.

MAUD ANIMA QUIANOO

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION

SPECIAL DUTIES/PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
Featured

Prof. Amartey launches autobiography

Justice Agbenorsi Dec - 19 - 2024 , 09:57 3 minutes read

A book chronicling the life journey of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey, has been launched.

Titled Feehi: Alls well, living a life guided by grace and goodness, the autobiography takes readers on an intimate journey of the man who has had three close brushes with death.

The chatty memoir, which was authored in collaboration with Dr Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey, also touches on various themes such as hard work, prayer, resilience, poverty, values, customs and culture of the academic, who is also an ardent charismatic leader of the Revival Outreach Church.

It provides detailed episodes of his life growing up, circumstances of family and loved ones, fears and anxieties, introspection of his worldviews and philosophies, academic journey and a deep reflection of lifes eternal dilemma.

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The literature piece offers a captivating narrative of empathy and the legacy of the second Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, who has been at the helm of affairs since 2016.

It also seeks to provide a pathway of resilience for the next generation and beyond.

Launch

The autobiography was launched on the margins of the schools maiden conference on the state and future of tertiary education in Ghana.

Present at yesterdays launch were the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey; the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase in the Ashanti Region; Ghanaian Economist, Prof. Stephen Adei; a prominent biomedical engineer and host of the National Science and Maths Quiz, Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann; the Director of Public Prosecutions, Yvonne Attakora Obuobisa; a Senior Pastor of the International Central Gospel Church, Albert Ocran, among other dignitaries, department heads and staff of the school.

The Managing Director of FT Global, Dr Issah Mohammed, purchased the first copy of the book for GH50,000.

Significance

In a foreword read at the launch, former Chief Justice, Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, described the memoir as a significant milestone marking the end of a distinguished career and serving as a tribute to those who influenced his life.

She added that she was moved by the inspiring stories in the memoir, which illustrated Prof. Amarteys victories over adversity and poverty.

As you go through the book, be ready for a captivating journey of empathy and admiration for the author as you relate to his life stories of rising glories and settling doubts. No reader digesting Prof. Amarteys book will be left untouched by the resounding life lessons conveyed by his experiences.

The authors good memoir is a compelling read, reflective of the past, introspective of the present and perspective of the future, she said.

She further described the autobiography as a brilliant story of curiosity, industry, perseverance and deep reflection on life's eternal questions, adding that the prescriptive nature of the book offered valuable life lessons and insights for future generations.

Prof. Amarteys memoir paints a picture of the things noble, reiterates the things worthy of praise, imagines the things of good report and reminds us all to follow the path of truth.

I urge all who will read this book to reflect on his life as a glowing testament of God's infinite goodness, what is possible, she added.
Featured

Grandmother of East Legon accident victim calls for harsher juvenile sentencing

Justice Agbenorsi Dec - 19 - 2024 , 11:58 1 minute read

Efua Benneh, grandmother of Justine Agbenu, one of the victims of the tragic East Legon accident, is calling for amendments to Ghanas Juvenile Justice Act 2003 (Act 653) to impose stricter penalties on offenders prosecuted under the law.

Her appeal follows the sentencing of a 16-year-old boy involved in the fatal collision that claimed two lives. The juvenile received a six-month sentence at the Senior Correctional Centre, the maximum penalty prescribed for such cases under the current law.

Speaking to journalists after the sentencing, Benneh expressed her dissatisfaction with the punishment. I hope that measures can be taken to change the law. It is unacceptable that someone can cause the deaths of two people through reckless driving and receive such a light sentence, she said.

The case has sparked a nationwide debate on whether Ghanas juvenile justice laws should be revised to reflect the severity of offences like manslaughter and reckless driving. Many are calling for reforms to ensure accountability while balancing the rehabilitative goals of juvenile justice.
Featured

10 key takeaways from EC Chair Jean Mensa on the 9 outstanding constituencies

GraphicOnline Politics Dec - 19 - 2024 , 15:17 15 minutes read

The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Jean Mensa, delivered a detailed address highlighting issues surrounding the parliamentary results of nine constituencies that remain unresolved following the December 7, 2024, general elections.

Below are 10 key points she made during the press conference today:

1. Disruptions during collation

Madam Jean Mensa stated that the collation processes in nine constituencies were disrupted by political party supporters who besieged collation centres following directives from their leaders. The presence of hundreds of supporters brought proceedings to a standstill in several centres, she stated.

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2. Vandalism and threats

Supporters destroyed pink sheets, collation forms, and electronic equipment while assaulting EC staff. They beat up our staff, threatened them with death, and ultimately brought proceedings at the constituency collation centres to a halt, she explained.

3. Illegal declarations

Some EC staff were forced to declare winners without following due processes. In Okaikwei Central, for instance, results from only 110 polling stations were used instead of 141. The Commission considers such declarations illegal and will not uphold them, she affirmed.

4. Police cooperation and challenges

Despite police presence, political supporters disrupted the collation process. Mensa noted that at the Tesano Police Depot, where collation was relocated, planned unrest by supporters forced the police to advise against continuing the process.

5. Incomplete collations

The EC cited several constituencies where collation was incomplete. For example, in Nsawam-Adoagyiri, only 143 out of 150 polling station results were collated before disruptions halted the process.

6. Violence against EC officials

In Obuasi East, the returning officer was physically threatened with an axe to declare results. This process was not lawful, and the Commission would not uphold it, Mensa emphasised.

7. Contentious results in Dome Kwabenya

The EC is investigating three polling station results in Dome Kwabenya, where 367 polling station results were declared legitimate, but discrepancies remain.

8. Security measures for future collation

The EC has been in discussions with the Ghana Police Service to secure new locations for collation in Accra and Kumasi. However, intelligence reports of planned disruptions have stalled these efforts.

9. Call for leadership intervention

Madam Mensa appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President-elect John Dramani Mahama to intervene. We humbly call on the President and President-elect to ensure the Commission is provided with the necessary security and protection, she said.

10. Commitment to credibility

The EC reiterated its mandate to conduct transparent and fair elections. Our mandate is not to make anybody a President or a Member of Parliament. It is to conduct credible processes that uphold the choice of voters, Mensa concluded.

Conclusion

The EC Chairperson urged citizens to support the Commission as it works to resolve the outstanding collation issues, emphasising that upholding unlawful declarations would set a dangerous precedent for Ghanas democracy. We must not allow force or might to dictate outcomes, she cautioned.

Below is the transcript of her entire address;

This afternoon, the purpose of our press conference is to provide citizens with an update on the nine outstanding constituencies where parliamentary results are yet to be completed.

As you may be aware, at the close of polls on Saturday the 7th of December 2024, there was a directive by some political party leaders to their supporters to besiege the coalition centres of the EC where the coalition was taking place. And this directive was to them, to besiege the constituency coalition centres. It is important to note that the coalition in all the centres was proceeding in accordance with processes enshrined in CI 127.

The presence of hundreds of supporters who besieged our coalition centres brought proceedings to a standstill in a number of the centres. These supporters destroyed Pink sheets required for the coalition as well as results collation forms in some areas. In some instances, they vandalised and destroyed the desktop computers set up to collate the results electronically.

Additionally and sadly, they beat up our staff and threatened them with death and ultimately brought proceedings at the constituency coalition centres to a halt.

Citizens of Ghana, this is the reason why the coalition in some constituencies could not be completed prior to the declaration of the presidential results. It is important to emphasise that the coalition in all centres were proceeding in accordance with laid down guidelines as enshrined in C.I. 127 before the supporters entered into our constituency coalition centres.

There was therefore no reason or justification for the call to supporters to besiege the coalition centres. That call, in the view of the commission, was calculated to disrupt the processes and mar the seamless and effortless electoral processes that had commenced from the start of the polls at 7 am that Saturday, 7th December 2024.) In the view of the Commission, the directive to the supporters to besiege the constituency coalition centres was targeted at destroying documentary evidence and pink sheets, ballot papers, results collation forms, computers and to erase and wipe out all documents to be used for the collation.

Thankfully, the perpetrators of this act did not fully succeed in their endeavours, in that a few of our staff were able to retain some of the Pink sheets and the results collation forms necessary for collation. Since then, as you all know, the commission has tried to complete the collation in some of these constituencies. We have been faced with resistance, threats, intimidation and the destruction of our properties.

Our staff have been threatened and the established collation processes, as guided by law, have been disrupted and results have been declared without due processes governing collation being followed. In a number of instances, our staff have been threatened with death and forced to declare outcomes without adhering to the processes governing collation. It is instructive to note that the Electoral Commission has held discussions with the Ghana Police Service and has requested protection at all centres at which the collation was supposed to have continued.

Unfortunately, as we have witnessed on TV, images have emerged showing our staff being threatened and made to declare results stemming from incomplete collation processes. Unfortunately, this has been in the presence of the police. Though the police have been present at all the collation centres, the supporters of political parties have managed to gain access to the collation centres and have disrupted the collation process.

This state of affairs occurred during our very first attempt to complete the collation process for the Ablekuma North and Okaikwei Central constituencies. Due to the threats faced by our staff and the disruption of the processes, the Commission agreed with the Ghana Police Service to relocate the collation centres from the Ablekuma North and Okaikwei Central constituencies to the Greater Accra Regional Office at Ridge. It was agreed that each political party would present two agents and the political parties were notified accordingly.

In spite of police presence at our regional offices, the collation process was once again disrupted and taken over by political party leaders and supporters, and results declared for both constituencies without due process being followed. In the case of Okaikwei Central, a winner was declared without collating results from 31 polling stations. In the case of the Ablekuma North constituency, a winner was declared without collating results from 62 polling stations.

This is unacceptable. It is important to note that the declarations made by our staff were made under threat and the Commission considers this as illegal. Those declarations, as well as others that have gone on in other constituencies, will not be upheld by the Commission.

Dear citizens, it is for this reason that the Commission met with the Ghana Police Service once again to re-examine the nature of the security arrangements being provided by the police. The Commission was desirous to protect its staff as well as its electoral collation process.

Following the engagement with the police, it was agreed that the Tesano Police Depot would be used as the collation centre for all outstanding collations including Ablekuma North, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, Dome Kwabenya, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Akwatia, Fanteakwa North, Suhum, Techiman South, Obuasi East, Ahafo Ano North, Ahafo Ano South West.

The political parties were duly informed once again to nominate two agents per constituency to observe the collation process. Unfortunately, the collation process for only three constituencies were successfully completed and they are Akwatia, Fanteakwa North and the Suhum constituencies. The returning officers in all the three constituencies I have just mentioned were allowed for the first time to carry out their work without interference. This enabled them to complete the collation and declare the true outcomes of the election.

Though the collation for the Nsawam Adoagyiri constituency at the Police Depot was well advanced on Thursday 12 December 2024, the parties agreed to put the collation on hold until the following day, which was Friday 13 December 2024. Unfortunately, the collation did not take place in spite of the presence of our teams at the collation centre, that is the Tesano Police Depot. This was because the Ghana Police Service informed the Commission that their intelligence reports showed that party supporters were planning to besiege the Police Depot. They thus advised that the process be discontinued.

Ladies and gentlemen, though the Commission was determined to complete the set collation processes in the nine constituencies on that Friday 13 December, it could not do so without the assurance of the police. In the absence of that, the collation process planned for that Friday was called off in the evening as mentioned earlier.

The Commission is of the view that had the process been allowed to continue, we would have successfully concluded the collation processes and declared the outcomes of the election by now. In the light of that development and as a result of putting the collation process on scheduled for that Friday on hold, the Commission once again met with the Ghana Police Service on Monday 16 December 2024 to agree on a new date.

At the meeting, the Commission proposed Wednesday 18 December 2024. At that meeting, the police indicated that they could no longer provide the Tesano Police Depot as a location for the collation process. It was agreed that new locations in Accra and Kumasi would be designated for the collation process.

The Accra locations and time were communicated to the police on Tuesday 17 December. The police assured the Commission of its full cooperation and readiness to enable us to complete the collation processes. However, later that Tuesday 17 December, the police in the letter to the Commission indicated that, once again, their intelligence reports had revealed planned unrests by party supporters for both Accra and Kumasi, making it difficult for them to guarantee the security of the collation process as earlier planned.

This has put our efforts to complete the collation process at a standstill. It is important to note that contrary to the narrative that the Commission staff have not been ready, our staff have been fully aligned and ready and poised to complete their task. Indeed, all our teams from the regions, the Eastern region, the Ashanti region, were all at the Tesano Police Depot to carry out their tasks and to bring it to a conclusion.

Their readiness has been in spite of the beatings and threats they have received. I must note that they have been in spite of the beatings and threats, they have been determined and have shown resolve to carry out their functions and have fully cooperated with the police to ensure the full completion of the collation process for their respective constituencies.

The Commission lauds their courage and dedication to duty.

To all our staff, both permanent and temporary, where collation centres were brought to a standstill, to staff who were beaten and threatened, our hearts go out to you. We say Ayekoo, we applaud your courage and your resolve to do the right thing in the face of death threats. Your courage has encouraged the majority of us to keep going on and to keep doing what is right for God and country.

As a Commission, we have always maintained that our mandate is not to make anybody a President or a Member of Parliament. Our mandate, as per the Constitution, is to carry out credible, transparent and fair elections whose outcomes guarantee that the choice of the voters as expressed at the polls is upheld. This was evident in the just-ended general election which took place on Saturday 7 December 2024.

Indeed, the process has been hailed by world leaders and by both local and international observers as credible, transparent and highly successful. The Commission is keen to ensure that all the outstanding processes in the nine constituencies follow due process. It goes without saying that what happened during our attempt to complete the collation process in some of the nine constituencies is unlawful.

As indicated, the Commission will not uphold declarations ensuing from incomplete and unlawful processes. And these include in Nsawam Adoagyiri where parties, of course, on election day besieged the collation centre and brought the collation there to a halt. As mentioned, the Commission tried to start to complete the collation process on Friday 13 December.

However, when the collation for 143 polling stations had been done, there was an agreement that they should put it on hold until the following day. Sadly, that following day was not to be and the collation was called off because we were informed by the police service that supporters of the parties were planning to besiege the police depot and to cause disruptions at the centre. We were advised to put it on hold and so that collation is incomplete and we cannot declare an outcome.

I must note that in the Ahafo Ano South West and in the Ahafo Ano North, the collation on election day was also disrupted and no winners were declared. Those processes were incomplete and until they are complete, the Commission will not be in the position to declare a winner.

In Obuasi East, the collation centre was attacked by party supporters and the returning officer was threatened with an axe. His hands were lifted up and he was asked to declare a winner when that was not what was reflected on the results collation form. Again, that process was not lawful and the Commission would not uphold it.

In the Okaikwei Central, I did mention that 110 polling stations results were used to declare a winner instead of 141. The Commission would not uphold that process.

In the Ablekuma North constituency, 219 polling station results were used to declare a winner instead of 281 polling station results. The Commission would not uphold that declaration.

In Tema Central, the DEO again was threatening and he was forced to declare results using 146 polling stations instead of 148. The Commission would not uphold that declaration.

In Bono East, the returning officer and other staff were physically assaulted and forced to re-declare the results at gunpoint. It is important to note that the collation process had not been completed. There also, the Commission would not uphold those processes.

In Dome Kwabenya, there is some contention with three polling station results. The Commission is carrying out its own investigation with the three polling station results. I believe 367 of those results have been duly declared as legitimate. There are three results that are outstanding and the Commission is carrying out its own investigations to enable it to take a decision.

So ladies and gentlemen, this is a nutshell of the issues outstanding in the nine constituencies. In the view of the Commission, upholding such unlawful collations and declarations will set a bad precedent for our country and set us back to the dark days. I don't believe that as a country, this is where we should want to go. What it implies is that anyone who has force or might can take over a collation process and declare himself or herself as a Member of Parliament or a President.

As a country, we should not go down that slippery slope. We therefore use this occasion to humbly call on the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo, as well as our President-Elect, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to intervene in this matter so as to ensure that the Commission is provided with the necessary security and protection to carry out its functions.

We also call on the National Election Security Task Force to work together to put in place arraignments to ensure that our staff and our processes are protected and secured in a way that will ensure that the true outcomes of our processes reflect the will of the people as expressed on the pink sheets.

We conclude by reiterating that as a Commission, our mandate is not to make anybody a President or a Member of Parliament. Our mandate, as mentioned earlier, is simply to conduct credible, transparent and fair processes that uphold the choice of voters.

The election on the 7th of December 2024 is a testament of that assertion. We would like to finally call on the citizens of Ghana to support us in our bid to carry out our mandate. May God bless all of you and may God bless our homeland Ghana and make her great and strong.

Thank you very much.
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Afenyo-Markin must be retained as leader of NPP Caucus in Parliament - First Deputy Speaker recommends

Nana Konadu Agyeman Politics Dec - 19 - 2024 , 08:07 2 minutes read

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has recommended that Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the current Majority Leader, be retained as the leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus in the ninth Parliament, set to begin on January 7, 2025.

He described Mr. Afenyo-Markin as not only strong but also possessing the experience and longevity necessary to champion the interests of the caucus and the nation in the next Parliament.

In his view, the current politically charged environment requires a leader capable of standing up to the incoming Majority Caucus in 2025. I strongly believe in longevity and experience. From our own actions and inactions, you can tell that when Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was the Minority Leader and then Majority Leader, he stood out very clearly, but it did not happen by accident. He started as a chief whip and grew up to become a leader, as longevity brings experience and clarity, he explained.



Speaking to the press in Parliament today, the outgoing MP for Bekwai reiterated his stance, stating: So, I would not support any request for a new person to be brought into the picture now. Let Afenyo-Markin continue again.

If you ask me, let Afenyo-Markin continue. He started, and there is nobody who has had that experience before him. The only person who has had that experience is Honourable Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. He is leaving Parliament, and now [Afenyo-Markin] is the only person who has the sufficientno, not even sufficient butrequired experience.

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Mr Osei-Owusu, who has served in Parliament since 2009 and is exiting at the end of this term, emphasised the need for a combative leader to ensure the NPP Caucus makes its voice heard in the next Parliament.

Where we are now, we can never influence decisions; at best, we will get 91 looking at all that is made, and we cannot change any decisions, but our voice must be very loudly heard in and out of the chamber, he said.

What it requires is somebody who is strong and hot-headed and willing to stand the heat, he added.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin, a three-term MP for Effutu, served as Deputy Majority Leader until February 2024, when he was elevated to the position of Majority Leader by the leadership of the NPP.
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Mahama tells US, UK diplomats Ghanas energy sector requires urgent action

Mohammed Ali Politics Dec - 19 - 2024 , 13:12 1 minute read

The President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, says Ghanas energy sector requires urgent action to help address challenges in the sector.

Speaking during discussions with diplomats from the United States and the United Kingdom, Mr. Mahama said, The energy sector, in particular, requires urgent attention. We hope to work closely to resolve the issues in that space.

He said highlighting energy reforms was a key priority for his incoming administration amidst Ghanas broader economic and financial challenges.

Mr. Mahama gave a brief of the meeting with the two on Wednesday [Dec 18] in a post on Facebook and indicated the diplomats delivered messages of congratulations on behalf of their governments.

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The meetings, he said, underscored the importance of maintaining and strengthening Ghanas longstanding partnerships with these allies.

The Wednesday meeting followed a prior meeting with the U.S. Ambassador, during which Mr. Mahama discussed strategies for deepening bilateral cooperation to address Ghanas recovery efforts.

Both the United States and the United Kingdom have historically been strong allies of Ghana, with significant collaboration in areas such as trade, energy, and development aid.

Mr. Mahama at the meeting signalled his administrations commitment to leveraging international partnerships to help stabilise the economy and deliver sustainable reforms.
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'Operation Recover All Loot' not a witch-hunt - President-elect Mahama

Kester Aburam Korankye Politics Dec - 19 - 2024 , 15:01 4 minutes read

President-Elect John Dramini Mahama has reassured that his administration's "Operation Recover All Loot" (ORAL) initiative is not a witch-hunt, but rather a concerted effort to tackle corruption.

ORAL, the President-Elect explained, is designed to gather evidence to aid the prosecution of corrupt officials by designated state institutions, to ensure accountability and restore public trust, and forms part of his administration's broader commitment to transparency and good governance.

I announced the preparatory committee and I think people are misunderstanding it, but we are receiving information on things that are going wrong, a lot of corruption scandals, some send me text on my phone and others call me, so we want a focal point where all the evidence is gathered so if people have evidence, pass it on to this team, he said.

Mr Mahama said the ORAL Preparatory Committee, which has been set up solely to receive evidence was not going to replace established state institutions clothed with the mandate to investigate and prosecute crimes and would therefore hand over the evidence it gathers to the relevant authorities for investigation and prosecution.

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The President-elect made this clarification during a meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Miriam Montrat who paid a courtesy call to congratulate him on his electoral victory at his private office in Accra today (Thursday).

He said the team was working pro bono and would not come at any cost to the taxpayer.

So when we come to office ORAL is not going to be investigating peopleits not meant to witch-hunt people, he said.

Investments

Mr Mahama outlined his administration's priorities, including technology and investment in the agriculture value chain with a focus on agro processing.

"It is not enough to produce and just sell at the expense of the farmer," he said.

To address the challenges facing the National Buffer stock, which he said was not functioning properly, Mr Mahama proposed involving the private sector to mop up excess produce.

On the mining sector, Mr Mahama stressed the need to adopt technology to reclaim mined lands.

Energy sector

The President-elect was critical of the outgoing administration's management of the energy sector, which he said had resulted in $2.5 billion debt.

The energy sector is another area in which the outgoing administration has mismanaged in a major way. They have kept the lights at the expense of accruing a huge debt, that debt is being audited and so far we are looking at $2.5 billion, he said.

Mr Mahama said the Electricity Company of Ghana, (ECG) had also been mismanaged and was presently making about 32 per cent commercial and technical losses.

"The energy sector needs surgery," he said, underscoring the urgent need for reforms.

Mr Mahama said contrary to statements from the government that the economy was doing well, the energy sector debt alone could collapse the economy.

They want to create an upbeat story about their economic management before they leave office but like I said, we are going to open the books and let Ghanaians know the to true situation is, because if Ghanaians understand the true situation is then they will understand some the measures we have to take to bring things back to normal, Mr Mahama said.

He asked for the cooperation of the Canadian government with the new administration to have a successful term.

"We have great respect and relationships with Canada because of your management," Mr Mahama said, acknowledging the strong ties between the two nations.

He also expressed appreciation for Canadian investments in Ghana, particularly in the northern region through the CEDA initiative, as well as in the health sector.

Direct flight

The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, for her part emphasised the need for a direct flight from Canada to Ghana, citing its potential to boost tourism, trade, and investment between the two countries.

She also highlighted security, women empowerment, food security and agriculture, and creating a conducive investment destination as areas the two countries could explore together.

On women empowerment, Ms Montrat highlighted Canada's support for initiatives to promote gender equality and women's rights in the country and expressed admiration for the countrys first female Vice- President elect, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

Ms Montrat emphasised the importance of a 24/7 economy, which can help promote economic growth, create jobs, and improve living standards.

She expressed concern over the non-payment of international companies by the current government, urging the incoming administration to address this issue promptly.

There are lots of opportunities but the environment needs to be conducive, she said.

She also urged the President-Elect to assure foreign companies that their investments in the country would be protected as many of them are skeptical about the security of their investments.
Green River Public Works Director Mark Westenskow announced Tuesday during the City Council meeting that the City of Green River will be receiving an added $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant for the completion of the Water Treatment Plant Replacement Facility.

The Office of State Lands and Investments has recommended an amendment to the grant the city originally received, increasing the amount by $10,530,307. This amendment raises the total grant amount to $16,775,307. The added funding is equivalent to one third of the total construction cost of slightly over $51 million.

Westenskow explained that some projects around the state were not eligible or were unable to use the grant funds by their deadline, causing State Lands to reclaim the reserved money and reallocate it to eligible projects.

Westenskow said that all the relevant documentation and planned spending must be submitted to the Office of State Lands and Investments by the end of the year and that the funds must be spent by the end of 2026.

Mayor Pete Rust was incredibly pleased at this announcement, expressing his appreciation for Westenskow and his team.

"Great job to everybody that was involved," Rust said. "Again, this is just plain and simply good news."

Councilman Jost says goodbye

Tuesday's meeting was the last of the year for the council and the final meeting for Councilman George Jost. Jessica Maser was elected to the Ward II seat in November and will begin her term in January.

Jost served on the Council from 1985-2001, and again from 2020-2024, for a combined 20 years of service. Jost also served on the Wyoming Association of Municipalities board of directors, Joint Powers Water Board, Wyoming Water Commission, and United Way Board of Directors as Chairman.

The mayor and other council members thanked Jost for his many years of service, with Mayor Rust saying, "I want to congratulate and thank Councilman Jost for his service and commitment to the citizens of Green River."

In closing, Jost said, "I just want everybody to know that the city council really cares about the employees of the city of Green River, and I appreciate all the citizens that have supported me all these years."
Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Congressional Western Caucus Chair Dan Newhouse (R-WA) wrote a letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Tracy Stone-Manning expressing their concerns with its final Greater Sage-Grouse Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA).

While the Biden-Harris administration spends its final days catering to its radical climate change base, farmers, ranchers and landowners across the west will bear the consequences of its catastrophic failures for years to come, said Lummis. Instead of trusting Wyomings experts who have a proven track record on sage-grouse management, this administration continues grasping for control of the west by awarding decision-making power to unelected D.C. bureaucrats who do not know the first thing about western land management. Rep. Newhouse and I are calling on the BLM to immediately cease any work on the RMPA in this lame duck period to spare the west from a few more weeks of this administrations Green New Deal policies.

BLMs sage-grouse proposal implements an unworkable one-size-fits-all approach to population management that will fail landowners across the west, said Newhouse. Im proud to join Senator Lummis in requesting the agency return control to state and local officials who best know how to manage populations. This is clearly a last-ditch effort by a lame duck administration to inflict further harm on the American West, and I look forward to supporting the repeal of this regulation in the new Congress.

This plan will affect sage-grouse habitats in Wyoming, California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

In March, Lummis and Newhouse urged the BLM to extend the comment period on this sage-grouse plan in order for those who live and work on the lands affected by the proposal to have ample time to provide public comment.

In October 2023, Senate Western Caucus member Jim Risch (R-ID) led a letter to Senate leadership to keep the greater sage-grouse off the endangered species list and for states to continue species management.

In July 2023, Lummis led a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies urging the committee to continue prohibiting the listing of the greater sage-grouse.
Apple now said to be talking to Tencent and TikTok owner ByteDance for AI features in China

Apple is reportedly in talks with Tencent and TikTok owner ByteDance to partner up on AI features in China. The talks are allegedly at a very early stage, so there's still a chance nothing will come out of these.

Apple needs a Chinese partner for AI features because the Chinese government has to approve any generative AI services, and it obviously heavily favors local companies for such permits.

Apple started rolling out ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence, but ChatGPT isn't available in China for the same reason outlined above.

Of course, any Chinese company that manages to partner with Apple to deploy AI services will instantly become a major winner in the country's very crowded AI field.

Apple has previously been in talks with Baidu but according to a recent rumor the discussions faced "setbacks due to technical issues, including disputes over using iPhone user data to train AI models".

The absence of any AI features on iPhones in China has become a pretty significant problem for Apple, which is seeing its market share decline in the world's biggest smartphone market as a consequence.

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Attorney General Douglas Moylan released details Thursday of a plan to quash what he believes is widespread methamphetamine smuggling at the commercial port.

He also lashed out again at the Leon Guerrero administration for what he called slow walking discussion of his plan.

Moylan is pushing for 100% inspection of all containers leaving the Port. He said on Wednesday that the administration had canceled three previously scheduled face-to-face meetings, including one scheduled for Thursday.

But Port General Manager Rory Respicio said in a news release Thursday that the meeting was rescheduled due to my unexpected unavailability. I apologize if this created the impression that the governor is slow-walking efforts to address Attorney General Moylans claims.

He said the governor, lieutenant governor and everyone at the Port share a collective drive and mission to support Customs mandate to inspect cargo and interdict contraband.

Huge red flags were uncovered in our preparation for this critical meeting that the governor knows about, or needs to be informed about, especially the 150 containers a month with tampered safety seals, Moylan said.

He said the seals were found to have been missing, broken and/or replaced with another seal prior.

Moylan proposed that a Port team be created to lead a criminal investigation of any broken safety seal and it be treated as a crime scene with the container being separated into a holding area for law enforcement authorities to conduct the investigation before it will be released by the OAG.

The OAGs other short-term, immediate solutions include:

For the attorney general

Appoint a neutral outside master to oversee Meth Interdiction Action Plan.

For the governor:

Secure an additional 100 personnel to assist 133 existing customs officers.

Require movement of customs, port stevedores and port inspection officers and police around.

Require camera layout & operational report.

Require cameras accessible to outside law local and federal enforcement agencies.

Activate National Guard to assist Customs.

Activate National Guard to monitor ocean activity around Guam at 6 lookout points.

Require federal grant writers and National Guard to secure funding for container x-ray machine and housing for all cargo to pass through following national procedures & standards.

Require Department of Agriculture conservation officers to identify and monitor all on non-port-type docking skiffs available to smaller boats.

Require National Guard confirm with military radar boats meeting up container ships.

Require cameras accessible online to AGs Office, Customs, Drug Enforcement Administration, and other law enforcement officials.

Moylans suggested longer-term solutions are:

Order Secure Funding Stationary X-ray building and X-ray machine.

The Guam delegate work to ensure funding from Congress and/or Department of Interior for X-ray facility and equipment, staffing personnel and grease the treads with incoming Trump Administration officials to secure funding and cooperation with Guams efforts to secure the Port against illegal drugs and contraband.

For the governor to introduce legislation for:

100% container inspection required by Guam law.

A container Czar appointed by the AG to oversee above goals.

Establish broken container seals as a felony.

Allegations

The Port Authority of Guam said it takes the allegations detailed in the recent report by Attorney General Doug Moylan very seriously.

It specifically references a Matson Lurline container ship (Voyage 85) and the concerns raised of possible deviations from established cargo handling and inspection procedures jeopardizing the integrity of Port operations.

The Port Authority said it is taking immediate and decisive action, and the ports operations management has been directed to conduct a comprehensive investigation that will focus on the following:

Verification of the validity of the allegations.

Identification of any procedural lapses or violations of protocol.

Determination of any involvement by Port personnel.

Recommendations for immediate corrective actions where necessary.

They are required to juxtapose their findings against the Ports Public Cargo Terminal procedures, and verify any employees that show up in the surveillance footage during the time of the allegation.

Their review must include:

A detailed analysis of the alleged activities compared to the steps outlined in the PCT Interim Access Procedures, and accountability of all port personnel during this time.

Identification of any inconsistencies or breaches in protocol.

Clarification of whether proper authorization, documentation, and access controls were adhered to as per these procedures.

Upon completing the investigation, their findings will be formally submitted to Port Police for further action and review. The final report and recommendations are due within five working days, the Port release stated.

In a release, the Port said it remains steadfast in supporting the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency (CQA) as they fulfill their critical mandate to inspect cargo and protect our island from illegal drugs, contraband, and invasive species.

Respicio emphasized that the Ports role is to provide access and logistical resources necessary for Customs to perform their duties effectively and identified the following actions taken to support Customs mandate:

Infrastructure enhancements: At the Governors direction, the Port completed a feasibility study for a dedicated Customs Inspection Facility, including the provision of a four-acre property to streamline and enhance inspection capabilities.

Operational support: Since day one Customs Officers have been granted unimpeded access to terminal areas to ensure thorough cargo inspections

Security upgrades: Federal grants secured to implement advanced surveillance systems, scanners, and additional security personnel.

Respicio said, While this goes beyond our core mission, we willingly embrace this responsibility for the greater good of our island community.

Moylan said Guams meth addiction is a bigger problem than any one elected leader or official, and the governors cancellation of the requested meeting threatens all of our safety and welfare.

The AG urged the governor to reconsider canceling the roundtable.

We as elected leaders must work together to drive the price of meth up as a short-term goal, he said.




Haiti - News : Zapping...





6 bodies discovered in Petion-ville

On Tuesday, December 17 in the morning, 6 bodies were discovered near the old cemetery of Petion-ville. According to the police, this was a targeted attack, specifying that these people were killed by heavily armed individuals traveling in a black Nissan Patrol vehicle, according to the preliminary investigation.



First commercial flight since PAP

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, nearly 200 passengers took off aboard a charter flight from the Ecuadorian company Aeroregional, bound for Brazil, marking the resumption of air operations from Toussaint Louverture International Airport (with the exception of American airlines, banned by the "Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)" until March 12, 2025. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43826-haiti-flash-faa-extends-restrictions-on-us-aircraft-flights-to-haiti-until-march-2025.html )



Mevs Hospital Fire : Reaction

"The fire at Bernard Mevs Hospital is a real tragedy for the population. All my sympathies to the hospital staff and the owners, the Bitar brothers! 30 years of investment and sacrifice gone up in flames of crime ! Me Andre Michel https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43869-haiti-flash-gangs-set-fire-to-bernard-mevs-hospital-considerable-damage-video.html



Did you know ?

In the Corruption Perception Index, Haiti in 2023, occupied the first place among the Caribbean countries with the greatest corruption in the public sector, 2nd place in the Americas and 173rd in the world out of 180 countries analyzed.



VISA : Denial by the Embassy of Haiti in the DR

The Embassy of Haiti in Santo Domingo denies a false official letter that circulated on social networks on December 16, 2024, suggesting that the diplomatic mission will issue Dominican visas. The Embassy asks all our compatriots to be very attentive to all information that is not true and asks them in case of doubt to consult the Embassy on social networks or to call this number: +1 809 686 7115.



PAHO : Donation of more than 6 tons of medicines and medical products

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO-Haiti), in support of the Ministry of Public Health, delivered more than 6 tons of medicines and medical products to more than 50 health institutions in the departments of Sud, Nippes and Grande-Anse, thanks to funding from "Auswartiges Amt". This delivery allows institutions to maintain their essential services and improve access to care for the most vulnerable. It also includes pre-positioned supplies for a rapid response to the cholera epidemic.



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Haiti - Economy : The CCIO exasperated, reframes the CPT and the Government (open letter)





Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the West Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIO) in an open letter, sent to the Presidential Transitional Council and the Government, raises its voice and reframes them in the face of the unacceptable.



Open letter from the CCIO :



"Today more than ever, "You are required to do the impossible". The Nation can no longer wait and can no longer stand it. There is a limit to this legendary resilience in the face of the unacceptable.



The West Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIO) once again expresses its concern about the disastrous situation in which the country is sinking and wishes to present its most sincere sympathies to all the victims of insecurity, to the population who are suffering, who are being displaced and who have almost no longer have access to hospital care. We salute and recognize the efforts made by each of the FAd'H police officers and soldiers on the ground who risk their lives every day with the limited resources available.



We cannot accept the unacceptable. These serious and disturbing tragedies that have cost the lives of thousands of innocent people are beyond comprehension. In addition to the massacres at Wharf Jeremie, Solino, Poste Marchand, Bel-Air, to name but a few, there are all the massacres perpetrated in the country, including that of Pont Sonde in Artibonite and the massacre at Petite Riviere de l'Artibonite, which demonstrate unspeakable and unbearable violence. These acts cannot be described as massacres, but as terrorist acts given their gratuitous violence. We are tired of sounding the alarm to try to prevent this humanitarian crisis without it being considered a priority.



While nearly half of the Haitian population suffers from acute food insecurity, violence continues to disrupt daily life and economic activities. How can we even talk about economic recovery when insecurity makes it impossible for us to function and maintain the jobs that still exist ?



Today, there is no need to recall the essential actions incumbent on the Government, such as the establishment of social programs and support measures necessary to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable. A responsible State must collect the essential resources, in particular by addressing the problem of smuggling and particularly at the border, to ensure the proper functioning of the Haitian Police and Army and to adequately equip and remunerate these bodies to combat insecurity and come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in distress.



It is now imperative that the State take urgent and decisive measures. The time for speeches and hesitations is over : inaction and ignorance regarding the concerns of the population are no longer tolerable. We demand from the authorities an unwavering mobilization to establish security, restore the authority of the State and rebuild the conditions for sustainable economic growth and a better future for all Haitians."



The Board of Directors

Port-au-Prince, December 18, 2024.



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Haiti - FLASH : 2025 Roadmap for the restitution of the ransom of independence





At the end of the retreat on reparations and restitution of the ransom of independence, organized by the Haitian National Committee on Restitution and Reparation (CNHRR) from October 17 to 20, 2024 in Port-au-Prince https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43456-haiti-retreat-restitution-of-france-s-debt-and-reparations.html, the Committee unveiled the main recommendations made, which will serve as a roadmap for 2025.



"1. Declaration of the year 2025 as the Year of French Restitution :

April 2025 will bring back the bicentennial of the ordinance of Charles X, which required Haiti to pay 90 million francs for more than a century. It is recommended to request the Haitian Government to declare the year 2025 as the 'Year of French Restitution to Haiti'.



2. Formal Note to the French Government:

The CNHRR recommends that the Haitian Government officially transmit through diplomatic channels a Formal Note to the French Government for the request for restitution of the "ransom of independence" and the compound interest and damages. The Haitian Government is encouraged to quickly initiate an official dialogue with France for the establishment of a "Mixed Commission for the restitution of the ransom of independence."



3. Review of necessary documents and archives :

The CNHRR will facilitate its various experts' access to the most relevant archives for the documentation necessary for the work of the Committee. In addition, the CNHRR will establish a functional collaboration with the competent services of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti for the actuarial and updated calculations of the amounts for restitutions and reparations.



4. Collaboration with the MENFP for the reform of education :

The emphasis will be placed on the reappropriation of national history by strengthening education from primary school onwards, highlighting the participation of slaves, women, and anonymous masses in the revolution. On the occasion of the curricular reform underway in the Haitian school program, the CNHRR will have to facilitate the revision of certain contents of the Haitian school.



5. Organization of Awareness Workshops:

Educational workshops will be organized for authors of school textbooks, writers, artists, historians, and young creators to explore themes related to slavery and colonization (resistance, memory of slavery, women in slavery, etc...)



6. Production of cultural works:

The production of cultural works (poetry, fiction, music, dance, theater, painting) will be encouraged to raise awareness of these issues among the population. The CNHRR will undertake, with the filmmaker Arnold Antonin, the production of a documentary film on restitutions and reparations.



7. Restoration of historical monuments and museification of the territory:

In order to preserve the national heritage and strengthen the feeling of popular belonging, the CNHRR will support the Haitian Government in its mission to restore historical monuments (Citadel, Sans Souci Palace, Palace of the 365 Doors in Marchand Dessalines, etc...) At the same time, local authorities will be encouraged to identify and promote historical sites in their territory. The Ministries of Culture, Tourism and the Interior and Local Authorities may be called upon to contribute to this perspective.



8. Communication Plan and Community Engagemen:

A strategic communication plan must be implemented to raise awareness and involve the different segments of the Haitian population in the reparation and restitution processes. Partnerships with popular and feminist organizations are essential to address the aftermath of colonization, particularly the impact on women.



9. Organization of Public Conferences and Webinars :

The CNHRR will organize conferences and webinars on a regular basis to inform and raise awareness among the general public on the different aspects of restitution and reparations.



10. Organization of meetings with UEH Professors and Students :

The CNHRR will organize exchange and discussion meetings with the different components of the UEH in order to create more support for this approach within the UEH.



11. Organization of symposia :

The CNHRR will quickly set up the organizing committees for 2 symposia, the first in May 2025 on "Memories of Slavery, Haitian Thought and Reparations" and a 2nd in July 2025 on "Restitutions, Reparations and Public Health" in order to coordinate the reflection efforts on these essential questions.



12. Strengthening ties with the CRC:

The CNHRR will strengthen its working and collaborative relationship with the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) in order to form a common front to build the broadest possible consensus against the former colonial powers.



13. Building Alliances and Partnerships:

The State University of Haiti will ensure that a network is built around the National Committee by inviting different groups and groups of universities, inter-university and academic organizations, religious organizations, organized civil society organizations in Haiti and abroad in order to strengthen the pressure forces of the CNHRR in the fight for restitution and reparations.



14. Legal approach and international collaborations :

It is advisable to combine judicial and non-judicial procedures to address the issue of reparations. The CNHRR plans to strengthen its collaboration with many international partners and allies such as: the International Reparations Movement (MIR) of Martinique, the CUNY Law Clinic, the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti in the USA, etc...



15. Use of restitution proceeds:

A crucial element of the overall file and the negotiation with France will consist of the intended use of the sums to be returned, the terms and pace of restitution as well as the necessary transparency to be ensured. In this perspective, the Committee should quickly address this issue and propose a plan relating to it. A search for existing investment plans will be launched and their harmonization with a view to a global plan will be initiated. Obviously, the Ministries and State agencies concerned will be called upon to provide their collaboration in this regard.



These recommendations aim to structure restitution and reparation actions while strengthening national and international awareness.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43456-haiti-retreat-restitution-of-france-s-debt-and-reparations.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-42728-icihaiti-ueh-restitution-of-the-independence-debt-by-france-monitoring.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42325-haiti-flash-the-ueh-will-work-on-the-restitution-by-france-of-the-independence-debt.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42185-haiti-flashin-geneva-haiti-calls-for-help-from-the-un-for-the-restitution-by-france-of-the-independence-debt.html



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Haiti - Politic : Order of Canada awarded to Fabienne Colas





On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Fabienne Colas Foundation announced that its President and Founder, Fabienne Colas, Haitian-Canadian, has been appointed by Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, to the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honours.



Created in 1967, the Order of Canada celebrates exceptional achievements and recognizes individuals from all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to Canada.



This high distinction brings great recognition to the exceptional work that Fabienne Colas has been doing for 20 years in Canada.



A leading figure in cultural diversity in the country, Fabienne Colas has dedicated herself to promoting diversity and inclusion in film, art and culture, in Canada and abroad. Through the Fabienne Colas Foundation, she has been a cornerstone in the creation of incubators, training programs, events and festivals that have brought thousands of Afro-descendant artists to North America.



"Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they expand the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue to push the boundaries. I thank you for your perseverance, your fearless leadership and your visionary spirit, and I welcome you to the Order of Canada," said the Governor General.



Reacting to this distinction, Fabienne Colas said, "It is a privilege and an immense honour to be appointed to the Order of Canada. As a Canadian of Haitian origin [born in Port-au-Prince on March 18, 1979] and a Montrealer, I take it with great humility, gratitude and pride. I dedicate this incredible recognition to my family, to my dedicated team at the Fabienne Colas Foundation and to all visible minority artists who work in the shadows or are trying to make themselves heard. This unprecedented recognition allows me to continue to build bridges in the arts for a more inclusive society."



As a new Member of the Order of Canada, Fabienne Colas will be invited to a later ceremony to be invested into the Order and receive her insignia.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





PNH : Massacre in the "Grand Grif" gang:

Artibonite : More than 16 armed bandits, identified as members of the Gran Grif gang, were killed in exchanges of fire with the police, from December 14 to 15, 2024. The national police are increasing their efforts to restore order and security.



2 individuals arrested for attempted assassinations

The Departmental Directorate of the Central Police arrested Bernadin Jonas (32 years old) and Marthyrin Gerard (55), accused of attempted assassinations, during police operations carried out in the areas of Maissade and Hinche, on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Marthyrin Gerard, a repeat offender, is accused of several counts including assault followed by injuries on the person of Ti Willer. As for Bernadin Jonas, he is accused of an assassination attempt against Anilaire Phame.



Diaspora : a vital engine for Haiti's economy

The Haitian diaspora contributes 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) supporting more than 50% of families in Haiti through remittances that cover education, housing and food, while indirectly financing the country's imports. The diaspora is a vital engine for Haiti's economy.



HOPE / HELP Act : Resolution introduced in Congress

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, a proposal to renew the HOPE / HELP Act for 5 years was introduced in the US Congress. This is an important step, said Georges Sassine, of the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH), even if the vote on this resolution and the approval of President Biden remain



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43764-haiti-diplomacy-mission-abroad-for-the-new-haitian-chancellor.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42893-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-42758-icihaiti-usa-adih-requests-support-from-the-cpt-for-the-renewal-of-the-hope-law.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42671-haiti-economy-important-meeting-between-the-pm-and-the-association-of-industries-of-haiti.html



Gary Victor finalist of the Prix des 5 continents

The novel "Le Violon d'Adrien" by Haitian writer Gary Victor is one of the 10 finalists of the 23rd edition of the Prix des cinq continents de la Francophonie 2025.



Birthday of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, 266th Pope of the Vatican State, celebrated his 88th birthday on December 17, 2024.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Helsingin Sanomat on Wednesday reported , citing a recent study by the international financial institution, that real house prices in the country have decreased by 13 per cent since 2015, whereas they have increased by an average of 37 per cent across the OECD.

HOUSE PRICES in Finland have developed worse over the past decade than anywhere else in the OECD, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Alongside Finland, Italy and South Korea were the only other industrialised countries to record a decline in real house prices. Iceland, Portugal and Hungary have contrastively seen the prices surge by over 65 per cent in the past 10 years. In the United States, similarly, real house prices have risen by more than 50 per cent.

In Finland, the fall has been particularly sharp since mid-2022. Experts have largely attributed it to two key factors: the location of houses in depopulating parts of the country and the impact of rising benchmark rates in a country where the vast majority of housing loans are tied to benchmark rates, most commonly the 12-month Euribor.

Helsingin Sanomat on Monday wrote that Finland has up to a million houses  a number that accounts for roughly a third of all houses in the country  that are located in regions where the prospects of a sale are grim due to depopulation. Some of the houses, it added, may be impossible to sell even in good economic circumstances and may not qualify for renovation loans from banks.

With Finns tying their wealth largely to houses, many to ensure financial security in old age, the issue is particularly pertinent.

According to Statistics Finland, houses have depreciated especially since 2020, in some areas by over 20 per cent.

In the 2000s, real prices have fallen in all parts of Finland, Petri Kettunen, a senior statistician at Statistics Finland, summed up for Helsingin Sanomat in May. In the past four years, the price drops have been pronounced in Kainuu, nearly 30 per cent, and South Karelia, 27.8 per cent.

The IMF analysis points to a reality that has been observed also by Eurostat. The EUs statistical bureau has reported that nominal house prices across the 27-country bloc increased by an average of 47 per cent in 20102023. In Finland, however, the increase was only 5.4 per cent.

Finlands population growth, in terms of percentages, has been weaker than in other Nordic countries, and the regional variation has been greater. In Finland, large cities dominate the growth, Julia Ruotsi, the chief economist at the Finnish Association of Building Owners and Construction Clients (Rakli), said at the time.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
New DNA research from ancient skeletons has revealed that syphilis and its related diseases were present in the Americas long before Christopher Columbuss expeditions. While the disease became widespread in Europe after Columbuss return, colonial expansion later facilitated its global spread.

The outbreak of syphilis in Europe at the end of the 15th century, shortly after Columbus returned from the Americas, led many to believe he brought the disease back. Another theory suggested that syphilis already existed in Europe before Columbuss voyages, supported by skeletal evidence showing lesions consistent with long-term syphilis.

The mystery has now been resolved through DNA analysis of ancient South American bones. A research project led by the Max Planck Institute, with the involvement of Professor Antti Sajantila from the University of Helsinki, uncovered five ancient genomes of the syphilis family from Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Argentina.

Sajantilas team had been conducting long-term research in Peru, which allowed for a detailed investigation of Peruvian mummies for traces of syphilis. The discovery provides significant insights into the diseases history and origins.

DNA analysis of ancient bones has previously offered information about diseases like the plague, tuberculosis, leprosy, and smallpox. However, tracing the history of syphilis has been more challenging. Until now, skeletal lesions alone could not definitively confirm the presence of syphilis or pinpoint its origins.

Using advanced genomic techniques, the research team successfully reconstructed the genomes of five ancient pathogens. Evelyn Guevara, a postdoctoral researcher in Sajantilas group, noted that despite challenges with DNA preservation, they reliably identified links between extinct strains of the syphilis family and modern strains affecting global health today.

The findings confirm that the Americas were a central hub for the diversity of the syphilis family before Columbus. The syphilis family includes yaws and bejel, which are neglected tropical diseases overshadowed by conditions like AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. The discovery of extinct sister strains of all known forms of these diseases suggests that syphilis, yaws, and bejel are modern remnants of pathogens that once circulated in the Americas.

Following Columbuss return, cases of syphilis and yaws surged dramatically from 1500 onwards. The rapid spread of these diseases in Europe during the 16th century was likely exacerbated by the slave trade and European colonization in the Americas and Africa.

While Indigenous peoples in the Americas carried early forms of these diseases, European colonialism played a crucial role in their worldwide dissemination, Guevara explained. This research offers new clarity on the historical spread of syphilis and its related diseases, highlighting how colonial expansion influenced global health patterns.

HT
D.A. clears deputies who fired at suspect after chase

Henderson County sheriffs deputies were justified in opening fire on an assault suspect who had crashed his minivan and then fired a handgun, which, it turned out, was a fatal suicide shot in the temple, District Attorney Andrew Murray said.

Related Stories

Murray released the outcome of his review of the facts in the April 13 pursuit of 29-year-old Hayden Brook and directed the SBI to close the case. The deputies were legitimately in fear of their own lives and one another's and, in any case, Brook was most likely already dead when they opened fire, he said. Here is Murrays full review and letter to Chuck Vines, the special agent in charge of the SBIs Western North Carolina office:

After a thorough review of all the facts and evidence presented in the investigative report compiled by special Agent Radford, it is my conclusion that the responding Henderson County sheriffs deputies were legally justified in firing their service weapons at the decedent after he fled from them in a minivan and wrecked his vehicle. Immediately following the wreck, the responding deputies approached Brook, who was in the driver's seat of the wrecked minivan, while issuing commands for Brook to put his hands in the air.

A shot from the van rang out and deputies, believing their own lives and the lives of their fellow deputies were in imminent danger of serious injury or death, fired multiple rounds at the decedent. Although several of these rounds struck the decedent and had the potential to be fatal, the medical examiner's autopsy revealed that the first shot the deputies heard was a fatal self-inflicted contact shot to the decedent's head.

With the Medical Examiner's determination that the decedent self-inflicted a fatal wound to his head, the following is a brief explanation supporting my decision that the deputies' actions were justified.

The autopsy report promulgated by the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center dated 11/25/2024 determined the cause of death to be:   contact, exiting gunshot wound of the head. The entrance was located on the right temple, with a surrounding muzzle stamp. The projectile went through the brain at the level of the basal ganglia and exited the left temple. The Medical Examiner also described and documented numerous other gunshot wounds to the decedent's body but ultimately concluded that the initial self-inflicted shot was fatal, and the other wounds had no substantive impact regarding survivability.

On the evening of April 13, 2024, several Henderson County Sheriffs deputies responded to a 911 call where a female reported being assaulted and threatened with a gun by a male she was sharing a campsite with at the North Mills River Campground. Deputies located the reporting female at the campground and observed injuries to her head and arms. The female victim reported being headbutted and threatened with a gun by an individual. While the victim was providing deputies with a description of Brook and of Brook's minivan, the described minivan drove past the campsite where the interview was taking place. Deputies immediately responded by getting into their vehicles and falling behind Brook's minivan while simultaneously activating their blue lights and sirens. The decedent failed to stop his vehicle, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The decedent accelerated his vehicle on a mountain road with numerous twists and turns before eventually losing control and crashing into an embankment and utility pole. Deputies immediately exited their respective vehicles with their guns drawn and began approaching the badly damaged minivan while yelling commands for Brook to put his hands in the air where they could see them. Deputies then heard a shot from within the minivan. Each approaching deputy perceived a lethal threat to their lives and the lives of their fellow deputies and fired varying numbers of rounds at Brook.

After discharging their firearms, the deputies made a cautious approach to the vehicle and observed Brook with a gun in his hand. Deputies immediately backed away from the vehicle until they could procure a ballistic shield from one of the deputies vehicle. Deputes then made a second approach to the wrecked minivan, where they found Brook unresponsive. Brook was immediately removed from the vehicle, and life-saving measures were rendered. Emergency Medical Services arrived shortly thereafter and determined Brook had succumbed to his wounds.

Murray directed Vines to close the file and return evidence to the owners of the items.




Both the Hindu Shradh ritual and the Akwaaba Festival in Ghana center around paying respects to ancestors, though they stem from distinct cultural and religious traditions. Despite their geographical and cultural differences, these two practices share similar themes of remembrance, reverence for the dead, and the belief that the living have obligations toward their ancestors.

1. Overview of Hindu Shradh Ritual

The Shradh is an important Hindu ritual dedicated to the ancestors, typically performed during the Pitru Paksha period, a fortnight in the lunar calendar (usually in September or October). It is believed that during this time, the spirits of the ancestors visit Earth, and their descendants must perform rituals to ensure the peace and well-being of their souls. The Shradh rituals are usually carried out by the male descendants, particularly the eldest son, and involve offerings of food, water, and prayers to the departed.

2. Overview of Akwaaba Festival

The Akwaaba Festival in Ghana, while broader in its scope as a celebration of the Ghanaian culture, also includes rituals to honor ancestors. "Akwaaba" means "welcome" in the Akan language, and this festival is an expression of gratitude to the ancestors for their guidance and protection. Through traditional music, dance, and ritual offerings, Ghanaians celebrate their heritage and maintain a spiritual connection with the deceased. Its also an opportunity to reaffirm cultural identity and unity within the community.

Key Differences

While both rituals involve the veneration of ancestors, their forms, meanings, and cultural contexts vary significantly.

Religious Context: Hindu Shradh is rooted in the religious framework of Hinduism, where the souls journey after death and its eventual release (moksha) is key. It is strictly tied to the belief in karma (the moral law of cause and effect), reincarnation, and the eternal bond between ancestors and their descendants.

is rooted in the religious framework of Hinduism, where the souls journey after death and its eventual release (moksha) is key. It is strictly tied to the belief in karma (the moral law of cause and effect), reincarnation, and the eternal bond between ancestors and their descendants. Akwaaba Festival, on the other hand, is based on indigenous Ghanaian traditions that blend spiritual and social elements. While some aspects are tied to spiritual beliefs about the ancestors, the Akwaaba festival is more celebratory in nature and is deeply intertwined with Ghanaian cultural identity. Purpose and Rituals: The purpose of Shradh is primarily to offer tarpana (libations of water) and pinda-daan (offerings of rice balls) to the deceased, helping their souls to find peace. This is seen as a religious duty, often performed in solemnity.

is primarily to offer tarpana (libations of water) and pinda-daan (offerings of rice balls) to the deceased, helping their souls to find peace. This is seen as a religious duty, often performed in solemnity. In contrast, the Akwaaba Festival is a broader cultural celebration where honoring ancestors is just one part of the festivities. The rituals are more community-focused and celebratory, involving dancing, drumming, and other performances. Role of Gender: In Hinduism, the responsibility of performing the Shradh falls predominantly on male descendants, especially the eldest son. This patriarchal expectation is a defining characteristic of the Shradh.

In the Akwaaba Festival, there is no strict gender role associated with the performance of rituals. Men and women both participate in the celebrations, and the entire community is involved in paying tribute to the ancestors. Frequency: Shradh is observed annually during Pitru Paksha, although specific days can be chosen for individual ancestors throughout the year.

is observed annually during Pitru Paksha, although specific days can be chosen for individual ancestors throughout the year. Akwaaba is celebrated once a year but may coincide with other local festivals that similarly honor ancestors.

Key Similarities

Despite the differences, there are notable similarities that reflect the universal human concern with life after death, family legacy, and respect for the deceased.

Honoring Ancestors: Both the Shradh ritual and Akwaaba Festival place significant emphasis on remembering and honoring ancestors. In both practices, ancestors are believed to influence the lives of the living, and it is the responsibility of the descendants to maintain this spiritual connection. Offerings and Prayers: Both rituals involve making offerings to the ancestors. In Shradh, these offerings consist of food and water, whereas, in Akwaaba, offerings may include food, drink, and gifts that are symbolic in the Ghanaian tradition. Communal Participation: While the Shradh is generally more of a private family affair, both rituals ultimately emphasize the role of the family and community. In both cultures, the importance of communal gatherings, either for celebration or collective worship, highlights the role of tradition in maintaining societal bonds.

Importance in Respective Cultures

Hindu Shradh: In Hinduism, Shradh is seen as a dharma (sacred duty) that every person, especially the male members of the family, must perform to ensure the peaceful afterlife of their ancestors. Failure to do so is considered a sin, potentially leading to ancestral dissatisfaction, which is believed to cause misfortune for the descendants. Shradh thus holds deep spiritual significance. Akwaaba Festival: The Akwaaba Festival reflects Ghanaian culture's emphasis on family, community, and heritage. Ancestor veneration is not seen as a purely spiritual duty but also a way to keep cultural traditions alive. By honoring the ancestors, the festival reaffirms a sense of identity and continuity among the living.

Modern Day Relevance and Current Status

Hindu Shradh in Modern Times: In modern times, the practice of Shradh continues to be observed, but younger generations may question its relevance, especially in urbanized and diasporic communities. As Hindu families move across the world, the ritual has undergone adaptations to fit into new social and cultural contexts. For example, its not uncommon for people to perform Shradh remotely or even donate to charity in memory of their ancestors. Akwaaba Festival Today: The Akwaaba Festival remains a significant cultural event in Ghana, though like many traditional rituals, it has also modernized. Urbanization and globalization have led to a blending of traditional and modern elements in the festival. Younger generations continue to participate, but their understanding of the festival may be more cultural than spiritual, as global influences shape the way the festival is interpreted and celebrated.

Attitude of the Current Generation

Hindu Shradh: Among the younger generation, particularly those living in more cosmopolitan or non-traditional environments, there is a growing tendency to see Shradh as a ritual bound by outdated gender roles and obligations. However, many still participate, often out of respect for family elders or cultural norms, even if the rituals spiritual significance may not resonate as deeply with them. Akwaaba Festival: The younger generation in Ghana tends to embrace the Akwaaba Festival as a part of their national identity, though the spiritual aspects may not hold the same weight as they did in previous generations. The festival, however, remains a key way to connect with Ghanaian roots, even for those in the diaspora.

Lesser-Known Facts

Shradh : In addition to performing the Shradh at home, many Hindus travel to sacred places such as Gaya or Haridwar to perform the rituals, believing that doing so in these holy sites amplifies the benefits for the ancestors souls.

Akwaaba Festival: While Akwaaba is a modern festival that celebrates Ghanaian culture and identity, it has roots in much older traditions of ancestor veneration in Akan culture. Each ethnic group in Ghana has its own variation of ancestor veneration, making Akwaaba a unique amalgamation of these practices.

In conclusion, both the Hindu Shradh ritual and the Akwaaba Festival reflect the deep-rooted human need to honor and maintain a connection with the ancestors. While the Shradh emphasizes spiritual liberation and karmic duty, Akwaaba blends spirituality with cultural celebration. In both cases, these rituals serve as a bridge between the past and the present, helping communities and families maintain continuity with their heritage.

In modern times, both rituals face the challenge of adapting to changing attitudes, especially among the younger generations, but they continue to serve as important reminders of cultural identity and ancestral responsibility.
Kuwait-China relations continuously developing: Kuwaiti FM

Xinhua) 15:45, December 19, 2024

KUWAIT CITY, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya said Wednesday Kuwait-China relations are continuously developing and evolving into a strategic partnership with long-term collaboration on developmental projects beneficial to both nations.

During the meeting between leaders of the two countries in September 2023, a clear roadmap was drawn to advance Kuwait-China relations, the minister told Xinhua in a joint interview with Chinese media.

Al-Yahya revealed that "six major projects are currently being implemented in coordination with the Chinese side, with steady and parallel progress."

The top Kuwaiti diplomat also expressed appreciation for China's position on pressing issues in the Middle East.

"We fully support and are completely satisfied with China's position on the Middle East," he said.

He specifically highlighted China's alignment with Kuwait's views on the Palestinian issue, which he described as central and of utmost importance to Kuwait.

The minister extended his gratitude to China for its unwavering support for Palestine, particularly its recognition of the Palestinian state and its endorsement of a two-state solution.

"We are facing challenging circumstances in the region; the situation is very tense, and we hope for China's continued support on this matter," he said.

On Kuwait's perspective of the Belt and Road Initiative, Al-Yahya underscored that Kuwait is "one of the first countries with a special connection to the Silk Road, and we remain committed. This vision will materialize in the near future."

The interview was conducted during the inauguration of the new premises of the Chinese embassy in the Hawalli Governorate of Kuwait on Wednesday evening.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
First shipment from Perus Chancay Port arrives in Shanghai

(People's Daily App) 16:35, December 19, 2024

A ship loaded with blueberries, grapes, and avocados arrived in Shanghai on December 18, after a 23-day voyage from Peru's Chancay Port. Since its opening on November 14, the deep-water port, a landmark Belt and Road Initiative project between China and Peru, has lowered logistics costs by 20 percent.

(Video produced by Shen Wenmin, Lin Ziye, Li Bowen, and Wu Yufeng)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
DELHI, India  Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with more than 1,000 properties across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, is pleased to announce a partnership with Dangayach Group to develop two new luxury hotels in the booming tourism market of Goa, India. Raffles Hotels & Resorts will deliver its legendary service and spirit of enchanted glamour to Raffles Goa Shiroda, an extraordinary resort featuring 120 luxury villas set across 27+ acres. The hotel will share a beachfront club with the 56+ acre, 400-room Fairmont Goa Shiroda, featuring the heartfelt service, awe-inspiring public spaces, and locally inspired cuisine for which Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is known. Both destinations are planned to open by 2030.

"We are delighted to bring the elegant aesthetic of Raffles, and Fairmont's passion for turning moments into special memories, to the vibrant shores of Goa, expanding our footprint in India and bolstering Accor's position as one of the largest international hotel groups in the market," said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles and Fairmont. "This dual-branded project presents a wonderful opportunity to grow our luxury hospitality offerings in the region, and to work with Dangayach Group, an exceptional and well-established partner. Together, we are confident that these new luxury resorts will add excitement and new frontiers for travelers as well as locals."

Raffles Goa Shiroda and Fairmont Goa Shiroda will each offer a distinct experience reflective of the individual brands. Both hotels will include a diverse and lively mix of restaurants, bars, and lounges, along with the very best in wellness, fitness, spa, pool, and retail diversions. For weddings, events, celebrations, and conferences, the properties will include multi-purpose ballrooms with elegant meeting rooms and bridal suites. Raffles Goa Shiroda will delight guests with many of the brand's signature features, including gracious accommodations, a Long Bar, and culturally significant design in addition to Raffles' unparalleled Butler Service. Fairmont Goa Shiroda will connect guests with the destination, offering an array of special moments and personalized experiences to mark guests' celebratory occasions. The two hotels will share a private beachfront club, providing guests with a luxurious experience on the Arabian coast. The hotels will be developed in accordance with Accor's stringent ESG guidelines, and once opened, will abide by Accor's energy performance reporting tools, sustainability standards, and third-party eco-certification.

"We have long admired Accor's leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit and we are thrilled to launch our partnership with two of its most celebrated brands  Raffles and Fairmont," said Atul Dangayach, Managing Director, Dangayach Group. "We believe Goa presents a remarkable growth opportunity, and these two new properties are set to redefine luxury and establish Goa as a premier global destination for weddings, events and leisure travel. Goa's rich culture and natural beauty provide the perfect setting for this new chapter in hospitality. The new Raffles and Fairmont resorts will bring cultural authenticity, world-class service, and their extraordinary guest experiences that will not only put an international spotlight on Goa but will infuse the community with a sense of prestige, purpose and excitement."

Goa has a long history of enticing visitors to explore its fascinating culture, tropical rainforests, and 131 km coastline of untouched beaches. Known as the 'sunshine state' in the Western region of India, Goa's history as a Portuguese colony and its quaint fishing villages contribute to a charming and relaxed mix of multicultural heritage and natural beauty. The tourism sector in Goa presents a significant growth opportunity, with a notable rise in festivals and cultural events, cruise ship visits, and eco-tours.

Accor's commitment to market leadership and operational excellence remains steadfast, contributing significantly to the evolution of India's hospitality landscape. The Group's strategic approach to expansion across the country included the opening of several new hotels throughout India in 2024. This included the openings of Raffles Jaipur; Grand Mercure Goa Candolim; Mercure Chandigarh; ibis Styles Mysuru; and Novotel Goa.

Accor currently operates more than 65 hotels in India across a diverse array of brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, ibis, and ibis Styles.
A total of 649 deals (mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity and venture financing) were announced in the travel and tourism sector during January-November 2024, which represents a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 5.9% compared to the 690 deals announced during the same period in 2023, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalDatas Deals Database analysis further indicates that compared to the January-November 2023, the M&A and venture financing deal volumes decreased by 0.8% and 25.3%, respectively, during the January-November 2024. Meanwhile, private equity deals volume experienced a 27.3% YoY increase during the same timeframe.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: The travel and tourism sector deal activity showcased a mixed trend across the different deal types during the specified timeframe. And similarly, the trend across different regions and key markets remained a mixed bag during the review period.

While North America, Middle East and Africa and South and Central America registered double-digit declines, Asia-Pacific experienced single-digit decline. Meanwhile, Europe saw double-digit growth in deal volume.

North America, Middle East and Africa, South and Central America and Asia-Pacific regions witnessed respective deal volume fall by 31%, 18.2%, 20% and 2.3%, respectively, during January-November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, Europe saw a 15.9% improvement in deal volume during the review period.

The US, China, South Korea, and France also witnessed decline in deal volume by 30.2%, 25.6%, 8.7%, and 25%, respectively, during January-November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, the UK, India and Japan witnessed improvement in deal volume by 10%, 28.9% and 44.8%, respectively.

Note: Historic data may change in case some deals get added to previous months because of a delay in disclosure of information in the public domain.
Atlanta, GA  Hotel owner, operator, and developer, Hotel Equities (HE), reflects on 2024s achievements driven by partnerships, industry accolades, guest satisfaction, and employee growth initiatives, and shares optimism for the year ahead. This year, through collaborative goal setting and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and results, Hotel Equities continued to elevate its impact on clients, guests, and associates.

2024 has had its share of challenges. Despite the adversity, through the teams determination and commitment, it has been a remarkable year with much to celebrate filled with significant wins, new partnerships, and incredible teamwork said Brad Rahinsky, President and CEO of Hotel Equities. While proud of our accomplishments, were already looking ahead, ready to push the boundaries and create more value and opportunities for our key stakeholders. The goal is always to keep raising the bar for our team, our partners, and the entire industry.

Growth Across New Markets and Partnerships

First among proud moments this year is HEs collaboration with Procure Impact & AHLA as they proudly joined forces with 22 fellow hospitality leaders in a collective pledge to dedicate over 100,000 hours of work to support overlooked and underserved populations. The initiative, driven by HEs people-first culture, focuses on leveraging purchasing power to better the communities they serve.

2024 marked another year of growth for HE with strategic partnerships that expanded its market reach, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region. Through its partnership with Trust Hospitality, HE tapped into new opportunities across CALA, leveraging Trusts local expertise to elevate hospitality standards in the region. This partnership brought forth the opportunity for HE to be selected to manage the first new hotel development in the USVI in over 30 years , the Hampton by Hilton in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

HE closes the year on a high note with its entry into the outdoor hospitality sector after being chosen to manage Postcard Cabins, a leader in the outdoor hospitality sector and a newly acquired brand under Marriott International. In total for the year, HE signed 66 new deals of which 49 are open and operating assets.

Guest Satisfaction & Performance Results

HEs most noteworthy recognition may be Marriotts acknowledgement of Hotel Equities as its Top Performer based on Intent to Recommend scores for three consecutive quarters this year. A monumental nod to the firms operations team being hyper focused on over-delivering in terms of service and outperforming the competition.

In recent years, HE has invested heavily in its upper-upscale hotel portfolio, making the most recent recognition a Top Performing Franchise Management Company in the Premium and Luxury hotel categories another huge win. The recognition is measured by Marriott's topline activator scores among FMCs operating 8+ premium and luxury hotels.

Hotels across the HE portfolio exceeded expectations for engaging and recruiting loyalty program sign-ups, setting new benchmarks in 2024. The success highlights a commitment to its brand franchise partners and ability to meet the evolving needs of todays travelers.

In terms of key performance indicators, HE grew overall Market Share every month in 2024 contributing to an impressive increase in its RevPAR Index (RPI) for the 32nd consecutive month. Demonstrating further financial rigor, HE achieved a forecast accuracy of 0.7% YTD with an exceptional long-term accuracy of 1.1%.

Talent Growth and Development

HE enhanced its employee benefits package with unique offerings, such as early pay options, which have undoubtedly played a key role in maintaining a turnover rate of under 20% across its portfolio. According to the companys leadership team, keeping turnover significantly lower than the industry average is essential for fostering a supportive culture and providing meaningful career growth opportunities for associates.

HE continued to invest in nurturing talent through its management training programs . HEs Manager in Training (MIT) program offers recent college graduates a 69-month salaried management experience, providing hands-on training across all hotel operations. The MIT program has successfully graduated 8 classes and actively recruits from more than 25 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Complementing this, the Management Development Program (MDP), launched in 2012, is a leadership initiative designed for on-property managers, supervisors, or other hotel associates. MDP focuses on enhancing managerial and leadership skills, culminating in a capstone project presented to senior leaders. They most recently celebrated their 17th MDP class of graduates and are proud to have 25% of HE-managed properties led by MDP alumni, or in key leadership positions.

New to the firms curriculum in 2024 is its HERO GM Onboarding program which kicks-off the onboarding process for HEs newly hired GMs. The program ensures consistency in onboarding and sets new associates up for success with the resources and support they need from the start.

HE also entered into a partnership with In Good Company launching a pilot program designed to provide training for general managers, reevaluate roles for hiring, and expand recruiting efforts in organizations and communities that serve individuals with disabilities. The pilot program involved 6 initial properties and will extend to another 50 properties in 2025.

Looking Ahead

As Hotel Equities prepares for a promising 2025, they remain focused on strategic growth, creating exceptional guest experiences, and ongoing investments in talent. Building on a strong foundation and successful partnerships, the companys upward trajectory is setting new benchmarks for excellence.

2024 has been a powerful reminder of the resilience and dedication of our teams. Despite challenges, we achieved significant milestones and objectives throughout the year, said Rahinsky. As we look ahead to 2025, our confidence and enthusiasm have never been stronger. With an industry-leading team of passionate professionals, our ability to deliver optimal results for our stakeholders is both proven and continuously refined to drive success.

About Hotel Equities

Hotel Equities (HE) is an award-winning full-scale hotel ownership, management, and development firm with a portfolio of approximately 300 hotels, resorts and outdoor hospitality locations throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Fred Cerrone, CHA, serves as Founder and Chairman; Brad Rahinsky serves as President and CEO. For more information on Hotel Equities, visit hotelequities.com.
For this, new creative methods are essential for hospitality to leverage teaching excellence based on the transfer of knowledge among professionals, i.e., experts from the industry who wish to expand their professional skills to include practical facilitation and teaching.

At EHL, we recognize the transformative potential of shadowing as an innovative pedagogical tool, promoting a culture of shared learning and professional development that builds a bridge between industry experience and the teaching process. In this article, we explore the benefits of shadowing from a number of perspectives.

Shadowing in Hospitality Educator Training

The pedagogical method of shadowing can be described as an experiential learning approach to provide future hospitality educators with a unique opportunity to observe and refine their teaching practices. How? By learning from the hospitality professionals who have made a similar transition from the field into the classroom. This learning style enables trainees to gain hands-on experience and insights into real-life teaching practices, developing their facilitator skills through direct observation and guided participation.

By stepping into the classroom as an active observer, hospitality teacher trainees gain first-hand insights into effective teaching techniques and engagement. This immersive experience allows for a greater level of practical learning based on collaboration and continuous exchange between the shadower and the shadowees.

Shadowing used as part of hospitality educator training is a collaborative deep dive into the teaching and learning of the many facets of hospitality and service delivery, from serving coffee to front-of-house tasks. It helps would-be trainers to contextualize theoretical concepts within the dynamic environments they will be teaching in, thereby developing their pedagogical tool box, building confidence and enhancing the learning experiences of their students.

Incorporating Shadowing Into Trainer Development

Shadowing is structured on three basic levels: Observational, where the trainees passively watch without interference; Controlled, which involves interactive engagement, e.g., asking questions and discussing tasks; and Hands-on, meaning active participation and application of the observed skills.

Incorporating shadowing into trainer development programs within hospitality education organizations requires a structured and strategic approach. Firstly, organizations must identify shadowing opportunities across various services, for example, front desk operations, food & beverage and concierge services.

Prospective trainers should be encouraged to focus on specific aspects of service training delivery during each shadowing session. This targeted approach ensures that they gain insights relevant to their objectives. Structured observation guides, customized to the specific training goals, further enhance the effectiveness of shadowing experiences by providing clear direction and focus, i.e., specific details to look out for when observing.

Additionally, role-playing exercises post shadowing sessions serve to solidify the learning and allow future trainers to put their newly acquired skills into practice in a simulated environment. This hands-on approach is key for building confidence during actual training sessions.

Peer collaboration plays a vital role in maximizing the benefits of shadowing experiences. Encouraging collaboration with peers enables trainees to share insights, exchange perspectives and learn from each other's experiences. This collaborative learning environment instills a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the trainer development program.

Shadowing Benefits in Hospitality Teacher Training Programs

Shadowing in hospitality training programs provides a structured approach for developing teaching skills among hospitality professionals, thereby giving them the possibility to transition into educators  in brief, an expansion of their skill set. There are many proven benefits to this practical pedagogical approach:

Bridging professional experience and education - Shadowing bridges the gap between the professional hospitality environment and educational practice, allowing hospitality professionals to simultaneously apply their industry knowledge while learning instructional techniques. Learning and development focus - It supports the development of hospitality professionals by training them to become effective facilitators and educators. This approach is part of a continuous learning mindset and allows more professionals to enter educational roles in the hospitality industry. Active observation and critical thinking - Trainees use tools like a what to observe sheet, guiding them to focus on specific aspects, ask questions and engage in critical thinking during active observations. Hands-on experience - Combining years of industry work with new teaching experiences, shadowing encourages trainees to get their hands dirty, allowing them to gain practical, first-hand experience in dynamic settings. Enhanced learning acquisition - Experiential learning, based on what one sees, feels and does, has a lasting impact compared to purely theoretical or online learning (e.g., via MOOCs). It offers a sensorial context by immersing learners in real life environments, which renders the learning process more engaging and effective. Long-term knowledge retention - The immersive nature of shadowing, where learners observe and participate, results in deeper and longer-lasting knowledge retention. It goes beyond being told about theoretical concepts, since learning through watching and doing has a bigger impact on the memory.

Shadowing in Practice  Saudi Arabia Example

Many institutions recognize the importance of industry professionals in teaching and actively try to attract them to the education sector. For example, Bunyan Academy plays a vital social role in Saudi Arabia through educational and training programs in emerging industries that invest in human capital according to Vision 2030. It aspires to be the center of excellence in the development of a leading national workforce in the field of hospitality and tourism.

To help meet its aims, Bunyan Academy and EHL recently launched The Advanced Hospitality Trainer Certificate (AHTC), a program designed by EHL Group to transform professionals in hospitality and beyond into exceptional trainers and visionary leaders. Instigated by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, funded by the country's Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and implemented by Bunyan and EHL, the AHTC Program is meticulously crafted to empower participants with essential knowledge, competencies and a transformative mindset, equipping them to excel as effective facilitators in the world of hospitality education.

The program consists of three distinct phases.

Phase 1 - Hospitality technical learning, competencies and soft skills;

Phase 2 - The art and science of facilitation;

Phase 3 - Shadowing teaching professionals in the industry.

Shadowing Insights From Shahad Alsharekh (Hospitality Graduate and AHTC Participant)

This shadowing phase involves diving into an 8-week faculty shadowing initiative that emphasizes collaborative learning and professional growth. Its an innovative approach that pairs a visiting scholar ("shadower" - me) with a faculty member from the host institution ("shadowee"  an AP professor at EHL), all while being guided by an expert in pedagogy and ethnography.

The shadowing experience serves two main purposes:

To enhance our teaching competencies through critical analysis of pedagogical practices in our shared field; To help to refine the existing teaching strategies within the shadowee's course.

Through shared reflexivity, both the shadower and shadowee can elevate their pedagogical practices and deepen their expertise. This pedagogical method is not just about observation, its about active participation in all aspects of the shadowee's teaching environment. Engaging in this immersive experience allows me to innovate my own practices based on real-life insights gained from seasoned educators.

One of the most valuable aspects of this process is the wealth of first-hand information and knowledge I am gathering. This includes nuanced reflections on my fellow participants' emotions, cultural contexts, and the dynamics between students and faculty which are often overlooked.

The learning Ive derived from shadowing is deeply rooted in my own personal reflection and emphasizes how immersion in another persons work environment can transform my teaching approach. For instance, informal conversations about course planning and syllabus creation have sparked rich exchanges about pedagogical processes that I hadnt thought of myself.

I am documenting my experiences through field notes, which serve as vital tools for interactive reflections between myself and my shadowee. This comprehensive approach helps to inform our dialogue and allows us to identify subtle dynamics that significantly impact the development of essential critical thinking and soft skills.

It has been such a unique experience and honor to be able to shadow top EHL chefs in action at the school where they teach every day. Im pleased to share my insights from Phase 3 of the AHTC Program, where we focus on the Faculty Shadowing Experience, one of the most transformative parts of my AHTC journey!

Transforming Industry Know-How Into Teaching Excellence

Shadowing offers hospitality professionals a transformative pathway to transition into effective educators, merging real-world experience with teaching/facilitator skills. By observing and engaging in authentic teaching environments, trainees develop hands-on expertise, build confidence and deepen their understanding of the educational process. As a powerful pedagogical tool, shadowing cultivates a culture of shared learning and continuous improvement, bridging the gap between industry practice and academic excellence, and ultimately enhancing the quality of hospitality education.

EHL Hospitality Business School

Communications Department

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Opportunities and Challenges for Hoteliers: Insights from Cendyn World Tour 2024  London - Image Credit Cendyn

Not knowing your niche, too-aggressive marketing, and failing to re-market effectively to OTA trafficthese are all key challenges facing hoteliers at the moment. But there are some profound opportunities, too. Find out more about the insights that came out of the Cendyn World Tour 2024  London event.

From staff shortages and capturing bookings in a cost of living crisis to increasing operational costs and constantly adapting to changing consumer expectationsits a pretty tough time to be in the hotel business.

Throughout 2024, Cendyn embarked on a World Tour to understand the challenges and opportunities for hoteliers at this moment in time. By meeting our customers, having open conversations with hoteliers, and taking a closer look at how different markets are behaving, we wanted to pinpoint exactly what the industry is grappling with right now.

But where there are problems, there are also solutions. Meeting with hoteliers from different contexts highlighted the value of honing in on three distinctive strategy areas that we champion at Cendyn: Find, Book, and Grow. How do you find the right customers, and how do you focus on the high-value business for your hotel? How do you drive direct bookings and avoid hefty commissions? How do you grow your loyal customer base, generate tangible value from loyalty schemes, and increase spend per guest?

Its all about smart revenue and smart marketing. Here are some of the challenges and exciting opportunities facing hoteliers at the moment.

Challenge in finding new guests

A common misconception in marketing is that the bigger the audience, the greater the return. Pushing out adverts and messages to a wide audience can seem like the easiest option, but this creates two issues: 1) it spreads yourself too thin, and 2) it leaves you trying to convey a brand story to everyone. Both often result in ad spend that wont drive the right results, lower ROAS, and a brand story that may feel generic.

Dont try to be everything all the time, advised Jurriaan de Vos, Commercial Director for the Montcalm Group. Define what is your DNA and build your segmentation on that It will take time. But the closer you stay to your own product and your own DNA, the bigger the chances you will be successful.

Challenge in driving more direct bookings

Guests who book through an OTA/third party can be converted to potential direct guests by capturing all-important personal data. Simple tactics like capturing email addresses at check-in or through in-house Wi-Fi providers offer the ability for hotels to communicate directly with the guest to encourage future direct bookings. However, many hotels are not doing this.

The former CEO of Expedia Group once said: If they come back to us again, shame on you. Remarketing to these customers means you could save on OTA commission fees next time and should broaden your loyal direct customer base.

But be careful not to push too hard for data and consent. As important as first-party data is, hotels must earn the right to obtain it, so work hard for consent and market to those guests in a targeted, strategic manner. Effective strategies could include offering member rates, running effective loyalty programs, and matching the flexibility in making booking modifications that OTAs offer.

Were luxury hotels, so we cannot be too aggressive with our messaging or with capturing the data and pushing the customer to click that consent, shared Kasia Rudnik, Senior Director of Marketing at The Set Collection. Putting time into ensuring you have quality data can pay off. Every year, we clean up our database. We have an amazing engagement rate  anything between 52 to 58% unique opens and an 80% click-through rate on our email marketing communication with Cendyn CRM.

Challenge in growing a loyal customer base

Every hotelier knows they should have a loyalty program, but theres no point in having a program if it is not leveraged effectively. Considering the difference between loyalty and reward is also key. Are you giving guests something in exchange for their custom (reward), or are they genuinely engaged and faithful to your brand (loyalty)?

According to Richard Cooper, Global Business Travel and Sales Director for Dalata Hotel Group, the key to loyalty is quality. Look at the airline community, he said. Youve got five [airlines] on one route, and theyve all got loyalty programs. What they focus on, which is what we focus on, is that product quality.

Opportunity to find guests on social search

Many hoteliers look towards social media channels to generate brand awareness during the dreaming stage of the customer journey. Hoteliers hope that having an organic and paid presence at this point means users will think of them when theyre ready to make a booking. However, an increasing number of hotels are now generating direct bookings through social media.

Social media is such a big search engine, especially for travel, Rudnik said. Were getting direct bookings from social mediawere looking at double-digit numbers in returns on investment.

Opportunity to book more direct corporate customers

There is an increasing number of Travel Management Companies (TMCs) booking corporate travel for businesses. According to Cooper, this is an opportunity that a lot of hotels are overlooking. Were working with that TMC community because, in most cases, thats bringing a direct customer to our door, he said.

Stemming from this, Dalata Hotel Group has built a booking platform specifically for agents who dont use a Global Distribution System (GDS). About 40% to 50% of agencies do not work on the GDS, Cooper explained. So weve really worked this year on building that innovation. Its still in its early stages, but were [booking] 30,000 to 40,000 per month on the tool.

Opportunity to grow ROAS on Google

With so many marketing and advertising channels, hoteliers can struggle to pinpoint the best ones to invest in. A number of hoteliers at the Cendyn World Tour  London were talking about the benefits of Google Performance Max for travel goals, as it specifically helps hotels reach potential guests across Googles advertising channels.

We relaunched our website, increased our conversion rate, and reached the point where our strategy was to go a bit more upper funnel and increase our reach, Celine Mamane, Head of Digital Marketing for Meininger Hotels, explained. We activated Performance Max in 2023 and managed to keep our ROI targets while decreasing our ad spend. And, of course, the revenue we generate is direct revenue.

Ultimately, hoteliers at the Cendyn World Tour  London agree theres a need to move to first-party data to deliver better marketing success. Many also agree theres a need to better leverage the opportunities of advertising and the digital space to find the right customers. Theres no one-size-fits-all solution in the hotel world, and its difficult for hotels of all shapes, sizes, and structures in the current climate, especially in competitive marketplaces like London.

Things move fast in hospitality, yet sometimes structure and hierarchy can prevent hotel teams from reacting quickly to the fast-paced environment. Enabling and encouraging employees to be agile and innovative  plus ensuring joined-up working between teams  can be key drivers of success. Revenue, marketing, and sales should be working as a triangle in one team and speak probably more often than they do, especially in individual hotels, Rudnik said.

We all work together in a very agile environment, so if things need to change, they change by the hour, they change by the minute, Cooper said. We innovate every day. Thats part of our DNA; thats part of our strategy.

Being able to meet hoteliers in person and really dive into the challenges and opportunities they face every day is invaluable, said Nicola Graham, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, Cendyn. Its a way for us to pool our knowledge, ideas, and expertise to collaborate and define the way forward for our industry. The Cendyn World Tour has been hugely beneficial, and were excited to continue to evolve these events in 2025 and use the knowledge weve gained to continue making a tangible difference to our hotel clients.

About Cendyn

Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to Find, Book, Grow - driving revenue, maximizing profitability, and creating deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions.

Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn has over 32,000 customers in more than 150 countries including brands Outrigger Hospitality, Hyatt, IHG, Aman Resorts & Hotels, Relais & Chateaux, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Coraltree Hospitality, and Onyx Hospitality Group - generating more than $20 billion in annual hotel revenue. The company supports its growing customer base with offices across the globe.

To find out more, visit cendyn.com.
LivAway Suites Breaks Ground on First Texas Location in San Marcos - Image Credit Photo by Livaway Suites

LivAway Suites, in collaboration with West77 Partners, is launching its first location in Texas. The new hotel in San Marcos is part of the company's nationwide expansion strategy. The site is located at 1550 River Road, San Marcos, TX 78666, close to city attractions.

Kevin Dailey, Chief Operating Officer of LivAway Suites, stated that the Texas expansion is a significant step in the company's growth strategy. Already operating in states like Utah, Montana, Tennessee, and Washington, the company aims to offer high-quality extended-stay experiences nationwide.

The San Marcos hotel is positioned to cater to various customers, including travelers, business professionals, and families. Its strategic location gives easy access to major corporate facilities like the Amazon Fulfillment Center, the H-E-B Distribution Center, and CFAN, a leading aerospace manufacturer. It also appeals to visitors of Texas State University, which has more than 40,000 students. The hotel's proximity to Central Texas Medical Center and Christus Santa Rosa makes it a convenient choice for medical professionals and families visiting patients.

Dan Barrett, President of West77 Partners, views the Texas expansion as a stepping stone for further growth in the south and other regions of the United States. The company aims to maintain its innovative approach and provide a high-quality product to meet Texas's expectations.

In 2024, LivAway Suites plans to initiate construction on three more locations in Phoenix. The company also plans to start building 17 additional locations in 2025, aiming to have 50 locations opened or under construction by late 2026. This expansion aligns with West77 Partners and LivAway Suites' shared vision of nationwide coverage, adapting hospitality experiences to meet evolving community needs.
Image Credit Lafayette Economic Development Authority

A new boutique hotel is in the works for downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, thanks to a collaboration between Sans Souci Properties, The Thrash Group, and Tandem Hospitality Group. The hotel aims to redefine local hospitality by combining Cajun hospitality, modern amenities, and cultural vibrancy.

The hotel, which will be located in Lafayette's historic downtown district, will offer 83 rooms, including 2 premiere suites. It will also feature a restaurant in partnership with a yet-to-be-announced local food and beverage operation, an outdoor pool, and a pool bar. Nearly 2,500 sq. ft. of the property will be dedicated to event spaces, making it an ideal venue for various gatherings such as meetings, conferences, weddings, and social events.

Sans Souci Properties, The Thrash Group, and Tandem Hospitality Group are each contributing their unique expertise to make the hotel a standout service and culture hub in the Acadiana region. Sans Souci Properties will provide local knowledge and development assistance, while The Thrash Group will oversee the hotel design to ensure it reflects local flavor and sophistication. Tandem Hospitality Group will manage the day-to-day operations, focusing on delivering an exceptional guest experience.

The project has garnered support from local stakeholders, including Mayor-President Monique Blanco-Boulet, who believes the development will rejuvenate the older parts of Lafayette. The hotel is expected to create jobs, foster economic growth, and renew locals' sense of pride.

The project is scheduled to begin construction in Q1 2025 and be completed by Summer 2026. Once operational, it is expected to create numerous development and construction jobs and nearly 75 permanent positions.

Several local business leaders have expressed their excitement and support for the project. They believe this development will enhance the downtown experience and attract more visitors, signaling that Downtown Lafayette is primed for further development and growth.
Resurgence of Business Travel: Four Emerging Themes - Image Credit Unsplash+

Business travel has regained momentum, with the global value pool projected to reach $1.5 trillion in 2024.

Technological solutions create new opportunities in managed and unmanaged business travel sectors.

Ryan Mann, a partner in McKinseys Chicago office, highlights four dominant themes shaping the business travel landscape.

The first theme is the solid recovery of business travel after a few uncertain years. The World Travel & Tourism Council recently projected the global value pool for business travel in 2024 to be about $1.5 trillion, an increase of more than 6 percent compared to 2019. In the United States, the expected value is $472 billion, a 13.4 percent increase from 2019. Several factors, such as the need for face-to-face engagement and the predicted increase in meeting spending, contribute to this optimism about the future of business travel.

The second theme is the evolving marketplace for unmanaged business travel and the opportunities it presents for tech solutions. Unmanaged travel refers to situations where employees can book their travels but with less company oversight. This sector offers significant potential for value creation, especially for smaller firms that may not want to contract for a managed travel service but still desire some of its benefits.

Emerging tech solutions, such as integrating an online booking platform, expense management software, and a travel data capture service, can improve a company's visibility into its employees' trips and spending. AI-powered travel agent bots can also streamline the booking process while providing transparency for employers.

The third theme focuses on the digital transformation of managed business travel. Four technological advances are redefining this sector: AI-driven booking tools, direct folio billing, continuous rate monitoring, and small-meeting technology.

AI-driven booking tools can effectively nudge employees to book lodging simultaneously with flights and help ensure they stay at properties that honor negotiated rates. Direct folio billing provides real-time control and visibility over hotel spending for corporate travel managers. Continuous rate monitoring ensures employees receive appropriate rates for travel bookings based on market conditions and negotiated contracts. Small-meeting technology offers a different approach to space and billing, which is essential for companies with fully remote or hybrid workplaces.

The final theme is the blurring lines between business and leisure travel. The increased flexibility around remote work has led to a subset of corporate travelers extending their stays at destinations, alternating leisure days with work days. This trend could make long-stay properties increasingly essential components of corporate travel.

The industry should attempt to solve for the whole humanreferencing each individual's personal travel history, not just a particular trip in isolationwhen designing tools to execute, for instance, booking nudges or on-property offers and experiences. This approach can enhance business outings by incorporating elements that inspire and energize travelers during leisure travel.

Discover more at McKinsey & Company.
Among the top 25 markets, Tampa saw the largest year-over-year occupancy increase - Image Credit Unsplash

The U.S. hotel industry reported a positive year-over-year performance, with an 8.5% increase in occupancy and an 8.9% rise in average daily rates.

Among the top 25 markets, Tampa saw the largest year-over-year occupancy increase, New York City posted the highest average daily rate, and Washington, D.C. registered the largest jump in revenue per available room.

The U.S. hotel industry experienced a positive year-over-year performance for the week ending 14th December, according to CoStars latest data. The growth was attributed to the Hannukah calendar shift and the compressed business travel period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

During this period, hotel occupancy rose by 8.5% to 59.5%, while the average daily rate (ADR) increased by 8.9% to US$155.21. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) significantly rose by 18.2%, reaching US$92.32.

The data also highlighted some standout performances among the top 25 markets. Tampa reported the most substantial year-over-year occupancy increase of 33.3%, reaching 84.7%. New York City led the pack in ADR, posting a 30.1% increase to US$510.13. Washington, D.C., experienced a notable RevPAR jump of 67.6%, reaching US$151.18.

However, San Francisco was the only city among the top markets to register a decline in RevPAR (-16.4% to US$131.08). This was primarily due to the shift of the American Geophysical Union annual meeting from San Francisco in 2023 to Washington, D.C., in 2024.
Berkshire County Farms Awarded Grants

BOSTON  The state awarded farms in West Stockbridge and Lee grants to address composting and climate smart agriculture.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $3.6 million in more than 100 grant awards through several programs, including the Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP), the Agricultural Composting Improvement Program (ACIP), the Cranberry Bog Renovation (CBRG) Program, and the Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP).

"From the Berkshires to Barnstable County, our farms are significant economic drivers and the backbone of our local food system. Their success benefits us all," said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. "Programs like these help improve and strengthen Massachusetts farms in the short and long term."

The Agricultural Composting Improvement Program (ACIP) funds equipment and projects to improve agricultural composting practices and facilitate the use of compost as a valuable soil amendment on farms. MDAR also provides technical assistance to farms conducting agricultural composting and encourages farms to utilize compost as a soil amendment or manure management tool.

Baldwin Farm in West Stockbridge was awarded a $21,874.50 ACIP grant to purchase a compost screener.

High Lawn Farm in Lee was awarded a $28,200 ACIP grant to purchase a compost spreader.
Paul Winter's Winter Solstice Celebration Returns to Great Barrington

Provided Photo

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.  Seven-time Grammy-winning saxophonist Paul Winter and the Paul Winter Consort will perform a Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. at Saint James Place, 352 Main Street, Great Barrington.

The event offers an intimate alternative to the large-scale productions Winter has hosted for years at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York. The performance will feature the signature solstice music audiences expect, along with longtime collaborator and vocalist Theresa Thomason, who has been a staple of Winter's celebrations for over 25 years.

The Consort lineup includes Thomason, cellist Eugene Friesen, bassist Peter Slavov, pianist Henrique Eisenmann, drummer Rogerio Boccato, and Winter on soprano saxophone.
Wednesday 18 December 2024, 11:54 - Last updated: 19 December, 12:58

Alert for antisemitism emergency in Europe: there's an urgent need for more resources to widespread educational initiatives. After the anti-Jewish riots in Amsterdam and following October 7th, an unprecedented wave of hatred has effectively targeted Jewish communities across the continent. And this also includes Italy.

The Call for Excommunication of Antisemitism by the Catholic Church

The Alarming Numbers

European numbers are truly alarming: a 1000% increase in antisemitic incidents in France in 2023, 250% in Germany, 245% in the Netherlands, with equally alarming peaks in the rest of the Union countries.

These numbers highlight the systemic crisis threatening both the Jewish community and the European values. A signed petition by academics, politicians, former prime ministers, intellectuals urges EU leaders to put antisemitism at the center of attention, at the center of their agenda and to commit to a holistic response. In particular - it reads - we ask the European Council to prioritize the fight against antisemitism as a strategic issue for Europe.

In Europe the Coordinator of the "European Commission on combating antisemitism and promoting Jewish life", who has recently been placed under the General Secretariat, is in charge of this issue.

However, the resources, means, and political support to strengthen this work must be significantly increased, given the scope of the crisis. New mechanisms to address rising antisemitism - including the enforcement and implementation of existing laws and national strategies - must become an EU objective emphasize the signatories, including Noemi di Segni, Manuel Valls, Rosen Plevnieliev, Bernard Cazeneuve.

Antisemitism, October 7th Association writes to Pope Francis: 'Excommunicate antisemites as you did with the mafia'

The efforts made so far by this European institutional figure, praised as excellent, in response to this wave of antisemitism must be urgently strengthened.

Including the enforcement and implementation of existing laws and national strategies - must become an EU objective. Antisemitism today is not an isolated problem. It is deep-rooted, explosive, and urgent. It must be treated with the same seriousness and determination as other existential crises Europe has faced, such as the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis, or the climate emergency. This is not a time for complacency, but a time for decisive leadership. Europe must act quickly and decisively to stem this crisis before it is too late.
Wednesday 18 December 2024, 08:52 - Last updated: 19 December, 12:56

Beatrice and Eugenie of York, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's daughters, have always attended Christmas at Sandringham with their uncle King Charles and cousins William and Harry. However, not this year.

Princess Beatrice Expecting Her Second Child

The Princesses skip Christmas reunion

This year the two princesses will skip the annual gathering that includes a lunch with 45 people, including Queen Camilla's children and grandchildren. The reason is the new scandal involving their father, Prince Andrew.

Prince Andrew has voluntarily chosen to withdraw, along with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, from the annual celebrations in Norfolk following revelations about his connection to an alleged Chinese spy. The 50-year-old businessman had developed such a close relationship with the prince that he was invited to Andrew's birthday party in 2020 and was authorized to act on the duke's behalf in seeking potential Chinese investors. Moreover, Andrew reportedly promised to further integrate him into the royal family circle.

Prince Andrew's new scandal

The 50-year-old businessman had gotten so close to the prince that he was invited to his birthday in 2020 and was authorized to act on behalf of the duke in seeking potential Chinese investors. Not only that, he was promised by Andrew to be introduced even more into the royal family.

Yang Tengbo, a Chinese entrepreneur known in the corridors of power in London as Chris Yang, was not just a businessman with international connections. He was, according to the accusation, an undercover agent for Beijing. And Charles III's brother, Prince Andrew, reportedly acted as a bridgeor perhaps a gatewaybetween Yang and the most private chambers of power. Yang had access to royal residences such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Andrew and Sarah to Celebrate Alone It seems that the prince and his ex-wife will celebrate alone at their Royal Lodge residence on the Windsor estate. The absence of the couple marks a stark change from last year's celebration when Prince Andrew and Fergie were allowed to attend the event, and the two also took part in the annual Christmas walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church on the estate grounds.

This year, however, Andrew and Sarah will be alone. Neither Princess Eugenie nor Princess Beatrice will spend the holidays with their parents: both have been invited to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws several months ago and have decided to accept the invitation. Beatrice has been married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi since 2020 and is currently expecting their second child, due in the new year. The couple also has a daughter, Sienna, 3 years old, and a son, Wolfie, 8 years old, a child Edoardo had from a previous relationship. Eugenie, on the other hand, married Jack Brooksbank in 2018, and they have two children: August, 3, and Ernest, 1. The York sisters have only missed the Sandringham celebration once in the past ten years, and that was due to the coronavirus restrictions in 2020 that did not allow family gatherings outside their respective bubbles.
Wednesday 18 December 2024, 17:23 - Last updated: 19 December, 14:40

Oscar Pistorius, the former Paralympic sprinter, has a new girlfriend. For about a year now he has been free from Atteridgeville prison in South Africa, where he spent nearly nine years for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. And his new partner bears a striking resemblance to Steenkamp, which has raised questions and controversy.

Oscar Pistorius: A Turn of Events in the Tragic Case

Oscar Pistorius' new girlfriend

The next four years will be served under house arrest. And in the meantime, it seems like Pistorius has found a new love. Her name is Rita Greyling, a successful business consultant and a friend of the former champion's family. According to the South African newspaper Netwerk24, which broke the news, their relationship started about three months ago, with the couple meeting during the hours Pistorius is allowed to leave the house. After reading the news, Reeva Steenkamp's mother and sister immediately warned the girl about her partner's anger issues.

While the details of how Oscar Pistorius and Greyling began dating remain unclear, neither of them has publicly confirmed the relationship.

Reeva's sister words

Also Simone Steenkamp, Reeva's sister, who was shot dead on Valentine's Day 2013, has spoken out. As reported by the Daily Mail, she highlighted the resemblance between the two women: Greyling is blonde and slim like Reeva. 'It's so sick to look for a lookalike,' Simone Steenkamp thundered.

What I wonder is: after killing Reeva, did he want to replace her? And above all, how can she be with someone who killed his girlfriend with four gunshots?. The anger of the Steenkamp family has been unrelenting for more than ten years: This shows even more that he has no remorse for what he did to Reeva. My sister found Oscar completely charming at first, but then he changed and became more authoritarian. Reeva wanted to leave, but Oscar didn't allow it. I will always believe that she ended the relationship that night and he lost all control.

If he couldn't have her, then no one could. I have nothing against her, but I advise her to sleep with one eye open Simone Steenkamp concluded he might repeat what he did to Reeva. He will always have anger issues, and once already, it ended in murder.
Tuesday 17 December 2024, 14:41 - Last updated: 19 December, 17:13

A lunch in downtown Rome, followed by illness with fever and excruciating pain, and finally the diagnosis: salmonella. The incident was reported by Delia Carotenuto, a 74-year-old former company executive and now writer, who claims to have contracted the bacteria at the "Baccano" restaurant, just steps from the Trevi Fountain. The woman, assisted by lawyer Cristiano Fuduli, has filed a complaint with the Prosecutor's Office and is requesting the seizure of food at the establishment: the crime of negligent injury is being hypothesized. The news was reported by Corriere della Sera.

Celiac girl dies at 9 years old in Rome after eating gnocchi. "Martina killed by an allergy"

Salmonella in Carbonara: Delia Carotenuto's Complaint

Carotenuto recounts having lunch on November 23 at Baccano with a friend. The woman first orders oysters, one of the restaurant's specialties, then a carbonara. Once she returns home in the evening, Carotenuto experiences excruciating stomach pains and is unable to stand. The next day her condition worsens: she experiences intestinal discomfort and fever. Initially, she thinks she has caught the flu or Covid, but after confirming that both her friend and daughter are fine, she turns to a private laboratory for analysis. She requests an at-home test, and on the 29th, the report arrives: the woman has contracted salmonella.

Carotenuto claims she was unable to get any response from the restaurant managers, but she is certain she contracted the bacteria there. She decides to pursue a legal complaint, requesting the seizure of the food to prove contamination. The focus is on the eggs used for the carbonara, a food that, if not well-cooked, can harbor salmonella bacteria. Meanwhile, Delia Carotenuto has not yet recovered: she is on antibiotics and declares she has lost several kilos. The restaurant owners have denied the incident, disclaiming any responsibility for what happened.
Monday 16 December 2024, 09:32 - Last updated: 17 December, 12:42

Santo Versace turns 80 years old. And now, after much pain, "I am living the most beautiful season. And think that I have lived four lives...", he tells Corriere della Sera. The first season, the longest, he lived in Reggio Calabria. "I was the firstborn," he recalls, "for a while it was just me and Gianni. Then Donatella was born: our parents called her that because she was a gift. Two years earlier, our little sister Tinuccia had died. My mother prayed and cried every day until Donatella arrived..."

Giorgio Armani: "As a child, I almost lost my sight. My partner Sergio died at 40, it was a great pain. Children? I missed them"

Childhood Shoveling Coal

He never forgot that "at six years old I worked with my father, shoveling coal". His brother Gianni, on the other hand, "was a creative student, growing up in a tailor shop with my mother. He said he had 20 mothers, who were the seamstresses working with us: it was all 'Giannino, Giannuzzo...'. And while Gianni began his life as a designer, Santo was his accountant. "I was the one who negotiated his fee with Florentine Flowers, asking for 4 million, the same as Walter Albini, the most popular designer. They said yes: on February 4, 1972, he left Calabria. And a year later, I joined him".

The Birth of Versace

And from here begins the second season. In 1976, the Gianni Versace brand was born. "We were full of enthusiasm," Santo tells Corsera, "We said to ourselves: 'if we're lucky, we'll do better than Saint Laurent'. And so it was. Unity was our strength: Karl Lagerfeld was a friend of Gianni, an absolute genius, first with Fendi and then with Chanel, but never for himself". Golden years. "On one side there was Armani, with his style, on the other the fantasy of Gianni. When Armani lost Sergio Galeotti, who had founded the brand with him, he felt without support. Behind the scenes of Gianni, there was me".

Once Gianni asked him to change the lock of his house to break up with a boyfriend. "I did it. For him, I was a problem solver: he could count on me. A creative person shouldn't have worries". Between them, there was never a fight. "My brother and I had no secrets, we talked about everything. It might happen that I complained about the somewhat crazy expenses, like the splendid homes and the Picassos. Among the crazy expenses were also those for the models. Then he recalls to Corriere della Sera that Naomi Campbell "was a sister, when she quarreled with Joaquin Cortes she called Gianni in tears: wherever he was, he sent Dario, his driver, to pick her up and bring her to the villa on the lake". Among the most beautiful was Christy Turlington. "Then Lady Diana was unique: at Gianni's funeral, she held my hand for half an hour, trying to console me".

Gianni's homosexuality? "We always knew it, there was no need to come out. He also had girlfriends, but his homosexuality was clear to everyone. Our family had an extraordinary open-mindedness".

The Sister Donatella

And Donatella? "She is my sister, I love her. She sent me 100 white roses for my birthday. In a way, I also acted as her father: in her excuse book from high school, my name and surname were written, I signed it. I stayed by her side for a while, today I enjoy being close to the fragile with our Foundation".

The Death of Gianni

Then came the most tragic day: the death of Gianni. "A shock: we were in Rome, I couldn't believe it. Only when I arrived in Miami and touched his bloody head did I realize everything...". And here begins the third life of Santo Versace: "A life in defense: until the day before we were discussing the merger with Gucci, after the Miami crime, the investment banks considered us bankrupt, and we even had to fend off mafia accusations". Santo recalls that for a period "on weekends, I went to the villa in Moltrasio and slept in Gianni's bed. And at night I was plagued by nightmares, I shouted: 'Gianni move over'. I would have liked to shield him from the fatal blow".

Love with Francesca

Finally, his fourth life alongside Francesca. "We got married in 2014 with a civil ceremony and in 2023 with a religious ceremony and a party at Casina Valadier. I no longer believed in feelings, after I met her I wrote: 'I put the word love back in the dictionary'. She healed my wounds and restored my faith: in the evening we read the Gospel of the next day and pray for the souls in Purgatory. On Saturday afternoons in church, we first recite the Rosary, then we confess and participate in the Holy Mass".
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The first trailer for the highly anticipated new Superman film from director James Gunn has arrived and fans of the comic book hero are ecstatic that a beloved character was included in the preview.

The new film, which is just called Superman, will see David Corenswet take up the mantle of the Man of Steel as DC Studios looks to reboot its movie output under the vision of Gunn.

The first snippet was shared on Thursday (19 December) and sees Corenswet in action for the first time as the Last Son of Krypton.

Although the trailer doesnt give much away about the story nearly all the key characters are shown including Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillon), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Mr Terrific (Edi Gathegi).

However, the one character that everyone is talking about is Krypto the Superdog, Supermans pet dog, who has many of the same powers as his owner. In the trailer, Krypto is seen rescuing Superman as hes seen lying bloodied in the snow, presumably near Supermans base in the Arctic, otherwise known as the Fortress of Solitude.

Gunn wrote in his post about the trailer: Here you go: the Superman trailer. Krypto, take us home.

Soon enough Kryptos name was trending, with many fans expressing their delight at seeing the four legged friend in the teaser trailer.

Clerks and Mallrats director, Kevin Smith said: Good boy, Krypto! Great boy, @JamesGunn!

DC Comics writer Tom King, simply added: Hell yeah.

Another enthusiastic fan wrote: THEY GOT KRYPTO IN THIS? I have got the biggest smile on my face right now.

A third person wrote: I truly dont know why anyone ever doubts James Gunn. The #Superman trailer feels every bit like the triumphant new era for DC that this movie needs to be. David Corenswet exudes Big Superman Energy. And you just know Gunn is going to make you fall in love with Krypto. Excellent.

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Meanwhile, a fourth person joked: Lets be real the best part of that trailer was Krypto. THATS MY BOYYYYYYYYYY

Krypto the Superdog in Superman ( Warner Bros )

Kryptos inclusion in the film was announced earlier this year by Gunn. On X/Twitter, Gunn shared the first image of the character in the film, which sees the dog sitting on the Moon with Superman as they gaze down at the Earth, which is a homage to a panel from the acclaimed comic book All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison.

Expanding on the decision to include Krypto in the film, Gunn wrote: Krypto arrives on screens in Superman this summer. Krypto was inspired by our dog Ozu, who we adopted shortly after I started writing Superman.

Ozu, who came from a hoarding situation in a backyard with 60 other dogs & never knew human beings, was problematic to say the least, added the 58-year-old.

Continuing, Gunn said: He immediately came in & destroyed our home, our shoes, our furniture - he even ate my laptop. It took a long time before he would even let us touch him. I remember thinking, Gosh, how difficult would life be if Ozu had superpowers? - and thus Krypto came into the script & changed the shape of the story as Ozu was changing my life.

Concluding, The Suicide Squad director said: What better time to debut the not-so-good-good-boy Krypto than #AdoptAShelterDog month. Btw, Ozu today is, fairly often, a very good boy.

Superman is set to be released in cinemas on 11 July, 2025.
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Whitney Cummings has recounted the humiliating experience of failing an audition for Francis Ford Coppolas divisive recent film Megalopolis, only to be gifted a signed book and a bottle of wine.

The comedian and actor, 42, said the experience was so strange that she thought she was being filmed for prank show Punkd.

When asked about the audition on her Good For You podcast, Cummings said: This is such a core trauma for me.

She went on to explain that the 85-year-old Godfather director had invited her to audition and sent her pages of dialogue to learn. Im working on it for days, obviously, she recalled. Because its Francis Ford Coppola.

Cummings said that after she arrived she spent three-and-a-half hours in hair and makeup before the audition started, which included being given jheri curls on my forehead that were glued down and a gold crown.

Describing the audition room, Cummings said: Everyone is so quiet. There is no vibe of, Were at an audition, its nice to meet you. Its just so awkward, and I go in... and Im like, Okay, where do you want to start first? And hes like, Oh, no, were not going to do the scene.

Whitney Cummings and Francis Ford Coppola ( Getty )

I was like, Okay. That was three days of my life! Hes like  I believe it was... he would just throw things at me like, In an English accent, say goodbye to your son going to war. Go. Im not kidding.

Now your husband is leaving you for your sister. Australian accent. Go! Literally, because I did the show Punkd, I literally was like, If Im being Punkd, this is genius, this is actually genius.

Because I disassociated the entire thing.

Cummings added that when the audition was finally over, Coppola gave her a signed copy of his new book. He signed it in front of me, as if I had shown up to an autograph signing, as if I wanted... which, I mean, thank you, but... and then gave me a bottle of Francis Ford Coppola wine, like, youll need this. It was just so humiliating, and so confounding.

The Independent has approached Francis Ford Coppola for comment.

Megalopolis divided critics when it was released earlier this year. The Independents Geoffrey McNab gave the film three stars, writing: Megalopolis, Francis Ford Coppolas self-funded $120m (94m) epic, certainly isnt another Godfather or Apocalypse Now, but its at least bursting with ideas. The filmmaker spent decades trying to get Megalopolis off the ground. What if it was no good? And what to make of the many claims of chaos on its set? Ultimately, this isnt the car crash it could have been. It is, though, deeply flawed and very eccentric.
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Snoop Dogg has revealed he called Kendrick Lamar to apologize after posting Drakes diss track about him on social media.

Back in April, Drake released the song Taylor Made Freestyle during the height of his feud with fellow rapper Lamar. The song included AI-generated vocals imitating both Snoop Dogg and the late Tupac Shakur. Snoop Dogg then posted the song on his Instagram Stories shortly after it was released.

When Lamar released his latest album GNX in November, he referenced the incident on his track wacced out murals, rapping: Snoop posted Taylor Made / I prayed it was the edibles / I couldnt believe it, it was only right for me to let it go.

Now, Snoop Dogg has given his side of the story during an appearance on the Bootleg Kev podcast. Thats my nephew, man, he said of Lamars reference to him in the track.

Hes a rapper, man. Hes supposed to speak his mind and tell his truth. Thats the way he felt. You know what Im saying? He has the right to say that, he continued. Im his big homeboy, so I have to take whats given to me from his perspective because hes speaking truth. And the truth shouldnt hurt you. It should make you better.

Snoop Dogg reveals he apologized to Kendrick Lamar for posting Drakes diss track about him on social media ( Getty )

Snoop Dogg then claimed he had initially posted the song by mistake, saying: What happened was, I did a collaborative post with someone [on Instagram]. So when I post it, Im thinking Im posting Gin and Juice.

I dont know what song this is. Im not hip to everybodys music. Then I get the word, Nephew didnt like what you did, Snoop Dogg recalled, as he remembered asking: What did I do?

Then I had to go look at it, he added.

The rapper explained that he later called Lamar and left a message on his phone, saying that he was sorry for reposting Drakes diss track.

I apologize. I was f***ed up, my bad, he told Lamar over the phone.

Snoop Dogg recently released Missionary, his latest collaboration with producer Dr. Dre. In a five-star review for The Independent, music critic Helen Brown wrote: Missionary still finds Snoop (now 53) referring to women (but probably also men) as b****es and rapping about murders and marijuana.

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He sounds more energized than he has in years, and theres a compelling spring in the vocal step with which he prowls through Dres delectably crafted sonic cityscapes, giving props to the producer whos got the melodies for the felonies.
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Former Neighbours star Damien Richardson has been charged for performing a Nazi salute at an event in Melbourne in September.

The 54-year-old, who played the guest character Gary Canning in the Australian soap opera in 2014, allegedly made the gesture at an event in Melbourne where far-right activists were present.

Displaying a Nazi symbol carries a maximum penalty of 12 months jail time and an $11,000 (5,620) fine or both, as per a law introduced by New South Wales (NSW) Parliament in 2022.

Video footage shows the former soap star giving a speech at a meeting for the National Workers Alliance  a group which stands for the preservation of Western culture and identity.

On Wednesday, 18 December, police confirmed to ABC in a statement: A man has been charged on summons with one count of performing a Nazi gesture in a public place.

The 54-year-old Glenroy man is expected to appear before Moorabbin Magistrates Court on 19 March 2025.

The Independent has contacted Richardson for comment.

open image in gallery Damien Richardson in Neighbours ( Channel 5 )

Richardson has directed questions about the alleged incident to the National Workers Alliance meeting organiser, Matt Trihey, per ABC.

Trihey told the outlet there had been a lot of misinformation spoken about the event.

He added: Neither Damien or I have ever been members of Nazi organisations and we have no connection with the NSN (National Socialist Network).

I am a free speech advocate and have no control over who purchases online tickets to my events.

At the September event, Richardson had been invited to give a speech about racial identity and societal change.

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There is a war on men, he said. I thought it was a war on Western tradition, Western valuesand actually, its an anti white male agenda.

After making this comment, Richardson allegedly performed the Nazi salute, adding: Its crazy. Its so crazy you cant believe its even happening.

In November, a 25-year-old self-described Nazi became the first person in Australia jailed for making the salute and was ordered to spend one month behind bars.

open image in gallery Jacob Hersant talks to the media outside the Melbourne Magistrates Court ( AP )

Jacob Hersant was a member of the National Socialist Network, an organization that promoted white supremacy, deportation of immigrants and far-right actors, Magistrate Brett Sonnet said.

While performing the salute last year, he praised Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and said, Australia for the white man.

Sonnet said the 25-year-olds words were clearly racist and seek to promote white supremacy in Australia.
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GB News has reportedly sacked one of its top presenters before Christmas as part of a significant schedule shake-up, with another high-profile star also let go, according to insiders.

Comedian Mark Dolan is understood to have had his contract terminated, while Eamonn Holmes breakfast show co-host Isabel Webster will also be replaced. Andrew Doyle, host of Free Speech Nation, has also stepped down but will continue as a contributor to the channel.

Meanwhile, former MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has also seen his shifts cut as channel bosses move to separate the wheat from the chaff going into 2025.

The news comes shortly after a damning new report condemned the channel for an obsession with Muslims, claims GB News have called highly defamatory.

Dolan presented Balls of Steel on Channel 4 before hosting self-titled shows, Mark Dolan Tonight and Mark Dolan Live between 2021 and 2024.

GB News have made the decision to permanently relieve me of my duties at the channel, he said in a statement. I will speak publicly about this in due course.

Holmes, who presents GB News Breakfast on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday, will be joined by Ellie Costello, who will co-host the show five days a week. Stephen Dixon will continue to co-present on Thursdays and Fridays.

The broadcaster also introduced a wave of new programmes for its 2025 schedule. A new permanent addition to the channel includes Miriam Cates, who will host Dewbs and Co every other Friday. Ben Leo will present a new look show, Ben Leo Tonight, on Saturdays and Sundays as well as continue to co-host Britains Newsroom on Fridays.

Professor Matthew Goodwin will present State of the Nation as a permanent presenter on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night, while Jacob Rees-Mogg will continues as the shows host on Monday and Tuesday.

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Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster, who has been axed by GB News ( GB News )

Regular Headliners host, comedian Josh Howie, will become the new presenter of Free Speech Nation on Sunday evenings between 7pm and 9pm.

Commenting on the roles, Ben Briscoe, head of programming and talent on GB News, said: 2024 has been a truly fantastic year for us.

Not only are we regularly beating the other established news channels, but we are also making inroads against the big public serving broadcasters terrestrial channels. Our initiatives will allow us to build on this success with a renewed focus and ambition.
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Kevin Costner had a short response when asked about the recent comments made by his former Yellowstone co-star Luke Grimes.

The actor, 69, famously announced his departure from the Western drama series in June this year amid reports of behind-the-scenes drama between himself and Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan.

His character, Dutton family patriarch John Dutton III, was recently killed off in the second part of the fifth and final season. According to actor Luke Grimes, who plays Johns son Kayce Dutton, Costners absence made the final installment of the Paramount Plus show the easiest season weve filmed.

To be really honest, there was a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone, Grimes told Esquire on December 10. Obviously, it didnt make it super fun to be around. Not pointing any fingers, but it was actually the easiest season weve filmed.

Just days after the Yellowstone series finale aired on Sunday (December 15), Costner was stopped by paparazzi in Aspen, Colorado, where he was asked if hes spoken to Grimes since his exit from the series. In response, Costner simply told the reporter: Were done talking.

The Oscar-winning actor also claimed Yellowstone hasnt crossed his mind since he decided to leave the show. Im not thinking about [the Yellowstone finale]. I dont think Ive given it any thoughts. Well just let it go, Costner said in the video published by the Daily Mail.

Kevin Costner shuts down question about former co-star Luke Grimess recent comments ( Getty Images )

The Dances with Wolves actor previously claimed he is yet to see the shows final season.

*Warning  Spoilers for Yellowstone season five, part two ahead*

In the ninth episode of season five, titled Desire Is All You Need, his character is found dead from a gunshot wound in an apparent suicide. Duttons daughter Beth (Kelly Reilly) later discovers that her father was actually murdered by her own brother Jamie (Wes Bentley) and his scheming girlfriend, lawyer Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri).

When asked what he thought about his characters death, Costner said: I didnt see it. I heard its a suicide, so that doesnt make me want to rush to go see it. Im going to be perfectly honest. I didnt know it was actually airing last night. I didnt realize yesterday was the thing.

He continued: Sometimes Im like just a passenger in my life. Theres a lot going on. And somebody said, you know, it played last night? And I said, Hmm, OK. So no, I found out about it this morning actually.

Costner said the Yellowstone writers are pretty smart people and expressed hope that Duttons supposed suicide was a red herring.

Who knows? Theyre very good. And theyll figure that out, he added.
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A Chinese court has upheld the death sentence of a woman convicted of trafficking over a dozen children in a 1990s case that shocked the nation.

Yu Huaying, 60, was found guilty earlier this year of trafficking at least 17 children between 1993 and 1996. On Thursday, the Guizhou Provincial High Peoples Court rejected her appeal against the sentence, Xinhua reported.

It was Yus final appeal.

Her case will now be reported to the Supreme Peoples Court for a review of the death penalty, CCTV News said. If approved, the sentence will be carried out.

Yu was found guilty of trafficking 11 children in 2023 but a retrial, which considered additional evidence, found that she sold 17 children.

In addition to awarding the death penalty, the trial court suspended all of Yus political rights for life and ordered the confiscation of her property.

The case only came to light in 2022 after one of the victims, Yang Niuhua, reported her to police in Guiyang. She said Yu had sold her for 3,500 yuan (now about 378) in 1995.

Ms Yang, now in her 30s, had begun a hunt for her family and documented her struggle on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Her parents had died a few years after she was kidnapped, she discovered, but found her relatives.

Yus first victim was her own son, whom she reportedly sold for 5,000 yuan (now 543) when she was in her 20s.

Her partner, Gong Xianliang, joined Yu in her dealings, but he didnt face the trial as he died soon after her arrest.

Yu had a complete criminal chain of child trafficking and targeted children in Guizhou and Yunnan provinces and the Chongqing municipality in the south, the trial court said in October. She would sell the children through intermediaries in Hebei in the north.

Yu Huayings subjective malice is extremely deep, her criminal behavior is particularly heinous, and the consequences of her actions are severe, warranting harsh punishment. Although she confessed, this is insufficient to justify a lighter sentence, the court said.

Human trafficking was a major problem in China for decades as a cultural preference for male children during the One Child Policy era led to the trafficking of girls.
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A Chinese national arrested from a German naval base earlier this month could be charged with spying, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

The man was found carrying a camera near the base in Kiel, a port city on Germanys Baltic Sea coast, on 9 December, public broadcaster WDR reported.

We have an open investigation into a Chinese man who was found on the territory of the marine port," said Carola Jeschke, criminal investigation department spokesperson in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein.

Prosecutors said they were considering charges of taking security-endangering pictures of military installations against the foreigner.

This comes at a time when Germany is on alert for potential security threats posed by China. The countrys security agencies have warned of an increased threat from Chinese intelligence services.

Kiel houses one of the German navys three flotillas and a dry dock where Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems builds submarines.

Last year, Kiel cancelled a plan for a twin city partnership with the Chinese military port of Qingdao after researchers warned that it could serve as a cover for espionage.

China, moreover, has deepened its strategic partnership with ally Russia despite Western pressure to isolate Moscow over the war in Ukraine.

In October, Germany took over command of the Nato task force in the Baltic Sea, which is crisscrossed by fuel pipelines and fibre optic cables that have been severed since the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Germanys defence minister said last month they had to assume that damage caused to two date cables under the Baltic Sea, one of which ends in his country, was caused by sabotage even though Berlin had no proof yet.

No one believes these cables were severed by mistake and I also dont want to believe versions that it was anchors that by chance caused damage to these cables, he said at a meeting of EU defence ministers.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is personally overseeing training of soldiers to be sent to support Russias invasion of Ukraine, according to South Korean intelligence reports, after Pyongyangs inexperienced forces were said to have suffered a high number of casualties.

South Korean MP Lee Seong-kweun claimed at least 100 North Korean soldiers had been killed in the war, citing a briefing to parliament by the National Intelligence Service.

There was a report that there have been at least 100 deaths and the injured are approaching 1,000, he said.

MPs were told that the North may be preparing for more deployments to Russia, Lee said, as well as about intelligence that the countrys leader Kim Jong Un is overseeing training.

Ukraine and its allies estimate that North Korea has deployed between 10,000 and 12,000 troops so far to aid Russias war effort. The Pentagon said the soldiers were largely deployed to Russias Kursk region, where Moscows forces were battling a Ukrainian ground incursion since August.

They also accused North Korea of shipping artillery systems, ballistic missiles and other weapons to replenish Russias armouries. Russia and North Korea neither confirmed nor denied the accusations.

The US and nine other countries condemned Pyongyangs alleged export of ballistic missiles and other military equipment to Russia for use in the Ukraine war in a joint statement on Monday. The Norths direct support for the Russian war effort, they said, marked a dangerous expansion of the conflict.

On Thursday North Koreas foreign ministry said its relationship with Russia was being distorted by the West, calling its alliance with Moscow normal and very effective.

The statement made no mention of Pyongyangs involvement in the Ukraine war or the casualties its troops allegedly suffered in Kursk.

The North blamed Washington and its allies for prolonging the Ukraine war and destabilising the security situation in Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

The madness on display in response to the Norths relationship with Russia goes to prove that the strengthened cooperative relations between independent sovereign states are very effective in deterring the US and the Wests ill-intended extension of influence, it added.

Washington and Kyiv recently claimed that North Korean soldiers took heavy casualties while fighting Ukrainian forces in the Russian border region. The Ukrainian military intelligence agency said at least 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded, while a US official suggested the figure for North Korean casualties was in the several hundreds.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky posted drone footage on Telegram claiming that it showed North Korean soldiers fighting in the war.

"Ukraines defence forces and intelligence are working to determine the full extent of the actual losses suffered by Russian units that include North Koreans," he said.

The Russian military was taking drastic measures to conceal the identity of North Koreans by burning the faces of those killed in battle, Mr Zelensky claimed.
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China has not scaled down its military presence on the border with India despite Beijing and New Delhi achieving a breakthrough in talks to resolve a standoff that began five years ago, the US said.

In a report to Congress, titled Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China 2024, the Pentagon said the Peoples Liberation Army has not drawn down its positions or troop numbers since the 2020 clash with Indian troops in eastern Ladakh and has developed infrastructure to maintain brigade deployments.

The Chinese military remains focused on developing capabilities to provide options for the PRC to dissuade, deter, or, if ordered, defeat third-party intervention in the Indo-Pacific region, it noted, referring to the Asian giant by its formal name of the Peoples Republic of China.

Chinas Western Theatre Command, whose primary focus is securing the long Himalayan border with India, is geographically the largest theater command, the report said.

Bilateral relations suffered a blow after Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed in Ladakhs Galwan Valley in 2020. The most violent engagement in 45 years altered the status quo of the loosely demarcated Line of Actual Control between the two countries.

The clash turned into a standoff, with both sides stationing thousands of military personnel backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets along the border.

Their differing perceptions of where the border lies have facilitated multiple clashes, force buildups, and military infrastructure construction between India and China, the report noted.

open image in gallery A truck carries the coffin of an Indian army officer killed in a 2020 border clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh ( AP )

The foreign ministry in Beijing denounced the Pentagon report, which briefly mentioned India alongside other countries that have disputes with China, as irresponsible.

The US report, like previous similar reports, ignores facts, is full of bias, a ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, said at a Thursday news briefing.

She urged Washington to stop issuing such reports and instead take practical steps to maintain the stability of relations with China.

open image in gallery Chinese president Xi Jinping and India prime minister Narendra Modi meet on the sidelines of a Brics summit in Kazan, Russia ( Reuters )

The US report came just as Indian and Chinese officials met in Beijing to resume formal talks on resolving the border standoff for the first time in five years.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with Indian national security advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday and worked out a six-point consensus to stabilise bilateral ties, Beijing said in a statement after the meeting.

The two sides announced a breakthrough in talks to end the standoff in October after reaching an agreement on military patrols along their disputed border.

The announcement paved the way for prime minister Narendra Modi to meet president Xi Jinping at the Brics summit in Russia.

The Pentagon report, meanwhile, also highlighted how corruption in the Chinese military is a roadblock in its modernisation goals.

Corruption in the military has resulted in at least 15 top officials being ousted in a major shakeup of Chinas defence establishment, it added.

This wave of corruption touches every service in the PLA and it may have shaken Beijings confidence, the report said.

China had over 600 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2024 and is expected to have over 1,000 by 2030, it noted.
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Four years ago, the former British colony wedged between India and China promised so much.

A half-century of military rule had given way to a government with a popular leader elected cleanly, with a mandate to transform South-East Asias most impoverished country into a model of what democracy can achieve, even in countries with shallow democratic roots.

Today that leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, eighty next year, is locked in a jungle jail with no prospect of release, while the army with whom she had shared power since 2016 fights a brutal civil war on multiple fronts that has claimed thousands of lives. The countrys ten-year democratic experiment has been shot down in flames.

The immediate culprit is obvious: the Burmese military has reverted to brutal type. It is again doing what it has done for most of Myanmars independent history  getting rich, while keeping its people poor.

But in this Independent TV documentary, former ambassador Sir John Jenkins argues that we in the West are to blame, too.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

It was Suu Kyis loss of support in the West which emboldened the army to do what it had been itching to do for years and dump her.

Suu Kyis father, Aung San, was the founder of the Burmese army, but her political career was founded on challenging its usurpation of civil power. In her very first speech she did the unthinkable and attacked the armys then leader directly.

Over the years the army fought back by locking her up, isolating her from her family, banning her party, making any reference to her a criminal matter.

When at last in 2010, after nearly 20 years of confinement, she was freed and allowed into the political arena, it was because she had powerful friends in the West.

The Burmese military understood early on that Suu Kyi was far more than a voluble irritant. From the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 to the honorary doctorate from Oxford University in 2011, she was, as the militarys propaganda put it, the Wests poster girl.

She was blamed for the sanctions imposed on Myanmars economy, for causing her country to lose face in the worlds eyes. But her popularity in the West meant she could not be ignored.

open image in gallery Suu Kyis father, Aung San, was the founder of the Burmese army, but her political career was founded on challenging its usurpation of civil power ( Ann Pasternak Slater )

Eventually the shrewdest of Burmas senior generals, Thein Sein, realised that he could use her reputation in the West to his own advantage: by entering politics under tight constitutional restraints, as the armys junior partner, she could bring Myanmar in from the diplomatic cold.

With strong encouragement from President Obama, thats what happened. In the general election of 2015 Suu Kyi became Myanmars first honestly elected leader since 1962.

But her triumph concealed a fatal weakness. The West had made her; so when she took what seemed to us wrong turns, it was like a protege going rogue.

When in 2017 the army launched an offensive against the oppressed Rohingya minority in Rakhine state, she failed to do what we felt she ought and denounce it.

open image in gallery With strong encouragement from President Obama, in the general election of 2015 Suu Kyi became Myanmars first honestly elected leader since 1962 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Then in 2019 when the army was accused by Gambia of genocide, she took it into her head to go to the International Court of Justice in the Hague and defend it.

Why go out on a limb like this, on the armys behalf?

The obvious explanation  to ingratiate herself with the army top command  is implausible: Suu Kyi has never done anything to make herself amiable to the army.

Rather, as she told the court, she felt the charges to be unjust, and duty bound as leader to say so, to defend her country. Fierce nationalism has been Suu Kyis motivation all her life. It trumps everything else.

But if she didnt aim to please the generals, neither did she feel the need to consider the effect of her Hague trip on the West.

open image in gallery A supporter kisses Aung San Suu Kyi, then leader of the National League for Democracy ( Getty )

Weighing likely consequences has never been Suu Kyis style, which makes her success even more extraordinary. She has always been a most unpolitical, other-worldly politician.

Upshot: her reputation in the West, on the slide since 2017, plummeted to the depths. The generals took note  the Lady no longer had powerful friends to call on. Barely a year later they swept her aside, locked her up and threw away the key.

Cancelled: The rise and fall of Aung San Suu Kyi Documentary

Its a tragic story in which the Wests rush to judgement has had appalling consequences. Not for us, of course: we simply dropped Suu Kyi and her faraway country into the memory hole. But for a country which once had a future.
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A devastating fire at a cafe and karaoke bar in Hanoi has left 11 people dead and two others injured, Vietnamese authorities confirmed on Thursday.

The blaze broke out on the ground floor of the three-storey building late on Wednesday night, trapping patrons inside as flames quickly spread through the structure.

The Ministry of Public Security announced the arrest of a man in his early 50s, saying he had confessed to starting the fire following an argument with staff.

According to a police statement, the suspect used petrol to ignite the ground floor of the establishment, where patrons were gathered for karaoke-style singing.

The fire was reported shortly after 11pm local time and rapidly engulfed the building, cutting off all exits and leaving those inside with no means of escape. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, managing to pull seven people from the flames, two of whom were immediately hospitalised with injuries.

Eyewitness accounts described a scene of chaos and helplessness. At that time, we saw many people screaming for help but could not approach because the fire spread very quickly, and even with a ladder, we could not climb up, a witness told the Lao Dong newspaper.

Another witness quoted by the Tien Phong newspaper reported hearing an explosion and detecting a strong smell of petrol as the fire raged. The fire blocked all the exits, the witness said. The smell of gasoline was strong.

open image in gallery Firefighters extinguish a fire at a karaoke bar in Hanoi on 19 December 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery A fire that ripped through a karaoke bar in the Vietnamese capital killed 11 people ( AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery Damaged motorcycles lie in ruin after they were burned in a fire in Hano ( AP )

CCTV footage obtained by VnExpress showed a man carrying a bucket towards the building moments before the blaze erupted. Local media reported that the fire was brought under control after 40 minutes, but by then it had already caused extensive damage and claimed several lives.

Images from the scene showed firefighters working tirelessly to extinguish the flames while the bodies of victims were carried out of the smouldering wreckage. I noticed a column of smoke from afar, a witness told VnExpress. I was so frightened that I had to urge my grandchild to go downstairs. The flames were so fierce. We saw the fire but there was nothing else we could do.

The tragedy has prompted Vietnams prime minister Pham Minh Chinh to order a thorough investigation and to call for strict penalties for anyone found to have violated safety regulations.

open image in gallery Fire and rescue workers carry a victim to an ambulance following a fire at a karaoke bar in Hanoi ( AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery Charred belongings are seen outside a burnt house following a large fire at a karaoke bar ( AFP via Getty Images )

open image in gallery Firemen stand in front of a building burned down by fire in Hanoi, Vietnam on Thursday ( AP )

Fires remain a persistent hazard in Vietnams densely packed urban centres, where high population density and lax safety standards can combine with devastating consequences. Between 2017 and 2022, some 17,000 fires were reported  most of them in urban areas  resulting in 433 deaths, according to government statistics.

open image in gallery Fire personnel inspect a building burned down by a fire ( AP )

open image in gallery People gather near the site of a fire in Hanoi, Vietnam, 19 December 2024 ( EPA )

This incident follows a series of deadly fires in Vietnam that have raised questions about fire safety standards. In September 2023, a fire at a Hanoi apartment block killed 56 people, including four children. In 2022, a fire at a karaoke complex in Binh Duong province claimed 32 lives. In that case, six individuals, including four police officers, were sentenced to prison for negligence.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Australias decision to expand four coal mines has been slammed by island nations as a death sentence and a betrayal of global climate commitments.

Anthony Albaneses government on Thursday approved the Boggabri, Caval Ridge Horse Pit, Lake Vermont Meadowbrook and Vulcan South coal mines to extend or expand their operations.

Analysts said these mines could release over 850 million tonnes of CO2 over their lifetimes, double the annual emissions of Australia.

To put it plainly  its a death sentence for us if larger nations continue to open new fossil fuel projects, Tuvalus prime minister Feleti Teo said.

This is the seventh coal mine expansion approved by the Albanese government in less than 90 days. The continued expansion of coal mines comes even as Australia pushes to host the Cop31 climate summit in 2026 on behalf of the island nations.

The nation intends to co-host COP31  the 2026 UN Climate Talks but ongoing expansion of coal and gas risks jeopardising relationships in the region and Australias legitimacy as a climate leader, Reverend James Bhagwan, general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, said.

Joseph Sikulu, Pacific managing director of the advocacy group 350.org, accused the Albanese government of hypocrisy, adding that the emissions from these projects would dwarf those of the Pacific region.

These mines will emit 7.5 times more carbon than all Pacific island nations produce in a year, he said. This makes a mockery of the family Australia claims to call the Pacific.

Campaigners from island nations in the region accused Australia of betraying them. While Pacific leaders demand climate action and an end to new fossil fuels, the Albanese government sides with coal billionaires, fueling the crisis that threatens our survival, Rufino Varea, regional director of the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network, said.

Australia cannot claim to stand with the Pacific while digging our graves. No new coal means no excuses. if Australia refuses to lead, it does not deserve to co-host Cop31.

The decision also drew sharp criticism from Australias opposition parties. Greens leader Adam Bandt called it despicable while senator Sarah Hanson-Young described it as giving coal for Christmas.

This is the ultimate dumping of rubbish on Christmas Eve, the senator said. Approving coal mining in koala habitat is abhorrent. Approving more coal mining in a climate crisis should be illegal."

In a statement to The Independent, a spokesperson for the government downplayed the decision, saying: There are no new mines, they are all extensions of existing operations and produce minerals essential for steelmaking, which currently has no feasible renewable alternatives.

The projects, the spokesperson said, will support up to 3,000 jobs and must comply with Australias commitment to net zero under the governments climate safeguard laws. The government said 240 strict conditions have been imposed to ensure environmental protection.

Activists hold a protest rally demanding the Anthony Albanese government halt further approvals of coal and gas projects, in Sydney in May ( AFP via Getty )

The decision was condemned not just by island nations but also by climate analysts in Australia. Chris Wright, climate strategy advisor at Ember, said the government was putting its own emissions reduction target at risk.

The Albanese government is roaring toward an emissions cliff and they just hit the accelerator by approving a super-emitting coal mine that could become one of the gassiest in the country by 2030, he said.

On the one hand, were racing to build out renewables faster than any other country per capita. On the other, were racing to approve more coal mines faster than any other.

According to Embers analysis, the Lake Vermont Meadowbrook underground coal mine extension could emit an additional 3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually before 2030, close to 6 per cent of Australias remaining emissions budget to 2030 under the Safeguard Mechanism, the countrys primary mechanism for emissions reductions.

The Safeguard Mechanism wont survive many more of these super-emitting coal mines, and thats before their coal even gets shipped off and burned overseas, Mr Wright said.
Theres something uniquely British about overthinking Christmas dinner. We panic about dry turkey, argue over the merits of goose and feel a pang of guilt about how far the sprouts have travelled. Its the meal thats supposed to be perfect, as if each plate carries the weight of an entire year. And yet, every December we make it harder on ourselves, turning kitchens into war zones and attempting culinary stunts no one asked for. Its time to simplify things.

This isnt about cutting corners; its about making Christmas dinner feel less like a chore and more like the celebration its meant to be. The mains weve chosen from our archive are more than just crowd-pleasers  theyre recipes that know how to deliver both flavour and theatrics without breaking you.

From Gordon Ramsays foolproof turkey where herb butter ensures every slice is juicy to Jamie Olivers stuffed squash, a vegan masterpiece of nutty cranberry-laced rice encased in sweet caramelised flesh, these dishes are tested, timeless and designed to impress.

For those who want to shake tradition, theres James Mackenzies five-bird roast, a Yorkshire classic as opulent as it sounds, or Rick Steins low-and-slow topside, a masterclass in making tough cuts tender. Whether youre feeding two or 22, these mains cover all bases. Meat, game, plant-based  each dish has its own moment to shine.

So, put down the stress and pick up the carving knife. This is Christmas dinner done right: no panic, just perfect plates.

Perfect roast turkey

open image in gallery This is how the king of Christmas dinner does turkey  golden, juicy and utterly foolproof ( Handout )

Even the mention of Gordon Ramsay is enough to inspire confidence in the kitchen, and when it comes to Christmas turkey, his approach delivers every time. Ramsays recipe is a masterclass in ensuring moist, flavourful meat, taking the guesswork out of the star dish of the festive feast. The secret? A rich herb butter massaged under the skin, a bouquet of aromatics in the cavity and a final bacon-lattice crown that keeps things succulent while adding just the right hint of smokiness. The result? A turkey so good youll wonder why its only reserved for December.

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients:

1 free-range turkey (ideally Norfolk Black or Bronze), about 5-5.5kg

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 onions, peeled and halved

1 lemon, halved

1 head of garlic, halved horizontally

6 bay leaves

Olive oil, to drizzle

8 rashers of smoked streaky bacon

For the lemon, parsley and garlic butter:

375g butter, at room temperature

1 tbsp olive oil

Finely grated zest and juice of 2 small lemons

3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves only, chopped

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 220C/gas 7. Meanwhile, prepare the herb butter. Put the butter into a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add the olive oil and mix well. Add the lemon zest and juice, crushed garlic and chopped parsley. Mix well to combine.

2. Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity. Season the cavity well with salt and pepper, then stuff with the onions, lemon, garlic halves and two bay leaves.

3. With your hands, loosen the skin on the breast from both ends of the bird so that you will be able to stuff the flavoured butter underneath it, making sure you keep the skin intact. Repeat with the skin on the legs  from the lower side of the breast feel your way under the skin and out towards the leg, loosening the gap.

4. Stuff half the butter mix into the opened spaces under the skin. From the outside of the skin, gently massage the butter around the breasts so that the meat is evenly covered. Finally, insert the rest of the bay leaves under the skin of the breasts.

5. Place the bird in a large roasting tray, breast side up. Spread the rest of the butter all over the skin. Season well with salt and pepper, then drizzle with a little olive oil. (If preparing a day ahead, cover the turkey with foil and refrigerate at this stage.)

6. Roast the turkey in the hot oven for 10-15 minutes. Take the tray out of the oven, baste the bird with the pan juices and lay the bacon rashers over the breast to keep it moist. Baste again. Lower the setting to 180C/Gas 4 and cook for about two and a half hours (calculating at 30 minutes per kilogram), basting occasionally.

7. To test whether your turkey is cooked, insert a skewer into the thickest part of the leg and check that the juices are running clear, rather than pink. As oven temperatures and turkey shapes and sizes vary, it is crucial to check your turkey about 30 minutes before the calculated roasting time. If the juices are pink, roast for another 15 minutes and check again. Repeat as necessary until the turkey is cooked.

8. Transfer the turkey to a warmed platter and remove the parsons nose, wings and tips of the drumsticks; reserve these for the gravy. Leave the turkey to rest in a warm place for at least 45 minutes; make the gravy in the meantime. Remove the bay leaves from under the skin before carving. Serve the turkey with the piping hot gravy, stuffing and accompaniments.

Roasted turkey crown with duck fat, and chestnut stuffing in savoy cabbage leaves

open image in gallery Matt Tebbutts crown jewel of a turkey is brined for unbeatable flavour and crowned with duck fat perfection ( Handout )

For those looking to impress without the commitment of a whole bird, Matt Tebbutts turkey crown is the thinking cooks solution. Brined to perfection for ultimate flavour and paired with a standout stuffing wrapped in Savoy cabbage, this recipe feels like a gourmet upgrade for your table. Tebbutt, a familiar face on weekend TV, brings his knack for no-fuss elegance here, balancing tradition with clever twists. The duck fat adds richness, while the brining ensures your meat is melt-in-the-mouth tender. Roast this for a modern twist on festive fare.

Ingredients:

For the brine:

6.5kg free-range turkey

5 litres water

2 tsp table salt

2 tsp black peppercorns

1 cinnamon stick

1 tsp whole cloves

 tsp caraway seeds

Star anise

1 tbsp dark brown sugar

250ml white wine

 tsp mustard seeds

2 onions, chopped

4 garlic cloves, crushed

For roasting the turkey:

1 onion, peeled and halved

1 large carrot, peeled and quartered

2 sticks celery halved

2 cloves garlic, peeled

Drizzle of olive oil

Bay leaves

Small bunch of thyme

Pepper for seasoning

Bacon rashers (optional) for the breast

1 bulb garlic, halved

For the stuffing:

1 savoy cabbage

6 sausages, removed from their skins

200g chestnuts, chopped

4 sprigs thyme

1 garlic clove

2 tbsp goose fat

Salt and pepper

For the gravy:

1 pint chicken or turkey stock

1 large glass port

1 tbsp flour

Method:

1. For the brine, in a large pot add the water. Add in all of the turkey brine ingredients  stir to dissolve salt and sugar. Remove any string attached to the turkey, remove the legs from the turkey and put them back in the fridge covered. Add the turkey breast and crown to the liquid  add more liquid if needed. Bring up to the boil and then let it cool to room temperature. Put in the fridge or if the pot doesnt fit somewhere cold, even outside. Leave for 24/48 hours.

2. For the turkey, sit your brined turkey on a roasting tray over the onion, garlic, carrot and celery. If desired layer or lattice rashers of bacon over the breast to protect in the oven. Take the legs out of the fridge, place in a roasting tray, baste with goose fat, dress with thyme, and a halved bulb of garlic.

3. Roast the turkey for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 160C and roast for a further 2 -3 hours until cooked, basting every 30 minutes, and covering it with foil once its golden brown, to prevent over-colouring. Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 1-1 hours in a warm place.

4. For the stuffing, preheat the oven to 130C. Cook the cabbage in salted water, drain and run under cold water. Mix up all of the stuffing ingredients together and season. Line an oven-proof terrine dish with 2 layers of cling film leaving enough to completely cover the cabbage. Cover the base and sides of the oven-proof dish with the cabbage leaves. Arrange the sausage meat over the cabbage, around halfway up and press down. Finely chop some of the cabbage and layer in the middle of the meat. Layer on the remaining sausage meat and finish with a final layer of the cabbage. Cover tightly with the cling film and put it into the oven for 40-50 minutes. Remove it from the oven, the cabbage should be tender and allow it to cool. Carefully turn out the parcel and remove the cling film. Slice it into wedges and serve it.

5. For the gravy, from the turkey roasting tin, strain the juices and reserve for later, leave the onion, carrot celery garlic and a little fat and juice in the pan. Heat over a medium heat. Add a tablespoon of flour and mix with the fat in the pan. When the flour and juices have combined add the large glass of port and mix well. Add the reserved juices from the turkey, stir then add a pint of chicken or turkey stock. Reduce by about half.

Five-bird roast

open image in gallery A slice of culinary opulence: James Mackenzies five-bird roast is festive indulgence at its finest ( Handout )

A centrepiece fit for royalty, James Mackenzies five-bird roast brings the traditional Yorkshire pot to life with precision and flair. Famous for his work at the Michelin-starred Pipe and Glass, Mackenzie elevates the concept, layering duck, grouse, pheasant, partridge and chicken with luxurious stuffing. Wrapped in air-dried ham and slow-cooked to perfection, this isnt just food; its a conversation piece. If youre after a showstopper for your festive table, this roast combines heritage, indulgence and unbeatable flavour in every slice.

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes cooking, plus overnight resting, 2 hours 30 minutes poaching and 1 hour 30 minutes roasting

Ingredients:

2 large duck legs

2 large duck breasts

2 large chicken breasts

300g sausagemeat

100g semi-dried cranberries

100g pistachio nuts, chopped

1 tsp juniper berries, crushed

16-20 slices air-dried ham, eg, Parma or similar

4 grouse breasts

4 pheasant breasts

6 partridge breasts

Equipment:

Sous vide equipment

Boning knife

Method:

1. Ensuring your boning knife is very sharp, bone the duck legs by cutting out and removing all of the bone and cartilage. Cut each of the duck breasts and chicken breasts into three lengthways, and slice the duck legs into strips.

2. To prepare the stuffing, place the sausagemeat, cranberries, pistachios and juniper berries in a bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands. Lay several layers of cling film, each about 60 x 30cm, out on a work surface. Lay the slices of ham onto the cling film to form a rectangular base (smaller than the cling film) to start building the roast.

3. Lay the duck breast in a line down the centre of the ham, then lay about half the stuffing mix in a thin sausage on either side of the length of the duck. Lay the chicken strips along one side of the stuffing, end-to-end to cover the exposed length of ham. Repeat with the grouse, pheasant and partridge breasts and duck leg until all of the meat (except the stuffing) is used up  the ingredients should all be laid out in even lines. Top with the remaining stuffing mix.

4. To roll the roast, take one side of the cling film and roll and wrap the ham over to encase the meat and stuffing, forming a large sausage encased in the ham and cling film. Place in the fridge to rest overnight.

5. To cook, preheat a water bath to 75C and, making sure the roast is completely sealed in cling film, cook for 2 hours. After this time, remove from the cling film, place in a roasting tray and cook at 180C/gas mark 4 for 1-1 hours. To check that it is cooked, slide in a sharp knife  the juices should run clear.

6. If you dont have a water bath, remove the roast from the cling film and carefully wrap in foil. Roast in the oven at 160C/gas mark 3 for 2 hours, then remove the foil and roast for a further 1-1 hours at 180C/gas mark 4 until the juices run clear. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for at least 20 minutes. Cut into thick slices and serve.

Recipe from Great British Chefs

Roast topside of beef

open image in gallery Rick Steins topside proves that even budget-friendly cuts can steal the spotlight with the right touch ( Paul Winch-Furness )

Rick Stein knows a thing or two about celebrating simple ingredients, and his topside of beef is a lesson in doing just that. Aided by low-and-slow cooking and dry-aged meat, this roast transforms a humble cut into something extraordinary. The Marmite-laced gravy  a surprising nod to umami perfection  is what seals the deal. Steins knack for accessible indulgence shines here, with results so tender and rich youll want to bookmark this recipe long after the holidays are over.

By: Rick Stein

Ingredients:

1.5kg topside of beef

1 tbsp sea salt

1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the gravy:

2 shallots, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Sprig of thyme

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp salt

375ml red wine

1l beef stock

1 tsp Marmite

2 tsp soy sauce

1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

50g unsalted butter, cold

To serve:

Roast potatoes

Steamed greens with confit shallots

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 55C and season the beef all over with the salt. If you prefer your beef medium, set it to 60C and so on. If your oven doesnt go this low, roast the beef at 220C fan/240C/gas 9 for 30 minutes, then drop to 180C fan/200C/gas 6 and roast until a meat probe reads 55C, which should take about 1 hours.

2. Heat the oil in a frying pan and sear the beef on each side until golden brown (about 2 minutes each side including the ends). Deglaze the pan with 2 tbsp water; reserve these pan juices for making the gravy later.

3. Put the beef into a roasting tin and cook in the oven for a minimum of 4 hours until the internal temperature reaches the oven temperature you set.

4. Meanwhile roast your potatoes. Set aside and keep warm. When the meat is nearly finished, prepare the greens. Now make the gravy. Soften the shallots, garlic and thyme in vegetable oil in a saucepan over a medium heat and season with salt. Add the red wine and reduce until evaporated. Add the beef stock and deglazed pan juices and reduce by half. Add the Marmite, soy sauce and vinegar and reduce by another quarter. Whisk in the cold butter to finish.

5. After removing the beef from the oven, leave it to rest for 15 minutes. Slice the beef (thick or thin as you like) and serve with the greens, roast potatoes and gravy.

Recipe from World on a Plate by Jack Stein

Beef Wellington

open image in gallery The ultimate centrepiece, Graham Campbells Wellington turns beef into an unforgettable showstopper ( Handout )

Nothing says decadence like a perfectly cooked beef Wellington, and Graham Campbells version is the stuff of culinary dreams. With Michelin-starred precision, Campbell blends traditional techniques with indulgent touches: golden puff pastry, a rich mushroom duxelles and tender beef fillet thats pink in the middle. A little effort goes a long way here, and the result is the ultimate crowd-pleaser  perfect for Sunday lunch or any celebration where you want the food to take centre stage.

Ingredients:

For the beef:

800g beef fillet

Vegetable oil

Salt

For the pancake mix:

80g flour

210ml milk

2 eggs

Vegetable oil

For the Wellington:

1 sheet puff pastry

40g butter

200g mushrooms, finely chopped

2 shallots, finely diced

1 garlic clove, minced

50ml white wine

1 bunch chives, chopped

20g Dijon mustard

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/gas mark 6.

2. Heat a frying pan with a dash of vegetable oil over high heat. Season the beef fillet generously with salt and sear evenly until browned. Remove from the pan and cool completely.

3. In a bowl, whisk together one egg, flour, and milk until smooth. Heat a non-stick frying pan with enough vegetable oil to coat the base. Cook thin pancakes (crepe-style) using about 60ml of batter for each. Set aside.

4. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute mushrooms, shallots, and garlic until the moisture is released and the mixture is nearly dry. Add white wine, reducing until almost dry again. Remove from heat, add chives, and blend until smooth. Season to taste and set aside.

5. Spread each pancake with Dijon mustard and the mushroom mixture. Lay the pancakes out to form a rectangular base. Wrap them tightly around the cooled beef fillet.

6. Roll out the puff pastry with the longest side parallel to you. Place the wrapped beef at one edge and roll the pastry around it, sealing the edges. Ensure the seam is on the underside.

7. Brush the pastry with a beaten egg. Chill in the fridge while preheating the oven.

8. Preheat the oven to 190C/gas mark 5. Remove the Wellington from the fridge, allow it to stand for 15 minutes, and bake for 15-20 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature of 65C).

9. Rest the Wellington for 5 minutes before slicing into portions. Serve as desired.

Recipe from Great British Chefs

Roast rib of pork with apple dumplings

open image in gallery Mark Hixs roast pork pairs perfectly with apple dumplings for a nostalgic yet elevated twist ( Jason Lowe )

Mark Hix has a knack for taking the familiar and giving it a delicious twist, and this roast rib of pork with apple dumplings is no exception. The king of British seasonal cooking, Hix pairs succulent pork with tangy-sweet apple dumplings, striking the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. The dumplings, wrapped in delicate caul fat, are a revelation  ideal for soaking up the porks juices. This recipe is the epitome of comfort food with an edge, perfect for warming up your winter table.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

For the pork:

1 six-bone rib or rack of pork, chine bone removed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

A little vegetable or corn oil

For the apple dumplings:

180-200g coarsely minced fatty pork

50g fresh white breadcrumbs

1 large Bramley apple, peeled, cored, cooked and coarsely mashed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

80-100g pigs or lambs caul fat

Method:

To make the pork:

1. Preheat the oven to 220C/gas mark 7. Place a roasting tray with about 2-3cm of water on the stove, then place the pork, rind-side down in the water, and simmer for about 5 minutes, moving the pork around if necessary so the rind and fat gets a good blanch.

2. Remove from the water; place on a board, skin up, and discard the water from the tray. With a sharp knife, score the rind about 1cm apart and place in the roasting tray with the bones down, season; drizzle over a little oil.

3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, basting a few times, then turn the oven down to 180C/ gas mark 5 and cook for a further 35-40 minutes.

4. Remove the pork from the oven, rest for approximately 10 minutes, remove the string (if appropriate) and carve into chops.

To make the apple dumplings:

1. Mix the minced pork, breadcrumbs and apple together; season. Divide the mixture into 6 and mould into balls.

2. Cut the caul fat into pieces that are large enough to double-wrap the dumplings and then wrap them around the dumplings a couple of times.

3. Place the dumplings on a tray or with the pork; roast for 15 minutes.

The perfect lamb roast

open image in gallery This slow-cooked lamb shoulder is a triumph of tenderness and bold BBQ-inspired flavours ( temper )

A lamb shoulder is a time commitment, but as this recipe proves, the reward is deeply satisfying. Slow-cooked with a carefully crafted BBQ rub that combines aromatic spices with a sweet-smoky undertone, the lamb emerges so tender it practically falls apart. For lovers of pulled pork, this lamb shoulder offers a sophisticated upgrade, with succulent, flavour-packed meat that works as well at a dinner party as it does at a casual family gathering.

Ingredients:

1 Lamb shoulder*

BBQ rub

150g caster sugar

150g brown sugar

150g Maldon salt

10g caraway seeds

10g fennel seeds

10g coriander seeds

20g garlic powder

10g sweet paprika

50g black pepper

* 1 lamb shoulder weighs approx 4kg when raw. It loses 50 per cent of its weight during the cooking and pulling process, which means you are left with 2kg of meat you can enjoy. An average portion of pulled lamb is around 200g, which means you can get a few good portions out of a 4kg joint.

Method:

1. Toast all the spices and finely grind using a pestle and mortar. Combine all the ingredients and set aside.

2. Rub and press the spice mix onto the meat, ensuring it coats the whole shoulder.

3. Smoke the meat between 125C to 150C till it reaches 93C, which roughly takes around six hours depending on the size of the joint.

4. During the latter stages of the cooking process apply what is known in the circle as the Texas crutch, which means we wrap the shoulder in parchment paper and foil. This helps to concentrate the maximum amount of residual heat whilst avoiding evaporation and the meat getting dry.

5. Keep it wrapped until ready to serve, it should be succulent, steaming hot and juicy!

Stuffed leg of lamb with Jersey Royal potatoes

open image in gallery Greg Marchands stuffed lamb is a French-British hybrid designed to make memories at the table ( Greg Marchand )

Greg Marchand of Frenchie fame brings a touch of Parisian elegance to the classic roast with this stuffed leg of lamb. Packed with a vibrant filling of mint, pistachios and parmesan, this dish is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Jersey Royals cooked in mint butter are the perfect side, adding a buttery richness to the mix. Marchands approach combines French finesse with British ingredients, making this dish one to remember long after the last bite.

Serves: 4

Preparation: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the stuffing:

2 shallots, finely sliced

50ml water

50ml white wine vinegar

1 tsp sugar

200g mint, blanched and coarsely chopped

200g sandwich bread, toasted and cooled

45g pistachio nuts, roasted and coarsely chopped

40g parmesan cheese

3 anchovies

Dash of Tabasco sauce

2 eggs

 tsp thyme

For the lamb:

1 leg of lamb, deboned, you can ask your butcher to remove the bone

For the Jersey Royal Potatoes:

600g Jersey Royal potatoes

200g butter

 bunch mint, minced

Juice of 1 lemon

Pinch of salt

Method:

1. For the stuffing, combine all ingredients and cook over medium heat until the liquid evaporates and the shallots are translucent. The mixture should be moist and should hold its shape if rolled into a ball.

2. For the lamb, preheat the oven to 220C (gas mark 7).

3. Stuff the leg and tie it up. Heat the oil in a skillet or frying pan and brown the meat well on all sides. Roast the leg with 3 lemons, halved, for 30 minutes, and then reduce the temperature to 180C (gas mark 4) and cook for a further hour.

4. Take the meat out of the oven, wrap in aluminium foil, and rest for 20 minutes.

5. For the potatoes, in a stockpot, cover the potatoes with cold water and add plenty of salt. Bring to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are soft, about 20 minutes, then drain.

6. Heat the butter in a large skillet or frying pan and brown the potatoes over low heat. Add the mint and season with lemon juice and salt.

7. Serve the potatoes in a side dish. Carve the lamb at the table and serve with the roasted lemons.

Mushroom wellington

open image in gallery BOSHs plant-based Wellington is proof that vegan mains can still bring the drama and delight ( BOSH!/Tesco )

BOSH! is known for turning plant-based cooking into an art form, and their mushroom Wellington is a vegan centrepiece with undeniable festive flair. Layers of seasoned mushrooms, chestnuts and cranberries are wrapped in flaky puff pastry, delivering both comfort and decadence. Spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon and infused with earthy herbs, this is a dish that holds its own at any Christmas table.

Ingredients:

Olive oil, for drizzling

3 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar

4 long shallots

8 cloves garlic

4 sun-dried tomatoes

1 carrot

1 stick celery

8 sprigs thyme

4 sprigs rosemary

2 sprigs sage

500g chestnut mushrooms

200ml red wine

2  tbsp cranberry sauce

1 bay leaf

 tsp nutmeg

 tsp cinnamon

200g chestnuts

200g pecans

100g dried breadcrumbs

2 320g pre-rolled sheets plant-based puff pastry

2 tbsp plant-based milk

1 tbsp maple syrup

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Roast your mushrooms: Lay 10 chestnut mushrooms in a row down the middle of a sheet of tin foil. Drizzle over a little olive oil, sprinkle over a little salt and pepper, lay four sprigs of thyme, two sprigs of rosemary, three cloves of garlic and a sprig of sage on top of the mushrooms. Wrap the mushrooms up tightly in the tin foil, put the parcel in the roasting tin, put the roasting tin in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

2. Whilst the mushrooms are roasting, peel and finely slice the long shallots. Peel and finely grate the carrot. Finely dice the celery. Finely slice the sun-dried tomatoes. Peel and finely grate the garlic. Pick the leaves off four sprigs of thyme, two sprigs rosemary, one small sprig of sage and finely chop. Blitz 300g of the mushrooms in the food processor to form a mince. Blitz 100g chestnuts and 200g pecans in the food processor to form a meal. Roughly chop the remaining chestnuts.

3. Warm the sun-dried tomato oil over a medium heat in the deep-frying pan. Add the shallots to the pan and fry for five minutes until soft. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic and stir for one minute. Add the carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme and sage to the pan and stir for four to five minutes. Add the minced mushrooms to the pan, increase the heat to high, and cook for 10 minutes until well sweated. Pour the red wine and cranberry sauce into the pan, add the bay leaf, simmer for six to seven minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Turn the heat down, add the nutmeg and cinnamon and stir for one minute.

4. Take the roasting mushrooms out of the oven and open the foil. Put the mushrooms on a plate and pour the liquid from the tin foil into the mixing bowl. Pour the breadcrumbs and nut meal into a mixing bowl and mix them together with a spoon. Pour the mushroom mince into the mixing bowl, remove the bay leaf, fold everything together to form a thick, textured dough and leave to cool to room temperature.

5. Prepare your wellington. Lay one sheet of puff pastry out on a baking sheet. Spread half the mushroom mixture lengthways down the middle of the pastry. Use your hands to mould it into a rectangle shape with a flat top, leaving at least a 5cm gap on both sides. Place two neat lines of mushrooms down the middle of the mixture, you will have five lines in total. Layer the rest of the mixture over the top, encasing the mushrooms. Smooth and shape into a neat, long, rectangular mound.

6. Using a pastry brush or your finger, brush a little of the plant-based milk around the exposed pastry edge. Lay the second pastry sheet over the filling and press it all down well, ensuring there are no air bubbles. Seal the edges by pushing down all the way round the filling with your fingers. Trim any excess pastry from the edges, making sure you leave a 1 cm crust around the base of the wellington. Put the excess pastry to one side for later. Use a fork to crimp all around the edges of the pastry to firmly seal the wellington in a decorative fashion.

7. Take a sharp knife and score a criss-cross pattern across the top of the whole wellington. Pierce a few air vents in the top of the pastry. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes. Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake the wellington for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, mix the maple syrup and plant-based milk in a small bowl to make a glazing liquid and brush the whole wellington, place back in the oven until golden brown and crispy, for around 25 minutes. Cut the wellington into equal slices and serve immediately with all the trimmings.

Baked squash stuffed with nutty cranberry-spiked rice

open image in gallery Stuffed, roasted and packed with festive flavour  Jamie Olivers squash is a vegan triumph ( David Loftus )

Jamie Oliver never misses a chance to make vegetables the star of the show, and this baked squash is no exception. Stuffed with nutty, cranberry-studded rice and slow-roasted to perfection, its a dish thats as beautiful as it is satisfying. The squashs natural sweetness is balanced by fragrant herbs and a touch of red wine, creating a centrepiece thats hearty yet light. Whether served as a vegetarian main or a stunning side, this recipe guarantees wow moments around the table.

Serves: 6 as a main or 10-12 as a side

Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 butternut squash (1.2kg) olive oil

1 red onion

1 clove of garlic

1 bunch fresh sage (30g)

10 sun-dried tomatoes

75g vac-packed chestnuts

75g basmati rice

75g dried cranberries

1 pinch ground allspice

Red wine

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas 4. Wash the squash, carefully cut it in half lengthways, then remove and reserve the seeds. Use a spoon to score and scoop some flesh out, making a gully for the stuffing all along the length of the squash.

2. Finely chop the scooped-out flesh with the seeds and put into a frying pan on a medium heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. Peel, finely chop and add the onion and garlic, stirring regularly while you pick the sage leaves and finely chop them with the sun-dried tomatoes and chestnuts. Stir into the pan with the rice, cranberries and allspice, add a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper and a swig of red wine, and mix well. Fry for 10 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.

3. Pack the mixture tightly into the gully in the two squash halves, then press the halves firmly back together. Rub the skin of the squash with a little oil, salt and pepper, and if youve got them, pat on any extra herb leaves you have to hand. Place the squash in the centre of a double layer of tin foil, then tightly wrap it up. Bake for around 2 hours, or until soft and cooked through.

4. Once ready, take the squash to the table and open up the foil in front of everyone, then carve into nice thick slices and serve with all the usual trimmings.

Recipe from Jamie Olivers Christmas Cookbook (Penguin Random House/Jamie Oliver Enterprises Limited)
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Food will always be one of the keys to our heart. So why not indulge in this weeks food-themed podcast list?1. Dish

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Food

Volunteered for vegetable duty for Christmas dinner this year? Play the Dish from Waitrose podcast as a distraction and youll be surrounded by a pile of peelings in no time.

Spider-Man actor Tom Holland joins Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett and broadcaster Nick Grimshaw for cookery and conversation and proves to be a charming dinner guest.

Hollands no stranger to a kitchen  and confesses he likes to tidy as he cooks, thanks to one of his brothers being a professional chef.

He relishes the chance to pick Hartnetts brain, including her advice on where the Hollywood star has been going wrong with his roast potatoes.

The beauty of the Dish podcast is you can tune in for either the celebrity guest or the food advice and be equally satisfied.

Find out which staple British pudding Holland has never eaten and which dessert Hartnett recommends giving a fruity twist by adding tinned pears  its the same answer for both.

(By Amy Crowther)

2. Table Manners with Jessie & Lennie Ware

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Food

Jessie Ware and her mother Lennie Ware were very excited that Welsh actress and comedian Ruth Jones and English actor and comedian James Corden  also known as Smithy and Nessa and the creators of beloved comedy Gavin and Stacey  joined them for dinner in the latest episode of Table Manners with Jessie & Lennie Ware.

Its where Jessie talks about food, family and everything in between from her very own dining table. With a little bit of help from her chef extraordinaire mum Lennie, each week guests from the worlds of music, culture and politics drop by for a bite and a bit of a natter. Oversharing guaranteed.

Jessie asked her mum to make a dish she was confident with and found easy, so on the menu is Lebanese lamb with warm aubergine and spinach salad, paired with smashed crunchy new potatoes Jessie made with whipped feta, yogurt, capers and lemon.

For dessert, Lennie made a sticky toffee pudding using dates following a recipe by Nigella Lawson, which to her surprise, she really enjoyed making.

Jones and Corden get straight to the heart of the matter about the upcoming Christmas special and final-ever episode of Gavin and Stacey  showing on BBC One on Christmas Day at 9pm  boiling eggs in kettles when travelling, how Jones was hypnotised to hate chocolate and so much more.

(By Yolanthe Fawehinmi)

3. The Go-To Food Podcast

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Food

Sometimes its wise to avoid asking exactly whats been added to a stew if youre squeamish. The same could be said for the UK restaurant industry as a whole, with some notable chefs earning reputations for exquisite plates crafted in psychologically punishing kitchens.

However, for those who love a seat at the chefs table  or an episode of The Bear  The Go-To Food Podcast could serve up all the amuse-bouche they hunger for.

Chef and food writer Ben Benton and podcast host Freddy Clode invite a celebrity foodie to reveal their culinary go-tos, from hangover remedies to secret lunch spots, yet the real meat comes from guests who share how brutal the industry can be.

In the most recent episode Gizzi Erskine, known for her Cook Yourself Thin TV series, details the frustrations of her failed Love Cafe project in Margate, but also the dizzy adrenaline highs a kitchen service can generate for a passionate chef.

The hosts dish up food for their guest, but for me, eating starts with the eyes and no matter how much they smack their lips, its a thin meal if you cant see, smell and taste.

(By Amy Crowther)

4. Comfort Eating with Grace Dent

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Food

The Guardians Comfort Eating with Grace Dent is the podcast that pays homage to the lesser celebrated foods in life.

Even as a restaurant critic, Dent believes the food that matters most is often that snack you eat when you are sinking into the sofa.

So each week, she asks her guests to lift the lid on what comfort foods have seen them through their lives because according to Dent, you can tell a lot about a person from what they eat behind closed doors.

In this weeks helping of festive Comfort Eating, Dent is joined by one-third of Bros  one of the biggest boy bands of the 20th century  Matt Goss. She talks to him about the Britishness of Christmas, the snack under his tea towel that makes him at home, how it needs to be prepared, earliest Christmas memories and headlining a sell-out Wembley.

Comfort Eating with Grace Dent is a beautiful reminder of the role food plays in our lives, which got me thinking about what gravitated to as a child. But just as a trigger warning, this episode discusses suicide.

(By Yolanthe Fawehinmi)

Spotlight on

5. The Sporkful

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Food

Its time for The Sporkful salad spinner year in review! In the latest episode of this Stitcher Production food podcast, host Dan Pashman  whos also the inventor of the new pasta shape cascatelli  discusses the strangest and most surprising food stories from the past year with Joe Yonan from The Washington Post and Nikita Richardson from The New York Times.

In true The Sporkful fashion, as the trio obsess about food, listeners begin to learn more about people and why they eat what they eat. They start with cookies and how they are starting to get a little bit too salty, Richardsons newsletter Where to Eat: New York City and Yonans cookbook, Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking: Vegan Recipes, Tips, and Techniques.

They then look into why restaurants are turning into vending machines with chairs, scanning a QR code to read the menu, and the biggest way technology has affected their eating out experience  TikTok reviews and recommendations were mentioned here.

But what I really found interesting was when they spoke about the cons of ordering any fried food to go, having to wait for your full party to arrive at a restaurant before being seated and the no seed oil people.

The Sporkful isnt for foodies, its for eaters. So it was an enjoyable listen that I could really relate to.

(By Yolanthe Fawehinmi)
Blinken admits failure of decades-long U.S. effort seeking regime change in Iran

Xinhua) 16:53, December 19, 2024

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly admitted Wednesday that his country's efforts spanning the last 20 years to seek regime change in Iran did not yield much success.

"I think if we look at the last 20 years, our experiments in regime change have not exactly been resounding successes," Blinken, while attending a discussion session at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, said in remarks that saw the audience erupt in laughter.

The secretary attributed such failure first and foremost to the nonexistence of diplomatic relations between Washington and Tehran since April 1980, when then-President Jimmy Carter severed ties with Iran following the 1979 hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

"So from my perspective, first, the internal dynamics in Iran are complicated. And we're in many ways not necessarily the best source of a clear view on that, precisely because we, of course, don't have diplomatic relations; we've been disengaged," Blinken said.

"I think that's hard to engineer from the outside," Blinken said. "And you inevitably end up with unintended consequences."

"I'd be very wary about trying to engineer anything from the outside," the secretary said as he wrapped up his long-winded, carefully-worded response to a question from the audience asking whether the United States should adopt a policy of regime change in Iran.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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Kieran Culkin has revealed the one thing he doesnt like about being a father.

During a conversation with Colman Domingo for Varietys Actors on Actors conversation, Culkin opened up about his two children  Kinsey, five, and Wilder, three  who he shares with wife Jazz Charton.

After the A Real Pain star said his wife and two children were the only people in his close circle, Domingo asked him what he liked about being a father.

Absolutely everything except dinner time. I love everything else. It feels like nothing else matters. Im a dad now, and my only role in life is that, he responded. Thats real life. All this is lovely, but Im just trying to get home.

He also revealed that his colleagues have a place in his childrens lives, including his former Succession co-star, Sarah Snook.

Shes my sons godmother and one of my favorite people in the world, he told Domingo about Snook.

However, he confessed that its not easy to stay in contact with his friend. She lives in Australia, so its hard to keep up. Im not the best with the phone thing. I always relied on the fact that there was going to be another season, Culkin added.

Kieran Culkin and his wife share a five-year-old daughter and thre-year-old son ( Getty Images for BFI )

Culkin has previously spoken about his parenting tactics. Earlier this month, he explained why he hasnt let his children watch their uncle Macaulay Culkins iconic Nineties movie, Home Alone.

Theres still some scary parts, the Succession alum told E! News at The 34th Annual Gotham Awards on December 3. For the three-year-old, theres the tarantula [and] theres the guy at the end who said, Im gonna bite off all your fingers. Thats scary for a three-year-old.

However, he said that his children could watch the movie this holiday season. We think they might be ready for Home Alone this year, he added. If not, next year.

Culkin also previously hinted at expanding his family one day. When he won the award for Best Actor in a Drama Series during the 2024 Emmy Awards, he used his speech to send a message to his wife.

Thank you for sharing your life with me and giving me two amazing kids... I want more. You said maybe, if I win! I love you so much, he said.
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Travellers are on high alert after Turkey issued a warning on bootleg alcohol following fatal poisonings from illicit booze in the country.

Around 70 people have died from alcohol poisoning in Istanbul since 14 January with another 33 deaths in the capital Ankara recorded since the start of the year, reports NTV citing Ankara governor Vasip Sahin.

Tax hikes on alcohol by Turkeys ruling AK Party have pushed some consumers and bars to rely on bootleg alcohol and homemade drinks in recent years.

In December, a couple were also found dead in their Vietnam hotel room due to methanol poisoning.

Officials have since concluded that the methanol in their system came from a contaminated bottle of homemade limoncello bought from a local restaurant on December 24.

A few weeks prior, seven tourists were hospitalized in Fiji from consuming alcoholic beverages at a five-star resort.

While officials found no illicit substances or methanol in the liquor samples or ingredients consumed by the affected vacationers, the incident raised concerns amongst future vacationers.

In November, two Australian teenagers died in hospital after consuming tainted alcohol in Laos.

In a warning shared on December 15, the Australian Travel Board urged visitors to be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks and to get urgent medical help if drink spiking is suspected.

What is drink spiking?

Drink spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs in another persons beverage without their permission or knowledge. Methanol poisoning can cause metabolic disturbances, permanent neurological damage, blindness and in severe cases, death, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

The liquid, which is also referred to as wood alcohol, is colorless and flammable and can sometimes be formed from distillation processes. Most bottled alcohol produced by established manufacturers should have already been checked for methanol content, according to the New York Times.

Mount Sinais Icahn School of Medicine says ingesting any amount of methanol from two to eight ounces could be fatal. Symptoms of methanol poisoning  drowsiness, vertigo, headaches, abdominal pain, hyperventilation, and convulsions  usually dont occur until at least 12 to 72 hours after consumption, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its best to seek medical assistance within 10 to 30 hours of ingesting to increase the chances of successful treatment.

Jetsetters who are heading off to warm weather destinations should be aware of reported cases in hot spots across the globe. Here is a list of tips to protect yourself from drink spiking and methanol poisoning.

Check liquor bottles and labels

Even if the alcohol used or purchased comes in a branded bottle, the contents could have been tampered with. Its best to check the container for signs its been resealed or counterfeited, and to look for labels with misspellings or misprints.

Research restaurants, bars, and venues

Safe establishments are usually well-known and highly recommended. While staying at an accommodation, ask the front desk for restaurant or bar suggestions. Then, cross-check places with online reviews and trip advisory websites.

Keep an eye on the bartender making your drink

Never be too trusting with a bartender. If you walk away or take your eyes off the individual preparing your drink, its best not to consume it.

Do not accept free or discounted alcoholic beverages

Be wary of cheap alcohol bottles and drinks, as most counterfeit and bootleg products are typically lower in price. Only purchase alcohol from licensed liquor stores, bars, and hotels, as recommended by the U.S. Embassy.

No homemade drinks

Just as you shouldnt accept discounted drinks or bottles, its best to avoid accepting homemade alcohol because theres a higher chance it wasnt properly checked for methanol in the distillation system.

Look out for embassy alerts in the country

Before traveling to your destination, sign up for embassy notifications and alerts so youre the first to know if a restaurant or venue has been flagged for a reported tainted drink case.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
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A potential TikTok ban has been looming in the United States, setting social media ablaze with rumors and speculation about the apps future.

Under the current mandate, TikTok must be sold by parent company ByteDance by January 19, 2025 to a non-Chinese owner in order to avoid being banned. With no official deal in sight, many TikTok users and influencers are now left in limbo.

However, one rumor has recently taken the internet by storm  that the Kardashian-Jenner family is allegedly planning to buy TikTok to save it from the U.S. ban.

The claim originated from a TikTok post by user @nevrcrd, who declared: The Kardashians just posted everywhere that theyre buying TikTok so that American people could still have TikTok. The Kardashians are planning to buy it on January 1, 2025.

Another TikTok user fueled the frenzy with a video suggesting that North West, the 11-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, played a pivotal role. The mother-daughter duo share a joint TikTok account where they post various content, including skincare routines and daily activities.

Internet users are speculating that the Kardashians may buy TikTok ahead of the looming ban ( Getty Images )

North West wanted TikTok to stay so bad that she convinced her mom to buy TikTok, he claimed. I hope this s*** is true.

Despite the viral buzz, there has been no evidence to support these claims. Neither the Skims founder nor her famous family members have announced plans to purchase TikTok, and they have yet address the rumors.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Kim Kardashian for comment.

Nevertheless, the rumors have sparked both amusement and confusion online. Do the Kardashians know this? joked one TikToker.

Shes about to turn everybodys comments off, someone else quipped.

I just want to personally thank North West, a third user wrote.

Although Kim Kardashian is the wealthiest member of the Kardashian family, she still doesnt have the financial resources to bid for the platform. The 44-year-old has an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion  primarily driven by the success of her shapewear brand Skims, which was valued at $4 billion in 2023  but her fortune is much smaller than TikToks overall value.

The platforms worth was estimated at $50 billion in 2020 and has risen to as much as $100 billion by 2024. Its parent company, ByteDance, was valued at approximately $300 billion as of late 2024.

The Kardashians may lack the financial capability to acquire TikTok, but the platform has still drawn interest from several high-profile entities over the years.

Microsoft, Oracle, and Walmart were previously floated as potential buyers during TikToks last legal showdown under the first Trump administration. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella later revealed that TikTok had approached the company to explore a deal, signaling the platforms proactive search for viable ownership solutions. Oracle and Walmart also made headlines with their collaborative bid, though negotiations ultimately stalled.

Billionaire Frank McCourt has most recently emerged as a potential buyer. He aims to secure $20 billion through his Project Liberty initiative, which seeks to create an alternative ownership structure for TikTok involving significant American investors.

Meanwhile, former Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin has been quietly linked to acquisition discussions, though little information about his involvement has been made public.

With more than one billion active users worldwide, TikTok has become a prominent social media platform widely used as a marketing tool by brands, a creative outlet for individuals, and a hub of digital youth culture. The apps operations in the U.S. have faced uncertainty, however, due to concerns over data privacy, national security, and ByteDances connections to China.
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King Charless traditional pre-Christmas lunch faces being overshadowed by the last-minute withdrawal of Prince Andrew as he continues to be dogged by his connection to an alleged Chinese spy.

The Duke of York was counselled by his ex-wife and friend Sarah, Duchess of York, to skip Thursdays gathering at Buckingham Palace hosted by his brother, according to sources.

The move is another embarrassing moment for the Andrew, who has already withdrawn from joining senior royals at Sandringham for the festive period.

Held at Buckingham Palace, the lunch is a private event for senior royals and their wider family who will not be attending Christmas celebrations at Charless Sandringham home.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will also not be in attendance on Thursday as they are already in Norfolk with their three children, They will spend time with the family in Sandringham over Christmas as usual.

Sarah Ferguson urged Andrew to avoid the official festivities, a source said, which also meant giving up her own chance to return to Sandringham for Christmas again having spent many years out of the royal fold.

open image in gallery King Charles arrives at Buckingham Palace for the festive lunch ( Aaron Chown/PA Wire )

The Duchess of York only rejoined the annual royal Christmas walk last year, for the first time since her divorce from Andrew in 1996.

Its believed she stepped in after King Charles and Queen Camilla privately urged Andrew to see sense and withdraw from Thursdays gathering as the PR crisis continues to roll on.

Both his children Princes Beatrice and Princess Eugenie already had plans to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws for the first time this year, potentially making it an easier decision.

Andrews connection with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo was revealed in a High Court hearing this week.

Mr Yang, who was banned from the UK, was said to have been a close confidant of Andrew.

open image in gallery ( Getty Images )

Mr Yang was named after an anonymity order was lifted on Monday and has insisted it was entirely untrue to claim he was involved in espionage and that he has done nothing wrong or unlawful.

The businessman was the founder-partner of the Chinese arm of the dukes Pitch@Palace initiative, and twice visited Buckingham Palace in 2018 to meet with the late Queens second son.

He is also said to have entered St Jamess Palace and Windsor Castle at Andrews invitation.

Last Friday, the dukes office said Andrew ceased all contact with the then-unnamed businessman when concerns were first raised about him.

Andrew met Mr Yang through official channels with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed, a statement said.

The duke, now 64, has largely disappeared from public life since stepping down from official duties in 2019 following the furore over his friendship with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrews status as a member of the royal family was left in tatters three years later when the Queen stripped him of his honorary military roles, remaining royal patronages and he gave up his HRH style in a dramatic fallout from a US civil sex case brought against him.

open image in gallery Kate and William at Sandringham last Christmas with their children, from left, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis, with Mia Tindall, the daughter of Williams cousin Zara (PA) ( PA Archive )

The legal process ended when he paid millions to settle the civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met and who was trafficked by Epstein.

The duke no longer attends Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph or the annual Commonwealth Day service.

But he was at the Kings coronation, and is still a member of the Order of the Garter, taking part in the senior order of chivalrys annual service behind closed doors, but does not appear in the public procession.

Andrew carried on joining the royal family for Christmas Day, and last year walked from Sandringham House to church with the other royals  seen as symbolic of his gradual rehabilitation within the family but it remains to be seen if he will return to the fold.
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The Prince and Princess of Wales have released their traditional Christmas card, with a touching nod to a moment of hope the family enjoyed during an otherwise dreadful year involving cancer treatment a spate of gruelling royal scandals.

William and Kate wrote on Instagram: Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas in posts on social media, accompanied by a video showing a card with a happy photograph of the family, as animate snow drifts through the frame.

The photo on their Christmas card appears to be a still taken from a video from earlier this year, when Kate announced she was cancer free.

The Prince and Princes of Wales released the card after skipping the annual royal pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, hosted by King Charles.

The familys Christmas card. ( princeandprincessofwales/Instagram )

They have already reportedly travelled to Norfolk with their children ahead of the familys normal Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, after what has been a grueling year for the royals.

Their year began with Kate having abdominal surgery and stepping back from the spotlight and royal engagements, which soon led to widespread conspiracy theories about what had happened to the Princess.

Partially in a bid to quell those rumours the family released an image of Kate with her children George, Charlotte and Louis on Mothers Day, but the image only fuelled conspiracies after picture agencies took the unusual step of withdrawing a royal family photo on suspicions it had been digitally altered.

Kate, an amateaur photographer who has regularly released family photographs she has taken herself, was forced to issue a statement admitting that she occasionally experiments with editing and apologised for any confusion.

Friends told The Independent at the time she was very upset by the controversy and wanted to own the issue.

Later that month, she opened up in a rare and emotional video, confirming that she had been diagnosed with cancer, and would undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy.

It came after King Charles was diagnosed with cancer in February, and William said the combined illnesses had made for a brutal year.

Honestly, its been dreadful. Its probably been the hardest year in my life, he said.

Speaking to British media while on tour in South Africa last month, he said trying to get through everything had been incredibly difficult.

But Im so proud of my wife, Im proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done.

But from a personal family point of view, its been, yeah, its been brutal.

In September, the family released yet another deeply personal video with the Princess revealing she had finished treatemend and was cancer free.

Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life, she said.
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Community members in Wisconsin continued to wrestle with grief and called for change in the aftermath of a school shooting that killed a teacher and a student and wounded six others.

Several hundred people gathered outside the Wisconsin State Capitol for a vigil Tuesday night to honor those slain at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison the day before, with some passing candles to each other and standing close against the winter chill.

Among those in attendance was Naomi Allen, 16, who was in a nearby classroom Monday when a 15-year-old girl attacked people in a study hall before fatally shooting herself.

Its doesnt matter who you are or where you are, something like this could happen. Theres nothing that is going to exempt someone, Allen said at the vigil.

Allen's father, Jay Allen, reflected on the dangers students face these days.

When I was in school these things never happened, he said. This country at some point needs to take mental health seriously and we need to pour resources into it. We really need some changes in the way we handle that issue.

The motive for the shooting appears to be a combination of factors, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said Tuesday as he appealed to the public to call in to a tip line and share what they might know about the shooter.

He offered no details about what that motive might be, though he said bullying at Abundant Life Christian School would be investigated. He also said police are investigating writings that may have been penned by the shooter, Natalie Rupnow, and could shed light on her actions.

Identifying a motive is our top priority, but at this time it appears that the motive is a combination of factors, Barnes told reporters.

Two students among the six people wounded Monday remain in critical condition. Officials have declined to disclose the names of the victims.

Leave them alone, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said.

The school shooting was the latest among dozens across the U.S. in recent years, including especially deadly ones in Newtown, Connecticut; Parkland, Florida; and Uvalde, Texas.

The shootings have set off fervent debates about gun control and frayed the nerves of parents whose children are growing up accustomed to doing active shooter drills in their classrooms. But school shootings have done little to move the needle on national gun laws.

School shootings by teenage females have been extremely rare in U.S. history, with males in their teens and 20s carrying out the majority of them, said David Riedman, founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database.

Abundant Life is a nondenominational Christian school  prekindergarten through high school  with approximately 420 students. Barbara Wiers, the school's director of elementary and school relations, said the school does not have metal detectors but uses cameras and other security measures.

Barnes said police were talking with the shooters father and other family members, who were cooperating, and searching the shooter's home.

The shooter's parents, who are divorced, jointly shared custody of their child, but the shooter primarily lived with her 42-year-old father, according to court documents.

Investigators believe the shooter used a 9mm pistol, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.

Madison resident Cristian Cuahutepitzi said he attended Tuesday's vigil to let the families of the victims know we're thinking of them. He said his uncle's two daughters go to the school.

They're still a little bit shook, he said.

Joe Gothard, the superintendent of the Madison Metropolitan School District, said at the vigil that the tragedy happened less than two blocks away from his childhood home. He said it wasn't enough to say the district would work on safety.

We need to connect like we are tonight, each and every day and make a commitment that we know were there for one another, hopefully to avoid preventable tragedies like yesterday, he said.

A prayer service was also held Tuesday night at City Church Madison, which is affiliated with the school

Several teachers from the school prayed aloud one by one during the service, speaking into a microphone and standing in a line. One middle school teacher asked for courage, while another sought help quieting her own soul.

God, this isnt a Abundant Life Christian School tragedy," said Derrick Wright, the youth pastor at the church. "This is a community tragedy. This is a nation tragedy.

___

Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer, Ed White, Josh Funk, Hallie Golden and Ryan Foley and photographer Morry Gash contributed to this report.
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A Chinese national was arrested Thursday on charges of acting as an illegal agent for Beijing when serving as the campaign manager for an unnamed politician elected to a city council in Southern California two years ago.

The arrest of Yaoning Mike Sun, 64, came at a time of rising concerns that the Chinese government has cultivated a network of operatives to influence local elections in the U.S. to install politicians who are friendly to Beijing and can help promote Chinese interests.

According to a complaint filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Sun is accused of conspiring with Chen Jun, who was sentenced to 20 months last month for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government.

Chen, 71, also a Chinese national, pleaded guilty in July to using Chinese money to bribe federal agents to undermine the anti-Beijing spiritual group Falun Gong. The charge against Sun shows that Chen also conspired to interfere with local elections.

It wasn't immediately clear if Sun had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.

Sun was instructed by Chen to write up a report in 2023 to recount to Chinese officials how they helped the local politician get elected, according to the affidavit. Subsequent writings between the two men described the city councilperson as a new political star and included a request for $80,000 to fund more pro-Beijing activities in the United States, according to the court documents.

Chen asked Sun to list all the mainstream American politicians the city councilperson was familiar with and told Sun that it would be very effective to elevate the status of the councilperson in China.

This case is yet another example of a very disturbing trend: the People's Republic of China is seeking to influence foreign and domestic policy in the United States, Martin Estrada, U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said in a call with reporters. To do so, government officials in China are seeking to help get elected individuals who they see as being friendly to Chinese foreign policy.

The charges against Sun followed those against a former aide to two New York governors in September. Authorities have accused Linda Sun of acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government and using her positions to subtly advance Beijings agenda in exchange for financial benefits worth millions of dollars.

In California, Estrada said Yaoning Sun appeared to be ideologically invested in furthering the interests of the Chinese government in the United States, noting that he had previously served in the Chinese military. The complaint does not specify financial gains for Yaoning Sun, who probably is not related to Linda Sun because they share a common Chinese name.

In the affidavit, it's alleged that Yaoning Sun, a resident of Chino Hills outside Los Angeles, also ran a media outlet called the U.S. News Center with the councilperson and paid for some of the politician's travel expenses.

Prosecutors say Sun worked closely with Chen, who appeared to be in regular contact with Chinese officials. Their communications included how to protest a U.S. congressperson's proposed visit to Taiwan, a self-governed island that Beijing sees as part of Chinese territory.

The men discussed how to set up a meeting for the politician to meet with the top Chinese diplomat in Los Angeles and arrange travel plans for the politician to visit China.

___
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Congressional leaders have unveiled a stopgap spending bill that will keep the federal government funded through March 14 and provide more than $100 billion in emergency aid to help states and local communities recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other natural disasters.

The measure would prevent a partial government shutdown set to begin after midnight Friday. It would kick final decisions on this budget year's spending levels to a new Republican-led Congress and President-elect Donald Trump. The continuing resolution generally continues current spending levels for agencies.

Passage of the measure is one of the final actions that lawmakers will consider this week before adjourning for the holidays and making way for the next Congress. It's the second short-term funding measure the lawmakers have taken up this fall as they struggled to pass the dozen annual appropriations bills before the new fiscal year began Oct. 1, as they typically do.

The bill will provide $100.4 billion in disaster relief, with an additional $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers.

We have to be able to help those who are in these dire straits, said House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters.

Net farm income is projected to decline 4.1% this year after falling 19.4% the year before from the record highs reached in 2022. Johnson indicated more farm aid could be delivered in the next Congress, saying we can't do all it right now.

Congress is doing the best it can under difficult circumstances, and I think it will be a big boost for the industry, Johnson said.

Rep. Glenn Thompson, the Republican chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, said he was hoping for more economic relief for farmers, but its a great start.

I think its going to send the right signal to the markets that most farmers and ranchers are going to be able to get eligible for the credit they need to borrow in order to plant a crop or raise a herd, Thompson said.

President Joe Biden has sought about $114 billion in disaster aid, submitting a $99 billion request in November, telling lawmakers the funding was urgently needed. The administration subsequently updated its request to include funding to repair federal facilities damaged due to natural disasters.

The largest share of the money, about $29 billion, will go to the main disaster relief fund at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The fund helps with debris removal, repairing public infrastructure and providing financial assistance to survivors. About $21 billion goes to help farmers who have experienced crop or livestock losses.

Another $8 billion will go to help rebuild and repair highways and bridges in more than 40 states and territories. And some $12 billion would go toward helping communities recover through block grants administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. About $2.2 billion would go to low-interest loans for businesses, nonprofits and homeowners trying to rebuild after a disaster.

As it typically does, Congress is expected to act just before another shutdown deadline. House Republicans generally give lawmakers 72 hours to review text of the legislation, which would push a vote on final passage to Friday if they follow through on that rule. The Senate is not known for acting speedily, but many lawmakers are anxious to adjourn for the year and make way for the next Congress.

Since the bill is the last must-pass legislation of the current Congress, lawmakers have worked to get certain priorities included. On the health care front, the legislation seeks to extend coverage of telehealth appointments for Medicare enrollees and rein in how much money pharmacy benefits managers  the companies that negotiate how and what drugs are covered by insurance plans  make off those deals.

____

Associated Press staff writers Stephen Groves and Amanda Seitz contributed to this report.
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Dozens of data centres humming at the outskirts of Dublin are consuming more electricity than all of the urban homes in Ireland.

And now they are starting to wear out the warm welcome that brought them here.

Ireland is a country that made itself a computing factory for Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft and TikTok. It is wondering whether it was all worth it as tech giants look around the world to build even more data centres to fuel the next wave of artificial intelligence.

Fears of rolling blackouts led Ireland's grid operator to halt new data centres near Dublin until 2028. These huge buildings and their powerful computers last year consumed 21% of the nations electricity, according to official records. No other country has reported a higher burden to the International Energy Agency.

Not only that, but Ireland is still heavily reliant on burning fossil fuels to generate electricity, despite a growing number of wind farms sprouting across the countryside. Further data centre expansion threatens Ireland's goals to sharply cut planet-warming emissions.

Ireland is a microcosm of what many countries could be facing over the next decade, particularly with the growth of AI, said energy researcher Paul Deane of University College Cork.

open image in gallery An aerial view of the Meta data center, in Dublin, Ireland ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Twenty-six-year-old activist Darragh Adelaide lives in a working-class Dublin suburb just across a busy motorway from Grange Castle Business Park, one of Irelands biggest data centre clusters. It could get even bigger were Adelaide not a thorn in the side of Googles expansion plans.

Its kind of an outrageous number of data centres, Adelaide said. People have started to make the connection between the amount of electricity theyre using and electricity prices going up.

Ireland has attracted global tech companies since the Celtic Tiger boom at the turn of the 21st century. Tax incentives, a highly skilled, English-speaking workforce and the countrys membership in the European Union have all contributed to making the tech sector a central part of the Irish economy. The island is also a node for undersea cables that extend to the U.S., Britain, Iceland and mainland Europe.

Nearly all of the data centres sit on the edge of Dublin, where their proximity to the capital city facilitates online financial transactions and other activities that require fast connections. Data centre computers run hot, but compared to other parts of the world, Ireland's cool temperatures make it easier to keep them from overheating without drawing in as much water.

Still, buildings that for years went mostly unnoticed have attracted unwanted attention as their power demands surged while Irish householders pay some of Europes highest electricity bills. Irelands Environmental Protection Agency has also flagged concerns about nitrogen oxide pollution from data centres on-site generators  typically gas or diesel turbines  affecting areas near Dublin.

A crackdown began in 2021, spurred by projections that data centres are on pace to take up one third of Ireland's electricity in this decade. Regulators declared that Dublin had hit its limits and could no longer plug more data centres into its grid. The government urged tech companies to look outside the capital and find ways to supply their own power.

Whats happening in Ireland is the politics of basically what happens when you build too many of these things, said University College Dublin researcher Patrick Brodie. Even though people have recognized for a while that data centres are energy hogs, there hasnt really been so many of these moments where, effectively, Ireland issued a red alert.

open image in gallery Old local newspapers are hanging on a wall inside an activist head quarters, in Lemanaghan, Ireland ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Adelaide was a child when Microsoft opened Grange Castle's first data centre in 2009, but enormous complexes built by Amazon, Google, Microsoft and other companies have since expanded around the ruined castle that anchors the business park. They have their own modern fortifications of high fences, surveillance cameras and guard houses, and dont display their corporate logos.

In June, Adelaides campaign against data centres helped get him elected to a seat on the South Dublin County Council for the leftist People Not Profits Party. The council soon after rejected Googles plan to build another data centre. Google appealed the decision in September.

It was only going to employ around 50 people, Adelaide said. It would have been a massive cost to the local area and to Ireland in general with very little benefit, which is kind of how the tax haven system works.

The backlash from Dublin-area local planning authorities  combined with stricter, if sometimes contradictory, guidance from the national government  has frustrated data centre developers.

One fully-built data centre from Texas-based Digital Realty is sitting idle at Grange Castle while it awaits permission to connect to the electricity grid. The company sells space within its data centres for clients such as banks, email providers and social media platforms. It says it lacks a grid connection despite contracting for enough renewable energy to power all of its Irish data centres.

When we look at artificial intelligence, when we look at new technologies coming along the line, the basic requirement for all of those is power infrastructure, said Dermot Lahey, who directs Digital Realty's data centre implementation in Ireland, speaking inside a cavernous empty data hall. Ireland has all the elements to make it a great home for AI expansion, he said.

Whats preventing us from being able to leverage that is the fact that the power constraints that we have, or the power moratorium that we have, is greatly impacting our ability to provide space for customers, Lahey said.

open image in gallery A worker sits inside the control centre of the Digital Realty data center, in Dublin, ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Once colder weather sets in, the smoky fragrance of fireplaces burning briquettes of peat lingers over County Offaly, just over an hours drive west of Dublin in a region known as the Midlands. Its places like this where some data centre developers, thwarted by Dublins constraints, now see opportunity.

A report commissioned by County Offalys government pitches the bog-dotted region as a place to create thousands of green jobs and rival Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris in being an anchor for data centres powered by renewable energy.

Farmer and conservationist Brian Sheridan, 83, is doubtful. He's seen this region transformed once before, from a vast wetland known as the Bog of Allen to barren pockets of brownfields as people cut away trenches of dense peat soil, or turf  first with spades and later with tractors at an industrial scale to create homegrown fuel.

The bog started disappearing and it wasn't being replaced, said Sheridan, walking along a boardwalk over carpets of moss and sedges in the now-protected Clara Bog Nature Reserve.

Decades of rapid extraction fostered Ireland's energy independence and employed scores of workers in turf-cutting, briquette factories and power plants. But it also polluted the air and devastated a delicate environment. Bogs that naturally trapped large amounts of carbon dioxide were stripped down to the bedrock, contributing to global warming. When burned, peat is dirtier than coal.

Ireland has largely banned the sale of peat and shuttered the last remaining peat-fired power plants. But the state-supported company at the helm of peat extraction, Bord na Mona, still controls vast tracts of former bogland. It has refashioned itself as a renewable energy provider, laying down wind turbines and solar farms and partnering with Amazon to build a data centre near the village of Rhode.

Bord na Mona declined multiple interview requests about its plans, and some residents feel left in the dark.

Bord na Mona, as far as Im concerned, are a law unto themselves, Sheridan said. Now that the turf-cutting is all finished, they should be gone. But its still the same Bord Na Mona and they wont answer questions.

Amazon declined to talk about specific projects and has repeatedly signaled it may shift its new data centre investments away from Ireland. But an executive said the company is still working closely with the Irish government and characterized Irelands challenges as mostly about transmission  building the infrastructure to get new clean energy where it needs to go.

Ireland has tremendous opportunity for additional renewable energy, said Kevin Miller, Amazon Web Services vice president of global data centres. "However, they also need quite a bit more capacity on the grid to tap into that generation.

open image in gallery Bog expert Brian Sheridan walks along a boardwalk in the protected Clara Bog Nature Reserve ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

A tech-driven race is on to harness the region's wind. Backed by a power purchase agreement with Microsoft, the Norwegian wind energy company Statkraft is building nine towering wind turbines in remote former boglands along County Offalys eastern edge. Statkrafts managing director for Ireland, Kevin ODonovan, said data centres are actually helping to accelerate Irelands clean energy transition.

For a lot of the mainland European countries, demand is going down and thats actually leading to a challenge to roll out renewables, ODonovan said. Whereas in Ireland we have demand thats increasing because the country is growing economically and obviously a part of that is the data centre growth.

On the other side of Offaly, a group of residents who live along the Lemanaghan Bog near the site of a 7th-century monastery are skeptical of such claims. They are opposed to what a proposed Bord Na Mona wind farm will do to its cultural heritage and ecology.

KK Kenny took his concerns to Dublin this fall in a meeting with the countrys taoiseach, or prime minister, Simon Harris. Kenny wants to see the bog preserved for biodiversity. He'd be happy to see data centre developers follow through with their pledge to look to other European countries.

They say, oh, theyre going to pull out," Kenny said. "That would be a great thing. We cant sustain them.

open image in gallery Protest banners against wind turbines displayed on a building in Lemanaghan, Ireland ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Some neighbors of Amazon's proposed data centre in Rhode are more open to the idea. One village resident already commutes all the way to Dublin to work at a data centre. Another is hoping it will employ people whod want to buy new homes.

Were all for change, said Gerard Whelan. Ill get work because I build houses. Its a domino effect.

At a village pub, the Rhode Inn, Whelan points to a photograph of the old peat-burning power plant where his father worked the control room. Its cooling towers loomed over the village before their demolition two decades ago. Another nearby plant only stopped burning peat a year ago.

What happens next for Ireland's data centres could depend in part on the new national government coming into power early next year.

Data centres were not a top issue for Irish voters who showed up to the polls on Nov. 29. But analysts expect the two centre-right parties forming a new coalition government to face industry pressure to ease limits on data centre expansion.

Ossian Smyth, an outgoing minister of state for the Irish government whose Green Party lost nearly all its parliamentary seats, said it would be a mistake to slow down Ireland's climate commitments. But he also sees the limits on data centre growth set by his outgoing government as having resolved most people's concerns.

What other countries can learn from Ireland's experience, he added, is to carefully manage the effect of data centres on the stability of the electricity system  and make sure their benefits are much more than income or foreign investment.

Dont see them as a necessary evil or something that you just have to put up with because it makes money and it gets taxes, Smyth said.
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New Orleans police arrested a man suspected in one of the mass shootings that broke out within one hour of each other during a large parade on Nov. 17, authorities said Wednesday.

The suspect and another person were arguing before the two began shooting at each other, injuring nine bystanders and Harris, according to a statement from the New Orleans Police Department. The man was detained last week.

The suspect, who had been on parole, faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, illegal discharge of a firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm at a parade.

Police say they also arrested a man shortly after the shooting as he attempted to flee in a stolen vehicle. He faces charges of theft and possession of a stolen vehicle and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Earlier this month, police arrested another man accused of gunning down an aspiring photographer and his uncle at the same parade about 45 minutes after the first shooting.

The parade, put on by the Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club, was part of the beloved New Orleans tradition of second-lines in which crowds follow brass bands through the streets. These parades are an important part of the city's Black culture.

Additional arrests and charges are expected, police said.
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Archaeologists have uncovered a nearly 1,800-year-old silver amulet in Germany, providing the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps.

The artifact, known as the Frankfurt Silver Inscription, was discovered during a 2017-18 excavation after the researchers digitally unrolled a tiny scroll inside the amulet, revealing an unusual Latin inscription.

It will likely help historians understand how Christianity was practised in the early Roman Empire. Measuring 1.4 inches, the amulet contains a wafer-thin sheet of silver foil that was rolled up tightly.

It was discovered in the grave of a man aged between 25 and 35 buried in a cemetery in the Heilmannstrae area, on the outskirts of Frankfurt. The man likely wore the amulet on a cord around his neck, concluded the researchers, as it was found just below his chin.

The purpose of such amulets, also known as phylacteries, was to protect or heal their owners from a range of misfortunes, such as illnesses, bodily aches, infertility, or even demonic forces, Tine Rassale, an independent biblical archaeologist not directly involved in the research, told LiveScience.

"In an era without advanced medical knowledge, such items were vital sources of comfort and security for you and your loved ones, she added. Since the use of these amulets was rarer in the Western Roman world, its discovery in Germany suggests that Christian ideas had already begun to penetrate areas far from Christianitys early centers of growth.

Experts at the Leibniz Center for Archaeology (Leiza) in Mainz spent several years conserving, restoring and analysing the artifact after its discovery, before sharing the findings in a statement on 11 December.

The challenge in the analysis was that the silver sheet was rolled, but after around 1800 years, it was of course also creased and pressed, Ivan Calandra, head of the imaging platform at Leiza, said in the statement.

Using CT, we were able to scan it at a very high resolution and create a 3D model.

The process revealed 18 lines of text, which have been dubbed the Frankfurt Silver Inscription, and were deciphered by Professor Markus Scholz, an archaeologist from Goether University in Frankfurt. It includes references to Saint Titus, a student and confidant of the Paul the Apostle.

"Sometimes it took weeks, even months, before I had the next idea, Professor Scholz said. I called in experts from the history of theology, among others, and we approached the text together, piece by piece, and finally deciphered it."

The translation reads as follows:

(In the name?) of St Titus.

Holy, holy, holy!

In the name of Jesus Christ, Son of God!

The lord of the world

resists to the best of his [ability?]

all seizures(?)/setbacks(?).

The god(?) grants well-being

Admission.

This rescue device(?) protects

the person who

surrenders to the will

of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God,

since before Jesus Christ

bend all knees: the heavenly ones,

the earthly and

the subterranean, and every tongue

confess (to Jesus Christ).

The most significant aspect of the discovery is its age, according to a press release issued by the Frankfurt city government. The grave where the amulet was found is dated to between 230 and 270 AD, making it the first example of such authentic evidence of pure Christianity north of the Alps during this period.

Until now the earliest reliable evidence of Christian life in the northern Alpine regions of the Roman Empire has generally dated to the 4th century AD, at least 50 years younger than the newly-discovered artefact.
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Scientists in America are celebrating after reports that the murder hornet has been removed from the country.

The world's largest hornet, an invasive breed dubbed the murder hornet for its dangerous sting and ability to slaughter a honey bee hive in a matter of hours, has been declared eradicated in the U.S., five years after being spotted for the first time in Washington state near the Canadian border.

It has been described as a rare win for humans against insects.

The Washington and U.S. Departments of Agriculture announced the eradication on Wednesday, saying there had been no detections of the northern giant hornet in Washington since 2021.

The news represented an enormous success that included residents agreeing to place traps on their properties and reporting sightings, as well as researchers capturing a live hornet, attaching a tiny radio tracking tag to it with dental floss, and following it through a forest to a nest in an alder tree. Scientists destroyed the nest just as a number of queens were just beginning to emerge, officials said.

Ive gotta tell you, as an entomologist  Ive been doing this for over 25 years now, and it is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects," Sven Spichiger, pest program manager of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, told a virtual news conference.

open image in gallery A Washington State Department of Agriculture worker displays an Asian giant hornet taken from a nes ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The hornets, which can be 2 inches (5 cm) long and were formerly called Asian giant hornets, gained attention in 2013, when they killed 42 people in China and seriously injured 1,675. In the U.S., around 72 people a year die from bee and hornet stings each year, according to data from the National Institutes of Health.

The hornets were first detected in North America in British Columbia, Canada, in August 2019 and confirmed in Washington state in December 2019, when a Whatcom County resident reported a specimen. A beekeeper also reported hives being attacked and turned over specimens in the summer of 2020. The hornets could have traveled to North America in plant pots or shipping containers, experts said.

DNA evidence suggested the populations found in British Columbia and Washington were not related and appeared to originate from different countries. There also have been no confirmed reports in British Columbia since 2021, and the nonprofit Invasive Species Centre in Canada has said the hornet is also considered eradicated there.

Northern giant hornets pose significant threats to pollinators and native insects. They can wipe out a honey bee hive in as little as 90 minutes, decapitating the bees and then defending the hive as their own, taking the brood to feed their own young.

open image in gallery A Washington State Department of Agriculture worker holds an Asian giant hornet - often called murder hornets - after eradicating a nest in Washington state. ( Washington State Department of Agriculture )

The hornet can sting through most beekeeper suits, deliver nearly seven times the amount of venom as a honey bee, and sting multiple times. At one point the Washington agriculture department ordered special reinforced suits from China.

Washington is the only state that has had confirmed reports of northern giant hornets. Trappers found four nests in 2020 and 2021.

Spichiger said Washington will remain on the lookout, despite reporting the eradication. He noted that entomologists will continue to monitor traps in Kitsap County, where a resident reported an unconfirmed sighting in October but where trapping efforts and public outreach have come up empty.

He noted that other invasive hornets can also pose problems: Officials in Georgia and South Carolina are fighting yellow-legged hornets, and southern giant hornets were recently detected in Spain.

We will continue to be vigilant, Spichiger said.
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Swedish police said Thursday they would participate as observers as Chinese authorities conduct investigations aboard a China-flagged ship in the Baltic Sea that was seen in an area where two undersea data cables were damaged last month.

Sweden's prime minister said at the end of November that his country had formally asked China to cooperate in explaining the cable rupture, which took place in Swedish waters.

Swedish, Finnish and Lithuanian authorities are investigating the rupture of the two cables, and Germanys defense minister has said that he suspects sabotage.

The Yi Peng 3, a bulk carrier, has been moored between Sweden and Denmark.

In a statement, Swedish police said that representatives of the Chinese authorities are conducting investigations aboard the vessel and have invited the Swedish authorities to take part in an observer role on Thursday.

They did not elaborate on the nature of the Chinese investigations, but said that they are not part of the police investigation and the Swedish police authority would not conduct investigative measures of its own aboard the ship. Sweden's Accident Investigation Authority is also taking part.

Danish authorities are facilitating the visit, according to Swedish police.
Although I am sure it is not entirely without precedent, the press conference called by barrister Mark McDonald to announce that his client Lucy Letby would be immediately asking the Court of Appeal to reopen her case was highly unusual, to say the least. The event was live-streamed by Sky News and others, allowing those of us who had not made the trek to Londons Royal Society of Medicine to follow the conference as it happened.

There were questions from the assembled media afterwards, but no one asked the obvious one: why have you called a press conference? A clue came perhaps in the answer to this question: is the Court of Appeal aware of your plans?

They are now, said McDonald, smiling from the lectern.

It conjured an unlikely image of a roomful of lord and lady justices of appeal, gathered around a laptop in their ermine gowns and full-bottomed wigs, watching the live-stream intently in the hope of discovering what this presser was all about.

While arguments over the pros and cons of the case are raging in the court of public opinion, the reality of the Court of Appeals iron grip on Letbys fate casts a long shadow over her prospects of achieving freedom anytime soon, or frankly ever.

As things stand, she will die in prison. To put the facts starkly, she is in HMP Bronzefield serving 15 whole life prison sentences after two trials at which she was found guilty of seven counts of murder and eight counts of attempted murder. The victims were newborn babies, and Letby was convicted of killing or harming them while working as a neonatal nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.

As must be obvious by now, the case is both highly emotive and immensely difficult, not least because there was no direct evidence against Letby. There is no forensic trail pointing inexorably to her guilt and no witness who could say, I saw her do it.

In these circumstances  quite rightly  there is room for doubt; the possibility that a miscarriage of justice may have occurred. But that is not the same as saying Letby must therefore be innocent.

Over two trials  spanning many months  jurors heard detailed medical accounts of each incident, and also watched on as the evidence, and the witnesses who gave it, were challenged robustly by her former defence counsel, Ben Myers KC.

It was only when I recently read the transcript  comprising over 600 pages  of the judges summing up in the main trial that I fully understood how Letby had come to be convicted and the scale of the hurdle she now faces after two failed appeals.

open image in gallery Mark McDonald is the new barrister representing Lucy Letby ( PA )

It was apparent, for instance, that statistics had played a minimal role in her conviction and are therefore unlikely (no matter what others say) to be of much relevance to any further appeal or review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).

McDonald already knows how little traction statistics have at appeal in such complex medical cases, when they have not formed a significant part of the prosecution at the original trial. He has been acting, for many years, on behalf of Benjamin Geen, another nurse who is serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2006 of two murders and 15 counts of grievous bodily harm against patients at a hospital in Banbury.

At Geens 2009 appeal, McDonald and the QC who led him, Dr Michael Powers, attempted to use statistics to prove that clusters of the kinds of events of which Geen was accused were not so unusual. Among the statisticians who supported Geen are two whose names will be familiar to Letby watchers: Jane Hutton and Richard Gill.

The Court of Appeals 2009 decision on Geen is available online and reveals just how hard it will be for Lucy Letby to mount any similar arguments.

open image in gallery Letby being questioned by detectives following her arrest in July 2018 ( Getty )

Take this line from paragraph 70: It was also an agreed fact that the applicant (Geen) was on duty for each incident. Thus in this case the prosecution were not attempting to prove primary facts by the use of statistics or untested data. They proved their primary fact of the rarity of these events and presence of the applicant by unchallenged evidence. They then invited the jury to draw the inference that this formed an unusual pattern, which if formed by chance, which it may have been, it was a remarkable coincidence. This was a straightforward argument of a kind often put before a jury, upon which a statisticians evidence was not, in our view, required, provided of course proper attention was paid to the circumstances of each of the incidents relied upon. The Crown here did just that.

And then this: Finally, as Mr Price (the Crowns appeal barrister) observed, there was in any event a wealth of material pointing to the applicants guilt from which the jury would have drawn their own safe and proper inferences. Mr Price argued (that) the danger of approaching this particular case on the basis of academic statistical opinion, however distinguished, is (that it is) divorced from the actual facts. We agree.

That was about Ben Geen, but it might equally have been about Letby. Although her case  like Geens  lacked direct evidence there was, as the 600-page summing up reveals, plenty of evidence from which guilt could be inferred. As criminal lawyers and judges well know, circumstantial evidence can be compelling too.

open image in gallery Nurse Benjamin Geen has been convicted of two murders and 15 counts of grievous bodily harm ( PA )

McDonald established the London Innocence Project, which supported Geens case when he later applied to the CCRC, again advancing statistical arguments, among other points.

The CCRC appears to have commissioned its own analysis, before rejecting the application. McDonald took the CCRC to Judicial review where it agreed to look at the case again, and again rejected it. It has rejected it again since. It is now 18 years since Ben Geen was convicted. He is serving a minimum term of 30 years. If he had been convicted now, he too might have faced a whole life sentence.

Perhaps McDonald was hoping to speed things up for Letby when he announced at the press conference that he was going to apply immediately and directly to the Court of Appeal to reopen her case, in the light of what he said was the changed position of Dr Dewi Evans, the Crowns main witness for three of the baby cases. Dr Evans has since denied he has changed his mind.

A telling question at the press conference was why Letbys original defence team had failed to call any expert witnesses at the two trials, to challenge the witnesses for the Crown, who claimed that babies had died or been harmed

McDonald suggested there could be a hearing by Easter, a quashing of the verdicts, and a retrial.

In truth, his prospects of succeeding by this route must be next to non-existent. In another recent notorious case  the Maids Moreton murder, which was the subject of the BBC drama The Sixth Commandment  David Jeremy KC, on behalf of convicted killer Ben Field, sought to persuade the Court of Appeal in 2022 to reopen Fields rejected appeal against conviction on the basis that the original hearing had been unfair and biased against Field.

Jeremy must have rattled the courts cage as they explained their reasons for rejecting his application at some length, emphasising the extremely rare circumstances in which the court would reopen a rejected bid.

They then said this: If [as the applicant contends] the decision of the Full Court is legally flawed and profoundly wrong, then there is a potential remedy: in the form of an application to the CCRC.

They will surely say the same to McDonald too. Letbys only hope now is via the CCRC. You cannot have more than one direct appeal, but you can make as many applications as you like to the CCRC, which alone has the power to refer cases for a new appeal. If it makes a referral the court must hear it.

open image in gallery A Post-it note used as evidence in Letbys trial ( CPS/PA Wire )

The question, regarding Evans, will be the extent to which he really has changed his evidence.

Many years ago, Barry George was found guilty of murdering the television presenter Jill Dando on her doorstep. No one saw him carry out the shooting in April 1999, and the only forensic evidence was a single particle of firearm residue in his coat pocket, which the Crown expert at trial said matched residue from the scene of the shooting.

Some time afterwards, the expert changed his mind  science had moved on  and Georges conviction was quashed, following a referral by the CCRC. He was put on trial again without the particle in evidence and this time he was acquitted.

If Evans does not formally withdraw or change his evidence  and his role as an expert witness has already been endorsed by the Court of Appeal  Letby will be wholly reliant on the many new experts who have apparently come forward.

McDonald said at the press conference that, just two weeks ago, more than 50 of these experts had gathered together in another room at the Royal Society of Medicine.

open image in gallery Barry George, the man accused of killing Jill Dando, had his conviction quashed following doubts over evidence ( Getty )

Three doctors were cited at the press conference and one of them, neonatologist Dr Richard Taylor, had flown in from Canada to tell the conference that on his reading of some of the papers, an unnamed doctor, not Letby, had inadvertently caused one of the baby deaths.

As McDonald will know, an appeal  or a CCRC review  like a trial, is a legal process. Its not a meeting, and not easily susceptible to arguments about the contrary views of experts who may be medically qualified but not necessarily familiar with how the case evolved at the trial that led to the conviction(s).

A telling question at the press conference was why Letbys original defence team had failed to call any expert witnesses at the two trials, to challenge the witnesses for the Crown, who claimed that babies had died or been harmed by injections of air, or insulin, or more.

McDonald, perhaps surprisingly, said he didnt know why, and had not yet asked Letbys trial lawyers. He was not going to criticise them, he said.

Any future appeal will depend on a satisfactory answer to that very question  far more so, almost, than anything else. It is the platform for fresh evidence. It is there in the 1968 statute, the Criminal Appeal Act, that sets out the grounds for allowing fresh evidence at appeal, which require a reasonable explanation for why the evidence was not called at the trial.

open image in gallery A court sketch of Letby by Julia Quenzler, drawn on 24 October ( Reuters )

In other words, you had your chance, why didnt you take it? If you were playing tactics, its too late now, you should have thought of that the first time around.

Letby may however take some encouragement from an observation by the Court of Appeal in its second decision, refusing her leave to appeal the 15th conviction, for attempted murder, which was delivered in October 2024.

The court noted that there had been significant media coverage since the first trial ended, involving a critique of the medical and scientific evidence called at the first trial. Some of the public comment has called into question whether Letby ought to have been convicted in August 2023. We are not concerned with the first trial  Whether there are or may be issues arising from the first trial which have yet to be the subject of judicial consideration is not for us to say. That would be speculative.

On one generous reading, the Court of Appeal acknowledged the concerns and invited an application for a CCRC review.

Still, there is no escaping the harsh fact of her position. Letby stands at the foot of a steep mountain of Himalayan proportions. Much now depends on the mountaineering skills of her new barrister, Mark McDonald.

David James Smith is a former Commissioner of the Criminal Cases Review Commission
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A criminology student who quizzed his lecturer on how best to get away with killing someone has been found guilty of stabbing physical trainer Amie Gray to death on a beach.

Following a trial Nasen Saadi, 20, from Croydon, south London, was on Wednesday found guilty of the murder of Gray, 34, at Durley Chine Beach, West Undercliff Promenade, on 24 May. He was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Grays friend, Leanne Miles, who was with her at the time.

Prosecutors posed that Saadi wanted to know what it would be like to take life after he became fascinated with murder, asking his criminology lecturer unrelated questions about self-defence justification for killing and DNA analysis.

open image in gallery Amie Gray was stabbed to death in Bournemouth ( PA )

Lecturer Dr Lisa-Maria Reiss told the court Saadi had asked questions on how to get away with murder.

She said she explained his questions were not relevant to the lecture but there would be police input later in the course and he could save his interest for then. The exchange prompted her to ask Saadi: Youre not planning a murder are you? but he didnt reply.

The jury was shown footage of the fatal attack in which Saadi was seen loitering around his two victims before walking onto the sand and attacking them  and also seen running after one of the women in the prolonged incident.

open image in gallery An image from CCTV footage of a man said to be Nasen Saadi walking along the promenade on Bournemouth seafront on the night of 24 May ( PA )

Grays wife, Sian Gray thanked police and the emergency services for helping her and bringing the justice that she deserves.

Amie will never be forgotten. She touched the lives of so many. The immense support and love shown by everyone reflects just that, she said in a statement.

Amies life has been brutally taken but now she can rest in peace. Her strength lives on in all of us.

Ms Miles, also injured in the attack, told police how she had heard Gray scream Get off me from the dark beach before Saadi turned on her.

open image in gallery Saadi, 20, has been found guilty at Winchester Crown Court of the murder ( Dorset Police/PA )

In a statement read out in court, she said: I didnt want to look at him. I couldnt look at him. And I told him, I said, Please stop. I said, Please stop, Ive got children. And then I think thats when he started to go, he walked away.

Benjamin May, a senior crown prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: This was a senseless attack which shocked the people of Bournemouth  and our deepest condolences remain with Amie Grays family.

open image in gallery Ms Gray was murdered on Durley Chine Beach ( PA )

Though both victims were chosen at random, Nasen Saadis unfathomable desire to carry out a murder was backed up by extensive planning  which included going to great lengths to avoid getting caught.

Home Office pathologist Dr Basil Purdue told the court Gray died as a result of 10 knife wounds, including one to the heart, while Ms Miles suffered 20 knife-related injuries.

The court heard Saadi was fascinated with knives and had bought six blades online, with several found at his aunts house where he was living as well as at his parents home.

open image in gallery CCTV of Saadi arriving at a Travelodge hotel in Bournemouth ( PA )

Saadi used the name Ninja Killer for his Snapchat account and also used the username NSkills on his computer.

The student at Greenwich University, who was studying for a degree in criminology and criminal psychology after dropping out of a physical education course, had carried out searches about previous, highly publicised killings.

The court was told Saadi had booked accommodation for a four-night stay in Bournemouth starting 21 May, and was seen on CCTV scouting the seafront and the scene of the murder, which happened at about 11.40pm on 24 May.

open image in gallery Ms Gray with her wife Sian ( PA )

Suggesting a motive for the attack, prosecutor Sarah Jones KC said: This defendant seems to have wanted to know what it would be like to take life, perhaps he wanted to know what it would be like to make women feel afraid, perhaps he thought it would make him feel powerful, make him interesting to others.

Perhaps he just couldnt bear to see people engaged in a happy, normal social interaction and he decided to lash out, to hurt, to butcher.

The defendant, who chose not to give evidence, admitted visiting Bournemouth but denied the offences and had claimed not to be the man shown in the CCTV footage, claiming it was a case of mistaken identity.

He told police in an interview that he might have blacked out and had no memory of the period that included the attacks.
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The family of slain teen Shawn Seesahai says justice has been served after a court increased the sentences of his two murderers, the UKs youngest knife killers.

Three Court of Appeal judges ruled on Thursday that the eight-and-a-half year minimum terms of the life sentences given to two boys, who are both now 13, were unduly lenient and increased them to 10 years.

The two boys, who cannot be identified, were both aged 12 when they fatally attacked Mr Seesahai, 19, in Wolverhampton on November 13 last year, and were sentenced in September.

Lawyers for the Solicitor General told a hearing in London that the sentences of both boys were unduly lenient and should be increased, stating the killing was a particularly serious type of case.

Following the decision, Mr Seesahais family welcomed the courts decision to increase the sentences: We recognise that justice has been served today for the murder of our beloved son.

open image in gallery Floral tributes left at the scene in at Stowlawn playing fields in Wolverhampton where Shawn Seesahai died ( PA Archive )

Shawns life was taken in a brutal and senseless act of violence. He was attacked with a weapon carried with clear intent, leaving us devastated and haunted by the thought of what he endured, the family said in a statement.

While no sentence can ever bring Shawn back, we feel that todays decision better reflects the gravity of the actions that took him from us and acknowledges the immense loss we live with every day.

Anguilla-born Mr Seesahai, who was living in Birmingham, was stabbed through the heart and lungs with a machete and suffered a skull fracture during the attack on Stowlawn playing fields, with one of his wounds measuring 23cm deep and almost passing through his body.

Both boys blamed the other for inflicting four wounds with the blade, but were unanimously convicted of murder following their trial at Nottingham Crown Court in June, and were described during their sentencing as the countrys youngest knife murderers.

They are believed to be the youngest defendants convicted of murder in the UK since Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, both aged 11, were found guilty in 1993 of killing two-year-old James Bulger.

High Court judge Amanda Tipples had previously ruled that the defendants  known only as BGI and CMB  should be protected by anonymity orders, saying their welfare outweighed the wider public interest in open justice and unrestricted reporting.

Sentencing the pair, she said Mr Seeshai had everything to live for and described his murder as horrific and shocking.

In a victim impact statement read to the sentencing hearing, his family said they were haunted by thoughts of how scared he must have been when he was killed.

They also described his murder as tragic, unexpected and senseless, and having been committed for no reason at all.

In written submissions for Thursdays hearing, the office of the Solicitor General told the Court of Appeal that the sentences were significantly too short.

Paul Jarvis, representing the Solicitor General in court, continued that the judge made significantly too much allowance for mitigating features.

open image in gallery Police at the scene a day after the attack in Wolverhampton ( PA Archive )

Both boys attended the hearing via videolink from separate facilities, with BGI wearing a grey tracksuit and supported by two adults, and CMB in a white shirt and black tie.

Their barristers each argued that the sentences imposed were sufficient.

But in their ruling, Lord Justice William Davis, sitting with Justice Joel Bennathan and Judge Nicholas Dean KC, said: We have, with some reluctance and sadness, come to the conclusion that the minimum terms imposed by Mrs Justice Tipples were unduly lenient.

The judge said full written reasons for their decision would follow later, with the youths now set to spend nine years and 60 days behind bars because of time already served.

Following the hearing, a spokesperson for the Attorney Generals Office said: This was a deeply distressing case. Shawn Seesahai was only 19 years old and had his whole life ahead of him but was brutally murdered over a minor disagreement.

Knife crime is a scourge, and we welcome the Court of Appeals decision to increase the sentences of Shawns murderers, following the referral by the Solicitor General.
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Two teenage boys have been killed and three others injured in a car crash following a police chase in Birmingham.

The pair, aged 16 and 17, were in a vehicle which police said failed to stop for officers before hitting a tree in Grove Lane, Handsworth, just after 2am on Thursday.

The 17-year-old died at the scene and the 16-year-old was taken to hospital where he died from critical injuries.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: The 17-year-old boy was also pronounced dead at the scene after sadly, nothing could be done to save him.

Three other teenagers who were also in the car have been taken to hospital. We remain at the scene as investigations continue.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said they found five teenagers in the car wreck.

They added: Firstly, a teenage male who was a passenger. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff it became clear that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased at the scene.

Secondly, a teenage male who was the driver who had sustained life-threatening injuries. He received advanced trauma care from ambulance staff at the scene before being conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.

Three further teenage males who were passengers in the car were assessed by ambulance staff.

The incident has sparked an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation, as is normal procedure following the involvement of officers.

An IOPC spokesperson said: We have begun an independent investigation into the involvement of West Midlands Police (WMP) prior to a fatal road traffic collision in Handsworth, Birmingham, overnight.

We were advised that, at around 2.15am, officers in an armed response vehicle attempted to stop a vehicle and activated their lights and sirens, before a brief pursuit began after the driver of the vehicle failed to stop. A short time later the vehicle collided with a tree on Grove Lane.

After being notified by West Midlands Police we began an independent investigation and sent investigators to the collision scene and the police post-incident procedures to begin gathering evidence.

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision can contact West Midlands Police via 101 or on its online chat, quoting log number 183 of 19 December.
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At least 56,000 primary school children in England will spend Christmas homeless, according to new figures that show that one in nine pupils in some London primary schools dont have a place to live.

Ministry of Housing data obtained and analysed by charity Shelter found that in London at least one in 24 primary school children are living in temporary accommodation, with the groups chief executive, Polly Neate, using the figures to urge the government to accelarate the contrustruction of social housing rentals.

Its heartbreaking that one in three primary school classrooms include a child who will spend this Christmas homeless, Ms Neate said.

Analysis of government figures by Shelter shows that there are 56,056 children aged 5-11 living in temporary accommodation in England. According to census figures there are 4.7 children in England in that age bracket.

A record number of 123,100 households are living in temporary accommodation, such as hotels and short-term flats, including almost 160,000 children, government stats show.

open image in gallery Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said 160,000 children faced spending Christmas without a stable home ( PA Wire )

According to Shelters analysis, in Newham, east London, there are 61 children - or one in nine - who are homeless in every primary school. In Birmingham, there is the equivalent of 15 children who are homeless in every school.

The analysis comes as the government announces almost 1bn of new funding for English councils to tackle and reduce homelessness.

The Ministry of Housing has promised more resources for frontline services supporting rough sleepers and more funding for councils to help homeless families in temporary accommodation.

Deputy prime minister and secretary of state for housing, Angela Rayner said 160,000 children faced spending Christmas without a stable home. I am determined to break the cycle of spiralling homelessness and get back on track to ending it for good, she said.

This largest-ever investment marks a turning point, giving councils the tools they need to act quickly and put in place support for people to tackle, reduce and prevent homelessness. Its time to turn the tide.

The charity said one mother, Fauzia, 44, was made homeless with her husband and three children by a no-fault Section 21 eviction seven years ago. They are now living in temporary accommodation in Ealing and face long journeys each day to get to school in Waltham Cross on the other side of London.

She said that there was serious disrepair at their home, including raw sewage backflowing into the bathroom sink, and damp and mould in the flat. There are so many problems - the house is freezing cold and poor plumbing leads the toilet to flood every day. It took weeks for the agency to fix it, only for it to break down again, said Fauzia, who only provided her first name.

The journey to get my children to school is killing me. My back hurts and were constantly late because our accommodation is so far away. It ends up being such a long day for them. When we finally get home, theres barely enough time for them to eat dinner and have a bath.
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Average water bills in England and Wales will increase by 36 per cent over the next five years, water regulator Ofwat has said. This will mean an extra cost of around 31 a year for households on average  although it will greatly vary by provider.

The increase is significantly higher than the expected average rise of around 21 per cent, outlined in the regulators draft proposals in July.

Ofwat said the increase would pay for a 104 billion upgrade of the water sector to deliver substantial, lasting, improvements for customers and the environment.

And while the 31 a year increase figure is the average, next years hike threatens to be much more substantial. Household will face an average increase of 86 in 2025, with smaller increases coming over the following four years.

Southern Water customers will experience the biggest bill rise of all 11 water and wastewater companies, a 53 per cent hike. The company had sought an increase of 83 per cent.

Households will face a heavy average hike of 86 or 20 per cent in the next year ( Alamy/PA )

Wessex Water customers will see the lowest increase with a 21 per cent bill rise. Meanwhile, around 16 million Thames Water customers will see an increase of 35 per cent.

Ofwat chief executive David Black said: Alongside the step up in investment, we need to see a transformation in companies culture and performance. We will monitor and hold companies to account on their investment programmes and improvements.

We recognise it is a difficult time for many, and we are acutely aware of the impact that bill increases will have for some customers. That is why it is vital that companies are stepping up their support for customers who struggle to pay.

We have robustly examined all funding requests to make sure they provide value for money and deliver real improvements while ensuring the sector can attract the levels of investment it needs to meet environmental requirements.

This has seen us remove 8bn of unjustified costs compared with companies most recent requests. In addition, our approach to setting a rate of return has saved customers 2.8 billion.

Increases by water company:

Water-only companies:
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A rare 13th-century Bible will return to its ancestral home in Salisbury Cathedral more than 700 years after it was written, thanks to the help of The Independent.

In an early Christmas present, our campaign with Friends of the Nations Libraries (FNL) has successfully raised 90,000 over the last month to purchase the historical artefact from a private collector.

It is one of only six manuscripts attributed to the Sarum Master, one of the greatest artists of the medieval period who illuminated pages of vellum from a workshop in Salisbury.

open image in gallery Salisbury Cathedrals Jilly Wright and Dr Anne Dutton with the rare Bible ( Supplied )

The English manuscript artist was known for his work in religious manuscripts, particularly the Sarum Missal  used for the liturgical practices of the cathedral, influencing English Christianity before the Reformation.

At the time, no other cities apart from London and Oxford supported this scale of book production, with Salisbury becoming renowned as an academic and cultural centre.

Geordie Greig, chair of FNL, which protects the UKs written and printed history, said: We have been overwhelmed by the magnificent generosity of many donors and nearly 150 members of the public. Thanks to them this 700-year-old Bible has now returned to the City in which it was created and will forever be in Salisbury Cathedral Library, one of the treasure houses of our country.

The Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: We are hugely grateful to the Friends of the Nations Libraries for their work in raising the funds to bring the Sarum Bible back to Salisbury. It will be thrilling to welcome this important and beautiful manuscript to the Cathedral and to share it with our many visitors.

open image in gallery The Bible is one of only six manuscripts to be attributed to the medieval artist the Sarum Master, who had a workshop in Salisbury ( Salisbury Cathedral )

Christopher de Hamel, an expert on medieval manuscripts, said: The Sarum Master was one of the earliest manuscript artists in England of whom we have a recognisable oeuvre.

He added that Salisburys flourishing book trade during the medieval period meant that its published manuscripts were available for purchase, which led to the local Use of Sarum becoming standard for all of southern England until the Reformation period.

The artist is known for his intricate and highly stylised illustrations that were characteristic of Gothic art. His work includes detailed images of saints, biblical scenes, and illuminated initials, with vibrant colours, flowing lines, and elaborate gold leaf.

Salisbury Cathedral is visited by around 250,000 people each year and boasts the tallest spire in the country which stands at 123 metres.

It also houses a library, which was founded in 1445, holds a large collection of manuscripts dating from the ninth century and is one of the earliest purpose-built library rooms in England.

Among its prized possessions is one of only four remaining copies of the 1215 Magna Carta and the worlds oldest mechanical clock.
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Three former UK foreign secretaries have today called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, currently imprisoned by a brutal military dictatorship in Myanmar.

William Hague, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Jack Straw warned the ousted leader was jailed on trumped-up charges and said she deserves the chance to lead her country democratically. Ms Suu Kyi is believed to have spent long periods in solitary confinement since her arrest in February 2021. She faces 27 years in prison.

The 79-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner has become a deeply divisive and controversial figure after refusing to speak out on her countrys extreme violence against its Rohingya Muslim minority.

Her fall from grace is explored in an Independent TV documentary published today, entitled Cancelled: The rise and fall of Aung San Suu Kyi, which takes an unbiased look at her life and the plight of Myanmar.

Lord Hague, who welcomed Ms Suu Kyi to London in 2012 when he was foreign secretary, said it was possible to be critical of the countrys former leader, but also say we should be campaigning for her release.

Watch: Cancelled: The rise and fall of Aung San Suu Kyi Documentary on Independent TV

open image in gallery Suu Kyi has become a deeply controversial figure after refusing to speak out on her countrys extreme violence against its Rohingya Muslim minority ( Getty )

Featuring in the documentary, he said: She is a political prisoner on trumped-up charges, imprisoned by a military regime in what seems very harsh circumstances.

And we might disagree with things that she has said and done, but she has been the strongest force for democracy in Myanmar in a generation, and she is imprisoned because she was that force for democracy.

In 2019, Ms Suu Kyi became a global pariah in the eyes of the international community and human rights organisations after she appeared at the International Court of Justice in the Hague to defend her countrys use of force against the Rohingya.

Lord Hague added: I think its possible to be critical of her, but also say we should be campaigning for her release. She is not a non-person.

open image in gallery William Hague told a new Independent documentary it was possible to be critical of her but also say we should be campaigning for her release ( The Independent )

We might suspend judgement on our view of her in history but nevertheless, this is a person utterly unjustly treated by a military dictatorship. And so we should not forget her.

Sir Malcolm, who was foreign secretary between 1995 and 1997, said her release was crucial to the future of her country, and told The Independent that a popular uprising in Myanmar was reducing the militarys grip.

He said: Myanmar is being gradually liberated from the armed junta through popular revolt throughout the country.

Aung San Suu Kyis release is essential so that she can provide the political leadership that will be needed when the transition from the army to democracy begins.

Labour grandee Mr Straw, who was a foreign secretary under Tony Blair, told The Independent: I share William Hagues view  she should be released.

After being freely elected in 2015, Ms Suu Kyi has been held in prison since the military seized power in a coup in February 2021, a move that plunged the country into conflict.

open image in gallery Suu Kyi speaking at a rally in Yangon, Myanmar, in 2015 ( Getty )

A year later, she was convicted of offences ranging from treason and corruption to violations of telecommunications law, charges she denies. As a result, she faces being kept in detention for the rest of her life.

Although details of her imprisonment have been conflicting, it is thought she has been kept in a cell in a prison in Naypyidaw, north of Yangon.

Australian Sean Turnell, who worked as Ms Suu Kyis economic advisor and was sentenced at the same time, described his cell as completely open to rats and spiders, centipedes and these awful black tarantulas... Theyre really little more than animal pens.

He said political prisoners are held in their cells throughout the day, with just two periods in which they are allowed to leave.

In April a spokesperson for the military junta claimed that Ms Suu Kyi had been placed under house arrest, though no details were given.

Her younger son, Kim Aris, said that no one outside of military personnel has seen her for a long time, and that a number of underlying health issues have been only treated by military doctors.

open image in gallery Suu Kyi, who studied at Oxford, married Michael Aris and raised her boys Alexander (pictured) and Kim in the UK before going back to Myanmar in 1988 ( Aris Family )

Ms Suu Kyi, who studied at Oxford, married British academic Michael Aris and raised her boys Alexander and Kim in the UK before going back to Myanmar in 1988.

She spent nearly 15 of the 21 years between 1989 to 2010 under house arrest, and her fight for democracy became famous around the world.

Following elections in 2015, the military junta allowed Ms Suu Kyi to become the de facto head of government but only if they controlled the key ministries of home affairs and defence and border control, alongside the military budget.

Two years later, in 2017, the junta cracked down on dissent in Rakhine State among the Muslim Rohingya community. Ms Suu Kyis appearance at the Hague two years later lost her international support.

Myanmars people have since suffered appalling human rights abuses under military rule.
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Peter Mandelson is expected to be announced as UK ambassador to the United States while Sir Keir Starmer prepares for a Donald Trump presidency.

The prime minister is said to believe Lord Mandelson has the trade expertise and networking abilities to bolster the UKs interests during a delicate period for relations with the US.

Lord Mandelson, 71, last served in government 14 years ago when Gordon Brown was prime minister.

The Labour grandee has long been seen as one of the leading candidates for the job. He will replace Dame Karen Pierce, whose service in Washington DC is expected to conclude in early 2025.

Lord Mandelson is often described as one of the key architects of New Labour. He was the Labour MP for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004, during which time he served as secretary of state for Northern Ireland.

open image in gallery Lord Mandelson, right, with John Prescott, centre, and Neil Kinnock at Londons Royal Festival Hall after Labours election victory in 1997 ( Rebecca Naden/PA )

In 1998, Sir Tony fired the man who later served as business secretary for failing to disclose a home loan from a senior minister.

Soon after his return, he was forced to quit once more due to a passport scandal involving the billionaire businessmen, the Hinduja brothers. When he was elected to the Hartlepool seat in 2001, he famously declared that he was a fighter not a quitter.

He was later named Britain's EU commissioner by Sir Tony.

Last month he risked infuriating Mr Trump after he suggested he could combine the job with another role. He said becoming the UKs man in Washington was not incompatible with being the next chancellor of the University of Oxford.

He later lost that particular contest to William Hague but remained the frontrunner for the US role as the Labour government came under increasing pressure to woo the president-elect.

open image in gallery Dame Karen Pierce has served as ambassador to the US since 2020 ( PA Archive )

Relations between the two are strained, after Mr Trumps election campaign team hit out at Labour and accused it of attempting to interfere in the election, in a row over UK activists helping the Democratic Party.

Sir Keirs foreign secretary David Lammy has also tried to play down comments he made in the past in which he called Donald Trump a neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath.

When it comes to dealing with the Trump administration, Lord Mandelson has suggested that Britain has to navigate our way through this and have, Im afraid, the best of both worlds.

We have got to find a way to have our cake and eat it, he said.

In November, he also told BBC Ones Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg that he was more in favour of a new relationship rather than a special one with the US. Pushed further on whether he would be interested in the Washington role, the former government minister said: I would be very interested indeed in giving advice about trade to whoever is appointed.

Weeks before Labour entered No 10 this summer, he resigned from the board of his lobbying firm, Global Counsel.

At the time his resignation prompted speculation he would be free for a possible government role.

Earlier this year he ruled out a return to frontline politics after the reported part-sale of Global Counsel to Barack Obamas former polling guru, Jim Messina.

At the time Lord Mandelson, once dubbed the Dark Lord for his role as a New Labour spin doctor, told The Telegraph: I will continue to always be a cheerleader and champion of a Labour government but I do not intend to be a member of it.

In March he raised eyebrows when he told Sir Keir he could stand to shed a few pounds, and that would be an improvement.

The move appeared to be a bid at even-handedness after he hit out at the then-prime minister Rishi Sunaks notorious slim-fit suits and skinny ties, saying they diminish him rather than expand him on his podcast How To Win An Election.
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Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of giving with one hand and taking with the other amid fears a 100m boost for hospices in England will be wiped out by Rachel Reevess national insurance hike.

The prime ministers official spokesman was unable to say whether the cash injection for hospices and palliative care charities would make up for the hit they face as a result of the chancellors Budget.

Shadow health minister Dr Caroline Johnson slammed Labour for having "the audacity" to make such a claim when "they are taking millions of pounds off hospices and palliative care charities.

Then they then think they should be grateful when they give them some of it back This is socialism at its finest, she added.

open image in gallery Rachel Reeves was dubbed the Grinch who stole Christmas for refusing to exempt hospices from the national insurance hike in her Budget ( Getty Images )

After the October Budget, hospice groups called for an exemption from the 2p employer national insurance increase, arguing it would pile unbearable pressure on an already stretched system.

While Hospice UK said the latest funding, which is for England only, would be hugely welcome, the end-of-life charity Marie Curie warned a one-off investment will not be enough to make the improvements needed.

Asked whether the extra money for the hospice sector would more than compensate for what they lose from national insurance increases, Sir Keirs official spokesman said he would not draw a kind of parallel.

However, he said the funding would help to improve facilities to provide better quality care.

There are strict rules on what the 100m in capital funding can be used for, he noted.

But clearly, by providing the biggest investment in hospices in a generation that also frees up pressures elsewhere in the hospice system, he said.

The government described the 100m for adults and childrens hospices in their provision of end-of-life care as the biggest investment in a generation in the sector.

open image in gallery Keir Starmers official spokesman could not say if the cash would make up for the hit ( James Manning/PA Wire )

The Department of Health and Social Care has also confirmed a separate 26m in continued grant funding for next year under what is known as the Childrens Hospice Grant.

Health minister Karin Smyth, speaking in the Commons before parliament breaks up for Christmas, was also repeatedly asked whether the 100m funding would cover the costs in the NICs rise, but she declined to answer directly.

Tory MP Sir Bernard Jenkin said a hospice which serves his Harwich and North Essex constituency estimates the national insurance changes will cost them 300,000 in a full year, and asked: Can the minister now give a guarantee that they will be compensated by the government in full?

Ms Smyth replied: We will announce allocations for the whole sector and the NHS in the usual way in the new year.

Tory MP Martin Vickers said any increase in funding for hospices was welcome, but added: This (funding announcement) lets be honest, is giving with one hand and taking with the other."

Former Tory health minister Neil OBrien said Ms Reeves was the Grinch who stole Christmas, calling on Thursday for charities and voluntary groups to be exempted from the increase.

In a written statement slipped out before parliament breaks up, health secretary Wes Streeting said it was only right hospices are given the financial support to provide their services, while care minister Stephen Kinnock said the funding will allow hospices to improve their physical and operational environment, enabling them to provide the best possible care to their patients.

Toby Porter, Hospice UK chief executive, said: Todays announcement will be hugely welcomed by hospices, and those who rely on their services. Hospices not only provide vital care for patients and families, but also relieve pressure on the NHS.

This funding will allow hospices to continue to reach hundreds of thousands of people every year with high-quality, compassionate care."

Ralph Coulbeck, chief executive at Haven House childrens hospice, said it was a relief to know the childrens grant is being maintained next year, adding that it will help to support the vital care we provide to seriously ill children and families.

Marie Curie chief executive, Matthew Reed, described the palliative and end-of-life care system as being in crisis with access to the right care often depending on where someone lives.

He said: Marie Curie welcome additional investment in the palliative care sector and look forward to further clarification on how this funding will be used to ensure better care for all dying people who need it.

However, a restricted and one-off investment is not going to meet the recurring cost pressures, and ongoing needs of the sector  including the long-term implications of additional national insurance contributions, ongoing pressures as a result of rising costs of pay, and increased numbers of people dying over the next 20 years.

He said radical change is needed, with a palliative care strategy, supported by a sustainable funding framework.

Challenges for the terminally ill in accessing good care at the end of their lives have become a topic of focus amid the debate at Westminster on assisted dying.

Opponents of assisted dying insist the focus should be on providing better end-of-life care for the terminally ill.

But Kim Leadbeater, the MP behind the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, said when palliative care cannot meet the needs of a dying person, the choice of an assisted death should be one component of a holistic approach to end-of-life care.

A new commission, set up by Labour MP Rachael Maskell and crossbench peer Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, was recently launched to examine palliative and end-of-life care in the UK and a report on its findings will be presented to the health secretary and Parliament.

Recommendations from the review are expected to feed into Labours 10-year plan for the NHS.
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Keir Starmer has undermined the leading justification for his governments family farm tax in an evidence session with MPs on the powerful liaison committee.

Previously his farming minister Daniel Zeichner had told MPs that the changes to inheritance tax rules to include agricultural land was to prevent the super rich like entrepreneur Sir James Dyson and TV personality Jeremy Clarkson from investing in farms to avoid death duties.

But in a dramatic turn of events today in the Commons, the prime minister admitted this was not true and that his government was simply looking at a way of raising revenue.

It has led to accusations from farmers representatives that the changes to inheritance tax were an indiscriminate revenue-raising measure with no thought given to who it impacts.

open image in gallery Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer appearing before the Liaison Committee ( PA Wire )

On 4 November in the Budget debate on implications for farming communities, Mr Zeichner said: Sadly, [the inheritance tax exempion on farms] has been used in some cases by wealthy landowners to avoid inheritance tax. That is why the government have announced plans to reform agricultural property relief.

But grilled by environment, food and rural affairs committee chairman Alistair Carmichael on liaison committee, Sir Keir admitted this justification given to MPs and others was not true.

Mr Carmichael asked: Who were the targets for these changes? Was it the super rich sheltering wealth? Was it the family farmers? Or was it both?

Starmer replied: The purpose was to raise revenue in the budget. It wasnt aimed at a particular group of individuals. We inherited a really bad situation and we decided we couldnt hit the pay packets of working people.

It wasnt targeted at this group or that group. What we tried to do was protect the family farm by putting a high threshold.

Pressed further on the subject, he added: What the very wealthy do within the rules is a matter for them. But what we wanted to do is to raise the revenue necessary because we had to not only balance the books in the budgets but we also had to make important investments in schools and the NHS.

open image in gallery Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael ( PA Archive )

The prime minister was also confronted over laughing about the issue.

Mr Carmichael noted: We had one witness giving evidence to the select committee who, when talking about the impact on his farming business, broke down. So there are a lot of people who don't find this funny. How does it make you feel to hear that witnesses were breaking down before my select committee?

Sir Keir replied: Well of course nobody's comfortable with that but that is why I took the decision to have a meeting with the president of the NFU (Tom Bradshaw) to invite him in for a meeting with me. Not with a great fanfare but just for a private meeting so that I could hear for myself first hand from him as to the points that he wanted to make understandably.

The exchanges follow revelations by The Independent that the economists who first proposed the changes have changed their position and now become critical of the governments approach hitting many family farms.

Sir Keir insisted that he believed Treasury figures suggesting only 500 farms a year would be dragged into the changes were robust. But they have been disputed by the NFU using Defra figures which suggest it could be as many as 70 per cent of farms.

The prime minister also insisted he would not back down over the policy despite hundreds of tractors descending on London in two major demonstrations so far as well as blockades at the ports of Dover and Holyhead in north Wales.

Asked by liaison committee chair Dame Meg Hillier if there will be changes, Sir Keir said: No, we've got the policy, we've set out the policy and I was clear about that but did I want to hear what he had to say in a respectful way? Yes, of course I did.

The exhanges provoked a furious response from farmers representatives.

open image in gallery Farming minister Daniel Zeichner ( PA )

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Tom Bradshaw said: Despite ministers previously claiming this was about punishing wealthy people avoiding tax, its clear from the prime ministers words today that it is simply an indiscriminate revenue-raising measure with no thought given to who it impacts.

Whats worse is that the government has clearly forgotten the reason agricultural inheritance tax reliefs were brought in in the first place  which was to ensure that farms would not be sold or broken up following the death of the owner and could continue to produce high quality British food through each generation2. Its clear that this government has entirely broken with that premise, and it will be farming, then its associated industries, and then consumers who will bear the impact.

After the evidence session, Mr Carmichael said: The prime minister has undermined the case made by Treasury and Defra ministers who have sought to pretend that this was about tackling the Jeremy Clarksons and James Dysons of this world.

It was clear from his answers that it is just about raising money. He could not have been clearer that if farmers are caught and farms have to be sold then that is fine by him.

Six months on from the general election the prime minister looks out of touch from ordinary people, especially those living in rural communities.

In a briefing the National Farmers Union has noted that the government has not yet given a rationale for changing the rules on agricultural property relief (APR) or busines property relief (BPR).

The NFU noted: It is generally understood that the main policy rationale for BPR and APR is to prevent the sale or break up of businesses or farms to finance inheritance tax payments following the death of the owner.

A Conservative spokesperson said: Labour are in chaos over their Family Farm Tax. Keir Starmer has overruled his own Farming Minister and now admitted that Labour see farms as cash cows they milk to fund their mad spending plans.

Farmers will never forgive Labour for their betrayal.
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Watch live as Sir Keir Starmer is grilled by senior MPs on the liaison committee on Thursday, 19 December  the first time since he was elected in July.

It comes as the prime minister faces backlash as he is accused of breaking a promise in a decision not to compensate Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women.

Sir Keir faces a growing Labour rebellion over the issue, with up to 50 Labour MPs saying they would vote against the governments decision to rule out spending 10bn compensating the women if a vote is held, The Independent understands.

The term Waspi refers to a woman born between 1950 and 1960 who was disadvantaged by the 1995 Pensions Act, which increased their pensionable age from 60 to 65.

The group was established in 2015 to campaign for compensation over the Act.

Labour has said there are no plans for a vote on the issue.

Mother of the House Diane Abbott has accused the government of breaking a previous promise to compensate the Waspi women.

Speaking on Newsnight on Wednesday (18 December), Ms Abbott said: Remember hes on his big fat DPP pension. What does he know about ageing women?
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A Labour minister has been embroiled in a Bangladeshi corruption probe after the countrys government accused her of helping her aunt embezzle billions of pounds.

City minister Tulip Siddiq, has been accused of helping Sheikh Hasina, the recently ousted prime minister of Bangladesh, to siphon off 5.2bn intended to be used building eight large-scale projects including a nuclear power plant.

The Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate has not commented on the allegations, but Labour figures have described them as spurious, while Syed Faruk, the UK general-secretary of Ms Hasinas Awami League party, said the accusations were 100 per cent politically motivated.

Tulip Siddiq is being investigated by Bangladeshs Anti-Corruption Commission ( PA Archive )

Mr Faruk, a family friend of Ms Siddiq, told the Daily Mail, which first reported the Bangladeshi probe: They are attacking Tulip because she is the niece of our honourable prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.

The paper reported that Bangladeshs Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched a probe into Ms Siddiq, her UK-based mother Sheikh Rehana Siddiq, and her aunt Ms Hasina, who ruled the country for more than 15 years.

It reportedly came after an order from the countrys High Court, which is said to have heard claims Ms Siddiq may have helped broker the 10bn nuclear power plant deal.

The plant was built by Russian state-backed firm Rosatom, while the deal was signed in the Kremlin a decade ago in a ceremony attended by Ms Siddiq, her aunt and Vladimir Putin.

Ms Hasina, Bangladeshs longest-serving prime minister, is now in India after being ousted in August following weeks of violent anti-government protests.

The ACC is also probing other members of Ms Siddiqs family, including her maternal cousin, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who lives in the US, and her paternal uncle Tariq Siddiq, who is believed to be hiding in Bangladesh, the Mail reported.

An official said on Wednesday: The commission is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability, irrespective of the stature of those involved.

But the probe, if confirmed, could spark a row between the UK and Bangladeshi governments.

Critics said the story raises questions about Ms Siddiqs ability to keep her job in government, as part of which she is responsible for stamping out corruption in the financial sector.

Shadow Home Office minister Matt Vickers said the case was the latest stain on Keir Starmers government.

He said: Tulip Siddiq has had housing provided by a key donor to her aunt, failed to properly declare interests, and is now apparently in the middle of an ongoing corruption probe by the government of Bangladesh, with alarming reports she met with the dictator Vladimir Putin.

It is high time she came clean. The British public deserve a government that is focused on their priorities, not distracted by yet another scandal.

And Tory MP Joe Robertson said: It is clear that there are serious questions that demand answers - what is the ministers involvement? What exactly is the nature of these allegations, and how can she possibly continue in post whilst under such a serious investigation?"

The Treasury declined to comment. Labour and Ms Siddiq have been approached for comment. Downing Street said Ms Siddiq has not been involved in any decisions related to Bangladesh and said the government considers the allegations media speculation on which it would not comment.

Ms Siddiq previously caused controversy when she became the first MP since the general election to be investigated by parliaments standards watchdog.

The inquiry was thought to relate to Ms Siddiqs failure to register rental income from a property in London, for which she was cleared in August.
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British troops may be sent to Ukraine to train up soldiers in its war against Russia, the defence secretary has hinted.

John Healey has said Britain needs to make the training a better fit for what the Ukrainians need and left the door open to it taking place in the war-torn country.

Ministry of Defence (MoD) sources have previously told The Independent discussions are ongoing about whether to send troops to the country to support it amid Russias invasion.

open image in gallery Defence secretary John Healey poses in front of the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, which remembers those killed in the conflict with Russia, during his visit to Ukraine, in Kyiv, on 18 December 2024 ( Getty Images )

There is already a small number of British medical personnel in Ukraine, delivering training and mentoring to the countrys armed forces.

And the UK has trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers in the UK under Operation Interflex, but defence secretary John Healey said in October that the biggest constraint to the scheme is Ukraine sending the personnel over to be trained.

And on Wednesday, speaking to The Times during a visit to Kyiv , Mr Healey said: We [need to] make it easier to the Ukrainians to access and we [need to] work with the Ukrainians to help them motivate and mobilise more recruits, he said to The Times on a visit to Ukraine.

Asked if this meant extending training of Ukrainian recruits inside the UK to Ukraine itself, he said: We will look wherever we can to respond to what the Ukrainians want. They are the ones fighting.

Also on his trip to Kyiv, Mr Healey pledged a new 225 million package of support for Ukraine after the defence secretary said the situation in the country is "critical".

The defence secretary said that the UK will "step up" on international leadership on Ukraine in 2025, after Sir Keir Starmer urged allies to maintain their support.

The package announced on Thursday involves 186 million for military equipment through the International Fund for Ukraine, including 92 million for Ukraines navy and 68 million for air defence equipment.

Mr Healey met with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov as he unveiled the package, which also includes 39 million for counter-drone systems and protective equipment for Ukraines armed forces.

open image in gallery Britains defence secretary John Healey has said it is a critical period for Ukraine ( EPA )

Announcing the new funding, the defence secretary said: "Nearly three years after (Russian President Vladimir) Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion, the depths of his miscalculation are clearer than ever, as the brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit.

"But they cannot go it alone - which is why the UK will step up our international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025.

"We will enhance our offer of training to Ukraine and provide battle-winning capabilities, such as the drones and munitions included in our new 225 million package today."

On Wednesday, Mr Healey told LBC that it is a "critical period for Ukraine".

"Russians are putting Ukraine under pressure on the front line, but Putin himself is showing signs of weakness, calling in North Korean troops to reinforce his own army, walking out on Assad and failing to defend his own positions in Syria," he added.

His visit comes after the Prime Minister said it would be a "big mistake" if allies did not maintain their support.

Speaking during a visit to Norway earlier this week, Sir Keir warned it was time for Kyivs allies to "double down" on the financial commitments, sanctions and the training they were providing to Ukraine.

"Its important that we put Ukraine in the strongest possible position if there are to be negotiations, and even if there arent to be negotiations," he said.

"But it would be a big mistake, in my view, to take our eye off the ball and not ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position, which is why weve been doubling down on this at many of the international meetings weve had with our allies to discuss this."

Meanwhile in London, the Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill cleared the Commons without any opposition on Wednesday afternoon.

The Bill allows the UK government to provide loans and other financial assistance to Ukraine.

The UKs contribution to the G7 group of nations loan package is 2.26 billion. Other contributors include the United States, the European Union, Canada and Japan.

The Bill passed its third reading from MPs and will now move to be scrutinised and voted on by the House of Lords.

Treasury minister Darren Jones said: "The House has today, and throughout the Bills passage so far, made clear its strong feelings towards the plight of the Ukrainian people.

"Members of all political stripes have spoken eloquently in favour of continued support for Ukraine in their ongoing fight against Russias tyrannical, unprovoked and illegal invasion."

The Ministry of Defence was asked to comment.
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The Teamsters launched an unexpected labor strike against Amazon on Thursday, potentially throwing the holiday online shopping season in disarray as the workers fight to improve their lives.

Sean O'Brien, the Teamsters general president, issued a statement on X telling potentially frustrated Amazon customers that shipping delays could have been avoided if Amazon had negotiated with them.

If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it, he wrote. These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, theyve pushed workers to the limit and now theyre paying the price. This strike is on them.

Amazon has insisted its operations will not be affected by the strike, CNN reports. While the Teamsters represent some 7,000 Amazon workers, that number still only accounts for 1 percent of the shipping giant's total workforce.

The strike kicked off on Thursday when workers at a facility in Queens, New York, stopped working at 6am. Facilities in Illinois, Atlanta, San Francisco, Victorville, and City of Industry in California all joined in on the strike.

Workers at the Queens facility picketed for hours before the NYPD arrived and began arresting strikers.

Luke Cianciotto, a driver at a Skokie, Illinois Amazon facility, said he and his coworkers are struggling to get by despite putting in long hours.

We are struggling and fighting for basic benefits and needs that are otherwise an industry standard, he told a group of reporters on Thursday. "Many of us, we dont have any Christmas presents under the tree this year. The wages and hours we get working for Amazon simply arent enough to get by in todays economy.

Another worker at the facility, Gabriel Irizarry, accused Amazon corporate of not respecting its workers.

They talk a big game about taking care of their workers, but when it comes down to it, Amazon does not respect us and our right to negotiate for better working conditions and wages," he said. "We cant even afford to pay our bills.

Amazon insists that the Teamsters are "misleading" the public and that the company pays fair wages.

open image in gallery Striking workers picket outside of the Amazon DAX5 warehouse, in City of Industry, California, ( REUTERS )

"The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union," Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said.

She also said that in September the company boosted the average base pay to $22 per hour, and increased its pay for transportation and warehouse workers by 20 percent.

Amazon has a history or refusing to recognize organized labor groups. The first unionized Amazon warehouse was in New York's Staten Island. The National Labor Relations Board certified the union, but Amazon has appealed the NLRB's ruling and, according to union members, has refused to engage with their group.

Nantel told CNN in a statement that the Teamsters did not even represent "any Amazon employees despite their claims to the contrary," but the Amazon workers represented by the Teamsters argued Amazon was hiding behind contractors to protect its image.

open image in gallery People hold signs and march during a strike by Teamsters union members at an Amazon facility in Alpharetta, Georgia ( REUTERS )

Ashshura Brooks, a driver at the Illinois facility, told CNN that Amazon denying that her and her coworkers are even their employees was heartbreaking for Amazon to tell us were not Amazon drivers, when we wear Amazon vests and deliver in Amazon vans.

Technically drivers like Brooks and Cianciotto work for a third-party company that contracts with Amazon, but, as Cianciotto pointed out, many third party contractors exist solely to provide a service to Amazon.

These third party contractors dont exist without Amazon, he said.

Nantel said that Amazon's employees have "always" had the choice to join a union, and that the company favors "opportunities for each person to be respected and valued as an individual and to have their unique voice heard by working directly with our team."

There's no indication that Amazon plans to work with the Teamsters, and it's unclear how long this current strike might last.
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American Airlines has settled a race discrimination lawsuit brought by three men who said they were forced off a plane early this year because of body odor.

The parties agreed to a confidential settlement on Thursday, according to court documents reviewed by The Independent. A representative for the airline told The Independent that American Airlines is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment to all customers.

Plaintiffs and former passengers Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph, and Xavier Veal responded in a joint statement: We are very pleased that American Airlines took our complaint seriously and we hope that this never happens to Black passengers or any other people of color again. Our goal in speaking out has always been to create change. We are proud that we used our voices to make a difference in the lives of Black Americans.

The settlement included a commitment by the airline to take action to prevent discrimination in the future, though exact provisions were not immediately available.

The three men filed the lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York in May claiming they and five other Black male passengers were ordered in January to exit Flight 832 in Phoenix before takeoff to JFK in New York.

A representative for the airline told the men to leave the plane after a flight attendant reportedly complained that the men had a foul body odor. Once they exited and were gathered at the gate, the men realized that only Black male passengers had been ordered off the aircraft.

The plaintiffs were not responsible for any odor, were not seated together, and did not know each other before the incident, said a statement from the Public Citizen Litigation Group and the Outten & Golden LLP law firm.

The men were not explicitly told that they personally had offensive body odor, according to court documents. But the pilot reportedly explained to other travelers on the plane that the men were removed because of a concern about body odor.

The men complained to an airline representative at the gate that it appeared they had been kicked off because of their race. Their complaint reported that the representative replied: I agree. I agree.

Agents spent an hour trying to rebook the men on other flights but were unsuccessful, which caused significant delays in their travel plans.

Passengers check their baggage at the American Airlines check-in desk in Portland International Airport ( Getty Images )

The men were eventually allowed back on the flight when it became apparent they could not be rebooked that same evening. The plaintiffs called the incident traumatic, upsetting, scary, humiliating and degrading, noted court documents.

American Airlines has fired the flight attendants responsible for the mens removal.

Its not the first time the airline has been accused of racism. The NAACP previously issued a travel advisory warning its members against flying with the airline, claiming they might be exposed to discriminatory, disrespectful or unsafe conditions. The advisory stated that the airline had a pattern that could not be dismissed as normal or random.

A month before the incident involving the plaintiffs, a Black retired judge from Chicago filed a complaint with American Airlines saying she was blocked from using a first-class bathroom on a flight even though she had a first-class ticket.
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Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is suing a former statehouse aide for defamation, claiming that her accusations of sexual harassment caused a cascade of harm, and ruined him both personally and professionally.

In a summons and notice filed Thursday morning and obtained by The Independent, Cuomo insists Bennett directly undermine[d] her own allegations in tens of thousands of contemporaneous text and video messages, and that she withheld this evidence from New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who found that the ex-governor made inappropriate advances toward multiple women working under him. Jamess investigation also found that Cuomo retaliated against at least one of his accusers for going public with her complaints.

Among other things, the false accusations she publicized in the national media were a significant factor in calls for an investigation into Governor Cuomos conduct, Cuomos filing states.

Public pressure following Jamess report led Cuomo to step down from office in 2021. He has recently floated the possibility of mounting a political comeback, generating speculation  and constenation among Democrats  that he may run for New York City mayor. Another of the former governors accusers, ex-aide Brittany Commisso, said she found Cuomos desire to reenter politics sad.

Cuomos filing, docketed in New York State Supreme Court, calls Jamess findings biased, misleading, and inaccurate, and slams the AG for taking Bennett at her word without obtaining or reviewing substantial material relevant evidence.

On Thursday, Cuomos attorney, Rita Glavin, declined to comment on the filing, telling The Independent, Were just going to let this one speak for itself.

Debra Katz, Bennetts attorney, said in a statement that sexual harassment accusers have long been subjected to defamation suits to silence and punish them, adding, It is shameful that Mr. Cuomo has apparently now chosen to go down that path.

open image in gallery Onetime aide Charlotte Bennett claims former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed her in the statehouse ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

In an emailed statement to The Independent, former NYS State Senate staffer Erica Vladimer, who co-founded the Sexual Harassment Working Group in 2018 after allegedly receiving an unwanted advance from her then-boss, called Cuomos intention to sue outrageous, and said he is using the judicial system to further victimize Charlotte Bennett... while threatening anyone else into silence.

Bennett, 28, filed a federal sex harassment lawsuit against the 67-year-old Cuomo in September 2022 but voluntarily dropped it earlier this month. In a statement issued December 9, the day she withdrew her suit, Bennett said, Former Governor Andrew Cuomo can no longer use this lawsuit to harass me and my family. His abusive filings and invasive subpoenas are meant to humiliate and retaliate against me and those who have supported me over the last five years of this living nightmare Throughout this extraordinarily painful two year case, Ive many times believed that Id be better off dead than endure more of his litigation abuse, which has caused extraordinary pain and expense to my family and friends. I desperately need to live my life. Thats the choice I am making today.

Katz, in her own companion statement, said Cuomo had made an astonishing number of invasive discovery requests and outrageous statements in pleadings to embarrass and humiliate Bennett, including requests for medical records from gynecologists dating back to when she was still a minor.

This fishing expedition was designed to dig up material to smear our client and distract from the fact that Mr. Cuomo did, as the New York Attorney Generals Office concluded after a lengthy investigation, sexually harass Ms. Bennett and at least 11 other women, Katz said.

Cuomos filing on Thursday contends that Bennett dismissed the suit in order to shield the overwhelming evidence of her false claims from ever becoming public. The filing takes exception to the December 9 statements themselves, calling them false and defamatory. He now says Bennett embellished her claims against him, and weaponized light moments in the office by deeming them humiliating and demeaning.

Cuomo claims that Bennett in fact told family and friends at the time that she found these interactions to be hilarious.

Cuomo argues that Bennett was the one who intentionally and deliberately initiated personal conversations about her personal life, including one in which she confided that she was a sexual assault survivor. While Bennett later said that the conversation made her feel uncomfortable, Cuomos Thursday court filing claims Bennett said on video that it was amazing. She also said Cuomo made suggestive comments to her, such as a remark about the large size of his hands.

In a 2021 interview with The New York Times, Bennett said Cuomo inquired about her personal life, telling her that he was amenable to having a relationship with a woman in her 20s. Cuomo denied any improprieties, telling the Times that he believed he was mentoring Bennett, and that he never made advances toward Ms. Bennett, nor did I ever intend to act in any way that was inappropriate.

open image in gallery Cuomo resigned in August 2021 in the wake of multiple womens claims of lewd behavior ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Bennett said at the time that she understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me, and said this made her feel horribly uncomfortable and scared. A week after she complained to Cuomos then-chief of staff, Bennett was transferred out of Cuomos office to another job, which she described in her federal suit as retaliation.

However, Cuomos Thursday filing slams Bennett for the claim, saying she had wanted and sought such a new position for some time and specifically requested that position, and goes on to accuse Bennett of seeking a payday.

Cuomo further accuses Bennett of turning on him after asking him to review a speech she planned to deliver at Hamilton College in May 2020, claiming she became upset when his feedback was critical rather than laudatory. In other conversations Bennett flagged as bothersome, Cuomo argues he was simply trying to check on Bennetts emotional well-being after she showed up to work appearing physically unwell and after he heard that she was engaging in impulsive and reckless behavior in or around the workplace.

Bennett enjoyed the media spotlight, and she and her agents gave numerous public interviews, including on national television broadcasts, repeating her false claims, Cuomos filing contends. From day one, Governor Cuomo denied ever having sexually harassed Bennett (or anyone else).

Cuomo says in the filing that he fully intends to clear his name, and that he wants to ensure that Bennett and her agents never again repeat the falsehood that he sexually harassed Bennett. He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages to be determined in court.

Bennetts lawsuit against New York State, her former employer, remains open.
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A 139-year-old Massachusetts paper was slated to publish its last editition Wednesday, after it agreed to a $1.1 million settlement in a defamation case filed by the mayor of the city of Everett, who accused the publication of falsifying quotes as part of a brutal smear campaign.

What the Everett Leader Herald, its owner, and its publisher and editor did to my family and me  publishing article after article, accusation after accusation about me that they knew were false, that they knew they had no basis for, for the avowed purpose of destroying my reputation to serve their own personal financial interest  wasnt just dishonest. It was corrupt, Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria said at a press conference after the settlement.

The settlement, announced Monday, ended a defamation suit originally filed in 2021, in which DeMaria accused the Leader Heralds publisher and editor, Joshua Resnek, and owner, Mathew Philbin, of regularly putting out articles they knew to be false.

The pieces dubbed the mayor Kickback Carlo and accused him of taking bribes and committing extortion.

In the course of the suit, Resnek admitted to working to drop bombs on the mayor by writing false stories ahead of a mayoral primary.

The complaint alleged the men went after DeMaria in retaliation for the mayor not supporing Philbins business interests.

Each week, 52 times a year, I invent the Leader Herald  The mayor is my enemy  It takes me two days away from important writing every week to create this s***, Resnek wrote in one email included in court documents, according to Boston.com.

The Independent has contacted Resnek for comment.

He apologized for his conduct last year, saying he was embarrassed.

The Independent was unable to contact Philbin for comment.

With the demise of the Leader Herald, which began printing in 1885, the city is down to two local news publications.

It will be very hard to find either local paper writing anything that isnt pro-mayor or pro-administration, Everett resident Paula Sterite told WGBH this week. Were stuck with propaganda.

Observers said the case was a textbook example of defamation, which relies on showing an individual had actual malice in deliberately spreading false information that damages someones reputation.

You will not find a clearer example of actual malice, Northeastern journalist professor Dan Kennedy wrote in a recent blog post.

DeMarias attorney said he worries the newspapers fabrications will further harm Americans trust in journalism.

I, like other people, note the lack of trust that Americans have in the media, wrongly or rightly or both, Jeff Robbins told the Boston Globe. This is the kind of set of facts which really does damage to journalists who work their tails off to do the right thing.
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Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will now face federal charges in addition to the New York state murder indictment already brought against him, according to reports.

Federal charges  which will be brought by prosecutors from the US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, according to The New York Times  would potentially allow prosecutors to pursue the death penalty should Mangione, 26, ultimately be found guilty of murder, capital punishment having been outlawed in New York for decades.

According to documents unsealed on Thursday, and a sworn affidavit by an FBI agent, federal prosecutors intend to charge him with murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges and a firearms offense.

The documents do not specify whether the death penalty will be sought, with the matter likely to be decided by incoming president Donald Trumps new-look Justice Department next year.

The development comes after Mangione appeared in a Pennsylvania courtroom on Thursday and formally waived his right to an extradition hearing before being returned to New York.

open image in gallery A court sketch shows Luigi Mangione being led out of Pennsylvania court after waiving his right to an extradition hearing ( REUTERS )

Earlier this week, the suspect was formally indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on three murder charges over the attack on Thompson, 50, who was shot dead outside of the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4 by a masked assailant armed with a handgun who had lain in wait for him.

The incident led to a five-day manhunt, culminating in Mangione being arrested at a branch of McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9 after local police received a tip-off from a fellow customer responding to an image of the shooter circulated by the NYPD.

He was found to have a pistol, ammunition and fake identification cards about his person, as well as a 262-word manifesto denouncing the American healthcare system, having recently undergone back surgery.

In bringing the charges, Bragg called the episode a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.

The toughest penalty Mangione could face in state court, should he be convicted of Thompsons murder, would be life imprisonment without parole, which the Justice Department could deem insufficient.

open image in gallery Luigi Mangione leaves Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, on Thursday December 19 2024 ( AP )

The state case will proceed in parallel with any federal case, said Danielle Filson, a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorneys Office.

This defendant brazenly shot Mr Thompson point blank on a Manhattan sidewalk.

The Manhattan DAs office, working with our partners at the NYPD, is dedicated to securing justice for this heinous murder with charges of murder in the first degree.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mangiones lawyer, said in a statement that the Southern Districts involvement in the case raised a number of issues she found disconcerting.

The federal governments reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns, she said. We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.

open image in gallery Officers stand outside the federal courthouse in Manhattan, where Luigi Mangioni is set to be arraigned on charges including murder ( REUTERS )

The suspects supporters continue to donate generously to a defense fund set up on his behalf after he became a problematic folk hero to some during his flight from justice.

The anonymous fund, The December 4th Legal Committee, had amassed almost $157,000 in donations via the crowdfunding website GiveSendGo at the time of writing.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has already been forced to denounce vigilante justice in response to the dark fandom Mangione has attracted.

In America, we do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint, he said in the aftermath of the suspects arrest.

In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this: he is no hero.
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Luigi Mangione, the suspect at the center of the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting, has received over 100 pieces of mail just over a week after he was taken into custody.

A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections confirmed the news to The Independent.

As of Thursday morning, Mangione had received 54 emails, 87 pieces of mail and 163 deposits into his commissary account, an account that allows inmates to purchase items from behind bars. The spokesperson did not confirm how much money was in the account.

Mangione was being held in pre-trial detention at a state correctional facility in Huntingdon before he was extradited on Thursday to New York, where hes been charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson, the healthcare companys CEO, on December 4 in Manhattan.

The suspects mail will be forwarded to his detention facility in New York.

The alleged assassin has drawn wide attention from internet admirers after he was taken into custody at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania last week. Upon his arrest, online retailers began hawking merchandise featuring Mangiones mugshot and the words Free Luigi.

open image in gallery Protestors stand outside a Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, on December 19 2024 ( AFP via Getty )

Moreover, his Pennsylvania attorney told reporters he had to decline offers from strangers to fund Mangiones legal bills. Even so, his supporters managed to raise over $100,000 for a defense fund.

The suspect appeared in court on Thursday, where he waived his right to extradition. Hes now being transported to New York to face charges of murder in the first degree in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of murder in the second degree.

Upon his arrest on December 9, Pennsylvania officials hit him with charges of forgery, firearms not to be carried without a license, tampering with records or identification, possessing instruments of crime and false identification to law enforcement authorities.

Hes also facing the following federal charges: murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges and a firearms offense.

The Independent has emailed Mangiones attorney for comment.

The 26-year-olds alleged crime has left the internet divided. Some people believe the murder is a manifestation of the outrage felt by many US residents over the state of the healthcare industry. UnitedHealthcare reportedly denies more claims than other insurers.

open image in gallery Mangione leaves at Blair County Courthouse in Pennsylvania on Thursday ( AP )

Additionally, 41 per cent of voters between 18 and 29 think the killing was acceptable or somewhat acceptable, according to an Emerson College poll published this week.

A handwritten manifesto found by police outlined his frustration against the healthcare industry, officials said.

I do apologize for any strife and trauma but it had to be done, Mangione allegedly wrote. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming. A reminder: the US has the #1 most expensive healthcare system in the world, yet we rank roughly #42 in life expectancy.

One friend told the weekly magazine People that Mangione had complained of a recent spinal injury that made dating and physical intimacy unlikely, causing him to become depressed.

The alleged killer was not insured by UnitedHealthcare at the time of the shooting and had reportedly not been in contact with his family leading up to the murder, prompting his parents to hire a private investigator to locate him, outlets have reported.

In a statement following his arrest, Nino Mangione, a Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates and the suspects cousin, released a statement on behalf of the family.

Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione, the statement read. We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigis arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.

In an op-ed published in The New York Times following the murder, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty called for reform to the healthcare industry.

We know the health system does not work as well as it should, and we understand peoples frustrations with it. No one would design a system like the one we have. And no one did. Its a patchwork built over decades, Witty wrote.

Mangione is due to appear in federal court on Thursday in New York.
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The teacher who was killed in the Wisconsin school shooting has been named as 42-year-old Erin Michelle West, the Dane County Medical Examiners Office confirmed on Wednesday night.

West was a substitute coordinator at Abundant Life Christian School, according to the schools staff directory.

ALCS is a better school for the work of Erin West. She brought her love of Jesus and love of people to our staff and school family all wrapped in a hug and topped with a smile, the school said in a statement to NBC News.

She served our teachers and students with grace, humor, wisdom, and  most importantly  with the love of Jesus. Her loss is a painful and deep one and she will be greatly missed not just among our staff, but our entire ALCS family, the statement read.

Earlier on Wednesday evening Rubi Vergara, 14, was named as the student who was killed in the deadly attack on Monday.

open image in gallery Erin West, a substitute coordinator, was killed in shooting at Abundant Life Christian School ( ACLS )

Police identified 15-year-old Natalie Samantha Rupnow as the shooter at the Christian school, but have yet to reveal a motive following the violence.

West and Vergara were both pronounced dead at the scene.

The medical examiners office confirmed to The Independent that West and Vergara died due to gunshot wounds.

Their deaths remain under investigation by the Madison Police Department and the Dane County Medical Examiners Office.

Its not immediately clear whether the pair were targeted by Rupnow. Authorities have said they dont know whether the pair were singled out or whether they were caught up in the violence, Madison Police Department Chief Shon Barnes previously said.

open image in gallery Rubi Vergara, 14, was killed in Mondays attack ( Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care )

Deterimining the motive behind the deadly attack is a top priority for police, Barnes has said. Earlier this week, it appeared that the shooters motivation may have been a combination of factors, he said.

Charles Moore, the leader of Madison Christian schools, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at a vigil on Tuesday night that the community was in complete shock.

Its hard to comprehend the shock, Moore said. There are still some very, very injured children in the hospital. It doesnt end on the first day, in the first couple of minutes. Lives have been torn apart.

The school will remain closed until after the Christmas break, Moore confirmed.

open image in gallery Tributes outside the school where a student and teacher were killed ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The Madison Police Department shared a statement following the identification of the two victims of the shooting.

Our department is committed to transparency and will continue to release information that can be used to improve public safety, the statement posted on Facebook said.

This must be balanced, however, with our commitment to the victims and survivors of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. Two people died and six others were injured during this shooting. Additionally, evidence suggests the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police added that the incident is now in the investigation phase and information released will be limited.

This phase takes time, the statement added. We recognize people have questions, and we will answer them in due time. Until then we ask you keep the victims and survivors in mind and respect their right to privacy.

Police had previously refused to reveal the identities of the victims.

When pressed about their identities at a Tuesday press conference, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway told reporters that it was absolutely none of yalls business who was harmed in this incident.
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Natalie Samantha Rupnow opened fire in the hallways of Abundant Life Christian School, killing herself and two others and injuring six more. The story of school shootings, sadly, is familar. But Rupnows age, gender and other demographic features, surprisingly, are.

The 15-year-old girl brought a handgun to the private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, Monday, killing a classmate and a teacher. Her motive and her relationship to the victims are not currently known.

The tragedy marks yet another grim statistic in American history  it is the 426th school shooting since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, a Washington Post analysis found. But Rupnow herself complicates other statistics, as she doesnt align with what data show about school shooters.

For one, Rupnow was a girl.

Just 4 percent of all school shooters since Columbine are female; she was one of just eight female school shooters in that timeframe, according to the Posts analysis. Research by Everytown for Gun Safety similarly showed that in 544 incidents of gunfire on school grounds since 2013, 25 were female  less than 5 percent.

open image in gallery Natalie Rupnow, 15, seen here four months prior to gunning down multiple classmates and a teacher. She defied the typical numbers associated with school shooters in several ways ( Facebook/Jeff Rupnow )

This gender divide is also seen in other kinds of shootings. Of the 197 mass shooting incidents tracked by the Violence Prevention Project since 1966, only four shooters were female, one was transgender and 192 were male.

Statistically, it is very rare that a school shooter is female, John Feinblatt, president of Everytown, told The Independent in a statement. Nonetheless, we cant lose sight of what really matters: no child should be dodging bullets while at school and no teenager should be able to get their hands on a gun.

At age 15, Rupnow is also younger than the average school shooter  but shockingly, not by much.

The median age of a school shooter is 16, according to the Post.

While Wisconsin law provides some exceptions  allowing people under 18 to be armed so long as the weapon is used during target practice under the supervision of an adult or for someone in the armed forces  generally under both federal and Wisconsin statutes, its illegal for minors to possess handguns.

open image in gallery Mourners gather for a candlelight vigil at the Wisconsin State Capitol building a day after a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, in Madison, Wisconsin. The shooting was an outlier from others in several ways including location ( REUTERS )

Still, more than half of the countrys school shootings were carried out by children, according to the Post. The question of how so many minors have been able to get their hands on firearms could be explained by the finding that 76 percent of school shooters obtained their gun from the home of a parent or relative, according to a 2019 Secret Service analysis.

Its not immediately clear how Rupnow came in possession of the handgun that she used to carry out the mass killing. Wisconsin law also makes it illegal to recklessly store or leave a loaded firearm within the reach or easy access of a child  but a child is defined as a person under 14.

Madison Police have asked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to expedite the process to determine how it got from a manufacturer all the way to the hands of a 15-year-old girl, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes told CNN.

Months before the shooting, Jeff Rupnow, the teens father, posted a photo on Facebook in August capturing her wielding a shotgun and shooting clay pigeons at a local gun club.

Law enforcement and the DAs office will want to look at if the parents may have been negligent, Barnes told the outlet. But at this time, that does not appear to be the case.

Her parents have not been formally accused of any wrongdoing.

open image in gallery Of the 491 mass shootings in 2024 so far, only eight have occurred in Wisconsin ( Getty Images )

The location of the shooting was also a rarity.

Gun deaths in Wisconsin are quite rare. The Midwestern state ranks 37th-highest in terms of gun deaths, according to Everytown. Across the country, states in the southeast have seen higher rates of school shootings since 2008, a CNN analysis found.

Of the 491 mass shootings in 2024 so far, only eight have occurred in Wisconsin, according to data from Gun Violence Archive. Of the reported 2,974 school shootings since 1966, 48 of them happened in the state, according to the K-12 school shooting database. By contrast, California and Texas were home to the most school shootings, with 277 and 237, respectively.

Rupnow may be an outlier, but gun violence at schools is all too common  and becoming more prevalent every year. This year has seen 205 incidents of gunfire on school grounds across the U.S., the most incidents in one year in the 11-year period tracked by Everytown.

Gun violence is the number one killer of kids in this country, and we know how to solve it, Brady United Against Gun Violence President Kris Brown said in a statement. We owe it to our children to stop the next tragedy before it starts.
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The 15-year-old shooter who killed a teacher and a student in a shooting at a private K-12 school in Madison, Wisconsin, had a turbulent homelife, according to reports.

Police identified Natalie Samantha Rupnow as the shooter at the Christian school, but have yet to reveal a motive following the deadly attack at Abundant Life Christian School around 11 a.m on Monday.

Six people were taken to nearby hospitals after the shooting with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. The victims have not yet been identified.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said Rupnows motive may have been a combination of factors and that police were talking to students to determine whether Rupnow had been bullied.

The teenager was reported to have had a difficult life at home, according to court documents seen by the Washington Post. Rupnows parents, Melissa and Jeff Rupnow, divorced and remarried multiple times, and their daughter was in therapy, The Post reported.

Facebook photos surfaced Tuesday of Rupnow at a firing range pointing a gun and wearing a t-shirt similar to one worn by the Columbine killer Eric Harris. Harris and classmated Dylan Klebold fatally shot 12 students and a teacher and wounded 24 others at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado in 1999.

Harris was fond of wearing shirts featuring graphics from the KMFDM German rock band, which was originally known as Kein Mehrheit Fur Die Mitleid, which loosely translates to no pity for the majority. Rupnow also wore a KMFDM shirt when she was photographed with the gun.

open image in gallery Natalie Rupnow, 15, seen here four months prior to gunning down multiple classmates and a teacher ( Facebook/Jeff Rupnow )

Who is the suspected shooter?

Rupnow was encouraged by her father to practice her weapons-handling skills in the months leading up to Mondays bloodshed, according to a review of his online activity.

In August, Jeff Rupnow - who was unable to be reached on Tuesday - posted a photograph on Facebook of what appears to be his shotgun -wielding daughter shooting clay pigeons at a local gun club.

Is that kiddo? a friend commented.

Sure is!!!! Rupnow, the father of one, replied. We joined NBSC this spring and we have been loving all [sic] every second of it!

In the photo on her fathers Facebook page, Natalie Rupnow is wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the logo of the venerable German electro-industrial band KMFDM.

The top is similar to ones worn by teenage mass shooter Eric Harris, who in 1999, with classmate Dylan Klebold, shot and killed 15 students at Littleton, Colorados Columbine High School.

After the Columbine massacre, the members of KMFDM  which stands for Kein Mehrheit fur die Mitleid, which translates to No Pity for the Majority  condemned the bloodshed, calling themselves sick and appalled by what had happened.

Turbulent home life

Court documents show that Rupnow had a turbulent home life, according to the Washington Post.

Natalie Rupnows parents, Melissa and Jeff Rupnow, reportedly divorced and remarried multiple times. Their daughter enrolled in therapy to guide her through their custody arrangements, according to the newspaper.

The paper reported that the documents point to an unsettled childhood for Rupnow, whose parents custody agreements sometimes forced her to move between their homes every two or three days.

They reportedly divorced for the first time in 2014 and agreed to joint legal custody of their daughter. It was agreed that she would primarily live with her mother.

They remarried in 2017 and divorced for a second time in 2020. They were to divide custody of Natalie evenly, the court records reportedly show.

After they split up for the second time, they briefly remarried again. By April 2021, they were petitioning for a third divorce, the Post reports.

The Post was unable to reach Melissa Rupnow or Jeff Rupnow, who are both reported to be cooperating with police.

The teens father was speaking with police Monday evening, in what Barnes called a long conversation.

We have no reason to believe they have committed a crime at this time, Barnes said on Monday of the family.

The chief urged the public to disregard fast-moving, unverified online speculation that the shooter was transgender.

I dont think that whatever happened today has anything to do with how she, or he, or they may have wanted to identify, Chief Barnes said. I wish people would kind of leave their own personal biases out of this. We have people who have yet another school shooting in Madison. Thats where my focus will be for the very near future.

Did the suspected shooter attend the school?

The suspected shooter attended Abundant Life Christian School, according to police. Authorities said Rupnow was present at the school the morning of the shooting.

We believe the shooter was at school, Barnes. We have no information that there was some kind of breach at the school.

The private school, founded in 1978, has roughly 400 students. The schools website describes it as a community Christian school with the vision of providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment for families in the greater Dane County area.

Who are the victims?

Officials said the victims were a student and a teacher at the school, though police have yet to release further identifying details about those killed and wounded.

Of the six people injured in the shooting, two are in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, and four sustained non-life-threatening wounds, Barnes added.

Two of the four who sustained lesser injuries have been released from the hospital, Barnes said later on Monday.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Barnes added: The Madison police department is committed to transparency and will continue to release information that can be used to improve public safety. This must be balanced against our commitment to the victims of this horrific crime and the need to do a thorough and complete investigation.

I ask for you to keep the victims in your mind and respect their right to a thorough investigation.

At the same conference Madison Mayor Satya-Rhodes Conway also snapped at reporters, telling them that it was absolutely none of yalls buisness who was harmed, after officials declined to identify the two victims. She also urged media outlets to have human decency and respect for the families involved.

How did the shooting take place?

open image in gallery Two people, along with the shooter, were killed at Abundant Life Christian School ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The shooting took place inside of a study hall room where students of multiple grades were present. A second grade teacher was the one who called 911 and alerted police to the shooting.

Officers arrived at the school about three minutes after the 911 call and immediately entered the school.

What kind of weapon was used in the shooting?

A handgun was recovered at the scene of the shooting, Barnes said. Officials are working to trace the source of the weapon.

Police do not yet know how Rupnow obtained the weapon.

Has a motive been identified?

At a press conference on Tuesday, Barnes said that the motive behind the shooting appeared to have been a combination of factors that may have included bullying.

Identifying a motive is our top priority, but at this time, it appears that the motive was a combination of factors, he told reporters. We cannot share that information at this time because we do not want to jeopardize the investigation and those who are currently cooperating with us.

open image in gallery Police have not yet released a motive for the school shooting ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Barnes added that police were talking to students about whether bullying may have been a factor in the shooting.

Police said previously they do not know whether the shooting had a specific target.

Barnes also added that investigators were looking into Rupnows social media accounts. He said police were aware of a document being circulated on social media that had been referred to as a manifesto, but added that officials had not been able to verify its authenticity.

We have detectives working today to determine where this document originated, and who actually shared it online, he said.

How is the community reacting?

open image in gallery A resident places some flowers outside the Abundant Life Christian School on Tuesday, following the deadly shooting on Monday ( AP )

The shooting hit a community that has already seen mass gun violence this year, after a dozen people were wounded over the summer in a shooting at a rooftop party in Madison.

Satya-Rhodes Conway said on Monday the incident was an incredibly sad day for our community and a reminder of the need for reform to stop gun violence. I am on record that I think we need to do better in our country and our community to prevent gun violence, she said at a press conference. And I hoped that this day would never come in Madison.

Wisconsin congressman Representative Mark Pocan also posted an online message after the shooting.

open image in gallery Families attend a vigil for the victims of the Madison school shooting ( AP )

Thoughts and prayers without action means more school shootings, more dead kids. More ACTION is needed by our elected officials. And more BACKBONE to stand up to gun manufacturers, he wrote on X. This is uniquely a United States problem that doesnt have to happen.

Barnes said Monday: We have to use our resources when we see things that may being going wrong or someone who may be going off the beaten path. Thats the charge really to our country now, and we have to do a better job of taking care of each other.

He said that all of the children at the school had been reunited with their parents. The children are now the latest group of survivors of a school shooting, he noted.

Local residents were shocked by the shooting.

I didnt want to believe it. First I thought it was an accident, Gary Herrmann, who lives nearby, told WMTV. And then when I heard shooter, thats when it really hit me.

A vigil for the victims was held on Tuesday night on the grounds of the states capital, while tributes were placed outside the school.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org.

This article was amended after police clarified who made the initial 911 phone call.
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Oklahoma cops have arrested a man that they believe murdered three elderly people during a crime spree Wednesday.

Richard Dewayne Chambers, 42, of Oklahoma City, was captured near Non, a community in southern Hughes County  approximately 100 miles southeast of Oklahoma City  at around 8:15 a.m. on December 19 following a frantic overnight manhunt, according to the Hughes County Sheriffs Office.

The assailant is being held on suspicion of gunning down 84-year-old Robert Peliti and 70-year-old Jackie Peliti, of County Road 1512, Allen at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.

But in a shocking revelation, only discovered upon finding the deceased elderly pair, police suspect Chambers unleashed a fatal attack on 62-year-old Annie Brown in Midwest City, hours before he killed the Pelitis in Pontotoc County.

The killings began when he reportedly shot and murdered Brown  whose backyard he had been living in  stole her car and drove towards the Pottawatomie and Pontotoc counties.

open image in gallery Chambers was arrested Tuesday night and taken to the Pontotoc County jail for the pending charges, said the Hughes County Sheriffs Office ( Hughes County Sheriffs Office )

Upon arrival, he began knocking on doors and asking local residents for gas for Browns vehicle said Pontotoc County Undersheriff Arnold Scott to The Ada News.

He eventually stopped at a womans home in Ada at around 9 p.m to ask for fuel, said initial reports. But the woman  who wished to remain anonymous  claimed she didnt have any and encouraged Chambers to ask her neighbors who were more likely to have some  the Pelitis.

However, little did she know that they would become his next victims, said Scott.

As her concerns mounted, the woman who lived by herself alerted her boyfriend  who also lives in Ada. He then reportedly traveled to the Pelitis home and encountered Chambers, said police.

The boyfriend reportedly attempted to blockade Chambers vehicle but he managed to escape and fled east along Oklahomas State Highway 1.

It was at this time when Pontotoc County sheriffs deputies were called to the brutal scene where they discovered the Peliti couple gravely injured and bloodied with gunshot wounds, reported The Ada News.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Public Information manager Hunter McKee told the outlet: [Jackie Peliti] was pronounced dead at the scene. [Robert Peliti] was transported to a local hospital, where he later passed away.

open image in gallery The 42-year old double homicide suspect was eventually found hiding in a barn near the community of Non, officials shared ( Hughes County Sheriffs Office )

It remains unclear how but police were able to connect Chambers vehicle registration details with the owner Annie Brown  prompting calls to the Midwest City Police Department to request a welfare check.

This is when Midwest police officers reportedly discovered Browns dead body with what appeared to be a gunshot wound, said Midwest City police to Ada News.

As the night unfolded, Chambers was quickly discovered by Hughes County sheriffs deputies parked on the shoulder of a highway but managed to flee again on foot into a wooded area, said Scott.

A manhunt ensued near Non and he was eventually found hiding in a barn.

Multiple law enforcement officers were involved in the multicounty operation.

Chambers was arrested and taken to Pontotoc County jail for the pending charges, said the Hughes County Sheriffs Office.

Pontotoc County District Attorney Erik Johnson is reportedly planning to file murder charges for his alleged crimes, reports Ada News.

The Independent contacted Midwest City police and Pontotoc County Sheriffs Office for information.
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A student and a teacher who were killed during the deadly shooting that occurred at the Abundant Life Christian School on Monday in Madison, Wisconsin, have been identified.

Teacher Erin West, 42, and student Rubi Vergara, 14, have been named as the victims who were killed after 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow opened fire. Six others were injured in the tragedy.

The teenage shooter died during the incident from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Heres what we do know about the victims so far:

Who are the victims?

Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, was a freshman at the school and an avid reader, loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band, according to her obituary which was shared on Wednesday evening.

It added that she was an animal lover, and shared a special bond with her beloved pets, Ginger (cat) and Coco (dog).

Her aunt, Stacy Remus, paid tribute to the student on Facebook.

open image in gallery Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, was killed in Mondays shooting ( Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care )

Friends and family ... here it is. This is our beautiful Rubi Vergara, our niece who was killed in Mondays school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Remus wrote.

We are grateful for our friends, family and Bluff View Church family for your support during this hard time. And by the way .... Jesus is Still on the Throne and God is Good. Rubi, there are very few words to express how our hearts are broken. We love you and miss you.

Vergaras uncle, Andrew Remus, added: My niece. Thank you for all the prayers, texts and messages. The community of Madison has been incredible [sic] gracious to our family.

The school told NBC News in a statement: Her gentle, loving, and kind heart was reflected in her smile. Rubi was a blessing to her class and our school. She was not only a good friend, but a great big sister.

The teacher who was killed was also named on Wednesday evening as 42-year-old Erin Michelle West, the Dane County Medical Examiners Office confirmed.

open image in gallery Erin West, a 42-year-old substitute coordinator, was killed in the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School ( Abundant Life Christian School )

West was a substitute coordinator at Abundant Life Christian School, according to the schools staff directory.

ALCS is a better school for the work of Erin West. She brought her love of Jesus and love of people to our staff and school family all wrapped in a hug and topped with a smile, the school said in a statement to NBC News.

West served our teachers and students with grace, humor, wisdom, and  most importantly  with the love of Jesus. Her loss is a painful and deep one and she will be greatly missed not just among our staff, but our entire ALCS family, the school said.

Madison Police Department Chief Shon Barnes previously said authorities dont know whether the pair were singled out by Rupnow, or whether they were simply caught up in the violence, adding that the shooters motivation may have been a combination of factors.

open image in gallery Police gather at a reunification center after a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin ( EPA )

The shooting took place inside a study hall room where students of multiple grades were present.

Were there other victims?

Six other people were injured in the shooting and were taken to SSM Health St. Marys Hospital in Madison.

Two were initially taken to the hospital in critical condition, with life-threatening injuries, while the other four sustained non-life-threatening wounds, according to the Madison Police Department

In an update on Monday, police chief Shon Barnes said that two of the four who sustained lesser injuries had been released from the hospital. Staff also confirmed that the other two remained in stable condition.

open image in gallery Police at scene of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers were on hand to support victims on Monday, the hospital said in a statement.

A substitute teacher was one of the wounded, police said on Tuesday.

We dont know if there would be a reason to target a (substitute) teacher, in this case, who doesnt have significant ties to the school, Barnes told CNN.
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A Texas corrections officer was killed after he was attacked by an inmate, according to state authorities.

Isaiah Bias, 28, was working at the Ellis County Detention Center Monday when he was tasked with escorting a prisoner, 45-year-old Arron Thompson, to his cell.

According to investigators, Thompson was booked into jail last month on three counts of assault on a public servant and for evading arrest. He has been locked in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, which is why he required inter-prison transport.

Elias County Sheriff Brad Norman said during a press conference that the attack occurred while Bias was moving Thompson back to his cell, Fox 4 News reports.

"He was physically assaulted by an inmate in a cell, holding facility while the officer was doing his job," the sheriff said.

According to an arrest warrant for Thompson, the inmate allegedly punched Bias, knocked him to the ground, and then began choking him and beating him in the head with his fist, knee and foot. After beating Bias and leaving him in a pool of blood, Thompson then allegedly walked off to sit down at a table.

open image in gallery Thompson, the inmate allegedly punched Bias, knocked him to the ground, and then began choking him and beating him in the head with his fist, knee and foot ( Ellis County Sheriffs Office )

Thompson has since been charged with capital murder in Bias's death. He has been arraigned and issued a $2 million bond.

Norman called Thompson "pure evil."

"Most of the time, law enforcement officers and detention officers deal with good folks having a bad day. Occasionally, we deal with bad folks," Norman said. "I can honestly say that my staff over the last day has dealt with pure evil."

Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into the killing. The sheriff said he hoped that Thompson would be executed if convicted.

Bias had just become an uncle the same week he was killed.

"It was a heinous, horrific, purposeful murder that was not needed," the sheriff said. "If I have anything to say about it, [a death penalty sentencing] is exactly what will happen," he said.

Norman's apparent fury is not baseless; the sheriff told reporters that he knew Bias since the deputy was 14 years old. The sheriff said he met Bias while participating in an Explorer career exploration program.

"He wanted to be in law enforcement. He came into work for the jail," Norman said. "You can work in the jail when you are 18. You cant be a peace officer until youre 21."
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An active-duty Marine has been charged with the murder of a missing reality star and escort after her body was discovered in an Alabama pond.

Willie Richard Ellington, 20  who was stationed at NAS Pensacola, on Floridas Gulf Coast  was charged with first-degree murder and possession of child pornography Saturday, said the Escambia County Sheriffs Office in a Facebook post Thursday.

Ellington is alleged to have murdered missing 26-year-old Tshey Ronaie Bennett  a mother of one  after the pair met up at the Sweet Dreams Inn in the town of Pensacola along the Sunshine States Panhandle, around 4 p.m. Friday, said police. Investigators believe that she was working as an escort at the time she met up with the suspect.

After suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance her body was found ditched in a pond over 50 miles away across state lines in an abandoned neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, Wednesday, said officials.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones praised the investigative efforts of his office and Escambia County and revealed that a tip-off led them to the suspect.

open image in gallery The 26-year-old moms body was found in a pond in Florida on Wednesday, said police ( Facebook/Abn Tee )

Jones said, as per WKRG: Escambia County investigators tipped us off their suspect might be on a bus scheduled to stop in Opelika.

Our team quickly scrambled to the station and set up a surveillance operation. When the bus arrived, investigators spotted and apprehended a man matching the suspects description.

Officials then found Bennetts body  who they say was murdered in Northwest Florida before her body was bizarrely dumped in Mobile.

Police did not specify how the victims body ended up in the pond nor did they reveal the exact cause and manner of her death.

In the Thursday statement, police shared: Throughout the investigation, it was determined that Tshey Bennett was working as an escort and had met the suspect at the Sweet Dreams Inn at the time of her disappearance.

Her friend, Muranda Newson, posted a heartfelt tribute to the 26-year-old mom and her son on Facebook: I hate that Im typing this. I hate that handsome boy who is hurting.

I really really hate someone did this to you baby you didnt deserve this at all. So sweet so smart so about your money baby I just dont understand.

Bennett had worked as an escort and even made an appearance earlier this year on Season 1 of the HollyHoodTV series Skrippa Bootcamp  a reality television show that followed the lives of 12 women and their exotic dance careers.

Police also shared the investigation had been further complicated by information released prematurely before they were able to notify her family and before investigators were able to locate Ellington.

He is reportedly being held at the Lee County Detention Facility and will face extradition, according to WRBL.
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A 20-year-old man has been detained by authorities in Carlsbad, California, in connection with the deadly school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin.

According to a gun-violence restaining order issued Tuesday and obtained by CBS 8 in San Diego, FBI agents detained Alexander Paffendorf after discovering that Paffendorf had been texting 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow around the time of the shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School on Monday, where she opened fire, killing a student and a teacher. She took her own life, and two students are still hospitalized in critical condition.

Paffendorf was allegedly attempting to coordinate an attack at a government building in San Diego during the shooting, according to authorities. The building was not immediately identified.

open image in gallery A resident places flowers at a memorial site near the site of a deadly school shooting Monday in Madison, Wisconsin. ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

During an FBI interview, Paffendorf admitted to the FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun and that he would target a government building, reads the two-page restraining order, CBS 8 reported.

According to the order, FBI agents saw the messages from Paffendorf to Rupnow.

It was not clear from the order how Paffendorf and Rupnow knew each other. Both the Madison police and the FBI declined to comment when contacted by The Independent.

Paffendorf was seized Tuesday night after a San Diego Superior Court Judge issued the restraining order under Californias red flag gun law. The order required Paffendorf to turn his guns and ammunition into police within 48 hours unless an officer demanded them sooner because he poses an immediate danger to himself and others.

Neighbors told CBS 8 that some 12 police cars descended on the housing complex where Paffendorf lives.

They had their full guns out all over the street, neighbor Alex Gallegos told CBS 8. There were cop cars. Id say about 15 cops here.
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The student who was killed in the Wisconsin school shooting has been identified as Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14.

An obituary released Wednesday named the 14-year-old as one of the victims of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday, the Associated Press reported.

Natalie Samantha Rupnow, 15, opened fire at the Christian school, Madison Police revealed earlier this week. Figuring out the motive behind the deadly attack is a top priority, authorities say.

Vergara was a freshman at the school and an avid reader, loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band, according to the obituary. It added that she was an animal lover, and shared a special bond with her beloved pets, Ginger (cat) and Coco (dog).

open image in gallery Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, was killed in Mondays school shooting ( Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care )

Her family said in the obit that Vergara passed away unexpectedly, and would be deeply missed by her parents, Vicente and Jennifer. It went on to list her grandparents, uncles, aunts and other friends and relatives.

Her aunt, Stacy Remus, paid tribute to the student on Facebook.

Friends and family ... here it is. This is our beautiful Rubi Vergara, our niece who was killed in Mondays school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Remus wrote.

We are grateful for our friends, family and Bluff View Church family for your support during this hard time. And by the way .... Jesus is Still on the Throne and God is Good. Rubi, there are very few words to express how our hearts are broken. We love you and miss you.

Vergaras uncle, Andrew Remus, added: My niece. Thank you for all the prayers, texts and messages. The community of Madison has been incredible [sic] gracious to our family.

Elise McFarlane commented underneath the tribute that Vergara was a beauty inside and out.

The teenagers funeral is scheduled to take place this Saturday, according to the obituary, and the family requested that donations be made to the school instead of flowers.

open image in gallery Supporters hold candles during a candlelight vigil Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, outside the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin following a shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Erin West, a 42-year-old substitute coordinator at Abundant Life Christian School, was also killed in the tragedy, Dane County Medical Examiners Office confirmed Wednesday evening.

ALCS is a better school for the work of Erin West. She brought her love of Jesus and love of people to our staff and school family all wrapped in a hug and topped with a smile, the school said in a statement to NBC News.

Authorities have said they dont know whether Vergara and West were targeted by Rupnow or whether they were caught up in the violence, Madison Police Department Chief Shon Barnes previously said. Six other victims were injured in the shooting.

open image in gallery Erin West, a substitute coordinator, was killed in shooting at Abundant Life Christian School ( ACLS )

Charles Moore, the leader of Madison Christian schools, confirmed that the school would remain closed until after the Christmas break.

Moore told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at a vigil on Tuesday night that the community was in complete shock.

Its hard to comprehend the shock, Moore said. There are still some very, very injured children in the hospital. It doesnt end on the first day, in the first couple of minutes. Lives have been torn apart.

The revelations come after police and the city have refused to reveal the identities of the victims.

When pressed about their identities at a Tuesday press conference, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway told reporters that it was absolutely none of yalls business who was harmed in this incident.
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The moderator of a Reddit forum dedicated to drones has resigned in fury after a deluge of posts from conspiracy theorists about alleged mass drone sightings in New Jersey.

In a blistering note announcing their departure from the subreddit, the moderator said the sightings were all bullshit and declared: I cant stem the tide of dumbness.

To address the obvious: Yes, the current idiotic discourse over nonexistant [sic] swarms of drones in the eastern United States contributed to this choice. Seriously, if you guys were seeing all the posts Ive been removing for the past couple weeks, youd be sick of this place too, he wrote in a farewell post.

His resignation comes after residents across the country began reporting unexplained drones in the sky over the past month. Some lawmakers have joined the fray to demand answers from the federal government.

The moderator, who goes by the screen name Nanosauromo and did not want to share his real name, told The Independent that watching over the subreddit had become unbearable due to hundreds of people posting videos of ordinary passenger planes or their neighbors drones with claims they were UFOs or government surveillance.

Weve always gotten those types of posts, and theres been a rule against them for years, but there was definitely a dramatic increase in the last month or so, he said. If theres something to be learned from this, its that people dont look up very much, and arent aware of just how many lights in the sky were always there.

open image in gallery The moderator announced their decision to quit the subreddit of some 230,000 members on Wednesday. ( Screenshot / Reddit )

Many theories have been advanced by the public to explain the sightings: some believe the drones belong to a foreign adversary, some suspect surveillance by the U.S. government, others believe aliens might be responsible, and one Congressman has gone so far as to claim that an Iranian mothership off the coast of the United States is launching drones.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told CNN last week that many of the sightings were a case of mistaken identity and that Homeland Security is in regular contact with New Jersey officials and has deployed experts and monitoring equipment to the state. We have not seen any unusual activity. We know of no threat. We know of no nefarious activity, he said.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement : We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.

That hasnt stopped people from flooding the r/drones subreddit with videos of alleged sightings.

In a lengthy resignation message titled Actually, you know what, screw it. Im out, the moderator continued:

Ill say basically my final piece on the situation here: Its all bullshit. One or two instances of someone seeing their neighbors drone gets reported on by boring local news, which leads more people to be on the lookout for drones; these people report their own cases of seeing drones that are really videos of ordinary airplanes, helicopters, or stars or planets in the sky (Ive seen countless such pictures and videos and yes, this describes all of them), which leads to more media coverage, which conditions people to think everything they see in the night sky is a drone, taking more videos of manned aircraft and celestial bodies, and the whole thing keeps snowballing until we have the former governor of Maryland claiming hes being spied on by the fucking constellation Orion.

Nanosauromo was the sole moderator of the subreddit, which had over 230,000 members when he resigned. His role has now been filled by six new moderators.

He told The Independent that he started as a moderator on the subreddit in 2020. He had a job filming weddings as a drone videographer a few years earlier and he enjoyed it so much that he bought his own drone and kept flying as a hobby.

When the posts about sightings started getting out of hand, he took measures to lock down the posts, but that only made it worse.

There were a lot of conspiracy nuts telling me stuff like you cant hide the truth and calling me an asshole. If anything, the amount of crap I had to deal with went up, he said.

open image in gallery This photo provided by Brian Glenn shows what appears to be multiple drones flying over Bernardsville, N.J., on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 ( AP )

The purpose of the subreddit is labeled as: Discussion of drones - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and the flying thereof. Most of the posts are technical discussions about hobby drones, images and videos taken by drones and general questions about flying drones.

In an indication that the subreddit is prone to conspiracy theories, one of the forums rules, dubbed Rule 51, states: You are not being stalked by a DJI Phantom.

This is a blanket rule to cover posts by people who think some person or government is spying on them or every tiny light in the sky is a drone. We dont want nonsensical conspiracy talk here, the rule states.

You are probably not interesting enough to be worth spying on. That thing in the sky is probably an airplane. And if a consumer drone was close enough to look in your window, it would be deafening, it continues.

Calm down, and take your vague conspiracy malarkey elsewhere.
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Flight restrictions have been imposed above 22 pieces of critical New Jersey infrastructure like power plants, amid an ongoing panic over numerous potential drones being spotted across the Northeast over the last month.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the restrictions, which bar drone flights within 400 feet of designated sites, came at the request of federal security partners. They last through January 17.

Officials in New Jersey, the center of the drone panic, said the restrictions arent enough to ease the publics concerns about the sightings.

I think the powers-that-be are stonewalling, Mine Hill Mayor Sam Morris told PIX11 News. And I would not stop short of saying I think theyre gaslighting. Theyre trying to now tell people youre not seeing anything. And thats just not true.

Federal officials have sought to assure the public that theres nothing to fear about the drones, many of which they say are authorized flights or other types of normal aircraft being mistaken for drones.

We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement last week.

open image in gallery Drone rules limit flights over critical New Jersey infrastructure like power stations until January

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the department has deployed resources, personnel, and technology to monitor the sightings in New Jersey.

Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones, he recently told ABC News. But theres no question that drones are being sighted.

We deploy personnel, technology, and, if there is any reason for concern, if we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will communicate with the American public accordingly, the secretary added.

Earlier this week, President Biden said all available information suggests "nothing nefarious.

That message of calm hasnt stopped the administration from coming in for bipartisan criticism that it isnt doing enough.

open image in gallery Biden administration officials insist security personnel are monitoring sightings and public has nothing to fear about drones ( AP )

On Wednesday, Senate Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his frustrations after a bill stalled that would let local enforcement track the drones and enhance federal powers to respond.

The people in New York and New Jersey have a lot of questions, and theyre not getting good enough answers, the Democrat said. The utter confusion surrounding these drone sightings shows that the feds cant respond all on their own.

Republican leaders also hammered Biden on the drones.

This is why we need Donald J. Trump back in the White House, to bring a steady hand to the wheel and a strong commander-in-chief. He would have already had the answers, House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox and Friends on Wednesday.

Even more possible drones fly over New Jersey

Since last month, drone sightings have been reported in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, and California.

Conspiracy theories have proliferated about the aircraft, with unsupported speculation that theyre everything from Iranian drones to UFOs to a U.S. government psychological operation.

In the ensuing paranoia, citizens have taken to shining laser pointers at passing aircraft a triple the usual rate, according to the FAA, putting pilots and passengers at risk.
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A dog that ran away from his New Orleans home has been recruited to help beautify the citys downtown  even though hes still on the run.

Scrim, a terrier mutt, has managed to escape shootings, traps and tranquilizer darts to avoid returning to a domestic life.

Now, his image is set to be the mascot of a revitalized Canal Street. His face will be on decorations and signs across the area by April.

The revitalization efforts are part of Celebrate Canal, a nonprofit working to improve the citys pedestrian spots.

The fugitive pooch has won the hearts of New Orleans residents and has become a prominent city figure. Some residents consider him a wild canine destined for a feral life, while others think he should be caught for his own good. As of Saturday, no one had reported seeing him for at least 50 hours.

Sandra Herman, the founder of the nonprofit who picked the dog to be the mascot for the project, told The Advocate that Scrim is a wonderful character.

open image in gallery Scrims image will be used as part of a project to revitalize Canal Street ( AFP via Getty Images )

I just love everything about Scrim, she said. The dog gives city residents a shared experience that brings us together, his ups and downs, victories and losses.

An art consultant group will be tasked with incorporating the dogs image up and down the strip, which serves as a spot for parades and shopping. The designs have not been finalized yet, according to the outlet.

If he dies before the designs are revealed, the project will include a memorial, Herman said.

Scrim was found in a trailer park on Halloween 2023, the outlet reported. A woman involved with his rescue placed him with an adoptive family but he escaped and led rescuers on a six-month search. He was captured once but quickly escaped a second time by diving 13 feet from a window in his rescuers home.

He landed on a concrete path and walked away appearing unharmed. Anyone who spots the dog is being asked not to chase him out of fear he could run into traffic. Instead, people should contact local officials with his location and direction of travel.

Additionally, concerned residents can report sightings on a Google map to track the small dogs wanderings.
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A freight train traveling through Texass Reeves County derailed when it collided with a tractor-trailer, before slamming into a building, authorities said, leaving two people dead and three others injured.

Officials in Pecos City declared a major accident on Wednesday after the train crashed into the towns Chamber of Commerce building near the intersection of Oak Street and Dot Stafford Street.

Union Pacific, based in Omaha, Nebraska, said Thursday that two of its employees had been killed. Pecos Police Chief Lisa Tarango said the other injuries were minor.

We did have a tractor trailer struck by a train which did cause a derailment a little before 5.00 p.m. today, Pecos City manager Charles Lino confirmed to reporters on Wednesday evening after initial reports said the vehicle involved was an 18-wheeler truck.

It is not clear how the tractor-trailer became stuck on the tracks.

open image in gallery Carriages have been left strewn by the roadside after the train derailed ( Reeves County Texas/Facebook )

The Pecos Police Department is now leading the investigation with support from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Video of the collision, which was obtained by NewsWest 9, shows the moment the train barrels into the vehicle. Thats not good, the witness behind the camera says as he watches the collision from his own vehicle.

open image in gallery Emergency services go to work after the derailment, containers are shown stacked on top of each other after the derailment ( Reeves County Texas/FB )

Harrowing footage shared to Facebook by Reeves County officials shows the aftermath of the crash, including train cars strewn beside the tracks. Police, firefighters, ambulances and other vehicles appearing to attempt to clear up the area are also seen in the video.

The public has been urged to avoid the area for safety reasons, authorities said in a public notice on Wednesday evening.

Three train cars that carried potentially hazardous materials were derailed, however, there were no known leaks of the dangerous cargo. The only spillage was diesel from an engine that has since been contained.

Eddie Morales Jr, a local state representative, said on Facebook that he has been contacted by the Texas Department of Emergency Management and local officials.

No other details have been released. An update is expected at 10.00 a.m. local time on Thursday morning.

The Independent has contacted the Pecos Police Department for more information.
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Police have issued a stern warning after residents spotted really big monkeys roaming around a Florida community.

The Orange City Police Department told residents in the town to NOT feed or approach the roaming animals under any circumstances after they received multiple reports of monkey sightings, as shared by the department in a Facebook post Monday.

Local resident Evelyn Coira Arquette told WKMG that she saw a monkey climbing onto her fence. She initially thought it was a cat but was stunned by its size.

"I have three cats, and so I looked at his body and was like, Wow, thats really big. I mean, were talking about four feet, probably long.

He just turned his face and looked at me, and I didnt know what to say.

I didnt know if he was going to come and jump my way. I started backing up, and I just ran for it, she said.

Police did not specify how many monkeys had been sighted or were on the loose.

First sightings initially began on December 13 and similar reports were made to authorities in neighboring cities Deltona and DeBary, Orange County deputies told ABC.

The monkeys, suspected of being rhesus macaques, are believed to be wild.

It is illegal to feed wild monkeys in Florida, and the offense is considered a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine or up to $500 and 60 days in jail, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

People who come into contact with the roaming monkeys are asked to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for assistance, said police.

The sightings follow a shocking incident that unfolded in November when 43 monkeys escaped a research facility in South Carolina  forcing locals to keep windows and doors closed and remain vigilant.

Twenty-five of the monkeys were reportedly recovered, the labs CEO told CBS on November 10.

The Independent contacted Orange City Police Department for further information.
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The Senate has passed a divisive new defense spending bill that directs $895bn towards the Pentagon for the coming year, despite Democratic objections to a provision buried within it that blocks the transgender children of servicemen and women from receiving health coverage to treat gender dysphoria.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed through the House of Representatives last week and the upper chamber of Congress on Wednesday by 85 votes to 14 and will now make its way to President Joe Bidens Resolute Desk in the Oval Office to be signed into law.

But while the NDAA includes such positive measures as pay rises for both junior and senior enlisted members and authorizes $33.5bn for new battleships, $17.5bn for military construction projects and $143bn for research, development and weapons testing, its anti-trans clause, reportedly added at the insistence of House Speaker Mike Johnson, caused disquiet.

The provision blocks TRICARE, the US militarys healthcare plan for its members, from providing medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization for children under 18.

Its inclusion inspired 11 Democrats and three Republicans to vote it down, with Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin, herself a veteran, leading the rebellion on the Senate floor and tabling an amendment to exclude it that was ultimately not granted a vote.

Its flat-out wrong to put this provision in this bill and take away a service members freedom to make that decision for their families, Baldwin said, estimating the acts consequences could impact as many as 6,000 to 7,000 military families.

Its unfortunate that some of our colleagues decided to force this harmful provision in this National Defense Authorization Act, because otherwise, I would have been proud to support it.

Making a case for supporting the bill anyway, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said: Everyone knows this NDAA is not perfect, but it still takes a strong stand against the Chinese Communist Party.

The NDAA includes pay rises for servicemembers and authorizes $33.5bn for for construction of new ships ( Richard A Brooks/AFP/Getty )

He also cited the bill authorizing a Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative, bolstering nuclear modernization and Indo-Pacific sea-power and supporting technological innovation in the military as reasons to back it.

Speaker Johnsons intervention is effectively a watered-down version of a restriction on transgender healthcare in the Armed Forces that House Republicans attempted to introduce in June.

He made two further demands on the NDAA that upset lawmakers: dropping a provision that would have expanded access to IVF for service members and insisting that the overall price of the legislation did not exceed congressionally-imposed limits.

One member of the chamber who was particularly frustrated by the latter was Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has spent his final weeks in Washington arguing for greater military investment in response to a more hostile geopolitical environment, exemplified by the outbreak of wars in Ukraine and Gaza in recent years.

McConnell had wanted the bill to authorize an extra $25bn and said: The absence of the Senate-backed increase to top-line investments will go down as a tremendous missed opportunity.

Artificial budget restraints mean that major bill provisions like a pay raise for enlisted service members will come at the expense of investments in the critical weapons systems and munitions that deter conflict and keep them safe.
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Billionaire Elon Musk saw a sharp 10 percent increase in his odds of being Speaker of the House on Polymarket, the crypto-based betting platform, after several lawmakers suggested him for the job.

Musk, who has quickly ascended as a close ally of Donald Trump, proved just how powerful political influence is this week when he managed to convince Republicans in Congress to oppose the bipartisan spending bill that, if passed, will prevent the government from shutting down.

Wielding his influence on the social media platform he owns, X, Musk sent out more than 150 posts urging Republicans to break from the bill backed by the current Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

This, seemingly, gave some the idea that Musk could serve as a competent speaker.

The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress . . . Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky wrote on X on Thursday morning.

Musk has found considerable influence over president-elect Donald Trump  even becoming co-chair of a government advisory committee ( via REUTERS )

He added, ... think about it . . . nothings impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka uniparty, lose their ever-lovin minds).

Senator Mike Lee of Utah said new leadership in the House felt almost inevitable as Johnson faces doubts within his party. Lee suggested House Republicans look toward Musk or his co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy.

Given theyve all expressed such affection for Vivek and for Elon, let them choose one of them, I dont care which one, to be their speaker, Lee said.

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, another staunch Trump supporter, also floated the idea with a poll on X.

The proposal inspired some to take to Polymarket and place bets on Musk becoming the new speaker.

Between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., Musks odds jumped from one percent to 12 percent.

Polymarket gained traction during the presidential election when an influx of bets placed on Trump winning raised some eyebrows. Those results stood in direct contrast to public polling from universities, media outlets and survey centers which had Vice President Kamala Harris winning.

Ultimately, Trump did win  giving Polymarket a boost in reliability. However, by Thursday afternoon, Musks odds had returned to one percent.

Musk could, in theory, become Speaker of the House. Nothing in the Constitution prevents a non-congressional member from being elected to serve as speaker  so long as they are nominated and win a majority of votes.

However, the Tesla and Space X CEO has specifically taken up an advisory role over an official position in the government. It allows him to have influence and flexibility without dealing with the administrative hurdles that come with holding an official position.
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Democrats have slammed Elon Musk after his opposition to House Speaker Mike Johnsons proposed congressional spending bill led Donald Trump and JD Vance to order Republicans not to support it, leaving the federal government hurtling toward another shutdown.

Johnsons stop-gap continuing resolution (CR) would have bankrolled the government at current funding levels through to mid-March 2025, but the president-elect and his deputys intervention now appears to have tanked its chances of passing in its present form before Fridays deadline, sparking chaos on Capitol Hill.

After Musk spent the day posting comments expressing his objections to the bill on his social media platform X, Trump and Vance weighed in with their own opposition to Johnsons measure, saying it failed to address the national debt ceiling and granted too many concessions to Democrats.

They called on Republicans to abandon it or face a future primary challenge and favor a new streamlined alternative instead.

Leading the Democratic jeering was Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who wrote on X: Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government. The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesnt like it.

Will Republicans kiss the ring? Billionaires must not be allowed to run our government.

Also enjoying the apparent power struggle within the incoming Trump administration and questioning who is really in charge was David Axelrod, former White House adviser to Barack Obama, who asked on X: So will President-elect Musk join the budget negotiations now?

Adding their voices to the row were Democratic representatives Pramila Jayapal and Maxwell Alejandro Frost.

Its clear whos in charge, and its not President-elect Donald Trump, the former wrote.

Shadow President Elon Musk spent all day railing against Republicans CR, succeeded in killing the bill, and then Trump decided to follow his lead.

An unelected billionaire was crowned co-President by the Republican Party, Frost posted.

Theyve given him the influence to make a damn post that throws a spending bill into limbo cause House Republicans are scared of him.

No greater example of oligarchy. Where the ultra-wealthy run the show.

open image in gallery Donald Trump and Elon Musk attend a SpaceX launch in Texas last month ( Reuters )

Republicans were also reportedly left blindsided by Wednesdays developments, according to The Hill.

Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins said she was surprised by the demand.

I was surprised that he wants to move the debt limit vote up to this year, she told reporters. I dont know his rationale.

Her North Carolina GOP counterpart Thom Tillis said he has no problem with the demands made by Trump and Vance but added: I just dont know why Senator [Chuck] Schumer would accept it.

But perhaps the most withering comment of all came from the outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said that his colleagues should not be remotely shocked by disagreement between Musk and Johnson.

Oh, this is the way its going to be next year, McConnell assured a reporter as he left his office for the day, evidently glad to be washing his hands of the infighting by sailing off into retirement.

As McConnell suggested, the row exposes what could prove to be a volatile fault line between two key allies of the new president in Johnson and Musk, head of the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with the former working to find consensus in Congress and negotiate departmental budgets and the other seeking to trim the fat and slash and burn excessive spending wherever he finds it.

open image in gallery Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson once again finds himself under intense pressure ( AP )

Johnson, who met with Vance for an hour last night to attempt to iron out their differences, is already facing speculation that he could now be challenged for the gavel in the new year as he seeks re-election to the speakership, with the MAGA wing of the GOP reportedly drawing up a list of possible candidates to replace him.

Asked about Musks criticism on Fox and Friends earlier in the day, Johnson said he had discussed the matter with the tech mogul and his DOGE colleague Vivek Ramaswamy by text and said: They understand the situation. They said, Its not directed at you, Mr Speaker, but we dont like the spending. And I said, Guess what fellas? I dont either.

Weve got to get this done because, heres the key, by doing this, we are clearing the decks and we are setting up for Trump to come in, roaring back, with the America First agenda.

Thats what were going to run with gusto beginning January 3, when we start the new Congress, when Republicans again wrench control and all of our fiscal conservative friends, Im one of them, will be able to finally do the things that we have been wanting to do for the last couple of years.
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President-elect Donald Trump could face major funding obstacles with his day one plan to carry out mass deportations  a process that could cost an estimated $88 billion  given the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is already facing budget shortfalls.

ICE, the federal agency tasked with handling border crime and enforcing immigration laws, reportedly has a $230 million budget shortfall, two U.S. officials familiar with the figure told NBC News.

That budget shortfall is part of the agencys history of being underfunded while being increasingly utilized. ICE requested $8.7 billion from the government for their 2024 fiscal year but was allocated $8.3 billion.

We are running hot, the two officials told NBC News.

That $230 million shortfall has apparently been a problem for the agency while removing approximately 64,500 undocumented immigrants this year, so far. And thats before Trump implements his new plan to deport an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants.

open image in gallery ICE, the federal agency tasked with handling border crime and enforcing immigration law, has a massive shortfall and it could impact Donald Trumps plans for mass deportations ( AP )

To carry out a mass deportation of its kind, the American Immigration Council, a nonprofit that advocates for fairer immigration policies, estimates it would cost $88 billion  about $80 billion more than what ICE is allocated now.

Trump has insisted there is no price tag on carrying out the deportations and insisted it must be done.

Mass deportations were a centerpiece of Trumps presidential campaign. He jumped from rally to rally, unsubstantiatedly claiming migrants who crossed the border were responsible for sprawling violent crime.

open image in gallery That budget shortfall is part of the agencys history of being underfunded while being increasingly utilized ( EPA )

One way the incoming Trump administration could get around some of the funding problem is by utilizing other federal agencies or local and state law enforcement agencies to assist in apprehending and detaining undocumented immigrants.

Trump has also suggested utilizing the U.S. military to help carry out the operation  as much as it can be used.

Those strategies would help with staffing shortages, which are also bound to be a problem.

It will ultimately be up to Congress to allocate enough funding and resources to ICE to assist in Trumps plan. The president-elect will be taking office next month with a Republican-dominated Senate and House, giving him the upper hand in passing legislation.

Undoubtedly, the president-elect and his administration will attempt to carry out the largest deportation operation in American history, but it will come with massive challenges.
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Mike Johnson could be challenged for the speakers chair in the new year as Republican critics draw up a list of potential replacements, according to reports.

Some rebels in his party are angry at his handling of the stop-gap bill to fund the federal government through March 14, dubbed a dumpster fire by some Republicans.

The bipartisan deal was struck on Tuesday evening and lawmakers have until Friday to approve new spending.

According to Fox News, a number of GOP lawmakers signaled that Johnsons leadership could be challenged over the bill.

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie was the first Republican to say he would not vote for Johnson, Politico also reported.

The speaker definitely has some no votes, and some people considering their options, one House Republican told Fox on the condition of anonymity, while Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina told the outlet: Theres always consequences.

Two GOP lawmakers reportedly told Fox News Digital that House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio, and Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida are being discussed as potential replacements if Johnson were ousted in the House-wide speaker vote on January 3.

But Donalds has not made any statements regarding the future House leadership, a person close to the congressman told Fox, while a spokesperson for Emmer pledged his support to Johnson. Jordan is not interested in challenging Johnson, a source close to him insisted to the outlet.

open image in gallery Names are reportedly being floated to challenge Speaker Mike Johnson, who is facing heat for the stop-gap bill ( Getty Images )

The previous speaker, Kevin McCarthy, was toppled in 2023 by Republican rebels - led by Matt Gaetz - after McCarthy, too, brokered a deal with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown.

The dispute comes against the backdrop of overall government spending, with Elon Musk vowing to cut $2 trillion from Washingtons budget.

The stop-gap bill includes $100 billion for disaster relief and support for farmers among the many provisions outlined across its 1,547 pages. It would also allow a pay hike for the first time since 2009 for members of Congress, who take in $174,000 a year (more for those in leadership roles).

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice-president-elect JD Vance said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon that the bill was a betrayal of our country.

Republicans want to support our farmers, pay for disaster relief, and set our country up for success in 2025, they said. The only way to do that is with a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS combined with an increase in the debt ceiling. Anything else is a betrayal of our country.

open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Johnson is challenged on Fox and Friends on Wednesday. ( Fox News )

Musk also expressed his disapproval of the bill, without going into detail, writing bluntly on his social media platform: This bill should not pass.

Responding to Musks post and the general backlash, Johnson told Fox and Friends on Wednesday morning that he had to get this done.

Weve got to get this done because, heres the key, by doing this, we are clearing the decks and we are setting up for Trump to come in, roaring back, with the America First agenda, Johnson said.

Thats what were going to run with gusto beginning January 3, when we start the new Congress, when Republicans again wrench control and all of our fiscal conservative friends, Im one of them, will be able to finally do the things that we have been wanting to do for the last couple of years, he emphasized.

Johnson concluded: Right now, Democrats still control the fence, and thats the problem. So weve got to get this thing done so we dont have the shutdown.

He is now considering a plan B as the backlash from Trumpworld continues and is looking at a clean continuing resolution, according to The Hill.

It would mean the removal of the additional provisions that were initially included in the spending package.
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Currently under fire following a stunning defamation settlement with President-elect Donald Trump, ABC News star George Stephanopoulos has reached a new multi-year deal with the network, ending speculation that the Good Morning America host could be on his way out.

The Los Angeles Times was the first to report on the Disney-owned networks deal to retain Stephanopoulos.

While the timing of the agreement comes as ABC News faces intense blowback for settling Trumps lawsuit, Stephanopoulos has been in negotiations with the network for at least last month over a renewal that would keep him around for a few more years.

In his Status newsletter last month, Oliver Darcy reported that Stephanopoulos, who was making over $20 million a year, had been offered a deal that will see his salary, like everyone else in the declining television news industry, get a significant haircut. With the possibility of a lower salary on the table, Darcy also reported that Stephanopoulos was potentially looking at a reduced workload at the network. For some time now, the 63-year-old anchor has only hosted the Sunday public affairs show This Week once a month, despite the show bearing his name as lead anchor.

An ABC News spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

open image in gallery George Stephanopoulos with Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey discuss "Build The Life You Want" at The 92nd Street Y in New York City in 2023. He has now reached a new deal with ABC despite a recent settlement with Donald Trump over comments Stephanopoulos made on-air ( Getty Images )

While the terms of the deal have not been released, a source told Variety that the length of the extension was shorter than a typical on-air talent pact  which is another sign of the times for the TV news business. Other high-priced talent across the cable and broadcast news landscape have also seen their salaries slashed.

MSNBCs Rachel Maddow, for instance, agreed last month to a new contract extension that pays her $5 million less a year.

Although the contract extension may have been in the works for some time, it was finalized after ABC News drew significant backlash for agreeing to pay the president-elect $15 million to settle his defamation lawsuit over Stephanopouloss comments last March. Journalists have blasted the networks capitulation to Trump as bending the knee, while legal experts have warned it could have a chilling effect on the media and press freedoms.

Making matters worse for Stephanopoulos, who had vowed after Trump filed his libel claim that he wouldnt be cowed out of doing my job, was the network agreeing to issue a statement of regret over the anchor claiming Trump was found liable for rape in the E. Jean Carroll case. (A jury found that the incoming president was liable for sexual abuse of the writer, but his actions didnt meet New Yorks stringent legal definition of rape.) ABC also agreed to pay Trumps legal team $1 million.

Florida federal Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga denied the companys motion to dismiss the lawsuit, saying a reasonable jury could interpret Stephanopouloss statements as defamatory. She followed that up last week by rejecting Disneys request to delay the case, ordering the immediate depositions of Trump and Stephanopoulos and demanding the company turn over all remaining documents related to the case.

Disney reacted to the most recent setback by entering into settlement talks with Trump, reaching a deal within a day. According to The New York Times, Disney executives concerns involved multiple considerations, and the settlement was approved by Disney CEO Bob Iger and general counsel Horacio Gutierrez.

open image in gallery Although the contract extension may have been in the works for some time, it was finalized after ABC News drew significant backlash for agreeing to pay the president-elect $15 million to settle his defamation lawsuit over Stephanopouloss comments last March ( AFP via Getty Images )

The company was concerned that a jury in Florida  a deep-red state that Mr. Trump carried by 13 points in the election last month  would side with the president-elect and potentially award him a sizable sum exceeding what it would cost to settle, the Times reported. Disney could have appealed, of course, and executives felt the law was on their side. But the appeals process also carried substantial risk, Disney lawyers concluded.

The New York Post later reported that Stephanopoulos had been repeatedly told by an executive producer not to use the word rape during the March interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), a revelation that would have come out in discovery and possibly explains why Iger decided to settle.

Stephanopoulos, meanwhile, felt blindsided and apoplectic over his network capitulating to Trump and issuing a quasi-apology, ABC News insiders and staffers said. After the settlement was announced on Saturday, the anchor deleted his account on X, which boasted 2.3 million followers.

Regardless of the reasons why Disney felt the need to settle with Trump, First Amendment experts are sounding the alarm over the precedent this could set. Especially since the incoming president ramps up his legal threats against news outlets he feels have given him unfair coverage, all while billionaire media moguls have signaled that they are willing to play nice with him.

Many in free press circles are holding their breath, Roy Gutterman, director of the Newhouse Schools Tully Center for Free Speech, told The Independent. There is concern that we are embarking on some scary times.
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President-elect Donald Trump dined with fellow billionaires Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk at Mar-a-Lago Wednesday night - as the Amazon founder became the latest billionaire to visit Mar-a-Lago.

Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, has been appearing to attempt to end his feud with Trump, including by pulling the papers expected endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris before the election. The former CEO of Amazon was seen at the president-elects private Florida club in images shared across social media on Wednesday. He was joined by his fiance Lauren Sanchez.

Trump previously said on NBCs Meet the Press that he was planning to have dinner with Bezos.

It was a great conversation, Musk wrote on X Wednesday night.

open image in gallery President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a news conference at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort on December 16. He recently met with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos at the club. ( Getty Images )

Bezos, the owner of Blue Origin, a rival of Musks SpaceX, is just one of several tech leaders who have been trying to cozy up to Trump after his election victory. Both Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Google leader Sundar Pichai have visited Mar-a-Lago in recent weeks to see Trump.

Meta, Amazon and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have also donated $1 million each to Trumps inauguration.

Bezos had some run-ins with Trump during his first term over The Posts coverage of his administration. But the Amazon founder praised Trump after the assassination attempt against the former president in July.

At The New York Times DealBook conference earlier this month, Bezos said, Im actually very optimistic this time around.

Im very hopeful. He seems to have a lot of energy around reducing regulation, he added. And my point of view, if I can help him do that, Im going to help him. Because we do have too much regulation in this country.

open image in gallery Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post , has been appearing to attempt to end his feud with Trump, including by pulling the papers expected endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris before the election ( Getty Images for The New York Times )

Bezos has also clashed with Musk in the past, but put that aside for the Trump meeting. The Tesla CEO is set to play a large part in the incoming Trump administration. Musk was put in charge of the outside commission the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Musk donated more than $200 million to pro-Trump groups ahead of the election.

Last month, Musk posted that Bezos had told others to sell Tesla and SpaceX stock because Trump would lose the election. Bezos replied, calling the claim 100 percent not true.

The dinner came as Trump and Musk both bashed a spending deal to fund the federal government put forward by Congressional Republicans, possibly leading to a partial shutdown when the deadline passes on Friday night.
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Democrats in the House of Representatives killed a spending deal approved by President-elect Donald Trump with the help of conservative Republicans after Elon Musk scuttled the original bipartisan deal.

The bill failed with all but two Democrats and 38 Republicans voting against it, and 172 Republicans voting for it.

House Republicans said they had struck a deal on a short-term funding bill 24 hours after Musk and Trump derailed a resolution and steered the government into a shutdown the weekend before Christmas.

But congressional Democrats called the plan that Trumps billionaire deputy touted hours earlier laughable. House Democrats were heard chanting hell no as they met to review it on Thursday.

News of a newly hashed-out deal arrived one day after the worlds wealthiest person and the incoming president commanded members of Congress to reject a bipartisan stop-gap funding bill as lawmakers prepared to vote.

Its not serious, its laughable. Extreme MAGA Republicans are steering us towards a government shutdown, Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters Thursday of the Trump-backed deal.

Its an absolute slap in the face, Democratic congreswoman Jill Tokuda told The Independent. Its disgusting that they would try to use this as a tool to increase the debt limit for two years, which we know will ultimately result in tax credits for the uber wealthy on the backs of our working people.

open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Johnson is steering Republicans towards a stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown ( AP )

Congressman Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, specifically criticized lifting the debt limit.

This is a complete bulls*** attempt to try to allow Donald Trump to eliminate the debt ceiling for two years and he can give away all this money to all his billionaire friends, he told The Independent.

Trump had called on lawmakers to abolish the debt ceiling, a limit set by lawmakers to determine how much money the federal government can borrow to pay its bills. It was last raised in 2023 through January 1, 2025.

A new deal proposed extending the very unnecessary ceiling through January 30, 2027, Trump said.

Now we can Make America Great Again, very quickly, which is what the People gave us a mandate to accomplish, Trump said.

Tennessee Republican congressman Tim Burchett told The Independent that the debt ceiling is an arbitrary thing.

And reality is, I dont know why they ever put a debt ceiling on anything, he said. He later voted against the legislation.

Asked whether Musk and his incoming Department of Government Efficiency co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy will have an impact on an upcoming fight for House Speaker, he told The Independent: Of course, they have to. I mean, theyre prominent people, and they have very big checkbooks.

open image in gallery Donald Trump, Elon Musk and JD Vance called on Congress to reject a bipartisan stopgap funding measure, forcing lawmakers to scramble ahead of a government shutdown ( AP )

The new proposal would have stripped out provisions to criminalize the distribution of pornographic deepfakes, and cut funding for treatments of sick cell disease, pediatric cancer research, and breast and cervical cancer detection, among other provisions.

Why would you cut funding for nutritional assistance ... for seniors, for veterans? Jeffries said in remarks on the House floor.

Everything that was there to help with healthcare, the measures that were included to attempt to help the average family  they're all gone, Democratic congresswoman Marcy Kaptur told The Independent.

Is he going to own the United States before it's all over? she wondered of Musk.

He has a lot of personal interests here, and he's not elected to anything, she added. Some people are calling him the president and President Trump the vice president. I have to do some homework on who this man really is.

Conservative opposition also helped sink the bill, with Republican congressman Chip Roy railing against the legislation on the floor, which led to Democrats applauding him.

The president-elect had said that the country would be far better off closing up for a period of time than agreeing to a deal that was supported by both Republicans and Democrats until Musk spent Wednesday firing off dozens of social media posts condemning the deal and threatening to fund primary challengers against Republicans who voted for it.

Shutting down the government (which doesnt actually shut down critical functions btw) is infinitely better than passing a horrible bill, Musk said.

Congress has until midnight Friday to approve a spending bill that would avert a government shutdown, with potential employee furloughs and service interruptions across federal agencies.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson spent much of Thursday negotiating a deal that extended government funding at its current levels until March, more than a month into Trumps administration and a new Congress.

On his Truth Social, Trump lambasted Roy for getting in the way for the sake of some cheap publicity for himself.

Republican obstructionists have to be done away with, Trump added.

In another post, he called Roy just another ambitious guy, with no talent.

By the way, hows Bob Good doing? said Trump, referencing the Virginia congresswoman who lost a primary election to a Trump-endorsed challenger; Good, like Roy, had supported Trumps former rival Ron DeSantis.

I hope some talented challengers are getting ready in the Great State of Texas to go after Chip in the Primary, Trump said Thursday. He wont have a chance!

The vote puts Johnson in danger. Republicans will have only 220 seats in the House next year, with a handful of members leaving to work in Trumps administration. Only a few Republicans opposing his speakership could prevent him from leading the House of Representatives.

Eric Garcia contributed reporting from Washington, D.C.
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It was a free chat site with a simple interface allowing users to communicate anonymously.

But the shut-down Coco forum turned into a den of predators with it now emerging it was used by Dominque Pelicot to organise the horrifying mass rape of his ex-wife Gisele.

Pelicot, who was jailed for 20 years on Thursday, co-ordinated his abuse by finding many of the men who raped his wife on the illicit chat site, and then through the platform was able to conceal his crimes.

open image in gallery The website was banned earlier this year after being implicated in killings, pedophilia, homophobic attacks and sexual assaults ( Archive.ph )

Inside a packed Vaucluse criminal courtroom in Avignon, 47 men, including Pelicot, were convicted of rape. Two others were found guilty of attempted rape, and another two guilty of sexual assault.

The three-month trial heard how Pelicot drugged his wife so he and strangers could abuse her while he filmed it. He catalogued more than 20,000 videos of the crimes carried out over a decade at their home in Avignon.

For updates on the verdicts - click here for our live blog

At the heart of the rape case was the anonymous forum, Coco, founded in 2003 by software engineer Isaac Steidl.

Although the site asked users to confirm that they were over 18, they could quickly change their age once they gained access to the platform and chat with an invented username.

Called a den of predators in France, human rights organizations, LGBTQ+ activists, and child protection association all raised concerns over it.

By this year it had been cited in more than 23,000 reports of criminal activity with more than 480 victims involved in judicial proceedings involving the site, according to French prosecutors.

open image in gallery Pelicot used the anonymous pseudonym on a Coco forum called a son insu meaning without her knowledge to solicit men over to his home in southern France ( Handout )

On Pelicot, he used the anonymous pseudonym a son insu, meaning without her knowledge to solicit men to his home in southern France.

He claimed he and his wife shared a fetish for men having sex with her while she was asleep.

While many of the men invited claimed they believed they were engaging in a consensual sexual roleplay, investigators found that several times Pelicot also explicitly used the words rape and described drugging his wife to potential attackers.

open image in gallery Defendants appears in the courtroom during their trial with Pelicot ( via REUTERS )

Coco was unmoderated to the extent that Pelicot was able to use the forum for years without any penalty.

Authorities only became aware of him after a grocery store security guard caught him attempting to take videos of women who were shopping in 2020.

The website was finally closed after Frances national anti-organized crime authority Junalco launched an investigation and used a change in French law to hold administrators liable for certain activities on their sites.

Junalco was joined by agencies from several European countries - and despite a reported move of the sites domain from France to Guernsey in 2022, the site was closed in June this year.

Its yet unclear if prosecutors will launch a case against the site or its founder Steidl, who reportedly moved to Bulgaria two years ago.

Steidls lawyer Julien Zanetta told CNN earlier this year that his client would not comment on the use of the website by Pelicot in the crimes.
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Sitting across a courtroom from the husband who drugged and raped her for a decade, along with the 50 other men he invited to join in the attacks, Gisele Pelicot was the epitome of dignity.

After bravely choosing to waive her right to anonymity, the grandmother has looked each of her rapists in the eye during a gruelling three-month public trial which horrified the world.

The 72-year-olds remarkable courage in the face of unfathomable abuse and her simple message  that she and other victims of sexual crimes have no reason to feel ashamed  has inspired conversations about rape culture across the globe as she became a symbol of the struggle against sexual violence.

open image in gallery Gisele Pelicot was subjected to horrific treatment but bravely waived her anonymity ( AFP via Getty Images )

Each day, scores of women queued outside the courtroom in Avignon, France, to applaud Gisele as she entered. She told the trial she wants women who have been raped to know that its not for us to have shame  its for them.

On Thursday, she watched as the man she had once trusted the most, her husband of 50 years Dominique Pelicot, was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years as five judges returned their verdicts at Avignons Palais de Justice. Afterwards, he sat down and sobbed.

He recruited complete strangers in an online chatroom to rape her while she was unconscious. Fifty men stood trial alongside Pelicot: 47 were found guilty of rape, two were found guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault. They were jailed for a total of 428 years.

Sitting opposite her rapists, Gisele sometimes nodded her head as a judge took over an hour to announce verdicts and sentences against all 51 of her abusers.

open image in gallery Supporters with placards reading Christmas in prison, Easter in prison and All the women on earth support you, thank you Gisele gathered outside the court ( AFP/Getty )

Outside, crowds cheered and chanted Merci Gisele as she emerged from the hearing, later telling supporters she never regretted making the decision to hold her trial in public.

I wanted all of society to be a witness to the debates that took place here, she said, paying tribute to her children and grandchildren who inspired her to lead this fight.

She added: Im thinking about all the other families affected by this case and the unrecognised victims in these stories that are often in the shadows  you share my struggle.

During weeks of appalling testimony, the court heard how, in 2011, after 40 years of seemingly happy marriage, Dominique Pelicot  an electrician nearing retirement  decided to begin sedating and raping the mother of his three grown-up children.

Dominique, 72, who admitted his crimes, testified that he hid tranquilisers in food and drink that he gave his wife, knocking her out so profoundly that he could do what he wanted to her for hours.

open image in gallery Gisele Pelicot (right) sits beside her daughter Caroline Darian and son Florian at the courthouse during the trial ( AFP via Getty Images )

Not content with his own sordid attacks, he then invited others he met in a now-closed Coco online chatroom to join in the abuse over the next nine years, which he meticulously documented in a sick library of homemade videos. Most assaults were carried out in the couples own bedroom in Mazan, a small town in Provence, where they retired in 2013.

Totally unaware of the violations being carried out while she was unconscious, Gisele visited doctors as she struggled with blackouts, weight loss and oversleeping  even undergoing neurological tests for Alzheimers and a brain tumour.

The horrifying truth of what was causing her symptoms was only uncovered in 2020, when Pelicot was arrested for surreptitiously filming up womens skirts in a supermarket. Police then found more 20,000 images and grotesquely explicit videos on his computer in files marked abuse.

Gisele said her world was destroyed when she was shown pictures of the attacks by investigators. The screams of her daughter Caroline Darian, 45, as she told her children of their fathers abuse will be forever etched in her mind, she said.

Gisele, supported by Caroline and her other children David and Florian, quickly cleared out the house in Mazan, leaving with just two suitcases and her beloved French bulldog, Lancome.

open image in gallery Ms Pelicot giving evidence in court about the rapes orchestrated by her husband ( via REUTERS )

In court, Caroline described her father as one of the worst sexual predators of the last 20 years. She revealed her belief he drugged her too after photos were found on his computer of her asleep in bed in underwear that she did not recognise as her own.

Naked photos of his daughters-in-law, taken with hidden cameras, were also allegedly found during the investigation. Pelicot, who admitted assaulting his wife and told the court I am a rapist, denies abusing other family members.

Caroline has since joined forces with MP Sandrine Josso to produce a drug-testing kit that could be made available in pharmacies throughout France. It now has government backing for a trial rollout.

Spurred on by the trial, Frances government this month backed a media campaign alerting the public to the dangers of chemical submission.

In the disturbing videos of the drugged attacks, which Giseles lawyers fought to be shown in court to prove she was unconscious, police investigators counted 72 different abusers but werent able to identify them all. In many instances, she could be heard snoring or choking as she was assaulted.

They regarded me like a rag doll, like a garbage bag, Gisele testified in court.

open image in gallery The 50 co-accused in the courtroom during their trial with Dominique Pelicot ( via REUTERS )

The make-up of her attackers is terrifyly broad. Ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s, they include a firefighter, a journalist, a nurse, a prison guard and a construction worker. Some are retired, some are unemployed and three quarters have families of their own.

One knew he had HIV when he raped Gisele on six occasions and chose not to wear a condom, according to police. He was jailed for 15 years. She didnt contract HIV, though she was found to have other sexually transmitted diseases, a medical expert testified.

The fact they broadly represent a microcosm of French society means they have been dubbed Monsieur-Tout-Le-Monde (Mr Everyman).

Staggeringly, some defended their actions even in the face of video evidence. Some argued that Pelicots consent covered his wife, too. Others insisted that they hadnt intended to rape anyone when they responded to the husbands invites.

A number laid blame at his door, saying he misled them into thinking they were partaking in a consensual kink, while others even suggested that perhaps Pelicot had drugged them too  which he denied.

open image in gallery Dominique Pelicot has been jailed for 20 years ( Handout )

The dozens of defendants, who wore masks to cover their faces, were seen strolling around, chatting or returning from a cafe across the road as the trial continued. Gisele, with her face bravely uncovered, was forced to queue up for court security each day alongside her attackers.

Meanwhile, her husband, who has been remanded in custody since 2020, described the rapes as a perversion, an addiction.

Appearing in court, he tearfully recounted how he had been raped as a child. He claimed he had wanted his wife to participate in partner swaps and her refusal, together with trauma from his childhood, had helped to trigger his abusive behaviour.

I am a rapist just like all the others in this room, he said, adding, I ask my wife, my children, my grandchildren to accept my apologies. I regret what I did. I ask for your forgiveness, even if it is not forgivable.

open image in gallery Ms Pelicot arrives at the Avignon courthouse, flanked by her lawyer Stephane Babonneau ( AFP via Getty Images )

During her now-ex husbands testimony in the early stages of the trial, Gisele wore a pair sunglasses. But there came a time  a few weeks in  where she chose to remove them.

She had these sunglasses, she used to hide her eyes to protect her intimacy, her criminal lawyer Stephane Babonneau told the BBC.

But there was a point when she felt she no longer needed to protect herself. She didnt need [the glasses].

Gisele, who is now using her birth name, later told the court: Ive decided not to be ashamed, Ive done nothing wrong. They [the rapists] are the ones who must be ashamed.

Protests have been organised across France to show support for her, with many women expressing admiration for her courage.

Its not courage. Its determination to change things, she said. This is not just my battle, but that of all rape victims.
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Watch live outside a court in Avignon, France, where a panel of five judges delivered verdicts on Thursday (19 December) for more than four dozen men charged with aggravated rape and sexual assault on Gisele Pelicot.

Frances most shocking mass rape case saw 51 men convicted for a total of 428 years.

Dominique Pelicot, the now ex-husband of the 72-year-old grandmother, has been jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of orchestrating Giseles horrific rape in a crime that shocked the country.

He admitted that for years, he drugged his wife of 50 years out so he and strangers he recruited online could abuse her while he filmed the assaults.

Dominique, also 72, and 50 other men were tried in Avignon for aggravated rape and attempted rape.

Many of the men on trial claimed they were unaware they were raping Ms Pelicot, denied intending to harm her, or shifted all responsibility onto her then-husband, accusing him of manipulation.

Prosecutor Laure Chabaud demanded the maximum sentence for aggravated rape, stating: The maximum sentence is 20 years, which is a lot ... but at the same time ... too little in view of the seriousness of the acts that were committed and repeated.
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Thousands of Syrian doctors work in Germany, and the fall of Bashar Assad is raising concern over the potential consequences for the health sector if many of them were to return home.

Germany became a leading destination for Syrian refugees over the past decade, and some politicians were quick to start talking about encouraging the return of at least some after rebels took Damascus earlier this month. Others noted that the exiles include many well-qualified people and said their departure would hurt Germany  particularly that of doctors and other medical staff.

Whole areas in the health sector would fall away if all the Syrians who work here now were to leave our country, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said last week. For us it is important that we make the offer to the Syrians who are here, who have a job, who have integrated, who are crime-free, whose children go to school, to stay here and be there for our economy.

Syrians have become a factor in a health sector that struggles to fill jobs, part of a wider problem Germany has with an aging population and a shortage of skilled labor.

The head of the German Hospital Federation, Gerald Gass, says Syrians now make up the largest single group of foreign doctors, accounting for 2% to 3%.

An estimated 5,000 Syrian doctors work in hospitals alone. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who puts the total number of Syrian doctors at over 6,000, says they are indispensable to health care.

Gass said the picture hospital operators are getting from Syrian doctors so far is very varied. Some  particularly those with many relatives still in Syria  are considering a quick return if the situation proves stable, while others feel at ease and well-integrated in Germany and want to stay. But no looming mass movement toward Syria is recognizable at present.

It's certainly not the case that patient care would collapse in Germany if all Syrian doctors returned now, Gass said. But of course we have the situation that these people often work in smaller groups at individual sites"  whose quick departure could force temporary local closures.

We are well advised to treat these people respectfully, Gass said. And yes, hospital owners are giving thought to how they could fill these jobs.

Many Syrian doctors have made Germany their home

Dr. Hiba Alnayef, an assistant pediatric doctor at a hospital in Nauen, just outside Berlin, said she has been asked in the last 10 days, what if the Syrians all go back now?

I don't know  some want to, but it's very difficult and uncertain, said Aleppo-born Alnayef, who has spent much of her life outside Syria and came to Germany from Spain in 2016. She said it's something she thinks about, "but I have a homeland here too now."

She said she and other Syrian doctors and pharmacists would like to build cooperation between Germany and Syria.

The Germans need specialists, Syria needs support ... renovation, everything is destroyed now, she said. I think we can work well together to help both societies.

Alnayef said the German health system would have a big problem if only part of its Syrian doctors decided to leave  we are understaffed, we are burned out, we are doing the work of several doctors. She said Germany has offered a safe harbor, but that discrimination and racism have been issues and integration is a challenge.

Dr. Ayham Darouich, 40, who came from Aleppo to Germany to study medicine in 2007 and has had his own general practice in Berlin since 2021, said that as far as I have heard, none of my circle of friends wants to go back.

They have their family or their practices here, they have their society here, they are living in their homeland, Darouich said. German concerns that many might return are a bit exaggerated, or unjustified.

But he said Germany needs to do more to persuade medical professionals it trains to stay in the country, and that it could also do more to make itself attractive to foreigners needed to fill the gaps.

We see that the nurses and medical professionals in hospitals earn relatively little in comparison with the U.S. or Switzerland, Darouich said, and poorly regulated working hours and understaffed hospitals are among factors that drive people away."

___

Associated Press journalist Pietro De Cristofaro in Berlin contributed to this report.

___

Follow the APs Syria coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/syria
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The daughter of convicted rapist Dominique Pelicot has screamed that her father will die alone like a dog after he insisted he had never abused her.

Pelicot has admitted to drugging his wife of 50 years, Gisele, and inviting dozens of strangers he met online to rape her. He has been found guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced to the maximum of 20 years in jail.

He is also accused of drugging his daughter Caroline Darian when she was just 20 years old and taking photos of her while she was semi naked in lingerie on a bed. Those images were found years later on his computer.

Despite also being found guilty of this act, as well as taking indecent images of his daughters-in-law, Aurore and Celine, Pelicot insisted on his innocence this morning.

As he professed that he did nothing to his daughter, Caroline was heard shouting: Ill never see you again! Youll die alone like a dog!

In his final statement the 71-year-old Pelicot said: I would like to look my daughter straight in the eye and tell her that I did nothing [to her].

Under questioning from his lawyer Maitre Zavarro, Pelicot maintained that he had not abused his daughter.

He said: Even if she no longer loves me, I know what I did and I know what I did not do. To tell me to die like a dog does not change my feelings for her.

If I did take those pictures [of Caroline drugged and semi-naked] then I dont remember taking them.

The principal suspect completed his final statement this morning. Lawyers for Madame Pelicot will later make their closing statements.

Pelicot admitted that for years he drugged his then wife of 50 years so that he and strangers he recruited online could abuse her while he filmed the assaults.

The appalling ordeal inflicted in what Gisele had thought was a loving marriage and her courage during the trial have galvanized campaigners against sexual violence and spurred calls for tougher measures to stamp out rape culture.

The defendants were all accused of having taken part in Pelicots sordid rape and abuse fantasies that were acted out in the couples retirement home in the small Provence town of Mazan and elsewhere.

In total, 51 men were convicted for a total of 428 years. The five judges voted by secret ballot in their rulings, with majority votes for the convictions and sentences.

Giseles courage in waiving her right to anonymity as a survivor of sexual abuse and successfully pushing for the hearings and shocking evidence  including videos  to be heard in open court have fueled conversations both on a national level in France and among families, couples and groups of friends about how to better protect women and the role that men can play in pursuing that goal.
Gisele Pelicot believes that change is possible. Speaking outside the courtroom in Avignon in December, where her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot was jailed for 20 years for drugging her and recruiting strangers to rape her, she said she never regretted her selfless decision to waive her right to private legal proceedings. She believed it was important for society to see what is happening. That visibility, she realised, despite the enormous personal cost, was vital in order for real change to happen. I do it on behalf of all women, she has said.

Frances worst-ever mass rape trial saw 51 men convicted for a total of 428 years. Dominique Pelicot was jailed for the maximum term of 20 years, having drugged his wife so he and strangers could abuse and rape her while he filmed it. Police found some 20,000 images of the abuse on his computer, as well as pictures of his daughter and his two daughters-in-law.

In a case that sent shock waves around the world, Gisele Pelicot emerged as an almost unimaginably courageous symbol of feminist resistance against rape culture. Her insistence that shame must change sides has reverberated internationally, challenging deeply misogynistic assumptions about sexual violence in France and far beyond, galvanising feminist movements, inspiring male allies to speak out and, above all, providing solace and strength to fellow survivors.

So great has the impact been, that since Time magazine announced Donald Trump as its Person of the Year, social media has been flooded with posts, mainly created by women, suggesting that the title should have been awarded to Gisele Pelicot instead.

Giseles bravery was not only demonstrated by her choice to waive her anonymity and hold the trial in public. She also insisted that the extensive video evidence of the men who had raped her must be played at the trial. It was a personal sacrifice of immense courage, which forced the world to reckon with the brutal reality of what had happened.

She revealed that she was at first ashamed of her snoring in the videos, yet this heartbreaking detail was crucial in preventing defence lawyers from trotting out the ridiculous claim that the defendants had believed her to be consenting.

Realising how many other women who experience drug-assisted rape would not possess similar proof, Gisele made hers public, and in so doing, she demonstrated to the world that these horrendous, unimaginable, yet everyday acts of misogynistic abuse really do happen. In a world in which so many women are dismissed, disbelieved and ignored when they experience sexual violence, she took a stand for us all.

Her bravery also meant that the mundane normality of the male defendants could be brought under a global spotlight, denying her abusers any comfort of anonymity. This enabled a societal reckoning with the uncomfortable reality, long voiced by women but too often ignored, that rapists are not monstrous aberrations but fathers, husbands, neighbours and normal men in our communities.

Among them are firefighters, soldiers, a journalist, a nurse, security guards, lorry drivers and a DJ. The youngest of those convicted was just 22 years old and went to the Pelicots house on the night his own daughter was born.

open image in gallery Activists at the courthouse in Avignon today ( AFP/Getty )

The public nature of the trial allowed their craven excuses, made by so many men in similar cases, to be exposed to public scrutiny. The ridiculous misogyny of claims made by various defendants was on full display, such as one who claimed: As long as the husband was present, there was no rape, and another of her abusers who stated he felt as much a victim as she was because he did not give his consent to be filmed.

In a world in which harmful rape myths still abound, all this allowed such misconceptions to be robustly challenged. The mayor of Mazan, the village where the crimes occurred, told a BBC reporter: I think it could have been much worse When there are kids involved, or women killed, then that is very serious because you cant go back. In this case, the family will have to rebuild itself. It will be hard, but no one died.

Such comments are sadly not unusual from authority figures: they remind us of the words of the police and crime commissioner who suggested that women need to be streetwise in an interview following the rape and murder of Sarah Everard. But Giseles bravery in taking such a public stand has enabled these outdated attitudes, held by so many, to be exposed and rebutted.

All this more than befits Gisele for the title of Person of 2024. The fact that she was not even shortlisted is galling, but the decision to award the title instead to Donald Trump makes the insult far worse. The juxtaposition is so stark. Trump has reduced women to their genitals, which he happily joked he liked to grab them by, and a jury found him liable for sexually abusing advice columnist E Jean Carroll in 1996, awarding her $5m in a judgment.

Yet, in January, he will become one of the most powerful men on the planet. While he thrives on division, Gisele has united a nation in condemnation of male violence and united women around the world in solidarity and opposition to rape culture and violence against women.

open image in gallery A court sketch made in Avignon shows Gisele Pelicot during the hearing of the verdict ( AFP/Getty )

Trump is a coward who tried to incite an uprising because he wasnt brave enough to accept defeat. Pelicot, conversely, has demonstrated almost unimaginable bravery. Of course, it will be argued that Time does not intend the title to confer incontrovertible praise: it has described its annual winner as: a person, group, or concept that had the biggest impact  for good or for ill  on the world over the previous 12 months.

But even this raises questions about how we measure impact, about what kind of power counts, what kind of change matters, and to whom. Pelicots courage in the face of unimaginable horror created seismic shock waves around the world.

For women across the globe, it matters. What we see when we look at Trumps face on the front of Time is not just Trump. It is the fact that, once again, the issues that affect women and girls so deeply are considered inconsequential: less real, less deserving of note, less relevant to society as a whole.

Of course, an empty accolade wont provide Gisele with justice or give her back the years of her life she has lost to egregious deception and abuse. Yet it has become a lightning rod for womens wider feelings of frustration, indignation and rage.

open image in gallery The Time magazine cover announcing Donald Trump as Person of the Year ( Time/AFP/Getty )

This case also points to a wider landscape in which misogyny thrives and the abuse and violence against women is relentlessly dismissed and even happily joked about. Jeremy Clarkson can fantasise publicly about Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, being stripped naked and pelted with excrement in a national newspaper. Andrew Tate is given a long sit-down interview by the BBC, with all the legitimacy that inevitably confers, while charged with rape and human trafficking.

This case makes us think about the voice given to men like Tate and others like him, when we have barely heard from his accusers. Its about all those other men enjoying awards and glittering careers while their accusers go to hell and back, their lives blighted by public contempt and vitriol.

Its about women forced to abandon their loved careers and quietly leaving their workplace with an NDA and so-called pay-off, while their abusers continue to be lauded and thrive. Yes, we are angry about male violence, but we are also angry at all the systems that facilitate it, disguise it, fete it, obfuscate and excuse it. And allow it to continue time and time again.

Person of the Year started out as Man of the Year. Perhaps not much has changed, but we owe Gisele an enormous debt of gratitude. Her sacrifice and her courage has made shame change sides.

She has forced society to recognise that men commit violence against women every single day and that such violence is not committed by monsters, but by every type of man. The best way to honour that sacrifice is not with a meaningless title, but by acknowledging and addressing the global epidemic of male violence.

This article has been updated from the original version published in December. Laura Bates is a writer, campaigner and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project
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Chilling images on Google Street View of a person appearing to load a body bag into the back of a car have provided Spanish police with a decisive clue over the disappearance of a man.

The case of a Cuban man who was reported missing a year ago in the north-central Spanish municipality of Tajueco was being investigated for more than a year.

But now images captured by a Google Maps camera car showing a man standing over a body-shaped package in the boot of a red car have potentially provided police with a breakthrough.

Other images show a man at the top of a street pushing a wheelbarrow with a large white package, while others show the quiet streets of the Spanish town.

Spanish police have said the pictures are a decisive clue in the case, with detectives reportedly launching a murder investigation and arresting two people in connection with the mans death.

open image in gallery One man is seen bending over a body-shaped package in the car boot in the image captured for Google Maps ( Google Street View )

The images, which have gone viral online, have also helped officers locate the body of the man, known only as JLPO and thought to be aged 33.

Police discovered the victims dismembered remains, including his torso, buried in the cemetery of Andaluz, a 12-minute drive from where the image was taken, Spanish media has reported.

The two arrested are reported to be the wife of the dead man and a bar worker in Tajueco.

open image in gallery Another angle shows a man pushing a large white package in a wheelbarrow ( Google Street View )

Investigators have discovered that the pair had been living together, Todo Alicante reported.

According to El Pais, police are still investigating the case and it appears neither have yet appeared charged before a court.

My goodness, the things that happen in the villages, one worker in the cemetery told El Pais after being shown the pictures from Google Maps.
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North Korea has demonstrated that it could produce ballistic missiles and supply them to Russia for use against Ukraine in a matter of months, an expert said on Wednesday.

Jonah Leff told the U.N. Security Council that researchers on the ground examined remnants of four missiles from North Korea recovered in Ukraine in July and August, including one that had marks indicating it was produced in 2024.

This is the first public evidence of missiles having been produced in North Korea and then used in Ukraine within a matter of months, not years, he said.

Leff also had briefed the Security Council in late June, telling members that the organisation he heads, Conflict Armament Research, had irrefutably established that ballistic missile remnants found in Ukraine early this year were from a missile manufactured in North Korea.

The U.K.-based organization, which was established in 2011 to document and trace weapons used in conflicts to assist governments in countering diversion and proliferation, has worked in Ukraine since 2018.

open image in gallery Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed his country would invariably support Russias war in Ukraine when he met Russias defense chief in late November, the Norths state media reported.

Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia objected to the second appearance of Leff at the council meeting, chaired by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States, which holds the councils rotating presidency this month.

He claimed Leff represents NATO and the European Union, and questioned whether his organization could provide impartial assessments. And he accused Thomas-Greenfield of violating Security Council practices and transforming its meetings into a politicized act of buffoonery.

The U.S. ambassador retorted that Russia had vetoed a resolution that ended the monitoring of sanctions against North Korea by U.N. experts, which she said makes organizations like Conflict Armament Research and its independent, well-regarded experts all the more critical.

She said its reports show why Russia was determined to block the renewal of the mandate for the U.N. experts. Russia and North Korea are engaging in unlawful arms transfers and training, in brazen violation of numerous council resolutions," Thomas-Greenfield said.

Leff stood by the organization's research and said its analysis highlights three observations about North Koreas missile activities.

It confirms the continued use of freshly manufactured North Korean ballistic missiles in Ukraine, he said, and the discovery of the 2024 manufacturing mark on one missile reveals the very short period between the production of these ballistic missiles, their transfer and eventual use in Ukraine.

Leff also said the presence of recently produced missile components not from North Korea, some bearing 2023 production marks, illustrates North Koreas robust acquisition network for its ballistic missile program, despite U.N. sanctions prohibiting the transfer of this material for military purpose.
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Watch as Russian president Vladimir Putin took calls from Russian people during an end-of-year phone-in on Thursday, 19 December, during the third winter of his Ukraine invasion.

The conference was held in Moscow opposite the Kremlin.

The Russian president was expected to talk about foreign relations, the economy, and the war in Ukraine.

It came as Ukraines air force said it shot down 45 Russian drones launched overnight.

Russia launched 85 drones to attack Ukraine overnight of which 40 imitator drones did not reach their targets and 45 other drones were shot down, the air force said.

The missile attack damaged apartment buildings and municipal property in Sumy and Dnirpopetrovsk regions, according to the statement.

In Russia, a fire burned at a Russian oil refinery in the Rostov region in what Russia said was an attack from Ukraine, video posted on Thursday showed.

Local governor Yuri Slyusar said Russian air defence systems repelled a Ukrainian attack in which 10 missiles were fired at the Rostov region.

Footage posted on social media showed the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery engulfed in flames.

It was the second time in six months that the facility had been hit.

Slyusar said emergency crews were dispatched to the fire and details on casualties were being clarified.
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Ukraine lacks the military capability to retake all the territories occupied by Russia since 2014, president Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged, as he urged the West to take stronger action to confront Moscow.

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien, Mr Zelensky made it clear that Kyiv would not formally recognise Russian control over any Ukrainian territory.

Legally, we cannot give up our territories. This is prohibited by the constitution, the Ukrainian president said. But lets not use such big words. Russia actually controls part of our territory today.

He asked his Western partners to put more pressure on Russian president Vladimir Putin to bring him to the negotiating table. If today we dont have the strength to win back all of our territory, maybe the West will find the strength to put Putin in his place... at the table and diplomatically deal with this war, he said.

He suggested that more Western support, provided earlier in the conflict, could have altered Ukraines current position.

In spite of the difficult situation, Mr Zelensky rejected the notion of compromise over Ukraines sovereignty. This is not about compromise. This means he will get away with everything again, he said, referring to Mr Putin. This is impossible.

Russia controls 18 per cent of Ukrainian territory, 111,677sq km in total, encompassing the Crimea and swathes of the eastern region of Donbas.

A 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive to try and take back some of that territory saw intense fighting in the Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, but ultimately achieved little success with Russian forces staging significant advances in several areas since.

Mr Putin demands that Kyiv withdraw completely from four regions  Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia  if it wants to engage in peace talks. Russia said it was annexing the four regions in their entirety last year, even though its forces did not control them fully, after referendums that were widely condemned internationally.

Mr Zelenskys remarks come amid concerns that the US, Ukraines chief Western benefactor, could cut support after Donald Trump takes over as president in January. The incoming president has said that he wants to end the war on day one in office, without explaining how he will do so.

In a recent interview with Time magazine, Mr Trump said he disagreed very vehemently with Washingtons decision to allow Ukraine to fire American missiles deep into Russia but insisted he would not abandon Kyiv.

British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Trump this week and reiterated the need for allies to stand together with Ukraine.

Both agreed on their joint ambition to strengthen the close and historic relationship between the UK and the US, a Downing Street spokesperson said. They looked forward to working together on shared priorities, including international security and delivering economic growth and prosperity.

Turning to global conflicts, the prime minister reiterated the need for allies to stand together with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position. They agreed to keep in touch and looked forward to seeing one another at the earliest opportunity.
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Syria's de facto new leader said the embattled country was not a threat to its neighbours or the West following the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebranded Al Qaeda affiliate which led the rebellion against the Assad regime, told the BBC that Syria was exhausted by war and urged the West to withdraw the sanctions crippling the nations economy.

A political vacuum emerged in Syria after rebel militias overthrew Mr Assad earlier this month and forced him to seek asylum in Russia, ending five decades of his familys rule.

The collapse came after 13 years of a brutal civil war that left thousands of people dead and vast swathes of the country in ruins.

After taking Damascus, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham set up an interim administration comprising members of its salvation government, which ruled its former strongholds in the north, to run the country until March next year.

Now, after all that has happened, sanctions must be lifted because they were targeted at the old regime," Mr Golani told the BBC from Damascus. The victim and the oppressor should not be treated in the same way.

He also urged countries such as the UK and the US to drop his group from their lists of terrorist organisations.

The group has sought to distance itself from its extremist roots to secure international legitimacy after toppling Mr Assad, but it remains on Western terror organisation lists. Al-Golani, once a lieutenant of slain Isis chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, still carries an American bounty of $10m on his head.

Mr Golanis statement to the BBC coincided with UN optimism about Syrias new government. I think it is important to say that there is a lot of hope that we can now see the beginning of a new Syria, Geir O Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, told the media in Damascus.

He hoped it would adopt a new constitution allowing for inclusive government and there would be "free and fair elections when that time comes".

Mr Pedersen noted that while there was stability in the capital, challenges remained elsewhere, particularly in the northeast, where Kurdish militias backed by the US have fought with forces backed by Turkey.

Both America and Turkey occupy territory in Syria, as does Israel, which invaded and expanded its occupation beyond the Golan Heights after Mr Assad fell, and carried out a devastating bombing campaign targeting hundreds of military and research assets across the country.

France said on Wednesday it would host an international meeting on Syria in January and declared that the lifting of Western sanctions and reconstruction aid would be conditional on clear political and security commitments by the transitional regime.

A delegation of French diplomats met an official from the new Syrian regime in Damascus and raised the flag over the French embassy there 12 years after cutting ties with Mr Assad. We will not judge them by their words but by their actions and over time, acting foreign minister Jan-Noel Barrot told the French parliament.
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After amassing more than 170 million users in the country in less than seven years, TikTok has stopped working in the United States and disappeared from app stores.

TikTok stopped working in the United States late on Saturday and disappeared from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law that takes effect on Sunday requiring the shutdown of the platform.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Monday, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app.

A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, the message notified users trying to use the app late on Saturday night.

The US is not the first major market for TikTok to cut off the video-sharing app. In 2020, India issued a complete ban of the app that cut off around 200 million users. The Indian government cited privacy issues with the app, claiming that alleged ties between ByteDance and the Chinese government posed a threat to Indias sovereignty and security.

Other countries and areas, including the European Union, have put partial bans in place, which prevent government workers and military personnel from installing the app on their devices.

Various federal and state TikTok bans are already in place in the US, with lawmakers citing national security concerns. These fears have done little to stem TikToks growth in the US. The app has proved to be one of the most popular both in America and globally last year with 52 million downloads in the US and 733 million worldwide  despite more than 3 billion people around the world being blocked from downloading it.

This has helped bring the total number of TikTok users around the world to above 2 billion, with only Indias ban nearly three years ago slightly slowing its growth  and only temporarily.

A survey poll from the Pew Research Center last year found TikTok to be the fastest-growing platform in the US, as users beyond the social media apps typically young demographic began to adopt it.

US adults who have TikTok accounts are increasingly using the app as a source of news, with roughly a third of people aged 18-29 regularly using it to consume news in 2023.

The FBI claims that Chinese state ties to parent company ByteDance could allow the app to manipulate content in order to spread harmful propaganda.

Fears around national security have been countered with questions about censorship, with the Electronic Frontier Foundation describing the prospect of a ban as a seed of genuine security concern wrapped in a thick layer of censorship.

The US digital liberties group has called on people to resist a governmental power to ban a popular means of communication and expression.

In its filing with the Supreme Court on Monday, TikTok alleged that banning the app would shutter one of the most popular speech platforms at a highly political moment.

The act will shutter one of Americas most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration, TikTok wrote. This, in turn, will silence the speech of applicants and the many Americans who use the platform to communicate about politics, commerce, arts, and other matters of public concern.

Under the law passed last year and upheld on Friday by a unanimous Supreme Court, the platform had until Sunday to cut ties with its China-based parent or shut down its U.S. operation to resolve concerns it poses a threat to national security.

Bidens White House reiterated on Saturday that it was up to the incoming administration to take action.

The United States has never banned a major social media platform. The law passed overwhelmingly by Congress gives the incoming Trump administration sweeping authority to ban or seek the sale of other Chinese-owned apps.

Other apps owned by ByteDance, including video editing app CapCut and lifestyle social app Lemon8, were also offline and unavailable in U.S. app stores as of late Saturday.
A fire burned at a Russian oil refinery in the Rostov region, video posted on Thursday, 19 December shows.

Local governor Yuri Slyusar said Russian air defence systems repelled a Ukrainian attack in which 10 missiles were fired at the Rostov region.

Footage posted on social media showed the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery engulfed in flames.

It was the second time in six months that the facility had been hit.

Slyusar said emergency crews were dispatched to the fire and details on casualties were being clarified.
The Central Bank is setting up a dedicated Fitness and Probity Unit, which will centralise responsibility for clearing senior people to work in regulated firms including banks, brokerages and insurers.

It comes after a damning report earlier this year that found fundamental procedural flaws in the Central Banks approach to the area which it said fell below the standard of constitutional fairness.

The new unit will be in place from January.

The new structure was recommended in an independent report prepared by one of Europes most senior central bankers, Andrea Enria, commissioned after the existing fitness and probity approval process was slammed in a highly critical report by the Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal (IFSAT), a Government-appointed body chaired by former Supreme Court judge John MacMenamin.

IFSAT can hear and determine appeals against decisions taken by the Central Bank.

In February, IFSAT had found in favour of a man who had appealed after his application for Central Bank approval to take on a senior role was rejected. The findings, which were first reported by the Irish Independent, went beyond the specific case to comment extensively on the process itself.

It noted that the stakes for the individual whose application had been rejected were extremely high, amounting in reality to his right to earn a living. In its written judgment IFSAT described fundamental procedural flaws and asserting that the original process fell below the standard of constitutional fairness.

The Central Bank then commissioned the Enria report, which was published in July.

Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Gabriel Makhlouf, said the report identified several key areas for improvement.

We accepted the findings of the report and have used them as a basis for implementing reforms to enhance the regimes overall effectiveness. We also committed to implementing the reforms as early as possible and before end 2024.

Ironically, the new dedicated Fitness & Probity unit is being created at the same time other dedicated teams, including consumer protection, are being broken up with former staff to be integrated into supervisory areas across the bank, but it does mean it will be in place at the same time other structural changes are being made in how the regulator operates.

The new team will not require additional staff.

Our strategic plan committed to transforming our approach to regulation and supervision  this process is ongoing and our new operating structure, including the dedicated fitness and probity team, will be in place from the start of the new year, Mr Makhlouf said.

The core function of the fitness and probity regime is to ensure people in senior and key roles at regulated entities such as banks, financial funds or insurance companies are competent and capable, honest and financially sound.

The regime was introduced after the financial crisis, when many directors and executives were seen to have failed to operate at a level needed to protect either their own firms or the wider economy.
Around 225 orders, involving payments by customers of some 1m in deposits, were unfulfilled at the time provisional liquidators were appointed to DK Windows and Doors Ltd, the High Court heard.

The Dublin-based company, which provided uPVC windows and doors and aluclad windows in new builds and home renovations, closed earlier this month saying it was unable to pay its debts and owing some 1.5m to creditors, 734,000 of which was to Revenue.

Nicholas O'Dwyer and Colm Dolan of Grant Thornton, who the court appointed provisional liquidators earlier this month and confirmed as official liquidators on Wednesday, say a number of concerns about customers who paid deposits had been brought to their attention.

Those customers claim the company continued to chase payments "in the weeks and days" leading up to their appointment, the liquidators say.

The landlord of the company's rented Westland Business Park premises changed the locks on December 4 last due to rent arrears.

The company employed 26 people on a permanent basis and had eight sub-contractors. The provisional liquidators commenced a collective redundancy process.

Stock image

Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 19th

The firm's founder and sole shareholder, Darragh Kane, said in an affidavit seeking the winding up, that he invested 250,000 in 2023 in the firm to alleviate cash-flow issues caused by a number of difficulties which had arisen.

But by November 28 last, the company was unable to meet its short-term Vat and payroll-tax obligations and Revenue had its only bank account frozen, he said.

The difficulties which the firm encountered were a fire in July 2023 in the premises of one of DK's main suppliers in Lithuania. There was also a significant reorganisation in the "new build" business following the departure of the manager and the team working in that area, Mr Keane said.

As a result, the winding-up petition was presented by the company to the court earlier this month when Mr O'Dwyer and Mr Nolan were appointed provisional liquidators and they then set about preparing a report on the firm.

The matter returned on Wednesday before Mr Justice Brian Cregan who received an updated report from solicitor Graham Kenny, on behalf of the provisional liquidators.

The report said that while it is not feasible for the company to continue trading, the liquidators have sought expressions of interest from prospective purchasers with a view to maximise the possibility of completing outstanding orders and maximising recovery for creditors.

Mr Justice Cregan extended time for Mr Kane to file a statement of affairs to January 8 and adjourned the matter to January 29.
The bank's online system for business customers is down. Photo: Getty

Bank of Ireland said its IT systems are back working in full after a new outage prevented some employers from paying their staff for a time this afternoon.

The latest problem with its systems came just days away from Christmas and is just a week after its online banking system and its app went down.

Business Online, used by employers, was down this afternoon, prompting employers trying to process payments for staff expressed frustration.

One commented: Business Online is not letting me log on. When will it be back online? Wages to pay.

The bank said its IT staff were examining a problem preventing business customers logging into its system.

It denied it was being hacked and said a short time later the bank said that its business banking system was back online.

Last Friday customers of Bank of Ireland expressed huge frustration after Bank of Irelands mobile phone app and its online banking facility went down this morning.

By lunchtime the banks systems were back operating, Bank of Ireland said.

The outage has occurred on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, just as Christmas approaches.

The bank had said it was aware of issues for customers accessing its mobile app and 365 Online.

We are working to resolve this as soon as possible and apologise for any inconvenience, Bank of Ireland said.

One annoyed customer said she had been unable to access the mobile this morning.

It wont let me in. The app goes as far as running security checks and then freezes, she said. Others reported on social media accounts that they could not log in to online banking.

One person posted: It is telling me I dont have my devise set up to my account. I do. I used it 10 minutes ago.

Customers also reported difficulties receiving transfers from AIB to Bank of Ireland accounts.

Customers report regular problems with Bank of Irelands online banking and its app.

Two Fridays ago PTSB bank was hit by a big technical issue had been experiencing delays in sending and receiving payments.

Its customers were unable to receive payments, including wages, pensions and other transfers.

Customers also couldnt make payments, which means some direct debits and standing orders may not get processed on schedule.
The State's auto-enrolment system is on the way next year. Photo: Getty

Large numbers of people who do not have a private pension or one as part of their job are unaware of plans by the State to bring in a new mandatory retirement.

Just one in 10 of employees aged between 23 and 60 who are eligible to be signed in the Governments auto-enrolment retirement savings scheme, were aware of it, according to report from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

It has been found in the past that around one million private sector employees will have to rely on the State pension when they retire as they do not have an occupational pension or a private one.

The new auto-enrolment pension scheme is to be called My Future Fund, and is due to launched from next September.

Its lunch will be a milestone in the Irish pension landscape.

Over two-thirds of workers in the State have some form of supplementary pension cover, but these are known to be largely made up of public servants.

In a new report on pension coverage in Ireland for 2024, the CSO found that pension coverage is greatest among workers aged 45 to 54 years, at 80pc.

This is up 3 percentage points from 2023.

Pension coverage is lowest among younger workers, with just 27pc of workers aged 20 to 24 years having some form of pension coverage.

Of workers with no supplementary pension cover, more than four in 10 say they never got around to organising it or would organise it at a future date.

For half of those aged 55 to 69 years, affordability was the main reason given.

The State's auto-enrolment system is on the way next year. Photo: Getty

Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 19th

The State pension was cited as the expected main source of income on retirement for over half of workers with no pension coverage.

One-quarter had not yet decided how they would fund their retirement.

Only 29pc of employees aged between 23 and 60 who are eligible to be auto-enrolled in the Governments auto-enrolment retirement savings scheme, were aware of it.

Some 72pc of those employees who are of it would be willing to remain in the scheme.

The launch of auto-enrolment will represent a revolution in the pensions set-up in this country.

Under the scheme, employees will contribute 1.5pc of their gross salary during their first three years of paying in. That will rise to 3pc from the third year on, 4.5pc from year six on, topping out at 6pc from the 10th year onwards.

Employers who contribute to the new compulsory workplace pension scheme will be entitled to receive tax relief  but employees will not be able to claim relief, according to documents released by the Department of Finance this week.

Meanwhile, a single person would need a pension of 33,600 a year to have a comfortable retirement, according to a report on Irish retirement living standards released by the Pensions Council.

The council, which was set up to advise the Minister for Social Protection on matters relating to policy on pensions, said a couple would need 43,200 a year to have a comfortable retirement.

In research prepared for the Pensions Council by consultants KPMG, it was found that what is labelled a modest retirement a single person would need a pension of 19,200 a year, rising to 28,800 for a couple.

A modest retirement is said to cover basic living expenses with some room for non-essentials.

A moderate lifestyle, which would offer more flexibility and financial security, requires a pension of 27,600 for a single person and 37,200 for a couple.

The Pensions Council said it recognises the terms modest, moderate and comfortable can be highly subjective and mean different things to different people.

It said: We also realise that national averages will mask specific circumstances, such as renting in Dublin, material healthcare costs, or travel costs to see children abroad, that would all increase the amounts required to meet each of these subjective states.

Traditionally, pension savers have often been told to aim for 50pc of their pre-retirement salary.

However, the Pensions Council said that this old rule of thumb can be too simplistic and fails to account for individual lifestyles and specific needs in later life.
The costs of goods coming to Ireland from the UK are likely to rise due to the Holyhead closure, Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) president Ger Hyland has said.

The IRHA has been calling on the Government to treat the situation as a matter of urgency" as the organisation met with the Department of Transport this morning to discuss further action.

Stena Line announced on Tuesday that the Port of Holyhead in Anglesey in North Wales will remain closed until at least January 15, following closure in early December due to damage caused by Storm Darragh.

Ger Hyland confirmed the matter has been escalated to the Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Taoiseach Simon Harris for discussion with the Cabinet in the UK.

We had a very engaging meeting this morning with Minister for Transport James Lawless. He certainly gets the urgency and he gets the need for extra ferries coming out of the UK and going into the UK," Mr Hyland told the Irish Independent.

He has escalated it up to the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste. They are liaising with their counterparts in the UK to try and find extra capacity between Ireland and England.

"It's something that has to be done as a matter of urgency, he added.

Holyhead Port in north-west Wales is a vital link to Ireland. Photo: PA

Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 19th

Mr Hyland said the costs of goods that get through the disruption will increase as the Holyhead closure will definitely have an impact on the economy.

All goods going from Ireland to the UK and all goods coming from the UK to Ireland will certainly have to rise in cost because of the additional costs facing our members," he said.

Fear now is that the possible freight is going to escalate. You're looking at some members putting up to 30pc of a fee increase because we have extra distances travel, we have extra ferry costs. We have a problem with drivers.

"So all of this will certainly have an effect on the grocery basket, put the price of goods up on the shelves, and it certainly will have an impact on the economy as well. It will hit the consumers' pocket, he added.

The hauliers association has also appealed for more ships to be redirected into Dublin Port as Rosslare is currently at full capacity.

"Rosslare is at full capacity, so we need to get the ships into Dublin, bearing in mind that 70pc of all products are coming into Ireland is delivered within a 50-mile radius of Dublin.

So the most efficient and the most suitable port is Dublin Port. Dublin Port is more or less idle at the minute because theres very little moving through it now, he said.

The organisation will hold a follow-up meeting with Minister James Lawless and other stakeholders on Monday morning.

"When we go back after Christmas, once the first week of January is over and the volume starts ramping up again, there certainly isn't enough capacity on the Ireland-UK route.

"Our immediate priority is to ensure that all freight on both sides of the English Channel is transported before the anticipated Christmas passenger rush.

To achieve this, we need every available ferry operational and redirected to any accessible UK port at the present time.

The IRHA has also been appealing to the ferry companies to delay maintenance works in January as they usually decommission ships for six weeks.

"We want them to delay their usual early January maintenance schedules or provide adequate replacements for any ferries taken out of service.

"Keeping goods moving during this peak period is essential. Reports from our members are that drivers are facing delays of up to 12 to 24 hours.

"Swift and decisive action is required to alleviate these unacceptable conditions and to prevent further disruption to supply chains, he added.

In a statement on Tuesday, Stena Line spokesperson said it has been working hard to provide alternative travel arrangements for customers during the busy festive period.

"Stena Line would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and assure customers that the company is doing everything in its power to mitigate the effects of the closure on passenger and freight traffic, they added.

The company offers sailings for passengers and freight from Dublin to ports in Birkenhead and Fishguard while a new freight route from Dublin to Heysham has been added.

There are also additional sailings between Belfast and Cairnryan route this weekend.

In a response to the Irish Independent query, the Department of Transport spokesperson said the Government is treating this matter "with absolute priority".

"We greatly appreciate the collaboration and efforts of all involved to help address the impacts of storm damage at Holyhead port, which will remain closed until at least January 15 next year," they said.

"Ministers [Eamon] Ryan and [James] Lawless and Department of Transport officials are working intensively with their counterparts in the Welsh and UK governments, and alongside port and transport operators and shipping companies, to facilitate new shipping services to replace the Dublin-Holyhead services to the greatest extent possible.

"Further meetings with UK Ministers have been requested," they added.

The spokesperson said the Department and Ministers have been in "continuous contact" with all stakeholders, including the IRHA.

They also confirmed additional routes and services have been put in place, including Dublin to Liverpool, Dublin to Heysham, Dublin to Fishguard and from Belfast to Cairnryan.

"[It] has created additional capacity to compensate for the losses through Holyhead.

"While our short-term priority has been to bring home passengers in time for Christmas, we continue to work to secure viable additional routes and vessels with sufficient capacity to support the steady movement of both people and goods between Ireland and the UK.

"We are working hard with operators and governments to establish new routes that can fully accommodate passenger and freight demand.

"This is a complex process requiring synchronisation across supply chains in different jurisdictions, and involving a wide range of stakeholders.

"We understand that people are eager to hear details of the discussions, but hope they understand that arrangements will be made public as soon they are confirmed," they added.
UK national pleads guilty to drugs offence arising out of 157m cocaine haul off Wexford coast

Multi-agency operation on Panamanian cargo ship MV Matthew in Irish waters resulted in largest seizure in history of the State

Jamie Harbron (right) leaving Waterford Courthouse in September 2023. Pic: Jim Campbell

Eoin Reynolds Wexford People Thu 19 Dec 2024 at 18:33







A UK national has pleaded guilty to a drugs offence arising from a raid on a Panamanian cargo ship off the southeast coast that resulted in the largest cocaine seizure in the history of the State.
Prison cell of gangland hitman searched over foiled hit in West Dublin

It is being investigated if the men were hired to target an associate of gun victim Cormac Berkely

Charles McClean

Robin Schiller and Ken Foy Thu 19 Dec 2024 at 13:34







The high-security jail cell of a gangland criminal linked to two murders was searched by detectives investigating the foiled hit in Dublin this week.
A man who had been arrested in relation to the death of Co Wexford woman Paula Lawlor has been released, gardai said on Friday morning.
Noel Grealish took the last seat in Galway West

Independent TD Noel Grealish has said he is interested in a ministerial role if it becomes available during Government talks.

Talks on Government formation between political parties is expected to stop over Christmas and resume early in the new year.

Despite a belief by some in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael that the Galway TD is not interested in a ministerial role, Mr Grealish said in a statement he is interested in such a position.

The issue of Ministerial roles has not been discussed thus far, however I wish to confirm that I am interested in such a position, if it becomes available at a later stage of negotiations, he said in a statement.

He said he is in active discussions which are headed up by Independent TD Michael Lowry.

Mr Grealish said talks at this stage are focused on policy.

I remain in active discussions with my regional group colleagues, which is headed up by Michael Lowry TD, he said.

All regional group TDs have an equal part to play to develop this Programme for Government and discussions at this stage are focused on policy.

Government negotiations are ongoing and I believe in the importance of ensuring a robust Programme for Government, which addresses policy issues, the concerns of the Irish people, issues of relevance for Ireland nationally and internationally and the constituency of Galway West.

Wexford Independent TD Verona Murphy was voted by TDs yesterday to become the first female Ceann Comhairle in a strong signal by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael they are willing to do business with Independent TDs.

TDs Sean Canney and Kevin Boxer Moran are also seen as frontrunners for senior ministerial positions. Mr Lowry has said he is not seeking a ministerial role.

The next Government is expected to see a major shake up of Government Departments, with Independent TDs seeking an emphasis on the Department of Rural Affairs. Fianna Fail is looking for its Domestic Affairs Department to be put into the Department of Justice, while Eamon Ryans current portfolios of Transport, Climate and Communications are also expected to be split up.

Independent TDs are understood to be seeking two Cabinet positions as well as junior ministerial roles.

Government talks at this stage have focused on policy.
Taoiseach Simon Harris promises to enact Occupied Territories Bill banning certain Israeli imports next year

Mr Harris said the move was unconnected to recent Israeli claims that Ireland and its Government are antisemitic in the course of a decision to close its embassy here

A poster of Taoiseach Simon Harris outside Leinster House calling on him to stop blocking the Occupied Territories Bill, as the Dail returned on Wednesday. Photo: PA

Senan Molony Thu 19 Dec 2024 at 14:48







Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the Occupied Territories Bill will be passed into law next year.
The public are being warned to be extra vigilant against text message fraud over the Christmas period.

Gardai through the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) reports being contacted by banks and financial institutions as increasingly high levels of smishing (text message fraud) are being reported.

Rather than placing links within the fraudulent text, fraudsters are issuing phone numbers for customers to ring in order to resolve an alleged issue with the customer's account.

When customers then ring the number, automated music and voice messages mimic the bank in question making the experience very convincing.

When an agent answers the phone, they scam customers into divulging their banking and security credentials.

It compiled a list of the most commonly used fraud methods it has seen throughout 2024.

An Garda Siochana said that fraudulent text messages can often appear within a previous, genuine thread.

Smishing texts customarily contain phone numbers to call which are not the genuine bank numbers, typically posing as the Fraud Department.

The force has advised all customers to check to see if the number is a genuine bank number if they receive a text to call your bank. This can be verified on the bank's website.

It reminded them that financial institutions will never ask you to hand over security details over the phone.

If they have responded to a text message they believe to be fraudulent, they may contact their bank as soon as possible.

There are numerous smishing scams in operation purporting to be from banks, delivery companies and couriers, utility providers and government agencies.

An Garda Siochana is reminding the public to always be wary of texts from unknown senders, and unusual requests that can even appear in the thread of previous genuine texts.

The force has devised guidelines for customers to avoid smishing. It strongly warned against clicking on links in a text, ringing a number contained in a text, giving away personal data such as bank details, PIN numbers, passwords, one time codes, PPS number, Eircode.

Demands for money transfers, scammers posing as children of clients requesting money, cold calls should all be ignored.

Customers should always seek to identify the caller by their name or phone number. If they have any concerns they should hang up and ring their bank or service provider using the number on their statement  just because it looks like an Irish number doesnt mean it is.

An Garda Siochana also advises against downloading any Apps that give fraudsters control of their device.

If a job is offered on a cold call, this is suspicious and should be dealt with accordingly.

If anyone has fallen victim to such scams, they should quickly change their passwords and PIN codes, report it to their bank ASAP and ask them to do a recall.

Any suspected incidents of fraud should be reported directly to An Garda Siochana, the force said.
Film maker says incels pounce on McGregor case

A leading documentary maker believes an online army of so-called incels is targeting Conor McGregor victim Nikita Hand to promote their world view that rape should be legal.

Irish film maker Alan Bradley, who has highlighted the disturbing rise of the culture of incels, or involuntary celibate men in a new documentary, believes the McGregor rape case has given them an opportunity to spread their message.
Labour TD Marie Sherlock and Independent Kevin 'Boxer' Moran as the 34th Dail convened ahead of the ceann comhairle vote in Leinster House. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins

A major shake-up of government departments is on the cards and could result in Jennifer Carroll MacNeill becoming the new Health Minister.

Independent TDs are pushing for the Department of Rural Affairs to be elevated to a full cabinet position and are also seeking a second cabinet postion by way of a super junior minister, as well as two junior minister jobs.

Outgoing minister Eamon Ryans former roles at the Department of Transport as well as Environment, Climate and Communications, are to be separated.

The Department of Justice will have a new Domestic Affairs Department, pushed heavily by Fianna Fail, that will oversee immigration.

Taoiseach Simon Harris is expected to take on the Foreign Affairs portfolio as Tanaiste.

There is speculation that outgoing Justice Minister Helen McEntee will be appointed to the Department of Enterprise, which Fine Gael is anxious to keep, especially as the country is at full employment.

Outgoing junior agriculture minister Martin Heydon is expected to be elevated to the Cabinet.

On the Fianna Fail side, Kildare TD James Lawless is being tipped for a cabinet role, as is Mayos Dara Calleary.

Darragh OBrien is also being spoken of as a candidate for Justice Minister, while James Browne is viewed as the most likely candidate for a junior ministerial role in the new Domestic Affairs Department.

However, sources do not expect there to be a straightforward swap of portfolios between the two parties.

One Fine Gael source said they do not expect Fianna Fail will let Housing go, while Fianna Fail is also pushing for the Department of Justice. The Department of Health, however, is likely to be handed over to Fine Gael.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Helen McEntee

New TDs discuss priorities ahead of first Dail meeting after Ireland election

Sources in Fianna Fail insisted Micheal Martin will have to have a first go in the Taoiseachs office.

There was pushback from some party members in 2020 with Leo Varadkar getting the first stint, with one member terming it as a way to keep Varadkar taoiseach.

However, a Fianna Fail minister said last night the 10 additional seats won by the party must be reflected in Mr Martin taking over as Taoiseach.

On the Independent side, Sean Canney is being viewed as a likely candidate for a cabinet role, alongside Kevin Boxer Moran, while Michael Lowry has said he does not want a ministerial job. Noel Grealish is also believed not to be seeking a ministerial role.

Verona Murphy, the first female ceann comhairle. Photo: Maxwell's

The new government of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Independents had its first test yesterday, with Verona Murphy being elected the first ever female ceann comhairle in a secret ballot. She defeated two Fianna Fail TDs and one Sinn Fein to take the job.

Ms Murphy revealed in her speech in the Dail that it was Mr Lowry who had asked if she might be willing to take up the role.

Seated in the ceann comhairles chair, she said she was humbled, honoured and privileged to serve and committed to be impartial, even-handed and even-tempered.

She said she would improve her Irish to a level that is commensurate with the office I now hold after the issue of Irish proficiency was raised by the Sinn Fein candidate Aengus O Snodaigh.

Ms Murphy posed for photos in the ceann comhairles office in Leinster House, but walked away from journalists asking questions.

Although Sinn Fein nominated Mary Lou McDonald to be the next taoiseach, she won attracted 44 votes in a Dail with a majority of 88.

Government formation talks are expected to continue in the coming days before breaking for the Christmas period and resuming next month.

Independent TDs are understood to be particularly eager that a Programme for Government be agreed as soon as possible.
Pupils from third class at St Saviours National School in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, help launch the Christmas FM charity appeal. Photo: Andres Poveda

Christmas FM has been busy spreading festive cheer in the run-up to the big day.

And today the radio station will call on the public to show their appreciation for the service with its annual Donation Day, which raises money for several charities.

Organisers are hoping to raise as much money as possible for its Magic of Christmas appeal as it pumps out all the best-loved Christmas tunes in a 7am-7pm radiothon.

This year the station, which launched on November 28 with volunteer presenters, will pull in listeners from countries around the world on its streaming service.

Co-founder Garvan Rigby said the station seemed to be hitting all the right notes with listeners this year, offering a welcome respite from the news agenda.

We find that people love that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with Christmas FM, he said.

We dont do any serious news; well be talking about things like the latest news from the North Pole from Elf Earnest, that kind of thing.

We try to keep it light-hearted and give everyone a bit of hope.

Its just a bit of fun and spreading that feelgood factor that comes with having the kids in the car, singing along to all the Christmas songs. Thats our aim.

Christmas FM is hoping to raise funds for Barnardos, Barretstown and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. About 25pc of the overall funds raised will go towards Community Foundation Ireland.

He said the station would love to reach its overall target of 1m in three years for worthy charities, given that last year pulled in 324,000 and they got just under 300,000 in 2022.

Some 10,000 children will benefit from the monies raised.

Our goal is to bring a bit of Christmas cheer but theres also a serious side to this as well. Its about trying to raise money for those children who need the support in their communities, Mr Rigby added.

So as well as playing all the usual music on Donation Day, people will be hearing about a child or a family who is really struggling and going through a difficult time.

The station, which is broadcasting out of the Clayton Hotel in Liffey Valley, was co-founded back in 2008 by Mr Rigby alongside his friends Daragh OSullivan, Walter Hegarty and Paul Sheppard.

Over the years, it has raised more than 3m for good causes. It usually gets around 10 million streams worldwide every year, with four million of those coming from Irish listeners.

The station, which has a 30-day licence, is particularly popular in the UK and US, but also does well in Germany, Bulgaria and Australia.

People can donate at any time by paying a visit to the website: www.christmasfm.com.
Adopting our border collie Wyatt changed my life and his  heres why you should consider getting a rescue dog too

Kathy Donaghy wasnt really looking for a dog but after adopting her rescue border collie, Wyatt, now she cant imagine a home without him

Kathy Donaghy with her border collie rescue dog Wyatt

Kathy Donaghy Thu 19 Dec 2024 at 03:30

We are about to observe a very special day in the life of our family. December 23 marks the day our rescue border collie, Wyatt, found his forever home in ours.
The Christmas season of goodwill is calling us to give tangible expression to that duty of care for one another exemplified by our saviour.

Alongside this, the daily horrors that fill our news feeds from the land of his birth are all too poignant.

It is also distressing how media outlets invariably exclude any reference to the lord of peace from their coverage.

So often we are left feeling impotent when faced with such violence.

However, Gods footprints are always discernible in the lives of those who turn to him and live by his word.

In the Jewish scriptures we find that we ought to never use the sin of another to justify our own wrongdoing. Even more insistently, the New Testament tells us to remove any impediment that would block God loving others through us.

In this holy season, may Gods message of peace resound in our hearts and not be suffocated by hatred.

Gearoid Duffy, Rathmines Road, Dublin 4

Your generosity in 2024 has helped the worlds most vulnerable people

As the world continues to face severe challenges, especially in the countries in which Concern works, including Sudan, Syria and Ukraine, we take great hope from the support we get in Ireland, which remains a beacon of generosity and kindness.

The assistance we get from Irish people has been driving our mission to end extreme poverty since we formed in 1968 in response to famine in the breakaway province of Biafra in Nigeria.

Nobody should have to live in fear of not having a home to sleep in or enough food to feed their children.

Thank you to all of you who have supported our work  from the church-gate collectors, business contributors and community groups to the bake-sale organisers and school fundraisers .

Your time and efforts have enabled us to support families caught up in humanitarian crises in our 25 countries of operation.

We hope for a more peaceful world as we wish you and yours a happy Christmas and New Year.

Dominic Crowley, CEO, Concern Worldwide

Israel must be told we are supporting human rights and international law

I note that Taoiseach Simon Harris has described a move by Israel to close its embassy in Dublin as a deeply regrettable decision.

According to the Israeli government, this decision is due to the extreme anti-Israeli policies of the Irish Government.

I was glad to hear Mr Harris was quickly out of the traps in his rejection of that assertion.

He emphasised that Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law.

The issue that Israel now has with Ireland appears to have emanated from the recognition of the state of Palestine by Ireland, Spain and Norway last May, resulting in the recall of the Israeli ambassador to Ireland.

Before this, Ireland had been to the fore in calling for Israel to be punished for its actions in Gaza, not least its call for the review of EU-Israel trade agreements.

It seems to me that Israel now perceives Ireland as being a hostile actor in all of this.

However, Irelands position was that it was reacting to events on the ground and Israels campaign in Gaza since October 8 last year.

John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

People clearly see when a warmongering aggressor is playing the victim card

Never has there been a war aggressor like Israel, which plays the victim. Aggressors often manipulate narratives to appear the wronged party. Irish political parties and the good people of Ireland know otherwise.

Enda Kilgallen, Dublin 18

Best way by far to tackle drink-driving is to jail offending motorists

In the festive season, when alcohol and drug consumption increases, there are people in our midst who will take a chance and drive under the influence or drive while disqualified.

Last year alone, 8,863 motorists were detected driving under the influence. Between 2022 and last year, 32,700 persons were disqualified from driving.

In Dublin alone, only 154, or 3pc, of people who received disqualification notices, out of 4,708, acknowledged it. These figures speak for themselves.

While drink- and drug-driving is one of the most contested pieces of legislation in our courts, with the average number of cases that are struck out or dismissed at nearly 38pc, in Dublin it is 46pc.

The reality is that people in general are willing to take a chance not only with their own lives, but with those of their passengers or other innocent road users by driving while under the influence of intoxicants or driving while disqualified..

With an increasing number of road deaths, with some drivers who should be off our roads still willing to take a chance with not only their lives, but others as well, isnt it time we had more robust and visible policing all the year round and not just on bank holidays?

It is time the courts were willing to impose the ultimate sanction for recidivists or those who fail to hand in their licences for disqualification.

Christy Galligan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Think twice before giving alcohol as someone might be struggling with drink

Your headline My husband is so boring since he gave up drinking (Health & Living, December 16), reflects the inconsiderate and unhelpful remarks that many sober individuals encounter, especially at this time of year.

Those who are courageously confronting issues related to drinking, along with its impact on their loved ones, deserve support rather than criticism.

These individuals struggles stand in stark contrast to the pervasive and constant glorification of alcohol, as well as the frequent news stories highlighting alcohol-fuelled violence and destruction.

Imagine the positive influence it would create if society consistently celebrated and encouraged those choosing to abstain from alcohol for personal or health reasons.

Regrettably, the response provided here could have been simplified and effective help options offered.

Let us also propose that, since we are often unaware of underlying issues with problem drinking, we should think twice before giving alcohol as a gift this Christmas.

Gerry Hickey, Alcohol Response, Dublin 14
Pampered pet got all the attention while baby was ignored. Photo: Getty

I was at a coffee shop when two young mothers entered with babies, one only nine weeks old. They also had a dog.

The waitress spent five minutes petting the dog, got it milk then got it water. She did not acknowledge the babies. Why is it more socially acceptable for women to coo over dogs than newborns?

This Christmas, lets remember that while the animals in the stable are great and the little donkey deserves special attention, its all about the baby in the crib.

Dominic Gallagher, Glenavy, Co Antrim

Lets hope airlines dont take advantage of those facing festive travel woes

As someone who spent many Christmases in the past trying to get home from London, I sympathise with the plight of those facing delays and re-routed journeys due to the closure of Holyhead port.

The added stress of worrying about family reunions and the unpredictability of winter travel is all too familiar.

One can only trust that the airlines will not take obscene advantage of this situation.

Hopefully, the issue will be resolved soon, and those trying to get home can enjoy a well-deserved Christmas reunion without further hassle.

Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh

Santa wont be dashing through the waves in a one-horse open sleigh

Thankfully, Santa doesnt use ferries to cross the Irish Sea.

Peter Declan OHalloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan

Love your neighbour as yourself is being ignored as the killings continue

I was saddened to read the unequivocal negative response of the Jewish community to Irelands support for the Palestinian people in Gaza (Irish Independent, December 17).

As a 21st-century follower of the Palestinian Jew, Jeshua of Nazareth, I have great respect for the Torah and the Jewish prophets.

In his lifetime, when asked what was the greatest commandment, Jeshua quoted two passages from the Hebrew Bible, You shall love the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:5) and You shall love your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18).

The venerable Rabbi Akivah (first century AD) declared this a great principle in the Torah (Genesis Rabbah 24:7).

All I can say to my Jewish sisters and brothers in Abraham is: Why isnt this great principle of the Torah being applied to the Palestinian civilian neighbourhood of Gaza?

Brendan Butler, Drumcondra, Dublin

Antisemitism allegation by Israel against Ireland is an attempt to close debate

It is upsetting that whenever legitimate concerns are expressed about Israels military operations against innocent civilians, including children, their response is to play the antisemite card.

This is just a crude ad hominem smear that is a lazy intellectual attempt to close down debate over human rights violations and breaches of international law.

Unfounded allegations of antisemitism by Israel merely serve to debase its own peoples history of systemic antisemitism inflicted on them in World War II.

Mark Hogan, Wicklow

People living in poverty pay a high price for grubby political horse trading

So it begins, the divvying out of the spoils (Independent TD Verona Murphy getting ceann comhairle job is seen as the price of power for Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, Irish Independent, December 18).

Head of the queue is one of our Independents, the class of politician that many saw as providing a principled alternative to the shenanigans that informed much of our politics during the decades leading to the near destruction of the State in 2008, an event that heralded the rise of the Independents.

At least the electorate can now see that the Independent new dawn was but a pipe dream. They too are as likely as the rest to be guided by self-aggrandisement.

The report notes that handing this ridiculously lucrative position to an Independent was the price Fianna Fail and Fine Gael had to pay to get into power  the consequence of their failure to secure a mandate to govern at the ballot box.

Did anyone involved in this grubby business wonder what price those in poverty  our legion of hungry children and the homeless  will pay? Five more years of the same governance that went before. No hope of any changes in policy, and particularly no hope of a more hands-on government to address these great social ills.

It is long past time that the electorate was more discerning when casting votes and kept firmly in mind Shaws truism: Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.

Jim OSullivan, Rathedmond, Sligo

Since when did speaking ones mind become a top prerequisite for Dail seat?

During the recent elections, I found it hilarious to hear some people saying: I would definitely vote for him, he speaks his mind.

On a serious note, I have to ask myself: Since when does speaking ones mind qualify one as TD material?

Its like looking at someone who is drunk and being reminded of the Latin phrase in vino veritas. Of course, thats predicated on the fact that you can make sense of what they are uttering.

Based on the above, we then say: Maybe he should run for the Dail, even though he makes as much sense as Donald Trump on a good day.

John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

Cost of dying appears to be getting as expensive as the already high cost of living

Will the news that RIP.ie is to start charging 100 per death notice in the new year lead to a cost-of-dying crisis to accompany the cost-of-living crisis?

Brian Ahern, Clonsilla, Dublin 1

RIP.ies proposal to charge 100 per death notice is a rather grave development

I guess everything has a cost, including running RIP.ie. However, some people wouldnt be caught dead paying 100 to get their name in print.

Ed Toal, Galway
The Department of Integration has confirmed it will use a former bank premises on Mallows Main Street to house Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers.

The Department of Integration said refurbishment work on the former Ulster Bank building has been completed and 23 beds will be provided for people fleeing the war in Ukraine at the property from late December onwards.

A briefing from the department to local public representatives stated that the capacity of the building is up to 23 people and the contract is for five years.

For the first two years of the contact, the building will be used specifically for housing Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs).

The accommodation will be self-catering and a valid fire safety certificate has been provided.

A spokesperson for the Department of Integration told The Corkman: The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth received an offer of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) at 116 Main Street, Mallow.

The property underwent refurbishment as part of the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Programme overseen by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This refurbishment work has now completed and fr om late December 2024 onwards 23 beds will be provided for people fleeing the war in Ukraine at the property.

The department spokesperson continued: Due to a reduction in the number of people arriving from Ukraine, as well as an increase in those exiting State accommodation, the State is reducing its overall accommodation stock.

As a result, it is likely that those who are accommodated at 116 Main Street, Mallow, will be re-accommodated from accommodation where a contract has ended and, where possible, people will be accommodated in the same general area, the spokesperson added. The department also stated that it is not possible to provide more specific information on likely occupation dates or a breakdown of the people moving in.

Fianna Fail councillor Gearoid Murphy said communication with local people is crucial. I shared the information I received as soon as I got it, because I think that communication with local communities is important. My impression is that the accommodation in the building would be of an emergency nature and probably not suitable to meet peoples housing needs in the long-term.

Ireland has an obligation under international law to make a determination when a person applies for asylum, said Cllr Murphy. Until we process a persons application, we also have an obligation to house anyone who is seeking asylum. I can only imagine what it must be like to have to leave your home and your homeland because of war or persecution.

I believe it is very important that applications are processed efficiently and that the Department of Integration hires a lot more staff to ensure this, he added.
Newly elected Cork TDs expressed their joy as the Dail returned on Wednesday, December 18 for the first time since the General Election.

Fine Gael TD for Cork East Noel McCarthy said it was a great honour to attend the first sitting of the Dail. There was a great atmosphere in Leinster House. I found it hard to believe when I was sitting there that I received such a mandate from the people of East Cork to represent them. It was a fantastic and special day.

It was a very joyful occasion for my family and I, said the Fermoy based TD. There was a bit of nervous excitement before entering the Dail for the first time. My wife and my son and one of my friends travelled up.

The people of Cork East have placed their faith and trust in me. I know I have a lot of work ahead. I am looking forward to the challenge, he added.

Labour Party TD for Cork North Central Eoghan Kenny who is the youngest TD in the Dail said: This is the greatest honour of my life 100%. At the same time there is a real sense of nervousness about it.

Other new Cork TDs in the 34th Dail include Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul OShea, Social Democrats TD for Cork East Liam Quaide and Independent Ireland TD for Cork North Central Ken OFlynn.

There are three new TDs from Cork South Central, Padraig Rice (Social Democrats), Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) and Seamus McGrath (Fianna Fail).
Dead fish retrieved from the River Allow following the kill in May. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Members of Kanturk & District trout Anglers Association photographed soon after the fish kill on the river Allow in June.

Kanturk and District Trout Anglers Association has stated that it is disappointed with the nominal nature of the fine imposed on Uisce Eireann after the agency was convicted of permitting or causing deleterious matter to fall into waters of the River Allow, where thousands of fish were killed on June 9.

On Monday, Inland Fisheries Ireland environmental officer Andrew Gillespie told Mallow District Court that Polyaluminium Chloride  an acidic solution used in the water treatment process  had leaked into the Allow from the Freemount water treatment plant and affected an 8km stretch of the river.

Mr Gillespie told the Court that tens of thousands of fish had been killed on the river, where fish populations could take years to recover. Judge Colm Roberts convicted and fined Uisce Eireann, offered a guilty plea, 3,500 with one month to pay. It was also ordered to pay 3,267 in legal costs.

Following the conviction, Kanturk and District Anglers Association said it noted the fine imposed and Mr Gillespies estimate that at least 10,000 fish were killed. Secretary Tim Corbett claimed this put the value of each fish killed at 0.35.

The club is saddened by the scale of the loss of invaluable aquatic life and the nominal nature of the fine for an incident from which it will take years for the river to recover to anything approaching its former condition, Mr Corbett said.

The club will continue to work with all stakeholders to protect and advance the Allow and the Dalua rivers for the good of all species that depend on them as well as for those who see them for the invaluable resource that they are.
Fintan McCarthy celebrates winning the men's lightweight double sculls finals during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Focus Ireland has issued an urgent appeal for donations as record numbers of children, families and individuals face Christmas without a home.

The charity has been working harder than ever in 2024, supporting 42 families in Cork who were homeless or at risk of losing their home.

There are currently 562 adults in emergency accommodation in Cork, according to the latest Department of Housing figures.

Additionally there are 207 children experiencing homelessness in the South-west region (Cork and Kerry).

Nationally, 14,966 people including 4,645 children in 2,161 families will spend the festive season in emergency accommodation.

Alarmingly, almost 380 families in Dublin are facing their second, and in some cases third and fourth Christmas experiencing homelessness.

Focus Irelands Children Cant Wait appeal seeks to rally support for those affected by homelessness and raise awareness of the urgent need for safe, stable housing.

The campaign which aims to raise 1.3 million for homelessness services, comes at a crucial time as record numbers of families face the trauma of homelessness this winter.

With much emergency accommodation now reaching capacity, many families are experiencing the distressing reality of hidden homelessness, staying in unsuitable, often unsafe accommodation.

Launching the appeal, CEO of Focus Ireland, Pat Dennigan said, We believe that every child deserves a place to call home, especially during Christmas. Unfortunately the reality is that there are 4,645 children facing Christmas in emergency accommodation or, worse, living in hidden homelessness. Thats more than four and a half thousand young lives interrupted, facing obstacles they should never have to face.

Mr Dennigan continued: The latest Department of Housing Report shows that homelessness has risen by 47% since the last general election in February 2020, with a 34% increase in family homelessness and a 31% increase in child homelessness in the same period. We now have almost 15,000 people experiencing homelessness in Ireland.

Last year, Focus Ireland provided essential support to more than 18,000 people across the country who were experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, an increase of 12% compared to 2022.

Since 2021, Focus Ireland has helped more than 1,550 families leave homelessness, effectively helping more than one family exit homelessness every day for each of the past three years.

Supporting the charitys Christmas appeal, double Olympic gold medal winning rower, Fintan McCarthy, from Skibbereen, called on the public to give what they can to help end homelessness.

It's shocking to know that more than 4,500 children will be homeless in Ireland this Christmas. It's a situation that simply shouldn't exist. I believe every child deserves a home, so that's why I'm supporting Focus Ireland in their mission to end homelessness.

The solution to homelessness is a secure home for good, not just shelter for a night. Join me in helping the thousands of children and families who are without a home in Ireland this Christmas by giving what you can at focusireland.ie because children can't wait. Let's end homelessness, he added.
An appeal has been lodged to An Bord Pleanala.

An appeal has been lodged to An Bord Pleanala for the erection of a 24m high telecommunications lattice structure in Barna, County Galway.

The project was lodged to Galway City Council by Vantage Towers Limited, and it includes a headframe together with antennas, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment all enclosed by security fencing.

This development also includes the construction of an initial access track to link with an existing public road to the south, and the construction of an access track to the north, to be used in the future, which will link with a proposed new service road, once available, and associated with the completion of works for the N6 Galway City Ring Road.

Vantage Towers Limited argued the development is needed to ensure continued coverage for residents and businesses in the Cappagh Road area on the western outskirts of Galway City and it will replace an existing structure  used by Vodafone, Eir and Three Ireland  which now has to be removed due to the planned route of the N6 Galway City Ring Road.

Despite local opposition, in November, Galway City Council approved the development with two conditions attached.

Among the submissions, concerns have been raised to Galway City Council regarding the developments location, as the project is subject to the N6 Galway City Ring Road planning application currently being reviewed by An Bord Pleanala.

Following the approval, earlier this month a third party appeal has been lodged to An Bord Pleanala by Kevin Kelly. An Bord Pleanala is expected to decide on the case by April 16 2025.

Vantage Towers Limited is owned by the Vodafone Group and it owns 1,300 masts in Ireland.
Fine Gael Councillor Tommy Griffin is calling on the incoming government to take a stand against US military flights at Shannon Airport as it is undermining Irish neutrality.

Speaking at a recent full meeting of Kerry County Council (KCC), Cllr Griffin asked that the council call on the government to stop such flights.

I have tabled this motion following the passing of the Occupied Territories Bill in October by Kerry County Council, he said.

Cllr Griffin claims that 220,000 American troops have passed through Shannon Airport in the last three and a half years on their way to Bahrain and Kuwait.

We have no way of knowing if these flights are carrying weaponry to Israel. We all know that crimes are being committed in Gaza and Lebanon. As a country, we have made our position on this very clear, Cllr Griffin said.

He added that with the US continuing to support Israel, the use of Shannon is seriously undermining Irelands neutral and ethical status.

Im calling on the council to support my motion on this call, he said.

The motion was seconded by Sinn Fein Councillor Robert Brosnan.
Construction on the Adare Bypass is scheduled to begin in January 2025.

This follows the Government's November 2023 approval to expedite the Adare Bypass project for early completion ahead of the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.

Several preparatory works, including hedge clearance, fencing, archaeological resolution, utility diversions, and railway bridge construction, have already been progressing along the projects 7km route.

The bypass aims to alleviate delays on the N21, reroute heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) away from the village, and improve safety for residents and visitors.

As a whole, the bypass forms part of the larger Foynes to Limerick Road Project, designed to enhance connectivity across the region.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said: This contract award announcement marks a significant step towards achieving the target of having the Adare Bypass in place by the Autumn of 2027. However, expectations should be tempered considering the scale of the project and the time remaining.

The Government is investing over 155 million in the project, which is expected to bolster the region's economic development and enhance access to Shannon Foynes Port.

Limerick Minister Patrick ODonovan added: This is a welcome step in addressing Adares infrastructure needs and supporting the broader Mid-West region.

Peter Walsh, CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), maintained the bypass's role in improving safety and reducing congestion, meanwhile, local representatives and officials praised stakeholders, including Iarnrod Eireann, for assisting with railway bridge construction.

The construction has been awarded to the Sisk Sorensen Joint Venture, a partnership between John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd and Sorensen Civil Engineering Ltd.

Further updates are expected in the coming year as the project progresses. Full details are available at www.foyneslimerick.ie.
A delegation of 28 representatives from 11 South Korean cities visited Sligo last week where they explored Sligos night-time economy.

The group were hosted by Sligos Business Improvement District (BID).

The distinguished group, which included Professor Gan Hoan Jeong, President of IDEA Asia and Director of the Korean Night-Time Economy and Tourism Research Center, was eager to learn from Sligos unique success in fostering a thriving night-time culture.

The delegation also featured notable figures such as the former Korean Ambassador to Atlanta, USA, the Director of the Department of Cultural Tourism for Yesan, and even the designer of Hanbok costumes for the K-Pop group BTS. These leaders, from diverse backgrounds, were particularly interested in how a town with a smaller population like Sligo could cultivate such a robust Night-Time Economy that serves both locals and visitors alike.

Sligo was one of only four European locations selected for the delegations tour, and the visitors were impressed by the community and business efforts that have led to a flourishing schedule of high-quality events, festivals and initiatives.

The delegations visit began with a warm welcome at Sligo City Hall from Cathaoirleach Declan Bree, who praised the wide range of Sligo-based organisations and projects contributing to the Night-Time Economy.

Sligo BID CEO Gail McGibbon provided an overview of Irelands approach to the Night-Time Economy, including the Purple Flag structure that recognizes excellence in managing evening and night-time activities.

Tuhin Batra from the ATU Sligo shared key findings from his ongoing research into the economic value and employment opportunities linked to the Night-Time Economy, while Edel Doran, Sligo Towns Night-Time Economy Advisor, presented Sligos Night-Time Economy Action Plan and the towns innovative pilot projects.

The delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Yeats Society Sligo, where they were introduced to the towns literary heritage. Despite a minor translation challenge for their translator involving clay and wattles made from W.B. Yeats The Lake Isle of Innisfree, the visitors thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Upon arrival in Queen Maeve Square, the delegation was greeted by the festive sight of the Sligo Town Christmas Tree, displaying both the Irish and South Korean flags. The visit concluded with an evening at Thomas Connollys Pub, where they enjoyed traditional Irish music and Guinness, celebrating the rich cultural exchange between Sligo and South Korea.

Over the last ten years having worked with so many voluntary and community groups, the Local Authority, the Gardai, the many festivals and events and local businesses, Sligo BID is delighted that international researchers and cities see Sligo town as a case study to follow.
Now in their seventh year, the global makeup awards find the top leaders of makeup and skincare globally. With over 700 entries in this year's awards from Europe, the UK, Asia, and America, the competition was fierce to find the best of the best within the beauty industry.

Judged over several months by the team of judges, each year they look to find innovative and new game-changing products on the market in the world of cosmetics.

Holos had three Editors Choice gold winners in the awards, including: each product in the new ABC Active range i.e. ABC Active A, ABC Active B and ABC Active C. ABC Active A Oil Serum from Holos won Bronze in the Best Face Oil category; ABC Active B Gel Serum also won Bronze as Best Anti-Redness Serum. While ABC Active C Creamy Gel Serum won Bronze in the Best Serum category.

The Enniscorthy-based brand was founded in 2013, arising from Niamh Hogans passion for botanical skincare, and her work as an holistic therapist. Just ten years since the first Holos collection, the business is achieving annual global sales of over 1M. The brands popularity has seen it launched on the US market.

Niamh said she was thrilled that her natural focus brand is being recognised globally outside of Ireland.

We are thrilled to have our small Irish brand acknowledged on the international skincare stage, she said.

"We blend nature, science, and consciousness. The combination of botanical ingredients and plant actives nourish, repair and protect delicate skin naturally. This perfect merger in our new Holos A,B,C serums means actives stimulate skin deep down, while plant oils and extracts feed and support at surface level for brighter healthier skin, she added.

Sustainability and ethics are at the core of Holos Skincare. Product bottles are made from made from lightweight aluminium which can be infinite recycled. All products are Peta-approved, vegan and cruelty-free.

The luxury Irish brand of plant-based aromatherapy skincare has produced seven separate skincare collections, since launch in 2015. Each meets different user-needs, including the functional Holos This is More range, day and nighttime formulations, and a gentle Happy Momma and Baby range.

Holos Skincare is available online and in selected pharmacies, health stores and beauty salons in Ireland and the UK.
The members of Trish's Slimming World in Enniscorthy banded together to raise 1,500 for charity in memory of a local boy who passed away earlier this year.

TJ Sheil from Oylegate had lissencephaly, a condition more commonly referred to as 'smooth brain', and was also impacted by epilepsy during his life.

TJ was very proud when he became an honorary member of An Garda Siochana in November of 2021 as part of the Little Blue Heroes initiative, which provides practical and financial support to families of children who have serious illnesses in Ireland. TJ was formally added to the ranks by Garda buddy Seamus Killeen and Sergeant Colm Matthews who provided him with a full uniform and hat.

He passed away on Sunday, May 5 at the age of seven years old.

The slimming world group decided to raise funds for the Laura Lyn Foundation, an organisation that provided invaluable support to TJs family including end-of-life care.

The organisation was formed in 2011 and provides a Community of Care that comprises the only childrens hospice in Ireland. The philosophy behind Community of Care is centred around the provision of exemplar, holistic specialist care; within a dynamic culture of compassion, collaboration and excellence.

To raise money, the group organised a fundraising draw where the prizes included a one year Slimming World subscription worth up to 520 and a six-week subscription as second prize.

Trish Dagg said it was a monumental moment handing the cheque over to the representatives from the foundation.

"We were joined by Peter Kenny from Laura Lynn and TJs parents, Darren and Julie Sheil, and a few of my beautiful members for the presentation. It was a moment and reflection and gratitude for everyone involved, she said.

"Thank you so much to all who contributed to this meaningful cause. Your generosity honours TJ's memory and helps support families in need, she added.

TJs mother Julie expressed her gratitude to the group who continually kept her son in their memories.

"Thank you so much it means the world to us and Laura Lynn is such an amazing charity and they have been a great support to our family. There are so many amazing people out there, she said.
Wicklow man Stuart Quiney returned home last night after a three-month ordeal which saw him detained in Dubai, accused of sending threatening emojis.

Stuart landed safely in Dublin Airport at 10.30pm where he was warmly greeted by friends and family members, before the 39-year-old property renovator made his way back to his Laragh home.

As he was waiting at the airport in Dubai, he commented: I cant wait for that moment of boarding the flight. It has been an emotional rollercoaster the past month. Probably feel the relief when Im in the air. Im still a bit on edge until Im actually in the air.

Stuart faced a harsh sentence in Dubai over allegations he sent threatening emojis from Ireland to a man in Dubai. He was taken into custody as soon as he arrived in Dubai on September 6, and was advised that he could face several years in prison under strict laws that prohibit rude, offensive or threatening text messages, even if expressed sarcastically or jokingly between close friends or loved ones.

There was a sense of relief when he was, instead, ordered to pay a fine of AED 10,000, which is the equivalent of 2,595.

Once Cllr Shane Langrell became aware of Stuarts situation, he immediately made contact with Wicklow TD, Deputy Edward Timmins, and Taoiseach Simon Harris.

He was contacted by Stuart on Wednesday morning as he prepared to board his flight to return home.

Cllr Langrell said: I received a text message from Stuart himself, letting me know he was waiting to board his flight. He expressed his gratitude to both Deputy Timmins and me for everything we have done to help him through this challenging time. Hearing directly from Stuart was incredibly heartwarming and reaffirmed the importance of our efforts.

I also spoke with his mother Bernie, who, as you can imagine, was very emotional and excited. She confirmed that Stuart had cleared customs and was boarding his flight home. The travel ban was only lifted on Tuesday, and Stuart immediately booked the first available flight to reunite with his family. The news comes as a tremendous relief to Stuarts family, particularly for Bernie and his father John, who have endured months of uncertainty and distress.

Read more Wicklow man faces Dubai prison over threatening emojis

Originally, Stuart was expected to remain in Dubai until after Christmas. However, with our intervention and persistent efforts, he will now be home in time to celebrate the Christmas holidays. This has been an incredibly challenging time for Stuart, his parents, and their entire family. I am overjoyed to see this case come to a positive conclusion and wish Stuart and his family a peaceful and happy Christmas together.

Upon learning of Stuarts case, the first thing Cllr Langrell did was to reach out to Stuarts mother Bernie to offer his support.

He added: It was a deeply concerning situation, as he faced the possibility of a prison sentence of several years if the matter was not resolved. I worked closely with Deputy Edward Timmins, who liaised directly with the Department of Foreign Affairs here in Ireland and the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Together, we coordinated with the Department of Justice to ensure the necessary paperwork was in place to lift the ban and secure Stuarts return.

I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Deputy Timmins for his huge efforts in supporting the Quiney family alongside me. His tireless work and dedication were instrumental in ensuring this positive outcome for Stuart and his family.

Radha Stirling, chief executive of campaign group Detained in Dubai, spearheaded a campaign highlighting Stuarts plight.

Announcing the news that Stuart was free and about to board his plane, she stated: Absolutely ecstatic that Stuarts nightmare is over. Stuart will get to spend Christmas at home and we are very happy for him and his family.

These were serious allegations and it was touch and go, but after an intense few weeks of work, we were able to get Stuart home with just a AED 10,000 fine. The public should be aware that Stuart was lucky to get away without going to prison. His ordeal could have been prevented had he instructed a UAE Police Check before travel and wed encourage repeat visitors to investigate their status before booking.

Before boarding, Stuart told Ms Stirling: Thanks again Radha for all you have done, my mother and father also cant thank you enough for everything. Forever in your debt.
Our beauty expert gets to grips with solutions for taming coarse and curly hair

I was recently scrolling on TikTok when I was presented with a clip from one of those incredibly niche American shows that takes place in a clinic which assists people with a specific type of (relatively harmless) medical issue. This programme focused on people with hair problems, and the woman at the centre of the clip had the biggest, bushiest hair Ive ever seen.

If youve read the Harry Potter books, youll remember the description of Hermione Grangers hair  this womans hair was like that and she was struggling to manage it. The doctor quickly agreed with her that she had Uncombable Hair Syndrome, before sending her to some hair professionals to get it sorted out.

The before and after was miraculous, but before I could appreciate that, I had to find out what Uncombable Hair Syndrome was. I had images of brushes and combs snapping as the user attempted to brush through their gruaig but, in truth, Uncombable Hair Syndrome simply refers to a specific hair texture, which happens due to a genetic structural anomaly. This results in frizzy, wiry hair that stands out straight from the scalp and cant be combed flat.

In the clip, a specialist in hair texture used curly-hair product to work with the womans hair and embrace its wave and curl. Due to the hairs coarseness, it needed to be truly drenched in product in order to smooth it down at all. If you have very curly or coarse hair and you struggle to manage it, its worth considering the amount of styling product you use  sometimes you need a lot more than you think.

I dont have Uncombable Hair Syndrome, but recently I have been dealing with an uncombable situation of my own. The hair at the nape of my neck has become fully committed to a tangled life, quickly knotting itself up and resulting in a matted mess almost every day. My research indicates that hair that is suddenly knotting regularly is probably damaged and/or dry. So what can we do to sort it out?

Johnsons No More Tangles Kids Conditioner Spray, 3.74, boots.ie

First, lets deal with the knots. A detangling spray and a gentle brush will be your best mate. There are lots of detangling options on the market, but I like Johnsons No More Tangles Kids Conditioner Spray (3.74, via boots.ie). As childrens hair is very fine and delicate, this was designed to gently combat tangles and wont weigh your hair down. Spray it on and then use your finger first to ease the knot or clump of hair apart, as smaller knots are easier to deal with.

Tangle Teaser, from 12.50, millies.ie

Next use a gentle, soft bristled brush like a Tangle Teaser (from 12.50, via millies.ie) or the Baby Belle by Irish brand Belle Brush (19.99, via thebellebrush.com), and carefully and lightly work your way up from the bottom of the hair through the knot.

Baby Belle, 19.99, thebellebrush.com

The aim is to avoid as much breakage as possible  if youre too aggressive, youll lose lots of hair.

Now, the damage. There are lots of excellent treatments on the market these days, but I am fully committed to K18 (from 11.50, via k18hair.ie).

K18, from 11.50, k18hair.ie

This leave-in treatment works inside the hair to repair polypeptide chains, essentially working at a molecular level to improve the hairs health. Im not a scientist, but this works really well on my hair and has substantially improved its condition. Its pricey, but after an initial treatment phase of four to six washes, it should only be used once every three to four washes so lasts well.

Lost in translation

You may have seen colloidal oatmeal mentioned on body-care product packaging, and thats because it is an excellent skin protectant, which also soothes the skin via its emollient properties, as well as strengthening the skin barrier. Aside from that, it works well on sensitive or irritated skin, even for those with conditions like eczema and psoriasis, plus it plays well with other ingredients.

Something old...

LOccitane Almond Shower Oil, from 8.50, loccitane.com

If youre a regular reader, youll know I love a shower oil. As someone who struggles to stick to a regular body-care routine, I need my shower products to work hard when it comes to moisturising my skin, and shower oils are great at it. Ive been using LOccitanes Almond Shower Oil (from 8.50, via loccitane.com) for at least 15 years, and cant see a time when it wont be in my shower. Enriched with sweet almond oil, this product emulsifies into a milky liquid that maintains the skins barrier and leaves it feeling soft and supple. Aside from cleansing the skin, I love to use this while shaving my legs. It allows for a smooth shave that never leaves my legs feeling dry or scaly. Finally, it smells incredible, bringing the scent of almond and vanilla into your bathroom and leaving it on your (beautifully soft) skin. LOccitane now sell refills for this product, meaning you can buy and rebuy without worrying about the overconsumption of plastic.

... Something new

Delicia Drench Shower Oil, from 10, spacenk.com

There is no hotter body-care brand than Sol de Janeiro. It started with their Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, which, despite the fact that it will not give you a Brazilian bum bum, became widely popular thanks to its hydrating properties and delicious fragrance. Now the brand has eight different scents and a wide range of products available. I was already a big fan of their regular body oil, but when I heard about the new Delicia Drench Shower Oil (from 10, via spacenk.com), I was very excited. This oil-to-milk formula cleanses and hydrates the skin in the shower, working to maintain the skin barrier, just like the aforementioned LOccitane product. The fragrance is Sol de Janeiros Delicia Drench, or 59, which has notes of velvet plum, sugared violet and whipped amber  in other words, it smells sweet and sugary, but in a good way. I have no doubt that this will be a huge hit.
Saoirse and actor boyfriend Jack Lowden tied the knot back in July at a low-key ceremony in Edinburgh

Saoirse Ronan and Jack Lowden at the 2019 premiere of Mary Queen of Scots. Photo: Getty

Saoirse Ronan has revealed the moment she knew her husband Jack Lowden was the one.

The pair tied the knot in July at a secret ceremony in Edinburgh after meeting in 2017 while filming Mary Queen of Scots.

Speaking to chef Ruthie Rogers on Ruthie's Table 4 podcast, Ronan admitted that her other half really appreciates her big appetite.

Jack loves how much I love food, the Little Women star explained.

I was eating a burger, and I was like, What are you looking at?

He said, I'm watching you eat that because you're getting so much out of it. That was when I knew.

It comes after Ronan revealed that fans sometimes ask her to take photos of them with Scottish Lowden, who stars in British TV spy drama Slow Horses with Gary Oldman, as they dont recognise her, despite being an Oscar-nominated actress.

The funniest thing is when Im with my partner and I think someones recognised me, she told Total Film recently.

And Im like (sighs), Im just not in the mood. Im knackered. And then they come over, and theyre like, Jack, I love you.

And theyre like to me (oblivious of whom I am), Can you take a photo of us?. Im like, Sure yeah! Thats right, hes the one from Slow Horses!

The Hollywood star admitted that she doesnt really consider herself to be famous.

I still dont think fame has crept up on me, she confessed.

The only time I feel that way is if someone comes up to me on the street and goes, Are you Saoirse Ronan?. Then Im like Oh, thats a thing that some people know.

She added: When people talk about the work Im like, Its the work that they know, which I much prefer.

So, Ive never had this awareness of fame. I dont feel it. I look at people like Taylor Swift, and Im like That girl is f**king famous. That is serious fame. And Beyonce. Timothee (Chalamet) has it. So, I dont feel like I have that.
Shoppers in Dublin city centre, where the weather is forecast to remain dry next week. Photo: Rolling News

A white Christmas is not on the cards this year, with a mix of rain and drizzle on the way instead as the countdown to the big day 25 continues.

Overnight temperatures expected to reach between 9C and 11C on Christmas Eve.

Met Eireann forecaster Liz Gavin said temperatures next week were likely to be in the range of 10C to 12C, so there will be no white Christmas this year.

There will be some rain and drizzle in the mix early next week, mostly for the north and west, she said.

There will be dry weather for the eastern half of the country next week, but it will be mild.

There will be no frost next week, but in the short term for the weekend its going to be quite windy.

There will be some rain in places, mainly for parts of the north and north-west of the country, but there is a good bit of dry weather for the rest of the country early next week.

A band of rain will push eastwards across the country tomorrow morning ahead of a changeable, blustery day of sunshine and scattered showers.

Further rain will roll in overnight from the Atlantic, with temperatures hitting lows of 4C to 8C. A generally windy day will follow on Saturday, with a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers as temperatures reach 7C to 11C.

Temperatures will drop between two and four degrees overnight on Saturday, bringing the possibility of sleet or some snow over the hills in the North.

There could be some wintry showers in Ulster on Saturday night, which will be cold and blustery overall.

Temperatures on Sunday will climb slightly to between 6C and 9C. It will be a windy day with some showers.

There might be some hail in the mix on Sunday as well and into next week, then temperatures generally will be 10C to 12C.

There will be plenty of respite from the rain as showers will be broken by spells of dry weather.

It wont be raining everywhere. You know the nature of showers  if we get one, somebody a few kilometres away wont get one. Its mixed, Ms Gavin said.
Disquiet in Donald Trumps camp over Chagos Islands deal, says Nigel Farage

UK prime minister Keir Starmers plan to hand the territory to Mauritius raises US fears for base

US president-elect Donald Trump alongside Nigel Farage at the Trump Turnberry course in Scotland. Photo: PA

Amy Gibbons Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Thu 19 Dec 2024 at 03:30







Nigel Farage has claimed there is very deep disquiet in Donald Trumps team about the Chagos Islands deal.
Gisele Pelicot said after 51 men were all found guilty today in the drugging-and-rape trial that turned her into a feminist hero that the ordeal had been very difficult and expressed support for other victims of sexual violence.

We share the same fight, she said in her first words after the court in the southern French city of Avignon handed down prison sentences ranging from three to 20 years in the shocking case that stunned France and spurred a national reckoning about the blight of rape culture.
Google Street View captured what is thought to be a body being loaded into a car

Chilling images on Google Street View of a person appearing to load a body bag into the back of a car have provided Spanish police with a decisive clue over the disappearance of a man.

The case of a Cuban man who was reported missing a year ago in the north-central Spanish municipality of Tajueco was being investigated for more than a year.
France said yesterday it would host an international meeting on Syria in January, and the lifting of sanctions and reconstruction aid would be conditional on clear political and security commitments by the transitional authority.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Throughout history, animals have been employed for battle and recreation, as companions and adversaries. From screaming lions in Roman gladiatorial games to war elephants in ancient India, these are powerful creatures who have played a role in human amusement and warfare. Now, as society progresses, animal rights issues are in the spotlight, resulting in legal and social reforms.

The Gauhati High Court banned buffalo and bulbul bird fights in Assam, overturning a state government-issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that allowed them at the Bhogali Bihu Festival. The decision was made by a single-judge court led by Justice Devashis Baruah while hearing a plea brought by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, which sought to overturn the SOP, which was approved on December 27 of last year.

Animal fights have been banned in India and around the world, yet they are nevertheless practised illegally and sometimes out of tradition. Here are some animals used in recreational battles throughout the world:

1. Roosters

Credit: Pexels

Cockfighting is a historic blood sport in many parts of the world, including Latin America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, as well as India, namely the state of Chattisgarh.

These fights feature highly bred and trained roosters battling it out, typically until one is severely damaged or killed. The practice is firmly ingrained in cultural rites and is frequently related with gambling. It remains contentious and is outlawed in many countries due to worries about animal cruelty.

2. Dogs

Credit: Pexels

Dogfighting, which pits canines against each other in deadly combat, has a long history in countries such as the US, UK, and Japan. Popular breeds include Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers.

3. Bulls

Credit: Pexels

Bullfighting is firmly ingrained in Spanish and Latin American cultures. In this traditional activity, a matador performs moves against a bull in an arena before killing it. There have even been reports of bullfights in several rural areas.

4. Elephants

Credit: Pexels

In ancient Southeast Asia and India, elephants were occasionally pitted against each other in battles for amusement. The goal of these conflicts is to demonstrate the incredible strength and might of these amazing creatures.

The last reported elephant duel occurred in 1593 during the Battle of Nong Sarai in Thailand. However, some believe that this was not a formal duel.

5. Bears

Credit: Pexels

Bear-baiting is a blood sport in which a chained bear is forced to fight against one or more dogs, and occasionally other animals. This technique was common until the nineteenth century in countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, India, Pakistan, and Mexico, among others.

6. Tigers

Credit: Pexels

In ancient India and Southeast Asia, tigers were utilised for deadly animal fights. These majestic predators were sometimes put against other violent animals, such as elephants or bears, to demonstrate their strength and fury for the audience's enjoyment.

Over time, people became more aware of human values, the animal rights movement, and the ethical treatment of animals, making these practices outdated.

Also read: Wife's Refusal To Wear Sindoor & Sakha Signify Unwillingness To Accept Marriage: Guahati HC

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and tech billionaire Elon Musk's friendship has been making headlines for some time. Recently, Giorgia Meloni defended her friendship with Tesla owner Elon Musk during a parliamentary discussion ahead of a European Union summit in Brussels.

After their frequent sightings together, their pictures together have sparked online buzz and speculation, with many wondering if they were "dating.".

While responding to questions during the parliamentary discussion, Meloni said, "I can be a friend of Elon Musk and at the same time the head of the first Italian government that made a new law to regulate private activity in space, reported The Independent.

Meloni would not be influenced in areas where Musk has economic interests

Further, Meloni also told the Italian lawmakers that she would not be influenced in the regions where Musk has economic interests.

According to The Independent, Meloni also mentioned that her previous leaders, who thought they had a good relationship, even friendship, with a foreign leader, had to subserviently follow what the others did.

Responding to the questions, she also highlighted a point that she had good relationships with many people, but I dont take orders from anyone," she added.

Elon Musk denies any 'romantic affair' with Giorgia Meloni

Meloni's remarks came after she met with the SpaceX billionaire since the far-right coalition came to power in 2022. Apart from this, a picture of Ms. Meloni and Mr. Musk at an event went viral in September prompting social media users to question if the two were 'dating.'

Do you think Theyll date?  pic.twitter.com/XXs1U45kjb  Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) September 24, 2024

To which Elon Musk replied by denying the rumours or having a romantic relationship with Meloni on September 25, 2024. Musk took to his X and dropped a four-word response in the comment section: We are not dating."

We are not dating  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 24, 2024

Meanwhile, currently, Meloni's government is moving forward in the space sector by approving a framework for foreign space companies to operate in Italy. This project is expected to generate about 7.3 billion euros in investment in 2026.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
The Hellenic Navy is enhancing its capabilities with the acquisition of advanced Exocet missiles and new patrol vessels.

Parliament's arms committee has approved the purchase of 16 MM-40 Block 3C Exocet missiles, the latest version of the French-built anti-ship weapon, for 33 million.

The missiles, with a firing range of 200 kilometers, will significantly boost the Navy's striking power.

They can also hit coastal targets, including naval installations and strategic infrastructure, a capability lacking in older models

In addition to the missiles, the committee approved a 15 million program to acquire three Marine Protector patrol vessels from the US Coast Guard.

The vessels, obtained at no cost through the US Excess Defense Articles program, will replace aging patrol boats and enhance surveillance capabilities in the Aegean Sea.

The Navy is also making progress with its heavy torpedo program for Type 214 submarines, with the arrival of the first batch of high-performance torpedoes in Salamina. Test firings are expected to begin soon.

These acquisitions are part of Greece's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its defense capabilities in the region.

The advanced Exocet missiles, combined with new patrol vessels and torpedoes, will significantly enhance the Hellenic Navy's operational readiness and ability to protect Greece's maritime interests.

   iefimerida.gr
Some 1,055 ancient coins including 61 silver staters were returned to Turkiye on Thursday after they were confiscated by the Greek customs at Kipi on the Evros border in July 2019.

The hoard includes the staters (two-drachma coins) of the ancient cities of Pamphylia, Cilicia, Ionia, Cyprus, Aegina,and Melos, and 994 silver tetradrachms from Athens,

including one with a copper core, all of them issued between the start and end of the 5th century BC.

At a ceremony in the Numismatic Museum of Athens, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni spoke of the protection of cultural heritage that "is achieved only through collaboration, mutual help and mutual understanding between peoples and states. Respect and protection of cultural heritage are a national duty and a global ethical commitment." The event was attended by her Turkish counterpart, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.

Mendoni said the coins were "products of illegal import to Greece from Turkiye" and cited Greek specialists of the Museum, who assessed the hoard that was hidden in Asia Minor at the end of the 5th century to the start of the 4th century BC. The assessment was shared by the Turkish specialists, who were notified by the Greek Culture Ministry of all documentation establishing their provenance.

"Both sides confirmed the illegal trafficking of coins from Turkiye to Greece," Mendoni said, adding that the turnover of the coins observes the UNESCO Convention of 1970 on illegal trafficking and transfer of ownership of cultural goods, as well as the joint Greek-Turkish agreement on trafficking of cultural goods (signed by the two countries on March 4, 2013 in Istanbul). Mendoni also thanked Ersoy for his country's support of Greece on the issue of the return of the Parthenon sculptures to Athens.

Speaking of the "very important repatriation," the first of Greece to Turkiye, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy extolled "the bilateral collaboration that has been fruitful," as well as the collaboration with international organizations. "Our two countries should jointly fight trafficking and have close ties," Ersoy said, expressing the hope "with all our heart" that the Parthenon sculptures are reunited, and that this is achieved shortly.

   iefimerida.gr
The Lagos State Environmental Taskforce has detained 27 people on Tuesday for inciting public disturbances and engaging in street begging.

Tokunbo Wahab, the state commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, disclosed this in a statement accompanied by a video posted on X on Wednesday.

Wahab noted that 15 minors were among those arrested, with many caught amidst the commotion of heavy traffic.

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READ MORE: Oyo Fire Service Rescues 12-Year-Old Boy From River In Ibadan

He wrote, The Lagos State Environmental Taskforce continued its raid operation yesterday evening against persons constituting public nuisance across the metropolis.

Major routes raided include Awolowo Way up to Falomo Roundabout, Ikoyi, and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, along Lekki Road. This is in a bid to arrest and remove destitutes and miscreants causing public nuisance in these areas.

27 persons, including 15 minors involved in the unlawful act of street begging amidst vehicular traffic/hold-ups, were apprehended during the operation.

Wahab revealed that all the suspects would be moved to appropriate government facilities as required by relevant laws.
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State Governor, in the sum of N500 million.

Bello is facing charges of alleged criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110,446,470,089.

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According to the trial Judge, Maryann Anenih, Bello must produce three sureties in like sum who must be responsible citizens of Nigeria. The sureties must have landed properties within Guzape, Wuse 2, Apo, Asokoro, and Jabi areas in the FCT.

READ ALSO: Court Denies Yahaya Bello Bail In N110 Billion Fraud Case

Bellos counsel, Joseph Daudu, had applied for bail, stating, We do not want to make the matter contentious. The prosecution did not object to the bail application.

The court also varied the bail condition of Bellos co-defendants, Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to allow their sureties to own properties in any location within the FCT.

Bello will remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are perfected.

The case has been adjourned to January 29 and 30, 2025.
A late-night fire on Wednesday ravaged the Ogbosisi Timber Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, resulting in the destruction of several goods.

Omaletocracy, an X user, shared a video of the fire incident in a post.

The footage showed some traders attempting to salvage their items as the fire raged.

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He captioned the video as Head bridge mkt Onitsha is on fire 18/12/2024.

Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the incident in a statement issued Thursday morning, stating that no lives were lost.

READ MORE: Two Fire Incidents In Niger Destroy 126 Shops, NEMA Reports

He added that the area had been secured to prevent hoodlums from looting.

Ikenga said, the swift response of the Police and Fire service operatives to the outbreak at Ogbosisi on 18/12/2024 by 8.45 pm brought the situation under control.

Meanwhile, police operatives have cordoned off the scene of the incident to prevent hoodlums from taking undue advantage of the situation to loot properties and goods of individuals in the area.

The command has, however, begun an investigation into the cause of the fire incident and notes that no life was lost. Also, the worth of goods destroyed is yet to be ascertained.
Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwolu, has said that his administration will be introducing technological devices to monitor strategic areas in the state.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the development is coming amid efforts to curb crime and end insecurity challenges facing the state.

Speaking at the 18th Lagos State Annual Townhall Meeting on Security on Thursday, Governor Sanwolu noted that drones will be deployed to monitor waterways and populated areas.

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READ MORE: Lagos Govt Arrest 75 Suspected Miscreants During Midnight Raids

The Governor said that the states government is not doing these things alone but with extensive collaboration with private sector initiatives, adding that over 500 high definition of camera have been installed to monitor 350 streets.

He said: The EGIS component of our mapping and digitalization has almost been completed.

Lagos is now properly mapped, and drone technology will be deployed at appropriate levels to ensure that both our waterways and densely populated areas will enhance area monitoring, crowd management and traffic assessment effectively at various times so that we can sit back in our offices and people can see what is happening at locations and can respond accordingly.
The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended a notorious bandit along with three car snatchers in separate operations aimed at combating banditry and vehicle theft in the state.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Commands Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, stated that the bandit, 22-year-old Aliyu Umar, was caught in Zaria on December 16, 2024.

Umar was discovered with eight AK-47 magazines and fifty rounds of live ammunition.

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Hassan revealed that during initial questioning, Umar admitted to being part of a notorious bandit group active in Zamfara State.

On December 16, 2024, at about 6:00 pm, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by OC SP Sani Ibrahim, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 22-year-old Aliyu Umar in Zaria. The suspect was found in possession of eight AK-47 magazines and 50 rounds of live ammunition.

During investigations, the suspect admitted to being part of a notorious bandit gang in Zamfara State. He also revealed that he had travelled to Barikin Ladi in Jos to collect the weapons from an accomplice, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, the statement read.

READ MORE: Jigawa Police Arrest 1,254 Suspected Criminals, Recover Firearms, Ammunition

In a separate operation, the police apprehended three suspects linked to car theft after they posed as buyers. The suspects, identified as Kefas Danladi (24), Usman Salisu (23), and Yusuf Danladi (22), admitted to stealing a Toyota Avalon from a resident at the Naval Quarters in Asokoro, Abuja.

Hassan said, Police operatives, posing as prospective buyers, engaged the suspects and confirmed their involvement in car theft. This led to the arrest of Kefas Danladi from Gora Gan, Zangon Kataf; Usman Salisu from Unguwan Muazu, Kaduna; and Yusuf Danladi from Kauru, Kaduna.

During investigations, the suspects admitted to stealing the vehicle from the Naval Quarters, Asokoro, Abuja. The stolen Toyota Avalon has been recovered and secured, and the rightful owner has been notified.

The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, praised the operatives for their prompt action and reaffirmed the Commands dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of residents.

The Commissioner of Police encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police, Hassan added.

According to the police, the individuals will face charges in court once the investigations are completed.
Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, have arrested 75 persons, suspected to be miscreants and street traders in different locations across the state.

It was gathered that the suspects were arrested on Wednesday in some areas including, Lugard Avenue, Bourdillon Road, Glover Road, Admiralty Way, Lekki Estate Road, Ikate, and Oniru Road, among other.

In a statement shared by the states Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via his X page on Thursday, disclosed that the arrested individuals, consisting 70 males and 5 females will be facing prosecution in accordance with the relevant laws of Lagos State.

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He said: In a strategic overnight clearance operation, operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) apprehended 75 individuals comprising five females and 70 males suspected to be miscreants and street traders.

READ MORE: Lagos Govt Shuts 11 Establishments Over Environmental Violations

The operation, aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring a cleaner Lagos, was conducted across key areas, including: Ikoyi & Lekki Axis: Lugard Avenue, Bourdillon Road, Glover Road, Admiralty Way, Lekki Estate Road, Ikate, and Oniru Road.

Victoria Island Axis: Ahmadu Bello Way, Saka Tinubu Street, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Violet Yough Close, Adeyemo Alakija, Eko Hotel Roundabout, and Ajose Adeogun.

The arrested individuals will face prosecution in accordance with the relevant laws of Lagos State.

Residents are encouraged to adhere to state regulations and cooperate with enforcement agencies in upholding the vision of a Greater Lagos.
Troops of 6 Brigade, deployed at Garba Chede Checkpoint in Bali Local Government Area, Taraba State, have arrested a group of illegal miners and recovered precious stones from them.

It was gathered that the military, on 17 December, 2024, intercepted a truck with a foreign registration number B 0515 VV, which was found to be concealing illegally mined products in Garba Chede area of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations Olubodunde Oni on Wednesday.

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Olubodunde said that the suspected precious stones were hidden in sack bags covered with dry grasses in a bid to evade detection.

He added that the operation is in line with the Nigerian Armys commitment to safeguarding national resources and ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

READ MORE: Two Killed As Unknown Assailants Storm Taraba Community

The statement partly reads: Following standard procedures, they were handed over to the Taraba State Special Taskforce Committee on Environmental Protection, Public Safety, and Prohibition of Deforestation for further investigation and prosecution.

Also speaking on the arrest, the Commander of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, assured that the Brigade will remain resolute in supporting civil authorities to enforce environmental regulations and ensure the safety of lives and properties of citizens.

He said: Together, we can foster a safer and more sustainable environment in Taraba State and beyond.

We remain resolute in collaborating with relevant authorities to protect Nigerias natural resources and ensure compliance with laws safeguarding our environment.
Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators across Nigeria have increased withdrawal charges from N100 to N150 or N200 for every N5,000 transaction.

The operators attribute the hike to the N50 electronic money transfer levy imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on financial technology (fintech) companies.

According to Sarafadeen Fasasi, National President of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN), the policys implementation has driven PoS operators to adjust their service charges.

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READ ALSO: CBN Introduces N100,000 Daily Withdrawal Limit On PoS Transactions

Yes, it is because of the electronic levy. We have to transfer the cost, the cost of the electronic levy that are being charged. It started immediately the FIRS implemented the directive of N50 charges, Fasasi said in a chat with Cable.

The CBN has also set a daily withdrawal limit on PoS terminals to N100,000 per customer, and limited the cash transactions of each PoS operator to N1.2 million daily.

The apex bank said the restriction is in line with its ongoing efforts to advance a cashless economy.

In Ketu, Lagos State, a PoS operator identified as Uche, said fintech companies now charge for both sending and receiving transactions.

Initially, when you send money to agents, they dont charge but now they charge. When you send, they charge you. When I receive, they charge me, he said.

Another PoS operator in Mowe, Ogun state, explained that the combined deductions from fintech providers and the CBN have reduced their profit margins significantly.

If a mobile bank is charging N200 for N10,000 and from there, central bank wants to remove N50, out of N150 you have left, the merchant as well whether Moniepoint or OPay, whatever terminal the person is using, they are also removing their charges as well, the operator said.
The Peoples Democratic Party has urged the National Assembly to reject the proposed 2025 Appropriation Bill submitted by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

Tinubu unveiled the N49.7 trillion 2025 budget proposal during a joint session of the National Assembly, allocating N4.91 trillion for defence and security, N4.06 trillion for infrastructure, N2.48 trillion for health, and N3.52 trillion for education.

The proposed bill, titled, Budget of restoration, Securing peace and rebuilding prosperity, is yet to be approved by the 10th Senate.

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Reacting to the development on Wednesday in a statement, Debo Ologunagba, the Spokesperson of the opposition party, described Tinubus budget as an anti-people, warned that its implementation would worsen insecurity, poverty in the country.

PDP alleged that it was riddled with unverified economic figures and empty campaign promises.

READ MORE: 2025 Budget Will Reduce Dollar To N1,500  Tinubu Assures

The statement partly reads: The N47.9 trillion 2025 federal budget is an anti-people proposal that, if implemented, will plunge the nation deeper into insecurity, poverty, and hopelessness.

The budget address was more of campaign rhetoric, filled with unsubstantiated economic statistics, false promises, and conjured performance claims.

It lacked clear strategies to address insecurity, revive the economy, create jobs, and reduce the cost of living.

With a staggering N134.3 trillion debt and no tangible investment in the productive sector, these projections are nothing more than voodoo economics.

The National Assembly must ensure that the budget reflects the real needs of Nigerians by making provisions that are critical and pivotal to economic recovery and social stability.
Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo has expressed his pride in his daughters recent academic achievement as she graduates from university.

The actor took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the good news, overflowing with pride over her success.

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Along with photos from the graduation ceremony, Richard wrote a heartfelt caption: My baby girl. Efemena, Adufe, Morayo, Titilayomi, my forever star, today we celebrate you.

READ MORE: Funsho Adeolu Celebrates 20th Wedding Anniversary With Heartfelt Message To Wife

He added, The world is yours to conquer, and I couldnt be prouder to call you my daughter. Congratulations., my love you did it.

The post quickly attracted a wave of congratulatory comments from fans and admirers, who joined in to celebrate the actors daughters academic accomplishment.

SEE POST:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDu1HW8okfm/?img_index=3&igsh=cnlkY2F5MmxhOTVp
The National Emergency Management Agency has stated that two fire incidents at the Panteka Gwari Market and Tunga Business Area in Chanchaga Local Government Area, Niger State, on Sunday and Monday destroyed at least 126 shops.

In a post-disaster assessment update posted on its X platform on Wednesday, NEMA revealed that the occurrences destroyed products worth millions of naira.

The agency however stated that there were no casualties in the fire.

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READ MORE: Oyo Fire Service Rescues 12-Year-Old Boy From River In Ibadan

The statement read, The Minna Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency carried out a post-disaster assessment of fire incidents at two locations in Chanchaga Local Government Area, Niger State.

The incidents occurred on the 15th and 16th of December 2024, affecting the Panteka Gwari Market and the Tunga Business Area, respectively.

Although no casualties were reported, the fire caused extensive damage to properties valued at millions of naira.

The statement also claimed that the 126 stores that were damaged contained items such as generators, shoes, and furniture, among other things.

Over 126 shops were affected, with losses including furniture materials, aluminium windows, generators, shoes, iron scraps, and more, the statement added.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revoked the ownership of 762 plots of land in Maitama district of Abuja, over non-payment of statutory fees.

It was gathered that several high-profile individuals, including former president Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, lost ownership of their properties.

Also, former lawmaker, Shehu Sani, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello, and several former, current governors and lawmakers were included.

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INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that FCTs Minister revoked the land for failing to pay their Certificate of Occupancy.

In a statement on Thursday by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, revealed that the plots are located in the Maitama II District of the FCT.

READ MORE: FCT Minister Wike, Vows To Continue Building Demolitions

The statement reads: The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plots of land in Maitama 1 who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn.

This action was taken under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the minister to revoke rights of occupancy for non-compliance with payment obligations or breach of other allocation terms.

The minister also threatened to revoke lands owned by former and serving lawmakers including the Chief Whip of the Senate, Tahir Monguno; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; Nnenna Ukeje; Obinna Chidoka; Dapo Lam-Adesina; Leo Ogor; Francis Alimkhena; Smart Adeyemi and Lynda Ikpeazu.

Others are Andy Uba; Biodun Olujimi; Agom Jarigbe; Kingsley Chinda; Ben Obi; former Governor of Ebonyi State, Sam Egwu; former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah and the incumbent Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa.
Amy Cohen entered the guilty plea to arson, terroristic threats and related crimes Wednesday during a hearing at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown. Read more

A Main Line doctor pleaded guilty Wednesday to setting a fire at the home of a 99-year-old Lower Merion woman and sending her antisemitic threats after the womans granddaughter began dating the doctors ex.

Amy L. Cohen, 36, of Narberth, entered the plea to arson, terroristic threats, stalking, and reckless endangerment during a brief hearing before Montgomery County Court Judge Wendy Rothstein. She will be sentenced in the coming weeks.

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As part of the negotiation, prosecutors dismissed a charge of attempted murder.

Her attorney, John McMahon, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cohen worked as an infectious-disease physician at Bryn Mawr Medical Specialist Association and saw patients at Bryn Mawr Hospital, according to an archived staff bio on the practices website. Her medical license was suspended after her arrest, expired in October, and was not renewed, state records show.

Prosecutors said Cohen sprayed lighter fluid on the front porch of the womans home in Lower Merion Township on Nov. 30, 2023, and set it ablaze in an incident that was recorded by the homes Ring security camera.

Cohens former boyfriend, who had been dating one of the womans granddaughters, recognized her in the footage and notified police, according to the affidavit of probable cause for Cohens arrest. He told police Cohen had not handled their recent breakup well and had been obsessively following him and his new girlfriend on social media.

Surveillance footage from the area captured a vehicle matching the description of Cohens traveling through the neighborhood on the night the fire was set, the affidavit said. And she was later seen entering her apartment wearing clothing similar to that of the arsonist.

While serving search warrants on Cohens home and vehicle, investigators discovered an empty bottle of lighter fluid, a note with the elderly womans name and home address, and threatening letters about the womans granddaughters, the affidavit said.

The letters found in Cohens home were similar to one the grandmother found taped to her door days before the fire that included photos of her granddaughters with Xs over their eyes. The letter said the womans granddaughters will both get hurt if they didnt move out of Pennsylvania, according to the affidavit.

The girls father had received a similar letter accusing the women of promoting Islamophobia with their support for Israel during its ongoing war with Hamas, and promising to hurt the women if they didnt leave the state.
Video of a recently stolen catalytic converter is shown at a press conference in Doylestown, P.a. on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub held the conference to announce the dismantling of a catalytic converter theft ring that targeted victims in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and the Delaware Valley region. Read more

Six people who took part in a multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft ring and stole, bought, and sold thousands of the valuable car parts in Philadelphia, Bucks County, and across the region have been sentenced to various prison and probation terms, drawing the sprawling case to a close.

Michael Williams, 53, who ran the operation out of his Port Richmond-based TDI Towing; his wife, Deborah Davalos; and Williams sons-in-law Kevin Schwartz, Patrick Hopkins, and Michael Bruce all pleaded guilty in Bucks County Court to multiple crimes, including conspiracy, theft of catalytic converter, and related offenses. Williams sister-in-law Lisa Davalos pleaded no contest to receiving stolen property in late June.

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Williams was sentenced this week to 2 to 5 years in state prison and ordered to pay $124,900 in restitution to 157 theft victims.

Bruce, 32, of Sewell, Gloucester County, was sentenced to one year less a day to two years less a day at the county jail. Schwartz, 34, and Hopkins, 25, both of Huntingdon Valley, were both sentenced to nine months to 23 months at the county jail.

Lisa Davalos, 49, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 90 days to 23 months in the county jail, while Deborah Davalos, 52, of Huntingdon Valley, was sentenced to two years probation.

Deborah Davalos attorney, Louis Mincarelli, said in a text message that his clients troubled childhood led her down the wrong path in life, but that he felt the plea deal they reached would allow her to work to correct that.

It gives her the opportunity to demonstrate that this incident is not a true reflection of who she is as a person, Mincarelli said.

Calls to attorneys for the others were not immediately returned.

The sentencings by Bucks County Court Judge Raymond McHugh came more than a year after the Bucks County District Attorneys Office and more than a dozen federal, state, and local agencies said they had dismantled the ring and announced charges of corrupt organizations, criminal conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related offenses against nearly a dozen adults and a teen.

The arrests followed a yearlong, multiagency investigation that involved surveillance, undercover transactions, and high-speed car chases.

Between 2020 and 2023, Williams, whom authorities described as the kingpin of the operation, was buying at least $10,000 worth of stolen converters every night. Authorities said Williams crew stole at least 2,000 of the valuable car parts in Bucks County, Philadelphia, and beyond and he, in turn, paid the thieves for their work.

During those years, authorities said, the crime ring purchased an estimated 27,300 catalytic converters for a total of $8.2 million

Williams employed cutters, trained to quickly shear catalytic converters off the bottoms of cars, to get the parts, sometimes removing them from parked cars in broad daylight.

Three men Williams enlisted in the criminal enterprise, Eric Simpson, Michael Evangelist, and Anthony Davalos Sr., pleaded guilty to crimes that included theft by unlawful taking and corrupt organizations earlier this year and were each sentenced to prison terms. Evangelist was a cutter, authorities said. A 17-year-old was also charged in connection with the theft ring, but the outcome of that case is not known because it took place in juvenile court, where proceedings are confidential.

Two other associates in the crime ring, Richard Allan Page and Gary Shirley, were charged with multiple crimes including theft by unlawful taking and theft of a catalytic converter. Shirley pleaded guilty to both charges in October and was given credit for time served and ordered to pay $4,172 in restitution to victims.

Page pleaded guilty to theft of a catalytic converter and related crimes in August and was sentenced to one year less a day to two years less a day at the county jail.

Catalytic converter theft has long been a problem in the Philadelphia region. Thieves target catalytic converters  emissions-control devices that reduce the amount of harmful pollution in car exhaust  because of the precious metals they contain: platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

The rare metals  made rarer by supply-chain issues in recent years, authorities said  fetch high prices in the resale market. The current price for about 31 grams of rhodium is $4,575, while the same amount of platinum sells for is $934, and palladium sells for $938, according to Johnson Matthey, a British chemical and technology company.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city officials addressed the Dec. 13, 2024 shooting at Dilworth Park at a news conference in the same location on Monday. Read more

Police are searching for a 16-year-old boy they say was involved in the shooting at Dilworth Park that wounded three teens, including one who is still in critical condition, and sent the bustling Christmas Village into chaos during the busy holiday season.

There is an active arrest warrant for Raheem Hylton of Philadelphia on charges of aggravated assault, conspiracy, and related crimes, in connection with the triple shooting near the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink on Dec. 13, police said. Police asked the public for help in finding Hylton, whose last known address is on the 1200 block of Levick Street and who is considered armed and dangerous.

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Police served search and arrest warrants at Hyltons last listed home Wednesday morning, said Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore, but he was not found and appears to be trying to elude capture. Hylton, who police do not believe is the shooter, is listed as a runaway. Police initially said that Hylton was 14 years old.

Police are still searching for the shooter, whom they have not yet identified, Vanore said.

Gunfire broke out at the Christmas Village at City Hall, next to the rink, shortly after 4:30 p.m., as shoppers visited the kiosks and people glided across the ice rink last Friday.

What started as a disagreement between teens at Freire Charter School at 20th and Chestnut Streets earlier in the day erupted into gunfire when one of the teens pulled out a gun and fired four or five shots, police said.

The gunfire hit a 14-year-old boy in the face, and he remained in critical condition. Two other boys, 14 and 15, were shot in the legs and were in stable condition.

The fight started when one 14-year-old victim defended his younger brother, who was getting picked on, police said. The boy who was shot in the face has undergone multiple surgeries and might have lost one of his eyes, police said.

The shooting at the popular holiday shopping venue, right in front of City Hall, during its busiest season has left residents shaken.

In the days since, city leaders have reassured area residents that the area is safe for shopping and visiting. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, at a news conference Monday, vowed to empower police with whatever they needed to hold those responsible for the shooting accountable.

The shooting was an isolated incident, said Prema Katari Gupta, president and CEO of the Center City District. The park has more than 30 cameras and dozens of security personnel patrolling the grounds, she said.

The announcement of the search for Hylton comes the day after police arrested a 14-year-old they say was involved in the shooting. Police served search and arrest warrants Wednesday morning at the teens home and he was also charged with aggravated assault and related crimes.

A different 14-year-old boy was arrested the day of the shooting and charged with aggravated assault and related crimes in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the departments shooting investigations group at 215-686-8270 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-8477.
Bonnie Giberson needed a Christmas miracle. And thats exactly what she and her senior students at Penn Treaty High School in Fishtown got  thanks to Kylie Kelce.

As of Monday, only three students had paid for the class field trip to tour Lincoln Financial Field, but Giberson needed a minimum of 30 to attend. So on Monday during her lunch break, without the students knowing, she recorded a video asking for help covering the cost of the trip and uploaded it to TikTok.

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Im supposed to take my high school seniors on a field trip [to Lincoln Financial Field] this Thursday the 19th, Giberson, 27, said in her video. We love the Eagles. We bond over them; we talk about every game. Most of my students cant afford to pay for the field trip, which is how I cover the cost of the bus. And if I cant figure something out by tomorrow, Tuesday, I have to cancel the field trip.  Please  just help us. It would be a Christmas miracle.

The video has since gained more than 700,000 views on TikTok and more than 700 comments, many offering to donate money. But one persons response stood out among the rest.

On the same day it was posted  before it even went viral  the video caught the attention of Kelce, who commented: tell me your school name.

 READ MORE: The real Jason Kelce reacts to Phillys look-alike contest: Any overweight white guy with a beard looks just like me

I feel like with TikTok, especially, you always see these kind of amazing things just working out. And I was pretty upset, feeling bad that we would have to cancel the trip, said Giberson, who is in her third year at Penn Treaty and teaches a ninth grade creative writing class in addition to her 12th grade senior capstone class. So, I just thought let me try a Hail Mary and put it out there. Chances are someone knows someone, and it worked out.

Giberson found out about Kelces comment at dinner later that day through a text message from her friend.

I was in disbelief, she said. But, you know, its Queen Kylie, so once I saw what she had commented, I figured that something would probably be able to work out.

The next day, Giberson received a call at the school.

She called the school, Giberson said. My secretary called me because [Kelce] just called our office number, and she said there was a parent on the line who wanted to pay for students who couldnt pay. And when I got her, she said it was Kylie, and I really didnt know what to say. I was kind of shell-shocked.

 READ MORE: Meet the actor who played (fake) Jason Kelce in Lifetimes Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce Christmas movie

In that moment, Kelce sent Giberson the money through Venmo for the school bus for the trip and said shed cover the tour herself. When Giberson told the students their trip was paid for, she said most of them were surprised and confused.

The peoples princess has spoken, Giberson said in a follow-up video posted on TikTok on Tuesday explaining that Kylie offered to cover the cost of the school bus and the tour.

Giberson said theres been a few times the school needed to cancel events like homecoming because of a lack of student participation. Thanks to Kelce, that didnt have to happen this time.

The Eagles bring Philadelphia together, and its a point of pride that we have, especially this season, Giberson said. It was originally supposed to be a low-key field trip to get to see these things we normally wouldnt see and hang out together before we go on winter break, and now its that times 10.

 READ MORE: Heres what happened when Jason Kelce and the Philly Specials hand-delivered holiday presents to Philly kids

But Kylie isnt the only Kelce outperforming Santa Claus this year.

Her husband, former Eagles center Jason Kelce, joined current Birds Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson to distribute holiday presents to students at several schools as part of Operation Snowball  their project to give a gift to every kid and teacher in city public and charter schools. Gibersons students at Penn Treaty also got their presents Tuesday.

It was amazing to see that everybody got something, Giberson said in the follow-up video.

Watch out Mr. and Mrs. Claus, you have some competition this holiday season.

 READ MORE: Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean and his family surprise a local single mother with gifts for her and her children
Jon Bon Jovi joins Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson of the Philly Specials on a Chuck Berry Christmas song that will be released Friday. Read more

Jon Bon Jovi, meet the Philly Specials.

The third Eagles Christmas album with singing linemen Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata, and Lane Johnson came out Nov. 22 and is already a runaway success, topping the Billboard independent albums chart and on schedule to raise enough money to present holiday gifts to every student and teacher in Philadelphias public and charter schools.

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But as it turns out, the Philly Specials have one more song up their greensleeves. On Friday, a cover of Chuck Berrys Run Rudolph Run will be released with special guest Jon Bon Jovi singing along with Kelce, Mailata, and Johnson. Berrys 1958 song is also frequently heard in a cover version by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones.

 READ MORE: Heres what happened when Jason Kelce and the Philly Specials hand-delivered holiday presents to Philly kids

Bon Jovi joins Stevie Nicks as a not-from-Philadelphia Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who has joined in on the Philly Specials benefit project.

Among Philadelphians, the project has attracted stars like Patti LaBelle, Boyz II Men, and folk-rock band Mt. Joy, whose Santa Drives an Astrovan has topped the iTunes holiday chart. As has Maybe This Christmas, Kelces duet on a Ron Sexsmith song with Stevie Nicks, which managed to knock Mariah Carey off the top.

Philly Specials producer Charlie Hall said Run Rudolph Run was recorded in the summer before the Eagles season began.

It was such a special moment, and in a sense captures the spirit of the entire affair as well as anything weve ever done. I especially love how Lane taps into a whole new zone with his vocal. There was a feeling in the room that Ill never forget when we cut this one. Everyone just laid it all out there. I wanted it to cook and I wanted it to be greasy, Hall said via email.

Bassist Anthony Tidd and drummer Justin Faulkner really found the sweet spot. It swings, its loose as hell, and it rocks. By the last few instrumental verses, Justin was just flowing so hard, arms flailing, the room was sweaty and electric.

Bon Jovis vocal and a solo by his guitarist Phil X were added later, Hall said, adding that Jon is Jordys all-time hero, so to have a track with Jordan, Lane, Kelce, and Jon all singing together was just the best way to wrap this year up in a bow.

Earlier this week, Kelce, Mailata, and Johnson were joined by Gov. Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia school superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. on a motorcade that went to three schools in Philadelphia handing out gifts in a program called Operation Snowball. In total, 1.1 million gifts are being distributed.

The A Philly Special Christmas Party album, which does not include the Bon Jovi song, also benefits the Childrens Crisis Treatment Center and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, along with other local charities.
The pierogi ruskie at Little Walters in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. Read more

Little Walters, the East Kensington bar-restaurant known for its modern take on Polish cuisine, has added another accolade to its name. The restaurants Pierogi z Dynia  a seasonal dumpling filled with squash, lacinato kale, and horseradish sauce  was featured in the New York Times The 26 Best Dishes We Ate Across the U.S. in 2024.

This marks the second time the restaurant has been recognized by the Times. Earlier this year, Little Walters was named one of the 50 best restaurants in the country, cementing its reputation as a standout on both the local and national dining scene.

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In her praise for the dish, NYT writer Nikita Richardson noted how chef Michael Brenfleck takes pierogi to new and delicious heights, commending the dish for its blend of seasonal flavors and comforting appeal.

A heartfelt take on Polish cuisine

Little Walters opened in June as chef Michael Brenflecks tribute to his Polish heritage and his grandfather Walter Bubick. The restaurant pairs tradition with innovation, offering a seasonal rotating menu with dishes like house-made kielbasa, rye-crusted chicken cutlets, and pierogi.

Brenfleck, a 15-year veteran of the Philadelphia restaurant scene, has made pierogi the heart of his menu. While the ruskie pierogi  stuffed with potato and farmers cheese  nods to classic flavors, seasonal options like the Pierogi z Dynia showcase his creative edge.

When The Inquirers restaurant critic Craig LaBan reviewed Little Walters earlier this year, he lauded it as one of Phillys best new restaurants of any sort, highlighting Brenflecks ability to reimagine Polish flavors while staying true to their roots.

A culinary comeback

The success of Little Walters reflects a broader resurgence of Polish cuisine in Philadelphia. While Port Richmond remains home to traditional Polish eateries, spots like Little Walters and Mom-Moms Kitchen are redefining what Polish food can be.

The recognition from the New York Times validates the teams dedication to craft and creativity. In an Instagram post celebrating the honor, the restaurant wrote: This accolade means the world to us, and we couldnt be prouder to share this beloved dish with you all.

For Philadelphia diners, the glow of Little Walters neon pierogi on the restaurants window is a bright reminder that some of the countrys best food can be found right in East Kensington.
Gayle Williams-Brett is frequently overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for her severely disabled mother, who lives with her in a two-story brownstone in Brooklyn. She says she has often felt alone as a full-time caregiver. MUST CREDIT: Cornell Antoine Read more

Jeff Kromrey, 69, will sit down with his daughter the next time she visits and show her how to access his online accounts if he has an unexpected health crisis.

Gayle Williams-Brett, 69, plans to tackle a project shes been putting off for months: organizing all her financial information.

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Michael Davis, 71, is going to draft a living will and ask a close friend to be his health-care surrogate and executor of his estate.

These seniors have been inspired to take these and other actions by an innovative course for such solo agers: Aging Alone Together, offered by Dorot, a social services agency in New York City, which is also available nationally online.

Most of them live alone, without a spouse, a partner, or adult children to help them manage as they age.

Until a few years ago, few resources were available for this growing slice of the older population.

Now, there are several Facebook groups for solo agers, as well as in-person groups springing up across the country, conferences and webinars, a national clearinghouse of resources, and an expanding array of books on the topic.

All address these seniors need to connect with others, prevent isolation, and prepare for a future when they might become less robust, encounter more health issues and need more assistance.

Easing isolation

Older adults who cannot rely on family members need to be very intentional about creating support systems and putting other plans in place, said Ailene Gerhardt, a patient-advocate in Boston who created the Navigating Solo Network three years ago.

In a survey published last year, AARP  which broadens the definition of older Americans to people 50 and beyond  examined those who live alone and dont have living children. Ten percent of people 50 or older meet this definition, AARP estimates. An additional 11% have at least one living child but are estranged from them. And 13% have children who they believe cant or wont help them manage their finances and health care.

Preparing in isolation for the future can be daunting. If solo agers dont feel they have people to talk to as they craft their aging plan, they often will skip the whole process, said Gerhardt, who endorses a group planning model for these seniors.

Thats the format Dorot has adopted for its free course Aging Alone Together. More than 1,000 people have participated in the program since it was launched in 2021. Dorot is working with partners across the country to expand its reach.

The program consists of six 90-minute, online interactive weekly sessions that focus on the seniors key concerns: building communities of support, figuring out where to live, completing advance care directives such as living wills, and getting financial and legal affairs in order.

One goal is to help participants identify priorities and overcome the fear and hesitation that so many older adults feel when peering into their uncertain futures, said Claire Nisen, a Dorot staffer who runs the program. Another is to offer practical tools, advice, and resources that can spur people to action.

Yet another is to foster a sense of community that promotes a can-do attitude. As Nisen said repeatedly when I took the course in September and October, Solo aging doesnt mean aging alone.

Planning for the future

That message resonated deeply with Williams-Brett, who lives with her severely disabled mother, 97, in a two-story brownstone in Brooklyn. Williams-Brett, who is divorced and never had children, expects to be on her own as she grows older. Her mother had a devastating stroke three years ago, and since then Williams-Brett has been her full-time caregiver.

Overwhelmed by everything on her to-do list  declutter the house, make home repairs, straighten out her finances, safeguard her mothers health  Williams-Brett told me shed been struggling with shame and fear.

Hearing other seniors voice similar concerns during Aging Alone Together sessions, Williams-Brett realized she didnt judge them as she was judging herself. I thought, we all have issues were dealing with, she said. You dont have anything to feel ashamed of.

Kromrey, who lives alone in Tampa, knows hes fortunate to be healthy, financially stable, and very close with his adult daughter, who will be his health-care and legal decision-maker if he becomes incapacitated. Kromrey, widowed nine years ago, also has three sons  two in South Carolina and one in West Palm Beach, Fla.

While participating in Aging Alone Together, Kromrey realized he had assumed he would never have a health crisis such as a stroke or heart attack  a common form of denial.

His daughter and her husband had planned to travel from North Carolina to join Kromrey over Thanksgiving. During that visit, Kromrey said, he would give her passwords to his computer and online accounts, explain his system for keeping track of bills, and show her where other important files are.

That way, shell just be able to take right over if something unexpected occurs, he said.

Davis is an artist who never married, doesnt have siblings, and lives alone in Manhattan. In a phone conversation, he said his most pressing concern is finding something to do thats worthwhile now that arthritis has made it difficult for him to paint.

In some ways, Davis is prepared for the future. He has a long-term care insurance policy that will pay for help in the home and a rent-regulated apartment in a building with an elevator. But he recognizes that hes become too isolated as his artistic activities have waned.

There are days that go by when I dont say a word to anyone, Davis acknowledged. I have my friends, but they have their own lives, with their children and grandchildren. Im turning to Dorot for more social contact. And Aging Alone Together has helped me focus on the here and now.

Resources

For more information about Aging Alone Together, email agingalonetogether@dorotusa.org or visit the programs website at dorotusa.org/agingalonetogether.

A national clearinghouse of resources for solo agers and information about solo-ager groups in the United States is available at the Navigating Solo website.

The National Council on Aging has assembled a guide to resources and support for older adults living alone on its website, ncoa.org.

Facebook groups for solo agers include Elder Orphans (Aging Alone), Elder Orphans, NYC Solo Agers, and Solo Aging Without Personal Representative. Another online community is The Solo Ager/Aging Together.

Books about planning for solo aging include Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers, Solo and Smart, Who Will Take Care of Me When Im Old? and The Complete Eldercare Planner.

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 GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team flying World War II era SNJ aircraft. They will be performing at the 2021 Atlantic City Air Show. Photographs taken during media tour and flight on Monday, August 16, 2021. The planes are piloted Chris Thomas, 2, Steve Salmirs, 1, and Chris Orr, 6. Read more

The Atlantic City Airshow, a premiere summer event that was canceled in 2024, will not take place next summer either, tourism officials said.

In a statement, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber said the air show will take a strategic pause for 2025.

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We will use this time to reevaluate the overall operations of the show  reevaluating community engagement, assessing costs, reviewing logistics and creatively considering what future Atlantic City Airshows could look like, the statement said.

The chamber, which puts on the show in conjunction with the South Jersey Transportation Authority, said it hopes it will be in a position to hold the Airshow in 2026.

Last summer, a month before the event, the chamber canceled the air show explaining that a major act had pulled out.

Mayor Marty Small Sr. said in an interview that it was not the citys decision.

I want to be clear: this is the chambers decision, he said. We wholeheartedly respect that decision. Though were disappointed, were going to be partners with the chamber to make sure the air show comes back. Through no fault of our own, this is where we are.

He said last summers cancellation followed an incident in Fort Lauderdale during an air show there, in which two planes clipped wings. We didnt want to put on a haphazard air show, he said.

The air show has been a tremendous summer draw for Atlantic City and neighboring beach towns, with hundreds of thousands of people filling beaches to watch, and throwing parties along the Boardwalk. It has been held since 2003 and is known as Thunder over the Boardwalk. The show had previously been in doubt in 2024 because of funding issues that were resolved too late.

More than $70 million in economic activity is generated from the two-day event, the Press of Atlantic City has reported, adding that Casino Reinvestment Development Authority officials have said the air show brings in $1.9 million in state and local taxes and $900,000 in luxury taxes.

Its absence was cited as a drain on their summer by local businesses, including the Good Dog Bar which shut its doors before the summer was even over.

The chamber said its goal is to ensure the long-term viability of the Airshow, and to make the air show the worlds premiere beachfront Airshow.

It is New Jerseys largest free event, a 20-year tradition, that has brought joy to hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents alike, it said. We recognize the Airshows significant role in our community and to the tourism economy, and we are steadfast in our dedication to preserving its legacy, while adapting to current economic realities.
FILE: U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (left) and Bob Casey (right) embrace on the altar as they join church members and Black clergy at Prince of Peace Church Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024 as Casey campaigned for reelection against Republican challenger Dave McCormick. Read more

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., with a heart full of gratitude, said goodbye on Wednesday to the Senate after 18 years representing Pennsylvania.

Casey, 64, lost to Republican Sen.-elect Dave McCormick in a historically close election that triggered an automatic recount. He did not concede until two weeks after the Associated Press called the race for McCormick, holding out hope that the statewide recount would change Novembers red-wave election outcome and close the 17,000-vote gap between them.

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But as Casey said farewell Wednesday in a speech to his colleagues, he reflected on his career in the U.S. Senate, closing the book  at least for now  on his nearly three decades in public service.

Its been a privilege to have served our commonwealth, to have served the people of our commonwealth, Casey said.

 READ MORE: End of the Casey era: Bob Casey will leave the Senate with a reputation as a quiet fighter for working people

Casey said he was most proud of the work he did to help children, people with disabilities, and seniors, including the creation of a savings program for people with disabilities to save money without risking their federal disability benefits. Casey said he was also proud of a provision that allows high-poverty school districts to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students that nearly 68% of all school districts use today. And he highlighted some of his work to expand high-speed internet access around the country, create tax credits for communities that previously relied on coal or natural gas to invest in clean energy, and more bright points from his nearly two decades in the Senate.

In true Casey fashion, his own speech was humble and without fanfare, hardly taking credit for his core role in major policy changes over his long Senate career. But his Democratic Senate colleagues described him as a champion for children and people with disabilities, told some of their favorite stories about the senator, and expressed how Casey has shaped their view of what being a public servant really means.

This is not a speech that I ever expected to give, and definitely never wanted to give, said U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.), describing Casey as a friend and mentor.

During my campaign, Bob was by my side. When I had a stroke, he lent me his voice when I was learning to speak again, Fetterman said, choking up. I never forgot that.

Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.) drew a contrast with Casey and a Hollywood heartthrob, saying the two have little in common.

You are not sexy. You are not, you know, glamorous, Booker said to laughs in the Senate chamber. But somehow, you made me aspire to know in the Senate the difference between celebrity and significance, the difference between a show horse and a workhorse.

Caseys defeat was more devastating than Vice President Kamala Harris loss for some Pennsylvania Democrats, who have leaned on the mild-mannered and affable senator from Scranton for nearly two decades.

I have never campaigned harder for a colleague, said Sen. Chris Coons (D., Del.) in his floor remarks. I have never been more disappointed at an outcome, and it has never seemed more unjust to me than the days we must face ahead without this son of Scranton.

Casey was joined on the Senate floor by his family, staff, and former staffers who traveled to Washington for his speech. His last day as a senator will be Jan. 2. McCormick will be sworn in on Jan. 3.

In Caseys own remarks, he took the time to count his blessings. His late parents, former Gov. Bob Casey Sr. and Ellen Casey, taught him and his seven siblings to treat everyone they meet with respect. He thanked his wife, Terese Foppiano Casey, and their four daughters for the sacrifices made during his decades-long political career. And he thanked all of the staff in the U.S. Capitol and those that worked in his offices throughout his tenure.

I will continue to do my part, to serve as a citizen and as a Pennsylvanian, Casey said in closing his remarks. Serving in the U.S. Senate has been the honor of a lifetime. I yield the floor.
In a nation thats long bragged about its supposed exceptionalism while ignoring its baked-in contradictions, Americas penchant for political violence has long demanded explanations  and defied them. No icon of U.S. freedom was more bedeviled by this problem than the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In the mid-1960s, in what proved to be the last three years of his life before he, too, would be murdered in cold blood, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was constantly pressed by journalists like Mike Wallace to explain why what was supposed to be a nonviolent movement for Black civil rights was now boiling into deadly urban uprisings from Watts to Newark to Detroit.

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King patiently explained to his interlocutors that, while he condemned snipers, arson, and looting, as any man of peace would, the failure of the U.S. political system to pay attention to issues like police brutality, poverty, and housing discrimination would almost inevitably make frustrated citizens finally embrace violence.

A riot, King said, is the language of the unheard.

Today, in the aftermath of an interminably long election season in which candidates spent some $16 billion to send their messages to voters, whats most remarkable is how much of the U.S. electorate still managed to feel completely unheard. None more so than millions of Americans reeling financially and utterly frustrated by their encounters with the uniquely privatized U.S. health-care system.

Despite the nonstop barrage of ads in swing states like Pennsylvania and 24/7 news coverage, neither Kamala Harris nor Donald Trump nor their political parties ever channeled the rage that one could so easily find on the internet behind GoFundMe campaigns for soaring medical debt, or to pay for lifesaving procedures rejected by insurance companies.

Trump  who pretended he was a kind of MLK for aggrieved white rural and Rust Belt Americans whom he once told, I am your voice  has no real clue about how to fix this broken system, famously admitting that after 10 years in politics, he only had concepts of a plan for fixing health care. And even that was arguably a lie.

Harris  so tied into knots around her relationship with President Joe Biden and her flirtations with the left in a failed 2020 White House bid  did, to her credit, offer a few well-crafted, targeted health-care policies. But they were wrapped inside her tepid, dont-offend-Wall-Street-donors campaign that never felt the pain of everyday people that was still unheeded when America voted on Nov. 5.

The two major political parties and their standard-bearers  who, not coincidentally, took in more than $15 million from health-care or Big Pharma political action committees in 2024  completely ignored Americas rage against the medical machine.

Instead, it took a clearly disturbed 26-year-old loner with a ghost gun to finally trigger a national conversation about denied insurance claims, computers powered by AI overruling your family doctor, or only-in-America medical debt and bankruptcies. Much like the burn, baby, burn arsonists of the 1960s, Luigi Mangione committed a reprehensible act of lethal violence while speaking the language of the unheard.

The reaction from a sizable swath of the public to Mangiones shocking Dec. 4 assassination of the CEO of Americas largest medical insurer  UnitedHealthcares Brian Thompson  has been sometimes over-the-top (wanted posters for other CEOs on the streets of Lower Manhattan), but mostly an outpouring of stories from middle-class Americans about their routine struggles in paying for drugs or medications that their family needs. Thats important, but I think it also speaks to the much bigger moment of crisis for the entire American system.

Trumps success in gaining a plurality of the vote  albeit a narrow one  for the first time in three tries despite a campaign that defied every norm, cherished or otherwise, of U.S. democracy has sparked an endless, circular, contradictory, and frequently maddening debate among the 50.2% who voted for someone else about what went wrong.

Bizarre as it sounds, the public reaction to the immoral act of assassinating Thompson feels also like a moment of clarity. The Nov. 5 results and the anger against not just Big Insurance but the state of American capitalism writ large reveal the true majority. Not a silent majority  that 1969 cliche no longer works in an era of Elon Musks X or Bluesky  but a hidden majority of citizens who see a nation on the wrong track and want radical changes that neither Trumps MAGA movement nor a Democratic gerontocracy, which stands for little beyond self-preservation, can deliver.

Its not surprising, in hindsight, that Trump won. In his own bat-guano crazy way, he presented himself as the change candidate in yet another change election, while Harris implicit promise was to mostly keep the status quo of a now 82-year-old Biden. That added a lot of low-info, low-propensity voters to his base of MAGA extremists. But think also about the more than six million or so 2020 Biden voters who vanished in 2024, many in alienated big cities. Then think even bigger  to the estimated 89 million adults who didnt even bother to vote last month.

Its possible that a landslide victory could have been fashioned from a candidate who could both give a voice to the anger and emotion, but also offer real solutions. Trump  whose hate-based campaigns targeted both the wrong people and also some of the right ones for the wrong reasons (his Fifth-Avenue-bred vanity and narcissism)  had emotion but nothing to offer. Harris proposed solutions were too cautious or bloodless to tap into the real zeitgeist.

But there is no Trump mandate. Instead, there is a mandate thats waiting to be tapped over anger and frustration over a broken society that was met with radio silence in our $16 billion election. The horror stories about UnitedHealthcare and insurance denials are just the tip of the iceberg. No other nation has a $1.7 trillion mountain of college debt. No other nation puts out reams of rosy economic statistics when millions cant find an affordable apartment or even a used car.

Unfortunately, theres a tall mountain standing in the way of fixing these: the hopelessly entrenched duopoly of the MAGA Republican and Democratic Parties standing atop the twin peaks of billions of dollars in campaign contributions from billionaires and their corporations that have arisen over the last 50-plus years. Its what the recent, brilliant podcast from the Lever has shown was a master plan to put profits over people.

Of course, the massive dislocations of the last half-century have tapped into a range of sentiments, including the worst of the human condition. Trump is too willing to take the easy, demagogic path of tapping into racism or punching down against immigrants instead of the wealth grab by his fellow billionaires. Theres a whole separate column that could have been written about the similarities  and contrasts  around any folk-hero worship for Mangione and that for Daniel Penny, the New Yorker who killed a homeless man with his bare hands and won a luxury pass to watch the Army-Navy game with Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.

That said, Trump and the $277 million leveraged buyout of his campaign by the richest person in the history of the world, Elon Musk, should have been an easy target for the Democrats. Team Harris instead decided to go out and raise a billion dollars of their own, which meant being nice to crypto con men or listening to the candidates Uber executive brother-in-law, instead of asking why companies like Cigna can reject thousands of patients insurance claims without really looking at them.

America has been here before, albeit with tragic consequences. In the 1850s, the inhumanity of slavery and that eras broken economic system eventually awakened many to the fact that no political party was speaking for them. Some 170 years later, its the Democrats who carry the stench of a failed Whig Party. The New York Times' Jamelle Bouie, a rare remaining voice of sanity in this tortured moment, wrote this week of a desperate need for a true Opposition Party.

This is the challenge of the next four years: to create a grassroots movement and also elevate leaders who can figure out ways to both navigate within the broken shell of the Democratic Party and also find ways to work outside of it  to tap into the hidden majority party that was unheard before a tragedy played out on a Manhattan sidewalk. And now it needs to be done under a repressive, authoritarian government willing to use any tool to put down its political opponents and a free press.

After the blood is wiped from the streets of New York, it never should have come this far. But things will only get worse until an Opposition Party begins the work that never should have been left for a ghost gun in the first place.

 READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer holds presser about election fraud charges, Delaware County Courthouse. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. From left are Douglas Rhoads, Deputy District Attorney Special Investigations Unit, Tanner Rouse, First Assistant District Attorney and James Allen, Elections Director, Delaware County. . Read more

Delaware County prosecutors announced charges Thursday against a Collingdale woman who they say repeatedly tried to submit voter registration forms for dead people and against an elderly man who cast ballots in both Florida and Pennsylvania last month.

The charges are the first to come from the countys investigations into alleged voter fraud and irregularities in the 2024 election. Despite President-elect Donald Trumps loud and persistent claims of Philadelphia-area voter fraud before the election, few charges have been filed more than a month after ballots were counted.

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Delaware County officials said that the election was safe and secure, and that Thursdays charges should be viewed as evidence that election fraud will be investigated and prosecuted.

The two cases resulted in just one fraudulently cast ballot  that of the man who double-voted  out of more than 330,000 cast in the county, officials stressed.

Let this pair of cases send a message out there that no matter how busy we are  we are attentive to the signs of fraud, said Jim Allen, the Delaware County election director.

Charges filed

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said his department had filed 40 counts, including four felony charges of forgery, against Jennifer Hill, a Collingdale resident who was a paid canvasser for the New Pennsylvania Project, a nonpartisan civic engagement group focused on reaching immigrants, youth, and voters of color.

Hill, prosecutors said, filed more than 300 voter registration forms using an app provided by the Pennsylvania Department of State, but 129 of those were rejected as invalid. Election officials and prosecutors found that she had unsuccessfully sought to register three deceased individuals, including her father and a man who died in her home, they said. Additionally, prosecutors said, she successfully registered a fake person to vote using her grandmothers name but an incorrect date of birth. No ballot was cast in association with that registration.

She is facing 10 criminal charges associated with each individual, including forgery and tampering with a public record. The felony forgery charges, prosecutors said, could carry up to 10 years in prison each.

False voter registration forms are not uncommon but are generally caught by election officials and rarely lead to fraudulent votes. They are most common when civic engagement groups pay workers to register voters and provide incentives based upon number of voters registered.

Several Pennsylvania counties, including Lancaster and York, announced probes into fraudulent voter registration forms before the Nov. 5 election. As of last month, no charges had been filed as a result of those probes, according to VoteBeat Pennsylvania.

The New Pennsylvania Project Education Fund, which Hill worked for on and off for about a year and a half, does not provide any incentives based on number of registrations filed, CEO Kadida Kenner said.

The organization suspended Hill in September when it learned of the issues and ultimately ended her employment after an internal investigation, Kenner said. Kenner argued the investigation, and lack of fraudulently cast ballots, proved the strength of the election system.

The process works, she said. The election system is secure. The quality control works.

Additionally, the district attorneys office filed misdemeanor charges against Philip Moss, an 84-year-old man who prosecutors said voted in person in Florida and also cast a ballot by mail in Delaware County.

Neither defendant appeared to have retained a defense attorney by Thursday evening.

Calls for review

During Thursdays news conference, Stollsteimer urged the Pennsylvania Department of State to thoroughly review all voter registration applications submitted by Hill and the New Pennsylvania Project.

He said that the department needed to review its app, which allowed a fake person to be registered, and that the legislature should consider altering laws related to voter registration applications to increase security in the system.

We still have gaps in our system that we need to have the legislature address, he said.

In a statement, state department officials said any reforms would need to come from the legislature.

The Department takes allegations of fraudulent voter registration seriously and works with law enforcement across the Commonwealth to ensure our registration process is safe, free, fair, and secure, the statement said.
The Rite Aid at the Italian Market in Dec 2024. The store inside has empty shelves that are missing products. Read more

Seasons greetings, newsletter readers! Michaelle is taking a holiday break so Ill be your emcee this week. Im Michaelles editor and an avid reader of this newsletter each Thursday.

Each winter, I try to wait as long as possible to turn on the heat. Once I made it until December! But weve got a new family member, so I cranked it up early this year. A recent story reminded me to be grateful I have the option to control my homes temperature.

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Keep scrolling for that story and more in this weeks edition:

A Delco man, who wants to build a mega-mansion, offered to shovel snow to earn neighbors support. See how they responded. From private farm to a public park? Learn why an Acme heir sold his estate to Westtown Township for $100,000 an acre. A home tour with holiday spirit: Peek inside a twin in Burlington thats ready to celebrate.

 Do you decorate for winter holidays? Send me a photo of your favorite holiday home decor for a chance to be featured in this newsletter.

 Erica Palan

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

No heat on cold nights

Some tenants of the 15-story Embassy Apartments on Walnut Street recently told my colleague Nate File that they were not getting heat this winter, or weak heating at best. One Embassy renter said that a thermometer showed the temperature inside her apartment at 49 degrees as the outdoor temperatures dipped into the 20s. Brrr!

PMC Property Group, which manages the building, blamed dysfunctional boilers. (You might remember a recent story from another colleague, Jake Blumgart, on another PMC property with temperature-control problems.) Nate tells me that in the days since his story published, some renters report improvements, but others are still waiting for warmth. The boiler repair is scheduled for the first week of January.

L&I is on the case, so fingers crossed the Embassy renters are feeling toasty soon. Read more about their chilly nights  and learn heating and cooling rules for landlords.

Resurrecting Rite Aid zombies

Theres a Rite Aid about two blocks from my house, but I never go there. The shelves are often empty of basic drugstore items. (Once I couldnt find Band-Aids and Tylenol!) Turns out, its not just my frustration.

Since 2022, Rite Aid has closed more than 70 stores in the Philly area, and some of the remaining locations are ghost towns. My colleagues Erin McCarthy and Ariana Perez-Castells took a deep dive into whats happened to the buildings of now-shuttered Rite Aids and found some new businesses, ranging from grocery stores and urgent cares to a plasma donation center and a Spirit Halloween.

Its a fascinating look at the next chapter for some prominent commercial real estate in our area.

Do you have a vacant, transformed, or surviving Rite Aid in your neighborhood? Send an email to emccarthy@inquirer.com or aperezcastells@inquirer.com with a description and contact information if youre interested in potentially being included in a future story.

The latest news to pay attention to

Home tour: A holiday house fit for touring

You think youve seen one home decorated for Christmas, youve seen em all, right? Wrong. This weeks home tour features a home so decked out for the holidays that it includes a decorated bathroom and a collection of festive rolling pins in the kitchen.

The brick twin in Burlington belongs to Mary Wirth, who chairs the Burlington City Holiday House Tour, an annual event that raises funds to beautify the city of Burlingtons business district. She adds a little holiday flair to everything, including her backyard shed.

Check out her holiday haven in this weeks home tour.

For even more holiday eye candy, take a peek at last weeks home tour, which includes a proposal story worthy of a Hallmark movie.

 Trivia time

The Center City home of a famed Philly architect  known for curved walls and unusual window shapes  recently hit the market for $3.5 million. Do you know which one?

A) Frank Furness

B) Frank Weise

C) Robert Venturi

D) Louis Kahn

This story has the answer.

 Photo quiz

Do you know the location this photo shows? Its one of my faves to visit during the holiday season. I have fond memories of going with my grandmom every December.

 If you think you know, email me back. You and your memories of visiting this spot might be featured in the newsletter.

P.S.: Were taking next Thursday off for the holidays but will return to your inbox on Jan. 2 with two weeks worth of real estate news. Im hoping to catch some holiday light displays between now and then. Heres a list of some fun ones around the region.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Its now possible for Zurich partners to tap into the Zurich Edge platform and deploy our real-time travel assistance solution under the FlyEasy brand with speed and efficiency  exactly how it should be, he said.
The PagerDuty study shows that executives around the globe are shifting their leadership priorities with major incidents in mind, with 100% of those surveyed reporting a heightened focus on preparing for future service disruptions at their companies, he said, as reported by Cyber Daily.
Private hospitals and private health insurers rely on each other. However, in the case of suppliers of other goods and services, we consider that the size thresholds of targets and their broad international customer base mitigate any substantial detriment arising from that conduct, he said.
The acquisition will allow Afore Insurance to enter into the rapidly growing childcare insurance space. Block Insurance founders Beth and Steven Block will join the company as managing principals and will take their team of 12 employees with them, while continuing to serve clients from their existing locations in Florida and Georgia.
I have deep respect for the field Im working to transform, and Stanleys guidance has been essential  not only in navigating the industrys complexities but also in ensuring that our innovations honor its foundational principles, commented Ashoka. The things we do now are also inspired by and stemming from Pauls beliefs.
In December of that year, the company purchased The Cody Group, marking its 12th acquisition since partnering with Northland Capital in 2021. This acquisition paved the way for the companys entry into the New York market. It also acquired Mountaineer Insurance Services, which allowed it to enter the West Virginia market.
According to the district court, in the event of the JUAs dissolution, its assets would be distributed according to a plan created by the board and subject to approval by the state insurance commissioner. The appeals court emphasized that, given the JUAs lack of private stakeholders or charitable purpose, its assets would likely revert to the commonwealth.
Its not an accident that The Sopranos, the quintessential show about New Jersey, opens with its main character driving past gasoline and oil storage tanks along the New Jersey Turnpike.

From the outskirts of New York to the Delaware River shoreline across from Philadelphia, New Jersey is home to numerous oil and natural gas facilities. They would be charged fees to help the state fight the effects of climate change under a bill being considered in the Legislature.

The measure, which was advanced last week in a state Senate committee, aims to create a Climate Superfund similar to the pot of money assembled by the federal government to clean up toxic waste by charging petroleum and chemical companies an extra tax to fund ongoing cleanups.

Its a tactic being used or considered in numerous other states, including Vermont, which recently enacted such a law. New York, Maryland, Massachusetts and California are among states considering doing likewise.

The burning of fossil fuels including oil, gas and coal is a major contributor to climate change.

This is simply a cost recovery tool, said the bills sponsor, Democratic Sen. John McKeon. This is about who pays for the damage: either the taxpayer pays, or the polluter pays.

$25 Billion

The proposal would impose as-yet unspecified charges on fossil fuel producers that would go to the state Department of Environmental Protection, which would distribute the money as grants to pay for programs to adapt to climate change and make the state more resilient to severe weather. McKeon said it could easily be $25 billion.

This money will be used by mom and pop who need to elevate their house because of flooding, or to build a sea wall, McKeon said.

Molly Cleary of the Clean Water Action environmental group voiced an oft-repeated sentiment during the hearing: that fuel producers should have to pay for the consequences of their products.

The regular, everyday people are not the ones that created this crisis, she said.

Business Lobby

New Jerseys business lobby is already working against the bill. Ray Cantor, an official with the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, said the bill will accomplish nothing beyond raising the cost of gasoline for motorists, and gas and oil for home heating customers.

There are many things wrong with the bill, beyond the fact that it seeks to impose a retroactive liability on companies that were providing a legal, necessary and vital product to the citizens of the state, he said. Its unconstitutionally vague in assessments of costs, and will likely be preempted by federal law. It will do nothing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or impact climate change.

Alex Daniel, an attorney for the New Jersey Civil Justice Institute, said the bill impermissibly reaches beyond New Jerseys borders to tax the actions of companies in other states.

Were reaching back in time to penalize people for activities that were absolutely legal at the time, and were encouraged by governments, he said. Right now, fossil fuels, for better or worse, are responsible for most of the energy being produced in this country.

Ed Waters of the Chemistry Council of New Jersey, said the states two active oil refineries support 35,000 jobs and contribute $7 billion a year to the states economy.

Damage Assessment

The state would take two years to assess damages to New Jersey that have resulted from greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels since 1995, and would establish that each responsible party is strictly liable for those damages.

Its pretty clear that News Jerseyans dont want to pay more taxes, said Ben Dziobek, executive director of Climate Revolution Action Network, which supports recovering the costs of climate adaptation from fossil fuel companies. Weve seen fires i n every inch of our state, flooding in every inch of our state, drought in every inch of our state. Its clear that big business doesnt want to pay for the things that it has done.

An identical bill is pending in the state Assembly but has yet to have a committee hearing. The measure must clear committees in both houses and be approved by the full Legislature before heading to the desk of Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Energy Oil Gas New Jersey
Pennsylvanias facility that insures high risk medical professionals is a public agency, not a private entity, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled.

The ruling by a three-judge panel opens the door for the state to access the Pennsylvania Professional Liability Joint Underwriting Associations (JUA) $300 million budget surplus, something lawmakers have sought to do for years. Regulators say the surplus is far in excess of what the JUA needs for reserves to cover potential claims and the state has the right to access the funds for the good of the public. The JUA had successfully thwarted the states attempts to access its funds for years.

The state created the JUA almost 50 years ago to act as a professional liability insurer of last resort for high-risk medical providers. It is funded by premiums paid by policyholders and investment returns on its funds. The JUA does not receive funding from its member companies or from the Commonwealth. All medical professional liability insurers writing in the state must join. The JUA has never paid any dividends or distributions to its policyholders; nor can it do so by law. Since its inception, it has amassed through investments a surplus of about $300 million.

In 2017, 2018, and again in 2019, the Commonwealth took legislative action trying either to transfer the JUAs excess surplus to the general fund or to assume control of the JUA. Every year, the JUA has gone to court to block the Commonwealth by arguing that the JUA is a private entity and such moves by the state would be an unconstitutional taking.

Frustrated Legislature

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court declined to answer the question of whether the JUA is a public or private entity, saying the issue is principally one of federal law.

The state legislature has been frustrated in its attempts to access the JUA funds because the federal district court has sided with the JUA. The district court has ruled that state creation of an entity is not by itself determinative of whether the entity is public or private. The district court held that the JUA is a private entity as a matter of law because it is an insurance company comprised of private members, governed by a private board, and supported by private employees; subject to de minimis Commonwealth oversight; and is exclusively funded by private premiums, the payment of which has no public end-use.

The JUA had succeeded in blocking the state until the Third Circuits December 16 opinion which rejected much of the district courts reasoning and concluded that the Commonwealth that created the JUA as part of its broader legislative scheme to maintain a high-quality health care system is the only one with an interest in the JUA.

The primary issue before us in these appeals is whether the JUA is indeed a creature of the Commonwealth beholden only to the Commonwealth; in other words, whether it is a public entity rather than a private one. We hold that it is, because the Commonwealth delegated power to the JUA to support a public purpose within the state insurance market, and because only the Commonwealth has a legally protectable interest in the JUA, states the Third Circuit opinion penned by Justice Kent Jordan.

The federal appeals court said that as a public entity, the JUA lacks the ability to maintain the constitutional claims it has asserted against the Commonwealth, its creator.

The appeals court noted that Pennsylvania established the JUA to serve an integral role in the insurance market and, consequently, in the health care market. In doing so, it imbued the JUA with the coercive power of state government to compel private insurance companies to take specific actions. The JUAs funds are the result of the Commonwealths enforced acquisition of funds to support those goals and only the Commonwealth has a legally protectable interest in the JUA and its resources, the court wrote.

The JUA has the option of appealing the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Four Issues

The Third Circuit centered its analysis on four issues.

First, the court asked whether the JUAs organic act granted it political power. The court concluded that the JUAs exercise of power on behalf of the Commonwealth for a public purpose suggests that it is a public entity. Although not a grant of political power in the traditional sense, the JUA has the coercive power of the state to require all medical professional liability insurers to take certain actions. Insurers have to become members of the JUA whether they like it or not, and the states organic act for the JUA required the members to share the initial costs of the organizations operation among themselves. The JUA also exercises the Commonwealths power in requiring the member-companies to provide affordable insurance to those unable to conveniently obtain it in the ordinary insurance market.

Second, the court considered whether the JUA was created as a civil institution to be employed in the administration of government. The district court had concluded that the JUA was not created or employed as such. But the Third Circuit disagreed. While the JUA is not a state agency in the traditional sense, Pennsylvania established the entity in 1975 to ensure that health care providers could obtain insurance at a reasonable cost and that victims of medical negligence would promptly receive fair compensation. The Third Circuit found that the JUA is integral to the Commonwealths administration of a highly regulated, safe, and accessible health care system by ensuring that providers in high-risk specialties or reentering practice can obtain required insurance coverage that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive. The General Assembly thus employed the JUA to serve as a safety net for both medical providers and their patients.

The Third Court next asked whether the JUAs funds are drawn from public property. The district court found that the JUA has never been funded by or endowed with public property and held that the JUAs surplus is private property. But the Third Circuit found an essential piece missing from that reasoning: the JUAs funds are not simply private money exchanged among private individuals and entities in a typical insurance market. The funds are the result of the Commonwealths acquisition of policyholders premium payments for a public purpose. The JUAs funds exist only to support the goals of the Commonwealth to make available a comprehensive and high-quality health system. The court noted that to the extent the JUAs surplus could be considered profits, the JUA must use the funds for its nonprofit purpose, which is to provide insurance. The JUAs obviously excessive surplus provides no profits or dividends to anyone, and no private party risks damage to its bank account should that surplus be reduced to a reasonable level. That the premiums are augmented by investment returns does not change that, the court said.

Finally, the Third Circuit weighed whether anyone but the Commonwealth has an interest in the JUA. According to the district court, the JUAs members have an interest because they may be assessed if the JUA suffers a deficit, although that has never happened and is not allowed under its current plan. The governor and insurance commissioner have noted that the JUA has no beneficiaries or donors. Were the JUA able to be sold, who besides the Commonwealth would be entitled to receive the profit from the sale? As far as we can tell, the Commonwealth, which created the JUA as part of its broader legislative scheme to maintain a high-quality health care system, is the only one with an interest in the JUA, the appeals court concluded.

Topics Pennsylvania
The rivers and canals that meander through Hemudu in southeastern China are a vital source of life and community  they provide income for fishermen, an after-school hangout spot for kids, and define the towns landscape. But when it rains, those waterways become a liability.

This area floods every year, says Zheng, a long-time resident who lives less than a mile away from a river. Over the past decade and a half, Zheng has seen floodwater repeatedly threaten the ground-floor grocery store that he runs and his home above. But with his income barely enough to make ends meet and a grandson to look after, the 60-year-old says relocation isnt an option.

Hes tried but failed to insure his property. Insurance companies turned us down because they said theyd have no chance to make money, says Zheng, who asked not to be identified by his full name for fear of reprisal. No one would take such a risk.

Zheng is one of hundreds of millions of Chinese citizens whose homes and livelihoods have grown more precarious on a rapidly warming planet. Of the 20 most climate-vulnerable regions, 16 are on Chinese soil. Yet the worlds second-largest economy is among the least insured. Only about 10% of Chinese families have a home insurance policy, according to industry estimates. That figure is nearly 90% in the US.

Chinas government knows it has to do something about that gap, which Swiss Re AG estimates amounted to $273 billion in uninsured losses over the last decade. Officials first started seriously discussing the need to build an insurance system after the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake killed almost 90,000 people and cost an estimated 845 billion yuan ($116 billion). But uptake has been slow, and now climate change is making insurance increasingly unattainable all over the world.

Part of the problem is cultural. Many Chinese people have traditionally relied on the government and family members in times of trouble, rather than market-based financial products. Insurance as a service has not been widely accepted in China, says Tian Ling, a professor at Wuhan Universitys Economics and Management School. If its up to Chinese individuals, very few people would buy catastrophe insurance. That leaves the government no choice but to purchase it for their citizens.

As Chinas government faces pressure from the public to show its taking steps to protect people from more extreme weather, the nations top-down economic management style is colliding with an insurance industry upended by global warming. Officials have started buying policies that cover entire cities and provinces. But local authorities are short on cash, meaning the coverage they can afford is far from whats needed, even as rising climate risks cause premiums to surge. The decade-long initiative instead risks downplaying how exposed people really are and could even backfire by making it harder to unlock national funds in times of crisis, since these regions are ostensibly covered by the private market.

In 2014, the government of Ningbo, which oversees Hemudu, stepped in to buy citywide catastrophe insurance to cover residents like Zheng. A typhoon had wreaked havoc on the city the year before, prompting thousands of people to protest what they saw as insufficient disaster relief. It was one of the first experiments in what would eventually become a nationwide trial covering tens of millions of people in 74 cities and 15 provinces.

Unlike Zhengs failed attempt to buy his own coverage, insurers found the Ningbo government was a client they couldnt refuse. Participating providers have lowered their prices so the government can afford it because the program is too important to fail, according to people familiar with the arrangement who requested anonymity to discuss private details. Ningbo officials secured a discount of several million yuan on the annual premium for the three-year policy signed in 2021, one of the people said, even though the initial, higher price was based on the citys growing climate risks calculated using scientific models.

Catastrophe insurance is not a lucrative business in Ningbo, according to an executive at PICC Property and Casualty Co. Ltd., a top Chinese insurer that has been part of the program since 2014. We are not after financial returns, the executive said, asking not to be identified because theyre not authorized to speak to the media. When it comes to serving the government, the political consideration outweighs anything else.

The Ningbo government and PICC did not respond to questions about the catastrophe insurance program.

There is a potential risk for foreign investors backing the Chinese insurers that have been drawn into the programs. PICC has insured catastrophe risks for other provinces including Hebei, Sichuan and Zhejiang. China Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Asias biggest insurer, has sold policies to Henans government and Ping An Insurance Group Co of China Ltd. is among those supporting the technology hub Shenzhen. All three companies are listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Citigroup Inc. and BlackRock Inc., for example, hold 11% and 6% of PICCs shares, respectively, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Chinese insurers dont publish detailed profit breakdowns to establish how much these government deals have affected their bottom lines. But their experience in Ningbo in 2015 gives some indication. A consortium led by PICC lost about 56 million yuan due to a string of calamities that year, according to a 2022 analysis done by the insurer, Ningbo University and the local government. The disasters put the program at risk of bankruptcy, the authors noted, and sounded an alarm about its future liabilities. Yet a growing number of local authorities have struck similar deals with insurers, covering longer periods of time.

Wang He, chair of the China Association of Actuaries, has spent years studying the countrys catastrophe insurance problem. The ongoing local trials arent sustainable without broader publicly funded mechanisms to support communities after disaster, he says. Catastrophe risk management falls within the realm of public management, says Wang. A lack of understanding of that public nature in China has led to a simplistic approach of delegating the job to the insurance industry, which is ill-equipped to shoulder the entire responsibility.

Without a wider protection system, flood victims like Zheng dont have much recourse. In 2015, after Ningbo started its catastrophe insurance program, the shopkeeper received the first payout of his life. It was 1,000 yuan ($140), even though the water destroyed thousands of yuan worth of bottled water, snacks and everyday essentials such as toothbrushes that he could no longer sell.

Located some 150 miles south of Shanghai, Ningbo is a land of historic relics and modern skyscrapers. The 7,000-year-old city owes much of its prosperity to the East China Sea, which once helped Ningbo carve out a spot on the ancient Silk Road and continues to make it a vital trading hub. But the bustling coastal region is also a magnet for natural disasters. The city, home to nearly 10 million people, has been battered by more than 40 storms over the last two decades.While that first payout in 2015 left the insurers who sold the policy in deficit, the government was pleased with the 78 million yuan its residents received. It was almost twice what the government had spent on premiums. The apparent success convinced officials to turn the one-year pilot into a three-year deal. It also turned Ningbo into a shining example of how to deploy catastrophe insurance. Bureaucrats from all over China flocked to the city to learn how to replicate the program at home.

But local governments across the country face the same dilemma as Ningbo. Theyre trillions of yuan in debt and grappling with an economic slowdown thats seen Chinas government add a sweeping package of stimulus measures. There isnt enough cash to dole out when disaster strikes; even investing in insurance policies can be a stretch. In 2021, when record rain battered Henan province in central China, killing nearly 400 people, relief spending ballooned to 100 million yuan in a matter of days. China said last year that it will issue 1 trillion yuan in special Treasury bonds to raise funds for future calamities.

The central government typically allocates relief funds after an area is hit by destructive weather, but how much trickles down to individual households depends on how local authorities decide the money should be spent. Chinas top leaders signaled this month that the nation will increase public borrowing and spending in 2025, but officials have so far been reluctant to directly hand out cash or significantly widen the social safety net. President Xi Jinping has warned against falling into a trap of welfarism or feeding lazy people.

All that makes catastrophe insurance an appealing solution. Still, the policies are pricey because they guard against extreme risks and premiums are rising quickly as reinsurers brace for higher climate damages. The World Bank estimates that China will lose as much as 2.3% of its economic output to weather perils made worse by global warming by the end of this decade.

The Ningbo Model  as the insurance program was dubbed by the Communist Party mouthpiece Peoples Daily  has been held up as a win-win answer because it enlists the private sector to lessen the financial burden on the state and payments are quicker without having to deal with government red tape. But it also has some less appealing characteristics. Unlike traditional insurance, where payouts are commensurate with actual losses, Ningbo has a parametric insurance policy that only delivers compensation when certain thresholds are hit. A home inundated with, say, 7 inches of water might not meet the requirement for a payout if the trigger requires floodwaters to reach 7.8 inches.

Theres also a cap on each payment. If their house collapses, a family only stands to receive a maximum payout of 10,000 yuan in a given year. An average house in Ningbo is worth 23,000 yuan per square meter. Since the program started, eligible households have received under 660 yuan each on average, less than 1% of the annual disposable income for the citys residents.

The insurers behind Ningbos program have gradually raised the upper limit for payouts, but how far they can go comes back to how much the government can afford in premiums. Ningbo is home to Chinas second-busiest cargo port and a petrochemical industry worth $72 billion, helping it to weather Chinas economic woes better than many of its neighbors. Even so, local officials rejected an informal proposal to turn its current three-year policy into a five-year arrangement, due in large part to concerns over the governments ability to commit to the program long term, according to one of the people familiar with the deal.

In recent years, the government has also added clauses to the policy that likely wouldnt pass muster in the West. Starting from 2021, participating insurers are required to channel a chunk of their underwriting profits to Ningbos disaster relief fund if the city avoids major damages during their time of service. That, together with the push to raise compensation levels, has forced the insurers to operate on razor-thin margins, even in good years.

The practice is not widely used in commercial markets, says Christopher Au, climate practice lead for Asia Pacific at insurance broker WTW. But because insurers can tap the relief fund under some circumstances if payouts exceed what theyve collected in premiums, Au says the arrangement can also potentially help spread out their risk and reduce the volatility of profits and losses from year to year.

To keep climate-induced losses at bay, Ningbo has improved its early-warning system for typhoons and moved some residents out of floodplains.

But the insurance program is remains a cosmetic addition to the citys arsenal of protection measures. All told, it offers a maximum coverage of 500 million yuan per year for natural catastrophes. A 2022 study published in Nature estimates that climate change will increase the frequency of super typhoons in Zhejiang province, where Ningbo sits, causing damages as high as 36 billion yuan on average every eight years by the end of the century.

The intention was always for government-funded insurance to eventually translate into a more robust private market. In theory, as beneficiaries of the public program grew more familiar with the idea of insurance, they would start buying policies of their own. Yet less than 40% of Ningbo residents surveyed for the 2022 analysis expressed interest in purchasing their own catastrophe insurance.

Local governments will likely remain the driving force behind any catastrophe insurance in China for the coming years, says Wang Xujin, executive director of the Insurance Society of China, an industry group. One way to keep premiums manageable for local governments is to scale up the program across the country, spreading risk over vast areas with different climate risks.

Thats easier said than done. For one, some poorer local governments simply dont have the resources to spare. It will also be extremely difficult to convince officials in lower-risk areas to split the bill with those that are more highly exposed, he says.

There have been attempts within the central government to set up a national catastrophe insurance program, says Wuhan Universitys Tian. But none of the talks have borne fruit. The discussions always circle back to one issue, she says. Who pays?

Wang He, from the China Association of Actuaries, says hes concluded theres only one solution. China needs to build a new national system that establishes a disaster relief fund for the whole country financed by the central government and other financial instruments such as catastrophe bonds.

Until then, Chinese officials are eager to point to the growing insurance program as evidence that theyre taking action. Ningbos government has touted it as a shock absorber for the economy that will help boost social stability. In Shiqiao, a canal-side suburb of Ningbo, a tailor surnamed Lin is mollified that the state is at least trying to do something about the constant flooding.

Like Zheng, she also received an insurance payout of 1,000 yuan after waist-deep water inundated her home in 2022 and soaked a stockpile of new solar-powered water heaters she had planned to sell. The 1,000 yuan is far from enough to cover my losses, she says. But its better than nothing.

Photograph: Ningbo has a parametric insurance policy that only delivers compensation when certain thresholds are hit. Photo credit: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Flood China
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Generali Global Corporate & Commercial (GC&C) and the broker Miller.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Generali Global Corporate & Commercial Taps Allianzs Moro as Head of Cyber Insurance

Generali Global Corporate & Commercial (GC&C) announced the appointment of Michela Moro as the new head of Cyber Insurance, effective Dec. 16. She is stepping into the role previously held by the now retired Massimo Orsini.

With over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Moro brings a deep understanding of the corporate and commercial client segments. Her expertise stems from extensive cross-functional and international roles spanning the sector. In detail, Moro has significant experience in developing portfolio strategies and targeting new opportunities in the cyber segment.

Before joining GC&C, Moro had held several senior roles in the insurance industry, most recently seving as regional head of Cyber at Allianz Commercial. She holds a bachelors degree in International Economics and Management from Universita Bocconi di Milano.

I am delighted to welcome such a talented manager as Michela to our team. Her expertise in shaping cyber portfolio strategies and identifying new opportunities, along with her deep underwriting knowledge in financial lines and the cyber sector, will greatly benefit our organization, commented Carlos Gomez, GC&C head of Insurance, in a statement. Together with her strategic thinking and strong background in strategy execution, she will bring great value to GC&C.

***

Miller Bolsters Asia Power Team, Appointing Howdens McGonagle

Miller, the London-based independent specialist re/insurance broker, announced the appointment of Elizabeth McGonagle (Kobes) as head of Power, Asia Pacific.

McGonagle will be based in Singapore and report to Matthew Hooker, head of Energy & Marine for the Asia Pacific region. She joins Miller in January 2025.

McGonagle brings over a decade of experience in the sector, most recently as regional director for Howden Singapore, where she led their power client service and broking capabilities. Prior to this, she spent seven years at Wills Towers Watson, latterly as division director for natural resources, power and renewables in Asia.

Miller said McGonagles appointment marks the next step of its growth in the power sector and aligns with the firms wider strategy to grow its energy, power and construction capabilities in the Asia Pacific region, bringing differentiated solutions to a historically underserved area of the market.

We are seeing strong demand for the specialist expertise that we have built in Asia, and I am delighted to enhance this with Lizs experience and passion. As a leading figure in the Asia power market, her decision to join us is testament to the team we are growing and further strengthens our ability to offer clients tailored solutions, according to Hooker in a statement.

The Asia power industry presents strong growth opportunities in the coming years, particularly as the economy transitions from conventional fuels to low carbon and carbon free energy generation; something that Liz is extremely well-placed to help clients navigate, Hooker added.

Topics Cyber Commercial Lines Allianz
Denmark warned that Russias navy may start escorting the so-called shadow fleet tankers through Danish straits to escalate provocations against NATO countries.

Threats against Denmark have become more serious, and Russia now has more options to challenge North Atlantic Treaty Organizations members with a more threatening military behavior, the Danish Defense Intelligence Service said in its annual security outlook on Wednesday.

This could include letting Russian warships escort tankers exporting millions of barrels of Moscows petroleum through the Baltic Sea. If this happens, it will increase the level of tension, the agency said.

Baltic Sea Countries to Start Checking Insurance Status of Tankers Moving Russian Oil

Twelve Northern European nations including Denmark earlier this week announced they would introduce checks on insurance policies of passing Russian tankers. This could be followed up with more tangible actions for ships falling short with their cover.

Denmark will play a crucial role in the implementation of those checks, as its narrow straits are a critical trade artery through which Russian oil has flowed largely unrestrained since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, helping fund President Vladimir Putins war economy.

Russia is also expected to display more risky behavior toward civil shipping and aviation, Denmarks foreign intelligence service said. Its toolkit is likely to include military exercise activities near NATO territory, as well as jamming in large geographical areas without regard to ships and aircrafts communications and GPS signals, according to the report.

A more threatening behavior toward Denmarks and other NATO countries military aircraft and ships similarly poses a risk of misunderstandings and minor collisions both in the Baltic Sea and in the Arctic, it said.

Photograph: The sahow tankerTurbo Voyager, right, passes within 600 meters of the BBC Lisbon general cargo vessel off the coat of Agerso, Denmark, on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. Photo credit: Carten Snejbjerg/Bloomberg

Related:

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Energy Oil Gas Russia
President-elect Donald Trump sued the Des Moines Register and its pollster for brazen election interference in publishing a survey the weekend before the election that showed Democrat Kamala Harris with a surprising lead of three percentage points in the state.

The Registers parent Gannett Co. on Tuesday dismissed the lawsuit as meritless and said it would vigorously defend its First Amendment rights.

The lawsuit continues the president-elects campaign against media outlets he feels have wronged him. ABC this past weekend agreed to pay $15 million toward a Trump presidential library in order to settle a defamation lawsuit against George Stephanopoulos for inaccurately saying Trump had been found civilly liable for rape.

The Des Moines survey, done by since-retired pollster J. Ann Selzer, was considered shocking for indicating that an earlier Trump lead in the Republican-leaning midwestern state had been erased. In the actual election, Trump won Iowa by more than 13 percentage points.

There was a perfectly good reason nobody saw this coming: because a three-point lead for Harris in deep-red Iowa was not reality, the lawsuit said. It was election-interfering fiction.

The poll increased enthusiasm among Democrats, compelled Republicans to divert campaign time and money to areas in which they were ahead, and deceived the public into thinking Democrats were doing better than they actually were, Trump charged.

The lawsuit was filed late Monday in Polk County district court in Iowa. It cites Iowa consumer fraud law, and doesnt ask for specific monetary damages, but rather wants a trial jury to award triple the amount of what it determines actual damages to be.

Whatever happens legally, the case could have a chilling effect beyond Iowa. Trump said in legal papers that he wanted it to deter radicals from continuing to act with corrupt intent in releasing polls manufactured for the purpose of skewing election results in favor of Democrats.

Lark-Marie Anton, Des Moines Register spokeswoman, said the newspaper acknowledged the pre-election poll did not reflect Trumps ultimate margin of victory and released the data and a technical explanation.

We stand by our reporting on the matter and believe a lawsuit would be without merit, she said.

Selzer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. But she told PBS in Iowa last week that its not my ethic to set up a poll to deliver a specific response. She said she was mystified about what motivation people would think she had.

To suggest without a single shred of evidence that I was in cahoots with somebody, I was being paid by somebody, its all just kind of, its hard to pay too much attention to it except that they are accusing me of a crime, she said.

___

Associated Press correspondents Tom Beaumont in Des Moines and Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Iowa
CVS Health Corp. pharmacies illegally dispensed controlled substances including opioids, fueling an overdose crisis as short-staffed stores ignored red flags, the US Department of Justice alleged in a lawsuit unsealed Wednesday.

The largest US pharmacy chain deliberately set staffing levels at drugstores too low to safely dispense the prescription medications, according to the complaint filed in federal court in Rhode Island. The company prioritized profits over safety in dispensing controlled substances, the civil complaint alleges.

CVS disputed the Justice Departments allegations. The company has cooperated with the investigation for more than four years, a spokesperson said. Similar litigation by state and local governments was resolved in a 2022 settlement agreement. The federal lawsuit seeks to impose a shifting standard for pharmacy practice, the company said in an email.

The federal government is intervening in a case originally filed under seal by a former CVS employee. Hillary Estright, a pharmacist and former CVS pharmacy manager in Tennessee, filed the lawsuit under the False Claims Act, which allows whistleblowers who expose fraud against the government to get a share of money recovered.

The governments complaint alleges that corporate performance metrics, incentives and staffing created conditions for reckless dispensing of controlled substances. Workers raised alarms through an internal ethics line that the company ignored, according to the complaint. Workers at CVS and other retail pharmacy chains have walked off the job to protest working conditions.

When store pharmacists did reject prescriptions in instances where they suspected abuse, they had no way to warn other pharmacists at different CVS stores, according to the lawsuit.

One effort to flag problem prescriptions was watered down, according to the lawsuit. And prescriptions from known pill mill practices were routinely dispensed, the Justice Department alleges.

In the case of one Texas pain doctor, Howard Diamond, CVS staff escalated his prescriptions for internal review 13 times between 2014 and 2017. In one instance, the doctor wrote controlled substance prescriptions for a patient after the patients death.

Despite a yearslong trail of warning signs and internal reports of problematic prescribing, CVS continued to let pharmacists fill his prescriptions, even after he was indicted for controlled substance violations, the complaint said. Diamond pleaded guilty to charges related to controlled substances and health-care fraud in 2018.

Photo: Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of Austin, Texas-based Howe Insurance Group LLC, dba DMc Insurance Partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

DMc Insurance Partners is a personal lines-focused insurance agency serving individuals and small business owners in Austin. John McNulty, Scott Durkin and their team will remain in their current location under the direction of Gino Bonacci, head of personal lines for Gallaghers U.S. retail property/casualty brokerage operations.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Texas A.J. Gallagher
Texas property management companies Castle Hills Master Association Inc., Bright Realty LLC, Bright Industries LLC, and Bright Executive Services LLC will pay $55,000 and furnish other relief to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

According to the suit, the companies terminated a pregnant resident coordinator who was diagnosed with placenta previa, a pregnancy-related disability.

After the employee was hospitalized and prescribed bedrest, she requested a leave of absence for the remaining month of her pregnancy as a reasonable accommodation, but the property management companies then terminated her employment.

At the time of the termination, the defendants told the employee that, because she was not eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or short-term disability benefits, they would not accommodate her.

Such alleged conduct violated the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on an individuals disability, including pregnancy-related disability. The EEOC filed suit, Civil Action No. 4:24-cv-00871, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.

Under the terms of the three-year decree, Castle Hills Master Association Inc. will pay $55,000 in damages to the employee and will provide significant non-monetary relief designed to ensure equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Castle Hills Master Association Inc. and its parent companies will also create new protocols for requesting reasonable accommodations and train all employees on these protocols and the ADA annually for the duration of the decree.

Topics Lawsuits Texas Property
It is safe to say most of us have enjoyed a beverage, adult or otherwise, in a red Solo cup. When we hear Solo Cup, many of us think of tailgates, picnics, or perhaps the late Toby Keiths song Red Solo Cup, but did you know that red Solo cups are made by the Dart Container Corp. in Conyers, Georgia, and have been made since 1936? Behind the familiar red cup lies a legal battle that goes far beyond the product itself, reaching into the heart of workplace safety and employee rights. In Simmons et al. v. Solo Cup Operating Corporation, the Georgia Court of Appeals recently issued an opinion in a case involving a wrongful death claim that highlights critical questions about employer responsibilities and safety protocols.

On Oct. 7, 2024, the Georgia Court of Appeals pinned an opinion regarding the manufacturer of red Solo cups. The story behind this case is both tragic and complex. In an unexpected turn of events, an employee at the Solo Cup manufacturing facility in Conyers, Georgia, was killed in 2019 following an incident that stemmed from returning lost property. According to court records, the employee discovered a bag containing several identification cards in a restroom at the facility. Following company policy, the employee turned the bag over to his supervisor, who, after some back-and-forth, returned it to the owner.

Upon obtaining his bag the rightful owner discovered that $400 was missing and asked his supervisor to identify the individual that initially found the bag. The rightful owner confronted the individual who promptly denied taking the $400. Unconvinced by the employees denial, the owner became angry. He shot and killed the employee that had initially found the bag.

The deceased employees heirs filed a wrongful death action against the Red Solo Cups alleging they negligently hired and retained and negligently failed to keep its promises safe. However, the employer filed a motion for lack of subject matter jurisdiction action requesting that the lawsuit be dismissed based on the Georgia Workers Compensation Act mutual exclusivity provision. The trial court granted Red Solo Cups motion to dismiss based on that argument.

A Legal Twist: The Courts Decision

The case progressed to the Georgia Court of Appeals, which disagreed with the lower court and agreed with the deceased employees heirs allowing their lawsuit to proceed. The court cited exceptions to the exclusivity rule noting that for an injury to be considered as arising out of the employment it must either be caused by activity the employee engaged in as part of his or her job or their injury must result from some special danger to the employment. The trial court found that by following the employers policy/procedure the employee was performing duties arising out of their employment.

However, the Court of Appeals rejected that argument. It found that the deceased employee returning the bag was a separate incident from the denial of taking the money which resulted in the rightful owners anger and shooting. It noted that the returning of the money to the rightful owner whether in compliance with ones work rules was merely a proverbial Good Samaritan act, and the death was entirely unrelated to the performance of work and that the Georgia workers compensation acts mutual exclusivity provision did not apply. (Solo Cup has asked the Georgia Supreme Court to consider an appeal.)

Reflections on Workplace Safety and Responsibility

For employers, the Simmons et al. v. Solo Cup case underscores the importance of maintaining a safe and controlled environment beyond the physical operations and policies. Incidents that may seem incidental or isolated can escalate in unforeseen ways, and companies need to account for more than just physical hazardsthey must also be vigilant about potential interpersonal risks and conflicts among employees.

For employees, this case brings attention to the potential risks associated with even seemingly simple acts of kindness or adherence to policy. It raises an uncomfortable question: should employees worry about the potential personal risk when simply trying to do the right thing?

Moving Forward: What This Case Could Mean for Georgia Workers

As we await further developments in this case, one thing is clear: the outcome could influence how courts view wrongful death suits under the Georgia Workers Compensation Act. It also serves as a wake-up call for employers across the state to reconsider the comprehensiveness of their safety protocols, training, and conflict de-escalation policies. In the end, the case serves as a stark reminder that every employee has the right to a workplace where they feel safephysically and emotionally.

Dale Slemons is a partner with the Hall Booth Smith law firm in the Atlanta office. He practices workers compensation defense law, representing employers, insurers, and third-party administrators, but was not involved in the Solo Cup litigation. This blog was recently posted by the firm and has been reprinted here with permission.

Other Workplace Shooting Cases: Not Always Compensable, Florida Court Says

Employer Cant Deny Comp Claim in Shooting Then Argue Immunity
The Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation (LWCC) announced that it will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Prescient National Insurance Company (PNIC) based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The transaction is an all-cash transaction, which has received regulatory approval and is expected to close by year-end 2024.

LWCC operates as a monoline workers compensation writer providing coverage in Louisiana. PNIC provides workers comp coverage in multiple states. It is expected that both companies will continue to operate as separate brands and entities despite some risk management oversight by LWCC, AM Best said.

PNIC will continue to operate as a separate business. PNIC policyholders coverage, premium, and contacts will not change, the company said.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said in a statement that the acquisition will help elevate Louisianas business reputation nationally.

As a private mutual insurance carrier, this transaction will help LWCC ensure stability and profitability for the benefit of their 18,000 Louisiana-based policyholders, Temple said.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, served as exclusive financial advisor and Sidley Austin LLP served as legal counsel to LWCC on the transaction.

Howden Capital Markets & Advisory served as exclusive financial advisor and Robinson Bradshaw served as legal counsel to Prescient National on the transaction.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions North Carolina
A federal jury in Nevada has awarded more than $34 million to a woman who was arrested at age 18, wrongly convicted twice, and served nearly 16 years in a Nevada state prison for a 2001 killing she did not commit.

Kristin Lobato, who is now 41 and uses the name Blaise, cried and hugged her attorneys after a judge read the trial verdict last week in U.S. District Court, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Its been an uphill battle with many, many obstacles, she told reporters. And Im happy that its all finally finished.

Lobato said she didnt know if becoming a millionaire would make up for years in prison, adding that she had no idea what the rest of my life is going to look like.

The civil trial jury found Las Vegas police and two detectives, now retired, fabricated evidence during their investigation and intentionally inflicted emotional distress upon Lobato. The panel determined that Lobato should receive $34 million in compensatory damages from the department and $10,000 in punitive damages from each former detective.

The detectives, Thomas Thowsen and James LaRochelle, and their attorney, Craig Anderson, declined to comment outside court. Anderson told U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware he planned to file additional court documents following the verdict. Anderson said Friday an appeal was likely.

The department previously agreed to pay damages if the jury ruled in Lobatos favor.

Lobato was 18 when she was interviewed by police without an attorney, arrested and charged with killing Duran Bailey in Las Vegas in July 2001. Bailey, who had been homeless, was found dead near a trash bin with a slashed neck, cracked skull and missing genitals.

No physical evidence or witnesses connected Lobato to the killing, and she maintained she never met Bailey. But police maintained she confessed in jail that she had killed a man who tried to rape her during a three-day methamphetamine binge.

Lobato was 19 when she was convicted of murder in 2002. The Nevada Supreme Court threw out that verdict and Lobatos prison sentence in 2004 because her lawyers werent able to cross-examine a prosecution witness who testified that Lobato made the jailhouse confession.

Lobato was tried again in 2006, convicted of manslaughter, mutilation and weapon charges, and sentenced to 13 to 45 years in prison.

She was exonerated and freed from prison in late 2017 after the Innocence Project and attorneys in Las Vegas again took her case to the state Supreme Court. Justices said evidence showed that Lobato was in her hometown of Panaca, Nevada, some 150 miles (214 kilometers) from Las Vegas when Bailey was killed.

Last October, a state court judge in Las Vegas issued a certificate declaring Lobato innocent of Baileys killing.

That action was challenged by Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill and Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson in a letter asking state Attorney General Aaron Ford to investigate how and why attorneys for Lobato acquired the certificate of innocence.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Law Enforcement
In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes  Andy Warhol.

On June 24, 1930, Portmarnock became, briefly, the focus of world aviation. At half-four in the morning Charles Kingsford-Smiths plane, the Southern Cross, took off from the velvet strand, bound for Newfoundland. An impressive stone monument on the promenade commemorates the event.

Two years later, 24-year-old Jim Mollison would fly from the strand to New Brunswick, Canada.

I was very sad to see this poor turtle RIP this morning 

Does anyone know what it was or where it might have come from?#portmarnock pic.twitter.com/5hMs2PnuqQ  Niamh Griffin (@griffinniamh) December 5, 2024

Another world traveller arrived in Portmarnock on December 8 last. This time, however, there was no cause for celebration; the leatherback turtle was found dead.

Leatherback turtle found washed up on beach at Portmarnock. December 2024. Picture: Niamh Griffin

The Irish Marine Institute confirmed: "From the photos seen online, scientists at the Marine Institute believe this to be a leatherback turtle."

Leatherbacks were once considered rare visitors to Irish waters. Caught in fishing gear occasionally, they were classed as vagrants, misguided souls which had wandered northwards from warmer seas. But, with increased sightings in recent years this, the worlds largest turtle and second largest living reptile, is now recognised as an annual migrant to our shores.

David Attenborough in Trinidad with a leatherback turtle. Picture: Gavin Thurston

Individual leatherbacks can exceed 2.5 metres in length and weight up to half a tonne. All other sea-turtle species have bony shells, but this giant has a tractor-tyre dark-leathery carapace. The front flippers, with which the creature propels itself through the water, are the longest limbs, in relation to body size, of any turtle.

The Marine Institute said: "Leatherback sea turtles have been recorded all around Ireland, in the Atlantic, as well as the Irish and Celtic Seas. However, this species is not seen very regularly. Sightings of leatherback sea turtles in Ireland have mostly been recorded during the summer months from July to September, as this is when jellyfish are most abundant in our waters.

Leatherbacks are l ong-distance seasonal migrants to Irish waters, and migrate to temperate waters for feeding and then return to waters near to where they are from to find a mate and for nesting."

Leatherback turtle found washed up on beach at Portmarnock. December 2024. Picture: Niamh Griffin

Leatherbacks have remained relatively unchanged since they first appeared in the fossil record around 110 million years ago. The sole survivors of an ancient clade, our species became known to science when one was captured at Ostia, Romes ancient port, in 1761. It was presented to Pope Clement XIII, who donated it to the University of Padua.

Its favourite food, j ellyfish, is also a fatal attraction; turtles swallow drifting plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish. When plastic blocks its food-canal, the diner starves to death. According to a US Fish and Wildlife Service report, around 115,000 females nested worldwide in 1980, but fewer than 43,000 were doing so by 2007.

Creatures of southern seas, leatherbacks breed on sandy beaches on both sides of the Atlantic. They mate at sea; males never leave the water once they have entered it as juveniles.

Ocean warming is tempting sea-turtles to travel northwards increasingly. Some even venture beyond the Arctic Circle.

Leatherback turtle found washed up on beach at Portmarnock. December 2024. Picture: Niamh Griffin

The species is better adapted to cooler waters that other turtles. Its huge size helps it cope with the cold; large bodies retain heat more effectively than small ones. Like whales and seals with their blubber, leatherbacks have layers of insulating brown fat.

Reptiles dont generate their body-heat internally. They rely instead on the environment to warm them. The leatherback, however, is an exception. A vascular heat-exchange mechanism harvests the warmth generated by the powerful front-limb muscles and uses it to increase core body temperature.

Although the occurrence of a leatherback at Portmarnock is no longer front-page news, finding one there in mid-winter raises questions. Turtles return southwards to nest, but they dont breed every year.

Was the Portmarnock visitor an out-of-season tourist remaining on here for the winter, just as some swallows now stay on in Spain? Or had it died in late summer, ocean currents having carried its slowly-decomposing body northwards into the Irish Sea?

Fingal Council said the turtle was buried in situ on the advice of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

They said they have not received a report on any cause of death at this stage.

Sic transit Gloria mundi!
Taoiseach Simon Harris is in Brussels with EU counterparts and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy for talks on how best to secure Ukraines future on the battlefield and strengthen its position ahead of potential peace talks with Russia.

"Bringing an end to Russia's war against Ukraine is a fundamental issue for Europe and requires coordinated and effective work of European countries," Mr Zelenskyy said ahead of his arrival.

It is the last time EU leaders are meeting before Donald Trump takes over as US president.

Mr Trump has made it clear he expects Europe to do "much more heavy lifting" regarding its own security, according to Nato sources.

"We need to make sure Ukraine is in the best possible position so that one day when they decide so, they can start the peace talks," said Nato secretary general Mark Rutte alongside Mr Zelenskyy at his Nato residence in Brussels.

"It means that we have to do everything now so that when it comes to air defence, weapons systems we provide whatever we can to protect critical infrastructure."

While there is no timeline yet for formal discussions in ending the war, Mr Zelenskyy and his European allies agree any such engagements should come from a place of strength, in order for a "just" or fair peace to emerge.

Mr Zelenskyy said Ukraine required "security guarantees "as part of any settlement to ensure Russia is not awarded an opportunity to re-invade Ukraine at any point in the future.

The Taoiseach will be pushing for further early dialogue with Mr Trumps picks on the areas of trade, Ukraine, security, and the Middle East, according to government sources.

Donald Trump has made it clear he expects Europe to do 'much more heavy lifting' regarding its own security, according to Nato sources. Picture: Evan Vucci

Mr Harris also expected to raise the issue of Israel shutting its embassy in Dublin, and reiterate Irelands position on the dire humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza at a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday.

Overall, the fragile emerging situation in the Middle East will weigh heavily on the heads of state and government, where the Taoiseach is expected to push leaders again for an EU-Israel Association Council where the matter of Israeli actions in Gaza can be discussed face to face with Israeli government delegates.

For almost a year, the European Commission and several EU member states have declined to engage Israel on the issue, despite Ireland arguing that Israel is in breach of the agreements human rights clause over its belligerent operations in Gaza and the West Bank.

On Syria, EU leaders will discuss the likelihood of a stable administration in Damascus after the fall of Assad.

There is a "serious risk" given the recent history of the rebels who've taken over but also an "opportunity for Syria", an EU official source said.

Syrians walk toward the Umayyad mosque for prayers in Damascus, Syria. Picture: Leo Correa

"Well certainly discuss how we would like to see Syria emerge, with respect for human rights, for women, and unity, with an eventual focus of scope for return of refugees," the official said.

"Were not naive about where these people come from and what was their past but they have said a couple of things where we hope we can hold them accountable," another official said.

Leaders will discuss the role of the EU "in the world", and how best to engage with the so-called Global South, or the Global Majority and address the double-standard, a criticism frequently levelled at the EU describing the selective application of international law for some regimes and not others.

The matter has become particularly acute over the last year where the EU has refrained from challenging Israel for its actions in Gaza which have led to an apocalyptic humanitarian crisis.
A male cyclist has died after being struck by a lorry in Dublin.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the collision which occurred at the junction of College Road and Castleknock Village at 4.30pm on Thursday afternoon.

The cyclist, a man aged in his 50s, was fatally injured in the collision. No other injuries were reported.

The body of the man has been removed from the scene to the Mortuary in Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown. Arrangements are now being made for an autopsy.

Castleknock Village is currently closed to facilitate an examination of the scene by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local diversions have been put in place.

Investigating gardai have issued an appeal for witnesses.

Any road users with camera footage who were travelling in the area at the time have been asked to make this footage available.

Anyone with any information should contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station
A newborn baby who faced almost certain death has been christened a Christmas angel after undergoing life-saving cardiac surgery funded by an Irish charity in war-torn Ukraine.

Baby Nestor was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, while still in his mothers womb  a very serious heart condition which meant the left side of his heart did not develop, and which without surgery meant that he would not have lived beyond a few days.

The local Ukrainian medical team did not have the expertise or equipment to treat him and so his parents believed they would have to plan his funeral.

However, Chernobyl Children International (CCI) had dispatched a specialised cardiac surgical team to Ukraine in the hopes of saving the lives of children and babies with radiation related heart-defects linked to the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Baby Nestor even received a visit from Santa Claus (lead surgeon Bill Novick).

Their time in country overlapped with Nestors birth on November 26.

The CCI-funded surgeons arrived just in time to perform the complex surgery on Nestor in St Nicholas Pediatric Hospital in Lviv in western Ukraine, the only city in Ukraine left with the specialist equipment, facilities, and staff required for complex paediatric surgery.

The procedure involved stopping his heart and then putting him on bypass machine while they re-routed the flow of his heart.

Nestor has a long road of recovery ahead of him, and faces other procedures, but its hoped that he has a 90% chance of reaching his fifth birthday and possibly avoiding the need for a heart transplant too.

The Chernobyl Children International team who operated on baby Nestor are all volunteering their time and expertise.

As the country prepares for its third Christmas with war, Nestors story has been described locally as a miracle, with medics nicknaming him a Christmas Angel.

CCIs voluntary CEO, Adi Roche, praised the surgical team who will continue operating until Christmas Eve, and the people of Ireland who funded Nestors life-saving surgery.

The surgeons and nurses have the expertise and knowledge, but without the funding behind this trip, Nestor would have most certainly died before the end of the week its a Christmas miracle, she said.

He was on deaths door. Nestor owes his life to the kindness and generosity of the Irish people who funded this mission.

No other nation in the world has stood by and championed those whose lives have been destroyed by Chernobyl as much as Ireland has and this recent cardiac mission is another reflection of Irish compassion.

Baby Nestor in recovery in intensive care in Ukraine.

Bill Novick, the lead surgeon on the cardiac mission, said he felt the medical team had to return to Ukraine despite the war.

Explosions can be heard in the distance, and you cant tell how close it is, he said. We have experienced frequent bombardment but are not distracted by it.

We are acutely aware of the challenges and dangers of operating in a war-torn country. However, the urgency of the childrens failing hearts demands immediate action.

These children cannot wait, and we are determined to save as many lives as possible.

This is the fourth mission that Cork-based CCI has funded since the beginning of the year. The charity is hoping to raise enough funds to sustain the cardiac programme in Ukraine into 2025.

Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, the countrys healthcare system has faced immense challenges, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of wounded, the mass exodus of qualified medical personnel and the deliberate targeting of medical facilities.

Many children born with congenital heart defects, such as the fatal Chernobyl Heart, have been unable to receive necessary surgical interventions, leading to a rising number of preventable deaths.
Ireland's number one criminal gang has been targeted in a major operation by Garda drug and intelligence units.

The ongoing operation against the gang  known as The Family  escalated to a full-on armed intervention on Tuesday night when intelligence came through that killers for the group were on their way to carry out a hit against a rival gang.

A tactical team from the elite Emergency Response Unit carried out a forced stop on a vehicle in the Clondalkin area of west Dublin.

They managed to arrest the two individuals inside and seize a loaded firearm.

The operation was led by the Garda Drug and Organised Crime Bureau and Garda Crime and Security, including its secretive surveillance team.

Timed with the intervention were a total of 20 searches, 18 across Dublin and two searches in separate cells in Portlaoise Prison, which is Irelands only high-security jail.

One of the cells searched is of a convicted killer.

A substantial amount of evidence, including digital devices, were taken away and forensic examination will be conducted on them.

Gardai suspect the two-man hit team were on their way to kill a target in the Tallaght area of southwest Dublin.

The Family

The Family is not only one of Ireland longest-running drug trafficking gangs but has also recently been publicly identified by gardai as being the biggest drug gang in the country and their number one target.

It is led by a number of brothers from the north Clondalkin area. They live locally or in neighbouring Ballyfermot. They have extensive connections with gangs and cartels across the world.

The Family has dominated the heroin trade into Ireland for decades and continue to do so, but in recent years, particularly during and after the Kinahan-Hutch feud, they took over a huge slice of the lucrative cocaine trade.

While they, in the past, had associations with the Kinahan cartel, long-time investigators point out that they have always acted independently.

They have operated an extensive money laundering service for decades and they have also been repeatedly hit by the Criminal Assets Bureau.

But the leaders have escaped prosecution and conviction for a long number of years.

The attempted hit is believed to be part of a long-running feud between The Family and a drug-trafficking outfit in west Dublin, centred around the Tallaght area.

This protracted feud, which is thought to also involve substantial drug debts, has previously seen at least one murder.

Garda operation

Garda HQ issued a lengthy statement on the operation.

An Garda Siochana are satisfied that an imminent threat to life attack was prevented in West Dublin on Tuesday evening, 17th December 2024," it said.

Gardai from the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), units attached to the Garda National Crime & Security Intelligence Service (GNCSIS) and regular unit members from the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) conducted an operation as part of an intelligence-led investigation in the DMR.

It said that shortly after 8pm was Tuesday, a vehicle was intercepted by a tactical team from the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) on Rowlagh Avenue in Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a semi-automatic Glock pistol along with a number of rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Two men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested at the scene under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. They are currently being detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at a garda station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

More than 300 gardai were deployed in the course of the operation.

Head of Organised & Serious Crime assistant commissioner Angela Willis said gardai believed the firearm "was intended for use in the commission of murder(s)".

"The intervention by members of An Garda Siochana in West Dublin on the evening of 17 December 2024 has again resulted in the removal of a lethal firearm and ammunition from circulation," she said.

"An Garda Siochana believes the firearm was intended for use in the commission of murder(s). I wish to acknowledge the members of An Garda Siochana involved in the operation for their professionalism in bringing this operation to a successful conclusion.

"An Garda Siochana will continue to prioritise targeting those that are the most violent and cause the most harm in communities.

In a statement, the Irish Prison Service said: "The Irish Prison Service does not comment on individual prisoners or specific operational or security matters.

"The Irish Prison Service continues to have high level engagement and the sharing of intelligence with An Garda Siochana on a regular basis which is resulting in the seizure of contraband, arrests and significant disruption to organised crime involved in smuggling contraband into Irish Prisons."
Former Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS) boss Michael Fingleton has lost his Supreme Court bid to halt his civil trial alleging he negligently mismanaged the failed lender.

Five judges of the top court held that the 86-year-old, acting through his wife and son, Michael Fingleton Jnr, under their powers of attorney, fell considerably short of the threshold that would convince the court it should dismiss his case before a hearing.

The High Court and Court of Appeal had already refused to halt the trial, which is scheduled to run next year.

Mr Fingletons lawyers had urged the Supreme Court to end the 2012 civil claim brought against him by the liquidators of the State-owned Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC), which took over INBS after it collapsed.

They argued he cannot receive a fair trial due to being incapacitated after suffering a stroke several years ago and because of the passage of time since the alleged events. The liquidators senior counsel, John D Fitzgerald, submitted that halting the case would be a draconian step.

The claim against Mr Fingleton was originally pitched at 6 billion, the amount lost by the lender after the 2008 property crash. It has since significantly narrowed to about 290 million and centres around a series of five loans issued between 2006 and 2009.

He denies the claims against him.

Thursday's judgment

Giving the Supreme Courts judgment on Thursday, Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe said ill-health does not, in itself, ground an entitlement to have a case dismissed.

He concluded that the Court of Appeal had applied the legal principles correctly in finding that Mr Fingleton had not discharged the very high burden in attempting to secure a dismissal.

The lower court correctly concluded that Mr Fingletons inability to instruct his lawyers or to give evidence in court falls short, and considerably so, of the threshold to persuade the court to dismiss the case before a trial, said Mr Justice Woulfe.

The judge said the balance of justice and fairness will remain a live issue for the High Court trial judge to monitor. The judge hearing the case next year will have a duty to ensure fairness, he said.

Mr Justice Woulfes decision was unanimously supported by his four colleagues: Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne, Ms Justice Iseult OMalley, Mr Justice Gerard Hogan and Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly.

Mr Fingleton led Irish Nationwide between 1971 and 2009, holding the role of managing director for much of the period, though his title was changed to chief executive close to the end of his time in charge.

Mr Fingleton Jnr has said his father, who was worth 75 million in 2006, had less than 25,000 in two personal bank accounts and outstanding judgment debts of more than 10.7 million as of late 2022.
On the second anniversary of her death, the family of Aoife Johnston has repeated a call for a statutory inquiry into her death at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

The 16-year-old from Co Clare died on December 19, 2022, after suffering from meningitis-related sepsis and was left for more than 16 hours without antibiotics  a vital treatment to help save her life.

The family's solicitor, Damien Tansey, said that Aoife's family is seeking answers and accountability. He believes that a statutory inquiry is the only authority with the necessary resources to provide these answers.

The State has failed the Johnston family. To date, no answers have been forthcoming," he told RTE radio's Morning Ireland. According to Mr Tansey, the "most revealing" of all the processes so far has been the inquest, in which a verdict of medical misadventure was returned at Limerick Coroner's Court in April.

"But there are very severe restrictions on what an inquest can do in terms of finding fault, and in terms of vindicating anybody.

So the very least the Johnston family are entitled to, given the failure of the State to vindicate and protect the life of their daughter, is to provide a process of the kind that will produce answers, he said.

Mr Tansey acknowledged that a number of attempts had been made to provide answers, including the Hamilton Report, and then the inquiry by retired Chief Justice Frank Clarke. In September, he found that Aoifes death was almost certainly avoidable.

However, according to Mr Tansey, even Mr Clarke himself at the outset of his report, had indicated that he couldn't make, for example, findings of fact, he couldn't make adverse findings and he couldn't even resolve conflict where there were conflicting accounts from people that were involved in this tragedy at the coalface."

Mr Tansey went on to say that "there was no reason why" a statutory inquiry into Aoife's death should take years, as previously claimed.

"This inquiry won't be in public. It will simply be a statutory inquiry where the chairman will be entitled to call witnesses, to subpoena witnesses, to take evidence in circumstances where the people in focus will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence, Mr Tansey explained.

He also said that all processes involving the family "are now at an end".

We're awaiting a decision on the part of the new government to conduct a statutory inquiry, and so that there is no doubt about this the Johnston family will meet the new Minister for Health and or the Taoiseach to indicate what their requirements are in relation to that inquiry.
If you have lived somewhere in Ireland beyond the borders of Cork then you will be familiar with a Christmastime sidle, a stealthy approach which occurs at roughly the same point in December every year.

Whether soi-disant sophisticate or avowed Neanderthal, all outlanders are fascinated with one of Corks long-standing Christmas traditions. Eventually their curiosity gets the better of them, and they just cant hold out any longer.

Whats this thing in Cork with spiced beef? It should take superhuman restraint to hold back from condescending grandly to these poor people, but such self-control comes naturally to us.

When your columnist was exiled in Dublin this happened on a regular basis, and the odd time I played fast and loose with the known facts ( . . . spiced with what? Recipes vary, ground Kerry people, that kind of thing.) However, while vague awareness and outrageous falsehoods might suffice in the capital, I felt it would be no harm to clear up any certainty for the official record, particularly given the time of year.

So last weekend I dropped in to see Tom Durcan in the English Market, and I slipped past the crowds surging for his butchershop counter for a chat.

Why Tom? Whether its Blas na hEireann awards, which he racked up annually from 2010 through to 2022, or the various gold medals from the Craft Butchers of Ireland, I felt hed put me on the right track. I had a vague idea about the origins of the spiced element of the beef, but he fleshed it out, no pun intended.

The tradition of spiced beef in Cork goes a long way back, to when there were merchant ships going out of Cork.

Those ships  going to America in the eighteenth century for instance  would be vittled, or supplied, in Cork before the voyage. Obviously youre talking about a time when there was no refrigeration on board the ships, so when they wanted to preserve beef for those journeys they salted it and spiced it and discovered that by spicing it would last a lot longer

That's where it originated. And of course, when people saw it they didnt always wait to get on board, they ate it in port, and eventually people started eating it in Cork who had nothing to do with the shipping trade. That's how it originated in Cork.

I read a fantastic book about the American War of Independence a few years back  Rick Atkinsons The British Are Coming  and he sketched a vivid portrait of the teeming commercial life of Cork when the city provisioned British forces about to sail to the colonies in order to put down Washingtons rebellion.

War was good for Cork is the way he starts the chapter, adding: In late fall, eighty thousand bullocks had plodded through the markets north of Blarney Lane and then to the city's abattoirs, where carts day and night hauled away the slaughtered beef for packing in barrels made by sixty master coopers and a thousand journeymen.

So much preserved beef came from ox-slaying Cork, much of it intended for the Royal Navy and army regiments abroad, that slaughterhouses used four hundred barrels of salt a day, mostly imported from Portugal.

Each British soldier deployed to America needed a half ton of food every year to sustain him, and much of it would come through Cork, where the blessed Saint Finbar had built his monastery on the braided river Lee in the sixth century.

The city stank of blood and livestock excrement washed into the same Lee, but to the brokers, shippers, and army contractors who crowded Cork  nearly all of them British Protestants  the smell was of money. (The rest of the book is just as good as that part, by the way. ) Gas to think of the Redcoats discovering the attractions of a particular Cork delicacy a thousand miles out into the Atlantic.

Broad appeal

Anyway, back to Tom. If we accept that spiced beef is a treasured gem of the Deep South, surely it deserves to be known and appreciated all over Ireland, in places where it remains unknown  Its spread across the country, he told me.

We're selling it in SuperValu shops nationwide, pre-packed and sliced all across the country in Centra shops and the like. And its really popular, its a product thats really grown recently, theres a huge demand for it.

I'll be 40 years of this game next March. Since I started, it's been increasing and increasing. The interest in spiced beef is huge, and we really start preparing in September for the Christmas market, when it peaks, to be able to fill all the orders. And those orders go to every county in Ireland, literally.

So not just the odd Cork expatriate who feels a bit homesick in Belfast or Mayo or wherever?

No, and not just customers in Ireland, either.

Tom took out his phone and logged onto the shops sales portal, and showed a fairly dizzying array of addresses for delivery: Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Britain. He opened up a storeroom door nearby and I saw packages of spiced beef stacked floor to ceiling, ready to be dispatched around the globe.

You cant help but be aware of the irony involved: a product sent west on British troopships two and a half-centuries ago is now going in the opposite direction back across Europe, as well as locations a good deal further away than America

The fact that it was developed in the first place to counter the lack of refrigeration has a further resonance now. Developments in packaging and delivery mean the long-lasting food product can survive a journey of ten thousand miles and emerge, fresh and tasty, on a dinner table in Sydney or Christchurch.

After a bit of dancing around I asked the most obvious  and most awkward  question.

What goes into Durcans spiced beef?

I neednt have worried. It wasnt like a Western where the entire saloon falls silent at a greenhorns gaff. Tom was open about the process.

Up to a point.

Its involved enough  you have to cure the beef first. And after curing it, then you lay it down in spices for a month or two, which kind of dries it out and preserves it.

The recipe itself . . . in Crosshaven, where I'm from, the old butcher shop was owned by Jimmy Kidney, and he had a recipe for spiced corned beef. I use that, though I tweaked it a bit for our own purposes.

Jimmy Kidney? Surely he never heard anyone say that was a good name for a butcher?

Id say he got used to it fairly early on.

We do tons of spiced beef. Literally. We do it and we do it right, and it sells itself. The interest in it as a product is huge.

The chat certainly stoked my interest. Off I went to the Long Valley for a spiced beef sandwich.

Enjoy Christmas.
The fall of Bashar al-Assads regime in Syria has opened a new front for geopolitical competition in the Middle East.

Now, however, instead of Iran and Russia playing the most influential roles in Syria, Israel and Turkey see an opportunity to advance their conflicting national and regional security interests.

Under their respective leaders, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply in recent years. This sets the stage for a bitter showdown over Syria.

A new rivalry is emerging

Turkey is widely reported to have backed the offensive led by the Sunni rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to drive Assad from power, thus backstabbing Syrias traditional allies, Iran and Russia.

Tehran has intimated that without Turkeys support, HTS would have been unable to achieve its blistering takeover.

Now, with Assad gone, Erdogan is believed to be positioning himself as de facto leader of the Sunni Muslim world. He also wants Turkey to be one of the dominant powers in the region.

Erdogan has said if the Ottoman Empire had been divided in a different way following its defeat in the First World war, several Syrian cities, including Aleppo and Damascus, would have likely been part of modern-day Turkey.

Turkey immediately reopened its embassy in Damascus after Assads fall and offered help to HTS in shaping the countrys new Islamist order.

As part of this, Erdogan has opposed any concession by HTS to the US-backed Kurdish minority in Syrias northeast, which he regards as supporters of the Kurdish separatists in Turkey.

Meanwhile, Israel has taken advantage of the power vacuum in Syria to advance its territorial and security ambitions.

It has launched a land incursion into the Syrian side of the strategic Golan Heights and has executed a massive bombardment of Syrias military assets across the country.

Israels foreign minister said destroying these assets  which included ammunition depots, fighter jets, missiles and chemical weapons storage facilities  was necessary to ensure they didnt fall into the hands of extremists that could pose a threat to the Jewish state.

Turkey sees Israels recent actions in Syria and the occupied Golan Heights as a land grab.

Israels actions have also been denounced by Arab countries, who demand Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity be respected.

Israel is clearly concerned about the rise to power of an Islamist group and the transformation of Syria into a jihadist state.

This is despite the fact that HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani) has signalled he does not want conflict with Israel. Hes also pledged not to allow any groups to use Syria for attacks on Israel.

At the same time, al-Sharaa has called for the withdrawal of Israel from Syrian territory according to a 1974 agreement that followed the 1973 Yom Kippur war.

Bitter foes

Erdogan, Turkeys moderate Islamist president, has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause and a fierce critic of Israel.

But tensions have significantly escalated between the two sides since the start of the Gaza war.

Erdogan has called for an Arab-Islamic front to stop what hes called Israels genocide in Gaza. He has equally berated Israels invasion of Lebanon earlier this year.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, has lashed out at Erdogan over the years. He has called him a joke and dictator whose jails are full journalists and political prisoners. He has also accused of Erdogan of committing a genocide of the Kurdish people.

Washington, which is allied to both Turkey and Israel, has launched intense diplomatic efforts to ensure that HTS moves Syria in a favourable direction. It is keen to see a post-Assad system of governance aligned with Americas interests.

These interests include HTS support for Americas Kurdish allies in northeast Syria and the continued presence of 1,000 American troops in the country.

The US also wants HTS to continue to prevent the Islamic State terror group from regaining strength.

The US will also have to manage the emerging geopolitical rivalry between Israel and Turkey in Syria.

Some observers have not ruled out the possibility of an Israeli-Turkish military showdown, should Israel turn what it calls its temporary occupation of the demilitarised zone on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights into a permanent territorial acquisition.

This is not to say a war between them is imminent. But their clashing interests and the breadth of mutual hostility has certainly reached a new level.

Irans loss could be costly

For Iran, Assads ouster means the loss of a critical ally in its predominantly Shia axis of resistance against Israel and the United States.

The Iranian regime had worked hard to build this network over the last 45 years as a fundamental part of its national and wider security.

It had propped up Assads minority Alawite dictatorship over the Sunni majority population in Syria at the cost of some $30bn since the popular uprising against Assad began in 2011.

And with Assad now gone, Iran is deprived of a vital land and air bridge to one of its key proxies  Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The Assad regimes sudden demise is now causing soul searching in Tehran about the wisdom of its regional strategy  and whether it will have any significant role at all in the new Syria. This seems unlikely, as al-Sharaa (the leader of HTS) has declared his disdain for both Iran and Hezbollah.

Al-Sharaa has prioritised the establishment of a publicly mandated Islamist government and Syrias reconstruction and national unity over a conflict with Israel, Irans arch enemy. This will no doubt lead to contention with the hardliners and reformists in Iran.

Only time will tell how all of this will play out. At this stage, the future of Syria and the region hangs in the balance. And much depends on whether HTS leaders will move to set up an all-inclusive political system and unite a Balkanised Syria.

Amin Saikal is Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University. This article appeared on The Conversation, a news and analysis website written by academics
A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Rudy Giuliani to appear in court in early January to face claims that he should be held in contempt for failing to turn over assets including a New York apartment lease and a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt to two Georgia election poll workers who won a libel case against him.

Judge Lewis J Liman in Manhattan signed the order calling for the former New York City mayor and onetime personal lawyer to US president-elect Donald Trump to appear before him on January 3.

Lawyers for the election workers who won a 148 million dollar (117 million) defamation judgment said in court papers that Mr Giuliani has failed to turn over the lease to the apartment, a Mercedes, various watches and jewellery, a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt and other baseball mementos, among other items.

Mr Giuliani also faces a trial on January 16 before Mr Liman over the disposition of his Florida residence and World Series rings.

Rudy Giuliani the former mayor of New York visiting London in 2008 (PA)

The contempt hearing follows a contentious November hearing in which Mr Giuliani, a former federal prosecutor, became angry at the judge and said Mr Liman was treating him unfairly.

The implication Ive been not diligent about it is totally incorrect, Mr Giuliani said in a scolding tone as he described his efforts to obtain a replacement of the title to the car.

The implication you make is against me and every implication against me is wrong.

At the hearing, Mr Liman warned Mr Giulianis lawyers that Mr Giuliani would not be allowed to interrupt a hearing again.

Hes not going to be permitted to speak and the court will take action, the judge said.

Mr Giuliani was found liable last year for defaming the two Georgia poll workers by falsely accusing them of tampering with ballots during the 2020 presidential election.

The women said they faced death threats after Mr Giuliani falsely claimed they sneaked in ballots in suitcases, counted ballots multiple times and tampered with voting machines.

In October, Mr Liman ordered Mr Giuliani to turn over many of his prized possessions to the poll workers. Mr Giulianis lawyers have predicted that Mr Giuliani will eventually win custody of the items on appeal.

A lawyer for Mr Giuliani did not immediately respond on Wednesday to a request for comment.
At least nine people have been killed in Yemen after a series of intense Israeli air strikes shook the rebel-held capital and a port city on Thursday, officials said.

The airstrikes came shortly after a Houthi missile targeted central Israel.

They risk further escalating conflict with the Iranian-backed Houthis, whose attacks on the Red Sea corridor have drastically impacted global shipping.

The rebels have so far avoided the same level of intense military strikes that have targeted Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanons Hezbollah, fellow members of Tehrans self-described Axis of Resistance.

The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah said that some of the strikes targeted power stations in the capital, as well as the Ras Isa oil terminal on the Red Sea.

The channel, citing its correspondent in the port city of Hodeida, said that at least seven people had been killed at the nearby port of Salif, while another two had been killed at the Ras Isa oil terminal.

Others suffered wounds at the Hodeida port as well, it said.

An Israeli military statement offered neither specifics on the targets hit, nor any damage assessment. But it alleged that the Houthis used the sites for military purposes, including smuggling Iranian weapons.

Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, said the strikes hit energy and port infrastructure, which he alleged the rebels have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military action.

I suggest the leaders of the Houthis to see, to understand and remember: Whoever raises a hand against the state of Israel, his hand will be cut off, whoever harms us  will be harmed sevenfold, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said.

Rebel-held Hodeida, about 90 miles south-west of Sanaa, has been key for food shipments into Yemen as its decade-long war has gone on. There is also longstanding suspicion that weapons from Iran have been transferred through the port.

The strikes happened just after Israels military said that its air force intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it entered the countrys territory.

Rocket and missile sirens were sounded following the possibility of falling debris from the interception, the Israeli military said. Sirens sounded near Tel Aviv and the surrounding areas, and a large explosion was heard overhead at the time.

In Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, fragments from the missile collapsed a school there, without causing any injuries.

Brig Gen Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed the attack hours later in a prerecorded video statement, saying the rebels fired two of its Palestine ballistic missiles at Israel.

Israel previously struck Hodeida and its oil infrastructure in July after a Houthi drone attack killed one person and wounded 10 in Tel Aviv.

In September, Israel struck Hodeida again, killing at least four people after a rebel missile targeted Israels Ben Gurion airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arriving back in the country.

American forces have also launched a series of strikes on the Houthis over nearly a year because of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor.

On Monday, the US militarys Central Command said that it hit a key command-and-control facility operated by the Houthis in Sanaa, later identified as the al-Ardi complex once home to the governments defence ministry.

But Israel appears to have carried out Thursdays strikes alone. A US military official said that Washington had no part in them.

The Houthis have targeted about 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip started in October 2023 after Hamass surprise attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage.

Israels ground offensive in Gaza has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, local health officials say. The tally does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The Houthis have seized one vessel and sunk two in a campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by separate US and European-led coalitions in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have also included Western military vessels.

The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the US or the UK to force an end to Israels campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.

The Houthis have battled a Saudi-led coalition in the wider Yemen war, which has killed more than 150,000 people, including civilians. The conflict also has created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters that is believed to have killed tens of thousands more.

But the Houthis are still standing even as Israels campaign against Hamas and Hezbollah has decimated those militant groups.
French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte to survey the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido across the French territory.

Mayotte is demolished, an airport security agent told Mr Macron as soon as he stepped of the plane.

The security agent, Assane Haloi, said small children are without water or electricity and have nowhere to go because everything is demolished.

Theres no roof, theres nothing. No water, no food, no electricity. We cant even shelter, we are all wet with our children covering ourselves with whatever we have so that we can sleep, she said, asking for emergency aid.

Debris litters a stream on the island of Mayotte (Adrienne Surprenant/AP)

Mr Macron went on a helicopter for an aerial appraisal of the damage. He then headed to the hospital in Mamoudzou, Mayottes capital, to meet medical staff and patients. He will then visit a destroyed neighbourhood.

French authorities said at least 31 people have died and more than 1,500 people were injured, more than 200 critically.

But it is feared hundreds or even thousands of people have died after the strongest cyclone in nearly a century ripped through Mayotte off the coast of Africa on Saturday.

Ahamadi Mohammed said Mr Macrons visit is a good thing because hell be able to see by himself the damage.

I think that well then get significant aid to try and get the island back on its feet, the 58-year-old said.

A navy ship was due to arrive in Mayotte on Thursday with 180 tons of aid and equipment, according to the French military.

People living in a large slum on the outskirts of Mamoudzou were some of the hardest hit from the cyclone. Many had lost their houses, some had lost friends.

A young girl stands amid the devastation after Cyclone Chido (Adrienne Surprenant/AP)

Nassirou Hamidouni sheltered in his house when the cyclone hit.

His neighbour was killed when his house collapsed on him and his six children. Mr Hamidouni and others dug through the rubble to reach them.

The 28-year-old father of five is now trying to rebuild his own house, which was also destroyed.

He believes the death toll is much higher than what is officially being reported given the severity of what he lived through.

The 30 deaths are too small for how the situation happened, it was very hard, he said.

Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean between mainland Africas east coast and northern Madagascar, is Frances poorest territory.

The cyclone devastated entire neighbourhoods as many people ignored the warnings, thinking the storm wouldnt be so extreme.
Flights have been grounded and people told to stay indoors as a thick blanket of smog engulfed Bosnias capital as residents tried to cope with toxic air.

Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, which assesses air quality in real time, put Sarajevos air quality index (AQI) at a very unhealthy 225, ranking the city as the third most polluted in the world.

This is horrible, we are chocking, particularly people with heart conditions, said pensioner Hajra Subasic. I can barely breathe, you see how hard it is for me to speak.

Sarajevo and other major cities in the Balkans are traditionally very polluted during winter months as countries there rely on coal and wood for heating.

A dense layer of fog and smog has blanketed Sarajevo (Armin Durgut/AP)

Experts have warned of effects on peoples health because bad air is linked to various diseases and premature deaths.

Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, Sarajevo is particularly prone to air pollution. Bad urban planning and a proliferation of tall buildings have made the problem worse in recent years.

Nobody is doing anything, said Ms Subasic. I cant believe this is happening in Bosnias capital and they (the authorities) cant fix it.

Balkan states generally have a poor record in environment protection despite promises to improve the situation as they seek to move closer to European Union membership. Balkan rivers are often clogged with rubbish and recycling is almost non-existent.

Many people could be seen wearing face masks for at least some protection (Armin Durgut/AP)

The air in neighbouring Serbias capital Belgrade was also deemed unhealthy on Thursday with the air quality index put at 170.

In Sarajevo, planes were grounded during the morning hours because of the fog and drivers were warned to take additional care because of low visibility. Many people could be seen wearing face masks for at least some protection.
Gisele Pelicot spoke of her very difficult ordeal after 51 men were convicted Thursday in the drugging-and-rape trial that riveted France and turned her into an icon, expressing support for other victims whose cases dont get such attention and whose stories remain untold.

I want you to know that we share the same fight, she said in her first words after the court in the southern French city of Avignon handed down prison sentences ranging from three to 20 years in the shocking case that spurred a national reckoning about the blight of rape culture.

Pelicots ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and all but one of his co-defendants were convicted of sexually assaulting her over a period of nearly a decade after hed knocked her unconscious by lacing her food and drink with drugs.

The other co-defendant was convicted of drugging and raping his own wife with Dominique Pelicots help.

As campaigners against sexual violence protested outside the courthouse, the 72-year-old Gisele Pelicot expressed my profound gratitude towards the people who supported me.

For the defendants other than Dominique Pelicot, sentences ranged from three to 15 years imprisonment, with some of the time suspended for some of them. Arata told six defendants they were now free, accounting for time already spent in pretrial detention.

Sophie Burtin, 53, who traveled from Lyon to show support for Gisele Pelicot, said the trial brought the subject of rape out into open but expressed disappointment that the sentences arent at all exemplary. Some men will think, OK, its alright, what they did wasnt really a rape, she said. The message thats sent is, Is it really serious?  with sentences that are so light. For me, It was meant to be a historic trial, but the feeling I have is that history hasnt been made. Who is Gisele Pelicot?

Gisele Pelicots courage during the bruising trial and her appalling ordeal, inflicted on the retired power company worker in what she had thought was a loving marriage, galvanized campaigners and spurred calls for tougher measures to stamp out rape culture.

She waived her right to anonymity as a survivor of sexual abuse and successfully pushed for the hearings and shocking evidence  including her ex-husbands homemade videos of the rapes  to be heard in open court, insisting that shame should fall on her abusers, not her.

The hearings fueled conversations on a national level in France and among families, couples and friends about how to better protect women and the role that men can play.

Men are starting to talk to women  their girlfriends, mothers and friends  in ways they hadnt before, said Fanny Foures, 48, who joined other women in gluing messages of support for Gisele Pelicot on walls around Avignon before the verdict.

It was awkward at first, but now real dialogues are happening, she said.

Your messages moved me deeply, and they gave me the strength to come back, every day, and survive through these long daily hearings, she said. "This trial was a very difficult ordeal."

Pelicot  a hero to many in France and beyond for courageously demanding that all the evidence be heard in open court  also said she was thinking of her grandchildren after enduring the more than three-month trial, where she sat in the same courtroom as her attackers.

A man with a placard reading "Christmas in prison, Easter in the slammer" walks past the media as they wait outside the courthouse of Avignon during the trial of Dominique Pelicot, in Avignon, southern France, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly)

Its also for them that I led this fight, she said of her grandkids.

I wanted all of society to be a witness to the debates that took place here.

I never regretted making this decision. I have trust in our capacity to collectively project ourselves toward a future where all, women and men, can live in harmony, with respect and mutual understanding. Thank you.

Maximum penalty for ex-husband

The court found Dominique Pelicot guilty on all charges and sentenced him to 20 years in prison, which was the maximum possible. At age 72, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars. He wont be eligible to request early release until hes served at least two-thirds of the sentence.

Dominique Pelicot and the other defendants stood up, one after the other, as chief judge Roger Arata read out the verdicts and sentences, which took more than an hour.

Gisele Pelicot sometimes nodded her head as verdicts were announced.

FILE - This courtroom sketch by Valentin Pasquier shows Gisele Pelicot, left, and her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, right, during his trial at the courthouse in Avignon, southern France, on Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Valentin Pasquier, File)

Dominique Pelicots lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, said she would consider an appeal, but she also expressed hope that Gisele Pelicot would find solace in the rulings.

I wanted Mrs. Pelicot to be able to emerge from these hearings in peace, and I think that the verdicts will contribute to this relief for Mrs Pelicot, she said.

Supporters decry some sentences as too low

Of the 50 accused of rape, just one was acquitted but was instead convicted of aggravated sexual assault. Another man was also found guilty of the sexual assault charge he was tried for  producing 51 guilty verdicts in all.

In a side room where defendants family members watched the proceedings on television screens, some burst into tears and gasped as sentences were revealed.

Protesters outside the courthouse followed the developments on their phones. Some read out the verdicts and applauded as they were announced inside. But disquiet grew as many of the sentences were lower than campaigners had hoped for, and cries of shame on the justice system! rose up from the crowd.

In addition to the 20 years they sought for Dominique Pelicot, prosecutors asked for sentences of 10 to 18 years for the others charged with rape. But the court was more lenient, with many defendants getting less than a decade in prison. The five judges voted by secret ballot, by majority for the convictions and sentences.

Media wait outside the courthouse of Avignon during the trial of four dozen men charged with aggravated rape and sexual assault on Gisele Pelicot, in Avignon, southern France, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly)

For the defendants other than Dominique Pelicot, sentences ranged from three to 15 years imprisonment, with some of the time suspended for some of them. Arata told six defendants they were now free, accounting for time already spent in pretrial detention.

Sophie Burtin, 53, who traveled from Lyon to show support for Gisele Pelicot, said the trial brought the subject of rape out into open but expressed disappointment that the sentences arent at all exemplary.

Some men will think, OK, its alright, what they did wasnt really a rape, she said. The message thats sent is, Is it really serious?  with sentences that are so light. For me, It was meant to be a historic trial, but the feeling I have is that history hasnt been made.

Who is Gisele Pelicot?

Gisele Pelicots courage during the bruising trial and her appalling ordeal, inflicted on the retired power company worker in what she had thought was a loving marriage, galvanized campaigners and spurred calls for tougher measures to stamp out rape culture.

She waived her right to anonymity as a survivor of sexual abuse and successfully pushed for the hearings and shocking evidence  including her ex-husbands homemade videos of the rapes  to be heard in open court, insisting that shame should fall on her abusers, not her.

Gisele Pelicot arrives at the court house in Avignon, southern France, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly)

The hearings fueled conversations on a national level in France and among families, couples and friends about how to better protect women and the role that men can play.

Men are starting to talk to women  their girlfriends, mothers and friends  in ways they hadnt before, said Fanny Foures, 48, who joined other women in gluing messages of support for Gisele Pelicot on walls around Avignon before the verdict.

It was awkward at first, but now real dialogues are happening.

Some women are realizing, maybe for the first time, that their ex-husbands violated them, or that someone close to them committed abuse, Foures added.

And men are starting to reckon with their own behavior or complicity  things theyve ignored or failed to act on. Its heavy, but its creating change. A banner that campaigners hung on a city wall opposite the courthouse read, MERCI GISELE  thank you Gisele.

Ex-husbands sordid images

The defendants  strangers Dominique Pelicot recruited online  were all accused of having taken part in his sordid rape and abuse fantasies that he acted out with them and filmed in the couples retirement home in the small Provence town of Mazan and elsewhere.

He first came to the attention of police in September 2020 when a supermarket security guard caught him surreptitiously filming up womens skirts.

Police subsequently found his library of images documenting years of abuse  more than 20,000 photos and videos in all, stored on computer drives and catalogued in folders marked abuse, her rapists, night alone and other titles.

The abundant evidence led police to the other defendants. In the videos, investigators counted 72 different abusers, but werent able to identify them all.

Although some of the accused  including Dominique Pelicot  acknowledged that they were guilty of rape, many didnt.

Some argued that Dominique Pelicots consent covered his wife, too. Some insisted that they hadnt intended to rape anyone when they responded to the husbands invitations to come to their home. Some laid blame at his door, saying he misled them into thinking they were taking part in consensual kink.

- Associated Press
Gisele Pelicot: The French Rape Survivor Who Emerged as a Feminist Icon

By bravely confronting her abusers in court and insisting they feel shame, Frances Gisele Pelicot has emerged as a feminist icon.

Ms. Pelicots husband orchestrated her sexual abuse by strangers, an act that could have shattered her spirit.

Today marked the culmination of over three months of challenging hearings, featuring graphic video evidence, as judges delivered their verdicts and imposed sentences.

When the trial of her now ex-husband and 50 other defendants commenced in the French city of Avignon in September, journalists observed a woman with short red hair, concealed behind sunglasses.

However, Ms. Pelicot chose to waive her right to anonymity, advocating for public access to the trial to raise awareness about the use of drugs to facilitate abuse.

People began welcoming Ms. Pelicot with flowers upon her arrival at court.

She garnered support from across France and beyond, inspiring artistic tributes in her honor after proclaiming that it was her abusers  not herself  who should feel shame.

I wanted all women who are victims of rape to realize: Ms. Pelicot did it, so we can do it too,' she stated in court in October.

It is not us who should bear the shame, but them, she emphasized, referring to her abusers.

As news of the trial spread, protests erupted throughout France in solidarity, and people began to cheer for her or greet her with flowers when she entered the courtroom.

Throughout the trial, Ms. Pelicot gradually removed her dark sunglasses.

Rape is rape

As the verdicts approached, the 72-year-old was included in the BBCs 100 Women list for 2024, alongside fellow mass rape survivor and Nobel Prize laureate Nadia Murad, as well as Hollywood actor Sharon Stone.

In August, Ms. Pelicot finalized her divorce from her husband, who admitted to the abuse after documenting it meticulously with photos and videos.

She has relocated from the southern town of Mazan, where her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot had treated her like a piece of meat or a rag doll for years.

Now using her maiden name, Ms. Pelicot has asked the media to refer to her by her married name during the trial, the name that her seven grandchildren have inherited.

In mid-September, she broke her usual silence to speak about her humiliation and her anger towards several lawyers who had made insinuations regarding her suffering.

Rape is rape, she declared.

Besides her 72-year-old ex-husband, 50 men are on trial

In October, she expressed that she felt broken but remained determined to enact societal change.

Last month, she reiterated in court the necessity for a shift away from a macho, patriarchal society regarding attitudes towards rape.

She described the extensive hearings as a reflection of the cowardice displayed by the men who participated in the assaults.

Many argued they believed they were engaging in a couples fantasy, having allegedly received consent by proxy through her husband.

She voiced her outrage that none of her abusers contacted the police regarding the rapes, which took place between 2011 and 2020.

Some of the perpetrators participated in the abuse on multiple occasions.

Apart from her 72-year-old ex-husband, 50 men are currently on trial, including one who did not assault Ms. Pelicot but repeatedly abused his own wife with Mr. Pelicots assistance.

Several co-defendants have acknowledged committing rape.

However, over 20 additional suspects remain unidentified, as investigators were unable to recognize them prior to the commencement of the mass trial.

Memory lapses

Throughout the trial, Ms. Pelicot shed her dark sunglasses.

The daughter of a military member, Ms. Pelicot was born on December 7, 1952, in Germany, and returned to France with her family when she was five.

At the age of nine, her mother, only 35, succumbed to cancer.

Her older brother, Michel, passed away from a heart attack at age 43, shortly before her 20th birthday.

She met Mr. Pelicot, her future husband and abuser, in 1971.

Though she aspired to become a hairdresser, she instead pursued a career as a typist.

After several years of temporary work, she secured a position with Frances national electricity company, EDF, eventually retiring from logistics in its nuclear power sector.

At home, she devoted herself to her three children and later, her seven grandchildren.

After retiring, she found joy in walking and singing in a local choir.

It wasnt until the police apprehended her husband for filming up womens skirts in a supermarket in 2020 that she discovered the true reason behind her troubling memory gaps.
( Middle East Monitor )  A groundbreaking federal lawsuit has been filed against US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accusing him of systematically failing to implement US law that prohibits military assistance to foreign security forces involved in gross human rights violations, according to legal documents seen by Middle East Monitor (MEMO).

The lawsuit, filed yesterday in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, presents detailed allegations that Blinken has deliberately circumvented the Leahy Law through procedural mechanisms designed specifically to shield Israel from accountability. The Leahy Law explicitly bars US military aid to foreign security units credibly implicated in serious human rights abuses.

Blinken, who is Jewish, is accused of ignoring mounting evidence of Israeli crimes. The apartheid state stands accused of genocide by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The plaintiffs include Amal Gaza, a pseudonym for a mathematics teacher from Gaza who has been forcibly displaced seven times since October 2023 and lost 20 family members to Israeli attacks; Ahmed Moor, a US citizen whose relatives in Gaza face imminent threats from Israeli operations; siblings Said and Hadeel Assali, who have lost multiple family members including six cousins killed in an Israeli air strike in November; and Shawan Jabarin, executive director of the Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq.

The 39-page complaint outlines how the State Department has established what it calls the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum (ILVF), which the plaintiffs argue creates distinct and insurmountable processes to avoid enforcing the Leahy Law on Israel. The lawsuit contends that this special forum imposes uniquely burdensome procedures for reviewing allegations against Israeli forces that are not applied to any other country.

A striking element of the complaint highlights that while the State Department has suspended thousands of security units from other countries under the Leahy Law since its enactment in 1997  including units from Bangladesh, Colombia, Mexico, and Nigeria  it has not suspended a single Israeli unit, despite extensive documentation of rights violations.



Blinken of Arabia, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3, 2024

The lawsuit comes at a critical time, with the complaint noting that Israel has received approximately $17.9 billion in US military aid over the past year, effectively providing more than half of Israels weapons arsenal since October 2023. The plaintiffs argue this assistance has enabled Israeli forces to commit widespread human rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank.

The legal action seeks several remedies, including compelling Blinken to provide Israel with a list of units ineligible for US aid and obtain written assurances that such units will not receive assistance. It also calls for a permanent injunction prohibiting US aid to Israeli security units where credible evidence exists of human rights violations.

This lawsuit demands one thing and one thing only: for the State Department to obey the law requiring a ban on assistance to abusive Israeli security forces, said Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), which is supporting the legal action. For too long, the State Department has acted as if theres an Israel exemption from the Leahy Law, despite the fact that Congress required it to apply the law to every country in the world.

The complaint particularly focuses on the State Departments handling of credible reports of violations. It cites that while the Departments own annual human rights reports consistently document Israeli security forces involvement in serious abuses, these findings have not triggered the mandatory restrictions required by the Leahy Law.

A specific example highlighted in the lawsuit involves the case of the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, which was implicated in the death of a 78-year-old American citizen of Palestinian origin, Omar Assad, yet continued to receive US assistance despite what plaintiffs argue was inadequate remediation of the incident.

The legal document alleges that the State Departments calculated failure to apply the Leahy Law is particularly shocking given the unprecedented escalation of Israeli aggression since October 2023, citing findings by the ICJ regarding plausibly genocidal actions and the ICCs arrest warrants for Israeli leaders.

Bruce Fein, counsel for the plaintiffs, filed the lawsuit under the Administrative Procedure Act arguing that Blinkens actions and omissions constitute both procedural and substantive violations of the Leahy Law, undermining its core purpose of preventing US complicity in human rights abuses.

The case represents one of the most significant legal challenges to US military assistance to Israel and could have far-reaching implications for US foreign military aid policies if successful.

Via Middle East Monitor

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Informed Comment.
By Ramazan Klnc, Kennesaw State University

(The Conversation)  Tens of thousands of minorities fearing persecution have fled Syria since its takeover by the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham on Dec. 8, 2024.

While the group has promised to respect all ethnic and religious minorities under its rule, human rights advocates have urged caution. They cite the Islamic groups poor history of respect for human rights in areas it has governed in recent years.

Syrias population is predominantly Arab and Sunni Muslim, but minority communities have long been part of the region. Alawites, a Shiite sect and one of the largest minority groups, constitute about 10% to 13% of the population. The number of Christians, once another large minority group, has been dwindling since the start of the 2011 civil war. While accurate numbers are hard to come by, their population is believed to have shrunk to about 2.5% from 10%.

Druze, another religious group, constitute about 3%, while Kurds, an ethnic minority concentrated in the northeast, account for about 10% and are predominantly Sunni Muslim. Smaller groups such as Armenians, Circassians and Turkmen also contribute to Syrias diverse mosaic.

As an expert on religious minorities, I believe that the future of these groups is central to discussions about Syrias reconstruction. Their treatment will be a critical indicator of whether Syria can build an inclusive society, fostering trust among its diverse communities.

Syrias complex minority landscape

The tensions surrounding Syrias minorities are deeply rooted.

Sunni Muslims, the countrys most dominant faith group, have viewed groups such as the Alawites and Druze with suspicion for centuries. Though some Alawites consider themselves to be followers of Islam, other Muslim groups tend not to see them as part of the tradition, which exposes them to marginalization and persecution.

However, the rise of the Assad family, who are themselves Alawites, transformed the fortunes of Alawites. Under Hafez Assad  father of the ousted President Bashar Assad  who ruled Syria between 1971 and 2000, Alawites came to occupy key positions in the military and government. Concentrated primarily in Syrias coastal regions such as Latakia and Tartus, Alawite communities viewed their alignment with the regime as a means of survival and advancement.



Photo of Latakia by Maria Turkman

At the same time, the Assad regime prioritized gaining the support of other minorities in ruling a Sunni majority country. The Druze, historically marginalized in Syria due to their beliefs that combine elements of Islam with pre-Islamic beliefs, found a degree of protection under the Assad regime in return for Druze support.

The Assad regime also developed mutually beneficial relationships with the Christian minority. Christians were provided access to government positions and economic opportunities, particularly in urban economic hubs such as Damascus and Aleppo. They were given preferential treatment in securing business licenses and trade opportunities. In return, most refrained from supporting opposition movements, contributed to the regimes public image and cooperated with the government.

Conversely, the Kurds, with their own language and culture, faced discrimination because of their ethnic identity. The Assad regime marginalized them due to its broader nationalistic policies aimed at consolidating Arab identity and suppressing other ethnic groups.

The regime systematically undermined the Kurdish identity through measures such as banning the Kurdish language, refusal to register Kurdish names, replacing Kurdish place names with Arabic ones, and banning Kurdish books and materials.

Shifting dynamics after the civil war

The civil war that erupted in 2011 drastically changed the dynamics of relationships with minorities.

Assads violent crackdown on opposition groups led to the displacement of more than 13 million Syrians, including over 6.8 million refugees, according to UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency. The war resulted in almost a half-million deaths, about half of which were civilians, and a devastated economy and infrastructure.

Alawites, Christians and Druze, who had previously enjoyed relative protection under the Assad regime, faced increasingly difficult choices as the war intensified. The escalating violence left these groups with few alternatives for survival.

Islamist opposition groups such as the Islamic State (IS) and Nusra Front, an al-Qaida-affiliated jihadist group, threatened and persecuted Christians, Druze and Alawites, often viewing them as collaborators with the Assad regime. In August 2015, IS kidnapped more than 200 Christians in a village in central Syria. In July 2018, IS militants attacked the southwestern Druze city of Sweida and killed more than 200 people.

In response, hundreds of thousands of minorities, particularly Christians, fled Syria and sought refuge in Lebanon and other countries.

Without viable alternatives guaranteeing their safety, many minorities saw the Assad regime, despite its growing unpopularity, as their protector from sectarian violence.

Yet minorities in Syria were not uniformly united in their support for the Assad regime during the civil war. Although limited in number, some Christians and Druze joined opposition movements or advocated for neutrality. The opposition figures included Christian leaders such as George Sabra, a prominent member of the Syrian National Council, a key opposition group against Assad during the early years of the war.

In August 2023, Druze in Sweida organized protests against the Assad regime.

The situation for Syrias Kurds has evolved significantly during the civil war. The Kurds seized the opportunity presented by the regimes weakening control over large parts of Syria to establish self-rule in the northeastern region in 2012. They gained more legitimacy after playing a critical role in combating IS, with substantial support from the U.S. military.

Kurdish autonomy has provoked concerns, however, especially from Turkey, which is against the establishment of an autonomous Kurdish entity on its border. While the new leadership in Syria welcomed a partnership with the Kurds, it remains to be seen how the Kurdish demands for autonomy will be balanced with Turkeys security concerns and Syrias territorial integrity.

The fall of the Assad regime marks a turning point in Syrias history. But, I believe, it also opens a chapter fraught with peril for the countrys minorities. The fate of these minorities will offer a glimpse into how inclusive the new Syria could become.

Ramazan Klnc, Professor of Political Science, Kennesaw State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
All cash offer of $1.67 per share representing a 58% premium to O3 Mining's closing price on December 11, 2024

Offer unanimously recommended by Board and Special Committee of O3 Mining and supported by shareholders representing 39% of outstanding shares of O3 Mining

Shareholders should tender by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on January 23, 2025 to take advantage of the significant offer

(All amounts expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted)

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) ("Agnico Eagle") and O3 Mining Inc. (TSXV: OIII) (OTCQX: OIIIF) ("O3 Mining") are pleased to jointly announce that Agnico Eagle, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, has commenced its offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of O3 Mining (the "Common Shares") not already owned, directly or indirectly, by Agnico Eagle for $1.67 in cash per Common Share, pursuant to a friendly, board-supported take-over bid (the "Offer") by delivering the Offer and take-over bid circular to O3 Mining shareholders. The directors' circular of O3 Mining is being delivered to O3 Mining shareholders concurrently with the take-over bid circular of Agnico Eagle.

The board of directors of O3 Mining unanimously recommends that O3 Mining shareholders deposit their Common Shares under the Offer. All of the directors and officers of O3 Mining, as well as Gold Fields Limited (through its wholly-owned subsidiary), O3 Mining's largest shareholder, Extract Advisors LLC, and certain Franklin Templeton managed funds, representing in the aggregate approximately 39% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, have entered into lock-up agreements with Agnico Eagle, pursuant to which they have agreed to, among other things, tender all of their Common Shares to the Offer.

For a detailed description of the Offer, see O3 Mining and Agnico Eagle's joint news release of December 12, 2024 here.

Full details of the Offer are contained in the take-over bid circular of Agnico Eagle and the corresponding directors' circular of O3 Mining, which are available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under O3 Mining's issuer profile, and on O3 Mining's and Agnico Eagle's respective corporate websites.

Timing

The Offer is open for a limited time only and O3 Mining shareholders are encouraged to act now to participate. The Offer is open until 11:59 p.m. (EST) on January 23, 2025 (the "Expiry Time").

O3 Mining shareholders whose Common Shares are held through a broker, bank or other intermediary should immediately contact that intermediary for assistance if they wish to accept the Offer  intermediaries have likely established tendering cut-off times that are prior to the Expiry Time.

How to Tender Your Shares; Postal Strike

Only O3 Mining shareholders who tender their Common Shares will receive the cash consideration of $1.67 per Common Share. For information on tendering your Common Shares please contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Shareholder type: How do I tender my Common Shares to the Agnico Eagle Offer? Beneficial Most O3 Mining shareholders are beneficial shareholders. This means your Common Shares are held through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, and you do not have a share certificate or DRS advice. Contact your bank or your broker immediately and instruct them to tender your Common Shares to the Offer. Registered You are a registered shareholder if you hold your Common Shares directly and may have a share certificate or DRS advice. Contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group:

Phone: 1-877-452-7184

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In light of the expected mail disruption following the Canada Post labour strike, shareholders are encouraged to stay up to date on the Offer by visiting: https://www.agnicoeagle.com/Offer-for-O3-Mining/default.aspx. Shareholders are also asked not to mail in any Letter of Transmittal or share certificates at this time. Instead, shareholders may contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group.

Deposit Period News Release

This news release constitutes a "deposit period news release" for purposes of National Instrument 62-104  Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids. O3 Mining confirms that the initial deposit period of the Offer is 35 days commencing on December 19, 2024, the date of the Offer, and will expire at 11:59 p.m. (EST) on January 23, 2025.

Advisors

Edgehill Advisory Ltd. is acting as financial advisor to Agnico Eagle. Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP is acting as legal advisor to Agnico Eagle.

Maxit Capital LP is acting as financial advisor to O3 Mining. Bennett Jones LLP is acting as legal advisor to O3 Mining. Fort Capital Partners is acting as financial advisor to the Special Committee. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Special Committee.

The Depositary and Information Agent for the Offer is Laurel Hill Advisory Group. If you have any questions or require assistance with tendering to the Offer, please contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, by phone at 1-877-452-7187 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

About O3 Mining Inc.

O3 Mining Inc. is a gold explorer and mine developer in Quebec, Canada, adjacent to Agnico Eagle's Canadian Malartic mine. O3 Mining owns a 100% interest in all its properties (128,680 hectares) in Quebec. Its principal asset is the Marban Alliance project in Quebec, which O3 Mining has advanced over the last five years to the cusp of its next stage of development, with the expectation that the project will deliver long-term benefits to stakeholders.

About Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico. It has a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects in these countries as well as in the United States. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading environmental, social and governance practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations about future events as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information and statements are based on estimates of management by O3 Mining and Agnico Eagle, at the time they were made, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Offer, including the anticipated timing of expiration, mechanics, funding, completion, settlement, results and effects of the Offer and the other benefits of the transaction; the anticipated next stage of development of the Marban Alliance project; and the expectation that the Marban Alliance project will deliver long-term benefits to stakeholders. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in formulating the forward-looking information contained herein include, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining that the Offer will be made in accordance with the support agreement between Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining dated December 12, 2024, and will be successful, that all required regulatory consents and approvals will be obtained and all other conditions to completion of the transaction will be satisfied or waived, and the ability to achieve goals, including the integration of the Marban Alliance property to the Canadian Malartic land package and the ability to realize synergies arising therefrom. Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining caution that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining believe, or believed at the time, to be reasonable expectations and assumptions, there is no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither O3 Mining, nor Agnico Eagle nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. O3 Mining and Agnico Eagle do not undertake, and assume no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a forecast, projection or estimate of the future financial performance of Agnico Eagle or any of its affiliates or O3 Mining.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.
VANCOUVER, BC  TheNewswire - December 19, 2024  Heritage Mining Ltd. (CSE: HML) ("Heritage" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results from its Zone Three Extension exploration and prospecting program located in the southeast side of its flagship project Drayton Black Lake (DBL) totalling ~18,907Ha. The program included 62.3km traversed, 185 outcrops described with 83 grab samples (Figure 1). The program was undertaken to provide on-the-ground clarity where possible of the contact between the Mafic Metavolcanics and the Lake of the Bays Batholith. DBL is located approximately 20km northeast of Sioux Lookout, Ontario (Figure 5) and covers 30 km of the Central Volcanic and Southern Sedimentary domains within the Eagle-Wabigoon-Manitou (EWM) Greenstone Belt, which also hosts NexGolds (TSX.V: NEXG) Goliath Gold-Silver Complex immediately to the southwest.

Zone 3 Extension Exploration and Prospecting Program Highlights:

One granitic rock sample grading 7.38g/t Au along a potassic- and carbonate-altered linear feature within the Lake of the Bays Batholith (Figure 1,2), never prospected before

Four rock samples with Mo values ranging from 20.8ppm Mo to 222ppm Mo

Pilot test of a TMI map preparation using historical ground magnetometer readings (~1980) proved successful supporting further digitization of additional historical geophysical data (Figure 3)

The leased drill has been shipped with imminent arrival (Figure 4) further to Press release November 19, 2024

Figure 1: DBL  Zone 3 Extension Prospecting program rock sample from 900m south southwest of the 2024 drill program at Zone 3

Figure 2: DBL  Zone 3 Extension Magnetics (2022 and 2024 data) and Prospecting results

"We are thrilled with the promising results from our Zone Three Extension program, which underscore the untapped potential of the Drayton Black Lake project. The discovery of high-grade gold in a new area, never prospected before inside the Batholith, coupled with notable molybdenum values and advancements in leveraging historical geophysical data, reaffirms our confidence in DBLs strategic importance within the District. With the arrival of our leased drill imminent, we are poised to transition these insights into actionable drilling programs as we continue to unlock value for our stakeholders. Commented Peter Schloo, President, CEO and Director of Heritage.

The test of concept that has been rewarded with a gold-mineralised sample, plus our ability to leverage historical data in tandem with results from an on-demand rig, make this a significant step forward in progress of the project. Commented Brett Davis, Advisor to Heritage

Figure 3: DBL  Zone 3  Additional TMI Maps using historical data to be prepared

Figure 3. ODR 100 Daimond Drill on Truck Bed for Delivery as at December 18th 2024

Zone 3 Extension Prospecting Program

The program was designed to assess topographic highs, which have potential to represent zones of resistant hydrothermal alteration and mineralisation, along the contact between the mafic volcanics and the Lake of the Bays Batholith. The program included 62km in traverses, 185 outcrops described, 83 rock samples collected.

Figure 4. Heritage Mining Ontario Project Portfolio

Qualified Person

Mitch Lavery P. Geo, Strategic Advisor for the Company, serves as a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed the scientific and technical information in this news release, approving the disclosure herein.

ABOUT HERITAGE MINING LTD.

The Company is a Canadian mineral exploration company advancing its two high-grade gold-silver-copper projects in Northwestern Ontario. The Drayton-Black Lake and the Contact Bay projects are located near Sioux Lookout in the underexplored Eagle-Wabigoon-Manitou Greenstone Belt. Both projects benefit from a wealth of historic data, excellent site access and logistical support from the local community. The Company is well capitalized, with a tight capital structure.

For further information, please contact:

Heritage Mining Ltd.

Peter Schloo, CPA, CA, CFA

President, CEO and Director

Phone: (905) 505-0918

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events of the Company. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as seek, anticipate, plan, continue, estimate, expect, forecast, may, will, project, predict, potential, targeting, intend, could, might, should, believe, outlook and similar expressions are not statements of historical fact and may be forward looking information. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements.

Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks include, among others, the inherent risk of the mining industry; adverse economic and market developments; the risk that the Company will not be successful in completing additional acquisitions; risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; the possibility that the Companys estimated burn rate may be higher than anticipated; risks of unexpected cost increases; risks of labour shortages; risks relating to exploration and development activities; risks relating to future prices of mineral resources; risks related to work site accidents, risks related to geological uncertainties and variations; risks related to government and community support of the Companys projects; risks related to global pandemics and other risks related to the mining industry. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forwardlooking information should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any forwardlooking information except as required by law.

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company in Canada, the United States, or any other jurisdiction. Any such offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein will be made only pursuant to subscription documentation between the Company and prospective purchasers. Any such offering will be made in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus and registration requirements under applicable securities laws, pursuant to a subscription agreement to be entered into by the Company and prospective investors.

NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
VANCOUVER  TheNewswire - December 18, 2024  Hertz Energy Inc. (Hertz or the Company) (CSE: HZ; OTCQB: HZLIF; FSE: QE2) is pleased to provide an update on the Companys critical minerals projects, including antimony, lithium, and uranium and announces proposed financing.

ANTIMONY



The Company is focused on exploring its two antimony projects aggressively with use of Quebec Critical Minerals Flow thru funds at the Harriman Antimony Project in Quebec and Canadian Flow thru funds at its Lake George Antimony Project in New Brunswick.

LAKE GEORGE ANTIMONY PROJECT: NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA

The Property is located in the southwestern part of the Province, approximately 30 km southwest of the city of Fredericton.

The Property is comprised of 93 mineral claims within two claim blocks recently staked by the Company for a total area of approximately 2,104.5 hectares. The Property surrounds the past-producing Lake George Antimony Mine ("Lake George Mine") and is considered an exploration-stage Antimony-Gold (Sb-Au) prospect located immediately along strike to the southwest and northeast, as well as downdip to the north of the historical Lake George Mine. The Property benefits from excellent road access, hydroelectric power, and nearby available personnel for field and exploration activities.

The Lake George Mine was formerly the largest antimony producer in North America with a long history of production spanning from 1876 to 1996. The mine closed in 1996 due to falling antimony prices. From 1972 to 1981, 34,417 tonnes of concentrate grading 65% to 66% Sb was produced from the first deposit. Then from 1985 to 1990, approximately 1 Mt grading 4% Sb was extracted from a second deposit (Caron, 1996). The mine also contained molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), and Au mineralization. Infrastructure on the Lake George Mine includes 3 shafts, underground development on 10 levels, some remaining surface buildings, and a tailings pond. The deepest level of the mine is approximately 400 m below the surface. The Lake George Sb-Au Mine currently represents one of the Top 3 antimony occurrences in the Province of New Brunswick. More info can be found at: https://hertz-energy.com/lake-george-project/

HARRIMAN ANTIMONY PROJECT: QUEBEC, CANADA

The Harriman Property is an exploration stage antimony project located approximately 17 km northeast of the town of New Richmond in the Gaspe Region of Quebec (Figures 1, 2). The Gaspe Region is known for a variety of significant mineral deposits, most notably the Mine Gaspe Copper Mine, currently being developed by Osisko Metals. The Harriman Property benefits from good road access, hydroelectric power, port access, and nearby available manpower.

The Harriman Property is strategically located at the intersection of the major ENE trending Restigouche Fault and Grand Pabos Fault with a second order northeast-trending fault hosting numerous antimony and gold showings (Figure 3).

The Property was developed by compiling and reviewing historical antimony (Sb) and gold (Au) showings from the Quebec government geoscientific database known as SIGEOM. The Property area was defined by a series of four antimony showings, all hosted along a northeast-trending fault structure (Figure 4). Historical results from the nearby showings along the northeast-trending fault include 2.32% Sb, 3.36 g/t Au (Harriman-2), 43.75 Sb, 3.4 g/t Au (New Richmond), 4.8% Sb, 7.89 g/t Au and 15.35% Sb (Harriman-4 Sud) (source: SIGEOM).

The Harriman Property of Hertz includes the Harriman-4 Sud showing returning 15.35% Sb and 0.07 g/t Au from a historical grab sample of a massive stibnite vein in altered sediments. The nearby Harriman Gold occurrence, located 300 m to the northwest, returned an assay of 22.4 g/t Au from a grab sample. These showings and much of the property have had limited previous exploration and has not had any historical drilling.

Hertz Energy has completed a program of geological mapping and prospecting. The crews focus was in the area of favourable geology, particularly surrounding the historical showings as well as stream sediment and prospecting for new antimony and gold showings. Results are expected in the coming weeks. More info can be found at: https://hertz-energy.com/harriman-antimony-project/

LITHIUM PROJECTS

AGASTYA LITHIUM PROJECT: QUEBEC, CANADA

The Agastya Lithium Property is comprised of 209 mineral claims covering approximately 10,650 hectares located in the Province of Quebec and consists of three non-contiguous claim blocks along the greenstone belt that hosts the Adina, Trieste, and Galinee properties. These adjacent properties are known for their significant LCT (Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum) pegmatite potential hosted within greenstone/ metasediment packages:

Winsome Resources  Adina Lithium Project: One of the Top 3 largest lithium resources in North America with an Indicated Mineral Resource of 60.5 Mt at 1.14% LiO and Inferred Resource of 15.9 Mt at 1.17% LiO using a 0.5% LiO cut-off (source: NI 43-101 Technical Report on PEA and MRE for Adina Lithium Project authored by Synectiq Inc. with a report date of September 30, 2024 and filed under Winsomes SEDAR+ profile). Winsome also has an exclusive option to acquire the nearby Renard Operation, a fully permitted, former diamond mine located 60 km south of Adina with a convertible processing facility for future lithium production.

Loyal Lithium  Trieste Lithium Project: Discovery of six spodumene-bearing pegmatites including a significant drilling result of 31.8 m at 2.2% LiO.

50% Azimut Exploration / 50% SOQUEM JV  Galinee Lithium Property:Drilling results include 1.62% LiO over 158.0 m including 3.33% LiO over 29.6 m, and Galinee features a 20 km long lithium-cesium anomaly.

Rio Tinto/Midland Galinee Project: Spodumene-bearing pegmatite dykes discovered over several hundred metres along a 7 km favourable contact zone. Significant drilling results include 1.38% LiO over 37.86 m including 1.88% LiO over 21.35 m.

The Agastya Property covers the western extent of the greenstone belt that trends through Trieste, Adina, and Galinee. Greenstone belts are known to host LCT pegmatite mineralization and are commonly targeted by exploration companies as they are favourable hosts for lithium and other valuable metals including gold. Recent discoveries surrounding the Agastya Project have been announced by Azimut Exploration and Soquem at their Galine Project: I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over.

https://azimutexploration.com/site/assets/files/7258/azm_soquem_galinee_new_targets_en_wfig.pdf

AC/DC LITHIUM PROJECT: QUEBEC, CANADA

The AC/DC property encompasses amphibolized mafic volcanics (greenstone) of the Rouget and Corvette Formations and plutons of the Vieux Comptoir Intrusive suite, similar to the geological setting that hosts both the Cancet and Corvette lithium projects. Both Cancet and Corvette are hosted by amphibolite rocks of Guyer Group, which is similar in age to the Rouget formation (Mesoarchean).

The northwest-trending mafic volcanics of Rouget and Corvette Formations and associated Vieux Comptoir suites continue northwest to the adjacent Rio Tino/Exploration Azimut Inc. and Rio Tinto/Exploration Midland Inc. project areas.

These are advanced rocks, typically characterized by a pegmatitic texture, a granitic composition and contain several minerals such as biotite, muscovite, tourmaline, garnet, beryl and spodumene. These rocks are also known to host K-feldspar granite phases in pegmatite form which may host an abundance of spodumene.

Based on the results of the remote sensing data analysis and processing twelve (12) anomalous target areas have been identified across the two properties.

5 primary and numerous smaller secondary targets are identified at the AC/DC property.

7 primary and numerous smaller secondary targets are identified at the La Fleur property.

Strike lengths of the individual target trends range in length from 1 to 15km in length and are between 100m to 1,000m in width and are generally oriented in a northeasterly trending direction.

Each of the anomalous trends contain numerous dyke-like structures identified from high resolution orthophotography. Individual dyke-like structures range in length between 20 500m or greater, often occur in clusters and are generally noted to occur in conformant orientation to the target trends.

Hertz is aggressively advancing exploration at the AC/DC Project and will provide updates upon receipt of exploration results.

MAP OF AC/DC LITHIUM PROJECT AND RIO TINTO ADJOING KAANAAYAA PROJECT

SNAKE LITHIUM PROJECT:

Hertz Energy reports that the Company will not be proceeding further with the Snake Lithium Project and has terminated its Option Agreement on the Snake Lithium Property.

NAMIBIA URANIUM PROJECT

Hertz Energy has submitted applications for two uranium Exclusive Prospecting Licenses (EPLs) in Namibia.

Namibia is a country of diverse geology and has one of the richest uranium mineral reserves in the world. There are currently two large operating mines, the Husab and Rossing mines, in the Erongo Region and five major exploration projects planned to advance to production in the next few years as the country embraces the green energy transition. Uranium mining in Namibia is of considerable importance to the national economy1. In 2023, Namibia produced the 3rd largest quantity of uranium worldwide at 6,382 tonnes, ranked only behind Kazakhstan and Australia2.

Hertz Energy Namibia Uranium Project

The application areas cover an area of 9,627.84 hectares located in Central Namibia in the Erongo Region which hosts numerous primary and secondary uranium deposits. Primary economic uranium is hosted mainly in sheeted D-type alaskites which occur both as cross-cutting dykes and as bedding and/or foliation-parallel sills. The sheets can amalgamate to form larger granite plutons or granite stockworks made up of closely spaced dykes and sills. The mineralized alaskites tend to occur at marked stratigraphic levels, often associated with the Khan-Rossing Formation boundary, or, where the Rossing Formation is missing, the Khan-Chuos/Arandis Formation boundary. Secondary uranium deposits occur in calcretes in the coastal plain of the Namib Desert. The deposits are associated with ancient river systems that flowed westward from the Great Escarpment during the upper Cretaceous and lower Cenozoic periods. Uranium mineralization is typically located in calcretised fluvial channels which tend to be buried with little or no obvious surface expression to identify them.

Licence Application EPL-10186

EPL-10186 is located 40 km northeast of the coastal town of Swakopmund. Most of the licence is covered by recent sand, gravel, scree and calcrete, with a few outcrops of mica schist, calc-silicate rock, marble and red granite. There are two prominent sub-surface water conduits/streams which in general, are believed to be geographically similar to where paleo-channels carrying uranium-rich waters would have flowed. Preliminary interpretation of regional airborne radiometric data from the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy indicates a strong and consistent radiometric anomaly trending northeast-southwest and coincident with the subsurface streams. The Company is targeting secondary uranium mineralization with potential for primary mineralization to the east of the application area. This is the similar style of mineralization found at ORANO's Trekkopje Mine 6 kilometres north of EPL-10186 and Elevate Uranium's Marenica deposit 40km to the north with a resource of 46Mlb U308 at a 93ppm U3O8 cutoff grade.

Licence Application EPL-10185

EPL-10185 is located 22 km east of the coastal town of Swakopmund. Its geology is comprised of units from the Kuiseb, Karibib, Arandis, Chuos and Khan Formations intruded by granodiorites and uranium prospective granites. Most of the western and central parts of the licence is under recent surficial cover made up of sand, gravel, scree, and calcrete. Preliminary interpretation of regional airborne radiometric data from the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy indicates radiometric anomalies coinciding with favourable geology for primary alaskite-hosted uranium mineralization. This is the similar style of mineralization found at Bannerman Energy's Etango deposit located 15 km southeast of EPL-10185 as well as that at the Rossing Mine located 30km to the northeast. The Rossing Mine is one of the largest and longest operating uranium open cast mines in the world producing now for 46 years. In 2022, Rossing produced 2,659t U3O8 and currently has a feasibility study underway to extend the mine life beyond 20265.

Namibia has recently completed its political elections and On 3 December 2024, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling SWAPO party was declared the winner of the election. She is set to become Namibia's first female president. The National Assembly elections saw SWAPO reduced to 51 seats, a bare majority of three. It was SWAPO's weakest showing since Namibia's independence in 1990. Incumbent president Nangolo Mbumba had not contested this election. Hertz Energy congratulates President Netumbi Nandi-Ndaithwah.

Hertz Energy EPL-10185 and EPL-10186 have been assessed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy are expected to be issued in Q1 of 2025.

Cautionary Statement: This news release contains scientific and technical information with respect to adjacent properties to the Companys properties, which the Company has no interest in or rights to explore. Readers are cautioned that information regarding the geology, mineralization, and mineral resources on adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization potential on the Companys properties.

Qualified Person Statement

All scientific and technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Paul Teniere, P.Geo., Technical Advisor of Hertz Energy, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101.

HERTZ ENERGY FINANCING

Hertz Energy is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement offering of up to 5,000,000 units (the Units) at a price of C$0.25 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,250,000 (the Offering). Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a Common Share) and one Common Share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.45 per Common Share for a period of two years from the closing date of the Offering. The Warrants will be subject to an accelerated expiry, whereas anytime after four (4) months following the issue date of the Units that the closing price of the common shares of the Company on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE) is equal to or above a price of C$0.55 for fourteen (14) consecutive trading days, the Company may file a notice to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to the date that is thirty (30) business days following the date of such notice. This placement is expected to close end of January 2025.

Hertz Energy also announces non-brokered private placement of up to 4,000,000 Quebec and Canadian National flow-through units of the Company (the FT Units) at a price of C$0.30 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$1.200,000 (the Offering). Red Cloud Securities Inc. (Red Cloud) will be acting as a finder for LaFleur Minerals on a best efforts basis under the Offering.

Each FT Unit will consist of one common share of the Company to be issued as a flow-through share (each, a FT Share) within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the Income Tax Act) and the Taxation Act (Quebec) (the Quebec Tax Act) and one common share purchase warrant (each, a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a Warrant Share) at a price of C$0.45 at any time on or before that date which is 24 months after the issue date of the FT Unit. The Warrants will be subject to an accelerated expiry, whereas anytime after four (4) months following the issue date of the FT Unit that the closing price of the common shares of the Company on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE) is equal to or above a price of C$0.55 for fourteen (14) consecutive trading days, the Company may file a notice to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to the date that is thirty (30) business days following the date of such notice.

About the Company

Hertz Energy (CSE:HZ; OTCQB:HZLIF; FSE:QE2) is a British Columbia-based junior exploration company primarily engaged in the acquisition and exploration of energy and critical minerals properties. The Companys lithium exploration projects include the AC/DC Lithium Project, and newly acquired Agastya Lithium Property in James Bay, Quebec. Hertz Energy also holds the Harriman Antimony Project in Quebec and the Lake George Antimony Project in New Brunswick, Canada. Hertz Energy also has permit applications pending in Namibia for uranium exploration projects.

For further information, please contact Mr. Kal Malhi or view the Companys filings at www.sedarplus.ca.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Kal Malhi Chief Executive Officer and Director

Phone: 604-805-4602 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 19, 2024 /Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE:BOOM) (OTC PINK:GGDCF) (the "Company" or "Galloper") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Nader Elm to the Company's Board of Directors.

Mr. Elm is a seasoned senior business executive currently residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who excels at strategic planning, operations and execution, with a focus on technology, media and telecommunications, aerospace and mining. He has brought entrepreneurial and transformational elements from start-ups to multi-billion dollar enterprises.

Mr. Elm is Founder of Exyn Technologies Inc., a successful spin-out from the University of Pennsylvania's GRASP Labs leveraging ground-breaking AI robotics research in autonomous navigation for vehicles to execute complex missions in commercial operations;

Prior to Exyn, Mr. Elm was Senior VP of Strategy & Corp. Development at IMAX Corporation where he was also General Manager of IMAX Private Theatre which grew rapidly from launch;

Prior to IMAX, Mr. Elm was a member of the senior leadership team for Rogers Digital Media, a division of Rogers Communications, where he successfully led the acquisitions and integration of two digital properties;

Mr. Elm's earlier experiences also include Director of Corporate Strategy at Bell Canada, Vice-President of Business Development at Blue Spark Media, and Senior Consultant at Boston-based Adventis Consulting.

Mr. Hratch Jabrayan, Galloper CEO, commented: "Nader's business acumen and ability to create and drive value across multiple sectors are skills that have made him a highly successful entrepreneur. I've had the pleasure of knowing Nader for many years and I'm delighted he's agreed to join the Galloper Board. The fact he has connections with many investors around the world, and often travels abroad on business, greatly extends Galloper's reach."

Mr. Elm holds a B.Eng (Hons) from University College London, London University, and an MBA from London Business School.

To make room for Mr. Elm on the Galloper Board, Mr. Bryan Loree has resigned as a Director but remains the Company's Chief Financial Officer. Galloper thanks Mr. Loree for his contributions as a Director.

About Galloper Gold Corp.

Galloper is focused on mineral exploration in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt with its Glover Island and Mint Pond properties, each prospective for gold and base metals. The Glover Island Property consists of 532 mining claims totaling 13,300 hectares while Mint Pond consists of 499 claims totaling 12,475 hectares.

For more information please visit www.GalloperGold.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Mr. Hratch Jabrayan

CEO and Director

Galloper Gold Corp.

Company Contact:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 778-655-9266

Investor Relations:

MarketSmart Communications

Tel: 877-261-4466

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally, risks related to capital markets, risks related to the state of financial markets or future metals prices and the other risks described in the Company's publicly filed disclosure.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this news release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
PERTH, Australia, Dec. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - Westgold Resources Limited (ASX: WGX) (TSX: WGX) (OTCQX: WGXRF)  (Westgold or the Company) advises that it has updated two National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) compliant technical reports (Technical Reports) titled as follows:

NI 43-101 Technical Report, Fortnum Gold Operations, Bryah Goldfields, Western Australia ; and

NI 43-101 Technical Report, Meekatharra Gold Operations, Murchison Goldfields , Western Australia .

The Technical Reports, each dated 18 December 2024 and with effective dates of 20 November 2024 and 4 December 2024 for the Fortnum Gold Operations and Meekatharra Gold Operations respectively, support the news releases of the Company dated 13 November 2024, titled "Starlight Mineral Resource Grows by 91%"; 18 November 2024, titled "Bluebird - South Junction Mineral Resource Grows to 1.4Moz"; 4 December 2024, titled "Westgold Doubles Bluebird - South Junction Ore Reserve"; and 17 December 2024, titled "Fortnum Expansion Study" (the Releases).

Under NI 43-101, issuers must file a technical report within 45 days of the date of initial disclosure of, among other things, a new or materially changed Mineral Resource Estimate or a Preliminary Economic Assessment.

Copies of the Technical Reports and the Releases are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (https://www.westgold.com.au/).

There are no material differences between the Technical Reports and the information disclosed in the Release.

Technical Reports and Qualified Persons

The Technical Reports have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 by Mr Leigh Devlin and Mr Jake Russell, each of whom are Qualified Persons (as defined under NI 43-101). As both Mr Devlin and Mr Russell are employees of the Company, neither is independent for purposes of NI 43-101.

This announcement is authorised for release by the Board of Directors.
November 10, 2020 - TheNewswire - Vancouver, B.C. - Supernova Metals Corp. ("SUPERNOVA" or the "Company") (TSXV:SUPR) (OTC:ABETF) (Frankfurt:A1S.F) is pleased to announce that it has received the necessary permit and approvals from the Arizona Bureau of Land Management, and the geological crew and... Read More
Russia has detained a suspect in the killing of the head of the army's chemical weapons division, investigators said Wednesday, a day after the general and his aide were killed in a brazen blast in Moscow claimed by Ukraine.

Igor Kirillov and his assistant were killed when an explosive device attached to a scooter went off Tuesday morning outside an apartment building in southeastern Moscow.

The Kremlin said the attack proved "the Kyiv regime does not shy away from using terrorist methods".

Kirillov, 54, was the most senior military figure assassinated in Russia since Kremlin sent troops in Ukraine nearly three years ago.

"An Uzbek citizen, born in 1995, was arrested on suspicion of having committed the attack", the Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes in Russia, said in a statement.

The detained suspect said he had been "recruited by Ukrainian special forces", it added.

The handcuffed man was shown in video footage confessing to the attack, with several cuts on his face.

He said that he was promised "$100,000 and a European passport" for carrying out the attack.

Investigators said the suspect had told them he came to Moscow to carry out the attack and received an explosive device which he placed on an electric scooter parked outside Kirillov's apartment building, which he activated via remote control.

A camera mounted on the dashboard of a rented car parked outside the building had filmed the attack and streamed it "live to the attack organisers, in the (Ukrainian) city of Dnipro".

The suspect faces a charge of carrying out a "terrorist" attack, and investigators said they were seeking to identify others involved.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised security services for working "effectively" and "fast" in detaining a suspect.

The blast went off in a residential area in southeast Moscow a day after President Vladimir Putin hailed Russian troop successes in Ukraine.

Kirillov was the head of the Russian army's chemical, biological and radiological weapons unit and was recently sanctioned by Britain over the alleged use of chemical weapons in Ukraine.

- 'War criminal' -

A source in Ukraine's SBU security service told AFP on Tuesday that it was behind the explosion in what it called a "special operation", calling Kirillov a "war criminal".

The SBU had announced charges against Kirillov on Monday for the alleged use of chemical weapons in Ukraine.

Russian authorities said they were probing the attack as "terrorism".

But the SBU source told AFP: "Kirillov was a war criminal and an absolutely legitimate target, as he gave orders to use banned chemical weapons against the Ukrainian military."

"Such an inglorious end awaits all those who kill Ukrainians. Retribution for war crimes is inevitable," the source said.

Britain and the United States have accused Russia of using the toxic agent chloropicrin, a choking agent used widely in World War I, in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

Russia has said it no longer possesses a military chemical arsenal.

Kirillov had regularly accused Kyiv and the West of running secret networks of bio-labs that were developing banned chemical agents across Ukraine -- claims rejected by the West and independent fact-checking organisations.

On Tuesday a spokesman for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said London was "not going to mourn" Kirillov, because he "imposed suffering and death on the Ukrainian people".

Britain had slapped sanctions on Kirillov in October over alleged chemical weapons use in Ukraine.

A US official said Tuesday on condition of anonymity that Washington "was not aware of the operation in advance and we do not support or enable these kind of activities".

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine's allies of being "accomplices" in "war crimes" by remaining silent on such killings or expressing support.

There have been assassinations on Russian territory before but such attacks in Moscow -- where fighting in Ukraine often feels distant -- are rare.

Previous targets included nationalist writer Darya Dugina -- killed in a car bomb attack outside Moscow in 2022 -- and pro-conflict military correspondent Maxim Fomin, who was blown up in a Saint Petersburg cafe in 2023.
The first commercial flight since the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad took off from Damascus airport on Wednesday, offering Syrians a glimmer of hope after years of war and decades of oppression.

Assad fled Syria following a lightning offensive spearheaded by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), more than 13 years after his crackdown on democracy protests precipitated one of the deadliest wars of the century.

He left behind a country scarred by decades of torture, disappearances and summary executions, and the collapse of his rule on December 8 stunned the world and sparked celebrations around Syria and beyond.

The country's new rulers have sought to keep its institutions going and, on Wednesday, 43 people were aboard the flight from Damascus to Aleppo, the first since Assad was toppled and fled to Russia.

Earlier this week, airport staff painted the three-star independence flag on planes, a symbol of the 2011 uprising now adopted by the transitional authorities.

In the terminal, the new flag also replaced the one linked to Assad's era.

The joy sparked by Assad's departure has not put an end to the woes of a country wracked by years of civil war and which has become heavily dependent on aid.

Rooted in Syria's branch of Al-Qaeda and proscribed as a terrorist organisation by several Western governments, HTS has sought to moderate its rhetoric by assuring protection for the country's many religious and ethnic minorities.

- 'We want to know' -

The military chief of the victorious HTS said it would be "the first" to dissolve its armed wing and integrate into the armed forces, after the leader of the group ordered the disbanding of rebel organisations.

"In any state, all military units must be integrated into this institution," Murhaf Abu Qasra, known by his nom de guerre Abu Hassan al-Hamawi, said in an interview with AFP.

"We will be, God willing, among the first to take the initiative (to dissolve our armed wing)," he said.

HTS has also vowed justice for the crimes committed under Assad's rule, including the disappearance of tens of thousands of people into the complex web of detention centres and prisons that was used for decades to silence dissent.

"We want to know where our children are, our brothers," said 55-year-old Ziad Alaywi, standing by a ditch near the town of Najha, southeast of Damascus.

It is one of the locations where Syrians believe the bodies of prisoners tortured to death were buried -- acts that international organisations say could constitute crimes against humanity.

"Were they killed? Are they buried here?" he asked.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, more than 100,000 people died or were killed in custody from 2011.

The country's new rulers have stepped up engagement with countries that had long seen Assad as a pariah, and with international institutions.

EU chief Ursula Von der Leyen said the bloc would intensify its "direct engagement" with the new administration.

Britain, France and Germany have sent delegations to Damascus, while Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Rome was "ready to engage with the new Syrian leadership", but urged "maximum caution".

- 'Syrian-led' -

Members of the UN Security Council, which includes Assad ally Russia as well as the United States, called on Tuesday for an "inclusive and Syrian-led" political process.

"This political process should meet the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians, protect all of them and enable them to peacefully, independently and democratically determine their own futures," a statement said.

It also "underlined the need for Syria and its neighbours to mutually refrain from any action... that could undermine each other's security".

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on Syrian military assets since Assad's overthrow in what it says is a bid to prevent them falling into hostile hands.

Israeli troops also occupied strategic positions in a UN-patrolled buffer zone in a move UN chief Antonio Guterres described as a breach of the 1974 armistice.

The United Nations' special envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, warned Tuesday that the country's protracted conflict "has not ended yet".

He said he was concerned about reports of escalation between US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-backed groups who have captured several Kurdish towns in recent weeks.

The United States later announced it had brokered an extension to the ceasefire in the flashpoint town of Manbij and was seeking a broader understanding with Turkey.

The leader of the SDF proposed a "demilitarised zone" in the northern town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab.

Speaking to AFP, Abu Qasra, the HTS military chief, said Kurdish-held areas would be integrated under the country's new leadership, adding that the group rejects federalism.

Kurdish-held areas of Syria would be integrated under the country's new leadership, adding that the group rejects federalism and that "Syria will not be divided".

"The Kurdish people are one of the components of the Syrian people... Syria will not be divided and there will be no federal entities," he said.
A German court handed a 10-year jail term to a Syrian former militia leader on Wednesday for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed under former president Bashar al-Assad.

The man, named only as Ahmad H., 47, had come to Germany in 2016 at the height of the influx of migrants to Europe.

Assad was toppled last week by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and Berlin has since warned that his supporters will continue to face justice in Germany for crimes they committed.

Ahmad H. was found guilty of crimes including torture, deprivation of liberty and enslavement, a spokeswoman for the higher regional court in Hamburg told AFP.

Prosecutors said he carried out the crimes between 2012 and 2015 as a local leader of the pro-government "shabiha" militia in Damascus tasked with helping to crush dissent.

The militia operated checkpoints where "people were arrested arbitrarily so that they or their family members could be extorted for money, committed to forced labour or tortured", they said.

The fighters also plundered the homes of regime opponents, sold the spoils and kept the profits, they added, charging that Ahmad H. took part "personally in the abuse of civilians".

When Ahmad H. was detained in Germany in July 2023, the Washington-based Syrian Justice & Accountability Center, which tracks human rights abuses in Syria, said its investigations had led to the arrest.

It had launched its probe after a witness told the agency in May 2020 that the suspect was living in Germany.

Europe's biggest economy, then ruled by chancellor Angela Merkel, granted safe haven to hundreds of thousands of Syrians during the 2015-16 refugee influx.

NGOs warned at the time of the danger that militiamen accused of committing some of the most barbaric atrocities against civilians for Assad's government were arriving incognito in Europe and obtaining asylum.

Germany has previously used the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows the prosecution of certain grave crimes regardless of where they took place, to try Syrians over atrocities committed during the civil war.

In January 2022, Germany jailed former Syrian colonel Anwar Raslan for life in the first international trial over state-sponsored torture in Syrian prisons.
This chamber cant turn back the clock, said the International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan, addressing the court first. The court cannot make up for the tragedies and the loss that many have endured and continue to endure, erase layers of generational trauma, and stop the conflict that has reverberated continuously over the last 20 years. This process can show that the rule of law means something and that the craving for justice [of the victims] is not to be underestimated, he added.

The defendant Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman is now 76 years old. He is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed between 2003 and 2004 in West Darfur, Sudan. According to the prosecution, Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, was a leading member of the Janjaweed government-backed militia, which is accused of mass killings and rapes in the counterinsurgency called by former President Omar al-Bashir against rebels. He is accused of cooperating with senior government officials, including the minister of interior, Ahmad Muhammad Harun, from whom he allegedly received arms and money. The prosecution stressed the widespread and systematic nature of crimes committed against civilians of the Fur communities in Wadi Salih and Mukjar, localities of West Darfur. The list of crimes include intentional attacks on a civilian population, murder and attempted murder, looting, destruction of property and livestock, inhumane acts, outrages upon personal dignity, rape, torture, forced transfer of population, and cruel treatment.

We proved beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is Ali Kushayb and that he was a militia leader, said Khan, and that he was actively involved in the commission of offences willingly and enthusiastically. While he was armed to deal with the rebellion, civilians were targeted: They have suffered, theyve lost their lives, theyve been scarred physically and emotionally in myriad different ways. The prosecutor said their case, which included 81 witnesses, 56 heard in court and 25 testifying in the record, has proven all the charges. Khan told the judges - Joanna Korner, Reine Alapini-Gansou, and Althea Violet Alexis Windsoralks - about some of the groups who were mostly targeted, such as children who were born in displacement or as a result of rape, women who suffered from sexual violence, and the elders and community leaders who were tortured and often summarily executed.

Forgive me for this lie, I dont know that man

The defence denied their client is Ali Kushayb. Abd-Al-Rahman himself spoke at the end of the proceedings, commenting on his surrender to the ICC in 2020. I said my name was Ali Kushayb because I waited two months in hiding and I was afraid of being arrested [after the regime fell in 2019]. He said the court only received him after he mentioned the nickname. Forgive me for this lie, I dont know that man.

Around 50 people followed the hearings from the public gallery in the Hague. Many were part of the Sudanese civil society. The ICC itself supported the visit of Sudanese journalists, civil society organisations, local leaders or victims groups to the closing statements. It is my first time here. Its a good feeling, this is a good start, at least, said a Darfuri journalist who prefers to remain anonymous for security concerns. It sends a good message, that everyone who commits a crime will be held accountable, but we need to make more effort to bring the others to justice. He was just a commander, but the one who empowered him is still free, he told Justice Info. Former President al-Bashir, who is wanted by the ICC since 2009, has been held in custody since he was deposed in 2019.

In 2010, the United Nations estimated that some 300,000 people had died and 2.7 million had been displaced since the start of the conflict in 2003. In 2005, the situation in Darfur was referred to the Court by the UN Security Council and the investigation was opened afterwards. The trial began in April 2022. Referrals should not be never-ending stories and today we are approaching [...] the end of the first chapter of a story which hopefully will vindicate the promise that has been made to victims, said Khan.

The suffering that they endure today is an echo of what has been subject to this particular trial, he also underlined. Since April 2023, another civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) which is considered to have grown out of the Janjaweed militia, has devastated Sudan and especially Darfur, replicating previous crimes, such as attacks on civilians and rape as a weapon of war.

Often the simplest idea is the correct one

During the first day of the closing statements, prosecutor Julian Nicholls responded to a defence argument that the government of Sudan had tried to use Abd-Al-Rahman to divert attention from al-Bashir and other higher officials  while launching an investigation against him in 2004. To Nicholls, this was not very effective, as Sudan did not surrender the accused to the ICC. Nicholls added that if he was framed and used as a scapegoat, for the scope of this conspiracy to work, it should have involved the Sudanese justice system, Radio Dabanga, Facebook, all the prosecution witnesses

Defence lawyer Cyril Laucci had his lips curled into a smirk and the defendant laid back on his chair looking straight ahead, as Nicholls dismissed as absurd and quite farcical the defence line that he is not Ali Kushayb and only used this nickname to get the attention of the court when he was in danger: often the simplest idea is the correct one, he said his nickname was Ali Kushayb because its the correct one, Nicholls argued.

He added that 16 prosecution witnesses knew the accused both under his legal name and his nickname, from before and after the conflict. One of them for example, knew him from five years before the conflict and regularly visited his pharmacy in Garsila, in West Darfur. The prosecution showed a video filmed after the fall of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, where Abd-Al-Rahman addresses the crowd in his capacity of warrant officer in central reserve forces. At the end of his speech, a person is seen saluting him by saying long live Ali Kushayb. The prosecution also showed another video from around 2013, where the defendant is seen saying to a crowd of supporters that he has direct links with the president and that he had killed many people.

The defence argued that the nickname was used as a result of the arrest warrant that the ICC issued in 2007 and led Sudanese people to internalise it. Laucci accused the prosecution of not showing reliability in proving his identity with official civil documents.

Striking detainees with his axe

Prosecution lawyer Edward Jeremy focused on the attacks in Kodoom and Bindisi of August 2003, where he said the accused ordered and induced Janjaweed forces under his command to do the charged crimes. People were murdered, tortured, chased away and their properties were burned. Rape was widespread and used to destroy women and communities as a whole, Jeremy added.

Abd-Al-Rahman is also accused of overseeing and being an active participant in the attacks of Mukjar and Deleig, dating back to the end of February and March 2004, where around 300 Fur men were detained and a large number of them were loaded on vehicles and summarily executed. He is accused of striking detainees with his axe, said prosecutor Laura Morris. She emphasised the importance of gender persecution in this case: the fate [of the victims] was sealed because they were part of a target group for the perpetrators. The factors to identify them were: fur, male, fighting age, and from outside Mukjar. They were perceived as rebels or sympathisers, she said, while they were only seeking refuge from the fighting.

The evidence consistently demonstrates that Abd-Al-Rahman was the most senior Janjaweed commander in the Wadi Salih and Mukjar localities of West Darfur, said Jeremy, adding that the defendant seemed to control around 2,500 men. The lawyer argued that he could achieve this position because of the authority he exercised in the area and his decades-long military experience. Pointing to his time in the Sudanese army and looking at the training on international humanitarian law given to army officials, Jeremy argued that the accused was aware of the illegality of his actions and could have expected to face prosecution.

1,592 participating victims

Then it was the victim's turn to speak. In a grainy video sent in October, Harun, a survivor of the alleged attacks on Bindisi, talked about the different tribes living in peace, until they turned against them with brutality: imagine someone you know attacking you because of ethnicity. Victims lawyer Natalie Von Wistinghausen added that sentencing crimes against humanity for persecution against males on the basis of gender would be a first at the ICC.

On the second day of hearings, von Wistinghausen greeted the Darfuris watching the ICC hearings from the Kalma Camp in Darfur and across the border in Chad, in a broadcast organized by local agents of the court. Its on their behalf that we are addressing you, she told the judges, adding that each of the 1,592 participating victims have unique views, histories, sorrows and hopes. The victims have emphasised that the wholesale impunity for the mass crimes allegedly committed during the 2003 and 2004 conflict has permitted the very same bad actors to hold on to power and now plunge the entirety of Sudan into devastation, she said.

Threading victims stories, some told first-hand through pixeled videos and some read from statements, von Wistinghausen then talked about the devastating impact of the conflict on the victims: people were uprooted from their ancestral land, women who suffered from rape often faced stigma, children starved and those who are growing up now in the camps lack education, food, and healthcare. Before the war, life was beautiful, full of joy. Now we live scattered, said Harun who is now displaced in Deleig, in a camp located in West Darfur. Victims expectations include justice, accountability, expeditious proceedings and restoration of their rights and land, concluded von Wistinghausen.

Not a Janjaweed, even less so their leader

Justice done to the victims must not be justice at the price of convicting an innocent person, defence lawyer Laucci joined his hands solemnly and addressed the judges in French, at a pace that often left the interpreters breathless. During the rest of the second day and the morning of the third, he reiterated that this is the story of a simple man, Abd-Al-Rahman, an owner of a pharmacy, nothing grandiose: four walls, a stall at the market, who retired from the army where he served as a nurse. After the alleged events, he went back to the central reserve forces where he never rose to high ranks. He was a small fish, what they call a pound of flesh in The Merchant of Venice.

According to Laucci, his client was not a Janjaweed, even less so their leader, and had no control over the perpetration of the charged crimes. He argued that at the time of the conflict, he was too old to take part in it, and that the leader of his tribe, the Taaisha, refused to join the counterinsurgency. This was led by a rival tribe that would have rather cut his throat than have him as a leader, said Laucci.

The defence case had counted 20 witnesses. Many of whom came to testify that the defendant's tribe did not take part to the counterinsurgency and that Abd-Al-Rahman was a respected and respectable man who valued inter-tribal unity. Laucci said that the prosecution had failed to establish that the accused had knowledge of the law and concluded that moral element is lacking for all crimes charges and so a total acquittal is what the chamber should come to.

The words of a simple Sudanese citizen

After three days of sitting and listening, almost expressionless, Abd-Al-Rahman took the stand on the third day, reading from a paper he held tight. The words of a simple Sudanese citizen who joined the army at age 15, he said. He talked about his pharmacy, where he cured all tribes, including the Fur people, and about the counterinsurgency, which he describes as terrifying.

I am from the conflict zone in Darfur, said the Sudanese journalist who attended the ICC. I remember when they first announced the charges, the people were happy, the people were cheering because they thought the case would take a short time. But now, 20 years on, the victims are still in a very dire situation.

Sudanese human rights defender Niemat Ahmadi, interviewed in The Hague outside of court, told Justice Info that this trial is historic, as in Sudan we lived without seeing any officials being held accountable for crimes committed against individual citizens. Ahmadi hopes that other trials will follow.






Thursday, December 19, 2024 - A 19-year-old student who wanted to find 'peace' with herself shot a classmate at a high school in the northern Brazilian town of Natal on Tuesday, the Rio Grande de Norte Civil Police said.

Police said that Lyedja Santos spotted an 18-year-old classmate along the hallway and sh0t him in the head at the E. Berilo Wanderley School.

Santos, who is in the 11th grade, then walked inside a classroom and attempted to sho0t a teacher as students were about to take a test, but the gun got jammed, Brazilian news outlet G1 reported.

A student who was in the classroom told Inter TV Cabugi that one of their male classmates rushed at Santos and was able to restrain her.

'We were in the classroom about to take the test and she called her friends to talk to her, to talk about the classroom. A short time passed, about a minute, and we only heard the shot,' the student said.

'We didn't know for sure if it was a shot, we thought it was a bomb. She entered the classroom armed, aimed at the teacher's head, but the gun jammed,' they recalled.

'When it jammed, she turned her back to try to run, and the boy in the classroom jumped on top of her and managed to pull her away.'





The Rio Grande do Norte Military Police recovered the .38 caliber revolver that Santos had in her possession as well as three knives and several books about serial killers.

Authorities also found a handwritten note that Santos had on her in which she detailed the motive behind the failed school massacre.

'I acted alone, I acquired everything on my own and no one knew anything about it,' she wrote.

'To my friends and family, I thank you for everything you have done for me and I am sorry for everything I have caused. I would never have dreamed of dying like this, but this was the best option.

'I loved each and every one of you, even if I didn't show it. I hope you understand and forgive me, because that is the only way I will find peace.'

The wounded student, who is also an 11th grader and whose name has not been released, is in stable condition at Monsenhor Walfredo Gurgel Hospital, his father told G1.

'There is an entry and exit hole, the bullet was not lodged,' said Ilzeany Dilis, a nursing technician with the Mobile Emergency Care Service.

'At the time [of the sho0ting], he was conscious, oriented, and had vomiting symptoms. He had a CT scan, was evaluated by a neurologist and his health is fine.'

Santos was charged with attempted murder and was scheduled to make a court appearance Wednesday.





The Rio Grande do Norte Department of Education condemned the shooting and said the school would be closed until Thursday.

'The department is providing all the necessary information to assist the ongoing investigations, conducted by the competent authorities, in addition to providing all necessary support to the school,' it said in statement.

The secretariat reinforces that the safety of students, teachers and staff is a priority and that it is closely monitoring the developments of this case. We express our solidarity with the family of the affected student and the school community. We reiterate our commitment to collaborate so that appropriate measures are taken.

The school shooting took place after a 15-year-old high school student murdered a fellow classmate and a teacher and then k!lled herself at Abundant Life Christian Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.

Natalie 'Samantha' Rupnow, injured six others during her spree, two of whom have been described as being in a 'life-threatening' condition.




Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Kenyans are set to start occupying new houses under the affordable housing program beginning January 2025.

This was revealed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Speaking after meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Lands Alice Wahome and Principal Secretary Nixon Korir yesterday, Kindiki revealed that some of the houses under the housing program will be complete and opening doors to Kenyans in January.

"From January 2025, some of the housing projects will be ready for commissioning, allocation, and occupation by the new homeowners," Kindiki stated.

According to Kindiki, 550,000 Kenyans have registered for Boma Yangu which will boost them in their journey of becoming homeowners.

The DP revealed that the government is working to ensure that the affordable housing project meets the demand of the houses Kenyans have registered for.

Furthermore, more Kenyans have been assured of jobs in the coming year with the project being anticipated to create over 200,000 jobs.

The deputy president has hailed the Affordable Housing project revealing that so far, it has availed more than Ksh4 billion worth of work for the Jua Kali sector and accelerated growth in the manufacturing of cement, steel, and other construction materials.

Also present during the meeting were MSME PS Susan Mangeni and other senior government officials.

Kindiki's sentiments come days after the Head of the Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi revealed that since September 2024, more than 1,200 affordable housing units have been successfully completed.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 19, 2024 - The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been called upon to train its guns at Buruburu Police Station over alleged massive corruption and bribery.

Buruburu Police Station is emerging as a den of corruption and bribery, despite President William Ruto expressing his commitment to eradicating the two vices.

Traffic police officers at the station are accused of exploiting motorists for bribes, enabling them to afford luxurious lifestyles.

Since Monday, they have reportedly been operating in groups, arresting unsuspecting motorists on petty charges such as unpainted roofs and faulty headlights.

A woman told The Kenyan Daily Post she was arrested by a female officer of Meru origin who acted arrogantly as if she "owned the country."

Another man claimed a short traffic officer from the Mt. Kenya region had purchased a Harrier SUV with bribes collected from innocent motorists caught in his rogue operations.

Buruburu residents are now asking President William Ruto and the Interior Ministry to curb massive corruption at the station or they take the law into their hands.

These traffic officers move in groups and they demand bribes from every motorist and they demand hefty bribes as Kenyans continue to battle the high cost of living, said a motorist who was arrested at the gate of the police station on Thursday.

Another resident urged the EACC to lay traps on these officers and ensure they are jailed to teach other rogue officers a lesson.

The rogue officers allegedly collect bribes at various locations, including the Buruburu Police Station gate, Kariobangi Roundabout, Kariobangi South Roundabout, Jogoo Road near Buruburu Full Gospel Church, and along Outering Road.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Ecobank Kenya Company Secretary Caroline Mbege is on the spot over suspicious deals at the bank, which has put the bank at risk of facing sanctions over financial irregularities.

Mbege has also been accused of misleading the bank by working in cahoots with fraudsters to defraud a major shareholder of the bank's client/account holder and placing the bank into disrepute.

Mbege is allegedly engaged in fraudulent deals at the bank, leading to the loss of millions of shillings by the financial institution.

According to bank statements in our possession, Mbege has authorized illegal withdrawals of millions of shillings belonging to clients and diverted the money to microfinance institutions in fictitious transactions.

The Legal boss is also at the center of a scandal at the bank where she refuses to comply with court orders to award litigants whove been awarded by the courts in legal cases against the bank.

However, Mbege is allegedly complying with other court orders where she has cut deals to receive kickbacks from litigants whove won cases against the bank.

Mbege now risks six months in jail for failing to comply with a High Court directive to release USD 487,047.99 in unpaid salaries and allowances to one of its clients, Monthida Rashi. The bank is accused of defying a court order issued by Lady Justice J.W.W. Mongare on December 5, 2024.

The Legal Department boss has further been embroiled in a fresh scandal where a judge received a bribe of Sh200 million to influence a case in court. The judge has already been transferred in the recent shake-up by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

The High Court directed the bank to release the funds, held in one of its accounts, to Rashi, the fifth plaintiff in a long-standing financial dispute. The amount was intended to settle pending salary arrears and allowances owed to her. Justice Mongare explicitly ruled:

The total sum of USD 487,047.99/- be released to the 5th Plaintiff from one of the Interested Partys Bank Accounts held at EcoBank Kenya Limited to offset her pending salaries and allowances.

Additionally, the court allowed Rashi, as a valid account signatory, to withdraw up to USD 2,000 per month from the amount, as per a resolution passed on June 25, 2021.

Despite this clear order, the bank has allegedly failed to act, prompting legal threats from the plaintiffs lawyer, Wilfred Nyamu. Nyamu criticized Ecobanks defiance, calling it a blatant disregard for the rule of law.

The CEO of EcoBank Kenya must comply within 24 hours. We have already written a letter to them, Nyamu stated.

In a formal notice to EcoBanks management, the plaintiffs legal team demanded immediate compliance:

We have noted your hesitation to comply with the orders of the court since service of the same. We are instructed to demand, which we hereby do, that you transfer the money into our clients account as instructed within twenty-four (24) hours.

Lawyer George Kithi, representing Kiwipay Limited, whose monies are held within EcoBank Kenya, emphasized the importance of adhering to the court order in a letter addressed to EcoBank.

Kindly purge the contempt to avoid any adverse action against yourselves, Kithi reiterated.

The letter warned that failure to comply would result in contempt of court proceedings, potentially leading to imprisonment for Ecobanks CEO, Caroline Mbege, Head of Legal, and other senior officials.

The legal battle began in May 2024 when Rashi filed an application through her lawyer, requesting permission to withdraw the funds as compensation for her salary arrears. The courts ruling in her favor underscored the urgency of the matter.

EcoBank Kenya has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.

Via Cyprian Nyakundi.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, December 19, 2024  The Government of President William Ruto has vehemently denied the existence of extrajudicial killings in the country.

This comes even as there is overwhelming evidence of the extrajudicial killings, especially during and after the Gen protests against Rutos government in June.

Speaking during a media engagement, Omollo moved to allay fears that a special police unit had been formed to deal with critics of the government.

According to him, what is being reported as extrajudicial killings is mere propaganda by critics to ruin the reputation of Rutos government.

"There are no special forces to deal with any form of disruptions that may exist. As of today, we have not heard any case of extrajudicial killings," the PS maintained.

Regarding the abductions witnessed during the protests and the months to follow, the PS reiterated that the government was keen on ensuring that law enforcement agencies adhere to the dictates of the 2010 Constitution.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka to mobilize the Kamba community to register as voters in large numbers to make President William Ruto a one-term president in 2027.

Speaking to mourners at a burial in Kitui County on Wednesday, Gachagua challenged the Kamba community, particularly Kalonzo, to encourage voter registration in large numbers to ensure they reach 4 million voters.

Gachagua further urged the residents of Ukambani to set a voter target of between 3.5 to 4 million, reaffirming Mount Kenyas goal of ramping up its voter base to 10 million.

The former Deputy President promised collaborative support from Mount Kenya once Ukambani meets its voter registration goals.

The gathering, which took place during the burial of Agnes Mwikali Muia, served as a platform for discussing political alliances between the Kamba and Mount Kenya communities.

Prominent figures from both camps echoed sentiments of unity in preparation for the forthcoming elections, while also voicing criticism towards President William Ruto.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Russias decision to launch what Putin calls a special military operation in Ukraine should have come earlier than 2022 and the war has made him smile less, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday during an end-of-year speech in Moscow.

We should have prepared systematically for it, he said of the war.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leading to the continuing war, which has lasted for almost 3 years, far longer than Russian officials had initially expected.

Putin also said that the conflict has changed him. I joke less and almost stopped laughing, he added.

Speaking about outgoing US President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son Hunter, Putin said it showed that Biden is more human than the politician.

As for Biden, hes a politician, and its always important which side prevails: political or human, he said. It turned out that there was more human in Biden. I wouldnt condemn him for this.

Hunter Biden was prosecuted for tax offences and charges related to the possession of a firearm.






Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Jay-Z's lawyers have asked a judge to speedily extract the rapper from a lawsuit in which a woman alleges she was sxually ass@ulted by Jay-Z and Sean 'Diddy' Combs when she was 13.

The unidentified woman recently added Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, to her lawsuit against Combs in Manhattan federal court, alleging that she was attacked by the rappers in 2000 after Combs' limo driver offered her a ride to an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty.

In their court filing Wednesday, Jay-Z's lawyers cited a recent television interview with NBC News in which his accuser acknowledged inconsistencies in her story.

Jay-Z's lawyers said in a filing obtained by Dailymail.com Wednesday: 'When pressed by NBC, [Jay-Z's accuser] was forced to admit "I have made some mistakes," "I may have made a mistake in identifying," "Not all the faces there are as clear," and even that she was "guessing" about key details, including the time it took to reach the venue.

What is more, she admits she does not have a single corroborating witness over the last 24 years.

Jay-Z's legal team said Wednesday that his accuser's unsupported allegations crumble under scrutiny, as the evidence - and lack thereof - reveals glaring inconsistencies and outright impossibilities.

Among the inconsistencies cited included 'a Jumbotron' that wasn't present, according to authorities and MTV personnel; as well as evidence that both Jay-Z and Combs were photographed at nightclubs after the award show when they were accused of being at a nearby house.

Jay-Z's legal team said that 'taken together, the factual inconsistencies, timeline impossibilities, and the lack of corroborating evidence make [his accuser's] allegations ... wholly unreliable.'

In the civil case, one of several filed against him, the woman originally asserted that she was r@ped by Combs at the after-party but did not mention Jay-Z.

Last Friday, NBC aired an interview in which she said she spoke with musicians Benji Madden and his brother at the party, and her father picked her up after the alleged ass@ult.

NBC also reported that a representative of the Maddens said they were touring the Midwest during the VMAs, and her father said he does not recall what would have been a drive home of more than five hours.

Jay-Z has said the article proves that Tony Buzbee, a personal injury lawyer in Houston, filed a false complaint against him for money and fame.

Jay-Z's legal team said that the inconsistencies seen in the NBC interview 'highlight severe misconduct by her counsel, Anthony Buzbee and The Buzbee Law Firm,' saying that 'Buzbee was forced to backpedal' and distance himself from 'the very allegations he signed his name to' in the filing earlier this month.

Lawyers for the 99 Problems rapper said that 'Buzbees rule-breaking also extends beyond this action,' as the attorney 'has a long history of abusing the legal process and shirking ethical responsibilities' as well as a 'chronic inability to follow the rules.'

'The allegations are flat out false,' Buzbee told Dailymail of the allegations made in Wednesday's filing from Jay-Z's camp. 'They will say anything no matter how reckless or false. To suggest that I have a long history of the type they suggest is ridiculous ... their filings have at this point become shrill and silly.'




Thursday, December 19, 2024 - A source has raised concerns about alleged misconduct involving a human resources officer at motorcycle company Kibo Africa Ltd.

The HR official, who joined the company a year ago, is accused of creating a hostile environment for junior employees.

Allegations include soliciting kickbacks during hiring, using a recruitment agency linked to him for personal gain, and exploiting ongoing redundancies to target staff he deems uncooperative.

The source claims management has been misled into believing his actions are in the companys best interest.

"Hello Cyprian. Appreciate all the good work you're doing in exposing the rot in both government and private sector. Please hide my ID.

There's a new HR hired by the name Felix Mulwa into a company called Kibo Africa Ltd. For the one year that he's been around, junior employees have passed through hell.

From asking for kickbacks to hire new staff to using a recruitment agency he co-owns to procure gigs for himself.

He also has been accused of using the current wave of redundancies to settle scores with employees he considers not playing ball with his antics.

Unfortunately, he's managed to manipulate management into believing he's doing the best thing for the company.

Was requesting if you could help in doing a background check on him and the misconducts he's been involved in before from previous places."

Via Cyprian Nyakundi.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, December 18, 2024 - Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced 1,000 driving job opportunities in Saudi Arabia for qualified Kenyans.

In a statement yesterday, Mutua disclosed that a reputable Saudi company was urgently looking for drivers of small vehicles, buses, and trucks.

"Are you a driver looking for a job? A reputable Saudi company is urgently seeking drivers to work in Saudi Arabia," Mutua stated.

The CS indicated that interviews will be conducted at Kabete National Polytechnic on Wednesday, December 18, and Thursday, December 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Interviews will also be held at Nyeri National Polytechnic on Friday, December 20, and Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as well as at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic on Monday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 24, during the same hours.

Interested candidates are required to carry their original driving license and relevant certificates.

Mutua stated that passport processing will be facilitated for successful candidates and that costs for tickets and visas are fully covered.

The CS noted that successful candidates will be entitled to a monthly salary of 1,400 Saudi Riyals (approximately Ksh50,000).

They will also receive free accommodation, transport, food, and medical care.

However, Mutua noted that successful candidates will be required to pay a Ksh15,000 medical fee upon passing the interview.

"Prepare in advance and, if possible, have the Ksh 15,000 medical fee ready. Successful candidates will travel immediately after completing their medical clearance. This is your chance to secure a job and better your future," Mutua remarked.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday December 19, 2024 - Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi has said security agents have successfully thwarted 47 planned terrorist attacks across the country in the past two years.

Speaking on Thursday during a security update, Mudavadi, highlighted Kenyas progress in combating terrorism and violent extremism, citing a significant reduction in the countrys Global Terrorism Index (GTI) score, which moved from high in 2023 to medium in 2024.

During that period, several terrorists were eliminated, and the government secured 11 successful convictions, Mudavadi said.

The acting Interior Cabinet Secretary attributed this success to enhanced collaboration at both local and international levels, noting the role of partnerships in training and equipment support.

The Interior Ministry revealed last year that the Government allocated KSh 20 billion to modernize the countrys security apparatus. The funds have been directed towards acquiring specialized vehicles such as Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), drones, and advanced equipment to strengthen the fight against terrorism and reduce fatalities among security agents.

Despite these measures, Mudavadi noted that Al-Shabaab remains the primary terrorism threat in Kenya, particularly in the North Eastern and Coastal regions.

The group often employs tactics such as Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks and ambushes targeting security personnel and critical infrastructure, including communication masts.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Tech billionaire Elon Musks deepening involvement in Britains political landscape has sparked unease, particularly as he appears to align with hard-right figure Nigel Farage.

Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, disclosed on Wednesday that he is in discussions with Musk about a possible donation to his party.

Writing in the Telegraph, Farage revealed that the issue of money was discussed during their meeting at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort.

There will be ongoing negotiations on that score, Farage said, adding that Musk characterized the Labour and Conservative parties as a uniparty and expressed strong support for Reform UK.

While reports suggest Musk may donate up to $100 million to Reform, Farage told the BBC that no specific figures were discussed. Farage also acknowledged the need to ensure any donation from Musk would comply with UK laws, stating it would have to be made legally through UK companies.

Reform UK, which won five seats in the 650-seat UK Parliament in Julys general election, has drawn support away from both Labour and the Conservatives.

Dominic Johnson, co-chairman of the Conservative Party, criticized the potential donation, arguing that it would amount to Musk basically buying a UK political party.

People like Elon Musk, like Donald Trump, like Nigel Farage  the sort of new right, they really hate the old right, said Russell Foster, senior lecturer in British and International politics at Kings College. Foster noted that this newer, more hardline right-wing movement has overtaken traditional conservatives.

Musk has also directed sharp criticism at the Labour government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his social media platform X. In November, he accused the UK of becoming a tyrannical police state and described the governments handling of anti-immigrant riots as overly harsh, claiming civil war is inevitable.

His comments have resonated with far-right influencers in the UK, and Musks rhetoric has intensified in response to Labours proposed legislation to regulate social networks. Musk even advised against visiting the UK in September, claiming, Theyre releasing convicted pedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts. He appears to believe that he is on some sort of a mission against the establishment, Foster added.

Musks close relationship with Trump since the US presidential elections further complicates Starmers efforts to strengthen ties with Republicans. Although Labour traditionally aligns with the Democrats, Starmer met Trump in New York in September to foster a new relationship.

The prime minister looks forward to working with President Trump and his whole team, including Elon Musk, a Downing Street spokesman said last month.

Labour politician Peter Mandelson urged pragmatism, stating it would be unwise to ignore Musks influence. Farage acts as a bridgehead, both to President Trump and to Elon Musk and others. Youve got to be pragmatic, practical about this, Mandelson said.

As Musks involvement in UK politics grows, his alignment with Farage and Trump could significantly impact Britains political and diplomatic dynamics, prompting debates about his motives and the implications for the nations future.




Thursday, December 19, 2024 - The recent meeting between President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta has sparked debate, particularly among allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachaguas allies are now wondering how Uhuru will help Ruto win back Mt. Kenya region, considering they had been at loggerheads for more than two years.

In particular, Gachaguas allies are asking what Uhuru can do to help Ruto, even though in the run-up to the 2022 General Election, he said Ruto was not ready to lead and supported Opposition leader Raila Odinga.

"We want to see how the former president will do after the meeting. Everyone is eager to see how Uhuru will help him (Ruto) even after opposing his bid in 2022," said Embakasi North MP James Gakuya.

Gakuya wondered how Uhuru would move around his previous Opposition to Ruto and back his re-election in 2027.

On her part, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba said Mt Kenya had resolved to dissociate from Ruto and would not rescind its decision.

"According to us, we are done with this administration, and we agreed and moved forward to wait for 2027.

Things have not changed in the rural areas regarding how this administration is portrayed. We will continue to reorganise ourselves as an alternative force," she said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Russia's Ministry of Health has unveiled a revolutionary development in cancer treatmenta personalized mRNA-based cancer vaccine that will be distributed free of charge beginning in early 2025. This innovative vaccine, designed to treat cancer rather than prevent tumour formation, utilizes genetic material extracted from a patients tumour to create a customized treatment. Each dose is estimated to cost the government approximately 300,000 rubles ($2,869).

Andrey Kaprin, head of the Radiology Medical Research Centre of the Ministry of Health, hailed the vaccine as a significant advancement in oncology. We are witnessing a major leap forward in cancer treatment, Kaprin stated. While the Ministry has not disclosed which specific cancers the vaccine targets, the development is being recognized as a milestone in personalized medicine.

The vaccine works by training the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. This is achieved by introducing tumour-specific antigensunique proteins found on the surface of cancer cellsthat prompt the immune system to produce antibodies capable of targeting and destroying malignant cells.

Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, highlighted the role of advanced technology in streamlining vaccine production. Creating personalized vaccines is currently time-intensive due to the complex mathematical calculations involved, he explained. However, we are working with the Ivannikov Institute, which uses neural network computing to significantly reduce the time needed for vaccine customizationfrom several days to as little as 30 minutes to an hour.

This groundbreaking initiative comes at a critical time as cancer cases in Russia continue to rise. In 2022, over 635,000 new diagnoses were recorded, with colon, breast, and lung cancers being the most prevalent. The governments decision to provide the vaccine free of charge reflects its commitment to addressing the growing cancer burden.

Russias advancements are part of a global movement toward personalized cancer vaccines. In the U.S., researchers at the University of Florida have developed a customized vaccine for glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer, with early trials showing promising immune responses within two days of injection. Similarly, in the UK, scientists are testing a personalized vaccine for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, with initial results indicating improved survival rates.

As cancer remains one of the worlds leading causes of death, Russias innovative approach offers renewed hope for millions, setting a precedent for the global fight against this devastating disease.




Thursday, December 19, 2024  The government of President William Ruto has moved with speed to correct the delays in visa issuance.

Following the criticism of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, the government has announced plans to review the whole system.

The review approval came after the government gave the green light for the same following a Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, chaired by President William Ruto.

According to the Cabinet, the approval decision came after various stakeholders raised key concerns about the ETA.

According to the government, streamlining the ETA process will enable the government to meet its target of welcoming 5 million tourists by 2027.

According to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, the engagement on the review will commence in January 2025, after the Cabinet recess.

The response follows backlash the government received from CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo on Tuesday, 9 April, who criticized Kenya's Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ETA), describing it as a hindrance to the country's goals.

Taking to his X account, Madowo referred to Kenya's visa-free system as an ill-advised move and compared it to Nigeria's visa issuance system, which he described as extremely expensive.

He further alleged that to obtain faster travel approval, one had to pay at least Ksh6,000.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday December 19, 2024 - President William Rutos re-election bid in 2027 has suffered an immense blow after United Progressive Alliance Party (UPA) endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i as the party's 2027 presidential candidate.

Matiangi, who was loved and hated in equal measure during former President Uhuru Kenyatta regime, went to exile after Ruto took the reigns of power in 2022.

In a meeting in Nyamira on Wednesday, UPA's National Executive Committee unanimously agreed to front Matiang'i in the 2027 presidential contest.

On Wednesday, UPA Secretary General, Jacob Bagaka, said the party's NEC had ratified a proposal to field Matiang'i as its presidential candidate in 2027.

We dont have any fear of contradiction that Dr Matiangis popularity in the country is indisputable and the decision of the party to prepare for his candidacy is a gesture that has been appreciated from across the country, Bagaka said.

Bagaka said the party will soon roll out an aggressive campaign to popularise the outfit outside Gusii region as Matiang'i's possible vehicle in the 2027 presidential contest.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is on a mission to remove President William Ruto from power by any means necessary.

This is after he confirmed joining forces with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to rival Ruto in the 2027 Presidential poll.

Gachagua made the announcement in Mbooni Constituency in Makueni County where he attended the burial of Agnes Mwikali Muiya.

He hinted at his anticipated plans for the future, as he admitted he owed Kalonzo a favour.

While faulting Ruto for betraying him, Gachagua was full of praise for the Wiper Party leader, who he claimed stood for what was right against the Kenya Kwanza Government.

"Wiper people led by Kalonzo have shown grace and we have decided you are our friends for life. And we don't just say that. When we say it, we mean it," Gachagua said, as he confirmed he was in talks with the Wiper Party leader.

"We owe Kalonzo and you people. We are in talks with Kalonzo and we will strategise well. We are talking as Kenyans and looking for a way to improve the economy and end the trend of lies in the country," he added.

The former DP was also adamant that the Ukambani community had the numbers to swing the odds against President Ruto's camp if only they turned out in large numbers to register as voters.

Gachagua's sentiments were backed by one of his fiercest supporters, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa, who also publicly proclaimed his support towards Kalonzo.

The Kenya DAILY POST






Thursday, December 19, 2024 - A large-scale Ukrainian drone and missile attack targeted the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russias southern Rostov region overnight, sparking a fire that raged for over six hours, officials from both nations confirmed on Thursday, December 19.

Ukraines General Staff claimed responsibility for the strike, describing the refinery as a site used to meet the needs of the Russian armed forces. The attack is part of a broader campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure, which Ukraine views as retaliation for Moscows ongoing assaults on its electricity grid.

A fire has been confirmed in the area of the facility, Ukraines military statement read.

Russian officials also acknowledged the incident. Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar reported that the fire was caused by a massive attack by the enemy, who used more than three dozen drones and three missiles. The refinery, located just 10 kilometres (six miles) from the Ukrainian border but about 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the nearest Ukrainian military positions, suffered significant damage, according to a source in Ukraines SBU security service.

The source, speaking anonymously to AFP, detailed the coordinated operation: SBU drones first overloaded the Russian air defences protecting the plant. By doing so, they created a window of opportunity for Ukrainian missiles, which the SBU and the Navy jointly used in the next stage.

Images circulating on Russian social media showed a massive fire engulfing the site, with thick grey smoke billowing into the sky. While AFP could not independently verify the images, the posts highlight the scale of the damage.

Russias defence ministry reported that Ukraine launched a total of 84 drones overnight, 36 of which were intercepted over the Rostov region. Other drones were destroyed in the Bryansk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Tambov, and Krasnodar regions.

This latest escalation comes amid intensified bombardments on both sides. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian energy facilities throughout the nearly three-year conflict, marking a shift in strategy to hit critical infrastructure deep within Russian territory.

As the conflict continues, the strikes and counter-strikes underline the evolving tactics employed by both nations, with civilian and military infrastructure increasingly caught in the crossfire.




Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Traffic officers from Buruburu Police Station are accused of reaping where they did not sow, tarnishing President William Ruto's administration.

According to the latest poll, only 1 percent of Kenyans trust President William Ruto, and this may reflect the reality, considering the actions of Buruburu police officers.

Officers, particularly from the traffic division, have allegedly been collecting millions daily, reinforcing former President Uhuru Kenyatta's claim that the country loses over Sh 2 billion daily to corruption.

Buruburu traffic police officers have bought monster cars using proceeds of crimes yet the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is not acting despite being on taxpayers payroll.

Last year, EACC arrested and dismissed some Buruburu police officers involved in corruption, but the vice has since tripled.

Now, all officers at the station appear to serve their own interests, not the public, despite being paid by Kenyan taxpayers.

The rogue officers collect bribes at Buruburu Police Station gate, Kariobangi Roundabout, Kariobangi South Roundabout, Jogoo Road, outside Buruburu Full Gospel Church, and along Outering Road.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Roots Party leader, Prof. David Luchiri Wajackoyah, has faulted the Luhya community for his loss in the 2022 presidential race and the tribal voting patterns among Kenyan electorates.

Speaking in an interview with Spice FM Thursday, Wajackoyah criticised the electorate for prioritising tribal affiliations over merit and leadership qualities.

He lamented that had the Luhya community fully supported him, he would have secured the presidency.

If the Luhyas alone elected me, I would be the president today. But you know where they went. Let them eat their arrogance," Wajackoyah said.

He further claimed that, unlike communities such as the Kikuyus, Luhyas require financial incentives to support a candidate, noting that the current state of politics makes it unlikely for him to win without compromising his principle

Wajackoyah expressed disappointment with the current voting trends, noting that older generations focus on a candidates background and financial status rather than their vision and ability to lead.

I will not give what I do not have. And even if I have it, I will not give the interest Im supposed to pay on loans. If thats the way it is, so be it, Wajackoyah stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 19, 2024 - The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) has rejected the planned vaccination of livestock by the government of President William Ruto.

In a statement, KVA highlighted four risks warranting the postponement of the mass vaccination exercise while supporting efforts to control livestock diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

According to the veterinary association, FMD and PPR hinder international trade by causing trade restrictions, loss of market access, and damage to Kenyas reputation as a reliable exporter of livestock and animal products. However, the association raised four dangers that could undermine the exercise.

While appreciating these clarifications and the importance of a national vaccination campaign, we must also confront several residual issues which undermine this campaign from inception, KVA stated.

The first danger cited by KVA is the credibility crisis currently facing the administration.

This administrations actions since it came to power have eroded any sense of public trust that Kenyans had in government institutions, making it hard for them to trust such government initiatives.

From supplying its own farmers with fake fertiliser to so many lies told as promises, its hard to blame Kenyans when they see conspiracies in such programmes, the statement read in part.

KVA also highlighted the lack of public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement by the government.

Challenges stemming from devolution in veterinary services were identified as a key impediment to the mass vaccination of cattle.

KVA flagged the politicisation of the exercise as a red flag requiring urgent intervention.

We strongly condemn attempts by some politicians to politicise the vaccination campaign. Such actions distract from the critical goal of controlling diseases and risk alienating livestock keepers, further jeopardising any programmes success, KVA stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has surprised Nairobians by claiming he has fulfilled nearly all the promises he made during the 2022 gubernatorial campaigns.

Appearing on Jeff Koinange Live (JKL), Governor Johnson Sakaja expressed confidence that he will be re-elected in the 2027 General Election.

While expressing confidence in winning the coveted seat, Sakaja said he had met most of what he promised Nairobians in 2022, including the construction of stadiums across the county.

"Wengi wanasema nitarudi na ngumi ni mbwekse na lazima I work.

The beauty of a democracy is that people will choose at that time.

"I wish I came with my manifesto; I am just ticking the boxes of what we promised," Sakaja said.

Sakaja highlighted digitizing the revenue collection streams as one of his key achievements, stating that it has significantly improved the county's revenue.

"We fully digitized all revenue collection streams. There is no cash policy, and we do not even have a cash office in the county anymore.

"The next step we will go into starting in January is jitambulishe. Youll be able to certify County Government staff online," he added.

The county boss also highlighted his achievements in the health sector, saying he had established a fully functional Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, December 19, 2024 - The man dubbed the "smartest in the world" has shared his thoughts on what happens after we die.

Chris Langan, who claims he boasts an IQ between 190 and 210, surpassing even Albert Einstein or Stephen Hawking, suggests that death is not the final chapter.

He advises humans not to fear what lies beyond.

Langan, a US rancher, is recognised for his Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe (CTMU) concept, which proposes that reality is a "self simulation". He asserts that his CTMU - which he categorises as a form of "mathematical metaphysics" - "can prove the existence of god, the soul and an afterlife, using mathematics", reports the Mirror.

The CTMU implies that reality is a "self-configuring, self-processing language".

Langan speculates that death could be a change in the "syntax" of existence, essentially suggesting that death is akin to transitioning into another dimension, a concept often associated with an afterlife, according to LadBible.

Speaking on the Theories of Everything podcast with Curt Jaimungal, Langan likened death to merely shedding your physical body, rather than ceasing to exist.

He stated: "That's the termination of your relationship with your particular physical body that you have at this present time.

"When you are retracted from this reality, you go back up toward the origin of reality. You can be provided with a substitute body, another kind of terminal body that allows you to keep on existing."

Langan has made some mind-bending claims about what happens after death, suggesting that upon shifting to another "dimension," you might not even recall your past physical existence.

He compares it to a meditative state, saying: "Your memories can always be pulled back out, but there's no reason to do that usually, OK? Why cling to memories of a world in which you are no longer instantiated? "

He adds, "So, there are certain automatic psychological things that happen on death, at the moment of death."

He elaborates further: "Now you're basically meditating, seeing everything change. However, you exist that way right now."

Langan also says that all of the dimensions could exist simultaneously.

He adds: "Arguably, all of your lifetimes, if you were to be reincarnated again and again and again, all of those reincarnations are meta-simultaneous. There is a sense in which they all occur at once in the non-terminal domain."

Describing death as entering a supercomputer, he suggests we're immersed in everything yet nothing simultaneously.

The high-IQ theorist, who once went by Eric Hart, believes his mathematical theories could indicate the existence of God, not as a celestial being but as an identifiable essence in the world around us.

Langan was previously recognized in the Guinness Book of Records for his towering intellect before the IQ section was axed.
A new image of Barry Keoghan and Cillian Murphy in the upcoming Peaky Blinders film has been released as the two Irish actors wrap production.

Keoghan, famed for Saltburn and The Banshees Of Inisherin, is playing an undisclosed role in the film, which is believed to be titled The Immortal Man and is set following the events of sixth season of the original BBC show.

On Thursday, Netflix wrote on X: Thats a wrap. The Peaky Blinders film has completed production.

Oscar winner Murphy, 48, is seen as Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby with a flat cap smiling opposite Keoghan, who is dressed in a grey suit and similar hat.

Written by creator Steven Knight, the new movie is set during the Second World War, and is teased to involve new conflicts for the Shelby family.

When the series came to an end in 2022 after nine years, Tommy appeared to put his criminal past behind him.

The series has tackled the rise of fascism, Irish republican politics and communist activities throughout the period after the First World War  along with Tommys ambitions in politics.

Returning cast includes British actors Stephen Graham as union organiser Hayden Stagg and Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby, while Dune actress Rebecca Ferguson and Pulp Fiction actor Tim Roth have also joined for the film.

THAT'S A WRAP. The Peaky Blinders film has completed production. : Robert Viglasky pic.twitter.com/VImZlFWZdQ  Netflix (@netflix) December 19, 2024

Knight told Netflixs Tudum site: It will be an explosive chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. No holds barred. Full-on Peaky Blinders at war.

Cork-born Murphy, also known for 28 Days Later and Batman Begins, won the best actor Academy Award for blockbuster Oppenheimer earlier this year.

In 2023, Dublin native Keoghan was Oscar nominated for The Banshees Of Inisherin and picked up a best supporting actor Bafta for the same film.

The 32-year-old is also known for The Killing Of A Sacred Deer, war blockbuster Dunkirk and Marvel film Eternals.
Stuff reports:

A District Court Judge accused of verbally attacking Winston Petersand other New Zealand First members at a Christmas party has been referred to the Judicial Conduct Commission. The Post earlier reported that Judge Ema Aitken was attending an end-of-year bash for district court judges at Aucklands exclusive Northern Club last month, when she gate-crashed a private function for Peters party in a neighbouring room. Peters was reportedly making a speech when it is alleged Judge Aitken tried to enter the room and shouted: Hes lying! How can you let him say that? Following questions from Stuff, the Judicial Conduct Commissioner office said the commissioner had powers to investigate incidents on his own initiative. That is the step he took yesterday morning when he read the various media references to this Judge.

Whether our not this is a resignation offence is fairly easy to answer  just swap roles.

Imagine that at the same Northern Club evening with a gathering of judges and a NZ First gathering, it was a NZ First MP who gatecrashed the gathering of judges, yelled abuse at them, told them they were disgraces and accused the Chief Judge in attendance of lying. That MP would already be goneburger. MPs have had to resign for far less egregious conduct breaches.

And I dont think I am alone in saying that we have higher expectations of judges than MPs. A District Court Judge has remuneration of $541,000 a year. They literally sit in judgement on people with the power to send people to prison. They are expected to have exemplary conduct, and they are required to be politically neutral.

Judge Aitken was either sober or drunk when she gatecrashed the NZ First function. And either option is bad for her. If she did it sober, then it shows a total lack of judgment and restraint. But if she was drunk  well she is the Judge that set up the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court pilot. How can she credibly judge others who have misbehaved under the influence? And being drunk is no excuse.

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Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Windy with scattered thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. High 68F. Winds S at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Rain showers early, then cloudy and windy overnight. Low 37F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Windy with showers and thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. High around 70F. Winds S at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Rain showers early, then cloudy and windy overnight. Low 37F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Weather Alert

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 5 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR NORTHEAST AND CENTRAL MISSOURI AND FAR WEST-CENTRAL ILLINOIS... * AFFECTED AREA...In Illinois, Fire Weather Zone 095. In Missouri, Fire Weather Zones 018, 019, 026, 027, 034, 035, 041, 042, 047, 048, 049 and 050. * TIMING...From noon to 5 PM CDT today. * WINDS...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 23 percent. * IMPACTS...These conditions are conducive for the rapid spread and growth of uncontrolled wildfires. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels can contribute to extreme fire behavior. &&

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 1 AM CDT SATURDAY... * WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois and central, east central, northeast, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From noon today to 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. &&
Actor Hyun Bin felt immense pressure portraying a revered historical figure in the espionage thriller "Harbin." He admitted he almost "burst into tears" upon completing the filming, the actor shared Thursday.

The period drama, set in 1909, follows a group of Korean independence fighters led by Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910) as they plot to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, Japan's first prime minister and resident-general of Korea, at Harbin Station. The assassination occurs shortly before Japan's annexation of Korea.

Hyun Bin stars as Ahn, a figure revered by Koreans for his patriotism and courage even more than a century later.

"I wouldn't dare say I completely understand him now," the 42-year-old actor said during a group media interview held in Seoul ahead of the film's theatrical release, set for Dec. 24. "However, I sincerely did my best to ensure I didn't tarnish his achievements or his presence."

"Harbin" is not a story of immediate triumph, Hyun Bin said. "It's about the long and arduous struggle for Korean independence, so we (actors) approached our roles with restraint."

As director Woo Min-ho insisted on filming in remote locations across Korea, Mongolia and Latvia, often under harsh weather conditions, to authentically portray the struggles of those who risked their lives, actors had to roll through snow-covered mountain fields and mud for intense battle scenes.

The scene where Ahn crosses the frozen Tumen River between China and North Korea alone after losing all his comrades was shot on a frozen lake in Mongolia, where temperatures dropped to minus 40 celcius.

"It was beyond what I heard and imagined," he recounted. "When I was filming there alone, I felt a bit scared, freezing cold and lonely, without knowing where it ends."

Filming was a repetitive process of shooting for a few minutes after hours of waiting because drones couldn't fly for long in the extreme cold, he added.

Despite the physical challenges, Hyun Bin said the film was more mentally taxing than physically demanding.

He explained that he reflected on whether Ahn, as a human being, experienced "frustration, worries, feelings of guilt toward his comrades" who were killed due to his earlier decisions as a leader before carrying out the assassination.

"Based on the words and writings he left behind, I acted while trying to imagine what he was thinking and what emotions he felt," he said.

The actor recalled "almost bursting into tears" after filming the scene in which Ahn is executed for assassinating Ito Hirobumi on the last day of filming.

"It felt like I was finally laying down the pressure I had been carrying on my shoulders," he said.

Hyun Bin, best known internationally for his role in the hit 2019-2020 TV series "Crash Landing on You," married the drama's co-star Son Ye-jin in 2022. They are now parents to a two-year-old boy.

He expressed his desire to share the film with his son when he is old enough to understand the turbulent Korean history.

"Then I'd like to tell him that I was performing the role of this great person when I wasn't able to be with him," he said with a smile. (Yonhap)
By Park Han-sol

The SongEun Art Award returns this year with a group exhibition spotlighting the 20 finalists shaping the future of Koreas art scene.

Launched in 2001 by the SongEun Art and Cultural Foundation to recognize next-generation artistic visionaries, the annual prize celebrates rising talents aged 45 years and under. It stands as one of the countrys most prestigious honors in contemporary art, alongside the Korea Artist Prize and the Hermes Foundation Missulsang.

For its 24th edition, 20 artists and collectives have been selected from a pool of 598 applicants. This years short list features Gu Na, Koo Ja-myoung, Kim Won-hwa, Noh Sang-ho, Park Jong-young, Bae Yoon-hwan, Shon Soo-min, Song Ye-hwan, An Yu-ri, Yaloo, eobchae, Omyo Cho, Ryu Ah-yeon, Lee Seung-ae, Lee Hye-in, Cho Jai-young, Jin Min-wook, Choi Jang-won, Chu Mi-rim and Tak Young-jun.

The winner of the prize, set to be announced in January 2025, will receive 20 million won ($13,800) and the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at SongEun Art Space in southern Seoul. Additionally, two of their works will be acquired for the collections of the SongEun Art and Cultural Foundation and the Seoul Museum of Art.

At the ongoing group show, The 24th SongEun Art Award, the finalists offer a glimpse into their evolving narratives and creative visions through an array of mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, video and media art.

Some artists integrate technology into their pieces in remarkably diverse ways.

Koo Ja-myoung brings invisible software algorithms and codes to life by transforming them into biology-inspired sculptures. In his latest installation, he intriguingly converts the codes from four North Korean propaganda websites into amino acid structures and DNA sequences, blurring the lines between digital systems and organic forms.

Noh Sang-ho bridges the digital and analog worlds by recreating artificial intelligence-generated glitch images through uncanny airbrush painting. His Holy series revolves around a glitch image of a snowman engulfed in flames  an unsettling yet striking scene that defies the bounds of physical reality.

Yaloo uses holograms to present surreal motion-capture animations. Her work features an 86-year-old protagonist who doubles as a K-pop idol and a pirate, embarking on a fantastical, psychedelic journey.

This media installation is almost like a pirate ship, a battlefield and a K-pop stage all rolled into one, she said.

Others turn to traditional artistic mediums to delve into themes of loss and transformation.

Omyo Cho draws inspiration from her self-written science fiction novel, fashioning eerie sculptures that imagine how future creatures might survive in a post-apocalyptic world.

Her art primarily incorporates glass and metal  materials she finds captivating for their contrasting yet shared properties. Glass is fragile and metal is strong, but under certain conditions, both can flow and merge. Through these elements, she envisions lifeforms of the future, explaining, Though they are dormant now because Earths temperature is too low for them, perhaps in a hotter future, they might awaken, flow and come alive.

Lee Hye-in captures the decline of traditional market alleys in the outskirts of Seoul, places she grew up around and watched fade over time. Her vivid, neon-colored paintings portray two places still clinging to existence  a brothel and a bar packed with hoarded antiques instead of patrons  highlighting their haunting presence amid redevelopment.

The group exhibition of the prizes contenders runs through Feb. 22, 2025.
The United States voiced alarm at the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday that Russia was close to accepting a nuclear-armed North Korea, as Moscow and Pyongyang defended their growing cooperation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in September that Moscow viewed the notion of "denuclearizing" North Korea as a closed issue, as it understood Pyongyang's logic of relying on nuclear weapons as the foundation of its defence.

"Alarmingly, we assess that Russia may be close to accepting North Korea's nuclear-weapons program, reversing Moscow's decades-long commitment to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula," said U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

"We believe that Moscow will become more reluctant not only to criticize Pyongyang's development of nuclear weapons, but also further obstruct passage of sanctions or resolutions condemning North Korea's destabilizing behavior," she said.

South Korea and Britain both criticized Lavrov's remarks, saying he had undermined the global non-proliferation regime. Britain's Deputy U.N. Ambassador James Kariuki described Lavrov's comment as a "reckless departure from the agreed principle of complete, verifiable and irreversible disarmament."

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia did not reference North Korea's nuclear program when he addressed the council. He defended the growing cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang as Russia's sovereign right.

"Russian cooperation with the DPRK ... is in accordance with international law, not in violation thereof," he said, using the acronym for North Korea's official name. "This is not directed against any third countries. It does not pose any threat to states in the region or the international community, and have no doubt we will continue to develop such cooperation."

Russia has forged closer diplomatic and military ties with North Korea since invading Ukraine in February 2022 and Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have visited each other's countries.

Russia is using North Korean troops to battle Ukrainian forces holding an enclave in Russia's Kursk region.

North Korea's U.N. Ambassador Kim Song described the closer ties with Russia as a "positive contribution to international peace and security." Citing what Pyongyang sees as a U.S.-led nuclear-based military bloc in the region, he also said: "Outbreak of the nuclear war in Northeast Asia is no longer a possibility, but a matter of time."

South Korea's U.N. Ambassador Hwang Joon-kook warned the Security Council to "expect further uncertainties looming over the horizon" ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump taking office for a second term next month.

"North Korea has a history of provocative actions during U.S. presidential transitions, designed to grab attention, raise the stakes and set the stage for direct negotiations with the new U.S. administration," Hwang said.

"This pattern can recur within the upcoming months. This time it could be another ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) or military satellite launch or even its seventh nuclear test," he said.

North Korea has been under U.N. Security Council sanctions since 2006, and the measures have been steadily strengthened over the years with the aim of halting Pyongyang's development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. (Reuters)
North Korea demonstrated this year that it could produce ballistic missiles and supply them to Russia for use against Ukraine in a matter of months, the head of a research organization that traces weapons used in the war said Wednesday.

Jonah Leff told the U.N. Security Council that researchers on the ground examined remnants of four missiles from North Korea recovered in Ukraine in July and August, including one that had marks indicating it was produced in 2024.

This is the first public evidence of missiles having been produced in North Korea and then used in Ukraine within a matter of months, not years, he said.

Leff also had briefed the Security Council in late June, telling members that the organization he heads, Conflict Armament Research, had irrefutably established that ballistic missile remnants found in Ukraine early this year were from a missile manufactured in North Korea.

The U.K.-based organization, which was established in 2011 to document and trace weapons used in conflicts to assist governments in countering diversion and proliferation, has worked in Ukraine since 2018.

North Korean leader Kim Jong- in n vowed his country would invariably support Russias war in Ukraine when he met Russias defense chief in late November, the Norths state media reported.

Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia objected to the second appearance of Leff at the council meeting, chaired by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States, which holds the councils rotating presidency this month.

He claimed Leff represents NATO and the European Union, and questioned whether his organization could provide impartial assessments. And he accused Thomas-Greenfield of violating Security Council practices and transforming its meetings into a politicized act of buffoonery.

The U.S. ambassador retorted that Russia had vetoed a resolution that ended the monitoring of sanctions against North Korea by U.N. experts, which she said makes organizations like Conflict Armament Research and its independent, well-regarded experts all the more critical.

She said its reports show why Russia was determined to block the renewal of the mandate for the U.N. experts. Russia and North Korea are engaging in unlawful arms transfers and training, in brazen violation of numerous council resolutions," Thomas-Greenfield said.

Leff stood by the organization's research and said its analysis highlights three observations about North Koreas missile activities.

It confirms the continued use of freshly manufactured North Korean ballistic missiles in Ukraine, he said, and the discovery of the 2024 manufacturing mark on one missile reveals the very short period between the production of these ballistic missiles, their transfer and eventual use in Ukraine.

Leff also said the presence of recently produced missile components not from North Korea, some bearing 2023 production marks, illustrates North Koreas robust acquisition network for its ballistic missile program, despite U.N. sanctions prohibiting the transfer of this material for military purpose.

North Koreas U.N. Ambassador Kim Song insisted that its relationship with Russia is a positive contribution to international peace and security and can by no means be subject of the criticism.

He accused the United States and its allies of inciting confrontation and discord among nations, by intervening militarily across the planet and providing Ukraine with billions of dollars in military aid, including long-range weapons. (AP)
North Korean casualties surge due to inexperience with drones and combat

By Anna J. Park

At least 100 North Korean soldiers deployed to fight against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region have been killed, with nearly 1,000 reported injured, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said, Thursday. This marks the first official confirmation from South Korea's intelligence agency regarding the scale of casualties among North Korean troops in Russia.

Rep. Lee Seong-kweun of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and a member of the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee, shared the details following a committee session with the NIS earlier in the day.

According to Lee, the NIS reported that about 11,000 North Korean troops stationed in the Kursk region were partially mobilized for active combat earlier this month. Within just one month of deployment, the fighting resulted in at least 100 deaths and around 1,000 injuries among these troops.

The NIS attributed the relatively high casualty rate among North Korean forces during their brief deployment to their role as "expendable frontline assault units" by Russia.

The severe losses suffered by North Korean forces were also largely attributed to their lack of experience with open-field combat and their inability to effectively counter drone attacks, both of which played a significant role in their high casualty rate, the agency noted.

"In Russia, complaints have emerged that North Korean troops lack of knowledge about drones has become more of a burden than an asset," Rep. Lee said, adding that the NIS uncovered evidence suggesting that a drone training accident in Russia led to fatalities, including high-ranking officers.

The intelligence agency also stated that Russia and Ukraine are currently locked in intense clashes ahead of a potential peace negotiation anticipated following the launch of a second Trump administration. It further highlighted that the Kursk region has become the most intense battleground, driven by Russia's final offensive to recapture territory.

Regarding the possibility of additional troop deployments, the lawmaker stated that while the scale has not yet been determined, the NIS reported indications of further North Korean troop mobilization. The NIS believes North Korea has the capacity for additional deployments. The Storm Corps, consisting of 10 brigades with 42,000 troops, has already deployed 11,000 soldiers.

"Rumors of additional troop mobilization are circulating within the Storm Corps, and signs have been detected of military preparations for a potential visit by Kim Jong-un to observe the training. The NIS is closely monitoring the possibility of further North Korean troop deployments," the lawmaker said, summarizing key points from the intelligence committee session.

He added that in exchange for Pyongyang's deployment, Russia is expected to offer compensation, such as the modernization of North Korea's conventional weapons.

In response to reports that Russian forces are burning the faces of deceased North Korean soldiers to prevent identification, the NIS said it is currently working to verify the claims. So far, Russia has maintained a position of not officially acknowledging the involvement of North Korean troops.
Acting President Han Duck-soo held phone talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday and agreed to continue trilateral security cooperation with the United States to cope with the deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia, officials said.

Han held the phone conversation with Ishiba after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by the National Assembly last Saturday over his short-lived imposition of martial law on Dec. 3.

The two sides agreed to work together to stably maintain and develop bilateral ties and closely communicate to prepare for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of normalizing diplomatic ties next year, Han's office said.

"The two sides agreed on the need to continue close cooperation between South Korea and Japan, as well as among South Korea, the United States and Japan, in the face of the North Korean nuclear threat and the deepening collaboration between Russia and North Korea," the office said in a release.

Han also assured Ishiba that all state affairs will be run strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law and vowed to conduct diplomacy and security policies without delay, it said. (Yonhap)
By Bereket Alemayehu

When President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law at 10:23 p.m. on Dec. 3, it sent a shock wave across the country and surprised the international community.

Upon hearing the breaking news, my first guess was that war had broken out. That first guess was further validated when I heard military helicopters hovering overhead in the dark skies over Noryangjin, where I live, close to Yeouido, where the Korean National Assembly is located.

But it turned out that the martial law declaration was a political tactic to attack opposition parties and muzzle the free press and civil societies. This included measures such as banning political activities, controlling the media and allowing arrests and detentions without warrants. The helicopters seen flying by were busy deploying special forces troops who stormed the National Assembly.

For many in the country, it was very difficult to go to sleep that night. Many citizens went to the Assembly, where members of the National Assembly held an emergency session and unanimously passed a resolution demanding the termination of martial law. After the resolution was passed, the military forces withdrew from the National Assembly. Before the sun rose, the president lifted the martial law declaration at 4:30 a.m. after only six hours.

It was widely reported that according to the Constitution, martial law can only be declared in times of war, armed conflict or a similar national emergency. The Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun) criticized the martial law, saying that President Yoons martial law declaration and the related actions of the military have no basis under the Constitution or law. They described it as An exercise of state power that undermines the functions of the National Assembly and judiciary while violating fundamental rights such as the freedoms of assembly and association. Minbyun also pointed out that President Yoons declaration of martial law violates procedural requirements under the Constitution and Martial Law Act for declaring martial law.

A few days later, I rode my bike over to the Assembly area on the afternoon of Dec. 6 to see what was happening there. There was a tense and uneasy feeling because of the strong police presence the day before the vote on the first impeachment bill, which failed when ruling party members boycotted the vote.

I returned to the Assembly on Saturday to photograph a public concert that was to be held near the Assembly as part of the protest. I was so excited to return to the area and see Koreans protest their president and rally in favor of the second impeachment bill, which was voted on that day. I found myself among millions of people who were waiting for the results.

When the news came out that the impeachment had been approved, a sudden public uproar and exhilaration washed through the crowds. That excitement mixed with the cold weather and my body shook in relief. Quickly the atmosphere uplifted into a celebratory mood, with music and slogans in every corner. People were smiling, dancing and jumping around. Free giveaway drinks and snacks helped people endure the cold evening. I was glad that the country tried hard to normalize itself in a beautiful modern manner and that Koreans chose freedom and democracy over possible dictatorship.

Its said Korea's National Assembly is the largest single parliamentary building in East Asia. I have been inside a couple of times as well, as its usually a visitor-friendly place. For decades, that powerful building has been a symbol of Korea's vibrant democracy, freedom, modernity and economic miracles, as well as Korean unification, as the plenary chamber in the building has additional seats for new lawmakers in case reunification occurs.

Last week, once again, the country stood firm in upholding democratic values amid unimaginable political turmoil. I believe that Koreans wouldnt let anyone underestimate their collective power. Next, Yoon's impeachment will be deliberated in the Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to reach a ruling. Even if they let him resume his work as president, it seems unlikely that the people will accept him as their leader again. I have no doubt that the nation that was traumatized by unexpected political instability will ultimately recover and maintain its liberal values of freedom and democracy.

Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also the co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency.






South Korea's spy agency on Thursday said at least 100 North Korean troops dispatched to Russia for combat in Ukraine were killed and 1,000 injured, according to a lawmaker.

In a closed-door briefing to the parliamentary intelligence committee, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) also said the Russian military has complained that the North Korean troops lack drone response capabilities and are mainly mobilized as front-line storm troopers.

Some of the estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers deployed in the Kursk region began to be mobilized into actual combat in January and February, according to the NIS.

The agency also said it has detected signs North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is making preparations to train a special operation force to additionally dispatch to Ukraine. (Yonhap)
By KTimes

Kim Yong-hyun, the former defense minister accused of being the mastermind behind the Dec. 3 martial law fiasco, pressured former Army Special Warfare Commander Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun to deploy troops to the National Assembly.

Kim, identified as a key figure behind the short-lived martial law, allegedly made over 10 phone calls to Kwak on the night the decree was declared, urging rapid action.

According to statements obtained by the Hankook Ilbo on Wednesday, Kwak testified during a recent prosecution investigation that "Kim Yong-hyun called me at least 10 times on the day martial law was declared, pushing for the deployment of subordinate units to the National Assembly."

After President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, Kim ordered Kwak to send troops to the National Assembly.

However, when it became evident that lawmakers might pass a resolution to lift martial law, Kim intensified his demands, repeatedly urging Kwak to act swiftly.

In his urgency, Kwak relayed Kim's orders to field commanders, telling them, "I'm at my wit's end. Assess the situation immediately."

Yoon is also said to have directly contacted Kwak three times. During a National Assembly session on Dec. 10, Kwak revealed that Yoon's second call included instructions to "break down the doors and drag the lawmakers out," as the Assembly had not yet reached the quorum required to pass the resolution. Kwak admitted that he missed Yoon's third call.

Despite receiving orders from both Yoon and Kim, Kwak ultimately halted the troops' entry into the Assembly when field commanders reported, "We cannot proceed." He instead instructed them to "maintain the current state."

The prosecution's special investigation unit has detained Kwak on charges of treason and abuse of authority as the investigation is ongoing.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Spy unit tasked to capture nat'l election officials during martial law, says lawmaker

By Lee Hyo-jin

A former military intelligence commander is facing allegations of playing a pivotal role in the botched martial law scheme, with speculations growing that the retired Army general, a civilian, drafted the plan for the emergency military rule.

Noh Sang-won, the former head of the Defense Intelligence Command, was arrested late Wednesday on suspicions that include drafting the martial law decree and coordinating action plans with then-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Noh is known to be a close confidant of Kim.

Noh, who served as the intelligence commander during the Park Geun-hye administration, is now a civilian. He was dishonorably retired in 2018 after being sentenced to one year and six months in prison without probation by a military court for sexually assaulting a female trainee.

The Seoul Central District Court issued the warrant requested by the joint investigation team on Tuesday, citing concerns that Noh might eliminate evidence or flee. According to the investigation team, Noh waived his right to attend the court's warrant review hearing on Wednesday.

Noh is accused of conspiring with the former defense minister, a senior alumnus of the Korea Military Academy, to plan President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law imposition on Dec. 3. The minister, who stepped down on Dec. 5, is also under arrest for treason charges.

The retired general also faces allegations of directing then-Defense Intelligence Commander Army Maj. Gen. Moon Sang-ho, a junior from the same academy, to organize a special task force aimed at seizing the servers of the National Election Commission (NEC) during the implementation of martial law. Moon was taken into custody by the anti-corruption agency on Wednesday.

During the martial law imposition, which lasted for just six hours, around 10 intelligence agents were dispatched to the NEC headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. They took photos of the election watchdog's internal servers and reportedly sent them to Moon. The president later explained that the troops dispatched to the NEC were part of his efforts to investigate alleged election fraud.

According to the investigation authorities, the meeting between Noh and Moon to plot martial law allegedly took place on Dec. 1, two days before the surprise martial law declaration, at a Lotteria, a local fast-food chain, in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province.

Moon and two colonels from the Defense Intelligence Command joined the meeting. The police reportedly obtained CCTV footage showing the four men engaging in discussions while eating hamburgers.

In addition, opposition lawmakers have raised speculations that Noh instructed Moon to deploy the Headquarters of Intelligence Detachment (HID) unit to arrest high-ranking officials and lawmakers. The HID is an elite special forces group tasked with assassinating North Korean leadership in the event of war. The police reportedly included these speculations in Noh's arrest warrant.

Rep. Kim Byung-joo of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea claimed that the HID's mission was to abduct NEC officials, describing this as a "shocking revelation" that has been verified through several routes.

"The unit was ordered to capture 30 personnel by force and bring them to the B-1 bunker," Kim said during an interview with MBC radio on Thursday. The bunker, operated by the Army's Capital Defense Command, serves as a command center for South Korean forces in the event of war.

"A list of the 30 targeted individuals was provided to the 38 HID members who gathered around 9 p.m. before the martial law declaration. They were instructed to bind their wrists and ankles with cable ties, cover their faces with masks and transport them," the lawmaker added.
By KTimes

At least 3,700 police officers were mobilized to the National Assembly and Yongsan during the Dec. 3 martial law imposition, according to police duty logs acquired by an opposition party lawmaker Wednesday.

The emergency mobilization ordered all personnel from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to report for duty, including off-duty officers, those on leave and even those on medical leave.

The Hankook Ilbo obtained and analyzed duty logs for 56 riot police units deployed to the National Assembly and Yongsan on Dec. 3 and 4, through Rep. Yong Hye-in's office from the Basic Income Party.

The police logs capture the frantic atmosphere of the night, detailing how officers scrambled to their posts. Emergency mobilization orders were issued between 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., shortly after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law at 10:25 p.m.

Officers began reporting to their unit offices by midnight and reached locations such as the National Assembly and the presidential office in Yongsan around 1 a.m.

The heightened alert continued until approximately 3:30 a.m., even after the National Assembly passed a resolution to lift martial law at 1 a.m. Officers remained on standby until 4:30 a.m. when Yoon lifted martial law.

Commanders, officers caught off guard

The suddenness of martial law also left field commanders struggling to maintain order and discipline among their teams. Some units conducted brief 10-minute training sessions or sobriety checks before deployment.

Commanders emphasized maintaining composure and securing sensitive information, cautioning officers to avoid leaks.

One officer recalled the chaos, saying, "Things were so rushed that many officers didnt even have their uniforms ready and had to change in the buses on the way to the National Assembly."

Even officers on leave or on medical absence were not exempt from the emergency call. Six units initially off duty were mobilized, and some officers traveled long distances to report for duty, with one officer arriving from Gangwon Province at 3 a.m.

Over 2,000 officers deployed to National Assembly

The largest police presence was concentrated at the National Assembly, where 2,103 officers from 32 units were stationed. This far exceeded the 1,500 officers estimated by the National Assembly Secretariat.

The units cordoned off the Assembly into four zones, surrounding it from the front gate to the side entrances.

Typically, only two units (around 120 officers) are stationed at the Assembly during the day, with a reduced presence of 40 officers at night.

The scene was chaotic. An officer deployed to the Assembly said, "When we arrived around 1 a.m., barricade trucks were already in place, but there were no clear orders or assignments. Most of us just stood around, unsure of what to do."

In Yongsan District, where the presidential office and residence are located, 24 units comprising 1,598 officers were deployed to prevent potential unrest. This was significantly more than the usual three daytime units or one nighttime unit stationed there.

Even after returning to their units around 4 a.m., officers remained on standby until 9 a.m. Some units were redeployed to locations like Gwanghwamun or the National Assembly by 7 a.m., continuing their duties without sufficient rest.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
By Yi Whan-woo

Obesity is increasingly becoming a cause of death in Korea, with more than 110,000 individuals dying in 2022 after carrying excessive body fat and being diagnosed with fatal diseases, a report showed Thursday.

The report, released by Statistics Korea, analyzed changing social trends in a range of areas, including population, households, living conditions, health, marriage and climate change.

It showed that 112,000 individuals died of diseases as a result of obesity, up 7.5 percent from 2021.

Of the 112,000, 43.2 percent were diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases. The other 37.4 percent had cancer, and another 10.4 percent had disorders in hormone production, such as diabetes.

Statistics Korea noted that obesity was ranked fifth in terms of health risk factors that can develop into major diseases. High blood pressure topped the list, followed by smoking, high blood sugar and low body weight from birth.

The report also showed that more Koreans are getting caught for drug offenses, with Korea no longer priding itself as a "drug-free country." The term refers to a country that has fewer than 20 criminals convicted of drug offenses per 100,000 nationals.

Those who were caught taking illegal drugs increased by 2.8 times to 27,611 from 2013 to 2023. In particular, those who are minors or in their 20s accounted for the largest portion, with 35.6 percent in 2023.

Those who were caught for trafficking illegal drugs totaled 12,226 in 2023, marking a 3.6 increase from 10 years earlier.

Abuse of prescription drugs increased as well over the cited period.

A total of 169 individuals died after overdosing on sleeping pills, pain relievers and other drugs that can be purchased as medication. The number went up 3.8 times from 44 in 2012.

On the subject of late marriages and a rise in singlehood, the rate of unmarried individuals in their 40s increased 6.7 times for men and 5.7 times for women in 2020 compared with 20 years earlier.

The report showed that 23.6 percent of men and 11.9 percent of women in their 40s were unmarried in 2020, compared with just 3.5 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively, in 2000.

Additionally, the report indicated that only a small portion of unmarried individuals aged 19 to 34 found marriage to be essential.

A growing majority of this age group expressed a positive attitude toward unconventional marital arrangements, such as cohabitation or having children out of wedlock.

With the country struggling with the accelerated aging of society, the report showed that those who were 65 or older would make up 43.1 percent of households nationwide by 2040, up from 24.1 percent in 2022.

In 2022, 74.9 percent of older adults were homeowners. However, 35.4 percent of their homes were built more than 30 years ago, which are considered old here.

Among other trends observed were changes in the agriculture sector caused by climate change. Due to more adverse weather conditions, the areas of harvest for major crops, such as rice, beans and potatoes, shrank by up to 73 percent from 1975 to 2024.

Over the same time period, the areas for production of onion surged 343.7 percent.
By Lee Hae-rin

The local hamburger franchise Lotteria was the butt of a surge of memes and other online satire on Thursday, after police investigations revealed that former intelligence commanders met at one of its restaurants in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, to discuss martial law plans, two days before President Yoon Suk Yeols declaration on Dec. 3.

Martial law plotting at Lotteria  thats the most ridiculous combination of words that Ive seen in my life, an online user wrote on the social platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

Another wrote, Here is a Korean history quiz for students later on: Where did intelligence commanders hold a meeting to plot for martial law? A. Presidential office, B. Underground bunker, C. Lotteria, and Shake those flavored French fries like you want to shake up the nation."

Sarcastic comments from many users were shared online, using wordplay on keywords related to the martial law fiasco to create a fictional hamburger menu.

"The Gyeom ('martial law' in Korean) burger, the taste of screwing up the country as a whole," one wrote, while another suggested that Lotteria should launch a series of Gyeom (martial law) burgers, Haejae (lifting) burgers and Tanhaek (impeachment) burgers following the momentum. Some even created and uploaded hypothetical posters for such imaginary burgers.

Using artificial intelligence, an internet user even created an image showing a group of uniformed soldiers sitting around a table, eating hamburgers at a Lotteria restaurant.

Meanwhile, the Lotteria restaurant where the intelligence officials reportedly held the meeting drew a flock of visitors.

The restaurant's Kakao Map page received more than 110 new visitor reviews since Tuesday, when news reports revealed details of the meeting.

One internet user commented, "The Gyeom burger set is delicious," while others wrote, "This is a good restaurant that makes people want to mock martial law," and "A taste that shakes up the entire country." Others even added: "A historic place" and "The taste that even former and current intelligence commanders and colonels could not resist."

According to a police investigation, Moon Sang-ho, then-intelligence commander, and Noh Sang-won, former intelligence commander who dishonorably retired in 2018, allegedly met at the Lotteria restaurant on Dec. 1, two days before Yoons declaration, to discuss martial law plans.

Moon and Noh face allegations of meeting with two colonels from the Defense Intelligence Command, issuing orders to prepare for martial law. Noh reportedly gave specific instructions to the two colonels, saying, "Secure the National Election Commission server on the day of martial law."
Acting President Han Duck-soo on Thursday vetoed six contentious bills, marking his first use of the presidential power since assuming interim leadership after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and suspended from office over a failed martial law bid.

Han endorsed a motion demanding reconsideration of the four agricultural bills and two parliament-related acts passed by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea last month, which was approved during an extraordinary Cabinet meeting led by him earlier in the day.

"My heart feels heavy as I request the National Assembly to reconsider the six bills at this critical time when cooperation between the government and political parties is more essential than ever," Han said.

"However, the government cannot avoid making a responsible decision that prioritizes the spirit of the Constitution and the nation's future," he added.

One of the key bills is the Grain Management Act, which mandates the government purchase of surplus rice to stabilize prices during market fluctuations. A similar bill was vetoed by Yoon in March 2023 and subsequently scrapped in a revote.

Other bills include the National Assembly Act, aimed at preventing the automatic submission of the government budget to the plenary session after the legal deadline, and the National Assembly Testimony Appraisal Act, which would require companies to submit requested data to lawmakers.

Han explained the agricultural bills would distort the market system and lead to a supply glut in rice and cause "massive financial burdens" on the government.

He also said the proposed amendment to the National Assembly Act removes "a minimum standard" that parliament must follow for the timely execution of the national budget, which could ultimately disadvantage the public.

On the amendment to the testimony and appraisal act, Han said mandatory data submission to lawmakers under any circumstances raises concerns about infringements upon privacy rights and potential risks to core technologies and trade secrets.

The government and the ruling People Power Party have opposed the bills, citing concerns about the financial burden of the mandatory rice purchase and potential risks of trade data leaks during parliamentary testimonies.

In contrast, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea urged the interim leader to exercise restraint and maintain the status quo.

Han assumed the role of acting president after Yoon was impeached Saturday over his short-lived martial law declaration on Dec. 3. (Yonhap)
The Constitutional Court said Thursday it has again sent a notice on impeachment to President Yoon Suk Yeol's residence, after Yoon's side refused to receive the documents.

The court said it plans to decide early next week whether it will consider the notice has been delivered to Yoon.

The court held the first plenary meeting of its justices earlier in the day to discuss the details of Yoon's upcoming trial following the National Assembly's vote to impeach him over his Dec. 3 martial law attempt.

The court has sent the necessary papers to Yoon in person and via mail, requiring him to submit a written response within seven days, but the delivery has been delayed as the presidential security service has been uncooperative. (Yonhap)
Opposition parties threaten to impeach Han Duck-soo

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Acting President Han Duck-soo vetoed six contentious bills on Thursday, as tensions continue to escalate between the opposition-controlled National Assembly and the government over whether an interim leader has the authority to exercise veto power and approve nominations for new Constitutional Court justices.

Han endorsed a Cabinet motion calling for the reconsideration of four agricultural bills, the National Assembly Act, and the National Assembly Testimony Appraisal Act.

As acting president, I deliberated on what would be a responsible governments stance in this very grave situation. We put priority on whether the bill corresponds with the Constitution and how it will affect the nations future, Han said during an extraordinary Cabinet meeting, Thursday.

The four agricultural bills, which were passed in the National Assembly on Nov. 28, include amendments to the Grain Management Act, which requires the government to purchase surplus rice to stabilize prices during market fluctuations. A similar bill was vetoed by President Yoon Suk Yeol in April last year and was scrapped in a revote. Others are amendments to the Distribution and Price Stability of Agricultural and Fishery Products Act, the Prevention and Countermeasures against Agricultural and Fishery Disasters Act and the Agricultural and Fishery Disaster Insurance Act.

If these laws are implemented, there will be concerns about the oversupply of items such as rice by distorting the market's function, resulting in a huge financial burden, Han said.

He also gave reasons for vetoing two other bills  the National Assembly Act, which is aimed at preventing the automatic submission of the government budget to the plenary session after the legal deadline, and the National Assembly Testimony Appraisal Act, which requires companies to submit requested data to lawmakers. Han pointed out the potential risks of constitutional violation and data leaks during parliamentary testimonies.

Our Constitution stipulates that citizens' rights may only be restricted to the minimum extent necessary when there is reasonable cause in legislation. There is a risk of infringing on individuals' rights to privacy and freedom of expression, including the right to protect personal information, Han said.

It remains to be seen whether the acting president will also veto two key opposition-led bills, mandating a permanent special counsel to investigate insurrection charges against President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law declaration, as well as allegations against first lady Kim Keon Hee, who is accused of illegally accepting a luxury handbag from a Korean-American pastor and being involved in a stock manipulation scheme.

Han is also considering whether to approve three nominees for Constitutional Court justices, amid pressure from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to delay the decision until Yoons impeachment trial is concluded. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik called on Han to expedite filling the Constitutional Court's three vacant seats to stabilize state affairs. The confirmation hearings on the nominations of three justices is set to take place between Dec. 23-24.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) warned that it could seek Hans impeachment, depending on how the acting president decides regarding the mandate for a special counsel to investigate the president and first lady, as well as the appointment of the three Constitutional Court justices.

This is a clear infringement of legislative power. Is this Yoon Suk Yeol 2.0? It seems like Han still doesn't know who to follow. What he must do now is to follow the will of the people, instead of being a puppet of Yoon and his insurrectionist associates, said Rep. Jo Seoung-lae, the DPKs senior spokesperson.

The minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP) urged the acting president to exercise restraint and maintain the status quo.

Han cast a veto today, bringing the total number of bills vetoed by this administration up to 31. Han, who has repeated Yoons vetoes, should be impeached, said Rep. Kim Sun-min, acting chairman of the RKP. An acting president should take a more passive approach on politically contentious matters and maintain the status quo.

Meanwhile, the PPP defended Han's veto power, urging the DPK to refrain from threatening the acting president.

Whats the intention behind threatening Han with impeachment again when he exercised his right asking the Assembly to reconsider? The DPK must stop its unilateral legislative push that causes political strife. We must prioritize efforts to improve people's livelihoods, said Rep. Park Soo-min, a PPP spokesperson.
No lawyers officially appointed yet for Yoon's defense

By Jung Da-hyun

President Yoon Suk Yeol remains resolute in his legal position and stands firm against treason charges related to his botched martial law declaration, his legal adviser said Thursday.

While the adviser conveyed Yoon's stance, he declined to provide details on the president's plans, such as potential court appearances or the surrounding controversy, adding that such announcements would be made soon once the president's legal team is formed.

"We apologize for the shock that the president's declaration of martial law has caused to the public. However, the president firmly believes in the necessity of fully examining the legality of issues underlying the treason charges," Seok Dong-hyeon, Yoon's attorney, told reporters.

Seok, a former high-profile prosecutor who has known Yoon for 40 years, serves as a temporary representative of Yoon's legal counsel.

Citing Yoons expertise in criminal law, Seok emphasized that Yoon viewed the situation at the time as a national emergency, and therefore his martial law cannot constitute treason.

"What kind of treason is there to publicly declare, in front of the world, Im going to commit treason?" Seok said, questioning the logic of labeling the presidents public announcement as treason.

"I was also informed that the president never used terms like 'arrest' or 'drag down' (in reference to) lawmakers," he added.

He explained that fewer than 300 unarmed soldiers were sent to the National Assembly after Yoon declared martial law, emphasizing that the president explicitly ordered them to avoid any clashes with citizens.

This contradicts the statement from Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun, the former chief of the Army Special Warfare Command, who said Yoon ordered him to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly building during the martial law operations.

Furthermore, Seok reiterated the presidents confidence, noting that Yoon has addressed the matter in two public statements and maintained a firm position.

Regarding Yoons current status, Seok said the president remains at his residence, preparing for the legal battle ahead. His presidential privileges have been suspended, barring him from accessing the presidential office.

While Seok outlined Yoons stance on the treason charges, he refrained from answering specific questions about the president's refusal to comply with requests to appear for questioning, as well as his lack of acknowledgment of documents sent from the Constitutional Court and his plans to appear in court.

"The official defense team or the president himself will address these matters directly soon," he said.

The formation of Yoons legal team is still in progress, with no official power of attorney issued to any agency to appoint legal counsel.

"We need more time. I believe it will be finalized soon, and there are no significant difficulties in forming the team," Seok said, describing the process as an effort to assemble the most effective defense strategy.

Kim Hong-il, former chairman of the Korea Communications Commission and a former chief prosecutor of the Busan High Prosecutors' Office, along with Yun Gap-geun, former chief prosecutor of the Daegu High Prosecutors' Office, are reportedly under consideration to join the team.

Seok confirmed that both individuals are being reviewed but noted no final decisions have been made.

He clarified that he intends to remain in an advisory role and does not plan to formally join the legal team as defense counsel.

Seok, who has publicly conveyed Yoon's stance twice, spoke about his long-standing relationship with Yoon, noting that they went to the same university and served as prosecutors during the same period.

"Weve had many conversations and exchanged numerous opinions during significant moments in Yoons career, such as his suspension as prosecutor general," he said.
Trump should respect the spirit of the South Korea-US alliance

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump caused a stir during his press conference on Dec. 16 by excluding South Korea from the list of countries he intends to engage with in summit talks. While discussing his plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japan's leader, Trump made no mention of South Korea, a key ally in the region. This omission raises concerns about the future of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, which has long been a cornerstone of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Trump's remarks came shortly after a meeting with Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank, who pledged a $100 billion investment in the United States, promising to create 100,000 jobs. Trump also hosted the widow of Japans late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom he previously referred to as a soul mate. South Korea was notably absent from the discussion, even though the nation is grappling with escalating political and security challenges. South Korea is embroiled in a significant political crisis following President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, and yet, in stark contrast to Japan, it seems to be sidelined in diplomatic discussions.

Trumps willingness to engage North Korea and China, both of which pose significant security threats to South Korea, is perplexing. His suggestion of a summit with Kim Jong-un, whom he has previously described as a leader he gets along with, only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the U.S.' commitment to South Korea. In fact, South Koreas absence from Trumps list stands in sharp contrast to his interactions with Japan, where the late Abes widow was given a prominent role in his diplomatic engagements. This distinction raises legitimate questions about Trumps approach to the South Korea-U.S. relationship.

While it may be understandable that Trumps focus is on major powers like China and Russia, the exclusion of South Korea is troubling, especially in light of rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea recently conducted several missile tests, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. The recent military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow only heightens the need for a strong and coordinated response from the U.S. and its allies, particularly South Korea. Trump should recognize that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is more vital than ever, and a lack of engagement with Seoul could undermine regional stability.

South Korea has shown remarkable resilience amid its internal political crisis. The country has experienced large-scale protests following the impeachment of its president, yet these protests were peaceful and constructive, reflecting the strength of South Koreas democracy. The nation has swiftly returned to normalcy, demonstrating the stability of its democratic institutions. This resilience should not be overlooked by Trump. The U.S. must appreciate the democratic spirit of South Korea, especially at a time when North Koreas provocations threaten regional security.

Although the Trump administration has previously imposed tough demands on South Korea, such as increased defense cost-sharing and tariffs on Korean goods, these measures should not overshadow the strategic importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. South Koreas democratic stability, economic power, and proximity to North Korea as well as China make it an indispensable partner in the region. Trump should prioritize maintaining strong ties with South Korea and avoid marginalizing the country in favor of other, less reliable partners.

The current situation in South Korea, with an interim government led by acting President Han Duck-soo, further complicates matters. Hans limited authority and Yoon's uncertain political future create a diplomatic vacuum that makes it difficult for South Korea to pursue proactive foreign policies. However, the government is still engaged in basic diplomatic functions, such as monitoring the situation and making efforts to stabilize the economy. South Koreas foreign minister has worked hard to reassure the international community that the country remains a safe and reliable partner, even in the face of political uncertainties.

In light of the temporary paralysis in South Koreas government, it is noteworthy that the country's business leaders, such as Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin, have already begun engaging with Trumps network in the U.S. These efforts underscore the importance of cultivating ties with influential U.S. figures, including politicians and think tanks, to ensure that the South Korea-U.S. alliance remains strong despite the current challenges.

Trump must recognize that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is essential to regional security and stability. Marginalizing South Korea in favor of other diplomatic priorities could have far-reaching consequences, particularly as North Koreas provocations continue. Trump should respect the spirit of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and work to strengthen ties with South Korea, ensuring that both countries stand united in the face of growing security threats in the region.
By Jang Daul

Which political system is best to confront the global climate crisis? While autocratic regimes often boast about decisive action, the evidence overwhelmingly points to democracy as the most effective system for tackling climate change. Democracy empowers citizens, holds leaders accountable and fosters innovation  all of which are crucial for decarbonization.

The connection between democracy and effective climate action is clear. The annual Climate Change Performance Index consistently ranks democratic nations at the forefront of climate leadership. Countries like Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain occupied the top three positions in 2024, underscoring how democratic governance drives ambitious climate policies. Their political systems allow for open debate, public participation and accountability, fostering societal consensus on the urgency of the climate crisis.

Take Sweden, for instance, a country with strong democratic traditions. It is no surprise that Greta Thunberg, a globally recognized climate activist, emerged from this environment. Thunbergs ability to mobilize millions and influence policy could only happen in a society where freedom of speech and assembly are protected. Democracies empower individuals to act as watchdogs, pushing governments to take climate issues seriously.

In contrast, authoritarian regimes may suppress dissenting voices and prioritize short-term economic gains over sustainability. Climate action requires transparency, open dialogue and consensus-building  qualities lacking in autocratic systems. When citizens are excluded from decision-making, policies are often disconnected from public needs or even harmful to environmental goals.

Democracy also cultivates responsiveness to the evolving challenges of climate change. As citizens grow more concerned about extreme weather events their voices are more reflected through elections. Politicians in democratic systems are incentivized to prioritize climate policies. Otherwise, they will lose the next election. Likewise, a free press ensures that failures in leadership are exposed, raising awareness about solutions.

The recent declaration of martial law by the president disrupted the nation, plunging it into uncertainty. Yet, the swift action of citizens and lawmakers reversed the crisis, reaffirming the resilience of South Koreas democracy. The impeachment of the president who overstepped democratic norms reflects South Koreas strong democracy built on the courage and sacrifices of past generations  from the April 19 Revolution of 1960, the May 18 Democratic Movement of 1980, the June Democratic Uprising of 1987 and the Candlelight Revolution of 2016.

This hard-won democracy has enabled South Korean society to engage with climate change. Citizens, civil society organizations and media outlets have played vital roles in elevating climate concerns. Grassroots movements pressure the government to adopt ambitious climate targets, while public debates shape policies on energy transition and sustainable consumption. These dynamics are indispensable for addressing a challenge as complex as the climate crisis.

The importance of democracy becomes clearer when we consider its absence. In nations where dissent is stifled, environmental destruction often accelerates. Forests are razed for profit, regulations are weakened, and carbon emission is ignored. Citizens who speak out risk imprisonment, while state-controlled media suppresses information about climate impacts. Without mechanisms for accountability, environmental degradation goes unchecked.

Democracies are not without flaws. Political gridlock, short-term election cycles and conflicting interests can slow progress in climate mitigation. However, these challenges are far outweighed by democracys strengths: adaptability, transparency and its ability to harness the collective will of the people. Addressing the global climate emergency requires cooperation across borders, industries and generations  something democracies are better suited to achieve.

As South Korea reflects on the recent event, there is an opportunity to renew our commitment to democracy. The climate crisis demands strong democratic institutions that can respond to citizens needs. A robust democracy allows us to prioritize what truly matters, ensuring that issues like climate change are not sidelined in favor of short-term distractions.

Ultimately, protecting democracy is about protecting our climate. The stronger our democratic institutions, the louder the call for climate action, and the greater our chances of achieving a sustainable future. Climate change threatens every aspect of life. To confront it, we need systems that are accountable, inclusive and resilient  qualities democracy can provide better.

Democracy is fragile, but it is also powerful. By defending it, we honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and lay the foundation for a greener, fairer world. The fight for democracy and the fight against climate change are, at their core, one and the same. Both require courage and perseverance  a fight we cannot afford to lose.

Jang Daul (daul@oceanenergypathway.org) is a climate and energy expert and advocacy specialist.
Washington ramps up efforts to defend Big Techs dominance

By Park Jae-hyuk

U.S. criticism of Koreas proposed online platform regulations has intensified as former U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January next year.

Amid the strong criticism of Koreas plan to regulate market-dominant platform operators, concerns are rising that this issue could lead to economic retaliation from the incoming U.S. administration against its ally.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued another statement condemning Koreas approach to regulating digital platforms. This followed a previous one published in January, which highlighted concerns that the proposed competition policy could unintentionally benefit Chinese latecomers like AliExpress and Temu.

This proposal would put the Korean government in a position of managing competition outcomes, rather than promoting competition in the market, said Charles Freeman, the chambers senior vice president for Asia.

Such government micromanagement of the economy will dull Koreas growth and long-term competitiveness. It also could position Korea to run afoul of its international trade commitments.

He made the remarks three months after the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) dropped its plan to pre-designate dominant platform firms and introduced a standard for such players, so that they will be subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny by the antitrust watchdog afterward.

The FTCs decision was attributed to a strong backlash from both Korean and U.S. tech firms.

Although the revised plan is seen as more lenient compared to the main opposition Democratic Party of Koreas suggestion of pre-designating dominant players, the U.S. business lobby group is opposing both approaches.

In cooperation with lawmakers from the People Power Party, the FTC has put forward a bill in the National Assembly that, if passed, would target certain companies, while leaving out other competitors, both those based in Korea and in third countries, including China, Freeman said.

There are more than a dozen other legislative proposals for platform regulation that have been introduced in the National Assembly this year. Many of them share similarly troubling features.

Jamieson Greer, who was nominated as the U.S. trade representative under the Trump administration, is another critic of Koreas online platform regulations, viewing the new law as a "threat to the trade relationship between the two countries."

On Dec. 9, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation published a report titled, Why South Korea Should Resist New Digital Platform Laws.

With U.S. elections over, South Korea risks a backlash from a new administration unlikely to tolerate policies that harm major U.S. businesses, said the Washington-based think tank focused on public policy surrounding industry and technology.

The Digital Economy Research Institute under the Korea Internet Corporations Association also warned that online platform regulations may prompt the Trump administration to impose tariffs on Korean products or take other retaliatory measures in accordance with Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Having clashed with major U.S. online platform operators before his reelection, Trump has recently adopted a friendlier stance toward them, following the so-called great capitulation of Silicon Valley moguls.

He recently held a series of meetings with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Alphabet co-founder Sergey Brin and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who expressed their intention to financially support the incoming U.S. administration.

In the first term, everyone was fighting me. In this term, everybody wants to be my friend, Trump told reporters on Monday.

However, the Korean government appears unlikely to scrap its planned regulations, as a hearing at the National Assembly on Wednesday reaffirmed a consensus between the rival parties on the need for new measures to prevent anti-competitive business practices by platform firms.
The transport ministry said Thursday it has imposed fines on Korean Air, Delta Air Lines and Air Astana JSC for violating Korea's aviation laws during operations.

Korean Air, Korea's leading carrier, was fined 25 million won ($17,221) for keeping passengers on board for four hours and eight minutes while the aircraft was on the runway during takeoff preparations on its Incheon-Delhi flight on July 23.

By law, aircraft with passengers on board cannot remain still on the tarmac for more than three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights.

Delta Air Lines was fined 35 million won for keeping passengers on the runway for four hours and 58 minutes during its Incheon-Atlanta flight on Aug. 24, and also failing to report the fares for its new Incheon-Salt Lake City route to the ministry before selling tickets.

Air Astana was fined 10 million won for failing to properly report fare details for its Incheon-Astana route, according to the ministry. (Yonhap)
Kim Soo-hyuns agency says he dated Kim Sae-ron for 1 year after she became adult
Jiaxing factory to be complete by 2027

By Ko Dong-hwan

Samyang Foods plans to build its first overseas manufacturing plant for Buldak instant noodle products in China, aiming to directly meet nearly a quarter of the brand's global demand, according to DART, a corporate filings repository platform under the Financial Supervisory Service, Thursday.

To this end, the company will launch its Chinese subsidiary to oversee the plant construction in the city of Jiaxing, with completion slated for January 2027.

Samyang plans to invest over 201 billion won ($139 million) in building the manufacturing plant.

A Samyang Foods official said that the Chinese subsidiary and the manufacturing plant in Jiaxing will initially focus on meeting demand from China and Southeast Asian countries. Another objective is to localize Buldak products and develop new offerings tailored to consumers in these two key markets.

Once the plant is operational, it will oversee exports to China and the Southeast Asian region," the official said. "However, it remains to be seen in the long term whether the facility will also meet demand from other global markets."

The decision for Samyang Foods productive overseas expansion came from the companys board of directors meeting on Monday.

Samyang Foods currently runs a Chinese subsidiary dedicated to sales in Shanghai. The company also has similar subsidiaries in Japan, Indonesia, the United States and the Netherlands.

Samyang Foods currently runs manufacturing plants in Wonju, Gangwon Province; Iksan, North Jeolla Province; and Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province. The company is now building additional production lines at the Miryang plants new second factory. The expansion, scheduled for completion in the first half of next year, will be dedicated to supplying Buldak products to the North American market. Market experts, however, speculate that even with the Miryang expansion, it may not be sufficient to meet the surging global demand for Buldak products.

On Dec. 5, Samyang Foods Vice Chairman Kim Jeong-soo received the $700 Million Export Tower award from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The honor, which was aptly awarded during the commemoration of Korea's Trade Day, is bestowed on a Korean food company with the highest export record from June 2023 to June this year. The export figure was a 74 percent jump from the previous year.

Samyang Foods sales are mostly led by exports. Until the third quarter of this year, the company logged 963.8 billion won in exports, accounting for 77 percent of its total sales. In 2016, the figure was 93 billion won, accounting for 26 percent of total sales.
By Park Jae-hyuk

Henry Haggard, former director of the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Energy Resources, has joined the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) and will start working in January next year as a senior adviser.

AMCHAM said Thursday that Haggard will provide strategic advice and guidance on key issues affecting the two countries business communities, while staying in Washington.

According to the chamber, he will also work closely with its leadership and member companies to identify opportunities for collaboration and growth and to address challenges in the ever-evolving global market.

With the incoming Trump administration, Henry is perfectly suited to advance AMCHAMs mission in the United States and in Korea, AMCHAM Chairman James Kim said.

Haggard served for 25 years at the State Department and was at the National Security Council under both Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

The former diplomat fluent in Korean also worked as the political minister counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

After retiring from the State Department as a senior foreign service officer, he has supported Korea-U.S. relations through his affiliation with WestExec Advisors, a consulting firm founded by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and with other think tanks, such as Rice Universitys Baker Institute in the U.S. and the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy in Brussels.

The incredibly deep connections between our two countries  economic, diplomatic and cultural  are at an all-time high and there is potential for the relationship to expand even further in the years ahead to the benefit of both the American and Korean people, he said.

James and the top-notch AMCHAM team have been instrumental in building these connections and I am certain they will be central to future success and prosperity.
Candu, Ansaldo part of successful bidders

By Ko Dong-hwan

A consortium led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) won a nuclear reactor refurbishment project commissioned by Romanias state-run utility company, Societatea Nationala Nuclearelectrica (SNN), the Korean state-run utility company said, Thursday.

Securing the project bid, valued at 2.8 trillion won ($1.9 billion), has reaffirmed KHNPs advanced nuclear power plant operation and management technologies, according to the companys President & CEO Whang Joo-ho.

Whang signed the agreement at SNNs office in Bucharest on Thursday. Under the contract, KHNP and its consortium will refurbish Reactor No. 1 at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant, located in the Cernavoda region. The facility is Romanias sole nuclear-powered electricity generator.

The CANDU-6 reactor, with a capacity of 706 megawatts-electric (MWe), uses the same CANDU reactor technology as KHNPs Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

SNN President Cosmin Ghita, along with the heads of the consortium companies, were among the signatories. They included Daniela Gentile, president of Ansaldo Nucleare in Italy, and Gary Rose, president of Candu Energy in Canada.

Under the contract, KHNP, Ansaldo Nucleare, and Candu Energy will collaborate to extend the reactors lifespan by 30 years. The agreement comes as the reactor's operational lifespan recently expired. The consortiums work is scheduled to begin in February next year and is expected to be completed within 65 months.

The companies have agreed to take on distinct roles for the project. KHNP will oversee the overall refurbishment process and handle key tasks, including replacing core components inside the existing reactor with new parts. It will also be responsible for assembling critical infrastructure, such as a storage facility for spent radioactive waste.

Total plant maintenance solutions providers KEPCO KPS and Doosan Enerbility, along with major construction engineering firms Hyundai E&C and Samsung C&T, are joining the Cernavoda project as KHNPs partners. Their combined contribution is valued at 1.2 trillion won, nearly half of the projects total value.

Candu Energy, which provided the original technologies for the Cernavoda reactor, will oversee the reactors nuclear systems. Ansaldo Nucleare will handle the design of the reactors turbine generators and the procurement of necessary equipment.

Whang described the latest agreement with SNN as "another indication that the global nuclear power industry has recognized KHNPs technologies for the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants, which have been developed over more than 50 years."

By successfully completing the Cernavoda project, KHNPs global standing will be strengthened further, Whang said.
The U.S. Supreme Court said on Wednesday that it had agreed to review a U.S. law that mandates a nationwide ban of the popular Chinese-owned video app TikTok if it fails to secure a non-Chinese buyer by January 19.

The arguments over whether the law violates freedom of speech protected by the U.S. Constitution will be heard on January 10.

The court has directed the petitioners to submit a brief by December 27, arguing whether the law, officially known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, violates the free speech protections.

The app, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, has about 170 million active users in the U.S..

If the ban is enforced, cloud-service providers like Google and Apple would be required to remove TikTok from their app stores or face penalties. New users would be blocked from downloading the app and existing users unable to update it on their devices.

"Speech restrictions have survived the Constitution's most demanding standard only in rare and narrow circumstances," TikTok said in an emergency appeal it filed on Monday, requesting a temporary halt on the ban.

TikTok had urged the court to "do what it has traditionally done in free speech cases: apply the most rigorous scrutiny to speech bans and conclude that it violates the First Amendment".

While the Supreme Court did not immediately grant an injunction on Wednesday, pending a full review, its decision to hear the case suggests that a ruling could be issued before the ban takes effect.

Nevertheless, TikTok said it was "pleased" with the order.

"We believe the court will find the TikTok ban unconstitutional, so the over 170 million Americans on our platform can continue to exercise their free speech rights," said Michael Hughes, a spokesperson for the company.

Two other petitioners in the case  civil-rights group BasedPolitics and a coalition of online content creators  had also filed a joint appeal to block the ban in the Supreme Court, citing violations of free speech.

"We're very pleased that the Supreme Court acted so quickly to take up this case, and we'll be hearing arguments before the act takes effect," said Jacob Huebert, a lawyer for BasedPolitics.

"We look forward to making our case to the Supreme Court and we're optimistic that it will enjoin this ban before it can ever take effect," he added.

Also on Wednesday, U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell filed an amicus brief in favour of the divest-or-sale law, urging the Supreme Court to deny TikTok any relief.

"TikTok clearly desires this court to enjoin the divesture date in the vain hopes that the divesture order will be punted into the next presidential administration where, perhaps, TikTok will find relief from divesture from a less hostile Department of Justice," stated McConnell in the brief.

The Kentucky Republican called on the court not to "countenance such tactics and the public interest counsels in favour of denying an injunction, even in the face of irreparable harm".

"Successive congresses and presidential administrations realized the danger TikTok poses to American national security and went about carefully crafting a response to that adversary threat," McConnell added.

However, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Monday suggested that he may be open to reversing the ban.

Trump praised the app for helping him reach out to young American voters, saying TikTok had a "warm spot in my heart".

Later that day, he met with TikTok's CEO Chew Shou Zi at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private mansion in Florida. Neither side confirmed or denied the meeting, nor did they issue any statements.

Meanwhile, the civil-rights groups the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, along with the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University filed an amicus brief on Tuesday, arguing against the law.

The groups said the law was "intended to suppress certain content and viewpoints that many legislators believe could be amplified on TikTok, including the risk of foreign 'propaganda'".

The emergency appeal came after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Friday denied an emergency request from TikTok, its parent company ByteDance and other petitioners to temporarily block the ban pending a Supreme Court review.

Citing national security concerns that Beijing could pressure ByteDance to alter its algorithm and collect personal data in ways that could harm U.S. interests  a claim TikTok has consistently denied  earlier this year Congress passed and Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in upholding the law earlier this month, said "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 United States".

"That burden is attributable to the [People's Republic of China's] hybrid commercial threat to U.S. national security, not to the U.S. government, which engaged with TikTok through a multi-year process in an effort to find an alternative solution," the opinion stated.

Read the full story at SCMP.
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High Court Reporter

A speedboat and a jet ski linked to two men killed in a gangland feud have been labelled as crime proceeds by the High Court.

Lawyers for the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) on Wednesday alleged in the civil court that Zachary Parker (23) and Sean Little (22), who were both killed in separate shootings in 2019, were members of an organised crime group known as the Gucci Gang.

The court heard gardai believe the Gucci Gang is heavily involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs and that Mr Parker was a close associate of the gangs leader.

Mr Parker was shot dead outside a gym in Swords, north Dublin, in January 2019, while he was sitting in his BMW X5. The Cab alleged in the High Court that he was one of the most prominent suppliers of drugs in the Swords area before his death.

In May 2019, Mr Little, who is alleged to have been a close associate of Mr Parkers, was found dead next to his burning Vauxhall Insignia after being shot multiple times at a laneway in Walshestown, north Dublin.

In an affidavit to the High Court, chief bureau officer Michael Gubbins said the speed boat and jet ski were seized during a search of a storage unit rented by Mr Parker in Balbriggan, north Dublin. The search came in the aftermath of Mr Parkers killing.

Mr Gubbins said gardai believe the jet ski and speedboat were purchased with crime cash and were in the possession and control of Mr Parker and Mr Little before they were killed. Together the items have a value of more than 11,000, the court heard.

Another bureau officer swore a statement averring that there was no evidence to indicate either of the deceased men could afford expensive recreational items such as the jet ski and speedboat from their legitimate income or funds.

The Cabs application, seeking to have the items deemed proceeds of crime, was brought against Mr Littles parents, Bernadette and Stephen Little, and Mr Parkers mother, Siobhan Parker, as the people otherwise entitled to possession of the property.

The court heard the parents were served but have no interest in making a claim for the assets.

The application, made under the Proceeds of Crime Act, was presented to the court by barrister Morgan Shelley, who said the items were purchased with cash in strange circumstances.

Mr Justice Alexander Owens said both of the deceased men were up to their necks in organised crime.

He said Mr Parker had some small income from a hair salon but was then in receipt of jobseekers allowance until his death. There were a number of cash lodgments, totalling 38,000, made into his bank account, the judge noted.

He was satisfied he could make orders ruling that the speedboat and jet ski derived in part or in whole from crime proceeds. His decision was based on the civil standard of proof, which is the balance of probabilities.

The judge also gave the bureaus legal officer permission to sell the assets.
Vivienne Clarke

On the second anniversary of her death, the family of Co Clare teenager Aoife Johnston has repeated a call for a statutory inquiry into her death from sepsis at University Hospital Limerick.

The family is seeking answers and accountability, their solicitor Damien Tansey told RTE radios Morning Ireland.

A statutory inquiry is the only authority with the necessary resources to provide answers, he said.

The 16-year old Leaving Cert student from Shannon, Co Clare died on December 19th 2022, from meningitis two days after presenting at the UHL emergency department with symptoms of suspected sepsis and during which her condition worsened.

The State has failed the Johnston family. To date, no answers have been forthcoming. The most revealing of all the processes to date was the inquest. And there are very severe restrictions on what an inquest can do in terms of finding fault and in terms of vindicating anybody.

So the very least the Johnston family are entitled to, given the failure of the state to vindicate and protect the life of their daughter, is to provide a process of the kind that will produce answers.

Mr Tansey acknowledged that a number of attempts had been made to provide those answers including the Hamilton Report and then the inquiry by Mr Justice Frank Clarke.

However, even Mr Clarke himself, at the outset of his report, had indicated that he couldn't make, for example, findings of fact, he couldn't make adverse findings and he couldn't even resolve conflict where there were conflicting accounts from people that were involved in this tragedy at the coalface.

We are aware that certain processes are underway with a view to ensuring that there is accountability. And you saw what happened in the court recently where the medical director took an action against the state. He was suspended from his job as medical director and we saw the outcome of that recently. He's back in his post and the state had to pay three quarters of his legal costs.

There was no reason why a statutory inquiry would take years, as had been claimed, said Mr Tansey. There is absolutely no reason why it should take years. This inquiry won't be in public.

"It will simply be a statutory inquiry where the chairman will be entitled to call witnesses, to subpoena witnesses, to take evidence in circumstances where the people in focus will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence.

All processes involving the family are now at an end, he said. We're awaiting a decision on the part of the new government to conduct a statutory inquiry, and so that there is no doubt about this the Johnston family will meet the new Minister for Health and or the Taoiseach to indicate what their requirements are in relation to that inquiry.
WEDNESDAY 11 December will long be remembered in Portlaoise as pupils and students from 10 local schools took to the streets to launch the first ever Walk on Wednesdays (WOW) initiative.

The historic event marked the first-ever town-wide WOW event ever held in Ireland.

From early that morning the town was transformed from the usual hum of car engines as they gave way to the cheerful chatter of students walking to school.

Pupils from Gaelscoil Phortlaoise with Garda SAran Grehan who took part iin the Santa Stroll around Portlaoise. Photo: Rene PR Design

To coincide with the WOW launch a Santa Stroll was also organised as part of the Portlaoise School Travel Cluster Project.

Students and parents embraced the festive spirit, donning Santa hats, Christmas lights, and tinsel scarves. Bells jingled as a wave of walkers filled the streets, creating a magical and climate-friendly start to the school day.

Community Garda Ronan Maher with just some of the pupils who took part in the Santa Stroll. Photo: Rene PR Design

Community Climate Action Officer at Laois County Council Karen Moore said: The Santa Stroll was a powerful demonstration of how small changes can have a big impact on our community. Seeing so many families walking together with joy and purpose was truly inspiring.

Also present to support the event were Travel Officers from An Taisce Green-Schools Michele Castiaux and Chiara Hanrahan, the Environmental Awareness Officer at Laois County Council Sam McLeod and Community Gardai Aran Grehan and Ronan Maher.

Following this festive launch, WOW days will continue every Wednesday as part of the Portlaoise Schools Cluster Project which is a two-year initiative supported by Laois County Council Climate Action Section and delivered by Green-Schools Travel.

Gaelscoil Phortlaoise pupils dressed up with their Christmas hats and tinsel when they took part in the Santa Stroll. Photo: Rene PR Design

The program aims to ease traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance road safety while promoting physical and mental well-being.

The response from schools was overwhelmingly positive:

Scoil Chriost Ri Green-Schools committee sparked school-wide enthusiasm by launching a WOW competition and recording an informative podcast explaining WOW days.

Portlaoise College had a creative twist to its initiative. Its Green-Schools committee tallied student participation by collecting fingerprints from walkers. The result was a display board filled with student prints celebrating their collective action.

Holy Family Junior School pupils who took part in the Santa Stroll through Portlaoise.

Gaelscoil Phortlaoise reported high participation, with parents joining their children for a walk that turned the local park n stride car park into a bustling community hub.

Teachers from the Holy Family Junior School noted a brilliant morning with a festive atmosphere that energised students and staff alike.

Principal from Maryborough National School Brid-Ann Buggie acknowledged the challenge of a wide catchment area but celebrated families who embraced park n stride and filled a local retail car park with eager walkers.

The students and pupils who have embraced WOW days are now calling on adults to adopt the same practice for their work commutes. With young people leading the way, Portlaoise is already seeing the benefits of fewer cars, cleaner air and a closer-knit community.
Claire Henry

A teenager who was part of a group of youths who carried out an unprovoked attack on British tourists in Temple Bar has been jailed for three years.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Scott Cahill (19) of St James Road, Greenhills, Crumlin, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault causing harm in Temple Bar on August 11th, 2023.

He has four previous convictions, which include assault and the production of an article. Cahill was on bail at the time of this offence.

Passing sentence on Thursday, Judge Pauline Codd noted the victims were subjected to an unprovoked attack by the accused and a group of other teenage males.

She said that Cahill's involvement through punching, kicking and stomping on one of the victims was a significant aggravating feature. The judge said other aggravating factors include that Cahill was on bail at the time and the impact on the victims.

The judge said she had considered the mitigating factors, including Cahill's guilty pleas, expressions of remorse, his youth and the contents of reports submitted to the court.

Judge Codd imposed an effective sentence of five years, with the final two years suspended on strict conditions, including that Cahill place himself under the supervision of the Probation Services upon his release from custody.

She backdated his sentence to September 5th, 2023, when he went into custody. Judge Codd said the court noted that Cahill hasnt been particularly well behaved in prison, and it was important Cahill understands that he must be of good behaviour in prison and for the duration of the suspended sentence.

At a previous hearing, Garda Derek Brereton told George Burns, BL, prosecuting, that four British tourists were the victims of violent disorder just after 10pm on the night in question.

The court heard that the tourists encountered a large group of youths who asked if they wanted to buy drugs. One of the tourists declined the offer and walked on and then felt a punch to the back of his head.

The court heard Cahill (then 18) punched three of the men several times, both when they were standing and while they were on the ground. He also stamped on the head of one of the men.

CCTV of the incident was shown to the court, and gardai used this footage to identify Cahill. On his arrest, clothing matching that shown in the CCTV footage was seized.

Gda Brereton told the court that two of the men were taken to hospital with the following injuries: a broken nose, bruising and swelling to the left eye, lacerations and one had a cut to the back of his head that needed to be glued.

Victim impact statements were handed into the court from the men. The statements described how one of the men struggled to feel safe and had been diagnosed with PTSD. He said that he lacks confidence and, at a time, was physically unable to leave the house.

A second injured party said that he suffers from constant headaches, is hyper-vigilant in crowded areas and has lost interest in activities since the attack. He said he was an outgoing person who liked to travel but now is a nervous wreck.

Scott was refused bail and has been in custody since September 2023.

Gda Brereton agreed with Michael OHiggins, SC, defending, that his client was 18 at the time of the offence and that he had serious substance abuse issues.

The garda agreed with counsel that Cahill had a turbulent childhood and was not difficult to deal with. The garda further accepted that Cahill identified himself on CCTV.

Mr OHiggins said, This is a serious case and is recognised by my client as serious. It lasted less than a minute, and the level of violence was strong.

Counsel said Scott has shown empathy and remorse and has a desire to correct his behaviours.

He said Scott grew up in a volatile environment and was placed into foster care as a child.

He asked the court to take into account the contents of a psychological report and a probation report.

Mr O'Higgins noted that his client is assessed at high risk of re-offending and asked the court to structure a sentence to include a period where his client would be under the supervision of the Probation Service. He said his client now has family support and is undertaking a number of courses while in custody.
New Delhi, Dec 19 (PTI) The BJP on Thursday alleged a "scam" of crores of rupees involving payments made to ghost employees at the Delhi government run shelter homes.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva charged that the corruption involved Rs 250 crore and demanded a probe into it by the Anti-Corruption branch of the government.

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He said the BJP has also filed a complaint with the Lokayukta of Delhi in the matter.

"The scam is being run through the collusion of the government employees and non profit group having contract for operating the shelter homes. It involves single person working in four to five shelter homes and drawing payments from there," Sachdeva charged.

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The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) is a department of the Delhi government responsible for assisting the poor and helpless by providing them with shelter homes, he said.

"According to the DUSIB's regulations, each shelter home is allocated salaries for five to six caretaking staff, depending on capacity, which is paid to contractor NGOs. However, a BJP team investigation uncovered significant fraud in this system," Sachdeva claimed addressing a press conference.

The BJP leader claimed that payments are made to five to six caretakers at many shelter homes, while only two were found present for the job.

"The BJP team's investigation found three to four ghost employees in every shelter," he said.

The investigation found that same staff names are registered across different shelter homes with identical Aadhaar numbers and bank accounts, Sachdeva added.

Meanwhile, the ruling AAP in a statement said that Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has given several complaints to the chief secretary of Delhi but nothing has been done so far.

"The Delhi LG and the BJP should answer why the vigilance directorate, which works directly under the LG, has not acted on any of the complaints which have been given by the minister," the AAP said.

The AAP said that had it been any government in a state where a minister in charge provided documentary evidence and gave a written complaint about corruption, enquiry and chargesheets would have followed.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata, Dec 19 (PTI) Members of the BJP's youth wing and Congress supporters clashed in Kolkata on Thursday during a protest over an alleged physical altercation between MPs of the two parties in Parliament earlier in the day.

The two sides accused each other of attack in central Kolkata's Entally area.

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The BJP alleged that Congress workers attacked their Yuva Morcha activists, who were staging a peaceful protest outside the Congress state office against Rahul Gandhi's alleged physical assault on BJP MPs in Parliament.

The BJP alleged that Congress workers pelted the protesters with stones, glass bottles, and bricks.

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Shocking scenes from Kolkata! Congress workers resorted to violence by pelting stones, throwing glass bottles, and hurling bricks at BJP Yuva Morcha workers, who were peacefully protesting against Rahul Gandhi's physical attack on BJP MPs in the Indian Parliament, BJP leader and co-in-charge of Bengal Amit Malviya posted on X.

Ironically, this was done while holding a portrait of B R Ambedkar Ji, the architect of the Constitution, that safeguards the fundamental right of every Indian to protest peacefully. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee's police stood by as silent spectators, allowing this chaos and lawlessness by Congress hooligans to unfold in the heart of Kolkata, he said, sharing a clip of the incident.

Senior Congress leader Pradip Bhattacharya dismissed the BJP's claims and accused the saffron party of instigating the violence.

It was BJP workers who attacked Congress supporters standing near our party office. They are trying to shift the blame after creating the unrest, he said.

Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene with both sides hurling objects at each other, while law enforcement struggled to maintain order.

Later, the police dispersed the crowd and controlled the situation.

The face-off between the opposition and ruling NDA over alleged insult to B R Ambedkar took an unprecedented ugly turn in Parliament premises on Thursday with claims of pushing and shoving involving MPs, leaving two BJP members hospitalised and a woman BJP MP accusing Rahul Gandhi of "misbehaving" with her.

The BJP charged the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha with pushing an MP leading to injuries to two of its lawmakers, but Gandhi denied it and said it was he who was pushed by a ruling party member while Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also accused protesting BJP members of shoving him and injuring his knees.

Both sides lodged complaints at Parliament Street police station.

(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 19 (ANI): Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday alleged that he was pushed by BJP MPs while he was trying to enter Parliament in what turned out to be face-off between Congress and BJP MPs during their protests. Kharge continued his attack on Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks pertaining to BR Ambedkar in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference with Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who is Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, alleged that Amit Shah interacted with the media yesterday without looking at facts about his remarks pertaining to Ambedkar.

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"The statements that the government and especially the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are making about Dr BR Ambedkar are very sad and he (Amit Shah) addressed the press conference yesterday without looking at the facts. They should look at the facts before abusing Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr BR Ambedkar," he said.

Kharge said BJP wants to divert attention from controversy over Amit Shah's remarks.

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"We demanded that Amit Shah be sacked; we knew it'll not be done that's why we carried out protests including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other party MPs. We said that he should apologise. BJP wants to divert attention from Shah's remarks on Ambedkar that's why they are raising other issues," he said.

"They (BJP MPs) stopped us at the door and did this to show their muscle power. They forcefully attacked us. I am not in a position to push anyone, but they pushed me. Now they are accusing us that we pushed them...So the kind of environment that the BJP people have created, we will never tolerate it, there will be a nationwide protest against this. The House which was running peacefully, that House was disrupted, the BJP government did the work of disrupting the peace..."

INDIA Bloc MPs held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. A protest was also held by BJP members.

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments on Wednesday, with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. (ANI)

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Jaipur, Dec 19 (PTI) Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday alleged that the BJP MPs stopped the leaders of opposition and other MPs of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha from entering Parliament and condemned the incident.

Gehlot said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla should investigate the incident "as soon as possible" and take action against the guilty BJP MPs.

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In a post on X in Hindi, the Congress leader said, "Today, the ruling party BJP MPs stopped the leader of opposition and other MPs of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha from entering Parliament and tried to hurt them by pushing them, which is highly condemnable. This is the first time that MPs of one party are stopping the MPs of another party from entering the House. MPs have always entered the House with respect."

He said it is surprising that the security personnel of Parliament did not intervene during this time and alleged it seems it was a conspiracy of the BJP to divert attention from the issue of insult of Babasaheb Ambedkar by Home Minister Amit Shah.

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Gehlot said Congress president Shri Mallikarjun Kharge has demanded an inquiry into the incident from the Lok Sabha Speaker.

"It is the responsibility of the Lok Sabha Speaker to ensure that all MPs enter the House with respect. The Lok Sabha Speaker should investigate this incident as soon as possible and take action against the guilty BJP MPs," Gehlot said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], December 19 (ANI): Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday demanded an apology from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for hurting the sentiments of "crores of countrymen" for allegedly disrespecting Dr BR Ambedkar.

Taking to X, the Congress Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad stated that the BJP might use force to stop opposition members from entering Parliament but emphasised that the issue at hand was the insult to Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

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"BJP may come to Parliament with sticks, may stop us from entering Parliament, may push us--but the issue is of insult to Baba Saheb. BJP will have to apologise for hurting the sentiments of crores of countrymen by insulting Baba Saheb," the Congress leader said.

Earlier today, Vadra and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the BJP for allegedly insulting BR Ambedkar and for the conduct of BJP MPs in Parliament, following a scuffle that broke out earlier in the day, leaving two BJP MPs injured.

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Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the BJP of repeatedly insulting Dr Ambedkar, who is credited with giving India its Constitution and securing rights for every citizen.

She said, "The BJP is repeatedly insulting Baba Saheb, who gave the Constitution to the country, who gave rights to every citizen, who changed the lives of crores of Dalits and deprived people with his thoughts and actions. By insulting him, the BJP has insulted the sentiments of crores of Dalits and deprived people of the country. BJP should apologise to the country."

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also slammed the BJP's behaviour in Parliament. He said, "After insulting Baba Saheb Dr Ambedkar, @narendramodi also gets the dignity of Parliament insulted. BJP MPs were armed with placards with thick sticks and were made to push and shove to stop the peaceful protest of INDIA alliance MPs so that their animosity towards Babasaheb, Parliament, the Constitution, and democracy is not exposed. But we will stand firm; we will not tolerate any derogatory comments on Babasaheb. Everyone in the country will strongly oppose BJP/RSS."

Vadra further lashed out at the BJP and its MPs, who were protesting against her party for allegedly insulting Dr Ambedkar, challenging them to chant the slogan "Jai Bhim" in the Parliament premises.

Vadra said that people should not remain confused that the BJP was protecting the Constitution since the language used by Union Home Minister Amit Shah was reflective of their reality.

"We protest daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Nothing has happened till now. This is all a conspiracy. We asked those who were stopping us to chant 'Jai Bhim'...We didn't say anything. We kept chanting slogans for our constitution. If the people of this country think that these people are protecting the constitution, they should not remain confused since Amit Shah's language has exposed their reality. They can't even say Jai Bhim. I challenge them to say Jai Bhim here," Vadra told reporters. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 19 (ANI): An FIR has been filed against SP MP Zia ur Rehman Barq for his alleged involvement in electricity theft, following a search at his residence by the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department. The FIR, lodged at the Anti-Power Theft Police Station in Sambhal, cites violations under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act (Amendment) 2003.

Shrish Chandra, the Additional SP of Sambhal, confirmed the development, stating, "The State Electricity Department has filed an FIR regarding electricity theft against Zia ur Rehman Barq. The department has also informed us that during the inspection at his residence, his father allegedly threatened a member of the inspection team. Evidence is being collected in this regard, and once substantiated, another FIR will be filed, with further action to follow."

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According to DK Gupta, a senior engineer from the State Electricity Department, a team of five officials conducted the inspection at Barq's residence earlier in the morning.

However, the family initially obstructed the process. "They were not allowing us to conduct the checking, but eventually, the Junior Engineer (JE) opened the lock. The family members reportedly threatened the JE, and now an FIR is being filed for that as well," Gupta stated.

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The residents have reportedly used 16.5 kW of load on two connections of 2 kW. "There were two separate connections, one in the name of Zia ur Rehman Barq and another in the name of his grandfather, each with a load of 2 kW," Gupta added. The department also carried out a meter reading investigation (MRI) to collect further evidence.

Authorities are currently focused on collecting all relevant evidence related to both the electricity theft and the alleged threat to officials, with further legal action expected.

Earlier, a team from the State Electricity Department, backed by a sizable security detail, arrived at the Sambhal residence of Samajwadi Party MP Zia ur Rehman Barq on Thursday in the early morning hours.

The surprise visit was aimed at investigating alleged irregularities in electricity usage at the MP's home. According to Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra, the inspection is part of a broader crackdown on electricity theft in the region. (ANI)

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Bhubaneswar, Dec 19 (PTI) The shadow of the political slugfest between BJP and Congress in Parliament reached Odisha, as members of both parties held protests against each other in different parts of the state including Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

The Congress members staged demonstrations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's alleged remarks on B R Ambedkar in places including Bhubaneswar, Nuapada and Balasore.

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Holding pictures of Ambedkar, the Congress activists staged demonstrations at the Master Canteen here demanding resignation from the Union Home Minister. They also burnt an effigy of Shah during the protest.

Senior Congress leader Jaydev Jena said, The people of India will never accept the remark made by Shah on Ambedkar. To cover up the issue and provide protection to Shah, the BJP and other NDA parties have conspired the high-drama in Parliament today.

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Shah should seek unconditional apology before 150 crore people of India for his remark on Ambedkar, Jena said.

Similarly, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) organised a demonstration here against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of physically assaulting two BJP MPs during a clash in the Parliament premises.

Rahul Gandhi brutally attacked two ruling party MPs including a former union minister, which is highly condemnable and unacceptable in a healthy democracy, said Abhilash Panda, state president of BJYM.

demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi, Panda claimed, otherwise the BJYM members will never allow him to step on Odisha.

The BJP also organised a protest in Balasore, the home town of party MP Pratap Sarangi, who was injured in the alleged scuffle with Rahul Gandhi on Parliament premises earlier in the day.

(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 19 (ANI): AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday wrote letters to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu, urging them to consider the impact of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's allegedly controversial statement about former Minister of Law and Justice, BR Ambedkar.

Kejriwal's letters followed Shah's remarks made on Wednesday in the Rajya Sabha, which, according to the AAP leader, insulted the legacy of Ambedkar.

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In his letter to Kumar and Naidu, Kejriwal expressed his concern over the Home Minister's statement in Parliament, where Shah reportedly said, "Chanting Ambedkar-Ambedkar has become a fashion these days." Kejriwal stated that Shah's remark "is not only disrespectful but also reveals the BJP's perspective toward Babasaheb and our Constitution."

"Babasaheb Ambedkar was honoured with a 'Doctor of Laws' degree by Columbia University, he authored the Indian Constitution, and he championed equal rights for the most marginalised sections of society. How did the BJP have the audacity to make such a comment about him?" the former Delhi CM questioned in his letter to the Andhra and Bihar CMs.

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"This has hurt the sentiments of millions of people across the country," Kejriwal wrote, adding that instead of apologising, Amit Shah defended his statement. He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly supported Shah's remark, which, according to Kejriwal, made the situation even worse.

Kejriwal warned that people who admire Ambedkar are increasingly feeling they cannot support the BJP. He urged Naidu to consider the matter carefully, stating, "Babasaheb is not just a leader, he is the soul of this country. After this statement by the BJP, people expect you to deeply reflect on this issue as well."

Meanwhile, INDIA Bloc MPs, led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, held a protest on Thursday at the Parliament premises. They demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Ambedkar.

Several MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav, were seen wearing blue clothes as a mark of protest against Shah's remarks.

The MPs marched to Makar Dwar, demanding an apology and the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This protest followed Shah's earlier statement, in which he lashed out at the Congress party, claiming that taking Ambedkar's name had become a "fashion."

The Union Minister in the upper house said, "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], December 19 (ANI): Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is set to celebrate its centenary on December 21, with the grand event will be inaugurated by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu.

The landmark occasion will be attended by Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation; Prof Saugata Roy, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha); Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India and other respected dignitaries, the Airport Authority of India stated in a release.

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The celebration will reflect on the rich legacy of the airport while showcasing its pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian aviation.

According to the release, a budget-friendly cafe named "UDAN Yatri Cafe" will also be launched at the NSCBI Airport, Kolkata as a pilot project supporting the transformative initiatives by MoCA and AAI.

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The cafe will offer a curated menu with affordable pricing, ensuring that passengers have access to quality food at a cost-effective rate, enhancing their travel experience.

A series of initiatives have also been planned including the release of a commemorative stamp and coin to honour the 100 years of Kolkata Airport along with the launch of a coffee table book showcasing India's cultural heritage reflected in modern airport architecture.

Spreading across an area of 1566.3 acres of land and a built-up area of 2,30,000 Sqm, NSCBI Airport is equipped to serve 26 million passengers annually and caters to around 49 domestic and 15 International destinations.

In the vibrant heart of Kolkata, where tradition meets innovation, stands the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI Airport)--a gateway that has shaped India's aviation journey for a hundred years and is also an enduring symbol of resilience, progress, and connectivity.

Established in 1924 as Dum Dum Airport, Kolkata Airport pioneered Indian aviation by hosting the Bengal Flying Club (1929), becoming one of the first jet service hub (1964) and opening its first dedicated airline cargo terminal in 1975.

It was renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in 1995 and its New Integrated Terminal which was inaugurated in 2013 blends heritage with innovation, cementing its status as the gateway to East and Northeast India.

The Airport also drives economic growth, supporting businesses through robust air-freight services including a state-of-the-art cargo terminal that connects eastern India into the world.

As AAI's Kolkata Airport celebrates 100 years of its service to the nation, it stands as a glittering monument to the city of joy. From its humble origins to its place among the world's great aviation hubs, Kolkata Airport has been a bridge between people, cultures, and nations. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], December 19 (ANI): Two BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput continue to be admitted to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after they suffered injuries during the chaos outside Parliament on Thursday. Explaining the current health condition of injured BJP MPs, RML MS Dr Ajay Shukla said that both the MPs had head injuries and the doctors have been evaluating them.

"Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput had head injuries. Both have been given medication. Rajput ji's blood pressure is still high. We are doing our best possible. Sarangi ji is an elderly person, and when there is pushing and shoving, the BP could shoot up. This could lead to a heart arrest or stroke. Sarangi ji had been a cardiac patient. We are evaluating the situation," said RML MS Dr. Ajay Shukla.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who met the two MPs in the hospital said the MPs would remain hospitalised for two more days.

"Two of our MPs - Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput are admitted to RML Hospital and I came to know about their condition. Pratap Sarangi has two stitches on his head and Mukesh Rajput also has a head injury. Both are stable. Doctors say that they will have to remain hospitalized for 2 or more days. Such incidents should not happen in a democracy," he said.

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After meeting BJP MP Pratap Sarangi at the RML Hospital after getting injured today in the Parliament, Union Minister BL Verma said, "He is in the ICU and is under treatment. We could not speak to him much... The LoP Rahul Gandhi has blotted the temple of democracy..."

Notably, a political clash intensified on Thursday as the BJP and Congress filed cross-complaints over an alleged scuffle in the Parliament premises.

BJP MPs, led by Anurag Thakur, lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police against Rahul Gandhi for "assault and incitement."

Shortly after, a delegation of Congress MPs, including women MPs, approached Parliament Street Police, accusing BJP leaders of misbehaving with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge during a scuffle in the Parliament premises.

Congress MP Digvijaya Singh accused the BJP of resorting to theatrics to divert attention from remarks made about Dr. BR Ambedkar. "It is in BJP's character to level false allegations. They (BJP) have orchestrated this 'natak' and 'nautanki' to counter what they have said about Babasaheb Ambedkar... All this happened due to the confrontational way of BJP MPs. Mallikarjun Kharge was pushed and misbehaved," Singh told reporters.

Both the NDA and INDIA bloc MPs had staged a protest in Parliament premises when a scuffle broke out between the two sides, injuring two BJP MPs.

BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was injured after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed another MP, who then fell on him. Sarangi claimed that he was standing near the stairs when another member of Parliament (MP) fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. (ANI)

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Pune, Dec 19 (PTI) The Pune police have arrested the president of a private English medium school in connection with the alleged molestation of a few students by a 39-year-old dance teacher.

We have arrested the president of the school for alleged negligence and failure to do the required verification of the teacher as the alleged acts by the teacher were taking place for the last two years.

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It was the duty of the school to ensure the safety and security of the students and it should have done the necessary due diligence of the teacher, who was involved in the alleged act, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Sambhaji Kadam.

He said that the president of the English medium school has been arrested under the Juvenile Justice Act.

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Police on Tuesday apprehended a male dance teacher of the school in the city for allegedly molesting an 11-year-old student and another child. He was booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

On Monday, the accused teacher had allegedly touched the 11-year-old student inappropriately. The boy approached the school counsellor, who informed the principal. The boy's parents and the police were then informed. Two more such cases came to light subsequently, police said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh, Dec 19 (PTI) Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian on Thursday assured farmers that the state government will not allow their interests to be affected by the 'National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing', saying this policy could have "serious implications" for the state.

Khuddian held discussions with various farmers' bodies on the draft policy on 'National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing' here.

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"The state government is concerned as this policy could have serious implications for the state and its farmers, so we want to analyse and consult on each and every aspect of the draft policy shared by the Government of India," said Khuddian.

Agriculture experts and other stakeholders will also be consulted soon to analyse it thoroughly so that not a single point is left unconsidered, said the minister.

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Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Samyukta Kisan Morcha leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said farmers have outrightly rejected the draft policy. "We have said that this is the central government's conspiracy to implement the now-repealed laws through a new way," said Rajewal.

If this policy is implemented, then farmers will hold an agitation on a big scale, he added.

"All the farmer bodies opposed this policy. We have told the minister to call an assembly session to reject this draft policy," said Rajewal.

Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) Joginder Singh Ugrahan said this draft policy should be rejected.

Khuddian, along with Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Anurag Verma, Chairman of Punjab State Farmers' and Farm Workers' Commission Dr Sukhpal Singh appealed to the farmers to send their suggestions and comments in this regard to the Agriculture Department.

Among farmer leaders who were present in the meeting included Darshan Pal, Ruldu Singh Mansa, Satnam Singh Ajnala.

Farmer leaders expressed deep concerns over "potential privatisation, monopolistic practices in the disguise of the policy".

It could be an attempt to reintroduce the contentious provisions of the three farm laws, which were repealed by the Union Government following the farmers' protests, they added.

They also urged the state government for further examination before sending a response to the Centre so that Punjab and its farmers' interests could be fully secured.

(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 19 (ANI): Samajwadi Party MPs protested against the statement made by Union Minister Amit Shah on Dr BR Ambedkar in Rajya Sabha and demanded an apology from the BJP.

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav said, "The BJP should apologise for the comments made in Parliament... This proves that the BJP is against the principles of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar."

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Earlier today, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the party of insulting former Minister of Law and Justice BR Ambedkar and undermining the Constitution.

His remarks came in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments, which Yadav claimed revealed the BJP's "hatred" toward Ambedkar and the values enshrined in India's Constitution.

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"How will those whose hearts are filled with hatred run the country? What happened today is not just an insult to Babasaheb but also to the Constitution given by him. This is another extreme point of the negative mentality of the BJP," Yadav posted on X.

Akhilesh further underlined that the country has witnessed the BJP's true attitude toward Ambedkar, "Today, the country has come to know how much bitterness the BJP people have towards Babasaheb. The BJP people consider the Constitution made by Babasaheb as their biggest opponent because they feel that the way they want to exploit the poor, deprived, and oppressed and establish their dominance over them, the Constitution is standing as a shield against their evil intentions."

He also condemned the BJP's stance, calling it "Totally reprehensible! Deeply worrying!! Highly objectionable!!!" Yadav concluded his post by asserting, "Everyone says today, we don't want BJP!"

Telangana Congress Ministers, MLAs and MLCs held a protest at the Ambedkar Statue in Telangana Assembly premises against Amit Shah's comments on Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar in the Parliament.

TPCC Chief and Congress MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud said that Amit Shah's statement hurt the hearts of many people in our country.

"The statements made by Amit Shah in parliament are not excusable. It has hurt the hearts of many people in our country. The congress strongly demands that Amit Shah be immediately dismissed from the Cabinet," TPCC Chief and Congress MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud said.

This criticism followed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks in the Rajya Sabha, where Shah reportedly said, "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Dec 19 (PTI) Blackstone-backed Ventive Hospitality on Thursday said it has mobilised Rs 719 crore from anchor investors, a day before the opening of its initial public offering (IPO) for subscription.

The funding round saw strong demand from mutual funds, insurance companies, long only funds, sovereign funds and domestic wealth funds.

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Few of the marquee investors include Government Pension Global Fund, Allspring Global Investment LLC, Quant Mutual Fund, JM Financial MF, SBI General Insurance Company and SBI Life Insurance Company, according to a circular uploaded on BSE's website.

According to the circular, Ventive Hospitality has allotted 1.12 crore equity shares to 26 funds at Rs 643 apiece, which is also the upper end of the price band. This aggregates the transaction size to Rs 719.55 crore.

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Out of the total allocation of 1.12 crore equity shares to the anchor investors, 43 per cent were allocated to 4 domestic mutual funds through a total of 8 schemes.

The issue, with a price band of Rs 610-643 per share, will open for public subscription on December 20 and conclude on December 24.

The IPO is entirely a fresh issue of equity shares of up to Rs 1,600 crore and no offer-for-sale component.

The company proposes to utilise the net IPO proceeds towards funding the debt payment, including payment of interest accrued thereon.

Bids can be made for a minimum of 23 equity shares and in multiples thereafter.

Ventive Hospitality (formerly ICC Realty) is a joint venture between US-based Blackstone Group and Panchshil Realty. At present, Panchshil holds a 60 per cent stake in Ventive, while Blackstone owns the remaining 40 per cent stake.

It is a hospitality asset owner primarily focused on luxury offerings across business and leisure segments in India and the Maldives.

As of September 2024, the company's portfolio has 11 operational properties, comprising 2,036 keys across the luxury, upper upscale and upscale segments. All of its assets are operated by or franchised from global operators, including Marriott, Hilton, Minor and Atmosphere.

JM Financial, Axis Capital, ICICI Securities, IIFL Securities, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, SBI Capital Markets and HSBC Securities and Capital Markets (India) Pvt Ltd are the book-running lead managers for the issue.

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New Delhi, Dec 19 (PTI) US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Thursday said India is the "highest tariff" major economy in the world and New Delhi and Washington need to work together to lower tariffs to increase trade for making it "fair and equal".

His comment comes days after US President-elect Donald Trump said that India charges "a lot" of tariff, reiterating his intention to impose reciprocal tariffs in retaliation for what New Delhi will impose on the import of certain American products.

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Addressing an event organised by the US-India Business Council (USIBC) here, Garcetti observed that as the two countries "become closer", they are able to be "more blunt" with each other.

"... We need together to lower tariffs, not to see them go up. We need together to increase trade and to make it more fair and equal. We need to together make sure that there's training and talent that meets the needs of companies on both sides of the Indo Pacific," Garcetti, the United States (US) Ambassador to India, said.

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In an interactive session after his address, Garcetti pointed out that "despite the difficulties on both sides", the India-US bilateral trade has witnessed a "10-fold increase", with America becoming the country's number one trading partner.

"... I think that as you hear, as recently as yesterday, President-elect Trump talk about trade and how tariffs need to be done fairly, let us have honest conversations. I think it's helpful for us to speak bluntly, but let us use that as a starting point to negotiate much more deeply than we do," the US Ambassador to India said.

He further outlined that even though the US and India don't really talk in ambitious ways about trade, yet the two countries have expanded trade ten-fold since 2001.

Garcetti urged his audience to imagine what the two countries could achieve if they actually sat down and had all these conversations.

"Imagine what we could do if we actually sat down and had all these conversations... The US, could say you might be down 95 per cent from what tariffs used to be, but it's still the highest tariff major economy in the world, here in India. And too often, there are barriers that take too long and are too arbitrary, and everything from labour to land, as we have too in the United States," he asserted.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that India is a "tariff king" and imposes "tremendously high" tariffs on American products.

He has criticised India's "big tariffs" on American paper products and the iconic Harley-Davidson bikes.

The US is the largest trading partner of India in 2023-24. India's exports stood at USD 77.51 billion, while imports aggregated at USD 42.2 billion in the last fiscal.

During April-October this fiscal, the country's exports to America rose by 6.31 per cent to USD 47.24 billion, while imports grew by 2.46 per cent to USD 26 billion.

Between FY20 and FY24, India's merchandise exports to America rose by 46 per cent from USD 53.1 billion to USD 77.5 billion.

Imports from the US also grew to USD 42.2 billion last fiscal from USD 35.8 billion in 2019-20.

On the other hand, trade in services between the two nations expanded 30.3 per cent from USD 54.1 billion in 2018 to an estimated USD 70.5 billion in 2024.

India is also a key destination for American businesses such as professional, scientific, and technical services, manufacturing, and IT. Washington is the third largest investor. India received USD 66.7 billion of FDI inflow between April 2000 and June 2024.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Dec 19 (PTI) Mumbai and Dubai emerged top searches for travel destinations and visa-free travel like Almaty and Kenya became traveller favourites in 2024, fintech firm One97 Communications -- owner of Paytm brand said on Thursday.

According to the report 'Travelpanti 2024' released by Paytm, travel for concerts saw a remarkable surge with bookings increasing 44 per cent in 2024 and younger generations preferring affordable travel modes like buses.

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"Throughout the year, Mumbai and Dubai emerged the most-searched destinations, reflecting a shared love for bustling city life and luxurious escapes. A passion for affordable travel was evident among younger generations, as 36 per cent of bus bookings came from travellers under 25," the report said.

The report said bus bookings among Paytm users peaked around Chhath Puja and train bookings soared during the Holi weekend.

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"The longest railway station name booked was Venkatanarasimharajuvaripeta in Andhra Pradesh, while the shortest was IB in Odisha," the report said.

The travel trend released by Paytm shows that about 30 per cent of bookings were made after 8 pm, reflecting a trend of last-minute late-night travel planning.

"Independence Day also stood out, as one of the busiest days for flight bookings, as travellers embraced freedom in the skies. Travellers also ventured off the beaten path, with significant increases in bookings to destinations like Antananarivo, Madagascar, and Lakshadweep. The year's 15 long weekends further fuelled wanderlust, resulting in a substantial rise in travel across domestic and international destinations," the report said.

Paytm observed that pilgrimages gained popularity among younger travellers, with Tirupati emerging as the year's most-booked spiritual spot.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Dec 19 (PTI) Capital markets regulator Sebi on Thursday slapped a fine of Rs 6 lakh on EbixCash Ltd and its promoter entity Ebix Inc for flouting disclosure norms related to the company's proposed initial public offering (IPO).

EbixCash, a financial services company, had filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the regulator in March 2022, but later withdrew it in December last year.

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The penalties were slapped after the regulator's investigation into alleged violations of the Sebi's ICDR (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) rules.

The order came after Sebi allegedly found instances of non-compliances against EbixCash, Ebix Singapore and Ebix Inc, while issuing its observations on the DRHP dated March 2022, related to the proposed IPO of EbixCash filed with Sebi by the lead manager to the issue.

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In a 78-page order, Sebi found that EbixCash and Ebix Inc failed to adequately disclose material information, including regulatory actions by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), arbitration rulings, and changes in the utilisation of IPO proceeds detailed in the DRHP.

The regulator noted that a "Letter of Displeasure" issued by the RBI in March 2023, regarding the gift card business of an EbixCash subsidiary, Ebix Payment Services, which was inadequately disclosed. This omission was deemed significant, as the regulatory action impacted the company's financial reporting.

In addition, Sebi flagged inconsistencies in press releases issued by Ebix Inc, which included statements about arbitration rulings and adjustments in revenue recognition. These statements, the markets watchdog said, contradicted or omitted details from the DRHP filed with the regulator.

In its defence, EbixCash argued that the disclosures were in line with regulatory requirements and maintained that it had promptly filed an updated DRHP incorporating necessary details. Further, Ebix Inc contended that Sebi lacked jurisdiction over the matter, particularly since it is a foreign entity.

However, the regulator dismissed these arguments, emphasising the need for consistent and transparent disclosures to safeguard investor interests. While imposing the fine on both the entities, Sebi also highlighted the responsibility of issuers and their promoters to ensure that public communications align with the offer documents.

Accordingly, the regulator slapped a fine of Rs 3 lakh each on EbixCash Ltd and Ebix Inc for not complying with the disclosure norms.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lahore, Dec 19 (PTI) Around 70 Hindu pilgrims arrived in Lahore from India on Thursday to perform religious rituals at the Katas Raj temples in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Katas Raj Temples, also known as Qila Katas, is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to one another by walkways. The temple complex surrounds a pond named Katas, regarded as sacred by Hindus.

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The Hindu delegation led by Vijay Kumar Sharma arrived here via the Wagah border crossing. It was warmly received by Additional Secretary (Shrines) Saifullah Khokhar and Pakistan Hindu Temple Management Committee President Krishna Sharma.

"Some 71 Hindus arrived here on Thursday to attend festivities at Katas Raj temples. The pilgrims will travel from Lahore to Katas Raj temples in Chakwal, some 300kms from Lahore, via special buses amid high security on Friday," Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) spokesperson Ghulam Mohayuddin told PTI.

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On December 21, the pilgrims will perform religious rituals, including Bhanu Saptami, at the temple, joined by several Pakistani Hindus. Evening ceremonies will include the traditional lighting of lamps (Deep Mala).

The seven-day pilgrimage will conclude on December 25 and the delegation will return to their home land same day.

Talking to reporters at Wagah, Sharma expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted that their visit promotes peace and love. He appreciated the arrangements made by the ETPB.

Additional Secretary (Shrines) Saifullah Khokhar said that under the directives of ETPB Chairman Syed Ataur Rehman, comprehensive arrangements, including security, accommodation and transport, have been made for the Hindu pilgrims.

Krishna Sharma, President of the Pakistan Hindu Temple Management Committee, emphasized that Hindu places of worship in Pakistan are safe, and the ETPB continues to oversee their renovation and maintenance.

The ETPB early this month inaugurated a residential complex built for Hindu pilgrims at the Katas Raj temples.

According to the ETPB, a 36-room residential building next to the Katas Raj temples has been constructed at a cost of PKR190 million.

"It has been ensured that Hindu pilgrims coming from all over the world, including India, can stay here with all facilities," Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain said at the inaugural ceremony.

He said in addition to improved facilities, 6,000 plants of different species have been planted for the health of the temple's environment and conservation of the heritage has been ensured with modern infrastructure and environmental awareness.

He further said the ETPB has installed a 40-KW solar system and spacious parking facilities at the Katas Raj temples so that Hindu pilgrims and tourists from Pakistan and around the world can enjoy complete facilities.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
London, December 19: It's a photo that sent a tremor through British politics: Elon Musk flanked by British politician Nigel Farage and a wealthy backer, in front of a gilt-framed painting of a young Donald Trump. Taken this week at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, the image suggested that Musk, a key player in the incoming US administration, could soon turn his disruptive attention to the UK.

Farage, Trump's highest-profile British champion, confirmed talks are underway about Musk making a hefty donation to Farage's party Reform UK. The Times of London reported it could be as much as $100 million, which would be far and away the largest political donation in UK history. The reports have sparked calls for Britain's rules on political donations to be tightened  quickly. Elon Musk Net Worth Nears USD 500 Billion Mark as His Wealth Sees Significant Growth in 2024, Here's Why.

"We did discuss money," Farage told broadcaster GB News after the meeting with Musk. That's a negotiation we will go back and have again. He is not against giving us money. He hasn't fully decided whether he will. Britain has strict limits on how much political parties can spend on elections, but they can accept unlimited donations, as long as the donors are UK voters or companies registered in Britain. Musk's social network X has a British arm, Twitter UK Ltd., with a registered address in London.

Critics say that is a loophole that allows foreign influence in UK politics. The voting watchdog, the Electoral Commission, is calling for changes including limiting the amount a company can donate, so that it can't put in more money than it earns in Britain. "It's crucial that U.K. voters have trust in the financing of our political system, the commission's chief executive Vijay Rangarajan told The Guardian. The system needs strengthening, and we have been calling for changes to the law since 2013, to protect the electoral system from foreign interference. Elon Musk Strikes Back at UK Government for Not Inviting Him to International Investment Summit, Says No One Should Go There.

Britain's center-left Labour Party pledged during the summer election campaign to tighten the rules on political donations, though legislation is not scheduled in the coming year. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesman Dave Pares said Wednesday that work is already underway to reinforce existing safeguards against impermissible proxy donations. Both the Labour government and the right-of-center opposition Conservatives are trying to figure out how to deal with Musk, who has taken a keen interest in the UK  and seemingly formed a strong dislike for Starmer.

Musk often posts on X about the UK, retweeting criticism of Starmer and the hashtag TwoTierKeir  shorthand for an unsubstantiated claim that Britain has two-tier policing, with far-right protesters treated more harshly than pro-Palestinian or Black Lives Matter demonstrators. Musk has compared British attempts to weed out online misinformation to the Soviet Union, and during summer anti-immigrant violence across the U.K. tweeted that civil war is inevitable.

Farage has echoed some of those themes in his own social media output and his party's anti-woke agenda, which includes pledges to slash immigration, scrap green-energy targets and leave the European Convention on Human Rights. Founded in 2021, Reform UK is the latest in a string of small hard-right parties led by Farage that have had limited electoral success, but an outsized influence on British politics. Farage's opposition to the European Union helped push the country toward voting in 2016 to leave the bloc, a seismic political and economic break with the U.K.'s nearest neighbors.

Reform UK won just five of the 650 seats in the House of Commons in July's election, but came second in dozens more and secured 14% of the vote. Now it is pushing for fast growth, trying to professionalize its previously ramshackle organization and holding gatherings around the UK to recruit new members. Farage, a strong communicator who has embraced TikTok and other platforms, aims to emulate Trump's success in using the power of personality and social media to reach the bro vote  young men who are traditionally less likely to turn out at election time. Farage told GB News that Musk has already given me considerable help  understanding the process from start to finish, reaching disaffected communities who frankly feel there's no point voting for anybody.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tel Aviv [Israel], December 19 (ANI): The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has announced that Israeli fighters jets struck Houthi targets in Yemen after the rebel group carried out repeated missile and drone attacks on Israel, The Times of Israel reported.

The IDF said that the targets struck by fighters jets were "used by Houthi forces for their military operations." The Israeli military said, "Attacking these targets harms the terrorist authorities by preventing the exploitation of infrastructure for military and terror purposes, including transferring Iranian weaponry to the region."

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According to the IDF statement, the Houthis "with Iran's guidance and funding" have acted together with Iran-backed militias over the past year to target Israel, "undermine regional stability and disrupt global shipping."

The IDF said that it is determined to continue acting and striking "whoever threatens citizens of the State of Israel, at any distance required.

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Following the overnight Israeli strikes in Yemen, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a warning to Houthi leaders, The Times of Israel reported.

He said, "The long arm of Israel will reach you." Katz said, "Whoever lifts a hand will have it severed. Whoever strikes [us], will be struck many times over."

Meanwhile, IDF chief spokesperson Daniel Hagari said that "ports and energy infrastructure" were among the targets hit in the "precise strikes" in the rebel-held capital of Sanaa that the Houthis used for "their military actions," according to The Times of Israel report.

In an English-language video statement, Hagari said, "With their attacks on international shipping vessels and routes in the Red Sea and other places, the Houthis have become a global threat. Who is behind the Houthis? Iran," while vowing the military "will act against anyone in the Middle East" who threatens Israel.

While sharing the video statement of Hagari on X, IDF stated, "IAF fighter jets struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and in inland Yemen. Over the past year, the Houthi terrorist regime has been operating with the direction and funding of Iran, and in cooperation with Iraqi militias in order to attack the State of Israel and Israeli civilians."

"The conducted strikes degrade the Houthi terrorist regime, preventing it from exploiting the targets for military and terrorist purposes, including the smuggling of Iranian weapons to the region. The IDF is determined to continue operating against all threats posed to the citizens of the State of Israel, wherever necessary."

https://x.com/IDF/status/1869586928166666699

Earlier, the IDF said that the air defences shot down the missile fired from Yemen, which it said never entered Israeli airspace, the report said. The Israeli military said that the sirens were triggered due to concerns that falling shrapnel from the interception could cause injuries. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Milan, Dec 19 (AP) Italy's deputy premier Matteo Salvini has sounded defiant ahead of Friday's court verdict in Sicily for blocking some 100 migrants at sea on a humanitarian rescue boat in 2019 when he was interior minister.

Salvini, who leads the Euroskeptic, anti-migrant League, told a rally last week that defending the borders, the dignity, the laws, the honour of a country cannot ever be a crime.

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He has vowed to enter the court in Palermo with his head held high to hear a court's verdict on whether he is guilty of illegally detaining the migrants aboard the Open Arms rescue ship in Italy's southernmost island of Lampedusa for five days in August 2019. He is also charged with failing to fulfill his public duties.

Prosecutors have demanded a six-year jail sentence. A sentence of over five years would also automatically bar him from office. Whatever Friday's sentencing, it won't have immediate effect as verdicts in Italy are only considered final once two levels of appeals are exhausted, a process that can take years. He has already said he won't resign.

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In August 2019, Open Arms approached Italy with 150 migrants rescued at sea, some in the Maltese rescue area, with Lampedusa the closest port. They spent 10 days in international waters and another five days within sight of Lampedusa, with those onboard growing increasingly agitated amid deteriorating hygienic conditions. Some migrants threw themselves overboard, and minors were evacuated during the stand-off.

Eventually, a court ordered the remaining 89 people onboard to be allowed to disembark in Lampedusa.

Open Arms' Italian lawyer, Arturo Salerni, dismissed Salvini's claim that he was defending Italy's borders, saying it was his duty as a public official to protect the human rights of people on board.

The supreme duty, especially of those who belong to governments, is to defend international laws and conventions, and people's rights,' said Salerni, who is representing Open Arms as an injured party in the trial. It cannot be that the interior minister ... can deprive anyone of freedom."

The Open Arms standoff was just one of more than 20 during Salvini's hardline stand against migration when he was interior minister from 2018-2019 during the first government of former Premier Giuseppe Conte. He closed Italian ports to humanitarian rescue ships and accused the groups that rescued migrants at sea of effectively encouraging smugglers.

In another incident, a German captain, Carola Rackete, entered the Lampedusa port in June 2019 against Salvini's orders after declaring a state of emergency on her boat, the Sea-Watch 3, which had been carrying 40 rescued people for some 16 days. She was soon arrested. Italy eventually dropped charges of aiding illegal migration against her.

Now transport minister in Premier Giorgia Meloni's far-right-led government, Salvini has the support of the premier and other ministers in the Palermo trial. He also has won the solidarity of anti-migrant lawmakers from across Europe, who appeared with him recently in Brussels wearing T-shirts with his face that read Guilty for having defended Italy.

Since taking power in 2022, Meloni has moved to crack down on migration, striking deals with northern African nations in a bid to prevent departures while also setting up still-dormant centers in Albania aimed to vet migrants rescued at sea in the non-EU country without setting foot in Italy.

"Salvini gets the solidarity of the entire government,' Meloni told the Italian Senate on Wednesday, to a standing ovation from right-wing lawmakers. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Pristina (Kosovo), Dec 19 (AP) Kosovo's population has shrunk to 1.6 million from 1.74 million 13 years ago, the results of a census showed on Thursday.

According to the second census conducted in post-independence Kosovo earlier this year, the minority Serbs in the four northern municipalities where most live - Leposavic, Zvecan, Zubin Potok and North Mitrovica - totalled 36,652 or 2.31 per cent of the population.

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The Statistics Agency said Serbs boycotted the census to a considerable extent" following calls by Serb political parties to do so. The agency estimated the overall Serb population at around 53,000, more than double the number the initial 2011 census found.

Kosovo's average age is just shy of 35, the second youngest in Europe. The average age in the 2011 census was nearly 30.

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The census also showed that the 1998-1999 war resulted in 11,417 dead and 1,047 missing. Material damage was estimated at 5 billion euros (USD 5.2 billion).

The census registered 93.49 per cent of the population as Muslim, 2.31 per cent as Orthodox and 1.75 per cent as Catholic.

The census results make up the basis to draft policies on the citizens' real needs, said Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

Kosovo was a former Serbian province until a 78-day NATO bombing campaign in 1999 ended a war between Serbian government forces and ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo and pushed Serbian forces out. Belgrade does not recognise Kosovo's 2008 independence.

Kosovo-Serbia relations remain tense despite efforts by the international community to normalise them. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, Dec 19 (AP) The Senate passed a defence bill on Wednesday that authorises significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members, aims to counter China's growing power and boosts overall military spending to USD 895 billion while also stripping coverage of transgender medical treatments for children of military members.

The annual defence authorisation bill usually gains strong bipartisan support and has not failed to pass Congress in nearly six decades, but the Pentagon policy measure in recent years has become a battleground for cultural issues. Republicans this year sought to tack on to the legislation priorities for social conservatives, contributing to a months-long negotiation over the bill and a falloff in support from Democrats.

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Still, the bill passed comfortably 85-14, sending it to President Joe Biden. Eleven senators who caucus with Democrats, as well as three Republicans, voted against the legislation.

The bill "isn't perfect, but it still includes some very good things that Democrats fought for", said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, in a floor speech. "It has strong provisions to stand up against the Chinese Communist Party here on a national security basis."

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In the House, a majority of Democrats voted against the bill last week after House Speaker Mike Johnson insisted on adding the provision to ban the military health system from providing transgender medical care for children. The legislation easily passed by a vote of 281-140.

Senate Republican leaders argued that its 1 per cent increase for defence spending was not enough, especially at a time of global unrest and challenges to American dominance. Senate Republicans had argued for a generational boost to defence spending this year, but are planning another push for more defence funding once they control the White House and Congress next year.

"We are currently experiencing the most dangerous national security moments since World War II," said Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who will chair the Senate Armed Services Committee next year. He has pushed for larger boosts to defence funding that would break spending caps that were agreed to in the bipartisan deal to suspend the nation's debt ceiling last year.

The annual defence authorisation bill directs key Pentagon policy, but it would still need to be backed up with an appropriations package.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said in a floor speech this week that without the topline increase, "major bill provisions like a pay raise for enlisted service members will come at the expense of investments in the critical weapons systems and munitions that deter conflict and keep them safe".

The legislation provides for a 14.5 per cent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5 per cent increase for others. Lawmakers said those were key to improving the quality of life of service members at a time when many military families rely on food banks and other government assistance programmes to make ends meet.

"It includes major quality of life improvements, enhancing things like childcare, housing, medical services, employment support for military spouses and much more," said Senator Jack Reed, D-RI, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The legislation also directs resources towards a more confrontational approach to China, including establishing a fund that could be used to send military resources to Taiwan in much the same way that the US has backed Ukraine. It also invests in new military technologies, including artificial intelligence, and bolsters the US production of ammunition.

The US has also moved in recent years to ban the military from purchasing Chinese products, and the defence bill extended that with prohibitions on Chinese goods from garlic in military commissaries to drone technology.

The Chinese foreign ministry responded to that move last week by calling the bans laughable.

"I do not think it could ever occur to garlic that it would pose a major threat to the US," said Mao Ning, a ministry spokeswoman. "From drones to cranes, from refrigerators to garlic, more and more Chinese-made products have been accused by the US of posing national security risks. But has the US shown any reliable evidence or rationale to back up those accusations?"

But in Congress, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been mostly united in their stance that China is a rising threat. Instead, it was culture war issues that divided lawmakers on the bill, which took months to negotiate.

The Republican-controlled House had passed a version of the bill in June that would have banned the Defence Department's policy of reimbursing costs for service members who travel to another state for an abortion, ended gender affirming care for transgender troops and weeded out diversity initiatives in the military.

Most of those provisions did not make it into the final package, though Republicans are expecting Donald Trump to make sweeping changes to Pentagon policy when he enters office in January.

The bill also still prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in "sterilisation". (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai, December 19: The second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) has been launched by the Central Government with the goal of providing affordable housing to economically disadvantaged families in urban areas. Approved by the Union Cabinet on August 9, 2024, the scheme aims to construct 1 lakh new houses over the next five years. Each unit will receive a financial subsidy of INR 2.5 lakh to ensure accessibility for low- and middle-income groups.

The initiative is set to bridge the housing gap for millions of urban residents. The second phase of PMAY-U 2.0 continues the mission of inclusive urban development, focusing on marginalised sections of society such as slum dwellers, SC/STs, minorities, and people with disabilities. Through four key verticals: Beneficiary-Led Construction, Affordable Housing in Partnership, Affordable Rental Housing, and Interest Subsidy Scheme - the scheme offers varied avenues for beneficiaries. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Says 10 Lakh PMAY-G Beneficiaries in Jharkhand, Gujarat, Odisha To Get Sanction Letters, 1st Installment Under the Rural Housing Scheme Next Week.

Who Is Eligible for PMAY 2.0?

To be eligible for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0), applicants must belong to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low-Income Group (LIG), or Middle-Income Group (MIG) categories, with annual incomes of up to INR 3 lakh, INR 6 lakh, and INR 9 lakh, respectively. Additionally, applicants must not own a pucca house anywhere in the country. The scheme is open to urban families, including slum dwellers, minorities, SC/STs, women, persons with disabilities, and other underprivileged groups. Those who have already benefited from any government housing scheme in the last 20 years are not eligible to apply. PM Awas Yojana: PM Narendra Modi To Release First Installment to PMAY Beneficiaries in Jharkhand on September 15.

How To Apply for New House Online Under PMAY 2.0

Visit the Official PMAY-U Portal: Go to the official PMAY-U website at pmay-urban.gov.in. Select 'Apply for PMAY-U 2.0': On the homepage, click on the "Apply for PMAY-U 2.0" option. Check Eligibility: Enter your annual income details and other personal information to verify if you meet the eligibility criteria. Enter Aadhaar Details: Provide your Aadhaar number and validate the details as per the Aadhaar card. Submit Required Documents: Upload necessary documents, including income proof, caste/community certificates (if applicable), and land documents (for Beneficiary Led Construction). Fill in Address and Other Details: Complete the application by entering your address and other required information accurately. Review and Submit: Carefully review the entered details and submit the application. Confirmation: After successful submission, a confirmation message will be displayed, and you will be informed about the status of your application.PMAY-U 2.0 offers a significant opportunity for eligible urban families to secure affordable housing with government assistance. By focusing on economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and marginalised communities, the scheme aims to address the growing housing needs in urban areas. With a straightforward online application process and clear eligibility criteria, PMAY-U 2.0 is set to make homeownership a reality for many.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 19, 2024 12:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Srinagar, December 19: The longest surviving terrorist of the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit was among the 5 terrorists killed on Thursday in a fierce gunfight with the joint security forces in J&Ks Kulgam district, officials said. Farooq Nali, the longest surviving HM terrorist, was killed today along with four others of the same outfit in a fierce encounter with the joint forces in Kadder village of Behibagh area in Kulgam district. The other four slain terrorists have been identified as Mushtaq Itoo, Irfan Lone, Adil Hajam, and Yasir Javed Bhat. Five AK-47 rifles have been recovered from the slain terrorists," an official said.

This is the largest number of terrorists killed in a single operation by the security forces in J&K in 2024. "Joint forces including 34 Rashtriya Rifles, police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) started a CASO (Cordon & Search Operation) in Kadder village after receiving information about a group of terrorists hiding inside the village. As the joint forces closed on the hiding terrorists, the terrorists fired triggering an encounter in which five terrorists were killed and two soldiers injured," the official said. Kulgam Encounter: 5 Terrorists Killed, 2 Army Soldiers Injured in Gunfight Between Security Forces and Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir (Watch Videos).

Security forces say that the killing of five terrorists in Kulgam is a major success for the joint forces in their relentless pursuit to dismantle the terror ecosystem in J&K. Security forces have started an aggressive campaign against terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs), and sympathisers in order to dismantle the terror ecosystem. Properties worth multiples of crores belonging to drug smugglers and peddlers have been attached in Kashmir Valley after obtaining requisite orders from the competent authority.

Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha has been chairing high-level security meetings and has given clear orders to the security forces to go all-out against the terror ecosystem. Union Home Minister, Amit Shah is chairing a top-level security review meeting regarding J&K in Delhi on Thursday. Chiefs of intelligence agencies, police, CAPFs and others connected with the anti-terrorist grid in J&K will attend the meeting. Kulgam Encounter: Gunfight Breaks Out Between Security Forces and Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Kadder Area (Watch Video).

Security forces revised their strategy after terrorists carried out some dastardly attacks in the aftermath of peaceful people-participative Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in J&K. These elections were witnessed by diplomats of many countries and this, according to intelligence agencies, has frustrated the terror handlers sitting across the border in Pakistan.

Intelligence inputs indicate that the terror handlers have given directions to terrorists in J&K to give the dying terrorism its last push. Heightened vigilance is also being maintained at the border in J&K following reports that terrorists are waiting at the launching pads to sneak into the Indian side of the border before the mountain passes are closed by this seasons snowfall.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 19, 2024 06:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Thane, December 19: A 29-year-old newly married man from Maharashtra's Thane district suffered injuries after his father-in-law flung acid at him following a dispute over his honeymoon destination, an official said on Thursday.

The son-in-law, Ibad Atik Falke, is admitted to a hospital, while accused Jaki Gulam Murtaza Khotal (65) is on the run, said senior inspector SR Gaud of the Bazarpeth police station in the Kalyan area. Acid Attack in Mumbai: 34-Year-Old Man Arrested for Attacking Wife With Acid in Malad After She Learns About His Extra Martial Affair.

According to the FIR, Falke recently married Khotal's daughter. He wanted to visit Kashmir for his honeymoon, but his father-in-law wanted the couple to travel to a religious place abroad. This had led to a dispute between the two, the official said.

On Wednesday night, Falke returned home and parked his vehicle near a road. Khotal, who was waiting for him in his car, rushed towards Falke and allegedly threw acid on him, injuring his face and body, the police said. Navi Mumbai Shocker: 28-Year-Old Woman Injured in Acid Attack After Argument; Husband Booked.

Khotal wanted to end his daughter's marriage with Falke. He is currently absconding and we are trying to track him down, the official said. Khotal has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 124-1 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid), 351-3 (criminal intimidation) and other charges, he added.
The search for two missing individuals, including a man and a boy, continues on December 19, following the tragic ferry accident off the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have intensified search operations, deploying eight naval craft, a helicopter, and an ICG vessel in the Arabian Sea. The ferry, which was en route to Elephanta Island, overturned after colliding with an Indian Navy boat on December 18. In response, the Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident. Navy officials are working closely with local police and other agencies to determine the next steps in the ongoing search efforts. Mumbai Boat Accident: 4 Onboard Navy Speed Boat That Crashed Into Passenger Ferry Near Gateway of India Killed, 1 Critical; 8 Naval Crafts Engage in Search Ops.

Two Still Missing After Mumbai Ferry Collision, Search Underway

Two persons including a man and a boy are still missing in the Mumbai ferry accident and search operations are still on by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. 8 naval craft and 1 helicopter along with one ICG vessel are deployed in the area. The Indian Navy has ordered a Board of pic.twitter.com/c93h7q86yZ  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
A tragic stampede at a school fair in Nigeria's Ibadan has led to the deaths of 35 children and left six others seriously injured, according to police reports on Thursday, December 19. The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Basorun Islamic High School in Nigeria's third-largest city, Ibadan, which is part of Oyo State. Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso confirmed that eight individuals had been arrested in connection with the stampede, including the main sponsor of the event. The fair was organised by the Wings Foundation and Agidigbo FM radio. Nigeria Stampede: Several Children Killed During Stampede at Holiday Fair Event in Basorun, Oyo State Governor Says (Watch Video).

35 Children Killed, 6 Injured in Nigeria Fair Stampede

BREAKING - 35 children killed, 6 injured in Nigeria fair stampede: police https://t.co/InuYRXlFLt pic.twitter.com/lfB76WKkwd  Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) December 19, 2024

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
Days after a Russia Military General was assassinated in Moscow, a lawmaker was shot dead and another wounded on Thursday in a shooting inside the parliament of the Russia-backed breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia. The deputy Vakhtang Golandzia was shot at inside the parliament of Abkhazia. He was taken to a hospital but was declared dead. Another lawmaker, Kan Kvarchia, sustained injuries in the shooting incident. More details are awaited. Igor Kirillov Assassinated: Leader of Russias Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense Forces Killed by Bomb Planted in Electric Scooter, Say Reports; Videos and Pics Emerge.

Vakhtang Golandzia Killed

BREAKING: Lawmaker shot dead in parliament of Russia-backed breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia  Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) December 19, 2024

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
On Monday morning, shots rang out at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wi. leaving one student, a teacher, and the shooter dead with multiple others injured. While school shootings have become all too common in the U.S. one fact sets this one apart: the shooter was a woman.

Fifteen-year-old Natalie Rupnow, found dead on the scene, joins a short list of female shooters who inflict mass violence and who target schools.

Ninety-five percent of mass shootings are committed by men,James Alan Fox, a Northeastern University criminologist, told Northeastern Global News. The overall majority of violent crimes  particularly homicide and gun homicide  are committed by men.

According to the Mass Killings Database, which breaks down data on mass killings in the U.S., since 2000 there have been 349 homicides in American K-12 schools. Of those shooters, only 12 of them are female, and only nine were girls under the age of 18.

In part, Fox says a major distinction that may contribute to the vast margin in statistics is how these genders approach violence. For one, many of the cases involving female perpetrators involve family.

Women tend to use violence as a self-defense mechanism to deal with threats that they feel against them, Fox told Northeastern Global News. Men oftentimes use violence as an offensive weapon  to establish control.

Additionally, NPR has reported over the years that many experts believe that there are more male mass shooters than women because men are more likely to place blame outwards, rather than on themselves, which could translate to anger and hostility.

Some research supports the idea that males are more likely than females to develop negative attributions of blame that are external in nature, that is: The cause of my problems is someone else or some force outside of me, former director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska, Omaha Candice Batton, told NPR in 2013.

While a teenage girl inflicting mass violence at her school is rare, the circumstances surrounding this case fall in line with a pattern evident in other instances of school shootings.

If we step back, we see the same story repeated again and again. A student insider. In crisis. Suicidal. With access to a gun, Violence Project Research Center Co-Founder James Densley told KTSP.

According to Densley, over 90% of school mass shooters show clear signs of a crisis leading up to the shooting, and just as many leak their plans ahead of time.

The Violence Projects research has uncovered a common pathway to violence among school shooters, revealing that 73% had a known history of childhood trauma and 92% were suicidal prior to or during the shooting. Additionally, in most cases, access to weapons came through family or friends, with 58% of school shooters obtaining firearms from someone they knew who hadnt secured them properly. These patterns persist regardless of the shooters gender, suggesting that while female perpetrators may be rare, the underlying factors that lead to school shootings remain consistent.

On Wednesday, CNN reported authorities were investigating the authenticity of a document circulated online which is being pegged as the shooters manifesto. Additionally, her social media is being investigated for interest in neo-Nazi ideology and involvement in online forums revering mass shooters.
Irish Rail have announced an amended service timetable for this Christmas season, with Laois stations Portarlington, Ballybrophy and Portlaoise expected to be affected.

Take a look at the amended Irish Rail services for this Christmas period:

Christmas Eve

From December 19 to January 6 2025, commuters are advised to be aware of an amended timetable.

Last service from Portlaoise to Dublin Heuston- 19:25

Last service from Dublin Heuston to Portlaoise- 19:45

Cork Commuter will operate a normal Saturday service until 21:00 hrs approx.

Christmas Day and St Stephen's' Day

There will be no train services operating on any routes.

Friday December 27

There will be a revised service on the Portlaoise Commuter route, with passengers asked to check times before travel.

Saturday service on Cork Commuter routes.

No service on Phoenix Park Tunnel (Grand Canal Dock/Hazelhatch to Newbridge) route.

Saturday December 28

Normal Saturday InterCity service but with cancellations and alterations on certain routes.

Normal Saturday service on Cork Commuter routes.

Normal Saturday service on Portlaoise Commuter route.

Due to Engineering Works between Dublin Connolly and Grand Canal Dock, Rosslare services will operate as bus transfers between Dublin Connolly and Bray. Trains will operate between Bray and Rosslare only.

Sunday December 29

Normal Sunday InterCity service but with cancellations and alterations on certain routes.

Revised Sunday service on DART and Commuter routes, with the following alterations due to Engineering Works between Dublin Connolly and Grand Canal Dock, check times before travel.

Normal Sunday service on Cork Commuter routes.

Normal Sunday service on Portlaoise Commuter route.

Monday December 30

Revised and reduced InterCity services, check times before travel.

Saturday service on Cork Commuter routes.

Revised service on Portlaoise Commuter route, check times before travel.

No service on Phoenix Park Tunnel (Grand Canal Dock/Hazelhatch to Newbridge) route.

Revised Saturday service on DART and Commuter routes, with the following alterations due to Engineering Works between Dublin Connolly and Grand Canal Dock, check times before travel.

Tuesday December 31 (New Year's Eve)

Weekday InterCity service but with cancellations and alterations on certain routes, with last services between 18:00hrs and 20:30hrs approx.

Last services from Dublin Heuston to Portlaoise- 19:45.

Last services from Portlaoise to Dublin Heuston - 19:25.

No service on Phoenix Park Tunnel (Grand Canal Dock/Hazelhatch to Newbridge) route.

Cork Commuter will operate a normal Saturday service until 21:00 hrs approx.

Additional late-night services will operate after Dublin New Years Eve events.

Please note for southside DART, these services will depart from Pearse Station.

All other routes will depart from Connolly Station. Tara Street Station will not be open.

01:35 and 02:35 from Dublin Connolly serving all stations to Howth

01:30 and 02:30 from Dublin Pearse serving all stations to Greystones

01:50 and 02:55 from Dublin Connolly, serving all stations from Howth Junction to Dundalk

01:25 and 03:00 from Dublin Connolly serving all stations to Maynooth

00:50 and 02:50 from Dublin Connolly serving Drumcondra, and all stations from ParkWest to Kildare.

Wednesday January 1, 2025 (New Year's Day)

Revised and reduced InterCity services, check times before travel.

Sunday service on Cork Commuter routes.

Sunday service on Portlaoise Commuter route.

No service on Phoenix Park Tunnel (Grand Canal Dock/Hazelhatch to Newbridge) route.

Thursday January 2 & Friday January 3, 2025

Normal weekday service on InterCity services to/from Heuston Station.

Normal weekday service Portlaoise Commuter route.

Normal weekday service on Cork Commuter routes.

Docklands Station will be closed .

Northside DART services will operate between Dublin Connolly and Howth/Malahide only.

Southside DART services will operate between Dublin Pearse and Bray/Greystones only until 18:00 approx., after which services will operate between Grand Canal Dock and Bray/Greystones only.

Northern Commuter services will operate between Dundalk/Drogheda and Dublin Connolly only.

Maynooth Commuter services will operate between Maynooth and Dublin Connolly only.

M3 Parkway Commuter services will operate between M3 Parkway and Clonsilla only. Customers can connect with Maynooth Commuter services for travel to/from Dublin Connolly.

Customers are advised to please check times before travel.

Reduced service on Phoenix Park Tunnel (Grand Canal Dock/Hazelhatch and Newbridge) route due to Engineering Works between Dublin Connolly and Grand Canal Dock. Services will operate to/from Dublin Connolly only. Customers are advised to please check times before travel.

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Normal Saturday InterCity service on all routes, except Dublin/Rosslare.

Normal Saturday service on Cork Commuter routes.

Normal Saturday service on Portlaoise Commuter route.

Due to Engineering Works between Dublin Connolly and Grand Canal Dock, Rosslare services will operate as bus transfers between Dublin Connolly and Bray. Trains will operate between Bray and Rosslare only.

Revised Saturday service on DART and Dublin Commuter routes, with the following alterations due to Engineering Works between Dublin Connolly and Grand Canal Dock, check times before travel:

Northside DART services will operate between Dublin Connolly and Howth/Malahide only.

Southside DART services will operate between Grand Canal Dock and Bray/Greystones only.

Sunday January 5, 2025

Normal Sunday InterCity service on all routes, except Dublin/Rosslare:

Due to Engineering Works between Dublin Connolly and Grand Canal Dock, Rosslare services will operate as bus transfers between Dublin Connolly and Bray. Trains will operate between Bray and Rosslare only.

Normal Sunday service on Cork Commuter routes.

Normal Sunday service on Portlaoise Commuter route.

Revised Sunday service on DART and Dublin Commuter routes, with the following alterations due to Engineering Works between Dublin Connolly and Grand Canal Dock, check times before travel:

Northside DART services will operate between Dublin Connolly and Howth/Malahide only.

Southside DART services will operate between Grand Canal Dock and Bray/Greystones only.

Monday January 6, 2025

Normal service on all routes.

For more information on alternative times, see here.
Gardai have announced that an 'imminent threat to life attack' was prevented in West Dublin on Tuesday December 17, which resulted in the subsequent search of two cells at Portlaoise Prison.

Gardai from the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) units, along with the Garda National Crime & Security Intelligence Service (GNCSIS) conducted an operation as part of an intelligence-led investigation, with assistance from regular unit members in Dublin.

Follow-up searches were conducted at 18 locations in the Dublin area, along with two cells at Portlaoise Prison.

In excess of 300 members of An Garda Siochana were deployed in the course of the operation.

Shortly after 8:00pm on December 17, a vehicle was intercepted by a tactical team from the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) on Rowlagh Avenue in Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a semi-automatic Glock pistol along with a number of rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Pictured: The weapon and ammunition seized by Gardai.

Two males, aged in their 30s & 40s, were arrested at the scene pursuant to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and are currently detained at a Garda station in the DMR under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

"The intervention by members of An Garda Siochana in West Dublin on the evening of 17th December 2024 has again resulted in the removal of a lethal firearm and ammunition from circulation," said Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis, head of Organised & Serious Crime.

"An Garda Siochana believes the firearm was intended for use in the commission of murder(s). I wish to acknowledge the members of An Garda Siochana involved in the operation for their professionalism in bringing this operation to a successful conclusion.

"An Garda Siochana will continue to prioritise targeting those that are the most violent and cause the most harm in communities," the Assistant Commissioner finished.

The firearm and ammunition seized will be forwarded to the Ballistics section of the Garda Technical Bureau to undergo analysis.

Investigations are ongoing.
There may be a little less pressure on prison officers in Laois managing two bulging jails in Poartlaoise with confirmation from the Irish Prison Service (IPS) of its 2024 temporary release programme for Christmas.

The IPS said on December 19 that total of 138 prisoners will be granted varying periods of temporary release this Christmas under the Criminal Justice Act 1960.

The number, which is almost the same as 2023, may relieve jails in Laois and Ireland which are bulging with prisoners a fact highlighted by the IPS in its recent annual report.

IPS data shows that Portlaoise Prison had 240 inmates on the day before the temporary release announcement. The daily prisoner population figures show that's 5% above its 229 prison capacity.

Overcrowding is worse next door in the medium-security but much bigger Midlands Prison. There were 983 prisoners serving time in the jail on December 18 which is 12% above its capacity for 875 prisoners.

The worsening situation faced by staff responsible for running the jails is revealed in IPS data for December 2023. Both jails were overcrowded but not by as much as in 2024.

There were 5,052 people locked up in Irish jails on December 18 which is 12% above the 4,534 bed capacity in prisons.

In relation to the prisoners being released this Christmas, the IPS said the following. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

PICTURED: Portlaoise Prison.

"Many of the prisoners being released are nearing the end of their sentences and the overriding concern when considering the applications is the safety of the public. In addition to compassionate and humane considerations, other criteria taken into account include the nature and gravity of the offence, length of sentence served to date, prior record on temporary release, behaviour while in custody and previous criminal history.

"The periods of release vary from a few hours up to 7 nights. All releases are subject to stringent conditions and any offender who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by the Gardai.

"The sensitivities of victims are an issue that has also been taken into account. Additional specific conditions will also apply in relation to victim cases.

"Furthermore all registered victims with the Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service will be informed in the cases where prisoners are receiving Christmas Temporary Release.

The numbers released on Christmas TR for the previous five years is outlined below:

2019 - 113

2020* - 37

2021* - 70

2022 - 129

2023 - 139

2024 - 138

*Numbers affected by Covid-related conditions

Many of the prisoners being released are nearing the end of their sentences and the overriding concern when considering the applications is the safety of the public. In addition to compassionate and humane considerations, other criteria taken into account include the nature and gravity of the offence, length of sentence served to date, prior record on temporary release, behaviour while in custody and previous criminal history.

The periods of release vary from a few hours up to 7 nights. All releases are subject to stringent conditions and any offender who breaks these conditions may be arrested and returned immediately to prison by the Gardai.

The sensitivities of victims are an issue that has also been taken into account. Additional specific conditions will also apply in relation to victim cases.

Furthermore all registered victims with the Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service will be informed in the cases where prisoners are receiving Christmas Temporary Release.
The canal bank at Viccarstown is like a lunar landscape as the greenery is being cut back and burnt off, a councillor has claimed.

Fine Gael Cllr Vivienne Phelan said the greenery along the canal is getting less and less at a time when the council should be supporting the all island pollinator plan to help bees and butterflies.

She tabled a motion asking that this Council write to Waterways Ireland to ask that in the interest of biodiversity, they desist from excessive cutting and spraying of vegetation around the canal in Vicarstown.

Cllr Phelan was shocked to see the amount of vegetation which had been cut back or sprayed along the canal.

As far as the eye can see you can just see burnt orange, said Cllr Phelan.

She brought an ecologist down to the canal to view the scene and she said, they agreed it is crazy whats going on.

Cllr Phelan said it is more like a lunar landscape rather than the greenery you would like to see.

In a written response, Senior Engineer, Adrian Barrett, said Waterways Ireland is responsible for the management and maintenance of inland navigable waterways. This responsibility includes the maintenance of including navigation channels, embankments, towpaths, adjoining lands etc..

Should the members agree on the notice of motion, correspondence will issue to Waterways Ireland regarding the same.

Fianna Fail Cllr Paschal McEvoy seconded the motion. I think the motion should be sent to Waterways Ireland, he said.

The issue was discussed at the December meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.
Portlaoise College students Catherine Graham and Isabel O'Leary have been recognised as finalists in the 2024 Poetry Aloud competition. The competition challenges second-level students across the island of Ireland to recite a prescribed poem from memory.

Organised by the National Library of Ireland (NLI) and Poetry Ireland, in partnership with University College Cork, this years competition drew 358 entries from schools across the island. There were 29 finalists in this years competition from across 15 counties, from Antrim to Dublin and Laois. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

PICTURED: Catherine Graham has been recognised as a finalist in the 2024 Poetry Aloud competition.

The competition has been putting poetry to the forefront of students minds since 2007. It has three categories: junior, intermediate, and senior. The prescribed poems for this year were Forecast by Geraldine Mitchell (junior category), Counting the Winter Days by Nithy Kasa (intermediate category), Nocturne by Eavan Boland (senior category). CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

PICTURED: Isabel O'Leary has been recognised as a finalist in the 2024 Poetry Aloud competition.

The late poet Seamus Heaney was a supporter of the Poetry Aloud competition, citing the extraordinary way in which it seeks to celebrate the joy of speaking and listening to poetry, as well valuing the North-South dimension to the all-island event.

Dr Audrey Whitty, Director of the National Library of Ireland, commented: "Poetry Aloud is a powerful celebration of spoken word, which brings young people from across the island of Ireland together to breathe fresh life into the work of Irelands greatest poets. The competition highlights the enduring power of poetry to move, inspire and unite.

Liz Kelly, Director of Poetry Ireland, said: The late Seamus Heaney loved Poetry Aloud, he always said that it brings poetry into the memory and affections of the young in a way that will make it a lifelong possession and value. Poetry Ireland is thrilled to carry on the work of making poetry a lifelong possession for young people through Poetry Aloud 2024.

We are delighted to once again work with colleagues at the National Library of Ireland, UCC and schools all over Ireland. Poetry Ireland is committed to connecting people with poetry and to increasing accessibility for people of all ages and backgrounds.

This years judging panel included Dr Audrey Whitty, Director of the National Library of Ireland, Liz Kelly, Director of Poetry Ireland, and Anne Tannam, Poetry Irelands Poet in Residence.
A husband and wife who were both elected to Dail Eireann are looking forward to working together, describing it as a rare experience.

Colm Brophy, a TD for Dublin South-West, and Maeve OConnell, a TD for Dublin Rathdown, said ahead of the Dails first meeting that they were looking forward to the coming term.

Mr Brophy said it was a very special experience for the both of them.

He added: Obviously, the opportunity to be a husband and wife team in this Dail is a very rare experience. It doesnt happen that often, and were really looking forward to it.

The opportunity to serve as a TD is a very unusual thing. Not many people in the whole country ever get that opportunity. Ive no doubt Maeve will do an absolutely excellent job.

Ms OConnell said it was a very joyous, positive day and said she was looking forward to making a difference to her constituents.

Asked if  with the three-week election campaign, polling day on November 29, and now the Dails return  they had got their Christmas shopping done, Mr Brophy said not a single thing.

Ms OConnell added: And its my birthday in two days time and he just told me this morning he has nothing for me.

Mr Brophy said: Thanks for sharing that. I will  by the 20th  I will have something.

Were actually going to go down to Cork, Maeve is from Cork originally, so were going to spend the 20th down in Cork, and I have to find something  the English Markets getting a visit.
A major Irish travel agency has ceased trading with a warning issued to prospective passengers, according to the Irish Aviation Authority.

Platinum Travel, has who specialised in sun holidays, cruises and honeymoons, has ceased trading with a notice from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) replacing their website homepage on Thursday, December 19.

The notice from the IAA reads: "The Irish Aviation Authority operates consumer protection schemes. You may be covered if you purchased a package from Platinum Travel Limited and this package includes travel departing Ireland. You may also be covered if you bought travel only commencing in Ireland."

Customers with current bookings are advised to check with their airline and with their accommodation provider to see if their tickets and/or accommodation are still valid and have been paid by the travel agent.

"If their airline says they can travel and if you have established their accommodation has been paid for, they can proceed with their travel plans," the IAA says.

READ NEXT: Complaints lodged over Rosanna Davison's 'misleading' Instagram post

"If their airline says they can travel but they have established that their accommodation is not paid for, they can:

a) proceed with their travel plans, pay for their accommodation themselves and then claim a refund of the original cost of their accommodation from the IAA

b) choose not to travel and claim a refund from the IAA," the statement continues.

Furthermore, it advises: "If their accommodation has been paid for but their flights are not valid, they can:

a) proceed with their travel plans, book and pay for their flight themselves and then claim a refund of the original cost of their flight from the IAA

b) choose not to travel and claim a refund from the IAA.

"If their airline says that they do not have a valid ticket and their accommodation is not paid, they cannot proceed with their original travel plans and they can claim their original costs back from the IAA.

What about customers currently abroad?

The IAA says it will be contacting any affected customers as necessary. If they are abroad and would like to speak to one of the IAA's advisors, they should call on +353-1-6031100 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Refund Credit Notes

"If customers were issued with a Refund Credit Note from Platinum Travel Limited, they may be entitled to a refund from the Refund Credit Note scheme, if their booking was a package that included travel, departing Ireland."

How can customers make a claim?

"For customers who bought either travel alone or a travel package commencing in Ireland, a claim form is available here. Customers must submit their claim form within 120 days of the collapse of the business, Friday, April 18, 2025. The IAA will then assess these claims to determine the amount due to the claimant.

"Unfortunately, no other customers are covered by the schemes. If they are one of these customers, we advise them to look at the chargeback policy of their credit card/debit card provider and/or any insurance they may have in place."

Claim forms can be obtained at www.iaa.ie/claim-form
AI Explainability Uncovers Surprising Truth About Jesse James in New Documentary





Jesse James, America's most famous outlaw, escaped justice for decades largely because few people knew what he looked like. Born in Missouri in 1847, James became a notorious figure following the Civil War, leading a gang responsible for numerous bank and train robberies across the American Midwest. The sharp-jawed individual captured in the iconic WANTED poster from the early 1880s became the definitive image of the elusive outlaw. Today, advanced AI-powered facial recognition technology has confirmed that three earlier photos of a suspected youthful James are indeed the same person.

Corsight AI, specializing in facial intelligence technology and working with notable organizations including Essex Police and the Mall of America, examined a collection of historic photos potentially depicting the notorious train and bank robber. Three photos ? one showing a steely-eyed young Confederate guerrilla toting a pistol and wearing a brimmed hat and bow tie; another of a college-aged man wearing a jacket and bow tie; and a third of a poised teenager in an overcoat holding a hat ? generated extremely high confidence levels for a positive match with the famous WANTED poster portrait.

Confidence levels for the candidate photos ranged from 60 to 85. Facial matching of historic figures typically does not exceed confidence levels of 85 due to the technical limitations of 19th-century photography and the aging of the original prints, including "carte de visite," ambrotype, and tintype-style head profiles. Corsight AI's algorithms generated very high probability match scores for the Jesse James headshots in question. However, other pictures previously considered authentic portraits of James were proven not to be his, adding an interesting twist to the story of his later years. The facial comparisons are part of an ongoing research project ? and a future documentary TV series ? investigating James' rumored role as the leader of a Confederate underground movement, the Knights of the Golden Circle, which aimed to spark a second Civil War using hidden caches of gold, silver, and arms.

"We collaborated with Corsight AI to verify the authenticity of several photographs of Jesse James and compare them to each other," said Warren Getler, a Washington-based journalist and co-author of Rebel Gold, a non-fiction book about James and the Knights of the Golden Circle. "Their advanced facial-recognition technology, commonly used in forensic investigations by law enforcement, allowed us to match individuals appearing in photos with reference images. The clear results of the facial recognition analysis we obtained ? confirming the authenticity of some photos previously considered questionable ? have provided new and surprising insights into the story of Jesse James," Getler added.

Rob Watts, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Corsight AI, remarked: "Our technology helps law enforcement and intelligence agencies worldwide identify suspects or missing persons in real time and conduct forensic investigations of photos or videos from crime scenes. As far as I know, this is the first time our recognition technology has been used to identify criminals from the 19th century."

Prof. Yaniskiy Ravid, Visiting Professor at Fordham Law School and Research Fellow at Yale Law School's ISP, Head of the Graduate Law and Technology School, explained: "AI models, including facial recognition algorithms, often operate as a 'black box,' where even the scientists who develop them may not fully understand how or why the AI reached a particular conclusion. Explainability is essential for AI models to provide a human-understandable explanation of how an algorithm arrives at a decision. In the context of facial recognition, this involves clarifying how the algorithm determines whether the faces in two images are identical or different."

Facial recognition, like other AI systems, now needs to be explainable, enabling humans to understand how the algorithm made a certain decision. This is a major step toward improving trust among users, policymakers, and the public while addressing accountability, fairness and transparency concerns. Developing FRT that embeds explainability standards ? by providing detailed insights into its operation and decision-making processes ? may help alleviate strict legal frameworks surrounding the use of facial recognition technologies.

Prof. Yaniskiy Ravid added: "Explainability is also emphasized in key regulatory frameworks, including NIST guidelines and the upcoming ISO 42001 standard, set to take effect in 2025. These standard mandates that any organization using AI must be able to explain how its algorithms reach their conclusions, ensuring greater transparency and accountability."

Matan Noga, VP of Research and Development at Corsight AI, explained: "Using advanced recognition tools, we compared a reference photo, definitively known to be Jesse James, with other images considered original. With Corsight AI's unique and patented explainability module, we can explain why the system identified a high match between certain images and a clear mismatch between others. Explainability is also crucial when using AI-based photo or video analysis as evidence in court."

The conclusive results about the authenticity of some of the photos, previously thought to be originals of Jesse James, shed new light on the story. The documentary is currently in early production, and the surprising findings regarding the identity and history of Jesse James are expected to be revealed when the film is released in 2025.

19 december 2024 at 05:55

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Palleon Pharmaceuticals and Henlius Collaborate to Advance Glycan Editing as a Treatment for Autoimmune Diseases





Palleon Pharmaceuticals, a company pioneering glyco-immunology drug development to treat autoimmune diseases and cancer, today announced a collaboration and license agreement with Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. (2696.HK) to develop and commercialize Palleon's first-in-class human sialidase enzyme therapeutic, E-602, in combination with Henlius' self-developed HANLIKANG (rituximab) in patients with autoimmune diseases, including lupus nephritis (LN).

Depleting B cells with targeted antibodies such as rituximab (anti-CD20 mAb) is an established treatment for several autoimmune diseases, however, many patients have inadequate response to these drugs. Glyco-immunology provides a new approach to treating autoimmunity by enhancing depletion of activated memory B cells, the pathogenic subset of B cells associated with disease progression and often resistant to antibody-mediated depletion. E-602 enzymatically degrades sialoglycans?immunosuppressive cell surface sugars that protect pathogenic memory B cells from depletion by B cell-targeted antibodies.

Preclinical studies of E-602 in combination with rituximab demonstrate improved outcomes versus rituximab alone without the risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) associated with CAR T and T cell engagers. E-602 has demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no dose-limiting toxicities in human clinical trials, which makes it suitable for the outpatient community setting.

"Palleon's glycan editing therapeutic has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes in patients who have autoimmune diseases including lupus nephritis, with a therapy that achieves optimal patient accessibility, including delivery in community outpatient settings," said Jim Broderick, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Palleon. "We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Henlius and expanding glyco-immunology drug development to address a new category of patients in need of better treatment options."

Under the terms of the agreement, Henlius received an exclusive China license to Palleon's E-602. Palleon is eligible to receive up to $95.3 million in certain predetermined development and commercial milestones, in addition to royalties upon E-602 commercialization in China. Henlius shall perform and fund E-602 development in China in combination with HANLIKANG for the treatment of lupus nephritis. This partnership expands upon Palleon and Henlius' ongoing collaboration in oncology formed in June 2022 to co-develop targeted sialidase therapies in cancer.

"We are pleased to expand our collaboration with Palleon Pharmaceuticals, the leader in the novel field of glyco-immunology," said Dr. Jason Zhu, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Henlius. "HANLIKANG is the only rituximab approved for an autoimmune indication in China. We are committed to bringing better therapies to patients who suffer from lupus nephritis and other autoimmune conditions for which current treatment options are not always sufficient."

E-602 is a first-in-class human sialidase enzyme therapeutic developed from Palleon's EAGLE glycan editing platform. HANLIKANG (rituximab) is the first-ever biosimilar developed and approved in China.

About Palleon Pharmaceuticals

Palleon Pharmaceuticals is the leading biotechnology company developing drugs that harness glyco-immunology to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company's proprietary platforms enable new target discovery, patient selection, and the development of novel therapeutics for devastating diseases characterized by immune system dysfunction. The groundbreaking discoveries of Palleon Co-Founder and Nobel laureate Carolyn Bertozzi enabled development of the company's glycan editing therapeutic platform. www.palleonpharma.com

About Henlius

Henlius (2696.HK) is a global biopharmaceutical company with the vision to offer high quality, affordable, and innovative biologic medicines for patients worldwide with a focus on oncology, autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmic diseases. To date, 6 products have been launched in China, 3 have been approved for marketing in overseas markets, 25 indications are approved worldwide, and 4 marketing applications have been accepted for review in China, the U.S. and the EU, respectively. Since its inception in 2010, Henlius has built an integrated biopharmaceutical platform with core capabilities of high efficiency and innovation embedded throughout the whole product life cycle including R&D, manufacturing and commercialization. Henlius has established a global innovation centre and Shanghai-based commercial manufacturing facilities certificated by China, the EU and U.S. GMP.

Henlius has proactively built a diversified and high-quality product pipeline covering over 50 molecules and has continued to explore immuno-oncology combination therapies with proprietary HANSIZHUANG (anti-PD-1 mAb) as the backbone. Apart from the launched products HANLIKANG (rituximab), the first China-developed biosimilar, HANQUYOU (trastuzumab, trade name: HERCESSItm in the U.S., Zercepac in Europe), a China-developed mAb biosimilar approved in China, Europe and the U.S., HANDAYUAN (adalimumab), HANBEITAI (bevacizumab) and HANNAIJIA (neratinib), the innovative product HANSIZHUANG has been approved by the NMPA for the treatment of MSI-H solid tumors, squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC), extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and non-small cell lung cancer (nsNSCLC), making it the world's first anti-PD-1 mAb for the first-line treatment of SCLC. What's more, Henlius has conducted over 30 clinical studies for 16 products, expanding its presence in major markets as well as emerging markets.

19 december 2024 at 06:05

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Nevada Lithium Announces Conditional Approval of TSX Venture Exchange Uplisting





VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. ("Nevada Lithium" or the "Company") (CSE: NVLH; OTCQB: NVLHF; FSE: 87K) is pleased to announce that it has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") for the listing of its common shares (the "Shares") on the TSXV, subject to completion of customary requirements of the TSXV, including receipt of all required documentation. Once final approval is received, the Shares will commence trading on the TSXV and will be delisted from the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Upon listing on the TSXV, it is expected that the Shares will continue to trade under the ticker symbol "NVLH".

The Company is pursuing a listing on the TSXV to enhance its investor profile as a part of its capital markets initiatives, with the goal of enhancing shareholder value. The Company will provide an additional update once it receives final approval from the TSXV for the listing of the Shares. The update will include the anticipated commencement date for trading of the Shares on the TSXV.

Nevada Lithium is a mineral exploration and development company which holds 100% interest in the Bonnie Claire Lithium Project, located in Nye County, Nevada (the "Bonnie Claire Project").

Nevada Lithium's CEO, Stephen Rentschler, comments:

"We are pleased to announce Nevada Lithium's conditional approval for listing on the TSXV. This is an important step for the Company as it demonstrates a corporate maturation that is consistent with the ongoing development of our tremendous lithium asset. This listing is also very important in that it will provide increased facility for institutions and international investors to purchase our equity.

We believe that there is an increasing market recognition of the size and quality of our lithium resource, as illustrated by our recent Mineral Resource Estimate 43-101 Technical Report announcing 25.634 Mt Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) at 3,085 ppm Lithium (Li) (Inferred) and 5.167 Mt LCE at 3,519 ppm Li (Indicated) in our Lower Zone (see Company News Release dated November 12, 2024). Given this, a TSXV listing is a logical step in helping Nevada Lithium unlock shareholder value in what we believe to be one of the world's greatest undeveloped lithium resources.

For further details, please see the Highlights section below as excerpted from the Company's News Release, dated November 12, 2024".

Highlights:

In conjunction with the listing on the TSXV, the Company recently filed on SEDAR+ an independent technical report entitled "Mineral Resource Estimate NI 43-101 Technical Report, Bonnie Claire Lithium Project, Nye County, Nevada" dated December 16, 2024, with an effective date of September 24, 2024 (the "Technical Report"), prepared by Global Resource Engineering Ltd.



Resources for the deposit have been separated into two Zones; a Lower Zone (i.e., mineralization hosted by Lower Claystone and Lower Sandstone units) and an Upper Zone (i.e., mineralization hosted by an Upper Claystone unit).



The high-grade Lower Zone gives an Indicated Resource of 275.85 million tonnes (Mt) at 3,519 ppm lithium (5.167 Mt LCE) and 275.85 Mt at 8,404 ppm Boron (2.318 Mt B), together with an Inferred Resource of 1,561.06 Mt at 3,085ppm Lithium (25.634 Mt LCE), and remains open in 3 directions.



The Upper Zone gives an Indicated Resource of 188.08 Mt at 1,074 ppm Lithium (1.075 Mt LCE) and 152.11 Mt at 1,519 ppm Boron (0.231 Mt B), together with an Inferred Resource of 451.10 Mt at 1,106 ppm Lithium (2.655 Mt LCE) and 270.53 Mt at 1,505 ppm Boron (0.407 Mt B).



The updated Mineral Resource Estimate includes assays from eleven (11) additional exploration and infill drill holes completed since the 2021 maiden resource estimate. 2023 & 2024 drilling intersected the lower claystone which hosts the high grade (up to 7,160ppm) Lithium, and which remains open in three directions. It is reasonably expected that the bulk of Inferred Resources can be upgraded to Indicated through additional infill drilling.



About Nevada Lithium Resources Inc.

Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on shareholder value creation through its core asset, the Bonnie Claire Project, located in Nye County, Nevada, where it holds a 100% interest.

Resources for the Bonnie Claire deposit have been separated into two Zones; a Lower Zone (i.e., mineralization hosted by Lower Claystone and Lower Sandstone units) and an Upper Zone (i.e., mineralization hosted by an Upper Claystone unit). A very high-grade zone of Lithium and Boron in the Lower Zone remains open in 3 directions.

The Lower Zone gives an Indicated Resource of 275.85 million tonnes (Mt) at 3,519 ppm lithium (5.167 Mt LCE) and 275.85 Mt at 8,404 ppm Boron (2.318 Mt B), together with an Inferred Resource of 1,561.06 Mt at 3,085ppm Lithium (25.634 Mt LCE). This base-case resource is based on a 1,800ppm Lithium cutoff, constrained by Hydraulic Borehole Mining (HBHM) parameters, and an assumed 60% recovery of the host strata.1

The Upper Zone gives an Indicated Resource of 188.08 Mt at 1,074 ppm Lithium (1.075 Mt LCE) and 152.11 Mt at 1,519 ppm Boron (0.231 Mt B), together with an Inferred Resource of 451.10 Mt at 1,106 ppm Lithium (2.655 Mt LCE) and 270.53 Mt at 1,505 ppm Boron (0.407 Mt B). This resource is calculated at a 900 ppm Lithium cut-off, within a Constraining Pit Shell, and would be mined by conventional open-pit methods. 1

QP Disclosure

The technical information in the above disclosure has been reviewed and approved by the designated Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, Dr. Jeff Wilson, PhD, P.Geo, Vice President of Exploration for Nevada Lithium. Dr. Wilson is not independent of Nevada Lithium, as he is Vice President of Exploration for Nevada Lithium.

1See Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) NI 43-101 Technical Report, Bonnie Claire Lithium Project, Nye Country, Nevada authored by Global Resource Engineering Ltd. dated December 16, 2014, with an effective date of September 24, 2024. The MRE was summarized in Nevada Lithium's news release dated November 12, 2024, and is available on Nevada Lithium's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resources will be converted into mineral reserves. Inferred mineral resources are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. It is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration.

For further information on Nevada Lithium and to subscribe for updates about Nevada Lithium, please visit its website at: https://nevadalithium.com/

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Nevada Lithium Resources Inc.

"Stephen Rentschler"

Stephen Rentschler, CEO

For further information, please contact:

Nevada Lithium Resources Inc.

Stephen Rentschler

CEO and Director

Phone: (647) 254-9795

E-mail: [email protected]

Media Inquiries

E-mail: [email protected]

Find Nevada Lithium on Twitter and LinkedIn

Neither the CSE nor the TSXV accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Neither the CSE nor TSXV the has approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to matters that identify future events or future performance. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "could", "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved.

The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the performance of the Bonnie Claire Project and results of the Company's plans for exploration and development at the Bonnie Claire Project (including, without limitation, its mineral resources, current claims and its ability to utilize global lithium needs); the performance of lithium as a commodity, including the sustained lithium demand and prices; the Company's receipt of final approval for the listing of the Shares on the TSXV.

In making the forward looking statements in this news release, Nevada Lithium has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation: market fundamentals that result in sustained lithium demand and prices; the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the Bonnie Claire Project in a timely manner; the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development; construction and continued operation of the Bonnie Claire Project; the Bonnie Claire Project containing mineral resources; Nevada Lithium's ability to comply with all applicable regulations and laws, including environmental, health and safety laws; and the Company's ability to satisfy the conditional listing requirements of the TSXV in order to receive final approval for the listing of the Shares on the TSXV.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Nevada Lithium's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of managements considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Nevada Lithium believes that the expectations reflected in such forward- looking statements are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and under reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by Nevada Lithium. Among the key risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward- looking statements are the following: operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities at the Bonnie Claire Project; estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, requirements for additional capital; future prices of precious metals and lithium; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities; possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates; possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays or the inability of Nevada Lithium to obtain any necessary approvals, permits, consents or authorizations, financing or other planned activities; changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations; currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities; risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on Nevada Lithium's business; as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Nevada Lithium's latest Management Discussion and Analysis and other filings of Nevada Lithium filed with the Canadian securities authorities, copies of which can be found under Nevada Lithium's profile on the SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialized, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Nevada Lithium has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Nevada Lithium does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

19 december 2024 at 07:00

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illumin Announces TSX Acceptance of Normal Course Issuer Bid





TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- illumin Holdings Inc. (TSX:ILLM) (OTCQB:ILLMF) ("illumin" or "Company") announced today that it has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") to proceed with a normal course issuer bid ("NCIB").

Under the NCIB, the Company may purchase for cancellation up to 3,914,167 common shares of the Company (the "Shares"). As at December 10, 2024, illumin had 50,954,061 Shares issued and outstanding. As such, the maximum number of shares that may be purchased under the NCIB represents approximately 10% of illumin's public float as at December 10, 2024, being 3,914,167 Shares. The Company's average daily trading volume ("ADTV") between June 1, 2024 and November 30, 2024 was 50,073 Shares and the daily purchase limit, being 25% of ADTV, is 12,518 Shares. The NCIB will commence on December 23, 2024 and may continue to December 22, 2025 or such earlier time as the NCIB is completed or terminated at the option of the Company. The Shares will be purchased on behalf of the Company by a registered broker through the facilities of the TSX and through other alternative Canadian trading systems at the prevailing market price at the time of such transaction.

In connection with the NCIB, illumin has entered into an automatic share purchase plan (the "ASPP") with its designated broker to allow for the purchase of Shares under the NCIB at times when illumin normally would not be active in the market due to internal trading black-out periods. Such purchases will be determined by the broker at its sole discretion, based on the purchasing parameters set out by the Company in accordance with the rules of the TSX, applicable securities laws and the terms of the ASPP. Purchases of Shares under the ASPP may be made through the facilities of the TSX and alternative trading systems. The ASPP has been pre-cleared by the TSX and will be effective as of December 23, 2024. The ASPP will terminate on the earliest of the date on which: (i) the NCIB expires; (ii) the maximum number of Shares have been purchased under the NCIB; and (iii) the Company terminates the ASPP in accordance with its terms. Concurrent with the establishment of the ASPP, the Company has confirmed to the broker that it was then not aware of any material undisclosed or non-public information with respect to the Company or any securities of the Company. During the term of the ASPP, the Company will not communicate any material undisclosed or non-public information to the trading staff of the broker; accordingly, the broker may make purchases regardless of whether a trading blackout period is in effect or whether there is material undisclosed or non-public information about the Company at the time that purchases are made under the ASPP. In the event that the ASPP is materially varied, suspended or terminated, the Company will issue a news release advising of such variation, suspension or termination, as applicable.

Management of the Company believes that, from time to time, the market price of the Shares may not fully reflect the underlying value of the Shares and that at such times the purchase of Shares would be in the best interests of shareholders. As a result of such purchases, the number of issued Shares will be decreased and, consequently, the proportionate share interest of all remaining shareholders will be increased on a pro rata basis.

Pursuant to a previous normal course issuer bid, illumin sought acceptance of the TSX to purchase up to 4,330,226 common shares and which was accepted by the TSX on November 13, 2023 and expired on November 12, 2024. The Company had, as of November 12, 2024, repurchased and cancelled under that earlier NCIB 3,755,746 Shares on the open market at an average purchase price of $1.59 per share.

About illumin:

illumin is a journey advertising platform that enables marketers to reach consumers at every stage of their journey by leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms and real-time data analytics. The Company's mission is to illuminate the path for brands to connect with their customers through the power of data-driven advertising. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, illumin serves clients across North America, Latin America, and Europe.

For further information, please contact:

Steve Hosein

Investor Relations

illumin Holdings Inc.

416-218-9888 x5313

[email protected] David Hanover

Investor Relations ? U.S.

KCSA Strategic Communications

212-896-1220

[email protected]





Disclaimer in regards to Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements included herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's belief that the NCIB is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and that underlying value of the Company may not be reflected in the market price of the Shares. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect, in particular, new information or future events.

For more complete information about the Company, please read our disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

19 december 2024 at 08:00

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Aviation Sans Frontieres and Windracers Sign Agreement for Humanitarian Aid Delivery by Drone





LONDON, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Windracers today announced it has agreed to partner with Aviation Sans Frontieres to operate Windracers ULTRAtm ? the low-cost self-flying cargo aircraft designed and manufactured in the UK ? to deliver supplies for humanitarian organisations in Africa, starting from early 2025.

Windracers ULTRA MK2 aircraft will fly autonomously beyond visual line of site (BVLOS) to:

Land with medical and other humanitarian supplies and collect urgent samples in places where there are few or no paved roads

Safely drop supplies using protective packaging and parachutes to remote locations as required

"Over forty years ago, Aviation Sans Frontieres created and proved the effectiveness of 'light aircraft' missions where humanitarian pilots and mechanics mobilized in the service of the poorest around the world", said Christian Georlette, Chair of Aviation Sans Frontieres International. "We impact people's lives where others don't or no longer go to fulfil our mission of providing a bespoke service for humanitarian impact."

"Aviation Sans Frontieres was an early adopter of drones as a cost-effective and impactful means of delivering for humanitarian actors and today drones are at the core of Aviation Sans Frontieres's forward strategy. Working with Windracers, Aviation Sans Frontieres ushers in the future of humanitarian and development aviation through use of Windracers ULTRA that carries sizeable payloads per trip at a lower cost while taking human pilots out of harm's way."

"Logistics is the backbone of humanitarian aid, often representing 60 to 80% of expenses depending on the sector of activity," said Stephen Wright, Founder and Group Executive Chairman of Windracers. "We developed ULTRA with this exact idea in mind, to provide low-cost means of delivering humanitarian aid to hard-to-reach locations for people who need help the most. This agreement with Aviation Sans Frontieres completes the circle of "lab to life" for Windracers ULTRA and I am so very proud that the Windracers team will have the opportunity to deliver on this mission in partnership with Aviation Sans Frontieres."

Windracers ULTRA is the world's most accomplished long-distance heavy-lift cargo UAV available today. With a payload of over 100kg and a range of 1,000 km, ULTRA has flown countless BVLOS missions. Windracers ULTRA has flown reconnaissance and resupply in Ukraine, geological and wildlife surveying in Antarctica, parcel delivery off the Scottish and English coasts, wildfire missions, and dropped medical supplies by parachute. Available as a service or a purchase Windracers ULTRA has flown in Antarctica, North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and will soon operate in Africa.

Further details will be released by Aviation Sans Frontieres and Windracers as the first mission starts.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2584441/Windracers_Logo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2584442/ASF_International_Logo.jpg

19 december 2024 at 08:00

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IonQ Recognized in Newsweek's "Excellence 1000 Index" as a Champion of Business Excellence





IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), an industry leader in the quantum computing and networking industry, today announced its inclusion in the prestigious "Newsweek Excellence 1000 Index 2025," a global ranking that recognizes the most innovative and customer-centric companies across industries who are balancing financial success with ethical practices, social responsibility and global sustainability. This accolade highlights IonQ's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and delivering real-world impact through quantum solutions.

The Newsweek Excellence 1000 Index, developed in collaboration with respected global data partners, rigorously evaluated over 25,000 companies and identified 5,200 that upheld their standards. Of those, 1,000 were selected and recognized for Newsweek's 2025 list, with IonQ ranking in the top quarter of those recognized ? after only three years of becoming a public company.

"This recognition is a tremendous honor and a testament to our commitment to not only growing as a company but doing so in responsible, ethical, and sustainable ways," said Peter Chapman, President and CEO of IonQ. "IonQ is committed to advancing quantum computing and networking technologies to address complex and impactful problems including improving sustainable practices and empowering responsible technology."

"Corporate success today goes beyond financial performance. The Excellence 1000 Index honors companies that balance strategic growth with a deep commitment to ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability. Together with our partner Best Practice Institute, we are proud to recognize these organizations redefining leadership in the corporate world," said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek.

"In an era where narratives often overshadow facts, the Excellence 1000 Index stands as a testament to the importance of verified impact and ethical leadership," said Louis Carter, CEO of Best Practice Institute. "This year's honorees exemplify what it means to prioritize innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder value over tradition and superficial metrics. By recognizing these trailblazers, we aim to inspire a new standard for evaluating corporate success?one that values measurable progress and integrity above all."

This recognition caps a landmark year of tremendous growth for IonQ, as the company has further solidified its position as a leader in quantum computing and networking. In just the past month, IonQ has announced new advanced hybrid quantum computing application with NVIDIA CUDA-Q, enterprise grade IonQ Quantum OS and Hybrid Services suite, its first quantum computer and innovation center in Europe with a record #AQ36 in partnership with QuantumBasel, and recognition by the New York Stock Exchange including an on-site display of IonQ's ion trap ? the first-ever for a quantum computing company.

More details on the final list can be found on Newsweek, and more information on IonQ's latest innovations can be found at https://ionq.com.

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc. is a leader in quantum computing that delivers high-performance systems capable of solving the world's largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ's current generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company's innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Fast Company's 2023 Next Big Things in Tech List and Deloitte's 2023 Technology Fast 500tm List, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com.

Methodology

To identify the top 1000 companies for the Excellence 1000 Index, companies were evaluated based on several criteria including Employee rating, Customer rating, ESG risk rating, ESG/Ethical impact, Adherence to ISO standards, R&D spending, Global Compact Status, Financial performance, BBB Rating and Accreditation, Number of customer complaints among others. Each of the criteria considered is equally ranked in importance.

About Newsweek

Newsweek is the modern global digital news organization built around the iconic, over 85-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people each month with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia.

About Best Practice Institute

Best Practice Institute (BPI) is a global leader in leadership development and benchmark research, distinguished by its data-driven approach to organizational assessment. As the research architect behind Newsweek's Excellence 1000 Index, BPI analyzes over half a million data points annually through its proprietary scoring system, evaluating companies across multiple dimensions, including employee satisfaction, customer experience, ESG performance, and financial responsibility. BPI's comprehensive methodology encompasses crucial metrics such as ISO standards compliance, R&D investment, UN Global Compact alignment, and stakeholder feedback. Through this rigorous analytical framework and innovative assessment tools, BPI continues to set the standard for identifying and promoting corporate excellence in the modern business landscape. For more information on how to apply to be considered for the 2026 Excellence 1000 Index, go to excellence.bestpracticeinstitute.org

IonQ Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the terms "advancing," "aim," "commitment," "committed," "developed," "empowering," "growth," "impact," "improving," "inspire," "prioritize," "pushing the boundaries," "redefining," and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the company's technology driving commercial quantum advantage in the future, IonQ's quantum computing capabilities and plans, the applicability of IonQ's quantum computing offerings to multiple use cases, the problems and challenges that can be solved by IonQ's quantum computers, the advantages of IonQ's approach to the manufacturing of IonQ's systems, and the scalability and reliability of IonQ's quantum computing offerings. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in laws and regulations affecting IonQ's business; IonQ's ability to implement its business plans, forecasts and other expectations; market adoption of quantum computing solutions and IonQ's products, services and solutions; current or future IonQ products and technology, and the expected benefits of current or future IonQ products and technology; or IonQ's ability to maintain or obtain patent protection for its products and technology, including with sufficient breadth to provide a competitive advantage. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings, including but not limited to those described in the "Risk Factors" section of IonQ's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other documents filed by IonQ from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. IonQ may or may not choose to practice or otherwise use the inventions described in the issued patents in the future.

19 december 2024 at 08:10

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J.P. Morgan Wealth Management Ranks #1 in J.D. Power Digital Experience Study





J.P. Morgan Wealth Management ranks best in customer satisfaction for both self-directed and full-service investors in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Wealth Management Digital Experience Study. This prestigious recognition measures customers' satisfaction with wealth management websites and mobile apps.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management has now become the most-awarded brand since J.D. Power created its U.S. Wealth Management Digital Experience Study in 2022.

Clients can invest on their own on the J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing platform or with the guidance of a J.P. Morgan Wealth Management advisor. Both options offer a top-notch digital experience allowing investors to review portfolios, transfer money, trade and explore investment opportunities with ease, according to the study.

"Our clients deserve exceptional service whether they invest on their own or with an advisor," said Kristin Lemkau, CEO of J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. "We have not become the firm with the most J.D. Power awards by taking this commitment lightly."

J.P. Morgan's digital experience leads all other firms for customer satisfaction among self-directed investors, scoring 45 points above average, according to the J.D. Power study. J.P. Morgan also scores significantly better among full-service investors, 59 points above average.

"Customers want a digital experience that offers banking, investing and lending together," said Rohan Amin, Chief Product Officer of Chase. "Our teams are working to ensure the Chase app, our website and our branches offer a consistent experience that meet our customers' needs and expectations."

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing continues to innovate, recently adding features like fractional shares for over 3,000 stocks and ETFs, enhanced performance views and screeners, market alerts and a simplified trade ticket.

All Chase digital clients can also create a personalized plan for free on the app or the website, allowing them to set financial goals and track their progress. Since its launch, more than two million clients have created J.P. Morgan Wealth Plans using the award-winning tool.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management received the highest score in both the Self-Directed and Full-Service Investors segments of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Wealth Management Digital Experience Study of customers' overall satisfaction with wealth management websites and mobile apps (Published 11/21/24, data as of 8/23/24). Ratings may not guarantee future success or results. Fee paid to publisher for advertisement materials after ranking announced. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management has won more awards than any other brand in the J.D. Power U.S. Wealth Management Digital Experience Studies from 2022-2024 (Published 11/22/22, data as of 8/31/22; 11/21/23, data as of 8/17/23; 11/21/24, data as of 8/23/24), which evaluates customer satisfaction with the wealth management digital experience. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more information.

StockBrokers.com Annual Awards winners (Published 23 January 2024) are selected by StockBrokers.com's editorial team, who evaluated the nominations based on measurable, data-driven criteria. Companies do not pay a fee to be considered for the awards. Study conducted between [September 2023 - November 2023]. For more information, visit: https://www.stockbrokers.com/how-we-test

About J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is the U.S. wealth management business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a leading global financial services firm with assets of $4.2 trillion and operations worldwide. J.P. Morgan Wealth Management has ~5,700 advisors and $1 trillion of assets under supervision. Clients can choose how and where they want to invest. They can do it digitally, remotely or in person by meeting with an advisor in one of our more than 4,800 Chase branches throughout the U.S., or in one of our offices. For more information, go to www.jpmorgan.com/wealth and follow J.P. Morgan Wealth Management on LinkedIn.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.

 2024 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

19 december 2024 at 09:10

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Excelsior Energy Capital Finalizes Multiyear 7.5 GWh Agreement with LG Energy Solution Vertech to Supply BESS for US Business





Excelsior Energy Capital ("Excelsior" or "the firm"), a leading renewable energy infrastructure investor, today announced a multiyear, 7.5 GWh reservation agreement with LG Energy Solution Vertech, a global leader in energy storage system integration. Through the multiyear agreement, LG Energy Solution Vertech will provide Excelsior with a reliable supply of domestically manufactured, high-quality battery energy storage systems (BESS) to support its growing portfolio of standalone and hybrid energy storage projects across the United States.

Under the partnership, which begins in 2026, the battery systems will be manufactured at LG Energy Solution's advanced production facilities in the U.S., providing a more certain and secure supply chain for Excelsior's projects. These products will be complemented by LG Energy Solution Vertech's integration and lifecycle services.

This shared commitment provides Excelsior with enhanced protection from trade-related uncertainties and supply chain risk, offers price and availability assurances, and advances the company's commitment to fostering American clean energy jobs and manufacturing.

"Excelsior and LG Energy Solution Vertech share a common vision to build battery energy storage systems and projects that stand the test of time ? both in the quality of manufacturing and operations of the systems and through our ongoing work in providing reliable and safe sources of on-demand power to the U.S. grid," said Anne Marie Denman, Co-Founder and Partner of Excelsior. "As one of LG Energy Solution Vertech's customers for its domestic supply of BESS, we have secured access to a reliable and diversified supply chain, steady pricing, and leading-edge technology. This allows us to continue to serve as a reliable partner to our project stakeholders, delivering project execution certainty by nearshoring the largest portion of the capital expenditure for our battery projects."

The batteries secured under the agreement will support Excelsior's ongoing clean energy development initiatives throughout the U.S., particularly in locations poised for load growth and increased demand for reliable clean energy. As utilities, corporations, and power generators turn to energy storage solutions to enhance grid reliability and transition to more sustainable power alternatives, Excelsior has prioritized aligning with top-tier partners capable of delivering advanced, scalable technologies to meet quickly evolving market needs.

"We are selective in choosing suppliers who meet our high standards for quality and reliability," said Chris Frantz, Partner at Excelsior Energy Capital. "Our partnerships with leading manufacturers and service providers help us not just build, but fully optimize projects throughout their lifecycle to meet rising clean energy demands, such as those being fueled by AI innovations and corporate zero-emission goals. With LG Energy Solution Vertech, we've secured a partner that shares our commitment to delivering clean energy innovation to align with growing needs."

"Excelsior is thoughtfully establishing projects in the U.S.," said Hyung Kim, Head of ESS Battery Division at LG Energy Solution. "We place great value in being a long-term partner to our customers, supporting projects throughout their lifecycles with services and software that enable success well beyond project commissioning. We look forward to seeing the projects under this agreement make meaningful, lasting impacts on the energy grid."

This agreement concludes a landmark year for Excelsior. In July, the company announced it had entered into an agreement with Fluence Energy Inc. to develop 2.2 GWh of battery energy storage system infrastructure in strategic markets across the United States. In March, the firm completed the sale of a portfolio of 38 solar energy and solar plus storage projects from its Fund I portfolio to BlackRock's Evergreen Infrastructure Partners Fund. Excelsior then announced the launch of Lydian Energy, a portfolio company developing a pipeline of solar and battery storage projects across North America, in April. Later that month, Excelsior announced a 2 GW agreement with Heliene Inc. to use domestically produced photovoltaic modules for its solar energy infrastructure projects, furthering its commitment to U.S.-manufactured clean energy technology.

About Excelsior Energy Capital

Excelsior Energy Capital is a renewable energy infrastructure fund focused on middle-market investments in wind, solar and battery storage plants, and businesses across North America. The highly specialized team brings over 100 years of combined experience and a comprehensive set of strategic, financial, legal and operational expertise; making Excelsior Energy Capital a valuable partner for developers and operators, and a trusted manager for investors. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the firm was founded in 2017 with two active funds totaling over $1.5 billion of equity capital. For more information, visit http://www.excelsiorcapital.com.

About LG Energy Solution Vertech

LG Energy Solution Vertech is an energy storage systems integrator backed by LG Energy Solution. The company delivers integrated, reliable, and bankable grid-scale energy storage systems supported by in-house services and software.

In 2022, LG Energy Solution purchased NEC Energy Solutions and established LG Energy Solution Vertech Inc. By vertically integrating the battery manufacturer and integrator, LG Energy Solution Vertech offers customers a uniquely streamlined experience and comprehensive support through a system-level contracting process. Via a single contract, the company provides systems, warranties, services, and software. The combination of excellence in technology coupled with nearly two decades of energy storage integration makes LG Energy Solution Vertech a leader in the global energy storage market.

Disclosure: This material does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Securities managed by Excelsior Energy Capital (the "Firm") are offered to select investors only by means of a complete offering memorandum and related subscription materials which contain significant additional information about the terms of an investment in the Fund (such documents, the "Offering Documents"). Any reproduction or other distribution of this material in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the Firm is prohibited. Opinions, estimates, and projections in this announcement constitute the current judgment of the Firm and are subject to change without notice.

19 december 2024 at 10:05

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Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies Continues Its International Expansion With the Signing of a New Licensing Agreement in the United Kingdom and Ireland With Cemblend Ltd





Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies (ISIN: FR0013451044, Ticker: ALHGR) ("Hoffmann Green Cement" or the "Company"), an industrial player committed to the decarbonation of the construction sector that designs and markets innovative clinker-free cements, announced the signature of a strategic licensing agreement with its UK partner Cemblend Ltd, a further step in its international expansion strategy. This agreement strengthens the Company's position in a key European market, covering the United Kingdom and Ireland, and confirms the growing attractiveness of Hoffmann's 0% clinker cement.

Cemblend Ltd, a specialist in customised cement powder mixes, has established its position as Hoffmann Green's key partner for the introduction of 0% clinker cements in the UK and Ireland since 2022. The initial distribution partnership quickly demonstrated the UK market's interest in the solutions developed by Hoffmann Green. Building on this success, the two partners are now moving a step further with the signing of this licensing agreement, consolidating their shared ambition to accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK construction sector.

In exchange for Hoffmann Green's industrial and technological transfer, the licensing agreement provides for entry fees of up to ?2 million, as well as fixed and variable annual royalties indexed to revenues from the commercialisation of Hoffmann cements and the sale of Hoffmann premix. The production units built by the partner in the UK will help to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials, while contributing to the decarbonisation objectives of the UK and Irish construction sector.

Julien Blanchard and David Hoffmann, co-founders of Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies, said: "We are honoured to reinforce our partnership with Cemblend Ltd through this strategic licensing agreement. It reflects the growing international attractiveness of our solutions and our ambition to transform the construction sector over the long term. By strengthening our presence in a major European market, we are consolidating our position as a key player and affirming our mission: to support the decarbonisation of the construction sector on a global scale."

Thomas Atkinson, International Director of Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies, added: "2024 marks a key period in Hoffmann Green's international development. After signing a strategic partnership in the United States and strengthening our development in Saudi Arabia, this new licensing agreement provides us with ambitious new perspectives on the European market."

Matthew CUNNINGHAM and Simon BOULTER, Directors at Cemblend Ltd, concluded: "This licensing agreement is a significant step forward for Cemblend Ltd, enabling us to produce and market Hoffmann cements directly in the UK and Ireland. These low-carbon cements with their outstanding technical performance are a perfect answer to the growing demand for eco-responsible materials in the UK. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Hoffmann Green and contributing to the sustainable transformation of the construction sector across the UK and Ireland through the construction of new production units."

ABOUT HOFFMANN GREEN CEMENT TECHNOLOGIES

For further information, please go to : www.ciments-hoffmann.fr/

ABOUT CEMBLEND LTD

For further information, please go to: https://www.cemblend.co.uk/

19 december 2024 at 12:05

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Authorities have launched an investigation into the Capitol fire as an arson attack.
LIMERICK woman Stephanie Ryan took home the coveted Community Award at Bus Eireann's National annual GEM (Go the Extra Mile) Awards, demonstrating the values core to Bus Eireann's success.

The awards recognise excellent customer service, community impact, performance and forward-thinking.

Awards were issued in a number of different categories including Apprentice of the Year, Depot of the Year, Craftworker of the Year and several other categories including driver and community awards.

In April this year Limericks city bus service, operated by Bus Eireann, became Irelands first fully electric regional city bus service, as part of a 54 million investment by the National Transport Authority (NTA). As part of the investment, a total of 55 new double decker battery-electric buses, will service more than 2.1 million emission-free kilometres across Limerick city service annually.

READ MORE: Novas win national volunteer award

In congratulating the winners, Stephen Kent, Bus Eireann Chief Executive Officer, said:

Your achievements represent the very best of Bus Eireann. You inspire us all with your commitment, ingenuity and passion for excellence. Your dedication is at the heart of what makes us a trusted and valued public transport provider.

As we look ahead, its clear that the future holds both opportunities and challenges. But what weve seen today reaffirms my belief that we have the talent, teamwork and resilience to achieve our ambitions. Together, we are building a Bus Eireann that is not only a leader in sustainable public transport but also an organisation where people are proud to worka place where careers flourish and where everyone feels valued.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone across our organisation. Your hard work, collaboration, and dedication are what drive Bus Eireann forward.

Bus Eireann employs in excess of 300 people in Limerick and continues to invest in growing the team across all of its operations.
A JUDGE jailed a man, who smuggled over 21m worth of drugs to Limerick, for 10 years.

Judge Colin Daly said the accuseds role was very important in a large amount of cocaine being moved across continents for which he was to receive 150,000.

The judge said Kamen Petkov, aged 36, of Apartment 15, Varna Street, Vladaskav, Varrevciuk, 131 Bulgaria facilitated organised crime intentionally for a significant reward.

Judge Daly said that Mr Petkov was in control of such a large quantity of drugs that it was impossible not to conclude that thousands of lives would have been affected by such a volume of drugs.

On Monday, Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard that 21m worth of cocaine discovered on a ship in Foynes Port last Christmas was pure and its potential street value was over 105m. It is the largest drugs seizure ever in Limerick.

Mr Petkov pleaded guilty to the importation of 21,604,891 worth of cocaine; possession of cocaine for sale or supply and possession of cocaine at Foynes Port on December 19, 2023.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Adrian Cahill.

Garda Cahill said Customs had received confidential information regarding the MV Verila, sailing under a Maltese flag, due to come into the port at Foynes on December 19, 2023.

The court heard 12 bales of cocaine, broken up into 306 packages, weighed 308.6 kilos.

The drugs were found in an air-conditioned room on the poop deck of the ship. Mr Petkov had told gardai he had hid the cocaine under beds in empty cabins during the voyage that started in Brazil, travelled to Canada before crossing the Atlantic for Foynes.

Ms Buckley said the cocaine was valued at 21,604,891.

Garda Cahill said: It was directly from source - pure cocaine. It had a potential value of up to five times that amount on the street.

Port security in Brazil approached Mr Petkov to bring cocaine on board and he was to receive 150,000, the court heard. The accused later told gardai he was sorry he didnt ask for half of the payment up front.

Ms Buckley said the cocaine was brought on the vessel with life jackets, a light beacon and sophisticated tracking device.

Mr Petkov said it was tied with knots that were complicated for him to be able to do. His DNA was found on the light beacon, said Ms Buckley.

The court heard that evidence was found on Mr Petkovs phone of a location by Hamilton Tower, near Glin Pier, where the accused was to throw the cocaine overboard when instructed to do so. It was then to be collected in the Shannon Estuary.

Garda Cahill said this was a strategic location as it is a calm stretch of water.

He was involved in the loading, had full control of the drugs on the ship, was the point of contact with the supplier and was unloading the cocaine at the drop off point. He was fully in charge, said Garda Cahill.

Ms Buckley said Mr Petkov became suspicious when they reached the drop-off point and there was no one there to collect it.

They waited for an hour and a half before putting the cocaine back in the air conditioned room, said Ms Buckley.

The prosecuting barrister said that Mr Petkov made admissions during garda interviews and has no previous convictions in Bulgaria or Ireland. Mr Petkov told gardai he had a gambling issue.

Mark Nicholas SC, defending, said that Brazilian security forces asked his client to turn a blind eye as the cocaine was brought on board, has a significant gambling addiction and answered all the gardais questions.

Counsel said these admissions were "critical" to the investigation. He added that Mr Petkov hasnt received the money.

Mr Nicholas asked Judge Colin Daly to take into account his clients early guilty plea, admissions, gambling debt which has a certain amount of fear attached to it, positive probation report and serving his sentence in Ireland far away from loved ones and with poor English. A Bulgarian interpreter sat beside Mr Petkov during the sentencing hearing.

Mr Nicholas asked the judge to fix a fair sentence.
BLOODSTAINS on a cushion matched the DNA of the man assaulted by the Hayes brothers, who wrongly believed the victim was involved with Daragh Hayes' ex-partner and mother of his two children.

Limerick Criminal Circuit Court heard the two accused later told gardai that the victim (Ciaran Ryan) had not entered Daragh Hayes' house that night.

The sentencing hearing of Daragh Hayes, aged 37, and Cian Hayes, 34, both of Ballyashea, Kildimo who beat Ciaran Ryan with a hurley and wrench continued this Thursday afternoon.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, continued to outline the evidence with the assistance of Detective Sergeant Michael Reidy.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Dont mind him, he can breathe - hurley broken in assault by Hayes brothers on close friend

Ms Buckley said Mr Ryan's car key was so badly bent and damaged during the assault that Daragh had to straighten it with tools.

Daragh started the car for him and put it into gear, said Ms Buckley. Det Sgt Reidy said Mr Ryan had to be helped from Daragh Hayes' house to the car by the Hayes brothers due to the extent of his injuries.

Mr Ryan called his girlfriend to meet him at a spot they both knew. He drove his car there with a broken leg, fractured ribs, punctured lung and broken fingers. Mr Ryans girlfriend then drove him to UHL.

Det Sgt Reidy said cushions taken from the couch where Mr Ryan was attacked had bloodstaining that matched the victims DNA.

During interviews with gardai both Daragh and Cian Hayes denied Mr Ryan had entered the house that night.

Daragh Hayes told gardai Mr Ryan came to the house but didnt come in as he saw that Mr Ryan had alcohol and he was putting children to bed. The court later heard there were no children in the house.

Daragh Hayes told gardai that Mr Ryan left with no injuries and he wasnt telling lies.

Asked to explain the bloodstaining on the cushions, Daragh Hayes said Mr Ryan had broken a TV at a party some time previously. Det Sgt Reidy said Mr Ryan had cracked the screen but there was no bleeding and had paid for a replacement.

Cian Hayes told gardai he didnt beat Mr Ryan up.

Cian Hayes said: "We used to be friends but are no longer friends. He is going down a different path". Ms Buckley said Cian Hayes' suggestion was that Mr Ryan may have been drinking.

Ms Buckley put it to Det Sgt Reidy that this was an attempt to falsely discredit Mr Ryan. Det Sgt Reidy agreed.

Cian Hayes told gardai that he wouldnt like to see anybody in hospital but wasnt surprised that Mr Ryan was hospitalised.

Det Sgt Reidy said the Hayes brothers had a fixation about a relationship between Mr Ryan and Daragh Hayes ex-partner when there was no evidence.

Brian McInerney SC, appearing with Amy Nix BL, represented Daragh Hayes. Mr McInerney said he has been instructed by his client to abjectly and unreservedly apologise for what he has visited upon Mr Ryan.

He accepts full responsibility for his wrongdoing, said Mr McInerney.

When sentencing Daragh Hayes, counsel asked Judge Colin Daly to take into account his plea of guilty, the fact he lives a pro social life and is a hard worker, is the father of a nine-month-old baby with his new partner and is the father of two children aged nine and five, restitution has been made in the civil courts, and his previous good character.

He is deeply remorseful and wishes to put the matter in the past, said Mr McInerney, who handed up a number of testimonials.

Lorcan Connolly SC, appearing with Kenneth Kerins BL, represented Daragh Hayes. Mr Connolly, on behalf of his client, unconditionally apologised to his longtime friend.

His actions were shocking and outrageous. Ciaran Ryan didnt serve this. Nobody deserved this. He is a first-time offender in the deep end of the pool, said Mr Connolly, who also handed up a number of testimonials.

Counsel spoke of Cian Hayes work ethic as an engineer and his sporting achievements as the captain of the Junior B Limerick county champions.

Mr Connolly asked the judge to take into account the guilty plea, apology, Cian Hayes being a married man with a young child, his work ethic and previous good record.

Judge Colin Daly said he wishes to consider sentencing and adjourned the matter to January 30, 2025 for judgement.
WILLS Bros Ltd has been awarded the 31m construction contract for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road Scheme.

Limerick City and County Council announced the news, saying that the project is "a key part of the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan" and will resume after construction was previously halted following the receivership of the former contractor.

The works will be delivered in phases, with the dual carriageway between Coonagh and Knockalisheen scheduled to open after the first 12 months. The entire project is expected to be completed in 24 months.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said that while it "has taken longer than we would have liked", he is welcoming the advancement of the scheme.

READ ALSO: Limerick woman wins at Bus Eireanns National GEM Awards 2024

"This is a transformative project for the whole northside of Limerick," Mayor Moran said.

"We hit many unexpected hurdles and it has taken longer than we would all have liked but I want to acknowledge and thank everyone who stayed focused and helped push this outcome in time for Christmas.

"No community in Limerick should live on a cul-de-sac and this access is a key change for the Moyross of the future.

"It is a vital step forward in the delivery of the Limerick Regeneration programme. The opening of the dual carriageway within the first 12 months will mark an exciting milestone for the community."

The works include: 2.1km of new urban dual carriageway road with two 7.0m carriageways, footways, cycleways, verges, and embankment construction works.

1.8km of major improvements to an existing urban single carriageway road with footways, cycleways, and verges, 0.35km of minor improvements to existing roads with footways and verges.

1km of minor improvements to existing rural single carriageway roads, two road-over-railway bridges, including the completion of one bridge currently at deck level, three new roundabouts and six signal-controlled pedestrian crossings.

The contract also includes significant associated works such as: Pedestrian and cyclist crossing facilities compliant with DMURS standards. Diversion of live services, including foul sewers, watermains, gas mains, ESB, and telecoms.

New surface water sewer and foul sewer systems, earthworks, safety barrier installations, and landscaping. Masonry and reinforced concrete retaining walls, reinforced earth retaining walls, and culverts.

Road pavements, kerbing, and construction of footways and cycleways, traffic signs, road markings, and road lighting and Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS) duties and traffic management.

This critical infrastructure project will deliver improved connectivity, support future economic development, and enhance the quality of life for communities in Moyross and the surrounding areas.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan said the development "is just one part of the transport jigsaw for the area" and that future plans are already in sight for a rail network with a new station at Moyross.

This is another important step towards ensuring better connectivity and regeneration in northern Limerick," he said.

"However, the development of this road is just one part of the transport jigsaw for the area.

"We can add in the rail plans, with a new station at Moyross, which will also serve as a catalyst for regeneration of the area and which will support the national strategic objective of compact growth as outlined in the National Development Plan."

Cllr Kieran OHanlon, Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District of Limerick, is looking forward to seeing the development taking shape: "We are dedicated to enhancing connectivity and revitalising the northside of Limerick City.

"The awarding of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road project to Wills Bros Ltd marks a significant milestone in Limerick's regeneration journey, enhancing benefits for the local community and the broader region."

Director general of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, says the new road will open up opportunities.

"We are delighted to see this key infrastructure project moving ahead," he said.

"The new road will unlock economic and social opportunities for Moyross and the wider area, providing improved access to essential services, employment, and educational facilities.

"This investment highlights our commitment to delivering enhanced mobility, safety, and connectivity for all road users."
Revolut, the global financial app and European-licensed bank, has issued a warning to its customers amid an increasing number of concert ticket scams.

The warning by Revolut, which has almost 2 million Irish users, comes as major acts, including Oasis, The Script, Justin Timberlake, David Gray, Robbie Williams, and Charlie XCX will all play concerts across Ireland in 2025.

Revolut has said that they have "identified a 27% rise in the total amount lost to ticket scams in Ireland in the last fortnight of November compared with the first two weeks of the month."

David Eborne, Head of Fraud Operations at Revolut, said: We know that for youngsters in particular, tickets for some of next years hottest concerts would make their Christmas. However, these are naturally hard to come by and we urge our customers to be cautious when on the hunt for gig tickets around this time of year."

Sadly, criminals capitalise on the scarcity of these tickets and peoples fear of missing out  therefore avoid panic buying when doing any last-minute Christmas shopping and only purchase tickets from trusted ticketing platforms that offer their own protections against fraudulent sellers.

Hi there. We're truly sorry to hear about your experience with fraud and support. One of our agents has just dropped you a DM. Could you please check your inbox when you have a moment? Thank you.  Revolut (@RevolutApp) December 18, 2024

Revolut stated that it takes fraud and the industry-wide risk of customers being coerced by organised criminals incredibly seriously.

READ NEXT: Gardai issue appeal for Dublin woman who has been reported missing

It has "invested heavily in its Financial Crime team, which now makes up more than a third of the companys total global workforce of 10,000+ employees."

In 2023, Revolut has stated that it "prevented over 475m (550m) in potential fraud against its customers while consistently working on updating protections to stay a step ahead of fraudsters."
Police investigating the suspected murder of Irish schoolboy Kyran Durnin have released photographs of what they believe are the last known images of him before he disappeared.

Kyran, who would now be eight years old if he was still alive, was reported missing in August of this year, but investigators suspect he may have been killed up to two years ago.

A murder investigation was launched in October, but police believe he might have died in 2022 when he was aged six.

It emerged that Kyran had not been seen since May 2022, when he had been a pupil at a local primary school in Dundalk.

However, gardai confirmed that as part of their ongoing inquiries, new images of Kyran, which were taken in June 2022 when he was six, have been provided to the investigation team.

A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of his murder in the last two weeks, while three domestic properties and adjoining lands have also been searched.

Earlier this week, the man who was arrested was found dead.

Police said emergency services were contacted following the discovery of the mans body at a house in Drogheda on Tuesday.

The man was aged in his 30s.

Investigators say they have received extensive support from the public.

They also said they are aware of the extensive public commentary on the investigation including speculation, rumours and theories on what may have happened to Kyran.

As Garda Siochana continue to appeal to the public, notwithstanding all the information that is in the public domain, to not assume that the investigation team know the information that you may have, a spokesman said.

Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will be welcomed by the investigation team. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

The garda investigation team can be contacted at Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or through any garda station.
Accenture Plc, the worlds largest software services company, secured $1.2 billion in generative AI (Gen AI) bookings in the quarter-ended November 2024, bringing its total orders in the segment to $4.2 billion since September 2023. This is its highest Gen AI bookings in any quarter, signalling that clients are increasing spending on the new technology.

Accenture, which follows a September-August financial year, was the first software services company to state Gen AI deal value in June last year when it won $100 million in pure-play Gen AI projects in the quarter. India's information technology (IT) services providers are yet to spell out revenue from pure-play Gen AI projects.

Also read | Accenture to hire more in India, says CEO Julie Sweet

However, in the companys post-earnings call with analysts on Thursday, chief executive Julie Sweet noted that the overall spending environment remains the same. Hence, companies keen on Gen AI are prioritizing their spending on the segment, rather than increasing spending overall.

"Right now, it still generally feels more like a prioritization within current budgets; and so, we'll see what happens in January and February," she said. Companies will have to focus on spending on data foundation first and then on AI itself, she said.

$1-bn of projects in Aug qtr

Accenture reported $1 billion in Gen AI projects in the three months ending August 2024, taking its total order bookings to $3 billion in a year.

Gen AI bookings made up 6.4% of the companys overall order bookings of $18.7 billion for the quarter. To put it in perspective, Accentures total order bookings from Gen AI are roughly the same as the FY24 revenue of LTIMindtree Ltd, Indias sixth largest software services company.

Gen AI entered boardroom discussions after the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022. The technology can make content in written, audio and visual forms just by means of a prompt.

While Accenture is optimistic about the growth in Gen AI, at least one analyst said it may add pricing pressure.

"We think the IT services industry is experiencing pricing pressure in many lines of business, consistent with the past few quarters. For CY25, we think BPO and application development and maintenance will continue to experience pricing pressure as well as incremental deflationary forces driven by generative AI," Keith Bachman, an analyst with BMO Capital Markets, wrote in a note dated 5 December. "In particular, we believe that renewals will be challenging since customers will seek, and likely get, lower renewal prices than historical norms as the power and capabilities of generative AI increase," said Bachman.

Stance on macros stay

Even as Accentures Gen AI bookings reflect optimism, the company reiterated its stance on the macroeconomic environment.

We have a strong start in Q1, we have strong guidance in Q2 which was really driven, it was broad-based and driven by our organic growth. At the same time, you heard Julie say, the macro remains the same. There's no change in the overall environment," said Angie Park, chief financial officer of Accenture.

Accentures revenue in the first quarter totalled $17.69 billion, up 7.8% sequentially. The company revised its full-year revenue growth expectations to 4-7% from 3-6% estimated in the preceding quarter.

Also read | Accenture results spark optimism, but revenue revival remains uncertain

The companys increase in growth forecast was coupled with an increase in headcount, which the companys management hinted was reflective of the business momentum.

Accenture ended November 2024 with 799,000 employees, which is an increase of 24,000 from the preceding quarter. The bulk of the hiring was in India.

We did add about 24,000 people in the first quarter, which is really reflective at the momentum that we see in our business," said Park, who took over as CFO on 1 December. We'll continue to hire for the demand that we see and the skills that we need. And I would give you a little bit more context that the hiring that we saw this quarter similar to last was that it was concentrated in India," she added.

Hiring based on skill

Chief executive Sweet attributed the hiring in India to skill-based capabilities.

A big reason why companies turn to India is the availability of skills, she said. "Ten years ago, it was about labour arbitrage. Today, it's about the ability to get these skills at scale," she said.

At least one analyst said Accentures results highlighted a pick-up in tech spending.

The Accenture results reflect the recent pick-up in tech spend, especially in GenAI strategy and implementation projects. When you consider Microsoft Copilot has achieved $1 billion of sales in its first year, it makes complete sense that there will be an accelerated spend on services in this area and Accenture is leading the charge," said Phil Fersht, chief executive of US-based HFS Research, an outsourcing-research firm.

Even as yearly growth forecast and headcount addition appear sanguine, the company expects its revenue to be negatively impacted by foreign exchange fluctuations, as against its previous assumption of a positive impact. Accenture expects revenue of $16.2-$16.8 billion for the quarter ended February 2025.
MUMBAI : Mumbai-based Ajmera Realty and Infra India Ltd aims to expand its market capitalization (m-cap) by 10x to $5 billion through acquisitions and joint ventures (JVs), said Dhaval Ajmera, director at Ajmera Group.

Ajmera added that to achieve the goal, the company is targeting at least 25-30% growth each year in terms of volumes, sales, and profitability. While he did not specify a timeline, he said it may stretch beyond five years.

The realtor's current m-cap stands at 4,015.61 crore (approximately $472 million).

The family-run real estate firm plans to invest 2,300 crore generated from internal cash accruals over the next three to four years in acquisitions, JVs, joint development agreements (JDAs), and society redevelopment opportunities.

Through such projects, the company expects to monetize its 11.1 million square feet land bank in Mumbai and acquire more land in other locations, Ajmera told Mint.

We are definitely looking at a $5 billion m-cap," he said. The plan is to acquire properties or probably get into JVs or transactions at multiple locations rather than probably one location."

With three generations at work, Ajmera pointed out the company had the capacity to oversee seven to 10 projects simultaneously.

In 2021, the company planned to grow its pre-sales of 250-300 crore by 5x. The company is targetting pre-sales worth 1,350 crore in 2024-25. If achieved, the realtor will have completed its five-year goal in four years.

To be sure, Ajmeras 25-30% growth target isnt farfetched, going by the companys recent financials. In the fiscal year ended 31 March 2024, its net sales surged 35% to 489 crore, and net profit rose 20% to 85.33 crore. That wasnt the case in the year prior when its net sales dropped by 11% even as its profit climbed 75%.

The companys debt stood at 790 crore in the quarter ended 30 September 2024. The realtor aims to bring it down to almost zero in the next six to eight months" without compromising on "working capital requirements", Ajmera said.

The prospects

"In a city like Mumbai, having an excellent land bank is a big plus for a developer that can also capitalize on their brand equity to develop it on their own," said Gautam Saraf, managing director of Mumbai and new business at global property consultant Cushman and Wakefield.

"Also, given the growth momentum in the market with opportunities for society redevelopment, JVs, JDAs that they have been pursuing, it could lead to inorganic growth," Saraf added.

Mint reported earlier this month that developers from across the country were making a beeline to redevelop Mumbais old, dilapidated buildings, housing societies and slums.

Over 25,000 buildings in Mumbais metropolitan region (MMR) alone had outlived their useful life and were eligible for redevelopment, Ajmera, who is also secretary of Credai-MCHI, had said at a press conference.

At the same time, Mumbai's luxury realty sector recorded a cumulative highest-ever half-yearly sales from luxury housing at 12,300 crore in the first half of the calendar year 2024, up 7.69% year-on-year, according to an India Sothebys International Realty and CRE Matrix report reported by Mint in July.

Ajmera, whose portfolio consists of flats starting from 50 lakh to 12 crore, has eight projects in the pipeline in Mumbai and Bengaluru. The company intends to follow a 65:35 ratio for new projects, with the majority being residential and the rest being retail and commercial combined.

It also has three society redevelopment projects in the pipeline, including one in Mumbais Bandra with Rustomjee Group, Balkrishna Society at Versova, and Ajmera Prive at Juhu. It also has a slum rehabilitation project in the Bhandup area.

In 2024, Ajmeras stock price more than doubled, growing 148% to 1,112.15 as of 18 December from 448.15 on 1 January 2024, showed data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE). It hit the 52-week high of 1,194.15 on 17 December.

The stock even outpaced the Nifty Realty, which gained 41.4% year to date, beating some of the top listed constituents in the index, such as DLF's 20.43% growth, Sobha Ltd's 62.82%, Macrotech Developers Ltd's 40.57%, and Phoenix Mills Ltd's 52.16% growth.
Apple called out Meta Platforms for seeking access to software tools that it said could compromise user privacy, a criticism that comes as the European Union advances efforts to force the iPhone maker to give developers greater access to its technology.

In an online paper, Apple late Wednesday said that it is concerned about companies that may attempt to abuse" the EUs new Digital Markets Act to access sensitive user data.

It said Meta had made 15 requests to access Apples technology stack that would reduce protections around personal data on the companys devices. No company has made more interoperability requests of Apple than Meta," the iPhone maker said.

If Apple were to have to grant all of these requests, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read on a users device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app that they use, scan all of their photos, look at their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords, and more," Apple said.

Meta had sought access to technologies including iPhone mirroring, AirPlay, devices connected with Bluetooth and connectivity to all of a users Apple devices, Apple said.

In a social-media post on X, Andy Stone, a Meta spokesman, responded, What Apple is actually sayingis they just dont believe in interoperability." He added: Every time Apple is called out for anticompetitive behavior, they defend themselves on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality."

The EUs Digital Markets Act took effect earlier this year with the aim of boosting competition in digital advertising, online search and app ecosystems.

The EUs executive arm late Wednesday proposed measures for Apple to adopt to ensure its operating systems are functional with other technologies. It proposed that Apple features such as iOS notifications and AirDrop file transfer be open to third-party developers.

Solutions provided will have to be equally effective to those available to Apple and must not require more cumbersome system settings or additional user friction," it said.

The measures are preliminary, subject to feedback from third parties and Apple, the commission said.

The proposed measures stem from proceedings earlier this year designed to provide Apple with guidance to comply with the DMA.

Write to Kimberley Kao at kimberley.kao@wsj.com
Thousands of Amazon.com workers went on strike Thursday during the crucial run-up to Christmas over contract negotiations and the companys refusal to recognize the Teamsters labor union.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union that represents the Amazon employees, called the action the largest ever strike against Amazon by U.S. workers.

If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed," said Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien in a statement Thursday. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it."

Amazon workers at facilities across the country will be striking, the union said, including primary picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide. The union urged nonunion Amazon warehouse workers to honor the picket lines by not working.

Workers at seven fulfillment centers located in New York City, Atlanta, San Francisco, Southern California and Skokie, Ill., would join the picket line, the Teamsters said.

The strike wasnt expected to affect operations, the company said, branding the action as an illegal public relations play.

Teamsters, one of Americas largest labor unions, said it represents nearly 10,000 Amazon workers. They are fighting for higher wages, better benefits, and safer conditions at work," it said in a statement.

Kelly Nantel, a spokeswoman for Amazon, said the Teamsters union had threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers.

For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the publicclaiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative," she said.

The union had given Amazon a Dec. 15 deadline to agree to come to the table and bargain for a contract.

Teamsters members voted in favor of authorizing strike action last week, roughly three months after Amazon announced the investment of about $2 billion toward the drivers who deliver its packages following union organizing activity among such workers.

The money was expected to result in average national pay for drivers delivering Amazon parcels to reach nearly $22 an hour, a 7% increase from last year.

Write to Gareth Vipers at gareth.vipers@wsj.com
TVS Credit has joined the race for KKR-backed investment bank Avendus Capital as part of its strategy to expand the group's financial services business, three people with knowledge of the development said.

The financial services arm of the Chennai-based conglomerate has held several rounds of discussions in the last six months ahead of a likely bid, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. US private equity firm KKR & Co. has been looking to find a buyer for Avendus Capital for over a year.

Also read | PharmEasy appoints Avendus to help raise $100 mn capital

TVS Group may acquire Avendus and keep it as a standalone entity within the group, or make an acquisition through TVS Credit, one of the two people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. The group is well-funded and can pull this off through internal accruals if need be. It does not need to partner with anyone," the person said. If needed, TVS may raise debt at a later stage.

Others expected to submit binding bids for Avendus include Nomura Holdings, Mizuho Financial Services and US buyout firm Carlyle, previous reports have said. KKR had appointed Nomura to find a buyer over a year ago, but the Japanese investment bank recused itself, given its own interest in Avendus. Later, KKR named Rothschild as investment banker.

Investment journey

KKR first invested nearly $120 million in Avendus Capital in 2015. In 2017, it picked up more shares and brought in private equity firm Gaja Capital, valuing the investment bank at around $869 million on a post-money valuation basis, according to VCCEdge. KKR and Gaja Capital together own around 70% stake in Avendus. Founders and employees, along with private individuals such as former Alliance Tires Group CEO Yogesh Mahansaria own the rest.

The second person said 70% stake in Avendus may be valued at $500-700 million. Queries emailed to KKR, Gaja Capital, TVS, Nomura, Mizuho and Carlyle remained unanswered. Avendus and Rothschild declined to comment.

Also read | Avendus to offer investment banking services from Singapore

Avendus's main business is its investment banking division, led by Gaurav Deepak, who co-founded the firm at 25 along with Ranu Vohra and Kaushal Aggarwal. The firm gained prominence in investment banking when it advised the specially constituted board of Satyam Computer Services on the distress sale of the fraud-hit company in 2009. Avendus partnered with Goldman Sachs in this deal, which saw the Mahindra Group acquiring Satyam.

Avendus developed significant expertise in India's startup ecosystem, advising many of todays unicorns during their early to late-stage fundraising efforts. As a result, it holds a substantial market share in India's technology and startup sectors. In 2022, it expanded its services by entering the equity capital markets business to offer advisory services for initial public offerings.

The deal size would depend on the stake that is eventually sold to the incoming investor and is likely to be finalized in January," the second person added.

Control after sale

Avendus CEO Deepak will retain control of the business after the sale, the people cited above said. All three-co-founders are likely to have a say in the choice of buyer.

Final bids for Avendus Capital were due this week. However, according to a third person, the process may enter a definitive negotiation stage only in January given that this is holiday season.

Should TVS Group succeed in its effort, this would help the firm expand its financial services arm.

The Chennai-based group, primarily known for making automotive components and two-wheeler vehicles under TVS Motor Co., is building its financial services arm and has been on an M&A spree. Its financial services interests are led by TVS Credit Services, the captive financing arm of TVS Motor, which has assets under management of around 20,000 crore. It sold a 9.7% stake to Premji Invest for 737 crore in June this year.

Separately, TVS Holdings Ltd, the holding entity of the group, acquired Home Credit Finance in May 2024.

At the time, the firms managing director Sudarshan Venu said, "Financial services represent a huge opportunity for penetration, and digital infrastructure will facilitate India's consumption and investment story going forward." The group envisaged growing the TVS Credit and Home Credit Finance loan books from 32,000 crore to 50,000 crore in three years. TVS Group also established an insurance business through Galaxy Health and Allied Insurance Co. in March.

With Avendus Capital, TVS will own an investment banking business and build an asset management business. Avendus also runs non-bank lender Avendus Finance, which lends to small and medium enterprises. It also has a credit fund through its alternative investment fund (AIF) business and a wealth business for high-networth individuals.
GARY, Ind.In a meeting room facing U.S. Steels century-old plant, Takahiro Mori offered his vision for the plants next chapter under a new owner.

Flanked by steelworkers and city leaders, the vice chairman of Japans Nippon Steel last week pledged to invest nearly $950 million in U.S. Steels largest mill. Nippon Steel also offered bonuses to all U.S. Steel employees, amounting to $20 million for workers in Gary.

Mori was winning the room at City Hall. He hasnt had the same luck in Washington, D.C., where political leaders control the deals fate.

A year has passed since Nippon Steel announced that it would buy U.S. Steel for $14.1 billion. The takeover bid has run into opposition from politicians and union leaders as well as skepticism from investors. Now the steel market is weak, and the clock is winding down on a national-security review that could precede President Biden blocking the deal.

Biden has yet to formally block the takeover, but the White House last week reiterated his position that U.S. Steel should be domestically owned and operated. President-elect Donald Trump has similarly rejected the Pittsburgh-based company being sold to a foreign firm, warning Nippon Steel in a Dec. 2 social-media post: Buyer Beware!"

Investor sentiment in U.S. Steel is souring. Shares closed Tuesday at $31.94, the lowest level since September and well below the $55 U.S. Steel shareholders approved in April.

If the deal collapses, U.S. Steel Chief Executive Dave Burritt has warned that the company cant match Nippon Steels planned investments, and would likely close plants and move its headquarters out of Pittsburgh.

Union opposition

The deals announcement last December followed months of bidding from several suitors for U.S. Steel, including the companys main rival, Cleveland-Cliffs.

A couple of hours after the sale was announced, the United Steelworkers union blasted the deal for failing to keep U.S. Steel domestically owned and operated."

The union, which represents about 10,000 hourly U.S. Steel employees, has stewed for years over layoffs and the company shifting production to a nonunion plant in Arkansas. It said Tokyo-based Nippon Steel could diminish U.S. Steels production capabilities so the company could import steel from Nippons plants elsewhere.

Nippon Steels Mori has spent months rejecting the unions claims. We believe steel is a local business, and U.S. customers should receive steel made in the United States," he said last week.

Mori continues to doggedly campaign for support from mayors, governors and especially members of the steelworkers union. He has promised job security, $5,000 bonuses if the deal is completed and nearly $3 billion of investments in the companys older plants to blunt the entrenched opposition to the deal from the unions president, Dave McCall.

Union leaders panned Nippon Steels pledge to pay the bonuses as simple bribery."

The unions opposition has helped Republicans and Democrats alike line up against the deal, despite Japans status as one of Americas closest allies. A panel of federal agencies has been evaluating the deals risks to U.S. national security and has a Dec. 23 deadline to complete its work. The committees report could give Biden justification for blocking the sale.

If the deal collapses, U.S. Steel will likely have a tough time in the near term boosting sales and profit on its own. Steel prices are down nearly 40% from a year ago. Buyers have repeatedly rejected price increases from steelmakers since the spring with plenty of cheaper steel still available.

Last year at this time, steel prices were on fire. This year, its just blah," said Jeremy Flack, CEO of Flack Global Metals, a Phoenix-based distributor of steel and aluminum.

If the deal is blocked, falling steel prices and weakening manufacturer demand make it unlikely that U.S. Steel would attract hefty offers from other deep-pocketed suitors, industry analysts said.

A good deal

The yearlong struggle between the union and Nippon Steel has divided U.S. Steel employees and political leaders representing areas where mills are located.

Last week, hundreds of union members gathered at U.S. Steels Mon Valley Works mill near Pittsburgh to display support for the deal. In Gary on the same day, Mori picked up an endorsement from the citys top official.

U.S. Steel founded Gary, named after the companys chairman, in 1906 as a planned city to pair with the mill under construction at the same time on the southern shore of Lake Michigan.

Mayor Eddie Melton said U.S. Steels warning that some older plants would close if the deal collapsed was a factor in his decision to support Nippon Steel.

For the city of Gary, this partnership would mean so much," Melton said. This is a good deal across the board for everyone."

Some workers backing the deal have become critical of McCall, the unions president, for not negotiating with Nippon Steel and risking thousands of jobs if mills close.

I dont think there will ever be another investment that will sustain jobs other than what Nippon is offering," said Matt Albensi, 30, a crane operator with seven years of service.

Others, like David Morgan, support the unions tough stance.

We still work together where we have to, but its definitely strained," said Morgan, grievance committee chairman for the union at a Mon Valley Works plant in West Mifflin, Pa., a site where local union leaders are supporting Nippon Steel.

Morgan, 50, who has worked for U.S. Steel for more than 20 years, said he objects to Nippon Steels Mori appealing to impressionable workers and plant-level union leaders after being rebuffed by McCall. That doesnt sit right with me," he said.

Write to Bob Tita at robert.tita@wsj.com
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is unlikely to open an investigation of its own accord into allegations of anti-competitive practices by quick commerce companies including Zepto, Instamart and Blinkit, according to two persons privy to the development.

Earlier, the All-India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) had approached the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) raising concerns about quick commerce firms, which was referred to CCI. The trade body also separately approached the CCI, expressing concerns and alleging preferential treatment and listing of certain sellers on these platforms and alleged deep discounting practices, Mint had reported on 25 October.

To order an investigation by its director general, CCI needed to make a first impression view about the existence of anti-competitive practices that warrants a closer look. However, the information shared with the regulator, has not led to such a view to trigger a probe, said one of the two persons quoted above.

There are multiple players in the quick commerce sector that deliver ordered items quickly and efficiently and consumers are benefiting from a good deal. The sector is also fast growing, adding to the competitive forces in this segment. The CCI is unlikely to take suo moto action in this sector," said the person, who spoke on condition of not being named.

Quick commerce faces scrutiny

The rapidly expanding quick commerce market in India is projected to reach $6 billion in annual sales by 2024, up from just $100 million in 2020, as per Datum Intelligence, a research firm.

This growth is driven by increasing demand for fast delivery services. By 2030, the sector is expected to grow to $40 billion, capturing a significant share of the retail market, the report highlighted.

Amazon India will launch a 15-minute delivery service in Bengaluru later this month, marking its entry into the rapidly growing quick-commerce sector, The Economic Times reported on 11 December quoting a company executive.

Emails sent on Tuesday to CCI, DPIIT, Zepto, Zomato, which owns Blinkit and Swiggy which houses Instamart on its platform, seeking comments for the story remained unanswered at the time of publishing.

AICPDF calls for CCI Action

AICPDF said in response to Mints queries that the view that quick commerce market is inherently competitive and efficient requires a deeper exploration of the concerns that the trade body has consistently highlighted.

"AICPDF firmly believes that while competition in the quick commerce sector benefits consumers, the current trajectory of these platforms threatens the existence of traditional retail. Predatory pricing, violation of labour laws, and inadequate FDI regulation enforcement are eroding the backbone of India's retail ecosystem," said the federations national president Dhairyashil Patil.

We urge the CCI to proactively investigate these practices to ensure fair competition and safeguard traditional retail," he said.

Ignoring these concerns today could lead to monopolistic markets tomorrow, with adverse consequences for both consumers and distributors. AICPDF is committed to protecting the interests of 450,000 distributors and 13 million kirana stores, which play a pivotal role in India's economy," Patil said.

CCIs view of not ordering a probe comes at a time the government is increasingly emphasising on how regulators must balance their priorities to ease the rigours of regulation.

Chief economic advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran said last month, while reacting to a slower than expected 5.4% economic growth rate in the September quarter, that it was a good moment to double down on deregulation. Nageswaran last week also cautioned against overregulation and said the right balance needed to be struck between optimizing growth and the regulatory framework.
Selena Gomez brought bulky jumpers and oversized cardigans back to life as Mabel Mora in the true-crime show Only Murders in the Building and nothing screams winter like the vintage-inspired Fair Isle sweater. The traditional knit sweaters from the Shetland Islands in the UK have been trending for more than a century. Edward VIII was photographed in a Fair Isle jumper in 1921. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay wore wearing Shetland jumpers when they summited Mount Everest in 1953. Famous Beatles star Paul McCartney was spotted in a Fair Isle jumper on a visit to Shetland in 1970. Princess Diana was snapped in a Fair Isle cardigan in the 1980s, while Emma Watson donned one for her turn as Hermione in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows . Last Christmas, Kate Middleton was snapped in a festive Fair Isle turtleneck as she added ornaments to a towering Christmas tree.

The intricate technique, which originated on the remote island of Fair Islehome to barely 50 people nowhas been practised for generations. The local legend goes that the El Gran Grifon was wrecked on Fair Isle in 1588, and the 17 households took the sailors in. The Spanish sailors are said to have taught the knitting technique to the island residents. Thats just a story. Evidence backs the fact that Fair Isle knitting has Scandinavian connections, a theory supported by the fact that the Shetland Islands were a Norwegian state before becoming part of Scotland in 1469.

Janette Budge, a true-blue Shetlander, knitwear designer and tutor, says its hard to put a date to the start of Fair Isle knitting. Hard evidence of stranded knitting was discovered with the Gunnister Man, a body discovered on Shetland mainland in 1951. The body, dating to the late 17th or early 18th century, carried a stranded knitted purse. We dont know if it was knitted in Shetland or not, but stranded knitting was there," she says. Europe was knitting back in the 15th century, and Shetland was on trade routes with Denmark, Faroe, Germany and Iceland from around 1468. Trade was brisk during the summer months with Shetland knitwear being sold or bartered. Knitting was mostly a task left to the women. The men typically went to sea or mended nets and made wooden items. By the mid-1700s, Fair Isle had made a mark with its distinctive knitwear. Islanders continued to barter homemade woollenwearcaps, stockings, jumpers, scarvesfor tea, sugar and brandy.

Also read: Why hobbidays are the latest global travel trend

Budge says that before oil was discovered west of the islands in the 1970s, Shetland was generally an area of hardship. Knitting was one of the cornerstones to keeping the family going, whether it was the earliest knitted plain stockings knitters made at home, the later Shetland fine lace in the 1800s or Fair Isle knitting," she says.

Like most island girls, Budge learnt to knit when she was a child, barely 6 years old. Having knitted for the most part of her life as a hobby, she explains what sets the technique apart: Fair Isle knitting has its own distinctive style, often with an irregular hexagon style motif filled with crosses, diamonds and squares, and coupled with a large X alternating with the hexagon. This is often interspersed with small patterns, usually of one to five rows in height."

Fair Isle designs have, through centuries, followed geometric patterns, such as the crosses and hexagons of the popular Oxo pattern, along with symbols related to life on the islands, such as flowers and ram horns. There has been some evolution with the addition of stars, flowers, sheep, and puffins. There has been a big change in colour as more colours have been developed by local wool companies," Budge says.

Many knitters moved to machines a few decades ago. In the beginning, everything was knit by hand. When V-bed domestic knitting machines became available, all the plain and rib sections of a garment or accessory were knit on the machine and only the Fair Isle sections, like the yoke, were knit by hand," Budge says. The motifs could still be designed by the maker and yarns had to be changed manually when a colour change was needed. Today, much fewer sweaters are completely hand knit but accessories such as hats, headbands, gloves, mittens, and fingerless mittens, are still available," she says. All processes, from shearing the sheep to milling and dyeing the yarn and finishing a piece, happen on the tiny island.

Budge is working with Shetland PeerieMakkers, a charity working to teach skills and techniques to children aged 8-11 years. She says knitting was part of the curriculum in Shetland schools for decades, but was one of the casualties of the education budget cuts in 2010. Shetland PeerieMakkers runs 18 groups in primary schools across the islands with volunteer tutors staying back after school. The charity provides all equipment like needles and traditional knitting belts while Jamiesons of Shetland donates all the yarn needed. This helps to keep our traditions alive," she says.

What would be the price of a genuine, handknit Fair Isle sweater? Budge says it would vary, depending on the knitter and the yarn used. It is hard to find someone who will knit a 100% hand-knitted sweater. Hand-frame, machine-knitted can be bought for 150-600 for a bespoke garment, depending on size," Budge says.

Teja Lele is an independent journalist who writes on lifestyle.
Two NASA astronauts who have been stuck in space since June have had their return flight pushed back again, after what was supposed to be an eight-day trip.

The agency said it expected Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore to be back on Earth no earlier than late March, instead of February as planned earlier. The later date will give crews more time to process the SpaceX capsule the pair will return in, NASA said Tuesday.

Williams, 59, and Wilmore, 61, were the first people to blast to space on Boeings Starliner spacecraft. Their journey was supposed to inaugurate a new way to enter orbit from the U.S. Instead, Starliner was beset with technical difficultiesincluding propulsion system issuesand returned to Earth without the pair, abandoning them on the International Space Station.

Boeing executives said the vehicle could safely bring the two astronauts home but NASA opted to have the pair wait months for a ride home with SpaceX. The episode has raised questions about the future of Starliner. Boeing, which helped put the first men on the moon, has been exploring a sale of its space business.

NASA has since turned to Elon Musks SpaceX as a top agency partner. The spacecraft is set to bring Williams and Wilmore home alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, NASA said.

Despite their monthslong ordeal, Williams and Wilmore havent publicly complained. Their days are crammed with assignments including spacewalks, hardware updates and toilet maintenance. They usually spend their downtime exercising, running experiments and rehydrating or reheating meals.

They flew to space without extra clothes so they could make room for a pump the ISS needed to convert urine to potable water. The pair have relied on spare outfits onboard.

Williams and Wilmore have spent months on the ISS before, but those trips were planned. The Starliner flight was supposed to be a career capstone for the veteran astronauts, both former Navy pilots with engineering degrees.

New teams of astronauts and cosmonauts travel to the ISS several times a year and often stay for six months or more. Delays arent unusual in launches and returns.

Williamss mother told The Wall Street Journal earlier this year that she hears from her daughter nearly every other day and she has sounded fine and unworried.

NASA said the ISS has enough oxygen, food and supplies for however long the pair stay in space. Resupply flights brought items for the ISS crew to celebrate the holidays.
WASHINGTONWith a 4:15 a.m. ET social-media post on Wednesday, Elon Musk declared that a must-do spending bill should not pass." By early evening, the bill was dead, leaving the government barreling toward a weekend shutdown just before Christmas. Lawmakers who might have underestimated Musks ability to shake up Washington were suddenly having second thoughts.

Over the course of Wednesday, Musk pressed for Congress to kill the bill. He encouraged his more than 200 million followers on X, the social-media platform that he owns, to call their representatives to vote against it, and he warned that Republicans who voted for it should lose their congressional seats in two years. He also said Congress shouldnt pass any more legislation until President-elect Donald Trump takes office, which would ensure a partial government shutdown until Jan. 20.

Stop the steal of your tax dollars!" he posted on X. Call your elected representatives now. They are trying to railroad this thing through today!"

The full force of Musks pressure campaign was on display all day Wednesday before Trump weighed in to oppose the bipartisan deal struck by congressional leaders, underscoring that Musks influence on government spending and policy appeared to be much greater than initially envisioned.

Musk suggested that this effort could be just the beginning of an activist role he will play as co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency, which is a new advisory body created by Trump. Musk has made it clear that he will take on anyone in Washington he believes doesnt do enough to cut spending, even if that means confronting Republicans.

Unless @DOGE ends the careers of deceitful, pork-barrel politicians, the waste and corruption will never stop," Musk wrote on X. Therefore, there is no choice but to do so. I wish there was another way, but there is not."

Musk, the worlds richest man and chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX, and his DOGE co-chair, Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech company founder and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, said the funding deal negotiated by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) contains excessive spending and special-interest projects.

Taken together, Musk and Ramaswamys fight over the spending bill serves as an early warning sign for congressional Republicans: Get on board or else.

Our constituents, the people who elected us, are listening to Elon Musk," said Rep. Andy Barr (R., Ky.). My phone was ringing off the hook today."

Rep. Robert Aderholt (R., Ala.) said, We are not wanting to burn bridges before the administration comes in." He said of Musk, We need to hear what hes saying."

Democrats criticized Republicans for scrapping the bipartisan agreement and paving the way for a possible shutdown. Rep. Gwen Moore (D., Wis.) said in a social-media post on X, Remind me who elected Elon Musk." Later, when it was clear the funding bill was in trouble, she added, Once again Republicansat the behest of Donald Trump and his billionaires clubhave the U.S. on the brink of a shutdown."

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said in a statement. A deal is a deal. Republicans should keep their word."

The opposition to the bill from the co-heads of DOGE comes as House lawmakers have begun organizing plans to work with the advisory body, which aims to cut $2 trillion in federal spending, a task that would represent roughly 30% of the federal budget, while slashing regulations and the federal workforce.

The dust-up over the spending legislation shows how differently DOGE might function compared with past efforts to control government spending.

President Barack Obama had the Simpson-Bowles commission on deficit reduction and used his 2012 State of the Union address to push for reorganizing the federal government. During the Clinton administration, Vice President Al Gore led the National Partnership for Reinventing Government, a five-year effort that consolidated federal agencies and reduced the federal workforce.

While those efforts were marked by lengthy study and recommendations to Congress, Musk and Ramaswamy have been posting their objections to many government programs and spending in real time. And back then, members of Congress didnt face overt threats of primary challenges, a dilemma for congressional Republicans given Musks $400-billion-plus fortune and his expenditure of more than $200 million to elect Trump during the 2024 election.

Maya MacGuineas, president of the bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said it wasnt difficult to see why Musk and Ramaswamy would object to the spending proposal, saying it circumvents the very principles of how we are supposed to govern, and I suspect most anyone would have to acknowledge it is a truly crummy bill."

She added: However, it may also prove to be true that the more they weigh in on the day-to-day political skirmishes, as expansive as they might be, the less effective they will be in getting their larger changes through an already-polarized Congress."

Even before the fight over the stopgap spending bill, DOGE officials expressed private concerns about whether lawmakers would be able to walk the walk" when it comes to cutting spending in their home states. That is the biggest roadblock," said one person familiar with the initial discussions.

Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social-policy studies at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, said: Most of the spending, the vast, vast majority, is not waste, fraud or abuse. So youre going to have to actually make real cuts to programs that a lot of people like if you want to get to this $2 trillion number that they keep talking about."

On Tuesday, House lawmakers held their first meeting of the DOGE caucus, which plans to work closely with the incoming Trump administration to identify potential cuts and government changes.

Lawmakers said at the start of the meeting that they wouldnt seek cuts to Medicare and Social Security benefits, according to attendees, and spent most of their time discussing a road map for achieving savings.

House members discussed creating a DOGE score" for potential targets that would assess whether to cut or reduce federal programs based on ease and impact. An overview of the scoring system distributed to members described as quick wins" initiatives that are easy to implement and will have a high impact," compared with lower priority" ideas that would be difficult to carry out and arent expected to be hard-hitting.

Katy Stech Ferek contributed to this article.
The global economic landscape is becoming increasingly interlinked and dynamic. Despite multiple shifts, 2023 saw global merchandise exports worth over $24 trillion, an increase of 6% over 2019, demonstrating resilience in the face of disruptions.

Global value chains accounted for 52% of global trade in 2022, with suppliers, firms and customers across the world showing a high level of inter-connectedness. Yet, a shift in perspective is underway, with a number of large economies turning towards protectionism, thus increasing both trade and geopolitical conflicts.

Amid this uncertainty, Indias relationship with its largest trade partnersChina and the USis also evolving. The recent border deal and meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping could pave the way for better India-China relations and trade.

Concurrently, the outcome of the US presidential elections foreshadows policy changes that can reshape the future of global trade. Given that imports account for almost 14% of the US gross domestic product (GDP), any imposition of high import tariffs will hurt both consumption within the US and export-focused economies across the Global South.

In this context, Indias growth journey, with its ambitious Viksit Bharat target by the centenary of its independence, needs to be charted out strategically. Increasing exports will play a key role, and the government has set a target of $1 trillion worth of merchandise exports by 2030 and $1 trillion of service exports.

In many ways, the foundation for this aspiration was laid in the 1990s through liberalization and measures to enable trade competitiveness. Focused reforms since then, including the production-linked incentive schemes and Make in India initiative, combined with infrastructure development programmes, trade agreements and stronger participation in multilateral forums, have garnered significant manufacturing investments in India.

However, India still has some distance to go to benefit from its global supply chain diversification initiatives. Sustaining momentum over the next phase of growth would require focusing on enhancing productivity at scale. Sporadic development in pockets will not be enoughquantifiable progress will be defined by the ability to embrace technology and competitively scale multiple industrial developments.

Likewise, enhancing productivity will be a function of increasing the share of value-accretive manufacturing as well as overall export volume. This would entail supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through knowledge and capacity-building initiatives to ensure inclusive export growth.

Simultaneously, technological upskilling to encourage on-ground innovation, combined with access to complementary knowledge and systems, can help Indian businesses improve the sustainability of their supply chains and raise their credibility globally.

We need to streamline the processes associated with accessing and using our physical and digital infrastructure. While the turnaround time at Indian ports has declined from 4.3 days in 2012-13 to 2.1 days in 2022-23, it is still higher than the global median of 1.04 days. Similarly, the release time for exports is high.

Increasing efficiency in export processes through the establishment of on-premises testing facilities and reducing the number of manual touchpoints can help. Such infrastructural support, when combined with single window clearances, credit support and knowledge units, will help boost MSMEs and large corporates alike.

Another focus area is research and development (R&D) and innovation. Despite policy and budgetary support, Indias gross expenditure on R&D is under 1% of its GDP. Implementing targeted outcome-driven incentives such as the production- and employment-linked incentives supported by the Union budget can help institutionalize the process.

Creating direct entry programmes between academic as well as research institutes and the industry, coupled with increased collaboration with the startup ecosystem can further bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical requirements.

Building Gift city-like centres to cater to manufacturing export hubs, with easy access to ancillary support services can encourage synergies. Technology will also play an important role in facilitating an automation-plus approach on factory floors and can aid migration of labour into automation-augmented manufacturing.

This will lead to an upskilling of the workforce and improve overall productivity. Multiple Indian states host investment promotion programmes and establish their presence at international forums such as World Economic Forums (WEF) annual meeting at Davos.

These are welcome, but need to be supported by coordinated policy action, with the central government focusing on improving both the ease of doing business and Indias investment attractiveness.

The road ahead is promising. A key factor will be the ability to closely monitor short and long-term shifts in the market and trade patterns. As India braces for changes in the environment, it is well positioned to tap the growing opportunities.

Strategic global partnerships, conducive trade policies and a robust domestic manufacturing industry can ensure that India remains a preferred business destination for the world.

The author is chairperson, PwC in India.
MAJDAL SHAMSFor decades after Israel conquered the Golan Heights, the minority Druze community that lives in this mountainside village considered themselves Syrians. But for many younger Druze in the area, Israel is the only country they have known, and they see their future there, not in Syria.

I dont want to return," said Nirvana Yousef, 20 years old, whose grandfathers fought for Syria against Israel in the 1967 Mideast War. We live a much higher quality of life here."

Israel is now trying to capitalize on that sentiment, hoping to use the communitys success in Israel to persuade its relatives across the border in Syria that their neighbor is a friendly force. It is part of a broader effort that Israel is making after Syrian President Bashar al-Assads fall to help secure its border.

As Syrian rebels overtook Damascus, Israels military and political leadership rushed to meet with the leadership of the Druze, a 150,000-strong Arabic-speaking community in Israel that has strong familial and communal ties to the hundreds of thousands of Druze living in southern Syria. Around 20,000 of them live in the Golan Heights. Druze practice a closely held religion that formed as an early offshoot from Islam.

Both Israel and the Druze minority in Syria fear that despite the moderate messaging of Syrias new Islamist leaders, they represent a serious future threat. To that end, Israel occupied the buffer zone between the two countries and in recent days destroyed Syrian military assets to prevent them from falling into potentially hostile hands.

Should Syria splinter or descend into further rounds of factional fighting, current and former Israeli officials say Israel could help protect Druze communities in Syria, and in turn, the Druze could act as a buffer against enemies wishing to encroach on Israels borders.

Israel is looking for good neighbors, and the Druze dont want anyone to threaten their existence, honor, land or religion," said Brig. Gen. (Res.) Hasson Hasson, a Druze and former senior Israeli military official.

Such a tightening of ties would be the continuation of a policy Israel established in the early years of the Syrian civil war. Between around 2011 and 2018, Israel established links with a variety of rebel groups near its border and gave them cash, food, fuel and medical supplies. Publicly, Israel said its efforts were strictly humanitarian.

Current and former Israeli officials, including high-ranking Druze officials, said Israel has already secretly acted to protect Druze in Syria during the civil war, but declined to provide details.

We did it in the past, and we can do it in the future," said Hamad Amar, an Israeli Druze lawmaker. He stressed that Israel doesnt want any Syrian land and that it wishes to live peacefully alongside Syria.

In 2017, amid fierce fighting in Hader, a Druze village across the border from Majdal Shams, Israels military said that it wouldnt let Hader be harmed.

A video taken late last week that spread rapidly on social media showed a gathering of Druze in Hader at which people called for it to be annexed by Israel.

Even if its considered evil to ask to be annexed to the [Israeli] Golan, its a much lesser evil than the evil coming our way," a speaker is heard saying, while asking people to record the event.

Those sentiments were roundly opposed by the leaders of Hader and other nearby villages in an official statement. They said the Druze wished to be a part of a united democratic Syria and that the video didnt represent a majority of Haders residents. Israels own Druze leaders also expressed dissatisfaction with the calls for annexation.

My sense is theres a cautious wait-and-see approach. For now, theyre going with the flow of wanting to still be part of Syria, maybe a minority open to the possibility of joining up with Israel," said Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, a Syria expert and fellow at the Middle East Forum, a Philadelphia-based think tank, who said he has been in touch with residents of Hader.

The village is now surrounded on three sides by Israeli troops after Israel occupied the Israeli-Syrian buffer zone following Assads ouster on Dec. 8.

The largest Syrian Druze community lives in Sweida, a region around 60 miles from Israels border.

The issue of Hader is merely a distraction, nothing more, and it holds no value," said Taleb Halabi, a former English teacher in Sweida, who said he wished to live in a united secular Syria. Those who communicate with Israel do not represent us or represent large groups of people."

Syrias aspiring leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, met Syrias Druze leaders on Dec. 16 and told them that he expected Syria to remain unified and all fighters integrated into the ministry of defense.

Eman Safady, an Israeli Druze journalist and expert on Middle East politics, said one vision for future cooperation is that Druze in Syria could come to work in Israel, which has a labor shortage.

Many of the Druze in southern Syria are facing serious economic difficulties due to the ongoing consequences of the civil war," she said. Working in Israel, where the economy is more stable, could provide them with a significant source of income and help rebuild their local economy."

In Majdal Shams, the blue and white flag of Israel flies on each municipal building. While Arabic is still the dominant language, most here now also speak Hebrew.

I think Im from Israel, not Syria," said Yousef, who works at a pub in Majdal Shams. She is part of the around 20% of Druze in the Golan Heights who have gotten Israeli citizenship, most in the past decade.

Hers isnt a universal sentiment. All of the villages statues, some recently decorated with the new three-star flag of a free Syria, celebrate their communitys historic role in establishing modern Syria in 1946.

We are Syrian civilians living under Israeli occupation since 1967," said Majd Abu-Saleh, 66, a lawyer from Majdal Shams.

One of the villages landmarks is a statue of Abu-Salehs grandfather, Sultan al-Atrash, a leader of the Arab revolt against the French rulers of Syria in the 1920s. It features the revolutionary atop a horse on its hind legs, thrusting his rifle into the air.

We paid the blood for the independence of Syria," he said, emphasizing that he was expressing his own opinion.

As a vulnerable minority spread through Lebanon, Syria and northern Israel with no country of their own, Druze have traditionally maintained strict loyalty to whichever country they live in.

But that strategy is under threat as minorities in the Middle East have been persecuted and more vulnerable because of the breakdown of countries like Iraq and Syria, said Yusri Hazran of Jerusalems Hebrew University, who is Druze and researches minorities in the Middle East.

The internal dispute among Druze over whether to ally with Israel depends on if individuals believe in the safety of the territorial national state, he said.

Its about a vision," Hazran said.

Jawlan Abu-Saleh, 37, a lawyer from Majdal Shams and distant relative of Majd Abu-Saleh, said he feels closer to the Syrian people and their culture than Israel, but he felt disconnected from Syria during the civil war and wouldnt want to lose his better quality of life.

Now he is torn about his own identity following the toppling of Assad.

The fall of the Assad regime is a moment of truth for all the residents here about where they really want to live," he said.

Suha Maayeh contributed to this article.

Write to Dov Lieber at dov.lieber@wsj.com
Walker County Sheriff's Office investigators are asking for the public's help in solving a 16-year-old cold case.

This is a case that Local 3 News has reported on over the years.

Walker County Sheriff's Office continues investigation into 15-year-old cold case of Michael Mullens Another year has passed without the Mullens family knowing who is responsible for michaels death. The case is active with the Walker County Sheriff's Office, the FBI and the GBI.

On the morning of December 19, 2008, father and business owner Michael Mullens was fatally shot outside his machine shop in Flintstone, GA.

Walker County Sheriff's Office Investigators, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, were called to Premier Pattern and Machine on Woodburn Road to investigate a homicide.

A still unknown person, or persons, ambushed Mullens as he arrived for work, shooting him in the back of the head.

Over the years, investigators have followed numerous leads, but continue to look for further information and evidence to be able to find and arrest those involved.

The Sheriffs Office is asking for anyone who knows anything about this case to please contact Detective Walter Hensley 706-670-1939, email whensley@walkerso.com or send an anonymous tip on the Walker County Sheriff's Office's website.
The Arva Hens Shed are taking part in a Christmas fundraising event for Lisdarn Transitional Care Centre.

They are among many Hens Sheds throughout the county that are taking part in the initiative to deliver care packages to the elderly and sick in Lisdarn to bring them a little bit of joy this Christmas.

The guys in the Hens Shed had shared it far and wide in fairness to them, said Caoimhe Mackey who is one of the organisers of the event.

Also Read: Community deeply shocked as Longford dad seriously injured in horrific attack

The event itself was the brainchild of Grainne Mackey the Chief Nurse Manager (CNM) at Lisdarn Transitional Care Centre and has been for six years

Grainne has been working as a Nurse since she started training in the Mater Hospital in Dublin in 1998.

Speaking to the Longford Leader about how the Christmas Care Package project came about Grainne said:

The reason was that we are not a Long-term care or residential facility so we don't qualify for one of those care packages from CarePacks.ie, which is a national programme that was started.

Also Read: 'We are so shocked' - Tributes paid after sudden death of boy week before Christmas

While we joined it a couple of years ago and then said we werent residential they said theyd include us this year but no, nothing further explained Grainne.

Last year all I had for the patients was chocolate.



Grainne decided to take this problem into her own hands.

This year both myself and my daughter decided that I would have to try and do something.

That something was Lisdarns Christmas Care Package.

Caoimhe, Grainnes daughter spoke on what the initiative entailed.

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My mam was telling me about how they weren't entitled to it and I thought well thats really sad because some people who are in Lisdarn over Christmas might not have family.

People come in with very little and they are waiting for long-term care.

So, essentially we said look people are so good around here, well throw together a few packs for whoevers in there, she explained.

The reaction has been phenomenal people from across the county have stepped up to support the girls and their project.

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We dont know at Christmas whos going to be there but people have been so good.

Weve been inundated with people, like the Arva Hens Shed and others as theres connections between all the Hens Sheds.

And weve had people from Arva and Kilnaleck, from all far and wide contacting us.

The community turn out has been massive Grainne has seen people all across the county donating to the care packages.

I have had numerous people like Hen Sheds who gave been on to me and then just through word of mouth and at home and Ive had people whove had relations in Lisdarn donate and then some of the staff are donating as well."

Sheelin Nursing home that sits on the Cavan Meath border have also decided to support Grainne and Caoimhes cause.

The donations from all the contributors are just starting to come in, some people are even handcrafting gifts.

Also Read: The spirit of Christmas: Abbott Longford present shoeboxes to St Vincent de Paul

The donations are starting to come in.

I had another lady ringing me and she was after crocheting a blanket for a bed and she asked would it be suitable.

So between myself and Caoimhe were getting phone calls all the time, remarked Grainne.

If we have excess, as we have patients in all the time who have very little so if there is any excess it will go to them so nothing will be wasted, She concluded.

The Lisdarn Transitional Care centre sits just 20 minutes by car outside of Arva. If anyone is interested in donating towards the Lisdarn Christmas Care Package cause can do so by going to the Arva Hens Shed facebook for more information.
A teenager charged with the section 3 assault of a Longford father, who remains in critical condition in Beaumont Hospital, has been released on bail following a sitting of Mullingar District Court.

The 17-year-old male appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens this afternoon, where a contested bail hearing was held under OCallaghan Rules and Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997.

Detective Garda Brendan Hogan gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and indicated that there is a very strong possibility of further serious charges against the accused.

The alleged assault took place on December 14, at approximately 1am on Grove Street, Mullingar. The injured party, a man in his 30s, was discovered with serious injuries at 1.10am and removed by ambulance to Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar.

Also read: Community deeply shocked as Longford dad seriously injured in horrific attack

At 6am that same morning, he was transported to Beaumont Hospital where he remains in intensive care, with a severe bleed to his brain and a possible skull fracture.

The court heard from Det Gda Hogan that the injured party was out socialising with colleagues on the night in question when he came upon a group of local youths and an altercation ensued.

CCTV footage, he said, shows the males meeting in the street, before the injured party, the accused and a third party go off-screen for a period of just eight seconds. Its within that eight-second window that the assault is suspected to have taken place.

The accused presented himself at Mullingar Garda Station and made a voluntary caution statement on the afternoon of December 14.

He and another 17-year-old male were arrested yesterday and questioned in relation to the incident. The other male, who has since been released without charge, identified the accused on CCTV footage and gave Gardai an account of what had happened, stating that the accused had punched the man.

A large number of phones was seized during the course of the investigation and messages recovered, including two voice notes sent via Snapchat, which were played in court by Garda Gavin Conway.

Im after clocking a fella and he wouldnt wake up for half an hour, said the accused in one message sent on snapchat at 1:48am in the aftermath of the incident. He finished off the message by stating he was pure paro or paranoid.

In the second message, sent to another person on Snapchat at 11.20am on December 14, he stated Im not sure if I killed the fella or not, but even if I didnt kill him, its bad bro.

After making his voluntary statement at the Garda station, the court heard the accused immediately sent a message into a Snapchat group stating make sure that whatever you do or say, all I said was Ive no idea who knocked who out. Too much drink.

The voice messages and group texts are the main basis for Garda concerns that the accused would interfere with witnesses.

Representing the accused, Andrea Callan BL stated that she cant get away from the evidence of the snapchat group messages, but pointed out that there were no instructions given and that the messages were more of an update.

She stressed that Gardai have taken multiple statements, seized phones and obtained a significant amount of evidence, so concerns that the youth would interfere with witnesses were not credible.

Prosecuting Sergeant Orla Keenan, on behalf of the state stressed that this was a very serious assault during which the injured party sustained significant, serious injuries which included a severe bleed on his brain and a possible skull fracture, leaving him in critical condition.

She said that this is a very serious investigation and there are no bail conditions that would satisfy the state.

Judge Owens, after considering the evidence before the court, said she was satisfied the state had met the threshold for OCallaghan rules on the basis of the snapchat messages sent after he left the Garda Station.

She also said that the state just about got over the line under Section 2 of the Bail Act. However, she was obliged to consider whether conditions would be sufficient.

For a juvenile, detention is the last resort, she said, adding that she was admitting the accused to bail with a number of conditions.

The teenager, dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, became emotional in the custody box as Judge Owens warned him that, should he break one of her conditions, he would come before the court again and would most likely go into custody.

Bail conditions imposed included a 500 independent surety from the teens mother, and that he surrender his passport and not apply for a duplicate. He is also to abide by a curfew from 7pm to 6am, remain intoxicant-free and sign on at Mullingar Garda Station every Wednesday and Saturday.

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Furthermore, he is not to interfere with witnesses and has been instructed to stay off all social media platforms and all electronics, save for computer use when attending his course.

He is also not permitted to own a smartphone and, should he acquire a non-smartphone, he is to provide the phone number of that phone to Det Gda Hogan within 24 hours of procuring it.

The accused was remanded on bail to February 6, 2025, when he will reappear before Mullingar District Court.
A judge has decided not to give a Longford man, who is in prison for carrying out a spate of thefts and burglaries, any further jail time after he appeared in court on further charges.

At a previous hearing earlier this month, Mark Kelly (38) of 3 Garveys Yard, Longford was sentenced to eight months imprisonment for breaking into the Longford Arms Hotel twice within a 30-minute period on October 21.

The defendant was identified on CCTV stealing alcohol and subsequently arrested by

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Mr Kelly was also charged with 10 other thefts from local retail outlets.

The total items and groceries stolen were valued at over 1,000 and the majority taken from SuperValu, Hazelwood Shopping Centre on the Lanesboro Road between August 11 and October 12 last.

During that time, Mr Kelly had an eight-month suspended sentence hanging over him from a sentencing hearing for previous theft offences that was imposed in May 2023.

That sentence had been suspended for an 18-month period.

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Judge Bernadette Owens decided to send Mr Kelly to prison for eight months for the burglary and theft charges on December 3 last.

She also requested a probation report as she sought further information as she weighed up whether to reactivate part or all of the suspended sentence imposed in May 2023.

The case came before Longford District Court again last week and Sgt Mark Mahon, court presenter, informed Judge Owens that Mr Kelly had been further charged with an additional burglary on June 22 last when the accused broke into Candy Cloud vape store in Longford, and stole 520.

Sgt Mahon also stated Mr Kelly had been charged with two more thefts and a drugs possession charge.

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The defendant pleaded guilty to all the charges.

The two additional thefts occurred at The Cathedral, Townparks, Longford where a bicycle was stolen on August 8, last, while yankee candles and alcohol was stolen from Tesco, Longford Shopping Centre on October 8, 2024.

Mr Kelly was also charged with being in possession of 30 worth of cannabis on the Dublin Road in Longford last April.

Judge Owens stated that Mr Kelly has struggled to overcome his drug addiction.

She also noted that the probation report had suggested that the court could decide to exclude Mr Kelly from Longford, however, she did not believe this was a viable solution

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Judge Owens decided to impose a four-month prison sentence on Mr Kelly to four month prison sentence for the Candy Cloud break-in, which she ordered should run concurrently to the jail sentence he is currently serving.

She took all of the other charges into consideration.

Judge Owens decided not to reactivate Mr Kellys eight month suspended sentence as she felt the suspended sentence would be more of a deterrent when it comes into play following his release on November 7, 2025.
Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings is one of four former British and Irish Lions calling on people to sign up for an exercise challenge to raise funds for research into motor neurone disease (MND).

Doddie Aid was set up in 2021 to raise funds for the My Name5 Doddie Foundation, the charity founded by the late Scotland and Lions rugby player Doddie Weir following his diagnosis with MND in 2016.

The annual exercise challenge, which begins on January 1 and runs for five weeks, was started by Weirs 1997 Lions team-mate Rob Wainwright and has so far raised 5 million for research into a disease that will affect one in 300 people during their lifetime.

According to the organisers, thousands of people have already signed up for next years event  but Hastings, along with fellow rugby greats Jamie Roberts, Tommy Bowe and Richard Hill, has released a video calling on more people to get involved.

The video, which features the Lions mascot Bill, sees the four Lions stars issue the rallying cry: Weir in this together  sign up for Doddie Aid.

Hastings, who won 61 caps for Scotland and captained the Lions tour to New Zealand in 1993, said: Some Lions make their mark on the pitch, others do it off it, and some just transcend it all  and thats the place Doddie has in the hearts of everybody in the Lions community, he said.

Players and supporters from all four nations are fully behind My Name5 Doddie Foundation in its mission to find effective treatments and one day find a cure for MND.

I hope they all kick off this massive Lions year in 2025 by signing up for Doddie Aid, and helping boot this devastating disease into touch.

Come on, Weir in this together!

Weir, whose shirt number was 5, died in November 2022 aged just 52 after living with MND for six years, and was part of the 1997 Tour to South Africa.

Despite missing out on contention for a test place due to injury, he is feted for his famous mistaken identity line during the Living With Lions documentary about the tour.

Paul Thompson, director of fundraising at My Name5 Doddie Foundation, said: There is certainly no mistaking the importance of Doddie to the Lions community and the support his foundation receives from his former team-mates, friends and fans from all four nations has made a huge difference in our ongoing pursuit of a world free of MND, he said.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Lions and the whole community for their unwavering backing.

He added that he was he was proud the foundation had been announced as an official charity partner of British and Irish Lions Trust, ahead of the Lions tour to Australia next summer.

The foundation is proud to be part of the Lions journey to Australia in 2025 and we expect to see plenty of blue and yellow Doddie tartan amongst the Sea of Red heading down under.

2025 all starts with Doddie Aid and theres no better way for the Lions community to make this year special than by signing up and helping us do it for Doddie.

MND is a disease which affects the motor neurons of the nervous system.

It damages and attacks the nerves, meaning that messages being sent from the brain to the muscles no longer work. It is life shortening and mostly progresses rapidly.

Approximately 1,100 people are diagnosed with MND every year in the UK. Up to 5,000 adults in the UK are affected at any one time.

To sign up to Doddie Aid 2025, download the app or visit doddieaid.com.

For more information about My Name5 Doddie Foundation visit myname5doddie.co.uk/
Dylan Hazen Set to Electrify NYC as He Opens and Closes for NGHTMRE at Marquee on December 27

Music, Movies & Entertainment, Local News

By Long Island Published: December 19 2024

Long Island's rising star Dylan Hazen will open and close for electronic music icon NGHTMRE at Marquee NYC on December 27, promising an unforgettable night of cutting-edge beats and energy.

Long Island music fans, prepare for an unforgettable night! Rising music technologist and electronic performer Dylan Hazen is set to share the stage with global music sensation NGHTMRE on Friday, December 27, at the iconic Marquee nightclub in New York City. This highly anticipated event promises a fusion of high-energy beats, groundbreaking technology, and an electrifying atmosphere thats sure to keep the dance floor alive from start to finish.

Who is Dylan Hazen?

Dylan Hazen is no ordinary talent. Hailing from Long Island, NY, this 21-year-old prodigy graduated cum laude from the prestigious Berklee College of Music  often referred to as "The Harvard of Music Schools"  a full year ahead of schedule. Specializing in music production and engineering, Dylan has already made waves in the electronic music scene, producing 18 original tracks and collaborating with some of the most exciting up-and-coming artists in the industry.

But Dylans artistry doesnt stop at the music. As a music technologist, he brings a cutting-edge approach to his live performances, incorporating advanced software, hardware, and visuals that transport audiences into a multi-sensory experience. For more on Dylan Hazens music and journey, visit his official website at DylanHazen.com.

A Night with NGHTMRE

NGHTMRE, a globally renowned DJ and producer, has been setting the standard for bass-heavy electronic music. Known for hits like Gud Vibrations and collaborations with industry giants such as SLANDER, Dillon Francis, and Zeds Dead, NGHTMRE has built a loyal following for his high-octane sets that leave fans breathless. For a taste of whats to come, explore NGHTMREs world at nghtmre.com.

Now, imagine Dylan Hazen setting the tone for the night and closing it with a grand finalebringing Long Islanders together for an epic showcase of talent, innovation, and energy that celebrates the future of electronic music.

Why You Cant Miss This Event

A Rising Local Star Representing Long Island: Dylan Hazens journey is an inspiring story of hard work, talent, and determination. As a Long Island native, his performances resonate with the local community, making this event a homecoming of sorts. An Unparalleled Venue: Marquee NYC is renowned for its state-of-the-art sound system, dazzling lighting, and intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. This is the perfect setting to experience the synergy between Dylan Hazen and NGHTMRE. A Dual Performance by Dylan Hazen: Opening for an artist like NGHTMRE is a significant accomplishment, but Dylan will also close the night with his signature style. This is a rare opportunity to witness an artist bookend an event with dynamic, evolving performances. Unforgettable Energy: NGHTMREs reputation for delivering heart-pounding bass drops and electrifying transitions, combined with Dylans innovative approach, ensures an evening full of surprises and unforgettable moments.

Dylan Hazens Artistic Vision

For Dylan Hazen, music is more than just soundits a medium to connect, inspire, and innovate. At Berklee, he mastered the art of blending cutting-edge technology with traditional musicality, a skill that sets him apart in a crowded industry. From creating immersive soundscapes to designing custom visual elements, Dylans performances are as much about the experience as they are about the music.

"Performing live is about creating a shared moment with the audience, Dylan says. Its a journey we take together, and my goal is to make that journey unforgettable."

The Road to Berklee and Beyond

Dylans musical journey began on Long Island, where he developed a deep love for technology and music at an early age. His commitment to his craft earned him a spot at Berklee College of Music, where he honed his skills and expanded his artistic horizons. Graduating a year early with honors, Dylans ambition and talent caught the attention of industry insiders, paving the way for collaborations, performances, and a growing fan base.

What to Expect at Marquee NYC

The night kicks off with Dylan Hazen setting the stage for NGHTMREs explosive set. Expect a masterful blend of melodic bass, hard-hitting drops, and innovative transitions. Dylans opening act will build anticipation, creating the perfect lead-in to NGHTMREs headline performance.

After NGHTMRE lights up the stage, Dylan returns to close out the night with an epic finale. This is where Dylans creativity truly shines, as he weaves together elements of his set with influences from NGHTMRE, creating a seamless and energetic conclusion to the night.

How to Get Tickets

Tickets for this one-of-a-kind event are selling fast. Secure your spot now and be part of the night Long Islanders will be talking about for years to come. Visit Marquee NYCs official website

A Call to Long Islanders

Whether youre a die-hard NGHTMRE fan, a supporter of local talent, or just looking for an incredible night out, this event is not to be missed. Lets rally behind Dylan Hazen, celebrate the power of music, and make December 27 a night to remember. Bring your friends, your energy, and your love for electronic musicwell see you on the dance floor! Get tickets now

Stay updated on the latest news and announcements by following Dylan Hazen on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, and dont forget to stream his latest tracks on Spotify. See you at Marquee NYC!
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: December 19 2024

From the same people who brought you Halloween House Long Island, Christmas House Long Island is a similar concept, albeit one that celebrates the Holiday season in a fun and family-friendly manner.

With the holiday season in full swing and people counting down the very seconds until Christmas Eve, it's important to remember that the Yuletide season is about more than just presents- it's about having memorable experiences with your family to mark the occasion. And amid the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, there's no better way to reconnect with your loved ones and form lasting memories than take a spin through Christmas House Long Island, an exciting immersive experience located in the Broadway Commons Mall in Hicksville.

From the same people who brought you Halloween House Long Island  an all-ages Halloween experience thats more fun than scary that runs throughout October every year at the same location  Christmas House Long Island is a similar concept, albeit one that celebrates the Holiday season in a fun and family-friendly manner.

We started off with Christmas House in 2020, and then Halloween House came along in 2021, said Michael Dessart, president of the company behind the two holiday experiences. Since then, we've always been running both of these events every year.

Christmas House is an immersive walk-through event with about a dozen different experiences, Michael explained. In addition to many returning favorites, we have several new rooms this year- The Polar Bar, which has Christmas movie poster trivia, a pool table, and safe magnetic darts; The Christmas House Video Room, which is our little ode to Blockbuster Video; the Christmas Carnival, which has games; and Too Bright Show, which is a Christmas-themed take on The Tonight show.

Guests are not rushed through the experience for the sake of squeezing as many customers in as possible; instead, they are encouraged to take their time and relish the interactive aspects of Christmas House, and can even backtrack to re-visit experiences if they so desire.

It's a free-flowing experience; there is a flow to it, but you don't have to abide by that, Michael said.

So far, Michael says that reaction to this year's Christmas House has been overwhelmingly positive ever since the event opened its doors for business, and the excitement of helping to generate a memorable holiday event for many Long Island families is more than worth all of the hard effort that goes into producing it.

It's been really great. In fact, one of my favorite rooms  and one that's typically a hit each year that we bring back  is our snowball fight room, where we create snow and you can have a snowball fight. It's quite a fun room, he said. We use a snow machine to create fake snow, and the snowballs are actually made out of cotton, so it's all very safeno one gets hurt, and it's all in good fun.

In addition to running Christmas House in the Broadway Commons Mall, Michael also said that his company has additional locations for the event in New Jersey and Nevada, the same that they do with Halloween House each year.

Ticket prices range from $24.95 to children aged 13 and under, with adult tickets being $29.95; and discounted group passes are available as well.

It's something for all ages, and we try to have a little something for everyone, just like we do with Halloween House, Mike said. At Christmas House, people can take as many photos and videos as they like, they can bring their own photographer if they want  we've had a number of people come in with their own personal photographer to do Christmas card photos and nice family portraits with all our great photo ops  and we have a lot of fun animatronics and friendly tour guides who help to guide guests through the experiences. It's a great family-friendly event, and the perfect cap to a wonderful Yuletide season.

Christmas House will be running seven days a week at its location at the Broadway Commons Mall in Hicksville through January 2nd, so there's still plenty of time to go down there and experience all of the festive fun the Holiday season can offer. For more information, please visit their website at https://christmashouselongisland.com.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: December 19 2024

Of the class of 93 graduates, 81 will be joining the Nassau County Police Department, with the remainder joining the Nassau County Sherriffs Department and Hempstead Police Department.

Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D  Glen Cove) proudly attended the graduation ceremony for Nassau Countys newest police officers on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Recruits completed 7 months of intense basic training at the David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence.

Of the class of 93 graduates, 81 will be joining the Nassau County Police Department, with the remainder joining the Nassau County Sherriffs Department and Hempstead Police Department. Graduates included Port Washingtons own Manuel E. Flores, pictured above.
Naim Qassem giving a speech on December 14, 2024.

On Saturday, Hezbollahs recently minted Secretary-General Naim Qassem offered his groups first comment on the downfall of the regime of Bashar al Assad in Syria. The Assad regime was one of Hezbollahs closest partners and the critical link in its overland lifeline to Iran.

Qassems speech broke down into two basic themes: the conflict with Israel and the situation in Syria. The latter, the most critical development impacting Hezbollah, was buried at the bottom, perhaps because it constituted such a major setback for the group. The portion of Qassems address focusing on Syria was also the most bizarre because the Hezbollah secretary-general extended an olive branch to groups that, the week prior, he described as unrepentant takfiri terrorists operating on behalf of Israel.

Qassem began by recounting the events leading up to and surrounding the recent war with Israel. Here, despite devoting almost 24 minutes of his 30-minute speech to the matter, Qassem had little new to offer. He restated his claims from previous speeches and insisted, again, that Hezbollah had emerged victorious. Demonstrating this victory, claimed Qassem, was Israels eagerness to sign a ceasefire agreement despite Hezbollah altering its terms.

[US envoy Amos] Hochstein brought a ceasefire agreement agreed upon between Israel and America and presented it to us through presenting it to the Lebanese state and Mr. Nabih Berri. Parliament Speaker Berri had his comments, and we also had comments, and we amended what we could in this agreement. This, then, was the deal. We agreed [to it] based on the details we inserted into the deal, Qassem said.

Qassem insisted that the ceasefire and its terms were meant to end the aggression, not the resistance to explain Hezbollahs acceptance of the deal. Echoing his previous comments, he again said that this is an executive deal stemming from [UN Security Council] Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel war and requires Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah (but which Lebanon interprets in bad faith to exclude the group from the disarmament requirement). As a mere extension of Resolution 1701, as understood by Lebanon and Hezbollah, this ceasefire deal only relates to south of the Litani River, whereby Israel will withdraw to the Lebanese border, and the Lebanese Army would deploy as the only armed authority, Qassem said.

Unlike in his last speech, Qassem did not explicitly say this time that the ceasefire agreement required Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River, only that there will be no gunmen or weapons in this area [south of the Litani]. He again insisted that this deal had no impact on the Lebanese interior and Lebanese domestic issues, or the resistances relationship with the state and the army, or its possession [literally, the presence] of weapons and all other matters that require discussion and debate.

Qassem then implied Hezbollah would not abandon its arms or change its orientation. The resistance belief system, he said, would remain equipped with weapons and capabilities to protect this belief against enemies, because the enemies will not stop, they will [also] prepare. He continued, Words alone would [therefore] not suffice. Complaints will not suffice. One must inevitably confront them by preparing the necessary strength. Israel, this cancerous tumor, he said, was using Palestine as a base for regional expansionism and, therefore, must be confronted by a united region to prevent its expansion and annul its occupationin this case, meaning Israels very existence.

Qassem said resistance organizations like Hezbollah win in increments, recalling a statement made by his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah. Therefore, it can last for an indefinite period of time10 years or 50 years. Uncharacteristically, he said resistance organizations can occasionally win and occasionally lose, the closest a Hezbollah leader has come to admitting defeat at Israels hands during the recent conflict.

In any case, Qassem insisted that whats important for a resistance is its continuity, that it remains on the battlefield irrespective of how limited its resources may be. Hezbollahs resistance, said Qassem, will continue, in both belief and preparation, arguing Israel was an implacable, expansionist foe that can only be curbed through resistance, and [our] land can only be liberated through resistance. Though Hezbollah may alter its confrontation methods to suit the time, because every period has its own methods, Qassem argued the important part is that the resistance remains, and the methods and paths chosen will be determined based on each period, which we will work on.

Everyone according to their means and current circumstances, so long as we do not watch idly while Israel devours us one after the next, Qassem said. In the next phase, like the ones before it, he stated Hezbollah would continue to cooperate with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the peoplea reference to the groups Army-People-Resistance equation requiring the symbiotic cooperation of all three components. No option exists to exclude Hezbollah from Lebanons political function, he said, insisting Hezbollah remained a powerful force in Lebanese politicsand those who treat it as such will be welcomed by us and met with our cooperation for the sake of a strong, socially, economically and politically stable Lebanons renaissance.

Hezbollah, Qassem stated, intended to be fully part of that renaissance, first by implementing the ceasefire decision south of the Litaniagain, without specifying how Hezbollah intended to do soand by reconstruction with the assistance of the state, which is responsible for reconstruction and cooperating with all countries, organizations, brothers, and friends who want to help Lebanon rebuild.

Hezbollah, he also said, was serious about electing a president on January 9, 2025the date set for the next parliamentary session to elect a presidentto allow the wheels of state to start turning. Hezbollah would then work from within the state to combat corruption. Finally, Hezbollah would engage in positive dialogue regarding fundamental issues, hinting at the question of Hezbollahs arms.

Of course, we have several such matters: What is Lebanons stance regarding the Israeli occupation of its lands? We want to dialogue to unify our perspectives; how will we confront the occupation and liberate our land and not accept the occupations continuation? How do we strengthen the army to be a bulwark in defending Lebanon? What is Lebanons national defense strategy to benefit from the resistance and the people as a support for liberation?

The framing of these questions took for granted that Hezbollahs position in Lebanon would remain unchanged. Qassems proposed method of resolving these questionsthese questions and more require dialogue between the Lebanesewould guarantee Lebanons continued inaction against the group and its arsenal.

Threaded through Qassems speech, naturally, was Hezbollahs consistent insistence that Israel is intrinsically evil, a greedy and murderous expansionist entity threatening all its surroundings with Americas support and complicity. Were it not for the resistances endurance, Israel would have reached Beirut, he alleged without proof, before turning more conspiratorial and claiming, it would then have proceeded with [] settlement in south Lebanon, weakening Lebanon, and controlling its politics and future.

Qassem continued:

We are not speaking of an unknown enemy. We are not speaking of unrealistic ideas. Look at this enemys unparalleled murderousness, look at what they are doing in Gaza. One hundred and fifty thousand martyrs and wounded, near-total destruction of Gaza; they issue statements saying, We dont want to leave Gaza, they say, We want northern Gaza demilitarized, stripped of civilian presence, depopulated, with no homes, with no life. They are thinking of settling Gaza, and say they want to annex the West Bank and are working towards that with total cover by the big murderer, America, which supports [Israel] with all its means. Therefore, Americas entire $850 billion defense budget is in service of Israel if the two parties [Republican and Democratic] are in Israels service. More than approximately 500 [cargo] planes reached the Israeli entity laden with weapons and ammunition, in addition to 100 similar shipsmeaning that the murder we see is Americas creation and it was Americas decision to grant it cover.

Proof, he claimed, of Israels intentions is what happened in Syria. They destroyed all the capabilities of the Syrian army, claiming preemptive self-defense and fear of the future. [] This is proof of their expansionist desires; they want to neutralize the entire region and would do this to one Arab country after the next if they could. They have their eyes set on neighboring Arab countries first, and further ones next. Israels expansionist intentions require the continuation of the resistance, he said.

Naim Qassems concern for a post-Assad Syria was the most peculiar part of his speech. In his previous address three days before Assads downfall, Qassem warned that the onslaught of the opposition factions was:

[A]n aggression in Syria sponsored by America and Israel. These takfiri groups were always their tools from 2011 when the problems began in Syria. These [the US and Israel], after they failed in Gaza and the deal to end the aggression on Lebanon, and the failed attempts to neutralize Syria, are now trying to score gains by ruining Syria anew, and through these terrorist groups want to bring about the downfall of the regime in Syria and create chaos in that country, and to move Syria from the line of resistance to an enemy position that serves the Israeli enemy. However, God willing, they will fail to accomplish their goals despite what they did in the past days. We, as Hezbollah, will remain beside Syria to foil the goals of this aggression with all our available means, God willing.

Qassem ended that previous speech by calling on Arabs and Muslims to also act to prevent Assads downfall because the regimes demise would be a victory for Israel and its very dangerous Middle Eastern expansionist project, which is a loss for you as well, not just Palestine, Syria, and Lebanonand will have a negative impact on your countries and future of your children. He, therefore, beseeched his audience to prevent the takfiris from [succeeding in] their aggression that serves the Israeli enemy.

In his latest speech, by contrast, Qassem said, We cannot prejudge the new authorities in Syria until they settle, take clear positions, and the position of the new regime in Syria stabilizes. He hoped the new authorities would ensure cooperation between the two peoples and governments in Lebanon and Syria on the basis of equality and exchange of capabilities, and would ensure broad representation domestically. Qassem also said, We hope that the new rulers consider Israel an enemy and do not normalize with it. These decisions will affect the nature of our relationship with Syria.

Qassem ended his speech by insisting that the Syrian people have a right to decide their leadership, rulers, constitution, and futureand we hope they make choices that will prevent any of the countries with designs on Syria from controlling it, and which seek to serve the Israeli enemy. Also contradicting his prior speech, he said, We do not think what is happening in Syria will affect Lebanonto the contrary, theyre too busy in Syria dealing with their own particular issues. God willing, Syria will emerge stable and comfortable, fulfilling the desires of its people.

These were odd statements from the leader of a group that spent significant blood and treasure over nearly a decade murdering Syrians to prop up the regime of Bashar al Assad in service of an Iranian agenda. But Hezbollah is a pragmatic organization and has, per Qassems admission, lost, in this stage, its military supply route through Syria through Assads downfall.

Hezbollah would prefer this supply lines restoration, and Qassems address dovetailed with the overall conciliatory posture the group has adopted towards Syrias new rulers. For, as Qassem said, Hezbollahs loss is a footnote in resistance activitythe new regime could restore this path to its natural course. That outcome would be ideal for Hezbollah, and it appears to be something both the group and its Iranian patrons are seeking. Otherwise, Qassem said, We will find other routes. [] The resistance must adapt to circumstances to strengthen its capabilities.

David Daoud is Senior Fellow at at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies where he focuses on Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon affairs.
An Israeli Air Force F-16 multirole fighter takes off. The IDF distributed the image in a statement about its attacks on the Houthis in Yemen.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) carried out two waves of attacks on the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on Israel. Most recently, the Houthis launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel on December 16 and early in the morning of December 19. The IAF struck targets across Yemen, including in ports on the coast and Sanaa. The targets were all used by the Houthi terrorist regime for its military activities, including fuel and oil tanks, two power plants, and eight tugboats, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

The latest escalation began when the Houthis launched a ballistic missile at Israel on the afternoon of December 16. The attack caused sirens to sound across central Israel, affecting around two million people. Then, at 2:38 am on December 19, another attack spurred sirens across a similarly large area, sending people into shelters when many were sleeping. Shrapnel fell on a school near Tel Aviv, causing part of the building to collapse. However, no one was injured because of the early hour.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved retaliatory strikes on the Houthi targets after the attack. Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar followed the progress of the strikes at the IAFs underground operations center.

The IDF noted that the Houthi terrorist regime has repeatedly attacked the State of Israel, including by attacking Israeli territory using UAVs and surface-to-surface missiles. Most of these projectiles were successfully intercepted.

The Houthis began their attacks in the wake of Hamass attack on October 7, 2023, and have tried using different methods against Israel. They first targeted Israels southern port city of Eilat, followed by expanding the campaign to target shipping. Later, the Houthis began using longer-range ballistic missiles and long-range drones to strike at Tel Aviv. A Houthi drone killed one person in July in Tel Aviv.

The ballistic missile attacks have spurred Israels first wartime use of its Arrow air defense system, the top tier of Israels multi-layered air defense systems. Both Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missiles, jointly developed with the United States, have been used in the conflict.

Israeli officials and the military issued similar statements about the Houthi threat. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, for instance, said that the Houthis are a threat to the international community. They have exercised terror on Red Sea shipping routes, crippling international trade. They have taken hostages, murdered innocents, and wreaked havoc.

Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari noted that in the last two weeks onlythe Houthis fired a drone that hit an apartment block in southern Israel, and on Sunday, they fired a long-range missile towards central Israel. He said that Israels retaliation on December 19 included strikes on ports and energy infrastructure in Yemen, specifying that these sites enable the Houthis to continue their military attacks. Hagari also noted that the Houthis threaten the region, including shipping, and are backed by Iran.

This is at least the third major round of IDF strikes on the Houthis. Each strike has consisted of flying multiple aircraft around 2,000 kilometers to conduct the raid, further honing Israels aerial-refueling and long-range strike capabilities. The IDF released images of planes armed for the attack on December 19, showing an F-15 and an F-16. It was not clear if advanced F-35s were used, though Israel has employed these aircraft in previous strikes on the Houthis.

Israel conducted its first strike on the Houthis in July in retaliation for a drone attack on Tel Aviv. In that raid, the IAF struck the port of Hodeida. A second round of strikes followed in September, also targeting the Hodeida port and energy infrastructure. The December 19 strikes expanded the target list to include several new locations.

The strikes on the Houthis come as Israels other fronts have seen less fighting. Israel now has a ceasefire in Lebanon with Hezbollah, and in Gaza, fighting appears to have also reduced as ceasefire talks drag on. However, Israel recently carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in Syria to destroy the military assets of the former Assad regime.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
The musician Stephin Merritt once joked that he would be happy to sell only a single copy of each album he makes, provided that single copy costs $100,000. Which coincidentally is pretty close to Apples marketing strategy for Vision Pro.

I jest, of course: you cant run a multi-trillion-dollar corporation that way. Apple loves its margins, but it needs volume too if it wants to keep paying out those juicy shareholder dividends. And as much as Tim Cook would like every product sold to be marked with the surnames Pro, Max, or Pro Maxand as hard as the company works to upsell at every possible opportunitythe cheaper devices further down the range are just as important to Apples overall success.

The Apple Watch SE hasnt gotten much of an update since 2020. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Its odd, then, that this year has been such a disappointment for so many of Apples budget products. The current versions of the iPhone SE, Apple Watch SE, and baseline iPad all came out in 2022, but they received no more love in 2024 than they did in 2023. The 10th-gen iPad remains oddly appealing, thanks to a timely price cut and the generally lower importance of state-of-the-art specs in the tablet space. But the two SE devices are looking their age. They need an update, and soon.

On which front, theres good news and bad news. Here in Europe, the 3rd-gen iPhone SE is set to vanish from sale at the start of 2025 not because it isnt good enough, but because Apple neglected to launch a version with USB-C despite having two years to prepare for incoming regulations. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are getting the chop too, which will leave Apple without any kind of remotely budget-focused smartphone in a major market. Presumably this will help motivate the company to launch the 4th-gen iPhone SE in a timely fashion, probably in March or April 2025.

An overdue upgrade for Apples SE products

Weve had to wait a long time for it to arrive, but the next iPhone SE does sound like an intriguing proposition. Its all change on the design front, for example. At long last the SE is going to ditch the Home button (angry emails to the usual address) and catch up with the design trends of well, 2017. But thats still an improvement.

In terms of componentry we can look forward to a powerful 48MP camera and Apples in-house 5G modem, which should mean improved battery life. And there will reportedly be an A18 processor inside that modern chassis, same as in the iPhone 16, plus 8GB of RAM. These upgrades are necessary to make the SE compatible with Apple Intelligence, with vastly improved all-round performance a happy side effect. And it all adds up to an iPhone SE thats actually special.

The iPhone SE is reportedly getting an iPhone 15 glow-up next spring. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

The Apple Watch SE is less likely to get a major revamp in 2025, but it will surely get an upgrade of some sort. This may well involve a new material; Apple is understood to be working on a switch from aluminum to brightly colored plastic in order to lower costs and appeal to younger customers. It will also get a processor upgrade; not something that one would normally view as a priority for a budget smartwatch, but worthwhile when the silicon in question is functionally identical to the S6 chip from 2020. A performance bump is overdue.

And as for the standard iPad, 2025 should see the long-awaited launch of the 11th-gen model. As explained above this is less urgent than the sorely needed refreshes to the two SE devices, but could we dream of finally getting a laminated screen on the entry-level iPad? Obviously Cupertino will be keen to add support for Apple Intelligence, too, which means substantial spec upgrades. And a bump back up to $449? Lets hope not, but you know, swings and roundabouts.

What about the cheaper Macs?

On the other side of Apples portfolio, 2024 was a more productive year for the baseline models. The MacBook Air (which can be taken seriously as a budget product only if you keep an eye firmly trained on the MacBook Pros eyewatering price list) saw a handy upgrade to the M3 chipset that we felt improved on greatness; while the Mac mini received a fabulous redesign that meant it finally lived up to its name. Both are worthy of a hearty recommendation.

But theres more to come next year. The Air will be updated again in the first half of next year (probably some time between January and March) to get the M4 chip and a new Center Stage camera. The latter should solve one of the machines few weaknesses: that 1080p FaceTime camera. The Mac mini will join the M4 gang too, although later in the year. An October announcement sounds about right.

The trend towards cheap

We spent a couple of years complaining about Apples upsell strategy, whereby it would deliberately leave features out of entry-level products, sometimes going so far as to equip them with the previous years processors, in order to push customers towards the Pro models. This was annoying, we felt, not to mention ill-suited strategically to a time of stagnant wages and a high cost of living. But now were starting to notice a change: the companys cheaper products have started to look like excellent choices once again.

If this trend started in 2024, it will spread its wings in 2025. The two SE updates are long overdue and should bring good-quality phones and watches within the reach of customers on a budget. And Im looking forward to seeing what Apple does with the 11th-gen iPad; if the price is too high then we can still buy the 10th-gen model, which might even get another price cut to celebrate. As for the M4 Mac mini who needs a Mac Studio when the budget model is that powerful?

As I explained when discussing the new iPad miniperhaps not quite a budget product, but good value for what it offersthe tech industry and tech buyers in turn, are sometimes guilty of neglecting products that compromise. But compromise is important. That doesnt mean accepting devices that dont do what you need. But it means refusing to pay for anything more.

Its taken Apple a while to remember that there are people out there who dont have a small fortune to throw at consumer tech, but Im glad weve got there in the end. And Im pleased to report that 2025 already looks like a bumper year for Apples budget lines.
MACAO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon, describing Macao as "a pearl on the palm" of the motherland and expressing confidence in its promising future. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. He will also inspect the Macao SAR. At Macao International Airport, the Macao police force band played lively welcome tunes. Dragon and lion dance filled the air with joy. Hundreds of people including children and representatives from various sectors waved the national flag, the flag of the Macao SAR and flowers, expressing their warm welcome. At around 4 p.m., Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, stepped out of the cabin of the special plane and waved to the cheering crowd. "Every visit to this beautiful place has been very delightful for me," Xi said in a brief speech at the airport. Over the past 25 years, the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved success widely recognized by the world, showcasing great vitality and unique charm, Xi said. "This is the glory of Macao residents and the pride of all Chinese people," he said. On behalf of the central government and Chinese people of all ethnic groups, he extended sincere greetings and best wishes to all Macao residents, adding that Macao's development and the well-being of Macao residents have always been on his mind. Xi said he will have extensive and in-depth exchanges with friends in Macao on the region's development during the visit. He expressed the belief that Macao will create an even brighter future by fully leveraging the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems," working hard and actively promoting innovation. The Macao SAR is brimming with cheerful vibes in the days leading up to the 25th anniversary of its return. Anniversary-themed posters and floral decorations adorn popular sites such as the Ruins of St. Paul's, while the national flag and the Macao SAR flag flutter along the streets. "Meeting President Xi again up close, I was extremely excited," said Jiang Lai Peng, a student from Kao Yip Middle School who also participated in the welcoming ceremony for President Xi's Macao visit five years ago. "His attention to and care for Macao have deeply touched and inspired me and my classmates." Ho Kuok Tou, founder and CEO of an artificial intelligence firm with presence in both Macao and the mainland, said he is full of expectations for the future development of Macao. "I hope the people of Macao will continue to work hard and actively integrate into the overall national development," he said.
Spanish state-held shipbuilder Navantia will acquire the shipyards of Britain's Harland & Wolff, the Belfast-based company best known for building the Titanic, the British government said today.

The government said in a statement the deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, would secure all four of Harland & Wolff's shipyards - in Belfast, Arnish and Methil in Scotland, and Appledore in southwest England - and protect around 1,000 jobs.

"This investment is great news for Belfast, for the Northern Ireland economy and, above all, for Harland and Wolff's hugely skilled shipbuilding workforce," said Northern Ireland minister Hilary Benn.

In a separate statement, Navantia confirmed the deal and said it expects to complete it by the end of January.

Neither Navantia nor the British government disclosed the price the Spanish company will pay for the shipyards. In September, Harland & Wolff called in administrators after failing to secure funding to run the business, as energy price rises and wage increases ate into profits and pushed up debt.

Trading in its shares on the London Stock Exchange was stopped in October and in July the British government declined the company's request for a credit facility of 200 million pounds ($253 million).

Harland & Wolff, founded in 1861, signed a manufacturing subcontract with Navantia last year relating to the 1.6 billion pound-project to build support ships for the Royal Navy. The government said the deal would ensure three ships to transport munitions, spares and supplies to UK aircraft carriers would be built and delivered.
A young mother found dead in a luxury Boston apartment last week had just finished her nursing degree two days before she was killed, according to her grieving sister.

Shantel Gillespie, 30, of Boston, was found dead inside the Harris South End apartments around 7 p.m. on Dec. 12, after a call came in for a well-being check, the Boston Police Department said on Thursday morning.

Gillespies death is believed to be a homicide and the investigation is ongoing, police said. No charges or suspects have been announced yet.

My sister had one goal in life: to make a better life for herself so her children would grow up wanting of nothing, said Gillespies sister, Shanakay Gillespie, in a GoFundMe made for the Gillespie family. The fundraiser was just $2,000 under its $40,000 goal as of Thursday morning.

The 30-year-old Boston woman was a mother to three children, all under the age of six, her sister said. She was a beautiful soul and loved by all, and had grown up in Jamaica before she immigrated to the U.S. in 2014.

For the past five years, Gillespie was a devoted health care worker for Boston Childrens Hospital as a clinical assistant, all while she attended school and raised her children, her sister said.

Shantel Gillespie was a valued member of our hospital family, known for her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the care of our patients. Her sudden passing is a tremendous loss to our organization, and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family, Boston Childrens Hospital said in a statement to MassLive.

Gillespie had just finished her nursing degree from the Laboure College of Healthcare before she died and was set to graduate this month.

[Shantel and I] cried tears of joy together celebrating a victory well deserved. Today we cry together but tears of sorrow at such a tragedy, Gillespies sister wrote.

She never received her degree, she never walked the stage, she never got to tell her children goodbye. She worked so hard for a future that was ripped away too soon, her sister said.

Gillespie was also a victim of domestic violence for years, according to Shanakay Gillespie, and had worked tirelessly to have a successful future while battling to break the cycle of domestic violence.

The Boston Police Department described the incident as not a random act.

Read more: Boston Police investigating death at luxury apartment building

The GoFundMe for Gillespie will be used towards her childrens well being and finding justice for her murder, her sister wrote. Gillespies family plans to send her body home to Jamaica.

Please share to help a family in need and shed light on the matter for victims of domestic violence, her sister wrote.

Anyone with information on Gillespies death is asked to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470.
A new shop that sells dozens of gourmet cheese products has opened in the Boston area.

Life Love Cheese opened at 184 Water St. in Wakefield on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

The store offers artisanal cheeses from across the United States as well as charcuterie boards, picnic boxes, wine, beer and spirits.

Life Love Cheese also houses a gourmet sandwich counter serving cheese-centric sandwiches. The store also plans on hosting workshops on cheese and pairings.

Im thrilled to share my passion for American artisanal food with the community, owner Kimi Ceridon said in a press release. Life Love Cheese is more than just a store; its a place to discover new flavors, connect with local producers, and celebrate the best of American food.

Life Love Cheese is an artisanal cheese pop-up business that sells grazing, charcuterie and cheeseboards at local farmers markets and events.Courtesy of Kimi Ceridon

A Colorado native, Ceridon became fascinated with sustainable food while obtaining her masters degree in mechanical engineering at MIT. Upon graduating she moved to Texas and worked for an oil services company for several years.

After moving back to Massachusetts, Ceridon decided she had her fill with the corporate world and decided to go to culinary school at Boston University, eventually getting a masters degree in gastronomy. While at BU, she focused on local food systems while earning both a culinary arts and an artisan cheese certificate. She also attended the Sterling College Artisan Cheese Institute in Vermonts artisan cheese country, Life Love Cheeses website states.

Ceridon launched Life Love Cheese, which is based out of Woburn and Medford, as a grazing board company at the end of 2022. Now after almost two years of selling various cheese boards online and at farmers markets and events in Greater Boston, the business owner is thrilled to have a brick-and-mortar location.

Im very excited about having a home base, Ceridon previously told MassLive.

Ive been doing the shared kitchen game for a little while and its frustrating, Ceridon said. Theres always difficulties with any location that you end up with where its working fixed hours in somebody elses kitchen, bumping into other people, not [having] your own equipment and stuff, so Im so excited to have regular opening hours where its not confusing to customers.

Life Love Cheese is an artisanal cheese pop-up business that sells grazing, charcuterie and cheeseboards at local farmers markets and events.Courtesy of Kimi Ceridon

Outside of her own business, Ceridon has worked with the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA), helped launched the testing kitchen at Boston Public Market, worked as a cheesemonger at Formaggio Kitchen and has done consulting throughout New England. She even teaches at BUs gastronomy program.

As someone who has been involved in the food/cheese community for almost 10 years, Ceridon feels that her first storefront is a culmination of her hard work and dedication.

Ive been able to draw on all the expertise ... through all of those different ventures, Ceridon said. All the work that Ive been doing up to this point was leading towards getting to this and I feel like theres just like a big community around me helping me out.

Ceridon still plans on hosting cheese shop pop-ups within Greater Boston now that Life Love Cheese is officially open.

Life Love Cheese is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A Tex-Mex restaurant chain in Massachusetts is losing one of its locations before the end of 2024.

Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant & Cantina will close its Quincy location at the end of December, the business wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday. The post indicated that the city of Quincy is taking over the restaurants building to build a park.

While this marks the end of an era for us at this location, we are actively seeking a new home within Quincy in hopes of continuing to serve our beloved community, the restaurant wrote.

We will truly miss being at the heart of such a wonderful community, the post continued. Thank you again for being such an important part of our journey. Stay tuned for more updates, and we hope to see you soon.

Acapulcos is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine with offerings such as quesadillas, chimichangas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, fajitas and more.

Acapulcos first opened in Sudbury in 2001, according to the restaurants website. The chain later added locations in Beverly, Franklin, Milford, Norwood and Quincy  with the latter opening in 2006. Acapulcos also has locations in Enfield and Stratford, Connecticut.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for all the love and support youve shown us at our Quincy location over the past 18 years, the restaurants post reads.

The address for the Quincy Acapulcos is 1388 Hancock St. Customers are encouraged to eat at the restaurant before it closes.
A Boston man was charged after police said he stabbed someone several times in the back at a concert venue in Brighton earlier this month, police said.

Collin Hullum, 36, was charged with assault to kill and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

Hullum was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Dec. 20, Hayden said.

The stabbing happened at the Roadrunner at 89 Guest St. on Dec. 1 around 2:34 a.m., Hayden said. A 26-year-old unnamed person was being treated for five stab wounds in their back.

There was a verbal argument between the persons party and three unidentified men in the foyer of the Warrior Ice Arena at 90 Guest St., Hayden said. One of the men  later identified as Hullum  hit the 26-year-old person in the back. The person then ran away from Hullum, holding their back.

Hullum also held a knife in a TikTok video that was posted online, Hayden said.

Witnesses said the fight started after Hullums sister cut the line at the bar and was confronted for doing so, Hayden said. She told Hullum she was assaulted.

Hullum walked to his car after the stabbing and drove away around 2:46 a.m., Hayden said. Investigators identified Hullum based on witness statements and surveillance video and later secured a warrant for his arrest.

A second person was seen carrying a knife during the fight, Hayden said, and at one point, that unidentified person tried to stab two people while inside the foyer of the Warrior Ice Arena.

What was supposed to be an evening out enjoying a show quickly turned into a violent altercation that resulted in one man facing serious injuries and another man facing serious charges. The victim here seemed to be attempting to stop the violence. I thank him for that and I wish him a full recovery, Hayden said.
The death of a Boston woman who was found in a luxury apartment in the South End last week is being investigated as a homicide, police said Thursday.

Shantel Gillespie, 30, was found in an apartment at 390 Harrison Ave. on Thursday, Dec. 12 after police went there to perform a well-being check.

A spokesperson for the Boston Police Department said in a news release that investigators are still awaiting a determination of the cause and manner of death from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. But they have reason to believe the death was a homicide.

Preliminary information indicates that this was not a random act and that residents of the building and members of the public are not in danger, police said. Investigators continue to gather information and we will release further updates when we can.

In a GoFundMe fundraiser posted by the victims sister, Gillespie is described as a mother of three children under 6 years old. She grew up in Mandeville, Jamaica but had lived in the United States since 2014.

Her sister wrote on the fundraiser page that Gillespie had worked as a clinical assistant for the past five years at Boston Childrens Hospital. Her death came just two days after she finished the coursework for her nursing degree at Laboure College.

She never received her degree, she never walked the stage, she never got to tell her children goodbye, Shanakay Gillespie, the victims sister, wrote. She worked so hard for a future that was ripped away too soon.

Shanakay Gillespie also wrote that her sister had dealt with domestic violence.

My sister had 1 goal in life: to make a better life for herself so her children would grow up wanting of nothing, she wrote.
Many in the Worcester community are eager for change following the release of a report from federal officials accusing the Worcester Police Department of using excessive force and engaging in sex acts with prostituted women. But will they get it?

During a community meeting at the Worcester YWCA on Wednesday, U.S. Department of Justice officials attempted to answer this question by explaining the reform process that follows a report of this kind. They also clarified what the community can expect in regards to holding the police department and individual officers accountable for misconduct.

Nearly all the chairs in the YWCAs gymnasium were full as dozens of community members gathered to ask DOJ officials questions about their investigation, but federal officials spent a large portion of the meeting soliciting feedback from attendees about what they think needs to change at the Worcester Police Department. The communitys responses Wednesday night could help shape reforms implemented by the department.

The reform implementation process

Now that the 41-page report has been released to the public, the next step is for the DOJ to begin negotiations with the Worcester Police Department and city officials to create some type of agreement stipulating what reforms the police department will adopt and how and when they will adopt them, Assistant Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Michelle Leung told a group of community members during a breakout session.

This makes sure that its serious. Its not just a verbal promise, she said.

The DOJ report included 19 recommendations for changes it believes the Worcester Police Department should implement to fix its excessive force and inappropriate sexual conduct problems. These suggestions ranged from improving the departments use of force and escalation standards to a complete prohibition on engaging in sexual contact for law enforcement purposes.

The method of enforcing the agreement may differ depending on what type of agreement is utilized, First Assistant Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Mary Murrane told the crowd Wednesday night. Some agreements do not include the use of a formal monitor who oversees implementation of the reforms.

Conversely, a consent decree  which was utilized by the city of Springfield in 2022 after the DOJ released a similarly damning report about the citys police department  is a formal dispute settlement agreement filed in federal court in which no party need admit guilt. Springfields consent decree gave the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of police department reforms to a federal judge, Leung said.

Criminal charges?

Another question that has lingered since the release of the DOJ report is whether any Worcester police officers will face criminal charges in connection with credible sexual assault and misconduct allegations that federal officials said they uncovered while investigating the police department.

Some officers have sexually assaulted women under threat of arrest and engaged in other problematic sexual conduct, according to the report. One such incident detailed by federal officials involved an officer forcing a woman to perform oral sex in a local cemetery. In another, an officer paid a woman for sex acts by giving her drugs and a ride to a hospital.

But even though the report recounted these harrowing stories, Murrane said that, because this was a civil  as opposed to criminal  investigation, filing charges was not within investigators purview. That is the job of criminal assistant U.S. attorneys, and information about potential criminal conduct uncovered during the investigation was passed to them.

When we find certain kinds of conduct in the course of a civil investigation, there is a process where we refer information to criminal attorneys, and those are independent from anyone on the team who is doing the civil investigation, she said.

These attorneys decide on their own whether to open a case and file charges, officials said. DOJ officials declined to comment on any criminal investigations related to the investigation into Worcester police and refrained from confirming whether any such investigations are taking place.

The Worcester communitys recommendations

Some attendees said they think the Worcester Police Department needs more training on skills such as deescalation, while others felt that attitudes that lead to problems such as excessive force are too deeply ingrained in the department to be remedied by additional training.

Some community members thought the issues identified in the report were systemic within the policing profession. A larger culture shift where officers report each other for misconduct instead of protecting each other is necessary to enact lasting change, they said.

Many attendees were also concerned that nothing would come of the report itself, especially given Worcester police officers repeated reticence to accept its findings as valid. The department should be held accountable for its actions through punishment that is harsh enough to incentivize change, they said.

Theres no point of a report if theres no action, if theres no teeth, said Sofia Lucas McGrath, who works in Worcester.

District 5 City Council Etel Haxhiaj said after the meeting that it was a good start in terms of taking action based on the report.

What I heard from community members is that there needs to be, embedded in the agreement with the city, enforceable and tangible, concrete recommendations, she said.

Haxhiaj also called on the Worcester Police Department to change course and accept the reports findings so that it can address community members concerns and implement reforms effectively.

The community has shown up time and time again to say, Heres the evidence, that theres patterns of behavior, she said. You need to start with acknowledging and accepting that this is something that the police department needs to work on.

City Councilors met the previous day on Tuesday and heard hours of feedback from bitterly divided residents. Some argued that anti-police federal officials had used anonymous, unreliable testimony to disparage a largely innocent city law enforcement agency, while others calling for change insisted that the report was a long-overdue backing of problems well-known to Worcesters most vulnerable residents.

Anyone looking to provide feedback to the DOJ about the Worcester Police Department, the Justice Departments investigation, the DOJ report or what changes the police department should implement is asked to email federal officials at community.wpd@usdoj.gov.
In a brief motion filed Wednesday, prosecutors in the Karen Read case asked for a court order to restrict public access to some documents provided to Read and her defense team last month, saying they could be tied to an unrelated pending criminal case.

The motion, filed by specially appointed Assistant District Attorney Hank Brennan, does not detail the documents provided, saying only that they were given to Read on Nov. 26 and detailed in a notice of discovery.

This order is necessary to effectuate the well-established privacy and safety interests of witnesses and the victims family, the filing reads. Furthermore, certain materials being provided as discovery in this case, may be evidence in an unrelated pending criminal case.

Brennan and David Yannetti, an attorney representing Read, both signed the order.

Both prosecutors and defense attorneys requested the start of the second trial be moved back from January 27 to April 1, 2025. Judge Beverly Cannone granted their motion to delay the trial and told them to provide more scheduling information.

Read is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash causing injury or death.

Read is accused of slamming her SUV into her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John OKeefe, after dropping him off outside a Canton home following a night of drinking, and leaving him to die in the snow.

Reads defense has said she is the victim of a law enforcement conspiracy and that OKeefe was fatally beaten inside the home before his body was planted outside.

Separately, Read has appealed to the Supreme Judicial Court to get two of the three charges  second-degree murder and leaving the scene  thrown out, arguing that jurors reached an agreement to acquit her before her trial ended in a mistrial.

The SJC has not ruled on Reads appeal.
A 62-year-old man will be arraigned Thursday on a murder charge in connection with the killing of a 42-year-old woman who was found on the side of the road in Westport nearly 20 years ago, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn announced.

Prosecutors say they linked Simao Farias to the killing of Suzanna Alvarado, a resident of New Bedford who was known to work as a sex worker, through a biological sample found on her shirt. Alvardo, 42, was found on the side of Route 88 on Oct. 17, 2005. The state medical examiner determined she had been beaten and strangled to death, Quinns office said in a statement.

An initial investigation into her death yielded no suspects. But in 2020, the Massachusetts State Police undertook a complete forensic review of the case, which led to the discovery of the sample on Alvarados shirt, the statement reads.

Prosecutors say the sample matched Farias, also of New Bedford, and his DNA was consistent with DNA taken from two other locations on Avarados body and clothing.

Farias was indicted on a single charge of murder on Wednesday and arrested the same evening. He is set to be arraigned in Bristol Superior Court in Fall River on Thursday at 2 p.m., according to the statement.
David Murphey, a reality TV personality best known for his appearances on a 90 Day Fiance spin-off, has died. He was 66.

Murphey died in his Las Vegas home on Dec. 11 "after experiencing health issues over the last several years," a post on his official Instagram reads.

An official cause of death was not revealed.

Back in March 2023, Murphey said in an instagram live that hed been in and out of the hospital for three months. The reality star mentioned he was dealing with similar health problems from the previous November.

Despite the frequent visits, doctors were unable to determine Murpheys condition. The TV personality noted that his liver was not working right and that he was also experiencing issues with his pancreas and kidneys.

Ive been really out of commission, Murphey said during the live.

Murphey joined the cast on the fourth season of 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days" in 2020. The show follows transnational couples who met online as they travel abroad to meet in person for the first time. Murphey got engaged to a Ukrainian woman named Lana while on the show, but the couple later broke up.

His time on the show allowed him to connect with viewers, see the world, and share his experiences with his thousands of followers on Instagram, the Instagram post reads. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans.

Murphey is survived by his two sisters and his cat Gamera. As an avid cat lover, Murpheys family is encouraging loved ones to make donations to The Animal Foundation in his name.
When Massachusetts voters passed Question 2 last month, they effectively eliminated the statewide requirement that public school students must pass 10th-grade MCAS tests in order to graduate.

Keyword: statewide.

Now, guidance issued by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) last week offers an additional interpretation of Question 2. Individual school districts, by way of their school committees, can still use MCAS scores as a local graduation requirement.

The new DESE guidance, according to Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy, clearly violates the will of voters. The union, which was the driving force behind Question 2, will fight any schemes aimed at undoing the election results, they said.

The passage of Question 2 directed school districts to create their own competency determinations in place of the statewide MCAS requirement. But the competency determination is just one half of what public high school students must do in order to graduate: they have to meet local graduation requirements, too.

Read more: New MCAS guidance says former students without diplomas get another chance

Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page speaks at a March 4 rally for a ballot question to remove the MCAS graduation requirement outside the Statehouse. (SAM DRYSDALE / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE)State House News Service

Those requirements, set by a districts governing body (most often school committees), constitute as other academic standards students must fulfill to receive a diploma, in addition to earning the competency determination.

In its most recent guidance released on Dec. 11, DESE advised school districts that theyre allowed to use high school MCAS scores as part of their local graduation requirement, apart from the competency determination.

The establishment of local graduation requirements is at the sole discretion of school districts, DESE stated.

When MassLive sought further clarification from DESE, a spokesperson said that while Question 2 prevents MCAS from being used for the competency determination, there isnt anything preventing it from being used as a local graduation requirement.

The DESE guidance means a school district can technically still require students to pass all three 10th-grade MCAS tests in English language arts, math and science in order to achieve a diploma.

It wasnt front and center in the debate, but once you see it in black and white in the DESE guidance, it makes sense, said Ed Lambert, executive director of the Massachusetts Business Alliance For Education and opponent of Question 2. We have a state where districts can create their own local graduation requirements.

Lambert said this latest unfolding underscores his belief that complicated public policy decided by ballot questions is a bad idea.

To the extent that voters believed they were changing the system, what they literally were doing was ending it as a statewide graduation requirement, he said. Nothing in the ballot question prevents (districts) from adopting an additional local requirement.

In their statement, the MTAs Page and McCarthy said voters overwhelmingly agreed with the intentions of Question 2. They urged DESE to be partners in a new era of public education in Massachusetts.

Voters have made clear that they want their schools to focus on students and not on test scores, they said.

Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler has said the state will start convening stakeholders to discuss what the future of a new uniform standard could look like without MCAS scores.

The Legislature could also step in to create a new standard. Some lawmakers have already said they intended to file related bills during the upcoming session.

On Dec. 6, the nonprofit Mass Opportunity Alliance released its own polling results showing 75% of residents support a new statewide graduation requirement in place of the MCAS exam.

Both proponents and opponents of Question 2 have said they support a process to create one.

Until then, school districts will rely on local graduation standards and competency determinations set by their respective school committees. The standards vary widely from district to district, the Boston Globe recently reported.

Under the new DESE guidance, Lambert said he expects MCAS scores will be used in a piecemeal manner across the state. He anticipates there will be pressure in communities that voted in favor of keeping the graduation requirement.

Voting data shows wealthier, suburban communities with the states highest MCAS scores fought to keep it, while urban cities with the lowest scores overwhelmingly scrapped it.

I can see why districts would want to (still use MCAS scores), and I can see potentially even employers and parents in the community advocating for it, Lambert said.

Also included in DESEs latest guidance is that former students who missed out on a diploma in the past solely because of MCAS must be afforded a process by their districts to obtain their competency determination based on their successful completion of required classwork.

State education officials have said about 700 students dont receive diplomas each year solely because of their MCAS scores.
A European country is under the highest-rated travel advisory, urging U.S. citizens to avoid the nation entirely.

The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 4 Dot Not Travel advisory for Belarus on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Belarus is an Eastern European country bordered by Russia, Ukraine Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.

The advisory states travel to Belarus should be avoided because of Belarusian authorities arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the risk of detention, the continued facilitation of Russias war against Ukraine, the potential of civil unrest, and the Embassys limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.

In early 2022, the State Department ordered the departure of U.S. government employees and suspended operations at its Embassy in Minsk.

Belarus also does not recognize dual nationality, so authorities often refuse to acknowledge dual U.S.-Belarusian nationals American citizenship. This means they often deny or delay consular assistance to detained people.

Tens of thousands of individuals, including some U.S. citizens, are being detained in the country for alleged affiliation with opposition parties and participation in political demonstrations, according to the State Department.

About 1,300 of those prisoners are currently in jail for political acts that wouldnt be considered criminal in the U.S. and prisoners are routinely denied access to their embassy and lawyers and any outside communication.

U.S. citizens still in Belarus are advised to leave immediately. Those who remain in the country should avoid public demonstrations and reconsider bringing electronic devices, most of which are being monitored by Belarusian security services, into the country.

More information about traveling to Belarus can be found on the State Departments website.
A Massachusetts police officer was hospitalized after a crash that involved their cruiser on Wednesday night.

At 5:17 p.m. on Dec. 18, a crash happened between a Bourne Police Department cruiser and another vehicle, according to the Bourne Police Departments Facebook post.

The officer who was driving the cruiser was hurt in the incident and was brought to the hospital. The officer was released as of Wednesday evening, according to the Facebook post. The driver of the other vehicle was not hurt.

The Bourne Police Department cited an ongoing investigation related to the incident being conducted by Massachusetts State Police.

Bourne police declined to confirm with MassLive whether or not the crash was head-on, as reported by WCVB. The department did not say where the crash happened and if there are any charges currently filed related to the incident. MassLive reached out to Massachusetts State Police for comment.
A new coalition of organizations is threatening to file a lawsuit in January to try to force the Legislature to comply with a new voter law giving the state auditor the authority to investigate the House and Senate.

The Mass. Fiscal Alliance, Fiscal Alliance Foundation, Act on Mass, Pioneer Institute, the Pioneer Public Interest Law Center announced the coalition outside the House of Representatives chamber on Wednesday.

Massachusetts residents voted overwhelmingly to give Auditor Diana DiZoglio the explicit power to turn her offices microscope onto the House and Senate. Legislative leaders have resisted DiZoglios audit attempts and continue to point to separation of powers concerns in the wake of the ballot questions passage.

More people and organizations will join this coalition, including representatives from the right, from the left, from the Legislature, from the municipal level, from in the state and out of state, the finalized plaintiff list will be robust, just like the results of the election, Fiscal Alliance spokesman Paul Craney said.

Craney called on Attorney General Andrea Campbell to force compliance with the new law to prevent legal action from the coalition.

Campbell has been quiet in responding to calls from DiZoglio to begin pressing enforcement of the law, after cautioning last year of the policys constitutional limitations.

Attorney General Andrea Campbell can take up this good governance issue and force the implementation of the ballot question, demanding the will of the voters, and being on the right side of every municipality that voted in favor. Rarely do these types of political gifts magically appear, Craney said.

Campbells office declined to comment when an audit law-related lawsuit was filed two weeks ago. Her office said Wednesday that she respects the will of the voters but does not have the authority to force the implementation of the law unless or until there is a legal dispute between the Auditor and the Legislature that one of the parties wishes to litigate.

The coalition said it will not file litigation until after Jan. 5, when the Secretary of States office considers the new law to be effective.

The coalition said it will have sitting members of the Legislature among the plaintiffs, naming Republican Rep. Marcus Vaughn among supporters. Asked if any sitting Democratic legislators planned to join the suit, Craney said, Were working on it.

Helen Brady, who lost a bid for state auditor in 2018, said she vowed during her campaign to try to audit the Legislature, knowing that it may not be permissible, but the option to change that law through a ballot initiative was possible.

Here we are six years later, Brady said. Addressing lawmakers and referencing the number of votes in support of Question 1, she added, Youve got your marching orders from the [2.3 million] citizens of the commonwealth. Make no mistake, we the people will hold you to your campaign promises delivering a more transparent Beacon Hill.

Jennifer Nassour, the former chairwoman of the Massachusetts Republican Party, declared that the state auditor has the full support of the party.

However, the group also tried Wednesday to emphasize a bipartisan message.

Scotia Hille, executive director of the left-leaning Act on Mass, said it shouldnt have to come to this that people are so unconfident, uncertain, that our legislators are operating in their best interests.

In a state where a Democratic supermajority was reelected easily, the first post-election move for our Democratic leaders in the Legislature was to block, water-down and delay the most popular initiative on the ballot, Hille said.
By Jacob Bogage and Marianna

The federal government is careening toward a weekend government shutdown deadline as congressional Republicans, egged on by President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk, feud over legislation to keep agencies open over the Christmas holiday.

Republicans on Wednesday rejected a plan by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., for a three-month stopgap funding extension, called a continuing resolution or CR, with more than $100 billion in aid for natural disaster survivors, bipartisan health-care policy changes and other unrelated provisions.

House Republican leaders made no significant process overnight to fund the government and avoid a government shutdown this weekend, two people familiar with the negotiations said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to share private deliberations.

In scrapping Johnsons plan, Republicans cast doubt on his ability to maintain the speakers gavel in next years Congress.

Johnson must run for the position again when the new House is sworn in on Jan. 3, and enough GOP lawmakers to deny him the position have already declared they wont support him, according to two members, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations.

I am hearing from an increasing number of people, both inside and outside the Freedom Caucus, that theyre not viewing how this was handled favorably, Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., chair of the pugnacious and ultraconservative Freedom Caucus, separately told The Washington Post on Tuesday.

Johnson had declared repeatedly over his nearly 14-month speakership that the House would not pursue Christmas tree bills, so named for all the legislative ornaments that hang on a year-end funding measure.

But in trying to funnel additional disaster aid to farmers, Johnson cracked the bill open to broader negotiations with Democrats, upsetting Republicans who were licking their chops at reshaping broad swaths of federal policy under unified conservative control in 2025.

Musk, sometimes boosting false claims on X, the social media site he owns, trashed the bill in an hours-long tirade, calling it terrible, criminal, outrageous, horrible, unconscionable, crazy and, ultimately, an insane crime.

That catalyzed opposition from Republicans who were wary of the bill. Soon lawmakers piled on, decrying what had become a major funding package on the eve of Musk and his partner Vivek Ramaswamys pledge to chainsaw federal spending through the Department of Government Efficiency, the nongovernmental panel Trump has named them to run.

Hours into Musks campaign, Trump ordered Republicans to GET SMART and TOUGH or force a shutdown by walking away from a deal that the GOPs top congressional official negotiated.

The president-elect called for a CR that preserves certain items that Johnson supports - such as aid for farmers and disaster relief spending - but strips out Democratic priorities and pairs it with a suspension of the debt limit, which caps the amount the federal government can borrow to pay its bills.

The current suspension is set to expire early in Trumps term next year, under a bipartisan 2023 deal.

Vice President-elect JD Vance huddled with Johnson and House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., late Wednesday evening to try to break the impasse.

We had a productive conversation, Vance told reporters as he left. But I think we will be able to solve some problems here, and we will keep working on it.

Democrats responded by declaring there would be no renegotiation.

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries , D-N.Y., secured language in the Johnson bill to fully fund the reconstruction of Baltimores collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, transfer RFK Stadium from federal control to Washington, D.C., which could pave the way for a new home for the NFLs Washington Commanders, and lower some prescription drug costs by going after health plan administrators.

Schumer told Democrats, We have a deal with Republicans and were sticking with it, according to a person familiar with the Senate leaders message, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe private discussions.

House Republicans have now unilaterally decided to break a bipartisan agreement that they made. House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government and hurt everyday Americans all across this country, Jeffries told reporters Wednesday night. House Republicans will now own any harm that is visited upon the American people that results from a government shutdown, or worse; an agreement is an agreement.
Info/News: Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard named among the 100 Most Influential Africans for 2nd consecutive yearFirst special communique for St BrandonNavin Ramgoolam rend hommage a Jimmy CarterSe preparer pour le passage dun cycloneMeteo du 7 janvier 2024Deces de Reynolds PermalJustin Trudeau a annonce sa demission5e systeme de la saison cyclonique 2024-2025Renouvellement du permis doperation pour les pharmacies priveesLes prochaines rencontres de football de la MFAMeteo du 6 janvier 2025Modoki La Nina dans le PacifiqueZone pluvio-orageuse au Nord-Nord Ouest de MauriceTrois Jumbo Express ferment leurs portesDeces de Lady Nancy Ah-ChuenSpace42s Thuraya 4 Satellite successfully launched into orbit[Video news] Baby John au Sirsa[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 4 janvier 2025Sanjiv Ranjan is the new Secretary-General of the IORA SecretariatLettre ouverte au Premier ministre du PakistanLettre ouverte a lAmbassadeur des Etats Unis a MauriceIPLOOK Networks 2024 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As 2025 dawns, Irelands housing crisis stands as a really damning indictment of decades of inaction and market-driven policies. Over 12,000 people are in emergency accommodation, and rents have surged to record highs, leaving many young families and workers teetering on the edge of homelessness. So many of us, particularly renters, could become homeless within a matter of weeks. Yet, this is not just a crisis of bricks and mortar; it is a moral crisis, where housing has become a commodity rather than a human right.

The roots of this catastrophe lie in chronic underinvestment in public housing, the unchecked influence of vulture funds, and taxation policies that favour profit over people. While apparently the Irish people did not vote for change  more about that in another column  the incoming government must really gather some courage and break from the status quo. There is an opportunity here for them to claim their place in the history books by implementing radical but fair solutions that will serve society as a whole and ensure that we never again see a time when 4,000 children are without homes at Christmas.

Incremental changes and piecemeal solutions will not suffice. Instead, three bold actions can turn this crisis into an opportunity to create a fairer Ireland.

Ireland should now look to Viennas model, where over 60 percent of residents live in high-quality, affordable public housing. This approach isnt just for the most vulnerable; it integrates middle-income families and in doing so, fosters social cohesion  something that is sorely lacking in Irish society. A similar programme here would involve building tens of thousands of affordable, energy-efficient homes annually. These homes must remain permanently outside the speculative market, managed by non-profits and community-led housing cooperatives.

Success stories like Fingal County Councils Churchfields project show what is possible. By fast-tracking infrastructure and streamlining public procurement, and working in practical partnership with a developer, equipping the site in advance with services, they delivered 57 homes within eight months, with 300 more due by next year. Scaling such initiatives nationwide will require significant investment and innovation, but it works.

Moreover, the government must urgently revamp and accelerate Irelands apprenticeship system, making trades financially viable and socially respected career paths. State support for self-employed tradespeople  so long overdue  is also essential to ensure a skilled workforce to meet housing demand, and is a no-brainer.

Irelands housing crisis is as much a land crisis as anything else. Land hoarding and speculative buying drive up prices, sidelining ordinary people. The State must now find moral courage and step in, using compulsory purchase orders to acquire underutilised or vacant land for public housing projects. This would strip away the profit motives that inflate costs and ensure that housing developments prioritise people over profit.

To stabilise the rental market, the Government should implement nationwide rent caps tied to income levels and impose strict, punitive penalties on landlords who keep properties vacant. Imagine an Ireland where young people can afford to save for their futures rather than pouring their wages into exorbitant rents. It may be unpopular, but it must be done.

Local governments urgently need real power to address housing challenges at a bespoke, community level. What works for Belmullet wont necessarily work for Westport. Yet, local councils remain shackled by a lack of resources and authority. Empowering them through legislation to tailor solutions to their own areas is critical. Local government has been decimated by Fine Gael and is one of the weakest in Europe  it is past time to start righting that wrong.

One glaring issue is dereliction. Mayo alone has 252 sites on its Derelict Sites Register, many of which could be repurposed into housing. A robust and severe dereliction tax, combined with penalties for long-term vacancies, would push owners to either use these properties or relinquish them. Mayo County Councils own housing director and several county councillors have rightly pointed out the damage caused by Airbnbs greed-driven dominance, particularly in areas like Westport. Limiting short-term lets and redirecting these properties to long-term housing is another vital step.

Transforming housing from a commodity into a right will face fierce resistance, particularly from vested interests. Many TDs are landlords themselves, and challenging Irelands deep-seated culture of property speculation will not be easy. However, bold leadership is required.

By committing to public housing, reclaiming land for public good, and empowering local communities, the next government can create a fairer, more equitable Ireland, one where a division exists in our society between those who own houses and those who can not.

Housing must no longer be a privilege of the wealthy but a right for all.
Sinn Fein TD for Mayo, Rose Conway-Walsh has said that Fianna Fail's determination to keep Fine Gael in government for almost 20 years is a 'disappointment to many'.

The Erris-based TD was one of 39 Sinn Fein TDs who sat in Leinster House for the new Dail term yesterday where Independent Wexford TD Verona Murphy was elected as Ceann Comhairle.

Sinn Fein's proposal for Mary Lou McDonald to be elected Taoiseach was easily defeated with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael expected to form a new Government in the new year with the help of a group of Independents. It will mean that Fine Gael have been part of every government since the 2011 General Election.

Speaking following the first day of the new Dail term, Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh said that while it was disappointing that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will continue in power, she is more determined than ever to hold them to account.

While hundreds of thousands of people voted for change, it is likely that we will not have the numbers to form a new government with the new approach that is so desperately needed.

The reality that Fianna Fail is determined to keep Fine Gael in government for almost 20 years will be a disappointment to many.

That is because the real and lived damage, consequences and lost opportunities of Fianna Fail-Fine Gael governments remain.

There is no reason to believe that having caused a housing crisis and made it worse, having sustained a crisis in health, having failed to deliver for working people, that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have what it takes to straighten matters out, she said.

Deputy Conway-Walsh topped the poll in last month's General Election in Mayo and 39 Tds is the highest number the party have returned to Dail Eireann since the party abandoned its longstanding abstentionism policy in the 80s.

She pointed out that the election results show that the 2020 General Election was not a 'flash in the pan' and Sinn Fein will remain a political force into the future.

I was elected to speak up for the people of Mayo and our team of 39 TDs returned to the Dail are more determined than ever to represent the hundreds of thousands of people right across the state who voted for real progress and for a better future.

Those voters wanted a major shift in direction from the government. They voted for Sinn Fein and for other parties who, like us, believe that politics must change. Their votes matter.

And what this election confirmed is that 2020 was not a flash in the pan, no once-off, and that Sinn Fein remains a significant political force.

She added: So while the election may be over, the job of representation begins. I will stand up for people in Mayo impacted by the housing crisis, the scandal of Pyrite and demand that greater resources are allocated to Mayo University Hospital and other healthcare facilities, and I will continue to support families under pressure with the cost of living.

I will hold the governments feet to the flames on issues like the Western Rail Corridor, farm payments and the long-promised upgrades of the R312, N26 and N17 roads.

Sinn Fein will fight for hope and opportunity for our young people who are leaving our shores for a better future, and we will plan to advance Irish reunification.

My message to the people of Mayo is that Sinn Fein will continue to fight for you, to stand up for you, to have your back, to defend and advance the rights of working people, of families and our community to a life that is full of opportunity, hope, achievement, happiness, prosperity.

That is a future worth believing in, a future worth working for and the future we can achieve.
Mayo County Council's report on its Gender Pay Gap for 2024 shows that on average female employees are on average paid 1.90 percent more than their male counterparts.

Mayo County Council published its Gender Pay Gap Report for 2024 this week which looks at the difference in the average hourly wage of men and women across a workforce.

The 2024 report shows that the mean Gender Pay Gap shows that on average, females are paid 1.90 percent more than males while the median Gender Pay Gap shows that the median rate of pay for females is 10.56 percent higher than the median rate of pay for males.

Under the Gender Pay Gap Information Act, 2021, employers with more than 150 employees in Ireland are now required to publish their gender pay gap data.

Mayo County Council employs a workforce of nearly 1,200 employees with females making up 61 percent of that workforce and 82 percent of the total workforce employed on a full time basis.

The Gender Pay Gap calculates the percentage difference between the average earnings of males and females irrespective of their role and is not the same as equal pay as all male and female employees in the local government sector are paid equally for work.

The report stated that differences between what employees are paid can be impacted by a number of complex factors including occupational segregation, working patterns, length of service and the time of year.

Mayo County Council stated that publishing the Gender Pay Gap data helps to reinforce Mayo County Councils focus on supporting an open and inclusive workplace.

Our organisation is a place where all employees have the same opportunities for recognition and career development and are treated fairly and equitably at work.

Mayo County Council continues to be committed to addressing workplace barriers to equality and creating an open and inclusive workplace community. Many equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives and supports are already in place, and we will continue to work in this area.

The local authority sector gives people the opportunity to play a key role in the positive development of their county and community.

As an employer, Mayo County Council is committed to providing a positive and supportive environment for employees. The Council offer flexible and family friendly arrangements, blended working, and great career progression and education opportunities," the council statement read.

Visit www.mayo.ie to view Mayo County Council's Gender Pay Gap Report for 2024.
The HSE have warned that health services in Mayo are preparing for further significant increases in influenza and respiratory illness during the Christmas season.

With the flu in the community likely to peak over the Christmas holiday, health services are warning of the direct impact it will have on the capacity of health services, both in hospitals and in primary and community care settings.

HSE Health Manager for Mayo, Mary Warde expressed concern about rising cases of respiratory illness in the community which will put local health services under significant strain over the Christmas period.

In the last week, over 600 people nationally were hospitalised due to Covid, flu and RSV. When this is added to the usual demand placed on the health service, it brings significant pressure on the public and healthcare staff.

We are asking our local communities across Mayo to please consider all healthcare options if you or your family become unwell. Depending on your illness, there are a number of treatment options open to you including out-of-hours GP and pharmacies. Being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system, she said.

Ms Warde encouraged people who do require emergency care to attend Emergency Departments where they will be prioritised but added that patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment may experience long waiting times as we treat our sickest patients first.

I also want to remind the public that Roscommon Injury Unit is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day and can treat a wide range of breaks, sprains, burns and minor injuries, she said.

Dr Aine McNamara, HSE West North West Director of Public Health said that with the cases of Covid-19, RSV and influenza on the rise, there is still time to get a vaccine.

A combined total of almost 2,000 cases of Covid-19, RSV and influenza have been notified nationally in the past week. Over the same week, Emergency Departments across the country have experienced significant increases in people presenting to ED with Covid-19, Influenza and RSV.

We expect this trend to continue, however there is still time to get a vaccine. Every eligible person across the Sligo Leitrim region should get their winter vaccines ahead of Christmas to protect themselves, and their family and friends from the worst impacts of flu and Covid-19.

It is really important that we protect vulnerable people from the risk of infection so please do not visit family members in a hospital, nursing home or any healthcare setting if you are unwell. I know its difficult at this time of year as we all want to visit our loved ones, but if you have any symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, coughs or colds I would urge you to postpone your visit until 48 hours after the symptoms have cleared.
by Ray Schultz , December 18, 2024

Marc Benioff, chief executive officer of Time magazine, denies that there is any deal on the table to sell the publication, Bloomberg reports.

Last month, reports said Benioff was discussing a possible sale to the Antenna Group.

Benioff and his wife Lynn purchased Time from Meredith Corp. in 2018 for $190 million, Bloomberg continues.

Its extremely important that we do have fair and balanced journalism, and thats why Im very proud to be an owner of Time, Benioff said, according to Bloomberg.

Earlier this month, Time named Donald Trump as its Person of the Year.

In another development, it announced the launch of Time AI, a platform it developed with Scale AI.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, December 19, 2024

A coalition challenging Texas's social media law says new restrictions on targeted advertising are hindering political advocacy efforts, including an attempt to inform young people about efforts to repeal recent controversial laws.

The restrictions on ad targeting prevent the organization from fulfilling its mission of promoting student involvement in advocacy, legislative efforts, and education on issues of importance to youths, Cameron Samuels, executive director of Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, said in a declaration submitted this week to U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pitman in Austin.

Samuels adds that the group would like to use targeted ads to promote discussion of issues including advocating for the repeal of state law that restricts students' access to library books, as well as a law that bans gender-affirming healthcare for minors.

The new declaration comes in support of the group's request for an injunction blocking the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act (HB 18), which partially took effect earlier this year.

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That law directs social platforms to ask users their ages, and then deploy filtering technology to block "harmful" content to minors. The statute defines harmful content as including material that promotes, glorifies, or facilitates eating disorders, self-harm, substance abuse, and grooming ... or other sexual exploitation or abuse.

The measure also requires platforms to limit the collection of minors' information, and prohibits platforms from serving targeted ads to minors, without parental consent. The statute doesn't define targeted advertising.

The law is being challenged on First Amendment grounds in two separate lawsuits -- one by the tech industry groups NetChoice and Computer & Communications Industry Association, and the other by Students Engaged in Advancing Texas and Ampersand Group, which handles advertising for nonprofits, government agencies and local businesses.

In late August, Pitman blocked some portions of the law in response to the lawsuit by NetChoice and Computer & Communications Industry Association, including provisions that would have required platforms to filter potentially harmful material. Texas officials have appealed that part of the ruling to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which hasn't yet issued a decision.

Pitman denied the tech groups' request to block other provisions of the social media law, including the bans on targeted advertising and data collection. He said it wasn't immediately apparent to him that those provisions are unconstitutional, but left open the possibility of blocking those restrictions in the future.

That ruling allowed Students Engaged in Advancing Texas and Ampersand Group to pursue their request for a block on the entire law. Those groups initially alleged that the law could affect them in several ways, including by restricting the Ampersand Group from sending public service messages and information ads to teens about matters like fentanyl dangers, or signs of sex trafficking.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in September argued that those allegations are too vague to warrant an injunction.

Plaintiffs did not establish that they have concrete plans to view or post advertisements restricted by HB 18 in the near future, he argued in papers filed in September. For instance, what specific ads are at issue? On which digital service? When will these ads be viewed/posted? Plaintiffs never really explain.

He also said the law should be interpreted as restricting only commercial targeted ads.

Jaryn Holbrook Janeway, chief operating officer of the Ampersand Group, counters in a declaration filed this week that since the law took effect the agency has stopped pursuing grants that would involve reaching teens.

For example, we decided not to pursue a grant to conduct advertising for Sandy Hook Promise--a nonprofit organization focused on protecting children from school shootings, violence, and other harmful acts, Janeway stated in the declaration.

It is heartbreaking to know that we are now unable to reach Texas teens with, for example, advertisements related to school safety, health services, education, and resources for disadvantaged and marginalized youths--leaving minors less informed about the world around them and less safe, Janeway added.

Pitman hasn't yet indicated when he will rule.
India establishes its first diabetes biobank to advance research on diabetes prevention, management, and treatment.

Highlights: Indias first diabetes biobank launched in Chennai by ICMR and MDRF

Supports research on Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes

Aims to boost global diabetes research and treatment innovations

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ICMR sets up India's first diabetes biobank in Chennai



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What is the Diabetes Biobank and Its Role in Research?

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India has over 10 crore people diagnosed with diabetes. #diabetesresearch #medindia

India has over 10 crore people diagnosed with diabetes. #diabetesresearch #medindia

Indias Growing Diabetes Epidemic: A Call for Action

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ICMR sets up India's first diabetes biobank in Chennai - (https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/icmr-sets-up-indias-first-diabetes-biobank-in-chennai/articleshow/116335976.cms?)

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) have commenced Indias first grounded diabetes biomaterials archive in Chennai. This biobank will be serving a paramount function as a resource for supporting scientific research on diabetes by safeguarding biological samples for research use and processing ().Indias very first diabetes biobank is formulated to acquire and store blood specimens to support research on the causes, types, and impact of diabetes. It will be an important data source to examine various types of diabetes that exist in India bearing in mind the countrys epidemiology.It has samples of blood taken from large scale ICMR funded studies such as the ICMR-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study. These samples encompass various diabetic types including the type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes and will greatly be of assistance in future studies.The creation of the diabetes biobank will go a long way in filling the gap, especially in research on diabetes, all across the world. Thus, by promoting the collaboration of varied types of research organizations, it will contribute to the exploration of new biomarkers to identify the diseases early stages and define effective individualized therapy for diabetes.Engaging private sector stakeholders in the growth of biobanks, as well as other relevant study projects, is essential for the application of the outcomes. This partnership is crucial for utilising modern technologies in specimen storage, data handling, and data sharing that will ensure the biobanks long-term functionality.India is experiencing a continuous rise in diabetes, with more than one crore people being affected by the disease. These trends include the prevalence of diabetes in at least half of these states including a rise in diabetes in less-developed states and low levels of physical activity. These findings call for an improved public health campaign to address diabetes health in order to enhance its control and/or early prevention across the country.The start of a diabetes biobank is considered an achievement not only for Indians but for all the worlds population that will help fight diabetes. Given the biobanks capability to support population-based and interdisciplinary research with an emphasis on the longitudinal design, the biobank will become one of the leading determining factors for the future of stimulating diabetes diagnosis and prevention.Source-Medindia
Today Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is a name that needs no introduction. The model who became an actress and took Bollywood by storm as we entered the 21st century. Powerful performances in strong character roles made her more than just a pretty face or a damsel in distress. Today she is considered one of the best Bollywood has to offer. However, early on in her career, even before she began acting, a Bollywood star had advised her not to enter Bollywood. By his own admission, this man did not do it out of malice or any ill will towards her. He felt her beautiful qualities and innocence would be lost due to the competitive nature of the industry. Of course, she did not ultimately listen to him.

 Netflix Who was the man who discouraged Aishwarya? None other than Sanjay Dutt. He first met her during a magazine shoot in 1993 and it was there that he gave his advice as at that time he was well aware of the challenges in the industry. He suggested that she not take up acting. "When you come into this glamour industry, it starts changing you, maturing you, that innocence is lost. That beautiful side that she has right now on her face will disappear. Because she has to handle the film world right and that is not easy to do. Its competitive. Its like Man I have to look better than that, Ive gotta be there. You know you climb two steps and there will be like 500 people pulling you down five steps. And you become hard. And those beautiful qualities are gone," he told her according to his interview with CineBlitz, as per DNA.
Warehouse and logistics are one of the most likely to see a jump in energy prices

Warehouse and logistics businesses are among the most affected by rising electricity and gas costs, with the average business set to see monthly bills increase by 324 according to new research.

The energy bills insight, conducted by data and AI leader SAS, analysed ONS data from more than 1.7 million business-owned buildings to understand how much gas and electricity each sector consumes on average.

Over the last two years 77% of businesses admit they have increased the prices of products and services due to high energy costs, with some even facing insolvency.

While wholesale energy prices have decreased since 2022 and 2023, when the previous government introduced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the base rate for both electricity and gas for businesses has still risen this winter compared to summer prices, and rates remain high due to ongoing global factors.

Warehouse and logistics are one of the most likely to see a jump in energy prices, with an estimated combined gas and electricity bill of 2,894 per month, per building - a rise of 324 - broken down into 71 for electricity and 253 for gas.

The heavier consumption can be due to increased usage depending on the size of the building and environment, such as increased heating.

Manufacturers are expected to be most affected by rising electricity costs, with the average business set to see monthly bills increase by more than 2,000.

The heavier consumption can be due to activities such as the extra heating, cooling and chemical processing required to manufacture certain items.

Emergency Services are facing an increase of more than 1,000 a month, per building, most likely due to higher gas consumption during the colder months.

Duncan Bain, Senior Energy Advisor at SAS UK & Ireland, said: The energy crisis has placed significant pressure on businesses.

While its understandable that some may worry about increased energy bills, the impact will vary widely, based on business size and consumption patterns.

"Our research sheds light on the projected energy costs for businesses this winter and underscores the importance of leveraging technology to monitor and optimise energy use, since its not clear when prices will stabilise after the volatility of the last few years.

That said, these findings only represent industry averages  businesses will face higher or lower costs depending on their operational needs and energy efficiency measures.
A program designed to educate veterans on the various treatments for mental health conditions actually hindered access to medical care and contributed to the underuse of six therapists at a Georgia Veterans Affairs clinic, a Department of Veterans Affairs investigation found.

The VA's Office of Inspector General found evidence that the Hinesville VA Outpatient Clinic did not adequately manage its Choose My Therapy program, which informs patients of the different types of available care. The clinic also did not use its scheduling tools properly, leading to delays in care.

Clinic leaders said the VA's "complex scheduling process" did not reflect the therapists' patient loads accurately, but the OIG found that the clinic sidestepped the system and consultation process and used off-system spreadsheets, which are prohibited by the VA, to track patients.

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The clinic used the unauthorized spreadsheets from at least 2021 through April 2023, when a new records system allowed schedulers to effectively manage consultations.

Still, the use of prohibited wait lists raised questions among investigators as to "whether patients on the spreadsheet received care as requested," according to the report released Tuesday.

The VA OIG received a complaint in November 2023 over barriers to care at the clinic, part of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health System in Charleston, South Carolina.

The claimant questioned overall clinic mental health practices and the Choose My Therapy program, which they said acted as a barrier to care, slowing veterans' access to individual therapy.

The OIG found that the clinic did not properly handle consultations from Choose My Therapy, and veterans often did not complete the program's requirements, limiting their access to services.

The investigation also found that, while the Veterans Health Administration recommends that provider utilization rates -- a measure of how many appointment slots are filled and patient load -- not fall below 80%, most of the therapists' utilization rates at the clinic varied from 32% to 68%.

And despite what appeared as open appointments, the investigators found that patients who were supposed to be seen weekly were given three appointments across an average nine weeks. Of the 285 patients reviewed, 169, or 59%, did not continue to the third visit -- a dropout rate likely tied to delays, the investigators said.

"Delayed initiation of mental health treatment, particularly for those with complex needs, may put patients at risk for negative outcomes," they wrote.

The VA published a policy in 2017 prohibiting the use of any paper wait lists, calendars, logbooks or spreadsheets for scheduling in response to a 2014 scandal at the Phoenix VA Health Care System that involved more than 3,500 patients and contributed to the deaths of at least 20 patients, according to the OIG.

In November, more than a dozen House lawmakers raised concerns about the VA's scheduling system and processes for medical appointments following a report that former service members face difficulties getting regular mental health treatment from the department.

Reps. Marilyn Strickland, D-Wash.; Mike Waltz, R-Fla.; and others cited an Oct. 17 investigation by Military.com and feedback from constituents in a letter sent to VA Secretary Denis McDonough about canceled appointments and delays in care.

In response to the report, VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes said the delays catalogued at the Hinesville clinic were "unacceptable." He said the department has taken steps to address the issues and the average wait time for mental health care at the facility is now 2.3 days, "among the fastest in the nation for VA and far outperforms the private sector."

"We take the findings of the recent Office of Inspector General (OIG) report on the Hinesville VA Clinic very seriously," Hayes said in an email Thursday. "Veterans who rely on VA for their mental health deserve better."

Hayes added that, in the past year, the department held night and weekend medical appointments, which resulted in decreased wait times across the country, including for mental health services.

As a result of the investigation, the OIG made six recommendations to the clinic to improve patient care, suggesting that it ensure that therapists are treating an adequate number of patients, that scheduling staff use proper practices, that the clinic evaluate its Choose My Therapy program, and also investigate whether patients whose names were in the spreadsheets received appropriate care.

The VA largely concurred with the recommendations, adding that the veterans on the spreadsheet all received follow-up mental health care. Of 660 names, 652 were veteran patients who received care, two additional veterans were later found to qualify for health services and also received care, and six were providers or employees whose names were not categorized correctly in the database.

"The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System makes patient care and safety a priority, and we appreciate the Office of the Inspector General's partnership in our continuous improvement efforts for veterans," wrote Scott Isaacks, Ralph H. Johnson VA Health System director.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comment from the Department of Veterans Affairs' headquarters.

Related: VA Health System Remains on Federal 'High Risk' List Due to Oversight Shortfalls
A lawsuit filed by the Columbus-based National Ranger Memorial Foundation to restore the name of a Confederate officer to the memorial and to the elite Army unit's hall of fame at Fort Moore has been dismissed.

U.S. District Court Judge Clay Land issued the order Monday to grant the U.S. Department of Defense's motion to dismiss the lawsuit the foundation filed last month.

Land heard arguments in the case Thursday at the federal courthouse in Columbus.

Background for the National Ranger Memorial Foundation lawsuit

As the Ledger-Enquirer reported in June 2023, the Fort Moore garrison commander directed the foundation to remove the name of Confederate Col. John Mosby from the memorial and the hall of fame as well as three other Rangers ( William Quantrill, George Bowman and Jackson Bowman) associated with the Confederacy from pavers on the walkway leading to the memorial.

That directive was based on the September 2022 final report the Department of Defense Naming Commission sent to Congress, which recommended removing names associated with the Confederacy from U.S. military assets. The May 2023 change of Fort Benning's name to Fort Moore was part of that process.

Who was John Mosby?

According to the foundation, Mosby was known as "the Gray Ghost" for his elusive guerrilla tactics during the Civil War.

"One prevalent myth is that Mosby was a staunch Confederate loyalist and a racist," foundation executive director Blair Brown said in a news release last month. "While Mosby did serve the Confederacy as a cavalry battalion commander, his personal beliefs and actions tell a different story. Mosby was not an ardent defender of the Confederate cause or its principles. In fact, he viewed the Civil War primarily as a struggle for states' rights rather than a fight to preserve slavery."

Brown contends that Mosby "harbored abolitionist sentiments. Before the war, he expressed disdain for slavery, considering it morally wrong. After the war, his actions further confirmed his opposition to racial injustice. Mosby aligned himself with the Republican Party, which was unusual for a former Confederate officer, and supported the Reconstruction efforts to ensure the rights of newly freed African Americans."

Brown argues another false narrative is that Mosby maintained a life of guerrilla warfare or lawlessness after the Civil War.

"In reality, Mosby transitioned into a life of public service and became a dedicated patriot," Brown said. "He served as the U.S. consul to Hong Kong and worked in various capacities within the federal government."

Brown calls Mosby's postwar career "a testament to his commitment to the United States. He sought to heal the nation's wounds by advocating for reconciliation between the North and South."

Mosby supported Ulysses S. Grant's presidential campaigns and worked as an attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice, which "highlighted his dedication to the country's legal and political systems," Brown said.

In his personal life, Mosby "was known to have good relations with African Americans and actively worked to protect them during the tumultuous Reconstruction era," Brown said. "His opposition to the Ku Klux Klan and similar organizations further underscores his stance against racial violence and discrimination."

Brown concluded, "Colonel John S. Mosby was a man of complex beliefs and actions, far removed from the simplistic and often erroneous portrayals. His opposition to slavery, his efforts towards national reconciliation, and his post-war patriotic service paint a picture of a man dedicated to the ideals of justice and unity.

"Understanding Mosby in this light not only corrects the historical record but also honors his true legacy as an American who strove to bridge the divides of his time."

Arguments in the case

Jonathan Corley, a lawyer representing the foundation, argued during the Dec. 12 hearing that while Mosby's name did appear in the body of a report recommending his name be removed from the memorial, it was not included in an appendix of that report, which contained a list of assets recommended to be changed.

That report was compiled by a commission responsible for identifying DOD assets commemorating the Confederacy or those who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America, according to court arguments.

Land asked Corley whether he was arguing that the inconsistency between the report's body and the appendix was causing ambiguity. Corley said it was.

Corley argued that the statute required Mosby's removal from the memorial to be included in the list.

Sarah Suwanda, a lawyer representing the Department of Defense, argued the report is not ambiguous and the statute does not say the appendix is the list.

A document previously submitted by counsel for the defendants, which included the defense's arguments, claims the DOD defendants acted pursuant to a congressional mandate. That required the removal of any names from DOD assets that commemorated those who voluntarily served in the Confederate States of America.

The document says Part I of the Naming Commission's final report to Congress recommended the removal of Mosby's name from display on the Ranger memorial.

The document says Appendix F to Part I doesn't include the Mosby paver or the inscription on the Ranger Hall of Fame, both of which they claim are located within the Ranger memorial, previously identified as for removal in the body of Part I. However, the name "John S. Mosby" is identified for removal from various DOD assets seven other times, the document says.

Why the judge dismissed the case

In his 24-page ruling, Land concluded, "Mosby's ranger tactics and methods may be worthy of admiration and respect in some quarters. But other Americans may genuinely conclude that the development and deployment of them as an officer of the Confederate States of America in an open rebellion against the United States adds a treasonous taint that overcomes the appropriateness of any tribute to the effectiveness of some specific maneuver or survival technique.

"It is beyond reasonable dispute that the United States Congress, consisting of the duly elected representatives of the American people, has the authority to decide whether Mosby should be memorialized and honored on a United States military installation. Congress has determined that he should not be, and the Court finds that its determination was properly implemented by the Secretary of Defense. NRMF's allegations do not state any plausible legal claim upon which relief may be granted."

In an email Wednesday to the Ledger-Enquirer, Brown said, "We are set to appeal the court's decision and will also continue our legislative efforts to restore John Mosby's name to the National Ranger Memorial and the Ranger Hall of Fame."

Reporter Kelby Hutchison contributed to this article.

This story was originally published December 16, 2024, 2:38 PM.

___

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WASHINGTON  The federal judge who presided over the seditious conspiracy case against Oath Keepers members said Wednesday that it would be "frightening" if the anti-government group's founder, Stewart Rhodes, is pardoned for orchestrating a violent plot to keep Donald Trump in the White House after he lost the 2020 presidential election.

President-elect Donald Trump repeatedly has vowed to pardon rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol nearly four years ago. Rhodes is serving an 18-year prison sentence after a jury convicted him and other Oath Keepers members of seditious conspiracy, the most serious charge stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack by a mob of Trump supporters.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta alluded to the prospect of Rhodes receiving a presidential pardon as he sentenced William Todd Wilson, a former Oath Keepers member from North Carolina who pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy.

The notion that Stewart Rhodes could be absolved of his actions is frightening and ought to be frightening to anyone who cares about democracy in this country, Mehta said.

Mehta isn't the first judge at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., to criticize the possibility that Trump could pardon hundreds of Capitol rioters when he returns to the White House next month. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump nominee, said during a hearing last month that it would be  beyond frustrating and disappointing  if the Republican president-elect issues blanket pardons to Capitol rioters.

On the campaign trial this year, Trump repeatedly referred to Jan. 6 rioters as hostages and patriots and said he absolutely would pardon rioters who assaulted police if theyre innocent. Trump also has suggested that he would consider pardoning former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison for a separate plot to stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power from Trump to President Joe Biden.

Over 20 judges have presided over more than 1,500 cases against people charged in the Jan. 6 riot. Many Capitol riot defendants have asked for post-election delays in their cases, but judges largely have denied their requests and forged ahead with sentencings, guilty pleas and other hearings.

Wilson, 48, of Newton Grove, North Carolina, was one of several Oath Keepers who cooperated with the Justice Departments investigation of the far-right extremist group  one of the most consequential prosecutions arising from the Jan. 6 siege.

Mehta sentenced Wilson to one year of home detention and three years of probation instead of prison. Prosecutors had recommended one year of incarceration for Wilson, a U.S. Army veteran and former firefighter.

The judge praised Wilson's courage for acknowledging his guilt while many of his co-conspirators have not.

Setting the history books straight came at a great price to you, Mehta told Wilson, who lost his military benefits after his guilty plea in May 2022.

Rhodes and his followers amassed weapons and set up quick reaction force teams at a Virginia hotel that could ferry guns into the nations capital if they were needed to support their plot. The guns stayed at the hotel, but Mehta said it is chilling to think that one order from a madman could have led to weapons deployed during a riot.

Just to speak those words out loud ought to be shocking to anyone, the judge added.

Wilson didnt testify at any of the trials for Oath Keepers leaders, members and associates charged in the Jan. 6 attack. Prosecutors said he harmed his credibility by making contradictory statements to investigators about his criminal conduct.

What we want to hear from witnesses is the truth, unvarnished and without an attempt to curry favor with the government, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy.

Wilson expressed remorse and shame for his role in the Jan. 6 attack.

I have lost a lot of things since then, he said. The mental burden that this has had on me has been almost unbearable.

Also on Wednesday, prosecutors asked a different judge to reject a convicted Capitol rioter's request to attend Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration ceremony in Washington while she is under the court's supervision. The rioter, New Hampshire resident Cindy Young, was sentenced on Nov. 21 to four months of prison and one year of supervised release.

Prosecutors argued that Young poses a danger to the nation's capital and to the police officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Harvey gave Young until Dec. 24 to respond to prosecutors' arguments.
After serving 7.5 years in the U.S. Army, Jason Smith's life took an unexpected turn. In 2017, the Southern California native lost his job as a mechanic in Atlanta and found himself without a home, he said.

"For a time, I lived in my car while working full time," Smith said.

In 2021, he moved back to Southern California and ended up in Long Beach, where he now has a permanent place to call home.

Smith is one of the newest residents of The Cove, a 90-unit affordable housing development for veterans -- including those who are homeless -- at the Century Villages at Cabrillo in Long Beach. It was developed by Century Affordable Development, Inc.

City leaders and community members celebrated the grand opening of the affordable housing development with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

The Cove has 89 studio apartments and one two-bedroom manager's unit. There are 60 units of permanent supportive housing for veterans who are homeless through vouchers from the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach.

"We are breaking records in Long Beach, a record pace on housing production," Mayor Rex Richardson said during the ceremony. "In fact, all throughout 2024, we've broken housing, affordable housing, accessory dwelling unit entitlement and production records in the city of Long Beach. Right now, we have more than 2,500 units in construction across our entire city, representing a billion dollars of investment in housing.

"This project, The Cove, represents a portion of that," he added, "that's 90 units for 89 veterans who've stepped up for us. They've dedicated their lives and their services to us, and now we get to support them. They've had our backs, and now we need to have their backs."

The Cove also has amenities such as a community room, computer lab, offices, courtyard with barbecue stations, game tables, lounge areas, a study area, and bicycle repair shop that will serve the entire Villages campus, according to a press release.

The apartment community is also LEED Gold-certified, which means it has sustainable features, such as solar panels, electric vehicle chargers and native landscaping.

"The Cove represents a meaningful milestone for this former Navy housing site, now home to the Villages at Cabrillo, where more than 1,500 residents reside each night," said Brian D'Andrea, senior vice president of housing at Century Housing.

"As the newest addition to the Villages, The Cove's 90 apartments embody nearly three decades of Century Housing's mission," D'Andrea added, "creating dignified, supportive and affordable homes for those in need, and standing as a crown jewel in our journey of transformation."

Residents such as Smith are referred to The Cove through the Long Beach Multi-Service Center's Coordinated Entry System, and have access to supportive services provided by the VA Long Beach Healthcare System and Century Oasis Residential Services.

The grand opening featured a performance by the Cabrillo High School marching band and a presentation of colors by Cabrillo's Navy Junior ROTC.

In attendance were city officials, including newly appointed Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga, state Sen. Lena Gonzalez, representatives from the offices of Rep. Robert Garcia and Los Angeles Supervisor Janice Hahn, Century Village and city staffers, and residents.

"As the granddaughter, niece and cousin of veterans, it's so incredible to see this in my own hometown," Gonzalez, who represents the 33rd Senate District, said during the ceremony, "to see what we're doing for veterans here in Long Beach."

The project was made possible through public and private partnerships, including the Long Beach Community Investment Company, Los Angeles County Development Authority, Wells Fargo and Century Housing Corporation, among others.

Construction on the project began in 2022 and finished earlier this year, according to a press release.

Smith, who moved into The Cove about a month ago, shared his story with the crowd.

"By 2021, I was working at a warehouse that supplied materials for what would become The Cove -- never imagining it would one day become my home," Smith said. "After months in transitional housing, I finally have a stable place to call my own. Life has a way of coming full circle and for that, I'm deeply grateful."

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As Donald Trump's supporters encircled Congress on Jan. 6, 2021, some of the most ardent created a military-style formation known as a "stack" to breach the U.S. Capitol. A Floridian known as "Gator One" led the charge, entering the building in an attempt to stop the certification of Trump's defeat.

The actions of Kelly Meggs were not spontaneous, court records show. Chat logs unveiled during a Justice Department prosecution found Meggs planned the march with others, participated in Florida training sessions, coordinated travel and mapped out the deployment of weapons caches and "quick reaction forces" in and around Washington. For his efforts, Meggs was found guilty of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Now, President-elect Donald Trump says he plans to pardon "most" of the more than 1,400 people who have faced federal charges related to the Capitol attack, carried out in a violent attempt to stop the certification of Joe Biden's win in the 2020 election.

The question is whether Trump will distinguish between those who were convicted or pleaded guilty to lesser charges -- like trespassing on government property or obstructing Congress -- and those like Meggs, who were determined to have actively planned and led the assault.

"Those people have suffered long and hard. And there may be some exceptions to it -- I have to look," Trump told NBC's "Meet the Press." "These people have suffered. Their lives have been destroyed."

"I'm going to look at everything. We're going to look at individual cases," he added. "But I'm going to be acting very quickly."

Convicts Lobbying

Trump's transition team did not respond to the Miami Herald's request for comment on whether he plans to consider the severity of Jan. 6 offenders' crimes as he weighs potential pardons.

Asked at a news conference on Monday whether he would issue "blanket pardons" for Jan. 6 offenders, Trump did not offer any clarity on his approach: "Well, you'll find out, but it's going to go quickly."

Pardoning Jan. 6 offenders could prove politically risky for Trump. A recent Monmouth University poll found that only 34% of voters would approve of such a move, while 61% are opposed to the pardons. Another survey from Scripps News and Ipsos showed that only 30% of voters support issuing pardons for Jan. 6 rioters.

Enrique Tarrio, a Miami native who was also convicted of seditious conspiracy and is now serving a 22-year prison sentence, is among those hoping for leniency under a new administration. Tarrio had been chairman of the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, and was found guilty for helping to organize the Jan. 6 attack, based on thousands of communications revealed in discovery during his federal trial.

In a letter released on Nov. 6, the day after Trump's election, Tarrio's attorney, Nayib Hassan, wrote that his legal team would pursue "every possible avenue" to free him.

"We are optimistic about what lies ahead," wrote Hassan.

Reached by phone on Tuesday, Hassan said that he has spoken with Tarrio since Election Day, but declined to elaborate on their conversation. He said that he is actively pursuing various paths to secure Tarrio's release from prison, including an appeal and a potential presidential pardon.

"From our vantage point, we're trying to make every possible avenue to have our client released as soon as possible," Hassan said. "We understand that [a pardon is] not the end-all-be-all. [Trump] has the ultimate say."

Tarrio was among dozens of Floridians who faced charges after the attack on the Capitol. A Manatee County man who snatched Nancy Pelosi's lectern was sentenced to 75 days in jail. Thomas Osborne, of Lakeland, was found guilty this month of felony and misdemeanor offenses after he was accused of scuffling with a police officer during the riot. Gabriel Garcia, a former U.S. Army captain and member of the Vice City Proud Boys in Miami, was sentenced this month to a year in prison after his conviction on a felony charge.

Norm Pattis, whose clients include Proud Boys like Joe Biggs, said he has already sent letters to Trump's team requesting pardons for his clients, but hasn't had any direct contact with the president-elect's staff. Biggs, an Army veteran from Ormond Beach, was convicted last year of seditious conspiracy and other crimes and sentenced to 17 years in prison.

Pattis said that his clients are "hopeful" that Trump will grant them pardons once he takes office, though Pattis himself isn't sure what will happen.

"Parsing what's on the president's mind is beyond my paygrade. People have a tendency to hear what they want to hear when they're in need," Pattis told the Herald. "They're hopeful. I want to control their expectations. Nobody has a right to a pardon."

Pattis said that he expects those convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer to bear the closest scrutiny as Trump weighs the Jan. 6 pardons. If that's the case, Pattis said, his clients "are in very good shape," because his clients didn't face such charges.

Another attorney for several defendants charged in the Jan. 6 riot told the Herald that his clients are optimistic about their chances of receiving a presidential pardon when Trump takes office, but acknowledged that some of the more serious offenders -- including those who, like Meggs, were convicted of crimes like seditious conspiracy -- could ultimately be let down by the president-elect.

It's unclear if Meggs will seek a pardon. The Herald was unable to reach his attorney for comment.

'A Sad Day for American Democracy'

For many Americans, Jan. 6, 2021 is burned into their memories: Hundreds of rioters descended on the U.S. Capitol in an effort to keep Trump in the White House; windows were broken; lawmakers, aides and journalists were forced to take cover; one rioter was shot -- and later died -- after she entered the Capitol.

Trump, who never formally conceded the 2020 election to Biden, largely sat quiet in the White House as his supporters stormed Capitol Hill, even as rioters chanted in support of hanging Vice President Mike Pence, who was charged with overseeing the vote to certify Biden's electoral victory.

Several police officers who responded to the riots on Jan. 6 have either taken their own lives or attempted suicide in the wake of the attack.

Florida Democratic lawmakers say the chaos of that day shouldn't be forgotten, arguing that letting offenders off the hook for trying to overturn the American democratic process would set a terrible precedent.

"None of those who were convicted of attacking our Capitol and disrupting the peaceful transfer of power that is so central to our democracy, should be absolved, especially not for the architects or most violent perpetrators," Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida told the Herald. "Any pardon should be evaluated individually, based on the specifics of a particular case."

Democratic Rep. Darren Soto of Florida recalled being one of the last members of Congress trapped in the House chamber as rioters breached the Capitol on Jan. 6. He said that he heard gunshots and pepper spray canisters being fired as police worked to evacuate lawmakers from the building.

"It was a sad day for American democracy -- and a violent one too," Soto told the Herald.

Soto said that it would be a "disgrace" for Trump to commute the sentence of even a single Jan. 6 rioter.

"Several of them were convicted of seditious conspiracy, including two Floridians. That's treason," Soto said. "My concern is you have to set a deterrent. There has to be a penalty."

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LONDON -- The mother of missing American journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria 12 years ago, urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pause airstrikes on Syria so that rescuers can search safely for her son.

In a letter addressed to Netanyahu, Debra Tice said her family has "credible information" that her son might be in a prison close to the Syrian capital, Damascus, and appealed for a halt to nearby Israeli military operations.

"We are aware that your military has an active campaign in the area, preventing rescuers from approaching and accessing the prison facility," she wrote.

"We have no way of knowing if the prisoners there have food and water. We urgently request you pause strikes on this area and deploy Israeli assets to search for Austin Tice and other prisoners. Time is of the essence."

The prime minister's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment, The New York Times reported.

The Israeli military has been bombing weapons depots and air defenses in Syria in what it described as an attempt to prevent military equipment falling into the hands of extremists.

Austin Tice, who before becoming a journalist served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, was kidnapped on Aug. 13, 2012, while reporting from Syria as the country descended into civil war. He was 31 years old at the time. The only evidence of his capture and captivity remains a 47-second video released in September 2012 that showed him bound and blindfolded.

In the 12 years since then, the U.S. government has maintained its belief that he was alive and in the custody of the Syrian government. No group or organization has publicly claimed responsibility for his detention.

The fall of the Assad regime this month to rebel forces led by militant group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham sparked renewed efforts to locate Tice. It comes as thousands of prisoners, including the regime's political opponents, civilians and foreigners, have been freed from detention centers in Damascus.

Debra Tice believes her son is held in a prison located beneath a Syrian military museum in the Mount Qasioun area near Damascus. She described a system of tunnels thought to connect the facility to a government palace and nearby neighborhoods.

Citing anonymous sources, Reuters reported on Monday that Tice managed to escape from his captors after just five months of captivity but was recaptured by forces loyal to Assad. Credible information about his whereabouts grew increasingly scarce over the years, though U.S. officials remain cautiously optimistic that he is alive.

The recent escalation of Israeli attacks on targets in Syria raised concerns that Tice might have been killed in the airstrikes or trapped underground. US officials also fear that power cuts in Damascus prisons, orchestrated by Assad's forces before he was toppled, could have deprived underground cells of breathable air.

Hopes were briefly raised this week amid reports that an American man had been spotted in Damascus. However, he turned out to be Travis Timmerman from Missouri, who had been freed by rebel forces. He was arrested this year for entering the country illegally after traveling to Syria on a "spiritual mission."

The State Department said on Monday no U.S. government officials are in Syria to assist in the search for Tice but finding him remains a "top priority."

Concerns continue to grow over the fate of remaining detainees in the country, particularly in areas still affected by military strikes and instability.

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The Senate approved the annual defense bill Wednesday that moves National Guard units into the active-duty Space Force after facing opposition from every governor in the country.

The Senate-approved National Defense Authorization Act moves two of the seven space-focused National Guard units in Colorado, the 137th Space Warning Squadron, based in Greeley, and the 138th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron, at Peterson Space Force Base.

They are two of the 14 space-focused units in the country left behind in the Air National Guard when military space operations transitioned from the Air Force into the Space Force five years ago.

It also moves other space-focused units in other states, such as Florida, Hawaii, California, Alaska and Ohio. The bill reassigns 578 guard positions, with 119 of them in Colorado. It only transfers space operators, not their support units.

The plan has sparked outrage among governors who argue it undermines their authority over the National Guard and runs contrary to federal law.

'Very problematic': Colorado-based guard units could be transferred into active duty

The National Defense Authorization Act, still in draft form, proposes moving National Guard space operators into the Space Force, but not their support units.

Congressman Joe Neguse, D- Lafayette, tried to reintroduce an amendment that protected governors' authority in this area last week, but couldn't get traction. The same amendment received support from the U.S. House, but was stripped by the Senate.

But the fight over the future isn't done because a defense funding bill still in draft form prohibits any spending on the move. The funding bill would have to be reintroduced, but it could see a vote next year. Congress is putting off voting on a budget for next year that would include defense funding and is instead expected to vote on a continuing resolution this week to keep the government funded

Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office in January and he previously told the National Guard Association of the United States he planned to create a Space National Guard. The association believes a dedicated space guard would allow units to stay in place and carry minimal cost.

While governors across the country have been united in their opposition to moving guard units without their approval, they did previously try to negotiate.

"Governors attempted to negotiate with the Air Force for months behind the scenes on this issue, but the Air Force refused to come to the table in any meaningful way," said Shelby Wieman, a spokeswoman for Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, in an email.

Instead, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall sent a proposal to move space operators to congressional lawmakers without telling the governors, she said.

Colorado leaders brace for new fight over Space Command location

Colorado Springs celebrated keeping U.S. Space Command last year, but another fight over its location could be brewing as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Will it end up in Alabama?

"Weeks later, multiple Governors got on a call to attempt to get to a workable solution on the override to Governor authority. During that call Kendall did not budge on the issue or open the door to any meaningful engagement," she wrote, going on to say the issue is far from over.

Last week, Polis, the National Governors Association chairman, opposed the measure in an official statement.

"The decision undermines more than 100 years of precedent as well as national security and military readiness," it said, in part. It also said the governors are reviewing their legal options to oppose the bill, if it became law.

The Air Force did not respond to a request for comment.

The Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee Adam Smith, D- Wash, said during a committee meeting last week that the numbers of space operators was so small the governors shouldn't worry about precedent.

If the plan to move National Guardsmen moves forward, individuals could opt to stay in the guard and receive training for new roles.

The National Guard Association expected most guardsmen would not want to move into the active duty and the units would lose significant expertise.

The Space Force expects to offer part-time roles, the only military branch with that option for active-duty service members. But those are not available yet.

Funds for Colorado bases

The bill also approved some improvements for Colorado's bases, including $68 million for power independence at Buckley Space Force Base and $61 million for an ambulatory care center at Fort Carson. A spokesman for Evans Army Community Hospital could not immediately answer questions on the need for the care center.

Buckley Space Force Base didn't immediately respond to questions, either.

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The Astros are telling opposing teams they do not intend to trade left-hander Framber Valdez, writes Jeff Passan of ESPN. Houstons ace had come up in trade rumors at the Winter Meetings.

In response to a question regarding the availability of Valdez and Kyle Tucker, general manager Dana Brown said he was willing to listen on all the players. That proved a precursor for the Tucker blockbuster, which dropped a few days later and subsequently lessened the financial pressure for the Astros to move Valdez. After the Tucker deal, Brown said that he didnt anticipate trading Valdez but would continue listening to offers.

There could be semantics at play. Few players around the league are truly untouchable. Theres presumably some point at which an offer would compel them to consider moving Valdez. For now, however, it seems theyre unwilling to do so. The two-time All-Star is set to return to the top of a rotation thatll also include Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco and likely Spencer Arrighetti. Righties Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. could be back by Opening Day, while J.P. France could return midseason. Hayden Wesneski, acquired in the Tucker trade, can compete for a rotation or multi-inning relief role.

MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects Valdez for a $17.8MM salary during his final arbitration season. Brown said last week that thered been no recent extension talks. The southpaw is trending towards walking in free agency on a nine-figure deal. While Houston didnt want that to happen with Tucker, they were content to allow George Springer and Carlos Correa to depart as free agents. Alex Bregman could follow suit. Theyd recoup a draft choice if Valdez walks after declining a qualifying offer, which hed surely do if he enjoys a 2025 season thats in line with his lofty standards. Thats less valuable than what theyd receive in trade, but theyre weighing that against the desire to win the AL West again in 2025.

Brown expressed optimism that the Astros would be able to take the division even if they traded one of Tucker or Valdez. The return package reflected that balance. Cam Smith immediately became the top prospect in a weak farm system, while Isaac Paredes and Wesneski jump right onto the MLB roster.

Valdez is coming off a 2.91 ERA showing across 176 1/3 innings. That marked his fourth consecutive year with an ERA south of 3.50. Valdez has finished in the top 10 in Cy Young voting for three seasons running. He has topped 175 frames in each of those years.
The Reds claimed right-hander Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Rangers on Thursday, per announcements from both clubs. Texas had designated him for assignment last week. Cincinnati had a pair of vacancies on its 40-man roster, so a corresponding move isnt necessary.

Contreras, still just 25, will join his second organization of the offseason and third of the past calendar year. Once a top pitching prospect with the Yankees and Pirates  New York traded him to Pittsburgh in the Jameson Taillon swap  hes begun to bounce around the league in journeyman fashion. Pittsburgh traded him to Anaheim for cash back in May, and the Rangers claimed him off waivers from the Halos on Halloween.

Back in 2022, Contreras looked like he was on his way to cementing a long-term place in the Pirates rotation. He pitched 95 innings with a 3.79 ERA, 21.1% strikeout rate and 9.6% walk rate in that rookie campaign. A year later, the right-hander lost more than a mile per hour off his heater and was trounced for a 6.59 ERA in 68 1/3 big league frames. His work in Triple-A Indianapolis was similarly shaky, with an ERA just under 5.00 in eight appearances (six starts).

Out of minor league options and losing his grip on a roster spot, Contreras was designated for assignment back in May. The Angels leaned on him for 52 innings of low-leverage relief following that cash swap, and Contreras held his own with a 4.33 ERA and more questionable rate stats (17.9 K%, 10.6 BB%). The full-time move to the pen didnt get Contreras velocity back up to its previous 96 mph average; he sat 94.9 mph with the pitch in 2024.

If Contreras lasts the rest of the offseason on the Reds 40-man roster, hell compete for a bullpen spot this spring. Hed need to make the Opening Day club or else be designated for assignment once again, as he cant be sent down to Triple-A without first clearing waivers. Alexis Diaz, Brent Suter, Fernando Cruz, Sam Moll, Emilio Pagan and Tony Santillan are all likely locked into spots (barring injuries or trades), but there could still be a couple openings up for grabs in camp, depending on how the front office proceeds for the remainder of the offseason.
Hundreds of tribal households will be upgraded to more energy efficient and climate resilient standards with a major influx of federal cash.

Michigan received $87.9 million in federal funding for community projects across the state from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. At least $26 million was earmarked for improvements for tribal housing among Michigans 12 federally recognized Indigenous tribes, officials said.

Two of the five awarded projects in Michigan involve weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades for tribal homes.

The Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association will receive a $20 million grant, of which about $6 million will be divvied among those 12 federally recognized Indigenous tribes, including: Bay Mills Indian Community; Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa; Gun Lake Tribe; Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; Little River Band of Ottawa; Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa; Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe; and, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa.

Any sub-awards granted to the tribes in Michigan are also set to receive a conditional 5% funding match from the federal Climate Justice Challenge, officials said.

Additionally, the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan received two awards, the first a $20 million grant to improve at least 300 tribal homes and 12 government facilities.

Finally, a $3 million grant was awarded to the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative, an effort to coordinate tribal, state, and local efforts to make a stewardship plan to protect and restore wild rice to Michigans environment.

Roger LaBine and his son Anthony LaBine Sr. move through a manoomin, or wild rice, bed on Brule Lake in the far western Upper Peninsula on Sept. 19, 2022. They use traditional, Indigenous methods to harvest the grain in a way that doesnt damage the plants or the sensitive habitat it needs.Sheri McWhirter | MLive.com

Wild rice is known as manoomin or mnomin in Anishinaabemowin, the Native language of the Indigenous Anishinaabe people of the Great Lakes, which includes Ojibwe, Odawa, Potawatomi, and more tribal nations across both the United States and Canada. The word means good seed or good berry, and the species is key in the Anishinaabe creation and migration story.

Other EPA funding awards included:

$20 million to the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission to establish two community resilience hubs to offer support to Benton Harbor residents before, during and after disasters;

$20 million to Detroit-based nonprofit Ecoworks to make 20 houses of worship into community resiliency hubs that provide shelter during weather emergencies and utility outages; and,

$18.9 million to Kalamazoo County to improve 300 single-family homes with home repairs and energy efficiencies in the Northside, Eastside, West Douglas, and Edison neighborhoods in Kalamazoo, and creating four neighborhood centers.

Related articles:

Feds tour tribal reservation in Michigan, announce $150M for affordable housing

$3 million grant will help Michigan tribes build more housing

Tribal efforts lead to native wild rice as Michigan state symbol

State to sow seeds of native wild rice plan with Michigan tribes

Do you know what manoomin is? Michigans state native grain.

Wild rice brought the Anishinaabe people to the Great Lakes. Now they are trying to restore it.
Cori and Wayne face life-changing decisions, and their relationship hits the boiling point in a new episode of Snoop Doggs Fatherhood: Cori and Waynes Story. The finale episode airs Thursday, Dec. 19, at 10 p.m. ET on E!.

Watch it for free with a trial from Fubo or DIRECTV Stream, or catch it live on Sling.

Snoop Doggs Fatherhood: Cori and Waynes Story clip:

About the show:

Snoops Fatherhood: Cori and Waynes Story follows Cori Broadus, entrepreneur and daughter of Snoop Dogg, and her fiance, Wayne Duece, as they plan the wedding of the century.

In tonights episode, Is This the End?, family challenges and serious health issues put new pressure on the couple as their relationship reaches a boiling point. Cori and Wayne face life-changing decisions as the big day approaches.

Will there still be a wedding? Find out tonight, Dec. 19, at 10/9c on E!.

Where to watch:
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington has decided he is here to stay.

Washington has withdrawn his candidacy from a job opening as city manager of Dallas, Texas, he announced Thursday, Dec. 19, in an email to city executive staff.

Last month, he was named as one of four semi-finalists being considered for the Dallas job. He previously shared that he had put his name in the running because of uncertainty surrounding his contract here in Grand Rapids.

RELATED: Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington is a semi-finalist for a job in Texas

A few weeks ago, news about my candidacy for the city manager position in another community was released, he said in the Dec. 19 email to staff. While my desire has always been to continue the important work were doing here in Grand Rapids, I explored other opportunities to ensure a clear future for my family amid contract renewal delay.

While I was carefully examining other options, the Grand Rapids City Commission unanimously approved my contract, and many members of this community and workforce reached out to me and affirmed their desire for me to remain a Grand Rapidian. Therefore, I have withdrawn my candidacy from all city manager recruitments.

The city commission was set to authorize Washingtons contract back in October, but commissioners decided to delay the contract to allow more time for review. However, they ended up unanimously approving the contract a month later. Washingtons salary under his new contract is $334,465.

Before coming to Grand Rapids in 2018, Washington previously served as assistant city manager in Austin, Texas. He is a native of Port Arthur, Texas.

Washington said he looks forward to the work ahead, which will include working with incoming Mayor David LaGrand and new First and Third ward commissioners.

We have so much more ahead of us, and I look forward to serving this community, leading the staff, and helping our elected officials elevate the quality of life for all residents, he said.

RELATED: Grand Rapids leaders hope city manager stays after applying for Texas job

The Dallas city manager search is still up in the air, and local news outlets have reported that the Dallas City Council is divided over the list of finalists. After a long meeting behind closed doors on Monday, Dallas City Council members on a committee in charge of the city manager hiring process voted to hold interviews on Dec. 23, Fox 4 reported.

The committee removed one of the four previously named semi-finalists from the list and added two new finalists, but those names havent been made public yet. It is unclear whether Washington remained on the list of finalists.

When asked about a timeline for the search and a list of finalists, a spokesperson for the city of Dallas told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press to fill out an open records request that had still not been answered nine days later as of Dec. 19.

As Grand Rapids city manager, Washington oversees a $690 million budget and more than 2,700 city employees across all city departments.

Washington earned his bachelors degree in business administration from Tarleton State University, his masters degree in business administration from Amberton University, and a master of arts degree and doctorate degree in education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Before serving as assistant city manager in Austin, Texas, Washington served as assistant human resources director, compensation and benefits manager, and street services project manager for the city of Fort Worth, Texas.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- A lawsuit has been filed in an attempt to stop an Ottawa County governmental payout of more than $280,000 in severance to two outgoing executives.

Dan Zimmer, an Ottawa County resident, filed the lawsuit Dec. 16 in Ottawa County Circuit Court, hoping to prevent payouts to Ottawa County Interim Administrator Ben Wetmore and Executive Aide Jordan Epperson.

Related: Separation deals for Ottawa County government executives to cost more than $280,000

The lawsuit also seeks to quash a third unrelated payout recently authorized by Ottawa County commissioners -- a $563,000 grant to help cleanup Crockery Lake in Northeastern Ottawa County.

All of the funds were approved during a Dec. 10 Ottawa County Board meeting in split votes.

Zimmers lawyer, Sarah Howard, contends that commissioners violated the Open Meetings Act in awarding funds and severances Dec. 10.

She sought a temporary restraining order from a Kent County Circuit judge, but the request was denied Dec. 18.

Howard has since filed for emergency relief from the Michigan Court of Appeals and asking the court to act prior to a scheduled Ottawa County Board meeting at 0 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19.

In legal briefs, Howard alleges that commissioners went into closed session Dec. 10 to discuss severance agreements for Wetmore and Epperson, but the reason fell outside statutory guidelines for the Open Meetings Act.

The separation agreements then were voted upon in open session but without any details containing financial figures or terms as is required, according to Howard.

She expects commissioners -- led by board Chair Joe Moss, head of the highly conservative political platform Ottawa Impact -- to seek a second approval of the severances in an open session on Tuesday.

The agenda for the Tuesday meeting does include an item for approval of amended severance agreements with Wetmore and Epperson.

Wetmore and Epperson both were hired under the direction of former county Administrator John Gibbs, who was fired in Febuary for alleged misconduct.

The Ottawa County Commission during the last two years has been controlled by a board majority tied to Ottawa Impact.

Commissioners tied to Ottawa Impact have made several controversial moves since taking office in January 2023.

But Ottawa Impact will lose its majority in two weeks with the installation of five new commissioners elected in November.

The legal improprieties surrounding the Crockery Lake funds, Howard claims, involve allegations that a quorum of commissioners discussed giving a $563,000 contract to Chester Township outside of the board setting.

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HOLLAND, MI  A national organization named a Dungeons & Dragons-themed whiskey made in Michigan among the best whiskeys of 2024.

New Holland Brewing & Distilling Co. announced its limited Dragons Milk X Dungeons & Dragons Origin Mead Cask was named to Breaking Bourbons exclusive "Best Finished Whiskeys of 2024" list.

Breaking Bourbons annual Best Whiskeys of the Year series is a highly anticipated recognition among whiskey aficionados, spotlighting standout spirits across five categories: Best Finished, Best American Single Malt, Best American Whiskey, Best Rye, Best Finished Whiskey and Best Bourbon.

Dragons Milk Origin Mead Cask earned its place on the Best Finished list after being compared against hundreds of American whiskeys.

This is an amazing recognition for our New Holland Distilling team, said New Holland CEO Brett Vanderkamp. We are honored to be recognized by such an awesome and genuine organization. The mead cask aging process is nothing short of a labor of love and commitment.

Dragons Milk Origin Mead Cask is finished in casks that previously aged house-made mead and is bottled at 100 proof.

Honey, plum, stewed fruit, dark chocolate and roasted coffee are just a few of the intriguing flavors this whiskey mash-up delivers, Breaking Bourbon wrote in its list. Its a clever tie-in between two dragon-based brands that results in a bourbon that is fun, unique and highly drinkable, highlighting one of bourbons hidden gem distilleries.

Origin Mead Cask rolled out in November with a limited run of 1,500 bottles to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons, one of the worlds most popular roleplaying games.

New Holland crafted the whiskey, along with the limited release D20 Brew Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout, in collaboration with D&D parent company Hasbro and its Wizards of the Coast division.

Origin Mead Cask unfortunately is now sold out, but New Holland still has plenty of D&D merch on dragonsmilk.com.

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OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  A Holland police officer suffered a shoulder injury early Thursday, Dec. 19, during a struggle with a man wanted for outstanding warrants.

The incident began around 4 a.m. when two officers spotted the suspect sleeping on the steps of Herrick District Library on South River Avenue.

The suspect, a 30-year-old Holland man, did not comply when police told him he was under arrest. He resisted and became combative, police aid.

During the struggle, an officer suffered a shoulder injury. Other officers responded and helped take the suspect into custody.

He was jailed for resisting and obstructing an officer causing injury, resisting and obstructing an officer and the outstanding warrants. The injured officer was treated at Holland Hospital and released and has been referred to a specialist for treatment of the shoulder injury, police said.
VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI  Driving on M-43 between Kalamazoo and Lake Michigan, its hard to miss the giant pumpkin sign on the side of the road with an orange Cadillac often parked out front.

The owner of the iconic attraction, Gene Rhodes  affectionally known as Gene the Pumpkin Man  died Wednesday, Dec. 17, according to his niece, Kim Emmons. He was 88.

In his younger years, Rhodes would stand outside his family farm, selling sweet corn by the road, he told MLive in a 2019 interview. He later decided to go all in on pumpkins, dedicating his roadside business to the orange gourds for more than six decades.

Gene"The Pumpkin Man" Rhodes talks to customers at Gene the Pumpkin Man, which is located on M-43 just west of Kalamazoo, Michigan on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. Gene the Pumpkin Man has been continuously selling pumpkins since 1957 (62 years), the farm has been in the Rhodes family since 1885. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Gene The Pumpkin Man is also the name of his business at 22637 M-43 in Van Buren County. Its a favorite stop for families to pick out a pumpkin and take advantage of photo opportunities in the fall.

Rhodes was often there talking with customers, wearing his signature color, of course.

RELATED: Orange-clad Michigan farmer is The Pumpkin Man

Emmons said her uncle was always outgoing and fun to be around. His wife, Carol, lived at the farm with Gene until her death on Dec. 27, 2012.

Carol was always more into Christmas than Halloween, so from November to January, their pumpkin-themed home turned into the North Pole, Emmons said. There were lights inside and out, and a 10-foot-tall Christmas tree standing in the front yard.

The couples headstone, at West Oshtemo Cemetery, is the shape of a pumpkin.

The family had a Rhodes reunion every year at the farm, including this July, Emmons said.

He was talking about keeping everything going as long as he could, she said.

Rhodes was still involved in the operation of the farm, though not as much recently.

The family will miss him and the fun times they had together. Theyll miss his laugh and his Christmas cards, which were orange, Emmons said.

Growing up with a celebrity in the family was amazing, she said.

Just the mention of Gene The Pumpkin Man was NEVER met with anything but love, respect and happiness of others who had the privilege to ever meet or know him, she said. His business was years of memories  not just for our family but for all who saw it.

Gene's orange Cadillac parked along rows of pumpkins at Gene the Pumpkin Man, which is located on M-43 just west of Kalamazoo, Michigan on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. Gene the Pumpkin Man has been continuously selling pumpkins since 1957 (62 years), the farm has been in the Rhodes family since 1885. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Emmons worked at an assisted living facility in Kalamazoo and would bring the residents by the farm so they could remember things they did during childhood, she said. Rhodes welcomed them and they had a good time together, she said.

I always remember his loud, boisterous laugh, she said. You couldnt ever be in a bad mood around him.

The farm produced hundreds of tons of pumpkins per year, Rhodes said previously.

Some customers come for the gourds, but many are drawn there for the spectacle. Everything on the farm is pumpkin related, creating a unique atmosphere that stands out in the Southwest Michigan agritourism scene.

I sell a product and give away memories, Rhodes said previously.

Jacob Hines, 8, examines small pumpkins with grandmother Barb Hines of Portage at Gene the Pumpkin Man on M-43 west of Kalamazoo on Oct. 21, 2006. (Kalamazoo Gazette archive photo)Kalamazoo Gazette Archive Photo

Professionally, his work wasnt all pumpkins. He retired in 1997 from a 37-year career as an employee of the State of Michigan  10 years with the Tuberculosis Sanitarium until it closed, and then with the Commission for the Blind at the Oakland Drive facility.

For generations, his family worked as beef and dairy farmers. In 1885, Rhodess grandfather bought the 100-acre property that stretches alongside M-43, and built the barn that still stands today.

If it comes down in my lifetime, its because the Almighty God will take it down, Rhodes said in 2019. Because I wont.

Gene "The Pumpkin Man" Rhodes yells jokes to customers as they browse pumpkins at Gene the Pumpkin Man, which is located on M-43 just west of Kalamazoo, Michigan on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. Gene the Pumpkin Man has been continuously selling pumpkins since 1957 (62 years), the farm has been in the Rhodes family since 1885. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

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KALAMAZOO, MI  When Yazmine Vargas Root and Tyler Root opened the doors of Matchacita for the first time last week, they were overwhelmed by the support of those who have been with them since the beginning.

Day one for the Roots was in May 2022, when the couple began selling iced matcha lattes at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market. Not long after, they added gluten-free and dairy-free waffles to their small, growing menu.

In November 2022, they changed their name from Matcha Grove to Matchacita  a name they have brought with them to their first brick-and-mortar store, at 120 W. South St.

Tyler Root and Jazmine Vargas Root show different matcha drinks at Matchacita in downtown Kalamazoo, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

Located a block off the Kalamazoo Mall, in the former home of Somethings Brewing  which closed last December  Matchacita hopes to fill a niche gap in Kalamazoos cafe scene.

RELATED: Coffee shop to close after four-decade run in downtown Kalamazoo

Were really excited to bring something that feels a little more unique to the Kalamazoo area, in both style and in what were providing, said Tyler Root, 28.

The idea to provide a menu filled with gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options stemmed from three months the couple spent in Arizona in 2021, helping Vargas Roots sister open her own matcha cafe.

She had been gluten-free and dairy-free for health reasons for a while, and after having children she started drinking matcha, said Vargas Root, 27. Helping her set up the cafe, I was just inspired by it. It was something new and something different. It seemed like a great idea to bring back to Kalamazoo with us.

While there was no shortage of coffee shops in Kalamazoo at the time, Vargas Root noticed more people, like her, were gravitating toward matcha. Her husband, at the same time, was talking to people about the lack of gluten-free and vegan-friendly eateries in the area.

A toast option at Matchacita in downtown Kalamazoo, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

Tyler and I are not exclusively gluten-free and dairy-free at home and Im fairly new within the gluten-free baking community, Vargas Root said. But its nice to be able to offer something for people who dont have a lot of options for them. There are not a lot of places around Kalamazoo where you can grab a sweet treat where you arent worried about cross-contamination.

The cafes menu features baked goods such as chocolate chip banana bread, vegan chocolate chip cookies, vegan pecan cinnamon rolls and vegan pop tarts. Theres also grab-and-go items like almond butter energy bites and chia pudding.

And for those dining in the cozy pink and green space, theres avocado toast, cucumber toast, almond butter toast and hot waffles. Theres also options to add bacon and smoked salmon to accommodate those not in the vegan community, Vargas Root said.

As for drinks, the cafe offers a selection of hot and iced teas, tea lattes, pour-over coffee from Kalamazoo Coffee Company, iced Vietnamese coffee brewed over coconut condensed milk and Cafe con Leche.

The big draw, of course, is the matcha, packed with antioxidants and coming in a variety of flavors. Among them are lavender honey, golden matcha, blue matcha and seasonal drinks like pumpkin spice matcha.

Tyler Root mixes matcha at Matchacita in downtown Kalamazoo, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

The most popular, Vargas Root said, are the traditional matcha tea and the iced strawberry matcha. All matcha selections come with a choice of almond, oat or coconut milk, and iced or steamed.

Other options such as the iced vegan horchata matcha play on Vargas Roots Mexican heritage. Her family, which comes from Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico, planted roots in Kalamazoo after her older sisters were born.

Vargas Root grew up in Kalamazoo watching her dad and uncle run the since-closed La Mexicana Market on Portage Road. One of her uncles also owns La Azteca Bakery, and another owns Mi Pueblo on Gull Road.

Now, its her and Roots turn to try their hands at their own venture.

Since taking over the space, the Roots have freshened up the look, painting the walls pink and green to symbolize the colors of matcha  both green tea and strawberry.

Inside Matchacita in downtown Kalamazoo, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

And as they settle in, they plan to begin showcasing the works of local artists.

We want to support local artists, as well as other local businesses and community events, Vargas Root said.

The shop, which comfortably seats about 25, is slowly beginning to feel like a second home. Aiding in that are plants from next doors Mason Jar Plant Shop already growing within the Roots' new space.

Another local business they are happy to support is Kalamazoo Coffee Co. In addition to selling their roasts, the cafe will also serve as the pickup spot for local orders for KCC since Black Owl is no longer open.

Menu prices vary on sweets and drinks, starting at $2 and capping out at $7.50. The couple intends to keep things affordable as they go.

Were not looking to get rich off this by any means, Vargas Root said. We just want to provide a space for community where people feel welcome and comfortable.

Being gluten-free and dairy-free and incorporating the vegan into it, its a little tricky. But we try to be very conscious about ingredients, be paleo friendly, keto friendly and obviously vegan and celiac friendly.

Tyler Root fixes a drink at Matchacita in downtown Kalamazoo, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

Already having an established following from the farmers market has been a boon for the couple, and they are excited to see that following grow.

We currently owe and will continue to forever be in debt to all of the regulars that commit themselves to us, Root said. We also owe a lot to Katelyn Bekken-Simpson at the farmers market. We have such a diverse, committed group of people thats growing every single day.

We even had someone standing out there waiting for us to unlock the door at 6:30 a.m. on the first day we opened.

The couple hopes many more will be ready to come in as soon as the open sign clicks on in the days ahead.

For more information, call 269-251-9121, visit matchacitacafe.square.site or follow Matchacita on Instagram. Business hours are 6:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive offers free email news alerts. Click here to sign up for alerts or for the daily 3@3 Kalamazoo news roundup. Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page here.
MIDLAND, MI  The winter solstice, which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year, is this Saturday, Dec. 21, and Midlands Chippewa Nature Center welcomes you to celebrate.

The nature center, located at 400 S. Badour Road in Midland, about two hours northwest of Detroit, is hosting this special event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free for all visitors.

For centuries, people have gathered with family and friends to recognize the longest night of the year and to celebrate the return of longer days to come, reads a CNC Facebook event page.

Take part in earth-friendly traditions as you roll a beeswax candle, create a miniature Yule log and make a small evergreen wreath to take home. Take a peaceful walk along the lighted Arbury Trail and warm up by the fire. You can also shop for the holidays at the Nature Center Store.

Related: This mid-Michigan nature center with rivers winding through it has 19 miles of trails

Chippewa Nature Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences.

Visitors can enjoy free admission to 19 miles of trails from dawn to dark, 365 days a year.

The visitor center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday and select holidays.

For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and wildlife, CNC does not allow bikes (except on Chippewa Trail), ORVs, dogs or other pets, smoking, fires, alcohol, picking or collecting.

During the winter, visitors should not venture out onto ponds or rivers, as ice conditions are not safe.

Restroom facilities are available at the visitor center and elsewhere on the property.

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org or find Chippewa Nature Center on Facebook.

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Experts and business leaders around the world, while applauding China's strong economic performance in 2024 despite a complex global situation, have expressed optimism for the country's economic prospects for 2025 BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The latest data on China's economic performance in November and the recent key high-level meetings on China's economic work have indicated that the country's economy has maintained overall stability and made steady progress in 2024. To stabilize growth and tackle challenges head-on, China has pledged to adopt a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy, alongside strengthening unconventional counter-cyclical adjustments and expanding domestic demand on all fronts. Experts and business leaders around the world, while applauding China's strong economic performance in 2024 despite a complex global situation, have expressed optimism for the country's economic prospects for 2025, citing strong policy support, commitment to opening-up and green transition, and other favorable factors. The following are some of their observations. POSITIVE MOMENTUM -- China's GDP grew 4.8 percent in the first three quarters of 2024, highlighting the Chinese economy's continuing sound fundamentals, favorable conditions, strong resilience and great potential, while its general trend of high-quality development and steady progress has been maintained, said Evandro Carvalho, a professor at Brazil's prestigious Getulio Vargas Foundation. China's contribution of around 30 percent to global growth underscores its role as a key economic anchor despite global challenges, said the Brazilian scholar. -- Given the internal and external economic headwinds, China's economic performance this year is impressive and sets the foundation for stronger growth going forward, said Oliver Pearce, founder of Corporate Perspectives, an international public relations company in Britain. This positive momentum should be well-supported by the timely policy announcements from Beijing in recent weeks, which will stimulate further growth in 2025, he said. -- China's GDP growth in the first three quarters of the year is a remarkable accomplishment which reflects the resilience and strength of China's economy, said Essam Algobaisi, CEO of Business Intelligence Group in Saudi Arabia. China's ability to adapt to global shifts while prioritizing high-quality development will determine its success in the coming years, he said. -- With strong policies and practical partnerships, China is well-positioned for high-quality growth in 2025, and will continue to play an important role in driving global economic recovery, said Michael Borchmann, former head of the European and International Affairs Department of the federal German state of Hesse. TIMELY POLICY -- The recent economic policies proposed by the Chinese government reflect a rational and objective assessment of the current economic situation, said Asian Growth Research Institute Director and Professor Dai Erbiao. The policies will have a positive impact on stabilizing China's economic growth, Dai said, noting that a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy, in particular, are urgently needed in the short term, while increasing household income and expanding domestic demand will address structural issues and have long-term effects. -- The recent meetings highlight the government's commitment to supporting the economy, said Brendan Ahern, chief investment officer with the U.S.-based asset management firm Krane Funds Advisors LLC. The proactive, multi-faceted approach will continue to boost domestic sentiment and confidence as stimulating demand remains a key task, he said. -- Implementing a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy is hugely significant and should deliver a positive upside to the economy, said Pearce. Consumption activity has already been rising in a range of sectors from travel and lifestyle to sporting goods and services, so the priority to boost consumption and demand will help expand this consumption recovery in other sectors in the economy and boost growth, he added. KEY GROWTH DRIVERS -- China is prioritizing scientific and technological innovation to strengthen its global competitiveness in sectors like green energy, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, Carvalho said, noting that these efforts are part of China's broader strategy to modernize its industrial system. -- China has found new growth drivers in the development of high-tech technologies such as digitalization and automation, which can significantly improve labor productivity and economic efficiency, said Irina Kokushkina, associate professor at the Department of World Economy at St. Petersburg State University. -- China's focus on reducing carbon emissions, combating pollution, and promoting green initiatives is a model worth emulating globally, said Algobaisi, adding that such policies not only enhance China's competitiveness but also contribute substantially to global climate change mitigation efforts. China's initiatives to expand access for foreign investment and open up sectors like telecommunications, healthcare, and education are a clear signal of its commitment to deeper global integration, which will yield long-term benefits by attracting high-quality foreign investment and fostering international partnerships, he said.
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SHANGHAI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, arrived in Shanghai's Yangshan Port at around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday after a 23-day journey from Peru's Chancay Port, becoming the first vessel to arrive in Shanghai from Chancay after the Peruvian port officially opened in November. The journey also marked the opening of two-way operational sea link between Shanghai and Chancay Port, a newly inaugurated flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru. The cargo on the voyage includes a variety of Peruvian products, such as blueberries, avocados and mineral products. According to Wu Jianzhong, a regional manager at Joy Wing Mau Fruit Technologies Corporation Limited (JWM), owner of the Peruvian blueberries on the vessel, half of the blueberries will be distributed in Shanghai, targeting wholesale markets and supermarkets in east China, while the rest will be shipped to northern China. Before the opening of Chancay Port, trade between Peru and China was primarily handled through Peru's Port of Callao. With Chancay Port now operational, more container shipping services have been introduced along the South American west coast, reducing shipping time between Peru and China to around 23 days -- much faster than the current market average. The launch of the new route is expected to enhance the entry of Peru's fresh fruits and other products into the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets. To ensure the quality of perishable goods during transport, China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited has integrated cutting-edge technology and digital solutions. These innovations enable real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity, ensuring a secure and efficient cold-chain process. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its shipping routes based on the development of Chancay Port and contribute to establishing a new land-sea transport corridor between Latin America and Asia. This new direct route between Chancay Port and Shanghai will contribute to a more efficient, interconnected trade network linking Peru's coastal regions with inland areas, as well as other Latin American countries, said Chen Xiaochen, trade manager for Latin America at COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd. The route is a significant landmark in China's broader strategy of enhancing global maritime connectivity, demonstrating the country's growing role in building a more integrated and efficient international trade network, Chen added. As the first smart and green port in South America, the Chancay Port, inaugurated in November, is located about 78 km north of Lima, the Peruvian capital. With a total length of 1,500 meters and four berths, the port, powered by China's intelligent technologies, can handle ships with a capacity of 18,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and is projected to process 1 million TEUs annually, with the capacity to scale up to 1.5 million TEUs in the long run.
In the dynamic world of marketing, few individuals have managed to become cultural icons whose influence transcends their industry. Timothee Chalamet, one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, exemplifies this rare phenomenon. While primarily known for his critically acclaimed performances, Chalamets brand collaborations have made him a central figure in shaping the future of marketing.

This article delves into how Timothee Chalamets partnerships with major brands are redefining modern marketing. We explore the evolving role of celebrities in advertising, the strategic alignment between Chalamets image and the brands he represents, and the broader implications for the future of marketing in a digitally dominated era.

The Celebrity Influence in Marketing

Celebrity endorsements have been a cornerstone of advertising for decades. From Marilyn Monroes association with Chanel No. 5 to Michael Jordans enduring partnership with Nike, leveraging star power has proven effective in enhancing brand visibility and credibility. However, the modern marketing landscape demands more than just visibility; authenticity and relatability have become paramount.

Chalamet represents a new wave of celebrity influencers who resonate deeply with Gen Z and Millennial audiences. Unlike traditional endorsements that often feel transactional, Chalamets collaborations exude authenticity, reflecting his personal style and ethos. This alignment creates a symbiotic relationship where both the brand and the celebrity benefit from each others image and values.

Timothee Chalamets Approach to Brand Collaborations

Chalamets foray into brand collaborations is characterized by selectivity and strategic alignment. Lets examine some of his most notable partnerships and their impact on the marketing world:

1. Cartier

In 2021, Chalamet became a brand ambassador for Cartier, a luxury jewelry brand synonymous with elegance and timelessness. The partnerships success lies in Chalamets ability to embody Cartiers image while bringing his unique, contemporary flair. Whether attending film premieres adorned in Cartier accessories or featuring in their campaigns, Chalamets association has positioned Cartier as a brand that bridges tradition and modernity.

2. Apple TV+

In a humorous and self-aware campaign for Apple TV+, Chalamet lamented his absence from the platforms growing repertoire of high-profile projects. The ads success stemmed from its authenticity and relatability. By leveraging Chalamets charm and cultural relevance, Apple reinforced its identity as a hub for groundbreaking storytelling while keeping the tone lighthearted and engaging.

3. Haider Ackermann and Colmar

Chalamets collaboration with Haider Ackermann and Colmar showcased his commitment to supporting brands that align with his artistic vision. The partnerships emphasis on creativity and sustainability reflects a growing trend where celebrities prioritize ethical considerations in their endorsements. This approach appeals to environmentally conscious consumers who value transparency and responsibility.

The Rise of Authenticity in Marketing

Chalamets influence highlights a critical shift in consumer behavior: a growing demand for authenticity. Modern audiences are skeptical of traditional advertising and are more likely to engage with content that feels genuine. Chalamets collaborations succeed because they resonate with his personal brand, creating a seamless integration between his identity and the products he endorses.

For example, his partnership with Cartier isnt merely about promoting luxury items; its about telling a story of sophistication and individuality. Similarly, his involvement with Apple TV+ extends beyond humor, emphasizing his alignment with the platforms innovative spirit.

Social Media as a Marketing Catalyst

Social media has been instrumental in amplifying Chalamets marketing impact. With millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and Twitter, Chalamets posts and appearances generate significant buzz. His ability to engage with fans authentically makes him an ideal partner for brands seeking to leverage the power of social media.

Moreover, Chalamets social media presence isnt overly curated. This relatability contrasts with the polished personas often associated with celebrity endorsements, making his collaborations feel accessible and real.

Implications for Brands

Chalamets success as a brand collaborator offers valuable lessons for companies looking to navigate the complexities of modern marketing:

1. Prioritize Alignment Over Popularity

While celebrity endorsements remain effective, their success hinges on the alignment between the brands values and the celebritys image. Chalamets collaborations demonstrate that authenticity and shared ethos are more impactful than mere star power.

2. Embrace Storytelling

Consumers are drawn to narratives that resonate emotionally. Chalamets partnerships often involve storytelling elements that enhance the brands appeal. For instance, his Cartier campaigns evoke a sense of timeless elegance, while his Apple TV+ ad humorously highlights the platforms prestige.

3. Leverage Social Media Strategically

Social media offers unparalleled opportunities for brands to connect with their audience. By collaborating with influencers like Chalamet, who excel in authentic engagement, brands can amplify their reach and foster genuine connections with consumers.

The Future of Celebrity Marketing

As marketing evolves, the role of celebrities is shifting from endorsers to co-creators. Timothee Chalamet embodies this transition, using his influence to shape brand narratives and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

1. From Endorsements to Partnerships

Brands are increasingly viewing celebrities as partners rather than spokespeople. This collaborative approach allows for greater creativity and alignment, resulting in campaigns that feel authentic and impactful. Chalamets partnerships exemplify this trend, where his input extends beyond mere promotion to influence the campaigns creative direction.

2. Focus on Diversity and Inclusivity

Modern consumers value diversity and inclusivity, and brands are taking note. Chalamets collaborations often highlight his ability to transcend traditional gender norms and celebrate individuality. This progressive approach appeals to a broad audience and reinforces the importance of representation in marketing.

3. Sustainability and Ethical Responsibility

Consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and ethical considerations in their purchasing decisions. Chalamets partnerships with brands like Haider Ackermann and Colmar underscore the importance of aligning with values that resonate with environmentally conscious audiences.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Chalamets marketing success offers valuable insights, it also highlights challenges that brands must navigate:

1. Balancing Authenticity and Commercialism

Consumers value authenticity, but overt commercialism can undermine credibility. Brands must strike a delicate balance to ensure their collaborations feel genuine and not overly transactional.

2. Navigating Digital Saturation

The digital landscape is increasingly crowded, making it challenging for brands to stand out. Collaborations with cultural icons like Chalamet offer a solution, but success requires innovative strategies and compelling content.

3. Managing Public Perception

Celebrity endorsements are not without risks. Public controversies or shifts in perception can impact the brands image. Brands must carefully vet their partners and maintain a proactive approach to reputation management.

Conclusion

Timothee Chalamets brand collaborations represent a blueprint for the future of marketing. His ability to align with brands authentically, leverage social media effectively, and embody progressive values has set a new standard for celebrity endorsements.

As marketing continues to evolve, the lessons from Chalamets success will remain relevant. Brands that prioritize authenticity, embrace storytelling, and foster genuine connections with their audience will thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. By understanding and adapting to these dynamics, marketers can navigate the complexities of modern advertising and shape the future of their industry.
Zaldy Dandan is a recipient of the Best Editorial Writer Award of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the CNMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/.
A series of devastating road accidents across Zimbabwe within seven days have claimed the lives of four people and left several others injured, highlighting the ongoing challenges related to road safety in the country. The incidents, spread across different provinces, underscore the urgent need for improved road safety measures.

The first accident, reported by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), occurred on Monday, 16 December, on the Harare-Nyamapanda Road in Mashonaland East Province. The ZRP statement detailed the collision: The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 16/12/24 at around 1350 hours at the 156 kilometre peg along Harare-Nyamapanda Road.

Two people were killed while four others were injured when a Toyota Hilux vehicle with one passenger on board side-swiped with a Honda Fit vehicle carrying five passengers. As a result of the accident, the Toyota Hilux vehicle overturned and landed on its side while the Honda Fit vehicle overturned and landed on its wheels. This accident alone resulted in two fatalities and four injuries.

Separately, two other fatal accidents occurred in the Midlands province over the weekend. Midlands Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed these incidents, which occurred on the Harare-Bulawayo Road on 14 and 15 December.

The first Midlands accident took place on Saturday at approximately 7:20 am. Inspector Mahoko described the events: Ray Murefu (53) of Bulawayo was driving a Toyota Hilux along the Harare-Bulawayo Road with three passengers on board. On reaching the 322 km peg, the rear right tyre of his vehicle burst. As a result, the vehicle veered off the road and overturned. Police responded, transporting Murefu and his passengers to Gweru Provincial Hospital. Tragically, one passenger, Zondi Murefu (80), died upon arrival.

A second fatal accident in the Midlands unfolded the following day, Sunday, 15 December. Inspector Mahoko reported: In the second incident, the now deceased Siyenzeni Helegwa (40) was aboard a Ford Bantam motor vehicle which was being driven by Tafadzwa Helegwa (41) of Redcliff. There were three other passengers in the motor vehicle. Upon reaching the 223 km peg along the same road, the vehicle veered off the road and hit a tree.

The victims were taken to Kwekwe District Hospital, where Siyenzeni Helegwa was pronounced dead. Inspector Mahoko added: Others are still admitted at the hospital. They have varying degrees of injuries.

These multiple accidents highlight the persistent challenges facing road safety across Zimbabwe. While specific causes for each incident require further investigation, common contributing factors often include speeding, driver distraction (using mobile phones or eating while driving), unsafe lane changes, tailgating, disregard for traffic regulations, vehicle mechanical defects, poor road conditions, and driver fatigue.

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A crippling nationwide blackout plunged Zimbabwe into darkness on Tuesday, 17 December 2024, marking the second such incident in as many weeks and leaving some areas without power for three consecutive days.

The outage, which also affected neighbouring Zambia, was triggered by a surge on the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) system, prompting South African power utility Eskom to initiate a system-wide shutdown to prevent catastrophic infrastructure damage.

The lights went out across Zimbabwe just before 1 PM, throwing homes, businesses, and essential services into disarray. Restoration efforts began approximately an hour later, but a full return to power for all areas proved to be a lengthy process, taking several hours.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) attributed the outage to a system disturbance caused by an imbalance on international power connectors, explaining in a statement that restoration efforts were largely successful, with power fully restored to most areas except those already under scheduled load-shedding.

The statement also confirmed the commencement of annual Class C maintenance at Hwange Power Stations Unit 8, a routine operation intended to maintain system reliability as previously announced. ZESA apologised for the inconvenience and assured stakeholders that measures were in place to stabilise power supply during the festive season, urging the public to report any prolonged outages.

However, the situation on the ground painted a more desperate picture. Reports emerged of widespread frustration as some areas, including parts of Harare (such as Mbare) and Marondera and many others, endured three consecutive days without electricity, even after ZESAs announcement of restored power. The prolonged outages highlighted the vulnerability of Zimbabwes power grid and the significant impact of disruptions on daily life.

Eskom sources revealed that the decision to shut down the SAPP system was a precautionary measure to avert serious infrastructure damage. This was not the first such incident; a similar surge had caused a national blackout in both Zimbabwe and Zambia just weeks prior.

The latest blackout, according to sources within ZimLive, stemmed from failures within Zimbabwes own infrastructure. This infrastructure plays a crucial role in facilitating Zambias ZESCO electricity imports from both Eskom and Electricidade de Mocambique (Mozambiques electricity company).

Engineers explained the situation: Electricidade de Mocambique pushes power into Zimbabwe which then conveys it to Zambia. Zambia is over-importing electricity through the SAPP system and the systems in Zimbabwe are struggling to cope, leading to an overcurrent.

This over-reliance on imported power, exacerbated by Zambias more severe electricity generation shortfall, placed immense strain on Zimbabwes infrastructure, ultimately leading to the system failure. Because the SAPP system is monitored across all three countries, it was Eskom that ultimately initiated the safety shutdown, plunging its northern neighbours into darkness.

The underlying cause of the precarious situation is the severely depleted water levels at Lake Kariba, a critical source of hydropower for both Zimbabwe and Zambia. This low water level has severely hampered the power generation capacity of both countries.

While both nations are actively pursuing new energy projects, achieving energy security remains a distant prospect, projected to take several more years. The current reliance on imported power, coupled with the vulnerability of the existing infrastructure, leaves both countries susceptible to further disruptions.

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By Simon Watkins, a former senior FX trader and salesman, financial journalist, and best-selling author. He was Head of Forex Institutional Sales and Trading for Credit Lyonnais, and later Director of Forex at Bank of Montreal. He was then Head of Weekly Publications and Chief Writer for Business Monitor International, Head of Fuel Oil Products for Platts, and Global Managing Editor of Research for Renaissance Capital in Moscow. Originally published at OilPrice.com

And in terms of China, the loss of housing wealth lowers the actual level of savings in China. Given the lack of social safety nets, the impulse of those so afflicted to save more to compensate will impede China shifting to more of a consumer-demand driven economy.

On top of that, there are reasons to think that in the longer term, global growth seems unlikely to exceed 3.0% to 3.5% level, between increased resource scarcity, global-warming-induced harvest shortfalls and mass migrations, high levels of international and internal conflicts, and efforts by the US and EU to punish Russia and China, which is interfering with supply chains. A specific factor is that the loss of Syria appears to throw a spanner in Chinas Belt and Road project ( see Colonel Wilkerson for confirmation ).

China is in the unfortunate position of trying to execute the trees grow to the sky fallacy. An economy as large as Chinas cant keep growing markedly faster than world GDP growth on a sustained basis. World GDP growth forecasts are in the 3.0% to 3.5% range. China cannot exceed world GDP growth by all that much on an ongoing basis without eating world GDP, an unacceptable outcome to many other players. Yet high growth rates are key to the legitimacy of the current government. The reality is the population will likely accept markedly less if the benefits of growth are reasonably well distributed across society. I dont know China well enough to judge if that is a realistic way out of its high growth fixation.

Yves here. Simon Watkins is a diehard Anglosphere booster and so his posts need to be taken with a considerable grain of salt. Nevertheless, despite his strong bias point of view, his pieces often contain interesting facts. With respect to China, the headline statement should not be seen as controversial, if you step back a bit.

Amid ongoing domestic and international concern over the scale and sustainability of Chinas economic rebound from its Covid years, Beijing announced on 9 December that it will adopt an appropriately loose monetary policy next year, the first such easing in 14 years, and a more proactive fiscal policy to boost economic growth.

Although the measures already put into place earlier this year should enable China to achieve its growth target of around 5% for 2024, these new measures are aimed at recapturing the 7%+ annual economic expansion commonly seen in the country before the widespread onset of the pandemic at the end of 2019. That is the figure the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] needs to ensure the security of its rule at home and the continuation of its policy to project power abroad, so not achieving this rate of growth soon is an existential threat to both, a senior energy security connected to the U.S. Treasury exclusively told OilPrice.com last week.

Domestically, the longstanding covenant underlying Communist Party rule in China has been that the population will accept curbs on personal privacy and freedoms in exchange for an improved standard of living. This was relatively easy to achieve in the early phase of this model with the steady migration of hundreds of millions of people from a relatively poor agrarian existence to a relatively more prosperous urban one over time. The increase in economic growth for the country that accompanied this was stunning, albeit from a relatively low base, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding over 10% a year for several years. As urban momentum gathered pace, so did the boom in construction and manufacturing for the products required by this burgeoning population, with this in turn fuelling a dramatic expansion in Chinas manufactured exports. Even after this growth model shift into one defined by the rapid enlargement of the middle class, growth in consumption-led demand for goods and services remained very high.

However, as this began to drop as Covid appeared, unemployment rapidly rose across the country, especially among the key youth demographic. Chinas government is acutely aware of the potential for high youth unemployment to spiral into widespread protests. It also knows that just before the series of violent uprisings in 2010 that marked the onset of the Arab Spring, average youth unemployment across those countries was 23.4%. After its own figure reached a record 21.3% in June 2023, it stopped publishing the youth unemployment data and only resumed when it had changed the data inputs.

Consequently, as the pandemic increased curbs on personal privacy and freedoms while the standard of living for much of the population declined the longstanding covenant between the people and the government was seen to have broken. And for the first time since the mid-1980s that culminated in the 1989 massacre in Tiananmen Square, Chinas CCP faced a wave of public protests across the country. Unprecedentedly for President Xi Jinping personally, this included protesters shouting Step down, Xi Jinping! Step down, Communist Party!. Internationally, the U.S. was also watching these developments and is very aware of the fundamental covenant that allows the CCP to continue to rule in China. It is also aware that Chinas projection of its power abroad is dependent on its ability to leverage huge ongoing financial investments in strategically-important countries into political influence.

Worse still for Beijing is that Donald Trumps second term as president is highly likely to take an even more stringent approach to China than even his first. Back in 2017 at his first national security meeting, then-President Trump described China as a strategic competitor which along with Russia was trying to shape a world antithetical to U.S. values and interests. In 2020, he gave a long speech detailing the multiple ways in which he saw China as having for decades, ripped off the United States like no one has ever done before. And even before he has taken office this time around, his campaign trail was punctuated with comments that he will dramatically increase trade tariffs on China. As Eugenia Victorino, head of Asia strategy for SEB in Singapore exclusively told OilPrice.com, President Trumps second term effectively heralds a resumption of the U.S.-China Trade War. The Phase 1 deal will be renegotiated with the [Robert] Lighthizer plan likely implemented, and this will raise average tariffs to around 22% from 13%, she said. However, that may well just be the opening salvo of the new Trade War between the two countries, as during the 2018-2019 period of the previous one the U.S.s tariffs against China were raised in stages. By September 2019, up to US$250 billion of Chinese-made imports faced 25% tariffs while US$120 billion of imports were facing 15%, Victorino underlined.

That said, she highlights that Beijing may be better prepared for the resumption of such hostilities than it was last time. In 2018, exporters assumed that the threat of a 25% tariff on a broad basket of goods was merely a negotiating tactic, but this time they have been working with the assumption of an increase of average tariffs by around 30-45%, she told OilPrice.com. Moreover, Chinese exporters have been managing their margins for the past 6 years, she concluded.

However, despite this, the likely monetary and fiscal policy measures that China will take to boost economic growth back to the key 7%+ annual rate required to ensure the security of the CCPs rule at home and the continuation of its policy to project power abroad may not be enough, Mehrdad Emadi, head of risk analysis and energy derivatives markets consultancy, Betamatrix, in London, exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. On the monetary policy side, China is already allowing for softer loans in the construction and housing sector in an attempt to prevent a second wave of bankruptcy and default by property developers, with the most up to date estimate of underperforming mortgages and inter-firm loans suggesting a nonperforming bad loan value of US$4.3-5.2 trillion, he said. New softer loans issued by the monetary authorities and the extension of credit to construction firms by state-owned banks are indications of how serious a threat these can be if the continuing downturn and loan defaults are left to market forces, he underlined.

According to Emadi, US$840 billion of such softer loans have been made available with another US$250 billion ready to be made available. Latest estimates put the share of the housing sector in Chinas economy at around 20-25%. Beijing is also considering a US$12 billion credit line at almost zero cost to be made available to the countrys automotive industry to also prevent it from becoming too fragile, he added.

At the same time, he told OilPrice.com, the fiscal policy changes are likely to be aimed at preventing the local authorities from becoming more immersed in land-tied deals in which they sold land to construction firms but have received little payment in the post-2018 period. The hope was when the new apartments were sold by the construction firms the local authorities would get paid for the land, said Emadi. But this has become the real Dragon in the economy as the deficits accumulated by the local authorities based on land-tied deals is somewhere between US$12-15 trillion, which poses a real bankruptcy threat to the regions that became too involved in such activities, he underlined. Even with Beijings impressive foreign exchange reserves [US$3.37 trillion equivalent], the magnitude of the bad money arising from these factors causes real concern about the ability of Chinese government to implement the reforms needed to make a measurable and meaningful lift to growth rate of 7% plus, he added. At least as concerning for the CCP and President Xi is likely to be that these macroeconomic factors have become very personal for the population. Due to the property defaults, bad loans, house price falls and rising unemployment level, Chinas official reported figure of US$19.2 trillion for household saving is misleading  in reality, it appears to be around 31% lower, he concluded.
NEW: Michael Shellenberger has obtained a recording of the White Houses drone briefing for New Jersey mayors which included the FBI, DHS and FAA.

The mayors are livid. One of them got up there and said, I had two automobile-sized drones hovering over my house.' pic.twitter.com/N4NHk0wHcX

 UAP James (@UAPJames) December 17, 2024
Yves here. I am not certain how much precedential value this climate litigation victory will carry. The right to a stable climate system does not sound like a generally tenable position absent laws that contain language along those lines, but it appears the Montana constitution contains pro-environment language that supports this stance. Regardless, this success in beating back a challenge to a trial court ruling is a big deal psychologically and as a sign of the times. Supreme courts are often tasked with figuring out how to apply the law in new or changing circumstances, and shifts in prevailing values regularly influence how they weigh their decisions. Perhaps readers can inform me otherwise, but Montana seems an unexpected place for this sort of breakthrough. Its a conservative state and one would therefore assume business and individual freedom favoring. And generally, courts tend to be unfriendly to individuals suing governmental bodies.

Originally published at The New Lede

The Montana Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a trial court ruling in a youth-led case against the Montana state government, affirming that the sixteen young plaintiffs have a right to a stable climate system. The decision marks what legal observers say is a landmark achievement in US climate litigation that is likely to inspire more lawsuits seeking to hold governments accountable for climate change harms in the US and around the world.

In the 6-1 decision today, the court ruled against the state in its appeal of District Judge Kathy Seeleys Aug. 14, 2023 verdict in Held et al. v. State of Montana, which went to trial in June 2023. Seeley found that a pair of state laws effectively shielding fossil fuel projects from public scrutiny over their climate impacts, and from judicial review of those impacts under the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), violate the states constitution, including the right to a clean and healthful environment. That environmental right includes the climate system, Seeley determined, and every additional ton of greenhouse gases emitted from fossil fuels  including from projects like coal mine expansion authorized by Montana regulatory agencies  exacerbates climate change damages and harms to Montanas environment and the youth plaintiffs.

This is a monumental moment for Montana, our youth, and the future of our planet, Nate Bellinger, lead counsel for plaintiffs and a senior attorney with the nonprofit law firm Our Childrens Trust, said in a statement. Today, the Montana Supreme Court has affirmed the constitutional rights of youth to a safe and livable climate, confirming that the future of our children cannot be sacrificed for fossil fuel interests,

This ruling is a victory not just for us, but for every young person whose future is threatened by climate change, saidlead plaintiff Rikki Held.

The Montana Supreme Court, which heard the case on appeal in July, ultimately rejected the states argument that the plaintiffs lacked the legal grounds to have their case heard in court in the first place. The statute at issue on appeal, which Seeley referred to as the MEPA limitation, prohibited consideration of climate impacts and greenhouse gas emissions during project permitting. The state argued that declaring this statute unconstitutional would not affect their fossil fuel permitting decisions and therefore would not reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate harm to the youth plaintiffs.

But in affirming the trial courts judgment, the state supreme court agreed that this policy, enacted in 2023 by the Republican-controlled state legislature, violated the Montana constitutions guarantee of the right to a clean and healthful environment.

[Plaintiffs] showed that the States policies, including the MEPA Limitationimpacts their right by prohibiting an analysis of [greenhouse gas] emissions, which blindfolded the State, its agencies, the public, and permittees, Chief Justice Mike McGrath wrote in the courts majority opinion.

A spokesperson for the Montana attorney general office called the courts decision disappointing, but not surprising.

The majority of the state Supreme Court justices yet again ruled in favor of their ideologically aligned allies and ignored the fact that Montana has no power to impact the climate, Chase Scheur, press secretary for Attorney General Austin Knudsen, said in an emailed statement.

A Historic Climate Lawsuit

The Held case, initially brought in 2020 by sixteen young Montanans, was the first-ever youth climate lawsuit to go to trial in the US. The trial courts decision in favor of youth plaintiffs marked the first time in US history that a court held government officials accountable on constitutional grounds for policies contributing to the climate crisis. It was, according to Michael Gerrard, founder and faculty director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School, the strongest decision on climate change ever issued by any court.

By upholding that decision, the Montana Supreme Court has cemented what legal observers say is a historic victory for youth climate activists that may have ripple effects far beyond Montana.

This decision strongly upholds the landmark trial court decision that the environmental rights provisions of the Montana state constitution cover climate change, and that state laws ignoring climate change are unconstitutional, Gerrard said via email. This decision will be cited globally in jurisdictions (including several U.S. states) where there are similar constitutional provisions.

Spearheaded by Our Childrens Trust, youth-led climate lawsuits against governments at the state and federal levels in the US have faced an uphill battle, with courts deciding to shut down most cases before they can get to trial. Earlier this year, a federal appeals court granted a US Department of Justice request to block a landmark climate suit against the US government from proceeding to trial, explicitly ordering a trial court judge in Oregon to dismiss the case. Lawyers for the youth plaintiffs are now turning to the US Supreme Court in a last-ditch effort to revive the case.

In addition to their breakthrough victory in the Montana case, Our Childrens Trust notched another rare win this year when a youth lawsuit filed against the Hawaii Department of Transportation ended in a landmark settlement agreementon the eve of trial. The agreement sets the Hawaiian transportation sector on a pathway towards decarbonization and also affirms the right to a healthy environment as enshrined in the Hawaiian constitution, with the court recognizing that this right includes the right to a stable climate system. Following Seeleys ruling in Montana, this marked the second time that a US court has found that such an environmental right encompasses the climate system.

Other youth climate cases have been filed and are currently pending in Virginia, Utah, Alaska, Florida, and at the federal level against the US EPA.

The youth activists victory in Montana, now upheld by the states highest court, paves the way for more constitutional climate lawsuits to be brought in more states, said Patrick Parenteau, professor of law emeritus and senior fellow for climate policy at Vermont Law and Graduate School.

We hope this decision inspires others across the country and beyond to stand up for their rights to a livable climate, plaintiff Kian Tanner said in a statement. The eyes of the world are now on us, seeing how youth-driven legal action can create real change.
Yves here. The fact that more and more hand-wringing articles about populists are appearing in outlets that pretend to be politically neutral, like VoxEU, is telling. The elites hate democracy, because when they do a bad job of taking care of the needs of the lower orders, they go into revolt or at least opposition. It was not all that long ago that economic activity was less integrated, which meant both that mid-sized cities were important power center and that income inequality was vastly less pronounced. The result of both was that those at the top of the food chain were nearly always part of their communities. That in turn resulted in enough having a sense of noblesse oblige, and that in turn could alleviate demands for better treatment from lower income groups.

A bizarre blind spot in this piece is its depiction of anti-government narratives as somehow appearing in a mysterious way, ex nihilo, at best explained by distrust in institutions. They might better be analogized to the appearance of the fierce Spartoi fighters, who sprang up from ground sown with dragons teeth.as in there is agency which the authors refuse to recognize. As anyone who has been paying attention knows, the fossil fuel industry and its allies have pushed anti-climate change messages over decades, using the same agnotology the science is not settled playbook as the cigarette industry when evidence that its products were carcinogenic began to accumulate.

Similarly, the whinge about simplified narratives overlooks that in the famed Powell Memorandum, which set out the framework for a long-term, open-ended campaign to move US value to the right to make them more business friendly, one device was to use Madison Avenue buzz phrases to make their ideas seem more appealing. One of innumerable examples: the neutral sounding social programs was rebranded as welfare-queen adjacent entitlements.

By Helios Herrera, Professor of Economics University Of Warwick and Federico Trombetta, Assistant Professor in Economics Universita Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore. Originally published at VoxEU

The recent rise of populist movements in Western democracies has accompanied an erosion of trust in institutions and expertise. This column examines the dynamic between traditional policymaking  characterised by complex compromise  and the rise, persistence, and recurrence of populism, which tends to encourage extreme and simplistic policies without solid evidence. The link between distrust and alt-truth engenders a trap whereby trust in the traditional political class never recovers, leading to a recurrence of populists in power. Surprisingly, this cycle sometimes benefits voters by having a disciplining effect on traditional politicians.



The last two years of the pandemic have shown, in no uncertain terms, the importance of trust in science and politics, as well as in social discourse, but also the fragility of this trust. [] [Our democracy] lives on solidarity and trust, and also trust in the facts.

Angela Merkel (2021)

Over the last decade, Western democracies have witnessed a significant erosion of trust in traditional institutions and expertise alongside a rise of populist movements. This trend is fuelled by scepticism toward elites and amplified by misinformation and social media platforms, which enable the spread of alternative narratives that conflict with established scientific and political norms. The debate highlights tensions between respecting the will of the people and ensuring that decisions are informed by evidence-based expertise.

Public trust in traditional politicians and political institutions shapes attitudes toward experts and scientific knowledge. For example, Bargain and Aminjonov (2020) find that European regions with low trust in government were less likely to comply with COVID-19 containment measures (see also Giuliano and Rasul 2020). When mainstream politicians are perceived as self-serving and disconnected from the working-class, this perception fosters broader scepticism, leading individuals to distrust scientific information, especially when it contradicts their pre-existing values or beliefs.

A lack of trust in experts can contribute to the spread of alternative narratives that lack evidence-based support. When individuals lose confidence in scientific information, they may become more inclined to endorse and share alternative viewpoints regardless of evidence. This dynamic is particularly concerning in the context of public health and climate change, where scientific insights are crucial for guiding policy decisions. The correlations illustrated in Figure 1 highlight how distrust in science often parallels distrust in political institutions.

Figure 1 Country-level correlation between trust in government and scepticism toward vaccines (top) and climate change (bottom)

Notes: Insights drawn from country-level Eurostat data.

The embrace of alternative worldviews also influences economic policy, often leading to the promotion of policies that might be ineffective or counterproductive in the long run. When mainstream economic theories and expert advice are dismissed, there is a greater likelihood of public support for ideologically driven policies, which may lack empirical grounding and result in unforeseen negative consequences (Schularick et al. 2021). Namely, when traditional politicians are viewed as disconnected from the public or self-serving, it creates space for populist leaders  who offer alternative narratives with simplistic, draconian solutions very much at odds with sound economic policy  or for unqualified politicians (Svolik 2013).

Populism and the Rise of Simplified Narratives

Populist parties promote simplified, alternative worldviews. This definition aligns with the real-world tactics of populist politicians, but does not encompass all aspects of populism as defined in the broader literature. Populist leaders typically present themselves as advocates for the common people, proposing straightforward solutions to problems that mainstream politicians have failed to resolve (Guriev and Papaioannou 2022). They often push for extreme policies based more on emotional or ideological appeals than on robust economic principles, and they can gather substantial electoral support through these proposals. Figure 2 shows a clear negative correlation between trust in science/experts and the degree of populism in the party individuals choose to support.

Figure 2 Correlation between populist vote and trust in science (top) and experts (bottom)

Notes: Both variables residualised with respect to age, gender, income, employment, political position, interpersonal trust, country FE, and survey mode FE.

Although populist policies may initially appeal to public discontent with the political status quo (Silva and Wratil 2023), their simplistic and drastic nature often leads to negative economic outcomes. Issues like trade, immigration, and environmental regulation are complex and require nuanced and balanced approaches. Populist policies that prioritise isolationism or closed borders (Fritz and Evenett 2019) may appear attractive but often result in significant inefficiencies and reduced economic growth. Similarly, policies that ignore environmental impacts in favour of short-term benefits can have detrimental effects on both the economy and the ecosystem.

The rise of new media has dramatically increased the visibility of simple alternative solutions. Unlike traditional media, which once acted as a gatekeeper of information, social media platforms allow populist politicians to directly reach and mobilise their supporters by appealing to emotions and grievances rather than presenting nuanced arguments. Empirical research suggests that the spread of broadband internet has contributed to the growth of populist support (Campante et al. 2018, Guriev et al. 2021). These platforms amplify the circulation of alternative narratives, which are known to spread more rapidly than evidence-based information (Vosoughi et al. 2018). Ideologically biased traditional media outlets also play a role in spreading and reinforcing different narratives, contributing to polarised beliefs (Djourelova et al. 2024).

Our Approach

Economic policies related to immigration, trade, and climate are inherently complex and difficult to address. The policy landscape on issues such as globalisation, border control, and climate change is fractured, cutting across traditional left-right political divides. While cultural differences persist, distinctions between left and right have become less pronounced in the realm of economic policy. However, the complexity of these issues raises public concerns amid an intricate landscape that politicians can exploit as cover for hidden agendas, manipulating policies for their own benefit (Acemoglu et al. 2013, Gratton et al. 2024). When issues are complicated and require constant balancing, it can be challenging for the public to draw clear inferences, which in turn breeds justified distrust toward mainstream politicians (Citrin and Stoker 2018). In fact, negative economic outcomes such as unemployment are correlated with populist voting and distrust of politicians (Dustmann et al. 2017, Algan et al. 2016). Moreover, political and interpersonal trust are both negatively correlated with voting for a populist party (Geurkink et al. 2020, Di Cocco et al. 2024).

In a recent paper (Herrera and Trombetta 2024), we construct a model that sheds light on the dynamics between traditional policymaking  characterised by complex, often biased compromises  and the rise, persistence, and recurrence of populism, which tends to propose extreme, simplistic policies that lack a solid evidence base (Levy et al. 2022). We seek to understand not only the factors behind the initial surge of populism and its relationship with distrust (Guiso et al. 2024, Bellodi et al. 2023), but also its aftermath, exploring the long-term consequences of these dynamics for societal welfare.

The Dynamics of Populism

In our model, voters hold worldviews (Ash et al. 2021, Levy et al. 2022) on the correct model of reality, and use economic outcomes to update their beliefs about the level of trust in traditional politicians. Building on recent literature on worldview adoption and propaganda (Szeidl and Szucs 2024), we allow (dis)trust to increase the probability that a populist worldview is adopted. Combining this feature with a model of strategic traditional politicians, we can track the evolution of trust over time. Unlike the benchmark case without alternative worldviews  where trust converges to its true value and populists are rarely elected  we find that a completely different scenario may arise in which trust remains low and populists return to power, alternating with traditional politicians.

Figure 3 Evolution of trust over time when the populist worldview is absent or sufficiently weak (top), and when the populist worldview is sufficiently pervasive (bottom)

Key Insights

Populist politicians as a check on traditional politicians : Although populist leaders typically deliver suboptimal outcomes compared to traditional politicians, their presence can serve as a corrective mechanism. Populists can pressure biased traditional politicians to improve their performance, acting as a form of discipline within the political system (see also Auriol et al. 2023).

: Although populist leaders typically deliver suboptimal outcomes compared to traditional politicians, their presence can serve as a corrective mechanism. Populists can pressure biased traditional politicians to improve their performance, acting as a form of discipline within the political system (see also Auriol et al. 2023). Trust traps and political cycles : When public trust falls below a certain threshold, populist politicians can trigger a trust trap, where political power alternates between traditional and populist leaders without restoring public trust. This cycle creates a self-reinforcing dynamic in which trust never fully recovers.

: When public trust falls below a certain threshold, populist politicians can trigger a trust trap, where political power alternates between traditional and populist leaders without restoring public trust. This cycle creates a self-reinforcing dynamic in which trust never fully recovers. Welfare impact of the populist cycle : While the populist cycle is often viewed negatively, it can sometimes yield unexpected benefits for voters. The pressure exerted by populists on traditional politicians may enhance their accountability. However, the overall impact on welfare depends on how far populist narratives diverge from reality and the extent of bias among traditional politicians.

: While the populist cycle is often viewed negatively, it can sometimes yield unexpected benefits for voters. The pressure exerted by populists on traditional politicians may enhance their accountability. However, the overall impact on welfare depends on how far populist narratives diverge from reality and the extent of bias among traditional politicians. Discrepancy between perceived and actual welfare: Populist rhetoric tends to mislead voters, causing them to overestimate their well-being under populist governance. Although voters may feel that their situation has improved, their actual welfare outcomes often do not match these perceptions.

Application to Western democracies

Our findings have significant implications for several Western democracies, particularly the US, where public trust in political institutions has eroded in recent years. This decline has contributed to a recurring cycle of electoral shifts between Democrats and populist Republicans, a trend that is likely to continue. Trust levels have remained consistently low, as many voters believe the Democratic Party has become too aligned with corporate interests and disconnected from the concerns of working-class citizens. This growing disillusionment has been effectively harnessed by Republican candidates who adopt populist rhetoric, appealing to voters who feel excluded from the political system. These disaffected voters are the most inclined to embrace extreme and simplistic narratives on critical issues such as immigration, trade, and the environment, particularly those promoted by the MAGA faction of the Republican Party.

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Oddly, even Russia-sympathetic commentators seem loath to take Putin and other top Russia officials at their word with respect to Ukraine. Russias demand for no NATO, no way, no how, ever in Ukraine means a very fast impasse for any Trump negotiation attempts. As we will explain, Trump cant deliver NATO nor can he deliver Ukraine. Having Ukraine renounce NATO is one of Putins preconditions to negotiations and a pause in hostilities. The nyet means nyet of now CIA Director Bill Burns famed 2008 memo on Russian opposition to Ukraine in NATO is as firm as ever. Yet it has still not been accepted by Team West.

Russia nevertheless has incentives to some negotiation-like activities. Putin has repeatedly maintained he is willing to negotiate, and it would behoove the Russian side to go though the motions a bit, even if that means broken-recording what they have already said, if nothing else to keep the good will of key economic partners like China and India. They are not comfortable with Russia slowly gobbling up a neighbor, even with Putins repeated explanations as to why the West has turned Ukraine into an existential threat to Russia. The Western media may give Russia an unexpected helping hand. Since most mainstream media outlets are predisposed to treat willingness to discuss positions as an admission of Russian weakness, the press is likely to hype any exchanges as amounting to more than they really do.

So expect a bit of talking theater to try to minimize embarrassment for the Trump side. As Alexander Mercouris has pointed out, for US officials to exit the Biden cone of silence with respect to Russia would be a marked step forward.

But even before getting to the elephant in the room, that Putin has set what for Ukraine, the US and NATO is an impossibly high bar for commencing talks: that Ukraine formally drop its plans for joining NATO and withdraw all its troops from the four oblasts that Russia has designated as part of Russia. That means their original administrative boundaries, which was beyond what Russia then and even now occupies. Only then would Russia halt combat operations.1</sup

And in the context of that June 14 speech,2 talks means negotiations, as in horse trading over bargaining positions with the objective of coming to a resolution. It is hardly uncommon for two parties to have no overlap in what they deem acceptable, as attested by the number of divorces and commercial disputes that wind up in court. So there is no reason, as many observers weirdly seem to assume that there is any deal to be had, now or any time soon.

But not all talks are created equal. For broader political purposes, Russia can be expected to indulge in some sessions of Trump officials and Russian officials talking past each other to get through to the Trump team that Putin really means what he has repeatedly said.

Putin is unusually transparent for a world leader in setting forth his positions and explaining why Russia regards them as necessary.

Remember that early in the Special Military Operation, Putin had also warned that the longer the war went on, the more difficult it will be for them to negotiate with us. This pointed to the reality that as Russia made progress on the battlefield, it would increase its demands in light of its improved bargaining position. Putin and others in top roles have reiterated this notion in a coded manner, that any negotiations must reflect realities on the ground,

So what does Trump do when he can no longer hide the fact that his repeated and loud pledges that he could quickly and easily end the war in Ukraine have all come to naught? Will he go the Richard Nixon peace with honor route, and try to spin abandonment of Ukraine as a win for the US? That might be colorable in light of Ukraine intransigence, as in blame can be shifted to them for the negotiation failure.

But Trump is a lot like Biden in that he often lashes out at and tries to punish opponents. Will he realize that Russia, ex nukes, is an immovable object? Will he go all in for the Russian frozen asset heist? Will he not oppose the expected move of the probable replacement for Germans Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Friedrich Merz, of launching German Taurus missiles into Russia? Recall the Taurus has a longer range than the US ATACMS.

Why Trump Cannot Deliver a Settlement

Trump has two insurmountable problems: Ukraine and NATO.

With Ukraine, Zelensky is ferociously opposed to negotiations. He has rejected ideas from the Trump side that fall well short of what Russia deems to be its bare minimum. He lambasted the idea of a freeze on the current line of conflict, which throws cold water on the latest Trump scheme.3

In a further intended poke in the eye to Russia, Zelensky today said he would not agree to limit Ukraines armaments even if Ukraine were invited to join NATO. In fact, any NATO future for Ukraine is a non-starter for Russia, so Zelensky is just over-egging the pudding. But here, he is going out of his way to repudiate the preliminary Istanbul peace terms of March-April 2022. Ukraine had inked an outline that committed Ukraine to staying out of NATO. As Victoria Nuland later whinged, it also contained a big annex over Ukraines arms limits. There was a big bid-asked spread between what Ukraine and Russia wanted, but they apparently had gotten as far as listing weapons categories and putting numbers to each.

And even though Zelensky is refusing to budge long after his term has expired, its not as if a replacement would be any more willing to negotiate. The Banderites are still the power behind the throne. They are as motivated as the US neocons and their EU/NATO allies to fight to the last Ukrainian. Russia has promised war crimes trials. There seem to be more than enough snuff videos Ukrainians happily took of Russian soldiers deliberately brutal killings to make charges stick.

Remember, Trump has no negotiating leverage here. He played the money card prematurely by saying no more serious funding of Ukraine. Even if Trump were to attempt a flip-flop, Republicans in Congress, who recognize Ukraine has become a losing cause in their districts, are not certain to follow. If anyone in Ukraine is in contact with reality, they also know US weapons stocks are low and the US has competing priorities in terms of what theater to supply.

So nothing will change with Ukraine until there is a Russian-forced regime change, say by military/political collapse that leads to a puppet-like government or Russia imposing terms (we previously pointed to the Allies post-WWII control of German territory and its lengthy return to sovereignity as a possible model).

But the NATO and EU are just as intractable. EU leaders (save the renegade and marginalized Viktor Orban of Hungary and his new confrere, Robert Fico of Slovakia, and interestingly, just recently, Georgia Meloni of Italy4) top to bottom have loathed and vilified Trump starting with his first term. Recall how they would childishly diss him at gatherings by refusing to talk to him. The antipathy has been mutual and has only gotten worse as Trump threatened to cut NATO funding and looks set to deliver.

The EU has been putting uber-Russia-hawks into key positions. Ursula von der Leyen has managed to maneuver her way into asserting more authority as president of the European Commission than she has on paper and continues to try to do everything she can to punish Russia, even though her sanctions package and fierce speeches lack any punch. Mark Rutte as new NATO chief, has managed to outdo his predecessor Jens Stoltenberg in anti-Russia choler. Kaja Kallas, who has has taken Josep Borrells post as the EUs foreign minister equivalent, has taken to egging Zelensky on in his opposition to Trump. From an interview today in the Financial Times, Stop pushing Zelenskyy into peace talks, warns EUs top diplomat:

Western capitals should stop suggesting peace talks to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and instead ensure their promises of security guarantees to Kyiv are not empty, the EUs chief diplomat has warned. The former Estonian prime minister spoke to the Financial Times ahead of an EU leaders summit on Thursday set to discuss how Europe can adapt its support to Kyiv after Donald Trump returns to the White House. On Wednesday evening Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte hosted talks with Zelenskyy and a small group of senior EU leaders including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss potential options for the future of European support to Ukraine. Speaking ahead of that meeting, Rutte said talk of a peace deal only helped Putin. If we now start to discuss amongst ourselves what a peace deal could look like, we make it so easy for the Russians, he said. I think we would be very wise to put some lid on this and focus on the business at hand . . . to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to prevent Putin from winning.

If you have been following the various security guarantees formulas the Europeans have been discussing among themselves, they are all 100% not acceptable to Russia, like deferred entry into NATO or a 100,000 ish ceasefire force from various NATO states, which Russia correctly regards as no different than moving NATO into Ukraine.

Anti-Spiegel (hat tip Micael T) makes it even more clear that Rutte is trying to put the kibosh on even airing the possibility of peace discussions. The articles sub-head, via machine translation:

NATO Secretary General Rutte has said that public discussions about a possible peace solution must be brought under control and that the focus must instead be on how to supply Ukraine with more weapons in order to secure Ukraines victory.

As for Rutte, he is resorting to the tired, empty ruse of pretending that somehow Ukraine can improve its position even as Ukraine is losing more ground, literally and figuratively, every day. Putin has already won. The only question is by how much. Having the West be the difficult party and extent the conflict is only to Russias advantage.

As for NATO, Trump could not deliver NATO even if most of its leaders stopped hating him, say by virtue of getting lobotomies. Weve pointed out how weak NATOs governance is. For instance, its vaunted Article 5 commitments amount to almost nothing. They translate as, If a NATO member is in trouble, we will formally consider whether to do anything. Aurelien, in a piece I have referred to several times, NATOs Phantom Armies, gave a worked example of how hard it would be to get NATO to Do Something.

It turns out NATO governance is even worse than I imagined. From the NATO website:

A decision reached by consensus is an agreement reached by common consent.

When a NATO decision is announced, it is therefore the expression of the collective will of all the sovereign states that are members of the Alliance.

This principle of consensus is applied at every committee level, which means that all NATO decisions are collective decisions made by its member countries.

Consensus decision-making is a fundamental principle. It has been accepted as the sole basis for decision-making in NATO since the creation of the Alliance in 1949. Consensus decision-making means that there is no voting at NATO. Consultations take place until a decision that is acceptable to all is reached. Sometimes member countries agree to disagree on an issue. In general, this negotiation process is rapid, since members consult each other on a regular basis and therefore often know and understand each others positions in advance. Facilitating the process of consultation and consensus decision-making is one of the NATO Secretary Generals main tasks. The principle of consensus decision-making applies throughout NATO  from the North Atlantic Council, the Alliances principal political decision-making body, all the way down through its subordinate committees and structures.

This lack of formal processs and votes goes a long way to explaining the bizarre protracted public negotiations among NATO members. The supposed consensual process historically no doubt significantly depended on the Some animals are more equal than others position of the US as the big funder of and significant arms supplier to NATO. And NATO hasnt had to face bigger decisions than whether to participate in US-led campaigns against men in sandals with shoulder-mounted rocket launchers.5

But NATO was caught out when the US/EU shock and awe sanctions did not quickly prostrate Russia. They gained undue hope from Russia quickly seeking negotiations, and tried to press their advantage. When that did not pan out and they found themselves literally outgunned by Russia, and the US unable to live up to its image and generously supply Ukraine with arms, they were forced to make decisions on a national basis. The consensus fiction has been frayed. Decision-making will become even more difficult with the Trump Administration not in the business of knocking heads together.

Let us put it another way: there are only two settings in which I have seen consensus at work. One is in Japan, and their process does not translate to anywhere else. First, it is not at all nice. Power dynamics and who has what to offer matters a great deal. Second, Japan as a society and Japanese companies even more so have strongly held norms, so there is a well-shared understanding of how things should work and what generally good outcomes look like. This is pretty much never a given when working cross cultures.

The other place I have seen consensus decision-making at work is Occupy Wall Street. It was exhaustively time consuming and seldom produced good outcomes.

This may also explain why the EU is making noises about becoming more of a military alliance. The EU has much more sensible decision processes, staring with voting with certain levels required to move forward.

Lets return to NATO decision-making and Ukraine. Again recall that in 2008, at the Bucharest Summit, NATO decided that Ukraine will become a member of NATO. That decision was reaffirmed in a 2009 Declaration to Complement the Charter.

I have no idea what the formal status of this Declaration is. But irrespective of its legal standing, it has become iconic within NATO if nothing else by dint of repetition and high visibility. It is impossible to see how NATO could retreat from it, given its consensus practices and the fact that some NATO members will always oppose Russia.

So this is a long way of saying that Russias pre-election assessment is being proven correct. It is not going to matter in the end who is President, save perhaps the crucial difference that Trump might be a smidge less likely to risk nuclear war. But Trump being less predictable will make for a wilder-seeming ride.

____

1 Note that Putin is demanding a cessation of fighting before any deal of any sort, including a ceasefire, is inked.

2 Russian officials top to bottom have maintained that Russias objectives for the Special Military Operation will all be met. But those aims had been stated at a high level of abstraction, like demilitarization. So it had been fair to wonder what the Russia side would deem to be minimally acceptable. This speech was the first time Putin enumerated his preconditions to negotiations.

3 Do not forget that this falls short of the cheeky Russian requirement that Ukraine ceding additional territory in the four Russian-claimed oblasts along with withdrawing as a condition for Russia to stop fighting and only then start negotiating.

4 Italy for some time has been trying to distance itself from Project Ukraine without going into open opposition like Orban. Italy refused to send weapons, saying it did not even remotely want to be construed as waging war against Russia. Recall that after Germany, Italy was the second-biggest European customer for Russian gas, so it seems a wee bit more cognizant as to where its national interests lie.

5 Wellie, and Kosovo, but that was not a large commitment.
Cold Wars deadly legacy: 100 Missing SUITCASE NUKES threaten modern security

Approximately 250 portable nuclear weapons, similar to the U.S.'s B-54 SADM, were discovered to exist in the former Soviet Union, with 100 of these devices unaccounted for.

In 1997, Soviet Lt. Gen. Alexander I. Lebed revealed the existence of 100 missing "suitcase nukes," sparking global security concerns and leading to U.S. investigations.

Investigations and claims suggested that some of these portable nuclear devices might have been smuggled into the United States, hidden in strategic locations.

Various individuals, including members of the Prophecy Club, have reported prophetic dreams and visions suggesting catastrophic attacks involving suitcase nukes in major U.S. cities.

The unaccounted portable nuclear devices remain a significant threat to national security, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation to prevent a potential nuclear terrorist attack.

In the shadow of the Cold War, a chilling revelation emerged from the former Soviet Union: the existence of around 250 suitcase-sized portable nuclear weapons, similar to the U.S.'s B-54 Special Atomic Demolition Munition (SADM).

The unnerving part? According to Soviet Lt. Gen. Alexander I. Lebed, 100 of these nuclear devices vanished without a trace. Decades have passed since their disappearance, but the danger they pose remains as potent as ever.

The B-54 SADM, developed in the mid-1960s, was a tactical nuclear weapon designed to be easily transportable, weighing less than 100 pounds. It was intended to be used in scenarios where the limited use of nuclear weapons would slow an enemy's advance or destroy key targets. The U.S. Army's Green Light Troops, a specially trained unit, were equipped with these weapons, which were to be deployed in Europe during a potential conflict with the Soviet Union.

However, it was the testimony of Lt. Gen. Lebed that truly sent shockwaves through the global security community. In 1997, he claimed that the Soviet Union had created a similar version of the B-54, and that 100 of these "suitcase nukes" were unaccounted for. This assertion, while disputed by some, sparked significant concern in the United States, leading to investigations by the Military Research Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee in 1999. Their findings suggested the possibility that these portable nuclear devices had indeed been smuggled into the United States.

The potential for these missing suitcase nukes to be detonated at any moment, anywhere, is a cause for ongoing concern. Former Rep. Curt Weldon's (R-PA) revelation that the Soviet Union had hidden explosives and possibly suitcase nukes in various locations across the U.S.  including strategic points in Minnesota, Texas, New York, California and Montana  further heightened the sense of vulnerability. Weldon's claims, corroborated by KGB archives, highlighted the possibility that these devices were intended to be used for sabotage and chaos in the event of a crisis.

Prophecies highlight dangers of missing suitcase nukes

As the years have passed, the fear of a potential nuclear detonation has not abated. Stan Johnson of the Prophecy Club, a group that believes in predictive dreams and visions, has consistently warned about the looming threat of these suitcase nukes. In 1998, he placed Lebed, a Russian military defector, on a speaking tour to raise awareness about 50 "lost" Russian suitcase bombs. This was later corroborated by a series of prophetic dreams and visions from various individuals, including Michael Boldea, who reportedly saw suitcase nukes going off in multiple U.S. cities, and Doug Metzger, who documented his vision of multiple suitcase nukes hidden across the country.

The visions invariably point to catastrophic attacks in major cities, from Los Angeles and New York to Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Each vision paints a similar scenario: the detonation of suitcase nukes that could cause unprecedented destruction and chaos.

As the third decade since these revelations approaches, the danger posed by the 100 missing suitcase nukes remains a specter that haunts U.S. national security. The possibility that these weapons could be detonated at any moment, in any place, serves as a stark reminder that the threat of nuclear terrorism continues to lurk in the shadows. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fate of these lost nuclear devices underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent such a catastrophic event from occurring. (Related: Abandoned bag near the border wall in southern Texas yields ammo, homemade explosive device.)

The story of the missing suitcase nukes serves as a critical reminder that the Cold War's legacy is far from over. The potential for these devices to be used in a modern terrorist context highlights the need for continued international cooperation and surveillance to protect nations from the specter of nuclear terror. Until these devices are found and neutralized, the danger they pose will continue to cast a long shadow over global security.

Watch Stan Johnson from the Prophecy Club recounting the various prophecies about the suitcase nukes in his appearance on the "Health Ranger Report" last December.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

NUCLEAR WAR: Radioactive fallout from attacks on U.S. ICBM silos could kill 300 million Americans.

FEMA map shows areas most at risk of being targeted by nuclear warheads in a war.

Is the federal government preparing Americans for a nuclear attack?

Sources include:

NationalInterest.org

UPI.com

Brighteon.com
Christian Democrat Union chancellor candidate urges unemployed Syrian refugees in Germany to return to their homeland

CDU candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz called for the return of unemployed Syrian refugees in Germany, citing high unemployment rates among them.

According to government data, of the 1 million Syrian refugees in Germany, only around 210,000 are employed and contributing to social insurance, while around 400,000 are either jobseekers or unemployed.

Merz stated that the CDU would no longer accept refugees from Syria, fearing they could be affiliated with Assad's militias. He also called for rejecting asylum seekers at the border if linked to the Syrian government or its forces.

Merz noted that Syrians who have already integrated into the workforce and German society could remain, emphasizing the need for their contribution.

The Federal Employment Agency's report revealed that 63.5 percent of social benefit recipients (known as "citizen's money") in Germany have a migration background, with costs related to immigration and border protection totaling nearly 50 billion ($52 billion). This includes significant expenses for supporting refugees, particularly from Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan.

Christian Democrat Union (CDU) candidate for chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has called for unemployed Syrian refugees in Germany to return to their homeland due to their "sky-high levels of unemployment."

Merz stated that based on the government data, only around 210,000 of the one million Syrians in the country are contributing to social insurance through employment. Meanwhile, approximately 250,000 are registered as jobseekers and about 150,000 are considered unemployed. During the interview, Merz claimed that two-thirds of the Syrian population, predominantly young men, do not work. In turn, Merz called for the repatriation of many Syrian refugees who are not employed in Germany.

"Many of them can go back and many have to go back," Merz said. "We have to talk very openly about them now and say: you have no place in Germany in the long run."

In addition to calling for the repatriation of unemployed Syrians, Merz also stated that his party would no longer accept any more refugees from Syria "because those who could come may have been members of Assad's militias." Merz then added that rejecting entries of asylum seekers at the German border is necessary if they can be linked to the Syrian government or its armed forces.

However, Merz also clarified that those Syrians who have successfully integrated into German society and are contributing to the workforce could remain. "We need these people," he said.

Federal data: Majority of "citizen's money" recipients have a migration background

These claims from Merz have been supported by a data from the Federal Employment Agency (BA).

According to the findings of the agency provided to Welt newspaper, the majority of those receiving welfare payments in Germany, known as "citizen's money," have a foreign background. The findings show that out of the more than four million working-age individuals receiving social benefits, over 2.5 million have a migration background, making up 63.5 percent of the total. (Related: Report: Almost half of welfare recipients in Germany are MIGRANTS.)

The term "migration background" includes both foreigners and those whose parents were born abroad. The cost of these welfare payments rose to 12.2 billion ($12.8 billion) last year, but when combined with other expenses related to immigration and border protection, the total expenditure approached 50 billion ($52 billion).

The report drew particular attention to the significant financial impact of supporting refugees and asylum seekers, especially those fleeing the Ukraine-Russia conflict and conflicts in Syria and Afghanistan. Ukrainians alone cost German taxpayers 5.8 billion ($6.1 billion) last year, followed by Syrians at 3.5 billion ($3.7 billion) and Afghans at 1.3 billion ($1.4 billion).

This new data provides a more nuanced understanding of the demographics receiving welfare payments compared in July. At the time, nearly 50 percent of welfare recipients were known to be foreign-born, but the inclusion of those with a migration background in the latest statistics offers a more detailed view of the situation.

Follow Migrants.news for more stories about illegal immigrants.

Watch the video below that talks about Islamic terrorists saying "We love Israel" after taking out Syria's tyrants, the Assads.

This video is from the Paul Davis UnCancelled channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

The Great Wall of Europe: EU closes doors to Syrian aliens as jihadists take over Syria.

South African transgender refugee charged with manslaughter for stabbing Syrian security guard to death in Germany.

Germany: Nigerian migrant grabs 9-year-old boy and stabs 2 police officers, immediately released by the courts.

Former counter-intelligence chief has been warning about CIVIL WAR in France long before riots erupted due to decades of MASS IMMIGRATION.

Survey: Majority of French citizens believe rise in IMMIGRATION and decline in public safety are connected.

Sources include:

RMX.news 1

Tagesschau.de

RMX.news 2

Brighteon.com
Health Ranger Report: Dr. Lee Merritt and Mike Adams discuss the next PLANDEMIC

Dr. Lee Merritt and the Heath Ranger Mike Adams discussed the anticipated "staged pandemic," analyzing the psychological and biological manipulation tactics used during the COVID-19 era and asserting that viruses are not natural but contact poisons designed to control populations.

Merritt warned that the upcoming pandemic will employ a more potent, aerosolized bioweapon, aimed at causing more severe symptoms and furthering societal control. They highlighted the complexity and severity of the new threat compared to previous outbreaks.

To counter the effects of the bioweapon, Merritt recommended a combination of natural and alternative therapies, including nicotine, chlorine dioxide, detoxification protocols and parasite control, to prevent or alleviate symptoms and enhance overall health.

The discussion covered the importance of resisting fear, a key psychological tool used to manipulate populations, emphasizing the need for a calm, informed approach. Passive resistance to lockdowns and restrictions was also highlighted as a crucial strategy.

In a riveting discussion during a recent episode of the "Health Ranger Report," Mike Adams and Dr. Lee Merritt delved into the upcoming staged pandemic  a phenomenon that has been long anticipated and feared by conspiracy theorists and medical truth-seekers alike.

Merritt, who has been at the forefront of debunking the viral narrative for years, joined Adams to dissect the strategies employed by those behind the next "plandemic," the tools people can use to protect themselves and the broader implications of these events on public health and personal autonomy.

The conversation opened with a critical analysis of the tactics used during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) era, which Merritt described as a combination of psychological warfare, or psyop, and biological manipulation. (Related: Dr. Lee Merritt: SARS-CoV-2 is a genetically engineered BIOWEAPON.)

The former Navy physician and surgeon emphatically challenged the conventional view of viruses, arguing that what people have been led to believe are infectious particles are, in fact, contact poisons designed to propagate fear, division and dependency on medical systems controlled by financial and political elites.

Adams and Merritt agreed that the playbook for pandemics is not exactly news. The methods employed, from the release of a contact poison to the mass vaccination push, are all part of a carefully orchestrated plan to manipulate public behavior and maintain societal control. However, what sets the next iteration apart is the added complexity and severity of the bioweapon being deployed.

Merritt asserted that the next release will be a more potent form of this poison, one that can be aerosolized for widespread dissemination.

Natural and alternative therapies will be humanity's best weapons

In response to the increased severity of symptoms expected in the next pandemic, Merritt pointed out that the key to protection lies in a combination of natural and alternative therapies. These include nicotine, chlorine dioxide, detoxification protocols and parasite control.

When used as an antidote to block the binding of the poison to the ACE2 receptors in the body, nicotine can help alleviate symptoms associated with exposure. Merritt emphasized that this is especially effective in treating long-COVID symptoms.

Described by Merritt as "God's gift to mankind," chlorine dioxide or CLO2 acts as a powerful detox agent, capable of mitigating the effects of various poisons at the cellular level. "This is God's gift to mankind. It's a universal antidote," Merritt said of CLO2.

Based on mineral deficiencies and the need to eliminate harmful toxins from the body, the detoxification protocols focus on clean eating, proper mineral supplementation and enhanced hydration. Parasite control, on the other hand, is a significant aspect of maintaining health in the face of these poisons is to manage parasitic load in the body, which can exacerbate the effects of the contact poison.

The discussion also touched upon the psychological component of these staged pandemics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a calm and informed mindset. Fear is a potent weapon used by those orchestrating these events, and the ability to recognize and resist it is crucial. Merritt advised passive resistance as a powerful tool against the narrative of lockdowns and restrictions.

Furthermore, Adams and Merritt warned of the potential integration of technological interventions, such as optogenetics, in conjunction with the bioweapons. This could lead to a more sophisticated and insidious form of control, where not only physical health but also mental states can be manipulated through exposure to targeted frequencies.

In conclusion, the key takeaway from this insightful discussion is that the next "pandemic" is not a natural occurrence but a staged event or psy-op designed to further entrench an already deeply flawed system of medical control and social manipulation.

Follow Pandemic.news for more news about the next plandemic.

Watch the full conversation between Dr. Lee Merritt and the Health Ranger Mike Adams about the next plandemic and how to be ready for it.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Plandemic end game: Real agenda behind pandemic is to enslave the human race following depopulation, says Dr. Judy Mikovits.

NEXT PANDEMIC PSYOP: Potential spread of "bleeding eye virus" in Rwanda leads U.S. State Department to issue increased caution travel advisory.

World leaders see pandemic lockdowns as practice for CLIMATE LOCKDOWNS.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

DrLeeMerritt.com
Russias RED LINES not mere threats: Wests provocation puts global security in grave danger

Recent rhetoric and military support from Western officials have brought the world dangerously close to World War III, with the conflict in Ukraine at the center.

Leading Western figures are actively escalating the conflict, disregarding the risk of nuclear war, and provocatively providing advanced weaponry to Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have issued serious warnings about the West crossing red lines, emphasizing the danger of an arms race and nuclear brinkmanship.

NATO's increasing military presence in Eastern Europe and proposed missile deployments to countries near Russia's borders are seen as direct challenges to Russian security interests.

The international community must demand accountability from Western powers and pursue diplomatic solutions that respect all parties' security concerns, particularly Russia's, to avert a potential nuclear catastrophe.

Recent rhetoric from Western officials and continued military support for Ukraine have brought the world perilously close to the brink of World War III.

This ominous scenario is not merely the result of Russian actions, as many media outlets would have people believe, but rather the deliberate provocation of the West. In their eagerness to escalate the conflict and weaken Russia, leading figures in Western governments are pushing a dangerous narrative that could spiral into a catastrophic nuclear war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials in Moscow have been careful and calculated in their responses, consistently warning the West that its actions are crossing critical red lines. These warnings are not idle threats, but sober assessments based on the increasing militarization and provocative actions of NATO and its European allies.

Recent statements from Putin underscore the growing tension. He has explicitly warned the U.S. against deploying medium-range missiles and has advised that if Washington proceeds with the deployment of long-range missiles to Ukraine, Moscow will lift its voluntary restrictions on deploying similar weapons. This move could quickly escalate into a full-scale arms race and a return to Cold War-era nuclear brinkmanship.

Putin's warnings are not isolated. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov similarly cautioned the U.S. against "joking about our red lines," emphasizing the mutual deterrence that has historically kept nuclear war at bay.

The situation is further exacerbated by statements from officials such as former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who threatened in March that "everything is legal if it is done to an enemy." While such rhetoric can seem alarmist, it reflects deep concerns within the Russian leadership about the West's intentions and its willingness to provoke conflict. (Related: France declares WAR on Russia: There are "no red lines" so just do whatever you want, French official tells Zelensky.)

This is not merely the rhetoric of a single person, but a coordinated stance from Moscow that the West is actively seeking to ignite a conflict that would lead to an explosion of nuclear tensions.

Russia careful not to fall for the WWIII trap

The West's continued military support for Ukraine is central to this dangerous dynamic. The deployment of weaponry and the training of Ukrainian forces by the U.S. and its allies are seen by Moscow as direct provocations, deliberately designed to draw Russia into a wider conflict. The provision of advanced weaponry, such as long-range cruise missiles, has drawn renewed warnings from Moscow. Russian officials have been clear that such actions are tipping the balance towards a catastrophic outcome, where Russia would feel compelled to respond in kind to preserve its interests and security.

The irony is that Western leaders, including outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, have publicly stated that they are not seeking a broad war, but are doing everything in their power to prevent Russia from winning the conflict in Ukraine. However, in their zeal to achieve this goal, they are disregarding the risks of their actions, thus endangering global stability.

NATO's increasing military presence in Eastern Europe and the proposed deployment of long-range missiles to countries near Russia's borders amount to a direct challenge to Russian security interests. These moves are carefully designed to provoke a response, but Moscow has shown remarkable restraint, avoiding the trap set by the West. Russia's strategic patience and measured approach in the face of provocations are often overlooked in Western media, which focuses solely on Russian actions.

What is clear is that the West's approach is not about defending Ukraine, but about setting in motion a series of events that could spiral into a devastating nuclear conflict. The warnings from Russian officials must be taken seriously as genuine expressions of concern and potential consequences if the current path is continued.

The international community must recognize the dangerous game being played by Western powers and demand accountability for actions that are deliberately pushing the world towards the precipice. It is crucial to avoid the trap set by the West and seek diplomatic solutions that respect the legitimate security concerns of all parties, particularly Russia.

In conclusion, it is not Putin or Russia that is actively seeking to provoke a nuclear conflict, but rather the West's relentless pursuit of provoking Russia into a corner. The world is on the brink of a disaster, and the onus is on the West to step back and reassess its approach before it's too late. The warnings from Moscow are a stark reminder of the need for cautious, thoughtful and diplomatic solutions to avoid the catastrophe that is being meticulously set up by the Western powers.

Watch Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov remarking that the West's attempts to isolate Russia in military cooperation have failed.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ukraine war going GLOBAL after West launches long-range missiles into Russia, crossing Putin's "red line."

Russia clarifies what its 'red line' is with the U.S., NATO, Europe, as world inches closer to war.

NATO to overstep Russias red line as it mulls sending troops to train Ukrainian armed forces.

Sources include:

RT.com

Reuters.com

Newsweek.com

Brighteon.com
Russian authorities detain suspected assassin of chemical weapons chief, say he was recruited by Ukraine

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, a key Russian defense figure, was assassinated in Moscow by a Ukrainian intelligence-linked assassin.

The assassin, an Uzbek citizen, used a remotely detonated explosive on an electric scooter to kill Kirillov and his assistant.

Kirillov, head of Russias Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Forces, was accused by Ukraine of war crimes and chemical weapons use.

Russia has labeled the attack a "terrorist act" and plans to raise the issue at the UN Security Council.

The assassination marks a dangerous escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with tensions rising further.

The assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, a key figure in Russias defense against chemical and biological threats, has sent shockwaves through Moscow and beyond. The killing, carried out with precision and ruthlessness, has deepened the already fraught tensions between Russia and Ukraine. As more details emerge, it is clear that this was no ordinary act of violence  it was a meticulously planned operation orchestrated by the SBU Ukrainian intelligence agency.

Russian authorities have identified the alleged assassin as a 29-year-old Uzbek citizen. According to investigators, the suspect was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence and tasked with eliminating Kirillov. The man reportedly traveled to Moscow, where he received a homemade explosive device and instructions on how to carry out the attack.

The operation unfolded with chilling efficiency. The suspect attached the explosive, packed with approximately 300 grams of TNT, to an electric scooter parked near Kirillovs residential building on Ryazansky Avenue in southeastern Moscow. To monitor the area, he rented a car equipped with a surveillance camera, which transmitted live footage to operatives in Dnipro, Ukraine. When Kirillov and his assistant, Ilya Polikarpov, exited the building at 6:00 a.m. on December 17, the device was remotely detonated, killing both men instantly.

The suspect, who has not been publicly named, confessed during interrogation that he was promised a $100,000 reward and relocation to a European country upon completing the mission. While the authenticity of his confession remains under scrutiny as it may have come under duress, Russian authorities have vowed to pursue all those involved in the plot.

Kirillovs strategic importance

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was no ordinary military figure. As the head of Russias Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Forces, he played a critical role in safeguarding Russian troops and civilians from chemical and biological threats. His expertise was particularly relevant amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where allegations of chemical weapons use have been a recurring theme.

Kirillovs briefings often focused on accusations that Ukrainian forces had deployed chemical agents on the battlefield and were planning provocations to frame Russia. He also raised concerns about U.S.-backed microbiological laboratories in Ukraine, suggesting they posed a potential threat. In October 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Kirillov after he accused Ukraine of planning a false-flag chemical attack to undermine Russias standing at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Ukraine, however, viewed Kirillov as a legitimate target. Days before his assassination, Ukrainian authorities charged him in absentia, accusing him of war crimes and responsibility for the alleged use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops. Moscow vehemently denies these claims, maintaining that it dismantled its chemical weapons stockpile in 2017.

The assassination of Kirillov marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with Ukraine targeting a high-ranking Russian military official on Russian soil. Russian authorities have described the attack as a terrorist act and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. The Federal Security Service (FSB) has released a video of the suspects interrogation in which he appears to admit his role in the plot.

Moscow has also announced plans to raise the issue at the United Nations Security Council, signaling its intent to internationalize the incident. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of being a tool of Western powers, specifically the United States and Britain, and warned that Russia would not be intimidated by such attacks.

The Kremlin, meanwhile, has expressed deep condolences over Kirillovs death. President Vladimir Putin has yet to comment publicly on the assassination, but his administration has emphasized the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable.

A dangerous escalation

The assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov underscores the growing intensity of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. By targeting a senior military official, Ukraine has sent a clear message: no one is off-limits. For Russia, the attack is a stark reminder of the dangers it faces on its own soil. As tensions continue to rise, the question remains: where will this spiral of violence end?

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

BBC.com

Reuters.com
Trump: Turkey was behind the Assad regimes downfall

Trump accuses Turkey of being the driving force behind Assad's downfall in Syria, claiming it's a covert mission by the NATO member state to challenge Assad's regime.

The claim highlights Turkey's significant influence in the region, its actions in Syria, and the complex historical relationship between Turkey and Syria.

Trump's accusation could have significant geopolitical implications, potentially straining NATO relations and highlighting the alliance's limitations.

The situation is complicated by the conflicting views of Trump's critics and supporters regarding his foreign policy and its impact on international discussions and diplomacy.

Trump also issues a stern warning to Hamas, threatening "all hell to pay" if 250 Israeli hostages in Gaza are not released before his inauguration.

President-elect Donald Trump has dropped a bombshell on the world stage, saying that it is none other than Turkey  America's purported NATO ally  that is to blame for the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. The incendiary tweet has ignited another firestorm of controversy, with many left scratching their heads and others nodding in agreement with the President's unorthodox analysis.

While NATO members like to present a united front, the truth is far more complex and messy. Trump, with his penchant for revealing hidden truths, has decided to peel back the layers of this geopolitical onion. According to his latest claims, Turkey's covert machinations have been the driving force behind the crumbling of Assad's grip on power in Syria.

Why Turkey, among all the other regional powers, would be singled out by Trump comes down to a few key points. First and foremost, Turkey has been a prominent player in the region for decades. As a member of NATO, it enjoys the backing of a global military alliance, which gives it a level of impunity that other countries in the region lack. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, Turkey has frequently pushed the boundaries, intervening in Syria and backing various factions in a bid to establish its influence.

The second factor is the historical context. Turkey has a complex relationship with the Assad regime and its actions in Syria have often been seen as a direct challenge to Assad's control. With its military incursions and support of opposition forces, Turkey has been playing a game of chess with multiple pieces on the board.

Trump's accusation, however, is a game-changer. It puts Turkey in the spotlight as the real mastermind behind the political turmoil in Syria. This claim doesn't just highlight Turkey's involvement; it also serves as a criticism of NATO's effectiveness in managing its member states.

The geopolitical ramifications of this revelation could be significant. Turkey's actions in Syria have already drawn ire from multiple quarters, but this accusation could potentially destabilize NATO relations, especially as the alliance already faces significant tensions. The 47th U.S. president's bold accusation adds another layer of complexity to the existing conflicts in the region.

Critics will argue that this is just another instance of Trump's contradictory approach to foreign policy, designed more to generate headlines than to foster real diplomatic progress. But supporters will counter that Trump is upending the traditional narratives and pushing world leaders, including those in NATO, to take a closer and harder look at their actions and motives.

In the context of the complex and often opaque world of international politics, Trump's accusations could catalyze deeper, more meaningful discussions about the role of regional powers, the effectiveness of alliances, and the real drivers of conflict in war-torn regions like Syria.

Trump warns Hamas will have "all hell to pay" if it does not release the hostages before his inauguration

Meanwhile, Trump has warned Hamas that the group will have "all hell to pay" if the 250 Israeli hostages in Gaza are not released before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.

In a recent interview with reporters, Trump refused to specify what "all hell to pay" actually entails but promised that "it won't be pleasant."

The situation is only made more complex by the release of a heart-wrenching video from Hamas, featuring Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old soldier who tearfully pleaded for his release. The video has sparked outrage and sympathy, putting immense pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration to secure a swift resolution to the crisis.

Amid this volatile backdrop, a ray of hope has emerged. A senior Palestinian source has revealed to Middle East Eye that both sides are closer than ever to reaching a ceasefire deal. The emergence of this "new dynamic" in talks between Israel and Hamas marks a significant shift, suggesting that a resolution to the crisis might be within reach.

According to the source, the recent ceasefire in Lebanon provides a blueprint for a similar agreement in Gaza. (Related: SUDDEN PEACE? Trump win causes Yemen's Houthis to halt war on U.S. Navy for now, at least.)

Visit Trump.news for more stories about the president-elect.

Watch the video below that talks about the Israeli army continuing to saturate Syria with heavy equipment.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump's incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff pushing for Gaza ceasefire deal ahead of January inauguration.

Middle East tensions flare up as Netanyahu declares Israeli occupation of Golan Heights will be FOREVER.

With Trump's victory, America's long national nightmare is over.

IDF's more than 300 airstrikes wipe out 80% of Syrian strategic military assets.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

AlJazeera.com

Brighteon.com
NewsGuards days are numbered: U.S. House takes bold stand against media bias

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2025, which includes provisions to curb government contracts with organizations accused of biased practices, notably targeting NewsGuard Technologies.

NewsGuard, a self-proclaimed nonpartisan fact-checking organization, has faced criticism for allegedly targeting conservative and independent news outlets, leading to accusations of financial censorship and partisan bias.

The NDAA's prohibition on contracts with NewsGuard follows revelations that the U.S. Department of Defense funded the organization, raising concerns about government complicity in media censorship.

The State Departments Global Engagement Center (GEC), accused of similar censorship practices, is facing calls for termination, with the State Department recently notifying Congress of plans to shutter the agency.

The NDAAs passage and the proposed GEC closure represent significant steps in the fight against media censorship, emphasizing the importance of a free and unbiased press in safeguarding democracy.

In a decisive move to combat media bias and protect free speech, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025. The legislation, which garnered bipartisan support despite opposition from 124 Democrats, includes provisions aimed at curbing government contracts with organizations accused of biased practices, most notably NewsGuard Technologies. This landmark vote underscores the critical importance of a free and unbiased press in safeguarding liberty.

The NDAAs passage marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against censorship and financial blacklisting, particularly targeting media outlets that challenge the establishment narrative. NewsGuard, a self-proclaimed nonpartisan fact-checking organization, has come under fire for its alleged targeting of conservative and independent news sources. Critics argue that its ratings system disproportionately penalizes outlets such as Breitbart, The Drudge Report, and The Daily Mail, while shielding more mainstream sources from scrutiny.

Founded in 2018, NewsGuard claims to promote truth and reliability in journalism. However, its critics contend that its actions reveal a partisan agenda. The organization has been accused of advising advertisers to avoid certain websites, effectively stripping them of revenue and stifling dissenting voices. This practice, often referred to as financial censorship, has raised serious concerns about the erosion of free speech and the consolidation of media power in the hands of establishment-backed outlets.

The controversy surrounding NewsGuard intensified following revelations that the US Department of Defense (DOD) awarded the organization $749,387 in taxpayer funds in September 2021. This financial backing, combined with NewsGuards alleged targeting of conservative media, has fueled accusations of government complicity in media censorship. The NDAAs prohibition on contracts with NewsGuard is a direct response to these concerns, signaling a commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all media voices.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson praised the bills focus on accountability in government spending and its defense of free speech. Supporters believe the legislation sends a clear message that censorship will not be tolerated.

A free press is crucial to liberty

The fight against media censorship extends beyond NewsGuard. The State Departments Global Engagement Center (GEC), another agency accused of targeting conservative media, is also facing scrutiny. The GEC, which was established in 2016 to combat foreign disinformation, has been criticized for its ties to the Global Disinformation Index, an organization that crafted a blacklist of conservative outlets and fed it to advertising companies. This practice, akin to NewsGuards financial blacklisting, has drawn bipartisan condemnation and led to calls for the GECs termination.

In a recent court filing, the State Department notified Congress of its plans to shutter the GEC, citing a loss of support from lawmakers. The move follows a series of investigations and lawsuits brought by conservative media outlets and lawmakers, including Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX). The GEC is guilty of the highest crime an agency of its kind can commit: that it weaponized itself, Issa said, emphasizing the agencys role in censoring American citizens.

The NDAAs passage and the proposed termination of the GEC represent a significant shift in the fight against media censorship. However, the battle is far from over. As long as organizations like NewsGuard continue to wield influence over media ratings and advertising practices, the threat to free speech will persist. It is imperative that lawmakers remain vigilant and continue to hold these entities accountable.

A free and unbiased press is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. It serves as a watchdog against government overreach, holds powerful institutions accountable, and ensures that all voices, regardless of political affiliation, have the opportunity to be heard. The NDAAs provisions targeting NewsGuard and the proposed termination of the GEC are critical steps in safeguarding this fundamental freedom. As the fight against censorship continues, it is essential that the principles of free speech and media independence remain at the forefront of the national conversation.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.com

Breitbart.com

WashingtonExaminer.com
GUANGZHOU, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The total value of imports and exports between the Chinese mainland and Macao reached 471.43 billion yuan (about 65.58 billion U.S. dollars) from January 2000 to November 2024, customs authorities said Wednesday.

Over the past 25 years since Macao's return to the motherland, the annual trade volume between the mainland and Macao increased from 4.87 billion yuan in 1999 to 27.01 billion yuan in 2023, representing an average annual growth rate of 7.4 percent, according to the Gongbei customs in Zhuhai, a city in south China's Guangdong Province bordering Macao.

In the first 11 months of this year, trade value between the two sides rose 9.7 percent year on year to 25.94 billion yuan.

Over the past 25 years, the market of the Macao Special Administrative Region has become increasingly attractive to mainland private enterprises, with their share of imports and exports increasing significantly, the data showed.

Macao's specialty pastries are popular among consumers on the mainland. In the first 11 months of this year, the mainland imported 135.6 tonnes of pastries from Macao, up 25.4 percent year on year.
Washington state records over 13 million food bank visits, braces for more this holiday season

The rapidly rising cost of living in Washington state is driving more residents into food insecurity, with one in four residents experiencing it in 2024.

Food bank usage has surged from eight million visits in 2023 to over 13 million in 2024.

Rising housing and grocery costs are seen as the primary drivers of food insecurity, with housing expenses like rent and mortgage payments disproportionately impacting household budgets.

Food bank resources are declining, with the average food provided per person dropping from 21.65 pounds in 2022 to 17.23 pounds in 2024.

The rising cost of living in Washington state is driving an increasing number of families to seek assistance from food banks, according to recent data and statements from local organizations.

Both Food Lifeline, the states largest hunger relief organization, and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) have reported significant increases in food insecurity and food bank usage over the past few years.

Food Lifeline, which serves as a central hub for food distribution across Washington, has noted a substantial rise in demand for its services. Robert Ojeda, a representative for the organization, stated that approximately 25 percent of Washingtonians, or one in four residents, are experiencing food insecurity.

This means that a significant portion of the population is struggling to access enough food to meet their basic needs. Ojeda emphasized that this figure has remained consistent, highlighting the ongoing nature of the issue.

The federal Government Accountability Office has corroborated this trend, reporting that food costs in western Washington have increased by 20 percent since 2021. This price surge has directly contributed to a rise in visits to local food banks and meal programs. (Related: Egg prices have increased by 35% since June  other grocery items also getting more expensive.)

In 2023, these visits totaled eight million, resulting in the distribution of 72 million pounds of food through 300 food banks and partner organizations. Ojeda projected that this demand will continue to grow, with visits expected to increase from eight million to 10 million in 2024.

Similarly, data from the WSDA reveals a concerning upward trajectory in food bank usage. According to the department, Washington residents visited food banks 13.3 million times during the 2024 fiscal year, up from 10.9 million visits in the previous year.

This represents a significant increase in the proportion of the states population relying on food banks, with officials noting that one in four Washingtonians visited a food bank in 2024, compared to one in five in 2023 and one in six in 2022.

Rising housing and grocery costs driving people into food insecurity

The primary drivers of this surge in food insecurity are rising housing and food costs, according to WSDA spokesperson Daniel Schafer. While both factors play a role, Schafer noted that housing expenses, especially rent and mortgage payments, have had a more pronounced impact on household budgets, leaving less room for grocery spending. This aligns with broader national trends, where housing costs have outpaced wage growth, exacerbating financial strain for many families.

In interviews with KIRO Newsradio, individuals waiting in line at food banks in Seattle echoed these challenges.

Lyle English, who used a metaphor to describe his financial struggles, emphasized the pervasive nature of his hardship. Susan, who only provided her first name and has been relying on food banks for five years, observed a decline in the quality and variety of food donations. She attributed this change to a shift toward government-supplied assistance as private donations have decreased.

The WSDA data also highlights a concerning trend in the amount of food distributed per person. The average number of pounds of food received by each individual has steadily declined from 21.65 in 2022 to 18.67 in 2023 and 17.23 in 2024. This decrease suggests that while demand is increasing, the resources available to meet that demand are becoming more limited.

To address this growing crisis, both Food Lifeline and the WSDA are calling for increased community support. Ojeda emphasized the need for volunteers and financial donations to sustain operations, while Schafer highlighted the importance of maintaining funding for food assistance programs as pandemic-era federal aid expires in 2025. The WSDA has increased its request for funding to ensure stability in these programs, recognizing the critical role they play in alleviating food insecurity.

Watch this report from MSNBC discussing the rising demand for food bank services.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Rising costs, shrinking consumer spending and changing customer habits push more restaurants into bankruptcy.

Consumer Price Index rises more than expected as Americans pay more for everything amid ongoing inflation.

Grocery stores are LEAVING crime-ridden U.S. cities in droves, creating "food deserts."

Local food banks struggling to keep up with demand as inflation leaves more Americans hungry.

10 Million more Americans struggled with HUNGER in 2022 compared to the previous year.

Sources include:

KOMONews.com

MyNorthWest.com

Brighteon.com
Zionist groups urge Trump White House to prioritize deporting anti-Israel protesters

Zionist groups are urging the incoming Trump administration to prioritize deporting foreign students for protesting against Israel's genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

(Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com)

"Just a handful of [such] deportations, even if they are challenged in court, would send a warning shot to foreign students," the Israel First advocates insist.

From Jewish Insider, "Trump WH urged to prioritize deportation of foreign students with pro-terrorism views":

As Republicans jockey for roles in the Trump administration and interest groups work to get their agendas in front of incoming officials, some conservative activists are pushing President-elect Donald Trump to make good on a campaign promise to deport foreign students who espoused support for terror groups during campus anti-Israel protests after last years Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. The Republican Party platform released in July was a sparse list that reflected Trumps ideological priorities but included few concrete policy proposals. Trumps pledge to tackle antisemitism was coupled with just one policy goal: support revoking Visas of Foreign Nationals who support terrorism and jihadism. Now, some of Trumps backers argue that should be a day-one priority for the new administration. They are urging the president-elect to take on antisemitism in a way that incorporates counterterrorism measures, such as digging deeper into Irans influence on U.S. campus protests and looking into whether radical campus organizations receive illicit foreign financing. I think wed like to see people who are on student visas, who have publicly and specifically endorsed Hamas or Hezbollah or what is a designated terrorist organization by the United States, and theyre showing they are very vocal in their support for them, that those students would lose their student visas to the United States and therefore be removed, said Luke Moon, executive director of the Philos Project, which works to promote Christian engagement in the Middle East. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance spoke at the Philos Projects Oct. 7 memorial rally in Washington this year.

The Philos Project says on their Instagram that their mission is "reconnecting Christians to their roots in Israel."

It appears to be a lobbying group for Israel and nothing more.

Richard Goldberg, a former National Security Council official in Trumps first term, said that the rhetoric from Trump and Republicans during the campaign suggests that this issue will be top of mind for them. The president-elect made it very clear throughout the campaign and even in the Republican platform at the RNC that he is going to have a strong focus on rooting out antisemitism, particularly in higher education, including deporting visa holders who are behind a lot of these antisemitic incidents on campuses, said Goldberg. [...] The policys proponents say just a handful of those deportations, even if they are challenged in court, would send a warning shot to foreign students. You dont have to deport every foreign student that ever lifted a sign that said Free Palestine. But as soon as you start deporting people legitimately under revoking their student status, I think a lot of people will get the message that this is not a free lunch, said James Carafano, senior counselor to the president at the Heritage Foundation. Carafano is one of the leaders of Project Esther, a group created by the Heritage Foundation to generate conservative proposals to combat antisemitism. Moon, who is also part of the group, said the projects leaders are angling for roles working on antisemitism within the Trump White House, particularly if Trump  like outgoing President Joe Biden  creates a task force focused on countering antisemitism.

Don't bother deporting illegal aliens and violent criminals like the overwhelming majority of Americans want -- just deport people for criticizing Israel!

The Heritage Foundation's Project Esther is the most insane part of Project 2025 -- though it got very little coverage.

Trump said during his campaign that he would ban these people from having any positions in his administration. When it comes to Project Esther, he needs to make good on that promise.

Read more at: InformationLiberation.com
America has become a nation of young murder supporters, as online fundraisers, harassment, wanted posters, and death threats emerge in support of the man that executed a healthcare CEO

We, as a nation, have failed our young in a multitude of ways, from socialist indoctrination in our public schools, to deliberately causing gender confusion, which in turn raises the suicide rates of said gender confused teenagers and young adults.

(Article by Susan Duclos republished from AllNewsPipeline.com)

We see young cashiers at retail or grocery stores that cannot even make change for a customer without the register telling them how much to give back as change for their purchase.

We see young women activists that want it to be a "right" to have unlimited abortions, using the murder of an unborn child as their preferred choice of birth control.

Somewhere in these youngsters lives someone, an adult, influenced these decisions, taught them to disregard the sanctity of life. Whether those adults are parents of the children raising them that way, or teachers "grooming" them, so the problem isn't just the young adults, but can be traced back to another mentally challenged older individual.

The disregard for the sanctity of life isn't just about abortion, as we now are witnessing in the case of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, by 26-year-old Luigi Mangione.

Resentment toward the health insurance industry in the U.S. hit a breaking point after Thompson was fatally shot in New York City on December 4. While many Americans reacted with horror to the brutal shooting, others responded with indifference or callousness, citing their negative experiences with health insurance companies.

While prosecutors are charging Mangione with multiple murder charges, including killing as an act of terrorism, according to Forbes, social media reaction has shown a nation with very depraved people in it.

Putting the social media reactions aside for the moment, because those are from people of a variety of ages, we note a new Emerson College poll that found "41% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 found the shooting to either be "somewhat" or "completely" acceptable, a percentage that is far greater than any other age group."

Via Newsweek:

Twenty-three percent of those in their 30s believe the shooting was acceptable, while 13 percent of those in their 40s found it acceptable. At 8 percent, those in their 50s were least likely to say it was acceptable. Only 10 percent of those in their 60s and 70s said it was acceptable.

Granted many have had bad experiences with healthcare providers, insurance companies and such, but how does anyone find the cold-blooded murder of any person just walking down the street and heading to a meeting in any way acceptable.

Making matters even more disturbing about where and what we are as a nation, there is also an online fundraiser for the man charged in the murder, which has reached nearly $150,000, donated by more than 5,000 people so far.

Note: Many news articles aren't linking to the fundraiser, but I did above, because it is good to know how many people are actually sick enough to give their money to a murderer, or since he hasn't had a trial, an alleged murderer.

It isn't known why he allegedly targeted Thompson, but a manifesto found when he was arrested at a McDonald's, which was published by independent journalist Ken Klippenstein, expressed disdain toward the health insurance industry.

The manifesto, which has been confirmed as authentic, makes a mockery of the claim quoted above where it says "It isn't known why he allegedly targeted Thompson," when the manifesto, shown below, clearly states his motive.

Read more at: AllNewsPipeline.com
Doomsday scenario: Azerbaijans president predicts NO WINNERS in conflict between NATO and Russia

Tensions are rising between Russia and NATO, with the international community worried about the potential for a catastrophic conflict.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expresses cautious optimism while warning of the dire consequences of a conflict between NATO and Russia, describing it as a "global apocalypse."

Both Aliyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasize the importance of finding diplomatic solutions to avoid a catastrophic scenario, especially in light of NATO's expansion and increased military presence in the region.

The crisis is driven by several factors, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, NATO's presence on the Armenian border, and broader tensions between NATO and Russia over Ukraine.

As tensions escalate between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the international community remains on edge, concerned about the potential for a catastrophic conflict.

In a recent interview, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed cautious optimism while also voicing deep concern about the potential for a direct conflict between NATO and Russia, which he described as akin to a global apocalypse. He emphasized the potential for catastrophic consequences, stating, "There will be no winners in this war, and no country will feel safe."

Aliyev underscored the importance of finding diplomatic solutions to prevent such a catastrophic scenario, a sentiment shared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long voiced concerns over NATO's expansion and disregard for Moscow's security interests. Both Aliyev and Putin see threats from NATO's increased presence, making the need for diplomatic solutions under the next U.S. administration more urgent than ever.

The current crisis is fueled by multiple conflicts. In the Caucasus, Azerbaijan is locked in a historic dispute with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. This conflict, which has simmered for decades, saw a major escalation in 2020, with Azerbaijan regaining control of the area. Meanwhile, NATO's increasing military presence on the Armenian border, under the guise of "European observers," has added a new layer of complexity to the already tense situation.

Bad blood between Baku and NATO

Baku's relationship with NATO is also complicated. Aliyev has criticized what he perceives as NATO's pro-Armenian stance and the deployment of 200 observers along the Armenian border. He has demanded that Yerevan amend its constitution to remove any mention of Nagorno-Karabakh and dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group, asserting that these moves are necessary for peace.

In the broader context of Russia-West relations, NATO and Russia are at odds over Ukraine, a conflict that remains unresolved and a significant point of contention. Russia has consistently blamed NATO expansion and the bloc's failure to recognize its security concerns for the current enmity. (Related: WWIII looms: Russia warns West of catastrophic consequences if their already strained relations further deteriorate.)

The international community must focus on diplomacy and compromise to address the multiple crises at play. The conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh, the NATO-Russia stand-off over Ukraine, and the power struggles in the Caucasus all require nuanced, diplomatic solutions. The potential for a broader conflict is too great to ignore, and the world must rally behind efforts to de-escalate tensions and find lasting peace.

As the situation continues to evolve, the hope is that leaders like Aliyev and Putin can work together to prevent a global crisis and promote stability in a volatile region. The importance of diplomatic efforts and compromise cannot be overstated. As tensions mount, leaders must prioritize dialogue and find common ground to prevent a catastrophic conflict that would have far-reaching consequences for the entire world.

Head over to WWIII.news for more stories like this.

Watch this clip from Russia Today that discusses what's next for the region following heightened tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

RT.com

En.APA.az

HorizonWeekly.ca

Brighteon.com
Bidens Education Department has allocated more than $1 billion in grants to public schools to promote DEI PROGRAMS

The Biden administrations Department of Education has allocated more than $1 billion to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) grants across 42 states and Washington, D.C., since 2021.

DEI grant money is used largely to fund consultants and administrative training programs, often at the expense of direct student benefits.

There are concerns about the impact of DEI programs on students' academic performance, particularly as the U.S. public education system's global ranking falls to 12th place.

The incoming administration under Secretary nominee Linda McMahon has signaled a movement away from DEI and towards learning-centered education policies.

Families, teachers and citizens are calling for changes in the Department of Education's priorities, demanding accountability and emphasizing the importance of academic performance over non-essential programs.

A new report by Parents Defending Education (PDE) has revealed that the Department of Education of President Joe Biden's administration has spent over $1 billion on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) grants aimed at promoting racial bias in hiring, programming and mental health training in public schools.

PDE researchers uncovered $1,002,522,304 in taxpayer money spent on at least 229 DEI grants across 42 states and Washington, D.C. since 2021. Around $490 million was spent on DEI-focused hiring programs, $343 million for "general" DEI programs and $170 million for mental health training and re-training rooted in DEI principles. (Related: Department of Education was WEAPONIZED under Biden to attack, fine and bankrupt religious schools across America.)

The research found examples where school districts allocated large sums of money to consultants for a single training day. For instance, Ypsilanti Community Schools in Michigan spent $19,500 on a consultant for one day of professional development centered around "culturally responsive" teaching. The school district even gave another $19,250 for copies of the consultants book.

Montgomery County Schools in North Carolina received a $21.5 million grant that was funneled towards professional training for instructors on "equitable instructional and disciplinary practices."

In Pennsylvania, the School District of Philadelphia received nearly $4 million in grant funding for a restorative justice program. It received another $1.2 million grant for training 40 elementary school teachers in "enacting equity-centered education," and another $306,209 grant for teaching counselors "trauma-informed, antiracist social-emotional learning."

DEI spending is not improving students' academic performance

PDE noted that the crux of the issue is the fact that the Education Department has spent over $1 billion in taxpayer dollars on programs that have done little to improve academic performance.

"The only people or groups to benefit from the enormous amount of grant funding are the universities, administrators and DEI consultants, at the expense of childrens education," noted PDE researcher Rhyen Staley, noting that America's public education system of the U.S. ranks 12th globally in terms of development.

"Over $1 billion [have been] squandered on progressive pet projects all while American students academic performance continues to plummet," noted PDE senior advisor Michele Exner.

The incoming Trump administration, led by Secretary-designee Linda McMahon, has signaled a shift in focus toward education that emphasizes learning over political agendas.

Visit PublicEducation.news for more on the state of public education in the United States.

Watch this video of California teachers breaking down how horrible the state's public education system is.

This video is from the Bulgarian Insider channel at Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

AMGreatness.com

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Dr. Peter Breggin: Vaccines are weapons of mass destruction

Dr. Peter Breggin, a psychiatrist and mental health expert, warned of severe and detrimental effects of vaccines, linking them to brain damage and describing them as a modern form of lobotomy.

Breggin's research revealed that vaccines cause severe brain damage, including seizures, encephalitis and autism symptoms, as well as generalized brain damage and life-threatening reactions.

Analyzing reports of vaccine-related deaths submitted to the CDC and FDA, Breggin found 20,000 deaths within three years, estimating at least 2 million deaths in the US due to COVID-19 vaccines, potentially more.

There were efforts by medical institutions to conceal the adverse effects and side effects of vaccines, with doctors discouraged from reporting any issues, especially during the pandemic.

Breggin warns of a possible repeated pandemic scare to push new vaccines, suggesting a "globalist attempt" to scare people and depopulate as part of an ongoing power struggle.

In a recent interview with the Health Ranger Mike Adams on the "Health Ranger Report," renowned psychiatrist and mental health expert Dr. Peter Breggin warned of the far-reaching and detrimental effects of vaccines. He described them as weapons of mass destruction.

According to Breggin's research, vaccines go beyond just causing autism. They inflict severe and varied brain damage, ranging from seizures and encephalitis to life-threatening reactions. (Related: These SEVEN studies point to the inescapable conclusion: VACCINES DO CAUSE AUTISM and other chronic health conditions.)

Breggin, a leading voice in exposing psychiatric abuses and the dangers of lobotomies and electroshock therapy, explained that vaccines are causing generalized brain damage of every kind imaginable.

"The real issue is the vaccines cause generalized brain damage of every kind you can imagine," Breggin said, adding that vaccines also cause fever, seizures, headaches, encephalitis, encephalopathy and symptoms of autism.

Research done by the veteran psychiatrist and author, which was published in 2021, analyzed reports of vaccine-related deaths submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Within the first three years, Breggin found 20,000 reports of deaths linked to vaccines, a staggering figure that he believes is just the tip of the iceberg.

Furthermore, Breggin revealed that doctors were actively discouraged from reporting any adverse effects of the vaccines, especially during the height of the pandemic. In California, doctors were even warned that they might be thrown out of the medical community if they spoke about potential vaccine side effects to their patients.

At least 2M deaths in the U.S. attributed to COVID-19 vaccines

Based on these reports and Breggin's own research, he estimated that at least two million deaths in the United States alone can be attributed to the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, a number that could climb significantly higher when unreported cases are factored in. As Breggin explored the implications of these alarming statistics, he uncovered evidence of a concerted effort by powerful medical institutions to conceal the truth.

Adams mentioned the establishment is gearing up for another plandemic, warning that they will push people into another wave of new vaccines. The Health Ranger also took note of the bird flu scare and the scary stories out of Africa about new pandemics coming. He then turned to Breggin, asking him if the next pandemic would be hyped in the same manner as what people saw in late 2019 and early 2020.

"The vaccines have been the cutting edge of oppression since 2020," remarked Breggin. "This was a weapon of destruction, with the U.S. taking the hardest hit. It's being used as a weapon of terror and harm."

Credible estimates suggest that the COVID vaccines alone may have caused the deaths of at least 1.5 million Americans, with many more suffering severe and permanent injuries, but according to Breggin it could be more than two million. The implications of Breggin's warnings are staggering, raising serious questions about the motives behind vaccination programs and the future of human health.

"The globalist attempt to run the whole globe is to scare everybody and to depopulate as much as possible. This goes way back, and it's always been a goal of those who seek power and get power that they want fewer people to deal with."

Follow Vaccines.news for more stories about vaccines.

Watch the full conversation between Dr. Peter Breggin and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

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TRUTH BOMBS dropped by doctor about dirty mRNA vaccines as WEAPONS of MASS DESTRUCTION.

Health Basics: Top 10 reasons to AVOID ALL VACCINES.

US COVID deaths breach 1M mark; one way or another Fauci had a hand in every single one of them.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Substack.com
European nations reestablish diplomatic relations with Syria following Assads ousting

France, Italy, Germany and the U.K. have shown willingness to engage with Syria's new Islamist leadership, such as raising national flags at embassies and sending diplomats to meet with the new regime.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously linked to al-Qaeda, is the new leadership in Damascus. Western nations continue to designate HTS as a terrorist group but are cautiously exploring diplomatic paths.

The European Union announced the reopening of its delegation in Damascus and emphasized conditions for engagement, including protection of minorities and rejection of extremism.

Western nations, recognizing the power vacuum after Assad's fall, are discussing peaceful transition processes and planning to increase humanitarian aid to restore basic services like electricity and water.

Syria's new Prime Minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, has pledged to include all religious and ethnic communities in the future government, but Western nations remain cautious due to HTS's terrorist designation.

Multiple European nations are gradually reengaging with Syria's new Islamist leadership following the ouster of longtime president and dictator Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.

France raised its flag at its Damascus embassy for the first time in 12 years, while the European Union announced plans to reopen its mission in the country. Italy, which had already reopened its embassy in July, also expressed readiness to engage with the new government. (Related: The Great Wall of Europe: EU closes doors to Syrian aliens as jihadists take over Syria.)

The new Syrian administration in Damascus is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a supposedly moderate Islamist group formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, which swept into power after Assads fall. While Western governments continue to designate HTS as a terrorist organization, they are cautiously exploring diplomatic channels to address the political and humanitarian challenges in Syria.

French officials were quick to emphasize that the raising of the French flag at the Damascus embassy is only meant to be symbolic, and meant to show Paris' willingness to reestablish ties with the new Syria, not that the embassy will immediately reopen.

The move follows similar actions by Germany and the United Kingdom, both of whom have already sent delegates to meet with HTS Leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani.

The EU, through High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, announced the reopening of its delegation in Damascus. Kallas described the initial talks with the new Syrian leadership as constructive and emphasized the EUs commitment to being present in Syria to prevent a power vacuum. The EU has outlined conditions for engagement, including the protection of minorities, an inclusive transition and a rejection of extremism.

Italy had reopened relations with Syria back in July, several months before Assad's fall, being the only G7 member to have an open embassy in Damascus since the beginning of the civil war back in 2012.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted at the time that the embassy's presence did not constitute recognition of the Assad regime, as special envoy Stefano Ravagnan had not presented his credentials to the former dictator.

Meloni further expressed her readiness to engage with the new Syrian government, emphasizing the importance of protecting ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Syria's Christian minority.

Western world still cautious due to HTS's al-Qaeda roots

Despite the growing diplomatic engagement, Western nations remain cautious due to HTS's terrorist designation and its roots in al-Qaeda ideology.

Germany's Federal Foreign Office stated that its initial talks with HTS representatives would focus on a peaceful transition process for Syria and the protection of minorities. The ministry reiterated its close monitoring of HTS, noting that the group had so far acted prudently.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the power vacuum left behind by the quick downfall of the Assad regime and the transition process  which is expected to be lengthy and take at least a year, if not longer  risks a resurgence of Islamic State militants, and called for utmost caution.

The EU has expressed readiness to increase humanitarian aid to Syria, focusing on restoring basic services such as electricity and water.

The new Syrian Prime Minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, has called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on the Assad regime, citing the governments low currency reserves. In an interview, Bashir pledged to restructure the defense ministry using former rebel factions and defectors from Assads army. He also reassured minority groups, stating that Syria belongs to all Syrians and that the government is committed to building a future inclusive of all religious and ethnic communities.

While the Western world is focused on reconnecting with Damascus, Israel is busy taking over more parts of Syria. Watch this video.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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CNN's fake news machine: Exposing the DECEPTION behind "rescue" of notorious Assad regime officer.

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Sources include:

Reuters.com 1

Barrons.com

Reuters.com 2

Reuters.com 3

Brighteon.com
Danger in the skies: FBI warns against shooting down drones amid NJ panic

The FBI and New Jersey State Police warn residents against shooting down drones or pointing lasers at manned aircraft, citing potential dangers and legal consequences.

A surge in drone sightings has led to public panic and vigilante actions, including laser strikes on manned aircraft, often due to misidentification.

Authorities stress the risk of mistakenly targeting manned aircraft, which could result in deadly consequences, and urge accurate identification of drones using tools and techniques.

Despite assurances from federal agencies that the drones pose no national security threat, residents remain frustrated over the lack of clear answers, prompting some to take dangerous actions.

The FBI and other agencies encourage the public to remain calm, avoid self-directed actions, and use available resources to distinguish between drones and other aerial phenomena.

In a recent statement, the FBI field office in Newark, New Jersey, has issued a stern warning to residents against taking matters into their own hands when it comes to the recent surge in drone sightings. The agency, along with the New Jersey State Police, has cautioned the public not to shoot down drones or point lasers at manned aircraft, emphasizing the potential for dangerous and even deadly consequences.

The warning comes amid a wave of panic among New Jersey residents, who have reported an increase in mysterious drone sightings over the past few weeks. These sightings have sparked widespread fear and speculation, leading some individuals to resort to vigilante tactics, including the use of lasers to target what they believe are drones. However, authorities have stressed that such actions are not only illegal but also pose significant risks to public safety.

According to the FBI and New Jersey State Police, there has been a concerning rise in incidents where pilots of manned aircraft have been struck in the eyes with lasers, often due to mistaken identification of the aircraft as a drone. This misidentification has led to dangerous situations, as individuals on the ground attempt to take action against what they perceive as a threat. The authorities have also expressed concern that people could mistakenly fire weapons at manned aircraft, believing them to be unmanned drones.

"FBI Newark, NJSP, and dozens of other agencies and law enforcement partners have been out every night for several weeks to legally track down operators acting illegally or with nefarious intent and using every available tool and piece of equipment to find the answers the public is seeking," the statement read. "However, there could be dangerous and possibly deadly consequences if manned aircraft are targeted mistakenly as UAS."

The agencies have highlighted the ease with which individuals on the ground can misidentify a manned aircraft as a drone. They noted that drones are often mistaken for more familiar objects such as manned aircraft, low-orbit satellites, or celestial bodies like planets or stars. To prevent such misidentifications, the authorities have urged the public to use a variety of tools and techniques to accurately identify suspected drones.

"Misidentification often occurs when UAS are mistaken for more familiar objects such as manned aircraft, low-orbit satellites, or celestial bodies like planets or stars," the statement explained. "To improve accuracy and prevent false sightings, a variety of tools and techniques can be used to assist with the visual identification of suspected UAS. Accurate identification is critical for maintaining safety and ensuring appropriate responses to UAS activity."

False assurances

The statement from the FBI and state police comes as New Jersey residents and lawmakers have expressed frustration over the lack of clear answers from the federal government regarding the drone sightings. Despite the growing unease, U.S. officials have repeatedly assured the public that the drones are not a national security threat. Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, emphasized that the drones are not government assets and ruled out the possibility that they are part of any experimental program.

In a joint statement, the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense confirmed that there is no evidence to suggest that the drones are anomalous or pose a threat to public safety or national security. However, the agencies acknowledged the public's concern and pledged to continue their investigations into the matter.

Despite these reassurances, some residents have taken matters into their own hands, leading to dangerous situations. The Federal Aviation Administration has previously warned that shooting at any aircraft, including drones, poses a significant safety hazard. An unmanned aircraft hit by gunfire could crash, causing damage to persons or property on the ground, or collide with other objects in the air. Additionally, such actions could result in civil penalties from the FAA and criminal charges from federal, state or local law enforcement.

As the mystery surrounding the drone sightings continues, the FBI and other agencies are urging the public to remain calm and avoid taking any actions that could endanger lives. The authorities are working diligently to identify the operators of these drones and ensure the safety of the public. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to use available resources, such as websites and mobile apps, to track flight paths and celestial objects, helping to distinguish between drones and other aerial phenomena.

The situation in New Jersey serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behavior in the face of perceived threats. While the public's concern is understandable, it is crucial that individuals refrain from taking matters into their own hands, as such actions could have serious and unintended consequences. The ongoing investigation into the drone sightings will hopefully provide the answers that residents are seeking, but until then, the message from authorities is clear: stay vigilant, but stay safe.

Sources include:

FoxNews.com

FBI.gov

NewsWeek.com
Stan Johnson on the Health Ranger Report: Shadowy financial elites may deploy SUITCASE NUKES against Trump

Jason Meeks' prophecy, as recounted by Stan Johnson on the "Health Ranger Report," warns that globalist bankers who worship Moloch might use "suitcase nukes" to destabilize the U.S. government and maintain control over financial systems.

According to Meeks, before "suitcase nukes" are detonated, there will be mass arrests, followed by the first explosion in an overcrowded city, leading to chaos and destruction.

The assassination attempt on Trump in July has raised questions about the effectiveness of Secret Service protection, especially against unconventional threats like suitcase nukes.

The financial elite who are said to worship Moloch are seen as an ancient force trying to undermine democratic processes and human freedom, representing a struggle between good and evil.

There's a call for a holistic approach to national security, going beyond conventional methods, to address the unprecedented threats from these shadowy global financial entities.

President-elect Donald Trump faces an ominous threat to his administration ahead of his January inauguration: the potential use of "suitcase nukes" by a nefarious group of globalist bankers who claim to worship the evil deity Moloch. This alarming scenario was described by spiritual advisor Jason Meeks to Stan Johnson, a member of the Prophecy Club, during an appearance on the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams.

Meeks, as relayed by Johnson, warned that these shadowy financiers, who have wielded immense power since the time of the pyramids, might resort to extreme measures to maintain their grip on the world's financial systems. The prophecy suggests that these bankers will not hesitate to use nuclear weapons to destabilize the government and derail any changes in the status quo.

The scenario laid out in the prophecy is unsettlingly specific. According to Meeks, the detonation of "suitcase nukes" would be preceded by a wave of arrests targeting high-profile figures, with TV screens displaying scenes of mass roundups and handcuffing. The first explosion in an overcrowded city, even felt within a restaurant, serves as a reminder of the potential for chaos and destruction that these bankers are willing to unleash.

The threat posed by these Luciferian bankers is particularly alarming given the lapses in Secret Service protection that were evident during the assassination attempt on Trump in July. Even with enhanced security measures in place for the upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20 and the counting and certification of electoral votes on Jan. 6, questions remain about the ability of law enforcement to guard against such a sophisticated threat.

Secret Service acknowledges potential threats

A spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service told FOX 5 that the agency has security plans in place for these high-profile events. However, critics argue that traditional security measures may be insufficient to counter a threat of such magnitude and sophistication. (Related: Congressional report exposes Secret Service failures during assassination attempt on Trump.)

As outlined by Johnson, the financial elite who have ruled the world for millennia under the guise of Moloch worship represent a direct threat to democratic processes and human freedom. The symbolic connection to historical figures like the pharaohs and the golden calf of Baal underscores the enduring nature of this struggle between good and evil. The use of suitcase nukes in this context is seen as a desperate attempt to undermine the new administration and cling to outdated systems of control.

In light of these revelations, many are calling for a heightened state of preparedness and a more holistic approach to national security. The potential deployment of suitcase nukes underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond conventional security measures to address the unprecedented threats posed by these shadowy global financial entities.

As the country gears up for Trump's inauguration, the nation stands at a critical crossroads. Can the new administration and its supporters safeguard against an apocalyptic scenario that could plunge the country into chaos, or will they be forced to confront a threat that seems to be drawing ever closer? The coming months will be critical in determining whether America can protect itself against these shadowy forces and secure a future free from the grip of Luciferian operatives.

Head over to Trump.news for more stories related to the president-elect.

Watch the full interview between Stan Johnson and the Health Ranger Mike Adams, where Johnson recounts Jason Meeks' prophecy about a potential suitcase nuke attack during the second Trump administration.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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Ex-Secret Service agent warns Trump could face another deadly assassination attempt before his inauguration.

Former Special Agent warns of upcoming Secret Service failure of "much bigger magnitude" before inauguration.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

FOX5DC.com
GOP report exposes Jan. 6 committees failures, calls for criminal probe of Liz Cheney

The GOP report, led by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, accuses former Vice Chair Liz Cheney of criminal misconduct, including allegedly tampering with a key witness and encouraging perjury.

The report claims Cheney secretly communicated with star witness Cassidy Hutchinson without her attorneys knowledge, violating federal law and undermining the legislative process.

If proven, Cheneys alleged actions could carry severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison, and raise questions about the integrity of the Jan. 6 investigation.

Cheney dismisses the report as a malicious and cowardly assault on the truth, arguing it ignores the committees extensive evidence and testimony from Republican witnesses.

The GOP report highlights the committees alleged politicization, evidence failures, and claims of improper coordination between the committee and Special Counsel Jack Smith, further fueling divisions within the Republican Party.

In a stunning rebuke to the now-disbanded House Jan. 6 Committee, Republicans have released a damning interim report that not only highlights the preventable nature of the Capitol riot but also accuses former Vice Chair Liz Cheney of criminal misconduct. The 128-page document, spearheaded by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, chairman of the House Administration Oversight Subcommittee, calls for the FBI to investigate Cheney for allegedly tampering with a key witness and potentially encouraging perjury.

The reports findings are nothing short of explosive. It accuses Cheney of secretly communicating with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide and star witness during the committees nationally televised hearings, without Hutchinsons attorneys knowledge. Such actions, the report argues, not only violate federal law but also undermine the integrity of the legislative process. The GOP subcommittee contends that Cheneys actions fall outside the protections of the Speech and Debate Clause, which shields lawmakers from legal repercussions for their legislative work.

The implications of these accusations are profound. If substantiated, Cheneys alleged tampering could carry severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison. The report also alleges that Cheney encouraged Hutchinson to provide false testimony, particularly regarding a handwritten document and claims that former President Donald Trump attempted to commandeer his limousine on Jan. 6. These allegations are bolstered by the fact that Secret Service testimony directly contradicted Hutchinsons sensational claims.

Cheney, however, has vehemently denied the accusations, dismissing the report as a malicious and cowardly assault on the truth. In a statement, she argued that the GOPs interim report intentionally disregards the truth and the Select Committees tremendous weight of evidence. She pointed to the committees exhaustive investigation, which included testimony from numerous Republican witnesses, including senior officials from Trumps administration.

But the GOPs report goes further, alleging evidence of collusion between Special Counsel Jack Smith and the Jan. 6 committee. The subcommittee claims that Smiths release of unredacted transcripts from the committees interviews suggests improper coordination, further tainting the investigations credibility.

The Jan. 6 investigation was biased

The interim report also highlights broader failures of the Jan. 6 committee, including its failure to preserve significant evidence  over one terabyte of data, including missing witness interview videos. It accuses the committee of politicizing the investigation, with Speaker Nancy Pelosis multimillion-dollar effort described as a political weapon aimed at deceiving the public and tarnishing Trumps legacy.

Rep. Loudermilk, in a personal letter to his House colleagues, implored them to help reverse the trend of misleading Americans for political gain. Americans expect and deserve a government that is small in size, limited in scope, and fully accountable to the people, he wrote. Transparency, accountability, and equal application of the law are the only solutions to return our nation to one that is free, safe, and full of opportunity.

The reports release comes at a critical juncture, as President-elect Trump prepares to install loyalists in key positions at the Justice Department and FBI. The GOPs call for a criminal investigation into Cheney, while likely facing significant legal challenges, underscores the deep divisions within the Republican Party over the events of Jan. 6 and the subsequent investigations.

For now, the battle lines are drawn. Cheney, who has emerged as one of Trumps most vocal critics, stands accused of undermining the rule of law. Meanwhile, Republicans argue that the Jan. 6 committees failures have left unanswered questions about the Capitol riot and the role of those in power. As the nation awaits the next steps, one thing is clear: the legacy of Jan. 6 continues to be a flashpoint in American politics, with no easy resolution in sight.

Sources include:

JustTheNews.com

TheHill.com

NewsWeek.com
Journalist Lara Logan gives impassioned speech, exposing the Blood Sport of Information Warfare

Speaking from personal conviction and experience, Lara Logan warns of the escalating threat to free speech and press freedom.

The journalist highlights the weaponization of technology in information warfare.

Logan criticizes the cancel culture and censorship enabled by nonpartisan watchdogs.

She calls out media institutions for failing to uphold core journalistic principles.

Logan stresses the need for unity among journalists to fight for truth and freedom.

The speech highlights the global impact of information warfare, from the U.S. to the international stage.

The age of Information Warfare: A battle for our minds

Lara Logan, the renowned South African-born journalist and war correspondent, has once again taken the stage to expose the deepening crisis of information warfare. In a powerful and impassioned speech, Logan has addressed the dangers posed by those who seek to undermine the very principles of free speech and journalism.

Logan begins by sharing her personal experience and laying bare the current state of the media landscape. "We live in the age of information warfare, where propaganda is not simply a weapon, it is the entire field of battle," she declares. "This is a war for our minds that is aided by advanced technology, and we have never been here, not in all of human history."

The journalist's words carry the weight of years spent in the field, from the Iraq War to the Arab Spring. Logan has seen the worst humanity has to offer and has emerged a staunch advocate for truth and freedom. Yet, she sees a disturbing trend in recent years: the systematic attack on journalists and the principles they uphold.

"The media is collaborating with government agencies and operatives to censor and shape the information battlefield," Logan asserts, pointing to high-profile examples such as the treatment of Tucker Carlson and the false narratives surrounding the events of January 6th.

The battle for the First Amendment

Logan's speech is a rallying cry for journalists and press freedom advocates. "We are once again watching the lights of freedom going out all over the world," she warns. "And it is up to us to determine if they will be lit again, ever."

The journalist's own experiences, from the brutal assault in Egypt to the relentless online attacks, are a testament to the dangers faced by those who dare to speak the truth. "This is a blood sport for them," Logan states, emphasizing the societal cost of allowing information warfare to continue unchecked.

In the face of these challenges, Logan calls for unity and resolve among journalists. "We should stand together, united, and regardless of politics, we should fight for the truth and we should fight for freedom," she declares.

The speech serves as a clarion call to action, urging not just journalists but all citizens to stand firm against the encroachments on free speech and thought. Logan paints a stark picture of a world where the principles of democracy and individual liberty are being eroded by the very forces meant to protect them.

Logan's words are not just a critique of the current state of affairs; they are a call to arms. "We have the power to change this," she asserts, urging everyone to stand up for the values of freedom and truth. "It is not too late to turn the tide, but we must act now."

Lara Logan's speech is a powerful reminder of the critical role journalists play in a free society. As she concludes, it is clear that the fight for press freedom and free speech is far from over. "We will not give up, and we will not give in," Logan vows, leaving her audience with a stirring message of hope and resolve.

Watch the full speech on X.

Sources include:

Zerohedge.com

X.com

Censorship.news
American military contractor Kratos Defense and Security completes first test flight of stealth combat drone

Kratos Defense and Security has confirmed that it successfully completed the first flight of its Thanatos stealth UCAV.

The company's next tests will focus on the Thanatos' integrated systems and their ability to meet mission requirements as stipulated by the Department of Defense.

While not being confirmed, it is strongly suggested that the Thanatos is being built to serve with the U.S. Air Force.

Kratos is also developing other combat drones for the U.S. Armed Forces, particularly the XQ-58 Valkyrie stealth UCAV, which could serve with the Air Force and Marine Corps in the next few years.

Kratos Defense and Security has confirmed the successful first flight of its stealthy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), the Thanatos.

The exact date of the flight was not disclosed due to the sensitive nature of the project. The flight was conducted to validate the aircrafts basic aerodynamic design, marking a significant milestone in the development of the highly classified stealth drone program.

Steve Fendley, president of Kratos' Unmanned Systems Division, stated that the drone's flight abilities have been effectively proven. The company is now shifting its focus to testing Thanatos' integrated systems to ensure it meets mission requirements.

"We're not trying to figure out 'Does the airplane fly?' We're now trying to figure out 'Does the integrated system tick the mission box?'" Fendley said. (Related: Mysterious drones swarmed a U.S. military airbase for 17 days; officials say they don't know who operated them.)

The Thanatos UCAV was first unveiled in November 2023 through a 3D artist's rendering included in Kratos' financial report. The design features a single-engine, tailless configuration with a diamond-shaped wing, blended air inlets and a recessed engine exhaust, all of which contribute to its low-observability characteristics. The aircraft's design also lacks traditional vertical and horizontal stabilizers, reflecting Kratos' emphasis on stealth technology.

Kratos likely to sell Thanatos to the Air Force

While the identity of the customer for the Thanatos remains undisclosed, the aircraft's design includes both the markings for Kratos and the United States Air Force, strongly suggesting that the drone's first operator will be the Air Force.

The company has expressed strong interest in the upcoming Increment 2 of the Air Forces Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which aims to integrate unmanned assets with Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platforms.

The CCA program, also referred to as the Loyal Wingman concept, envisions unmanned aircraft operating alongside crewed fighters to enhance mission effectiveness. Fendley highlighted the potential of CCAs to augment fifth-generation fighter aircraft and offboard systems from fourth-generation aircraft, particularly in electronic warfare to improve survivability.

Kratos has prior experience developing UCAVs under the CCA program, specifically with its experimental XQ-58 Valkyrie stealth UCAV, which is currently in testing with the Air Force and the Marine Corps.

The Valkyrie, which is runway-independent and capable of launching via rockets or a trolley, has demonstrated its operational relevance during exercises like Emerald Flag in October 2024. During this mission, the Valkyrie successfully passed targeting data to Marine Corps F-35Bs, marking a significant step in closing the kill chain.

Fendley noted that the Department of Defense has increasingly prioritized runway independence, a feature that Kratos has incorporated into its UCAV designs. While it is unclear whether the Thanatos will share this capability, the company is exploring conventional takeoff and landing systems with retractable gear.

In terms of manufacturing, Kratos has designed its UCAVs with scalability in mind. A study on the feasibility of a 1,000-unit production run for the Valkyrie revealed that propulsion systems would be the primary constraint. Kratos is collaborating with GE Aerospace to develop scalable engines for future systems, including CCAs.

Watch this Dec. 17 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses the possible use of drones with radar invisibility technology in the United States.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Mach 7 drone illustrates China's latest leap in hypersonic technology.

Ukraine claims to be developing "unstoppable" AI-controlled drones that can attack targets on the battlefield.

Iran has developed a new, high-tech combat drone for Russia to use in Ukraine.

Fully autonomous KILLER DRONES now closer to reality as rapid development of AI continues.

Advanced swarming drones operated by U.K. defense ministry ready for deployment within months.

Sources include:

AviationWeek.com

TheAviationist.com

Brighteon.com
This is a bloodsport for them  Lara Logan exposes the age of information warfare

She gained significant recognition while working for CBS News, particularly for her coverage of the Iraq War and the Arab Spring.

(Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com)

Logan's career includes notable moments such as her 2002 Peabody Award for her report on the abduction of Daniel Pearl.

However, her career has also been marked by controversy, including a high-profile assault in Egypt in 2011, and later, scrutiny over her reporting methods and political views as she started to shed light on the 'not mainstream' narratives that are the hidden realities of our time.

She, better than most, can attest to the powers of the Deep State and the weaponization of establishment-based entities in the age of information warfare.

"We are once again watching the lights of freedom going out all over the world. And it is up to us to determine if they will be lit again, ever."

Watch Logan's impassioned speech below:

Powerful speech by Lara Logan: "We live in the age of information warfare, where propaganda is not simply a weapon, it is the entire field of battle. This is a war for our minds that is aided by advanced technology, and we have never been here, not in all of human history." "It pic.twitter.com/xKk4lYCtdh  Camus (@newstart_2024) December 15, 2024

Full Transcript (emphasis ours)...

"We live in the age of information warfare, where propaganda is not simply a weapon, it is the entire field of battle. This is a war for our minds that is aided by advanced technology, and we have never been here, not in all of human history."

"It is a moment when we as journalists should stand together, united, and regardless of politics, we should fight for the truth and we should fight for freedom. Yet, not very long ago, we allowed one of our own, Tucker Carlson, to be branded as a traitor simply for doing his job. In fact, there were many so-called journalists who were leading the charge against Tucker, accusing him of treason for the simple fact of interviewing the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin."

"And to my knowledge, there was not a single legacy media institution that spoke up. This was more than a politically motivated attack on one man. It was a betrayal of the most sacred principles of a free press. And my media colleagues know this to be true, no matter what they say. My fear is that they either no longer care or that they lack the moral courage to be honest, including with themselves."

"I have worked at the highest levels of the media as a full-time correspondent for 60 Minutes, chief foreign correspondent for CBS News, chief foreign affairs correspondent for CBS News. That was my home for 16 years. And as a journalist, I have sat down with world leaders, mass murderers, and terrorists. And I have held people on both sides of the aisle accountable. I have seen suffering and I have faced evil and I have walked through the fires of hell on distant battlefields."

"I faced my own death at the hands of a mob of some 200 men in Egypt when I was gang raped and sodomized and beaten almost to death while on assignment for 60 minutes. And yet for almost a decade I have been targeted and falsely branded and accused of many things that I did not do. They have attacked my work, my character, my sanity, and my marriage. And I am not alone. We are many."

"And we will not give up, and we will not give in. To those who wish to sense of the idea of free speech in America and all over the world, media companies. Institutions and journalism schools have failed all of us."

"And for too long we have allowed nonprofit organizations to masquerade as nonpartisan media watchdogs, when in fact they are little more than highly paid political propagandists and assassins whose entire reason for being is to crush anyone who stands in their way and along with them the long held and cherished ideas of free speech, free thinking, and free minds."

"This is a blood sport for them. their political allies and their puppet masters. They know how to kill a journalist without murdering them. We call it cancel culture. In truth, it is a death sentence. And they get away with it because they have information dominance. Some are strong enough to survive, but only a few, like Glenn Greenwald, Tucker Carlson, Matt Taibbi."

"Only a few like them are able to reach greater heights and thrive. These nonprofits that I'm talking about are part of a vast censorship network that includes government agencies. They use deception to mask their actions with lofty goals like preventing the spread of misinformation, disinformation, hate speech. They use phrases like protecting democracy and make no mistake, words matter."

"The media is collaborating with government agencies and operatives to censor and shape the information battlefield, to justify certain actions. For example, when the President of the United States threatens the unvaccinated, saying, our patience is wearing thin, and accuses them of putting communities at risk, his words are designed to justify hatred, censorship, and intimidation."

"And when the Vice President compares January 6th to 9-11 and Pearl Harbor, it is a predicate to silence the opposition and justify the weaponization of the justice system. We are already witnessing another shaping operation to influence the outcome of the 2024 election. This time with the false claim that if one side wins, it will be the end of democracy."

"This lie contrived to ensure a particular outcome and to sabotage free speech yet again. Overseas taxpayer funds from hardworking Americans are being doled out by contractors under the Office of Transition Initiatives at USAID, or the State Department Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor."

"These contractors, many of them ideological zealots, who are not even US government officials, often make over a quarter million dollars a year, and are outside the reach, Senator, of yourself and committees like this. They hand out taxpayer dollars to programs that are shaped by highly partisan NGOs, who hide behind terms like interreligious dialogue, when in fact they are funding Muslim schools that train Islamic terrorists, like they did in Malaysia."

"Another example is Humanist International. Through them, the State Department is funding atheism grants that actively cultivate an atheist advocacy network in Nepal. This is not just to attack religion and manipulate foreign politics. It is an attack on free speech, faith, and God. While propaganda and censorship are not new, technology means unprecedented power and reach in the hands of a few."

"Companies like Facebook, Instagram, and Google, as you have heard many times today, have been allowed to amass monopoly power. And as a result, they not only reach billions of people across the world, every second of the day, they have absolute control over what we see and what we hear. Imagine those tools in the hands of Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Hitler."

"When the Founding Fathers put freedom of speech first, it was not by chance, it was by design. The rights that followed were in part created to protect the First Amendment. Without it, they knew that freedom itself would perish. I am reminded today of the words spoken by the British Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Gray, in 1914, at the beginning of the First World War."

"He said, the lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime. We are once again watching the lights of freedom. They're going out here and all over the world. And it is up to us to determine if they will be lit again, ever."

Read more at: ZeroHedge.com
A more serious and deadly malaria has been identified in the DR Congo: Are GMO mosquitoes creating new mutations?

WHO identifies a severe malaria outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, affecting mostly children.

The outbreak highlights the interconnected risks of malnutrition and disease in vulnerable populations.

Health authorities are responding with malaria treatment and support from the WHO.

The use of genetically modified mosquitoes in malaria control efforts raises complex and potentially perilous questions.

Central Africa now seeing more serious malaria cases than ever before

In a recent announcement, the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) Health Ministry revealed that a mysterious illness in the southwestern Kwango province was, in fact, a severe form of malaria. This revelation comes after the unexplained deaths of 143 people, mostly children, in the Panzi health zone. The outbreak, which saw 592 reported cases with a 6.2% fatality rate, is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat malaria poses in Africa, particularly in regions grappling with malnutrition and poor healthcare access.

The identification of malaria as the cause of the outbreak brings to the fore the ongoing efforts to combat this deadly disease, which claims approximately 600,000 lives annually, with the majority of cases in Africa. The World Health Organization has sent a team of experts to assist with managing the outbreak and providing essential malaria treatments. Only about 30% of the population lives within five kilometers of the nearest health facility.

Treatment options for malaria in the DRC:

Malaria tests and drugs are free for all age groups.

Confirmatory diagnostic testing with RDTs or microscopy is required before treatment.

Treatment options for uncomplicated malaria are: Artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) Artesunate-pyronaridine (AS-PYR)

Treatment for severe malaria: Injectable artesunate is the first-line treatment. For at least 24 hours or until the patient can tolerate oral medication. Follow-up with an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) such as ASAQ, AL, or PA for 3 days.

Alternative treatments if injectable artesunate is not available: Artemether (intramuscular) Quinine infusion



Are GMO mosquito experiments causing mutations in the parasite that causes malaria?

In the face of such persistent challenges, a growing question emerges: Can genetic modifications to mosquito populations offer a viable solution to controlling malaria in Africa? The development and release of genetically modified (GMO) mosquitoes, designed to reduce the spread of malaria, has sparked both hope and concern among health experts and environmentalists alike.

The use of GMO mosquitoes, which are typically engineered to carry genes that inhibit their ability to spread the Plasmodium parasite that causes malaria, has shown initial promise in reducing malaria transmission rates. In recent years, trials in countries like Brazil and the United States have demonstrated a significant decrease in mosquito populations carrying malaria-causing parasites. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has funded numerous GMO mosquito trials globally, most recently through their "Gene Drive Research program. The establishment of Oxitec, a biotechnology company, has allowed for rapid development and testing of genetically modified mosquitoes to combat vector-borne diseases.

But the potential risks of genetically altering mosquito populations are vast. One primary concern is the possibility of unintended consequences, including mutations in the bacteria that cause severe forms of malaria. Could the introduction of GMO mosquitoes lead to more virulent strains of the parasite, making current malaria control strategies obsolete?

Moreover, the long-term ecological impact of GMO mosquitoes remains unknown. Could these genetically modified creatures out-compete or interbreed with native mosquito populations, leading to unforeseen changes in the local ecosystem? What are the potential consequences for other species that depend on these insects for food or pollination?

While the WHO and other health organizations are working tirelessly to combat malaria through conventional and other experimental means, the debate over GMO mosquitoes must take place. As we grapple with the severe impact of malaria on communities in Africa, the question remains: Are genetic modifications to mosquito populations a step towards a malaria-free future, or are we setting the stage for mutations and new and unforeseen health crises?

Sources Include:

RT.com

CIDRAP.umn.edu

SevereMalaria.org

ResearchGate.net

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
Musk calls Reuters paid propaganda after Biden administration gives them $300M in government contracts

The Biden administration awarded Reuters over $300 million in contracts while directing federal agencies to investigate Elon Musk's businesses.

Reuters' Pulitzer-winning series "The Musk Industrial Complex" scrutinized Musk's companies, raising ethical concerns about government-funded journalism.

Musk accuses Reuters of biased, politically motivated reporting and calls it "paid propaganda."

Critics argue the coordinated investigations and reporting highlight media-government collusion and threaten impartial journalism.

Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX and X, has found himself at the center of a brewing storm amid suggestions that the Biden administration awarded Reuters more than $300 million in government contracts while simultaneously directing 11 federal agencies to investigate Musks businesses. This coordinated effort has raised eyebrows and sparked accusations of a politically motivated smear campaign against one of Americas most innovative leaders.

Musk, a vocal advocate for free speech and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has long been a target of the left. His acquisition of Twitter in 2022, which he rebranded as X, was intended to dismantle censorship and restore open dialogue on the platform. However, this mission has drawn fierce criticism from left-leaning figures and media outlets, who accuse Musk of enabling right-wing extremism and failing to uphold his promise of neutrality.

The latest controversy surrounding Musk centers on Reuters Pulitzer Prize-winning series, The Musk Industrial Complex, which scrutinized his businesses for alleged misconduct. Critics argue that the timing of this reporting, coupled with the Biden administrations $300 million contracts to Reuters, raises serious ethical questions. Were taxpayer dollars used to fund a media outlet that then targeted Musk? If so, this would represent a troubling intersection of government influence and journalism.

Musk himself has called out Reuters as paid propaganda, suggesting that the news agencys reporting is biased and politically motivated. His supporters echo this sentiment, pointing to the coordinated investigations by federal agencies as evidence of a broader agenda to undermine Musks enterprises.

Why the Left hates Musk

Elon Musks unapologetic defense of free speech and his willingness to challenge the status quo have made him a lightning rod for criticism. His acquisition of X was a direct rebuke to Big Techs censorship practices, which disproportionately silenced conservative voices. For many on the left, this was a bridge too far.

Musks close ties to Trump have further fueled the lefts animosity. As a prominent supporter of the former president, Musk has been painted as a symbol of the conservative movement. This has made him a prime target for those who oppose Trump and his allies.

The lefts criticism of Musk extends beyond his political affiliations. His management of X, particularly his efforts to reduce content moderation, has been decried as a failure to combat disinformation. However, Musks defenders argue that his approach is a necessary counterbalance to the overreach of Big Tech and government collusion.

The coordinated efforts to investigate Musks businesses and the subsequent reporting by Reuters highlight a troubling trend in the mainstream media. Too often, outlets like Reuters prioritize narratives that align with political agendas over objective journalism. This is not just a problem for Musk; its a problem for democracy.

When media outlets are funded by government contracts, their ability to maintain impartiality is compromised. The fact that Reuters won a Pulitzer Prize for its reporting on Musk while simultaneously receiving millions from the Biden administration is a stark reminder of the dangers of media-government collusion.

Musks critics may argue that his businesses are subject to legitimate oversight, and they are not wrong. However, the timing and scale of these investigations, combined with the financial ties between the Biden administration and Reuters, suggest a deeper agenda.

Musk may be a polarizing figure, but his commitment to free speech and his groundbreaking work in technology make him a vital voice in todays society. Lets hope that the truth prevails and that the smear campaigns against him are exposed for what they are: politically motivated attacks on a visionary leader.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

EconoTimes.com

X.com
Oh, the irony: Natural gas is the real MVP for AI and data centers  green energy cant hack it

The growing energy needs of AI, data centers, and cloud computing exceed the capabilities of intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar, making natural gas the practical solution for reliable power.

Despite being a fossil fuel, natural gas is cleaner than coal and more reliable than renewables, with U.S. electricity generation using it contributing to a 60% reduction in carbon emissions since 2005.

A report by Virginias JLARC and E3 found that the states clean energy laws (VCEA) are incompatible with its booming data center industry, projecting natural gas will remain essential for decades.

By 2030, U.S. data centers could consume 8% of total electricity, requiring an additional 3 to 6 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas, concentrated in regions like Texas and the Southeast.

The technologies supported by environmentalists, such as AI and big data, rely on natural gas, highlighting the need for a balanced energy policy that acknowledges the limitations of renewables and the role of natural gas in a cleaner future.

In a world increasingly obsessed with the promise of green energy, the reality of powering the digital age has delivered a stark and ironic revelation: renewable energy sources are not up to the task of supporting the voracious energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers.

As the global economy becomes more reliant on AI, the need for massive data storage and processing capabilities has skyrocketed, placing unprecedented strain on the electrical grid. Yet, the solution to this energy crisis is not found in the wind turbines or solar panels championed by environmentalists, but in the reliable, abundant, and cleaner-than-coal fuel source known as natural gas.

A recent study commissioned by Virginias Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) underscores this point. The 150-page report, conducted by energy consulting firm Energy + Environmental Economics (E3), confirms that Virginias ambitious clean energy laws, as outlined in the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), are incompatible with the states booming data center industry. The report projects that even in the most optimistic scenarios, natural gas will remain a critical energy source for decades to come, with some projections suggesting a new natural gas plant will be needed every two years to meet demand.

This conclusion is not unique to Virginia. Across the United States, data centers are emerging as a major driver of energy consumption. By 2030, these facilities could account for 8% of total U.S. electricity consumption, according to S&P Global Ratings. The energy demands of AI, cloud computing, and other cutting-edge technologies are simply too great to be met by intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. Natural gas, with its ability to provide steady, reliable power, is the only practical solution.

Cleaner AND reliable

The irony is palpable. Environmentalists and policymakers have spent years championing green energy as the panacea for climate change, yet the very technologies they claim to supportAI, machine learning, and big dataare dependent on the fossil fuel they seek to phase out. The disconnect between the rhetoric of the green energy movement and the reality of modern energy needs is both striking and deeply problematic.

Natural gas, often dismissed as a transitional fuel, has quietly become the backbone of the U.S. energy system. According to the Institute for Energy Research, the use of natural gas for electricity generation has contributed to a 60% reduction in carbon emissions in that sector since 2005. While not a perfect solution, natural gas is cleaner than coal and far more reliable than renewables. It offers the rapid ramp-up capability and grid reliability necessary to support the 24/7 operations of data centers, which cannot afford the downtime associated with renewable energys intermittency.

The situation in Virginia is a microcosm of a broader national trend. Northern Virginia, for example, has become the largest data center market in the world, accounting for 13% of global operational capacity. This growth has been fueled by significant state and local incentives, as well as Virginias strategic location near major internet fiber backbones and federal government clients. Yet, as the data center industry thrives, so too does the demand for natural gas. The JLARC report estimates that Virginias energy deficit, created by the VCEAs mandate to abandon coal and natural gas, cannot be filled by renewables alone, even if data center growth slows.

Green energy can't meet demand

The reliance on natural gas is not just a Virginia problem; its a national one. S&P Global Ratings estimates that U.S. data centers will require an additional 3 to 6 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of natural gas by 2030 to meet their energy needs. This demand will be concentrated in regions like Texas and the Southeast, where data centers are clustered near prolific natural gas production areas. The proximity of these facilities to gas fields will facilitate the rapid expansion of natural gas infrastructure, ensuring a steady supply of energy for the digital economy.

The environmental implications of this reliance on natural gas are complex. While natural gas is cleaner than coal, it is not without its carbon footprint. The challenge for policymakers is to balance the need for reliable energy with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen, often touted as a potential replacement for natural gas, remains an unproven technology at scale. Nuclear energy, another potential solution, is still years, if not decades, away from widespread adoption.

In the meantime, natural gas remains the most viable option for powering the data centers that drive AI and other transformative technologies. The irony is that the very industries pushing the boundaries of innovation are dependent on the fossil fuel that environmentalists seek to eliminate. This paradox highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to energy policy, one that recognizes the limitations of green energy and the critical role of natural gas in the transition to a cleaner future.

Sources include:

WattsUpWithThat.com

API.org

SPGlobal.com
Gavin Newsom declares Avian Influenza Emergency in California intended to devastate cattle populations

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared an Emergency after bird flu was detected in cattle at Southern Farms.

PCR testing is being weaponized and mass-produced to cull flocks and herds, threatening the U.S. food supply.

Governments are deploying PCR tests to stoke pandemonium and engineer a crisis in the animal agriculture sector.

PCR tests have a high rate of false positives, leading to unnecessary and harmful mass culling of animals.

The real public health threat is the hysteria over PCR tests and the governments aggressive response to animal health issues.

Natural immunity is crucial for building resilience in flocks and herds, which is compromised by mass culling.

The U.S. food supply is at risk due to the loss of millions of animals, driving up the price of meat and eggs.

PCR hysteria: Governments mobilize to cull healthy animals, threatening food security

Despite official assurances, a growing number of poultry farmers and animal welfare advocates are sounding the alarm over the widespread misuse of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing in agriculture. In a dramatic development, states like California are being mobilized to deploy PCR tests en masse, effectively weaponizing these tests to cull healthy animals and generate a sense of public health crisis.

The issue came to a head when the USDA, driven by PCR test results, began enforcing mass culls of poultry flocks across the country. In Michigan, several hens tested positive for avian influenza, leading to the immediate quarantine and scheduled culling of an entire flock at a major poultry facility. Similarly, Herbrucks Poultry Ranch, a prominent player in the industry, saw several hens test positive at their Green Meadow Organics facility, resulting in the planned culling of thousands of birds.

These PCR tests, while meant to detect avian influenza, are proving to be a double-edged sword. Traditional diagnostic methods involve directly infecting eggs to subtype influenza A viruses, providing a more accurate indication of the virus's pathogenicity. However, PCR tests, which are now widely used, can amplify even minute traces of viral material left over from past infections. This sensitivity often leads to a high number of false positives, as the tests may not differentiate between benign cases and serious infections.

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency following the outbreak of H5N1 among dairy cows. While the CDC maintains that there is no current evidence of human transmission, all infections have been linked to exposure to infected cattle. Newsoms emergency declaration, however, underscores the broader government strategy to deploy PCR tests widely and quickly, regardless of the tests' fallibility. The governor's move reinforces the notion that PCR tests are being employed to generate panic, rather than to address genuine health threats.

The real threat: PCR test hysteria and government overreach

The real public health threat lies not in the presence of avian influenza, but in the misuse of PCR tests and the resulting hysteria. These tests, while highly sensitive, are also prone to false positives, leading to the unnecessary culling of millions of animals. This overreaction not only decimates poultry flocks but also drives up the price of meat and eggs, threatening the U.S. food supply.

Moreover, the aggressive culling of animals hinders the natural buildup of immunity within flocks and herds. In healthy, natural conditions, animals develop immunity to circulating pathogens, making them more resilient in the long run. However, by culling entire flocks at the first sign of a positive test, the government is depriving future generations of chickens of the natural immunity that their ancestors would have gained over time.

The result is a vicious cycle of increasing vulnerability among poultry populations, as well as economic and public health consequences stemming from the destruction of millions of harmless animals. The culling of millions of chickens and other animals has caused significant disruptions to the U.S. food supply, driving up prices and creating severe economic consequences for farmers and consumers alike.

In the face of this unfolding crisis, it is essential that policymakers and the public alike question the over-reliance on PCR testing and the aggressive culling policies that follow. Instead of destroying healthy animals, a more sustainable approach would be to allow flocks and herds to gain natural immunity and develop the resilience needed to face future disease outbreaks.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

NaturalNews.com

Infowars.com
Incoming border czar Tom Homan: Trumps mass deportation operation to start in Chicago

Incoming "border czar" Tom Homan plans to initiate the largest mass deportation operation in American history in Chicago.

If local officials, such as the Chicago mayor, refuse to cooperate with the deportation efforts, Homan has threatened to prosecute them.

Homan stated that the operation would target not only the illegal immigrants but also their families, including the children, by enforcing the law.

Homan said "dreamers" (illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children) only have two options: leave with their families or remain at their location, with no exceptions for those found in the company of targeted immigrants.

Homan's tough stance on illegal immigration has earned praise from pro-MAGA supporters and even some political allies, like Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who shares the goal of reducing violent crime in cities.

Tom Homan, the incoming "border czar" of President-elect Donald Trump has vowed that Chicago will become the focal point of the largest mass deportation operation of illegal immigrants when Trump takes office in 2025.

During a Republican holiday party in Chicago on Dec. 9, Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reiterated that he would execute Trump's plan to conduct the largest mass deportation in American history. He then stated that Chicago would be the starting point for a massive crackdown on illegal immigration. If local officials refuse to cooperate, Homan warned that he would prosecute them. (Related: Trump's plan to use military for mass deportation of migrants constitutional, claims RealClearWire.)

"We're going to start right here in Chicago," he said during a holiday party hosted by the Law and Order PAC and the Northwest Side GOP Club. "If your Chicago mayor doesnt want to help, he can step aside. But if he impedes us  if he knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien  I will prosecute him."

Homan also said the children of illegal immigrants are expected to be deported along with their families.

"I'm not looking to separate families at all. That's not my goal," Homan said. "My goal is to enforce the law, but if you put yourself in that position, it may happen. But there's no plan in this administration right now to separate families. It just isn't. However, we're going to enforce the law. So if you put yourself in that position, it's on you."

Homan also announced that "dreamers" have two options: they can either leave with someone or stay. Additionally, Homan stated that individuals found in the company of targeted immigrants could also be subject to arrest.

Homan earns praise from pro-MAGAs and notable politicians alike

Homan's tough talk on illegal immigration has earned him significant praise from pro-MAGA social media users.

"Tom Homan the 1st day at the border," an X user named Nick Kayal posted, alongside a photo of a man using binoculars inside a car. The post generated a wave of support, with comments praising Homan's no-nonsense approach.

"Straight from Tom Homan! An America where every U.S. citizen is deputized to help find 340,000+ missing children is coming. You heard it correctly America, every U.S. citizen," another posted.

The tough-talking official's supporters argue that he is the "Pitbull America needs," while others called for a more aggressive deportation policy.

"I want Tom Homan to deport so many illegals that I won't have to press 1 for English ever again, but that's just me!"

Even a politically unlikely ally, like Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has shown support for Homan's policies.

"His goal is the same goal I have," Adams, who met with Homan on Dec. 12, said during a press conference after the meeting. "We cannot allow dangerous individuals to commit repeated acts of violence in our cities across America. This can't be a safe haven for violent individuals."

Head over to Trump.news for more stories about mass deportations of illegals under the second Trump administration.

Listen to a Springfield resident named Mark telling the Health Ranger Mike Adams that weaponized migration is economic warfare against American citizens in this clip.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Republican sheriffs in Maryland and Ohio support Trump's mass deportation plan.

Utah governor pledges to help Trump with mass deportation of illegals.

U.S. farm industry groups urge Trump to exempt illegal immigrant agricultural workers from mass deportation orders.

Oklahoma governor pledges to help Trump with mass deportation of illegals.

Texas offering Trump 1,400 acres to construct "mass deportation" camp to process illegals.

Sources include:

100PercentFedup.com

Yahoo.com

TheHill.com

Brighteon.com
UnitedHealthcare CEOs assassination spikes demand among ultra-wealthy for BULLETPROOF HOMES

Ultra-wealthy Americans are significantly increasing spending on personal and residential security, driven by fears of political instability, high-profile assassinations and major events like the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. Capitol incident.

Demand for security upgrades surged in October 2023 ahead of the presidential election, with companies like Fortified Estate reporting record-high sales of bulletproof fittings and panic rooms.

The assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 intensified concerns, prompting CEOs and wealthy families to double or triple their security budgets.

Advanced security technologies, including thermal cameras, armored doors, panic rooms and anti-drone systems, are being installed at homes and offices, with costs starting at the low millions.

The ultra-wealthy of the United States are significantly increasing their spending on personal and residential security.

A report by Bloomberg noted that this trend has been occurring for several years, at least since the beginning of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with the country's ultra-wealthy purchasing bulletproof fittings, panic rooms and other high-tech fortification upgrades for their homes as well as hiring the services of private security firms.

More recent surges have been noticed due to fears over political instability, and more recently following the high-profile assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month.

Fortified Estate, a company specializing in armored doors, bulletproof glass windows and other home security measures, noted that October, just ahead of the presidential election, was one of its busiest months on record. Founder Jon Harris attributed the heightened demand to uncertainty surrounding the election.

"People just weren't sure what was going to happen," he said.

Harris, who established the firm in 2018, has observed a steady rise in demand for home security among the super-rich, particularly during and after major events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the George Floyd protests and the 2021 U.S. Capitol incident. These events have contributed to a growing sense of unease among wealthy individuals, prompting them to invest heavily in personal protection.

Russell Grey, director of Security Services International, noted that the installation of bulletproof glass in homes has become increasingly common over the past four years, particularly in the last 18 months.

"The political landscape has made people feel quite uneasy," Grey said. "They have this perception that there's an assassin on every street corner, but there's not."

Targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO fuels concerns among ultra-wealthy

Thompson's assassination has only intensified concerns among the wealthy regarding the security of their persons and properties.

Thompson was gunned down outside a Hilton hotel in Manhattan, allegedly by prime suspect Luigi Mangione, and the reaction to his assassination was received positively on social media. A poll even showed that, among people aged 18 to 29, 41 percent believed Thompson's killing was "acceptable" given his role as the head of one of the largest health insurance firms in the United States.

This incident has led to a new wave of spending on security, with many CEOs and wealthy families doubling or even tripling their security budgets. (Related: CEO's murder sparks security scramble in greed-driven healthcare industry.)

Matthias Fitzthum, founder of Bespoke Home & Yacht Security, reported a surge in inquiries from executives seeking to install fortified rooms at their offices and security hardware at their homes. The demand includes thermal security cameras, armored doors and windows, panic rooms, sensors for valuable artwork, anti-drone systems, gas detection systems and other advanced security technologies. Fitzthum noted that the cost of such installations typically starts at $1.5 million.

The trend is not limited to residential security; wealthy individuals in ungated communities are also pooling resources to hire private police forces for their homes.

In the Hamptons, for example, sprawling estates are being equipped with infrared and robotic cameras, allowing homeowners to monitor their properties remotely. Similarly, multimillion-dollar homes in Los Angeles and San Francisco are being fitted with fortified panic rooms and bulletproof glass windows.

Watch this video from Benny Johnson explaining how Luigi Mangione's defense is claiming police planted evidence against him.

This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Florida woman arrested for allegedly threatening BlueCross BlueShield after it denied her health insurance claim.

Prime suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's assassination allegedly considered using a BOMB.

More and more Americans are bulletproofing their cars as crime and lawlessness worsen.

Billionaires like Bill Gates are predicting a coming food crisis and preparing by building survival bunkers.

Tech billionaires are buying up large-scale bunkers and survival gear in preparation for what's coming.

Sources include:

RT.com

Bloomberg.com

BigNewsNetwork.com

Axios.com

Brighteon.com
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United Nations, Dec 19 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the latest agreement between India and China to improve relations between them and take positive steps on border issues, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday.

"We welcome the positive result of this effort of bilateral -- a very important bilateral -- diplomacy," he said.

He added that settling international disputes through bilateral efforts should be "saluted".

After a gap of five years, India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi came together in Beijing on Monday for a formal Meeting of the Special Representatives, a regular high-level consultation that was suspended after the 2020 military conflict between the neighbours.

India's External Affairs Ministry said after the meeting, "They agreed on the salience of stable, predictable, and amicable India-China relations for regional and global peace and prosperity."

"They provided positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges including resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade," it added.

The resumption of the regular high-level meeting followed an agreement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October.

Dujarric said that international disputes that don't get resolved get the headlines around the world while many do get resolved.

"There are a lot of international disputes that do get resolved, either through UN mediation or through bilateral information, bilateral efforts. Those should be covered and saluted," he said.

India and China on Wednesday decided to give "positive directions" for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade, during the visit of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval to Beijing.

This was announced following the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China which was attended by NSA Doval and Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and China's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Wednesday's meeting in Beijing was the first between the Special Representatives since frictions had emerged in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas in 2020.
Mumbai, Dec 19 : Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, who was linked to a drug trafficking case, is back in the country after 24 years. She spilled the beans in an exclusive conversation with IANS.

She also talked about her relationship with Vicky Goswami and drugs.

Mamta Kulkarni told IANS, "I met Vicky Goswami in 1996 and in 1997 Vicky Goswami was arrested in a drugs case. He remained in jail for 12 years. During this time he also asked me to meet him, after which I met him once. During this time I focused all my attention towards spirituality. I came to take a holy bath in the Kumbh Mela in 2012 and after that Vicky also went to Kenya."

On the question of marriage with Vicky Goswami, the actress said, "All this is wrong. I have not married Vicky. I was celibate for 12 years and did not even eat onion and garlic during this time. Yes, it is true that I was with Vicky Goswami and will always love him. However, everything ended due to my focus on spirituality. I also met Vicky Goswami in Kenya. However, he was taken to America in a drug case. It has been almost eight years and now everything is over."

On the drugs case registered against her, Mamta said, "What did I lack? People do this for money. I had 10 film offers at that time and I had three houses and two cars. However, I left Bollywood. I think a false case was registered against me in the drug case because of Vicky or for publicity."

He said, "I was declared a fugitive and the officer who filed the case against me, was also declared a fugitive for a few months. As you sow, so shall you reap. Where is that commissioner today? The police did not have any evidence."
New Delhi, Dec 19 : India is well on its way to having the second-largest metro network in the world with 993 km of Metro rail already operational in 23 cities across the country and about 997 km under construction in 28 cities, Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar has said.

The Union Minister made an elaborated presentation on Urban Transport to the consultative committee members of Parliament attached to MoHUA, according to an official statement on Thursday.



He emphasised that Urban Mobility is an important aspect to tackle the rising urban population and the government is working relentlessly to strengthen the Urban Transport Network across the country.



The participants were briefed about Metro Rail Policy 2017 and Metro Networks across the cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Patna and Lucknow.



The members were also briefed about the ongoing projects of RRTS (Regional Rapid Transport System) high speed train network, including its funding pattern.



The briefing to members also covered initiatives taken to promote indigenisation of technologies under Make in India and promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat.



The briefing also mentioned PM-eBus Sewa, a scheme for augmenting city bus operations by deploying 10,000 e-buses on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.



Salient features of this scheme include deployment of 10,000 e- buses on PPP model, bus operations support for 10 years, support for development and the upgradation of bus depots and support for behind-the-meter power infrastructure.



The service aims to cover cities with 3 to 40 lakh population.



The briefing also covered 'One Nation One Card', an indigenously developed National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2019 to enable seamless travel through Metro, Rail, Bus and other Public Transport Operators.



During the meeting, the Members of Parliament raised issues pertaining to urban mobility which included matters related to last mile connectivity, enhancement of amenities, metro connectivity in their respective states, scaling up of metro operations in the country, ease of travel and passenger comfort.



The MPs who attended the meeting include Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Dinesh Sharma, Ajay Maken, Kamaljeet Sherawat, P.N. Vasava, Prof V.E. Gaikwad, Kavita Patidar, B.M. Sutariya , V.E. Vaithilingam , G. Lakshminarayana, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Y. Chandolia.



The Minister asked the officials that suggestions from members received should be reviewed and information sought by them should be provided.




Chandigarh, Dec 19 : Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Thursday assured farmer leaders that the state government will not allow farmers' interests to be affected by the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing.

The minister was holding in-depth discussions with farmer unions' leaders on the draft policy of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing here.

"The state government is concerned as this policy could have serious implications for the state and its farmers, so we want to analyse and consult on each and every aspect of the draft policy shared by the government of India," the Minister said, adding that agriculture experts and other stakeholders will also be consulted soon to analyse it thoroughly so that not a single point is left unconsidered.

Khudian, along with Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Anurag Verma, Punjab State Farmers' and Farm Workers' Commission Chairman Sukhpal Singh, and Punjab Mandi Board Secretary Ramvir appealed to the farmers to send their suggestions and comments in this regard to the Agriculture Department.

Farmer Unions' leaders Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Darshan Pal, Ruldu Singh Mansa, Satnam Singh Ajnala, and others expressed deep concerns over potential privatisation, monopolistic practices in the disguise of the policy. It could be an attempt to reintroduce the contentious provisions of the three farm laws, which were repealed by the Union government following the farmers' protests, they added.

They also urged the state government for further examination before sending a response to the Centre so that Punjab and its farmers' interests could be fully secured.

The high-level meeting was also attended by Special Secretary, Agriculture, Harbir Singh, Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh, Director Research at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana Ajmer Singh Dhatt and senior officials of the Punjab Mandi Board and the Agriculture Department.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Britain's No. 1 male tennis player Jack Draper said that he will miss the United Cup, the 2025 ATP season-opener, due to a hip injury but remains 'positive' to play the Australian Open in Melbourne, starting on January 12.

Draper was expected to play for Great Britain in the United Cup which starts on December 27. With a hip injury ruling him out of the competition, he will now have less than a month to prepare himself for the first Grand Slam of the year.

"As I work to get on top of my hip injury and get match fit, I have unfortunately been advised not to play in the United Cup. While we are very positive about competing in the Aus Open this year, I know I won't be able to jump straight into a packed schedule as I manage and strengthen my hip...gutted as I was really looking forward to playing in the United Cup for the first time," Draper wrote on his Instagram story.

The Briton said he will also miss the Davis Cup tie against Japan in late January to complete the strengthening of his hip post-Australian Open. "Together with Leon, we have also made the difficult decision for me to sit out of the upcoming Davis Cup match in Japan in order to give me the opportunity post-Aus Open to complete the rehab and strengthening of my hip," he added.

The 22-year-old recently cancelled a training camp with four-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz in Spain this week because of a "little bit of a niggle".

Draper had a stellar 2024 season which saw him winning the ATP singles titles in Vienna and Stuttgart. He also reached the semifinals of the US Open before losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Britain's King Charles III, holding discussions "on a number of subjects of mutual interest", besides exchanging greetings on the upcoming festive occasions of Christmas and the New Year.

"It was a pleasure to speak with HM King Charles III today. Reaffirmed commitment to bolster India-UK ties. Exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including the Commonwealth, climate action and sustainability. Wished him good health and wellbeing," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) revealed that the British monarch and PM Modi recalled the historic relations between the two countries and reaffirmed commitment to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the United Kingdom.

"They exchanged views on the Commonwealth of Nations and the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Discussions were also held on a number of subjects of mutual interest, including Climate Action and sustainability. Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for His Majestys sustained advocacy and initiatives on these issues and briefed him on the multiple initiatives undertaken by India... Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to the King for his good health and well being," read a statement issued by the PMO.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had conveyed his and people of India's wishes for the speedy recovery and good health to King Charles.

In reply to a post on X by the Royal Family communicating the news of the King suffering a form of cancer, the Prime Minister on February 6 posted: "I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III."

The two dignitaries had also discussed the Covid-19 pandemic during their phone conversation in April 2020.

Prime Minister Modi had then conveyed his condolences for the loss of life in the UK from Covid and had expressed satisfaction that Prince Charles - he had not ascended the throne then - had recovered from his own recent indisposition.

Charles had expressed his appreciation for the members of the Indian diaspora in the UK, including many members of the National Health Service, who played a seminal role in combatting the pandemic. He also referred to the selfless work being done by religious and social organisations of the Indian community in the UK besides thanking the Prime Minister for the facilitation and assistance provided for UK citizens stranded in India during the crisis.

Both dignitaries had also discussed Ayurveda with PM Modi explaining Indian initiatives aimed at teaching basic yoga exercises through short animation videos, and disseminating easy home-made traditional remedies for enhancing immunity during the Covid pandemic.
Military communications, space probes and even the search for alien life could all be aided by a new Aussie creation.

An Australian team is preparing to monitor deep space using a new invention that amplifies distant signals. At the core of the 'Room-Temperature Solid-State Maser Amplifier' is a specially synthesised purple diamond that can boost weak microwaves by a factor of 1,000.

Led by experimental physicist Associate Professor Jarryd Pla, the University of NSW team believes their device could one day be used to communicate with distant space probes and it could be a game-changer in radio astronomy  a field that uses the cosmic background radiation signals to map far-away planets and galaxies. But it could also have military and medical applications on Earth.

This particular high-performance amplifier could enable technologies that will allow us to explore potentially the deepest regions of space, Pla told Yahoo News.

Need more news about our universe?  Subscribe to our environment newsletter.

Radio telescopes help astronomers map distant stars in different wavelengths. These pictures of Circinus galaxy show hydrogen gas in blue, warm space dust in red, and stars in green. Source: The Royal Astronomical Society (from For, Koribalski & Jarrett 2012)

Could the machine theoretically amplify alien communications?

Whats hard to ignore is the niggling question of whether the invention could be used to scan the universe for signs of alien life. Pla said picking up these theoretical signals would come down to two key factors.

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It depends on what what frequency these aliens are communicating at, and how far these signals are coming away. Anything's possible, right? he said.

This is an amplifier that in theory will enable the detection of extremely weak signals at gigahertz frequencies. So if they're communicating with us at that frequency, then maybe.

Associate Professor Jarryd Pla (left) and study lead author Tom Day with their Room-Temperature Solid-State Maser Amplifier. Source: UNSW/Richard Freeman

What's the smallest signal that could be amplified?

During his interview with Yahoo, Pla recalled the moment his crew got the invention working in the lab. We got a new batch of diamonds, and as soon as we tried it again, bang it just worked. It was a magical moment and something that I wont forget, he said.

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The process works because the specialised diamonds contain tiny pockets of imperfection, called nitrogen-vacancy-centres, that amplify incoming microwave signals when they are exposed to a magnetic field and a laser beam.

It's the light emitted by these nitrogen-vacancy-centres that gives the diamonds their colour. So scientists have ordered diamonds with a richer colour, because they'll have more pockets inside them to amplify microwave signals.

The new system will be cheaper to operate than other comparable technologies because it doesn't require masses of energy to super-cool the machine to minus 269 degrees.

As the University of NSW acquires new improved diamonds, the machine could theoretically amplify the shortest possible wavelength that can be transmitted or sensed in an optical system  known as the quantum limit. This means it could amplify faint signals from space probes like Voyager One.

It has about the same power as a light bulb in your fridge, so the signals that you actually get back on Earth from that are absolutely tiny, so you need these very good amplifiers in order to detect them, Pla said.

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Details of the new discovery have been published in the journal Physical Review X.

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New Delhi, Dec 19 : Former Australia head coach Justin Langer heaped rich praise on Jasprit Bumrah, calling India's fast-bowling spearhead a right-handed equivalent of legendary Pakistan left-arm pacer Wasim Akram.

Bumrah has taken 21 wickets at an average of 10.90 to be the leading wicket-taker of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, including a five-wicket haul in Perth and a six-fer in Brisbane. He has also dismissed Australia openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney four times each in the series so far.

"I would hate to face him. He is like Wasim Akram. For me, he is a right-hand version of Wasim Akram, and every time I am asked the question 'Who is the best bowler you have ever faced', I say Wasim Akram."

"They have got good pace and the great bowlers just hit the same spot every time, and they have got a good bouncer, so it makes them a bloody nightmare. He has got the ability to swing the ball both ways, his seam is literally picture perfect."

"If you present a perfect seam and it comes perfectly out of the fingers as it does with him, you get the double whammy, swing in the right conditions and if it hits the rope it can go either way. That's what Akram used to do and was a nightmare to face," he added.

"I would hate to face Bumrah. He's a great competitor, he bowls good pace and he's just awesome. I said at the start of the series, if Bumrah stays fit, it is going to be a really tough summer for the Australian batters, if he doesn't, then I think Australia will win the series easily, and I still maintain that," said Langer to The Nightly on Thursday.

Langer also expressed surprise by the sudden retirement of veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after the third Test at Brisbane ended in a draw, citing that the visitors' could turn to him for at least one of the two remaining Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.

Ashwin's last international game was the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, where he took 1-53 in his 18 overs and made 29 runs with the bat, as India lost by ten wickets.

"I was surprised Ashwin retired because I thought they would use him and (Ravindra) Jadeja -- go to their big guns for maybe Melbourne and definitely Sydney. I think Melbourne and Sydney are as likely to suit India as the other two venues," he added.

Langer signed off by believing Australia will not make any changes in terms of its batting make-up, despite its top-order misfiring, for the crunch Test in Melbourne, starting from next Thursday.

"I can't see them making any changes now at 1-1 in the series. There will be some discussions about a few players, but my gut feeling is they will keep it the same," said Langer.
Nagpur, Dec 19 : The Maharashtra Value Added Tax Act 2002 (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed by both houses of the legislature on Thursday.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that the state government will make efforts through the GST Council to provide relief to the farmers from GST which is currently imposed on essential commodities, fertilisers, seeds, and medicines which are related to the agriculture sector.

"Our country has adopted the concept of 'One Nation One Tax', through which the 'GST' tax system has been developed. Many concessions and subsidy schemes are being implemented by the Central and state governments for the farmers of the state. The state government will make efforts to give relief to farmers so that they will be relieved from GST payment on various items related to the agriculture sector," he said.

Ajit Pawar further added that the government will also step up efforts to bring more coherence and transparency in the GST collection in the state.

He said that 16 per cent of the total tax collection in the country is collected from Maharashtra alone.

"Maharashtra has the largest share in the total tax collection in the country. Due to this, special efforts will be made to bring more coherence and transparency to the GST system in the state. Special precautions will be taken to stop tax evasion from areas adjacent to the state's borders. Many concessions and subsidy schemes are implemented by the Central and state governments for farmers," he added.

The Maharashtra Value Added Tax Act 2002 (Amendment) Bill, 2024, focuses on increasing the revenue of the state government. As per Section 37 of the existing Maharashtra Value Added Tax Act, 2002, the first burden of the state on recovery was subject to certain conditions. According to the amendments, after the unconditional first burden was established under the Maharashtra Value Added Tax Act, 2002, it will be possible to recover at a faster pace.

Traders purchase petrol and diesel from oil companies and supply them to boats anchored in the deep sea in barrels. The traders are exempted from paying tax by treating this supply as if it were made through other petrol pumps. This amendment will prevent tax evasion by including the definition of retail outlet and clarification of retail sales in the Act. Also, by including a suitable clarification in Section 2 (24) (five) of the Act, it will be possible to levy tax on sales made by an organisation or club to its members.
It's not uncommon for crocodiles to make their way into the ocean, but capturing such an event is rare.

A crocodile was photographed bobbing among the waves at a beach in Far North Queensland. Source: David White.

A photographer has captured the incredible moment a saltwater crocodile entered the surf in Far North Queensland proving it's not just people taking a dip at the beach this week.

While crocs are known to leave the river systems and make their way to the ocean, it's a sight that's "not seen" very often according to croc enthusiast David White who told Yahoo News Australia he was "lucky" to capture the rare footage near an undisclosed Queensland beach.

"It was nice light and the croc was swimming out of a creek and into the sea with the waves breaking over its head," White, who runs croc experiences in the Daintree River, explained to Yahoo. "It's something that happens around here."

White, a passionate advocate for the species, explained that despite the common occurrence, many Aussies don't like the idea of crocs making their way onto beaches in Australia, with some even calling for a cull of the protected species.

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"People get so upset about it," he said. "Beaches are their natural habitat and there is no danger walking on the beach, they are actually very timid."

The croc was captured making his way through breaking waves. Source: Facebook

While many Aussies wouldn't think of crocodiles as timid, White qualified his opinion by explaining that land is not the domain of the croc. "They are the king of the water," he said.

"People think they are killing machines, but there is so much misinformation about crocodiles," adding the species is "misunderstood".

Aussies must 'respect' predators in croc country

White explained that while many people are happy to see animals in the wild, when they come onto their home turf it's a different story. "The more we spread out, the more wildlife struggles," he said.

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According to the Queensland government, habitat destruction is now considered a major threat to the survival of crocs in Queensland.

"Many people don't mind the idea of wildlife in the wild places but don't want it in their own backyard. But our backyards are getting closer to their natural habitats," he said.

"Crocs have been swimming up and down our beaches for millions of years," he added. "We have to respect them."

White regularly photographs the region's wild crocodiles. Source: David White

Why croc culling 'doesn't work'

Sharing a video of the amazing moment the croc broke through the waves, many Aussies responded with anger  saying that crocodiles in the region should be culled.

"It doesn't work," he said, responding to the calls. He explained crocs were nearly hunted to extinction in Australia until they became a protected species across the country between 1969 and 1974. During that time, there were still croc attacks.

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"There will always be one that comes back to the area and it's proven culling makes it more dangerous because everyone thinks it's safe. It's the crocs you don't see, and the complacency that kills.

Removing crocodiles does not reduce the risk of attack at all. If anything it may actually increase the risk of attack, Brandon Sideleau, a specialist in human and crocodile conflict previously told Yahoo News Australia.

Crocodile populations have successfully recovered since they were listed as protected but it's meant that crocs have returned to places people once thought were safe. "Some of those places are people's favourite beaches," he said.

Unfortunately, if crocs are spotted on popular beaches, they are often removed.

"They call it removing but it's killing," said White. "They used to relocate them but they proved with GPSs they just come back."

Aussies encouraged to be CrocWise

Those who wish to take a swim at the beach in croc country are urged to swim between lifeguard flags since lifeguards in the region use drones and nets to keep crocs away.

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"If they see a croc, theyd clear the beach," he said, adding "never go at night time, at dawn or dusk, or if the water is murky."

A spokesperson for the Department of Environment and Science told Yahoo News Australia previously it encouraged everyone living in and visiting Croc County to make sensible choices when near the water and to always practise CrocWise behaviour.

Top tips to reduce your risk in Croc Country, according to the Queensland Government:

Stay at least 5m from the waters edge

Dispose of your food and fish scraps in a bin or take them home

Keep your pets on a lead and away from the waters edge

Avoid using small watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards

Stay well away from crocodile traps

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun with gusty winds. High 82F. Winds SSE at 25 to 35 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Windy. Thunderstorms likely, accompanied by heavy rainfall at times. Storms could contain damaging winds. Low 58F. Winds S at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 16, Audi put the 2025 Audi Q7 onto the Chinese market, with five trim levels available, priced between 609,800 yuan and 804,800 yuan, according to a press release on the company's official website.

2025 Audi Q7; photo credit: Audi

In terms of the exterior, the 2025 Audi Q7 features the signature octagonal grille of the Q lineup, with a large honeycomb-patterned single-frame design. The model comes standard with matrix LED headlights. Besides, the new Q7 is available in nine body color schemes.

Regarding design, the 2025 Audi Q7 introduces the 55 TFSI quattro S line "Black Knight" Edition, eliminating the 45 TFSI quattro S line Sport Edition. The "Black Knight" Edition is characterized by a black exterior package and red brake calipers. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with upgraded features such as ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and active lane-keeping assistance.

2025 Audi Q7; photo credit: Audi

As for powertrain, the 2025 Audi Q7 offers two options: the fourth-generation EA888 2.0T engine and the EA839 3.0T V6 engine. The maximum outputs are 195 kW and 250 kW, with peak torque of 370 Nm and 500 Nm, respectively. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission.
Researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London have conducted a comprehensive study to evaluate artificial intelligence based aging clocks, which predict health and lifespan using data from blood.

The researchers trained and tested 17 machine learning algorithms using data on markers in the blood from over 225,000 UK Biobank participants, aged 40 to 69 years when they were recruited. They investigated how well different metabolomic aging clocks predict lifespan and how robustly these clocks were associated with measures of health and aging.

A person's metabolomic age, their "MileAge", is a measure of how old their body seems to be on the inside based on markers in the blood called metabolites. Metabolites are small molecules that are produced during the process of metabolism, for example when food is broken down into energy. The difference between a person's metabolite-predicted age and their chronological age, termed MileAge delta, indicates whether their biological aging is accelerated or decelerated.

The study was published in Science Advances and is the first to comprehensively compare different machine learning algorithms on their ability to develop biological aging clocks using metabolite data, leveraging one of the largest datasets globally. It was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and used data from the UK Biobank.

Individuals with accelerated aging (i.e., with a metabolite-predicted age older than their chronological age) were, on average, frailer, more likely to have a chronic illness, rated their health worse, and had a higher mortality risk. They also had shorter telomeres ('caps' at the end of chromosomes), which are a marker of cellular aging and linked with age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis. However, decelerated biological aging (with a metabolite-predicted age younger than chronological age) was only weakly linked with good health.

Aging clocks could help spot early signs of declining health, enabling preventative strategies and interventions before disease onset. They may also allow people to proactively track their health, make better lifestyle choices, and take steps to stay healthy for longer.

Metabolomic aging clocks have the potential to provide insights into who might be at greater risk of developing health problems later in life. Unlike chronological age, which cannot be changed, our biological age is potentially modifiable. These clocks provide a proxy measure of biological age for biomedical and health research, which could help shape lifestyle choices taken by individuals and inform preventative strategies implemented by health services. Our study evaluated a broad range of machine learning approaches for developing aging clocks, showing that non-linear algorithms perform best at capturing aging signals." Dr. Julian Mutz, King's Prize Research Fellow at the IoPPN and lead author of the study

Professor Cathryn Lewis, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology & Statistics, Co-Deputy Lead of the Trials, Genomics and Prediction theme at the NIHR Maudsley BRC, and senior author of the study, said: "There is substantial interest in developing aging clocks that accurately assess our biological age. Powerful big data analytics can play a critical role in advancing these tools. This study is an important milestone in establishing the potential of biological aging clocks and their ability to inform health choices."

The researchers found that a metabolomic clock developed using a specific machine learning algorithm, called Cubist rule-based regression, was most strongly associated with most health and aging markers. They also found that algorithms which can model non-linear relationships between metabolites and age generally performed best at capturing biological signal informative of health and lifespan.
An analysis of over 3,700 pregnancies of women with multiple sclerosis indicates that the therapy doesnt lead to increased risks of miscarriage, premature birth or serious birth defects.

Many women are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at an age when they are considering starting a family. What does the disease and its medication mean for the child? To answer this question, a research team headed by Professor Kerstin Hellwig from the Department of Neurology at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, analyzed over 3,700 pregnancies of women with MS. More than 2,800 of them were treated with different immunomodulating agents before or during pregnancy. "We found that most therapies were not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth or major birth defects," says Kerstin Hellwig. The researchers published their findings in The Lancet Regional Health Europe on December 2, 2024.

One of the largest cohorts in the world

The data for the pregnancies included in the study came from the German Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy Registry and was collected between November 2006 and June 2023. 2,885 pregnancies were analyzed during which the mothers had received a so-called disease-modifying therapy (DMT). The substances used in the study included interferons, glatiramer actate, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, S1P modulators (fingolimod, ponesimod), alemtuzumab, natalizumab, anti-CD20 antibodies (rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab) and cladribine. 837 pregnant women had not received any medication for MS. "This cohort is one of the largest in the world," points out Kerstin Hellwig. "It has a high variability of exposure to the different immunotherapies. Most of the women had only received medication in the first trimester of pregnancy."

The researchers compared the frequency of spontaneous abortions, infections during pregnancy, premature births and birth defects and recorded the children's weight at birth. The primary finding was that exposure to most DMTs during pregnancy was not associated with a statistically significant increase in the incidence of spontaneous abortions, premature births or major congenital defects.

Due to the small number of cases in pregnancies with cladribine, teriflunomide and alemtuzumab exposure, we are unable to draw any definite conclusions about rare events such as congenital defects or severe infections." Professor Kerstin Hellwig, Department of Neurology at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany

Increased risk of lower birth weight

Overall, the entire cohort showed an increased risk of low birth weight in relation to the duration of pregnancy. 18.8 percent of babies were affected. This figure is only 10 percent in relation to all births in Germany. Children born to mothers with MS who hadn't received any medication were also more likely to be below average in weight, namely in 17.6 percent of cases. This risk was particularly pronounced in cases of exposure to S1P modulators (27.4 percent) and anti-CD20 antibodies (24.1 percent).

Serious infections during pregnancy were rare overall. In pregnancies without medication, they occurred in around one percent of mothers. In pregnancies with fumarate or alemtuzumab exposure, they were statistically significantly more frequent (2.8 percent and 9.1 percent respectively). More severe infections - although not statistically significantly increased compared to the control group - occurred in pregnancies treated with natalizumab in the last trimester of pregnancy and with S1P modulators at three percent each and with cladribine at 4.8 percent. "It's interesting to note that severe infections only occurred in 0.6 percent of pregnancies exposed to anti-CD20 antibodies," stresses Kerstin Hellwig. Women who received natalizumab in the second (26.7 percent) or third (20.7 percent) trimester of pregnancy or were treated with anti-CD20 antibodies up to six months before their last menstruation (23.2 percent) were more likely to receive antibiotics during pregnancy than women who hadn't received DMT (12.1 percent).

Individual risk-benefit assessment

"When interpreting the results, one limitation to bear in mind is that it takes approximately 300 pregnancies to show a tripling of the risk of major birth defects and approximately 1,000 to show a doubling," says Kerstin Hellwig. While most DMTs don't increase the risk of critical pregnancy complications, exposure to S1P modulators, natalizumab and anti-CD20 antibodies increases the likelihood of low birth weight and slowed intrauterine growth. This is a risk factor for both fetal and neonatal death as well as for numerous diseases in later life, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. There are plans for further evaluations in the registry, for example whether and when the children will make up for the growth disadvantage. "The results highlight the importance of an individual risk-benefit assessment and close medical supervision during pregnancy," concludes Kerstin Hellwig.
Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry and NYU Grossman School of Medicine are closer to understanding what drives the autoimmune disorder Sjogren's disease, thanks to new discoveries about the role of calcium signaling, regulatory T cells, and interferon.

Their latest study, published in Science Translational Medicine, finds that impaired regulatory T cells are a critical contributing factor to Sjogren's disease in both mice and humans, and identifies an existing rheumatology drug as a promising therapy for the disease.

In Sjogren's disease, the immune system attacks the glands that produce saliva and tears, resulting in dry mouth and eyes. It can also affect other parts of the body, with some patients experiencing fatigue, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and lung inflammation.

Not being able to produce tears or saliva can have a great impact on one's life. If you can't produce saliva, it may hamper your speech and your ability to process food, increases your risk for developing cavities, and overall worsens one's health." Rodrigo Lacruz, professor of molecular pathobiology at NYU College of Dentistry

In addition to low tear and saliva production, the hallmarks of Sjogren's disease - and factors that help clinicians diagnose it - are autoantibodies in the blood and lymphocytes in the salivary glands. While there is no cure for Sjogren's disease, some treatments alleviate symptoms but may not provide patients with full relief.

"Sjogren's disease is an inflammation-driven disease," said Stefan Feske, the Jeffrey Bergstein Professor of Medicine in the Department of Pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "There are therapies for Sjogren's that deplete B cells with antibodies, but they showed mixed results in clinical trials."

Feske and Lacruz undertook two studies focusing on different tissues - salivary gland cells and immune cells - to better understand what's happening at the cellular level to contribute to Sjogren's disease. They specifically looked at cells lacking the Stim1 and Stim2 genes, which interrupt the signaling of the most abundant mineral in the body: calcium.

The calcium connection

Lacruz and Feske study the role of calcium signaling in human diseases, including disorders of the immune system and those that affect the mouth. Calcium signaling is important for saliva production, but it is unclear to what extent it may be involved in the development of Sjogren's disease.

In a study recently published in the journal Function, the researchers studied mice without the Stim1 and Stim2 genes in salivary gland cells, which leads to a lack of a calcium uptake into these cells. They found that these mice had lower saliva production, which was a result of reduced calcium levels and signaling. However, the mice did not have salivary gland inflammation or increased levels of autoantibodies characteristic of Sjogren's disease in humans, suggesting that the loss of calcium signaling in salivary gland cells might actually suppress inflammatory responses rather than rendering these mice susceptible to inflammation and autoantibodies.

"We found that a specialized calcium channel activated by STIM1 and STIM2 proteins, the ORAI1 channel, is essential for driving saliva secretion, which is an important discovery. Lack of calcium signals not only impairs function, it may also decrease the effect of inflammatory molecules that have been associated with Sjogren's disease," said Lacruz, who led the study in Function.

The role of regulatory T cells

Previous studies revealed that genetically altering mice to lack calcium signaling in their immune system's T cells resulted in dysfunction in one particular type of T cell - regulatory T cells - which prompted inflammation and autoimmune disease in the mice. Regulatory T cells help control the immune system's response, but when they don't work as they should, they fail to prevent autoimmune disease. Because prior research on regulatory T cells and Sjogren's disease has yielded mixed results, these cells became another key focus of Feske's and Lacruz's work.

In the study in Science Translational Medicine, led by Feske, the researchers again studied mice that were lacking Stim1 and Stim2 genes and thus calcium signals, but this time, focused on regulatory T cells instead of salivary gland cells. The dysfunction in regulatory T cells resulted in severe inflammation in the mice that aligned with the classification criteria for Sjogren's disease: dry eyes, dry mouth, autoantibodies, and lymphocytes in the salivary glands. Some mice also developed lung inflammation, which can be a symptom of Sjogren's disease.

"Knocking out these two genes drove a cascade of immune dysfunction," said Feske.

Was it the impaired calcium signaling that prompted the autoimmune response akin to Sjogren's disease in mice? In further analyses in mice and human blood cells, the researchers concluded that the key issue was the dysfunction of regulatory T cells, which can occur through different pathways, not just calcium signaling.

A likely culprit causing Sjogren's disease symptoms in mice: interferon gamma.

"It came down to a defect in regulatory T cells and an overactivation of the cells that produce an inflammatory cytokine called interferon gamma," said Feske. "Interferon gamma was absolutely critical for causing dysfunction of salivary glands in our mouse model."

Regulatory T cells typically inhibit other immune cells, including those that produce interferon gamma. Knocking out calcium signaling in regulatory T cells unleashed the cells that produce interferon gamma, allowing them to produce more of the cytokine. However, when the researchers genetically depleted interferon gamma from the mice's T cells, it improved salivary gland function.

Could a drug do the same? To test this idea, the researchers turned to an existing drug called baricitinib that is currently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia, and more recently, hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Baricitinib is a JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitor that reduces inflammation by suppressing signals downstream of the interferon receptor.

When the researchers gave mice baricitinib, it suppressed salivary gland dysfunction and inflammation. Given the success of the drug in mice with Sjogren's symptoms, both in this study and others, the researchers think that baricitinib could be a candidate for treating Sjogren's disease.

To determine if their findings in mice translated to humans, the researchers also examined blood samples from patients with Sjogren's disease. Using single-cell RNA sequencing to study white blood cells, they found a strong correlation between the gene expression in cells of mice and humans with Sjogren's disease.

"Not only did we dissect the underlying cause for Sjogren's disease in our mouse model, but we correlated these findings to the disease's classification criteria and genetic signatures in humans," said Feske. "Moreover, I think using baricitinib has great promise in the treatment of Sjogren's disease going forward."

Additional authors of the Science Translational Medicine study are Yin-Hu Wang, Wenyi Li, Maxwell McDermott, Fang Zhou, Anthony Tao, Dimitrius Raphael, Andre L. Moreira, Boheng Shen, George Maiti, Martin Vaeth, Bettina Nadorp, and Shukti Chakravarti of NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Ga-Yeon Son of NYU College of Dentistry. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01DE027981, EY030917, U01DE028891, AI164803), the Colton Center for Autoimmunity at NYU, and Hunan Province Graduate Student Research and Innovation Project CX20190160 from China's Central South University.

Additional authors of the Function study are Ga-Yeon Son and Anna Zou of NYU College of Dentistry; Amanda Wahl, Kai Ting Huang, Larry Wagner, and David I. Yule of the University of Rochester; and Saruul Zorgit, Manikandan Vinu, and Youssef Idaghdour of NYU Abu Dhabi. The study was also supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01DE027981, DE014756, U01DE028891, P30CA016087).
Asians, non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics were significantly less likely than whites to use obesity-management medications to lower their weight compared with whites, new research suggests. The differences could not be fully explained by income or education level, health insurance coverage or clinical need.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, is one of the few to compare the use of obesity-management medications across racial and ethnic groups, and the first to consider how socioeconomic status might contribute to these disparities, said Dr. Kimberly Narain, primary care physician, obesity medicine specialist and researcher in the division of general internal medicine and health services research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, who co-authored the paper with Dr. Christopher Scannell, primary care physician and researcher at USC.

The findings suggest that more research is needed to explain these differences, she said.

People who are Asian typically develop diseases related to obesity such as Type 2 diabetes at lower levels of obesity than people who are non-Hispanic white. Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to experience obesity, develop diseases related to obesity and suffer complications from obesity-related diseases than people who are non-Hispanic white." Dr. Kimberly Narain, primary care physician, obesity medicine specialist, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

"Our findings suggest that people with obesity from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds may face barriers to obtaining medications to treat obesity," she said.

The researchers used data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey for the years 2011-2016, 2018 and 2020, controlling them for demographics, socioeconomic status, obesity class, diabetes status, number of chronic conditions, insurance status and geographic region. The study sample contained 91,100 adults who were eligible for obesity management drugs. Of those, 68% were classified as obese and 32% were classified as overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Broken down by race and ethnicity, about 3% were Asian, 14% were Black, just under 16% were Hispanic, and about 68% were white.

The researchers focused on all FDA-approved medications to treat obesity available during the time period of the study. They also conducted an analysis that considered potential off-label use of GLP-1 receptor agonists FDA-approved for the treatment of diabetes, which also may lead to weight loss.

They found that Asians were 64% less likely, Blacks 49% less likely, and Hispanics 30% less likely than whites to use obesity-management medications, after taking level of obesity, number of clinical conditions, diabetes status, insurance type, demographics, socioeconomic status and census region into account.

While income, education, health insurance type and clinical need did not fully account for these disparities, the researchers suggest that lower education and either a lack of insurance, reliance on public health insurance or inadequate health insurance coverage may at least partially explain the disparities among Blacks and Hispanics, while lower Body Mass Index (BMI) may explain some of it among Asians. In addition, there may be cultural differences in the acceptance of larger body types and the acceptability of medications to treat obesity that may underlie some of these differences. Lastly, differences in how medical providers communicate with individuals across racial and ethnicity may be playing a role in these differences.

There are limitations to the findings. The researchers could not determine causality about relationships between race, ethnicity and use; they had to rely on BMI, which is a flawed measure among some groups, for eligibility for the medications; and the medications they considered did not include newer FDA-approved obesity medications.

But a full understanding of the factors that drive, or prevent, use of these medications among racially and ethnically diverse populations is crucial to ensuring that everyone has equal access to these medications, Narain said.

"It will be important to gather information from racially and ethnically diverse individuals regarding their perspectives on using medications to treat obesity," she said. "We need more investigation into the role of other potential drivers of these differences that we didn't consider in this study, such as health insurance benefit design."

Narain is supported by a NIH/NIA K08 award (K08AG068372-01), a pilot grant from the NIH/NIDDK UCLA LIFT-UP (Leveraging Institutional support For Talented, Underrepresented Physicians and/or Scientists) (1U24DK132746-01) and the Iris Cantor-UCLA Women's Health Center Leichtman-Levine TEM Scholars Fund.
Sleep schedules are often one of the first things that people choose to compromise in order to check everything off their to-do lists, especially with the end of the year approaching. But folks hoping for happy holidays should reconsider.

A new study from the University of Michigan shows that when people's sleep cycles are misaligned with their internal clocks, or circadian rhythms, it can have drastic effects on their moods.

Conversely, however, that means getting sleep when the body's expecting it provides a potent boost to one's emotional state and could alleviate symptoms associated with mood disorders, said senior author Daniel Forger.

"This is not going to solve depression. We need to be very, very clear about that," said Forger, professor in the Department of Mathematics and director of the Michigan Center for Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics.

"But this is a key factor that we can actually control. We can't control someone's life events. We can't control their relationships or their genetics. But what we can do is very carefully look at their individual sleep patterns and circadian rhythms to really see how that's affecting their mood."

The research is published in the journal npj Digital Medicine.

Interns, Fitbits and questionnaires

People have long known that sleep affects mood, but mostly in a conceptual, almost lighthearted way. For instance, we often use words like "cranky" or "fussy" when discussing this connection.

Yet previous studies have consistently found links between sleep - its duration, quality and disruption - and serious mental health concerns, including suicide risk.

Sleep is important to us, but maybe not in the same way we care about depression. But there's been a tremendous amount of research coming out showing that mood affects circadian rhythms and sleep, and that circadian rhythms and sleep affect mood." Daniel Forger, professor in the Department of Mathematics and director of the Michigan Center for Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics

This research, however, has almost exclusively been performed in controlled settings, Forger said. So he and his team set out to find these effects - and opportunities to use them to improve moods - in the real world.

This project was made possible, in part, by the Intern Health Study, a project funded by the National Institutes of Health at the University of Michigan which works with hundreds of first-year training physicians. As part of the study, the interns complete routine mood surveys while wearing fitness trackers - namely, Fitbits - that monitor their heart rate, activity and sleeping habits. This study was also supported by the National Science Foundation.

Forger and his team have developed algorithms to assess Fitbit data and extract quantitative information about people's circadian rhythms, their sleep cycles and how well those align. By coupling that with the Intern Health Study's daily mood surveys and also using quarterly depression screening questionnaires, the team could establish links between those alignments and real-world measures of mental health.

The information from the questionnaire - the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, or PHQ-9, which is widely used in research and clinics - yielded a particularly striking figure when it came to people with desynchronized rhythms.

"When people start to get desynchronized, we see the PHQ-9 go up, on average, by 2.5," Forger said. "That's clinically important."

But what exactly is misaligned also matters, said one of the study's lead authors, Minki Lee.

"It's not just, 'If you go to bed earlier, you will be happier,'" said Lee, who is an undergraduate researcher and a 2023 Goldwater Scholar. "To some degree, that will be true, but it will be because your sleep schedule is aligning with your internal rhythms.'"

The rhythms of our bodies

The team was able to extract telling features, or biomarkers, of three different important patterns.

There was the central circadian clock, which keeps time in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the brain. It also coordinates peripheral circadian clocks in other parts of the body. In its study, the team analyzed the peripheral clock in the heart.

For a typical person, the heart knows that it needs to be ready to be more active at 2 p.m. than at 2 a.m. thanks to its peripheral clock, Forger said.

The final pattern the team could measure was the interns' sleep cycles.

The team found that, generally speaking, having a sleep cycle out of sync with the peripheral circadian clock - that is, what time your heart thought it was - had a negative effect on mood.

When a person's central circadian rhythm was out of whack with respect to their sleep cycle, however, a negative effect was seen when an intern was doing shift work. That is, the misalignment between their sleep and central internal clock was driven by their occupation.

And when this mismatch was affecting mood, its effect was more pronounced than in the peripheral mismatch case.

"Specifically, the misalignment between the central circadian clock and sleep exhibited the strongest negative association with mood and depressive symptoms, including poor sleep, appetite issues and even suicidal thoughts," said Dae Wook Kim, another lead author of the study.

Kim helped conduct the study as a postdoctoral fellow at U-M and is now an assistant professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

"These findings challenge prior assumptions about the uniform impact of circadian disruptions across different physiological clocks," Kim said.

Challenging these assumptions opens up new questions about how and when these disruptions manifest in other groups of people, including students, older adults and individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, Kim said. The team is already starting to bring its study methodology to some of those groups.

"This shows us we have to look at different rhythms representing different parts of your body and consider them in light of your working conditions and your lifestyle in general," Lee said.

It's not surprising that context matters, the researchers said. After all, students cram for exams and vacationers travel halfway around the world without having the all-nighters or jet lag significantly impair their moods.

But the study shows we understand when these disruptions are impacting us and when getting some rest can remedy that using technology at our fingertips. Or, more accurately, on our wrists.

"That's why this is scalable," Forger said. "That's why I think this could help tons of people."
New research by a team of Indiana University School of Medicine scientists and their collaborators has uncovered a novel vulnerability in prostate cancer animal models that starves prostate tumors of critical nutrients and stunts their growth, which could lead to the development of new treatments for the deadly disease.

Led by IU School of Medicine's Kirk Staschke, PhD, assistant research professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, and Ronald C. Wek, PhD, Showalter Professor of Biochemistry, the study was recently published in Science Signaling.

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in American men. Current treatments target the hormone testosterone, which prostate cancer cells need to grow. Unfortunately, prostate tumors frequently become resistant to these treatments, leaving doctors with few options to stop the disease.

The research team discovered a promising new way to target prostate tumors by starving them of critical nutrients called amino acids. Like other tumors, prostate cancer cells need a lot of nutrients to support their rapid growth. As nutrients are depleted, a protein called GCN2 signals the cells to make more fuel for growth. The team reasoned that a drug that shuts GCN2 down would render the cancer unable to make enough fuel to survive.

"We were only partially correct," said Staschke, who is also a researcher in the Experimental and Developmental Therapeutics research program at the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Inhibiting GCN2 did slow the growth of the tumor cells, but it didn't kill them. That's when we discovered the cancer has a backup plan."

The team went on to show that a protein called p53 was cancer's "Plan B." The p53, which is functionally retained in most prostate cancers - unlike in other forms of cancer - signals to restrict cell division and gather nutrients. Prostate cancers could be effectively destroyed when the researchers inhibited both GCN2 and p53.

The current study exploits metabolic vulnerabilities unique to prostate cancer to starve it for essential nutrients and kill these tumor cells." Kirk Staschke, Assistant Research Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University

This research was carried out by graduate students Ricardo Cordova and Noah Sommers in collaboration with Jeffrey Brault, PhD, of IU School of Medicine; Roberto Pili, MD, of the University at Buffalo; and Tracy Anthony, PhD, of Rutgers University. It was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Defense, the American Cancer Society and the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Dancing lowers the depression associated with Parkinson disease, and the benefits can be seen in multiple ways, a new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research involving York University researchers shows.

"It was very cool to see that dance had a positive effect on the mood circuits in the brain, which we could see in the imaging," says Faculty of Health associate professor Joseph DeSouza, an author of the study. "These improvements that we could see on MRI brain scans were also reported by the participants via survey. Our study is the first to demonstrate these benefits across these two detection methods."

The study, published today, followed 23 participants in the Sharing Dance Parkinson program at Canada's National Ballet School who had a diagnosis of Parkinson disease, as well as 11 healthy controls, who were mostly family members or caretakers of those with Parkinson disease. The participants took weekly dance classes for 8 months, which progressed from simple leg and foot work and plies to interpretive movements, waltzes, and more complicated, choreographed dances.

The researchers include DeSouza; former York PhD student Karolina Bearss, now a professor at Algoma University; former York PhD student Rebecca Barnstaple, now assistant professor of Creative Arts, Health and Wellness, cross-appointed with Theatre at the University of Guelph; and Rachel Bar, a former York undergraduate student who is now director of research and health at Canada's National Ballet School. They honed in on a node in the brain, the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG), that has been shown in previous research to be implicated in depression. They measured mood and depression scores in all participants using the Geriatric Depression Scale before and after every class and conducted regular MRI scans at York.

The researchers found that after each dance class, reported depression rates dropped, and the effect was cumulative from class to class, with significant improvements after 8 months. They also found that the MRI scans showed reduced signals in a frontal-cortex brain region associated with emotional regulation and that in a smaller subset of the participants, a significant decrease in depression scores was correlated with changes in the SCG node.

We essentially showed that SCG BOLD [blood oxygen leveldependent] signal decreases while dancing over time. Which means that the SCG was not functioning as fast as it would if you had depression." Karolina Bearss, Professor at Algoma University

Parkinson disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Before diagnosis, there is a prodromal phase that can last 2 to 10 years and is characterized by low mood, even before other symptoms appear, such as tremors and other issues with motor control.

"People with Parkinson disease tend to have multiple symptoms that are not just motor related, there are a lot of symptoms that include mental and social well-being impairments, one of those being depression," explains Bearss.

This research builds on Bearss and DeSouza's three-year-long study that found that dance training helps people with Parkinson disease with motor control, mood, and other functions of daily living.

Dance is thought to have a double benefit, with music activating the brain's reward centers, and the movement acting on sensory and motor circuits. DeSouza, who has been dancing with participants in the program for 14 years, says that while dancing is not a treatment for Parkinson disease per se, the benefits are clear.

"We're not trying to cure Parkinson's with dance," says DeSouza, also with the Centre for Vision Research and Connected Minds at York. "What we're trying to do is to have people live a better quality of life. This goes for both those with the disease, and their families that take care of them - they also get benefits of feeling better."

The study, "Impact of Weekly Community-Based Dance Training Over 8 Months on Depression and Blood Oxygen LevelDependent Signals in the Subcallosal Cingulate Gyrus for People With Parkinson Disease: Observational Study," was published in the open-access Journal of Medical Internet Research.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have shown that a systemic approach to eliminating inefficiencies in surgical residency programs can reduce unnecessary work hours in the general residency program at UC San Diego. The approach - based on Lean methodology - can also positively impact the training and overall well-being of surgery residents. The results are published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Our study shows that with dedicated process improvement efforts and sophisticated quality improvement analysis, we can enhance the working environment for surgical trainees and all physicians. Our goal is to eliminate unnecessary work for physicians, and this study offers a framework that any institution across the country can use to analyze and improve their systems." J. Jeffery Reeves, M.D., corresponding author and fellow in the Department of Surgery, UC San Diego School of Medicine

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education introduced work-hour restrictions for medical trainees more than two decades ago to enhance patient safety and resident well-being, and the restrictions have proven effective for their stated goals. This study focused on determining whether Lean methodology - a broad set of principles and tools designed to increase value by eliminating waste - could effectively support surgery residents in adhering to 80-hour-per-week work restrictions. Many residency programs continue to struggle with implementing hour restrictions.

The researchers conducted a quality improvement project using a hybrid Lean process improvement workshop, identifying systemic inefficiencies and implementing targeted interventions. The project was conducted at UC San Diego Health. It included three Kaizen events - focused workshops that reviewed issues and clearly defined the problems before developing solutions. These workshops included the program director, associate program directors and resident representatives from each post-graduate year. The application of Lean methodology allowed the team to identify areas for improvement, emphasizing data analysis and understanding the motivation of surgical residents.

The results showed that the average number of surgical residents exceeding the 80-hour per week limit significantly decreased after the interventions from 4.4 (12.4%) to 0.8 (2.2%) for a difference of 10.2%. Additionally, the faculty's perception of resident preparedness improved, with no significant changes in technical skill, clinical judgment, or sense of responsibility.

Implementing the Lean process faced initial challenges, such as concerns that reducing resident hours might increase the burden on faculty. However, the analysis revealed that changes targeting redundant processes improved overall efficiency without impacting patient care or increasing faculty workload. The team also emphasized the importance of a cultural shift, encouraging residents to prioritize their well-being to be more present and energized for their patients.

"Lean methodology was crucial in implementing new processes that ensure compliance with work-hour requirements," said Garth Jacobsen, M.D., clinical professor and program director of the general surgery residency program at the UC San Diego School of Medicine Department of Surgery and interim chief of the Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery at UC San Diego Health. "We aim to create solutions that have long-term staying power by addressing problems holistically, and this study demonstrates that approach's success."

The study highlights the potential of Lean methodology to support compliance and resident well-being while addressing the cultural expectation of extended work hours. Structured, step-by-step improvements using Lean methodology can reduce unnecessary work hours for surgical residents. By systematically assessing the current situation and developing targeted interventions, UC San Diego Health reduced the number of hours residents spend in the hospital, giving them more time for studying and preparation.

"Many surgical departments nationwide face similar challenges," said Brian Clary, M.D., M.B.A., the study's senior author and chair of the Department of Surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "By following the framework outlined in our study, other residency programs can replicate our success and uncover opportunities specific to their needs."

The study serves as a model for other graduate medical education programs, emphasizing that a structured approach can ensure compliance with work-hour policies across all UC San Diego residency programs. By minimizing unnecessary work, the institution demonstrates its commitment to supporting health care providers while delivering efficient, high-quality patient care. This framework offers a cost-effective solution to optimize both resident and institutional outcomes.

Co-authors include: Nicole Goldhaber, Hannah Hollandsworth, Kristin Cox, Ana Maria Dumitru, Christopher A. Longhurst, Jennifer Berumen, and Allison E. Berndtson from UC San Diego, and Beiqun Zhao from the University of San Francisco.
Research reveals distinct differences in nasal fungi composition, structure, and function in individuals with allergies and asthma

A recent study published in Frontiers in Microbiology investigated the fungal communities in the nasal cavities of individuals with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or both and compared them to those of healthy controls.

The research team used advanced sequencing techniques to explore how fungal diversity, metabolic pathways, and fungal interactions differ across groups. The findings aimed to shed light on the role of the nasal mycobiome in airway diseases.

Background

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are prevalent chronic airway diseases causing significant health burdens. Allergic rhinitis involves nasal inflammation marked by symptoms such as sneezing and congestion, while asthma leads to airway obstruction and inflammation. Furthermore, these conditions frequently co-occur, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms.

The nasal cavity is a major reservoir for microbes and is known to host bacterial communities that influence respiratory health and disease. Recent studies have highlighted the airway bacteriomes role in allergic rhinitis and asthma, including its contribution to inflammation and pathogen spread. However, the role of fungi in these diseases remains underexplored.

Fungal communities, or microbiomes, are increasingly being recognized as contributors to human health, with links to asthma onset and severity. Yet, few studies have examined nasal fungal communities in individuals with allergic rhinitis or asthma, leaving gaps in understanding fungal composition, interactions, and functions in these diseases.

About the study

The present study recruited 339 participants, including individuals with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or both, and healthy controls from northern Portugal. The researchers confirmed the diagnoses of asthma and allergic rhinitis through clinical criteria, skin tests, or specific immunoglobulin E assays. Subsequently, nasal swabs were collected from all participants, and fungal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted for sequencing.

The study used internal transcriber spacers (ITS1ITS2) and high-throughput sequencing on an Illumina platform to identify and analyze the fungal communities. Additional bioinformatics tools processed and filtered the sequencing data to identify amplicon sequence variants.

Taxonomic classification was conducted using the UNITE (Unified system for the DNA-based fungal species linked to the classification) database, and community diversity was assessed through indices such as Shannon and Chao1 richness. Beta diversity, which represents community differences, was examined through principal coordinates analysis.

Additionally, the software PICRUSt2 (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) was used to predict the functional potential, for which the researchers inferred metabolic pathways based on fungal gene profiles. Statistical analyses were also employed to identify pathways that differed significantly between groups.

The study assessed fungal interactions through network analyses and also explored co-occurrence patterns across disease groups and controls. To ensure robustness, the researchers included controls for contamination and employed rigorous statistical methods, such as linear models and permutation tests, to compare the groups.

Results

The researchers found that the nasal fungal communities of individuals with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or both differed significantly from those of healthy controls. Two dominant fungal phyla, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, were identified, along with 14 abundant genera.

Seven to 10 genera, including Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Wallemia, varied significantly between respiratory disease groups and controls. Notably, Malassezia was more abundant in healthy individuals, while genera such as Rhodotorula and Penicillium were enriched in the nasal mycobiome of the diseased groups.

Furthermore, the alpha-diversity analyses showed higher fungal richness and evenness in allergic rhinitis and asthma groups compared to the healthy controls. Beta diversity analyses also revealed significant structural differences in fungal communities between disease and control groups, although the differences between disease groups were minimal.

Additionally, the functional analyses identified 30 metabolic pathways that differed between the groups. Pathways related to 5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide biosynthesis, a process linked to fungal growth and pathogenesis, were notably enriched in individuals with allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Fungal interaction networks also varied, with diseased groups showing more complex and interconnected networks compared to the sparse interactions in healthy individuals. These differences suggested that airway diseases disrupt fungal community dynamics, potentially exacerbating inflammation and disease severity.

Conclusions

Overall, the study highlighted significant differences in the nasal fungal communities of individuals with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or both compared to healthy controls. Diseased groups observed enhanced fungal diversity, altered metabolic pathways, and disrupted fungal interactions.

These findings highlighted the potential role of the nasal mycobiome in respiratory health and disease, providing a foundation for future research into its diagnostic and therapeutic implications in chronic airway conditions.
Scientists investigating the severe developmental disorder known as Rett syndrome have discovered a series of crucial molecular changes that occur long before symptoms appear. The findings could be used to develop better treatments for the devastating, life-shortening condition, the researchers say.

Rett syndrome strikes girls almost exclusively. Children with Rett initially appear healthy and appear to develop normally for the first six to 18 months before beginning to regress and lose previously acquired skills. For example, children who crawl can become unable to do so, and language skills decline. Other symptoms of Rett include difficulty eating, seizures, "floppy" limbs and the repetitive hand movements that are the disease's hallmark. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Life expectancy varies, but many people with Rett die by their 40s or 50s.

The new insights into the earliest manifestations of the disease come from Sameer Bajikar, PhD, who recently joined the University of Virginia School of Medicine. While doing his postdoctoral work (at Baylor College of Medicine and UVA), Bajikar and his collaborators began investigating how mutations in a particular gene, MECP2, trigger the development of Rett.

That investigation has revealed a whole "cascade" of molecular changes that fundamentally alter how genes work in brain cells. In particular, the scientists discovered that the cascade causes far-reaching, "circuit-level" problems in the hippocampus, an area of the brain vital for memory and learning. These sweeping changes cause brain cells called neurons to begin malfunctioning, Bajikar and his colleagues determined.

We artificially triggered the onset of Rett syndrome symptoms in mice to precisely map the sequence of events that occurs when MECP2 is malfunctioning. Our study uncovered a core set of genes that are disrupted very early on before any overt symptoms have presented. These genes might be drivers of Rett syndrome symptoms downstream of MECP2 whose expression levels could be important for normal brain function as well." Sameer Bajikar, PhD, UVA's Department of Cell Biology and Department of Biomedical Engineering

Better treatments for Rett syndrome

The discovery of these molecular changes  and the specific mechanisms responsible for the changes  sheds much-needed light on the development of Rett syndrome. It also sets the stage for new and better ways to treat the condition. For example, there is great excitement about the potential of gene therapy to restore the MECP2 gene's function in children with Rett. The challenge, however, is that augmenting the gene's activity too much would prove toxic to brain cells.

Doctors need ways to monitor the activity of the gene, and Bajikar's research could ultimately provide that. For example, doctors might be able to monitor biological markers, or "biomarkers," the scientists have identified that reflect whether the MECP2 gene is functioning at an appropriate level.

While much more research needs to be done before the findings could be translated into treatments, Bajikar is excited about the potential his findings hold.

"We discovered several candidate biomarkers sensitive to MECP2 levels that could be the key to developing safe gene therapies for Rett," he said. "Our study more broadly demonstrates the importance of cataloging and understanding the earliest biological events that occur during symptom onset in neurodevelopmental disorders."

Findings published

The researchers have published their findings in the scientific journal Neuron. The research team consisted of Bajikar, Jian Zhou, Ryan O'Hara, Harini P. Tirumala, Mark A. Durham, Alexander J. Trostle, Michelle Dias, Yingyao Shao, Hu Chen, Wei Wang, Hari K. Yalamanchili, Ying-Wooi Wan, Laura A. Banaszynski, Zhandong Liu and Huda Y. Zoghbi. Bajikar has no financial interest in the work; a list of the authors' disclosures is included in the paper.

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, grants F32HD100048, R01HD109239 and U54HD083092; the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, grants R01NS057819 and K99/R00NS129963; the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, grant R35GM124958; the Welch Foundation, grant I-2025; the American Cancer Society, grant 134230-RSG-20-043-01-DMC; an NRI Zoghbi Scholar Award through Texas Children's Hospital; the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, grant 4013; and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

UVA's Department of Biomedical Engineering is a joint program of the School of Medicine and UVA's School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Published in Pediatrics, a new University of Minnesota Medical School study highlights how children interpret common medical phrases, revealing surprising - and sometimes alarming - misunderstandings.

The University of Minnesota's Clear Clinical Communication Research Group conducted a study at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair as part of their work to highlight how doctors often use terminology that confuses patients. They examined how children ages 4 to 12 understand commonly used phrases they may encounter in medical settings to identify gaps in comprehension that may cause fear or misunderstanding.

They found:

Understanding varied across phrases, with high comprehension for "negative test results" (e.g., COVID-19, strep throat) but low comprehension for phrases like "transfer to the floor" (17%) or "have surgery come see you" (8%), where children thought these phrases meant they would have to sleep on the floor or that they would definitively have surgery.

Misinterpretations often stemmed from literal interpretations of words, such as children assuming a CAT scan involved actual cats.

Incorrect responses ranged from benign to potentially distressing interpretations. For example, some children assumed being told they would be "put to sleep" for surgery meant the same thing as when they'd been told their pet was being put to sleep, believing they would never wake up.

The research team recommends that health care professionals avoid jargon, use developmentally appropriate language, and check in frequently to confirm understanding.

"Unlike adults, kids may be less likely to speak up or seek clarification, meaning these misinterpretations can become their reality," said Michael Pitt, MD, a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and pediatric hospitalist with M Health Fairview.

This is why it is so important for clinicians to use clear language - even for seemingly simple terms - to reduce fear and improve the child's medical experience." Michael Pitt, Professor, University of Minnesota Medical School

Further studies are needed to explore the ideal phrasing of alternative terms and how developmental stages influence comprehension. The Clear Clinical Communication Research Group plans to conduct additional studies at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair.

This research was funded by the University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Pediatrics and the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences [grant UL1TR002494].
A new study from the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center at the Mailman School of Public Health reveals significant improvements in the health of older adults in England when compared to previous generations. Rather than considering health through the presence or absence of disease, the study, published in Nature Aging, applied a new approach that examined trends in people's functioning  their cognitive, locomotor, psychological, and sensory capacities.

Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, the study found that older adults today experience higher levels of physical and mental functioning than previous generations did at the same age.

"These improvements were large," said John Beard, MBBS, PhD, Irene Diamond Professor of Aging in Health Policy and Management in the Butler Columbia Aging Center of Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and author of the study. For example, a 68-year-old born in 1950 had a similar capacity to a 62-year-old born a decade earlier, and those born in 1940 had better functioning than those born in 1930 or 1920. Beard noted, "If we had compared someone born in 1950 with someone born in 1920, we would have likely observed even greater improvements."

Beard and his colleagues undertook similar analyses in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). They found similar trends, although this analysis was limited by the much shorter follow-up period in the Chinese study compared to the English study.

Beard says that improvements in education, nutrition, and sanitation over the course of the twentieth century are likely to have played a key role. Medical advances - such as joint replacements and better treatments for chronic conditions - were also likely to be contributing factors. The researchers caution, however, that their observations are for a specific period and in a single country. The same trends may not have been seen in the US, or across the whole of the population.

We were surprised by just how large these improvements were, particularly when comparing people born after World War Two with earlier-born groups. But there is nothing to say we will continue to see the same improvements moving forward, and changes such as the increasing prevalence of obesity may even see these trends reverse. It is also likely that more advantaged groups will have experienced greater gains than others. But overall, the trends were very strong and suggest that, for many people, 70 really may be the new 60." John Beard, MBBS, PhD, Irene Diamond Professor of Aging in Health Policy and Management in the Butler Columbia Aging Center of Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

Aging expert Jay Olshansky of the University of Illinois praised the study, stating, "This is a powerful article. It shows that intrinsic capacity - what really matters to people as they age - is inherently modifiable. With this evidence, we see that medical science can enhance intrinsic capacity, providing a hopeful message for the future."

Co-authors are Katja Hanewald and Yafei Si, UNSW Business School, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Aging Research (CEPAR), Australia; Jotheeswaran Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan, Department of Maternal, Child, Adolescent Health and Aging, World Health Organization, Geneva; and Dario Moreno-Agostino, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, and ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London.

The research was supported by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR, project CE170100005) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW); Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Society and Mental Health at King's College London [ES/S012567/1]; and the National Social Science Foundation of China (23AZD091). Funding was also provided by the National Institute on Aging (R01 AG030153, RC2 AG036619, R03 AG043052), and (R01 AG030153, RC2 AG036619, and R03 AG043052).
The European Commission has appointed a European Reference Laboratory to support the control and monitoring of pertussis and diphtheria in the EU/EEA countries. The University of Turku in Finland will lead and coordinate the laboratory, which includes five institutes in four countries.



Pertussis and diphtheria are serious diseases, but both can be effectively prevented by vaccines. Nevertheless, pertussis and diphtheria are still a matter of concern in the European Union. The diseases are either still spreading or re-emerging in certain areas, and there are ongoing epidemics of pertussis in many European countries, including Finland. This is why the European Commission has appointed a new European Reference Laboratory for Diphtheria and Pertussis (EURL-PH-DIPE) to contribute to the prevention and control of these diseases.

The consortium, led at the University of Turku by Professor and InFLAMES group leader Qiushui He and Project Researcher Alex-Mikael Barkoff, has members from four EU Member States, namely Finland, Belgium, France and Germany. The project is carried out in close cooperation with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The project will run for seven years (2025-2031). The project has a budget of over 2.6 million, of which the University of Turku will receive just under one million euros.

Responding and preparing for health threats

EURL-PH-DIPE aims to maintain and increase the European Union's capacity to respond to the health threats posed by diphtheria and pertussis. This will be accomplished by, for example, developing and harmonising laboratory capacity in the Member States. The consortium also aims to improve surveillance, harmonise methods, and ensure a rapid response to local and larger-scale outbreaks.

Furthermore, an EU-wide seroprevalence study of anti-pertussis, anti-diphtheria and anti-tetanus antibodies will be performed. The role of the consortium also includes sharing training and expertise across Europe.

It is a great honor that we have been appointed as the European Reference Laboratory for Diphtheria and Pertussis, which acknowledges the strength of our complementary competencies in the consortium," Prof Qiushui He, Professor and InFLAMES group leader, University of Turku

Consortium reflects Turku's strong expertise in the field

The Turku Pertussis Team, which is led by Professors Qiushui He and Jussi Mertsola, has long-term experience in pertussis studies. Since 2001, Professor He has been the head of Finnish National Reference Laboratory for Diphtheria and Pertussis. In addition, Professors He and Mertsola have been leading the European network, "EUpertstrain", to study the impact of B. pertussis strain variations on vaccine effectiveness in Europe since 2005.

Furthermore, Professor He has been coordinating ECDC funded pertussis laboratory networks (EUPert-LabNet & ERLNPert-Net) from 2009 onwards, aiming to have standardised laboratory surveillance of pertussis in Member States of EU and EEA countries. The team has also conducted multiple pertussis vaccine studies in the last 30 years.
Stocks To Watch: SBI, Infosys, IndusInd Bank, NITCO, VIP Industries And Others

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 08:59 IST

Stocks To Watch: Stocks such as SBI, Infosys, IndusInd Bank and VIP Industries, among others, will be in focus today.

Stocks To Watch Today: Investors remain cautious as markets continue to react to global and domestic developments, alongside ongoing fund outflows. (Representative image)

Stocks To Watch: Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty extended their losing streak to a third consecutive session on Wednesday, weighed down by selling pressure in utility, capital goods, and metal stocks amid continued foreign fund outflows. The BSE Sensex fell 502.25 points (0.62%) to close at 80,182.20, after plunging 634.38 points (0.78%) during intraday trade to 80,050.07.

On the NSE, the Nifty declined by 137.15 points (0.56%) to settle at 24,198.85. Market breadth on the BSE showed 2,563 stocks declining, 1,442 advancing, and 94 remaining unchanged.

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Due to these developments and market updates, stocks such as SBI, Infosys, IndusInd Bank, NITCO and VIP Industries, among others, will be in focus today.

Stocks To Watch Today

Gandhar Oil Refinery: Received an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) from the US FDA for its Taloja manufacturing facility. The inspection, classified as Voluntary Action Indicated" (VAI), has now been closed by the FDA.

IndusInd Bank: Reliance Nippon Life Insurance, a Reliance Capital (RCAP) subsidiary, is in talks with IndusInd Bank for a bancassurance partnership. Mauritius-based IndusInd International Holdings, the parent of IndusInd Bank, recently won the bid to acquire RCAP and its subsidiaries as the acquisition process nears completion.

Infosys: Opened a new advanced development center in Kolkata, investing Rs 426 crore. The facility will focus on next-gen technologies like cloud computing and artificial intelligence, creating significant job opportunities in the region.

NITCO: Secured fresh orders worth Rs 105 crore from the Prestige Group to supply tiles and marble for various real estate projects across India. This comes after another Rs 105.40 crore order earlier this week from Prestige Estates Projects.

Punjab & Sind Bank: The bank has raised Rs 3,000 crore through its maiden issuance of infrastructure bonds aimed at boosting infrastructure lending. The issue received total bids of Rs 6,031 crore against a base size of Rs 500 crore.

State Bank of India: Rama Mohan Rao Amara has been named as Managing Director of SBI for a three-year term.

VIP Industries: Received a favorable ruling from the Maharashtra Sales Tax Tribunal regarding branch transfer claims and associated tax levies for FY10 to part of FY18. The tribunal overturned the tax authorities earlier assessments, upholding VIP Industries claims.

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Investors remain cautious as markets continue to react to global and domestic developments, alongside ongoing fund outflows.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Readers are advised to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 08:44 IST
BPSC TRE 30 Exam: PGT Vacancy Increased on bpsc.bih.nic.in, Check Update List

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 13:51 IST

BPSC TRE 3.0 Recruitment: The roster has been released on the official website of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) for a total of 24,811 posts in classes 11 and 12

BPSC TRE 3 exam counselling to be held from December 20 to January 7 (Representational/ PTI Photo)

The Bihar Education Department has released the roster for the PGT (Postgraduate Teacher) posts under the TRE 3 examination. This roster has been released on the official website of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) for a total of 24,811 posts in classes 11 and 12. Candidates who applied for the exam can check and download the roster through the commissions website, bpsc.bih.nic.in.

Through the roster released for category-wise seat details, candidates can get information about the number of seats divided into general categories, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and other reserved categories. Along with the Education Department, the Scheduled Caste/Tribe Welfare Department has also clarified the category-wise seats.

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As per the official notice, there are now 1220 posts in Mathematics, 3742 in Chemistry, 1752 in History, 1281 in Political Science, 1485 in Botany, 1961 in Physics, 1358 in Hindi, 1851 in English, and 931 in Computer. Interested candidates can visit the BPSC website, check the available seats according to their category, and follow the necessary instructions related to the recruitment process.

ALSO READ | BPSC School Teacher Re-Exam Result 2024 Declared On bpsc.bih.nic.in, Check Here

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Meanwhile, the counseling for school teachers and principals which was to be held from December 9 to 31 stands postponed. It will now be held from December 20 to January 7, 2025. However, it is not yet clear why the education department changed the date of counselling. Candidates must note that the counselling of teachers will be done in their posting districts only.

The BPSC TRE 3 counselling session for headmaster posts will be held in all districts on December 20 and 21. While the counselling of TRE passed teachers (class 1 to 12) will be held from December 23 to 28. Whereas, the counselling of teachers who have passed the second competency examination will be held from December 30 to January 7.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 13:38 IST
Chennai Rains: Schools Confirm No Holiday Today, Details Here

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 25, 2024, 23:39 IST

All government and private schools in Chennai for all classes are open today, December 19, 2024.

Schools in Chennai are open today, December 19, 2024.(Representational/ PTI Photo)

Chennai is expected to witness heavy rainfall on Thursday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Rains lashed Chennai and nearby districts of Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu on Wednesday, influenced by a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. Due to the widespread rains, traffic congestion was reported in several areas, including Teynampet, causing inconvenience to road users.

Light to moderate rain at a few places (at many places over North Coastal Tamil Nadu and at a few places over the rest of Tamil Nadu) with thunderstorms and lightning at one or two places is likely to occur over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the Karaikal area," reads the daily bulletin of the weather agency.

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Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram districts. Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Villupuram, Cuddalore districts and Puducherry, it further added.

Chennai Schools Open Today

There is no official announcement regarding school holidays on Thursday in Tamil Nadu. Schools are open today, as confirmed by News18.com after verifying with some schools.

Will Chennai Schools Open Tomorrow?

There has been no official update regarding the closure of schools till now. Parents and students are encouraged to contact school administrations for updates.

ALSO READ: Year Ender 2024: From Bagless Days To Cumulative Credits, Major Changes Brought Under NEP 2020

Gurugram, Faridabad Schools Shifts To Hybrid Mode

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The Haryana School Education Department issued instructions on Wednesday night, directing all government and private schools in Gurugram and Faridabad to adopt a hybrid mode of teaching for all classes except Grades 10 and 12 until December 21, 2024. Starting today, December 19, 2024, all schools in both districts have transitioned to the hybrid mode.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 12:18 IST
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 Registration Begins, Apply Before This Date

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 25, 2024, 23:40 IST

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 is conducted annually with an aim to help students of classes 6 to 12 to overcome exam stress and pressure.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 registration process begins. (Image: innovateindia1.mygov.in)

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 will be held on January 2025 in a town hall format at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a notice regarding the 8th edition of PPC. The official notice is available on the official website of CBSE at cbse.gov.in.

The registration for PPC has begun on the official website at innovateindia1.mygov.in. In this event, PM Modi will also interact with parents & teachers, to help and enable them to support students to accomplish all their dreams and goals.

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The event is held annually to help students in classes 6 to 12 manage exam stress and pressure.

To select participants for Pariksha Pe Charcha, an online Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) competition is being conducted at https://innovateindia1.mygov.in/. Students from classes 6 to 12, along with teachers and parents, can take part in the competition until January 14, 2025.

Opportunity With Media Interaction

Shortlisted students will get a chance to interact with the media.

The official notice reads, "This competition is the mode through which students, parents and teachers are invited to frame their questions to be addressed to the Honble Prime Minister. Shortlisted questions may feature in the programme. The participants who asked questions in the previous editions of Pariksha Pe Charcha are invited by media channels to appear in their programmes. Along the same lines, this years chosen few may get an opportunity to interact with the media."

ALSO READ: Chennai Rains: Schools Confirm No Holiday Today, Details Here

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What Is Pariksha Pe Charcha?

PPC stands for Pariksha Pe Charcha, an annual program led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In this program, the Prime Minister interacts with students, teachers, and parents to discuss concerns related to exams and education. The initiative aims to reduce exam stress, promote effective preparation techniques, and encourage a balanced approach to education and personal development. Participants have the opportunity to share their questions, which the Prime Minister addresses during the session.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 13:26 IST
UP Passes Bills For Setting Up 3 Private Universities, Foreign Campuses

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 10:33 IST

The three new universities are set to be established in Meerut, Bijnor and Unnao districts of Uttar Pradesh.

The new bills propose to allow institutions, companies and trusts registered in other states to open private universities in Uttar Pradesh. (Representational Image)

The Uttar Pradesh assembly has passed four bills during its winter session for the establishment of three new private universities and campuses of foreign universities in the state, according to an official statement.

This will help develop Uttar Pradesh into a leading educational hub in the country, it said.

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Vidya Vishwavidyalaya, Meerut; Vivek Vishwavidyalaya, Bijnor and Chandigarh Vishwavidyalaya, Unnao are new universities set to be established in the state.

Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said higher education reforms will elevate Uttar Pradeshs image on both national and international platforms.

With the establishment of new universities and foreign campuses, students will have the opportunity to access world-class education right in their home state. They will no longer need to go outside the state as high-quality education will now be affordable and easily accessible here," he said.

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He further said that until now only institutions registered in Uttar Pradesh could establish universities within the state. However, the new bills propose to allow institutions, companies and trusts registered in other states to open private universities in Uttar Pradesh.

Foreign universities recognised by the UGC will also be eligible to establish campuses in the state," he added.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 08:43 IST
As Calls For Justin Trudeaus Resignation Get Louder, What Are His Options? Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 15:30 IST

If Justin Trudeau decides to stay, he will have to face disgruntled Liberal MPs and a House of Commons. He might have to appease some MPs by offering them cabinet positions. If he decides to step down, the Liberal Party will have to choose a... Read More

With Justin Trudeau completing nearly 10 years as Prime Minister, Canadians have grown weary of his government, and there is 'incumbent fatigue' among the people. (Getty File Photo)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing mounting pressure from within his Liberal Party and the Opposition, as many have given up hope on the incumbent leaders ability to pull out the country from the economic mess and diplomatic rows.

On Monday, finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland resigned from his cabinet, citing irreconcilable differences over the countrys response to US President-elect Donald Trumps tariff threats.

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The move has shaken up the Liberal Party, as nearly 60 of its 153 Members of Parliament have also called for a change in leadership.

What Is The Leadership Crisis Within The Liberal Party?

The Liberal Partys internal divisions have reached a boiling point, with a third of its MPs urging Trudeau to step down. Jagmeet Singh, leader of New Democratic Party (NDP), which has been key to keep Trudeaus minority party afloat, has also called for his resignation.

While Opposition leaders have not pushed for his resignation, they are adamant on holding an early election.

The Liberals, who lost the support of NDP in September, when Jagmeet Singh announced that his party was withdrawing from a 2022 agreement to prop up Trudeaus minority government, will be more vulnerable if a no-confidence vote is triggered in the House of Commons. The result of that vote could force Trudeau to call an early election.

What Are The Options Before Trudeau?

Can He Be Forced Out By His Liberal Party?

Unlike India and Britain, where party leaders are chosen by parliamentary caucus and can be removed quickly, a leader of the Liberal Party is selected by a special convention of members. So, if Trudeau wants to stay, he cannot be forced out. And if a majority of legislators and members of his own cabinet call for him to go, he may conclude his position indefensible.

Can Parliament Ask Him To Resign?

Canadian governments must show they have the confidence of the House of Commons elected chamber. Votes on budgets and other spending are considered confidence measures and if a government loses one, it falls. In virtually all cases, an election campaign starts immediately. The government must allocate a few days each session to opposition parties so that they can unveil a non-confidence motion. If all parties vote against the Liberals, Trudeau will fall. If one opposition party abstains, he will stay in power. Since the House of Commons closed on December 17 and will return on January 27, the Opposition would propose a no-confidence vote not later than February or March.

What If He Decides To Resign?

The Liberal Party will have to choose a new leader and prime minister. Parliament could carry on as normal while the party will have to start a leadership race. But since the Liberal Party is not in majority in Parliament, they run a risk of being toppled in a no-confidence motion. Thus, it might be safer for Trudeau to ask the governor general to prorogue Parliament. Prorogation is a process of temporary pausing parliamentary functioning. This means all bills that have not received the royal assent are withdrawn, and a new session begins when Parliament returns.

What If He Decides To Stay On?

Trudeau will have to face disgruntled Liberal MPs and a House of Commons that might fight tooth and nail to defeat his government. He might have to appease some MPs by offering them cabinet positions. In any case, he was expected to reshuffle his cabinet at some point in the coming weeks. With the House now adjourned, an immediate election can only be triggered by Trudeau himself asking the governor general to dissolve Parliament.

What is The Public Opinion On Trudeau?

Most recent polls have shown Trudeau facing a difficult time in trying to win back public support ahead of the election, which must be held before late October 2025.

A Leger survey from November found that 42% of Canadians said they planned to vote for the Conservatives in the next election, compared with 26% who backed the Liberals and 15% who picked the NDP.

Nearly seven in 10 Canadians also said they were dissatisfied with Trudeaus government, the same survey found.

Prime Minister, youve failed Canada. Youve ruined this country. Walk awayyou dont have an ounce of your fathers integrity. Everyone around you is abandoning you. Chrystia Freeland, Sean Frasertheyve all left. Its time for you to go," said Canadian citizens on live TV.

With Trudeau completing nearly 10 years as Prime Minister, Canadians have grown weary of his government, and there is incumbent fatigue" among the people.

Canadas political problems are an offshoot of the economic troubles such as the housing crisis, rising costs and now the 25% tariffs to be imposed by the US on the country.

An Abacus Data poll last month found 45% of Canadians said Conservative Partys Pierre Poilievre had a better chance of getting positive results for Canada during a second Trump presidency. Only 20% said Trudeau was better positioned.

Another more recent poll (PDF) on which of the two leaders was better suited to manage Trump showed 36% choosing Poilievre compared with 34% who picked Trudeau.

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The CBC News Poll Tracker, which aggregates federal election polling data across Canada, also had the Conservatives with a 21-percentage-point lead over the Liberals on December 16.

(With inputs from Reuters)

First Published: December 19, 2024, 12:06 IST
As India, China Attempt To Move Past Galwan, What Does Doval Visit To Beijing Signify?

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 11:58 IST

The meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is seen as the first structured engagement between the two nations aimed at actually restoring the relations

The meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi also aims to address trade imbalances and regional security. (PTI/File)

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing on December 18 for the 23rd round of the Special Representatives talks, which are being held after a gap of five years. The meet is a crucial step in navigating a relationship that has been on thin ice for far too long, especially after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes.

The hope is that this meeting can lead to something tangible.

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Border Truce And Beyond: A Meeting Of Minds?

So, what exactly is on the agenda? Well, the primary focus is the border issue. Both sides have been locked in a tense standoff since 2020, particularly in the eastern Ladakh region along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

This meeting is partly a follow-up to an October agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC. A key goal of this agreement was to prevent incidents like Galwan from happening again. The disengagement process saw troops from both sides pulling back from key friction points such as Depsang and Demchok.

This is no small feat. For years, these areas have been the flashpoint of military build-up and aggressive posturing, often turning into skirmishes. The agreement has led to a significant de-escalation of tensions, and this meeting in Beijing looks to solidify this fragile peace and build upon it.

The agreement in September also led to a formal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in Russia in October  their first in five years. While it did not resolve the border dispute, it did signify a willingness to engage in a dialogue.

The meeting between Doval and Wang Yi is seen as the first structured engagement between the two nations aimed at actually restoring the relations. It is a chance to build on that positive momentum.

However, it would be naive to think that the border is the only issue on the table. The meeting also aims to address a broad range of issues, including trade imbalances and regional security. The long-standing border dispute, a legacy of colonial-era boundary decisions, has fuelled mistrust for decades. Theres a push towards restoring bilateral ties frozen for over four years due to the military standoff.

Why This Meeting Matters: Beyond Handshakes & Headlines

The meeting is important because it represents a serious attempt to break the ice that has frozen India-China relations since the 2020 border clash.

As of December 2024, there are still 100,000 troops deployed on each side of the border and a full normalisation of relations seems a long way away. However, this meeting could pave the way for the re-establishment of dialogue and mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution.

The two countries are also looking to revive the Special Representatives talks, a mechanism which has met 22 times since 2003. The December 18 one is the first formal meeting for this mechanism in 5 years.

Also, this meeting is happening at a crucial time. It comes after the October agreement on border patrolling and the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan. It is also happening ahead of India and China celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025. There is a feeling that both nations are aware of the need to move past the current impasse.

Economic Imperatives And Geopolitical Realities

The thaw in relations isnt happening in a vacuum; its influenced by several geopolitical and economic factors. Both nations are facing increased scrutiny and pressure on the global stage. China is dealing with economic challenges and also concerns about its assertive stance in the South China Sea, facing pushback from several nations in the region. India, on the other hand, is looking to secure its borders and economic interests amidst a volatile geopolitical landscape as Bangladesh descends into greater turmoil with each passing day.

The key question then is, whats the potential for cooperation? Both nations are key players in the global arena. India is expected to be the worlds fourth-largest economy by next year. China is already in the second position.

China is also a major trading partner for India, and despite the border tensions, trade volumes have continued to grow and reached over 118 billion in 2023. India is heavily reliant on China for many products like pharmaceuticals, tech components and smartphone parts. This imbalance has become a point of concern for India, as it tries to become more self-reliant" through initiatives like Make in India.

China is also facing increasing economic and political pressure from the US and its allies. A detente between the two Asian giants could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape.

However, theres also the potential for conflict as India views Chinas increasing assertiveness in the region with suspicion. China, in turn, has been critical of Indias growing ties with the United States, which it sees as an attempt to curb its rise as a global power. There are also competing views regarding the rightful place" of each country in Asia and beyond which makes cooperation difficult.

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As per a report by the IISS (International Institute of Strategic Studies), the relationship is facing mutually exclusive prosperity and security". So, we can expect a relationship that tends towards tension rather than cooperation.

The long and short of it is that the India-China relationship is a tightrope walk. While the two nations are economically intertwined, there are deep strategic disagreements. Navigating this will require a lot of careful diplomacy and willingness to make compromises on both sides.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 09:35 IST
What Is 'Dinga Dinga'? New Virus Outbreak In Uganda Causing Uncontrollable Shaking, Fever

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 15:54 IST

Although the exact cause of 'Dinga Dinga' remains unknown, health experts are focused on investigating the outbreak.

Unexplained illness in Uganda causes shaking.

A strange and unexplained illness known as Dinga Dinga"  meaning shaking like dancing"  is rapidly spreading in Ugandas Bundibugyo district, leaving both residents and medical professionals searching for answers. The condition primarily affects women and girls, causing severe body shaking that makes it difficult to walk and even paralyses some of those infected. As of now, about 300 cases have been documented, but fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.

Symptoms of Dinga Dinga

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The symptoms of Dinga Dinga are alarming and quite unusual:

Uncontrollable body shaking: The most striking symptom is the violent, involuntary shaking, which resembles a dance-like movement. The tremors are so severe that they can make walking nearly impossible. Fever and weakness: A high fever is commonly reported, along with extreme weakness and fatigue. Immobility: Some individuals experience a sensation of paralysis or extreme difficulty in movement due to the shaking.

Although the exact cause of the illness remains unknown, local health authorities are focused on investigating the outbreak. According to a report by TOI, Dr Kiyita Christopher, the District Health Officer for Bundibugyo, reassured the public that while there is no specific vaccine or treatment yet, most patients recover within a week of receiving antibiotic treatment.

Medical Response and Investigations

Health officials are actively working to understand the virus. Samples from affected individuals have been sent to the Ugandan Ministry of Health for analysis. Despite the lack of a confirmed diagnosis, antibiotics are being used to treat patients, and health experts continue to monitor the situation closely.

Dr Christopher emphasised the importance of seeking immediate medical care rather than relying on unverified herbal remedies. Local health facilities are the best place for treatment. I urge the community to avoid unverified treatments and seek proper medical care," he said.

Public health campaigns are underway in Bundibugyo to educate residents about the symptoms of the illness and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention if they experience fever, body tremors, or weakness.

Historical Comparisons: The Dancing Plague of 1518

The unusual symptoms of Dinga Dinga have sparked comparisons to historical events, notably the Dancing Plague" of 1518. In Strasbourg, France, hundreds of people were struck by uncontrollable dancing movements, which continued for days, leading to exhaustion and even death in some cases. While there is no direct link between these historical events and Dinga Dinga, the similarity in symptoms has captured the publics imagination.

As the Ugandan Ministry of Health continues its investigations, more information is expected to emerge in the coming days. The global health community is watching the situation closely, especially given that this outbreak follows the broader context of health challenges faced by many African nations, including ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In neighbouring countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is also dealing with an outbreak of an unidentified illness that has already claimed 30 lives and affected 400 individuals. Researchers are still working to determine the cause, which could range from influenza to other viral infections.

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The rise of Dinga Dinga in Uganda serves as a reminder of how quickly mysterious diseases can capture the attention of the global health community. While health authorities in Bundibugyo are actively managing the outbreak and seeking answers, its crucial for residents to seek medical attention at the first signs of illness and avoid self-treatment with unverified remedies.

As investigations into the cause of Dinga Dinga continue, health experts remain hopeful that the virus can be contained and its origins identified, with further updates expected soon.

Location : Uganda

First Published: December 19, 2024, 13:19 IST
Why Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana Are Fighting Over A Hydel Project In Mandi | Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 15:47 IST

Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana are fighting to secure the control of British-era Shanan hydel power project in Mandi, whose 99-year-old lease expired in March. Punjab, which has the legal control of the project as per the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, has filed an injunction... Read More

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu said Punjab cannot claim the project, citing poor maintenance and neglected repair work. (Representational Photo)

A power tussle has arisen between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab over the profitable" Shanan hydel project, which the latter has controlled for the past 100 years. Neighbouring Haryana has added a new dimension to the dispute by filing a petition in the Supreme Court to become a party in the case.

Haryana, which was part of the undivided Punjab, like Himachal Pradesh, before 1966, submitted an application in the Supreme Court on December 12, arguing that the Shanan project, located on the Uhl River  a tributary of the Beas  also feeds the Bhakra Dam.

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With the 99-year lease expired in March 2024, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu said Punjab cannot claim the project, citing poor maintenance and neglected repair work.

Let us understand why the hydel project is important for the two states, what are their pleas, why did Haryana meddle into the dispute and what is the central governments response?

What is the Shanan Hydel Power Project?

In 1925, a lease agreement was signed between the King of Mandi, Raja Joginder Bahadur, and Colonel BC Batty, a British government representative and Chief Engineer of Punjab. The project, which is located in Jogindernagar in Mandi, was leased to Punjab in 1925 for 99 years. But it got expired in March 2024.

Before Independence, the project supplied electricity to undivided Punjab, Lahore and Delhi. After Partition, electricity supplied to Lahore was discontinued and transmission line were terminated at Verka Village in Amritsar.

The Shanan Power House established on the Uhal River initially had a capacity of 48 MW in 1932. Later, the Punjab Electricity Board upgraded the production capacity to 60 MW in 1982. Eventually, the power production was increased to 110 MW to meet the growing electricity demand of Punjab.

Under the current lease terms, the project also provides Himachal Pradesh with 500 kW of free electricity as it draws water from the Uhl river, which is located in the state.

Why Was Punjab Given The Control Of The Project?

When the country became independent in 1947, Himachal Pradesh was a part of Punjab and got separated on April 1, 1948, but was given statehood in 1971.

Under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 the Shanan Power House was allocated to Punjab as Himachal Pradesh was a Union Territory at the time. A notification was issued by the Ministry of Irrigation and Power on May 1, 1967 that granted Punjab legal control over the project under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.

On September 20, Punjab filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking injunction to prevent Himachal Pradesh from interfering with the Shanan projects possession.

Punjab civil suits asserts that the project is managed by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and was legally allocated to Punjab under the 1967 notification.

What Did Himachal Pradesh Govt Say In Court?

Following the suit, the Himachal Pradesh government filed a petition in the Supreme Court, questioning the maintainability of the petition of the Punjab government.

Himachal Pradesh argued that the cases foundation is based on a pre-Constitution agreement and the dispute does not fall under the Supreme Courts jurisdiction as per the Article 131 of the Constitution.

According to the Article 131, the Supreme Court has the exclusive right to handle disputes involving the government of India and one of more states, government of India and some states on one side and one or more states on the other, two or more states. However, the Constitution bars the jurisdiction of the SC over interstate river water disputes.

The Himachal Pradesh government has also highlighted the 1925 agreement between the British government and the Raja of Mandi, and that the Mandi state was never part of Punjab.

What Did Haryana Say?

In its December 12 application in the Supreme Court, the Haryana government argued that the Shanan project is located on the river that is the tributary of the Beas. As Haryana has a stake in the Bhakra Beas Management Board, it contends that it has a legitimate claim to the hydel project.

The Haryana government also cites the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, stressing on the historical link as part of undivided Punjab.

Why Is The Central Government Saying?

Union Minister for Power and Housing Manohar Lal Khattar has said he would take an impartial stand, as per the law, on the issue of handing over the 110 MW Shanan project back to Himachal Pradesh. A meeting with all partner states would be convened to take a decision on Himachals demand for 7.19% share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

There is a disagreement between Himachal and Punjab on the issue but as far as the Central government is concerned, we will have to file an affidavit in the Supreme Court that Punjab has approached," Khattar told the media.

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Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu has sought the Central governments intervention for securing the Shanan project.

Himachal Pradesh advocate general Anup Kumar Rattan said the state would oppose Haryanas application in the matter scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court on January 15.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 15:47 IST
PM Modi Dials BJP MPs Hurt In Big Showdown, Congress's Kharge Says He's Injured Too | Top Points

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 13:56 IST

PM Modi called up BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput after they were injured on the Parliament premises today. Mallikarjun Kharge also alleged he was injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L)/Mallikarjun Kharge (R) (Photos: PTI)

Hours after two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs  Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, were injured amid the jostling on the Parliament premises, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up both the MPs and enquired about their health.

The development was also confirmed by Dr Ajay Shukla at Delhis Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, who told reporters, He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) called up and inquired of the condition of both the MPs."

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He spoke with both of them and tried to make them understand to not worry and that they would be fine. They seem to be better now, their medical tests are being done," he said.

#WATCH | BJP MPs injured | Delhi: RML MS Dr Ajay Shukla says, He (PM called up) and inquired of the condition of both MPs. He spoke with both of themHe tried to make them understand to not worry and that they would be fineThey seem to be better now. Tests are being pic.twitter.com/7hO4oAPy5y ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

Sixty-nine-year-year-old Sarangi, a BJP member from Balasore in Odisha, suffered injuries on the left temple of his forehead. He was later wheeled off to an ambulance and taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment.

Listen as BJP MP Pratap Sarangi claims hes been assaulted by Rahul Gandhi.Rahul Gandhi denies the charge. pic.twitter.com/9HZ5x3FTGP Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) December 19, 2024

Later, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Pralhad Joshi met Sarangi and the hospital to inquire about his well-being.

News agency ANI quoted Dr Shukla at the RML Hospital as saying that Mukesh Rajput had fallen unconscious. He later gained consciousness but was dizzy and anxious. His blood pressure had also shot up.

MALLIKARJUN KHARGE ALLEGES HE WAS INJURED

Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, claiming he was physically pushed by BJP MPs on the Parliament premises following which he lost his balance.

Kharge asked the Lok Sabha Speaker to order an inquiry into the BJP MPs pushing" him, saying it was an assault not just on him but on the Rajya Sabha LoP and the Congress president.

My letter to the Honble Lok Sabha Speaker urging to order an inquiry into the incident which is an assault not just on me personally, but on the Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha and the Congress President," he wrote on X.

My letter to the Honble @loksabhaspeaker urging to order an inquiry into the incident which is an assault not just on me personally, but on the Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha and the Congress President. pic.twitter.com/gmILQdIDYW Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 19, 2024

CONGRESS MPs ALLEGE RAHUL GANDHI WAS ALSO INJURED

Some senior Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha also wrote to Speaker Birla alleging that Rahul Gandhi was physically manhandled" and urged him to take appropriate action.

We are writing to express our deep anguish regarding an incident that occurred on the premises of Parliament today. Members of the INDI Alliance were peacefully protesting and marching from the Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar statue to Makar Dwar."

However, as we attempted to enter the Parliament through Makar Dwar, the protesting MPs were physically obstructed from entering," the letter signed by Congress MPs KC Venugopal, Kudukunil Suresh, Ravindra Chavan Dean Kuriakose and VK Sreekandan read.

We would also like to bring to your notice that Shri Rahul Gandhi Leader of Opposition was physically manhandled by three MPs from the ruling party. This is a clear violation of the privileges extended to the Leader of Opposition and infringes on the rights accorded to him in his official capacity as an MP," it stated.

Their conduct was not only a blatant assault on the personal dignity of Rahul Gandhi but antithetical to the democratic spirit of our Parliament. We hope that you will treat this matter with utmost seriousness and take appropriate action," the MPs wrote in their letter to Birla.

WHAT HAPPENED AT PARLIAMENT?

The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition INDIA bloc MPs took out separate protest marches over the Ambedkar issue on Thursday and came face to face at the Makar Dwar of the Parliament House, leading to jostling in which two BJP MPs were injured.

They were taken to the hospital and alleged they were both pushed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Trouble began when the INDIA bloc members insisted on entering Parliament through the BJP MPs holding a protest instead of using the space left empty on one side of the staircase of the Makar Dwar, used by members to enter and exit the building.

RAHUL GANDHIs VERSION

Soon after BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was injured after Rahul Gandhi pushed him, the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition said that he was trying to go inside the Parliament and the incident happened when BJP MPs tried to push him.

Speaking to the media, Rahul Gandhi asserted that they have the right to go inside the Parliament.

This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, but BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me and threaten me. So this happened," Rahul Gandhi told reporters.

Also speaking on if Kharge was injured, Rahul Gandhi said, Yes, this has happened. But we do not get affected by jostling. But this is the entrance and we have the right to go in. BJP MPs were trying to stop us from going in. The central issue is that they are attacking the Constitution and insulting the memory of Ambedkar ji."

BR AMBEDKAR ROW

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While the ruling BJP MPs were protesting on the Parliament premises against the Congress party for insulting" Babasaheb Ambedkar, the INDIA bloc MPs demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar.

On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments, with the Congress and other Opposition members protesting against Shahs remark relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 13:21 IST
NDA, INDIA Bloc MPs Protest Over BR Ambedkar Row, Congress Seeks Amit Shah's Resignation

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 13:02 IST

Opposition MPs protested in the Parliament today, demanding Amit Shah's resignation over his remarks on BR Ambedkar. Meanwhile, the BJP leaders countered.

BR Ambedkar Row: Protests in Parliament (Photos: PTI)

INDIA bloc MPs, including the Congress Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest on the Parliament premises on Thursday, demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shahs resignation for his remarks related to the chief architect of the Constitution.

Simultaneously, parliamentarians of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also carried out a march on the Parliament premises, raising slogans and carrying placards demanding an apology from the Congress for allegedly insulting BR Ambedkar.

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The protesting INDIA bloc parliamentarians came face to face with the ruling coalition MPs in front of the Makar Dwar of the Parliament as the two sides engaged in loud sloganeering in a bid to outdo each other.

The INDIA bloc members first staged a protest at BR Ambedkars statue on the Parliament premises, carrying posters that read Main Bhi Ambedkar, Jai Bhim and Amit Shah maafi maango.

They then took out a protest march on the Parliament premises.

MPs of the Congress, MK Stalins Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Samajwadi Party (SP), the Left and NCP(SP), among others, participated in the protest.

Several Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K Kanimozhi, were seen wearing blue.

A video showed leaders of the INDIA bloc holding a protest march at the Babasaheb Ambedkar statue on the Parliament premises in Delhi.

#WATCH | Delhi | INDIA bloc holds protest march at Babasaheb Ambedkar statue in the Parliament complexThey will march to Makar Dwar, demanding an apology and resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar in Rajya Sabha. pic.twitter.com/4cmM90DWpY  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

Speaking to reporters, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray today said, Today, we are protesting for Dr BR Ambedkar. Yesterday, our Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) said that saying Ambedkar has become a fashion. This is not right. The person who gave us our Constitution and gave voice to crores of people is like God. The BJP should ask for his resignation."

VIDEO| Today, we are protesting for Dr BR Ambedkar. Yesterday, our Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) said that saying Ambedkar has become a fashion. This is not right. The person who gave us our Constitution and gave voice to crores of people is like God BJP should ask for pic.twitter.com/Rbv9jpWVYP Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 19, 2024

CONGRESS RECEIVES NOTICES FROM X

This comes a day after the Congress party and some of its leaders received notices from social media platform X, for sharing certain video clips of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on their handles.

News agency PTI quoted sources from within the Opposition and stated the communication by X referred to the notice it received from the Cyber Crime Coordination Centre of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the removal of the content shared by them, which violates the law of India.

In its communication to the Congress, X has also mentioned that it strongly believes in the freedom of speech and expression of its users through the platform.

Some Congress MPs and leaders had shared a video clip of Shahs reply to the debate on the Constitutions journey of 75 glorious years in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, in which he spoke about BR Ambedkar and attacked the Opposition over it.

Shah held a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters on Wednesday to make his stand clear. He alleged that the Congress leaders are twisting facts and distorting his comments on Ambedkar in Rajya Sabha.

The Home Minister alleged that the Congress launched the malicious campaign after the discussion on Constitution established" the opposition party as being anti-Ambedkar" and anti-reservation".

ROW OVER AMIT SHAHS REMARK IN RAJYA SABHA

A massive political row erupted on Wednesday as the Congress and other Opposition parties launched an all-out attack on Amit Shah for his remarks on BR Ambedkar and demanded his sacking, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top BJP leaders rallied to his defence and said he exposed the Congress anti-Ambedkar" stand.

As the Opposition parties unitedly protested against Shah and stalled both houses of Parliament, alleging that his remarks had insulted Ambedkar and demanding his apology, Shah said that the Congress had distorted his comments under a malicious campaign after the discussion on the Constitution established" that the opposition party was against Ambedkar and reservation.

Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress, saying its rotten ecosystem" and malicious lies" cannot hide its misdeeds and said the home minister had exposed the opposition partys dark history of insulting" Ambedkar.

They are clearly stung and stunned by the facts he presented, which is why they are now indulging in theatrics. Sadly, for them, people know the truth," PM Modi said in a series of posts on X.

When it comes to Ambedkar, his governments respect and reverence are absolute, the Prime Minister asserted.

Parties like the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Samajwadi Party (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Left protested against Shah inside Parliament and outside.

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Trinamool Congress MP Derek OBrien submitted a notice to move a privilege motion against Shah in the Rajya Sabha, where the Home Minister made the remarks.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge warned that there will be a countrywide agitation if Shah does not resign.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 10:13 IST
'Engine Malfunction, Craft Lost Control': Navy Reveals What Caused Mumbai Boat Accident

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2024, 23:54 IST

The accident led to the loss of 13 lives, including a Naval personnel and two from the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) on board the Naval craft.

The Neelkamal ferry was on way to Elephanta Islands, a popular tourist destination near Mumbai, when the speed boat crashed into it around 4 pm. (Image: PTI)

Thirteen people died and 101 others were rescued after a Navy craft crashed into a ferry off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday afternoon. At about 4 pm, a Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry named NeelKamal".

The accident took place off Karanja near Mumbai. The ferry was reportedly carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.

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Naval Craft Lost Control

Following the accident, the Indian Navy in a statement acknowledged that the naval craft lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to engine malfunction. As a result, the boat collided with a passenger ferry which subsequently capsized.

Search and rescue efforts were immediately launched by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, one Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats were involved in the rescue efforts," the Navy said.

The survivors picked up by Navy and civil craft in the area have been transferred to jetties and hospitals in the vicinity. So far 101 survivors have been rescued," it added.

13 People, Including 3 From Navy, Dead

The accident led to the loss of 13 lives, including a Naval personnel and two from the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) on board the Naval craft, news agency PTI reported.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur that 101 persons have been rescued.

Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the collision between passenger ferry and Indian Navy craft in Mumbai Harbour. Injured personnel, including naval personnel and civilians from both vessels, are receiving urgent medical care," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X.

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Extensive search & rescue efforts are ongoing by the Indian Navy & Coast Guard, deploying multiple assets, to locate missing persons," Singh added.

Fadnavis said 13 persons, including 10 civilians and three from the Navy, were declared dead by Naval doctors till 7.30 pm. Two seriously injured personnel from the Navy are admitted to the naval hospital.

He said the Navy, Coast Guard and Mumbai Police launched rescue operations immediately.

Four naval helicopters and 11 crafts were pressed into service. The rescue operations are underway, he said.

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Fadnavis declared financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of victims of the extremely unfortunate" tragedy from the CMs Relief Fund.

(With inputs from PTI)

First Published: December 18, 2024, 23:53 IST
Goal Of Terror-free J&K To Be Achieved Soon, Says Amit Shah At High-level Review Meet

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 22:12 IST

Shah directed all security agencies to maintain coordinated efforts to eradicate terrorism and stressed the importance of implementing the Area Domination Plan and Zero Terror Plan in a mission-oriented manner

The Home Minister highlighted the central government's commitment, emphasising that through the joint efforts of all security forces, there is a determination to eliminate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. (Photo: X/@AmitShah)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday expressed confidence that the goal of achieving a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir" will soon be realised and instructed security agencies to ensure complete dominance over terrorism in the region.

During a high-level meeting at the Home Ministry to assess the security situation in the Union Territory, Shah said in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modis zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, we will achieve the goal of terror-free Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest." He assured that all necessary resources will be allocated to support this mission, an official statement from the ministry said.

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The Home Minister highlighted the central governments commitment, emphasising that through the joint efforts of all security forces, there is a determination to eliminate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

He noted the remarkable participation of the local population in both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections as a testament to their faith in democracy.

The Home Minister commended the security agencies for their success in significantly reducing terrorist incidents, infiltration and youth recruitment into terrorist organisations.

He said that sustained efforts by the Modi government have nearly dismantled the terrorism ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.

Shah directed all security agencies to maintain coordinated efforts to eradicate terrorism and stressed the importance of implementing the Area Domination Plan and Zero Terror Plan in a mission-oriented manner.

Chaired a security review meeting for Jammu and Kashmir today, along with the Lt. Governor and senior officials.Under PM Modi Jis vision of building a peaceful and secure J&K, our security agencies have nearly destroyed the terror ecosystem. Appreciated the agencies for the pic.twitter.com/Q9afjxTfHG  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 19, 2024

The meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director (IB), RAW Chief, Chief of Army Staff, GOC-in-C (Northern Command), DGMO, Chief Secretary and DGP of Jammu and Kashmir Nalin Prabhat, heads of CAPFs and other senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This was Shahs first meeting to review the security situation in the Union Territory after the recent assembly elections that brought to power the National Conference government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

After the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two UTs in 2019, law and order in Jammu and Kashmir comes under the central government.

The meeting comes on a day when five terrorists of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen were gunned down by security forces in South Kashmir.

Ahead of this security review meeting, the Home Minister met Abdullah.

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Later talking to reporters about the militancy situation in the Union Territory, the chief minister said security and law and order are the responsibility of the lieutenant governor.

I have always said and I told the home minister that you cannot fight militancy and terrorism in a vacuum, you will have to take the public of Jammu and Kashmir in confidence they will also have to be brought into this battle, and for that, you will have to take into confidence their elected representatives and their elected government," Abdullah, who was not part of the review meeting, said.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 22:12 IST
KUNMING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Amid the serene countryside of southwest China's Yunnan Province, 79-year-old Qi Zhengzhong has noticed a recent resurgence of youth and activity in his community. In recent years, the influx of young people returning to their roots, along with an increase in urban visitors, has transformed the landscape of many neighborhoods in rural China. This promising shift is attributed in large part to the rising trend of Chinese urbanites seeking rural sojourns. Qi's home, a refurbished traditional house now brimming with succulents, has become a green oasis. His grandson and granddaughter-in-law have opened a pastoral restaurant, serving both locals and travelers from all over the country. "I used to only speak dialect when I went out, but now I need to learn some Mandarin," said the elderly man. Tuguachong Village, just 5 kilometers from the nearest county seat and less than 20 kilometers from the center of the city of Qujing, boasts a prime location. However, the convenience of moving to the city for work had led many young locals to range farther, leaving over 120 old houses vacant and turning the village into a "hollow" one. This year, Malong County introduced companies like Yunnan Ruogu Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd., to revamp the village's empty housing. The government pooled funds to improve local public infrastructure, while the village collective rented and renovated the houses, and the companies took care of interior decoration and operation management. Under such a cooperation pattern, the company has upgraded 77 old, vacant houses in Tuguachong, including 37 for accommodation and 40 for business use. "We aimed to maintain the village's overall style, preserve their nostalgia, and enhance the convenience and comfort of living," said Zhong Peng, head of Yunnan Ruogu Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd. From the very early stage of the rural renovation project, they have positioned the village as a leisure destination to attract long-term tourists looking for a migratory lifestyle in the countryside. Rural sojourns have become a trendy tourism option among urban dwellers, integrating living, leisure, vacation and recuperation, while injecting new vitality into China's countryside. Tuguachong has seen old houses rejuvenated, while modern businesses like bookstores, coffee shops and art spaces have been added. Since early summer this year, travelers from other provincial-level regions, including Hunan, Chongqing, Heilongjiang and Guangdong, have started renting homes in the village, some with leases of up to a decade. "The tranquility away from the big city's hustle and bustle and the pastoral atmosphere are what I love most," said Zhou Dazheng, a traveler from central China's Hunan Province who has opted to settle here for a while, as a break from the city. She particularly enjoys cooking with a view of the rice fields and flowers just outside the kitchen. Many young people who once left for work have returned to start businesses, injecting some bustle and life into the once-quiet village, according to Zhang Zhengbing, head of the Tuguachong Community. In Zhonghe Village, in Yunnan's city of Dali, more than 1,000 new residents have arrived thanks to their migratory lifestyle, surpassing the original 600 villagers. Of the newcomers, more than 100 people are well-known artists from across China. Since 2015, the village has integrated and revitalized idle old houses, preserving traditional styles while incorporating art and intangible cultural heritage elements. It has opened 56 courtyards to artists nationwide, gradually attracting thousands of travelers to "settle down." Meanwhile, 35 inns, five catering businesses, five travel photography companies, one training school and one animation studio have set up in Zhonghe, turning it into a renowned "art village," said Du Wu, head of the Zhonghe Community. A report released by the China Tourism Academy in August showed that some 13 percent of such migratory travelers in China identify the countryside as their preferred destination. With the deepening of rural revitalization, the transportation, public facilities and supporting services in China's rural areas have significantly improved, meeting the needs of the sojourn travelers for a quality and convenient lifestyle, said Meng Rui, head of the tourism academy's Kunming branch. Coupled with the relaxing pace of rural life, which is highly attractive to urban populations, the rural sojourn tourism sector is expected to signal a new direction for rural tourism and construction, Meng added.
Five Terrorists Killed, Two Jawans Wounded During Encounter In Jammu & Kashmir's Kulgam

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 10:50 IST

Security forces killed five terrorists in an encounter in Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir. Two army men were also wounded during the encounter.

Encounter between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam (Photo: PTI)

Five terrorists were killed during an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district on Thursday. Two jawans were also wounded during the encounter, and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

A cordon-and-search operation was launched at Kadder in the Behibagh area of the district in the wee hours of Thursday after the security forces had received information about the presence of nearly five terrorists in the vicinity.

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The search operation soon turned into an encounter, as the terrorists opened fire at the security forces.

A video from the spot showed security forces in the area.

#WATCH | J&K | Visuals from Kulgam district where an encounter broke out between security forces and terroristsOn 19 Dec 2024, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation launched by Indian Army & J&K Police at Kader, Kulgam. pic.twitter.com/VTmgJZ1TfE  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

The killed terrorists were yet to be identified.

A search operation in the area was underway.

Meanwhile, another video showed civilians being rescued by security forces in Kulgam after the encounter was over.

VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir: Security forces rescue civilians in Kulgam as an encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the district.Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation at Kadder in the Behibagh area of the district yesterday night pic.twitter.com/pMNp5D3OSQ  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 19, 2024

On December 13, the Jammu and Kashmir Police attached a residential property in Kulgam district where four militants were killed in an encounter in July.

The single-storey house was attached under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

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The property is registered in the name of Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Chenigam, Frisal. The property was attached as its owner allegedly provided shelter to the four terrorists who were neutralised in the house on July 6, 2024, he added.

The action represented a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into unlawful and subversive activities in the district, police told news agency PTI.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 08:31 IST
Longest Surviving Hizbul Commander Farooq Nali Killed In Kashmir Gunfight Along With 4 Terrorists

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 15:19 IST

Farooq Nali was involved in many terror-related incidents, including attacks on civilians as well as on security forces, while planning and luring youth.

Farooq Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Gani Bhat, a resident of the Check Dessan area of Kulgam, was active since 2015 when terror commander Burhan Wani shot to fame.

The chase to kill Kashmirs longest-surviving terrorist has ended with the killing of top Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Commander Farooq Bhat, alias Nali, who was the most wanted in Jammu and Kashmir. Along with Farooq, four other local terrorists were also killed in an early morning operation launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Police along with the Indian Army in the Kulgam district of Kashmir.

A top police officer, while confirming to News18, said that Farooq Nali was the most wanted terrorist and one of the longest-surviving in the Valley. Nali was involved in many terror-related incidents, including attacks on civilians as well as on security forces, while planning and luring youth. His death is a big achievement for the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the security forces as a whole, an official told News18.

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Acting on an input generated by the security forces about the presence of terrorists in the Kadder area before sunrise, a joint team moved close to the house where the terrorists were hiding. The forces installed lights, and an exchange of gunfire ensued. The gunfire continued for a while, and the terrorists came out, opening indiscriminate fire which was retaliated," sources said, adding that two Indian Army men sustained injuries in the gunfire and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

As the sun rose on a chilly winter morning, security forces were able to spot bodies using a drone, with AK rifles next to them.

Who was Farooq Bhat alias Farooq Nali?

Farooq Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Gani Bhat, a resident of the Check Dessan area of Kulgam, was active since 2015 when terror commander Burhan Wani shot to fame. He has been held responsible for attacking and orchestrating attacks on civilians and security forces in Kashmir.

He was categorised as an A++ terrorist who featured in the top 10 most wanted terrorists in 2021, which included several veteran terrorists and three new recruits. Most of them were killed, but Farooq survived. He was believed to have escaped from encounters and traps laid by the forces at different locations.

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The killing of Farooq will act as a blow to Hizb, as he was an important figure in the ranks responsible for planning attacks, a source said.

An identification card recovered from him carried two pictures of the tricolor at the top, which was aimed at disguising him from the forces. Both the voter ID and the locally made ID featured his clean-shaven pictures.

Location : Srinagar, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 15:19 IST
Mumbai Boat Accident: 2 Kids Among 13 Killed, PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Ex Gratia

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 13:26 IST

Mumbai Boat Capsize: According to sources, seven men, four women, and two children were among the dead

The Neelkamal ferry was on way to Elephanta Islands, a popular tourist destination near Mumbai, when the speed boat crashed into it around 4 pm. (Photo: News18+PTI)

Mumbai Ferry Tragedy: Thirteen people, including 10 civilians and three Navy personnel, died and 101 others were rescued after a ferry capsized while en route to Elephanta Island from Mumbais iconic Gateway of India, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday.

According to sources, seven men, four women, and two children were among the dead.

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Around 4 pm, a Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with passenger ferry Neel Kamal near Jawahar Dweep (Butcher Island) near Mumbai, the Navy said in a statement. According to sources, the ferry was carrying more people than its capacity of 90 people and there were lapses in safety measures of the boat.

#WATCH | Mumbai Boat Accident | Morning visuals from Gateway of IndiaYesterday a Navy boat collided with Neelkamal passenger vessel at around 3:55 pm, near Jawahar Dweep (Butcher Island) 101 people have been rescued safely and 13 people have died. Among the 13 deceased, 10 pic.twitter.com/EaKVnR1ycd  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

The ferry was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination.

Search and Rescue efforts were immediately launched by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, one Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats were involved in the rescue efforts," the Navy said.

Watch the moment a Navy speed boat collides with a ferry near Gateway of India, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai.Tragic accident causes ferry to capsize leading to casualties. pic.twitter.com/Dm0itvgsT8 Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) December 18, 2024

The survivors picked up by Navy and civil craft in the area have been transferred to jetties and hospitals in the vicinity. So far 101 survivors have been rescued," it added.

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Here are the top developments so far.

Following the accident, the Indian Navy in a statement acknowledged that the naval craft lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to engine malfunction. As a result, the boat collided with a passenger ferry which subsequently capsized.

The Prime Minister has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh fromPrime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PMO said.

The families of the deceased will receive financial assistance of 5 lakh from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund, CM Fadnavis said.

Four of the six persons onboard the Navy boat which rammed into the ferry have lost their lives while one of them is critically injured. The ferry had approximately 110 passengers including 20 children.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawans swiftly rescued 56 individuals from a ferry hit by a Navy craft off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday, officials said.

CISF stated its jawans sailed to the accident spot near Butcher Island, approximately 6 km from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, in a patrolling boat and carried out rescue operations.

The Navy and Coast Guard launched a massive rescue operation, with 11 Navy boats and three boats of Marine Police and a boat of Coast Guard being deployed in the area, a defence official said. Four helicopters were involved in the search and rescue operation, the official said.

Authorities on Thursday made life jackets mandatory for all people taking boat rides from the Gateway of India.

Some tourists, however, said the life jackets would be of help only if people know how to use them. The authorities should instruct people how to use the life jackets in case of an emergency, they said. Some survivors of the tragedy on Wednesday claimed the ferry did not have enough life jackets.

FIR under Cr no 283/24 u/s 106(1), 125 (a) (b), 282, 324 (3)(5) of BNS has been registered in Colaba Police Station in relation to the incident of Neelkamal boat capsizing against Navy speed boat driver and responsible others, on the complaint of survivor Natharam Chaudhary.

The search and rescue operations resumed on Thursday morning to trace out at least two tourists still missing after an Indian Navy speedboat crashed into a passenger ferry off the Gateway of India in the Arabian Sea.

The drivers of a couple of boats who were among the first to reach the site of the accident between a ferry and a Navy craft off the Mumbai coast said they never witnessed such a horrific event in their lives. Arif Bamane, a driver of the Mumbai Port Trust (MBPT) pilot boat Poorva, said, When we reached there, the situation was tragic and completely chaotic. People were screaming for help, and some were crying," he said.

Iqbal Gothekar, a driver of a small tourist boat, told PTI that about 25-30 minutes after his boat departed from Elephanta Island at around 3.35 pm, he learned of the incident and was one of the first to reach the accident site. Gothekar, who has been a boat driver since 2004, said the people on the capsized boat were frantically waving their hands for help.

There were three foreign nationals in the boat, a German and two Canadian citizens. They were also rescued. Statements of nine people have been recorded.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 07:54 IST
Mumbai Tragedy: Ferry Was Overcrowded, Passengers Given Life Jackets After Accident, Say Police Sources

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 13:26 IST

At least 13 people have died and two others are in critical condition after a collision between ferry Neelkamal, which was headed to Elephanta Caves, and a navy speedboat conducting a trial drive

Passengers being rescued after a ferry capsized off Mumbai coast when a Navy craft crashed into it in Mumbai. (PTI)

The ferry that collided with a Navy speedboat in Mumbais Colaba on Wednesday was carrying over 110 passengers against the permitted limit of 90, which included six crew members, preliminary probe has revealed.

Sources in the Mumbai Police also told News18 that according to rules, passengers are supposed to wear life jackets once they sit in the ferry. However, life jackets were given to them after the accident in clear violation of rules.

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At least 13 people have died and two others are in critical condition after a collision between the ferry Neelkamal, which was headed to the Elephanta Caves  a popular tourist destination  and a navy speedboat that was conducting a trial drive. The caves, located on an island in the Sea of Oman and a short ferry ride from Mumbai, are one of the citys most popular tourist destinations and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Two passengers, a man and a child, are still missing a day after the accident, police said on Thursday. They have been identified as 43-year-old Hansraj Bhati and seven-year-old Johan Mohammad Nisar Ahmed Pathan, the police said.

Sources said police have so far recorded statements of nine individuals regarding the accident, which also involved three foreign nationalstwo from Germany and one from Canada.

Six individuals were aboard the Navy trial boat during the accident of whom four lost their lives and two sustained serious injuries. Of the 13 fatalities, eight bodies have been handed over to the families.

Sources also said Mumbai Police will inspect the Navys trial boat involved in the accident and get in touch with navy officials for necessary permissions and details.

TRAGIC, CHAOTIC

The drivers of some boats who rushed to help the victims after the accident said they had never witnessed such a horrific incident in their lives.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Arif Bamane, a driver of the Mumbai Port Trust (MBPT) pilot boat Poorva, said: When we reached there, the situation was tragic and completely chaotic. People were screaming for help, and some were crying."

With 18 years of boat driving experience, Bamane said he had witnessed small rescue operations before but Wednesdays incident was the most horrific and tragic.

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Iqbal Gothekar, the driver of a small tourist boat, told PTI that 25-30 minutes after his boat departed from the Elephanta Island at 3.35pm, he learned about the incident and was one of the first to reach the accident site. He said the passengers were frantically waving their hands for help and his boat rescued 16 people, bringing them safely to the Gateway of India.

(With PTI inputs)

First Published: December 19, 2024, 13:24 IST
My Dignity Hurt: BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Says Rahul Gandhi Made Her Feel Uncomfortable

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 19:29 IST

Parliament Winter Session is coming to its end with several controversies hitting both ruling and Opposition benches. The latest row erupted over woman BJP MP's claims that Rahul Gandhi made her feel uncomfortable.

Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi (Photo: Sansad TV/PTI)

Parliament Winter Session: Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak on Thursday charged that Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi misbehaved" with her and his physical proximity" made her feel uncomfortable while protesting in the Parliament complex.

She wrote a letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, alleging that her dignity and self-esteem were deeply hurt by the Lok Sabha LoPs behaviour.

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Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak writes to the Chairman Rajya Sabha alleging misbehaviour by Congress MP and LoP Rahul Gandhi with her.My dignity and self-esteem has been deeply hurt by LoP Rahul Gandhi," she writes in the letter to Chairman Rajya Sabha. pic.twitter.com/zPOI5FeR6d  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

What Did She Allege?

The Nagaland MP said that she was taking part in a protest near the staircase of Makar Dwar of the Parliament building when the security personnel created a passage to the entrance.

Suddenly, Leader of Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji along with other Party Members came in front of me despite there being a passage created for them," she wrote.

She alleged that Rahul Gandhi misbehaved" with her in a loud voice. and his physical proximity to me was so close that I being a lady member felt extremely uncomfortable. I stepped aside with heavy heart and denouncing my democratic rights but felt that no Member of Parliament should behave this way," she wrote.

She further mentioned that she belonged to the ST community in her state, and with alleged misbehaviour by Rahul, her dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt".

Therefore, Honble Chairman sir, I seek your protection," she wrote.

WATCH VIDEO

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Congress Responds To Allegations

Refuting the allegations against Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Hibi Eden wrote to the Lok Sabha Speaker, and said that the allegation levelled by her is entirely fabricated and devoid of facts and is a malicious attempt at belittling the integrity of Leader of Opposition."

First Published: December 19, 2024, 15:03 IST
Opposition's No-Confidence Motion Against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Dismissed

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 16:12 IST

The Rajya Sabha deputy chairman ruled that the impeachment notice against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was an act of impropriety, being severely flawed and drawn in haste to mar his reputation

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar (Photo: Sansad TV)

Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh on Thursday dismissed the no-confidence motion submitted by the opposition against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. He ruled that it was an act of impropriety, being severely flawed and drawn in haste to mar his reputation.

In his ruling, which was tabled in the House by Rajya Sabha secretary general PC Mody, Harivansh said the impeachment notice against Dhankhar was aimed at damaging the constitutional institution of the country and deserves to be and is hereby dismissed".

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At least 60 opposition members had signed the notice on December 10, alleging that they did not have trust in him and that he was biased".

The deputy chairman ruled that the gravity of this personally targeted" notice was bereft of facts and aimed at securing publicity. He held that it was a misadventure" in deliberate trivialising and demeaning" of the high constitutional office of the Vice President of the largest democracy.

He further said it was worrisome, particularly for the prestige of Parliament and its members, that the notice is replete with assertions only to malign the incumbent Vice President. He was entrusted to deal with the notice after Dhankhar recused himself from it.

After the dismissal of the no-confidence motion against Dhankhar, Congress general secretary incharge Jairam Ramesh accused Harivansh of taking liberties with facts" in his ruling with reference to a press conference he held on December 12.

The ruling given by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha today on the motion of no confidence in the Chairman submitted by INDIA parties contains a reference to some remarks made by me in a press conference held on Dec 12, 2024. This reference takes liberties with facts  to put it mildly," he said in a post on X.

The ruling given by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha today on the motion of no confidence in the Chairman submitted by INDIA parties contains a reference to some remarks made by me in a press conference held on Dec 12, 2024. This reference takes liberties with facts  to pic.twitter.com/2DFWa5z1V6 Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) December 19, 2024

His social media post is about a letter he said he had written to Dhankhar on December 14, the contents of which the Rajya Sabha chairman agreed with and told him twice  on December 17 and 18  to bury" the letter and even apologised to him for it.

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Ramesh alleged that the contents of the letter had been misrepresented in the deputy chairmans ruling and there could be only one source" for it. Hence, he was forced to make his letter written to Dhankhar public.

(With PTI inputs)

First Published: December 19, 2024, 15:38 IST
Mumbai Boat Accident Responders Recall Horror: People Screamed, Frantically Waved At Us

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 11:27 IST

Arif Bamane, a driver of the Mumbai Port Trust pilot boat Poorva, described the scene as tragic and chaotic upon their arrival

The Neelkamal ferry was on way to Elephanta Islands, a popular tourist destination near Mumbai, when the speed boat crashed into it around 4 pm. (Image: PTI)

Some boat drivers, who rushed to help victims after a ferry capsized while en route to Elephanta Island from Mumbais iconic Gateway of India on Wednesday evening, said they had never witnessed such a horrific incident in their lives. They said people were screaming and frantically waving to secure help.

Thirteen people, including 10 civilians and three Navy personnel, died and 101 others were rescued after a ferry capsized, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday. According to sources, seven men, four women, and two children were among the dead.

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Around 4 pm, a Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with passenger ferry Neel Kamal near Jawahar Dweep (Butcher Island) near Mumbai, the Navy said in a statement.

Arif Bamane, a driver of the Mumbai Port Trust (MBPT) pilot boat Poorva, described the scene as tragic and chaotic upon their arrival. People were screaming for help, and some were crying," he said, recalling seeing a young girl lying motionless, her lungs filled with water.

Bamane and other rescuers performed chest compressions and helped her start breathing again. Gradually, her breathing returned to normal.

Priority was rescuing women & kids

Bamane shared that their priority was rescuing women and children. He mentioned that a fishing trawler and another tourist boat had already reached the scene before them. He and his team had been heading back to Mumbai from Jawahar Deep on Wednesday evening when the control room notified them of the accident and instructed them to head to the area near JD5 as quickly as possible. Despite having only four people aboard their boat, they did everything they could to help the stranded individuals before other boats arrived. Among those calling for help were three to four foreigners, he noted.

We tried to save as many people as possible," Bamane added, explaining that they rescued around 20 to 25 individuals, who were later transferred to naval boats that arrived on the scene.

With 18 years of experience as a boat driver, Bamane said he had been part of smaller rescue operations in the past, but this one was the most horrifying and tragic. This is the biggest rescue operation Ive ever seen," he remarked.

Iqbal Gothekar, the driver of a small tourist boat, told PTI that about 25 to 30 minutes after departing from Elephanta Island at 3:35 pm, he learned about the incident and was among the first to reach the site. The people on the capsized boat were frantically waving their hands for help," said Gothekar, a Raigad district native who has been a boat driver since 2004. He mentioned that a fishing trawler had also arrived by the time they reached the spot.

Gothekars boat rescued 16 individuals, bringing them safely to the Gateway of India, where they were handed over to the police. In my career, Ive never witnessed anything like this," he said, reflecting on the tragedy.

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The capsized ferry, with a capacity of 80 people, had departed from the Gateway of India for Elephanta Island about 45 minutes before the accident, which occurred near Butcher Island, according to sources.

(With agency inputs)

First Published: December 19, 2024, 10:22 IST
Thieves Drill Two-Foot Hole Into Surat Bank Locker Room, Steal Cash & Jewellery Worth Millions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 20, 2024, 00:06 IST

The robbers made a two-foot hole in a wall to get into the locker area and smashed the bank's alarm.

The robbery took place at the Union Bank of India in Surat. (Image: Shutterstock/Representative)

In a crime that went unnoticed and left police searching for evidence, a group of robbers drilled a massive hole in the wall of a Union Bank of India (UBI) branch in Surat, shattered six lockers, and took cash, jewellry, and other valuables worth millions of rupees.

The banking employees discovered the robbery at Kim Crossroads on Tuesday morning. The incident reportedly occurred between the intervening nights of Monday and Tuesday.

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According to NDTV, an electric cutter that may have been used to shatter the lockers was also discovered there.

As per the police, the robbers made a two-foot hole in a wall to get into the locker area. They smashed the banks alarm and cut connections to turn off surveillance cameras to reduce the chance of being caught.

Reportedly, the group of thieves broke six of the 70 lockers and took possession of the items, which mostly consisted of cash and jewellry, and then ran away.

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The police is investigating the matter and is scanning CCTV footages of the nearby area.

There was no security guard on the spot. We are checking CCTVs that are installed near the bank. A probe is underway," Surat District Police Chief Hitesh Joysar said.

Location : Surat, India

First Published: December 20, 2024, 00:06 IST
Mango Pickle To Porn Star Martini, Indias Most Googled Recipes Of 2024 Revealed

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 17:25 IST

The top searched recipes are a beautiful amalgamation of Indian flavours and new-age preferences for varied food choices.

The classic mango pickle was one of the most searched recipes on Google.

Google has now revealed its Year in Search for 2024 and here are the trends which focused on the Indian cuisine that stormed the year. The top searched recipes are a beautiful amalgamation of Indian flavours and new-age preferences for varied food choices. Below is a list of the top 10 recipes that garnered attention all over the country:

Top 10 Googled Recipes in India for 2024

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Porn Star Martini

It is a bright blend of passion fruit, vanilla, and sparkling wine that just turned into a modern classic and soared to the top in India. It gained great momentum and popularity when it became the current craze for social get-togethers and parties.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Delish (@delish)

Mango Pickle

Among Indian households, mango pickle or aam ka achaar remains the most favourite dish because of its sour and spicy taste. It is considered to be an essential condiment during the summer.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aarti Madan (@aartimadan)

Dhaniya Panjiri

Prepared mainly with coriander seeds, this sweet dish is prepared especially for Janmashtami. It was the favourite of Lord Krishna, and people relished the rich flavour and nutrition contained within it.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vandana Garg (@yumfood_artz)

Ugadi Pachadi

A unique dish made for the Telugu New Year, Ugadi Pachadi is made with neem flowers, raw mango, jaggery, and spices. It depicts the bitter nature of life and is one of the main courses of the festival.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vismai Food (@vismaifoodies)

Charnamrit

This holy drink, also called Panchamrit, is prepared by mixing milk, curd, honey, basil leaves, and Ganga jal. Normally, it is made for religious festivals like Guru Purnima and Janmashtami.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hebbars Kitchen (@hebbars.kitchen)

Ema Datshi

It is a spicy Bhutanese stew made with hot chilli peppers and cheese. It became very popular in India after the actress Deepika Padukone mentioned in one interview that she liked it, and then it went viral.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mahima Dhoot (@diningwithdhoot)

Flat White

The flat white made news when Google Doodle celebrated it in March 2024. The combination of espresso and steamed milk turned out to be a hit for most coffee lovers.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coffee | Latte | Cappuccino (@caffieneeds)

Kanji

It is a traditional North Indian fermented drink made with water, carrots, beetroot, mustard seeds, and asafoetida. Its unique tangy taste makes it a popular choice during winter months.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Malvika Hada Kumar | Recipe Developer (@thespicystory)

Shankarpali

These diamond-shaped sweet biscuits are mainly prepared during festivals like Diwali and Holi. The crispy nature and easy preparation make them a very popular snack among people.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shweta Arora | Recipe Developer (@shwetainthekitchen)

Chammanthi Podi

Chammanthi Podi is an all-time Kerala chutney powder, prepared using coconut and spices. This podi with a mix of rice or dosa gives an explosive flavour. Since it can be used in many ways, the consumption of this increased gradually in the year 2024.

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So, these were the top 10 delicacies that grabbed the nations attention.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 17:25 IST
Do Not Disturb, Shilpa Shetty Is Channelling The Energy Of The Sun, Know Its Benefits

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Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 17:11 IST

Dressed in a bright yellow athleisure outfit, the actress began her day by offering water to the sun. Then, she began her solid workout game by performing sun salutation, aka Surya Namaskar.

Surya Namaskar comprises 8 asanas woven into a sequence of 12 steps on each side.

Shilpa Shetty is undoubtedly a fitness fanatic, and yoga is an integral part of her routine. Her refreshing take on fitness and wellness is truly unmatched. Whether she is sweating it out at the gym with her intense workouts or practicing a yoga asana, the actress never disappoints fans with her workout diaries. Now, the actress has dropped a video where she was seen Channeling the energy of the sun. Dressed in a bright yellow athleisure outfit, the actress began her day by offering water to the sun. Then, she began her solid workout game by performing sun salutation, aka Surya Namaskar.

Sharing the video, Shilpa Shetty wrote, Channelling the energy of the sun with positivity and purpose this Monday. Lets shine brighter!"

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shilpa Shetty Kundra (@theshilpashetty)

Benefits of Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)

Sun Salutation, or Surya Namaskar, is a powerful yoga practice that offers a multitude of physical and mental health benefits. This asana comprises a total of 8 asanas woven into a sequence of 12 steps for each side. Lets explore the advantages of why Sun Salutation has been considered for centuries.

Boosts Energy Levels: The dynamic movements engage multiple muscle groups, providing a natural energy boost. The controlled breathing during the Surya Namaskar oxygenates your body, increasing your attention and energy levels.

Improved Flexibility: Each pose in Surya Namaskar targets specific muscle groups, and the flowing sequence of poses stretches and lengthens the entire body, enhancing flexibility. The gentle stretching motions release tension in your joints and muscles, which reduces the risk of injuries, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle.

Better Posture: Surya Namaskar helps align the spine and improve posture, especially for those having desk jobs. By strengthening the core and back muscles, this asana encourages an upright posture.

Improved Digestion: Certain poses in Surya Namaskar stimulate the digestive organs, aiding in better digestion. This can alleviate common digestive issues like bloating and constipation and help you stay healthy.

Weight Management: Regular practice can help burn calories effectively and maintain a healthy weight. It promotes weight loss by increasing your metabolism and encouraging fat loss.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety: When your body and mind are totally focused, you get a much-needed break that can help calm the mind and reduce stress.

Before this, the actress had our attention with a Monday Motivation where she started the week with Spinal Wave Flow. Dropping the video of her yoga session on Instagram, Shilpa demonstrated the pitch-perfect way to practice the Spinal Wave Flow. The clip showed the yogini starting the asana with her hands and feet on the yoga mat. She, then, begins in a childs pose position, with her knees wide, hips sitting back, and arms stretching forward. Now, she curls her tailbone under and rolls forward into a cat pose while also breathing deeply.

Sharing the video, Shilpa explained, The Spinal Wave Flow is a technique designed to release blockages in the spine and trigger a spinal wave. The goal of this movement is to create relief in the nervous system and encourage the body to release stressors."

It also serves as a reminder that, like waves, nothing in life is permanent. Be present in the moment. Rise like a wave, but also flow like water," her inspiring note added.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shilpa Shetty Kundra (@theshilpashetty)

Practicing spinal wave flow can increase flexibility and release tension in your spine while also strengthening the core muscle. This yoga asana also helps to relieve aches and twitches around the spine.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 17:11 IST
Radhika Apte Gets Candid About The 'Tough Parts' Of Her Pregnancy: 'I Had Shooting Pains...'

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Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 08:54 IST

Radhika Apte recently got candid about the changes her body went through during pregnancy. She talked about how harsh she was to her body when she put on weight.

Radhika Apte welcomed a baby girl with Benedict Taylor on December 15.

Radhika Apte recently surprised her fans by sharing a picture of herself with her baby girl on Instagram. She welcomed her daughter with British violinist and composer Benedict Taylor on December 15. In a recent interview, the actor got candid about her pregnancy journey and spoke about the myriad changes that her body went through.

In a conversation with Vogue India, Radhika Apte talked about how she knew she was pregnant immediately and started telling people about it. She opened up about how her body changed during pregnancy and how she struggled to accept her body then. She said, I did this photo shoot a week before giving birth. Truth is, I struggled to embrace how I looked at the time. I had never seen myself put on so much weight. My body was swollen, I had shooting pains in my pelvis, and the lack of sleep had skewed my perspective on everything. Now, not even two weeks into motherhood, my body looks different again."

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashish Shah (@ashishisshah)

Apte added that she was harsh on herself during her pregnancy and continued, I look at these photos with much kinder eyes and feel bad for being so hard on myself. Now, I can see only beauty in these changes, and I know I will cherish these photos forever."

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In the same conversation, she spoke about the hormonal changes that she went through during this period. She added, Most women I know have had tough pregnancies, and honestly, its like menopause or your periodthose hormones are no joke. But while we openly talk about how awful periods and menopause are, pregnancy gets this whole glow treatment. Sure, giving birth is amazing, but no one talks about the tough parts, and I find that absurd."

Apte married Taylor in 2012. The couple met in London.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 08:54 IST
Inside Kriti Sanons Chic Wedding Guest Looks For Rumoured Beau Kabir Bahias Family Wedding

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Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 09:41 IST

Kriti Sanon shared a series of pictures where she gave her fans a closer look at what she wore for rumoured beau Kabir Bahia's relative's wedding.

Kriti Sanon stuck to classic Indian silhouettes with a modern twist.

Kriti Sanon is rumoured to be dating UK-based entrepreneur Kabir Bahia. While she has not confirmed her relationship, she was recently seen attending her rumoured beaus relatives wedding. Pictures of the actor from the wedding have gone viral on social media. Amidst this, Sanon took to her Instagram to share a carousel post where she showed all the outfits she wore to the wedding.

Taking to her Instagram, Kriti Sanon shared a post with three different ethnic looks that she rocked for the different wedding ceremonies. She wrote, Theres something about Indian weddings and dancing on Oh Ho Ho Ho by Sukhbir! Whats your fav shaadi song?" Lets take a closer look at her wedding guest lookbook.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon)

Pretty In Pink

The first picture shows the actor donning a pink georgette saree that she had paired with an embellished bralette. She was styled by Sukriti Grover in this classic Manish Malhotra creation. The semi-sheer georgette saree was adorned with pink beads on the borders and it also featured beaded tassels that was embellished on the pallu. While the saree was simple and plain, the blouse had all the drama. The blouse featured a plunging neckline, tassels on the back, a cropped midriff-baring hem, and a fitted silhouette. She accessorized her look with pink stone earrings, a dainty bracelet, and embroidered juttis. For the makeup, Kriti went with open hair, a pink bindi, pink lips, and blushed cheeks.

Radiant In Red

For the second look, Kriti went with a Rimple and Harpreet creation. The sindoori red anarkali kurta and sharara set was perfect for wedding ceremonies as it was the right blend of drama and details. The set featured a classic Rajasthani pattern, beaded tassels, gotta patti work, sequin embellishments, and colourful thread work. The neckline, cuffs, and hem of the kurta and sharara pants came with intricate zardozi embroidery. She paired this set with gold Chandbalis and embroidered gold juttis. She kept her makeup dramatic and went with kohl-lined eyes, red bindi, and mauve lips.

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Impressive In Ivory

For the mehendi, Kriti opted for a unique set from Mishru. The set came with a corset blouse and flared pants. She paired this set with a matching dupatta. The ivory outfit was adorned with intricate applique and threadwork which added some pizzazz to the look. The fitted corset was beautifully balanced out by the flared pants.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 09:41 IST
Significance Of Three Buddhist Jewels In Marriage: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha

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Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 16:27 IST

The Three Jewels in Buddhism have a significant meaning and importance in marriages.

The Three Jewels in Buddhism are Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. (Representative image: Shutterstock)

A Buddhist wedding is unlike other religious traditions and celebrates the bonding between two individuals in a secular manner. The traditions honour the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and consider marriage as an individuals choice and not a sacrament.

The groom and brides devotion to wisdom, compassion, and harmony in their partnership makes the Buddhist wedding ceremony a joyful occasion instead of a religious duty. This wedding season, lets delve into the Buddhist wedding culture.

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Buddhist Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) In Marriage

In some parts of the world, Buddhist weddings beautifully incorporate a lovely tradition known as San San Kudo, which translates to Three-Three, Nine Times." During this ritual, the couple joyfully shares sakea delightful beverage made from fermented ricefrom three unique cups, honouring the wisdom of ages past.

ALSO READ: The Significance Of Buddhist Wedding Rituals And Symbols

This enchanting act symbolises the three jewels" of Buddhism: the Buddha, Dharma (the teachings), and Sangha (the community). Sometimes, the couple even takes a moment to offer sake to their parents, creating a heartwarming connection between generations.

How The Buddhist Three Jewels Serve As Guiding Principles

But what are the three jewels of Buddhism, and what significance does it have in Buddhist marriages?

The Triratna or Triple Gem, commonly known as the Three Jewels of Buddhism, represents the fundamental principles that direct a Buddhists journey toward nirvana (heaven). Talking about the three jewels" of Buddhism-

ALSO READ: Marriage Season: Tips To Choose The Right Wedding Photographer

The Buddha symbolises Lord Buddha, the enlightened one who discovers the ultimate path towards liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

The Dharma is also known as the Buddhas Teachings, which are to follow the path of awakening. This is commonly known as Buddhadharma, which especially includes discourses on fundamental principles such as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

And the Sangha refers to the four sorts of communities under which the Buddha takes refuge and practices the Awakening Dharma.

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According to general and conventional wisdom, these three spiritual traditions have huge significance in the lives of the lives of married couples. Buddhas teachings, which are the foundation of Buddhism, lead people down a road of moral behaviour and wisdom to free them from the cycle of reincarnation and misery.

Buddhist couples embarking on their beautiful journey together can look to the three jewels as a shining guiding light for their future. These teachings offer excellent advice and encouragement to help the couple navigate through lifes challenges. They also nurture each individuals willpower and boost their confidence, fostering a loving and supportive partnership.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 16:25 IST
Abhishek Bachchan Turns Protective Husband For Aishwarya Rai Amid Divorce Rumour; Fans React | Watch

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Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 22:19 IST

On Thursday evening, Aishwarya, accompanied by her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan and husband Abhishek, attended the event at Dhirubhai Ambani International School.

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai arrive at Aaradhya's school function.

Speculations about trouble in Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchans marriage were laid to rest after the couple made a joint appearance at their daughter Aaradhyas school function in Mumbai. On Thursday evening, Aishwarya, accompanied by her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan and husband Abhishek, attended the event at Dhirubhai Ambani International School.

Aishwarya, dressed in a stunning black ethnic ensemble adorned with vibrant floral embroidery, made a separate arrival in her car. She later reunited with Amitabh and Abhishek, who arrived together. Abhishek opted for a casual yet sleek look, donning a black hoodie paired with matching joggers and white sneakers.

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In a video shared by a paparazzo, Abhisheks protective side came to the forefront. The clip captured the moment he guided Aishwarya into the venue, gently placing a reassuring hand on her back. The couple exchanged warm smiles as they walked alongside Amitabh, who looked regal as always. This gesture didnt go unnoticed, quickly becoming a highlight for fans.

The videos of their appearance went viral, sparking a wave of reactions online. Netizens were quick to express their relief and joy. One fan wrote, Look how much he loves her," while another added, So happy to see them together." The sight of the couple together seemed to quell the persistent divorce rumors, which gained momentum earlier this year after they made separate appearances at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants wedding festivities.

The divorce rumours surrounding Aishwarya and Abhishek have been making rounds for months, sparking concern among fans of the power couple. However, a blog post by Amitabh Bachchan last month indirectly addressed these speculations. In his cryptic yet profound writing, Big B spoke about the importance of privacy and dismissed unverified claims. He wrote, Speculations are speculations they are speculated untruths, without verifications Verifications are sought by the seekers to authenticate their business and commercials of the profession they be in."

Aishwarya and Abhishek, who tied the knot in April 2007, remain one of Bollywoods most celebrated couples. They welcomed their daughter Aaradhya in November 2011.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 22:19 IST
Arbaaz Khan And Salim Khan Reunite With Malaika Arora For Family Lunch At Her Restaurant | Watch

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Last Updated: December 18, 2024, 23:27 IST

Arbaaz Khan visits Malaika Aroras new restaurant for a family lunch with parents Salim Khan, Salma Khan and Helen.

Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan are on cordial terms after their divorce.

In a beautiful display of family bonding, Arbaaz Khan, along with his parents Salim Khan, Salma Khan and Helen, gathered for a heartwarming lunch at the new restaurant owned by his ex-wife Malaika Arora and their son, Arhaan Khan. This rare family reunion is making waves on social media, as several viral videos have captured these special moments.

One such video shows Arhaan Khan, their son, displaying a mature and caring side as he helps his grandmother, Salma Khan, and Helen navigate the stairs. His kind gestures brought a sense of warmth to the occasion, reflecting the close-knit nature of the Khan family, despite the years of separation between Arbaaz and Malaika.

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Malaika Arora, who looked effortlessly chic in a black outfit consisting of a crop top, shorts, and white sneakers, couldnt hide her joy as she welcomed her family to the restaurant. She was all smiles as she made her way to the venue. Meanwhile, Arbaaz Khan, ever the doting father, posed for photographers outside in a blue-and-white striped shirt, black trousers, and white shoes.

Arhaan Khan, the couples 22-year-old son, was seen enjoying a bromantic moment with Nirvaan Khan, Sohail Khans son. Their bond was evident, adding to the familys happy energy. Although their parents have long been separated, their connection remains strong, and the two continue to co-parent their son with love and respect.

The former couple married in 1998, and after nearly 18 years together, they separated in 2016 and finalised their divorce in 2017. Despite the split, they have managed to maintain a positive relationship for the sake of their son, and this family lunch was a testament to that. Arbaaz later remarried Sshura Khan in December 2023, while Malaika was previously in a long-term relationship with Arjun Kapoor before they broke up.

In addition to his lunch outing, Arhaan Khan has been making waves with his own talk show. In a recent episode of Dumb Biryani, Malaika shared a humorous conversation with her son, where she reflected on how much he resembled his father, Arbaaz, in terms of his habits and personality.

First Published: December 18, 2024, 23:27 IST
Govindas Son Yashvardhan Ahuja Gears Up For Bollywood Debut With Sai Rajeshs Romantic Film: Report

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Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 15:04 IST

Yashvardhan Ahuja, son of Bollywood legend Govinda, is set to make his acting debut in a unique love story directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sai Rajesh.

Govindas son, Yashvardhan Ahuja, is stepping into Bollywood with a unique love story directed by Sai Rajesh.

After decades of captivating audiences with his unmatched charisma and iconic performances, Govindas legacy in Indian cinema is poised to take an exciting new turn. The spotlight is now shifting to his son, Yashvardhan Ahuja, who is set to embark on his acting journey and continue the lineage of one of Bollywoods most celebrated stars.

Insiders revealed to PinkVilla that Yashvardhan will debut in a unique love story directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sai Rajesh. The yet untitled love story will bring the second generation of Govindas legacy to the big screen. Yashvardhan auditioned for the part and bagged it based on the merits. The film will be helmed by Sai Rajesh and produced by Madhu Mantena with Allu Aravind and SKN Films," shared a source familiar with the project.

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Adding to the excitement, the filmmakers are on a mission to cast a fresh face opposite Yashvardhan. The nationwide hunt to lock the female lead of the film is spearheaded by Mukesh Chhabra, and the casting director has received over 14,000 audition clips so far. The female protagonist will be locked soon as makers are looking to take the film on floors by Summer 2025," the source elaborated.

With Sai Rajesh at the helm and a focus on creating an original, soulful music album, the team is determined to craft a love story that resonates deeply with audiences, honoring the legacy while carving out a fresh chapter in Bollywood.

Who is Yashvardhan Ahuja?

Yashvardhan Ahuja, born on March 1, 1997, in Mumbai, is the son of renowned Bollywood actor Govinda and Sunita Ahuja. He has an elder sister, Tina Ahuja, who is also an actress.

Yashvardhan pursued a year-long filmmaking and acting course at the Met Film School in London, equipping him with a solid foundation in the cinematic arts.

To gain practical experience in the industry, he worked as an assistant director under producer Sajid Nadiadwala, contributing to films such as Dishoom," Kick 2," and Tadap."

In April 2024, Yashvardhan garnered significant attention online for his impressive dance performance, showcasing his talent and charisma, which drew praise from netizens and further heightened anticipation for his entry into Bollywood.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Yashvardhan is known to enjoy traveling and reading. He often goes by the nickname Yash among his close associates.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 15:04 IST
Mukesh Khanna Makes Controversial Comment On Ranbir Kapoor Playing Lord Ram: 'If You're A Chhichhora...'

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Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 10:47 IST

Mukesh Khanna opened up about Ranbir Kapoor playing the role of Lord Ram.

Mukesh Khanna on Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram.

Mahabharat actor Mukesh Khanna has sparked controversy once again, this time with his remarks about Ranbir Kapoor. In a recent interview, Khanna shared his concerns about Ranbir being cast as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwaris upcoming film Ramayana. He expressed that Ranbirs previous roles, particularly in Animal, could negatively influence the audiences perception of him portraying the revered character of Lord Ram.

In a conversation with Mid-Day, Mukesh was asked about Ranbirs casting as Lord Ram. At first, the Shaktimaan actor was hesitant. I wont say anything about this, if I do, theyll accuse me of commenting about everyone and everything. Theyve ruined my reputation. I recently commented about Jackie Shroffs son Im not rude, but I speak my mind. If theyre making a Ramayana, comparisons with Arun Govil will be inevitable," he said, referring to his performance in Ramanand Sagars Ramayan.

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He was then asked if there would be any other actor he deems fit to play the role. Mukesh said, What Arun Govil did with the role has become the gold standard. All I can say is that whoever plays Ram must embody Ram; he shouldnt look like Raavan. In their real life, if they are a (lampat chhichhora) lewd hooligan, then it will show on screen. If youre playing Ram, youre not allowed to party and drink. But who am I to decide who plays Ram?"

The actor also pointed out that Prabhas attempted to play the role but he was not accepted by the audience. Noting the reception, Mukesh asked filmmakers to be careful with the casting. He wasnt accepted by the public, despite being such a huge star. Not because hes a bad actor, but because he doesnt look like Ram The actor playing Ram now is the beacon of the Kapoor family. Hes a fine actor But I will look at his face, and he should look like Ram. Hes just done Animal, and his negative personality was highlighted in that movie. I hope that doesnt disturb this" he said.

Besides Ranbir Kapoor, Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana will also see Sai Pallavi as Sita. Arun Govil and Lara Dutta are also playing key roles in the film. Reportedly, the makers have also roped in Sunny Deol for the role of Hanuman. However, there is no official confirmation regarding this as of now.

Ramayanas first part will hit theatres on Diwali 2026 whereas part two will be out on Diwali 2027.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 10:47 IST
Finepoint | Doval-Wang Meeting Hints At Yet Another Transformation In India-China Ties

Written By :

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Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 14:13 IST

This meeting between Wang Yi and Ajit Doval isnt just about resolving border tensionsits more about building confidence and setting a roadmap for the future

Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing on Wednesday. (X/@EOIBeijing)

Chinas violent attempts to alter the status quo were pushed back upon by India, and a high-stakes standoff ensued for the next four years across the LAC. But finally, there seems to be a breakthrough a consensus on bringing back trust and confidence-building measures. It started from the meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia in October 2024, and has progressed into a meeting of special representatives Ajit Doval and Wang Yithe first in five yearsto discuss the border issue. And this meeting just took place in Beijing. But unlike the 90s, the situation today is different. And it might just be a new era in India-China ties as they undergo yet another transformation.

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From Kazan to Beijing

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held talks in Beijing on Wednesday. The agenda at hand was the border, working on the momentum built in the last few months. This was the first meeting between special representatives since 2019. In October, PM Modi and Xi Jinping met in Kazan, Russia on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. They achieved a breakthrough by agreeing on disengagement at two contentious points in Eastern Ladakh Demchok and the Depsang. This enabled both armies to resume their mandatory border patrolling activities in these areas, something that had been restricted during the standoff. But this was not the end of it. Modi and Xi further directed the special representatives to take the baton and work further on the nitty-gritty of this resolution.

Long and Painstaking Road Ahead

When it comes to the resolution of this standoff, across the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC), India emphasises a 3D" approach: disengagement, de-escalation, and de-induction. Disengagement has been completed in Depsang and Demchok. However, thats just one part of the puzzle. De-escalation is the next stepthis involves troops on both sides moving further back from the border to their original deployment points, far from the LAC. And finally, de-induction, which requires China to withdraw troops from the Aksai Chin area back to their permanent bases in Tibet and Xinjiang.

This will be a long and painstaking effort, the only difference being that the talks previously held by Army commanders will be taken up at the special representatives level. This is a welcome development, as it shows the seriousness of both sides in bringing an end to this standoff.

Chinas Charm Offensive

For China, it matters that India does not veer further away as its only going to get bumpy for Xi with Trump in the White House. China has also realised that India has refused to budge as seen in the last four and a half years.

China has been on a charm offensive towards India, and its messaging has been positive so far. Ahead of the meeting between Wang and Doval, China released a statement saying that it is ready to work with India to implement the common understandings between PM Modi and Xi, to respect each others core interests, strengthen mutual trust and to properly settle differences with sincerity and good faith and bring bilateral relations back to the track of stable and healthy development as soon as possible."

Trust, respect, sincerity, good faith China is using all the words that India wants to hear at this juncture. And for obvious reasons, as the stakes are very high. The troop build-up along the LAC, especially since the Galwan clashes in 2020, has created a tense and volatile situation bringing the two nations to the brink of war with more than a lakh troops deployed on both sides. Rebuilding trust now is a herculean task, but both sides are trying to pick up the pieces.

Following the meeting, the Chinese side shared a statement sharing six consensus points. These include an understanding on the resumption of pilgrimage at Kailash Mansarovar and cross-border trade at Nathula. The sides further agreed to work further on the border issue and have a new round of special representatives meetings in India next year. Interestingly, one of the points shared by China revolves around sticking to a 2005 confidence-building agreement, which defines the political guidelines as to how a border solution must be reached considering historical evidence, national sentiments, practical difficulties and reasonable concerns and sensitivities of both sides, and the actual state of border areas". However, China seems to have forgotten two other crucial agreements.

A Crucial Point in History

This brings us to an important moment in history. It was only in the late 1970s and 1980s that India and China began to slowly repair their strained ties following the 1962 war.

After years of painstaking negotiations, India and China signed the Border Peace and Tranquillity Agreement in 1993, which would serve as a precursor to two more agreements in 1996 and 2005. Then-Prime Minister Narasimha Rao visited China when the 1993 agreement was signed. It essentially laid out a framework for the two countries to peacefully manage their borders, ensuring that war would never occur. This was also when the term Line of Actual Control (LAC) was introduced.

Then came an agreement on confidence-building measures in 1996, which went further into how heavy weaponry should not be deployed at the border, how military deployments should be limited, and provided details on how to manage military exercises, air intrusions, overflights, and landings by military aircraft near the LAC. Its primary aim was to prevent dangerous military activities" near the LAC. For the most part, these agreements have been successful in curbing war-like situations between the two nations, though there have been several violations, especially from the Chinese side.

The worst one was in the summer of 2020, in the Galwan Valley, when a deadly clash took place between Chinese and Indian forces. In the next four years of the standoff, there was heavy deployment of military might on both sides. Chinas attempts to alter the status quo came at the cost of the sanctity of these crucial agreements. Therefore, restoring the spirit of these agreements is key to sustained disengagement, de-escalation and de-induction.

Factoring in Economic Security

This is a priority for India before economic ties can be normalised albeit with checks and balances. In the aftermath of the Galwan clash, there was an uproar in India against Chinese belligerence. India enforced a boycott of dozens of Chinese apps. It even banned TikTok on national security grounds.

Similarly, it put curbs on Chinese investments and ruled the chances of Huaweis 5G services ever making a debut in India. But India did not stop here, doubling down on the Make in India push, calling for an aatmanirbhar or self-reliant Bharat.

This was in cognisance of the fact that like most of the world, India relied on imports from China for all kinds of equipment, from mobile phones and computers to telecom equipment. This shift is underway, and significant strides have been made to improve Indias manufacturing capabilities. But at the same time, trade with China has only increased. It hit $136 billion in 2022 and most of this trade is what India imports from China. In other words, Indias trade deficit has shot well over $100 billion dollars and this is a major concern.

While Chinas focus has been on the return of normalcy in economic ties, Ajit Doval is likely to also have raised Indias concerns about the massive trade deficit with China, calling for a fairer and more balanced economic relationship.

Rebuilding Trust: Not an Easy Task

This meeting between Wang Yi and Ajit Doval isnt just about resolving border tensionsits about rebuilding trust. Its important to note that nothing is guaranteed from this meeting. There is also no going back when it comes to the critical infrastructure that both sides have built along the border. Its more about building confidence and setting a roadmap for the future.

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Moreover, for India, there is no going back from the Aatmanirbhar Bharat push. Economic security will be an important factor in every bilateral dialogue. Most importantly, India is a major stakeholder on the world stage and thats a reality that China will have to face as it deals with New Delhi from here on out.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 14:11 IST
Global Watch | Anti-Hindu Violence And The Struggle For Truth In Bangladesh

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Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 18:45 IST

While political motivations may indeed influence some instances of unrest, to argue that violence is entirely devoid of communal underpinnings is to ignore historical and present realities

ISKCON devotees and members protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Mumbai (Photo: AFP)

The year 2024 has proven to be a watershed moment for Bangladesh, marked by unprecedented upheaval that toppled Sheikh Hasinas 15-year-long tenure as Prime Minister. A mass uprising, initially triggered by students protests against a contentious quota system, escalated into widespread dissent. Between 16 July and 11 August, the turmoil claimed approximately 650 lives. On 5 August, as chaos gripped the nation, Hasina was compelled to step down and abandon her residence, leaving a political vacuum in her wake. This descent into anarchy was accompanied by an economic meltdown, rampant looting, arson, and mob violence.

Among the worst affected were religious minorities, predominantly Hindus, who became targets of retributive attacks by enraged mobs accusing them of allegiance to Hasinas Awami League (AL).

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According to the 2022 Census, Hindus constitute roughly 7.95 per cent of Bangladeshs population, while other minorities, such as Christians and Buddhists, account for less than 1 per cent. Historically, Hindus in Bangladesh, much like those in Pakistan, have faced systemic discrimination, forced migration, and periodic bouts of communal violence. In the chaos following Hasinas ousting, this vulnerable community once again found itself subjected to brutal assaults. Reports of attacks on Hindus included looting, the desecration of temples, and the forcible occupation of properties. Fear and insecurity gripped the community as news outlets documented the relentless violence.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) reported over 2,000 communal incidents between 4 and 20 August. These included nine killings of Hindus and 69 attacks on their places of worship. The atrocities drew condemnation from the Indian government, opposition parties, and international leaders, including US President-elect Donald Trump. Demonstrations against the violence were held in both India and the United States.

However, as stories of anti-Hindu violence dominated the news and social media, a parallel narrative emerged through fact-checking platforms. These organisations, while occasionally debunking genuine misinformation, often seemed to downplay the scale and motives behind the attacks. For instance, the Sweden-based outlet Netra News challenged the BHBCUCs figures, claiming that the violence was politically rather than communally motivated. This assertion relied on the premise that Hindus in Bangladesh have traditionally supported the Awami League.

Similarly, the Bangladeshi fact-checking organisation Rumor Scanner disputed Indian medias portrayal of mob violence against Hindus. These platforms frequently amplified posts from obscure social media accounts, suggesting that the reports of communal violence were part of an Indian disinformation campaign aimed at destabilising Bangladesh. The repercussions of this narrative have been significant.

International media houses such as the BBC, Deutsche Welle, and Al Jazeera picked up these claims, further diluting the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus. This apparent attempt to whitewash the violence not only obscures the severity of the crisis but also fuels anti-India sentiment within Bangladesh. Such sentiment exacerbates the vulnerability of Hindus, who are already seen by many as proxies of Indian interests. This vilification campaign has turned attention away from the dire reality of Hindu persecution, which includes forced conversions, blasphemy, and systemic alienation.

A stark warning of this trend came from Dhaka University professor Dr Abul Barkat, who in 2016 predicted that Hindus could vanish from Bangladesh within 30 years if the current rates of exodus continue. The insistence by fact-checking platforms that the violence is merely political ignores decades of entrenched communal fault lines in Bangladesh. Even the interim government has admitted to 88 recorded incidents of communal violence targeting minorities since Hasinas removal, with 70 arrests made in connection to these attacks. These figures alone debunk claims that religion played no role in the violence.

While political motivations may indeed influence some instances of unrest, to argue that violence is entirely devoid of communal underpinnings is to ignore historical and present realities. The persecution of minorities in Bangladesh has always been intertwined with their religious identity.

Attempts to deny or downplay this fact not only undermine the victims but also embolden perpetrators by fostering an environment of impunity. The denial of communal motives and the vilification of India as a propagator of disinformation serves to shift blame rather than address the root causes of the violence. In this context, the role of media and fact-checking platforms becomes critical.

Their narratives can either amplify the voices of the oppressed or contribute to their further marginalisation. By selectively questioning reports of violence, these platforms risk whitewashing the crisis and endangering minority communities even further. For Hindus in Bangladesh, the stakes could not be higher.

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The international community must move beyond political expediency and acknowledge the systemic issues that drive such violence. Only then can meaningful steps be taken to protect vulnerable groups and promote communal harmony. Bangladeshs journey towards stability demands a candid reckoning with its troubled history of religious intolerance. Denying the communal dimension of recent events not only betrays the countrys minorities but also undermines its broader aspirations for a just and inclusive society. The truth, however uncomfortable, must be confronted if the nation is to heal and progress. Failing to do so will only perpetuate cycles of violence and deepen the divisions that have long plagued this nation.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 18:45 IST
Opinion | How INDIA Bloc Is Unravelling Under Congresss Wayward Leadership

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 17, 2024, 18:55 IST

2024 was billed as the year of Congress and Opposition revival. And to be fair, some progress was made but only for it to unravel, thanks largely to Rahul Gandhis wayward leadership

Rahul Gandhi, we were told, had finally come good after a painfully long apprenticeship and false starts. (AP File)

Barely six months ago, the Congress and its INDIA alliance partners were partying after an unexpectedly upbeat performance in the general elections denying the Bharatiya Janata Party an outright majority on its own in the Lok Sabha.

It was seen as the coming of age" of Opposition parties, especially the Congress. Rahul Gandhi, we were told, had finally come good after a painfully long apprenticeship and false starts. The BJP, the script went, had run out of steam after two terms and was suffering anti-incumbency, internal divisions and fatigue.

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In the event, it has turned out to be a rather short-lived party with celebrations quickly descending into recrimination and divisions, after its recent electoral setbacks, particularly in Maharashtra, quick on the heels of the Congress defeat in Haryana. Last week, the alliance was tottering amid growing criticism of the Congress leadership of the bloc after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered to take over its reins saying she would ensure a smooth functioning.

I had formed the INDIA bloc and now it is up to those leading the front to manage it. If they cant run the show, what can I do? I would just say that everyone needs to be taken along." Asked if she would take charge of the bloc, she said: If given the opportunity, I would ensure its smooth functioning."

In other words, she was unhappy with the way the Congress is running the show. And judging from the reaction of other INDIA stakeholders, it seems she is not the only one. In the past few days, others have voiced their reservations about the Congresss leadership style.

After the Samajwadi Party welcomed the idea, Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MP Supriya Sule said that her party would be happy if the TMC chief took on more responsibility within the opposition alliance.

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."

Later, Sharad Pawar himself intervened calling Banerjee a capable leader". She is a capable leader and has the right to say it. The MPs she has sent to Parliament are hardworking and aware," he was reported as saying.

Uddhav Thackerays party spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi too praised Banerjees leadership.

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 the INDIA bloc meeting takes place, our senior leaders will together take a decision," she said.

Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary D. Raja said the functioning of the INDIA bloc had not been smooth" and the Left parties were not being accommodated when it came to seat sharing, which was proving detrimental" to them.

Even Lalu Prasad, a long-time Gandhi family supporter has backed Banerjee on the issue of INDIA leadership saying it should be given to her. Theek hai, de dena chaahiye. Ham sahmat hain (Its fine, she should be given the responsibility. We are in agreement)." On whether the Congress might object, Lalu said: It doesnt matter Mamata ko de do (Give the responsibility to Mamata)."

Adding to the complication, a rift has emerged over the Congress attempt to project Rahul Gandhi as the leader of the INDIA bloc. SP general secretary and Rajya Sabha member Ram Gopal Yadav triggered a controversy saying that his party recognised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, not Rahul Gandhi, as the leader.

Replying to questions from reporters, in Saifai in Uttar Pradesh whether he saw Rahul as the head of the bloc, he said: Gathbandhan ke neta to abhi Kharge sahab hain (For now Mallikarjun Kharge is the leader of INDIA bloc)."

The sting in the tail was an X post he later deleted. In it, he wrote tagging Rahuls picture: He is hell-bent on not mending his ways. The public and opposition parties have given him many chances, but he lacks leadership. At the age of 55, he has a childish mindset. Like in 1989, the opposition must choose a new leader who can bring about a change in power."

This after the UP Congress chief Ajay Rai had said that Rahul was the INDIA blocs unifying factor". Since the formation of the INDIA bloc, Cong has played the role of big brother. Our leader Rahul Gandhi has been the unifying factor of the grand alliance. So, who else can be a better choice than him to lead it," Rai had said.

In another twist to the mayhem, the SP flounced out of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra complaining about a lack of consultation with allies. We have quit the MVA. What is the point of continuing in the front where there is no uniformity on issues nor adequate consultation with allies?" State SP chief Abu Azmi said.

He also took exception to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackerays close aide Milind Narwekar appearing to praise the demolition of Babri Masjid. He had posted an image of the Babri Masjid demolition on X. It showed Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray Uddhav and his son Aaditya, along with a caption in Marathi that read: Those who did this, I am proud of them." This was reportedly the remark made by late Bal Thackeray after the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992.

Azmi said, (Uddhav) Thackeray joined the MVA in 2019. At that time, he vouched for secularism to win the support of Congress. After the defeat in the Assembly polls, Thackeray is back to his old position justifying the Babri Masjid demolition. This is unacceptable to us. Therefore, we have decided to walk out of the MVA."

To cut to the chase, an alliance that was the talk of the town and was seen as the future" of Indian politics only a few months ago suddenly finds itself on the brink amid deepening divisions not only across the bloc but also within individual parties.

And the faultline at the heart of this imbroglio is the Congress as the largest party in the bloc. Theres an old Hindustani saying: Rassi jal gayee magar bal nahin gayee", to refer to someone who cant get over their arrogance and sense of entitlement even when their reduced circumstances dont allow them to flex their muscles.

Thats the problem with the Congress. Despite having been reduced to an unrecognisable shadow of its old self, it continues to behave as if nothing has changed; and its the Grand Old Party. Its not.

A common thread running through its alliess attack on it is its big brother bullying. If the TMC, SP, Shiv Sena (UBT), AAP, RJD, Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), CPI are right and all cant be wrongthen the Congress has behaved like a prima donna with no regard for the so-called coalition dharma" that requires collective decision-making and a collegiate approach.

Instead, it has sought to ride roughshod over its junior partners arguing that being the only party with national footprints" it has a divine right to lead the alliance ignoring the fact that its real influence on the ground is marginal.

The result is there for all to see: nobody wants to have to do anything with it unless absolutely necessary. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has already announced that it would go alone in the Assembly elections for Delhi. Moreover, there are few takers for its self-serving agenda. On the Adani issue, it is effectively ploughing a lonely furrow.

Yet, instead of confronting the truth, it has launched a diversionary campaign for junking electronic voting machines (EVMs) rigged and returning to the paper ballot.

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The year 2024 was billed as the year of Congress and Opposition revival. And to be fair, some progress was made but only for it to unravel thanks largely to Rahuls wayward leadership.

Hasan Suroor is author of Unmasking Secularism: Why We Need A New Hindu-Muslim Deal. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 17, 2024, 18:51 IST
Opinion | 'One Nation, One Election' Will Accelerate India Towards Viksit Bharat

Written By : &

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2024, 08:25 IST

Setting aside differences and prioritising the socio-economic advancement of our nation, it is imperative for the opposition to collaborate with the government in the unanimous approval of this bill, thereby safeguarding the fundamental right to vote by increasing citizen participation in the democratic process

The projected cost for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is anticipated to exceed Rs 1 lakh crore. (Representational image/PTI)

One of the most influential writers during the American Revolution, Thomas Paine, once said, The right of voting for representatives is the primary right by which other rights are protected."

In India, democracy has always been in our blood. Certain Mahajanapadas, such as Vajjis, were well known for their democratic practices, such as frequent assemblies, consensus-based decision-making, and equitable representation of people. Later, monarchical republics such as Cholas, Kalingas, and others practised the best possible forms of democracy. Before democratic thoughts even developed in the Western world, India was already a practising democracy. It is on the foundation of these democratic principles that our founders have given us our Constitution, which has ensured the universal adult franchise. However, since 1969, we are now in a phase of frequent universal adult franchise, whereby our citizens are called to cast their votes every now and then. This poses great inconvenience not only for citizens but for the economy as well. It is in this context that the government has today brought in the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth) Amendment Bill and Union Territories Law Amendment Bill 2024.

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One of the initial observations made by our government following its assumption of power in 2014 was that the occurrence of periodic elections puts a halt to development works. Elections were held for approximately 15 state assemblies during the cycle from March 2014 to May 2016. In 2014 alone, elections were conducted in three distinct phases: March to May, September to October, and October to December. In certain instances, announcements for state assembly elections were made within a month of the conclusion of elections for other state assemblies. When considering elections for the third tier of government, including Panchayati Raj institutions and municipal bodies in both rural and urban areas, as well as bye-elections, the total number of elections in any given year significantly increases. It is estimated that five elections are held annually for state legislative assemblies in India. Such frequent electoral cycles adversely affect administrative and developmental activities in the regions facing elections, as well as the broader governance process. In 2019, the Election Commission of India (ECI) engaged approximately 7 million personnel to manage the election process across more than 1.2 million polling stations nationwide. Many of these personnel are sourced from central civil services, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings, and state civil services. The projected cost for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is anticipated to exceed Rs 1 lakh crore.

Over the past ten years, the Narendra Modi-led government has introduced significant legislation to protect the poor, marginalised, and vulnerable sections of society while simultaneously adopting a strong stance towards national security. One of the primary objectives of the Narendra Modi administration has been to eliminate the costly and protracted electoral processes occurring throughout the nation. The Modi government has amended the Constitution solely for the purpose of enacting progressive legislation and frequently rectifying past mistakes. This particular amendment serves as a big corrective measure. Between 1952 and 1969, elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies were held concurrently until one of the Constitutions own articles was seriously misused to frequently dissolve state governments. This unconstitutional act was executed over 90 times under the Congress government, resulting in widespread chaos across the country. It is this historical misstep that the current government seeks to amend. By introducing this bill in Parliament today, the Narendra Modi government is committed to advancing our country towards a developed India by the year 2047.

The High-Level Committee, as announced in the Gazette Notification dated September 2, 2023, represents a pivotal advancement towards realising this initiative within the nation. Over the course of 191 days, the committee convened 65 meetings, engaging with citizens, political parties, and experts, ultimately submitting its findings to the Government of India. This noteworthy report has led to the formulation of two bills by the government, marking a significant stride towards enhancing our democracy. The committee has proposed that, in the initial phase, elections for the House of People and legislative assemblies be conducted concurrently, necessitating a constitutional amendment. The Honourable President of India will determine an appointed date for the first session of the House of People following the general elections. From this designated date, elections will be held simultaneously. Should a legislative assembly be prematurely dissolved before the completion of its five-year term, the new assemblys term will correspond to the remaining duration of the previous assembly. In addition to this bill, the government has introduced the Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2024 to implement necessary adjustments for conducting simultaneous elections in these territories. Once enacted, this legislation will position our country among a select group of nations, such as South Africa and Sweden, that conduct simultaneous elections, representing the most significant democratic reform in India since Independence.

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As India progresses towards its goal of a Viksit Bharat, two key factors will drive this endeavour: increasing per capita income from $2,500 to $14,000 and enhancing the investment-to-GDP ratio by 300 basis points. It is evident that policy and regulatory reforms will be essential in achieving these dual objectives. The countrys primary expenditure is expected to rise from 23.8% to 31.4% of GDP, aligning with the per capita GDP standards of developed nations. To sustain Indias growth trajectory closer to its potential, it is crucial to elevate the tax-to-GDP ratio to 25%, enhance non-tax revenues, and reduce the fiscal deficit. Currently, our economic policies are in alignment with this vision. However, any economic reforms must be adequately supported by legislative changes that yield substantial savings. The national real GDP growth of India, coinciding with simultaneous elections, could be 1.5 percentage points higher in the upcoming year compared to the previous year. To illustrate, 1.5% of GDP translates to Rs 4.5 lakh crore in the financial year 2024, which represents half of the public expenditure on health and one-third of that on education. The savings generated could be redirected towards income support initiatives for rural development, significantly enhancing per capita income and enabling us to achieve the aspirations of Viksit Bharat well before 2047. Setting aside differences and prioritising the socio-economic advancement of our nation, it is imperative for the opposition to collaborate with the government in the unanimous approval of this bill, thereby safeguarding the fundamental right to vote by increasing citizen participation in the democratic process.

Aparajita Sarangi serves as the Member of Parliament for Bhubaneswar and National Spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In addition, she is also the Vice President of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Adarsh Kuniyillam is a Parliamentary and Policy Specialist from Kerala. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 18, 2024, 08:25 IST
Opinion | Sacrificing Jharkhands Interests At The Altar Of Politics

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 15:56 IST

It is hoped that the Jharkhand government will rise above political manoeuvring, engage in constructive dialogue with mining companies, and ensure a technical assessment of dues

In an attempt to corner the Centre, the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government is getting entangled in its web.(Image: PTI/File)

In an attempt to corner the Central government, the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government is getting entangled in its web. According to the Supreme Courts ruling in the MADA vs SAIL case in July 2024, states can impose taxes on mineral rights under Entry 50 of List II of the Constitution. This landmark decision by a nine-judge bench overturned the 1989 ruling of a seven-judge bench in the India Cement case. With an 8:1 majority, the judgement grants states the power to levy taxes on minerals and land containing minerals  a boon for mineral-rich states like Jharkhand.

However, the Supreme Court also laid down some conditions to balance the interests of state governments and mining companies. The first condition was that the mining tax could be imposed only from April 1, 2005. Considering the immediate financial burden on mining companies, the court allowed the payment of this tax in installments over 12 years, starting from April 1, 2026. Also, the Supreme Court explicitly stated that no penalty or interest would be charged on this amount.

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The Jharkhand government, one of the 80 petitioners in the case, had written to the Centre in 2022, demanding dues worth Rs 1.36 lakh crore under categories like washed coal royalty, common cause, land acquisition, and interest. In response to a related question posed in December 2023 by a then-serving MLA from Godda, the state government reported the amount as Rs 1.48 lakh crore. During the elections, Hemant Soren frequently mentioned this figure of Rs 1.36 lakh crore in his speeches and campaign posters. However, in response to an unstarred question posed in Parliament by Pappu Yadav, the amount cited was Rs 1.40 lakh crore.

This discrepancy in the amount raises two key questions. First, the 2022 letter to the Centre included Rs 60,000 crore as interest. Since the Supreme Court had explicitly ruled that no penalty or interest would apply to outstanding dues, why did the Jharkhand government not reassess this amount after the verdict? The presentation of the same 2022 amount reflects negligence on the part of the state government and its officials.

Second, after the Supreme Courts ruling, the Jharkhand government introduced the Jharkhand Mineral-Bearing Land Tax Bill in September 2024. This bill established additional charges for various minerals, such as Rs 100 per metric ton of coal, Rs 70 for bauxite, and Rs 50 for manganese. After passing this bill, the government should have re-estimated the dues based on the states mineral production and updated the figures accordingly. However, no such proactive measures were taken.

Rather than focusing on a procedural and well-structured approach to collecting the dues, the state government and its leader, Hemant Soren, appeared more interested in the political narrative. The state is currently grappling with a financial crunch as it struggles to fulfill its election promises. For instance, the Maiyan Samman Yojana alone requires around Rs 17,000 crore for implementation. In the recently presented second supplementary budget, the government reduced allocations for nearly every department and diverted funds to just two  Rs 6,390 crore for the Maiyan Samman Yojana and Rs 2,577 crore for the waiver of electricity bills. In contrast, last year, the Rural Works Department received Rs 1,413 crore in the second supplementary budget, but this year, it was allocated a mere Rs 2.66 crore.

Despite this, the government failed to disburse the Maiyan Samman payments to over 5.5 million women in the state on the promised date of the 11th of the month. To ease the financial strain, District Collectors (DCs) were also directed to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries who had already received payments before the elections. If any discrepancies were found, their names were to be removed from the list. To shift the blame for this delay, the government orchestrated a question through Pappu Yadav in Parliament regarding the pending dues. Hemant Soren hoped that any mention of pending dues from the Centre would bolster his political narrative. However, this move backfired as it was posed to the wrong authority.

The Union Minister of State for Finance categorically stated that none of the four heads under which funds are transferred from the Centre to state governments had any pending dues. The minister even presented data on the funds transferred to the Jharkhand government over the past three years. During the financial year 2023-24, the Centre transferred Rs 56,065 crore to Jharkhand.

With this statement from the Centre, JMMs political strategy crumbled. In response, JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya held a press conference and threatened that if the dues were not received within 15 days, not a single piece of coal would be allowed to leave Jharkhand. However, this statement reveals a lack of political prudence and two major flaws.

First, since the Supreme Courts decision applies to all minerals and all mining companies, the JMM should have clarified whether it intended to take the same action against private companies like Tata Steel, Hindalco, and Jindal, which operate mines in the state. Simply targeting Coal India Ltd. (CIL) appears to be an attempt to corner the Central government. Second, since the Supreme Court clearly stated that the payments are to be made in 12 installments from April 1, 2026, threatening mining companies to recover dues before this date raises questions of contempt of court.

According to estimates, the Supreme Courts decision could require mining companies to pay around Rs 1.5 lakh crore to state governments, collectively. If Jharkhands share is assumed to be 40 per cent, the states portion would amount to Rs 60,000 crore  far from the Rs 1.36 lakh crore being claimed. If only Coal Indias dues are considered, the amount becomes even smaller. When split into 12 annual installments, Jharkhand would receive only a few thousand crores annually. Hemant Soren is well aware of this reality but seems determined to shift the blame for his inability to fulfill election promises. His easiest option was to target the Central government, but by asking an incorrect question through Pappu Yadav to the wrong authority, he exposed his misstep.

Since independence, Jharkhand has borne the brunt of discriminatory policies, despite its rich mineral resources. A major reason for its economic underdevelopment was the Freight Equalization Policy implemented in 1953, which remained in effect until 1993. This policy aimed to equalise mineral prices across the country by subsidising transportation costs, thereby nullifying Jharkhands natural advantage of proximity to mineral deposits. As a result, factories were established near ports in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and coastal Maharashtra, instead of in Jharkhand and nearby mineral-rich states.

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The Supreme Courts verdict on mining offers an opportunity to correct this historical injustice. It is hoped that the Jharkhand government will rise above political manoeuvring, engage in constructive dialogue with mining companies, and ensure a technical assessment of dues. The focus should be on creating a clear schedule for receiving payments. The additional funds should be used to fund the long-term development of the state through prudent capital expenditures.

The author is BJP Jharkhands election management chief and an expert on economic issues. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 15:56 IST
Opinion | Terror By Convenience: How America Rebrands Villains And Ignores Victims

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 18, 2024, 17:21 IST

Abu Mohammad al-Julanis transformation from a deputy to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to a blazer-wearing, rebranded moderate exemplifies the USs opportunistic approach to terrorism

By selectively rebranding terror figures, Washington sends mixed messages to allies and adversaries alike, creating fertile ground for propaganda and further destabilisation. Representational image/AFP

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex."

 Dwight D Eisenhower

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Eisenhowers warning about the dangers of militarised foreign policy and the pervasive influence of defence contractors was prophetic. Over the decades, this unchecked power has shaped US foreign policy into a tool for advancing strategic and economic interests at the expense of global stability. No US president has dared to challenge the immense power of the military-industrial complex, which continues to dominate decisions with profound consequences for the global fight against terrorism.

The USs selective morality becomes clear when examining its rebranding of figures like Abu Mohammad al-Julani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), while showing apathy towards Pakistans decades-long sponsorship of terrorism in Kashmir. These examples illustrate how Americas commitment to fighting terrorism shifts based on convenience, exposing a troubling pattern of duplicity.

Abu Mohammad al-Julanis transformation from a deputy to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to a blazer-wearing, rebranded moderate exemplifies the USs opportunistic approach to terrorism. As leader of the Nusra Front, Julani was responsible for massacres, suicide bombings, and atrocities against civilians, including the 2013 slaughter of Alawite villages in Latakia. Yet, when geopolitical dynamics shifted, so did the narrative surrounding him.

Former US special envoy James Jeffrey referred to HTS as a strategic asset," describing it as the least bad option" in Syrias Idlib province. This logic, aimed at countering Assads regime and Iranian influence, conveniently ignored Julanis ties to al-Qaeda and his organisations history of terror. Media outlets like CNN and BBC joined the rebranding effort, portraying Julani as a man who had reinvented" himself, downplaying his dark past.

The campaign to legitimise Julani reflects a broader US strategy of reshaping narratives to suit its immediate interests. This pattern is not newduring the 1980s, the Mujahideen were hailed as freedom fighters" against the Soviets, only to morph into al-Qaeda and the Taliban when their objectives no longer aligned with Washingtons. The result is a revolving door of allies-turned-adversaries with devastating consequences for global stability.

While the US rebranded Julani to serve its interests in Syria, its indifference to Pakistans role in fomenting terrorism in Kashmir reveals another facet of its selective approach. Since the 1990s, Pakistan has employed militant groups like Harkat-ul-Ansar (HuA) to destabilise Kashmir, leading to decades of violence and suffering.

One chilling incident was the 1995 kidnapping of six Western tourists by Al-Faran, a front for HuA. Despite Indias urgent appeals, the US response was largely limited to diplomatic statements focused on securing the release of its citizens. Pakistans role in supporting these terror groups was downplayed, largely because of its strategic importance as a Cold War ally and later as a partner in the post-9/11 war on terror.

Pakistans ability to act with impunity was bolstered by billions in US aid, much of which found its way into terrorist infrastructure. This tacit approval enabled groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba to grow unchecked, culminating in attacks like the 2008 Mumbai massacre. US indifference not only prolonged the insurgency in Kashmir but also emboldened Pakistan to continue its policy of state-sponsored terrorism.

At the heart of these contradictions lies the US deep statea powerful network of intelligence agencies, think tanks, and policymakers that often operates beyond democratic accountability. Left-leaning ideologues within this nexus exacerbate the situation by prioritising their ideological agendas over consistent anti-terror policies.

In Syria, this nexus enabled the rebranding of Julani, portraying him as a moderate despite his groups ongoing ties to extremism. This transformation was not about repentance but utility; Julani and HTS became convenient tools for advancing US objectives in the Middle East.

Similarly, in South Asia, the deep states strategic priorities trumped any moral considerations regarding Pakistans role in Kashmir. By turning a blind eye to Pakistans actions, the US effectively undermined its own credibility in the fight against terrorism.

The consequences of Americas selective morality are profound. In Kashmir, US apathy towards Pakistans actions has led to decades of instability, leaving civilians to bear the brunt of violence. The failure to hold Pakistan accountable has emboldened its use of terrorism as state policy, with ripple effects across the region.

In Syria, the legitimisation of figures like Julani undermines the USs global standing and emboldens extremist groups. By selectively rebranding terror figures, Washington sends mixed messages to allies and adversaries alike, creating fertile ground for propaganda and further destabilisation.

These policies not only damage Americas credibility but also perpetuate the cycle of violence they claim to oppose. Supporting or ignoring terror groups for short-term gains invariably leads to long-term blowback, as evidenced by the rise of al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Eisenhowers warning about the military-industrial complex remains unheeded, casting a long shadow over US foreign policy. To break free from this cycle of duplicity, the US must adopt a principled approach to counterterrorism. This means holding all state sponsors of terrorism accountable, including allies like Pakistan, and rejecting the rebranding of figures like Julani for geopolitical convenience.

Additionally, the unchecked influence of the deep state and military-industrial complex must be addressed. Without accountability, these forces will continue to prioritise strategic gains over global stability, perpetuating a world where terror is redefined to suit US interests.

From Syria to Kashmir, the USs approach to terrorism reveals a troubling pattern of selective morality. Whether rebranding Julani as a moderate or ignoring Pakistans role in Kashmir, Americas actions often prioritise convenience over principle. Until the US confronts the influence of the military-industrial complex and adopts a consistent anti-terror policy, it will remain complicit in the very instability it seeks to combat.

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As John Perkins, author of Confessions of an Economic Hitman, aptly put it, The United States spends over $87 billion conducting a war in Iraq while less than $2 billion is allocated to aid the 2 billion poorest people on the planet." Perkins criticises the disparity between US military spending and its neglect of global povertya glaring reminder that while America fights its own battles abroad, it continues to ignore the deeper issues of inequality, corruption, and the long-term consequences of its military dominance.

The writer is a senior broadcast journalist who writes on culture and diplomacy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 18, 2024, 17:05 IST
Opinion | Why INDIA Bloc Allies Are Losing Confidence In Congress Leadership

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 15:41 IST

Many allies view Congress as both overbearing and indecisive, prioritising its agenda over collective strategy. The party must shed its big brother attitude and acknowledge the growing political strength of regional forces

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees recent offer to lead the INDIA bloc reflects growing discontent among Opposition allies against the Congress. (Image: PTI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees recent offer to lead the INDIA bloc, with endorsements from leaders like RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, reflects growing discontent among Opposition allies against the Congress. The bloc, which aims to counter the BJP, appears to lack a unified leadership structure, creating a vacuum that is becoming a source of friction. While Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is informally seen as the head of the alliance, there is no consensus, with many parties resisting the idea of a Congress-led hierarchy.

This disillusionment has been exacerbated by the Congresss electoral setbacks in Haryana and Maharashtra. In Haryana, the partys inability to forge strategic alliances with local forces allowed the BJP-JJP alliance to strengthen. The Congresss grassroots presence in the state proved insufficient due to its failure to address local dynamics effectively. In Maharashtra, the split within the NCP and Congresss failure to prevent key defections further eroded Opposition unity, amplifying dissatisfaction among INDIA bloc allies.

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At the heart of the issue lies the Congresss struggle to balance its national ambitions with the aspirations of regional parties. Many allies view Congress as both overbearing and indecisive, prioritising its agenda over collective strategy. This perception undermines trust, a critical ingredient for the blocs success.

For the INDIA bloc, which thrives on the promise of unity, the Congress must adapt. The partys ability to demonstrate humility, ensure equitable coordination, and accommodate regional allies will determine whether the alliance can mount a serious challenge against the BJP. Without such recalibration, the INDIA bloc risks fragmenting before the 2025 elections, turning its ambitious plans into yet another political misfire. The Oppositions ability to offer a viable alternative hinges on a cohesive fronta goal slipping further out of reach amid these growing fissures.

Electoral Failures and Organisational Weaknesses

The recent electoral setbacks in Haryana and Maharashtra have laid bare the significant weaknesses in the Congress partys organisational structure and electoral strategy. In Maharashtra, the Congress managed to win only 16 out of the 101 seats it contested, a stark contrast to its previous performance. This dismal strike rate of 16 per cent underscores the partys declining influence and its inability to effectively counter the BJPs dominance. The losses were compounded by high-profile defeats, including those of former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and senior leader Balasaheb Thorat, further highlighting the partys precarious position.

Similarly, in Haryana, the Congresss failure to form a strategic alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) resulted in a disappointing performance. Despite a significant rise in vote share, the party failed to secure a majority, largely due to strategic missteps and internal rifts. The overconfidence following its unexpected success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections led to complacency, with arbitrary decisions on ticket distribution sparking internal rebellions that weakened the partys chances in several key constituencies. The consolidation of non-Jat votes by the BJP and the split in the Dalit vote further compounded the Congresss challenges. In the upcoming Delhi assembly election, there will also be no alliance between the AAP and the Congress, which will again indicate that there is no cohesive strategy in the INDIA bloc to defeat the BJP.

These electoral failures have led to growing dissatisfaction among INDIA bloc allies, who are questioning the Congresss ability to lead the coalition effectively. The partys inability to adapt to changing political dynamics and voter preferences has alienated key voter segments, particularly the youth and urban electorate. The reliance on traditional campaign strategies and failure to address contemporary issues have further eroded the partys appeal.

The Congresss organisational weaknesses are also evident in its internal conflicts and power struggles. The lack of cohesive leadership and the ongoing factionalism within the party have undermined its credibility and effectiveness. The absence of a clear and unified vision has created doubts among allies about the Congresss capability to steer the INDIA bloc towards electoral success.

Lack of Cohesive Leadership

The Congress partys leadership has faced significant criticism for its lack of cohesion and direction, which has become increasingly evident in recent times. Despite Rahul Gandhis increased political stature following the Lok Sabha elections, the party has struggled to present a united front and articulate a clear vision. This disunity has not only weakened the party internally but has also created doubts among INDIA bloc allies about the Congresss capability to steer the coalition towards electoral success.

One of the primary issues plaguing the Congress party is the absence of strong and decisive leadership. Rahul Gandhi, despite his efforts to rejuvenate the party, has often been perceived as inconsistent and indecisive. His leadership style, which sometimes appears detached and sporadic, has failed to inspire confidence among party members and allies alike. This has led to a lack of clear direction and strategy, further exacerbating the partys internal conflicts and power struggles.

The leadership crisis within the Congress has also been highlighted by the frequent changes in key positions and the inability to retain experienced leaders. The partys organisational structure has been criticised for being outdated and ineffective, with many senior leaders feeling sidelined and disillusioned. This has resulted in a series of high-profile defections and resignations, weakening the partys overall strength and morale.

Moreover, the Congresss failure to adapt to the changing political dynamics and voter preferences has further alienated its support base. The partys reliance on traditional campaign strategies and its inability to address contemporary issues have made it difficult to connect with the youth and urban electorate. This disconnect has been a significant factor in the partys recent electoral setbacks, as seen in Haryana and Maharashtra.

The lack of cohesive leadership has also fuelled calls for a change in the alliances leadership structure within the INDIA bloc. Allies such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party (SP), and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Congresss leadership and have suggested alternative leaders, like Mamata Banerjee, to take charge. This growing discontent underscores the urgent need for Congress to address its leadership crisis and present a united and decisive front to regain the confidence of its allies and the electorate.

Crack During Parliament Session

The cracks within the Opposition alliance came into sharp focus during the recent Parliament session, exposing growing discontent among regional parties like the TMC and the SP. While these parties wanted to raise issues specific to their states, the Congress sidelined their concerns to push its own agenda and controversies it deemed more significant. This lack of cohesion highlights deeper divisions within the INDIA bloc.

For the Opposition alliance to remain credible, cohesive messaging is critical. The absence of a unified leadership, capable of accommodating diverse perspectives, has created tensions among the blocs partners. The Congress, in particular, must shed its big brother" attitude and acknowledge the growing political strength of regional forces. Parties like the TMC, SP, and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) have shown greater enthusiasm and innovation in challenging the BJP at the grassroots level. Their localised strategies and deep voter connections are vital for the blocs success.

Imposing Congress-centric issues on regional allies not only alienates these parties but also risks diminishing the alliances effectiveness. Regional parties, deeply invested in state-specific issues, are unwilling to subordinate their agendas to a national narrative dictated solely by the Congress. This friction could jeopardise the INDIA blocs collective strength, as infighting dilutes its focus and messaging.

Interestingly, Jammu and Kashmirs Chief Minister (CM) Omar Abdullah, whose party, the National Conference, is an ally of the INDIA bloc, and who fought the assembly election in alliance with the Congress, slammed the grand old party for consistently raising the EVM issue after electoral losses. Another INDIA bloc ally, TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, also took a firm stance against the Congresss stance on EVMs.

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To stand a chance against the BJPs formidable electoral machinery, the INDIA bloc must address these internal rifts urgently. A decentralised leadership model that respects regional parties autonomy while fostering cooperation is crucial. Without such adjustments, the alliance risks collapsing under the weight of its contradictions, handing the BJP a significant advantage in the upcoming elections.

The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xaviers College (autonomous), Kolkata. His handle on X is @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 15:41 IST
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Amit Shah Would Have Been 'Scrap Dealer' If There Wasn't Ambedkar's Constitution, Claims Siddaramaiah

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 18:47 IST

Siddaramaiah charged that the hatred of the BJP and the RSS for Ambedkar was not new.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (PTI Photo)

Stepping up the attack against Union Minister Amit Shah for his comments on B R Ambedkar in Parliament, senior Congress leader and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday claimed that Shah would have been a "Gujari" (scrap dealer) if there wasnt Ambedkars Constitution.

The chief minister further said that if Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar was really functioning under the Constitution, he should have immediately suspended Shah from the House.

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Reading out a detailed statement in the assembly amid din by both BJP and the Congress MLAs over the issue, Siddaramaiah said the entire country has heard the "derogatory" words spoken by the Home Minister about Babasaheb Ambedkar.

During a debate on the Constitution in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Shah said, "Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai  Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If they had taken Gods name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven)." Stating that there is nothing surprising in the words spoken by Shah, Siddaramaiah said what was in the minds of the BJP and Sangh Parivar leaders has come out in the open.

"First of all, I congratulate you (Amit Shah) for openly and courageously revealing the innermost opinion of the Bharatiya Janata Party about Babasaheb Ambedkar before the country and for finally telling the truth in your lifetime," he said.

He said that if there was no Constitution, Shah would have been a "scrap dealer" in his village and not the Home Minister of the country.

Shah on Wednesday accused the Congress of twisting facts and distorting his comments on B R Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha, asserting that its malicious campaign after the discussion on Constitution "established" the opposition party as being "anti-Ambedkar and anti-reservation". The Union minister also accused the Congress of adopting the tactic of "misrepresenting and distorting" statements.

Siddaramaiah also took a dig at Dhankhar for not taking action against Shah, saying if the Rajya Sabha Chairman was really functioning under the Constitution, he should have immediately suspended the Union minister from the House after his remarks.

The Karnataka chief minister alleged that the main reason behind BJP and Sangh Parivars hatred for Ambedkar was the Constitution.

"Until this written Constitution came into force, the Indian society had the Manusmriti, which made caste and gender discrimination a law. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who hoped for freedom, equality and fraternity, not only gave the Constitution, but he also burned the unwritten Constitution Manusmriti that was in force until then," the CM said.

He noted that on December 25, 1927, Ambedkar publicly burned the Manusmriti and 22 years later, he created a new Constitution.

Siddaramaiah charged that the hatred of the BJP and the RSS for Ambedkar was not new.

According to him, the details of the statements made by RSS leaders, including its founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, his successor Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar against the Constitution are in the pages of history.

Babasaheb Ambedkar dedicated the Constitution to the country on November 30, 1949. Four days later, the RSS mouthpiece Organiser wrote an editorial against the Constitution, he pointed out.

Siddaramaiah also read out a portion of the article: "There is no Indianness in the Constitution written by Ambedkar. Even today, the laws mentioned in the Manusmriti are respected by the world. None of this counts for the Pandit who wrote the Constitution. "The RSS editorial had written against the Constitution, mocking Babasaheb as a Pandit. The RSS is defending this editorial even today," the CM alleged.

"Golwalkar had also opposed Ambedkar and the Constitution in his book, Bunch of Thought, which is considered the Constitution of the RSS", he said.

Golwalkar wrote that after the Vedas, the most sacred book for the Hindu nation  Manusmriti, which has been the basis of our culture, traditions and customs since time immemorial, Siddaramaiah said.

Neither the BJP nor the RSS has so far rejected the "RSS editorial" that opposed the Constitution and Ambedkar, nor the views of Golwalkar and Savarkar, he said.

Siddaramaiah said Ambedkar was not an annoyance, but an eternal memory.

"As long as we breathe, as long as the Sun and Moon exist on this Earth, the memory of Ambedkar will be there. The more you insult him, the more he will bounce back and rise, and he will light up our path of progress," he underlined.

The CM also reiterated that if Ambedkar was not there, he and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would not have occupied high positions. Instead, he would have had to stay in his village grazing cattle and sheep, he added.

The CM said it was on the expected lines that Shah blamed the opposition for twisting his statement.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi too came to the defense of his close friend and made a long statement. All this was expected," Siddaramaiah told the Assembly.

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The Congress MLAs put out photos of Ambedkar on their tables, while the BJP displayed posters in the assembly, accusing Siddaramaiah of being anti-Hindu. Both sides raised slogans against each other.

The commotion led to the adjournment of the House twice by Speaker U T Khader.

Location : Karnataka, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 18:47 IST
'Hooliganism' Or 'Distraction'? Parliament Chaos Snowballs Into Big BJP Vs Congress Row

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 21:55 IST

Dramatic visuals emerged from Parliament on Thursday after a massive showdown between the BJP and Congress MPs over Home Minister Amit Shah's "Ambedkar is the fashion" quip in the Rajya Sabha.

Both BJP and Congress held press conferences over scuffle in Parliament. (Image: ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday slammed the INDIA bloc led by the opposition parties over the scuffle that took place in Parliament. Questioning Rahul Gandhi over the chaos, Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called the opposition leaders Goondas" (Goons) and said that the country will never forget whatever happened in Parliament today.

Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi just did a press conference. We thought they would apologise for what they did today. But they did not. Their press conference displayed their arrogance. I have been seeing his behaviour. But what he (Rahul Gandhi) did today is unimaginable by a civilised society," Shivraj Chouhan said.

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The BJP maintained that the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi started pushing senior party leaders during the protest. Our MPs have complained about the incident and BJP will take all the required legal action," Chouhan said.

Further accusing Rahul Gandhi of entering the Makar Dwar intentionally, the Union Minister said, Today when BJP MPs were opposing at the Makar Dwar, Rahul Gandhi came there. Security personnel in fact told them to use the other space on the side to enter. But he came there on purpose."

Meanwhile, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi held a press conference just minutes before the BJP and accused the saffron party of trying to erase the memories and contributions of the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr BR Ambedkar.

The remarks from both sides came after chaos unfolded outside Parliament on Thursday. Both BJP and INDIA bloc MPs got engaged in protest, counterprotests, and now a police case against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over remark on BR Ambedkar by Amit Shah in Parliament during a debate on the Constitution.

Congress Accuses BJP Of Distraction

Addressing the media, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP MPs of stopping opposition leaders and said, We were peacefully going to Parliament House from Ambedkars statue. BJP MPs did not let us go inside. The reality is that they have insulted Dr BR Ambedkar. The main issue they want to erase is that there is a case against Narendra Modis friend Adani in the United States."

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also attacked the BJP MPs for trying to stop opposition leaders at the door. They did this to show their muscle power. They forcefully attacked us," he said.

Clarifying the charge against him that he pushed BJP leaders, the Congress chief said, I am not in a position to push anyone, but they pushed me. Now they are accusing us that we pushed them. So the kind of environment that the BJP people have created, we will never tolerate it, there will be a nationwide protest against this. The House which was running peacefully, that House was disrupted, the BJP government did the work of disrupting the peace."

FIR Against Rahul Gandhi

The Delhi Police on Thursday registered an FIR against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accusing him of physically assaulting two BJP MPs during a clash in the Parliament premises. The complaint was filed on the basis of the complaint filed by BJP MPs Hemang Joshi, Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj.

Chaos In Parliament: What Happened?

Dramatic visuals emerged from Parliament on Thursday after a massive showdown between the BJP and Congress MPs over Home Minister Amit Shahs Ambedkar is the fashion" quip in the Rajya Sabha. The protests and counterprotests by BJP and Opposition leaders over Ambedkar row led to injuries to two BJP MPs  Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput.

The pushing and jostling from MPs belonging to both sides led to a chaotic situation, while BJPs Pratap Sarangi was seen collapsed near the stairs of Makr Dwar, with blood oozing from his head. The 69-year-old MP later alleged that it was Rahul Gandhi who had pushed him.

Following the incident, a BJP MP slammed Rahul Gandhi and said, Have you no shame? Look what youve done. Youve pushed him." To this, Rahul Gandhi replied, He pushed me."

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The assertion of hurt to BJP MPs was followed by injury claims by the Congress camp too with party president Mallikarjun Kharge stating his knees had been hurt in the protest.

Kharge has also written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to order an inquiry into the BJP MPs pushing" him, saying it was an assault not just on him but on the Rajya Sabha LoP and the Congress president.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 17:10 IST
MPs Hurt In Big Chaos Over Ambedkar Protests, BJP Considers Police Complaint Against Rahul Gandhi

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 14:07 IST

Ambedkar row intensifies: Rahul Gandhi alleged that BJP MPs were pushing him and stopping him from entering Parliament

Ambedkar row: Injured BJP MP Pratap Sarangi (left) and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (Screengrab/ANI)

Ambedkar row intensifies: Amid a showdown between Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Parliament premises over the Ambedkar row, BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi reportedly sustained head injuries. Sarangi alleged that Congress Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, who fell on him, resulting in his wounds.

Another BJP MP, Mukesh Rajput, also suffered head injuries during the melee that ensued when the protesting INDIA bloc and the BJP MPs came face to face in front of Makar Dwar in Parliament.

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According to sources, the BJP will file a police complaint over the incident.

#WATCH | Delhi | BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi says, Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP who fell on me after which I fell downI was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me" pic.twitter.com/xhn2XOvYt4 ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

Following the incident, a BJP MP told Rahul Gandhi, Have you no shame? Look what youve done. Youve pushed him." To this, Rahul Gandhi said, He pushed me." This prompted BJP leaders to say gundagardi karte ho (You are being a bully)"

VIDEO | BJP MP Pratap Sarangi reportedly sustains injury during INDIA blocs protest inside Parliament premises.#ParliamentWinterSession2024(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/koaphQ9nqz  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 19, 2024

Meanwhile, the two BJP MPs were admitted to Delhis Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, and top ministers and political leaders, including Piyush Goyal and Prahlad Joshi, rushed to meet the lawmaker.

RML Hospital Medical Superintendent Ajay Shukla said that both of the leaders suffered head injuries and have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Shukla also said that they are trying to stabilise both (Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput).

Tests will be done. Symptomatic treatment has begun. Since both of them suffered head injuries, they were admitted to the ICU. Pratap Sarangi was experiencing heavy bleeding and he had suffered a deep cut. So, he had to be stitched up. His evaluation is in progress. Mukesh Rajput had fallen unconscious. Right now, he is conscious but he is dizzy and anxious. His BP had shot up," he added.

Later, PM Modi dialled the two injured MPs and inquired about their health.

What Rahul Gandhi Said?

Responding to the allegations, Lok Sabha Leader Of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said, BJP MP pushed me and threatened me while I was trying to enter Parliament. They were stopping me."

He added, Dhakka mukki se kuch hota nahi hain (Nothing happens with pushing and shoving)."

This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, but BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me, and threaten me. This has happened. Yes, this has happened (Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed). But we do not get affected by jostling. But this is the entrance and we have the right to go in. BJP MPs were trying to stop us from going in," Gandhi told reporters.

Gandhi said the central issue is that they are attacking the Constitution and insulting the memory of Ambedkar.

Kharge Writes To Lok Sabha Speaker

The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stating that he was physically pushed by the BJP MPs at the Makar Dwar and sustained an injury on his knees. He has urged the speaker to inquire about the incident.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stating that he was physically pushed by the BJP MPs at the Makar Dwar and sustained an injury on his knees. He has urged the speaker to pic.twitter.com/GMDgVr95I2 ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

What Happens Next?

Parliamentary privilege in India includes several rights specified in the Constitution. These include freedom of speech in Parliament, immunity from court proceedings for anything said or voted in Parliament, and protection for the publication of official parliamentary reports.

Courts cannot question parliamentary proceedings due to procedural irregularities, nor can they interfere with the conduct of Parliament. Additionally, there is immunity from civil or criminal action for reporting parliamentary proceedings, unless done with malice. Obstructing or assaulting a member during the execution of their duties is a breach of privilege and contempt of the House.

If Rahul Gandhi is found guilty, he might end up losing his Parliament membership. However, the Speaker will take the final call.

Protests In Parliament

The development comes as the ruling BJP MPs were protesting on the Parliaments premises amid the ongoing winter session against the Congress party for insulting" Babasaheb Ambedkar. The incident has affected proceedings in both Houses.

Babasaheb Ambedkar ji ka apmaan nahi chalega (Insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar ji will not be tolerated)," BJP MPs chanted in the premises while holding banners which read, Ambedkar showed us the path, Congress misled.

While protesting, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh targeted the Gandhi family, saying that they have all received Bharat Ratna, but didnt give it to Dr Ambedkar.

Congress party is the biggest sinner for disrespecting Babasaheb. The whole family took the Bharat Ratna and didnt give it to BabasahebCongress party should fast for 24 hours and take a vow of silence to atone for their sins," Singh said.

Meanwhile, INDIA Bloc MPs led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Many MPs including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav were seen wearing blue clothes as a mark of protest against the Home Ministers remarks.

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Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments, earlier on Wednesday, with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha.

The issue snowballed into a major political controversy with the Congress seeking the resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 11:16 IST
Parliament Scuffle: Delhi Police Register FIR Against Rahul Gandhi For Injuring 2 BJP MPs

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 21:53 IST

The FIR was filed based on the complaint given by BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi (PTI Image)

The Delhi Police on Thursday registered an FIR against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accusing him of physically assaulting two BJP MPs during a clash in the Parliament premises. The complaint was filed on the basis of the complaint filed by BJP MPs Hemang Joshi, Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj.

According to sources, the Delhi Police has taken a legal opinion regarding the matter since Rahul Gandhi is a Lok Sabha member.

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It has been learnt that several sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been imposed against Rahul Gandhi.

The development took place hours after dramatic visuals emerged from Parliament after a massive showdown between the BJP and Congress MPs over Home Minister Amit Shahs Ambedkar is the fashion" quip in the Rajya Sabha.

The protests and counterprotests by BJP and Opposition leaders over Ambedkar row led to injuries to two BJP MPs  Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. The injured MPs are currently being treated at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

BJP Files FIR Against Rahul Gandhi

In the complaint filed by the BJP, it is alleged that Rahul Gandhi instigated Opposition members of aggression leading to violence inside the premises of Parliament,

At around 10 am, I (Hemang Joshi) along with Mukesh Rajput ji, Pratap Rao Sarangi ji, and other Members of Parliament belonging to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) were peacefully demonstrating," the complaint read adding that Rahul Gandhi arrived around 10:40 am and forcefully barged toward the peaceful demonstrators" despite security instructions.

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Joshi also accused Gandhi and other opposition members of instigating physical aggression that led to injuries. Mukesh Rajput sustained a severe injury to the back of his head, and Sarangi was hurt on his forehead," Joshi alleged in the complaint.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 21:22 IST
Formula-E Race Row: Corruption Case Registered Against BRS Leader K T Rama Rao

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 18:54 IST

The case was registered under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Rama Rao and two officials, the sources told PTI

Rama Rao, who was the Municipal Administration minister during the previous BRS regime, was instrumental in hosting the race last year in Hyderabad. (Image: PTI/File)

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday registered an FIR against BRS working president and MLA K T Rama Rao over alleged irregularities in the conduct of Formula-E race in Hyderabad during the previous regime, official sources said.

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma had recently granted permission to register a case against Rama Rao, over the issue.

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The case was registered under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Rama Rao and two officials, the sources told PTI.

The Telangana government had written to the governor in November, seeking permission to register an FIR against Rama Rao over the alleged irregularities.

The Municipal Administration department had reportedly urged the ACB to investigate the matter.

Earlier this year, the government had sought an explanation from a senior bureaucrat over entering into the agreement concerning the Formula-E race allegedly without the approval of the competent authority and also making a payment of Rs 55 crore.

Rama Rao, who was the Municipal Administration minister during the previous BRS regime, was instrumental in hosting the race last year in Hyderabad.

Though the race was supposed to be held in February this year as well, it was cancelled after the Congress government assumed office in December 2023.

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Rama Rao had on Tuesday said he would face the cases against him legally.

Charging that the Congress government has been making baseless allegations against Rama Rao on the issue for several months now, BRS said the previous government had entered into an agreement with the organisers of Formula-E race to benefit Telangana.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 18:53 IST
Lok Sabha Speaker Bans Protests at Parliament Gates After MPs' Scuffle

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 23:06 IST

Unprecedented scenes were witnessed as protests and counterprotests by BJP and Opposition leaders inside Parliament over Ambedkar row led to injuries to two BJP MPs.

The Congress and other opposition parties have seized on a part of Shah's reference to Ambedkar in his Rajya Sabha speech on Tuesday to target the BJP and demand his resignation. (Photo: PTI)

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has issued strict instructions that no member/members, group of members or political parties and Members shall hold demonstrations at any of the building gates of Parliament House, sources.

This came after two BJP MPs got injured during a face-off between NDA and INDIA bloc members during their protests at Makar Dwar of Parliament House.

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The nation witnessed unprecedented scenes as rival MPs screamed and shoved in the forecourt of Parliament on Thursday. A BJPs woman Rajya Sabha MP accused Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi misbehaving" with her.

An FIR has been registered against Rahul Gandhi based on the complaint by BJP leaders for attempt to murder, physical assault and incitement".

The sordid incident perhaps without parallel started in the morning as BJP and opposition MPs marched towards each other over Union Home Minister Amit Shahs comments on Ambedkar. As the two groups came closer, tempers and voices rose, soon resulting in a melee.

Injury Vs Injury Claim

Soon after BJP claimed that two of its MLAs were injured seriously in the scuffle, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he too was pushed so violently that he lost his balance and sat down. Now they are the ones who are accusing us of shoving them," Kharge said.

However, the more apparent injuries were sustained by BJPs Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi, 69, who had to get stitches in the temple. His colleague Mukesh Rajput was also injured in the head. However, Congress vehemently denied the charges.

Party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said Rahul Gandhi and the others were protesting peacefully, but were prevented from entering Parliament by BJP MPs carrying sticks". The BJP MPs were seen carrying placards pinned to sticks.

BJP MPs stopped, threatened and intimidated me," Rahul Gandhi said.

The Congress also filed a complaint against the BJP in the Parliament House police station.

Both sides also complained to the respective Chairs in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha against each other.

BJP Woman MP Accused Rahul Gandhi Of Making Her Uncomfortable

Speaking in Rajya Sabha, BJP MP from Nagaland S Phangnon Konyak alleged that Gandhi came in her close proximity" and shouted at her during the protest outside the Parliaments Makar Dwar which made her feel extremely uncomfortable".

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In a letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman, she claimed that Rahul Gandhi along with other party MPs came in front of her despite there being a passage created for them by security personnel.

He misbehaved with me in a loud voice and his physical proximity to me was so close that I being a lady member felt extremely uncomfortable I belong to the ST community and I am a lady member. My dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt by LoP Shri Rahul Gandhi ji. Therefore, Honble Chairman sir, I seek your protection," she wrote.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 22:28 IST
Priyanka With Placard, BJP And Congress Face Off In Dramatic Parliament Scenes | Videos

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 13:43 IST

Parliament Winter Session: Parliament was rocked by "assault" allegations by both the BJP and Congress against each other as the Opposition undertook a protest march against Amit Shah.

Parliament Winter Session (Photo: X/Priyanka Gandhi)

Parliament Winter Session: The penultimate day of the Parliaments Winter Session was struck by a massive political faceoff between the BJP and the Opposition, both of who traded assault" charges against each other.

Dramatic scenes were witnessed in the Parliament Complex on Thursday as Opposition MPs carried out protest marches. Both the ruling as well as Opposition sides alleged assault" by each other.

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Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla demanding an inquiry into the alleged assault" by the BJP MPs during the protest march.

My letter to the Honble @loksabhaspeaker urging to order an inquiry into the incident which is an assault not just on me personally, but on the Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha and the Congress President. pic.twitter.com/gmILQdIDYW Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 19, 2024

What Were The Allegations?

The matter pertains to the BJPs allegations that Rahul Gandhi pushed its MP Pratap Sarangi during the INDIA blocs protest in the Parliament Complex this morning against Union Home Minister Amit Shahs remarks on BR Ambedkar in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Rahul Gandhi denied the allegations and alleged that the BJP MPs were rushing him as he tried to enter the Parliament building.

They were threatening us. We are not scared of this. We have the right to enter the Parliament," he told reporters.

VIDEO | I was just trying to go inside the Parliament and BJP MPs were trying to stop me. This is what has happened This is the entrance of Parliament House and we have a right to go inside," says Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) as BJP leaders accuse him of shoving pic.twitter.com/hHsZlaNAyM Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 19, 2024

BJP Alleges Assault By Rahul Gandhi On Pratap Sarangi

BJP MP Sarangi was seen sitting in the complex with BJP MPs around him. Party MP Nishikant Dubey was seen pacifying his colleague and telling Rahul Gandhi, who walked into the picture, Are you not ashamed Rahul Gandhi? You do hooliganism. You pushed an old man."

Rahul Gandhi replied, He has pushed me", to which the BJP MPs retorted, He has not pushed you".

VIDEO | BJP MP Pratap Sarangi reportedly sustains injury during INDIA blocs protest inside Parliament premises.#ParliamentWinterSession2024(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/koaphQ9nqz  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 19, 2024

Several BJP MPs and Ministers rushed to the RML Hospital in Delhi to see Sarangi who was shifted there for the treatment.

Opposition MPs Conduct Protest March

The Congress MPs held a protest march on the premises and chanted Jai Bhim" slogans. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi joined the protesting MPs and shouted slogans with them, holding placards in her hand. Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge was also seen taking part in the protest march, raising fists, and chanting slogans.

The Congress alleged that the BJP MPs obstructed" their march, holding a stick in their hands.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore alleged that the BJP MPs walked into the Parliament premises with batons in their hands, and linked the incident with the partys relationship with the RSS.

He said that the BJP could do anything to save Amit Shah.

The Opposition MPs were protesting peacefully. The BJP MPs reached here with an RSS baton. It is for the first time that they came into the Parliament with sticks. RSS and stick have a relation of 100 years. They can do anything to save Amit Shah. We will meet the Speaker and demand an investigation into this. They are conspiring to save Amit Shah from apologising," he said.

BJP Lashes Out At Rahul Gandhi Over Sarangi Episode

Reacting to the Sarangi injury incident, Union Minister Giriraj Singh alleged that Congress and Rahul Gandhi have come down to hooliganism in which the BJP MP was injured.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav slammed Rahul Gandhi for the arrogance" and said that instead of apologising for injuring an aged MP", he walks away with accusations".

So much for being mohabbat ki dukan. Such entitlement! Congress continues to be blot on democracy," Yadav posted on X.

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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Rahul Gandhis arrogance, sense of entitlement and feudal behaviour" has injured elected MPs and put life in danger".

Strongly disapprove his behaviour and tantrums. No amount of condemnation is enough for his juvenile act. The least he owes is an apology," he said.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 12:47 IST
Two BJP MPs Hurt During Ambedkar Protests In Parliament: Who Are They And What They Alleged?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 14:00 IST

Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput suffered head injuries during a bitter standoff between BJP and Congress MPs in the Parliament over the ongoing Ambedkar row.

BJP MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were hurt during the BJP-Congress standoff in Parliament today. (Photo: ANI)

Ambedkar row in Parliament: Dramatic scenes ensued in the Parliament premises on Thursday as BJP and Opposition MPs carried out protest marches following Union Home Minister Amit Shahs big remarks on Dr BR Ambedkar. Both parties traded allegations of assault" as the protests intensified.

Two BJP MPs, Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, reportedly sustained injuries during the bitter BJP-Congress standoff in the Parliament. Sources said the BJP is planning to file a police complaint over the incident as party members condemned Rahul Gandhi for hooliganism".

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On the other hand, veteran Congress leader and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, demanding an inquiry into the alleged assault by BJP MPs during the chaotic protest march. The Congress alleged that BJP MPs deliberately pushed opposition leaders and blocking them from reaching the Parliament.

#WATCH | TDP MP Appalanaidu Kalisetti meets BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi at RML Hospital. He is admitted here after sustaining injuries during jostling with INDIA Alliance MPs.(Video Source: Appalanaidu Kalisetti) pic.twitter.com/IOE6fUe2gJ  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

ALSO READ: Not Kushti Ka Akhada: Kiren Rijiju Demands Rahul Gandhis Apology Over BJP MPs Alleged Assault

Who Are The Two MPs Injured During Parliament Protests?

Pratap Chandra Sarangi, the 69-year-old BJP MP from Odishas Balasore constituency, has held key positions in his decades-long political career. Born in the village of Gopinathpur, Nilagiri in Balasore district, Sarangi worked for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.

Sarangi contested the Odisha Assembly elections from Nilagiri in 2004 and won two consecutive terms. In 2014, he contested the Lok Sabha elections from Balasore and lost. He tried again in 2019 and defeated Biju Janata Dal candidate Rabindra Kumar Jena. He was appointed the Minister of State for the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as well as the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.

Mukesh Lodhi Rajput, 56, is a BJP MP from Uttar Pradeshs Farrukhabad constituency. He was born on August 8, 1968, and has a Bachelor of Science degree from RP Degree College in Farrukhabad. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2014 from the Farrukhabad constituency.

Rajput is considered a close ally of former Uttar Pradesh CM Kalyan Singh. He defeated former Union Minister Salman Khurshid in both 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This year, he narrowly defeated the Samajwadi Partys Naval Kishore. He has also worked in several parliamentary committees during his tenure.

What They Alleged?

The two MPs suffered head injuries as BJP and Opposition MPs came face to face in front of the Makar Dwar in Parliament. Sarangi alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, who fell on him, resulting in his wounds.

Rahul Gandhi pushed a member of Parliament who fell on me after which I fell downI was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me" Singh told reporters. Both Sarangi and Rajput were admitted to the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital and are being treated for their injuries.

ALSO READ: Video Evidence Key: Can Rahul Gandhi Go To Jail For Pushing BJP MP? Heres What Rules Say

Meanwhile, Rajput also alleged that Rahul Gandhi has pushed him, causing him to fall on Sarangi. Top BJP leaders and ministers, including Piyush Goyal and Prahlad Joshi, rushed to meet the injured lawmakers.

RML Hospital Medical Superintendent Ajay Shukla said that both of the leaders suffered head injuries and have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Shukla also said that they are trying to stabilise both (Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput).

Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled the two injured MPs and inquired about their health.

#WATCH | Delhi | Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says, He (Rahul Gandhi) pushed forcefully. Due to this, around 3-4 MPs fell and in it, BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were badly injured Pratap Sarangi has been badly injured and Mukesh Rajput has been admitted pic.twitter.com/EGf8JjqPL9 ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

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Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi instead blamed Sarangi for pushing and threatening him while he was trying to enter the Parliament. Dhakka mukki se kuch hota nahi hain (Nothing happens with pushing and shoving)," he added. Gandhi said the central issue is that they are attacking the Constitution and insulting the memory of Ambedkar.

The development comes as the ruling BJP MPs were protesting on the Parliaments premises amid the ongoing winter session against the Congress party for insulting" Babasaheb Ambedkar. The incident has affected proceedings in both Houses.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 13:54 IST
What Exactly Happened During 30 Minutes Of Mayhem At Parliaments Makr Dwar? An Eyewitness Account

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 16:10 IST

In the absence of any videos of the actual incident with the two BJP MPs or to support the Congress claims of party chief Kharge being pushed around, the key now lies in the CCTV footage of the event

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi visits BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi who got injured in Parliament on Thursday. (PTI)

It was the first time in this Parliament session that BJP decided to hold a protest at the Makar Dwar on Thursday at 10am. By 10.15am, over 100 party MPs were present at the site.

But just 20 minutes later, an equally big contingent of INDIA bloc MPs also arrived at the spot and an unprecedented confrontation ensued for the next 30 minutes, with a slogan-slanging match followed by pushing and jostling amongst the MPs.

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BJP MPs had started collecting at Makar Dwar from 10am after the party decided to protest there, demanding an apology from the Congress for insulting Bhim Rao Ambedkar over the years. BJP MPs were carrying placards and speaking to the media till 10.35am.

It was then that Congress MPs, led by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched towards the Makar Dwar after taking a round of the Old Parliament building from the Bhimrao Ambedkar statue. Vadra was accompanied by MPs of various INDIA bloc allies like DMK, Samajwadi Party and the Left.

While the CISF security team tried to divert the Congress march towards an entry near the Makar Dwar, the Congress MPs led by Vadra chose to enter the cordon from near the Old Parliament building entry and came face-to-face with the protesting BJP MPs. Rahul Gandhi also entered the face-off, wearing a bright blue t-shirt.

What followed was a war of words between both sides, with nearly 150-200 MPs inside the open enclosure in front of the Makar Dwar. While Congress MPs were shouting slogans against Home Minister Amit Shah and chanting Jai Bhim while carrying placards of Ambedkar, BJP MPs responded with equal vocal force, shouting slogans like Congress sharm karo in the face of Congress leaders.

Both sides remained in an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation and the Gandhis and some Congress MPs then chose to sit down in front of Makar Dwar and continue the protest. All this continued for nearly 15 minutes. The CISF was unable to create any perimeter between both groups as they did not want to touch any of the MPs as per protocol.

The problem started around 11am when Congress MPs led by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra decided to enter Parliament through Makar Dwar by going through the BJP MPs in front of them. It was then that a lot of pushing and jostling was seen amongst the MPs and BJPs Pratap Sarangi was later seen collapsed near the stairs of Makar Dwar, with blood oozing from his head. He alleged that it was Rahul Gandhi who had pushed him.

A PTI video has now surfaced where Rahul Gandhi can be seen approaching Sarangi to check on him as BJPs Nishikant Dubey is seen telling the Congress leader that he should be ashamed for pushing Sarangi. Rahul Gandhi quickly left the spot, denying that he had pushed Sarangi and instead said it were the BJP MPs who had pushed him.

BJP MP from Nagaland, Phangon Konyak, alleged that Rahul Gandhi had pushed her as well.

At the end of the day, two BJP MPs have reached hospital with injuries while Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has claimed he was also pushed by BJP MPs. Some INDIA group MPs also climbed the boundary wall of Makar Dwar with Ambedkar pictures and a woman MP climbed up to the statue on Makar Dwar as well in scenes never seen in the new Parliament building so far.

Union minister Giriraj Singh told News18 that it was complete anarchy and gunda-gardi" by Rahul Gandhi and the Congress behaviour was condemnable as it had left two BJP MPs seriously injured. Congress MPs could have used the side ramp to enter Parliament through Makar Dwar but they chose a confrontation," Singh said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called up the two MPs to check on their condition. Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, could face an FIR in the matter.

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Manickam Tagore of the Congress said the BJP MPs tried to block the way of Congress MPs and Rahul Gandhi is not the kind of person to push anyone".

In the absence of any videos of the actual incident with the two BJP MPs or to support the Congress claims of Kharge being pushed around, the key now lies in the CCTV footage of the event as Makar Dwar is completely covered by cameras. Video evidence of the same is now key and could finally throw light on what happened on Tuesday.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 15:29 IST
When Nehru Didnt Allow Ambedkar A Government Memorial: Down Memory Lane

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 08:58 IST

Sources within the BJP refer to books and documents to suggest it is the Congress party that has been historically at odds with Ambedkar and his legacy.

BJP insiders refer to another book Letter to Chief Minister where a letter dated June 18, 1959 suggests Nehru wasnt comfortable with the idea of a government memorial for Ambedkar.

India witnessed an aggressive Mallikarjun Kharge and a combative Amit Shah over a man whose legacy is well sought after by both the BJP and the Congress  BR Ambedkar. After Congress chief Kharge alleged Shah disrespected Ambedkar, the Union Home Minister held a counter press conference along with a battery of Union ministers, calling his statement twisted and distorted by Congress". I come from a party which can never disrespect Ambedkar," Shah hit back. In a rare move, no less, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took Congress head-on over the issue, learning from the past to not let any fake narrative" take root that cost the BJP dear in the Lok Sabha election 2024.

But now, sources within the BJP refer to books and documents to suggest it is the Congress party that has been historically at odds with Ambedkar and his legacy.

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NEHRU DIDNT ALLOW AMBEDKAR GOVT MEMORIAL

Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, in his book Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru (second series) volume 16, part 2, himself discloses a letter between him and BC Roy that BJP insiders now draw attention towards in light of the present row. After BC Roy informed Nehru that Ambedkar had made up his mind to resign from the cabinet, Nehrus calm reply to Roy was, Ambedkars departure doesnt weaken the Cabinet" Here, Indias first Prime Minister Nehru was talking about a man who is known to be the father of the Indian Constitution  and now, whose legacy the Congress party is trying to politically appropriate.

In the same book, Ambedkar alleged that he was not satisfied with the government of the days response led by Pandit Nehru to the concerns of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He was particularly unhappy at being kept out of key committees pertaining to foreign affairs or defence, insinuating that the government of the day didnt deem him fit enough to be there. All these led to his resignation which wasnt stopped by Nehru.

BJP insiders refer to another book Letter to Chief Minister where a letter dated June 18, 1959 suggests Nehru wasnt comfortable with the idea of a government memorial for Ambedkar after such demands rose post his death. He was writing a letter to a Mayor.

BJP sources are contrasting it with efforts like each teerth  five places related to Ambedkars like that the BJP-ruled Centre developed into tourist destinations. A memorial in his birthplace in Madhya Pradesh, the place in London, where he used to study, in Nagpur, where he meditated, in Delhi, where he undertook the Mahaparinirvan and finally in Mumbai, where he breathed his last.

The BJP was quick to point how it was their government that announced November 26 as Constitution Day or how PM Modi inaugurated Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Memorial in 2018 in Mahaparinirvan Sthal, which the BJP claims was held back by the Congress-ruled UPA regime for ten years.

NEHRU CAMPAIGNED AGAINST AMBEDKAR

During the discussion, it was proven that the Congress disrespects BR Ambedkar. The Congress tried its best to beat BR Ambedkar in the elections," Shah said in Parliament. He was referring to two instances  1952 and 1954 when Congress candidates defeated Ambedkar. In 1951-52, in Indias first general election, Ambedkar, for whom the Congress was holding a press conference and accusing the BJP of disrespecting, had fielded a candidate in Bombay North Central to defeat the same Ambedkar who stood from his Scheduled Caste Federation Party. The Congress fielded Kajrolkar to defeat Ambedkar, who BJP says, was given a Padma Bhushan award. Nehru himself campaigned against Ambedkar, BJP sources insist.

In the next by-election in 1954, in Maharashtras Bhandara, Congress again threw its entire might to defeat Ambedkar to stop him from entering the Indian Parliament. This is the respect Congress has for Ambedkar. They should apologise to all Dalits of India," said a BJP source.

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If thats not all, the Congress successively refused to give Bharat Ratna  Indias highest civilian award  to Ambedkar. BJP cites Nehru gave Bharat Ratna to himself in 1955 while his daughter Indira Gandhi followed suit in 1971. Even Kajrolkar, who defeated Ambedkar, was awarded a Padma award in 1970. Forget Padma award, the Congress didnt even allow his oil painting in Parliament. It was only in 1990 when the Congress government was no longer in power, and a BJP-supported government was at the Centre that Ambedkar was finally awarded Bharat Ratna," said a BJP source.

The source also highlighted the stark contrast between the 100th-year celebration of Nehru and Ambedkar.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 08:58 IST
'You Will Be Chief Minister One Day', CM Devendra Fadnavis Tells His Deputy Ajit Pawar

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 18:48 IST

The NCP leader, who has been vocal about his chief ministerial ambitions, split the Sharad Pawar-founded Nationalist Congress Party in 2023 and joined the BJP-led Mahayuti government

The Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP won over 230 of the state's 288 assembly seats, while MVA could manage to grab only 46. (Image: PTI File)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said he and his deputies Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde would work 24/7 in shifts.

Ajit Pawar will work in the morning since he is an early riser. I am on duty from 12 noon to midnight while throughout the night you all know who," Fadnavis said, referring to Shinde, who is known to work till late hours.

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He was replying to a debate in the legislative assembly on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his joint address to both Houses of the state legislature during the ongoing Winter Session in Nagpur.

Turning to Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis said, You are called permanent deputy CM but my wishes are with you you will be the CM someday." Ajit Pawar on December 5 took oath as the deputy CM of Maharashtra for the sixth time.

The NCP leader, who has been vocal about his chief ministerial ambitions, split the Sharad Pawar-founded Nationalist Congress Party in 2023 and joined the BJP-led Mahayuti government.

In the ensuing battle for the party name and its clock symbol, his faction got both. His uncle and veteran politician Sharad Pawar now heads NCP (SP), an ally of the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) under the banner of the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

After a severe drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls that saw NCP bagging only one seat, Ajit Pawars party made an impressive comeback in the recently held assembly elections, emerging victorious in 41 of the 57 constituencies where it was in the fray.

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The Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP won over 230 of the states 288 assembly seats, while MVA could manage to grab only 46.

First Published: December 19, 2024, 18:48 IST
iPhone SE 4 To Launch As iPhone 16E In 2025? Here's What We Know

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 10:46 IST

Apple's new iPhone SE model in 2025 could actually be part of the latest 16 series lineup to mirror its upgrades and design changes.

Apple could make a big call on the future of the iPhone SE lineup in 2025

Apples biggest iPhone launch expected in 2025 could have a surprising twist. The 4th generation iPhone SE is believed to be the most affordable model with Apples in-house 5G modem and support for AI. It will also be the much-awaited successor to the 2022 iPhone SE version. Now, in the latest development, it has been mentioned that Apple could ditch the SE moniker for its new model and make it part of the iPhone 16 series itself.

Apple could launch the upcoming iPhone SE lineup with a new name, iPhone 16e. Additionally, reports suggest that the new device could undergo a major redesign and align itself more closely with the flagship lineup of Apple. With a premium mid-range price tag and features like Apple Intelligence and other AI-powered tools as standard variants, the company may no longer see the SE branding fit into its equation.

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Going into details, tipster Fixed focus digital, shared a post on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo claiming that Apple could rebrand the next iPhone SE as the iPhone 16e. The tipster further adds that the iPhone 16e will be equipped with the same screen size as the standard iPhone 16 and feature a full-screen design.

For those unaware, Apple launched three SE-branded phones till now. Starting with the original iPhone SE in 2016, followed by the 2nd generation in 2020 and the third iteration in 2022. Now, the iPhone 16e would be the fifth model in the lineup, joining the current iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

iPhone SE 4 Design, Features

It is rumoured that the upcoming iPhone SE model will feature an iPhone 14-like design, which means users can expect over one or two upgrades. The iPhone SE 4 could feature a modern design like the iPhone 14 with a wide notch and possibly support Face ID.

The device is tipped to sport a 6.1-inch Super XDR display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It could be powered by the in-house A18 chipset and may have Apple Intelligence support like the standard iPhone 16 variants. Most leaks hint that the handset may house a single camera unit, but even then upgrading that to a 48 MP Sony Exmor IMX904 sensor and a 12 MP front camera sensor will surely give it a big lift from the existing 8 MP sensor.

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The phone will have a 3,279 mAh battery that supports 20W wired fast charging and Qi2 and MagSafe wireless charging. Other features include an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

The iPhone SE 4/iPhone 16e model will reportedly come at a price tag between $499 (approximately Rs 42,220) and $549 (around Rs 46,400), making it the most-affordable iPhone model to offer the new AI features.

Location : California, USA

First Published: December 19, 2024, 10:46 IST
Samsung Brings Its iPhone Dynamic Island-Like Now Bar With Android 15 Update: Know More

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 12:29 IST

Samsung's Android 15 update has been delayed to 2025 as its launches the new flagship phones with the latest One UI update.

The long-awaited Android 15 version will have this iPhone-like feature

Samsung has been inspired by Apple with its recent product designs and soon you will have a version of the iPhone dynamic island called the Now Bar. Samsungs Android 15 update is running late and expected to release with the new Galaxy S25 series in January but the company is giving us a teaser of whats to come. Apple introduced the dynamic island to use the screen space for some notifications, and Samsung is happy to take these cues and add the AI layer for its Now bar which will show at the bottom of the screen.

Samsungs Android 15 Now Bar Update: What It Brings For Users

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The Dynamic Island on iPhone 15 and higher models give you details like charging status, where your Uber cab is, and even the food delivery input. Samsung will adopt a similar tactic with Now Bar but put it at the bottom of the screen. It will leverage the Galaxy AI tech to offer a wide range of features on the home screen.

Samsung claims the Now bar will give you weather updates, notify you or send alerts if you have a flight to catch, and even let you convert the currency on the home screen.

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The company is doing this pre-release teasers because people are now eager to get the Android 15 update. Brands like OnePlus and Nothing have already rolled out for their existing devices while Vivo and Oppo have launched their phones with the new Android version.

Whats more, Google has already started the Android 16 beta program, so it is apparent that Samsung needs to hurry up and bring the new public update at the earliest. Well be hearing more about the One UI 7 version at the next Galaxy Unpacked event in January where the brand will unveil its new flagships for 2025.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 12:29 IST
You Can Chat With ChatGPT On WhatsApp, Call On This Free Number

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 10:13 IST

OpenAI is offering ChatGPT via WhatsApp for many countries and you can even talk to the AI chatbot with a toll-free number.

Use this toll-free number to add ChatGPT to your WhatsApp account

OpenAI is really pushing ChatGPT across all corners, and now that popular AI chatbot will work on WhatsApp or even your regular phone calls. Yes, ChatGPT is now available on the Meta-owned messaging app, letting you use the chatbot for free in the US region. It is interesting to see OpenAI bring ChatGPT to WhatsApp, when the messaging app already has the Meta AI chatbot available for free.

The company has been on a launch spree which is being spread across 12 days and the WhatsApp chatbot is one of the many it has announced in recent days.

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ChatGPT On WhatsApp, Free Call: How It Works And Where

OpenAI has introduced this chatbot for WhatsApp which can be activated using the US number 1-1800-242-8478, and you can use the same number to make a free call to the AI chatbot but only for 15 minutes every month. ChatGPT will work without an account which is understandable for voice calls but it is likely that OpenAI will find some way to integrate ChatGPT with an existing account for WhatsApp users to give them access to their previous chat history. OpenAI assures that ChatGPT will never be the one to initiate a call or start a chat with you on WhatsApp.

While OpenAI has offered the calling service for people in the US and Canada region for now, you can try out the WhatsApp chatbot in all the countries where ChatGPT is supported, including India. We tried out the 1-1800-242-8478 number using our WhatsApp account and where able to access the chatbot on our feed. There is a limit on the number of messages that you can send on WhatsApp as well, and the company will notify when you reach the daily limit.

The WhatsApp chatbot for ChatGPT also has certain limitations in terms of the features supported. OpenAI says you can only have text chats with ChatGPT on the messaging app. But soon you can use a ChatGPT account to enjoy other benefits like ChatGPT Search, chat with images and even have the memory log of all the conversations. You also cannot add ChatGPT to a group chat on WhatsApp.

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OpenAI needs more avenues to make ChatGPT reach a wider audience. It has already signed up with Apple to bring ChatGPT on Macs, iPhones and more devices with the iOS 18.2 update. And it looks to build its user base on ChatGPT which invariably helps with the higher valuation for the company.

OpenAI also introduced the Sora AI video generation tool for all users with ChatGPT Plus subscription. The company has also added a new Pro tier which costs $200 (Rs 17,000 approx) per month and gives you better access to ChatGPT with more limits. And finally, we have seen the company announce ChatGPT Search is available to everyone, even those without an account with the platform.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 10:13 IST
67-Year-Old Malaysian Woman Loses Over Rs 4 Crore In 7-Year Online Romance Scam

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 18:31 IST

Despite the financial support she was providing, the woman had never met the man in person, nor had they ever spoken on a video call.

The woman sent money 306 times to a supposed US businessman she met on Facebook.

A chilling incident from Malaysia proves that age is no barrier when it comes to falling prey to deceit. This is the story of a 67-year-old elderly woman who, in her quest for companionship, lost a staggering sum of over Rs 4 crore (approximately $500,000) to an online fraudster posing as a romantic partner.

The woman, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was first approached by a man claiming to be a successful US businessman. Their online relationship began in October 2017 through Facebook, where the man quickly gained her trust. Over the course of their virtual friendship, the man claimed that he was planning to relocate to Malaysia and needed financial assistance to facilitate the move.

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Initially, the woman, who was lonely and seeking connection, responded sympathetically. She sent a modest amount of money  about Rs 90,000  to help him with his supposed relocation plans. However, the requests for financial help did not stop there. Over the years, the scammer continued to create elaborate excuses, from business investments to urgent personal needs, gradually increasing the demands for money.

What began as small financial favours soon escalated into a series of transactions, each one more desperate than the last. The woman, in total, transferred money a staggering 306 times across 50 different bank accounts. The total amount siphoned from her bank account reached an eye-watering Rs 4.4 crore.

Much of the money was borrowed from family and friends, as the woman felt compelled to help her beloved" partner. Astonishingly, despite the substantial financial support she was providing, the woman had never met the man in person, nor had they ever spoken on a video call. Her trust in him, however, seemed unshakable  a fact that highlights how powerful the emotional manipulation of online scammers can be.

It was only after seven years of ongoing financial support that the woman confided in a close friend about her situation. Upon hearing her story, the friend immediately realised that the woman had been scammed and urged her to report the matter to the police. The shock of the realisation hit the elderly woman hard, as she came to terms with the extent of the betrayal. The emotional toll was compounded by the severe financial loss, which left her devastated and regretting her misplaced trust.

On December 17, 2024, the Director of the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department, Commissioner Datuk Ramli Mohammad Yusuf, made the case public, urging Malaysians to be cautious in online relationships. He emphasised that while people, regardless of age, may be seeking companionship or love, they should remain vigilant and avoid sending money to individuals they have never met in person or verified through reliable means.

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This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online scams. The Malaysian police issued a statement urging people to exercise caution when forming relationships over social media and online platforms. They warned that scammers often target vulnerable individuals who are emotionally isolated or lonely, exploiting their need for human connection to manipulate them into sending large sums of money.

In this case, the elderly womans story serves as a poignant example of how loneliness can be weaponised by malicious individuals on the internet. It also highlights the growing trend of romance scams," where fraudsters build fake online relationships to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims, only to exploit them for financial gain.

Location : Malaysia

First Published: December 19, 2024, 18:31 IST
Bengaluru School Locks Students In Dark Room Over Unpaid Fees

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 15:15 IST

Bengaluru: Over the past two weeks, six incidents have been reported in which students were confined to dark rooms or libraries as punishment for unpaid fees, tardiness, or misbehaviour.

The Education Department has warned private schools against locking up students. (Representative image/Getty)

A school in Bengaluru has come under fire after it reportedly locked students over non-payment of fees. Orchid International School allegedly subjected students to this form of punishment, which has reportedly caused them significant emotional and mental distress. Angry parents have condemned the treatment, stating that it could negatively affect the academic performances of their wards.

The school has reportedly warned students of severe consequences if they file formal complaints. According to multiple reports, this is not an isolated case. Some private schools in the city have allegedly resorted to locking students in dark rooms as punishment for unpaid fees, tardiness, or misbehaviour. In certain instances, students were reportedly confined to a dark library during class hours for not paying fees.

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Parents file formal complaints

The allegations against multiple shcools have led to formal complaints to the Education Department and the Child Safety & Protection Department. Parents have been demanding swift action, including revoking the licenses of such schools and blacklisting them. They argue such punitive measures violate the rights of their children and call for accountability.

What did Education Department say?

The Education Department has warned private schools against harassing students over unpaid fees, stressing the harm it can cause to their mental health and academic performance. Parents have been encouraged to report such incidents to local police stations, with the department assuring thorough investigations. They also stated that if the allegations are proven true, the schools permits will be revoked, and they will be blacklisted.

As per a report by Asianet News, six students have allegedly been confined to a dark room for an entire day, with no light or access to any other facilities over last two weeks.

School denied allegations

News18.com reached out to Orchid International School on Mysore Road for a comment regarding the allegations. While the school denied the claims and called them baseless, they assured us they would facilitate communication with another branch in the city. However, we have not received a response from them yet.

How social media users reacted?

In response to the incident, an individual wrote on X (formerly Twitter), Criminal case should be booked against the school management .This issue will have gigantic impact on the sensitive adolescent."

As punishment, this has happened with me couple of times in school," said another.

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A third commented, The admin of the school must be sent to the jail."

Name and shame the school," suggested a fourth. They aslo tagged Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and urged him to take necessary action against the school".

First Published: December 19, 2024, 15:11 IST
Bodybuilder Challenges Lioness For A Tug Of War: Watch To Find The Winner

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 13:34 IST

In an amazing display of fun and bravery, the muscular man challenges a young lion in a tug-of-war match.

The 50-second clip has amassed more than 11 million views. (Photo Credits: X)

Big cats, with their powerful builds, sharp claws, and lightning-fast reflexes, are among the most formidable predators on Earth. When it comes to strength and agility, these apex predators reign supreme in the wild. Social media platforms are full of captivating videos showcasing these magnificent creatures in action, their battles a testament to their power and ferocity. These unhinged and scary strengths of lions and tigers always leave viewers stunned. Another video of these strong creatures has surfaced online that would remind you of your place in the food chain.

In an amazing display of fun and bravery, a strong-looking, muscular man is seen challenging a young lion in a tug of war match. The 50-second clip starts with the bodybuilder pulling a rope through a partition; on the other side of it is a lioness with the same rope in its mouth.

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Both the opponents are seen pulling the rope with full strength, while the lion proved to be a strong competitor as she made the man sweat for his life. But the man does not give up and continues pulling to win. With its teeth clenched around the rope, the lion impressively pulls hard to drag the man on his feet multiple times, closer to the partition. Despite this, the man grunts and heaves desperately as he pulls his persistent opponent, and the tug of war continues.

The clip also showed the match was witnessed by several people present there who cheered the lioness and remained transfixed. At the end, the camera shows the man taking a deep breath while the lioness, undeterred by the challenge, sat in the mud, tightly gripping the rope with its teeth.

She was not even phased  pic.twitter.com/2obyynMCPN Ichigo Niggasake (@SomaKazima) December 15, 2024

As expected, the video shared on December 16 went crazy viral on social media. The share amused many of the internet users who couldnt hold back but flooded the comments section with their reactions. A majority of viewers expressed that they werent expecting that the man was competing against the big cat. While others were in awe of the lionesss strength, who remained unfazed throughout the challenge.

A user commented, She took it like a champ, no stress."

She took it like a champ, no stress ?? Hinaa (@HinaReall) December 16, 2024

I was not expecting that towards the end," expressed a user.

I was not expecting that towards the end ? TAV (@TayeSuave) December 16, 2024

Another said, I thought for sure it was a bigger animal."

I thought for sure it was a bigger animal Ask Questions (@AskQuestions888) December 16, 2024

A female lion weighs between 270-400 lbs. So even without her pulling against or setting her paws, it would be very difficult to pull her," read a comment.

A female lion weighs between 270-400 lbs. So even without her pulling against or setting her paws it would be very difficult to pull her. Hans Guenkel (@hansg2014) December 16, 2024

An account remarked, Ice in her veins, she stayed unfazed through it all."

Ice in her veins, she stayed unfazed through it all. VIJAY GHORRIWAL (@VijayGhorriwal) December 16, 2024

Well I dont doubt that the cat is stronger than he is but that cat is definitely outsmarting him as soon as it went around the corner, thats just called physics," joked a user.

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Well I don't doubt that the cat is stronger than he is but that cat is definitely outsmarting him as soon as it went around the corner that's just called physics ? Mark Humes  Visual artist (@MarkHumes_Art) December 16, 2024

Until now, the video has garnered over 11.7 million views and 79,000 likes.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 13:34 IST
Chappell Roans Carpool Karaoke Moment With Parents Touches A Million Hearts: Watch Here

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 16:55 IST

Chappell Roans parents got emotional as they sang along to her song Pink Pony Club during Carpool Karaoke.

Pink Pony Club is a song from Chappell Roans debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

The Carpool Karaoke series, which originally featured James Corden as host, has now brought a festive twist with a Christmas special hosted by Zane Lowe of Apple Music. One of the standout moments came during Chappell Roans appearance where she was joined by her parents for a surprise segment. Roans parents sang along to her song Pink Pony Club. The heartfelt moment between the family quickly went viral across social media platforms. Fans were deeply moved by the touching and adorable connection shared by Roan and her parents during the show.

During the ride through rural Missouri, Lowe played Pink Pony Club in the background. The song is from Roans debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess which reflects a woman leaving her small town to find herself in Los Angeles.

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As the song played, Roan and her parents enjoyed a fun karaoke moment and sang along. But soon, emotions took over her parents who were visibly moved by the lyrics. Roans father held his wifes hand while wiping away tears which showed how much the song meant to them.

After the song ended, Kara, Roans mother, shared her feelings, stating, That song, I love singing it with her at her shows."

Even when were grown up, we care what our parents think about us. And I hope thats something that she always knows: that we love her so much and we could not be proud of her," she added.

Her father Dwight also spoke of his deep admiration for his daughter, saying, I hope that thats something that she always knows, that we love her so much, and we could not be proud of her. I think about this a lot and try not to get emotional about it What she has taught me as a father is respect for other people and all people, and thats what I want people to understand. Everything that is about her is about loving everybody, and she has taught me that."

What she stands for is a lot of hope," he said.

Take a look here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SPIN (@spinmag)

Roan and her parents emotional moment touched many social media users who flooded the comment section with their thoughts and reactions.

One user shared, I always think of what her parents think now" and seeing them love this song brings me to tears."

Another added, This is so sweet to see how PROUD her parents are seeing their baby be exactly who she is and having won her dream."

More heartfelt comments poured in with one user reacting, This is what it looks like to have BOTH parents believe in you. Stand behind you. Be proud of you."

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Another simply declared, Wins the internet today. Period."

When she sings dont think I left you all behind" and her parents look at each other so sweetly and hold hands. So beautiful," an individual expressed.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 16:44 IST
Chinese Educational Institution Under Fire For Forcing Employees To Bow In Front Of Boss

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 11:36 IST

One of the most shocking rituals involves employees of an educational institution in Guangzhou bowing on the floor to their superiors.

Chinese companies push employees to the edge. (Representative Image)

Toxic workplace culture, characterised by negative and socially unhealthy practices within organisations, has emerged as a pressing issue. It encompasses behaviours such as bullying, poor leadership and inadequate support for employees. Recently, a report has shed light on an alarming and extreme workplace practice in China, aimed at enforcing discipline and loyalty among staff, highlighting the darker side of organisational environments.

One of the most shocking rituals involves employees of an educational institution in Guangzhou bowing on the floor to their superiors. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) report, this bizarre tradition was highlighted in a viral video of about 20 employees prostrating themselves in a corridor while chanting slogans to greet their superiors during an inspection.

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They were heard loudly saying, Qiming branch welcomes Boss Huang! Qiming branch, whether in life or death, we will not fail our work mission".

On December 2, Liu, the companys legal representative, denied the incident, claiming that Huang had never been part of such a welcoming ceremony.

In another instance, a finance firm from Chengdu forced their workers, compelling them to take Death chillies for not meeting performance benchmarks. These hot snacks have serious health issues. Reportedly, two female employees were forced to take a hot snack and were hospitalised. It has been stated this form of punishment is not a one-off affair but a process having other brutal and degrading forms of working relations.

After being taken through these practices, company representatives have sought to play down the situation. For instance, Liu, the legal representative of the Guangzhou company, dismissed the existence of such welcoming ceremonies, asserting the video might have been rigged. He spoke of the long-term detrimental implications of this event on the companys image, SCMP further reports.

Still, this denial has not appeased the anger; many users have described such practices as degradation of the employees.

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The government is involved in determining whether both companies have violated labour rights. As has been seen from Chinese law, it is unlawful for companies to formulate unreasonable rituals that will violate the rights of the people.

These two cases are symptomatic of worrying trends in the modern culture of obedience and compliance in some Chinese companies. For instance, the news stories of other companies that have set weird regulations such as having to set fitness goals which company employees fail to meet attract penalties or having weight control standards that have no medical justification.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 11:36 IST
'Don't Build Careers, Rent People': Tata Play CEO's LinkedIn Post On Workplace Culture Viral

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 16:10 IST

Many LinkedIn users loved the perspective but some couldnt understand the meaning of the opening line of the post.

Harit Nagpal later reshared the post with a cryptic caption. (Photo Credits: Linkedin)

Harit Nagpal, the Managing Director and CEO of Tata Play, has a suggestion on hiring people for a company. He revealed his thoughts in a LinkedIn post, which garnered mixed reactions from social media buffs. People got confused with the gist of his post. While in the first line, Nagpal referred to hiring as renting" people, in the remaining part, he shed light on embracing the freedom of newcomers. He asked companies to accept their employees like how they are. According to Naglal, it doesnt only help the person gain knowledge and confidence but also lead to the companys growth.

Many LinkedIn users loved the perspective but couldnt understand the meaning of the opening line. Dont build careers. Rent people. This isnt their first job. They wont retire here. Allow them to bring their beliefs and attitudes with them," Harit Nagpal wrote in his post.

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About making the employees feel comfortable, he said, Let them be and do what they couldnt where they were before. As their knowledge and confidence grow, they will learn to fly and make you soar too. And when they leave, theyll encourage others like them to join you."

Several users agreed with Harit Nagpal. They felt the Tata Play CEO did nothing but highlighted the truth of the corporate world. Some people, however, criticised Nagpal for his choice of words.

A user acknowledged, The bottom line is renting was and is always the truth. The fancy words like building a career" was and is never a task of an organization. Lets be rational and straight. Nobody is responsible to build somebodys career. Its business. The concept of other people time" is central to hiring. It may sound brutal but thats what it is."

An individual felt, Dont Build Careers; Rent People suggests that the old ways of building careers are no longer effective in todays work environment, where many employees view their positions as temporary."

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This is a very powerful perspective on modern leadership and workplace culture," lauded a user. Another person, however, said, I dont agree. If we dont build careers, we will never have leaders."

After it got viral, Harshit Nagpal reshared the post with a cryptic caption Newspaper headline says Rent leaves people confused." The original post had over 2,000 reactions and hundreds of comments.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 15:41 IST
Indian Woman, Missing For 22 Years, Finally Reunited With Family Thanks To A Pakistani YouTuber

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 11:54 IST

Hamida Banu had left India in 2002 to work abroad in Qatar, Dubai and Saudi Arabia to support her four children after her husband's death, but it was all a lie.

Hamida Banus son claimed they were against her decision to work abroad. (Photo Credits: X)

Hamida Banu, a 75-year-old woman from India, has finally returned home after being trapped in Pakistan for 22 years under false promises. She arrived at the Wagah border in Amritsar, where her family welcomed her. Her daughter, sister, nephew and brother welcomed her. Hamida described the past two decades as a nightmare, claiming that she lived like a living corpse," as she was unable to contact her loved ones. Her identity was carefully verified by both India and Pakistan before her return was confirmed in October. The woman had left India in 2002 to work abroad in Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia to support her four children after her husbands death, but it was all a lie.

According to BBC, Hamida was trapped by a recruitment agent with the promise of a secure job in Dubai, for which was asked to pay Rs 20,000 for the opportunity. Instead of taking her to the UAE, the agent brought her to Hyderabad, Pakistan. There, she was kept in a house for three months, living like a prisoner. Later, she was forced to marry a street vendor in Karachi, who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, she mentioned her husband treated her well and never caused her harm.

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Hamida Banus story came to light in July 2022 when Indian journalist Khalfan Shaikh came across a YouTube interview conducted by Pakistani social media activist Waliullah Maroof. In India, Hamidas grandson stumbled upon the video and quickly informed the family about her existence. Following this, Khalfan and Waliullah arranged for a video call, reconnecting the elderly woman with her family after a long wait.

During their first call in years, her daughter Yasmin asked, How are you? Did you recognise me? Where were you all these years?" To this, Hamida replied, Dont ask me where I was, and how I have been. I missed you all so much. I didnt stay here willingly, I had no other choice."

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Speaking with the portal, Hamida Banu said, My video was shared two years ago. I was not sure if I would reach India. But the Indian embassy called me one year ago, saying you can go back. I was deceitfully taken to Pakistan by promising Dubai. I tolerated [the separation] for 23 years."

According to the Times of India, her son claimed the family was against her decision to work abroad. She was determined to go, as Hamida wanted to provide a better future for her children. Over the years, she faced extreme challenges, spending time living on the streets or in a mosque. She also managed a small shop to earn some income.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 11:54 IST
Not Zerodha, This Was Nikhil Kamaths First Startup Idea

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 16:35 IST

Once Nikhil Kamaths mother found out about his business, she flushed his entire inventory down the toilet.

Nikhil Kamath dropped out of school at the age of around 15 or 16. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

At the age of 38, Nikhil Kamath has already become a popular name in Indias startup scene. The co-founder of stockbroking firm Zerodha, Kamath recently shared an anecdote from his childhood. During a conversation with LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, the entrepreneur revealed how he started a business venture during his school days. Kamath may have earned the title of Indias youngest billionaire. But he still cherishes the memory of being a rebellious child who wanted to do the opposite of everything someone told him to do." I hated school, always did," Nikhil Kamath told Roslansky while sharing that he dropped out of school at the age of around 15 or 16.

Kamath revealed that the first business idea came to his mind when he was in the 9th grade. It all started with a cell phone. Kamath sold the second-hand device for a small amount of profit. He then used the money to buy some other cell phones before releasing them with a new price. He was enjoying the side business but couldnt continue for long.

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Once his mother found out about all of this, she flushed his entire phone inventory down the toilet, as per LinkedIn. The incident put an end to the teenagers business venture. I was a fairly insecure young boy because my classmates of the time were in college to overcompensate for that insecurity, I would read whatever I could get my hands on," Kamath told Roslansky.

I think Ive learned everything I have learned only through failures. I dont think success teaches much outside of creating an ecosystem where it is easier for you to get complacent," he added.

Despite his mothers disagreement, Kamath didnt give up. After leaving school, he took up a soul-crushing night-shift job" at a call centre. During his working hours, Kamath started learning about the stock market and trading. He even became the investment manager for his entire team.

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That was the lightbulb moment for what became a rule-breaking journey through Indias financial world, where, to this day, he challenges traditional norms and empowers everyday individuals to take control," LinkedIn wrote in a blog about Nikhil Kamath.

Apart from Zerodha, Nikhi Kamanth also co-founded Gruhas in 2021. Gruhas is a venture capital firm focused on supporting startups in sectors like AI, climate and media.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 16:35 IST
Man's LinkedIn Post On Not Being Addressed As 'Sir' By Fresher Viral

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 16:09 IST

Reacting to the post, a user mentioned that he still calls his college seniors sir even after graduating 15 years ago.

The post quickly sparked a conversation online, with people discussing changing cultural norms. (Representative Image)

Connecting with professionals on LinkedIn is a widely adopted practice, especially for job seekers aiming to network with recruiters, alumni, or industry experts. Its a platform where polite introductions and thoughtful messages can pave the way for career opportunities. However, one young mans attempt to reach out to a senior from his college took an unexpected turn. Writer and columnist Saket shared an incident on X, revealing his reaction to a LinkedIn message he received recently. In the post, Saket explained that the fresher, a graduate from the same institute, had messaged him but made a faux pas that didnt sit well with him.

The issue? The fresher addressed him by his first name instead of using a formal title like sir." Saket detailed the interaction in his post, saying, Call me old fashioned but had connected with a young fresh 2025 pass out from my college when he sent message on LinkedIn. His first message started with  Hi Saket, we are from same college. And he lost me there itself. Son, you are 2025 pass out and address 1994 pass out with first name. I still address 1993 and earlier pass out as Sir. This Americanised culture."

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Call me old fashioned but had connected with a young fresh 2025 pass out from my college when he sent message on LinkedIn. His first message started with  Hi Saket, we are from same college. And he lost me there itself. Son, you are 2025 pass out and address 1994 pass out with saket   ?? (@saket71) December 17, 2024

The post quickly sparked a conversation online, with people discussing changing cultural norms and differing opinions on professional etiquette.

This is weird .. First name for everyone irrespective of their age is a culture in many organisations in India(am not saying start-up or new age). Focus on the content and what he has to offer and whether you can add some value rather than archaic stuff," said a user.

This is weird .. First name for everyone irrespective of their age is a culture in many organisations in India(am not saying start up or new age). Focus on the content and what he has to offer and whether you can add some value rather than archaic stuff ! vidya (@DivaSrin) December 17, 2024

Another user mentioned that he still calls his college seniors as sir even after graduating 15 years ago.

Still calling my college seniors sir after 15yrs, some of them joined work at the same time with me. Some are in junior positions then me, I call their boss by first name but collage seniors are sir for life. Atul Sharma (@cseatul) December 17, 2024

Dude we call 65-year-olds by their first names. Its not disrespectful at all. Its just about conditioning Id say," reacted a person.

Dude we call 65 year olds by their first names. It's not disrespectful at all. It's just about conditioning I'd say  Abhishek (@k210184) December 17, 2024

Indians are so entitled they want to be called Sir just by the virtue of being older in age. What have you done to get his respect? Took birth before him, is that your achievement," asked another user.

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lol Indians are so entitled they want to be called Sir just by the virtue of being older in age. What have you done to get his respect? Took birth before him, is that your achievement? Confusedicius (@Erroristotle) December 18, 2024

The debate highlights a generational divide on workplace etiquette and cultural shifts, with younger generations leaning toward casual communication, while others prefer traditional courtesies.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 15:50 IST
Tragedy Struck Moments After This Photo Was Taken, Body Found 20 Hours Later

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 13:31 IST

Nikhil Kumar, 28, climbed a rock on the banks of the Chandra River in Manali to get a photo. The picture was captured, but immediately afterwards, he slipped and was swept away by the river

Nikhil's last photo, taken just before his tragic fall, has gone viral on social media. (News18 Hindi)

As soon as December arrives, many people from across the country head to the mountains. During the New Year and Christmas holidays, people visit the hills to enjoy the snowfall. However, due to a moment of carelessness, these holidays can sometimes turn into tragic accidents.

In a recent incident, a young man from Barmer went to Manali with his friends, and while getting a photo clicked on the banks of the river, he suddenly slipped and fell into the water.

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Nikhil Kumar, a resident of Barmer, was in Manali with his friends. During their visit, 28-year-old Nikhil climbed a rock on the banks of the Chandra River to get a photo. The picture was captured, but immediately afterwards, his foot slipped, and he fell into the river.

By the time his friends reached the waters edge, Nikhil had already been swept away by the flow. His friends quickly informed the police about the drowning, and a rescue team was immediately deployed to search for him.

Body Found After 20 Hours

The search for Nikhil continued for nearly 20 hours. Upon receiving the news of the drowning, the local police informed the rescue team. Divers conducted an extensive search in the Chandra River, and after 20 hours, Nikhils body was found about 500 metres from the spot. The tragic news of his death was met with deep sorrow at his home in Barmer.

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Body to Arrive Today

Nikhils last photo, taken just before his tragic fall, has gone viral on social media. His family is now preparing for his final rites, which will be performed in Barmer. Nikhil worked in a clothing shop with his father and had gone to Manali to celebrate the holidays with his friends, but this proved to be his last trip.

Location : Manali, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 13:31 IST
US Employee Charged With Attempt To Murder For Stabbing Company President During Staff Meeting

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 19:29 IST

A 32-year-old man in Michigan, United States, allegedly stabbed his companys president during a staff meeting after an altercation.

The suspect was arrested in less than an hour after the incident.

An employee of a company in Michigan, United States, has been charged with attempt to murder for stabbing a top executive during a staff meeting.

According to reports, the accused walked into a conference room during a morning meeting and stabbed the company president.

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The 32-year-old accused, identified as Nathan Mahoney from Walker, is facing charges of assault with intent to murder, according to a Fox 17 report.

The incident happened at the manufacturing facility of Anderson Express in Fruitport Township of Muskegon on Tuesday, December 17, according to an MLive report.

According to court documents cited in the report, Mahoney entered a conference room where a staff meeting was underway. Witnesses say he walked straight up to the company president, Erik Denslow, and stabbed him on his right side below the ribcage using a red-handled" knife with a four-inch blade. Employees present during the attack gave statements to police about the horrific incident of workplace assault.

As per the reports, Mahoney was wearing a black medical mask when he stabbed the president.

Following the assault, Mahoney fled the building, got into his car and drove away. The Fruitport police reported the stabbing at 9:23 AM. Mahoney was arrested in less than an hour by Muskegon County deputies. He was apprehended in a backyard in Ravenna. Police authorities stated that the motive behind the stabbing is still unknown as the suspect has refused to talk. However, the altercation seems to have resulted from an altercation, the MLive report mentioned.

Mahoney was reportedly employed in an accounting role at Anderson Express earlier this month.

Matt Roberts, a trial attorney for the Muskegon County Prosecutors Office told Fox 17, Were not speculating on any motive in this case. But despite whatever redress you might have against any individual, you cannot act violently against that person under any circumstances."

The president of Anderson Express has undergone a surgery immediately after the stabbing and is expected to make a full recovery, according to the company.

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We remain in shock over the incident that happened at our plant yesterday. Our first thought is with our president, who has a good prognosis for a full and speedy recovery. We are also focused on supporting our employees as they process this senseless assault," the company said in a statement.

Mahoney appeared in Muskegon Countys 60th District Court for prosecution. His bail was set at $500,000 cash surety for the assault charge and $1,000 cash surety bond for the charges of fleeing and eluding police.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 19:29 IST
The landscape of horror has long been obsessed with the fusion of technology and terror, from the haunted VHS tapes of The Ring to the sinister mobile apps of Unfriended. Yet, in Feardotcom (2002), the interneta looming specter of omnipresent anxiety in the early 21st centuryis treated as little more than a backdrop to a tired, by-the-numbers detective story. The films ambition to intertwine a murder mystery with the fear-inducing potential of online voyeurism is undermined by a series of missteps that fail to exploit the dark, digital undercurrents of its premise. What were left with is a film thats as ghostly as the website at its center: more of a faint, flickering presence than a fully realized threat.

Directed by William Malone (who found greater success with the cult-classic House on Haunted Hill) Feardotcom stars Stephen Dorff as Detective Mike Reilly, a weary investigator pursuing a series of bizarre deaths that appear to be linked to a macabre website, feardotcom.com. Running with Mike is Terry (Natascha McElhone), a Department of Health investigator who notices peculiar patterns in the bodies of the deceased. Mike's investigation uncovers a link to a sadistic serial killer named Alistair (Stephen Rea), a former doctor who tortures his victims in front of a voyeuristic online audience. This connection between the digital world and real-world violence, set against the films grim urban backdrop, promises a provocative commentary on the commodification of fear. Yet, Feardotcom is more interested in keeping its protagonists chasing shadows in the dark than in engaging with the terrifying potential of the internet itself.

Strangely, for a film that uses the internet as its central conceit, Feardotcom treats it more like an afterthought. The films investigative procedural largely focuses on the usual detective business of interviews, foot chases, crime scene examinations etc. while the idea of the internet remains secondary. This gives the film a peculiar, almost anachronistic feel, as though it were made in the 1980s and simply dressed up in contemporary tech trappings. It doesnt help that the website itself is a hollow construct, devoid of the actual online interaction or immersion that could have made it genuinely chilling. When characters do visit feardotcom, the experience feels more like an inconvenience than a terrifying plunge into digital depravity. The films supernatural elements, most notably the ghostly Jeannie (Gesine Cukrowski), who acts as the website's eerie host, are introduced but never fully developed. She serves as little more than an ethereal prop in a misguided narrative about cybernetic doom.

The film's greatest sin, is its confused sense of atmosphere. Malone, perhaps sensing the limitations of his premise, reaches for the visual intensity of David Finchers Se7en, attempting to build a nightmarish world of gritty urban decay and psychological torment. The film is drenched in a suffocating gloom with dark hues and soaked with visual references to '90s music videos. The result feels less like an atmospheric horror and more like a collection of failed aesthetic gestures. The films nightmare sequences bask in nu-metal flourishes and lean into an almost parodic level of visual chaos, as though Malone were attempting to capture the frantic energy of a "Tales from the Crypt" crossover. Stephen Rea, often a master of quiet menace, plays the villain Alistair as a ham-fisted mad doctor with a penchant for overacting. His portrayal, marked by an erratic American accent and theatrical flourishes, quickly becomes laughable rather than chilling. His counterpart, McElhones Terry, fares no better, with a similarly wobbly accent and a performance that struggles to anchor the increasingly absurd proceedings. The films attempt at a "mysterious backstory" for Jeannie feels similarly unfocused, as though the writers were searching for a mythology to explain the supernatural undercurrents but never quite found one that worked.

Despite all this, Feardotcom never quite gives in to outright camp. Theres a sincerity in its attempt to scare, a desire to tap into the anxiety of the digital age that briefly flickers through. And yet, the film never fully commits to either the psychological horror or the supernatural mythology it hints at. Instead, it treads water between genres. Too heavy on procedural detective work to feel truly horrific, yet too reliant on its supernatural trappings to ever feel grounded in reality. At its heart, Feardotcom is a film about a culture of fear, and the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds have begun to blur. But its treatment of these themes is shallow, reduced to nothing more than empty aesthetics and overstretched shock tactics. It doesnt have anything insightful to say about the internet, voyeurism, or the depths of human depravity. What it does have, unfortunately, is an almost exhausting series of half-hearted attempts at horror that never fully materialize. What could have been a provocative, if bleak, exploration of modern anxieties instead devolves into a frustrating mess of half-baked ideas and missed opportunities. In the end, Feardotcom feels like a forgotten relic of a different age, one that perhaps came a little too early, or perhaps too late. It leaves behind the faintest trace of its intended terror, but much like the site it revolves around, it remains an empty, flickering ghostly presence but ultimately unmemorable.

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray

Feardotcom downloads its way to Blu-ray via Dark Star Pictures and OCN Distribution. The sole disc is housed inside a hard, clear plastic case. There is a 10-page booklet about the film inside. The double-sided artwork features a couple of haunting images. One is of the original movie poster with the ghastly image of the terrifying face. The reverse side is the destroyed living room with broken furniture everywhere. If you order from Vinegar Syndrome directly, you might still be able to snag the exclusive slipcover.
Watch: King Charles Spreads Holiday Cheer On The Streets Of London

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 10:07 IST

While on an unscheduled visit, King Charles took the time to greet and chat with people who had gathered outside, eager to see a member of the Royal Family.

King Charles wished them all a Happy Christmas. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

King Charles surprised a group of tourists in London recently, by showing his friendly and approachable nature. While on an unscheduled visit to St. Peters Church in Notting Hill, the King took the time to greet and chat with people who had gathered outside, eager to see a member of the Royal Family. When passersby realised that the King was visiting a nearby place, they decided to wait outside. After finishing his meeting, King Charles stepped out and he didnt just wave at the tourists, but also had a wonderful conversation with them. Before leaving, he wished them all a Happy Christmas, which left everyone with a smile.

As he approached the group of tourists, the King asked them, Are you all trying to go somewhere else today?" He then jokingly added, Youre not getting too wet I hope," referring to the UKs unpredictable weather. An individual replied, Were not. Its okay."

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The King then asked if they were from the area. In response, people excitedly shared where they were from, mentioning places like Texas, Barcelona and Japan.

The King was surprised and said, I dont believe. Are you having an enjoyable time in London?" A tourist replied, Now we are, definitely." Before leaving, King Charles said, Anyway. I do hope you make the most. Have a very happy Christmas."

After his exit, someone in the background could be heard saying, That was unreal. What a man, what a guy. That would never happen to you."

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A tourist sharing their experience told The Standard, We saw his car so we followed it. Weve been waiting for an hour but it was absolutely worth it. I cant believe he came over and stooped to talk to us. Its just like in a movie. This is the most British thing that could ever happen in the UK. In the US you wouldnt get near anyone because of the security, but here the King just casually wanders down to say hello. Its amazing."

One tourist from the Netherlands mentioned that they told the King they were having a great holiday after meeting him, which made him laugh. They described him as a very kind and polite person. Another traveller shared that they had worked with King Willem of the Netherlands last year but said they preferred King Charles and called him a truly kind man. They felt meeting him was a special experience.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 19, 2024, 10:07 IST
52 Killed In Afghanistan As Buses Collide With Fuel Tanker, Truck On Highway

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 12:43 IST

A bus collided with a fuel tanker and another crashed into a truck on the highway connecting the capital Kabul to the southern city of Kandahar.

The bus accidents on Wednesday were the latest in a long list of mishaps due to poor roads. (Photo: X)

Two bus accidents involving a fuel tanker and a truck on a highway through central Afghanistan killed 52 people and injured 65, the Taliban government spokesmen said Thursday.

The accidents happened in Ghazni province on the same highway between the capital Kabul and southern Kandahar city late Wednesday, provincial head of information and culture Hamidullah Nisar said on X, without specifying how many people were killed and injured in each accident.

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We learned with great regret that two fatal traffic accidents occurred on the Kabul-Kandahar Highway, in which 52 of our compatriots were killed and 65 others were injured," said chief government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

BREAKING: Tragedy strikes Afghanistans highways with two deadly bus crashes.52 lives lost, 65 injured. Fuel tanker and truck collisions highlight urgent road safety issues. Survivors battle critical conditions in hospitals.  pic.twitter.com/s3d53Ez3q5  Tony Lane  (@TonyLaneNV) December 19, 2024

One bus collided with a fuel tanker near Shahbaz village in central Ghazni while the other hit a truck in the eastern district of Andar, Nisar said.

Rescue teams rushed to the site and transported the injured to hospital, with some in serious condition", he added.

Traffic accidents are common in Afghanistan, due in part to poor roads after decades of conflict, dangerous driving on highways, and a lack of regulation.

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In March, more than 20 people were killed and 38 injured when a bus collided with a fuel tanker and burst into flames in southern Helmand province.

Another serious accident involving an fuel tanker took place in December 2022, when the vehicle overturned and caught fire in Afghanistans high-altitude Salang Pass, killing 31 people and leaving dozens more with burns.

Location : Kabul, Afghanistan

First Published: December 19, 2024, 12:43 IST
US Man Stabs Anderson Express President During Conference, Arrested After Short Chase

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 19:13 IST

The man was hired earlier this month for accounting role and was considered by his colleague as having "a quiet demeanour".

Erik Denslow, President of Anderson Express (Image: andersonexpressinc.com)

A US national was arrested for allegedly stabbing the president of the company he worked in, according to media reports.

The man was identified as Nathan Mahoney, 32, who hailed from Michigan and worked at Anderson Express, according to Fox 17.

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He was booked for assault with intent to murder, fleeing and eluding a police officer.

What Was The Incident?

According to Fox 17, the man walked into a conference room where a meeting was underway and stabbed the president of the company, Erik Denslow, with a knife. He fled the office and drove away after the incident, however, was arrested within an hour.

The police are investigating the case and are yet to ascertain the motive behind the attack.

President Undergoes Surgery

The president of the company, who suffered an injury in the side just below the ribcage, was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery, according to a statement which also added that he is expected to make a full recovery.

We remain in shock over the incident that happened at our plant yesterday. Our first thought is with our president, who has a good prognosis for a full and speedy recovery. We are also focused on supporting our employees as they process this senseless assault," Mary Ann Sabo, a spokesperson for Anderson Express, told Fox 17.

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Mahoney was employed at Anderson Express for an accounting role earlier this month. His colleagues described him as having a quiet demeanour".

This is certainly by no means a case of whodunit. Were not speculating on any motive in this case. But despite whatever redresses you might have against any individual, you cannot act violently against that person under any circumstances," Matt Roberts, a trial attorney for the Muskegon County Prosecutors Office, said.

Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 19, 2024, 19:13 IST
Good News For Indians! US Announces New Rules For H-1B Visa Appointments From New Year

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 17:33 IST

The US embassy announced the new rules to streamline the visa application process, promising reduced wait times and a fair chance to everyone for a visa interview appointment

The move to streamline the US visa application process is likely to benefit thousands of Indian techies. (Image for representation: News18)

In a massive relief for Indians looking to visit the US, new rules will be in place for non-immigrant visa applicants from January 1, 2025.

The US embassy announced the rules on Wednesday (December 18) to streamline the visa application process, promising reduced wait times and a fair chance to everyone for a visa interview appointment.

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To make sure everyone has a fair chance at getting a visa interview appointment and to reduce wait times, were making some changes," it said in a social media post.

The move is likely to benefit thousands of Indian techies. It comes as the outgoing Biden administration relaxed rules for H-1B visas, making it easier for American companies to hire foreign workers with special skills and facilitate a smoother transition from F-1 student visas to H-1B visas.

The US embassy said changes have been introduced to visa rescheduling policies. Visa applicants will now be able to reschedule their appointments one time free of cost. They will, however, have to repay the application fee if they miss an appointment or need to schedule a second time.

Starting January 1, 2025, you can still schedule your first nonimmigrant visa appointment at the location of your choice. If you need to reschedule for any reason, you will be able to do that one time. If you miss your appointment or need to reschedule a second time, youll need to book a new appointment and repay your application fee. Since wait times are long, please make sure you can attend on the date youve selected," the embassy said in its post on Instagram.

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It added: These changes will make it easier and faster for everyone to get appointments. We encourage applicants to attend their scheduled appointments to keep the process efficient and fair for everyone."

First Published: December 19, 2024, 17:33 IST
'I Don't Take Orders From Anyone': Italian PM Meloni Defends Friendship With Elon Musk

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 14:31 IST

Italian PM Meloni defended her friendship with Elon Musk after their frequent meetings attracted attention, including rumours that they were dating.

This picture of Elon Musk and Giorgia Meloni sparked rumours that they were 'dating'. (Photo: X)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended her friendship with tech billionaire Elon Musk after their frequent sightings together sparked online buzz that the two were dating".

Responding to questions during a parliamentary discussion ahead of a European Union summit in Brussels, Meloni said, I can be a friend of Elon Musk and at the same time the head of the first Italian government that made a new law to regulate private activity in space."

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However, Meloni told Italian lawmakers that she would not be influenced in areas where Musk has economic interests. Meloni also took a swipe at her predecessors, saying previous leaders who thought they had a good relationship, even a friendship, with a foreign leader, they had to slavishly follow what the others did", according to The Independent.

Meloni said she had good relationships with many people" but I dont take orders from anyone".

Her remarks came after she met the Tesla and SpaceX billionaire frequently after her far-right coalition came to power in 2022. Following US President-elect Donald Trumps election win, Meloni congratulated her friend Musk, who played a key role in Trumps victory.

Elon Musk Denies Affair With Meloni

Melonis frequent meetings with Musk had attracted attention as online rumours suggested the two were dating after a photo of them looking fondly at each other went viral. In September, Musk denied having a romantic relationship with Meloni.

The image that drew attention was from a black-tie event where Musk presented Meloni with the Global Citizen Award from the Atlantic Council think tank. The New York Post called it a public love-in" between the worlds richest man and the first female Italian prime minister.

In a speech before handing over the award, Musk said Meloni was someone who is even more beautiful inside than outside". The Italian right-wing leader replied that Musk was a precious genius". The businessman flew to Italy twice last year to meet Meloni in June and December.

Notably, Melonis interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi have also attracted significant attention on social media after earlier photos of the two leaders went viral, giving birth to the trend #Melodi, an amalgamation of both their surnames.

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Meanwhile, Melonis government is also making headway in the space sector by approving a framework for foreign space companies to operate in Italy. This framework is expected to generate 7.3 billion euros ($7.7 billion) in investments in 2026.

(with Reuters inputs)

Location : Rome, Italy

First Published: December 19, 2024, 14:28 IST
Justin Trudeau's Crisis Deepens As More Liberal MPs Call For His Resignation. What's His Next Move?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 11:16 IST

Canadian PM Trudeau's future in power is being increasingly tested amid a growing number of Liberal MPs calling on him to step down after deputy PM Chrystia Freeland's resignation.

Canadian PM Trudeau's leadership has landed in hot waters after Trump's tariff threat. (AP/File)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus struggles continue to grow amid a growing number of calls for his resignation, including from members of his own Liberal Party. Around 15 Liberal MPs have now publicly called on Trudeau to step down and make way for someone else to lead the party.

Two more Liberal MPs  Brendan Hanley and Jenica Atwin  have joined the bandwagon after Deputy PM Chrystia Freelands shock resignation this week. Hanley said the way Freeland was treated has forced some MPs to more vocally support Trudeaus ouster.

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Hanley said Trudeau was a transformation leader" who did a lot of good for Canada but he needs to now step aside", reported CBC News. I dont see a viable path forward with the prime minister staying as our leader," he said. Other sitting Liberal MPs like Rene Arseneault, Anthony Housefather, Patrick Weiler, Helena Jaczek and Chad Collins have also publicly called for Trudeau to step down.

ALSO READ: Lost Faith: Toronto Police Union Seeks Trudeaus Resignation Amid Proposal To Change Criminal Code

Trudeaus Troubles Deepen With Another By-Election Loss

Trudeau suffered a major setback this week as his deputy PM Chrystia Freeland resigned in a surprise move over alleged differences over the governments fiscal spending measures and US President-elect Donald Trumps tariff threats, which has seemingly sparked a revolt from within his own party and threatened his grasp on power.

The resignation of Freeland, 56, who also stepped down as finance minister, marked the first open dissent against the beleaguered Trudeau from within his cabinet. Trudeau is battling widespread unpopularity and polls show if he would badly to his Conservative rival Pierre Poilievre, who has thrice tried to topple the government.

His losses were exacerbated by another bruising by-election defeat in British Columbia. The Conservative candidate won the seat by some 50 percentage points over the Liberal rival, which is considered an embarrassing result given the Liberals won there in the last election.

Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), which was previously an ally of Trudeaus party, said Trudeau must step down as Canada needs a Prime Minister who will fight for the people.

What Is Next For Trudeau?

The precarious position of Trudeaus leadership has fuelled speculation over the next Liberal leader. Liberal MP Chad Collins has estimated that the number of caucus members who want Trudeau to resign stands at between 40 and 50. If a secret ballot is held on Trudeaus future, he would lose, he told CBC Radio.

Another MP Wayne Long said a third of the caucus, constituting roughly 50 MPs, want Trudeau to step down straight away, while another third are still considering the move. He said a third of the caucus are Trudeau loyalists who believe he should stay, but nevertheless is not enough to improve Trudeaus bleak future in power.

This isnt just about one man  its about saving our party from historic defeat. Lets ask ourselves: Do we want to stay silent and allow this to happen? Silence is complicity," Long said in a letter to MPs, saying the embarrassing" resignation of Freeland should serve as a glaring wake-up call". He also said Trudeau would be delusional" if he thinks he can lead the party into the next election.

If Trudeau gives in to pressure and steps down, it will set off a Liberal leadership race which Freeland can join. The only way Trudeau can be toppled is if all opposition parties unite against him in a no-confidence motion, which cannot take place before January 27 when the House of Commons-elected chamber returns.

A top NDP official said his party is willing to defeat the Liberals in a confidence vote if Trudeau does not resign by February or March 2025. NDP House leader Peter Julian said if Trudeau isnt gone by then, the NDP would 100%" vote to support a straight up" non-confidence motion in the House of Commons.

What Is Trudeau Doing Now?

A close Trudeau ally said the Canadian PM is reflecting on complaints about his leadership by legislators from the Liberal Party, holding a special meeting with his unhappy parliamentary caucus after Freelands resignation and the by-election defeat.

Dominic LeBlanc, a long-time ally of Trudeau who will replace Freeland as Finance Minister, said, He did say to caucus that he had heard very clearly, and listened carefully, to their concerns and he would reflect on it."

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Trudeau is also looking at a possible cabinet shuffle, with sources telling CBC News that some MPs have been approached for background checks and interviews, giving them hope that they may get tapped to join the cabinet. However, Liberal MP Sean Casey said the number of Liberals calling for Trudeaus resignation will grow after the shuffle.

Six cabinet ministers, Sean Fraser, Pablo Rodriguez, Marie-Claude Bibeau, Carla Qualtrough, Filomena Tassi and Dan Vandal, have already decided not to run for the next election, and Freelands departure means that there are eight cabinet spots to fill.

Location : Ottawa, Canada

First Published: December 19, 2024, 11:13 IST
Lost Faith: Toronto Police Union Seeks Trudeaus Resignation Amid Proposal To Change Criminal Code

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 09:57 IST

Fresh calls for Trudeaus resignation: The proposed changes include amendments to the criminal code to ensure repeat offenders are held accountable and stricter bail conditions for violent crimes

The Toronto Police Association was irked over proposals to amend the criminal code of the nation.

Calls grow for Trudeaus resignation: In an unprecedented move, a Canadian police labour organisation, Toronto Police Association (TPA), has called for Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus resignation over proposal to amend the criminal code.

TPA expressed that it had lost faith" in Trudeau to do the right thing for the right reasons".

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Time to resign and leave these critically important public safety issues to someone else," the police body, irked over proposed amendments to several laws, wrote in a post on X.

Our members have lost faith in @JustinTrudeaus government to do the right thing for the right reasons. Time to resign and leave these critically important public safety issues to someone else. https://t.co/g2n1iPkNB7 Toronto Police Association (@TPAca) December 18, 2024

Lawmaker Anita Anand recently shared that the Canadian government was proposing several changes in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement.

The proposed changes include amendments to the criminal code to ensure repeat, violent offenders are held accountable, stricter bail conditions for violent crimes such as auto theft and breaking and entering and granting CBSA officers further authority to inspect goods set for export.

Anand said the amendments would ensure violent and repeat offenders are held accountable.

This irked the police union and it commented, This is laughable. After nine years of doing nothing, you pick the moment when your government is descending into chaos to placate us with proposals"? What a joke."

The developments come soon after the abrupt resignation of Canadas Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland over rifts due to United States President-Elect Donald Trumps tariff threats linked to porous borders and immigrant issues. Dominic LeBlanc, a long-time ally of Trudeau, is set to replace Freeland.

LeBlanc is currently serving as Public Safety Minister and will be taking up the added responsibility.

Meanwhile, the Durham Regional Police Association echoed similar thoughts.

It wrote on X, Adding portfolios to the Public Safety Minister takes away their ability to focus on their preexisting agendas. Empty promises & platitudes have very little meaning & continue to be disingenuous to our Members & the Members of the General public. Violent crimes, gun offences & the lack of actual bail reform does nothing but endanger the public, Officers & society as a whole."

@AssociationDrp echoes the sentiment of @TPACampbell. Adding portfolios to the Public Safety Minister @DLeBlancNB takes away their ability to focus on their preexisting agendas.Empty promises & platitudes have very little meaning & continue to be disingenuous to our Members & https://t.co/HBMZpVvffQ  DRP Association (@AssociationDrp) December 18, 2024

Its time we elect a Government that will follow through with much needed change instead of empty promises," it added.

Demands For Trudeaus Resignation, Finance Ministers Exit

Several politicians have joined the chorus demanding Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus resignation after Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freelands unexpected departure, following a disagreement over US President-elect Donald Trumps tariff threats. A third of the Liberal Partys MPs are now demanding a leadership change, intensifying the political crisis in Canada.

Reports indicated that Trudeau has not yet decided whether to step down as Prime Minister. Nearly 60 of the 153 Liberal MPs in the House of Commons have joined the rebellion against him. Freeland also resigned as Finance Minister, marking the first major dissent from within Trudeaus cabinet and threatening his grip on power.

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Trudeau trails Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre by 20 points in the polls, with Poilievre having made multiple attempts since September to force a snap election.

In her resignation letter, Freeland cited a grave challenge" facing Canada, referencing Trumps proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. She stated that she and Trudeau had disagreed on the best path forward for the country.

Location : Canada

First Published: December 19, 2024, 09:16 IST
United Front Work Department: What Is China's 'Magic Weapon' Caught In Prince Andrew Spy Row?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 19, 2024, 20:02 IST

The story of businessman Yang Tengbo, or alleged spy "H6", has put into focus how Chinese espionage functions overseas, especially in a world grappling to thwart security threats from the Asian giant

The current president of the United Front Work Department is Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Image: Reuters)

The alleged Chinese spy, who cultivated close ties with Prince Andrew of the British royal family, was working on behalf of the United Front Work Department  an arm of the Chinese Communist Party used to influence foreign entities, as per British authorities.

The story of businessman Yang Tengbo, or H6", has put into focus how Chinese espionage functions overseas, especially in a world grappling to thwart security threats from the Asian giant.

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As for the United Kingdom, this is now the most high-profile case in a series of espionage scandals in recent years that involved suspected or confirmed Chinese intelligence-gathering in its establishment, including in Parliament.

In 2022 British intelligence officials warned politicians that Christine Lee, a British-Chinese lawyer, had been seeking to improperly influence members of Parliament for years. A parliamentary researcher was arrested in 2023 on suspicion of providing sensitive information to China.

WHAT IS THE UNITED FRONT WORK DEPARTMENT?

Described as a magic weapon" by Mao Zedong, the founder of The Peoples Republic of China, the current president of the United Front Work Department (UFWD) is Chinas leader Xi Jinping.

Though it deals in the world of shadows, the work of UFWD is decades-old and well-documented. It has often shown up in spy scandals around the world with countries accusing Beijing of using them for foreign interference. Like this time with Yang Tengbo in Britain, Beijing has always denied all espionage allegations calling them ludicrous.

In 2022, the director of MI5, Britains domestic intelligence, described aims of United Front as buying and exerting influence, amplifying pro-China voices and silencing those critical of the Chinese governments authority.

According to a report published by The Week, it has its origins in the Soviet and its work is inspired by the Leninist theory of uniting with lesser enemies to defeat greater ones". Its first incarnation came about in the 1920s, to attempt to join and subvert the then-ruling Nationalist government, the Kuomintang.

China, which has always had ambitions of gaining a deep state-like influence, has been able to achieve it through UFWD work in recent decades. Back home, with its help, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been highly successful in neutralising large-scale or open political opposition.

Influence" is its main game, be it local or at an international level. According to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), it is tasked with carrying out such activities locally and abroad. While it mainly deals with political threats domestically, its operations focus on the successful push of the Chinese agenda and interests in the global arena when it comes to overseas missions.

Beijings UFWD has a force of at least 40,000. It has four subordinate offices and nine specialised bureaus  each deals with a targeted group such as Chinas eight officially-approved non-communist political parties, ethnic minorities, and Chinese communities overseas, as per The Week report.

The report said Xi, however, has also tasked it with cultivating the loyalty of the Uyghur Muslims and keeping a check on the Chinese middle class. Today, United Front-related organizations are playing an increasingly important role in Chinas broader foreign policy under Chinese President and General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping," the USCC report was quoted.

BACKSEAT NO MORE, XIS VERSION NOW

Zedong had hailed UFWD  originally referring to a broad communist alliance  as the key to the Communist Partys triumph in the decades-long Chinese Civil War.

While it took a backseat after the war ended in 1949, it has seen a renaissance in the last decade under Xi. According to a report published by the BBC, his version is broadly consistent with earlier incarnations: to build the broadest possible coalition with all social forces that are relevant", as per Mareike Ohlberg, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund.

The BBC report said the United Front has a website, where you can see reports of a number of its activities. But, Dr Ohlberg was quoted as saying that a key target that has been defined for United Front work is overseas Chinese".

From the Taiwan issue to the suppression of ethnic minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang, it is all about narrative control when it comes to UFWD work. United Front work can include espionage but [it] is broader than espionage," Audrye Wong, assistant professor of politics at the University of Southern California, told the BBC.

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Beyond the act of acquiring covert information from a foreign government, United Front activities centre on the broader mobilisation of overseas Chinese," she was quoted, adding that China is unique in the scale and scope" of such influence activities.

(With agency inputs)

Location : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: December 19, 2024, 19:17 IST
Dozens of kids cheered on a festively decked-out plane in Denver when the pilot announced their destination for the day: the North Pole. More than 100 children, some of whom have serious health issues, were then taken on a roughly 45-minute flight near the city over the weekend before landing back at Denver International Airport and being towed to a hangar transformed by United Airlines employees and volunteers into the North Pole, reports the AP .

Before landing, the children were asked to close their window shades. When they opened them, the kids were met by the sight of a waiting Santa and Mrs. Claus and a host of elves. An ice cream truck was on hand, and the children received gifts. Bryce Bosley, 6, was tickled to see Santa and all the North Pole had to offer. "The North Pole is fun because there's games, food, and all the activities are really fun," he said. United Capt. Bob Zimmermann, the holiday flight's pilot, was struck by the joy and wonder of the youngsters. "Throughout the year I'll think of the fantasy flight," he said. "When life seems to get tough or I want to complain about something, I remember these kids and the joy and the love and what this feels like, and it just keeps my life in perspective."

United partnered with Make-A-Wish Colorado, Girls Inc., Children's Hospital Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association to invite Denver-area kids ages 3 to 10 on the flight. For more than 30 years, United has staged its annual "fantasy flights" to fictional North Poles at airports around the world to bring holiday cheer to children and their families. Jonna McGrath, United's VP for operations at its Denver hub, has participated in 29 flights and said it's one of her favorite days of the year. "It gives them a day where they are away from some of the challenges they face in their day-to-day life," said McGrath, who was dressed as an elf. "Bringing a little magic and some gifts to their holiday season is something they'll never forget."

(More North Pole stories.)
The Russian general assassinated in Moscow on Tuesday was responsible for spreading misinformation as well as chemical weapons, Western officials say. Ukraine's security services have claimed responsibility for the killing of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, chief of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops.

Misinformation. Kirillov spread misinformation about the US and other Western nations for years, the Telegraph reports. In March, he claimed that US-sponsored labs in Ukraine were creating pathogens to target Russians and other Slavs. "One of the goals of the United States and its allies is the creation of bioagents capable to selectively infect various ethnic groups," Kirillov said. Last year, he claimed that the US was planning to infect Russian troops with malaria by releasing infected mosquitos from drones. He also claimed Ukraine was preparing to use radioactive substances in attacks.
US auto safety regulators have backed away from seeking a giant recall of nearly 50 million air bag inflators and will investigate further after the auto industry raised questions about whether all of the inflators are defective. The move Wednesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is vastly different from a decision reiterated by the agency in January that the inflators made by ARC Automotive Inc. of Tennessee are defective, dangerous, and should be recalled, the AP reports. The agency has said inflators in about 49 million vehicles from 13 manufacturers are at risk of exploding and hurling shrapnel into drivers and passengers.

They're responsible for at least seven injuries and two deaths in the US and Canada since 2009. But in a document posted Wednesday in the Federal Register and dated Dec. 13, the agency said it considered comments on a decision from January seeking the recall. The auto industry pointed to technical and engineering differences between ARC inflators in vehicles made by different manufacturers. The comments also raised manufacturing-process variations at different plants that made the ARC inflators. "Given the potential relevance of these issues to the agency's decision making, including the appropriate scope of any recall, further investigation is warranted," the agency said in the document.

In a supplemental decision in January, NHTSA said seven of the inflators have blown apart in the field in the US, per the AP, each showing evidence of insufficient welds or too much pressure in a canister designed to contain the explosion and fill the air bags in a crash. In addition, the agency said 23 inflators have ruptured in testing with causes common to the inflators that blew apart in the field. Also, four inflators have ruptured outside the US, killing at least one person, the agency said. NHTSA had said the only way to know which of the ARC-designed inflators will blow apart is for them to deploy in a crash. The federal motor vehicle safety act "does not allow such a defect to go unaddressed," the agency said.

(More air bag stories.)
President-elect Trump, who mocked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "Governor Trudeau" earlier this month, targeted America's northern neighbor again in a Truth Social post Wednesday. "No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State," he wrote. "They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!" In a post on X, Jean Charest, former premier of Quebec, described Trump's remarks as a "wake-up call" and said all Canadians, regardless of their opinion of Trudeau, should feel "deeply offended."

"We'll never be the 51st state. We're Canada. We're proud to be Canadians. We'll always fight for that," Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CTV News Wednesday night. Ford has strongly criticized Trump's threats to introduce 25% tariffs and threatened retaliatory moves.
For the first time in 15 years, a Google Street View vehicle drove through the Spanish village of Tajueco in October 2023, photographing its roadways. The timing couldn't have been better. One of the many images it capturedshowing a street deserted apart from a single red car and a man seen leaning into its trunk over a large white bundlemay have now solved a murder case. National Police say the image, published online just two months ago, shows a killer moving the body of his victim, a 33-year-old Cuban man whose decomposed torso was found last week in a cemetery six miles from Tajueco, per the Telegraph .

A cousin reported the unnamed man missing in November 2023 after receiving text messages from his phone, claiming he'd met a woman and planned to leave Spain and dump his phone, per the BBC and Telegraph. The relative was convinced the texts were not sent by the man himself. This week, police announced the Nov. 12 arrests of the man's former romantic partner and her own partner on suspicion of kidnapping, failure to report a missing person, and murder, per the Telegraph. According to reports, the victim had traveled to Tajueco to visit his partner only to find the woman in a relationship with another man.

Police said searches of the suspects' homes and vehicles turned up "elements relevant to the investigation." But they noted it was through Google Street View that investigators "detected a vehicle that could have been used in the course of the crime." Another Google Street View image reportedly shows the silhouette of a person moving a large white bundle in a wheelbarrow. The bundle appears to be "roughly the size of a human body," per the New York Times. Police continue to search for further remains of the Cuban national, identified only by his initials: JLPO. (More murder stories.)
Workers at seven Amazon sites are set to strike on Thursday, marking a key confrontation during a prime shopping period. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, initiated the strike after the company missed a December 15 deadline for contract talks. Despite being described as the largest strike against Amazon in the US ever, the company anticipates no disruption in operations.

The action involves workers at a San Francisco warehouse and six delivery stations in southern California, New York City, Atlanta, and Illinois. A notable location is in Staten Island, where workers initially voted to join the Amazon Labor Union in 2022 but are now affiliated with the Teamsters. Many employees at other sites, including delivery drivers, have also aligned with the Teamsters, although no formal elections have occurred at those sites. The Teamsters argue that Amazon's reluctance to negotiate is compelling, saying, "Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned."

Amazon, however, disputes the union's claims, asserting the delivery drivers work for third-party partners. "Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public" about how many Amazon employees they represent, an Amazon spokesperson stated. The company is also challenging a union victory in Staten Island through a lawsuit questioning the National Labor Relations Board's constitutionality. Meanwhile, the Teamsters maintain that Amazon exerts significant control over drivers and should be classified as their employer, aligning with some US labor regulators who side with the union in regulatory filings. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Oklahoma is set to carry out the execution of Kevin Ray Underwood on Thursday, marking the 25th and final execution in the US this year. Underwood, who turns 45 on the day of his scheduled execution, was convicted for the 2006 murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin, part of a disturbing cannibalistic fantasy. Despite expressing remorse to Jamie's family during a recent parole hearing, his clemency plea was denied by the state's Pardon and Parole Board.

Underwood confessed to luring Jamie to his apartment, where he murdered her and attempted to carry out further gruesome acts. The state plans to use a three-drug lethal injection for his execution, beginning with midazolam, followed by drugs that induce paralysis and cardiac arrest. Underwood's attorneys argued his sentence should account for his history of abuse and multiple mental health disorders, including autism and PTSD.

Prosecutors, however, dismissed such claims, arguing that Underwood's danger stems from his intelligence and organizational skills, paired with his deviant desires. A last-ditch appeal to the US Supreme Court seeks to halt the execution on procedural grounds, after a parole board meeting was rescheduled following the resignation of two members. Nonetheless, Underwood is scheduled for execution at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Two endangered North Atlantic right whales have been discovered entangled in fishing gear near Massachusetts, posing a significant threat to their already dwindling population. With fewer than 400 of these whales remaining, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported sightings of the whales around 50 miles southeast of Nantucket on December 9. One, a juvenile, is gravely injured by a line across its head and back, while the other is an adult female with a lesser injury. NOAA is collaborating with experts to assess and potentially assist the whales, but the juvenile is not expected to survive.

This alarming incident coincides with recent data indicating a modest 4% rise in the whales' population since 2020, though overall numbers are still down by 25% from a decade prior. Gib Brogan of Oceana underscores the urgency for new safeguards to protect the whales, citing ongoing threats from fishing gear entanglement and ship collisions. Environmental advocates continue to campaign for heightened restrictions on commercial fishing and shipping practices.

The plight of these whales also draws attention to broader challenges, such as climate change impacting food availability and driving whales from protected zones. Amy Knowlton from the New England Aquarium highlights the recurring "distress" of entanglements, leading to fatal consequences and reduced reproduction. These whales, once plentiful along the East Coast and now federally protected, face a looming extinction risk, exacerbated by human-induced hazards. Conservationists stress the need for immediate action to prevent further decline. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Elon Musk had a big hand in Republicans rejecting a spending bill that would've prevented a government shutdown. And Sen. Rand Paul wants the billionaire Trump ally, tapped to head a department of government efficiency in the incoming administration, to play a much bigger role going forwardas House speaker. "The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress. Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk," Paul wrote on Musk's X platform on Thursday, amassing 2.5 million views in a few hours and setting off a noisy debate.



House Republicans' rejection of the spending package that the current speaker, Mike Johnson, helped negotiate certainly has some questioning whether Johnson has the support to be reelected speaker on Jan. 3, per the Washington Post.
The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO will return to New York to face murder charges after agreeing to be extradited Thursday during a court appearance in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested last week after five days on the run. As the AP reports, Luigi Mangione waived a preliminary hearing on the Pennsylvania charges in exchange for the prosecutor giving him a 20-page investigative report from the Altoona Police Department. Mangione also agreed to be extradited to New York. Blair County Judge David Consiglio ordered that Mangione be turned over to the New York Police Department. At least a dozen uniformed NYPD officers were in the courtroom.

Mangione has been charged in New York with murder as an act of terrorism and could face life in prison without parole if convicted. He could appear in New York state court for arraignment on Thursday afternoon or Friday. Pete Weeks, the district attorney in Pennsylvania's Blair County, has said he was willing to put the Pennsylvania charges on hold while New York authorities prosecute Mangione for the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione is accused of giving police a fake New Jersey identification and having a gun and silencer in his bag.

In a court filing last week, Mangione's defense attorney Tom Dickey argued that prosecutors hadn't shown there's sufficient evidence to hold Mangione, that he was in New York when Thompson was killed, or that he's a fugitive from justice. Mangione, 26, of Towson, Maryland, was arrested on Dec. 9 when police were called to a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Authorities say Mangione was carrying the gun used to kill Thompson, a passport, a fake ID, and about $10,000 in US and foreign currency. Dickey has questioned the evidence for the forgery charge and the legal basis for a gun charge. He had previously indicated Mangione would fight extradition to New York while being held in a Pennsylvania state prison. (A federal indictment could mean the death penalty.)
The Federal Aviation Administration has banned drones from airspace over much of New Jersey following thousands of reports of unusual activity. The monthlong ban on drone flights in what the FAA calls "National Defense Airspace" began late Wednesday and will last until Jan. 17, NJ.com reports. The ban covers airspace near 22 communities, including Camden, Elizabeth, and Jersey City. A full list can be seen here.

The FAA said drone flights in the areas are banned unless operators receive clearance for "special security reasons," ABC News reports. Each Notice to AirmenNOTAMstates that "deadly force" can be used against the drones if they are deemed an "imminent security threat." Law enforcement and disaster response agencies are exempt from the ban.
An employee stabbed a Michigan company's president during a staff meeting, police said. Erik Denslow was hospitalized in serious condition after undergoing surgery, USA Today reports. Fruitport Township police arrested Nathan Joseph Mahoney, 31, minutes after he fled in his vehicle. He was arraigned Wednesday in Muskegon on charges of attempted murder, fourth-degree fleeing, and eluding. "We remain in shock over the incident that happened at our plant yesterday," said a statement issued by Anderson Express on Wednesday, per MLIVE . The company said doctors expect Denslow to recover from his wound.

Mahoney was in the meeting Tuesday morning with several other employees when he stood up and left the conference room, per WZZM. He returned about 10 minutes later carrying a knife, walked up to Denslow, and stabbed him in the side, witnesses said. Mahoney had worked there for two weeks. Investigators released no information about a motive. "This, by all accounts, appeared to be just a violent, unpremeditated attack on the victim," said the prosecutor. (More stabbing stories.)
Two Union Pacific employees were killed and three people were injured when a freight train collided with a tractor-trailer and derailed in a small West Texas city, authorities said Thursday. The train derailed around 5pm Wednesday in Pecos after the collision at a railway crossing, authorities said. The hazardous materials that were being carried on the train included lithium ion batteries and air bags, the AP reports, but nothing was released in the derailment, city officials said. Leaked diesel fuel was contained, officials said.

Ronald Lee, emergency services chief for Reeves County, said that some of three people hurt were in the Chamber of Commerce building, which was damaged in the derailment. Pecos Police Chief Lisa Tarango said their injuries were minor. Railroad safety has been in the spotlight since a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, in early 2023, spilling a cocktail of toxic chemicals and catching fire. Regulators urged the industry to improve safety, and members of Congress proposed a package of changes, but railroads haven't made many major ones to their operations, and the bill has stalled.

Eddie Hall, national president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union that represents engineers, said in a statement that the derailment is "a reminder that much more needs to be done to make railroading safer." The derailment, he said, "should serve as a wake-up call to legislators to improve rail safety." Tarango said the cleanup was underway, and the National Transportation Safety Board sent a team to investigate.

(More derailment stories.)
TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The Travelers Tribe Masonic Club of Bahrain, popularly known as T2, has organised a heart-warming gift-giving activity.

In partnership with Tri-Step Lodge No. 99, the clubs activity was part of its long-time pledge to the Filipino community in the Kingdom, specifically those in dire need of assistance or personal struggles abroad.

The event underlined camaraderie and unity characterising the Filipino community.

Beneficiaries, nine Filipinos and three children who are currently residing at the Philippine Embassy in Manama, were touched to the core by the generous and kind acts of T2 and Tri-Step Lodge - a reminder that whats most important was not the material support in itself but rather a reinforcement of how everyone reaches out in time of need.

Charity

work Members of Travelers Tribe Masonic Club of Bahrain and Tri-step Lodge, primarily composed of Filipino-Americans stationed at the US Naval Base in Bahrain, continue to play an essential role as partners of the Philippine Embassy in charity work, providing much-needed relief and support to needy Filipinos.

This spirit of solidarity, which the two organisations truly epitomised, was taken to a whole new level.

They reminded the participants that no matter what challenges life may throw at any individual, they are never alone.

The event emphasised how collective care and compassion can uplift individuals and communities facing adversity.
TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, highlighted the positive performance of Bahrains non-oil sectors, emphasizing their significant contributions to the Kingdoms economic growth and diversification. Among these, the hospitality and tourism sectors stand out as vital indicators of investor confidence and pivotal contributors to Bahrains comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Speaking at the reopening ceremony of the renovated Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Sheikh Khalid underscored Bahrain's commitment to modernizing its tourism infrastructure in line with global standards. This effort aims to strengthen Bahrains position as a competitive global tourism hub, create new job opportunities for Bahrainis, and attract more international visitors, thereby bolstering related sectors such as transportation and trade.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, coincided with Bahrains National Day celebrations and the 25th anniversary of His Majesty King Hamads accession to the throne. Attendees included Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Tourism Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Samir Abdullah Nass, and other dignitaries.

A Blend of Heritage and Modernity

During the event, Sheikh Khalid toured the hotels upgraded facilities, including its newly refurbished rooms and modern amenities. He praised the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel as a landmark reflecting the Kingdoms urban and developmental progress over the past four decades.

The Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, located in the heart of historic Manama, now stands as a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Its comprehensive renovation highlights the importance of cultural and architectural sustainability in urban development, he said.

Sheikh Khalid reaffirmed the governments commitment to supporting the tourism sector as a key component of Bahrains Economic Recovery Plan. He commended Minister of Tourism Fatima Al Sairafi and her team for their collaborative efforts with the private sector in implementing projects that enhance the tourism industry.

Strategic Importance of Tourism

Minister of Tourism Fatima Al Sairafi expressed gratitude to Sheikh Khalid for inaugurating the renovated hotel and for his unwavering support for Bahrains hospitality and tourism sectors.

Reopening the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel marks the ninth hotel launch this year, underscoring the expansion of Bahrains hospitality offerings as a core objective of the Tourism Strategy (2022-2026). This initiative aims to attract a broader range of tourists, boost the sectors contribution to GDP, and position Bahrain as a preferred and hospitable destination in the region, said Al Sairafi.

She emphasized the Ministrys commitment to enhancing the quality of hospitality services and diversifying tourism products to meet evolving global market demands.

A Legacy of Excellence

Thomas Flindt, General Manager of the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Khalid for attending the reopening ceremony. He reaffirmed the hotel's dedication to providing exceptional hospitality experiences and contributing to Bahrains tourism sector, a legacy it has upheld for over 40 years.

The reopening of the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel signals a new chapter in the Kingdom's hospitality industry, reflecting its ongoing commitment to fostering growth and excellence in the tourism sector.
SOFIA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- A special postage stamp marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China was released at a ceremony in Sofia on Wednesday.

With a circulation of 6,000 copies, the stamp depicts the number 75 in the colors of the national flags of both countries, as well as a giant panda and bamboo. Issued by the Bulgarian Posts, it has a nominal value of 3.60 BGN (1.93 U.S. dollars), enough to send a letter to China.

Addressing the event, Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli said the giant panda is China's "most adorable diplomatic envoy" and beloved by people around the world, adding that bamboo - an evergreen plant - symbolizes the relations between the two countries, which are stable and sustainable.

Dai explained that the number "75" resembles a silk ribbon, symbolizing the connection between the peoples of the two countries, who have exchanged goods, ideas and cultures through the Silk Road.

"Philately is often thought of as an art library that holds the history of countries, nations, and I would add, friendships," Dimitar Nedyalkov, Bulgarian deputy minister of transport and communications, said at the ceremony.

"Bulgaria highly values its relations with China, which today cover numerous areas of fruitful cooperation," said Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nevyana Miteva, who also attended the ceremony.

"The issuance of this stamp is a very strong sign that the relations between Bulgaria and China have not only a history, not only a present, but also a good future," Mihail Mikov, former president of the Bulgarian National Assembly, told Xinhua after the event.

Spas Panchev, president of the Union of Bulgarian Philatelists, told Xinhua that the stamp is an opportunity to enrich the collections of philatelists both in Bulgaria and in China.
In the news release, Connect 2025: Data Insights Driving Real-World Impact in Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability, issued 17-Dec-2024 by Geotab Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that several changes have been made throughout the release, most notably, the date of the event has been changed from February 26 to February 25. The complete, corrected release follows:

Connect 2025: Data Insights Driving Real-World Impact in Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability

Geotab Connect will be held on February 25-27 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida

TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2024 /CNW/ - Geotab Inc. ("Geotab"), a global leader in connected transportation, announces Geotab Connect 2025, taking place on February 25-27 at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. This premier event will bring together industry leaders, fleet managers, and innovators to explore the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of transportation.

The 8th annual Geotab Connect will be held on February 25-27 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. (CNW Group/Geotab Inc.)

Geotab Connect 2025 promises a unique opportunity to dive into key topics such as innovation, data intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This year's conference will spotlight the power of data insights in driving real-world impact, showcasing customer success stories and offering valuable perspectives from influential voices in the transportation industry.

Attendees can look forward to over 40 engaging sessions, featuring leading experts in the telematics industry. Leading the charge in these discussions will be Neil Cawse, Founder and CEO of Geotab, Sabina Martin, Vice President of Product Management at Geotab, and Mike Branch, Vice President of Data and Analytics at Geotab, who will showcase the company's latest innovations and explore key trends shaping the year ahead. Attendees will also hear from global industry leaders, including the American Trucking Associations (ATA), Penske, UPS, and more.

"Geotab Connect 2025 is where innovative minds come together to share critical knowledge and solutions for navigating a rapidly changing industry,'' said Derek Luke, Chief Operating Officer at Geotab. "As we continue to harness the power of data and AI to drive smarter, safer, and more sustainable transportation solutions, this event will highlight how these advancements are making a real-world impact and transforming the way fleets operate globally."

The event will also showcase Geotab's expansive ecosystem of Marketplace partners. The dynamic show floor will include the Geotab Product Center, offering a firsthand look at the latest product innovations, as well as the IOX Games, a fun and interactive competition with enhanced challenges and exciting new twists.

For more information on Geotab Connect 2025 or to register, please visit: https://www.geotab.com/connect/ .

About Geotab



Geotab, a global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, leverages advanced data analytics and AI to enhance fleet performance, safety, and sustainability while optimizing costs. Backed by a team of industry leading data scientists, engineers and AI experts, we serve over 50,000 customers across 160 countries, processing billions of data points hourly from more than 4 million vehicles. Data security and privacy are at the forefront of all we dotrusted by Fortune 500 organizations and some of the largest public sector fleets in the world, we meet top cybersecurity standards. Geotab's open platform and diverse Geotab Marketplace offers hundreds of fleet-ready third-party solutions. Learn more at www.geotab.com and follow us on LinkedIn or visit Geotab News and Views .

SOURCE Geotab Inc.

Media Contact: Nicole Riddle, Senior Specialist, Strategic Communications, [email protected]
VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - Dr. Allan Wade, C.M. has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada  one of the country's highest civilian honours  in recognition of his work in developing Response-Based Practice, a specialized approach to addressing violence.

Response-Based Practice evolved from a method of therapy to a framework for improving institutional responses in law enforcement, criminal justice, family law, therapy, child protection, refuges/shelters, victim/survivor and offender treatment, research, and education.

Dr. Allan Wade on a walk with his dogs. (CNW Group/Centre for Response-Based Practice)

"Thanks to meeting some extraordinary people  colleagues and clients  I became interested in how people respond to and resist violence, directly and indirectly" said Dr. Wade. "Careful exploration of such responses contests the blaming and pathologizing of victims/survivors, reveals the controlled and deliberate nature of violence, and provides a more reliable basis for working with people who have used violence."

From the outset, Dr. Wade and his Canadian colleagues worked with diverse communities in Canada and abroad  collaborations that were furthered through the Centre for Response-Based Practice, which organized the Dignity Conference series and continues to offer ongoing training for professionals around the world.

The reach of the approach has been illustrated in a number of ways, notably:

National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and LGBT2SI+ Persons: Dr. Wade testified at the request of the Liard Aboriginal Women's Society, where he spoke about the power of language and the necessity of honouring the ongoing resistance of Kaska and other Indigenous peoples to colonialism, past and present. Stockholm Syndrome: Through conversation with Kristin Enmark , the first person said to have Stockholm Syndrome, Dr. Wade showed that the notion of Stockholm Syndrome  the illusion that became fact  was used to suppress criticism of authorities and conceal the determined and courageous responses of the hostages. Youth for Dignity: Developed by the Liard Aboriginal Women's Society (LAWS) and based in Watson Lake , Yukon , Youth for Dignity promotes inclusion, community safety and violence prevention through culturally-based activities led by Kaska women Elders and facilitators who work to address all forms of violence in the colonial context.

Dr. Wade's appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada acknowledges the core principles of Response-Based Practice as a means of upholding the dignity of diverse individuals and communities.

"Allan, and the ideas behind Response-Based Practice, have irrevocably changed the lives of individuals who experience violence, professionals who have the privilege to join this field and stay in it, organizations with leaders who aim to uphold the dignity of all people, and communities whose members are striving to increase safety," said Dr. Shelly Dean, RCC, AAMFT, who initiated the nomination Dr. Wade for the Order of Canada and remains one of his closest colleagues.

Established in 1967, the Order of Canada has recognized more than 7,600 individuals that have been honoured for inspiring innovation, shaping who we are and enriching Canada's fabric.

About the Centre for Response-Based Practice: The Centre for Response-Based Practice is a pioneering organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and practice in response-based approaches to addressing violence. Founded on the principle that individuals resist violence and oppression in various ways, the Centre works to promoting dignity and respect, working with both victims/survivors and perpetrators of violence. Through innovative training, consultation, and advocacy, the Centre supports professionals across sectorsincluding law enforcement, criminal justice, family law, therapy, child protection, refuges/shelters, victim/survivor and offender treatment, research, and educationto integrate response-based principles into their work. Response-Based Practice has been developed in the 1990s through the long-term close collaboration of many colleagues, including Nick Todd and Gillian Weaver-Dunlop and colleagues at the Centre for Response-Based Practice, Dr. Cathy Richardson, Dr. Linda Coates, and Dr. Shelly Dean.

SOURCE Centre for Response-Based Practice

For more information about Dr. Allan Wade's work or Response-Based Practice, please contact: Media Contact: Julie Macdonald, Fieldtrip Strategy Inc., 403.830.7221, [email protected]
Walmart Canada to match in-store kettle donations up to $100,000

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - In collaboration with Walmart Canada, the 15th annual "Fill the Kettle Day" will play an instrumental role in ensuring the immediate needs of those struggling in our community are met during the festive season.

During Fill the Kettle Day on Saturday, December 21, Walmart Canada will generously match donations made by individuals to Salvation Army Christmas kettles in participating Walmart Canada stores nationwide, up to a maximum of $100,000.

Kettle Host at Walmart (CNW Group/The Salvation Army British Columbia Division)

"Every day, more people are struggling with tough decisions," says Captain Gina Hagget, Divisional Director for Public Relations. "A recent survey by The Salvation Army found that one in four parents ate less so their children or family members could eat. People across the country are facing impossible choices. With generous donors, supporters and partners such as Walmart Canada, The Salvation Army can be their answer and give hope to vulnerable people when it matters most."

Since 2007, Walmart Canada and its customers have contributed over $44 million to The Salvation Army.

With a fundraising goal of $4.5 million, the Christmas Kettle Campaign supports programs and services throughout the province. Last year, more than 1.7 million visits were made to The Salvation Army for assistance across British Columbia.

When you donate to a Christmas kettle, funds raised stay in the local community to give people hope today and every day. Donations provide food, shelter, and essential services to those struggling to make ends meet, ensuring they have the help they need during the holiday season and beyond.

"Your generosity on Fill the Kettle Day will alleviate the daily burdens faced by those striving to make ends meet," says Captain Haggett. "Together, we can provide encouragement to those affected by poverty and help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals."

The Salvation Army deeply thanks compassionate donors, supporters, and partners like Walmart Canada for helping struggling community members find hope and assistance.

We urge you to donate to a local Christmas kettle, which also offers a tap-and-go option.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country.

The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 130 countries around the world.

SalvationArmy.ca

SOURCE The Salvation Army British Columbia Division

For media enquiries please contact: Captain Gina Haggett, Divisional Director for Public Relations, The Salvation Army British Columbia Division, [email protected], Cell: (604) 834-2164
Five people, including two juveniles, have been charged in connection with an armed robbery in Bergen County late last summer, officials with the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said Wednesday.

Altamir L. Thornton, 22, Yashir T. Phillips, 20, and Rahiem A. Maldonado, 22, all of Newark were charged with first-degree armed robbery and weapons offenses in connection with an armed robbery and assault in Englewood last August, authorities said.

Two 17-year-olds were also charged for their connection to the incident, according to authorities, and one of the teenagers remains at large.

Englewood police responded to a restaurant on Engle Street just after midnight on Aug. 3 for a report of a robbery outside the restaurant, officials said.

Officers discovered multiple patrons of the restaurant had been robbed and the suspects had used handguns and concealed their identities using ski masks, officials said.

Prior to robbing the patrons, investigators said the suspects attempted to steal car keys from the valet stand near where the patrons were dining.

The suspects instead demanded jewelry and personal items from the patrons during the assaults. One person was struck in the head with a gun by one of the suspects who escaped before police arrived, officials said.

Over the course of a three-month investigation, investigators determined the suspects fled the scene in a stolen luxury SUV taken from a Monmouth County residence during an earlier burglary, authorities said.

During the investigation, detectives determined Thornton, Phillips, Maldonado and the two teenagers were responsible for the armed robberies and assaults, officials said.

Authorities did not release additional details on the investigation Wednesday.

Thornton, Phillips and one of the teenagers were arrested the morning of Nov. 26 at three separate locations in Newark, officials said.

A search of their residences yielded multiple handguns at each of the locations, authorities said.

Later that day, Maldonado was arrested outside of his residence, officials said.

A second 17-year-old was charged on Dec. 3 and remained at large as of Tuesday, officials said.

The teenagers were charged with delinquency including first-degree armed robbery and weapons offenses, according to officials.

Thornton, Phillips and Maldonado were taken to the Bergen County Jail and are currently being held pending future court appearances, authorities said. The teenager was taken to the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center to await further action by the Bergen County Superior Court Family Law Division.

Thorntons attorney declined to comment when reached by phone Wednesday evening. An attorney for Phillips did not immediately return a request for comment. Maldonado did not have an attorney listed in online court records Wednesday.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X.
Two Burlington County men were convicted after a two-month trial of killing an 18-year-old they mistakenly presumed was part of an ongoing feud as he returned home from his part-time job in 2021, authorities with the Burlington County Prosecutors Office said Wednesday.

Kavon Carter, 27, and Sylas Young, 22, both of Pemberton were convicted by a jury after only three hours of deliberation of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder and second-degree weapons offenses. Carter was additionally convicted of first-degree promoting organized street crime and second-degree certain persons not to have weapons.

Yahsinn Robinson was a senior at Woodrow Wilson High School on April 22, 2021 and returning to his home on Barrington Lane when Carter and Young shot him several times, believing he was a member of a rival group from Willingboro Township the two had been feuding with, investigators said.

Willingboro Township police responded to Robinsons home just before 11:30 p.m. on April 22 for a report of gunfire where they found Robinson dead at the scene, authorities said.

Robinsons family was inside the home at the time of the shooting, a spokesperson for the Burlington County Prosecutors Office told NJ Advance Media at the time of the incident.

Investigators learned during the investigation that Carter, Young and others from Pemberton Township were involved in a long-running dispute with certain people from the Buckingham Park section of Willingboro Township that had recently escalated, officials said.

Young faces addditional charges of aggravated assault for a shooting a week later that injured a 24-year-old woman and her two-year-old son inside their home in Willingboro Township, officials said.

Carter and Young have been in custody since their arrest in December 2021 and sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2025.

Young is scheduled to appear in court on the aggravated assault charges for a pre-trial conference the same day as his sentencing, according to online court records.

Attorneys for the men did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X.
If youre dining at a restaurant owned by the Bitici family, chances are youre in for a treat.

Such is the case with Amerigo in Berkeley Heights. The spawn of restaurant veterans and brothers Ilir and and Mentor Bitici, their latest endeavor is all about elevating classic Italian-American dishes.

Fiorino, the familys outpost in Summit focuses on Tuscan and northern Italian cuisine. With Amerigo, the Biticis aspired to celebrate the way Italian cooking has impacted American, Brazilian and Argentinian cuisine.

Dining room at Amerigo restaurant in Berkley Heights, NJ on Tuesday, December 17, 2024Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

We have a lot of familiar Italian-American dishes on the menu, mixed with some more upscale items, Ilir Bitici told NJ Advance Media. You dont really see baked ziti on restaurant menus, so we wanted to do it in a way thats fits in with the rest of the menu while evoking a sense of nostalgia.

The nostalgia goes beyond the menu  nearly everything in the restaurant is either vintage or reclaimed. The 1940s Christofle cart is from their uncles restaurant in New York City. Bitici insists their Faema Baby Milan E61 coffee machine pulls better espresso than any of the newer machines on the market.

Its clear that the Bitici family is proud of their restaurant legacy, as well as their recent acclaim for taking the top spot in our spicy rigatoni ranking, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that isnt the only dish worth the visit to Union County.

Clams oreganato at Amerigo in Berkeley Heights(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)

The good

Baked clams oreganato ($17) is a dish thats pretty synonymous with Christmas Eve in Italian-American households. While my family doesnt do clams (we enjoy a similar dish made with sole) this oreganato sent me straight to my favorite holiday of the year. These were a stellar version packed with tender clams, crunchy breadcrumb topping and a buttery garlic, white wine and lemon sauce that made them all the more succulent. I couldve crushed the entire order myself, but practiced restraint in the interest of saving room for other dishes.

Rustic bruschetta at Amerigo in Berkeley Heights(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)

I wouldnt normally order a fresh tomato-based dish in the dead of winter, but was told the rustic bruschetta ($11) was a must-order. They were not wrong. I couldnt believe how delicious the cherry tomatoes were, bursting with each bite of grilled bread topped with ricotta and olive oil.

Chopped salad at Amerigo in Berkeley Heights(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)

Growing up, my family always had a nice little salad on the table, which we usually ate at the end of the meal (a tradition that still exists in Italy). Amerigos chopped salad ($13) nailed all of the familiar flavors with a blend of romaine, Berlgian endive, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Calabrian pepper and a simple vinegar-based dressing. Light and fresh, it was the perfect compliment to the heavier starters on the table.

Spicy vodka rigatoni at Amerigo in Berkeley Heights(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)

Venturing on to the pastas, I felt it necessary to revisit the spicy vodka rigatoni ($24), and am delighted to report that it was just as delicious as the first time I tried it. The chef cooked the pasta to an an impressive al dente, and the noodles were enrobed in a velvety vodka sauce infused with a healthy kick from Calabrian chilies. Amerigo is as dependable as it gets when it comes to this dish, and I will continue to return for it any time the craving strikes.

Baked ziti at Amerigo in Berkeley Heights(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)

Among several other delicious-sounding pastas, the oven-fired baked ziti ($26) was another standout. Served casserole-style with a golden brown cheese crust. The dish was was simple yet comforting, striking a great balance of gooey, crispy, saucy and cheesy.

Lasagna Bolognese at Amerigo in Berkeley Heights(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)

The sleeper of the entire meal was the lasagna Bolognese ($27), a square of sheer perfection that continues to haunt my thoughts. Growing up on Neapolitan-style lasagna had me a bit skeptical of this Northern Italian version featuring bechamel and meat ragu. But wow, did it quell any doubts. Dense yet melt-in-your-mouth tender, it had an elegance that all other lasagne should aspire to. No slipping or sliding  just forkful after forkful of creamy, meaty luxury with the occasion crunch of a crispy edge.

Eggplant parmigiana at Amerigo in Berkeley Heights(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)

Moving on to the mains, I was surprised by how clean and healthy the eggplant parmigiana ($23) was. Amerigos version was made with grilled eggplant stacked with four cheeses and marinara sauce. I enjoyed how eggplant-forward it was, but parmigiana enthusiasts may feel it lacks the creaminess that its fried counterparts possess. The pasta served with parmigiana dinners is usually an afterthought, but I found Amerigos spaghetti to be the star of the dish. Freshly made at Fiorinos, Bitici brings it over to Amerigo weekly to serve alongside their entrees.

Veal osso buco at Amerigo in Berkeley Heights(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)

Veering off the core menu to the specials, we landed on the slow cooked veal osso buco ($41), a hearty dish of tender veal drenched in a delicious jus, served over creamy cannelloni beans and bitter escarole. This well-rounded dish was a welcome departure from all of the red sauce and instantly made me lament that it might not be available during a future visit.

Panettone eggnog bread pudding at Amerigo in Berkeley Heights(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)

We rounded out the meal with Baticis wifes homemade panettone eggnog bread pudding ($11), the perfect fusion of Italy and the holidays in dessert form. Custardy, sweet and studded with softened dried fruit, the warm pudding had great structure. Topped with imported vanilla gelato, the combination was sublime.

Bread basket at Amerigo in Berkeley Heights(Stephanie Rizzolo | for NJ Advance Media)

The bad

The only item I found underwhelming was the complimentary bread basket, a mix of sliced Italian bread and focaccia. Adorable presentation aside (it comes in a literal basket with a charming metal jug of olive oil), the focaccia was cold and dry, and the Italian bread was just adequate. I enjoyed the focaccia soaked in a nice pour of olive oil, but wasnt tempted to devour the whole basket like Ive done some other Jersey Italian spots.

Chef Jose Torres cooking at Amerigo restaurant in Berkley Heights, NJ on Tuesday, December 17, 2024Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

The vibe

Updated old-school Italian with nods to the Italian explorer and Americas namesake is the vibe at Amerigo. Guests are welcomed into a spacious dining room outfitted with red checkered tablecloths, rustic wood, cozy banquettes and counter seating. Beyond the counter, The Buxton Room offers addition seating and a private dining option, donning ornate wallpaper that pays tribute to Amerigo Vespucci. Bitici family Antiques are peppered throughout the dining room and add a lived-in, grandmas house element to space. Decked out in holiday decor during my visit, I thoroughly enjoyed the extra layer of cozy it added to the overall experience.

The dining room filled up quickly on a frigid Friday night, a mix of families, couples, and even the random out-of-towner  I overheard the couple seated next to me shared with their server that they pulled off the road during a long drive without a plan, serendipitous and very grateful that they landed at Amerigo.

Amerigo restaurant in Berkley Heights, NJ on Tuesday, December 17, 2024Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

The bottom line

The Bitici family delivers another Jersey gem with Amerigo. Located in an an unassuming strip mall, the restaurant is a destination for quality, comforting Italian American food. Familiar favorites evoke a sense of nostalgia, while more elevated dishes add a much-appreciated twist. Consistently delicious with a focus on freshness, Amerigo is casual enough for a quick dinner out, and well-suited for a special occasion. Friendly and attentive service was the punctuation of on overall stellar dining experience.

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Gary Gosciak doesnt remember much of what happened one night last year after he took a few puffs of a synthetic marijuana cigarette in the bathroom at the New Jersey detention facility where hes been held for decades.

A fellow detainee warned him the homemade joint, a mix of tobacco and K2 smuggled into the unit, was powerful stuff.

I remember feeling very dizzy, very light-headed, Gosciak said.

Other detainees found him curled up in a ball on the floor, shaking uncontrollably and screaming at the top of his lungs, he said.

From what Im told, I passed out in the bathroom and fell on the floor, he said, speaking by phone from inside the facility.

Gosciak said it was his third time overdosing on K2  a synthetic drug that mimics the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana  while held at the Special Treatment Unit for civilly committed sex offenders in Woodbridge.

He wants to be released from the facility in order to get what he says he cant get inside  intensive substance abuse treatment to finally deal with his addiction issues.

Getting out of the Special Treatment Unit is no easy task. The unit holds more than 400 men who served prison time for sex crimes but were deemed too dangerous to release once their sentences ended. They are held in the little-known facility indefinitely under the states Sexually Violent Predator Act, a law passed in the late 1990s.

Detainees are no longer considered prisoners and enjoy limited freedoms in the Special Treatment Unit. But, theyre prohibited from leaving until a judge orders their discharge.

One attorney who represents civilly committed sex offenders believes 90% of the detainees in the facility have a substance abuse issue. But he said the facility doesnt provide the kind of help they need to conquer their addictions.

That sentiment is shared by multiple people NJ Advance Media interviewed as part of its ongoing investigation into the states civil commitment program for sex offenders.

NJ Advance Medias investigative report, Shadow prison, published in May, detailed numerous allegations of problems within New Jerseys Special Treatment Unit.

Advocates of civil commitment say the system is keeping the state safe from sex offenders who may commit more crimes if they are released. But, many detainees say they spend years, or even decades, in a convoluted system with an ineffective therapy program and no clearly-defined rules for getting out.

Other critics say the flaws with the civil commitment system also extend to New Jerseys complex system of judges and prosecutors who help decide whether sex offenders are held in the Special Treatment Unit and when they can be released.

MORE: Peanut butter dispute led to N.J. corrections officers killing detainee, family alleges

For detainees with addiction problems, being held indefinitely in the Special Treatment Unit is even more fraught.

Critics say detainees who could qualify for discharge after their sex offense treatment is completed should not be held longer in the unit because they have a substance abuse issue, especially when there are better treatment options for addiction elsewhere.

The state health and corrections departments jointly run the Special Treatment Unit, and have declined NJ Advance Medias requests to tour the unit or to speak to officials regarding treatment services.

But, the state Department of Health, which oversees treatment at the facility, says detainees get the help they need.

Those who are civilly committed are assessed for substance use when they come to the treatment unit and provided with individualized treatment based on their need, a state Department of Health spokesperson said. If detainees are diagnosed with an addiction problem, they are assigned treatment programs.

If a resident is struggling, we offer more support in the form of more groups or check-ins with staff, the spokesperson said in a statement.

Self-help groups are also available to residents, along with education about other addiction topics, including gambling, food, sex, love and gaming, the spokesperson said.

$47K up in smoke

Gosciak, the detainee who overdosed in the Special Treatment Unit on a synthetic marijuana cigarette last year, said his history of addiction and sexual offenses trace back to his childhood  like many in the treatment unit.

He grew up in Gloucester City and moved at age 10 with his mother to Hawaii, where he struggled to make friends, was bullied and became a loner, he said.

By 13, he was drinking, he said. By 14, he admits he committed his first sex offense, then raped a child the following year.

Gosciak spent a few years in a youth correctional facility, followed by time in psychiatric hospitals.

He lost his mother to cancer and moved back to New Jersey at 18 to live with family. He became addicted and blew much of the $47,000 in inheritance money his mother left him on drugs, he said.

In 1992, at age 22, Gosciak raped a relatives daughter and was sentenced to prison, he said.

After completing his sentence, he was the 27th sex offender civilly committed under New Jerseys new Sexually Violent Predator Act after a judge ruled he was too dangerous to be released.

Though he was locked up, he said he was still able to get drugs inside the Special Treatment Unit.

His first overdose on K2 came during the pandemic in 2021. He was taken to the facilitys medical unit and held for 48 hours as doctors and nurses monitored his vitals, Gosciak said.

They locked me in a room for observation butt-naked, no blanket, no clothes, except for a tear-resistant, anti-suicide smock given to patients, he said. Basically, they just let you sleep it off.

Detainees caught with drugs face loss of privileges as punishment, according to Gosciak. In his case, he lost his job at the facility  he was working in the kitchen at the time  for 30 days, he said.

Gosciak is in a substance abuse treatment group at the facility. He and other detainees meet once a week for 90 minutes with a therapist to talk about their drug histories and issues related to drug abuse and mental health.

In reality, the sessions tend to be conversations about how each detainee is doing and any struggles theyre experiencing, Gosciak said.

Detainees also get training on substance abuse education and are encouraged to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups with fellow residents.

None of it is actual treatment, Gosciak alleges.

If given the chance for release, he said hed ideally like to enter an inpatient treatment program for substance abuse, but he feels an intensive outpatient program could also help. That would be in addition to continuing sex offender counseling sessions, he said.

Now 55, qualifying for release remains a challenge for Gosciak. Hes been told he still needs to work on his attitude and patience, in addition to his substance abuse.

Ive learned a lot about the harm that I caused, he said of his sex crimes. One of the problems with sex offenders is that we kind of manipulate or convince ourselves that were not harming our victims, and, in reality, we are. Were doing a lot of harm.

Counselors have told him theyre now more concerned about his potential crimes surrounding drugs if he gets out, Gosciak said.

Ive actually had therapists tell me here that theyre not worried about me committing another sexual offense, he said. Theyre more worried about the drug-related crimes, like sticking somebody up for money to buy drugs.

A small number of detainees in the unit with opioid or alcohol addition receive medication assisted treatment, according to the Department of Health spokesperson. State officials declined to release the exact number for data privacy reasons.

A view of one of the housing units in the main building at the Special Treatment Unit. The site was previously a prison building used to house inmates in solitary confinement before it was reallocated for detaining civilly committed sex offenders.(Provided Photo)

Getting real

Gosciak said a friend who was released from the Special Treatment Unit on a conditional discharge is a role model for what he hopes to achieve.

Mike, who asked that his last name not be used, was hooked on alcohol and drugs since age 12 and was later sent to prison as a sex offender, he said. Now in his 60s, hes working to rebuild his life.

He was sent back to the Special Treatment Unit twice after his initial release after urine screenings revealed he consumed alcohol. He was forbidden to drink alcohol as a condition of his release.

But, Mike said he felt it was a waste of time to go back into the unit when he could have been sent by the court to a treatment program in his community.

He said he didnt feel he could truly open up to counselors at the Special Treatment Unit, because that would just mean a longer stay.

There was an old saying that used to run around there that the more you say, the longer you stay. And to some extent, thats true, Mike said. Now, of course, that was dealing with the sexual aspect of things, but that applies across the board.

He was sentenced to 30 years in prison on the mid-1980s for crimes including aggravated criminal sexual contact, kidnapping, robbery and burglary. He was civilly committed in the early 2000s after he finished his criminal sentence.

He took sex offender treatment seriously, he said, but remained dubious about the substance abuse help he received.

I was very hesitant about actually being honest with them as far as addiction or how deep it was, Mike said. They have total control over you getting out. They offer what they think is treatment, but treatment relies on being open, honest and willing. If you cant be open and honest, then youre not going to have any meaningful effect from treatment that you are offered.

Those providing substance abuse support at the treatment unit while he was there had no lived experience and couldnt relate to the struggles of an addict, he said.

You can go to school for cooking and read books for cooking, but unless youve actually cooked, it means nothing to you. Thats largely what happens with their substance abuse program, he said.

For Mike, the turning point came during the pandemic, when he was sent back to the treatment unit for his second alcohol violation and was allowed to run a self-help group for fellow alcoholics.

The only way I got real with my treatment today was during COVID. It was myself and a couple other guys that were real. It had nothing to do with the groups they were offering and anything else, he said.

The material he was reading from the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program hit home.

The first step is admitting youre powerless over your addiction. The second step is believing that a power greater than yourself, which I call God, can restore you to sanity, Mike said. Thats what got me to the point that I am today.

With that boost, he earned his release for a third time. After he was released last year, he found an outpatient treatment program  Greater Essex Counseling Services based in Newark and Union City  and has remained violation free.

Mike praised the help he received from counselors at Greater Essex, many of whom were recovering addicts who understood his struggles.

Those who have been incarcerated account for the largest percentage of the patient population at Greater Essex, said Katy Linton, who co-owns the counseling service with Chris Vadas.

Greater Essexs substance abuse treatment includes individual and group counseling sessions, medication assisted therapy and various support services, including dental and podiatry care. Family counseling also helps offenders reconnect with their loved ones.

We treat the client all the way around, Vadas said. If that clients suffering with an opioid or alcohol addiction, there are also other ancillary services that we help the client with to prevent relapse. Its the peer recovery side of the business  helping them with IDs, helping them with insurance, helping them with job placement.

While some treatment programs dont take sex offenders, Greater Essex doesnt turn anyone away, Linton said.

We dont discriminate against any type of person that wants to come here for treatment, she said. Whatever you need, whatever youve done, wherever youve been, come on in and well work with you.

Thats the kind of help Ronald J. Barber, a detainee in the Special Treatment Unit, believes he should have received.

Barber grew up in Trenton and was originally incarcerated at 11 for aggravated sexual assault. He spent years in various juvenile detention facilities before he was committed to the Special Treatment Unit around 2001 when he turned 20, he said.

He was discharged in 2020, but was returned to the unit after testing positive for smoking marijuana, he said. He was discharged again, then placed back in the treatment unit in 2022 after testing positive for fentanyl, which Barber denied using.

He remains in the Special Treatment Unit and alleged its substance abuse services arent a treatment program.

He should have been sent to intensive outpatient treatment instead of being sent back into the sex offenders unit, he said.

They could have done that and I would have abided by that, Barber said. You didnt have to shut me down and bring me back here to start me all over.

Neither drugs nor alcohol had any role in Barbers sex offense history and he wasnt recommitted for a new sex crime, according to his attorney, public defender Colin Most.

What Ive consistently argued to the court is that his drug issues have nothing to do with his being committed, Most said. And Ive adamantly argued against his recommitment.

While substance abuse treatment services are offered, its far from the Special Treatment Units primary focus, Most said.

You destroy their hope

Retired Superior Court Judge Bradford Bury presided over sex offender civil commitment hearings for two years. He handled cases in which the state tried to recommit discharged detainees who violated the terms of their release by committing infractions, such as drinking alcohol or testing positive for drugs.

Even though the violation didnt involve a new sex crime, they were pulled back into the Special Treatment Unit, Bury said. Most lost their jobs and housing on the outside and any progress they had made in rejoining society.

Its so incredibly catastrophic. And now all of that good gain is lost, the former judge said.

Getting out again can be very difficult, said Bury.

Theyre like the proverbial hamster on the wheel, he said. Its so hard to get off. You beat those people down. You destroy their hope. You destroy their motivation to continue to do the right thing.

New Jerseys case law does not say every single violation of a condition of discharge should send a detainee back to the Special Treatment Unit, Bury says. But, thats what frequently happens.

Its ignoring what the person often needs, which is drug or alcohol treatment, Bury said. And the kind of intensive help they need for their addictions isnt provided at the STU.

The former judge argues detainees should continue their addiction treatment while on discharge, especially because they still receive mandated outpatient sex offender counseling while under parole supervision.

Bury has criticized the state Attorney Generals office and Special Treatment Unit administration for allegedly blocking release of some detainees who he believes could be successfully discharged to the community with continued monitoring and supervision.

Gosciaks attorney, Public Defender Patrick Madden, said some other detainees have made the same argument Gosciak is making. They say they need intensive substance abuse treatment on the outside, complete with regular urine screenings, addiction support meetings multiple times a week, intensive supervision and a guarantee that they are heading back to the Special Treatment Unit if they screw up.

Some have had success with that argument and others have remained detained, he said.

The problem many face is when their substance abuse is a roadblock to release, because a judge might decide they arent comfortable with releasing a detainee until theyve dealt with their addiction, according to Madden.

At the same time, detainees dont have access to the tools to conquer that addiction.

Ive got a substance abuse problem, but I can never convince you that Ive got it resolved because I dont have enough access to therapy to figure it out, Madden said.

For those who are discharged, most inpatient substance abuse programs wont take sex offenders from the Special Treatment Unit, Madden said. Some of the programs have concerns about the safety of other patients and program operators may be uncomfortable with having parole officers coming by to check up on discharged detainees.

A view from inside one of the living areas for detainees held in the main building at the Special Treatment Unit for civilly committed sex offenders in Woodbridge. This building was previously used to house prison inmates in solitary confinement.(Provided Photo)

A captive audience

Many think its hard to get hooked on drugs while locked up. Some detainees say thats not true.

Access to illicit substances in the Special Treatment Unit is shocking, Madden said.

The drugs get in and they have a captive audience, he said. I would probably say 90% of the residents at the STU have a substance abuse problem.

Madden had clients with family members who tried to smuggle in drugs, in one case hiding cocaine in a box of sugar.

He recalled a client whose family took a box of Rice-a-Roni and replaced some of the contents with heroin. Officers detected the ruse.

Madden also described documented incidents of officers smuggling items, including cartons of cigarettes, into the facility.

K2, the drug Gosciak used, is any easy substance to smuggle because, as a liquid, it can be sprayed on a plain sheet of paper. The substance dries and can be undetectable to the eyes of staff checking mail coming into a facility, according to law enforcement officials.

Gosciak bought the K2 he smoked from another detainee, he said. The cost depends on how much of a sheet of the treated paper you want.

One strip will be like $25. If you want a whole sheet, its like $300, he said.

Just how powerful the K2 is depends on any added ingredients.

Sometimes it comes in and its mixed with fentanyl, Gosciak said. So, if its mixed with that stuff, its like 10 times as strong or a hundred times as strong, and we dont know it until we smoke it.

Experts warn K2 and similar products can cause elevated heart rate, tremors, seizures and hallucinations. Synthetic cannabinoids laced with other substances have been tied to overdoses and deaths, according to federal officials.

State PBA Local 105 President Bill Sullivan, whose officers are responsible for security at the treatment unit, partially attributes the drug issues to detainees access to disposable income.

Inmates in state prisons make $1 to $7 a day while incarcerated. Civilly committed sex offenders in the treatment unit, though, are paid minimum wage of $15.13 an hour for time worked at jobs in the facility and for hours they participate in sex offender treatment, according to a Department of Corrections spokesman.

Theyre getting paid minimum wage every day to just be incarcerated, Sullivan said. So they have a lot more money to spend.

Detainees can also make big bucks selling contraband or renting out a smuggled-in cell phone.

You make a thousand dollars a day per cell phone, selling it to other people to use throughout the day, Sullivan said.

Because civilly committed detainees in the Special Treatment Unit have more rights than prisoners, they are able to have more items in their possession. That includes getting packages mailed to them.

That creates smuggling opportunities, Sullivan said.

The large number of civilian employees working at the Special Treatment Unit, many in low-wage jobs, also creates the possibility of contraband finding its way inside the unit, he added.

K2 smuggling is a big problem in state prisons, according to Sullivan.

They just found a whole lot at New Jersey State Prison that came in a food package, he said. Theyre just getting really crafty with the way theyre bringing it in.

In many cases, the K2 is sprayed on phony legal documents made to look like they came from a legitimate lawyer, Sullivan said. Because officers are prohibited from studying legal documents without probable cause, its a clever tactic. But, officers are now cross-checking lawyer names to try and head off the fakes.

The state recently purchased technology to scan documents coming into detention facilities in an effort to crack down on the drug-infused paper, according to Sullivan.

Prioritizing care

Madden, the public defender handling civil commitment cases, argues the Special Treatment Unit should appoint a program coordinator dedicated to substance abuse treatment.

The coordinator could hire staff specializing in substance abuse counseling to monitor the care provided to detainees and alert the administration to new drugs making the rounds in the facility, he suggested.

Bury, the retired judge who presided over sex offender civil commitment cases, said detainees could be helped by a transitional step in the form of a state-operated halfway house of sorts that helps detainees acclimate to the outside world. They could start jobs and begin their post-commitment lives while still in a secure setting, he said.

The facility would be staffed around the clock with therapeutic and medical staff, as well as security, Bury said. It could provide both ongoing sex offender treatment, as well as drug and alcohol addiction treatment, he suggested, adding that he first heard about the idea for such a facility from another judge who presided over civil commitment cases for many years.

Finding support, including drug and alcohol addiction treatment, can be difficult for someone labeled a sex offender, Bury said. He recalled many cases of detainees who remained stuck in the treatment unit because they couldnt find long-term, in-patient drug treatment on the outside that would take sex offenders.

For those who do find help, there is a possibility for a better life, said Mike, the former Special Treatment Unit detainee who was released. He remains under parole monitoring and still attends regular AA meetings several times a week, along with weekly sex offender counseling sessions, he said.

He lives in North Jersey, has a full-time job and a partner who has stuck by his side for a decade.

He doesnt want to screw up, he said.

My life today is rewarding, and Im proud of it, he said. I have a lady thats a part of my life. Shes sitting here right next to me, and weve been together for 10 years and Im not willing to jeopardize that for anything.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
A 61-year-old New Jersey woman was arrested Tuesday after investigators learned she was allegedly posing as a plastic surgeon who performed cosmetic procedures such as gluteoplasty and facial wrinkle removal.

Yamile Mattos, 61, of South Plainfield was charged with unlicensed practice of medicine as well as possession with the intent to distribute prescription legend drugs and counterfeit/misbranded prescription legend drugs, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said.

Undercover detectives made an appointment to meet with Mattos for a consultation at a home on the 2500 block of Park Avenue in South Plainfield and noticed boxes labeled lidocaine and dermal fillers. Mattos offered the investigators services and showed them photos on her phone of people she claimed were clients, officials said. She also said her name was Adrianna.

After she was arrested, investigators found syringes, dermal fillers, lidocaine and other tools and devices for performing cosmetic procedures, prosecutors allege.

Matros detention hearing is scheduled for Friday morning. Her attorney, Mark Anderl, couldnt immediately be reached by phone Thursday.

Anyone with information about the ongoing investigation is asked to call Det. Kayla Hueston of the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office at 732-745-4268 or South Plainfield police Det. Christopher Blath at 908-226-7664.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Transportation Security Administration officers stopped a Pennsylvania man from bringing a gun through a Newark Airport check point on Wednesday morning, making it the 20th firearm detected this year at the airport.

A Bensalem, Pennsylvania, man was arrested by Port Authority Police after screeners detected the .380 caliber handgun, which was loaded with six bullets, TSA officials said. Twelve additional accessible bullets were also detected in the mans carry-on bag in two additional gun magazines.

Charles Brady, a 70-year-old Pennsylvania resident, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of hollow-point ammunition, a Port Authority spokesperson said. Following the arrest, the man was transferred to Essex County Jail.

Tom Carter, TSA federal security director for New Jersey announced the detection during a Wednesday morning press conference about holiday travel in terminal A.

It was detected in a carry-on bag. The individual brought the firearm along with three magazines, Carter said. This individual told us that he did not realize that he had his loaded gun with him.

This ties 2023s record for 20 firearms detected at Newark Airport checkpoints, officials said. In addition to criminal charges, the man, who wasnt identified faces federal civil penalties.

Unloaded firearms must be put in checked luggage, packed in a hard sided locking container and declared when checking the bag with the airline. Travelers can avoid problems by using a completely empty bag when packing for a flight.

Firearms of any type, even if you have a permit, are not permitted ever through a TSA checkpoint, Carter said.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry
If you care about the health and well-being of children, contact your local congressional representative or U.S. senator to make your voice heard that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should not head the Department of Health and Human Services, despite his nomination by President-elect Donald Trump.

Kennedy has been anti-vaccine, although you will hear him say otherwise at times. Recently, it was reported that a lawyer aiding Kennedy with his nomination petitioned the government in 2022 to revoke the approval for the polio vaccine. Really, the polio vaccine!

Prior to the vaccine being available, there were about 16,000 U.S. cases of paralytic polio annually, compared with zero in 2020, according to the Mayo Clinic. (There was a single reported case in 2022.)

The willingness of too many Americans to listen to conspiracy theories, lies, and nonsense is a problem. The growth of the anti-vaccine movement is an unfortunate example, prompted in 1998 by a flawed and fraudulent paper in the Lancet medical journal linking the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism. The study was flawed because of small sample size, uncontrolled design, and speculative conclusions.

The paper was completely retracted by the Lancet in 2010 and debunked by subsequent researchers, but continues to be cited to support the anti-vaccine movement, which continues to spread misinformation about vaccines, such as the COVID-19 vaccine. People die because of this nonsense. Children are the most vulnerable because they rely on adults to make good decisions for them.

I have had it with those who fabricate lies and sell them as fact. So, if you believe in facts, if you believe in truth, if you believe in science, make your voice heard.

Gary DiPippo, Wantage

Not crazy to think feds might disown their drones

When trying to solve the mystery of the multiple drones over New Jersey, I would like to remind everyone when our military covertly tested the stealth bomber (F-117). Even the families of the stealth pilots were not privy to the existence of these fighters, nor to the fact that their loved ones were flying them.

Flying only at night above western skies, the pilots fondly called themselves Night Hawks. By not revealing their mission to anyone including their spouses, the pilots led double lives. The flying of these birds of war were among the most closely guarded weapons systems since the development of the atomic bomb.

More speculation we may entertain is that the drones in question may be carrying specialized detection systems for uncovering what may be our next terrorist attack. If my hypotheses are correct, Washington should do a better job of alleviating the concerns of those who have been helplessly watching these birds of prey flying above their homes without challenge or resolve from our military.

Matt Drozd, Pittsburgh, Pa.

The writer is an author and a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel.

Give us the truth, not condescension, about drones

Paul Mulshines recent column, Drone sightings: the War of the Worlds? Or just a war of words? reported that he didnt see any drones when he went looking for them. Therefore, they dont exist?

His retired airline pilot buddy, the Captain, along with the FBI and Homeland Security, all insist that we reasonably observant, educated and intelligent citizens dont know what we are talking about as though our reports about sightings are not credible, and we are mistaking these flying objects for manned aircraft, operating lawfully.

On Friday, Dec. 13, between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m., in Lawrence Township, across from the National Guard Armory, my wife and I saw seven separate flying objects traveling at what we estimate as 20-30 mph, and between 200 and 600 feet off the ground. Each appeared to be approximately 6-10 feet in diameter, with a cluster of white lights along with a green and red light, and each making a quiet whirring sound as it passed.

Twenty minutes later, when we got home with some pizza, a solo drone quietly flew over our house at about 20 mph and 400 feet high.

At that speed, fixed-wing aircraft would have already stalled and crashed. You can hear helicopters and airplanes literally miles away, with their internal combustion engines and rotors/propellers.

Were not stupid, and we resent being condescended to.

John S. Rounds, Lawrence Township

Victory against harmful book bans

NJ Advance Medias coverage of New Jerseys newly signed Freedom to Read Act highlights a crucial victory against the harmful wave of book bans targeting diverse and inclusive stories.

As CEO of Reading Partners, a national nonprofit committed to improving literacy outcomes, I commend this legislation as a bold step toward ensuring every child has access to books that reflect their experiences and broaden their understanding of others.

Book bans disproportionately target works by Black authors and those centered on LGBTQ themes, stripping students of opportunities to see themselves in literature or learn from diverse perspectives. These actions deepen educational inequities and further marginalize specific communities. With just 32% of all New Jersey students meeting proficiency standards in 2022  a startling decline of 10 points from 2019  efforts to provide access to inclusive, representative books are needed now more than ever.

Thats why Reading Partners is excited to expand into New Jersey with support from GreenLight Fund Greater Newark. Our multi-year partnership aims to tackle a literacy crisis in Newark, where just 19% of third graders are reading at grade level, according to 2023 N.J. Student Learning Assessments.

New Jerseys Freedom to Read Act and initiatives like ours in Newark work hand in hand to address literacy inequities. This legislation protects intellectual freedom, ensures diverse materials remain accessible, and empowers parents to guide their own childrens choices while safeguarding others rights.

By rejecting censorship and supporting proven literacy programs, New Jersey affirms that reading is not just a skill  it is a civil right. As a New Jersey resident for nearly 25 years and a parent of students attending public schools in the state, I believe we can and should ensure all of our states children have the opportunity to become confident, lifelong readers who are prepared to shape a brighter future.

Adeola Whitney, CEO, Reading Partners, Oakland, Ca.

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By Mike Owen Benediktsson

After a months-long pause, New York State finally approved the long-awaited congestion pricing program this November, granting approval to the system that will make help fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys (MTA) capital plan. This brings us one step closer to New York City joining major global hubs like London, Stockholm, and Singapore  cities that have all long reaped the benefits of a similar tolling program.

I grew up in Essex County and have lived on both sides of the Hudson River, including two decades in Brooklyn before moving back to New Jersey. For me  now that Im a regular New Jersey Transit commuter  and my students, who rely daily on the regions public transit system, congestion pricing is personal.

Each day, 447,000 commuters from North Jersey alone cross the Hudson River into Manhattan, thus relying on the MTA transit system, be it subway or bus, to get them to work on time.

The billions generated by congestion pricing will go towards the crucial maintenance and improvement of regional transit. Everything from accessibility improvements through the installation of elevators, to signal modernization, to delay reduction and the integration of electric buses, are shared benefits that will be palpable for the New Jerseyans sitting side-by-side with New Yorkers on their morning commute. For my commute, the 6th Avenue signal upgrades and renovations to the 59th Street station will improve reliability and enhance the experience.

We have seen time and time again what happens when we underfund our vital systems. Over the last five years, both New York and New Jersey shared the experience of a Summer of Hell, when a commute to work or back home could quickly turn into an hours-long ordeal. And while weve made strides in the revitalization of the Hudson Tunnel Project this past summer, other investments remained underfunded and delayed for over a decade, with the impact of an untouched, century-old tunnel felt by thousands each day.

Tack on additional pressure stemming from the effects of our climate crisis, and an increase in the number of commuters relying on these very systems (North Jersey commuters to New York City increased by 62% since 1990), and the urgency for a consistent funding stream for our shared transit system is irrefutable.

New Jersey has never existed in a vacuum. Its critical partnership with New York means an improved and invested-in New York City transit system will carry over to New Jerseyans.

The health and environmental benefits of the MTA tolling program are also far-reaching. Its estimated that congestion pricing will reduce traffic in the congestion zone by up to 120,000 vehicles a day, significantly reducing the carbon emissions commuters breathe in daily, and relieving our streets of life-threatening gridlock.

Zooming out of the individual commuter benefits, the MTAs tolling program will spur economic growth for the NY-NJ-CT region and protect over 100,000 jobs grounded in transit projects in the pipeline. The sustainability and vitality of our $2 trillion tri-state economy hinges on the long-term viability of our MTA transit system.

The benefits of congestion pricing will not only impact New Jersey commuters  this holiday season, 6.5 million tourists will travel to New York City between Thanksgiving and Christmas. New Jerseyans account for the largest share of domestic, out-of-state visitors annually.

New York City is our forever neighbor and critical partner, and as New Jerseyans, we take great pride in the undeniable impact the tri-state region has, not on just the U.S. but across the world.

But New York City is also the most congested city on the planet, according to global traffic data. Traffic affects the neighborhoods in the congestion relief zone, disrupts our environment, and amounts for an estimated $9.1 billion loss. While New Yorks losses are also ours, New Yorks achievements and improvements also lead to our shared success.

Were less than a month away from realizing congestion pricing, yet despite the resounding benefits New Jersey commuters will share from the MTAs tolling program, Governor Murphy remains fixated on countering what stands as an essential funding source for our shared transit hub.

New Jerseyans deserve to experience the daily benefits of a thriving, fully-funded transit system. Its time to implement the congestion pricing program and usher in a new era for the tri-state region.

Mike Owen Benediktsson is an associate professor at Hunter College, a member of the PSC-CUNY union, and a native New Jerseyan.

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Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) mocked President-elect Donald Trump Wednesday night after tech billionaire Elon Musk led an effort to collapse a bipartisan spending agreement.

Kinzinger referred to the billionaire as President Musk while calling Trump the vice president in comments on CNNs Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees. He was speaking about Musks help in killing the spending agreement that would have avoided a partial government shutdown before Christmas.

President Musk this morning made it clear with all his vast government experience, which is basically he became rich on the federal government that he doesnt want Republicans to pass this. And seemingly Vice President Trump kind of backed him up then at that point, Kinzinger said.

And what it says about the politics is this is going to be a messy four years. The whole debt ceiling thing, Donald Trump is making it clear that he wants the debt ceiling to go up, he added.

Former GOP Rep. @AdamKinzinger on the chaos on Capitol Hill:



President Musk this morning made it clear - with all his vast government experience, which is basically, he became rich on the federal government - that he doesn't want Republicans to pass this. And seemingly, Vice pic.twitter.com/5mqHiJHkCK  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) December 19, 2024

Vice President Trump was trending on social media platform X as of Thursday morning as other users taunted the president-elect for letting Musk influence the spending deal. Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman (N.Y.) also referred to Musk as the president in comments to MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell.

Its not Donald Trump asking for this. Its very clearly President Elon Musk asking for this, Goldman said.

The fact that Donald Trump has been completely AWOL during these negotiations, to the point where, only after Elon Musk publicly tweets about his displeasure and about this budget deal, all of a sudden, Donald Trump, Chief of Staff to Elon Musk, comes trotting in and blows up the deal, he added.

Musk spent most of Wednesday railing against the spending agreement unveiled by congressional leadership earlier this week. After hours of pushing against the deal, Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance released a statement opposing the deal and asking Republicans to raise the debt ceiling.

The package would have funded existing government programs and services at current operating levels through March 14, 2025. The House now has until Friday to pass a spending deal to avoid a patital government shutdown.

The stopgap measure is needed because Congress has failed to pass its annual appropriations bills to fund all the various agencies in the federal government, from the Pentagon to health, welfare, transportation and other routine domestic services.

But the inches-thick bill goes beyond routine funding and tacks on several other measures, including federal funding to rebuild Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed when struck by a cargo ship. Another provision would transfer the land that is the site of the old RFK Stadium from the federal government to the District of Columbia, which could potentially lead to a new stadium for the NFLs Washington Commanders.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
To all of her students, she was simply Miss Diane.

And what many of them remember most about the dance studio she ran for many years in Newfane was the way Diane Zabel brought a close to their time together.

She would always have her students curtsy to say Thank you at the end of a lesson, her daughter Melissa Zabel Murphy told Buffalo News Niagara correspondent Teresa Sharp in 2015.

Her daughter took over Dianes School of Dance after Ms. Zabel retired in 2000 and moved to Florida.

She died unexpectedly Dec. 1 in Spring Hills, Fla., a month after a fall in her home in the Timber Pines community. She was 86.

Born Diane Louise Duquin in Buffalo, she was one of five children of Elmer G. Duke Duquin and Doris Hanley Duquin and the second-youngest daughter. Her father was director of operations and maintenance for the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and her mother was a fitter for specialty dancing shoes at the Bailey Slipper Shop.

As a girl, Ms. Zabel told The News in 2015, she was constantly in motion. She inspired her three sisters to join her in dancing  two of them later became dance teachers  and they staged a benefit performance for the Smokes for Soldiers Fund at their home in August 1944.

Two years later, her mother enrolled her in dance lessons. She became a class assistant and studio teacher. Tap dancing was her favorite style.

She was vice president of her eighth grade class at School 54 and won a Good Citizenship Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

At Bennett High School, she was a student council representative, member of the debate team and editor of the yearbook. She performed in the variety show every year. She was a dance partner of Michael DiFiglia, who became Broadway choreographer and director Michael Bennett.

She also was president of the Kappa Chapter of Delta Gamma Delta, a non-collegiate sorority.

She defended sororities before a large meeting of parents in 1954 and stressed her groups beneficial work. She said they have help week instead of hell week for new pledges and assign them to assist charities.

After graduating from Bennett in 1955, she opened her first dance studio on Fillmore Avenue and further trained with Beverly Fletcher, regarded as one of the areas leading dance teachers, and at the New York Academy in New York City.

She was married in 1957 to Peter P. Zabel, who she knew in high school. They moved in 1959 to Wilson to help his family, who had a butcher shop in the Broadway Market, operate their cider mill there.

Ms. Zabel started teaching dance in their home on West Lake Road and in school physical education classes. By 1965, her home studio had become too small to accommodate all her students and she moved it to Newfane, first to Maple Avenue and then to the current location on Main Street.

Her students performed annually at the Niagara County Fair and her yearly spring dance recitals were noted for their creative themes.

She was a member of Dance Masters of America and the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists. She was honored for her contributions to the arts by the International Womens Decade in 1994.

She was a volunteer with the Town of Wilsons summer recreation program, served as its director for several years and worked on numerous musical productions.

She was a member of the board of directors of Newfane Intercommunity Hospital and a supporter of Lighthouse Guildcare, which provided services for her daughter Cheryl.

She and her family were members of the Wilson Snowmobile Club and the TYC Sailing Club. They also summered at the Duquin family home in Long Beach, Ont.

In Florida, she served as president of the Snowbirds Club of Timber Pines. She and her husband led a Support Our Troops campaign in 2005 that sent more than 5,000 care packages to service members overseas.

Survivors include two daughters, Cheryl Zabel and Melissa Murphy; two sons, Peter P. Jr. and Frederick W. IV; two sisters, Joyce Irving and Carol Beaver; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Her husband, who went on to found an investment firm, died in 2018.

A celebration of her life will be held Jan. 7 in Nativity Lutheran Church, Brooksville, Fla. A celebration in Western New York will be held in the spring.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) floated a surprising new position for tech billionaire Elon Musk after he spearheaded the charge to tank a bipartisan spending deal on Wednesday.

Congressional leaders unveiled a bipartisan spending deal Tuesday night, but it was immediately met with backlash from conservatives and Musk for including too much spending. The chaos appears to have left some frustrated with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who spent much of Wednesday trying to defend the deal.

Paul suggested on Thursday that the House should elect Musk, a close advisor to Trump, to be the next Speaker.

The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress . . . Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk . . . think about it . . . nothings impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka uniparty, lose their ever-lovin minds), Paul wrote on social media platform X.

The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress . . .



Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk . . . think about it . . . nothings impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka uniparty, lose their ever-lovin  Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 19, 2024

The reaction to the spending deal could put Johnsons job in jeopardy next month, which comes just over a year after House Republicans ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from the top spot and chose Johnson to replace him.

However, President-elect Trump told Fox News Digital on Thursday that Johnson will easily keep his job.

If the speaker acts decisively, and tough, and gets rid of all of the traps being set by the Democrats, which will economically and, in other ways, destroy our country, he will easily remain speaker, he told Fox News Digital.

The House must vote on a spending deal before Fridays deadline to keep the government open just days before the holidays kick off.

After hours of Musk pushing against the bill on Wednesday, Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance issued a joint statement against the bill while also urging Republicans to raise the debt ceiling.

Meanwhile, the bipartisan package that Trump rejected extended existing government programs and services at their current operating levels for a few more months, through March 14, 2025.

The stopgap measure is needed because Congress has failed to pass its annual appropriations bills to fund all the various agencies in the federal government, from the Pentagon to health, welfare, transportation and other routine domestic services.

But the inches-thick bill goes beyond routine funding and tacks on several other measures, including federal funding to rebuild Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed when struck by a cargo ship. Another provision would transfer the land that is the site of the old RFK Stadium from the federal government to the District of Columbia, which could potentially lead to a new stadium for the NFLs Washington Commanders.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, an equine welfare charity in the Southwest, has gained national recognition for its Christmas Appeal film, which conveys a message of hope and compassion.

The film, which highlights the stories of three rescued ponies, has been featured by UK Fundraising, a respected media organisation that showcases charitable efforts across the UK.

You can find the Christmas appeal below

The Sanctuarys Christmas Appeal was included in a collection of ten charity Christmas films for 2024, sitting alongside campaigns from prominent national charities such as Shelter, Scope, Help for Heroes, and Christian Aid.

The appeal focuses on the stories of three ponies: Pinky, Seren, and Chesney.

Pinky, a Bodmin Hill pony, was rescued from harsh conditions on Bodmin Moor and is so fearful of human contact that she cannot even be groomed.

Seren, an orphaned pony cross, was just a day old when she arrived at the Sanctuary as part of a large welfare case.

Now, she is losing her sight and struggles with complex behavioural needs.

Chesney, believed to have been forced to perform in a circus, has been traumatised by loud noises and is anxious around people.

Individual Giving Manager Charlotte Freeman, who led the appeal, highlighted the Sanctuarys commitment to providing lifelong, loving care for its ponies.

No one should feel frightened or unloved, especially at Christmas.

Thats why our Christmas appeal focuses on one of the charitys core aims; to provide lifelong, loving care and support for equines in critical need.

Every horse and pony we rescue is given sanctuary for life and many are rehomed on loan with our fantastic carers.

But some of our ponies can never be rehomed.

Some have chronic health conditions or have been traumatised following abuse or neglect. They need a great deal of space, patience and specialist care, as Pinky, Seren and Chesneys stories help to illustrate.

Thanks to our wonderful supporters, these ponies wont be alone, neglected and homeless this Christmas.

The film was produced by former ITV journalist Claire Manning and equine filmmaker Phil Jones, with a voiceover by former BBC presenter Pippa Quelch.

All three have recently joined the Sanctuarys team, eager to share more heartwarming stories in the coming year.

Pippa Quelch, PR & Campaigns Manager, spoke about the Sanctuarys ongoing efforts to care for rescued ponies and support their local community.

As a journalist, from the moment I arrived at the Sanctuary, I started to appreciate the wealth of incredible stories waiting to be told. We care for horses and ponies across four sanctuary sites, at Newton Abbot, Totnes, Yelverton and Holsworthy, and have six charity shops which provide a valuable service in their local communities. The Sanctuarys dedicated Education team supports vulnerable children and adults to find meaningful connections with rescued ponies in Equine Assisted Learning sessions, and our experts offer non-judgemental advice and support to equine owners across the region and beyond. The passion and commitment of our staff and volunteers is inspirational."

Pippa added, Im glad that through this special Christmas appeal film, weve been able to show how every equine, however complex their medical or behavioural needs, is valued, loved and given the chance to lead a safe and peaceful life with us. Were so pleased that our film has received recognition on a national platform alongside some of the UKs most high-profile charities.
Families spending Christmas in hospital will receive a boost this year thanks to a donation from Vistry Group, Britains largest housebuilder.

The company, which develops Bovis and Linden homes, has supported Care for Kids initiative to ensure every child on the childrens ward at North Devon District Hospital receives a Christmas gift.

Vistry, currently building homes at Bay View in Northam and The Pastures in Bideford, set up a collection point for donations.

Staff and residents from the Bay View development contributed presents, including board games, books, dolls, action figures, Lego sets, and fancy dress costumes.

Care for Kids, a North Devon charity, enhances the childrens ward and supports local families.

Frances Greenaway, a play specialist at the hospital and a volunteer for the charity, expressed her gratitude: This can be a difficult time of year for families in hospital, as everyone would prefer to be at home over Christmas. Were passionate about ensuring the magic of Christmas continues and are very grateful for the donations from the local community.

Emma Mackay of Vistry Devon South West added: Were pleased to donate gifts again this year. The childrens ward team will now match the presents with individuals to ensure everyone receives a gift. Care for Kids is a fantastic local charity, and its wonderful to see this initiative so well supported.

Vistry has said they are also contributing to the local community through its developments. The Pastures in Bideford will include 550 homes and provide over 3.16 million towards local infrastructure, including education, libraries, public transport, and cycle routes.
MADRID 19 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

On 1 January, Ingo Kastner, Managing Director of PMG Presse-Monitor, will also take over the management of X-CAGO. The Dutch company is a leading international specialist for data and content conversion in the international publishing industry. The previous Managing Director and founder, Koos Hussem, will be taking his well-deserved retirement at the turn of the year, but will continue to be available to the company with his expertise.

Ingo Kastner has headed PMG Presse-Monitor since 2019. He played a leading role in initiating the acquisition of X-CAGO in 2021. Since then, he has been responsible for the Dutch company's business together with Koos Hussem.

Olivera Kipcic, Chairwoman of the PMG shareholders' meeting and shareholder representative of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, emphasises:

'Ingo Kastner is an accomplished manager and expert in digital content marketing. In recent years, he has created new opportunities to successfully market high-quality content digitally. Under his leadership, PMG and X-CAGO have become a strong strategic unit. His takeover of the management is the next logical step in continuing this success story.'

Ingo Kastner bids Koos Hussem farewell with the following words: 'I would like to thank Koos warmly for the trusting collaboration over the last few years. With his commitment and vision, he has made X-CAGO one of the most sought-after providers of content management and data conversion since it was founded in 2000. It is an honour for me to continue on this successful path.

Together with his first-class team, we will continue to expand X-CAGO's role as a technical pioneer and offer content producers worldwide perfect solutions for successful digital marketing.'

About PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG and X-CAGO B.V.

With the largest daily updated press database in the German-speaking world, PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG is a leading provider of digital media monitoring, press review creation and media analysis.

PMG markets the content and rights of around 900 newspaper and magazine publishers. Of over 4,000 print and online sources, around 3,000 are available digitally in the PMG press database. The company supplies over 5,000 customers from companies, associations, public institutions, media monitoring services and PR agencies from its base in Berlin.

Founded in 2001, PMG is a joint venture of German newspaper and magazine publishers with the shareholders Axel Springer, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Gruner + Jahr, Handelsblatt Media Group, Hubert Burda Media, Spiegel-Verlag, Suddeutsche Zeitung as well as the Bundesverband Digitalpublisher und Zeitungsverleger and the Medienverband der freien Presse.

In 2021, PMG is taking a major step towards becoming a central data hub for content publishers with the acquisition of Dutch data converter X-CAGO B.V. The company is internationally successful in converting and standardising a wide variety of content formats. ArchiveExpress, X-CAGO's digital archive solution, is used by publishers worldwide as a distribution platform for their content.
News / National

by Dickson Bandera

Self-imposed King Munhumutapa Timothy Chiminya, who was arrested on Monday, will spend Christmas and New Year behind bars after being committed to remand prison for a mental health evaluation by two state-appointed doctors.He is scheduled to return to court on January 7 next year.Chiminya appeared before Magistrate Sheunesu Matova this Wednesday, facing allegations of undermining the office of the president.The state alleges that Chiminya has been installing chiefs across the country, which is a violation of the law, as chiefs are already being appointed in accordance with Section 283 of the Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act.Chiminya is represented by Advocate Gift Mtisi from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.Prosecutor Mr. Takudzwa Jambawu, in his address to the court, recommended that Chiminya undergo a mental health examination before the trial begins, in line with Section 26 of the Mental Health Act.He explained that the recommendation was based on input from the vetting officers, as well as the arresting and investigating officers, who expressed reasonable suspicion that Chiminya may be mentally unstable.Mtisi contested the request for a mental examination, arguing that Chiminya had not displayed any signs of violence or mental illness during the vetting process or in his interactions with the lawyer. He also noted that Chiminya's speech was consistent and coherent. Mtisi requested that the court test Chiminyas mental state, but Magistrate Matova argued that the court relies on experts to assess an individuals mental health during the trial.He stated it was safer to proceed based on assessments done by experts outside the courts than to try do carry out assessment during trial in the absence of qualified personnel.After losing the bid to prevent the mental health evaluation, Mtisi made a fresh application for the court to release Chiminya into the custody of a relative. He argued that Chiminya could be examined while coming from home, as Section 26 of the Mental Health Act provides for such an option.He tendered documents supporting Chiminya's mission to educate the nation, including students, on cultural heritage, and noted that various government ministries, including the police, had recommended his activities. He said Chiminya was a respected and peace loving man who was even invited by government on important state functions.However, the prosecutor challenged Mtisi's application, arguing that Chiminya was facing a serious charge and his case did not meet the criteria for such an option. This was aided by the Investigating officer who argued that Chiminya had displayed some moments of madness during arrest and was likely to continue exercising his powers if released.The magistrate then committed Chiminya to remand at Harare Central Prison, and court will only start when experts indicate that he is of sound mind and can stand trial.Chiminya has been touring the country, holding meetings where he reportedly installed chiefs, including one in Chirumanzu. He also has an approved programme to educate students on cultural heritage. He has also documentary evidence showing that he has attended some recommended national rituals.Chiminya has also summoned Chief Chireya, who is said to have conducted a traditional ceremony in which an elephant was killed. The king argued that killing elephants is a cultural taboo, and the chiefs actions were wrong, thus warranting a trial.Some chiefs, such as Mambo Seke, have refused to acknowledge Chiminyas claims, demanding that he bring his family before declaring himself King Munhumutapa.Chiminya's activities are based on two main premises: first, that he was installed as King Munhumutapa by his clan and endorsed by other chiefs; and second, that a High Court ruling by Justice Munamati Mungati in September 2022 declared him the legitimate King Munhumutapa.The Local Government ministry has noted his installation but argued that it was merely a clan arrangement, which do not extend to the national regulation of chiefs.Chiminya asserts that the courts decision grants him the authority to regulate and oversee all matters concerning chiefs in the country. He believes that the bar extended to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works ministry hands over the power to him as the King Munhumutapa.However, the state believes that his actions and claims violate existing laws.Section 283(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and Section 3 of the Traditional Leaders Act grant the President the authority to appoint, remove, or suspend chiefs based on recommendations from the provincial assembly of chiefs, the National Council of Chiefs, and the responsible Minister, in line with traditional community practices.This means that the President retains the power to appoint or dethrone chiefs, a process carried out in consultation with the Minister of Local Government and Public Works.Chiminya has filed a Private Members Bill in Parliament seeking to amend Section 283 of the Constitution, which governs the appointment of chiefs. The Bill is still pending.Chiminya is set to appear again at the High Court this Friday in a related case where he is battling it out with Local Government ministry and will do that coming from remand prison.
A Chinese man got so angry while tutoring and helping his teenage son with his homework that he suffered a heart attack and almost lost his life

Surnamed Zhang, the 40-something man from Chinas Zhejiang province started experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain while helping his son prepare for senior secondary school entrance exams. Things got so tense between the two that Zhang was rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. Doctors at the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital performed emergency artery bypass surgery and managed to save Zhangs life. The cause of the heart attack was attributed to premature coronary artery disease, a life-threatening condition often exacerbated by stress.

Chinese media outlets reported that the relationship between Zhang and his son, a junior secondary school graduate preparing for exams, had become very strained since he started getting involved in his preparation. The two had practice sessions every night and during one of these sessions, Zhang got so angry that he suffered an acute myocardial infarction.

Zhangs case once again reignited the debate surrounding the intense academic pressure faced by Chinese youths and their parents. Parents stress levels when it comes to their childrens education are so high that they suffer serious physical problems. Earlier this year, we wrote about the growing number of Chinese parents suffering heart attacks and strokes while helping their offspring with homework, especially math.
Mercury Public Affairs has signed a $100K monthly pact with Stand with Ukraine to identify and build relationships with the members of the Trump transition team who will impact US aid to Ukraine.

Partner Bryan Lanza, who served as communications director for the first Trump White House transition team, spearheads that effort.

Mercury will arrange meetings with incoming policymakers to position Stand with Ukraine as a thought leader and resource for matters dealing with the Russian invasion of the country.

The firms contract went into effect on December 1 and runs through May 31. It automatically renews unless terminated by either party on thirty days prior written notice.

Lanza was deputy communications director for the Trump/Pence campaign, and communications director for Citizens United.

Stand with Ukraine is a Toronto-based non-profit advocacy organization.

It hired Plus Communications in September to a $70K monthly contract to push for continued support for Ukraine. That pact runs through Jan. 31.

Omnicom owns Mercury and Plus Communications.
Barbara Hunter, public relations pioneer and founder of New York-based agency HUNTER, passed away on December 18 at the age of 97.

Barbara Hunter

Born in 1927 in Westport, NY, Hunter started her career at Sally Dickson Associates, one of New York Citys first women-founded firms. She later joined PR firm Dudley-Anderson-Yutzy (D-A-Y). Hunter and sister Jean Schoonover eventually acquired the firm in 1969, becoming the first women to buy, own and lead a major national public relations agency.

In 1983, Hunter and Schoonover sold D-A-Y to Ogilvy & Mather, naming Hunter vice chairwoman of its PR practice. At the time of the firms acquisition, D-A-Y was considered the worlds oldest continually operating public relations firm.

At the age of 62, Hunter founded her eponymous agency, She retired in 1999 at the age of 72 and sold the agency to a group led by CEO Grace Leong.

Donations and tributes in Mrs. Hunters name can be made to the PRSA Foundation or the Museum of Public Relations.
Qorvis, which is the long-time firm of energy-rich Saudi Arabia, has agreed to provide DC representation to the Moscow-based Union of Oil and Gas Producers of Russia.

It will handle matters related to LNG projects and compliance with sanctions put into place following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Grace Fenstermaker, managing partner of Qorvis EMEA region, handles the account.

She has advised corporations and high-net-worth individuals in the energy and banking sectors on emerging sanctions, compliance, and foreign policy changes currently pending before the US.

Bethesda-based AF International also works for the Union under a contract that is signed in November.
A VERY large crowd of about 80 people attended the annual carol singing in Shannon Harbour.

Michael Lyons was a very accomplished MC. The roaring fire was tended by the usual culprits, Patrick Kenny, Dermot McIntyre and Tom Devery as was the lovely crib and lighting.

Proceedings were opened by Offalys historian extraordinaire, James Scully. He regaled and enlightened us about the history of Shannon Harbour going back to pre- famine times. In 1940 James Hayward discovered a letter written by Mr Joe Larkin in 1921. It described Shannon Harbour as a bustling town. It had a population of over 1,000. Musicians busked to boat passengers. The coffee room in The Harbourmaster's house was the office for boat tickets. The basement of The Grand Canal was the police barracks with cells, one side for men and one side for women. Mrs Rigney and Mrs Wynn made and sold soda bread to emigrants to the US and UK to sustain them. The bell rang three times. Once for the horses to be harnessed, twice for the passengers to board, thrice for the boats to sail.

Patrick Kenny spent a couple of years trying to source a bell. Troy McLaughlan, a resident in The Harbour, had a bell for feeding donkeys and he presented it to Patrick. Troy is originally from Baggot Street and his family were boat people who traded on the canal. Paddy Coughlan did a great job on the construction of the window at the gable end of the bellyard.

Joe Cahill says the Tans used to come in a lorry looking for republicans. Some bright spark realised that when they were approaching the bell was rung and their prey had disappeared. They couldnt burn it like the dance hall where Mags Lyons house now lies, so instead they threw it in the Shannon.

The carol singing was orchestrated by Eoin Egan, Yanna and Roisin accompanied by Clementine Blanc, a soprano from Marseille. The large crowd accompanied them enthusiastically.

I chatted to Sean O'Reilly about history. I spotted Aine and Aodan Lyons taking part. Tom Guinan and Siobhan O'Brien enlightened on local history and Ruth Lynch flew off on holidays to Australia on Sunday. No jealous comments!

Great credit to Patrick Kenny for his efforts and the rest of the committee, Mags Lyons ringing the bell, Shirley and Dermot McIntyre for the melted marshmallows, punch, mince pies and sweets, allegedly for the children!!! Michael Lyons as MC. The evening was cold but the fire, the crowd and McIntyres were lovely and warm.
A lucky Tullamore trolley dash winner has taken home over 400 of festive goodies just in time for Christmas.

One winner in every one of Lidls 182 stores nationwide completed a two-minute supermarket sweep-style dash, with Lidl Tullamore Trolley Dash winner Stephen Carroll taking home over 420 worth of Lidls award-winning festive food and treats to enjoy over the Christmas season.

Lidl's annual Christmas Trolley Dash this year raised 314,123 for its new charity partner, Family Carers Ireland, including more than 8,400 from Offaly customers.

Since its launch in 2014, Lidl Irelands Trolley Dash has raised more than 2.5 million for its charity partners, with winners also taking home thousands of euros worth of Lidls award-winning festive food and treats to enjoy over the festive season.

In November, Lidl unveiled its new official charity partner, Family Carers Ireland, which provides free supports and services such as guidance on rights and entitlements, peer support networks, learning and education, emergency care planning, respite, counselling, young carer support and more.

TAP LINKS TO READ NEXT

GAA Club and school outbid as parochial house and 12.5 acres of parish land in Offaly fetches 735,000

Christmas Day church burning and massacre of congregation to be remembered in Offaly

New book names thirteen Offaly players among all-time GAA greats

Commenting on the success of this years campaign, Eimear OSullivan, Corporate Affairs Director at Lidl Ireland, said:

"We are proud to announce that this years Trolley Dash has raised an incredible 314,123 for Family Carers Ireland, marking a fantastic start to our new three-year charity partnership. Trolley Dash is our flagship fundraising initiative, and its wonderful to see our customers and employees coming together to support such an important cause.

Were incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who participated in and supported this years dashes. Id also like to say a massive well done to our 182 lucky Trolley Dash winners who took on the challenge in their local stores this past weekend."

Lidl has committed to raising 1 million in funds over the next three years for Family Carers Ireland. As the first large scale fundraising activity since the partnership announcement, Trolley Dash is set to give the new partnership a significant boost.

Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Family Carers Ireland, said:

"We would like to thank Lidl Ireland, its employees and its customers for their unwavering support and this substantial Trolley Dash donation. We are blown away by the generosity of those who supported the Trolley Dash campaign, especially in these challenging times. This incredible total raised which will be transformative in enabling us to continue delivering our vital services in support of family carers across the country.

Family Carers Irelands mission is to ensure that family carers are properly recognised, supported and empowered so that no one has to care alone, and these funds will go a long way in supporting some of our services and in raising awareness of family carers in our communities, our charity and the work that we do.

For more information about Lidl Irelands Trolley Dash initiative, please visit www.lidl.ie
BUSINESSMAN Tony Kilduff's plan for an 'off-grid' artists' commune in Offaly has been turned down by County Council planners.

Kilduff applied for permission to build studios on a 40-acre site he bought in his home area, Clonfinlough, near Clonmacnoise.

According to his proposal to the council, the idea was to foster creativity in a quiet and eco-friendly environment that would be economically viable.

It was intended to keep a small group of buildings heated and cooled by solar power gathered via photovoltaic panels laid out at ground level and served by a small shed with a battery storage facility.

It is proposed that the development will be used as a non-profit, workshop type model and as such will only facilitate artists or people connected with the arts and education in that discipline, the council was told.

Kilduff has been an honorary council member of the Royal Hibernian Academy, which supports artists.

He has an active interest in contemporary Irish art and has supported and collected modern artworks for many years, which has led to his ownership of one of the most substantial and unique collections in the country. The project has been endorsed and will be supported by the RHA and the academy will be instrumental in appointing artists for residency on site going forward, the council was told.

The development at Lakelands, Clonfinlough proposed the refurbishment of an old farm cottage and the construction of four single storey dwellings, three of which were to function as artist studio units. The fourth was to be a two-bed house.
Since its establishment in the early 1980s, Roscrea Tidy Towns has been supported in its endeavours by Bernies SuperValu Roscrea.

Out of curiosity, the following information was researched from the Newspaper Archives, and has been reported here, not word for word, but sentiment by sentiment.

The first of the snippets from the Nenagh Guardian of May1968 records a court appearance by Bernie, where he was looking for a wine licence for his then V. G. Supermarket. From the article we learn that Bernie had been store manager for Mr. Dermot OSullivan, Portlaoise, who owned the premises.

This premises became Bernies first property  it is currently unoccupied and was once a store operated by Morans.

Without publishing the complete article, Bernie was granted the licence at this court sitting.

From the second snippet that comes from the Tipperary Star of June 2004 where it records that Bernie moved to his current premises in 1979. This premises had been the ESB shop. The article was celebrating Bernies 25th Anniversary.

In it is recorded the plethora of community supports undertaken by Bernie  from clubs and organisations to schools. The store had grown and then employed over 50 locals.

Since their establishment in the early 1980s, Bernie has been a supporter of Roscrea Tidy Towns. In fact, Bernie was one of the founding members of Tidy Towns. This year, the support has been massive.

As part of their heritage brief, Roscrea Tidy Towns has been erecting memorial plaques to historic persons and/or noteworthy occasions.

Imagine our surprise when one of the noteworthy historical persons we wished to commemorate turned out to have been born in the very location of Bernies SuperValu Store.

The person we researched was William John OBrien. A short account of his achievements follows.

William John OBrien who was born in Roscrea

William John was born in 1860 and migrated to South Africa in 1878. He got on very well in South Africa. He became a director of several diamond companies.

He was a man before his time  the hospital he founded was to cater for all, irrespective of race and colour. This was in the time when apartheid was at its most segregative. He also established Pietermaritzburg University.

He emigrated to KwaZulu Natal area in 1878. He got his title as he did so much for the city of Pietermaritzburg and the financial well-being of South Africa in his 99 years.

He became a politician - as mayor founded the local university and hospital.

Following their research, Roscrea Tidy Towns approached Bernies SuperValu to see if they could install a plaque on the premises and were enthusiastically received.

Bernies have also installed a defibrillator this year supporting the community

Then, we approached the sign manufacturers and ran into a problem - the image we had from the internet was not of good enough quality to be used.

Having contacted the website where the image was located and gotten a message to say the original photo couldnt be located, we were at a loss as to how to proceed. Luckily, there was a local solution to the problem.

We sent the internet image of William to Sean OSullivan aka 'The Art of OPrez,' a local artist specialising in reproducing pencil art portraits from photographs.

Sean was extremely helpful and in a few days the image on the plaque was produced. His work is exceptional.

Its from the combined efforts of everyone involved  Roscrea Tidy Towns, Bernies SuperValu, Tipperary Co. Council and Seans artistic work that suggested the title for this article.

Roscrea artist Sean OSullivan produced the plaque's striking artwork

The plaque was installed by Signiatec  the manufacturers  in October and the official unveiling of the plaque took place on December 5th. The plaque was sponsored by Tipperary County Council and Bernies SuperValu and Roscrea Tidy Towns wish to thank them most heartedly for their support.

Roscrea Tidy Towns would like to wish all their volunteers and supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The newly inaugurated Chancay-Shanghai direct shipping route not only strengthens trade ties between Peru and China but also promotes shared growth across Latin America, Asia and beyond. On Wednesday, the air at Shanghai Port was infused with the sweet fragrance of fresh fruit as a vessel from Peru's Chancay Port docked, delivering a bounty of Peruvian agricultural delights, including grapes, avocados and blueberries. Since the launch of the Chancay Port in November, shipments between the two coastal cities have highlighted a promising future for trade across the Pacific. The direct route is expected to reduce shipping costs by at least 20 percent, generate 4.5 billion U.S. dollars in yearly revenues for Peru, and create 8,000 direct jobs. The operation of the port, a flagship Belt and Road cooperation project between China and Peru, demonstrates the two nation's commitment to free trade amid rising trade protectionism. Prior to the port's opening, most of Peru's exports to China had to pass through Central or North America before crossing the Pacific. The new mega port, capable of accommodating the world's largest container ships, has reduced shipping times from Peru to China to 23 days. This has streamlined the delivery of popular Chinese goods such as new energy vehicles to Peruvian consumers, while enabling Peru's agricultural products to enter the vast Chinese market at more competitive costs. Chancay Port is not only a deep-water hub but is also the first smart and green port in South America. Its operational efficiency is poised to improve through the integration of advanced technologies, including intelligent loading systems and unmanned container trucks. The new route helps facilitate cargo flows from Latin America to Asia, with projected cargo flows from Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia. It also streamlines distribution across Asia, providing faster and more cost-effective shipping services. Meanwhile, exports from Chancay to Japan, the Republic of Korea, and ASEAN nations are also expected to grow. This expanded market access will boost Latin America's trade volume, stimulate the development of the region's logistics infrastructure, and foster technological and industrial growth, generating a significant "multiplier effect." However, it's not all smooth sailing. Some Western media have been quick to tarnish the port's reputation, raising concerns about environmental degradation and resource dominance. This is a familiar smear tactic often used to discredit major China-built infrastructure projects abroad, driven by bias and jealousy. What these critics overlook is the strong desire of people in Peru and throughout Latin America to modernize their logistics and supply chains and drive their own economic growth. In fact, much like the photovoltaic power plants and wind power stations that China has previously helped build across Latin America, Chancay Port stands as another testament to China's commitment to sharing its green development expertise with the global community. It reflects a broader vision of a shared future, where humanity and nature coexist for the betterment of our planet. The port adheres to strict environmental protection standards. To preserve the region's rich biodiversity, China has established a dedicated environmental protection team on-site, opened an animal rescue center, and staffed several environmental protection roles. Numerous successful rescue operations have been carried out for penguins, seals and other birds, while the environmental conditions of wetlands, beaches and local habitats have been significantly improved, demonstrating China's strong commitment to ecological sustainability. The launch of the port and the new direct route, as well as the recent signing of the upgraded free trade agreement protocol, are key examples of win-win cooperation between China and Peru. Marked by free trade, they will pave the way for a more enduring and prosperous future for both countries, while nurturing a shared future for the global community.
Sri Lanka President meets Chinese Vice Chairperson to strengthen bilateral ties

Posted by Editor on December 19, 2024 - 10:00 am

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met Qin Boyong, Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on December 18, 2024 at the Parliamentary Complex in Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, Vice Chairperson Qin emphasized Chinas commitment to deepening its longstanding relationship with Sri Lanka and expressed hope for stronger collaboration with the new government.

President Dissanayake extended his gratitude for Chinas assistance during past disaster situations and the provision of school uniforms for Sri Lankan students. He also underscored the ongoing need for Chinese support in various areas.

The President highlighted the importance of completing the Chinese-funded section of the Central Expressway, which remains unfinished. He also discussed plans to expedite key projects, including supply hubs and institutional developments linked to the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota District.

Vice Chairperson Qin outlined Chinas intentions to restart stalled marine research activities and resume delayed projects. She also highlighted plans to establish Chinese companies in the Hambantota Investment Zone, aimed at improving Sri Lankas access to global markets.

Additionally, Vice Chairperson Qin confirmed preparations to host President Dissanayake during his forthcoming visit to China.

The meeting was attended by several officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Deputy Speaker Dr. Risvi Sally and CPPCC committee member Ma Youxiang.
What informs the world to see my anger as a threat to white stability, if not the privileged narrative.

It's not unusual to encounter a white person, say, in an elevator or in a grocery store line, someone I've never encountered before, and catch that look. It's one of concern. Dare I say-- fear. No matter how I feel: happy or thoughtful. Now, in that face I see someone I'm meant to be-- regardless of who I think I am or what I've experienced. Continue to experience. Even in that moment"





I'm safe?





That's what the look means. The apprehension on the individual's face is sometimes enough to anger me. It's an invasion of my right to exist-- outside of this white person's fantastical myth of him or herself. And me.





My building manager has already decided that she isn't safe-- not with me around.





James Baldwin, in The Fire Next Time , writes of his determination to "never" make "peace" with whiteness . If a white feels intimidate, well, then, that's their problem. He, on the other hand, would rather die and "go to Hell before" letting a "white man spit" on him. Before accepting his "'place' in this republic"!





Baldwin refused to become comfortable on the lower rung of that proverbial hierarchical ladder.





The narrative of whiteness creates that lower rung as it creates the higher rung where the privileged don't worry about systemic injustice. They aren't committed to knowing the truth.





Where I live, in "middle America," I can't engage in a conversation with a white and inform them of what they've done to my people, to the Indigenous. I can't inform them that migrants are actually less violent than Americans. I can't remind them that America is the biggest drug dealer. The biggest seller of weapons of mass destruction. I can't mention how I feel strangled, prohibited from breathing or crying out. I can't even strike out, but must hold steady. Try to smile.





There's Baldwin, decades ago, walking into an O'Hara Airport bar with two Black friends, only to be told by the bartender that they, all in their thirties, "looked too young" to be served. "It took a vast amount of patience," writes Baldwin, "not to strangle" the bartender."





The bartender is new, said the manager in defense of the bartender. He's yet to learn how to "distinguish between a Negro boy of twenty and a Negro "boy" of thirty-seven"!





It's still too real to be laughable.





There are plenty of wicked folks, writes Baldwin; however, they don't destroy a civilization. It's not the "wicked people," the dictators and self-appointed leaders, autocrats. Instead, it's the "spineless" ones. The people who remain silent or just carry out orders or, as historian Timothy Snyder suggests. The people who make room for the incoming destruction of democracy by obeying before an order is even given. They obey-- in advance !





" Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do."





When I encounter these appeasers, I want to ask a question of them, however I never do. I almost always know the answer. I see the look as if I have offended them, assaulted them with some monstrous thing they belief they had already destroyed. Or at least, placed in a box or kept hidden in a vault.





I would like to ask the individual if she has ever read a book, a literary or historical work, written by a Black author? Has she ever read Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Diane Nash, Baldwin or Morrison? If the answer is, as I suspect, that she has never read any Black writer or historian, then I would like to know, how is it that she presumes to know me?





I come to this moment knowing this person sees themselves as innocent and has no way of escaping this myth without Douglass, Truth, Nash, Baldwin, or Morrison.





And the burden is on me to make this white American, this white man to feel safe from a nightmare they've created and perpetuated. Feed life into it at every crisis when people of color threaten to destroy it" And yet, the individual standing beside me or sitting across from me mustn't see any evidence of my anger at this situation. A situation that my ancestors and I have been asked to accept and deal with since before the founding of this nation.





And if I'm honest, I'm angry because I can't express that anger about the ignorance that envelopes this white American, like a child wrapped in a blanket, allowing this person to believe all is well when really it isn't!





" To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a state of rage almost, almost all of the time-- and in one's work," writes Baldwin. "And part of the rage is this: It isn't only what is happening to you. But it's what's happening all around you and all of the time in the face of the most extraordinary and criminal indifference, indifference of most white people in this country, and their ignorance."





And so, yes, I'm lucky to have the work, to be able to express that rage while sitting at a laptop, a distance from the racist neighbor, of course. It's anger that has me here in the basement of the administration building of the senior complex where I live while my neighbor is still asleep. Noon. And she is the one who opened her window and yelled out to a friend of mine, that I was crazy! I, she informs my friend, had been in jail when I've never been to jail or prison. But then, I must be a criminal!





And my building manager defends the spineless like her!





In the 21 st Century, the spineless still defend white supremacy like good, obedient soldiers while I'm characterized as the angry Black woman. Someone reflecting back to the white American their fear. Because it's fear. My anger reveals my refusal to obey, to be the bringer of fantastical peace . Instead, I'm a roadblock, a barrier to white America's image of peace .





It is, writes the late Cultural Theorist bell hooks in Killing Rage: Ending Racism , "the assertion of subjectivity colonizers do not want to see, that surfaces when the colonized expresses rage." hooks goes on to talk about having to witness close up the "willful ignorance" firsthand and "the impact of race and racism," followed by the pain of white "denial." As "long as black rage continues to be represented as always and only evil and destructive, we lack a vision of militancy that is necessary for transformative revolutionary action."





The racism is as real as the backlash that follows our forward movement toward freedom from this tyranny of hate. The lawyer, writer, and legal commentator, Elie Mystal, writes that "if you tell [white America] they can't be racist in once way, they'll find some other way to achieve the same racist results" ( Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy's Guide to the Constitution ). It's evident of the energy it takes to be blindly spineless"





" I had white people," Mystal continues, "tell me with a straight face that I'm not even allowed to judge whether a white person has been racist to me personally ."





I'm talking about, and Mystal is talking about, people who believe they know you. Who believe that you are less than. Even criminal. Have never read anything about you and the experience of being Black in the US. Have never read the history of this country, it's foundation in conquest and enslavement and the necessity to steal and exploit the labor of others also deemed less than, and criminal, globally. I'm talking about a people who believe I shouldn't sit in judgment of other whites, particularly those who tell others that I'm crazy and have been to jail! I shouldn't assume or presume, they've told me, expecting that I will, once, realize how much easier it is to simply obey . Go with the flow! I should just accept and see how high I can jump when ordered to do so.





I think we are in the post-King era. Those of us who remember the Civil Rights era, remember when it came to an abrupt end on April 4, 1968. The bullet that struck Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. on that Lorraine Motel balcony seemed to have silenced our collective ticking clocks. We have been watching the rise of the conservative, right-winged, Christian Nationalist era, ushered in by Richard Nixon to replace the movement for freedom from anti-Blackness. The movement for democracy.





Maybe professor Eddie Glaude is right that the day King was assassinated devastated many Black Americans, including Baldwin, But maybe it was different for white America"





In my own family, Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement was never mentioned. I was aware of the movement of Black Americans because I was attracted to Malcolm and Hampton. I knew of Stokley Carmichael and Huey Newton.





On the afternoon of April 4, 1968, I thought the DJ at radio station WVON in Chicago was joking since he had been capitalizing on April Fools Day. But, then, in a much somber voice, he announced again. King has been shot. He is dead !





I hurried to me mother and told her. I don't recall her saying anything or even acknowledge the tragedy the next day. All the clocks had stopped, it seemed, except the ones in my home. In my home, for the first time, I felt isolated and alone. I would soon be a member of SCLC and Operation Breadbasket's Youth Division, but, then I was an uninformed teenager, who, until the announcement, saw King an "old" man, with outdated ways.





I went to the bathroom, and wept. I found it hard to breath. The boat had stopped rocking, and not just at that location I thought of as home.

Glaude, quoting Baldwin: "King's death had revealed the bitterness at the bottom of the cup."





I still didn't know enough to know that when I headed to California, with a bachelor's degree in hand, the Flower Children were on their way back home. Exchanging jeans for three-piece suits, I encountered them in passing. They told me about potential journalist positions and wished me luck.





A different movement had replaced the one in which Huey Newton had called for a "revolution." Success was in and corporation greed was good. On the other hand, Black political prisoners in particular could be chased across state lines, arrested and sentenced to long prison terms. Others died on the street, in gun battles with police while others still, died miles away from home in exile. Some of us had to go into "exile," being careful never to mention Angela Davis or George Jackson, or even King's name. Revealing ourselves meant that there would be finger pointing and a gathering of the like-minded to hiss and call us out to the authorities.





Only two days had passed after King's assassination, writes Glaude, when 18-year-old Bobby Hutton, Black Panther in Oakland, is shot and killed by police. It's a funny feeling to be alive but everyday being erased by those living their best lives.





King, writes Glaude, struggled with America's belief that white matters more. "I must honestly confess," King admitted, "that I go through moments of disappointment when I have to recognize that there aren't enough white persons in our country who are willing to cherish democratic principles over privilege."





The other day, I was in the office of a Latina women when a white man, a neighbor of mine, came in. At one point, he mentioned George Washington. He admired George.

I was thinking, a slaveholder . And, waiting, I thought, maybe the neighbor will mention this fact. Maybe I'll not sink any lower on the proverbial hierarchical ladder"





Sitting beside him, I glanced at the Latina woman. It was her office. I refused. I said, Washington was a slaveholder .





Silence!





The trouble some Black people insist on being! We just won't go away.





In the unwillingness to turn and say, you are right. You are right ! I forgot , I felt rage-- but also, liberated! Dare I speak the truth!





Baldwin recognized in white American men the unwillingness to "'believe my version of the story, to believe that it happened.'" Glaude writes that Baldwin recognized that white America would rather invent "'a fantastic system of evasions, denials, and justifications,'" a system that destroys reality.





Anti-Blackness has the George Floyd Justice in Policing act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act lying on slabs in the morgue! It's so unreal that it takes every bit of energy and strength to hold on and not slip into sitting on a boat going nowhere.





I remember listening to an interview in which Baldwin became visibly angry recalling how so many people suggested that he "relax" once he finally had a few books published. Relax now !That's all I hear. Relax. As if the work is merely a means of becoming "successful." Accumulating money. Cars. Things.

Join the spineless and relax !





Who can relax who knows?





I refuse to go gently in that night where America resides, always choosing, as Glaude writes, to remain racist. I'll remain alive and autonomous. An angry Black woman, "almost all the time," Uncle James. "Almost all the time."




















Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

On December 8, the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia leaving the country to be occupied by a coalition of armed fighters led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

The HTS and the numerous affiliated armed groups have taken over the administration of the country, and have not carried out any massacres or threatened the public safety. They say they will be caretakers until March when a transition government will be formed in Damascus and later elections to be held. The HTS and their affiliates are now conducting themselves in the role of a police force.

However, the Syrian people, the neighboring countries, the Middle East as well as Europe and the US are extremely worried about the radical Islamic ideology of the fighters and their leadership. Al-Sharaa has referred to the current state of Syria as an 'Islamic State'.

Syria was ruled for 50 years as a secular socialist form of government. The Muslim Brotherhood is viewed in many countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Russia as a banned terrorist organization.

Experts warn of the possibility of Syria turning into a new version of Afghanistan under the Taliban. Syria is a mixed population of Sunni, Alowi, Shiite and Christian. The Muslim Brotherhood ideology is not acceptable to the majority of Syrians who seek a secular democracy.

Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed Tarek Ajib to gain further insight into the events happening on the ground.

Tarek Ajib is a Syrian journalist and researcher. He has been a member of the Syrian Journalists Union and the Arab since 1998. He is editor-in-chief of Midline-news, and a founding member of the Paris Forum for Studies and Research.

1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a radical Islamist group supported by Turkey, is now in control of Syria. In your opinion, why does Turkey's President Erdo?an want a radical group in charge of Syria?

It is important to know at the beginning that the ideology and doctrine of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is very close to the ideology of the ruling Justice and Development Party in Turkey, and during the years of the crisis, Turkish intelligence was able to attract it, reformulate it and adapt it to serve it, and it seems that it has moved to the bosom of the Muslim Brotherhood who rule Turkey through their arm, the Justice and Development Party, and Turkey was able during the past years to provide the requirements for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's victory in Syria politically and militarily, and if the group is able to consolidate its rule in Syria, this will be tantamount to expanding Turkey's influence in the region and increasing its role in the world.

2. SS: Israel has invaded the south of Syria, and is very close to Damascus, the Syrian capital. But, there has been very little international condemnation. In your opinion, why is the world silent?

In the international political game, the world we are talking about is the West led by the Americans, and the countries that are allied with it or subject to it, and there are countries that have good relations or strategic relations with Israel, and everyone clearly and frankly declares that what matters most to them in the region is the security of Israel, and they considered that the weapons of the former Syrian regime constitute a threat to Israel, and the fall of the regime at the hands of armed factions led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, classified as terrorist by international consensus, may lead to strategic and heavy weapons falling into the hands of these terrorist groups, and thus they may use them against Israel, so the "silent world" considered that what Israel did were preemptive strikes to defend itself by destroying those weapons so that they would not fall into the hands of extremist groups.

3. SS: We hear the deafening silence of the Arab world after the fall of Syria to the HTS coalition, even though it reminds everyone of Afghanistan and the Taliban. In your opinion, will the oil-rich Arab countries take action to prevent a long-term Islamic State of Syria?

The existence of an Islamic state that carries the ideas of the Muslim Brotherhood, which all Arab countries have suffered from, or a state that carries extremist ideas, is the last thing that the Arab countries want, and they will certainly work hard to prevent that, and this is what we are waiting for how it will be translated on the ground, and the coming short period will show whether the Arab countries are able to prevent that, and how.

4. SS: Reports say that the extremist groups and ideology that took over Syria, may spread to other countries in the region. In your opinion, what country will be next and why?

Extremist thought has a major goal, which is to establish a caliphate state over the widest geography it can control, so it never stops thinking about expanding this geography and does not set or see specific limits for its project.

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Brian Mast official 115th Congress photo.

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In 2016, Donald Trump ran for president as a kinda-sorta, maybe-a-little-bit, "antiwar" candidate.

Once in office, however, he escalated every war he had inherited, ending none of them, "surging" US troops into Syria and Afghanistan, making a public head-fake at withdrawing from Syria before changing his mind, abrogating the Iran "nuclear deal," and negotiating a withdrawal agreement on Afghanistan that he could have completed, but chose not to, leaving the task to his successor so as to shift blame for what a lost war looks like.

This year, Trump once again ran -- and won -- as a kinda-sorta, maybe-a-little-bit, "antiwar" candidate, mainly on his claim that he could negotiate a "deal" with Russian president Vladimir Putin to end the US proxy war in Ukraine.

Should we have believed him this time? His prospective appointees to office are a mixed bag on the subject of foreign military entanglements, but a recent event in Congress provides strong evidence that the answer is "no."

On December 9, Republicans selected US Representative Brian Mast of Florida to chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mast was considered a dark horse candidate for the position, entering the race late. How did he win?

"Insiders," the Jewish Telegraph Agency reports, "say that President-elect Donald Trump lobbied the Republican Steering Committee, which names committee chairs, to choose Mast."

If you're looking for a foreign military misadventure, Mast is your man in Congress to drum one up on demand and with enthusiasm.

He's most notable for being pretty much the most "pro-Israel" member of the House -- so much so that, after the Israel-Gaza war broke out last year, he wore his Israeli Defense Forces uniform to the Capitol.

No, I'm not kidding. In 2015, Mast volunteered with the IDF in a non-combat role (he's a double amputee, wounded in Afghanistan as an explosive ordnance disposal technician). To each their own, I guess, but a congressman wearing the uniform of a foreign power's army to the Capitol probably wouldn't fly if it was any foreign power other than Israel, Washington's favorite welfare client.

In 2016, Mast called for "an all-out military effort" in Syria.

Last year, supporting Israel's military campaign in Gaza, he opposed humanitarian aid, claiming it was "not a far stretch to say there are very few innocent Palestinian civilians."

While he did vote against additional US military aid to Ukraine earlier this year, his reasoning wasn't that US intervention is a bad idea as such, but rather "because Europe has all the money it needs to ensure Kyiv's survival if only it would open up its wallet to the extent it expects America to do."

Mast isn't just a "hawk." He's a warmonger of the first order. And while he's turned out to be a Trump toady on most issues, his bellicose foreign policy positions are what he's primarily known for.

Trump's backing of Mast for a key foreign policy position establishes, to a high degree of confidence, that Trump has no intention of a second term that's even kinda-sorta, maybe-a-little-bit, "antiwar."


FBI DRONE WARNING: More alerts for drone mystery in the sky, as public demands answers The FBI field office in Newark urged New Jersey residents this week not to shoot down drones or point lasers at manned aircraft, ...

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By Bob Gaydos

"We interrupt this program for a special news bulletin. The aliens have returned to New Jersey. " and, apparently, everywhere else."

Eighty-six years after Orson Welles created widespread panic with his Halloween radio broadcast of HG Wells' "War of the Worlds," with spacecraft, piloted by non-humans launching attacks all over New Jersey, strange spacecraft are now being seen again, all over the skies of New Jersey.

Well, actually, this time they are real, not the center of a well-done radio drama that played on the imagination of listeners. But this time, there are no attacks. That we know of.

However, the government, which is to say all the agencies responsible for policing and protecting the skies above the United States of America, are acting like this is a radio drama.

Hear no evil, see no evil. Your eyes aren't seeing what they're seeing. Forget those video tapes. These objects, supposedly drones, represent no known threat. There are no foreign actors involved. But we don't know what they are. Or, if we do, we're not telling you. Trust us.

Yeah, folks, it's the wrong time for that trust us approach. Especially with large drone-like objects that first manifested over New Jersey now showing up in the skies over New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and even on the West Coast.

For a month now, reports of unusual drone activity have been filling TV news reports with the same basic information: Average citizens see the drones, some take pictures, some take videos, and all wonder what's going on. They contact public officials, who wonder what's going on. They contact federal agencies who are supposed to know what's going on and they tell us don't worry, there's no evidence of a threat. Period. Oh, yeah, also don't shoot at whatever they are because it could be dangerous. So it sounds like they know what's going on, but don't want to tell us, which is frustrating, if not scary, or they don't know what's going on and don't want to tell us which is scarier.

So naturally, conspiracy theories crop up about aliens (most people I talked with felt aliens would be too smart to bother with us). One other theory I found interesting was that it was a "psyops" operation by the government or some group to either divert our attention from some real news (governments around the world are collapsing, the incoming Cabinet nominees are a disaster), or to frighten us into giving the incoming administration more powers to deal with perceived threats.

The latter would be accomplished by the likes of Elon, Jeff, and all the other Trump-happy billionaires and their tech savvy minions with their AI, driverless cars, super chips, spaceships and Metasphere. What's a few big drones?

Now, as usual, it may turn out to be something more down to earth and troublesome. I heard one of those New Jersey mayors talking on TV about a briefing in which some federal officials said something about radioactive material going missing at Newark Airport. Coincidentally, about a month ago. Nobody knows where it is. Federal government likes to keep track of where this stuff is. If you're searching, you would start in New Jersey and spread out to New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. After that, wherever the clues lead you. That would include closing down runways at Stewart International Airport in the Hudson Valley for an hour.

What this would mean is that our government has such mega drones, ready for use for such reconnaissance and search operations. Good to know. Not good to know is that some potentially hazardous material managed to somehow disappear from one of our airports. Maybe that's what the government really doesn't want us to know.

If that's the case, I think someone made a bad decision in trying to act as if what we were seeing wasn't happening. If you tell us what's going on just maybe someone will have seen or heard something that could help find the stuff you're looking for. Isn't that how the FBI works?

Then all the TV reporters could go back to pretending they're covering the news.

Apropos of nothing really, the New Jersey connection with aliens and "War of the Worlds" was repeated in 2005 when Tom Cruise starred in the movie version of the HG Wells novel. It was set in Bayonne, N.J., featuring shots of the beautiful Bayonne Bridge.

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To locate humanity's place in the world, the late David Brower , father of the modern environmental movement, considered the Earth's four and a half billion years as a six-day week, with each day representing about 750 million years. At midnight on Sunday, when nature as we know it began, the planet was a mass of gasses, water, dust and rock. Electric charge built up, and over a billion years, lightning storms bombarded the Earth. Nucleic and amino acids-- life's building blocks-- first appeared at noon on Tuesday. Early plants made oxygen and paved the way for animals.

Over the next few "days" (over a few more billion years), millions of species emerged-- and millions left. By seven a.m. Saturday (Brower's sixth day), enough chlorophyll had accumulated for fossil fuels to begin forming. That afternoon, around four p.m., great reptiles thrived. Five hours later, they went extinct.

Apes appeared at about three minutes before midnight. Thirty seconds before midnight, homo sapiens arrived. At first, they hunted and gathered for food. Around 12,000 years ago, they began settling communities, domesticating animals and storing some foods. Two to three thousand years ago, our ancestors wrote down directions-- i.e., the Tao de Ching, Hammurabi's Code, The Ten Commandments, Hopi teachings and the Hippocratic Oath-- about how to relate with each other and the Earth.

In 1800 (still Brower's sixth day, one fortieth of a second before midnight), one billion humans lived on this planet. By then, people had cut down forests in Europe and along North America's east coast for agriculture and military ships. Still, our use of natural resources did not threaten the planet's ecological integrity.

Technological advances like 1834's invention of a battery-powered motor, 1859's discovery of oil (one eightieth of a second before midnight), and our ability to generate electricity and transmit it over long distances (1889) lengthened lifespans, increased human population and created a society based on economics.

Our civilization became dependent on technologies that wreak havoc on nature. In the 1880s, the U.S. built an electric power grid. To mass-produce radios, refrigerators, TVs, washing machines, gas-powered vehicles, airplanes, air conditioners, we extracted and smelted ores, we made toxic chemicals, used fossil fuels and water and intercontinental shipping. We generated toxic waste that does not biodegrade.

At accelerated speed, we began taking from the Earth faster than it can replenish, and wasting faster than the Earth can absorb. These toxic wastes keep invisible to most of us-- even though they threaten our planet's ecological integrity.

Unlike traditional guidelines that cautioned "First, do no harm," modern laws do not warn or protect us from manufacturing's hazards. For example, in 1934, thrilled with the possibilities of electronic communications and appliances, the U.S. Congress established the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). FCC's engineers encouraged manufacturers to market all manner of electronics as long as they do not create "harmful interference" with existing radio or TV (and now cellular and Internet) broadcasts. At the FCC, "harmful interference" does not include harm to public health or any ecosystem.

If a corporation whose mining or building will "take" (kill) wildlife, it can submit a conservation plan to the agency in question. If the agency finds that the corporation's harm to endangered species will be "incidental," it will grant the permit to conduct business.

At two-hundredths of a second before midnight, we discovered how to split the atom. In the 1960s, we began mining elements (previously kept in the ground) like cerium, cobalt, coltan, lithium, neodymium and quartz for color TVs, air conditioners, then desktop computers, printers, solar panels, industrial wind turbines and electric vehicles.

Just before midnight

In 2007, we got smartphones-- hand-held luxury portals to the Internet, each requiring about 125 substances to manufacture. Indeed, every smartphone-- and every text, video stream and Google search depends on internationally deployed, energy-intensive, extraction-intensive, water-intensive, toxic waste-emitting factories, data centers and access networks. Every online activity threatens wildlife habitats.

Since the early 1900s, one hundredth of a second before midnight, our species has consumed four times as many resources as in all previous history. In 1902, the USA had 150 miles (241 km) of paved roads. Today, the country has 2,678,000 miles (6,552,000 km) of paved roads. In 1912, when David Brower was born, California had 6,000 miles of salmon streams, and roughly 80% of the original Redwoods still stood. By 1992, 200 salmon streams and less than five percent of the Redwoods remained. In the 21rst century's first two decades, the U.S. lost more than 11 million acres of farmland to development.

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..For Brutus is an honourable man;

So are they all, all honourable men..

W. Shakespeare, Julius Ceasar

Click Here

In the Y2008, full of hope and love, I wrote an open letter above to then President -Elect Barak Obama. I can still sign under every word. And I daresay, that if he had listened then to my humble voice or to similar voices- we would have had now a prosperous, progressive USA and Trump would have been in the dumpster.

I think though that Obama, the man, would have listened to me but Obama, the President-would not. Power corrupts and it corrupts from the start, from the moment a basically honest person goes for an office. Power corrupts by taking away the honor. Honorable people very rarely are invited to run for power. But there could be a case, when a basically reasonable and honest individual does not know if his/her sense of honor is available. Clever flattery can pursue such an individual to overstate his/her sense of honesty and wrongly treat it as a sense of honor, while it is not the same. Such people are brought in for power rather frequently because they are not immune to corruption. Obama was an honest man with a very low understanding what honor was. He was 'weighed and found wanting' by the test of power.

Recently Obama gave a speech in Chicago. It was too late for the country and the trumpists did not even bother to engage their big dogs to bark; they unleashed the squeaky jackals. They also openly mocked him, addressing the tragic Syrian events as ' the ones that make Obama look stupid'. In fact, they are quite right: It was Obama, the Nobel Peace Price recipient-in - advance, who unleashed deadly escapades in Libya and Syria with the horrible consequences them and us are now facing there. Why did he accept that Price anyway? He never deserved it.

Power corrupts. In Y1813 Russian Emperor Alexander the First was presented by the 'people's petition' to grant him an additional title of BLESSED, after the defeat of Napoleon. The emperor declined, "When we are with God, God is with us". His sense of honor helped him. I think, Obama's did not.

If a reasonable future historian writes a bio of Obama, that author would notice a peculiar pattern: here was a basically good man desperately working on becoming worse. It was as if someone would enter the Oval Office in the morning with the instructions for the day on how to screw up every really good thing and promote the bad things under the cover of the ' utter necessity '. Could it be really so? It surely felt that way.

The cabinet people Obama chose were far from progressive or loyal to him. They were mostly the rich elitists or people no one cared about. Moreover, it became obvious fairly quickly that they also were not inclined to stand their grounds in support of the President's cause. But what was that cause? In all his political actions Obama followed the mantra ' One step forward, two steps backward'.

Power corrupts in different ways. One of them is an induced sense of helplessness. To induce it, powerful forces draw an invisible circle around a person and he/she cannot exercise any decision outside of the boundaries of that circle. Watching Obama's actions that circle fairly soon becomes visible to those who wants to see: he was not allowed to 'rule the whites'. He was confined to the role of a symbol: see, we have a black, good- looking President, eat your checkers, dear world. But it was made abundantly clear to him that whites were untouchable. Brown people abroad, of course, were not: have your fun with Syria and Libya, no problem. But the white congressman can call you a liar during the State of the Union Address and" you should eat it. Trump can go around with the dangerous slander about you and your family, and you" must let it go. Imagine Lyndon Johnson being called a liar to his face by anyone, really. Now just also imagine if Obama was a vindictive individual and would have vigorously gone after Trump for his slander, leaving no stone unturned? We might not have Trump on that escalator. But Obama was restricted by the circle. It was obvious that the circle was there; who drew it, I wonder?

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[Prototype 2] 1 - Translator's Preface (Carl Jung - Psychological Types) [WWW.ETOILE.APP]

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Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) December 17, 2024: I first discussed free heterosexual porn on the internet in my OEN article "Thomas J. Farrell's Encore of Robert Moore" (dated October 24, 2024):

Click Here

The late Robert Moore (1942-2016; Ph.D. in religion and psychology, University of Chicago, 1975) of the Chicago Theological Seminary was a Jungian psychotherapist and psychological theorist.

Next, I discussed free heterosexual porn on the internet in my OEN article "Texas' War on Porn, and Robert Moore's Theory of the Archetypes of Maturity" (dated December 6, 2024):

Click Here

Now, in the present essay, I want to comment on Matt Richtel's article "It's Time to Talk About Pornography, Scholars Say: More adolescents than ever are watching it. What's needed, researchers say, are frank conversations and 'porn literacy'" (dated December 12, 2024) in The New York Times:

Click Here

Briefly, the entire focus of Matt Richtel's article is on teenagers who view pornography on the internet. He quotes three scholars who study adolescent viewing of pornography ([1] Brian Willoughby of Brigham Young University; [2] Emily Pluhar of Harvard Medical School; and [3] Beata Bothe of the University of Montreal) -- and Matt Richtel also cites certain surveys of adolescent viewing of pornography.

Matt Richtel reports that the aim of porn literacy is "to teach adolescents that the explicit content they encounter is unrealistic, misleading about many sexual relations and, as a result, potentially harmful."

Question: Are there really adolescents who need to taught "that the explicit content they encounter is unrealistic"? For example, are there really adolescent boys who need to be taught that the explicit content in mom-son porn videos on the internet is unrealistic? Don't adolescent boys already know from their own experience with their own mothers that the explicit content of mom-son porn videos on the internet is unrealistic?

No doubt heterosexual porn on the internet is unrealistic. The fantasy skits involved are fantasies - not realistic portrayals of realistic heterosexual sexual relationships.

In recent years, the most ubiquitous heterosexual porn on the internet has been mom-son porn. No doubt mom-son porn is unrealistic!

The taboo against mom-son sexual relations is centuries old. Mom-son sexual relations may not have ever been socially sanctioned. Moreover, despite the ubiquity of mom-son porn on the internet, I do not expect to see the taboo against mom-son sexual relations abolished in the foreseeable future.

Thus, the question arises, "Why is mom-son porn on the internet so popular?"

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The collapse of the Al-Assad regime in Syria is nothing short of a godsend for the Syrian people.

After a costly civil war since 2011 that saw whole cities and villages decimated, the murder of 500,000 civilians and the exodus of another two million to Europe and elsewhere, Syrian citizens now have a chance for a bright future.

As the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) rebels take over the country and begin to restore normalcy to the halls of power, the question remains: who will take charge in Syria?

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday that the U.S. has made direct contact with HTS as they transition from a militant insurgency toward a more legitimate governing authority.

"We've been in contact with HTS and with other parties," Blinken said after talks in Aqaba, Jordan, with diplomats and representatives from several Arab nations.

HTS founder and leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani fought under the notorious al-Qaeda in Iraq leader, Abu Musab Zarqawi, and subsequently spent five years in an Iraqi prison for his terrorist activities.

The U.S. designates HTS a terrorist organization, making it legally impossible to work with the group, but contact underscores ongoing efforts to change that designation as the U.S. and its allies look to support Syria's transition from Bashar al-Assad's rule.

In a joint statement after the meeting, the governments of the U.S. and Turkey, the E.U., and Arab countries called for "a more hopeful, secure and peaceful future" in Syria, stressing respect for women and minorities and preventing "the reemergence of all terrorist groups."

The statement stressed that "the transitional political process must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned [and] produce an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government."

As the transition continues, there is concern for Syria's minority groups.

Kurdish communities have expressed wariness about HTS, given the group's past association with Al Qaeda and the uncertain future of ethnic and religious minorities under its control.

In a message to the Kurds, HTS leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, formerly known by the nom de guerre, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, sought to ease fears with a statement Saturday, stating that Kurds are "part of the homeland" and that "there will be no injustice" against them.

"The coming Syria will have the Kurds as its foundations, and we will live together in it, and everyone will take their rights," he said.

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In late November, by a vote of 330 to 275, the British House of Commons supported a bill which will "allow" doctors to assist terminally ill patients, facing prognoses of death within six months, in ending their own lives.

Responses in the United Kingdom and elsewhere range from gratitude to outrage.

Oddly, much of the outrage comes from supporters of a "right to life" who oppose abortion and, when they're consistent, capital punishment.

Consistency would also dictate recognition of your personal rights of ownership over your life.

Decreeing that you may not be killed in the womb, or by another person, but that your rights end if you want to end it all, is a claim that you are property without inherent rights.

The "right to life" these advocates assert is, in this context, no different than a "right" to not have their cattle stolen or their slaves escape. It's not about the opinions of the cattle or the slaves. It's about exercising ownership rights over the cattle and the slaves.

The basis of any plausible "right to life" -- or any other right -- is self-ownership. It's your life. You own it. It's yours to do with as you wish, so long as you don't infringe the equal rights of others.

It's also yours to end, when and how you wish, so long as -- again -- you don't violate others' rights with the way you end it.

There are obvious areas of reasonable disagreement on when that's true or not, such as in cases of diminished mental capacity due to youth, dementia, etc. But there's no reasonable argument for conditioning your exercise of that right on the arbitrary whims of government.

Maybe you're terminally ill and don't want to face your final moments in pain.

Maybe you're IN pain that's incurable, intolerable, and unlikely to cease.

Maybe the love of your life died and you don't relish living out years or decades in your partner's absence.

Maybe your situation has you believing that your continued existence will impose undue hardships on people you love.

Those are all reasons. Maybe "good" reasons. But your reasons don't have to be "good" for the decision to remain, by right, yours and yours alone. Maybe you flipped a coin. Perhaps your religious beliefs say that you've reached your permissible lifespan. Your call.

If you don't possess the right to end your life, you possess no rights at all.
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

In 1980, the Swedish pop group ABBA released a hit song, "The winner takes it all". As of December 8, 2024, the armed coalition headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, might be singing that song.

In every conflict, there are winners and losers. On a scale from 1 to 10, the various factions involved in the Syrian civil war from 2011 to 2024 are rated below.

The US and Israel are rated a 9 out of 10 win in the downfall of the Assad regime. In 1996, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commissioned a paper written by Richard T. Perle, a dual US-Israeli citizen. The title was "A Clean Break." The plan called for a US military attack on several Middle Eastern countries, including Syria and Iraq, to provide greater security for Israel. Perle presented the paper to President Bill Clinton, but Clinton passed on the proposal.

After the 9/11 attack on the US, by Saudi Arabian covert teams, the Perle paper became a working project. For Perle's contribution to the project, he was appointed as chairman of the Defense Policy Board, which was the chief architect of the US attack, occupation, and destruction of Iraq resulting in hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths in Iraq, but no WMD.

In early 2011, the plan for regime change in Syria was put into motion by a covert CIA program ordered by President Barack Obama, to remove Assad to provide greater security for Israel. The Obama plan, inspired by the Perle paper, failed, and by 2017 President Trump had ordered the CIA program shut down. By 2020, the Syrian battlefields fell silent, but the status quo imposed by the various international players failed to bring peace or recovery to Syria.

Israel was the greatest winner, and once the Assad regime fell on December 8, the IDF wasted no time in a land grab that brought the Israeli border to within hiking distance of Damascus. Netanyahu argues the land is a security buffer zone because the new administration in Syria is armed Islamists, which presents a security danger to Israel. Had the current administration in Damascus been free, secular, and democratic, we might have rated Israel with a clear 10 out of 10 win.

The next big winners are Turkey and Qatar with an 8 out of 10 win. Both countries had participated in the Obama-led US-NATO attack on Syria for regime change from the earliest days of 2011. Turkey and Qatar were a perfectly suited tag team in the conflict; both are Muslim Brotherhood supporters, and the Syrian opposition was almost wholly comprised of Muslim Brotherhood agents, on both the political and armed wings of the fight. The 3 million Syrian refugees flocking to Turkey were a liability, which tempered its full success.

Qatar was also hit with being ostracized by the oil-rich and politically powerful Arab Gulf over their support of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria, which is seen in most Arab countries as a banned terrorist group.

The big losers are Iran, Lebanon's Hezbollah, and the Iraqi resistance group, the Popular Mobilization Forces with a 0 rating. Israel brought Iran to its knees in Gaza and Lebanon, and hammered the nails into its coffin in Syria; resulting in a complete evacuation of all Iranians, including their diplomatic and military assets. After the fall of Assad, Iran has no presence or influence in Syria and a previously diminished presence in Lebanon.

Israel knocked the wind out of Hezbollah's sails after a series of exploding pagers and walkie-talkies, invasion, and an extensive airstrike campaign. With the leadership killed, weapon storages degraded and without a partner in Syria to transit weapons to Hezbollah, the resistance group appears to be 'out for the count'.

The Iraqi resistance group had wanted to send troops to confront the HTS when they took Aleppo on November 29. The Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani brought the issue to the parliament and said he would order the fighters to cross over the border to Syria to support the Syrian Arab Army in its fight against recognized terrorists. Members of the parliament disagreed and blocked the move. They felt that the battle in Syria was something best left to the Syrians to struggle with alone. With several thousand US troops still in Iraq, although scheduled to withdraw in the future, US officials may have conveyed messages to the various Iraqi parliamentarians to block Sudani and stay out of Syria.

Now we come to the biggest loser in the fall of Assad: the Kurds. The US Pentagon had partnered with a paramilitary group, SDF and YPG, in Syria to fight ISIS. The Kurds of Syria are a small minority, but they dreamed of their homeland carved out of Syrian territory. Using American training, funds, and weaponry, the Kurds went on an ethnic-cleansing campaign that culminated in a Communist semi-autonomous administration in northeast Syria and held about 25% of the Syrian territory. Although the Kurds dreamt of independence, their partners in Washington, DC. had never promised them that. On December 12, the US Pentagon officials ordered the SDF and YPG to stand down, and in doing so they ran up the new flag and accepted defeat at the hands of the HTS who had successfully driven Assad and his family out of the country and had defeated the national army.

In 1976, ABBA released a song, "Fernando", written by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. Ulvaeus said the song came to him while lying under the stars on a summer night. He envisioned two revolutionaries, wounded and elderly, reminiscing about their fight for independence.

One day in the future Ahmed al-Sharaa might sing a similar song, remembering his days of fighting to establish an Islamic State in Syria. Although al-Sharaa has now said he is a moderate, and no longer an extremist. We can envision him as an older, retired revolutionary. However, the man who should be singing with him is dead. Ibrahim Awad Ibrahim Ali al-Badri, also known by his nom de guerre, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was the first head of ISIS.

Al-Sharaa and al-Baghdadi were cellmates in an American Army prison in Iraq. There they planned their future goals after release. Al-Baghdadi stayed in Iraq and formed ISIS, while al-Sharaa went to Syria and formed Jibhat al-Nusra, which became named Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

All too often, the world is not what we think it is. Only recently, David Leonhardt of the New York Times reported that (and yes, be shocked!) never have more immigrants arrived in this country than in the first three years of the Biden administration. We're talking about an average of 2.4 million of them annually! And for all of Donald Trump's endless yakking on the subject, if Leonhardt is right, in his first chaotic administration he deported "only" (and that should definitely be in quotes) about 300,000 immigrants a year, which, as it turns out, was 100,000 less than Barack Obama deported annually.

My own grandfather arrived here in another era of immigrant waves back in the 1890s, a period that, as Leonhardt points out, also sparked a fierce backlash in the 1920s, leaving tight restrictions on immigrants that remained in place for decades. From its beginning (if you leave aside Native Americans), this country was, of course, always a land of immigrants. Today, however, those immigrants are about to face an America that might, not so very long ago, have been inconceivable. And I mean, of course, Donald Trump's version of this country, one that, as TomDispatch regular Karen Greenberg, author of Subtle Tools: The Dismantling of American Democracy from the War on Terror to Donald Trump, makes all too clear today, would have been largely unimaginable before the attacks of September 11, 2001.

For years, Greenberg has covered for TomDispatch the way, from the creation of that offshore prison of injustice at Guanta'namo Bay, Cuba, to targeted drone attacks globally, to the institutionalizing of torture, to new versions of mass surveillance, this country has used the 9/11 moment to transform our system of governing in deeply disturbing ways that put ever more singular power in the hands of the president. Now, we're preparing for a deeply disturbing figure to once again take over this deeply disturbed country of ours and potentially turn significant parts of it into -- thought about a certain way, at least -- an onshore set of Guanta'namos for immigrants. And that, sadly enough, will, as Greenberg points out in her usual vivid fashion today, just be part of the further 9/11-ing of the United States. Tom

Once Upon a Time, a Nation of Laws

From the Global War on Terror to Donald Trump's Second Term

By Karen J. Greenberg

Post-election America finds itself in a panic. Voices from across a wide political spectrum warn that the country stands on the precipice of a potentially unprecedented and chaotic disregard for the laws, norms, and policies upon which its stability and security have traditionally relied. Some fear that the "new" president, Donald Trump, is likely to declare a national emergency and invoke the Insurrection Act, unleashing the U.S. military for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and for "retribution against" the "enemy from within" as well as "radical left lunatics." As the New Republic's editor Michael Tomasky notes, writing about the nomination of Kash Patel for the post of director of the FBI, "We're entering a world where the rule of law is turned inside out."

The blame game for such doomsday fears ranges far and wide. Many pinpoint the Supreme Court's 2023 decision to grant immunity to presidents for their core official acts, essentially removing any restraints on Trump's agenda of retribution and revenge. Some, like Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal, see loopholes in the law as the basis for their concern about the future and are urging Congress to pass legislation that will place additional constraints on the deployment of the military on American soil. Others argue that the Constitution itself is the problem. In his new book, No Democracy Lasts Forever: How the Constitution Threatens the United States, Berkeley Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky even suggests that it may be time for a new constitution.

But those involved in the fear and blame game might do well to take a step back and reflect for a moment on how we got here. Today's crisis has been evolving for so many years now. In fact, much (though admittedly, not all) of what we're witnessing today might simply be considered an escalation of the dire turn that this country took after the attacks of September 11, 2001, nearly a quarter of a century ago.

"Quaint" and "Obsolete"

It was January 2002 when White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales used the two words "quaint and obsolete," whose echoes remain eerily with us to this very day (and seemingly beyond). The occasion was a debate taking place at the highest levels of the administration of President George W. Bush in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. By then, this country had invaded Afghanistan and authorized the opening of a new detention center at Guanta'namo Bay, Cuba, ominously offshore of American justice, for captives of what already was being called the Global War on Terror. Two weeks after the first prisoners arrived at that prison camp on January 11th, administration officials were already wondering which, if any, laws should apply when it came to the treatment of such prisoners.

Gonzales, who was to become the attorney general in Bush's second term, laid out the options for the president. At issue was whether the Geneva Conventions -- a set of treaties established in the wake of the atrocities of the Second World War -- applied to the United States in its treatment of any prisoners from its war on terror.

In a memo to President Bush, Gonzales noted that Department of Justice lawyers had already concluded, when it came to al-Qaeda and Taliban (Afghan insurgents in 2001, now in charge of the country) captives, the answer was no. Gonzales agreed, stating that "the war against terrorism is a new kind of war." The laws of war, he told the president, were "obsolete" in the current context and the laws and norms requiring humane treatment for enemy prisoners had been "render[ed] quaint," given this new kind of war. Accordingly, the Bush administration took the position that the Geneva Conventions did not apply to the prisoners they had already captured. As a result, in the years to come, the indefinite and arbitrary detention of about 780 men would be institutionalized and disregard for the law would become a regular, if secret, part of the war on terror -- an approach that would lead to the practice of torture at what came to be known as CIA "black sites" globally.

Nor would that be the only situation in which old laws were deemed outdated on national security grounds.

The Wider Framework

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Christmas

Christmas-- the Mass of Christ-- celebrates the best of humanity: kindness, acceptance, and love. Rooted in Christian Europe, these beliefs were transported to the Americas through European conquests.

Despite mixed outcomes in both the Americas and Europe, Christianity remains central to the foundations of our society.

This Christmas, these foundations are being sorely tested.

Daily, we confront the realities of war and death, which are not new. However, current events starkly contrast Christian ideals, making reconciliation difficult to fathom.

The Middle East

Now, we are witnessing one nation in the Middle East, unleashed without restraint; to destroy any it deems enemies. This occurs with the full support of the world's richest and most powerful nation. Historically, this destruction began with the dispossession of indigenous people, followed by their confinement to a walled ghetto, and now, even cutting off all means of sustenance. And all of this is happening while refusing to allow anyone to help as we see those people being systematically killed. Yet, we are prohibited from labeling it genocide.

Meanwhile, the rest of the world watches helplessly, fearing the wrath of the U.S. The result is the emasculation of the United Nations and any NGOs who would dare to help.

Western Civilization Exposed

We witness the civilizing narrative of Western civilization reduced to mockery. Meanwhile the very ideals that made the US, with its democratic promise, are now being destroyed before our eyes, including the image of this nation as a beacon of hope and promise for all peoples of the world.

Presidential Abuse of Power

Our democratically elected president has deviated from these ideals, choosing to act in our name and utilizing our taxes to pursue a path that is un-American, undemocratic, and un-Christian. It appears that this president is a fervent believer in Israel's right to expropriate all of Palestine, willing to sacrifice all for such violent Israeli projects. In his zeal for this Israeli project, he has risked our international reputation by providing massive funding, while disregarding growing public concern. Rather than end such support of Netanyahu, he was even willing to risk losing an election to an avowed autocrat by not only dismissing a large part of the Muslim vote in the US, but also by leaving no room for any who would disagree with his position on Gaza.

This approach resulted in Trump becoming our next president, seemingly prepared to continue supporting Netanyahu's Middle East initiatives.

Our president continues to insist on speaking in our name to defend such inhuman, un-American and undemocratic abuses. He is even apparently willing to do away with freedom of speech for any who would speak against his choice of direction.

Results

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Some Lincoln County residents recently received a letter from an unknown person calling for community members to track and report people of color they believe to be undocumented immigrants, the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office said in a statement on Thursday.

The letters arrived as organizations that work with immigrants and local governments prepare for a federal immigration crackdown after President-elect Donald Trump takes office. On Wednesday, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum released an educational toolkit to help immigrants in Oregon learn their rights under the states Sanctuary Promise Act.

Oregon law generally prohibits state and local public agencies from collecting information about peoples immigration status or country of birth.

The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office says it doesnt want people in the community to undertake activities such as those outlined in this letter, including collecting or sharing information about individuals based on their demographic or perceived immigration status.

The sheriffs office added:

This type of behavior is harmful, divisive and inconsistent with the values we uphold as public servants and community members. Targeting individuals in this manner erodes trust and undermines the sense of safety and inclusion that we strive to maintain in Lincoln County.

 Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
Three of the Portland metro areas largest school districts have wrapped up labor negotiations with their teachers unions, just in time for the holiday break.

The negotiations in the Gresham-Barlow, Tigard-Tualatin and Hillsboro school districts capped a busy bargaining fall in Portland that also saw the David Douglas and Reynolds districts and their teachers unions agree to contract terms.
SEATTLE  The worlds largest hornet, an invasive breed dubbed the murder hornet for its dangerous sting and ability to slaughter a honey bee hive in a matter of hours, has been declared eradicated in the U.S., five years after being spotted for the first time in Washington state near the Canadian border.

The Washington and U.S. Departments of Agriculture announced the eradication Wednesday, saying there had been no detections of the northern giant hornet in Washington since 2021.

The news represented an enormous success that included residents agreeing to place traps on their properties and reporting sightings, as well as researchers capturing a live hornet, attaching a tiny radio tracking tag to it with dental floss, and following it through a forest to a nest in an alder tree. Scientists destroyed the nest just as a number of queens were just beginning to emerge, officials said.

Ive gotta tell you, as an entomologist  Ive been doing this for over 25 years now, and it is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects," Sven Spichiger, pest program manager of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, told a virtual news conference.

The hornets, which can be 2 inches long and were formerly called Asian giant hornets, gained attention in 2013, when they killed 42 people in China and seriously injured 1,675. In the U.S., around 72 people a year die from bee and hornet stings each year, according to data from the National Institutes of Health.

The hornets were first detected in North America in British Columbia, Canada, in August 2019 and confirmed in Washington state in December 2019, when a Whatcom County resident reported a specimen. A beekeeper also reported hives being attacked and turned over specimens in the summer of 2020. The hornets could have traveled to North America in plant pots or shipping containers, experts said.

DNA evidence suggested the populations found in British Columbia and Washington were not related and appeared to originate from different countries. There also have been no confirmed reports in British Columbia since 2021, and the nonprofit Invasive Species Centre in Canada has said the hornet is also considered eradicated there.

FILE - Sven Spichiger, Washington state Department of Agriculture managing entomologist, displays a canister of Asian giant hornets vacuumed from a nest in a tree behind him Oct. 24, 2020, in Blaine, Wash.AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File

Northern giant hornets pose significant threats to pollinators and native insects. They can wipe out a honey bee hive in as little as 90 minutes, decapitating the bees and then defending the hive as their own, taking the brood to feed their own young.

The hornet can sting through most beekeeper suits, deliver nearly seven times the amount of venom as a honey bee, and sting multiple times. At one point the Washington agriculture department ordered special reinforced suits from China.

Washington is the only state that has had confirmed reports of northern giant hornets. Trappers found four nests in 2020 and 2021.

Spichiger said Washington will remain on the lookout, despite reporting the eradication. He noted that entomologists will continue to monitor traps in Kitsap County, where a resident reported an unconfirmed sighting in October but where trapping efforts and public outreach have come up empty.

He noted that other invasive hornets can also pose problems: Officials in Georgia and South Carolina are fighting yellow-legged hornets, and southern giant hornets were recently detected in Spain.

We will continue to be vigilant, Spichiger said.

--Gene Johnson/The Associated Press
A North Bend man vanished after going to the Oregon coast to take pictures of the king tides Sunday, and the U.S. Coast Guard has already suspended its search.

North Bend police have been searching for Joseph Neill since at least Monday, when Neills car was found near Jordan Point, across the bay from North Bend, the Coos County Sheriffs Office said in a statement this week.

North Bend police asked the sheriffs office for help finding the man, and a sheriffs K9 unit soon determined Neill was no longer in the area where his car was found. The North Bend Police Department also asked the Coast Guard and the North Bend Fire Department to look for him in the bay. They didnt find him and suspended the search.

Neills family continues to look for him, according to a Facebook page, titled JoeStrong, that is dedicated to finding him. People in the community are helping to look for Neill, then reporting back exactly where they searched on an online map created for that purpose.

We will continue searching public lands as we cant just let this rest, knowing he would do the same for any one of usor you, Christine Horner, Neills daughter, wrote Dec. 16 around 2 p.m.

Potentially complicating the search, the area where he disappeared includes private property that contains hazards to life and limb, the sheriffs said, reminding people to get landowner permission before going onto private property to look for Neill.

 Fedor Zarkhin is a breaking news and enterprise reporter. Do you have a story? Reach him by phone or text at 971-373-2905 or by email at fzarkhin@oregonian.com.

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An Idaho man died in an avalanche north of Boise over the weekend, marking the first avalanche death in the country this season.

The Adams County Sheriffs Office said it received a report at 12:21 p.m. Sunday that an avalanche had buried someone near Wilson Creek Trail in the Anderson Creek area, west of Cascade.

The sheriffs office identified the victim as 41-year-old Jason Haines, of Kuna.

Snowmobilers in the area helped get Haines out of the snowpack, but Haines died from his injuries at the scene after lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

The Payette Avalanche Center said Haines was one of two people on snow bikes who triggered the avalanche near Lookout Peak.

The slide was reported to be relatively small, but (Haines) was carried into a terrain trap and buried deeply, the center said. He was found with an avalanche beacon and extricated but did not survive.

An observation report submitted to the avalanche center by a member of the public provided more details from the scene.

The observer said it appeared that the two snow bikers dropped in then looped back and tried to ride back up when the slab broke. One rider managed to float on the bike down, while the other got knocked down, went in head first, and got buried upside down, the observer said.

I have seen this spot slide multiple times but nothing this extreme, the observer said in the report.

Adams County Sheriff Ryan Zollman said he would like to convey thanks to Valley County Sheriffs Office, who assisted with search and rescue, and first response. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during their time of grief.

Haines death was the first avalanche death in the United States for the 2024-2025 winter season, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, which keeps a national record of avalanche-related deaths, confirmed to the Idaho Statesman.

Last season, the center recorded 16 avalanche deaths, including three in Idaho.

2024 The Idaho Statesman. Visit idahostatesman.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
For Portland Mayor-elect Keith Wilson to deliver on his campaign promise to end unsheltered homelessness within a year of taking office, he will almost certainly need broad support from the Portland City Council and Multnomah County Board of Commissioners.

Members of both elected bodies, however, say they still need to learn a lot more about the underpinnings of his signature initiative, which centers around a dramatic expansion of emergency shelters, before theyd be ready to sign on.
The city of Portland and Multnomah County on Thursday announced plans to open 200 new emergency, winter shelter beds within the first two months of 2025.

These beds will be in addition to the current stock of nearly 3,000 permanent shelter beds available in a variety of formats  congregate, village-style, motel-based and others  throughout the Portland area, according to the announcement. The new beds will also be in addition to any weather emergency shelters that may be needed this winter.
LOS ANGELES  A 35-year-old mans death is being investigated by the FBI after he was reportedly bound by crew members while aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship that docked in Los Angeles.

According to a passenger who spoke with Fox 11, the man was bound with zip ties and hit with pepper spray by crew members on Friday after he allegedly became unruly. The cruise ship was traveling from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico, when the incident occurred.

Passenger Christifer Mikhail said the man appeared intoxicated and violent.

The gentleman that was drunk said he was going to kill us, Mikhail told the news station. He started chasing us down the hallway.

Video of the incident showed a man kicking a door to reportedly attack a crew member. He also spewed profanities and made racist comments, according to Mikhail.

Later in the video, multiple uniformed crew members are shown crowded around a person lying on the ground in a carpeted hallway. The man was on the cruise with his fiancee and young son, reports Fox 11. He died Friday aboard the Navigator of the Seas ship and there was no immediate information about a cause of death.

In a statement to the news station, Royal Caribbean Cruises said they are saddened by the passing of one of our guests. We offered support to the family and are working with authorities on their investigation.

An FBI spokesperson said in a statement the agency responded to a Royal Caribbean cruise on Monday to investigate an incident that occurred on board that resulted in death. Our investigation is ongoing.

___

2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Aromas can be powerful memory triggers, especially this time of year.

If I smell mulled wine or gluhwein, for example, Im 9 years old again, sitting in a cramped motel room on a December ski trip to Bend. The adults are warming up a batch of red wine on the kitchenette stove to season with slices of citrus and sundry spices. I never got to taste the concoction, but it sure smelled great.

If you enjoy the glow provided by a mug of warm wine mixed with fruit and spices, I have a pair of fun suggestions. These Oregon holiday classics come courtesy of two of the states oldest continuously operating wineries: Honeywood Winery in Salem and Nehalem Bay Winery in Nehalem.

And dont worry, you can enjoy these wines long after the holidays conclude. They are perfect for any cold, rainy night, so there is potential to enjoy mulled wine for most of the year in Oregon.

Honeywood Winery Holiday Cheer ($13 - 11% ABV)

Founded in 1934 by John Wood and Ronald Honeyman, Honeywood Winery is owned today by Marlene Gallick. Among Honeywoods wines over its 90-year history, perhaps none is as popular as Holiday Cheer, which sold as Holiday Nog when it first appeared in 1995.

Holiday Cheer is a riesling blended with cranberry juice concentrate, orange extract and clove. It smells and tastes like a cranberry pastille mixed with blood orange juice and a faint wisp of clove. Its the color of the red stripe on a candy cane and isnt nearly as sweet as I thought it was going to be.

While Holiday Cheer can be served straight up, cold or hot, Leslie Gallick, Marlenes daughter and Honeywoods general manager, gave me the official Honeywood holiday spritzer recipe, which I tweaked a bit.

Pour four ounces of cold Holiday Cheer into a wine glass, then add an ounce of chilled club soda. Decorate the glass with orange slices, sprigs of rosemary or mint, and maybe even a cinnamon stick if you like it spicy.

This light and refreshing treat pairs nicely with Pink Martinis Joy to the World CD and a roaring fire in the fireplace.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m-5 p.m. Sunday (holiday hours), 1350 Hines St. S.E., Salem, honeywoodwinery.com or 503-362-4111.

Nehalem Bay Winery Santas Elixir $25  11% ABV

Nehalem Bay Winery started when former broadcaster Patrick McCoy turned an abandoned creamery on the Oregon coast into a winery in 1974. McCoy later took on decorated war hero and philanthropist Ray Shackleford as a partner in 1991. When McCoy died in 1993, Shackleford became Nehalem Bay Winerys sole owner.

In the early 1990s the winery also began making Santas Elixir, which mixes Nehalem Bays very popular cranberry wine, Cranpere, with orange peel and clove.

Santas Elixir is the color of that jolly old elfs fur-trimmed suit. When tasted slightly chilled, aka room temperature in my drafty kitchen, the wines tartness and acidity counterpoint a trace of sweetness. The aromas and flavors of cranberry do not drown out the orange and clove.

The folks at Nehalem Bay recommend heating Santas Elixir on low in a crockpot for one to two hours, depending on taste. Pour it into a coffee mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick or fresh orange peel and clove if you want to take it up a notch.

I tried it with a small star anise, which always reminds me of the Christmas star, and it was a great combination. Warmed up, Santas Elixir perfectly accompanies a turkey sandwich consumed while watching Christmas, Again, the 2014 holiday classic starring Kentucker Audley.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 34965 Highway 53, Nehalem, nehalembaywinery.com or 503-368-9463.

-- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education unveiled its legislative agenda and budget request Dec. 17, asking the state legislature for an appropriation totaling over $1.1 billion.

This fiscal year, the regents received just over $1 billion in appropriations from the legislature. For next fiscal year ending in 2026, the regents requested $95 million more in appropriations, just over a 9% difference.

2026 budget request

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According to the budget request breakdown on its website, the regents requested $9.2 million to support previous legislative initiatives and programming. This request includes $5.5 million to support the Strong Readers Act, which was signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt last year to strengthen literacy in Oklahomas students by integrating reading proficiency into grade progression criteria.

Under the act, universities are to implement training in the science of reading in teacher preparation programs and create a micro-credential for that training as part of those programs.

The remaining $3.7 million will go to concurrent enrollment expansion, which offers high school students opportunities to enroll in college credit courses.

The regents requested $42 million for critical workforce needs. Of that amount, $19 million would go to STEM programs and other critical workforce degrees, $10 million to nursing and healthcare instruction and $12 million to adult degree completion outreach and financial aid.

In the 2023-24 academic year, nearly 87% of all degrees and certificates awarded by colleges and universities in Oklahoma were in fields of study aligned with the states 100 critical occupations, according to a press release by the regents.

Jobs on the critical occupation list include registered nurses and nurse practitioners, firefighters, teachers, mental health counselors, lawyers and rotary drill operators for oil and gas.

According to the regents, bachelors degrees in STEM areas increased by over 21% in 10 years, while masters degrees rose by 23%. Nursing degrees and certificates increased 22% over the past 10 years. Degrees in education declined over the past decade, but have increased by 7% in the 2023-24 school year.

The regents requested $43 million to benefit institutional excellence and student success. Performance-based formula allocations would receive $25 million, student support and scholarships would receive $12.5 million, innovation and technology initiatives would receive $2.7 million and campus safety and cybersecurity would receive $3.5 million.

The regents requested over $300 million for institution-specific allocations, including $75 million to both OU and Oklahoma State University as research universities. Other allocations include:

 $2 million to the State Regents Agency 605 modernization and upgrades.

 $3.5 million to establish a Collaboration and Consolidation Assistance Fund.

 $55 million to regional universities for workforce investment.

 $11 million to two-year colleges for workforce investment.

 $80 million to constituent agencies  such as OU Health Sciences Center and the OU College of Law  for operating and capital.

The regents also request over $100 million for deferred maintenance projects across all colleges and universities. Last legislative session, Rep. Mark McBride (R-Moore) passed a bill that appropriates $140 million annually beginning in 2025 for aging infrastructure replacement projects at higher education institutions statewide.

In a press release, Chancellor Sean Burrage emphasized the need and goal of increasing the states workforce in the most needed areas.

Producing more college graduates to meet Oklahomas most pressing workforce needs is our primary goal, Burrage wrote. Our FY26 budget request for public higher education clearly demonstrates the state systems commitment to expanding the labor force in critical occupations and incentivizing academic and operational innovations as outlined in our Blueprint 2030 strategic plan.

2025 legislative agenda

According to its website, the regents are prioritizing six items on its legislative agenda. The first is creating a scholarship program designed for adult learners completing unfinished degrees, obtaining certificates or micro-credentials or pursuing skill-strengthening opportunities. The program will prioritize high-demand credentials that all with vital occupations in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Tax Credit currently allows individuals and businesses to receive a tax credit in exchange for donations that support K-12 school tuition assistance. The regents want the legislature to expand this tax credit to fund need-based scholarships for college students.

The Oklahoma's Promise program was created in 1992 by the state legislature to help students who meet financial and academic requirements go to college with the help of a tuition scholarship. For the 2025 legislative session, the regents ask the legislature to consider developing an appeal process to help students facing unique circumstances and extend the application deadline.

The regents want to examine the property insurance process, practices and market in Oklahoma to identify long-term solutions to help colleges and universities mitigate rising property insurance rates.

To address campus safety, security and cybersecurity concerns, the regents are advocating for investment in security infrastructure, trained personnel and cybersecurity protocols to safeguard students and faculty.

Lastly, the regents aim to evaluate concurrent enrollment participation options, financial models and course delivery in order to strengthen the program.

This story was edited by Ismael Lele.
The parents of a 10-year-old boy who killed himself have sued his school district, claiming his teachers were "repeatedly informed" but "did nothing," according to the lawsuit.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed against the Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation stated that Sammy Tuesch was verbally and physically bullied, as his classmates reportedly called him names, punched and choked him, as reported by WFYI.

Tuesch's family claimed in the lawsuit that several students had previously told Sammy that he should hang himself.

The bullying is said to have started soon after Tuesch's family moved to Greenfield, Indiana, in November 2022. On May 5 of this year, the fourth grader committed suicide in his bedroom, as reported by PEOPLE.

"Sammy was smart, funny, quick to make friends, knew no strangers, meant no harm to anyone, and had the biggest heart along with the best smile," Sam Teusch, Sammy's father, told WRTV. "And it seems that made him an easy target and easy for school officials to dismiss and disregard him  and we can't let the world be like that."

The lawsuit filed by Sammy's parents claim that although staff were "repeatedly informed" about the torment their son was reportedly facing, they "did nothing," as reported by PEOPLE.

"This suit is about more than holding the Greenfield School Corporation accountable, it's about making sure no child ever experiences what Sammy experienced  and no family again experiences the heartbreak the Teusch family can now never escape," Brian Grossman, an attorney for the family, said in a statement obtained by the Daily Reporter.

The school district declined to comment on the lawsuit to WFYI, the Daily Reporter and WRTV.

The family is seeking damages as well as covering legal costs.

Originally published by Latin Times.
More school districts across the United States are shifting to four-day school weeks due to a nationwide shortage of teachers.

As of writing, roughly 2,100 schools in 900 districts across 26 US states have adopted a four-day week. This represents a notable increase from 2019 when about 1,600 schools were using this model.

The four-day school week is most common in states located west of the Mississippi River, with Colorado having the highest concentration of schools operating under this model. Other states that have adopted this approach include Idaho, Missouri, Oregon, and Texas, per Slate.

Why Are Schools Switching to a Four-Day Week?

One factor that is driving the growing trend of four-day school weeks, especially in rural communities, is the shortage of teachers. Schools in these areas receive less funding from the state and likely cannot afford to offer teachers a competitive salary.

To attract and retain high-quality teachers, rural schools such as the Independence School District in Missouri offer four-day work weeks. This approach has helped them have larger budgets, allowed them to pay teachers higher salaries, and compete with neighboring districts.

Independence School District, specifically, saw their teacher applications go up by 360% since 2023 after offering extended weekends. The majority of their applicants were veteran teachers, according to CNN, citing Dale Herl, the district superintendent.

Teachers are not the only ones benefitting from four-day school weeks. Despite having longer school days, students in these schools have an extra day to catch up on their homework, participate in club events, and spend time with their families.

That said, the approach does not work in all school districts. In some areas, teachers still found themselves working just as much on the fifth day. Students in middle school and high school also showed no difference in the amount of sleep and rest they were getting, a 2021 study showed.

Vacant Teaching Positions in the US

As of 2024, approximately 49,000 teaching positions remained vacant, with an additional 400,000 positions filled by underqualified instructors. Across the nation, 74% of public schools said they struggled to fill vacant teaching positions with fully certified teachers for the 2024-2025 school year.
Chat GPT is not the only AI service in town. Google Gemini is a similar service where you can ask questions and get answers in plain textno commands required. You can converse just as if the AI robot were a real person.

If youre familiar with Chat GPT, youll recognize it because the layout is similar. Youre greeted by a stripped-down screen with a text input field at the bottom. This is where you enter your prompts, i.e. questions and commands. The conversation itself doesnt have to be about facts, Gemini can talk about anything. However, its important to remember that the answers arent always correct.

Further reading: How not to get bamboozled by AI content on the web

Gemini is capable of many things

Gemini is capable of creating new texts such as Christmas gift rhymes, wedding speeches, appeal e-mails, or anything else.

Gemini is the successor to Google Bard, which was the companys first AI service. At launch, it performed so poorly that Google soon decided to rename it and now the company is going all in on Gemini.

Google Gemini is free, but theres a paid subscription called Google One AI Premium. It costs $255 a month and includes many powerful tools such as the ability to upload documents. However, there are plenty of smart features in the free version too and weve collected the best ones here.

Get started

Getting started with Google Gemini is easy. Just go to gemini.google.com and log in with your Gmail account. If you dont have one, go to Sign in > Create account. Note that you must be logged in to use Google Gemini.

Give commands

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

You communicate with Gemini by asking questions or issuing commands in the input field at the bottom. These kinds of questions and commands are called prompts in the Gemini world.

Gemini can answer questions in plain English such as What is the difference between Plopp and Centre? You can also give commands such as Write a wedding speech or start a conversation by asking How are you? Asking follow-up questions works well in Google Gemini, too.

If you want to start from scratch instead, select New Chat in the top left corner.

Search from the address bar

You can quickly start an AI chat by typing @gemini in your browsers address bar. Tap the Tab key and type the question/command directly, then press Enter. Now the question will be answered in Google Gemini. This tip works if you are running Google Chrome.

Use extensions

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

Extensions allow you to search your own emails and Google documents instead of the web. You ask the question and add an ampersand (@) at the end. Learn how to activate this feature in our guide here.

Use your voice

If you dont want to type your questions, you can use your voice. Just click on the microphone icon on the right, press Allow, and start talking. The answers you receive can be read out in the same way by pressing the speaker icon shown in the top right.

Trim the answers

If youre not satisfied with the answer you get, tap Show draft in the top right corner to get more suggestions. You can get even more with the icon on the right. You can also select the Edit answer icon at the bottom to change the length and style of the answer.

Double-check the answer

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

When you ask a question in Google Gemini, you get a pre-written answer. If you want to know more, you can click on Double check it. This will highlight parts of the text and if you click on the highlight, you can open the original source.

Use the text

Google Gemini uses plain text that can be copied to and from other programs. The easiest way is to use your mouse and press Ctrl C to copy and Ctrl V to paste. You can also right-click if youre more comfortable with that.

And share it!

You can use texts in your Gmail and Google Docs with Share and Copy. Tap Share, then click on Create public link to create a link that you can share via any channel and that anyone can access. You can choose to share the whole chat or just a section.

Translate between different languages

Google Gemini can translate texts between different languages in much the same way as Google Translate. To use this feature, type the prompt Translate this text into English and then paste the text you want translated. If you want to translate into a language other than English, type understand that language in the command line.

Summarize a text

Cant be bothered to read a long text? Let Google Gemini summarize it! For example, you can type the prompt Summarize this article in five points and then paste the desired text.

Let Gemini work with texts

Translation and summarize are just two examples of how Gemini can work with existing texts. Write what you want to do and paste the text you want to use. You dont have to use exact commands, but here are some examples of what you can type:

Translate the text into English:

Translate the text into Spanish:

Summarize the text in five paragraphs:

Shorten the text to 900 characters:

Write a heading for the text:

Highlight errors in the text:

Make the text more formal:

Identify images

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

A cool feature in Google Gemini is all about identifying images. By clicking on the image icon in the input field, you can upload an image. You can then ask questions about it such as What is the image of? You can also give commands like Describe this image.

Save your history

If you want to use an old search, you can find it under Recent in the list on the left. Click to use it or press the three dots to get more options. You can pin (i.e. save) the search and rename it and you can also delete it.

Check your privacy

For even more control over your history, you can select Activity in the left-hand menu. Here you can make various privacy settings. For example, you can delete everything or just individual searches. You can also set everything to be deleted after a period of time or nothing to be saved at all.

Pay (if you want to)

Google Gemini is a free service, but if you want a tool with more power, you can get the paid version of Gemini Advanced for $19.99 a month. To find out more about what you get and how to update, click the Help button at the bottom left and select About Gemini Advanced.

Use your mobile phone

In the beginning, Gemini was only available via the web browser and if you wanted to use your mobile phone, you had to surf to gemini.google.com in your mobile browser, just like you do on your computer. Nowadays, you can download an Android app. Search for Gemini in the Google Play Store, tap Install, and open the app.

The layout is similar to that of the web interface and most of our tips work here too.

Please note that Google Gemini will replace your mobile phones regular Google Assistant app. To switch back to Google Assistant, tap the profile icon in the top right of the Gemini app. Select Settings > Google Digital Assistants and choose Google Assistant.

On iPhone, theres no dedicated Gemini app. However, you can install the Google-only app from the App Store and select the Gemini tab.
A Franklin County man threatened to stab his family members before refusing to surrender, triggering an hours-long standoff with officers on Wednesday, police said.

Gregory Laurore, 41, was armed with two knives in his backyard on Garber Street in Chambersburg when police responded to reports of the threats just after 11 a.m., police said.

Chambersburg police tried to speak with Laurore but said he was uncooperative. Local and Pennsylvania State Police responded to the scene and remained there for hours until Laurore was arrested without injury at about 6:16 p.m.

Garber Street was shut down during the standoff, from Lincoln Way West to West King Street.

Laurore was taken to Chambersburg Hospital to be evaluated, police said. He was later charged with one count each of terroristic threats and simple assault. He has not been arraigned as of Thursday.

Police said the standoff was unrelated to a fatal shooting in Chambersburg that happened about a half hour after Laurore was arrested. In that case, a man was found lying dead in the road at 221 Southgate Mall.

Witnesses told officers that a fight occurred before shots were fired, police said.

Police said theyre looking for the driver of a light-colored van connected to the shooting they described as a targeted act of violence.

The shooting victim has not been publicly identified, and no arrests have been announced as of Thursday.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Chambersburg Police Department at 717-264-4131 or submit a tip through CrimeWatch.
Pennsylvania is a state known for its beer, particularly its craft breweries.

Perhaps it comes as no surprise, then, that one of its breweries was ranked amongst the top must-visit spots in the United States.

According to a study conducted and published by Yardbarker, Yuengling Brewery located in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, is the number two brewery people absolutely have to drop by in the country.

How can you not include a stop at Americas Oldest Brewery on your [beer] tour? asks the report. The Pottsville, Pennsylvania production began in 1829, even lasting through the Prohibition Era.

Fun fact: during that time, they produced beer that was 0.5% ABV, which didnt qualify as beer, which made it so that they could sell it. The history can be felt while taking the tour, and its certainly worth it to learn about the intricacies of its facility, which has withstood the test of time. Yuengling also has a location in Tampa, Florida.

In third on the Yardbarker list was Milton, Del.s, own Dogfish Head Brewery. In first was the Samuel Adams Brewery in Boston, Mass.

A staple among all craft beer drinks, Samuel Adams continues to evolve with the times while also keeping true to the brews that put them on the map, the report states. Its main brewery is still located in Boston.

In addition, there is a second taproom in the heart of the city as well as one in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its Boston Lager remains its most popular beer, while its seasonal releases like Cold Snap and Summer Ale lace the store shelves in winter and summer, respectively.
The holidays are a season of giving, both with presenting gifts to loved ones and in the charitable sense.

And theres one city in Pennsylvania that seems to be among the top states that encapsulate this holiday spirit the most.

According to a WalletHub study published earlier this month, Pittsburgh is the 19th most caring state in the country, giving it a spot amongst the top 20.

These caring cities were determined after researchers ranked 100 of the most populated across three key dimensions: Caring for the Community; Caring for the Vulnerable; and Caring in the Workforce. Corresponding submetrics such as Property Crime Rate; Share of Sheltered Homeless Persons; and Teachers Care for Students Well-Being were also taken into account.

Given these metrics, Philadelphia  the only other city in Pennsylvania to be included  isnt exactly the most charitable, as it ranked 60th overall.

The most caring city was found to be Virginia Beach, Va., and the least, Birmingham, Ala.

Virginia Beach is the most caring city in 2024, in large part because its residents rank first in the nation for volunteering hours, the report reads. The city also has the fourth-highest share of residents who fundraise or sell items to raise money for charity.

Despite its status as a party city, Virginia Beach actually does a great job keeping residents safe. It has the second-lowest violent crime rate int he country and the eighth-lowest property crime rate. This indicates people care about their neighbors. The city also has the seventh-lowest adult poverty rate and 12th-lowest child poverty rate.
Twelve-time Grammy Award winner, John Legend, is performing in Pennsylvania tonight and there is still time to buy last-minute tickets.

Legend will bring his Legendary Christmas show to the PPL Center in Allentown on Thursday, Dec. 19. He will perform with his four-piece band. Show time is 8 p.m.

Fans can buy tickets here (prices are as of the time of this publication):

Legend will deliver holiday classics from his hit album, A Legendary Christmas, including This Christmas, Baby, Its Cold Outside, Silver Bells, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire).

The evening will also feature Legends signature storytelling, providing audiences with an intimate experience as he reflects on his career, life, and the stories behind the music, according to a news release.

Concerts remaining on the tour are:

Dec. 20 - Atlantic City, New Jersey

Dec. 21 - Hanover, Maryland
WILLIAMSPORT  A Georgia high school social studies teacher will remain jailed without bail after being held for court on charges that accuse him of having an inappropriate online relationship with a 13-year-old Lycoming County girl.

District Judge William Solomon, citing concern for community safety, declined to set bail for Eric Stephen Burton, 44, of Kennesaw, Georgia, at the close of his preliminary hearing Wednesday.

Moments earlier the victims father, appearing by video, said it would be a sad day if he caught Burton with his daughter.
The leader of the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center, which has served Harrisburg residents 60 and older, says its efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic exhausted its finances and that without reimbursement, the organization faces financial crisis.

Les Ford, the centers executive director, said he tried all year to convince Harrisburg city officials to hand over American Rescue Plan Act funds from the federal government to help.

Before the pandemic, the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center financially support itself with assistance from Dauphin County and state funding.

During the pandemic, however, the senior center dipped into its own savings to deliver more food to homebound seniors. Early in the pandemic, the center partnered with police to deliver emergency boxes, and kept that program going even after police stepped away from the project.

Every Monday morning at 7:30 a.m., Ford said he backed his own Subaru up to the Food Bank Pantry, then delivered the food. He also said the center organized COVID vaccinations for 262 seniors during the pandemic.

But eventually, the senior center was unable to reimburse the Food Bank, so the program stopped.

Harrisburg city council agreed in late March to set aside $250,000 of ARPA funds for senior programs. But councilors did not agree what specific organization would receive those funds, if any.

Ford said he courted Mayor Wanda Williams administration in October into supporting the allocation of that money to the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center, before the allocation was presented to city council at its Nov. 26 meeting.

City council opted to table the issue, due to questions over how the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center was selected as the sole recipient of that money.

There was no process, according to city council president Danielle Bowers. It was merely deemed the senior center would receive that money.

Bowers told PennLive Wednesday that city council left the March allocation open-ended so any senior center could apply for it, and said it is unfair and inequitable to give the money to the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center without a formal process to vet applications.

It is nothing against the (Heinz-Menaker senior center), Bowers said. It is against the administration for lack of innovation in establishing a formal process for the dispersal of those funds.

In a Dec. 3 memo, Dauphin County acknowledged two other senior centers in Harrisburg: Bnai Brith Senior Center and Lick Towers Senior Center (which is undergoing renovations and will reopen in Jan. 2026.)

The Williams administration, in a Dec. 4 press release, said the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center was the only senior center that qualified for that money because it is the only senior center that has been certified by Dauphin County and Harrisburg to provide social, cultural, and health-related services. The mayors spokeswoman did not answer emailed questions Wedneday about how Heinz-Menaker was selected and what disqualifies the other two senior centers from applying for the money.

Instead, Mischelle Moyer doubled down.

The Mayor is very clear on her decision. She wants to immediately release $250,000 of designated funding to the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center--the ONLY certified senior center in the city. It is City Council that is wavering on releasing the funds. We are well aware that the Heinz-Menaker Center is in dire need of funding before December 31; and the Mayor is displeased with this situation as well.

Ford advocated for the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center during the Nov. 26 meeting, saying he previously tried to talk to councilmembers about the issue without success.

Now here we are. Money has been made available, such that if the city were to reimburse me for COVID relief expenses, I could reimburse the food pantry, Ford said Wednesday. I could reimburse the water company, reimburse the electric company. Were out of the meager funds we had.

City council held its last legislative session of the year Tuesday night, during which there was no allocation to the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center.

The ARPA funding set aside for senior programming will not expire after Dec. 31 because it has been moved into the citys general fund, meaning city council could bring the matter up again in January.
A group of people protesting Luigi Mangiones arrest in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthCares CEO gathered Thursday morning outside a Pennsylvania courthouse as the 26-year-old arrived to appear for two hearings.

The protesters stood on the sidewalk outside the Blair County Courthouse holding signs with messages like, Murder for profit is terrorism and The one whos responsible for the deaths of many is NOT Luigi Mangione. Some signs also called Mangione a hero, according to footage from WGAL.

One protester voiced frustration to ABC News over an American insurance system that is set up for profit over peoples health.

Its unfortunate that this happened, and Im not glorifying it in any way -- but its brought attention to the issue that affects all Americans, said the woman, who identified herself only as Natalie to reporters.

We feel his anger, his frustration, said Andrea Aye, who traveled to the courthouse from northern Ohio, according to USA Today. It has definitely woke people up. We hear him.

New York City police said Mangione shot and killed UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, Dec. 4 outside a Hilton hotel in Manhattan. Thompson was headed to a United Healthcare investors meeting at the hotel near Central Park.

Thompsons killing sparked an outpouring of anger across the country from Americans who were denied coverage from their insurance providers, left in limbo as their doctors and insurers disagreed, and were ultimately stuck with overwhelming medical bills or without the care they say they needed.

Mangione arrived at the Blair County Courthouse at 7:45 a.m. Thursday for an 8:30 a.m. preliminary hearing on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police.

Altoona police filed the charges because of a gun and fake ID card they say Mangione had with him when officers arrested him at the local McDonalds on Dec. 9 after an employee recognized him.

After his first hearing, an extradition hearing will be held at 9 a.m. on the charges Mangione is facing in New York, including first-degree murder as an act of terrorism, two counts of second-degree murder and seven weapons offenses.

Investigators believe Mangione, an Ivy League computer science grad from a prominent Maryland family, was motivated by anger toward the U.S. healthcare system. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying a handwritten letter that complained about corporate greed and called insurance companies parasitic.

Mangione repeatedly posted on social media about undergoing spinal surgery last year that eased his chronic back pain. On Reddit, he encouraged others struggling with chronic ailments to speak up for themselves.

We live in a capitalist society, Mangione wrote, according to The Associated Press. Ive found that the medical industry responds to these key words far more urgently than you describing unbearable pain and how its impacting your quality of life.

News reports said Mangione was never a UnitedHealthCare client.
The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcares CEO faces new federal charges of murder and stalking, escalating the case after his earlier indictment on state charges.

Luigi Mangione agreed to return to New York to face a state murder charge Thursday at a morning court appearance in Pennsylvania where he was arrested after five days on the run.

Heres the latest:

The federal complaint contained color photographs of the shooter pointing his gun at the UnitedHealthcare executives back just before firing and pictures of a fake New Jersey drivers license and the widely distributed photograph of his smiling face inside a hostel where he stayed in New York.

Other pictures showed the alleged shooter walking on a city sidewalk with a backpack and riding an electric bicycle down a street on his way to the shooting scene followed by pictures of him after the shooting no longer wearing a backpack as he rode the bicycle and later donning a mask inside a taxi. The complaint also included a post-arrest full-body picture of Mangione and a photo of a weapon authorities say he possessed that was described as consistent with the weapon used to kill the executive.

A helicopter carrying Luigi Mangione has landed in lower Manhattan.

After landing, he was walked up a pier, escorted by people wearing FBI-NYPD task force jackets and officers with assault rifles.

He was then put into a waiting van that left for the courthouse.

Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is escorted off of a helicopter by police, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)AP

One of the federal charges against Mangione, murder by firearm, could bring the possibility of the death penalty.

Federal prosecutors havent said whether theyll pursue such a punishment. The state charges Mangione faces carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The newly unsealed federal complaint quotes some of the writings in a notebook prosecutors say was found on Mangione, expressing hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular.

An entry from Aug. 15 said the target is insurance because it checks every box, according to the filing, while an Oct. 22 entry describes an intent to wack the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference.

This investor conference is a true windfall ... and  most importantly  the message becomes self evident, the notebook entry read, according to the complaint.

Luigi Mangione agreed to return to New York to face a state murder charge Thursday at a morning court appearance in Pennsylvania where he was arrested last week after five days on the run. It was unclear when he would be in court on the federal charges.

Because of the defendants reversal today and decision to waive his preliminary hearing as well as his extradition, certainly we believe its in the interests of justice to turn him over to the New York City police department and Manhattan district attorneys office, which we did, the Blair County district attorney told reporters after the hearing in Pennsylvania. He is now in their custody. He will go forth with New York to await trial or prosecution for his homicide and related charges in New York. We intend to keep our case active and we intend to essentially revisit the case when the defendant is available for prosecution in Blair County.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced the approval of 30 rail freight improvement projects that will enhance freight mobility while creating or sustaining 344 jobs across Pennsylvania.

These investments are aligned with Gov. Josh Shapiros commitment to improving Pennsylvanias infrastructure and supporting economic growth, a press release said.

Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, which is more than any other state. PennDOT is committed to working with private rail operators and rail-served businesses to construct new rail lines and assist in maintaining and improving the states roughly 5,600 miles of freight lines.

The State Transportation Commission voted to approve $55 million for the following projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).

Following is a list of the 30 approved rail freight projects with the state share:

Allegheny County

Allegheny Valley Railroad: $1.8 million to replace 2.33 miles of jointed rail realign track on the Allegheny Subdivision between Penn Hills Township and the City of Pittsburgh.

Synthomer Jefferson Hills: $623,000 to rehabilitate and construct new loading/unloading equipment at four existing rail stations.

Union Railroad: $2.6 million to replace 1,386 ties and upgrade rail on the High Grade Bridge.

United States Steel Corporation  Clairton Works: $568,000 to replace four turnouts and replace rail on three siding tracks.

Allegheny and Washington counties

Pittsburgh & Ohio Central Railroad: $2 million to construct approximately 4,800 feet of new track in the Scully Yard and rehabilitate 10,560 linear feet of track on the Arden Subdivision.

Allegheny, Washington, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties

Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway: $5.8 million to rehabilitate six bridges to contribute to the long-term safety of train operations.

Berks County

Dyer Quarry: $498,000 to rehabilitate four yard tracks and replace up to 1,500 rail ties.

Blair County

Joe Krentzman & Son, Inc.: $354,000 to extend and rehabilitate a current rail siding and install a railroad car scale.

Bucks County

Bucks County Railroad Preservation & Restoration Corp.: $490,000 to furnish and install 4,000 new crossties to improve 17 miles of track.

NorthPoint Development, LLC: $3.8 million to expand the Kinder Morgan terminal rail yard by adding 13,350 feet of new track and improve the current rail infrastructure.

Riverside Industrial Complex: $1.1 million to install 4,735 track feet of newly constructed track and rehabilitate 240 track feet of track at the Riverside Industrial Complex in Bristol, PA.

Cambria and Clearfield counties

RJ Corman Railroad Company Pennsylvania Lines: $2.9 million to replace 43,930 linear feet of rail on the Cresson and Cherry Tree divisions.

Centre and Mifflin counties

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority: $2 million to rehabilitate seven bridges and one culvert on the Juniata Valley Railroad and Nittany Bald Eagle Railroad.

Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and York counties

East Penn Railroad, LLC: $455,000 to rehabilitate eight bridges on the Octoraro, Perkiomen, Lancaster Northern, and York branch lines.

Clearfield and Elk counties

Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad, Inc.: $2.9 million to rehabilitate track on the Laurel Subdivision, including tie replacement, track surfacing, brush cutting, grade crossing rehabilitation, and installation of an equipment defect detector.

Fayette County

Brownsville Marine Products, LLC: $656,000 to reconstruct a rail-crane frog to safe working order.

Lawrence County

New Castle Industrial Railroad: $561,000 to replace bridge timbers and rail on the main track bridge over the Shenango River.

Luzerne County

Mericle River Road, LLC: $742,000 to construct a new mainline turnout and 2,145 feet of new truck to connect to the Luzerne & Susquehanna Railway.

Redevelopment Authority of Luzerne County: $693,000 to rehabilitate two at-grade crossings and replace ties on two bridges.

Lycoming County

Shale Rail, LLC: $749,000 to replace ties, rail, ballast, and surface 2,000 feet of track at Shale Rails Wysox facility.

Mifflin County

Standard Steel, LLC: $490,000 to replace six turnouts, rehabilitate and construct 300 feet of track at the SPC facility.

Montgomery County

Pennsylvania Northeastern Railroad, LLC: $489,000 to furnish and install 4,000 new crossties across three miles of the Stony Creek Branch and six miles of the Bethlehem Branch.

Northumberland County

North Shore Railroad: $1.8 million to rehabilitate and replace rail on North Shores mainline.

Clarks Feed Mills, Inc.: $2.5 million to expand rail car storage and construct supporting unloading equipment.

Philadelphia County

CSX Transportation, Inc.: $13.1 million to rehabilitate and improve the condition of the 25th Street Viaduct.

Philadelphia Regional Port Authority dba PhilaPort: $454,000 to reconstruct an existing 1,300 feet of track at the Tioga Marine Terminal.

Schuylkill County

Lehigh Anthracite, LP: $676,000 to construct 1,200 linear feet of new track and construct unloading equipment.

Venango County

Webco Industries, Inc.: $1.14 million to construct a brand new rail spur and install new rail car unloading/loading equipment.

Westmoreland County

Southwest Pennsylvania Railroad: $1.86 million to rehabilitate 2.5 miles of rail replacing jointed rail on the Radebaugh Subdivision with welded rail.

York County

York Railway: $1.16 million to rehabilitate track in the Poorhouse Yard with rail and tie replacement and track surfacing.

For more information on PennDOT rail grant programs visit the departments Rail Freight and Ports page.

Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
WILLIAMSPORT  The former self-proclaimed commander of the Pennsylvania Citizens Militia who the government had considered a threat to national security has pleaded guilty to a federal weapons charge.

Ronald William Hertzog, 62, of State College, admitted Wednesday in U.S. Middle District Court that he illegally possessed 486 rounds of various caliber ammunition, 10 20-gauge shotgun shells and parts of two rifles all of which the government wants forfeited.

The maximum sentence for the charge of a convicted felon illegally possessing rifle parts and ammunition is 10 years but it is estimated he will receive something within a range of a year and 33 months.
WILLIAMSPORT  A Seattle-based direct-to-consumer firm says the permanent injunction sought by Penn State in a trademark infringement case would effectively ring the death knell for its entire business.

Vintage Brand contends in a filing Wednesday in U.S. Middle District Court the injunction sought by the university does not reflect the jurys verdict in the infringement case.

A jury on Nov. 19 found Vintage Brand willfully infringed on Penn States trademarks and awarded the university $28,000.

The university claims the injunction it seeks is narrowly tailored to be consistent with the jurys findings and is needed to prevent Vintage Brand from continuing to infringe on its trademarks.

Defendants also are Vintage Brands founder and CEO Chad Hartvigson and Sportswear Inc. The latter applies vintage Penn State images at a facility in Louisville, Kentucky, and ships products directly to consumers.

They accuse the university of gamesmanship and misrepresenting much of the trial record in arguing it would suffer irreparable harm if an injunction was not issued.

They note Penn State during the trial pointed out that not every image on the Vintage Brand website was alleged to be infringing.

The restraint it exercised at trial vanished after the verdict and it now seeks an injunction that would preclude every image that appeared on the Vintage Brand website relating to Penn State, they charge.

If Judge Matthew W. Brann is inclined to issue an injunction Vintage Brand suggests it should be limited to the designs jurors found infringed on Penn States trademark.

They include the Pozniak lion logo, the university seal and the words Penn State and The Pennsylvania State University.

The scope of any injunction will impact Vintage Brands entire business model and lawsuits brought by other colleges, it says.

Whatever line Brann decides to draw, Vintage Brand says it will have to apply it to images related to schools across its entire website.

Penn State wants the injunction to include the requirement that Vintage Brand either destroy or deliver to it materials containing university trademarks that were used in preparing merchandise or in advertising.

Other reasons Penn State says an injunction is needed include:
By Brendan Rascius, The Bradenton Herald

(TNS)

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul has an unconventional idea: electing Elon Musk as speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress, Paul, a Republican, wrote in a Dec. 19 post on X. Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Muskthink about itnothings impossible.

He added that choosing Musk for the leadership role would make the collective establishmentlose their ever-lovin minds.

But could the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX actually be elected speaker of the House  a position that would put him second in line for the presidency? Here is what to know.

Who can become speaker of the House?

As it happens, the speaker of the House does not have to be a member of Congress. Addressing the matter, the U.S. Constitution simply states, The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker and other officers.

However, a non-member has never been elected speaker in the countrys nearly 250-year history, according to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report.

Over the years, there have been numerous votes cast for outsiders  though theyve all fallen short of the numerical majority required to elect the speaker.

During speaker elections in 1997, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2021, votes were entered for individuals who were not sitting members of the House  some of whom were senators, according to CRS.

And in 2023, during the election for speaker, then-candidate Donald Trump received one vote from Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Johnson under fire

Pauls proposal comes as Speaker Mike Johnson is under fire from fellow Republicans, potentially putting his position in jeopardy. Johnson has faced criticism for his handling of an end-of-year spending bill  required to keep the government funded  which some Republicans say makes too many concessions to Democrats.

President-elect Donald Trump attacked the bill, writing in a post on Truth Social that it would give sweetheart provisions for government censors and for Liz Cheney and would make it easier to hide the records of the corrupt January 6 committee.

He instead called for a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS combined with an increase in the debt ceiling, adding, Anything else is a betrayal of our country

Musk, whom Trump tapped to lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), also signaled his vehement opposition to the spending bill.

In one of his many posts on X about the 1,500-page bill, he wrote, Ever seen a bigger piece of pork?

Johnson said he spoke to Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the co-head of DOGE, about the bill Dec. 17, according to The Hill.

Remember, guys, we still have just a razor-thin margin of Republicans, Johnson said he told the pair. So any bill has to have Democratic votes.

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Health Minister Mark Holland says he's optimistic about the role artificial intelligence can play in Canada's health system, but says much of its promise will take time to realize. Holland speaks during a news conference, in Vancouver, B.C., Tuesday, July 23, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A Quebecer convicted this week in a triple homicide of her spouse and two young children in a Montreal suburb in September 2022 will be sentenced Friday. The Longueuil, Que., provincial courthouse is seen on April 22, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sidhartha Banerjee
RIYADH, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Company has awarded a 202.2-million-U.S. dollar contract to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to undertake the bulk excavation works in Diriyah's second-phase construction.

The bulk excavation works will cover most of the development area of the second phase of the Diriyah project, which spans approximately 6.3 square km, the Diriyah Company said in a statement on Tuesday.

It added that the excavation works will involve more than 600 heavy machines and shape the site for planned Saudi cultural assets including the Royal Diriyah Opera House and the 20,000-seat Diriyah Arena.

Diriyah, or "the City of Earth," is an expansive urban development project spanning an area of 14 square km, with Diriyah Company being its developer.

The start of Diriyah's second-phase construction "marks another key milestone in the development of 'the City of Earth,'" Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, said at the signing ceremony. "This excavation will enable smooth and efficient development of major cultural assets that will attract millions of visitors annually to Diriyah and inspire the world."

For his part, CHEC CEO Yang Zhiyuan said, "We are confident in the success of this project, integrating the advantages of global resources, technical strength, equipment resources, and an experienced management team."

"We will focus on environmental protection awareness and sustainable development concepts during implementation, ensuring the timely delivery of the project, contributing to the preservation of Diriyah's heritage, cultural exchange and the development goals of Saudi Vision 2030," Yang stressed.

Located a short drive from Riyadh's city center, the Diriyah project holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, dating back to 1727. The project is considered a key component of the economic diversification plan under the Saudi Vision 2030.
Michael Addamo Leads $25k WSOP Super Main Final Table; Liv Boeree in the Hunt

Adam Lamers Live Reporter Copy link

The 2024 World Series of Poker Paradise is winding down at the Atlantis, Paradise Island Bahamas but the action was just heating up on Day 4 of the $25,000 WSOP Super Main Event. There were 36 players who returned to their seats and the field was whittled down to the final table of nine players who will return to battle for the title and the coveted WSOP gold bracelet along with $6,000,000 for the winner.

The one thing that remained constant was Michael Addamo staying at the top of the leaderboard. The Australian high-stakes poker pro entered the day with a healthy chip lead and he held that throughout the six-plus levels that were played. Heading into the final table tomorrow, Addamo will also carry a sizeable lead with 196,800,000 chips. With multiple seven-figure scores already recorded on his poker resume, Addamo will be looking for a new all-time best with a win here in The Bahamas. He is also one of three players still remaining who already have some WSOP jewelry from the past.

Speaking of bracelet winners, Liv Boeree has returned to the felt just before the Christmas season and what an return it has been. Boeree only has two recorded live results dating back to 2019 but it appears she hasn't skipped a beat en route to bagging a stack of 111,400,000. Throughout the day, Boeree was seen praying and meditating with her eyes closed on each of her all-ins, most of which worked out pretty well for her.

"I haven't looked at charts or anything really," she was heard saying after one hand. "If I see a good hand, I just go with it."

Liv Boeree

The only other player to reach the final table who has seen victory before at the WSOP is Justin Bonomo. While his day didn't go without any drama, Bonomo appeared to be on cruise control at the felt. For the player second on the all-time money list, Bonomo quietly went about his business in the opening levels while accumulating chips in the process. However, when the field shrunk to two tables, Bonomo was issued a warning about some paraphernalia that he was wearing to support Palestinians. The American poker pro was told he would be disqualified from the event if he continued to wear it and you can read all about the PokerNews story here.

2025 WSOP Dates Announced!

Final Table Seat Draw

Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Liv Boeree United Kingdom 111,400,000 37 2 Marcelo Aziz Brazil 105,500,000 35 3 Mustapha Kanit Italy 141,200,000 47 4 Vadzim Lipauka Belarus 66,300,000 22 5 Justin Bonomo United States 63,400,000 21 6 Michael Addamo Australia 196,800,000 66 7 Georg Lehmann Germany 48,400,000 16 8 Yinan Zhou China 88,000,000 29 9 Christopher Nguyen Austria 143,100,000 48

Day 4 Action

The action got started with Bonomo getting into multiple tussles with Lou Garza, each exchanging blows in the opening level. It was Bonomo who got the last laugh when he flopped a set of tens to bust Garza for the first elimination of the day. That appeared to open the flood gates as nine more players were eliminated before the first break including Christoph Vogelsang, Rainer Kempe, and Matthias Eibinger.

Boeree was seated on the outer feature table and found herself at risk multiple times in the early going. On two occasions, she was holding an ace and up against the pocket kings of her opponent. Asking for her "one-time," Boeree hit an ace both times and managed to double up and survive. She engaged in multiple encounters with Mustapha Kanit throughout the day. He called down correctly both times, proving to Boeree that she was picking on the wrong player.

Addamo started his ascent in the second frame with a couple of eliminations. The first came with a real holding of pocket kings when he eliminated Joonhee Yea but the second was a little more fortunate with queen-ten offsuit by cracking Alexander Zubov's pair of jacks. Either way, Addamo kept his foot on the gas and made sure he was always looking down at the rest of the field.

Michael Addamo

Sirzat Hissou entered the day near the top of the leaderboard but was unable to strike any gold today, mostly being card dead throughout the day. Hissou managed to ladder his way up to a 12th place finish, but will undoubtedly be disappointed in the result. Ren Lin was on a wild rollercoaster that crashed hard near the end of the night. Lin entered the final break of the day in third place and the chip leader at his table. However, in back-to-back hands against Kanit, the GGpoker pro was on the losing side and hit the rail in 11th place.

Closing out the night was none other than the 2003 WSOP Main Event champion Chris Moneymaker, the fan-favorite of the field. Moneymaker was rolling along with so much potential and a ton of support from those watching and social media  21 years later, could he finally be on top of the poker world once again? It was not meant to be when Moneymaker got three-outered by Boeree, which left him on the short stack. On the final hand of the night, Moneymaker ran his pocket nines into the pocket jacks of Boeree and was unable to find any help on the runout.

Chris Moneymaker

The final nine players celebrated and bagged up their chips to return for the fifth and final day of this tournament Thursday when a winner will be crowned. Each player has already locked up at least $750,000 for their efforts thus far with the official final table of eight each earning at least $1,000,000. The winner will be walking away with a large sum of $6,000,000 and the WSOP gold bracelet. Here is a look at the remaining payouts.

Final Table Payouts

Place Prize 1 $6,000,000 2 $4,600,000 3 $3,600,000 4 $2,800,000 5 $2,100,000 6 $1,650,000 7 $1,300,000 8 $1,000,000 9 $750,000

The cards are scheduled to go in the air at 12 p.m. local time tomorrow with 34:47 remaining in Level 33 and the blinds at 1,500,000/3,000,000 and a 3,000,000 big blind ante. The levels will continue to be 60 minutes in length with a 15-minute break after every two levels. Updates will be on a 60-minute delay to remain in sync with the stream on YouTube.

Be sure to follow along as the PokerNews live reporting team will be here to bring you all of the updates en route to crowning a champion!

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PokerStars Puts An EPT Package Bounty On Jason Koon's Head

Jon Pill Contributor Copy link

PokerStars ambassador Jason Koon has a price on his head in a new promotion from PokerStars North America.

In a pair of special "Chasin' Jason" freeroll tournaments that are scheduled for just before Christmas, PokerStars has put a massive bounty on Koon's head. The prize for knocking Koon out of these tournaments is a European Poker Tour Gold Pass to the EPT Monte Carlo worth $12,000.

The Gold Pass includes a buy-in to the EPT Monte Carlo main event and it also covers the cost of plane tickets and accommodation.

Chasin' Jason Koon All the Way to Monte Carlo

The 2024 EPT Monte Carlo.

The "Chasin' Jason" freeroll tournaments each have a $10,000 prize pool, but the real action will be at whichever table Jason Koon draws. With $10,300 on his head, Koon will be playing defense against a table full of hunters out for his hide all the way to the final table. He won't be able to rest until he busts out or takes down the whole shooting match.

If you want to be one of those hunters and to have a chance to play with one of the best poker players in the world, the first event is scheduled for December 21 for Pennsylvania player pool. The second event is set for the next day, December 22, for the shared New Jersey-Michigan player pool.

R. J. Peterson, the Senior Director of Marketing at PokerStars North America explained the idea behind the freeroll.

Jason has already brought incredible energy to PokerStars," Peterson said. "And this freeroll is the perfect way to celebrate. Its not every day you get the chance to face off against a poker legend and potentially win your way to Monte Carlo."

"Game On!"

Jason Koon.

If you register for the tournament and find yourself at Koon's table, you will still need to find a way to bust him. That is not going to be an easy task.

Koon is one of the top tournament players in the world with $59.2 million in live tournament cashes  a score that puts him 4th on the all-time cash leaderboard.

Although an online freeroll has much lower stakes than his usual games, Koon has no intention of going gentle into that good night. "Dont think Ill go easy on anyone," Koon told the press.

"If you want the Gold Pass, youll have to earn it by taking me out... Game on!

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NEW PokerStars Open Brings More World Class Live Events to Europe

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

There's a brand-new poker series coming to Europe in 2025 and it's going to be massive: The PokerStars Open. The series comprises six standalone stops plus two Open Main Events at European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona and EPT Monte Carlo, with each featuring a 1/1 million guaranteed Main Event.

The PokerStars Open replaces the Estrellas, Eureka, FPS, and UKIPT , promising to take elements of these popular tours to make the new PokerStars Open a roaring success. Each of the six standalone stops plus the special events at EPT Barcelona and EPT Monte Carlo boast a Main Event with a 1/1 million guaranteed prize pool.

Where Is the PokerStars Open Heading in 2025?

The first of six standalone PokerStars Opens shuffles up and deals on March 10 in picturesque Campione, Italy. The new tour heads to Ireland in April, where it forms part of the Irish Open, before heading to Namur in Belgium in May.

Players can enjoy some poker fun in the sun in June when PokerStars Open Malaga takes place. The tour lands in Manchester, United Kingdom, in late June before wrapping up in Cannes on the French Riviera in December.

Through into the mix the PokerStars Opens running during EPT Monte Carlo in late April/early May, and EPT Barcelona in mid-August, and you can see it's going to be a busy debut season for the PokerStars Open.

Dates Stop Venue March 10-16 Campione Casino di Campione, Italy April 10-21 Irish Open Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, Ireland May 28-June 9 Namur Circus Casino Resort, Namur, Belgium June 16-22 Malaga Gran Madrid Casino Torrequebrada, Malaga, Spain October 20-26 Manchester Casino Manchester 235, Manchester, United Kingdom December 8-14 Cannes Casino Barriere Le Croisette, Cannes, France

Celebrate the Holidays in Style with the $35M Guaranteed PokerStars New Year Series Learn more

What to Expect at Each PokerStars Open Stop

Although PokerStars is yet to unveil an even schedule for any of the PokerStars Open stops, PokerNews has it on good authority that those schedules will be bustling. A 1/1 million guaranteed Main Event will be the showpiece tournament at each stop, with dozens of affordable and accessible side events complementing the seven-figure guaranteed tournament.

Live satellites will be available at the PokerStars Open venues and online satellites at PokerStars; online satellites for PokerStars Open Campione are in the PokerStars client now.

You should also expect to see PokerStars Open packages becoming available in Power Path; watch this space.

Cedric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events Operations at PokerStars, cannot wait for the first PokerStars Open to get underway in March.

"PokerStars is thrilled to introduce a new series of events to the European poker calendar. Our PokerStars Open events will offer players accessible exceptional experiences, with each venue providing a distinct atmosphere that contributes to a cohesive European series, complementing the European Poker Tour while also standing out on their own."

"We understand that players love to travel for tournaments, so we've expanded to the PokerStars Open format. This allows us greater flexibility to host million-guaranteed events across Europe, beyond just our traditional national tour locations."

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Justin Bonomo Faces DQ from $25,000 Super Main Over Palestinian Attire; WSOP Issues Statement

Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link

Justin Bonomo informed his X followers that hed been threatened with a disqualification deep in the $25,000 World Series of Poker Paradise (WSOPP) Super Main Event for wearing a keffiyeh.

The $50 million guaranteed record-breaking tournament, at the time of publishing, was down to 15 of 1,978 players during Wednesday's Day 4 session. Bonomo, second all-time behind Bryn Kenney with $64 million in The Hendon Mob cashes, was sitting in ninth place with 60,300,000 chips. Michael Addamo was in the lead at 153,700,000.

WSOP officials explained the reasoning for the DQ threat in a statement:

The request for removal of Mr. Bonomos Keffiyeh once he reached the TV production table was simply a matter of broadcast clearance. Our future distribution platforms for Super Main Event do not allow garments deemed controversial or political in nature.

Follow Live WSOP Paradise Super Main Event Coverage

Poker Pro to Be DQ'ed Over Palestinian Scarf?

Justin Bonomo

Bonomo has repeatedly expressed pro-Palestine views on social media during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Doing so has caused many within the poker community to publicly trash him. Daniel Negreanu and Mike Matusow are among the high-profile players who've called him out for his views.

But that hasn't stopped the 39-year-old poker legend from sticking true to his beliefs. Those public views, however, could get him in some hot water as he chases the $6,000,000 first place prize, which would bring him to within $3 million of Kenney's lifetime cashes.

The high roller with three World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets claims WSOP staff informed him that he'd be disqualified from the tournament if he refused to take off his keffiyeh, a traditional square scarf worn in parts of the Middle East.

The keffiyeh has become a Palestinian national symbol. Three college students from Vermont were shot during Thanksgiving weekend in 2023, two of whom were wearing a keffiyeh. Their families claimed the crime was "fueled by hate," according to CNN.

Bonomo wasn't the only player in the Super Main Event to wear the scarf. Michael Acevedo wore matching attire on Day 1.

"I like your style," PokerNews live reporters caught Acevedo commenting to Bonomo, who was seated at the same table.

Matusow took his anti-Bonomo stance even further than having his peer banned from a WSOPP event. He went so far as calling upon incoming US President Donald Trump to have the high-stakes pro jailed over his beliefs.

Both Bonomo and Matusow received mixed responses from their tweets. Some agreed Bonomo should be banned over the keffiyeh, while others referred to it as "absurd" and "outrageous."

What Does the WSOP Rulebook Say?

The opinion of poker fans on the possibility of Bonomo's attire leading to a disqualification doesn't matter in terms of a decision being made. According to Section 54(d) in the WSOP rulebook, it appears the host property has a right to deem wearing the keffiyeh as grounds for disqualification.

"Host Properties reserve the right at all times to impose a ban on any apparel deemed objectionable by Host Properties, in its sole and absolute discretion. Host Properties reserve the right to refuse entry or continued participation in an Event to any Participant who does not comply with the aforementioned apparel rules," the rulebook states.

A $10,000 buy-in charity event was held last week at the WSOP Paradise to raise funds for IDF Widows and Orphans, a decision that angered Bonomo. The event brought in approximately $140,000, according to CardPlayer Lifestyle founder Robbie Strazynski, an Israeli citizen.

This isn't the first time political attire has caused threats of disqualification from poker tournaments. PokerStars banned displays of political statements in 2014 during European Poker Tour (EPT) events. Two players who teamed up to win the Tag Team event at the 2021 WSOP wore "Free Palestine" shirts during play, but the images were excluded from the winner photos.

PokerStars Bans Display of Political Statements at European Poker Tour Events

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After over 12 hours of play on Day 2, Event #13: $50,000 No-Limit Hold'em High Roller has come to an end. A total of 29 players returned for the final day at Atlantis Paradise Island, all vying for a shot at a gold bracelet at the 2024 World Series of Poker Paradise. With late registration open until the conclusion of the first level of play, another 29 players joined the field, bringing the total number of entrants to 130 and generating a prize pool of $6,500,000.

A total of 20 players made the money, each earning a minimum cash of $105,370. However, the grand prize of $1,292,000 was claimed by Tom Fuchs, who also took home his first WSOP bracelet after defeating Moonho Seo in heads up play, capping off a dominant final table performance.

$50,000 No Limit Hold'em Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Prize (USD) 1 Tom Fuchs Austria $1,292,000 2 Moonho Seo South Korea $996,200 3 Thomas Muehloecker Austria $768,170 4 Leonard Maue Germany $592,340 5 James Hopkins Australia $456,760 6 Fedor Holz Germany $352,210 7 Felipe Boianovsky Brazil $271,590 8 Santhosh Suvarna India $209,420 9 Punnat Punsri Thailand $161,480

Fuchs, a newcomer to the high roller scene, has made a strong impression with his recent performances, including his first cashes in high roller events over the past few months. This includes his previous career-high score at the Triton High Roller Series in Monte Carlo just over a month ago, where he earned $762,000. Fuchs carried that momentum into the WSOP Paradise, entering the $100,000 Triton Main Event, where he finished in 13th place for a cash of $296,500. He also found success in the $25,000 Super Main Event, securing a min-cash of $50,000 before ultimately parlaying that into a victory in the $50,000 NLH High Roller, earning a new career-best score.

However, this victory clearly meant more than just the money for Fuchs. After winning his first WSOP bracelet, he shared, "When you start playing, you always dream about the bracelet. I can't even fully realize that I won it yet, but its just amazing."

Fuchs had support from his rail and celebrated his victory with high roller Mario Mosbock, as well as fellow final table members Fedor Holz and Thomas Muehloecker, after eliminating both players.

Overcome with emotion following the win, Fuchs said, I feel overwhelmed. This is one of my first high roller tournaments where I made the final table, and to be able to play it with Fedor and Muehloecker, getting to play with my friends, its crazy.

Tom Fuchs

Day 2 Action

After playing in the Super Main Event on Day 1 of this event, Fuchs was one of the 29 entrants to join the field before late registration closed. However, other late entrants on Day 2 such as Phil Hellmuth, Christoph Vogelsang, Nick Petrangelo, and Matthias Eibinger all fell short of the money.

Daniel Negreanu, who bagged after Day 1, found himself on the rail before the money bubble burst, after losing a flip with his pocket tens. Other players to hit the rail early on Day 2 that bagged from Day 1 include Fuchs' good friend Mosboeck, Kristen Foxen, Isaac Haxton, Bryn Kenney, and Seth Davies.

As the day progressed, knockouts came fast and furious as the money bubble approached. Once the players reached the hand-for-hand stage of the day on the stone bubble, the eventual champion, Fuchs, was able to catapult his run by doubling up with pocket aces.

Unfortunately for Chris Hunichen, after he three-bet all-in against Artur Martirosians pocket aces, his pocket queens were unable to crack them and became the bubble boy, with the remaining 20 players securing a cash.

Chris Hunichen

Once in the money, the previously mentioned Holz separated himself from the pack, taking over the chip lead. Holz eliminated players such as Martirosian, Ben Tollerene, and Orpen Kisacikoglu, despite having the worst hand against all three when the chips went in the middle. Holz looked poised to score another knockout when he had fifth-place finisher James Hopkins dominated, but Hopkins took a page out of Holz's playbook and ended his sun-run, securing a double up.

Daniel Dvoress, the Day 1 chip leader, was unable to find the same success on Day 2. After his kings were cracked by Muehloecker, Dvoress was sent to the rail in 12th place. Alex Foxen, unable to replicate the same fate for Santhosh Suvarnas kings, joined Dvoress in tenth place, setting up the final table of nine players.

Alex Foxen

Final Table Action

Heading into the final table, Holz encountered some bumps along the way, causing him to fall to third on the leaderboard, with Leonard Maue overtaking the chip lead and Fuchs right on his heels in second.

Once the final table began, the chips were being spread around the table, with the short stack doubling up multiple times throughout a level of play. However, Punnat Punsri became the first casualty, after losing a race to Holz.

After a few more levels of no knockouts, Fuchs increased his aggression and found himself with the chip lead as the final break of the evening approached, holding more than double the chips of Muehloecker in second place. It was past 1:00 a.m. local time, and with eight players still remaining, the tournament director informed them that they could either bag up and return the next day to finish the tournament or they could continue playing for a few more levels. All the players agreed they wanted to go as long as possible, and the play continued.

However, as it turned out, time would not be an issue for the players. After Suvarna was knocked out by Hopkins in eighth, Fuchs took matters into his own hands. He first eliminated Felipe Boianovsky, followed by Holz, Hopkins, Maue, and finally, Muehloecker, after flushing him out on the river to set up a heads-up match with Seo.

Fuchs reflected on his performance at the final table, saying, Once I got the chip lead, it was pretty much a smooth ride. Everyone was pretty shallow because no one busted for a couple of hours. He added, I just knew the spots and ran well.

Heads Up

Fuchs entered heads-up play with a commanding lead, holding approximately 32,600,000 of the 39,000,000 chips in play.

Seo didnt go down without a fight, managing to find one double-up. But just a few hands later, Seo and Fuchs were all-in again, with Seo holding ace-king and Fuchs holding pocket fours. The flop came ace-high but was followed by a four. After the turn and river failed to improve Seo beyond Fuchs' set, Seo was eliminated in second place, and Fuchs claimed the title.

Moonho Seo

That concludes our coverage of the $50,000 No Limit Hold'em High Roller, but be sure to stay tuned to PokerNews as the World Series of Poker Paradise wraps up with the $25,000 Super Main Event, featuring a star-studded final table.
The S.C. State Ports Authority is poised to eclipse the amount of cargo it handled last calendar year, but the threat of more tariffs have had little impact on that growth, according to the head of the maritime agency.

CEO Barbara Melvin said added capacity at the Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston  which reopened in September after a yearslong labor dispute  and a growing Southeast consumer base, particularly in South Carolina, have led to steady levels of cargo growth at the Port of Charleston.

South Carolina was the nation's fastest-growing state in 2023, with a 1.7 percent population increase and a continued strong influx of new residents this year. Its economic growth was fifth-fastest nationally during the second quarter of 2024, at 4.5 percent.

"We're serving imports to the customers who have moved here, and we're still very fortunate in the handling of export cargo that moves through here," Melvin said. "It's really our people, our operations team, the maritime community and the motor carriers who are dedicated to making sure the people who use this port get great service."

The port moved 211,433 cargo boxes measured in 20-foot equivalents in November, a 5 percent increase from a year earlier. Loaded imports have accounted for nearly half of all containers up to and through November.

Charleston's port is now about 183,000 boxes away from surpassing the 2023 total of 2.48 million, which was the highest since the pandemic, when volumes surged. The port has averaged 209,011 containers per month so far this year.

Loaded imports have accounted for nearly 1.45 million containers this year while loaded exports have totaled 606,754 boxes.

The National Retail Federation said U.S. ports are seeing greater import numbers because retailers and others are bringing in goods earlier than normal to get ahead of a possible Jan. 15 strike by dockworkers and because of tariffs promised by President-elect Donald Trump.
MURRELLS INLET  Mike Dapolite didnt expect his Voodoo Brewing Co. location to make it to the end of the year.

On Dec. 4 he announced the Murrells Inlet pub would close by Dec. 8, despite being in business for just 13 months. But an outpouring of support has kept the pub going, and Dapolite aims to soon finalize a long-term deal that will ensure the pub can continue serving patrons.

"It meant the world to me," he said of the community's response.

Dapolite got off to a rough start. The pub's opening was delayed for more than a year due to budgeting and permitting issues. When the launch finally happened, it was the offseason and business was slow.

Even after a full summer, Dapolite wasnt making enough money to keep the doors open. But after the closing announcement, business doubled over the next few days.

Customers flocked to the restaurant to grab a last bite and give their hugs and goodbyes to the staff. Some even asked Dapolite what they could do to help save the business.

Within 24 hours, he said the restaurant had several investors lining up. By the end of the year, he plans to either sell the business or form a partnership with investors.

Inside the Murrells Inlet restaurant, wood pallet tables are surrounded by drawings from local artists including a skeleton head full of beer, a sea turtle and a hamburger dotting the colorful walls. Usually Dapolite can be found chatting with a customer, a trend that has turned customers into friends.

"The locals that come as regulars took an interest in (Voodoo Brewing) themselves," he said. "Theyre part of it. Theyve been here every week or every other week for a year."

Despite the initial closing announcement, the pub had built up its own following in Murrells Inlet where locals found themselves every week whether it was for Saturday karaoke, the live music or just to grab a craft beer after work.
While a project meant to improve driver and pedestrian safety on Folly Road on James Island is progressing, some plans have ruffled the feathers of local business owners.

The road-safety improvements that run along a 5-mile section from Maybank Highway to Old Folly Road are just one part of Rethink Folly Road, a now seven-year-long initiative. According to Shawn Salley, program manager with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, most of the project involves adding sidewalks and upgrading equipment at crosswalks to improve pedestrian visibility.

But one part of the SC 171 Safety Corridor Project includes adding a raised median along a portion of the stretch, which has caused business owners along Folly Road to worry about how accessible their businesses will be.

Rethink Folly Road is a plan that was first adopted in 2016 and aims to balance out all forms of transportation to make commuting along the busy thoroughfare more efficient. DOT is currently in the early stages of designing the safety corridor project and recently hosted a public feedback drop-in meeting in early November to present concepts of it.

Because of the high volume of crashes along the road, the project is part of the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program, which is funding it. Salley estimates costs will be around $10 million to $12 million.

According to a DOT road safety audit, from January 2018 to December 2022 there were more than 2,100 crashes on Folly Road. While only 75 percent of those crashes resulted in property damage, there were six fatal crashes, three involving pedestrians.

But after conducting the audit, Salley said DOT found that a lot more of the serious and fatal crashes come from angle crashes: left turns and sometimes U-turns. The department's solution is to install an intermittent raised concrete median, which is meant to encourage people to turn at existing signals and hopefully eliminate angle crashes.
Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has received ministerial consent to sell its Nigeria onshore oil business to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the approval marks a significant step forward from the announcement of the Sale and Purchase Agreements.

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited is pleased to announce that the Minister of Petroleum Resources has granted his consent to the sale of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to Renaissance. This approval marks a significant step forward from the announcement of the Sale and Purchase Agreements in January 2024, the statement said.

In January, the Nigerian unit of London-based oil supermajor Shell Plc struck a deal with a consortium of five companies, setting the scene for the latter to acquire its onshore business in the country.

The deal was sealed after the company encountered years-long setbacks in its efforts to cede ownership of the assets.

SPDC will get up to $2.4 billion from the transaction including an initial sum of $1.3 billion. A further payment of $1.1 billion relating to prior receivables and cash balances is expected at the consummation of the deal, Shell said at the time.

The deal is a relief for Shell, which has sought to offload the assets since 2021 because running them has been complicated by sabotage, theft and spills, some of which have sparked litigations and environmental liabilities.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

READ ALSO: Shell allays fears on oil export over leakage at Bonny terminal

Earlier in October, SPDC said it is not leaving Nigeria but only shifting its portfolio and further investments to deep offshore.

The Managing Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, explained that the company is concentrating more on the deepwater, where it has a significant technological and financial advantage.

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Since 1958, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has celebrated artistes whose music captivates generations and hits significant US streaming and sales thresholds.

The RIAA has clear and established certification requirements: 500,000 units for Gold, 1 million for Platinum, 2 million for multi-platinum, and 10 million for Diamond.

On Monday, the RIAA recognised the top albums, singles, and first-timers massive achievements in a special year-end report.

Tagged # RIAAClassOf2024, the list features 65 breakout artists who earned their first Gold & Platinum certifications in 2024, with a list spanning five albums and 69 singles.

On the list, Chukwuka Ekweani, popularly known as CKay, has maintained his position as the Nigerian artiste with the highest sales in the United States.

The RIAA named CKays Love Nwantiti the highest-selling Nigerian song in the United States. The hit song earned over 8 million units sold due to its virality on TikTok in 2021.

Love Nwantiti is also the most certified song in the United States. With over 8 million units sold, it is in a peak position as AfroBeats first-ever diamond record. The certification reads, certified 8 million digital singles to date.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

The 29-year-old is also the first Nigerian artiste on Spotify to amass over a billion streams. This was in 2022 for the same song, Love Nwantiti.

Wizkid, Rema, too

In second place, Grammy award-winning Nigerian artiste Wizkid earned that position after his top 10 single, Essence, sold over 4 million units in the United States. This has grown to 6.5 million.

He is also the most certified Nigerian artiste in the United States, with eight certifications. The certification reads, certified 6.5 million singles to date.

Rema is the third best-selling Nigerian artist in the United States, as his song Calm Down has sold over 5 million units. The song has also been declared six times RIAA platinum. Certified 5 million digital singles till date, it reads.

Other successes accumulated by the song include over 1 billion streams on a song in the United States. Its also the first African song to spend over 52 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest-charting Nigerian song on the Billboard Hot 100 with a number 3 peak, and the first to top Billboards radio chart.

Other Nigerian artistes to receive RIAA certifications are Davido, whose single Fall is the first Nigerian song to be certified RIAA Gold; Burna Boy, the Nigerian act with the most Hot 100 entries; and Tems, who holds the record for the first Nigerian artist to debut on the Hot 100.

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While the divestment of IOCs from Nigerias terrain presents manifold challenges, it also offers a unique opportunity for indigenous companies to emerge as key players in the oil and gas sector. With strategic planning and investment in local capabilities, Nigeria can successfully navigate this transition effectively and secure a prosperous future for its energy landscape.

In recent years, international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Africa have been moving to sell off some of their assets and relocate to more profitable, environmentally and socially friendly operational landscapes. While some considered moving from one jurisdiction to another within the continent, others contemplated a complete exit. About 26 oil blocks were to change hands in the process, amid regulatory scrutiny. However, there appears to be a change in direction, as some companies that were considering large-scale divestment are now looking to refocus on deep offshore terrains and cleaner hydrocarbon resources.

No doubt, the divestment of IOCs from Africas hydrocarbon sector has significant implications for the industry, economy and energy security in the continent. It is driven by various factors, including environmental concerns, security issues and a global shift toward renewable energy, precipitating a complex phenomenon that throws up both challenges and opportunities.

The immediate implication is that the exits might lead to a decrease in foreign direct investments, which can adversely affect production levels and revenue generation. It could, as a consequence, impact employment opportunities within the sector and hinder local content development. There is also the concern that a shift in asset ownership may alter the competitive landscape and affect government revenues derived from the sector because IOCs, traditionally, contribute significantly to national income through taxes and royalties. Their departure, therefore, could put a strain on public finances.

The flip side is that such divestments could provide indigenous firms an opportunity to expand their operations and tap into valuable resources previously controlled by IOCs. This transition could unlock substantial reserves and release more than 500 million barrels of oil and three trillion cubic feet of gas if managed effectively. Optimistic as it were, the capacity of local companies to manage these assets generated concerns in some quarters because of the historical lack of investment and expertise by indigenous companies compared to IOCs. This also raised concerns about economic stability, energy security, and environmental stewardship in the region, particularly during the transition period.

These were genuine concerns, but they were not lost on the regulatory authorities in some jurisdictions like Nigeria, as there were moves toward establishing robust regulatory frameworks to effectively navigate the changes and challenges and address the critical concerns, particularly streamlining divestment processes and investing in local capabilities and competencies that will empower domestic companies to not just fill the gap but thrive.

The promptings behind the divestment of IOCs from Africas oil and gas sector are multifaceted. A significant trigger is the global trend towards sustainability, which has compelled many companies to reassess their investments in fossil fuels, a thinking that has remained suspicious within the African and the Gulf hydrocarbon universe. This was given added impetus by local operational challenges, including security issues and environmental concerns that have plagued the sector for decades. Financial liabilities associated with ongoing operations further compounded the situation, leading to a strategic repositioning by IOCs toward greener alternatives.

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The interconnected issues of global trends toward sustainability, local operational challenges and increasing financial liabilities, reflect both external and internal challenges. The global energy transition, pressures related to environmental and social governance (ESGG), security concerns, regulatory challenges in certain jurisdictions, financial considerations and legal liabilities are often cited as significant factors. As these companies exit certain operational jurisdictions, initial concerns have arisen regarding the capacity of local firms to effectively manage the acquired assets, while adhering to environmental standards and addressing community needs.

In Nigeria, Shell was at the forefront of prominent IOCs divesting their assets, selling off substantial portions of its onshore assets due to escalating security risks and environmental accountability pressures. But during the week, it announced a final investment decision (FID) on the Bonga North Deep Offshore Field, a project it is in partnership with NNPC Limited, ExxonMobil, Total Energies and Eni. ExxonMobil is finalising the process of divesting its subsidiary in Nigeria. TotalEnergies recently announced the sale of its stake in multiple oil mining licenses (OMLs) to focus on more sustainable operations. This shift, expectedly, reflects a broader movement within the industry as companies respond to both market dynamics and societal expectations.

Though it is normal for concerns to be raised about the capacity of local firms to effectively manage acquired assets, such concerns are being allayed as some of the indigenous companies on the block, who have demonstrated the capacity to fill the void left by IOCs, are already navigating significant areas of potential challenges related to expertise, technology transfer and adherence to environmental standards. Some, like Seplat Energy and Oando, were already key players in the field and are only expanding their scope of investment in the divestment regime.

As of 19 December, the Federal Government had approved the TotalEnergies/Chappal deal ($860 million), ExxonMobils sale of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) to Seplat Energy ($1.28 billion), Enis divestment of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to Oando Plc ($783 million), and Equinor Nigeria Energys divestment to Project Odinmin Investments ($700 million). The latest is Shells $2.4 billion onshore asset sale to Renaissance Africa Energy. In all these, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the foremost industry regulator, emphasised the importance of a transparent divestment process to ensure that local companies are adequately prepared to take over these operations.

While maintaining that divestment is a business decision within the rights of oil companies, NUPRC Chief Executive, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, emphasised that for the process to be successful, due process must be followed to ensure that both the buyer and seller, government and host communities are all on the same page. He explained that what the industry is experiencing in the form of divestment is portfolio rationalisation, which is common also in other jurisdictions. It gives opportunity for more investment as well as increases local participation in the upstream sector of the petroleum industry.

NUPRC therefore emplaced a seven-point mandatory framework to ensure a smooth transition and responsible management of assets. The key criteria for evaluating successor entities cover technical capacity, financial viability, legal compliance, decommissioning and abandonment (D&A), host community trust and environmental remediation fund, industrial relations and labour issues and data repatriation. Successful companies must go through rigorous procedures to obtain the mandate for acquisition. This framework ensures that only viable companies with the necessary competencies are qualified and approved for the divestment exercise.

The framework demands that the successor entity exhibits a proven ability to operate the asset effectively and efficiently, demonstrating competencies that meet or exceed those of the divesting entity. In addition, all production allocation and cost issues in straddled fields must be resolved before divestment. The regulator assesses the financial stability of the prospective buyer, examining their balance sheet and readiness to execute a defined work programme; and performs due diligence to ensure alignment with state interests, reputation and investment objectives. The acquiring entity must be deemed fit and proper under legal standards, with clear evidence of resolving legacy debts and legal encumbrances. Mechanisms for managing residual liabilities must be established, and a thorough assessment of D&A costs is required to ensure all outstanding obligations are settled.

One of the most contentious aspects of oil operations has been host community issues. The status of Host Community Trust Fund obligations is assessed to ensure the successor entity has robust social inclusion programmes in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021. Compliance with decarbonisation plans and adherence to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are also evaluated. Also, a robust mechanism is implemented to prevent labour disputes during and after the divestment process. The regulator, NUPRC, mandates that all data collected during the assets operational life be repatriated to the National Data Repository (NDR) in accordance with existing regulations.

Last week, Seplat Energy finalised its acquisition of MPNU, marking a significant milestone in the divestment transition and the organisations growth strategy. The transaction started in 2022 but was stalled due to a legal challenge by NNPC Limited. The resolution of that matter, approval by President Bola Tinubu and clearance from NUPRC, saw the transaction gaining traction.

An optimistic Roger Brown, the chief executive officer of Seplat Energy, said, We have acquired a company with one of the best portfolios of assets and related infrastructure in a world-class basin, providing enormous potential for the Seplat Group. Our commitment is to invest to increase oil and gas production, while reducing costs and emissions, maximising value for all stakeholders.

The companys chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, addressed some critical areas of concern and welcomed MPNU employees to Seplat. He was excited about beginning a journey in a new region of the country and emphasised Seplats commitment to replicating the positive impacts achieved in its current operational areas. He stated that the companys mission is to deliver value to all stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with the government, regulators, communities and staff. These remarks by the two principal officers of Seplat reflect the initial concerns over IOCs divestment scare, which led to the emplacement of the strict regulatory framework implemented by NUPRC.

Looking ahead, the future of Africas oil and gas sector hinges on several critical factors. Strengthening local capacity through training and development will be essential for indigenous firms to operate successfully in an increasingly competitive environment. Additionally, regulatory reforms that promote transparency and sustainability will be crucial in attracting investment while ensuring that community needs are addressed. By fostering collaboration between government entities, local operators and international partners, Africa can harness its vast oil and gas resources sustainably and responsibly.

While the divestment of IOCs from Nigerias terrain presents manifold challenges, it also offers a unique opportunity for indigenous companies to emerge as key players in the oil and gas sector. With strategic planning and investment in local capabilities, Nigeria can successfully navigate this transition effectively and secure a prosperous future for its energy landscape.

Akpandem James, a communication strategist, is a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

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The police in Anambra State, Nigerias South-east, say they have arrested three suspected cultists posing as police operatives in the state.

The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday morning by police operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugu Ukwu, Njikoka Council Area of the state.

The police spokesperson identified one of the suspects as Chidi Ekwesiri, a 50-year-old indigene of Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the state.

How they were arrested

Mr Ikenga said Mr Ekwesiri was first arrested when police operatives conducted a surveillance patrol along the Onitsha  Enugu Expressway by UNIZIKs Temporary Site in Awka.

During interrogations, the suspect claimed to be a sergeant and a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos but later denied his earlier claim, the police spokesperson said.

Further information from the suspect led to the arrest of two other suspects who are currently undergoing police interrogation, he stated.

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Mr Ikenga said the police operatives later recovered one automatic pump action gun and a police uniform from the suspects.

He said Mr Ekwesiri has confessed that the gun was given to him by a yet-to-be-identified man at Ukpo, another community in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnaghe Obono, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for investigation.

The suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigations, he said.

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Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has disbursed 492 million to 41 women cooperative groups under a scheme supported by the World Bank.

The governor presented cheques to the group at a ceremony on Wednesday, where he also commissioned a rice processing centre under the scheme  the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP).

The centre is in Nassarawa Izom 2 in Gwachipe, Gurara Local Government Area.

Governor Bago commended the women groups for demonstrating commitment to the project.

The project is a collaborative effort between the World Bank and the Niger State Government to support women in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Ibrahim, commended the women for establishing the groups.

She commended the governor for providing counterpart funding and urged the women to take ownership of the project to ensure its sustainability.

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Governor Bago and the minister presented the cheques to the 41 groups under the Niger State NFWP.

The funds are earmarked as operational support to strengthen rice production and processing in the state.

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The police in Anambra State have urged the public, especially residents of Onitsha and Ihiala, to assist with the efforts to locate the parents of a 15-year-old boy, Chibuike Onyebuchi.

Chibuike, who hails from Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, was allegedly abducted in Onitsha and found recently in Kogi State, Nigerias North-central region.

The police spokesperson in Anambra, Tochukwu Ikenga, said this when he addressed reporters on Thursday in Awka.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said Chibuike was in the safe custody of the police in Kogi State.

He said that during an interview with police operatives, Chibuike said he was abducted in Onitsha and taken to an unknown location before his escape.

To this end, the command seeks the assistance of the public to help disseminate widely alongside the attached picture for possible identification and reunification with his family.

(NAN)

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The two chambers of the National Assembly have adjourned plenary sessions for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the adjournment during Thursdays plenary.

He said both the Senate and the House of Representatives would reconvene on 14 January 2025.

Mr Akpabio, however, said senators who are members of the crucial ad hoc committees may be recalled from holiday in line with parliamentary practices.

He also urged the senators to submit reports of their committees for the year, including the ad hoc and conference reports of committees for both chambers.

Those who were in charge of ad hoc committees that must report to us as soon as we come back, please get your report ready. Then, those who are in charge of conference committees to ensure that they marry the provisions of both Chambers, get your reports ready so that when we come back in January, we can get started.

If theres a need to call you back in line with legislative practice while youre on holiday, we will do so. Dont forget that youre on reserve. You can be called back anytime if theres a need so that we can convene on a national interest, he added.

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Mr Akpabio, thereafter, wished his colleagues a merry Christmas and happy New Year celebration.

He prayed to God to protect the senators and their families during and after the celebrations.

On behalf of the leadership of the Senate, I want to thank you for your contributions to the Senate throughout the year. We wish you Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year in advance and for particularly, our Christian brethren.

I want to say God Almighty will bless you and Almighty Allah will definitely bless your new year. No tragedy will touch all your families. You will go and come back in good health. May God be with you and with your families. May you come back to continue the service to your fatherland, he said.

Mr Akpabio thanked the senators for their support for his administration.

On that note, I thank you personally for your continued support. This Senate stands adjourned to the 14th day of January, 2025.

The House of Representatives has also adjourned its plenary till 14 January.

While announcing the adjournment, Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu, who presided over Wednesdays plenary, appealed to the House Committee on Appropriations members to forgo their holiday to commence work on the 2025 budget.

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A coalition of civil society organisations has urged the National Assembly to block Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) from selling its onshore oil business in Nigeria to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.

The group also called for the suspension of further divestments by international oil companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta region.

This appeal was made on Thursday during a press briefing at the House of Representatives Media Centre.

Forty-one organisations signed the statement.

Speaking for the coalition, the Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, said the IOCs have existing obligations in the region, and as such, the divestment should be halted.

He stated that many of the companies have caused environmental degradation in the region without providing adequate remediation, adding that the divestment would transfer these responsibilities to other parties.

To allow Shell, TotalEnergies, or any other company to walk away from their responsibilities would mean transferring these liabilities to the Nigerian state, the Niger Delta states, and the Nigerian people.

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This is an unjust and unsustainable burden that would further exacerbate the challenges faced by communities already suffering from the effects of pollution and environmental neglect, he said.

The deal

SPDC is expected to receive up to $2.4 billion from the transaction, including an initial sum of $1.3 billion.

A further payment of $1.1 billion, relating to prior receivables and cash balances, is expected upon the deals consummation, Shell said in a statement on Tuesday.

Renaissance, the buyer, comprises locally based energy firms, including ND Western, Waltersmith, Aradel Energy, Petrolin, and First E&P.

The deal provides relief for Shell, which has sought to offload the assets since 2021 due to challenges such as sabotage, theft, and spills, some of which have resulted in litigation and environmental liabilities.

Past divestments

The coalition noted that similar divestments in the past have left communities shortchanged.

It said Shell, ENI/AGIP, ExxonMobil and other IOCs have previously conducted similar transactions without addressing the environmental impact of decades of exploration.

There is Shells divestment to Aiteo in Nembe. This divestment has resulted in unresolved pollution, with no comprehensive plan for addressing the environmental damage caused by years of oil extraction. Instead of remediating the pollution, the new operator, Aiteo, has failed to act on the urgent need for cleanup, and the environmental situation has only worsened, the coalition noted.

READ ALSO: Shell gets approval to sell onshore oil business in Nigeria

It also cited the sale of assets by ENI/AGIP to Oando and others by ExxonMobil.

ExxonMobils sale of assets has led to an inadequate transfer of responsibility for remediation to new operators, who were not equipped to manage the contamination left behind. The result has been prolonged environmental degradation, it said.

Some activists present at the briefing included the Programme Officer of Social Action, Botti Issac; the Country Representative of Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi; and the Executive Director of Tubali Women Initiative, Hauwa Mustapha.

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Governor Dikko Radda has signed the Katsina State 2025 budget N692.2 billion into law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor submitted NN682,244,449,513,87 to the state assembly for consideration and approval.

Recurrent expenditures are N157.9 billion, representing 23.15 per cent, while capital expenditures are N524.2 billion, representing 76.85 per cent.

The budget, tagged Building Your Future II, has an increase of N200.5 billion compared to 2024.

Signing the document on Wednesday in Katsina, Mr Radda said the budget had a slight increase of N10 billion against the initial estimate.

He lauded the state assembly for working tirelessly to ensure that the state has a budget that will promote development activities in the 2025 fiscal year.

The governor also acknowledged the diligent work of the MDAs to ensure the state has a budget that will guide the administration.

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Our budget is one of the shining examples in budget performance in 2024; I believe we have done extremely well, the governor said.

Mr Radda explained that the 2025 budget prioritised capital projects, with education leading, followed by agriculture.

He noted that capital projects would make citizens more lively, improve life, and reduce poverty in society.

The governor equally commended the state assemblys efforts for carrying out their oversight function thoroughly in 2024.

He urged the legislators to continue working to achieve optimum transparency, accountability, and good governance for the state.

Earlier, the Speaker of the Katsina State House Assembly, Nasir Yahaya-Daura, described the 2025 budget as the product of a rigorous legislative process.

ALSO READ: Katsina govt partners SFH to improve sexual reproductive health

He said the lawmakers were proud to have worked tirelessly to ensure that the budget reflected the peoples needs and aspirations.

After a careful review during the budget defence by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, N10 billion was added to the budget.

This gives us a total sum of N692,244,449,513,87 against the previous N682,244,449,513,87 submitted by the governor.

We are confident that with this budget, more progress will be recorded across the state, he concluded.

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The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Ahuja, on Thursday, granted former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

The former governor and two others are facing an fraud charges involving N110 billion allegedly diverted from Kogi State governments coffers.

He had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The trial judge, Maryanne Anenih, had on 10 December, refused the ex-governors bail application, saying it was filed prematurely.

While delivering the initial ruling, she said Mr Bellos earlier bail application was incompetent, having been filed when the he was neither in custody nor before the court,

PREMIUM TIMES reported that governor had the opportunity to refile the application, which he did.

When the case was called for hearing on Thursday, the former governors lawyer, Joseph Daudu, informed the court that the defence had filed a further affidavit in response to the counter-affidavit filed and served by the prosecution.

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He, however, applied to withdraw the further affidavit, saying, We do not want to make the matter contentious.

There was no objection from the prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, who is, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The court, therefore, granted the application for withdrawal, striking out the further affidavit.

Mr Daudu, also a SAN, informed the court that discussions had taken place with the leader of the prosecution team resulting in an agreement to ensure a speedy trial.

In light of this understanding, Mr Daudu urged the court to grant the bail application.

He further requested to graciously grant the defendant bail in the same conditions as she granted the other defendants

He urged the court to broaden the scope of properties to be used as bail sureties to include locations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), rather than limiting the location solely to Maitama.

Mr Enitan acknowledged that Mr Daudu had been in talks with the prosecution team.

In accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), the EFCCs lawyer gave assurance of their cooperation in expediting the trial.

He said, I confirm the evidence given by the distinguished member of the bar that is leading the Defence, J.B. Daudu, SAN, that he has been in conversation with the leader of the prosecuting team.

As with the legal tradition that we should cooperate with members of the bar when it does not affect the course of justice, we have decided not to make this contentious, bearing in mind that no matter how industrious the defence counsel might be in pushing forward the application for bail and no matter how vociferous the prosecution counsel can argue against the bail application, your lordship is bound by your discretion to grant or not to grant the application.

We are therefore leaving this to your lordships discretion.

Ruling

Delivering her ruling, Mrs Anenih acknowledged that the offence the 1st Defendant was charged with was a bailable one and granted the ex-governor bail in the sum of N500 million, with three sureties in like sum.

The sureties must be notable Nigerians with landed property in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki and Asokoro.

Mr Bello was also ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court. He is to remain at Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met, the judge ordered.

The judge had earlier fixed 29 January 2025 for commencement of trial in the case.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, where Mr Bello also faces N80 billion money laundering charges, has earlier granted him bail and fixed date for commencement of trial.

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The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has advised the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Muhammad, to shelve his plan to site the headquarters of a proposed chiefdom for the Sayawa people in Tafawa Balewa town.

There has been a long-standing dispute among the various ethnic and religious groups over the creation of the chiefdom and the seat of its traditional ruler.

Governor Muhammad had at a stakeholders meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, announced that the headquarters would be in Tafawa Balewa, a town claimed by other groups.

He said communities not of Sayawa extraction are free to decide whether to remain in the proposed chiefdom or to be moved elsewhere.

He stated their choices would be determined through a referendum to be conducted by the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) within the stipulated period.

Mr Mohammad said the state government would appoint a paramount ruler for the chiefdom, to be known as the Gunn Zaar, with his seat in Tafawa Balewa.

However, the highest Islamic organisation in Nigeria urged the governor to reconsider the plan.

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The NSCIA in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Is-haq Oloyede, a professor, warned that the move risks threatening the peace of the area.

Below is the full statement of the NSCIA on the matter

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, has been following matters and issues concerning Tafawa- Balewa since 1991 when the first ethno-religious disturbance occurred. Since then, there had been intermittent clashes and conflicts in the town and its environs.

Previous and incumbent governors in the State have made efforts at restoring peace and ensuring harmonious co-existence. These efforts have been responsible for the relative peace that has been enjoyed in the area, though it is in a way, peace of the grave yard since Muslims have been completely displaced from the town for about 14 years now.

The Council can state on authority that one matter that has remained intractable in the Tafawa-Balewa crises is the issue of the Sayawa Chiefdom. Again, the bone of contention has been the issue of the siting of the headquarters of the Chiefdom.

It is pertinent to state HERE that the Bauchi Emirate Council and the Muslim Community of Tafawa-Balewa have both conceded to the creation of the Chiefdom in the interest of peace. Both have also unequivocally rejected the siting of its headquarters in Tafawa-Balewa.

All Committees appointed by successive regimes in the State consistently recommended the siting of the Chiefdom in Bogoro. The administration of His Excellency, Governor Isa Yuguda, even went to the extent of sending a bill to the State House of Assembly in 2014 on the Chiefdom, clearly stating Bogoro as the headquarters of the Chiefdom.

The matter could have been concluded but for the objection of the Sayawa people who would not accept the Chiefdom as long as Tafawa-Balewa is not its headquarters.

Strikingly also, even the Committee appointed by His Excellency, Governor Bala AbdulKadir Muhammad, under the chairmanship of His Excellency, Ambassador Chinade did not recommend the siting of the Chiefdom in Tafawa-Balewa.

It is instructive to state here that, there are several reasons that prevented all the committees from recommending the siting of the headquarters of the Chiefdom at Tafawa-Balewa. These include historical, moral political and demographic reasons.

Historically, the town was founded and named by the Fulanis and had existed for more than four centuries before the first Sayawa man settled in the town in the 1960s. Morally, after perpetrating series of aggression against Muslims and killing hundreds of them in the town, nobody in his right conscience would think of offering it to them as the headquarters of their Chiefdom.

Demographically and politically, the Sayawa people for whom the Chiefdom would be purportedly created are more predominant in Bogoro L.G.A. than in Tafawa-Balewa L.G.A. where they have only two wards out of sixteen and Tafawa-Balewa is located within a Village Area that is religiously and ethnically heterogenous.

The Council, like many other peace-loving individuals and groups, has advised the Governor against this plan.

For all the reasons stated above it is very clear that the planned siting of the headquarters of the Sayawa Chiefdom in Tafawa-Balewa by the Governor is not in the interest of peace, nor is it in consonance with principle of justice and moral rectitude. It is on this note that we hereby call on the Governor to change his plan and explore options that are more attuned to justice and equity as well as enduring peaceful, harmonious co-existence in the Area.

Finally, the Council unequivocally rejects the plan of the governor to site the headquarters of the Sayawa Chiefdom in Tafawa-Balewa because it is a recipe for ethno-religious conflicts.

Signed.

Professor Is-haq Oloyede, CON, FNAL

Secretary-General

For and on behalf of the NSCIA

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The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has written the founder of the Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, to notify him of the commencement of flight operations at Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and to appreciate him for his financial support for the actualisation of the project.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had granted a license to the government to commence non-scheduled flight operations at the airport for six months from 13 December to 15 June 2025.

The Ekiti governors letter, titled: Letter of Appreciation, and dated 18 December, was personally delivered to the senior lawyer at the university by the governor on Thursday.

The letter reads in part: On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I am delighted to formally express our heartfelt appreciation for the assistance you provided to the Ekiti State Government during the construction of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.

I am delighted to inform you that on 11th December 2024, we obtained clearance from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to commence non-scheduled flight operations for 6 months from 13 December 2024 to 15 June 2025. Your financial contribution for the purchase of navigational aids (CVOR/DME), control tower communications equipment and the construction of the car pack, was invaluable to the accomplishment, and we are immensely grateful for your willingness to help

Sir, I wish to notify you that the NCAA has outlined conditions for the actualisation of the full commercial flight operation status which includes installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) to enhance the flight operational capacity of the airport and we will count on your unflinching support.

Once again, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to our shared passion and goals of development and prosperity for our dear Ekiti State. You are highly appreciated Sir, and please accept the assurances of my best wishes, as always.

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Babalola speaks

In his response to the letter, Mr Babalola said it was a good beginning, noting that if things had been as the governor was doing in the last three years, we wouldnt be where we are today.

He thanked Mr Oyebanji for what he described as his commitment on the project. I thank you for all you have been doing and still doing.

He said: Without a viable and functional transportation system, a state, a country is doomed. When America was discovered, there were no roads. But gradually and eventually, the whole area was tarred and the whole area evolved to becoming a state (country) that is a clear leader in the comity of nations today.

You know as much as I do that people cant come to Ekiti because of the bad road network. As a matter of fact, many organizations that promised to come and invest in Ekiti State cannot actualize their dream because the state is land-locked, airport-locked, railway-locked and industry-locked. But all that is beginning to change and it will change to the advantage of all of us.

READ ALSO:Ekiti State Govt launches agricultural development cluster to boost food security

With this airport, there will be many job opportunities for our people. People coming in and out of the state will buy from our various markets. When people are gainfully employed, there will be no hunger. When there is no hunger, there will be no anger. And when there is no anger, there will be no violence.

Mr Babalola promised that he, alongside his investments, Ekiti elites and partners would cooperate with the governor to make the state one of the best and safest states to operate and invest in in the country. We will support you in all ways.

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The House of Representatives has extended the capital component of the 2024 budget until June 2025.

The extension was approved on Thursday following an amendment to the 2024 Appropriations Act.

The amendment, sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, was introduced during the plenary session.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the National Assembly would extend the life of the budget to allow for its full implementation.

The amendment proposed by the House leader went through all the legislative processes during Thursdays plenary.

However, it remains unclear why the House insisted on extending the life of the budget, given that President Bola Tinubu, during the budget presentation, stated that the government had expended 21.60 trillion as of the third quarter, representing 85 per cent of planned spending.

Also, the president did not officially request an extension.

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The Senate had on Wednesday extended the implementation of the 2024 budget till June.

Lawmakers go on holiday

Meanwhile, the House has adjourned for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The lawmakers are not expected to resume until 14 January.

While announcing the holiday, Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu appealed to the House Committee on Appropriations members to forgo their holiday to commence work on the 2025 budget.

This adjournment confirms that the Tinubu administration will not stick to the January-to-December budget cycle, at least for the 2025 fiscal year.

Over the past five years, the National Assembly and the executive had successfully established the January-to-December fiscal cycle by ensuring the annual budget was passed and signed into law before 31 December.

In the past 18 months, however, Mr Tinubu has made his position on the budget cycle clear. First, he extended the 2023 budget to the end of 2024, and he has consistently submitted budgets late.

Last year, the National Assembly was compelled to pass the budget within 30 days to maintain the cycle, as the president submitted the proposal on 29 November 2023.

This time, the president presented the budget less than two weeks before the end of the year, making it practically impossible for the National Assembly to pass it on time.

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Olamide Thomas, the nurse and activist arrested over her social media remarks against President Bola Tinubu, is receiving medical treatment at the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital, Garki, Abuja, after slumping in custody, her lawyer, Ernest Okpaga, told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday.

The lawyer said Ms Thomas suffers from asthma and peptic ulcer, adding that she had been bleeding since Monday.

Mr Okpaga told our correspondent that despite Ms Thomas several complaints concerning her conditions, the police officers at the Nigeria Police Force Cyber-Crime Centre (NCCC) in Abuja, where she is detained, refused to provide her medical care until she slumped on Thursday.

Ms Thomas, who was arrested by the police at dawn at home in Shomolu, Lagos, last Friday, was flown to Abuja and handed over to the NCCC on Saturday.

Mr Okpaga said she finished writing a statement shortly before slumping in an interrogation room of the NCCC on Thursday.

The lawyer, who said he was with Ms Thomas on Thursday, recalled that he left the interrogation room after she finished writing her statement.

However, he said he had barely got to the gate of the NCCC premises when he heard officers shouting his name to come back.

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I came back and enquired what the issue was. I was told that Thomas Abiodun had collapsed shortly after making her statement, he said.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi did not respond to enquiries over the development on Thursday. Mr Adejobi has not responded to any of our reporters enquiries since the arrest and detention of Ms Thomas.

Arrest

The police had arrested Ms Thomas last Friday for her remarks cursing the children of President Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and the Force PRO, Mr Adejobi, in a live Facebook video.

She live-streamed the video on her Facebook page on 20 October, shortly after she was reportedly brutalised by police officers during the #EndSARS memorial procession at the Lekki Tollgate.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Ms Thomas, who was arrested at home in Shomolu, Lagos State, at dawn on Friday, was denied administrative bail at Panti Police Station, Yaba, Lagos.

She was flown to Abuja on Saturday, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

Our reporter gathered that upon arrival in Abuja, she was handed over to the cybercrime unit of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), and was later transferred to the NPF NCCC, where she slumped on Thursday.

In the video that led to her arrest, she expressed deep grievances, invoking divine power and issuing severe condemnations directed at Mr Tinubu, Mr Egbetokun, and Mr Adejobi. Made in her moment of pain and sense of injustice by the police, her remarks included curses foretelling loss and tragedy against them.

The distressed activist was seen in the video pleading with bystanders to pour water on her head, seemingly after inhaling teargas.

Lawyer Okpaga narrates ordeal

Mr Okpaga said police officers refused to give her client medical care despite her complaints of bleeding since Monday.

He added that the police also denied him and Ms Thomas family members access to her.

He further said he urged the police to take the detainee to the hospital for emergency medical attention to no avail.

He said, after she slumped on Thursday, the police officers opted to lock him up together with Ms Thomas in the interrogation room instead of rushing her to the hospital.

I attempted resisting them from dragging me to lock me up as ordered by the Assistant Director Admin in NCCC and I was assaulted and beaten by the police officers, he added.

Mr Okpaga said the officers later rushed her client to the hospital at Area 11 Garki Abuja, where she is currently admitted and receiving medical treatment.

#EndSARS memorial

On 20 October, police reportedly arrested about 23 activists who had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest. Officers initially dispersed the crowd using teargas before detaining the activists and transporting them in a Black Maria to Panti Police Station in Yaba, where they were held.

The date marks the tragic events of 20 October 2020, when Nigerian security forces, particularly the Army, opened fire on peaceful protesters at the tollgate, which had become the epicentre of the dayslong #EndSARS movement against police brutality. Many were injured or killed during the incident.

Since then, 20 October has been observed by Nigerians to honour the victims and reflect on the struggle against police highhandedness and systemic governance issues. However, the police have consistently blocked #EndSARS memorial gatherings at the site each year.

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Ogunjimis appointment as acting accountant-general arrives during a critical period in Nigerias economic landscape. With increasing demands for accountability in public spending and a pressing need to optimise dwindling revenues, he is expected to lead Nigerias public finance system toward greater efficiency.

During an editorial meeting at the Economic Confidential, discussions turned to the likely successor for the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF). Two members confidently predicted Shamseldeen Ogunjimi would take over from Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, who was set to retire on the 7th of March. According to public service regulations, she should commence her pre-retirement leave well ahead of that date.

A seasoned expert in public sector finance, accounting, and governance, Ogunjimi emerged as a strong candidate. A staff writer at Economic Confidential, who has covered the economic and financial sectors for nearly a decade, endorsed Ogunjimis candidacy based on his extensive experience and qualifications.

The staff writer disclosed that Ogunjimis career spans various sectors, with a wealth of experience in both the public and private domains. Before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his current acting appointment, Ogunjimi served as the Director of Financial Reforms, Finance and Accounts at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), a role he assumed on 9 February, 2023. Prior to this, he was the Director of Treasury Revenues at the Nigerian Ports Authority from 15 November, 2022, to 9 February, 2023, and has held directorial roles at the Code of Conduct Bureau, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

It was therefore not surprising when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through his media aide, announced Ogunjimis appointment as acting accountant-general of the federation which took effect on 10 December.

Born on 27 November, 1967, in Lagos State, Ogunjimi has dedicated over three decades to advancing his knowledge and expertise in finance, accounting, and governance. His academic credentials are impressive, featuring a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as well as Masters degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Accounting at Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Ogunjimis earlier positions include roles at the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, and the Nigerian Navy Headquarters. In the private sector, he has worked with Trust Yields Securities Ltd, ICON Stockbrokers Ltd, Lagos State Public Works Corporation, and Humana Diagnostic & Heart Centre.

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As Director of Financial Reforms, Finance, and Accounts, Ogunjimi played a pivotal role in modernising Nigerias financial management systems. His international expertise was particularly highlighted during his tenure as the project accountant for the World Bank-assisted Economic Reforms and Governance Project.

Recognised as a sought-after international keynote speaker, Ogunjimi has shared his insights on issues related to fraud, corruption, audit, and governance. He was notably invited to speak at the inaugural Africa Fraud and Corruption Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, organised by the MIS Training Institute, London, in March 2011. Additionally, he delivered a keynote address at the Audit and Governance Nigeria summit at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos in May 2013.

Ogunjimis professional affiliations are extensive. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, and the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers of Nigeria. He is also a governing council adviser for the Certified Fraud Examiner, USA, and holds fellowships with the Institute of Public Accountants of Australia, the Institute of Financial Accountants in the UK, and the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria. Furthermore, he is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, UK; a full member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments, UK; and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance, USA. He is also an Authorised Dealer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Ogunjimis appointment as acting accountant-general arrives during a critical period in Nigerias economic landscape. With increasing demands for accountability in public spending and a pressing need to optimise dwindling revenues, he is expected to lead Nigerias public finance system toward greater efficiency. As he embarks on this new chapter, Ogunjimi is well-positioned to leverage his extensive experience and expertise to drive fiscal reforms and ensure transparency in government finance.

Rahma Oladosu writes from the PRNigeria Centre in Abuja.

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He is still, no doubt, the man who cares about understanding public policies and developing solutions to national challenges. Since I started relating with him, he has come across as a man who believes in tasking himself or his aides about the need to constantly develop solutions to challenges in governance. He believes that every thorny and intractable national problem lingers because those who are in charge have not been persistent, consistent, and deliberate in seeking deep-rooted, radical solutions.

In the past ten years, he has been like a paradox. The more I think that nothing has changed about Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who turned 62 today, the more I also see his new sides. This is a man who after he left public office, has continued to serve his country, political party, community, faith, creator, and humanity, at different levels such that he remains busy and his attention is sought across many fronts.

His itinerary remains filled to the brim, such that many associates have to be assigned the responsibility of representing him at important occasions. This is part of what has remained the same with him, even when his position has changed. Like when he was in office as Governor, Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Senator, and President of the Senate, his relevance has remained undiminished. Up till today, he would arrive at public functions and become the centre of attraction.

Even when he is not under pressure to deliver on promises to the electorate, he has continued to immerse himself in public policy analysis, discussing national issues with friends, associates, and aides.

As it was before 2019, he still spends long hours at his desk in the office located in his residence, attending to issues, persons, businesses, and family. While he has slowed down on attending political gatherings in recent times, he keeps in touch with political associates at the national level. He enjoys discussing current national, partisan, and international issues with people who come around to see him, such that the regular lunch on his brown dining table has oftentimes turned out to be sessions for the exchange of ideas and providing insights.

He is still, no doubt, the man who cares about understanding public policies and developing solutions to national challenges. Since I started relating with him, he has come across as a man who believes in tasking himself or his aides about the need to constantly develop solutions to challenges in governance. He believes that every thorny and intractable national problem lingers because those who are in charge have not been persistent, consistent, and deliberate in seeking deep-rooted, radical solutions.

A very humorous man, his jokes are sometimes like those of the typical British. They are meant to draw out certain information from you and sometimes to give you a hint about the information that you do not ordinarily want to share, but which is already available to him. If you know him very well, when these jokes are put forward as a question, you should be reluctant to answer, so that you do not end up falling into his trap.

Those who know the stuff with which he is made believe that the country has under-utilised his ability to take on difficult assignments and refuse to give in until the knotty issues are cracked. It is for this reason that after over one decade of tackling the formulation of a comprehensive and effective law to govern the nations petroleum industry, it was the Eighth Senate under Saraki that gave the country the insight into how to forge forward and how to deconstruct the ossified challenge that had become a behemoth. Though the Buhari regime frustrated the passage of the law piecemeal, as achieved by the Eighth National Assembly, that breakthrough gave insight into the succeeding session of the National Assembly on how to consolidate the various bills and get them passed as one law. The nation experienced a similar situation with the Police Reform Act, Company and Allied Matters, CAMA, (Amendment) Act, and the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2022.

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Dr Saraki remains a rallying force among past and serving senators on some key issues. In the PDP, he remains a national leader. Throughout last year, he came under serious pressure from leaders of the party across the country to become national chairman. He staved off all entreaties in this direction by insisting he did not need to hold any office to help put the party in good stead to successfully challenge the ruling APC.

In his community back at home in Kwara State, he remains the foremost donor to all good causes. He sponsors scholarship programmes for university students, provides social amenities for the benefit of the masses, funds health services to the needy, feeds the Muslim faithful during Ramadan, provides financial and material succour to people during fasting and festive periods, distributes fertiliser and herbicides to farmers during planting season, and generally provides help to people. He has continued to make so many interventions in the lives of many ordinary Nigerians directly or through his Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation.

Yours truly has been a beneficiary of the generosity of this philanthropist. He paid for my surgery in Egypt when affliction struck me. The fast rate at which he responded to the distress call made to him on my behalf was amazing. I know he had done the same thing for many people who have not had the opportunity or platform to mention the gestures publicly.

He is perhaps one person who is out of the office and still has the grade-A relevance that made it look like nothing has changed between when he was holding powerful posts and now that he is just an influential citizen. This assertion was given expression by how the entire national elite, the international community, and the less privileged people came together to mourn with his family when his mother, Chief (Mrs) Florence Morenike Saraki died last June.

From President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, federal and state legislators, governors, ministers, members of the diplomatic community, royal fathers, religious leaders, heads of government agencies, the leadership of various associations of people living with disability, artisans, and many youths, partisan and non-partisan organisations, they all came together in support of the celebration of life and funeral ceremonies in honour of Mama Saraki.

Also, one of the things that has changed about him is that in his 62 years on earth, it is the first time he would have a birthday without his mother, Chief (Mrs) Florence Morenike Saraki, being around to pray for him. The man whose siblings believe has a magic wand that works on all issues with their mother is now a complete orphan.

He is also a man who has learnt to spend more time glorifying the name of his maker for His many favours on him. Just a few months ago, he produced the third generation of United Kingdom-trained medical doctors in his family as his daughter, Teniola, qualified as a medical doctor. Teniola follows the footsteps of her late grandfather, Oloye Olusola Saraki, and her dad, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who are also medical doctors.

While it is too early to read the mind of the Waziri of Ilorin, Turaki Raya Kazan Nupe, and Dan Iyan Kaura Namoda (Kebbi State), one may just safely believe he would, for now, be watching events before deciding how to navigate his way forward. I wish him a happy birthday and many happy returns.

Yusuph Olaniyonu, a journalist and lawyer, writes from Abuja.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the revocation of 762 plots of land belonging to some prominent Nigerians and corporate organisations for failing to pay for the Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) of the properties in Abuja.

Mr Wike also threatened to withdraw the Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) of 614 other individuals and companies if they fail to pay outstanding bills for their plots within two weeks.

The plots are located in the high-brow Maitama 1 District of the federal capital.

These are contained in two separate public notices issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Amongst those whose C-of-O were revoked, according to the notice, are Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation owned by former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Secretary to his Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and his wife, Regina.

Others are former Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Ben Ayade of Cross River, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, Shaaba Lafiagi of Kwara, Ahmad Sani of Zamfara and Kabiru Gaya of Kano.

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Former and serving federal lawmakers affected are Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abdul Ningi, Sunday Karimi, Abdulfatai Buhari, Dino Melaye, Barnabas Gemade, Shehu Sani, Adeyemi Adaramodu, Abba Moro, Danjuma Laah and Abdulmumin Jibrin.

Agom Jarigbe, Obinna Chidoka, Nicholas Mutu, Dan Reneiju, Ezenwa Oyewuchi, Chinyere Igwe, David Umaru, Oluwole Oke and Oker Jev are other former and serving lawmakers whose plots were withdrawn.

The notice said, The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform the allottee (s)/title holder (s) of plots of land in Maitama 1 who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills after the expiration of grace period granted by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property have been withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills.

Section 28 of the Land Use Act, to which the FCTA notice referred, stipulates how landed properties vested in individuals can be revoked by authorities. Subsection Five (5) empowers state governors (the Minister of the FCT in the case of Abuja) to revoke a statutory right of occupancy on the ground of-

(a) a breach of any of the provisions which a certificate of occupancy is by section 10 of this Act deemed to contain;

(b) a breach of any term contained in the certificate of occupancy or in any special contract made under section 8 of this Act.

The non-payment of statutory fees by landowners are considered violations for which allocated plots can be revoked.

Lawmaker affected by Wikes order

Two former Presidents of the Nigerian senate, Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, are among those the FCTA asked to pay their outstanding bills or lose their plots.

Messrs Ayu and Ebute served in the botched Third Republic.

Former and serving lawmakers also on the list are the Chief Whip of the Senate, Tahir Monguno, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, Nnenna Ukeje, Obinna Chidoka, Dapo Lam-Adesina, Leo Ogor, Francis Alimkhena, Smart Adeyemi and Lynda Ikpeazu.

Others are Andy Uba, Biodun Olujimi, Agom Jarigbe, Kingsley Chinda, and Ben Obi.

Former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu, former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah and the incumbent Deputy Governor of Edo State Dennis Idahosa, were also threatened with revocation.

Mr Egwu is also a former education minister and senator while Ms Oduah also represented Anambra North in the upper chamber.

Mr Idahosa was until last month a member of the House of Representatives.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration hereby informs the general public, particularly allotee (s)/title holder (s) of land in the Maitama 1 District of the FCT who have since made payment of their outstanding Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills to as a matter of urgency pay the balance of their bills within two weeks from the date of this publication or have their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles withdrawn, the notice said.

In October, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the FCTA issued a threat to revoke the plots if the owners failed to pay within two weeks.

Some of those listed in the notice at the time are not on the current list, suggesting that they may have complied.

Wikes earlier revocation of land

Mr Wike assumed office as minister in August 2023. Shortly afterwards, in September, he announced the revocation of certificate of occupancy of 165 plots in Abuja.

In a notice issued on Thursday by the FCTs Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, the minister revoked the rights to the land because the owners failed to develop them.

Some of the lands belonged to prominent Nigerians including the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi; a former governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke; a former Minister of National Planning, Udo Udoma; a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ufot Ekaette; a former Edo North senator, Victor Oyofo; and the late publisher of the Leadership newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah.

Others were a former Supreme Court justice and Chairman of the 2005 National Conference, Niki Tobi; a former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi; Chidinma, wife of a former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka; and Paul Nwabiukwu, media aide to the Director General of WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Some corporate entities also had their allocation revoked. BUAs allocation of plot 335 in Katampe was listed, Julius Berger Nigeria also lost plot 2217 in Katampe, while Honeywell Construction Limited lost plot 653 in Idu industrial area.

Last November, Mr Wike said he would not mind hurting the rich in the reforms he was introducing in the territory.

He said the priority of the FCTA was public good.

When we make the right decision, some people will be happy, and some will not. The rich will kick against some of our decisions, but anything that will help our people must be done, he said.

Mr Wike a former governor of Rivers State, also pegged the cost of obtaining a C-of-O at N5 million, with a four month window for payment.

He vowed to end multiple allocations of same plot to different people.

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The Niger House of Assembly has passed the 2025 budget estimate of N1.5 trillion to the governor for assent.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Planning and Appropriation, Zubairu Ismaila, who presented the report during plenary in Minna on Thursday, said the committee made some adjustments to the budget.

Mr Ismaila said that the adjustments did not affect the overall budget size, but rather re-allocated funds to various sectors.

He said the committee observed that the budget was submitted late, resulting in hasty scrutiny to ensure speedy passage.

He urged the executive arm to submit the budget to the legislature at least three months before the end of the year for proper scrutiny and timely passage.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Governor Umaru Bago presented the proposal to the House on 12 December.

(NAN)

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the suspended chairpersons of the 18 local councils in Edo State to its office for interrogation.

The EFCC invitation was contained in a letter by the agencys Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol, and addressed to the Secretary to the Edo State Government.

In a letter dated 17 December, Mr Chukkol directed the chairpersons of Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, and Esan West to report to its office on Thursday, 19 December (today).

Others also expected at the commission on Thursday are the chairpersons of Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West local governments.

The remaining chairpersons from Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode local governments are scheduled to report on Friday, 20 December.

The commissions director of investigation requested that the chairpersons come with certified true copies of comprehensive documentation relating to staff strength and payroll.

Other documents requested included details of accounts where funds are received for payment of staff salaries, details of accounts where funds are reserved for staff salaries exigencies, and the statement of account of the said accounts from 1 January to date.

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Mr Chukkol said the request was made based on Section 38(1); (2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.

On 17 December, the Edo House of Assembly suspended the chairpersons and vice chairpersons for alleged insubordination and misconduct.

The suspension followed their failure to submit their financial statements as directed by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

You cant suspend us

Meanwhile, the embattled council officials have faulted the assembly for suspending them, describing it as null and void.

The chairperson of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo chapter, Newman Ugiagbe, said the assembly acted against a court ruling and that they would remain in office until September 2026.

Mr Ugiagbe is the chairperson of the Orhiomwon local council.

He said the chairpersons had taken the matter to court, where Justice Daniel Okungbowa ruled that the governor and the assembly lacked powers to suspend them.

He said they reminded the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, of a court order restraining the government from interfering with their constitutional functions or council assets.

He disclosed that the court also barred the defendants from meddling in council administration or obstructing the chairpersons from performing their lawful duties.

Mr Ugiagbe emphasised that their tenure runs from September 2023 to September 2026, as stipulated by the law and affirmed their commitment to fulfilling their constitutional roles, maintaining that no authority could prevent them from serving their councils.

The chairpersons urged security agencies to protect council assets and ensure law and order in the states 18 local government areas.

Edo attorney general reacts

However, the Attorney General of Edo, Samson Osagie, has said that the assembly has not altered the democratic structures of the local governments.

He said, Whats clear is that the House has exercised its powers in the constitution according to local government administration.

The chairmen better be advised that there is only one Chief Security Officer in the state, that is the governor, Mr Osagie said.

(NAN)

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The Anambra State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the 2025 budget of N607 billion, presented to it by Governor Chukwuma Soludo on 19 November, into law.

The budget was passed following a motion by the Majority Leader of the House, Ikenna Ofodeme, representing Ekwusigo State Constituency.

The Speaker of the Anambra House of Assembly, Somto Udeze, said the passage of the budget was not just a milestone but a demonstration of the synergy between the legislative and executive arms of government.

Mr Udeze said they were impressed that the outgoing budget had been implemented to the tune of 80 per cent while expressing hope that it will be sustained in the 2025 edition.

He urged citizens of the state to continue to support the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration and appealed to them to pay their taxes.

In a post-budget passing media briefing, Ejike Okechukwu, chairman of the House Committee on Information, said the budget was passed as presented by the governor.

However, Mr Okechukwu said that though the overall budget size was not altered, there was realignment between and across Ministries, Department and Agencies within the envelope.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

He said that the budget projected and estimated recurrent expenditure of N139.5 billion representing 23 per cent, while N407.5 billion, representing 77 per cent, would be for capital expenditure.

The budget size did not have any change from what the governor presented but there were Internal changes; some codes were changed to enable government access funds lying there to meet urgent needs.

Some institutions like Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and Nwafor Orizu College of Education had more funds allocated to their recurrent expenditures and subvention to enable them rtoun more effectively, he said.

READ ALSO: Niger assembly passes 2025 budget

Also speaking, Nonso Igwe, representing Ogbaru I State Constituency, said the executive demonstrated a high level of prudence in managing public funds in the outgoing year.

Mr Igwe, who is the Chairman of the Committee on Finance and Appropriation, said a remarkable change in the budget was the increase of outlay for the Ministry of Industry from N10 million to about N547 million to support the industrialisation agenda of the government.

(NAN)

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The police in Oyo State have confirmed the death of 35 minors from Wednesdays stampede at a childrens funfair in Ibadan, the state capital.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the stampede at the event at Basorun Islamic High School. The Oyo government had confirmed many deaths, mostly children, in the stampede.

On Thursday, the police confirmed that 35 minors died while six others were left critically injured and on various medical interventions.

President Bola Tinubu also ordered relevant agencies to investigate the incident.

Police arrest suspects

The Oyo police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, who confirmed the deaths, also confirmed the arrest of eight suspects, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

In a statement, Mr Osifeso said the investigation had been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police leading it.

Residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they will witness high-level patrols and visible police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation, he said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

He said the command sympathised with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assured residents of the state that justice would be served accordingly.

Tinubu speaks

In a statement, President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the tragic incident.

The president directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy thoroughly, Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

Mr Tinubu emphasised that it was imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to the incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.

He urged the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.

Among the essential actions, according to him, are a comprehensive review of all public events safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations and regular safety audits of event venues.

Furthermore, President Tinubu calls on event organisers to prioritise the safety of all attendees, especially children.

He stresses the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the utmost safety of all participants.

Our childrens safety and well-being remain paramount.

No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives, the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.

The president extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State as well as to the grieving families who lost their children.

In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event, the statement said.

Victims brought in dead

The Public Relations Officer, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Funmilayo Adetuyibi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that only five victims were brought to the hospital.

The five victims brought in yesterday were brought in dead, so we are not talking about any admission because they were brought in dead, she said.

The Oyo government had said on Wednesday that the victims were taken to different hospitals in the state capital.

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( Read 10500 Times)

Udaipur: On July 6th, the Catch the Rain campaign for rainwater conservation was launched with the virtual presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chowdhury in Surat. This campaign has now grown into a nationwide public movement.

On Tuesday, in Jaipur, Prime Minister Modi praised Union Minister C.R. Patil for leading the campaign. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Chief Ministers were also present at the event. Modi expressed confidence that this initiative would bring significant change to the groundwater situation in the country. Union Minister C.R. Patil emphasized that the campaign has now become a mass movement.

Patil highlighted that Prime Minister Modi had called for several successful water conservation measures. In 2021, Modi had urged the adoption of rainwater harvesting. On July 6th, the 'Catch the Rain' campaign was initiated virtually by the Prime Minister from Surat. Business leaders from Rajasthan, connected to Surat, took responsibility for constructing four water recharge bore wells in each village across Rajasthan and surrounding areas as part of this initiative, and the work is progressing.

Source :
Three Organizations from Across the US Receive $20,000 Each

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of the 17th year of the Innovations in Alzheimer's Caregiving Awards, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation , Bader Philanthropies, Inc. , and Family Caregiver Alliance are pleased to celebrate three organizationseach delivering a state-of-the-art program that addresses the needs of caregivers and those they care for living with Alzheimer's disease or a related condition.

Each model program will receive $20,000 for their work in the following categories:

Creative Expression

Arts and Aging Programs  Jewish Family Services  Salt Lake City, Utah

Serving individuals and families from all denominations, Jewish Family Services Salt Lake's Arts and Aging Programs aims to improve the quality of life for many families whose lives were uprooted due to an Alzheimer's or related dementia diagnosis. Jewish Family Services of Salt Lake has woven together a variety of programs that collectively provide a dementia-welcoming arts and support environment for home-based caregivers and for those directly receiving their care. With many opportunities each month for families to connect with each other, the friendships and support they find often extend outside of scheduled activities, with many clients becoming life-long friends.

Increasing Access and Reducing Stigma

EmpowermentPLUS Model: Youth Inspired Model Designed to End Dementia Stigma  Lorenzo's House  Chicago, Illinois

Lorenzo's House created the EmpowermentPLUS Model to actively engage and build capacity in young people thrust into a caregiving role early in life. Through a well-organized structure of Youth Clubs (e.g., age-appropriate groups for those age 4 to 18+), annual Summits and Adult Carer Clubs, individuals are educated about dementia and learn practical tools to employ for their individual environment and adapt to the diagnosis. They gain strategies and strength to manage dementia stigma at home and in their community and undertake this skillset to train others using a train-the-trainer model.

Public Policy

CEJC Public Policy Advocacy  California Elder Justice Coalition  Los Angeles, California

The California Elder Justice Coalition (CEJC) works to improve the quality of life for older Californians including those living with dementia. Since 2010, CEJC has led efforts to reframe caregiving to be a core component of elder justice policy and practice. The Coalition has pioneered approaches to preserving autonomy of adults with dementia while reducing stresses and uncertainties that family caregivers face in balancing their own needs with those for whom they care.

View detailed information on the winning programs.

Innovations in Alzheimer's Caregiving Awards Reception to be held during the American Society on Aging "On Aging Conference" in Orlando, FL

Join us in honoring the 2024 Innovations in Alzheimer's Caregiving Award winners with program presentations, conversation, hors d'oeuvres, and beverages. All are welcome!

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: Hyatt Regency Orlando- Orchid Room - 9801 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation

The mission of The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation is to invest in programs that promote education, tolerance, social services, health, and the arts. The Foundation builds on the ideals and pursuits of its founders, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert. In the area of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, the Foundation focuses its grantmaking on the advancement of research and career development for early to mid career investigators and investments in caregiving, policy, systems, and practice change, and improvements in clinical care.

Visit The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation website.

Bader Philanthropies, Inc.

Milwaukee-based Bader Philanthropies, Inc., mission is to help people and honor the legacy of our founders. Since its founding in 1992 as the Helen Bader Foundation, the organization has committed over $500 million in grants and program related investments, such as loans, loan guarantees, equity investments and other credit enhancements that advance its charitable mission.

For more information on Bader Philanthropies, visit bader.org .

Family Caregiver Alliance

The mission of FCA is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care. For more than 40 years, FCA has provided services to family caregivers of adults with physical and cognitive impairments, such as Parkinson's, stroke, Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. FCA's services include assessment, care planning, direct care skills, wellness programs, respite services, and legal/financial consultation vouchers. Ongoing support is available with FCA CareNav . FCA is a longtime advocate for caregivers in the areas of policy, health and social system development, research, and public awareness, on the state, national and international levels.

For more information about FCA, visit caregiver.org .

SOURCE Family Caregiver Alliance
The ISS National Lab supported 110 payloads that launched to the orbiting outpost over seven missions this year, enabling discoveries for terrestrial benefit

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a robust year for space-based research, the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory supported the launch of 110 payloads across seven missions, facilitating science and technology research and development (R&D) that pushes the limits of innovation. Projects sponsored by the ISS National Lab this year enabled advancements in biotechnology, fundamental science, advanced materials, in-space manufacturing, and other areas. Companies, academic institutions, and government agencies continue to leverage the unique space environment to conduct R&D that brings value to humanity, validates new technologies and capabilities in space, and drives business models in low Earth orbit.

ISS National Lab-sponsored payloads launched to the space station on four NASA-funded Commercial Resupply Services missions, two astronaut crew missions through NASA, and one private astronaut mission from Axiom Space.

Below are a few highlights from the year in space:

Several projects that launched in 2024 focused on in-space manufacturing, an area of strategic importance for the ISS National Lab and NASA. Building on the successful 3D printing of a human meniscus on the ISS, Redwire Corporation's BioFabrication Facility (BFF) printed test patches of cardiac tissues that could one day be used for drug testing and tissue repair for patients on Earth. Bristol Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly and Company utilized a manufacturing platform Redwire developed called the Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory (PIL) Bio-crystal Optimization eXperiment (BOX) to crystallize small organic molecules in microgravity with promising results. Essentially a "lab-in-a-box," the PIL-BOX facility enables pharmaceutical companies and researchers to grow small-batch crystals for protein-based pharmaceuticals that may lead to more effective therapeutics for patients on Earth. Flawless Photonics launched technology for manufacturing high-value ZBLAN optical fiber in microgravity. ZBLAN can perform up to 100 times better than the silica fibers commonly used to connect our digital world today. The company produced more than seven miles (11.9 km) of optical fiber on station that is now being evaluated on Earth. Researchers from LambdaVision continued to leverage the ISS National Lab in their quest to manufacture an artificial retina to restore significant vision in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder that causes vision loss. LambdaVision sent its ninth investigation to the space station earlier this year. The company is one of the growing number of organizations launching multiple investigations that build on previous space-based results.



Several projects that launched this year validated valuable new technologies. The ArgUS platform, developed by Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc., launched to the space station and supported its first projects in the Bartolomeo external hosting platform. ArgUS expands access to the space station's unprecedented vantage point and extreme environment for materials and remote sensing projects, enabling multiple missions related to Earth observation , robotics, materials science, and astrophysics. NASA's Astrobees , three free-flying robots on the space station designed to test technology and assist astronauts with routine duties, had a busy year. For example, Kall Morris used the Astrobees to simulate an active debris removal mission using its REACCH capture system, while Boeing and CSIRO (an Australian government agency responsible for scientific research) tested a novel 3D mapping technology to produce detailed maps of remote environments. The Malta College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology tested its ASTROBEAT cold welding technology in an investigation designed to simulate the repair of a spacecraft hull damaged from a hypervelocity impact in space. The project seeks to establish cold welding as a new tool for in-space repair, significantly boosting the durability of spacecraft and the safety of crewed missions while addressing the growing concern of space debris.



Axiom Space launched its third private astronaut mission (Ax-3) in 2024, demonstrating the expansion of R&D on station with new participants in the growing low Earth orbit economy. The mission featured a variety of projects sponsored by the ISS National Lab. The Sanford Stem Cell Institute at the University of California, San Diego continued to build on stem cell research conducted on previous Axiom Space missions by studying tumor organoids in microgravity. The team seeks to identify early cancer warning signs for better diagnosis and treatment of the disease. An investigation from the National Stem Cell Foundation evaluated 3D brain models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells of patients with Parkinson's disease and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The project studied the mechanisms behind these and other neurodegenerative diseases, and results may help lead to new therapeutics for patients on Earth.

(Ax-3) in 2024, demonstrating the expansion of R&D on station with new participants in the growing low Earth orbit economy. The mission featured a variety of projects sponsored by the ISS National Lab.

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has a longstanding partnership with the ISS National Lab to advance fundamental research on station that could lead to valuable future applications. In 2024, NSF funded 12 investigations that flew to the orbiting laboratory, ranging from tissue engineering to transport phenomena and fluid dynamics. A project from Florida International University studied the behavior of tiny, engineered particles dispersed in a liquid to form an active colloid . Results could inform a variety of applications, from targeted drug delivery to disease screening, water desalination, and photothermal therapies to treat cancer and other diseases. An investigation from the University of Connecticut leveraged microgravity conditions on the space station to test an innovative DNA-inspired Janus base nanomaterial that may help repair cartilage. Results from this investigation could lead to improved treatments for patients with degenerative joint diseases. A team from the University of Notre Dame launched the third in a series of experiments to understand bubble formation in microgravit y to develop extremely sensitive biosensors for detecting trace substances in liquids. Results from this research could lead to new sensor technology for detecting early cancer markers in blood.



The ISS National Lab continued its mission to prepare the scientists and engineers of the future by supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational programs and workforce development with a number of projects that launched to the space station in 2024. Genes in Space launched its 11 th student investigation , a gene editing experiment from Isabel Jiang , now a freshman at Yale University . The project investigated the effects of radiation and the space environment on gene editing mechanisms. Results could shed light on genetic risks for certain diseases during spaceflight. The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program sent its 18 th mission to the orbiting laboratory, engaging students from 38 communities in the scientific process to spark an interest in STEM career fields.



2024 proved to be an exciting year of launches and research on the space station. The ISS National Lab and NASA continue to work in tandem to launch payloads that benefit humanity and bring value to our nation. To learn more about research and technology development projects sponsored by the ISS National Lab, including how to propose concepts for future space-based research, visit our website .

Download a high-resolution image for this release: The International Space Station

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:

The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website .

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page .

International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory

Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS) 1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955  321.253.5101  www.ISSNationalLab.org

SOURCE International Space Station National Lab
86 specified geographical sites have been recognized by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture as Additional Geographical Units (UGAs)

BOLZANO, Italy, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestled in Italy's northeastern corner, Alto Adigeone of the country's smallest yet most innovative wine-producing regionsis making an important step forward with a new addition to its overarching Alto Adige DOC designation. The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines has announced that, starting with the 2024 vintage, 86 well defined and meticulously documented vineyard areas have been granted special legal status as Additional Geographical Units (in italian "Unita Geografiche Aggiuntive" or UGA), further elevating the region's reputation for exceptional wine quality. This new classification enables Alto Adige growers and producers to achieve even greater levels of quality and distinction, while allowing consumers to savor the finest expressions of their favorite wines and trace their origins back to specific vineyards.

"Our goal is to capture the unique character of each vineyard in every bottle," said Martin Foradori, Vice President of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines and owner of the J. Hofstatter estate. "Terroir" should not be just a marketing termit should be something you can truly taste in each glass of wine."

Defined by rigorous criteria, each UGA reflects an ideal alignment of soil type, microclimate, altitude, slope inclination, sun exposure, rainfall, and more. While forward-thinking was essential to this process, tradition also played a significant role, as many of the selected vineyard sites hold historical importance. A land register dating back to the mid-18th century provided access to valuable historic land names, testifying the region's rich viticultural heritage. Additionally, within each UGA, permissible yields have been further reduced by 25% compared to DOC regulations, ensuring optimal grape quality and exceptional wines.

The ideal grape varieties for vineyards within each UGA have also been carefully defined. Eduard Bernhart, Director of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines, explained: "Wines that qualify for a UGA designation must be made exclusively with grapes from that specific site. Depending on the vineyard's location within a UGA, up to five varieties may be permitted, while some UGAs restrict production to just one or two varieties."

As of the 2024 vintage, the geographical designationsuch as Gries, Mazon, or Eppan Berg, to name just a few of the 86 recognized UGAsmay be listed on wine labels alongside "Alto Adige DOC."

Producers wishing to use a UGA name on their label are required to include a pictograph specially designed by the Consorzio. Alto Adige Wines This will allow consumers to clearly recognize these special wines, as the pictograph must appear on both the front and back labels.

"Much like other renowned wine regions, we believe this initiative will set new benchmarks for exceptional and distinctive Alto Adige wines," commented Andreas Kofler, President of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines and of Cantina Kurtatsch. "These UGAs establish Alto Adige as a leader in the highest quality, terroir-driven winemaking."

The creation of UGAs marks the culmination of years of research, collaboration, and vision led by the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines. Contributions from agronomists, enologists, growers, and producers helped shape the new classification, blending innovation with a deep respect for tradition.

Press Assets

All assets including images and the Alto Adige UGAs map available HERE

Credits:

Vice President Martin Foradori Hofstatter: Peter Bender

Official Map: Sudtirol Wein

President Andreas Kofler : Sudtirol Wein

: Sudtirol Wein Pictograph: Sudtirol Wein

Director Eduard Bernhart : Sudtirol Wein/ Armin Huber

: Sudtirol Wein/ Landscape: Sudtirol Wein/ Benjamin Pfitscher

About The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines

The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines was formed in 2007 to promote and strengthen the image of the wines from Alto Adige. One of Italy's smallest wine-producing regions, Alto Adige is also one of its most multifaceted. Twenty grape varieties are cultivated on vineyards stretching from Mediterranean-influenced valleys to Alpine hillsides, tended by individual growers, small family-wineries, and cooperatives alike.

SOURCE Consorzio Alto Adige Wines
SANTIAGO, Chile, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Surgical robotics pioneer Andromeda Surgical today announced a groundbreaking milestone: Dr. Cristian Trucco of Universidad Catolica performed the world's first robotic-assisted holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) using Andromeda's platform. This historic operation, performed via a tablet interface, marks the start of Andromeda's ASTRA clinical trial. Dr. Trucco and Dr. Rodrigo Ledezma of Universidad de Chile will continue enrolling patients in the coming months.

Founded in 2023, Andromeda has swiftly brought its vision to life, progressing from initial concept to successful clinical use within just 18 months. Robotic-assisted HoLEP (RoLEP) represents the first clinical application of its platform. HoLEP was initially developed in 1998 by Prof. Peter Gilling and Mr. Mark Fraundorfer in New Zealand. The procedure has rapidly gained recognition as the gold-standard treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate), though a steep learning curve has limited its adoption. By reducing the procedure's learning curve, Andromeda aims to empower every urologist to perform HoLEP at world expert level.

"We are fortunate to be at the forefront of innovation in Chile participating in this trial headed by Prof. Gilling, and are thrilled with this milestone," said co-principal investigator Dr. Ledezma. "I believe new technologies that provide navigational guidance in HoLEP may help urologists shorten the learning curve by enhancing the recognition of key anatomical landmarks. Ultimately, by helping more surgeons overcome the challenges of the initial HoLEP cases, this type of surgical robot may facilitate the diffusion of this approach to benefit a large number of BPH patients."

Prof. Gilling will act as lead principal investigator for the ASTRA study and will begin enrollment in New Zealand in early 2025. Andromeda's endoscopic robotic platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing surgical tools and provide surgeons with enhanced control and efficiency during transurethral procedures. The company's roadmap includes expanding the system's capabilities to support additional indications and integrating increasing levels of autonomy, with the aim of further reducing learning curves and improving patient outcomes.

"It's rewarding to see our team's hard work translate to real patient benefit," said Nick Damiano, CEO and co-founder of Andromeda Surgical. "This case was the first robotic-assisted HoLEP procedure in history, and as far as we know, the first surgery performed using a tablet. This is the first step towards our mission to give every patient access to the best possible surgical outcomes every time."

About Andromeda Surgical

Andromeda Surgical is a South San Francisco, California-based company developing autonomous surgical robots, starting with endourology procedures. The company's vision is to make the difficult parts of surgery easy and empower every surgeon to deliver optimal patient outcomes in every procedure. The team combines expertise from medtech, autonomous vehicles, and other robotics and AI applications, working in conjunction with top global urologists.

www.andromedasurgical.com

SOURCE Andromeda Surgical
"We're thrilled to have Stacy, Kevin, Mike and Scott join our team as we continue to expand our commercial presence throughout the Midwest while holding serve in our legacy markets," said Phil Trier, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate and Commercial Banking. "All four of these individuals bring unique skill sets and a dedication to developing strong relationships with clients that fits perfectly with what we're building here at Associated."

Stacy Quick is expected to join Associated as Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager in the Minnesota market on December 23. Quick brings more than 20 years of banking experience to Associated. Most recently, she held the position of Senior Vice President  Relationship Manager with US Bank's commercial group in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she managed a diverse, complex portfolio of regional midsize businesses, including private and public companies, nonprofits, hedge funds, and alternative investment firms. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Minnesota State University.

Kevin Kopaska joined Associated as Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager in the Iowa market on November 15. Kopaska brings more than 25 years of banking experience to Associated. For the last 13 years, he was the Market Credit Leader for Wells Fargo's Middle Market Banking Office in Des Moines, Iowa. Prior to that he was with Bank of America for 19 years. He received his bachelor of arts degree in finance & banking from Buena Vista University. Kopaska will be covering Iowa as part of Associated's Minnesota team.

Mike Hauswirth joined Associated as Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager in the Minnesota market on December 4. Hauswirth brings more than 30 years of banking experience to Associated. Most recently, he held the position of Senior Vice President  Relationship Manager Team Leader for US Bank's commercial group in St. Paul, Minnesota. While at US Bank, Hauswirth also held roles in portfolio management and credit risk. Prior to joining US Bank, he spent 11 years with General Motors Acceptance Corporation in finance roles. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master of business administration from the University of Kansas.

Scott Rothenbush joined Associated as Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager on the company's new Specialty Deposit and Payment Solutions team on December 4. Rothenbush brings more than 30 years of banking experience to Associated. Most recently, he held the position of Deposit/Payments Relationship Manager covering the Title/Escrow/1031 and FinTech Industries at US Bank in Dayton, Ohio. He holds a bachelor of science/bachelor of arts degree in marketing/economics from The Ohio State University.

ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $42 billion and is the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from nearly 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. The company also operates loan production offices in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com.

Media Contact: Andrea Kozek

Senior Manager, Public Relations

920-491-7518

Investor Contact: Ben McCarville

Vice President | Director of Investor Relations

920-491-7059

SOURCE Associated Banc-Corp

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PARIS, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Astraveus SAS ("Astraveus" or the "Company"), the Benchtop Cell Factory company aiming for maximized cell quality and order-of-magnitude cost reduction in cell therapy manufacturing, today announces that the Company has been awarded a non-dilutive funding of 7.1M by the French State. The funding is part of French State's France 2030 investment program, a future-focused fund that champions next-generation innovation and business growth to enhance economic competitiveness and entrepreneurship.

Astraveus secured the funding through a successful application to the "Premiere usine" [first factory] competitive call for projects launched by Bpifrance, which aims to accelerate the emergence of first industrialization successes by start-ups. The funds will enable the establishment of manufacturing infrastructure for innovative microfluidic consumables at Astraveus to further accelerate the company's mission to revolutionize cell therapy processing through the launch of the Lakhesys Benchtop Cell Factory. The strategic development aligns with Astraveus' mission to provide more accessible, cost-effective therapies to patients globally, thus enabling a healthier tomorrow.



Jeremie Laurent, PhD, CEO of Astraveus, commented: "This additional funding awarded by the French State through its France 2030 program is a testament to our innovative approach and dedication to revolutionizing cell therapy manufacturing. We are thrilled to charge forward in establishing our industrialization infrastructure in Paris and propel our mission to make cell therapy more accessible, efficient, and scalable."

For further information, please contact:

Astraveus SAS

Jeremie Laurent, Chief Executive Officer

[email protected]

About Astraveus:

Astraveus is a Paris-based biotech company dedicated to making cell therapies with maximized quality at order-of-magnitude lower cost. With the unique Lakhesys Benchtop Cell Factory, Astraveus provides bioprocessing innovation at the cellular level, utilizing cutting-edge microfluidic technology to enhance process optimization and scalability from pre-clinical to commercial manufacturing.

Founded in 2016 by Jeremie Laurent at the Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris, a prestigious hub for leading cell therapy research, Astraveus is committed to revolutionize the development and manufacturing of cell therapies and aspires to make these innovative treatments accessible to everyone in need, thereby enabling a healthier tomorrow.

www.astraveus.com

www.bpifrance.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2585442/Astraveus_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Astraveus
ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ADGM, the leading international financial centre of Abu Dhabi and a globally recognised hub for asset and wealth management unveiled nineteen major announcements from global financial institutions during the third edition of ADFW. These represent almost USD 635 billion in assets under management (AUM) and follow other Q4 announcements from the world's largest asset managers, BlackRock, PGIM, and Nuveen, which have also been set up in ADGM.

This remarkable increase, from USD 450 billion to USD 635 billion, within a year has reinforced the centre's reputation as the region's fastest-growing and one of the world's most dynamic jurisdictions for asset management. This growth has been further bolstered by the establishment of billionaire-led family offices, including those of British businessman Asif Aziz, prominent philanthropist and financial strategist Wafic Said, and Singaporean entrepreneur and real estate leader Kishin RK, underscoring the centre's growing appeal as a global wealth management hub.

Commenting on Abu Dhabi and ADGM's continued momentum, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Member of Abu Dhabi's Executive Council & Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADGM said, "These milestones reflect the heart of what makes Abu Dhabi so speciala shared vision of progress, partnership, and possibility. The growing number of global financial leaders and innovators choosing ADGM is a testament to the trust they place in our infrastructure, robust regulations, commitment to excellence and Abu Dhabi's reputation as the world's safest and most dynamic jurisdiction for asset and wealth management. As we welcome these new partnerships, we remain dedicated to driving the growth and diversification of the 'Falcon Economy' and creating opportunities that resonate across industries and borders. It's an exciting moment for ADGM, Abu Dhabi, and all those who are part of this remarkable journey."

Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of Blackrock praised Abu Dhabi commenting, "It's been a long journey watching how Abu Dhabi has matured as an economy. The constant innovation that I'm seeing from the economy and from the leadership. And Abu Dhabi has really positioned itself to become a leader over the next 20 years. Its psychology was different, and now it's blossoming into this magnet of opportunity. With that strength, it is now becoming a foundation for innovation."

"We see a real burgeoning of entrepreneurship happening in the region and believe that the Middle East is the next big entrepreneurial hot spot. We've watched this happen before and always had our eye out on areas emerging in terms of entrepreneurship," said Bill Ford, Chairman & CEO of General Atlantic, during the second day of ADFW.

Sir Paul Marshall, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Marshall Wace said, "Abu Dhabi is such a great place. Abu Dhabi is absolutely nailing it. It's a very attractive place."

Confirming their establishment in ADGM during ADFW were leading private equity firms General Atlantic, Lone Star Funds, and Investindustrial along with private credit giants Golub Capital and Polen Capital, insurance manager  Eldridge as well as leading global equity management company, Carta and hedge fund Marshall Wace.

This recent wave of commitments from global financial institutions signifies ADGM's leadership in attracting the world's foremost investment firms. Reflecting this confidence and growth, billionaire-led family offices have also been drawn to ADGM, recognising it as a trusted hub for managing and growing wealth.

Asif Aziz, Founder and CEO of Criterion Capital commented, "Abu Dhabi's transformation into a global financial powerhouse makes it an ideal base for our operations. ADGM's world-class infrastructure and strategic location provide unparalleled opportunities to forge partnerships that align with our growth ambitions across the UAE and beyond."

Building on its role as a leading destination for global investors and asset managers, ADGM is also redefining financial innovation by advancing its digital ecosystem. A cornerstone of this effort was the launch of Finstreet, a first-of-its-kind international securities market and an ecosystem for private securities, which exemplifies ADGM's commitment to integrating cutting-edge digital solutions with its robust financial infrastructure. The week also saw a new funding round for Themis and the entry of international digital pioneers Zodia Markets, Polygon Labs, FJ Labs, Aptos Digital, Chainlinks, Astra Tech and Themis, further solidifying the Emirate's reputation as a global innovation hub.

Meanwhile, FinTech Astra Tech's Quantix announcement of a landmark USD 500 million financing from Citigroup, among the largest provided to a UAE FinTech company to date, to expand its CashNow consumer lending platform. Additionally, Themisrenowned for its advanced financial crime prevention technologiesis further reinforcing ADGM's position as a hub for the next generation of financial technologies, secured over USD 9.75 million in scale-up funding, building on its success in partnerships with global leaders, including ADGM underscoring its role in advancing financial crime prevention in innovative regulatory environments.

The market announcements were released during the third edition of ADFW held under the theme "Welcome to the Capital of Capital," which gathered more than 20,000 leaders and executives from across the financial services industry, which collectively represented more than USD 42 trillion in assets under management.

This wave of newcomers ADFW underscores Abu Dhabi's position as a global financial powerhouse and ADGM's role as a catalyst for economic diversification, attracting top-tier talent, cutting-edge technologies, and transformative investments that are shaping the emirate's future.

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SOURCE ADGM
Key highlights include the brand's first-ever European winter-season sailings and the return to China

MIAMI, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Azamara Cruises, the small-ship cruise line renowned for Destination Immersion and Extended Destination Days, announces its highly anticipated winter 2026-2027 lineup. Recognized as the industry leader for most unique itineraries, Azamara presents 66 new cruises and eight extraordinary Grand Voyages spanning 35+ nights, providing immersive travel experiences and deeper exploration across a variety of the world's most captivating destinations.

"We are thrilled to announce our winter 2026-2027 cruises, which mark an exciting chapter in Azamara's commitment to bringing our guests to the world," said Michael Pawlus, Head of Itinerary Planning at Azamara. "For the first time ever, we are pleased to offer cruises to Europe during the wintertime so guests can delight in beloved destinations without peak-season crowds and during cooler weather. Additionally, we are thrilled to return to China with its rich culture and history. These sailings offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the world in a more meaningful way."

Pawlus continues, "Our Grand Voyages, with extended itineraries and in-depth exploration, allow travelers to truly connect with each destination while enjoying the signature Azamara experience. Whether it's an unforgettable evening in a Mediterranean port or a multi-week journey across continents, we're proud to offer diverse and enriching itineraries that cater to every kind of traveler."

Sailing across 20 countries and five continents, highlights of the 2026/27 voyages include:

Grand Voyages  The Ultimate Journey Across Multiple Continents: Guests can embark on one of Azamara Cruises' eight Grand Voyages, featuring 35+ nights that span multiple continents. These extended journeys offer unparallelled opportunities for in-depth exploration, both on and off the ship. Guests will enjoy special experiences such as Extended Destination Days, exclusive AzAmazing Evenings and more, immersing themselves in the heart of each destination. The Grand Voyages span a variety of continents and destinations including Canada to Australia , Australia to Japan , Canada to Japan , Buenos Aires to Miami , and more.

The Ultimate Journey Across Multiple Continents: Guests can embark on one of Azamara Cruises' eight Grand Voyages, featuring 35+ nights that span multiple continents. These extended journeys offer unparallelled opportunities for in-depth exploration, both on and off the ship. Guests will enjoy special experiences such as Extended Destination Days, exclusive AzAmazing Evenings and more, immersing themselves in the heart of each destination. The Grand Voyages span a variety of continents and destinations including to , to , to , to , and more. A Winter First  Explore Europe Like Never Before onboard Azamara Onward  : With winter travel on the rise, as highlighted by Tripadvisor's Winter Travel Index, Azamara Cruises is meeting the growing demand by offering guests the opportunity to explore Europe during the winter months. One favorite guest experience: Sailing up the Guadalquivir River to Seville, Spain (which can only be experienced by small ships), and docking in the city center for a double-overnight stay within walking distance of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wintertime cruises will allow easier admittance to museums, landmarks and local markets  avoiding the summertime crowds and providing guests with more intimate access to iconic landmarks and cultural experiences. Azamara guests will experience Europe in a more meaningful way.

With winter travel on the rise, as highlighted by Tripadvisor's Winter Travel Index, Azamara Cruises is meeting the growing demand by offering guests the opportunity to explore during the winter months. One favorite guest experience: Sailing up the Guadalquivir River to (which can only be experienced by small ships), and docking in the city center for a double-overnight stay within walking distance of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wintertime cruises will allow easier admittance to museums, landmarks and local markets  avoiding the summertime crowds and providing guests with more intimate access to iconic landmarks and cultural experiences. Azamara guests will experience in a more meaningful way. Azamara Cruises Returns to China  A Journey of Culture, History, and Natural Beauty : Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of China as Azamara returns to this extraordinary destination. From walking on the 2,000-year-old ancient stones of the Great Wall to savoring freshly prepared Dim Sum in Shanghai , guests will immerse themselves in the heart and soul of East Asia . Discover China's dynamic heritage on an unforgettable voyage. Additionally, Azamara's small-sized ship offers the ability of sailing into the heart of Shanghai , providing an intimate look at this incredible destination.

: Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of as Azamara returns to this extraordinary destination. From walking on the 2,000-year-old ancient stones of the Great Wall to savoring freshly prepared Dim Sum in , guests will immerse themselves in the heart and soul of . Discover dynamic heritage on an unforgettable voyage. Additionally, Azamara's small-sized ship offers the ability of sailing into the heart of , providing an intimate look at this incredible destination. 66 Sailings, Endless Possibilities  Discover the World with Azamara Cruises: With 66 diverse itineraries across Europe , Asia and the Caribbean , Azamara offers something for every traveler. From short escapes to extended Grand Voyages, each sailing is designed for deeper exploration with immersive, longer stays in port. Whether travelers are seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery, Azamara's voyages provide authentic experiences and meaningful connections in some of the world's most captivating destinations.

Travelers can experience the grandeur of bucket-list destinations or the charm of hidden-gem ports from Azamara's intimate, beautiful ships while enjoying exceptional value through Always Azamara amenities  a variety of dining venues and room service; beer, wine and spirits all day and night; signature AzAmazing Evenings; unlimited self-serve laundry; tips and gratuities.

Guests who book their cruise early can take advantage of an Early Booking Bonus of 20% off their cruise fare. Plus, for those who book a Veranda cabin or Suite, they will receive a complimentary Experience More Essentials Package ($300 Onboard Credit + Free Wi-Fi + a Premium Beverage Package for Two).

To book one of Azamara Cruises' immersive itineraries for 2026/27, please visit: www.azamara.com

About Azamara Cruises:

Azamara Cruises is a small-ship cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion experiences. With a fleet of four intimate-style ships, Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward, the cruise line allows travelers to reach marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller, hidden gem destinations. Azamara Cruises is committed to creating immersive experiences for guests through Extended Destination Days (10 or more hours in port) for a more meaningful travel experience. Through their deep understanding of hospitality and commitment to delivering exceptional service, guests can experience an intimate hotel at sea. Through Always Azamara guests can know what's always included; a variety of dining venues plus room service, drinks including alcohol all day and night, tips & gratuities, exclusive cultural events, and unlimited self-service laundry; and what is always expected when sailing with Azamara Cruises; no hassle, no crowds, unique & iconic destinations, overnights, and Extended Destination Days. Additionally, guests can also take advantage of exclusive loyalty membership benefits through the Azamara Circle Program. Azamara has received several awards and recognitions including Conde Nast Traveler's "Reader's Choice Awards", Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards," US News & World Report "Best Cruise Lines," and more.

For more information visit www.azamara.com

SOURCE Azamara
TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A New Year brings a new kind of Law Firm. Bache & Lynch and Goldsmith & Mendoza will be merging as of January 1st, 2025, to become Bache Lynch Goldsmith & Mendoza, PLLC.

The firm will continue to practice personal injury law and commercial litigation. Both the website and the firm will be completely bilingual (attorneys and staff) and able to assist clients in Spanish as well as English.

Bache Lynch Goldsmith & Mendoza

The firm will have offices in Tucson, Oro valley, and Nogales Arizona. The combined experience of all the firm's attorneys is over 150 years.

Consultations are free. Call (520) 293-5300

Tucson location: 1670 E. River Rd, Suite 200, 85718

Oro Valley location: 1846 E. Innovation Park Drive, 85755

Nogales location: 477 W. Crawford, 86521

www.blgmlaw.com

These lawyers are problems solvers who are on the side of their clients.

Media Contact:

Frances Lynch

520.293.5300

[email protected]

SOURCE Bache Lynch Goldsmith & Mendoza
Franchise Owners and Batteries Plus Customers Go Above and Beyond, Helping Power Toys this Holiday Season

HARTLAND, Wis., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Batteries Plus  the nation's largest specialty battery retailer  is proud to announce more than one million batteries have been collected to be donated to this year's U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign, surpassing the brand's initial goal and a significant increase from prior donations. The batteries serve as a crucial piece for the annual Toys for Tots Campaign, as no donated toy can be deemed "complete" and gifted to families in need without batteries to power them.

Reaching more than one million batteries shows how much is possible when communities, franchisees & customers all unite. Post this Batteries Plus donated more than one million batteries to Toys for Tots, which are used to power donated toys this holiday season. To learn more about Batteries Plus and to the nearest retail store near you, please visit www.batteriesplus.com. For more on Toys for Tots, please visit www.toysfortots.org. Batteries Plus Franchise Owner Rich Epps rallied his Bradenton, FL community to collect batteries to power toys donated to the Toys for Tots organization. For more on Batteries Plus, visit: www.batteriesplus.com.

"Reaching more than one million batteries shows how much is possible when communities, franchisees, and customers all unite for a worthy cause like Toys for Tots," said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. "Knowing that we're helping power the holiday joy for so many kids across the country is an incredibly humbling moment for everyone at Batteries Plus."

Franchisees Lead the Charge

For several Batteries Plus franchisees, this campaign became personal, inspiring them to organize local events to maximize the impact in their own communities.

Knoxville, TN : Franchise Owner Todd Williams gathered a record-number of batteries for this year's Toys for Tots Campaign.

: Franchise Owner gathered a record-number of batteries for this year's Toys for Tots Campaign. Bradenton, FL : Franchise Owner Rich Epps rallied his community to collect batteries to power donated toys.

: Franchise Owner rallied his community to collect batteries to power donated toys. Las Cruces, NM : Franchise Owner and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Keith Placencio partnered with a local technology company to contribute thousands of batteries to power donated Walkie Talkies.

: Franchise Owner and U.S. Marine Corps veteran partnered with a local technology company to contribute thousands of batteries to power donated Walkie Talkies. Additional impactful donation events were held in Minneapolis, MN , Olympia, WA , Phoenix, AZ , and Gainesville, FL as franchisees and Batteries Plus customers alike embraced the spirit of giving.

"So often, toys come with the familiar disclaimer 'batteries not included.' But for families in need, that additional cost of batteries can be a burden," said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, Vice President of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "We're incredibly grateful for this meaningful partnership with Batteries Plus and their generous donation of over one million batteries to power donated toys this holiday season."

To learn more about Batteries Plus and to the nearest retail store near you, please visit www.batteriesplus.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS:

Batteries Plus is a specialty retailer that offers an unmatched selection of battery solutions for consumers, no matter their power needs. With over 700 locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico, the retailer not only has unrivaled selection when it comes to meeting consumer's power needs but its stores offer expertise to go along with any purchase. Headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin, Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about Batteries Plus and its products and services, visit www.batteriesplus.com.

About Marine Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots, a 77-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to less fortunate children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy or book. The impact of these toys and books offers disadvantaged children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Since 1947, the Program has evolved and grown exponentially having delivered hope and the magic of Christmas to over 291 million less fortunate children. Because the need isn't just at Christmastime, the Toys for Tots Program also provides support year-round to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dream of millions of less fortunate children beyond the holidays. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Meg Ryan, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or 847-945-1300 ext. 264

SOURCE Batteries Plus
Executive Brings Commercial and Operational Expertise to Support Growth

SMYRNA, Tenn., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Contour Aviation announced today the appointment of Ben Munson as President, effective January 6, 2025. He will report to Matt Chaifetz, the company's Chief Executive Officer.

At Contour, Munson will have oversight of the company's day-to-day operations, including dispatch and related flight activity, maintenance, commercial planning, finance, and human resources,

"Ben and I have worked together as business partners for nearly a decade," said Chaifetz. "He is the driven, dynamic leader that I have sought to bolster our leadership team in light of our ambitious plans for continued growth. I am thrilled to have him officially join our organization."

Munson brings nearly two decades of industry experience to his new position at Contour. In addition to roles in network planning at AirTran Airways and Alaska Airlines, Munson is the founder of Embark Aviation, a consultancy that has provided revenue management, schedule planning, and network analysis to Contour since 2017. He also previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Seaborne Airlines, tasked with facilitating the company's restructuring and sale. He joins Contour from The Landline Company, where he served as co-founder and President since the company's formation in 2018.

"I could not be more excited to work with Matt and his team of over 700 dedicated employees," added Munson For Contour to have built a fleet of nearly 40 jet aircraft in just eight years is a remarkable accomplishment; this is an incredible opportunity to capitalize on Contour's success and further cement its position as an industry leader."

Munson will be relocating to the company's headquarters in Smyrna, TN in conjunction with his new role.

About Contour

Corporate Flight Management Inc. d/b/a Contour Aviation was founded in 1982. The company's regional airline brand, Contour Airlines, provides critical air service to 29 cities across the country, including 22 Essential Air Service communities, using a growing fleet of Embraer and Bombardier aircraft. Based in Tennessee, Contour Aviation also offers private jet charter, aircraft management, and aircraft maintenance services in addition to operating the FBO at the John C. Tune Airport in Nashville. Tickets for Contour Airlines flights can be purchased at contourairlines.com and via the company's major airline partners.

SOURCE Contour Aviation
Beverage Giant Refuses to Seek Remedy to End Self-inflicted Strike

EUGENE, Ore., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With less than two weeks until their health care benefits expire, members of Teamsters Local 324 at Bigfoot Beverages are vowing to continue to stay on picket lines during an unfair labor practice strike the company initiated three months ago when it tried to gut the workers' pensions.

"For a company to try to force its workers to give up their pensions is bad enough, but to take away their health care right before the holidays is beyond heartless," said Mark Davison, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Teamsters Joint Council 37 President. "Unfortunately for Bigfoot, the Teamsters don't give up  whether it's Christmas, New Year's, or any other day on the calendar."

"This company may have forced us to the picket lines, but we're going to stay here for as long as we have to," said Chris Muhs, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 324. "This company will not run out the clock on us no matter how hard it tries. The longer this takes, the more Bigfoot has to lose, not us."

Teamsters recently filed new unfair labor practice (ULP) charges against Bigfoot after it refused information requests and offers to resume bargaining. In its response, Bigfoot claimed that the company did not have to bargain because of the baseless claim that it can withdraw recognition of the Teamsters as the workers' representative. Bigfoot has also ignored entreaties from elected officials to find a solution to the strike, including Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.

"Our employer's refusal to recognize the right of our union to exist is shameful and quite frankly embarrassing for them," said Brayden Pinney, a member of Local 324 on strike. "Their strategy is backfiring. Every time this company treats us like we're beneath them, that gives workers more fuel to keep fighting. We are the reason Bigfoot makes money, and we demand to be treated with the respect that we deserve."

Support Bigfoot Teamsters by signing a pledge at ibt.io/boycottbigfoot not to buy anything the company distributes until it ends the strike and respects workers.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 37
Jonathon Eric Pointer will oversee sales in the national life insurance carrier's Southeastern region

CANTON, Mass., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, a national provider of insurance solutions for individuals and at the workplace, announced today the appointment of Jonathon Eric Pointer as Regional Sales Director for the Southeastern region in its Distribution and Business Development department. In his new role, Mr. Pointer will be responsible for workplace sales for the life insurance carrier in the Southeastern region, which includes Alabama and Mississippi.

Jonathon Eric Pointer has been appointed by Boston Mutual Life to oversee workplace sales in Alabama and Mississippi. Post this Jonathon Eric Pointer has been named Regional Sales Director for the Southeastern region at Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, responsible for workplace sales in Alabama and Mississippi for the life insurance carrier.

"We are thrilled to welcome Eric Pointer to the team," said Joshua Police, Executive Vice President  Distribution and Business Development, at Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company. "His extensive experience in life insurance sales and his proven ability to build strong relationships with brokers and customers make him the perfect fit to lead our efforts in Alabama and Mississippi. We are confident that he will strengthen our presence in the region and help us continue delivering exceptional service to our partners and policyholders."

Mr. Pointer will be responsible for managing and growing business in the region, focusing on building and maintaining relationships with brokers, agencies, and customers to meet sales targets. He brings more than 25 years of experience in life insurance sales to the new position at Boston Mutual Life, including a 20-year tenure at Aflac as District Sales Coordinator and Independent Agent, and four years as Managing Partner for J&J Benefits.

"Joining Boston Mutual Life is a fitting and exciting next step in my career," said Jonathan Eric Pointer, Regional Sales Director for the Southeastern region at Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company. "In my previous roles, I've largely counseled my clients to select Boston Mutual Life's products, because I know that they are great solutions, backed by an excellent team. I am looking forward to the work we'll do to increase our presence in Alabama and Mississippi."

To contact one of the sales representatives in your state, click here. To learn more about Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, please visit https://www.bostonmutual.com/ .

About Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company

Founded as a progressive life insurance company in 1891, Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company is a national carrier that provides insurance solutions designed for working Americans and their families, as well as enrollment and billing options at the workplace. With offices based in Canton, Massachusetts, and Omaha, Nebraska, as a mutual company, Boston Mutual Life is dedicated to acting in the best interests of its policyholders, producers, employees, and its communities. For more information, please visit www.bostonmutual.com or contact your Boston Mutual Life representative. Follow the company on Facebook (/BostonMutualLifeIns), LinkedIn (/company/boston-mutual-life-insurance), or Instagram (/bostonmutuallifeinsurance).

Media Contact

Boston Mutual Life News Desk

[email protected]

Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company

SOURCE Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company
Maintains Operations of High-Performing, Cash Flow Positive, 65 Community Portfolio

Announces Completion of Previously Announced 11 Community Portfolio Acquisition

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE: BKD) ("Brookdale" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into mutually beneficial agreements with Ventas, Inc. ("Ventas") to amend its triple-net master lease arrangement.

"I am very pleased to announce another successful lease amendment which is expected to generate a significant increase to Brookdale's near- and long-term cash flows," said Lucinda ("Cindy") Baier, Brookdale's President and CEO. "Through continued active management of our leased portfolios, we have once again demonstrated our commitment to improving our cash flows and creating meaningful shareholder value as we provide valued high-quality care and personalized services to our residents. With the consummation of these transactions, Brookdale is positioned to generate positive cash flow and provide meaningful growth opportunities for years to come. We are grateful that we reached a mutually beneficial agreement with Ventas."

Following this successful lease amendment, the completed closing of the 11 community International JV / Welltower Portfolio, and the expected closings of the remaining previously-announced acquisition of 30 communities from two additional currently leased portfolios, the Company has largely cleared its lease maturities through 2029. After giving effect to these transactions, Brookdale will own over 75% of its consolidated units, marking another significant step in the Company's efforts to increase its owned real estate portfolio, benefiting from the economics of ownership, while substantially improving the cash flow profile and reducing risk associated with its overall leased portfolio.

The Company expects the Ventas lease amendment to provide a $15+ million improvement to the Company's 2025 cash flows.(1) Beginning in 2026, the Company expects additional cash flow improvement, including continued operating income growth, the benefit of continued appropriate expense management relative to the Company's portfolio size, partially offset by incremental rent expense.

Master Lease Amendment Key Terms

Beginning January 1, 2026 , the Company will continue to lease 65 high-performing communities ("renewal portfolio"), with a combined 4,055 units, for an annual base rent of $64 million under a long-term operating lease. Extended the maturity from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2035 . Unit counts range from 26 to 225 with an average unit count of approximately 62. The annual rent escalator remains unchanged at fixed 3% per annum.

, the Company 65 high-performing communities ("renewal portfolio"), with a combined 4,055 units, for an annual base rent of under a long-term operating lease. Ventas has agreed to fund up to $35 million of capital expenditures through 2027 (at the greater of an 8% rate or the United States 10-Year Treasury Rate plus 3.5%).

of capital expenditures through 2027 (at the greater of an 8% rate or 10-Year Treasury Rate plus 3.5%). The Company decided not to renew the remaining 55 communities ("non-renewal portfolio"), with a combined 6,125 units. The Company's cash flows are expected to improve as a result of the sale or transition of communities in the lower-coverage non-renewal portfolio. For transition communities, allocated rent will terminate upon transition which will occur between September 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 . In all cases, allocated rent under the existing lease for the non-renewal portfolio (totaling $66 million for 2025) will terminate no later than December 31, 2025 . For the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2024 , the non-renewal portfolio generated approximately $31 million of negative cash flow, after giving effect to rent, actual capital expenditures and allocated general and administrative expense.

the remaining 55 communities ("non-renewal portfolio"), with a combined 6,125 units.

Profile of 65 Community Renewal Portfolio

For the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2024 , the renewal portfolio generated approximately $8 million of positive cash flow, after giving effect to rent, actual capital expenditures and allocated general and administrative expense.

, the renewal portfolio generated approximately of positive cash flow, after giving effect to rent, actual capital expenditures and allocated general and administrative expense. Compared to the non-renewal portfolio, for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2024 the renewal portfolio had: more than 700 basis points higher weighted average occupancy; over 20% higher RevPOR; over 30% higher RevPAR; and, over 70% higher operating income per available unit.

the renewal portfolio had: Third quarter 2024 annualized operating income was approximately 12% above pre-pandemic level.

The portfolio consists of high-quality assets which are well positioned largely in Brookdale core markets and provide meaningful opportunity for continued growth and outperformance.

Nearly 90% of the renewal portfolio communities are within 25 miles of another Brookdale community providing an ability to further enhance the resident and associate experience.

Closing of International JV / Welltower Portfolio Acquisition

Effective December 17, 2024 the Company successfully closed on one of three planned acquisitions that were previously announced on September 30, 2024. This closing was to acquire 11 communities from the previously-leased International JV / Welltower Portfolio for $300 million through the assumption of $194 million of 4.92% fixed rate agency debt scheduled to mature in March 2027 and cash on hand.

(1) Excludes certain potential one-time costs.

An investor presentation regarding the Ventas lease amendment has been posted on the Brookdale's Investor Relations website located at www.brookdaleinvestors.com. Additional information regarding the lease amendment may be found in a Current Report on Form 8-K that the Company intends to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

ABOUT BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the nation's premier operator of senior living communities. The Company is committed to its mission of enriching the lives of the people it serves with compassion, respect, excellence, and integrity. The Company, through its affiliates, operates independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities. Through its comprehensive network, Brookdale helps to provide seniors with care, connection, and services in an environment that feels like home. The Company's expertise in healthcare, hospitality, and real estate provides residents with opportunities to improve wellness, pursue passions, make new friends, and stay connected with loved ones. Brookdale, through its affiliates, operates and manages 648 communities in 41 states as of September 30, 2024, with the ability to serve approximately 58,000 residents. Brookdale's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BKD. For more information, visit brookdale.com or connect with Brookdale on Facebook or YouTube.

DEFINITIONS OF REVPAR AND REVPOR

RevPAR, or average monthly senior housing resident fee revenue per available unit, is defined by the Company as resident fee revenue for the corresponding portfolio for the period (excluding revenue for private duty services provided to seniors living outside of the Company's communities and entrance fee amortization), divided by the weighted average number of available units in the corresponding portfolio for the period, divided by the number of months in the period.

RevPOR, or average monthly senior housing resident fee revenue per occupied unit, is defined by the Company as resident fee revenue for the corresponding portfolio for the period (excluding revenue for private duty services provided to seniors living outside of the Company's communities and entrance fee amortization), divided by the weighted average number of occupied units in the corresponding portfolio for the period, divided by the number of months in the period.

SAFE HARBOR

Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and those regarding the Company's intent, belief, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "potential," "intend," "expect," "endeavor," "seek," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "project," "predict," "continue," "plan," "target," or other similar words or expressions, and include statements regarding the Company's expected financial and operational results. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations, and the Company's ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Although the Company believes that expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its assumptions or expectations will be attained and actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations and future prospects or which could cause events or circumstances to differ from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, events which adversely affect the ability of seniors to afford resident fees, including downturns in the economy, housing market, consumer confidence, or the equity markets and unemployment among resident family members; changes in reimbursement rates, methods, or timing under governmental reimbursement programs including the Medicare and Medicaid programs; the effects of senior housing construction and development, lower industry occupancy, and increased competition; conditions of housing markets, regulatory changes, acts of nature, and the effects of climate change in geographic areas where the Company is concentrated; terminations of the Company's resident agreements and vacancies in the living spaces it leases; failure to maintain the security and functionality of the Company's information systems, to prevent a cybersecurity attack or breach, or to comply with applicable privacy and consumer protection laws, including HIPAA; the Company's ability to complete its capital expenditures in accordance with its plans; the Company's ability to identify and pursue development, investment, and acquisition opportunities and its ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; competition for the acquisition of assets; the Company's ability to complete pending or expected disposition, acquisition, or other transactions on agreed upon terms or at all, including in respect of the satisfaction of closing conditions, the risk that regulatory approvals are not obtained or are subject to unanticipated conditions, and uncertainties as to the timing of closing, and the Company's ability to identify and pursue any such opportunities in the future; risks related to the implementation of the Company's strategy, including initiatives undertaken to execute on the Company's strategic priorities and their effect on its results; the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on the nation's economy and debt and equity markets and the local economies in our markets, and on us and our business, results of operations, cash flow, revenue, expenses, liquidity, and our strategic initiatives, including plans for future growth, which will depend on many factors, some of which cannot be foreseen, including the pace and consistency of recovery from the pandemic and any resurgence or variants of the disease; limits on the Company's ability to use net operating loss carryovers to reduce future tax payments; delays in obtaining regulatory approvals; disruptions in the financial markets or decreases in the appraised values or performance of the Company's communities that affect the Company's ability to obtain financing or extend or refinance debt as it matures and the Company's financing costs; the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash flow to cover required interest, principal, and long-term lease payments and to fund its planned capital projects; the effect of any non-compliance with any of the Company's debt or lease agreements (including the financial or other covenants contained therein), including the risk of lenders or lessors declaring a cross default in the event of the Company's non-compliance with any such agreements and the risk of loss of the Company's property securing leases and indebtedness due to any resulting lease terminations and foreclosure actions; the inability to renew, restructure, or extend leases, or exercise purchase options at or prior to the end of any existing lease term; the effect of the Company's indebtedness and long-term leases on the Company's liquidity and its ability to operate its business; increases in market interest rates that increase the costs of the Company's debt obligations; the Company's ability to obtain additional capital on terms acceptable to it; departures of key officers and potential disruption caused by changes in management; increased competition for, or a shortage of, associates (including due to general labor market conditions), wage pressures resulting from increased competition, low unemployment levels, minimum wage increases and changes in overtime laws, and union activity; environmental contamination at any of the Company's communities; failure to comply with existing environmental laws; an adverse determination or resolution of complaints filed against the Company, including putative class action complaints, and the frequency and magnitude of legal actions and liability claims that may arise due to COVID-19 or the Company's response efforts; negative publicity with respect to any lawsuits, claims, or other legal or regulatory proceedings; costs to respond to, and adverse determinations resulting from, government inquiries, reviews, audits, and investigations; the cost and difficulty of complying with increasing and evolving regulation, including new disclosure obligations; changes in, or its failure to comply with, employment-related laws and regulations; the risks associated with current global economic conditions and general economic factors on the Company and the Company's business partners such as inflation, commodity costs, fuel and other energy costs, competition in the labor market, costs of salaries, wages, benefits, and insurance, interest rates, tax rates, geopolitical tensions or conflicts, and uncertainty surrounding federal elections; the impact of seasonal contagious illness or an outbreak of COVID-19 or other contagious disease in the markets in which the Company operates; actions of activist stockholders, including a proxy contest; as well as other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in such SEC filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's views as of the date of this press release. The Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and, except as required by law, it expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any statement is based.

SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living Inc.
GLENDALE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- California Credit Union has partnered with the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club to bring some holiday magic to hundreds of Club kids, providing over 525 new toys and gifts donated by the credit union, its employees, and members.

California Credit Union volunteers distribute gifts to Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club families and community members during the organizations annual holiday event. The credit union provided over 525 new toys donated by the credit union, its employees and members during a branch drive.

"At California Credit Union, we believe in the power of giving back, especially during the holiday season," said California Credit Union President/CEO Steve O'Connell. "We're proud to support the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club and help bring a little extra joy to the children and families they serve. Our team is committed to making a positive impact in our community, and this donation is just one way we can help make the holidays brighter for local families."

All of the toys and gifts were donated by California Credit Union, its employees and members in a month-long drive in its branch locations across Los Angeles County. The toys were distributed during the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club holiday celebration on December 17th to the Club families it serves in communities across Northeast Los Angeles. Credit union volunteers also were on hand to help organize and distribute gifts for the kids.

The Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club's mission is to inspire and enable all youth, especially from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, care and responsible members of the community. Classes for teens include gang prevention, Relationship Smarts, social interaction, wellness, the arts, and physical fitness. For more information about the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club, please visit labgc.org.

About California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 with assets of $5 billion, approximately 200,000 members and 25 retail branches. Named a Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union in 2024, California Credit Union serves community members and businesses in the California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura as well as school employees throughout the state. The credit union operates in San Diego and Riverside Counties as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. The credit union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. California Credit Union is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a Low Income Designation, offering inclusive products and services to build financial stability in our underserved communities, including a checking account certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards. Visit ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @CaliforniaCreditUnion.

SOURCE California Credit Union
NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Keith Haring's Apocalypse series, including 30 distinct pieces of art, has been donated to The City College of New York by the Leonard-Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation, The Foundation for City College announced.

Keith Haring's "Apocalypse" series will be on display throughout the CCNY campus.

Haring created "Apocalypse" in 1988, at the height of the AIDS pandemic and after his own diagnosis. The screen prints are accompanied by captions composed by his series collaborator, William S. Burroughs. The complete set, including the captions, will be displayed in campus spaces to inspire discussion among students, faculty, staff, and alumni, especially members of the CCNY and CUNY LGBTQ+ communities. The art will also be available for loaning to other CUNY campuses for display, particularly but not exclusively, in their respective LGBTQ+ student centers and campus art museums.

There are currently nine LGBTQI+ Centers throughout CUNY.

"Art is often the embodiment of activism, and this is particularly true for the work of Keith Haring. The Apocalypse series is an important marker in a critical moment in the nation's history," said CCNY President Vincent Boudreau. "We are honored to receive this extraordinary donation from the Leonard Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation, and we look forward to making the series the subject of courses, events, and exhibitions across campus and throughout CUNY in the years to come."

"It is very important to us that CCNY and CUNY LGBTQ+ students have the opportunity to experience Haring's Apocalypse series," said Elliot Leonard, founding trustee of the Leonard Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation. "This an extraordinary series and an artifact of the pain, loss, and activism that characterized the height of the AIDS crisis. We hope it will inform discussion and debate on campus, and that the series will serve as inspiration to generations of students, especially members of the LGBTQ+ community."

"It's an honor to have CCNY and the LGBTQ+ Student Center host original Keith Haring works from his Apocalypse series," said Jake Nill, associate director of the CCNY LGBTQ+ Student Center. "I like to think that having Apocalypse within the CCNY LGBTQ+ Student Center and various LGBTQ+ spaces around CUNY will be grounding for so many of us. As Haring's work is alongside the art our students make, is on the walls right above where our students laugh and cry, and is in between the stories shared within these spaces, I like to think that this will be a warm reminder to our campus that we're not alone and that we always have community."

"The Apocalypse series captures the essence of a key moment in art and activism from the 1980s and, especially, in the struggle for rights for LGTBQ+ Americans and those with HIV/AIDS. Our studentsand our entire communitywill now be able to spend time with the artwork and be inspired by their messages," said Andrew Rich, Richard J. Henley and Susan L. Davis Dean of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, and a co-founder of the LGBTQ+ Student Center at CCNY. "I share my profound thanks to Elliot Leonard, Roger Litz, and the Leonard Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation for this donation and for their ongoing commitment to programming for LGBTQ+ students across CUNY."

The official opening of the exhibit will take place on March 4, 2025. The event will feature a discussion of the series, and the art and activism of the 1980s in New York City.

"This donation of Keith Haring's Apocalypse is a tremendous addition to our collections. As we already have an important Haring painting, it builds on an existing strength to expand our holdings of Haring's work greatly," said Associate Professor of Art History Ellen Handy, the director of the CCNY art collection. "Haring's vibrant style and imagery perfectly captures the energy of New York City, and speak to the College's urban context and culture. The Apocalypse portfolio will engage many different constituencies within the College. These works enrich the life of the College community in many ways; they inspire and engage everyone who sees them when on view, they vividly convey the power of art as communication around urgent social issues, and they open up new possibilities for interdisciplinary dialogue."

To curate the collection and to organize the traveling exhibit, Handy will hire a graduate student who will also write a paper on the collection's history, Haring, art, and activism. Handy is also developing a new course for fall 2025, "Keith Haring: Art and Activism of the 1980s," which she will co-teach. The first interdivisional curricular collaboration between the Colin Powell School and the Division of Humanities & the Arts, the prospective course will focus on the Apocalypse series in the context of 1980s art movements, the AIDS Crisis, and artists' activism. Students will study the portfolio first-hand, learn about Haring's work as an artist and activist, and will visit the Keith Haring Foundation, the ACT UP Archive at the New York Public Library, and other relevant sites. The students' final project will be a collaborative web exhibition about Haring, AIDS activism, and Apocalypse. The project will allow the College to share the portfolio, and the students' research and creativity, with audiences beyond the City College campus.

The art will remain at the College for at least 15 years, after which the pieces may be put up for auction. Monies from the auction would be used to support LGBTQ+ programming for students at CCNY and CUNY, and will be managed by The Foundation for City College.

About the Leonard-Litz Foundation

Helping LGBTQ+ people fulfill their potential, the Leonard-Litz Foundation's mission is to fund organizations which advance the interests and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, programs, and services that meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people.

About The City College of New York

Since 1847, The City College of New York has provided a high-quality and affordable education to generations of New Yorkers in a wide variety of disciplines. CCNY embraces its position at the forefront of social change. It is ranked #1 by the Harvard-based Opportunity Insights out of 369 selective public colleges in the United States on the overall mobility index. This measure reflects both access and outcomes, representing the likelihood that a student at CCNY can move up two or more income quintiles. Education research organization Degree Choices ranks CCNY #1 nationally among universities for economic return on investment. In addition, the Center for World University Rankings places CCNY in the top 1.8% of universities worldwide in terms of academic excellence. Labor analytics firm Lightcast puts at $3.2 billion CCNY's annual economic impact on the regional economy (5 boroughs and 5 adjacent counties) and quantifies the "for dollar" return on investment to students, taxpayers and society. At City College, more than 15,000 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in eight schools and divisions, driven by significant funded research, creativity and scholarship. In 2023, CCNY launched its most expansive fundraising campaign, ever. The campaign, titled "Doing Remarkable Things Together" seeks to bring the College's Foundation to more than $1 billion in total assets in support of the College mission. CCNY is as diverse, dynamic and visionary as New York City itself. View CCNY Media Kit.

CONTACT:

Syd Steinhardt

212-650-7875

[email protected]

SOURCE City College of New York, Office of Institutional Advancement and Communications
With an investment of BRL 3.7 billion, the company becomes the first 100% Brazilian mining company to verticalize its operations

MINAS GERAIS, Brazil, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cedro Participacoes has won the auction for the ITG-02 area at the Port of Itaguai (RJ), held on Wednesday, December 18, at B3's stock market headquarters in Sao Paulo. The approximately 350,000-square-meter site will house a terminal for the storage and handling of solid mineral bulk goods, with an estimated capacity of 20 million tons per year.

The company plans to invest BRL 3.7 billion in the construction of infrastructure for the port complex, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and operations in 2029. Strategically located between facilities operated by Vale and CSN, the terminal will have direct access to the MRS rail network.

With this initiative, Cedro Participacoes will become the first fully privately-owned Brazilian iron ore mining company to verticalize its operations and secure direct access to maritime exports. This development is expected to significantly boost production capacity and exports across Brazil's mining sector.

"The terminal aligns perfectly with Cedro's growth and sustainability strategy, as well as the broader objectives of the industry," said Lucas Kallas, Chairman of Cedro Participacoes Board, which also controls Cedro Mineracao.

Currently, small and medium-sized mining companies depend on ports owned by larger players to ship their production. As major companies expand their capacities, smaller operators face limitations due to insufficient storage space at existing ports. Cedro predicts a logistical bottleneck in production exports within the next five years.

"We will achieve greater efficiency and competitiveness while fostering social and economic development in the Quadrilatero Ferrifero region of Minas Gerais and along the Rio de Janeiro coast," added Kallas. "This investment benefits not only smaller companies but also the industry leaders, opening new avenues for export growth."

Fabiano Carvalho, Vice President of Trade Strategy and Projects, highlighted the broader economic impact: "Acquiring this port will create new business opportunities, expand operational reach, and encourage the development of future projects. This infrastructure will unlock logistical potential between Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro."

Board Member Jose Carlos Martins reflected on the historical importance of the auction win: "Two hundred and seventeen years after the opening of Brazil's ports, we are witnessing a historic moment. Cedro is proud to have secured this concession, and we are confident that this investment will make a significant contribution to the economies of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais."

Brazil's Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Serafim da Costa Filho, described the auction as the largest in history, given the magnitude of the investment. "This auction for bulk cargo at the Port of Itaguai is crucial for Brazil's mining sector. The BRL 3.7 billion investment is strategically important for the development of Rio de Janeiro and the country as a whole."

Commitment to Infrastructure

Earlier this year, Cedro Participacoes announced plans to build a railroad branch to facilitate the transport of iron ore from the Serra Azul region in the Quadrilatero Ferrifero. The new port terminal will complement these efforts, offering export capacity for both Cedro and third parties.

The auction, the largest port auction under the current federal administration, marks a key milestone for Portos Rio, the authority managing public ports in Rio de Janeiro. Francisco Martins, President of Portos Rio, emphasized the significance of the project: "This terminal will not only increase the capacity of the Port of Itaguai but will also drive socio-economic growth in the region, create thousands of jobs, and boost tax revenue."

According to the project's Technical, Economic, and Environmental Feasibility Study (EVTEA), the terminal will create approximately 2,800 direct and indirect jobs during construction, with an equal number during operations. Over the 35-year contract, the project is expected to generate up to BRL 1.2 billion in municipal tax revenue (ISS).

Eduardo Couto, Vice President of Legal and Institutional Affairs at Cedro Participacoes and Board Member of Sindiextra, highlighted the sector's long-standing need for this infrastructure: "This project represents economic and social progress, executed with environmental responsibility."

Aligned with Cedro's ESG principles, the new terminal will adhere to rigorous eco-efficiency standards, including sustainable resource use and emission controls. "This is the Cedro way of doing business," said Kallas. "We are developing a project that will enhance competitiveness across the sector while upholding strict environmental and social responsibility standards."

SOURCE Cedro Participacoes
"The Lunar New Year is a cherished occasion for connection and celebration," says Rami Sayess, President, Hotel Operations  Asia Pacific. "At Four Seasons, we are proud to reflect the traditions of the communities we serve, offering guests experiences that beautifully combine authentic culture with modern elegance."

Immerse in Festive Traditions Across Asia

Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou: Usher in the Lunar New Year with a Southern Chinese lion dance on January 29, 2025. Guests can also immerse themselves in cultural workshops, including spring couplet writing, sugar painting, and traditional tapian ink rubbing.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay: Experience a vibrant lion dance performance followed by a nine-station Lunar New Year buffet at Taman Wantilan, featuring Yee Sang, chili crab, and BBQ duck against the stunning backdrop of Jimbaran Bay.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai: Celebrate with traditional lion dances, indulge in the Sweet Sensation dessert experience at KHAO, and connect with loved ones through a serene Family Wellness Retreat.

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake: Enjoy a day of cultural exploration, including a UNESCO boat tour, expert introduce the ecology of West Lake, and children's activities, culminating in an intimate reunion dinner at Jin Sha, set amidst the tranquil beauty of West Lake.

Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen: Savour contemporary Cantonese classics at Zhuo Yue Xuan with curated festive menus, artisanal hampers, and traditional delicacies like poon choi and rice puddings for gatherings of all sizes.

Four Seasons Hotel Dalian: Delight in an elegant reunion dinner at Saai Yue Heen or enjoy spring-themed afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge, featuring classic Cantonese flavours and warm hospitality.

Savour Exquisite Festive Feasts

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing: Celebrate with Michelin-starred dining at Cai Yi Xuan or enjoy the luxurious poon choi treasure pot, paired with gourmet gift offerings from Opus Lounge.

Four Seasons Hotel Macao: Relish the culinary artistry of Michelin-starred Zi Yat Heen or savour inventive creations such as Xiao Ting's Flying Fried Noodles with Boston Lobster.

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur: Dine on elevated Cantonese classics by Michelin-acclaimed Chef Jimmy Wong at Yun House, including Five-Head Abalone with Sea Moss and Fish Maw Dumpling with Cordyceps Flower.

Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin: Mark the Year of the Snake with Jin House's Golden Snake New Year Dinner, featuring premium ingredients like Boston lobster, pine leaf crab, and braised Golden Ginseng.

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre: Celebrate with Ningbo delicacies crafted by Chef Neal Zeng at Song, or indulge in a floral-inspired New Year afternoon tea at The Lounge, reflecting the elegance of spring blooms.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong: Indulge in a festive dinner menu featuring auspicious dishes at two-Michelin-starred Lung King Heen, where culinary excellence meets time-honoured traditions. Delight in signature treats such as the newly introduced Water Chestnut Pudding with Ginger and Snow Dates and explore a selection of elegant festive hampers available on the eShopperfect for gifting cherished loved ones.

Refresh and Rejuvenate for the New Year

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi: Begin the year with the Vitality Wellbeing Journey at the Geo Spa, featuring therapeutic treatments and wellness consultations to rejuvenate mind and body.

Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou: Relax with signature treatments such as the Swiss Perfection Brightening Facial or the Warm Herbal Abhyanga Massage, paired with a themed buffet at Yun He or an authentic reunion dinner at Jin Jing Ge.

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul: Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Lift Your Wellness, a luxurious K-Beauty escape featuring Amorepacific treatments designed to leave skin radiant and refreshed. Complement wellness journeys with festive dining options, including modern Cantonese creations at Yu Yuan and traditional Korean New Year delicacies at The Market Kitchen.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui: Align zodiac elements through curated spa treatments, Muay Thai sessions, and sound bath rituals under the stars.

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore: Celebrate the spirit of longevity and renewal at the newly launched Chi Longevity clinic, where science-based methods optimise health and slow biological agingperfect for starting the Lunar New Year refreshed and revitalised.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru: Embrace renewal at AyurMa with Teresa Tarmey Facials and a detoxifying Stem-Cell Remodelling Scrub, designed to rejuvenate body and refresh spirit for the year ahead.

Celebrate Asia and Beyond: A Global Lunar New Year

Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge: Experience the vibrancy of Lunar New Year at Mei Ume with a decadent 10-course menu paired with Moutai cocktails. Complemented by live lion dance performances, this celebration beautifully blends Eastern tradition with London's contemporary charm.

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River: Indulge in the festive offerings of Michelin-recommended Yu Ting Yuan, featuring exclusive Sweet and Turnip Puddings and a specially curated menu. Highlights include barbecued suckling pig with Krystal caviar and double-boiled conpoy with ginsengeach dish crafted to symbolize joy, prosperity, and culinary excellence.

Four Seasons Hotel Osaka: Immerse in the festive celebrations at Jiang Nan Chun, where Chef Raymond Wong presents Cantonese culinary masterpieces against the dynamic cultural backdrop of Osaka.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa: Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a festive family reunion dinner, a vibrant poolside Lion Dance, and an Asian Street Food Festival at Vaboa Huraa, blending island charm with Lunar New Year traditions.

A Global Celebration of Renewal

Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Four Seasons, where timeless traditions meet modern luxury. Whether through unforgettable culinary feasts, cultural immersions, or rejuvenating wellness retreats, each experience is designed to bring joy, renewal, and prosperity.

For more information about Four Seasons and to explore its properties worldwide, click here.

Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
SALISBURY, N.C., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Courtyard by Marriott Salisbury, owned by BPR Properties and managed by LBA Hospitality, is pleased to announce the completion of its recent renovation project. Designed to refresh the property and enhance the guest experience, the updates reflect the Courtyard brand's commitment to offering practical, comfortable, and welcoming spaces for travelers.

Newly renovated guest room at the Courtyard by Marriott Salisbury, owned by BPR Properties and managed by LBA Hospitality.

Located at 120 Marriott Circle, the Courtyard Salisbury is a convenient choice for business and leisure travelers visiting Salisbury, NC, and the surrounding area. The renovations bring subtle yet meaningful enhancements that ensure guests can relax and recharge during their stay.

Highlights of the Renovation Include:

Updated Guest Rooms : Redesigned with a clean, modern aesthetic, the guest rooms now feature Marriott's signature bedding, ergonomic workspaces, and upgraded technology for a comfortable and convenient stay.

: Redesigned with a clean, modern aesthetic, the guest rooms now feature Marriott's signature bedding, ergonomic workspaces, and upgraded technology for a comfortable and convenient stay. Modernized Lobby : The refreshed lobby provides flexible spaces for guests to work, relax, or connect. At the heart of the space is The Bistro, a central hub for breakfast, dinner, or evening drinks, offering both convenience and quality dining options.

: The refreshed lobby provides flexible spaces for guests to work, relax, or connect. At the heart of the space is The Bistro, a central hub for breakfast, dinner, or evening drinks, offering both convenience and quality dining options. Enhanced Amenities: Updates to the fitness center and meeting spaces ensure the hotel continues to meet the needs of today's travelers, whether visiting for business or leisure.

"These updates ensure the Courtyard Salisbury continues to provide a dependable, comfortable stay for our guests," said Beau Benton, President of LBA Hospitality. "We are committed to maintaining a space that meets the needs of today's traveler while remaining a reliable choice for those visiting the Salisbury area."

The Courtyard Salisbury is conveniently located off I-85 and close to historic downtown Salisbury, Catawba College, and Livingstone College. Guests can explore the charm of Salisbury, a community rich in cultural resources. Highlights like the NC Transportation Museum, offering family-friendly exhibits and special events, are just minutes away.

To book your stay at the Courtyard Salisbury, visit their website at www.marriott.com/cltsb or call 704-680-9201.

About LBA Hospitality

Founded in 1973, LBA Hospitality is among the foremost hotel management, development, and consulting firms in the US. Its extensive award-winning hotel portfolio extends across the East, Southeast, and Southwest regions, including esteemed brands within the Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Best Western, and InterContinental Hotel Group franchises. For over five decades, LBA Hospitality has dedicated itself to the pursuit of excellence and sustained growth in hotel development, management, and guest satisfaction.

About BPR Properties

Since 1983, BPR Properties has grown from a small-scale entity to a leading real estate development company with a record of developing and owning over 100 hotels. BPR Properties has shown excellence and innovation in developing commercial and residential real estate, and it continues to expand its distinguished presence in the industry.

CONTACT:

Melanie Shammout

LBA Hospitality

[email protected]

SOURCE LBA Hospitality
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dalfen Industrial, one of the nation's largest privately owned industrial real estate firms, has announced the off-market acquisition of a 219,123-square-foot, Class A industrial facility in Lumberton, New Jersey.

Lumberton Logistics Center, Lumberton, NJ

Located in Burlington County, the Class A front-parked, rear-load property was completed in 2023 and features modern specifications, including 40-foot clear heights, a 1:6,000 door-to-floor ratio with 35 fully dressed loading positions, and the property is demisable for single or multi-tenant occupancy. Subsequent to closing, Dalfen will commence construction of a ~2,500 SF office within the building, providing a move-in ready opportunity for tenants seeking occupancy within the market. The asset is immediately available for lease.

Burlington County's growing reputation as a regional logistics hub, combined with its cost advantages over northern New Jersey, has made it a target for Fortune 500 companies and third-party logistics providers. Notable neighbors include Amazon, CVS, Ikea, Target, NFI, and Grainger.

Positioned along NJ-38, the property benefits from its proximity to Route 206 (< 2 miles), NJ Turnpike Exit 5 (<7 miles), and I-295 (<8 miles), providing connectivity to the PA Turnpike (I-276), providing efficient drivetimes to Philadelphia (30 mins), Port of New York & New Jersey (60 mins) and New York City (90 mins).

"We're pleased to add this building to our growing Northeast portfolio," said Keith Hontz, Northeast Market Officer for Dalfen Industrial. "The building's functionality, 40' clear height and demisability offers cubic storage efficiencies and caters to tenants of all sizes, providing flexibility to effectuate our business plan, and aligns with our focus on last-mile properties in Central and Northern New Jersey."

About Dalfen Industrial

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Dalfen Industrial LLC is a leader in the last-mile industrial property sector and one of the largest privately held industrial real estate firms in the United States, with a portfolio over 50 million square feet, specializing in strategically located infill warehouses and distribution centers. In the Northeast, Dalfen owns and operates approximately 4 million square feet across the region, with another 1.3 million square feet under contract, including 500,000 square feet under development.

Press Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Dalfen Industrial
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $100,000 In Zeta To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you suffered losses exceeding $100,000 in Zeta between February 27, 2024 and November 13, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Zeta Global Holdings Corp. ("Zeta" or the "Company") (NYSE: ZETA) and reminds investors of the January 21, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi Logo (PRNewsfoto/Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP)

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) that Zeta used two-way contracts to artificially inflate financial results; (2) that Zeta engaged in round trip transactions to artificially inflate financial results; (3) that Zeta utilized predatory consent farms to collect user data; (4) that these consent farms have driven almost the entirety of Zeta's growth; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On November 13, 2024, Culper Research published a report alleging that the "integrity of the Company's data collection and reported financials" is severely undermined by two factors. First, the report alleged that "Zeta has formed 'two-way' contracts with third party consent farms wherein the Company simultaneously acts as both a supplier and a buyer of consumer data," allowing the Company to "flatter reported revenue growth" and indicating possible "round-tripping" of revenue. Second, the report alleged that Zeta collects the majority of its customer data from a network of "sham websites that hoodwink millions of consumers each month into handing their data over to Zeta under false pretenses." For example, the report alleged the Company and its subsidiaries operate a number of fake job boards which are designed to trick individuals into submitting personal data under the pretense of job applications. The report further alleged that the Company's "most valuable data" comes from these predatory websites, dubbed consent farms, which are "responsible for almost the entirety of the Company's growth."

On this news, the Company's stock price fell $10.46, or 37.07%, to close at $17.76 per share on November 13, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Zeta's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Zeta Global Holdings class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/ZETA or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is being issued by Kroll Settlement Administration regarding McEvoy v. Diversified Energy and EQT, No. 22-cv-00171-JPB (N.D. W. Va.).

A proposed settlement has been reached in a lawsuit called McEvoy v. Diversified Energy and EQT that alleges Diversified and EQT engaged in improper transfers of certain oil and gas wells and that Diversified wrongfully used land by failing to plug certain non-producing wells, among other things. Diversified and EQT deny any wrongdoing but have decided that it is in their best interests to settle the case in order to avoid the risk and expenses of further litigation.

Who is included in the Settlement?

Members of the class are persons and entities that owned-from July 8, 2022 to November 4, 2024-a surface interest in land in West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or Tennessee, with a Diversified Energy oil and gas well on that land.

What are the Settlement Benefits?

The settlement requires Diversified to plug 2,600 wells in the affected states by December 31, 2034. If you have any health, safety, or environmental concerns, you can apply for well-plugging at no cost through a Court appointed administrator. More details are on www.DECSettlement.com.

What are your Rights & Options?

Do Nothing: Be a member of the class, with the opportunity to have non-producing wells plugged over the next 10 years. Give up certain legal rights resolved by the settlement, including the right to sue Diversified until January 1, 2034 , for failing to plug your well. Diversified and EQT contest that citizens have a right to bring any such lawsuit.

Be a member of the class, with the opportunity to have non-producing wells plugged over the next 10 years. Give up certain legal rights resolved by the settlement, including the right to sue Diversified until , for failing to plug your well. Diversified and EQT contest that citizens have a right to bring any such lawsuit. Opt-Out: You get out of the settlement and keep the right to sue for claims in this case. You will not be a member of the class, and you will not release claims (to the extent they existed) against Diversified and EQT. The deadline to opt out is February 18, 2025 .

You get out of the settlement and keep the right to sue for claims in this case. You will not be a member of the class, and you will not release claims (to the extent they existed) against Diversified and EQT. The deadline to opt out is . Object: To object, you must remain in the class and explain to the Court any specific disagreements you have with the proposed settlement. The deadline to object is March 17, 2025 .

The Court will hold a Fairness hearing at the US District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, 1125 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 on April 11, 2025, to consider approval of the settlement, a payment up to a total of $6,500,000 or Class Counsel for attorneys' fees, plus Class Counsel's expenses, and an award of $3,000 for each Class Representative. In a Class Action Lawsuit, the Court appoints Class representatives and lawyers to work on the case and represent the interests of all Class Members. All motions filed by Class Counsel will be available on the website before the hearing. You may appear at the hearing, at your own expense, but you do not need to. You may also hire your own lawyer, at your own expense.

This is only a summary. More details about the Proposed Settlement and instructions on how to object or exclude yourself are available at www.DECSettlement.com or by calling (833) 627-3696.

SOURCE Kroll Settlement Administration
NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Diebold Nixdorf, (NYSE: DBD), a world leader in transforming the way people bank and shop, has successfully refinanced the company's debt and significantly lowered its overall interest payments.

This strategic achievement reduces total debt by $100 million and is another step in the company's journey towards growing free cash flow and fortifying its balance sheet. This accomplishment follows recent credit rating and outlook upgrades from Moody's Ratings and S&P Global Ratings.

Diebold Nixdorf completed a $950 million senior secured notes offering and has repurchased all term loans under its prior $1.05 billion senior secured term loan facility. The company has also increased its liquidity position by executing a new $310 million revolving credit facility. All outstanding borrowings under the company's prior super-priority senior secured revolving credit facility have been repaid.

Tom Timko, Diebold Nixdorf executive vice president and chief financial officer, said: "Our successful refinancing significantly strengthens our financial position, reduces our overall debt and provides us with greater flexibility to execute our strategic priorities. These actions, along with the agency rating upgrades, demonstrate Diebold Nixdorf's commitment to continuous improvement, strengthening our financial position and ensuring long-term stability for the company and its stakeholders."

About Diebold Nixdorf

Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) automates, digitizes and transforms the way people bank and shop. As a partner to the majority of the world's top 100 financial institutions and top 25 global retailers, our integrated solutions connect digital and physical channels conveniently, securely and efficiently for millions of consumers each day. The company has a presence in more than 100 countries with approximately 21,000 employees worldwide. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/diebold

X: @DieboldNixdorf

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DieboldNixdorf

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dieboldnixdorf

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are not historical information and are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. Statements can generally be identified as forward looking because they include words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "will," "estimates," "potential," "target," "predict," "project," "seek," and variations thereof or "could," "should" or words of similar meaning. Statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements, which reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Although the Company believes that these forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions regarding, among other things, the economy, its knowledge of its business, and key performance indicators that impact the Company, these forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements, including the Company's ability to successfully execute its strategic priorities. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause the Company's future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see the reports and other filings by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on March 8, 2024, and the Company's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024, as filed with the SEC on November 7, 2024. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

SOURCE Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated
CHICAGO, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dream Exchange, recently hosted a fireside chat at the Union League Club in Chicago with the local minority business community. The event took place on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, and featured notable panelists Dwain Kyles, Managing Member of DX Capital Partners, LLC, and Lorri Dotson, a Dream Exchange investor, Founder/CEO of VISION Group Cleaning and President of Fleetwood Cleaning Services of GA Inc.

Dream Exchange Fireside Chat Jeffery Ferrell, Kris Bell, Lorri Dotson, and Dwain Kyles

The central theme of the discussion was how the lack of access to capital for minority-owned businesses, can be overcome by the Main Street Growth Act ("MSGA"), a bill that, once enacted, will allow for the creation of venture exchanges. A venture exchange is a financial marketplace specifically designed for buying and selling securities of small and emerging companies, often in their early stages of development. The fireside chat provided a unique platform for members of the community and business leaders to explore the future of public capital markets and Dream Exchange's mission to create a more accessible financial landscape.

Dwain Kyles emphasized the significance of the event, stating, "We are committed to changing the financial landscape for minority entrepreneurs by creating a system that provides access to capital and resources that were previously out of reach. Fireside chats allow us to connect directly with stakeholders to let them know how Dream Exchange will help facilitate access to capital for business owners."

Lorri Dotson added, "Dream Exchange is not only helping to reshape the current economic landscape in financial markets, but also leading a charge towards greater representation and equity in the business world. It's an honor to be part of this groundbreaking initiative."

Joe Cecala, Founder and CEO of Dream Exchange, remarked on the event's importance, "Our mission is to connect with the local Chicago business community, particularly those from underrepresented groups. By highlighting the MSGA, we are paving the way for a future where all entrepreneurs have equal access to opportunities and capital."

This fireside chat is part of Dream Exchange's ongoing efforts to engage with diverse communities and foster meaningful discussions about the future of entrepreneurship and financial empowerment.

About Dream Exchange

The Dream Exchange has submitted a preliminary draft of its application to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to become the first minority-controlled company to operate a licensed stock exchange in the history of the United States and is in the process of responding to comments from the SEC, as well as preparing its operations for when it receives approval. In addition, Dream Exchange is championing the creation of a new type of stock exchange called a venture exchange, which will list and trade the securities of smaller, early-stage companies. Dream Exchange's mission is to create equal access to a marketplace that instills ethics, humanity, and fairness into finance.

Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn for more.

MEDIA CONTACT

Vanessa Jean-Louis

Vice President of Public Relations

1-773-914-1182

SOURCE Dream Exchange
LONDON, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As 2024 draws to a close, Drofa Comms concludes the year with record-breaking achievements and sets ambitious plans for the future.

In 2024, the agency achieved an impressive growth rate of 69.5% and doubled the number of supported clients, which reflects the growing demand for its services and the ability to meet these needs. This growth has been widely recognized by industry players in PR and fintech.

PRovoke Media ranked Drofa as the third-fastest growing PR agency in the UK, one of the Top Financial PR Consultancies in the EMEA region. Several months later, Drofa was also acknowledged as one of the Top 10 Fastest Growing PR Agencies in 2024-2025 by the California Business Journal.

Going beyond its direct operations as a PR consultancy, Drofa Comms has also launched three impactful projects this year:

Women Leading the Way (female leadership and gender diversity in fintech)

Crypto Edu (digital asset education)

Edu (digital asset education) Communicate Fintech (a hub for fintech thought leaders to connect).

These initiatives reflect Drofa's commitment to empowering the fintech community and fostering growth in this sector. Between partnering with prominent organisations like CryptoUK to launch Crypto Edu and holding two successful Communicate Fintech events, the agency has cemented its position as a thought leader.

Drofa Comms also takes a proactive approach to expanding its reach by actively participating in premier industry events. In 2024, the agency's representative visited a number of venues, including iFX EXPO 2024, FundForum, Fintech Fringe, and Token2049. These events have brought together many representatives from all parts of the global financial ecosystem, providing countless opportunities to share insights and build connections.

As 2025 approaches, Drofa Comms has declared it the "Year of Efficiency," making it a priority to further streamline its operations and build impactful strategies for even greater results.

"2024 was a year of steady growth for us in all regards, be it clients, employees, or turnover. The launch of our three industry initiatives was a major step forward and a way to broadly share Drofa's core values and its mission. These projects have become a fertile ground for conversations that we believe are critical in today's fintech landscape. In 2025, our team is going to focus on expanding these efforts even further,"  stated Valentina Drofa, CEO and Co-Founder of Drofa Comms.

SOURCE Drofa Comms
VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Elevation Gold Mining Corporation (TSXV: ELVT.H) (the "Company" or "Elevation Gold") previously announced in its press release dated December 4, 2024 that it entered into a purchase and sale agreement dated December 2, 2024 (the "APS"), with an arm's length purchaser, EG Acquisition LLC (the "Purchaser"), in respect of the purchase and sale of certain of Elevation's assets (the "Transaction"), including the outstanding common shares of Golden Vertex Corp. ("GVC"), which holds the Moss Mine located in Arizona.

The APS and the Transaction are subject to approval of the BC Court and recognition and enforcement by the US Court.

The hearing of the Petitioners' application to the BC Court (the "Canadian Approval Hearing") for an order, among other things, approving the Transaction (the "Canadian Approval Order") took place at 10:00 am PST on December 17, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Company hereby announces that the Canadian Approval Order was granted by the BC Court on December 17, 2024, with certain amendments. The Canadian Approval Order will be signed and entered in due course.

The hearing of the motion before the US Court in the Chapter 15 Proceedings (the "US Recognition Hearing") by Elevation Gold, Eclipse Gold Mining Corporation, Golden Vertex Corp. ("GVC") and Golden Vertex (Idaho) Corp. (collectively, the "Companies") for an order for recognition and enforcement of the Canadian Approval Order (the "US Approval Order") is scheduled to be heard at 11:00 am MST on December 23, 2024. The Transaction is also subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, as well as other standard conditions precedent.

All notices and documents pertaining to the Canadian Approval Hearing and the US Approval Hearing will be posted to the Case Website once available. Closing will occur if, and after, the US Approval Order is granted and the TSX-V approves of the transaction.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF ELEVATION GOLD MINING CORPORATION

"Tim J. Swendseid"

Tim J. Swendseid, Chief Executive Officer of Elevation Gold Mining Corporation

About Elevation Gold Mining Corporation

Elevation Gold is a publicly listed gold and silver producer, engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and operation of mineral properties located in the United States. Elevation Gold's common shares are currently listed on the Exchange's NEX Board in Canada under the ticker symbol ELVT.H. The Company's principal operation is the 100% owned Moss Mine in the Mohave County of Arizona.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this document constitute forward-looking information, including but not limited to statements regarding the completion of the Transaction pursuant to the APS, and anticipated receipt of associated court and other regulatory approvals. Words such as "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "target", "plan", "goal", "aim", "intend", "continue", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", "can", "could", "should", "schedule" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon various estimates and assumptions including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this document in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, these statements are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: risks regarding receipt of court and regulatory approvals; risks related to non-performance by counterparties; and other risks and uncertainties including but not limited to those described the Company's public disclosure documents which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company's profile. All of the forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, forecast or intended and readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this document. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forwardlooking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Elevation Gold Mining Corp.
M. Florine Demosthene and Didier William: What the Body Carries

January 31May 4, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Frist Art Museum presents M. Florine Demosthene and Didier William: What the Body Carries, a multimedia exhibition of figurative paintings, collages, and sculptures by Haitian American artists M. Florine Demosthene and Didier William. Organized by the Frist Art Museum, the exhibition will be on view in the Frist's Gordon Contemporary Artists Project Gallery from January 31 through May 4, 2025.

Didier William. Moult 1, 2023. Acrylic, ink, oil, wood carving on panel52 x 72 in. Image courtesy of the artist and Altman Siegel, San Francisco,  Didier William

M. Florine Demosthene was born in New York but spent much of her childhood in Haiti. Didier William, who was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, moved to Miami, Florida with his family when he was six years old. This exhibition explores how immigrant bodies can carry memories and heritage while simultaneously embodying a new, hybrid reality. Through their multimedia works, Demosthene and Williamboth featured in the Frist's 2023 exhibition Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collageoffer insights into their experiences navigating life outside Haiti while still being informed by the country's history, culture, and spiritual traditions.

"This project offers an opportunity to consider the connections and departures between the work of two artists of Haitian descent," writes Senior Curator Katie Delmez. "In a context where immigrant narratives have often been oversimplified in the media, we hope this exhibition gives more expansive and authentic insights into how their families' relocations to the US have shaped the creative practices of two artists making their marks on the contemporary landscape, as well as how personal stories shape our communities, survival strategies, and overall vitality."

Both Demosthene and William often create figures of ambiguous gender and race set within imaginary geographies that evoke liminal spacessomewhere between here in the U.S. and a homeland left behind. Their depictions of the complexity of personhood through multiple forms reference the divine twins of Haitian Vodou, Marassa Jumeaux, and reflect the artists' hybrid experiences. Both artists also emphasize eyes in their works as a way of expressing the need to be seen while protectively subverting the judgmental gaze too often cast upon immigrants and other marginalized people. Demosthene animates the eyes of her figures with glitter; William carves hundreds of eyes into the wooden panels that serve as a foundation for many of his works.

The impact of the artists' familial and cultural connections to Haiti, however, manifests in their art in different ways. Delmez notes, "Demosthene is particularly influenced by Haitianand by extension West Africanspiritual traditions and mythology, as can be seen in the 3D-printed sculptures that suggest shrines and deities in the work What We Know & What We Don't Know and in the otherworldly aura of her collages."

Demosthene sometimes surrounds her figures with various motifs that further encourage a spiritual read of her dream-like scenes. "These include representations of African votive sculptures; lily pad-like forms, which the artist considers her version of the floating cherubs seen in Renaissance and Baroque paintings; and glittery translucent rays emanating from figures' hands like a supernatural spiderweb," writes Delmez.

William's work tends to be more grounded in historical and personal narratives. "Often using his coming of age in Miami with his recently immigrated family as a springboard, William dives into critical inquiries into nationhood and borders, familial memory and mythmaking, violence and tenderness," writes Delmez. The work Redemption, Resurrection recalls an instance of violent bullying one of William's brothers endured growing up in Miami. William's oldest brother ran to avenge the beating; in the work, he is presented as a savior figure with rays of light emanating from behind his body as he fights off assailants.

The process of moltingthe shedding of skin or feathers to make space for new growthappears frequently in William's work, as in Moult I. Implicit in this visual metaphor is the process of abandoning some aspects of one's previous life to thrive or survivea common experience among immigrants.

In the exhibition, selected gallery texts will be available in Haitian Creole, including an essay by Grace Aneiza Ali, a Guyanese-born curator focused on art and migration and an assistant professor in the Department of Art and Art History at Florida State University.

About the Artists

M. Florine Demosthene was born in United States and grew up between Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and New York, New York. She earned her bachelor of fine arts degree from Parsons School for Design and her master of fine arts degree from Hunter College, City University of New York. She has been an artist in residence at the Nicholson Project, Washington, DC; the Silver Arts Studio, New York, New York; and the Joan Mitchell Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, among other programs. Demosthene has also been named a New York Foundation for the Arts Artist Fellow and received the Tulsa Artist Fellowship, an Arts Moves Africa grant, and a Joan Mitchell Foundation grant. In recent years, she has lived in Accra, Ghana; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and New York, New York.

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Didier William moved to Miami, Florida, with his family when he was six years old. He received his bachelor of fine arts degree in painting from Maryland Institute College of Art and his master of fine arts degree in painting and printmaking from Yale University School of Art. William has been a recipient of the Rosenthal Family Foundation Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters and Sculptors Grant, a Pew Fellowship from the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, and the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Biennial Grant. He currently teaches at Mason Gross School of Art at Rutgers University and lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Program

Opening Conversation: M. Florine Demosthene and Didier William with Katie Delmez, senior curator

Friday, January 31, noon

Auditorium

Free for members; gallery admission required for not-yet-members

Join artists M. Florine Demosthene and Didier William, as they sit down with Katie Delmez, senior curator at the Frist Art Museum, for this conversation about What the Body Carries.

Exhibition Credit

Organized by the Frist Art Museum

Supporter Acknowledgment

Supported in part by the Gordon CAP Gallery Fund and Clay Blevins

The Frist Art Museum is supported in part by The Frist Foundation, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Connect with us @FristArtMuseum #TheFrist

About the Frist Art Museum

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Frist Art Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art exhibition center dedicated to presenting and originating high-quality exhibitions with related educational programs and community outreach activities. Located at 919 Broadway in downtown Nashville, Tenn., the Frist Art Museum offers the finest visual art from local, regional, national, and international sources in exhibitions that inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways. Information on accessibility can be found at FristArtMuseum.org/accessibility. Gallery admission is free for visitors ages 18 and younger and for members, and $15 for adults. For current hours and additional information, visit FristArtMuseum.org or call 615.244.3340.

SOURCE Frist Art Museum
Jennifer Fahy, Shorlette Ammons Named Co-Executive Directors

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Farm Aid Board of Directors has appointed Shorlette Ammons and Jennifer Fahy to lead the organization effective January 1, 2025, succeeding Carolyn Mugar, Farm Aid's first and only executive director since the organization's founding in 1985. Mugar will remain in relationship with Farm Aid as an advisor. Additionally, Associate Director Glenda Yoder is departing the organization at the end of 2024 after 34 years.

Fahy, who joined Farm Aid in 2002 and has served as communications director since 2008, and Ammons, who has served as the organization's program director since 2022, will share leadership responsibilities in the ongoing mission to cultivate a family farm-centered system of agriculture in America.

"There would not be 40 years of Farm Aid without Carolyn Mugar (and for all those years she's made me look good!). I am deeply grateful for her passion and commitment leading Farm Aid's work, listening to farmers and always being a champion of grassroots organizations," said Farm Aid President and Co-founder Willie Nelson. "Carolyn and Glenda rallied the Good Food Movement to bring people together in support of farmers."

"All of us at Farm Aid confidently trust that Shorlette and Jennifer are poised to lead Farm Aid's next chapter to benefit farmers, eaters and our soil and water," said Mugar. "We face urgent issues with the health of our planet, and I'm thankful Farm Aid has a strong foundation for the next leaders to build upon."

In addition to her deep experience managing communications for the organization and co-producing the Farm Aid festival, Fahy holds a certificate in nonprofit management at Boston University's Questrom School of Business. Ammons, who comes from a farm family in North Carolina, spent her career prior to Farm Aid addressing the systemic barriers that BIPOC, low-income and rural food and farming communities face. She has 20 years of experience in community leadership, training, education and engagement.

"My two-decade career at Farm Aid has offered me incredible opportunities to dig into a broad spectrum of the work and operations of the organization, for which I am grateful and proud," said Fahy. "Farm Aid's people are its greatest strength, and I am thrilled to deepen my work with all of the folks  from farmers and artists to our supporters, advocates, policymakers and everyone who eats  who make up this organization and this movement for thriving family farmers."

"As a Black Southern woman who grew up in the family farm tradition, I have a deep understanding of the struggles of family farmers and rural communities," said Ammons. "I know the ways that food and music bring folks together. So, for me, this transition has been taking place over the course of my lifetime of work and service. I'm excited to step into this role to live up to the legacy of Farm Aid's leadership and the resistance that marginalized communities have demonstrated since the farm crisis of the 80s and throughout our shared history."

Farm Aid's mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Margo Price host an annual festival to raise funds to support Farm Aid's work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. For more than 35 years, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $80 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

SOURCE Farm Aid
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Flack Global Metals (FGM), a vertically integrated industrial business platform transforming the steel supply chain, announced today its role as a counterparty to the first Busheling Ferrous Scrap Futures contract tied to the Chicago No. 1 Busheling Ferrous Scrap (Fastmarkets) index. The contract was listed and cleared Monday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group), the world's largest derivatives marketplace.

This contract marks the first use of Fastmarkets' Chicago No. 1 Busheling price as a benchmark for recycled ferrous scrapa critical input for new steel production, contributing to over half of U.S. steel output. It introduces a new financial tool to help manage price volatility in the scrap market, and allow for better alignment with the realities of the physical Busheling market. This new contract is expected to materially increase the liquidity in the scrap market, allowing market participants to better manage the risks of a greater portion of the steel supply chain.

Flack Global Metals announced today its role as a counterparty to the first Busheling Ferrous Scrap Futures contract. Post this

This trade comes on the heels of FGM's recent involvement in the first European hot rolled steel options trade, reinforcing FGM's position as an innovator in employing sophisticated risk management and hedging techniques.

"We are proud to retain first mover advantage as we continue to fill a gap in providing robust risk management tools to the steel industry," said Brad Clark, Vice President of Capital Markets and Metal Trading at Flack Capital Markets. Flack Capital Markets is a division of FGM that boasts the most sophisticated capital markets desk in the ferrous metals space.

About Flack Global Metals

Flack Global Metals (FGM) is a vertically integrated industrial business platform specializing in the construction products industry. FGM buys, sells, manufactures, trades and invests in flat-rolled steel goods. Its four distinct divisions work together to integrate and de-risk the steel supply chain, from raw steel to finished products. By leveraging proprietary hedging strategies and market intelligence, FGM effectively manages price volatility, delivering comprehensive solutions to its customers. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, FGM serves a global market with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, London, and Lugano.

Media Contact

Haley Rowland, FGM

Director of Marketing & Communications

678-995-4156

[email protected]

SOURCE Flack Global Metals
Moran most recently served as the Chair of the Governor's Workforce Council in Connecticut

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The workforce development organization Year Up United announced today that Garrett Moran will serve as its next Chairman of the Board. Immediate Past Chair Paul Edgerley, a Senior Advisor at Bain Capital Private Equity, will work closely with Moran and with Board Vice-Chair Greg Walton during this transition.

"We are so grateful to Paul for his leadership and dedication as Year Up United's Board Chair over the last three years," said Year Up United CEO and President Ellen McClain. "Today, we are honored to welcome Garrett as our new Chair. His long history with Year Up United and his workforce development expertise will be critical in our work to ensure meaningful impact on both sides of the Opportunity Divide  increasing access to meaningful careers for young people, and partnering with employers to transform business and advance skills-first talent practices."

Year Up United announced today that Garrett Moran will serve as its next Chairman of the Board. Post this

"It's been my privilege to serve as Chair of Year Up United and to support the organization through a significant transformation that has positioned it as a driving force in skills-first hiring," said Edgerley. "I've worked closely with Garrett during his time on Year Up United's Board, and he is the perfect partner with Ellen and the Year Up United leadership team to continue to drive reshaping the world of work in the future  it is an exciting future."

Moran was previously the Chair of the Governor's Workforce Council in Connecticut, advising the governor on workforce policy in the state. He joined Year Up United's National Board in 2022, and served as the President of Year Up United from 2013 to 2019. Prior to that, he was Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Blackstone's Private Equity Group. Moran was recently confirmed as a commissioner on the Bipartisan Policy Center's Commission on the American Workforce, which is co-chaired by former Governors Bill Haslam (R-TN) and Deval Patrick (D-MA) and will meet throughout 2025 to develop a strategy to strengthen the workforce and expand economic opportunity.

"I'm thrilled to take on the role of Board Chair, working in concert with the board to expand Year Up United's reach and impact," said Moran. "From my years in the workforce development field, Year Up United stands out as a social enterprise that is second to none. Having worked in the public, private and non-profit sectors, I believe there's tremendous potential in a tri-sector approach to ending the Opportunity Divide, and Year Up United is well-positioned to take a leading role in this work."

Prior to joining Blackstone, Moran was the President of MMC Capital, and was Vice Chairman and co-head of the Banking Group at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. He has served on several nonprofit boards, including Middlebury College, The Partnership for Connecticut, The Posse Foundation, the Blackstone Foundation, the Connecticut Council for Education Reform and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Brunswick School.

About Year Up United (YUU)

Year Up United is a workforce development organization committed to expanding access to economic opportunity for all young adults by providing business and talent solutions to reshape the world of work. We envision a world where everyone has equal opportunity to achieve their full potential and we know it will take multiple approaches and solutions to realize this vision. For nearly 25 years, we have catalyzed change in the talent and business landscape, delivering comprehensive solutions that drive material impact on lives, businesses, and communities. Our work is not done. United, we will end the Opportunity Divide for good. To learn more, visit https://www.yearupunited.org , and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

SOURCE Year Up United
Magazines like Seventeen, Cosmopolitan and Vogue Partnering with Philip Morris to Promote IQOS and Zyn

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is joining more than 50 public health advocates from 10 countries in calling on Hearst Communications Inc. and Conde Nast - two of the world's largest media companies  to stop promoting tobacco and nicotine products to kids online. The call to action comes as Hearst and Conde Nast magazines like Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, Vogue and Glamour have been partnering with Philip Morris International to promote IQOS heated cigarette and Zyn nicotine pouch products to hundreds of thousands of young people under the age of 25.

The promotions have been published online in numerous countries and regions including Spain, Eastern Europe, Mexico, Latin America and the United States. In the U.S., paid advertisements for Zyn, an addictive nicotine pouch, were observed paired with articles such as "34 Best Gifts for Teenage Girls" and "Best Christmas Movies for Teens," on websites for Seventeen and Cosmopolitan.

In response to these promotions, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free kids, along with five other organizations, sent letters earlier this year to Hearst and Conde Nast, urging them to immediately terminate their partnerships with Philip Morris. Yet, the companies continue to advertise Philip Morris products to young people online. Last week, advocates from around the world participated in a global week of action on social media to call on publishers to stop targeting young people.

According to evidence collected by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, magazines such as Vogue, GQ, Glamour, ELLE and Esquire have been partnering with Philip Morris in numerous countries to promote IQOS as a trendy lifestyle accessory on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Paid content advertising tobacco and nicotine products is banned under the current advertising policies of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. Online advertising of tobacco products like IQOS is illegal in Spain, where many of the paid advertisements are running, according to the letters. The letters explain that Conde Nast and Hearst are helping Philip Morris skirt Meta policies on tobacco advertising and undermine advertising laws in at least one country.

"It is absolutely outrageous that magazines like Seventeen are helping one of the world's largest tobacco companies reach teens and young adults online," said Smita Baruah, executive vice president of global tobacco control at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "By allowing Philip Morris to advertise IQOS and Zyn through popular lifestyle magazines, Hearst and Conde Nast are exposing their readers to harmful and addictive products meant to hook to a new generation."

Philip Morris launched IQOS in Japan 10 years ago, and the product is now widely available in many countries. It is expected to launch in the United States imminently. For years, IQOS has been extensively marketed on social media to and by young people. In 2022, Philip Morris spent $16 billion to purchase Swedish Match, manufacturer of Zyn, a nicotine pouch that is sold in appealing flavors and has been aggressively promoted on social media.

"Tobacco companies like Philip Morris International are constantly seeking new ways to reach youth  it's time for Hearst and Conde Nast to stop allowing tobacco companies to exploit their readers and end their partnership with Big Tobacco," added Baruah.

SOURCE Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
BEIJING, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved success widely recognized by the world, showcasing great vitality and unique charm, said Chinese President Xi Jinping upon his arrival at Macao on Wednesday afternoon.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. He will also inspect the Macao SAR, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Describing Macao as "a pearl on the palm" of the motherland, Xi expressed confidence in the promising future of Macao. "This is the glory of Macao residents and the pride of all Chinese people," he said in a brief speech delivered at the airport.

President Xi also met with Ho Iat Seng, the outgoing chief executive of the Macao SAR on Wednesday, expressing the central authorities' full acknowledgment of the work of Ho and the fifth-term Macao SAR government, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi said Ho has risen to challenges in a pragmatic and productive manner during his five-year term as chief executive. "This is no easy task, yet you have achieved high accomplishments," he noted.

Macao is brimming with festive cheer. Banners celebrating the anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and welcoming President Xi's visit flutter along most major streets. Residents interviewed by the Global Times expressed excitement for the future development opportunities in Macao.

"President Xi's speech embodies care, affirmation, and expectations for Macao," Luo Weijian, a law professor at the University of Macao, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Luo said Xi's visit is expected to further inject strong confidence into Macao's successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.

"President Xi's speech inspires all sectors of Macao society to strive for innovation and ensure the steady and lasting success of Macao's 'one country, two systems' practice," Lao Ngai Leong, a member of the Executive Council for the sixth-term Government of the Macao SAR, told the Global Times on Wednesday. "It also encourages Macao's development to further integrate into the national development strategy and accelerate the diversification of its economy."

A successful practice

Since 1999, after ending centuries of Portuguese occupation, Macao has governed under the "one country, two systems" policy - a unique arrangement that allows it to maintain its capitalist system and way of life within socialist China.

With the strong support of the central government, Macao has actively carried out international exchange and cooperation and made more friends globally. Macao has also set up stable economic, trade and cultural links with more than 120 countries and regions, and paired with 13 sister cities. In 2023, import and export between Macao and countries participating in Belt and Road cooperation totaled close to RMB 30 billion, hitting a record high, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Wednesday.

Over the past 25 years, Macao's economy has grown rapidly, people's livelihoods have improved, social harmony and stability have been maintained, and the scope for development has become increasingly broad. Macao chief executive Ho recently shared in a previous interview with the Global Times and other media.

Ho stressed that integrating into the national development strategy is essential for Macao. Macao actively supports the national development agenda and promotes deep cooperation with the mainland in various aspects, including economy, culture and society. The moderate diversification of the economy is accelerating, and Macao's international metropolitan "golden business card" shines brightly.

Luo noted that a distinctive feature of Macao's "one country, two systems" practice is its strong relationship with the central government, receiving tremendous support from the motherland. On the other hand, Macao faithfully upholds the central government's overall jurisdiction, safeguarding the foundation of "one country."

Macao enacted national security law back in 2009. Maintaining national security is one of the most important responsibilities of local legislature and civil servant, Lao noted.

"Over the years, Macao has established an efficient political system with the chief executive playing a leading role, where the executive, legislative, and judicial powers are balanced and operate in coordination," Luo noted.

According to Xinhua, before the COVID-19 pandemic, gambling revenue accounted for more than 60 percent of Macao's GDP at its peak, and casino operators paid more than 100 billion patacas in taxes every year.

By 2023, the non-gaming sector contributed over 60 percent of the city's GDP, exceeding the proportions 20 years ago. Key drivers of this surge included the real estate and business services sector, as well as the banking and insurance industry.

For over two decades, Macao has sustained an overall unemployment rate below 2 percent, and the median monthly income has swelled from 4,920 patacas in 1999 to 17,500 patacas in 2023.

Macao, as one of the four core cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), actively leverages its advantages within this framework. These advantages include being a free port, a separate customs territory, acting as a China-Portugal platform, and aligning its business environment with international standards, Lao said.

When the "one country, two systems" concept was first proposed, few people could have imagined that Macao, relatively under the radar compared to Hong Kong and Taiwan at the time, would achieve such immense success, Luo noted. "But looking back on this significant milestone 25 years after Macao's return, it is clear that the practical implementation of this policy has brought Macao to life and put it firmly in the international spotlight."

SOURCE Global Times
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Heliospectra AB, a global leader in smart LED lighting for controlled environments, announces the launch of its Dynamic MITRA X multi-channel LED solutions. Featuring advanced 3-channel and 4-channel configurations, the new lighting systems bring unmatched precision and customization in combination with the new Spectrum Design Tool and Dynamic Zoning, allowing growers to optimize crop growth, quality, and operational efficiency.

For over a decade, Heliospectra has been at the forefront of dynamic lighting innovation, cementing its position as the market leader in the AgTech segment. With the launch of the company's new MITRA X C3 and C4 multi-channel systems, we are now introducing our proven dynamic lighting technology to greenhouses, empowering growers with greater flexibility while maintaining the efficacy that defines our solutions.

The new multi-channel solutions integrate seamlessly with Heliospectra's HelioCORE software, which enhances light management capabilities for both professional growers and researchers. At the core of this advancement is a focus on ease of use, ensuring that smart lighting strategies are intuitive and accessible for growers at every level. The new multi-channel solutions will complement the company's fixed and Flex spectrum solutions as commercial growers increase the need for adaptability and flexibility in their grow operations.

"The modularity of MITRA X allows growers to customize installations and adapt to their unique needs, whether they require static, flex, or dynamic lighting solutions . As we have supplied the Agtech and research segment with the dynamic spectrum for more than 10 years, it was a natural next step for us to introduce it also in our MITRA X platform to bring control and flexibility also to greenhouse growers" said Bonny Heeren, CEO Heliospectra.

Tailored Lighting for Every Growth Stage with Advanced Spectrum Control

Dynamic lighting offers precision spectrum control for every stage of plant development. Heliospectra's new MITRA X C3 and C4 systems are designed to meet the diverse needs of modern horticulture, combining reliable, high-quality components with innovative, proven smart control.

MITRA X C3 (3 Channels): Offers a base PAR spectrum, with two additional channels for horti-white and far-red. This setup balances efficiency with customization, which is ideal for tailoring light spectrums to specific plant phases or varieties. Growers also benefit from operational features such as work-mode lighting, which provides a whiter, more pleasant light for workers while enhancing visibility during harvesting or maintenance; it could also be used to improve pollination when using bumblebees, for example in vegetable or soft fruit production.

MITRA X C4 (4 Channels): Provides four independently controllable channelsred, blue, white, and far-redenabling complete spectrum customization. This configuration enables growers to set different light recipes during the day. This allows them to mimic natural light transitions like sunrise and sunset, helping plants to regulate the circadian rhythm. Additionally, the spectrum can be fine-tuned for specific growth stages, such as increasing blue light for compact vegetative growth or adjusting red light for flowering and fruiting or for growing different varieties and different types of crops. This is especially important for propagation, where customers need to be able to adapt quickly to new crops and changing customer demands.

Both systems feature a boost function that redistributes power across active channels to boost and maintain light intensity, ensuring optimal conditions regardless of spectrum adjustments.

"With the ability to adjust light spectrums at every stage, our multi-channel MITRA X LED lighting systems offer growers unprecedented control over plant performance," said Bonny Heeren, CEO of Heliospectra. "These solutions empower growers to achieve healthier crops and higher yields while reducing energy use."

10 Years of Dynamic Light Control with HelioCORE Software

2025 marks 10 years of HelioCORE, the premier light control software launched in 2015 and developed over the past decade with a relentless focus on user-friendliness and grower success. As the backbone of the MITRA X platform, Heliospectra's HelioCORE software simplifies light management while delivering the full benefits of dynamic and precise lighting strategies.

Key features include Dynamic Zoning, enabling real-time adjustments, from anywhere in the world, across multiple zones within a facility, and Custom Light Recipes, ensuring consistency and repeatability for specific plant varieties or growth stages. Advanced tools like Spectrum Design with Automated Scheduling make it easy to fine-tune light spectrums for optimized crop performance by simply adding the percentages of each wavelength. In addition, HelioCORE enables energy tracking across batches, providing detailed insights into consumption, while integrating production data into ERP systems for better cost analysis and operational efficiency.

With a decade of innovation, HelioCORE continues to set the standard for advanced, intuitive, and results-driven light management solutions.

Advancing Sustainable Agriculture

Heliospectra's commitment to sustainability is evident in its focus on energy-efficient technology. The new multi-channel systems help growers reduce operational costs and environmental impact without compromising crop quality or yield.

"These innovations help growers control their perfect day and reflect our mission to empower growers with the tools they need to meet future food demands sustainably and responsibly," Heeren added.

Heliospectra's Dynamic MITRA X LED solutions are now available, offering professional growers and researchers cutting-edge tools to transform their production practices. Visit our booth at Fruit Logistica and Horticontact to experience a live demo and enjoy a coffee on us!

For more information, visit www.heliospectra.com

For More Information:

Rebecca Nordin, Head of IR at Heliospectra | +46 (0)72 536 8116 | sales@heliospectra.com

http://www.heliospectra.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/heliospectra/r/heliospectra-launches-new-dynamic-multi-channel-led-solution-for-precision-crop-growth-and-efficacy,c4085080

The following files are available for download:

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SOURCE Heliospectra
Xi urges deepening rural reform, building up strength in agriculture

Xinhua) 16:55, December 18, 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged further deepening rural reform and making solid advances toward the goal of building up China's strength in agriculture.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in his instructions on work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers, which was learned at the annual central rural work conference held in Beijing from Tuesday to Wednesday.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Strategic Market Entry: First CIP equipment installation at a prestigious Indian Metallurgical Research Institute

First CIP equipment installation at a prestigious Indian Metallurgical Research Institute Technology Application: Advanced CIP system operating at 1,000-4,000 bar pressure at ambient temperature

Advanced CIP system operating at 1,000-4,000 bar pressure at ambient temperature Market Potential: Projected annual sales of 1-2 CIP units, representing approximately 5% of annual turnover

Projected annual sales of 1-2 CIP units, representing approximately 5% of annual turnover Growth Strategy: Leverages existing strong presence in India's food processing sector to expand into metallurgical applications

"India represents significant potential for our technology portfolio, particularly given its strong focus on metallurgical research and development," says Andres Hernando, CEO of Hiperbaric. "This market is increasingly interested in new technological developments and research in metals and metallic materials."

CIP Technology Delivers Homogenous High-Strength Components.

Cold Isostatic Pressing technology represents a sophisticated approach to materials processing, transforming powdered materials into solid components through a controlled application of hydrostatic pressure. The process begins by placing raw materials into a flexible mold, which is then immersed in a pressurized fluid medium, typically water. Under precisely controlled conditions, pressures between 1,000 and 4,000 bar compress these materials into solid form, achieving exceptional results for both metal and ceramic applications.

The technology's strength lies in its uniform application of pressure, which produces components with remarkable homogeneity across their entire surface. This careful process can achieve density levels of up to 95%, depending on the material being processed. The pressure is maintained for a precisely calculated periodranging from minutes to hoursbased on the specific material and desired final properties.

The versatility of CIP technology makes it particularly valuable across various industrial applications, from advanced metallurgy to ceramic manufacturing. Through the precise application of pressure, the process creates products of exceptional strength and precision, effectively eliminating internal voids and structural defects. Following the initial pressing, components can undergo additional processing such as machining or sintering, depending on their final application, ensuring they meet exact specifications for high-performance industrial use.

Building on 25 Years of Excellence

This expansion coincides with Hiperbaric's 25th anniversary, reinforcing its position as a global leader in pressure-based technologies. The company maintains a dominant 65% market share in high-pressure processing (HPP) equipment globally, with over 600 installations worldwide. In Spain alone, Hiperbaric accounts for 80% of installed machines (35 out of 44 units).

Strategic Growth in Asia

The CIP installation in India follows Hiperbaric's recent opening of new sales and after-sales headquarters in Shanghai, China, demonstrating the company's commitment to expanding its Asian presence. This strategic move leverages Hiperbaric's established network in India, where it already maintains a strong customer base in the food processing sector.

About HIPERBARIC

Hiperbaric is a company from Burgos dedicated, since 1999, to the design, manufacture and commercialization of high pressure technology and industrial equipment. For two decades it has been a supplier of machinery for High Pressure Processing (HPP) applied to the food sector. In 2019, as a result of an R&D project, it opened a new business line focused on the design and development of industrial equipment for Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP). In 2021, it launched another innovative business line: Hydrogen Compression (H2) technology at very high pressure, from renewable energies, to participate in the challenge of sustainable mobility and the decarbonization of industry. In 2024, the company celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Media contact: Cristina Perez Villegas, Head of Communication

[email protected] / +34 664 488 085

SOURCE Hiperbaric
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --

Dodge is supercharging the holiday season and delivering a horsepower-packed gift down the chimney, announcing production of HEMI-powered Dodge Durango models will continue into the 2025 calendar year.

Dodge beats Santa to the punch with an early holiday gift, announces Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, powered by the 710-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat V-8 engine, and Durango R/T with the 5.7-liter HEMI will continue into 2025 calendar year

Announcement caps 20th anniversary celebration of HEMI-powered Dodge Durango production

Dodge recently introduced four special-edition models to celebrate two decades of the Durango-fueled HEMI: the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Brass Monkey, Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Hammerhead, Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet and Dodge Durango R/T 20th Anniversary edition

2025 model year HEMI-powered Durango models are currently available for ordering at dealerships

Growing multi-energy Dodge lineup also includes all-new Dodge Charger Daytona launching with brand's first all-electric cars, gas-powered Dodge Charger SIXPACK options coming next year, and Dodge Hornet performance hybrid and gas-powered options

More info on the full Dodge lineup available at Dodge.com

Dodge is supercharging the holiday season and delivering a horsepower-packed gift down the chimney, announcing production of HEMI-powered Dodge Durango models will continue into the 2025 calendar year.

Due in part to market demand and customer feedback, the brand's three-row SUV will continue to roar with an available supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat V-8 engine, producing 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque, as well as the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, standard on the Durango R/T and delivering 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque.

"The Dodge Durango and the HEMI engine form a powerful pair, and Dodge will continue to produce the most powerful gas engine SUV on the planet into the 2025 calendar year," said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO  Stellantis. "It's the perfect capstone for our celebration of 20 years of HEMI-powered Durango models."

Dodge first ramped up full production of HEMI-fueled Dodge Durango models in 2004.The brand's 20th anniversary celebration of the power-packed duo has included the introduction of four limited-production special-edition models: the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Brass Monkey, Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Hammerhead, Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet and Dodge Durango R//T 20th Anniversary edition. All 2025 Dodge Durango special-edition models are available now for ordering at dealerships.

The continued availability of the HEMI engine in the Durango lineup, as well as the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine for the Durango GT, adds to the Dodge brand's growing list of multi-energy vehicle options.

The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona, the Dodge brand's muscle car of the future, launches with the brand's first all-electric cars, followed in the second half of 2025 by gas-powered two-door Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O. and four-door Dodge Charger SIXPACK S.O. models powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo I-6 Hurricane engine. The Dodge Hornet offers the choice of the Dodge Hornet R/T performance plug-in hybrid or the Dodge Hornet GT driven by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder Hurricane4 engine.

Dodge//SRT

For 110 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge, America's performance brand, shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of the segments in which the brand competes while moving forward to a future that includes electrified muscle in the form of the next-generation, all-new Dodge Charger.

The next-generation Dodge Charger electrifies a legend, with the Charger retaining its title as the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car led by the all-new, all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack. The all-new Dodge Charger will also offer performance choices via multi-energy powertrain options including the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O., powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo Hurricane High Output engine.

Dodge also keeps its foot on the gas as a pure performance brand with the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful gas engine SUV ever, and best-in-class standard performance in the compact-utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Dodge//SRT and company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Dodge brand: www.dodge.com

Direct Connection: www.DCPerformance.com

DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dodgeofficial

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dodge and @StellantisNA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis
OMAHA, Neb., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In true spirit of the company's core purpose, "to improve the lives of everyone we touch," Fusion exceeded its community engagement and charitable giving goals for 2024. Employees at the Omaha-based healthcare company contributed more than 4,000 volunteer and community engagement hours and Fusion and its employees donated a combined $274,000 to various organizations.

Fusion employees volunteer for tornado cleanup. Fusion organized several fundraising events in 2024.

In the company's 15 years in business, it has supported organizations across the Omaha community, as well as national charities making a difference. Fusion has long-standing relationships with several local nonprofits, including MS Forward, Project Pink'd, and Angels Among Us, all of which have a personal connection to Fusion employees.

"Fusion employees are passionate and driven to do good in our community," said Chief People Officer Jackie Froendt. "The company provides the opportunities and then our people show up and make the good work happen. It's amazing to see what our whole team can accomplish when they rally around a cause."

An impactful addition to Fusion's giving is the Compassion in Care scholarship program, developed to support future nurses through financial support and mentorship. In 2024, ten recipients were awarded the four-year renewable Compassion in Care scholarships of $5,000.

Other impactful initiatives by the Fusion team include the support of Alpaca, an organization aiding educators across the Midwest and the country, and tornado relief volunteerism following devastating tornados that hit Nebraska this spring.

More information on how the Fusion team is working to improve the lives of everyone they touch can be found at workwithfusion.com/impact.

About Fusion:

Fusion is an Omaha-based healthcare company that exists to create meaningful connections between healthcare travelers and facilities that lead to better patient care and better outcomes for all. The company consists of two business units: Fusion Medical Staffing and Fusion Workforce Solutions, which simplify processes for healthcare travelers and facilities at every turn. Fusion employees strive to stay humble, driven, and positive.

Media Contact:

Leah Kemple

4025755625

[email protected]

SOURCE Fusion
Gift a One-of-a-Kind Bourbon Experience

FRANKFORT, Ky., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It's not too late to gift the bourbon lover in your life a bourbon experience they'll never forget with J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery . Last-minute shoppers can purchase a gift voucher online for three different bourbon experiences available in person at J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, choosing between a Single Barrel Tasting Event, a Personalized Thieving Adventure, or a VIP J. Mattingly Private Event. Gift cards are also available online for those who can't make it to Kentucky but want to experience a bit of Kentucky at home by customizing their own bourbon online and having it shipped to their door in the new year.

All of the bourbon at J. Mattingly 1845 undergoes its proprietary double-staved process, which adds additional charred oak staves to each barrel at just the right moment in its aging cycle to coax out extra flavor. This double-staved process creates a bourbon that has won critical acclaim from some of the most respected whiskey reviewers in the world, including a score of 99.5 and descriptors such as "a real bourbon lovers' bourbon."

Last-minute shoppers can purchase an experience online to be enjoyed in person at the J. Mattingly Distillery in Kentucky at https://www.jmattingly1845.com/gift-voucher . Options include:

Single Barrel Tasting Event  Thieve and taste from seven double-staved J. Mattingly 1845 Whiskey barrels for $60

Personalized Thieving Adventure  Thieve from two double-staved J. Mattingly 1845 single barrels, take home your own 375 mL bottle with your custom label for $130

VIP J. Matt Private Event  Customize your own 750 mL bottle of whiskey, starting with blending to your taste preference, choosing your bottle shape, name, and wax colors for the bottle's seal for $175

For those who want to experience the magic of creating their own whiskey without leaving their home, gift cards are available for the online custom bourbon creation experience as well. The whiskey will be hand-bottled by the J. Mattingly 1845 team and can be shipped to 46 U.S. states.

All gift cards and vouchers can be purchased online and will be delivered to either the giver or the recipient's inbox. The recipient can book their experience online at a date of their choosing. The vouchers are valid until Dec. 31, 2025. For more information and to purchase an experience voucher or a gift card for the online custom bourbon creation, go to www.jmattingly1845.com

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.

In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff's son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double-staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at www.jmattingly1845.com

Media Contact:

Amy Preske

Booze PR

[email protected]

SOURCE J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery
Push to return to office could have implications for local housing markets

NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With a new presidential administration taking office shortly, and more employers reconsidering remote work policies that gave their employees the freedom to move farther from the office, many homeowners may be facing a tough choice in 2025  move or look for a new job. New survey data from Bright MLS finds that if called back into the office full-time, 37% of people working remotely at least part of the time would look for a new job.

According to the nationwide survey of nearly 1,600 homeowners conducted in November, commute time is what is setting up the battle between work and home. One quarter of remote workers responded that they would "probably" or "definitely" have to move if they were called back to the office full-time. Another 26% said that while they would not have to move, their commute would be very long. Of those who say they would have to move or endure a long commute, more than 30% have lived in their current home for less than five years.

"There was a surge in homebuying in further-out locations when work shifted to home during the pandemic. As more employers end or significantly scale back remote work options, many are facing a decision about where to live versus where they work," said Lisa Sturtevant, Bright MLS Chief Economist. It is likely that we will see an increase in demand for housing near job centers and transportation networks. In more far-flung markets, where demand soared during the pandemic, market conditions likely will be weaker as more workers are pulled back into the office."

Age plays a role in the battle between job and home

Older workers are more likely to resign if forced back to the office full-time. Among survey respondents, 43% of remote workers over the age of 50 said they would look for a new job if asked to return to the office. This compares to 32% of workers in their 40s and 34% of workers under the age of 40.

Commute times impact West Coast homeowners the most

According to the survey, homeowners on the West Coast would be most likely to have to make a decision about whether to move if their employer called them back to the office 100% of the time. Thirty-five percent of remote workers in California, Oregon, and Washington indicated that if their employer called them back to the office, they would have to move or endure a long commute.

Workers in the New York metro area and in Texas also say they could face big challenges if, or when, they are called back to the office. A quarter of remote workers in the Middle Atlantic region (New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) said they would have to move or endure a long commute if they had to return to the office. A similar share of West South Central workers, which includes Texas, would also be faced with that choice.

To view the full report, including methodology, please visit: brightmls.com/research.

About Bright MLS

Bright MLS was founded in 2016 as a collaboration between 43 visionary associations and two of the nation's most prominent MLSs to transform what an MLS is and what it does, so real estate pros and the people they serve can thrive today and into our data-driven future through an open, clear and competitive housing market for all. Bright is proud to be the source of truth for comprehensive real estate data in the Mid-Atlantic, with market intelligence currently covering six states (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia) and the District of Columbia. Bright MLS's innovative tool libraryboth created and curatedprovides services and award-winning support to well over 100K real estate professionals, enabling their delivery on the promise of home to over half a million home buyers and sellers monthly. Learn more at BrightMLS.com.

SOURCE Bright MLS
IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Karma Automotive, America's only ultra-luxury automaker which this month launches the 3rd Generation Karma Revero EREV sport sedan, today announces two significant milestones in its continuing expansion to grow its workforce, broaden its operational network and capabilities, and service its clients.

In the critical Detroit region, Karma Automotive is establishing a new satellite office, thereby greatly heightening its recruitment and sales infrastructure stateside. Located at 27101 Cabaret Drive, Novi, MI, this office will be home-base for approximately 10 new employees and industry consultants and provide the company with a foundation for recruiting from the vast, highly specialized pool of automotive talent for which Motor City is world-renowned. At this facility, Karma continues its collaboration with A123 Systems, the market pioneer in Lithium battery technologies for high-voltage applications, support and transport, energy storage and other forward-looking applications.

To meet growing demand for its EREV vehicles overseas, the company has formed Karma Automotive Europe B.V., the company's European Headquarters. Initially, approximately 6 employees will be based at this location at Beitel 11, 6466 GZ Kerkrade, The Netherlands. Karma Automotive B.V. spearheads the company's European sales, service and marketing operations, and is the ideal location given the region's affinity for clean energy and technologies which are exemplified by Karma Automotive's pioneering EREV powertrains.

"As a cutting-edge ultra-luxury automaker driven by equal parts technology and craftsmanship, Karma Automotive's success depends upon attracting and hiring the finest talent in the industry," says Marques McCammon, President, Karma Automotive, "and our new corporate location in the Detroit region and formation of Karma Automotive B.V. amplifies our capabilities in both regards. Further, these locations heighten our capabilities to continue exceeding our client's demands as the Karma Automotive network expands."

About Karma Automotive

Karma Automotive is America's only ultra-luxury automaker, and a pioneer of EREV (Extended Range Electric) vehicles which it manufactures at its Karma Innovation and Customization Center (KICC) in Moreno Valley, CA. Its Executive, Product Development, and Design headquarters are located in nearby Irvine, CA. The Karma portfolio embodies California's spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial boldness, reflected by the signature Comet Line which is the central hallmark of Karma's new design language. Sales of the 3rd Generation Karma Revero sport sedan, the world's first luxury EREV plug-in hybrid, are now underway in the USA and EU, offering luxury balanced with conscientiousness delivered without compromise. Sales of Revero's ultra-exclusive, performance-tuned stablemate, Karma Invictus, will begin Q1 2025, alongside the Gyesera four-seater, arriving Q4 2025. The Karma Kaveya super-coupe, with up to 1,000HP and butterfly-doors, will arrive in Q4 2026, incorporating SDVA (Software-Defined Vehicle Architecture) developed in collaboration with Intel Automotive. Further, Karma Automotive will provide Tier 1's and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with business-to-business SDVA solutions, as it does today with Karma Connect, its proprietary Vehicle Data Management and Over-the-Air services platform, which presently provides services to the world's second largest OEM. Karma Automotive's dealer network spans North America, Europe, South America and the Middle East. ( www.karmaautomotive.com )

Media Contact:

Joe Richardson, (917) 716-6617

[email protected]

SOURCE Karma Automotive
Best Companies Group's inaugural award program recognizes employers committed to employee growth and development

EAST HANOVER, N.J., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, has earned the prestigious title of being one of "Best Companies Group's America's Best Workplaces" for 2025, an award that honors the nation's top employers. The Foundation was recognized in the medium-sized business category, 50-249 employees. This inaugural workplace excellence event is dedicated to organizations already distinguished in their respective industry categories by Best. Most recently, the Foundation was a recipient of "Best Nonprofit to Work For" awards in 2023 and 2024.

The Best Companies Group's America's Best Workplaces program celebrates the nation's leading employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to their employee's growth and development by creating friendly workplace environments where employees thrive. Best Companies Group's surveys provide actionable, hard-to-obtain data that companies use to improve employee recruitment and retention.

Nonprofit Kessler Foundation has been named one of "Best Companies Group's America's Best Workplaces" for 2025. Post this

"Our team is honored to receive this prestigious recognition, which validates our continuous commitment to fostering a great place to do great work," remarked Foundation president and chief executive officer Rodger DeRose.

"Our organization is firmly grounded in our mission to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, reflected in the devotion and passion of our staff. Their tireless teamwork enables us to drive significant change. This honor motivates us to further enhance our supportive and enriching workplace," DeRose asserted.

Kessler Foundation pioneers groundbreaking rehabilitation research with a focus on improving the mobility and cognitive functions of individuals affected by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, autism, and other disabling conditions. Sponsored research projects are supported by a variety of funding sources, including federal and state governments, nonprofit agencies, and private donations.

The awards reception was held remotely yesterday, where the top ten workplaces in each category were ranked. For a complete list of Best Companies Group's America's Best Workplaces honorees for 2025, visit BestCompaniesGroup.com.

About Kessler Foundation

Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research. Our scientists seek to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes, including employment, for adults and children with neurological and developmental disabilities of the brain and spinal cord including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and autism. Kessler Foundation also leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org.

Stay Connected with Kessler Foundation

X (formerly known as Twitter) | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | SoundCloud

SOURCE Kessler Foundation
NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kingswood U.S., part of a network of independent wealth management firms that oversees more than $15 billion in client assets globally, today announced the recruitment of 28 financial advisors in 2024, supervising nearly $1.4 billion in client assets. The newest members of the Kingswood U.S. network are highly experienced advisors offering services in financial planning, wealth management, and tax planning across the United States.

Headquartered in New York, Kingswood U.S. supports more than 200 financial advisors under the Kingswood Wealth Advisors (KWA) brand.

"At Kingswood, our primary goal is to equip financial advisors with the resources they need to provide exceptional client service," said Michael Nessim, CEO, President and Managing Partner of Kingswood U.S. "I am delighted to warmly welcome these outstanding professionals to our ever-growing network, as they embrace the future of wealth management with a firm that truly understands their ambition and commitment to achieving excellent results."

In addition to 18 financial advisors of Nashville, Tennessee-based Eudaimonia Partners and Eudaimonia Advisors ("Eudaimonia"), Kingswood U.S. welcomes 10 advisors to its network.

The financial advisors joining Kingswood U.S. include a practice serving high-net-worth clients in Santa Barbara, Calif., focused on wealth management and financial advice, an advisor specializing in planning and asset management for retirees and pre-retirees in American Fork, Utah, and a retirement specialist serving families and business owners in Festus, Mo.

The newest members of Kingswood U.S. said Kingswood's tools and platforms will help them focus on building strong client relationships and meeting client goals. They also cited the chance to access a wider array of services and solutions as a key factor in their choice to join the leading network of advisors. Advisors have noted that the platform's comprehensive features, including access to insurance and alternative investments, continue to support them in growing their market presence and outreach.

About Kingswood U.S. / Kingswood Group

Kingswood U.S., part of the Kingswood Group, is a network of wealth management firms that includes an SEC-registered RIA and a FINRA-licensed broker-dealer, offering comprehensive wealth management and business-building services designed specifically for the independent financial advisor. With our parent company, we represent more than $15 billion in AUM, and support 400 registered individuals. Kingswood has the resources and capital of a very large financial services firm and the personalized touch and feel of a boutique company. Kingswood has earned a reputation as a firm built for advisors by advisors.

Media Contacts:

Joseph Kuo / Donald C. Cutler

Haven Tower Group

424.317.4851 or 424.317.4864

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Kingswood U.S.
Maca is becoming more popular but hasn't yet been incorporated into many mainstream and easy-to-use products. Post this

As people are looking for ways to increase their daily stamina, the Laird Superfood Maca Instant Latte incorporates functional mushrooms to deliver sustained energy without a crash. Maca root has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and touted for its health benefits. Historically, the ingredient was highly prized in Peru, used by Incan soldiers before battle to increase strength and physical performance.

"At Laird Superfood we are continually innovating with new ingredients that help enhance daily rituals  like a morning cup of coffee," said Jason Vieth, CEO of Laird Superfood. "Maca is becoming more popular but hasn't yet been incorporated into many mainstream and easy-to-use products. Our Maca Instant Latte is a delicious and nutritious way for consumers to restore their vitality every day."

Laird Superfood Maca Instant Latte is available for $19 at LairdSuperfood.com and will be available on Amazon.com at a later date. For more information about new products, follow @LairdSuperfood on Instagram and @LairdSuperfood on TikTok.

ABOUT LAIRD SUPERFOOD

Laird Superfood is a clean plant-based food brand that offers superfood products to help fuel, energize, and improve performance. The company was founded in 2015 by leading big wave surfer Laird Hamilton who set out to find a better morning routine to improve and sustain performance while out catching waves. He created superfood creamers with a blend of plant-based fats and other real-food ingredients that not only sustain his energy, but also taste great in his morning coffee. Alongside his wife, former professional beach volleyball icon, best-selling author and fitness expert, Gabby Reece, the brand has expanded to instant lattes, coffees, bars, and prebiotic daily greens. Laird Superfood is based on the idea that people deserve simple ingredients and minimally processed foods that can help fuel you from sunrise to sunset.

PRESS CONTACT

Ava D'Ambrosio

[email protected]

949-533-7501

SOURCE Laird Superfood
MIAMI, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Jason Turchin is representing individuals injured by defective power tools, including saws, drills, and other equipment. These tools, when improperly designed or manufactured, can lead to severe injuries such as lacerations, amputations, or electric shocks. The firm also represents victims injured by defective ladders and other construction equipment.

"Power tools should make jobs easier and safer, but defects can put users at risk of catastrophic harm," said Jason Turchin, Esq. "Manufacturers must ensure their products meet safety standards."

Common Power Tool Defects Include:

Defective Safety Guards: Missing or faulty guards cause lacerations or amputations.

Missing or faulty guards cause lacerations or amputations. Electrical Failures: Wiring defects may result in electric shock or fires.

Wiring defects may result in electric shock or fires. Trigger Malfunctions: Tools activate unexpectedly, increasing injury risks.

What to Do If You're Injured by a Defective Power Tool:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Treat injuries and document all medical care. Preserve the Product: Keep the defective tool intact for investigation. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the tool, injuries, and scene. Consult an Attorney: An experienced product liability lawyer can help determine liability and pursue compensation.

Common Ladder Defects Include:

Faulty Hinges: Hinges which contain defects could cause a user to fall and sustain serious injury.

Hinges which contain defects could cause a user to fall and sustain serious injury. Inadequate Materials: Ladders made with weaker metals could bend and break, causing the user to sustain serious injury.

Victims may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin has extensive experience handling defective product cases nationwide.

"Our firm is committed to helping victims recover compensation and hold manufacturers accountable for unsafe tools and construction equipment," added Turchin.

For a free consultation, contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 or visit www.victimaid.com.

About the Law Offices of Jason Turchin

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin has represented thousands of victims in product liability and personal injury cases across the United States. Jason Turchin, Esq. has been featured in CBS Evening News, Forbes, and Rolling Stone.

Contact:

Jason Turchin

(800) 337-7755

[email protected]

SOURCE Law Offices of Jason Turchin
Premier pre settlement funding firm has a newly-redesigned website to expedite lawsuit loan funding process

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal-Bay Pre Settlement Funding announces an even easier way to get lawsuit loan funds well in advance of your case even seeing the inside of a court room. They've recently revamped their website focusing on each state's unique funding needs, offering a more personalized approach for plaintiffs. With the ever-increasing number of requests for lawsuit loans, Legal Bay has also brought on additional staff to meet the demand.

If you're out of work due to personal injury or if your legal or medical bills are piling up, there's no reason to wait indefinitely for your own money to be paid to you. From Memphis to Knoxville or Chattanooga to Clarksville to every place in between, Legal-Bay is known to many as the best lawsuit loan funding provider in the industry for their helpful and knowledgeable staff, and one of the best lawsuit loan companies overall for their low rates and quick turnaround, sometimes within 24-48 hours once all documents have been received.

Chris Janish, CEO of Legal-Bay, commented, "We know how frustrating the court system can be, especially when the bills are piling up and you're waiting on your case to pay out. We've been in this business a long time, and while we've assisted thousands of plaintiffs over the years, we always treat each case with the individual attention it deserves."

If you're a lawyer or plaintiff involved in an active lawsuit of any kind and need an immediate cash advance lawsuit loan against an impending lawsuit settlement, please visit Legal-Bay here: Tennessee Lawsuit Loans

Legal-Bay offers cash settlement funding and lawsuit loans for all types of cases including:

car accidents, truck accidents, bus collisions, boat accidents

medical malpractice

police brutality, unlawful incarceration, judgement on appeal

dog bites

personal injury, slip and falls, premise liability

sexual harassment, sexual abuse, workplace discrimination, wrongful termination

class action, and many more.

Legal Bay's "lawsuit loan" funds are, in fact, non-recourse. That means there's no risk because there is no obligation to repay the money if the recipient loses their case. Therefore, terms like settlement loan, loans for lawsuit, or loans on settlement don't necessarily apply, as the "loan on lawsuit" isn't really a loan at all, but rather a stress-free cash advance.

To apply right now for a loan settlement program, please visit the company's website at Tennessee Lawsuit Loans or call toll-free at: 877.571.0405 where agents are standing by to answer any questions.

SOURCE Legal-Bay, LLC
Leading branding agency for the trades allows registration to historically client-exclusive event

LUFKIN, Texas, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lemon Seed Marketing, a leading branding and marketing agency for the home service industry, is hosting its fifth annual Lemon Seed Conference Jan. 26-29 in Lufkin, Texas. While the conference has typically been exclusive to Lemon Seed clients, this year's event, titled "Get a Clue: Keys to Unlocking the Marketing Mystery," is open to all home service businesses.

Lemon Seed Marketing, leading branding agency for the trades, opens annual conference to home service industry.

"Our first four conferences were private events for existing clients, but this year we are opening our event to all home service owners and marketers seeking an experience that combines education, inspiration and fun," said Crystal Williams, founder and lead strategist at Lemon Seed Marketing. "My family has owned an HVAC company since 1974, and I understand how much of a lift marketing can be for owners to tackle on their own, which is why we are focused on helping companies like the one my family owns."

Lemon Seed has continued to evolve and expand its branding services thanks to Williams' close work with Emily Fleniken, an experienced branding professional and partner at Lemon Seed. As an extension of this, the marketing and branding conference will provide business owners and their teams guidance to implement best practices and trends into a promotional plan for their own company. Sessions and workshops will focus on finance, operations, branding, community, leadership, marketing and advertising. In addition to presentations from Williams and Fleniken, other conference sessions and workshops include:

Kelly Schols , success mentor and author  "Mentor Your Successor"

, success mentor and author  "Mentor Your Successor" Trey McWilliams , McWilliams Heating, Cooling and Plumbing  "Financial KPIs you must track in 2025

, McWilliams Heating, Cooling and Plumbing  "Financial KPIs you must track in 2025 Power Selling Pros founder and industry leader Brigham Dickinson  "How Technicians Get Homeowners to Buy More Without Selling"

 "How Technicians Get Homeowners to Buy More Without Selling" Industry Hot Topics Round Table

CSR Academy, an exclusive, 90-min workshop designed to help business owners unlock the full potential of their Call Center and CSRs

On-site tour of the McWilliams facilities, including their call center, training lab, warehouse and meeting spaces

Fleniken says the week promises to be an exciting mix of good information and good times. By mixing informational sessions with networking opportunities, she hopes attendees leave with actionable ideas and the enthusiasm to implement them.

"The ultimate solution is to make the path to success seem less of a secret by developing actionable strategies," Fleniken said. "And that is what this conference is all about: offering an opportunity to not only learn firsthand from experts in the field, but also to have plenty of fun networking time with peers to compare notes and learn from each other."

For more information or to sign up for the conference, please visit: https://www.lemonseedmarketing.com/lsm-conference-2025-register.

For more information about Lemon Seed Marketing, please visit: https://www.lemonseedmarketing.com.

About Lemon Seed Marketing

Lemon Seed Marketing is a full-service brand strategy agency dedicated to helping business in the skilled trades grow. Founded by an industry veteran, they operate with a deep understanding of the home service space. Offering deep consultation and a personalized approach to client service helps them stand apart, as they assist owners implement their brand into every aspect of their business. Comprised of an experienced team of marketing professionals, Lemon Seed marketing backs their strategy consultation and implementation with realistic, measurable KPIs that clients can use to track their success.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE Lemon Seed Marketing
Lennox was named to the Wall Street Journal's list of 2024 Best-Managed Companies, highlighting its commitment to business excellence and strategic growth.

DALLAS, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lennox (NYSE: LII), a leading provider of innovative climate control solutions, was selected for the Wall Street Journal's prestigious list of 2024 Best-Managed Companies for the second consecutive year. The Drucker Institute developed the Management Top 250 ranking and measures corporate management by examining customer satisfaction, employee engagement and development, innovation, social responsibility, and financial strength metrics.

Lennox was recognized for its commitment to business excellence and strategic growth on The Wall Street Journal's 2024 list of Best-Managed Companies.

"This honor reflects the progress we've made as a company, including our relentless focus on operational efficiency, delivering sustainable products, and creating a culture that values innovation and giving back," said Lennox CEO Alok Maskara. "As we continue to invest in our distribution network, advanced technologies, and employee-driven community initiatives, we are proud to be recognized for the core values that drive us forward."

In 2024, Lennox introduced low global warming potential (GWP) products across its Home Comfort Solutions and Building Climate Solutions segments, demonstrating its focus on offering sustainable and energy-efficient HVAC solutions. Lennox achieved notable recognition by winning three gold Dealer Design Awards for their products' exceptional design and technological advancements.

Lennox also strengthened its portfolio through a joint venture with Samsung to bring advanced ductless AC and heat pump (mini-split, multi-split, VRF) products to market. Samsung Lennox HVAC North America combines the HVAC expertise of Lennox with Samsung's technological innovation, delivering flexible options for customers seeking advanced heating and cooling systems.

In addition to its business achievements, Lennox has deepened its commitment to the communities where employees live and work through the LII Lennox Foundation. The foundation's mission is to promote employee volunteerism and charitable efforts in the areas of education, health, and the environment. This year, the LII Lennox Foundation launched Lennox Days of Good, a companywide volunteer initiative with 94 events and over 2,000 employees participating globally.

As Lennox marked the 25th anniversary of its IPO in 2024, the company continues to focus on growth, advancing its technological capabilities and operation efficiency, enhancing customer solutions, and making positive contributions to the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.lennox.com.

ABOUT LENNOX

Lennox (NYSE: LII) is a leader in energy-efficient climate-control solutions. Dedicated to sustainability and creating comfortable and healthier environments for our residential and commercial customers while reducing their carbon footprint, we lead the field in innovation with our cooling, heating, indoor air quality, and refrigeration systems. Additional information on Lennox is available at www.lennox.com.

Media Contact

[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE Lennox International Inc.
Levulinic Acid Market is Segmented by Type (Industrial Grade Levulinic Acid, Pharma Grade Levulinic Acid), by Application (Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Plasticizers, Food and Flavors, Agrochemicals, Biofuels)

BANGALORE, India, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Levulinic Acid Market was valued at USD 209.8 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 486.1 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 12.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

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Major Factors Driving the Growth of Levulinic Acid Market:

The levulinic acid market is experiencing robust growth, driven by its applications in sustainable chemicals, agrochemicals, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals. As a versatile bio-based compound, levulinic acid addresses the global shift towards environmentally friendly and renewable solutions. Key industries such as agriculture, energy, and personal care are leading its adoption, supported by advancements in chemical processing technologies.

The integration of levulinic acid in biofuel production and plasticizer manufacturing further underscores its role in promoting sustainability across sectors. As industries prioritize innovation and eco-conscious practices, the levulinic acid market is poised for continued expansion, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional petrochemical-based products.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE LEVULINIC ACID MARKET:

Industrial-grade levulinic acid is a major growth driver in the levulinic acid market, finding widespread applications in manufacturing chemicals, coatings, and bio-based products. Its versatility and eco-friendly profile make it a preferred raw material for producing derivatives such as delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a crucial component in herbicides and pesticides. With the rising demand for sustainable agricultural practices, levulinic acid-based agrochemicals are gaining traction. Additionally, industrial-grade levulinic acid is used in the production of resins and plasticizers, supporting industries like construction and packaging. The growing emphasis on bio-based alternatives to petroleum-derived products further propels demand for industrial-grade levulinic acid. Its adoption in biofuel production is also expanding, as governments and industries prioritize renewable energy solutions. As global industrial activity continues to grow, the diverse applications and environmental benefits of industrial-grade levulinic acid ensure its sustained demand and market expansion.

Pharma-grade levulinic acid plays a crucial role in driving the growth of the levulinic acid market due to its applications in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries. It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and cosmetic formulations. The compound's biodegradable and non-toxic nature makes it ideal for use in skin-care products, moisturizers, and anti-aging solutions, aligning with consumer preferences for sustainable and safe ingredients. Additionally, pharma-grade levulinic acid is utilized in drug development processes, particularly for producing antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. The rising demand for green chemistry in pharmaceutical manufacturing further enhances its market appeal. Regulatory support for eco-friendly formulations in personal care and healthcare sectors has accelerated the adoption of pharma-grade levulinic acid. As industries shift towards greener alternatives, the demand for high-purity levulinic acid in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications is expected to grow steadily.

The increasing use of levulinic acid in the production of plasticizers is a significant factor driving the levulinic acid market. As an eco-friendly alternative to conventional phthalate-based plasticizers, levulinic acid-derived plasticizers offer enhanced flexibility, durability, and reduced environmental impact. These bio-based plasticizers are extensively used in manufacturing flexible PVC, adhesives, and coatings, catering to industries like automotive, construction, and consumer goods. The growing regulatory push to limit the use of harmful chemicals in plastics has further boosted the adoption of levulinic acid as a sustainable feedstock for plasticizers. Additionally, its ability to improve product performance while adhering to environmental standards makes it a preferred choice for manufacturers. As the demand for bio-based materials rises across industrial sectors, levulinic acid's role in producing safe and sustainable plasticizers continues to expand, driving significant market growth.

The increasing emphasis on sustainability across industries has significantly boosted the demand for bio-based chemicals, including levulinic acid. Derived from renewable biomass sources, levulinic acid offers an environmentally friendly alternative to petrochemical-based products. Its use in producing biodegradable plasticizers, solvents, and agrochemicals supports industries in meeting sustainability goals. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing policies and incentives to promote green chemistry and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, further driving the adoption of levulinic acid. The compound's versatility across applications, including packaging, construction, and automotive, makes it an attractive option for manufacturers seeking eco-friendly raw materials. Additionally, consumer awareness of sustainable products has spurred demand for bio-based goods, accelerating the integration of levulinic acid in production processes. As industries continue to prioritize environmentally responsible practices, levulinic acid's role as a sustainable chemical feedstock will remain pivotal in driving market growth.

The agrochemical industry has emerged as a key driver of the levulinic acid market, leveraging its derivatives for sustainable farming practices. Levulinic acid is a critical raw material for producing delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), which acts as a bio-stimulant and herbicide, enhancing crop growth and pest resistance. With the rising global demand for food and the push for organic farming, levulinic acid-based agrochemicals are gaining popularity for their eco-friendly and non-toxic properties. Additionally, regulatory restrictions on conventional chemical pesticides have created opportunities for bio-based alternatives, boosting levulinic acid's market appeal. The compound's ability to improve soil health and crop yield aligns with sustainable agriculture trends, ensuring its sustained adoption in farming practices. As global agricultural production expands to meet food security goals, the demand for levulinic acid in agrochemical applications is expected to rise significantly.

The rising adoption of biofuels as a sustainable energy source has driven demand for levulinic acid in biofuel production. Levulinic acid serves as a precursor for bio-based fuels, such as gamma-valerolactone (GVL) and methyl tetrahydrofuran (MTHF), which are cleaner alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. These biofuels offer reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy efficiency, addressing global concerns about climate change and energy security. Governments worldwide are encouraging the use of renewable fuels through policies, subsidies, and mandates, creating a favorable market environment for levulinic acid. Its cost-effectiveness and availability from non-edible biomass sources make it an attractive feedstock for large-scale biofuel production. As industries and transportation sectors transition towards greener energy solutions, levulinic acid's role in supporting the biofuel economy is expected to grow, driving significant market expansion.

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LEVULINIC ACID MARKET SHARE

Asia-Pacific is the largest market with about 62% market share. North America is the follower, accounting for about 26% market share.

The key players are GFBiochemicals, Zibo Changlin Chemical, Hefei TNJ Chemical, Hero Chemical Industry, Guannan East Chemical etc. GFBiochemicals is the largest manufacturer with about 75% market share.

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"Let's Shape LG's Future with the DNA of Challenge and Change We've had Since Day 1"

Highlighting LG's Spirit  the DNA of challenge and change since Day 1

- "LG's Day 1 spirit of choosing what others wouldn't dare comes from our DNA of challenge and change as we serve our customers. With this spirit, we have built a history of firsts and bests."

- "Creating distinguished customer value for our customers is no easy task. It often comes with fear of failure. But just as what feels familiar today was once an innovation, we haven't let fear of failure hold us back. Instead, we've kept pushing forward, taking on new challenges and driving change."

- "LG has become the company it is today by taking on new challenges and creating value that didn't exist before. With our spirit of challenge and change, we'll continue to deliver essential and exceptional value to our future customers."

- "Let's shape a future where LG is a name people can't imagine living without, by staying true to our spirit of innovation and commitment to our customers."

Bringing LG's vision to life: Creating essential and exceptional value for future customers

- "From AI and smart solutions that enhance the value of customers' time and enable them to unleash their infinite potential, along with biotech and cleantech that create a healthy life and a clean planet, innovative ideas taking root across our organization will blossom into smile-worthy values for our future customers."

The New Year Address featured several LG employees sharing cases of distinguished customer value they're creating. It was filmed in Connectwin, a shared space that was renovated at LG Twin Towers earlier this year.

Since the 2019 New Year address, LG has outlined its direction with a focus on customers, further developing its customer value management message each year: addressing customer pain points in 2020, building deep understanding and empathy in 2021, delivering valuable customer experiences in 2022, creating the customer value I bring in 2023, and focusing on distinguished customer value in 2024.

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Corp. Chairman and CEO Kwang Mo Koo delivered his annual New Year's greetings via video email to approximately 270,000 LG employees worldwide. This continues a tradition begun in 2022 of delivering the New Years's message just prior to the beginning of the year to encourage employees to close the year peacefully and calmly, and plan for the upcoming year. This year's email was titled "Hello, this is Kwang Mo Koo" and sent on December 19 in the morning (KST).

LG Corp. Chairman and CEO Kwang Mo Koo highlighted LGs spiritthe DNA of challenge and change since Day 1during his annual New Years greetings, delivered via video on December 19.

Chairman Koo began the video message on a note of gratitude, calling employees "Customer Value Creators," noting that thanks to their efforts "2024 was another great year of creating distinguished value and that they had brought the company one step closer to customers."

Highlighting LG's Spirit  the DNA of challenge and change since Day 1

In the 2025 New Year address, Chairman Koo emphasized LG's founding spirit as being rooted in the DNA of challenge and change we've had since Day 1, urging the company to deliver essential and exceptional value to future customers. He also reflected on the past, noting that "LG began with the goal of providing products and services that are truly needed by customers. The Day 1 spirit of choosing what others would not dare reflects our DNA of taking on challenges and driving change."1)

1) Original quote by Founding Chairman Yonam In-hwoi Koo: "Choose what others overlook and start with the things that people cannot live without. Once you begin, push forward boldly."

Chairman Koo further emphasized that LG's efforts to bring joy and happiness to customers' lives have led to bold innovations, creating a history of firsts and bests across various fields and delivering distinguished value that elevates customers' lives to the next level. 2)

"Creating distinguished value for customers is no easy task. It requires stepping away from familiar ways, and it comes with worries and fear of failure," said Chairman Koo. "But just as what feels familiar today was once an innovation, we haven't stopped at failure or settled for past successes. Instead, we've continued to challenge and drive change."

"LG has become the company it is today by taking on new challenges and creating value that didn't exist before. With our spirit of challenge and change, we'll continue to deliver essential and exceptional value to our future customers," said Chairman Koo. "Together, let's shape a future where LG is a name people can't imagine living without by staying true to our spirit of innovation and commitment to our customers."

2) LG's history of firsts and bests

- 1947 Korea's first cosmetics  Lucky Cream

- 1952 Korea's first plastic product made by injection molding

- 1959 Korea's first radio

- 1966 Korea' first black-and-white TV / 2002 World's first 52-inch LCD HDTV / 2011 World's first 55-inch OLED for TV / 2023 World's first wireless OLED TV / 2024 LG OLED TV ranked No.1 by consumer media in 14 countries

- 1969 Korea's first washing machine / 2011 World's first clothing care system  LG Styler / 2023 Next-generation shoe care solution ShoeCase and ShoeCare / 2024 LG refrigerator, washing machine, dryer ranked No.1 by Consumer Reports

- 1999 Korea's first lithium-ion battery / 2009 World's first mass-produced EV batteries / 2024 World's No.1 secondary battery patent holder

- 2007 - present ABS global market share No.1 / 2020 World's first mass production of white recycled ABS

- 2003 Korea's first FDA-approved new drug  FACTIVE / 2023 Korea's best growth hormone - Eutropin / 2024 Korea's best new diabetes drug  Zemiglo

- 1998 World's first CDMA PCS wireless data service / 2013 World's first nationwide LTE network / 2019 World's first commercial 5G network service

- 2024 Korea's first homegrown open-source large language model  EXAONE 3.0

Bringing LG's vision to life: Creating essential and exceptional value for future customers

In the 2025 New Year address, Chairman Koo shared LG's vision for the future, one that delivers essential and exceptional value for future customers:

"From AI and smart solutions that enhance the value of customers' time and enable them to unleash their infinite potential, along with biotech and cleantech that create a healthy life and a clean planet, innovative ideas taking root across our organization will blossom into smile-worthy values for our future customers.

"We aim to make AI and robots a seamless part of daily life, giving people more time to focus on meaningful and enjoyable pursuits," he said, elaborating on his broad vision for the company. "Through healthcare solutions and innovative new medicines, we will help people spend more time with their loved ones. By reducing carbon emissions and waste and transforming them into valuable resources, we will ensure clean water and air for everyone. And with advanced industrial solutions, we will help customers overcome challenges and unlock their full potential."

In doing so, the chairman brought to life LG's vision for the future of creating value that truly matters to customers.

The New Year Address featured several LG employees sharing cases of distinguished customer value they're creating.

This year's video message also featured several LG employees who shared the distinguished value they are working to create for future customers in areas such as AI, bio and clean tech, and smart homes.

"We're developing AI home solutions with AI-powered appliances and robots communicate naturally with users and provide personalized care," explained Sung Wook Hong of LG Electronics' Home Appliance Solution Company. "We want our homes to handle chores so that customers can focus on more enjoyable and meaningful activities."

"Our goal is to develop effective and safe therapies that help cancer patients live healthy and happy to their full life expectancy" said Hyungjin Cho of LG Chem's Life Sciences Company as he shared his vision for his work to develop new medicine to fight cancer.

"We're developing a solution for collecting carbon dioxide generated in thepetrochemical processes and using it as an ingredient for producing plastics," said Jae Young Park of LG Chem's CO Plastic Project, adding that "just about everything needs plastic these days, so we want to be able to share our innovation with the next generation so they can enjoy summers that are not hotter than the past."

Chairman Koo then expressed his support for the employees. "The challenges and changes, big and small, that each of us drives in our respective roles are all incredibly valuable," he said.

The video message was filmed against the backdrop of the Connectwin, located on the lower levels of LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, Seoul. The newly renovated common space was unveiled earlier this year with a dual meaning behind the name: connecting the Twin Towers and connecting to win.

Since his 2019 New Year's message, where he placed an emphasis on "prioritizing customers as a future direction of LG," Chairman Koo has consistently refined his message of customer value management through annual addresses.

In 2019, he defined three unique customer values for LG: "transforming customer's lives with satisfaction," "being ahead of others," and "continuously creating value." In 2020, he called for a focus on identifying customer pain points as the starting point for realizing customer value. In 2021, he emphasized the importance of deeply understanding and empathizing with customers through micro-segmentation. In 2022, he proposed creating valuable experiences that customers would not want to live without. In 2023, he askedd each member to search for the customer value they could create, inspiring employees to take the lead in value creation and prioritizing customer satisfaction. In 2024, he urged staff to commit itself to creating distinguished customer value to position LG as the market-leading customer experience innovator.

SOURCE LG Corp.
The Original I.P. LLC investors preserved rich design history; now bring copyrights to Lilly Pulitzer, providing unique foundation for future collections and innovations

PALM BEACH, Fla., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lilly Pulitzer, the originator of American Resort Wear, proudly announces the acquisition of copyrights in the fine art print library and the Key West brand from a private investment group, The Original I.P. LLC. This is an invaluable piece of fashion history that will once again enrich the brand's vibrant legacy and rekindle the connection between past and present.

"We deeply respect the legacy of this print library, the work done to preserve it, and the talented artists who shaped it," said Michelle Kelly, CEO of Lilly Pulitzer. "The collection of prints designed from 1962 to 1985 is a true American treasure, and we are honored to reweave this vibrant history into the fabric of our brand's heritage."

For over six decades, Lilly Pulitzer has been celebrated for its artistic, handpainted prints, adored across generations for its unique blend of color, whimsy, and style. The library spans an important era of the brand's history, tracing back to the 1960s, when Lilly Pulitzer first sourced prints from the esteemed Key West Hand Print Fabrics Company (KWHPF) in Florida. Over the next quarter century, KWHPF became synonymous with Lilly Pulitzer's signature style, thanks in large part to the fine art work of Suzie Zuzek, a visionary artist whose whimsical prints helped define the unmistakable look and feel of Lilly.

The copyright library represents a bridge to the past that brings Suzie Zuzek's work and the contributions of KWHPF's talented artists back to their rightful place within the Lilly Pulitzer story. Zuzek's artistry was instrumental in shaping the timeless look of the brand and helped create one of the most celebrated print houses in fashion history.

In addition to the copyrights, Lilly Pulitzer purchased 20 original works of art from the library. The Original I.P. LLC will continue to own the library of fine art for future exhibitions and sale to public and private collectors further celebrating and honoring the heritage of Suzie Zuzek and Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau, according to Becky Smith and Meg Shinkle, managers of the private investment group.

According to Becky Smith, Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau said in 2012, "The fabulous success of the "Lilly Look" would have not been possible without Suzie's whimsical and magical creations I simply could not have done it without her. I believe Suzie's talent and imagination in design should be recognized and honored by all who love "Lilly."'

"We honor the many talented designers and individuals who have shaped Lilly Pulitzer into the beloved brand it is today," said Mira Fain, Executive Vice President of Design & Development at Lilly Pulitzer. "Our brand thrives on creativity and collaboration, celebrating each other's unique contributions. Suzie Zuzek's beautiful artistry, along with the work of many gifted artists, is a treasured part of our heritage, and we're thrilled to share these vibrant prints with our community once again." This acquisition is central to Lilly Pulitzer's mission to inspire future generations with the iconic, joyful prints that have defined the brand as a cherished American classic for over 65 years.

To experience & learn more about Lilly Pulitzer's history, visit this page or head here to find a store near you.

About Lilly Pulitzer:

In 1959, Lilly Pulitzer set out to create her own happiness, opening a juice stand in Palm Beach. In need of an everyday uniform, she asked her dressmaker for something to camouflage splashes of citrus juice. The result? A comfortable, sleeveless shift dress made of colorful printed cotton.

Since those early days, Lilly designs have been beloved for their casual glamour, vibrant optimism, and endlessly joyful spirit. Lilly was an original with the confidence to break all the rules, the humility to pull it off, and the vision to make women feel as good as they look. Today, her spirit is reflected in the brand's imaginative prints and lively colors, which inspire everyone to shine bright and stand out. www.lillypulitzer.com

About The Original I.P. LLC:

In 2016, The Original I.P. LLC, a private investment group, acquired and preserved certain assets of the Key West Hand Print Fabrics, owned by the Lilly Pulitzer brand before 1985, which included the print library of fine art works and all related copyrights. www.theoriginalip.com

About Suzie Zuzek:

Suzie Zuzek, an American contemporary artist, was the most accomplished and prolific textile designer at Key West Hand Print Fabrics. Over the course of 25 years, Suzie created the overwhelming majority of prints that helped define the Lilly Pulitzer brand. Her work has been exhibited by the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and sold through Christie's Auction House in Palm Beach and New York City and her story told by Rizzoli Electa's book, "Suzie Zuzek for Lilly Pulitzer: The Artist Behind an Iconic American Fashion Brand, 1962-1985."

SOURCE Lilly Pulitzer
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- If you are experiencing hearing loss, you are not alone. Currently, 1.5 billion people are affected by hearing loss and nearly half a billion people are disabled by it. The International Hearing Society (IHS), the professional home of thousands of Hearing Aid Specialists and proud partner of World Health Organization's World Hearing Day initiative, is raising awareness of the importance of addressing hearing loss.

IHS Executive Director Alissa Parady said, "Hearing Aid Specialists offer an excellent gateway to discover one's hearing baseline and address hearing loss concerns. IHS members proudly represent this often unknown profession. Individuals seeking to have their hearing checked may find a local licensed hearing healthcare provider in our online directory."

"Hearing Aid Specialists offer an excellent gateway to discover one's hearing baseline and address hearing concerns." Post this

What services do Hearing Aid Specialists provide?

Perform hearing screenings and hearing evaluations.

Screen for conditions indicating the need for physician intervention.

Identify common types of hearing loss.

Select appropriate hearing technology to meet the needs of clients, which may include hearing aids.

Recommend, order the use of, dispense, and adjust hearing aids.

Perform tests to confirm the fit and function of hearing aids.

Provide counseling to patients and their families to optimize success with hearing aids and communication.

Take ear impressions for the creation of ear molds and related devices.

Repair and troubleshoot hearing aids.

"Hearing is critical to human connection and there is increasing evidence that hearing is critical to mental health and cognition," said Konstantina Stankovic, MD, PhD, FACS, a leader in hearing loss research at Standford's Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss. In a recent Stanford Report article, Stankovic advised individuals to consult a Hearing Aid Specialist to identify the best hearing aid for their type of hearing loss.

About the International Hearing Society

The International Hearing Society (IHS) is a membership association that represents hearing healthcare professionals worldwide, including hearing aid specialists. IHS members are engaged in the practice of performing hearing assessments, ordering the use of, selecting, fitting, and dispensing hearing instruments, counseling patients, and providing aftercare services. Founded in 1951, IHS protects, represents, and promotes the interests of hearing healthcare and hearing healthcare professionals. For more information visit www.ihsinfo.org .

SOURCE International Hearing Society
PROVIDENCE, R.I., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LRT Company, an opportunistic development firm, announced today that it has acquired 12.38 acres of land in the Providence, Rhode Island, suburb of Coventry, where it plans to develop Tiffany Laurel Reserve, a 204-unit senior housing campus. The firm completed its acquisition of the property to develop the $65 million senior housing campus project after receiving final site approval and all associated entitlements, which took more than three years to complete.

LRT Company expects to break ground on Tiffany Laurel Reserve, located off the New London Turnpike, during summer 2025. The senior housing campus will include 127 independent living units as well as 77 assisted living and memory care units. Approximately 25 percent of the independent living units will be reserved for low-income seniors. The senior housing campus is expected to total 157,000 square feet of space and will include 56 structured parking garage spaces.

"LRT Company is excited to expand into Rhode Island with our new senior housing project, which has been over three years in the making," said Lawrence LaBonte, founder and chief executive officer of LRT Company. "We are thankful to the city and state for working with us to earn entitlements for the project, and glad to be a part of the solution of limited housing supply available to mid- to low-market seniors. This is a large campus project that will have the high-end LRT Company amenities and units we plan for. It is well-located off the the New London Turnpike, which serves as a connection to major highways in the surrounding area. We look forward to breaking ground in the not too distant future."

Coventry, Rhode Island, is located in Kent County, with a population of nearly 36,000 and a median household income of $99,177, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. At approximately 60 square miles, it is the largest town in Rhode Island by land size. According to an April 26, 2023, report from Rhode Island's Long Term Care Coordinating Council the state's cities and towns are home to more adults aged 65 and older, of whom 38,000 are living with disabilities.

LRT Company is a ground-up development company specializing in the entitlement and development of multifamily and senior housing projects. The company currently has more than $156 million of development projects underway, with additional projects in its pipeline in South Carolina and Florida. The company was founded in 2019 by LaBonte, who has more than 35 years of commercial real estate experience. He has been involved in more than $600 million of real estate development and other transactions. Prior to forming LRT Company, LaBonte spent time with The Flatley Company, Manhattan Development Group, and American Invsco.

About LRT Company

LRT Company is an opportunistic development company with extensive experience in the ground-up development of multifamily and senior living communities with a focus on the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. The company is also a sponsor of Delaware statutory trust investment opportunities. The firm's leading principals, Lawrence LaBonte and Charles Anderson, have more than 35 years each of experience in nearly every type of real estate asset, including acquiring, entitling and managing core value-add and ground-up properties as well as asset repositioning. The leadership team has been involved in more than $1 billion of real estate development transactions and has built industry-wide relationships that play a key role in their business strategy for success. To learn more, visit www.lrtcompany.com.

Contact:

Julie Leber

Spotlight Marketing Communications

949.427.1391

[email protected]

SOURCE LRT Company
Magma Power is not just a possibility, it's the inevitable future of renewable energy. The question is no longer if magma power will transform the worldbut when.

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Magma Power LLC, a global leader in renewable energy innovation, proudly announces the issuance of its 15th U.S. patent, further solidifying its dominance in harnessing magma reservoirs for sustainable energy. This newly granted patent underscores Magma Power's commitment to revolutionizing energy production through cutting-edge technology and marks a significant leap forward in geothermal innovation.

"This patent is a testament to years of relentless research and development by our team," said Levi Conner, CEO of Magma Power. "With this breakthrough, we are one step closer to realizing the full potential of magma energy as a sustainable and cost-effective power source."

Innovation at the Core

The newly patented technology introduces an advanced method and system for drilling into magma reservoirs with unparalleled precision and safety. This innovation not only enhances the efficiency of magma-based energy extraction but also minimizes environmental impact.

Key components of the patent include:

1. Advanced Drilling Methodology:

Drilling an initial section of a borehole extending from the surface toward an underground magma reservoir.

Detecting contact between the drill bit and magma using multiple advanced sensors and thresholds, such as torque, weight changes, and temperature differentials.

Utilizing a controlled reciprocating motion and solid rock plug formation to safely penetrate magma reservoirs.

2. Comprehensive Claims of the Patent:

Formation of a Rock Plug: Utilizing drilling fluids to create a solidified rock plug that enhances structural stability and facilitates controlled drilling.

Utilizing drilling fluids to create a solidified rock plug that enhances structural stability and facilitates controlled drilling. Detection Mechanisms: A suite of sensors and thresholds, including torque, weight, temperature, and gaseous species detection, to precisely identify magma contact.

A suite of sensors and thresholds, including torque, weight, temperature, and gaseous species detection, to precisely identify magma contact. Reciprocating Motion: Controlled motion of the drill bit for efficient penetration of the solid rock plug.

Controlled motion of the drill bit for efficient penetration of the solid rock plug. System Adaptability: Integration of casings and molten salt fluid for optimal heat transfer and system stability.

Integration of casings and molten salt fluid for optimal heat transfer and system stability. Redundancy and Safety: Multiple failsafe mechanisms to ensure operational continuity and environmental protection.

The Full Scope of Patent Claims:

A method for drilling into magma reservoirs, including detection, plug formation, and controlled drilling rates. Advanced detection mechanisms using torque, weight, temperature, and fluid dynamics. Integration of casing installation for enhanced borehole stability. Utilization of molten salt for superior heat transfer efficiency. A system comprising drilling equipment and controllers to automate and optimize the drilling process. Comprehensive configurations for detecting pump pressure changes, temperature variances, and gaseous outputs. Scalability for diverse geothermal conditions and high-capacity energy production.

Pioneering Global Energy Solutions

"This patent positions Magma Power as the definitive leader in magma-based geothermal energy," said Richard McDonald, Chief Strategy Officer of Magma Power. "Our technology is designed to address the urgent need for sustainable, baseload energy, meeting the demands of industries ranging from AI data centers to green fuels and manufacturing."

This breakthrough comes on the heels of Magma Power's announcement of a $20 billion AI data center powered entirely by magma energy. The integration of this new patent ensures the scalability and reliability of such ambitious projects, providing a renewable energy source capable of meeting global demands.

Impact and Global Vision

Magma Power's patented system is designed to produce baseload power, offering stable and reliable energy at costs up to 50% lower than market rates. Its adaptability supports applications such as powering AI data centers and other energy-intensive facilities.

The company is actively pursuing projects worldwide, leveraging its patented technology to make renewable energy more accessible and sustainable.

Pioneering Global Energy Solutions

Magma Power LLC is now in advanced discussions with governments, land developers, power plant engineering firms, and a well-known and respected drilling company to implement its groundbreaking Magma Power technology in a $20 billion project to develop the world's largest AI data center powered entirely by renewable energy.

"The level of interest and collaboration we're seeing from these partners highlights the transformative potential of Magma Power," said Richard McDonald, Chief Strategy Officer of Magma Power. "This AI data center is designed to consume 10 gigawatts of baseload power sourced directly from magma reservoirs, addressing the insatiable demand for sustainable energy in the AI sector."

Goldman Sachs estimates that by 2030, data center power demand will exceed 1,000 terawatt hours (TWh), requiring over 80 gigawatts of installed power capacity.

"Our project could meet more than 10% of global AI power demand by 2030," McDonald continued, "and all without emitting a single molecule of carbon or burning an ounce of fossil fuels."

McDonald further emphasized the comparative advantages of Magma Power: "Wind and solar face significant limitations in delivering low-cost baseload power for critical infrastructure like data centers, and nuclear comes with long-term environmental challenges. Magma Power is the sustainable, scalable solution the world needs."

This breakthrough comes on the heels of Magma Power's newly issued patent, which ensures the scalability and reliability of such ambitious projects, providing a renewable energy source capable of meeting global demands.

About Magma Power LLC:

Magma Power LLC, (visit MagmaPower.com) with headquarters in Tampa, Florida, with additional offices in New York City and Houston, is a pioneering energy technology company dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions for harnessing renewable energy. Magma Power, LLC has secured fourteen worldwide patents covering all aspects of the production of green energy, energy-intensive manufacturing, green fuels, and other products using Magma Power. Magma Power LLC has also filed an additional forty-six global patents covering all aspects of magma power production, with over 1,000 patent claims pending related to this revolutionary new green energy source. Magma power is a virtually unlimited source of green, renewable, baseload energy that U.S. government researchers in the 1970s, including those at Sandia National Laboratories, concluded could meet the Earth's energy needs for the next several thousand years. The work of Magma Power LLC has taken the initial insights from the Sandia Labs test and developed them into robust, patent-protected technology ready for commercial deployment. Given the inability of wind and solar to provide stable baseload renewable power, there is no long-term alternative to magma power for renewable energy. Magma Power is Inevitable. It's not a question of if magma power will power the Earth  but when. Energy is civilization, and the next several thousand years of civilization will be driven by Magma Power.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Richard McDonald

Chief Strategy Officer

[email protected]

SOURCE Magma Power
The Tuscan company Marchesi Frescobaldi is continuing its digital expansion journey by transforming its wine labels into an interactive experience.

FLORENCE, Italy, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A company deeply rooted in history and tradition, Marchesi Frescobaldi, also has its eyes on the future, positioning the nine magnificent estates, and a 700-year winemaking legacy, in a revolutionary way, with ongoing investments in cutting-edge digital technologies.

Innovation meets tradition with Marchesi Frescobaldi's new Augmented Reality project, developed in collaboration with AQuest, a Creative Production & Technology Company, partner of Ogilvy. Through this initiative, Frescobaldi allows its wine labels to speak for themselves, offering an interactive and immersive experience. Using artificial intelligence, the system recognizes labels and opens a digital gateway, inviting consumers to explore the Frescobaldi estates and their exceptional wines. This journey delves into the production process and the rich history that makes each bottle truly unique.

By simply scanning a QR Code on the back label of the bottle, consumers can explore the Tuscan landscapes, discover the history of the estates and learn about each wine's unique characteristics, including details on climate, winemaking, maturation, and organoleptic notes. As Fabrizio Dosi, CEO of Frescobaldi Group, says: "This project opens up new opportunities to integrate Artificial Intelligence and winemaking traditions, two worlds that have never been so close, offering memorable experiences to our consumers."

"In addition to serving as a powerful business tool for the sales team," Dosi continues, "the project has a strong educational focus, providing our consumers with insights into the rich history and defining characteristics of Frescobaldi wines."

The Frescobaldi AR project, launched in 2019, is constantly evolving. It started with 360 videos designed for VR headsets and has now developed into a full Augmented Reality experience, accessible directly from mobile devices. Demonstrating its versatility, this tool has been used in multiple contexts, including commercial presentations, international trade fairs, exclusive events, and company training programs. As Van Hong Doan, E-Commerce & Digital Manager of Frescobaldi explains: "By leveraging advanced algorithms and machine learning models, Artificial Intelligence has enabled the digitization of over 50 labels, making each bottle a gateway to a unique immersive experience."

FRESCOBALDI

The Group, owned by the Frescobaldi family, boasts seven centuries of history and 1,500 hectares of vineyards.

The mission of Marchesi Frescobaldi is to understand and promote unique terroirs, presenting them as an integral part of Tuscany's identity. The family's thousand-year history represents a unique and irreplaceable wealth of knowledge and traditions. Frescobaldi embodies the essence of Tuscany, showcasing its extraordinary aptitude for viticulture and the remarkable diversity of its growing areas. The nine estates of Marchesi Frescobaldi are: Castello Pomino (Pomino), Castello Nipozzano (Nipozzano), Tenuta Perano (Gaiole in Chianti), Tenuta Castiglioni (Montespertoli), Tenuta CastelGiocondo (Montalcino), Tenuta Ammiraglia (Magliano in Toscana), Remole (Sieci), Tenuta Calimaia (Montepulciano) and Gorgona. Located in areas of Tuscany that are particularly suited to the production of fine wines (DOC, DOCG and IGT), the estates differ in terrain, environment and history. In addition to these lands are the Estates of Bolgheri Ornellaia and Masseto, Tenuta Luce in Montalcino, Domaine Roy & Fils in Oregon and Attems in Collio.

AQuest

Partner of the WPP group since 2019 and of the international Ogilvy network since 2022, AQuest combines creativity and technology to create digital experiences that resonate with people's hearts, positioning itself as Italy's most awarded company in the digital arena.

Follow us @marchesifrescobaldi

#MarchesiFrescobaldi

Find out more | www.frescobaldi.com

SOURCE Marchesi Frescobaldi
Marketing Cloud reinforces mid-market excellence in marketing automation across seven categories and 71 reports.

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - A perennial "High Performer," Maropost Marketing Cloud broke new ground in G2's Winter 2025 Reports, earning "Easiest to Use" recognition to complement its ongoing "Easiest to Do Business With" accolades.

Marketing Cloud secured badges across 71 categoriesincluding nine for mid-market performancewhile maintaining its "Users Love Us" status. The platform received multiple distinctions for its outstanding Marketing Automation and Marketing Analytics capabilities.

Key achievements from G2 Winter 2025 Reports

Earned badges in 71 categories, including nine for mid-market performance

New "Easiest to Use" badge joins "Easiest to Do Business With" honors

Maintained "Users Love Us" status, reflecting exceptional customer satisfaction

Customers validate Marketing Cloud's value and performance

Marketing Cloud is Maropost's AI-powered marketing automation platform. It was built to help fast-growing commerce brands build and segment audiences, customize customer journeys, and automatically personalize communications. Recent G2 reviews highlight why Marketing Cloud earned "High Performer" status and its new ease-of-use recognition across twelve Winter Report categories:

"The automated email journeys are incredibly powerful. You can do so much with the automations. There are many features that I have not seen in other ESPs."

"It is user friendly... Tons of features and we are very happy with them. Deliverability is also top notch."

"Best ESP for email marketing... It's easy to set up and send a campaign now or schedule for later. Ease of use and multiple options are key."

Building on ease of use

Maropost Founder and CEO Ross Andrew Paquette says, "Our customers have consistently praised Marketing Cloud's performance and flexibility. Now, they're validating what we've known all alongthat enterprise-grade marketing automation can be both powerful and easy to use.

"In 2025, we'll push this commitment further by launching our connected commerce platform, which will unify commerce and marketing operations so brands can leave disjointed, standalone software behind and refocus on growth."

About Maropost

The Maropost platform revolutionizes how mid-market merchants operate by unifying the essential marketing, ecommerce, retail, search, merchandising, and helpdesk tools they need.

It seamlessly delivers real-time access to combined customer profiles and business performance data, empowering leaders and front-line associates to make smarter decisions that accelerate growth, maximize sales, and elevate the customer experience.

Trusted by more than 5,000 global commerce brands, including Victoria Beckham, Sandro Paris, Draper James, Scripps Media, Blue Bell Creameries, UNTUCKit, and Fujifilm Canada, Maropost has been featured on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 list and G2's leaderboard. Learn more at maropost.com.

SOURCE Maropost Inc.
BEIJING, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In an interview with Beijing Review, Michael Hart, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China), shared his insights on the evolving economic and trade relations between China and the United States, and the opportunities the Chinese market offers to U.S. businesses.

AmCham China President Michael Hart: The No.1 concern for AmCham China members is U.S.-China relations

Hart, with nearly 30 years of experience in Greater China, highlighted that China has transformed from a low-cost manufacturing hub into a leader in cutting-edge manufacturing as well as a major consumer market. As China's middle-income group grows wealthier, American companies have increasingly found opportunities to sell their goods, especially in sectors like healthcare, retail and automobiles.

Despite the downturn in bilateral trade statistics in recent years, Hart attributed these shifts to the diversification of supply chains. He emphasized that while some companies are considering diversifying their supply chains, most do not plan to leave China. U.S. businesses still see the Chinese market as essential for their global strategy.

Hart further noted that the demand for high-quality U.S. products will continue to grow as China's consumer base becomes more sophisticated. This aligns with the findings from AmCham China's 2024 business climate survey, which revealed increased optimism among companies selling to Chinese consumers.

Regarding the future of China-U.S. economic relations, Hart stressed the importance of cooperation. He believed that despite tensions, the two economies are interdependent, and continued trade benefits both nations--and the global economy. He also pointed to the role of business in building bridges between China and the U.S., helping to stabilize relations during times of political friction.

Looking ahead, Hart remains optimistic about the opportunities in China, particularly in innovative sectors like electric vehicles and healthcare, where U.S. companies can leverage China's advancements for global success.

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SOURCE Beijing Review
NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mutual of America Foundation announced the recipients of its 2024 Community Partnership Award, marking the 29th anniversary of the prestigious national competition. Six nonprofit organizations were selected for their outstanding contributions to society in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations.

"Mutual of America is honored to recognize and support the 2024 Community Partnership Award-winning organizations as they lead the way in creating effective and lasting solutions that help those in need," said Stephen Rich, Chairman, CEO and President of Mutual of America Financial Group. "Much like our clients working in the nonprofit community, Mutual of America is dedicated to having a direct, positive impact on society."

"Mutual of America is honored to recognize and support the 2024 Community Partnership Award-winning organizations." --Stephen Rich, Chairman, CEO and President of Mutual of America Financial Group Post this

Sara Wiencken, Vice President of Philanthropic Relations for the Mutual of America Foundation said, "The 2024 Community Partnership Award-winning programs exemplify the spirit of partnership and innovation that drives meaningful change in communities across the country. Their work is transformative for the individuals and families they serve and a model for how sectors can come together to create beneficial change."

2024 Award Recipients

The Thomas J. Moran Award is given to the national award-winning program and includes $100,000 and a documentary video about the program. This year's recipient, Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, located in Ossining, N.Y., works to address the lack of access and opportunity available to currently and formerly incarcerated people looking to use higher education to change their lives during and after involvement with the justice system. Hudson Link partners with local colleges and universities and correctional facilities in New York to help provide these individuals with college education, life skills and reentry support.

"Winning the Mutual of America 2024 Community Partnership Award means the world to us," said Sean Pica, Executive Director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison. "When we started Hudson Link 26 years ago, we understood that partnerships were going to be the driving force for success in our service of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. From the first year of our organization to now, the recidivism rate for Hudson Link graduates remains under 2%. With Mutual of America's generous support behind our upcoming documentary, we can continue to show the world the impact that we are having on so many lives."

The Frances R. Hesselbein Award is given to a partnership that is addressing social challenges in more than one community, or which demonstrates the potential to be replicated in other communities. This year's recipient is Community Health, a program of iFoster, Inc. in Truckee, CA.

Four other organizations received Social Impact Awards for their programs. They are: Civic Commons Black Home Initiative (Seattle Foundation, Seattle, WA); The TN Center for Decision-Making Support (The Arc TN, Nashville, TN); St. Jude Centers - Permanent Supportive Housing for the Homeless (Catholic Charities of Dallas, Inc., Dallas, TX); and Little Readers (HeartBound Ministries, Nashville, TN).

In May of 2025, Mutual of America Financial Group will honor these exceptional winners at a special celebration at the Company's headquarters in New York City, and will premiere the documentary video about Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison.

About the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award annually honors the outstanding contributions that nonprofit organizations from across the U.S. make to society in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations. Since 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 262 partnerships from cities and towns across the country. To watch videos of the national award-winning programs, visit the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award channel on YouTube.

About Mutual of America Financial Group

Mutual of America Financial Group is the trade name used by Mutual of America, a leading provider of retirement services and investments to employers, employees and individuals. We provide high-quality, innovative products and services at a competitive price, along with outstanding personalized service, to help our customers build and preserve assets for a financially secure future. Our mission is built upon our valuesintegrity, prudence, reliability, excellence and social responsibilitywhich have guided us since 1945 and continue to serve us and our customers well. For more information, visit mutualofamerica.com, and connect with us via LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

SOURCE Mutual of America Financial Group
Utility industry's only Silicon Valley venture arm reports nearly 80% of portfolio companies have engaged with its parent company to upgrade the grid, improve operations and drive the next era of innovation

MENLO PARK, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National Grid Partners , the corporate venture capital and innovation arm of one of the world's largest utilities, has surpassed $500 million deployed since its 2018 founding to improve the aging power grid and accelerate the utility industry into the next era. The group also reported that nearly 80% of its portfolio companies have strategically engaged with National Grid's businesses units, validating its mission to bring startup innovation to utility scale.

"Utilities face a new era of operational challengesfrom the electrification of everything and the integration of low-cost renewables to the widespread deployment of artificial intelligence," said Steve Smith, president of National Grid Partners and chief strategy and regulation officer at National Grid. "We've built National Grid Partners to not only fund the most promising startups addressing these challenges, but also to make a real impact on our business and across the industry. Moreover, our investments attract further momentum, with our $500 million having unlocked $3 billion in follow-on funding for our portfolio companies."

National Grid supplies power to more than 20 million people in New York and Massachusetts, serves as the electricity transmission provider to all of England and Wales, and owns and operates the U.K.'s largest electricity distribution network. The utility has directly engaged with more than 30 National Grid Partners portfolio companies, including:

AiDash , which unites satellite data with artificial intelligence (AI) and helps utilities identify in real time hotspots that should be prioritized for hazardous tree removal. National Grid has seen outages drop by 30% in jurisdictions where AiDash has been deployed.

, which unites satellite data with artificial intelligence (AI) and helps utilities identify in real time hotspots that should be prioritized for hazardous tree removal. National Grid has seen outages drop by 30% in jurisdictions where AiDash has been deployed. LineVision , which provides real-time transmission line data to help utilities better assess how much electricity their lines can carry at any given time. This improved data enables more than 30% more energy to pass through existing infrastructure. The startup's technology was fully deployed across National Grid transmission lines in western New York this year and is now integrated in the utility's control roomthe largest such deployment in the United States .

, which provides real-time transmission line data to help utilities better assess how much electricity their lines can carry at any given time. This improved data enables more than 30% more energy to pass through existing infrastructure. The startup's technology was fully deployed across National Grid transmission lines in western this year and is now integrated in the utility's control roomthe largest such deployment in . Risilience , a climate intelligence platform that helps businesses assess climate risk and turn that data into actionable insights to speed net zero progress. The startup showed National Grid Electric Transmission how to save 3.5 million in operating expenses for its U.K. electric vehicle fleet while reducing scope one emissions by 57,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

National Grid Partners was founded to help utilities overcome traditional struggles to internalize innovation and more closely collaborate with startups. In a recent survey , just 26% of utility innovation leaders said they turned to startups for fresh thinking, relying instead on their own employees for ideas. Moreover, these executives reported that just one in four innovation projects in planning ever gets implemented (24%). The survey data was announced at the recent NextGrid Alliance Summit, hosted by National Grid Partners to bring together startups and leaders from more than 120 global utilities to foster collaboration and innovative solutions.

"The innovation companies National Grid Partners supports are essential to enable the energy transition," said John Pettigrew, CEO of National Grid Group. "By making collaboration an organizational priority and dedicating time and resources against our mission, we are demonstrating that startups and utilities can team to make a singular impact on how we do business. Building on this progress is essential to build the utility of the future."

Noting that National Grid has committed more than $75 billion for infrastructure projects to upgrade the grid, he added that startups in the National Grid Partners portfolio will be front and center in transforming the company into "a more resilient, dynamic utility that can double capacity by 2050."

Corporate venture firms are helping startups achieve tangible results in today's tough markets. According to a recent Silicon Valley Bank report , companies backed by corporate venture capital have a success rate double that of startups backed by purely financial VCs.

Where startups don't exist to address industry challenges, the National Grid Partners Innovation team develops prototypes and hands them off to National Grid business units to scale. Twenty such projects have been completed, including OceanBrain , a tool to monitor and protect subsea power and telecom cables that allow critical resources to flow between countries.

"National Grid Partners is focused on innovation everywhere, from dedicating internal teams that develop new technologies to supporting innovative startups and introducing them across National Grid and the NextGrid Alliance," noted Smith. "We are in a unique position between the startup world and one of the largest listed utilities to foster innovation at scale and bring new technologies to the grid faster."

About National Grid Partners

National Grid Partners is the venture investment and innovation arm of National Grid plc., one of the world's largest investor-owned energy companies. By providing corporate venture capital, business development counsel and direct integration with National Grid's innovation teams, National Grid Partners is accelerating the energy transition and helping new technologies reach critical scale faster. We also convene the NextGrid Alliance ( www.ngalliance.energy ), a network of senior innovation executives from more than 120 worldwide utility companies focused on harnessing the industry's latest technologies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, National Grid Partners has offices in Boston, London, and New York. Visit ngpartners.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn .

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CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven local residents without insurance received a wonderful holiday gift: a new knee or hip as part of BayCare's participation in Operation Walk.

BayCare's Orthopedic Institute partnered with local nonprofit medical clinics, the Clearwater Free Clinic, the Pioneer Foundation, St. Pete Free Clinic and national and international foundation Operation Walk USA to provide the residents with free joint replacement surgeries.

BayCare partnered with the Clearwater Free Clinic, the Pioneer Foundation, St. Petersburg Free Clinic and Operation Walk USA to provide seven uninsured patients with free joint replacements. Medical staff and team members involved with the Operation Walk surgeries at Morton Plant Hospital on Dec. 7.

The surgeries were performed by orthopedic surgeons Dr. David Cheong, Dr. Andrew Cooper, Dr. William Cottrell, Dr. George Feliciano, Dr. Christopher Grayson and Dr. Aaron Koslin  who donated their services  at Clearwater's Morton Plant Hospital this month. Also donating their services were anesthesiology physicians Dr. Jaime Cruz, Dr. Jay Epstein, Dr. Hope Sprunger and internal medicine physician Dr. Moeen Khalil. Operation Walk USA is a nationwide effort to help patients in need receive potentially life-changing joint replacement surgery.

BayCare worked with the clinics to obtain a list of patients consistently in need of joint replacements. 2024 is the second year BayCare participated in Operation Walk.

"At BayCare, we have a mission to improve the health of those that we serve," said Gina Rowland, director of BayCare's Orthopedic Institute. "This includes those facing difficult circumstances, where health care may not be easily accessible. Operation Walk allows for us to support our community and make a positive impact to those in need."

Candidates for the free surgeries had to fall under specific federal government income guidelines and had to be uninsured.

Rowland said BayCare covered the cost of every aspect of these uninsured patients' surgical journeys. This included presurgical testing, surgery, hospitalization, prescriptions, medical equipment, home health care and outpatient rehabilitation. She added that hip and knee implants were donated by orthopedic vendors. All pre-surgery and post-surgery medical visits were also covered for patients.

Tanyika Mason, 51, of Clearwater, is one of the patients who received a joint replacement. She had her right knee replaced.

"I'm very happy that I was able to get the surgery for free," Mason said. "I really do not have any medical (insurance) so this is the best thing that could happen to me. I really appreciate it, I really do."

The work with Operation Walk USA is just one example of BayCare's long-standing commitment to supporting the region's health. Every year, BayCare spends roughly 10% of its revenue in support of charity care, uninsured care and community services. In 2023, the value of that Community Benefit was $557 million for West Central Florida, including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties.

Rowland said BayCare's Operation Walk participation is a herculean effort by many.

"The BayCare Orthopedic Institute would like to thank the leadership and patient care team at Morton Plant Hospital, Dr. Cheong, Dr. Cooper, Dr. Cottrell, Dr. Cruz, Dr. Epstein, Dr. Feliciano, Dr. Grayson, Dr. Khalil, Dr. Koslin, Dr. Sprunger, BayCare Home Care, Operation Walk, vendors and our free clinic partners," she said.

"Thank you, all, for your time, resources, and compassionate care which will leave a lasting impact on these patients," Rowland said.

BayCare Orthopedic Institute is the leader in providing high-quality, compassionate care for all orthopedic conditions, from common fractures to the most complex surgical procedures.

For more information: BayCare Orthopedic Institute

About BayCare

BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 16 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. The system is West Central Florida's largest provider of behavioral health and pediatric services and its provider group, BayCare Medical Group, is one of the largest in the region. BayCare's diverse network of ambulatory services includes laboratories, imaging, surgical centers, BayCare Urgent Care locations, wellness centers and one of Florida's largest home care agencies, BayCare HomeCare. BayCare's mission is to improve the health of all it serves through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information, visit BayCare.org.

SOURCE BayCare Health System
Ascent to aid Nook in delivering frictionless member experience to growing credit unions

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Ascent Platform , the leader in digital experience solutions for financial institutions, has announced a partnership with Nook , a new CUSO focused on revitalizing relationships in banking. The partnership will empower credit unions to deliver targeted member experiences with reduced application abandonment.

Application abandonment remains a significant challenge for lead generation in credit unions, which Ascent is able to solve. Nook assists credit unions in creating tailored experiences for their members, enabling these institutions to support and guide members throughout their financial journey. By partnering with Ascent, Nook aims to allow clients to make full use of their system by utilizing Ascent's Experience Platform to reduce abandonment rates and empower clients to successfully convert leads.

Ascent's Experience Platform reduces abandonment, empowering Nook credit unions to successfully convert leads. Post this

This partnership highlights the importance of member experience for Ascent. By enabling CUSOs like Nook to minimize abandonment for their institutions, Ascent supports the credit union movement, helping institutions achieve greater growth and efficiency.

"Ascent's offerings focus on enhancing member experiences for financial institutions, allowing institutions to both grow and become more efficient," said Arjun Sahgal, co-founder and CEO of Ascent. "As more credit unions continue to expand, our partnerships with CUSOs like Nook will further allow Ascent to support the credit union movement and tackle challenges such as member abandonment that credit unions face as they grow."

"Nook is all about helping credit unions create deeper, more meaningful connections with their members," said Austin Wentzlaff, Co-Founder and CEO of Nook. "Our partnership with Ascent ensures credit unions can turn these connections into action, empowering members to make confident financial decisions without friction. Ascent's modern platform aligns seamlessly with our approach, enabling credit unions to deliver a streamlined, modern experience at every stage of their members' financial journey."

About Nook

Nook is a CUSO offering a first-of-its-kind platform designed to empower credit unions to provide niche experiences to their members without the need for a new brand, website, or technology stack. Nook's Niche Experience Platform leverages a niche, lifestyle content approach to build focused communities around core member groups, building deep trust and loyalty. Incorporating lifestyle topics alongside financial content allows Nook to offer a fresh perspective, encouraging more frequent member engagement and enabling credit unions to "sell without selling" by allowing members to envision the practicality, relevance, and positive impact that credit union solutions have on their lives.

For more information, please visit nook-inc.com .

About Ascent

Ascent is a CUSO offering a next-generation platform providing financial institutions with the ability to streamline any and all product applications and forms without disrupting existing systems and processes. Ascent replaces the patchwork of full-stack product applications, static web forms, and PDFs with intelligent applications and forms featuring prefilled data, optional pre-screening rules and logic, and collaborative document collection. Most importantly, the platform learns from every interaction, and uses those learnings to make subsequent experiences more contextual, with fewer questions for the member and less work for the associate. Using Ascent's no-code builder, institutions can rapidly configure and deploy beautiful bespoke applications and forms at their own pace.

For more information, please visit ascentplatform.io .

Contacts

Glen Fossella

[email protected]

617-335-2181

Austin J. Wentzlaff

[email protected]

320-444-0291

SOURCE Ascent Platform Corporation
Digital experience leader enters 2025 with continued focus on strengthening its product offering, global partnerships, and market positioning

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimizely, the leading digital experience platform (DXP) provider, today celebrates its numerous achievements from the previous year. Over the last 12 months, Optimizely celebrated its 30-year heritage by enhancing its product offerings, strengthening its global partnerships and continuing significant business growth. Earlier this year, the company announced that it had reached $400M ARR as demand surged for Optimizely One, the industry's first operating system for marketers.

Optimizely caps off a banner year

This marquee platform has been further enhanced this year due to additional product offerings and recent features enhancements, including: the SaaS version of its CMS, Personalization, AI Agents and HIPAA-readiness for CMS and Experimentation. All of these product innovations further Optimizely's deep commitment to making the lives of marketers better. Optimizely recently received recognition for its strengths and market leadership in personalization, Optimizely was named a Leader in The Forrester Wave: Experience Optimization Solutions, Q4 2024, in which Optimizely was recognized as a top-ranked vendor in the 'Strategy' and 'Current Offering' categories.

Additionally, in September, Optimizely announced that it would be the first DXP to provide "warehouse native" analytics after its acquisition of NetSpring. This move allows customers to tie experimentation and other digital experience activities directly to key business metrics and outcomes that reside in customers' data warehouses. Looking ahead, NetSpring will serve as the foundation for Optimizely's overall analytics capabilities across Optimizely One.

To further improve the marketers' experience, Optimizely has leaned into AI and enhanced its partnerships worldwide. Last month, Optimizely strengthened its partnership with Google Cloud to allow customers to access Google's Gemini models directly within Optimizely's products via Optimizely Opal, the AI assistant across Optimizely One. This gives teams access to a best-in-class AI solution that delivers high-quality outputs and accelerates workflow across the entire content lifecycle. Specifically, Google's Gemini models power the AI agents accessed through Optimizely Opal, which allow marketers to use context from across the platform to chain together instructions and supercharge both creativity and productivity.

"At Optimizely, we have taken big strides over the past year to be the go-to platform for marketing. Marketers' time should be spent on creating and optimizing great digital experiences that lead to measurable growth, not on menial tasks or guess work," said Alex Atzberger, CEO of Optimizely. "We deeply appreciate the dedication and hard work of our employees and partners over the last year in bringing the world's first operating system for marketers to life. We look forward to continuing to lead the industry in 2025 and helping our customers deliver even more exceptional experiences and higher ROI."

In the past year, Optimizely has also be recognized as a Leader in key analyst reports:

With these recent placements, Optimizely is now recognized as a Leader in 11 different analyst reports across each of its content, experimentation, personalization, and commerce offerings.

In 2024, Optimizely also received a number of notable industry awards, including:

Throughout the year, Optimizely also became the go-to choice for companies like Capital One, Federated Hermes, Farmers Insurance, USAA, FOX, Levi's, Crocs, and KPMG to drive digital transformation and business growth.

To learn more about how your brand can deliver next level experiences with Optimizely, visit https://www.optimizely.com/products/

About Optimizely

Optimizely is on a mission to make the lives of marketers better with Optimizely One, the world's first operating system for marketing teams. Optimizely One combines industry-leading solutions across content management, content marketing, experimentation, commerce and personalization, powering every stage of the marketing lifecycle through a single, AI-accelerated workflow. With the flexibility of a fully composable platform, Optimizely is proudly helping global brands like H&M, Salesforce, Zoom and Toyota create content with speed, launch experiments with confidence, and deliver experiences of the highest quality. Learn more at optimizely.com.

Optimizely, Optimizely One, and NetSpring are the trademarks of Optimizely North America Inc., and are registered (or registrations are pending) in the US, EU, UK and other countries. All third-party trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference purposes.

SOURCE Optimizely
IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OrthAlign, Inc. today announced a significant milestone with the successful first clinical use of its Lantern Hip handheld technology. The procedure was performed by Edwin Su, MD, a renowned orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, NY. "The first clinical case of Lantern Hip is a monumental achievement for our team and the surgeons involved with this project," said Eric Timko, CEO of OrthAlign. "This expansion of our flagship platform to include hips not only enhances our product portfolio, but also positions us for significant growth in both the hospital and the ambulatory surgery center (ASC). We're excited to kick off the new year with Lantern Hip and showcase its impact at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting," says Eric Timko.

Edwin Su, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery performed the first Lantern Hip procedure. Meet Lantern Hip. The next evolution in hip technology is in your hands.

Lantern Hip is the latest evolution in hip technology, built upon the success of over 375,000 OrthAlign procedures worldwide. Next-generation sensors, powered by accelerometers and gyroscopes, are designed to provide an accurate and simple solution to navigate cup placement and measure changes in leg length and offset. The system enables the surgeon to choose their preferred implant, and is accessible to any site of service.

"Lantern Hip allows me to personalize cup position for each patient," said Dr. Su. "I can compare the functional pelvic plane (FPP), the anterior pelvic plane (APP), and the coronal plane during live cup navigation, so I can place the implant in the best position for function and stability. With its triple-sensor technology, Lantern Hip also allows me to feel confident in my leg length and offset restoration. The system was simple for me and my team to integrate into our workflow during our first case, and I expect this will make a positive impact on other surgeons' experience too."

OrthAlign will continue to offer surgeons the opportunity to experience Lantern Hip firsthand through webinars and demonstrations at industry events throughout 2025. For inquiries about upcoming events or to schedule a product demonstration, contact your local OrthAlign representative.

Visit www.orthalign.com/lanternhip to view the Lantern Hip introductory video.

Lantern Hip is indicated for use in direct anterior total hip arthroplasty procedures with the patient in the supine position.

About OrthAlign, Inc.

OrthAlign is a medical device company with a focus on delivering practical, cutting-edge technologies for orthopedic surgery. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, OrthAlign provides surgeons with user-friendly, cost-effective solutions to help improve patient care in joint replacement. In 2023, the company celebrated a record-breaking year with over $50 million in global revenue, reflecting its dedication to growth and leadership in the industry.

Driven by the belief that everyone deserves exceptional healthcare, OrthAlign is committed to making empowering technologies accessible to all.

LANTERN and ORTHALIGN are registered trademarks of OrthAlign, Inc.

SOURCE OrthAlign
Financing led by OrbiMed, Avoro Capital, and Samsara BioCapital, with additional investment from founding investor Medicxi

Strengthens its leadership team with the appointments of industry veterans Rick Anderson as SVP Finance, Spencer Fisk as Chief Technical and Quality Officer, and Ling Zeng as General Counsel and EVP of Execution

IND-enabling studies underway for first-in-class PD1/VEGFR2 bifunctional antibody

LONDON and BOSTON, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ottimo Pharma ("Ottimo"), a private biotech company pioneering bifunctional medicines to extend the lives of people living with cancer, today announces the completion of a Series A financing round of over $140 million. The financing will accelerate the lead asset, Jankistomig, a first-in-class PD1/VEGFR2 bifunctional antibody for multiple solid tumor indications, in both IV and SC forms as well as a pipeline of follow-on bifunctional assets.

The round was led by OrbiMed, Avoro Capital, Samsara BioCapital, and included blue chip investors RTW Investments, Decheng Capital, Janus Henderson Investors, J.P. Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital, Invus, and founding investor Medicxi. In connection with the financing Peter Thompson (OrbiMed), Mark Chin (Avoro Capital), and Srini Akkaraju (Samsara BioCapital) will join the Board of Directors.

Simultaneously, Ottimo has expanded its management team under the leadership of David Epstein, Chair and Chief Executive Officer. The Company announces the appointment of Rick Anderson as SVP Finance, Spencer Fisk as Chief Technical and Quality Officer, and Ling Zeng as General Counsel and EVP of Execution. Rick, Spencer, and Ling bring extensive pharma experience, having held senior roles at Seagen, Novartis, and Dicerna Pharmaceuticals.

Ottimo, co-founded by Medicxi and Jonny Finlay, emerged from stealth in October 2024. It is advancing IND-enabling studies for lead molecule Jankistomig, with a planned IND filing in late 2025.

Jankistomig is a first-in-class PD1/VEGFR2 bifunctional antibody that is differentiated from bispecific antibodies. It is exquisitely designed as a dual pathway, biparatopic single-agent IgG therapy, targeting immune checkpoint inhibition and angiogenesis in the treatment of cancer. This innovative approach aims to offer a wider therapeutic window regardless of tumor VEGF levels, with the potential to improve outcomes across multiple solid tumor indications. Jankistomig is expected to address a global oncology market valued at well over $50 billion.

David Epstein, Chair & Chief Executive Officer of Ottimo Pharma, said: "The successful completion of our Series A financing marks a milestone for Ottimo as we advance our goal to make first-in-class bifunctional medicines to extend the lives of people living with cancer. Jankistomig represents a significant breakthrough with its novel design and mechanism of action, and we are incredibly grateful to have the backing of such well-renowned healthcare investors. With the addition of Rick, Spencer, and Ling, we have assembled a proven leadership team to progress Ottimo to our first IND by late 2025."

Peter Thompson, General Partner at OrbiMed, Board Director of Ottimo Pharma, commented: "Ottimo's unique approach has differentiated itself in the PD1/VEGF field. We are looking forward to working alongside this experienced team with their extensive track record to develop new cancer treatments with improved outcomes for patients."

Francesco De Rubertis, Co-Founder and Partner at Medicxi, Board Director of Ottimo Pharma added: "Ottimo has shown considerable progress with Jankistomig. As a co-founder of the Company, we are pleased to welcome top-tier investors including OrbiMed, Avoro Capital, and Samsara BioCapital to the syndicate as we advance the pipeline to address multiple solid tumor indications."

Fredric (Rick) Anderson has more than 30 years of leadership experience in strategic financial and operations management. Rick was the Vice President, Corporate Controller for Seagen Inc. from 2018, where he supported the Company's growth and international expansion. He was a key member of the leadership team that led the $44 billion acquisition by Pfizer and supported the post-acquisition integration. Rick holds an MBA from the University of San Diego. He started his career as a CPA for Ernst & Young and later joined their mergers & acquisition group.

Spencer Fisk has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing and CMC product development. Spencer joins Ottimo from National Resilience, Inc. where he transformed the R&D focus to deliver on disruptive approaches to accelerate multi-modality drug development. From 2018 to 2022, he served as the Chief Technical Operations Officer at Rubius Therapeutics. Before Rubius he held senior roles at Novartis AG where he led the team to the successful registration and launch of the first CAR-T cellular therapy product, Kymriah. Prior to Novartis, Spencer held various technical development and manufacturing roles at Merck, Genentech, Genencor, and Novo Nordisk.

Ling Zeng, Esq. was previously Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and a member of the executive leadership team of Omega Therapeutics. Prior to Omega, she was the Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Dicerna Pharmaceuticals and played a critical role in executing the Company's strategy including the $3.3 billion acquisition by Novo Nordisk in 2021. Before working in biotech companies, Ling was Deputy Head Legal, Group Mergers and Acquisitions, at Novartis AG, responsible for global transactions across the Novartis Group. From 2009 to 2017, Ling held various executive roles of increasing responsibility at Bausch Health Companies.

About Ottimo Pharma

Ottimo Pharma is a private biotechnology company, co-founded in 2020 by Medicxi and Jonny Finlay, focused on the development of pioneering innovative cancer therapies for solid tumors. The Company's lead asset, Jankistomig, is a PD1/VEGFR2 bifunctional antibody designed as a dual pathway, biparatopic single-agent IgG therapy, targeting both immune checkpoint inhibition and angiogenesis in the treatment of cancer. By advancing this dual-pathway approach, Ottimo aims to offer a wider therapeutic window, improve cancer treatment outcomes and reduce the overall healthcare burden. Ottimo anticipates filing of its first IND in late 2025.

Ottimo is backed by a global syndicate of life science investors including Medicxi, OrbiMed, Avoro Capital, Samsara BioCapital, RTW Investments, Decheng Capital, Janus Henderson Investors, J.P. Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital, and Invus. The Ottimo board includes Francesco De Rubertis, Co-Founder and Partner of Medicxi, Peter Thompson, General Partner at OrbiMed, Mark Chin, Partner at Avoro Capital, and Srinivas Akkaraju, founder, and Managing General Partner at Samsara BioCapital, alongside David Epstein and James Sabry. For more information, please visit: www.ottimopharma.com.

About OrbiMed

OrbiMed is a leading healthcare investment firm, with $17 billion in assets under management. OrbiMed invests globally across the healthcare industry, from start-ups to large multinational corporations, through private equity funds, public equity funds, and royalty/credit funds. OrbiMed seeks to be a capital provider of choice, providing tailored financing solutions and extensive global team resources to help build world-class healthcare companies. OrbiMed's team of over 100 professionals is based in New York City, London, San Francisco, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Herzliya, and other key global markets. For more information, please visit www.orbimed.com. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @OrbiMed.

About Avoro Capital

Avoro Capital is a global life sciences investment firm with over $6.5 billion in capital primarily focused on supporting emerging life sciences and biotechnology companies. For more information, please visit: www.avorocapital.com

About Samsara BioCapital

Samsara BioCapital is a new breed of biotech investment firm focused on translating cutting-edge biology into new therapies to treat patients with unmet medical needs. Founded in 2016 by Srinivas Akkaraju, M.D., Ph.D., our team of scientists, investors and entrepreneurs takes a long-term view on value creation across all stages of public and private life science companies. We believe in a collaborative, hands-on approach, working closely with entrepreneurs to harness exciting scientific advances and build leading companies. Samsara actively manages assets on behalf of endowments, foundations, and family offices. For more information, please visit www.samsaracap.com.

About Medicxi

Medicxi is a healthcare-focused investment firm with the mission to create and invest in companies across the full drug development continuum. Leveraging deep expertise in drug development and company creation spanning over two decades, Medicxi invests in early and late-stage therapeutics with a product vision that can fulfill a clear unmet medical need. For more information, please visit: www.medicxi.com

SOURCE Ottimo Pharma
Former Leader of Homeland Security Investigations Derek Benner Joins as Chief Mission Officer

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OUR RESCUE, a global non-governmental organization (NGO) that partners to rescue and support survivors of sex trafficking and child exploitation, today announced the appointments of seven new members to its leadership team. With plans to expand global operations and survivor support, Derek Benner, Mitch Abrahamsen, Renata Parras and John Trenary are positioned to lead OUR RESCUE's growth in 2025. Janeen Vogelaar, Kelly Puspoki and Jeff Bird fill key roles in marketing and advancement to elevate OUR RESCUE's awareness and prevention mission.

"With a full leadership team in place, we are creating a high-performing, high-impact organization at the forefront of the collective movement to end human trafficking and child exploitation around the world," said OUR RESCUE CEO Tammy Lee. "These heinous crimes are happening in broad daylight, and in every dark corner of the world, generating more than $236 billion a year in illicit money, according to the most recent reports from International Labor Organization."

Additionally, suspected child sexual exploitation reports rose more than 12 percent nationwide, surpassing 36.2 million reports as of 2023, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Lee added, "As sex traffickers and child predators become more sophisticated, OUR RESCUE is doubling down on our commitment to support our law enforcement and survivor care partners. We will stay in this fight together until every child is safe. I am pleased to announce this new team of leaders who exemplify our commitment to this mission."

New OUR RESCUE Leaders

Derek Benner, Chief Mission Officer

Benner is leaving OUR RESCUE's Board of Directors to accept the position of Chief Mission Officer. In this senior leadership role, Benner will oversee the Mission Operations and Survivor Care teams. Benner's 30-year federal law enforcement career includes leading Homeland Security Investigations within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There he oversaw 10,000 law enforcement personnel, including 7,000 special agents assigned to 30 Special Agent in Charge offices in major cities and over 182 additional field offices across the U.S. and 86 overseas locations.

"I'm excited to apply my experience leading Homeland Security Investigations to advance the mission of OUR RESCUE," said Benner. "Rescuing and supporting survivors of human trafficking and child exploitation require strong partnerships, and I'm committed to fostering global collaborations to expand the reach and effectiveness of OUR RESCUE's vital services."

Benner also led the creation of the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, the first unified, inter-component coordination center for countering human trafficking. He also served as Managing Director of Federal Law Enforcement and Commercial at Thomson Reuters Special Services, LLC.

Mitch Abrahamsen, Ph.D., Chief of Mission Support

Abrahamsen has been serving as Interim Chief Operating Officer at OUR RESCUE and now assumes the expanded role of Chief of Mission Support. Abrahamsen will be responsible for the Finance, Business Solutions, Education and Prevention, and E-commerce teams in his new role. Internationally recognized for his leadership in R&D, global operations and education delivery, Abrahamsen brings over 25 years of experience driving growth for Fortune 500 companies and start-ups while fostering strong investor and stakeholder relationships.

Renata Parras, General Counsel, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships

In addition to leading OUR RESCUE's legal team, Parras is creating strategic partnerships with other NGOs, technology companies, law enforcement groups and financial institutions. She brings over 15 years of expertise advising on human rights, human trafficking, social impact and strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors. Previously, she served as Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and Pro Bono Counsel at Paul Hastings LLP, leading the global law firm's Modern Slavery and Human Rights Initiative. Parras also spent 12 years with the DHS as Deputy Chief Counsel, advising on immigration, human rights and national security law.

John Trenary, Vice President of Mission for Asia, Africa and Middle East

With over 25 years of experience in law enforcement, including digital forensics and cybercrime investigation assistance in support of the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service and The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Trenary has left his appointment to OUR RESCUE's Board of Directors to serve as head of mission for Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He will be leading the expansion of the Asia Mission Operations program, which includes law enforcement relationships and support for survivor care. Previously, Trenary served as Director of Digital Forensics Services at SEARCH Group, Inc., worked at the Linn County Sheriff's Office in Oregon, and operated his own consultancy Carpe Veritas Digital Forensics, LLC.

Janeen Vogelaar, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications

A seasoned marketing leader and brand storyteller with over 20 years of experience, Vogelaar drives measurable growth and optimizes brand impact across sectors and a variety of industries. Previously, Vogelaar served as Chief Marketing Officer at Salo, part of Korn Ferry's Interim Executives & Professional Practice. She also was the Head of Marketing for the NBC Minneapolis affiliate where she led major marketing initiatives, including serving as Executive Producer for the duPont-Columbia award-winning documentary Love Them First.

Kelly Puspoki, Vice President, Strategic Communications and PR

Puspoki brings over 25 years of experience, previously serving as Vice President of Marketing at United Way and Senior Vice President at leading global marketing and communications firms, including FleishmanHillard and Weber Shandwick where she drove brand awareness, engagement, revenue and mission impact for Fortune 500 companies and foundations. Her work has been recognized with 35 industry awards. Puspoki's expertise also includes addressing complex challenges such as poverty, global malnutrition, trauma-informed early childhood education and housing instability through strategic communications and advocacy.

Jeff Bird, Vice President, Advancement

Bird brings significant nonprofit and business experience to OUR RESCUE, previously serving as Executive Director at the Alzheimer's Association in Fort Worth and Colorado's Rocky Mountain Region. He also was the Executive Director at the American Diabetes Association for a five-state region (Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming and Montana), State Director for the March of Dimes and a leader at the Family Support Center in Salt Lake City.

Find more information on OUR RESCUE's leadership team here.

About OUR RESCUE: Headquartered in Minneapolis, with offices in Dallas-Fort Worth and Salt Lake City, OUR RESCUE is a global non-governmental organization on a mission to end sex trafficking and child exploitation by empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and thrive on their healing journey. Founded in 2013, the organization focuses on education and prevention, supports law enforcement in identifying and prosecuting perpetrators, and provides trauma-informed survivor care services.

SOURCE OUR Rescue
ENCINO, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Meehan Law Firm dba 800NoCuffs, the largest private DUI defense law firm in California for over 20 years, has announced a change in ownership. Darren Kavinoky, the firm's founder, has elected to retire from the practice of criminal law. Leadership of the firm has transitioned to Michael T. Meehan, its Chief of Legal Services and an attorney with decades of experience in criminal law.

Michael T. Meehan brings a wealth of expertise, having dedicated his career exclusively to criminal law since passing the bar in 1995. His professional journey began with nearly 10 years of service as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at the Lennox sub-Station. Mr. Meehan then served as a prosecutor in the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, where he handled cases on behalf of the People of the State of California. After leaving the prosecutor's office, he became a criminal defense attorney, focusing on representing those accused of crimes.

Since joining The Kavinoky Law Firm in 2007, Mr. Meehan has represented clients statewide, handling cases ranging from minor offenses and DUIs to serious charges such as murder. For over five years, Mr. Meehan has been a part of the firm's leadership team, guiding its legal services and operations.

Attorney Evonne Fisher said, "I could not think of a person better suited to lead this firm following the retirement of Darren Kavinoky. Michael is focused on defending everyone accused of a crime as well as sharing his extensive knowledge with all the attorneys at the firm."

With this transition, the firm has been renamed The Meehan Law Firm, reflecting Mr. Meehan's new role as owner and leader. Although Mr. Kavinoky has retired, he remains committed to the firm's success and is available for consultation.

A Commitment to Balance and Excellence

Mr. Meehan committed to creating a supportive work environment that allows his team to balance professional and personal responsibilities. As a father of quadruplets, Mr. Meehan understands the importance of balancing career and family life and strives to help others achieve the same.

"My goal is to make The Meehan Law Firm the best place to work for those focused on defending individuals accused of crimes while maintaining a healthy work-life balance," said Mr. Meehan.

A Legacy of Leadership

Mr. Meehan has been recognized as a "Super Lawyer" by his peers, a distinction highlighting his skill and dedication. He has also overseen the relaunch of the firm's websites, NoCuffs.com and TheMeehanLawFirm.com, ensuring they remain accessible resources for clients seeking legal representation.

For more information, visit www.meehan.law or call (213) 214-1349.

Media Contact:

Michael Meehan

(213) 214-1349

[email protected]

SOURCE The Meehan Law Firm
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PatientRightsAdvocate.org (PRA) applauded today's bipartisan passage by the Ohio General Assembly of major legislation to deliver hospital price transparency for Ohioans and urged Governor Mike DeWine to sign the bill without delay. The legislation, originally introduced as House Bill 49 by Ohio State Representatives Tim Barhorst (District 85) and Ron Ferguson (District 96) in February 2023, was passed unanimously by both chambers as an amendment to H.B. 173. If enacted, it would require Ohio hospitals to post the prices of available services online for upfront public viewing.

"By passing this strong price transparency bill, Ohio legislators ignored special interests and stood up for Ohio healthcare consumers who for too long have been blinded to prices and forced to pay for care with a blank check," said PRA Founder and Chairman Cynthia Fisher. "This historic bill makes Ohio the first state in the nation to require that hospitals publish upfront prices in dollars and cents, so patients can protect themselves from overcharges and choose affordable care. We applaud Reps. Barhorst and Ferguson for their steadfast leadership and tireless efforts as they overcame every obstacle for nearly two years to make this critical bill a reality. Every Ohio patient, employer, family, and healthcare consumer can now benefit from actual, upfront healthcare prices, empowering them to rip off the blindfold and only pay agreed-upon, fair-market rates and benefit from remedy and recourse if overbilled. We urge Gov. DeWine to sign this bill into law immediately to substantially reduce Ohio's healthcare costs and return these funds to workers, businesses, and public-sector budgets."

The Barhorst-Ferguson legislation would codify the federal Hospital Price Transparency Rule first enacted in January 2021 by President Donald J. Trump. According to PRA's Seventh Semi-Annual Hospital Price Transparency Report released last month, only 13% of Ohio hospitals reviewed are fully complying with the rule. Of the 2,000 hospitals reviewed nationwide, just 21% are in full compliance.

When initially considered by the Ohio House of Representatives in June 2023, the bill (as H.B. 49) was passed by a bipartisan 90-5 landslide. As the legislation made its way through both chambers of the General Assembly, Ohioans negatively impacted by surprise hospital bills and hidden fees voiced their support for the bill's enforcement provisions, including patients like Tracey Owens and Drew White.

Tracey Owens (Norton, OH): "Price transparency, as articulated in the Ohio legislation, empowers patients to avoid such outrageous healthcare costs and choose affordable care. ... It forces hospitals to compete over price and quality, just like everywhere else in the economy, putting downward pressure on costs. ... Signing this bill into law will help prevent more people from falling victim to the predatory healthcare system like I did. It will finally reduce outrageous state healthcare costs."

Drew White (Cincinnati, OH): "We urgently need upfront prices to identify affordable care and avoid medical bankruptcy. ... If hospitals were required to post their prices, I could have compared surgery charges and chosen the best quality care at the lowest possible price. Unfortunately, since I was blinded to prices, I had no other option than to proceed with the surgery at my local hospital with only a prayer that the bill would be reasonable. ... Price transparency will catapult the American health care system into today's pro-consumer economy. It will end the days of six-figure bills for moderate surgeries and four-figure bills for stitches."

In support of advancing the strongest possible version of H.B. 49, PRA led multiple public awareness campaigns, including the launch of RealPricesForOhio.com, paid targeted digital media, and mobile billboards driven around the Ohio Statehouse and the Ohio State University campus.

About PRA

PatientRightsAdvocate.org (PRA) is a leading national healthcare price transparency organization dedicated to ushering in systemwide transparency through advocacy, testimony, media, legal research, and grassroots campaigns. PRA believes that the availability and visibility of actual, upfront healthcare prices will greatly lower costs for patients and employers through a functional, competitive healthcare marketplace.

SOURCE Patient Rights Advocate
The Urgent Care brand expands in Columbus and Valdosta areas.

VALDOSTA, Ga. and COLUMBUS, Ga. and PHENIX CITY, Ala., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Peachtree Immediate Care, the most comprehensive urgent care network in Georgia and the exclusive urgent care partner for the Emory Healthcare Network, has opened new centers in a Columbus suburb and in Valdosta.

Peachtree Immediate Care - Phenix City, located at 3543 US Highway 280 / 431 Suite D in northwest Phenix City, Alabama, opened its doors to patients on Monday, December 16. The 3,825-square-foot facility features eight exam rooms and is part of an 11.6-acre retail development by Lindstrom & Company that will include several tenants from nationally recognized brands in the restaurant, telecommunications, and automotive service industries.

"We're proud to bring our patient-focused urgent care services across the Chattahoochee River and into Phenix City," said Bill Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of CRH Healthcare, the parent company of Peachtree Immediate Care. "The three other Peachtree Immediate Care clinics we operate in the Columbus area serve the community well, and we're certain our expanded presence will continue to benefit residents and visitors alike."

The Phenix City location will open with initial hours of Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and plans to expand operating hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week beginning January 6, 2025.

Peachtree Immediate Care - Valdosta West, located at 1708 Norman Drive in Valdosta, Georgia, began accepting patients on Tuesday, December 17. The new, free-standing 3,600-square-foot facility near the Valdosta Mall features seven exam rooms. Tidewater Development Group developed the previously vacant lot.

"We're also excited to expand our presence in Valdosta where, in 2023, we relocated our first center there into another brand new facility," said Miller. "Valdosta has been a great market for us with our first location, and this new center will offer a convenient, high-quality urgent care option for people on the west side of town."

The Valdosta West location is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chattahoochee Construction Group and Place Maker Design served as general contractors and architects, respectively, for both the Phenix City and Valdosta West locations.

At every Peachtree Immediate Care urgent care center, patients can receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, immunizations, physical examinations, x-rays, diagnostic testing, employer and occupational health services, and limited primary care.

Peachtree Immediate Care locations also provide on-site medication dispensing for select medicines, including Tamiflu, which will quickly address the needs of those diagnosed with the flu. On-site medication dispensing allows patients to receive prescriptions promptly and conveniently at an affordable cost without an additional trip to a third-party pharmacy. Most on-site medications are only $10.

All Peachtree Immediate Care clinics employ a staff of medical providers such as board-certified physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and highly trained clinical and support staff such as medical assistants and emergency medical technicians.

Patients are encouraged to book an appointment, check the wait time, and reserve their spot line online at www.peachtreemed.com; however, walk-in patients are always welcome without an appointment at every location.

Peachtree Immediate Care accepts over 40 insurance plans and offers transparent self-pay pricing for uninsured patients.

About Peachtree Immediate Care

With over 70 locations, Peachtree Immediate Care helps patients Get in. Get out. Get better. Owned by CRH Healthcare and a dedicated urgent care provider for the Emory Healthcare Network, Peachtree Immediate Care treats patients with various non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Find a location, check in online, and learn more at www.peachtreemed.com.

About CRH Healthcare

CRH Healthcare, based in Atlanta, is a consumer- and quality-focused urgent care industry leader that helps patients Get in. Get out. Get better. Since its founding in 2012, the company has rapidly grown its clinic base to over 90 locations across Georgia, Florida, and Maryland through acquisitions and new location development. The company focuses everything on its 5 C's: Convenient, Courteous, Caring, Competent, and Compliant. CRH Healthcare brands include Peachtree Immediate Care, Patients First, Patriot Urgent Care, and AppleCare Urgent Care. CRH Healthcare is a proud member of the Urgent Care Association. For more information, visit www.crhhealthcare.com.

Media Contact:

Evan Floyd

[email protected]

678-542-8130

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/13053434

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE CRH Healthcare
During the Christmas season, the donation from PMI Foods will be used to feed displaced residents, local families and hundreds of volunteers who are working rebuild to Chimney Rock, North Carolina.

"At PMI Foods, we are in the business of feeding millions of people every day and after the destruction of Hurriance Helene, the community of Chimney Rock is rebuilding" remarked PMI President Darin Parker. Mr. Parker continued that "PMI's food donations will help displaced residents who have lost their homes and hopefully our ongoing efforts will help restore hope as we work with CityServe to bring Christmas to Chimney Rock."

We are incredibly grateful to PMI Foods for their generous contribution of briskets which is one of many donations in 2025," said Pastor Todd Lamphere, Senior Vice President at CityServe. "The tremendous support of PMI Foods allows us to provide nourishing meals to those who need it most, ensuring that everyone in Chimney Rock, NC can celebrate this Christmas with a renewed sense of hope."

"Christmas for Chimney Rock" aims to provide assistance and comfort to families who continue to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, making the holiday season more joyful and inclusive. This initiative not only alleviates some of the burdens faced by families during this joyous time but also underscores the vital importance of community support and collaboration in fostering a sense of unity and care for one another.

The partnership with prominent organizations, including Paula White Ministries, World Vision, Love and Life Foundation, and MedicCorp, has significantly amplified the impact of this initiative.

About Parker Migliorini International LLC

PMI Foods is a global enterprise that supplies an extensive range of products to all major international markets with corporate offices strategically located in the

Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. PMI Foods operates on several platforms representing two brands: PMI Global Solutions; managing product procurement, sales, and logistics, and PMI Distribution; supplying the needs of local wholesale markets, and PMI Food Service, which provides a constant supply source while focusing on personalized services and customer-specific adaptation of products and packaging. More information about PMI Foods is available at: www.pmifoods.com.

CityServe is a collaborative network of churches and community leaders who help those in need live better lives. CityServe empowers the local church to fulfill its purpose to overcome despair and transform lives by resourcing them with tangible goods and capacity building. CityServe brings the church to the table to address community challenges by offering long-lasting relationships that lead to transformation and has been designated a "Community of Faith and Opportunity" by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Learn more at https://cityserve.us/.

SOURCE PMI Foods
Advances in AI, Lab-on-a-Chip, and Emerging Technologies Drive the Transformation of Point-of-Care Diagnostics, Enhancing Speed, Accuracy, and Clinical Efficiency

BOSTON, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest BCC Research study on "Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Technologies and Global Markets," the POC market is expected to grow from $40.6 billion in 2024 to $65.9 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2024 through 2029.

The point-of-care diagnostics market is rapidly evolving with the integration of new technologies and methodologies, offering significant potential for growth through 2029. This report explores the market landscape, examining components such as hardware (devices, equipment, consumables), software, and analytics. It also segments the market by test types, including alcohol and drug abuse, blood gas electrolyte and metabolite (BGEM), cardiac markers, cholesterol, glucose monitoring, hemoglobin/hemostasis, infectious diseases, pregnancy and fertility, tumor marker, and urine chemistry. The report includes an analysis of the global market by region, and covers the market drivers, challenges, opportunities, and industry strategies, such mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations. the report serves as a vital resource for companies targeting geographic expansion.

The transformative impact of AI in POC diagnostics is due to its ability to deliver accurate, reliable test results without requiring skilled personnel. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize healthcare access, particularly in remote or underserved regions by improving healthcare quality in these resource-limited areas. For instance, AI-powered platforms such as Sight OLO utilize convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms to accurately identify and count blood cells, making it a valuable tool for early disease detection. Such advances in AI-driven diagnostics not only improve healthcare accessibility but also enhance testing efficiency, broadening the reach of medical services worldwide.

Please click here for more details on "The global market for point-of-care diagnostics report."

The factors driving the global market for POC diagnostics include:

Incidence of Infectious Diseases: Infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria remain widespread globally. POC diagnostics enable rapid testing and immediate results, essential for timely treatment and disease control.

Growing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: The prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer is rising. POC diagnostics facilitate regular monitoring outside traditional settings, increasing demand due to their convenience and need for continuous care.

Demand for Self-Testing: The trend toward self-testing for privacy and convenience is growing. Products such as home pregnancy tests, glucose monitors, and COVID-19 kits enable individuals to manage their health from home.

Global Aging Population: As the aging population grows, so does the need for frequent medical monitoring. POC diagnostics offer a convenient solution for elderly patients.

Request a sample copy of the global market for point-of-care diagnostics report.

Report Synopsis

Report Metric Details Base year considered 2023 Forecast period considered 2024-2029 Base year market size $36.9 billion Market size forecast $65.9 billion Growth rate CAGR of 10.2% from 2024 to 2029 Segments covered Test type, product type, end user, region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW) Countries covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea Market drivers  Incidences of infectious diseases  Growing prevalence of chronic diseases  Increasing demand for self-testing  Global aging population

Recently announced POC diagnostics diagnostics products:

1. CytoTracker Leukometer (January 2024):

Developed at Rutgers University .

Rapidly counts white blood cells (WBCs) using a single drop of blood.

Achieved 97%+ clinical accuracy.

Could speed up sepsis detection in ERs.

Helps cancer doctors decide on white blood count ( WBC) stimulants for chemotherapy patients.

Published in PLOS One journal.

2. D3 ArrayUTI (February 2024):

POC diagnostic technology launched by PathogenDx.

Detects 26 pathogens and 12 antibiotic-resistance genes in urine samples.

Provides results in 30 minutes to a few hours.

Uses a microarray-based approach with triplicate testing.

Offers qualitative and quantitative results with automated cloud data analysis.

Aims to revolutionize UTI diagnostics.

The report addresses the following questions:

1. What is the projected size and growth rate of the market?

The global market for POC diagnostics was valued at $36.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% to reach $65.9 billion by the end of 2029.

2. What segments are covered in the report?

The market is segmented by test type, product type, end-user, and geographic region. Test types, include alcohol and drug screening, BGEM, cardiac markers, cholesterol, glucose monitoring, hemoglobin/hemostasis, infectious disease, pregnancy and fertility, tumor markers and urine chemistry. Product types include POC diagnostics technologies, and hardware and software. End-users include hospitals critical care centers, and home care settings Regions, include North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and the Rest of the World.

3. Which test type will dominate the market in 2029?

Glucose monitoring POC devices will dominate the market at that time.

4. Which region has the largest market share?

North America holds the largest share of the market.

Innovative Startups

Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd: Mindray introduced the TEX20 Series Point of Care ultrasound system at Euroanaesthesia 2022. This system integrates imaging and physiological data through its X-Link solution, improving patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in critical care and emergency medicine.

GE Healthcare: In January 2023, GE HealthCare became an independent company after being spun off from GE. In February 2024, GE HealthCare launched the LOGIQ ultrasound portfolio, including the new LOGIQ Totus, an ultrasound solution that delivers high-quality imaging and AI-powered diagnostic support. This portfolio enhances precision care with AI tools, offering better imaging, efficient workflow, and Verisound digital solutions.

Market leaders include:

Abbott

Becton Dickinson

Danaher Corp.

Ge Healthcare

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Medtronic

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Siemens Healthineers Ag

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

Quidelortho Corp.

Related reports include:

Chronic Disease Management: Therapeutics, Device Technologies, and Global Markets: This report covers the market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and the competitive landscape, including market shares of leading companies. The market is segmented by product type (pharmaceuticals and biologics, medical devices, digital therapeutics), application (various disease categories), end user (hospitals, home care), and geographic region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World).

Medical Devices: Technologies and Global Markets: This report covers major players, competitive intelligence, innovative technologies, and regional opportunities. It includes assessments of recent developments, product portfolios, market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and regulatory scenarios. The market is segmented by device type (e.g., drug delivery devices, IVD, cardiovascular devices), end user (hospitals, home healthcare, etc.), and geographic region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, RoW), with specific country analyses. Market estimates are based on 2023 data, with projections for 2024 and forecasts for 2029.

Directly purchase a copy of the report from BCC Research.

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SOURCE BCC Research LLC
Did California Voters Shift Right Or Just Reject Some Worrisome Propositions?

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Post-election, a new outlook for California takes stock of the state's economic standing and concludes that the world's fifth largest economy is still home to high incomes, high economic output, and critically important global industries.

The new analysis from Beacon Economics finds that Californians continue to enjoy significantly higher household income than the national median and, due to unexpectedly high tax revenue from its booming corporations, the state has reduced its whopping $47 billion budget deficit down to $2 billion.

However, the new outlook also warns that some of President-Elect Donald Trump's proposed policies could hit California's economy particularly hard because they take aim at things the state relies upon. "Beyond the stock market rally, Donald Trump's election could have major ripple effects on California's economy in the near futureassuming certain policies come to pass," said Niree Kodaverdian, Research Manager at Beacon Economics and the outlook's author. "From international moves such as tightening immigration and imposing tariffs, to domestic shifts like eliminating EV tax credits, the impacts could be far-reaching."

Trump's promise to deport foreign migrants en masse may be the most immediate concern for California's economy as it would hit a job market that is already under strain from a shrinking workforce. The state's labor force has declined by 1% since 2020, and at 5.4%, California's unemployment rate is among the highest in the nation. "Trump's proposals to tighten immigration could worsen the state's existing challenges and place additional pressure on an economy reliant on migration," said Kodaverdian.

Despite these national policy concerns, California's rejection of state propositions that would have expanded rent control and raised the minimum wage were good news, according to the new outlook. "While well-intentioned, these propositions would likely have caused more harm than good  and to areas of the state economy, housing and labor, that face serious, uphill challenges," said Kodaverdian. "Whether the state has really shifted right on an ideological level, or whether this was simply a practical response by voters who didn't believe these propositions delivered the right solutions at this particular time, is yet to be seen."

View the new The Beacon Outlook California here.

Beacon Economics LLC is an independent economic research and consulting firm based in Los Angeles. Learn more at www.BeaconEcon.com

Contact: Victoria Pike Bond

Phone: 415-488-7195

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE BEACON ECONOMICS
PrairieCare now accepting patients with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PrairieCare, a leader in specialized, evidence-based psychiatric services for people of all ages, is celebrating its 100,000th patient since opening its hospital in 2011, and a successful 2024 in which nearly 20,000 patients were provided much needed mental health treatment within nine locations. From support during pregnancy and postpartum, to addressing children, teen, and young adult mental health issuesand now serving adults up to age 35PrairieCare's comprehensive services and compassionate teams have delivered unparalleled results, impacting countless families across the state.

Earlier this year, PrairieCare raised the maximum age of its Brooklyn Park inpatient hospital offerings from 28 to 35 years old to address the growing numbers of struggling young adults. According to research, a significant portion of people in their late 20s and early 30s experience mental health issues, with studies showing that the prevalence of these disorders is particularly high in this age group due to factors like career pressure, relationship challenges, and life transitions. PrairieCare also expanded capacity at its Maple Grove residential treatment center to 20 beds for teens ages 12-18. Mental Health America reports that 64% of Minnesota youth with major depressionequal to 70,000 adolescentsdo not have access to mental healthcare, therefore expanding access to care is essential.

Another key expansion is PrairieCare's new inpatient treatment offering for individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders. Expert staff within the inpatient hospital and outpatient treatment programs provide compassionate care for patients 35 and younger who are no longer physically addicted to substances but continue to struggle with the mental health impact of a substance use disorder. Minnesota data suggests nearly two in five young adults experience serious mental health challenges, with almost a third also struggling with substance use disorders.

"As mental health and substance use disorders continue to rise, it is crucial that we expand access to comprehensive, evidence-based treatment services to meet the growing needs of our communities," said PrairieCare's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christopher Wall. "We are pleased to have served over 100,000 individuals to-date, and our expansion of services and added capacity will help us further our mission of providing results-driven, clinically integrated behavioral healthcare to individuals and families, creating hope, sustainable healing, and resiliency."

PrairieCare's services and programs throughout Minnesota include neuropsychological and psychological evaluation, psychiatry and medication management, psychotherapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), group therapy, marriage and family therapy, and a variety of specialty therapies including art therapy, recreational therapy, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). PrairieCare also offers free mental health screenings for anyone who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health issues.

Visit Prairie-Care.com to learn more about treatment programs, schedule a free assessment, or view career opportunities.

About PrairieCare

PrairieCare, a division of Newport Healthcare, is an innovative psychiatric health system that offers services for all ages, including free mental health screenings, clinic services, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospital programs (PHP), residential services, and an inpatient psychiatric hospital. PrairieCare is based in Minnesota, with nine locations across the Twin Cities metro area, Mankato and Rochester. For more information about services offered, visit prairie-care.com.

Media Contact: 5W Public Relations, [email protected]

SOURCE PrairieCare
ATLANTA, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pye-Barker Fire & Safety  the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider in the United States  has acquired Moon Security Services, expanding its reach in the Pacific Northwest. Marking a milestone in Pye-Barker's delivery of full-suite services, the acquisition allows Pye-Barker to deliver security, fire alarm, video surveillance, access control and data security services to commercial customers in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.

"Through Pye-Barker, I've found a partner to carry on my family's legacy." Post this Pye-Barker's Chief Business Development Officer Eric Garner (center), Moon Security Owner Michael Miller (right), and Moon advisor George De Marco (left).

Moon Security Service, Inc., founded in 1957, ranks No. 57 on the SDM list of top 100 security companies. With branches in Pasco, Spokane, Wenatchee and Redmond, Washington, Moon Security installs and services integrated security, fire alarm, fire and smoke detection, CCTV, access control and other life safety systems for commercial and industrial customers. It also conducts 24/7 alarm monitoring.

Transcending security services, Moon leadership prioritizes caring for the community and has been actively involved on security association boards to advance the industry. The company also supports Habitat for Humanity home builds for Tri-Cities families.

"Moon Security has been in my family for over 60 years. My mother, Ruth Ann, passed it to my sisters and me before I became president in 2020," said Michael A. Miller, Moon Security Owner. "Finding the right partner for the next phase isn't easy, but I like that Pye-Barker is a collection of family businesses and their leadership focuses on doing right by their technicians, people and community, just like we always have. Through Pye-Barker, I've found a partner to carry on my family's legacy."

"Mike Miller and the Moon Security team exemplify great leadership, and their success is a result of their dedication to their people and the business," said Pye-Barker CEO Bart Proctor. "To welcome Moon Security to our company and introduce them to our customers is an honor that will benefit our communities."

George De Marco from DECO Ventures represented Moon in the transaction. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP represented Pye-Barker.

About Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

The U.S. leader in fully integrated life safety systems, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety provides complete fire protection and security systems nationwide. With over 230 locations and 7,000 team members nationwide, Pye-Barker ranks No. 849 on the Inc. 5000 and No. 8 on the SDM 100.

Visit pyebarkerfs.com/acquisitions to learn why we're the industry's acquirer of choice.

Contact:

Eric Garner

Chief Business Development Officer

801.395.8738

[email protected]

Media:

Alycia Volpe

[email protected]

SOURCE Pye-Barker Fire & Safety
ST. CATHERINES, ON, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Right Time Group of Companies ("Right Time" or the "Company"), a leading provider of residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing and electrical services, announced today it has named Jason Moore as Chief Financial Officer. Right Time is majority-owned by Gryphon Investors, a San Francisco-based middle-market private equity firm.

Mr. Moore will be responsible for overseeing Right Time's financial operations and will play a significant leadership role in guiding the Company's financial and business strategy to support its long-term growth objectives.

"Jason has extensive experience and a proven track record in financial leadership," said Right Time CEO Doug Hart. "Jason will play a pivotal role in working across the business to drive growth, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Right Time."

During a 30+ year career, Mr. Moore has developed deep knowledge and expertise which he now brings to his new role at Right Time. Prior to joining the Company, he served as the CFO of SCI Group Inc., a leading Canadian third-party logistics company and as CFO of Acklands Grainger, Canada's largest distributor of maintenance, repair and operational supplies. Mr. Moore has also held a variety of impactful senior leadership positions at Molson Coors Canada, a multi-national drink and brewing company. He is a Chartered Accountant and began his career in the audit practice at Coopers & Lybrand in Toronto.

"This is a very exciting time to join Right Time as the Company focuses on delivering home comfort solutions to Canadians coast to coast, growing its service and product offering as well as continuing to make solid progress towards its long-term strategy," said Mr. Moore. "I look forward to collaborating with Doug and the Right Time team to drive financial excellence, operational efficiency, and continued growth."

Gryphon Deal Partner Alex Earls and Operating Partner Jeff Balagna said, "We are thrilled to welcome Jason to Right Time. His depth and breadth of financial and operational experience will be a significant asset to the organization."

About Right Time

Right Time is the largest independent residential HVAC contractor in Canada and operates 26 locations in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. With over 1,400 employees, the company provides preventative maintenance programs, repairs, and replacements of household HVAC units. For more information about Right Time, visit https://right-time.ca/

About Gryphon Investors

Gryphon Investors is a leading middle-market private investment firm focused on profitably growing and competitively advantaged companies in the Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Software, and Technology Solutions & Services sectors. With approximately $9+ billion of assets under management, Gryphon prioritizes investments in which it can form strong partnerships with founders, owners, and executives to accelerate the building of leading companies and generate enduring value through its integrated deal and operations business model. Gryphon's highly differentiated model integrates its well-proven Operations Resources Group, which is led by full-time, Gryphon senior operating executives with general management, human capital acquisition and development, treasury, finance, and accounting expertise. Gryphon's three core investment strategies include its Flagship, Heritage, and Junior Capital strategies, each with dedicated funds of capital. The Flagship and Heritage strategies target equity investments of $50 million to $500 million per portfolio company. The Junior Capital strategy targets investments of $10 million to $25 million in junior securities of credit facilities, arranged by leading middle-market lenders, in both Gryphon-controlled companies, as well as in other private equity-backed companies operating in Gryphon's targeted investment sectors.

Contact:

Lambert

Caroline Luz

203-570-6462

[email protected]

or

Jennifer Hurson

845-507-0571

[email protected]

SOURCE Gryphon Investors
Manufacturer marks Official Supplier status with 5 millionth tankless water heater donation and 50-year anniversary milestone

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rinnai America Corporation  manufacturer of a leading brand of tankless gas water heaters in North America  is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and donating specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. The new agreement makes Rinnai the Official Supplier of water heaters for new homes across the country through 2027.

Army SGT. Christopher Leverkuhn is joined by HFOT Executive Director, Bill Ivey, wife Brooke and children Caiden, Brooklyn, Adeline and Avery during his home groundbreaking ceremony held last month in Kerrville, Texas.

This exclusive collaboration strengthens both organizations' shared commitment to providing Veterans and their families with the resources they need to rebuild their lives after service. Also celebrating 50 years in North America, Rinnai marked the occasion by donating the 5 millionth tankless water heater manufactured at its state-of-the-art facility in Griffin, Georgia for a new home under construction in Texas.

"Celebrating 50 years and reaching 5 million tankless water heaters sold in the North American market are significant milestones for us but knowing that our donation is helping a Veteran and their family start a new chapter in life is incredibly meaningful," said Frank Windsor, President, Rinnai America Corporation. "We are honored to help restore some of the freedom and independence to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much defending our country. Our continued partnership with Homes For Our Troops is a powerful way for us to give back and deliver our brand promise of 'Creating a healthier way of living'."

Since its inception in 2004, HFOT has built over 400 homes. Each specially adapted energy efficient home is designed to comfortably raise a family while limiting future expenses. Equipped with Rinnai's durable and highly energy efficient products, the homes constructed as part of this partnership will help reduce the families' long-term utility costs and serve as a safe and welcoming place to call home for years to come.

"We are incredibly proud to extend our partnership with Rinnai. The company's passion for assisting Veterans and their families significantly helps us advance our mission of Building Homes and Rebuilding Lives for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans," said HFOT President/CEO, Brig. Gen., USA (Ret) Tom Landwermeyer. "These Veterans face enormous challenges, and through this partnership, we are also providing the comfort and convenience of a high-quality water heater to help create a home that promotes healing and independence."

Army SGT Christopher Leverkuhn will receive the 5 millionth product, a SENSEI RX Series, for his home currently under construction in Kerrville, Texas. The most advanced condensing tankless water heater on the market, it sets the standard for efficiency at 0.98 UEF and creates a healthier way of living by delivering the ultimate in comfort, smart design and unlimited hot water.

Over the next three years, Rinnai will donate appropriate products with features ideal for the hot water demands of each Veterans' home. Many will receive Rinnai's newest condensing tankless water heater, the SENSEI RXP. This product comes equipped with a built-in recirculation pump to deliver faster hot water to the faucet. Rinnai will also provide its RWM200 WiFi module, which can be used with the Rinnai Central app to control temperature and recirculation patterns. Veterans may also receive Rinnai's new electric heat pump water heater, one of the most sustainable electric water heating solutions available, meeting highest efficiency standards while reducing energy usage and costs.

The agreement highlights the growing commitment of the sustainable manufacturer's corporate responsibility and charitable giving in addressing the needs of Veterans and their families. In addition to HFOT, Rinnai partners with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. These organizations prove that partnerships can lead to lasting change and help those who have given so much for their country.

About Homes For Our Troops:

Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent has gone to our program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the veteran chooses to live and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. www.hfotusa.org.

About Rinnai:

Rinnai America Corporation, a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation in Nagoya, Japan, was established in 1974 and is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia. Rinnai Corporation manufactures gas appliances, including tankless water heaters, a wide range of kitchen appliances, and heating and air conditioning units. As the technology leader in its industry, Rinnai is the largest gas appliance manufacturer in Japan and is the No. 1 selling brand of tankless gas water heaters in the United States and Canada. Annual corporate revenues, including those of its subsidiaries, are in excess of $3.3 billion. With a global perspective to create 21st-century products for the home and business, Rinnai Corporation commits itself to safety and Creating a healthier way of living. For more information about Rinnai's entire product line, visit www.rinnai.us.

Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Rinnai and Creating a healthier way of living are the registered trademarks of Rinnai Corporation used under license by Rinnai America Corporation.

SOURCE Rinnai America Corporation
NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of Western Asset Management Company mutual fund investors resulting from allegations that Western Asset may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So What: If you purchased Western Asset mutual funds you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

What is this about: On November 25, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued a press release entitled "SEC Charges Ken Leech, Former Co-Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset Management Co., with Fraud." This press release stated that Leech had been charged with fraud "for engaging in a multi-year scheme to allocate favorable trades to certain portfolios, while allocating unfavorable trades to other portfolios, a practice known as cherry-picking."

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
"My family has called the Caribbean home for more than six generations and there is no one who knows or loves this region more. We are Caribbean. We believe the Caribbean connects us all, it's part of our soul and we want to share these unique experiences and this joy with the world," said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts.

The omnichannel campaign will launch on December 28, spanning linear television, digital, print, social, and out-of-home advertising in key markets. As depicted in a new brand film narrated by Stewart, the vibrant soul, rich traditions, and natural beauty of the Caribbean set the tone for the campaign, highlighting the brands' commitment to be a champion for the islands and its people.

Drawing from this heritage, the new work vividly captures the brands' distinct approach to all-inclusive vacationing, offering more than the standard experience and emphasizing the warm spirit of family that has welcomed guests for over four decades. From thoughtfully crafted cuisine and design aesthetics to warm hospitality and curated adventures, "Made of Caribbean" is an open invitation to connect people to the real Caribbean.

The campaign kicks off with two captivating launch spots that showcase the truly unique facets of Sandals' and Beaches' offerings.

For Sandals Resorts, "Three Things" takes people beyond the brand's typical perception, revealing soul-stirring experiences and adventures found only in the Caribbean.

For Beaches Resorts, "Memories" invites viewers on a journey of family vacations through the generations. The spot captures the awe and excitement of travel through a child's eyes, emphasizing the lasting impact of vacation experiences and how they bring families closer together.

"Sandals and Beaches Resorts are exclusively and uniquely 'Made of Caribbean,' that is who they are," said Mikal Pittman, EVP, Executive Creative Director at Leo Burnett. "The creative platform is designed to celebrate their authentic self and lays the foundation for the next stage of the brands' evolution."

The multimillion-dollar campaign will unfold across various platforms and touchpoints throughout 2025 to include print ads in leading publications such as Travel and Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Town and Country, and Travel Weekly, as well as additional creative concepts, brand activations and media moments. A defining moment of the campaign will occur on New Year's Eve with a high-impact out-of-home placement in Times Square, perfectly timed to coincide with the iconic ball drop, and a spot airing during Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest. The evening will also bring attention-grabbing video displays throughout New York City and Chicago, with Sandals-branded ride share cars that will come together in swarms at key moments.

According to Tony Cortizas, Chief Marketing Officer for Unique Vacations, Inc., an affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, the new campaign is a bold step forward for sharing the Sandals and Beaches story. "Sandals pioneered all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and with over 40% of guests returning again and again, the brands enjoy unbelievable worldwide recognition, with nearly eight in ten people having heard of or experienced it. For a family-owned, regional hospitality company to have such a global impact, is remarkable."

An evolved visual identity complements the campaign, developed in collaboration with global brand consultancy, Wolff Olins. Combining expertise in brand strategy, design, internal culture, and customer experience, the initiative elevates how the brands express themselves - visually, verbally, and experientially.

Thomas Wilder, Global Principal for Wolff Olins, said: "Through the ethos of 'Natural Vibrancy' a new story can be told, to inspire and invite people to embrace the richness of the islands and its charming mix of tastes, styles, and influences. It's an invitation to give into the rhythms of the islands and enjoy Caribbean life and culture."

"Made of Caribbean encompasses the true heart and soul of our organization," said Adam Stewart. "We are so deeply grateful to the teams at Leo Burnett and Wolff Olins for beautifully capturing who we are at our core. My father and Sandals Resorts' founder Gordon "Butch" Stewart, built these world class brands through celebrating the place he cherished so deeply. He believed with unwavering certainty that the Caribbean was worthy of deep exploration  and that its people, the most welcoming in the world, are a constant source of joy. His vision lives on in everything we do and it is with great pride and gratitude, that we declare to the world, we are 'Made of Caribbean'."

About Sandals Resorts:

Family-owned Sandals Resorts offers adults-only getaways that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation experience in the region, Sandals has 17 beachfront resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curacao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, each reflecting the genuine vibe of its island home. From local food favorites and global flavors to butler service and signature suites, including the Caribbean's first Overwater Villas, Sandals makes it easy for guests to go all in on vacation mode. Beyond the resort gates, immersive destination experiences, like a newly piloted Island Inclusive dining program and MINI Coopers for island exploration, raise the bar on the all-inclusive vacation. Championing the region it calls home, Sandals demonstrates the transformative power of tourism and its impact on lives through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. For more information, visit www.sandals.com.

About Beaches Resorts:

Family-owned Beaches Resorts is the Caribbean playground where families can live their best island life. With three beachfront locations in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, Beaches offers fun-forward family all-inclusive vacations - from a dynamic selection of restaurants and vibrant food trucks to all-you-can-enjoy water sports, live shows and epic water parks. Kids discover magic with Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street, Kids Camps, and hangouts for teens, while parents enjoy peace of mind with certified nannies, sensory-friendly programming and multi-bedroom villas perfect for bringing generations together. At Beaches, every member of the family finds joy, connection and memories made to last a lifetime. For more information about Beaches Resorts, visit www.beaches.com.

About Leo Burnett:

Leo Burnett is a creative solutions company founded on the idea that "what helps people helps business." By solving human problems with the power of creativity, Leo Burnett delivers value for people and prosperity for brands across more than 50 offices in 45 countries. To learn more about Leo Burnett and its rich, 89-year history, visit LeoBurnett.com .

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Sandals Resorts International
New report reveals Americans' desire to help fight food insecurity, yet many are unaware of the significant impact it has on families across the country

HORSHAM, Pa., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of their multi-year partnership in the fight against hunger, Sara Lee Bread and U.S. Hunger have released new survey findings that offer deeper insight into the scale and impact of food insecurity across the country, in 'Empty Tables: The Hidden Reality of Food Insecurity.' This report was designed to shed light on the staggering gap between Americans' perception of food insecurity and the challenges many families face  particularly amongst female caregivers  while also exploring the nation's willingness to lend support.

View PDF Empty Tables: The Hidden Reality of Food Insecurity Report

During the holidays, people traditionally spend time connecting with loved ones around the dining table over a homecooked meal, but for many American households, this isn't a reality. Food insecurity affects 13.5 million American households  equivalent to 1 in 10.1 Yet, as noted in the report, only 24 percent of Americans recognize it as one of the top three most pressing issues facing American households today.

"Sara Lee Bread has always strived to support moms and families across the US, and this partnership with U.S. Hunger is extremely important to us to help amplify that commitment," said Nick Pitone, Senior Brand Manager at Sara Lee Bread. "This new data will help inform our future approach in how we support families facing food insecurity  and we hope it inspires meaningful action, providing a sense of love, comfort and community."

Key highlights from the report include:

Americans aren't clear on what food insecurity is or the extent of its impact.

Almost 3 in 10 (29 percent) Americans say they are not at all/not very familiar with the term "food insecurity"

76 percent of Americans believe food insecurity is NOT among the top three issues impacting American households today

The majority are unaware of how common food insecurity is among the average American family

38 percent of Americans believe households earning less than $25,000 annually are the income level that submit the most requests for food assistance, when food insecurity realistically impacts households that earn anywhere from $25,000 to 149,000 annually 2

annually are the income level that submit the most requests for food assistance, when food insecurity realistically impacts households that earn anywhere from to 149,000 annually 47 percent of Americans believe food insecurity is rare among the average American family (i.e. dual income household)

and even more so in female caregiver households.

Only 37 percent of Americans believe food insecurity is among the top three issues impacting female caregivers today

Almost 3 in 10 (29 percent) Americans believe most food assistance applicants are unemployed, yet many female caregivers are employed  or have multiple jobs  and are still in need of support 3

3 in 5 (60 percent) Americans are unaware that female caregivers are most likely to sacrifice personal meals when experiencing food insecurity  yet nearly 90 percent of female caregivers sacrifice their own meals to feed their families 4

38 percent of Americans think unstable housing is among the most common housing situation for American households who experience food insecurity, but a majority (58 percent) of female caregivers do have stable housing and still rely on food assistance5

However, Americans are eager for change. They have a desire to learn more and take action.

82 percent of Americans said they are interested in helping to fight food insecurity

"More than 13 million households don't know where their next meal is coming from, which can be especially tough around the holidays," said Rick Whitted, President and CEO of U.S. Hunger. "U.S. Hunger is dedicated to providing solutions that extend far beyond just providing food assistance. Our goal is to leverage these findings to raise awareness around the struggles of food insecurity and increase opportunities for both education and action."

U.S. Hunger specializes in addressing the root causes of hunger by uncovering deep human insights. Its mission also includes the 'Full Cart' program, which partners with donors, corporations, and communities to bring food and resources directly to the doorstep of those in need.

Fueled by their renewed brand purpose to feed the soul of the American family with daily acts of love, Sara Lee Bread pledged $1 million in funding and product to U.S. Hunger by 2025 - further strengthening its support of the American family. The alliance includes supporting the organization's 'Full Cart' program, in addition to meal packing events led by Sara Lee Bread and U.S. Hunger employees. Learn more about the partnership between Sara Lee Bread and U.S. Hunger here.

About Bimbo Bakeries USA

Bimbo Bakeries USA is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 20,000+ U.S. associates operates approximately 60 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold, Artesano, Ball Park, Bimbo, Boboli, Brownberry, Entenmann's, Little Bites, Marinela, Mrs Baird's, Oroweat, Sara Lee, Stroehmann and Thomas'. BBU is owned by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world's largest baking company with operations in 35 countries.

Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Sara Lee Bread from November 25 - 27, 2024 among 2,083 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Sara Lee Bread.

References

1USDA. USDA ERS - Definitions of Food Security. www.ers.usda.gov. Published September 8, 2021.

https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/definitions-of-food-security/

Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, Anita Singh, September 2022.

Household Food Security in the United States in 2021, ERR-309, U.S. Department of Agriculture,

Economic Research Service.

2Sara Lee and U.S. Hunger - Lived Experiences of the Female Caregiver, Page 12

3Sara Lee and U.S. Hunger - Lived Experiences of the Female Caregiver, Page 21

4Sara Lee and U.S. Hunger - Lived Experiences of the Female Caregiver, Page 12

5Sara Lee and U.S. Hunger - Lived Experiences of the Female Caregiver, Page 14

SOURCE Bimbo Bakeries USA
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a collaboration aimed at advancing global climate solutions, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) and the International Carbon Registry (ICR) entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the COP16 to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh. This MoU signifies a major step forward in leveraging Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to address climate challenges and foster sustainable development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Building Bridges in Saudi Arabia , Contributing to Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia is committed to advancing its Saudi Green Initiative as part of Vision 2030, a framework emphasizing active collaboration and effective engagement with local and international parties. This partnership reflects the Kingdom's ambition to combat desertification, restore ecosystems, and establish itself as a global leader in climate action and carbon markets.

The MoU formalizes a cooperative framework to develop and implement a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Program centered on NBS initiatives. These initiatives include afforestation, mangrove restoration, biochar production, and algae cultivation. By integrating local, regional, and international expertise, the program will drive efforts to mitigate desertification, enhance biodiversity, and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in global carbon markets and to contribute to combat desertification.

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) is a governmental institution mandated to protect, restore, and sustain vegetation cover while maintaining the balance of natural ecosystems. Committed to conserving natural resources, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting sustainable use for future generations, NCVC also plays an integral role in establishing partnerships at local and international levels. Collaborating with various sectors, addressing environmental challenges, reducing GHG emissions, mitigating impacts of climate change, and improving quality of life in affected communities, effectively aligning with the ambitious goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.

Strategic Vision

This collaboration between ICR and the NCVC aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable development, environmental restoration, and international partnerships. The program is expected to result in:

Enhanced carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.

Progress in combating desertification and supporting water conservation.

Economic opportunities for local communities through green initiatives.

Saudi Arabia's establishment as a global leader in implementation of carbon markets at the national level.

Quotes from Leadership

Mr. Gudmundur Sigbergsson, CEO of ICR, stated:

The International Carbon Registry is proud to bring its expertise in standardization, validation, verification, accreditation and the management of a GHG program and exploiting digital registry infrastructure to support Saudi Arabia's ambitious climate goals. Together, we will advance transparency, credibility, and impact in the global carbon market.

A Joint Commitment to the Future

This MoU is not merely a symbolic gesture but the first step for building a robust framework for action. It lays the groundwork for projects and highlights the commitment of both parties to advance practical, scalable climate solutions.

CONTACT:

For media inquiries, contact:

Alondra Silva Munoz

Chief Marketing Officer at ICR

[email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/international-carbon-registry/r/saudi-arabia-and-icr-sign-historic-mou-at-cop16-riyadh---framework-for-nature-based-solutions,c4083702

The following files are available for download:
New 28,000 Sq Foot Facility Positions Company for Future Growth

BURLINGTON, Mass., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientific Systems, an industry leader in developing AI-powered autonomy for national security applications celebrated the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters in Burlington, Massachusetts. The new 28,000 square foot facility replaces the company's longtime headquarters in Woburn, Massachusetts and positions Scientific Systems for future expansion and growth.

Scientific Systems CEO Dr. Raman Mehra, Scientific Systems President Kunal Mehra, United States Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and guests participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the company's new headquarters.

The new headquarters was inaugurated at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday December 13th that was attended by employees, business partners, friends and special guest United States Senator Edward Markey (D-MA).

Scientific Systems CEO and founder Dr. Raman Mehra discussed his remarkable journey from a small town in the Himalayan Mountains to immigrating to the Boston area 60 years ago and eventually founding Scientific Systems. Dr. Mehra, who grew up in India in a home without running water or electricity, immigrated to the United States in 1964 after he secured a full scholarship to Harvard for a PhD in engineering and computer science.

"Over the last 30 years I have watched Scientific Systems recruit a world class team and become a trusted partner of the Department of Defense and NASA. We have made incredible technological breakthroughs that have saved lives on the battlefield and equipped the warfighter with the world's most effective AI-powered autonomy," said Dr. Mehra "Our company, which began with humble roots, and was founded by an immigrant who experienced first-hand the disruptions and instability of war, now provides critical technology that ensures the safety and security of our great nation and its people."

Scientific Systems President Kunal Mehra focused on the company's bright future as the demand for AI-powered autonomy for defense applications increases. Scientific Systems has doubled its workforce over the past three years as it has secured more contracts supporting our armed forces.

"We are at a critical point in history. And this is our moment. Scientific Systems is now poised to lead the charge into a new age--the age of autonomy. We have the opportunity to shape the future of national security," said Scientific Systems President Kunal Mehra. "We're not just opening the doors to a new facility; we're stepping onto the world stage, ready to redefine what's possible in the realm of artificial intelligence, autonomy, and national security."

About Scientific Systems Company, Inc.

Scientific Systems Company, Inc. (SSCI) focuses on the creation of Autonomy and AI/ML-enabled capabilities to command, control, communicate with, and manage composable collections of intelligent agents, smart sensors, and autonomous platforms across the domains of space, air, land, and sea. Founded in 1990, Scientific Systems invents disruptive technologies, develops revolutionary solutions, and builds trusted products for our customers' most challenging missions. To learn more, visit ssci.com.

SOURCE Scientific Systems Inc.
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Security First Insurance, based in Florida, and Embark MGA, Florida insurance experts, join forces to launch a modern HO5 homeowners' insurance program designed exclusively for new home builders to have an affordable, turnkey insurance option for home buyers. This innovative homeowners' insurance solution combines enhanced coverage options tailored to the unique needs of Florida homeowners with the simplicity of embedding the insurance in the home-buying process.

Security First Insurance Company

This solution comes at a crucial time for Florida builders. Recent surveys reveal that many prospective home buyers in Florida cite insurance as a major barrier to purchasing a home. To address this problem head-on, Security First will provide a new level of comprehensive protection to new home buyers in Florida, supported by Embark's expertise in custom insurance solutions and proprietary technology.

The new HO5 policy comes with a broader scope of protection for new home buyers than the standard HO3 policy and streamlined claims processing. These HO5 policies are distinctive in the Builder channel because they provide "open-perils" coverage for both the home and personal belongings, and coverage for incidents that are often excluded from traditional policies, bringing extra reassurance to home buyers that their new investment will be well protected.

"This partnership with Embark allows Security First to expand our reach into a new segment of Florida homeowners," said Bob Ketchum, SVP of Product and Underwriting. "We pride ourselves on innovative product design and exceptional service," continued Ketchum, "and promise to be there for our customers when they need us the most."

Embark's commitment to providing modern, tech-driven insurance solutions in niche customer segments complements Security First's deep knowledge of the Florida market. Leveraging Embark's proprietary technology, insurance quotes are seamlessly integrated into the home-buying and mortgage qualification process. The system preloads builders' home inventory, community details, and model data, enabling accurate, bindable quotes without the need for lengthy applications. This streamlined approach electronically shares insurance information with builders' mortgage and title partners, reducing closing delays and eliminating much of the friction typically faced by consumers during the home-buying journey.

Key Features of the Security First New Home Builder HO5 Policy:

Open-Perils Coverage : Offers broad protection with fewer exclusions than standard homeowners' insurance policies.

: Offers broad protection with fewer exclusions than standard homeowners' insurance policies. Service Line and Equipment Breakdown Coverage : These two valuable extra coverages are included in the product without an additional premium.

: These two valuable extra coverages are included in the product without an additional premium. Increased Personal Property Coverage : Higher limits for personal belongings, including high-value items.

: Higher limits for personal belongings, including high-value items. Streamlined Claims Process : A simplified and user-friendly experience for faster claims handling.

: A simplified and user-friendly experience for faster claims handling. Comprehensive Protection: Enhanced coverage for accidental damage and other risks not typically covered under HO3 policies.

"We are thrilled to partner with Security First Insurance, a company that shares our commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional, customer-centric service," said Brian Crumbaker, EVP Distribution at Embark. "We look forward to supporting the unique needs of new home builders and their clients. This new embedded product stands out with its competitive pricing and broad coverage options, offering a superior solution in the Florida market."

Media Contacts:

Embark MGA

Marc T. Murphy Jr.

Director of Agency Operations and Marketing

[email protected]

470-723-4241

Security First Insurance

Wendy Maddalone

Director of Marketing and Communications

[email protected]

386-243-4707

About Embark MGA:

Embark is a technology-driven insurance company focused on providing innovative and customer-friendly insurance solutions. Through its modern platform and product offerings, Embark simplifies the insurance experience, offering comprehensive protection tailored to today's consumer needs.

About Security First Insurance:

Security First Insurance is a leading provider of homeowners insurance in Florida, committed to safeguarding Florida families with tailored, reliable coverage. With deep expertise in the unique challenges Florida residents face, Security First delivers high-quality service and protection.

About Our New Home Builder Program:

Our New Home Builder Program offers new home builders, their distribution partners, and client's direct access to insurance products specifically designed for new homes. Exclusively available to our partners, this program simplifies the underwriting process by only using information about the house to issue policies that typically provide more flexibility than a standard homeowner's policy.

SOURCE Embark General
SEATTLE, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A partnership between Security Properties and an affiliate of Rockwood Capital closed on the acquisition of NV Apartments, a 284-unit multifamily property built in 2016 and located in Portland, Oregon, the two firms announced today.

NV Apartments is located within Portland's highly desirable North Pearl District. Situated along one of the city's most dynamic corridors on 13th Avenue, NV benefits from its location near a vast range of retail, dining, and recreational options all within walking distance. The residential floorplans are comprised of one and two-bedroom units across a standard, townhome, loft, and penthouse spec. The unit interiors feature modern wood grain laminate cabinets with under-mount lighting, stainless steel appliances, hard surface countertops with under-mount sinks, and vinyl plank flooring.

The property is located within Portland's highly desirable North Pearl District. Situated along one of the city's most dynamic corridors on 13th Avenue, NV benefits from its location near a vast range of retail, dining, and recreational options all within walking distance. Among other notable amenities, the property is just three blocks from a Safeway grocery store and one block from Fields Park, with 3.2 acres of serene open space, a jogging path, and an off-leash dog park.

The residential floorplans are comprised of one and two-bedroom units across a standard, townhome, loft, and penthouse spec. The property was delivered prior to Portland's Inclusionary Housing Program, resulting in all units being leased at market rates. The unit interiors feature modern wood grain laminate cabinets with under-mount lighting, stainless steel appliances, hard surface countertops with under-mount sinks, and vinyl plank flooring.

The community amenities include an outdoor dog run and wash station, private dining room area, bike storage and repair station, fitness center, yoga studio, resident lounge, and large third floor courtyard area. The property also features about 4,100 square feet of ground level retail space. While the asset currently offers a high-end amenity package and well-appointed living units, the partnership has identified several opportunities to further emphasize these strengths.

According to Alex Gauper, Senior Director at Security Properties, "The acquisition of NV represented a unique opportunity to purchase a well-located, trophy high-rise at a compelling basis relative to replacement cost. As Portland's urban core continues to build momentum, we believe NV is well positioned to fully capture the benefits of this trend and are excited to grow our existing portfolio in the area."

Matthew Friedman, Managing Director at Rockwood Capital, added, "We are delighted to have acquired NV Apartments at an attractive price in Portland's dynamic mixed-use Pearl District. The acquisition reflects our belief in the importance of mixed-use nodes, and we are excited to participate in the Pearl District's renaissance by partnering with Security Properties on this investment."

The property will be managed by Security Properties-affiliate Security Properties Residential.

About Security Properties

Security Properties is a national real estate investment, development, and operating company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more than 50 years, Security Properties has provided quality housing to its residents as well as excellent financial performance for its investors. Since its founding, Security Properties has acquired or developed over 111,000 residential units at a cost of over $12.2 billion across more than 670 assets. Security Properties maintains a focused multi-family strategy supported by integrated teams of professional acquisition, development, construction, investment, and property management specialists. For more information, visit SecurityProperties.com.

About Rockwood Capital

Rockwood Capital is a real estate investment management firm founded in 1995 that provides debt and equity capital combined with real estate operating expertise for the repositioning, development, redevelopment and recapitalization of live-space, workspace, retail, hotel, mixed-use, and industrial properties in key markets throughout the United States.

Rockwood is a more than 80-person organization with offices in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Since inception, Rockwood and its principals have invested in approximately $39.4 billion of real estate and real estate-related assets (gross asset value). As of Q3 2024, Rockwood manages a portfolio of approximately $13.1 billion (gross asset value). Rockwood's international investor base includes sovereign wealth funds, public and private pension funds, endowments, foundations, insurance companies, funds of funds, high net worth individuals and family offices. For more information, visit RockwoodCap.com.

About Security Properties Residential

Security Properties Residential is the affiliated property management firm of Security Properties, created to increase the value of its real estate holdings by more closely managing its assets. Operating throughout the Western United States and select markets, Security Properties Residential is committed to delivering exceptional service to its apartment communities and residents. Services include property, construction, and compliance management services that create positive living environments for residents and build value for clients.

Press Contact:

For Security Properties:

Ed McGovern, (206) 622-990

[email protected]

For Rockwood:

Lambert

Caroline Luz, (203) 570-6462

[email protected]

SOURCE Security Properties
Experience How Seyond is Transforming Intelligent Systems Globally at Booth #5060

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seyond, a global leader in LiDAR solutions, today announced that it will exhibit its latest technology at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Taking place January 7-10, CES will serve as a platform for Seyond to showcase how its LiDAR solutions power intelligent systems worldwide.

Visit Seyond at Booth #5060 to see their LiDAR solutions are shaping the future of automotive, robotics, intelligent transportation, and infrastructure.

"CES 2025 is the perfect stage to share how Seyond's technology is advancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability," said Junwei Bao, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Seyond. "We are excited to engage with global industry leaders and demonstrate how our solutions are shaping the future of automotive, robotics, intelligent transportation, and infrastructure with unmatched precision and reliability."

At the Seyond Booth #5060 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, attendees, customers, and industry partners will have the opportunity to experience:

Falcon K : With an ultra-long range of over 500m , the Falcon K sensor delivers high-fidelity data with exceptional resolution and flexibility for precise object detection and tracking. It has an adjustable region of interest function that enables users to maximize point density where it matters most. Rigorously tested with proven automotive-grade reliability and lifetime, the Falcon K is mass-produced, with over 400,000 units delivered. Customers globally use this sensor to enhance safety across automotive, intelligent transportation, robotics, and smart infrastructure applications.

: With an ultra-long range of over , the Falcon K sensor delivers high-fidelity data with exceptional resolution and flexibility for precise object detection and tracking. It has an adjustable region of interest function that enables users to maximize point density where it matters most. Rigorously tested with proven automotive-grade reliability and lifetime, the Falcon K is mass-produced, with over 400,000 units delivered. Customers globally use this sensor to enhance safety across automotive, intelligent transportation, robotics, and smart infrastructure applications. Robin W : The Robin W provides a wide field-of-view of 120x70 and a detection range from 0.1m to 150m . The sensor's compact form factor makes it easy to integrate into the sides of vehicles for blind spot and side and rearview monitoring or into a variety of robotics platforms. The Robin W offers high resolution data essential for accurate object detection and classification. Reliable and power-efficient, the Robin W is a sensor that delivers high quality at an outstanding price point.

: The Robin W provides a wide field-of-view of 120x70 and a detection range from to . The sensor's compact form factor makes it easy to integrate into the sides of vehicles for blind spot and side and rearview monitoring or into a variety of robotics platforms. The Robin W offers high resolution data essential for accurate object detection and classification. Reliable and power-efficient, the Robin W is a sensor that delivers high quality at an outstanding price point. Robin E1X: The Robin E1X is a long-range sensor in a compact size that offers unequaled power efficiency, making it ideal for large-scale production. Its slim form factor enables seamless vehicle integration, including behind the windshield, in the headlight, grille, or front bumper. The Robin E1X has a wide FoV of 120x20 and was developed using proven scanning architecture to optimize point cloud consistency. Like Seyond's other sensors, the Robin E1X delivers automotive-grade reliability and lifetime, and can be used across a variety of industries, including mobility and robotics. Contact Seyond to learn more by clicking HERE.

The Robin E1X is a long-range sensor in a compact size that offers unequaled power efficiency, making it ideal for large-scale production. Its slim form factor enables seamless vehicle integration, including behind the windshield, in the headlight, grille, or front bumper. The Robin E1X has a wide FoV of 120x20 and was developed using proven scanning architecture to optimize point cloud consistency. Like Seyond's other sensors, the Robin E1X delivers automotive-grade reliability and lifetime, and can be used across a variety of industries, including mobility and robotics. Contact Seyond to learn more by clicking HERE. Seyond ITS Management Platform (SIMPL) : SIMPL uses reliable LiDAR technology and advanced software platform to manage traffic, improve safety, optimize tolling and plan for system maintenance. SIMPL offers reliable, efficient and accurate traffic detection solutions at the intersection and on highways, optimizing modern traffic management.

SIMPL uses reliable LiDAR technology and advanced software platform to manage traffic, improve safety, optimize tolling and plan for system maintenance. SIMPL offers reliable, efficient and accurate traffic detection solutions at the intersection and on highways, optimizing modern traffic management. Live Demonstrations: Visitors can experience live the ultra-high resolution of the Falcon K and the Robin W point clouds. In addition, Seyond will demonstrate how they integrate the Robin W into a Robot Dog to enable advanced navigation and obstacle avoidance. Also equipped with the Robin W, Clearpath Robotics's Jackal Unmanned Ground Vehicle will be on full display. By leveraging Seyond's LiDAR, Clearpath is empowering their robots to tackle complex terrains with enhanced accuracy and reliability.

Attendees visiting Booth #5060 will also learn about Seyond's Rotational to Directional LiDAR campaign, where the company is supporting users to smoothly switch from rotational LiDAR systems to Seyond's advanced directional LiDAR sensors. To learn about exclusive benefits, unparalleled support, and how to upgrade with confidence, read the blog Level Up Your LiDAR: Switch from Rotational to Directional with Seyond!

About Seyond

Seyond is a global leader in high fidelity LiDAR solutions, powering a safer, smarter and more mobile world across the automotive, intelligent transportation, robotics and infrastructure industries. Seyond delivers a dynamic portfolio of robust, high resolution LiDAR sensors, perception software, and the Seyond ITS Management Platform (SIMPL). Founded in Silicon Valley with a global footprint, Seyond is dedicated to the highest quality engineering and manufacturing, and unwavering commitment to our customers.

Click here for more details about our booth at: https://ces25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=0013A00001VMPMjQAP

SOURCE Seyond
NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP announces that it is investigating The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) on behalf of the company's shareholders. The investigation seeks to determine whether The Hanover Insurance Group's directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with recent corporate actions.

If you are a shareholder of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding your rights and options, free of charge, please visit us at: https://pjlfirm.com/the-hanover-insurance-group-inc/

You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 212-725-1000. One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation.

Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit https://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

SOURCE Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP
Seasoned consumer products executive Chris Quinn will serve as Shoes For Crews CEO beginning January 1; Donald Watros announces his transition to Senior Advisor following successful tenure as transformational leader.

BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Shoes For Crews, the leading global provider of slip-resistant safety footwear solutions, has announced that Chris Quinn will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer beginning on January 1, 2025. Quinn is an accomplished executive experienced in the retail, e-commerce, footwear, and apparel industries who has served as a director of Shoes For Crews since August 2024.

"Entering the new year with our talented new board, we'll continue to innovate in the slip-resistant and safety footwear space," said Chris Quinn, incoming CEO, Shoes For Crews. "Over the company's first 40 years we've really fine-tuned our purposeful design and proprietary technology and I'm looking forward to continue to lead the industry in groundbreaking solutions for a wide range of use cases, from inside the kitchen to out in the field".

As part of the leadership transition, Donald Watros will be retiring from the CEO role effective December 31, 2024, but will remain as a Senior Advisor to the company.

"During my tenure we have accomplished incredible things at Shoes For Crews," said Donald Watros, retiring CEO, Shoes For Crews. "From a long list of technology innovations to completely restructuring the business, we have logged a great number of successes. I'm looking forward to handing the baton onto my trusted successor, Chris, who will no doubt stack on more wins onto our growing list."

Shoes For Crews will continue to keep the workforce safe on the job with comfortable, quality, slip-resistant safety footwear. To learn more about Shoes For Crews, visit www.shoesforcrews.com.

ABOUT CHRIS QUINN, INCOMING CEO, SHOES FOR CREWS

Prior to Shoes For Crews, Chris Quinn was CEO of iDesign, a global houseware company that brings innovation and organization to homes nationwide. He was formerly President and CEO of Step2 Company, a $325M toy and outdoor goods manufacturer that successfully was sold to Aterian Investment Partners. Quinn also served as the Executive Vice President of Sales & Retail at New Balance, where he was promoted to P&L Leader for North America. Earlier in his career, he held executive positions at Procter & Gamble as well as the Clorox Company. Quinn's 30 years of experience developing high-performance organizations helped modernize these brands, accelerating the development of the direct-to-consumer business globally.

ABOUT SHOES FOR CREWS 

Shoes For Crews is a leading designer and manufacturer of slip-resistant footwear, protecting millions worldwide. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Shoes For Crews began producing slip-resistant footwear in 1984 with a mission to create a safer workplace. The Company's focus is to deliver best-in-class safety footwear with superior slip-resistant outsole technology, unmatched comfort, and on-trend styling through a complete line of slip-resistant footwear designed to bring each employee home safely. For more information, visit www.shoesforcrews.com.

SOURCE Shoes For Crews
Indian global information technology and system integration company Echelon Edge has partnered with a number of IT businesses to support the ongoing 4G network rollout by state-owned operator BSNL, a project reportedly covering over 100,000 sites nationwide.

Echelon Edge has joined a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)-led consortium to integrate a comprehensive billing and customer care system with BSNLs 4G network. It will work alongside other Indian companies including radio equipment maker Tejas Networks and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT).

Echelon Edge has told news outlets that its role in the project comes after the successful completion of a proof of concept (POC) phase, where the integration of C-DoT and Tejas Networks with Amdocs and other legacy BSS/OSS solutions was validated. This, according to Echelon Edge, highlights the companys ability to manage both traditional and modern telecom systems.

The BSNL 4G rollout is expected to bring reliable, high-speed connectivity to millions, particularly in rural areas that often lack access to quality network services. Echelon Edge says its expertise in OSS/BSS integration will help BSNL manage its network more effectively, improving customer experiences and operational efficiency.

This news certainly showcases the potential of Indian-led innovation and collaboration in shaping the countrys telecom sector. It also takes India closer to creating a self-sufficient telecom ecosystem with BSNLs 4G network. However, the big three private sector companies are already forging ahead with 5G.

This is not the first BSNL deal with Echelon Edge. Early last year we reported that the two companies had partnered to support the setting up of 5G private networks.
BEIJING, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

By JOSE MANUEL SALAZAR-XIRINACHS

JIN DING/CHINA DAILY

Strengthening ties with China presents a strategic opportunity for the economic transformation of Latin America and the Caribbean

Over the past two decades, the economic relations between China and Latin America and the Caribbean have considerably expanded. Trade surged from $14 billion in 2000 to nearly $500 billion in 2022, making China the second-largest trading partner for LAC and the primary export market for South America.

China has signaled a strong commitment to enhancing these ties. At the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's solidarity with the Global South. He emphasized plans to increase imports from developing countries, boost cooperation in trade and investment, and support the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This partnership comes at a critical moment for LAC countries. The region has been grappling with declining economic growth for several decades. Between 2014 and 2023, the average annual GDP growth rate was just 0.9 percent, a decline from the 2 percent growth of the 1980s. This downward trend extends further back: from 1950 to 1979, the region grew at an average of 5.5 percent per year; from 1980 to 2009, this rate fell to 2.7 percent; and over the past 15 years, it dropped to 1.6 percent.

Breaking free from this low-growth trap requires deep structural transformations in production models and growth strategies. Cooperation with China offers a valuable opportunity to move toward higher, sustained and more inclusive growth. China's experience with modern industrial policies  centered on technological innovation and public-private collaboration  provides insights that could be adapted to the context of LAC countries.

Given their limited fiscal resources, LAC countries may not be able to rely on subsidies to stimulate growth. Instead, they should focus on establishing effective governance frameworks and fostering partnerships among key stakeholders to promote dynamic sectors. Areas such as energy transition, circular economy, electromobility, digital services, health sciences and the care economy hold significant development potential.

Enhancing trade and investment relations, along with technological and infrastructure cooperation with China, could be pivotal. However, to maximize these benefits, LAC countries may need to adjust their current trade pattern. The region predominantly exports natural resources and food products while importing mostly manufactured goods. Investing in productive development policies can help diversify economies and increase the technological sophistication of both production and exports.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has identified sectors poised to drive growth and transformation. These include renewable energy, the digital economy, biotechnology, electromobility and internet-enabled services. Engagement with China in these areas could significantly impact regional development. The Belt and Road Initiative has already contributed to improving infrastructure in some LAC countries.

China's emphasis on a global green transition aligns with the region's considerable potential in renewable energies. Cooperation in solar and wind energy and electromobility could be transformative. Beyond addressing low growth, such collaboration could help tackle high inequality and poverty levels. According to the ECLAC's Social Panorama 2022, approximately 201 million people  32.1 percent of the region's population  live in poverty, with 82 million (13.1 percent) in extreme poverty. Strategies that promote both economic growth and social inclusion are essential.

The ECLAC is advocating for a new vision of productive development policies. Detailed in our 75th anniversary publication and the recent report Panorama of Productive Development Policies in Latin America and the Caribbean, this vision analyzes the low-growth context, examines current policies, and recommends improvements for more productive, inclusive, and sustainable development.

Strengthening economic relations and strategic cooperation with China could play a crucial role in helping the LAC region overcome the low-growth trap, reduce poverty, and generate high-quality employment. Initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative and the BRI offer platforms for cooperation in key development areas.

For China, the relationship with LAC countries is also significant. The region's share in China's imports increased from 2.5 percent in 2000 to 8.5 percent in 2022, surpassing imports from the United States, which stood at 6.6 percent in the same year. Notably, one-third of China's total food imports come from LAC countries, particularly from Brazil and Argentina. Additionally, the region's share in China's total exports more than doubled from 3 percent to 7 percent over the same period, indicating a deepening mutual dependence.

In a global landscape marked by technological revolutions and geopolitical shifts, it is sensible for LAC countries to develop a clear vision for productive transformation and engage in strategic collaborations. Certainly, the China-LAC partnership holds significant promise to unlock sustainable and inclusive growth, overcome long-standing economic challenges, and contribute to the aspirations of societies for more productive, inclusive and sustainable development.

The author is the executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at [email protected].

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
HOUSTON, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Silver Star Properties REIT, Inc. ("Silver Star" or the "Company"), a self-managed real estate investment trust currently repositioning into the self-storage asset class, today announced important year-end developments including an update of ongoing litigation in Maryland, the early retirement of loans originated in late March 2024 in connection with the refinance of legacy SASB financing, and the status of property dispositions through January 2025.

Maryland Litigation Update

The Maryland litigation trial was held on November 12-15, 17-18 and closing arguments were held on November 26th, 2024. Mr. Haddock attended the entire trial and stated, "We feel encouraged by the entire trial. Litigation is uncertain, but we hope to know by the end of the year."

The trial court judge is reviewing the case, and a ruling is expected in the latter part of December 2024 or early 2025.

Legacy Debt Repayments and Dispositions Schedule

Between April 1 and December 1, 2024, the Company has completed the sale of 17 legacy office properties and repayment of $120 million of senior mortgage debt ahead of schedule and 17 months prior to loan maturity. The remaining obligations under the senior loan are being repaid prior to year end. The Company has successfully reduced its overall leverage, strengthened its balance sheet and is successfully repositioning for long-term financial stability and value creation. The early payoff of this debt underscores the Company's prudent capital management and commitment to a strong financial foundation.

On December 16, 2024, the sale of the Westway office property located in Dallas, Texas closed. The sales price was $9.0 million. Proceeds of the Westway sale effectively extinguished remaining payment obligations under the $120 million senior loan agreement.

On December 20, 2024, the Company expects to close on the sale of the Northchase office property located in Houston, Texas. The contract sale price is $2.15 million. On December 23, 2024, the Company expects to close the sale of the Atrium I and Atrium II office properties, also located in Houston, Texas. The contract sale price is $5.375 million.

On January 10, 2025, the Company expects to close on the sale of the Ashford Crossing office property located in Houston, Texas. The contract sale price is $4.65 million. On January 15, 2025, the Company expects to close on the sale of the Commerce Plaza Hillcrest office property located in Dallas, Texas.

Net sales proceeds of Northchase, Atrium I, Atrium II, Ashford Crossing and Commerce Plaza Hillcrest property sales will be applied to the substantial repayment of the junior loan agreement, as amended. The junior loan agreement, in the original amount of $15.0 million, was upsized by approximately $20.0 million in July 2024 to facilitate the acquisition of two self-storage properties and a portfolio of single tenant triple-net assets.

With the completion of the asset dispositions described above, the Company's real estate assets will be comprised of four Class A self-storage properties, a 16 property portfolio of Walgreen's, single tenant triple net properties, 7 legacy office properties and one developed retail pad site being held for sale.

The Pivot Strategy Continues

As the new year begins, our stabilized balance sheet will permit further acquisition of self-storage assets under our New Direction Plan. The prospective sale of other legacy properties will streamline our real estate asset portfolio, provide capital for further investment in higher-growth opportunities and open the door to the very real prospect for raising new capital. The New Direction Plan is working. We firmly believe that we have and will continue to enhance our overall portfolio quality and deliver improved value to shareholders.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on management's current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should" and similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. They are not guarantees of future results and forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including those described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("the SEC"), particularly those described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on May 26, 2023 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements and are encouraged to review the Company's other filings with the SEC for a more complete discussion of risks and other factors that could affect any forward-looking statement. The statements made herein speak only as of the date of this Press Release and except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Silver Star Properties REIT
CHEMNITZ, Germany and NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Staffbase, a leading employee communications cloud provider, has been recognized for the second year in a row as a Leader in the new 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Intranet Packaged Solutions.

"We launched our employee communications solution ten years ago and have quickly become the fastest growing vendor in the space," said Martin Bohringer, Founder and CEO of Staffbase. "I firmly believe this success stems from our dedication to understanding our customers, addressing their unique needs, and demonstrating to the industry our ability to deliver a communications tool that not only inspires employees but also drives significant business value."

Staffbase introduced its employee communications app to the market in 2014 with a goal of clarity in purpose, something traditional intranets did not provide. Intranets no longer need to struggle with clutter or lack of relevance. With the right focus, they can transform into powerful tools that inspire and engage employees. Staffbase has since launched intranet and email products and has been recognized from Gartner for its Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute.

Some of the features of Staffbase include:

Extensive Microsoft integrations: Designed specifically for employee communications, the platform easily connects with Microsoft tools to improve your digital workplace experience.

Designed specifically for employee communications, the platform easily connects with Microsoft tools to improve your digital workplace experience. Wide-reaching communication tools: Ability to connect with all employeeswhether they work at a desk or on the frontlinesthrough multiple channels, all managed from a simple, user-friendly interface.

Ability to connect with all employeeswhether they work at a desk or on the frontlinesthrough multiple channels, all managed from a simple, user-friendly interface. Data-driven innovation: Staffbase is able to track the impact of communications with clear, actionable metrics that show how they contribute to business success.

"We believe this recognition continues to reflect the evolution of this technology category," said Bohringer. "Companies today are undertaking more enterprise changes than ever before, yet fewer than half of employees report being willing to participate in change. Our intranet is built to address today's complex leadership challenges by inspiring employees with strategic communication. Most recently we've introduced innovations in outcome measurement that are helping our customers gain valuable insights into workforce sentiment and alignment. We believe Gartner continues to recognize that traditional productivity-focused intranets aren't the endgame for this tech category."

To download the full report, please click here: https://insights.staffbase.com/bf/whitepaper/gartner-magic-quadrant-intranet

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Intranet Packaged Solutions, Mike Gotta, Gavin Tay, Priyanka Singh, Larry Cannell, 16 December 2024.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

About Staffbase

Staffbase is the fastest growing employee communications cloud, equipping many of the world's leading companies with solutions to inspire every employee with motivating communication. With almost 3,000 customers, Staffbase helps organizations such as Adidas, Alaska Airlines, Audi, Blue Apron, DHL, and Whataburger to inspire their people to achieve great things together.

Staffbase connects companies with their employees through a branded employee app, intranet, email, SMS, digital signage, and Microsoft 365 integrations, all of which can be managed through a single platform. Staffbase has also received the 2024 Choice Award for Intranet and Employee Experience Platforms from ClearBox.

Headquartered in Chemnitz, Germany, Staffbase has offices worldwide, including New York City, London, Berlin, Sydney, and Vancouver.

SOURCE Staffbase Inc.
Workers to Strike $2 Trillion Corporation Nationwide on Thursday

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Teamsters will launch the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history beginning at 6 a.m. EST on Thurs., Dec. 19. The nationwide action follows Amazon's repeated refusal to follow the law and bargain with the thousands of Amazon workers who organized with the Teamsters.

"If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon's insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, they've pushed workers to the limit and now they're paying the price. This strike is on them."

Workers will join the picket line from DBK4 in New York City; DGT8 in Atlanta; DFX4, DAX5, and DAX8 in Southern California; DCK6 in San Francisco; and DIL7 in Skokie, Ill. Amazon Teamsters at other facilities are prepared to join them.

Teamsters local unions are also putting up primary picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide. Amazon warehouse workers and drivers without collective bargaining agreements have the legal right to honor these picket lines by withholding their labor.

"What we're doing is historic," said Leah Pensler, a warehouse worker at DCK6 in San Francisco. "We are fighting against a vicious union-busting campaign, and we are going to win."

Amazon is the second-largest corporation on the Fortune 500 list. Despite being worth more than $2 trillion, the company fails to pay its workers enough to make ends meet.

"Amazon is one of the biggest, richest corporations in the world," said Gabriel Irizarry, a driver at DIL7 in Skokie, Ill. "They talk a big game about taking care of their workers, but when it comes down to it, Amazon does not respect us and our right to negotiate for better working conditions and wages. We can't even afford to pay our bills."

Nearly 10,000 Amazon workers have mobilized a movement and joined the Teamsters. They are fighting for higher wages, better benefits, and safer conditions at work.

"I've seen the Teamsters win big battles," said Dia Ortiz, a worker at DBK4 in New York. "We're ready to do what it takes to win this one."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Kara Deniz,

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
In addition to modern accommodations and warm hospitality, guests can enjoy prime access to Raleigh's downtown business offices and top attractions, including the Raleigh Convention Center, Red Hat Amphitheater & Warehouse District, Capitol building, Martin Marietti Center for the Performing Arts, and City Market.

"We are thrilled to officially open our doors and begin welcoming guests to Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown and Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Downtown," said Karan Patel, vice president of CN Hotels. "Tempo is one of Hilton's newest and most innovative brands and will provide travelers to Raleigh with a distinctive and unique lifestyle lodging option while Homewood Suites is known for its home-away-from-home experience, perfect for extended stay guests. Our sophisticated spaces paired with our unbeatable downtown location and versatile food & beverage offerings were all curated with Raleigh's visitors and residents in mind. We look forward to contributing to the city's continued growth and serving as the backdrop for memorable experiences through these properties."

A convergence of comfort and convenience, Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown is designed for the rhythm of life. Travelers can maintain their health and wellness routine with a state-of-the-art fitness center and wellness guestroom options outfitted with Peloton bikes, Peloton yoga mats, resistance bands, TheragunElite and a Therabody Wave Roller. From thoughtfully handpicked art pieces supporting Raleigh's arts community to spa-inspired showers and amenities, every element in the hotel's 127 spacious rooms is purposefully designed to enhance the guest experience, including well-lit Get-Ready Zones, an ideal spot to kick-start the day, get organized, or catch up on work.

A commitment to sustainable operations, Tempo's Hydration Bar, prominently featured in the lobby, offers Still, Sparkling, and Alkaline-filtered water. In addition to the lobby-level Hydration Bar, each guest floor provides accessible hydration stations, making it easy for guests to refill their water bottles throughout their stay. In partnership with Planet Water Foundation and Klean Kanteen, guests may purchase reusable water bottles from the gift shop, with $2 from each bottle helping to support water-insecure communities all over the world. In addition, Hilton Global Foundation, Tempo by Hilton, and Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown will fund a fourth AquaTower water filtration system that will bring clean, safe water to a community, benefiting up to 1,800 people in a selected location.

"Tempo by Hilton is redefining the lifestyle hotel experience, and we're proud to introduce our first property in North Carolina with Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown," said Kevin Morgan, brand leader, Tempo by Hilton. "From thoughtfully curated wellness-focused amenities to our signature Hydration Bar, every detail is designed to support the rhythm of life and enhance the stay for today's modern traveler in the heart of Raleigh's vibrant downtown."

The pet-friendly Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Downtown features 134 apartment-style suites with separate living and sleeping spaces and fully equipped kitchens, along with a range of thoughtful amenities to help extended-stay guests feel at home, including daily complimentary breakfast with the brand's signature breakfast tacos and an evening reception every Wednesday with free drinks and bites. Guests can maintain their wellness routine courtesy of the shared state-of-the-art fitness center which is open 24/7. The perfect venue for corporate events and special moments, the dual-brand hotel offers more than 3,300 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space with enhanced AV capabilities.

"At Homewood Suites by Hilton, we're dedicated to creating spacious, welcoming accommodations where guests can unwind and feel at home, whether staying for a night or an extended trip," said Rick Colling, brand leader, Homewood Suites by Hilton. "This dual-branded project represents an exciting step forward for our brand, blending homelike comforts with elevated amenities that connect travelers to the center of activity in Raleigh."

Catering to hotel guests and residents working and visiting downtown, Moonsong Bar + Cafe is located on the lobby level of the building, serving sophisticated, clean and natural food options. From the signature avocado smash and energizing smoothies to fresh bowls, wraps and sandwiches, the cafe is the brainchild of Australian coffee concept Bluestone Lane and offers a diverse and clean menu specializing in options for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free preferences. Smoothies, gourmet coffee creations, spirited or free-spirited craft cocktails are made to order with ample space for guests to work, create, connect and unwind.

Inspired by Raleigh's nickname, the City of Oaks, Urban Oak is perched on the 13th floor of the building. The tallest rooftop bar and lounge in the Triangle area, the sophisticated rooftop lounge represents a unique fusion of the natural elements and the urban environment, a nod to the city's rich past and eclectic future. Boasting elevated tapas, creative craft cocktails, live music and DJ performances, and sweeping views of downtown Raleigh, Urban Oak is slated to open early next year.

HOTEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Learn more about Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown:

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/rdudopo-tempo-raleigh-downtown/

Learn more about Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Downtown:

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/rduwdhw-homewood-suites-raleigh-downtown/.

Learn more about Urban Oak:

https://www.urbanoakraleigh.com/

About Tempo by Hilton

Tempo by Hilton is a stylish, contemporary lifestyle hotel brand designed for the ambitious traveler looking to maintain a sense of balance and momentum. With the recent debuts of Tempo by Hilton in Times Square, Nashville and Louisville, with more than 50 additional properties under development, Tempo by Hilton offers re-imagined guest rooms designed with well-being in mind, dynamic communal spaces for collaboration or focused work, healthy cafe-style dining developed in partnership with Bluestone Lane, a leading-edge beverage program featuring spirited and free-spirited cocktails, and next-level fitness facilities both in the hotel and with Tempo Wellness Rooms designed to match an at-home experience. Experience Tempo by Hilton by booking at tempobyhilton.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app . Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Tempo by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/tempo .

About Homewood Suites by Hilton

Homewood Suites by Hilton , Hilton's upscale, award-winning, all-suite extended-stay hotel brand, has more than 540 pet-friendly locations across the U.S., Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, with more than 150 properties in the pipeline. When traveling for extended or quick overnight stays, Homewood Suites offers inviting, spacious suites featuring separate living and sleeping areas, and fully equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators for guests seeking home-like accommodations and value-driven amenities, including free hot breakfast and weekly Welcome Home Wednesday evening reception. Homewood Suites by Hilton is focused on guest satisfaction and stands behind each stay with its 100% Suite Assurance guarantee. Experience a positive stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton by booking at homewoodsuites.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app . Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Homewood Suites by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/homewoodsuites , and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram .

About CN Hotels

Founded in 1994, CN Hotels owns and manages a portfolio of high-quality hotels throughout the Southeast with brand affiliations such as Marriot, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and Best Western Hotels and Resorts. Over the last 20 years, CN Hotels has evolved into a successful and reputable hotel development and management company. Having completed over 30 ground-up construction projects and managing over 50 hotels, CN Hotels strives not only on developing exceptional hotels, but also to help build the communities they are located in. To find out more about CN Hotel, Inc please visit our website at https://www.cnhotels.net/ or call 336-855-0013.

About McKibbon Hospitality

Headquartered in Tampa, FL, McKibbon Hospitality creates memorable hospitality experiences that inspire brand and property loyalty. It's how we've grown into one of the largest (and most awarded) hotel management companies in the country. We operate dozens of hotels for Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Kimpton and other iconic hospitality brands. Our legacy is built on a foundation of integrity, anchored in how we value our guests, treat our associates and partners, and give back to our communities. Visit McKibbon.com to learn more.

SOURCE McKibbon Hospitality
4Sight Labs and Washington Counties Risk Pool Collaborate to Redefine Safety and Welfare Monitoring in Correctional Facilities

OLYMPIA, Wash., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals present a unique and urgent challenge for correctional facilities nationwide. Many individuals entering the criminal justice system are at high risk due to substance abuse disorders and untreated psychological issues. These complexities, combined with the stresses of incarceration, place an immense burden on correctional agencies.

A recent analysis by The Seattle Times (October 2024) highlighted that at least 50 people have died unexpectedly in Washington state jails since 2022.

OverWatch provides continuous, real-time data on heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, and activity levels, enabling correctional staff to proactively address safety risks and respond to potential emergencies.

4Sight Labs is the leader in advancing inmate safety and welfare through biometric monitoring. We are proud to highlight our partnership with the Washington Counties Risk Pool (WCRP) to bring OverWatch to seven counties, and counting in Washington.

OverWatch is an innovative biometric monitoring solution designed to improve the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals. It specifically targets the needs of inmates that are at high-risk. Using wireless wearable sensors, OverWatch provides continuous, real-time data on heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, and activity levels, enabling correctional staff to proactively address safety risks and respond to potential emergencies.

Through the Washington Counties Risk Poola consortium representing 24 of the state's 39 countiesseven counties have adopted OverWatch and each were reimbursed up to $25,000 through the WCRP's Risk Reduction Program.

The Risk Reduction Program is part of the Washington Counties Risk Pool's mission to provide cost-effective coverage while reducing the frequency and severity of losses, along with the costs associated with managing and litigating claims.

"We are excited to partner with 4Sight Labs to bring the OverWatch system to our member counties," said Ken Kollmann, Senior Risk Analyst of the Washington Counties Risk Pool. "This program demonstrates our commitment to providing counties with tools that enhance inmate safety while effectively managing risk. OverWatch offers a proactive approach to addressing safety challenges in correctional facilities, and we're pleased to see so many of our members embracing this opportunity."

By adopting OverWatch, participating counties are setting a new standard for inmate monitoring, using data-driven insights to address critical safety challenges. This partnership represents an important step forward in the shared mission to enhance the welfare of vulnerable incarcerated populations.

Participating counties:

Kittitas County

Clallam County

Yakima County

Mason County

Jefferson County

San Juan County

Okanogan County

About 4Sight Labs

4Sight Labs is a public safety technology company improving detainee safety and welfare through innovative biometric monitoring solutions. Our flagship product, the OverWatch sensor, provides automated monitoring for individuals in custody, enabling early intervention and reducing liability for law enforcement and corrections agencies. Our mission is to transform detainee safety for law enforcement and correctional agencies. Learn more at www.4sightlabs.com.

About Washington Counties Risk Pool

The Washington Counties Risk Pool is an association "Created by Counties for Counties" in 1988 and pursuant to Chapters 48.62 and 39.34 RCW to provide to member counties programs of joint self-insurance, joint purchasing of insurance and joint contracting for or hiring of personnel to provide risk management, education, claims handling and administrative services.

Reference:

Seattle Times Staff. "WA Death Was 'Natural' Until The Times Asked Why. Here's What to Know." The Seattle Times, December 16, 2024

Media Contact:

Dylan Martinez

4Sight Labs

[email protected]

SOURCE 4Sight Labs
Leading fast-casual brand taps Horizon Media to amplify brand visibility and drive guest engagement across key markets

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the nation's largest smoothie chain and a leader in the fast-casual category, has named Horizon Media its media agency of record following a competitive review. This partnership is set to elevate the brand's national footprint through Horizon Media's data-driven strategies, advanced technology and innovative media solutions.

Horizon Media (PRNewsfoto/Horizon Media)

As part of this collaboration, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is consolidating its national and local media budgets into a single, unified fund, positioning the brand to drive greater sales and transactions while enhancing guest engagement across key markets. Horizon Media will manage an annual media budget of approximately $50 million, overseeing communication planning, media investment, measurement and the integration of cutting-edge tools to deliver impactful results.

"2025 will be a transformative year for Tropical Smoothie Cafe as we leverage the collective strength of our marketing investment to drive unprecedented growth," said Deborah von Kutzleben, Chief Marketing Officer at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. "Horizon Media demonstrated leadership in strategic planning, investment, data and tech, which will accelerate media's contribution to our business. Their passion for and understanding of our business and category will unlock the full potential of our brand and help make Tropical Smoothie Cafe a beloved household name."

Gene Turner, President Chief Global Client Officer at Horizon Media, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration: "We are excited to partner with Tropical Smoothie Cafe as they embark on a journey to amplify their national presence. By integrating advanced technology, robust analytics and actionable product insights, we aim to deliver measurable growth and deepen customer engagement. As industry disruptors ourselves, we share a passion for innovation and look forward to contributing to the incredible success story that Tropical Smoothie Cafe is writing."

This strategic partnership highlights Horizon Media's expertise in delivering targeted, innovative media strategies uniquely tailored to the fast-casual dining sector. With Horizon Media by its side, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is well-positioned to leverage its consolidated media investments to broaden its guest reach, enhance brand recognition and create memorable experiences for smoothie enthusiasts nationwide.

About Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a national fast-casual restaurant brand built on a mission to Inspire Better, a commitment that starts with our better-for-you food and smoothies and extends to inspiring better in the communities we serve. Born on a beach in 1997, today Tropical Smoothie Cafe has more than 1,500 locations in 44 states. For the fourth year in a row, the brand was ranked #1 in the Smoothie/Juice Category by Entrepreneur Franchisee 500. For 11 consecutive years, the brand has received the Franchise Times Fast and Serious award, and in 2024 the brand's FUND Score was 905, one of the top scores for franchise concepts analyzed by FRANdata.

About Horizon Media

Horizon Media, the largest U.S. media agency and the largest independent globally, delivers data-driven business outcomes for some of the most innovative and ambitious brands. Founded in 1989, headquartered in New York, and with offices in Los Angeles and Toronto, the company employs 2,400+ people and has media investments of more than $8.5 billion. Horizon Media's fundamental belief is that business is personal, which drives its mission to lead with humanity to build trusted relationships and deliver unmatched insights, innovation, and outcomes to its clients, partners, and communities. Awarded as one of the most innovative companies in the industry and with market-leading workplace satisfaction levels, the company is frequently recognized for its client excellence and has earned numerous "Best Workplace" awards reflecting its commitment to the diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being of everyone in the organization.

SOURCE Horizon Media
More Users of International UnionPay-Powered E-Wallets Can Now Make Weixin QR Payments in China's Mainland

SHANGHAI, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 17, UnionPay International announced its new collaboration with Weixin Pay, which enables users of international UnionPay-powered wallets to scan Weixin Pay payment codes in China's mainland. Eight wallets are now able to offer this feature, namely BoC Pay from Bank of China (Hong Kong), Octopus, PayMe by HSBC, and Tap & Go in Hong Kong SAR; Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking and K PLUS from KASIKORNBANK in Thailand; Naver Pay in South Korea; and ICBC Mobile Banking (ICBC Pay) in Malaysia. International visitors will thus have access to more mobile payment options during their time in China's mainland.

With this partnership, once users link their physical UnionPay cards or activate digital UnionPay cards in the participating wallets, they will be able to pay by scanning Weixin Pay payment codes in China's mainland, with their home currencies automatically converted to the RMB. In the future, Weixin QR payments will also be enabled for more UnionPay-powered wallets from Macao SAR, other Southeast Asia countries, the South Pacific, and more regions.

Since the launch of Project Excellence 2024 in March, UnionPay has actively played its pivotal role as a card scheme to promote open collaboration with industry partners and make payments easier for inbound visitors to China's Mainland. Starting June, UnionPay App users were able to scan the various merchant-presented Weixin Pay codes and make payments. This new enablement with international wallets marks the latest milestone in the UnionPay - Weixin Pay collaboration to enhance payment interoperability.

This partnership reflects UnionPay's efforts to jointly drive connectivity with various players in the payment industry and accelerate the development of a sustainable business model. It provides international visitors to China's mainland with more options and a better payment journey, further contributing to China's high-standard opening up. Back in 2018, UnionPay worked with Weixin Pay and WeChat Pay HK, an HKD-denominated e-wallet, to offer the cross-border payment solution, which supports cross-border consumption for Hong Kong residents at more than tens of millions of merchants in China's mainland.

In recent years, as UnionPay continues to improve its localized offerings, an increasing number of residents outside China's mainland now enjoy the convenient services brought by UnionPay's payment products. Outside China's mainland, over 250 million UnionPay cards have been issued in 83 countries and regions, and more than 200 UnionPay-powered wallets have been launched in 36 countries and regions. These products can be used on UnionPay's acceptance network worldwide.
The digital experience agency leads the way with recognition for innovative implementation and outstanding service as an Optimizely solution partner.

BOSTON, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Verndale, a leading digital experience agency specializing in strategy, design, development, and marketing, has been honored with the Customer Choice Partner of the Year award by Optimizely, a premier digital experience platform (DXP) provider.

The award was announced at Optimizely's annual Opticon conference in San Antonio. It celebrates solution partners who go above and beyond to accelerate digital transformation for customers with the highest quality of implementation and customer service. Selected from a network of partners worldwide, Verndale stood out for its commitment to digital excellence and its impact on client outcomes.

Verndale was also named Optimizely's Solution Partner of the Year in 2023 and 2021, further cementing its leadership in delivering transformative digital solutions.

As a Premier Platinum Optimizely Partner, Verndale boasts an array of credentials, including:

Specializations: Content Management System (CMS), Configured Commerce, and Commerce Connect

Content Management System (CMS), Configured Commerce, and Commerce Connect Awards & Certifications: 9 agency MVP awards, 60 certifications, and 30 global accreditations earned in 2024

"This recognition reflects our team's relentless focus on delivering high-quality solutions tailored to our clients' unique needs," said Jim King, Verndale's Vice President of Partnerships & Alliances. "We're proud to partner with Optimizely and help businesses achieve meaningful digital transformation that drives real results for our Optimizely customers."

Verndale's recognition as Customer Choice Partner of the Year underscores the agency's role as a champion of innovation, helping businesses optimize their digital strategies and achieve sustainable growth.

About Verndale

Verndale is an award-winning digital experience agency with a successful record designing, building, and delivering digital experiences for web, mobile, and ecommerce. Through the Optimizely platform, we're helping clients like Mayrand, Johnson Financial Group, Manhattan Associates, IEWC, Source Atlantic, Quinnipiac University, and many more push boundaries, achieve growth objectives, and optimize experiences. For more information, please contact Verndale at [email protected].

Learn more at Verndale.com.

SOURCE Verndale Corporation
MILWAUKEE, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: WEC) ("WEC Energy Group") today announced that, pursuant to the previously announced cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for up to $350,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding senior notes listed in the table below (the "Securities"), $866,697,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Securities were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn on or prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 18, 2024 (the "Early Tender Date"). WEC Energy Group also announced that it has amended the terms of the Tender Offer to increase the aggregate maximum principal amount to $400,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Securities (the "Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount") and to increase the Acceptance Sublimit for the 5.60% Senior Notes due 2026 to $250,000,000. Withdrawal rights for the Tender Offer expired at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 18, 2024, and, accordingly, Securities validly tendered in the Tender Offer may no longer be withdrawn except where additional withdrawal rights are required by law.

The table below summarizes certain information regarding the Securities and the Tender Offer, including the aggregate principal amount of each series of Securities that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn on or prior to the Early Tender Date, and the order of priority and purchase price information for the Securities.

Title of

Security

CUSIP

Number

Principal

Amount

Outstanding



Acceptance

Sublimit



Acceptance

Priority

Level (1)



U.S.

Treasury

Reference

Security

Bloomberg

Reference

Page

Fixed

Spread

Principal

Amount

Tendered



Principal

Amount

Accepted Proration

Factor(2)

5.60% Senior

Notes due 2026



92939U

AM8

$ 600,000,000



$ 250,000,000





1



4.250% due

11/30/2026

FIT1

+25 bps

$ 430,367,000



$ 250,000,000 58.3 %

1.80% Senior

Notes due 2030



92939U

AE6

$ 450,000,000



$ 150,000,000





2



4.125% due

11/30/2029

FIT1

+47 bps

$ 228,353,000



$ 150,000,000 65.8 %

2.20% Senior

Notes due 2028



92939U

AG1

$ 500,000,000



$ 100,000,000





3



4.125% due

11/30/2029



FIT1

+40 bps

$ 207,977,000



$ 0 0.00 %



(1) The offer with respect to the Securities is subject to the Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount. WEC Energy Group will purchase up to the Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount of its Securities, subject to the Acceptance Priority Level as set forth in the table above (each, an "Acceptance Priority Level") and the Acceptance Sublimits as set forth in the table above (each, an "Acceptance Sublimit"). Because the aggregate principal amount of the 5.60% Senior Notes due 2026 and the 1.80% Senior Notes due 2030 to be accepted for payment equals the Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount, no 2.20% Senior Notes due 2028 will be accepted for payment pursuant to the Tender Offer. WEC Energy Group reserves the right, but is under no obligation, to further increase or decrease the Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount or increase, decrease or eliminate any Acceptance Sublimit at any time, including on or after December 19, 2024 (the "Price Determination Date"), subject to applicable law.

(2) The proration factor has been rounded to the nearest tenth of a percentage point for presentation purposes. Amounts purchased will be rounded down to the nearest $1,000 principal amount to avoid the purchase of Securities in a principal amount other than in integral multiples of $1,000.

The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase, dated December 5, 2024 (the "Offer to Purchase"), which sets forth the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on January 6, 2025, or any other date and time to which such Tender Offer is extended (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to a Tender Offer, the "Expiration Date"), unless earlier terminated. However, because the aggregate principal amount of Securities validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Early Tender Date would cause the Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount to be exceeded and WEC Energy Group does not expect to further increase the Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount, WEC Energy Group does not expect to accept any further tenders of Securities.

Holders of Securities that validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their Securities prior to the Early Tender Date are eligible to receive the Total Consideration (as defined below), which is inclusive of the "Early Tender Payment" of $30 per $1,000 principal amount of validly tendered and accepted Securities. The consideration (the "Total Consideration") offered per $1,000 principal amount of Securities of each series of Securities validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will be determined in the manner described in the Offer to Purchase by reference to the applicable "Fixed Spread" for such Securities specified in the table above plus the applicable yield to maturity based on the bid-side price of the applicable "U.S. Treasury Reference Security" specified in the table above as quoted on the applicable Bloomberg reference page at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on December 19, 2024, the Price Determination Date. The Total Consideration will be determined by taking into account the applicable par call date for each series of Securities, if any. WEC Energy Group expects to issue a press release tomorrow to announce the Total Consideration payable in connection with the Tender Offer.

All holders of Securities accepted for purchase will also receive accrued and unpaid interest on Securities validly tendered and accepted for purchase from the applicable last interest payment date up to, but not including, the settlement date.

Securities validly tendered prior to or at the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase will be accepted based on any applicable Acceptance Sublimit and the Acceptance Priority Levels noted in the table above, and will have priority over Securities tendered after the Early Tender Date, regardless of the Acceptance Priority Levels of the Securities tendered after the Early Tender Date. Because the aggregate principal amount of Securities validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Early Tender Date would cause the Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount and Acceptance Sublimits to be exceeded, such Securities will be purchased subject to the Acceptance Priority Levels and Acceptance Sublimits and subject to proration as described in the Offer to Purchase and the table above. Any tendered Securities not accepted for purchase will be promptly credited to the holder's account with The Depository Trust Company or otherwise returned to the holder without cost.

The settlement date for the Securities that are validly tendered on or prior to the Early Tender Date is expected to be December 23, 2024, the second business day after the Price Determination Date, assuming the conditions to the satisfaction of the Tender Offer are satisfied.

WEC Energy Group's obligation to accept for payment and to pay for the Securities validly tendered in the Tender Offer is not subject to any minimum tender condition but is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions described in the Offer to Purchase. WEC Energy Group reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to: (i) waive any and all conditions to the Tender Offer; (ii) extend or terminate the Tender Offer; (iii) further increase or decrease the Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount or increase, decrease or eliminate any Acceptance Sublimit; or (iv) otherwise amend the Tender Offer in any respect.

The complete terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are described in the Offer to Purchase, a copy of which may be obtained from Global Bondholder Services Corporation, the depositary and information agent for the Tender Offer, by calling (212) 430-3774 (collect) or (855) 654-2015 (toll free).

WEC Energy Group or its affiliates may also from time to time, after completion of the Tender Offer, purchase additional Securities in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through tender or exchange offers or otherwise, or WEC Energy Group may redeem Securities that are redeemable pursuant to their terms.

WEC Energy Group has retained Barclays Capital Inc. as the Dealer Manager for the Tender Offer. Questions regarding the terms of the Tender Offer may be directed to the Liability Management Group of Barclays Capital Inc. by calling (212) 528-7581 (collect) or (800) 438-3242 (toll free) or by email at [email protected].

None of WEC Energy Group, its board of directors (or any committee thereof), the Dealer Manager, the depositary and the information agent, the trustee for the Securities or their respective affiliates is making any recommendation as to whether or not holders of the Securities should tender all or any portion of their Securities in the Tender Offer. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender Securities and, if so, the principal amount of the Securities to tender.

This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell with respect to any Securities. The Tender Offer is being made solely by the Offer to Purchase. The Tender Offer is not being made to holders of Securities in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Tender Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and the Dealer Manager or any of the Dealer Manager's affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, the Tender Offer shall be deemed to be made by such Dealer Manager or affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of WEC Energy Group in such jurisdiction.

WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC), based in Milwaukee, is one of the nation's premier energy companies, serving 4.7 million customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota.

The company's principal utilities are We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, Michigan Gas Utilities, Minnesota Energy Resources and Upper Michigan Energy Resources. Another major subsidiary, We Power, designs, builds and owns electric generating plants. In addition, WEC Infrastructure LLC owns a growing fleet of renewable generation facilities in states ranging from South Dakota to Texas.

WEC Energy Group ( wecenergygroup.com ) is a Fortune 500 company and a component of the S&P 500. The company has approximately 34,000 stockholders of record, 7,000 employees and more than $45 billion of assets.

SOURCE WEC Energy Group
Equinix has supported a growth in traffic of around 200%, increasing around 30Gbps to almost 100Gbps in just over a year since the implementation of its strategic partnership with AMS-IX (Amsterdam Internet Exchange) in Lagos.

There has also been a significant shift in traffic distribution on the exchange. Previously, Nigeria accounted for 85% of the total traffic, while the region contributed only 15%. However, regional traffic has now surged to 45%, reflecting remarkable growth and success in building a dynamic digital ecosystem that delivers faster, more efficient connections across West Africa.



AMS-IX Lagos has focused on attracting a diverse range of global and regional peers and bringing more content to the region. This exchange has accelerated regional interconnectivity, driven substantial traffic growth, and streamlined traffic flow across the region by enabling diverse ISPs, telecom carriers, and content providers to interconnect at a centralized platform.



The growing network includes new peers such as Zenlayer, Cedarview, China Telecom, AirtelTigo, Afribone, Virtual Technologies and Solutions, as well as major mobile network operators and internet service providers across West Africa, all joining global peers on the exchange. Talitha Mensu-Bonsu, Packet Core and Backbone Network Engineer at Airtel Tigo confirms; Joining the exchange has unlocked tremendous value for our business by providing seamless access to content our customers demand.



"Joining AMS-IX Lagos has enabled CDN77 to achieve a balanced and efficient network spread across West Africa," added Jiri Prochazka, Head of Network Infrastructure at CDN77.



Oluwasayo Oshadami, Director, Solutions Architecture for Equinix Nigeria states As a Data Centre Operator in West Africa, our goal is to create a platform where everyone can connect and interact with each other easily. Out of Equinixs data centre in Lagos, AMS-IX Lagos Internet exchange has transformed connectivity into a competitive advantage for operators in West Africa thereby reducing latency, cutting costs, and fostering a thriving digital ecosystem where businesses and communities can interact and grow together.
SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the "Company" or "we"), a leading online personal finance company in China, today announced that it has entered into a repurchase agreement with a major shareholder on December 16, 2024, pursuant to which the Company will repurchase 6,349,206 American depositary shares ("ADSs"), representing 38,095,236 Class A ordinary shares of the Company, at a price of US$7.67 per ADS with a total repurchase price of approximately US$48.7 million (the "Repurchase").

In order to complete the Repurchase, the Company's board of directors (the "Board") approved a new share repurchase plan under which the Company may repurchase up to US$50 million worth of its Class A ordinary shares, including the Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs, effective until June 30, 2026. Upon completion of the Repurchase, the Company's two previous share repurchase programs will complete, and approximately US$15.9 million will remain for future potential repurchases under the new US$50 million share repurchase plan.

Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, commented, "We are pleased with this share repurchase agreement as it reflects our confidence in our long-term growth potential and our commitment to enhancing shareholder value. This repurchase also underscores our robust financial position. We are committed to a thoughtful and balanced approach to capital management to ensure that we continue to prioritize both growth opportunities and shareholder value creation."

"In 2024, we returned a total of approximately US$76.0 million in value to our shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, including US$16.5 million in cash dividends, US$9.2 million in the tender offer, US$48.7 million in the recent repurchase mentioned above, and US$1.6 million in other repurchases. The total number of shares repurchased in 2024, including both ADSs and Class A ordinary shares, was equivalent to approximately 52.2 million Class A ordinary shares, or 17.8% of our ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023. Going forward, we remain committed to delivering profitable growth and returning value to our shareholders through ongoing dividends and share repurchases."

Under the new share repurchase plan, the repurchase may be made from time to time through various means, including open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, and through other legally permissible means, depending on market conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The manner, timing and amount of any share repurchases will be determined by the Company's management in its discretion based on its evaluation of various factors. The Company expects to fund the new repurchase plan out of its existing cash balance.

About X Financial

X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the "Company") is a leading online personal finance company in China. The Company is committed to connecting borrowers on its platform with its institutional funding partners. With its proprietary big data-driven technology, the Company has established strategic partnerships with financial institutions across multiple areas of its business operations, enabling it to facilitate and originate loans to prime borrowers under a risk assessment and control system.

For more information, please visit: http://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "targets," "guidance" and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the followings: the Company's goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the credit industry, and marketplace lending in particular, in China; the demand for and market acceptance of its marketplace's products and services; its ability to attract and retain borrowers and investors on its marketplace; its relationships with its strategic cooperation partners; competition in its industry; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the corporate structure, business and industry. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is current as of the date of this announcement, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

X Financial

Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng

E-mail: [email protected]

Christensen IR

In China

Mr. Rene Vanguestaine

Phone: +86-178-1749 0483

E-mail: [email protected]

In US

Ms. Linda Bergkamp

Phone: +1-480-614-3004

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE X Financial
Ericsson says it has successfully designed and deployed an ATEX Zone 1-certified solution on an offshore site for one of Ooredoo Qatars enterprise customers. The solution, an ATEX-certified Ericsson Enclosure 6129, supports the operation of conventional radio access network (RAN) equipment in harsh and hazardous environments.

ATEX stands for ATmosphere Explosible. The ATEX directives are two of the EU directives describing the minimum safety requirements for workplaces and equipment used in explosive atmospheres.

A Zone 1 hazardous area is classified as a place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air or flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.

The Ericsson enclosure provides a safe operating environment for RAN equipment and the direct current power system, ensuring compliance with the rigorous safety standards of the offshore industry while delivering reliable network performance and connectivity.

This deployment, says Ericsson, enables Ooredoo Qatar to provide superior 4G network quality to its enterprise customers, supporting both indoor and outdoor locations around the offshore rigs. The solution is also adaptable for other industries requiring ATEX-certified equipment in demanding environments.

Hicham Siblini, Chief Technology & Infrastructure officer from Ooredoo Qatar, says: "This solution ensures compliance with safety measures while delivering exceptional network performance and reliability in challenging offshore environments."

Charbel Abdallah, President of Ericsson Qatar, adds: We are proud to have collaborated with Ooredoo Qatar to design and deploy the first-of-its-kind innovative ATEX Zone 1-certified solution in Qatar, providing a safe and reliable environment for the operation of radio access network equipment in the demanding offshore industry.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





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Chennai, Dec 19 : Tamil superstar and President of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay, has criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his recent remarks about B.R. Ambedkar in the Parliament.

In a post on Wednesday on the social media platform X, Vijay expressed his outrage, suggesting that some individuals may be "allergic" to Ambedkar's name.

He lauded Ambedkar as an "incomparable political and intellectual personality" who represents the spirit of freedom for all Indian citizens.

Vijay emphasised that Ambedkar's legacy is a beacon of hope for marginalised communities and a symbol of resistance against social injustice.

He vowed to continuously chant Ambedkar's name, underscoring his deep admiration for the iconic leader.

"Ambedkara Ambedkara Ambedkara Let us keep chanting his name with joy in our hearts and on our lips," the TVK President said.

Opposition parties across the country have also condemned Amit Shah's remarks in the Rajya Sabha on December 17.

Union Home Minister Shah had said that there is now a "fashion" to repeatedly invoke Ambedkar's name, adding that if the Opposition had taken God's name as often, they would have reached heaven.

The Union Home Minister's comments have drawn widespread criticism.

Vijay had mentioned Ambedkar as one of the ideological mentors of the TVK during his party's first rally in Vikravandi, northern Tamil Nadu.

This region has a significant Dalit population and is considered a stronghold of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President Thol. Thirumavalavan.

Thirumavalavan's VCK is formerly known as the Dalit Panthers of India.

Vijay's newly formed party appears to be targeting Dalit voters, leveraging his strong following among marginalised communities since his movie career.

Vijay has been popular among Dalits and other marginalised groups due to the socially relevant roles he played in films, which resonated with these communities.

According to the 2011 Census, Dalits constitute around 20 per cent of Tamil Nadu's population.

Activists, however, estimate that this figure may have increased by six per cent in recent years.
Patna, Dec 19 : A property dealer was allegedly shot dead by unidentified bike-borne assailants in Bihar's Buxar district on Wednesday evening, police said.

The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. near Kamaldah Pond on Station Road, causing panic in the area.

The deceased, identified as Hriday Narayan Yadav, a resident of Musafir Ganj in the city's police station area, was moving on his way toward the city when the incident occurred.

Witnesses reported that criminals allegedly involved in the incident fled on a bike immediately after committing the crime.

The family members of the deceased, upon receiving the news, rushed to the site, deeply distressed by the incident.

The cries of the family have left the local community shaken.

Manoj Kumar Singh, the SHO of the City police station, confirmed that an investigation is underway.

"We are conducting raids to arrest the accused. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed to identify them. They will be apprehended soon," he said.

Yadav, a property dealer by profession, was reportedly on his regular commute when the incident occurred.

The police are exploring multiple angles to determine the exact circumstances and motives of the attackers leading to the murder.

The police said that the attack occurred as soon as Yadav parked his bike near the pond.

Eyewitnesses reported that assailants, with their faces covered by mufflers, approached on a bike, carried out the attack, and swiftly fled the scene.

Nearby shopkeepers responded quickly, rushing Yadav to Sadar Hospital after hearing the commotion.

Local shopkeepers reported that the assailants appeared to have planned the attack in advance, as their faces were already covered when they arrived.

The incident unfolded in one of the busiest parts of the city, just hours after SHO Manoj Kumar Singh was instructed by Superintendent of Police (SP) Shubham Arya to maintain law and order.

SP Arya himself visited the spot with a team of officers and is personally overseeing the investigation.

Senior officers, led by SP Arya, are working round the clock to apprehend those responsible.
Kyiv, Dec 19 : Britain is intensifying its military support to Ukraine with a new aid package that includes naval drones, air defence systems and artillery, British Defence Secretary John Healey said.

Training for Ukrainian soldiers under Operation Interflex, a Britain-led multinational military operation, will continue in 2025 regardless of the developments in Ukraine's peace process and a possible ceasefire, Healey said on Wednesday in an interview with the Ukrainian state Ukrinform news agency.

Three years since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine "the depths of his miscalculation are clearer than ever, as the brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit," he said.

"But they cannot go it alone," Healey added, vowing the UK's support for Kyiv was "ironclad" and Britain would always stand "shoulder to shoulder to ensure Putin cannot win".

In July, the new Labour government vowed to commit 3 billion a year in military aid to Ukraine until 2030-2031.

The new package will include 92 million for equipment to bolster Ukraine's navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones and uncrewed surface vessels, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

However, he said it is too early to publicly discuss the possibility of British support for deploying an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine, Xinhua news agency reported.

Healey arrived in Kyiv earlier on Wednesday, local media reported.

On the same day, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov wrote on Facebook that he had spoken with Healey about strengthening Ukraine's air defence, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of artillery ammunition, and exploring joint defence projects.

A key topic was the co-production of air defence systems, he said, adding that the discussions also covered the use of Storm Shadow missiles, and equipping and training new brigades of the Ukrainian army.

A further 68 million will be used for air defence equipment including radars, and 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems at a cost of 39 million would be supplied to the Ukrainian army.

Healey said the UK would also boost a training programme for Ukrainian soldiers run with key allies on British soil known as Operation Interflex, under which 51,000 recruits have been trained since mid-2022.

"With Putin resorting to sending as many as 2,000 Russian soldiers to their deaths on the battlefield each day, it is critical that Ukraine is supported with a supply of properly trained and equipped soldiers," the Ministry statement said.

Umerov thanked the UK for its support and said in a statement that the "stable delivery of ammunition, especially for artillery, is critically important for our Defence efforts".

He added the two men had reviewed the results of the use of Storm Shadow missiles, without providing details.

London gave Kyiv the green light to launch the UK-supplied, long-range missiles into Russia for the first time in November.
United Nations, Dec 19 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the latest agreement between India and China to improve relations between them and take positive steps on border issues, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday.

United Nations, Dec 19 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the latest agreement between India and China to improve relations between them and take positive steps on border issues, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday.

"We welcome the positive result of this effort of bilateral -- a very important bilateral -- diplomacy," he said.

He added that settling international disputes through bilateral efforts should be "saluted".

After a gap of five years, India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi came together in Beijing on Monday for a formal Meeting of the Special Representatives, a regular high-level consultation that was suspended after the 2020 military conflict between the neighbours.

India's External Affairs Ministry said after the meeting, "They agreed on the salience of stable, predictable, and amicable India-China relations for regional and global peace and prosperity."

"They provided positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges including resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade," it added.

The resumption of the regular high-level meeting followed an agreement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October.

Dujarric said that international disputes that don't get resolved get the headlines around the world while many do get resolved.

"There are a lot of international disputes that do get resolved, either through UN mediation or through bilateral information, bilateral efforts. Those should be covered and saluted," he said.

India and China on Wednesday decided to give "positive directions" for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade, during the visit of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval to Beijing.

This was announced following the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China which was attended by NSA Doval and Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and China's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Wednesday's meeting in Beijing was the first between the Special Representatives since frictions had emerged in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas in 2020.
In 2024 and into 2025, cybersecurity experts foresee an escalating landscape of advanced cyber threats, driven by both technological advancements and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

This compilation of expert insights from ESET researchers provides a glimpse into the evolving tactics and trends across various domains, including ransomware, AI-driven scams, mobile threats, and nation-state cyber espionage.

Ransomware (Jakub Soucek, ESET Senior Malware Researcher)

In 2024, RansomHub has established itself as the leading RaaS group in the market, replacing the disrupted LockBit service. We expect RansomHub to stay in that position well into 2025. However, RaaS is a very competitive cybercriminal environment where gangs often come up with innovations and changes to their affiliate programs, trying to attract more partners and grow in profitability. If some of the competitors turn out to be more profitable, skilled affiliates may very well modify their alliances.

EDR killers have become a common part of ransomware attacks. In 2025 we expect the most advanced actors to improve this type of tooling making it increasingly sophisticated, protected and harder to detect. What this trend shows is that security tools like EDR are a thorn in the side for cybercriminals and they will try hard to remove them or at least turn them off.

Most newcomers trying to earn their spot in the RaaS ecosystem will most likely code their encryptors in Rust or Go, as is the trend with well-established groups, to allow wider spread of platforms to target with a single code.

AI-driven Threats (Juraj Janosik, ESET Head of Automated Systems and Intelligent Solutions)

Anticipating geopolitical shift in 2025, we foresee the potential deregulation of social media and tech companies. This change may lead to a degradation of content quality, coupled with a rapid increase in AI-generated spam, scam, and phishing campaigns  a trend weve already observed in 2024.

Low-quality AI-generated content may also serve as a lure for vulnerable social media users, who could subsequently become targets of disinformation campaigns and be manipulated into becoming its online amplifiers. This tactic could semi-automate the operations of content farms and troll farms currently used by adversarial states and groups.

We predict that attackers may utilise recent advancements in small open-source GPT models, training them on data from hijacked social media accounts. This could allow them to imitate communication styles and impersonate victims in a variety of scams, such as family emergency or romance scams, thereby making these fraudulent activities more convincing.

In 2025, we also project an increase in the number of fake or duplicate accounts for celebrities and other public figures on social media. These malicious profiles will use deepfake videos and other AI-generated content to appear legitimate and trustworthy, thereby increasing the importance of authenticity verification tools like verified badges on social media.

Infostealers (Alexandre Cote Cyr, ESET Malware Researcher)

We are quite certain that Operation Magnus spelled the end of RedLine Stealer. Even though the creator of RedLine has not been arrested yet, and could in theory try to rebuild, it is unlikely that he would try to resurrect the malware, especially after, he has been publicly identified and charged by law enforcement.

The other key part of RedLine operation  namely its affiliates  will also probably want to move on, since law enforcement now has the database with their usernames and last used IP. While this might not be enough to identify the people behind those aliases in every case, they are now considered Very Important to the Police.

Therefore we expect that in 2025 the power vacuum left by RedLines takedown will lead to a bump in the activity of other MaaS infostealers.

Mobile Threats (Lukas Stefanko, ESET Senior Malware Researcher)

In 2024, ESET analysed attacks utilising a novel compromise vector targeting Android and iOS mobile devices. It leverages Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and WebAPKs to bypass traditional security measures and trick users into installing malicious apps that steal banking credentials. These apps mimic legitimate banking interfaces, enabling attackers to capture login details, passwords, and two-factor authentication codes, which are then used to gain unauthorized access to victims accounts.

As cybercriminals continue to innovate, the use of PWAs and WebAPKs for malicious purposes is likely to increase also in 2025. These technologies provide a convenient and effective means for attackers to distribute phishing applications without needing app store approvals. The cross-platform nature of PWAs also allows attackers to target a broader audience, making these types of attacks more scalable and versatile.

Based on the attacks utilising PWAs and WebAPKs, we anticipate some increase in threats focusing on the iOS platform in 2025. Historically, the stringent policies of the Apple App Store have made it challenging to distribute malicious apps, leading users to believe that their iOS devices are inherently secure. However, threats can also be disseminated through alternative channels, such as malicious websites, phishing attacks, compromised email attachments, social engineering tactics, and malicious ads placed in search engines, on social media, and on websites, none of which rely on the App Store for distribution. On the other hand, Apple tends to react to new threats and update its security mechanisms.

We are likely to see an increase in mobile and non-mobile malware leveraging the open-source Flutter software development kit (SDK). Flutter is designed for building multiplatform applications and simplifies development and could also be used to create and distribute malware and trojanized apps more efficiently. For instance, some SpyLoan apps have already exploited this SDK, as detailed in our previous analysis. Threat actors are also using Flutter as an anti-analytical tool to complicate reverse engineering efforts. Whether the utilisation of Flutter for such purposes will rise in 2025 will depend on various factors, including threat actors learning the Dart programming language. Important to note, the cybersecurity community is actively creating new tools and techniques to dissect and understand the intricacies of Flutter applications.

Governmental Affairs (Andy Garth, ESET Director of Government Affairs)

With the October 2024 transposition deadline reached, NIS2 is obligatory in EU countries that have adopted it into national law. Currently, only a few have done so, with major countries like Germany and France expected to implement it in 2025. This transposition will not be identical across the EU states, thus organisations aiming for compliance must be aware of local specificities.

While micro and small companies are mostly exempted, larger enterprises in selected critical sectors may demand support from their suppliers, including smaller companies, to meet reporting obligations in case of a cyber incident. Suppliers and vendors of all sizes thus have to be prepared or risk being excluded from future consideration.

Stricter security measures in certain sectors governed by NIS2 could drive cybercriminals to focus on easier targets, such as organizations not subject to the Directive.

Organisations unable to meet the mandatory higher standards set by the Directive, could also face increased risk of extortion. This potential situation might echo the scenario witnessed after GDPR entered into force in 2018 when ransomware gangs began using the regulation as leverage against their victims.

2024 also saw the approval of new EU cyber legislation, including the AI Act, designed to regulate AI systems with a focus on transparency and trust; the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), ensuring the cybersecurity of products with digital elements; and the Cyber Solidarity Act, which establishes a network of interconnected SOCs across the EU. This momentum is set to continue in 2025, supported by additional strategies and new financing aimed at strengthening the EUs cyber defense capabilities, a key priority of the new European Commission.

Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) (Jean-Ian Boutin, ESET Director of Threat Research)

According to ESET research in 2024, the China-aligned threat actors focused on developing and maintaining VPN networks to perpetrate their malicious campaigns. We expect this compromise vector to be heavily used and developed further also in the foreseeable future. There is also a growing concern about these China-aligned groups targeting telecommunications companies  especially in the US  which will probably continue to have impact well into 2025.

For 2025, we also expect cyber attacks to remain an aspect of armed conflicts around the world. In the Russia-Ukraine war, while cyber sabotage was heavily emphasised in the first year, we now observe a decline in such operations and a rise in espionage activities, which have always been a significant focus. As the Kremlin is waiting to see the new US presidents position regarding this conflict, we expect these cyber espionage operations to continue both in Ukraine and also in countries that have been supporting Ukraine war efforts while the sabotage operations could be less prevalent in the upcoming months.

At the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict we saw a similar development for Iran-aligned cyber groups. In the beginning of the conflict they were trying to inflict damage to the Israeli civil society, burning a lot of previously gathered access. But over the time, they have also refocused on espionage, often targeting organisations that have information necessary for kinetic actions targeting Israel. However, with the recent development in the war and the fact that the Hezbollah and the Hamas have suffered significant losses, we dont expect any of the potentially gathered information to be very useful for now.

Emergence of Deepfake-Powered Malicious Digital Twins

Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, has issued a warning about the growing threat of highly customized, AI-powered cyberattacks that could transform scams, phishing, and influence operations in 2025 and beyond.

In their 2025 cybersecurity predictions report, The Easy Way In/Out: Securing The Artificial Future, Trend Micro highlights the risks posed by AI-driven attacks, particularly in the realm of hyper-personalized threats. Mick McCluney, ANZ Field CTO at Trend, emphasized the importance of vigilance as generative AI becomes more integrated into businesses. He stressed that cybersecurity is no longer just a technical concern but a broader business risk that can deeply impact strategic decisions.

One of the more concerning predictions in the report involves digital twins, where personal information is used to train AI models that mimic a persons identity. Combined with deepfake technology and biometric data breaches, these could facilitate identity fraud or manipulation through realistic impersonations, making attacks more difficult to detect.

Ways to Counter:

Data Minimization & Encryption: Limit the amount of personal and sensitive information stored or shared online. Encrypt data to reduce the effectiveness of breaches.

Limit the amount of personal and sensitive information stored or shared online. Encrypt data to reduce the effectiveness of breaches. AI Behavior Monitoring: Implement AI systems that can monitor and detect abnormal behavior, such as attempts to replicate employee identities or mimic personal communication styles.

Implement AI systems that can monitor and detect abnormal behavior, such as attempts to replicate employee identities or mimic personal communication styles. Employee Training: Educate staff on the risks of deepfake technology and digital impersonation, ensuring they are vigilant to unusual communication patterns.

Educate staff on the risks of deepfake technology and digital impersonation, ensuring they are vigilant to unusual communication patterns. Advanced Authentication: Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometric verification to prevent unauthorized access, making it harder for attackers to impersonate employees.

AI technologies, including deepfakes and generative language models (LLMs), could be used for large-scale, hyper-personalized attacks that enhance business email compromise (BEC), fake employee scams, and even romance scams. Attackers could use these AI-generated personalities to deceive victims, manipulate emotions, and lure them into fraudulent schemes.

Ways to Counter:

AI-powered Anti-Phishing Tools: Implement AI-driven solutions that analyze email patterns and behaviors to identify phishing attempts or deceptive messages.

Implement AI-driven solutions that analyze email patterns and behaviors to identify phishing attempts or deceptive messages. Email Verification Systems: Use tools like DMARC, DKIM, and SPF to verify email authenticity and prevent spoofing.

Use tools like DMARC, DKIM, and SPF to verify email authenticity and prevent spoofing. Behavioral Analytics: Leverage behavioral analytics to monitor interactions and identify suspicious activity that could indicate a scam or fraud attempt.

Leverage behavioral analytics to monitor interactions and identify suspicious activity that could indicate a scam or fraud attempt. Incident Response Plans: Have a robust, AI-informed incident response plan in place to address and quickly mitigate the impact of AI-driven scams.

The report also highlights the risks associated with the increased adoption of AI across industries in 2025. Businesses will need to be alert to threats such as the hijacking of AI agents to carry out unauthorized actions, unintentional information leaks, and denial-of-service attacks driven by AI resource consumption.

Ways to Counter:

AI Security Monitoring: Regularly audit and monitor AI systems to detect potential manipulation or unauthorized actions. Ensure that security measures are in place to prevent AI hijacking.

Regularly audit and monitor AI systems to detect potential manipulation or unauthorized actions. Ensure that security measures are in place to prevent AI hijacking. Data Leak Prevention Tools: Implement AI-based data loss prevention (DLP) tools that detect and prevent sensitive information from being leaked inadvertently.

Implement AI-based data loss prevention (DLP) tools that detect and prevent sensitive information from being leaked inadvertently. System Resource Management: Deploy AI that automatically adjusts or limits resource usage to avoid denial-of-service attacks or malicious resource consumption.

Deploy AI that automatically adjusts or limits resource usage to avoid denial-of-service attacks or malicious resource consumption. AI Authentication: Harden AI agents with strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized control.

Beyond AI, Trend Micros report outlines other key areas of concern, including vulnerabilities in memory management, container escapes, and common exploits like SQL injections. The report also forecasts more sophisticated ransomware attacks that will evade detection by exploiting gaps in endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, potentially using advanced techniques such as bring your own vulnerable driver (BYOVD).

Ways to Counter:

Patch Management & Regular Updates: Keep all systems and software updated to mitigate vulnerabilities, including those targeting memory management, containers, and APIs.

Keep all systems and software updated to mitigate vulnerabilities, including those targeting memory management, containers, and APIs. Enhanced EDR Solutions: Implement advanced EDR tools with machine learning capabilities to detect and respond to sophisticated attacks, even those using techniques like BYOVD.

Implement advanced EDR tools with machine learning capabilities to detect and respond to sophisticated attacks, even those using techniques like BYOVD. Application Security: Regularly test applications for vulnerabilities, focusing on common exploits such as XSS and SQL injections. Employ secure coding practices to prevent them.

Regularly test applications for vulnerabilities, focusing on common exploits such as XSS and SQL injections. Employ secure coding practices to prevent them. Ransomware Prevention: Utilize backup solutions that are air-gapped from the main network, implement network segmentation, and employ behavior-based detection to catch ransomware early.

In response to these emerging threats, Trend Micro recommends a proactive, risk-based approach to cybersecurity. Businesses should prioritize AI security, implement centralized risk assessment systems, and ensure that staff are trained to recognize new AI-driven threats. Additionally, securing AI technology itselfthrough sandbox environments, prompt injection prevention, and multi-layered defensesis essential. Trend also suggests investing in end-to-end visibility into AI agents and utilizing attack path prediction tools to mitigate risks, especially in the cloud.

Ways to Counter:

Comprehensive Risk Management: Adopt a centralized, risk-based approach that assesses and prioritizes vulnerabilities across the enterprise, from cloud to on-premise assets.

Adopt a centralized, risk-based approach that assesses and prioritizes vulnerabilities across the enterprise, from cloud to on-premise assets. AI and Threat Intelligence Platforms: Implement platforms that consolidate threat intelligence and assist with predictive attack path analysis, offering real-time insight into potential attack vectors.

Implement platforms that consolidate threat intelligence and assist with predictive attack path analysis, offering real-time insight into potential attack vectors. Regular AI Training and Testing: Ensure all AI systems undergo rigorous training and testing for potential security flaws or vulnerabilities. Maintain a continuous improvement cycle to adapt to new threats.

Ensure all AI systems undergo rigorous training and testing for potential security flaws or vulnerabilities. Maintain a continuous improvement cycle to adapt to new threats. Multi-Layered Defenses: Implement layered security defenses (such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint security) across the organization, with particular focus on cloud systems and supply chains.

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Chennai, Dec 19 : The Erode police have deployed 2,500 officers for security duty as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin begins a two-day visit to the city on Thursday.

Seven Superintendents of Police will oversee the operations, with West Zone Inspector General of Police T. Senthilkumar, Coimbatore Range DIG, and Erode Superintendent of Police G. Jawahar also involved in maintaining law and order during the visit.

Chief Minister Stalin is scheduled to arrive in Coimbatore at 11 A.M. before proceeding to Erode, where he will participate in several events on Thursday (December 19) and Friday (December 20).

CM Stalin will stay at Kalingarayan Illam on Perundurai Road and meet party functionaries at Thangam Mahal in Mettukadai at 5 P.M.

He will also attend the family wedding reception of V.C. Chandrakumar, a former MLA and joint secretary of the partyas propaganda wing.

Later, he will return to the guest house to meet representatives from farmersa and trade associations, as well as industrialists.

On December 20, the Chief Minister will attend a function in Solar at 10 A.M. He will inaugurate completed projects and lay the foundation stone for new ones in the district.

CM Stalin will also distribute welfare assistance worth Rs 284 crore to 50,088 beneficiaries and address the gathering.

He will head back to Coimbatore at 11:30 A.M. and take a flight to Chennai at 2 P.M.

The visit is part of CM Stalinas district-level outreach programmes, where he interacts with the public and party functionaries.

These visits aim to gather grassroots-level feedback and develop the DMKas strategy for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

CM Stalin launched the initiative with a two-day visit to Coimbatore on November 5 and 6.

The DMK is targeting a victory in 200 out of 234 Assembly constituencies in the 2026 elections. Stalin has instructed party cadres to actively engage with the public to highlight the welfare schemes implemented by the DMK.

To achieve its ambitious target, the DMK has appointed full-time workers for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. Half of these workers were selected based on their performance during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the DMK-led INDIA bloc secured a historic win, claiming all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in Puducherry.

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, has been tasked with overseeing the election strategy.

Udhayanidhi Stalin is managing day-to-day operations to ensure the partyas target of 200 Assembly seats in 2026 is met. The DMK currently holds 133 seats and is diligently working toward this ambitious goal.

a"IANS

aal/rad
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Microsoft Copilot-powered developer platform GitHub on Thursday said it has surpassed 150 million developers on the platform.

The coding major also announced 'GitHub Copilot Free' in VS Code that works seamlessly with a user's GitHub account, with Copilot Chat directly available from the GitHub dashboard.

"With GitHub Copilot Free in VS Code, India can accelerate the timeline forward to becoming the largest developer community in the world. But only if we make it happen," said GitHub CEO, Thomas Dohmke.

Now automatically integrated into VS Code, all GitHub users have access to 2,000 code completions and 50 chat messages per month, simply by signing in with a personal GitHub account, or by creating a new one, the company informed.

Copilot Free gives developers the choice between Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet or OpenAI's GPT-4o model.

According to the company, they can ask a coding question, explain existing code, or have it find a bug. Users can also execute edits across multiple files, and access Copilot's third-party agents or build their own extension.

"Additionally, Copilot Chat is now directly available from the GitHub dashboard and works with Copilot Free, so all developers can start using it today," the company added.

GitHub has over 17 million developers in India building on the platform, representing an increase of 28 per cent in 2024, and making India the fast-growing developer community in the world.

India is also the second largest developer community contributing to public generative AI projects on GitHub, just behind the US, with a 79 per cent increase from last year.

The country saw a 95 per cent year-over-year (YoY) growth in contributions to these projects, placing itself third globally, after the US and Hong Kong.

According to Dohmke, India's booming developer community is using AI to build AI in record numbers, making it evermore likely that the next great multinational will come from India.

The company predicts that India will surpass the US to become the world's largest developer community by 2028.

IANS

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Paris, Dec 19 : France's highest court for civil and criminal cases upheld a verdict against former French President Nicholas Sarkozy for corruption and influence-peddling.

In 2021, a lower court found that Sarkozy and his former lawyer, Thierry Herzog, had in 2014 formed a "corruption pact" with judge Gilbert Azibert to obtain and share information about another legal investigation involving the former president, according to the French daily Le Monde.

Finding Sarkozy guilty, the court then handed a three-year sentence to Sarkozy, during which he would only need to serve one year of house arrest with an electronic bracelet, Xinhua news agency reported.

Sarkozy appealed against his 2021 conviction. In 2023, the Court of Appeal of Paris upheld the verdict.

Sarkozy, reacted by saying he was not prepared to accept "the profound injustice" and would now turn to the European Court of Human Rights to challenge the verdict.

He was originally sentenced to three years in jail in 2021, but two of those years were suspended and the third converted to electronic monitoring instead of prison.

With the Cour de Cassation's ruling on Wednesday, Sarkozy has become the first former French president who has been convicted of corruption and sentenced to prison in France.

Sarkozy was convicted of trying to bribe a judge in 2014, after he had left office, by suggesting he could secure a prestigious job for him in return for information about a separate case.

In the 2021 ruling, Judge Christine MAe said the conservative politician "knew what [he] was doing was wrong", adding that his actions and those of his lawyer had given the public "a very bad image of justice".

President from 2007 to 2012, Sarkozy faces multiple legal cases. A trial will start in 2025 over allegations that he had accepted money from Libya to fund his 2007 campaign.
United Nations, Dec 19 : UN humanitarians reported widespread hostilities in Sudan, including shelling and airstrikes on civilian areas of Darfur and Khartoum, which inflicted significant casualties and destruction.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the resident humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, condemned the attacks over the past week.

"Hostilities are widespread and have been reported in urban areas of Al Fasher, Al Kuma, Kabkabiya and Kutum in North Darfur, as well as Nyala in South Darfur, and in Greater Khartoum," OCHA said. "Significant civilian casualties have been reported, along with the destruction of homes, markets and medical facilities."

The coordinator said the wave of violence against civilians underscores the need for immediate de-escalation of the fighting between two military factions and their allies. She warned that armed combatants operating in and around populated areas and camps for conflict-displaced people pose direct threats to residents and are blocking the delivery of life-saving assistance, Xinhua news agency reported.

Nkweta-Salami said that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, must be spared the effects of hostilities.

"The principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attacks must be respected at all times," she said.

The coordinator said that after 20 months of fighting, the ever-rising toll of the dead and injured is unacceptable, and international humanitarian law must be respected.

"I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and safe passage for civilians wishing to flee to destinations of their choice," she said.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Startups will be a core driver of India's economic growth this 'Techade,' likely to contribute nearly $120 billion (or 1.6 per cent) to the country's GDP by 2030, which will be nearly 3.5 times jump from $35 billion in 2023, according to a new report.

Given that most developed economies see between 5-10 per cent of their GDP being contributed by Tech startups, India's journey has only just begun, according to the report by venture capital firm Kalaari Capital.

In fact, the contribution by startups can surge to a whopping $1.6 trillion by 2047, thus contributing 5 per cent of the GDP when India aims to become a 'Viksit Bharat' with a $35 trillion economy, the report mentioned.

Also, the country is expected to have over 300 unicorns by 2030, from more than 100 at present.

"The 'Techade' is just the first innings in India's golden Test match," the report said, adding that both manufacturing and services are expected to grow significantly, cumulatively adding $800 billion of export value to the GDP.

Not just contributing to the GDP, recognised startups in India have created over 16.6 lakh direct jobs across more than 55 varied industries to date.

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), according to the latest government data. This number is only going to swell in coming years.

Startups in the fields of education (90,414), human resources (87,983), construction (88,702), food and beverages (88,468), agriculture (83,307) and artificial intelligence (23,918) were other top employment generators, as per the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) data.

India is currently home to over 1,46,000 DPIIT-recognised startups, and more than 100 unicorns.

Under the 'Startup India' initiative, the government constantly undertakes various efforts for the development and growth of the startup ecosystem and to enhance job creation in the country.

The flagship schemes are the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), which support startups at various stages of their business cycle.

The government also launched the 'Startup India Hub' portal for stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India to discover resources, information and various benefits under the 'Startup India' initiative on a common digital platform.

IANS

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Damascus, Dec 19 : Syria's interim authorities said that the previous government's soldiers and officers fleeing to Iraq are now welcome to return home without fear of reprisal.

In a statement, the interim authorities pledged on Wednesday that military personnel who fled to neighbouring Iraq during the final stages of the previous government's downfall would not face harassment or punishment upon their return.

It added that these returnees could use any border crossing and that the interim authorities would work directly with the Iraqi government to streamline procedures to facilitate their homecoming.

No timeline was provided for when their return might begin, Xinhua news agency reported.

More than 1,000 Syrian army personnel entered Iraq through the Qaim border crossing on December 7, a day before the overthrow of the former Syrian government by militant groups, Iraq's official news agency INA reported. The Iraqi side stressed that their presence is temporary until arrangements are made for their return to their country.

Authorities also reported a complicated flow of displaced people across the Lebanon-Syria border.

OCHA said that since December 8, Lebanese authorities recorded less than 10,000 Syrian refugees returning from Lebanon to Syria.

Meanwhile, the UN Refugee Agency reported that Lebanese authorities estimated around 30,000 displaced people returned as of Friday from Syria to Lebanon, including mostly Syrians but also Lebanese nationals, since the November 27 cessation of hostilities announcement for Lebanon.

The International Organisation for Migration reported a fluid situation with fluctuating movements continuing daily through both formal and informal border crossings. Humanitarians reported earlier that Syrian border officials abandoned their posts following the Damascus takeover.
Los Angeles, Dec 19 : Hollywood star Tom Holland has said that working with his girlfriend Zendaya has its own perks.

The actor appeared on a Christmas-themed episode of the 'Dish' podcast and was asked what it's like acting opposite his longtime girlfriend Zendaya, reports 'Variety'.

The two have starred in three 'Spider-Man' movies and will spend much of 2025 on film sets together as the stars of a fourth 'Spider-Man' movie and of Christopher Nolan's mysterious new film.

When asked about being Zendaya's co-star, he quipped, "Studios love it. One hotel room. Separate drivers. We're not crazy now. Listen it's work, alright?".

"Oh God, yeah. It's a saving grace. Yeah, best thing that's ever happened to me", he added on a more serious note. "It's just that perfect thing when you're on set and a director will give you a note that maybe you don't agree with, or I know that she doesn't particularly like, and it's just that, like, familiar glance at each other of like, can't wait to talk about that later".

As per 'Variety', Zendaya previously raved to Vanity Fair about working with Holland and said it's not weird to be scene partners together.

"It's actually strangely comfortable", Zendaya said. "It's like second nature, if anything. You feel extra safe with the person you're acting beside. I love working with him. He's so talented, and so passionate about what he does. He always gives things one thousand percent, even if he's absolutely worn down. I really appreciate that about him. It feels pretty normal. That's how we met. Literally, at a chemistry read".

Holland and Zendaya will be starring opposite Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron and more in Nolan's new movie, which is set to open in theaters on July 17, 2026 from Universal Pictures.

Holland told the 'Dish' hosts that he still hasn't seen the script for the movie.

"It's very hush-hush", Tom said. "He loosely pitched what it is. When he's ready, he'll announce what it is."

The actor previously told 'Good Morning America' that Nolan offering him a part "was the phone call of a lifetime". He added, "It was reminiscent of getting the call about 'Spider-Man' 10 years ago. It's an amazing thing for me. I'm super proud and I'm really, really excited".
Aden, Dec 19 : Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council called for international support to address pressing economic and humanitarian challenges in the war-torn country.

The council convened a meeting on Wednesday to assess Yemen's deteriorating conditions, during which it accused Houthi assaults on Yemen's oil infrastructure since 2022 of paralysing the country's oil exports, depriving some 70 per cent of its revenue, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Yemen's state-run Saba News Agency, citing a statement issued by the council after the meeting.

Appreciating the international community's consistent support for Yemen's government and people, the council said it "looks forward to urgent international support to implement the economic rescue plan and tackle the intertwined challenges posed by the ongoing Houthi escalation," it reported.

According to the statement, the economic rescue plan is a government initiative designed to mitigate the national budget deficit, manage price fluctuations, and address Yemen's worsening humanitarian situation.

The council also stressed "the importance of restoring state institutions and achieving sustainable development, stability, and peace, with the backing of the international community."

A military official from Yemen, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that fighting flared between Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters in the southern province of Lahj on Tuesday evening.

The Yemeni civil war, which erupted in late 2014 between the Houthi group and the internationally-recognised Yemeni government and has been persisting for a decade, has not only crippled the nation's infrastructure and economy but also led to one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, which, according to UN estimates, has claimed tens of thousands of lives and pushed millions to the brink of starvation.

However, as Yemen's conflict enters its second decade, the path to peace remains elusive, with domestic and regional dynamics continuing to play a crucial role in shaping the country's future.
New York, Dec 19 : India's Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and US officials met at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Centre in Houston to take stock of space cooperation between the two countries and discuss advancing their partnership.

While there on Wednesday, the teams from the two countries also met with Indian Astronauts Shubhanshu Shukla and Prashanth Nair, who are scheduled to fly on the Axios-4 mission to the International Space Station next year.

Ambassador Kwatra, who was accompanied by US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, met with representatives from the NASA and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the State Department said.

They also discussed plans to launch a jointly developed NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Earth Science (NISAR) satellite next year, the Department said.

Representatives from the private sector space industry met with them to explore strengthening commercial space sector cooperation, it added.

Kwatra said on X, "Had the opportunity to discuss India and US space cooperation including in human space flight programme and enhancing partnership between the two private sectors in the fields of innovation and technology."

Indian Air Force's Wing Commander Shukla will be the pilot for the mission operated by a private company, Axiom, in cooperation with NASA using rocket and spacecraft from Elon Musk's SpaceX to fly to the ISS.

Nair, who is also undergoing astronaut training, is on standby for the mission.

NISAR, which is scheduled for a March launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, "jointly built by ISRO and NASA, NISAR, aims to improve what we know and, potentially, help us prepare for and recover from natural and human-caused disasters", according to NASA.

It will be a powerful tool to study earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides, as well as damage to infrastructure as it samples the Earth's land and ice-covered surfaces twice every 12 days, it said.
Chennai, Dec 19 : The body of Mohammed Shahi, 33, who went missing on Tuesday night after the car he was driving plunged into the sea at Chennai Harbour, has been recovered.

Reports said his body was found about 100 metres from the site of the accident.

Shahi was working as a temporary chauffeur for a Coast Guard officer at the Chennai Port when he was tragically killed while reversing a Tavera vehicle at Jawahar Dock-5 on Tuesday night (December 17).

The car, carrying Coast Guard Officer Jagendra Kanda, suddenly lost control and fell into the sea.

Kanda managed to break the windshield, escape through the car window, and swim to safety, but he fainted soon after reaching the shore. He was sent to a hospital for treatment.

Tragically, Shahi remained trapped inside the vehicle as it sank to a depth of 85 feet. A rescue operation was launched immediately, involving over 30 Coast Guard personnel, 20 firefighters, scuba divers, and port police.

Although the rescue team recovered the submerged vehicle, they could not locate Shahi on Tuesday night due to poor visibility and challenging conditions. The search resumed on Wednesday but continued without success until Thursday morning when Coast Guard and Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue officials finally recovered Shahias body. The body has been sent for post-mortem.

On Wednesday, Shahias family arrived at the harbour and staged a protest demanding immediate action to locate him. Police officials spoke to the family to pacify them as search efforts continued.

Police said that Shahias body would be handed over to his family after the post-mortem examination at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.

Family members and social workers have urged Chennai Port Trust authorities to provide compensation to the deceasedas family.

The Harbour Police have registered a case, and a probe is underway. Police are also investigating whether the car's tire burst, causing Shahi to lose control of the vehicle.

Coast Guard officers have been deployed at Chennai Port for security measures.
Miss World Mongolia 2006 Selenge Erdene-Ochir, who represented her country in that years Miss World contest, appeared in a U.K. court accused of assaulting her husband twice in one day.

Miss World Mongolia 2006 Selenge Erdene-Ochir. Photo from Erdene-Ochir's website

The Daily Mail reports that the 37-year-old beauty queen appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court on Tuesday following her arrest. She faces charges of two separate assaults against her husband Robert Clay, which occurred on Oct. 30 in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The court was told that the alleged assaults included Erdene-Ochir punching Clay, with one incident reportedly resulting in injuries to his mouth.

Erdene-Ochir has denied the charges, contesting both counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Her defense, led by Jasvinder Toor, reaffirmed her denial of the accusations.

The judge has set the trial date for the week of April 20, 2026, and has allowed Erdene-Ochir to remain on conditional bail. He reminded her that the trial would proceed without her if she fails to attend.

In 2006, Erdene-Ochir made history as the first Mongolian contestant to reach the Miss World beauty contest finals. She was also the first Mongolian to compete and work for the fashion channel FTV.
Chennai, Dec 19 : Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson and senior leader ANS Prasad on Thursday slammed the Congress and its allies for indulging in propaganda against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his Parliament speech on B. R. Ambedkar.

Prasad attributed this to the frustration and desperation of the INDIA bloc.

In a statement, Prasad said Union Minister Shah's recent speech in Parliament underscored Dr Ambedkar's legacy, emphasising that invoking his name has become a hollow trend.

The Union Minister noted that merely repeating Ambedkar's name, akin to invoking God's name, would not guarantee salvation.

Genuine efforts to uphold the Constitution and ensure social justice are necessary, he added.

Prasad highlighted the repeal of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, as a monumental achievement that fulfilled Dr. Ambedkar's vision of a unified India.

He claimed this move had left the opposition reeling and disrupted their plans to divide the country.

Prasad lauded Home Minister Shah for introducing key legislative bills in Parliament aimed at promoting social justice, equality, and good governance. These include Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill.

He said these bills reflect the government's commitment to promoting social justice and equality while dismantling the Congress' "anti-Dalit policies."

Prasad emphasised that the BJP government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken significant steps to empower marginalised communities.

Initiatives like Swachh Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, and the strengthening of the SC/ST Act demonstrate this commitment.

Other notable measures include the Jal Jeevan Mission and Ujjwala Yojana, which have improved the lives of marginalised communities, Development of the Panchteerth, resolution of Chaitya Bhoomi land issues, and restoration of Ambedkar's residences in Delhi and London to honour his legacy.

Prasad also noted that in 2019, while celebrating the 70th anniversary of India's Constitution, PM Modi hailed the Constitution drafted by Ambedkar as India's "sacred book".

The BJP leader accused the Congress party of distorting history and engaging in manipulative strategies.

"Their actions are a testament to their desperation and lack of genuine commitment to the welfare of the people," he said.

He warned that such "deceitful" tactics would lead to the Congress party's downfall, as the Indian public demands honesty, integrity, and transparency from its leaders.

Prasad criticised the opposition for disrupting Parliament during the special session commemorating 75 years of Indiaas Constitution.

He described their actions as a "blatant disrespect" to the Constitution and Parliament, driven by electoral gains.

He also condemned the Trinamool Congress for issuing a breach of privilege notice against Union Minister Shah, calling it an example of "low-grade politics."

Prasad asserted that the Congress party and its allies, including the DMK, are engaged in a conspiracy to discredit Home Minister Shah and undermine the Modi government.

Despite their attempts, the BJP remains committed to its vision of a strong and unified India.

He expressed confidence in Union Minister Shah's leadership, guided by his belief in Indian culture and ethos, to continue driving the nation towards a brighter future.
Ankara, Dec 19 : Turkey and Lebanon have agreed to work together on Syrian issues following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"A new era has begun in Syria. As two key neighbors of Syria, we agree that we must act together," Erdogan said during a joint press conference on Wednesday with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

"The stability of Syria is crucial for the stability of the region," he added, emphasising that rebuilding war-torn Syria would be a top priority for both nations.

Erdogan noted that the Israeli attacks against Lebanon are not new, and the country has been exposed to similar attacks in the past years, Xinhua news agency reported.

Erdogan added that Turkey will stand by Lebanon's side against Israel's attacks, emphasising the need for Israel to commit to the ceasefire agreement.

Mikati, for his part, thanked Erdogan for his country's support for Lebanon during its war with Israel in recent months.

He condemned Israel for exploiting Syria's political upheaval and expanding its occupation of Syrian lands, emphasising that pressure should be exerted on Israel to stop this.

Mikati, heading a Lebanese delegation, arrived in Turkey on Wednesday to discuss with Erdogan and Turkish officials the latest developments in the region and bilateral ties.
United Nations, Dec 19 : The situation in Vanuatu remains concerning after a massive earthquake struck the country, and the government has requested international assistance to help respond, a UN spokesperson said.

The government of Vanuatu has declared a state of emergency for seven days following Tuesday's 7.3-magnitude earthquake. At least 14 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 200 injured. Authorities anticipated the toll will rise, Xinhua news agency reported.

To complement the national response, the government has requested international assistance, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, told reporters.

According to local authorities, damage inflicted by the quake is extensive, including hospitals, residential and public buildings, roads, water reservoirs and gas pipes.

Villages near Efate have also experienced landslides. Communications in many areas have been cut off.

Operations at Port Vila International Airport in the capital city are experiencing delays due to damage to its terminal building and road network while the runway is functioning, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported. The airport remains closed to all commercial services.

Access to the seaport is also disrupted by a landslide, limiting the transport of essential supplies and personnel.

The United Nations and partners are mobilising resources to respond, OCHA said. It is deploying response teams, including a UN disaster assessment and coordination team, in the quake-hit region.

UN humanitarians said that immediate needs include medical supplies and repair to medical structures, mobile medical teams, search and rescue teams with heavy machinery for clearing, as well as safe drinking water.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : India's energy storage capacity is expected to shoot up 12-fold to around 60 GW by 2031-32 which would play a key role in stabilising the power grid as the country transitions to renewable energy, according to an SBI Research report.

The country's energy storage landscape is evolving rapidly, with the proportion of renewable energy (RE) projects incorporating storage solutions recording a significant increase from 5 per cent in FY20 to 23 per cent in FY24, the report said.

This will surpass the growth anticipated for renewable energy sources themselves.

The share of variable renewable energy (VRE) in power generation is expected to triple by 2031-32 which could destabilise the grid. The challenge lies in the inherent mismatch between the generation of VRE and peak power demand. This mismatch often leads to grid instability, surplus energy during peak production hours, and continued reliance on fossil fuels during non-solar periods.

The integration of Energy Storage Systems (ESS), is crucial in managing this transition and ensuring stability. ESS provides a solution by storing excess renewable energy during high production times and releasing it when demand peaks.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) are expected to dominate the energy storage market, with BESS, in particular, emerging as the dominant technology due to its locational flexibility, rapid response time, and improvements in technology that are further reducing costs, the report points out.

While PSPs are facing challenges such as long development periods and the risk of stranded assets, their low operational costs and ability to generate reactive power make them an important tool for grid stability.

The funding potential for the BESS ecosystem is significant, with a projected a3.5 lakh crore opportunity until FY32, fuelled by a combination of project-level investments and upstream manufacturing growth, the report said.

Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), though facing a slower growth trajectory due to their long gestation periods, are still expected to contribute Rs. 1.2 lakh crore in investment by FY32, it added.

This will help India reduce its dependence on imports and strengthen its battery ecosystem. Major players are already investing heavily in battery manufacturing and component production, with approximately 120 GWh of cell capacities announced, though more investment will be required to meet projected demand, the SBI report highlighted.

Currently, around 80 per cent of BESS costs are attributed to battery cells and related components, with most of these sourced from China.
Bengaluru, Dec 19 : India's tech startup ecosystem garnered $11.3 billion in funding in 2024, a 6 per cent increase from $10.7 billion in 2023, according to a report on Thursday.

In the second half (H2) of 2024, the tech startups received $5.32 billion across 540 funding rounds, a growth of 8 per cent from H2 2023 where $4.92 billion was raised across 890 rounds, according to Tracxn data.

India ranked third in funding, behind only the US and the UK, and ahead of China and Germany.

"The report highlights a year of resilience and recalibration for the Indian startup ecosystem reflected in the modest increase in funding compared to 2023," said Neha Singh, Co-Founder of Tracxn.

While funding patterns have evolved towards fewer, larger rounds, the emergence of six unicorns, significant IPO activity, and sectoral growth in gig economy, retail and enterprise applications demonstrate the ecosystem's ability to adapt and innovate amidst global challenges making India an international hub for entrepreneurial excellence and innovation, Singh added.

India's tech ecosystem witnessed the emergence of six unicorns in 2024, marking a 200 per cent increase compared to 2 unicorns in 2023.

2024 also saw strong backing from top investors, with Accel, Blume Ventures and Peak XV Partners being the top VCs in the India Tech ecosystem.

In the seed stage, Venture Catalysts, Z Nation Lab and Blume Ventures led the way as the top investors, while Accel, Peak XV Partners and Elevation Capital dominated the early stage and SoftBank Vision Fund, Creaegis and Avataar Ventures emerged as the most active in the late stage, the report mentioned.

In terms of city-wise funding, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurugram emerged as the top three funded cities. Bengaluru-based tech firms accounted for 30.28 per cent of all funding seen by tech companies across India. This was followed by Mumbai at a close second at 27.07 per cent.

Gig economy, retail and enterprise applications stood out as top-performing sectors. Quick commerce emerged as a high-growth sector, with 40 active companies, including Zepto (Unicorn), Dunzo (Soonicorn), and Swish and Farmako (Minicorns).

The healthtech sector demonstrated robust growth in 2024, with over 7,000 active companies collectively raising $1 billion -- a remarkable 133 per cent increase from $438.2 million in 2023, said the report.
Gaza, Dec. 18 : At least 16 Palestinians were killed by Israeli bombings in northern Gaza, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.

At least 10 people were killed on Wednesday night and some others injured when the Israeli aircraft bombed the house of the Al-Najjar family in the town of Jabalia, WAFA said.

Six more people were killed due to Israeli bombing on the house of the Al-Zaytouniya family near the Al-Tabi'in School in the Al-Daraj neighborhood, east of Gaza City, it added.

The Israeli army has not commented on these incidents, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, at least 24 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids across the Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said.

Israeli warplanes bombed a house in Beit Hanoun town in northern Gaza on Wednesday, according to Palestinian security sources.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for Civil Defence in Gaza, told Xinhua that four people were killed in the strike, including two women, and several others are still missing under the rubble.

In a separate incident in northern Gaza, two more were killed and another seriously injured when an Israeli drone targeted a gathering of Palestinians in the Jabalia area, according to Basal.

In addition, a brief statement issued by Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza said that a paramedic was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a building in the town of Beit Lahia at dawn

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 45,097, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Wednesday.
Seoul, Dec 19 : The South Korea's Constitutional Court is set to hold the first plenary meeting of its justices on Thursday since receiving the National Assembly's impeachment case against President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The Council of Justices, which is held regularly and attended by all justices to discuss pending cases, is expected to deal with the details of Yoon's upcoming trial following the National Assembly's Saturday vote to impeach him over his short-lived martial law decree on December 3.

The court has sent the necessary papers to Yoon in person and via mail, requiring him to submit a written response within seven days, but their delivery has been delayed due to a lack of cooperation from the Presidential security service.

A court spokesperson told reporters on Wednesday the justices will decide how to proceed in the absence of confirmation that Yoon has received the papers, Yonhap news agency reported.

On December 14, the National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched imposition of martial law, suspending him from his duties until the Constitutional Court decides whether to reinstate him or remove him from office, with citizens cheering over his impeachment.

The impeachment motion against Yoon passed 204-85, with three abstentions and eight invalid ballots, after all 300 members of the Assembly cast their votes.

The motion's passage came 11 days after Yoon declared martial law in an announcement that caught the nation by surprise and drew outrage, as troops encircled the National Assembly compound in an apparent attempt to stop lawmakers from repealing the decree.

The martial law order, which was lifted within six hours after the Assembly voted it down, has prompted investigations by the police, the prosecution and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials into whether Yoon staged an insurrection. He is currently banned from leaving the country.

The court has up to 180 days to decide whether to uphold or dismiss Yoon's impeachment, a decision that will unseat or reinstate him, respectively.
Seoul, Dec 19 : South Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo on Thursday demanded that the National Assembly reconsider six contentious Bills passed by the main Opposition Democratic Party.

A motion demanding reconsideration of the four agricultural Bills and two Parliament-related Acts passed by the Opposition last month was approved during an extraordinary Cabinet meeting presided over by Han earlier in the day.

Han is expected to endorse the motion that would mark his first use of presidential powers since assuming interim leadership after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and suspended from office over a failed martial law bid.

One of the key Bills is the Grain Management Act, which mandates the government purchase of surplus rice to stabilise prices during market fluctuations. A similar Bill was vetoed by Yoon in March 2023 and subsequently scrapped in a re-vote.

Other Bills include the National Assembly Act, aimed at preventing the automatic submission of the government budget to the plenary session after the legal deadline, and the National Assembly Testimony Appraisal Act, which would require companies to submit requested data to lawmakers, Yonhap news agency reported.

The government and the ruling People Power Party have opposed the Bills, citing concerns about the financial burden of the mandatory rice purchase and potential risks of trade data leaks during parliamentary testimonies.

In contrast, the main Opposition Democratic Party urged the interim leader to exercise restraint and maintain the status quo.

Han assumed the role of acting president after Yoon was impeached Saturday over his short-lived martial law declaration on December 3.

A similar Bill was vetoed by President Yoon Suk Yeol in March 2023 and was scrapped in a revote.

The National Assembly Act seeks to prevent the automatic submission of the following year's government budget to the plenary session after the legal deadline, while the testimony appraisal Act would make it mandatory for companies to submit data requested by lawmakers.

The ruling People Power Party has opposed the Bills, expressing concerns about the financial burden of the mandatory rice purchase and potential risks of trade data leaks during parliamentary testimonies.

The Acting President also faces a critical decision on whether to veto two Opposition-led Bills mandating special probes into Yoon's short-lived martial law declaration on December 3 and allegations against First Lady Kim Keon Hee.
Guwahati, Dec 19 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that the state government has created sub-districts in Assam to empower small-scale administrative units to deliver public services.

Taking to X, he wrote, "In Assam, we have implemented the sub-districts initiative to empower small-scale administrative units to deliver public services and solve their grievances effectively."

"Together with other interventions, our govt is committed to ensuring Good governance through our actions," he added.

The CM further said, "Today marks the beginning of the #GoodGovernanceWeek2024, a week to mark the people-centric initiatives of the Govt. Commemorated to mark Atal ji's jayanti, this year we are taking the theme of 'Prashasan Gao ki Ore' to focus on improving service delivery in rural areas."

Notably, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended an insightful presentation on the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project on Wednesday during his four-day visit to Bhutan.

The presentation provided valuable insights into the objectives and framework of the project. Representatives from Druk Holding and Investments Limited highlighted their ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering environmental sustainability alongside economic development.

The presentation also showcased Bhutan's energy projects, focusing on their potential to fortify the shared interests of Assam and Bhutan.

Sarma invited the participating dignitaries and entrepreneurs to attend the upcoming investor summitAdvantage Assam, which is dedicated to infrastructure and investment opportunities.

Following the presentation, Sarma attended a lunch hosted by Dr Lotay Tshering, Governor of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project.

Later, the Chief Minister, accompanied by his spouse Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, met with the revered spiritual leader Sadhguru at India House in Thimphu. They engaged in a discussion on various spiritual matters, which Dr Sarma described as a profoundly enriching experience. Bhutan's Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and his wife Tashi Doma, as well as India's Ambassador to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela, and his wife Namrata Dalela, were also present during the discussion.
Nagpur, Dec 19 : The Maharashtra Opposition on Thursday staged a noisy protest at the entrance of the Vidhan Bhavan here against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly insulting Dr BR Ambedkar.

The Opposition legislators paid homage to BR Ambedkar at the Constitution Chowk and took out a morcha from there to Vidhan Bhavan where they raised slogans like "Jai Bhim, Jai Bhim" and "Ambedkar, Ambedkar."

The Opposition was furious over HM Shah's remarks on Tuesday in Rajya Sabha that Congress leaders would have got a place in heaven had they chanted the name of God rather than following the "fashion of repeating Ambedkar's name."

Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator, Aaditya Thackeray led a scathing attack against HM Shah saying that he has not only insulted BR Ambedkar but also the Constitution and the people of the country.

"Will Ramdas Athawale, N Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar remain with the BJP on this? They should make their stand clear. Will many legislators who claim themselves to be pro-Ambedkar, now resign?" he asked. He further said that these MahaYuti legislators should quit.

Aaditya claimed that HM Shah's statement shows the BJP's anger against the Constitution.

"BJP MLAs and Amit Shah will not tender an apology," he said and added that there is a nationwide protest being organised against HM Shah's statement.

Congress legislator Vishwajeet Kadam said that they would not tolerate an insult to BR Ambedkar.

Earlier, HM Shah had stated that his words were twisted while accusing the Congress of being anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitution.

The Opposition on Thursday put up a show of strength in the premises of Vidhan Bhavan at a time when the MahaYuti legislators comprising Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were sitting for a group photograph.

The MahaYuti legislators countered by raising slogans like 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai', 'Babasaheb Ambedkar Yana Pranam'.

Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had criticised Amit Shah's statement demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should either take action against the Home Minister or leave power.
A former security guard at a Singaporean security company was fined after abandoning post and forgetting to remove a fake bomb, previously installed for drill exercises.

Durendran Vicknesh Venkatraman, 46, former part-time employee at security firm One Imperial Security, was fined S$1,800 (US$1,332) on Tuesday. He previously pleaded guilty of abandoning his post at the Sing Industrial Complex back in January, where a security exercise took place, CNA reported.

Durendrans shift at the site was from 8 p.m. Jan. 4 to 8 a.m. the next day. However, at around 11:20 p.m. of Jan. 4, he abandoned his post to meet and drink was friends without informing anyone, The Straits Times reported.

At around 4:25 a.m. on Jan. 5, two security consultants were sent by One Imperial Security to the site to perform a security exercise involving a simulated attack to test security measures. When they arrived, they could not find Durendran and the main gates were open. They called Durendran, who lied and said he was out buying food.

A consultant then placed a fake bomb in a brown paper bag near the guardhouse, before leaving at 5 a.m. after Durendran did not return. The consultants then told the company that the exercise was canceled, as the security officer stationed at the site could not be found.

Durendran returned to the site minutes later. The consultants called him to instruct him on how to dispose of the fake bomb, but Durendran forgot. He then falsely wrote in the guard duty notebook that he had been inside the guardhouse for the entire shift.

The next security guard who took over the shift found the fake bomb and called the police. Officers were dispatched and over 100 people were evacuated and prevented from leaving the site. A bomb investigation took 90 minutes.
Vijayawada, Dec 19 : A leopard was found dead in a village in Andhra Pradesh's Krishna district after being caught in a trap set up for wild pigs to protect crops.

Vijayawada, Dec 19 (IANS) A leopard was found dead in a village in Andhra Pradeshas Krishna district after being caught in a trap set up for wild pigs to protect crops.

The incident occurred in Metlapalli village of Gannavaram mandal in Krishna district, near Vijayawada.

A farmer had first spotted the leopardas movements over a month ago. However, his fellow farmers dismissed it as a misunderstanding.

The leopard was caught in a trap set up for wild pigs to protect crops. The animal succumbed to its injuries.

After getting the information, police and forest officials reached the village and began an investigation. They suspect the leopard was caught in the trap late on Wednesday night. The farmers found the dead leopard on Thursday morning.

Following the incident, villagers demanded the authorities to take all necessary steps to protect them from wild animals.

In the continuing human-animal conflict, leopard sightings are being reported from various parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Last week, a leopard attacked a herd of sheep and killed one near the forest area in Annamayya district. The incident triggered panic among people in Avulapalle village and surrounding hamlets of Madanapalle mandal.

The sheep rearers told the forest officials that nearly six sheep had gone missing from these villages over the last few days.

In October, a 9-year-old male leopard was found dead under suspicious circumstances in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) in the Nallamala forest, Amaragiri, Kolhapur range of Nagarkurnool district.

In September, a leopard was seen on the prowl in the Diwancheruvu West Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Rajamahendravaram. The lone leopard was first sighted in the CCTV camera, near the All India Radio (AIR) station. It was seen moving through the residential areas and fields of various commercial crops that adjoin the reserve forest.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's counterattack on the Congress over the Ambedkar row, BJP President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday accused the party of longstanding neglect and disdain for Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.

Through a series of pointed remarks on X, Nadda highlighted the Congress' failures and the BJP-led government's efforts to honour Ambedkar's legacy.

"Since yesterday, Congress and its ROTTEN eco-system have been EXPOSED by all those who believe in truth, democracy, and social justice," Nadda remarked on X, adding, "I thought of sharing some facts to illustrate the deep CONGRESS HATE towards Dr Ambedkar."

Nadda alleged that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, harbored "unfiltered hate" for Ambedkar. "That is why Pandit Nehru got Dr Ambedkar defeated TWICE. He even wrote proudly to people overseas, expressing joy that respected Babasaheb was no longer in the Cabinet," he stated.

The BJP President underlined his party's dedication to preserving Ambedkar's legacy. He lashed out at the Congress for failing to convert 26, Alipur Road, where Ambedkar passed away, into a fitting memorial. "It was our NDA Government which had the honour of developing 26, Alipur Road into an iconic place. This picture speaks for itself!" Nadda declared sharing a picture of PM Modi at Alipur Road.

Referring to Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai, a revered site for Ambedkar's followers, Nadda said, "For decades, self-proclaimed custodians of social justice in Congress made empty promises. In 2015, we ensured the land transfer was done. It is PM Modi who prayed there twice in recent years."

Nadda also drew attention to the delayed completion of the Dr Ambedkar International Centre at 15, Janpath. "Congress left this work incomplete. Finally, in 2017, the centre was inaugurated by PM Modi," he said.

He pointed out the Congress' neglect of a residence in London where Ambedkar had lived. "During PM Modi's 2015 UK visit, he ensured the place was acquired by the Maharashtra Government," he said.

The Union Minister also slammed Sam Pitroda, chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress for claiming that Jawaharlal Nehru contributed more to the Constitution than Dr Ambedkar. "The most loyal courtier of the Dynasty spelt out what the Congress really thinks of Dr Ambedkar  that he had no role in the making of our Constitution," he said.

The BJP leader also took a dig at the Congress' electoral performances in recent elections. "In June, you LOST the Lok Sabha polls for the third consecutive time. In October, you LOST in Haryana. In November, you LOST BADLY in Maharashtra. At least now stop lyingbecause your lies will not go unchecked. The truth will always win Jai Bhim!" he declared.

The Congress party has demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing him of disrespecting Babasaheb Ambedkar. Home Minister Amit Shah has however held the Congress responsible for 'distorting and twisting' his Rajya Sabha speech to gain political mileage.
Seoul, Dec 19 : At least 100 North Korean troops dispatched to Russia for combat in Ukraine were killed and the number of injured North Korean troops was estimated to reach some 1,000, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers Thursday.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) shared the assessment during a closed-door briefing to the parliamentary intelligence committee, Rep. Lee Seong-kweun of the ruling People Power Party told reporters.

Some of the estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers deployed in the Kursk border region were sent into actual combat, according to the NIS.

"At least 100 people have been killed in this process, and the number of injured is likely to reach 1,000," the agency said, noting that generals were likely included among the casualties, Yonhap news agency reported.

The NIS attributed the high number of casualties to the fact that North Korean troops are being 'consumed' as front-line storm troopers in 'unfamiliar battlefields' due to their lack of experience with drones.

Russia's military has complained that the North Korean soldiers are a 'burden' because of their 'ignorance' of drones, it added.

The agency also said it detected signs North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is planning to inspect the training of a special operation force, which could be dispatched to Ukraine.

"No signs of imminent provocations" from North Korean against the South were detected following President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched attempt at martial law and impeachment, it added.

The agency further noted the North is maintaining a 'low-key' stance on the rapidly changing developments in the South regarding Yoon's impeachment.

North Korean troops suffered 'several hundred casualties' in battle with Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, Reuters reported Tuesday (US time), citing a US military official.

Earlier on December 16, some 200 Russian and North Korean soldiers were estimated were killed while fighting in combined units against Ukrainian forces, Kyiv's intelligence authorities said, without specifying the number of casualties for each side.
Seoul, Dec 19 : South Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo held phone talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday and agreed to continue trilateral security cooperation with the United States to cope with the deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia, officials said.

Han held the phone conversation with Ishiba after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by the National Assembly last Saturday over his short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3.

The two sides agreed to work together to stably maintain and develop bilateral ties and closely communicate to prepare for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of normalising diplomatic ties next year, Han's office said.

"The two sides agreed on the need to continue close cooperation between South Korea and Japan, as well as among South Korea, the United States and Japan, in the face of the North Korean nuclear threat and the deepening collaboration between Russia and North Korea," the office said in a release, Yonhap news agency reported.

Han also assured Ishiba that all state affairs will be run strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law and vowed to conduct diplomacy and security policies without delay, it said.

Earlier on December 16, the Ukrainian military has released photos and footage of what appear to be dozens of North Korean soldiers killed along with Russian troops in Russia's western Kursk border region.

Earlier, South Korea and the US have accused North Korea of sending thousands of soldiers to Russia, with some of them engaging in combat in the western Kursk border region.

Last month, it was reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a meeting with Russia's visiting Defence Minister and expressed his support for Russia's war efforts against Ukraine. In the meeting, Kim Jong-un condemned the US and the West for permitting Ukraine to use supplied long-range missiles for strikes against Russia, calling the move a 'direct' military intervention.

According to the Pyongyang's state media Kim had a "friendly and trustworthy" meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov on November 29 amid reports of North Korea sending thousands of its troops to Russia in support of Moscow's war against Ukraine.
Chennai, Dec 19 : The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu announced statewide protests on Thursday condemning Union Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly insulting Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. Leaders of the DMK, an ally of the INDIA bloc, declared that the protests would take place across the state.

Earlier, Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin criticised the BJP  without directly naming Amit Shah  stating that those who genuinely care about the country and its people would acknowledge Dr Ambedkar's contributions.

Stalin also questioned the silence of Opposition leader and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on the issue.

In a statement posted on his social media handle late on Wednesday night, CM Stalin accused EPS of ignoring the matter, implying that he was keen to revive electoral ties with the BJP.

Tamil superstar Vijay, who recently launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, also criticised Amit Shah's remarks about Dr Ambedkar. In a social media post on Wednesday, Vijay expressed outrage, suggesting that some individuals appear to be "allergic" to Dr Ambedkar's name.

Vijay praised Dr Ambedkar as an "incomparable political and intellectual personality" who symbolises freedom and justice for all Indian citizens.

He emphasised Dr Ambedkar's enduring legacy as a beacon of hope for the marginalised communities and a symbol of resistance against social injustice. "Ambedkar Ambedkar Ambedkar Let us keep chanting his name with joy in our hearts," Vijay declared.

Notably, Vijay had earlier highlighted Dr Ambedkar as one of the ideological mentors of the TVK during his party's first rally in Vikravandi, northern Tamil Nadu.

This region, known for its significant Dalit population, is a stronghold of Thol. Thirumavalavan's Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), formerly known as the Dalit Panthers of India.

Vijay's newly-launched party appears to be focusing on Dalit voters, leveraging his popularity among the marginalised communities, which stems from the socially relevant roles he portrayed in his film career.

According to the 2011 Census, Dalits constitute around 20 per cent of Tamil Nadu's population. Activists estimate that this figure may have risen by approximately 6 per cent in recent years.
Srinagar, Dec 19, : Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone has condemned the removal of a chapter based on the life of Kashmiri saint Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali from Class 9 textbooks by Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE), a JKPC statement said on Thursday.

Calling it "pure cultural terrorism" and "an assault on our culture and ethos," Lone stated that Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali has been revered by all Kashmiris, irrespective of religion and is held in the "highest esteem."

He emphasised that in these times, "smudged with violence, greed and hatred," the great saint's life serves as a "beacon of hope and a role model for emulation."

"Our great saint and his saintly ways were etched in our hearts and minds much before BOSE came into existence," Lone remarked.

Urging for introspection, he strongly condemned the decision, reaffirming that the teachings and legacy of Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali are an inseparable part of Kashmir's cultural and spiritual identity.

Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali, also known as Nund Rishi, was a Kashmiri Sufi saint, mystic, and poet. He was one of the founders of the Rishi order in Kashmir. Among Muslims, he is also known as Sheikh-Ul-Alam (meaning spiritual guide of the world) and Alamdar-e-Kashmir (meaning flag-bearer of Kashmir); while among Hindus, he is referred to as Nund Lal and Sahajananda. His works and teachings have influenced many spiritual teachers and saints.

Born in Kulgam in 1377, Noor-ud-Din renounced worldly life at the age of 30 and retired to a life of meditation. The cave where he dwelt is in Qaimoh, a town in Kulgam in southern Kashmir. The cave lies about 10 feet deep. The airport in Srinagar is named after him.

Noor-ud-Din's teachings and messages are spread through poems called 'shruks'. His poems typically have four to six lines each and revolve around themes that highlight moral principles and often call for peace. He strove for unity between Hindus and Muslims. He is said to have died in 1438 in Charar-i-Sharief.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Australia fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood said the calf injury that has ended his participation in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy feels like a pretty random one, and stated he wishes to be fit in time for next year's tour of Sri Lanka.

New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS) Australia fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood said the calf injury that has ended his participation in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy feels like a pretty random one, and stated he wishes to be fit in time for next yearas tour of Sri Lanka.

After missing the Adelaide Test due to a side strain, Hazlewood returned for the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane but picked up a calf strain ahead of day fouras play. He bowled just one over before going for scans, which confirmed his series-ending injury.

aJust frustrating really. Ticked every box heading into the Test; I can understand if it's my side again and a little bit underdone, but it's just a random calf strain. Obviously (we'll) do a deep dive into it and see what we can come up with, but it feels a pretty random sort of injury," said Hazlewood to Channel Seven on Thursday.

Between 2021 and 2023, Hazlewood has played just four Tests in a two-year period, largely due to injuries a" either side strain or achilles. With him being forced on the sidelines again, Hazlewood talked about how frustrating itas for him to miss big matches in the last few years.

"I've had a little history of sides and calves; they are probably the two things that have kept me out for the majority of the last four years, but I (can) sort of just keep adding another layer to the defence hopefully and get back in the gym.

aI've ticked a lot of boxes in the last 12 months, and it's just the timing again - they are only little two or three-week injuries, it's just the timing of it and missing big games, so that's probably the frustrating thing."

Australia will tour Sri Lanka for two Tests in February next year, and Hazlewood is hopeful of being a part of it. "That's probably the goal. So just take it as it comes next few weeks no real rush to get anything in a hurry, it's just (about) getting everything right. Probably taking a few extra days here and there and ticking things off and getting everything right."
New Delhi, Dec 19 : The country's ultra-high net worth individual (UHNI) count reached 13,600 in 2024, marking a 6 per cent annual growth, and is projected to soar by 50 per cent by 2028, far outpacing the global growth average of 30 per cent, a report showed on Thursday.

While India's UHNI population grew by 6 per cent in 2024, China's grew by just 2 per cent, signalling India's rising economic prominence, according to the report by Anarock Group.

India ranks sixth globally in UHNI population and third in Asia, trailing only China and Japan.

About 10 per cent of UHNIs secured alternate citizenships in 2024, favouring Portugal, Malta and the UAE for their global mobility and tax benefits.

"Approximately 14 per cent of UHNIs own properties abroad, with Dubai, London and Singapore as the primary hotspots. The average international property investment exceeded Rs 12 crore ($1.44 million) in 2024," said Prashant Thakur, Regional Director and Head, Research, Anarock Group.

Also, nearly 25 per cent of Indian UHNIs are diversifying abroad, prioritising assets in North America and Europe. Over 40 per cent of UHNIs have established family offices to manage wealth, succession planning and philanthropy.

UHNIs in India spend an average of Rs 6 crore ($720,000) annually on bespoke vacations, luxury cruises, and curated experiences.

"Indian UHNIs donated over Rs 60,000 crore ($7.2 billion) in 2024, prioritising education, healthcare, and sustainability," the report mentioned.

Moreover, India is home to over 850,000 high net worth individual (HNIs), and this is projected to double to 1.65 million by 2027, according to Anarock Group.

"Interestingly, 20 per cent of these millionaires are under 40, signalling the growing influence of young wealth creators," said Dr Prashant Thakur, Regional Director and Head, Research, ANAROCK Group.

More than 37 per cent of Indian HNIs purchased a high-end vehicle in 2024, driving record sales for brands like Lamborghini, Porsche, and Rolls Royce.

Over 15 per cent of India's HNIs are under 30, driven by start-up unicorns, IPOs, and tech-driven ventures. This number is expected to rise to 25 per cent by 2030, as younger entrepreneurs redefine wealth creation, said the report.
Seoul, Dec 19 : South Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo on Thursday vetoed six contentious bills, marking his first use of the Presidential power since assuming interim leadership after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and suspended from office over a failed martial law bid.

Han endorsed a motion demanding reconsideration of the four agricultural bills and two parliament-related acts passed by the main opposition Democratic Party last month, which was approved during an extraordinary Cabinet meeting led by him earlier in the day.

"My heart feels heavy as I request the National Assembly to reconsider the six bills at this critical time when cooperation between the government and political parties is more essential than ever," Han said.

"However, the government cannot avoid making a responsible decision that prioritises the spirit of the Constitution and the nation's future," he added.

One of the key bills is the Grain Management Act, which mandates the government purchase of surplus rice to stabilise prices during market fluctuations. A similar bill was vetoed by Yoon in March 2023 and subsequently scrapped in a revote.

Other bills include the National Assembly Act, aimed at preventing the automatic submission of the government budget to the plenary session after the legal deadline, and the National Assembly Testimony Appraisal Act, which would require companies to submit requested data to lawmakers.

Han explained the agricultural bills would distort the market system and lead to a supply glut in rice and cause 'massive financial burdens' on the government, Yonhap news agency reported.

He also said the proposed amendment to the National Assembly Act removes 'a minimum standard' that parliament must follow for the timely execution of the national budget, which could ultimately disadvantage the public.

On the amendment to the testimony and appraisal act, Han said mandatory data submission to lawmakers under any circumstances raises concerns about infringements upon privacy rights and potential risks to core technologies and trade secrets.

The government and the ruling People Power Party have opposed the bills, citing concerns about the financial burden of the mandatory rice purchase and potential risks of trade data leaks during parliamentary testimonies.

In contrast, the main opposition Democratic Party urged the interim leader to exercise restraint and maintain the status quo.

Han assumed the role of acting President after Yoon was impeached Saturday over his short-lived martial law declaration on December 3.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Global automaker Range Rover on Thursday announced the start of sales for the 2025 'Made in India' Range Rover Sport in the country.

The '2025 Range Rover Sport'  the first made-in-India vehicle exclusively for the country is now available in smooth and powerful 3.0l Petrol Dynamic HSE and 3.0l Diesel Dynamic HSE variants, the Tata Motors Group company said in a statement.

The pricing of the New Range Rover Sport now starts at Rs 1.45 crore, ex-showroom, and is available in five colour options - Fuji White, Santorini Black, Giola Green, Varesine Blue and Charente Grey.

Available in 3.0l Petrol Dynamic HSE and 3.0l Diesel Dynamic HSE variants, the Range Rover Sport is built on the state-of-the-art MLA-Flex platform, offering next-level capability, performance and handling, as well as greater efficiency.

"With the introduction of new features such as perforated semi-aniline leather seats, massage front seats and head-up display, our discerning clients will get an elevated experience of comfort and technology in Range Rover Sport," said Rajan Amba, Managing Director, JLR India.

The 13.1inch curved touchscreen for Pivi Pro infotainment is complemented by intuitive 13.7inch Interactive Driver Display, with 'Software Over The Air' as well as 'Head-Up Display.'

The 2025 Range Rover Sport offers semi-aniline leather seats, renowned for their exceptional quality and tactility.

In September, Tata Motors held the groundbreaking ceremony of its new Rs 9,000 crore facility in Tamil Nadu that will manufacture and export next-gen vehicles for Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

Situated at Panapakkam in Ranipet district, the plant will cater to both domestic and international markets, while creating over 5,000 jobs. Tata Motors Group intends to invest Rs 9,000 crore in this greenfield manufacturing facility, which has been designed for an annual production capacity of over 250,000 vehicles.

Production will begin in a phased manner and progressively increase to reach this capacity over the next 5-7 years.

In May this year, Tata Motors-owned JLR said it plans to start assembling the flagship Range Rover model, along with Range Rover Sport, in India for the first time, significantly bringing down the prices.

The company's Pune plant currently assembles the Range Rover Velar, Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar F-PACE, and Discovery Sport models.
The Da Nang Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs announced on Tuesday that the top Tet bonus among 135 surveyed businesses in the city is lower than the record of VND1.432 billion in 2022 and VND1 billion in 2023.

The holiday starts in late January 2025.

The bonus is around 466 times higher than the top New Year bonus of VND1.5 million.

Foreign-invested businesses reported the highest New Year bonus at VND223.1 million and the second-highest Tet bonus at VND475.5 million.

As of Tuesday, nine localities in Vietnam have revealed their Tet bonus figures for 2025. Da Nang, often regarded as Vietnam's third most significant city, after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, currently leads with the highest bonus, followed by Long An at VND519 million.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have yet to announce their Tet bonuses.
Mumbai, Dec 19 : Actress Pooja Hegde has begun another shooting schedule for the highly anticipated film "Thalapathy 69" in Chennai.

Mumbai, Dec 19 (IANS) Actress Pooja Hegde has begun another shooting schedule for the highly anticipated film "Thalapathy 69" in Chennai.

She shared her excitement with fans through a post on social media. Posting a serene view from the set, Pooja captioned the picture, "Chennai Mornings Day 16," revealing her early 6:30 a.m. start to the day.

"Thalapathy 69" marks Hegde's first onscreen collaboration with Vijay. The forthcoming film is a significant milestone in Vijay's celebrated career. Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by Venkat K. Narayana under the KVN Productions banner, the film is set to be a grand tribute to Vijay's legacy.

The film stars Vijay, Pooja Hegde, and Bobby Deol in lead roles, alongside Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain, Priyamani, Mamitha Baiju, Monisha Blessy, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. It is expected to be Vijay's final film before his entry into politics and the studio's first Tamil production.

According to reports, a source close to the project revealed that Vijay will play a suspended police officer who regains his power for a special mission.

"Thalapathy 69" is scheduled for worldwide release in October 2025 across multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi in theatres.

The film commenced with a traditional puja ceremony on October 4. The makers shared pictures of the cast and crew, captioning, "Pictures layum seri adha paathutu iruka unga face layum seri Happy Smiles irukunu we know #Thalapathy69Poojai stills SET 1 idhoo. Updates inum mudiyala.. SET 2 incoming" (Translation: "I know there are happy smiles by adding pictures and looking at your boss. Updates are still not complete... Set 2 Incoming").

In addition to "Thalapathy 69," Pooja Hegde also has the action-drama "Deva," co-starring Shahid Kapoor. The film is set for release on January 31, 2025. The actress also stars in "Suriya 44," an untitled film alongside superstar Suriya, as well as the romantic comedy "Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai."
Belagavi : , Dec 19 (IANS) The legislators of the ruling Congress party staged a protest by holding pictures of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Legislative Assembly in Belagavi on Thursday, condemning the statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Babasaheb in the Lok Sabha.

The ruling party members led by the Magadi MLA H.C. Balakrishna interrupted the House while Minister for Health Dinesh Gundu Rao was giving an answer to the House over the supply of sub-standard and spurious drugs and medicines.

The House was also scheduled to discuss the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case today.

Balakrishna demanded that a resolution needs to be passed in the House over alleged remarks against Dr Ambedkar.

The Congress MLAs took out posters of Ambedkar and started raising slogans of "Ambedkar zindabad". They claimed that Amit Shah had insulted Dr Ambedkar in his remarks in the Lok Sabha.

Opposing the move by the Congress MLAs, the BJP and JD(S) MLAs slammed them and claimed that they were twisting the remarks by Amit Shah.

When the House turned chaotic, Speaker U.T. Khader adjourned it.

The Congress MLAs in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah continued "Ambedkar Zindabad" slogans in the House. Later, they placed posters on their respective desks and went out.

Meanwhile, Deputy CM and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar stated near the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi on Thursday that, "Who else can advocate for Ambedkar and the Constitution if not for us? Ambedkar gave us the Constitution, and it is our duty to honour him. We all believe in Basavanna's principle of 'Kayakave Kailasa (work is worship)."

"We need to have further discussions on the insult made towards the Constitution and Ambedkar," Shivakumar stressed.

Countering the poster war by the ruling Congress party, the BJP also brought posters bearing the slogan 'Congress insulted Ambedkar' into the House and placed them on their desks.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Amidst the ugly scuffle followed by heated exchanges outside the Parliament complex, a BJP woman Parliamentarian has made startling and explosive charges against the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

Phangnon Konyak, the woman Rajya Sabha member from Nagaland, filed a complaint with the Rajya Sabha Chairman on Thursday, claiming that her dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt because of the 'behaviour and conduct' of Rahul Gandhi.

She claimed that the Congress MP along with party members misbehaved with her and also made her 'uncomfortable' while she was protesting against the insult meted out to Babasaheb Ambedkar by the grand old party.

"He misbehaved with me in a loud voice and his physical proximity to me was so close that I, being a lady member, felt extremely uncomfortable," she said.

"I stepped aside with a heavy heart and felt that no Member of Parliament should behave this way," she added.

Konyak, also the state President of BJP Mahila Morcha in Nagaland, said that the incident happened while she was protesting against Congress' 'ill-treatment' of BR Ambedkar at Makar Dwaar, the main entrance of Parliament building.

"The Security Personnel had cordoned off the area and created a passage to the entrance for Hon'ble MP's of other parties. Suddenly, Leader of Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji along with other Party Members came in front of me despite there being a passage created for them," she wrote in her complaint.

Earlier, the penultimate day of the Winter Session was marred by a huge controversy as a scuffle broke out between BJP and INDIA bloc MPs over insult and affront to the legacy of the country's greatest Dalit icon. Two BJP MPs said that they suffered injuries after Rahul pushed a fellow lawmaker. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also claimed assault by the BJP Parliamentarians, saying that his "knees were hurt".

Rahul Gandhi has rejected all the allegations and counter-charged that it was he who got shoved by the ruling party MPs.
Seoul, Dec 19 : A lawyer representing impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol again denied the insurrection charges against him Thursday, saying anyone who intended to incite an insurrection would not have done what Yoon did and declare martial law before the world.

Seok Dong-hyeon, who is involved in forming Yoon's legal defence team, made the argument as the President is under investigation on insurrection charges over his short-lived martial law decree on December 3 and has been suspended from duty pending a Constitutional Court trial on his impeachment by the National Assembly, Yonhap news agency reported.

"From President Yoon's perspective, he hasn't even thought about insurrection," Seok told reporters at his law firm in Seoul. "What kind of insurrection involves someone saying through a press conference before the people and the entire world, 'I am going to stage an insurrection?' and what kind of insurrection is dropped after two or three hours because the National Assembly ordered it?"

Seok was referring to the televised address Yoon gave on the night of December 3 to declare martial law and his lifting of the decree hours later after the National Assembly voted to reject it.

"The President told the deployed military and the police that they should not clash with citizens," the lawyer said. "The President is a jurist, so why would he talk about arrest? If they did arrest, where would they take them? I hope the people and the press consider such common sense."

Seok's remarks contradict testimony by multiple senior military officials that Yoon ordered troops to drag out lawmakers from inside the National Assembly building to stop them from voting down the decree and also ordered the arrest of prominent politicians while martial law was in force.

The lawyer said he does not think Yoon declared martial law out of personal grievances caused by struggles in running state affairs and personal humiliation, but based on a judgment that the nation was truly in a state of emergency.

Seok has known Yoon for more than 40 years since both were students at Seoul National University School of Law.
Ranchi, Dec 19 : Indra Dev Paswan, a former director of Jharkhand's Mines Department and facing charges of corruption in the illegal allocation of iron ore mines to Usha Martin Litd, surrendered before a CBI court in Ranchi on Thursday.

Soon after the surrender, Paswan filed a bail petition, which the court approved on the condition of submitting two personal bonds of Rs 50,000 each and surrendering his passport.

The case pertains to the allocation of iron ore mines in Ghatkuri in West Singhbhum district, in 2005. Allegations of irregularities and corruption in the allocation process led the CBI to launch an investigation.

In September 2016, the Delhi unit of the CBI registered an FIR, accusing several people, including then Mines Secretary Arun Kumar Singh, Paswan, and Usha Martinas promoters, under charges of criminal conspiracy, fraud, and violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The FIR accused the promoters of Usha Martin and officials of the mining department. It was said in the FIR that in the recommendation sent to the Central government for the allocation of the mine, the officials on behalf of the state government had allegedly shown favouritism in favour of Usha Martin.

The company had assured the state government that the extracted iron ore would be used in its steel plant at Hat Gamharia, providing an undertaking to that effect.

However, the CBI later alleged that the company reneged on its promise, citing the absence of explicit mention in the cabinet note.

The CBI concluded its investigation and filed a charge sheet in January 2023, which the court recently acknowledged.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier provisionally attached certain immovable properties of the company, valued at approximately Rs 190 crore pertaining to the wire rope business situated in Ranchi.
Bhopal, Dec 19 : Congress MLAs in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday staged a protest on the premises of the Assembly complex here against the Mohan Yadav government accusing it of irregularities in the implementation of the 'Nal Jal' scheme in the state.

On the fourth day of the Winter Session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Opposition Congress legislators arrived on the Assembly premises carrying "water taps" and staged a protest.

The scheme was introduced by the Centre under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' aimed at providing water on tap at each home.

Over a dozen Congress legislators, led by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Umang Singhar, assembled at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Assembly premises and shouted slogans against the BJP government led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

Congress members alleged that more than 40 per cent fund of the 'Nal Jal' scheme was misused by the state government. The criteria for implementation of such a big scheme wasn't followed properly, which has resulted shortage of funds for it.

"Nal Jal yojana was introduced to provide potable water to people. However, it was failed due to financial irregularities in Madhya Pradesh. A nexus of leaders from the ruling BJP and senior officials have misused Nal Jal Yojana's fund. We are demanding an investigation in the matter," Umang Singhar said.

Last month, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh raised this issue, particularly about Madhya Pradesh, claiming that the scheme was halted in the state because of a lack of adequate funds for it. Under the mission, 1.11 crore households will get tap water connections in MP, of which, 63 per cent work has been completed.

Recently, the MP government approached the Centre to bear the cost, as the scheme is on an equal sharing basis between the Centre and the state. But following the Centre's refusal, the state will now have to manage the cost of Rs 1,500 crore.

Official sources said that at least 7.5 lakh houses in over 5,000 villages were left out in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in MP. The issue of including the remaining households, villages, or new settlements would soon be brought up in the state cabinet.

Notably, since the winter session of the MP Assembly began on December 16, Congress members have been highlighting irregularities in various schemes. Every day Congress legislators come to the Assembly and stage a protest before entering the House.
Phnom Penh, Dec 19 : Cambodia's Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable water access and climate-resilient infrastructure in Cambodia, said a MISTI's press release on Thursday.

The deal was inked in the capital Phnom Penh on Tuesday between MISTI's Minister Hem Vanndy and UNOPS Country Manager Eda Kraja, the press release said.

"Access to clean water is not only a fundamental human right but also vital to public health, socio-economic growth, and environmental sustainability," Vanndy said.

"This collaboration is a model for how targeted investments can drive transformative change, especially for vulnerable communities," he added.

Kraja said this initiative supported Sustainable Development Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The partnership aims to implement innovative, scalable solutions to improve water access and strengthen infrastructure against the impact of climate change," she said.

The MoU formalized joint efforts to plan, design, and execute projects that enhance water supply systems while ensuring long-term sustainability and inclusivity, according to the press release.

Earlier this month, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had approved two projects with $173 million in loan and grant to accelerate climate-adaptive water resources management in Cambodia.

The first is an $88 million Integrated Water Resources Management Project targeting river basins in Battambang and Pursat provinces in the Tonle Sap basin.

The second is $85 million additional financing for the ongoing Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project to help the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology enhance water delivery efficiency and climate resilience across four irrigation systems in Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom and Takeo provinces.

Frequent floods during the wet season affect four million people, or nearly one-fourth of the population, with annual losses estimated at $250 million, which is over one per cent of the country's gross domestic product.
Kabul, Dec 19 : At least 44 commuters have been confirmed dead and 76 others were injured in two separate road accidents in east Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Wednesday night, a local official reported Thursday.

The mishaps took place on the outskirts of Ghazni city and in the Andar district of the province, along the highway linking the capital Kabul with the southern Kandahar province, said Mullah Hamidullah Nesar, provincial director of information and culture.

According to Nesar, all the injured have been shifted to health centres for treatment, but most of their conditions were reported as critical.

Road accidents due to reckless driving on congested roads and lack of traffic signs on dilapidated highways are leading causes of death in the war-ravaged country, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Monday, a vehicle carrying a family fell into a ravine in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, claiming the lives of six, Xinhua news agency reported citing information received by the provincial department of information and culture.

The accident took place in the province's Babaji district after the vehicle lost control and fell into a steep and deep ravine, killing six people, including women and children, on the spot, said the source.

Last week, six commuters had lost their lives and four others sustained injuries as a jeep plunged into a river in northern Badakhshan province.

Earlier this month, in an accident that took place in northern Jawzjan province on a highway linking the province with neighbouring Sari Pul province, one person was killed on the spot and 10 others were injured, Xinhua reported.

In another accident, a car veered off the road and overturned in Shahr-e-Safa district of southern Zabul province along a highway linking Kandahar with the national capital Kabul, killing two and injuring two others.
Aizawl, Dec 19 : Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police in a joint operation seized foreign-origin cigarettes worth Rs 7.8 crore from Cherhlun in the state's Lawngtlai district, officials here said on Thursday.

Assam Rifles sources said that the troops of the para-military force along with Mizoram Police acting on a secret operation seized foreign cigarettes valued at Rs 7.8 crore from Cherhlun village on Wednesday night.

A smuggler identified as Lalrin Chhana (28) was also arrested in connection with the seizure of the foreign cigarettes contained in 600 cases.

The entire seized consignment and the detainee have been handed over to the police department for further legal proceedings.

In another incident, the Assam Rifles along with the Customs Preventive Force recovered illegally smuggled areca nuts worth approx Rs 30.80 lakh in from Hmunhmeltha in Champhai district, which shares a border with Myanmar.

The areca nuts weighing 4,400 kgs have been smuggled from neighbouring Myanmar.

An Assam Rifles statement said that the ongoing smuggling of contraband items is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram and India.

"Assam Rifles, rightly christened as the 'Sentinels of Northeast' have continued their efforts against illegal smuggling and has also doubled its efforts to nab the kingpins of the smuggling of contraband items in Mizoram," it said.

Between November 20 and December 10, various drugs including heroin and methamphetamine tablets valued at around Rs 200 crore were seized in Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam.

All the drugs were seized in the three northeastern states after being smuggled from Myanmar.

Mizoram, southern Assam, and Tripura are an easy corridor for drugs ferrying after being smuggled from Myanmar.

Varied drugs, especially heroin and highly addictive methamphetamine tablets are often smuggled into the northeastern states of India from Myanmar, which shares a 1,643 km-long unfenced border with four northeastern states  Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and Mizoram (510 km).
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 19 : As Kerala CPI-M organisational polls get underway, party leaders and observers on Thursday expressed concern over poor representation of women in the party's internal framework.

Party leaders advocating gender equality hoped a woman leader would get a chance to head a district unit as state organisational polls enter the last lap with the first district party meeting at Kollam getting over recently.

Hopes were raised for a woman leader getting a position of responsibility during the Kollam district committee proceedings when the name of J. Mercykutty, a former minister in the 2016-21 Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet, was doing the rounds for the post of district secretary. However, when the decision came the incumbent district secretary was asked to continue for a second three year term.

Another 13 district committee meetings are lined up in the coming weeks but Kerala CPI-M leaders are pessimistic about a woman occupying a top party district post.

"The only thing that party leaders can now hope for accommodation in the powerful state secretariat - the top state level party body," said a woman party leader, refusing to be named.

At present, the 17-member state secretariat has only one woman, while in the party central committee there are two women from Kerala.

A media critic, on condition of anonymity, said the CPI-M is known for rhetoric over gender equality but their actions defy these claims.

"Senior party leaders get away with ignoring women colleagues' progression in party framework as none speaks out due to party discipline," he said.

Supporters of former Health Minister and legislator K.K. Shailaja claimed she stands a good chance to rise in the organisational ladder but what remains to be seen is if a women leader from Kerala would succeed in creating a space for herself in the new Politburo.

A new Politburo is expected to be elected by the newly-formed Central Committee at the upcoming 24th Party Congress in Madurai in 2025.

Kerala Left leaders also highlight the party's poor track record in promoting women leaders and cite the example of the Congress which has deputed women as district committee heads.

Advocates of gender equality within CPI-M claimed that in the last six decades there has been no woman party Chief Minister, a woman party secretary and not a single woman leader has served as party district secretary in any of the present day 14 district committees.

Incidentally on two occasions a women leader of the CPI-M narrowly missed the post of the chief minister. The first one who missed it was the firebrand K.R. Gouri. E.K. Nayanar edged her out in 1987.

Later in 1994, she was booted out of the CPI-M and she formed her own party Janadhipathya Samrakshana Samithi (JSS) and in 2001 to 2006 she became the Agriculture Minister in the Cabinet of A.K. Antony and Oommen Chandy.

Susheela Gopalan, wife of legendary Communist leader and the first Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha A.K. Gopalan, also came close to becoming the Chief Minister in 2001but Nayanar again got the nod from the party for the top post.

Incidentally, Nayanar did not even contest the 2001 polls and after he assumed the post of Chief Minister, he won a by-election to become a legislator.
Malaysia foreign minister to be fined for smoking at eatery

Malaysia's foreign minister will be issued a fine for puffing a cigarette in a non-smoking area, the country's health minister said Wednesday.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad earlier this week reposted a photo of Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan smoking at a street-side eatery in the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan.

Smoking in all eateries and restaurants was declared illegal in Malaysia in 2019 and further strict measures were introduced in October this year.

"The Foreign Minister's office has been informed of this matter," Dzulkefly said on social media platform X on Wednesday, adding that the foreign minister himself wanted to be issued a fine for the offense.

Under Malaysian law, people caught smoking in prohibited areas can face a fine of up to 5,000 ringgit ($1,120).

Mohamad apologized on Wednesday and said he had received a violation notice from health authorities but that the fine amount was not yet determined.

"If it has become a concern and an issue among the public, I would like to sincerely tender my apology," he was quoted as saying in The Star newspaper.

"I will pay the fine, and I hope it will not be too high."

The photo of Mohamad smoking at the eatery had sparked outrage online this week.

"Whether you're a minister... or a VVIP, wrong is still wrong. No one is above the law," said one X user.

Another said: "Lawmakers and (law) enforcement authorities who break laws should be punished more severely than the public."
Lucknow, Dec 19 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah withdraw his controversial statement about Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

Addressing a press conference here, Mayawati said that followers of Babasaheb will never forgive Amit Shah and asserted that the BJPas attempts to manipulate Dalit sentiments will fail.

Mayawati also accused the Congress of hypocrisy, stating: "The Congress has consistently disrespected Babasaheb Ambedkar. Babasaheb himself advised Dalits to steer clear of the Congress."

She alleged that the Congress sought to erase Ambedkaras contributions from history, including his crucial role in drafting the Constitution. "It was (BSP founder) Kanshi Ram Ji who carried forward Babasahebas unfinished mission," she added.

The BSP leader also criticised the BJP for its alleged opportunism. "The BJP is no different. They exploit Dalit votes but do not genuinely honour Babasaheb. Both parties use deceptive tactics, and Dalits must remain vigilant against their machinations," she said.

Mayawati asserted that the Bahujan Samaj Party remains the only true advocate for Dalit rights, working tirelessly for their welfare. "Dalits will not be misled by the hollow politics of these parties", she declared, urging the community to stay united and cautious.

The Union Home Ministeras remarks have sparked widespread protests, with opposition leaders staging demonstrations in response.

In the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Samajwadi Party (SP) members on Thursday disrupted proceedings, holding photographs of Dr Ambedkar and raising slogans. Despite the uproar, the supplementary budget was passed before the house was adjourned indefinitely.

Before the adjournment, UP Finance Minister Suresh Khanna asserted that the BJP had shown the greatest respect for Babasaheb by establishing Panch Teerth (five sacred places) in his honour. "The Opposition, on the other hand, has disrespected Dr Ambedkar by altering the Preamble of the Constitution he drafted," he added.

The Assembly Speaker reiterated the need to respect Dr Ambedkaras contributions while urging the Opposition to focus on key issues like farmersa welfare. "Everyone respects Baba Saheb. The entire state is watching. I appeal to the Opposition to respect his legacy and engage in meaningful discussions."
Hyderabad, Dec 19 : Leaders of Telangana's ruling Congress on Thursday staged a sit-in at the Ambedkar statue at the Legislature premises, demanding the sacking of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his shameful remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Carrying portraits of Ambedkar in their hands and raising slogans, the Congress leaders. including ministers. staged the protest at the statue on the premises of the Assembly building.

The protest was led by the party's Telangana President Mahesh Kumar Goud, who is also a member of the Legislative Council. The leaders demanded that Amit Shah apologise for his remarks on Dr B. R. Ambedkar.

Congress MLAs and MLCs participated in the protest, the first by the ruling party since Amit Shahas remarks kicked up a huge row.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar demanded that Amit Shah be sacked from the Union Cabinet for his remarks. He also demanded that the BJP leader be booked under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The minister also asked Central ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay to make their stand clear on Amit Shahas remarks on Dr Ambedkar. Prabhakar asked why the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) was silent when the BJP insulted the architect of the Indian Constitution.

Earlier, BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao termed Amit Shahas comments as "shameful".

The Union Home Minister had made certain remarks on Tuesday during the debate to mark 75 years of the Constitution. Through another post on X, Rama Rao criticised the Congress for what he called its double standards on Ambedkar. The BRS leader said the Congress leaders in Delhi show love for Ambedkar for their political gains but in Hyderabad, they disrespect the big man by denying people access to the 125 feet Ambedkar statue, and disrespect Babasaheb on his birth and death anniversaries.

The statue was installed near the State Secretariat in Hyderabad by the previous BRS government.
Sanaa, Dec 19 : At least nine people were killed and several others wounded on early Thursday morning by Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's capital here and the Red Sea ports in the western province of Hodeidah, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

"Seven were killed in the port of As-Salif, and two others killed in the port of the Ras Issa oil facility," said the TV broadcaster, adding that at least three others were wounded in the airstrikes.

Residents of Hodeidah posted videos on social media showing fires burning at several facilities in the ports of Ras Issa and As-Salif, adding that the fires were still burning.

In Sanaa, al-Masirah TV said the Israeli airstrikes had targeted the Hizyaz and Dhahban power stations, south and north of Sanaa, respectively.

The airstrikes on Sanaa shook the entire city and smashed the windows of houses near the power stations, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, uses the ports of Ras Issa and As-Salif to import fuel and cooking gas and sell them to the residents in the areas under their control.

According to al-Masirah TV reports, the Israeli airstrikes came a day after the US Navy launched an airstrike that targeted the Houthi-controlled defence ministry building in downtown Sanaa, causing extensive damage to the building, and a few hours after the Houthi group launched a long-range rocket toward Israel.

Accusing the Houthis of "forcing millions of (Israeli) civilians to take cover in bomb shelters" on Wednesday night, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed the airstrikes, saying that the Israeli army had conducted "precise strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen."

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also warned Houthi leaders in a statement that "Israel's long arm will reach you as well" and his country "will not allow the continuation of missile fire and threats."

Since October 2023, Houthi forces have been attacking Israel, including launching drones and surface-to-surface missiles, in support of Palestinians.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : India's coal imports declined by 3.1 per cent to 149.39 million tonnes (MT) during April-October period of FY 2024-25 from 154.17 MT in the same period of the previous year due to the increase in domestic production, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

Additionally, the Non-Regulated Sector (other than power) witnessed a more significant drop of 8.8 per cent, during April-October 2024 as compared to the same period of last year.

Despite possessing the fifth-largest coal reserves globally, India faces a significant shortfall in certain coal types, particularly coking coal and high-grade thermal coal, which are not adequately available from domestic sources.

This gap in supply necessitates coal imports to sustain key industries, including steel production, and to meet the growing energy demand.

Although there was a significant growth of 3.87 per cent in coal-based power generation from April 2024 to October 2024 compared to the same period last year, imports for blending purposes by thermal power plants decreased substantially by 19.5 per cent during the same period, the Coal Ministry statement said.

This decline underscores Indiaas steadfast commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in coal production and reducing reliance on imports, the statement explained.

The increase in coal imports for the power sector is attributed to the imported coal-based power plants. These plants are designed to utilise only high-grade imported coal and their imports increased to 30.04 MT during this period, from 21.71 MT in the corresponding period of the previous year, which represents a growth of 38.4 per cent.

Domestic coal production during April-October 2024 increased by 6.04 per cent to 537.57 MT compared to 506.93 MT in the same period of FY 2023-24.

This upward trend reflects the government's ongoing efforts to streamline coal usage and enhance domestic production, the statement said.

The Ministry of Coal continues to implement strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering coal production and improving availability. These efforts are not only focused on safeguarding foreign reserves but also on enhancing the nationas energy security.

The proactive measures taken by the government to increase domestic coal output will ultimately reduce dependence on imports and contribute to the overall sustainability of India's energy landscape, the statement added.
Gurugram, Dec 19 : A Cybercrime team of the Gurugram police busted an illegal call centre operating at Plot No 270 of Udyog Vihar, Phase-2 in Gurugram on Wednesday, the police said on Thursday.

The call centre mostly used to cheat US nationals on the pretext of providing technical support by creating a fake website of an accounting company, the police said.

According to the police, a team of the cyber crime police station led by ACP (cybercrime) Priyanshu Diwan raided the call centre following a tip-off. During the raid, the police arrested 18 people, including 8 women and the call centre operator and seized 17 CPUs along with other electronic gadgets.

The arrested accused have been identified as Gaurav Bakshi, Debashish Chatterjee, Anmol, Kanishk, Ajeesh Mathew, Kunal, Devender Devgn, Hitesh Malik, Rohit Singh, Aryaman Thakur, Nidhi, Sita, Muskan Rajput, Bhavana, Shivani, Lahinganhat Haikip Sharon and Nagmathingcho.

The police team registered a case against the accused under sections 318 (4), 319 of the BNS and the IT Act in Police Station Cyber Crime South, Gurugram and arrested the accused as per the rules.

During interrogation, it was found that the accused, Gaurav Bakshi, was the operator of this call centre, and he ran this along with his companions at the behest of his other partner.

Bakshi used to get a salary of about Rs 1.5 lakh and his other employees used to get a salary of about Rs 30,000 per month.

"We received specific inputs that a fake call centre had cheated several US nationals on the pretext of technical support. The youths were employed at the call centre, which was being operated without a license issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT)," said Priyanshu Diwan, ACP (Cybercrime).

The accused was allegedly running this illegal call centre since February 2024. The accused were cheating foreign nationals in the name of providing customer care service of Software Support/Accounting Support. The accused used to run ads on Google from the customer care helpline number of a famous company. When foreign nationals called the toll-free number, it was diverted to their call centre through VCL Dialer, 3CX Dialer, the police said.

"The accused introduced themselves as representatives of a famous company and got remote access to the computer system of foreign nationals by getting them to download screen-sharing applications in their system. In the name of solving their problem, they used to get 200-1000 dollars from them through a payment gateway. The accused used to commit the fraud by creating a phishing website of an accounting company named Quick Books," Diwan added.

"The matter is under investigation. How the accused was operating the fake call centre is part of an investigation. The involvement of other people cannot be ruled out. The culprits are on police remand for further questioning," the officer said.
Canberra, Dec 19 : Australia's elite universities have accused the government of making the country unwelcoming for international students following a new move to limit enrolments.

Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare on Thursday announced that the government will replace its failed proposal for an international student cap by slowing visa processing once applications reach a threshold for each university.

The cap would have set new international student enrolments at universities and vocational education providers at a maximum of 270,000 in 2025 as part of the government's broader strategy to cut Australia's migrant intake. However, legislation for the cap was blocked by parliament.

Instead, Clare on Thursday instituted a new ministerial direction that will treat student visa applications as high priority up until a threshold of 80 percent of the caps has been met. After that threshold, applications will receive standard priority processing, slowing them down.

The Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of elite, research-intensive universities, said the new system would lead to greater confusion for international students.

"We run the risk of confusing the international student market with these constant changes to policy settings," Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

"For too many potential students, it makes Australia look too hard and too unwelcoming as a higher education destination."

Universities Australia, the peak body representing all universities in the country, said in August that the planned international student cap would cost the Australian economy billions of dollars and result in thousands of job losses in higher education.

The Australian National University (ANU) in October said it would have to cut operational costs by 250 million Australian dollars (155.9 million U.S. dollars) over the next 15 months, with the bulk to come from job losses and wage reductions.

The university blamed its financial situation on changes in government policy and the management of international student numbers.
Kolkata, Dec 19 : Four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member from Serampore Lok Sabha constituency in Hooghly district of West Bengal, Kalyan Banerjee, on Thursday, requested people to not allow delivery boys within homes when girls are alone there.

In his statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Banerjee also elaborated on the reason he is issuing such a note of caution: the recent incident in the Serampore area, where a delivery boy entered a house and attempted to assault a young girl who was alone there.

"Thankfully, the Serampore Police Station acted swiftly, identified the individual, and arrested him, as I had requested. Please stay vigilant and take every precaution to keep your children safe," Banerjee's statement read.

Meanwhile, state police sources said that in the incident that Banerjee referred to, the delivery boy entered the house while the girl was alone at home to deliver an item and asked for the OTP required for the delivery.

As the girl was checking her email on her desktop to get the OTP, the delivery boy tried to sexually abuse her. However, he left on being resisted vehemently and before leaving, threatened the girl of dire consequences if she revealed the incident to anyone.

The girl immediately informed the mother over the phone. First, a formal complaint was lodged with the online trading entity with which the delivery boy was attached and subsequently, the girl's parents also lodged a complaint with the local police station.

The matter was brought to the notice of the Lok Sabha member who expressed concern over the development. Soon the accused delivery boy was arrested.

West Bengal has been making negative headlines for a number of reported cases of rape and murder in the state and in many cases the victims were minors.

The most talked about case on this count was the ghastly rape and murder of a junior doctor of R. G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata within the hospital premises this August.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 19 : Odisha unit Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Manmohan Samal on Thursday condemned the incident of a scuffle in the Parliament in the national capital in which BJP MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput sustained injuries.

"We condemn such types of 'goondaism'... this is a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy. It was not expected from the Leader of the Opposition belonging to a responsible political party. Rahul Gandhi shows behavioural imbalance. All the 140 crore people of India are condemning this act," the Odisha unit BJP chief said.

Samal also wished speedy recovery to the injured BJP leaders Sarangi and Rajput who have reportedly been undergoing treatment at Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital.

The Odisha BJP chief asserted that none has the right to injure such respectable members of parliament.

He alleged that the Congress party had never respected Ambedkar or any other leader, except aGandhi Parivara. Samal asserted that the BJP has always accorded deep respect to the constitution. He alleged that the Congress party had always misused the Constitution.

A heated confrontation unfolded on the Parliament premises on Thursday during a protest by opposition MPs alleging disrespect towards B.R. Ambedkar. The incident escalated when BJP MP Pratap Sarangi accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of pushing an MP, causing a chain reaction that led Sarangi to fall and sustain a head injury.

Speaking to IANS, Sarangi claimed, "Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, and he collided with me. I fell and hit my head, which is bleeding. The push was initiated by Rahul Gandhi."

The protest was held against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks in the Rajya Sabha, which the Opposition claimed to be disrespectful towards B.R. Ambedkar.

Meanwhile, BJP MPs staged a counter-protest, accusing Congress of disrespecting the Constitution and B.R. Ambedkar.

Led by BJP MP Anurag Thakur, they raised slogans such as "Congress party maafi maango, Ambedkar ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan (Congress must apologise, India will not tolerate the insult to Ambedkar)."

Denying claims of deliberately pushing the BJP leader, Rahul Gandhi told reporters: "It might be recorded in the cameras. BJP MPs were stopping us from entering Parliament. They blocked and threatened us. This is our right to protest."
New Delhi, Dec 19 : India is well on its way to having the second-largest metro network in the world with 993 km of Metro rail already operational in 23 cities across the country and about 997 km under construction in 28 cities, Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar has said.

The Union Minister made an elaborated presentation on Urban Transport to the consultative committee members of Parliament attached to MoHUA, according to an official statement on Thursday.

He emphasised that Urban Mobility is an important aspect to tackle the rising urban population and the government is working relentlessly to strengthen the Urban Transport Network across the country.

The participants were briefed about Metro Rail Policy 2017 and Metro Networks across the cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Patna and Lucknow.

The members were also briefed about the ongoing projects of RRTS (Regional Rapid Transport System) high speed train network, including its funding pattern.

The briefing to members also covered initiatives taken to promote indigenisation of technologies under Make in India and promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The briefing also mentioned PM-eBus Sewa, a scheme for augmenting city bus operations by deploying 10,000 e-buses on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Salient features of this scheme include deployment of 10,000 e- buses on PPP model, bus operations support for 10 years, support for development and the upgradation of bus depots and support for behind-the-meter power infrastructure.

The service aims to cover cities with 3 to 40 lakh population.

The briefing also covered 'One Nation One Card', an indigenously developed National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2019 to enable seamless travel through Metro, Rail, Bus and other Public Transport Operators.

During the meeting, the Members of Parliament raised issues pertaining to urban mobility which included matters related to last mile connectivity, enhancement of amenities, metro connectivity in their respective states, scaling up of metro operations in the country, ease of travel and passenger comfort.

The MPs who attended the meeting include Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Dinesh Sharma, Ajay Maken, Kamaljeet Sherawat, P.N. Vasava, Prof V.E. Gaikwad, Kavita Patidar, B.M. Sutariya , V.E. Vaithilingam , G. Lakshminarayana, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Y. Chandolia.

The Minister asked the officials that suggestions from members received should be reviewed and information sought by them should be provided.
Nagpur, Dec 19 : The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra took out a vociferous protest march here on Thursday to condemn and demand an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks on B.R. Ambedkar in the Parliament.

The MVA constituents, Congress-Shiv Sena (UBT)-Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leaders gathered and joined the long procession from the Constitution Square to the Legislature Building.

They were carrying banners, placards, pictures of B.R. Ambedkar, some sporting copies of the Indian Statute, and raised angry slogans against HM Shah and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Sporting dark blue caps, bands or shawls with the words 'Jai Bhim' printed, the top MVA leaders including SS (UBT)'s Leader of Opposition (Council) Ambadas Danve, SS (UBT) Group Leader Aditya Thackeray, Congress' ex-Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar, NCP (SP)'s state chief Jayant R. Patil, Rohit R. Pawar and other leaders, plus Opposition legislators squarely hit out at HM Shah's remarks and ranted cries for his apology.

The MVA leaders hailed the virtues of B.R. Ambedkar for giving India a Constitution that has equal rights to all the citizens, uplifted the poor and downtrodden, acknowledged his contributions for the depressed classes and hailed his services to the nation, while vowing that "the country will never tolerate any insults" to him.

Simultaneously, B.R. Ambedkar's grandson, Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) also organised separate agitations in Pune and other places to flay HM Shah.

SS (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray and other leaders have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack HM Shah from the Cabinet.

Earlier, the participants bowed, garlanded and saluted a life-size statue of B.R. Ambedkar, paid homage and then launched the march which terminated outside the Vidhan Bhavan where the Winter Session is currently underway and continued to raise slogans against the ruling BJP.

It may be recalled that a couple of days ago, HM Shah had made certain remarks pertaining to B.R. Ambedkar which the Opposition termed as 'disrespectful', and went on to spark an outrage in the state and different parts of the country.

However, HM Shah has claimed that his statement was twisted out of context and he turned around to blame the Congress terming it as 'anti-Ambedkar' and against the Dalits.
As yet another winter approaches, international concern for Ukrainian civilians is increasing.

For well over 1000 days, Russian armed forces have attacked Ukraine and specifically, its civilian population. Near the front line, people live life on the edge, according to the United Nations. The use of long-range weapons has steadily increased, doubling the number of casualties from one month to the next.

As well, Since March 2024, Russia has destroyed around half of Ukraines power generation capacity, said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN.



These attacks, including drone strikes, and now cluster munitions, have only increased in frequency these past few months.  In just one day, Russia took out 2 gigawatts of power availability. Thats enough power for over a million and a half homes.

Over the past three years, Russia has killed more than 12,000 civilians; nearly 28,000 more have been injured, and millions have been displaced, in attacks on schools and shops, homes and hospitals, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield.

Still others have been forcibly transported into Russia, children, stolen from everything theyve ever known; many, still missing to this day, she said.

These atrocities were orchestrated and overseen by the highest levels of the Russian government: war crimes and crimes against humanity, unleashed in systematic violation of Russias obligations under international law to protect civilian life and civilian infrastructure.

This humanitarian crisis is not limited to Ukraine. Russias assault on agriculture has threatened food security for tens of millions of the worlds most vulnerable, especially in the Sahel, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. Innocent Ukrainians, innocent people, all across the world, are paying the price for this war of conquest. They did not ask for this war, and they cannot stop it.

The one who can is Putin.

Putin can at any time end the conflict that has not only killed Ukrainians, but hundreds of thousands of Russians, too: soldiers who could have been home with their families, but instead were tossed into a senseless conflict, she said.

It goes without saying: Russia must withdraw its forces from the sovereign territory of Ukraine. And, Russia must pay for the damage it has caused in Ukraine through its violations of international law, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield.

While justice, in this case, may be deferred  it will not be denied. ... And when  not if, but when  Ukraine achieves that just and lasting peace, Russia will need to answer for its unlawful actions.
Chennai, Dec 19 : AIADMK General Secretary and Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition, K. Palaniswami (EPS), has strongly criticised Chief Minister M.K. Stalin over the dumping of medical waste from Kerala in villages in Tirunelveli district.

In a social media post on X, EPS said, "Tamil Nadu is not the dumping ground for anybody," adding, "The Tamil Nadu CM is eager to shake hands and pose for photos with the Kerala CM, yet he is incapable of upholding the state's rights in the Mullaiperiyar dispute. He is also unable to prevent the neighboring state from turning Tamil Nadu into their dump yard."

The former chief minister was referring to Stalin's recent meeting with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan during the inauguration of the renovated Thanthai Periyar Memorial at Vaikom on December 12, commemorating the centenary of the Vaikom Satyagraha.

The AIADMK leader demanded that the DMK government take immediate and appropriate measures to remove hazardous biomedical waste and take strict actions to prevent future occurrences.

EPS shared photos showing biomedical waste dumped in Kallur and Pazhavur villages in Tirunelveli district along the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. He alleged that this illegal dumping of medical waste from Kerala has been a long-standing issue in the border areas.

It was reported that large quantities of biomedical, plastic, and food waste from Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cancer Centre and a private hospital in Kerala were dumped in Kodaganallur and Palavoor villages of Tirunelveli. The waste included hazardous materials such as used syringes, PPE kits, and medical records containing sensitive personal information, raising serious health, environmental, and data privacy concerns.

Residents reported that the dumping, which often occurs at night, has polluted local water sources, affected livestock, and caused health issues among locals. Landowners have repeatedly complained to authorities, but the issue remains unresolved.

Police suspect trucks, allegedly carrying waste for a nearby paper mill, are involved in the illegal dumping. Despite this, no action has been taken to monitor or identify the vehicles, even though installing CCTV cameras at strategic locations has been suggested.

Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai also criticised the DMK government, accusing it of turning a blind eye to Kerala's waste dumping.

In a post on X, Annamalai said, "Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who is ceding Tamil Nadu's rights, including Cauvery water, to states ruled by his coalition parties, has allowed border districts like Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, and Tirunelveli to be turned into a garbage dump for the Communist government of Kerala."

He further alleged that border check posts meant to prevent such illegal waste transportation have become "collection centres."

Annamalai warned that if such incidents continue, the BJP would mobilise public support in January 2025. He stated, "We will load the biomedical waste and garbage into trucks and dump it back in Kerala. I will travel in the first truck."

Resident associations in Tirunelveli have echoed the demand for immediate action to stop the illegal dumping and urged authorities to ensure stricter monitoring at border check posts. The District Collector has directed local officials and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to investigate the matter, and an FIR is expected soon.

--ANS

aal/skp
Seoul, Dec 19 : South Korea expressed regret Thursday that Russia has accused Seoul of "destabilising" the Korean Peninsula by using North Korea's provocations as a pretext for the short-lived martial law declaration.

Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a briefing Wednesday (local time) that South Korea is constantly resorting to provocations to pin the blame on Pyongyang and that its government is responsible for destabilising the region, according to Russian media reports.

Her remarks came in response to a query regarding news reports speculating that President Yoon Suk Yeol and his allies attempted to instigate a conflict with the North to justify the martial law, Yonhap news agency reported.

"It is inappropriate for a spokesperson of a foreign government to publicly make claims that not only misrepresent the facts but also undermine our consistent policies by using the domestic political situation as an excuse," a foreign ministry official in Seoul told reporters.

"It's clear who has been worsening the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region," the official said, urging Russia and the North to "stop shifting responsibility for their unjust and unlawful actions."

"We urge them to immediately cease their military cooperation that undermines peace and stability in Northeast Asia and Europe," the official added.

Meanwhile, North Korea defended its military alignment with Russia as a legitimate act against threats from the US, but it made no mention of its troop deployment to Russia in support of Moscow's war in Ukraine or casualties of their soldiers during the war.

"The hostile act of the US and its vassal forces constitutes a serious threat undermining the foundation of international peace and security, which goes beyond a politically motivated provocation wantonly infringing upon the sovereignty of sovereign states," the North Korea's foreign ministry spokesperson said.
Seoul, Dec 19 : North Korean troops dispatched to Russia for combat against Ukraine have installed more observation posts to detect Ukrainian drones, Ukraine's military intelligence service has said, amid reports of North Korean forces suffering heavy combat losses.

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) made the disclosure on its website Tuesday after the United States confirmed for the first time that North Korea suffered 'significant' troop losses alongside Russian forces against Ukraine.

"After suffering severe losses, DPRK units began to set up additional observation posts to detect drones of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine," the DIU said, referring to the North by the acronym of its official name -- the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The DIU also noted that Moscow continued to use North Korean troops in Russia's western front-line region of Kursk.

"The constant accumulation of assault groups by DPRK army personnel in the Kursk region indicates that Moscow does not want to lose the pace of offensive actions," it said, adding that North Korean troops use red tape to identify themselves at the front, Yonhap news agency reported.

On Thursday, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers that at least 100 North Korean troops dispatched to Russia have been killed, with some 1,000 estimated to be injured.

The National Intelligence Service attributed the high number of casualties to the fact that North Korean troops are being 'consumed' as front-line assault forces in 'unfamiliar battlefields' due to their lack of experience with drones.

It added that Russia's military has complained that the North Korean soldiers are a 'burden' because of their 'ignorance' of drones.

Some of the estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers deployed in the Kursk border region were sent into actual combat, according to the NIS.

"At least 100 people have been killed in this process, and the number of injured is likely to reach 1,000," the agency said, noting that generals were likely included among the casualties.

The NIS attributed the high number of casualties to the fact that North Korean troops are being 'consumed' as front-line storm troopers in 'unfamiliar battlefields' due to their lack of experience with drones.
Guwahati, Dec 19 : The Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) with the help of Kerala and West Bengal Police busted a jihadi terror module and arrested eight fundamentalists, including a Bangladeshi national in this connection, a senior police officer said on Thursday.

The Assam Police STF, in a major Intelligence-based nation-wide operation, dubbed as aOperation Praghata arrested the Bangladeshi national Muhammad Sad Radi a.k.a. Md Shab Seikh (32), a resident of Rajshahi in Bangladesh, in Kerala.

Two others -- Minarul Sheikh (40) and Md. Abbas Ali (33), both residents of Murshidabad (West Bengal), were arrested from their native state.

The remaining five persons -- Nur Islam Mandal (40), Abdul Karim Mandal (30), Mojibar Rahman (46), Hamidul Islam (34) and Enamul Hoque (29) a" were arrested from Assam.

Enamul is a resident of Dhubri while the remaining four others are residents of Kokrajhar district of Assam.

Giving details of the dismantling of fundamentalist/jihadi terror module, Assam Police Special DGP Harmeet Singh said that the arrests were made on the intervening night of December 17-18.

He said that the eight persons are handlers in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and they were working to form 'sleeper cells' in different parts of India and there were plans to assassinate leaders belonging to Hindu community and RSS, besides undertaking violent and subversive activities in India.

The police officer said all the eight arrested persons were brought to Guwahati and a detailed probe was underway to gather more information.

The Special DGP said that the aOperation Praghata was launched in November after a detailed and prolonged examination of intelligence input regarding the clandestine anti-national activities being carried out by a group of individuals under the direction of Md Farhan Israk, a close associate of Jasimuddin Rahmani.

Rahmani, according to the police officer, is the Chief of Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, a global terrorist organisation.

The operation was launched under the direct supervision of STF Chief Partha Sarathi Mahanta.

Md Sad Radi visited Assam and West Bengal to meet sleeper cell activists of the banned ABT, before he moved to Kerala for the same purpose.

Mobile phones with various suspicious apps, used for communicating with their handlers in Bangladesh and Pakistan were recovered from the detainees.

Other items recovered from them include religious books with distorted narratives, printed and published in Bangladesh, four pen-drives with incriminating evidence, one Bangladeshi 'card', and various Bangladeshi certificates.

Earlier this week, the Assam Police STF also arrested five Pakistan-linked terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) members from Kokrajhar and Dhubri.

Four JeM operatives have been arrested from Kokrajhar district, while one JeM linkman was arrested from Dhubri district, a police officer said.
Ankara, Dec 19 : Turkey will continue its military activity in northern Syria until Kurdish fighters fully "disarm," Turkish semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Thursday, citing a Defence Ministry source.

Highlighting ongoing threats from Kurdish forces within Syria to Turkey's southern border, the source said, "Our counter-terrorism measures and preparations will persist until terrorist groups lay down arms and their foreign fighters leave Syria."

The source made the remarks in response to allegations that the Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian National Army, a coalition of armed groups backed by Turkey, are preparing for operations against the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in the east of the Euphrates.

Turkey sees the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is designated as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, and has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades.

The Turkish military has launched several operations since 2016 in northern Syria in order to create a YPG-free zone along its border with the neighbouring country.

Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said that Ankara will not allow Syria to become a conflict zone and be divided once again.

"Any attack on the stability of the new Syrian government or the integrity of ancient Syrian lands will face both the Syrian people and us," Erdogan said at a ruling party meeting, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We cannot accept any steps or provocations aimed at preventing the return of our Syrian brothers and sisters to their homes," he noted.

Syrian militant groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), waged a major offensive from northern Syria starting November 27 and swept southwards through government-held areas, capturing the capital Damascus within 12 days.

Following the offensive, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad resigned and arrived in Russia for asylum.

Mohammed al-Bashir, an electrical engineer and head of the 'Syrian Salvation Government' in Idlib formed in 2017 by the HTS and other Syrian militant groups during the Syrian civil war, was tasked with heading a transitional government in Syria until early March 2025.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : A framework to ensure the traceability of all commercial SMS has been achieved which is a major step towards creating a safer and spam-free messaging ecosystem, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said on Thursday.

Under this framework, all principal entities (PEs) such as businesses, banks, and government agencies along with their telemarketers (TMs), were required to declare and register their message transmission paths through blockchain-based Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).

This chain declaration and binding process ensures end-to-end traceability of every message, from its origin to its delivery, without compromising data security or delays in SMS delivery, said TRAI.

To operationalise this, TRAI issued a directive on August 20, 2024 mandating the traceability of all commercial messages starting November 1 2024.

Recognising the scale of the activities involved in implementation, TRAI extended the compliance deadlines first to November 30 and later to December 10 to enable the smooth onboarding of approximately 1.13 lakh active PEs across diverse sectors such as banking, insurance, healthcare, and real estate.

TRAI adopted a collaborative approach by engaging with key sectoral regulators like RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, and government agencies such as NIC, CDAC, and state governments to promote awareness and accelerate declaration and binding efforts.

Access providers also played a crucial role in supporting PEs and TMs through targeted outreach campaigns and technical guidance for seamless integration into the DLT system.

To minimise disruptions, TRAI introduced an innovative implementation strategy during the initial enforcement period. While the chain binding regulations were technically enforced, messages sent through undeclared paths were temporarily allowed but flagged with error codes.

These error codes were shared with the concerned PEs to enable corrective actions without disrupting critical messages like OTPs or other time-sensitive communications. This consumer-centric approach ensured uninterrupted messaging services while maintaining regulatory compliance.

As a result of these coordinated efforts led by TRAI, all major PEs have now registered their message transmission chains with Access Providers.

Effective December 11, SMS traffic sent through unregistered paths is being rejected, marking the culmination of this massive exercise.

The traceability initiative complements other anti-spam measures introduced by TRAI, such as the disconnection of all telecom resources used by spammers, URL whitelisting in SMS, and the migration of 140-series telemarketers to DLT platforms.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Amit Mandali, a resident of Patdi tehsil of Surendranagar district of Gujarat, was facing a life-threatening health condition sometime ago. Faced with financial hardships and family turmoil over his liver infection, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) came to his rescue and emerged as a lifeline for the family.

Under the flagship scheme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, Amit Mandali got his entire hospitalisation and treatment done for free. Today, he and his family are highly happy and relieved to have overcome the life-threatening ailment.

Amit is getting healthy again, marking the return of happiness and joy to his family. He and his family are highly grateful to PM Modi for the Ayushman scheme.

Expressing gratitude to PM Modi, they submitted: "If the Ayushman card was not there, he would not have got the treatment at a private hospital."

Amit Mandali's family comprises a son and wife as well as old parents.

The family's financial conditions are not strong and hence, when afflicted with the disease, their world came crashing down.

The family was broken and filled with sorrow, when one day, they found that Amitas liver was damaged.

The situation became grimmer as he remained the sole earning member of the family.

He and his family were not in a position to bear the expenses at a private hospital.

At that moment, Ayushman Card scheme became his lifeline. He visited IKDRC, Ahmedabad for treatment. The complete treatment and the expenses were taken care of, under the Ayushman Bharat card.

Notably, AB PM-JAY is one of the biggest welfare schemes of PM Modi-led government, under which health cover of Rs 5 lakhs is provided to every family, amounting to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

The ambit of the scheme has been on constant expansion, after its launch in 2018.

Recently, the scheme was expanded to cover all senior citizens, at 70 years of age and above, irrespective of the income slab.

Initially, 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families comprising the bottom 40 per cent of the country's population were covered under the scheme.

In January 2022, the beneficiary base was revised to 12 crore families. The scheme was further expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHAs working across the country and their families for free healthcare benefits.
Jerusalem, Dec 19 : A missile launched by Yemen's Houthi forces struck a school in central Israel on Thursday, causing significant damage, according to Israeli official sources.

The missile, identified by the Houthis as a hypersonic 'Palestine-2' missile, triggered air raid sirens across central Israel overnight. The Israeli military initially reported intercepting the missile but later clarified that it was only partially intercepted and struck the school in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv.

An initial investigation by the Israeli Air Force indicated that the missile's warhead exploded upon impact with the school, causing damage.

Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama told reporters the school had been closed due to the damage. "The school's main structure needs to be destroyed, and it will be rebuilt," he said, Xinhua news agency reported.

The missile attack from Yemen followed an Israeli air offensive targeting major ports in Yemen and the capital, Sanaa. Local media reported at least nine people were killed in the Israeli strikes.

Also on Thursday, a drone launched from the Gaza Strip triggered air raid sirens in nearby Israeli communities before being shot down by the Israeli Air Force.

Earlier, it was reported that at least nine people were killed and several others wounded on early Thursday morning by Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's capital and the Red Sea ports in the western province of Hodeidah.

"Seven were killed in the port of As-Salif, and two others killed in the port of the Ras Issa oil facility," said the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, adding that at least three others were wounded in the airstrikes.

Residents of Hodeidah posted videos on social media showing fires burning at several facilities in the ports of Ras Issa and As-Salif, adding that the fires were still burning.

In Sanaa, al-Masirah TV said the Israeli airstrikes had targeted the Hizyaz and Dhahban power stations, south and north of Sanaa, respectively.

The airstrikes on Sanaa shook the entire city and smashed the windows of houses near the power stations, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, uses the ports of Ras Issa and As-Salif to import fuel and cooking gas and sell them to the residents in the areas under their control.

According to al-Masirah TV reports, the Israeli airstrikes came a day after the US Navy launched an airstrike that targeted the Houthi-controlled defence ministry building in downtown Sanaa, causing extensive damage to the building, and a few hours after the Houthi group launched a long-range rocket toward Israel.

Accusing the Houthis of "forcing millions of (Israeli) civilians to take cover in bomb shelters" on Wednesday night, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed the airstrikes, saying that the Israeli army had conducted "precise strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen."

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also warned Houthi leaders in a statement that "Israel's long arm will reach you as well" and his country "will not allow the continuation of missile fire and threats."

Since October 2023, Houthi forces have been attacking Israel, including launching drones and surface-to-surface missiles, in support of Palestinians.
Srinagar, Dec 19 : Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured on Thursday that a chapter on Kashmiri patron Sufi saint, Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali, also called Sheikh-ul-Alam, will not be deleted from class 9 syllabus.

Omar posted on X on Thursday: "I assure @tarigami Sb that there will be no deletion of the chapter. The matter has already been taken up by @sakinaitoo sahiba as soon as this was brought to the attention of the government."

M. Y. Tarigami, CPI-M leader and MLA had invited Omar's attention to the reported deletion of a chapter on the saint's life from class 9 syllabus.

Tarigami earlier said on X, "It is deeply troubling that an entire chapter on the revered Sufi saint Sheikh-ul-Alam has been dropped from the Class 9 textbook. This blue-pencilling, carried out prior to the Assembly polls, is unacceptable to a society rooted in rich Sufi traditions."

"I urge Chief Minister @OmarAbdullah to intervene and ensure that this crucial chapter is reinstated, thereby preserving and honouring our rich cultural and Sufi heritage."

After the assurance by the Chief Minister that the chapter on the life of Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali will not be deleted from class 9 syllabus, Ruling National Conference said on its official X post, "JKNC Chief Spokesperson & MLA Zadibal @tanvirsadiq assured that the chapter on Sheikh-ul-Alam will not be removed from textbooks. The Education Minister has directed the Principal Secretary to address and rectify the issue found in the PDF version."

The reported deletion of the chapter on the life of Kashmir's patron saint from school syllabus was also strongly criticised by Peoples Conference (PC) chief and MLA, Sajad Gani Lone. He rebuked the Board of School Education (BOSE) for the reported deletion.

Taking to X, Sajad said, "BOSE has removed a chapter based on the saintly life of the greatly revered saint of Kashmir Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali, from text books of class 9."

"We have all revered him and people irrespective of religion hold him in highest esteem. This is pure cultural terrorism. It is an assault on our culture and ethos. I as a Kashmiri, strongly condemn it."

"More than any time in the past, the current times are smudged with violence, greed and hatred. In these times our great Saint is a beacon of hope and role model for emulation. And for the BOSE removers  Our great Saint and his Saintly ways were etched in our hearts and minds much before BOSE came into existence."
Seoul, Dec 19 : The US Commerce Department said on Thursday it has decided to grant up to US$458 million in direct funding to SK hynix's project to build a new plant in the state of Indiana.

Seoul, Dec 19 (IANS) The US Commerce Department said on Thursday it has decided to grant up to US$458 million in direct funding to SK hynixas project to build a new plant in the state of Indiana.

The U.S. government will also provide up to $500 million in loans, both under the CHIPS and Science Act, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In April, the company announced a plan to invest $3.87 billion to build a memory packaging plant for artificial intelligence (AI) products, and an advanced packaging research and development facility in West Lafayette in the U.S. state to produce next-generation memory chips, reports Yonhap news agency.

"By investing in companies like SK hynix and communities like West Lafayette, the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act continues to supercharge America's global technology leadership," U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a statement.

The Commerce Department added that the agreement "represents a significant step in advancing the security of the U.S. supply chain," adding the project will fill "a critical gap in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain."

"SK hynix looks forward to collaborating with the U.S. government, the state of Indiana, Purdue University and our U.S. business partners to build a robust and resilient AI semiconductor supply chain in the United States," SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung said.

Meanwhile, other major global chipmakers, such as TSMC, Intel Corp. and Micron Technology, have also finalized their agreements with the U.S. government for subsidies under the CHIPS Act.

Samsung Electronics Co. is currently in discussions with Washington for a subsidy worth $6.4 billion in direct funding, said the report.
Since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas against Israel, the United States has remained vigilant against further threats from Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan at a press conference in Israel.

People seem to forget the basic fact of this conflict and these past 15 months: Israel did not seek or start this war, stated Mr. Sullivan.

Hamas started this war, invading Israel in military formations, killing 1,200 people, kidnapping and holding hostage hundreds more  Israeli citizens and citizens from around the world. Iran then made a fateful choice to join in and open a multifront war against Israel. Backed by the ironclad security partnership with the United States, Israel has defeated two direct attacks from Iran and directly struck into Iran in response, degrading Irans military capability.

Hezbollahs leaders are gone; Hamass leaders are gone, including the masterminds of October 7th; and now, the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria is gone, removing the primary client state of Iran in the region and the lifeline to Hezbollah.

The balance of power in the Middle East has changed significantly, said Mr. Sullivan:

We are now faced with a dramatically reshaped Middle East in which Israel is stronger, Iran is weaker, its proxies decimated, and a ceasefire that is new and will be lasting in Lebanon that ensures Israels security over the long term.

The United States seeks to ensure that that the ceasefire holds; to capitalize on the opportunity to build a better future for the people of Syria while managing the risks that come with the change in Syria. This includes the possibility that terrorist groups like ISIS will reemerge. The U.S. also seeks to keep Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

[W]ere now looking to close a hostage release deal and a ceasefire, which would stop the war and reunite hostages with their families, said Mr. Sullivan.

Just over one year ago, we reached a deal that brought 78 hostages out of Gaza and home to their families. Its time to finish the job and bring all of the hostages home.

On January 20th, there will be a transfer of power to a new administration in the United States. Even so, the U.S.-Israel partnership will continue to rest on a solid bipartisan foundation.
Chandigarh, Dec 19 : Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Thursday assured farmer leaders that the state government will not allow farmers' interests to be affected by the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing.

The minister was holding in-depth discussions with farmer unionsa leaders on the draft policy of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing here.

"The state government is concerned as this policy could have serious implications for the state and its farmers, so we want to analyse and consult on each and every aspect of the draft policy shared by the government of India," the Minister said, adding that agriculture experts and other stakeholders will also be consulted soon to analyse it thoroughly so that not a single point is left unconsidered.

Khudian, along with Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Anurag Verma, Punjab State Farmers' and Farm Workers' Commission Chairman Sukhpal Singh, and Punjab Mandi Board Secretary Ramvir appealed to the farmers to send their suggestions and comments in this regard to the Agriculture Department.

Farmer Unionsa leaders Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Darshan Pal, Ruldu Singh Mansa, Satnam Singh Ajnala, and others expressed deep concerns over potential privatisation, monopolistic practices in the disguise of the policy. It could be an attempt to reintroduce the contentious provisions of the three farm laws, which were repealed by the Union government following the farmersa protests, they added.

They also urged the state government for further examination before sending a response to the Centre so that Punjab and its farmers' interests could be fully secured.

The high-level meeting was also attended by Special Secretary, Agriculture, Harbir Singh, Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh, Director Research at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana Ajmer Singh Dhatt and senior officials of the Punjab Mandi Board and the Agriculture Department.
Nagpur, Dec 19 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced in the Assembly that the state government will provide the financial assistance amount under the flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana to the women beneficiaries after the conclusion of the ongoing winter session on December 21.

The MahaYuti government in the run-up to the November 20, 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections had already deposited Rs 7,500 (Rs 1,500 per month) from July to November in the bank accounts of the 2.34 crore women beneficiaries.

The MahaYuti in its poll manifesto had promised to increase the monthly aid to Rs 2,100 from Rs 1,500. However, the Chief Minister did not mention whether the women beneficiaries would get Rs 2,100 for the month of December.

CM Fadnavis also scoffed at the rumours that the Ladki Bahin Yojana would be discontinued. He declared that it would continue in future without adding new criteria.

"There should not be any doubt. The government will fulfil the promises and continue schemes that were launched. None of the schemes will be closed. The beloved sisters (Ladki Bahin) who overwhelmingly voted for MahaYuti in the Assembly election will be paid the aid for December after the conclusion of the ongoing Winter Session," he said.

Fadnavis also dismissed speculation that the number of women beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin scheme will be reduced.

"The government has come to know that a man took the benefit under the Ladki Bahin Yojana by opening nine new bank accounts. One who takes away the benefits of eligible women, how can we term him 'Ladka Bhau' (beloved brother)?" he wondered.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the poll promises for youth, farmers, senior citizens and the downtrodden would be fulfilled.

CM Fadnavis' announcement regarding the payment of aid for December under Ladki Bahin Yojana came after the government earmarked Rs 2,155 crore for the Women and Child Development Department in the supplementary demands of Rs 35,000 crore plus tabled in the state legislature on Monday.

The government has allocated Rs 1,400 crore for the Ladki Bahin Yojana in the supplementary demands.
Colombo, Dec 19 : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) on Thursday to provide $150 million for transmission projects in Sri Lanka, a statement from CEB said.

The CEB said ADB approved the loan package in November 2024 after rigorous due diligence by ADB on the technical, economic and social merits of its upcoming investment proposals.

Through these funds, several essential projects in the long-term transmission plan will be implemented over 2025-2027. It will improve the overall reliability and stability of the grid, the CEB said.

Transmission assets built through this loan will enable the integration of planned large-scale renewable energy developments into the national grid. The financing will support the construction of six new grid substations, the construction of 87 km of 132 kV transmission lines, the construction of 45 km of 220 kV transmission lines and the augmentation of two existing grid substations, according to the CEB, Xinhua news agency reported.

The CEB and its distribution subsidiary Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) serve over 7.5 million electricity customers through its transmission network comprising 3,400 km of high voltage lines and 90 grid substations, according to the CEB.

Last week, the Sri Lankan cabinet had approved a proposal to sign two agreements with the ADB for strengthening its power system and integration of renewable energy projects, according to a statement from the government's information department.

Country's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had submitted the proposal in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

The ADB agreed to offer $200 million as two separate loans -- $150 million and $50 million -- to Ceylon Electricity Board and Lanka Electricity (Pvt) Ltd., respectively, under two agreements on treasury guarantee, according to the department.

In September, the Lankan government had also approved a proposal to select investors through a competitive bidding process to develop floating solar power plants in three reservoirs.

Three main reservoirs - Randenigala, Moragahakanda and Kalawewa - were identified by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli authority to develop such projects as the government is giving priority to developing floating solar power projects on reservoirs to increase renewable power generation.

The Ceylon electricity board has been assigned the selection of investors under the competitive procurement procedure according to the Cabinet proposal.
Hyderabad, Dec 19 : Telangana's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday registered an FIR against BRS Working President and former minister K.T. Rama Rao in connection with alleged financial irregularities during the Formula E race held in Hyderabad last year.

The anti-graft agency named K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) as Accused No. 1 (A-1) in the FIR.

Former Special Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration, Arvind Kumar has been designated as (A-2), and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) Chief Engineer B.L.N. Reddy as A-3.

The case has been booked under four sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The FIR was registered two days after the state Cabinet gave its nod following Governor Jishnu Dev Varma giving permission to try KTR.

There are allegations that Rs 55 crore was transferred from HMDA funds to Formula E Operations (FEO) without requisite approvals.

KTR, as then Minister for Industry, allegedly sanctioned funds for the race bypassing established procedures.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka had said in January that the Formula E race was conducted last year by the previous government to benefit a company and Hyderabad and Telangana were in no way benefited from it. The then government had agreed to pay Rs 110 crore to the company and out of this, Rs 55 crore were paid.

The remaining amount was to be paid in two instalments.

Formula E cancelled the second Formula E race (Season 10) scheduled in Hyderabad on February 10, 2024. The announcement was made after a decision by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department (MAUD) of the Telangana government not to fulfil the Host City Agreement signed on October 30, 2023.

Formula E Operations (FEO) said it was left with no choice other than to formally give notice to MAUD for breach of contract.

The Congress government issued notice to senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar for aserious violationsa with regard to the agreement. The official was asked to explain why the huge financial expenditure of Rs 46 crore, plus the tax amount of Rs 9 crore, was paid from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) resources even before the agreement was signed.

KTR defended the previous government's decision to bring the Formula E race to Hyderabad and declared that he was ready to go to jail. Denying the allegations of corruption, he said he tried to elevate Hyderabadas global image, especially through the Formula E race.
Nagpur, Dec 19 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said there was evidence for the use of terror funding and foreign interference during the recent elections. In his reply to the debate on the Governor's address, Fadnavis, in the state Assembly, cautioned the opposition parties to be careful as someone is putting a gun on their shoulder.

"There is no doubt about your patriotism but someone is putting a gun on your shoulders. What did they not do to win the election? We have seen someone come and raise the slogan of vote jihad, 17 demands were made to you and you do not even open your mouth. I will tell you the real conspiracy. I trust you, I don't distrust you, but you have strayed somewhere," he told the opposition leaders.

"To what extent are we going to win the elections? There is now evidence of foreign interference in the country's elections" he said.

He said a shocking case of financial transactions worth Rs 100 crore from the accounts of unemployed youths was revealed in the Merchant Bank branch in Malegaon.

"Some youths in Malegaon filed a complaint with the police. An undisclosed amount of cash worth Rs 114 crore has been deposited in the accounts. Accused Siraj Mohammad opened accounts in Nashik Merchant Bank using the PAN cards and Aadhaar cards of 14 people. Rs 114 crore was deposited in these 14 accounts. Later, the money was diverted to the accounts of Siraj Mohammad and 21 people. When the police, ED and Income Tax Department investigated this, it was found that transactions worth Rs 1,000 crore were made in 201 bank accounts from 21 states. This money has gone to different cities including Mumbai and Nashik. Rs 600 crore was sent to Dubai and Rs 100 crore was used for different things during this election. Now this investigation has been handed over to the ATS," he claimed.

Fadnavis alleged that the participants involved in the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra attended the meeting held in Kathmandu on November 15 this year. "The 180 organizations associated with Bharat Jodo Abhiyan organized programs and published pamphlets during the election period. Of which about 40 of them are organizations that have been named as frontal organisations," he said.

Referring to urban naxalism, Fadnavis said that the naxal activities are being carried out in urban areas especially when the war against naxalism is going on. "What is urban Naxalism? Let us take the name of the country's constitution, and create doubt in the minds of the people about every institution, such as the courts, RBI, and the Election Commission, so that people's trust should be lost, people should feel that every institution in this country is no longer autonomous. When this happens, what will happen if people revolt? What will they do if they revolt? They will break the constitution given by Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and bring a state of anarchy here. This is an attempt," he claimed.
Belagavi : , Dec 19 (IANS) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated in the Legislative Council in Belagavi Suvarna Vidhana Soudha on Thursday that the state police have detained 159 Bangladeshi nationals and 24 Pakistani nationals staying illegally in the state. In addition to this, investigations revealed that 115 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh have been living in Karnataka.

The question in this regard was raised by BJP MLC D. S. Arun in the Council.

Parameshwara, answering the question stated, "A special unit has been formed to look into the matter of illegal immigrants and tracking them down. Illegal immigration into Indian territory is not a new phenomenon. Illegal immigrants are coming into the country in lakhs."

"The Indian soldiers are preventing their entry at the borders and in spite of soldiers monitoring the borders, the question remains to be answered how the illegal immigrants manage to sneak into our territory," Parameshwara underlined.

"We have taken up the task of tracking them down and every year we are verifying and gathering inputs about these persons and deporting them back to their countries," Parameshwara stated.

Apart from Pakistan and Bangladesh, people from African countries are coming to India and indulging in drug trafficking. "They come to India on student visas and indulge in drug trade. To track them down, the state police department has formed a Special Task Force at the district level," he stated.

"The state government is constantly engaged in tracking the foreign nationals who are staying illegally in Karnataka," Parameshwara underlined.

In September, Bengaluru Rural police arrested 17 Pakistani nationals, who were illegally living in Karnataka under Hindu names. The police had filed a chargesheet before a court stating that they forged documents to live in the country.

The police had filed the 1,200-page charge sheet and charged the accused of cheating, forgery, and violating the rules of the Passport Act.

Parameshwara had earlier questioned, "If it is true that the illegal immigrants have been staying in India for 10 years, why did not the intelligence agencies and other institutions track them? Even though the passports were done after much scrutiny, they managed to get them."

"Many from Bangladesh have come to India. Every day we are nabbing illegal migrants from Bangladesh and deporting them back. They keep on coming. The borders are porous in Bangladesh, the situation has to be tightened at the borders. It is a matter of concern for the Union government and the military," Parameshwara had stated.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Britain's King Charles III, holding discussions "on a number of subjects of mutual interest", besides exchanging greetings on the upcoming festive occasions of Christmas and the New Year.

"It was a pleasure to speak with HM King Charles III today. Reaffirmed commitment to bolster India-UK ties. Exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including the Commonwealth, climate action and sustainability. Wished him good health and wellbeing," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) revealed that the British monarch and PM Modi recalled the historic relations between the two countries and reaffirmed commitment to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the United Kingdom.

"They exchanged views on the Commonwealth of Nations and the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Discussions were also held on a number of subjects of mutual interest, including Climate Action and sustainability. Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for His Majestyas sustained advocacy and initiatives on these issues and briefed him on the multiple initiatives undertaken by India... Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to the King for his good health and well being," read a statement issued by the PMO.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had conveyed his and people of India's wishes for the speedy recovery and good health to King Charles.

In reply to a post on X by the Royal Family communicating the news of the King suffering a form of cancer, the Prime Minister on February 6 posted: "I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III."

The two dignitaries had also discussed the Covid-19 pandemic during their phone conversation in April 2020.

Prime Minister Modi had then conveyed his condolences for the loss of life in the UK from Covid and had expressed satisfaction that Prince Charles - he had not ascended the throne then - had recovered from his own recent indisposition.

Charles had expressed his appreciation for the members of the Indian diaspora in the UK, including many members of the National Health Service, who played a seminal role in combatting the pandemic. He also referred to the selfless work being done by religious and social organisations of the Indian community in the UK besides thanking the Prime Minister for the facilitation and assistance provided for UK citizens stranded in India during the crisis.

Both dignitaries had also discussed Ayurveda with PM Modi explaining Indian initiatives aimed at teaching basic yoga exercises through short animation videos, and disseminating easy home-made traditional remedies for enhancing immunity during the Covid pandemic.
Mumbai, Dec 19 : Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and the Indian Navy on Thursday offered condolences to grieving families of victims who lost their lives in the naval speedboat and passenger ferry collision in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday, even as the search continues for 2 missing persons.

The Indian Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry to probe the mid-sea accident to establish the facts of the case in which a speedboat out on engine-trials went berserk and rammed into the passenger ferry with over 100 tourists.

The disaster occurred around 5 km off the Gateway of India, leading to four deaths out of the six personnel in the naval speedboat and nine civilians, who were sailing in a private boat, 'Neelkamal' to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Elephanta Isles.

Among them was a naval officer and three OEMs, and the civilians, who were mostly tourists from different parts of India, included two minors, six females and the rest males, while two others have yet to be traced.

The search and rescue operations resumed this morning to track the two missing persons in what is billed as one of the worst-ever maritime disasters around Mumbai.

An official said that the Indian Navy has deployed a helicopter, eight ships and one vessel of the Indian Coast Guard for the overnight search operation that continued till this (December 19) evening, while regular ferries to and from Elephanta continued today as usual.

The owner of the 'Neelkamal', Rajendra Padte, said that the vessel had departed on its regular tourism voyage to Elephanta Islands at around 3.15 p.m. and barely an hour later the deadly collision tragedy was reported, "but it was not our fault".

As per officials, the speedboat reportedly developed a snag during the engine trials. The pilot lost control and rammed with full force into the tourist boat, as chilling videos of the incident surfaced late last night.

Peasants & Workers Party of India (PWP) General Secretary and ex-legislator Jayant P. Patil, who was present at the spot, slammed the concerned authorities for the massive tragedy with the aNeelkamala sinking soon afterward.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis plus several Opposition leaders condoled the tragedy and the loss of innocent lives.

The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh and the CM announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakhs to the kin of each deceased, plus financial assistance to all the injured.

The deceased have been identified as: two minors, Nidhish Rakesh Ahire, 8-year-old boy (Nashik), Mahi Sairam Pavra, 3-year-old girl (Dhule); besides the five women Harshada Rakesh Ahire, 31 (Nashik), Shafina Ashraf Pathan, 34 (Goa), Rama Ratidevi Gupta, 50 (Palghar), Pragnya Vinod Kamble, 39 (Navi Mumbai).

The other males who drowned in the catastrophe include T. Deepak, around 40, and Mahendrasingh Vijaysingh Shekhawat, 31, both with Indian Navy (Mumbai and Raigad), Rakesh Nanaji Ahire, 34 (Nashik), Pravin Ramnath Sharma, 34, (Andhra Pradesh), Mangesh Mahadev Kelkar, 33 (Thane), Mohammed Rehman Qureshi, 35 (Bihar) and Deepak Neelkanth Wakchaure, 50 (Mumbai).
Seoul, Dec 19 : South Korea and Japan will hold high-level economic talks this week to boost cooperation and prepare for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, country's foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The 16th South Korea-Japan economic dialogue will take place in Tokyo on Friday, led by Kim Hee-sang, Deputy Foreign Minister for economic affairs and Takeshi Akahori, a senior deputy minister at Japan's foreign ministry, the Seoul ministry said.

"The talks will review the current economic cooperation between South Korea and Japan," a Seoul foreign ministry official said.

"We hope that the two countries will continue to develop their relationship in a future-oriented manner," he said.

They plan to discuss international economic issues, ongoing bilateral cooperation and ways to expand the partnership on the occasion of next year's 60th anniversary of the normalisation of the diplomatic ties, Yonhap news agency reported.

The upcoming dialogue also demonstrates South Korea's ongoing efforts to maintain its international credibility and strengthen economic cooperation with major countries despite recent domestic challenges, the official added.

Earlier on December 14, the South Korea's National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched imposition of martial law. An impeachment motion against Yoon passed 204-85, with three abstentions and eight invalid ballots, with all 300 lawmakers casting their ballots.

Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) decided shortly before the proceeding to take part in the vote but Opposed impeachment. The result showed 12 PPP lawmakers broke from their party line to vote in favour of impeachment.

A two-thirds majority was required to approve the motion, with the opposition bloc accounting for 192 of the 300 members of Parliament.

The motion's passage came 11 days after Yoon declared martial law in an announcement that caught the nation by surprise and drew outrage, as troops encircled the National Assembly compound in an apparent attempt to stop lawmakers from repealing the decree.

The martial law order, which was lifted within six hours after the Assembly voted it down, has prompted investigations by the police, the prosecution and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials into whether Yoon staged an insurrection. He is currently banned from leaving the country.

The court has up to 180 days to decide whether to uphold or dismiss Yoon's impeachment, a decision that will unseat or reinstate him, respectively.
Varanasi, Dec 19 : The city's traditional wooden craft industry is going places and soaring new heights in terms of demand and popularity. Large consignments of wooden toys and decorative items are being sent to countries like United, Brazil and more, for the Christmas season.

The global appeal of Varanasias handcrafted wooden toys and statues has seen a significant rise in past few years. The replicas of religious symbols, related to Shri Ram Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Dham has also sparked interest among the Indians, living in foreign territories.

The state governmentas support for local artisans has further fueled this growth, with increased exposure to international markets. Today, the wooden toys made in Varanasi are being sent across the world ahead of Christmas celebrations. The demand has been particularly strong from countries like Spain, Brazil, and the United States, with orders for around 10,000 hanging ornaments, including items like Santa Claus, Christmas trees, stars, and angels.

These ornaments are crafted by a dedicated group of around 60 women artisans, contributing not only to the local economy but also creating job opportunities.

The shift in demand has led to a significant boost in employment and has placed Varanasi's traditional handicrafts at the forefront of global markets.

Talking to IANS, Subhi Agarwal, a wooden toy maker in Varanasi, shared, "Weave produced wooden toys featuring five auspicious figures for hanging on Christmas trees and doors, which can also be given as gifts. Spain has placed a large order, which will be supplied to Brazil and the United States. We began production in September, with a team of 70 people, and we've already completed the order."

Bihari Lal Agarwal, another wooden toy maker, explained the growing recognition of their work, saying "In addition to making wooden toys and religious statues, this Christmas, we created numerous wooden figures for global markets. Weave also been honoured with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for our wooden crafts, which is a significant achievement for Varanasi."

As the demand for Varanasi's wooden crafts continues to grow, the cityas artisans are not only preserving their rich cultural heritage but also making a mark on the global stage, bringing the traditional art of woodcraft to the world stage, this Christmas season.
Prayagraj, Dec 19 : The Allahabad High Court on Thursday sought the Ghaziabad district judge's stand on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an impartial and independent enquiry into the incident, where "brute and atrocious force" was used on lawyers inside the latter's courtroom.

Prayagraj, Dec 19 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court on Thursday sought the Ghaziabad district judgeas stand on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an impartial and independent enquiry into the incident, where "brute and atrocious force" was used on lawyers inside the latter's courtroom.

A bench of Justices Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Prashant Kumar said that the counsel representing the administrative side of the high court may seek instructions from the Ghaziabad district judge.

"Shri Manish Goyal, learned senior advocate, along with Sri Ashish Mishra, learned counsel for the High Court, may obtain instructions from the learned District Judge, Ghaziabad in the instant matter," ordered Justice Tripathi-led Bench as it posted the matter for hearing on Friday.

In an earlier hearing, the Allahabad HC had remarked that it would not hear the petition filed by the Bar Association of Ghaziabad unless the advocates resumed work.

The plea filed by the President of Ghaziabad bar body said that the "absolutely false and frivolous" justification of protecting the district judge was given by the police for using brutal force and an independent enquiry/investigation is warranted for unearthing the truth.

"The petitioner at the outset submits it is not entering into the arena of allegations and counter allegations and is more concerned about the maintaining of the dignity of the majesty of the justice which has suffered primarily due to the high handedness of the Ghaziabad District Magistrate who considered himself above the law and went to the extent of foisting unprovoked violence upon the lawyers due to some ulterior objects or his personal grudges," said the plea, calling for an impartial and independent enquiry under the aegis of the Allahabad High Court.

Further, the PIL prayed the Allahabad HC to lay down guidelines providing for the conduct of the court proceedings by the district judiciary in an absolutely transparent manner by making it mandatory to record the proceedings to prevent the happening of any unforeseen incident in future and also for identifying the wrongdoers instantly.

The plea said that it has been repeatedly held that the judges and advocates are integral parts of the justice dispensation system and the institution of justice could not function without either of them, however, lately, advocates are being considered by judicial officers as unwanted and lesser mortals and are repeatedly insulted and threatened by the judicial officers by flashing their powers and judicial immunity.

Therefore, the Bar Association Ghaziabad is praying for appropriate guidelines to protect and preserve the dignity of the advocates in the interest of justice, otherwise, the entire justice dispensation system will be adversely impacted, it added.

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) had also condemned the baton charge on advocates in Ghaziabad and sought an inquiry into the incident by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court.

The SCBA said that compensation should be paid to the injured advocates and measures should be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Further, it called upon the Bar Council of India (BCI) and all other State Bar Councils to take necessary steps to protect the rights of advocates and to ensure that they are able to discharge their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment.
Mumbai, Dec 19 : Amid ongoing speculation surrounding her married life, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was spotted alongside her husband, Abhishek Bachchan, and father-in-law, Amitabh Bachchan, at the Dhirubhai Ambani School's Annual Day event in Mumbai.

Their joint appearance has sparked curiosity, especially with rumours of a possible rift and divorce circulating in the media.

In several videos circulating online, Aishwarya, dressed in an elegant black ensemble, appeared calm and poised, while Abhishek and Amitabh were seen by her side, engaging with other guests. The Bachchan family's presence at the prestigious event has effectively put an end to the speculation. One viral clip even shows Abhishek being protective of his wife as they entered together, with the couple also spotted walking hand-in-hand.

The Annual Day event provided the Bachchans with an opportunity to support their daughter, Aaradhya, a student at the institution. This public appearance comes as a response to the growing buzz surrounding their personal lives, with many speculating about tensions between Aishwarya and Abhishek.

This marks the first time the couple has been seen together publicly since the rumours began circulating. Despite the media frenzy, both Aishwarya and Abhishek have refrained from commenting on the matter, choosing instead to focus on their professional commitments.

Rumours about trouble in their marriage have been circulating for some time, especially following their separate appearances at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding earlier this year. The latest wave of speculation was fuelled when Aishwarya's name was displayed without the "Bachchan" surname at a Dubai event.

In his blog, Amitabh Bachchan addressed the issue, expressing concern over "information ending with question marks" and highlighting the emotional toll such rumours can have on those involved.

An excerpt from his post read, The post further read, "But untruths .. or selected question marked information can be a legal safeguard for them that inform .. but the seed of suspected belief is sown with this most used emblem .. the question mark ..write express whatever you like .. but when you follow it up with a question mark, you are not only saying that the write may be questionable .. but also quite surreptitiously wanting the reader to believe and expand on it, so that your write gets valued repeats .."
Kochi, Dec 19 : The Kerala High Court on Thursday decided to extend the jurisdiction of the nodal officer to accept the grievances of harassment from those in the Malayalam film industry who did not figure before the Justice Hema Committee.

The court made it clear that all who have complaints must register it with the nodal officer before January 31.

It further ordered that the nodal officer, on receipt of such complaints of harassment/abuse, can forward these to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Kerala Police for further investigation.

The Special Bench of Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice C. S. Sudha had, last month, directed the SIT probing offences relating to Justice Hema Committee Report, to nominate a nodal officer to take the complaints of other individuals in similar situations, regardless of whether they have provided statements to the Justice Hema Committee or not.

On Thursday, the bench said: "While the nodal officer has been nominated pursuant to our earlier order and sufficient publicity to the name and details of the said nodal officer is given so that persons who feel threatened, intimidated during the investigation on their complaints submitted before SIT can approach before the SIT with such complaints. It would be desirable to extend the jurisdiction of the nodal officer to cover even those grievances that will be raised by those persons in the film industry who have not approached the Hema Committee, so that any such person can submit individual grievances with regard to any harassment/abuse faced by them to the nodal officer for forwarding to SIT for investigation of the same. We see no impediment to expanding the jurisdiction of the nodal officer for the above purpose. We accordingly direct that the nodal officer shall on receipt of any such complaint from persons in the film industry, promptly forward the same to SIT for investigation by ensuring confidentialitya"

"This window is open only for the purposes of this. Suppose you have a complaint of harassment, you can always go to the police stationa athe only advantage you get through this window is that you get confidentiality, whereas when you go to normal SHO, your name will come as complainanta why would a person who is already aggrieved wait for a period beyond what the court is permittingaYou already have a platforma.there is a certain protection that we can ensureait will be from SIT to Court and no interference in between. If that does not inspire the confidence of those persons, then nothing will," it added.

The court then posted the case for further hearing after the Christmas break.

The Hema Committee report was published in August and by now all those actors who had FIRs registered against them, have got bail. They include two-time CPI-M legislator Mukesh, Siddique, Edavela Babu, Jayasurya, Ranjith, Maniyanpillai Raju, Nivin Pauly and a few others.
Moscow, Dec 19 : Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday once again acknowledged India's growing economic prowess while highlighting his government's continued efforts to keep the overall economic situation in the country normal and stable despite the long and ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

"International financial and economic institutions have placed Russia first in Europe in terms of economic volume, purchasing power parity, and fourth in the world. Ahead are China, the United States, and India. We overtook Germany last year and have overtaken Japan this year. But this is not an indicator that we should fall asleep and calm down on. Of course not," said Putin while answering questions during his annual press conference in Moscow on Thursday.

He mentioned that the Russian economy continues to develop despite external threats and attempts to influence it.

"Everything is developing, everything is actively moving forward. If the Eurozone has fallen asleep, then there are other centres of world development, they are also moving forward. And in the Eurozone and in the States, the situation is also changing. We must maintain the momentum, change the quality of our economy," Putin asserted.

Earlier this month, the Russian President had lauded Prime Minister Modi's 'India-first' policy and the 'Make in India' initiative while expressing Russia's willingness to establish manufacturing operations in India.

Addressing the 15th VTB Russia Calling Investment Forum in Moscow, Putin had drawn parallels between Russia's import substitution programme and India's 'Make in India' initiative.

"Prime Minister Modi has a similar programme called 'Make in India'. We are also ready to set up our manufacturing operations in India. The Indian government, under the Prime Minister's leadership, has been creating stable conditions, driven by a policy of putting India first. We believe that investing in India is profitable," the Russian President said.

In September, during his one-on-one meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval in Saint Petersburg, Putin had hailed India's rising global stature and the strength of its growing economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

"Our special privileged strategic partnership is gaining momentum, gaining strength, which we are only happy about. We are also happy about India's success in building, strengthening its statehood, and developing the economy, which is happening under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi," the Russian President had said during his meeting with NSA Doval.
Belagavi : , Dec 19 (IANS) The Karnataka Congress on Thursday accused former BJP national general secretary and MLC C.T. Ravi of using derogatory words towards Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar on the floor of the house during the Session, demanding stern action against him.

Commenting on the development, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that C.T. Ravi had used "very filthy words" for Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar.

"She is my Cabinet colleague, and it amounts to a criminal offence. I don't know whether she has complained to the Chairman also," he stated.

Asked about the denial by BJP MLC Ravi, CM Siddaramaiah said if she approaches the police, action would be taken according to the law.

The incident had taken place in the Legislative Council during a heated exchange of words between the ruling Congress and the opposition over the alleged remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Lok Sabha by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Reacting to the development, C.T. Ravi clarified that he had not used the word against Minister Laxmi.

"I don't know why she is assuming this. The documents in the session will record my statements. Once they are verified, it will be known what exactly I spoke," he stated.

Sources stated that while the members of the ruling Congress were staging a protest while the BJP and JD-S members were attacking each other, Minister Laxmi called C.T. Ravi a murderer.

Retaliating to this, Ravi has allegedly used the objectionable and offensive word against Minister Laxmi.

After this incident, not able to take the insult, Minister Laxmi left the house with tearful eyes.

The Congress members slammed C.T. Ravi and made a submission to the Chairman of the Legislative Council to initiate action against him.

Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, Ministers H.K. Patil, Priyank Kharge, N. Boseraju along with Laxmi Hebbalkar held a meeting with the Chairman of the Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti and urged initiating action against C.T. Ravi.

Former minister and Congress MLC Umashree said that no woman will tolerate and lie if she is addressed as a p@#$%^&*e.

"It is true that C.T. Ravi had used the derogatory word. Ravi abused our leader, Rahul Gandhi, as a drug addict. Retaliating to that, Laxmi Hebbalkar, addressing Ravi, said he had killed two persons in an accident and he was a murderer. Ravi had then called Minister Laxmi a p@#$%^&*e many times," Umashree stated.

Congress MLC Nagaraj Yadav said there was chaos when the Congress raised the issue of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statements about B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament.

"Minister Laxmi used the word 'murderer' for C.T. Ravi, and he had used objectionable words for her. We have made a submission to the council chairman and demanded that Ravi should be shunted out of the council," he stated.

JD-S MLC Sharavana, however, said: "We were protesting inside the House. The Chairman had adjourned the House for 10 minutes. Then there was the usage of the words 'murderer' and 'druggist'. I was near C.T. Ravi and the use of derogatory words has not come to my knowledge."
Bishkek, Dec 19 : Kyrgyzstan has detained 22 active members of the religious extremist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir in an operation, the press service of the country's State Committee for National Security reported on Thursday.

The joint operation of the State Committee for National Security and the Ministry of Internal Affairs was launched in the city of Jalal-Abad in southern Kyrgyzstan, according to the report.

"A stable religious extremist group has been promoting destructive ideology among the population of Jalal-Abad for several years, recruiting new adherents, creating fake accounts on the Internet, and using an underground printing house to replicate and distribute extremist materials in Kyrgyzstan," the report said.

A large amount of extremist literature, computer and copying equipment used to produce leaflets and other materials were seized, it added, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier this year, the Kyrgyz security agencies had detained six members of the Hizb ut-Tahrir organisation in southern Kyrgyzstan.

The six adherents of the banned organisation, who actively advocated for extremist ideology, were detained in the Suzak district of the Jalal-Abad region.

Extremist literature, media content, leaflets, and mobile phones were seized from those detainees, as well.

The accused had systematically spread extremist ideology among the local population to recruit new members into the organisation.

In December 2023, the Kyrgyz special services had foiled a terror attack attempt by arresting members of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) in Jalalabad who had plans to launch terror strikes during the New Year holidays.

The detainees were remotely recruited via the Internet and were planning to plant homemade explosive devices near the main New Year tree in the central square in Jalalabad. They also intended to launch an armed attack on a church in the city following instructions from ISKP emissaries.

Irrefutable evidence relating to the attack attempt was found during the operation, including correspondence with the terrorist group's emissaries, an action plan and instructions for making homemade bombs, as well as video recordings with an oath of allegiance to the ISKP leader.
Los Angeles, Dec 19 : Amazon workers from many warehouses in the United States have announced a strike beginning Thursday after they failed to reach an agreement on labour negotiations with the online retail giant.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union representing 10,000 Amazon workers, said in an announcement on Wednesday night, US time, that the decision was made as the company refused to recognise their union and would not negotiate a fair contract.

The strikes will impact Amazon warehouses in New York City, Atlanta, San Francisco, Skokie, Illinois, and three other facilities in Southern California. Thousands of workers are estimated to be on strike.

Moreover, according to the local Press-Telegram newspaper based in Long Beach, California, Teamsters local unions would also put up picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide, Xinhua news agency reported.

Amazon warehouse workers and drivers without collective bargaining agreements have the legal right to honour these picket lines by withholding their labor, said the Teamsters' statement.

The Teamsters, representing 1 percent of the 1 million full and part-time workers employed by the company in the U.S., said Amazon was given a "clear deadline" to come to the negotiating table and discuss "better working conditions and wages" for the unionized workers, but the company "ignored it."

Amazon's spokeswoman Eileen Hards said Wednesday evening in a statement that company employees had "always" had the choice whether to join a union or not and the company had offered what many unions requested, including competitive pay, health benefits on Day 1, and opportunities for career growth.

Business insiders predicted that the strike likely impacted the e-commerce giant's operations during a key part of the holiday shopping season.

"What we learned from the pandemic is that any potential disruption can cause ripple effects up and down the supply chain," University of Southern California associate professor Juan De Lara, who studies warehouse jobs, labor and unions, told CBS News Wednesday night.
Nagpur, Dec 19 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday criticised the Opposition for running a campaign against EVMs while demanding polling on ballot papers especially after their defeat in the November 20 Assembly polls, saying that "EVM means every vote for Maharashtra".

In his reply to the debate on the Governor's address in the Maharashtra Assembly, Fadnavis told the Opposition: "Accept the mandate with an open mind. Until you introspect, your situation will remain the same."

He claimed that the Opposition's campaign against EVMs was also meant to disrespect the Constitution.

Quoting poet Mirza Ghalib, the Maharashtra Chief Minister said: "Dhul chehere pe thi, aaina saf karata raha" (dust was on face but kept cleaning the mirror).

He reiterated that the Opposition should introspect by accepting the poll mandate instead of blaming the EVMs.

He said that the BJP and the MahaYuti did not blame the EVMs for the disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha polls.

"We did not blame EVMs. We lost because of the fake narrative but, after self introspection, we took the corrective steps," Fadnavis said.

He thanked the people for MahaYuti's landslide victory.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the slogan of 'Ek Hai To Safe Hai'. The people have supported PM Modi's slogan. The people united and voted for the MahaYuti which got almost 50 per cent of the votes," he said, adding: "I am a modern Abhimanyu, I can penetrate (through) ... that is why I am standing here. I give credit for this to the BJP and the people."

Fadnavis further said that the fake narrative will be replied by a direct narrative, adding that he is there to demolish the oppositionas fake narrative about EVMs.

He also took a dig at the Opposition saying that when they win the elections then they claim it was the victory of democracy and when they lose they allege it was the murder of democracy.

"I am surprised as a veteran politician and NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar has raised the EVM issue saying small states are given to India bloc while big states to BJP and allies. Sharad Pawar never commented on EVMs in the past but this time he has raised doubts over EVMs," he said.

Fadnavis, in a lighter vein, said that Ajit Pawar, who has become the Deputy Chief Minister for the sixth time, will also become the Chief Minister one day.
Kigali, Dec 19 : Rwanda has welcomed the sentencing of Philippe Hategekimana, alias Biguma, a former Deputy Commander of the Gendarmerie -- now the Rwanda National Police -- for his role in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, particularly in the Southern Province.

The Court of Appeal in France on Tuesday upheld the life sentence for Hategekimana. The appeal hearing began in early November after Hategekimana, who denied the charges, challenged the life sentence handed down by the Paris Assize Court in June 2023.

"Justice is served for the victims of the genocide committed against the Tutsi in Nyanza and the surrounding areas," Jean-Damascene Bizimana, Rwanda's minister of national unity and civic engagement, said in a post on X.

Hategekimana, 67, was found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity. In its ruling, the court emphasised the grave nature of his crimes, noting that his actions were instrumental in the scale of massacres in Nyanza.

"We are very happy with the court's decision that Philippe Hategekimana was convicted for his role in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. We are happy that justice has been served," Erasme Ntazinda, mayor of Nyanza District, Southern Province, told reporters at the district headquarters, Xinhua news agency reported.

The mayor added that the survivors were satisfied with the decision of the Paris Court of Appeal, which sentenced Hategekimana to life in prison after survivors testified about his involvement in the genocide.

In June 2023, a lower court sentenced Hategekimana to life imprisonment. He appealed the ruling, and during the appeal trial, testimonies from numerous witnesses implicated him in orchestrating and participating in the killings.

After the genocide, Hategekimana fled to France, where he adopted the false identity of Philippe Manier. He obtained refugee status and French citizenship in 2005. He worked as a university security guard in Rennes, a city in northwest France, but fled to Cameroon in 2017 after facing media scrutiny and a complaint filed by the France-based rights group Collectif des Parties Civiles pour le Rwanda.

Hategekimana was arrested in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, in 2018 and extradited to France. Since 2019, he had been in custody awaiting trial.

In a related case in October, a French court sentenced former Rwandan doctor Eugene Rwamucyo to 27 years in prison for his role in the 1994 genocide.

Approximately 1 million people -- mostly members of the Tutsi community and moderate Hutus -- were killed in the genocide orchestrated by Hutu extremists during a 100-day massacre in 1994.
Chennai, Dec 19 : Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha on Thursday urged for partnerships with IITs to facilitate startup opportunities in Siddha.

He gave the call at the 8th Siddha Day celebration on the theme 'Siddha for Public Health', organised at the Anna Centenary Library Auditorium, Kotturpuram, in Chennai.

Kotecha commended the woman power of Siddha scholars who achieved accolades in academics and mini projects. He also congratulated the inclusion of Kabasura kudineer as a drug for the National Clinical Management Protocol for Covid-19.

"The young generation must capitalise on these opportunities in Siddha," the Secretary said, while urging "hand-holding with IITs to facilitate start-up opportunities in Siddha through Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), Ministry of Ayush".

"The out-performance of the Ayush sector was 8-fold in the last 10 years," he said.

Calling it the "golden era" of the Ayush sector, he urged emerging Siddha doctors to utilise this opportunity.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav in his virtual address to the gathering, expressed happiness for organising the 8th Siddha Day. He called for planning a Siddha expo for wide circulation of different aspects of Siddha and modern developments.

Jadhav also pressed the need for integration of the ancient Siddha system of medicine with modern medicine by celebrating Siddha Day.

The event saw participation from 1,500 faculties of Siddha, scholars and students.

A medicinal plants expo comprising 240 authentic live plants and 130 raw materials, equipment used by ancient Siddhars, ancient books and life history of Siddha stalwarts, palm leaf manuscripts, and various therapies of Siddha medicine were also displayed at the event. The Siddhayitool which is used for self-assessment of the body constitution was made freely available at the venue. Siddha Formulary of India, Part 3 (Tamil version) and souvenirs of the 8th Siddha Day and Proceedings of National Conference on Ancient Wisdom of Siddha Medicine in Preventive and Promotive Healthcare organised by the CCRS were released during the event.
Helsinki, Dec 19 : Finland's Ministry of Defence announced on Thursday a defence budget of 6.5 billion euros (6.67 billion US dollars) for 2025, marking an increase of 536 million euros from this year.

The budget emphasises enhancing national defence capabilities and supporting Finland's integration into NATO, with defence spending projected to account for about 2.5 per cent of the country's gross domestic product.

The allocation includes 2.5 billion euros for military operations, which covers personnel salaries, conscription training, and equipment maintenance. Additionally, 202 million euros is designated for aircraft procurement and other defense materials over the next five years.

A further 1.5 billion euros is dedicated to acquiring new defence materials, while 431 million euros will be used for long-term improvements in military systems, Xinhua news agency reported.

Finland's defence expenses related to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are also included, with 158 million euros allocated to cover costs arising from membership. This includes investments to facilitate NATO's presence in Finland, enhance interoperability and strengthen troop reception capabilities.

In April 2023, Finland formally became NATO's 31st member state. At NATO's July summit this year, the member states approved the establishment of the Multi Corps Land Component Command and the deployment of Forward Land Forces in Finland.

Finland also continues to enhance defence cooperation in the Nordic region.

In October, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and visiting Finnish President Alexander Stubb had discussed key security issues facing Europe and agreed to boost defence ties.

The talks had focused on the evolving security policy landscape, collaboration between the NATO member countries and relations with Russia.

"The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of Norway and Finland to safeguarding regional stability," the Norwegian government had said in a press release.

The discussions between the two leaders had come at a critical time for Europe, with tensions running high in multiple areas.
Jammu, Dec 19 : J&K's State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Thursday filed a supplementary charge sheet against detained advocate Mian Abdul Qayoom in the murder of an advocate killed by terrorists in 2020.

The SIA, in a statement, said that a supplementary charge sheet was filed in the designated court against Qayoom, the former President of the High Court Bar Association, Kashmir, in the Babar Qadri murder case.

Qadri was reportedly killed by terrorists at his residence in the Hawal area of Srinagar city in September 2020.

The SIA statement said that a case FIR No 62/2020 u/s 302 IPC 7/27 and 13/16/18/20/39 of the UAPA was registered and an investigation was taken up by an SIT, set up by the IGP Kashmir and headed by SP Hazratbal.

"The SIT conducted the investigation and presented the charge sheet against six accused persons on May 6, 2021, before the Special NIA Court, Srinagar. Thereafter, further investigation in the case u/s 173 (8) CrPC was started by SDPO Zadibal.

"However, on July 20, 2023, PHQ J&K transferred the further investigation of the case to SIA J&K following which the SIT was formed, which was specifically tasked to unravel the larger conspiracy behind the killing.

"SIA took over the investigation and on the basis of sufficient oral, documentary and technical evidence arrested Mian Qayoom on June 25, 2024, as the principal conspirator behind the deceased's killing. It was revealed during the investigation conducted by SIA SIT that Mian Qayoom, who had an inimical relation with the deceased, got Babar Qadri eliminated through terrorists of TRF and their handlers in Pakistan by hatching a criminal conspiracy."

aBabar Qadri was very active on social and electronic media, where he also used to criticise Mian Qayoom... he had a premonition on the fateful day itself. Interestingly he went live on Facebook on September 24, 2020 afternoon, and while denouncing Mian Qayoom for his policies, also expressed his fears of being eliminated at the hands of Mian Qayoom and his coterie. Ironically, a few hours later he was killed in cold blood at his own residence," the statement added.

A 340-page supplementary charge sheet against Mian Qayoom for offences u/s 302/120-B/109 of the IPC and 13/18/18-B/38/39 UAPA was presented by SIA on Thursday.

The initial charge sheet in the case had been filed before the Special NIA court, Srinagar, but, in December 2023, the High Court had transferred the trial to Jammu taking a serious view of the interference in the judicial process by Qayoom as well as the threats to and intimidation of the deceased's family. Qayoom is presently lodged in the Jammu district jail.
Kolkata, Dec 19 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted conditional nod to the West Bengal Joint Platform of Doctors, an umbrella body of senior doctors, to conduct sit-in demonstration in central Kolkata to protest the default bail to two accused of tampering of evidence in the case on ghastly rape and murder of a woman junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata within the hospital premises in August this year.

The single-judge bench of Justice Tirthanka Ghosh permitted the doctors' body to conduct the sit-in-protest from Friday to December 26 but with a gathering of not more than 200 individuals.

Justice Ghosh directed the doctors' body to immediately inform the West Bengal government about the details of their demands on which they will be organising the protest demonstration.

He also directed the state government to submit their opinion on the demands to his bench in the first half on Friday, following which he will specify the other conditions for conducting the sit-in demonstration.

The doctors had earlier sent an email to Kolkata Police seeking permission for the sit-in-demonstration at Doreena Crossing in central Kolkata. However, as the police denied the permission citing the possibility of traffic congestion in the area as the reason, the association on Tuesday morning approached the bench of Justice Ghosh, challenging the denial of police permission, and their plea was admitted.

Last Friday, the special court in Kolkata granted default bail to R.G. Kar's former controversial Principal Sandip Ghosh and the former SHO of Tala Police Station, Abhijit Mondal, following the CBI's failure to file a charge sheet against them stipulated within 90 days of their arrests.

Both Ghosh and Mondal were accused of misleading the investigation and tampering with evidence during the initial investigation carried out by the Kolkata Police.

The CBI has so far filed only one charge sheet in the matter where civic volunteer Sanjay Roy has been identified as the "sole prime" accused in the rape and murder case. Already, the West Bengal Junior Doctorsa Front has threatened to resume their cease work protest which they withdrew earlier keeping the larger public interest in mind. The parents of the victim have already claimed that following the CBIas failure in the matter, "protests on the streets" with spontaneous public support are the only way out left for them now.
Kolkata, Dec 19 : Security has been tightened at Siliguri in northern West Bengal's Darjeeling district ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's scheduled visit to attend the special programme of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Friday on the occasion of the force's Raising Day.

Kolkata, Dec 19 (IANS) Security has been tightened at Siliguri in northern West Bengal's Darjeeling district ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shahas scheduled visit to attend the special programme of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Friday on the occasion of the force's Raising Day.

As per the schedule, Home Minister Shah is expected to arrive at Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri after 10 p.m. on Thursday and thereafter, he will be reaching the frontier headquarters of the SSB at Siliguri by road.

After having the night stay there, he will be attending a programme to mark the SSBas Raising Day at 11 a.m. on Friday.

Thereafter the Union Home Minister is also scheduled to hold a high-level meeting with the top officials of the force.

Sources said that since the SSB's frontier headquarters at Siliguri is just a few kilometres away from the districtas borders with Bangladesh, the scheduled high-level meeting is perceived to be quite crucial amid the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh causing apprehension of the rise in illegal infiltration into India.

The proximity to the international borders is also the reason that security measures had been made totally watertight since Thursday afternoon in and around Siliguri on the occasion of the Union Ministeras visit.

Amit Shah is supposed to fly back to New Delhi after attending the high-level meeting on Friday afternoon only. His scheduled departure from Bagdogra airport is 3.10 p.m. on Friday.

BJP state President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar will be accompanying the Union Home Minister during the entire tour. Majumdar is also supposed to receive Amit Shah at the Bagdogra airport on Thursday night. However, a BJP state committee member said that the schedule of the Union Home Minister at Siliguri is so hectic that Majumdar will hardly have any time to interact on the party's organisational aspects with him.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Goa Liberation Day is celebrated annually on this day to commemorate the end of Portuguese colonial rule in the state and its integration into India in 1961. The occasion holds great historical significance as it marks the culmination of the prolonged struggle for Goa's independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying rich tribute on this occasion. In a message shared on X, he expressed his reverence for the heroes of the liberation movement. He stated, "Today, on Goa Liberation Day, we recall the bravery and determination of the great women and men who were actively involved in the movement to free Goa. Their valour motivates us to keep working for the betterment of Goa and the prosperity of the people of the state."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended wishes on this occasion. He said, "Greetings to the people of Goa on Goa Liberation Day. It is a day that commemorates the indomitable sense of patriotism and freedom that paved the way for them to live as proud Indians. My solemn tributes to the great souls who made the supreme sacrifice in this movement."

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters. He said, "On the momentous occasion of Goa Liberation Day, I had the privilege of hoisting the National Flag at the Goa University Ground, Taleigao. My heartfelt tributes to the valiant Freedom Fighters who selflessly sacrificed their lives and relentlessly fought to free Goa from colonial rule. Their courage and dedication continue to inspire us to uphold the values of freedom and justice."

Goa, known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty, has organized a series of events and activities to honour the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. These events also celebrate the unique cultural identity of the state. The day is marked by ceremonies, parades, cultural programs, and exhibitions that highlight Goa's rich heritage and history.

Goa Liberation Day not only serves as a reminder of the struggle for freedom but also as an opportunity to celebrate the state's progress and unity within the fabric of India.

Goa was colonised by the Portuguese in 1510 and remained under their control for 451 years. Unlike other parts of India, Goa continued to be a Portuguese territory even after India gained independence from British rule in 1947.

The movement was built on the small-scale revolts and uprisings of the 19th century and grew powerful during the period 1940-1961. The movement was conducted both inside and outside Goa, and was characterised by a range of tactics including non-violent protests, revolutionary methods and diplomatic efforts. However, Portuguese control ended only when India invaded and annexed Goa in 1961.
Belagavi : , Dec 19 (IANS) In a major development, the police in Karnataka took Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC C.T. Ravi into custody on Thursday evening from the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here for allegedly making derogatory remarks against a woman minister in the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Cabinet.

The action came after a complaint was filed by Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar. She alleged that Ravi used highly objectionable language on the floor of the House.

The police registered an FIR based on Hebbalkar's complaint under Sections 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment and using insulting gestures amounting to sexual harassment.

C.T. Ravi was taken into custody by the police while he was staging a protest along with BJP members. Ravi was taken away from the venue of protest and shifted into a police van.

Hebbalkar also submitted a complaint to the Chairperson of the Legislative Council, Basavaraj Horatti.

BJP MLAs and MLCs staged a protest inside the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, condemning the alleged attack on BJP MLC C.T. Ravi related to the incident.

Reacting to the development, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka said: "This is nothing but 'goondagiri' by the Congress. C.T. Ravi was assaulted on the floor of the House. The Chairperson of the Legislative Council, Basavaraj Horatti, has given a ruling that no such incident took place. There is no record supporting the allegation. We don't know whether a law and order system exists in the state. We will protest."

Chairperson of the Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti commented that the members need to introspect in the wake of this incident.

"I have spoken to Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and BJP MLC C.T. Ravi regarding the matter. The issue has been closed. I am the custodian of the House, and I take responsibility for its smooth functioning," Horatti stated.

Meanwhile, Congress workers attempted to barge into C.T. Ravi's residence in his hometown of Chikkamagaluru. The police erected barricades and blocked the way of the protesters.

Protests were also staged in Bengaluru, Belagavi, and other locations.

The issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly by Congress MLA Sharat Bache Gowda. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka objected, stating that the Chairperson of the Council had given a ruling on the matter and there was no scope for discussing it in the Assembly.

Minister for Law H.K. Patil stated that obscene words were used, and Minister Laxmi was insulted.

"This is a heinous act. Members must respect each other, and their protection is the duty of the government," he said.

Chaos and drama unfolded as, during a heated debate session earlier in the Council, C.T. Ravi allegedly referred to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi as a "drug addict".

Taking objection to the remarks, Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar slammed Ravi, and called him a "murderer". Responding back, the BJP leader allegedly called the woman Minister a p@#%^&*@^e.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : The CBI filed a Supplementary Chargesheet against three accused in one of the Assam Ponzi Scam cases at a Special Court in Guwahati, an official said on Thursday.

The fresh set of charges were filed by the federal probe agency against Chabin Barman, Deepali Talukdar Barman and Mukesh Aggarwal, who all are in judicial custody in this case, said a statement.

Additional evidence against already chargesheeted accused Monalisha Das has also been filed with the supplementary chargesheet, it said.

The CBI had registered the case on October 14, 2024, on request of the government of Assam, taking over investigation of the case, originally registered by Police Station, Paltan Bazar, Assam on August 21, 2024 against DB Stock Consultancy, owned by Deepankar Barman, along with his close associate Monalisha Das, and 7-8 employees of the organization.

It was alleged that the accused persons had taken money from several clients by convincing them guaranteed returns and gave Rs 100 stamp paper in return as a proof.

Some of the clients who did not get regular payments over the past three months filed a complaint.

One of the complainants alleged that he invested Rs 1 crore and along with him several thousands of clients invested crores of rupees in the organisation, but the alleged accused person fled away alongwith amount invested by the clients.

Investigation has revealed that DB Stock Consultancy, proprietorship of Deepankar Barman, has been accepting deposits from the public on the promise of higher fixed returns on their deposits, the CBI said.

The proprietorship and its key managerial persons have been taking deposits in the name of five unregulated deposit schemes promising fixed higher returns. Deposits of more than Rs 400 crore have been taken by the said proprietorship of Deepankar Barman.

During further investigation, it was revealed that chargesheeted accused Monalisha Das acted in a criminal conspiracy with accused persons to cheat thousands of depositors by taking deposits under the pretext of high returns and then defaulting on the same.

Chabin Barman, along with his wife Deepali Talukdar Barman and son Deepankar Barman, conspired to promote the unregulated deposit scheme of DB Consultancy at a promotional programme in Guwahati.

Barman delivered a speech to solicit deposits into the scheme, and he, in collaboration with his son, ran the scheme for financial gain, receiving proceeds from DB Stock Consultancy and Deepankar's accounts.

Deepali Talukdar Barman, in association with her family, participated in promoting and running the unregulated deposit scheme, receiving proceeds from the scheme which she invested in real estate and other businesses for personal gain.

Mukesh Agarwal, a Chartered Accountant, conspired with Deepankar Barman to conceal the proceeds of the scheme in the firmas accounts.

Following Deepankar's instructions, Agarwal fabricated fake invoices and adjusted the illicit funds as loans in the firm's books. He also created false financial documents, and manipulated IT and GST returns for Deepankar Barman, further aiding in the concealment of the proceeds from the unregulated deposit scheme.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Forcible disappearances in Balochistan have become one of the most urgent human rights issues in the region, particularly over the last two decades. These disappearances predominantly involve Baloch activists, intellectuals, and members of nationalist groups who are abducted by state security forces or unidentified armed groups.

Many of these individuals are held without charge, leaving their families in a state of uncertainty regarding their fate. While the issue has garnered international attention, efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable have largely proven ineffective.

To grasp the severity of this crisis, it is crucial to explore its historical context, the parties involved, the social repercussions, and the legal and political challenges at hand. Balochistan, a region divided among Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, has long been a hub of political unrest and ethnic tension.

The Baloch people have historically felt marginalised by the central governments of these countries, particularly following Pakistan's creation in 1947. Despite Balochistan's wealth of natural resourcesincluding gas, minerals, and a strategic coastlineits people consistently assert that they are denied a fair share of the region's wealth.

Over the years, Baloch nationalist movements have sought greater autonomy or independence, leading to violent insurgencies against the Pakistani state, which views these movements as threats to national unity and security.

The recent surge in forcible disappearances in Balochistan can be traced back to the escalation of military operations in the region during the early 2000s. These operations, aimed at suppressing insurgent groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the Baloch Republican Army (BRA), and the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), frequently target suspected separatists, political dissidents, and civilians.

Pakistani authorities, particularly the military and intelligence agencies, routinely deny any responsibility for these disappearances, often branding the victims as militants or terrorists.

However, human rights organisations, both local and international, accuse the Pakistani government of orchestrating these abductions to silence political opposition and instil fear among the Baloch population.

Accurate statistics on forcible disappearances are difficult to obtain due to underreporting and fear of retaliation.

Nevertheless, organisations like the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) have documented an alarming number of disappearances over the years.

Estimates indicate that between 2001 and 2023, over 2,000 individuals have gone missing. These figures encompass activists, students, journalists, and ordinary citizens taken by security forces.

The actual number is likely higher, as many families are too frightened to report disappearances, and some cases remain unrecorded.

The abduction of Baloch activists has become a prevalent tactic employed by the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Frontier Corps (FC).

These agencies often operate with impunity, as many disappearances occur in areas with minimal media coverage, and victims are rarely presented before a court. Families of the disappeared are left without answers, facing limited options for seeking justice.

In some instances, individuals reappear months or even years later, frequently tortured and suffering from severe psychological distress, while many victims never return. These acts of enforced disappearance are not only illegal but also constitute clear violations of international human rights law.

Conversely, Baloch separatist groups are also implicated in forced disappearances, albeit to a lesser extent. These groups often target individuals they suspect of collaborating with the Pakistani state or military.

In such cases, the abducted individuals are accused of providing intelligence to authorities or supporting the military's presence in Balochistan.

While these abductions may be viewed as acts of resistance against state repression, they have been heavily criticised for their indiscriminate nature, often ensnaring innocent civilians.

The actions of Baloch militant groups contribute to the overall atmosphere of fear and instability in the region. The state's justifications for these disappearances are grounded in the necessity to maintain national security and combat terrorism.

Pakistani officials contend that Baloch insurgent groups are engaged in violent separatist movements, asserting that extreme measures, including enforced disappearances, are essential for restoring order.

They perceive these disappearances as part of broader counterinsurgency operations aimed at dismantling separatist networks. However, this justification is fiercely contested by human rights organisations, which argue that such actions are intended to silence dissent and suppress any form of political opposition.

The international community has increasingly voiced concerns regarding the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan.

Human rights organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have consistently condemned the actions of the Pakistani government, calling for an end to enforced disappearances and accountability for those responsible.

Despite this, international pressure has had limited success in bringing about meaningful change on the ground. The Pakistani government has persistently rejected external interference, characterising it as an infringement on the nation's sovereignty.

Furthermore, Pakistan has yet to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which came into effect in 2011. Consequently, there is no binding legal framework to hold the government accountable for these violations.

The social impact of these disappearances has been profound. Families of the disappeared often endure prolonged uncertainty and trauma, as the absence of a loved one becomes a form of psychological torture, leaving them without answers regarding their fate.

In some instances, families face additional suffering due to stigma, as the Pakistani state frequently labels them as "traitors" or "terrorists" solely because of their connection to the disappeared.

This stigmatization complicates their pursuit of justice, as they are often ostracised by their communities or subjected to harassment by state authorities. Furthermore, the pervasive fear of abduction has created a chilling effect on political activism and public dissent in Balochistan.

Many potential activists or critics of the government are silenced not just through force but also through fear. This atmosphere stifles the development of a vibrant political discourse and prevents the Baloch people from peacefully voicing their grievances.

The suppression of political freedoms has also led to the displacement of many Baloch individuals, with a significant number fleeing to neighbouring Afghanistan or seeking asylum in other countries.

Despite these challenges, efforts have been made at both local and international levels to tackle the issue of forced disappearances. Local organisations, such as the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons, continue to raise awareness of the crisis through protests and campaigns, both within Balochistan and internationally.

International human rights organisations have also called for increased attention to the issue, urging the Pakistani government to uphold the rights of its citizens and investigate all cases of enforced disappearances.

However, meaningful progress remains elusive. While the Pakistani government has established commissions like the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED), these bodies are often criticised for their lack of independence and effectiveness.

Critics argue that these commissions serve merely as symbolic gestures, intended to appease international concerns without addressing the underlying causes of the problem.

The legal framework surrounding forcible disappearances in Pakistan is inadequate. While the Constitution guarantees fundamental human rights, these rights are frequently violated in Balochistan.

The Pakistani state has yet to implement comprehensive reforms that would protect its citizens from enforced disappearances, and without such reforms, the cycle of abductions and violence is likely to persist.

For the situation to improve, there must be a stronger political will from the Pakistani government to engage in meaningful dialogue with Baloch nationalist groups and address their demands for greater autonomy and control over their natural resources.

Additionally, Pakistan needs to take concrete steps to hold accountable those responsible for enforced disappearances, whether they are members of the military, intelligence agencies, or other state actors. International pressure and support for human rights organisations will also be crucial in urging the Pakistani government toward reform.

Until these measures are implemented, Balochistan will remain a region characterised by widespread human rights violations, with its people living in constant fear of abduction, repression, and violence.

The Pakistan Army, often supported by intelligence agencies like the ISI, has been widely implicated in orchestrating these forced disappearances as part of its counterinsurgency operations against Baloch nationalist movements.

These actions, carried out under the pretext of national security, have resulted in thousands of Baloch citizens being abducted, tortured, and in many cases, permanently disappeared.

The ultimate solution lies in recognising the rights of the Baloch people, ending state-sanctioned abductions, and restoring political and social freedoms in the region. Holding the Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies accountable for their role in these violations is crucial to breaking this cycle of impunity.

Until then, Balochistan will continue to be a place of suffering, where the voices of the disappeared and their families go unheard, and their pursuit of justice remains elusive.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Demanding a probe by the Anti-Corruption Branch, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Thursday accused the AAP government and party leader Arvind Kejriwal of being involved in a Rs 250 crore scam, claiming that funds meant for providing shelter to the homeless during winter were misused.

The BJP Delhi chief alleged the presence of ghost employees on the rolls of NGOs engaged by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to serve the homeless at shelters.

"We demand an investigation into the roles of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the concerned ministers, MLAs, DUSIB officials, and all others involved," he said.

Sachdeva said that according to the DUSIB's regulations, each shelter home is allocated salaries for 5 to 6 caretaking staff, depending on capacity, which is paid to contractor NGOs.

"However, a BJP team investigation uncovered significant fraud in this system. In each shelter, payments are made for 5-6 caretakers, while only 2 are actually present. The BJP team's investigation found 3-4 ghost employees in every shelter," he said.

Advocate Himanshu Sethi, the complainant in this matter, said DUSIB is a department of the Delhi government responsible for assisting the poor and helpless by providing them with shelter homes, however, the AAP government perpetrated corruption even in this noble humanitarian service.

The Delhi BJP President stated that no work occurs in Arvind Kejriwal or Atithi's government without brokerage, bribery, or commission.

"The BJP's legal team discovered that eight major NGOs are contracted for shelter home maintenance in Delhi. Most shelters employ only 2-3 workers, yet salaries for 5-6 are disbursed," he alleged.

Further investigation revealed that the same staff names were registered across different shelter homes, with identical Aadhaar numbers and bank accounts, he alleged, demanding a probe.

"Whether it's the shelter at Delhi Gate, Lahori Gate, Turkman Gate, or Mangolpuri, a single Aadhaar card is being used to draw 3-5 salaries," he said.

"This entire matter involves an alleged scam of approximately Rs 250 crore. We have requested an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) and have also filed a complaint with the Lokayukta.

In a separate matter, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor criticised Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj who as part of their government's annual drama, stood alongside the Mayor of Cambridge, England, and praised the Delhi government's education model while self-congratulating the government.

The Mayor of Cambridge neither issued any statement nor posted on social media any post praising the Delhi government.

The Delhi BJP spokesperson stated that Delhi residents expect that Minister Bharadwaj must have also informed the Cambridge Mayor that 75 per cent of Delhi government schools lack facilities for teaching Science and Commerce to underprivileged children.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Goan history "accounts for over 40 rebellions against Portuguese rule". In 1946, 14 Goan leaders were deported to Portugal and Angola. "Between February 1954 and May 1955, about 3,000 Goans have been arrested and over a thousand Goans imprisoned, some without trial, besides some thousands who have been taken to police stations and beaten on mere suspicion such as the possession of Mahatma Gandhi's or Jawaharlal Nehru's photos.

New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS) Goan history "accounts for over 40 rebellions against Portuguese rule". In 1946, 14 Goan leaders were deported to Portugal and Angola. "Between February 1954 and May 1955, about 3,000 Goans have been arrested and over a thousand Goans imprisoned, some without trial, besides some thousands who have been taken to police stations and beaten on mere suspicion such as the possession of Mahatma Gandhi's or Jawaharlal Nehru's photos.

"This is no small evidence of our determination to reunite with India" were the words of H.C. Denis, Chairman of the Goan League in England, in a letter to the "Manchester Guardian".

For backstage diplomacy between India and Portugal, India's UN delegation chief and a personal friend of then Indian Prime Minister Nehru, Belthi Shah Gilani, visited Lisbon in October 1955 to find a solution to Goa.

In November 1955, during a visit by Soviet leaders to Delhi, Prime Minister Nehru discussed the Soviet veto blocking 18 countries from joining the UN.

As a goodwill gesture, Soviet leaders Bulganin and Khrushchev agreed to most entries, excluding Mongolia and Japan. Portugal, supported by India, joined the UN, reflecting a shift in India's earlier policy.

However, soon after its admission on December 22, 1955, Portugal approached the International Court of Justice, accusing India of blocking its troops from reaching Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

By mid-1961, frustrated with Prime Minister Salazar's intransigence, Nehru lost patience. By late August 1961, India's defence authorities had been given to understand that military action against the Portuguese held territories was a distinct possibility. Lt. General J.N. Chaudhari prepared a deployment plan for ground, air, and naval forces after surveying the Goa border.

In November 1961, after Indian ships and fishing boats were fired upon near the Anjadiv Island, the decision to respond militarily became increasingly urgent. Initially, the government's reaction appeared focused solely on Anjadiv Island, as indicated by a warning order dated 29 November.

This order stated: "In response to recent Portuguese aggression against Indian nationals, the government plans to undertake specific actions in the Anjadiv Island area. Portuguese retaliation may necessitate armed action against their territories in India."

However, a detailed assessment by the armed forces revealed that limiting operations to Anjadiv would yield little strategic benefit. Consequently, the plan was expanded to include all Portuguese colonies in India.

In early December 1961, just weeks before India's military action in Goa, Portugal proposed an international mission to investigate border incidents. India ignored this suggestion, reiterating its hope that Portugal would evacuate its colonies. Initially, the operation was planned for 16 December but was delayed to 18 December, likely due to diplomatic efforts at the UN and Nehru's preference for a peaceful resolution.

Between 4 and 11 December, Indian authorities reported multiple border violations by Portuguese patrols, including gunfire and a house search. Protest notes were sent, while Portugal accused India of similar acts, including overflights and attacks on a Goan village.

Despite these tensions, Portugal refrained from retaliation but invited international observers to assess the situation. On December 11, Nehru told the Rajya Sabha that India's patience had run out due to repeated Portuguese provocations.

On December 12, the Governor General Vassalo e Silva ordered the evacuation of European women and children of the Portuguese officials and military personnel, which was done by air and sea in the next few days.

However when everything seemed lost, Salazar sent a dramatic telegram dated December 14, 1961, to the Governor General on the eve of the attack by the Indian army, asking a sacrificio total or total sacrifice, meaning that his soldiers and sailors either end up victorious or dead in the defence of the realm.

Salazar had also commanded him to burn and destroy Goa before surrendering it to the Indian Army, but the Governor General could not fulfill those orders, for which he suffered punishment from the unforgiving dictator back home.

Operation Vijay was launched before Prime Minister Nehru had second thoughts about calling it off and the Indian army entered Goa on 18th December from the South of Goa. Major General K.P. Candeth, GOC, 17th infantry division directed the operations against Goa.

There was hardly any opposition from the Portuguese whose troops were captured without any violence. On the eastern and northern front, there was little resistance with the Portuguese firing some shots before withdrawing.

The operation order dated 11th December directed the 17 Infantry Division and attached troops to swiftly advance into Goa to capture Panjim and Marmugao through a multi-pronged strategy: thrusts from the east and north, and a diversionary entry from the south.

A small force entered Goa from the south at 6 a.m. on 18th December, encountering minimal resistance at Ardifond before advancing to Margao by the morning of the 19th, securing the southern half of Goa without any casualties.

On the eastern and northern fronts, resistance was limited to sporadic gunfire as Portuguese forces relied on delaying tactics, including demolishing bridges, laying mines, and setting up roadblocks.

The Portuguese strategy aimed to hold Indian forces long enoughat least eight daysto secure international intervention via a UN resolution. Salazar's instructions emphasized a no-surrender stance, envisioning either victory or complete destruction.

Indian forces, aware of these plans, countered by aiming to complete the operation within three days. Superior strength and efficient engineering units were deployed to repair bridges simultaneously, ensuring swift progress.

On realizing the futility of resistance, the Portuguese avoided major confrontations, focusing instead on sabotaging infrastructure.

This lack of determined opposition allowed Indian forces to liberate Goa in just one and a half days, far quicker than anticipated.

The Portuguese forces in Daman and Diu offered significant resistance compared to Goa. In Daman, troops adhered to orders to "fight to the last man and last round," resulting in fierce clashes. Communication with Goa was severed on the morning of 18th December, leaving Daman and Diu without further instructions from Goa or Lisbon.

The conflict in Daman caused 4 Indian fatalities and 14 injuries, while Portuguese casualties included 10 deaths and 2 injuries.

In Diu, resistance was similarly intense, leading to 8 Indian deaths and 17 injuries. In Goa, where resistance was weaker, Indian casualties were 3 killed and 4 injured, while Portuguese forces suffered 13 deaths and 10 injuries.

By the evening of 19th December 1961, all operations concluded, and the Portuguese Governor General, Manuel Antonio Vassalo e Silva, signed the unconditional surrender documents in Vasco da Gama, Goa.

(The writer is an author and columnist. Her latest book is Blood In The Sea: The Dark History of Hindu Oppression In Goa)
Prayagraj, Dec 19 : Ahead of the grand preparations being made for Maha Kumbh scheduled to be held in Uttar Pradesh's ancient city early next year here, sanitation workers or 'safai Karamcharis' have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gesture of felicitating them by washing their feet at the Kumbh Mela held in 2019.

Prayagraj, Dec 19 (IANS) Ahead of the grand preparations being made for Maha Kumbh scheduled to be held in Uttar Pradesh's ancient city early next year here, sanitation workers or 'safai Karamcharis' have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gesture of felicitating them by washing their feet at the Kumbh Mela held in 2019.

The Prime Minister will once again carry forward Mahatma Gandhi's legacy of felicitating sanitation workers at MahaKumbh 2025, which will be held from January 13 to February 26.

Sanitation workers play a special role in this grand and divine religious event by maintaining cleanliness at the site.

During the Kumbh Mela held in 2019, PM Modi honoured the sanitation workers by washing their feet for taking the lead in ensuring cleanliness at the religious event.

Sanitation workers in Prayagraj spoke to IANS reminiscing the moment when PM Modi honoured them by washing their feet during the Kumbh Mela held in 2019.

Recollecting his meeting with PM Modi, a local sanitation worker Jyoti, said: "When I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, I felt proud and surprised as well emotional. He felicitated me by washing my feet which made me very happy. I never thought that anyone would respect us. So many Chief Ministers and Prime Ministers came and went out of power, but no one ever respected us as PM Modi did. This time also we hope that PM Modi will felicitate sanitation workers like me."

Asked about the Opposition's accusing PM Modi of insulting B.R. Ambedkar, Jyoti said, "PM Modi respects everyone. So many tall leaders from the opposition parties have come and gone out of power, but no one has ever given so much respect to sanitation workers like me."

Naresh Kumar, another sanitation worker, said, "During the Ardh Kumbh in 2019, I never thought that PM Modi would wash my feet. But when it happened, I was quite surprised that the Prime Minister of the country was washing the feet of a sanitation worker like me. All other sanitation workers were quite happy after this incident."

He also added: "By washing my feet, PM Modi has brought happiness to sanitation workers across the country. Before PM Modi, no CM or PM of the country gave us this so much respect. Anyone who saw this would be feeling very proud. There has been a lot of change in the country and the state during the tenure of PM Modi. At the same time, Uttar Pradesh has changed a lot in terms of development since 2019."

--IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Dec 19 : The members of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the ruling BJP, on Thursday held a protest at the Master Canteen Square here over the scuffle on the Parliament premises in which two BJP MPs -- Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput -- sustained injuries.

The BJYM workers submitted that Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi should seek an apology for the unfortunate incident that occurred in Parliament on Thursday.

The protesters also burnt the effigy of Rahul Gandhi.

Odisha BJYM president Abhilash Panda said: "It will be etched in history how the highest temple of democracy was marked with blood stains by injuring a senior BJP leader. Let Rahul Gandhi apologise. The countrymen will always remember this violence and never forgive the Congress party."

The BJP workers on Thursday also staged a demonstration at Sahadevkhunta Square in Balasore, condemning the Congress leader's "action", and accusing the party of indulging in "low-level politics" within the sacred premises of Parliament.

During the protest, the BJP activists burned an effigy of Rahul Gandhi to express their anger and demanded accountability.

Speaking on the matter, Balasore MLA Manas Dutta said: "Such action in Parliament are unacceptable and reflect the degrading standards of politics by the Congress party."

On the other hand, the Congress leaders and workers also staged a protest in Bhubaneswar on Thursday over the alleged disrespect of BR Ambedkar by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha recently.

The protesters were demanding the resignation of HM Shah and apology for allegedly insulting B.R. Ambedkar.

It is pertinent here to mention that a heated confrontation unfolded in Parliament premises on Thursday during a protest by opposition MPs alleging disrespect towards B.R. Ambedkar.

The incident escalated when BJP MP Pratap Sarangi accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of pushing an MP, causing a chain reaction that led Sarangi to fall and sustain a head injury.

Speaking to IANS, Sarangi claimed: "Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, and he collided with me. I fell and hit my head, which is bleeding. The push was initiated by Rahul Gandhi."
Jaipur, Dec 19 : A MARCOS commando from Rajasthan is among those who lost their lives on December 18, an official said on Thursday.

Among the deceased is a MARCOS Commando, Mahendra Singh Shekhawat, who hailed from Rajasthan.

The 34-year-old MARCOS commando was a resident of Junsia village in Kishangarh.

The body of the commando will arrive in his hometown late on Thursday night and will be taken to Junsia in Renwal for last rites, which will be conducted with state honors on Friday.

The MARCOS unit, known as India's most dangerous commandos, includes highly trained and elite personnel.

Renwal Tehsildar Komal Yadav confirmed that Shekhawat hailed from Junsia village.

Sehkhawat was just two months away from retirement.

The incident occurred on December 18 around when a Navy patrol speed boat collided with the 'Neelkamal' boat near Butcher Island in the Arabian Sea.

Thirteen people, including Mahendra Singh Shekhawat, a decorated commando, lost their lives in the accident.

Shekhawat got married to Usha Kanwar in 2010. He had two daughters -- a 10-year-old elder daughter, a sixth-grade student, and five-year-old Yugantika Shekhawat, who is in Class 1.

The news of Mahendra Singh Shekhawat's demise has left his village and surrounding areas in deep mourning.

His sacrifice will be remembered with great honor during the state-led final rites on Friday, a local resident said.

As per officials, Shekahwat was operating the Navy boat as crew when the accident was reported at sea.

His mortal remains will reach Jaipur Airport on Thursday night and be further transported to his hometown.

Last rites will be performed on Friday, said Col Amitabh Sharma, PRO, Defence, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and the Indian Navy on Thursday offered condolences to grieving families of victims who lost their lives in the naval speedboat and passenger ferry collision in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday, even as the search continues for 2 missing persons.

The Indian Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry to probe the mid-sea accident to establish the facts of the case in which a speedboat out on engine-trials went berserk and rammed into the passenger ferry with over 100 tourists.

The disaster occurred around 5 km off the Gateway of India, leading to four deaths out of the six personnel in the naval speedboat and nine civilians, who were sailing in a private boat, 'Neelkamal' to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Elephanta Isles.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening attended the Christmas celebrations at the residence of Union Minister George Kurian and interacted with eminent members of the Christian community, highlighting the spirit of cultural inclusivity and celebration.

The event provided a platform for PM Modi to engage with prominent figures from the Christian community, reinforcing the government's commitment to fostering strong ties with the religious group.

In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said: "Attended the Christmas celebrations at the residence of Union Minister George Kurian Ji. Also interacted with eminent members of the Christian community @GeorgekurianBjp."

Earlier on June 9, Kerala BJP unit General Secretary George Kurian was inducted as a Union minister in the third Narendra Modi government.

Hailing from Kerala's Kottayam, Kurian is a no-frills BJP leader and is known for his soft-spoken style and being a popular BJP representative on TV news channels.

He started his political life as a student activist with the student wing of the Janata Party in 1977 and in 1980, joined the BJP with which he has been ever since.

In 2017, Kurian was appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the National Minorities Commission.

Though based in Kottayam, he has worked in Delhi, being the officer on special duty to the then Minister of State for Railways O. Rajagopal in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government during 1999-2004.

Kurian's ministerial post is being seen as an outreach to the Christian community.

Jesus is regarded by Christians as the Son of God, whose teachings and sacrifices have influenced the spiritual development of humanity.

For Christians, Christmas has great religious and cultural significance.

It honours the birth of Jesus Christ, who is thought to have come to earth to save humanity.

His teachings placed a strong focus on sacrifice, love, and compassion.

Christians hold that the birth of Jesus changed the world, bringing happiness and hope in place of greed and evil.

Christmas is also a time to commemorate the sacrifices made by Jesus, especially his crucifixion and resurrection. Carol singing, religious services, and prayers are used to commemorate these occasions.
New Delhi, Dec 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attended the Christmas celebrations at the residence of Union Minister George Kurian and interacted with eminent members of the Christian community, highlighting the spirit of cultural inclusivity and celebration.

The event provided a platform for PM Modi to engage with prominent figures from the Christian community, reinforcing the government's commitment to fostering strong ties with the religious group.

In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said: "Attended the Christmas celebrations at the residence of Union Minister George Kurian Ji. Also interacted with eminent members of the Christian community @GeorgekurianBjp."

Earlier on June 9, Kerala BJP unit General Secretary George Kurian was inducted as a Union minister in the third Narendra Modi government.

Hailing from Kerala's Kottayam, Kurian is a no-frills BJP leader and is known for his soft-spoken style and being a popular BJP representative on TV news channels.

He started his political life as a student activist with the student wing of the Janata Party in 1977 and in 1980, joined the BJP with which he has been ever since.

In 2017, Kurian was appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the National Minorities Commission.

Though based in Kottayam, he has worked in Delhi, being the officer on special duty to the then Minister of State for Railways O. Rajagopal in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government during 1999-2004.

Kurian's ministerial post is being seen as an outreach to the Christian community.

Jesus is regarded by Christians as the Son of God, whose teachings and sacrifices have influenced the spiritual development of humanity.

For Christians, Christmas has great religious and cultural significance.

It honours the birth of Jesus Christ, who is thought to have come to earth to save humanity.

His teachings placed a strong focus on sacrifice, love, and compassion.

Christians hold that the birth of Jesus changed the world, bringing happiness and hope in place of greed and evil.

Christmas is also a time to commemorate the sacrifices made by Jesus, especially his crucifixion and resurrection. Carol singing, religious services, and prayers are used to commemorate these occasions.
Mumbai, Dec 19 : The Mumbai Police resorted to cane-charge on Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) workers who stormed into the Congress office at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai and vandalised it here on Thursday, officials said.

Angry activists of the BJYM - the youth wing of Bharatiya Janata Party  ranted slogans against the Congress, accusing Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of allegedly insulting Dr B. R. Ambedkar.

Led by BJYM Mumbai chief Tajinder Tiwana, they reached the Congress office, pelted stones at photos of Rahul Gandhi and other leaders there, picked up chairs and threw them around, pushed around other furniture, slammed doors, windows and indulged in mayhem.

Shouting slogans, they also splashed black paint on large posters of Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi at the Congress office and pulled down at least one picture banner there.

A Mumbai Police team which was already deployed outside the party office attempted to control the violent BJYM youths and then resorted to a baton-charge to disperse them, with at least half a dozen activists getting tight blows.

A Congresswoman office-bearer claimed that when she attempted to stop the BJYM mob, some of them allegedly tried to touch her, and charged them "with attacking those who are trying to protect the Constitution and Democracy".

She told mediapersons that the BJYM's cowardly workers sneaked in like thieves and launched the sudden attack on the party office, and accused the police of being aware of everything.

Top Congress leaders including state President Nana F. Patole, Working President M. Arif Naseem Khan, ex-Leader of Opposition Viyaj Wadettiwar, ex-CM Prithviraj Chavan, MP Varsha Gaikwad, ex-Minister Balasaheb Thorat, ex-state chief Manikrao Thakare, former Indian Youth Congress President Srinivas BV, MPs, MLAs and others.

They termed the attacks as 'BJP-sponsored state terrorism' and called the BJYM workers 'goons' who were let loose to rampage against those who respect Dr Ambedkar, the Constitution and his ideals.

The leaders pointed out that Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi and other central leaders have been consistently targeted by the BJP even in New Delhi, particularly after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's utterances against Dr Ambedkar a couple of days ago.

Earlier today, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of Congress-Shiv Sena (UBT)-Nationalist Congress Party (SP) and others took out a protest march from Constitution Square to the Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur where the Winter Session of the Maharashtra Legislature is underway.

The protestors were demanding an apology from HM Shah, while SS (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray and others have demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should sack the Home Minister.
Hyderabad, Dec 19 : Denying allegations of corruption in Formula E race case, former Telangana minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao said that the Congress government has no guts to discuss the issue in the Assembly.

Hours after the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a First Information Report (FIR) against him, Rama Rao addressed a press conference to deny the allegations and revealed details of the transaction.

KTR, who has been named as accused number one in the alleged scam in transferring Rs. 55 crore to London-based company, said it was a fact that Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) paid Rs.55 crore to organisers. "The organizers said they received Rs 55 crore. The Congress government should explain where is the corruption," he said.

Stating that people of Telangana are watching everything, the BRS leader claimed that Formula E Race held last year was an attempt to enhance the brand image of Hyderabad and Telangana.

Recalling that the Formula-E Race was contracted for four seasons on 25 October 2022, the former minister said the intention was to make Telangana a hub for electric vehicles.

KTR clarified that the HMDA had adhered to legal provisions, and funds were transparently transferred through government bank channels. He emphasized that Hyderabad had gained global recognition through the Formula E event, attracting significant investments in the electric vehicle sector. However, the Congress government's inept handling of the situation caused reputational damage to Hyderabad and Telangana on the international stage.

Accusing the government of filing baseless and politically motivated cases to divert public attention from its administrative failures, he said that he was not afraid of anybody and that he would face the case legally.

"These fabricated cases and conspiracies will neither intimidate us nor deter our fight against corruption and incompetence. I have done no wrong, and I am confident of proving my innocence through legal means."

KTR stated that the Telangana government, through the HMDA spent Rs.30 crore, while private sponsor Ace Urban contributed Rs. 110 crore. He cited an independent study by Nielsen which concluded that the event generated an economic impact of Rs. 700 crore for Hyderabad.

The BRS leader said the cancellation of subsequent races occurred due to the private sponsor's financial constraints and the Congress government's failure to honor contractual obligations.

KTR accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and his administration of attempting to divert attention from the Congress government's unfulfilled promises.

He also highlighted instances where international organizers of Formula E, dissatisfied with the government's decisions, initiated arbitration proceedings, causing further embarrassment to Telangana.

Drawing parallels to a similar scenario in Montreal, Canada, where a local government canceled Formula E races, KTR pointed out that the organizers successfully sued for damages, emphasizing the potential legal and financial repercussions of the Congress government's actions.

He said Formula E organisers have filed an arbitration case to settle the issue with Harish Salve as lawyer. He claimed that FMSCI wants to give back a licensing fee of Rs 74 lakh but the government is not ready to take it.

Revealing that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met Formula E cofounder Albert Longo on December 13, KTR shared the photographs with the media. He asked why the government has not revealed what transpired during the meeting

Earlier, ACB registered a case against KTR for alleged misuse of government funds under Sections 13(1)(A) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with Sections 409 and 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code. It is alleged that Rs. 45 crore was paid by HMDA to the foreign company FEO in violation of RBI guidelines. The payments were reportedly made without obtaining approvals from the Cabinet or the Finance Department.

The ACB named KTR as accused number one. IAS officer and then HMDA Commissioner Arvind Kumar and former HMDA Chief Engineer BLN Reddy have been named as accused number two and three respectively.
Itanagar, Dec 20 : The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh was undertaken in light of China's plans to construct mega dam in its upper stream, Tsangpo, which could cause potential risks to people living nearby Siang river and downstream areas, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said on Thursday.

Addressing a public gathering during a developmental meeting in Boleng, Siang district, squashing misconceptions created by some anti-dam activists in the region, the Deputy Chief Minister clarified that the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is a National Project declared in the year 2008.

He stressed upon the crucial role of the multipurpose project as a national security measure, in light of China's plans to construct a mega dam for the 60,000 MW electricity generation capacity in its upper stream, Tsangpo, which could cause potential risks to people living nearby Siangriver and downstream areas.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project would be a strategic boon for the development and welfare of the local community by addressing critical challenges like flood control, water storage, irrigation, navigation, and power generation.

The Siang River Dam will also help regulate water discharge and runoff, significantly improving the region's resilience to floods.

He outlined the multi-faceted benefits of the project, underscoring its potential to drive socio-economic growth in the region.

Local people continuously agitate opposing the preliminary study for the proposed 12,500-MW hydropower project, which is a part of the ambitious multipurpose Project in Upper Siang district.

The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) has been spearheading the agitation against the project also against the state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and the state government.

The Deputy Chief Minister also addressed concerns of the community regarding the presence of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the area, stating that their deployment is purely for the safety of personnel and machinery involved in survey operations for the project.

He reassured residents that the security measures were precautionary and not intended to intimidate or harm anyone.

Mein urged the local population to support the initiative and let the survey work for the Project Feasibility Report (PFR) be carried forward.

He explained to the people that after the PFR, impact assessment would be carried out and then a Detailed Project Report would be made on the basis of which the height and capacity of the dam would be determined.

Thereafter, Public Hearing process would give local communities a platform to express their viewswhether to approve or oppose the project, the Deputy CM said.

"We are not anti-people, nor are we anti-Arunachal. The Siang Dam is for the security of the people living near the Siang basin and for the prosperity of the area as it will create job opportunities and generate revenue for the State," Mein told the people.

He further said that robust compensation mechanisms, relief and rehabilitation in line with the LARR Act 2013, would be put in place for the affected villages, with plans for the creation of model villages that will include healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

He also said that the project would not affect the region's demography as temporary labour colonies would be set up and after the completion of the project, the workers would leave the state as their ILPs (Inner Line Permits) would be discontinued once the project is completed.

The Deputy Chief Minister also informed that a Committee on Siang Upper Multipurpose Project was formed under the chairmanship of former Minister, TamiyoTaga, with a view to create awareness and educate the public about the positive aspects of the dam, dispelling the negativity being spread by certain groups.

Mein further reaffirmed his commitment for the development of Arunachal Pradesh, urging the public to stay informed and engaged in the process.

He called for unity and collaboration to ensure that the benefits of the National Project are fully realised for the people of Arunachal Pradesh and the broader northeastern region.
New York, Dec 20 : In another legal gain for US President-elect Donald Trump, an appeals court threw out on Thursday the Georgia prosecutor on the case, accusing him of election interference.

The state appeals court cited Fani Willis' romantic link to a lawyer she hired to help prosecute the case and said that it created an appearance of conflict of interest.

The court did not throw out the case itself, which can continue with another prosecutor, but the decision effectively pauses the prosecution, which could extend to Trump's four years as President.

The two federal cases against him, accusing him of election interference and of mishandling secret documents have been dropped.

The sentencing in the New York case in which he was convicted has been paused.

In that case, he was convicted of falsifying business records to hide the hush money paid to a porn star to keep her from going public with her claims of a tryst with him -- which he has denied.

The New York judge, however, did not dismiss the criminal conviction leaving open the possibility of sentencing him at a later date.

Willis, the prosecutor in a Georgia county, hired Nathan Wade, a lawyer without experience in cases like that against Trump, and paid his office about $653,000.

Their romantic links were revealed in a divorce case his wife brought against Wade.

Judge Trenton Brown wrote in the appellate court's ruling, "This is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings."

The case centres on alleged attempts by Trump and his allies to change the results of the 2020 election, which he lost nationally and in the swing state.

In this year's election, however, he won the state.

Wills can appeal to a full bench of the Georgia appeals court as the verdict was by a three-member bench, which voted 2-1 to bar her from continuing with the case.
Imphal, Dec 20 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday slammed Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for reportedly "misbehaving" with Rajya Sabha member from Nagaland Phangnon Konyak on Parliament premises.

Imphal, Dec 20 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday slammed Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for reportedly "misbehaving" with Rajya Sabha member from Nagaland Phangnon Konyak on Parliament premises.

The Chief Minister in a post on X said: "I condemn the unacceptable and disgraceful conduct of Congress leader Mr Rahul Gandhi, who assaulted Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland, Ms. S Phangnon, in Parliament."

"This behaviour is an insult to the sanctity of the Parliament as an institution. I stand in solidarity with Ms. S Phangnon Konyak and I urge the authorities to ensure that justice is swiftly served. Let us work towards upholding the values of respect, equality, and decency in our institutions," Biren Singh said.

Earlier on Thursday, Konyak, the BJP's Upper House member from Nagaland and also the state President of BJP Mahila Morcha in Nagaland, accused Rahul Gandhi of making her feel uncomfortable while protesting outside Parliament.

Konyak filed a complaint with the Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday, claiming that her dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt because of the 'behaviour and conduct' of Rahul Gandhi.

"He misbehaved with me in a loud voice and his physical proximity to me was so close that I, being a lady member, felt extremely uncomfortable," she said.

"I stepped aside with a heavy heart and felt that no Member of Parliament should behave this way," she added.

The showdown between the Congress-led Opposition and ruling BJP-led NDA over the alleged "insult" to B.R. Ambedkar led to an ugly turn on Parliament premises with claims of pushing and shoving involving MPs, leaving two BJP parliamentarians hospitalised and the woman BJP MP accusing Rahul Gandhi of "misbehaving" with Konyak.

The BJP accused the LoP in Lok Sabha of pushing MPs, causing injuries to two of its members.

Rahul Gandhi, however, denied it and said it was he who was pushed by a ruling party member, while Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also accused protesting BJP members of shoving him and injuring his knees.

Both sides lodged complaints with the police.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 20 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Odisha on Thursday criticised the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi over the scuffle that occurred inside the Parliament premises in Delhi.

Two BJP MPs -- Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput -- sustained serious injuries during the scuffle.

Speaking on the issue, BJP MLA Sanatan Bijuli said, "I condemn this attack, this is not an attack on Pratap Sarangi, this is an attack on the Constitution, Parliament and democracy. I demand stringent action against Rahul Gandhi, my request to the Lok Sabha Speaker is to disqualify him from the membership of the Parliament. He is spreading terror in the country. His aim is to divide the country."

Meanwhile, Balasore MP Sarangi's brother, Kishor Chandra Sarangi condemned the scuffle and held Congress leader Rahul Gandhi responsible for the scuffle.

"This all happened because of Rahul Gandhi, we deeply condemn this shameful incident. Parliament is the temple of democracy and such an act can never be accepted," Sarangi said.

Meanwhile, BJP workers staged protests and burnt the effigies of Rahul Gandhi at many places in the state, including Bhubaneswar, Balasore and Cuttack.

Condemning the unfortunate incident, BJP's Odisha unit President Manmohan Samal has earlier called it a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy.

"It was not expected from the Leader of the Opposition belonging to a responsible political party. Rahul Gandhi shows a behavioural imbalance. All the 140 crore people of India are condemning this act," Samal added.

Senior BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda also criticised the Opposition Congress over the scuffle.

"I strongly condemn the irresponsible and arrogant behaviour of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Such conduct by the Leader of the Opposition is shocking and is unacceptable in a democracy. Prayers for the speedy recovery of my Parliament colleagues, @pcsarangi and @mukeshrajput_mp," wrote Panda on his 'X' account.

A heated confrontation unfolded in Parliament premises on Thursday during a protest by Opposition MPs alleging disrespect towards B.R. Ambedkar.

The incident escalated when BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi accused Rahul Gandhi of pushing an MP, causing a chain reaction that led Sarangi to fall and sustain a head injury.

Speaking to IANS, Sarangi claimed, "Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, and he collided with me. I fell and hit my head, which is bleeding. The push was initiated by Rahul Gandhi."
Belagavi : , Dec 20 (IANS) The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced on Thursday that it will stage a statewide protest in all district headquarters on Friday to condemn the arrest of party MLC C.T. Ravi over alleged objectionable remarks against Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar.

State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra said the BJP will not stop its fight until C.T. Ravi is released unconditionally, and the Congress goons who assaulted him are jailed.

The police in Karnataka took Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC C.T. Ravi into custody on Thursday evening from the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here for allegedly making derogatory remarks against a woman minister in the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Cabinet.

The action came after a complaint was filed by Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar. She alleged that Ravi used highly objectionable language on the floor of the House.

The police registered an FIR based on Hebbalkar's complaint under Sections 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment and using insulting gestures amounting to sexual harassment.

C.T. Ravi was taken into custody by the police while he was staging a protest along with BJP members. Ravi was taken away from the venue of protest and shifted into a police van.

Hebbalkar also submitted a complaint to the Chairperson of the Legislative Council, Basavaraj Horatti.

Meanwhile, Vijayendra said: "In response to the Congress government's veiled attempts to impose another Emergency, a massive statewide BJP protest under the slogan 'Save Democracy, End Goonda Congress' has been called for tomorrow, with demonstrations planned across district centres.

"We demand that the Speakers of both Houses take a stand and initiate action regarding the assault and attempted fatal attack on C.T. Ravi within the Suvarna Soudha in the presence of marshals by outside goons. We also urge the Governor to intervene immediately."

Vijayendra said that the Congress, "infamous for imposing the Emergency, is now attempting to enforce a de-facto Emergency in Karnataka".

"They have incited goons to storm the aTemple of Democracya a" the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha a" and commit the heinous act of assaulting elected representatives. By misusing the police, they have arrested our senior leader C.T. Ravi, who was the victim of this attack.

"Arresting C.T. Ravi on the basis of a complaint about an incident that occurred within the House is an authoritarian move that strangles our democratic system. The Congress is trying to disgrace the dignity of the legislature and undermine its constitutional authority," he added.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, speaking to the media at Khanapur police station where C.T. Ravi is imprisoned, stated: aAs per legal terms, the arrest of C.T. Ravi is not tenable. The case has been fabricated due to political pressure from ministers. The public knows that the incident took place inside the Legislative Council. The Chairman of the Council, Basavaraj Horatti, passed an order dismissing Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar's complaint for lack of evidence."

The BJP has released videos showing C.T. Ravi being abused by Congress MLCs inside the Legislative Council. The video also shows Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar confronting and scolding C.T. Ravi, asking him whether he does not have a mother, wife, or sister at home.

Chaos and drama unfolded as, during a heated debate session earlier in the Council, C.T. Ravi allegedly referred to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi as a "drug addict".

Taking objection to the remarks, Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar slammed Ravi, and called him a "murderer". Responding back, the BJP leader allegedly called the woman Minister a p@#%^&*@^e.
Bengaluru, Dec 20 : Karnataka's Opposition leader and senior BJP leader R. Ashoka has criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and said that the latter is obsessed with staying in power in the state instead of B.R. Ambedkar.

"It is a harmful obsession where he clings to power even if it means self-deception," Ashoka added.

In his press statement following the conclusion of the Winter session on Thursday, the BJP leader said, "The whole country knows how the Congress betrayed B.R. Ambedkar. CM Siddaramaiah knows it too. If CM Siddaramaiah has even a bit of conscience, he should first leave the Congress party and then speak about Ambedkar."

"In 1920, when the Simon Commission arrived, Ambedkar met them and demanded voting rights for Dalits. Congress leaders intervened and opposed granting Dalits the right to vote, claiming that Dalits lacked awareness. The Congress party was against giving Dalits voting rights and reservations. Siddaramaiah, being part of the Congress, has no moral right to speak about Ambedkar," Ashoka said while targeting the Congress-led state government.

"Ambedkar himself said that joining Congress was like committing suicide. Yet, for the sake of power, CM Siddaramaiah joined the same Congress party. If he wants to speak about Ambedkar, he should resign from Congress first. Siddaramaiah, who has sold himself to Congress for power and betrayed his own principles, has no lessons to give to the BJP," he added.

"Ambedkar gave us the Constitution to ensure the government is accountable to the people. However, the Congress government, despite taking an oath on the Constitution, evades accountability and responsibility in the Belagavi winter session. This is a disgrace to Ambedkar and the Constitution," Ashoka opined.

The BJP leader also said, "Ambedkar once said, 'I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress its women have achieved.' But the Congress government, while pretending to honour Ambedkar by displaying his photos, is, on the other hand, giving poor quality medicines and killing women. This is shameful."

"The Congress government has turned the Belagavi session into an exercise in futility. The government has not provided answers to any serious issues raised. The problems of North Karnataka, the deaths of mothers and newborns in government hospitals, were not addressed. Not just BJP and JD (S) MLAs, even Congress MLAs expressed dissatisfaction over the government's neglect of North Karnataka," Ashoka said.

The Congress government should not just make promises but fulfill them, he demanded.
Kolkata, Dec 20 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday targeted the Union government for cancelling the occasion of Christmas as a national holiday.

"Previously the occasion of Christmas was considered as a national holiday. But the current Union government had cancelled that. Here in West Bengal, we have not cancelled a single holiday. Rather we have increased the number of scheduled holidays. Everyone wants to celebrate the day with their family members. We have regards for all religious festivals," the Chief Minister said while addressing an event "Kolkata Christmas Inauguration" at Allen Park in Kolkata.

Speaking at the event, Banerjee once again launched a scathing attack against the BJP over the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on B.R. Ambedkar.

aI was really shocked by the comments made about Ambedkar," she said.

Later in the evening while addressing a Christmas event organised by Kolkata's iconic St. Xavier's College, the Chief Minister again attacked the BJP both over the Ambedkar comments and the deletion of Christmas from the list of national holidays.

"I strongly believe while religion is personal to each, festivals are universal. That is why I have declared holidays on religious occasions. In a country like India, we cannot enforce one particular path or way of life. Unity in diversity is the root of Indian philosophy," the Chief Minister said.

Banerjee said on Wednesday that as the Indian Parliament reflected on 75 years of the Constitution, the Union Home Minister chose to tarnish this occasion with derogatory remarks against Ambedkar and that "too in the temple of democracy".

"This is a display of BJP's CASTEIST and ANTI-DALIT mindset. If this is how they behave after being reduced to 240 seats, imagine the damage they would've inflicted if their dream of 400 seats had been realised. They'd have rewritten history to entirely erase Ambedkar's contributions," the Chief Minister added.
Bestselling author Isabella Maldonado once wore a gun and badge of her own. The first Latina to attain the rank of captain in the Fairfax (Va.) County Police Department, which is located just outside D.C., she retired as the commander of Special Investigations and Forensics before turning to a career in the written word. She spoke with PW about how her background informed her craft and how her approach to writing changes series to series.

Having graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, you worked for more than two decades in the police force. How has this helped you as a crime writer?

I use my law enforcement background to give my fictional characters a realistic edge. Female police officers, detectives, and agents are popular in books and on the screen, but few who write those characters do so from a place of experience. I like to give readers a view from the trenches, revealing the grit required to face both internal and external challengesand the forces at play in the upper ranks. When writing from the villains point of view, I draw on my encounters with suspects to portray authentic reactions, feelings, and motivations.

What inspired you to move into writing crime fiction?

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be an author, but I wasnt sure where my voice would fit in. I was inspired by such legendary crime fiction authors as Jeffery Deaver, J.A. Jance, Michael Connelly, and James Pattersonnone of whom were cops, but who wrote police procedurals with an authenticity that rang true. After retiring, I spent five years studying the art and craft of writing. The journey involved having three short stories published and attending conferences before I tackled my first full-length novel, Bloods Echo, which garnered a three-book deal.

You write series with different protagonists including Agent Nina Guerrera, Detective Veranda Cruz, and Agent Daniela Vega. Can you tell us about your approach to each series?

With each series, I strive to pull the reader into the world of the protagonist with an in-depth portrayal of both law enforcement and ethnic culture. The Veranda Cruz series was my first and involves a major city police detective who pits herself against a crime family for personal reasons she tries to hide from her supervisors.

I used my time at the FBI National Academy in Quantico to write about Nina Guerrera (Spanish for warrior girl) who turned early trauma into a driving force to pursue a career as an FBI agent. Ninas courage resonated with readers around the world, and the first book, The Cipher, is being developed by Netflix for a feature film starring Jennifer Lopez.

Daniela Dani Vega is also an FBI agent, but shes a departure from any character Ive written. Shes a military-trained codebreaker and former Army Ranger who became an agent with the FBIs New York Counterterrorism Division. Her stories involve a mystery from her past as well as codes and ciphers, which readers enjoy trying to solve along with her.

Are you planning any new series? What else is on your writing agenda?

After writing three series on my own, I decided to try a collaboration. Fatal Intrusion, co-authored with Jeffery Deaver, hit the shelves on September 1, 2024. Neither of us has ever written a novel with someone else, but we made a leap of faith, and it turned out beautifully. So well, in fact, that were currently writing a sequel. The Grief Artist will be published in September 2025.

Im also putting the finishing touches on the third book in the Dani Vega series, A Killers Code, which will be published in January 2025.

While those projects are underway, Im in the early stages of developing a new series, but I cant say too much about it yet. I can, however, pass along that my publisher is beyond excited.
Summit Books will publish Paris-based journalist and author Monique El-Faizys In This Dark Room: Secrets, Shame, and Reckoning at a French Trial, with an on-sale date to be announced at a later date. Judy Clain acquired North American rights to the book from Larry Weissman of Larry Weisman Literary.

Summit billed In This Dark Room as a gripping journalistic account of the infamous 2024 rape trial that ended on December 19 with a guilty verdict for Dominique Pelicot, the 72-year-old Provencal man who admitted to drugging his wife, Gisele Pelicot, and the many strangers he had met on the internet and invited to force themselves on her while he filmed the assaults. The book, the publisher added, is an exploration of the banality of evil and a fascinating portrait of both the woman who stood up and the tormentors whom she forced to sit in shame for their crimes.

In a statement following the return of the guilty verdict, El-Faizy said: Gisele Pelicots remarkable bravery paid off today. The 51 guilty verdicts handed down in Avignon represent justice for her and send a clear signal that sex without consent is rape. But sending these men to prison is not enough in itself. For real change to happen, France must have a serious reckoning and take concrete steps to change the societal attitudes that brought us here in the first place. There is still a lot of work to be done.

El-Faizy has written for such publications as the Financial Times, France 24, the Guardian, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. She is the coauthor, with fellow investigative journalist Barry Levine, of All the Presidents Women: Donald Trump and the Making of a Predator, published by Hachette, which PW's review called, a thorough and disturbing rundown of President Trumps attitudes toward and interactions with women. El-Faizys 2006 book God and Country: How Evangelicals Have Become Americas New Mainstream, published by Bloomsbury, received a starred review from PW, which called it a snapshot of American evangelicalism and a must-read for students of American religion.
The "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, is berthed at Yangshan Port, east China's Shanghai, Dec. 18, 2024. The "Xin Shanghai" arrived in Shanghai's Yangshan Port on Wednesday afternoon after a 23-day journey from Peru's Chancay Port, marking the first official voyage between the two ports. The journey opened the first two-way operational sea link between Shanghai and Chancay Port, a newly-inaugurated flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

SHANGHAI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, arrived in Shanghai's Yangshan Port at around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday after a 23-day journey from Peru's Chancay Port, becoming the first vessel to arrive in Shanghai from Chancay after the Peruvian port officially opened in November.

The journey also marked the opening of two-way operational sea link between Shanghai and Chancay Port, a newly inaugurated flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru.

The cargo on the voyage includes a variety of Peruvian products, such as blueberries, avocados and mineral products.

According to Wu Jianzhong, a regional manager at Joy Wing Mau Fruit Technologies Corporation Limited (JWM), owner of the Peruvian blueberries on the vessel, half of the blueberries will be distributed in Shanghai, targeting wholesale markets and supermarkets in east China, while the rest will be shipped to northern China.

Before the opening of Chancay Port, trade between Peru and China was primarily handled through Peru's Port of Callao. With Chancay Port now operational, more container shipping services have been introduced along the South American west coast, reducing shipping time between Peru and China to around 23 days -- much faster than the current market average.

The launch of the new route is expected to enhance the entry of Peru's fresh fruits and other products into the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets.

To ensure the quality of perishable goods during transport, China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited has integrated cutting-edge technology and digital solutions. These innovations enable real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity, ensuring a secure and efficient cold-chain process.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its shipping routes based on the development of Chancay Port and contribute to establishing a new land-sea transport corridor between Latin America and Asia.

This new direct route between Chancay Port and Shanghai will contribute to a more efficient, interconnected trade network linking Peru's coastal regions with inland areas, as well as other Latin American countries, said Chen Xiaochen, trade manager for Latin America at COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd.

The route is a significant landmark in China's broader strategy of enhancing global maritime connectivity, demonstrating the country's growing role in building a more integrated and efficient international trade network, Chen added.

As the first smart and green port in South America, the Chancay Port, inaugurated in November, is located about 78 km north of Lima, the Peruvian capital.

With a total length of 1,500 meters and four berths, the port, powered by China's intelligent technologies, can handle ships with a capacity of 18,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and is projected to process 1 million TEUs annually, with the capacity to scale up to 1.5 million TEUs in the long run.

An aerial drone photo shows the "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, berthed at Yangshan Port, east China's Shanghai, Dec. 18, 2024.

The "Xin Shanghai" arrived in Shanghai's Yangshan Port on Wednesday afternoon after a 23-day journey from Peru's Chancay Port, marking the first official voyage between the two ports.

The journey opened the first two-way operational sea link between Shanghai and Chancay Port, a newly-inaugurated flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

An aerial drone photo shows the "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, berthed at Yangshan Port, east China's Shanghai, Dec. 18, 2024.

The "Xin Shanghai" arrived in Shanghai's Yangshan Port on Wednesday afternoon after a 23-day journey from Peru's Chancay Port, marking the first official voyage between the two ports.

The journey opened the first two-way operational sea link between Shanghai and Chancay Port, a newly-inaugurated flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

An aerial drone photo shows the "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, berthed at Yangshan Port, east China's Shanghai, Dec. 18, 2024.

The "Xin Shanghai" arrived in Shanghai's Yangshan Port on Wednesday afternoon after a 23-day journey from Peru's Chancay Port, marking the first official voyage between the two ports.

The journey opened the first two-way operational sea link between Shanghai and Chancay Port, a newly-inaugurated flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

An aerial drone photo shows the "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, approaching Yangshan Port, east China's Shanghai, Dec. 18, 2024.

The "Xin Shanghai" arrived in Shanghai's Yangshan Port on Wednesday afternoon after a 23-day journey from Peru's Chancay Port, marking the first official voyage between the two ports.

The journey opened the first two-way operational sea link between Shanghai and Chancay Port, a newly-inaugurated flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

An aerial drone photo shows the "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, approaching Yangshan Port, east China's Shanghai, Dec. 18, 2024.

The "Xin Shanghai" arrived in Shanghai's Yangshan Port on Wednesday afternoon after a 23-day journey from Peru's Chancay Port, marking the first official voyage between the two ports.

The journey opened the first two-way operational sea link between Shanghai and Chancay Port, a newly-inaugurated flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A sailor aboard the "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, throws cable to the dock at Yangshan Port, east China's Shanghai, Dec. 18, 2024.

The "Xin Shanghai" arrived in Shanghai's Yangshan Port on Wednesday afternoon after a 23-day journey from Peru's Chancay Port, marking the first official voyage between the two ports.

The journey opened the first two-way operational sea link between Shanghai and Chancay Port, a newly-inaugurated flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Editor: GSY
Today the immorality of chattel slavery is painfully obvious, but that has not always been the case. In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court held that a black man like Dred Scott was reduced to slavery for his benefit. In 1861, the vice president of the Confederacy similarly declared that it was a great physical, philosophical, and moral truth that slavery subordination to the superior race was black peoples natural and normal condition.

These were not exclusively Southern opinions. In 1837, the governor of Illinois denounced Northern abolitionists because, he said, if I read my Bible right, which enjoins peace and good-will as the first Christian duties, it must be wicked and sinful to agitate this subject in the manner it has been done by some Abolitionists. In his view, fervent opposition to slavery, not slavery itself, was the moral evil in the United States.

State legislatures, governors, postmasters, members of Congress, courts, mobs, and even presidents did what they could to stifle antislavery speech and press. As one New Englander living in North Carolina observed, In bondage there is no freedom of speech.

From the perspective of white Southerners, abolitionism promoted false narratives that simply could not be tolerated. The South Carolina legislature, for example, resolved that it would not wait until our enemies have built up, by the grossest misrepresentations and falsehoods, a body of public opinion against us, which it would be almost impossible for us to resist. Government suppression of antislavery speech, by this logic, was necessary to stop the spread of what today might be styled disinformation.

Abolitionists countered these arguments by insisting that free expression was the only way to pursue truth. After spending 49 days in jail for allegedly libeling a slave trader, William Lloyd Garrison wrote, Free inquiry is the essence, the life blood of liberty. A committee of the New York state legislature agreed, declaring that all errors and differences of opinion on political matters ought to be determined by the tribunal of public opinion because a corrective of the evil will be generally found in the force of truth.

Transcendentalist minister William Ellery Channing made a powerful case for free expression in an 1835 book titled Slavery. Of all powers, the last to be intrusted to the multitude of men is that of determining what questions shall be discussed, he wrote. The greatest truths are often the most unpopular and exasperating; and were they to be denied discussion, till the many should be ready to accept them, they would never establish themselves in the general mind.

For society to progress, Channing continued, there was nothing more essential than the exposure of time-sanctioned abuses, which cannot be touched without offending multitudes. If a political majority was permitted to dictate or proscribe subjects of discussion, he said, society would be struck with spiritual blindness and death. Channing concluded, The world is to be carried forward by truth, which at first offends, which wins its way by degrees, which the many hate and would rejoice to crush.

In his famous 1852 speech, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? Frederick Douglass insisted that the constitutionality of slavery was a question for the people of the United States to debate. I hold that every American citizen has a right to form an opinion  and to propagate that opinion, and to use all honorable means to make his opinion the prevailing one, Douglass proclaimed. Without this right of free speech, Douglass said that the liberty of an American citizen would be as insecure as that of a Frenchman.

Eight years later, Douglass elaborated on these ideas even more forcefully. No right was deemed by the fathers of the Government more sacred than the right of speech, he said in Boston in 1860. Liberty is meaningless where the right to utter ones thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist. That, of all rights, is the dread of tyrants. It is the right which they first of all strike down. They know its power. Douglass then added, Slavery cannot tolerate free speech. Five years of its exercise would banish the auction block and break every chain in the South.

The abolitionists understood that unpopular speech  not popular speech  is what needed constitutional protection. And as unpopular as they were in their time, they knew that if they could only be given a chance to be heard, their ideas could change the world.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Ho Iat Seng, the outgoing chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

MACAO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Ho Iat Seng, the outgoing chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), expressing the central authorities' full acknowledgment of the work of Ho and the fifth-term Macao SAR government.

Xi said Ho has risen to challenges in a pragmatic and productive manner during his five-year term as chief executive. "This is no easy task, yet you have achieved high accomplishments," he noted.

Xi arrived in Macao earlier in the day for celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration of the SAR's sixth-term government. He will also inspect the Macao SAR.

Xi commended Ho for leading Macao in fully and accurately implementing the "one country, two systems" policy with unwavering determination, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, overcoming the severe challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and striving to diversify the economy in an appropriate way.

He expressed the hope that Ho will actively support the incoming chief executive and his team, and continue contributing to the advancement of the "one country, two systems" cause and the development of both Macao and the country as a whole.

Ho expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust and support given by President Xi and the central government, saying that the Macao SAR government, thanks to the staunch support from the central authorities, has elevated the SAR to a new level on all fronts.

Senior Chinese officials Cai Qi and Xia Baolong were present at the meeting.

Editor: GSY
Mallya said more than Rs 8,000 crore have been recovered from him over and above the judgement debt.

Photograph: Simon Dawson/Reuters

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya has said that he will pursue relief for the Enforcement Directorate and banks taking more than two times the debt he owed.

His remarks came following a statement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament about recovery of over Rs 14,130 crore from his attached assets.

In a series of posts on social media platform X, Mallya said, "The Debt Recovery Tribunal adjudged the KFA (Kingfisher Airlines) debt at Rs 6203 crore including Rs 1200 crore of interest."

He further wrote, "The FM announced in Parliament that through the ED, banks have recovered Rs 14,131.6 crore from me against the judgement debt of Rs 6203 crore and I am still an economic offender.

"Unless the ED and banks can legally justify how they have taken more than two times the debt, I am entitled to relief which I will pursue."

On Tuesday, replying to a debate on the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said Rs 14,131.6 crore worth properties belonging to Mallya have been restored to public sector banks.

Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India over a default of Rs 9,000 crore that was loaned to esrtwhile Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) by several banks.

In his post, Mallya said, "Whatever I have stated about my liabilities as guarantor of KFA loans is legally verifiable.

"Yet more than Rs 8000 crore have been recovered from me over and above the judgement debt."

Claiming he has no support from anyone, he said, "Will anyone, including those who freely abuse me, stand up and question this blatant injustice?

"To be seen to support a much maligned me requires guts.

"Sadly no guts for justice particularly for me."

Mallya further said, "Government and my many critics say that I have CBI criminal cases to answer. What criminal cases filed by CBI?"

Claiming he never borrowed a single rupee, never stole, Mallya said, "...but as guarantor of KFA debt I am accused by CBI together with many others including IDBI Bank officials of fraudulently obtaining a Rs 900 crore loan from IDBI Bank duly approved by their credit committee and Board.

"Full loan and interest repaid. After 9 years why no conclusive evidence of fraud and misuse of funds?"

India has been seeking Mallya's extradition from the UK.

He had in the past offered to repay 100 per cent of "public money" but accused the banks and government of refusing his offer.
'We pressurised Shinde saheb (to accept the deputy chief ministership).'

'Being out of power would have made him weaker.'

IMAGE: Then Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and then deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Satara, August 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Deepak Kesarkar is a close confidante of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena. Kesarkar, a former minister, missed out on a ministerial berth this time.

"Khoop lok tyanchyavar pressure aanat astat (lots of MLAs have been pressurising Eknath Shinde for ministries). Aapan aani kay karaycha (I don't want to put more pressure on him)," the soft-spoken Kesarkar -- a four-time MLA from Sawantwadi in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district -- tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com.

Is Eknath Shinde facing the displeasure of many Shiv Sena aspirants who were not made ministers?

There is nothing big happening here. Tanaji Sawant (one of the many MLAs who supported Eknath Shinde's rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in June 2022 and who later became the health and family welfare minister in Shinde's cabinet) is upset but (Vijay) Shivtare (who was minister of water resources) is not too upset.

The Shiv Sena is not facing a huge problem and very soon most of it will be resolved by Shinde saheb.

We are facing a problem of plenty because compared to 2022 (when 39 MLAs supported Shinde's rebellion and broke up the Shiv Sena) we now have many more (57 MLAs) MLAs who won on a Shiv Sena ticket.

Shinde saheb has already said that after two-and-half-years the ministers will be appraised based on their development work.

Narendra Bhojraj Bhondekar, the Shiv Sena MLA from Bhandara has already rebelled accusing Eknath Shinde of reneging on his promises.

While the big numbers in favour of the Mahayuti definitely pose some problems there is nothing that cannot be resolved. Everybody will be accommodated.

We all know that (chairpersons of) big corporations (under the government of Maharashtra's jurisdiction) have the status of cabinet ministers.

While you took some time to join hands with Eknath Shinde, once you joined him you became the most articulate face before the media defending and justifing the rebellion and the BJP and Eknath Shinde coming together to form a government.

Given your role were you not expecting a cabinet berth?

It is not true. Let me be very honest. Khoop lok tyanchyavar pressure aanat astat (lots of MLAs have been pressurising Eknath Shinde for ministries). Aapan aani kay karaycha (I don't want to put more pressure on him).

What is it that makes you so cool?

It is the experience that comes to you when you have worked at various positions, important or otherwise. It is not important that you must be a minister always.

What responsibilities will you shoulder now in the Shiv Sena?

I don't know. Let my party decide, but I'll work more in the Konkan region now.

Is it that Nitesh Rane was accommodated in your place and you were sidelined?

It is not like that. He's young. Let him lead.

Do you mean that Nitesh Rane is young and he should lead in the Konkan region?

In Konkan there are so many leaders. Even Eknath Shindeji is from the Konkan region as Thane district is also part of Konkan. So, he (Nitesh Rane) can lead (in) the district. Let us see how he handles things. I'll be always there to support him.

IMAGE: Deepak Kesarkar, second from left, with Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray at an event in Sindhudurg in 2018. Photograph: Deepak Kesarkar/X

Don't you feel bad that Narayan Rane and his sons, with whom you have fought half your life when you were in the undivided Shiv Sena, are being projected as future leaders in the Shiv Sena?

I share good relations with them now.

But you have fought half of your life against them in Sindhudurg?

That is true. But you cannot always keep on fighting. You have to think about development also.

What kind of development do you think should come Konkan's way now? How many portfolios will Konkan get?

As per my estimation, the maximum resources available in Maharashtra are in Konkan. There is the coastal line of 700 km.

Tourism, which is a major industry all over the world, has huge potential in Konkan.

In terms of horticulture, it is number one in Maharashtra. Without any major industries, my district (Sindhudurg) is number fifth in terms of per capita income.

It is basically horticulture, agriculture, fishing, tourism. If you concentrate well, you can perform well.

You will have to give result to your region as well. That's what matters to people ultimately.

You've been very close to Eknath Shinde who was reluctant to be deputy chief minister. Could you tell us what was going on in his mind and why did he accept the deputy chief minister's post?

He is a fighter. He has worked up his way as a fighter and someone who believes in hard work. He wanted to build a party because it was a division of the Shiv Sena. He wants to strengthen the party further at the grassroots level. He wants to make our organisation very sound.

That's why he wanted to be out of power and concentrate more on building the organisation because it was the strength of the Shiv Sena. It was a cadre based party.

Who made Eknath Shinde change his mind?

All of us (elected MLAs). We pressurised him. Being out of power would have made him weaker from a political standpoint. He can do the same thing (build the Shiv Sena as an organisation) while being in power also. That is our strong feeling.

Who will rebuild the party now? Who will strengthen the party in Maharashtra?

Shindeji will do it. He works a lot and that makes a difference.

IMAGE: Eknath Shinde with Devendra Fadnavis. Photograph: ANI Photo

There were reports about pressure on Eknath Shinde from the BJP's central leadership to accept the deputy chief minister's post and not be adamant with his demand for the home ministry portfolio. Is that true?

No, it is not like that. In Maharashtra, the home ministry always used to be with the (alliance) partner party. Like the Congress had the chief minister and (the undivided) NCP always had the home portfolio for a very long time. This rule was followed (by the Congress-NCP alliance) for 17-and-a-half years.

During the tenure (between 2014 and 2019) of honourable Fadnavis saheb the home ministry was retained by him.

Ultimately what I feel --- I have been working as a minister of state for home for at three years in Maharashtra (between 2016 and 2019 when the undivided Shiv Sena was in alliance with the BJP) -- is that the CM (not just the home minister) has equal control over the home department.

Why is the home department so crucial that the BJP didn't want to share it with its alliance partner? Why is the home minister so crucial in Maharashtra?

Had it been so crucial then the Congress would have not been parting it with the NCP.

It is everybody's thinking (on who gets which portfolio) that matters. I don't see any difficulty and with my experience as MoS, home, I know that all the transfer of IPS officers are cleared by the CM. Then the internal security meetings are always conducted under the chairmanship of the chief minister and everyday there's a briefing from the home department to the CM.

At one of your public meetings in Sawantwadi you said that this was your last election.

There is no retirement (for a political leader). As far as (fighting) assembly (election) is concerned, this time I was wishing to fight a Parliament election.

The candidate which the ruling party (the BJP) had (would have nominated for the assembly election), people didn't like him. So everybody insisted that 'If you leave your constituency then it may go to that person and we don't want that person. Don't fight the Parliament election.'

How do you look at the troubles within the Mahayuti over the distribution of ministerial berths? Leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal and Sudhir Mungantiwar are upset.

They are all senior ministers, so I cannot make any comment on that. But the Mahayuti will accommodate them because Fadnavis saheb is a very efficient administrator. He has absolute control over the administration.
Stepping up the attack against Union Minister Amit Shah for his comments on BR Ambedkar in Parliament, senior Congress leader and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday claimed that Shah would have been a "Gujari" (scrap dealer) if there wasn't Ambedkar's Constitution.

IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Congress MLAs protest against the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's speech in RS during the Constitution debate, in Bengaluru, December 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The chief minister further said that if Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar was really functioning under the Constitution, he should have immediately suspended Shah from the House.

Reading out a detailed statement in the assembly amid din by both BJP and the Congress MLAs over the issue, Siddaramaiah said the entire country has heard the "derogatory" words spoken by the Home Minister about Babasaheb Ambedkar.

During a debate on the Constitution in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Shah said, "Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar'. If they had taken God's name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven)."

Stating that there is nothing surprising in the words spoken by Shah, Siddaramaiah said what was in the minds of the BJP and Sangh Parivar leaders has come out in the open.

"First of all, I congratulate you (Amit Shah) for openly and courageously revealing the innermost opinion of the Bharatiya Janata Party about Babasaheb Ambedkar before the country and for finally telling the truth in your lifetime," he said.

He said that if there was no Constitution, Shah would have been a "scrap dealer" in his village and not the Home Minister of the country.

Shah on Wednesday accused the Congress of twisting facts and distorting his comments on B R Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha, asserting that its malicious campaign after the discussion on Constitution "established" the opposition party as being "anti-Ambedkar and anti-reservation". The Union minister also accused the Congress of adopting the tactic of "misrepresenting and distorting" statements.

Siddaramaiah also took a dig at Dhankhar for not taking action against Shah, saying if the Rajya Sabha Chairman was really functioning under the Constitution, he should have immediately suspended the Union minister from the House after his remarks.

The Karnataka chief minister alleged that the main reason behind BJP and Sangh Parivar's hatred for Ambedkar was the Constitution.

"Until this written Constitution came into force, the Indian society had the Manusmriti, which made caste and gender discrimination a law. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who hoped for freedom, equality and fraternity, not only gave the Constitution, but he also burned the unwritten Constitution Manusmriti that was in force until then," the CM said.

He noted that on December 25, 1927, Ambedkar publicly burned the Manusmriti and 22 years later, he created a new Constitution.

Siddaramaiah charged that the hatred of the BJP and the RSS for Ambedkar was not new.

According to him, the details of the statements made by RSS leaders, including its founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, his successor Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar against the Constitution are in the pages of history.

Babasaheb Ambedkar dedicated the Constitution to the country on November 30, 1949. Four days later, the RSS mouthpiece 'Organiser' wrote an editorial against the Constitution, he pointed out.

Siddaramaiah also read out a portion of the article: "There is no Indianness in the Constitution written by Ambedkar'. Even today, the laws mentioned in the Manusmriti are respected by the world. None of this counts for the Pandit who wrote the Constitution.'

"The RSS editorial had written against the Constitution, mocking Babasaheb as a 'Pandit'. The RSS is defending this editorial even today," the CM alleged.

"Golwalkar had also opposed Ambedkar and the Constitution in his book, 'Bunch of Thought', which is considered the Constitution of the RSS", he said.

Golwalkar wrote that after the Vedas, the most sacred book for the Hindu nation - Manusmriti, which has been the basis of our culture, traditions and customs since time immemorial, Siddaramaiah said.

Neither the BJP nor the RSS has so far rejected the "RSS editorial" that opposed the Constitution and Ambedkar, nor the views of Golwalkar and Savarkar, he said.

Siddaramaiah said Ambedkar was not an annoyance, but an eternal memory.

"As long as we breathe, as long as the Sun and Moon exist on this Earth, the memory of Ambedkar will be there. The more you insult him, the more he will bounce back and rise, and he will light up our path of progress," he underlined.

The CM also reiterated that if Ambedkar was not there, he and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would not have occupied high positions. Instead, he would have had to stay in his village grazing cattle and sheep, he added.

The CM said it was on the expected lines that Shah blamed the opposition for twisting his statement.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi too came to the defense of his close friend and made a long statement. All this was expected," Siddaramaiah told the Assembly.

The Congress MLAs put out photos of Ambedkar on their tables, while the BJP displayed posters in the assembly, accusing Siddaramaiah of being anti-Hindu. Both sides raised slogans against each other.

The commotion led to the adjournment of the House twice by Speaker U T Khader.
This photo taken on April 9, 2023 shows a J-15 fighter ready to take off from aircraft carrier Shandong during the combat readiness patrol and military exercises around the Taiwan Island carried out by the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). (Photo by An Ni/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, gracefully departed from dock for its final maritime training exercise of 2024, bathed in the golden winter sunlight at a naval port in Sanya, Hainan, China's southernmost island province.

Five years ago, on Dec. 17, 2019, the Shandong was officially delivered to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, heralding the dawn of the country's dual-carrier era.

Named after Shandong Province, it is China's second aircraft carrier, following the Liaoning, a refitted Soviet Union-made vessel that was commissioned in 2012.

Since entering active service, the Shandong has been rapidly integrated into joint operations and long-range maritime combat systems, with the carrier strike group's operational capabilities steadily advancing.

"The joint effectiveness of the carrier strike group is key to its combat power," said a commander of the Shandong.

This was demonstrated in April 2023, when the Eastern Theater Command of the PLA launched a combat readiness patrol and military exercises around Taiwan Island.

During the exercises, the Shandong carrier strike group, stationed east of Taiwan, coordinated with forward-deployed maritime and air forces to perform air defense, anti-submarine and other missions. J-15 carrier-based aircraft launched in succession, swiftly establishing the strike group's combat system in the exercise area.

As a vital force for long-range operations, the Shandong remains poised to deter threats from afar during peacetime and strike decisively during wartime.

Flight officer Zeng Wenhui recalled an incident when foreign reconnaissance aircraft approached. After receiving the order, they swiftly launched fighter jets. "Once airborne, our jets forced the provocative aircraft to retreat."

From individual ship training to fleet exercises, and from nearshore drills to long-range missions, the Shandong has achieved a number of milestones and achievements.

The Shandong has consistently set new records for the most consecutive aircraft takeoffs and landings.

In October 2024, the formations of aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carried out a dual-carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea. During the drill, J-15 fighters flew in a wedge formation over the two-carrier groups.

China unveiled its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, in June 2022. The carrier, named after Fujian Province, is China's first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier. With a full-load displacement of more than 80,000 tonnes, the Fujian features a straight flight deck with electromagnetic catapults and arrestor gear.

The Fujian completed its first sea trials in May 2024, with further trials planned as construction continues.

Editor: GSY
The Delhi police on Thursday registered an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, hours after the Bharatiya Janata Party filed a complaint, accusing him of physical assault and incitement" during a scuffle in Parliament premises.

IMAGE: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi addresses a press conference, at Congress HQ as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge looks on, in New Delhi, December 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

A police officer said that the FIR has been registered under sections 115 (voluntary causing hurt), 117 (voluntary causing grievous hurt), 125 (act of endangering life or personal safety of others), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The officer said police are likely to call Gandhi for questioning in connection with the case.

The police will request the Lok Sabha Secretariat to provide the CCTV footage of the area where the alleged incident happened.

Another officer said all sections imposed against Gandhi are bailable, except section 117, punishment for which depends on the severity of the injury caused, ranging from seven years to life imprisonment.

A face-off at the Parliament entry steps between the Opposition and National Democratic Alliance MPs in Parliament premises over the alleged insult to BR Ambedkar left former minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput injured.

After the incident, the BJP filed police complaint against Gandhi, accusing him of "physical assault and incitement" and sought his indictment under sections of attempt to murder and other charges.

Earlier in the day, BJP MP Hemang Joshi, accompanied by party colleagues Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj, visited the Parliament Street Police Station and filed the complaint.

The Congress strongly rejected the claim, alleging that BJP MPs pushed its chief Mallikarjun Kharge and "physically manhandled" Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

Congress also lodged a complaint in connection the matter.

In his two-page complaint, BJP MP from Vadodara Hemang Joshi said, "At around 10, I along with Mukesh Rajput ji, Pratap Rao Sarangi ji and other large numbers of my fellow Members of Parliament belonging to the National Democratic Alliance, were peacefully demonstrating at the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament."

He said they were protesting against the "blatant misinformation being propagated by opposition parties, particularly led by the Indian National Congress."

"During this peaceful demonstration, Rahul Gandhi, arrived at the scene around 10.40 am to 10.45 am. Despite request from Parliament security to take the designated entry path, Rahul Gandhi with a malicious intent to disrupt the protest and physically harm NDA Members of Parliament ignored the instructions and forcefully barged toward the peaceful demonstrators," Joshi said in the complaint.

Not only did Rahul Gandhi and others violated the instructions of the security, he also instigated other "INDI Alliance Members" to proceed with force and aggression toward the NDA MPs, putting them in jeopardy, he alleged.

"They intentionally used physical force to push Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Rao Sarangi and others who were standing on the narrow stairs at the entrance," Joshi said.

He said that as consequence Mukesh Rajput sustained a "severe injury" to the back of his head and Sarangi to his forehead.

"My colleague, Dr. Byreddy Sabari, MP, who is also a qualified doctor, immediately provided first aid to the injured individuals. I personally witnessed the incident as I was standing next to my injured colleagues and attempted to reason with Shri Rahul Gandhi and his accomplices," Joshi added in the complaint.

Thakur also accused Gandhi of behaving with a female BJP MP from Nagaland.

The Congress accused the BJP MPs of pushing its chief Mallikarjun Kharge and "physically manhandled" Gandhi.

A delegation of Congress MPs, including Digvijaya Singh, Mukul Wasnik, Rajiv Shukla and Pramod Tiwari, filed the complaint visiting the station in person, an officer said.
Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha workers on Thursday vandalised a Congress office in Mumbai, claiming the grand old party had always insulted renowned social reformer Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

IMAGE: A view of the vandalised Congress office during a protest over the alleged insult of Dr BR Ambedkar by the party, in Mumbai, December 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

As many as 14 protesters were detained from the spot, the police said.

The BJYM workers stormed the Congress office at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, while shouting slogans against the party and damaged furniture and tore posters, police said.

They also threw ink at posters of some Congress leaders in the premises as the police wielded batons to disperse the crowd.

The situation was peaceful now, said an official.

The police detained a few BJYM workers and took them to the Azad Maidan police station, where they clashed with Congress workers.

Late in the night, a group of BJYM activists assembled outside the Azad Maidan police station, located opposite the Congress office, and held a protest.

They were later dispersed by the police, he said.

A Congress office-bearer, Mandar Pawar, lodged a complaint against BJYM functionary Tejinder Tiwana and 30 to 40 members of the BJP's youth wing, said the official.

Based on the complaint, an FIR was filed against them under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections related to unlawful assembly, rioting, wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot, mischief, house-trespass, among others, and section 135 of the Bombay Police Act (penalties for disobeying rules or directions), he added.

The BJYM protest came after Congress leaders accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of insulting Ambedkar during his speech in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Congress MP from Mumbai, Varsha Gaikwad, slammed the BJP for the vandalism.

This is what the BJP and Sangh Parivar have always done when they have heard Babasaheb's name - attack and vandalism. Look at the level BJP gundas are stooping to just to save Amit Shah and divert attention from the atrocious statement he made against Mahamanav, Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, she posted on X.

"Around 50 BJP party karyakartas (workers) came to our party office, threw chairs and tore posters, vandalised property. Our babbarsher (brave) karyakartas resisted their attacks. We shall be proceeding legally against this," she added.

Gaikwad demanded that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis immediately take strict action under the most stringent legal sections against those involved in the vandalism.

"Is this the kind of political decorum in a progressive state like Maharashtra? Shame!" she added.
Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday submitted a privilege notice against Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks against B R Ambedkar.

IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a press conference, at BJP HQ in New Delhi on December 18, 2024. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

In his notice submitted to the RS Chairman, Kharge alleged that the remarks made by Shah were an insult to the architect of the Constitution and amounted to breach of privilege and contempt of the House.

"I hereby give a notice of question of privilege against Shri Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs under Rule 188 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha)," Kharge said in his notice.

He said on December 17, Shah during his reply in the Rajya Sabha on the discussion on 'Glorious journey of 75 years of the Constitution of India', had referred to Ambedkar which was "insulting and defamatory".

"...it is well established that any misconduct in the presence of the House or casting reflections and making defamatory statements constitute a breach of privilege and contempt of the House," he noted.

Kharge also claimed that the wording as well as the tone and tenor of the remarks made by the Home minister "are clearly satirical and made in a very bad taste".

"To use the name of Dr B R Ambedkar, the chief architect of Constitution of India, is a clear cut insult to Dr Ambedkar. There remarks which have been made on the floor of the House are outright derogatory in nature and affront to Dr Ambedkar," he claimed in his notice.

Noting that such a conduct by the home minister is tantamount to breach of privilege and contempt of the house, Kharge said, "In view of the foregoing I request that privilege proceedings may be initiated against Shri Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs."

Sharing Kharge's privilege notice in a post on X, AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji has submitted a privilege notice against the Union Home Minister for his insulting remarks on Dr. Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha on Dec 17, 2024".

The Congress and other opposition parties are seeking the resignation and sacking of Shah for his remarks.

Shah on Wednesday accused the Congress of twisting facts and distorting his comments in the Rajya Sabha related to Ambedkar after BJP leaders "exposed" the opposition party's repeated "insults" to the architect of the Constitution.
The Congress party alleged that the BJP government has asked social media platform 'X' to remove Home Minister Amit Shah's speech from the Rajya Sabha, which they claim insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar. The party cited an email from 'X' to support their claim.

IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks during the Constitution debate in Rajya Sabha. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Photo

The BJP has not yet commented on the matter, and 'X' has refused to delete the speech, citing freedom of speech.

The Congress accused Shah of insulting the architect of the Indian Constitution and demanded his resignation.

Addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson and chairperson of the Social Media and Digital Platforms Supriya Shrinate claimed that Congress leaders, its MPs and the party's official handle, including herself, had received an email from the 'X', saying the government of India had asked it to delete Shah's speech shared by them.

She, however, added that the 'X' platform had refused to delete it in the spirit of freedom of speech. She said if Shah thinks there is nothing wrong in his speech, why has his ministry asked the 'X' to delete it.

Shrinate made it clear that what they had shared was the original speech of Shah and it was not edited or distorted.

Besides, she also showed the 34-page unedited text of his speech available on the Rajya Sabha website where in he clearly says, that "it has become a fashion to mention the name of Dr Ambedkar and if they (the opposition leaders) take the name of God those many times, they will get to heaven for seven births".

Claiming this was "insulting and disrespectful" to the architect of the Constitution, the Congress spokesperson said Shah revealed the same mindset of his ideological ancestors who always opposed Ambedkar and condemned him as "anti-Hindu".

Shrinate also condemned the BJP and its 'X' handlers for distorting a picture of the Congress leaders carrying the photographs of Ambedkar while protesting against Shah's insult of him.

She pointed out how on the BJP 'X' handle Ambedkar's picture was replaced with that of George Soros, whom the BJP calls "anti-national".

"How dare the BJP replace Dr Ambedkar's picture? This is the same ease with which they think they can replace India's Constitution," she asserted.

Reiterating her party's demand that Shah must apologise to the nation and tender his resignation, Shrinate said, the Congress will not be intimidated or cowed down with such arm twisting tactics by the BJP.

She alleged that BJP leaders like Shah and their official social media account are displaying the same disregard and hatred towards Ambedkar that their forefathers and the RSS have always had.

The opposition party's attack came over a social media post by the BJP in which it posted a photograph from the INDIA bloc MPs' protest in Parliament on Wednesday against Shah's remarks.

However, the images of Ambedkar that the MPs were holding during the protest were edited out and replaced with a picture of US billionaire George Soros. Also, the backdrop was changed with 'We Love Soros' written on it.

"Hello, Congress and INDI alliance. We fixed the image for you. You're welcome," the BJP said in its post.

The BJP has been on the offensive as it has claimed that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi had links with George Soros-backed outfits allegedly involved in anti-India activities.

Sharing the screenshot of the BJP's social media post and also the original photograph from the protest, Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal said, "The BJP is brazen in its insult and ridicule of Dr Ambedkar."

"Instead of ensuring the home minister is removed from his post for the immense hurt caused to the crores of Babasaheb's followers by Amit Shah's statements, they are doubling down on the ridicule."

Is standing up for Ambedkar against the insult to him a matter of joke for the BJP? he posed.

"They are bringing in their rotten falsehoods even on a sensitive matter like Dr Ambedkar's legacy because they do not respect him and want to diminish his stature for their narrow political goals," Venugopal said in his post on X.
Plumbing new depths of political animosity, rival MPs screamed and shoved in the forecourt of Parliament on Thursday in unprecedented scenes of unruliness, capping three days of acrimonious debate inside the House over preserving the dignity of B R Ambedkar.

IMAGE: BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi being taken to the hospital after sustaining injuries during jostling with INDIA Alliance MPs, at Parliament premises in New Delhi . Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

Two Bharatiya Janata Party MPs were hospitalised with injuries as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi became the centre of the ruling party's accusations, including one by a woman MP who said he "misbehaved" with her.

National Democratic Alliane leaders filed a police complaint against him for 'attempt to murder, physical assault and incitement.'

The sordid incident perhaps without parallel started in the morning as BJP and opposition MPs marched towards each other over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments on Ambedkar. As the two groups came closer, tempers and voices rose, soon resulting in a melee.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he was pushed so violently that he lost his balance and sat down.

"Now they are the ones who are accusing us of shoving them," the 82-year-old said.

However, the more apparent injuries were sustained by BJP's Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi, 69, who had to get stitches in the temple. His colleague Mukesh Rajput was also injured in the head.

The Congress vehemently denied the charges. Party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said Rahul Gandhi and the others were protesting peacefully, but were prevented from entering Parliament by BJP MPs carrying 'sticks'.

The BJP MPs were seen carrying placards pinned to sticks.

"BJP MPs stopped, threatened and intimidated me," Rahul Gandhi said.

IMAGE: INDIA and NDA MPs protest at the Makar Dwar of the Parliament in New Delhi. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

The Congress also filed a complaint against the BJP in the Parliament House police station.

Both sides also complained to the respective Chairs in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha against each other.

The scuffles and the controversy served to unite the opposition in defending Rahul Gandhi. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said he knew Rahul Gandhi and he would not push anyone.

Speaking in Rajya Sabha, BJP MP from Nagaland S Phangnon Konyak alleged that Gandhi came in her "close proximity" and shouted at her during the protest outside the Parliament's Makar Dwar which made her feel "extremely uncomfortable".

In a letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman, she claimed that Rahul Gandhi along with other party MPs came in front of her despite there being a passage created for them by security personnel.

"He misbehaved with me in a loud voice and his physical proximity to me was so close that I being a lady member felt extremely uncomfortable... I belong to the ST community and I am a lady member. My dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt by LoP Shri Rahul Gandhi ji.Therefore, Hon'ble Chairman sir, I seek your protection," she wrote.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar said that he received a communication from Konyak on the incident and she also met him in his chamber. I am looking into it. She was literally in tears," he said in the House.

Addressing a joint press conference at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP is indulging in distraction and said they would continue to protest across the country over Shah's remarks.

Soon after Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a presser at the BJP headquarters where he squarely put the blame on Gandhi for the fracas.

"Rahul Gandhi does not deserve to hold the post of the Leader of Opposition," Chouhan said as he slammed the Congress leader's behaviour as "indecent and shameful" and said it is against India's cultural ethos.

The trouble broke out minutes before both Houses were to convene at 11 am.

A number of MPs of the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance were protesting at the steps of Parliament's 'Makar Dwar', an entrance and exit reserved for lawmakers, against the Congress' alleged insult of Ambedkar, while MPs from the Congress and its allies were demonstrating over Union Minister Home Amit Shah's remarks on Ambedkar and accused the BJP of slighting the architect of the Constitution.

BJP MPs claimed that Gandhi tried to push his way inside Parliament through the middle of the stairs where they were standing, ignoring a side passage, and caused injuries in the ensuing jostling. However, some opposition MPs claimed that the BJP members refused to give way to Gandhi who was headed to the Lok Sabha to attend the House proceedings.

BJP member Nishikant Dubey accused Gandhi of pushing Sarangi. "Are you not ashamed Rahul, you are resorting to rowdy behaviour ('gundagardi'). You pushed an old man," a furious Dubey told Gandhi.

"He pushed me," Gandhi countered Dubey, walking off after a cursory look at Sarangi, who was being attended to by fellow BJP members. Sarangi was later wheeled off to an ambulance.

"Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, who fell on me and I got injured," he told reporters as BJP members squatted at the Makar Dwar raising slogans against the Congress.

Hitting out at Gandhi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said appropriate action would be taken in the matter.

"Parliament is not a place to show physical strength. It is not a wrestling ring," he said.

Dubey told reporters, "I am a four-time MP, I have seen something like this for the first time. I have never seen Congress leaders barging into the BJP's protest or BJP members doing the same when Congress protests. Why did the

Congress disrupt the BJP's protest today? This shows that their only aim is hooliganism."

A number of ruling alliance MPs, including Union ministers, met their injured colleagues.

Both Houses witnessed massive uproar amid 'Jai Bhim' chants from both sides and were adjourned without witnessing any transaction. Congress MPs met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and submitted a complaint against the BJP MPs.

The Congress and other opposition parties have seized on a part of Shah's reference to Ambedkar in his Rajya Sabha speech on Tuesday to target the BJP and demand his resignation.

Shah, defended by Modi and other senior members of the BJP and its allies, has accused the Congress of distorting his speech. The BJP has instead cited the alleged insults to Ambedkar and neglect of his legacy during the long years of the Congress rule to launch its counter-protest.

In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Kharge claimed he was pushed by BJP MPs, lost his balance and was forced to sit on the ground, injuring his knees that have already undergone surgery. He has demanded an inquiry into the "attack".

MPs of the Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Samajwadi Party, the Left and Nationalist congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar, among others, participated in the protest.

Several Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K Kanimozhi, were seen wearing blue, a colour associated with Ambedkar.
'...still have lost the 2014 Lok Sabha polls but could have won 140 seats.'

IMAGE: Then Congress president Sonia Gandhi, right, then prime minister Manmohan Singh, centre, and then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee at the release of Report To The People 2010-11 by the United Progressive Alliance government in New Delhi, May 22, 2011. Photograph: B Mathur/Reuters

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has said the party could have saved itself the ignominy of sinking to 44 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections if it had sent Manmohan Singh -- the then prime minister -- to Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2012, and replaced him with Pranab Mukherjee.

In an interview to journalist Karan Thapar, released on a media portal on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 evening, Aiyar discussed the second volume of his autobiography, A Maverick in Politics, where he has reminisced about the time he tried to persuade Dr Singh to join the Trinamool Congress and contest the 1998 Lok Sabha polls from the erstwhile North West Calcutta constituency.

He also spoke about his relationship with the Gandhi family, his admiration for Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whom he described as "a good man" and his "intense dislike" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to Aiyar, the United Progressive Alliance II government and the Congress party became leaderless in 2012 as Dr Singh and Sonia Gandhi, who headed the government and the party, respectively, were unwell.

Dr Singh at the time underwent six bypass surgeries and Sonia travelled abroad for treatment.

As the Kisan Baburao Hazare-led India Against Corruption movement began, UPA II started to fall apart.

It was at this time, Aiyar says, that the Congress should have got Dr Singh elected President to honour his contribution in nation building and elevated Mukherjee as the PM.

The Congress, the former diplomat, believes would have still lost the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, but not sunk to 44 seats, and could have won 140 seats.

Aiyar spoke at length about his rapport with Rajiv Gandhi when he served as a joint secretary in the prime minister's office, and about his relationship with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

The 84-year-old former Union minister said that Rahul considers him "a political liability" and "too old" to be sent to Parliament.

IMAGE: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar pays floral tribute to Rajiv Gandhi on his 33rd death anniversary at Veer Bhoomi in New Delhi, May 21, 2024. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

On Rahul's leadership abilities, Aiyar said that he believes Rahul will, when and if he becomes the PM, "reveal" the qualities of head and heart, to become a good prime minister.

Aiyar termed it a Nehru-Gandhi "family trait" that they become good prime ministers, which was true not just for Rajiv Gandhi but also Indira Gandhi.

According to Aiyar, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, who during his years at Trinity College, Cambridge, came to know Rajiv and much later Rahul as well, told him that Rahul is "much the brighter of the two".

On his offer to Dr Singh in January 1998 to join the TMC, Aiyar said that his party leader Mamata Banerjee agreed with his proposal to field Dr Singh from the erstwhile North West Calcutta seat, and suggested that he could be the prime minister after the results, which were likely to produce a hung verdict as happened in 1996.

When Aiyar met Dr Singh and told him about the proposal, the latter said, "This country will never accept a Sikh as prime minister."

Six years later, when Sonia Gandhi chose him to be PM in 2004, Dr Singh was bewildered and told him he had not expected this at all, Aiyar said.

Aiyar also spoke about his disagreement with then Union home minister P Chidambaram's strategy to counter the growing influence of Maoism in tribal areas, but blamed a newspaper misquoting his criticism of Chidambaram leading to Sonia Gandhi not speaking with him for ten years.

As for his views on Vajpayee and Modi, Aiyar said the former did not allow his Sangh Parivar background to communalise his prime ministership.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
The Mumbai police on Thursday said the ferry 'Neel Kamal' that capsized after being hit by a Navy craft off the Gateway of India had a capacity of 90 passengers but had over 100 persons on board.

IMAGE: The Indian Coast Guard conduct a rescue operation after a boat capsized near the Gateway of India, in Mumbai on December 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Thirteen persons, including Navy personnel and two contractual naval employees, were killed in the accident on Wednesday afternoon and 98 were rescued.

According to the documents issued by the Maharashtra Maritime Board concerning the boat, it had permission to carry 84 passengers and 6 crew members but the ferry was carrying over a hundred persons, a police official said.

Police have gathered all the documents related to the boat, he said.

A case has been registered against the Navy craft driver at the Colaba police station, the official said.

The BNS sections invoked in the FIR included those related to causing death by negligence, actions that endanger the personal safety or life of others, rash or negligent navigation of a vessel and acts of mischief that cause wrongful loss or damage to individuals or the public.

There were two German nationals and one Canadian on board 'Neel Kamal' at the time of the mid-sea collision and they were safely rescued, he said.

Cops have so far recorded the statements of nine persons who were rescued by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Mumbai police and CISF teams and identification of all the 13 bodies has been done, he said.

The accident-affected Naval craft is in the custody of the Indian Navy and police will demand it whenever needed for the investigation, he said.

Meanwhile, the mangled passenger ferry has been taken to 'Bhaucha Dhakka' (a wharf near Dockyard Road) in south Mumbai, another official said.

Of the 113 persons on board both vessels, 13 died and 98, including two injured, were rescued. There were six persons on board the Navy craft, of which two survived, officials have said. Efforts are underway to trace two missing passengers, they have said.
Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Nagaland S Phangnon Konyak alleged in the Rajya Sabha that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi came in her "close proximity" and shouted at her during a protest outside the Parliament's Makar Dwar which made her feel "extremely uncomfortable".

IMAGE: Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar listens to BJP MP S Phangnon Konyak (left) in the house during the Winter Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi, December 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo/Sansad TV

"My dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt by LoP Shri Rahul Gandhi ji," she said in a communication to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar who said he would look into it.

The BJP cited Konyak's allegation and injuries to its two other MPs as it alleged that Gandhi pushed and shoved its members and indulged in "indecent" conduct during the incident, even as the Congress rejected the charges and Gandhi said that it was the ruling party MPs who "stopped, threatened and intimidated" him.

Several National Democratic Alliance MPs criticised Gandhi for his "misbehaviour" and sought action against him.

Supporting the Nagaland MP's claim in the Upper House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju alleged the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha had pushed her and charged physically while entering Parliament during morning hours.

Leader of the house and BJP president JP Nadda slammed the Congress leader's conduct as "an act of physical and mental harassment".

The allegation was, however, countered by DMK member Tiruchi Siva who said that nothing as claimed by treasury bench members took place.

"Today (Thursday) while protesting, it was a peaceful protest. I was standing outside just below the staircase of Makar Dwar. Something happened to me for which I feel really disheartened. Leader of the opposition of Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi ji came very close proximity of me. I really felt very uncomfortable and he started shouting at me which I felt is very unbecoming of a leader of the opposition, Konyak said.

She was speaking amid protests by opposition members who were demanding an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging his remarks on Tuesday were an insult to B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution.

"His (Gandhi's) action was really bad and I feel disheartened and no lady member, let alone me, an ST member from Nagaland should not be made to feel like this. So I seek your protection for this letter for which I have already shared notice to you," Konyak said.

Minister Rijiju alleged Rahul Gandhi pushed two more members with such force that they were bleeding and have been hospitalised.

"This behaviour of the Congress party is shameful beyond our belief. We have numbers. We are not going to be afraid but we don't want to plummet the standard of Parliament by manhandling to this low.

"I plead to you all Congress members that the entire Congress should apologise to this house and the nation. This Parliament is not a wrestling arena.

Rijiju said.

He demanded that the entire Congress party should not only apologise to the Parliament but to the entire nation.

"The way Rahul Gandhi has beaten our two MPs, our MPs are agitated. Had we also manhandled in the same manner then what would have been the situation. ... We are not cowards but if our people will also start manhandling like Rahul Gandhi then how will democracy work, Rijiju said.

At this, Nadda said that the discussion held on the Constitution in Parliament had exposed the Congress completely on how it twisted and misused it in the last 75 years and therefore the party members have "lost their mind".

"Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, in an undemocratic way, pushed our members who were protesting in a peaceful manner in which our two members were injured and are admitted to Ram Manohar Hospital...

"The way the leader of the opposition pushed our sister, Konyak, who is a member of the House, amounted to physical and mental harassment. It is a matter of privilege, Nadda said.

Dhankar said that he has received communication from Konyak and she also met in his chamber.

"I am looking into it. She was literally in tears.... she could never believe that as a lady member she could suffer so much at the hands of another member of Parliament, Dhankar.

DMK's Tiruchi Siva contested the claims made by the treasury bench members.

"This is the version of one side. There was a demonstration going on outside and Mr Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the other house, is a very senior person and he has complained that he was only pushed. We respect all elder members. We respect every woman in this country. Nothing has happened of that sort, he said.

Dhankar repeated that Konyak had complained to him and was in tears.

Both the treasury bench and opposition members continued sloganeering during the statements made by treasury bench members.

The House was adjourned for the day after Siva spoke.

The alleged incidents occurred during a face-off between the opposition and NDA MPs in Parliament premises.

A number of MPs of the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance were protesting at the steps of 'Makar Dwar against the Congress' alleged insult of Ambedkar, while MPs from the Congress and its allies were demonstrating over Union Minister Home Shah's remarks on Ambedkar and accused the BJP of slighting the architect of the Constitution.

BJP MPs alleged that INDIA bloc members insisted on entering Parliament by passing through the BJP MPs who were holding a protest, instead of using the space left empty on one side of the staircase Makar Dwar, used by members to enter and exit the building.

In her letter to the Chairman, Phangnon Konyak said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi along with other party MPs came in front of her despite there being a passage created for them by security personnel.

"He misbehaved with me in a loud voice and his physical proximity to me was so close that I being a lady member felt extremely uncomfortable. I stepped aside with heavy heart and renouncing my democratic rights but felt that no member of Parliament should behave this way (sic)," she alleged.

"I belong to the ST community and I am a lady member. My dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt by LoP Shri Rahul Gandhi ji. Therefore, Hon'ble Chairman sir, I seek your protection," she also wrote to the RS Chairman.

Addresing a press conference at BJP headquarters, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the party was pained at the treatment meted out to its tribal MP.

Will physical strength be used in Parliament? Will musclemen and goondas come to Parliament? In which direction is the Congress taking the country's democracy? said the BJP leader, who was flanked by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and party MPs Anurag Thakur and Anil Baluni.

"Rahul Gandhi does not deserve to hold the post of the Leader of Opposition," Chouhan said as he slammed the Congress leader's behaviour and alleged it is against India's cultural ethos.
An alleged blast took place on Wednesday night outside the Bakshiwal police chowki in Gurdaspur district, the Punjab police said on Thursday.

IMAGE: Cops condut probe after blast outside Islamabad police station in Amritsar, Pubjab, December 17, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The police launched a probe on Thursday following reports that a "blast" took place.

In an unverified post circulating on social media, terror outfit Khalistan Zindabad Force has claimed responsibility for the alleged attack.

This is the second incident of blast in Punjab this week and the third this month.

The police said a team of forensic experts reached the Bakshiwal police chowki to investigate the Wednesday incident.

Asked about reports of any blast outside the police post, Kalanaur deputy superintendent of police Gurwinder Singh said, "We had received information. We have launched an investigation.

"An FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) team is on the spot. Once the FSL team gives a report, it will be clear what exactly has happened," said the DSP.

There was some sign of a burnt patch outside the chowki, said the police, adding that nobody had heard the sound of any blast.

The police chowki has been lying closed for the past two weeks, said the police.

A blast had occurred at Islamabad police station in Punjab's Amritsar on Tuesday. However, no one was injured in the incident.

The Islamabad police station incident took place a fortnight after a hand grenade was lobbed at a police post in Nawanshahr.

Some people attacked Asron police post in the Kathgarn police station in Nawanshahr by hurling a hand grenade in its premises on December 2.

In the Islamabad police station case, an explosion was heard at around 3.15 am, according to locals.

Initially, the Amritsar police claimed that no blast occurred on the police station premises.

However, in an official statement in the evening, the Punjab police said "in the wake of the attack" on the Islamabad police station, director general of police Gaurav Yadav visited the city and ordered strict action against the perpetrators.

Yadav visited Amritsar a few hours after the incident was reported, according to the statement.

Chairing a high-level meeting here, the DGP emphasised the need for officers to use both technical and human intelligence to detect and apprehend those responsible for the "attack".

The Punjab DGP had then ordered strict action against the perpetrators in the wake of the attack on the Islamabad police station.
A survivor of the fatal speedboat-ferry collision in Mumbai has accused the Navy speedboat driver of "showing off" and "being in a playful mood" before the crash that claimed 14 lives. Gautam Gupta, who lost his aunt in the incident, described the driver's reckless maneuvering, which ultimately led to the collision with the ferry carrying passengers to Elephanta Island.

IMAGE: The Indian Coast Guard conducts a rescue operation after a boat capsized near the Gateway of India, in Mumbai on December 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Gupta, contesting the Navy's claim of "engine failure" in the speedboat leading to the crash, described the vessel's driver as someone who was "showing off."

He said many passengers, including himself, were busy recording videos of the speedboat as the driver zig-zagged through the waters. "It felt like a display," Gupta said.

As they headed towards Elephanta Island, he said the speedboat approached with 5 to 6 people on board. "The driver was in a playful mood, zig-zagging through the waters. Suddenly, he turned the speedboat and headed directly towards us. He must have thought he could pass by our ferry narrowly, but his stunt ended in tragedy," Gupta said.

At the time of the collision, many passengers on the ferry were reportedly not wearing life jackets.

Initially, Gupta did not grasp the gravity of the situation. "One occupant from the speedboat was thrown onto our ferry. We assumed our ferry was safe and that no damage had occurred. But soon, the ferry began to sink," he said.

"Before the collision, the speedboat driver was moving freely, and the passengers on board appeared calm. If there had been a problem with the boat, they would not have been so relaxed," he maintained.
An aerial drone photo shows a view of Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo shows a view of Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo shows a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows a view of a scenic spot overlooking Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows a ship sailing in Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying themselves at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo shows a view of Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows a cruise sailing in Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying themselves at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying themselves at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows ships sailing in Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo shows a view of Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying themselves at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

Tourists take selfies at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

Tourists enjoy the scenery at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying themselves at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
A man has been arrested in Bareilly for allegedly threatening to kill Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and police officials.

IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addresses a press conference in Lucknow. Photograph: ANI Photo

According to police, Anil dialed 112, an emergency service number, and claimed that he would shoot the chief minister on January 26.

He also threatened the station in-charge of Izzatnagar police station and other officers, they said.

"After receiving the threat on Tuesday night, police launched a search operation, but the accused's phone was switched off. Following extensive efforts overnight, Anil was located and arrested on Wednesday," said SHO of Izzatnagar Police Station Dhananjay Pandey.

An FIR has been registered, and the accused is being interrogated. He will be produced before a court here later on Thursday, the police officer said.

The threats raised tensions in the area, creating fears of communal unrest.

"Prompt action was taken to prevent escalation and maintain peace. We are also investigating the accused's intent and mental state," the SHO added.

Anil initially filed a complaint with a local PRV team on Tuesday evening, claiming his friend had borrowed his motorcycle and failed to return it, police said.

However, when they questioned him, he started hurling abuses and issued threats. Around 11 pm, Anil called 112, issuing the death threat, the police said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said he and his deputies Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde would work 24/7 in shifts.

IMAGE: Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar addresses a press conference in presence of state CM Devendra Fadnavis on the eve of Winter Session of State Legislature, in Nagpur, December 16, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

"Ajit Pawar will work in the morning since he is an early riser. I am on duty from 12 noon to midnight while throughout the night you all know who," Fadnavis said, referring to Shinde, who is known to work till late hours.

He was replying to a debate in the legislative assembly on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his joint address to both Houses of the state legislature during the ongoing Winter Session in Nagpur.

Turning to Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis said, "You are called permanent deputy CM'... but my wishes are with you... you will be the CM someday."

Ajit Pawar on December 5 took oath as the deputy CM of Maharashtra for the sixth time.

The Nationalist Congress Party leader, who has been vocal about his chief ministerial ambitions, split the Sharad Pawar-founded Nationalist Congress Party in 2023 and joined the BJP-led Mahayuti government.

In the ensuing battle for the party name and its clock' symbol, his faction got both.

His uncle and veteran politician Sharad Pawar now heads NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar, an ally of the Congress and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray under the banner of the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

After a severe drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls that saw NCP bagging only one seat, Ajit Pawar's party made an impressive comeback in the recently held assembly elections, emerging victorious in 41 of the 57 constituencies where it was in the fray.

The Mahayuti alliance of Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena and NCP won over 230 of the state's 288 assembly seats, while MVA could manage to grab only 46.
'JD-U wants to emerge as the single largest party in Bihar after the next assembly polls by contesting more seats than the BJP.'

IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at Birsa Munda's 150th birth anniversary celebrations in Jamui, November 15, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Janata Dal-United asserts that there will be no compromise on Nitish Kumar as leader of the National Democratic Aliance in Bihar and as the NDA's chief ministerial candidate in the 2025 assembly elections.

The JD-U also made it clear that Nitish Kumar will be the chief minister if the NDA returns to power in the assembly polls.

This stand assumes much political significance as it comes days after senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Amit Shah's reported statement that it had not been decided who will be the NDA's face in the Bihar assembly elections when he was asked if Nitish would be the chief ministerial candidate or if the BJP would adopt a strategy similar to Maharashtra where it changed the chief minister after the election outcome.

In Maharashtra, the BJP replaced incumbent chief minister Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena with Devendra Fadnavis, the BJP leader.

Shah's widely reported statement that 'we will sit together and decide' provoked unhappiness in JD-U circles where Nitish Kumar matters above all else.

"Hamare liye Nitish Kumar hi sab kucch hai (Nitish Kumar is everything to us)," says JD-U worker Shambhu Kumar, sipping hot tea on a cold Tuesday afternoon at a roadside tea stall near the party's state office on busy Bir Chand Patel Marg in the heart of Patna.

His view is loudly echoed by a group of party leaders and workers standing nearby to savour the winter sun amid a chilly wind.

Though the Bihar assembly election is months away, a race has already commenced for supremacy between the BJP and JD-U, the main constituents of the NDA in the state.

Senior JD-U leaders and ministers Ratnesh Sada and Sunil Kumar assert that "Nitish Kumar wil be the NDA face and the next chief minister."

"The NDA will have to go to the polls next year under Nitish Kumar's leadership and he will become the next chief minister," says Sada, a Dalit leader.

"Nitish Kumar is the CM and he will be the next CM, no one else. It is not possible that any other leader will become CM," says Sada. "In Bihar only Nitish Kumar's formula works."

"There is no confusion and doubt about who will lead NDA in the 2025 polls," says Sunil Kumar, an IPS officer turned politician who is considered close to Nitish Kumar. "Nitish Kumar will lead the NDA in the polls and Nitish Kumar will be the chief ministerial face."

"Whatever others have been talking hardly matter to us because our decision is clear that Nitish Kumar is the leader and the NDA's face in Bihar," adds Sunil Kumar.

IMAGE: Nitish Kumar interacts with Prime Minister Narendra D Modi during the inauguration of multiple development projects on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in Jamui, November 15, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Till Monday, December 16, 2024, the JD-U's stand over Shah's statement was a muted one before senior JD-U leader and former minister Neeraj Kumar said Shah's silence meant tactit consent on the issue.

On Tuesday another senior JD-U leader and Bihar Minister Sharwan Kumar stated that the party is 100 percent confident it would contest the assembly polls under Nitish Kumar's leadership.

Political watchers in Patna point out that JD-U leaders have come out to sent a political message to its ally the BJP following Shah's statement that it will not bow down like parties in states elsewhere have done.

Till last week most of the Bihar's senior BJP leaders including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha repeatedly said that the NDA would contest the assembly election under Nitish Kumar's leadership.

After Shah's remark that the BJP parliamentaty board would decide who the NDA's chief ministerial candidate would be, these leaders have gone silent on the issue.

IMAGE: Nitish Kumar, Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha during the first convocation of the Bihar Engineering University in Patna, December 9, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Sources within the BJP in Patna admit that the party would like to form a government in Bihar on its own with one of its leaders as chief minister.

When the BJP was in Opposition in the state, BJP leaders repeatedly announced that the party would form its own government in 2025.

A senior BJP leader and former MLA told this correspondent that a strong lobby in the party wants to replace Nitish Kumar as chief minister by a strong party leader.

"The BJP is the single largest party in the state assembly, it has a wide social support base and network but still lacks a face to lead and win polls," says the BJP leader, speaking on condition that he would not be identified by name for this report.

"Since 2005 the BJP has been using Nitish Kumar to defeat the RJD in assembly and Lok Sabha polls. The alliance with Nitish Kumar is a political compulsion as the party is depend on him to keep the RJD out of power."

The RJD is the Rashtriya Janata Dal, a party founded by Lalu Prasad Yadav and now led by his younger son Tejashwi Yadav.

There are several aspirants in the BJP who want to lead the NDA, adds the BJP leader, but not dares to say it openly.

IMAGE: Nitish Kumar inspects a model of the new Patna collectorate building in Patna, December 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

One thing is clear: As of now Nitish Kumar is comfortable within the NDA and there is no possibility of his realigning with the Rashtriya Janata Dal for the assembly polls.

Soon after Nitish Kumar realigned with the BJP on January 28, 2024, the JD-U launched a campaign projecting him as the next NDA chief minister.

JD-U leaders say Nitish Kumar has told the BJP leadership in Delhi that the JD-U will contest not less than 120 of the 243 seats in the 2025 assembly polls and the remaining 133 seats is to be divided between the BJP and its other allies in Bihar.

"The JD-U wants to emerge as the single largest party after the next assembly polls by contesting more number of seats than the BJP," says a JD-U leader.

In the 2020 assembly polls, the JD-U's tally had come down to 43 while the BJP won 74 seats.

What haunts BJP leaders in Patna is Nitish Kumar's fickle political nature. After he dumped the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan and rejoined hands with the BJP to form an NDA government in Bihar JD-U leaders close to him failed to anticipate his political moves. It has been proven half a dozen times since 2010.

In 2015, he joined hands with the RJD and the Congress, winning the state assembly elections and forming the Mahagathbandan government.

In 2017, he dumped the Mahagathbandan, rejoined the NDA and contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and 2020 assembly polls with the BJP.

In 2022, he dumped the BJP and joined hands with the RJD again, only to return to the NDA in January 2024.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
He was a formidable musician but seemed utterly human, a Peter Pan who wore his genius with deceptive lightness.

Sandip Roy remembers Ustad Zakir Hussain.

IMAGE: Ustad Zakir Hussain at one of his performances. Photograph: Kind courtesy Zakir Hussain/Instagram

Social media is reverberating with Zakir Hussain music clips these days. Zakir Hussain's puckish smile as he says Waah Taj.

Zakir Hussain jamming with Shakti. Zakir Hussain drumming up a tabla storm while Ali Akbar Khan fixes a snapped string on his sarod.

Zakir Hussain with his father, the maestro Alla Rakha.

Watching them one cannot help but smile and marvel at his quicksilver genius.

But it was a post without any music or even a picture of the man that felt the most heartbreaking. My friend Anirvan Chatterjee, who lives in Berkeley, California, shared a screenshot of a message from Cal Performances in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dear Anirvan

You are receiving this email because you currently hold tickets to Zakir Hussain and Masters of Percussion, scheduled for March 21, 2025 at Zellerbach Hall.

We are writing today to share the devastating news of Hussain's sudden passing yesterday, December 15.

We grieve deeply the passing of this master who has been a pillar of the Bay Area cultural landscape for decades.

The loss to the world of music is huge. The obituaries struggle to do justice to the man who had won Grammys (three this year alone), the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship, Japan's Kyoto Prize as well as India's Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

His artistry spanned continents. His obituary on National Public Radio called him a legend who defied genres.

But that message from Cal Performances also reminded me this world traveller in music did something I never expected.

He made thousands of Indian immigrants like me feel at home in a place like California. When I watched Zakir Hussain play at the SFJazz festival, I felt my worlds coming together with a dhaa.

IMAGE: Ustad Zakir Hussain accepts the Grammy for Best Global Music Performance for Pashto, by Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Zakir Hussain featuring Rakesh Chaurasia at the Grammys in Los Angeles, February 4, 2024. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters

Hussain was one of several Indian classical artistes who set up schools and studios in the West.

Ambassadors of Indian classical music, they were also trying to expand its horizons. When Ravi Shankar was turning 90, Zakir Hussain told me Ravi Shankar was an "innovator" who was trying to take music "from the closely guarded world of the palace court to a more open interactive way of playing."

The West gave him fame and wealth but at the same time he also learned from the West. "Western world is the master of presentation -- Hollywood, Broadway, opera," Hussain said.

"They know how to bring art onto the stage. He learned how to break it down without watering it down."

And in the process, they got to be "recognised in India as a conqueror of the West."

Zakir Hussain was much younger than Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. He was only 7 when he first played with Ali Akbar Khan, 13 or 14 when he played with Ravi Shankar.

But he might have well been talking about himself. He said those pioneers opened the doors for musicians like him. One Indian classical musician led to another.

"When a Chinese restaurant opens somewhere and people go to eat there, there is a need to have more Chinese restaurants."

But why California? Ali Akbar Khan considered New York but felt it was too big and impersonal and he was invited to teach a session on the West Coast by a local couple, the Scripps who had set up the Asia Society for Eastern Arts.

Tabla legend Swapan Chaudhuri, who taught at the Ali Akbar College of Music said, "They liked the atmosphere in California. There was a lot of interest in Indian spirituality here in the 1960s.

"Ali Akbar Khan said he would set up something in Northern California. Ravi Shankar said alright, I will set something up in South then."

IMAGE: Ustad Zakir Hussain at his office in San Anselmo, California. Photograph: Adam Tanner/Reuters

When I moved there in the 1990s I remember local desi newspapers and magazines filled with ads for Bharata Natyam classes and music workshops. This had not always been the case.

"As engineers who came of age in the 1970s, we had zero exposure to Indian music, dance, fine arts. We were all suffering from a severe case of cultural malnutrition," says Arvind Kumar, an IIT graduate who lives in San Jose.

In 1987 he started India Currents, a free magazine covering the Indian cultural scene in California.

It was a go-to place to find an Indian dentist (the ones who understood turmeric stains on teeth) or news about a Birju Maharaj Kathak workshop.

Zakir Hussain's smiling face was a fixture in the magazines as were announcements from the Ali Akbar College of Music.

When my parents came to visit from India, I took them to see Chitresh Das dance Kathak alongside a flamenco dancer from Spain in a theatre in San Francisco.

IMAGE: Ustad Zakir Hussain at a performance with his father Ustad Alla Rakha. Photograph: Kind courtesy Zakir Hussain/Instagram

It made California a gurukul of its own. The Ali Akbar College was in a building with a stained glass image of Saraswati in the window, something we found beautiful and familiar but unremarkable because we thought of them as musicians, not Hindu or Muslim.

It was a musical statement not a political one like Alla Rakha being both a devout Muslim and a devotee of Saraswati.

While their artistic genius is often remarked upon, "People don't realize (these cultural ambassadors) made tremendous sacrifice to spread our music around the world," Swapan Chaudhuri told me.

When they came here in the 1960s the Bay Area wasn't studded with Indian grocery stores like it is now.

Ali Akbar Khan told me about how much he missed ilish fish and rasamalali sweets.

He said he always felt he was trying to "translate" his culture.

"It's like the difference between Ma and Mummy -- it's almost the same but not quite," he said.

But they persevered and when my generation reached there, we found our music already waiting us. As if to reassure us that this too could be home.

IMAGE: A frame drum that Zakir Hussain autographed and gifted Indian-American tabla player Robin Sukhadia after a tabla workshop in 2014. Photograph: Kind courtesy Robin Sukhadia

They helped a new generation of Indian Americans to find their own rhythm.

After Zakir Hussain's death Indian-American tabla player Robin Sukhadia shared many memories of the man who inspired him on his own musical journey.

Sukhadia even has a frame drum that Hussain autographed and gifted him after a tabla workshop in 2014, his signature carrying a cheeky hint of his tablas.

Sukhadia shared a picture he had taken in 2008 of Ali Akbar Khan with his arms around the two tabla greats, Swapan Chaudhuri and Zakir Hussain.

They seemed to have been captured in mid-joke, all of them laughing.

"I felt I was being shown something important," writes Sukhadia. "Laugh, enjoy and be human."

IMAGE: In Fort Collins, Colorado a hugely packed audience is ready for Ustad Zakir Hussain. Photograph: Kind courtesy Zakir Hussain/Instagram

Perhaps that was Zakir Hussain's greatest gift. He was a formidable musician but seemed utterly human, a Peter Pan who wore his genius with deceptive lightness.

Yet, of course, the discipline was paramount whether in California or Calcutta.

He just adapted to each environment with grace. For example, in the US concerts were strictly time-bound while in India time was more fluid.

He told me he remembered playing in Mumbai at 3 in the morning with Ravi Shankar.

"My father was sitting in front. Someone ran up to him to Ravi-ji and whispered in his ear. He beamed.

And then took the microphone pointed to me and said "Ustad Zakir Hussain has just received the Padma Shri." My father jumped on stage.

I cannot imagine receiving news like that in a better way."

These stories will linger. As will the music. And every time Sukhadia plays his frame drum a little bit of Zakir Hussain will be there.

But that Cal Performance refund notice reminds us that while the music remains in all those clips everyone is sharing, the musician is gone.

There is simply no refunding that loss.

Sandip Roy is a podcaster and columnist and the author of the novel Don't Let Him Know.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
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WUHAN, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- About 80 experts from Chinese energy companies gathered at Shennongjia, central China's Hubei Province on Thursday to advocate for greater efforts in biodiversity conservation during the energy transition process.

The seminar, organized by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) and local government, brought together representatives from over a dozen Chinese energy companies, including the State Grid Corporation of China, China Southern Power Grid, China Huaneng Group, China Three Gorges Corporation, China Huadian Corporation, and China Green Development Investment Group, to share success stories in promoting biodiversity conservation.

The biodiversity of the earth is the foundation of human survival. However, the continuous expansion of human activities poses a threat to many species, leading to environmental pollution and habitat destruction, said Liu Zehong, executive vice chairman of the GEIDCO.

"So it is crucial to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of energy to reduce the impact of large-scale fossil energy development and utilization on natural ecosystems," Liu added.

Cases shared at the seminar included avoiding ecologically sensitive areas, replacing overhead power lines with underground cables, installing artificial bird nests on transmission towers, creating fish migration channels at hydropower stations, using solar power for desert control, and supplying green energy to ecological research bases.

Many of these cases have been cataloged in the "List of Energy Transition for Biodiversity," issued at a sub-forum of the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in October. The list features examples selected from thousands of companies and organizations across more than 100 countries worldwide.

These measures help minimize habitat destruction, promote environmental restoration, and provide direct protection for biodiversity, showcasing successful approaches to integrating energy transition with ecological conservation, Liu said.

"Climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution are the three major crises facing humankind. These challenges are interlinked and require synergistic solutions," said Zhang Linxiu, director of the UN Environment Programme-International Ecosystem Management Partnership.

By sharing knowledge, achievements and experiences, it is hoped that this seminar will provide more pathways to achieving synergistic governance of energy and the environment, she added.

GEIDCO is the first international organization in the field of energy initiated by China. Headquartered in Beijing, it has been committed to promoting the development of the initiative to meet global power demand with clean and green alternatives.

Editor: Zhang Zhou
SANAA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said in a statement on Thursday morning that they had attacked two military targets in Israeli city of Tel Aviv with "two hypersonic ballistic rockets."

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's, GMW.cn makes no representations as to accuracy, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information.
Ukraine has agreed to a US proposal for a 30-day cease-fire in the war against the Russian invasion, prompting the United States to say it would immediately lift the suspension of military aid, including the sharing of intelligence.

The outcome of nine hours of talks on March 11 in Jeddah marked a stunning turnaround less than two weeks after an acrimonious meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The clash between the two leaders preceded the US pause in aid and limits on intelligence sharing, which the United States said were imposed because of doubts that Ukraine was committed to seeking peace.

"The President wanted this war to end yesterday... So our hope is that the Russians will answer 'yes' as quickly as possible, so we can get to the second phase of this, which is real negotiations," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters after the agreement was announced.

A joint statement issued by the two countries said Ukraine expressed a "readiness" to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day cease-fire, "which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation."

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump said a meeting with Russia would take place later on March 11 or the following day.

Rubio, who attended the talks in Saudi Arabia along with national-security adviser Mike Waltz, said the cease-fire plan puts the ball in Russias court.

Were going to tell them this is whats on the table, he said of Russian President Vladimir Putins government. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now itll be up to them to say yes or no."

Russian officials have repeatedly said that they want a comprehensive peace deal, not a cease-fire or other temporary arrangement.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said it wouldn't rule out contacts with US officials over next several days, but gave no further comment.

The US and Ukrainian delegations said they also discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the cease-fire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.

"I have confirmation that the security assistance from the United States has been restored," Pavlo Palisa, deputy head of the Ukrainian President's Office and a member of the delegation, said in a post on Facebook.

"Arrangements are starting to be fulfilled."

In addition, Ukraine and the United States agreed to conclude a pact on joint development of Ukrainian critical minerals and other resources as soon as possible.

That deal had been expected to be signed at the White House meeting on February 28, but Zelenskyy left early after the argument in the Oval Office, leaving it in limbo.

Ukraine Invasion: News & Analysis RFE/RL's Ukraine Live Briefing gives you the latest developments on Russia's invasion, Western military aid, the plight of civilians, and territorial control maps. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

The talks were closely watched across Europe, which has grown concerned Washington's renewed contacts with the Kremlin would sideline both Kyiv and Brussels from the peace process.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently traveled to the White House to meet Trump, congratulated the US and Ukrainian delegations, saying it is now up to Moscow to end the fighting.

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saidthe proposal for a ceasefire agreement and the resumption of U.S. intelligence sharing and security assistance was a welcome development.



"This is a positive development that can be a step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The ball is now in Russias court," she added.

The talks in Jeddah on March 11 followed a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack that struck the Moscow region and other Russian provinces overnight, killing three people.

John Herbst, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, said before the joint statement that restoring intelligence cooperation should be seen as a positive result for Kyiv.

He also said sequencing in future negotiations will be crucial. While an early cease-fire can be key part of a future peace process, he stresses that it's important that it be followed by further steps toward a lasting peace deal, such as continued military shipments to Ukraine, a potential demilitarized zone, and a greater role for European countries, including their forces deployed as peacekeepers.

These are all serious ideas that have been floated, Herbst said.

That might not be a just peace, because a just peace wouldnt see Ukraine have to concede territory, but it could still be a durable one that makes it very hard for Russia to renew aggression.

What Role Will Russia And Europe Play In Peace Talks?

As Ukrainian and US officials met in Saudi Arabia, attention was also shifting to the other two players that will decide how the war ends: Russia and Kyivs European allies.

Top military officials from more than 30 nations met in Paris on March 11 for talks on the creation of an international security force for Ukraine.

The force is being envisaged by Britain and France. Its aim is to reassure Ukraine and deter another large-scale Russian offensive after any cease-fire. The force might include heavy weaponry and weapons stockpiles that could be rushed within hours or days to aid in Ukraines defense.

Russia has so far said it is against accepting European troops in Ukraine as part of a deal.

The Kremlin has also spoken about getting Western sanctions lifted on its economy as part of a peace process, including in Saudi Arabia where US and Russian officials held talks nearly a month ago.

Marie Dumoulin, a former French diplomat and an analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations, says that this gives European governments some leverage when the dust settles from the talks in Jeddah.

She said that doubts remain in European capitals about whether Russia is willing to make any concessions of its own and that Europe can use both its own offer of security guarantees to Ukraine and the possibility of lifting European Union sanctions on Russia as a way to shape discussions in both Moscow and Washington.

This gives Ukraine a few more cards to hold at the table, Dumoulin told RFE/RL. These can give Ukraine some room to say whether the deal being offered to them is good enough yet or not.

RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Kosovo Service contributed to this report
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.

Putin also said there were several unanswered questions in the proposal, such as what to do about Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region.

"If we have a cease-fire, does that mean that everyone there would leave?" Putin said. "Should we release them [Ukrainian troops] after they committed crimes against the population? Or would they surrender?"

Ukraine denies committing such crimes, saying it abides by humanitarian law and does not target civilians.

Why Should Russia Agree To A Cease-Fire?

Kyiv seized a swath of the Kursk region in a stealth incursion in August, a move seen as an effort to divert Russian forces from eastern Ukraine and use the territory as a bargaining chip in any peace talks.

That strategy is now failing as Russian forces supported by North Korean troops push the Ukrainians out of Kursk. Russia has regained more than half the territory in Kursk initially captured by Ukraine.

Zelenskyy told reporters on March 14 that the situation in Kursk was "obviously very difficult."

Among the other concerns Putin voiced about the cease-fire proposal is whether Ukraine would use the 30-day period to mobilize and train forces or rearm with the help of the West.

He also raised the question of how the nearly 2,000-kilometer front would be monitored. Zelenskyy told reporters that the front could be monitored by US satellites.

Experts had warned that Putin would likely seek to drag out cease-fire talks because his forces have the upper hand on the battlefield.

Aside from the advances in Kursk, Russia is gaining territory in eastern Ukraine -- albeit at high human and material costs -- due to its significant manpower advantage.

However, Zelenskyy said Ukraine has stopped Russian forces at the gates of Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub in Donetsk region, after months of fighting on the outskirts of the city. Zelenskyy asserted that the incursion into Kursk forced Russia to pull forces from eastern Ukraine, giving his troops time to defend the city.

Russia is seeking to capture at a minimum the entirety of the four regions of Ukraine it claims to have annexed in September 2022: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson. A cease-fire freezing the current front lines would leave them short of that goal.

"One way the Russians could slow down this process without coming out directly and saying 'no', is by dragging out those technical discussions on monitoring" the cease-fire, Hardie said.

"That could also give them ways to try to pin the blame back on Ukraine, by insisting on certain technical matters that Ukraine might find objectionable," he said.
Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

I'm RFE/RL's China Global Affairs Correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now.

Minding The Transatlantic Gap

China is looking to capitalize on a transatlantic rift between the United States and Europe that is widening as U.S. President Donald Trump looks to quickly end the war in Ukraine.

But how much of an opening is there actually for Beijing?

Finding Perspective: The threat of tariffs, a war of words at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month, U.S.-Russia talks that excluded Europe and Kyiv, and a standoff at the United Nations over how to commemorate the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine have all been recent fissures between Washington and European governments.

That brought new questions about relying on the United States to European capitals and left an opening for Beijing, which has been trying to woo back Europe over the past four years.

On the sidelines in Munich, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with several top European officials, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Spain's foreign minister seems to be at least more open to the idea of keeping China closer amid tensions with the United States.

Jose Manuel Albares told the Financial Times that the European Union should craft its own China policy and not follow the more confrontational line with Beijing advocated by those in the Trump administration.

"Europe must take its own decisions, on its own. And we have to decide when China can be a partner and when China is a competitor," Albares told the newspaper.

How We Got Here: During Trump's first term in office, Washington pushed European governments to take a harder line on China. That led to the bloc labeling China a "systemic rival" in 2019.

The Chinese government's untransparent handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, human rights, and supply chain concerns, and Beijing's backing of Russia throughout the war in Ukraine all saw that harder line solidify in Europe under former U.S. President Joe Biden's tenure.

Now amid growing transatlantic tensions, some European governments see following Trump's tough stance on China as a way to win over Washington. Others, like the Spanish government, are arguing to preserve vital economic ties with Beijing, especially amid growing uncertainty about the United States.

This has even led to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, one of Brussels's more hawkish voices on China, calling in January for a new effort to improve relations between Brussels and Beijing.

A True Rift? Tensions on each side of the Atlantic are real.

Following his party's victory in elections on February 23, Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting for the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said the Trump administration "does not care much about the fate of Europe" and that the Continent needs to act accordingly.

"My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the U.S.A.," he said.

Talk of a seismic shift in the geopolitical order is also under way in Brussels.

One EU official recently back from discussions with U.S. officials told RFE/RL that the White House's focus is on ending the war in Ukraine and that there is a "take it or leave it" attitude from Washington.

The Trump administration wants to "remove the Ukraine issue from the table and move on to other issues. It is becoming clear that Trump's goal is to rule the world together with Russia and China" and work toward "strategically separating them from each other," said the official, who was granted anonymity in order to discuss sensitive matters.

Why It Matters: Europe may be grappling with a realignment, but that doesn't mean China is its only option to hedge.

As European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visit Washington, von der Leyen is set to arrive in India on February 27.

James Crabtree, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told me that "it's hard to imagine a better time to re-energize Europe's and India's historically lackluster ties" and that a focus of the trip will be technology cooperation.

"A meeting of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council -- only the second since its foundation in 2023 -- offers opportunities to deepen collaboration in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to clean technologies," he said.

China may also be short on opportunities, with most EU members unable to look past its support for Russia amid the war in Ukraine. The bloc's most recent sanctions package passed on February 24 once again included Chinese companies and individuals.

What is likely to emerge is a more fragmented Europe when it comes to China. While some governments look to countries like India, South Korea, and Japan to balance out their foreign policy, others -- such as the current Spanish government and Hungary -- will keep courting Chinese investment and create new openings for Beijing.

Three More Stories From Eurasia

1. A Reverse Nixon?

China publicly backed the Trump administration's recent talks with the Kremlin, but analysts and former U.S. officials I spoke with mostly said the prospect of a U.S.-Russia reset is also making Beijing "nervous" about having less leverage over its partner.

The Details: "While a complete rapprochement might not be in the cards, they're nervous because if Trump lifts sanctions on Russia, then Moscow's dependency on China decreases," Dennis Wilder, who was a top White House China adviser to former U.S. President George W. Bush, told me.

One of the hallmarks of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's foreign policy has been a burgeoning strategic partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin that's grown closer since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Beijing has propped up the Russian economy through enhanced trade and energy purchases while fueling the Kremlin's war effort with the supply of key goods as both Xi and Putin have found common ground in wanting to challenge the West and unseat the United States.

The fear of all that being derailed by a new type of U.S.-Russia relationship born out of a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine is real for Beijing.

Wilder says he's had conversations with "very senior Chinese officials" since Trump's election in November who have expressed concern about a potential U.S.-Russia reset.

He says they've used the phrase "Only Trump goes to Moscow," a play on the historical reference to former U.S. President Richard Nixon's landmark visit to Beijing in 1972, when he defied precedent and courted China to exploit its split with the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War.

2. But Can It Work?

A grand bargain would be a major diplomatic feat, but it's something Trump administration officials have hinted at in public comments of late.

What You Need To Know: The Trump administration has made clear it sees managing a long-term rivalry with China as its top foreign policy objective and may look to deprioritize regions like Europe and the Middle East in order to raise pressure on Beijing in Asia.

Following the talks in Riyadh, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the possibility for future "geopolitical and economic cooperation" between Washington and Moscow was among the key points discussed.

And in an interview this month with The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Washington was prepared to reset the relationship with the Kremlin following an agreement over Ukraine as a move to end Russia's isolation and its growing dependence on China since the war began.

"It's not in Putin's interest to be the little brother in a coalition with China," Vance said.

The thinking is that even new cracks between the two powers may loosen Moscow's alignment with Beijing and could have a deterrent effect on China, especially if it decides to use military force to take Taiwan.

Still, both Beijing and Moscow are aware of what the White House is trying to do, and Beijing has made a point to show it and Moscow are still a tandem, including a recent phone call between Putin and Xi on the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

Steve Tsang, director of SOAS University London's China Institute, told me he believes Washington's efforts to reset its Russia ties are also not all bad news for Beijing.

"Xi does not want Putin to fail in the war, and so Trump delivering a peace that mostly meets Russian conditions is a positive," he said. "Who knows who will be the next U.S. president and if there will be a reversal of U.S. posture post-Trump."

3. Taiwan Watches A New U.S. Line On Ukraine

Ukrainians living in Taiwan and local supporters protested outside the de-facto Russian Embassy in Taipei on the eve of the third anniversary of Moscow's invasion.

What It Means: The self-governing island has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv, which the Taiwanese government sees as a foil for its own tenuous geopolitical position where China has long threatened to invade and annex Taiwan if it refused to peacefully accept unification.

Those parallels have grown since Trump's election. The United States is Taiwan's largest military backer and its support is considered vital for its survival, but Trump's global shakeup, including launching negotiations with Russia without Ukraine and threatening to cut off future aid to Kyiv, has brought anxiety to Taiwan about a similar withdrawal of American assistance.

When I was in Taiwan in December, I spoke with several senior officials who said they were closely watching what happened to Kyiv on the battlefield and with the new U.S. administration.

So far, the White House has reaffirmed its support for Taiwan, but Washington has also threatened tariffs on the island's semiconductor industry, which is responsible for around 60 percent of world production for microchips and 90 percent of the most-advanced ones needed for the global AI boom.

Across The Supercontinent

Choking Off Iranian Oil: Earlier this month, the United States brought in a new tranche of sanctions on Iranian oil, my colleague Kian Sharifi and I reported . The move is seen as an opening shot against Tehran and Beijing -- Iran's top oil customer.

New Bridge Deal: The Transport Ministry of Tajikistan and the Tajik branch of the Chinese company Zhejiang Communications Construction Group (ZCCC) signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of what will be the longest road bridge in Central Asia.

New Tools For Tashkent: Uzbekistan showcased on February 25 newly purchased Chinese-made air-defense systems, including the FM-90 short-range surface-to-air missile system and the KS-1C medium-to-long-range air-defense system.

One Thing To Watch

A Chinese-crewed cargo ship is detained in Taiwan's southern port of Tainan after a key Taiwan-Penghu Internet cable was mysteriously severed.

Taiwanese prosecutors are investigating whether this was an accident or part of a broader pattern of disruptions to vital communication lines, but the country's Coast Guard released footage of them apprehending the vessel.

The move comes amid growing tensions from a rise of so-called gray zone tactics, the term often used by Taiwanese officials to refer to the hybrid tactics used to intimidate the island but which remain below the threshold for war.

That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have.

Until next time,

Reid Standish
Pakistan is cracking down on the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) that allow Internet users to circumvent government controls.

The authorities have claimed they are targeting unregulated VPNs, which they said is being used by criminals and militants.

But activists say the new restrictions on VPNs are aimed at regulating the online space and further stifling dissent in the South Asian country of some 240 million.

The VPN crackdown is the latest example of Pakistan's push for digital control, said Ramsha Jahangir of the Global Network Initiative, a Washington-based global digital rights watchdog.

The clamp down on VPNs comes after Pakistan imposed a China-style national Internet firewall earlier this year.

The firewall has been blamed for Internet outages and slowdowns that have disrupted businesses and triggered widespread complaints in the Muslim-majority country.

Efforts to restrict the use of VPNs has coincided with an ongoing political crisis that has been fueled by the jailing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Supporters of Khan, the founder of the opposition Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, have staged months of protests to demand his release.



'Climate Of Fear'



VPNs are legal in most countries. But they are banned or restricted in authoritarian countries, including Russia, China, and Iran, where the authorities tightly control Internet access and carry out censorship.

In November, Pakistans Interior Ministry said it was seeking a ban on VPNs because they were being used by militants to facilitate violent activities. The ministry said it also wanted to deny access to pornographic and blasphemous content.

Later that month, Pakistans top body of clerics declared the use of VPNs un-Islamic, claiming they led to the spread of evil.

The government has since said it would no longer pursue a ban on VPNs. But it has ordered individuals and companies to register their VPNs.

Digital rights campaigners say the move amounts to a ban on VPNs.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on December 7 said that over 31,000 companies and individuals had successfully registered their VPNs.

Pakistan's telecommunications regulator said it will allow banks, software companies, and embassies to use VPNs. Individuals, too, can use the digital tool for commercial purposes, it said.

But activists say the crackdown on VPNs is an attempt at censorship.

Pakistan is not only limiting its citizens' ability to access information freely but also adding to the climate of fear and surveillance, said Jahangir of the Global Network Initiative.

The restrictions on VPNs is indicative of a broader trend of increased Internet censorship, she added.

'Right To A Livelihood'

The clampdown on VPN use and the Internet slowdown have disrupted the daily work of businesses and entrepreneurs.

Financial experts have warned that the Internet disruptions could exacerbate the severe economic crisis in Pakistan. The government estimates that the country earns more than $2.5 billion annually from digital exports of products and services.

In the current economic climate, patchy Internet signals will infringe on [peoples] right to a livelihood, said Harris Khalique, head of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

Sajjad Mustafa Syed, head of the Pakistan Software Houses Association, said a complete ban on VPNs would be a death blow for the IT industry.

A full ban would also have alarming implications for all Pakistanis, he said, especially among political dissidents or vulnerable activists and journalists.

Farieha Aziz, co-founder of the nongovernmental digital rights group Bolo Bhi, said the government is trying to create a new normal whereby it can pull the plug on Internet connectivity whenever it wants.

No one will know when there will be access, what quality, which platforms or services and their features, she said.
ALMATY -- For Russia's large community of Central Asian migrants, the news could not have been worse.

Russian authorities on December 18 said they had arrested a 29-year-old man from Uzbekistan over the assassination of a senior general in Moscow a day earlier.

Moscow blamed Kyiv for the killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the highest-ranking Russian military officer to be assassinated since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A source at the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) told RFE/RL that it had carried out the killing.



But the arrest of an Uzbek citizen whom Moscow claimed killed Kirillov on Ukraine's orders has triggered fear and panic among Central Asian migrants in Russia.

There has been a rise in xenophobic attacks on Central Asian migrants in Russia in recent years. Thousands have been deported or denied entry to Russia, while others have complained of threats and mistreatment.



Now, many migrants expect things to only get worse for migrants from Central Asia.



"There are police vans everywhere," said Zulfia, a citizen of Uzbekistan who lives in Moscow. "Today I was walking near a market and saw several police vans there, too. They detained everyone -- Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, and Tajiks."



"Yesterday they deported my acquaintance along with her daughter," added Zulfia, who did not reveal her full name for fear of retribution.

Anti-Migrant Rhetoric 'Will Be Reinforced'



For decades, Russia has been the main destination for millions of Central Asian workers, who have long faced harassment and discrimination.



In the wake of a terrorist attack on a concert hall outside Moscow in March that killed around 140 people, Russian authorities intensified their crackdown on migrants.



Several Tajik citizens were arrested over their alleged involvement in the attack. The men appeared in court bearing clear signs of beating and torture.



The speed of the arrest of the unnamed Uzbek man accused of killing Kirillov -- the head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces -- has led some analysts to question whether he is a scapegoat.



Alisher Ilkhamov, an Uzbek analyst and the director of the U.K.-based research entity Central Asia Due Diligence, said it was "very likely" that the suspect was tortured.



Uzbeks will be portrayed "to some extent as the villains in this extraordinary event," Ilkhamov said.
Global Civilization Initiative and mutual learning among civilizations Author Jose Ricardo dos Santos Luz Junior

The future of humanity: Is a common civilization possible Author Serdar Yurtcicek

The term "civilization," which is extensively employed across a broad spectrum of fields, encompassing social sciences, colonialism, popular culture, and international relations, has undergone significant transformations since its inception in the 18th century.[In Detail]

In the Global South, China stands as one of the most influential opponents of the globalization model promoted by the US. It champions a vision of globalization aimed at creating a more equitable world, a fairer system, increased cooperation, more just income distribution, respect for domestic affairs, and an economic model based on the win-win principle.[In Detail]

Global Civilization Initiative: The Chinese perspective and its global significance Author Zheng Yongnian

Global Civilization Initiative: The Chinese perspective and its global significance[In Detail]

Turkiye has experienced all sorts of double-standards coupled with a Western colonialist hubris in its dealings with the Collective West, should welcome the China's Global Civilizational Initiative together with its vision of global affairs.[In Detail]
Russian authorities have named an Uzbek citizen as the suspect in the killing of a general in Moscow, unsettling some migrants who anticipate a xenophobic backlash. Observers warned that migrants are already under pressure in Russia, facing frequent raids and searches, and some expect the suspect's arrest to further inflame a tense atmosphere.
Uzbek migrants in Moscow told RFE/RL that they feared a crackdown after an Uzbek man was arrested in connection with the assassination of Russian General Igor Kirillov. To protect their identities, their faces have been blurred and their voices distorted.
DIM has announces the launch of a strategic partnership with TAScombank, within the framework of which special benefits are provided for the purchase of real estate in DIM residential complexes, the developer's press service reported.

"We at Private banking know: a home is more than just walls, it is a place where dreams and living inspiration are born. We have joined forces with DIM, TAScombank has prepared unique opportunities for its Private banking clients: a 3% discount on the purchase of housing in the eco-business class complex Park Lake City," said Oleh Poliak, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC TAScombank.

The eco-complex of business class Park Lake City became the first project from the portfolio of projects of the DIM company, where exclusive conditions for the purchase and payment of real estate are in effect. In the near future, other projects of the company will be announced, in which special conditions for potential investors of the company and unique offers for clients of TAScombank Private banking will be introduced.

"The partnership between TAScombank and the DIM company is a confirmation of our reliability and stability in the implementation of our projects. In the future, the partnership between banks and developers will become even more necessary and important, since developers will be able to ensure stable financing of their projects, avoid delays in construction, increase the confidence of buyers, and special programs with favorable lending conditions will make the purchase of housing more accessible to the general population," noted junior partner of the DIM company Arseniy Nasikovsky.

The DIM Group of Companies was founded in 2014 and specializes in the full development cycle, including design, construction and property management. During this time, the company has commissioned 15 buildings in eight residential complexes, a total of 3,640 apartments, and built more than 332,700 square meters of residential and commercial space.
Google Appoints Preeti Lobana as India Country Manager and Vice President

Preeti's leadership will be instrumental as we deepen our engagement with India's unique ecosystem, says Google's president for Asia Pacific

Google has named Preeti Lobana as its new country manager and vice president for Indian operations. Lobana, who joined Google nine years ago, previously served as vice president of customer-centric solutions.

Announcing her appointment, Sanjay Gupta, Google's president for Asia Pacific, emphasized Lobanas pivotal role in advancing the companys vision for India.

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Preeti's leadership will be instrumental as we deepen our engagement with India's unique ecosystem, leveraging AI advancements like Gemini 2.0 to accelerate digital inclusion and unlock unprecedented economic opportunities for every Indian. Her deep market expertise will guide us in shaping a future where technology truly benefits all, Gupta stated.

Lobana succeeds Gupta, who was elevated to his current role as Asia Pacific president earlier this year. In the interim, Roma Datta Chobey, managing director for Google Indias digital native industries division, had been leading the Indian operations.

A Vision for AI-Driven Transformation

Expressing her excitement, Lobana highlighted the synergy between Indias dynamic growth and Googles technological innovations.

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This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to shape the future with AI, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for businesses to boost productivity, solve critical challenges, and create innovative solutions. I am deeply committed to working with our talented teams and partners to drive economic growth and deliver meaningful value across India, Lobana said.

A Proven Leader in Technology and Finance

Before joining Google, Lobana served as the managing director and head of global finance services in India at the NatWest Group. Her extensive experience in technology and finance positions her well to lead Googles operations in one of its most significant global markets.

With Lobana at the helm, Google aims to strengthen its presence in India, leveraging artificial intelligence and digital solutions to foster innovation and economic growth.
BJP MP Pratap Sarangi Injured in Scuffle Outside Parliament, Alleges Rahul Gandhi Pushed MP

Sarangi said he sustained a head injury while standing near the stairs when the incident occurred.

New Delhi: Chaos erupted outside Parliament on Thursday as simultaneous protests by the Treasury and Opposition benches led to an alleged scuffle. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi claimed he was injured after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi purportedly pushed another Member of Parliament, causing the latter to fall on him.

Sarangi said he sustained a head injury while standing near the stairs when the incident occurred. Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP who then fell on me. I lost balance and fell as well, Sarangi told reporters. Following the incident, he was rushed to a hospital in an ambulance for treatment.

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Rahul Gandhi Responds

In his defense, Rahul Gandhi alleged that BJP MPs had attempted to block his entry into Parliament, pushing and threatening him in the process. Speaking to the media, Gandhi also claimed that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was manhandled during the commotion.

I was trying to enter Parliament through the entrance, but BJP MPs were pushing, threatening, and stopping us. Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. This might be captured on camera. However, we will not be intimidated by such actions. We have the right to enter Parliament, said Gandhi.

Gandhi further shifted focus to what he described as the central issue: The BJP is attacking the Constitution and insulting Babasaheb Ambedkars legacy.

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Protests and Political Exchanges

The scuffle occurred against the backdrop of BJP MPs protesting in Parliament premises, accusing the Congress of disrespecting Babasaheb Ambedkar. Chanting slogans such as, Babasaheb Ambedkar ji ka apmaan nahi chalega (Insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar will not be tolerated), BJP leaders held banners asserting Congresss alleged disregard for Ambedkars contributions.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized the Gandhi family, accusing them of sidelining Ambedkar. The Congress party has sinned by disrespecting Babasaheb. While members of the Gandhi family accepted Bharat Ratna, they ignored Ambedkar. The Congress should fast and remain silent for 24 hours to repent, Singh remarked.

INDIA Blocs Counter-Protest

Meanwhile, opposition MPs under the INDIA Bloc banner, led by Rahul Gandhi, staged a counter-protest, demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Ambedkar. Several opposition leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav, wore blue attire to symbolize their protest.

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Tensions escalated after Shahs remarks in Rajya Sabha targeting the Congress regarding Ambedkars legacy. Opposition parties have since been demanding his resignation, further deepening the political rift.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned earlier on Wednesday as protests on the issue disrupted parliamentary proceedings. The situation has since spiraled into a major political controversy, with Congress leaders accusing the BJP of distorting Ambedkars legacy and the BJP countering with allegations of hypocrisy against the Congress.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal Health Update Latest News Hunger Strike Day 24

Sources revealed that his vitals are now unstable.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal Health Update Latest News Hunger Strike Day 24: Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewals health has taken a critical turn as his fast unto death entered its 24th day. Sources revealed that his vitals are now unstable, prompting an immediate response from a team of doctors who arrived at the site for urgent medical assistance. In light of these developments, the protest stage has been temporarily shut down to address the escalating concerns over his condition.

The situation has drawn the attention of the Supreme Court, which on Wednesday urged the Punjab Government to act swiftly to safeguard Dallewals health. A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan issued a stern warning about the potential fallout of any adverse developments.

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The entire state machinery will be blamed if something untoward happens. Extraordinary conditions require extraordinary steps, the Bench stated, urging authorities to act without hesitation.

Punjabs Efforts and Farmers Resistance

Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the court that meetings had been held between state authorities, a representative from the Centre, and Dallewal. However, the farmer leader has steadfastly refused medical tests or treatment. The farmers have also declined to engage with the High Powered Committee established by the court to address their demands.

The Supreme Court emphasized that farmers must not act under peer pressure and urged them to prioritize Dallewals health, noting that he must remain healthy to continue leading their cause.

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As the standoff continues, concerns are mounting over Dallewals condition and the potential consequences of his prolonged hunger strike.

(For more news apart from Jagjit Singh Dallewal Health Update Latest News Hunger Strike Day 24, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday, December 19.

"We discussed the priorities in the work of the new European Commission and Ukraine's accession to the EU. We separately discussed the use of frozen Russian assets for the needs of Ukraine. Grateful for the new EU macro-financial assistance of EUR 18.1 billion as part of the G7 loan. We expect the first tranche in January 2025," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel following the meeting.

He also praised von der Leyen's personal efforts to consolidate unity in the EU around Ukraine.

"The joint position of Ukraine and all other European countries is important for bringing a just peace closer," the president emphasized.
Who is to Blame for the Series of Blasts in Punjab?

Adding to this skepticism is the poor conviction rate in terror-related cases.

The recent blast outside the Islamabad police station in Amritsar has raised significant concerns about law and order in Punjab. Since November 23, six such blasts have occurred in the Majha region alone. While it is fortunate that no lives have been lost, the repeated incidents, particularly near police stations or posts, indicate a larger conspiracy at play.

Punjab Police Director General Gaurav Yadav has acknowledged the existence of this conspiracy, pointing fingers at Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence). According to Yadav, the ISI is allegedly working through militant outfits like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) to destabilize Indian Punjab.

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Yadav further claims that instead of directly deploying their operatives, these groups are using local goons and drug addicts as hired ponies to execute their plans. Similar allegations have been made by the Delhi Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding recent blasts outside two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) campuses in Delhi.

A Pattern of Concerns

While the police's claims about ISI's involvement warrant attention, they also prompt a critical question: why is Punjab's environment vulnerable to such conspiracies? Furthermore, the repetitive narrative presented by the police after each blast makes it harder for the public to trust these assertions.

Adding to this skepticism is the poor conviction rate in terror-related cases. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), only 17-18% of those arrested for alleged terror crimes are convicted. This low rate undermines the credibility of police claims and highlights inefficiencies in investigating and prosecuting these cases.

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Conflicting Statements Add to Distrust

A lack of consistency in police communication has further eroded public confidence. For instance, after the Islamabad police station blast, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar initially claimed the noise was caused by a heavy object falling on the sentry posts roof. However, state-level senior officers maintained it was a genuine explosion. These discrepancies suggest poor coordination among law enforcement agencies.

Moreover, Amritsar district has become a hotspot for such incidents, with blasts reported in Ajnala on November 23, outside Gurbaksh Nagar police station on November 28, and near Majitha police station on December 4. The Islamabad police station blast is just the latest in this alarming trend. Despite frequent arrests and assurances from the police, the blasts continue unabated.

A Deeper Issue at Play

The ongoing series of blasts points to systemic issues within Punjabs policing and governance. Arrests, weapon seizures, and drug busts have become routine, but they seem to have little impact on curbing crime. Experts suggest that political interference in law enforcement is a significant factor. Veteran police officers argue that while the Punjab Police is well-resourced, political pressures often divert its focus from crime prevention to electoral priorities.

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In such an environment, if criminals have grown bolder, it is not solely the fault of the police. It is a shared failure of governance, political leadership, and systemic inefficiencies. Punjab must address these deeper issues to restore law and order and rebuild public trust.
The EU and the exposure to disinformation

Romanian president Klaus Iohannis said in Brussels that foreign interference with the election process is not a threat just for Romania, but also for European democracies and values.

Romanian president Klaus Iohannis (right) and president of EU Council Antonio Costa (Photo: presidency.ro)

Leyla Cheamil, 19.12.2024, 14:00

Attending the EU-Western Balkans summit and the European Council in Brussels, the Romanian president Klaus Iohannis said Romania was confronted with an enormous problem related to foreign interference with the election process, but that it coped well. The countrys reaction was immediate, strong and fair, said Iohannis, who expressed confidence in Romanias capacity to remain stable, solid and a reliable partner.

We recall that the first round of the presidential elections in Romania held on 24th November was annulled, as it was discovered that the process was not fair due to illegal practices supported by Russia on social media, especially TikTok.

According to Iohannis, foreign interference with the election process is not a threat just for Romania, but also for European democracies and values. All countries are exposed to this risk, he said, adding that instruments and mechanisms for defence against such attacks must be immediately developed. Romania reacted 100% fair and legal, because its not everywhere in Europe that constitutional courts have the right to intervene in the case of elections. In Romania, however, it is laid down in the Constitution that the Constitutional Court can validate, and therefore also invalidate the elections if it sees grave irregularities. And this time, there were grave irregularities, president Iohannis emphasised.

During talks with the new president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, Iohannis discussed the importance of resilience and of a strategic direction to be able to manage all challenges. He said efforts are needed to combat Russias malign interference, in order to reduce exposure to such perfidious attacks. President Iohannis said on Wednesday that integrated coordination is needed, as well as finding instruments and solutions, because this is what people are expecting from the European Union and their national governments.

The European Commission has already begun an investigation into the Chinese social media platform TikTok following the campaign for the presidential elections in Romania. Even though TikTok says the platform was protected during 150 elections at global level and that it is constantly eliminating content that violates rules, the representatives of the European Commission say there are credible suspicions over the violation of the European Digital Services Act and the lack of reaction to systemic risks connected to the integrity of the elections. On Monday, the European Union said it adopted the first sanctions in response to hybrid actions on its territory against Russian agents accused of destabilising actions in the European Union. The EU is also accusing Moscow of cyber attacks and disinformation, especially during the elections in the European Union.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and American President-elect Donald Trump have agreed to strengthen the close relationship between the two countries.

They looked forward to working together on shared priorities, including international security and delivering economic growth and prosperity, 10 Downing Street said in a statement.

Starmer congratulated Trump on his recent team appointments while the President-elect recounted his meeting with the Prince of Wales in Paris earlier this month.

The UK Prime Minister reiterated the need for allies to stand together with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position.

On the Middle East, the Prime Minister underscored the need to work together to ensure peace and security in the region.

Starmer is one of the first leaders to speak over phone to Trump ahead of him assuming office for a second term.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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Spain's foreign trade deficit decreased in October from a year ago, as exports grew faster than imports, preliminary data from the Economy Ministry showed on Thursday.

The trade deficit dropped to EUR 3.9 billion in October from EUR 5.1 billion in the corresponding month last year. In September, there was a shortfall of EUR 3.29 billion.

Exports climbed 9.3 percent year-over-year in October versus 1.9 percent growth in September. Shipments of consumer durables grew the most by 17.9 percent. Imports rose 4.8 percent from last year, following only a 0.1 percent increase a month ago.

On a monthly basis, both exports and imports surged by 11.7 percent and 12.4 percent, respectively.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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The World Health Organization has opened its Academy in the French city of Lyon.

The WHO Academy is a revolutionary project which will contribute to a better trained workforce around the world, through the most ambitious lifelong training program ever designed in the field of public health.

According to WHO, through training delivered in Lyon and everywhere in the world on its online platform, it will give access to the critical skills and competencies as well as to the latest knowledge and know-how in terms of public health to health professionals, policy-makers, and WHO's own workforce.

The high-profile inauguration ceremony was attended by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside dozens of health ministers, international representatives, donors, and local French partners.

The UN health agency said the WHO Academy intends to address identified weaknesses in health systems, mainly the growing global shortage of health and care workers, and the widening gap in terms of access to the latest research and innovation.

The shortage of health and care workers is projected to reach 10 million by 2030.

With the view to building and sharing access to the most advanced for health and care and research and development in the field of health, including AI, the Academy will bring additional capacity and efficiency directly to health systems.

President Emmanuel Macron said, "Today we can be proud to open in the city of Lyon the doors of a new global institution, which will bring the best in terms of health training and innovation to the world."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that Ukraine would not be engaged in continuing the transit of Russian gas.

"We will not be engaged in extending the transit of Russian gas, we will not give the opportunity to earn additional billions on our blood. Any country in the world that can get something cheap from Russia will eventually become, a question of tomorrow or in a month, a year, dependent on the Russian Federation. These are their policies. Therefore, we will not transit Russian gas," Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Brussels on Thursday.

Zelenskyy noted that in a conversation with the prime minister of Slovakia, he said that if it is not Russian gas, but gas from another country, and there is no payment to the Russian Federation until the end of the war, Ukraine is ready to consider this option.

At the same time, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine would not allow additional earnings for Russia.
The adoption of Ukrenergo tariff for electricity transmission in 2025 in the amount of UAH 686.23 per MWh (excluding VAT), which is almost 30% higher than the current one, will ensure the company's debt buildup stops, which has now reached approximately UAH 45 billion due to the deficit tariff, according to CEO of the company Oleksiy Brekht said.

"For the first time in the last few years, the transmission tariff takes into account almost the full volume of the company's special obligations to compensate for the production of 'green' electricity. Its adoption will definitely ensure the cessation of the increase in debts under the PSO," he said during a meeting of the national energy regulator the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities on Thursday in online mode, an Energy reform correspondent reports.

"Critical underfunding of the tariff in previous periods led to the company not receiving UAH 60 billion. Accordingly, we have a current debt of almost UAH 45 billion to market participants, primarily to Guarantee Buyer, suppliers of universal services and on the balancing market," he said.

According to Ukrenergo head, more than 50 of the company's facilities were destroyed during the war, but it continues to ensure the normal operation of the energy system, including due to the effective attraction of international financial assistance. "Over the past two years, we have attracted almost UAH 20 billion in funds, UAH 16 billion of which is a grant component. Thus, we ensured both the acquisition and delivery of important equipment, and the rapid completion of work to restore the transmission system," Brecht said.

The adoption of the tariff in the specified amount was also supported by the heads of renewable energy associations.

"Our association fully supports such a tariff. According to our calculations, this can ensure 100% settlements with the renewable energy sector in 2025, there will be no increase in debt. But we call on the regulator to monitor actual and projected expenses quarterly and adjust the tariff to prevent the formation of a deficit of funds," Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association Andriy Konechenkov.

"The Solar Energy Association supports changes to the tariff. This will improve the situation on the energy market and the financial position of the transmission system operator, and, accordingly, will affect industrial consumers. If the energy market works better and with a reduction in debt, then industrial consumers will be able to receive electricity without interruption," Chairman of the Board of Association of science and education Ukraine Vladyslav Sokolovsky said.

According to Director of the European-Ukrainian Energy Agency Anastasia Vereshynska, such a tariff will contribute to the development of distributed generation in Ukraine.

At the same time, representatives of industrial enterprises and their associations spoke out against increasing the Ukrenergo tariff for electricity transmission.

"It is clear that the energy system needs to be supported, but a 30% increase will hit the country's economy hard. Our enterprise is currently idle, we planned to launch it soon or at the beginning of the year, but with such tariffs, we probably won't launch. If large consumers stop, there will be a smaller transmission volume, and the tariff will have to be raised again. And all electrometallurgical enterprises will probably stop. Our position is not to raise the tariff," Deputy Chairman of the Board for Economics and Finance at Marhanets Mining and Processing Plant Volodymyr Bondar said.

According to Ecology and Technology Manager at the Ukrcement Association Pavlo Bondarev, raising transmission tariffs at this level will negatively affect the production of cement, which is the basic material for the country's recovery.

"The transmission tariff should be UAH 528 per MWh, and for dispatching UAH 56 per MWh. Only in this way can we talk about a balanced recovery," Bondarev said.

As noted by Executive Director of the Association of the Mining Industry Ksenia Orynchak, approximately 40% of the 100 processing plants of the association have stopped precisely because of the state tariff policy, since electricity accounts for 30 to 50% of the cost of production.

"Here is an example. Zavalievsky Graphite, the only enterprise mining graphite ore and a critical enterprise for the 'green' transition, has stopped. It is necessary to introduce certain benefits specifically for the mining industry," the OEA said.

"Consumer proposals were not taken into account at all when considering the tariff. For industrial consumers, this is an additional UAH 27 billion in expenses. We express categorical disagreement with such a tariff," Director of the department of ecology, energy and land economy of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine Olha Kulik said.

According to Head of the Federation of Metallurgists Serhiy Bilenky, after increasing the tariff for transmission, the industry's expenses will increase by UAH 1.6 billion per year, and approximately 30% of enterprises have already stopped.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of France Emmanuel Macron in Brussels on Tuesday, December 18. It was their eighth meeting this year.

"The main topics discussed during the meeting were military assistance and the needs of Ukrainian warriors. The President of Ukraine provided a list of what is needed by the defenders on the battlefield, as well as for enhancing air defense and long-range capabilities," the press service of the Ukrainian President's Office said.

Zelenskyy thanked France for all the defense assistance it has provided, which amounts to more than EUR 5 billion, for its participation in most of the Ramstein coalitions, and for training the Anne of Kyiv Brigade.

"I expressed gratitude for France's preparation of one brigade for our army, and we agreed to continue this cooperation and prepare one more brigade. We hope other partners will join this effort by contributing to equipping additional Ukrainian brigades," he said on the X social network following the meeting.

The head of state also emphasized that Ukraine and France "share a common vision: reliable guarantees are essential for a peace that can truly be achieved."

"We continued working on President Macron's initiative regarding the presence of forces in Ukraine that could contribute to stabilizing the path to peace," he said.

Macron informed Zelenskyy about "his communication with other partners aimed at ensuring all necessary steps are taken for peace."
The UK Ministry of Defence said on Thursday it would send Ukraine an additional GBP 225 million ($286 million) in military hardware to help counter Russian aggression, Reuters reported on December 19.

The package reportedly includes GBP 92 million for equipment to strengthen the Ukrainian navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, unmanned surface vessels, loitering munitions and mine countermeasure drones.

In addition, GBP 68 million will be allocated for air defence equipment, including radars, ground-based decoys and electronic countermeasure systems against drones.

Some GBP 26 million is allocated for support and spare parts for systems previously delivered to Ukraine.

Some GBP 39 million is allocated for the supply of more than 1,000 electronic warfare systems against drones, as well as for the joint purchase of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The UK also said it would provide Ukraine with more military training opportunities.

As reported, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov met with UK Defence Minister John Healey in Kyiv on 18 December.

In 2025, the UK plans to continue supporting Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression, as well as increase sanctions pressure on Russia, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said during a visit to Kyiv.
During the night of December 19, the Russian occupation forces launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, a Kh-59/69 guided aerial bombs, 85 Shahed kamikaze drones and other types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to attack Ukraine, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on Thursday morning.

"As of 8:30 a.m., the destruction of 45 Shahed kamikaze drones and other types of UAVs was confirmed in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Khmelnytsky, Chenihiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv regions," it said on the Telegram channel.

The locations of another 40 enemy imitation drones were lost without negative consequences due to the defense forces' active counteraction.

Private and multi-apartment houses as well as municipal property in Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions were damaged as a result of enemy missile strikes. No casualties were reported.

No drone strikes were recorded and there have been no reports of destruction or casualties caused by the drone attack.

Ukrainian aircraft, anti-aircraft rocket forces, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups were engaged in the repulsion of the enemy attack last night.
Photo: General Staff

The forces and means of the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), in cooperation with other components of the defense forces, struck the infrastructure and production capacities of JSC Novoshakhtinsk Oil Products Plant in Russia's Rostov region, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said Monday.

"A fire in the area of the facility, has been confirmed, namely at the catalytic cracking unit ELOU-AVT-2.5. Details on the damage caused by the strike are yet to be updated," it said on the Telegram channel.

An informed source in the SBU said that during the attack Ukrainian drones overloaded Russia's air defense system, which was protecting the plant, creating a window of opportunities for Ukrainian missiles launched jointly by the SBU and the Ukrainian Navy at the next stage.

According to preliminary data, the joint operation caused serious damage to the production capacities of the enterprise.

"Today's special operation was conducted with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and Ukrainian-made missiles. This proves once again the effectiveness and might of Ukrainian weapons. And in particular, its capability to destroy enemy logistics serving for the war in Ukraine," the SBU source said.
Costa to Zelenskyy: We'll stand with you now and in future, will welcome you some day as EU member

The European Union will continue to support Ukraine both in the time of war and in peace, and some day Ukraine will be welcomed as an EU member, President of the European Council Antonio Costa has said at a joint press briefing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels on Thursday.

"At this meeting, we will discuss two main points. First of all, Ukraine, and then Europe and the world. About Ukraine, we must be very clear: you can count on our full and unwavering support whatever it takes and for the time it is necessary. Now  in war, in future  in peace. We want to welcome you some day here as member of the European Union," he said.

The European Council President assured Zelenskyy that the EU will "work with you for this and to win a comprehensive, just and lasting peace."

"This war in Ukraine is against the Ukrainian people, is on European soil, where at stake are the universal principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter  the right of self-determination, the right of territorial integrity, the right to have safe borders. That's why this war is not only about Ukraine, not only about Europe, it is about the international law. And the international law must prevail and the invasion must be defeated," Costa said.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/minenergoUkraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intends to discuss the protection of the Ukrainian energy sector at the European Council meeting in Brussels, which is the main priority for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy told reporters before the start of the European Council meeting that the main priority for Ukraine was the protection of its energy sector, and that they would discuss it that day. He explained that he was referring to the safety of nuclear power plants, emphasizing that it is very dangerous not only for Ukraine, but also entire of Europe if something went wrong. He also mentioned the importance of preserving gas storage facilities, which are significant for both Ukraine and other Europeans.

The President also said that the second important point for him is the increase in military production, which really helps and works.

In addition, Zelenskyy noted that he intends to discuss at the European Council how to urgently help Ukrainian children, and maintain and make the Ukrainian school network safer. The President explained that we are talking about bomb shelters, about food products, about many different things that are very important for Ukrainian families.

Zelenskyy concluded by stating that, as Mr. President (Antonio Costa, President of the European Council) had already mentioned, the second point at the European Council would be Europe and peace. He said that this is very important for Ukraine, especially starting from the beginning of the next year. He emphasized the need for unity between the United States, the EU, and European countries, noting that this unity was crucial to achieving peace. Zelenskyy expressed the belief that only together could the United States and Europe stop Putin and save Ukraine.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has expelled MP Yuriy Boiko (the Platform for Life and Peace deputy group) from the Committee on Human Rights, a member of the Holos faction, Yaroslav Zhelezniak, said on Thursday.

"At the second try, the Verkhovna Rada recalled Yuriy Boiko as a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Human Rights, De-Occupation and Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, National Minorities and Interethnic Relations," he said on the Telegram channel.

The resolution to expel Boiko from the committee was backed by 258 MPs at a Thursday plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada.

As reported, earlier Boiko spoke in TikTok about the growing support for his political force by people who allegedly suffer from some "radicals" in Ukraine, as well as the alleged prohibition to speak their native language.

Boiko was co-chairman of the Opposition Platform For Life party, which was banned in 2022.
Each of the one-story houses was built to provide housing for individuals trying to improve their lives after being incarcerated or after recovering from substance abuse disorders. Fran Dwight

Tobi Hannah-Davies, of ISAAC housing task force and Housing Matters, was one of about 85 people on hand to celebrate at the open house for the tiny houses. Fran Dwight

Here is a look at HOPE Thru Navigations tiny houses, located at North Street and Westnedge Avenue. Each of the one-story houses have about 410 square feet of living space. Fran Dwight

Fran Dwight Kevin Crittenden, with scissors, was among staff members of Southwest Michigan First to attend the Dec. 12, 2024 open house of the HOPE Thru Navigation tiny houses.

Fran Dwight Aubrey Flowers and Patrice Fuller enjoy a moment at the Dec. 12, 2024 open house of the HOPE Thru Navigation tiny houses.

Fran Dwight Executive Director Gwen Hooker greets James Ferguson at the Dec. 12, 2024 open house of the HOPE Thru Navigation tiny houses.

Fran Dwight Here is a look at HOPE Thru Navigations tiny houses, located at North Street and Westnedge Avenue. Each of the one-story houses have about 410 square feet of living space.

Fran Dwight Tobi Hannah-Davies, of ISAAC housing task force and Housing Matters, was one of about 85 people on hand to celebrate at the open house for the tiny houses.

Fran Dwight About 85 people attended the Dec. 12, 2024 open house of the HOPE Thru Navigation tiny houses.

Fran Dwight About 85 people attended the Dec. 12, 2024 open house of the HOPE Thru Navigation tiny houses.

Fran Dwight Here is a look at HOPE Thru Navigations tiny houses, located at North Street and Westnedge Avenue.

Fran Dwight Here is a look at HOPE Thru Navigations tiny houses, located at North Street and Westnedge Avenue.

Fran Dwight A peek out one of the windows of the HOPE Thru Navigation tiny houses.

Fran Dwight Each of the one-story houses was built to provide housing for individuals trying to improve their lives after being incarcerated or after recovering from substance abuse disorders.

This story is part of Southwest Michigan's Second Wave's series on solutions to affordable housing and housing the unhoused. It is made possible by a coalition of funders including Kalamazoo County, the city of Kalamazoo, the ENNA Foundation, and the Kalamazoo County Land Bank.KALAMAZOO, MI -- It's something youll probably never hear from a leasing office: "You have to have a criminal record to qualify."But thats one of the qualifiers for the three new tiny houses that were showcased last week in Kalamazoo's Northside Neighborhood.Each of the one-story houses  which have about 410 square feet of living space  was built to provide housing for individuals who are trying to improve their lives after being incarcerated or after recovering from substance abuse disorders.Its not that complicated of a process, says Gwendolyn Hooker, chief executive officer and founder of HOPE Thru Navigation, which spearheaded the housing project on the southeast corner of North Street and Westnedge Avenue. As long as they meet the criteria. The first three people who meet the criteria, they're going to be the first three people to move in.Those interested in leasing one of the tiny houses must have been in the criminal justice system at some point in their lifetime, have been clean of substance use for at least one year, and have to be working. They have to be able to pay rent, $420 per month. Plus theyre responsible for utilities, Hooker says.About 85 people attended a Dec. 12, open-house and ribbon-cutting at the properties.We took 12 applications that day, she says, and weve gotten six or seven through the online process. So weve got a good handful of applications.A steering committee will review them and the nonprofit organization hopes to have people move in before the end of the year.It used to be nobody wanted to have a criminal background, Hooker says, referring to applying to rent a house or apartment. Of prospective tiny house renters, she says, Now people are saying they have a criminal background and may not necessarily have one.None of the checks that have traditionally prohibited people from finding a living space, such as their credit rating, is a concern of the organization. The other key qualifying factor is that they have a job that will allow them to pay the rent.HOPE Thru Navigation broke ground on the project on April 2, 2024, using a small plot of land it purchased from the City of Kalamazoo at the southeast corner of North Street and Westnedge Avenue. The development put back into use a small plot of land that the organization purchased from the City of Kalamazoo. Architectural firm Abonmarche Byce designed each of the houses to be energy-efficient and each was built with high-end finishes by Adam Garland Construction.Construction of an 800-square-foot "wrap-around" services building on the site may not begin until early next year. But Hooker hopes to see it completed by spring. It will house an onsite property manager and provide services to help renters find the resources they need as they integrate into the community. The building will be on a small patch of land in front of the three houses.The idea of building housing to serve HOPE Thru Navigations hard-to-place population arose in 2018. The tiny house concept was chosen as a cost-effective way to build affordable and energy-efficient housing. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for housing for people who have traditionally been rejected from many rental places.Thats the whole thing, Hooker says. We want to flip the script to where people that normally are at the bottom of the list because of their criminal background are actually going to be at the top of the list.More information about the Tiny Houses of HOPE is available by contacting HOPE Thru Navigation at (269) 775-1221 or visiting its website
Doug McLaughin

Sophie Baldwin





Sophia Baldwin

Landon Smith is a 17- year-old homeschooled student. This is Landon's first Voices Of Youth cohort. Landon enjoys painting and reading in his free time, and also exploring downtown Kalamazoo.
Kallas: Any push for negotiations too soon will be a bad deal for Ukraine

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/kallaskaja/

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has said that premature negotiations between Ukraine and Russia will not bring Kyiv good results. At the same time, the EU should do more to support Ukraine, she said.

"Any push for negotiations too soon will actually be a bad deal for Ukraine," Kallas told a press briefing ahead of a meeting of the European Council in Brussels on Thursday.

She noted that "all the other actors in the world are carefully watching how we act in this case."

"Therefore, we really need to be strong. Syria shows us that Russia is not invincible and we should not underestimate our own power," the High Representative said.

She also said that the EU leaders will discuss how to support Ukraine more during the meeting.
Blackbird , the developer and licensor of advanced cloud-native video editing platforms, updated the market on the progress of its elevate.io product and key contract renewals for its flagship Blackbird platform on Thursday.

The AIM-traded firm said that for elevate.io, its online collaborative video editing and content creation platform, significant new features and functionality had been introduced.

They included social sign-on (SSO) with Google, now accounting for over 50% of new user sign-ups, and support for the Microsoft Edge browser, widely used in corporate environments.

Enhancements to the timeline feature would allow for resizing and better management of complex projects, alongside new options for duplicating and managing clips.

Updates to the elevate.io website, including a refreshed features page, had meanwhile driven increased feature usage, while a payment gateway remained on track for launch in the first quarter of 2025.

On the Blackbird platform, the company said it had secured key customer renewals, with FIFA extending its contract for two more years, and a three-year renewal signed with an unnamed global financial news organisation.

At 1051 GMT, shares in Blackbird were down 3.24% at 5.08p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Palliser Capital called for an independent review of Rio Tinto s structure on Thursday, the latest salvo in the activist investors campaign to end the miners dual-listed status.

In a letter sent to the miners board, Palliser and a number of other shareholders demanded a resolution be included in the next annual general meeting that, if passed, would see Rio commit to an "independent, comprehensive and transparent review" of its structure.

Rio Tinto is currently dual-listed, with its primary listing in London and a secondary one in Australia. The UK hedge fund wants it to unify into a single Australian-domiciled holding, with its primary listing in Sydney and secondary listings in London and New York.

Palliser, which believes the current dual-listed company (DLC) structure is both outdated and value destructive, met with Rio on 4 December to press for change

However, Palliser said Rios management was "adamant" there was no value in unification "despite us demonstrating the overwhelming empirical evidence in favour".

Rio also claimed most shareholders were happy with the current structure, which Palliser disputed.

In the letter, Palliser said it had not decided to requisition the resolution "lightly or without a great deal of deliberation".

"We took this step because we believe that the market is long overdue the review we are requesting.

"The resolution we have co-filled provides an opportunity for shareholders of Rio Tinto to be head. It enables management to genuinely test whether shareholder support for unification is impossible, as they have asserted."

It concluded: "It is simply unsustainable for the board of the second-largest mining company in the world to keep working around the value-destructive constraints of its archaic structure while its DLC-free peers optimise value through their unrestricted access to the full suite of capital allocation."

Palliser, which holds a stake worth around $250m in Rio, first called on the miner to quit London in May.

Rio Tinto has yet to comment on Thursdays letter.
Real estate developer Henry Boot is to assume full control of Stonebridge Homes Group , it confirmed on Thursday.

The London-listed group said it would take full ownership of the regional housebuilder after agreeing to acquire the 50% it does not already own from its joint venture partner.

It will take full control of the business, which builds premium homes in Yorkshire and the north east, in three tranches over the next five years, with anticipated fixed payments totalling 30m.

The first tranche of 12.5% is for a fixed price of 10m and will complete next month. The last two purchase prices will be linked to the performance of Stonebridge over the five-year period, however.

Founded in 2010, Stonebridge built 251 homes in 2023. It posted operating profits of 5.9m on revenues of 94.4m, and has a medium-term target to build 600 new homes annually.

Tim Roberts, chief executive of Henry Boot, called the deal an "important strategic milestone".

He continued: "The acquisition further cements our position in the UK housebuilding sector, a market which currently benefits from a number of supportive structural and political tailwinds, while at the same time simplifies Henry Boots structure.

"The consideration is performance linked, and the phased structure is designed to generate strong returns while maintaining gearing within our optimum range of 10% to 20%.

"All this gives us confidence that this transaction will help drive enhanced shareholder value over the medium term and will be a significant part of our plans for growth."

Stonebridge is jointly owned by Henry Boot and Stonebridge Projects, which in turn is owned by Darren Stubbs, chief executive of Stonebridge.

Shares in 138-year Henry Boot, which listed in 1919, were largely unchanged as at 0845 GMT, at 233.88p.
Ukraine is ready to enter negotiations on ending the war with Russia only on its own terms, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk has said on Thursday.

"My position did not change. The Russian Federation is the aggressor in this war, and Ukraine is the victim. Only terms of Ukraine, as victim of this aggression, must be the terms on which we are ready to conclude peace," he told a press briefing on Thursday, commenting on Putin's statement about Russia's readiness for peace negotiations.
MicroSalt announced the filing of a new patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday, for a new method to create granulated salt from powdered formulations.

The AIM-traded firm said the innovation was designed specifically for the food service industry, targeting fried foods such as French fries and fish, with the aim of reducing sodium content while ensuring consistent seasoning and enhanced flowability.

It said the development came as the global French fry market, currently valued at $16.6bn, is projected to grow to $21.9bn by 2030.

With more than 548,000 fast food restaurants worldwide, the majority serving French fries, MicroSalt said its new formulation would address a critical operational challenge for the industry while offering a health-conscious solution.

The company also announced a new partnership with Carma Hospitality, a restaurant chain based in Montreal, Canada.

Carma had incorporated MicroSalt's formulation into its operations, citing its effectiveness in maintaining seasoning consistency across various workstations and shifts.

This patent filing marks an additional major milestone in our mission to reduce sodium consumption globally, said MicroSalt chief executive officer Rick Guiney.

Our dedication to research and development has led to a breakthrough that enables us to bring the low-sodium benefits of MicroSalt to the entire foodservice sector.

With this new formulation, we are addressing a critical need in the French fry industry, which continues to expand rapidly.

At 1244 GMT, shares in MicroSalt were up 3.12% at 82.5p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Households in England and Wales will see their water bills rise by an average of 31 a year, as suppliers pay to fix leaky pipes and cut pollution. The industry regulator Ofwat said on Thursday it would allow companies to raise average bills will rise by 157 over five years to an average of 597 by 2030 to help pay for investment.  Guardian

The damage from Brexit to trade links with the EU cost the UK 27bn in the first two years, but the overall impact was more limited than forecasters first estimated, according to the most comprehensive review of the issue since Britain fully left the bloc at the start of 2021. Researchers based at the London School of Economics found that trade barriers had been a disaster for small businesses and had forced thousands to stop trading with EU nations.  Guardian

Britains energy watchdog is set to be handed stronger powers as Ed Miliband battles to lower bills as part of an election manifesto pledge. On Thursday, the Government launched a review into the future of Ofgem, which could result in the regulator getting more power to force companies to compensate customers directly when things go wrong.  Telegraph

The Observer has appointed its first female editor in more than a century following its controversial sale to loss-making start-up Tortoise. Lucy Rock, who is currently acting editor of The Observer, will do the job permanently at the Sunday newspaper. James Harding, the former BBC News chief who leads Tortoise, will become editor-in-chief.  Telegraph

The chief executive of Imperial Brands, the maker of Gauloises and JPS cigarettes, has seen his total pay reach more than 9 million, making him one of the best-paid bosses on the FTSE 100. Stefan Bomhard, 57, was paid almost 9.1 million for the year to the end of September, up from 8.9 million the previous year and 3.4 million in 2021, his first full year in charge.  The Times
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has noted significant progress in the fight against the shadow fleet of the Russian Federation, and also called on EU leaders to put pressure on other parts of the Russian economy, in particular, to impose sanctions against Rosatom.

Sanctions against Russia are being intensified, and this year we have made significant progress in the fight against its shadow tanker fleet - we must prevent Putin from using it to finance the war and remove these old ships from European and international waters to prevent oil spills. We must also put pressure on other parts of the Russian economy and energy exports, including the imposition of sanctions against Rosatom, another instrument of Russian aggression, Zelenskyy said, addressing EU leaders at a meeting of the European Council.

He also stressed that it is necessary to continue to increase the production of weapons and expand the industrial potential of Europe. The Head of State thanked all the partners who are already investing in Ukrainian defense production, in particular, drones and artillery, as well as those who maintain strong defense budgets.

This will be crucial next year as well - arms supplies, increased production and increased sanctions against Russia in order to push its leadership towards diplomacy. Europe must remain strong, Zelenskyy stressed.
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi visited Indonesia for a four-day official trip from December 15 to December 18. He met General Agus Subiyanto, the Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces, during his visit and discussed the strengthening of bilateral defense relations, especially enhancing naval cooperation.

The talks also touched on enhancing the sharing of information, capacity building, and cooperation in the defense sector between India and Indonesia. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen the defense partnership between the two countries.

This visit is part of ongoing efforts to further consolidate bilateral defence relations between India and Indonesia, in line with the deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on enhancing Naval Cooperation.

The details of the meeting were shared in a post on social media platform by the Spokesperson of the Indian Navy: "The details of the meeting were shared in a post on X by the Indian Navy spokesperson: "Adm Dinesh K. Tripathi, CNS, met Gen Agus Subiyanto, Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces in Jakarta, Indonesia".

"Discussions were held to further consolidate and expand the existing defense cooperation, focusing on enhancing information sharing, capacity building, collaboration in the defense industry, and exploring new avenues for operational interactions and cooperation. These discussions aim to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Indonesia", the post added.

Earlier on Wednesday, CNS Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi met Indonesia's Minister of Defense, Lt General Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (retd), to discuss growing defense ties, with a focus on measures to further consolidate maritime cooperation, including operational engagements and joint training initiatives.

According to a Press Release by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), "The visit underscores the strong maritime relations between the two countries conforming to the shared vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific".

The existing maritime cooperation between the navies of India and Indonesia encompasses a range of activities, including joint exercises, port visits, and training initiatives aimed at building capacity. Currently, the 43rd India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol is underway along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Earlier, MoD had also stated, "Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi's engagements in Indonesia are expected to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two navies, ensuring enhanced collaboration in areas of mutual interest".
Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addressed 20th Foundation Day of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions(NCMEI) in New Delhi.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, while addressing the audience, emphasized the importance of the rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution for minorities as the nation marks the 75th year of adoption of the constitution. He also highlighted the role of National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions in bringing positive change through education.

He further stated that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has ensured facilities such as housing, bank accounts, gas cylinders, and free ration to every underprivileged citizen. This has been achieved by embracing the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, he said.

The Minister stressed the urgent need to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in letter and spirit. He called upon minority institutions to actively contribute to the implementation of NEP 2020. He also stressed on the importance of skill development and initiatives like Academic Bank Credit, NCRF, etc.

Shri Pradhan also envisioned Indias leadership in the 21st-century knowledge-based economy and reiterated that the dream of Viksit Bharat can only be realized through the collective efforts of all Indians, regardless of caste or religion. He emphasized that Indias inclusive society will serve as a beacon of solutions for global challenges.

The Minister commended the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions for its dedicated efforts and reaffirmed the Governments commitment to welfare of all.

Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura; Prof. (Dr) Faizan Mustafa, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Upadhyaya Ravindra Muni, Dr Bhikkhu Dhammapal Maha Thero and Archbishop Raphy Manjaly were also present on the occasion.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a Special Representatives (SRs) meeting in Beijing. This is the first such meeting since 2020. The talks were centered on finding a 'reasonable and mutually acceptable framework' for resolving the border issue and discussed the possibility of resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The two sides also exchanged views on various bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual concern. They agreed to explore mechanisms for sharing data on cross-border rivers and border trade as part of their ongoing cooperation.

The meeting saw the two countries reiterate the importance of maintaining a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship as part of efforts to resolve the border issue, a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said.

"The SRs positively affirmed the implementation of the latest disengagement agreement of October 2024, resulting in patrolling and grazing in relevant areas", the statement said.

The two sides agreed to inject more vitality into this process, which will be carried out at the next meeting in India next year, it stressed.

Apart from underlining the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity at the border, both sides emphasised the need to ensure peaceful conditions on the ground.

"Drawing on the learnings from the events of 2020, they discussed various measures to maintain peace and tranquillity on the border and advance effective border management", the release said.

Both sides will coordinate and guide the relevant diplomatic and military mechanisms towards this purpose.

As part of cross-border cooperation and exchanges, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was also discussed. The annual pilgrimage to the sacred mount Kailash, located in the Tibet region, was last held in 2019.

The SRs met in accordance with the decision taken during the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, on the margins of the Brics summit in Kazan, Russia. Both sides had aimed to meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace and tranquility in border areas and to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the border issue.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  After pleading guilty earlier this year to charges of drug dealing and domestic incidents, a Staten Island man is headed upstate for a while.

Christopher Pinney, 40, of Richmond Terrace in St. George, was sentenced last week to seven years in prison and three years post release supervision.

The promised sentence was handed down in state Supreme Court, St. George, in exchange for his previous guilty plea to first-degree criminal contempt and criminal sale of a controlled substance.

Dealt meth to police, docs allege

Pinney was arrested in March for dealing methamphetamine in his home community and in New Brighton, court documents alleged.

Prosecutors said the defendant exchanged plastic zipper bags containing circular, multicolored pills for cash with an undercover officer.

Testing conducted in an NYPD laboratory confirmed the pills were methamphetamine, the complaint continued.

Domestic incidents

Pinney was charged earlier this year with stabbing a woman who was previously known to him, according to local law enforcement.

He was arraigned in October on felony charges in connection with the Aug. 18 attack.

The victim, meanwhile, at one point requested treatment for Pinney in lieu of a prison sentence, according to his attorney during a prior court appearance.

Defense attorney Michael Cirigliano told the court the victim had reached out to him saying she felt Pinney, and the public, would be better served in a treatment program.

The defendant, meanwhile, stood accused of violating multiple orders of protection issued on behalf of the woman and another person, dating back to April.

In arguing to maintain bail status in the case, prosecutors at the time had pointed to Pinneys criminal past in New York which classified him as a predicate felon, with a long domestic violence history.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Workers are picketing in a strike outside the Amazon facility in Bloomfield on Thursday morning at the height of the holiday shopping season.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union strike against Amazon began at 6 a.m. East Coast time and workers are expected to demonstrate at facilities throughout the United States, according to a news release from the union.

Workers are also rallying at a facility in Queens, media reports indicate.

Amazon alleges that the Teamsters have been involved in illegal attempts to unionize employees at their facilities.

For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers. said Kelly Nantel, Amazon spokesperson. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative.

The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union.

Nearly 10,000 Amazon workers are members of the Teamsters and they are seeking wage increases, enhanced benefits and safer work conditions, according to the news release.

The nationwide action follows Amazons repeated refusal to follow the law and bargain with the thousands of Amazon workers who organized with the Teamsters, the release says.

The head of the union acknowledged that the job action could disrupt holiday deliveries.

If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed, said Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien in the release. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it.

These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, theyve pushed workers to the limit and now theyre paying the price. This strike is on them.

Founded in 1903, the union represents 1.3 million people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Workers are protesting at the Amazon facility in Bloomfield as part of an International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union strike on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel

Workers are protesting at the Amazon facility in Bloomfield as part of an International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union strike on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel

Workers are protesting at the Amazon facility in Bloomfield as part of an International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union strike on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel

Workers are protesting at the Amazon facility in Bloomfield as part of an International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union strike on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel

Workers are protesting at the Amazon facility in Bloomfield as part of an International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union strike on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel

Workers are protesting at the Amazon facility in Bloomfield as part of an International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union strike on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel


Dont look up.

Drone hysteria has swept the nation, just in time for the holiday season.

The sightings began over New Jersey on Nov. 19 and have spread to New York, including Staten Island, and beyond.

President Joe Biden has said that the drones are not nefarious. But he didnt say just what they are.

President-elect Donald Trump says that Biden and the Pentagon are covering up whats really going on.

Have there really been sightings of strange airborne vehicles? Or are we just mistaking ordinary planes and helicopters for mysterious craft?

Or is the government withholding the truth from us?

As we get deeper into the mystery, here are 14 of our favorite conspiracy theories about the mystery drones.

Its aliens

You remember the movie Independence Day. Alien ships appeared above cities all over the world. Humans ran out to welcome them. Until the aliens started blowing things up.

Its a new season of 24

Maybe some nuclear materials have gone missing and government drones are out there trying to find the stuff before it falls into the wrong hands. There has been speculation about radiation and the drones lately. Call Jack Bauer!

Its terrorists

This one is serious. Enemies could be testing our defenses for a future attack.

Its Santa Claus

Its his new, high-tech way of checking whos been naughty and whos been nice.

Its China (or Iran, North Korea, Canada) spying on us

Wouldnt be the first time. Remember the China spy balloon?

Its a new way for people to cross the border from Mexico

Hey, they gotta get here before Trump is sworn in.

Its just hysteria. Relax, everyone

Someone saw a few drones a month ago. Now everybody thinks every plane landing at Newark Airport is a UFO.

Its Juan Sotos own private drone fleet

Just another perk from New York Mets owner Steve Cohen for the almost-billion-dollar man.

Its a quid pro quo

The U.S. got caught spying on a foreign power. So now we have to let them spy on us for a while.

Its time travelers

Theyve accidentally time-warped here from some sci-fi future and cant figure out how to get back to their own time. Think the Tomorrow Is Yesterday episode from the original (and still best) Star Trek series.

Its the Fuzz on the Lens guys

Just spit-balling here. But the Island-bred Terrifier filmmakers did do that Staten Island Clown thing. Maybe theyre hyping a new project?

Its just hobbyists

Everybodys launching their drones in search of the mystery drones. And more people are reporting seeing them. Simple.

Its the U.S. spying on its own citizens

Again, wouldnt be the first time.

Its Amazon delivering packages

It is the Christmas season after all. The drones will disappear if you stop ordering so much stuff.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Its the perfect ending for Carol Bullock: Following a decades-long battle and ban, the Richmond County St. Patricks Day Parade Committee finally agreed to allow the Pride Center of Staten Island and other LGBTQ+ groups to march under their own banners in the boroughs yearly celebration of Irish heritage.

Now, after a seven-year tenure as the centers executive director, Bullock has announced she is stepping down from the role.

In the past seven years, one of the things Im most proud of is all of the relationships and the community support for the Pride Center of Staten Island that has really built up, and being able to make it so that we were invited to participate in the parade in 2025. But I cant take full credit for that; many people were involved, she said.

After championing inclusivity in the parade and many other victories for the boroughs LGBTQ+ community, this fierce advocate said she is leaving the Pride Center to pursue new opportunities. Bullock said she remains committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities continue to be heard.

She has been an absolutely incredible leader, said Larry Anderson, chairperson of the board of the Pride Center of Staten Island. Having come from a corporate background, I think that really enabled her to grab the business end by the horns and turn the Pride Center in the direction that it really needed to go with regard to its health and wellness services.

Bullock will remain with the Pride Center through March of 2025.

My goal is to continue to help Staten Island and any communities who need help. Its in my DNA now, she said.

Carol Bullock, executive director of the Staten Island Pride Center speaks in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the St. Patrick's Parade at a press conference held Sunday on Forest Avenue at the start of the Staten Island and Rainbow Run. March 5, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

Championing inclusivity

For years, Bullock would get rejected when she applied for the Pride Center to march in the boroughs St. Patricks Parade. She had doors slammed in her face. She was yelled at. But while faced with this adversity, Bullock, who is often described as very charismatic, is credited with never losing her cool.

When you go in defensive or really set in a certain way, that isnt effective or my style, she said. I think that understanding different perspectives, educating others and making them aware of the challenges can be so much more effective.

Carol Bullock got turned down again on February 12,2023 after submitting a request to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade at Blessed Sacrament School Rectory. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White for the Staten Islan

It was a defining moment when Bullock recently received a call from the new parade committee leadership that the Pride Center was finally welcomed to march under its own banner.

Its really going to be an emotional day when I get to participate in the 2025 St. Patricks Parade, because it means so much to Staten Island. It was really touching for them to contact me and say, We want you to be a part of this parade, she said.

Carol Bullock, executive director of the Pride Center of Staten Island speaks during the Conversations with Community Giants: Celebrating Pride panel held at the Staten Island Advance Newsroom in Bloomfield on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)Staten Island Advance

A passionate LGBTQ+ community advocate

Throughout her tenure, Bullock has been a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, contributing to the Pride Centers growth and the empowerment of countless individuals.

I am incredibly proud of all the work weve done together, said Bullock. From expanding critical support services to fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment, it has been an honor to serve this community. I leave knowing that the Pride Center will continue to be a vital resource for those who need it most.

Carol Bullock enjoying the Travis Fourth of July Parade. (Staten Island Advance/Steve White) Steve White

And the accomplishment of which she is most proud, is her trusted team at the Pride Center.

I think the thing that Ive been really proud of is that the team at the Pride Center really understands the needs of the community. And those needs change. Weve grown our youth programming, and its incredible. Our last youth prom had about 70 people attend, said Bullock. The team weve built at the Pride Center are people who are so passionate and save lives every day.

Carol Bullock speaks at the "Crawl for All" in Jody's Club Forest in West Brighton on Saturday, Mar. 18, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

How she got here

Formerly a resident of Nanuet, New York, Bullock and her wife, Renee Ferraraccio, had become friendly with some Staten Islanders, and they found themselves visiting the borough often, especially to help out with volunteer efforts after Hurricane Sandy ravaged the boroughs shoreline communities.

One of those friends was Staten Island Surrogate Court Judge Matthew J. Titone, the first openly gay politician elected to represent the borough. When the executive director position was open at the Pride Center, he asked for her resume. That became a life changing event.

Anyone who knows Carol knows that not only is she extraordinarily bright and smart, but shes infectiously charismatic, said Titone. She had the organizational skills and background coming from corporate America, and I thought to myself, she has the skill set thats needed to bring the Pride Center to the next level. And she exceeded all expectations.

Formerly working for Staples in sales and operations, Bullock used her 30-year track record of leading teams to become a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ inclusion on Staten Island.

Meeting individuals, like Jim Smith [a community leader dubbed The Father of Gay Pride, who died in 2020], Matt Titone and Diane Arneth [former president/CEO at Community Health Action of Staten Island] from Day 1 and understanding some of the history for the LGBTQIA+ community here on Staten Island and how the movement here on Staten Island began, really helped me get started, said Bullock.

Staten Island Pride Center head Carol Bullock celebrates during the Jerome X. O'Donovan Breakfast ahead of the first inclusive Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Paul Liotta)

And Bullock hit the ground running. Soon after she took the job, she forged lasting relationships with politicians. In addition, she and other Pride Center directors in the city formed the Outer Borough Coalition.

The coalition went to the City Council, and we put together a really great proposal. I doubled our budget basically overnight. After that happened, we were able to sit down and really say to my team, What are the needs of our community? she said.

In addition to her work for the Pride Center, Bullock also serves as chair of Nonprofit Staten Island.

On behalf of Nonprofit Staten Island, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Carol Bullock for her unparalleled leadership and dedication. While her stepping down from the Pride Center marks the end of a significant chapter, we know this is by no means the end of her journey, said Tatiana Arguello, the organizations executive director.

...Carol has truly been the ultimate uniter, and we are excited to see the many new adventures that lie ahead for her. Her legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of our work, and we will always be grateful for her support, vision, and friendship, she added.

Staten Islands first-ever inclusive St. Patricks Day Parade draws thousands to West Brighton on Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Owen Reiter for the Staten Island Advance)Owen Reiter

Search for a new executive director

The Pride Center of Staten Island will be conducting a nationwide search for Bullocks replacement. If interested in applying for the executive director position, please email Bullock at cbullock@pridescentersi.org.

We are setting up a committee of board members, a few key community leaders, and then ultimately, once weve narrowed it down, we will bring in some senior staff to weigh in on it as well, because we want the staff to know, more than anything else, that nothings changed, said Anderson. The next person has some big boots to fill in Carol, and were excited for the challenge.

Follow Tracey Porpora on Facebook and Bluesky
Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to pardon President-elect Donald Trump in his New York hush-money case.

But the governor said that Trump would have to show remorse.

There is a pardoning process in the state of New York. It is lengthy, Hochul said Wednesday at an unrelated news conference. It requires a couple of elements. One is remorse.

Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a bid to hide his alleged affair with porn star Stormy Daniels. Trump has denied the charges.

The Associated Press reported that Hochul was asked about a potential Trump pardon in light of the recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity that largely shields presidents from criminal prosecution.

No one will be treated any better, or any worse, by me when I make those life altering decisions as were looking at petitions that are coming in throughout the year, the governor said. So, no one gets extra favors, no one gets treated worse.

State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan refused to toss the conviction despite the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling.

Trumps hush money conviction was in state court, so a presidential pardon  issued by President Joe Biden or by Trump himself when he takes office  would not apply to the case, the AP said. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes.

Prosecutors have indicated they would be open to delaying sentencing until Trump leaves the White House, but say the sentence should stand. It remains unclear when  or whether  a sentencing date might be set.

In a recent court filing, Trumps lawyers cited a social media post in which Sen. John Fetterman slammed Trumps hush money prosecution.

The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that Trump deserved a pardon, comparing his case to that of Bidens pardoned son Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges.

Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division, Fetterman wrote last week on Truth Social.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Europe "should be at the negotiating table when the time comes."

"Like Ukraine, the EU must start negotiations in a strong position, and Europe's strength lies in unity We need coordinated work for a lasting peace, not just the suspension of hostilities that Putin is seeking to gain time. We must push Moscow towards a real, sustainable and guaranteed peace," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Thursday.

The President also noted the importance of a coordinated position of the EU after the newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump takes office.

"We all understand that in January, President Trump will increase efforts aimed at ending the war. It depends on us whether Europe will support him with a strong, united voice," Zelenskyy said.
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Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy declares that there were no "Istanbul agreements" and Ukraine did not sign anything.

"I am surprised by his [Putin's] statements that he is ready for something, since he always says that I am illegitimate. As for the Istanbul agreements, which never existed, there was an ultimatum from the Russian Federation on the first day of the occupation of our country in 2022. Their messengers in different directions, using different sources, showed us the details of this ultimatum. These messengers are no longer there, they have fled to Russia or abroad. In any case, Ukraine did not agree to the ultimatum of the Russian Federation," Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Brussels on Thursday.

Zelenskyy noted that Russia was trying to take the next steps, in particular, to soften its positions.

"These were meetings in Belarus and Turkey. They called all these meetings the Istanbul agreements. Ukraine did not sign anything, there were no agreements. There was a response to Russia's ultimatum," the president concluded.

Earlier on Thursday, during a direct line, Putin said that he was allegedly ready to negotiate peace with Ukraine on the basis of the 2022 agreements in Istanbul and taking into account the situation at the front.
Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Italy in July

The Ukraine Recovery Conference will be held in Italy in July 2025.

This follows from the conclusions of the European Council meeting on Ukraine, published in Brussels on Thursday.

"The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraines repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners. The Ukraine Recovery Conference hosted by Italy in July 2025 will be important in that context. The European Union will continue to work closely with Ukraine and support its reform efforts on its European path," reads the document.
Outgoing ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott will forgo $3.2 million in bonuses following a major investor backlash against the bank at its annual general meeting on Thursday.

Nearly 40 per cent of the companys investors voted against the banks executive pay scheme, giving Australias fourth-biggest lender its first AGM strike in six years as shareholders protested perceived mismanagement and reputational issues.

ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott will go without his bonuses. Credit: Arsineh Houspian

ANZ chairman Paul OSullivan acknowledged the investor revolt, saying the companys board was deeply respectful of the feedback it had received, and admitting the banks year had been difficult.

As many shareholders are aware, our financial performance was overshadowed by issues related to our management of non-financial risks, OSullivan said. This made it difficult to judge our performance.
Power and gas giant AGL has been dealt a record fine of $25 million for wrongly taking money from hundreds of welfare recipients who were no longer using its services.

Australias Federal Court on Thursday ordered AGL, one of the nations biggest energy retailers, to pay the landmark penalty after finding it had repeatedly failed to notify and refund customers it had overcharged through Centrepay, a debit service intended to help people on welfare pay regular bills for essential goods and services.

AGL is one of Australias largest power and gas suppliers. Credit: Getty Images

AGL overcharged 483 Centrepay customers an average of $1000 each between December 2016 to November 2021, the court found.

In her ruling, Justice Kylie Downes said AGL had accepted that its conduct was serious, but had sought to downplay it by arguing it should not be deemed large-scale because it affected 1 per cent of its customers who were using Centrepay.
The NSW government warns that major train delays on New Years Eve caused by industrial action risk causing deadly crowd crushes and anti-social behaviour among large numbers of revellers frustrated by disrupted services.

The safety claims are made in government filings with the Fair Work Commission as part of its urgent bid for orders to suspend or terminate the industrial action due to economic harm or public safety.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb says she is worried about the safety of revellers. Credit: Kate Geraghty

With unions insisting that work bans will remain, Police Commissioner Karen Webb also said she had grave concerns for Sydneysiders safety on New Years Eve and may recommend fireworks be cancelled if the industrial action continues.

Webb said she could not rule out calling off the event if the 250,000 people expected to visit the city cant get home safely. I havent ruled out that I will recommend to [the] government that we cancel the fireworks; its that serious, she said.
Drivers in Victoria could charge their electric cars directly from power poles on the street if a joint trial by energy companies is approved.

CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy want to install 100 electric vehicle chargers on power poles in Melbournes inner and south-eastern suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula and parts of western Victoria next year.

Richard Laxton, technical adviser at the Australian Electric Vehicle Association. Credit: Jason South

Some residents of densely populated areas with no off-street parking are illegally running charging cables from their homes over footpaths to charge their cars because there are no other charging options.

Many cities, including London, Oslo and Amsterdam, have installed public chargers for electric vehicles on power poles.
The Fremantle Dockers have extended a sponsorship deal with oil and gas major Woodside for another two years.

The deal comes despite a concerted campaign of climate activists within the Dockers membership base to scrap the long-running partnership over concerns it was helping Woodside greenwash its public image.

The Dockers will keep Woodside as a sponsor until 2027. Credit: Marija Ercegovac

Woodside has sponsored the Fremantle Dockers for more than 15 years, but its involvement in the club was thrust into the spotlight last year when a petition of 8000 signatures was handed to the club urging it to ditch the company over climate concerns.

The club eventually agreed to extend the deal until 2025, but the controversy surrounding it has made it a central focus in the debate around sports teams and cultural institutions accepting sponsorships from fossil fuel companies in the face of a warming climate.
Opposition Leader Peter Duttons promise to build nuclear power stations will undoubtedly create immediate security and environmental conundrums, but the biggest problem will be eternal life. For nuclear waste, like so-called forever chemicals, never really dies.

Peter Dutton claimed the nuclear waste from a small reactor each year would fit in a Coke can. Credit: Marija Ercogovac

Dutton once said a small nuclear reactor would produce only enough nuclear waste each year to fill a Coke can  but it seems Australia will be saddled with large amounts of toxic pollution should the Coalition get to build seven nuclear power stations across the country.

Herald climate and energy reporter Mike Foley has estimated that once all seven plants were up and running, they would produce 140 cubic metres  or 140,000 litres  of waste annually and fill 880 oil barrels (the old 42-gallon drum), or 70,440 barrels over their expected lifetimes.

Duttons Coke can hyperbole aside, he claims his $331 billion nuclear power plan would deliver huge savings over Labors renewables policy. However, since he revealed his costings last Friday, politicians, scientists and commentators have attacked the highly questionable assumptions that Australians power use wont surge rapidly and the need for coal plants would continue for decades longer than forecast. The CSIROs prediction that it was impossible to build the first nuclear plant by 2037 further undermined his proposal.
The Coalition has doubled down on its promise to impose tougher caps on foreign students at city universities but dismissed Labors latest attempt to limit overseas numbers, continuing a political tussle over how it will achieve deeper cuts to migration.

Opposition frontbenchers Sarah Henderson and Dan Tehan delivered their strongest message yet that the Coalitions cuts to international student numbers would be directed at elite universities such as Sydney, Melbourne, UNSW and Monash, which take in most foreign students.

The Coalition has given its strongest signal yet that it will target rich city universities such as Sydney, Melbourne, UNSW and Monash with its own student caps. Credit: Louise Kennerley

But the opposition has still not said how they would do so after sinking Labors new laws that would have introduced a mechanism for student caps last month.

The federal government on Thursday sought to get around the Coalitions roadblock by launching a new way of slowing international student numbers without legislation: it will instruct departmental officials to put the brakes on processing student visa approvals once a university nears its government-set targets.
Premier Chris Minns has conceded there is an essential contradiction in his governments decision to allow pill-testing at summer music festivals while still expecting police to enforce the law if people are caught with illicit drugs.

But, as he announced a 12-month trial of pill-testing on Thursday, Minns said he believed it was better to live with an imperfect law rather than risk someone dying.

Premier Chris Minns had long opposed pill-testing, despite other jurisdictions running trials. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

From early next year, music festival attendees will be able to have samples of illicit drugs tested for their purity, potency and the presence of adulterants by NSW Health professionals.

The trial, to be rolled out at about 12 music festivals from early next year, means illicit drug users will be given an amnesty within the confines of the testing service.
And now compare that to the situation in NSW. When then NSW Premier Mike Baird tried doing exactly what Peters did, nudging a decade ago  in the process pointing out the bleeding obvious, that it is a barbaric sport, involving systemic cruelty and built on gambling losses  the blowback pretty much turned Baird into live bait himself, as the feral dogs of outrage pursued him. One more time for those who still support greyhound racing  lets review the whole thing. What preceded Bairds announcement was the devastating Four Corners report by Caro Meldrum-Hanna, which exposed the systemic brutality, the use of live bait and the shocking fate of dogs when they slowed down. Baird moved quickly, standing down the board of Greyhound Racing NSW, and appointing a Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry by Michael McHugh AC QC. Winston Peters has announced a ban on greyhound racing in New Zealand. Credit: Getty Images

That report confirmed systemic animal cruelty, and found that of the 97,783 greyhounds bred in NSW in the previous 12 years, evidence suggested somewhere between 48,891 and 68,448 dogs were killed because they were considered unsuitable or too slow for racing. Baird shut it down. But even then, his move was not revolutionary, but simply brought us into line with other parts of the world where the 21st century had also fully taken root, and racing dogs had been stopped. Back then, there were still holdouts elsewhere, including Macau, Florida and New Zealand, but it was banned in Macau in 2018, while the greyhound racing capital of the US, Florida, finally banned the whole thing from New Years Day 2021, joining Texas and Alabama. Right now, only West Virginia still allows it. And as discussed, New Zealand is now joining them. Spot a pattern, here? In Australia, only the ACT has banned it, while it is at least on the wane in other states. But only here in NSW has it actually gone the other way!

Yes, folks, its true. While the rest of the world has turned away in horror, it was Bairds successor as Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, who did a world-class, full twirly-gig in the massive and disgraceful pike position, and committed $500,000 to promote the worlds richest greyhound race the Million Dollar Chase at Wentworth Park. And that was not all. Including regional grants, the government committed more than $30 million of our bucks to greyhound racing. Looking back, it still takes the breath away. Barely without blinking, a NSW government of the same political stripe went from the view that a sport was so egregiously appalling that it had to be shut down, to the view it actually had to be propped up! All before a compliant press that barely raised a murmur, present company excepted. And yes, there were many reforms, and many claims that the whole thing had been cleaned up. Many wonderful people came forward to take greyhounds as pets  and I equally accept that within the industry there actually are decent people. But nothing could change the central, problematic dynamic: while nothing was too good for the fast dogs that were bred, there was no more compelling reason to look after the slow dogs, as there was to look after slow horses. And so the atrocities have gone on, even as in 2021 the NSW government announced a new funding model, which the then Minister for Better Regulation  no, seriously  Kevin Anderson, said was in order to free up $25 million which can be reinvested in facilities and prizemoney to secure the future of the industry.

Just about none of all the major welfare recommendations of the McHugh report and later Greyhound Industry Reform Panel reports had been implemented. All that effort, all that earnest inquiry to get to the bottom of it, and the end result appeared to be, Nah, bugger it, business as usual. Would the Minns Government change things? The least we can say is, not yet. So far, they have displayed as much appetite to take on that powerful lobby group as they have to take on the wretched pokies mob  which is to say no appetite at all. Look, in the history of NSW it is possible, I suppose, that  as previously noted in this space  there has been a more craven collapse to a powerful lobby group, with successive governments going from good policy to bad policy in a heartbeat, all while holding its nose and averting its eyes from the disaster before it. But, for the life of me, I cant think of one. Can you?

But there is hope. Loading Earlier this year, Alex Brittan, the former chief veterinary officer at Greyhound Racing NSW  who you think would know a fair bit about it  wrote a damning letter to racing bosses claiming greyhound deaths were being systematically hidden from the public, that the treatment of racing greyhounds was barbaric, and that the industry was unsustainable. Most of that was widely known to those on the inside, but this was the courageous chief veterinary officer of the whole industry saying it, and providing documentary proof. Most of the slow dogs that survived, he said, have been left to live out their miserable post-racing lives in industrial kennels. There was more, much more, including the doggies being fed osteoporosis drugs illegally, which hardens their bones in a way that makes them more likely to break and shatter, while millions of dollars were spent on trying to make racing tracks safer since 2017 have failed. It was so comprehensive that not even the NSW Government could ignore it, and they announced the appointment of Lea Drake to lead a review into the whole industry in her capacity as acting commissioner of the NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC).

Brittan has given, I am reliably informed, devastating evidence, as have others. The report will be handed down in the middle of next year. If it is more of the same, lets see if this government can grow a backbone and finally do what has to be done. We, the people, are watching, Premier Minns and Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris. This is on your watch. If that report is as devastating as I am told it will be, you have no choice. Shut it down. Peters is right. Its time.
Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/

Member of parliament, leader of the European Solidarity party, Petro Poroshenko, regards the exclusion of the head of the parliamentary group Platform for Life and Peace in the Verkhovna Rada, ex-cochairman of the Opposition Platform for Life party banned in 2022, Yuriy Boiko, from the parliamentary human rights committee as manipulation and called for the adoption of a law on the deprivation of mandates all deputies elected from the Opposition Platform for Life party, the political force said on its website on Thursday.

"There is such a way of manipulating public consciousness - it is called concealing a problem. Is it a problem that Boiko is in some committee? We live in completely different universes: the country and them. Therefore, we must immediately put our bill 8089 to the vote and expel it ... this fifth column out of the Rada hall," Poroshenko said while speaking in the parliament.

"We need to put to the vote the personal income tax for brigades, the military special fund, the protection of the army, the provision of drones, scouts, mines, shells - and they interfere with all this. They split society, there can be no unity with them," Poroshenko is convinced.

As reported, Yuriy Boiko on the TikTok social network announced the growing support for his political force at the expense of people who allegedly suffer from certain "radicals" in Ukraine, as well as an alleged ban on speaking their native language.

Head of the NSDC's Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, noted that the words about "radicals" and "language prohibitions" that came from Boiko's mouth "are usually spread by Russians about violence against people, without mentioning Russia." Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk said that it is impossible to talk about violence against people without remembering Vladimir Putin, who was guilty of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and everything that followed. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, said that some politicians in Ukraine were spreading Russian narratives in the midst of a full-scale war with the Russian Federation, without specifying the names of these politicians.

On Tuesday, December 17, Boiko came for questioning to the Security Service of Ukraine in connection with the published statement. After that, he made a statement that he had referred to Poroshenko and the paramilitary groups that arose after 2014.

On the same day, the European Solidarity faction called on MPs to immediately adopt bills that deprive representatives of proRussian groups from the banned Opposition Platform - For Life party of their mandates.

On December 19, the Verkhovna Rada expelled Boiko from the parliamentary human rights committee on the second attempt.
After Will Freedman started his own stable at Scone in 2020, a few people asked him if he was sure about aligning himself with Sam Kavanagh.

Freedman, the next generation of a famous training family, ignored them.

And hes glad he did.

Sam Kavanagh lost his long battle with cancer on Saturday. Credit: Getty Images

He was a lovable villain at times, but he was very loyal, Freedman said of Kavanagh, who died on Saturday morning at age 38 after an 18-month battle with cancer.
Irish young gun Dylan Browne McMonagle is looking to the Kings horse, Gilded Water, and a Ciaron Maher-trained stablemate to send him home on a high on Saturday.

The 21-year-old will end his second off-season stint in Australia with six rides at Randwick before catching a 9.30pm flight to spend the Christmas-new year period at home.

Dylan Browne McMonagle after winning on Snitzanova. Credit: Getty Images

The four-time group 1 winner, who rides regularly for champion Irish trainer Joseph OBrien, then travels to Dubai for a likely one-month stint before returning to prepare for the UK season.

That will be a good experience, Browne McMonagle said of another trip to Dubai.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), in collaboration with the Ministry of TEATT through the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, brought the magic of Christmas to life on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, by hosting a heartwarming gift-giving program at Oranje School in Philipsburg. This festive event filled the air with smiles, laughter, and joy as approximately 200 students received holiday gifts generously provided by Diamonds International.

Present at the event were representatives from the Cabinet of TEATT, staff of the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, the K1 Britannia Foundationwho played a vital role in organizing the eventand the staff and students of Oranje School, this years proud recipient.

The mornings highlight was a special visit from Santa Claus, whose jolly spirit and infectious laughter brought the magic of the holidays to life, creating moments of excitement and wonder for the children.

Crew members from the Celebrity Equinox also participated, not only distributing gifts but engaging warmly with students and staff. Their interactions demonstrated generosity and community spirit, underscoring the importance of strengthening ties between the cruise industry and local communities.

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT), Honorable Grisha Heyliger-Marten, shared her sentiments, stating:

This holiday season reminds us of the importance of community, compassion, and connection. The partnership between the FCCA, our ministry, and dedicated organizations like K1 Britannia Foundation and Diamonds International exemplifies how we can come together to create meaningful moments for our children. It is through initiatives like these that we build not only joy but hope and a brighter future for our community.

Mrs. Joedoleksono-Gumbs, school manager of Oranje School, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the school:

We are incredibly thankful to the FCCA and the crew of the Celebrity Equinox for their generosity and commitment to making this season special for our students. This community initiative reinforces the true meaning of Christmasgiving, sharing, and spreading joy.

The FCCAs Annual Christmas Holiday Program, with its mission to touch lives across the region with the values and spirit of Christmas, faced challenges that caused a four-year hiatus. However, this years revival brings renewed commitment to fostering positive relationships and enhancing the well-being of the communities they visit.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the FCCA and Oranje School!
BONAIRE:--- James Finies, leader of Pueblo Progresivo Uni, and Davika Bissessar-Shaw, president of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO), recently concluded two weeks of successful advocacy in the United States. Their efforts included lobbying at the United Nations and engaging in working seminars to advance human rights, decolonization, and justice for Bonaire and other colonized territories.

A central focus of their work was advocating for Bonaires inclusion on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. This recognition is essential for enabling Bonaireans to exercise their right to self-determination. Finies highlighted the alarming decrease in the native Bonerian population, which has fallen from 80% to less than 30% since the breakup of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010. Calling October 10, 2010, a nightmare for the island, he attributed much of the blame to local politicians who failed to safeguard the rights and identity of Bonaires people. BHRO emphasized that listing Bonaire as a Non-Self-Governing Territory is critical to preserving its unique culture and identity.

The delegation also participated in the 35th Session of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent (WGEPAD), contributing to discussions on systemic inequalities and injustices faced by African descendants worldwide. They co-hosted a side event titled Reparative Justice and Decolonization: Advancing Human Rights for African Descendants in Colonized Territories, which brought together global activists and policymakers to address the lingering effects of colonialism.

In commemoration of International Human Rights Day on December 10th, BHRO underscored the importance of advancing dignity, freedom, and justice for marginalized communities, particularly those in vulnerable territories like Bonaire.

On the same day, the Bonaire Human Rights Organization Foundation, represented by James Finies, formalized a partnership with United for Human Rights, represented by Emma Sims, through a Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership aims to develop education and training programs focused on human rights across Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba (the ABC Islands). This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering awareness and empowering communities in the region to protect and promote fundamental human rights.

Bissessar-Shaw also addressed the Dutch governments apology for its role in slavery and the 200 million reparations payout. She criticized the distribution of funds, noting that 100 million went back to Holland for a museum, while only 33 million was allocated to Suriname and the former Netherlands Antilles, leaving each Antilian island with just 5 million. She called this an inadequate response to centuries of exploitation and injustice.

The BHRO urges locals and long-term residents to recognize that rising sea levels and the bleaching of coral reefs is exaggerated and not the immediate threat. The real crisis and threat to Bonerians is the decline of the local population from 80% to less than 30% now, which the Dutch government ignores despite the 2015 referendum rejecting the illegal integration. False narratives, as GreenPeace Holland, Special Envoy to UN ex-governor Rijna and now the Climate Table all using locals for false propaganda to divert attention from this issue.

Through their advocacy, BHRO shone a spotlight on Bonaires struggles and called for global support to secure the islands rights and self-determination. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for justice, equality, and the survival of Bonaires people in the face of systemic marginalization and the legacy of colonialism.

Bonaire Human Rights Organization

Kaya Libertador Simon Bolivar 26

Kralendijk, Bonaire
PHILIPSBURG:--- Honourable Member of Parliament and leader of the United People's Party MP Omar E.C. Ottley has expressed grave concern over what he says is "a copy-paste" of a previous Budget that the Mercelina 2 Cabinet has presented to Parliament as its Budget 2025 for St. Maarten. In a passionate critique of the 2025 budget, MP Ottley expressed deep dissatisfaction with what he described as a lack of creativity, vision, and foresight. MP Ottley raised critical concerns over the absence of new revenue-generating measures and the repetition of strategies from the 2024 budget, which appears to have been copied and resubmitted to Parliament. In a press release on Thursday, he said that the "copy-paste budget of the Mercelina 2 Cabinet fails to meet the pressing needs of St. Maarten's people."

"Even the explanatory notes in the 2025 budget admit that measures from 2024 were carried over into 2025 without significant updates or improvements," Ottley stated during the recent budget meeting. "This shows a glaring lack of initiative and a failure to address the financial struggles faced by our citizens." Ottley pointed out that much of the progress seen in the country stems from initiatives introduced under the previous administration, including the Health Levy and Tourist Tax, the Pension and Minimum Wage increases, developments at the airport, advancements in the General Hospital, and improvements to local marketplaces and Carnival booths. He emphasized that these achievements represent years of groundwork and capital expenditure efforts by the former government. "After over a decade of stagnation, the previous administration finally secured capital expenditures to fund these essential projects," Ottley noted. "This administration is quick to blame its predecessors for challenges while taking credit for these accomplishments."

The MP also raised alarm over the current administration's decision to allocate NAF 75.6 million in capital expenditures for GEBE generators, which he believes is stifling critical infrastructure projects. Ottley revealed that the Cay Bay Phase One Project, Middle Region Phase Two Project, housing developments, and a much-needed high school project have all been sidelined due to this funding allocation. "By prioritizing GEBE generators and not letting GEBE pay for its own mistakes, the government has effectively turned its back on key initiatives that directly impact the lives of our people," Ottley asserted. "The needs of our communities are being ignored, and the consequences are becoming painfully evident." MP Ottley urged the Mercelina Cabinet to adopt a more innovative and forward-thinking approach to governance. He criticized the lack of bold, new policies to generate revenue and stimulate economic growth, warning that relying on increased taxes will only burden an already cash-strapped population. "Our people deserve better than recycled measures," Ottley declared. "We need a budget that addresses the urgent needs of today while building a sustainable future for St. Maarten." In his closing remarks, MP Ottley called on the government to reevaluate its budget priorities and place the well-being of the people of St. Maarten at the forefront of decision-making. He emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and leadership that truly understands and responds to the struggles of everyday citizens. "The role of government is to serve its people, not to recycle outdated measures or misallocate resources, to lay claim to bringing a budget to Parliament earlier than previous governments. The people of St. Maarten would rather you take the time needed to provide a sensible budget than for you to lay claim to being earlier," Ottley said. "We need a government willing to roll up its sleeves, tackle challenges head-on, and create a brighter future for all." MP Ottley said he will continue to hold the government accountable and advocate for the people's best interest, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their needs are prioritized in the country's governance.
New Glenn is a partially reusable heavy-lift rocket that's expected to make its first flight in December 2024. Its developer is Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, which also flies the New Shepard suborbital tourism vehicle.

New Glenn continues the Blue Origin tradition of naming its rockets after American Mercury astronauts. The big new launcher is named after John Glenn, who made the first American orbital flight in 1962 and who returned to orbit in 1998, at age 78, for a space shuttle mission. (New Shepard is named after Alan Shepard, the first American to reach space.)

The shuttle flight made Glenn the oldest person to reach the final frontier, though he no longer holds that record.

How big is New Glenn?

New Glenn is one of the largest rockets out there. Here's a brief rundown of its physical characteristics and capabilities:

Height: 322 feet (98 meters)

Stages: Two, including a reusable first stage

Engines: First stage: Seven of Blue Origin's BE-4s. Upper stage: Two of the company's BE-3Us

Fuel: BE4s: liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas. BE-3Us: liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen

Payload fairing width: 23 feet (7 m), with twice the volume of a traditional 16.5-foot (5 m) fairing

Lift capacity: 14 tons (13 metric tons) to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and 50 tons (45 metric tons) to low Earth orbit (LEO)

History

Blue Origin has been developing New Glenn for more than a decade; work on the BE-4 engine, for example, began in 2012 or thereabouts. (Bezos founded Blue Origin in 2000, a year before Elon Musk started SpaceX.)

The company apparently called the new rocket "Very Big Brother" back in those early days; that was the placeholder name we heard in early 2016. Blue Origin was cagey about the vehicle until September of that year, when it officially unveiled the big new rocket's design and its name  New Glenn.

The initial plan called for both a two- and a three-stage variant, with a debut liftoff targeted for 2020. New Glenn's first stage was designed to be reusable, capable of launching up to 100 times.

Things changed, however, as they often do in spaceflight (and in life). The three-stage variant has apparently been ditched, and Blue Origin has lowered its sights on first-stage reuse, to a minimum of 25 flights.

In addition, the target date for the debut launch has slipped repeatedly; Blue Origin is now eyeing a liftoff sometime in December 2024 for that mission, which will send its "Blue Ring" spacecraft to Earth orbit on a National Security Space Launch certification flight called DarkSky-1 .

New Glenn will fly a variety of missions once it's up and running. Blue Origin has signed contracts with Eutelsat, Telesat and Thailand-based mu Space, for instance, as well as Amazon, which will use New Glenn (along with other rockets) to build its Project Kuiper broadband constellation in LEO.

Is New Glenn reusable?

The first stage of the big new rocket will be reusable, like that of Spacex's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launchers.

The New Glenn booster will come back to Earth for vertical, powered landings on a drone ship at sea, about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) downrange of the launch site. Initially, those liftoffs will all take place from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, though Blue Origin wants to fly the big rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California eventually as well.

New Glenn's baseline architecture calls for an expendable upper stage. However, Blue Origin is working to make that stage reusable as well, an effort known as Project Jarvis, which we first heard about in 2021.

New Glenn vs. SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and Starship

New Glenn is significantly taller than the Falcon Heavy, which debuted in February 2018 and currently has 11 missions under its belt. Falcon Heavy, like the Falcon 9, stands 230 feet (70 m) tall.

But Falcon Heavy has a higher lift capacity than New Glenn  29.4 tons (26.7 metric tons) to GTO and 70.3 tons (63.8 metric tons) to LEO, according to SpaceX's specifications page.

SpaceX's new Starship megarocket, which is still in development, is far more powerful still: The fully reusable, 400-foot-tall (122 m) Starship will be able to haul 165.3 tons (150 metric tons) to LEO, and its expendable variant will be able to loft 275.6 tons (250 metric tons), according to SpaceX.
NASA honours Algerian parks with Martian namesakes



Algiers, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



NASA's mapping of Mars now bears the names of three iconic Algerian national parks, Algerian physicist Noureddine Melikechi, a member of the US space agency's largest Mars probe mission, has told AFP.

The Tassili n'Ajjer, Ghoufi and Djurdjura national parks have found their Martian namesakes after a proposition by Melikechi, which he sought as both a tribute to his native Algeria and a call to protect Earth.

"Our planet is fragile, and it's a signal to the world that we really need to take care of our national parks, whether they are in Algeria or elsewhere," the US-based scientist told AFP in a recent interview.

He said the visual resemblance between some of the Martian landscapes and the ones after which they were labelled was also a key reason for the naming.

"The first one that came to my mind was the Tassili n'Ajjer," he said of the UNESCO-listed vast plateau in the Sahara Desert with prehistoric art dating back at least 12,000 years.

"Every time I see pictures of Mars, they remind me of Tassili n'Ajjer, and now every time I see Tassili n'Ajjer, it reminds me of Mars," added Melikechi, who left Algeria in 1990 for the United States, where he now teaches at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

The ancient art found in Tassili n'Ajjer depicts figures that can seem otherworldly, he said.

Some of the paintings show single-eyed and horned giants, among others which French archaeologist Henri Lhote dubbed as "great Martian" deities in his 1958 book, "The Search for the Tassili Frescoes".

"Those paintings are a signature... a book of how people used to live," said Melikechi.

"You see animals, but also figures that look like they came from somewhere else."



- 'Historic' -



Melikechi's second pick was the Ghoufi canyon in eastern Algeria, whose rocky desert landscape was the site of an ancient settlement off the Aures Mountains.

Now a UNESCO-listed site and a tourist attraction, it has cliffside dwellings carved in the mountain, a testament to human resilience in a place where survival can be adverse.

"Ghoufi gives you a sense that life can be hard, but you can manage to keep at it as you go," Melikechi said.

"You can see that through those homes."

The third site, Djurdjura, is a snowy mountain range some 140 kilometres (about 90 miles) east of the capital Algiers.

Comapred to Tassili or Ghoufi, it bears the least resemblance to Mars.

Melikechi said its pick stemmed of Djurdjura's "reminder of the richness of natural habitats".

He said the naming process came after Perseverence, NASA's Mars rover exploring the Red Planet, made it into uncharted territory.

That area was then split into small quadrants, each needing a name.

"We were asked to propose names for specific quadrants," he said.

"I suggested these three national parks, while others proposed names from parks worldwide. A team then reviewed and selected the final names."

The announcement, made by NASA earlier this month, sparked celebrations among Algerians.

Algerian Culture Minister Zouhir Ballalou hailed it as a "historic and global recognition" of the North African country's landscapes.

Melikechi said he hopes that it will attract more visitors as Algeria has been striving to promote tourism, especially in the Sahara region, with authorities promising to facilitate tourist visas.

Official figures said some 2.5 million tourists visited the country last year -- its highest number of visitors in two decades.

"These places are a treasure that we as humans have inherited," Melikechi said.

"We need to make sure they are preserved."
EU leaders call on all countries to immediately stop any support for Russia in its war against Ukraine

Photo: elements.envato.com

The leaders of the European Union call on all countries to immediately stop any support for Russia in its aggressive war against Ukraine.

The corresponding call is contained in the conclusions of the meeting of the European Council regarding the document concerning Ukraine, published in Brussels on Thursday.

In particular, the European Council strongly condemned the support of third countries, as well as actors and organizations in them, which allow Russia to continue its aggressive war against Ukraine.

The European Council stated that the arms transfers and deepening military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK and Iran, as well as the deployment of the DPRKs military forces to Russia and their use on the battlefield against Ukraine represent an international escalation of the war, with serious consequences for international peace and security.

The European Council urges all countries to immediately cease any direct or indirect assistance to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, the document reads.
Trump can negotiate to stop Iran from getting nuclear bomb: Blinken



New York, Dec 18 (AFP) Dec 18, 2024



US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that President-elect Donald Trump had a window to negotiate with Iran, saying the development of a nuclear weapon by Tehran was not inevitable.

The outgoing top US diplomat acknowledged that the cleric-run state may be more seriously considering a nuclear weapon after military setbacks in the region.

In the last year, Israel's military has hit Iranian air defenses and weakened its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, while rebels have toppled its main Arab ally in Syria, Bashar al-Assad.

"I don't think that a nuclear weapon is inevitable," Blinken said at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

As "they've lost different lines of defense, sure, you're going to see more thinking about that," Blinken said.

But the US secretary of state said Iran was aware of the consequences of obtaining a nuclear weapon and added: "I think there is the prospect of negotiations."

Iran denies pursuing a nuclear weapon, saying its contested nuclear work is for peaceful purposes.

In his first term, Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran that was negotiated under former president Barack Obama, and then imposed sweeping sanctions.

"President Trump last time around in pulling out of the deal said that he wanted, as he called it, a better, stronger deal. Fine," Blinken said.

He said that no US administration would allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

"One way or another, I'm convinced that just as our administration had that policy, the next administration will too," he said of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

US President Joe Biden's administration on taking office in 2021 entered indirect talks with Iran to restore the nuclear deal.

Talks collapsed largely over disputes on the scope of US sanctions relief and Biden has backed pressure on Iran over its support for Palestinian armed group Hamas since its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Trump's billionaire ally Elon Musk reportedly met with a senior Iranian official following the US election in a bid to encourage calm.

Blinken also rejected calls for the United States to work to topple the government of Iran, which has opposed Washington since the overthrow of its US-backed ruler in a popular uprising in 1979.

"I think if we look at the last 20 years, our experiments in regime change have not exactly been resounding successes," Blinken said.

Blinken acknowledged domestic opposition to Iran's current cleric-run state structure, but said it was not "quite as clear-cut as that."

Opposition is "reflective of at least half the population, but not the entirety of it," he said, pointing to differences between cities and rural areas.

"There's a very conservative element in Iran that's significant in number that probably remains beholden to the regime," he said.
UK to supply 225 mn in military equipment to Kyiv



London, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Britain on Thursday unveiled a package of pound225 million ($286 million) in new military aid to Ukraine for next year, including drones, boats and air defence systems.

The move came after the UK's Defence Secretary John Healey visited Kyiv on Wednesday, holding talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov and vowing to step up British support to Ukraine in 2025.

Three years since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine "the depths of his miscalculation are clearer than ever, as the brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit," Healey said.

"But they cannot go it alone," Healey added, vowing the UK's support for Kyiv was "ironclad" and Britain would always stand "shoulder to shoulder to ensure Putin cannot win".

In July, the new Labour government vowed to commit pound3 billion a year in military aid to Ukraine until 2030-2031.

The new package will include pound92 million for equipment to bolster Ukraine's navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones and uncrewed surface vessels, the defence ministry said in a statement.

A further pound68 million will be used for air defence equipment including radars, and 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems at a cost of pound39 million would be supplied to the Ukrainian army.

Healey said the UK would also boost a training programme for Ukrainian soldiers run with key allies on British soil known as Operation Interflex, under which 51,000 recruits have been trained since mid-2022.

"With Putin resorting to sending as many as 2,000 Russian soldiers to their deaths on the battlefield each day, it is critical that Ukraine is supported with a supply of properly trained and equipped soldiers," the ministry statement said.

Umerov thanked the UK for its support and said in a statement that the "stable delivery of ammunition, especially for artillery, is critically important for our defence efforts".

He added the two men had reviewed the results of the use of Storm Shadow missiles, without providing details.

London gave Kyiv the green light to launch the UK-supplied, long-range missiles into Russia for the first time in November.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was due to meet NATO chief Mark Rutte and key European leaders in Brussels late Wednesday to strategise over Russia's war ahead of Donald Trump's return to power in the United States.

Western backers are seeking to shore up Ukraine's forces as Kyiv's fatigued troops are losing ground across the frontline and Moscow has deployed North Koreans to the battlefield.
Israeli army says intercepted missile fired from Yemen



Jerusalem, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



The Israeli military said Thursday it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen as sirens sounded across central Israel.

Soon after the military's announcement, the media channel for Yemen's Huthi rebels, Al-Masira, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah.

The Israeli Air Force "intercepted one missile that was launched from Yemen before it crossed into Israeli territory", the military said in a statement released in the early hours of Thursday.

It added that warning sirens sounded due to "the possibility of falling debris from the interception".

Al-Masira then reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility.

This is the second time this week that Israel's military has intercepted a missile from Yemen. The first was Monday, a launch later claimed by Huthi rebels.

The group, which controls most of Yemen's population centres including the capital Sanaa, had said Monday's operation was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa" -- a reference to Israel's Tel Aviv area.

In a separate incident Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said.

The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians.

In their Monday statement, they said their "operations will not stop until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted".

On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties.

In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.

The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces.
Israel hits ports, energy sites in Yemen after missile intercepted



Jerusalem, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Israel said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure it alleges are used by Huthi rebels, after intercepting a missile fired by the group.

Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions."

The announcement came shortly after Israel said it had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen.

Al-Masira, a media channel belonging to the Huthis, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah.

It reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility.

The strikes were the second time this week that Israel's military has intercepted a missile from Yemen.

On Monday, the Huthis claimed a missile launch they said was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa" -- a reference to Israel's Tel Aviv area.

Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said.

The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted".

On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties.

In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.

The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels.

"We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel," he said
Israel hits port, energy sites in Yemen after missile intercepted



Jerusalem, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Israel said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure used by Huthi rebels in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, warning Huthi leaders it "will reach you too."

Huthi media said the strikes hit power stations, oil facilities and the port of Hodaidah, causing deaths and injuries, without giving further details.

The strikes came after the interception of a missile fired by Huthi rebels towards Israel. The group has regularly targeted Israel over its military operation in Gaza.

Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions."

"I warn the leaders of the Huthi terrorist organization: Israel's long arm will reach you too," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said.

Al-Masira, a media channel belonging to the Huthis, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah.

It reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in and around Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility.

It said there were casualties at the oil facility without giving further details.

The strikes came after Israel's military intercepted a missile from Yemen for the second time this week.

On Monday, the Huthis claimed a missile launch they said was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa" -- a reference to Israel's Tel Aviv area.

Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said.

The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted".

On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties.

In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.

The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels.

"We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel," he said.
Ukraine drone attack causes fire at Russian oil refinery: governor



Moscow, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on a neighbouring Russian region had been "neutralised", the area's governor said Thursday, but they caused a brief fire at a local oil refinery.

Russia's southern Rostov region was "subjected to a massive attack by the enemy", local governor Yuri Slyusar said on Telegram at around 6 am local time (0300 GMT).

"More than three dozen UAVs and three missiles" were deployed, he said, adding that the Russian air defence services were activated across several cities in the region.

While "most of the air targets were neutralised", a fire broke out at an oil refinery, he said

"Firefighters are currently fighting the fire," Slyusar said, adding later around 6:45 am that the fire "has been extinguished".

He also said one person was wounded in a village near Rostov "due to the fall of drone fragments".

Russia's Ministry of Defence said Thursday that Kyiv's attempts "to carry out terrorist attacks using aircraft-type UAVs... were thwarted".

It added that Russia's air defence systems destroyed more than 80 drones across the country, including Rostov region.

Russia's border regions have been hit frequently by Ukrainian fire, with two separate attacks last week targeting Rostov as well as western Bryansk region, sparking a fire at an oil depot and damaging an "industrial facility".

The latest attack came as Russian President Vladimir Putin was expected to hold his annual end-of-year news conference on Thursday.

He will address Russians as the conflict in Ukraine has escalated in recent weeks.
In 2025, the naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will have a full mine action division in the Black Sea, consisting of five ships and three boats.

This was stated on Thursday by commander of the AFU Navy, Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neyizhpapa, in an interview with ArmyInform.

"In 2023, two mine-fighting ships (Great Britain) were handed over to us. In 2025 we will receive three more ships (two from the Netherlands and one from Belgium) and three boats. Then, at the end of 2025, we will have a full division of five warships and three boats, which are completely repaired, equipped with modern mine protection systems, with a trained crew, but most importantly, we will have a headquarters, because arms and legs do not work without a head," he said.

The Vice Admiral also noted that the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is gradually approaching the implementation of mine clearance, now attention is focused on finding drifting mines, often mine clearance takes place under the gun of the enemy. Neyizhpapa noted that full mine clearance is possible only in peacetime, and the participation of partners would significantly accelerate this process.

"The NATO countries that have access to the Black Sea, and these are Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania  they created a trilateral Mine Action tactical group, began their actions, focusing on drifting mines in the waters of these countries. We have common views, and with their help we can do it even faster  Of course, partners can help to carry out a largescale mine action, and then mine clearance will be faster, but if we have all these means, we will clear the Ukrainian waters of the Black Sea ourselves, just not so fast," Neyizhpapa said.

As earlier reported, in February 2024, Ukraine began to create a group of mine action forces in the Black Sea. A resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers was adopted, which will allow raising funds for the supply and maintenance of mine action ships.
Nuclear-armed Pakistan says fresh US sanctions 'biased'



Islamabad, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Pakistan's government said on Thursday US sanctions imposed on state-owned and private companies over its long-range ballistic missile programme were "biased" and had "dangerous implications" for regional stability.

The United States announced on Wednesday that four Pakistan companies would be hit by the measures "in light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan's long-range missile development".

The South Asian nation became one of the few countries to openly possess nuclear weapons in 1998, more than two decades after India, its neighbour and arch-rival with which it has fought several wars, announced its atomic capabilities.

It has refused to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty, a global agreement to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday the US sanctions were "unfortunate and biased" and have "dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond".

It accused the United States of waiving the licensing requirements for advanced military technology in other countries.

"Such double standards and discriminatory practices not only undermine the credibility of non-proliferation regimes but also endanger regional and international peace and security," it said.

The United States said the executive order "targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery".

It accused the state-owned National Development Complex (NDC), which it says is responsible for the development of ballistic missiles, of working to acquire special equipment to test and launch the projectiles.

American citizens will be barred from working with the NDC and three companies associated with it, which will all have their US assets frozen.
Corruption may hamper China military modernization: Pentagon



Washington, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Corruption in China's military has led to the removal of top leaders and may hamper the country's efforts to modernize its armed forces, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.

In 2023, Beijing's forces "experienced a new wave of corruption-related investigations and removals of senior leaders which may have disrupted its progress toward stated 2027 modernization goals," the congressionally mandated annual report on Chinese military and security developments said.

At least 15 high-ranking military officers and defense industry executives were removed from their posts between July and December 2023, according to the report.

"Several leaders investigated or removed for corruption oversaw equipment development projects related to modernizing the PRC's ground-based nuclear and conventional missiles," it said, using an abbreviation for the People's Republic of China.

The 2027 goals that may be impacted include "boosting the speed of modernization in military theories, organizations, personnel, and weapons and equipment," according to the report.

A senior US defense official noted that "frequent turnover and replacement of high-level personnel certainly can be disruptive," while efforts to uncover corruption can slow down projects and also spiral from one official to others who are connected.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has overseen a wide-ranging campaign against official corruption since coming to power just over a decade ago, with critics saying it also serves as a way to purge political rivals.

Recent efforts have focused on the People's Liberation Army, with top official Miao Hua joining last month a host of high-ranking figures removed from their positions in just over a year.



- 'Cold War mentality' -



But the Pentagon also said on Wednesday that China's military -- which it has been working to modernize for several decades -- has made recent advances.

That included in the realm of operational nuclear warheads, which increased from more than 500 last year to more than 600 in 2024.

Beijing's "expanding nuclear force will enable it to target more US cities, military facilities, and leadership sites than ever before in a potential nuclear conflict," it said.

Its air force is also making gains and "is rapidly approaching technology typical of US standards."

And China has "the world's leading hypersonic missile arsenal and has dramatically advanced its development of conventional and nuclear-armed hypersonic missile technologies during the past 20 years," according to the report.

Beijing hit back on Thursday, saying that the report was "full of bias."

"It is just an excuse for maintaining (the United States') own military hegemony," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said when asked about the report at a regular news briefing.

"We urge the US side to abandon its Cold War mentality... and stop sending, year after year, these irresponsible reports and to work toward maintaining stability between the United States and China," he added.

The United States has identified China as its most consequential challenge, but insists that conflict is not inevitable and aims to deter an attack on Taiwan by Beijing's forces through American military deployments in the Pacific and a network of allies in the region.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has said it will never renounce using force to seize it one day, while the United States has a longstanding arrangement to provide Taipei with the means to defend itself.
Huthis claim missile attack as Israel hits key Yemen sites



Sanaa, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Yemen's Huthi rebels on Thursday claimed a missile attack against Israel that was intercepted and prompted Israeli strikes on key infrastructure in Yemen including ports and energy facilities.

The Iran-backed fighters, who control most of Yemen's population centres, have repeatedly launched missile attacks against Israel since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago.

The Huthis belong to the so-called "axis of resistance," along with Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has been weakened after a conflict with Israel and the loss of its Syrian supply line following former president Bashar al-Assad's ouster.

Huthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the rebels had targeted "two specific and sensitive military targets... in the occupied Yaffa area", referring to the Jaffa region near Tel Aviv, with "hypersonic ballistic missiles."

Israel's military had earlier announced the interception of a missile launched from Yemen "before it crossed into Israeli territory."

The launch, as well as the interception, prompted sirens to sound across the parts of the country.

In the following hours, Israel launched a series of air strikes across Yemen's western coast that Huthi media said struck power stations, oil facilities and a port in Hodaidah, killing nine people and injuring others.

Iran denounced the raids as a "flagrant violation of the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter."

Palestinian militant group Hamas, also an ally of the Huthis, called Israel's retaliatory strikes a "dangerous development".

Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions."

"I warn the leaders of the Huthi terrorist organisation: Israel's long arm will reach you too," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said.



- 'Global threat' -



Al-Masira, a media channel belonging to the Huthis, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah.

It reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in and around Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility.

It said strikes on the Al-Saleef port had killed seven people, while two more were killed and other injured in the strike on the oil facility.

Thursday's missile interception was the second this week, after a launch from Yemen was intercepted by Israel's military on Monday.

That launch was also claimed by the Huthis, who said it was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa".

Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said.

The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted".

On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties.

In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.

The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels.

"We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel," he said.
US, European, Chinese firms seek to draw Vietnam arms deals from Russia



Hanoi, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Major US weapons manufacturers including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, along with Europe's Airbus and Chinese firms, put their wares on show at an arms fair in Hanoi Thursday as Vietnam looks to diversify its defence supplies away from Russia.

A US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft and a C-130 Super Hercules transport were on the tarmac at Hanoi's Gia Lam military airfield for the event.

Thousands of people attended including hundreds of uniformed Vietnamese soldiers, some of whom posed for selfies with US troops, ahead of next year's 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

The defence expo featured Chinese firms for the first time, including major state-owned defence conglomerate Norinco, or China North Industries Corporation.

Successive Vietnamese governments have been heavily reliant on arms supplied by Russia for decades.

The country accounted for more than 80 percent of Vietnam's arms imports between 1995 and 2023, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

But imports from Russia have dropped off in recent years amid international sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.

"The war in Ukraine has exposed the vulnerabilities of relying too heavily on Russian arms," said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

"Diversification isn't just a necessity, it's an opportunity for Vietnam to upgrade to more advanced systems while reducing dependence on any single partner," Giang said.

"The expo is Vietnam's way of signalling it's open to new partnerships."

Boeing and Lockheed Martin were among 14 American companies at the fair, while two exhibitors were Chinese and others were from Germany, Iran, Israel and Ukraine, as well as Russia.

As well as aircraft, they put on display tanks, missiles, drones, firearms and radar systems, including by several Vietnamese firms.

At the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh described the expo as "delivering a message of peace, cooperation, and shared development".

lam-aph/slb/sco

BOEING

LOCKHEED MARTIN
Yemen rebels say Israeli strikes kill 9, after missile attack



Sanaa, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels said Israeli air strikes on Thursday killed nine people, after the group fired a missile toward Israel, badly damaging a school.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened further retaliation.

The Huthis, who control most of Yemen's population centres, have repeatedly launched missiles at Israel since the Gaza war broke out more than a year ago.

Israel has previously hit back against targets in Yemen, but Thursday's were the first against the rebel-held capital Sanaa.

"The Israeli enemy targeted ports in Hodeida and power stations in Sanaa, and the Israeli aggression resulted in the martyrdom of nine civilian martyrs," rebel leader Abdul Malik al-Huthi said in a lengthy speech broadcast by the rebels' Al-Masira TV.

Al-Masira had earlier reported the raids that "targeted two central power plants" in and around Sanaa, while in Hodeida it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility.

It said the strikes killed seven people at Al-Saleef port, while two more were killed and others wounded in the strike on the oil facility.

Hodeida is a key entry point for fuel and humanitarian aid to impoverished Yemen, which has been ravaged for years by its own war.

Israel said it struck the targets in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, a strike the rebels subsequently claimed.

Huthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the rebels fired ballistic missiles at "two specific and sensitive military targets... in the occupied Yaffa area", referring to the Jaffa region near Tel Aviv.

Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions."

AFP photos from Ramat Gan, in the Tel Aviv area, showed part of a school building pancaked from an explosion, behind a sculpture of an animal with polka dots.

The Huthis said later that they launched a drone at a "military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied Yaffa area". There was no confirmation from the Israeli side.



- Warhead exploded -



The military said inquiries into the initial attack showed "it is likely that the damage was caused by partial interception of the missile launched from Yemen and that the missile warhead was the part that exploded and damaged the school."

The rebels belong to the Iran-backed "axis of resistance," along with Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has been weakened after a conflict with Israel and the loss of its Syrian supply line following former president Bashar al-Assad's ouster.

"After Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria, the Huthis are almost the last remaining arm of Iran's axis of evil," Netanyahu said.

"The Huthis are learning and will learn the hard way, that those who strike Israel will pay a very heavy price for it."

The Huthi leader retorted: "We are fully convinced of our position and are ready to confront any level of escalation."

Israel's military had initially announced the interception of a missile launched from Yemen "before it crossed into Israeli territory".

Iran denounced the subsequent Israeli raids as a "flagrant violation of the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter".

Palestinian militant group Hamas, at war with Israel in Gaza, called Israel's retaliatory strikes a "dangerous development".



- 'Global threat' -



Thursday's missile interception was the second this week, after Israel's military said it intercepted a launch from Yemen on Monday. The Huthis also claimed that launch, saying it was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa".

Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said.

The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted".

On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties.

In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on Hodeida which killed at least nine people, according to the rebels.

The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the Huthis had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels.

"We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel."

burs-it/dv
US doubled troops in Syria earlier this year: Pentagon



Washington, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



The United States doubled the number of troops it has in Syria as part of operations against the Islamic State group to around 2,000 earlier this year, the Pentagon said Thursday.

Washington has for years said it has some 900 military personnel in Syria as part of international efforts against the jihadist group, which seized swathes of territory there and in neighboring Iraq before being defeated by local forces backed by a US-led air campaign.

But there are now "approximately 2,000 US troops in Syria" and have been for at least a few months, Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder told journalists, saying he had just received the updated figure.

"The additional numbers... are considered temporary forces that are there to support the D-ISIS mission, to support the forces that are deployed there longer-term," Ryder said, referring to the mission to defeat the IS group.

Washington -- which also says it has some 2,500 troops in Iraq -- has for years carried out periodic strikes and raids to help prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group.

But it has stepped up strikes since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government earlier this month, hitting areas previously shielded by Syrian and Russian air defenses before a lightning offensive by rebels who now control the country.

On December 8 -- the day the rebels took the capital Damascus -- Washington announced strikes on more than 75 IS targets that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said were aimed at ensuring it "does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute in central Syria."

And on Monday, CENTCOM said US forces killed 12 militants from the group in strikes it said were carried out "in former regime and Russian-controlled areas."
Zelenskyy to EU leaders: Its necessary to work together so that partners from Global South use their influence on Russia when needed

Ukraine is asking European leaders to pay more attention to the role of the countries of the Global South, as they can push Russia to respect the principle of territorial integrity, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

It is essential for us to work, and work together to ensure that China, India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and other partners from the Global South not only respect Ukraines territorial integrity but also use their influence on Russia when needed. We ask Europe to pay greater attention to the role of these countries, as they can push Russia to respect the principle of territorial integrity, aligning with their own interests and bringing peace closer, Zelenskyy said, addressing EU leaders at a meeting of the European Council on Thursday.

According to the president, America and Europe must be at the table when the time comes. Like Ukraine, EU should enter talks from a strong position, and Europes strength is unity, Zelenskyy noted.

We need coordinated efforts for lasting peace  not just a pause in fighting, which Putin wants to buy time. We must push Moscow towards real, lasting and guaranteed peace, Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy noted that in January, President Trump will step up efforts to end the war. Its up to us whether Europe supports him with a strong, united voice, the head of state stressed.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the leaders of the European Union to put pressure on the current government of Georgia, especially Bidzina Ivanishvili and his associates.

Unfortunately, Russian-controlled mafia in Georgia is working to pull the country under Putins influence and off the European path. The current government in Tbilisi refuses to engage with the EU. I urge you to put pressure, especially on Ivanishvili and his buddies, to ensure they gain no benefits from stealing Georgias European future and wasting decades of progress, Zelenskyy said, addressing EU leaders at a meeting of the European Council on Thursday.

According to the president, not a single country in Europe can be allowed to lose - if one falls, it brings us all closer to division and conflict. Zelenskyy also stressed the importance of supporting Moldova's European choice, and its not only about elections but about the prosperity of the people of Moldova  they have to feel the strength of Europe in the fight against poverty.
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
When Cohen started PinkNews in 2005, he was known as a wunderkind of the internet generation. Cohen had already profited from several online endeavours, including JewishNet.co.uk, the website described as an early social network before the term really existed in Wired, which he founded in 1998, aged 16. JewishNet.co.uk went on to be valued at 5 million later that year. Cohen was also involved with a search engine for internet pornography (hunt4porn.com) which formed part of his other venture, an internet portal called CyberBritain.com.
He was found guilty of possession of a cross-bow, machete, sword, knuckleduster, and arrowheads, which were said to give rise to the suspicion that your possession was for the purpose in connection with the commission or preparation or instigation of an act of terror.
Asked whether he would be supportive of further safe routes, he said: "No, and I've never been supportive of blanket safe and legal routes, but I believe in the Afghan scheme, I believe in the Hong Kong scheme, I believe in the Ukraine scheme, I think they're good examples of safe and legal routes for people fleeing awful circumstances where we've got an obligation."
Mr Pollard replied: It is absolutely vital that we continue that support, because its not just in missiles and ammunition that we need to support Ukraine, its in the whole provision of support to keep that country going, to keep it in the fight, and to enable its people to get through a tough winter.
But it would be a big mistake, in my view, to take our eye off the ball and not ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position, which is why weve been doubling down on this at many of the international meetings weve had with our allies to discuss this.
Interfax-Ukraine to host discussion 'Tough 2024. Will next year be even tougher?'

On Monday, December 23, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a discussion on the subject: "Tough 2024. Will next year be even tougher?".

Participants include political expert Kostiantyn Matviyenko; Director of the Ukrainian Barometer sociological service Viktor Nebozhenko; PhD in Political Science, expert of the United Ukraine Think Tank Ihor Petrenko (8/5a Reitarska Street).

The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel.

Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards.
Ms Morton added: The Government needs to be extremely careful, because by dealing with HTS and publicly doing so, there is a risk of legitimisation of the organisation and its position in Syria. These are very early days in the new post-Assad reality and we need to judge HTS by its actions and not its words.
He added: What strikes me is that the system is fundamentally unfair. I have met hundreds of refugees and I am yet to meet someone who would not have preferred to remain in their country of origin if war or persecution had not forced them to move. They arrive here and have to face a hostile environment policy introduced by the previous Tory government, despite having a valid claim and having endured such hardship. As a philanthropist, my question is, how can we alleviate this? The new government is making a good start but far more needs to be done. That is why I am supporting this joint campaign of The London Standard and Comic Relief. The fact that they are prepared to get involved in this tricky, unsexy subject and enter new territory  I really admire it.
This trial was a very difficult ordeal. I think first of all of my three children, David, Caroline and Florian. I also think of my grandchildren because they are the future and it is also for them that I have led this fight, as well as my daughters-in-law Aurore and Celine. I also think of all the other families affected by this tragedy.
The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah said that some of the strikes targeted power stations in the capital Sanaa, as well as the Ras Isa oil terminal on the Red Sea. The channel, citing its correspondent in the port city of Hodeida, said at least seven people had been killed at the nearby port of Salif, while another two had been killed at the Ras Isa oil terminal.
Among the men on trial is Dominique Pelicot, the now ex-husband of the 72-year-old grandmother who admitted that for years, he knocked his wife of 50 years out with drugs so he and strangers he recruited online could abuse her while he filmed the assaults.
Asked what he might be able to offer Mr Trump, the Russian leader dismissed an assertion that Moscow was in a weak position, saying that Russia had got much stronger since he ordered troops into Ukraine in 2022.
Next year, Etalon Corporation will begin construction of a new production facility with an area of 7,000 square meters  a new painting complex, and will also expand the area of the assembly and body shops of Chernihiv Automotive Plant, said the corporations president, Volodymyr Butko.

"We are currently designing another production facility to replace the one that was bombed by missiles. The project is almost ready, and we will soon sign a contract with the contractor for construction. This is a project for the production of large 12-meter buses, trolleybuses, and trams. The size of the paint booth is 18 meters, because the tram body is 16 meters long," he said during a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Thursday.

Next year, it is also planned to reconstruct production lines with a separate line for trolleybuses.

According to him, the corporation has managed to restore its pre-war production potential by 70% at Chernihiv Automotive Plant (ChAZ), by 25-30% at the Ukrainian Cardan plant, and by 50-60% at the forge plant.

"I am talking about both the amount of production and the income received in hryvnia," Butko clarified.

As reported, in Chernihiv, as a result of active military actions and shelling of the city in February-March 2022, some 50-70% of the corporation's plants were destroyed due to direct hits on the territory, the damage was estimated at EUR 30 million.

Butko did not specify the total cost of building the new production facility to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, noting that it has not yet been finally calculated, but added that metal structures worth UAH 40 million have already been purchased.

ChAZ Director Serhiy Borodukha clarified to the agency that the construction is approximately designed for two years, the corporation plans to invest its own working capital in the project.

Etalon Corporation includes 12 enterprises, including Chernihiv Automotive Plant, which produces buses of various classes and trolleybuses. The main areas are the production of motor vehicles, mechanical engineering, and warehouse logistics.
The Etalon Corporation vehicle manufacturer has released a prototype of the city electric bus "Malva Electro A08611" which has now passed all tests and is being prepared for certification, President of Etalon Corporation Volodymyr Butko said.

"We want to be in the European Union, and electric buses are an environmental requirement, so we need to move with them, make technological changes in production, in design. This is our first model of an electric bus and we believe that it will be in demand," Butko said during a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine agency on Thursday.

He also said that although currently tenders for electric buses are held mainly for 12-meter vehicles, in his opinion, they will not be as effective as 9.5 and 10-meter ones. "And this is supported by those who started producing electric buses before us," Butko said.

According to the presentation of the electric bus, the electric bus was created on the basis of the Malva city diesel bus, which debuted last year, together with the Informservis company (Moldova), which supplies high-voltage traction equipment. The electric bus has a range of up to 200 kilometres.

The main difference from the basic model of the bus is the superstructure on the roof of the electric bus, where the batteries are located.

The electric bus is designed for 24 seats (plus two folding) and 29 standing places, there is also space for a wheelchair.

External lighting equipment is LED, manufactured by European companies. It is also possible to install a liquid heater for the passenger compartment, which runs on Euro 6 diesel fuel.

"This solution allows for better adaptation to winter operating conditions in Ukraine and provides a longer range on a single charge," the video presentation says.

External features include doors for connecting a charger, which is typical for all electric buses.

"The characteristics of the new electric bus generally correspond to the characteristics of foreign analogues, and their further improvement will be due to the use of the latest batteries and traction drives, as well as some traditional electric bus units and components," the presentation said.

Speaking about the price of the electric bus, Butko said it is approximately three times higher than the cost of a diesel bus.

"The price of a diesel bus is about EUR 100,000 to EUR 110,000 (excluding VAT), and an electric bus will be plus or minus three times more expensive. But if we compare it with European analogues, then, for example, the Polish Solaris or the Turkish Otocar with almost the same functionality and length will cost EUR 530 to EUR 550 (excluding VAT). That is, we understand that electric transport is not a cheap story," the president of the corporation said.

He also cited the prices of trolleybuses for comparison: if the corporation sells regular 12-meter ones for EUR 300,000, with autonomous running for EUR 400,000, then the Czech Republic sells Skoda for more than EUR 700,000 (all  without VAT).

"That is, we have, let's say, a gap due to, probably, the cost of electricity, which is lower than in Europe, wages... And also, probably, we do not have the profit margin that they include in their production and sales. For us it is 10%, and that is still good," Butko said.

The Etalon Corporation includes 12 enterprises, including Chernihiv Automobile Plant which produces buses of various classes, and trolleybuses. The main areas are the production of motor vehicles, mechanical engineering, warehouse logistics.
The president of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), George Simion, said on Thursday that he proposes the formation of a government of national union with prime minister from the AUR, Petrisor Peiu, noting that it is necessary for all parties to sit down at the negotiation table.

"I believe in the variant of a truly national union government, not artificially divided into sovereignists and so-called pro-Europeans. And we are Europeans because all of us here are dignitaries of the Romanian state, a European state. (...) We are European because we are Romanian and we want to dialogue with all political forces. The electoral campaign is over. We can sit at the table with all of formations and find a formula to get out of this crisis. We propose a variant in which we give a government of national union with a prime minister from the AUR, Mr. Petrisor Peiu,'' Simion told a press conference.

He added that the AUR wants to agree on a set of measures applicable in a period of 36 months, noting that these are "concrete measures to give satisfaction to the Romanians who went to the polls and voted in a certain way" .

"We cannot continue the PSD-PNL-UDMR coalition as if the vote of the Romanians does not matter", added Simion. AGERPRES
Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad, met with his counterpart from the Kingdom of Spain, Admiral Teodoro Lopez Calderon, the main points of discussion being the current security situation, the expansion of military cooperation relations, the strengthening of multinational structures and major opportunities for joint training.

Admiral Teodoro Lopez Calderon is on an official visit to Romania until the end of the week.

In the context of the strategic partnership between Romania and Spain, the cooperation between the two armies is on an upward trend, both bilaterally and in allied format, according to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday.

"I have thanked Admiral Teodoro Lopez Calderon for the consistent presence of the Spanish military in Romania and for the significant contribution made to strengthening the deterrence and defence posture in this part of the eastern flank. The security challenges have led us to intensify defensive measures and training, something that further strengthens the ties between our countries's armies, allied solidarity and interoperability," General Gheorghita Vlad said at the end of the meeting.

The Spanish official's program includes visits to the Romanian Air Force 57th Air Base "Captain Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino also known as Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, the Headquarters Multinational Corps Southeast (HQ MNC-SE) in Sibiu and the National Joint Training Center Getica in Cincu.
The enemy uses the most vulnerable topics and categories to disseminate its narratives and propaganda to demotivate Ukrainian citizens, unbalance the state, and make further resistance to the Russian war impossible, a representative of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Yusov said.

"The enemy spends huge resources on creating its own content, fakes, statements, disinformation, propaganda, but it spends even more resources in general not only on creating content, but on disseminating this or that propaganda and narratives," he said at a press conference "Information war: Key narratives created and disseminated by Russian propaganda" at Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

Yusov also said the Russians "pick up" certain messages (often careless, unverified data, often from within Ukraine), twisting them to fit enemy propaganda narratives, and then disseminate them both among the Russian audience and "return" them already interpreted to the Ukrainian audience and try to promote them to the world.

"One way or another, individual messages of Russian propaganda are certainly invested in the Western world, separately  in the countries of the Global South. They work very well with audience targeting. And they use, without exaggeration, colossal resources for this," the agency said.

According to him, the enemy tracks and monitors everything in the information field, in particular statements and messages of politicians, speakers, experts.

"The enemy uses the most vulnerable topics and categories to spread its narratives and propaganda, primarily to Ukrainian society. Since the goal of this is, ultimately, to demotivate Ukrainian citizens, the nation, to unbalance the state in order to make further resistance to the Russian genocidal war against Ukraine impossible," the speaker said.

He also said that in this direction, Russia is not getting the results it wants.

"At the same time, the enemy is implementing a number of special active measures in the information sphere, information and psychological operations, against Ukraine, aimed at both Ukrainian society and our partners," the Ukrainian intelligence said.

Yusov named the main narratives spread by the enemy as follows: the theme of "betrayal" and the fact that Ukraine was allegedly abandoned by its partners and allies; the exaggeration of all internal problems in Ukraine; constant escalation and "hysteria" around the threats of using nuclear and other weapons; destabilization of the domestic political situation; discrediting Ukraine in the world. "Discrediting Ukraine in the world is a separate line that Russia continues to pursue. Weakening and attempting to split the pro-Ukrainian coalition. Everything that is potentially bad for Ukraine in the world is inflated and exaggerated in order to further influence societies in Ukraine and partner societies. Therefore, of course, these threats will be especially acute in the coming month," the agency said.
Bucharest General Mayor Nicusor Dan said on Thursday that Romania needs a "stable" government, supported by a parliamentary majority, and expressed confidence that the parties will return to the dialogue table.

Nicusor Dan told private broadcaster Digi 24 that the establishment of a government is "an emergency", but emphasized that negotiations to form the executive take time "in any democratic country".

"I have appreciated the way in which the parties have related to each other and to society over the past weeks. That is why I was surprised by today's event. I am still optimistic that everyone will return to the negotiating table (...) It may be [a negotiating strategy - editor's note], but I don't think it brings any advantages, because people are aware of the crisis and anyone who tries to create more tension is not well seen by the people," said the mayor general.

According to Nicusor Dan there normally should be a debate "for several months" on the government program, but that, in the current context, this is not possible. He welcomed the fact that so far the parties have discussed the principles of government and not the "sharing" of positions.

"There are parties that have political programs that need to be harmonized. Of course there are things that are in conflict. It is something absolutely logical. What is happening in our country is logical, except for this emotional outburst, which surprised me from Mr. Ciolacu, who is a rational man (...) The pro-Western parties have 64 - 65% of the seats in Parliament. I think Romania needs a stable government with a majority, not a minority government. I would like USR [Save Romania Union] to be part of this majority, because it is a reformist party and Romania needs reforms,", he added

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced on Thursday that the PSD is withdrawing from the talks on the formation of the Executive and will vote in Parliament a right-wing government.

President Klaus Iohannis has declared that the last thing Romania needs is an extended governmental and parliamentary crisis.

"Now is not the time for petty quarrels. It is the moment for each leader to see himself as a statesperson, to sit at the dialogue table, at the negotiating table in order to have a government as quickly as possible, a government that will start to create the budget for next year, that will start to organize presidential elections in the first part of next year," the head of state stressed. AGERPRES
President Klaus Iohannis is set to participate in the European Council meeting taking place in Brussels on Thursday, Agerpres reports.

According to the Presidential Administration, the European Council agenda includes topics such as: Ukraine, migration, the situation in the Middle East, the EU's civil and military preparedness and response to crises, the EU's role in the world and the enlargement of the Union, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and issues related to freedom, security and justice.

The European leaders' discussion on Ukraine aims to analyze the situation on the ground and the most appropriate ways to fulfill the commitments to support the Ukrainian people and to continue the efforts necessary to repel the Russian invasion and ensure the prevalence of international law. This meeting will also be a good opportunity to express a unified message of support for Ukraine and for the implementation of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, at the European level, the same source reads.

President Iohannis will highlight the need to continue a strategic, multidimensional and coherent approach in support of Ukraine.

Regarding the EU's role in the world, a strategic and comprehensive discussion is aimed at the way forward in terms of global engagement and priorities in a multipolar context marked by geopolitical tensions.

The topic of migration will be approached from the perspective of assessing the progress made in implementing EU legislation on the matter, with a focus on the external dimension, preventing and combating illegal migration, and the fight against the instrumentalization and trafficking of migrants.

Regarding developments in the Middle East, the situation on the ground will be analyzed, including the ways in which the EU can contribute to efforts to de-escalate the conflict. The situation in Syria will also be addressed.

The President will also inform the members of the European Council about the situation in Romania following foreign interference in the electoral process.

"I will emphasise that this is not a threat only to Romania, but to democracies and European values, in the most general way. All, I repeat, all countries are exposed to this risk. It is obvious, and I will say this at the meeting as well, that efficient coordination is necessary at the level of the entire Union on combating foreign interference and hybrid attacks from Russia. In order to defend ourselves and prevent these interferences, we must urgently adapt and develop instruments and mechanisms, we cannot just stay at the level of 'let's discuss how to solve it', we must go much further. Concrete instruments, correct procedures, the necessary mechanisms must be found to be able to defend ourselves against these attacks," said president Klaus Iohannis, on Wednesday, in a press conference held in Brussels.
CREVE COEUR  The kosher deli that took the place of Kohn's Kosher Deli has closed as it gears up to move to Clayton.

Nates Kosher Deli opened in the Creve Coeur shop after Kohn's, the regions last old-school kosher deli, closed in July following a lawsuit that accused Kohns owners of failing to pay nearly $150,000 for the sale and delivery of goods from earlier this year.

Nates Kosher Deli is owned by Avi Rosenberg and offers butcher and deli services. It was temporarily operating out of the former Kohn's store at 10405 Old Olive Street Road as Rosenberg searched for a permanent location. Nates opened in August. Its last day in Creve Coeur was Dec. 15.

Rosenberg has not announced an opening date in Clayton.

Mario Smith, butcher at Nates, had previously worked under Kohns and said business at Nates had been okay, but not like before when Kohns was operational.

However, Smith is hopeful that once Nates makes the move to Clayton, traffic will be better. He said St. Louis needs to have a kosher butcher.

Whos going to feed everyone? Smith said. No one does kosher like Kohns and Nates.

Over the summer, an Illinois-based food distributor Mid Town Distribution LLC sued the Kohns ownership company Bayk Kohns LLC over unpaid bills. One of the companys members, Yehuda Kestenbaum, was also named in the suit.

According to November court documents, Mid Town Distribution and Bayk Kohns LLC have come to an apparent settlement agreement.

Neither Mid Town Distribution LLC's lawyer nor Kestenbaum immediately returned requests for comment.
Smalls Sliders, an Atlanta-based burger chain, is slated to open its first St. Louis location soon.

In January, the slider company announced plans for eight locations in the region as it focused on national expansion.

The latest St. Louis location or "can" will open on Jan. 8 in Bridgeton at 12433 St. Charles Rock Road.

"We are excited to become a place where the community gathers and enjoys delicious sliders, shakes and fries," Beaux Hebert, of the Bridgeton Smalls Sliders franchisee team, said in a statement.

Unlike other fast food chains, Smalls Sliders locations are small at 750 square feet and operate out of orange shipping containers. They feature drive-thru and walk-up windows for ordering.

The first Smalls Sliders opened in 2019 and the company now has more than 290 "cans" open or under development in states like Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. Smalls Sliders' website indicates that there will be stores coming soon to St. Louis and Kansas City.

Small Sliders CEO Maria Rivera previously told the Post-Dispatch that the company aims to open two locations a year in St. Louis, so all eight restaurants would be operational by 2028.

Editors note: This story was updated Friday at 9:35 a.m. to correct the opening date.
LINCOLN COUNTY  A sheriffs deputy rushed into a trailer home last summer north of Troy to find a newborn girl not breathing. The home, authorities said, was littered with drugs, the most potent of which were opioids.

Fentanyl caplets and buttons were throughout the entire house, said Lincoln County Prosecutor Mike Wood. It was everywhere.

Police and medics tried to resuscitate the infant, 7-week-old TyAnn Paisley Curtner, but she was pronounced dead after arriving at a hospital. She likely had been dead from two to six hours before someone called 911, said county Coroner Dan Heavin.

TyAnns death Aug. 19 sparked a lengthy investigation that resulted in indictments announced this week against six adults.

The babys mother and father are charged with second-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death, as are the babys grandmother, uncle and two men who were the fathers roommates. The mother lived elsewhere, but the others all stayed in the home on Charlotte Drive where the baby died, Wood said Thursday.

TyAnn had two broken ribs in various stages of healing, which Wood said indicated older wounds, and bleeding on the brain. Authorities initially were planning to prosecute for a shaken-baby death, but Wood said toxicology results came back last week that determined the death was due to an overdose of meth and fentanyl, Wood said.

The girls mother, Selena Rodriguez, had let the baby stay with the babys father, Gabriel Clark, for about seven days before the death, Wood said, but investigators contend the mother knew drugs were being used in the house. The parents are both 22 years old. The parents were also charged with child abuse.

In addition to Rodriguez and Clark, prosecutors charged the grandmother, Shawna Walton, 44; the babys uncle Dillon Clark, 25; and two of the fathers roommates, Evan Hausermann, 43, and Adam Hausermann, 46.

Bond for each was set at $500,000 cash. The six adults were indicted Dec. 13.

Wood said investigators arent certain how the child got the drugs. Fentanyl was found in the babys gastric system, he said, but you can also get fentanyl from just touch.

He said medical experts advise that any amount of fentanyl can be fatal for a child that young.

The countys child-fatality review panel examined the case to see if there were any preventable issues that authorities can address.

The prevailing thought was, the fentanyl could have gotten into the formula, the fentanyl could have been on the pacifier. It could have been on the clothing, Wood said. Because fentanyl can come through the skin or it can be ingested.

Ultimately, we know the parents exposed the child to the drugs, and the drugs killed the child, Wood said.

A report by the Missouri Department of Social Services found that the number of fentanyl-related deaths of children under the age of 5 has gone up by over 500%.

I was shocked, Wood said of that reports findings. This is entirely preventable, and so were moving forward with a very strong stance against people using drugs in front of their children.

Wood said police found a pill press in the home and suspect the residents were using meth, cutting it with fentanyl and repackaging it for distribution.
Etalon Corporation, as the winner of the tender for the supply of trolleybuses to Chernivtsi, expects to sign a contract with the customer for the supply of 35 trolleybuses manufactured by Chernihiv Automobile Plant.

"Right now we are, let's say, waiting for the signing of a contract with Chernivtsi. There are 34-35 trolleybuses there. The tender was held a year ago, and during this time the price of a trolleybus has grown by almost 20%, officially, by all indicators. Therefore, we ask to review some parameters, and then we will be able to carry out this delivery within the project with the EIB," the president of the corporation Volodymyr Butko said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

As reported, Chernivtsi initially planned to purchase 50 trolleybuses using EIB funds, and announced a corresponding tender, however at the beginning of this year, according to media reports, the mayor of the city said that due to the fact that prices for trolleybuses have increased, the number of trolleybuses purchased will decrease.
MADISON, Wis.  A California judge ordered a man to surrender his guns and ammunition after police learned he messaged the teen who carried out a school shooting in Wisconsin about his own plans to target a government building with a gun or explosives.

Judge Laura Duffy issued a restraining order Wednesday under California's red flag gun law against the 20-year-old Carlsbad man effective until Dec. 23. A hearing was set for Jan. 3.

The order notes the man messaged Natalie Rupnow, 15, about attacking a government building.

Police said Rupnow opened fire Monday at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. She killed a student and a teacher and wounded six others before turning her gun on herself, according to police. Rupnow was a student at the school.

The California man was plotting a mass shooting with Rupnow, according to police notes in the restraining order. He told FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he planned to arm himself with explosives and target a government building, according to the notes. He did not specify which building or when he planned to launch his attack.

It was unclear if the man was in custody Wednesday evening.

The shooter had two handguns with her but used only one in the attack that killed a teacher and a student and wounded six others, the city's police chief said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Police were still investigating the motive, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said. "We may never know what she was thinking that day, but we'll do our best to try to add or give as much information to our public as possible," he said.

Two other students who were shot remained in critical condition Wednesday.

The student who was killed was identified in an obituary released Wednesday as Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, of Madison. She was a freshman at the school and "an avid reader, loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band," according to the obituary. The Associated Press' attempts to reach the girl's family by phone and email Wednesday evening were unsuccessful.

The Dane County medical examiner Wednesday evening identified the teacher who was killed as 42-year-old Erin Michelle West, after initially identifying her as Michelle E. West. A man who answered the phone at a number listed for West in public records hung up when reached by a reporter Wednesday evening.

Barnes released Rupnow's identity hours after the shooting Monday. Barnes said the medical examiner would release the names of those killed, but the state's crime victims privacy law bar releasing the names of those wounded.

Police, with the assistance of the FBI, were scouring online records and other resources and speaking with her parents and classmates in an attempt to determine a motive for the shooting, Barnes said.

Police don't know if anyone was targeted in the attack or if the attack was planned in advance, the chief said.

"I do not know if if she planned it that day or if she planned it a week prior," Barnes said. "To me, bringing a gun to school to hurt people is planning. And so we don't know what the premeditation is."

While Rupnow had two handguns, Barnes said he does not know how she obtained them and he declined to say who purchased them, citing the ongoing investigation.

No decisions had been made about whether Rupnow's parents might be charged in the shooting but they were cooperating, Barnes said.

Online court records show no criminal cases against her father, Jeffrey Rupnow, or her mother, Mellissa Rupnow. They are divorced and shared custody of their daughter, but she primarily lived with her father, according to court documents. Divorce records indicate that Natalie was in therapy in 2022, but don't say why.

Community holds vigil after Wisconsin school shooting
Israeli forces have set up a position in an abandoned Syrian army base in the village of Maariyah and prevented local farmers from accessing their fields, residents said Thursday.

Associated Press journalists who visited the area saw the Israeli troops from a distance and watched a local resident waving a white flag approach to speak with them.

The village, on the western edge of Syrias southern Daraa province, is near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, but outside of a buffer zone in the Golan established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel.

Abdel Raouf Issa, a resident of Maariyah, said the Israeli military had penetrated about two-thirds of a mile into the village and is demanding that we hand over all weapons to the occupation. We told them that we have no weapons at all.

They prevented us from farming. They prevented us from moving, he said. We call on the United Nations to remove the occupation as soon as possible.

Kamal Saleh Damara, a local official in the village, said, Thank God, we were happy that HTS came, referring to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main insurgent group in the coalition that unseated Assad. But then Israel came, and it is preventing people from coming and going and moving.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it is operating within the buffer zone and in several additional locations in its proximity to ensure the security of Israels northern border. It declined to comment on specific locations where its troops are deployed.

Israel seized a swath of southern Syria along the border with the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights shortly after Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted by rebels on Dec. 8.

The capture of the buffer zone, a roughly 155-square-mile demilitarized area in Syrian territory, has sparked condemnation, with critics accusing Israel of violating a 1974 ceasefire and exploiting the chaos in Syria in the wake of Assads ouster to make a land grab.

Israel seized control of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it  a move not recognized by most of the international community

On Wednesday, a group of residents and dignitaries from the buffer zone in Quneitra province put out a statement complaining that the Israeli forces had forcibly displaced the residents of some villages although they "showed restraint toward the advancing forces and did not resist them. However, they said some residents were later allowed to return

The statement called for Israeli forces to withdraw especially from vital facilities such as the Quneitra provincial government building, the main roads and the water wells and tanks serving the area.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israeli forces will stay there until another arrangement is in place that ensures Israels security.

Netanyahu made the comments from the summit of Mount Hermon  the highest peak in the area  inside Syria, about 6 miles from the border with Golan Heights.

Associated Press writers Julia Frankel in Jerusalem and Abby Sewell in Damascus contributed to this report.
Quadplexes in the Sebille Manor housing area on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, are pictured on Dec. 19, 2024. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa  The 18th Wing will inspect more than 100 homes on base after spalling concrete was discovered in several unrenovated buildings.

The wing identified spalling in 32 quadplexes  128 homes in total  at Sebille Manor near Bob Hope Elementary School, according to a statement posted Thursday on Kadenas official Facebook page.

Spalling refers to cracking and delaminating steel-reinforced concrete. It is caused by pressure under the surface of the concrete, and most often occurs due to improperly constructed joints or corrosion of rebar under the concrete, according to the U.S. General Services Administration.

The buildings affected are 5437-5441, 5500- 5507, 5510-5515, 5517, 5520, 5540-5541, 5543, 5545, 5547 and 5549-5554, according to the wings post. It is unclear how many families are affected.

No injuries have been reported and the 18th Civil Engineer Group is conducting deliberate inspections of the impacted homes, the post states.

The issue is unrelated to mold caused by leaky air conditioners in 50 recently renovated duplexes in Sebille Manor. A wing memo issued earlier this month recommended that some families move by Feb. 28 to address potential health risks.

Thursdays Facebook post does not state whether families living in the homes with spalling concrete will need to evacuate.

Residents should contact Kadenas housing office at 634-4663 or fill out a housing maintenance request on Kadenas website if they notice cracking or sagging ceilings, the post states. Damage photos can be emailed to 718ces.servicecall@us.af.mil.

The wing acknowledged questions emailed by Stars and Stripes on Thursday afternoon but did not immediately provide responses.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. The 16th Azerbaijani-Turkish High-Level Military Dialogue Meeting was held in Ankara, Turkiye, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

On December 18, the delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Director General Agil Gurbanov, visiting Turkiye to participate in the event, attended the Heydar Aliyev Park in Ankara. The delegates laid flowers in front of the monument to the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev in the park, paying tribute to his memory.

The Azerbaijani delegation visited Antkabir, the mausoleum of the founder of the Republic of Turkiye, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and laid a wreath on the grave and paid tribute to his memory.

The delegation was accompanied by employees of the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Turkiye and the military attache office.

Then, Director General Agil Gurbanov met with the Minister of National Defense of the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Yasar Guler, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Turkiye, Army General Metin Gurak.

During the meetings, the positive impact of the existing friendly and fraternal relations on military cooperation was emphasized, and confidence was expressed that the ongoing mutual activities would further intensify.

During the visit, extensive discussions were held on the prospects and development directions of cooperation between the 2 countries in the military, military-technical, military-educational, and other fields, as well as on topics of mutual interest.

Then, the opening ceremony of the 16th Azerbaijani-Turkish High-Level Military Dialogue Meeting was held with the participation of delegations, and meetings of the Sub-Working Groups were also held.
Maj. Zeb "Spades" Kimball, co-pilot and instructor aboard a C-130J Super Hercules dubbed Santa 41," discusses the day's Operation Christmas Drop sorties on Dec. 11, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

U.S. airmen put their Santa hats back into storage over the weekend after successfully concluding the 73rd Operation Christmas Drop, according to the 374th Airlift Wing.

The Defense Departments longest-running humanitarian airlift exercise officially concluded Saturday after delivering 220 boxes of supplies to more than 58 islands in the Western Pacific, according to a news release Thursday from the wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Operation Christmas Drop 2024 showcased the strength of our international partnerships and our commitment to being a force for good in the Indo-Pacific region, Col. Brett Cochran, 374th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday.

Cochran is also the wings deputy commander.

The collaboration among our close allies for such a complex and meaningful mission highlights what we can achieve together and ensures were ready for anything, he said.

Although the airlift wing at Yokota coordinates the event, the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, is the host, the point where the airdropped bundles are prepared and from which the crews fly their delivery routes.

Senior Airman Juan Lucero, a loadmaster with the 36th Airlift Squadron, watches as Operation Christmas Drop bundles fall off the coast of Ifalik in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 11, 2024. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes)

More than 300 airmen and volunteers from the Air Force and four partner nations  Australia, Canada, Japan and South Korea  participated this year beginning Dec. 2.

C-130J Super Hercules and C-130H Hercules transport aircraft from all five countries flew a combined 224 hours across 29 sorties to deliver approximately 77,300 pounds of supplies to the islands.

Operation Christmas Drop is a means to deliver necessities to the far-flung islands  many of which rely on the annual event  and a way to give air crews real-life experience in coordinating and executing low-altitude airdrops.

Volunteers load the supplies into boxes and often embellish them with personalized holiday greetings. The essentials  food, water, clothing, tools and medical necessities  are augmented with toys for the children of the remote islands and atolls.

The event traces its origins to the Christmas season of 1952, when an aircrew aboard a B-29 Superfortress noticed islanders waving at them from Kapingamarangi, about 3,500 miles southwest of Hawaii. The crew ultimately dropped a bundle of supplies to the island, hoping to spread a little Christmas joy, according to Andersens website.

In its modern form, the operation delivers around 40 tons of supplies annually to more than 42,000 islanders while covering approximately 1.8 million square miles of airspace, according to a Dec. 10 news release from the 374th Airlift Wing.

Making OCD 2024 happen was a monumental effort, and I am deeply grateful for the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved who went to great lengths to bring joy to Pacific islander communities, Cochran said.
The caisson platoon of the Armys 3rd Infantry Divison, also known as the Old Guard, leads a funeral procession in December 2016 at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. (Huey D. Younger Jr./U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON  The iconic horse-drawn processions that have defined military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery for decades are on course to return after an 18-month suspension, under legislation included in the National Defense Authorization Act.

The Honoring Our Heroes with Dignity Act, sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., was included as an amendment to the 1,800-page NDAA for fiscal 2025, which was approved this week by the House and Senate and will be sent to the White House for presidential signature soon.

Language in the bill instructs the Secretary of the Army to complete renovations of historic stables that had fallen into disrepair at Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall. The Army also must ensure that equine handlers are trained and certified to manage the herd and take other steps to establish safeguards for the horses welfare before caisson services can return.

Buchanans spokesman, Josh Gregory, said the congressman has not received an update from the Army on when those steps will be completed.

The horse-drawn processions have been an integral part of Arlington funerals for 75 years. Funeral escort honors at Arlington with horse-drawn carriages were reserved for retired commissioned and warrant officers, Medal of Honor recipients, service members killed in action, sergeants major, U.S. presidents and unspecified special designees.

But unsanitary living conditions, malnourishment and a lack of open space for the herd led to the suspension of horse-drawn funerals conducted by the 3rd Infantry Regiment Caisson Platoon in May 2023, according to Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, commander of the Army Military District of Washington.

The horses were infested with parasites, crowded into small fields filled with manure and construction debris, and suffering from malnutrition from low-quality feed. Two horses died.

The Army reported that the horses had very little grass in the field where they lived, causing many to consume sand and gravel which eventually caused the deaths of the two horses. In fact, one horse that passed away was found to have 44 pounds of gravel and sand in his gut, Buchanan said in October, when he requested that the Government Accountability Office investigate the treatment of the horses.

Eighteen out of 64 horses were retired, according to Buchanans office. The Army has been using hearses from area funeral homes and other vehicles since the suspension of the caisson service.

Caisson-pulling military horses were dying in 2022 because of the Armys failure to provide proper food, veterinary care, pastureland and stables for the herd, Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, said at a recent hearing where the issue was discussed. Our caisson platoon should be the most elite organization of its kind on the planet.

The amendment for resuming the horse-drawn processions provides specific instruction that the herd must have four squads of 11 horses each. The horses health, fitness and training must be certified by the military in consultation with veterinarians and equine experts.

The Army may resume limited services before the conditions are fully met if it can attest to the health and sustainability of the herd and notifies congressional armed service committees in advance, according to the legislation.

More than 2,000 military funeral honors with escort services have been scheduled since the suspension of caisson operations, according to Arlington National Cemetery. During that time, 34 families opted to wait for the return of the caisson, which represents 1.7% of the total number of scheduled military funeral honors with escort services, according to the cemetery.

The herd, meanwhile, is being kept on pastureland in Virginia as the Army seeks to acquire permanent land for the horses to graze and exercise when they are not working at Arlington, according to testimony at a hearing last month of the House Veterans Affairs Committee subpanel on disability and memorial affairs.

The Army has surveyed several potential sites and submitted recommendations to the Army Corps of Engineers real estate division, which would handle the purchase, according to an Army official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Buchanan and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., asked the GAO in October to investigate mismanagement of the Armys 3rd Infantry Regiments Caisson Platoon. The GAO has not committed to a timeline for the report, according to Buchanans office.

The lawmakers would like the GAO to determine the steps the Army is taking to improve the herds living conditions and the factors that contributed to the horses maltreatment and deaths. As part of the audit, the GAO should recommend criteria for a facility to house the horses and outline the type of training that handlers need to properly manage herd, the lawmakers said.
Combined Arms Support Command Soldiers process Advanced Individual Training soldiers ensuring they have their leave orders, airline tickets and other necessary documents during the Holiday Block Leave program Dec. 18, 2024, at the Richmond International Airport, Va. (Dani Johnson/U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command)

The Armys newest soldiers from 21 base installations across the country are heading home for a well-deserved break during Holiday Block Leave.

Gen. Gary M. Brito, commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and Command, and Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris stopped by the Richmond International Airport in Virginia, on Wednesday to wish a happy holiday to soldiers before they departed for home.

We hope the more than 40,000 soldiers traveling for Holiday Block Leave enjoy their break and return ready to continue their training and new careers in the Army, Brito sad.

Local volunteers welcomed the soldiers at the airport and offered them food after check-in. Dozens of cadres (school group leaders) were also in attendance to hand off their trainees and ensure a smooth and orderly transition.

Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Harris of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, right, talks with an Advanced Individual Training soldier flying home on leave during the Combined Arms Support Command Holiday Block Leave program, Dec. 18, 2024, at the Richmond International Airport, Va. (Dani Johnson/U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command) Gen. Gary Brito, commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, right, talks with three Advanced Individual Training soldiers flying home on leave during the Combined Arms Support Command Holiday Block Leave program, Dec. 18, 2024, at the Richmond International Airport, Va. (Dani Johnson/U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command) Gen. Gary Brito, commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, second from right, talks with two Advanced Individual Training soldiers as Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Harris looks on. The Soldiers are flying home on leave during the Combined Arms Support Command Holiday Block Leave program, Dec. 18, 2024, at the Richmond International Airport, Va. (Dani Johnson/U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command)

I look forward to coming home for the holidays because I havent seen my family in over six months, so I am very excited to see them, said Pvt. Mariah Harris, a trainee of the Combined Arms Support Command at Fort Gregg-Adams, Va.

While a lot of the attention during this period is on the trainees and students, drill sergeants and cadres also get to take a break from an almost non-stop training cycle.

HBL, planned by the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, provides soldiers in basic training and Advanced Individual Training a two-week period from Dec. 17-Jan. 5 to spend the holidays with family and friends before resuming training in the new year.

The Army is the only branch of service to pause basic training and AIT during the holiday season.

Soldiers can also remain on post where they will be supported throughout the holidays by their unit and the installation. The garrison and U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command ensures the well-being of soldiers who decide to stay at their training locations during HBL.
Army M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles are offloaded from a cargo vessel at the port of Alexandroupolis, Greece, in March 2024. The offload occurred during the 3rd Armor Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Divisions nine-month deployment. Rotating an Army tank brigade to Europe costs nearly $70 million more per year than basing that unit permanently in either Germany or Poland, according to new research. (Davide Dalla Massara/U.S. Army)

STUTTGART, Germany  Rotating an Army tank brigade to Europe costs nearly $70 million more per year than basing that unit permanently in either Germany or Poland, according to new research.

The findings, contained in an Atlantic Council report released Wednesday, come as debate about the future shape of the U.S. mission in Europe is likely to intensify in President-elect Donald Trumps new term.

At the end of his first tenure, Trump sought to move 12,000 troops out of Germany, including the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Vilseck, and send a large portion of them back to the United States.

Pentagon officials, with a track record of favoring the flexibility and perceived efficiencies of a rotational force model, argued at the time that the loss of a combat brigade in Europe could be offset by boosting rotations to the Continent.

However, an analysis of several years worth of Army data comparing the costs of rotating armored brigades to Europe versus basing them there shows large savings would result from permanent overseas basing arrangements.

Why isnt the United States pursuing it more aggressively? That remains unclear, but politics is probably partially to blame, wrote Army War College professor John Deni, who conducted the analysis for the Atlantic Council think tank.

The total price tag for an armored brigades nine-month rotation is $1.14 billion, roughly $70 million more than the cost of stationing the same unit in Germany or Poland, his report said. The latest results corroborate research he did nearly a decade ago on the same issue.

Soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division maneuver at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, in July 2024. Rotating an Army tank brigade to Europe costs nearly $70 million more per year than basing that unit permanently in either Germany or Poland, according to a new analysis. (Brett Thompson/U.S. Army)

Reasons for the higher cost include the expenses of moving troops and their gear from ports in the United States to Europe, along with predeployment training and sustainment requirements overseas.

Establishing a permanent presence also would reduce the family separations that come with long deployments and potentially send a stronger deterrence signal to Russia, Deni said.

In the aftermath of the Cold War, the U.S. military reduced its European footprint, which at one time was in the range of 300,000 troops.

Today, there are about 65,000 personnel based in Europe, with rotational forces augmenting the mission. Rotations increased following Russias 2014 invasion of Ukraine and the start of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022.

The next Trump administration will likely take numerous factors into consideration when it assesses the U.S. European Command mission.

One aspect that drove Trumps push to pull forces out of Germany at the tail end of his first term was political tension with Berlin and frustration over Germanys many years of paltry defense spending.

Its unclear whether Trump will be satisfied with Germanys recent defense spending increases, which have put the country in compliance with NATOs benchmark of dedicating at least 2% of gross domestic product toward defense.

Another factor that could come into play in weighing the options is the potential threat posed by China and the competition for military resources in the Pacific.

China hawks in Trumps orbit and Vice President-elect JD Vance have argued that European countries should shoulder much more of the security burden on the Continent so that the U.S. can focus on China.

Deni argues that from a fiscal perspective, there should be little debate over the savings that could be achieved by shifting to a permanent basing model in Europe for armored units.

One obstacle could be resistance from politicians in states where the rotational troops are based, who are loath to see their district or state lose a military unit because of the jobs associated with it, Deni said.

But there are other drawbacks to rotations that the Army could be overlooking, he said. While advocates for the rotational approach talk up the training benefits of brigades packing up for big moves back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean, the gains could be short-lived.

Just as rotationally deployed US troops in Europe learn the rules of the road (literally) and gain an understanding of their operating environment, their nine-month rotation ends, and they redeploy home, with most of the knowledge gained and the networks developed lost, Deni said.
The Coast Guard operates just two icebreakers, including the 48-year-old heavy icebreaker Polar Star. (Ryan Graves/U.S. Coast Guard)

A House panel on Wednesday leveled bipartisan criticism at the Coast Guard for delays in building Polar Security cutters needed to offset the growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.

U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, said he called the hearing in the final days of the current session of Congress to underline the urgency in the face of ramped-up joint military operations by Russia and China in the region.

We are reviewing the progress  or lack thereof  of the Coast Guards Polar Security Cutter program, Gimenez said.

Climate change has opened sea lanes in the polar region during the summer months, with Russia and China recently operating joint naval exercises around the Bering Sea near Alaska.

The Coast Guard has reported that Russia has 55 icebreakers, including seven heavy icebreakers capable of slicing through ice up to 2 meters in thickness. Some of the icebreakers are nuclear-powered, allowing them to operate without refueling.

China has declared itself a near-Arctic nation and has fast-tracked icebreaker construction. It has four icebreakers, with a fifth due to launch in 2025. The government of President Xi Jinping has cut the construction time for new icebreakers to 30 months.

The Coast Guard operates just two icebreakers  the 48-year-old heavy icebreaker Polar Star, and the 27-year-old medium icebreaker Healy.

Congress approved $125 million to purchase the only commercially available icebreaker, the 12-year-old Aiviq, which was painted in U.S. Coast Guard colors and intended to be homeported in Juneau, Alaska.

The move was a stopgap measure while the Coast Guard attempted to catch up on its plan to build three new heavy icebreakers, called Polar Security Cutters, six years behind schedule.

U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., at a hearing of the House Homeland Security Committees Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (U.S. House of Representatives)

While the Coast Guard has thankfully awarded a contract to acquire a commercially available icebreaker, this is only a temporary fix, Gimenez said.

U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., the ranking Democrat on the committee, pointed to a recent Congressional Budget Office report that showed the first Polar Security Cutters was unlikely to start service until 2030. The report put the price of the three-ship plan at $5.1 billion  about 60% more than original estimates.

There is something terribly wrong here, he said. Here we are in 2024, and the Coast Guard is only now starting work on the first new cutter.

Coast Guard Vice Admiral Thomas Allan, deputy commandant for mission support, said he was not at the hearing to make excuses.

Allan was asked if he believed Russia and China have an advantage over the United States in the Artic region because of their icebreaker fleets.

Yes, I do, Allan replied.

Allan said the United States had not built a heavy icebreaker in almost 50 years. Expertise in the design and construction of the ships has to be rebuilt. Just as several Navy programs for carriers, submarines, frigates and other ships are behind schedule and over budget, the Coast Guard faces the same challenges of too many vessels vying for work at too few shipyards short of experienced workers.

I am clear-eyed about the issues, Allan said.

Gimenez said the delays were still extraordinary.

Its been six years since this program was authorized, and we still dont have a final design, he said. It only took us nine years to get to the moon.

To compensate for the lack of icebreakers, Allan said the Coast Guard plans to increase the number of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft deployed to the region.

Allan said the Coast Guard needs its budget to grow from $12 billion to $20 billion and have up to nine icebreakers, including at least three capable of cutting through up to two meters of ice.

The number would place the United States behind Russia and China but would be capable of maintaining sovereignty of our waters, Allan said.

The United States has entered into an agreement with Canada and Finland to coordinate design expertise and shipyard availability to hasten the overall number of icebreakers that NATO allies can contribute to offset the Russian and Chinese advantages.

The Coast Guard has also delayed a decision on how big an expansion it plans at its base in Seattle until next month. The new cutters would likely be homeported to the facility on Puget Sound and operate in the Arctic and Alaska regions during the warmer summer months.

Gimenez said he planned to revive the debate over the Coast Guards handling of the Polar Security Cutter program when President-elect Donald Trump takes office and Congress will have Republican majorities in the Senate and House.

I dont think we are delivering the assets that the men and women of the Cost Guard need.
Sailors man the rails during the decommissioning ceremony of the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) in Norfolk, Va., June 28, 2024. The decommissioning ceremony commemorated the history of the ship. (Charles Blaine/U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON  The Navy wasted nearly $2 billion rehabilitating four aging cruisers that were ultimately decommissioned, according to a scathing report by a federal watchdog.

Since 2015, the Navy has spent about $3.7 billion modernizing seven Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruisers. But only three will be delivered back to fleet, and none will gain five service life years, as intended, the Government Accountability Office said in a report released Tuesday.

The Navy did not effectively plan the cruiser effort. This led to a high volume of unplanned work  9,000 contract changes  resulting in cost growth and schedule delays. The Navy has yet to identify the root causes of unplanned work or develop and codify root cause mitigation strategies to prevent poor planning from similarly affecting future surface ship modernization efforts, the report read.

The modernization plan dates back to 2012, when the Navy proposed retiring several cruisers due to budget constraints. Congress rejected the Navys proposal and provided funding to modernize the ships.

In response in 2015, the Navy planned to use a phased approach to modernization that would refit 11 cruisers across a 10-year timeframe in an effort to keep them in the fleet into the 2030s.

In 2017, the plan cut four ships, reducing the modernization effort from 11 ships down to seven.

Four of those seven ships  USS Hue City, USS Anzio, USS Vicksburg and USS Cowpens  ate up $1.84 billion being repaired and modernized, only to never deploy again.

The Navy decommissioned the Hue City and the Anzio in 2022 after spending $161.2 million and $250.54 million, respectively.

The Vicksburg was decommissioned in June after the Navy spent $678.56 million on it, followed by the Cowpens in August, which had $754.1 million in repairs done.

Military Sealift Commands contracted vessel, one of U.S. flagged Jones Act offshore supply super vessels, Motor Vessel Gary Chouest completed a Dead Ship Tow of the ex-USS Anzio (CG 68) on Dec. 9, 2022. A Dead Ship Tow occurs when a motor vessel like Gary Chouest is able to tow a ship like the ex-USS Anzio, when the ship being towed is greater than 100 gross tons and is no longer able to operate under its own command, nor its own propelling machinery. The three-day tow began on Dec. 6 from Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia and ended on Dec. 9 in Philadelphia, Pa. (LaShawn Sykes/USN Military Sealift Command)

After touring five cruisers and interviewing more than 100 Navy officials, the GAO found that weak oversight, lack of planning and poor-quality work drove the failure of the cruiser modernization program.

Even though the Navy used more than $2 billion of procurement funding for cruiser modernization, it did not implement planning and oversight tools typical of high dollar major defense acquisition programs following the major capability acquisition pathways because it is not an acquisition program, the report read.

The Navys cruiser modification plan will upgrade three ships  the USS Gettysburg, USS Chosin and USS Cape St. George for the price of $1.9 billion. Originally, all 11 cruisers were meant to complete modernization by 2026.

To date, nearly $599.4 million was spent on the Gettysburg, $695.72 on the Chosin and $601.39 on the Cape St. George. The Chosin and the Gettysburg have successfully completed modernization, with the Gettysburg deploying.

The point of the modernization was to extend cruiser service lives by five years each in an effort to keep more ships in the fleet. While the ships are not currently planned to see 40 years of service life, the sea service will get an extra three years from the ships.

In November the Navy announced in plans to extend service lives of the Gettysburg, Chosin and Cape St. George to 2029, with plans to decommission them in 2030.

The Gettysburg, Chosin and Cape St. George, which were commissioned in 1991, will now see 38 years of service before retirement.

Ultimately, the Navy saw approximately 36% cost growth on the cruisers it attempted to modernize and cumulatively experienced over 15 years of schedule delays.

The GAO recommended the Navy assess root causes of unplanned work by developing mitigation strategies and codifying the strategies in policy and re-assessing its overall approach to quality assurance to prevent similar issues in future surface ship modernization efforts.

The Navy has other upcoming significant surface ship modernization efforts, such as for 23 destroyers. The success of these efforts is critical to the Navy having a combat-ready fleet, the report read.

The Navy agreed with the GAOs recommendations, the report read.
A U.S. Coast Guard officer has been putting on Christmas light shows since late November at his duplex on Yokota Air Base, Japan. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  A Coast Guard officer stationed at this airlift hub in western Tokyo is lighting up the holiday season one last time.

Lt. Cmdr. Irving Cintron has been putting on Christmas light shows since late November for any of his neighbors on Yokotas west side housing area who wants to watch. Each evening at 6 p.m., the 10- to 15-minute displays dazzle spectators with synchronized music, with a new genre featured each week.

Last week, Cintron played contemporary Christmas classics, such as the theme to National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Last Christmas by Wham! and All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey.

The inspiration for Cintrons holiday tradition goes back to his enlisted days.

I was an electricians mate during my enlisted career, so playing with electricity and electronics had been part of my duty before, he said Nov. 27 after that evenings show. Looking at light shows throughout the country every time we [changed duty stations] made me want to try putting on my own.

He began his tradition in 2005, adding music synchronization in 2012.

Since arriving at Yokota in 2020, Cintron has adapted his displays to base living. Initially uncertain about how his quadplex neighbors would feel about his elaborate decorations, Cintron was met with an enthusiastic response.

At our previous duty stations, we lived off base, so we had a house and no issues with decorating, he said.

Cintrons neighbors not only welcomed his displays, they encouraged him to expand them. By 2021, he was decorating the entire front of the building.

A U.S. Coast Guard officer has been putting on Christmas light shows since late November at his duplex on Yokota Air Base, Japan. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) A U.S. Coast Guard officer has been putting on Christmas light shows since late November at his duplex on Yokota Air Base, Japan. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

Everybody has been so nice to allow me to continue to decorate, he said.

This years light shows are the final chapter for Cintron at Yokota, as he plans to retire in June.

Yokota Air Base is home to the U.S. Coast Guard Activities Far East headquarters, which routinely sends personnel, like Cintron, to inspect ports and ships bound for the U.S. in over 40 partner countries to ensure they comply with port security regulations.

My wife is a civilian and will continue to work for the Air Force, so well have to see where were going to see what happens next, he said.
Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander of Submarine Group 7, poses with the first Australian officer to earn the U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare Device, also known as "dolphins," at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Dec. 12, 2024. (Daniel Providakes/U.S. Navy)

An Australian naval officer recently became the first of his countryman to earn the U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare Device, often referred to as dolphins.

The Australian lieutenant commander, identified only by his first name, James, received the award during a Dec. 12 ceremony at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, according to a Navy news release Tuesday. It did not list the officers last name, citing Australian navy guidelines.

It is always an honor to pin dolphins on a Sailors uniform and welcome them into an elite community of undersea warfighters, Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander of Submarine Group 7, said in the release.

In January, the Navy identified Lt. Cmdr. James Heydon as one of three Australians who became the first to complete initial training for nuclear power operators at the Nuclear Power Training Unit at Goose Creek, S.C.

The Submarine Warfare Device is a mandatory qualification for all submariners in the U.S. Navy, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command website. Sailors must demonstrate a strong understanding of all systems, compartments and equipment aboard the submarine to earn the badge.

The Australian officer earned his dolphins while serving aboard the USS Vermont, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, according to the release.

Australian naval officers are training on U.S. Navy submarines as part of the 2021 trilateral AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. More than 100 Australian officers participate in the program, according to the Tuesday release.

AUKUS was formed to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarine capabilities while ensuring they have submariners capable of safely operating and maintaining the vessels. The member states agreed to start training Australian navy personnel in 2023.

Australian officers and civilians began embedding with the U.S. and U.K. navies last year.

In August, the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land arrived at HMAS Stirling, near Perth, Australia, for several weeks of maintenance training on a U.S. nuclear-powered sub. In February, 37 Australian officers and sailors arrived at Naval Base Guam for similar training.

In March, President Joe Bidens administration trimmed plans to produce two Virginia-class subs in 2025 for Australia to one, according to Bloomberg.

The U.S. plans to sell three Virginia-class nuclear submarines to Australia after 2030 as part of the program, pending approval from Congress closer to the time of sale, according to a White House fact sheet released in March.
South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles and U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation prior to munitions training at Pilsung Range, South Korea, on Dec. 16, 2024. (Maria Umanzor Guzman/U.S. Air Force)

A pair of military exercises over South Korea emphasized air defense and ground support this week as 2024 nears its final days.

The countrys military branches trained Thursday afternoon to improve the nations air defense response to North Korean drone intrusions, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The joint exercise, announced Wednesday, involved a simulated attack by multiple drones over the East Sea, or Sea of Japan, and the Yellow Sea, and rear areas, according to a news release by the Joint Chiefs.

This training will simulate responses to potential provocations involving multiple small North Korean drones infiltrating South Korean land and sea, including operating a large number of small drones as virtual enemy aircraft, the release states.

Units of the South Korean army, navy and air force worked to detect, identify and simulate the downing of small drones, according to the Joint Chiefs.

The military is doing its utmost to monitor and prepare for North Korea, while continuing to conduct practical trainings in preparation for enemy provocations, the release states.

North and South Korea both launched programs to upgrade their drone programs last year, after North Korean drones breached the Souths airspace in December 2022, according to a Bloomberg News report in June 2023.

The flight of five North Korean drones into South Korea on Dec. 26, 2022, including one into the no-fly zone around the presidential office in Seoul, exposed the Souths lack of defensive capability, according to a classified U.S. intelligence assessment cited five months later by The Washington Post.

South Korea scrambled fighter jets and helicopters in response but failed to shoot down any of the intruding drones.

On Monday and Tuesday, U.S. and South Korean fighter aircraft teamed up for live-fire training at a range southeast of Seoul, according to 7th Air Force.

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons with the 80th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan Air Base dropped Mk-82 general purpose, freefall bombs on simulated targets at Pilsung Range. Two F-15K Slam Eagles in a separate drill dropped two GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions, or JDAMS, at the same range, according to information posted on the 7th Air Force website.

The 607th Air Support Operations Group took part in the close air support portion of the exercise as tactical air control specialists, according to 7th Air Force.

The allies last publicized a training exercise at Pilsung Range, about 100 miles southeast of Seoul, on Oct. 4, when two Air Force B-1 Lancers and two Slam Eagles flew close air support drills there.

On June 5, a Lancer and two Slam Eagles dropped 500-pound JDAMS at Pilsung, the first live-fire demonstration by a Lancer in South Korea in seven years.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. Kapital Bank will start the transformation of the Kapital Bank brand into the Birbank brand in the first quarter of 2025, the chairperson of the board and CEO of Kapital Bank Farid Huseynov said during a press conference on the results of the current year and plans for the next year, Trend reports.

As you know, we made Birbank the country's first digital bank in 2021 by introducing the possibility of fully online ordering of loans and cards. Our customers have welcomed this innovation positively. Today, with over 3 million monthly active users, Birbank has become as strong a brand as Kapital Bank. Our plans for the future are related to further digitalization, the introduction of modern technologies, and artificial intelligence. That is why from the first quarter of 2025 we will start transforming the Kapital Bank brand into the Birbank brand.

This does not mean that Kapital Bank will completely disappear. You will see Kapital Bank as a financial institution and a corporate brand. We will offer all our products and services to our customers under the Birbank brand. We, like our customers, will become part of Birbank. If you ask whether something will change in their attitude toward customers, the answer is yes, customers will feel this change to a greater extent.

Birbank can be characterized as a younger, more dynamic, nimble, digital, and innovative brand. And all of this will be reflected in an improved customer experience. Our customers will be able to access all products and services through the Birbank website and app. In addition, Kapital Bank branches will also be transformed into Birbank branches, and this process will take about two years, Huseynov said.
South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik discusses martial law with reporters in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 19, 2024. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)

SEOUL, South Korea  Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol likely kept the United States in the dark about his plan to declare martial law on Dec. 3 to avoid interference with his decree, the National Assembly speaker told reporters Thursday.

Woo Won-shik, a member of the South Korean opposition Democratic Party, said it would have been difficult for Yoon if the U.S. had known about his plans, which ultimately failed.

Woo didnt elaborate on why he thought that was likely, or whether he believed the U.S. should have been consulted.

Spokesmen for the U.S. Departments of State and Defense, speaking the day after the attempted martial law, said their departments had no advance notice of Yoons plans.

The U.S. has about 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, most of them at Camp Humphreys, about 40 miles south Seoul.

Woo met with U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg in Seoul on Dec. 12 to discuss Yoons martial law declaration and to reaffirm their countries cooperation on economic and security matters.

We both agreed that the U.S.-[South Korea] alliance is strong and enduring, Goldberg said that day on social platform X.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington had no advanced notice of Yoons plans, according to a Reuters report Dec. 5.

We are certainly not routinely informed of every decision that any partner may be making anywhere around the world at any given time, he said in an interview with the news outlet in Brussels.

The National Assembly voted to overturn Yoons declaration in an overnight vote about six hours later. Woo, sentenced to a three-year prison term for protesting former President Chun Doo-hwan, said he would climb over the National Assemblys walls to veto another martial law attempt.

Yoon withdrew the declaration that night. Blinken the next day said he welcomed that decision.

We continue to expect political disagreements to be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law, Blinken said.

Yoons abrupt declaration faced backlash from South Koreas Democratic Party as well as members of the ruling People Power Party. He was impeached by the National Assembly on Saturday after a failed attempt a week earlier.

Yoon defended his martial law decree in a televised speech Dec. 12, saying it was to prevent anti-state forces from impeding legislation and the Democratic Partys series of impeachment motions against appointed government officials.

Woo described Yoons reasoning as absurd and vowed South Koreas political climate will return to normalcy.

[South Korea] is going through a process of forging our democracy, he said Thursday. After going through this process, [South Korea] will emerge as a more stable and advanced democracy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin holds his annual end-of-year press conference in Moscow on Dec. 19, 2024. (Alexander Nemenov, AFP, Getty Images via TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  President Vladimir Putin said hes willing to hold talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, though he said they havent spoken in more than four years.

I dont know when well meet because he doesnt say anything about it, Putin said Thursday at his annual televised news conference and phone-in in Moscow. I havent spoken to him at all for more than four years. Im ready for it, of course, at any time. And Ill be ready to meet if he wants.

Trump has said he wants to bring about an end to Russias nearly three-year long war on Ukraine even before he takes office for his second presidential term on Jan. 20. On Monday, he said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should be prepared to make a deal and appeared to downplay the value of land occupied by Russia since Putin ordered the February 2022 full-scale invasion.

Trump has also said he wants Putin to be ready to agree on a deal. So far, though, the incoming U.S. president hasnt indicated how hell get both sides to the negotiating table to resolve the war, and on what terms.

With its forces advancing on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, Russia has expressed reluctance to agree to an immediate ceasefire. Putin has said hes willing to hold talks, while insisting that any negotiations take account of the realities on the ground since his forces invaded Ukraine and occupied swathes of the countrys south and east.

Hes also demanding that Ukraine abandon its goal of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Putin said he hasnt spoken to ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad since he fled to Moscow to escape rebel forces that ended his familys more than half-century rule earlier this month.

I havent seen President Assad since his arrival in Moscow, Putin said, in his first comments on the ouster of his ally. But I plan to, well definitely talk.

Putin said hed ask Assad about missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria 12 years ago, and would also be willing to contact those whore now in charge of the country, in response to a question from a U.S. journalist.

He didnt explain why he hasnt yet seen Assad, a key Middle East partner for Moscow. Putin sent Russian forces to bolster Assads regime against rebels in 2015, but with his military consumed by the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin could do nothing to save him this time.

Russia is in contact with the new leadership in Damascus, headed by a former offshoot of al-Qaeda, to try to keep a naval port and air base in Syria that are vital to the Kremlins efforts to project power in the Mediterranean and support its operations in countries across Africa.

Putin disclosed that Russia had airlifted 4,000 Iranian fighters out of Syria from the air base at Khmeimim at the request of the authorities in Tehran.

He insisted that developments in Syria didnt represent a defeat for Russia. Moscows working out what its relationship with the countrys new leadership should be and whether their interests coincide, Putin said.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. The newest installment of the analytical video series "Dialogue with Tofig Abbasov" hit the airwaves on the expert platform Baku Network, showcasing the outstanding sculptor, People's Artist of Azerbaijan, and Full Member of the National Academy of Sciences Omar Eldarov, as the featured guest, Trend reports.

In talking about the normalization process between Baku and Yerevan, Eldarov expressed his sincere hope for the wisdom and kindness inherent in human nature: "I believe in the wisdom and kindness that are undoubtedly present in people. Without these qualities, the world would have long ago sunk into endless conflicts. However, I'm convinced that a person is more inclined toward peace and stability than to war and discord. I am sure that we will overcome all difficulties and find a way to mutual understanding," he said.

The sculptor also expressed confusion regarding the revanchist and aggressive sentiments in Armenia.

"I find this completely incomprehensible. In Azerbaijan, many Armenians lived. Among my friends, there were quite a few representatives of this nation. Moreover, my co-author was architect Agarunovalso Armenian. But it seems that they always want more. Why?" Eldarov emphasized.

According to him, Armenia is displaying aggressive behavior that contradicts common sense.

"Why is this necessary? I don't understand. Everything was fine and built on trust, but they destroyed everything," he added.

The complete episode is available to view down below:

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
One driver made 685 journeys without paying

Twenty-six motorists have been fined almost 500,000 after failing to appear in court for overdue M50 tolls, including a driver who made 685 journeys without paying.

This week, Judge Anthony Halpin imposed fines ranging from 7,000 to 25,000 in their absence at Dublin District Court.

The total came to 478,000. Judge Halpin heard that 21 car and five commercial vehicle owners faced sample charges for using the motorway from December 2023 until June this year.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) prosecuted them after sending hundreds of warning letters.

Judge Halpin heard information about vehicle types and detailed records of outstanding charges, and he noted that the motorists did not turn up in court despite getting summonses.

In each case, he heard evidence from a Turas Mobility Services witness who outlined the motorists' level of engagement with the M50 operators and vehicle ownership history.

Sixteen cases were adjourned, while one prosecution was struck out after that defendant reached an agreement with the toll operator.

Prosecutions proceeded against 26 defendants who had been sent warning letters but did not come to court and were fined in absentia, including a man with a vehicle recovery lorry owner who had used the motorway 470 times without paying. "He should know he has to pay the toll," said Judge Halpin.

Eight private car and five commercial vehicle owners received fines totalling 25,000, mostly in scenarios where vehicle owners made little or no attempt to pay.

The defendants were also ordered to pay the fines and 350 costs within three months.

Prosecuting counsel Thomas Rice (instructed by Pierse Fitzgibbon Solicitors) said the defendants face five sample counts, and the prosecutions could proceed.

The witness confirmed each vehicle's ownership records, the number of passages, and payment history, and she outlined how they were sent hundreds of warning letters, which mostly went unheeded.

There was also evidence showing they were the registered owners at the time.

The court also saw images of all the vehicles passing the toll gantry.

The court can impose fines of up to 5,000 per charge and a six-month sentence.

However, the motorway operator's practice is to prosecute habitual non-payers.

The standard toll for a private car is now 3.70, which must be paid before 8 pm the following day, or there is an added penalty.

Surcharges ratchet up after 56 days, followed by warning letters and court proceedings if it remains unpaid. Commercial and goods vehicle owners pay more, and registered owners are liable.
Aaron McIlhatton will serve half his sentence in jail and the rest under supervised licence conditions

A Co Antrim man who kicked his way into his victims home and stabbed him in front of his wife and son has been handed a 10-year sentence.

Ordering Aaron McIlhatton to serve half his sentence in jail and the rest under supervised licence conditions, Judge Fiona Bagnall warned the 30-year-old today that it is with some reluctance that she was not assessing him as a dangerous offender.

The Antrim Crown Court judge emphasised that when he broke in and stabbed the victim multiple times on September 14, 2022, leaving him with life-threatening and life-changing injuries, McIlhatton was just a few days away from being sentenced for a similar attack on the same victim.

On the day he was due to go on trial accused of attempted murder, McIlhatton, from Haughtons Hall in Cullybackey, entered guilty pleas to the lesser offences of aggravated burglary at a house on Grove Road in Ballymena.

In that incident, he was armed with a knife and inflicted GBH on the victim and possessing a firearm or imitation gun with intent to cause fear of violence.

That incident came just four days before McIlhatton was handed a four-and-a-half-year sentence arising from an incident at the same victims house late at night on June 6, 2021, where he slashed his car tyres and then forced his way in, assaulting the victim in his bed, in front of wife and children before making off.

Jailing McIlhatton, Judge Bagnall said the case before her was remarkably similar but was significantly more serious.

She outlined that it was around 4am on September 14, when the defendant was captured on ring doorbell footage outside the victims home pointing a handgun at the camera.

Thirty seconds after that, McIlhatton, who was holding a nine-inch knife in his other hand, kicked the front door in.

The victims son shouted hes got a gun, hes got a gun as McIlhatton ran upstairs.

Having been roused from his sleep, the victim threw a plant pot at McIlhatton and while it struck him, it only served to temporarily delay the attack and the 30-year-old ran back upstairs and began stabbing at the victim.

The attack  witnessed by the victims wife and 12-year-old son  left him covered in blood with his bowels protruding from abdominal wounds as McIlhatton ran from the scene.

Antrim Crown Court

Judge Bagnall said police arrested McIlhatton at his home a short time later. Officers noted that he was only wearing boxer shorts.

His victim was rushed to hospital where he had to undergo life-saving surgery.

The victim, who watched proceedings by video-link and who at one stage during the plea and sentence had to be told to stop recording the court, spent three months in hospital.

However, he has been left with permanent injuries and is no longer able to work as a result of the attack.

The judge said the present offences were aggravated because McIlhatton had breached bail conditions to carry out his latest attack for which there was an element of determination to cause serious harm given that he had armed himself before he launched his attack.

A further aggravating feature was that McIlhaton attacked the deliberately targeted victim in his own home, in front of his family, a place where all of them were entitled to feel safe but the fact the defendant had admitted his guilt and was remorseful was to be taken as mitigation.

As regards the motivation behind the aggravated burglary, Judge Bagnall said McIlhatton had told a probation officer there were stressors in his life at the time, he had been drinking too much and ruminating over an incident where the victim had attacked his parents 17 years previously.

In addition to the 10 year sentence, the judge also imposed a Violent Offences Prevention Order which will last for five years after McIlhatton is freed from prison.

Following the sentencing, a spokesperson for the PSNI said it will offer reassurance that police will work tirelessly to bring offenders before the courts so that the victims receive the justice they deserve.
Ahmed Rashed claimed he had slipped more than 10 years ago

A former chef at the famed Lamb Doyles Inn, which sat at the foot of the Dublin Mountains until sold as a prime residential development site, has withdrawn a 60,000 personal injuries claim against the insurers of the now defunct pub and restaurant.

Ahmed Rashed, of Mullaunmore, Ballon, Co Carlow, who celebrates his 44th birthday tomorrow, claimed he had slipped more than 10 years ago on flour on the floor of a small dry store room while reaching for a bag of rice.

Rashed had detailed his fall to Judge Fiona OSullivan in the Circuit Civil Court today, and the consequences of an alleged shoulder injury, until withdrawing his claim in the middle of a detailed cross-examination by defence barrister Grainne Berkery.

Questioned about self-injecting with a Voltarol pain killing medication which he had described to his doctor, and differences of initial claims about how the accident happened and what he had told the court, Rashed took the opportunity of a brief adjournment by Judge OSullivan to inform his legal team to withdraw his case.

Ms Berkery, who appeared with Stephen Mackenzie Solicitors, told Rashed that in his initial visit to a VHI Swiftcare Clinic in Dundrum he had told a doctor there that he had had been trying to lift a bag from a height when it fell and he had dislocated his left shoulder by hyperextending his arm.

She said that in his initial complaint to the Injuries Board there had been no mention of flour.

Counsel said he had failed to tell his GP that he had dislocated his left shoulder as a child. She also told him that the defence forensic engineer would tell the court that dry flour on the floor of the store would have made the surface less rather than more slippery.

Following the adjournment Judge OSullivan was told Rashed was withdrawing his case which could be struck out without further court order.
The 61-year-old former Sunday School teacher is set to claim she was under the coercive control of Colin Howell

Convicted double killer Hazel Stewart has launched a new legal bid to secure a reduced jail sentence for murdering her policeman husband and the wife of her ex-lover.

The 61-year-old former Sunday School teacher is set to claim she was under the coercive control of Colin Howell when their partners deaths were plotted.

Based on newly obtained medical evidence that she had been suffering from a mental disorder, her lawyers lodged papers at the Court of Appeal in Belfast today seeking leave to challenge her prison term.

Solicitor Kevin Winters said: Hazel Stewart was also a victim herself but for various reasons she was never treated as such at her original trial.

This application will hopefully bring a fresh judicial evaluation on coercive control and in turn serve to realign her status as a victim.

Colin Howell

Hazel Stewart

Stewart is currently serving a minimum 18 years behind bars for the double killing of Constable Buchanan, 32, and Howells 31-year-old wife Lesley Howell.

Both victims were found in a fume-filled garage in Castlerock, Co Derry, back in May 1991.

Police originally believed they had died in a suicide pact after discovering their partners were having an extra-marital affair.

Instead, they had been drugged and murdered before their bodies were arranged to make it look like they had taken their own lives.

Nearly two decades passed before dentist Howell, 65, suddenly confessed to both killings.

He pleaded guilty to the murders in 2010 and was ordered to serve at least 21 years behind bars.

Howell also implicated his former lover in the plot and gave evidence against her at her trial.

In March 2011 Stewart was unanimously convicted of both killings by a jury at Coleraine Crown Court.

Howell gave evidence against her at the trial, describing them as having a blood pact which was strengthened when she had a secret abortion in London after becoming pregnant by him.

Since then Stewart has failed in a series of attempts to have her convictions overturned.

Lesley Howell

The mother-of-two is now seeking leave to argue in the Court of Appeal that her prison term was manifestly excessive.

Stewarts legal team claim the sentence was imposed without any available information about her state of depression at the time of the murders.

New evidence obtained from medical experts show her ability to make rational choices or properly comprehend the consequences of her actions was impaired, they allege.

Papers lodged today as part of the application contend: The applicants abnormality of mind made her vulnerable to the coercive control exercised over her by her co-accused, Colin Howell, and also adversely affected her ability to exercise appropriate judgment.

A consultant psychiatrist who assessed Stewart has formed the opinion that she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder related to the abortion procedure in 1990.

This directly impacted on her ability to stop or dissuade Howell in his actions and also affected her decision making in the months afterwards in her interactions with the authorities, the defence documents state.

Trevor Buchanan

The latest legal challenge was mounted after the Public Prosecution Service decided not to charge Howell with alleged assaults against Stewart.

Mr Winters confirmed that new grounds to appeal her sentence for the two murder convictions have been lodged in an attempt to recalibrate the outdated narrative on this case.

We are now inviting the court to reassess sentencing with the benefit of new psychiatric evidence on coercive control, he said.

We believe there ought to have been a much greater sentencing disparity between Colin Howell and Hazel Stewart.

This appeal is about re-setting sentencing through the prism of our client as a victim of Colin Howells coercive control.
Scott Cahill (19) pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault causing harm. He has four previous convictions

A teenager who was part of a group of youths who carried out an unprovoked attack on British tourists in Temple Bar has been jailed for three years.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Scott Cahill (19) of St James Road, Greenhills, Crumlin, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault causing harm in Temple Bar on August 11, 2023.

He has four previous convictions, which include assault and the production of an article. Cahill was on bail at the time of this offence.

Passing sentence today, Judge Pauline Codd noted the victims were subjected to an unprovoked attack by the accused and a group of other teenage males.

She said that Cahill's involvement through punching, kicking and stomping on one of the victims was a significant aggravating feature. The judge said other aggravating factors include that Cahill was on bail at the time and the impact on the victims.

The judge said she had considered the mitigating factors, including Cahill's guilty pleas, expressions of remorse, his youth and the contents of reports submitted to the court.

Judge Codd imposed an effective sentence of five years, with the final two years suspended on strict conditions, including that Cahill place himself under the supervision of the Probation Services upon his release from custody.

She backdated his sentence to September 5, 2023, when he went into custody. Judge Codd said the court noted that Cahill hasnt been particularly well behaved in prison, and it was important Cahill understands that he must be of good behaviour in prison and for the duration of the suspended sentence.

At a previous hearing, Garda Derek Brereton told George Burns, BL, prosecuting, that four British tourists were the victims of violent disorder just after 10pm on the night in question. The court heard that the tourists encountered a large group of youths who asked if they wanted to buy drugs. One of the tourists declined the offer and walked on and then felt a punch to the back of his head.

The court heard Cahill (then 18) punched three of the men several times, both when they were standing and while they were on the ground. He also stamped on the head of one of the men. CCTV of the incident was shown to the court, and gardai used this footage to identify Cahill. On his arrest, clothing matching that shown in the CCTV footage was seized.

Gda Brereton told the court that two of the men were taken to hospital with the following injuries: a broken nose, bruising and swelling to the left eye, lacerations and one had a cut to the back of his head that needed to be glued.

Victim impact statements were handed into the court from the men. The statements described how one of the men struggled to feel safe and had been diagnosed with PTSD. He said that he lacks confidence and, at a time, was physically unable to leave the house.

A second injured party said that he suffers from constant headaches, is hyper-vigilant in crowded areas and has lost interest in activities since the attack. He said he was an outgoing person who liked to travel but now is a nervous wreck.

Scott was refused bail and has been in custody since September 2023.

Gda Brereton agreed with Michael OHiggins, SC, defending, that his client was 18 at the time of the offence and that he had serious substance abuse issues.

The garda agreed with counsel that Cahill had a turbulent childhood and was not difficult to deal with. The garda further accepted that Cahill identified himself on CCTV.

Mr OHiggins said, This is a serious case and is recognised by my client as serious. It lasted less than a minute, and the level of violence was strong.

Counsel said Scott has shown empathy and remorse and has a desire to correct his behaviours.

He said Scott grew up in a volatile environment and was placed into foster care as a child.

He asked the court to take into account the contents of a psychological report and a probation report.

Mr O'Higgins noted that his client is assessed at high risk of re-offending and asked the court to structure a sentence to include a period where his client would be under the supervision of the Probation Service. He said his client now has family support and is undertaking a number of courses while in custody.
Judge Gerard Jones said he believed the accused was a danger to the public and remanded her in custody to later this week

An 82-year-old man suffered head and facial injuries when he was violently robbed by a man and a woman on a Dublin street, a court was told.

Edel Stirling (45), who is accused of taking part in the robbery, was refused bail when she appeared in Dublin District Court.

Power tools worth 500 were taken from the elderly man in a completely unprovoked attack outside his city centre home, gardai said.

Judge Gerard Jones said he believed the accused was a danger to the public and remanded her in custody to later this week.

Ms Stirling, with an address at Blessington Street, Dublin 7 is charged with robbing a man of 500 worth of power tools at Mountjoy Square on December 14. She is also accused of damaging a cell at Mountjoy Garda Station by urinating in it after her arrest.

Objecting to bail, Garda Lisa Flynn told the court the alleged victim complained he had sustained injuries as a result of a robbery and gave a description of the alleged culprits. Ms Stirling was found in close proximity to the scene on Dorset Street Lower, matching the description.

Photographs had been taken by witnesses.

The judge asked if the accused and the alleged victim had been complete strangers and if it had been an unprovoked assault and robbery."

It was a completely unprovoked attack, Gda Flynn said.

It was alleged the accused stole a bag of tools from outside the man's house.

The alleged victim stepped outside and the engagement happened, defence solicitor Richard Young said.

Applying for bail, Mr Young said a man also suspected of being involved had not been detected yet.

Stirling was cooperative with gardai when interviewed and was quite forthcoming, he said.

The court heard drink was certainly a factor in what happened and her memory of it. Stirling herself had been the victim of a serious assault in recent years.

Mr Young said he realised the court would have a particular eye to the vulnerability of the alleged injured party and his age. However, he asked the judge to allow his client to be out on bail for Christmas, when she would be with family members. The court heard she had a son and her mother was disabled.

This is a most serious matter, the judge said. A gentleman aged 82 on a street in Dublin is suddenly (allegedly) attacked by this person and another person unknown to him. As far as Im concerned, she is a danger to the public and Im refusing bail.

The accused was remanded in custody to appear in court again on Friday.
John Paul Ward was refused bail after being accused of two robberies at a pharmacy and a Costcutters shop within the space of about 90 minutes

A FATHER of four threatened pharmacy staff in Dublin that he had a Taser weapon during a robbery, a court has heard.

John Paul Ward, 36, of Parkmore estate, Tuam, Galway, was refused bail after being accused of two robberies at a pharmacy on Manor Street and a Costcutters shop on Ormond Quay Upper, on December 12, within the space of about 90 minutes. Both premises are located in the Dublin 7 area.

Judge Treasa Kelly heard at Dublin District Court that it was alleged that a man entered the Soilse pharmacy and went behind the desk where the three staff members were on duty.

The court heard claims he threatened them, stating, "I have a Taser, and I am going to use it," putting staff members in fear. The court heard he demanded Valium and made off with containers of the medication.

The contested bail hearing was told that about an hour and a half later, he entered the Costcutters outlet wearing the same clothes. It is alleged that the raider threatened the lone staff member behind the counter, stating that he had a knife in his pocket and demanded money.

The shop worker was in fear and handed over cash from the till before the accused allegedly made good his escape.

Gardai obtained CCTV evidence. Defence counsel Kevin McCrave submitted that his client would return to live at his address in Co Galway. However, the bail application was denied.

Judge Kelly remanded him in custody to appear again on Friday.
A jury unanimously convicted Patrick Murphy of murdering Joseph Brosnan after rejecting the defence case that he was provoked

A 52-year-old man who stabbed his daughters neighbour to death in a "drunken rage", in what a judge described as a cowardly attack on a defenceless and unarmed man, has been sentenced to life in prison.

Patrick Murphy, of no fixed abode, had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty of the manslaughter of Joseph Brosnan (53), at Abbey Court, Tralee, on May 22nd, 2022.

The jury unanimously convicted Murphy of murder after rejecting the defence case that he was provoked.

Passing the mandatory term of life imprisonment, Mr Justice Paul Burns said the deceased was a decent man who had been viciously stabbed by Murphy.

Mr Brosnans family delivered emotional victim impact statements in which they described him as a much-loved son, father and grandad.

Shaun Brosnan described his sons killer as a coward, and said he wished Murphy would spend every second of his life in jail adding: I hope to God he will rot in hell.

Mr Brosnans daughter, Rachel Dunne, said her son had a special bond like no other with his grandfather but is now still so traumatised from this tragedy that he cant bring himself to say the word grandad.

A Central Criminal Court jury heard Mr Brosnan had previously worked at a direct provision centre where he met and befriended a Polish man named Kamil Lisowski.

On May 22, 2022 Mr Lisowski finished work at around 7.45am and called to Mr Brosnans home at Abbey Court. The pair shared a few drinks and watched television before Murphy, who had been visiting his daughters apartment across from Mr Brosnans, joined them at around 3pm.

Further drinking took place in the house which resulted in some insult passing between Mr Lisowski and Murphy.

Mr Lisowski slapped Murphy in the face but things calmed down again and people shook hands. However, the matter well up again and Murphy was asked to leave.

He came back at around a quarter to seven and apologised but was subsequently pushed out vigorously from the apartment and fell to the ground outside.

Murphy returned a short time later armed with a large kitchen knife, which he used to stab the victim three times after Mr Brosnan had opened the door and again told him to go.

A second stab wound to Mr Brosnans back proved fatal as it penetrated the pericardial sac around the deceaseds heart which caused massive bleeding and resulted in death occurring fairly rapidly.

Ambulance and gardai attended the scene but Mr Brosnan died in his apartment lying on his sofa.

Mr Brosnan was aware that he was seriously injured and told Mr Lisowski: Im dying.

Mr Lisowski gave evidence to the trial, telling the jury that Murphy had come to the door "to revenge" and had stabbed Mr Brosnan like rapid fire.

My best friend was dying in my hands," the eyewitness told the jury.

When he was arrested and interviewed, Murphy suggested that the victim had possibly suffered a seizure before eventually admitting that he had brought a knife to the scene and that he had stabbed Mr Brosnan.

He told gardai that he started drinking and taking tablets before numerous scuffles broke out on the day.

Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC argued that Murphy had acted in boiling blood, in a rage or out of control after he had the living daylights kicked out of him on the ground.

Mr Grehan suggested that it was Mr Lisowski and possibly Mr Brosnan who hit the defendant on the ground, driving him into a rage, despite denials of this by Mr Lisowski.

Counsel argued that the alleged beating was "an act of provocation".

The prosecution case was that there was no reason for Murphy to bring a knife to the apartment and that he had a clear intention to kill or cause serious injury.

Mr Brosnan was entitled to refuse entry and if that involved pushing him [Murphy] out so be it, Patrick Gageby SC said.

The jury deliberated for two hours and two minutes before returning their unanimous verdict against Murphy.

Detective Sergeant Mark OSullivan, told Mr Gageby that Murphy has 15 previous convictions, the majority of which are for road traffic matters as well as some for public order and drugs offences.

Elizabeth Murphy BL, representing Murphy, said her client wished to sincerely express his remorse to Mr Brosnans family. Murphy had taken another mans life and understands the ramifications of that, she said.

Imposing the mandatory term of life in prison, Mr Justice Burns said Murphy had acted in a drunken rage and carried out a vicious and cowardly knife attack on a defenceless and unarmed Mr Brosnan.

He said after he was arrested, the defendant had concocted a story before admitting he was responsible.

The judge thanked Mr Brosnans family for their eloquent victim impact statements which, he said, made clear the great sense of loss they have experienced and the profound impact his loss has had upon them.

Patrick Murphy outside Kenmare District Court last October.

In her victim impact statement, Rachel Dunne said she suffers nightmares about the way in which her father died.

I go to sleep every night with that horrid picture in my head, she said. I should be able to remember my dad's face as the happy man that I knew rather than the image of my dad's lifeless body in the morgue.

Ms Dunne told the court that as well as dealing with her own loss, she also has to help her child through his grief.

The little boy is petrified that the bad man will come back and hurt the rest of his family, she told the court.

Ms Dunne said her sons communion in May 2024 should have been a joyous and memorable occasion but instead was a very painful time because it fell so close for her Dads second anniversary. She said that while the court case has given her family some closure, people will never truly understand the pain of reliving that night over and over again.

Hearing how the night unfolded and how he lived his last few moments knowing he was going to die will never leave my head, she said. He must have been so scared.

The deceaseds father, Shaun Brosnan, described the two and a half years since his sons death as a nightmare living with the knowledge he will never to see Joseph again for a cup of coffee and a chat.

He said the lies Murphy had told about Joseph being his best friend still ring in his head. Josephs best friend was Kamil who comforted Joseph in his last breath. Im grateful for that.

In a statement read to the court on her behalf, Mr Brosnans mother, Philomena said after he had stabbed her son, Murphy went to his daughters home, changed his clothes and put away the knife. He left Joseph to bleed to death. Shame on you, she said.

Another of Mr Brosnans daughters, Marie Dunne, described her Dad as her first best friend who had encouraged her in all of her hopes, dreams and aspirations.

He was my safety net whenever I was falling, he was my humour in my darkest times, said Marie.

His absence haunts my dreams and every moment of my waking life, she said, adding the pain goes so deep it is now in my bones.

Every happy memory I have of my dad is now tainted by his tragic passing, Ms Dunne added.

She said because of one mans choices, her father does not get to see her graduate from college with her second degree and will not get to walk her down the aisle; there will be no more holidays, birthday or celebrations.

Ms Dunne said she was grateful that the last day she spent with her father was a good one because it was the day her fiance told him that he was going to propose to her.

He wanted to celebrate but I said dad he hasnt even asked me yet, we will have all the time in the world for that.

However, she said her father insisted and she was glad they did celebrate because: As I found out a week later, we did not have all the time in the world. We only had that one brief moment.

She said her whole family had been permanently marked by her Dads passing.

He was a kind, loving and remarkable man who deserved so much more than the way his life was taken from him, she said.
Farmer Joseph Baldwin (39) of Ballyaneen, Gort, Co Galway, was convicted of assault and of breaching public order by engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour

A man who threw a bag of cow dung at then government minister Anne Rabbitte has been handed a community service order in lieu of a three-month sentence.

After a previous hearing, farmer Joseph Baldwin (39) of Ballyaneen, Gort, Co Galway, was convicted of assault and of breaching public order by engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at a public meeting at Sullivans Hotel, Gort, in January 2023.

Video footage of the incident was played during a hearing last September that showed Baldwin throwing a small bag of cow dung at Anne Rabbitte, who was then a Galway East TD and junior minister.

Ms Rabbitte, who lost her seat in last months election, had contended in her tearful evidence that she had been hit by the bag containing cow manure. However. the footage showed that although Baldwin had thrown the bag in her direction, it had not made contact with her.

In her evidence, Ms Rabbitte testified that before Mr Baldwin threw the bag towards her he said: I am not forgetting about you, there is one for you, Rabbitte and then he flung a bag as well.

Fianna Fail's Anne Rabbitte. Photo: Julien Behal

After the bag fell on the ground beside her, Ms Rabbitte said: I didnt know if the two legs were going to go from under me.

She said: Someone picked it up and said that it was a bag of shit. I wanted to scream my head off because no one said that what was happening was wrong.

In sentencing, Judge Alec Gabbett said that after reading the probation report and the character testimonials before him, he was of the view that Baldwin was a community man.

Judge Gabbett said the reports before him confirmed his own hunch that Baldwin was a community-spirited individual and would be very suitable for a community service order.

Defence counsel Darragh Hassett said every community needs a Joe Baldwin and that sometimes issues in a community needed to be ventilated.

The court was told Baldwin had made a submission to the January 2023 meeting in Gort concerning the proposed development of a biogas facility in the town.

Mr Baldwin had contended he had brought the bags of manure, one of which he threw in the direction of former East Galway TD Ciaran Cannon, as a way to demonstrate his disapproval of the biogas facility.

He said he intended to leave the bags on the table in front of the public representatives but, due to how the meeting was organised, he was unable to do so.

Defence counsel Hassett said Baldwin never intended to hurt anyone at the meeting and was sorry for his actions.

It was his way of protesting, Mr Hassett said.

Judge Gabbett received three testimonials from a local GP, a pharmacist in Gort and Councillor Gerry Finnerty.

The court was told Baldwin had co-operated fully with the probation service and was at low risk of reoffending.

Judge Gabbett imposed a 60-hour community service order on him in lieu of a three-month prison sentence.

The public order offence was taken into consideration.

However, the judge said he had to be mindful of the fact that the video footage shown did not lie, and that this type of behaviour was unacceptable. It should not be endured by public representatives and it just could not happen again.

Mr Hassett said: It will not happen again.

Speaking outside court, Baldwin said he wasnt sure whether he would appeal the sentence.
Passing sentence on repeat offender David Dunne (40), Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring noted that no explanation for the decision to kill Robert OConnor has ever been proffered

An "institutionalised" prisoner who was convicted of murdering a fellow inmate by luring him to a cell, knocking him to the ground and stamping on his head in a "vicious and unprovoked" assault, has been given a life sentence.

Passing sentence on repeat offender David Dunne (40), Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring noted that no explanation for the decision to kill Robert OConnor has ever been proffered and that the violence was totally unwarranted.

At his trial in the Central Criminal Court last month, David Dunne, with a last address in Summerhill, Dublin 1, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr OConnor (34) on the 29th of July 2022 at Mountjoy Prison, North Circular Road, Dublin 7. A jury, however, took less than three hours to unanimously convict him.

The prosecution case was that CCTV footage played in evidence during the trial showed Dunne luring the victim into his cell. The prison officer on duty at the time said he heard a yell followed by a cry of No, no which was followed by silence. He gave evidence that he saw Dunne stamp on the victim's head more than once.

Prison officers called an ambulance which brought Mr O'Connor to the Mater Hospital, where he was put on life support. He didn't regain consciousness and was pronounced dead three days later.

The court heard that David Dunne has amassed 123 convictions since 1998. At the time of the killing, he was serving a four and a half year sentence for robbery and other offences and was due to be released just a few days before the attack on Mr O'Connor.

Miska Hanahoe BL, for the defendant, told the court that Dunne was placed in State care when was a very young child, had been in and out of care his whole life and was now institutionalised. She added that Dunne wants to make clear that he accepts he is responsible for Roberts death but that he did not intend to kill him."

Ms Hanahoe asked if Dunne could serve his sentence in Dublin as his mother was unwell and unable to travel to visit him.

Passing sentence, Ms Justice Ring noted that Dunne had had a long and difficult life. She imposed the mandatory life sentence for the murder of Mr OConnor, adding that the victim's family will "serve their own life sentence" due to Dunne's crime.

"When violence takes a child from a parent, no explanation is enough. Robert OConnor was in prison to pay his debt to society. David Dunne took his right to life away," Ms Justice Ring said.

Ms Justice Ring noted that the family's selfless decision to donate Mr O'Connor's organs speaks about the kind of person he was, noting that it provided some comfort to his family to know that part of him lives on though others.

The judge also noted that Dunnes mother had previously said that if help was not given to her son, there would be dire consequences, but now it was Mr O'Connor and his family who have paid the price. She said Mr O'Connors family were totally innocent in this "sad, sad, sorry event".

Ms Justice Ring said she would impose the life sentence from the date Dunne went into custody on this matter on September 1, 2023 and wished the victim's family well as they go forward.

A victim impact statement on behalf of the victim's sister Kylie Kinahan was read out by prosecuting counsel, Michael Delaney, SC.

She wrote that Mr O'Connor was a loving, caring brother and that he would never leave a room without a "hug and a kiss". She said when she last spoke to him, he was full of chat and in good spirits, telling her he loved her.

Ms Kinahan said the sight of her "baby brother" lifeless in the Mater hospital still haunts her and described how she suffered nightmares knowing how he ended up in ICU. She described watching CCTV footage of her brother walking and acting normal before he went into the cell where he was killed and how she wanted to "jump into the screen" and tell him to run but she couldn't.

She said Robert was a loving uncle to her children and she was disappointed he would never get to have children of his own.

Ms Kinahan said to have her brother taken away in a brutal, unnecessary way meant that part of her that would never heal and for that she said she will "never forgive". She said she wakes up from her sleep crying and gasping for air.

The deceaseds father Leo O'Connor described how as a child, Robert used to love fishing and family picnics in St Annes Park in Dublin and how much he loved horses as a child. He said he still talks to Robert every day, looking at his photograph from when he gets up with a morning cup of coffee.

He said he still cant believe his son is gone, adding: I miss him, I miss him, I miss him every day.

The trial heard that 32-year-old Robert O'Connor received a prison sentence on July 27, 2022, and was returned from court to Mountjoy that evening.

At approximately 7pm, Mr OConnor was assaulted in his cell by a number of other prisoners, where he suffered a bloody nose and damage to one eye. He was then placed in protection for a period and was moved to C landing.

Two days later he walked to the C2 landing of the prison where CCTV footage showed him entering Dunne's cell followed by Dunne and three other men.

Prison officers quickly reacted when they heard a commotion and one told the trial that he saw Dunne stamping more than once on Mr O'Connor's head, while another officer saw the defendant kicking the victim in the head.

The victim was taken to hospital but he was pronounced dead on August 1 when brain stem testing revealed no activity.

Chief State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan said that Mr O'Connor died from multiple blunt force trauma type injuries associated with bruises and abrasions on his head, trunk, legs and arms. He had also suffered a fractured nose.

Dr Mulligan said the blunt force trauma caused rotational force which led to a tearing of the nerve cells in the brain.

In his first garda interview, Dunne read from a prepared statement in which he said: Im sorry for his family, I really am. I think about it every day and night since this happened. Its killing me inside because he was a good friend of all who knew him. Im really sorry Robbie yeah to you and your family, he said.

He claimed that he just wanted a "chat" with Mr O'Connor but once they were inside the cell, Mr O'Connor punched him twice. He initially admitted only to punching back and denied stamping on Mr O'Connor's head. He said he didn't want to kill Mr O'Connor and claimed to have struck him with a "rabbit punch".

The defendant claimed he did not intend to kill Mr O'Connor and that he was acting in self-defence when he caused multiple blunt force trauma injuries to the deceased's head, torso, arms and legs.

The prosecution argued Dunne's final account "evolved" until in his final interview, counsel said Dunne demonstrated a "stamp" that it was submitted could easily have caused the injuries sustained by Mr O'Connor.

In his closing speech, prosecution counsel Michael Delaney SC described Dunne's account as "self-serving" and lacking in credibility.

He accused Dunne of a "vicious and unprovoked assault" and said CCTV evidence suggested "an element of coordination" in the interactions visible between Mr Dunne and three other prisoners in the minutes before the fatal encounter.

Counsel said the footage suggested that when Mr O'Connor arrived on Dunne's wing of the prison, the accused signalled to one of those prisoners. Once Mr O'Connor and the accused went inside the accused's cell, Mr Delaney said the others followed as if they "knew something was going down".

Mr Delaney said the CCTV undermined Dunne's claim that he invited the deceased to his cell for a "friendly chat" or that he acted in self-defence after being attacked by the deceased.

"The objective, reliable evidence shows that Dunne lured Robert O'Connor into that cell for the purpose of attacking him," Mr Delaney said.
Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov, sent a congratulatory letter to Adylbek Kasymaliev on his appointment as the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers.

"The letter emphasized satisfaction with the current level of traditional friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, built on common historical roots and spiritual values.

It expressed confidence that the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan strategic partnership would continue to develop effectively, enriched with new content and joint projects.

The letter also highlighted the readiness for active cooperation to further develop mutually beneficial relations in all areas for the well-being of the brotherly peoples of both countries," the statement said.

To note, on December 18, Adylbek Kasymaliev was appointed as the new Head of Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet of Ministers and Presidential Administration, succeeding Akylbek Japarov, who was fired two days earlier amid investigations into a State Tax Service corruption scandal.

Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, signed a decree appointing Kasymaliev Adylbek Aleshovich Kasymaliev as Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The trial remains scheduled for April 28, despite the change

Richard Satchwell is charged with the murder of his wife Tina

Richard Satchwell, whose wife Tina's remains were discovered underneath a stairwell in their home, will be tried in Dublin next year after his lawyers successfully applied for the case to be moved out of Cork.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott agreed to the application which was made last month by lawyers acting for Mr Satchwell.

The trial remains scheduled for April 28, despite the change of venue.

Richard Satchwell

Tina Satchwell

Mr Satchwell (57), with an address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork is charged with murdering his wife Tina Satchwell (45) at that address on March 20, 2017.

Mrs Satchwell, a native of St Bernards Place in Fermoy, was reported missing on March 24, 2017 by her husband.

Mr Satchwell is a truck driver originally from Leicester in the UK but he has been a resident in Cork for over 20 years.

Gardai found Mrs Satchwells skeletal remains in October 2023, more than six years after she was reported missing, while excavating a concrete floor and walled-up area underneath the stairwell of the home she and her husband shared on Grattan Street in Youghal.
One garda suffered severe head injuries and had his mobile phone and wallet taken from him while he was lying on the ground

A second man has been charged with assaulting two off-duty gardai in an attack in Dublin city centre that left one officer in a critical condition in hospital.

Kevin Murphy (34) is accused of assaulting both men and robbing one of them as they made their way home through Temple Bar last weekend.

He was remanded in custody at Dublin District Court today after no bail application was made on his behalf.

Judge Paula Murphy adjourned the case for the directions of the DPP.

Mr Murphy, with an address at North Frederick Street, Dublin 1 is charged with assault causing harm to both off-duty gardai and robbing one of them of his mobile phone and wallet, at Eustace Street, Dublin 2 in the early hours of December 14.

An alleged accomplice, Johnathan ONeill (32) of Cromcastle Road, Kilmore, Dublin 5, previously appeared in court on the same charges and was refused bail.

This morning, Detective Sergeant Patrick Traynor said he arrested Mr Murphy at Westmoreland Street at 7pm on Saturday and took him to Pearse Street Garda Station, where he was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

His period of detention was extended and on Sunday evening, following a medical examination by a doctor, he was transferred to St Jamess Hospital for treatment. Mr Murphy was returned to the garda station yesterday when his detention resumed and was further extended.

He was charged at 10.46pm last night and made no reply to any of the charges after caution, Det Sgt Traynor said.

Defence solicitor Peter Connolly said he was not making any bail application at this time but was reserving his position on it.

Det Sgt Traynor said DPP directions were not available yet.

Judge Murphy granted free legal aid after Mr Connolly made an application, saying the accused was not working. She also recommended that Mr Murphy receives appropriate medical attention while in custody.

She remanded him in custody to appear in court again on December 23. Mr Murphy has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charges, which are under the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person and Theft and Fraud Offences Acts.

The co-accused, Mr ONeill appeared in the same court on Tuesday. During his bail hearing, the court was told it was alleged the two off-duty gardai were violently assaulted and knocked unconscious in an unprovoked attack" outside a pizzeria.

One garda suffered severe head injuries and had his mobile phone and wallet taken from him while he was lying on the ground, the court heard.

He was taken to Beaumont Hospital, where he underwent two surgeries and remained in a critical condition this week.

It was alleged that Mr ONeill had a role by joint enterprise in the assault on the more seriously injured garda, and that he punched the other officer in the head, resulting in him falling to the ground, where he kicked him in the head.

It was put to the prosecuting garda in that case, Det Sgt Paul Carney, that Mr ONeill had the lesser involvement in the more serious assault.

He replied that investigating gardai were keeping an open mind.

Mr ONeill was refused bail and is due to appear in Cloverhill District Court tomorrow.
Two 17-year-olds were arrested by detectives in Mullingar yesterday morning following an incident along the towns Grove Street area

A teenager has been charged in connection to a suspected assault in Mullingar at the weekend that left a young father fighting for his life in hospital.

Two 17-year-olds were arrested by detectives in Mullingar yesterday morning following an incident along the towns Grove Street area during the early hours of Saturday morning.

One of the teens has been charged and is due to appear before Mullingar District Court this morning.

The second has been released without charge with a file to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The injured man, who is originally from Longford and a young father, was found critically injured and unconscious on the ground before being rushed to Mullingars Midland Regional Hospital for treatment.

He has since been transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin where he remains in a critical condition.

The scene itself, has been thoroughly examined by garda forensic specialists in a bid to shed further light on the circumstances behind the incident.

A key element of that will be CCTV which detectives have managed to procure from the area and are painstakingly reviewing in an attempt to identify a person of interest in the case.

An incident room has been set up with gardai still anxious to speak to anyone who may have been in or around the Grove Street area of the town between 12:30am and 1:30am on Saturday morning to come forward.

They are equally keen to speak to any taxi drivers or passing motorists who may have potentially vital dash-cam footage from the area at around the time of the incident to follow suit by contacting Mullingar Garda Station on 01 666 9000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Investigations are ongoing.
Karen Cummings died from a shotgun wound at her home in Laurel Heights on Saturday

Two men were remanded in custody yesterday charged with the murder of a childrens nurse in Banbridge, Co Down.

Karen Cummings died from a shotgun wound at her home in Laurel Heights on Saturday.

Glenn King (32), from Lurgan, but currently of no fixed abode, appeared at Newry Magistrates Court yesterday charged with murder.

Kevin McGuigan Jr (42), with an address at Annacloy Park, Hillsborough, but who is originally from the Short Strand area of Belfast, was charged with murder and possession of a weapon.

Mr McGuigan was charged that on December 14 he had in his possession a firearm, namely a Baikal double-barrelled shotgun, and ammunition, namely 4 x 12 bore cartridges, with intent by means thereof to endanger life or cause serious injury to property or to enable some other person by means thereof to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.

He was further charged that on dates between January 21 and December 14, he dishonestly undertook or assisted in the retention, removal, disposal or realisation of certain stolen goods, namely a Baikal double-barrelled shotgun, by or for the benefit of another or arranged to do so knowing or believing the same to be stolen goods.

Both men appeared in court by video link from Musgrave police station.

Wearing grey police-issue tracksuits and handcuffed, they spoke only to confirm their names and dates of birth and indicated that they understood the charges.

Mr McGuigan had been arrested at the property in Banbridge on Saturday.

Mr King was arrested the following day at a nearby cemetery after a police search. District Judge Eamonn King heard that neither applicant was applying for bail. They were remanded in custody to appear in court again by video link on January 9.

Mr McGuigan is the son of Short Strand man Kevin McGuigan Sr, who was shot dead outside his home in Comber Court in 2015.

Ms Cummings was a mother of two and a paediatric nurse at Daisy Hill Hospital. She was treated by emergency services, but pronounced dead at the scene.

Glenn King (left) and Kevin McGuigan Jr

Candlelit vigils are to be held in Co Down in her memory. Womens Aid Armagh-Down is leading the vigil in Banbridges Solitude Park, while a commemoration in Newry will be held at Marcus Square.

Tributes were also paid during a monthly meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on Monday.

Local UUP councillor Kate Evans said: Just last week, we came together as a community in Lurgan to remember the 24 women whose lives were tragically taken [since 2020] due to violence.

It was a time to reflect, grieve and to recommit to ending violence against women and girls. We could never have imagined that just one week late, we would be mourning another tragic loss of life.

So, to Curtis and Zara [Ms Cummings children], I am truly sorry this is happening to you, and in the months ahead I hope you find comfort in the stories that your mummys friends will tell you, and in the love and the precious memories she has left with you both.

DUP councillor Ian Wilson said: My heartfelt sympathies go out to Karens entire family, and especially her two children who are facing a Christmas without their mum.

Banbridge, as I know, is a very strong, close-knit community, and they will rally round to support Karens family at this tragic time. Unfortunately, our borough is no stranger to violence against women and girls. Its a stain on our borough that we should not have to endure.

I think the vigil on Thursday night is a very good idea. We can come out and show support for Karen and her family.
The water authority pleaded guilty to a single charge

Uisce Eireann has been convicted in Mallow District Court of a single charge in relation to a chemical spill on the River Allow in north Cork in June 2024 which led to a major fish kill along an 8km stretch of the river.

The water authority pleaded guilty to a single charge under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959 of permitting or causing deleterious matter to fall into waters of the river.

Solicitor Vincent Coakley for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) said that the incident occurred at the Freemount Water Treatment Plant on or shortly before Sunday, June 9, 2024. Giving evidence IFI Senior Environmental Officer Andrew Gillespie said that he was called by Cork County Council staff who were on duty at the plant and informed there had been an incident. He told the court that he arrived at the plant at 3pm on June 9.

Mr Gillespie said that there had been a chemical spill into the River Allow, a tributary of the River Blackwater and an important spawning ground and nursery for salmon and trout. He said that when he arrived a major cleanup operation was already underway.

Mr Gillespie said that a pipe running from a 13 cubic metre tank of Polyaluminium Chloride  an acidic solution used in the water treatment process  had failed and the chemical had leaked into the river via an adjacent drain. He said that the tank had about three cubic metres of the chemical in it at the time most of which had leaked out.

Mr Gillespie said that water samples were taken 10 meters downstream from the treatment plant, 2km downstream at Kilberrihert Bridge and 4km downstream at Johnsbridge as well as a base sample upstream from the treatment plant.

He told the court that a dark brown substance could be seen in the water near the treatment plant and hundreds of dead fish could be seen in the river.

He said that as well as juvenile and large salmonids, large numbers of dead and dying lamprey were also observed, a fish that normally stays on the river bed.

Mr Gillespie said that a thorough investigation was carried out which determined that the chemical spill had affected an 8km stretch of the River Allow over an area of 40,000 sq m.

He said that it was very difficult to determine the total number of fish killed but it was certainly in the tens of thousands extrapolating from a conservative estimate of one fish killed for every 2 sq m of the river affected.

He added: All we can say is that there were no dead fish upstream and there were no live fish down stream for 8km.

Mr Gillepsie said that the water quality in the river had returned to normal within a few days but the long-term effects on the age and class distribution of fish populations could take several years to return to the way they were.

Carcasses on the banks of the Allow after the massive fish kill. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Aoife Sheehan BL for Uisce Eireann said that her client had been fully co-operative and had informed all relevant authorities as soon as the leak was discovered. She said that Uisce Eireann was pleading guilty and had taken immediate remedial steps as soon as the spill was detected.

She said the scale of the response reflected how seriously Uisce Eireann took such matters and that the event had had an impact on national policy regarding chemical storage.

Ms Sheehan told the court that the storage tank in question was fully bonded but investigations indicated that a pipe leading from it had been subject to a build up of heat that caused it to disintegrate causing the leak.

She said that it was believed a valve had not opened while a pump was in operation which led to the temperature increase. She said that a task force had been established to look at national policy to ensure a similar situation does not occur in the future.

She added that the water supply from Freemount serves a population of 3,000 people and this was not compromised as a result of the leak.

Judge Colm Roberts said that he appreciated Uisce Eireann may not have the funding to carry out all the works it would like to but he said it was a real concern that the Freemount plant was audited before the leak occurred.

He said: Its to do with having the right plan and the right maintenance, and added, they stepped up to the plate but it was really a case of closing the stable door. Its often the simple things that dont get done when you are dealing with organisational pressure.

The court heard that Uisce Eireann had not been previously prosecuted in relation to the Freemount plant but there had been 18 prosecutions for similar incidents between 2015 and 2024.

Mr Coakley said that there were a number of pending prosecutions regarding Uisce Eireann. Judge Roberts said he was taking into consideration the guilty plea, the works in progress and the legacy issues and convicted and fined Uisce Eireann 3,500 with one month to pay. They were also ordered to pay 3,267 in legal costs.
Multi-agency operation on Panamanian cargo ship MV Matthew in Irish waters resulted in largest seizure in history of the State

A UK national has pleaded guilty to a drugs offence arising from a raid on a Panamanian cargo ship off the southeast coast that resulted in the largest cocaine seizure in the history of the State.

Jamie Harbron (31) of South Avenue, Billingham in the UK pleaded guilty today before the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court that on a date between September 21 and September 25, 2023, both dates inclusive, he attempted to have cocaine in his possession for the purpose of sale or supply, an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Harbron is charged with a further offence that he contributed to an activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity could facilitate an organised crime group in the commission of a serious offence.

Eight men including Mr Harbron have been charged with offences after some 2.25 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated value of more than 157 million was seized from the Panamanian-registered large bulk carrier MV Matthew in Irish waters in September 2023.The remaining seven are due to go on trial in January, when Harbron will also appear before the court to set a date for his sentencing.

Michael O'Higgins SC, for Harbron, told the court that he will argue that his client has entered an "early guilty plea", which is considered strong mitigation for an offender and typically results in a 25 per cent reduction from the headline sentence set by the court.

On September 26, 2023, a joint task force comprising members of the Revenue Customs Service, Naval Service and An Garda Siochana interdicted and detained the MV Matthew, which was on a course originating in South America.

After Army Rangers secured the vessel, members of the navy, the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue were transferred to the cargo vessel and the ship was then escorted into port.

Having maintained the ship, at a cost of 100,000 per week, the State has now begun the process of disposing of the MV Matthew after lawyers for the accused said they no longer need it to be kept available for inspection.

Harbron remains in custody ahead of sentencing.
Its being investigated if the men were hired to target an associate of gun victim Cormac Berkely

The Glock weapon and ammunition that was seized

Wayne Whelan in his hospital bed after the first attempt on his life

THE high-security jail cell of a gangland criminal linked to two murders was searched by detectives investigating the foiled hit in Dublin this week.

The Gardas armed tactical unit and intelligence section were also involved in the major operation which resulted in two men armed with a handgun being arrested in Clondalkin on Tuesday night.

Gardai believed a murder bid was imminent and in a follow-up operation some 18 searches were carried out including two in Portlaoise maximum security prison yesterday.

The Sunday World has now learned that:

- The prison cell of dangerous mobster Charles McClean who is serving 20 years in jail has been searched as part of the investigation.

- Its being investigated if the hit team planned to murder an associate of drug dealer Cormac Berkely (37) who was himself shot dead in Clondalkin in 2022.

- Masks, passports, and cocaine have been seized from the suspected hit team who are from different parts of Dublin.

Several mobile phones have also bee seized as part of the inquiry being led by the Garda National Drugs and Organized Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) who are now attempting to identify who was "pulling the strings of the murder bid.

As part of the intelligence operation members of the heavily armed Emergency Response Unit (ERU) intercepted a car on Rowlagh Avenue in Clondalkin shortly after 8pm on Tuesday night and recovered a semi-automatic Glock pistol and ammunition.

The Glock weapon and ammunition that was seized

The two men in the car were detained and arrested on suspicion of facilitating the activities of an organised crime gang.

One of the men is aged in his mid-30s and is from the Clondalkin area, while the second male is aged in his mid-40s and from the Tallaght area.

Masks and a petrol cannister were also recovered from the car which has been removed for technical examination while a quantity of cocaine has also been seized.

Its being investigated if the men were hired to target an associate of Cormac Berkely, the 37-year-old who was shot dead outside his home in Harelawn Park in December 2022.

Cormac Berkeley

A source said: "This man has previously been warned of a threat to his life and this is one line of inquiry.

"It is a significant investigation involving different criminal elements suspected of working in concert to arrange the murder of another man, and gardai will also try to establish who was pulling the strings in this conspiracy".

Gardai said that in a follow up operation 18 locations in the Dublin area were searched along with two cells at Portlaoise Prison, with over 300 gardai involved in the operations.

The Sunday World understands that one cell searched was that of Charles McClean (36) who is originally from St Marks Grove in Clondalkin.

McClean is currently serving a total of 20 years imprisonment for his role in three gangland shootings and has been in custody for several years.

This includes a conviction for impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the person involved in the murder of psychopathic criminal Mark The Guinea Pig Desmond in December 2016.

McClean has previously also admitted to conspiring to murder Wayne Whelan in Lucan in September 2019.

Wayne Whelan in his hospital bed after the first attempt on his life

Whelan, a drug dealer, survived that shooting but was murdered several months later.

Charles McClean is also serving jail time for facilitating a criminal organisation in murdering innocent father of five Thomas McCarthy (55) in Ballyfermot in July 2020.

It's understood that a number of items were seized from McClean's jail cell which will now be analysed as part of the investigation.

A garda spokesperson said that this week's operating involved the GNDOCB and the Garda National Crime and Security Intelligence Service as well as regular unit members from the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

Speaking following the operation, Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis, head of Organised & Serious Crime stated:

"The intervention by members of An Garda Siochana in West Dublin on the evening of 17th December 2024 has again resulted in the removal of a lethal firearm and ammunition from circulation.

"An Garda Siochana believes the firearm was intended for use in the commission of murder(s). I wish to acknowledge the members of An Garda Siochana involved in the operation for their professionalism in bringing this operation to a successful conclusion.

"An Garda Siochana will continue to prioritise targeting those that are the most violent and cause the most harm in communities.

The firearm and ammunition seized will be forwarded to the Ballistics section of the Garda Technical Bureau to undergo analysis and investigations.

The two men are being detained under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 and can be held for a period of up to seven days.

An Irish Prison Service spokesman said: "The Irish Prison Service does not comment on individual prisoners or specific operational or security matters.

"The Irish Prison Service continues to have high level engagement and the sharing of intelligence with An Garda Siochana on a regular basis which is resulting in the seizure of contraband, arrests and significant disruption to organised crime."
The men, aged in their 20s and late teens, were arrested on the Borris Road in Portlaoise

Two men have appeared in court after they were arrested when gardai seized drugs close to Portlaoise Prison.

The men, aged in their 20s and late teens, were arrested on the Borris Road in Portlaoise after gardai seized a quantity of drugs on Tuesday evening.

According to the Leinster Express, a member of the public alerted gardai to a drone operating near the prison on Tuesday evening at around 7pm.

It has been reported that responding gardai also recovered a drone at the scene.

Both suspects were held overnight at Portlaoise Garda Station and appeared before a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court yesterday.

It has also been reported that the Irish Prison Service is liaising with gardai and is carrying out its own investigating following the incident.

A Garda spokesperson said gardai seized a quantity of drugs and arrested two men on the Borris Road in Portlaoise on Tuesday evening.

The men, aged in their 20s and late teens, have since been charged and appeared before Tullamore District Court on Wednesday, the spokesperson said.

As this matter is now before the courts, An Garda Siochana is not in a position to provide further comment at this time.
An Garda Siochana believes the firearm was intended for use in the commission of murder (or murders)

The weapon and ammo that was seized

Two men have been arrested and a semi-automatic Glock pistol and ammunition seized in a foiled gangland hit in Dublin.

Gardai said that shortly after 8pm on Tuesday a vehicle was intercepted by a tactical team from the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) on Rowlagh Avenue in Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a semi-automatic Glock pistol along with a number of rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Two men aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested at the scene and are currently detained at a garda station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR).

The operation was conducted by gardai from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), units attached to the Garda National Crime & Security Intelligence Service (GNCSIS) and regular DMR unit members.

A garda spokesman said it was part of an intelligence-led investigation in the DMR.

In follow-up operations, more than 300 gardai searched 18 locations in the Dublin area and two cells at Portlaoise Prison, with the assistance of the Irish Prison Service and Operational Support Units of An Garda Siochana.

Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis, head of Organised & Serious Crime hailed gardai for stopping what they referred to as an imminent threat to life attack.

"The intervention by members of An Garda Siochana in West Dublin on the evening of December 17 has again resulted in the removal of a lethal firearm and ammunition from circulation, Assistant Commissioner Willis said.

An Garda Siochana believes the firearm was intended for use in the commission of murder (or murders).

I wish to acknowledge the members of An Garda Siochana involved in the operation for their professionalism in bringing this operation to a successful conclusion.

An Garda Siochana will continue to prioritise targeting those that are the most violent and cause the most harm in communities.

Meanwhile, the firearm and ammunition will be forwarded to the Ballistics section of the Garda Technical Bureau to undergo analysis.

Gardai say investigations are ongoing.
Jose El Chabelo Isabel was involved in a fatal shootout with Mexican police units

The boss of the notorious Mexican Sinaloa Cartel has died in a hail of police bullets after he carried out a hit on rival gangsters at a cockfight in the city of Manzanillo.

Jose El Chabelo Isabel was involved in a fatal shootout with Mexican police units after two people were killed and another wounded when he and members of his gang opened fire on Sunday.

According to the Spanish-language news outlet Excelsior, Isabels gang had stormed the arena in the Las Parotas neighbourhood and fired shots into crowd before fleeing the scene.

A Mexican national police squad caught up with the gunmen, and in a vicious gun battle Isabel and an unidentified accomplice were killed.

Isabel, believed to be a plaza boss for the cartel in the city, was already wanted on a homicide warrant before the fatal encounter, Latin Times said in a report.

Prosecutors in Colima have not released details on the victims other than to identify Isabel among them.

National data show that Colima, part of the countrys Pacific coastline, reported 623 homicides between January and October this year, Latin Times said.

Colima, which is smaller than the state of Delaware, has a massive murder rate of 105 slayings per 100,000 residents  five times higher than the national average for Mexico, according to the outlet.

The Sinaloa Cartel, led by Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman during the 1990s and 2000s, was founded by Pedro Aviles Perez in the late 1960s, with the intended goal of smuggling marijuana into the United States.

Perez is recognized for pioneering the use of airplanes for drug smuggling, paving the way for large-scale trafficking operations. His group served as a training ground for the second generation of Sinaloan traffickers.

Headquartered in Culiacan, the cartel that engages in illegal drug trafficking and money laundering has engaged in violent clashes with other gangs and the Mexican government.

However, three months of war between rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel have left more than a thousand dead or disappeared in the city.

Although the government has mobilised 11,000 soldiers local media states that the violence shows few signs of ending.

The feud broke out after the arrest in the US of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.

His followers, known as "Los Mayos" or "La Mayiza", say he was betrayed by the son of the infamous founder of the Sinaloa cartel, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, and have turned on members of his faction, known as "Los Chapitos".

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has despatched her security chief, Omar Garcia Harfuch, to Sinaloa state to quell the violence, the BBC reports.

However, the spike in murders and disappearances in Sinaloa has overshadowed Sheinbaum's first months in office.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. Concealing the failures of a government is one of the indicators of an unsuccessful state, Spokesman of Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada wrote on his X page in response to the French Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Anne Bouillon, Trend reports.

Madam Anne Bouillon, concealing government failures is one of the indicators of an unsuccessful state. Assessing the efficacy of France's foreign policy based on the volume of visa applications appears to be an innovative approach.

But once again, the fact that this strategy does not reflect the true facts indicates a flawed analysis and a misguided foreign policy. Ambassador Bouillon is well aware that the French Embassy in Baku issues visas not only for trips to France, the publication said.

Hajizada also put the cards on the table to debunk the claims.

Notwithstanding France's prejudiced policy towards our nation and the travel advisory released in September of this year, the volume of French nationals seeking to travel to Azerbaijan has risen relative to the corresponding period last year [536 individuals in September 2023, 467 individuals in October 2023, 562 individuals in September 2024, and 605 individuals in October 2024], the publication noted.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Guinness bosses have seen an exceptional consumer demand over the past month.

The Old Ivy House in Farringdon has had its Guinness keg deliveries cut in half by breweries

A London pub is handing out Guinness ration cards amid seasonal shortages of the black stuff in the UK.

A number of pubs in England have said theyve run out of pints of the beloved stout after Diageo, the multinational drinks firm that owns Guinness, announced that England, Scotland and Wales would see limited supplies of Guinness over the Christmas period.

The company said it had seen exceptional consumer demand over the past month for Guinness as colder weather sets in, with an increase in young people and celebrities like Kim Kardashian reaching for a pint of the famed beverage in recent years.

The unprecedented surged in demand has led Guinness brewer to boost supply amid reports of pub groups portioning the Irish stout to venues as the festive season ramps up.

However, stock in Ireland remains unaffected.

We have maximised supply and we are working proactively with our customers to manage the distribution to trade as efficiently as possible, a spokesperson for Diageo said.

Over in London, one pub has taken matters into its own hands by handing out Guinness ration cards to its patrons as they struggle with limited supplies.

Customers at The Old Ivy House in Clerkenwell, Farringdon, are now required to purchase two other drinks at the bar before they can buy their ration of Guinness.

The card must also be signed by a staff member each time they order their pre-Guinness drinks.

Owner Katie Davidson made the decision to introduce the ration cards after The Old Ivy House ran through its barrels of Guinness within two days after supply was restricted by its brewery.

In a social media post last week, the old-school boozer told pubgoers that theyd get through these difficult times together.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are being rationed, the Instagram post began.

The #blackgold is in short supply countrywide. Its true. We are down to 3 barrels with our next delivery not due until next Wednesday - at the busiest time of the year!

Ask at the bar for your ration card. Well get through this together.

In an update on Monday, the pub announced that it had received an emergency keg delivery to replenish their stocks as it invited its Instagram followers to come by for a Guinness.
Film maker says incels pounce on McGregor case

A leading documentary maker believes an army of so-called internet incels are targeting victim Nikita Hand to promote their world view that rape should be legal.

Irish film maker Alan Bradley, who has highlighted the disturbing rise of the culture of incels, or involuntary celibates, in a new documentary believes the Conor McGregor case has given them an opportunity to spread their message.

Bradley, whose audio documentary Invisible Men is broadcast on RTEs Documentary on One series, says while McGregor is a perfect example of the male Chad personality that they hate, incels will see the recent High Court case against him as the perfect opportunity to victim blame.

Even in cases like the Conor McGregor trial, these forums dont just seize the narrative; they manipulate it to reinforce their worldview, says Bradley, who identifies the anonymous online harassment Hand has had to endure as reflecting the day-to-day content of the forums he has infiltrated.

McGregor is the type of personality that incels despise

This kind of high-profile case gives them an opportunity they undoubtedly relish.

Wealthy and loud, alpha male McGregor is what incels call a Chad, Bradley explains, however, they will overlook that to concentrate on Hand for online trolling.

Incels see somebody like McGregor and they say: See this is what the ladies want  rich, dominant males who they will accuse unjustly in their minds. A lot of incels advocate for rape to the point where they consider it should be legalised, they see it as the natural order of things. so a case like McGregors backs up their world view and thats what they are constantly seeking to do, victim blame and find stories to back up their worldview that women are superficial and only want Chads, explained Bradley.

According to incels, Nikita Hand is just another liar trying to ruin yet another man who embodied every quality they despised. Its horrific, they dont just deny the problem, they glorify it.

Nikita Hand won her civil case against Conor McGregor last month

The disturbing rise of incel culture is the focus of Bradleys documentary which uncovers how this toxic subculture has taken root in Ireland, radicalising young men.

Invisible Men: Irelands Incels takes a deep dive into the ecosystem that incubates the incel ideology : deep insecurity, social isolation, resentment and social medias predatory algorithms.

Most of the young men I spoke to werent originally seeking this type of content out, they would get bombarded with it whether they looked for it or not, Bradley explains. The algorithm draws them in first with watered down versions of incel rhetorics and then progressively leads them down the rabbit hole of incel forums.

It is deeply concerning that this is an issue in Ireland and not only an American problem open discussions about what troubles these lonely young men are experiencing is the only thing that can truly help move this issue forward says Bradley.
Stephen Lee died at his home along with his son John, who had been staying overnight to care for his father

John and Stephen Lee lived exceptionally good lives, said Fr Tom Fogarty at Stephen's funeral mass on Thursday morning in the Church of Our Lady and St Kevin, Littleton, Co Tipperary

Father and son Stephen and John Lees deaths in a tragic house fire in Littleton, Co Tipperary have been akin to plunging the community into darkness, heard Stephens funeral mass on Thursday morning.

Stephen Lee, of McDonagh Terrace, Littleton, Thurles, died on Monday, December 16, at his home along with his son John, who had been staying overnight in the house to care for his father.

Fr Tom Fogarty told mourners at Stephens funeral mass in the Church of Our Lady and St Kevin, Littleton, that we are all familiar with situations when the electricity cuts out unexpectedly.

Everything stops, he said. The television will go blank. The radio will go silent. The cooker will be cold. And worse still, the lights will go out. And you are plunged into darkness. A tragic death is a bit like that. The family in particular, and all of us, are plunged into darkness.

One minute, everything is going well. Were all looking forward to Christmas. The things we have to do before the big day. And suddenly and unexpectedly, a great tragedy happens on our doorsteps. It stops all of us in all our tracks and it is a reminder to all of us, about the brevity of life.

We have never been promised tomorrow. The last few days have been extremely difficult for the Lee family. Two families really. And of course the local community as well and further afield.

Our hearts go out to you this morning. Im not going to stand here and pretend I know how youre feeling. The truth is, I dont.

But I am here to tell you that you are surrounded by people who care deeply about you. And you have seen that yourselves over the last couple of days.

Together we pledge to do whatever we can to help you through this awful crisis and shock. I dearly wish I could find words today that would ease your burden.

But I cant. Perhaps they dont exist right now. When a tragic death occurs, it makes us question our faith. We become angry. We go through a range of emotions, understandably so.

Indeed we ask the question, how could a loving God allow such a thing like this to happen, at any time of the year, particularly before Christmas?

Fr Fogarty had met Stephen as he worshipped, or with his daughter Karen as they visited the grave of his late wife, Mary. He was a quiet unassuming man, a gentleman. They say we in Ireland always praise people when theyre dead.

What I am saying now, I could have said it two months ago. He was utterly unassuming. A good neighbour. Never looked for recognition. Would always help people.

Stephen gave without counting the cost and his family were wonderful to him as well. They looked after him night and day. Thats what makes this so sad.

Stephen and John lived exceptionally good lives, said Fr Fogarty. The qualities that were evident in the life of Jesus were evident in theirs too. Kindness, goodness, gentleness, love, compassion. They were there in abundance. Stephen cherished his faith. Now their earthly journey has come to an end, and God will take care of them, said Fr Fogarty.

Fr Fogarty paid tribute to the Lees neighbours for raising the alarm, and to the emergency services, gardai, and all who attended the scene and the voluntary workers who rallied around the family.

We extend our sincere sympathy to Chris and Karen, and to all the Lee family at this time, and of course to Mary, and Johns family as well. We promise to continue to remember all of you, added Fr Fogarty. Mass was followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Stephen was predeceased by his wife Mary, daughter Sinead, granddaughter Jessica, brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his daughter Karen (Fitzpatrick), son Christopher, son-in-law Paudie, daughters-in-law, Michelle and Mary, grandchildren Aoife, Stephen, Amy, Edward, Eoin, Katie, Kayleigh, Tara, Shane, Ella and Tessa, great grandchild Rian, his sisters Kitty, Tess and Pauline, his nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.

John Lee was the husband of Mary, nee Mulroe, and Dad of Aoife and Stephen. Mr Lee will lie in repose at the family home in Cromhill, Kilteely, Co Limerick on Friday, December 20, from 2pm to 7pm, followed by evening prayers.

A reception will take place on Saturday, December 21, into St Ailbes Church, Emly, Co Tipperary, for requiem mass at 11am, followed by a service in Shannon Crematorium at 2pm.

Mourners should note that a one way traffic system will be in operation via Hospital, Emly road only, at the R516 on to the L1576. There will be no entry from the Ballyvistea Creamery side.
"There is a page going around in relation to donations for my nephew, please, please, please, do not donate, none of the family members set up this page and will not be setting up any pages

A grieving family has warned about a heartless scam on Facebook claiming to be collecting donations for the funeral service of the late toddler Jamie Lee Feane.

The youngster from St. Dominic's Park, Newbridge, Co. Kildare died suddenly on Saturday, December 14, at Crumlin Childrens Hospital in Dublin. His funeral took place in Newbridge on Wednesday morning, December 18.

Now his family have hit out at a scam Facebook page, titled, 'Jamie Lee Feane Funeral Service'. The family say the scam has no affiliation with the family of the little boy, nor do they know who would do something like this.

In a status posted on the scam account, the person behind the page said, "Donate for Jamie Lee Feane: To send flowers or a memorial tree for Jamie Lee Feane," followed by a link to a PayPal account. The PayPal account is linked to someone by the name of Md Sumon Reza. It is uncertain whether this name is legitimate, or an alias.

However in a post on social media the boy's aunt, Nora, took to social media to warn people of this heartbreaking scam. She said, "There is a page going around in relation to donations for my nephew, please, please, please, do not donate, none of the family members set up this page and will not be setting up any pages. Can everyone please go onto the page and report it. Thank you."

Another family friend wrote: Just heard some twisted person made this fake profile, apparently to scam for donations. Imagine going through this and then you have someone using a situation as tragic as this to scam people. Don't accept or donate to this page in particular. Thoughts are with Feano, his partner and family.

Those who come across the page, which already boasts 43 friends, are being urged to report it to Facebook, and not to donate to this morbid scam.
Just days after returning to the UK, Tabby Brown collapsed at her home in south London having developed a fat embolism

Tributes have been paid to Playboy model Tabby Brown who dated footballer Raheem Sterling as an inquest was told how she died just days after Brazilian bum-lift surgery.

An inquest into her death revealed that the 45-year-old had travelled to the Dominican Republic where she had the procedure in October last year.

However, just days after returning to the UK she collapsed at her home in south London having developed a fat embolism.

When her mother Mahasin who shared the home with Ms Brown discovered her on the floor on October 13 she was not breathing.

Her mother told police she had returned from a two-week trip to South America days earlier but felt weak before falling to the floor unconscious.

Paramedics declared her dead at the scene at 1.30am.

The inquest was told she had two puncture wounds in her pelvis, which confirmed she had undergone plastic surgery.

Toxicology reports came back negative for drink and drugs, but her lungs showed numerous small globules of fat and this fat embolism in her circulation led to her death.

Cosmetic surgeon expert, Oliver Harley, told the inquest Tabby travelled to the Dominican Republic for a Brazilian butt-lift (BBL).

This is where fat is harvested from the torso by liposuction and injected into the buttocks to increase their size, he told the inquest.

The BBL is known to cause potential fat embolism and death and Tabby died as a consequence.

Coroner Julian Morris, recording a narrative verdict, said Ms Brown had enjoyed a successful career as a model and was well liked professionally and personally.

He added: The post-mortem concluded that Tabbys cause of death was fat embolism caused by liposuction.

Fat embolisms are a known and rare complication but can occur with this type of surgery.

The expert concluded that liposuction had caused her death as fat embolisms do not occur naturally.

She was fit and healthy, visited the Dominican Republic for surgery and on her return became unwell and collapsed. On balance, the operative procedure caused her death.

Tabby, who also appeared in Cosmopolitan and Elle, was also an actor and dancer.

Ms Brown went on a date with England international Sterling in 2016 and was romantically linked with ex-Manchester City and Italy player Mario Balotelli five years earlier, who she fell for against my better judgement.

The inquest which was held at South London Coroners Court where her mother, brother and sister paid tribute to the model whose big laugh, smile and a personality had charmed many and matched her beauty.

After Tabby's surgery abroad, she returned to the family home and was cared for by our mother, who was under the impression she had picked up a viral infection whilst travelling, they wrote in a statement.

Tabby did not inform her mother that she'd had surgery. Generally, Tabby was in good health, she was an avid fitness enthusiast and enjoyed weight training.

She was a foodie, who in recent years particularly enjoyed baking. Tabby had enjoyed a successful career as a model, having featured in music videos of several well-known British and American artists.

She was also the face of many ad campaigns for recognised brands. Tabby was well known and well-liked by many personally and professionally.

Close family and close friends take solace from the fact that she experienced many years in which she lived out her dreams.

They added: But we are also saddened by her premature departure, we love and miss Tabby very much and will always keep her memory close to our hearts.

BBL surgery, which is buttock enlargement surgery, carries the highest risk of all cosmetic surgeries - with more than one death per 4,000 procedures

Brazilian Bum Lifts have the highest risk rating of cosmetic surgery in the world, Michelle Furey Lawlor, who owns JeJuve clinic in Dublin, told us in 2022.

With BBL, you take fat anywhere in the body, it is put into the bum and what happens if it is put in a certain way under the muscles, near the veins and artery, they can actually pierce the veins and arteries and cause an embolism.

"These people can die. Thats why its the highest risk surgery at the moment.
Roger Rabbits

with Jim Bunny

Theyre not stories that would bring down a government. Nor are they life or death stories.

Theyre just some of the stories of 2024 that touched us, titillated us, made us laugh, made us wonder, surprised us, excited us.

So lets celebrate a year thats nearly cooked.

The Steamers

A geothermal rugby team running at 100 degrees Celsius, boiling point. Did we miss an opportunity  like parading them through town on an open top double-decker, like giving them freedom of the city?

Weve also discovered a much better metric to measure the Steamers season than the 7 wins, 3 losses, 350 points for and 238 against record. Theyre just numbers. Im talking about their love rating. By seasons end you couldnt buy Steamers merchandise for love nor money.

The union was cleaned out  nothing left, zilch in any shape or size, until April or May next year. Blame Richard Watt.

Bouncy Pork

We venture just beyond The Weekend Sun circulation area, by about 10,000km, to welcome Moo Deng, which roughly translates to Bouncy Pork.

Shes that 6kg of roly-poly, deadest ugliness, but at the same time adorable celebrity pygmy hippo born in a Thai zoo.

Of course we could have found a local rescue dog, parrot or donkey to celebrate  but they wouldnt have caused the same collective, global ooooh of cuteness that Moo Deng generated when she arrived in July.

Moo Deng spends her days splashing and eating grass, living the mini hippo life, and pulling 20,000 visitors a day.

Jam sandwiches

Hewletts Rd traffic jam sandwiches. We sit there morning and night, bumper-to-bumper, as chunks of our lives disappear into the ether.

And that got us pondering the dynamics of a traffic jam. If we squeeze into the traffic, itll force people behind to make room, adding a few seconds to their journey.

Add up those tiny individual amounts across hundreds/thousands of motorists and thats the reason peak hour traffic can reduce from 80km/hr to perhaps 30km/h.

When monetised it could give a city such as Auckland $1 billion a year. Now do you own math. Add up all the extra time you waste on Hewletts Rd at peak time each week and see how much of your life has been blown out the exhaust pipe.

Eureka moment (of sorts)

How many of us assumed that Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdales name was either Maori or Polynesian?

I always delighted in my misunderstanding that some enlightened, socially progressive parents had blessed this Pakeha boy with an exotic Maori name. Loved it.

For the unschooled, like me, he is named for the largest island of the Seychelles archipelago which his parents visited before he was born.

I think I confused an accent ague, an acute, for a macron  not easily done. Just something this doofus, and I expect others, learned in 2024.

Whoops of the year

We can guess how that phone call went. Sorry boss, Ive just sunk your $147 million naval research ship. Can you come pick us up?

The Royal New Zealand Navy made a right Royal stuff up, losing HMNZS Manawanui without a shot being fired, its worst peacetime accident. Manawanui means steadfast, stout-hearted, staunch and dogged, but all that meant little the day the ship grounded on a reef off Samoa and sank.

Seems autopilot should have been off and autopilot was on. The country was left red-faced as the story of our Navy sinking itself resonated around the world.

Sorry, we were wrong

Remember the caterwauling, the terminal moaning, when it was decided parked up cars wasnt the best use of premium land on Taurangas waterfront.

The land was turned back over to people again; people swimming, playing, enjoying. A great call! Remember the other wave of penny-pinching angst when the commissioners kick-started the Civic Precinct,

The heartbeat of Te Papa? Today there are cranes and concrete trucks and wall-to-wall chippies downtown. Theres a great feel. The heart is pumping again. Good things happened in this city in 2024.

What the Hell?

In 2003 a Wellington music producer lost a security swipe card. It was found 13 years later, not in Wellington but by divers, under 2m of ice on the sea floor at Cape Evans, about 20km north of Scott Base in Antarctica.

About 4000km from where it was lost. A scientist mapped out a possible itinerary for the card, and taking into account wind, tides, currents and other variables, the journey should have taken about 1000 years.

The security swipe sat in a box in Wellington for about eight years before being returned to the musician just recently. What the hell?

Your favourite story of 2024? Any ideas? We may revisit in the New Year. Email: hunter.wells@nzme.co.nz
After travelling and performing for audiences worldwide, a Bay of Plenty-born guitarist has returned and wants to give back to his community.

Joshua Rogers was born in Torere, Opotiki; he went to boarding school at Lindisfarne College, where he learned to play the classical guitar.

Playing the guitar was in Rogers genetics; his dad and many of his family members played.

While in school he was taught by guitar teacher Peter Thwaites who he spent a lot of time with during school hours  which his teachers werent particularly thrilled about.

After school, he went to Victoria University to study classical guitar.



Joshua Rogers, 50, with his guitar collection in his exclusive private studio. Photo / David Hall

He has been in many bands and taught at several different schools around the Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, Edgecumbe, Kawerau, Opotiki and Whakatane.

In 2005, Rogers went overseas and has been performing internationally ever since.

He toured the Middle East, Asia, and Europe and even performed at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in 2013.

We shared billing with Rihanna, The Killers and Big Band.

Some of his gigs involved performing a duet with his wife or in a band at five-star luxury resorts and hotels.

It was cool to just cruise around and turn up at these beautiful hotels and get treated really well.

When we went to China, they sent this BMW limousine to pick us up.

The work was pretty easy to be honest.

Rogers said his travels changed his approach to music and teaching.

It made me a lot more open-minded about different styles of music.

When you go to countries like China, Japan or the UAE, you should play some of their music. Its just a respect thing.

We learnt songs in Arabic, Indonesian, Chinese, French and Spanish.

In 2015, he started a YouTube channel that has since gained 64,000 subscribers and more than 12,000,000 views worldwide.

After many years of experience performing around the world, Rogers decided to return to Tauranga and set up an online beginners guitar course called The NBN Guitar: Essentials Primer for Beginners.



Joshua Rogers, 50, is the creator of NBN Guitar, the online course for beginner guitarists. Photo / David Hall

They can expect to learn all the basics of guitar playing, how to hold a guitar, how to play a few basic chords, how to sit properly, how to move your fingers properly, how to read basic music  Rogers list went on.

He filmed and recorded the course in a professional classical music recording studio in South Korea earlier this year.

It took three days of filming, two months of editing and six months to update their website.

In August, the course was ready for the first trial. Rogers gave the course, free of charge, to several schools in the Bay of Plenty, including Te Kura O Te Whanau-A-Apanui and Torere Kura.

Rogers has received a lot of positive feedback on his course from teachers and students, including some tips to improve the course and make the website easier to use.

Im just so passionate about the guitar and I want a lot of people to have access to learning.

Rogers aims to get his course into every school in the Bay of Plenty and eventually all around New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

He said his niece helped Rogers create a version translated into te reo Maori and hopes to do the same for the Pacific languages so that it can be used throughout the Pacific.

Eventually, he hopes to create intermediate and advanced courses for different types of guitars and music.

After putting so much effort into online courses, Rogers realised he also wanted to get back into one-on-one private lessons at his exclusive private studio for 20 students on a weekly basis here in Tauranga.

He wanted to do something for the local community instead of through a digital medium. That way, he can impart his expert knowledge to the up-and-coming guitarists in the community.

For more information about The NBN Guitar visit www.nbnguitar.com, for information on private lessons visit www.nbnguitar.com/private-guitar-lessons, and visit his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@nbnguitar.Plenty-born
Stolen pounamu ranks as the commodity second most traded for drugs, after cash, according to a West Coast hapu.

Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae Chair Francois Tumahai told RNZ that pounamu was used because "dealers recognise its value".

"They use pounamu to purchase drugs because it's accessible. People can access it from rivers or through mining, and that's just crazy."

Tumahai said if individuals knew how to identify pounamu on Te Tai Poutini (the West Coast), they can simply go down to the river, find it at their feet and take it, even though it is prohibited.

"We've done quite a number of raids with police, and we usually go along because there's pounamu involved in it."

"It's absolutely mind-blowing how much pounamu is being pulled out from drug raids. The last one we had was a trailer worth.

"When burglaries happen down the coast, TVs don't go walking, what goes walking is people's pounamu collection."

One-metre slabs of pounamu recovered by police. Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Police

Pounamu holds deep cultural significance to tangata whenua in the South Island because it represents who they are as Poutini Ngai Tahu, Tumahai said.

"Our tamariki are raised with an understanding of its significance and the knowledge of how to find and protect this taonga.

"We only exist on Te Tai Poutini because of pounamu, because that's what brought us here."

He said for centuries there had been many battles to acquire the kaitiaki (ownership) of pounamu.

"Every piece of pounamu is significant to us, it is us."

The rights to pounamu were officially returned to Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu in 1997 through the Ngai Tahu (Pounamu Vesting) Act.

But Tumahai said while they retrieved the rights, they did not get any "powers or compliance to go with it".

"We're at the mercy of government departments, police, customs, and similar entities to ensure they intercept pounamu when it leaves the country or to handle compliance on our behalf."

He said this was why it was important that iwi build strong relationships with government departments like Corrections and police.

"It is the only way currently that we can look at any hope of getting it returned."

Customs returned 14 Poutini Ngai Tahu (West Coast Ngai Tahu) pounamu stones weighing close to 60kg on 1 November 2024. Photo: Supplied

In an emotional ceremony at the beginning of November, more than 60kg worth of stolen pounamu was returned to its rightful guardians Poutini Ngai Tahu.

New Zealand Customs Service and 'Ngai Tahu Pounamu' said this return was a part of an ongoing joint commitment to stop the illegal trade of New Zealand taonga.

Tumahai said they also had a growing relationship with police and that local officers have been doing "fantastic work" in retrieving stolen taonga.

"In the drug world on the coast, they know what's going on, they know there is pounamu involved."

Tumahai said once police operations were complete, local hapu and iwi stepped in to identify the stones' origins and retrieve the pounamu.

Inspector Tracey Wharehoka from Tasman District Police said: "Police have seized pounamu believed to be illegally obtained or held in a number of instances across West Coast and the wider Tasman District."

"Often pounamu is located at addresses where a search warrant is executed on an unrelated matter, and there is no reasonable or lawful explanation for its possession or ownership.

"It is likely that pounamu is used as payment for drugs or is an item traded in otherwise illegal activity."

But Wharehoka said: "How pounamu came to be in possession of someone can be difficult to confirm as among other reasons those located with it illegally in their possession are often uncooperative."

Wharehoka said pounamu was also identified and located when posted for sale on online marketplaces and through information reported by members of the public.

She said police worked very closely with iwi across the Tasman Police district, including in the protection of Pounamu.

"We have open lines of communication with local iwi to ascertain identification, possession, and ownership matters efficiently and effectively."

The relationship between local iwi, local organisations and other government agencies such as MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment) and police had been "positively growing," Wharehoka said, as they work alongside one another to "assist in areas of expertise involving pounamu".

14 Poutini Ngai Tahu (West Coast Ngai Tahu) pounamu stones weighing close to 60 kg returned on 1 November 2024 by New Zealand Customs. Photo: Supplied

Tumahai said carvers and purchasers of pounamu have a responsibility to ensure its authenticity.

He encouraged buyers to use the Ngai Tahu Pounamu website to ensure the pounamu they purchased carried a mark of authenticity and a unique traceability code.

"This guarantees the seller is licensed and the stone has not been stolen.

"With this knowledge you can be reassured the stone has been treated according to our customs and carved with care."

-RNZ
Every year, Kevin Baird installs an incredible display of Christmas lights around his house in Maungatapu as part of a family tradition.

Each year, more lights are added to the collection on 5 Tutauanui Cres. This year, he has gone above and beyond.

Baird started this tradition many years ago - so many years ago he doesnt know how many, but says its probably around 10-15 years - with his family and continues to do so even though his children have left home.



Kevin Baird has had festive displays at his home for some time. Photo / Amy Reader

Its just the joy of doing things to make other people smile, said Baird.

When asked what Christmas means to him, Baird responded, Christmas is for the grandkids.



Kevin Baird's Christmas lights display is a family tradition. Photo / Amy Reader

Baird has six grandkids who all enjoy looking at the Christmas lights.

He hopes this family tradition will continue down the generations.

The community looks forward to seeing his display and starts asking in August and September when he will start installing the lights.



Kevin Baird's Christmas lights display at 5 Tutauanui Cres, Maungatapu. Photo / Amy Reader

He starts putting up decorations at the beginning of October and continues to do so until the night of the Tauranga Christmas Light Trail.

While he puts the lights up, he said all the neighbours come out to give their 2 cents on whats wrong and whats right, and he sends videos of his progress to his children, who give him feedback.

I get quite a kick too of that, he said.



Kevin Baird's Christmas display lights up Tutauanui Cres. Photo / Amy Reader

Baird wished that more people in the community put up Christmas lights.

It is quite disappointing that there arent many Kiwis out there that put up lights of any magnitude.

A lot of people think Christmas lights cost a lot to run electricity use, but they dont.



Kevin Baird's Christmas lights create excitement throughout the community. Photo / Amy Reader

Baird said many people are put off putting up Christmas lights as they are worried about a soaring electricity bill, but he said it doesnt cost nearly as much as people think.

He powers his with his solar panels, so it doesnt cost him anything.

But even if were paying, its peanuts.



Kevin Baird has an impressive Christmas light display. Photo / Amy Reader

He said his dream would be for at least a large portion of the street to be lit up for Christmas.

I do have one neighbour across the road who lights up his place. I enjoy looking out across to his house and seeing extra lights.
Police have made 13 arrests in what they call a significant investigation into methamphetamine dealing by an organised criminal group in Rotorua.

The Bay of Plenty Organised Crime unit executed warrants at addresses in Rotorua, Tokoroa and Te Puke over the past three weeks as part of an investigation into the sale and supply of methamphetamine in the Rotorua area.

Around 300 grams of methamphetamine was located and seized along with three firearms, approximately $50,000 cash, electronics and stolen trailers, a statement from police this afternoon said.



Approximately $50,000 of cash was seized after search warrants in the Bay of Plenty and Tokoroa.

Those arrested are now appearing before the courts on a range of charges.

They include several patched gang members who are facing charges including possession of methamphetamine for supply, supplying methamphetamine and participating in an organised crime group.

Police also seized several vehicles include a Harley Davidson, a Holden Commodore and a Ford Ranger and will allege through the courts that they were purchased with the profits from criminal activity.



A firearm seized during police raids at addresses in Rotorua, Tokoroa and Te Puke. Photo / New Zealand Police

Detective Sergeant Leonie Smith said the seizures and arrests will make a significant dent in drug offending in the city.

We know the harm methamphetamine does in our community and our team has worked tirelessly to gather a significant amount of evidence ahead of terminating.

This demonstrates the commitment to hold people to account by putting them before the courts and ensuring they are stripped of assets bought with their criminal profits.

 SunLive
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. On 19 December 2024, at the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) held in Cairo, Egypt, the Republic of Azerbaijan was unanimously elected as a member of the D-8, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

"As the first expansion of D-8 since its founding, our membership is noteworthy as an outcome of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyevs successful and determined foreign policy.

First time, our country was represented at the 9th Summit held in Istanbul in 2017, where President Ilham Aliyev took part as a special guest.

At the 11th Summit in Cairo, our country is represented by a delegation led by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov.

Our country's membership to the Islamic eight D-8, whose population constitutes 60% of the world Muslims in general and has great economic potential, is a clear example of Azerbaijan's growing influence in the international arena and confidence to our country.

Our country, which prioritizes justice and norms and principles of international law as its main objective, will play an important role in protecting the fundamental principles of D-8 and deepening cooperation within the Organization.

In this context, the establishment of security, stability, prosperity and mutually beneficial cooperation in our vast region, as well as the development of relations in economic and trade, transport, communication and a number of other important areas are of paramount importance.

D-8 membership of Azerbaijan, which has played a bridge role between East and West throughout its history and is one of the main cultural, religious and civilizational hubs of the Islamic world, will also be a great contribution to strengthening Islamic Solidarity, promoting Islamic values in the world and combating Islamophobia.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation D-8 unites eight Muslim countries. The foundation of the organization was laid on the initiative of Turkiye on 22 October 1996 at the Development Cooperation Conference organized in Istanbul with the cooperation of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria and Pakistan. On 15 June 1997, the Organization was officially launched at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of 8 countries in Istanbul. The Secretariat of the Organization is located in Istanbul," the ministry said in a statement.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A week after signing a deal to get up to $6.1 billion from taxpayers to build factories in the U.S., Micron Technology today announced record quarterly revenues.

Microns revenues for the past three months were $8.7 billion, an 85% increase from the same period last year, the company reported today. Micron turned a $2 billion profit for the quarter.

Microns previous record quarterly revenues were $8.6 billion, for the three months ending in May 2022.

Microns fiscal year runs from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31. Results announced today were from the quarter that ended Nov. 28.

Todays report marks a dramatic turnaround from a year ago, when the company posted a $1.2 billion loss on revenues of $4.7 billion.

Micron last week signed a deal to get up to $6.1 billion in taxpayer subsidies from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The money would be used to build two memory chip manufacturing plants in the town of Clay and one in Boise, Idaho, the companys headquarters.

The money isnt paid upfront, but would be doled out as Micron reaches certain construction and equipment installation milestones. The Commerce Department has said it will not release the formal agreement with Micron that details those milestones.

Micron says it plans to break ground in November 2025 on the two fabrication plants, or fabs, in Clay. Building and outfitting those two fabs could cost about $50 billion, the company estimates.

Micron could see $20 billion in taxpayer subsidies for the Clay project, about 40% of the total cost for the two fabs. Micron has said it plans to build two more fabs after that.

Micron is expected to submit a preliminary environmental report to government agencies this week on the potential impacts of the Clay project. The review and public airing of that plan is likely to continue into next summer.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A former healthcare executive for a New York medical equipment company was sentenced to three years of probation for collecting over $150,000 in reimbursement for fraudulent invoices he sent to his employer, prosecutors said.

Kevin Harrington, 50, of Oneonta, was sentenced this week on two counts of mail fraud, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York said in a news release.

He was given three years of federal probation and ordered to pay over $150,000 in restitution to his former employer, First Community Care of Bassett. Harrington is the former executive director for the medical equipment company, prosecutors said.

From December 2021 to February 2023, Harrington submitted fraudulent expense reports for devices like C-PAP machines, they said. He would then seek reimbursement by sending invoices to his employer, claiming he spent thousands on purchases he never made, they said.

The company would issue and mail checks to Harrington, which he would pocket, prosecutors said. Harrington pled guilty to stealing over $150,000 from his employer in July.

Harrington will spend six months of his three-year probation in home confinement and was also fined $5,500.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
A few weeks ago, Jackie McManus, of Mexico, got out of work with just an hour of daylight left to blow off some steam on one of her favorite trout streams.

She missed the first two bites, but the third one crushed the fly shed tied, one she calls the Grinch. At first, she thought a fresh king salmon gobbled up the Grinch because it felt too big to be a steelhead trout.

As McManus fought the king, a few curious river walkers came down to watch, peppering her with questions about what shed hooked. She had to baby the big fish for fear of snapping her 6-lb tippet.

McManus maneuvered the fish to the riverbank and landed it without a net. Thats when she knew for sure that it was a steelieand not just any steelie, but her personal best at just over 34-inches.

Check out the time McManus hooked an Oneida Lake sturgeon, theres even video.

Doug Russell, of Liverpool, caught and released his personal best muskie on the Upper Niagara River in late October. It measured 47 inches and weighed an estimated 23 lbs.Doug Russell

Doug Russell, of Liverpool, caught and released his personal best muskie on the Upper Niagara River in late October. It measured 47 inches and weighed an estimated 23 lbs.

Instead of using the standard muskie plug, his guide, Chris Cinelli, baited the lines with Canadian suckers. Russell hadnt used live bait for muskie since the time he hooked one while bouncing a sunfish on topwater in St. Lawrence County.

Russell has fished for muskie since the size limit was 30 inches and reckons hes caught about a dozen of the freshwater beasts over the years. But none were big enough to mount. Now that the limit in NY is 55 inches, hes getting a replica made of this one.

I will probably have a garage sale for my 20 muskie plugs now that I see live bait is the way to go, Russell joked.

Andy Sanefski, of East Syracuse, caught and released this nifty 10-lb northern pike in the Oneida River near Three Rivers in early November.Andy Sanefski

Andy Sanefski, of East Syracuse, caught and released this nifty 10-lb northern pike in the Oneida River near Three Rivers in early November. It came out of a shallow weedy area in about 5 FOW to snatch a suspended jerkbait Sanefski uses for bass.

We were getting bites by fishing the bait down to depth, then just letting it sit perfectly still for 3-5 seconds before jerking it again, Sanefski said.

The pike ran under the boat and surfaced on the opposite side. Sanefski lifted his rod around the trolling motor and guided the fish into the net, which was too small.

So we flipped it up into the bottom of the boat like flipping a flapjack! said Sanefski.

Nice work, all!

Send us your fish pics!

We want to see your catch: bass, walleye, two-headed gobies, whatever. Just make sure to provide (1) names of anyone in photo (2) their hometowns (3) fish type (4) where caught (5) length and weight if possible (6) bait used. Throw in some colorful details; we all like a good fish story. Tight lines, yall.



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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.
Rochester, N.Y.  The Rochester City Council adopted Good Cause Eviction Protections on Tuesday, making it the largest city in Upstate New York to do so, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.

The protections will go into effect for the citys 100,000 renters once Rochesters mayor signs the law, the Democrat and Chronicle said.

Under the law, landlords will only be allowed to evict tenants if they have a good cause to do so, such as nonpayment of rent or violating a lease, according to the Democrat and Chronicle

Rochester City Councilmember Mary Lupien said good cause protection is vital to addressing Rochesters housing crisis.

To truly ensure access to quality, affordable housing and create stable, thriving neighborhoods, we must use every tool at our disposal, Lupien said, according to the Democrat and Chronicle. Stability is the foundation that opens doors to opportunity, giving our residents and neighborhoods a real chance to thrive.

The law passed 7-2.

Council Vice President LaShay Harris and Councilmember Michael Patterson voted no.

Its not going to lower anybodys rent, its not going to create more housing in this community, Patterson said, according to the Democrat and Chronicle. The only way were going to get real stability in this community is to get more housing and the only way thats going to happen is if we can actually get landlords to stop being fearful of renting to tenants.

A task force will oversee and evaluate implementation of the new measure, according to WHAM in Rochester.

The city opted into existing state legislation on good cause, along with some amendments, WHAM said.

Some other acceptable reasons for eviction under the law include interference with the comfort and safety of the landlord or other occupants, use of the property for illegal purposes and unreasonably refusing landlord access, according to WHEC in Rochester.

Adopting good cause protections has also been considered in Syracuse, but the city has not moved forward yet.

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598
By Raga Justin | Times Union, Albany

Albany, N.Y.  An alcohol delivery platform owned by the giant transportation company Uber will pay back $4 million in tips it withheld from delivery workers, the state attorney generals office said Tuesday.

Drizly, an online alcohol delivery platform that was acquired by Uber in 2021 and shuttered earlier this year, failed to ensure delivery workers at liquor stores received their rightfully earned tips, according to a statement from Attorney General Letitia James' office.

The company would encourage customers to leave hefty tips for the delivery workers but then send the money to the store owners, who distributed the tips as they chose.

There were around 8,300 delivery workers employed at 2,453 stores in New York who were affected, according to James' office.

Drizly worked by letting local liquor stores provide their own deliveries with their own workers.

The platform worked with 55 stores in the Capital Region. During its operations, Drizly encouraged liquor stores to pool tips, or to split them among all employees instead of directly to the employees who had earned them. That is a restricted practice in New York.

Despite this, Drizly continued to encourage tip pooling and did not implement any mechanism to ensure the delivery workers received the money intended for them, the release stated. As a result, many delivery workers did not receive all of the tips they earned.

In addition to the $4 million settlement, Drizly must also pay $200,000 for a settlement administrator who will actually reimburse delivery workers the funds they are owed.

The state recently adopted legislation intended to crack down on wage theft, placing it in the category of state penal law and making it easier for prosecutors to charge someone for perpetrating the crime with multiple victims.

In 2024, New York City began requiring apps that hire food delivery workers to pay a minimum hourly wage.

___

(c)2024 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)

Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. Azerbaijan pledges full effort to address humanitarian problems faced by the Syrian people, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov said at the 11th D-8 summit in Cairo, Trend reports.

Following the downfall of the Assad regime in Syria, it is crucial to restore peace and stability in the country and put an end to the civil conflict.

Azerbaijan once again expresses its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria.

We hope that all issues will be resolved under the will of the Syrian people and through political dialogue within the country.

We continue to maintain close ties with brotherly Turkiye to take practical steps to support the solution of humanitarian problems faced by the Syrian people, he added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. The member states, showing their friendly attitude and trust towards Azerbaijan, have unanimously adopted a historic decision on Azerbaijan's election as a D-8 member today, the Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov said at the 11th D-8 summit in Cairo, Trend reports.

We would like to express our gratitude to our friend and brother, the Arab Republic of Egypt, for the invitation to the summit and for its high hospitality. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the D-8 seminar in Istanbul for the first time at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Our participation in today's summit has special historical significance. Today the states having friendly ties with Azerbaijan and expressing confidence unanimously made a historic decision to elect our country as a member of D-8.

We extend our gratitude to all member states for this. Azerbaijan will contribute to preserving the basic principles of the organization and further expansion of cooperation within the framework of the organization, Asadov added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and Agricultural Knowledge Network

January 2025 sees the launch of the Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and agricultural knowledge Network (FarmBioNet) Project. The project, led by Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is funded by the European Union under the 93.5 billion Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation.

FarmBioNet aims to identify biodiversity-friendly farming practices and help farmers to provide habitats that will offer food, safety and shelter for biodiversity on their farms. It will establish Farming and Biodiversity National Networks, consisting of farmers, foresters, researchers, NGOs, advisors, and other relevant Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) actors.

FarmBioNet will use these national networks to gather and disseminate knowledge and information. The networks will use biodiversity-friendly case-study areas to promote exchange of traditional and evidence-based actions that benefit farm biodiversity, through a co-creation and cross-fertilisation process.

The project will conduct a cost-benefit analysis, showing how biodiversity can benefit sustainable food production. It will also develop practical decision-making tools to promote biodiversity with farmers, foresters and policy makers.

The three-year FarmBioNet project will enable all farmers to understand how biodiversity-friendly their farm is, and what simple, low-cost actions they can take to work towards improving their whole farm for biodiversity without negatively impacting on productivity.

Every farm has scope to significantly improve biodiversity before it starts to cost anything. Farmers and scientists working together can identify where this slack lies and target measures to take advantage of it. It's such an easy win, said Andrew Bergin, Farming for Nature Ambassador and Executive Committee member.

Project Coordinator and Research Officer in Teagasc, Dr Saorla Kavanagh commented: This project will use a multi-actor approach to come up with solutions to protect biodiversity. I believe that by working together we can generate practical and measurable actions that will help our biodiversity and farmers. In taking action to protect biodiversity, we start a chain reaction that has positive benefits for the general health of the environment, as well as our own wellbeing and that of future generations.
neeravp Newbie

Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Mumbai Posts: 24 Thanked: 75 Times

My First Solo Motorcycle Ride: Mumbai to Hyderabad on the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650



Why Hyderabad?



Hyderabad is a city Ive visited many times for work, but this trip was different. Instead of flying, I decided to ride there. To make the journey manageable, I planned a stopover in Solapur on my way to Hyderabad and in Pune on my way back. It was my first long solo ride, and Id be lying if I said I wasnt anxious. But that anxiety only made me prepare better.



Preparing for the Ride



I spent days preparing for the contingencies of a solo ride. I created a detailed





All the gear ready for the ride next day





Saddle bags fastened and the bike ready to roll!



The Ride Begins



I set off at 6 AM on a crisp Saturday morning. Barely 15 minutes into the ride, I noticed the dreaded engine malfunction light flashing on my dashboard. My heart sank. The fear of having to cancel my trip, or worse, being stranded in some remote area with a broken-down bike, was overwhelming. I immediately called a friend Akhtar bhai (





Jamil at Hridaan Motors inspecting my bike



Those three hours of riding to Pune were filled with anxiety, but I made it to the service centre intact. The staff there were incredibly helpful and, understanding my urgency, promptly checked my bike. Thankfully, it was a minor issue, and they didnt even charge me for the service! With my confidence restored, I hit the road again, ready to take on the adventure.



The Journey to Solapur



Navigating through Punes infamous traffic was a challenge, but once I crossed the city, the roads opened up. The highway was smooth, straight, and had little traffic. With music playing through my Bluetooth earphones and Android Auto guiding me on the dash, I finally began to enjoy the ride. I stopped at a roadside dhaba for a hearty lunch and later at a small eatery for some local snacks. The conversations with the roadside vendors about their lives and aspirations added a personal touch to the journey.





Can't ride through Pune and not have a vada pav!



I reached Solapur around 4 PM, checked into a hotel, and freshened up. In the evening, I explored the city, visiting the famous Shri Siddheshwar Devasthan and a local sweet shop to pick up some treats for my colleagues. Riding through Solapurs streets was a different experience altogether, with its unique charm and welcoming people.





Shri Siddheshwar Devasthan



The Ride to Hyderabad



The next day, I started my ride at 8 AM after a hearty breakfast. The highway from Solapur to Hyderabad was even better  straight, smooth, and surrounded by beautiful countryside. The weather was pleasant, making the ride an absolute joy. I reached Hyderabad by 2 PM, checked into my hotel, and spent the evening exploring the citys local attractions.



During the weekdays, my work kept me busy, but I made it a point to step out in the evenings to experience Hyderabads vibrant food culture. I was amazed to see the love this city has for chai. At 11:30 PM, tea cafes were buzzing with energy, filled with people chatting over bun-maska and chai. It was refreshing to see how Hyderabads tea culture still thrives, even as coffee culture takes over many other cities.





I drool every time I look at this picture



The Return Journey



On Saturday morning, I began my ride back, stopping at Pune for the night. The straight highways once again provided a sense of freedom and exhilaration.





Straight, unending roads!



By Sunday morning, I was on the final leg of my journey, riding through Lonavala at sunrise. It was a nice experience to see so many motorcycle enthusiasts along the way, waving and sharing an unspoken camaraderie. I reached home in Mumbai by 11 AM, greeted by my family and a sense of accomplishment.



Reflections on the Ride



This trip was more than just a journey from Mumbai to Hyderabad; it was an experience that words can barely capture. Riding solo on long, open highways helped me connect with myself, my motorcycle, and the road. The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 was an absolute joy to ride. Its comfort and performance ensured that I never felt tired, even after hours of riding each day.





Clicked this at a misal dhaba



Stopping at roadside vendors to grab fruits or snacks, I had heartwarming conversations with locals. Their curiosity about my journey and aspirations in life added depth to the experience. Riding through villages, I often felt like a spectacle  dressed in full riding gear, with cameras and accessories on my bike. People would stare, wave, or give me a thumbs up, and some even asked if I had a YouTube channel! These small moments of connection made the trip even more special.



Memories to Cherish



The joy of riding alone, the beauty of open highways, the kindness of strangers, and the thrill of adventure are memories I will cherish forever. This trip not only strengthened my bond with my motorcycle but also gave me a fresh perspective on life. It reminded me of the importance of slowing down, appreciating the journey, and embracing the unknown.



For anyone contemplating a solo motorcycle trip, my advice is simple: prepare well, trust your instincts, and take the plunge. The road will always have a story to tell, and youll return with memories that last a lifetime.



For as long as I can remember, Ive wanted to go on a long motorcycle ride. The thrill of the open road, the hum of the engine, and the opportunity to connect with myself in solitude had been calling me for years. Until now, the longest ride Id done was 200 kilometers in a day. This time, I decided to push my limits and embark on a solo ride from Mumbai to Hyderabad  a journey spanning over 750 kilometers each way.Hyderabad is a city Ive visited many times for work, but this trip was different. Instead of flying, I decided to ride there. To make the journey manageable, I planned a stopover in Solapur on my way to Hyderabad and in Pune on my way back. It was my first long solo ride, and Id be lying if I said I wasnt anxious. But that anxiety only made me prepare better.I spent days preparing for the contingencies of a solo ride. I created a detailed checklist of items to pack , which included everything from essential tools to first-aid supplies. My younger brother lent me his trusty Gods Triton X2 saddle bags, which proved to be a lifesaver for organising my gear. I also ensured my Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 was in perfect condition and ready for the adventure ahead. I visited the Royal Enfield service centre a day before the ride and got the motorcycle thoroughly checked. The technicians inspected the engine oil, brake fluid, chain, and all other essentials to ensure everything was in top-notch condition for the long journey.All the gear ready for the ride next daySaddle bags fastened and the bike ready to roll!I set off at 6 AM on a crisp Saturday morning. Barely 15 minutes into the ride, I noticed the dreaded engine malfunction light flashing on my dashboard. My heart sank. The fear of having to cancel my trip, or worse, being stranded in some remote area with a broken-down bike, was overwhelming. I immediately called a friend Akhtar bhai ( 786 Rider ) who runs a motorcycle workshop. Coincidentally, he was also on a ride to Goa that day. He reassured me and advised me to ride carefully to Pune and visit the nearest Royal Enfield service centre once it opened at 9 AM.Jamil at Hridaan Motors inspecting my bikeThose three hours of riding to Pune were filled with anxiety, but I made it to the service centre intact. The staff there were incredibly helpful and, understanding my urgency, promptly checked my bike. Thankfully, it was a minor issue, and they didnt even charge me for the service! With my confidence restored, I hit the road again, ready to take on the adventure.Navigating through Punes infamous traffic was a challenge, but once I crossed the city, the roads opened up. The highway was smooth, straight, and had little traffic. With music playing through my Bluetooth earphones and Android Auto guiding me on the dash, I finally began to enjoy the ride. I stopped at a roadside dhaba for a hearty lunch and later at a small eatery for some local snacks. The conversations with the roadside vendors about their lives and aspirations added a personal touch to the journey.Can't ride through Pune and not have a vada pav!I reached Solapur around 4 PM, checked into a hotel, and freshened up. In the evening, I explored the city, visiting the famous Shri Siddheshwar Devasthan and a local sweet shop to pick up some treats for my colleagues. Riding through Solapurs streets was a different experience altogether, with its unique charm and welcoming people.Shri Siddheshwar DevasthanThe next day, I started my ride at 8 AM after a hearty breakfast. The highway from Solapur to Hyderabad was even better  straight, smooth, and surrounded by beautiful countryside. The weather was pleasant, making the ride an absolute joy. I reached Hyderabad by 2 PM, checked into my hotel, and spent the evening exploring the citys local attractions.During the weekdays, my work kept me busy, but I made it a point to step out in the evenings to experience Hyderabads vibrant food culture. I was amazed to see the love this city has for chai. At 11:30 PM, tea cafes were buzzing with energy, filled with people chatting over bun-maska and chai. It was refreshing to see how Hyderabads tea culture still thrives, even as coffee culture takes over many other cities.I drool every time I look at this pictureOn Saturday morning, I began my ride back, stopping at Pune for the night. The straight highways once again provided a sense of freedom and exhilaration.Straight, unending roads!By Sunday morning, I was on the final leg of my journey, riding through Lonavala at sunrise. It was a nice experience to see so many motorcycle enthusiasts along the way, waving and sharing an unspoken camaraderie. I reached home in Mumbai by 11 AM, greeted by my family and a sense of accomplishment.This trip was more than just a journey from Mumbai to Hyderabad; it was an experience that words can barely capture. Riding solo on long, open highways helped me connect with myself, my motorcycle, and the road. The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 was an absolute joy to ride. Its comfort and performance ensured that I never felt tired, even after hours of riding each day.Clicked this at a misal dhabaStopping at roadside vendors to grab fruits or snacks, I had heartwarming conversations with locals. Their curiosity about my journey and aspirations in life added depth to the experience. Riding through villages, I often felt like a spectacle  dressed in full riding gear, with cameras and accessories on my bike. People would stare, wave, or give me a thumbs up, and some even asked if I had a YouTube channel! These small moments of connection made the trip even more special.The joy of riding alone, the beauty of open highways, the kindness of strangers, and the thrill of adventure are memories I will cherish forever. This trip not only strengthened my bond with my motorcycle but also gave me a fresh perspective on life. It reminded me of the importance of slowing down, appreciating the journey, and embracing the unknown.For anyone contemplating a solo motorcycle trip, my advice is simple: prepare well, trust your instincts, and take the plunge. The road will always have a story to tell, and youll return with memories that last a lifetime. Last edited by neeravp : 18th December 2024 at 22:40 . Reason: I've removed the unwanted images from the bottom of the post.
TL;DR: China has been building its underground neutrino detector for years. The device will soon come online, looking for different neutrino flavors in a massive trove of data. Meanwhile, two additional detectors will "double check" what China's researchers are doing in different parts of the world.

The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is almost ready to start recording data about neutrinos floating around the universe. Located in the city of Kaiping, in the Guangdong province, the Chinese detector, which took $300 million and nine years to build, has now entered the final stage of construction. According to researchers, the detector's results will be amazing for the scientific community  if everything goes according to plan.

The JUNO detector is a giant orb-shaped device hidden 700 meters below a granite hill in southern China. The orb is full of a special liquid compound designed to emit light when neutrinos pass through it. After installation is complete, the orb will be completely submerged in purified water.

Neutrinos are extremely elusive particles that came to exist after the Big Bang, and they rarely interact with normal matter. These elementary particles are electrically neutral, and have so little rest mass that it was long thought to be essentially zero. Neutrinos are very difficult to study, so researchers have been building giant detectors around the world to maximize the chances of detecting neutrino interactions through weak force and gravity.

The JUNO detector will specialize in studying antineutrinos, neutrino antiparticles produced by two nuclear power plants located 50 kilometers from the submerged orb. Antineutrinos coming into contact with the liquid inside the orb should produce a sudden burst of light, which researchers would then be able to detect and record.

Neutrinos are known to come in three flavors: electron neutrino, muon neutrino, and tau neutrino. JUNO researchers are looking to rank the three distinct particles by their mass, solving one of the many questions nuclear physicists have speculated about since neutrinos were first experimentally detected in 1942.

The JUNO installation should become operational during the second half of next year, collecting data about potential neutrino-related reactions. Two additional large neutrino detectors are being built in Japan (Hyper-Kamiokande) and the US (DUNE), and are set to become operational in 2027 and 2031, respectively. Hyper-Kamiokande and DUNE will use different approaches to study neutrinos while also crosschecking JUNO's results.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. If we objectively assess the policy of French President Emmanuel Macron on issues ranging from Ukraine to Iran and beyond, we will see the hypocritical nature of France's approach and how the Macron government has become an object of ridicule, said Ayoob Kara, former Minister of Communications, Satellite Communications, and Cybersecurity of Israel, a prominent politician, and political scientist, Trend reports.

The article was prepared under the heading Hypocritical positions makes a laughingstock out of Emmanuel Macron, and published in the popular publication "Jewish News Syndicate of the American and international Jewish diaspora.

Meanwhile, it is noted that for France, human rights are nothing more than a "battle cry" to expand its imperial interests.

Moreover, it is noted that the latest Bloomberg report indicates that France imported record amounts of natural gas from Russia in 2024. This means that while Macron theoretically supports Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, in practice he does not comply with them.

The article points out that another example of France's hypocritical position is the close ties between official Paris and Tehran. There is extensive cooperation between France and Iran through the mediation of Armenia. The former minister described Macron's secret dealings with Iran through Armenia as hypocrisy, while the EU has imposed new sanctions against Iran.

Furthermore, the article says that France's policy toward Iran and Ukraine is not the only example of hypocrisy. For instance, since the outbreak of the Second Karabakh War between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 2020, France has demonstrated a biased stance that contradicts its role as a neutral mediator in the OSCE Minsk Group. France has made every effort to obstruct the settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

In his article, the Israeli politician emphasized that France has a colonial policy towards Corsica, as well as other overseas territories thousands of kilometers away from its borders.

For the French, human rights are a tool that serves their imperial interests, the article noted.

The full text of the article is available at the link:

https://www.jns.org/hypocritical-positions-makes-a-laughingstock-out-of-emmanuel-macron/
What just happened? Gerard Williams III, one of the lead developers behind Oryon and a variety of Apple's processors, has provided crucial testimony in a trial over whether Qualcomm's existing agreements with Arm extend to Nuvia's chip designs post-acquisition. The jury verdict could potentially reshape the semiconductor industry's competitive landscape and redefine the boundaries of intellectual property in chip design.

In a high-stakes trial unfolding in US federal court in Delaware, former Apple executive Gerard Williams III took the stand to address a crucial question: Who owns the intellectual property built upon Arm's computing architecture? The case pits Arm against Qualcomm and could determine the future of Qualcomm's foray into the laptop market.

At the heart of the controversy are the Qualcomm Oryon general-purpose cores, found in Snapdragon X processors. These cores, based on Arm's Armv8 instruction set architecture (ISA), are the result of Qualcomm's $1.4 billion acquisition of Nuvia in 2021. During cross-examination, Williams, a co-founder of Nuvia and one of the lead developers behind Oryon, made a startling revelation about the extent of Arm technology in the final design developed by Nuvia.

When asked to estimate the amount, he stated, "One percent or less." His response underscores the crux of the dispute: whether Nuvia's cores are derivatives of Arm's technology or largely independent innovations.

The origins of this legal battle trace back to Nuvia's founding in 2019. The company acquired two non-transferrable licenses from Arm: the Technology License Agreement (TLA) and Architecture License Agreement (ALA). These licenses allowed Nuvia to rework existing cores and design custom cores, respectively. Williams emphasized that the team developed its cores from scratch, with minimal use of Arm's physical IP.

Qualcomm's acquisition of Nuvia in 2021 sparked the current legal dispute. Arm requested that Qualcomm renegotiate the licensing terms, a demand Qualcomm refused, asserting that its own ALA covered its subsidiary Nuvia. The situation escalated when Arm revoked Nuvia's licenses and, in October, terminated Qualcomm's Architecture License Agreement.

During the trial, attorneys for both sides grilled Williams on the nature of Nuvia's innovations and the role of Arm's technology in their development. Arm's attorney, Daralyn Durie, pressed Williams to acknowledge that the licensing contract covered Arm technology and its "derivatives" and "modifications." Williams, while admitting the contract's wording, maintained his belief that not all of Nuvia's work was derivative of Arm's technology.

The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications for licensing practices and IP ownership in the semiconductor industry. It may also impact Qualcomm's efforts to compete in the laptop market, where it aims to challenge Apple's dominance with custom chips.

As the trial progresses, industry analysts are closely watching, noting that Qualcomm reportedly pays Arm about $300 million annually. Evidence introduced at trial suggested that Arm executives believed they were missing out on an additional $50 million per year due to Qualcomm's acquisition of Nuvia.

The trial is not over, although a jury verdict is expected soon. Another key witness, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, is potentially taking the witness stand first.
The big picture: Microsoft has purchased a staggering number of Nvidia's Hopper chips this year, far outpacing what its rivals have been able to procure. With Microsoft's significant lead and its deep ties to OpenAI, the company is well-positioned as tech giants vie for AI supremacy.

Microsoft has emerged as the dominant player in the acquisition of Nvidia's Hopper chips. According to estimates from technology consultancy Omdia that were reported in the Financial Times, Microsoft has purchased 485,000 of these flagship processors this year, more than doubling the orders of its nearest rivals in the United States and China.

This aggressive procurement strategy has positioned Microsoft at the forefront of AI infrastructure development, outpacing tech giants like Meta, Amazon, and Google. The move comes as the demand for Nvidia's advanced GPUs continues to outstrip supply, a trend that has persisted for nearly two years.

Microsoft's substantial investment in Nvidia's chips is closely tied to its $13 billion stake in OpenAI. This partnership has driven Microsoft to rapidly expand its data center capabilities, not only to power its own AI services like Copilot but also to offer robust cloud computing solutions through its Azure platform.

Indeed, the tech industry's voracious appetite for AI capabilities has led to unprecedented investments in data center infrastructure. Alistair Speirs, Microsoft's senior director of Azure Global Infrastructure, described the complexity of these projects to the FT, stating, "Good data center infrastructure, they're very complex, capital intensive projects. They take multi-years of planning. And so forecasting where our growth will be with a little bit of buffer is important."

While Microsoft leads the pack in the US, Chinese tech giants ByteDance and Tencent have also made significant strides, each ordering approximately 230,000 of Nvidia's chips. These orders include the H20 model, a modified version of the Hopper chip designed to comply with US export controls for Chinese customers.

The race for AI dominance extends beyond hardware acquisition. Tech companies are increasingly developing their own custom AI chips to reduce dependence on Nvidia. Google has been refining its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) for a decade, while Meta recently introduced its Meta Training and Inference Accelerator chip. Amazon is also making strides with its Trainium and Inferentia chips, designed for cloud computing customers.

Vlad Galabov, director of cloud and data center research at Omdia, noted the extraordinary impact of AI chip demand on server expenditure, telling the FT that "Nvidia GPUs claimed a tremendously high share of the server capex. We're close to the peak."

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Microsoft's strategic chip acquisitions and partnerships position it as a formidable force in the industry. However, the company recognizes that more than hardware is needed. "To build the AI infrastructure, in our experience, is not just about having the best chip, it's also about having the right storage components, the right infrastructure, the right software layer, the right host management layer, error correction and all these other components to build that system," Speirs said.
WTF?! Every once in a while, you may come across a Google Street View image on your Instagram feed showing off something odd. But nothing comes close to this: a seemingly innocuous image from Google's mapping vehicles may have helped crack a baffling murder case in northern Spain.

The story started unfolding back in November last year when a Cuban immigrant living in the Spanish town of Soria went missing. A relative got suspicious after receiving some sketchy texts from the man's phone about leaving the country and ditching his mobile. It seemed like someone else might be sending those messages, so the family reported him missing.

As Spanish police investigated, their attention turned to the missing man's ex-partner and her new boyfriend. That's when Google's Street View imagery from the tiny village of Tajueco became a piece of evidence. The cameras just happened to capture images of a person stuffing a large plastic sack into the trunk of a red Rover  suspiciously hunched over, almost like they were struggling with a heavy load.

The couple's ties to the missing man and some help by the Street View evidence eventually led to the police arresting the ex-girlfriend and her new beau last month. Weeks later, a torso believed to be the victim's was found in a nearby cemetery.

In a statement, police confirmed that "One of the clues that investigators used to solve the crime, though not conclusive, were the images detected during an investigation of a mapping application."

"The investigation remains open for the full clarification of the facts investigated," they concluded.

Google relies on a fleet of camera-equipped vehicles, wearable backpack systems for pedestrian areas, and user-contributed photos to capture the imagery featured in its navigation apps and maps.

From the looks of it, the image in this case was captured by a vehicle. Though you can't help but imagine the classic case of some hiker with a backpack system stumbling across a shady situation, doing a double take, and quickly carrying on like they didn't see a thing.

Of course, this isn't the first time Google's roaming Street View cameras have captured some head-scratching scenes. We've seen all kinds of bizarre shots pop up over the years  like people just casually lying on the side of the road, which usually turn out to be silly pranks. But this case is perhaps one of the few times when the tech has been used to solve something as grave as murder.

Image credit: Google
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What just happened? A San Francisco jury has convicted entrepreneur Nima Momeni of second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of Bob Lee, the founder of the hugely popular Cash App, in April last year. The guilty verdict, which came after seven days of intense deliberations, means Momeni faces 15 years to life in prison.

The six-week trial unveiled details surrounding the grisly night in San Francisco's Rincon Hill neighborhood before Lee was discovered unconscious in the early hours of April 4, 2023.

Lee had two stab wounds to the chest. He later died at the hospital, with an autopsy revealing he had alcohol, ketamine, and cocaine in his system.

According to CBS News, prosecutors argued that Momeni, upset that Lee had introduced the entrepreneur's sister Khazar to a man who gave her the drug GHB, took a kitchen knife and attacked Lee in a rage. However, Momeni's defense claimed he acted in self-defense after Lee allegedly lunged at him with a knife during a heated dispute over a "bad joke" about Lee's family.

In a courtroom scene after the verdict, Lee's brother Oliver expressed relief, stating, "We're happy that Nima Momeni won't be on the streets, no longer has the opportunity to harm anyone else." Meanwhile, Momeni's mother Mahnaz Tayarani decried a "not fair trial," insisted her son is innocent, and vowed to appeal the conviction.

The sentencing date for Momeni will be set at a hearing on January 10.

While little was previously known about Momeni, he was described as a "tech entrepreneur" during the trial. His LinkedIn profile reveals he is the owner of Expand IT, a Bay Area company he started in 2010 to provide IT solutions to local businesses.

Bob Lee served as the CTO of mobile payment company Square (now Block) to develop its Android app, and founded Cash App, which allows users to transfer cash to others and make market investments. He previously worked at Google during the early Android years.

The killing and guilty verdict have ignited debates about San Francisco's safety. Even Elon Musk weighed in last year, replying to a post on X in reference to the Lee case that "violent crime in SF is horrific."

Masthead credit: Vicki Behringer via Courthouse News
Why it matters: It's not just corporate employees leaving over the company's aggressive return-to-office policy that Amazon has to worry about. Workers at seven of its facilities walked off the job this morning in what their union is calling the "largest strike" against Amazon in US history.

According to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents 10,000 workers at ten Amazon facilities, warehouse workers in cities including New York, Atlanta, and San Francisco are taking part in the strike.

The union had given Amazon a December 15 deadline to begin talks with employees, but the company has refused to negotiate contracts with unionized workers.

"If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon's insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it," Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien said in a statement.

"These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, they've pushed workers to the limit and now they're paying the price. This strike is on them."

The prospect of not receiving your Amazon-bought goods in time for Christmas is certainly concerning. However, Amazon says that it does not expect the strike to impact its operations. A company spokesperson said the union continues to "intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent 'thousands of Amazon employees and drivers'. They don't, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative."

Amazon added that the Teamsters have threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers. It says such actions are illegal and the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union.

Striking during Amazon's busiest period of the year will cause some headaches for the company and customers, but its unionized facilities make up only about 1% of Amazon's hourly workforce, and areas such as New York have multiple warehouses and smaller delivery depots, writes Reuters.

Amazon has long faced accusations that its warehouse employees have to endure abusive and dangerous working conditions. The company continues to deny these claims, despite repeated strikes by staff.

A US senate committee released a report on Amazon's warehouse safety practices on Sunday. It stated that at least two internal studies showed a link between the speed at which workers perform tasks and workplace injuries, but Amazon rejected many safety recommendations as it feared they may reduce productivity.

Amazon said the report was "wrong on the facts and features selective, outdated information that lacks context and isn't grounded in reality."

November saw the launch of the Make Amazon Pay campaign, in which Amazon workers and allies in more than 20 countries strike and protest against what it calls the company's anti-worker and anti-democratic practices. The actions, which took place over Black Friday weekend, are now in their fifth year.
Why it matters: Despite their potential, quantum computers have largely remained confined to laboratories and have yet to demonstrate their usefulness for real-world tasks. However, a small San Francisco startup called BlueQubit aims to be among the first to make this groundbreaking technology practical.

BlueQubit recently secured a $10 million seed funding round led by Nyca Partners to advance its mission of helping businesses harness the power of quantum computing. The company's flagship product is a quantum software-as-a-service (QSaaS) platform, which provides industries with access to quantum processors and emulators for tackling problems that classical computers cannot solve.

BlueQubit claims its software stack, combined with proprietary algorithms, can run quantum emulators up to 100 times faster than existing solutions. The company achieves this through a unique approach: leveraging classical GPUs to test and refine quantum algorithms before deploying them on quantum hardware. This strategy enables effective scaling and supports the development of innovative quantum machine learning and optimization techniques.

While sectors like pharmaceuticals and materials science are poised to benefit significantly from quantum computing as it becomes more accessible, Nyca Partners anticipates that the financial services industry will be the first to see transformative impacts.

"We have been looking for a team to invest in who are looking to enable financial services firms to hit the ground running once quantum is here," said Tom Brown, partner at Nyca.

BlueQubit ultimately aims to accelerate the mainstream adoption of quantum technology by bridging the gap between quantum hardware capabilities and enterprise software demands, according to TechCrunch.

The company's founders, CEO Hrant Ghairbyan and CTO Hayk Tepanyan, bring deep experience from their work developing quantum technologies at Google. Ghairbyan contributed to pioneering efforts that later informed Google's Quantum AI team, while Tepanyan worked on Google's infrastructure team.

After observing rapid advancements in quantum computing, the duo launched BlueQubit in 2022. Interestingly, the idea for the company struck them while surfing.

"We decided to start the company while sitting on surfboards in Santa Monica, CA, in the spring of 2022," Ghairbyan told TechCrunch. "We had just heard a new announcement from the IBM Quantum team about progress on superconducting qubits, and it was clear that the quantum landscape was advancing at an incredible pace."

Quantum computing, alongside generative AI, has become one of the hottest topics in tech. Its development has accelerated significantly in recent years. Earlier this month, Google's quantum computing lab unveiled a new chip, Willow, which reportedly performs certain benchmark calculations in just five minutes  tasks that would take the world's fastest supercomputer "10 septillion years" to complete.
What just happened? Just days after Apple's AI-powered notification summary tool pushed out a false BBC headline about Luigi Mangione, a major trade body is urging the company to remove the feature completely. It marks the latest setback in Apple's attempts to convince its customers that its AI is worth using.

On December 13, Apple Intelligence, which has a history of making significant errors when it comes to summarizing notifications, pushed out a summary of several BBC headlines that included the claim Mangione had shot himself. The incident happened just 48 hours after Apple Intelligence launched in the UK.

Courtesy of BBC News

Mangione, who has been arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York, has not shot himself. He remains in custody at Huntingdon State Correctional Institution in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

It certainly isn't the first time Apple Intelligence has gotten a summary notification wrong. It previously claimed that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been arrested after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international non-profit NGO that focuses on safeguarding the right to freedom of information, is calling on Apple to disable the notification summary feature.

The RSF writes that the incident illustrates how generative AI services are still too immature to produce reliable information for the public, and should not be allowed on the market for such uses.

The group added that the probabilistic way in which AI systems operate automatically disqualifies them as a reliable technology for news media.

"AIs are probability machines, and facts can't be decided by a roll of the dice. RSF calls on Apple to act responsibly by removing this feature. The automated production of false information attributed to a media outlet is a blow to the outlet's credibility and a danger to the public's right to reliable information on current affairs," said Vincent Berthier, Head of RSF's Technology and Journalism Desk.

"The European AI Act  despite being the most advanced legislation in the world in this area  did not classify information-generating AIs as high-risk systems, leaving a critical legal vacuum. This gap must be filled immediately."

The BBC contacted Apple when it learned of the false headline to raise concerns and ask the company to fix the problem.

The summary notification in question showed three headlines: the fake one about Mangione, and two correct headlines, about the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and an update on South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Apple says its AI's summarization ability allows users to scan long or stacked notifications with key details right on the Lock Screen, such as when a group chat is particularly active. It often gets the summaries wrong or fails to understand their context, sometimes in hilarious fashion.

Spewing out false news headlines is always going to get Apple in trouble, especially at a time when companies are trying to convince people that AI is the future of pretty much everything. Apple has yet to respond to the incident, but don't expect it to permanently remove the feature. At most, Cupertino might disable it for a while.
The Cupertino tech giant may now be the most valuable company in the world again after going ahead of NVIDIA, but in terms of global smartwatch shares, Apple lost to one of the most unexpected companies in the world, Huawei. It is known that China and Huawei have long struggled with the development of their technologies because of the massive US sanctions, but the company managed to overcome that, at least on smartwatches.

Despite Huawei overtaking Apple in the latest market data, there are still a lot of notable things that Cupertino shared with customers in the wearable space, including the latest health and hardware upgrades to the latest Apple Watch Series 10.

Huawei Beats Apple in Global Smartwatch Shares

The International Data Corporation (IDC) released their latest research which detailed the metrics on today's smartwatch industry, sharing that China now took the top spot as the largest wearable device market. As per the Worldwide Wearables Quarterly Tracker, China was able to ship 45.8 million units with a year-over-year increase of 20.1 percent, with the leading company being Huawei Technologies.

In terms of shipping volume, Huawei took the top spot in their global shipments where from Q1 to Q3 2024, the Chinese tech giant was able to ship a total of 23.6 million with a 16.9 percent market share. This saw a 44.3 percent year-over-year growth rate after only being able to ship 16.3 million during Q1-Q3 2023 and only seeing an 11.6 percent market share.

On the other hand, Apple was only able to ship 22.5 million units from Q1-Q3 2024 with a 16.2 percent market share from their 25.8 million units shipped and 18.4 percent market share in Q1-Q3 2023. Cupertino saw a 12.8 percent decline in its year-over-year growth rate for Q1-Q3 2024.

Apple is Losing Out to Other Smartwatch Brands

Apple's year-over-year growth rate saw a massive decline in the data from IDC, and it is not only Huawei that beat the company and was able to show growth in their numbers in the smartwatch market. Other Apple rivals including Xiaomi with a 26.5 percent YoY growth rate and Samsung with a 24.3 percent YoY growth rate were able to beat the company in this metric.

Apple and Huawei's Rivalry in the Tech Market

There is a massive rivalry between Apple and Huawei in the global tech market, particularly back when the Chinese technology brand saw a massive import ban from the United States which also led to the company being prohibited from using American tech. However, this was not a problem for Huawei especially this year as the company more than bounced back from its struggles and managed to outsell iPhones in China.

Despite the massive friction between both companies, Huawei Technologies' CEO Ren Zhengfei previously expressed that he is an "Apple fan" and that the American company has been a massive source of inspiration for the Chinese brand. Huawei, like China, has long called for a stop to "xenophobia" against their foreign brand, particularly as Chinese technologies have long faced scrutiny from the United States.

This year, the market saw Huawei significantly improving its numbers and slowly regaining its footing after falling flat for several years, and the company was said to already facing growth despite what it went through. Now, it managed to overtake Apple in the top spot for the global smartwatch market for several quarters, and it even beat Cupertino in its growth in this sector.
Last month, we reported that Microsoft had acknowledged that a new bug in Windows 11, version 24H2, automatically increased the audio volume level to 100%.

While the company is still working on a fix to resolve this audio issue, a new issue has been observed on some devices containing Dirac Audio.

The newly discovered audio output bug is affecting devices equipped with Dirac Audio technology with the software component cridspapo.dll, which is part of these devices audio processing software, following the installation of Windows 11, version 24H2.

After installing Windows 11, version 24H2, some users reported that their devices integrated speakers, Bluetooth speakers, and Bluetooth headsets stopped functioning. They also reported that both first-party and third-party applications didnt recognize these devices, the company wrote in a new support document published on the official Windows Health Dashboard website.

For those unaware, Dirac Audio is a digital sound improvement technology that aims to better audio clarity, spatial separation, and precision.

To safeguard users from encountering this audio issue, Microsoft has applied a compatibility safeguard hold on devices containing Dirac Audio with cridspapo.dll. These devices will not be offered to install Windows 11, version 24H2, via the Windows Update release channel.

To know whether your computer has a compatibility safeguard hold, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > select Check for Windows updates.

If your computer is placed on a compatibility safeguard hold, you will see the message, Upgrade to Windows 11 is on its way to your device. There is nothing that requires your attention at the moment. Once the update is ready for your device, youll see it available on this page.

Microsoft strongly recommends that the affected users not attempt to manually update to version 24H2 using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or the media creation tool until this issue is resolved.

Currently, there are no workarounds for the newly discovered audio bug. Microsoft says that once the manufacturer releases the driver addressing this issue, it will partner with the manufacturer to offer the new version of the driver (cridspapo.dll) via Windows Update to fix the audio issue.

Once the issue is resolved on end-user devices, the Redmond giant will lift the safeguard hold, blocking the upgrade to version 24H2.

It is important to note that the newly discovered audio issue only affects client systems running Windows 11 version 24H2, not those upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 version 23H2.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree "On the approval of the Grant Agreement between the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan and the World Customs Organization (WCO) on the Customs Cooperation Fund," Trend reports.

Following the entry into force of the Grant Agreement signed on June 29, 2024, in Brussels, as mentioned in this decree, the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan must ensure the implementation of its provisions.

The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan was tasked with notifying the World Customs Organization about the completion of domestic procedures necessary for the agreement's entry into force.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Loss and redemption: tsunami survivors and the sea



Phang Nga, Thailand, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



As an eight-year-old boy Pirun Kla-Talay was orphaned by the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. Now he makes his living from the waters that claimed his parents.

Each morning the fisherman sets out from Bang Wa district in his red and yellow boat, selling his catch at the local market in southern Thailand.

For tsunami survivors, the sea can represent both beauty and sorrow.

"The sea makes me sad and happy at the same time," said Pirun, now 28. "It reminds me of loss, but it also shaped who I am today."

On December 26, 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake -- one of the strongest tremors ever recorded -- unleashed a devastating tsunami that ravaged coastal communities in Thailand, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

More than 225,000 people were killed, and entire neighbourhoods were wiped out. In Thailand there were more than 5,000 officially confirmed fatalities -- around half of them foreign tourists -- with another 3,000 left missing.

Pirun was birdwatching when when an eerie sound interrupted him.

"As an island boy, I knew the sound of waves," he said. "But that wasn't normal."

Pirun ran to alert his neighbours and climbed to higher ground, where he could only watch in horror as the monstrous wave swallowed everything in its path.

"I thought I wouldn't survive," he said.

His house was near the shore and both his parents were killed.

Once an enthusiast for the water, the loss left him terrified by the sea and he suffered from insomnia, being woken by the sounds of waves at night.

He was taken in by his aunt and the family left their home on Phra Thong island for neighbouring Bang Wa on the mainland, where he slowly began to rebuild his life.



- Fish dishes -



Between 1,000 and 2,000 children lost at least one parent to the tsunami in Thailand, according to a United Nations Relief Web humanitarian information service.

Watana Sittirachot, now 32, lost his uncle, who had cared for him since his parents' divorce.

Playing a computer game in an internet cafe in Ban Nam Khem, he saw the floodwaters approaching his village from the distance.

"Suddenly, people started running and yelling," Watana recalled, and he was taken to the village shelter.

Watana's uncle was reported missing, his body never found, leaving the 12-year-old devastated.

"My uncle was a great cook," Watana told AFP. "Every time I eat fish, I still think of him. He made the best fish dishes."

As he battled with depression, a teacher invited him to stay at Baan Than Nam Chai Foundation, an institution two Thai social workers founded for tsunami orphans.

Watana became one of its first 32 residents in 2006. Now he is the secretary-general of the foundation, which has adapted its focus to care for more than 90 children whose living parents cannot do so, including prisoners.

"We have to move forward," he said. "Nobody is going to stay with you forever."

Fisherman Pirun's wife Janjira Khampradit also looked to the future.

"Meeting him taught me to live each day as if anything could happen," she told AFP, "and to embrace life to the fullest".
'Peace was born': how the 2004 tsunami changed Indonesia's Aceh



Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Former rebel commander Muharram Idris once led 3,000 men to fight Indonesia's army in separatist Aceh, but now serves as a local politician after the legacy of a devastating tsunami two decades ago brought peace to the province.

The giant waves that engulfed the impoverished province on the northern tip of Sumatra island on December 26, 2004, killing tens of thousands, paved the way for an end to three decades of conflict.

Rebels like Muharram spent years waging battles against Jakarta's army for their own state until the disaster wiped out entire communities.

"The peace was born because of the tsunami. At the time, foreign countries wanted to help," said the 49-year-old ex-commander.

"They couldn't go in. They were pushing (both sides) to make peace."

When details emerged from Aceh of the scale of the disaster, it triggered a huge global relief and reconstruction effort.

Pressure on all sides to help those affected brought the rebels and Jakarta closer, allowing a peace to be brokered that has endured ever since.

There remains a widely held view among Aceh's deeply religious Muslim population that God sent the tsunami as a sign to end the conflict.

An August 2005 agreement enshrined that peace, with rebels handing over their weapons and Indonesia -- led by a new pro-reconciliation president -- withdrawing troops.

"The tsunami made both sides more interested in recovery and reconstruction than in pursuing the conflict," said Sidney Jones, senior adviser to Jakarta-based think tank the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict.

"Both would have lost public support for taking any other approach."



- Autonomy, amnesty -



The rebels in the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) had to agree to renounce their independence effort and were handed special autonomy in return, while Jakarta gave amnesty to fighters and political prisoners.

Afrizal, once a foot soldier for Muharram, now fishes for a living near a port in Lamteungoh village. His brother and sister were killed in the tsunami and their bodies were never found.

He was in the mountains when the tsunami hit before his unit went down to help the rescue effort.

"It was... like a world war just happened," said the fisherman, who goes by one name.

The rebel leadership then called a unilateral ceasefire but Indonesian forces continued their attacks, former rebels said.

A commander told Afrizal and his GAM comrades several months later that they would soon make peace, and they would later obey.

"We were not disappointed. It was not that we were unable to fight, (but) because we had made peace because of the disaster," he said.

One of the Indonesian negotiators I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja said Jakarta demanded two key concessions during negotiations, which the rebels eventually accepted.

"First the acknowledgement that Aceh is part of the Unitary State of Indonesia. Second, the dissolution of... the GAM's military at that time," he said.

But Muharram acknowledged some of his men "felt disappointed because they were doubtful about the Indonesian government."

Yet today the provincial capital Banda Aceh -- transformed by the huge reconstruction effort and years of peace -- teems with restaurants, coffee shops and traffic.



- 'Would have continued' -



Puja emphasises the tsunami was not the only factor in a peace process that had started years before, but acknowledges it boosted the political will of both sides.

"It finally reached a situation of 'enough is enough, what is there to continue'?" he said.

"With the tsunami, we lost everything. Not only the Indonesian government and GAM, but the biggest losers were the Aceh people. Finally there was a common sense that emerged: let's stop the conflict."

But Aceh's problems have not entirely vanished.

While it elects its own politicians, former rebels still dominate the political landscape and it remains one of the country's poorest provinces.

And the central government largely treats it like any other Indonesian province, said Jones.

Aceh is also the only Indonesian province that administers ultraconservative Islamic law, courting criticism from rights groups over punishments that include canings for perceived morality breaches.

For many Acehnese there has been a failure to implement the peace deal, with no promised human rights court set up -- and some complain that a reintegration programme was not carried out properly.

"The Aceh people have yet to have advantages... even my friends today are still hungry, without jobs," said Afrizal.

Regardless, all agree that it was that tragic day 20 years ago that played a crucial role in setting them free from a protracted, bloody conflict.

"It was likely the war would have continued," said Muharram.

"But we believe that the tsunami was arranged by the Almighty. Maybe it was just a way, Allah's way, of changing a situation."
Japan farmer who stole 200 kg spring onions blames summer heat



Tokyo, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



A Japanese court on Thursday convicted a man who stole more than 200 kilogrammes (440 pounds) of spring onions from a rival farmer after record summer heat ruined his own crops, local media reported.

As he stood trial last month, the 28-year-old former farmer reportedly blamed the hot summer for his lacklustre harvest.

But the Kyoto District Court called the theft of produce worth around 200,000 yen ($1,300) in August and September "malicious", local broadcaster Kansai TV said.

The court found "no extenuating circumstances" in his decision to "steal from a competitor and make up for lost revenue caused by unfavourable weather conditions", Kansai TV said.

The man -- who has retired from agriculture since the theft -- was handed a prison term of two years, suspended for three years, according to the broadcaster.

Japan's summer this year was the joint hottest on record -- equalling the level seen in 2023 -- as extreme heatwaves fuelled by climate change engulfed many parts of the globe.

The famous snowcap of Mount Fuji was also absent for the longest recorded period this year, not appearing until early November, compared with the average of early October.
UK's biggest water supplier wins lifeline as customer bills hiked



London, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Britain's largest water supplier Thames Water, which is drowning in debt, won a financial lifeline Thursday as regulators allowed it to massively hike customers' bills, though by less than the company demanded.

Water regulator Ofwat said Thames Water, which supplies around 16 million homes and businesses in London and elsewhere in southern England, could increase average bills by 35 precent between now and 2030.

Thames, riddled with pound16 billion-worth ($20 billion) of debt, is in desperate need of funds to update its infrastructure.

The company and its UK peers have recently been hit with heavy fines over failures to plug raw sewage discharges in rivers.

Thames customers are set to see average annual water bills rise to pound588 by 2030. It falls short of the 59-percent hike the company requested as it negotiates a lifeline loan from creditors to keep operating beyond March.

Approval of a pound3 billion debt plan could help save it falling into public hands.

Responding to Ofwat's decision Thursday, Thames Water said in a statement that it "will take time to review the determination in detail".

- 'Right to be angry' -



Ofwat on Thursday also fined the company pound18.2 million over its decision to pay "unjustified" dividends to shareholders while performance suffered.

"The public are right to be angry," Environmental Secretary Steve Reed said following the regulator's announcements.

"This Labour government will ringfence money earmarked for investment so it can never be diverted for bonuses and shareholder payouts," he added.

His comments came as the government launched an inquiry into reforming the water sector.

Environmentalists have increasingly voiced outrage at the rise in pollution across UK waterways, and have pointed the finger at privatised water companies.

It's not yet clear whether Ofwat's decision to allow Thames to hike bills will help strengthen the company's performance enough for it to avoid a state bailout.

Such a rescue would be a blow to the government in the face of tight public finances.

Thames Water -- owned by a consortium of shareholders including Canada's Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System and the British Universities Superannuation Scheme -- has recently attracted interest from private buyers.

Infrastructure investor Covalis Capital proposed an upfront buyout offer of pound1 billion, with the potential to bring in French utility giant Suez.

Thames Water's latest earnings revealed a loss of pound190 million for the six months to the end of September.

Its turnover increased 10 percent thanks to an increase in customer charges.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree "On additional measures for the development of fisheries and aquaculture in the Republic of Azerbaijan and amendments to some decrees and orders of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in this regard," Trend reports.

The new center, called the "Fishing and Aquaculture Center," has been established under the Ministry of Agriculture to enhance productivity, improve management and control systems, and promote sustainable fishery resource management while considering environmental impacts. The center will also be responsible for organizing and regulating fishing and aquaculture activities in line with modern requirements.

The center will operate as a legal entity of public law, focusing on managing fishing activities, including aquaculture, as well as increasing, utilizing, conserving, and controlling fish and other aquatic bioresources.

The center's charter fund is set at one million manat, which will be allocated from the state budget.

The nation's Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Finance have been tasked with addressing matters arising from the decree.

Amendments to existing presidential decrees and orders are also reflected in the document.
Cyclone Chido death toll in Mozambique rises to 73



Maputo, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



Cyclone Chido has killed at least 73 people in Mozambique, the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management said Thursday, raising the death toll from the figure of 45 it announced the day before.

Chido made landfall in Mozambique on Sunday after tearing through the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte where hundreds and possibly thousands of people are feared to have been killed.

The cyclone struck Mozambique at the northern Cabo Delgado province, where 66 people were killed, according to the disaster centre's updated toll.

Four were killed in Nampula province and three in Niassa, further inland, it said. One person was missing.

More than 540 people were reported injured by the cyclone, which brought winds of around 260 kilometres (160 miles) an hour and heavy rainfall of around 250 millimetres (10 inches) in 24 hours, the centre said.

More than 39,100 homes were destroyed and more than 13,400 others partially destroyed, it said. More than 329,500 people were affected by the storm.

Chido struck a part of northern Mozambique that is regularly battered by cyclones and is already vulnerable because of conflict and underdevelopment.

UNICEF's Mozambique spokesman Guy Taylor has said there are concerns about the spread of diseases such as cholera and malaria.

After sweeping over Mozambique, the cyclone moved into Malawi where it killed 13 people and injured nearly 30, according to that country's disaster management agency.
Macron promises to 'rebuild' Mayotte as locals voice grievances



Mamoudzou, Dec 19 (AFP) Dec 19, 2024



French President Emmanuel Macron promised to "rebuild" Mayotte as distraught and angry local people jeered and shouted out their grievances during his visit to the cyclone-devastated Indian Ocean archipelago on Thursday.

Five days after Cyclone Chido left a trail of destruction in its wake, Macron said France would rebuild schools, homes and hospitals there and also crack down on illegal immigration.

He also declared a national day of mourning for the victims of the disaster for Monday.

Emergency teams are still working at full pace, searching for survivors and supplying desperately-needed aid.

But as Macron inspected the destruction on the French overseas territory, local people shouted their grievances to him.

"Mister President, nobody feels safe here," one woman told Macron during his visit to the Mamoudzou hospital centre. "People are fighting over water."

And as Macron talked with hospital workers, one staff member said under her breath: "Two more days and we won't be able to feed the patients anymore. I'm disgusted."

One man in the group called the president's attention to looting, saying thieves could easily enter houses that had had their roofs blown off, despite the nightly curfew.

"Mister President, we fear that this is becoming like Haiti," he said in a reference to the poverty-stricken, crime-ridden Caribbean country that has been in a state of emergency since March.



- 'Everything in my power' -



Macron listened to the accounts, touching the arm of a woman in tears to comfort her.

"I will do everything in my power so you have water, food and electricity," he said.

Later, Macron said they aimed to have supplied all parts of the archipelago with food and water by Sunday at the latest.

Macron also vowed to "rebuild" Mayotte.

He would step up the fight against illegal immigration "while at the same time rebuilding schools, rebuilding homes, rebuilding the hospital", he told reporters.

"Don't let anybody say that the government threw in the towel."

Later, as a group of angry youths called on him to resign, he retorted: "It's not me, the cyclone."

Macron's visit came after Paris declared "exceptional natural disaster" measures for Mayotte late on Wednesday.

Located near Madagascar off the coast of southeastern Africa, Mayotte is France's poorest region.

Macron's aeroplane carried some 20 doctors, nurses and civil security personnel on board, as well as four tonnes of food and sanitary supplies.

"Don't leave too soon," airport security official Assan Halo pleaded with the president as he arrived. "We have nothing left."



- 'Worst' disaster 'in centuries' -



Some bystanders jeered the presidential convoy as it passed a petrol station where cars were lined up in a long queue hoping to buy fuel.

"It's crazy," said one Mayotte policeman asking not to be named. "You get the feeling that the government completely underestimated the disaster's scale."

A preliminary toll from France's interior ministry shows that 31 people have been confirmed killed, 45 seriously hurt, and more than 1,370 suffering lighter injuries. But officials say that, realistically, a final death toll of hundreds or even thousands is likely.

"The tragedy of Mayotte is probably the worst natural disaster in the past several centuries of French history," Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said.

France on Thursday said it had activated the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism, a pooled response by EU members and others to disasters.

In response to widespread shortages, the government issued a decree freezing the prices of consumer goods in the archipelago at their pre-cyclone levels.

Meteorologists say Cyclone Chido, which hit Mayotte on Saturday, was the latest in a string of storms worldwide fuelled by climate change.



- 'Mass graves' -



An estimated one-third of Mayotte's population lived in shantytowns whose flimsy, sheet metal-roofed homes offered scant protection from the storm.

At Mamoudzou hospital centre, windows were blown out and doors ripped off their hinges. Most of the medics had taken to sleeping at their battered workplace, as Chido had swept away their homes.

Staff soldiered on despite the hospital being out of action, electricians racing to restore a maternity ward, France's largest with around 10,000 births a year.

Much of Mayotte's population is Muslim, whose religious tradition dictates that bodies be buried rapidly, so some of the dead may never be identified.

"There are open-air mass graves. No emergency services," said Estelle Youssouffa, a National Assembly deputy for Mayotte. "Nobody is coming to get the bodies."

One man in the crowd told Macron: "In the shantytowns, people bury the bodies in shallow graves."

Assessing the toll is further complicated by illegal immigration into Mayotte, especially from the Comoros islands to the north, which means that much of the population is unregistered.

While Mayotte officially has 320,000 inhabitants, the authorities estimate the actual figure is between 100,000 and 200,000 higher when taking into account undocumented migrants.

burs-jj/bc
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. The Western Azerbaijan Community has vehemently denounced the disparaging statement issued by the United States Embassy in Azerbaijan, asserting that it intrudes upon the nation's internal affairs, Trend reports, referring to the community's recent statement.

"We want to draw the attention of the U.S. Embassy, which tries to 'justify' its slanderous campaign against Azerbaijan by citing "freedom of speech issues" in our country, to the fact that the true cause of this pressure is Azerbaijans efforts to restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty," the statement reads.

The Community further pointed out that the current U.S. administration has lost its credibility to speak on human rights as it pursues a policy of discrimination against Azerbaijanis based on ethnic and religious grounds. They also accused the U.S. of selectively approaching the issue of territorial integrity and sovereignty while supporting Armenia's policies of deportation, ethnic cleansing, aggression, and occupation.

"We, as the Western Azerbaijan Community, constantly experience this unjust approach and discrimination. Furthermore, the aggressive rhetoric of the U.S. Embassy in response not only to even the slightest criticism but also to simple inquiries shows their indifference to the 'freedom of speech' and 'diversity of opinions' they arrogantly claim to champion.

We demand that the U.S. administration cease interfering in Azerbaijan's internal affairs, put an end to the discrimination of its people, and stop using human rights for political purposes," the statement states.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. The Azerbaijani Parliament has strongly rejected the biased resolution passed by the European Parliament on December 19, 2024, Trend reports via the National Assembly.

The parliamentary session of the European Parliament on December 19, 2024, was marked by the adoption of another anti-Azerbaijani resolution, the assembly noted.

"This resolution once again presents false information and figures, distorts the facts, and seeks to politicize the investigation of crimes. Azerbaijan fully guarantees all fundamental rights and freedoms, and the European Parliament's document, which interferes in our country's internal affairs, serves entirely different purposes.

There is no doubt that this resolution is a key part of the ongoing smear campaign against Azerbaijan. In particular, given Azerbaijan's achievements in overcoming artificially created obstacles and uniting the global community in the fight against climate change, it was expected that this campaign would be filled with various politically motivated 'elements.' In this context, the European Parliament, which hosts Azerbaijanophobic, Turkophobic, and Islamophobic forces, was inevitably going to "contribute" to this campaign. To grasp how biased this resolution is, one only needs to note that representatives of the former separatist regime and terrorists, accused of crimes against humanity on Azerbaijani territory, are referred to in the document as 'Armenian prisoners of war.'

It is evident that the European Parliament has become a platform for the immediate execution of orders from France, Armenia, and the Armenian lobby. Such resolutions expose the true nature of the political agendas targeting our country. The discussions and adopted documents in the European Parliament have become instruments of blatant interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations. However, this institution must understand that its biased stance and resolutions based on false information are no longer of any significance.

The Azerbaijani Parliament strongly rejects the European Parliament's biased and prejudiced resolution. We believe that, facing serious challenges, Europes legislators need to focus on addressing these issues more than ever before," the statement said.
Warning: Graphic content

The mother of a pregnant woman murdered by her husband before he put her body in a bath of acid has broken down in tears on the floor of a Sydney court after hearing the killer could spend just 16 years in jail.

Arnima Hayat, 19, had been studying medical science and had wanted to leave her husband, Meraj Zafar, when he killed her inside their North Parramatta unit on the night of January 29, 2022.

Arnima Hayat was murdered by her husband, Meraj Zafar.

Zafar, 23, pleaded guilty earlier this year to Hayats murder. The day after the killing, Zafar was captured on CCTV driving a truck to Bunnings Northmead and buying five 20-litre tubs of acid over two trips, which he poured into the bath in an attempt to dispose of Hayats remains.
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 Cross the Comanchero bikie club, and you could end up like Spaghetti Legs. It was the nickname given to a rival who was once so brutally beaten that the punishment passed into the gangs lore. The man, stupidly, had called a high-ranking member of the outlaw motorcycle gang a dog. Revenge was swift and merciless, delivered by a technique underworld sources call a Comanchero break  the victim is held in a headlock or pinned to the ground as members jump or stomp on their legs. In this case, a 120-kilogram bikie turned the victims thighs and calves to mush. The shocking tale has come to light during a nine-week trial related to the criminal activities of the Comancheros, the most powerful bikie club in the nation. In late November, three people were convicted of murder in the Supreme Court of Victoria over the shooting death of a man five years ago. Another was found not guilty of assisting an offender following the murder.

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The jurys guides on this in-depth journey into the inner workings of the club were a top-ranked organised crime detective and a slew of supergrass witnesses who testified for the prosecution. The case laid bare some of the deepest, darkest secrets of the so-called 1% club, including the rigid hierarchy of the outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) societies in which loyalty and brutality are prized above all else. Here, inflicting violence is both a skill and a punchline: Later, the bikie would tell a psychologist: I like to hurt people, I get joy out of it. These were no random acts of violence but a fundamental part of life in an outlaw motorcycle gang. One of the star witnesses at the trial was Inspector Wayne Cheesman, a veteran detective formerly of the Echo taskforce, which specialises in bikies.

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Ill be careful what I say, but there is a lot of testosterone in the clubs, Cheesman told the jury. Yes, theres a lot of ego, theres a lot of testosterone. Theyre a group of formidable men  they look the part, they act the part, thats part of the attraction, to be honest. Reputation is probably one of the most important things that clubs seek because it gives them a legitimacy, power, authority and a way of Were not to be messed with, if I sum it up like that. The Comancheros  like all bikie clubs  had a rigid set of rules, Cheesman testified. The court was shown a document that contained the 11 rules of the gang, which prizes loyalty and the code of silence above all else. Any display of cowardice will not be tolerated is rule No.1. The details came to light during a Supreme Court murder trial. Credit: Vince Caligiuri

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There are even rules laid down about the exact type of motorcycle a member must ride while wearing their colours. Club patch will be protected with your life, according to the regulations for a nominee or new potential member. And the Comancheros dedication and fixation on their colours, the vest and patches worn by members, are more rigid than in a military unit. In joining the club, your allegiance and your commitment is to the club, Cheesman said. Transgressions for something as simple as taking a tranquilliser resulted in a bitch slap from those higher up the food chain, the court heard. Cheesman testified that internal rivalries led to regular acts of violence. This could be for sleeping with another members wife. The court also heard stories about how easily fatal conflict threatened to break out for even the most capricious of reasons.

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One example was a simple, misunderstood message from one member criticising another for missing a club dinner. Im filthy on [fellow member], bro. I think Im gonna set him up and shoot him dead. Its a massive move, but Im angry as f--- now  Try and get tools [guns]. F--- this c---, his friend responded. But it was all a mistake, and no blood was shed  that time. The trial heard debt collection was a key business for the Comancheros. Whether that be collecting for themselves or others, violence was always at the forefront of their minds. Carrying out this violence, which often involved shooting a person in the knee or leg, known as kneecapping, was permitted only with the approval, or OK, of the club.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. With the resolution adopted today, the European Parliament once again demonstrated its inexhaustible hatred for Azerbaijan, Western Azerbaijan Community said, Trend reports.

"This is the same European Parliament that in 1988, when we, Western Azerbaijanis, were deported by Armenia from our ancestral lands, not only did not condemn this, but called for the annexation of the former "Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region" to Armenia.

By expressing sympathy for the war criminals, the murderers of Khojaly, Garadaghly, Aghdaban in today's resolution, the European Parliament showed that its essence has not changed, although the times have changed," the statement reads.
The Mac.Robertson Girls High School student scored an almost perfect 48 in biology, which will go towards her final results in year 12 next year. Mac.Robertson produced the most students in Victoria with a VCE biology score of 40 or above this year, with 49 students reaching that top tier. English, biology, psychology, mathematical methods and business management were among the most popular subjects in the VCE this year. Data about what schools had the most high performers does not account for schools varied populations and subject enrolment numbers. Some students also do not allow their scores to be publicly recorded, which may alter results.

Mac.Robertson principal Sue Harrap said the key to its VCE success was the collaboration between students and staff. This year we had six classes of biology, and four teachers. The teachers worked in a close-knit team to support each other so they could provide learning that extends and enriches our students at their point of need, Harrap said. An interesting point of note is that 103 of the 129 students who studied unit three and four biology were year 11 students. For most, this would be their first foray into the rigours of unit three and four, and they want to give it their best shot.

It was also the first dip into advanced subjects for 16-year-old Melbourne High student Tyler Whitmarsh, who was among his schools top performers in psychology, with a score of 40. Melbourne High had the most high-performing VCE psychology students of any school in Victoria, with 26 scoring 40 or above. It also took out the No.1 spot for mathematical methods, with 83 students achieving high scores in that subject. Tyler, who plans to study law after he graduates, will do five rather than six VCE subjects next year after his success in psychology in year 11. He said most students should do a unit three and four subject in year 11 because it would help with how they approached their study the following year. Melbourne High principal Tony Mordini said the school was fortunate to have a cohort of capable and aspirational students, and staff worked hard to maintain a conducive learning environment and invest in students wellbeing.

Im incredibly proud of the staff and students who have worked so hard together to achieve these results, Mordini said. Haileybury Girls College had the highest number of students with scores of at least 40 in VCE English, with 108 students. Top VCE English performer Charli Cowan. Credit: Joe Armao Year 12 graduate Charli Cowan, 18, led the high achievers, attaining a perfect score of 50. She said she was honestly ecstatic when she found out her results.

I had been aiming high for English and when I saw the 50, I was almost in disbelief. Getting a 50 in English is so ridiculously hard, and it just felt like all the countless hours of hard work had all paid off, she said. Cowan most enjoyed studying protest as part of the English courses creative unit, and said students who wanted to aim for a perfect VCE score should go the extra mile. We were constantly revisiting old protests, but then looking at the new protests like the Land Forces expo one  [and] the underlying reason for these people protesting, and how does their action alienate [and disconnect] them from the rest of Victoria, Cowan said. Even if my teacher had set no homework, I was constantly refining my writing and asking her for additional readings, and expanding my vocabularies throughout the year. Mentone Grammar School recorded 46 students with scores of 40 or more in VCE business management, which was the most of any school in the state for that course.
Famous British YouTuber Yung Filly has made another appearance in a Perth court after he admitted speeding through Perths east while on bail for rape charges.

Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, was charged in October with raping and choking a woman in her 20s in a Hillarys hotel room while on his Australian tour.

Musician and Youtuber Yung Filly, real name Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos. Credit: Marv.Media

However, while on bail last month the 29-year-old was caught driving at 158km/h on Roe Highway in High Wycombe, leading to his car being impounded and further charges of reckless driving.

Barrientos appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, where his lawyer Joanne Oliver said her client would be entering an endorsed plea of guilty and asked for the matter to be adjourned through to January to be heard alongside his charges of assault occasioning bodily harm, impeding a persons normal breathing, and sexual penetration without consent.
Warning: This story carries the name of a deceased Indigenous person.

There have been significant improvements in the management of young people in detention, a new review has found, one week after a coroner said Casuarinas notorious youth wing should close as a matter of urgency.

Coroner Philip Urquhart called for the justice department to be stripped of its role overseeing young people during the inquest into the death of Cleveland Dodd, who was found unresponsive inside a cell in Unit 18 in the early hours of October 12, 2023.

Cleveland Dodds mother Nadene Dodd and father Wayne Gentle. Credit: Aaron Bunch/AAP

The case will return to court in June for closing submissions ahead of the coroners final findings and recommendations.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will unveil a revamped frontbench as soon as this weekend in a shake-up that will replace two shadow ministers and promote a handful of younger MPs.

Shadow ministers James Paterson, Sussan Ley, Dan Tehan and former shadow minister Julian Leeser are the four candidates most likely to replace retiring foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham.

Peter Dutton is likely to announce a reshuffle before Christmas. Credit: Glenn Hunt

Paul Fletcher must be replaced as spokesperson for government services, arts and science as he is quitting politics before the next election.

Tehan is considered the frontrunner for foreign affairs as Dutton is likely to want to keep Paterson, a close ally, in the politically hot home affairs portfolio. As deputy leader, Ley could demand the foreign affairs portfolio but is said to prefer her domestic portfolios of industry, skills, training and small business.
The news

Queenslands Labor has accused the new LNP government of seeking and sharing inflated cost estimates of major projects to enable it to claim future success reining-in budgets.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles fronted media in Brisbane on Thursday where he was asked about one of the most recent examples in the rebuild of a trouble-plagued dam near Bundaberg.

Are they simply saying to Treasury, oh, give us the biggest number that you can right now, so that when we come in below that number, we look better than them [Labor], Miles said.
Franchise Owners and Batteries Plus Customers Go Above and Beyond, Helping Power Toys this Holiday Season

HARTLAND, Wis.

Dec. 19, 2024

-- Batteries Plus  the nation's largest specialty battery retailer  is proud to announce, surpassing the brand's initial goal and a significant increase from prior donations. The batteries serve as a crucial piece for the annual Toys for Tots Campaign, as no donated toy can be deemed "complete" and gifted to families in need without batteries to power them.

"Reaching more than one million batteries shows how much is possible when communities, franchisees, and customers all unite for a worthy cause like Toys for Tots," said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. "Knowing that we're helping power the holiday joy for so many kids across the country is an incredibly humbling moment for everyone at Batteries Plus."

Franchisees Lead the Charge

For several Batteries Plus franchisees, this campaign became personal, inspiring them to organize local events to maximize the impact in their own communities.

Knoxville, TN : Franchise Owner Todd Williams gathered a record-number of batteries for this year's Toys for Tots Campaign.

: Franchise Owner gathered a record-number of batteries for this year's Toys for Tots Campaign. Bradenton, FL : Franchise Owner Rich Epps rallied his community to collect batteries to power donated toys.

: Franchise Owner rallied his community to collect batteries to power donated toys. Las Cruces, NM : Franchise Owner and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Keith Placencio partnered with a local technology company to contribute thousands of batteries to power donated Walkie Talkies.

: Franchise Owner and U.S. Marine Corps veteran partnered with a local technology company to contribute thousands of batteries to power donated Walkie Talkies. Additional impactful donation events were held in Minneapolis, MN , Olympia, WA , Phoenix, AZ , and Gainesville, FL as franchisees and Batteries Plus customers alike embraced the spirit of giving.

"So often, toys come with the familiar disclaimer 'batteries not included.' But for families in need, that additional cost of batteries can be a burden," said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, Vice President of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "We're incredibly grateful for this meaningful partnership with Batteries Plus and their generous donation of over one million batteries to power donated toys this holiday season."

To learn more about Batteries Plus and to the nearest retail store near you, please visit www.batteriesplus.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS:

Batteries Plus is a specialty retailer that offers an unmatched selection of battery solutions for consumers, no matter their power needs. With over 700 locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico, the retailer not only has unrivaled selection when it comes to meeting consumer's power needs but its stores offer expertise to go along with any purchase. Headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin, Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about Batteries Plus and its products and services, visit www.batteriesplus.com.

About Marine Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots, a 77-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to less fortunate children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy or book. The impact of these toys and books offers disadvantaged children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Since 1947, the Program has evolved and grown exponentially having delivered hope and the magic of Christmas to over 291 million less fortunate children. Because the need isn't just at Christmastime, the Toys for Tots Program also provides support year-round to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dream of millions of less fortunate children beyond the holidays. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. Pursuant to the plan signed between the Defense Ministries of Azerbaijan and Italy, military experts in civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) from the Italian Republic visited Azerbaijan, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The Media and Public Affairs Department of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense organized a meeting with the Italian delegation.

The guests were briefed on the communication strategy of the Ministry of Defense and approved a relevant decision by the Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov. Additionally, the Italian guests received comprehensive information on the 44-day Second Karabakh War, which culminated in the victory of the Azerbaijan Army, as well as on the provision of information in subsequent operations and efforts to combat disinformation.

Subsequent to presentations on CIMIC by Italian military experts, discussions ensued about the adoption of modern methods in this domain, and inquiries of mutual interest were addressed.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. Azerbaijan's ADA University has rolled out its inaugural PhD program, joining forces with George Washington University (GW or GWU) from the United States to launch new masters and doctoral programs, Trend reports.

Faculty members, students, and guests from both institutions attended the event on December 19.

Opening the event with a welcoming speech, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Elkin Nurmammadov and Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Engineering Abzatdin Adamov emphasized the significance of announcing these new programs as a milestone in the history of ADA University.

Galib Mammad, President of the ADA University Center in the US, noted that these new initiatives aim to train the future academic staff. He emphasized that the collaboration between ADA University and GWU has reached a new level, with a focus on meeting the needs of a broader group of students.

Professors from George Washington University, including Jan Korman, Tarek El-Ghazawi, and Rebecca Hwa, discussed the successful history of cooperation between the two universities. They informed attendees about the dual degree programs offered at the masters level and highlighted that the newly signed doctoral agreement will expand this partnership, playing a key role in the academic development of students.

In his closing remarks, ADA University Rector Hafiz Pashayev emphasized that since its establishment, the university has been working to strengthen its academic staff. He noted that ADA University regularly collaborates with Azerbaijani students studying doctoral programs abroad and supports doctoral education at prestigious universities for youth interested in science.

The rector also pointed out that the launch of a doctoral program in engineering and technology at ADA University supports this goal. Additionally, he highlighted that opportunities for doctoral education in these fields at George Washington University and the Polytechnic University of Turin would provide Azerbaijani youth with new academic skills, enabling specialization and integration into the international scientific network. This will benefit not only ADA University but also the country as a whole.

A key moment of the event was the signing of a partnership agreement between ADA University and George Washington University in the field of doctoral studies. The agreement aims to prepare academic personnel who will contribute to the development of information technology in Azerbaijan. Faculty members and researchers who will undergo doctoral training at ADA University will gain valuable international experience.

The first intake for the doctoral program in information technology and computer science will begin in 2025.

Through the masters programs presented today, students will study in both Baku and Washington for two years, ultimately earning two diplomas.

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Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. The officer of the Azerbaijan Army has been awarded in the United Kingdom, Trend reports, referring to the country's Ministry of Defense.

This narrative encapsulates the ongoing trajectory of exemplary achievements among the military personnel of the Azerbaijan Army, who are currently engaged in advanced studies at globally recognized military institutions, consistently realizing significant milestones.

In order to synergize international military acumen and augment the competencies of professional personnel, Azerbaijan Army servicemen participate in a plethora of specialized courses provided by cutting-edge educational establishments in developed nations.

A serviceman of the Azerbaijan Army, First Lieutenant Sanan Asadov has successfully completed the "Leadership and Management Skills Development Course for Junior Officers" held at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK.

The officer received recognition for exemplary contributions in the domain of educational advancement.

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The News in Brief Thursday, December 19, 2024

Robin Wagener, the Federal Government Coordinator for Inter-Societal Cooperation with the Countries of the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Republic of Moldova, issued a statement following his visit to Georgia.The statement indicates that the German government will reconsider its cooperation with Georgia and emphasizes the need for targeted sanctions against individuals "responsible for this escalation."Wagener stated that "Georgian Dream must respect the will of the majority of the population and return to the European path outlined by Georgia's constitution.""The desire for liberal democracy among Georgian citizens has violently clashed with the increasingly autocratic repression of the ruling party Georgian Dream. We stand with those Georgians who aspire to see their future within the European Union. During this visit, I intend to make this position clear.The Georgian people were promised a European future. Shortly after this promise, Georgian Dream ultimately turned its back on democratic values and Europe. The use of force against peaceful protesters and the arrests of opposition members and journalists are categorically unacceptable and strongly condemned. For instance, I was informed about how masked individuals beat a journalist while he was covering a demonstration live.For this reason, the German government will reconsider its cooperation with Georgia and has already canceled the first aid projects. Targeted sanctions are necessary against those responsible for this escalation. In this situation, decisive measures are essential.I was deeply moved by accounts of how people from various generations took to the streets even in small settlements because they perceive a concrete threat to their future. Georgian Dream must respect the will of the majority of the population and return to the European path outlined by Georgia's constitution," stated Wagener.The Coalition for Change has accused Georgian Dream of using the visit of Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset for "propaganda and disinformation", falsely suggesting European recognition of its legitimacy.The statement claims Bidzina Ivanishvili's regime spreads false narratives against international partners and Georgia's President Salome Zurabishvili, aiming to maintain its image domestically. The coalition warns that such visits, without a clear message on new elections or Georgia's political crisis, risk enabling the regime's propaganda.They express hope that Berset's visit will help improve Georgia's human rights situation, particularly by securing the release of political prisoners.Berset has met with Georgian Dream's Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, oligarch Ivanishvili, and Georgian Dream's Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. He also plans to meet with the opposition and civil society representatives.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 19. Kazakhstan and Guinea-Bissau have signed an agreement to exempt holders of diplomatic and service passports from visa requirements, Trend reports.

The agreement was signed during talks in an expanded format, involving official delegations from both countries, led by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo.

During the talks, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan highly praised the visit, emphasizing its exceptional importance for the development of bilateral relations.

You are visiting Kazakhstan for the first time as the President of Guinea-Bissau. This is a historic visit. I am confident that todays high-level negotiations will open a new stage in the cooperation between our countries, he highlighted.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that last year marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Guinea-Bissau. According to him, this historical milestone lays a solid foundation for further deepening mutually beneficial partnership.

In turn, Umaro Sissoco Embalo expressed his gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the people of Kazakhstan for their warm reception.

My visit today to your country is a reflection of our mutual desire to strengthen friendly ties and cooperation between Bissau and Astana, he stated.

The two sides discussed a wide range of cooperation issues in such promising areas as agriculture, transport and logistics, the mining and metallurgy complex, finance, digitalization, and telecommunications.

Members of the official delegations exchanged the following documents:

- An agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau on the exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports;



- A memorandum on political and diplomatic consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Communities of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau;



- A memorandum on cooperation in the field of information and communication technologies between the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.



To note, The President of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo arrived on a working visit to Kazakhstan on December 18. After the official meeting of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Akorda, negotiations were held first in a narrow and then in an extended format.
13 killed, 99 rescued after Navy boat rams into ferry off Mumbai coast





MUMBAI :

THIRTEEN persons died and 99 others were rescued after a Navy craft crashed into a ferry off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday, the Navy said. At about 4 pm, a Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with passenger ferry Neel Kamal off Karanja near Mumbai, the Navy said in a statement. The ferry was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination. Search and Rescue efforts were immediately launched by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, one Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats were involved in the rescue efforts, the Navy said. The survivors picked up by Navy and civil craft in the area have been transferred to jetties and hospitals in the vicinity. So far 99 survivors have been rescued, it added.

The accident led to the loss of 13 lives, including a Naval personnel and two from the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) on board the Naval craft, the Navy said. Accounting of all personnel is in progress along with SAR efforts in the area, it said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur that 101 persons have been rescued.

Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the collision between passenger ferry and Indian Navy craft in Mumbai Harbour. Injured personnel, including naval personnel & civilians from both vessels, are receiving urgent medical care, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Extensive search & rescue efforts are ongoing by the Indian Navy & Coast Guard, deploying multiple assets, to locate missing persons, Singh added. Fadnavis said 13 persons, including 10 civilians and three from the Navy, were declared dead by Naval doctors till 7.30 pm. Two seriously injured personnel from the Navy are admitted to the naval hospital. He said the Navy, Coast Guard and Mumbai Police launched rescue operations immediately. Four naval helicopters and 11 crafts were pressed into service. The rescue operations are underway, he said. Fadnavis declared financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of victims of the extremely unfortunate tragedy from the CMs Relief Fund.
After a gap of 6 years India-Chinas SRdialogue resumes





NEW DELHI/BEIJING :

NSA Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discuss peace at borders, restoration of ties

INDIA on Wednesday pressed for a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the border dispute with China as NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held extensive talks focusing on positive direction for cross-border cooperation including resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, river data sharing and border trade. The Indian readout of the 23rd Special Representatives (SR) dialogue, however, did not mention a six-point consensus that was listed in a statement issued by the Chinese side at the end of the talks. The two sides underlined the need to ensure peaceful conditions on the ground so that issues on the border do not hold back the normal development of bilateral relations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Doval and Wang agreed on the salience of stable, predictable and amicable India-China relations for regional and global peace and prosperity, it said.

The decision to revive the SR dialogue mechanism was taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan on October 23, two days after India and China firmed up a pact for disengagement in Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, effectively ending the over four-year border standoff in the region. The SRs reiterated the importance of maintaining a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship while seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for settlement of the boundary question, and resolved to inject more vitality into this process, the MEA said. The SR dialogue took place after a gap of five years.

The last round of SR dialogue was held in New Delhi in December 2019. While Indias Special Representative for the dialogue is NSA Doval, the Chinese side is headed by Foreign Minister Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China. The MEA said Doval and Wang positively affirmed the implementation of the latest disengagement agreement of October resulting in patrolling and grazing in relevant areas. It said both the SRs underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas to promote overall development of the India-China bilateral relationship. They emphasised the need to ensure peaceful conditions on the ground so that issues on the border do not hold back the normal development of bilateral relations, it said. Drawing on the learnings from the events of 2020, they discussed various measures to maintain peace and tranquillity on the border and advance effective border management, it said.

They decided to use, coordinate and guide the relevant diplomatic and military mechanisms towards this purpose, the MEA said. It said Doval and Wang met in accordance with the decision taken during the recent meeting between Modi and Xi for them to meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace and tranquillity in border areas. A Chinese readout said Doval and Wang reached a six-point consensus, including continuing to take measures to maintain peace at borders and promote healthy and stable development of relations. Both sides agreed to continue to take measures to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, it said.

The Chinese statement said the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary issue in accordance with the political guidelines agreed upon by the special representatives of the two countries on resolving the boundary issue in 2005. The two sides assessed the border situation and agreed to further refine the management and control rules in the border area, strengthen the building of confidence-building measures, and achieve sustainable peace and tranquillity on the border, it said. The Chinese readout further added that the two sides agreed to continue to strengthen cross-border exchanges and cooperation, and promote the resumption of Indian pilgrimage to Tibet, cross-border river cooperation and Nathula border trade. It said it was agreed to hold a new round of special representatives meetings in India next year. According to the MEA, Doval and Wang exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. They provided positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges including resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade, the MEA said in the statement. The NSA also met Han Zheng, the Vice President of China. Doval also invited Wang to visit India at a mutually convenient date to hold the next round of SR meeting.

The military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020 and a deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in June that year resulted in a severe strain in ties between the two neighbours. The face-off effectively ended following completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21. Two days after the pact was firmed up, Modi and Xi held talks on the sidelines of the Brics Summit in the Russian city of Kazan. In the nearly 50-minute meeting, the two sides agreed to revive several dialogue mechanisms including the Special Representatives dialogue on boundary question. India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas. Following completion of the disengagement process in Demchok and Depsang, Indian and Chinese militaries also resumed patrolling activities in the two areas after a gap of almost four-and-a-half years.
Cancer screening camp held at Hqs MB Area





Staff Reporter :

A cancer screening camp was organised under the aegis of Headquarters Madhya Bharat Area at the Military Hospital Jabalpur on December 16 and 17 focusing on early detection and awareness of cancer. The event was inaugurated by Rajlaxmi Shekhawat, Zonal President, AWWA, HQ MB Area. The camp also saw presence of Family Welfare Organisation (FWO) Chairman and the Commandant MH Jabalpur, underscoring importance of the initiative. The camp provided essential screening for women to promote early diagnosis and treatment of various cancers.

A total of 143 patients comprising families, veteran families, widows and Veer Naris were examined during the camp. Key procedures conducted included PAP smear tests and mammography screening, targeting detection of cervical and breast cancer respectively. Shekhawat emphasised on the importance of routine health checkups and spreading awareness on preventive measures. Brigadier Pawan Sharma, Commandant MH Jabalpur expressed gratitude towards medical staff for their dedication and encouraged more such initiatives for well-being of the community. The camp was appreciated by attendees with many expressing their gratitude for free services provided. Such programmes are aimed to prioritise health and welfare of families within the Armed Force.
Chief Secretary Jain interacts with senior administrative, police officers





Staff Reporter :

Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh Anurag Jain interacted with senior administrative and police officers during his visit to the city at Circuit House, on Wednesday. Chief Secretary, Anurag Jain, arrived at the Jabalpur Circuit House where he was warmly received by Divisional Commissioner, Abhay Verma, Inspector General of Police (Jabalpur Zone), Anil Kushwaha, Collector, Deepak Saxena, Superintendent of Police, Sampat Upadhyay, Municipal Commissioner Preeti Yadav and Additional Collector Misha Singh, along with other officials. The officials extended a cordial welcome and held a courtesy meeting with the Chief Secretary during his visit.
Delay in distribution of portfolios fanning speculations





Staff Reporter :

Four days after the new Cabinet took oath, CM Fadnavis may announce portfolios today

On December 15, 2024, new Cabinet of Maharashtra Government took oath at Raj Bhavan here. Since the oath-taking, no portfolios have been allotted to the ministers. The Vidhan Bhavan premises was abuzz with speculations about distribution of portfolios. Amid the suspense over the key issue, The Hitavada spoke to some of the newly-inducted ministers who said, it would be finalised by Thursday morning. Political pundits were of the view that the consensus among Mahayuti constituents was missing over allotment of the portfolios which was causing delay. The results of Assembly polls were out on November 23. It took Mahayuti almost 12 days to finalise the Chief Ministers name.

Mahayuti again made people ponder over the issue of ministerial berths in the Cabinet. The Cabinet expansion took place on the eve of Winter Session of State Legislature Assembly without announcement of the portfolios. Mahayuti leaders are dismissing speculations of any discord within the Government. Most leaders assured that ministers would soon begin serving the State with their respective portfolios. Already, Mahayuti is facing the displeasure being expressed by leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, Sudhir Mungantiwar, etc. Tanaji Sawant, who handled portfolio of Health during Shinde-led Government, too is absent from the regular business of legislature. His name did not figure in the list of ministers. Dilip Walse Patil too has left for Pune after taking part in the business of the Assembly for two days. Concerns of factionalism within Mahayuti are being discussed. The party workers and even some ministers are aspiring for key portfolios like the Home Ministry. Since no portfolio has been allotted, the clearing of files is taking time. There are many important issues pending since the model code of conduct came into effect, most bureaucrats admitted in private.
Flights announced for Raipur, Ambikapur, Bilaspur





Our Correspondent

BILASPUR,

There is good news for people who travel by air in Chhattisgarh as three major cities of State including Raipur, Ambikapur and Bilaspur will be connected by air services. The 19 seater first flight will depart from Swami Vivekanand Airport at 9 am on Thursday. These three cities of State will be connected by air service under the Regional Air Connectivity Scheme. The Fly Big aviation company has announced to start flights for these three cities from December 19. These flights will be operated three days a week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The starting fare will be Rs 999 on first come first serve basis.

The 19 seater flight will take off from Raipur at 9.00 hrs and land at Maa Mahamaya Airport, Ambikapur at 10.15 hrs. After a 25-minutes scheduled halt, it will take off from Ambikapur at 10.40 hrs and land at Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport at 11.35 hrs. After 25-minutes halt it will depart from here at 12.00 hrs and land at Ambikapur at 12.55 hrs. In the last phase the flight will take off from Ambikapur at 13.20 hrs and land at Raipur at 14.35 hrs. The Central Government has handed over the responsibility of this air service to Fly Big Aviation Company under Udaan Yojana. After the start of Raipur-Ambikapur-Bilaspur flight service, people travelling to UP, Jharkhand and Bihar will get relief. Along with upgradation of Bilaspur Airport, a building is being constructed to install DVOR (Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range) equipment for night landing facility.

The length and height of the runway will also be increased along with the works of boundary wall. An additional apron will be constructed in the airport as the current apron has a parking facility for two aircraft and one more apron will help parking of four planes. Carpet works of the Bilaspur Airport runway is also underway. A fresh layer of asphalt will be laid on the runway with re-carpeting of 1500 meters runway. For upgrading the airport, the state government needs 287 acres out of 1172 acres land occupied by the Army. Besides increasing the length and width of the runway, the building for DVOR will also be constructed.
Girish Mahajan reiterates demand for narco test of Anil Deshmukh





Staff Reporter :

BJP leader and Minister Girish Mahajan, on Wednesday, repeated the demand for a narco-analysis test of former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, accusing him of being part of a conspiracy to falsely frame him in criminal cases during Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regime. Mahajans statement came after Congress MLC Shashikant Shinde raised a question in the Legislative Council about a case filed against former DGP Sanjay Pandey, based on a complaint by Sanjay Punmiya. Mahajan claimed that during Deshmukhs tenure as Home Minister, some officials including a Government Pleader collaborated to falsely accuse him in a criminal case. He described an interaction where Deshmukh allegedly told him to meet with someone called Mothe Saheb, but even after this meeting, the attempts to target Mahajan continued. Mahajan also mentioned an incident in which former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis submitted a pen drive containing video recording of the Government Pleaders office.

He said this was part of a larger plan to frame both him and Fadnavis, with Government Pleader and other officials trying to trap them. Mahajan revealed that in 2020, two years after the alleged incident, a case was registered against him in Pune, under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA), even though no earlier case had been filed against him. According to Mahajan, Deshmukh admitted in a meeting that he was under pressure. Mahajan claimed that this conversation was recorded on video, where a Government Pleader told officials to make false charges against him. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is looking into the case, and Mahajan has called for narco tests on both Deshmukh and Eknath Khadse to get to the truth.

The issue was also discussed by MLC Shinde, who condemned the targeting of political leaders through conspiracies and called it it unacceptable. He informed that a case was filed against Punmiya, who has been involved in several fraud cases under the Urban Land Ceiling Act. Shinde has also called for an investigation into former Police Commissioner Parambir Singh and his property dealings. Opposition leader Ambadas Danve said there were multiple complaints against Town Planning Officer Dilip Gheware, who, along with Punmiya, allegedly pressured officials to sign fake affidavits to target political leaders. Danve has called for immediate Government action on these serious charges.
House discusses supplementary budget Meanwhile, Congress MLAs reach with tea kettles, Parmar wears garland of liquor bottles





Congress MLA Mahesh Parmar arrived at the Assembly wearing a garland of liquor bottles.

By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla :

Third day of Winter Session was scheduled for deliberation on supplementary budget, however, Congress MLAs unique way of protest grabbed the attention. In a series of Congress protest during the session, Congress delegation led by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Umang Singhar reached Assembly complex carrying tea kettles in hands intended to highlight unemployment problem facing by States youth. In another scene, Congress MLA Mahesh Parmar arrived at the Assembly wearing a garland of liquor bottles although he was stopped by security personnel.

Later, Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar initiated discussions on the supplementary budget presented on Tuesday. During the discussion on supplementary budget in the House, Deputy Leader of Opposition Hemant Katare said that ever since I became an MLA, I have been asking questions and seeking information about the scam in Livelihood (Aajeevika) Mission. But, I am not getting any information. All the evidence of the scam in Aajeevika Mission is out there. But, why is no action being taken? Hamidia Hospital employees, outsourced employees, technicians, ward boys are on strike. They are not getting their salaries.

EOW again raided a group. Action should be taken after investigation. An officer comes, opens the file and gets transferred. Officers should be posted for at least two years, he demanded. Katare said that the financial condition of Madhya Pradesh is deteriorating. The State has a debt of 4,92,000 crore. The per person debt is Rs 60,000. MoUs worth Rs 4 lakh crores were signed in the regional industry conclave. Is signing a big deal? Corruption took place in the scheme for pregnant women.

The child became a victim of corruption even before birth. The child becomes a debtor of Rs 60,000 even before birth. In the recruitment of jail guards, one gets 101 marks out of 100. Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Jagdish Devda presented the first supplementary budget for the current fiscal year of Rs 22,460 crore. Of this, Rs 13,130 crore has been allocated under the revenue head and Rs 9,329 crore under the capital head. Funds have been earmarked for various developmental initiatives across departments. Congress said that youths are being left with an option to open tea stall as Government has failed to fulfill its promise of creating two lakh jobs annually. While, Congress MLA Mahesh Parmar from Tarana constituency in Ujjain arrived at the Assembly wearing a garland made of liquor bottles. Security personnel stopped him from entering the House until he removed the garland. Parmar stated that he intended to wear the garland inside the House to highlight the alleged liquor scam in State.

Cabinet Commtt formed for determining Excise Policy

Staff Reporter

The State Government has formed a Cabinet Committee for determining the Excise Policy for the year 2025-26 and for making decisions on related issues from time to time. The committee includes Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, Transport and School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh, Women and Child Development Minister Nirmala Bhuria, and Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Minister Govind Singh Rajput. The Principal Secretary of Commercial Tax will serve as the Secretary of the committee.
Row over Shahs Ambedkar remarks Shah exposed Congs dark history: PM





NEW DELHI :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday stoutly defended Amit Shah from the Congress charge that he insulted B R Ambedkar in his speech in the Rajya Sabha, asserting that the Home Minister in fact exposed the partys dark history of insulting the architect of the Constitution, leaving the main Opposition stung and stunned. They are clearly stung and stunned by the facts he presented, which is why they are now indulging in theatrics. Sadly, for them, people know the truth, Modi said in a series of posts on X. When it comes to Ambedkar, his Governments respect and reverence are absolute, the Prime Minister asserted. In a searing attack on the Congress, Modi said if the party and its rotten ecosystem think their malicious lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insults towards Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken. He said people of India have seen time and again how one party, led by one dynasty, a reference to the Nehru-Gandhi family, has indulged in every possible dirty trick to obliterate Ambedkars legacy and humiliate the SC/ST communities.

The list of the Congress sins towards Ambedkar includes getting him defeated in elections not once but twice, first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru campaigning against him and making his loss a prestige issue, denying him a Bharat Ratna, and not allowing his portrait a place of pride in Parliaments Central Hall, the Prime Minister said. He said, The Congress can try as they want but they cant deny that the worst massacres against SC/ST Communities have happened under their regimes. For years, they sat in power but did nothing substantive to empower the SC and ST communities. Modi said it is due to Ambedkar that we are what we are, as he listed a series of measures taken by his Government to implement his vision and accord respect to the iconic personality. He said his Government has worked tirelessly to fulfil Ambedkars vision over the last decade.

Take any sector - be it removing 25 crore people from poverty, strengthening the SC/ST Act, our Governments flagship programmes like Swachh Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana and more, each of them has touched the lives of the poor and marginalised. Our Government has worked to develop Panchteerth, the five iconic places associated with Dr. Ambedkar, he added. For decades, Modi said, there was a pending issue involving land for Chaitya Bhoomi, where Ambedkar was cremated. Not only did our Government resolve the issue, I have gone to pray there as well, he added. We have also developed 26, Alipur Road in Delhi, where Dr. Ambedkar spent his last years. The house where he lived in London has also been acquired by the Government. When it comes to Dr. Ambedkar, our respect and reverence is absolute, he said.
Uproar in Parlt over Shahs Ambedkar remarks





NEW DELHI :

LOK Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Wednesday amid noisy protests by Opposition members seeking an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks which they claimed were an insult to B R Ambedkar. When the Lower House reconvened at 2 pm, the protests continued. Soon Ministers and MPs tabled parliamentary documents amid the din. Following which P C Mohan, who was chairing the proceedings, adjourned the House for the day. When the House was adjourned for the day, most Opposition members excluding those from the TMC were on their feet raising slogan of Jai Bheem and seeking an apology from Shah. Most Congress members were in the Well raising slogans. Earlier, the House was adjourned till 2 pm as Congress members trooped into the Well displaying posters of Ambedkar and sought an apology from Shah for his remarks during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Some members of INDIA bloc were also in the Well of the House. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal countered the Congress, saying the party has always insulted Ambedkar and ensured his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections.

The minister also claimed that the Congress has now been forced to take the name of Ambedkar though the party does not respect him. Speaker Om Birla asked the members to allow the Question Hour to continue but as the din continued, the proceedings went on for less than two minutes before being adjourned till 2 pm. The Upper House was rocked by protests from Opposition members who demanded an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming his remarks in the House a day earlier were an insult to the architect of Indias Constitution B R Ambedkar. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress of misleading the country by using only a part of Shahs remarks made in the Rajya Sabha and asserted that the Home Minister had in very clear words mentioned how the Congress party had insulted Ambedkar.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 19. Kazakhstan and Guinea-Bissau have agreed to explore ways to link the port of Bissau with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor in West Africa, Trend reports.

This was announced by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during a briefing for the media representatives following extended-format talks with the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo.

As a result of bilateral negotiations, we have reached important agreements. This visit will contribute to further strengthening cooperation in political, trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian, and other spheres. Our countries are interested in maximizing the potential of the transport and logistics sector. We have agreed to explore ways to link the port of Bissau with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor in West Africa, said Tokayev.

According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, one of the main topics of the talks was partnership in agriculture. The parties noted that Kazakhstan has significant potential for exporting grain crops to Guinea-Bissau.



Tokayev also invited the delegation of Guinea-Bissau to participate in the Astana International Forum, which will be held next year.

For his part, Umaro Sissoco Embalo focused on the potential for strengthening cooperation in several sectors.

Kazakhstan and Guinea-Bissau have the necessary mechanisms to activate cooperation in areas such as natural resource exploration, education, and hydrocarbon exports, said the President of Guinea-Bissau.



To note, on December 18, the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, arrived on an official visit to Kazakhstan, during which several agreements were signed between Kazakhstan and Guinea-Bissau.
Photo: Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan / Facebook

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has held the next currency auction, a source in the CBA told Trend.

According to the source, the demand at the auction made up $76 million and was fully met.

The weighted average exchange rate at the end of the auction amounted to 1.7 AZN/1 USD.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. In a bid to enhance the macroprudential policy framework, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has developed a document titled "Framework of Macroprudential Policy in the Banking Sector," drawing on international experience, Trend reports.

According to a report from the regulatory body, the CBA keeps a watchful eye on the banking sector, pulling the strings on regulation and supervision, including macroprudential policy, to keep the financial markets steady and strong as a rock.

"The document outlines both the final and intermediate goals of the macroprudential policy, its implementation processes, institutional design, and communication strategies. The primary goal of macroprudential policy is to safeguard financial stability and enhance its resilience by preventing the accumulation of systemic risks. The stability and resilience of the financial sector are considered crucial for long-term, stable economic growth. To achieve this primary goal, the document identifies five intermediate objectives.

As global challenges and risks evolve, the process of refining macroprudential policies continues internationally. Therefore, the document also introduces information on macroprudential tools that may be implemented in the future, in addition to the instruments currently used by the CBA.

The document, 'Framework of Macroprudential Policy in the Banking Sector,' was discussed in the Committee on Monetary Policy and Financial Stability in December 2024 and approved by decision No. 12 to inform the general public," the report said.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 19. Euronews plans to implement the Euronews Academy project, which aims to train Kazakh journalists in modern technologies and uphold high professional standards, Trend reports.

The initiative was announced during a meeting between the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Pedro Vargas David, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Euronews. According to Vargas David, the project is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Kazakhstan's domestic media sector.

The meeting also addressed broader cooperation between Kazakhstan and Euronews, a global leader in multilingual news broadcasting. President Tokayev highlighted the significance of opening a regional Euronews hub in Kazakhstan. He noted that the hub would provide a platform to showcase Kazakhstan's economic, cultural, and tourism potential to a wider international audience, benefiting Central Asia as a whole.

President Tokayev emphasized that the Euronews platform would play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and mutual understanding between Central Asian countries and the European Union.

The discussion also covered current geopolitical challenges and the role of media in addressing them.

To note, Euronews is a European 24/7 news channel that delivers video coverage of global events with audio commentary in 13 languages.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. The European Commission, in collaboration with the European Investment Bank, has allocated 2.7 billion euros under the Modernisation Fund to support 39 clean energy projects across eight EU members, Trend reports.

This marks a milestone as Slovenia, newly eligible for the fund in 2024, receives its first investment under the initiative. The funding aims to help lower-income member states meet their 2030 climate and energy goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.

Since its inception in 2021, the Modernisation Fund, financed through revenues from the EU's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), has invested 15.45 billion euros in projects accelerating the clean energy transition.

This latest disbursement builds on June's 2.97 billion euro allocation, bringing the total funding for 2024 to 5.67 billion euros, supporting 77 projects in 11 countries. This years investments have been directed toward electricity generation from renewables, modernizing energy networks, improving energy efficiency, and replacing coal with lower-carbon fuels.

Beneficiaries in 2024 include Romania (1.956 billion euros), Poland (1.733 billion euros), Czechia (1.283 billion euros), and Slovenia (309 million euros), alongside allocations to Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia.

The fund continues to encourage proposals for future support, with submission deadlines set for January and February 2025. Priority projects targeting energy system modernization and emission reductions will receive focused attention, ensuring alignment with the EUs broader climate ambitions.
Photo: Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 19. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are set to join forces to tackle the twin beasts of disinformation and fake news, ensuring they dont let the wolves in sheep's clothing run amok, Trend reports.

A meeting was held in Tashkent between representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Agency of Information and Mass Communications, under the administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

As a result of the meeting, the parties signed a Plan of Cooperation in the Information Sphere for 2025. The document was signed within the framework of the instructions given following the visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan on August 8, during which joint statements and decisions on bilateral cooperation in mass communications were made between Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The plan includes organizing media content exchange, conducting training and seminars for media professionals, enhancing the qualifications of press secretaries, supporting young journalists, and jointly combating disinformation.

The Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan emphasized the importance of integrating joint media projects and the need to develop mechanisms to counter disinformation and fake news.

To note, from December 17 to 19, the Kazakh delegation also participated in the 6th meeting of ministers and senior officials responsible for media and information of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. Axpo has announced its agreement to acquire additional biomethane projects in Italy, marking a significant expansion of its renewable energy efforts in the country, Trend reports.

The plants, located in Sicily, will each generate approximately 45 GWh of renewable energy annually, with operations expected to commence in the second half of 2026. Construction of the facilities will begin in early 2025.

The deal, which was finalized in mid-December 2024, further reinforces Axpos commitment to biomethane production in Italy following its market entry in September 2024. While the sale price remains undisclosed, the new plants will be situated in Mazara del Vallo, on Sicilys west coast, and in Paterno, near Catania in the east.

Atzwanger SpA, in collaboration with BiHcon, has been selected as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025. The plants will primarily use agricultural waste from local farms and businesses to produce carbon-neutral green gas, which will then be integrated into Italys national gas network, contributing to the countrys energy supply and supporting its decarbonisation goals.

Axpo brings extensive experience in operating biomass and biogas facilities. In Switzerland, the company leads in the dry fermentation of organic waste, with 15 biogas plants that produce renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizers. Across Europe, Axpo is also making strides in biogas development. In Spain, its Torre Santamaria biomethane plant currently injects 26 GWh of biomethane annually into the gas grid, with plans to increase production to 115 GWh. Additionally, Axpo entered the Portuguese biomethane market in April 2024, launching a 15 GWh project set to begin operations by the end of 2025. In Autumn 2024, Axpo also expanded into the biomethane markets of Italy and Poland.

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The News in Brief Friday, December 20, 2024

At a meeting with journalists organized by the Charter of Journalistic Ethics, EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski expressed solidarity with journalists, condemning the rising attacks against them as "disgusting." He stressed that EU-Georgia relations are at their lowest point due to a series of undemocratic decisions by the Georgian parliament and government.Herczynski highlighted the suspension of Georgia's EU accession process, stating that this crisis in relations is particularly striking given it coincides with the first anniversary of Georgia being granted EU candidate status. He lamented how the focus of media development had shifted from improving media standards to protecting journalists from physical and verbal aggression, persecution, and even torture.The Ambassador condemned the Georgian government's attempts to silence the media, reinforcing the EU's firm stance in supporting independent journalism. Drawing on a statement by EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas, Herczynski reiterated that "democracies do not oppress opposition voices or curtail the freedom of media." He confirmed that while EU funding to the Georgian government has been halted, the EU would increase its support for civil society and independent media.In his remarks, Herczynski praised journalists' courage and resilience, stressing the importance of their work in shaping public understanding of complex issues and underscoring that foreign diplomats rely on their reporting.Based on a recent report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), over 70 journalists have been attacked while covering protests in Georgia, which erupted on November 28, 2024, after the Georgian government suspended the EU membership process. These attacks, which include beatings, chemical burns, arrests, and equipment damage, have raised serious concerns about the growing violence against media professionals.RSF condemned the coordinated violence carried out by Georgian law enforcement, which has specifically targeted journalists covering the protests. High-profile attacks include those on reporters Guram Rogava and Mariam Nikuradze, both of whom sustained severe injuries. RSF has called on the European Union to take immediate action and launch an international investigation into these attacks to hold the perpetrators accountable.In addition to the violence, RSF highlighted recent legislative amendments introduced by the Georgian government that restrict peaceful assemblies and give law enforcement greater power to target protesters and journalists. These changes include a ban on wearing masks, which are vital for journalists exposed to chemical agents. RSF warned that these measures, combined with the ongoing violence, signal a decline in Georgia's democracy and press freedom.According to RSF, this situation underscores the growing authoritarian influence in Georgia, driven by political manipulation and alignment with Russian interests. The organization has called for urgent EU intervention to safeguard press freedom and democracy in the country.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. Kapital Bank has held a press conference on 2024 results and plans for 2025, Trend reports.

According to the information, the main topics of the press conference included financial indicators and statistics of 2024, innovations and statistics for SME clients, digitalization, cybersecurity, current and planned projects for the near future, and plans for 2025.

The member of the board and chief financial administrator of Kapital Bank Emin Mammadov said that Kapital Bank's assets exceeded 10 billion manat ($5.8 billion) as of November 1 of this year.

The bank's assets amounted to 10 billion manat ($5.8 billion) as of November 1 of this year, which is 15 percent more compared to the same period last year. Dividends amounting to 176 million manat ($103.5 million) were paid in 2024 based on last year's results," he said.

According to him, Kapital Bank is working on diversifying its assets.

"In the credit portfolio, more attention is also being paid to loans for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as mortgage loans," he added.

Javid Mirzayev, a member of the board and Chief Risk Officer at Kapital Bank noted that a total of 194,347 transactions and 3,753 card accounts of 142,250 unique clients were blocked due to suspected fraudulent activities from January through November of this year.

"This is twice as much as last year. Analysis shows that fraudsters often exploit people's trust by spreading videos and promotional texts on social media, promising easy profits, discounted goods, or other 'attractive offers'. As a result, clients click on fake links, enter their card details, or share them with third parties.

We are actively combating fraudulent websites and social media accounts. In the first 11 months of this year, we filed complaints and successfully had 105 fake websites and nearly 1,000 social media accounts blocked. In comparison, in 2023, we blocked 90 websites and over 800 accounts.

We plan to continue and expand these efforts next year," he emphasized.

The the chairperson of the board and CEO of Kapital Bank Farid Huseynov said that Kapital Bank will start the transformation of the Kapital Bank brand into the Birbank brand in the first quarter of 2025.

As you know, we made Birbank the country's first digital bank in 2021 by introducing the possibility of fully online ordering of loans and cards. Our customers have welcomed this innovation positively. Today, with over 3 million monthly active users, Birbank has become as strong a brand as Kapital Bank. Our plans for the future are related to further digitalization, the introduction of modern technologies, and artificial intelligence. That is why from the first quarter of 2025 we will start transforming the Kapital Bank brand into the Birbank brand.

This does not mean that Kapital Bank will completely disappear. You will see Kapital Bank as a financial institution and a corporate brand. We will offer all our products and services to our customers under the Birbank brand. We, like our customers, will become part of Birbank. If you ask whether something will change in their attitude toward customers, the answer is yes, customers will feel this change to a greater extent.

Birbank can be characterized as a younger, more dynamic, nimble, digital, and innovative brand. And all of this will be reflected in an improved customer experience. Our customers will be able to access all products and services through the Birbank website and app. In addition, Kapital Bank branches will also be transformed into Birbank branches, and this process will take about two years, Huseynov said.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday, launched a scathing attack against BJP over Union Home Minister Amit Shahs remarks on B.R. Ambedkar, claiming that this is a display of BJPs casteist and anti-Dalit mindset.

In a statement on Facebook, the Chief Minister claimed that as the Indian Parliament reflected on 75 glorious years of the Constitution, the Union home minister chose to tarnish this occasion with derogatory remarks against Ambedkar and that too in the temple of Democracy.

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This is a display of BJPs CASTEIST and ANTI-DALIT mindset. If this is how they behave after being reduced to 240 seats, imagine the damage they wouldve inflicted if their dream of 400 seats had been realised. Theyd have rewritten history to entirely erase Dr Ambedkars contributions, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees statement read.

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According to her, the Union Home Ministers remarks were an insult to the millions who look up to Ambedkar for guidance and inspiration. But what else can you expect from a party that has internalised hate and Bigotry? the Chief Minister questioned.

Describing Ambedkar as the Father of the Indian Constitution, the Chief Minister said in her statement that the outrageous remark is not only an outright attack on him but all members of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution, which symbolised Indias unity in diversity with members from all castes, creeds, ethnicities, and religions.

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack against the Congress party, accusing it of indulging in every possible dirty trick to obliterate the legacy of Dr Ambedkar and also humiliate the SC/ST communities.

PM Modis tirade came on the back of Congresss demand for the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah, whom they accused of disrespecting Dr Ambedkar during his speech in the Rajya Sabha.

In a series of posts on X, PM Modi lambasted the Congress, claiming the party had a long history of undermining Ambedkars contributions.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that the setting up of the Kolkata Development Centre of Infosys will attract other IT leaders to invest in Bengal. Miss Banerjee inaugurated the Kolkata Development Centre of Infosys this afternoon. She had laid the foundation stone of the project on 13 August 2018. The construction work was badly hit bacause of the Covid pandemic.

The Centre will employ as many as 4,000 IT professionals. Calling it a historical day for the IT industry in Bengal, Miss Banerjee said there is no dearth of talent in Bengal. The state produces 45,000 engineers every year and of them there are a sizable number of IT professionals, Miss Banerjee said, adding that Bengal is an IT friendly state. She assured every cooperation to the IT industry and said every assistance will be given so that the IT professionals can work peacefully at the Infosys Centre.

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The Chief Minister said Bengal Silicon Valley has come up on 200 acres of land in New Town. Twenty eight IT firms have started functioning. Forty firms are going to start operations soon and out of these 11 firms will set up data centres. The total investment would be around Rs 27,000 crore, she said. Miss Banerjee said New Town has become an education hub with both state-run and private players setting up universities here. She said the state government has a definite Broadband policy, Data Centre policy, and guidelines for AI.

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A well-known US based company will set up a semi conductor facility in Bengal soon, she said. Emphasising why IT firms should invest in Bengal, she said: There is no dearth of local talents. Bengal is the cultural hub of the country and Kolkata is a cosmopolitan state where people from different religions, culture, language, beliefs stay happily and peacefully. The city had been blessed by the presence of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul and many more. She added: Kolkata is the gateway to the North-East and the East Asia countrries.

It is the biggest economic centre in eastern India. Miss Banerjee said after she came to power, various steps have been taken and these have resulted in elimination of loss of mandays. There is no strike that can affect the industries, she said. She pointed out that there are no power cuts, and added that with the commencement of the biggest coal mine at Deochapachami, the power supply will be even better.

Amit Mitra, Miss Banerjees economic adviser, state IT minister Babul Supriyo, Chandrima Bhattacharya and Sujit Basu, the state Finance and Fire and Emergency Services ministers, respectively, were present at the function along with HK Dwivedi, former Chief Secretary and now the vice chairman of the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation and Alapan Bandyopadhyay, former chief secretary and currently adviser to the Chief Minister. Infosys started its journey in 1981. Now it has offices in 56 countries employing 300,000 employees. Forty percent of the workforce are women.
Reports that two Hindu families in Bangladesh, said to be supporters of the Awami League, were subjected to brutal and barbaric attacks allegedly by radical extremists have caused widespread outrage in Bengal. It is alleged that the attack was carried out because the victims were Hindu and supporters of the Awami League considered a grave offence in the current climate in Bangladesh. ISKCON Kolkatas Vice President, Radharaman Das, reshared a video posted by the group @ATeam_1971, which shed light on the incident.

In the video, Moni Karmakar, a selfproclaimed follower of Bangabandhus ideals and an Awami League woman leader, shares her ordeal, asking, Is being a Hindu and an Awami League supporter my crime? The groups post alleged that the attack on Moni Karmakars family was motivated by political and religious reasons. It stated: This bloodied attack on Moni Karmakars family, including women, children, and loved ones, is a blatant violation of human rights and the rule of law.

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It is an attack on democracy and justice itself. Immediate and impartial investigation is crucial to maintain communal harmony. In her statement, Moni Karmakar said: If being a Hindu and an Awami League supporter is a crime, then I am guilty. But what crime did my children commit? They are school students. My mothers fingers were chopped off. My sisters throat was slit in an attempt to kill her. I demand justice. The incident comes amid reports of increasing violence against minorities, especially Hindus, during the caretaker government of Mohammad Yunus, who took over after Sheikh Hasina left the country on 5 August this year.

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Reports of persecution are surfacing daily from across Bangladesh. On Wednesday, the Awami League also revealed that two members of the Awami Student League were hacked to death in Chapainawabganj district simply for writing the slogan Joy Bangla on a wall. Earlier, extremists allegedly attacked Professor Kushal Baran Chakraborty of Chittagong University for protesting against ongoing attacks on Hindus. The Bengal chief of All India Santa Samaj and the Mahamandaleshwar of Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhada, Swami Paramatmananda, expressed outrage, stating: Two Rafale fighter jets would be enough for Bangladesh. He threatened to organise mammoth protest rallies again at Ghojadanga and Petrapole land ports near the Bangladesh border in North 24-Parganas district to condemn the atrocities.

Swami Pradiptananda, popularly known as Kartick Maharaj and the head of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha branch in Beldanga, Murshidabad, described Mohammad Yunus caretaker government in Bangladesh as extremist, radical, and antihuman, drawing comparisons to the Taliban. He added, We dont depend on Bangladesh; Bangladesh depends on us. If we stop sending 97 essential products, they wont have rice or clothes. If we stop supplying electricity generated in Jharkhand, 80 per cent of their villages will remain in darkness. General secretary of Asian Front of Human Rights, Vijay Singh, sought the intervention of the World Human Rights Council and the UN Security Council. Women are being abducted, raped, and slaughtered, children are being killed. Why are the worlds largest bodies sleeping? Mr Singh said.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved guidelines for introducing skill-based courses and microcredentials in higher educational institutions (HEIs) across the country to bridge the skill gap and increase student productivity in the workplace. The guidelines, which were approved and introduced by the UGC in its last meeting held on 13 November, will soon be made available in the public domain for feedback from stakeholders, according to sources within the commission.

In its last commission meeting held on 13 November, the UGC approved and introduced the Guidelines for the Introduction of SkillBased Courses and MicroCredentials in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and SOP for implementation, marking an important step in realising the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These guidelines aim to equip students with practical, industry-relevant skills and help them achieve their academic goals in a chosen discipline.

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These guidelines also aim to address the changing demands of the job market and prepare Indias youth to become key contributors to a globally competitive knowledge economy, Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the UGC, told The Statesman on Wednesday. Indias demographic dividend, characterised by its large and youthful population, holds immense potential for economic and global influence.

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However, unlocking this potential requires aligning higher education with the evolving needs of industry and society. By integrating skill courses into the existing educational curriculum, HEIs can offer students exposure to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital marketing, literary journalism and feature writing, conflict resolution and mediation, digital advocacy and campaigning, logistics and supply chain, sustainable agriculture, digital payments and banking, fashion marketing, e-commerce, and sustainable practices, Prof. Kumar said.

Acquiring skills in these and related fields will provide enhanced opportunities for our students to become either self-employed or to seize the new job opportunities emerging in a rapidly digitalising and environmentally conscious global economy, according to the UGC chief. According to the draft of the guidelines, all universities and other HEIs, with the necessary infrastructure and training capacity, will be eligible to offer short-term skill development courses after obtaining due approval from their statutory bodies or boards of management. The HEIs are expected to establish a Centre for Skill Development Courses, headed by a senior professor, for introducing these courses.

The centre shall maintain a profile of local job opportunities, skill requirements for the local industry in the region, and will provide data support for these courses. The centre shall also monitor the design, adoption, and delivery of the short-duration skill development courses, according to the UGC sources.

The maximum student intake in one short-term skill development course should not exceed 60 for each cohort. The HEI may start multiple cohorts of any course depending on the demand for the course and the suitable infrastructure/faculty availability, the commission said. The skill component shall have a minimum of 60 per cent of the total credits and can go up to 70 per cent of the total credits. The skill component will include practical classes in laboratories, workshops, and industry premises, and any other form of hands-on training within the catchment area of the HEI, according to the commission.
With 100 cities leading the initiative, the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) has completed 7,380 out of 8,075 projects, with an investment of Rs 1,47,704 crore, the government said on Wednesday.

As of December 13, 91 per cent of the total projects have been successfully completed, reflecting significant progress in reshaping urban landscapes across India, said the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in a statement.

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Launched on June 25, 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Smart Cities Mission aims to improve the quality of life in 100 cities by providing efficient services, robust infrastructure, and sustainable solutions.

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Focused on economic growth, inclusivity, and sustainability, it addresses diverse needs such as housing, transport, education, healthcare, and recreation, with the goal of creating adaptable urban spaces that serve as models for other cities.

All 100 smart cities have operational ICCCs, which utilise data for making informed decisions. These ICCCs functioned as Civid-war rooms during the pandemic and have significantly improved city operations such as transport, water supply, and solid waste management by integrating emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics.

Over 84,000 CCTV surveillance cameras have been installed in 100 smart cities, aiding in crime monitoring. Additionally, 1,884 emergency call boxes, 3,000 public address systems, and traffic enforcement systems for red light violations and automatic number plate recognition have been installed, enhancing public safety, according to the ministry.

More than 17,026 kilometers of the water supply system are being monitored through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), reducing non-revenue water and leakages.

Over 66 cities are managing solid waste with increased technology use, improving route management, efficiency of collection, and daily management.

Around 9,194 vehicles have been RFID-enabled for Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) to digitise and improve solid waste management efficiency, the ministry data showed.

Over 1,740 kilometers of smart roads have been constructed or improved, and 713 kilometers of cycle tracks have been developed.

While 9,433 smart classrooms and 41 digital libraries have been developed, 172 e-health centres and clinics (without dedicated beds) have been developed, and 152 health ATMs also have been installed, said the ministry.
The AAP, on Thursday, held protests against the remark of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Dr. B R Ambedkar across 70 assembly segments of the national capital.

The protests were led by senior party leaders, Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Durgesh Pathak, and Kuldeep Kumar, in different constituencies, including Jangpura, Babarpur, Greater Kailash, Rajinder Nagar, and Kondli among others.

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Speaking during one such protests, Manish Sisodia said, The Constitution will govern this country, not your politics of hate. Those who feel uncomfortable hearing Ambedkars name and ideas can leave this country and Amit Shah ji, you can leave India. Your words expose your hateful mindset toward the Dalit community and the nation will never forgive you for insulting Dr. Ambedkar.

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India stands united today because of the Constitution and without Babasaheb Ambedkars work; we might still be divided by caste. The BJP resents Dr Ambedkar because he challenged caste hierarchies, promoted education for all, and fostered national unity, the AAP leader added. AAP National General Secretary (Organization) Dr. Sandeep Pathak said, The entire nation is outraged by Amit Shahs remarks. Dr Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution, ensured equality for all. The right to vote, irrespective of caste or religion, exists because of the Constitution. Insulting Dr. Ambedkar is an insult to the entire nation. Amit Shah must apologize or resign immediately.

Cabinet Minister Gopal Rai said, The entire nation is protesting against Home Minister Amit Shahs disgraceful remarks in Parliament about Dr. Ambedkar. People from all communities have joined us in condemning this insult to a man who gave us the Constitution. If Amit Shah does not apologize, this movement will intensify.
The Delhi unit of the Congress, on Thursday, staged a protest in the city against Union Home Minister Amit Shahs remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Members of the Congress, under the leadership of its Delhi unit president Devender Yadav, held a demonstration near the BJP Headquarters. Holding aloft Ambedkars photograph and raising slogans, the party workers demanded Shahs resignation.

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Addressing the members of the party, Yadav contended that Shah has not only insulted Ambedkar but also devalued the Constitution and democracy. Amit Shah should forthwith apologise as he has not only insulted the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr Ambedkar but also devalued the Constitution and democracy besides insulting the marginalized section of society for whose uplift he had devoted his entire life, he said.

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The Congress wants the country to be run based on the Constitution while Amit Shah and the likes want to run the country on the basis of Manusmriti, he alleged.

Attacking the BJP and the RSS, the Delhi Congress chief further said, The mindset and feelings of the BJP, RSS and the leaders of the communal party were exposed when Amit Shah insulted Dr Ambedkar. Shahs deliberate insult of Dr Ambedkar has created anguish and anger in the society, and the people of the country will not forgive him if does not apologise.
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the states falling in the National Capital Region to constitute teams of officials from police and revenue departments to ensure strict enforcing of the measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat and curb air-pollution in the national capital.

Designating the members of these teams as officers of the top court, a bench of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih said, We direct NCR states to constitute the teams of members of police, revenue officials to monitor the implementation of GRAP IV measures. We say this that the members so created in this team will work as officers of this court. They will regularly submit reports of compliance and breaches to the Commission for Air Quality Management so that immediate action be taken by all concerned.

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The top court direction came in the course of the hearing of the matter for the implementation of the measures to control and curb air pollution in the national capital  the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The court is monitoring the implementation of the measures under different stages of GRAP.

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Earlier to deal with the deteriorating air pollution in Delhi at times assuming alarming proportions, the top court had appointed the Court commissioners from among the lawyers to visit different areas to check the enforcing of measures under the GRAP.

Noting some downward trend in the air pollution m the national capital, the Supreme Court on December 12 had eased the restrictions, and permitted the CAQM to continue the Graded Response Action Plan Stage-II restrictions along with measures including water sprinkling, mechanized road sweeping, restricting entry of interstate heavy vehicles in the national capital.

In pursuance to the December 12 hearing, the Delhi government today informed the Court that it has decided to impose a complete ban on firecrackers.

Haryana on the other hand said that it would allow only green crackers, and Rajasthan said it has completely banned firecrackers in its areas falling in the NCR region. However, the Uttar Pradesh government said that they have decided against banning firecrackers completely.

Apparently not happy with the stand taken by Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the bench today said, For the time being, we direct Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to impose a similar ban which is imposed by Delhi.

During the December 12 hearing, the Supreme Court had asked the Delhi and the NCR States  Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to take a call on blanket ban on the sale and bursting of fire-crackers throughout the year.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. ITOCHU Corporation has announced a new green loan agreement with The Bank of Fukuoka, Ltd. (headquartered in Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City), Trend reports.

The agreement restricts the use of the loan funds to environmentally sustainable projects, underscoring both companies' commitment to supporting eco-friendly initiatives.

Guided by its corporate philosophy of "Sampo-yoshi," which reflects the founding principles of ITOCHU, the company prioritizes addressing environmental and social challenges as a core aspect of its global operations.

The green loan financing is aimed at raising awareness of ITOCHUs sustainability policy among various stakeholders while promoting efforts aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To facilitate the financing, ITOCHU has established a Green Loan Framework in compliance with the 2023 Green Loan Principles, set by the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA), Loan Market Association (LMA), and Loan Syndications and Trading Association (LSTA), as well as the 2022 Green Loan Guidelines issued by Japans Ministry of the Environment. Additionally, the company has secured a second-party opinion from Japan Credit Research Agency, Ltd. (JCR), confirming that the framework adheres to the established green loan principles.

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The problem of the Indian education system has progressed to this point: it has turned into a complex problem of issues in this regard, hailing deficiencies for the unpreparedness of the students toward any modern professional environment. Issues like an outdated curriculum, rote learning instead of learning in the truest sense, lack of practical exposure, and even career guidance have haunted the quality of education up and down the country for a long time.

However, despite all these defects, numerous institutions attempt to bridge the gaps by improving school conditions while shaping students into better, stronger individuals.

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Consequently, progress has been relatively slow, and several students have not been suitably prepared to meet the challenges awaiting them outside.

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The most challenging Issue in the Indian education system is its theorization, which has exam-oriented learning. The students are asked to memorize the information to get good marks in the examination rather than to understand the concept or apply that in practical conditions. These policies instead of helping them increase their thought process level hinder them from being a deep problem solver and application-based knowledge in real life.

Infrastructure limitations, especially in rural and smaller cities, have limited access to advanced learning tools, labs, and digital resources. Thus, it has widened the gap between differences in quality between urban and rural places and public and private institutions as well. Most of the institutions lack career guidance and mentorship. Thus, students are not adequately equipped or supported in making proper choices about their careers or skills for the workforce.

One of the few institutions that try to cope with such systemic problems is Amritsar Group of Colleges, which attempts to do so through the methodology of learning and teaching, practically oriented and industry-aligned. It counters the rote learning issue by supporting project-based and hands-on learning.

Engineering, pharmacy, and paramedical sciences students spend considerable amounts of time on lab work and hands-on projects besides case studies. Such an approach makes the understanding, application, and experimentation with concepts rather than just memorizing information.

As an autonomous institution, Amritsar Group of Colleges has the flexibility to design its curriculum and teaching methods to better align with the evolving needs of the industry. This allows the college to be more responsive and adaptable in preparing students for the modern professional environment. The autonomy granted to Amritsar Group of Colleges enables it to take innovative approaches that are not constrained by a rigid, centralized education system.

To provide better industry exposure, the company has developed corporate relationships with companies offering students internships, industrial visits, and workshops by industry people.

AGC has been working on launching the students to real-world industry challenges at an early stage of education so they are more employable as well as acquire practical knowledge. This has seen to it that the placement record of students has been solid, with positions in reputed companies across all sectors, more so in engineering and pharmaceuticals.

AGC has also invested in the facilities of the campus to make it a friendly place for learning. Modern lab facilities, libraries well-endowed with resources and digital learning tools provide each student with facilities to engage at lengths with their studies and research. For pharmacy and paramedical sciences, which would require lab work and hands-on practice for the development of skills, this would be particularly significant.

Knowing that career planning and mentorship are typically overlooked in the traditional education system, AGC has made provisions to aid students at each step of their learning process.

A faculty mentor is assigned to each student to guide them through both academic choices and career paths, leading to personal development. The institute organizes regular soft skills, communication, and interview techniques workshops for the students who will then be well-rounded candidates facing various professional environments.

Such an environment has been created at AGC by leaders who are focused on practical learning and are industry-aligned under Chairman Mr Amit Sharma, Principal Dr Gaurav Tejpal, and Dean Dr Dipti Malhotra. This approach represents a large vision of education to bring closure to the skills gap along with getting students ready for the changing landscape that the job market is going to take.

Although the approach that AGC has adopted at first glance may seem fresh and innovative, when one goes through the hierarchy of problems present in the Indian education system, one realizes that it is far deeper than it appears. The changes adopted by such institutions will thus lead to a broader transformation across the entire education sector, as other institutions take their cue.

The more competitive global economy requires educational institutions to focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for modern careers. AGCs efforts in incorporating hands-on training, industry exposure, and mentorship into its curricula serve as an exemplar that may be able to address a few of the long-standing challenges in Indian education and create a better-skilled, adaptable workforce.
Mamta Kulkarni, the 90s Bollywood actress known for her roles in films like Karan Arjun and Baazi, has made her return to Mumbai after 25 years.

However, she has made it clear that her return is not related to a comeback in the film industry. In a recent interview, Mamta stated, I have not come back for Bollywood, and I am not planning to return as an actress.

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Mamtas life took a significant turn in the late 1990s when she became involved in a spiritual journey. She shared how in 1996, a spiritual guru entered her life, marking the beginning of a transformative phase.

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During this period, she connected with Vicky Goswami, a controversial figure who had ties to the drug trade. Despite the rumors linking her to the drug world, Mamta clarified that she never had any involvement with drugs.

I never met those people, she explained, referring to the drug world. Her connection with Goswami was spiritual rather than criminal.

She recounted how Vicky, who was imprisoned in Dubai, called her to visit him. Mamta spent 12 years focusing on her spiritual practices, including meditation and prayer, and by the time Vicky was released from jail in 2012, she had renounced all worldly desires, including thoughts of love and marriage.

Following Vickys release, Mamta traveled to Kenya but eventually returned to India in 2012 to attend the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad. Her spiritual commitment deepened, and she remained away from the public eye.

In 2017, Mamta and Vicky had involvement in a drug-related case, leading to a non-bailable warrant against them. However, Mamta emphasized that by then, she had distanced herself from him, with no contact since 2016.

Recently, Mamta shared an emotional video on Instagram, marking her return to Mumbai after over two decades. As her flight approached India, she expressed deep nostalgia, even shedding tears upon seeing her homeland from the skies.

She also shared that her return coincides with the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025, a significant milestone in her spiritual journey.
Varun Dhawan recently spoke about his experience working with the legendary Jackie Shroff on the upcoming action film Baby John, and his words were full of admiration for the veteran actor.

At an event in Mumbai, Varun shared how working alongside Jackie was a rewarding experience, describing him as the coolest actor in the industry.

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The Dilwale star highlighted Jackie Shroffs relaxed and approachable demeanor, both on and off the set.

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He is a very chilled-out man; it was wonderful working with him, Varun said. The way he treats people off-screen is just amazing. I learned a lot from him, and he is one of the coolest actors we have here. Varun also praised Jackies professionalism, especially during their action sequences. I had to do some action with him too, and he gave me full freedom. Kalees and I had a great time working with Jackie sir, he added.

Producer Atlee, who has been instrumental in bringing this project to life, revealed that Jackie Shroff was always the first choice for the role of the antagonist.

From day one, Atlee sir wanted Jackie sir to play the part, and he has gone beyond expectations. This will be Jackie Shroff 3.0 in the film, Varun said, building excitement around Jackies portrayal of the villain.

Atlee also teased the audience about Jackies role in Baby John, comparing it to Bobby Deols villainous turn in Animal last year. Jackie Shroff will play Babbar Sher, the antagonist in this action-packed drama, which is a remake of Atlees 2016 Tamil film Theri.

The movie stars Varun Dhawan in the titular role, alongside Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Zara Zyanna.

Baby John was officially announced in July 2023 and is slated for release on June 6, 2025. The film is produced by Jio Studios, Cine1 Studios, Vipin Agnihotri Films, and A for Apple Productions.
Television actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee and her husband Shanawaz Shaikh are overjoyed to announce the arrival of their first child, a baby boy, on December 18, 2024.

The couple shared the heartwarming news with their fans through a social media post, where Devoleena expressed her excitement with the words, Thrilled to announce the arrival of our bundle of joy, our baby boy 18.12.2024. Elated parents, Devoleena and Shanwaz.

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She also added a sweet caption, saying, Hello world! Our little angel BOY is here 18.12.2024.

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The news quickly spread, with friends, family, and fans sending their warm wishes. Several celebrities from the television industry took to social media to congratulate the new parents.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Devoleena Bhattacharjee (@devoleena)

Arti Singh, Paras Chhabra, Rajiv Adatia, and Kajal Pisal were among those who expressed their happiness. Actress Supriya Shukla shared her heartfelt congratulations, while Jayati Bhatia blessed the couple with a message in Bengali, saying, Onek Aashirbaad o Ador (Lots of blessings and love).

Devoleena and Shanawazs journey to parenthood began in December 2022, when they tied the knot in a private ceremony in Lonavala. Their wedding was an intimate affair, attended only by close friends and family.

In August 2024, Devoleena Bhattacharjee shared the joyous news of her pregnancy with a creative post, featuring a white T-shirt that read, You can stop asking now, along with toddler footprints.

Posing with her husband and their pet dog, she radiated happiness and spoke about celebrating the sacred Panchamrit ritual.

Known for her iconic role as Gopi Bahu in the popular television show Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Devoleenas career also includes appearances in multiple seasons of Bigg Boss.

After her marriage, she joined the cast of Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya but had to leave the show due to her pregnancy. Sneha Wagh later took over her role.
The Government brought in historic tax reforms with the introduction of the Goods and Services tax in 2017, promoting simplicity, while reducing the tax burden.

Government data indicates that Gross GST collection in October rose 9% to Rs 1.87 lakh crore, the second-highest ever.

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As per some media reports, the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Rates Rationalisation has recently proposed a new slab of GST at 35% over and above the existing 4 slabs to products such as aerated drinks and tobacco products considered as demerit goods. The recommendations of the GoM is perplexing since it is purportedly meant to be focusing on rationalisation of rates.

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Countries tend to tax so called sin products (products which are addictive by nature and those which are not good for public health) due to primarily two reasons, one is to increase revenue collection without much change in demand, since these products tend to be inelastic to costs ( i.e. increase in prices do not affect consumption significantly) and two with the policy objective of making such taxes an effective economic deterrent / making them less attractive to their consumers and hopefully pushing such consumers to safer alternatives.

It is pertinent to note that most major economies with GST or GST like taxation regimes tend to have lesser number of slabs and in any case have a significantly lesser top slab for taxation rate.

As per a cross-country World Bank study on sugar-sweetened beverages, India has one of the highest tax rates for carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) at a total tax rate of 40 per cent as of 2023.

Countries like the UK and France have adopted a layered tax approach, charging a high tax for higher sugar content, while charging a lower tax for lower sugar content. Growing awareness of preventive health has seen consumers switching to lower sugar content products, creating a new market for healthier aerated beverages.

However, a uniform tax on sugar carbonated drinks inhibits producers from investing and innovating to produce products with low sugar content due to the high tax rate. A layered tax approach will enable producers to invest in manufacturing these products, leading to more jobs, and consequently more revenues for the government. It will also bolster innovation and promote public health, while increasing revenues for the government.

The analysis of WHO data as published by Tobacco Institute of India, shows that as a percentage of per capita GDP, the taxes on cigarettes in India is one of the highest in the world. While that has brought down the cigarette industrys market share of the total tobacco market in India from 21% in 1982 to about 10% around 2023-24, the tobacco consumption in the country for the same period has grown by 49%.

Therefore, it is clear that taxation burden on the tobacco industry is almost always aimed purely at cigarettes since it is the only portion of the tobacco industry which is well organised and represented by well governed formal structures. In the absence of alternatives, consumers are more likely to veer towards unregulated, imported cigarettes mostly produced in China or counterfeit cigarettes which is currently growing rapidly in India.

The TII handbook on illegal cigarette trade suggests that the government loses about Rs 21,000 crores in revenues annually to illegal cigarettes and counterfeits which do not bear the pictorial warnings and are cheaper due to tax evasion. They are also not regulated and therefore riskier for the consumers.

Further, by leaving millions of its citizens without safer alternatives or a government funded path to cure, the government will be abrogating its citizens rights under Article 21 of the Constitution by effectively snatching away all dignified options from its cigarette smoking citizens. It is safe to say that such high GST slab at least at the level of being a useful deterrent, misses the woods for the trees from a policy objective perspective,

In conclusion, lower rates encourage businesses to be compliant whereas higher rates encourage tax evasion. Moreover, the introduction of the 35% slab will be counterproductive to tax simplification. At a time when India needs a fillip for growth, it will be prudent for the GST Council to consider a moderate tax regime, that will increase tax collections and bring the economy back on its growth trajectory.

Written By Pingal Khan, Co- Founder and Partner at Ashlar Law.

(The opinions expressed here belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views of The Statesman)
Demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shahs apology for his remarks insulting BR Ambedkar, the ruling DMK and its key ally, the VCK, held separate demonstrations and rail blockade agitations across Tamil Nadu.

If Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faith in democracy, he should drop Amit Shah from the Union Cabinet for at least six months. Moreover, Shah should apologise for his remarks, DMK Organising Secretary RS Bharathi told the media after the well-attended protest at Valluvar Kottam in the city.

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The DMK announced the statewide protest only in the morning, considering the issue a convenient opportunity to beat the BJP. Holding pictures and posters of Ambedkar, party workers staged demonstrations at various places in the state.

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Members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) of Thol Thirumavalavan, MP, resorted to rail blockade agitations in Villupuram and courted arrest. They also staged demonstrations demanding the resignation of Amit Shah from the Union Cabinet.

Actor-turned-neta Vijay, president of the fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), condemned the remarks of the BJP veteran, saying, Belittling of our partys (TVK) ideological beacon, Ambedkar, is unacceptable. I strongly condemn the Union Home Minister for insulting him. For some, his name might be allergic, but for the people of India, who hold him very dear in their hearts, he is an unparalleled leader and eminent scholar. Our hearts and lips will continue to say Ambedkar Ambedkar Ambedkar, he said in a post on X.

Versatile actor and president of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party Kamal Hassan said attempts to tarnish the legacy of Ambedkar would not be tolerated. Ambedkars ideas are the building blocks on which modern India is built Every Indian who proudly believes and fights for Babasahebs vision of a free and just India, where all are born equal will never tolerate the great mans legacy to be tarnished Ambedkars ideas should inspire progress rather than be misused to offend the sentiments of his followers, among whom I am proud to count myself, he wrote on X.

Even the Pattali Makkal Katchi, an NDA constituent, had come out against Shahs remark. Whoever it might be, insulting Ambedkar is unacceptable, PMK founder S Ramadoss said.
Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday lashed out against Union Home Minister Amit Shahs recent remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar.

When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticising the Congress that it had always opposed Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Chavan said, The BJP should launch an ideological attack. However, they have a tendency to divide society through hateful statements.

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Chavan went on to criticise the BJP for targeting the Muslim community and said that the BJP wants to bring back the caste system across the country.

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He criticised BJP for failing to allocate ministerial portfolios even though a month has passed since the 2024 Maharashtra assembly election was declared. The present Mahayuti government merely wants to loot the state exchequer Chavan he alleged, adding that it is difficult for the Mahayuti parties to digest their landslide victory.

Meanwhile, BJP Yuva Morcha workers attacked and vandalised the Congress headquarters in Mumbai after which the police dispersed the mob by resorting to a baton charge. Interestingly, the BJP workers attacked the Congress headquarters in Mumbai, claiming that the Congress had insulted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

The attack began after BJP Yuva Morcha workers reached the Congress office near the Mumbai Press Club on Thursday and threw stones at the portrait of Rahul Gandhi at the office. After that, they picked up the chairs at the Congress headquarters and threw them around. Later, a large contingent of the Mumbai police was deployed outside the Congress office in South Mumbai, near Azad Maidan ground.

In an attempt to save our office, BJP workers tried to touch me, a woman Congress office bearer said. These people are now attacking those who save the Constitution. They are attacking those who respect the Constitution. Today they attacked Rahul Gandhi in Parliament. Now they have attacked the Mumbai office. If they have the courage, they should have come after warning us. Why did they come like thieves? The police knew about what would happen all along, the Congress workers told media persons on Thursday.

However, Mahayuti leaders claimed that politics is going on in the name of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Amit Shahs statement has been clarified. People are doing politics in the name of Babasaheb. Since Babasaheb was harassed by Congressmen, they do not deserve to take his name. Babasaheb was a lofty personality. Therefore, it is not right to do politics in his name. Everyone should respect the constitution, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Friday that the "country has seen how forces try to stop" festivals like Holi and Diwali and "obstruct" events like Maha Kumbh and said "but no one has been able to stop this tradition".
The Indian Navy has initiated a Board of Inquiry into the collision between a naval craft and the passenger ferry Neel Kamal near Karanja, Mumbai, on Wednesday afternoon.

The ferry was transporting passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island when the incident occurred.

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Thirteen individuals, including a Navy personnel and two contractual naval employees, lost their lives in the tragic collision. Search efforts are ongoing for two missing passengers, identified as 43-year-old Hansraj Bhati and seven-year-old Johan Mohammad Nisar Ahmed Pathan.

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On Thursday, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and extended wishes for the swift recovery of the injured. A Navy spokesperson confirmed that Search and Rescue (SAR) operations are being conducted by eight Navy vessels, a naval helicopter, and a Coast Guard ship. These efforts have continued relentlessly throughout the night of December 18-19, 2024, in the vicinity of the accident site.

The Navys Board of Inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the collision to establish the facts of the case.
With a view to achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal, the government has been making several efforts through key interventions in the field of science and technology. Some of the notable efforts include instituting high-stake mission-driven initiatives, namely National Quantum Mission; National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems among others. The initiatives focus on the development of key technologies to reduce dependency on imports, promote domestic innovation, and position India as a global leader in the identified sectors.

This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The government has launched several programmes to catalyse startup culture and build a strong and inclusive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. Several strategic policy measures have been introduced by the Government including the Geospatial Policy 2022, the Space Policy 2023 and BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy 2024.

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The government has established the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) through the ANRF Act 2023 for strengthening our technological leadership, marking a paradigm shift in our R&D ecosystem. The ANRF aims to drive a multi-phased roadmap for scientific breakthroughs and cross-sectoral collaboration, providing competitive, peer-reviewed grants to optimize resource allocation for high-impact research. ANRF aims to position India as a global leader in innovative, sustainable technological progress. The Foundation has outlined multifaceted strategic interventions to enhance Indias research ecosystem, aligning with national scientific and geopolitical priorities.

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To make India Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Sectoral Group of Secretaries (SGoS) on technology has held detailed discussions and many of the interventions are a result of these discussions. Some other actions emphasize strengthening research and innovation in the areas of Quantum Technologies, Cyber Physical Systems, Bio Manufacturing, etc. These efforts focus on technological self-reliance, sustainability, and economic growth, with a strong emphasis on R&D, skilled workforce development, and global leadership in emerging technologies. Through coordinated efforts across various sectors, the endeavour is to transform India into a scientifically advanced and innovation-driven economy, laying the foundation for Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The efforts made by the government, through various programmes and policy measures, have helped the nation in improving its position in the Science and Technology at global level which is visible through its global position in scientific publications, number of Ph.Ds, number of start-ups, resident patent filing, Global Innovation Index, number of start-ups, etc. Some of the key highlights include India ranks 3rd in terms of number of research publications (2,07,390) as per Science & Engineering Indicators 2024 published by National Science Foundation (NSF), USA. India ranked 3rd in terms of the total number of startups (more than 1,40,000) in 2024 as per DPIIT.

India ranks 4th in the number of PhD degrees awarded (16,968) in Science and Engineering as per Science & Engineering Indicators 2024 published by National Science Foundation (NSF), USA. India is ranked at 6th position both in terms of resident (38551) and non-resident (38517) patent filing activity from respective countries as per WIPO Report, 2023. Number of researchers per million population has increased to 262 in 2020 as compared to 164 in 2009 as per DST R&D Statistics, 2022-23.
In a major blow to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the longest surviving Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Farooq Ahmad Bhat alias Nalli, was among the five categorized terrorists killed on Thursday in an encounter in south Kashmirs Kadder village of Behibagh Kulgam district.

Two security forces personnel were injured during the gunfight.

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Nalli, an A++ category terrorist and a close aide of top terrorists Burhan Wani and Riyaz Naikoo, evaded forces for over a decade. He was involved in several attacks at civilians and security forces.

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Nalli joined terror ranks in May 2015 and has survived so far. The other four neutralised HM terrorists have been identified as Mushtaq Itoo (Category-A+) , Adil Hazam (Category-B), Irfan Lone (Category-A) and Yassir Bhat (Category-C).

Five AK-rifles and other explosive material were recovered from the neutralized terrorists, officials said.

These terrorists belonging to HM outfit were killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces.

Search operation was continuing in the area and further details are awaited.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Kadder in the Behibagh area of the district on Wednesday night following information about the presence of suspected terrorists there, an official said.

The search operation turned into an encounter as the terrorists opened fire on security forces and they retaliated.

Bodies of five terrorists are lying in the orchards but have not been retrieved yet, police said.

The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army wrote on X; On 19 Dec 24, based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation launched by IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice at Kader, Kulgam. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate and heavy volume of fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress.

Meanwhile, the body of a cop was found under mysterious circumstances near the District Police Line in Rajouri. Havaldar Nazir Hussain Kohali, a resident of Kewel Budha, was discovered unconscious and was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Further details are awaited.
Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland S Phangnon Konyak Thursday accused Congress lawmaker and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of hurting her dignity and self-esteem.

A scuffle broke out on the Parliament premises in which two BJP MPs  Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Singh Sarangi  were wounded and had to be hospitalised.

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These unsavoury incidents took place when INDIA bloc MPs, demanding an apology and resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar, came face to face with the BJP lawmakers, who were protesting against the Congress for allegedly insulting the architect of the Indian Constitution.

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Seeking protection from harassment by Rahul Gandhi, Konyak, belonging to the ST community, has written to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar alleging misbehaviour by Rahul Gandhi with her.

Konyak filed a complaint with Dhankar, claiming that her dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt because of the behaviour and conduct of Rahul Gandhi.

In her letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman, she claimed that Gandhi, along with other members of the grand old party, misbehaved with her and also made her uncomfortable while she was protesting against the insult meted out to Babasaheb Ambedkar by the grand old party.

He misbehaved with me in a loud voice, and his physical proximity to me was so close that I, being a lady member, felt extremely uncomfortable, she said, adding, I stepped aside with a heavy heart and felt that no Member of Parliament should behave this way.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Hibi Eden wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stating that Konyaks allegation against Rahul Gandhi is entirely fabricated and devoid of facts and is a malicious attempt at belittling the integrity of Leader of Opposition.

Konyak created history in April 2022, becoming the first woman from Nagaland to enter the Upper House and is the first woman MP from the state to preside over the proceedings of the House.

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned till tomorrow without conducting any business over the issue.
The BJP and Congress traded charges over a scuffle between lawmakers of the two parties on the Parliament premises earlier on Thursday.

Both NDA and INDIA bloc MPs staged a protest outside Parliament, when the scuffle broke out resulting in injuries to two BJP MPs  Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput.

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The injured BJP MPs were rushed to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged he was hurt after a push from Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. He claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him leading to an injury in his head.

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Later, addressing a joint press conference, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Rahul Gandhi dismissed the allegations from the BJP as a tactic of the ruling dispensation to divert attention from the issue of billionaire businessman Gautam Adani and Union Home Minister Amit Shahs remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Both the Congress leaders persisted with their demand for the resignation of Shah over his remarks on Ambedkar.

Countering Rahul Gandhi during a joint press conference with Union Minister and senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal at the BJP headquarters here, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan said his party MPs have complained about the incident on the Parliament premises. And BJP will take all the required legal action, Chouhan said. Referring to Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhis press conference, he said, We thought they would apologise for what they did today.

But they did not. I did not understand why they did a press conference. Their press conference displayed their arrogance I have been seeing his behaviour. But what he (Rahul Gandhi) did today is unimaginable by a civilised society, Chouhan said. Today, when BJP MPs were opposing at the Makar Dwar, Rahul Gandhi came there. Security personnel told them to use the other space on the side to enter. But he came there on purpose, the senior BJP leader said.

But deliberately and thoughtfully, Rahul Gandhi reached among our MPs and not only interfered but also indulged in pushing and hooliganism, he said. He said elderly BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi was admitted to the ICU and is still under treatment. Will physical power be used in the Parliament instead of logic?  the Union Minister said Earlier, addressing the press conference, Rahul Gandhi rejected BJPs claims that the Congress MPs created a ruckus. The leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha accused the saffron party of being anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitution.

He said the BJP MPs tried to stop them while they were entering Parliament after their protest and alleged that the ruling party was using such tactics to divert attention from the Adani issue and Home Minister Amit Shahs remarks on BR Ambedkar. Meanwhile, Kharge alleged the BJP MPs pushed him while he reached Makar Dwar along with the INDIA bloc MPs during a protest against the remarks passed by the home minister against Ambedkar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with King Charles III of the United Kingdom.

Recalling the historic relations between the two countries, they both reaffirmed commitment to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK.

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They exchanged views on the Commonwealth of Nations and the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, an official statement said.

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Discussions were also held on a number of subjects of mutual interest, including Climate Action and sustainability.

The PM expressed his appreciation for King Charless sustained advocacy and initiatives on these issues and briefed him on the multiple initiatives undertaken by India.

They both exchanged greetings on the upcoming festive occasions of Christmas and the New Year.

The PM conveyed his best wishes to the King for his good health and well being.
Dismissing the Oppositions accusations about the Bhajan Lal Sharma led BJP government in Rajasthan, the ruling party on Thursday shot back: Sharma and his team under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi put performance par-excellence in the first year of their rule.

However, Congress in the state is not ready to come to terms to accept (digest) the phenomenal accomplishments attained by our government, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Prem Chand Bairwa and former LoP, Rajasthan state assembly, Rajendra Singh Rathore said.

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The grand old partys leadership is frustrated over the success of the BJPs incumbent government and hence is raking up (negative) narrative against us, however, these attempts are impact less, they said.

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The results of recent by-elections on seven Rajasthan assembly seats have shown that people have demolished the fake narrative being raked up by the Opposition party.

Rathore accepted the challenge of Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasara for open public debate on issues of development and the Sharma led government achievements.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters here, Bairwa and Rathore said the Chief Minister started target chasing from the day one and the entire government worked hard to achieve success in every sphere and for all sections and strata, right from the state capital to towns, villages and down to the remotest Hamlet/settlement.

The government has brought welfare and elevation in life of backward, Dalit or otherwise weaker sections, provided employment to the unemployed ones and paved the way for rapid transformation of the state to ensure huge investments. Several schemes and programmes launched by the government are making a big impact in life of common man and weaker and down trodden strata.

Investors and entrepreneurs from 32 countries participated in the three-day Rising Rajasthan Global Investors summit that enabled us to ink MoUs for investment of Rs 35 lakh crore, they reminded.

The government has a target of making the states economy USD 300 billion by next four years, Rathore has said.

In the previous government jobs were sold out under the incumbent BJP regime youths are being recruited in government jobs in a duly transparent manner.

About Dotasaras comments over CMs political clout, his support base and is rapport with certain members of council of ministers, Rathore said, the PCC chief perhaps forgot the internal dissidence and factionalism that was rampant in the previous Congress led Ministry that presented ugly scenes of resort political during that regime.

Rathore also took pot shots at Congress state chief Dotasara for paper leak and other so called scams during his previous tenure as the education minister of the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday while chairing a crucial meeting in New Delhi.

Addressing the meeting, Shah said that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, the government will achieve the goal of a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest, ensuring all necessary resources are made available.

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Shah said that the Union government, with the joint efforts of security forces, is committed to establishing complete dominance over terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

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The Home Minister further said that the unprecedented participation of the people of the region in the legislative assembly and Lok Sabha elections shows their full faith in the democracy of the country.

He lauded the efforts of the security agencies for a significant decline in terror incidents, infiltration, and recruitment of youth into terror organisations.

Shah said that the sustained and coordinated efforts of the Modi government have almost dismantled the ecosystem of terrorism in J&K.

He directed all security agencies to maintain coordinated efforts to eliminate terrorism in the region and emphasised implementing the Area Domination Plan and Zero Terror Plan in mission mode.

Sources said this is the first such meeting after the legislative assembly elections were held in the region in September.

The high-level meeting was attended by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Chief Secretary J&K Atal Dulloo, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwiwedi, National Investigation Agency Director General Sadanand Date, Border Security Force (BSF) DG Daljeet Singh Chawdhary, Intelligence Bureau Director, and other senior officials.
With the dumping of medical and other solid wastes into Tamil Nadu villages along the inter-state border creating a political furor, the Southern Bench of the NGT on Thursday directed the Kerala government to dispose them off within three days.

Taking up the matter suo-motu, the Bench comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati said the waste from the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and other institutions, dumped recently in the forest areas Tirunelveli district close to the inter-state border would pose a grave threat to the wild animals and affect the environment.

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Dumping of medical waste by Kerala is nothing new as it has been carrying out this with impunity, submitted Tamil Nadu government pleader D Shanmuganathan drawing attention to the earlier instances. He said Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) had failed to comply with the earlier order of the NGT pertaining to the dumping of bio-medical waste in Nanguneri, in Tirunelveli district.

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He pointed out that dumping is continuing from Anaimalai in the west to Nanguneri in the south. KSPCB is yet to reimburse the Rs 69,000 spent by the local civic body to remove them. He pleaded for sending a strong signal to Kerala to stop dumping of waste in Tamil Nadu.

For its part, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) submitted that its Kerala counterpart was asked to initiate punitive legal action against the RCC for dumping waste in Tamil Nadu. Besides asking KSPCB to strengthen vigil along the borders, two FIRs have been registered against institutions which have dumped the waste, counsel for TNPCB said.

Counsel for KSPCB VK Remasmrithi, while admitting that the waste dumped in Tirunelveli district was from Kerala, maintained that it was done by unauthorised entities. Informing that show-cause notices have been issued to the RCC and others. Further, she submitted that the demands of the TNPCB were being addressed in earnest.

The bench directed the Kerala government to clear the waste within three days and send them to authorised treatment facilities either in Kerala or Tamil Nadu. In the event of Tamil Nadu expressing inability, the waste should be taken back to Kerala.

The Bench then directed the KSPCB to file a compliance report on December 23, the date of next hearing.

Political parties have condemned the frequent dumping of medical and other waste by Kerala in Tamil Nadu. A few years back, waste shipments from the US were dumped on the outskirts of Coimbatore.
The row between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led Opposition over Bhimrao Ambedkar took an ugly turn on Thursday when a scuffle broke out in the Parliament premises in which two saffron party MPs were wounded and had to be hospitalised.

The two BJP MPs, Mukesh Rajput ( Farrukhabad) and Pratap Singh Sarangi (Balasore), blamed Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for the incident in which they sustained injuries.

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Amid high drama in the Parliament premises where the MPs of the two fronts were holding separate demonstrations over the Ambedkar issue, Congress chief and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also alleged he lost his balance and was forced to sit down on the ground when he was pushed by BJP MPs.

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These unsavoury incidents took place when INDIA bloc MPs, demanding an apology and resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar, came face to face with the BJP lawmakers, who were protesting, alleging that the Congress has insulted the architect of the Indian Constitution.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told reporters, They (Opposition) protest every day. They have been indulging in sloganeering and protesting everyday, For the first time, BJP MPs were protesting at Makar Dwar today. They were protesting against the misinformation being spread by Congress.

An agitated Rijiju asked, Who has given him (Rahul Gandhi) the right to push? They (Congress MPs) pushed and assaulted if other MPs also start, what will happen then ?  He went on to ask, Pahalwani dikhane ka kya matlab hai, yeh akhara hai ? (where is the need to demonstrate your physical strength? is this a wrestling arena? 

Meanwhile, another BJP Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak from Nagaland told the Upper House that she has written to Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, alleging misbehaviour by Rahul Gandhi when she was also participating in the protest by her party colleagues. My dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt by LoP Rahul Gandhi, she wrote in her letter.

Parliament again became a casualty of the incidents outside as both Houses were adjourned without conducting any business. The Winter session of Parliament is scheduled to conclude tomorrow.

Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Pralhad Joshi visited the RML Hospital to see their injured party colleagues.

Why are they releasing their frustration in Parliament if they lost Haryana and Maharashtra? A workshop should be called to train Rahul Gandhi and Congress people to understand the conduct in democracy, Chouhan told reporters outside the hospital.

The injured Sarangi, who was in his wheelchair, told reporters, Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP who fell on me after which I fell down.

In his defence, Rahul Gandhi said, This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me and threaten me. So this happenedYes, this has happened (Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed). But we do not get affected by jostling. But this is the entrance and we have the right to go in. BJP MPs were trying to stop us from going inThe central issue is that they are attacking the Constitution and insulting the memory of Ambedkar ji.

Meanwhile, Congress President Kharge wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging that he was physically assaulted by BJP MPs during the protest from both sides in Parliament over the Ambedkar controversy. He demanded that the Speaker order an inquiry into the incident.

Three other Congress MPs K C Venugopal, K Suresh and Manickam Tagore have written a separate letter to the Speaker, alleging that INDIA bloc lawmakers were physically obstructed from entering and Rahul Gandhi was physically manhandled by three MPs from the ruling party.
A ferry capsized off the coast of Mumbai on Wednesday evening, leaving two persons dead. Around 77 people were rescued, and search operations are ongoing for five others who remain missing, officials said.

According to officials, the ferry, carrying 85 people, including five crew members, was en route to Elephanta Island when the incident occurred near Uran, Karanja, around 6.30 pm.

Two bodies have been recovered, and the search operation is being carried out by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships.

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77 people have been rescued while two bodies have been recovered in the ferry accident off the coast of Mumbai, Coast Guard said.

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According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), there were a total of 85 passengers onboard, including the crew. Five are missing. The five rescued and admitted to the hospital are in critical condition. The rest are stable, BMC officials said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, We have received reports of an accident involving the boat Nilkamal, which was heading toward Elephanta. Boats from the Navy, Coast Guard, Port, and Police teams have been immediately dispatched for assistance. We are in constant touch with the district and police administration, and fortunately, most of the passengers have been rescued. However, rescue operations are still ongoing. Orders have been given to the district administration to deploy all necessary resources for the operation.

Fadnavis further said, Preliminary information suggests that 5 to 7 people are still missing. I will make a statement in the House as soon as I receive more detailed information. The boat left for Elephanta around 3:15 pm.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed authorities to expedite the rescue operations, which were launched by the Indian Coast Guard and local police.

Deputy CM Shinde took information about the rescue operations from the Mumbai City and Raigad District Collectors. Giving instructions to speed up the rescue operations with the help of the Navy, JNPT, Coast Guard and local fishing boats, Deputy Chief Minister Mr Shinde told the system, Deputy Chief Ministers Office said in a statement.

Upon receiving information about the accident of the ferry boat going to Elephanta, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Shinde contacted Raigad District Collector Kisan Jawale and Mumbai City District Collector Sanjay Yadav over the phone and inquired about the rescue operations. At the same time, he also spoke to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ports) Sudhakar Pathare over the phone and inquired about the information, the statement added.

Further details are awaited.
The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) staged a protest here on Thursday against Union Home Minister Amit Shahs remark on Babasaheb Ambedkar and demanded his resignation.

During the protest, members of the Congress youth wing were seen raising slogans while holding aloft placards against the Union home minister in front of its office.

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Replying to the debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha marking the 75th anniversary of its adoption, Shah, in a jibe at the Congress on Tuesday, said, It has become a fashion to chant Ambedkar Ambedkar Ambedkar Ambedkar Ambedkar Ambedkar If they had taken Gods name as many times, they would have got a place in heaven.

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Lashing out at the Union Home minister for his unsolicited remark on one of the most revered leaders of independent India, IYC National President Uday Bhanu Chib said, BJPs intention is anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitution. Home Minister Amit Shah has been seen by the whole world insulting Babasaheb. His speech was telecast live on TV, yet he chose to lie. This country cannot bear the insult of Babasaheb Ambedkar ji.

Amit Shah has insulted Babasaheb in the House for which he should resign and apologise to the country. We will continue to raise our voice until Shah resigns and apologises, he added.

Addressing the members, Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress President Akshay Lakra said every Indian has a special respect for Babasaheb Ambedkar in his/her heart and the nation wont tolerate his insult. Insult of Babasaheb will not be tolerated at any cost. Long live democracy, long live Babasaheb, he asserted.
Print journalism is in a state of crisis. The circulation of newspapers in India seems to have stagnated in relation to population growth, meaning the proportion of people reading printed news has dropped. More readers are turning to free online news sources and circulation growth is failing to keep up with demographic expansion. Given Indias vast population  nearly ten times that of Japan it is concerning that India has only as many newspapers with over a million in circulation as Japan.

If this decline in print journalism is not addressed, it could as well pose a serious threat to the fundamental values of our democracy. The potential consequences of this decline are too grave to ignore. There is no such thing as free news, just as there is no such thing as a free lunch. Free online news is not truly free; it comes with hidden costs, such as algorithms similar to those on social media  that prioritize sensationalist stories, fuelling misinformation and polarization.

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Brain rot, named Oxford Word of the Year 2024, is defined as the supposed deterioration of a persons mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. The usage of the word saw an increase of 230 per cent in its frequency from 2023 to 2024. Oxford University Presss announcement of the Word of the Year sparked debate about the potential negative impact of excessive online content consumption on mental health, particularly in children and young people.

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According to Newport Institute in the US, one brain rot behavior is doom scrolling, involving long periods of searching for negative and distressing news online; and consequences include difficulty organizing information, solving problems, making decisions, and recalling information. The Institute advises, Dont succumb to sensationalistic and negative news. Diversify your media sources so you maintain a more balanced world perspective. Unlike online outlets focused on short, click-driven pieces, print newspapers offer curated in-depth coverage of current events.

The details that could be captured by such reporting are things the small articles or social media posts dominating the digital landscape will never be able to capture. Printed newspapers have kept high editorial standards and leave a permanent record that is also transparent. Digital stories, by contrast, can be edited, removed or simply lost. In an era where fake news spreads rapidly on social media, print newspapers remain a trusted source of verified information. Japans strong newspaper circulation demonstrates the enduring value of print media.

Leading dailies like Yomiuri Shimbun and Asahi Shimbun sell millions of daily copies. This cultural preference for physical newspapers is reflected in the popularity of newspaper clubs, found in schools, universities and community centres. By discussing and analyzing news stories, members of these clubs develop deep appreciation for journalism and learn to be active, responsible citizens, which is crucial for a healthy democracy. Commonly, online news platforms use algorithms that only feed the users news they are already interested in, reducing exposure to a broader range of information.

This trend undermines the financial viability of traditional media while promoting a media landscape dominated by clickbait reporting. Ironically, when print newspapers disappear, the future of online news is also at stake. The sustainability of digital journalism depends on the investigative and qualitative reporting that traditional print media does. Without print outlets holding power to account and investing in journalism, the quality of online news could significantly decline, littered with sensationalism and disinformation. Australia has recognized this challenge and taken bold initiatives to protect journalism. In 2021, Australia introduced the Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code) Act 2021 a world-first legislation aimed at helping to sustain public interest journalism.

The law requires tech giants like Google and Facebook to pay news organizations for sharing their content. Australias success motivated other nations: Canada and Indonesia are planning similar codes. During his National Press Day address, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw remarked that traditional content must be fairly compensated to preserve its value. India should follow Australias example by ensuring tech platforms pay for news content while media houses promote affordable digital subscriptions to compete with free aggregators. The government and media need to act together. We must recognize the value of paying for credible news, particularly by subscribing to print newspapers.

Purchasing a newspaper supports quality journalism and ensures that high standards of reporting continue. A national campaign should be launched to encourage every household in India to subscribe to at least one print newspaper. Campaigns could include media literacy programmes highlighting the risks of free online news and the importance of investing in credible sources. Increased circulation boosts advertising revenue, providing newspapers with resources to fund high quality journalism. Participating in democracy is not just about casting a voteit is about staying informed and supporting credible journalism. It is time for a campaign encouraging every home in India to subscribe to a print newspaper, as the future of our democracy depends on it.

(The writer is a transparency and equality advocate and an author. The opinions are personal.)
US president-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinas president Xi Jinping to his inauguration on January 20 in a surprise move which appears to be part of a plan to involve Beijing in ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine. Just after his recent meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskky in Paris, Trump posted, There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin, and China can help. That latter remark has suddenly gained more significance after Trump extended the unusual invitation for the foreign leader to attend the January 20 ceremony.

Leaving aside whether Xi will accept Trumps invitation to Washington DC (he probably wont), the more important question is whether he would indeed help Trump end the Russian war against Ukraine. China has had a strong economic and trading relationship with Russia throughout the war, and has refrained from criticising Putin. While it has denied providing Moscow with military assistance, reports suggest that China has allowed some goods that have battlefield use to be sent to Russia. On the surface, Trumps initiative and what China has most recently put on the table with Brazil look like two reasonably well-aligned peace proposals. Both call for a ceasefire along the current frontlines, followed by negotiations on a permanent settlement.

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Both seem to accept Russias demand to freeze the territorial status quo, which would mean Ukraine would lose the near-20 per cent of its territory that Moscows forces have illegally occupied since 2014. Ukraine and most of its western partners continue to reject this as unacceptable. Before Trumps election victory, this was a sustainable position because the West was able to prevent Ukraine from being militarily defeated on the battlefield. This position may be slowly changing, but it is not clear that it would suddenly make China a welcome partner for the West in any peace negotiations  least of all for Ukraine. Kyiv has always been wary of China and its international policies, from the economic and trade Belt and Road Initiative to the recent peace proposal. Zelenskky called the ChinaBrazil peace initiative destructive.

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He also accused China and Brazil of being pro-Russian. Zelenskky is personally deeply invested in his own peace plan, particularly as Ukrainians have made enormous sacrifices in the war so far. This does not rule out compromises, but it makes concessions to China, widely seen by Ukrainians as one of Russias main supporters in the war, very unlikely. Even if there was a sudden change of heart in Kyiv, it is highly doubtful that a Trump-brokered deal would serve Beijings interests. For Xi it is always about strengthening Chinas role and influence as a global power.

China will be concerned if the war is over, the US may become even more focused on its trade war with Beijing. So far, the war in Ukraine has allowed China to benefit from the strain that it has put on the West. US suggestions that it will pull back on its alliance commitments in Europe have raised doubts over the dependability of the US as an ally for Ukraine. This is becoming more acute as Trump prepares to move into the White House. The longer the war in Ukraine continues in this way, the longer China will reap the benefits from the reduction of the relative weight of the United States as its main geopolitical and geo-economic rival. A carefully managed continuation of the war against Ukraine, by contrast, benefits China in asserting its global leadership.

Chinas approach to managing the Ukraine crisis was reiterated by Xi at the recent Brics summit in Kazan, Russia, and in a meeting with former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev in Beijing on 12 December. It is focused on upholding three key principles: no expansion of the battlefields, no escalation of hostilities, and no fanning flames, and [striving] for swift deescalation of the situation. This is a far cry from an end to the war as envisaged by Trump. A Trump-brokered deal would likely lift sanctions and provide a possibility of renewed, more cooperative relations between the west and Russia.

It would significantly strengthen Putins position, contribute to Russias international rehabilitation, reduce his countrys dependence on China, and potentially rekindle historical Russia-China rivalries. Trumps claim that he wants to ununite Russia and China will not have gone unnoticed in Beijing. And even if Trump did not manage to drive a wedge between Russia and China, a stronger Kremlin would mean a shift of the power dynamic in the partnership between Moscow and Beijing, potentially elevating Putin from a junior partner to Xis peer.

From a Chinese perspective, helping Trump to broker a deal between Russia and Ukraine offers few incentives, except potentially toning down the US trade and tariffs war against it. Draining the Wests resources in defending Ukraine keeps it away from the Indo-Pacific region in which most of the competition between China and the US will play out. Xi has no interest in seeing Putin being strategically defeated in Ukraine, but keeping Russia bogged down in its war against Ukraine will ensure that the partnership between Beijing and Moscow will stay on current terms with the balance of power tilted towards China. Keeping the war in Ukraine going, rather than helping Trump to end it, therefore is the most likely choice that Beijing will make.

(The writers are, respectively, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham, and Professor of International Relations, Jean Monnet Professor of European Security, National University Odesa Law Academy. This article was published on www.theconversation.com)
Irans nuclear chief on Wednesday called on Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi to maintain the agencys impartiality, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

Mohammad Eslami, president of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, made the remarks on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran while reacting to recent comments by Grossi, who said Iran was enriching uranium to near military grade and was rapidly moving towards becoming a nuclear-armed state.

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Eslami said, It is not acceptable that an international institution focuses solely on one aspect of the issue in a provocative manner and refrains from pointing to the main dimension, which is the failure of the other parties to the (2015 nuclear) deal to fulfill their obligations.

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He emphasised that the agency should maintain its neutrality and act professionally, adding, We expect the agencys director general, who is a veteran diplomat, to consider these issues.

Speaking to the Italian news agency ANSA in the Italian capital Rome on Monday, Grossi said there was little point in seeking to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the agreement was no longer useful.

He stressed that in view of Irans new realities, a new agreement should be worked out, Xinhua news agency reported.

Reacting to Grossis remarks in a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi called on the IAEA chief to speak based on facts and technical reports from the agencys inspectors.

He added the development of Irans nuclear program was in line with technical needs and was being carried out completely under the IAEAs safeguards monitoring, stressing that Irans enrichment program had no military objectives.

Iran signed the JCPOA with world powers in 2015, agreeing to limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the United States withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back its commitments. Talks to revive the deal, ongoing since 2021, remain stalled.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Han said that China and India, as ancient oriental civilizations and emerging major powers, adhere to independence, solidarity and cooperation, which is of global influence and strategic significance.

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Noting that next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India, Han said the two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, foster political mutual trust, and gradually resume institutional dialogue as well as exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and culture, to bring bilateral relations back onto the track of stable development, Xinhua news agency reported.

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NSA Doval said the resumption of the meeting between special representatives of both countries for the boundary question after an interval of five years is an important move to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and is of great significance for advancing bilateral relations.

According to Xinhua, NSA Doval stated that India is willing to strengthen strategic communication with China, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations.

Earlier in the day, India and China decided to give positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade, during the 23d meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China which was attended by NSA Doval and Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinas Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Wednesdays meeting in Beijing was the first between the Special Representatives since frictions had emerged in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas in 2020. The two representatives met in accordance with the decision taken during the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan which had decided the future course of meetings to oversee the management of peace and tranquillity in border areas and to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the SRs reiterated the importance of maintaining a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship while seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for settlement of the boundary question, and resolved to inject more vitality into this process.

Both SRs underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas to promote overall development of the India-China bilateral relationship. They emphasised the need to ensure peaceful conditions on the ground so that issues on the border do not hold back the normal development of bilateral relations. Drawing on the learnings from the events of 2020, they discussed various measures to maintain peace and tranquillity on the border and advance effective border management. They decided to use, coordinate and guide the relevant diplomatic and military mechanisms towards this purpose, read the MEA statement.

It detailed that the SRs positively affirmed the implementation of the latest disengagement agreement of October 2024, resulting in patrolling and grazing in relevant areas.

The SRs exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. They provided positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges including resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers and border trade. They agreed on the salience of stable, predictable and amicable India-China relations for regional and global peace and prosperity, the statement added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a two-day visit to Kuwait starting December 21 in what would be the first visit by an Indian PM to the key West Asian country in 43 years.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with the leadership of Kuwait  including Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait  the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.

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During the two-day visit he is also scheduled to interact with the Indian community in Kuwait.

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India and Kuwait share traditionally close and friendly relations which are rooted in history and have been underpinned by economic and strong people to people linkages. India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. The visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the multifaceted ties between India and Kuwait, read a statement issued by the MEA.

Earlier this month, as he called on PM Modi at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence during his visit to New Delhi, Kuwaits Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya had extended an invitation to the Prime Minister from the Kuwait leadership to visit the country at the earliest opportunity which the PM had graciously accepted.

A few hours later, as he held the delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar at the Hyderabad House, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya called India as a very important partner and Prime Minister Modi as one of the wisest persons in the world.

I would like to thank you for the invitation and also for the opportunity of meeting Prime Minister Modi, who we believe is one of the wisest persons worldwide. I am sure that the Prime Minister puts India on a better level, and I am sure that he will continue that India is a very important partner and we count on our relationship, the visiting Foreign Minister said in the meeting held on December 4.

Kuwait currently holds the current presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)  also comprising the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar  and the only GCC member country that PM Modi has not visited so far since assuming office in 2014. A proposed visit in 2022 was postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

In September, PM Modi had met with Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UNGA in New York in what was the first meeting between the two leaders.

Recalling the strong historical ties and people-to-people linkages between the two countries during the meeting, Prime Minister Modi had conveyed that India attaches utmost importance to its bilateral relations with Kuwait.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) later said that the meeting between the leadership of the two countries is expected to impart a fresh momentum to bilateral ties between India and Kuwait.

They noted with satisfaction that the two countries were supporting each other with energy and food security requirements. They expressed their firm commitment to deepen and diversify bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of both countries. Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait, which is the largest diaspora group in the country, read a statement issued by the MEA on September 22, 2024.

During his discussions with the visiting Kuwait Foreign Minister earlier this month, PM Modi had once again expressed confidence that the close cooperation between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council would be further strengthened under Kuwaits ongoing Presidency of the GCC.

As they exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and expressed support for early return of peace, security and stability in the region, PM Modi thanked the leadership of Kuwait for taking care of the one million strong Indian community living in Kuwait.

Later, EAM Jaishankar and Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya had reaffirmed their joint commitment to enhancing stability and security in the region and the world.

Following the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on the establishment of a joint committee for bilateral cooperation between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of India, which reflects the determination of the two friendly countries to push the level of bilateral relations to higher, broader and more comprehensive levels, stated Kuwaits Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. The UK is fully supportive of Uzbekistans aim to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to further increase links to international trade, the UK Ambassador to Uzbekistan Timothy Smart told Trend in an exclusive interview.

We are already a firm partner and friend to Uzbekistan, but there is great potential to do more together, including through the Tashkent to Samarkand high-speed rail project, green energy, or educational links. The latter is ever more important owing to the growing popularity of the English language amongst the younger Uzbeks, he said.

The ambassador noted that the annual trading relationship between the UK and Uzbekistan is worth close to $500 million and underscored the opportunity for significant expansion.

We are working closely with UK businesses that are interested in Uzbekistan across numerous sectors, including education, infrastructure, clean mining, and financial and professional services. At the governmental level, we are working on agreements to boost trade and economic cooperation, such as the Memorandum of Understanding on Connectivity, which was signed by the former Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, and the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, in April 2024. This will encourage UK and Uzbek businesses to work together on Uzbekistan's major infrastructure projects. We also offer competitive financing support through UK Export Finance and Enhanced Preferences to Uzbek businesses that export to the UK through our Developing Countries Trading Scheme, he elaborated.

Discussing environmental challenges, Ambassador Smart stressed the importance of transitioning to clean energy and improving energy efficiency in Uzbekistan.

Clean energy transition and energy efficiency improvements are essential to help decarbonize our economies. On a GDP basis, Uzbekistan is the most greenhouse gas emission-intensive economy in the Europe and Central Asia region and the fifth most intensive globally. The energy sector is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and pollutants. Here too, the UK and Uzbekistan are building close and vital partnerships. The UK is addressing these challenges through multiple initiatives, including the Climate Energy Water Security for Central Asia (CEWCA) Programme, launched in 2024 with a budget of 19.5 million pounds ($24.7 million), he said.

The ambassador noted that the CEWCA is designed to facilitate low-carbon development and strengthen climate resilience in Uzbekistan and across Central Asia. It supports regional cooperation on water and energy security, strengthens the climate resilience of local communities, and mobilizes foreign direct investment.

He also highlighted the Innovative Carbon Resource Application for Energy Transition (iCRAFT) programme, a $46.25 million initiative financed by climate and carbon funds from the Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF).

With a large share of UK funding, iCRAFT is the World Banks Global first policy-crediting programme and the first international carbon finance operation in Central Asia under the Paris Agreement. iCRAFT is structured as a results-based policy credit programme. Dispersal of credits is linked to verified greenhouse gas emission reductions resulting from decreased end-use energy consumption associated with energy tariff reforms. This innovative approach is piloted in Uzbekistan with the intention, if proven successful, to roll it out to other countries, Timothy Smart emphasized.

Looking ahead, the ambassador discussed plans for 2024-2025, including new initiatives in education, economic governance, and green investments.

We are introducing a new education fund worth 6.5 million pounds ($8.2 million), which will build on the UKs significant experience of working with partners operating in the education sector. The fund will identify catalytic gaps in educational provision and provide targeted support for equitable and quality education; provide systemic support to implement reform, including improving the skills of teachers and leaders; advise on educational quality assurance systems and English language development across the region; and promote an evidence-based UK education offer that will deepen education partnerships and position the UK as the long-term partner of choice for Uzbekistan. The facility will work with international financial institutions and strategic delivery partners such as the British Council, UNICEF, the Aga Khan Foundation, UK Universities and other UK partners such as Voluntary Services Overseas, he said.

Ambassador Smart explained how the UKs 18 million pounds ($22.8 million) Green Inclusive Growth Fund will establish a private equity/venture capital fund to support green small and medium-sized enterprises across the region to tackle economic issues (including job creation) and mitigate against climate change. By championing green growth, the fund aims to make a positive climate and environmental impact. The programme started earlier this year and will last till 2029.

The Effective Governance for Economic Development (EGED) Programme, the first multiyear bilateral programme launched by the UK in the Central Asia region, has been implemented since 2020 and aims to improve the efficiency, accountability, and transparency of economic policy implementation according to the reform priorities in Uzbekistan, as well as in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. On the supply side, the programme supports increasing the effectiveness of economic policy in general and in individual sectors through the planning and implementation of policies based on the systematic use of data, while on the demand side, it fosters improvement in the quality of interactions between government and civil society, he underscored.

The Ambassador noted that over the last four years, in Uzbekistan, the programme has provided technical assistance and expert policy support in the areas of labor rights and employment, public procurement, transformation of state-owned enterprises, public finance management, and eCommerce. EGED has also supported a number of critical analytical and policy papers feeding into Uzbekistans reform initiatives (Country Gender Assessment, Air Quality and Land Management reports, Listening to the Citizens of Uzbekistan, etc.). Furthermore, through a climate window, the programme sponsored the World Bank projects that helped generate critical evidence for climate-smart policies and reforms.

EGED is also providing support to the Delivery Unit of Uzbekistan to help ensure better economic policy performance by embedding evidence-informed processes into reform design and implementation. In addition, the programme will be supporting the WTO accession process from early 2025 around analytics, regulations, and capacity building for selected Uzbek ministries, he said.

The Ambassador pointed to recent developments in Uzbekistans financial sector, including initial public offerings (IPOs) and Eurobonds issued on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

In particular, Uzbekistan is keen to expand its financial market capabilities through IPOs and Eurobonds in the UK. There have been recent issuances by Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company, Agrobank, and the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of Uzbekistan at the London Stock Exchange. Uzbekistan debuted its first-ever green bonds on the London Stock Exchange worth 4.25 trillion soums ($329.9 million). The proceedings from Eurobonds will be used to implement the goals of the Uzbekistan-2030 strategy, as well as the transition to a green economy and reforms in the energy sector. The UK is pleased to be a close partner in this initiative. Additionally, in November 2024, our team in Tashkent took a business delegation to the London Stock Exchange, including major state-owned enterprises as well as private companies, he emphasized.

He outlined that the visit to LSE was a great example of sharing best practices and fostering partnerships as Uzbekistan prepares for upcoming IPOs and Eurobonds. Uzbekistan has a strategic vision of integrating into the international financial ecosystem and advancing its economic growth through capital market participation. Additionally, UKEF has announced up to 4 billion pounds ($5 billion) in financing available for projects in Uzbekistan, including clean energy, transport, and healthcare.

Ambassador Smart concluded by highlighting the importance of the Uzbek-British Trade and Industry Council (UBTIC), a flagship event for collaboration.

This years event will take place in Tashkent and will focus on financial and professional services, infrastructure investment and trade opportunities, mining, and education. The UBTIC will conclude with a business forum, which I am confident will forge even more prosperous and long-lasting relationships between our nations, he concluded.
My personal style is: Looking elegant. I am mindful of the occasions and places and dress accordingly. From the serious corporate to the everyday bossy look to the casual chic.

My personal style icon: Coco Chanel. The timeless appeal of each of the iconic pieces still standing the test of time is simply incredible. The fact that Chanel was started by a woman who bore the brunt of several setbacks is all the more fascinating and admirable.

An item in my wardrobe that means a lot to me: My black jeans and a 35-year-old lemon-coloured cashmere coat gifted by my late spouse when he travelled to London and spent most of his travel resources on it.

The black jeans gifted to Jesmina Zeliang by her late spouse

My favourite souvenir from my travels is: Vintage miniature chairs from a flea market in Yerevan, Armenia, where I travelled this summer. I bought all the available pieces from the small booth at the market.

Vintage miniature chairs Zeliang sources from a flea market in Yerevan, Armenia

The best gift I have received: A limited edition bag from Monsieur Christian Louboutin during his visit recently, which coincided with my birthday.

Zeliang's birthday gift from Christian Louboutin

The best gift I have given: A handwoven tapestry from my brand Heirloom Naga, which took almost more than two months to weave.

The last thing I bought: A classic black full-sleeved Japanese-inspired shirt/ blouse from a local boutique in Chiang Mai.

The last book I read: It has been so long I cannot remember! Hell, I may sound stupid but I havent got the bandwidth to read currently, what with my mind racing continually with a thousand thoughts and ideas.

The last film I loved: 'The Childrens Train', the Italian film by Cristina Comencini.

My Spotify list would include these songs: 'Shes always a woman' by Billy Joel; 'Diamonds and Rust' by Joan Baez; 'Holding back the years' by Simply Red; 'Paloma Negra' by Lila Downs; 'Woman in love' by Barbra Streisand; 'The first time I ever saw your face' by Roberta Flack; 'Smooth Operator' by Sade; 'Ive been loving you too long' by Otis Redding.

My beauty/ wellness routine is: Simple if not lazy. Wash, moisturise and occasionally a face pack.

My favourite holiday destination: Morocco, for its riot of color and craft. I could just spend the entire day going back to the markets over and over again. I love discovering markets, you never know what treasure awaits and that could pretty much be your next inspiration. Most of my design processing occurs during my travels.

I love to collect: Baskets and more baskets from the hill tribes and exquisite handmade craft in natural materials. I had the opportunity to visit a few local farmer markets in Chiang Mai just this week and, trust me, from the natural dyed textiles from the hill tribes of Northern Thailand to the basketry from Taiwan, I managed to collect some of them for their sheer artistry.

Zeliang's collection of baskets More baskets

My fridge always has: Meat and more food for more than a family of 10. Running a house with two adult sons who are both foodies makes it worth the effort to go for regular weekly supplies to our local famed Super Market Wednesday Bazaar where you can grab literally everything organic and exotic food.

Minimalism or maximalism: Minimalism. At this point of time, I want to declutter.

Zeliang's home. Displayed are wall arts made of bamboo Another view of her home

My home looks like: It's easy and welcoming. If I may add, artisanal too, at least thats what many kind visitors have claimed.

My favourite mix of traditional and contemporary is: Reflected in my textiles work at Heirloom Naga and also basketry and lifestyle in Cane Concepts.

My best ideas come when: I travel and I cant wait to head back to deep dive.

The best way to spend Rs 20,000 is: To shop for basics which will help you to stand tall in any situation.

My idea of happiness is: Quality time with well-meaning family and friends. And travel of course.
Fake location, Oh! OTP, Password ki jaankari (Information about password) - reads the titles from comic strips pasted on the walls of Basti Vikas Kendra in Trilokpuri in the national capital.

Cyber Salamat, a campaign run in the area by cartoonist Sharad Sharma, is an initiative to raise awareness about internet safety, misinformation and digital privacy.

Around 40-45 children and young people are part of workshops being conducted at the place, Sharma told THE WEEK. He further added that in this digitalised age, everybody has access to the internet, however, they hardly know how to handle social media.

Its been over six months that Cyber Salaamat was started in the area, says Gulaf Shah, one of the coordinating members of the program. Gulaf Shah is joined by other two coordinators and ten volunteers who help operate the campaign.

World Comics India, Sharmas efforts of promoting grassroots comics, uses the medium of cartoons and comics to help marginalised groups and people from conflict-ridden places have their share of say.

According to Sharma, real issues are often neglected by the media and hence, producing localised content which can be distributed among the respective communities, is the primary focus of the workshops held during these programs.

Immediate audience is the local people, Sharma pointed out. As some stories must be narrated locally, among the local residents or community members.

He believes discussing a problem within the respective neighbourhoods is an efficient step towards addressing the issue at hand. This brings the subject into recognition and boosts problem-solving.

In the early nineties, while working as a political cartoonist, Sharma started introducing cartoons in content designed for a literacy campaign in Rajasthan. Determined to help the repressed stories be told, Sharma left his full-time gig and started campaigning through his comic revolution.

World Comics India  in participation with larger NGOs, educational institutions and organisations such as UNICEF, International Committee of the Red Cross and NCERT  has conducted over 1,500 workshops all across the country and made some strides globally as well, training over lakhs of people through the initiative.

We never ask people if they can draw or not, says the cartoonist. We always ask if they have a story to share.

The other projects include campaigns directed at encouraging refugees in New Delhi to express their stories through comics, advocating for women empowerment in Rajasthan and addressing the issues of homeless in Kashmiri Gate in the capital city.

The project Nomadic Tribes  aiming to address discrimination and social exclusion faced by the Banjara, Kalbeliya, Nat and Rajnat tribes in Rajasthan - has been run in the state for the last five years. The initiative has also been supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands, he said.

The best bit is that comics only require a pen and a paper, Sharma remarks. Since no colour is needed, photocopying and distributing the papers make the process easy.

The copies are therefore easily accessible or even sold at a low price.
The New Political Economy Initiative at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K), hosted the first edition of the Economy & Society Winter School as part of its Social Structures of the Economy Research Cluster from December 9-21, 2024, at IIM Kozhikode.

The New Political Economy Initiative is aimed to nudge sociology and social science scholarship in India and the Global South to study how the material aspects and economic facets of life are produced and reproduced through social and political processes, and be attentive to the mutual embeddedness and symbiotic relationships between markets, states, societies, and cultures.

Similarly, there is a lack of academic studies that examine how shifts in institutions shape and influence the context and results of economic actions. One of the reasons for this absence is the lack of courses/papers/modules in economic sociology in most undergraduate and masters programmes in the country. The Economy & Society Winter School aims to make up for this absence and in the process incubate a scholarly community in the Global South locales to take these new approaches to the study of economy and society more formally in their own research and work.

In this winter school, many scholars from different parts of the world actively participated to give their lectures. Simone Polillo, professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Virginia in the United States was one among them. He works on globalisation, markets, finance, and expertise, with a particular focus on financial economics. His work has been published in the American Journal of Sociology, the American Sociological Review, the Journal of Cultural Economy, and the Review of Social Economy, among others. He has written two books: Conservatives vs. Wildcats: A Sociology of Financial Conflict (Stanford, 2013), and The Ascent of Market Efficiency: Finance that Cannot be Proven (Cornell, 2020).

He is currently working on a historical sociology of crisis and economic exceptions, both in theoretical terms, and with a more substantive focus on how Italys Central Bank developed new forms of crisis expertise after the Second War World to navigate and shape this consequential period in the countrys economic and political development.

Excerpts from an interview with THE WEEK:

Q/ You said that in the future we can't imagine economic policies without considering the poor. Can you explain this in detail?

A/ We cannot imagine economic policies without considering the poor and marginalised for many reasons. Some can be characterised as political: the poor and marginalised always mobilise against systems of oppression and exploitation, form social movements to put pressure on the status quo, and react in myriad ways to the harms done to them by the market. This point was forcefully made by political economist and anthropologist Karl Polanyi in the 1940s and continues to hold today. Ignoring the poor and marginalised means creating an economic and political system that is fundamentally unstable. But there are other reasons too that can be understood in a more economic than strictly political way. The poor and marginalised contribute enormous value to the economy through their work, and this means that creating more inclusive financial and economic systems that truly harness this potential will make the economy as a whole stronger and more robust, as was as fairer and more humane.

Q/ Sociological implications in economic policies are getting more importance now. How the world reached this point, and what persuaded the world to consider this sociological side in a serious manner?

A/ There are important historical reasons why attention to the sociological dimensions of the economy is becoming more central to public debate. The 2007-08 global financial crisis put in question the neoliberal consensus that had informed economic policy over the previous three decades. But new forms of knowledge are yet to be fully consolidated. What we know is that economists as suppliers of policy-relevant expertise have lost some of their credibility. We also know that important governing agencies (like certain central banks) and private sector organisations and firms have started including environmental and social governance indicators as part of their economic and financial strategies. We see this, though in different degrees and through different configurations, in places like the EU and China. And third, we see the emergence of new forms of cooperation and articulation of shared interests and concerns among countries in the Global South. Finally, during the COVID pandemic, it became clear how consequential government interventions into peoples economic lives can be. Rich but extremely market oriented countries like the United States implemented temporary forms of universal basic income. This all amounts to the possibility of a reframing of what we consider economic and what we consider to be on the outside of the economy. Sociologists know that the economic is not something that corresponds to a fixed reality out thereto an economy that the economic simply describes. Rather, we know that the very framings and calculations that we devise to describe and manage the economic, in important ways, actually turn the economic into a reality. As the social becomes more central to the economic, even if for relatively short periods marked by crisis and emergency, this opening creates new possibilities for political imagination.

Q/ What is your opinion on Kerala model of development?

A/ I am not an expert on the Kerala model, but my impression as an interested and concerned social scientist is that the Kerala model is about engaging the people in the very processes through which the economic is understood, framed, and constituted, thereby creating new forms of participation and cooperation that better prepare policy-makers face economic and political challenges. Among other things, the capacity of the Kerala government to respond to and manage crisis (like it did during the pandemic, or in the case of disastrous floods) is enhanced by the political legitimacy it gains through democratic engagement. The fact that Kerala achieves this despite scarcity of resources make it an original and exemplary model.

Q/ But, conflict, and discrimination towards women, children and the poor, continue. How can we expect an equal world for all and how can persuade them all to such a world?

A/ I wish I had an answer to this question! Lets frame it in terms of we can move away from military buildup and conflict towards more peaceful and inclusive ways of mobilising societys resources. One way of doing this is through preparing more flexible and dynamic societal responses to crisis, repurposing the tools and language of war towards the collective solution of urgent societal problems. For too long, preparation for crisis, response to crisis, management of crisis have been used to further exploit and oppress. Devising new ways to make crisis-response a programme of government that protects rather than harms, and includes rather than excludes and marginalises, can become a crucial way to address discrimination and violence.

Q/ Your opinion on this special session at IIM Kozhikode?

A/ I gave the first three lectures at the IIM winter school to offer a broad overview of the field of economic sociology: how it is different from political economy for its focus on social relations and social networks; what methodologies it draws from and develops, specifically concerning social network analysis; and new developments that focus more sharply on the cultural construction of the economy through devices and representations.
Koreas Kia launched its latest car, Syros, a compact SUV (sports utility vehicle), on Thursday afternoon. Billed as a global launch and with export plans to Southeast Asia and possibly Africa, the model is primarily aimed at the Indian market.

Based on the platform of its earlier compact SUV model, Sonet, the Kia Syros is not just a sub-4-metre SUVit comes with a dramatic new design and is loaded with features. The idea is bold designs but with functionality.



This ranges from a neat aesthetic, level-2 ADAS, 17 autonomous safety features, and 20 robust standard safety packages. One of the standout features is a segment-first adjustable rear seat, which can slide and recline and make way for extra luggage that wont fit in the boot, should the need arise.



With Syros, we are further enhancing our product portfolio, offering a new species of SUV that combines superior comfort, cutting-edge technology and bold design, said Kia India MD and CEO Gwanggu Lee.



Kia hopes to revv up its sales with the launch of Syros. Though the price announcement is only expected at the Auto Expo next month or around that time, it is expected to be competitive.



The idea of a compact SUV (sub-4m, a category not even considered as an SUV amongst purists, is big in India because of the lower taxes that apply to it, thus making it more attractive to price-conscious Indian consumers) is to drive up volumes to straddle the growing SUV segment in the country. Kia aims to increase its sales on the back of the Syros to 3 lakh next year from 2.5 lakh presently once Syros hits the market.



Lee also said the company is considering an electric variant of the model later.



Kia Syros at launch | Kritajna Naik

Interestingly, Syros comes in the same category as Kias Sonet, though marketing head Hardeep Singh Brar was at pains to point out that it wouldnt hit Sonet sales.



Were not looking at cannibalising [the Sonet], he said. This customer [for Syros] is very distinctsomeone who wants new age design, who wants value for money. A lot then will depend on how the Syros will be positioned price-wise, below or maybe just above the cost of the Sonet.


Amid recent reports of mysterious drone sightings over sensitive areas in New Jersey and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region in the US, the Defence Department said it is taking every report of drone sightings seriously and is working with the White House, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration to examine them and assess the situation.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder pointed out that there are over a million drones registered in the US, and on any day, approximately 8,500 drones are in flight.

According to him, while a vast majority of these drones are recreational, or used for purposes like architecture, engineering, farming, or belonging to law enforcement, it is possible that some of the drones could be into "malign activities". General Ryder said unmanned systems are here to stay and added that they have become part of modern warfare.

ALSO READ: Russia's Supercam S350: The stealth drone fit for Southeast Asia's battlefields heads to Vietnam Defense Expo

He noted that drones flying near or over US military installations is not something new, and said all such sightings are taken seriously. "Typically, when we detect them, we attempt to classify them and take appropriate measures. Is it possible that some of those are surveillance? Absolutely. Can you make that assumption in every case? Not necessarily so."

The Department of Defence will be sending Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey to better enable the installations to detect, track, and monitor drone activities.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 19. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will support preschool education through public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, and Tashkent regions, the bank told Trend.

The ADB has been appointed as a transaction advisor to Uzbekistan's Ministry of Preschool and School Education and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The bank is already providing similar advisory services for developing 100 preschools in the Samarkand region.

Expanding its efforts, ADBs support in all five regions will enable the creation of up to 500 preschools nationwide, with around 100 preschools in each region. This initiative has the potential to benefit approximately 75,000 children, contributing significantly to the Uzbekistan-2030 strategy goal of upgrading its education system.

ADBs transaction advisory support will bring best practices in the management and operation of preschools and help enhance the quality and sustainability of preschool education. These projects mark another step toward ADB supporting private sector development in Uzbekistan. The projects will contribute to developing a foundation for an education system aligned with international standards, the ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan, Kanokpan Lao-Araya, said.

Earlier, the ADB revised up the growth projection for the Caucasus and Central Asia to 4.9 percent from 4.7 percent for 2024 and to 5.3 percent from 5.2 percent for 2025. With a surge of fixed investment, Uzbekistans economy grew 6.6 percent in the first 9 months of 2024.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged scientists and engineers to gain command over high-end technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing to further strengthen Indias position in the field of advance, frontier and cutting-edge innovation amid constantly evolving modern warfare.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Indian National Academy of Engineerings Annual Convention at IIT Delhi on Thursday, the defence minister pointed out that these niche technologies are going to impact almost every sector in a big way in the coming days.

Right now, we are in the initial phase. Our aim should be to first gain command over these technologies so that in the future, they can be used for the welfare of the people to fulfill their immediate basic needs, Singh said.

In a constantly evolving world, the defence sector cannot remain the same, he observed. Harking on the theme of self-reliance in defence, he said earlier, India India was left behind in terms of modern weapons and technology, but right now, it is moving towards self-reliance in defence at an unprecedented pace.

ALSO READ: LCA Tejas MkII fighter jets latest news: IAF likely to form in-house team for upgrades

Singh asserted that India is passing through a defining moment as it is exporting even those weapons that it once imported, and credited this revolutionary transformation to the collective efforts of the public & private sectors, academia, and engineers and innovators. He said he is confident that India will soon have a formidable technical edge in the global arena.

The defence minister called for establishing an even better organic relationship among the industry, research and development organisations, and academia. In developed countries, academic campuses play an important role in progressing frontier technologies. There is a need to explore ways on how to co-opt IIT Delhi and similar institutions of higher scientific learning and excellence with the governments development campaign.

Singh commended the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) for playing a crucial role in making India self-reliant. By focusing on innovation, collaboration and modernisation, this institute has started a technological revolution in India, he said.
Addressing Western skepticism about the power and capabilities of Russia's new intermediate-range ballistic missile Oreshnik, Russian President Vladimir Putin challenged the West to a missile "duel" with any location in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev being the target.

A few days ago, a leading missile technology expert had claimed that defense systems like Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, Aegis Ashore, THAAD, Patriot, or Iron Dome are ineffective against Oreshnik, echoing Putin's earlier claim that "there are currently no ways of counteracting this weapon".

According to news agency TASS, Putin said Russia is ready for an experiment involving Oreshnik.

"Let them call us and those in the West and the US who pay for their analysis out to conduct sort of a technological experiment and have a 21st century-style high-tech duel. Let them choose a target, say, in Kiev, and amass their air and missile defense systems there, while we will launch an Oreshnik missile at the target. We will see what happens," Putin was quoted as saying.

ALSO READ: Is Oreshnik the end of missile defence as we know it?

A US official had earlier said the Oreshnik missile, which was used for the first time in November, is more of an attempt at intimidation than as a game-changer on the battlefield in Ukraine.

First use, tall claims

In the first instance of the use of the weapon in combat, Russia fired the missile in a November 21 attack against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Surveillance camera video of the strike showed huge fireballs piercing the darkness and slamming into the ground at astonishing speed.

Hours after the use of the weapon, Putin made tall claims about the new, hypersonic missile and warned that Moscow would not hesitate use it against Ukraine's NATO allies who allowed Kyiv to use their longer-range missiles to strike inside Russia.

Putin has hailed Oreshnik's capability, saying its multiple warheads that plunge to a target at Mach 10 are immune to interception and are so powerful that the use of several of them in one conventional strike could be as devastating as a nuclear attack.

The Pentagon said the Oreshnik was an experimental type of intermediate-range ballistic missile, or IRBM, based on Russia's RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM. According to the Pentagon, Oreshnik is not technically a hypersonic missile as it does not have a hypersonic glide vehicle that propels the missile for most of the launch and re-entry.
Russia flew two nuclear-capable Tu-95ms bombers, accompanied by fighter jets Su-35s and Su-30sm, over neutral waters near Alaska. The flight, which was not seen by the US as a threat, lasted for 15 hours.

The four-engine, long-range Tupolev Tu-95ms, with NATO code name 'Bear-H', is the worlds only turbopropeller-powered bomber. This bomber, designed during the Cold War, has been one of the main strategic aircraft of Russia for almost half a century. Equipped with four NK-12MP turboprop engines, each producing 15,000 horsepower, the bomber is currently in service with the Russian Air Force.

The aircraft took off at night, refuelled in mid-air during the day, and landed at an undisclosed airfield, according to a video released by Russian defence ministry.

ALSO READ: Putin's missile 'duel' challenge to US, West: 'Try to intercept Oreshnik with all your defence systems and see what happens'

Long-range aviation pilots regularly fly over the neutral waters of the Arctic, the North Atlantic, the Black and Baltic seas, as well as the Pacific Ocean, the Russian military has been quoted as saying.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said it detected and tracked four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone on Tuesday.

NORAD said the Russian action was not perceived as a threat as it occurs regularly. The aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace.

"NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America," a statement from the Command read.
Veteran Malayalam actor Meena Ganesh, who made significant contributions to cinema, television, and theatre, passed away early this morning, December 19, 2024, at a private hospital in Kerala's Shoranur. She was 81.

Meena Ganesh had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for the past five days following a stroke, Manorama Online said in a report.

The senior Mollywood artist began her artistic journey at the age of 19, debuting in theatre before making her mark in Malayalam cinema. Her first film was Manimuzhakkam (1976), directed by P.A. Backer. Over the decades, she has appeared in more than 100 films, majorly in supporting roles, and is best known for her roles in acclaimed films such as Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum (1999), Karumadikkuttan (2001), and Nandanam (2002).

As reported by Mathrubhumi, she had often shared how her father's passion for acting influenced her career path. Her father, K.P. Keshavan Nair, had acted alongside prominent figures like M.G. Ramachandran in several films and had strong ties with theatre artists, which ultimately led her into the world of theatre.

Her theatrical career was equally known for, marked by associations with renowned drama societies such as KPAC, SL Puram, Surya Soma, Kayamkulam Kerala Theatres, Thrissur Chinmayi, Changanassery Geeta, Angamaly Pournami, Kottayam National, etc. Her performances won her several accolades and recognitions in the cultural circles of Kerala.

She was married to actor A.N. Ganesh, who was a prominent figure in film and theatre. The couple has two childrendirector Manoj Ganesh and Sangeetha.

Filmfare also took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, As per reports, Malayalam actress #MeenaGanesh has passed away at the age of 81. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.

As per reports, Malayalam actress #MeenaGanesh has passed away at the age of 81. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.#News pic.twitter.com/m3Pc1HvOuN  Filmfare (@filmfare) December 19, 2024

The funeral is set to take place in Shoranur this evening.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh dismissed the oppositions notice to impeach Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and said the notice was drawn in haste to mar the reputation of the house chairman.



Rajya Sabha Secretary General P.C. Mody tabled the deputy chairmans ruling on Thursday. In his ruling, Singh said the impeachment notice was part of a design to denigrate the nation's constitutional institutions and malign the incumbent. The deputy chairman ruled that the notice is personally targeted and bereft of facts, aimed at securing publicity.

The deputy chairman was entrusted to deal with the notice after Chairman Dhankhar recused himself from it, PTI reported. Calling the notice a "misadventure", Singh ruled, Worrisomely for the prestige of Parliament and its members, the notice is replete with assertions only to malign the incumbent vice president, sources who are aware of the development told PTI.

At least 60 opposition members moved an impeachment motion against the vice president on December 10 after the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for days in a row following a ruckus by opposition members. Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Naseer Hussain submitted the notice to Rajya Sabha secretary calling him biased. Moving the notice, Ramesh had said, "We do not have the numbers to win, but it is a strong message to fight for parliamentary democracy. Nothing against individuals, this is a fight for institutions."

The INDIA bloc moved the petition after Dhankhar denied permission to notices by opposition members to adjourn the house and discuss key issues. The opposition sought discussion on various issues including the Adani bribery case, violence in Manipur and Sambhal, and Wayanad relief. Dhankhar allowing ruling party members to level accusations against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, over her alleged links with American businessman George Soros, also triggered the motion.
The Indian National Congress (INC) party on Thursday responded to BJPs remarks over the INDIA bloc protest, with the event being the latest in the row over Home Minister Amit Shahs reference to Dr B.R. Ambedkar during a speech in the Rajya Sabha.



The Congress criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for an alleged social media post where a photograph of the INDIA bloc protest in Parliament against Shah was shared with significant editing. The images of Ambedkar in placards held by the protesting MPs were replaced with the image of US billionaire George Soros, and the backdrop was edited to We love Soros.

The post that came from the BJP social media account read: Hello, Congress and INDI alliance. We fixed the image for you. Youre welcome.

Hello, Congress and INDI alliance.



We fixed the image for you.



Youre welcome. pic.twitter.com/GgrjdidnqK  BJP (@BJP4India) December 18, 2024

The INDIA bloc protest was over Amit Shahs remarks on Ambedkar, with the opposition alliance alleging that the home minister insulted the chief architect of the Constitution, demanding his resignation.

In response, Shah later accused Congress of lying and distorting facts, while the latter alleged that he had humiliated Ambedkar.

Prakash Ambedkar responds to Amit Shahs comments on grandfather

Dr B.R. Ambedkars grandson, Prakash Ambedkar, said that Union Home Minister Amit Shahs remarks on the father of the Constitution reflected the BJPs same old mentality.

Prakash Ambedkar is also the head of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. Before the BJP came into existence, its forerunners Jan Sangh and RSS had opposed Babasaheb while the Constitution was being adopted, he added.

He went on to say that there was nothing substantially new in Amit Shahs statement. [It is] not because of Congress but because of Babasaheb Ambedkar that they will continue to sulk, Prakash Ambedkar retorted.

Prakash Ambedkar also demanded compensation to the tune of Rs 1 crore for the kin of Somnath Suryawanshi.

Suryawanshi allegedly passed away in judicial custody after his arrest in connection with violence in Parbhani over the reported desecration of a copy of the Constitution.
The Congress government in Telangana has decided to scrap the Act related to land records brought in by the previous Bharath Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government in 2020 with much fanfare.

The Telangana Rights in Land and Pattadar Pass Books Act, 2020 had created an online Record of Rights named Dharani. However, numerous complaints dogged the new system as many landowners complained that they did not receive the passbook or found erroneous entries in the records. A section also tried to voice out that there was no proper grievance mechanism for the Act. During the Assembly elections in November of 2023, the Congress party amplified the issues and complaints surrounding the Act and promised voters to rectify the system. After almost a year in power, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy introduced the Bhu Bharathi Bill in the Assembly.

The Dharani portal gave rise to lakhs of new issues in just three years. The issues that had to be resolved at the level of revenue officers are now in court premises. The previous rulers misused Dharani to their advantage. The poor did not have a mechanism to air their grievances. Our leader, Rahul Gandhi had promised to dump the Dharani in the Arabian Sea. Believing in his promises, people of Telangana have voted us to power, said Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy in the Assembly while introducing the Bill.

The Congress government in Telangana is publicising the new bill in a big way by splashing ads in newspapers and talking about it at length.

In order to resolve the land problems faced by the land owners in the state and create a user-friendly online portal for maintaining the Record of Rights, there is an urgent need to enact a new law addressing the lacunae in the previous Record of Rights Act, read the contents of the Bill.

According to the Bill, non-agricultural lands will also be brought under its ambit. It aims to provide a redressal mechanism in case of any disputes and also the chance for appeals. Apart from conducting a re-survey of existing lands, the Bill also aims to protect government lands and create a user-free portal to replace Dharani.

Politically, the Bill is being seen by the Congress government as a major milestone that will help woo voters from rural and farming communities.
The last session of the 2024 has turned acrimonious. What should have been an example of the best parliamentary values on the occasion of 75 years of the Constitution, the session would be remembered for the wrong reasons.

In a bizarre turn of events, two BJP MPs were injured as unruly scenes were witnessed inside the parliament complex. The ruling party accused the Congress MPs particularly the leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, of pushing and shoving while trying to make their way inside the parliament. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP members of pushing him and he fell on the ground.

These unprecedented scenes were witnessed in the parliament on the penultimate day of the winter session, ironically days after both the houses debated the 75 years of glorious journey of the Constitution. Both sides have filed complaints and the Delhi Police have registered an FIR in the case.

Gandhi said the ruling party was trying to divert attention from the Adani issue and the disrespect to Dr BR Ambedkar.

The acrimony between the two sides has only exacerbated since the start of the session, beginning with protests on the Adani issue to shift to alleged disrespect to Ambedkar by Home Minister Amit Shah in his speech in the Rajya Sabha. Shah has accused the Congress of distorting his statement to mislead the people.

The scuffle took place on Thursday when the BJP and opposition MPs marched towards each other over Shahs comments on Ambedkar. The two groups came closer, and tempers flew, resulting in a melee, agencies reported. BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput suffered injuries as they fell.

Addressing a press conference, Rahul Gandhi said the BJP MPs were carrying sticks and prevented him from going inside the house.

Countering his claims, senior BJP ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Piyush Goyal addressed a press conference demanding action against Rahul Gandhi. They said they would take all legal remedies inside and outside the house.

In a related incident, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said that he received a communication from BJP Phangnon Konyak, where she claimed that she was misbehaved with by Rahul Gandhi.

As both sides made counter complaints to the chairs, the matter now be examined according to the parliamentary norms. The BJP may push for revocation of Rahul's membership from the house. The police can only conduct inquiries after seeking permission from the Lok Sabha speaker.

These unexpected events have accentuated the divisions between the ruling BJP and the Opposition parties. All the Opposition parties have come together on the issue of alleged disrespect to Ambedkar and aim to turn that into a national issue by organising protests. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has even written to BJP allies Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu asking them to take a stance on the Ambedkar issue.

The Ambedkar issue can be crucial during the Bihar elections if it extends that far as elections are due next year in October- November.
Former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal wrote to chief ministers of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, urging them to reflect on Union Home Minister Amit Shahs alleged comments against Ambedkar.



Writing to heads of Janata Dal (Secular) and Telugu Desam Party, Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu respectively, Kejriwal said the matter is of greater importance and it concerns the honour and legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar. The parties are key allies of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Union government.

Recently in Parliament, a statement made by the Home Minister of the country, Amit Shah Ji, regarding Babasaheb has left the entire nation stunned. His remark that chanting Ambedkar-Ambedkar has become a fashion these days is not only disrespectful but also reveals the BJP's perspective towards Babasaheb and our Constitution, the AAP chief charged.

Kejriwal questioned the audacity of the BJP to make such comments against Ambedkar, a person honoured with Degree of Laws from Columbia University and who championed equal rights for the most marginalized sections of society.

This has hurt the sentiments of millions of people across the country. Instead of apologizing for his statement, Amit Shah Ji justified it. The Prime Minister publicly supported Amit Shah Ji's remark, which added insult to injury he said. Hinting the parties should withdraw their support to the BJP at the Centre, Kejriwal said, People are beginning to feel that those who revere Babasaheb can no longer support the BJP.

Babasaheb is not just a leader but the soul of our nation. After this statement by the BJP, people expect you to deeply reflect on this issue as well, he added.

The controversy erupted over Shahs comment during a debate on the Constitution in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Suggesting that the Congress had recently begun invoking Ambedkars name for political gain, Shah said, "Had you (Congress) taken Gods name as much, you might have attained heaven. Union home minister later clarified that his remarks were aimed at highlighting the Congresss historical opposition to Ambedkar, questioning the validity of invoking his name during elections while ignoring his legacy when he was alive.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned Congress for distorting Shahs statements.
India aims to triple its installed nuclear power capacity by 2031-32. The current installed nuclear power capacity of 8,180MW is projected to increase to 22,480MW within this timeframe. The country currently operates 24 nuclear power reactors.



This plan aligns with Indias target of achieving 50 per cent of its installed power generation capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030.

Indias long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategy recognizes a significantly greater role for nuclear energy in achieving net-zero targets, stated Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy, in response to an unstarred question raised by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in the Lok Sabha.

The Union government has already urged states to establish nuclear power plants. In November, Power Minister Manohar Lal chaired the conference of power ministers of states and Union territories, where he encouraged states distant from coal resources to set up nuclear-based power plants.

In the Union budget, the central government proposed partnering with private investors to establish small-scale nuclear reactors to meet the countrys growing energy demands. States should consider setting up nuclear power plants at sites where coal-based thermal power plants have reached the end of their operational life, the Union minister had advised state governments during the conference.

According to the Central Electricity Authority, central and state sectors currently produce 46.6 per cent of the country's power, while the private sector contributes the remaining share. Coal remains the dominant source of power generation, accounting for 46.2 per cent of the total fossil fuel share of 53.2 per cent.

The push for nuclear energy is set to transform this paradigm. Twenty-one reactors with a combined capacity of 15,300MW are under various stages of implementation by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. This includes nine reactors with a total capacity of 7,300MWsuch as the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidhyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI)currently under construction, and twelve reactors with a capacity of 8,000MW, including the twin 500MW Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR) by BHAVINI, which are under pre-project activities.


TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 19. Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia put pen to paper on a memorandum to bolster their partnership in the realm of digital technologies, Trend reports.

The document was signed at a meeting between Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan Sherzod Shermatov and Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia Abdullah Alswaha.

The signing of the memorandum is set to take bilateral cooperation in the IT sector between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia to new heights, paving the way for fresh opportunities for both nations.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed opportunities for joint projects, including the nuts and bolts of developing telecommunication and data exchange centers, as well as the fine-tuning of IT specialists through educational programs and upskilling initiatives.

The parties also kicked the tires on opportunities to broaden IT outsourcing and shine a spotlight on Uzbekistan's digital potential in the global arena. They reviewed creating favorable conditions for the establishment of regional offices of Arab companies in Uzbekistan and fostering the development of the startup ecosystem.

Moreover, both entities acknowledged the implementation of Saudi Arabia's expertise in digital transformation within Uzbekistan, the generation of novel employment prospects in the IT domain, and the enhancement of avenues in digital outsourcing.

Earlier, IT Park Uzbekistan opened its office in Saudi Arabia. The office will promote collaboration in digital technologies, stimulate information exchange, and support creative projects while providing Uzbek enterprises the chance to enhance their international footprint.

To note, on July 24, 2019, Uzbekistan's first Technology Park of Software Products and Information Technology (IT Park) was formally launched. IT Park is a company incubation, acceleration, and venture funding program, as well as a complex of facilities, buildings, facilities, and equipment designed to ensure the launch of potential start-up enterprises.

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Former BJP national general secretary C.T. Ravi is in a soup for allegedly using a derogatory word against Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council in Belagavi on Thursday.

The incident took place when both the BJP and the Congress members were staging protests in the well of the House and shouting slogans for and against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Constitution framer B.R, Ambedkar in the Parliament.

During the protest, Ravi, while defending Shah, allegedly called the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi a "drug addict". Countering him, Hebbalkar shouted Ravi was a "murderer" and that he had run over and killed a man while driving his car. In the ensuing war of words, Ravi allegedly used the word "prostitute" multiple times.

The Upper House had been adjourned due to the chaos and Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti had departed from the House when the incident took place. Hebbalkar, along with senior Congress ministers, rushed to the chairman's chamber demanding action against Ravi.

#WATCH | Belagavi: Congress workers held protest outside Karnataka Legislative Council against BJP leader CT Ravi's alleged remark against Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar pic.twitter.com/wapeTz9Kk8  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

Horatti assured the Congress members that he would summon the BJP member and give his ruling after examining all the evidence, including the recording of the House proceedings.

Ravi, however, has denied the allegations.

Congress MLC Yathindra said the chairman had adjourned the House and left when the members were still shouting slogans.

"I was two rows away from Ms Hebbalkar when I heard her call Ravi a murderer. Then, I heard Ravi call her a prostitute multiple times. I was in shock and disbelief as I did not expect legislators to use such words in the House. So, I carefully listened to what he was saying. By that time, Hebbalkar came towards us and narrated what had happened. I told her I too had heard Ravi's remarks. We approached the chairman. We are confident that suitable action will be taken against Ravi," said Yathindra.

Congress MLC Umashree claimed the BJP legislator had used the "unconstitutional" word against a woman minister.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the minister had complained to him about the incident and he had asked her to file a complaint against the BJP legislator with the chairman and the police.

#WATCH | Belagavi: On BJP leader CT Ravi, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says, "He has used very filthy words for Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. This is a criminal offence... She has gone to the police station and police will take action as per law." pic.twitter.com/6oo5I7TOGR  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

"The minister is deeply hurt by this incident. She told me Ravi used the word 10 times. It amounts to a criminal offence. Is this not a case of sexual harassment? Our MLAs, too, told me about it. I was not in the House at that time," the CM said.

Meanwhile, Ravi's car was attacked allegedly by Hebbalkar's supporters outside the Suvarna Soudha building in Belagavi, the home turf of the minister. At least 15 persons were detained by the police.

"I did not make any personal comments about anyone. This is a false allegation being made against me. I am being targeted for being a hardcore BJP leader. The Congress is making false claims and targeting Amit Shah too. This shows Congress is frustrated as we call out their lies," said Ravi, who refused to comment on his alleged remarks against Rahul Gandhi or Hebbalkar's jibe at him.

"The official (House) recording will prove if I have made any unsavoury remarks. I can't help it if someone imagines things. It reflects their mindset," said Ravi, adding that he would not yield to the "intimidation tactics" of the Congress party.

State BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra defended Ravi, saying that he would never use "such" words.

LoP in the Council, Chalavadi Narayanswamy, said, "It is only an allegation. The Chairman had adjourned the House and we were in a huddle discussing the Rahul Gandhi incident in parliament. But after 10 minutes, Hebbalkar ma'am stormed out of the House screaming. But we did not hear Ravi speak such words," said Narayanswamy.
On a day that witnessed high drama unfolding on the parliament premises, with both ruling and opposition parties accusing each other of manhandling and misbehaviour, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge lashed out at Home Minister Amit Shah over the latters remarks on B.R. Ambedkar.

Kharge, the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said the home minister should verify the facts before abusing national icons like Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru.

"The statements that the government, especially the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, are making about Dr B.R. Ambedkar are very sad. He (Amit Shah) addressed the press conference yesterday without looking at the facts. They should look at the facts before abusing Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr BR Ambedkar, he said.

The Congress veteran was addressing a press conference after the opposition and NDA MPs were engaged in a face-off over the alleged insult to Ambedkar.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Union HM's speech in RS during Constitution debate, Rajya Sabha LoP and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge says, "The statements that the government and especially the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are making about Dr BR Ambedkar are very pic.twitter.com/BRdGhkKjyC  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of pushing senior member Pratap Chandra Sarangi, a charge the Congress leader rejected. The Congress, meanwhile, claimed that the BJP MPs pushed its chief Kharge and "physically manhandled" Rahul who is the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha.

While condemning Shahs remarks on Ambedkar, Kharge reiterated his partys demand that the home minister be sacked from the Union cabinet.

We demanded that Amit Shah be sacked. We knew it wouldnt be done, that's why we carried out protests, he said.

The Congress chief alleged that the BJP MPs blocked them from entering the parliament and even pushed him. They pushed me, I lost my balance and sat down.

He further claimed that the Congress would launch a nationwide movement on the Ambedkar issue.
Parents of the trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital moved the Calcutta High Court against the CBI probe in the case. The parents move comes after key accused in the case were granted bail owing to the central agencys delay in filing a charge-sheet in the case.



The victims parents sought directions for a fresh probe in the case expressing a lack of confidence in the ongoing probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Hearing the plea, Justice Tirthankar Ghosh asked their lawyer to add the CBI, which is probing the case, as a party in the petition and mention the matter again before the court on Monday.

The Postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was found dead in the seminar hall of the institution on August 9. Kolkata police arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the doctor.

The Sealdah court on December 13 granted bail to Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and Abhijit Mondal, Tala police station's officer-in-charge as the central agency failed to file charge-sheet in the case within the stipulated time.

According to authorities, Ghosh is accused of tampering with evidence in the case, while the police officer is accused of delaying the filing of an FIR after the body was found. The central agency has filed charge-sheet against prime accused Sanjay Roy and he is facing trial. According to CBI, Roy allegedly committed the crime when the victim had gone to sleep in the hospital's seminar room during a break.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu case on the matter and ordered the formation of a National Task Force to formulate an action plan for the safety of health care professionals at hospitals. The panel recently submitted its report to the apex court and made suggestions regarding security measures at hospitals.
At least five terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Thursday. Two security forces personnel sustained injuries in the operation that was launched in the early hours of Thursday, officials told the press.

A joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army launched a cordon and search operation at Kadder in the Behibagh area of Kulgam on Wednesday night based on specific inputs about the presence of suspected terrorists in the area. The search operation turned into an encounter as the terrorists opened fire on security forces, news agency PTI said quoting security officials.

"Bodies of five terrorists are lying in the orchards but have not been retrieved yet," the official was quoted as saying by the news agency.

"On 19 Dec 24, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice at Kader, Kulgam. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate and heavy volume of fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress," Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said on X at 7:43 AM on Thursday.

OP KADER, Kulgam



On 19 Dec 24, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice at Kader, Kulgam. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened pic.twitter.com/9IxVKtDZkl  Chinar Corps - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) December 19, 2024

The encounter broke out on the day Union Home Minister Amit Shah was likely to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the first such meeting after the last assembly elections held in September-October, sources said. As per news reports, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, top officers of the Army, paramilitary forces, JK administration, intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) were expected to attend the meeting.

Security situation in Jammu and Kashmir

The meeting is expected to take note of recent terror incidents and possible steps to be taken on how to stop such attacks in the coming days, the sources said.

According to official data, 142 terrorists were killed in JK in 2019 and the number is around 45 so far this year. Fifty civilians were killed in 2019 in the UT while the figure came down to 14 by the first week of November this year.
After an Indian Navy speedboat lost control and crashed into a ferry off Mumbais Gateway of India on Wednesday, claiming the lives of 13 individuals, an FIR was filed against the driver of the speedboat, reports said.

#WATCH | Mumbai Boat Accident | Morning visuals from Gateway of India



Yesterday a Navy boat collided with 'Neelkamal' passenger vessel at around 3:55 pm, near Jawahar Dweep (Butcher Island)



101 people have been rescued safely and 13 people have died. Among the 13 deceased, 10 pic.twitter.com/EaKVnR1ycd  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

It was around 4:00 PM on Wednesday that the Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with passenger ferry Neel Kamal off Karanja near Mumbai, the Navy said in a statement. It added that an engine malfunction caused the rigid inflatable boat (RIB)-type speedboat to loss control.

REPORT | 13 dead as boat capsizes after being hit by Navy craft off Mumbai coast

The ferry was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination.

Mumbai's Colaba Police filed the FIR based on the complaint by a survivor identified as Natharam Chaudhary of Mumbai's Sakinaka, a media report said.

#WATCH | Superintendent of St. George's Hospital Vinayak Sawardekar says, "Nine injured have been brought to St. George's Hospital. Their condition is stable because they were wearing life jackets. They have been admitted for observation... We were anticipating more patients and pic.twitter.com/UNX1bPwwCq  ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2024

Search and Rescue efforts were immediately launched by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, one Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats were involved in the rescue efforts, the Navy said.

The survivors picked up by Navy and civil craft in the area have been transferred to jetties and hospitals in the vicinity. So far, 99 survivors have been rescued, it added.

Prime Minister Modi announces financial relief to kin of victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives in a boat accident off the Mumbai coast and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.

"The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. Those affected are being assisted by the authorities," Modi was quoted as saying by his office in a post on X.

The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. https://t.co/EPwReaayYk  PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 18, 2024

"The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PMO said.
The Delhi Police on Thursday filed an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in connection with the scuffle at parliament.

The FIR was registered at Parliament Street Police station under sections 117 (voluntary causing grievous hurt), 115 (voluntary causing hurt), 125 (act of endangering life or personal safety of others), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

#WATCH | Delhi: Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, "...They want to erase the memories and contributions of Ambedkar ji. We said the Home Minister (Amit Shah) should apologize and resign...Today again they have started a new distraction. We were peacefully going to pic.twitter.com/XkT3GF2TAo  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

Earlier in the day, the parliament premises witnessed a face-off between the opposition and NDA MPs over the alleged insult to B.R. Ambedkar. The altercation turned to a scuffle, with both sides accusing each other of misbehaviour and manhandling.

Former minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi was injured in the clash. The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of pushing the senior member, a charge rejected by the Congress leader.

The saffron party filed a police complaint accusing Rahul, the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, of "physical assault and incitement".

BJP MP Hemang Joshi, accompanied by party colleagues Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj, visited the Parliament Street Police Station and filed the complaint.

Meanwhile, the Congress also filed a complaint alleging that the BJP leaders misbehaved with its chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

A delegation of Congress MPs, including Digvijaya Singh, Mukul Wasnik, Rajiv Shukla and Pramod Tiwari, filed the complaint at the Parliament Street Police Station.

The four-page complaint was filed on behalf of around 12 MPs of Congress, with their names and signatures on it. The BJP MPs exerted physical force on Kharge Ji by pushing him to the ground. This has inflicted bodily injuries to Kharge Ji, Neeraj Dangi and others," the complaint said.
The Kerala High Court's special bench stated that individuals who did not testify before the Justice K. Hema Committee could still file complaints about exploitation in the film industry with the Special Investigation Team (SIT). This observation was made while considering a batch of petitions seeking action based on the Hema Committee report.

The three-member committee, established in 2017 to examine issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry, released its report on August 19. The report exposed numerous instances of abuse, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, and exclusion within the industry. Following the report's release, allegations of sexual misconduct against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry have sparked significant public attention.

While considering the petitions, the high court noted that those with grievances could approach the nodal officer, who has been specifically appointed to handle such complaints. On December 7, the Kerala government appointed G. Poonkuzhali IPS as the nodal officer and primary contact for survivors in cases arising from the Hema Committee report.

Additionally, the court expanded the jurisdiction of the nodal officer to assist individuals who testified before the Hema Committee, particularly if they face threats. Complaints can now be forwarded to the nodal officer for appropriate action.

The court also stated that if complainants are expelled from film-related organisations as a result of filing complaints, they may seek recourse from the court.

In cases where witnesses face threats, the nodal officer has been directed to inform the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for further action.

According to the governments submission in court, 50 cases have been registered based on the Hema Committee report. Investigations in four cases have been completed, and final reports have been submitted.
Where did Priyanka Gandhi find the stylish Palestine-themed bag that she brought to the Parliament earlier this week? The Congress MP's office has reportedly revealed that it was a present to the Wayanad MP from a friend. However, the concept was her own, Priyanka Gandhi's office added after the bag became an instant hit on social media.

Priyanka Gandhi's Palestine-Bangladesh bags: The story so far

In a show of support for the people of Gaza, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Monday carried a bag to Parliament that had "Palestine" emblazoned on it. The handbag also had known emblems of Palestinian identity like a watermelon. The Congress general secretary has been raising her voice against Israel's actions in Gaza and expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

ALSO READ | One country one election: Priyanka Gandhi, Anurag Thakur among Lok Sabha nominees on parliament panel

A day later on Tuesday, the Wayanad MP was seen carrying a cream-coloured handbag to Parliament with "Bangladesh Ke Hindu Aur Isaiyon Ke Saath Khade Ho" (stand with the Hindus and Christians of Bangladesh) inscribed on it.

Interestingly, when Priyanka donned the Palestinian bag on Monday, BJP MP Anurag Thakur had questioned what message she wanted to send across. "She did not speak a word on atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh but wants to make a fashion statement with the Palestine bag," he claimed. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also targeted Priyanka over the development. "So far, more than 5,600 youth from Uttar Pradesh have gone to Israel for construction work. Every youth gets free food and accommodation besides a monthly salary of Rs 1.5 lakh there. There is also a full guarantee of safety," Adityanath said on the second day of the Winter Session of Uttar Pradesh Assembly.

VIDEO | Here's what Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) said in response to a media query on BJP criticism of her 'Palestine' bag.



"Tell them to do something over the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, talk to Bangladesh government, and not say stupid pic.twitter.com/euK5U6XY3H  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 16, 2024

Asked about BJP leaders raising the 'Palestine' bag issue, Priyanka Gandhi said, "Tell them that they should do something about the atrocities that are happening on minorities -- Hindus and Christians -- in Bangladesh. Talk to the Bangladesh government and stop these atrocities."

What Priyanka Gandhi's office said about her bags

When Priyanka Gandhi showed up with the Palestine-themed bag, it was a surprise for many of her Congress colleagues. They told Manorama Online that it was a genuine surprise as they had no clue about her plan to express solidarity with the oppressed country. Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden had said that the Wayanad MP was the brain behind the plan although a team was available to assist her.

According to Manorama Online, Priyanka Gandhi's office confirmed that the bag's design was her own idea. When asked if her son Raihan Vadra, known for his artistic skills, was in the mix of things, the MP's office said that they didn't know if the youngster contributed to the bag's design.

However, Congress MPs were told by their party to join Gandhi in expressing solidarity with the minorities of Bangladesh the second day by carrying similar bags, Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose told the Malayalam daily.

Priyanka Gandhi's pro-Palestine stance

In June, Priyanka Gandhi had slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over what she had said were the Israel government's "genocidal actions" in Gaza. She Gandhi had said it was no longer enough to speak up for the civilians, mothers, fathers, doctors, nurses, aid workers, journalists, teachers, writers, poets, senior citizens and the thousands of innocent children who were being wiped out day after day by the "horrific genocide" taking place in Gaza.

"It is the moral responsibility of every right-thinking individual, including all those Israeli citizens who do not believe in hatred and violence, and every government in the world to condemn the Israeli government's genocidal actions and force them to stop," she had said in a post on X.

Their actions are unacceptable in a world that professes civility and morality, Gandhi had said.
Though he has been part of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance for over a year, Ajit Pawar still maintains ideological differences with the RSS, as evident from his decision to stay away from the meet to pay homage to RSS chief MS Golwalkar at Hedgewar Smriti Mandir at Nagpur's Reshimbagh.

However, two of his MLAs decided to defy Ajit Pawar's stance and attend the ceremony on Thursday morning. Tumsar MLA Raju Karemore and Arjuni Morgaon MLA Rajkumar Badole arrived at Nagpur, hinting that not everybody within the party shares Pawar's stance on RSS.

Both Karemore and Badole, MLAs from Vidarbha, were welcomed by the RSS workers. Badole was a BJP leader before joining NCP in October ahead of the elections. So his visit to the RSS centre can be explained but Karmore attending the event has tainted the secular image of the NCP, many political analysts feel. Many speculate whether Pawar was under pressure from Sangh to show up for the event.

However, Karemore told reporters there was no diktat within NCP against visiting the event. "I was not given any instructions from the party not to go to the memorial temple. I will discuss this with Ajit Pawar," he said, adding that he had not discussed attending the event with anyone in the party. "I came here on my wish," he said.

Last year, no MLAs from the NCP attended the event at Nagpur. The Party spokesperson Amol Mitkari had then made it clear that the party was opposed to the Manuwadi ideology. Ajit Pawar clarified that NCP doesn't agree with the Sangh's thinking.

Meanwhile, most of the Mahayuti legislators belonging to the BJP and Shiv Sena, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde, attended the event.

Senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters that he wasn't sure whether Ajit Pawar was invited to the event at Reshimbagh. "I do not know whether Ajit Dada has been invited or not. So it is not right for me to comment on this. How can I answer why Ajit Dada did not come here. Ajit Dada himself will tell this," Mungantiwar added.
Uttar Pradesh police registered a case against Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal Zia ur Rehman Barq for power theft on Thursday. Barq is already accused of instigating the violent clashes that erupted in Sambhal on November 24 over the survey of Mughal-era mosque.



The opposition MP is accused of theft of electricity at his residence in the Deepa Sarai neighbourhood in Sambhal. The parliamentarian is facing charges under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (theft of power or unauthorised use of electricity).

Officials from the power department inspected the MPs house on Thursday morning amid heavy security. "On checking the meter of the consumer received from the electrical testing laboratory, it is clear that electricity theft has been done by bypassing the meter and using electricity illegally," stated the FIR lodged on a complaint by a power department official.

The case comes a day after the MP approached the Allahabad High Court seeking to quash FIR against him in connection with the violence that erupted in Sambhal over a survey of Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24. Barq also sought protection from arrest in the case. According to police, the provocative speech given by Barq led to the violence.

Barq claims he was wrongly complicated in the case and he was not present at the place during the clashes. Over four persons were killed and over 20 persons including police personnel suffered injuries in the clashes that erupted over survey of the mosque. The survey was ordered after a petition was moved in the local court claiming the Masjid was built after demolishing a temple during the Mughal era.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 19. Oman Air is set to take to the skies, connecting Muscat and Tashkent with regular flights, along with other cities in Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

The news follows a meeting between Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport Zhasurbek Choriev with the Ambassador of Oman to Uzbekistan Wafa Jabr Nasser Albusaidi and CEO of Uzbek-Oman Investment Company Omar Bahram.

At the meeting, the sides discussed the matter of expanding investment cooperation, in particular, deepening ties in the direction of developing logistics and transportation infrastructure.

The parties noted that simplification of the visa regime and increase of investments in infrastructure development will make a significant contribution to the increase of passenger and cargo transportation between the countries.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan and Oman Investment Agency discussed the implementation of joint projects.

The parties discussed supporting private companies and reeling in investment, joining forces in the banking and financial sector, cooking up new jobs, and fine-tuning logistics.

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On Thursday, a Supreme Court bench consisting of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar heard the matters related to the alleged West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment scam. This hearing stems from the Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel the appointments of over 23,000 teaching and non-teaching staff.

In April this year, a Calcutta High Court bench comprising Justices Debangsu Basak and Shabbar Rashidi cancelled the entire panel recruited through the 2016 State Level Selection Test (SLST) for the state government-sponsored and aided schools in West Bengal.

Also read | Why former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee may remain in jail despite SC's bail order?

The court had determined that the state failed to differentiate between legitimate appointees and those who secured jobs through bribery. Multiple appeals were subsequently filed with the Supreme Court, which stayed the High Court's ruling in May.

The division bench of CJI Khanna and Justice Kumar heard the matters with the motive to unearth if it was possible to separate the tainted candidates from the rightful ones.

Also read | West Bengal teacher recruitment scam: SC issues final diktat to state govt, petitioners to file response

During a hearing lasting over four hours, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the West Bengal government, asserted that distinguishing between tainted and untainted candidates was achievable. Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for the SSC, supported this claim.

The top court observed that, without the original OMR sheets or their mirror images, the only available evidence consists of scanned copies provided by an external private company engaged in this task.

Also read | Both TMC and opposition could suffer after high court verdict cost 25,000 jobs

The bench led by the chief justice, however, highlighted that there was evidence suggesting discrepancies between the marks on some scanned OMR sheets and their original counterparts. It emphasised the need to analyse the scanners' metadata to verify whether any alterations were made to the scanned images.

The division bench also raised the issue of the creation of supernumerary posts, saying that it was done to ensure that tainted candidates are not thrown out. The West Bengal government claimed that no appointments were made in those supernumerary posts.

The court will sit again to hear the matters next month. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court granted conditional bail to Partha Chatterjee, the former West Bengal education minister arrested in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged SSC recruitment scam.

The court instructed that his trial be expedited, with charges framed and witness examinations concluded by February 1, 2025. While Chatterjee may be released earlier if the ED completes its proceedings before the deadline, his detention cannot extend beyond that date.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday launched a series of airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

IDF said dozens of Israeli aircraft took part in the airstrikes. These included fighter jets, refuelers and spy planes.

 IAF fighter jets struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and in inland Yemen.



Over the past year, the Houthi terrorist regime has been operating with the direction and funding of Iran, and in cooperation with Iraqi militias in pic.twitter.com/hYNRstbhxP  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 19, 2024

Besides the Hodeida port, IDF claimed that it struck the capital, Sanaa, saying they destroyed tugboats used to bring ships to ports and power stations in the attacks.

Israel went on to claim that following the latest attack, all operations at the three ports controlled by the Houthis are now paralysed.

IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari alleged the Houthis were using the ports and energy infrastructure for military purposes, vowing that Israel will "act against anyone in the Middle East" who threatens Israel.

Acknowledging the attacks, Houthis said nine people were killed in the IDF strikes targeting Sana'a and Hodeida, besides the Ras Isa oil terminal on the Red Sea.

This came after the Houthis fired a ballistic missile that was intercepted outside the Israeli airspace, according to the IDF.

Israeli authorities said the falling shrapnel inflicted heavy damage on a school in the city of Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv. No casualties were reported. Several parked cars were also struck by the shrapnel.

However, a Houthi representative, identified as Yahya Saree, said they fired not one, but two missiles, aimed at "specific and sensitive military targets" in Tel Aviv.

In July, a drone sent by the Houthis killed a civilian in Tel Aviv.
The recent developments in Syria, including the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, have profoundly transformed the dynamics of the ongoing turmoil. Since 2011, the Syrian civil war has been characterised by complex confrontations involving the Assad government, multiple rebel factions, extremist groups such as the Islamic State, and various international stakeholders with competing interests. This prolonged conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and causing widespread destruction across the nation. A post-Assad Syria would face the monumental task of shifting from decades of centralised, authoritarian governance to a new yet unclear political framework. Assad's regime has ruled Syrias political institutions and military apparatus for over two decades, creating systemic dependencies that must be dismantled to allow a functional transition. The formation of an interim or transitional government would likely serve as the first step toward stabilisation. A power-sharing model, inclusive of opposition forces and ethnic groups, could offer a path to reconciliation and shared governance. Such arrangements, however, would require a careful balance of power to prevent the dominance of any single faction.

Additionally, constitutional reforms would be crucial to ensuring civil liberties, free elections, and decentralisation of power, laying the groundwork for a sustainable political system. The swift downfall of a government that maintained power through authoritarian means for decades has created a power vacuum, the implications of which are complex and far-reaching. In the wake of Assads departure from Syria has led to groups such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) gain control. HTS, an Islamist movement with a history of extremism, now positions itself as a leading force in Syrias future. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has pledged reforms, including constitutional overhauls, but has also indicated that elections are not currently feasible due to ongoing instability. This stance raises concerns about the inclusivity and democratic nature of the emerging governance structures. However, for stability in Syria, it is necessary that political pluralism should address historical grievances while fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among diverse communities. Without inclusivity, there will be risks of repeating the very faultlines that fuelled its prolonged conflict.

Economic implications

The economic implications of Syrias reconstruction are staggering. Years of conflict have decimated infrastructure, including healthcare, education systems, and basic utilities. Prioritising post-conflict reconstruction will require significant international financial support. Institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and donor nations will have to play a key role in funding Syrias recovery and ensuring economic stability. Another critical challenge will be addressing the humanitarian crisis. Over six million refugees and millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) will need safe and voluntary pathways for return and re-integration. Ensuring their access to housing, employment, and basic services will be essential to achieving stability in Syria. While external financial assistance is critical, economic growth must be underpinned by local economic empowerment, transparent governance, and investment in sustainable industries to prevent future dependence on foreign aid.

Important interview: HTS leader Jolani says he has no intention to turn Syria into Afghanistan since these are two different societies with separate culture and history. Strong support for the ethnic and religious diversity.



He supports womens education and says alcohol is a pic.twitter.com/dtMqb1W5Me  Ragp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) December 19, 2024

Regional dynamics

The collapse of Assads regime undermines Russias and Irans longstanding investments in Syria. Both nations had provided extensive military, financial, and political support to maintain Assads rule, viewing Syria as a critical ally in West Asia. With the regimes fall, their regional influence is significantly weakened, disrupting strategic footholds and alliances. In contrast, Turkey stands to gain from Assads ouster. Ankara has historically opposed Assads regime and supported various opposition groups. The current upheaval allows Turkey to intensify its operations against Kurdish forces, particularly the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which it associates with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a designated terrorist organisation by Turkey. Turkey's strategic objective is to dismantle Kurdish autonomy near its southern border, thereby preventing the establishment of a contiguous Kurdish-controlled region. Western nations, including the United States, are urging Turkey to engage diplomatically with Syria's new rulers and Kurdish leaders to prevent further conflict and a potential resurgence of civil war. The US has been a key ally of the Kurdish forces in the fight against the Islamic State and seeks to maintain stability in the region. Within Syria, the power vacuum has led to increased tensions among various factions. The Kurdish-dominated SDF is engaged in clashes with Arab tribes alleging discrimination, while Turkish-backed forces continue assaults on Kurdish positions. This internal strife complicates efforts to establish a unified and stable governance structure in post-Assad Syria. Additionally, Israel has intensified its strikes on Iranian and Syrian military targets, including critical infrastructure such as the Damascus and Aleppo airports. These actions are driven by Israel's security concerns over Iran's military presence in Syria and the potential transfer of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah. In summary, the fall of the Assad regime has led to a realignment of regional alliances, with Russia and Iran experiencing strategic losses, Turkey seeking to expand its influence, and Western nations advocating for diplomatic solutions to prevent further instability. The situation remains fluid, with internal and external actors manoeuvring to secure their interests in the evolving Syrian landscape.

Conclusion

The transition from authoritarian rule in Syria is undoubtedly a complex and challenging process, shaped by decades of political monopolisation by the Baath Party and its personalisation under the Assad family since 1970. However, the coalition that assumed power on December 8, 2024, appears to recognise the intricacies involved in establishing a stable system that embraces Syrias social plurality and ensures stability for its citizens. A critical priority for the new leadership in Damascus is to develop a clear roadmap for the transition. Maintaining order and fostering open communication channels will be essential to address the inevitable challenges and debates that arise as Syria embarks on this pivotal phase of its political evolution.

(The author is assistant professor at the Amity Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, Amity University, Noida. She specialises in West Asian studies and has authored the book 'Through the Looking Glass: Iran and its Foreign Relations.)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has finally broken his silence on the setback in Syria after Kremlin-backed Bashar al-Assad's regime was toppled by rebels, stating that Assad's forces abandoned their posts without resisting, which explains the speed of the defeat.

The Russian President said during the end-of-the-year live event that the collapse of the regime was not a defeat for Russia.

"You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia," Putin said. "I assure you it is not we have achieved our goals."

Assad's fall is not a defeat for Russia. And I'll tell you why...  Putin pic.twitter.com/pyGmQRyLhE  RT (@RT_com) December 19, 2024

On Syria's ousted President Bashar al-Assad, the Russian President said: "Ive not seen President Assad after his arrival in Moscow, but Im planning to do it. I will definitely talk to him." This is Putin's first comment about Assad since the former dictator fled to Moscow with his family.

On whether he would ask Assad for information about people who were still missing in Syria, Putin reiterated that he hasn't met Assad yet. "I will have a conversation with him. We're adults. We understand," he added.

He was also asked about US journalist Austin Tice - who went missing in Syria back in 2012. Tice's mother had recently said that she was ready to come to Moscow. To this, Putin promised he would ask Assad if he knew what happened to Austin Tice. "We also can pose the question to people who control the situation on the ground in Syria," Putin says.

On Russia's military bases in Syria, Putin said they are talking to partners on the ground. Russia will keep control of the bases which will be used to distribute humanitarian aid.

However, reports claim that despite Putin's statement, Russia could be withdrawing from its bases in Syria, at least partially. There is a large movement of military vehicles at a Russian-controlled port and airbase in western Syria. Transport aircraft also appear to have arrived and departed the country in recent days, according to the BBC.
A limited number of 13-ounce packs of Lays potato chips are being actively recalled since Monday by Frito-Lay in two states of the United States America due to the presence of an undeclared allergen. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration confirmed the recall of certain bags sold in Oregon and Washington. Meanwhile, some media reports claimed that the said allergen found in the popular chips brand to be either milk or some diary-related product.

Frito-Lay Issues Limited Recall on Undeclared Milk in Lays Classic Potato Chips Distributed in Oregon and Washington https://t.co/QbvC57063I pic.twitter.com/U1gMnjqEep  U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) December 18, 2024

The active recall of the Lays packs was voluntary but was announced following a customer complaint. It is packs with the manufacturing codes series beginning with either 6462307xx or 6463307xx and a 'guaranteed fresh' date of February 11, 2025, which were found contaminated by the allergen, US-based media reports said. These bags reportedly hit store shelves on November 3, 2024, and no sister product was affected, the reports added.

"The product included in this recall was distributed to certain retail stores and e-commerce distributors in Oregon and Washington. No allergic reactions related to this matter have been reported to date. No other Lays products, flavors, sizes or variety packs are recalled," the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website declared the company as saying.

READ THE FDA STATEMENT IN FULL HERE

The company also requested the Washington and Oregon public to reach out to their customer service if they had purchased their chips with the said serial number. Companies are bound to offer either a replacement or refund under U.S. law under such circumstances. But it wasn't clear at the time of compiling this report what Frito-Lay's next step is.

Frito-Lay, Inc is a subsidiary of PepsiCo that manufactures, markets, and sells corn chips, potato chips, and other snack foods. "We also recommend visiting PepsiCo Product Facts to check out ingredient labels. On PepsiCo Product Facts, you are able to filter by brand to find which Lay's products and flavors are gluten free," the FAQ section on the Lays website said.

What is milk allergy and is it life-threatening?

According to the Mayo Clinic, cow's milk is the usual cause of milk allergy, but milk from sheep, goats, buffalo and other mammals also can cause a reaction. One of the most common food allergies found among kids, signs and symptoms of milk allergy range from mild to severe and can include wheezing, vomiting, hives and digestive problems. Milk allergy can also cause anaphylaxis  a severe, life-threatening reaction. Those who don't outgrow it may need to continue to avoid milk products.

Milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that narrows the airways and can block breathing. Milk is the third most common food  after peanuts and tree nuts  to cause anaphylaxis, the webiste explained.

READ MORE ABOUT MILK ALLERGY HERE

The recalled product is in a flexible bag, and the specific information is listed below:
The Uzbek suspect who was detained for allegedly killed Russian general Igor Kirillov on Tuesday has revealed crucial details about the assassination, according to Moscow authorities.

Russia's Investigative Committee (SK) said the suspect was recruited by the Ukrainian special services, which offered the suspect $100,000 to carry out the targeted killing. SK said the man, 29, was suspected of "committing a terrorist act".

Russian authorities have detained an Uzbek suspect in the killing of General Igor Kirillov. Russia says the suspect said Ukraines intelligence offered him $100,000 to carry out the assassination. pic.twitter.com/fGZV0OXV71  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 19, 2024

The suspect who has not been named publicly rented a car and installed a video camera to livestream the explosion to the organisers in Ukraine's Dnipro.

The revelation comes after Ukraine's security services claimed responsibility for assassination. A day before the killing, Ukraine charged Kirillove for allegedly committing war crimes.

Lieutenant General Kirillov, 54, was the senior most Russian military official to be killed since the war started in February 2022. He was the head of the radiological, chemical and biological defence forces of the Russian military.

Kirillov was killed after a scooter loaded with explosives in front of his residence was blown up remotely around 4 am Tuesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed deep condolences over Kirillov's death, according to Tass news agency.
There's an instance in Rifle Club where Dileesh Pothan's character Avaran is in the middle of a hunt with a group and points to the Western Ghats, reminding a member that all kinds of beasts inhabit it, and all of them taste different. We could apply this analogy to the members of his own familymen and women includedwho belong to the eponymous 'Rifle Club'. This is a large family where the men and women have no qualms about brandishing a gun, smoking a cigarette, or unashamedly discussing sex. Simply put, this is a family with no pretensions, which they demonstrate in a scene where they ask a movie star if he ever enjoyed doing a love scene.

The women in this family are as ferocious and badass as the men. When the first hint of trouble shows up at their gates, and a man asks the first woman he sees who is in charge and where the men are, she takes out a gun, places it in front of her crotch, and says, "Why don't you just imagine that I'm a man?" Aashiq Abu's new film has other similarly amusing little details, and the writing reserves most of them for this affluent family, all of whom are into huntingmore specifically, "big game" hunting. They prefer bigger, raised stakes; they aren't content with little trophies. As Dileesh Pothan says in one scene, "Everyone's got a hunter mind."

And when the film begins with much fanfare, with Anurag Kashyap's antagonist and his sons having a party in 1990s Mangalore, you expect the film to deliver everything on a large platter. Rifle Club is, indeed, a big film if we are thinking in terms of the presence of some of the biggest names in Malayalam cinema, starting with Vijayaraghavan, who looks very much like an older version of his now iconic character Ramji Rao. But, if you go in expecting every character to be fully fleshed out, Rifle Club is not that kind of film. With a duration of slightly under two hours, and considering the number of characters involved, there is no time to waste on getting you acquainted with each and every one of them.

There is, however, an attempt to have each of the good guys stand out with whatever little time has been given to them, which is achieved mostly through what they say and do. The script by Syam Pushkaran, Dileesh Karunakaran, and Suhashas ample funny banter spread evenly throughout the film.

Dileesh Pothan gets the funniest lines, especially his "double meaning" lines. I must also mention that this is the second film, after Maheshinte Prathikaram, to have Dileesh Pothan and Unnimaya Prasad playing husband and wife. This time, though, the husband doesn't have to keep telling his wife to "chill' because she is already quite chill.

We also get other little instances of interesting man-woman dynamics, like when 'Convincing Star' Suresh Krishna offers words of encouragement to his ex-wife in the middle of a shootout. Even the house help, an old lady who happens to be quite open-minded, has something interesting to contribute.

I was also amused by the antics of Surabhi Lakshmi and Vishnu Agasthya, who get to have their own cool moments. Surabhi's character is as good with jokes as she is with a gun. And I must say that Vishnu Agasthya is slowly proving himself to be an actor to watch out for, considering how he has demonstrated remarkable range in films such as 1001 Nunakal, O.Baby (another 'high-range' thriller starring Dileesh Pothan), or Krishand's excellent new film Sangarsha Gadhana.

Now, as much as I enjoyed the interactions between these characters, I wish the villains were better written, especially Anurag Kashyap's Mangalore-based Don. To me, they didn't seem threatening enough, despite the occasional analogous references and match cuts to wild animals. Say, we are shown a tiger in one scene, but the man who shows up in the next scene doesn't quite have the same matching aura or ferocity. The one scene that affected me emotionally doesn't even involve a human being.

Rifle Club is essentially a home invasion thriller of the good kind, drawing a lot from Westerns and John Woo movies. But at the same time, the stakes don't seem as high as one expects, despite all the buildup we see earlier. The long climactic shootout is staged decently, but the cathartic pleasures don't feel wholesome enough because, as I said, we don't get to see the villains do enough nasty stuff to make us hate them; they lack the novelty factor. I mean, snorting coke and acting all hyper isn't exactly new.

Having said that, I must admit that I did enjoy my time with this film, despite feeling like having a non-vegetarian meal with the necessary flavour but not enough pieces. I also loved the retro look of the film and the way the actors' faces are composed, most notably during the confrontations involving vehicles and, of course, the final shootout. Needless to say, Aashiq Abu has proven himself to be an efficient cinematographer, too. The film also sounds good, thanks to Rex Vijayan's music, which makes its presence known only in places where it's needed.

Film: Rifle Club (Malayalam)

Director: Aashiq Abu

Cast: Dileesh Pothan, Vijayaraghavan, Vishnu Agasthya, Surabhi Lakshmi, Vani Vishwanath, Darshana Rajendran, Anurag Kashyap, Hanumankind

Rating: 3.5/5
Brokeback Mountain (2005)

The film follows the story of two shepherds, Jack Twist (Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar, who develop sexual feelings for each other. They later go separate ways, get married to women, and start a family, but deep down, Jack and Ennis still love each other
Frances highest court has upheld an appeal court decision which had found former President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of corruption and influence peddling while he was the countrys head of state.

Sarkozy, 69, faces a year in prison, but is expected to ask to be detained at home with an electronic bracelet  as is the case for any sentence of two years or less.

He was found guilty of corruption and influence peddling by both a Paris court in 2021 and an appeals court in 2023 for trying to bribe a magistrate in exchange for information about a legal case in which he was implicated.

The convictions and sentences are therefore final, a Court of Cassation statement on Wednesday said.

Sarkozy, who was Frances president from 2007 to 2012, retired from public life in 2017 though still plays an influential role in French conservative politics. He was among the guests who attended the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral earlier this month.

Sarkozy, in a statement posted on X, said I will assume my responsibilities and face all the consequences.

He added: I have no intention of complaining. But I am not prepared to accept the profound injustice done to me.

Sarkozy said he will seek to bring the case to the European Court of Human Rights, and hopes those proceedings will result in France being condemned.

He reiterated his full innocence.

My determination is total in this case as in all others, he concluded.

Sarkozys lawyer, Patrice Spinosi, said his client will comply with the ruling. This means the former president will have to wear an electronic bracelet, Spinosi said.

It is the first time in Frances modern history that a former president has been convicted and sentenced to a prison term for actions during his term.

Sarkozys predecessor, Jacques Chirac, was found guilty in 2011 of misuse of public money during his time as Paris mayor and was given a two-year suspended prison sentence.

Sarkozy has been involved in several other legal cases. He has denied any wrongdoing.

He faces another trial next month in Paris over accusations he took millions of dollars from then-Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi to illegally finance his successful 2007 campaign.

The corruption case that led to Wednesdays ruling focused on phone conversations that took place in February 2014.

At the time, investigative judges had launched an inquiry into the financing of Sarkozys 2007 presidential campaign. During the inquiry, they discovered that Sarkozy and his lawyer, Thierry Herzog, were communicating via secret mobile phones registered to the alias Paul Bismuth.

Wiretapped conversations on those phones led prosecutors to suspect Sarkozy and Herzog of promising magistrate Gilbert Azibert a job in Monaco in exchange for leaking information about another legal case involving Sarkozy. Azibert never got the post and legal proceedings against Sarkozy have been dropped in the case he was seeking information about.

Prosecutors had concluded, however, that the proposal still constitutes corruption under French law, even if the promise wasnt fulfilled. Sarkozy vigorously denied any malicious intention in his offer to help Azibert.

Azibert and Herzog have also been found guilty in the case.

(AP)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. Russia has transported 4,000 Iranian fighters from Syria to Tehran at Iran's request, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a press conference in Tehran, Trend reports.

If earlier the same our Iranian friends requested to help them transfer their units to the territory of Syria, now they have asked us to withdraw them from there. We took out 4,000 Iranian fighters to Tehran from the Hmeimim base, Vladimir Putin said.

He claims that 350 militants swept into Aleppo, while 30,000 government troops and pro-Iranian units turned tail and ran without putting up a fight.

Some of the so-called pro-Iranian units withdrew without a fight to Lebanon, some to Iraq, the President added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A former top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams is expected in court Thursday to face corruption charges in the latest blow to an administration beset by searches, resignations and the mayors own indictment.

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who resigned Sunday as Adams chief adviser and one of the most powerful officials in City Hall, is expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon in state court in Manhattan, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the case and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity. The specific charges against Lewis-Martin were not publicly announced and remain unclear.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the commissioner of the citys watchdog Department of Investigation, Jocelyn Strauber, have scheduled a news conference for Thursday afternoon. The topic was not announced.

Bragg and Straubers offices have been investigating Lewis-Martin. Phone messages seeking comment were left for spokespeople for both of them.

Lewis-Martins attorney, Arthur Aidala, told reporters this week that she was expected to face criminal charges related to alleged improper gifts.

Lewis-Martin said Monday that she was being falsely accused and that she had not made any arrangements in advance to take any gifts or money, or to have any gifts or money given to a family member or friend in order for me to do my job.

The charges against Lewis-Martin come as the Adams administration has been roiled by criminal investigations.

Adams, a Democrat, has himself been charged with conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges in an unrelated federal case scheduled for trial next April. He has pleaded not guilty.

Lewis-Martin, 63, has been one of the mayors closest confidants throughout his political career, serving in senior roles under Adams as he ascended the ranks of government in New York over the past nearly two decades. Her most recent post as Adams chief adviser made her one of the top officials at City Hall.

She has been a target of investigators since at least September, when federal and Manhattan prosecutors met her at an airport in New York as she was getting off a flight from Japan. At the time, federal prosecutors served her with a subpoena while Manhattan prosecutors took her phones and searched her home.

Hours after that search, Lewis-Martin appeared on a radio show hosted by Aidala to discuss the investigation, telling her attorney, I do believe that in the end that the New York City public will see that we have not done anything illegal to the magnitude or scale that requires the federal government and the DAs office to investigate us.

Aidala told reporters on Monday that he believed prosecutors in Manhattan were charging Lewis-Martin to get her to cooperate against Adams. In an unrelated news conference that day, Adams described Lewis-Martin as a longtime friend and sister.

Adams was charged in September with accepting luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals looking to buy his influence.

The investigation into Adams became public late last year after federal agents searched the home of his top fundraiser, Brianna Suggs. Lewis-Martin has referred to Suggs as her goddaughter.

Since then, the Adams administration has been enveloped by a series of searches and seizures from investigators, leading to the resignations of top officials, including his police commissioner, schools chancellor, multiple deputy mayors and his director of Asian affairs.

(AP)
A Manhattan resident has pleaded guilty to helping establish a secret police station in New York City on behalf of the Chinese government.

Chen Jinping, 60, entered the guilty plea on a single count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government in Brooklyn federal court on Wednesday.

Matthew Olsen, an assistant attorney general in the U.S. Department of Justice, said Chen admitted in court to his role in audaciously establishing an undeclared police station in Manhattan and attempting to conceal the effort when approached by the FBI.

This illegal police station was not opened in the interest of public safety, but to further the nefarious and repressive aims of the PRC in direct violation of American sovereignty, he said in statement, referring to the Peoples Republic of China.

Prosecutors say Chen and his co-defendant, Lu Jianwang, opened and operated a local branch of Chinas Ministry of Public Security in Manhattans Chinatown neighborhood starting in early 2022.

The office, which occupied an entire floor of the building, performed basic services, such as helping Chinese citizens renew their Chinese drivers licenses, but also identified pro-democracy activists living in the U.S., according to federal authorities.

The clandestine Chinese police operation was shuttered in the fall of 2022 amid an FBI investigation. But in an apparent effort to obstruct the federal probe, Chen and Lu deleted from their phones communications with a Chinese government official they reported to, prosecutors said.

China is believed to be operating such secretive police outposts in North America, Europe and other places where there are Chinese communities. The country, however, has denied that they are police stations, saying that they exist mainly to provide citizen services such as renewing drivers licenses.

The arrest of Chen and Lu in April 2023 was part of a series of Justice Department prosecutions aimed at cracking down on transnational repression, in which foreign governments such as China work to identify, intimidate and silence dissidents in the U.S.

Lawyers for Chen and Lu declined to comment Wednesday. Chen faces up to five years in prison at his sentencing on May 30.

Lu, who is due back in court in February, had a longstanding relationship with Chinese law enforcement officials, according to prosecutors.

Over the years, they say, the Bronx resident, who was also known as Harry Lu, helped harass and threaten a Chinese fugitive living in the U.S. and also worked to locate a pro-democracy activist in California on behalf of Chinas government.

(AP)
A bombshell report by The Wall Street Journal has unveiled the extraordinary lengths to which President Joe Bidens team went to manage his presidency, confirming longstanding criticisms about his ability to effectively lead. The report, based on interviews with nearly 50 insiders, portrays a presidency tightly controlled by a protective inner circle, shielding the oldest president in U.S. history from challenges that would test his stamina and cognitive acuity.

From the beginning of his presidency, Bidens staff took pains to adjust the White House operations to accommodate his limitations. Meetings with cabinet members, lawmakers, and key advisers were infrequent and tightly scripted. Instructions to visitors were clear: keep interactions short and focused. If Biden was having an off day, meetings were sometimes canceled altogether, according to former aides. One national security official explained to a colleague, He has good days and bad days, and today was a bad day.

Bidens fatigue during extended sessions became apparent early on, with staffers directing key officials to schedule discussions later in the day to align with his energy levels. Even during public appearances, aides were seen repeating basic instructions to the president, such as where to stand or exit. Critics noted the unprecedented level of hand-holding, describing it as far beyond what other presidents required.

The presidents age and protective cocoon were most glaring during his limited interactions with top cabinet members. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, one of the most critical figures in economic policymaking, rarely met one-on-one with Biden. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also experienced a significant drop in direct access to the president over time, despite leading during critical moments such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Instead, senior White House advisers, such as National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and National Economic Council head Lael Brainard, acted as go-betweens, relaying information to and from the president. Lawmakers and cabinet officials increasingly relied on these aides rather than Biden himself, leading some to question who was truly driving the administrations agenda.

Rep. Adam Smith, then-chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, revealed his frustration at being unable to speak directly with Biden ahead of the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. Smith said Bidens optimism about the operation clashed with on-the-ground realities, and his attempts to warn the president were met with silence.

Despite these limitations, Bidens inner circle insisted on moving forward with his re-election campaign, a decision that would unravel spectacularly. During a June 2024 debate with Donald Trump, Biden struggled to complete his thoughts and appeared visibly disoriented, sparking widespread concerns about his cognitive fitness. Democratic leaders, who had long accepted the White Houses assurances of Bidens capability, could no longer ignore the reality.

Within weeks, Biden announced he would not seek re-election, handing the Democratic nomination to Vice President Kamala Harris, who went on to lose decisively to Trump. Many Democrats have since questioned whether Bidens refusal to step aside earlier cost the party its chances of retaining the White House.

The report also sheds light on how Bidens team worked to control his public image. Press aides curated news briefings to exclude negative stories about the president. Even campaign donors were instructed to submit pre-approved questions for Biden at events, a measure aimed at minimizing the risk of gaffes. Despite these efforts, Biden frequently flubbed answers, frustrating even his most loyal supporters.

Polling data, traditionally shared directly with presidents, was filtered through senior advisers who softened bad news. Democratic insiders became alarmed when Biden publicly mischaracterized his standing in the 2024 race, claiming it was a toss-up despite polls showing Trump with a clear lead.

While White House spokesperson Andrew Bates defended Bidens record as the most accomplished of any modern commander-in-chief, critics argue that his presidency was defined by insulation and micromanagement. Sen. Joe Manchin, who frequently clashed with Biden, remarked that the president seemed to lack the stamina required for the job. The job requires grinding every day, and I didnt see him doing that, Manchin said.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Following the ballistic missile fired by the Houthis overnight Wednesday at central Israel, a large piece of shrapnel landed in a school in Ramat Gan, causing it to collapse.

Minutes after the alarms sounded, residents of the Ramat Efal neighborhood of Ramat Gan heard loud explosions. The shrapnel not only damaged the school but also caused heavy damage to nearby buildings and parked vehicles.

The Home Front Command launched an investigation into the collapse. Although initial reports said that shrapnel from an interceptor missile fell in the school, the IDF explored the possibility that the school sustained a direct hit from the ballistic missiles warhead or parts of it.

Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-HaCohen said: Destruction is extensive, and IDF is still investigating, but engineers have determined the school must be demolished. Theres a silver liningthe students will get a new school. Houthis can fire missiles, but we will remain resilient and united. Ramat Gan has robust protective measures, and we deeply appreciate the air defense system, but theres no such thing as 100% safety.

Later on Thursday, Education Minister Yoav Kisch visited the school and confirmed that the school had been bit by the warhead. The IDF later issued a statement saying: Following an initial probe by the IAF and an examination of the findings at the scene of impact at a school in Ramat Efal in central Israel, it is likely that the damage was caused by partial interception of the missile launched from Yemen and that the missile warhead was the part that exploded and damaged the school.

The Ramat Gan municipality stated: Already at the initial stage, we identified an extensive collapse of the main school structure. The school will not be fit for use until further notice. For now, it has been decided to transfer classes for 1st4th graders and special education students to nearby schools; the other grades will remain at home for remote learning tomorrow. According to the Home Front Command, no change in instructions is expected, and from their perspective, residents can continue their regular routines.

Shama-HaCohen said, This night ended with great luck for the residents of Ramat Gan. As the mayor and as a father of a child in the Efal school, I dont want to imagine a situation where this missile was fired during school hours, only because of the fear and difficult experience for parents and children, as the school, thanks to new construction, was fully fortified.

Municipal teams are on the ground and are handling everything needed  from dispersing the students while trying to maintain the optimal learning framework, conducting an initial damage assessment, to cleaning and restoring the nearby public space as much as possible. I spoke personally with the residents who live near the school and we will accompany them in [receiving support and compensation] from the various authorities.

MDA paramedics said that there were no reports of injuries other than several residents who suffered from shock or were injured running to bomb shelters.

Following the Houthi attack, the Israeli Air Force carried out extensive airstrikes in Yemen, targeting its ports in Hodeida and Sanaa. The IAF attack was not carried out as an immediate response to the Houthi missile launched overnight Wednesday as plans for the attack began weeks ago. In fact, the Israeli fighter jets were already on the way to Yemen when the Houthis launched the missile at central Israel.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Concerns are mounting that Iran, the worlds top state sponsor of terrorism, could soon become a nuclear power, with the regimes advancements sparking fears of a profound geopolitical crisis. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, warned this week that the 2015 nuclear accord with Tehran is effectively obsolete, as Iran is now a nuclear threshold state with the capability to produce weapons-grade uranium.

Grossis remarks, made during a meeting in Rome, underline the gravity of Irans progress. The Islamic Republic has enriched uranium to 60% purity, just a short technical step from the 90% required for nuclear weapons, and now possesses enough fissile material for multiple bombs, according to the IAEA.

It has uranium at 60%  90% is military grade  and is thus practically at the same level as nuclear-armed states, Grossi said, urging the international community to rethink its approach to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state.

Under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran agreed to severe restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, since the U.S. withdrew from the deal in 2018, Tehran has expanded its enrichment activities and installed advanced centrifuges. A leaked IAEA report recently warned that Iran could soon accelerate its enrichment process eightfold.

The implications of a nuclear-armed Iran are particularly dire. The regime, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has openly called for Israels destruction and funds terror groups across the Middle East. Over the past year, Iran has launched missile barrages at Israel, prompting Israeli retaliation against Iranian military facilities.

Israel, which considers a nuclear Iran an existential threat, is reportedly contemplating military action to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The Washington Post reported last weekend that Israeli strikes in October severely impacted Irans ballistic missile production, which could potentially deliver a nuclear warhead.

While Iran insists its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, U.S. intelligence and the IAEA confirm that Tehran pursued a military nuclear program until 2003 and has continued its development beyond civilian needs.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
An interesting report and analysis published on Monday in the Lebanese newspaper Nidaa Al-Watan (Call of the Nation), which is associated with the opponents of Hezbollah, outlines the deterioration of Hezbollahs image among the Shiite sector in Lebanon.

Over the years, Hezbollah promised the Shiites to enter the Galil and Jerusalem but instead, the Shiites woke up to a great disaster that destroyed their regions and prevented them from returning to their towns south of the Litani. It was a great shock as Hezbollah revealed itself to be a paper tiger, and as a result, the barrier of fear was broken  not only among its opponents but even within the Lebanese Shiite public, the report said.

The report continues quoting sources indicating that a significant portion of the Shiite community in the south has filed lawsuits against Hezbollah.

Many Shiites affiliated with Hezbollah, some of whom reside in the south and some abroad, have approached the courts in southern Lebanon and filed lawsuits against Hezbollah accusing it of storing missiles, weapons, and munitions beneath residential buildings and among civilians, and of digging tunnels in towns that passed under their homes without their knowledge, leading to their destruction by the IDF.

However, since Hezbollah controls part of the judiciary, most of the lawsuits against it were dismissed on the judicial pretext that judges have no jurisdiction over such claims, which led some residents to file a complaint against Hezbollah with the Attorney General after receiving legal advice.

According to Erem News, the residents are now cooperating to file a class-action lawsuit, which would protect them from retaliation from Hezbollah. Attorney Bashir Al-Bassam told Erem News that the case would mark the first time that the people of south Lebanon publicly expressed their ire at Hezbollah for destroying their homes and villages, and it would also be the first time in Lebanon that a lawsuit of this magnitude is filed against a terrorist organization.

The lawyer said the plaintiffs demands include holding accountable those responsible for violating the sanctity of homes and towns that were turned into weapons depots and military headquarters, as well as agricultural lands that were turned into tunnels.

There are also demands to hold accountable the Hezbollah members who took refuge in homes and entered them without permission from their owners, which led to their bombing or complete destruction. Finally, there is, of course, a demand for financial compensation for all those affected.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
A group of Jewish groups and their allies has launched a statewide ad campaign in New York to rally support for a bill aimed at banning masking in certain situations. The legislation, which has become a priority for some Jewish advocacy groups, lawmakers, and voters, is designed to address concerns that masking hinders the identification and prosecution of individuals committing antisemitic attacks.

The campaign, called UnMaskHateNY, is set to air ads across the state, targeting regions such as New York City, Westchester and Nassau counties, and Buffalo. According to organizers, the ad blitz comes with a price tag in the six-figure range and aims to build momentum for the bill ahead of the upcoming legislative session.

Individuals are using masks and head coverings to escape accountability, and little has changed as innocent civilians are targeted and menaced, the coalition said in a statement. To raise awareness and show tense New Yorkers that help is on the way, the group will be on the airwaves in the weeks before session.

The legislation has sparked heated debate. Supporters argue that it addresses a pressing need to curb antisemitic violence and other crimes where perpetrators hide their identities. Opponents, however, warn that the bill could stifle free expression by requiring protesters to reveal their identities, potentially deterring lawful demonstrations.

The campaign is spearheaded by Jewish and Black advocacy organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, and comes after a similar measure was enacted in Nassau County earlier this year. That bill, introduced by an Israeli American legislator, sought to reinstate some restrictions after New Yorks longstanding ban on public masking was repealed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lawmakers have indicated that the bill could pass before the end of the year. As tensions around antisemitism and public safety continue to rise, the UnMaskHateNY campaign is hoping to galvanize public support for what they see as a critical step in addressing accountability and public safety concerns.

The group plans to saturate airwaves in the coming weeks, ensuring the legislation remains a hot topic as the state legislature reconvenes.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The IDF carried out a huge attack in Yemen early Thursday morning local time. Massive explosions were reported in multiple locations, with strikes primarily reported in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa.

In a statement, the IDF said:

A short while ago, following the approval of strike plans by the Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz, IAF fighter jets, with the direction of the Intelligence Directorate and the Israeli Navy, struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and in inland Yemen.

The Houthi terrorist regime has repeatedly attacked the State of Israel, including by attacking Israeli territory using UAVs and surface-to-surface missiles. Most of these projectiles were successfully intercepted.

The targets struck by the IDF were used by the Houthi forces for military purposes. The strikes degrade the Houthi terrorist regime, preventing it from exploiting the targets for military and terrorist purposes, including the smuggling of Iranian weapons to the region.

Over the past year, the Houthi terrorist regime has been operating with the direction and funding of Iran, and in cooperation with Iraqi militias in order to attack the State of Israel and Israeli civilians, undermine regional stability and disrupt global freedom of navigation.

The IDF is determined to continue operating against all threats posed to the citizens of the State of Israel, wherever necessary.

IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari delivered a separate video statement in English:

Over the last 14 months, the Iran-backed Houthi terror regime in Yemen has launched hundreds of missile and UAV attacks against the State of Israel. This happened again tonight. The Houthi terror regime fired a missile towards central Israel forcing millions of civilians to take cover in bomb shelters. In the last two weeks only  the Houthis fired a drone that hit an apartment block in southern Israel, and on Sunday, they fired a long-range missile towards central Israel.

The Houthis have been carrying out attacks against Israel in violation of international law, and the Houthi regime is a threat to peace and security in the region.

Today, the IDF conducted precise strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen  including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Houthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions. Israel will not hesitate to act in order to defend itself and its citizens from the Houthi attacks.

The Houthis are also targeting other countries- in the Middle East, the United States and other countries in the world. With their attacks on international shipping vessels and roots in the Red Sea and other places, the Houthis have become a global threat.

Who is behind the Houthis? Iran. The regime in Iran funds, arms and directs the Houthis terror activities. As we have shown against other enemies in other arenas, we will continue to act against anyone- anyone in the Middle East that threatens the State of Israel, and we will defend the people of Israel.

Israel has not attacked Yemen for about three months, since the end of September, although the missiles continue to be fired multiple times a week into Israel, including tonight. Thankfully, Israels missile defense systems have been successfully intercepting them, though tonights attack caused significant damage due to falling debris.

YWN recently reported that senior security officials assess that following the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon and the subsequent fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis are trying to take the lead in their role in Irans Axis Of Resistance.
Sirens blared across multiple areas in central Israel on Thursday morning, as the Israel Air Force (IAF) successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it could cross into Israeli territory. Authorities reported that the warning sirens were triggered due to the possibility of falling debris from the interception.

Numerous videos showed debris falling into Israel.

Meanwhile, YWN reported earlier on our Live Blog that a significant IDF strike on Yemen appears imminent. Sources told YWN, the planned attack is expected to be a decisive response to ongoing missile and rocket launches targeting Israel since October 7.

The situation remains tense, with heightened security measures and continued monitoring of threats from regional adversaries. Israeli officials have yet to confirm the details of the reported impending operation.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. Iran supports a number of joint initiatives within the D8 group, the country's President Masoud Pezeshkian said at the 11th summit of the heads of state of the D8 member nations in Egypt today, Trend reports.

According to him, joint initiatives such as the "D8 Joint Idea and Investment Bank", the "Joint Science and Technology Park", "Organization of Science and Technology Tours and Meetings", "Exchange of Students and Faculty, Creation of Educational and Research Opportunities", "Creation of Employment Opportunities for Youth", "Investments in Small and Medium Enterprises to Address Youth Issues", and "Support for Startup Production and Organizing Exhibitions" can strengthen cooperation among the member countries.

Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran would support any proposals and initiatives that expand cooperation in the economic sphere.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation D-8 unites eight Muslim countries. The foundation of the organization was laid on the initiative of Turkiye on October 22, 1996, at the Development Cooperation Conference organized in Istanbul with the cooperation of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, and Pakistan. On June 15, 1997, the Organization was officially launched at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of eight countries in Istanbul. The secretariat of the Organization is located in Istanbul.

On December 19, 2024, Azerbaijan was unanimously elected as a member of the D-8.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The main objective of the Israeli Air Forces airstrikes in Yemen overnight Wednesday was to incapacitate all three ports controlled by the Houthis, which they use to receive arms from Iran.

IAF fighter jets targeted the Hodeidah port, which has twice been previously attacked by Israel, as well as the port in the capital city of Sanaa for the first time. They also bombed all the tug boats used to bring ships into the ports.

The airstrikes on Sanaa also targeted fuel depots, an oil facility, and power stations.

The IDF on Thursday released a video showing IAF fighter jets taking off for the flight to Yemen:

The first wave of airstrikes on the coastal area of Yemen began at 3:15 a.m., and the second wave, targeting Sanaa, began at 4:30 a.m. Fourteen fighter jets participated in the attack, flying over 1,700 km to reach Yemen, and carried out 16 airstrikes.

The IAF has been planning for the strike for weeks and it was not connected to the Houthis launch of a ballistic missile at central Israel overnight Wednesday, which caused an elementary school in Ramat Gan to collapse. The Israeli fighter jets were already on the way to Yemen when the Houthis launched the missile at central Israel.

The Houthis were arming themselves through these ports, the IDF spokesperson said. The timing of the operation was chosen for operational reasons. In any case, we would have carried out an attack due to the recent spike in fire, regardless of the missile intercepted last night.

The IDF believes that the strikes achieved their goal and all three ports are now out of commission.

IDF spokesperson

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The Shin Bet and Israel Police revealed on Thursday that an Arab-Israeli resident of Nazareth in the Lower Galil was arrested last month for transferring information to Hezbollah during the war

An investigation revealed that Muhammad Saadi, 19, contacted Hezbollah many times in recent years and even asked to join the terror group.

Saadi also provided information to Hezbollah during the war about rocket impact sites, IDF positions, and aircraft movements.

In addition, during the war, he contacted the Al-Manar media outlet, associated with Hezbollah, and offered to send various photos and videos for their use.

The Northern District Prosecutors Office filed a serious indictment against Saadi on Thursday morning, accusing him of contact with a foreign agent.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby delivered an emotional moment at the Israeli Embassys annual Chanukah celebration in Washington, D.C., as he recited a prayer for hostages being held in Gaza.

Wearing a black yarmulke, Kirby, who is not Jewish, solemnly recited the prayer in English. After concluding, he declared in Hebrew, Am Yisrael Chai, meaning The Nation of Israel Lives.

Kirbys heartfelt gesture resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom applauded his steadfast support for Israel. Over the past year, Kirby has become a prominent figure in the pro-Israel community, consistently defending Israels actions against Hamas during White House press briefings.

Known for fielding tough questions from reporters seeking criticism of Israel, Kirby has repeatedly reinforced support for the Jewish state, earning admiration from Israels advocates.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Sunni Sheikh Hassan Mourab, who is considered a supporter of Hezbollah, acknowledged in an interview with Lebanese television that the terrorist organization is in a very difficult situation  in fact, Israel has left nothing of Hezbollah.

Referring to the series of assassinations of senior Hezbollah figures, he said: The organization has suffered severe blows at the high command levels, the lower levels, and in the infrastructure in southern Lebanon. What else is left that the enemy has not achieved? What else is left for them to do? he wondered. What is left for us? Tell me.

Southern Lebanon has been completely destroyed. And at the end, Hezbollah was also forbidden from operating weapons inside Lebanon and outside it. Okay? So what is left of Hezbollah? Nothing. The organization has become powerless.

Mourab also slammed Iran, saying that it was responsible for Hezbollahs decline. Iran is the one that destroyed Hezbollah more than anything else. I believe that Iranian conduct has led to a decline in the organizations power, and this is evident in the reality on the ground.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
In a joint operation earlier today, the IDF and Shin Bet security agency successfully eliminated Tarek Doush, a senior figure in the Tulkarm terrorist network, in an airstrike.

Tarek Doush had been a central figure in recruiting and coordinating terrorists over the past year, supported by Iranian funding and Lebanese operatives linked to the Maqdah family. His network was responsible for numerous attacks, including shootings targeting IDF soldiers, checkpoints, and nearby communities along the Judea and Samaria security fence. The network also plotted attacks within Israeli territory.

The strike also eliminated Dossam Awfi, another key operative within the network, along with two additional terrorists.

According to the Shin Bet, Doushs ties to operatives in Lebanon, believed to be connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), facilitated the financing and arming of his recruits. The Maqdah family, long suspected of collaborating with the IRGC, played a role in advancing these terror activities.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Calling all UK AIM-listed board directors! Instead of donning a Christmas jumper, put on your body armour, dust down your bid defence manual and start sweet-talking shareholders to keep them on-side.

Thats the brutal conclusion from the devastating warning by Peel Hunt which forecasts a blitz that could see a third of firms on the Alternative Investment Market taken over next year.

Peel Hunts flashing red light comes with its report, aptly called Barbarians At The Gate.

After taking soundings from the City, Michael Nicholson, Peel Hunts head of mergers and acquisitions advisory, predicts almost a third of AIMs 695 listed businesses valued between 50million and 250million are vulnerable.

While the sheer scale of Peel Hunts forecast is shocking, the reasons why are not in the least bit surprising, or mysterious.

They have been well-rehearsed by market participants and critics for years now. Its quite straightforward  companies in this size bracket are so vulnerable because of the junior markets lack of liquidity, depressed valuations and their reduced ability to utilise the capital markets.

Taking AIM: Peel Hunt forecasts a blitz that could see a third of firms on the Alternative Investment Market taken over next year

Theres another factor that Nicholson points out, one not often made but which is becoming more pertinent.

Unless boards give shareholders clear intelligence, they expose themselves to public criticism and challenges from investors who do not believe their best interests have been followed. Its a fair point.

Yet the broader picture is clear enough. A certain level of takeovers is good for business and the wider economy  creative destruction and all that.

But the level of AIM-listed companies leaving the exchange is not healthy because so many are being sold too cheaply or going because costs are so high while regulations are too tight.

Around 90 left this year, a 23-year low. Its not only AIM that is suffering.

The main London Stock Exchange (LSE) has also witnessed an exodus of companies crossing the Atlantic: 88 have either de-listed this year with only 18 taking their place.

Its the biggest net exodus for nearly two decades. And the number of new listings is set to be the lowest for 15 years.

Rio Tinto is the latest company to be under pressure from investors to drop its dual listing in London and Sydney, and unify its structure in Australia.

Activist investor Palliser Capital argues that the current dual listing takes 40billion off the mining groups valuation.

Londons stamp duty on share trading is being blamed as one of the biggest factors behind the exodus.

As we have been reporting, top financiers want the 0.5 per cent levy to be scrapped, claiming the Government is taxing the stock exchange out of existence.

Behind the scenes, the LSEs top bosses, David Schwimmer and Julia Hoggett, agree the share tax is perverse, particularly when Labour made such a song and dance about growth.

They also claim to be pulling the levers necessary to improve market conditions with the regulators while pension reforms should make investment in growth companies more attractive.

Yet this will take time, and time is running out if the LSE is to be restored as one of the worlds great international capital markets and AIM as one of the most dynamic growth exchanges.

One thing is for sure. If the LSEs bosses dont do more to show they are on top of the problem, you can bet that there will be new rival markets springing up to take their place.
An activist investor is hoping to seize control of seven underperforming London-listed investment trusts after urging shareholders on Wednesday to sack their respective boards.

Saba Capital published an open letter to shareholders of the seven trusts, calling for them to vote to sack entire boards and replace them with 'new, highly qualified candidates'  including the hedge fund's own executives.

Saba has built stakes of 19 to 29 per cent in each of the trusts, which have suffered yawning discounts to their net asset value as investors have shunned their shares.

The trusts affected are Baillie Gifford US Growth, CQS Natural Resources Growth & Income, Edinburgh Worldwide, European Smaller Companies, Henderson Opportunities, Herald Investment Trust and Keystone Positive Change.

Targeting trusts with big discounts to NAV is a key part of Saba's investment strategy, from which it hopes to build an ETF targeting London-listed investment companies.

Boaz Weinstein, founder and chief investment officer at Saba Capital, told the shareholders of each trust that their current investment manager and board's 'inability to mind the gap between each Trust's trading price and NAV has destroyed significant value for shareholders'.

Coup: Saba Capital is eyeing an overhaul of London-listed investment trusts

He noted that each trust has seen its discount to NAV narrow significantly over the last six months, though Weinstein attributes this to the impact of Saba building its stake.

'Without such buyer demand or the prospect of active steps being taken to improve returns to shareholders, there is a risk of the trusts' share prices falling and discounts widening again if we are unsuccessful in our pursuit to reconstitute the Boards of the seven Trust,' he added.

Saba has called on each trust to requisition a general meeting 'as soon as possible' for shareholders to vote on the proposal 'by early February' next year.

It hopes to have Weinstein appointed to the board of Baillie Gifford US Growth, while principal executive officer of Saba's investment trusts Paul Kazarian would join the board of the other six.

Saba has also nominated seven independent directors, each of which would join one of the boards.

Weinstein said: 'The trusts' managers and their directors have failed shareholders. Performance demonstrates that they have not taken sufficient steps to resolve the Trusts' structural issues, depriving shareholders of superior returns.

'While there are multiple levers to narrow these persistent discounts, inaction has been the consistent course of current leadership.'

'By fully reconstituting the trusts' boards, we believe that we can unlock greater value for shareholders and address the long-term structural issues that have hamstrung the Trusts' return potential under current leadership.

'Each of the director candidates shares a deep commitment to improving shareholder returns and putting your interests above their own.'

Each trust has struggled against a large discount to net asset value

An 'obvious flaw' in Saba's strategy?

Baillie Gifford, which manages US Growth, Edinburgh Worldwide and Keystone Positive Change, acknowledged the letter but did not comment further.

This is Money has also contacted Janus Henderson, manager of European Smaller Companies and Henderson, and Herald Investment Management for comment.

Below, Matthew Read, a senior analyst at investment trust specialist Quoted Data, explains why he sees 'an obvious flaw' in Saba's strategy.

'Saba wants shareholders to replace the current boards and deliver on its plan to 'quickly deliver substantial liquidity and long-term returns for all shareholders'.

'However, those two are often mutually incompatible, particularly for some of the funds it is targeting where the underlying holdings are less liquid.

'Herald [is] the obvious example as it is a big fund with a huge tail of small illiquid positions that trade by appointment that could take years to sell off and you would likely move the market against you in many of these, particularly once the market spots you as a forced seller.

'The call for substantial liquidity also ignores the unquoted positions held by trusts such as EWI and USA.

'These are long-term investments and, for some, the pay outs can be big as has recently been illustrated by the spectacular success of SpaceX. Saba also seems to be targeting trusts facing cyclical challenges  such as CQS Natural Resources.

'This and the other challenges we highlighted above have long made us feel that Saba doesn't really understand some of the funds that it is invested in. It is well-documented that Saba has been successful with similar attacks in the US but the UK closed end fund market is fundamentally different.

'Standards of corporate governance are higher, and returns have generally been better, so this sort of approach makes less sense, particularly now that progress has been made on addressing problems such as the cost-disclosure issues and so discounts are now retrenching.

'It seems to us that their approach is very short-term in nature and this highlights a long running issue that, because many retail investors hold their shareholdings through platforms and do not tend to vote, large professional investors get a disproportionate amount of the vote.

'This can lead to outcomes that are not in the interests of all shareholders and so we think it is all the more important that shareholders in these funds make sure their interests are being protected and get out and vote.'
Outsourcing giant Serco expects its pipeline of new business opportunities to close 2024 at its strongest level for more than a decade.

The Hampshire-based firm said it had enjoyed a 'much improved' order intake during the second half of this year, supported by new contracts from the defence industry in North America.

Consequently, the group anticipates its organic revenue will fall by just 1 per cent over the period, compared to 5 per cent in the prior six months, despite forecasting lower revenues from its UK immigration contract.

Serco's sales have been aided by acquisitions, particularly the German immigration services provider European Homecare, and contracts from the defence, justice and citizen services sectors.

Among the deals recently won by the company was a 175million extension by the Department for Work and Pensions to provide the Restart Scheme in Wales and West Central England.

It also gained a $320million contract from the US Army Corps of Engineers for work on an electrical plant at the US Space Force's Pituffik Space Base in Greenland.

Getting better: Serco said it had enjoyed a 'much improved' order intake during the second half of this year, supported by new contracts from the defence industry in North America

Mark Irwin, its chief executive, said: 'We built stronger trading momentum in the second half of the year, particularly in our North America business, and delivered good margin gains.

He added: 'Our strong cash generation and balance sheet have enabled us to complete our largest ever share buyback during the year.'

The firm still predicts its overall turnover will total about 4.8billion in 2024, marginally down on the 4.9billion recorded the prior year.

However, it forecasts underlying operating profits increasing by approximately 9 per cent to 270million due to recent takeovers and 'efforts to improve the productivity and efficiency' of the business.

Serco has also raised its annual free cash flow guidance by 20million to 170million and said adjusted net debts would be around the same amount better than previously expected at 145million.

While the latter figure is an increase on 2023 levels, Serco anticipates it will more than halve to 60million by the end of next year.

It said a continued strong performance in North America and new contracts would help offset rising labour costs in the UK and weaker revenues from immigration.

In November, Serco warned that the incoming hike in employers' National Insurance rates would grow its direct staff costs by an estimated 20million.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'It's been a difficult decade for Serco, which started with scandals, losses and a strained balance sheet and has seen an uneven recovery since.

'Order intake was much improved in the second half of the year; cash generation looks robust; and the balance sheet is in reasonable shape.

'This creates the conditions for the company to invest for future growth and return capital to shareholders.'

Serco Group shares were 6.3 per cent higher at 147.5p on Thursday morning, making them the FTSE 250 Index's top performer.
For an asset that has spent most of its short, chequered life lurking in the shadows of the financial system it was perhaps fitting that bitcoin broke through the $100,000 barrier for the first time in the dead of night.

The flagship cryptocurrency which has been favoured by drug dealers and money launderers surged past the milestone just after 2.45am on December 5, and this week hit a new high of $108,379.

Its huge advance has made some investors willing to turn a blind eye to the risks, and millions have been piling in.

But it is not just crypto itself that has been soaring. Shares in MicroStrategy, a US company that is essentially a turbocharged bet on bitcoin, have risen by more than 550 per cent in the past year.

That makes them one of the best performers on the US stock market  and British private investors have stampeded in, despite the considerable risks.

MicroStrategy was the most-bought share in November, according to Interactive Investor, the UKs second-biggest investment platform.

Controversial: MicroStrategy was founded by Michael Saylor (pictured) a tech entrepreneur whose 10% stake in MicroStrategy is worth $9bn on paper

The company was founded by Michael Saylor, 59, a controversial tech entrepreneur whose 10 per cent stake in MicroStrategy is worth $9billion (7.2billion) on paper. So, is buying these shares a route to get rich quick  or the road to ruin?

Traded around the clock every day, bitcoin has soared by 50pc since Donald Trumps US presidential election win.

His return to the White House has fuelled hopes among bitcoin believers that he will usher in an era of light-touch regulation, which would be great for crypto.

Trump, who once slammed bitcoin as a scam, has nominated crypto cheerleader Paul Atkins to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which oversees US stock markets and protects investors.

Think foxes and hen coops.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies may be about to enter the financial mainstream.

Even so, bitcoin  created in 2008  has no intrinsic value and for years was shunned by conventional investors who baulked at the wild swings in price. It is notorious for volatility, and other risks associated with crypto, including fraud and scams.

Trump has changed all that. He has declared himself a crypto president and promised to consider creating a strategic reserve of bitcoins for the US government, which could boost prices even further.

This has not gone unnoticed here. Some 7m people  12 per cent of the UKs adult population 

now own some crypto assets, according to recent figures from the City watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority.

Saylor once lost $6billion (4.8billion) on paper in a day at the height of dotcom mania in 2000 after MicroStrategy restated two years of revenue.

The billionaire tech tycoon and two colleagues were fined and agreed a $8.3million (6.6million) settlement with the SEC without admitting any wrongdoing.

Earlier this year, he and MicroStrategy agreed to pay $40million (32million) to settle a tax fraud lawsuit.

A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, since 2020 Saylor has transformed what was a struggling data analytics firm with a share price going nowhere fast into what one banking expert calls a bitcoin-buying juggernaut.

MicroStrategy is the largest corporate holder in the world of bitcoins. It owns nearly 2pc of the digital currency in circulation, but it wants more. Much more.

The company is now valued at more than $90billion (71.9billion).

Remarkably, that is more than twice the value of all the bitcoins it owns. How so?

The short answer is leverage, or the art of ramping up returns by buying assets with borrowed money. The catch is that risks are also amplified, but bitcoin groupies dont want to hear about that.

Saylor plans to raise $42billion (33.5billion) in the next three years to buy even more bitcoin. He plans to do this by borrowing money and issuing more shares.

Rough day: Saylor once lost $6bn on paper in a day at the height of dotcom mania in 2000 after MicroStrategy restated two years of revenue

It works like this: MicroStrategy issues new shares at current high values to investors. At the same time, it issues bond  basically IOUs  to hedge funds and other market operators.

One twist is that it pays zero interest on these bonds, which after a period can be exchanged for MicroStrategy shares, so it is costing the company nothing to borrow the cash.

The hedgies and others buying the bonds and lending money to Saylor for free are, in essence, making a bet that MicroStrategy shares will go up enough to compensate them for missing out on interest payments.

As for the company, it uses the money it has raised by selling its shares and bonds to buy more bitcoin.

This sends the price up, which lifts MicroStrategys share price even further. That then means it can sell more of its shares and bonds off this higher price to buy even more bitcoins.

And so the rinse-and-repeat cycle continues. The catch, of course, is that a fall in bitcoins value could bring the whole merry-go-round to a crashing halt.

Buying bitcoin usually involves using offshore exchanges such as Coinbase and Binance which are not authorised in the UK, so savers have no protection.

Individuals can buy shares in MicroStrategy easily through an investment platform, but the risks are if anything even higher because the companys strategy of buying bitcoin with borrowed money juices its gains but also deepens any losses.

A bet on its shares could go badly wrong if the extraordinary rally in bitcoin and other digital currencies goes into reverse  so dont invest any cash you cannot afford to lose.

This is what happened in 2022 when Sam Bankman-Frieds crypto exchange FTX collapsed, dragging the price of bitcoin below $16,000 and plunging MicroStrategy into hefty losses.

Experts have warned that the latest hike in MicroStrategys share price is just another speculative bubble that is bound to burst.

Its symptomatic of a market that has become obsessed with believing in get-rich-quick schemes, said David Trainer, chief executive of research firm New Constructs.

If you like bitcoin, go buy bitcoin. But dont invest in a company thats losing money and also buying bitcoin, because then youve sort of doubled your risk, he told the Wall Street Journal.

Saylor argues that because there is a ceiling on the number of bitcoin that can ever be produced, demand will exceed supply and the price will inevitably rise, albeit with fluctuations. Like gold, the perceived value of the crypto currency comes from its limited availability.

Bitcoins computer algorithm sets a fixed limit of 21m coins, most of which have already been mined or digitally created.

It is the only commodity invented in the history of the human race that is absolutely capped so that means you can expect it to keep going up, Saylor told CNBC news recently.

The value of all bitcoins in circulation is $2trillion (1.6trillion)  more than the combined worth of all but the biggest companies in the FTSE 100 index.

Investment heavyweights BlackRock and Fidelity now offer bitcoin exchange-traded funds in the US, though not yet in the UK.

All of which means that if it collapses again, then the global financial system may not be immune either. It would also drag MicroStrategy down with it.

It could be a giant house of cards that will crush many shareholders when it crashes, says Trainer. It has become a

game of musical chairs  you play until the music stops and you just hope you can get out before the crash.
Thames Water bosses are considering an appeal against the regulators cap on bill increases as the troubled utility scrambles to avoid a taxpayer bailout.

Britains biggest water supplier was yesterday dealt a blow when Ofwat ruled it could charge customers 35 per cent more by 2029  not the 59 per cent it asked for.

That could derail a rescue plan as it seeks an urgent 3billion loan and a further 3billion cash injection.

Meanwhile Ofwat fined the debt-laden firm 18.2million over 170million it paid out in unjustified dividends that the watchdog said had broken shareholder payment rules.

And it vowed to use new powers to claw back 131.3million of the payout. Thames can ask Ofwat to refer the decision on bills to the competition watchdog in a bid to hike the amount it can charge to pay for infrastructure works.

Yesterday, it said it would review the regulators decision before making a statement in February.

Bill hikes: Thames Water was dealt a blow when Ofwat ruled it could charge customers 35% more by 2029  not the 59% it asked for

The deadline for a referral to the Competition and Markets Authority is February 18.

An appeal would unlock a 1.5billion loan from its creditors, the second half of a 3billion rescue package that passed its first hurdle at a court hearing this week.

At the High Court, the water supplier to 16m households in London and the South East said it only had enough cash to survive until March.

Without an urgent loan the Government would have to step in to run it as a special administration regime, lawyers said.

The first 1.5billion payment would enable it to survive until October, while the second half would provide a lifeline until May 2026.

The proposed loan has sparked a bitter battle between two groups of creditors, with a set of smaller bondholders opposing the deal.

The loan, which is subject to a further court hearing early next year, is separate to the 3billion in equity the company is hoping to raise for restructuring.

That process could be put at risk by Ofwats ruling if it deters potential bidders.

Chief executive Chris Weston has said he was comfortable with the level of interest shown by potential investors, including investment firm Covalis, French utility group Suez and Castle Water.

Thames Water said: Given its importance and complexity, Thames Water will take time to review the determination in detail before making its response.

The company will set out by early February the charges that will apply from April.

These will reflect Ofwats final determination, and Thames remains committed to supporting customers who need help with their bills.
By Akbar Novruz



Since the installation of the first border post on April 23, 2024, which was part of the process of establishing coordinates based on geodetic measurements on the ground, expectations were high that this initiative would progress the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia positively. However, that optimism has not yet materialized. This moment stands as the last significant positive development in the push for a peace agreement between the two sides. The current stalemate raises concerns that negotiations for a peace agreement, following the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from Armenian occupation, may falter. But how long can this uncertain situation persist?

Historical context:

The groundwork for these negotiations lies in Azerbaijans restoration of sovereignty over Garabagh in 2023. This decisive moment marked the end of nearly three decades of occupation and shifted the focus to normalization efforts. Delimitation and demarcation discussions began in earnest in 2024, with tangible results such as Armenia's return of four border villages to Azerbaijan. However, these advancements coexist with unresolved tensions, including constitutional and territorial disputes.

The post-2023 landscape has seen tangible progress in Azerbaijan-Armenia relations. Key milestones include:

Territorial Restitution: Armenias return of four villages to Azerbaijan in 2024, in line with the Alma-Ata Declaration, marked a critical step in acknowledging each other's territorial integrity.

Bilateral Border Delimitation: Establishing a de facto peace regime has led to unprecedented cooperation, with border guards patrolling demarcated areas without helmets or bulletproof vests.

Despite these advancements, contentious issues remain particularly Azerbaijan's demand for constitutional amendments in Armenia to formally renounce territorial claims. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan faces mounting domestic opposition, complicating his governments ability to sustain diplomatic momentum.

Now lets examine the latest events and consider what the upcoming year has in store.

On December 11 Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan firmly rejected Azerbaijans demand to amend the Armenian Constitution as a condition for a peace agreement. He emphasized that the Constitution does not contain territorial claims against Azerbaijan and stated that any amendments under pressure from Baku are not being considered. Pashinyan noted that the Constitutional Court of Armenia reaffirmed that the reference to the Declaration of Independence in the Constitution pertains only to its provisions.

Pashinyan himself declared in January that Armenia needs a new constitution reflecting the new geopolitical environment in the region. He denied critics claims that he wants to scrap the current constitution at Baku's behest. Still, Pashinyan said at the time that peace with Azerbaijan would be impossible as long as the constitutional reference to the 1990 declaration remained in place.

The issue traces back to Armenia's 1990 Declaration of Independence, which includes the concept of "miatsum," advocating for the annexation of Garabagh to Armenia. In May, the Armenian premier ordered an ad hoc government body to draft the new constitution by the end of 2026. The head of the body said afterwards that it will likely be put on a referendum in 2027.

Just after that, today President Ilham Aliyev, in a detailed interview with Dmitry Kiselev, laid bare the core challenges obstructing the treaty's finalization. These hurdles are not just about the two unresolved articles in the draft treaty but also reflect deeper geopolitical tensions and mutual distrust.

Let's take a look at the proposals.

Refraining from International Lawsuits

President Ilham Aliyev revealed that one unresolved article relates to both nations agreeing not to pursue international lawsuits against each other. This is critical, as Azerbaijan has meticulously documented damages from the Armenian occupation, estimated at over $150 billion. A mutual agreement would prevent prolonged legal battles and foster goodwill. However, achieving consensus on this point requires substantial political courage from both sides.

Non-Deployment of Foreign Representatives

The second contentious article concerns prohibiting the deployment of foreign representatives, particularly NATO-associated personnel, near Azerbaijans borders. Baku's concerns stem from the evolving role of the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA). Initially agreed upon as a small contingent of observers, the mission has expanded into what Azerbaijan perceives as a NATO-affiliated infrastructure. This escalation undermines the spirit of the 2022 quadrilateral agreement and has become a point of contention in peace discussions.

Beyond the peace treaty articles, Azerbaijan has set two additional conditions for normalization:

Amendments to Armenias Constitution

Armenias Constitution references its Declaration of Independence, which includes territorial claims against Azerbaijan, particularly over Garabagh. President emphasized that this amendment is not a matter of political symbolism but an "objective necessity" to ensure long-term peace and the legitimacy of Armenias recognition of Azerbaijani sovereignty over Garabagh.

Abolition of the OSCE Minsk Group

Despite its obsolescence following Azerbaijans 2023 victory, the Minsk Group formally remains in existence. Ilham Aliyev views its continued presence as a potential tool for Armenian revanchist aspirations. Azerbaijan demands its complete dissolution, aligning with the new reality where Gatabaghs status is no longer a matter of international dispute.

EUMA's Role: A Source of Friction or Stability?

The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA), established under the Prague Agreements of 2022, was initially envisioned as a temporary measure to facilitate peace negotiations. Yet, its continued presence has raised concerns in Baku. Azerbaijan perceives the mission as an external imposition that undermines the bilateral nature of peace discussions, a sentiment echoed by its leadership.

EUMA's activities, while framed as support for regional stability, appear to serve broader geopolitical interests. Critics argue that the mission is being used to strengthen EU influence in the South Caucasus amid waning Russian dominance. Meanwhile, financial constraints within the EU, coupled with Armenias strategic role in circumventing sanctions against Russia, further complicate the mission's legitimacy.

Moreover, the extension of EUMAs term beyond February 2024 could disrupt progress in bilateral negotiations. As Azerbaijan contends, external oversightwhether from military forces or "civilian observers in yellow vests"contradicts the principle of direct dialogue between the two nations. This viewpoint aligns with Azerbaijan's broader rejection of third-party interference, emphasizing mutual respect and sovereignty as the cornerstones of peace.

Conclusion

In addition just after President Ilham Aliyev's interview, Armenian Deputy prime minister Mher Grigoryan has also shared updates regarding the peace issue. According to Grigoryan, there will be a meeting in the near future because there was an agreement during the discussion, and approval phases of the regulation that we should meet and continue the work after the regulation comes into force. Interestingly enough, he also shared his thoughts regarding Zangazur Corridor stating, "We have repeated many times that there are red lines that are simply impossible to cross". However Azerbaijani side removed/paused the clause regarding this issue. They have also confirmed it subsequently.

The delays in signing the peace treaty cannot be viewed in isolation. Despite all the challenges, optimism remains. President underscored the progress achieved so far, with 15 of the 17 articles in the draft treaty already agreed upon. However, Armenia must demonstrate greater commitment to addressing Azerbaijans legitimate concerns, particularly regarding constitutional amendments and the Minsk Groups dissolution. Additionally, international actors must tread carefully to avoid exacerbating tensions through unilateral support or expanded military infrastructure.

Most importantly, Azerbaijan cannot take such a step without Armenia making the necessary constitutional amendments. Doing so would be reckless and risky, creating a potential crisis for future generations of Azerbaijanis. Delaying this process for two or three years could be problematic. The longer these issues remain unresolved, the higher the risk of returning to hostility. As President Aliyev remarked, the remaining obstacles are surmountable if Armenia demonstrates the political will to meet Azerbaijans conditions.

Only a revised or newly adopted Armenian Constitution, without any disrespect for Azerbaijans territorial integrity, can ensure lasting peace in the region. Ultimately, from a realistic standpoint, coming to a resolution regarding the last two issues should not be that difficult.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. If the threats posed by migration and terrorism are eliminated, Turkiye will have no reason to maintain a military presence in Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, Trend reports.

According to him, Turkiye's presence pursued two key goals.

"The first is to prevent a new wave of mass migration to Turkiye, as about 5 million people lived in opposition-controlled territories. The second is the fight against terrorism. Now that these problems are starting to be solved, we have no reason to stay in Syria," the minister noted.

According to him, Turkiye intends to use its influence in Syria to attract additional aid to the Syrian people.
Corporate Britain faces a swarm of takeovers next year with a third of AIM companies vulnerable to bids, according to City experts.

In a stark warning, investment bank Peel Hunt forecast a major and sustained wave of offers for London-listed firms in the new year.

And it cautioned there were barbarians at the gate, a reference to the bitter takeover battle for US conglomerate RJR Nabisco  the maker of Camel cigarettes and Oreo biscuits  which was the focus of a book and film.

The alert comes after a mass exodus from Londons stock market that has left the City reeling.

Figures this week showed the biggest net loss of firms from the UK exchange since 2009, with 88 companies leaving and just 18 joining.

Firms have quit to list on rival exchanges such as New York, or have de-listed after being snapped up in takeovers.

Corporate greed: James Garner starred in the 1993 Barbarians at the Gate film about the bitter takeover batter for US conglomerate RJR Nabisco

City grandees have called on the Government to scrap stamp duty on London-listed shares.

Richard Wilson, chief executive of Interactive Investor, yesterday said the 0.5 per cent levy was the elephant in the room. We are taxing the UK stock exchange out of existence, he said.

But 2025 is set to be tough with a wave of demand approaching the shores of the UK from both strategic and private equity buyers, according to Peel Hunt.

Our coastal defences feel weaker than ever, the bank warned.

Michael Nicholson, head of mergers and acquisitions at Peel Hunt, added: It seems certain 2025 will bring a major and sustained flow of UK takeovers.

Bid defence manuals are no longer an item to be left on the shelf. They ought to be front-of-mind for all boards.

Stocks on Londons junior market AIM are particularly at risk of takeovers in 2025, the report said. Up to a third of small and mid-cap AIM businesses could be snapped up.

They are vulnerable due to a lack of liquidity, depressed valuations and reduced ability to use capital markets.

The reduction of tax incentives to invest in AIM in Chancellor Rachel Reeves Budget only serve to whip up the headwinds facing the sector.

In 2024, one in 20 UK-listed companies was publicly put under offer, Peel Hunt found.

Major deals include the takeover of Royal Mail owner International Distribution Services, packaging giant DS Smiths merger with a US rival and GXOs purchase of logistics firm Wincanton.

But some boards defended low-ball bids. And while bidders are approaching shareholders directly, they have largely stopped short of going fully hostile.

Some institutions have taken it on themselves to become staunch defenders against UK plc being sold on the cheap, Peel Hunt said.
Products featured in this article are independently selected by This is Money's specialist journalists. If you open an account using links which have an asterisk, This is Money will earn an affiliate commission. We do not allow this to affect our editorial independence.

Easy-access savings deals paying 5 per cent vanished after the Bank of England cut the base rate to 4.75 per cent in November... until now.

Chase Bank has added a bonus rate of 1.5 per cent to its easy-access account, bringing the overall rate to 5 per cent.

It is now the best buy, with Atom Bank now trailing behind with 4.85 per cent.

It also comes as the Bank of England voted to hold the base rate at 4.75 per cent this morning.

The new rate is only for new customers who joined Chase after 9 December.

Best buy alert: Chase has boosted its easy-access deal to 5% with a new 1.5% bonus rate

Chase announced a 1.25 per cent bonus rate last week, bringing the easy-access rate to 4.75 per cent.

But the digital bank confirmed that savers who joined since it launched the last bonus rate will now see their rate boosted to 5 per cent.

Chase's savings account* gets a 1.5 per cent bonus on top of its 3.5 per cent easy-access account  boosting the underlying rate for six months.

Savers must open the easy-access savings account within 31 days of opening a Chase current account to get the 1.5 per cent bonus rate.

Chase's easy-access rate is linked to the Bank of England's base rate. That means if the base rate falls, so too does the rate Chase pays customers.

But the bonus will remain fixed for six months even if the underlying rate is cut.

Chase announced that from 19 February 2025, its easy-access rate will track 1.5 per cent below the Bank of England base rate instead of the current 1.25 per cent level.

How does it compare to other easy-access deals?

If you joined Chase before 9 December 2024, there are several other good easy-access deals you can get.

Savers can still bag a 4.85 per cent deal from Atom Bank, though this also contains a bonus rate for savers who don't withdraw money from the account. Savers who withdraw money will get a rate of 3.25 per cent.

Gatehouse Bank is paying 4.75 per cent to savers with with deposits starting from 1. It has no withdrawal restrictions and does not include a bonus rate.

Savers can open the Chase easy-access account with deposits starting from 1.

Savers looking for an easy-access account should also consider a tax-friendly cash Isa to keep as much of their savings tax-free as possible.

These accounts allow you to funnel up to 20,000 per tax year into them and all of the interest is free from tax.

Trading 212's cash Isa* paying 4.9 per cent and allows savers to access their money as many times as they like without the rate dropping.

Tha Bank of England holding the base rate at 4.75 per cent means that savings rates won't drop as quickly over the coming month.

James Blower, founder of website Savings Guru said: 'This is good news for savers as it means there's unlikely to be any significant changes to rates before or during Christmas. It also improves the prospects for rates in 2025.
As precious as ever, but with completely redesigned proportions. And for the first time, it comes with a steel bracelet to enhance its sporty-chic character. For all women who have a passion for micromechanics but want to assert their femininity.

The Turbine is undoubtedly Perrelet's most famous collection, appreciated for its countless lower-dial variations, which give the watches ever new visual effects and demonstrate the extraordinary creativity of the Perrelet designers.

After more than 10 years, the Turbine Lady collection is back, alongside the most famous and numerous men's models, interpreting the icon of the historic Manufacture in a more precious and feminine key. When the famous Turbine swings, it reveals a lower-dial set with genuine diamonds that shine like sunrays.

Today, Turbine Lady offers three brand new models, developed in eight references characterised by dominant colours and refined finishes. Welcome to the Turbine Lady Frost in white, the Turbine Lady Eclipse in black and the Turbine Lady Aurora in rainbow shades. Revamped in terms of aesthetics and dimensions, these timepieces are dedicated to women in search of timepieces with an original style and a sophisticated mechanics.

A stylish habillage

Previously available with a diameter of 38 or 41 mm, the Turbine Lady range is now proposed in a smaller size of 37 mm, which will gracefully fit the wrists of all women, from the largest to the slimmest. The round case is made of stainless steel, also treated with black PVD coating. Compared to its predecessors, it now features a flat bezel and a prominent crown, personalised by the letter 'P' in the logo. The fluted and sandblasted case back and the long, curved, polished and brushed lugs are in keeping with tradition.

Turbine Lady Aurora  Perrelet

In the Turbine Lady Aurora, the most precious version, the bezel is set with 56 multi-coloured zircons arranged in a rainbow effect. The finishes are exquisite, alternating between polished and satin-brushed surfaces, allowing the light to play with the different reflections. Each model is available with a strap or with a metal bracelet. As in the past, the Turbine Lady can be worn with a soft rubber strap in either white or black, secured with a pin buckle or with a folding clasp upon request. Alternatively, and for the first time, it can be worn with an integrated steel bracelet with an unprecedented three-row design and butterfly clasp. Thin and flexible, it enhances the refined look of the watch, making it both a sporty and chic piece of jewellery that can be used daily, from morning to evening, to complement any outfit.

An unmistakable watch face

The most outstanding feature of the display, protected by a sapphire crystal glass, is of course the Turbine with its white or black anodised aluminium blades, each of which has a sandblasted profile. This device, which rotates at the slightest gesture of the wrist, intermittently reveals the diamonds set on the lower-dial: 60 precious stones, lined up in twelve oblique rows that echo the whirling motion of the turbine and illuminate the whole of the watch with their sparkling brilliance.

As always, the slanted hour track is marked by the raised baton hour markers, partly suspended on the turbine and alternating with Roman numerals. This is a new stylistic choice, as previous creations used Arabic numerals. White and luminescent on the Turbine Lady Frost and Turbine Lady Eclipse, they are coloured on the Turbine Lady Aurora, with the same gradations as the bezel. At the centre are the dagger-shaped hour/minute hands, coated with white Super-LumiNova to ensure excellent legibility in the dark. Rhodium-plated edges for the hands on the white dials and trimmed in grey on the black displays. Same hues for the central seconds hands.

Turbine Lady Eclipse  Perrelet

Exclusive technology

Patented in 2009, the turbine is clearly inspired by the propellers of aircraft and ships. It has quickly become the identifying signature of this prestigious Manufacture, founded in 1777, as well as the distinguishing feature of its eponymous collection. Thanks to the rotation induced by the slightest gesture, the Turbine reveals the motif reproduced on the sub-dial, each time different in the many lines that make up the Turbine family. The variety of themes and decorations is a tangible demonstration of the inexhaustible inventiveness of the company's designers.

Although the Turbine has a purely aesthetic function, it involves a complex construction. It requires five tungsten counterweights placed underneath the anodised aluminium blades to allow this component to move quickly, slow down and return to its resting position.It is a very sophisticated element that will only perform properly if it is assembled with the utmost care and attention. This device is yet another example of the exceptional expertise of the master watchmakers working in the Perrelet workshops.

Turbine Lady Frost  Perrelet

A precise and reliable calibre

The new Turbine Lady is driven by the same movement that powers other Perrelet watch families: the P-331-MH calibre. Designed and developed entirely in-house, it is manufactured by the sister company Soprod, owned by the Spanish entrepreneur Miguel Rodriguez, the same owner of Perrelet. Self-winding, it guarantees a 42-hour power reserve and is equipped with a balance that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz).

Back of the Turbine Lady Frost  Perrelet

Today, this engine is renowned among micromechanics aficionados for its proven performance regarding precision and reliability. This calibre is doubly certified by two prestigious independent institutes: the official chronometer certification from the COSC (Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres) and the Chronofiable certification issued by the Laboratoire Dubois of La Chaux-de-Fonds, whose tests accelerate the ageing process of a watch and simulate the effects of six months' use over a three-week period.

Turbine Lady Aurora  Perrelet

The P-331-MH calibre is distinguished not only by its constant running and long-term functionality, but also by its impeccable finish: the main plate is decorated with colimacon, the bridges with circular-graining, and the oscillating weight - openworked, rhodium-plated and brushed - is customised with the Perrelet logo. Superb executions that meet the highest standards of Swiss watchmaking and can be appreciated through the sapphire crystal porthole on the caseback.
Why the Fleuritest helps set Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud timepieces apart

When it comes to watch certifications, names like the Geneva Seal and COSC are often held up as the ultimate marks of quality. These stamps of approval signify excellence in craftsmanship and/or precision, earning them recognition among collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

But theres another certification  less widely known but every bit as prestigious  that elevates select watches to a level of distinction thats hard to rival: the Fleuritest.

For many connoisseurs, a Fleuritest-certified timepiece represents the pinnacle of horological validation. And Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud  the ultra-high-end watch brand inspired by the eponymous 18th-century Swiss horologist  stands proudly at the forefront of this rigorous evaluation process.

The Birth of the Fleuritest

The Fleuritest is part of a certification programme created by the Fleurier Quality Foundation (FQF), an initiative spearheaded by some of the most illustrious names in Swiss watchmaking, including Chopard and Parmigiani Fleurier.

While the Foundation was established in 2001 to define technical and aesthetic quality criteria in harmony with the finest principles of haute horlogerie, the official launch of the FQF certification took place in September, 2004.

Headquarters  Fleurier Quality Foundation / Fondation Qualite Fleurier

It was established in Fleurier, a town in Switzerlands Val-de-Travers region with deep roots in watchmaking. Indeed, Fleuriers horological legacy dates back centuries as a birthplace of fine timepieces exported to markets worldwide. The Foundation sought to encapsulate the towns rich tradition while introducing a modern, rigorous standard for evaluating watches.

Its aim was not to replace existing certifications like the Geneva Seal (Poincon de Geneve in French) or COSC (Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres) but to create a holistic evaluation that combines technical precision, aesthetic excellence and durability.

Chopard and its sister brand, Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud are the last maisons that are actively submitting timepieces for Fleuritest certification  a sign of their commitment to unmatched quality.

What Makes the Fleuritest Different

The Fleuritest stands out by subjecting fully assembled watches to real-world testing conditions, unlike COSC certification, which evaluates uncased movements, or the Geneva Seal, whose primary focus is on origin and aesthetics. This end-to-end evaluation ensures the finished product delivers impeccably across five demanding criteria. These are as follows

Fleuritest Robotic Wear Simulator  Fleurier Quality Foundation

Swiss Seal

The Fleuritest guarantees authenticity by requiring that all components of a timepiece, including the movement, are 100 per cent Swiss-made from conception and production to assembly and testing of the uncased watch. This stringent standard applies exclusively to the watch head, which comprises the case, display and complete movement.

Every stage of production must take place on Swiss soil, from transforming raw materials into semi-finished components to decoration processes like bevelling, polishing and circular graining.

Polishing the bevel of a bridge using gentian and diamond paste  Ferdinand Berthoud

Even assembly stages such as pre-fitting, escapement fitting, adjustment and casing must be carried out in Switzerland. While raw materials can originate internationally, their final transformation must occur locally, ensuring a strong connection to Swiss savoir-faire.

Aesthetic Excellence

The Fleuritest ensures each movement is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. To qualify, movements must feature exclusive decorative finishes approved by a panel of experts in watchmaking research, teaching and production.

A watchmaker manipulates the cylindrical hairspring of the Chonometre FB 3SPC  Ferdinand Berthoud

High-quality materials such as steel, ceramics and precious alloys are an essential starting point. Visible components must showcase refined decoration, with black-polished steel parts, bevelled and polished edges on bridges, and file-drawn lines where possible. Processes carried out in bulk are not permitted.

COSC Certification

The movement itself must already be COSC-certified, demonstrating its ability to keep time with an average accuracy of at least -4/+6 seconds per day. This ensures that the foundation of the watch meets minimum chronometric standards before proceeding to the next evaluations.

Reliability with Chronofiable

The Chronofiable test subjects watches to a rigorous simulation of long-term wear, exposing them to shocks, magnetic fields and accelerated ageing. This involves multiple stages, including testing pull-and-push forces on the crown stem, the durability of push buttons and bezels, and water resistance.

Back of the Chronometre FB 2RE.2  Ferdinand Berthoud

Precision in Real-Life Conditions

The Fleuritest is the ultimate evaluation for a finished watch. Over a 24-hour period, a robotics simulator replicates a nycthemeral cycle  a full day of alternating active and resting phases  mimicking natural wrist movements. Throughout the test, an artificial vision system with GPS synchronisation analyses the watchs performance with extreme precision.

To pass, the watch must maintain accuracy within a demanding 0 to +5 seconds per day. Upon successful completion, each watch is issued a certificate detailing its unique movement and case numbers, officially marking it as "FQF, La Haute Horlogerie certifiee.

Tourbillon closeup of the Chronometre FB 1RS.6  Ferdinand Berthoud

What the Fleuritest Means for Watch Collectors

Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud assures collectors that no fewer than three of its highly coveted models undergo the rigorous Fleuritest: Chronometre FB 2RE, with its stunning grand feu enamel dial and the pairing of a remontoir degalite with a fusee-and-chain mechanism; Chronometre FB RS, a skeletonised regulator that combines a tourbillon with a fusee-and-chain transmission; and Chronometre FB 3SPC, distinguished by its mesmerising cylindrical hairspring.

Chronometre FB 2RE.2  Ferdinand Berthoud

It is almost unheard of for watches of this pedigree  at the very pinnacle of haute horlogerie  to carry COSC certification, let alone meet the exhaustive standards of the Fleuritest, a certification representing total Swissness, superlative decoration, exceptional reliability and uncompromising precision proven in simulated real-world conditions.

Chronometre FB 1RS.6  Ferdinand Berthoud

This unique level of testing and certification is an aspect of Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud that should not be overlooked. In fact, collectors can confidently factor this badge of honour into the overall value and desirability of each piece.

Chronometre FB 3SPC.2  Ferdinand Berthoud

Whats more, you cant help but feel that Ferdinand Berthoud himself  a dedicated champion of precision and master of aesthetic refinement  would have wholeheartedly approved of the Fleuritest and the unparalleled level of validation it represents.

For more information, please visit the Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud and Fleurier Quality Foundation websites.
The year 2024 turned out to be quite a difficult one for the British royal family. King Charles III and Kate Middleton were diagnosed with cancer, Queen Camilla contracted a chest infection, and Princess Anne was hospitalized due to an incident.

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Nevertheless, despite all the troubles, the direct heir to Elizabeth II remains optimistic, although he is probably waiting for the end of this year. Princess Diana's astrologer Debbie Frank noted that the stars predict a good future for His Highness, but still warned to "keep it together," HELLO writes.

"After facing a serious health problem in 2024, the monarch will continue his ups and downs in 2025. He will reach peaks, giving his all, and then feel disappointed by some setbacks. Both he and Camilla are a little bit behind, while 2024 is coming to a close," the expert explained.

According to Debbie Frank, King Charles III should pay special attention to his condition from late February to early March. According to Princess Diana's astrologer, during this period, the monarch should "reduce all loads". But closer to the end of spring, as predicted by the stars, His Highness will want to make his dreams come true and start traveling a lot. The representative of Buckingham Palace should succeed in everything planned, the main thing is to restrain himself in time.

According to the expert, throughout the next year, and especially in May, Saturn will "challenge the king to be realistic and practical about his intentions and capabilities." However, closer to December, Charles III will feel a surge of energy again.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Scott Travers, an American evolutionary biologist from Rutgers University, explained how half a million people died in India because of the extinction of a single bird. This horrific case clearly showed how important it is to preserve every species in the ecosystem.

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The catastrophic decline in the number of vultures in India was the fastest in bird populations ever recorded in the world. Their almost complete disappearance on the Indian subcontinent provoked a catastrophic chain reaction  the spread of deadly diseases, which led to a public health emergency, Forbes writes.

According to scientists, until the 1990s, India had many vultures, represented by three main species that existed in the same ecological niche. However, by 2007, their number had decreased by 97%-99.9%.

Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used in livestock production, was the cause of the vultures' catastrophic extinction, experts say. While safe for livestock, it turned out to be a deadly poison for vultures that consumed the carcasses of domestic animals  one diclofenac-treated carcass could poison dozens of birds.

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According to scientists, the almost complete disappearance of just one type of bird, the vulture, upset the balance in India's natural ecosystem and set off a deadly chain reaction. After all, the disappearance of vultures freed up an ecological niche for wild dogs and rats, which multiplied rapidly.

However, whereas vultures use their strong stomach acids to neutralize deadly bacteria in rotten meat, dogs, and rats turned out to be "ineffective" vultures and became spreaders of dangerous diseases.

Statistics show that, firstly, the number of rabies cases has increased dramatically  47,300 Indians died due to bites from rabid dogs between 1992 and 2006.

The second problem was that the decomposed corpses of animals that were not eaten by vultures contaminated water sources, spreading diseases such as anthrax, tuberculosis, and brucellosis.

Researchers estimate that between 2000 and 2005, more than 100,000 people died annually as a result. That is, during these five years, and for this reason alone, the death toll in India totaled about half a million people.

"The vulture crisis serves as a vivid reminder of how deeply interconnected ecosystems are. The loss of one species has led to public health emergencies, economic losses, and human tragedies," said biologist Scott Travers.

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Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin has called Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine a "movement." The war criminal said that "movement" begins when it becomes "boring."

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At the same time, the Kremlin leader dodged an uncomfortable question about the Kursk region, where the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue their operation. The dictator said this on the "Direct Line" with Russians on Thursday, December 19.

The war criminal started his speech about the "movement" after the Kremlin propagandists' remark that "the world has gone crazy" in the context of "off-scale conflict potential."

Putin said that one always wants a "movement" when one is "bored." He added that now "bullets are whizzing by the temple and it's getting scary."

"You know, when everything is calm, measured, stable, we get bored. It's stagnant! We want to move! As soon as the action starts, everything whistles at the temple, including seconds and bullets, unfortunately, bullets are whistling now, and we are so scared. Terror, horror! But not horror, horror, horror. Everything is measured by the economy. Let's traditionally start with the economy," said the Kremlin killer.

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When asked by Russians when the Kursk region would be liberated, the dictator decided not to give a direct answer. At the same time, Putin said that the Russian occupiers "will definitely drive the Armed Forces out of the Kursk region."

"We will definitely drive the Ukrainian Armed Forces out of the Kursk region, but I will not say a specific date, that's not how it works," the dictator said.

As a reminder, public figure and psychiatrist Semen Hluzman diagnosed Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who has been terrorizing the Ukrainian people since 2014. According to him, the head of the Russian Federation is a real sadist, but at the same time a coward.

Earlier it was reported that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin made another statement about the "Oreshnik" medium-range missile system and was epically embarrassed. In particular, Putin threatened the world with an "imminent start" of mass production of this system.

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A team of Egyptian and Spanish researchers has discovered more than a dozen ancient mummies decorated with golden tongues and nails. The unusual artifacts were found in 2000-year-old tombs in Egypt.

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According to archaeologists, the tombs are decorated with colorful inscriptions and ritual scenes. Unique funerary objects were also found, Arkeonews reports.

According to the researchers, the latest mission was part of a ten-year project to study the archaeological site of Al-Bakhnas in the Egyptian governorate of Minya. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the findings as "a great addition to the history of the region," emphasizing their uniqueness to the Al-Bakhnasa area.

In total, the team of scientists found approximately 300 mummies and 52 wrapped remains dating back to the Ptolemaic era, the longest and last dynasty of ancient Egypt, which spanned 305-30 BC, DailyMail noted.

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Among the most prominent local discoveries are 13 mummies that had golden tongues in their mouths, symbolizing preparation for the afterlife, experts say. Interestingly, one mummy had two golden tongues, and another had nails decorated with a gold plate.

The presence of a thin layer of gold on the face of the mummy, depicted as if embalmed by the god Anubis, demonstrates the delicate nature of the funerary work. The figures of the goddesses Isis and Nephthys have the same golden decoration, archaeologists say.

In the same place, valuable items such as a terracotta of the god Harpocrates, amulets with images of Egyptian deities such as Thoth, Isis, and Horus, as well as a scarab heart were found, the archaeologists said.

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The head of the Spanish mission, Esther Ponce Mellado, explained that one of the tombs discovered contains a rectangular well that leads to a main room with three funerary chambers containing dozens of mummies. This indicates the practice of joint burial.

Another tomb shaft leads to similarly decorated chambers, one of which belonged to a man identified as "Wen Nefer." One of the walls depicts the tomb owner and his family making sacrifices to deities such as Anubis, Osiris, Atum, and Horus, the researchers noted.

According to archaeologists, during previous excavations, a Byzantine basilica, a temple dedicated to Osiris, and tombs from the Saitic, Greco-Roman, and Roman periods were found.

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The outgoing year once again set a record for tourism activity around the world. And travelers are already making their travel bucket lists for 2025.

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In the first seven months of 2024, the number of international tourist arrivals to Europe was 11% higher than in the previous year and only 4% lower than in 2019, indicating an excellent recovery from the pandemic. But tourists rarely pay attention to any countries other than the usual Spain, France, Greece, and Italy. That's why the Daily Express turned to travel expert and journalist Simon Calder, who named the places in Europe that have a lot to offer travelers, but for some reason are overlooked.

According to him, the cost of vacationing in popular destinations is growing rapidly. Therefore, those who want to have an interesting and budget-friendly vacation should pay attention to the Balkans. "Bulgaria always offers very favorable deals for package vacations," said Calder.

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Located in the eastern part of the Balkans, directly south of the Danube River and west of the Black Sea, Bulgaria borders Greece and Turkey. This means it offers a similar climate, ideal for beach vacations.

In 2023, a total of 8.6 million tourists visited Bulgaria - a peak for the country and a 13% increase over the previous year. However, this is nothing compared to the 33 million who traveled to Greece and more than 49 million to Turkey during the same period. Tourism continues to make a significant contribution to Bulgaria's economic growth, with Sofia, Plovdiv, the coastal resorts of Albena, Golden Sands and Sunny Beach, and the winter resorts of Bansko and Pamporovo among the most visited destinations.

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History buffs will also find Bulgaria interesting, as it has been home to many civilizations in different eras, including the Thracians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. All of them have left many historical artifacts and monuments on Bulgarian soil, including such UNESCO World Heritage sites as the Boyana Church and the Madar Horseman, as well as the Rila Monastery.

The Black Sea coastline here boasts sandy beaches and clear water. It's also definitely not as crowded and noisy as Greece and Turkey.

Calder also suggested that tourists pay attention to Albania as a promising destination. According to him, the country offers "fantastic beaches, friendly people, and 20th century prices."

Albania offers its guests magnificent mountain landscapes, ruins of ancient castles, a vibrant capital city life, and cozy beaches that can compete with any Mediterranean country. The expert even expressed surprise that only 10 million foreign tourists visited Albania in 2023.

Albania is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. A room in a luxury hotel can cost only 50 euros, and a full meal will cost about 10 euros. According to Booking.com, a similar room in a hotel on a popular Greek island located across the Corfu Strait is likely to cost about twice as much.

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Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen remains one of the few Hollywood stars who have not yet joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It looks like this will change soon.

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According to the Word of Reel blog, the long-standing rumors about his involvement in the large-scale franchise may come true in the fourth part of Spider-Man adventures performed by Tom Holland. Moreover, Cohen will most likely be entrusted with the role of the villain Mephisto in the film.

Earlier it was reported that Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige was considering the appearance of this character in the series It's All Agatha or Ironheart. However, according to insiders, Mephisto will be featured in the new part of Spiderman's adventures.

The one who will lose her usual role in the new movie is Zendaya, who plays Peter Parker's lover Michelle Jones. The scope of her participation will be quite small and will be reduced to a secondary role because the actress is currently very busy with other projects, including the sequels to the Euphoria series and the Dune movie, and cannot devote much time to Marvel.

Instead, other stars may appear in the cast of the fourth installment. There are rumors that Charlie Cox will play Daredevil in Spider-Man 4. Daredevil. Tom Hardy and his Venom are also expected to appear on the set.

The next Spider-Man movie will be directed by Daniel Destin Cretton, who was previously responsible for the production of Shang-Chi. The production of the new part should start in 2025, and the premiere is scheduled for 2026 and should be released after the return of The Avengers.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that Chris Evans, who managed to move away from the image of Captain America and hand it over to Anthony Mackie, is expected to return to The Avengers.

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According to the beliefs of millions of Christians around the world, December 25 this year marks the 2023rd anniversary of the birth of Jesus. However, a new study proves that Christ was not born in the winter of 1 AD.

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Experts say that the Son of God may be older than previously thought. According to historians, there is no reason to believe that Jesus' birthday really falls on December 25, DailyMail reports.

Historical facts

According to traditional belief, Jesus was born on December 25, 1 AD, which means that this Christmas Christians will celebrate the 2023rd anniversary of his birth.

Regardless of one's religious views, there is no denying that there was indeed a man named Jesus who was born in the Roman province of Galilee approximately 2000 years ago. However, since the man was born into the peasant class, there would be no record of his birth.

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According to Professor Lawrence Mykytyuk of Purdue University, to find out when Jesus was actually born, we need to connect his life with famous figures who left many testimonies.

One of the key sources that scholars refer to is the life of the Jewish king Herod the Great, who was appointed by Rome to rule the lands, including Bethlehem and Jerusalem, from about 37 BC.

According to the Bible, when Herod heard that the "King of the Jews" was about to be born, he issued a decree to kill all Jewish boys under the age of two. If this is true, then Jesus must have been born at least two years before King Herod died.

According to historians, there are many contemporary sources that provide evidence about the life and death of King Herod. For example, the historian Josephus' Jewish Antiquities, written 60 years after Jesus' death.

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Josephus describes that a lunar eclipse occurred shortly before Herod's death. This could refer to four possible dates: September 15, 5 B.C., March 13, 4 B.C., January 10, 1 B.C., and December 29, 1 B.C., astronomers say.

"Josephus also tells us in two places that the Jewish Passover occurred shortly after the death of Herod the Great. Since Easter is celebrated in the spring, September, January, and December are excluded," emphasizes Professor Mykytyuk.

Based on this calculation, most scholars date the year of Jesus' birth to about 4-6 BC, which means it falls on 2029 this year.

The only doubt in these calculations is that there is no evidence, other than the Bible, that King Herod actually ordered the slaughter of the babies. Although historical records certainly paint Herod as a tyrant.

Nevertheless, the authors of the Gospels are certain that Jesus and Herod lived at the same time. And since the Bible has confirmation of the dates of other historical figures such as Pontius Pilate and Emperor Augustus, it is fair to assume that it is approximately correct about Herod, researchers say.

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When is Jesus' birthday?

According to historians, the first real mention of December 25 as the date of Jesus' birth appeared in the middle of the fourth century AD in a Roman almanac listing the dates of death of various Christian martyrs. However, most scholars agree that this date probably has little to do with Jesus' actual birthday.

"It is unlikely that Jesus was born at the end of December, because 'there were shepherds in the field who guarded their flocks at night. However, in winter, they kept the sheep in a sheepfold to protect them from the weather," notes Professor Mykytyuk.

Instead, the grass that the sheep ate is most abundant in March. "This fact of the abundance of grass in March is consistent with the lunar eclipse that occurred shortly before the death of Herod the Great. The earliest date that can be determined with certainty for the birth of Jesus is March, 6, 5, or 4 BC," the professor emphasizes.

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In search of a more precise date, some scholars have investigated the three wise men of the Bible. In the Gospel of Matthew, the three wise men search for Jesus by following "his star in the east."

In 5 B.C., Chinese astronomers of the Han Dynasty recorded the passage of a "broom star" that "walked" across the sky for 70 days. Professor Colin Humphreys of the University of Cambridge believes that this comet was the Star of Bethlehem.

And in the spring of 6 BC, an extremely rare astronomical event called a triple conjunction was recorded - Jupiter and Saturn came close to each other three times in a very short period of time. The American historian Michael Molnar suggests that this was perceived as a particularly auspicious sign, possibly heralding the birth of a king.

So regardless of whether it was a comet or a rare alignment of the planets, all the evidence points to the fact that Jesus was most likely born in spring, not winter.

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'Porcelain capital' Jingdezhen: a window into China's openness and inclusiveness

15:23, December 18, 2024 By Zhou Shanshan ( People's Daily

Tourists visit the Taoxichuan cultural and creative block in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo by Xiao Benxiang/People's Daily Online)

Jingdezhen, a city known as the world-famous "porcelain capital" in east China's Jiangxi Province, boasts a distinctive charm and artistic ambiance bestowed by its rich traditional ceramic culture.

With over 2,000 years of history in ceramic craftsmanship, the small city has become a window into the openness and inclusiveness of Chinese civilization.

The trading center for the China Jingdezhen International Ceramics Expo is home to nearly 1,000 international ceramic brands, building a global network of ceramics trade. The Taoxichuan Spring & Autumn Art Fair has brought together global artists and artisans for cultural exchanges. The city hosts more than 60,000 "Jingpiaos," or migrants who came to pursue their dreams, with foreigners always seen in workshops, shops, and schools.

Using ceramics as a bridge, Jingdezhen is welcoming visitors from around the world to foster diverse artistic expressions. It has become a dream city for ceramic artists and a refreshing glimpse into Chinese culture.

At the same time, Jingdezhen is rapidly "going global." In 2023, Jingdezhen's official flagship store opened in Dubai, providing a new platform for cultural exchanges and foreign trade for local ceramic companies. Statistics show that since 2013, the average annual growth of Jingdezhen's ceramic export volume has exceeded 20 percent.

For centuries, Jingdezhen's ceramic products have traversed rivers and oceans, making their way from China to the world. The city's global significance is so profound that it was one of the only three Chinese cities noted on the maps of British museums during the 16th century.

Going global - Telling ceramic stories to the world

As China's only national ceramic culture inheritance and innovation pilot zone, Jingdezhen is continuously sharing its ceramic cultural stories with the world.

Photo shows an Indian couple selling their porcelain products at the Taoxichuan Spring & Autumn Art Fair in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo by Fan Xiaoying)

It has set up international experience centers for ceramic culture in Italy and many other countries, and developed an interactive map together with over 100 museums and archaeological institutions, which allows users to explore the global ceramic landscape with a simple touch.

Beyond Jingdezhen, the Chinese ceramic culture as a whole is revealing its charm through exchanges with different civilizations.

For example, the "Blanc de Chine -- Dehua Porcelain" international exhibition is expected to host cultural exchange activities in more than 20 countries and regions in five years. The crack ice pattern typically found on Longquan celadon ceramics created an important design for the medals of the Beijing Winter Olympics, captivating athletes from around the world.

Ceramics provides a fascinating perspective into the global charm of Chinese culture. In recent years, from traditional festivals to artistic performances and intangible cultural heritage, fine traditional Chinese culture has continuously transcended borders, capturing the affection of people worldwide and strengthening people-to-people bonds through cultural exchanges.

A civilization can flourish only through exchanges and mutual learning with other civilizations.

Allan Denis Naymark from the United States creates ceramic works in his studio in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo from People's Daily)

Throughout its long history, Jingdezhen has consistently embraced new ideas, experimented with new techniques, and explored new aesthetic expressions.

For instance, the Persian Samarra-blue dazzlingly adorned Jingdezhen's porcelain ware, creating the legendary narrative of blue-and-white ceramics. Many vases have absorbed the design characteristics from other parts of the world, as represented by Meiping vases, moon-shaped vases and double-handled flat vases.

The "Eight Friends of Zhushan," a group of Jingdezhen artisens widely noted for their innovations in porcelain painting, took propelling famille rose porcelain to a new height by integrating Chinese and Western painting techniques.

The openness and inclusiveness have become the crucial secret for Jingdezhen to sustain its kiln fires for a millennium.

Bringing in - Writing captivating stories of opening up

At the Taoxichuan International Studio, an American ceramic artist, who has lived in Jingdezhen for many years, was operating his 3D printer. He has ingeniously integrated painting techniques and cultural elements he had learned in countries like South Korea and Japan into his ceramic designs.

In recent years, Jingdezhen has taken a range of measures to foster a vibrant artistic environment for global ceramics enthusiasts.

It has put forth the Migratory Bird Program to attract international artists for residencies, and extended its entrepreneurial incubation chains to support business startups at different development stages. It has also set up service centers to provide comprehensive support for those who come here to pursue their ceramics dreams.

These efforts have opened new horizons for the ceramic industry, created unprecedented possibilities and enriched the creativity of the city's ceramic culture.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
By Qabil Ashirov



Azerbaijan's non-resident ambassador to Bogota, Mammad Talibov, held discussions with Patricia Cortes Ortiz, head of the Europe Department of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to explore potential cooperation in trade, culture, education, and consular affairs, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on the matter.

The statement highlighted: "The Head of the Europe Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a productive meeting with the non-resident Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Colombia, Mammad Talibov. During the meeting, potential cooperation in areas of mutual interest was discussed, particularly in trade, culture, education, and consular affairs for the coming year."

It was emphasized that significant progress has been made in Azerbaijan-Colombia relations this year. Notable advancements include the meetings of Colombian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov during the UN General Assembly and COP29 held in Baku, as well as with Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev at COP16 in Kalida.

Additionally, it was noted that the Azerbaijani government has provided humanitarian financial aid to Colombia on two occasions this year to mitigate the impacts of climate-related emergencies.

These developments mark a significant stride in strengthening bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Colombia. The discussions and meetings underscore a mutual commitment to enhancing collaboration in various sectors, fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and educational partnerships. This ongoing dialogue and cooperation lay a robust foundation for future engagements and joint initiatives, aiming to benefit both nations and their respective populations.

The progress achieved in 2023 serves as a testament to the effective diplomatic efforts and the shared vision of Azerbaijan and Colombia, paving the way for continued partnership and increased cooperation in the years to come.
The new Tesla Model Q may turn out to be the cheapest car of the American company. Fresh information about this car has appeared, including the price.

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The details are reported by Motor1. It became known that the Tesla Model Q electric car is planned to be put into production in 2025. The likely price is $30,000. But this includes subsidies, without which the cost will rise to at least $37,000.

But there is no information about what kind of car it is. One option is the Tesla Cybercab, which was recently declassified. But this model was previously promised by 2026. And even this is unrealistic  given the company's inefficiency, the deadline will be postponed for at least four years.

It is also an unmanned taxi. At the moment, nothing is known about the prospects for selling to private buyers, if a mass-produced Tesla Cybercab is ever produced in the future.

Therefore, a more realistic option is to introduce a cheaper version of the Tesla Model 3 or the Tesla Model Y crossover. Given the company's inability to produce new models, the creation of additional modifications of outdated electric cars seems to be a more realistic scenario.
Follow-up reporting of a tragic regional story that deserves more attention . . . Here's the passage that stood out to us . . .



Butler and Kelley were murdered earlier this year after they traveled from Hugoton, Kansas, to pick up Butlers children in Oklahoma. Their bodies were found buried in a freezer in April, and an autopsy revealed that both women had been stabbed to death . . .



Senior NewsNation producer Allison Weiner said Grices testimony was like nothing shed ever seen before in court.



It caused an eruption in court, Weiner said on Banfield. Paul Grice was on the stand, and he starts talking about how he actually murdered Veronica Butler.  He said that the light came out of her eyes, and he fell to the ground. And he said Grandma Tifany (Adams) was walking around in a circle laughing.



She said the whole courtroom was sobbing and that it got so loud that the judge stopped the proceedings.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Hearing ends for suspects in Kansas murdered mothers case The preliminary hearing has ended in the case of two murdered Kansas mothers.

Murdered Kansas moms: Testimony leads to 'eruption,' producer says A preliminary hearing was waived and two plea deals were announced Tuesday in the case of murdered Kansas mothers Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39.

Preliminary hearings held for two suspects accused of murdering two southwest Kansas women Tad Cullum and Cole Twombly had their hearings Tuesday, while Tifany Adams waived her preliminary hearing and right to a speedy trial. Two other suspects, Cora Twombly and Paul Grice,

Developing . . .
Retail life continues to get rougher as this sketchy interaction demonstrate . . . Also, a reminder to be kind to seasonal employees who are earning every penny of their salaries . . .

Lenexa police said two people walked into a store near Marshall Drive and Quivira Road around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.



The two people began acting suspiciously inside the store according to detectives.



One of the customers unexpectedly punched a 15-year-old employee in the back of the head. Police said the attack was not provoked.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Video shows customer at Lenexa store attack teenage employee, police say Lenexa police are looking for the person accused of punching a 15-year-old employee at a store.
At the request of readers . . . Here's a separate post on today's agreement wherein the Congressman "influenced" a compromise that doesn't sound that might or might not ensure the cash is spent where needed most . . .



The new plan is lengthy. If approved the money would be split 50/50: one half for disadvantaged communities and the other for Jackson County infrastructure needs.



This money would be directed to a new unrestricted fund within the general fund and needs to be obligated to each specific area by December 31, 2025.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

'One step closer'; Jackson County Legislature compromising on plan for $70.4M in COVID Relief Funds On Wednesday, the Jackson County Legislature met again, trying to figure out what to do with over $70 million in COVID Relief Funds, many feel they are closer to a deal now more than ever.

'It would've been a sin': Frustrated by Jackson County ARPA debate, Congressman Cleaver steps in From over a thousand miles away in Washington, D.C., Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II has been following the debate around how to use American Rescue Plan funding in Jackson County.

Related . . .

Jackson County legislator supports executive Frank White's recall 'with some amount of sadness' Jackson County Legislator Sean Smith has voiced his support for a recall initiative against County Executive Frank White, citing years of difficulty in finding common ground.

Developing . . .
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin said that Russia is allegedly ready for compromises in the event of negotiations to end the war against Ukraine. He once again cynically accused Kyiv of disrupting the diplomatic process.

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Putin made the statement on December 19 during his annual press conference, known as the "Direct Line." American journalist Keir Hardie Brennan-Simmons, who attended the event on behalf of NBC, asked the dictator whether he was personally ready to compromise in the negotiations.

"Are you ready to somehow compromise on Kyiv? You said that Ukraine should compromise. And you  are you ready to compromise? What are you ready to offer as concessions in possible negotiations?" the journalist asked.

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In response, Putin said that "politics is the art of compromise."

"And we have always said that we are ready for negotiations and compromises, it's just that the opposite side, literally and figuratively, refused to negotiate. And we are always ready for that. Negotiations always result in compromises," the dictator said.

Putin did not specify what compromises he was willing to make.

He also once again mentioned the talks in Istanbul in the spring of 2022, which provided for the reduction of Ukraine's army to 85,000 people, the rejection of Western weapons, NATO membership, security guarantees, the impossibility of helping Ukraine without Moscow's permission, and so on.

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The war criminal blamed the disruption on former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who allegedly, as Putin put it, "said to fight to the last Ukrainian," and now, according to the dictator, "Ukrainians are fighting and running out."

As OBOZ.UA reported, on the same "Direct Line" Putin cynically spoke about the war against Ukraine, calling it a "movement." The internationally wanted war criminal said that he wanted to "move" when he was "bored."

In addition, the Kremlin dictator boasted of the hypersonic "Oreshnik" missile, which is allegedly "impossible to shoot down," and offered the West a "duel" with a strike on Kyiv.

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The Verkhovna Rada has proposed to deprive MP Yurii Boiko of the title of Hero of Ukraine. 232 parliamentarians voted in favor of the decision.

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The request is addressed to the President of Ukraine. This was reported by MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak on Telegram.

In addition to Boiko, the MPs propose that the head of state take away the title of "Hero of Ukraine" from a number of other politicians. Zhelezniak is surprised that Boiko still holds this title.

"The Rada supported the request of my colleague Roman Lozynskyi to the President of Ukraine to strip MP Boiko of the title of Hero of Ukraine. There are many more names in the request to deprive him of the award. What or who exactly is preventing the President from doing this himself remains unanswered," the MP wrote.

MP Boiko was awarded the title of "Hero of Ukraine" in 2004. The politician was honored for "outstanding personal services to the Ukrainian state in the development of the fuel and energy complex and many years of dedicated work."

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As a reminder, on December 19, members of the Verkhovna Rada recalled pro-Russian MP Yurii Boiko from the position of a member of the Human Rights Committee at the second attempt.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, at a meeting on December 18, the MPs lacked nine votes to recall Boyko from the Human Rights Committee. The vote was supported by only 217 MPs out of the required 226. According to media reports, some MPs left the session hall during the vote.

Earlier it was reported that a loud scandal erupted in Ukraine because of a video that Boiko posted on social media. In it, the former Party of Regions member repeated Russian propaganda about the alleged "rampage of radicals" in Ukraine and other narratives. On December 17, Boiko was summoned to the SSU. During the interrogation, he apologized for his scandalous statements and called Kremlin head Vladimir Putin a war criminal.

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Admins warned of Bhopal like disaster in making around Pithampur



The Central and the Madhya Pradesh governments have been warned of creation of a slow-motion Bhopal in and around Pithampur, an industrial town near Dhar city

Thursday December 19, 2024 11:42 AM , Pervez Bari



Bhopal: The Central and the Madhya Pradesh governments have been warned of creation of a slow-motion Bhopal in and around Pithampur, an industrial town near Dhar city.

Pithampur industrial town in the Dhar district of the state is a part of Indore Metropolitan Region. The town is at risk because of the unsafe disposal of the over ground waste from the abandoned Union Carbide factory at the facility run by Re Sustainability Ltd.

Addressing a joint Press Conference here on Wednesday, leaders of four organizations of survivors of the December 1984 Union Carbide catastrophe in Bhopal forewarned the governments of the day.

It may be recalled here that Union Carbide pesticide manufacturing factory had spewed nearly 40 tonnes of poisonous Methyl Iso-cyanate gas exposing over 5,00,000 people to the toxic fumes. While 3,000 people had perished virtually instantly and over the years more than 25,000 have kissed death and the sad saga is still continuing uninterruptedly. About half a million people are still suffering from the side effects of the poisonous gas and several thousand people have been maimed for life.

According to the technical presentation of the Ministry of Environment & Forests on the matter of incineration of Union Carbides hazardous waste, 900 tonnes of residue will be generated after incineration. It is important to keep in mind that these 900 tonnes will have a very high concentration of poisonous heavy metals. said Rashida Bee, president of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh.

The so-called secure landfills at Pithampur have been leaking poisonous leachate for some years now. The officials have no way to ensure that the poisons from 900 tonnes of residue will not contaminate the sources of water in and around Pithampur. she added.

Citing the scientific investigations carried out by a local media house, Balkrishna Namdeo of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Nirashrit Pensionbhogee Sangharsh Morcha said, A report in yesterdays newspaper mentions severe contamination of water sources around Pithampur and high prevalence of illnesses caused by the emissions and effluents from the facility run by Re Sustainability Ltd.

"Any trust we had on the MP Pollution Control Board has been badly shaken with the revelations in the newspaper report, because the Board has never mentioned these routine environmental crimes", he said.

Rachna Dhingra of Bhopal Group for Information & Action said, As per official plans, the incineration of hazardous waste from Bhopal is to be carried out for up to three and half months."

"The population likely to be exposed to airborne poisons and particulate matters from the incinerator for such a long period is well over a hundred thousand. It is nothing short of deliberately creating a public health disaster", she said.

Speaking on the long history of opposition to the disposal of Union Carbides hazardous waste at Pithampur, Nawab Khan of Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha said, "Jayant Mallaiya as the Environment Minister and Babulal Gaur as the Minister for Gas Relief had opposed plans of incinerating the Bhopal waste at Pithampur in several official meetings."

"The Commissioner Gas Relief had in fact filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court against incineration at Pithampur. We are bringing these facts out in the open now so that the officials currently in the process of turning Pithampur into a slow-motion Bhopal cannot say later that they did not know", he said.

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CAT 2024 Result: Direct Link to Check

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Calcutta has released the Final Answer Keys of CAT 2024 (Common Admission Test 2024), and soon later released CAT result on its website iimcat.ac.in

Thursday December 19, 2024 11:54 PM , ummid.com News Network



IIM CAT 2024 Result: The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Calcutta has released the Final Answer Keys of CAT 2024 (Common Admission Test 2024), and soon later released CAT result on its website iimcat.ac.in.

CAT 2024 Timeline

CAT 2024 was conducted on November 24 across 170 cities with 2.93 lakh participants. It featured 68 questions divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.

The IIM Calcutta had released the CAT Provisional Answer Key on November 29, 2024.

Candidates were given a chance to raise objection if any till 11:55 PM on December 05, 2024.

CAT Final Answer Key was released on Tuesday December 17, 2024.

CAT 2024 Result declared today i.e. Thursday December 19, 2024

CAT result is prepared based on the final answer key. As IIM Calcutta has already released CAT 2024 Final answer key, and the result late in the evening Thursday.

Candidates can check their CAT score and result at "iimcat.ac.in" following the steps given below.

Steps to check CAT Result

Go to the official website: iimcat.ac.in. Click on log-in button under Registered Candidates link Enter user ID and password Type the 7 chracter code shown in the image Log in and click on the relevant link to download CAT 2024 score in PDF.

According to the CAT result released today a total of 14 candidates have scored 100 percentile and are CAT 2024 toppers.

The CAT 2024 score is valid only till December 31, 2025 and will accordingly be accessible on the website.

CAT 2023 Toppers

Common Admission Test in 2023 (CAT 2023) was held on November 26, 2023. The answer key was released on December 05 whereas the CAT 2023 result was published on December 22, 2023.

According to the CAT 2023 Merit List releases by The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), 14 candidates had scored 100 percentile and were declared as CAT Toppers.

Besides the CAT toppers, as many as 29 candidates  28 males and 01 female, had scored 99.99 percentile in 2023.

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IHRC calls for Holocaust Memorial Day boycott

The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has urged Muslims, local government and other organisations to boycott Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations as the organiser's has failed to add Gaza to the list of genocides

Friday December 20, 2024 0:25 AM , ummid.com News Network

[Amnesty International image]

London: The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has urged Muslims, local government and other organisations to boycott Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations as the organiser's has failed to add Gaza to the list of genocides.

On November 27, the IHRC had written to the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMD Trust)  a government-led charity that presides over Holocaust Memorial Day, requesting that Gaza be listed among the genocides being commemorated on January 27 but it failed to respond.

IHRC letter to HMD Trust

The IHRC in its letter listed examples of legal and humanitarian bodies expressing the view that what is happening in Gaza is a Genocide , including the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the U.S.-based Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention.

Every genocide is morally abhorrent. It is therefore with grave concern and great disappointment that we note the absence of the ongoing genocide in Gaza from the list of genocides mentioned by HMD", the IHRc wrote in its letter.

"The failure to include it in commemorations would undermine a fundamental aim of marking the Holocaust which is to help prevent further genocides and to put a stop to genocides when they occur, rather than being a symbolic exercise in remembering historical atrocities. There can be little doubt that Israels savage onslaught against the besieged people of Gaza amounts to a genocide", it added.

In view of the overwhelming evidence pointing to the crime of genocide being perpetrated in Gaza it is imperative that if HMD is to retain any credibility as a commemoration, it must be truly universal in scope and recognise the genocide currently unfolding in Gaza. It is also imperative that if we are to remain faithful to the aim of stopping current and preventing future genocides that we include the genocide that is unfolding in our time", the origanisation said.

Headquartered in London, the Islamic Human Rights Commission is an independent, not-for-profit, campaign, research and advocacy organization established in 1997.

About Holocaust Memorial Day Trust

HMD Trust is the charity established and funded by the UK Government to promote and support Holocaust Memorial Day in the UK".

Holocaust Memorial Day has been held in the UK since 2001, with a UK Commemorative Ceremony and more than 10,000 local activities taking place all across the UK on or around January 27 each year.

The UK Government held the responsibility for running Holocaust Memorial Day from 2001-2005, organised through the Home Office.

In May 2005, HMD Trust was registered as a charity and the Home Secretary appointed HMD Trust Trustees for the first time with a professional team starting work in 2005.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has funded the trusts work since 2007.

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The Rise of Indian HNIs and UHNIs in 2024

India is witnessing a transformative era of wealth creation, and a dynamic mix of young entrepreneurs, tech pioneers, and seasoned industrialists drives this change.



Thursday December 19, 2024 5:21 PM , Dr. Prashant Thakur



India is witnessing a transformative era of wealth creation. From bustling metros to emerging Tier-II cities, the nations affluent population is expanding at a pace that is capturing global attention.

A dynamic mix of young entrepreneurs, tech pioneers, and seasoned industrialists drives this change.

The rise of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs, or people with investable assets of at least $1 million) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs, or those with assets worth above $30 million) in 2024 paints a fascinating picture of opportunity, influence, and ambition.

Wealth Growth and Global Standing

Indias wealthy denizens not just growing in number but also global significance.

Global Ranking: India ranks 6th globally in UHNI population and 3rd in Asia, trailing only China and Japan.

India ranks 6th globally in UHNI population and 3rd in Asia, trailing only China and Japan. Population Surge: The country's UHNI count reached 13,600 in 2024, marking a 6% annual growth. This population is projected to soar by 50% by 2028, far outpacing the global growth average of 30%.

The country's UHNI count reached 13,600 in 2024, marking a 6% annual growth. This population is projected to soar by 50% by 2028, far outpacing the global growth average of 30%. HNIs on the Rise: India is home to over 850,000 HNIs, and this is projected to double to 1.65 million by 2027. Interestingly, 20% of these millionaires are under 40, signalling the growing influence of young wealth creators.

Where the Wealth Comes From

The engines of wealth creation in India are diverse, spanning traditional industries and emerging sectors:

Tech and Start-ups: Nearly 30% of new HNIs owe their fortunes to technology, fintech, and start-ups.

Nearly 30% of new HNIs owe their fortunes to technology, fintech, and start-ups. Manufacturing: The 'Make-in-India' push has fuelled industrial wealth, contributing 21% to the UHNI economy.

The 'Make-in-India' push has fuelled industrial wealth, contributing 21% to the UHNI economy. Real Estate: Contributing 15%, luxury and commercial real estate have been key drivers, with urbanization and premium developments leading the charge.

Contributing 15%, luxury and commercial real estate have been key drivers, with urbanization and premium developments leading the charge. Equity: The Indian stock markets caused wealth from equities to grow by 18% year-on-year, further enriching Indias affluent.

Real Estate and Second Homes

Real estate continues to be a cornerstone of wealth allocation for Indian HNIs and UHNIs:

Luxury Homes Dominate: The share of luxury homes in total sales surged to 28% in 2024, up from 16% pre-pandemic. High-end properties in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are top picks, with Goa, Alibaug, and Jaipur emerging as favoured second-home destinations.

The share of luxury homes in total sales surged to 28% in 2024, up from 16% pre-pandemic. High-end properties in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are top picks, with Goa, Alibaug, and Jaipur emerging as favoured second-home destinations. International Investments: Approximately 14% of UHNIs own properties abroad, with Dubai, London, and Singapore as the primary hotspots. The average international property investment exceeded INR 12 crore ($1.44 million) in 2024.

Approximately 14% of UHNIs own properties abroad, with Dubai, London, and Singapore as the primary hotspots. The average international property investment exceeded INR 12 crore ($1.44 million) in 2024. Green Buildings: With a growing focus on sustainability, ESG-compliant real estate has captured the interest of affluent buyers.

Spending Patterns: Luxury and Beyond

Indias affluent are shaping trends in luxury consumption:

Luxury Cars : More than 37% of Indian HNIs purchased a high-end vehicle in 2024, driving record sales for brands like Lamborghini, Porsche, and Rolls Royce.

: More than 37% of Indian HNIs purchased a high-end vehicle in 2024, driving record sales for brands like Lamborghini, Porsche, and Rolls Royce. Travel and Experiences: UHNIs spend an average of INR 6 crore ($720,000) annually on bespoke vacations, luxury cruises, and curated experiences.

UHNIs spend an average of INR 6 crore ($720,000) annually on bespoke vacations, luxury cruises, and curated experiences. Jewellery and Art: India is the 5th largest market for luxury watches and bespoke jewellery, with a surge in demand for pieces from Cartier, Patek Philippe, and Indian heritage brands.

Investment Preferences: Diversifying for the Future

The investment landscape for Indias wealthy reflects a strategic shift:

Portfolio Composition:

32% of wealth is allocated to real estate.

20% flows into private equity and start-ups, focusing on AI, blockchain, and cleantech.

8% of UHNIs have invested in cryptocurrencies, despite regulatory uncertainty.

Also, nearly 25% of Indian UHNIs are diversifying abroad, prioritizing assets in North America and Europe. Over 40% of UHNIs have established family offices to manage wealth, succession planning, and philanthropy.

Emerging Trends: Whats Shaping the Future?

Millennial Wealth Creators: Over 15% of Indias HNIs are under 30, driven by start-up unicorns, IPOs, and tech-driven ventures. This number is expected to rise to 25% by 2030, as younger entrepreneurs redefine wealth creation.

Over 15% of Indias HNIs are under 30, driven by start-up unicorns, IPOs, and tech-driven ventures. This number is expected to rise to 25% by 2030, as younger entrepreneurs redefine wealth creation. Alternate Citizenship and Global Mobility: About 10% of UHNIs secured alternate citizenships in 2024, favouring Portugal, Malta, and the UAE for their global mobility and tax benefits.

About 10% of UHNIs secured alternate citizenships in 2024, favouring Portugal, Malta, and the UAE for their global mobility and tax benefits. Health and Wellness Investments: Wellness-focused real estate, customized healthcare, and anti-ageing solutions have emerged as significant spending categories. High-net-worth families are also increasingly investing in preventive healthcare and luxury wellness retreats.

Indias Global Influence and Future Outlook

Indias wealthy are now prominent players on the global stage:

Comparison with China: While Indias UHNI population grew by 6% in 2024, Chinas grew by just 2%, signalling Indias rising economic prominence.

While Indias UHNI population grew by 6% in 2024, Chinas grew by just 2%, signalling Indias rising economic prominence. Philanthropy on the Rise: Indian UHNIs donated over INR 60,000 crore ($7.2 billion) in 2024, prioritizing education, healthcare, and sustainability.

Indian UHNIs donated over INR 60,000 crore ($7.2 billion) in 2024, prioritizing education, healthcare, and sustainability. Reshaping the Luxury Market: As Indias luxury goods market grew by 12% in 2024, global brands are tailoring their offerings for Indian tastes, from bespoke couture to experiential services.

The Rich Subtext

Indias high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals are not just symbols of wealth but also catalysts for economic transformation.

From driving the luxury market to fuelling philanthropic ventures and innovative investments, they embody the aspirations of a nation on the rise.

With younger wealth creators, a booming tech sector, and increasing global influence, Indias journey toward wealth dominance is just beginning.

[The writer, Dr. Prashant Thakur, is Regional Director & Head  Research, ANAROCK Group, Pune.]

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Before the last week of November, Marcos family was excited about the trip they were going to make to Costa Rica. We almost had our bags ready to go spend Christmas there with him... We already had the bus tickets to leave from Managua, says one of the members of the large clan. But their plans suddenly fell apart when the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo ordered the Sandinista Parliament to approve a reform to the Immigration and Foreigners Law that legalized a practice that they had been unofficially enforced since 2021 for political reasons: denying foreign citizens and residents entry to or exit from Nicaragua. The updated law also introduced prison sentences and fines levied in dollars.

The truth is that we were overcome with terror. We have made our lives in Nicaragua and risking going to jail for leaving, or being prohibited from returning to Nicaragua, is a risk that, as a family, we decided not to take Although the grief really affects us emotionally, because we have not seen him for almost two and a half years, since he went into exile in Costa Rica due to the persecution against him, one of Marcos relatives, who asked to remain completely anonymous to avoid reprisals, told EL PAIS. Marcos is an opponent of the presidential couple, and his name is not Marcos either: it is a pseudonym that he also requested for security reasons.

It hurts not being able to hug my sisters, my nephews, my cousins, my mother another Christmas. Wed decided the trip would be made secretly, because the government is cruel to relatives of exiled opponents, but we decided to take the risk because it has been too long without seeing each other. But when we saw that they had approved this immigration reform, with sentences of up to six years in prison for those who allegedly commit the crimes of undermining national integrity, or terrorism, that is, against whomever the dictatorship pleases, we aborted the plan, because the risk went through the roof. And we learned that surveillance had been reinforced at the Penas Blancas border and at the blind spots of [irregular] passage, Marcos tells EL PAIS on a windy December afternoon in San Jose, Costa Rica, where he lives in exile.

The Marcos familys story, aggravated by immigration reform, can be applied in some way to the families of more than 900,000 Nicaraguans who have fled since 2018 due to political persecution, the economic crisis, or banishments imposed by the presidential couple. One such recent case is that of Azucena Bracamonte Valle. After five years in Rome, the nun was returning to Nicaragua to spend the Christmas vacation with her family, but in Mexico, where she made a stopover five days ago, the airline notified her that the immigration authorities had denied her entry to Nicaragua for committing treason.

Nicaragua suffers the largest exodus in its history

On Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, especially in circles of exiles and politically banished people in different countries, the same complaint has been shared in recent weeks: cancelled family plans. Reunions torpedoed by the repression of the Ortega-Murillo regime, whose grip never stops tightening. In a country of just over six million inhabitants, almost every family has a loved one or a friend who has left the country. Especially among young people, according to figures from international organizations that keep count of a migratory and political phenomenon that the opposition group Concertacion Democratica Nicaraguense Monteverde (CDN) describes as follows: Nicaragua is suffering the largest exodus in its history.

Families separated by a dictatorship, members of CDN, who also suffer family separation for political reasons, told EL PAIS. In this sense, this opposition group  one of the main organized critics of the presidential couple in exile  launched the campaign Every life tells us a story with the purpose of lending visibility to this intimate drama that is not usually recounted and that remains hidden beneath the political ups and downs.

After my birthday, December is one of the most beautiful months of the year, perhaps because we associate it with the family that saw us grow up, says young Maria Laura Alvarado, a member of CDN and exiled in Costa Rica. Since 2018, Nicaraguan Christmas traditions and family gatherings have been affected by the Ortega-Murillo dictatorship. Thousands of families have not spent Christmas with their relatives, like this one in 2024, when 46 people are still imprisoned for political reasons.

In their campaign, CDN members explore the facets of family separation and gather these testimonies, they say, to contribute to the construction of the historical memory of the feelings and longings of Nicaraguans affected by family separation, especially in this time of celebration and traditions [...] Six million of us bear the weight of family separation and suffer the absence of at least one loved one.

Juan Sebastian Chamorro, a former political prisoner who was one of the presidential candidates arrested by the Ortega-Murillo regime, knew what it was like to spend Christmas in prison away from his family, since they were not allowed to see them. The Nicaraguan people suffer from family separation and this Christmas should remind us that the future we must build for Nicaragua must be one of faith, joy, hope, and reunion for all Nicaraguans, says the opposition leader.

However, the Sandinista presidency denies the oppositions claims and, instead, co-president Rosario Murillo offers another vision in her television monologues: This week leads us to Friday, for the Christmas and New Year holidays; the union of families on those festive days, when we give so much thanks to the heavenly father, to our child God, who gives us strength, brings us strength, more strength, more blessing, she said on December 16. Christ Jesus tells us: I give you peace, I leave you peace. And what is our duty? To preserve it, to restore it, because in peace, everything grows, we can do everything; we live in safety and stability, with the guaranteed right to work and prosper, Murillo added.

When I show Marcos what Murillo said on TV, he shrugs his shoulders and replies: It is the utmost cynicism of that woman. She and Daniel Ortega are the greatest destroyers of the Nicaraguan family. And as long as there is a dictatorship, we will continue to spend Christmases separated, beaten. The spirit of vengeance of those two is such that it is no longer enough to imprison people and strip them of their nationality, they also prevent us from reuniting with our loved ones. It is a chilling evil.

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Marine Le Pens life accelerated in June with the unexpected dissolution of the National Assembly decreed by French President Emmanuel Macron. Six months later  following a snap election, the appointment and fall of a prime minister, Michel Barnier, and his replacement by Francois Bayrou  the leader of the National Rally (RN) still has the Government of France in her hands. No matter how hard the president of the Republic may try, without the support of the leftist New Popular Front, and without a candidate designated by the progressive flank, which has a majority in Parliament, the governments fate will continue to be bound by the will of the far right. But the cold war between the two is also decided outside of politics.

The 56-year-old leader of RN received EL PAIS on Tuesday afternoon in her office in the National Assembly for the first interview with a foreign media outlet since the appointment of Francois Bayrou as prime minister. Members of her predominantly young team came and went from the office. Behind her desk, she appears arm in arm and smiling in a black and white photo with Jordan Bardella, the 29-year-old party president and her successor and replacement in the event of an accident. Or a court ruling.

Le Pen has been a presidential candidate three times and has twice made it to the run-off vote. She has transformed the RN into an almost hegemonic party that has devoured the classic political right. At the last legislative elections she obtained more than 10 million votes. She has never been so close to achieving the old presidential dream of the Le Pen family. And yet, everything could go off the rails on March 31, when the verdict in the trial for embezzlement of European funds will be announced, which could ban her from seeking public office for five years. The next few months will mark the future of the French executive, of Macron and of Le Pen herself, who is at the center of gravity of this chaotic moment. It is her make-or-break moment.

Question. What do you think of the choice of Francois Bayrou as prime minister?

Answer. Bayrou must remember that he was not appointed to develop his policies, but to draw up a budget taking into account the three major forces in the National Assembly. I know his attachment to democracy, he has good intentions. But we will wait to see what budget he presents. If it is similar to Barniers, the same causes will produce the same effects.

Q. Tell the truth: did you really bring down Barnier just for not updating pensions with the Consumer Price Index?

A. Yes... he fell due to an excess of pride. He made an error of judgment about the RN, he thought that we would be content with a few crumbs.

Q. Will you file a no-confidence motion against the Bayrou government if it does not give in to these same demands?

A. Yes. We are the country with the highest tax burden in the world. And people wonder where their money goes. The problem with the French is not that they dont accept taxes, but the way their money is squandered. We cannot raise taxes when people cannot pay their electricity bills. And to do that, it is essential to attack the other side of the problem: the excessive spending of the State.

Marine Le Pen, this Tuesday during an interview with EL PAIS, in her office at the National Assembly (Paris). Ed Alcock

Q. The feeling is that you are letting Macron slowly stew without any regard for stability and that, at the slightest opportunity, you will introduce another no-confidence motion.

A. You are wrong. Otherwise, we would have done it immediately. What moves us is the interest of the French: if it is preserved, we will not take the step for no reason.

Q. Your party, which aspires to govern, has created instability.

A. If there is instability, it is Macrons fault alone. He has generated a trillion euros of debt in seven years, and that is what has complicated the situation in the country. He also dissolved the Assembly thinking that he would win the elections, and he lost. And he has just appointed a prime minister, but in reality the latter has appointed himself. We are not here to destabilize, but to change the policies imposed on the French people. We are not afraid to use the instruments offered to us by the Constitution to enforce the will of our 11 million voters. But I find no pleasure in it.

If there is instability, it is Macrons fault alone

Q. Should Macron resign?

A. I am not here to tell him what to do. It is up to him to decide whether, at some point, he can continue in his position while no longer really pushing for anything positive for the country. If at some point he finds himself trapped by the limits of the French Constitution, it is up to him to make a decision.

Marine Le Pen, president of the National Rally, in her office at the National Assembly. Ed Alcock (Ed Alcock / MYOP)

Q. The instability that you have caused with the motion, among other things, eased the way for the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to sign the Mercosur agreement, which all of France was opposed to, while there was no government.

A. Not at all. She boarded the plane to Uruguay when the no-confidence motion had not yet been voted on. She had made her decision months ago. She believes that nations no longer have any say in their own future. And who is responsible for this? The French and European political leaders, who allowed the European Commission to become an all-powerful entity. I hope that there will be a blocking minority in the European Council to prevent it from being signed.

Q. I see you are still a Euroskeptic.

A. I am deeply Euroskeptic. I am not against Europe, but I consider the way it currently operates to be anti-democratic, anti-national and completely contrary to the sovereignty of nations. When a country can no longer defend its vital interests, I do not believe that this is democracy. The National Assembly voted a few days ago, with an overwhelming majority, against the agreement with Mercosur. But nothing prevents it from being signed without taking into account the opinion of the representatives of the French people. I cannot accept this.

Q. It would appear that you will try to get Macron to resign before March 30, when the verdict is expected in the trial in which you are accused of misusing European funds and which could get you banned politically.

A. That is absurd, and it reveals a conspiracy theory view of reality.

Q. Did you expect this request from the Prosecutors Office: five years in prison and a ban on seeking public office for five years?

A. Nobody expected such a violent and unjust attack. But the indignation went far beyond the ranks of the RN. Even Jean-Luc Melenchon, [the leader of the leftist La France Insoumise], said that he found this kind of Inquisition unacceptable. The petition has created a kind of shock in the country. The French people have become aware that some judges feel they have the right to directly influence the elections. The sentence has not yet been handed down, and I do not think they will dare to go to such extremes.

Three judges could prevent me from running, even if 50% of French people want to vote for me

Q. So do you feel persecuted?

A. I am not inside the head of the prosecutors, but it seems as if some of them would like to hang all the politicians in a trophy room, as if their power were superior to the power of the people. But no power is. If the judges decided to follow the recommendations of the Prosecutors Office, we would be faced with a real conflict of legitimacy.

Q. It sounds like a call to revolt.

A. No, no, not at all. But imagine: I have been a presidential candidate three times, a runner-up on two occasions, and the polls indicate that I could win the next presidential election. Yet three judges could prevent me from running, even if 50% of French people want to vote for me?

Q. In the event that you are unable to run, what would happen in the RN control room?

A. The ideas of the RN are embodied by two personalities. And that is a form of security for its defense. But neither Jordan Bardella [her number two official and the president of the RN] nor I have put ourselves in that state of mind.

Q. Do you think Bardella is ready to be president of the Republic?

A. He has not prepared for that, precisely because we are presenting ourselves as a tandem: I will be a candidate for the presidency and he would be my prime minister.

Q. The RN has been trying to become more mainstream for years. Does the no-confidence vote close the doors to the liberal and bourgeois world that traditionally has not voted for the RN?

A. Not at all. All the journalists said that the RN would lose a lot of support after the vote of no confidence. But a few days later, a poll gave me 38% in the first round of the presidential elections. Now, is it possible that there are right-wing voters who thought that Barnier was right-wing and that we should not therefore have voted against him? He may be right-wing, but he presented a left-wing budget.

Q. You dont even consider yourself right-wing?

A. No. Especially if a right-wing program entails abandoning all social policy. I believe in the strategic State of Gaullist inspiration. I dont think it should limit itself exclusively to its regal [usurped] powers. In that sense, I am a bit unclassifiable.

Q. In Italy, we have seen harmony between Forza Italia and Meloni. In Spain, between the mainstream conservatives of the Popular Party and the far-right Vox. But not yet in France. Do you think something similar would be necessary in order to come to power?

A. We have very little in common with the rest of [liberal-conservative political party] The Republicans and with [party leader] Laurent Wauquiez. Just look at how he addressed me during the speech on the no-confidence vote. It was very insulting, very disdainful. In addition, we have very important fundamental differences.

Q. You dont hold your tongue either when you talk to them.

A. In any case, I never show arrogance or contempt. Wauquiez is ready to govern with the Socialist Party, which is quite revealing. Jean-Marie Le Pen already spoke of the UMP-PS, a kind of single party. Today, we are seeing something similar: a political bloc ready to ally itself to keep its positions. This recreates a form of political bipolarity that makes our position even clearer: us against the single party.

Q. Meloni thus came to power in Italy. Why have you not managed to be in the same European group?

A. Because she has a relationship with Von der Leyen that I do not want to support: this Commission President is everything we must avoid in order to protect the European people. She, her Commission, the Agriculture Commissioner who supports the Green Deal, who is in favor of Mercosur... are exactly the opposite of what I believe in. I understand that Italy is in a different situation to France, and I am not judging Giorgia. The Recovery Plan that she received, essential for her financial stability, has nothing to do with that of France: 240 billion, against 40 billion. Italy needs to rely on the EU. We are not in that situation, we are free to criticize Von der Leyens Commission, the quintessence of everything we fight against.

Von der Leyens European Commission is the quintessence of everything we fight against

Q. So, your old idea of a common group with Meloni has died?

A. She didnt want to. She was told that if she joined the RN, the cordon sanitaire would be applied to her. Its not that we couldnt find common elements, its that it was Von der Leyen herself who told Meloni that if she joined us, she would be treated like a pariah, without vice-presidents of commissions, without presidencies, without anything. And Meloni felt obliged to become the victim of this cordon sanitaire.

Q. What do you think of her plan to create deportation centers outside the EUs borders?

A. I dont think thats the solution. We need to implement a deterrence policy. Whats happening in Europe is madness: attracting migrants and then wondering how to manage them. Asylum cases need to be dealt with in foreign consulates and embassies. No one should be able to set foot in Europe without proper authorization. We need to abolish the free movement of people and limit it within the Schengen area to nationals of Schengen countries. Ms Merkel brought in a million migrants a few years ago. Some stayed in Germany, but the rest, where did they go? To other countries. We cant allow that.

Q. Are you referring to limiting free movement to just persons with EU country citizenship?

A. Yes. If a country accepts a million migrants, that is its problem. Its decision cannot cause problems for others. But that is what is happening today with Schengen.

Q. That goes against all the foundations of the European Union.

A. No, because the free movement of people with the nationality of the EU member countries is still preserved. The origins of Schengen were never about a person who Italy allows to be on its territory being able to go to all other countries. The original idea was that those with Italian, Spanish or Portuguese nationality could move freely.

Q. Of course, but the rules also speak of a redistribution of migrants who always enter through the same borders.

A. We are forced to accept migrants in our villages under penalty of being fined I dont know how many million euros. Do you think I can accept that? Of course not.

Q. Does France need another immigration law, as the previous government offered to gain your support?

A. Look, as long as we do not incorporate the rights of foreigners into the French Constitution with the limitations that we want to impose, and as long as we do not remind the EU that its texts and jurisprudence cannot be applied in France if they are contrary to the Constitution, we will not really solve the problem.

Q. That also goes against the spirit of the EU.

A. It can be done with a constitutional referendum decided by the president of the Republic.

Q. Frances birth rate is at its lowest since World War II. Without immigrants, who will pay the pensions of Bardellas generation?

A. That is a lie that has been spread for years. The reality is that only 10% of migrants arriving in France have a work contract. So, out of 500,000 people who enter each year, only 50,000 contribute legally.

Q. It is not their fault, but the fault of the system that should integrate them.

A. It is the fault of those who accept them, but these people cannot solve the problems of our country. In fact, they considerably aggravate all our social systems because they weigh on our system, on our schools, on healthcare, on the fact that we take care of them, on housing. The weight is too great and France is going through considerable difficulties. We must stop this immigration and make more children. All this is a process that must be reversed, because if not, obviously, we will be condemned to a slow death.

Q. That sounds like the theories of ethnic substitution, of the Great Replacement.

A. Not at all. The problem is that the entire history of the world is a history of demographics. If Europe stops having children, there will only be old people, while Africa has very high fertility rates. At some point, demographic pressure will be felt.

Le Pen, this Tuesday in the RN office, at the National Assembly in Paris. Ed Alcock

Q. Would you continue sending weapons to Ukraine?

A. This war will end. I said it from the beginning, Ukraine could not win this conflict. We pushed it to continue a war that turned into a real massacre of soldiers and civilians. The only way for Ukraine to win was for NATO to intervene, and that would have been World War III. I think Donald Trump will sit Putin and Zelenskiy at the table and there will be a diplomatic solution.

Trump will sit Putin and Zelenskiy at the table and there will be a diplomatic solution

Q. Does Trumps return to the White House seem like good news to you then?

A. Maybe if I were an American. But we are going to have to suffer the consequences of his defending the interests of his country. I cannot blame him, but I know that they may come into conflict with those of France, which does not even have control over its own trade policy and, in fact, depends on the EU to defend its economic interests.

Q. Is Putin a danger to Europes security?

A. I dont think he has the ambitions or the means to conquer Europe, as is sometimes said.

Q. You have said he was a great statesman. How do you judge him now?

A. A few years ago, when France was trying to re-establish relations with Russia, I said that we should not underestimate Putin. Russia in the 1990s was devastated by Yeltsins plundering, and he managed to restore it to an important role on the world stage.

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Arrested five days after his nationwide manhunt, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's alleged killer is Luigi Nicholas Mangione. The 26-year-old suspect is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with the reasons behind his alleged killing have been considered highly controversial.

Mangione, who graduated in computer science and received both a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, is said to have committed a premeditated attack. The police found him with a gun with a silencer, four fake IDs, and a manifesto against the health insurance industry, specifically UnitedHealthcare.

Investigators believe that Mangione's anti-capitalist beliefs, coupled with his support for climate change activism, contributed significantly to the crime.

Fox News interviewed Cornell Law professor William Jacobson, who stated that Ivy League schools are more skewed toward leftist ideologies and it might influence the thinking pattern of students. He believed that anti-capitalist and anti-American sentiments are widespread at such institutions.

In fact, a former teacher of Mangione's alma mater faced criticism after initially writing praise for him on the social media platform before the woman retracted her postings.

Read more: California Bill Proposes to Prioritize Descendants of Slaves in Public University Admission

What Luigi Mangione's Peers Say About His Arrest

Mangione's former high school classmates said they were shocked to hear that he was involved in the crime, describing him as a smart and ambitious young man from a well-off Maryland family.

However, according to law enforcement sources, Mangione had radical views and had shown admiration for some of the most notorious figures, including the Unabomber, in his social media activities, Forbes shared.

Charged with second-degree murder and other offenses, Mangione is being held behind bars as the authorities dig further into his background. The killing has raised many questions in people's minds about how someone who had such an auspicious educational and professional future, while also coming from a wealthy family, could turn to violence.
When Sofia Petro Alcocer (Bogota, 22 years old) lands in Colombia, she is surrounded by a dozen bodyguards. The carefree life of a student that she has been living for five years in France, where she is studying a postgraduate degree in public policy, is put on hold during the holidays for family visits. She takes advantage of the opportunity to meet up with her friends in a cafe in Bogota and to look for the few free spaces left by the presidency to spend time with her father, Gustavo Petro. When the Casa de Narino, the official presidential residence, is empty, she takes care of the two dogs, Filipe and Tequila. She takes them with her to a cafe in Teusaquillo, a traditional and bohemian area of the city, to talk to EL PAIS in the first interview she has given about her fathers government.

In recent weeks, many feminist sectors have questioned some of the appointments of the first left-wing president in contemporary Colombia: sexist, misogynistic men, or men with a history of gender violence. A declared feminist, one of the presidents daughters begins the conversation by pointing out that her father is in the process of deconstruction, but clarifies that there are gender issues that he, at 64 years old, will no longer learn about. Although she is not part of the government nor has any responsibility for Petros decisions, her positions are, perhaps, those that the president hears most in his inner circle, away from the ears of other politicians. Although she tries to stay out of politics, Sofia says that she does not hold back on criticism: Im the first to take him to task on a lot of things.

Sofia Petro with one of the family dogs, Bogota, December 16, 2024. CHELO CAMACHO

Question. The president has been criticized by various feminist sectors for having sought to appoint Daniel Mendoza as ambassador to Thailand, or Armando Benedetti as his presidential advisor. What is your opinion on this tendency to hand power to men accused of misogyny or gender violence?

Answer. I agree with feminist groups and womens organizations in their criticism of multiple appointments. I believe that these decisions overshadow the major processes that the government has been carrying out from different entities, where a number of technical gender teams are fighting significant battles inside and outside. Machismo permeates the whole of society, including the institutions.

Q. What did you think when you heard news of Mendozas appointment?

A. I totally agree with the criticism, I fully understand the complaint about the old tweets he posted. I also reviewed his defense, that it was characters from his books speaking in the tweets. That may be possible, but we have no way of guessing whether he supports those phrases or not. That lack of clarity is enough. It is only fair that he has not been appointed. Regarding my father, in his last speech on Mendozas defense, I dont think he communicated what he wanted to say well. He sparked controversy for something that, I am sure, he does not believe. For example, that love is comparable to violence against women, which was what was implied. He hadnt read those tweets [by Mendoza] when he made that reference to this politics of love.

Q. Besides that case, has there been any other appointment that has caused a stir? Benedetti, Hollman Morris, Andres Hernandez, Diego Cancino?

A. All of them. I agree with the criticism of all these appointments.

Q. Have you made that known to the president? To what extent can you communicate your concerns to him?

A. Our chat is full. We have very wide-ranging discussions on these issues. For example, when gender parity was broken in his cabinet, I was the first one to tell him, Hey, I have you in my sights. He laughed. On that occasion, he told me that it was only by one person, but I told him: No, you cant do that. He always answers me and tries to explain why he does things this way or that way. He is learning from those mistakes. I know that many people will be disappointed because they would like him to be clear about many things that we, in this generation, are aware of. The truth is that there are many things he has learned, many things he has not learned, and many things he probably will not learn.

Q. Does Petro listen to you?

A. Sometimes, sometimes... other times he is very man-like. Im lucky to be able to text the president and make my complaints directly, without having to resort to Twitter [now X]. Hes quite clear about the criticisms I make of him because Im the one who faces his stubbornness the most. And if sometimes it tries my patience, I cant imagine what it must be like for everyone else.

***

Sofias discourse about women is perhaps the strictest view of feminism in President Petros family. Cautious with her words, she says she stayed away from debates on social media to make it clear that she has no responsibility for the decisions, good or bad, that her father makes in government. She leans back in her chair in the middle of the conversation and reaffirms: I find out about many things and I write to my dad about them when I feel there is something important. But the rest, I take in on my own and think, what decision would I make in his place?

Q. What do you think the president has learned? What does he still need to learn?

A. He understands that the slogan change is with women is not just a campaign phrase. He really takes them into account in his programs and knows that they were central to his election. He has learned a lot about popular feminism. I think whats most difficult for him is to remove some gender stereotypes from his speech. For example, he insists that land should be given to women because they will take better care of it, because naturally they would do that because of their gender. I think thats a mistake.

Q. Regarding his choice of phrase, just a few months ago the president referred to some journalists as mafia puppets...

A. That was horrible, it was a terrible communication error. Above all because it referred to very specific people, but even referring to them, even if there were some relationship between journalism and the mafia, I think that this qualification is absolutely unnecessary. He communicates poorly. He gets into some super unnecessary messes all by himself. There is a lot to improve in his discourse. Now, when I say errors I dont want to minimize it or say that it is specific, because it is not specific, it is systematic. Sexist violence permeates the government.

Gustavo Petro makes the victory sign as he arrives at a polling station with his daughter, Sofia Petro, to vote during the presidential elections in Bogota, Colombia, May 29, 2022. Fernando Vergara (AP)

Q. Do you think that Petro has failed the sector of women who elected him?

A. I think that to a large extent, yes, because of these big blunders, like these appointments. Now, I think that there are also a series of processes that are being carried out by all the ministries to transform the institutionality. There is a very tough gender team in the Ministry of the Interior that has legislative influence and has supported projects such as the one that prohibits female genital mutilation, the comprehensive trans law, or the one that was recently approved on the prohibition of child marriage.

Q. Do you see other successes in gender issues?

A. I think that the Salvia system for preventing gender-based violence, by the Ministry of Equality, is a great success. Also, the adoption of the UN resolution on Women, Peace and Security, to guarantee the participation of women in peace processes. Paths have been opened on many fronts that we must recognize so that other governments are no less willing to address womens demands.

Q. How would you describe the media coverage of your mother, Veronica Alcocer? Do you think it has been misogynistic?

A. I think she has been under a lot more scrutiny because she is a woman with a strong voice. She carries a lot of strength with her. Im talking about my mother, I dont know how objective Im going to be, but I think thats why she has experienced a lot more criticism and more scrutiny, from outside the government and even from within. I think the media and society have been misogynistic towards her.

***

Sofia does not mince words when talking about her mother and firmly reiterates that although she and her sister Antonella have also experienced fierce machismo on social media, her mother has put a kind of shield over the family. There are many battles she has fought on her own, without recognition and without being in front of all the cameras. Without receiving applause, but she does it, I know that, and I thank her for it, she says in a low voice, and then smiles.

Q. The Ombudsperson Iris Marin has been very critical of the government on gender issues. What do you think of voices like hers in institutions?

A. I think its very good. I think it shows the democratic nature of the government, capable of appointing a person who will publicly contradict or oppose certain decisions.

Q. A year and a half before the presidential elections, several women are seeking to appear on the ballot for right-wing forces, such as Maria Fernanda Cabal, Paloma Valencia, or Vicky Davila. Would a possible victory for them be a step forward for feminism?

A. They are certainly strong women. Im entering into a shady area, but they are opening up important spaces in their own sectors. Ten years ago, it was unimaginable that a woman would represent the Democratic Center. Although I have no affinity with those political sectors, they are victories. There is something valuable about the fact that it is normalized that a woman can represent any sector. Now, what I do feel is that they do not necessarily defend the rights of all women, but I think they are strong. I think its very good that there are so many women in an electoral contest.

Q. Do you see any women with presidential possibilities in progressivism?

A. Of course, but I wont name names. Many women in the movement have fought hard and are very valuable. I hope some of them will make it.

Q. Do you see Maria Jose Pizarro or Susana Muhamad there?

A. I prefer not to talk about that.

Q. Have you thought about going into politics in the future?

A. I study political science and I am very passionate about the countrys political processes, but I know that politics is also outside of elections and representative positions. There are whirlwinds that come every time I come to Colombia. I will certainly be involved in politics, but from other scenarios. I dont see myself in any representative position. God forbid.

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ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 19th Dec, 2024) The Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced the expansion of the Sanadkom initiative, aimed at simplifying and facilitating procedures for families of the deceased, to now include all residents of Abu Dhabi.

The initiative provides support and assistance in completing death-related procedures, such as obtaining a death certificate, arranging for the burial, and preparing the deceased for travel, if necessary.

The Sanadkom initiative aims to simplify and facilitate procedures for the deceased's family, especially in difficult circumstances. Following the issuance of a death notice, the Sanadkom team promptly reaches out to bereaved families offering their condolences and support with all necessary death-related transactions, and sends a text message outlining the initiative's services.

In collaboration with the Authority of Social Contribution  Ma'an, to assist the bereaved families during this difficult period, Ma'an will bear all fees related to issuing the death certificate, ambulance transportation, embalming, and repatriating the deceased are fully covered for residents.

Hind Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the Customer Experience and Relation Sector at DoH, said, "Under the directives of our wise leadership, the Department remains committed to enhancing and ensuring the delivery of exceptional and unique services to all members of the community.

Recognising the emotional toll of losing a loved one, the Sanadkom initiative provides compassionate support, guiding bereaved families through any required procedures."

Under the initiative, families of the deceased will be able to process all death-related procedures directly at healthcare facilities in the Emirate where the death occurred. The doctor in charge will help with the necessary procedures, including the completion of the death report and obtaining any permits that may be required on behalf of the deceased's family, following their consent.

Led and supported by the Department of Government Enablement, the initiative unifies the services of seven governmental entities in the Emirate, including the DoH, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company  SEHA, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, and Al Ain Distribution Company.

Saeed Al Mulla, Executive Director of the Customer Experience Sector at the Department of Government Enablement  Abu Dhabi, said, Since its launch in January 2024, the Sanadkom initiative has successfully assisted families of deceased citizens in completing all the necessary procedures and transactions.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 19th Dec, 2024) Dubai Health hosted the inaugural Dubai Health Research Conference 2024, attracting around 700 physicians, scientists, trainees, and healthcare professionals over three days.

Held at the Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the conference reinforces Dubai Health's commitment to advancing evidence-based research, fostering discovery, and enhancing healthcare standards.

Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health, and Provost of MBRU, said, "The Dubai Health Research Conference reflects the commitment of Dubai Health to foster a culture of discovery and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals in Dubai. The conference was an effective platform to enhance collaboration and team science within Dubai Health and identify opportunities for future growth in our research enterprise.

The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers who provided invaluable insights into global healthcare trends and innovations.

Among them were Dr. Agni Orfanoudaki, Associate Professor of Operations Management at the University of Oxfords Said business school, who discussed the operationalisation of artificial intelligence (AI) in patient management, and Dr. Patricia Maes, Professor of Media Arts and Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab, who explored how AI and wearable technologies are transforming health and wellbeing.

Dr Hamda Hassan Khansaheb, Director of Research Administration and Support at MBRU, emphasised, The conference showcased the importance of discovery-driven research and the exchange of knowledge among healthcare professionals. We are grateful to the physicians, faculty, and trainees who presented their work and shared their expertise. Their contributions enriched the discussions, inspired innovative thinking, and fostered collaborations that will drive the continuous improvement of healthcare outcomes. This commitment to research excellence aligns with Dubai Healths Primary value of Patient First and supports our mission to advance healthcare for the benefit of our patients and the community.

The conference culminated in an awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of 12 Dubai Health team members for their poster and oral presentations. In addition, faculty members from MBRU were also honoured for being listed in Stanford Universitys 2024 list of the Worlds Top 2% of Scientists.

The success of the Dubai Health Research Conference underscores Dubai Healths dedication to developing talents and enhancing research capabilities, supporting the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 19th Dec, 2024) Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) today hosted the AI Connect event, convening over 60 startups and entrepreneurs along with several government entities and investment institutions to boost AI adoption in the government sector.

Organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), the event saw startups and government entities sign agreements to co-develop AI applications and solutions in Dubai.

AI Connect is part of DCAIs mission to align startups with the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, supporting its strategic goal and reinforcing the emirates position as a global hub for AI innovation.

At the event, Saeed Al Falasi, Director of DCAI, highlighted some innovative projects and AI use cases in Dubais government that address critical challenges and improve operations.

Startups and government entities including Musafir, AI Camp, Pixonal, Enterprise Bot, and Aqtab participated in a panel discussion, where they shared success stories and emphasised the importance of government support in turning ideas into reality.

Delegates were also briefed on the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation.

The plan outlines a roadmap for enhancing the quality of life in Dubai through various AI applications. Overseen by DCAI, the plan focuses on creating an ideal environment for AI startups and attracting global talent. Such an environment is founded on ease of doing business, advanced digital infrastructure and agile regulatory frameworks.

AI Connect also discussed the need to increase the number of women working in the field of AI and strategies to address challenges around AI development and integration.
PARIS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 19th Dec, 2024) France declared "exceptional natural disaster" measures for Mayotte on Wednesday as authorities grappled with the full scale of the devastation wrought by Cyclone Chido on the Indian Ocean archipelago, racing against time to search for survivors and supply aid.

The "exceptional" measures, announced by French overseas minister Francois-Noel Buffet late Wednesday on social media platform X, will ensure faster and more effective management of the crisis.

French President Emmanuel Macron will be in Mayotte on Thursday, his office said, as officials warned the death toll from the most destructive cyclone in living memory could reach hundreds  possibly thousands.

Mayotte will fall under the "exceptional natural disaster" designation  a new emergency system for overseas territories, said Buffet  for a month. The measures are renewable every two months after that.

It will "enable the local and national authorities to react more quickly while streamlining certain administrative procedures," Buffet said. Authorities have also imposed a nightly curfew to prevent looting.

A preliminary toll from France's interior ministry shows that 31 people have been confirmed killed, 45 seriously wounded and 1,373 suffering lighter injuries. But officials say the toll could rise exponentially.
(@FahadShabbir)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Dec, 2024) Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has urged authorities to expedite efforts to establish a comprehensive solid waste management system for Islamabad.

Presiding over a high-level review meeting on Thursday, Randhawa was briefed on the progress of the bidding process for outsourcing waste management services.

Senior officials, including the Member Environment and representatives from relevant departments, were in attendance.

During the meeting, it was disclosed that the review of bidding documents had been completed, and various proposals for the outsourcing process were thoroughly discussed.

Randhawa directed the immediate publication of advertisements inviting bids for solid waste management services.

Highlighting the need for efficiency, Randhawa instructed officials to study successful waste management models from other major cities in the country and adopt best practices to ensure a sustainable system for Islamabad.

The outsourcing process should be completed promptly to introduce a waste management system that covers both urban and rural areas of the city with Primary and secondary collection options, Randhawa stressed.

Reaffirming his commitment to making Islamabad cleaner and greener, Randhawa expressed optimism that the project would set a benchmark for waste management in Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Dec, 2024) The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Thursday organized a seminar titled "Prospects and Challenges of Regional Cooperation in South Asia: Role of SAARC."

The event brought together diplomats, academics, practitioners, and researchers to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation in South Asia under the framework of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), said a press release.

Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Secretary, MOFA, featured as the keynote speaker, while the panel of distinguished speakers included Yuba Nath Lamsal, Former Ambassador of Nepal, Babar Amin, Former Ambassador of Pakistan, Dr. Zahid Shahab Ahmad, Associate Professor, National Defence College, UAE; and Dr. Saeed Ahmad Rid, Assistant Professor, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

In his introductory remarks, Dr. Khurram Abbas, Director at ISSI, highlighted the importance of fostering a collective regional approach to address the pressing issues faced by South Asia. He pointed towards recent political developments across South Asia that indicating an enabling environment for the revival of regional cooperation through SAARC.

In his welcome address, DG ISSI Sohail Mahmood underscored the critical need for revitalizing SAARC to address shared

challenges and unlock South Asia's potential. Reflecting on the 40th anniversary of the SAARC Charter, he emphasized the importance of evaluating the organizations achievements and finding new pathways to enhance regional integration.

He highlighted SAARCs accomplishments, such as the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and the SAARC Development Fund (SDF), while acknowledging structural and political challenges that have hindered progress.

Sohail Mahmood noted that South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions globally, grappling with poverty, low intra-regional trade, and unresolved political disputes. Despite these constraints, he stressed the indispensability of regional cooperation to tackle trans-national threats like climate change, resource-sharing conflicts, and underdevelopment. He also expressed concern over the phenomenon of over-securitization--engulfing areas like trade, visas, and sports. It becomes even more disturbing, while the Indo-Pacific Strategy assigns the role of a Net Security Provider to one state in South Asia, in contrast with the aspirations of other countries in the region.

Quoting recent guidance to the SAARC Secretary General given by Bangladeshs Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Sohail Mahmood emphasized the importance of functional collaboration in areas like climate change, sustainable development, and youth engagement to create a stronger, more impactful SAARC for the future.

The keynote address was delivered by Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his insightful talk, he highlighted the historical significance of SAARC amid myriad of issues looming on the region including climate change, food and health security, devastating economic indicators, neglected human security, among others.

While stressing SAARCs contributions for fostering cooperation among member states and the pressing need to reinvigorate SAARC in light of contemporary challenges, he reaffirmed Pakistans unwavering commitment to uphold its Charter, principles, and priorities.

Siddiqui emphasized Pakistans considered approach to play its role in fostering a harmonious regional environment, where no single state could impose its agenda on the smaller counterparts. He positively evaluated the incremental resumption of SAARC activities since 2023, after a period of ineffectiveness due to bilateral issues, Covid-19 pandemic, and regional security problems. However, the Organizations complete revival remains a rocky road.

He called for the member countries to adhere to the principles of mutual respect and sovereign equality in their journey to make South Asia a prosperous, developed, and economically integrated region.

Dr. Saeed Ahmad Rid discussed the historical pattern of socio-cultural and political linkages in South Asia, which were disrupted by the unnatural demarcations made by colonial powers, rendering its populace to the levels of underdevelopment. He outlined a number of steps in public and private arenas to enhance people-to-people connections among South Asian states.

Dr. Zahid Shahab Ahmed emphasized that the geographical, social, and political context made South Asia a unique region, and, therefore, it was not justified to draw a comparison between SAARC and other regional fora like European Union (EU).

He highlighted several structural as well as practical challenges restricting the efficient working of SAARC including competition between its members to find international markets outside South Asia, inter-state disputes, rising inclination among several members toward sub-regionalism, funding issues, besides others.

Yuba Nath Lamsal from Nepal stressed that South Asian states and societies had more common characteristics than divisive issues. He emphasized that cooperation, and not competition, in South Asia could guarantee a better future to the forthcoming generations.

Following a lively Q/A session, Khalid Mahmood, Chairman board of Governors (BOG), ISSI, delivered the concluding remarks. He underscored the significance of regional cooperation as a pathway to sustainable development and peace in South Asia and expressed hope for a reinvigorated SAARC to advance these goals.
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KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Dec, 2024) Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, met with Stanford Universitys Executive Director Bill Burnett and discussed governance, education, human development, and enhancing public services emphasising the importance of creating a service structure focused on solving public problems by improving governance.

The meeting was held at CM House and attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani, Jam Khan Shoro, Sardar Shah, Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, PSCM Agha Wasif and provincial secretaries. Also present were IBA Karachis Executive Director, Dr Akbar Zaidi, and representatives, including Azam Ali, Junaid Aziz, Abira, and Usman Nazir.

It was a brainstorming session, and the discussions, including questions and answers, revolved around governance, education, human development, and enhancing public services. The chief minister emphasised the importance of creating a service structure focused on solving public problems because his government has set `improving governance as a top priority for Mr Burnetts expert guidance was required.

Bill Burnett shared insights from his work on Singapores civil service reforms and highlighted the potential of modern technology in governance. Digital platforms can provide immediate solutions to public issues and simplify access to services, he said and also pointed out the pervasive use of mobile phones in Pakistan as an opportunity for developing digital tools.

Acknowledging the challenges of Karachis traffic, Burnett observed, While theres room for improvement, addressing human behaviour like reckless driving and illegal parking is equally important.

The CM expressed a desire to implement successful governance models like Singapores in Sindh. We need an effective and robust system to deliver public services efficiently, he said.

Burnett proposed a modern civil service model for Sindh and stressed the importance of leveraging technology to improve governance. The meeting concluded with mutual agreement on enhancing collaboration between Sandford University, IBA Karachi, and the Sindh government.

The CM underscored the value of education and its role in empowering communities. Knowledge is power, and its crucial to focus on educational advancement, he said. He also appreciated public-private partnership projects in Sindh, highlighting their role in economic development.

Driving economic growth requires the active involvement of the private sector, the visiting Sandford ED said and emphasised the importance of attracting global talent. He proudly shared that 41 scholars from Sindh, educated abroad, have become faculty members at Stanford University.

The meeting reinforced the Sindh governments commitment to digital transformation, education, and innovative governance to address public challenges effectively.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Dec, 2024) Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistans leading exploration and production company, on Thursday announced the commencement of production from its Kunnar West Well-3, located in the Hyderabad district of Sindh.

The well, brought into production at a wellhead flowing pressure (WHFP) of 1200 PSI with a 32/64 choke size, is currently producing 3.5 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas, 30 barrels per day (BPD) of condensate, and 3.8 metric tons per day (MTD) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) said a news release.

The gas output has been seamlessly integrated into the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) network, contributing to the countrys energy supply.

Kunnar West Field is part of the Kunnar Mining Lease, located in the Hyderabad district of Sindh province. OGDCL has a 100% working interest in it and operates it.

This achievement underscores OGDCLs commitment to operational excellence and sustainable energy development through its vital contribution. By leveraging innovative technologies, OGDCL continues solidifying its position as a leader in the hydrocarbon sector.
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Afghanistan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Dec, 2024) Two bus accidents involving a fuel tanker and a truck on a highway through central Afghanistan killed at least 52 people and injured 68, a provincial official said Thursday.

The accidents happened in Ghazni province on the same highway between the capital Kabul and southern Kandahar city late Wednesday, provincial head of information and culture Hamidullah Nisar said on X, without specifying how many people were killed and injured in each accident.

"There is a possibility the numbers could rise," Nisar told reporters outside a hospital in Ghazni city where victims had been sent.

He noted that some of the injured were in a "critical condition" and had been sent to Kabul for treatment. "Among the injured and dead were children, women and elderly people," he added.

One bus collided with a fuel tanker near Shahbaz village in central Ghazni while the other hit a truck in the eastern district of Andar, Nisar said.

Chief government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X that the authorities had "great regret" over the accidents and that an investigation would be launched.

Teams worked to clear debris at the sites into the morning, with hunks of metal and broken glass strewn across the area in Andar along with the clothes and meals of bus passengers, an AFP journalist saw.

One of the injured in the accident in Shahbaz, Khadim, said he was jolted awake by the noise of the accident but then lost consciousness.

When he came to and pulled himself from the wreck he "saw there were a lot of people under the vehicle and on the ground around us, there was crying and blood everywhere".

The two destroyed buses were transported to a lot in Ghazni city.
Baghdad, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Dec, 2024) Iraq said it would begin repatriating on Thursday Syrian troops who fled a lightning offensive that precipitated the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad.

"Today, the Iraqi authorities will start returning Syrian soldiers to their country after coordinating with the relevant Syrian authorities in this regard," interior ministry spokesman Miqdad Miri said.

Assad fled Syria as an offensive spearheaded by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) closed in on Damascus, more than 13 years after his crackdown on democracy protests morphed into one of the deadliest wars of the century.

Taking city after city in a matter of days, the Islamist-led rebels faced little resistance and reached Damascus on December 8.

At the time, an Iraqi security source said hundreds of Syrian soldiers who fled the front lines had been allowed through the Al-Qaim border crossing.

Some had been wounded, the source said.

On Thursday, Miri said the soldiers would be repatriated through the same crossing.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior Iraqi official said the repatriation would take place under "the supervision of international organisations".

Syria's new rulers have put out a call to soldiers and police to lay down their arms and register with the authorities.

Iraqi Deputy Commander of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Qais al-Mohammadawi told Iraqi media on Wednesday that the soldiers had had their "names, equipment and weapons carefully inventoried".
Just 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the center of Damascus, in 2011 Douma was, before the Syrian civil war began, a prosperous peripheral city whose 150,000 inhabitants felt confident, despite their traditional religiosity, in the face of the secularism and modernity of the capital. Now only a third of them remain there. The signs of destruction in the square of the central mosque, where opposition groups met to organize the fight against the regime, now bear witness to the fate of Damascus main insurgent enclave. Its civilian population suffered a five-year siege by famine, some of the worst chemical attacks of the conflict, and a brutal repression that emptied their homes and razed their streets, turning the city into a ghetto of suffering.

My family will never forgive, they demand punishment for the leaders of the regime, says Samir al-Ammy, 53, with a look of hatred in his eyes, despite his apparent casualness. Syria will not forget the crimes of Bashar al-Assad. His blacksmith shop, on the main commercial street in Douma, stands on the site of the building of his family clan, which was destroyed by Syrian army missiles on February 22, 2018. He lost 17 members of his extended family, including one of his 20-year-old sons.

The last 13 years have been hell for us [] we have lost a large part of our family, our homes, our businesses, he recalls while pointing to the rusty remains of a rocket in what was once the basement. Death, destruction, and ruin is the legacy that Assad leaves behind in Douma. Until recently, I had to hide another of my sons, aged 20, to prevent him from being mobilized and sent to the Aleppo front (in the north of the country), he confesses with the fear that struck thousands of Syrian parents in the final stages of the regime.

Reconstruction is now the main concern for the inhabitants. Engineer Issa Muktaal, 62, is acting as head of the municipal administration of Douma. From the mayor's office, he runs the city's public services as interim mayor. "Some 8,000 people have already returned to the city since the fall of Assad, but we do not have the capacity to take them in," he laments.

Next to him sits one of the first returnees, Rachid Tammar, 40, who describes himself as a businessman. He returned to his city from Idlib, in northern Syria, where he was expelled by the regime in 2018 after the surrender of the opposition in Douma. His return has now been triumphant, shortly after the Islamist brigades of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took over the Syrian capital. I have come as a volunteer to advise the new municipal managers, he explains, impeccably dressed in the midst of the misery of Douma. Before leaving, he repeats the usual slogans of the authorities of the new Syria: There will be no personal revenge, we must turn the page and look to the future, but those responsible for war crimes will be arrested and tried.

The main street in Douma, pictured May 10, 2018. Hasan Belal (NurPhoto/Getty Images)

The rebel militia Jaish al-Islam resisted the siege of the Eastern Ghouta region, which includes Douma, for five years. They handed over their weapons to the army and left the enclave of the capital for opposition strongholds in the north of the country. Some 10,000 insurgent fighters and their accompanying civilians were then evacuated to the northern provinces of Idlib and Aleppo. The shortage of food and medicine had led to deaths from starvation and lack of medical care. Some 100,000 civilians remained stranded in the region.

Samir Aredin, a 32-year-old businessman, still lives on the same street in Douma where 43 civilians were killed in a chemical weapons attack by the regime in 2018. Among them were his wife and two children. He suffered severe chlorine gas poisoning, like hundreds of other residents, which left him with serious after-effects. He still seems stunned by the toxic content of the gas cylinders dropped from a helicopter on the building where he lived. I will not rest until the culprits are convicted, he says with determination. There were no opposition militia posts on this street, only ordinary people. No one who has committed such a horrible crime can be forgiven, no one, he warns. The attack was launched to force the surrender of the opposition forces, who were ready to fight, he says. His accusation was endorsed in 2020 by United Nations investigators.

Another chemical attack attributed to government forces caused hundreds of deaths (over 1,000, according to the opposition) in 2013, in Eastern Ghouta. The international community subsequently forced the regime to hand over its chemical arsenal for supervised destruction, although the United Nations suspects that it kept at least 1% of the lethal and toxic products it stored. Investigators from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed the chlorine gas attack carried out in the streets of Douma in 2018 and attributed it to the Tiger Brigades, the regimes elite forces. The use of these lethal weapons is prohibited by the Chemical Weapons Convention, which was ratified by Syria in 2013. The United States has just confirmed that it is working, through allies present on the ground in Syria, to destroy the chemical weapons depots that remain in the Arab country following the removal of 1,300 tons of toxic products completed by the international community in 2014.

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(@FahadShabbir)

Moscow, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Dec, 2024) Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks "anytime" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal within hours of coming to office.

Trump, who will return to the White House in January, has stoked fears in Kyiv that he could force Ukraine to accept peace on terms favourable to Moscow.

Holding his annual end-of-year press conference, the Kremlin leader said his troops held the upper hand across the battlefield, but was forced to admit he does not know when Russia will take back the western Kursk region where Ukrainian troops launched an incursion in August.

Asked about Trump's overtures regarding a possible peace deal, Putin said he would welcome a meeting with the incoming Republican.

"I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," Putin said.

"If we ever have a meeting with President-elect Trump, I am sure we'll have a lot to talk about," he said, adding that Russia was ready for "negotiations and compromises".
(@FahadShabbir)

Moscow, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Dec, 2024) Russia on Thursday claimed to have taken control of two new villages in eastern Ukraine, near the industrial town of Kurakhove which it is on the brink of capturing, Russian news agencies reported.

The defence ministry said in a daily briefing that troops had "liberated" the village of Zelenivka and Novyi Komar, southwest of Kurakhove, a strategic industrial town on the banks of a reservoir that Moscow is trying to encircle.

Noviy Komar is close to the larger village of Velyka Novosilka, where Ukraine has a large command and logistics post, a Moscow-installed official, Vladimir Rogov, told RIA Novosti news agency.

Moscow has been advancing in east Ukraine for months, pressing its advantage against overstretched and outgunned Ukrainian soldiers, and has claimed new villages almost daily this month.

The nearly three-year conflict has escalated sharply in recent months, with Kyiv deploying US and British-supplied long-range missiles in attacks on Russian soil and Moscow firing an experimental hypersonic weapon at Ukraine in response.
The University of Wyomings Sheridan Research and Extension Center has received a key gift from EOG Resources Inc. to advance research on reclamation and to combat invasive plant and grass species in northeast Wyoming.

The gift -- part of the UW School of Energy Resources (SER) mission to support the energy industry -- was doubled by state matching funds through SER.

This long-term project is under development in the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources Sheridan Research and Extension Center in cooperation with the Buffalo Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is focused on improving rangeland restoration in the state, particularly as it relates to native plant species in and around the Powder River Basin.

The main objective of what we do is to figure out how we can restore the land when there is a disturbance or degradation of some form so that it can be returned to a functioning level, says Brian Mealor, director of the Sheridan Research and Extension Center. Our team at the center has a broad suite of reclamation and restoration activities, including invasive species management, native plant breeding and genetics, and establishment methods.

The gift from EOG Resources will build on well-established collaborations to support faculty, research scientists, graduate students and travel expenses for field work. It will facilitate the hiring of undergraduate student interns over the course of three years to bolster the research.

This incredible support from EOG and SER really leverages existing funding from the BLM and enhances our ability to work on other projects, too, Mealor says. By building on existing partnerships and support, it allows us to grow our experiential learning opportunities for students, to develop more engagement with stakeholders and to expand the scope of the project.

EOG Resources is one of the largest crude oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in Wyoming and in the United States. With proved reserves, producing wells and ongoing development in the Powder River Basin, the company has been directly involved in projects working to establish native flora and sagebrush on land previously used for drilling and production activities.

EOG is committed to supporting research and projects focused on advancing successful reclamation and restoration in Wyoming, says Cory Helms, vice president and general manager for EOG Resources. We are thankful for the strong partnerships built with UW and the BLMs Buffalo Field Office to restore land in a manner responsive to the interests of the local community.

The northeast corner of Wyoming is a historic hotbed for energy development -- including oil, natural gas, coal and wind -- as well as a significant site for emerging technologies such as rare earth element extraction and carbon management. Additionally, agriculture and tourism play a huge role in the economy and competing landscape interests. Successful reclamation efforts can have a long-term positive effect on all three areas. It can also offer lessons learned to be shared throughout the state.

SER is tasked with making sure funding is directed to research at the university that is directly supporting the energy industry in Wyoming, says SER Senior Director of Research Scott Quillinan. Reclamation is an essential and often overlooked piece of energy development. The work that the Sheridan Research and Extension Center has been overseeing is critical to the successful restoration of land in a productive use with the reestablishment of native plant ecosystems, and we are so pleased to support such important work.

Specific work on the project is being spearheaded by Donna Harris, an assistant professor of plant sciences who also holds the E.A. Whitney Endowed Professorship of Agriculture.

Harris joined the UW faculty in 2009 following a career in industry. She has grown the native plant program considerably with her expertise in applied plant breeding. She also has enhanced the centers ability to improve the plant material side of the equation by identifying native grasses that will thrive on previously disturbed sites.

Harris has introduced student learning outcomes that integrate applied research in the lab and in the field. This work isolates genetic characteristics of native grasses and plants that will perform best under certain soil stressors. These grasses and plants compete with invasive species to restore and improve lands for productive future uses, including livestock grazing, recreation and conservation.

I want to express my appreciation for EOG Resources and to SER for their willingness to support this work and build momentum, Harris says. SER recognizing the value of our work and seeing that this is all part of a much bigger picture will only make the state a better more productive place among all of the important economic sectors.
The eighth annual Own It! Celebration for women who make a difference in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at the University of Wyoming is transitioning from a traditional awards ceremony to a networking event.

The Own It! Celebration, formerly known as the Own It! Awards, is scheduled Thursday, Feb. 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Engineering and Education Research Building atrium/lobby.

Organized by Women in Science, Math and Engineering, Own It! strives to recognize women in STEM at UW. The celebration serves to help increase the visibility of an often-overlooked group in STEM, which can be fundamental in encouraging women to participate in science.

This networking event, hosted by Women in STEM and open to everyone, celebrates the achievements of individuals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the University of Wyoming and in the surrounding community, says Megan Candelaria, director of the Science Kitchen and co-director of the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium. Join us for an evening featuring a speaker presentation, engaging speed networking sessions and opportunities to connect over hors d'oeuvres and beverages.

Jane Zelikova, co-founder of 500 Women Scientists, will be the events guest speaker. The evening also will feature a roundtable networking activity, along with time for mingling and enjoying appetizers. On-site child care, including STEM activities provided by the Innovation Wyrkshop, will be available.

Since the format has changed this year, we are not accepting nominations for award categories, Candelaria says. Instead, we invite attendees to submit a short bio and/or highlight their accomplishments.

Attendees are encouraged to fill out a highlights card to showcase personal accomplishments and contributions, which will be displayed during the event. To submit a short biography and/or career highlights, go here. To RSVP, go here.

For more information, call Candelaria at (307) 314-2127 or email megdiane@uwyo.edu.


Vientiane Heritage Route launched to promote tourism and culture The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Laos, has launched the Vientiane Heritage Route to preserve cultural heritage and boost tourism.

Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket and Mr Niall Leonard cut a ribbon to launch the Vientiane Heritage Route. The project, unveiled at a ceremony at Patuxay Park, features 59 historical buildings showcasing Lao and foreign architectural styles, reflecting the citys rich history and charm.

It includes an interactive map, website, and e-brochure to guide tourists and residents along the route.

Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket and Charge dAffaires of the European Union Delegation to Laos Mr Niall Leonard presided over the event. Diplomats and project partners were also in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Director General of the Heritage Department, Mr Phakhanxay Sikhanxay, said the Vientiane Heritage Route aims to enhance tourism in Vientiane by providing access to unique and valuable historical buildings within a two-kilometre radius centred on Nam Phu Park in Xieng Yeun village.

The initiative creates opportunities for tourists to explore historical buildings alongside other cultural and historical attractions in Vientiane, he said.

Mr Phakhanxay said he hoped the project would serve as a model for raising public awareness about the importance of conserving and protecting historical buildings as part of the nations heritage.

He emphasised that safeguarding these cultural assets will contribute to sustainable development and economic growth.

The resources, including a database, map, and promotional materials, have been handed over to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to support sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.

On the same occasion, the website www.vientianeheritage.com was also launched to facilitate access to information about the Vientiane Heritage Route for tourists. To celebrate the launch, participants, including EU and ministry representatives, took a classic tuk-tuk tour along the route, highlighting the cultural significance of Vientianes historical landmarks.

The European Unions cooperation with Laos on this project underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a foundation for social cohesion, economic growth, and national identity.

By Times Reporters

(Latest Update Dec ember 20 , 2024)








A week ago, a car was intercepted by four hitmen in the district of La Victoria in Lima, the capital of Peru. The criminals fired around 60 shots at random. The driver died instantly while the passenger, a woman who was sitting in the back seat, still had vital signs despite having been shot in the head, back and arms. She was taken to the Intensive Care Unit of the 2 de Mayo hospital, where she died on Tuesday after a prolonged agony. At first, it was believed that it was just another case of contract killing; a taxi driver who refuses to pay an extortion fee and suffers the consequences, or something along those lines. But the death of Andrea Vidal Gomez has shaken the institution that is in charge of making laws in favor of citizens.

An investigation by the television program Beto a Saber has revealed that the driver was an unintentional victim and that the attack was actually directed against Andrea Vidal, a 28-year-old lawyer who until September had been an advisor in the Legal and Constitutional Office of the Congress of Peru. A former employee of the same department has revealed anonymously that the head of both, Jorge Torres Saravia, set up a prostitution ring in the hallways of Parliament, passing off women as secretaries or office workers in exchange for providing services to lawmakers. Andrea Vidal, known as La China, was the one who supposedly recruited them.

The Specialized Prosecutors Office for Human Trafficking Crimes has opened a preliminary investigation against Torres Saravia, who, according to the complaint, allegedly had more than one conflict with the victim and that is why she was fired in September. Her murder has raised suspicions, and there are those who suspect that it was an attempt to silence her. According to the leak, one of the prostitutes hired by her office had meetings with Alejandro Soto, a lawmaker who was also the president of Congress until late July. They [the hired women] went in and slept with people for a profit. One of them used to visit Alejandro Soto. You can corroborate this with the cameras and entry records, said the source.

Both Jorge Torres Saravia and Alejandro Soto belong to Alliance for Progress, a political group led by Cesar Acuna, the regional governor of La Libertad and owner of an educational conglomerate, who has been accused of plagiarism, money laundering and corruption. Alliance for Progress has one of the strongest representations in the House, and for that reason it wields a lot of influence. According to the investigative reporting, Torres Saravia is very close to Luis Valdez, secretary general of the party.

Last Friday, while Andrea Vidal was fighting for her life, Torres Saravia made a few statements. I dont hire them directly, Human Resources does that, he said about the women who were victims of the network. He also said he only personally knew one of them. At that point, Torres Saravia had asked for a leave of absence, but his days as the head of the Legal and Constitutional Office of Congress were already numbered, and he was removed from his position. The current president of Congress, Eduardo Salhuana, announced the decision to remove Saravia from office and said that he categorically reject these events that affect the morality, decency and image of the institution. We will not tolerate conduct that betrays the trust placed in us by Peruvians, he added, without giving further details about the dismissal.

On Wednesday, following the death of Vidal, Juan Burgos, head of the Oversight Committee, stressed that he will thoroughly investigate the alleged prostitution network within Congress that may have had the protection of the Board and its political allies. He announced that at the next session on December 26, they will request the presence of the head of the Human Resources Office, as well as Saravia. Let the truth be revealed, no matter who is responsible. Once the facts have been proven, the national representation must constitutionally accuse those who are responsible for having perverted Congress, he said, requesting the support of the Attorney General, Delia Espinoza.

Juan Burgos also regretted that a person accused of sexual assault like Saravia has occupied a high-ranking position in Parliament. We have to clean house, he said. The journalist Alvina Ruiz was also categorical in this regard. Torres was accused by a woman of drugging and sexually abusing her two years ago and, despite this, this individual continued working in Congress. Torres is accused of leading this alleged criminal network linked to sexual exploitation, which has an even more terrifying component and must be investigated: the exchange of advisors and secretaries between a few congressmen as part of the dynamics of abuse and objectification, which makes this case even more complex, she wrote in an opinion column.

Alejandro Soto, who is accused of receiving sexual favors, has rejected the claims made by the investigative story. As former president of Congress, I have never received clandestine visits, as they would have us believe. Each official is responsible for his actions in his private life and must personally answer to justice if necessary. Soto has been investigated in the past for a series of alleged crimes: giving a job to the sister of the mother of his last child, voting in favor of the approval of a law that benefited him, and charging a fee to his office workers to pay for advertising on social media.

The Union of Workers of the Legislative Branch (SITRAPOL) also spoke out about the alleged pimping network within the Chamber. The serious events reported show the vulnerability that affects workers of the organization or of the parliamentary service, whose working conditions often expose them to abuse and arbitrariness. The best way to prevent and avoid these situations is by establishing clear, transparent and predictable mechanisms to work in our institution, they said.

Just like President Dina Boluarte, who will ring out the year with a 3% approval rating, the image of Congress is in the doldrums. A survey by the Institute of Peruvian Studies concluded that only 6% of citizens are satisfied with the performance of Congress. The murder of one of its former employees to silence her completes the collapse of the institution in the eyes of public opinion.

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Transcript:

The Inside Story: Syria after Assad

Episode 175  December 19, 2024

Show Open:

Unidentified Narrator:

This week on The Inside Story:

The fall of Damascus met with joy and rage.

Plus, a look at the regional challenges facing the incoming Trump administration

Now on The Inside Story: Syria after Assad.

The Inside Story:

CARLA BABB, VOA Pentagon Correspondent:

Hello and welcome to the Inside Story Im Carla Babb.

The Assad regime has fallen after 5 decades in power.

The people of Syria are reacting to the rapidly changing situation with a mixture of anger, jubilation and confusion. Our Heather Murdock has seen it all unfold in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

HEATHER MURDOCK, VOA Correspondent:

Rage in Damascus is deep and widespread.

At this funeral for a prominent victim of prison torture, people call for the execution of President Bashar al-Assad, less than a week after he fled the country.

Everyone we speak to here says they lost someone to the brutal prison system that collapsed with the regime.

Mother of Prisoner:

My God, where is [my son]? I want to see him, hold him and smell him. I dont know where he is. They took him from me. I hope God takes them.

HEATHER MURDOCK:

The young man being buried, Mazen al-Hamada, died in prison after speaking publicly about being tortured.

At this hospital families are searching for the bodies of people they believe to have died recently.

Pictures of the bodies hang on the walls outside. Many, we are told, have wounds that appear to be from torture.

Inside the hospital, dozens of bodies await identification.

But most families who have come here dont find their relatives.

Majda Abu al-Omani, Mother of Missing Men:

My sons were arrested in 2014; they gave us death certificates, but we dont know what happened to them. The scene in here is indescribable. It makes your hair grey.

HEATHER MURDOCK:

At the notorious Sednaya prison, other families search for clues that may help them find their missing loved ones. Many believe there are missing prisoners who are still alive in long-hidden secret facilities.

Khamis al-Ibrahim, Searching for Missing Brother:

There are living souls under this ground. Not just one or two. Its been four or five days weve been here at Sednaya and so far, nothing.

HEATHER MURDOCK:

People tell us that their relatives were arrested for unknown reasons, or for saying something negative about the government, or even for living in an area populated by activists or rebels.

CARLA BABB:

And Heather joins us now from Damascus Heather. What's the latest you're seeing?





HEATHER MURDOCK:



Well, in the past week and a couple of days since the government fell, there has been a shift in the mood. At first, there was elation. I mean, there were celebrations on the street. There were fireworks and gunfire every day and every night, and then, I mean, there was so much emotion, then there was anger and despair, and there's still a lot of both things, a lot of happiness and a lot of despair, mostly over so many there's so many people who have been lost to Syria's notorious prison system.

But there's also beginning to be a sense of normalcy here as well. People are going back to work. People are thinking, you know, what's next? This rebel group is no longer a rebel group. They're forming some kind of government, and there's a lot of hope that what they do form will be inclusive and successful economically, and, you know, certainly a lot less horrible than the fallen regime. But not a lot of not a lot is known right now about how it will turn out. So I'd say hopeful, but definitely skeptical too.

CARLA BABB:

You said, not a lot is known. How much do people know about HTS?





HEATHER MURDOCK:

They have a long history, and a lot of their history, it doesn't really tell us what we need to know about what they will do now. So for example, they used to be associated with al Qaeda and Al Nusra and even the Islamic State, but they fought bitterly with the Islamic State, and they have publicly and loudly cut ties with al Qaeda.

They are an Islamist group. There's no doubt about that. They're a conservative Islamist group. You can see by the way they dress that this is a fact, and by their own you know, acknowledgement. However, they also say they're going to respect Syria's ethnic and religious minorities, which are many, Syria is a very diverse country. So, you can't imagine that this country could be successful with one religious group taking over it.





CARLA BABB:

You mentioned people are going back to work now. How is that? How are people figuring these things out now that there is technically not a government head anymore.



HEATHER MURDOCK:

There is a lot of questions. And I mean, in some places, it actually is hindering businesses, for example, the volatility of the currency. We were in Aleppo the other day, and there, the currency is so volatile. Some shops aren't opening. Money changers simply will not open because they don't know what to do. Because what the known currency exchange rate, it changes hour to hour, sometimes minute to minute. So there's a lot of up and down with not just the currency, but things like utilities and facilities they're operating, and the HTS government is trying to utilize as much of the existing infrastructure as they can to keep things running as they were.

But to be honest, things weren't running that well before. So a lot of some of the challenges we're facing now, like internet not working, no one really sure who's going to be in charge of things like the internet and the telecoms companies. Those things were a challenge before, and now they're just a bit more of a challenge now, on the other hand, people think, you know now that this country is more open, open borders and a willingness to try to engage with international community, are all of these things going to get so much better in the next few weeks and months? That's a big question too.



CARLA BABB:



It's nice to know that they're hopeful about that we'll see how the internal politics and the internal quality of life changes in the coming days. But what about the security? Since you mentioned the open border, how is HTS and the others trying to keep things safe and secure? And what are you seeing is there still a lot of fighting going on?

HEATHER MURDOCK:

In terms of safety and security on this street, you do see HDS soldiers in a lot of places, securing buildings, and particularly securing high profile places like ministries and but you also see things like borders where people can just cross through freely, and they're starting To tighten it up. For example, the Lebanon border has been open since they took over, and they recently said that border is going to be more or less closed to most people until they establish some kind of customs that and other land borders. So there is, you know, some fear that there hasn't been much security here for the past week, and now it's starting to tighten up, and also a feeling like we're kind of lucky that not more there's not been more violence in the past week and such.

In terms of fighting, there's still airstrikes, still attacks from Israel coming. I want to say, every day I think, I think pretty much every day there's been airstrikes from Israel. Most do not end with casualties. Most of them are on weapons depots only. In terms of actual fighting, there's not a lot there's a lot of tension in the northeast of Syria, and we've heard there's been arrests, and there's there's increased fighting between the Kurdish forces and the Turkish forces that have been at odds for years there, but in Damascus and in the cities that were formerly controlled by the government of Bashar Al Assad or HTS and their allies, those cities and towns are mostly quiet at this moment.





CARLA BABB:

Well Heather, the US is definitely concerned about that area you were talking about in North East Syria. Excellent reporting. Thank you so much for joining us.

HEATHER MURDOCK:

Thank you, Carla.

CARLA BABB:

Heather, thanks for joining us. Excellent reporting.

US President Joe Biden called the ouster of Assad a fundamental act of justice after decades of repression, but he warned it was also a moment of uncertainty. Officials worry remnants of the Islamic State terror group could try to resurge in Syria.

And while Syrian celebrations abound, concern about Islamic State is a big reason defense officials say U.S. troops in Syria should stay and continue helping their counter-terror partners based in the east.

Syrians in Damascus reacting to a world without the Assad regime in power, a first since 1971.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken:

It's impossible not to be moved by the scenes of jubilation, the scenes of relief coming out of Syria. The end of this regime is a defeat for all who enabled its barbarity and its corruption, none more than Iran, Hezbollah and Russia. So this moment presents a historic opportunity, but it also carries considerable risks.

CARLA BABB:

Risks that U.S. forces aimed to mitigate, striking Islamic State targets in central Syria with fighter jets, B-52 bombers and A-10 combat aircraft. A move meant to ensure the terror group wont try to take advantage of the situation.

Michael Rubin, American Enterprise Institute:

The real danger moving forward over the next 48 hours is that if the Islamic State escapes its prison camp at Al Hol, then you could have thousands of militants, thousands of extremists not only spreading across Syria and the Middle East, but also Turkey and Europe as well.

CARLA BABB:

The U.S. military has about 900 troops in Syria to help Syrian Democratic Forces prevent Islamic State from resurging, with officials stating three primary interests now that the Assad regime has fallen.

Robert Wood, US Alternate Representative to the UN:

Our soldiers and personnel and all are protected. We want to make sure that our allies are safe and secure. We want to make sure that there isnt a humanitarian catastrophe.

CARLA BABB:

The ousted former president has fled to Moscow. Analysts say the fall of Syria has weakened Russia, along with Iran.

Michael Rubin, American Enterprise Institute:

Theyve lost Hezbollah, or at least the ability to supply them. Theyve lost Syria. The question now is whether they can keep their grip on the Houthis, or whether other states in the region, Saudi Arabia, for example, are going to smell blood in the water.

CARLA BABB:

The Pentagon says communication with allies is key. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has spoken with his Turkish counterpart about the ongoing Syrian developments. CENTCOM commander General Erik Kurilla is in the region. He has met with Jordanian allies to discuss Syria and, officials say, he plans to speak with other regional allies in the coming days.

Following the overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria, Israel seized control of a demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Israel has also launched hundreds of attacks on weapons factories and military infrastructure near Damascus in what it describes as precautionary strikes. Linda Gradstein has this report from Jerusalem.

LINDA GRADSTEIN, VOA Correspondent:

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel is concerned that some of Syrias weapons could fall into the hands of those who want to harm the Jewish state.

Gideon Saar, Israeli Foreign Minister:

That's why we attacked strategic weapons systems like, for example, remaining chemical weapons or long-range missiles and rockets in order that they will not fall into the hands of extremists.

LINDA GRADSTEIN:

He spoke after Israeli troops took over a demilitarized buffer zone between Israel and Syria.

Israels Prime Minister said Israel will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on Israels border.

But overall, Israeli analysts say Israel sees the events in Syria as an internal issue for the Syrian people, and it hopes that rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani can establish ties with Israel.

Dina Lisnyansky, Tel Aviv University:

I do know for a fact that Israel has those connections already with the Kurds in Syria. They approached the Israeli government and said they would like to cooperate. So, the Kurds and also the Druze in the Syrian Golan Heights are also sending all kinds of messages to Israel that are very peaceful.

LINDA GRADSTEIN:

For decades, the boundary between Israel and Syria had been Israels quietest border following an agreement after the 1973 Yom Kippur war. But some analysts say that the new situation could eventually lead to a peace treaty between Israel and Syria.

Hazem Alghabra, Analyst:

I'm trying to better understand if the people and Syria, [are] maybe, potentially ready to receive aid from Israel, maybe trade with Israel down the line. I think it's way too early for that. But I believe now, and this is this is where I disagree with half the people and agree with the other half, Israel is emerging as a regional superpower. Right now, at least militarily.

LINDA GRADSTEIN:

Israel is watching to see how Iran will react to the events in Syria. Israeli analysts believe Iran has been weakened by both Israels rout of Hezbollah in south Lebanon and by the events in Syria.

Some in Israel fear that Iran could try to reestablish deterrence by moving ahead with its nuclear program, which could spark an Israeli attack on Iran.

Linda Gradstein, VOA News, Jerusalem.

CARLA BABB:

In just a few weeks, president-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office on the steps of the United States Capitol. Trump says he wants to avoid involvement in Syria. But as White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara reports, what comes next in the war-weary country will be important for the U.S. and its allies.

Donald Trump, US President-Elect:

It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and well be talking about that.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA, VOA White House Bureau Chief:

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebels who toppled Assad, is a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist group.

Still, Trump wants the U.S. to stay out of the Syrian conflict. This is not our fight, he said on social media.

Tulsi Gabbard, Trumps pick for intelligence chief, agreed.

Tulsi Gabbard, Intelligence Chief Nominee:

He is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars, demonstrating peace through strength, and putting the national security interests and the safety, security and freedom of the American people first and foremost.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

But with Assad gone, Trump may need to balance his noninterventionist stance with U.S. goals of protecting allies, such as Israel and Jordan, and avoiding the resurgence of terrorist groups such as Islamic State.



Christopher OLeary, Counterterrorism Expert:



Reducing the access to chemical weapons, reducing the capabilities of known terrorist organizations in ungoverned space or in space where there's failed states, where nobody else can do it, I think is a very smart move. And I do think that is likely what President Trump will continue to do.

PATSY WIDAKUSWARA:

During his first term, Trump ordered strikes on the Assad regime in response to chemical weapons attacks but focused more on defeating Islamic State.

He ordered U.S. troops out of Syria in 2019, leaving a few hundred American soldiers to protect oil fields.

He was criticized for abandoning allies. Following the withdrawal, Turkey launched offensives against Kurdish forces who had fought alongside American soldiers to destroy Islamic State in Syria.

This time, Trump said quote, Let it play out. Do not get involved.

But with so many U.S. interests in the region, that may be easier said than done.

Patsy Widakuswara, VOA News, Washington.

CARLA BABB:

An example of the complicated politics of the region now...

With the Syrian governments collapse, local actors are trying to take advantage of that power vacuum.

A Turkish-backed Syrian militia in the countrys northeast began moving against a part of the U-S supported Syrian Democratic forces known as the Peoples Protection Units, or Y-P-G.

But Ankara says the Kurdish Y-P-G is affiliated with militants fighting Turkey and has promised to fight the group. Dorian Jones has more from Istanbul.

DORIAN JONES, VOA Correspondent:

The Turkish-supported Syrian National Army, backed by Turkish airstrikes, is continuing its assault against the YPG, which Ankara claims is linked to the PKK, a group that has been fighting Turkey for decades.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Monday defended the assault, saying Turkey was only protecting its frontier and has no interest in Syrian territory.

Ankara sees opportunity in the ouster of the Assad regime and withdrawal of its Iranian and Russian backers.

Bilgehan Alagoz, Marmara University:

There is no Russia; there is no Iran; Turkey was facing the Russian forces, the Iranian forces, and Assad's regime forces while it was combating PKK and YPG. If you name it as an opportunity, yes, we can name it as an opportunity for its fight against PKK, YPG.

DORIAN JONES:

But the YPG is supported by a small U.S. military force that was deployed as part of the war against the Islamic State group.

With the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army now approaching the Euphrates River, analysts say further advances could put Ankara on a collision course with both Washington and Syria's new rulers, Hayat Tahir Al Sham or HTS.

Aydin Selcen, Foreign Policy Analyst:

The Euphrates is now like a line perhaps for the U.S. military. If that goes on as such, it can bring Turkey indirectly head-to-head with the U.S., with even perhaps HTS, and it can put Turkeym Ankara in a delicate diplomatic position again.

DORIAN JONES:

The Israeli military advance into Syria, analysts say, is fueling Ankara's concerns over the threat posed by the YPG and its political wing, the PYD, given the Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar's speech last month declaring the Kurds a natural ally of Israel amid a growing Turkish-Israeli rivalry.

Hasan Unal, Baskent University:

Israel is now carving out a corridor between the PKK, PYD-controlled territories, and its own territories. That suggests that this is what they are trying to do, a Kurdish puppet state, east of the Euphrates. And this is something which is likely to create lots of problems with Turkey.

DORIAN JONES:

Israel's presence in Syria means Ankara is likely to step up its pressure on the YPG and will be looking to the incoming Trump administration to end the U.S. military presence in Syria.

Dorian Jones, VOA News, Istanbul.

CARLA BABB:

Following the collapse of Damascus, many Syrians flocked to Sednaya Prison. Infamously known as the human slaughterhouse where tens of thousands of people were shoved together, tortured, and starved. They sought answers about their missing loved ones and saw firsthand the horrors they faced inside. Joan Cabases Vega brings us this report from Sednaya. Veronica Villafane narrates.

VERONICA VILLAFANE, VOA Correspondent:

The Sednaya prison was a feared detention center run by the Syrian government. Known for its brutal torture and countless executions, it earned the chilling nickname "the human slaughterhouse."

Rebel forces freed the prisoners in the wake of the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Thousands of people have now gathered here, hoping to find their loved ones, like this man 

Ahmed Burkani, Syrian citizen:

They took him to Sednaya when he was just a 14-year-old boy. To this day, we have no idea if hes still in Sednaya, if hes alive, if he was killed, or if hes being held in some underground cell.

VERONICA VILLAFANE:

Over the 13 years of civil war, as many as 100,000 people were detained by the Syrian government. Many are still missing, and desperate citizens are hoping they might find them at Sednaya.

Raja Abdelrahouf, Syrian citizen:

Im looking for my brother. Someone told me 10 days ago that he was still alive. I need my brother.

VERONICA VILLAFANE:

Rebel forces storming of the prison not only freed many prisoners but also revealed the prisons records.

Desperate families now sift through documents scattered on the ground, hoping to find any information about their missing, or executed, relatives.

Some of these documents list the names of those who died or were executed while imprisoned. Crowds gather, listening intently as these grim "blacklists" are read aloud.

Its believed thousands of prisoners were held in Sednaya, with each 5-by-5-meter cell, crammed with over 100 people.

However, when the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham arrived, it found only 300 prisoners inside. This has fueled speculation of mass executions, prisoner transfers, or the existence of underground cells.

For most of those who have traveled here, the search has ended with no answers. Now, they say, all that remains is the hope for justice.

For Joan Cabases Vega, in Sednaya, Syria, Veronica Villafane, VOA News.

CARLA BABB:

Before we leave you this week, an update on Austin Tice: The freelance American journalist and U.S. Marine Corps veteran kidnapped while reporting in Syria in 2012.

Joining us now with the latest is Liam Scott, whos been covering the story for our Press Freedom Unit.

Before we leave you this week, an update on Austin Tice, the freelance American journalist, and US Marine Corps veteran kidnapped while reporting in Syria in 2012 Joining us now with the latest is Liam Scott, who's been covering the story for our press freedom guest, Liam, why does the family still think he's alive at this point. I mean, it's been since 2012?

LIAM SCOTT, VOA Press Freedom Reporter:



So shortly before the Assad government fell, the Tice family revealed that they had received information vetted by the US government, confidential information that confirmed Austin was not only alive but also believed to be held in the Damascus area. And after the Assad government fell, 1000s of prisoners have been released around the country from prisons run by the now former Assad government, and that has really fostered hope among the Tice family that Austin will soon be among them.



CARLA BABB:

So what is the United States doing at this point, now that Bashar Al Assad is gone. What are they doing to try to engage with the new government and try to find Austin?

LIAM SCOTT:

Yeah, so the US government has said that they are committed to locating Austin, but at the same time they, you know, the State Department confirmed earlier this week that they don't have any US personnel on the ground looking for him. So it's really gone to journalists, also to NGOs that are on the ground to look for him. The State Department has also confirmed that they've engaged with HTS on the case of Austin Tice and HTS has said that they are looking for Austin as well.



CARLA BABB:

You know, we talked about all the bombing, you know, that Israel has done, that the United States has done to kind of knock out some of the Syrian military power, to knock out some of the terrorist power out of an Islamic state. You know, when they research and you just wonder, what if Austin is there? What is happening? I mean, how concerned is the family with everything going on, with all the violence and all the bombing going on right now?

LIAM SCOTT:

So Deborah, Tice, Austin's mother, a few days ago, actually wrote a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asking, essentially for the Israeli military to pause their strikes on the part of Syria, where Austin is believed to be held in the mountains outside of Damascus, because there is a concern that you know he's there, and it's also makes it a lot harder for rescuers to to go there and hopefully find not only him, but other prisoners while these strikes are ongoing. And then, actually, on on Tuesday, Netanyahu replied to Deborah Tice in a letter, in a letter saying that the IDF wasn't bombing those parts where Austin was believed to be held.



CARLA BABB:



So, tension, also, a moment of hope for the family. I'm sure you will keep us updated. Liam Scott, thank you so much for updating us on Austin. Thank you, Carla. Well thanks for joining us for this edition of the entire

CARLA BABB:

Thanks for joining us for this edition of The Inside Story.

Im Carla Babb in Washington.

For all the latest news, login to VOANews.com, and join us again next week for The Inside Story.

Thanks for watching.

###
Australian rescue and medical teams have reached Vanuatu, authorities said on Thursday, where at least 14 people including one French and two Chinese nationals were killed and hundreds were injured in a 7.3 magnitude earthquake two days ago.

France's Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Jeangene Vilmer on Thursday confirmed the death of a French national, Vincent Goiset, a resident in Vanuatu who was killed by the rubble of a collapsed building in the city center, he said in a Facebook post.

French and Australian rescue teams are searching for survivors at a collapsed building, where eight to 15 people are buried, with some confirmed dead, he wrote.

Vanuatu's National Disaster Management Office said in a report the number of deaths and injuries was expected to increase, as search and rescue continues.

A Chinese woman who ran a shop on the ground floor of another collapsed building, a four-story building owned by Chinese company Kenwu Industries, had died, said Michael Mai, who works for the company. She was one of two Chinese nationals the Chinese embassy said were killed in the earthquake, he told Reuters in an interview.

"She was near to the building, very close when it collapsed," he said.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia would help Vanuatu restore operations at the international airport in the nation's capital of Port Vila, which has been closed to commercial airlines because of damage.

"Additional assistance will be provided where possible, ahead of the airport reopening," Wong said in a post on X.

About 150 Australian citizens returned home overnight on the two aircraft that delivered assistance, Wong said.

Other countries have also offered support, with a U.S. military aircraft expected to arrive on Thursday, while France sent a military helicopter with satellite communications and military engineers.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules arrived in Port Vila with rescue equipment and medics on Thursday and will assist with the evacuation of New Zealanders, New Zealand officials said.

Another New Zealand military flight had to be diverted on Wednesday evening to New Caledonia due to an engine fire warning and will be repaired on Thursday.

Disruptions to power and communication in Vanuatu are hindering rescue efforts, while UNICEF has said water contamination was a major concern.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that President-elect Donald Trump had a window to negotiate with Iran, saying the development of a nuclear weapon by Tehran was not inevitable.

The outgoing top U.S. diplomat acknowledged that the cleric-run state might be more seriously considering a nuclear weapon after military setbacks in the region.

In the last year, Israel's military has hit Iranian air defenses and weakened its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, while rebels have toppled its main Arab ally in Syria, Bashar al-Assad.

"I don't think that a nuclear weapon is inevitable," Blinken said at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

As "they've lost different lines of defense, sure, you're going to see more thinking about that," Blinken said.

But the U.S. secretary of state said Iran was aware of the consequences of obtaining a nuclear weapon and added: "I think there is the prospect of negotiations."

Iran denies pursuing a nuclear weapon, saying its contested nuclear work is for peaceful purposes.

In his first term, Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran that was negotiated under former President Barack Obama and then imposed sweeping sanctions.

"President Trump last time around in pulling out of the deal said that he wanted, as he called it, a better, stronger deal. Fine," Blinken said.

He said that no U.S. administration would allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

"One way or another, I'm convinced that just as our administration had that policy, the next administration will, too," he said of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration upon taking office in 2021 entered indirect talks with Iran to restore the nuclear deal. Talks collapsed largely over disputes on the scope of U.S. sanctions relief, and Biden has backed pressure on Iran over its support for Palestinian armed group Hamas since its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Trump's billionaire ally Elon Musk reportedly met with a senior Iranian official following the U.S. election in a bid to encourage calm.

Blinken also rejected calls for the United States to work to topple the government of Iran, which has opposed Washington since the overthrow of its U.S.-backed ruler in a popular uprising in 1979.

"I think if we look at the last 20 years, our experiments in regime change have not exactly been resounding successes," Blinken said.

Blinken acknowledged domestic opposition to Iran's current cleric-run state structure, but said it was not "quite as clear-cut as that."

Opposition is "reflective of at least half the population, but not the entirety of it," he said, pointing to differences between cities and rural areas.

"There's a very conservative element in Iran that's significant in number that probably remains beholden to the regime," he said.
Experts on cybersecurity and online foreign influence campaigns are urging social media company Bluesky, whose app has exploded in popularity in recent weeks, to step up moderation to counter potential state-sponsored influence efforts.



Over the past month, Bluesky, a microblogging platform with its roots in Twitter, has seen one of its biggest increases in new user registrations since it was publicly released in February. Over 25 million are now on the platform, close to half of whom joined after the 2024 U.S. presidential election.



Rose Wang, Blueskys chief operating officer, said in a recent interview that Bluesky does not intend to push any political ideologies.



We have no political viewpoint that we are trying to promote, she said in early December.

Exploiting users political leanings

Many who joined Bluesky have cited user experience as one of the reasons for migrating from social media platform X. They also have said they joined the platform after Election Day because they are critics of Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump. Some commentators in the U.S. have questioned whether Bluesky is risking becoming an echo chamber of the left.

Some experts contend the platforms liberal-leaning users could be exploited by foreign propagandists. Joe Bodnar, who tracks foreign influence operations for the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, told VOA Mandarin that Russian propaganda often appeals to the anti-establishment left in the U.S. on contentious topics, like Gaza, gun violence and Americas global dominance.

The Kremlin wants to make those arguments even louder, Bodnar said. Sometimes that means they play to the left.

So far, at least three accounts that belong to RT, a Russia-controlled media outlet, have joined Bluesky. Sputnik Brazil is also actively posting on the platform.

VOA Mandarin found that at least two Chinese accounts that belong to state broadcaster CGTN have joined the platform.

Bluesky does not assign verification labels. One way to authenticate an account is for the person or organization to link it to the domain of its official website.

There are at least four other accounts that claim to be Chinese state media outlets, including China Daily, the Global Times and Peoples Daily. None of the three publications replied to VOAs emails inquiring about these accounts authenticity.

Additionally, Beijing has played heavily to the Western left on certain global issues. China has consistently called for a ceasefire in Gaza and blamed the West for supporting Israel.

But those familiar with Chinese and Russian state media say the left-leaning user base on Bluesky actually could give Beijing and Moscow a hard time for pushing their narratives.

Bluesky isnt the most hospitable place for Russian narratives, Bodnar said.

Sean Haines, a British national who used to work for Chinese state media outlets, shared similar opinions in a recent blog post about Bluesky.

With its predominately Western liberal leaning, the platform also will be an uphill challenge for those looking to push overtly nationalistic viewpoints, he wrote.

Most of the Chinese and Russian state media accounts have only hundreds of followers, with RT en Espanol at the top, with nearly 7,000.

Could 'decentralization' be detrimental?



China and Russia have been finding ways to reach the American public through covert disinformation operations on social media. During this years election, disinformation campaigns connected to China and Russia promoted claims that cast doubt on the integrity of the voting process.

Similar tactics could soon be coming to Bluesky.



I dont think Bluesky is more vulnerable to influence campaigns than X or other social networks, Jennifer Victoria Scurrell, a researcher on AI-supported influence operations, told VOA Mandarin. But Scurrell, of ETH Zurichs Center for Security Studies, said Blueskys decentralized moderation approach is flawed.

Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter, started Bluesky as an internal project to give users more power over moderation. Bluesky then went independent in 2021.

Our mission is to develop and drive large-scale technologies of open and decentralized public conversation, the company says on its website.



To do that, Bluesky decentralized its moderation authority, giving users tools to customize their experience on the site.



Bluesky offers a universal basic moderation setting for every user, which labels content such as extremism, misinformation, fake accounts and adult content. Users can choose whether to see the content labeled by Bluesky. Users can report to Bluesky content or accounts they believe have violated Blueskys guidelines.



On top of that, users get to create their own moderation settings to label or filter out certain content and accounts. Other users can subscribe to these customized settings, should they choose.



Scurrell, who helps test security weaknesses for OpenAI as a contractor, told VOA Mandarin the decentralized approach to moderation could be a double-edged sword.

Societal values are diverse, contextual and local, which makes decentralized moderation an appealing concept, she wrote in her replies to VOA.

She warned that outsourcing content moderation to users, though, raises serious concerns because the approach would give bad actors the same amount of power as normal users.



What happens if an entire node is taken over by malicious actors spreading disinformation or manipulative content, she wrote, or if the system gets hijacked by an army of bots?



VOA Mandarin emailed Bluesky a list of detailed questions about its moderation policy against potential foreign influence attempts but did not receive a response.



Experts have urged Bluesky to implement measures to counter potential foreign influence campaigns.



In a recent blog post, Sarah Cook, an independent China watcher and former China director at Freedom House, urged Bluesky to label state media accounts, a practice exercised by many social media companies, so users know of these accounts ties to foreign governments.

Eugenio Benincasa, an expert on Chinese cyber threats at ETH Zurich, asserts that studying how Chinese tech companies help Beijing surveil social media platforms and manipulate online discussions can help Bluesky better prepare.



It is crucial to thoroughly study the evolving influence tactics enabled by tools like public opinion monitoring systems to identify vulnerabilities that may have been overlooked or are emerging, in order to develop effective safeguards, Benincasa said.
China has allowed representatives from Germany, Sweden, Finland and Denmark to board a Chinese bulk carrier at the center of an investigation into Baltic Sea cable breaches, the Danish foreign minister said on Thursday.

The Yi Peng 3 vessel is wanted in Sweden for questioning over a breach of two undersea fiber-optic cables in November and has been stationary in waters nearby for a month while diplomats in Stockholm and Beijing discussed the matter.

Investigators quickly zeroed in on the ship, which left the Russian port of Ust-Luga on Nov. 15, and a Reuters analysis of MarineTraffic data showed that the vessel's coordinates corresponded to the time and place of the breaches.

The Baltic Sea cables, one linking Finland and Germany and the other connecting Sweden to Lithuania, were damaged on Nov. 17 and 18, prompting German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to say he assumed it was caused by sabotage.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Thursday said his country had facilitated a meeting earlier this week between representatives from Germany, Sweden, Finland and China, helping break a monthlong standoff.

"It is our expectation that once the inspection has been completed by this group of people from the four countries, the ship will be able to sail towards its destination," Lokke Rasmussen said.

LSEG data showed Yi Peng 3 remained anchored in the same spot in the Kattegat strait between Denmark and Sweden.

Swedish police in a statement said they participated on board the vessel as observers only, while Chinese authorities conducted investigations.

"In parallel, the preliminary investigation into sabotage in connection with two cable breaks in the Baltic Sea is continuing," the police said.

The actions taken on board the ship on Thursday were not part of the Swedish-led preliminary investigation, the police added.

The breaches happened in Sweden's exclusive economic zone and Swedish prosecutors are leading the investigation on suspicion of possible sabotage.

Western intelligence officials from multiple countries have said they are confident the Chinese ship caused the cuts to both cables. They have expressed different views on whether these were accidents or could have been deliberate.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had urged the ship to return to Sweden to aid the investigation.

The was no immediate response from the Chinese Foreign Ministry outside of business hours on Thursday.
An independent weapons expert told the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday that North Korea is procuring parts for missiles from third countries and producing and transferring them to Russia faster than previously thought, for use in its war against Ukraine.

Jonah Leff, who heads Conflict Armament Research (CAR), an independent organization that tracks weapons used in conflicts, said his researchers documented remnants of four missiles they assess came from North Korea that were recovered in July and August in Ukraine. He said one of the missiles had markings indicating it was produced this year.

This is the first public evidence of missiles having been produced in North Korea and then used in Ukraine within a matter of months, not years, Leff said.

He said this indicates a very short period between the production of these ballistic missiles, their transfer and eventual use in Ukraine.

Leff also noted that some missile remnants had components not manufactured in North Korea, including with production marks as recently as 2023, indicating Pyongyang has a robust acquisition network for its ballistic missile program, despite international sanctions prohibiting such transfers to the rogue regime.

Despite nearly two decades of sanctions on the DPRK, it has demonstrated this year its ability to produce and supply ballistic missiles for use against Ukraine within just a matter of months, he said, using the acronym for North Koreas official name.

Some parts for North Korean drones and missiles that have been used against Ukraine had components branded from companies in Europe, Japan and the United States.

Through CARs collaborative approach with industry, we have ascertained that these components found in remnants of weapons systems used against Ukraine derived from supplies by third-party distributors, mostly based in East Asia, Leff said.

Russian, North Korean ambassadors

Russias ambassador did not address the transfer of arms from Pyongyang to the Kremlin. Of their deepening relations, Vassily Nebenzia said they are close neighbors and developing relations in all areas.

This is our sovereign right. Russian cooperation with the DPRK at the military and other areas is in accordance with international law, not in violation thereof, Nebenzia said. This is not directed against any third countries. It does not pose any threat to states in the region or the international community  and have no doubt, we will continue to develop such cooperation.

North Koreas ambassador, Song Kim, said their relations are a positive contribution to peace and security and should not be criticized.

Wednesdays meeting was called by the United States, with support from South Korea, Japan and several Western council members.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Washington has information that a large number of DPRK-origin 170 mm long-range self-propelled artillery pieces and 240 mm long-range multiple rocket launchers are being introduced into the Ukrainian conflict.

We also have information that Russia has transferred air defense systems to the DPRK, she said, indicating what Pyongyang may be getting in return for sending both arms and more than 11,000 troops to assist Moscow.

And not just any soldiers, she said. North Korea sent elite special forces units to Russia.

She noted that this is the first time that North Korean troops have been deployed in large-scale fighting in more than 70 years, and it is the first time outside the Korean Peninsula.

Ukraines ambassador said Russian forces have integrated North Korean troops into joint units in the Kursk region.

They primarily advance in large numbers on foot across open terrain, and in extended chains, Sergiy Kyslytsya said. This approach bears a striking resemblance of infantry tactics employed during World War II but is highly unusual for the Russian-Ukrainian war.

He said that the North Korean troops do not appear well-trained in modern warfare.

Available video evidence reveals that North Korean soldiers seem unprepared to react to enemy drones and lack even the basic understanding of measures to counter drone-related threats, he said, saying the joint units had suffered noticeable losses.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived Thursday in the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte to survey Cyclone Chido's destruction and was immediately confronted with a firsthand account of devastation across the French territory.

"Mayotte is demolished," Assane Haloi, a security agent, told Macron after he stepped off the plane.

Macron had been moving along in a line of people greeting him when Haloi grasped his hand and spoke for a minute about the harrowing conditions the islands faced without bare essentials since Saturday when the strongest cyclone in nearly a century ripped through the French territory off the coast of Africa.

"We are without water, without electricity, there is nowhere to go because everything is demolished," she said. "We can't even shelter, we are all wet with our children covering ourselves with whatever we have so that we can sleep."

Numbers of dead unknown

At least 31 people have died and more than 1,500 people were injured, more than 200 critically, French authorities said. But it's feared hundreds or even thousands of people have died.

Macron arrived shortly after The Associated Press and other journalists from outside were able to reach Mayotte to provide accounts from survivors of the horror over the weekend when winds howled above 220 kph (136 mph) and peeled the roofs and walls from homes that collapsed around the people sheltering inside.

In the shantytown Kaweni on the outskirts of the capital Mamoudzou, a swath of hillside homes was reduced to scraps of corrugated metal, plastic, piles of bedding and clothing, and pieces of timber marking the frame where homes once stood.

"Those of us who are here are still in shock, but God let us live," Nassirou Hamidouni said as he dug in the rubble of his former home. "We are sad. We can't sleep because of all of the houses that have been destroyed."

Macron took a helicopter tour of the damage and then met with patients and staff at a hospital, who described having to work around the clock.

A woman who works in the psychological unit became emotional as she described staff becoming exhausted and unable to care for patients.

"Help the hospital staff, help the hospital," pleaded the woman, whose name was not known. "Everyone from top to bottom is wiped out."

More help on the way

Macron, who was wearing a traditional red, black and gold Mayotte scarf over his white dress shirt and tie, put his hand on her shoulder as she wiped away tears.

He sought to reassure people that food, medical aid and additional rescuers arrived with him and more help was on its way in the form of water and a field hospital to be set up Friday. A navy ship brought 180 tons of aid and equipment, the French military said.

But the visit took a testy turn when Macron was criticized for being out of touch about what was happening on the ground by a man who said they had gone six days in Ouangani without water or a visit from rescue services.

The president said it took the military four days to clear the roads and get a plan in place to deliver aid.

"If you want to continue shouting to get airtime," Macron said as he was cut off, by the man saying he didn't intend to shout. "If you are interested in my response, if not I will walk away."

Residents have expressed agony at not knowing if loved ones were dead or missing, partly because of the hasty burials required under Muslim practice to lay the dead to rest within 24 hours.

"We're dealing with open-air mass graves," said Estelle Youssoufa, who represents Mayotte in the French parliament. "There are no rescuers, no one has come to recover the buried bodies."

Macron acknowledged that many who died haven't been reported. He said phone services will be repaired "in the coming days" so that people can report their missing loved ones.

France's poorest territory

Mayotte, with a population of 320,000 residents and an estimated 100,000 additional migrants, is France's poorest territory.

It is part of an archipelago located between mainland Africa's east coast and northern Madagascar that had been a French colony. Mayotte voted to remain part of France in a 1974 referendum as the rest of the islands became the independent nation of Comoros.

The cyclone devastated entire neighborhoods as many people ignored warnings, thinking the storm wouldn't be so extreme.

Signs of the disaster and its impact were everywhere.

Streets remained swamped in puddles. Bright clothing was hung to dry on the wooden frames of homes and along the railings of a footbridge over a debris-strewn stream in the Kaweni slum. Throngs of motorbikes and cars lined up at a gas station still in service.

Families sprawled out on blankets at a school where 500 people were taking shelter. Women washed clothing in buckets of water as children played with the pieces of a giant chessboard.

Alibouna Haithouna, a displaced mother of four, was with her own mother who had been forced to leave a hospital after her son died there.

"There was a tragedy. We lost my brother. We are here," Haithouna said. "My brother's body, we haven't been able to get it from the hospital because there is a lot of paperwork to do and in addition to that you have to pay to recover the body."
After a French court Thursday found all 51 defendants guilty in a drugging-and-rape case, the victim, Gisele Pelicot said that the trial has been a difficult ordeal, but that she never regretted making the case public.

Following a four-month trial in the southeastern city of Avignon, Pelicots ex-husband of 50 years, 72-year-old Dominique Pelicot, received a sentence of a maximum of 20 years in prison.

He pleaded guilty in September to repeatedly drugging his wife, raping her while she was unconscious and recruiting strangers to join him over a period of 10 years.

The five-judge panel handed Pelicots 50 co-defendants, a group of men from 27 to 74 years old, sentences ranging from three to 20 years in prison.

In her first comments following the verdicts, Gisele Pelicot told reporters her first thoughts were with her three children and her grandchildren, because they are the future, and it is also for them that I have fought this battle.

She said she was also thinking of all the other families affected by this tragedy. Finally, she said, I think of the unrecognized victims whose stories often remain in the shadows. I want you to know that we share the same struggle.

Pelicot has become a symbol of courage and resilience to many, and crowds of supporters gathered outside the courthouse as the case went on.

Asked by reporters about complaints by her supporters that the sentences were too lenient, Pelicot said she respected the court and the decision. She said, I trust, now, in our capacity to collectively seize a future in which each one of us, woman and man, may live in harmony with mutual respect and understanding."

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
In Greek mythology, a centaur was an animal that was half man, half horse, armed, and dangerous. The Spanish National Police also calls its night patrolmen dedicated to fighting crime centaurs. There is a third type of centaur that is perhaps less known: objects that orbit beyond Neptune and that at some point in their existence change trajectory to enter deeper into the Solar System, a perfect opportunity for us to study them from Earth.

Two studies published on December 19 provided completely new details about these mysterious bodies, whose orbits are made irregular by the gravitational pull of Neptune and Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system. The work was made possible by the unprecedented resolution of the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest observatory of its kind.

The first of the studies focuses on Chiron, a unique centaur. As in mythology, Chiron is a hybrid object, half asteroid, half comet. Spanish astronomer Noemi Pinilla-Alonso is one of the lead authors of the new studies. All the small bodies in the solar system tell us about what it was like in the past, a period of time that we can no longer really observe, she explains in a press release. Active centaurs tell us much more. They are undergoing transformations driven by the heat of the Sun and offer us a unique opportunity to learn about their surface and subsurface layers.

Chiron is unique in that astronomers have been able to observe both the ices on its surface and the gases in its wake, or coma. Trans-Neptunian objects (TNO) do not have this type of activity because they are too far away and too cold. Asteroids do not display this activity because they do not contain ice. Comets, on the other hand, show activity similar to that of centaurs, but they are usually observed closer to the Sun and their tails are so dense that they complicate the interpretation of observations of surface ice.

Thanks to James Webb, scientists have been able to establish that Chiron, discovered in 1977, has water ice, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide on its surface, while its trail is made of methane and carbon dioxide.

The study, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, reveals that Chiron is unique in that it can behave like a comet, with rings of material around it and, potentially, a debris field of dust or rocky material orbiting around it. The researchers say the coexistence of molecules in multiple states adds another layer of interest to the study of comets and centaurs.

Pinilla-Alonso says Chiron originated in the region of trans-Neptunian objects. The orbits of this body and many other large non-planetary objects sometimes experience close encounters with one of the giant planets, whose gravitational pull changes their orbit and takes them across the entire solar system, exposing them to diverse environments, she explains.

We know that it has been ejected from the TNO population and is currently just transiting the giant planet region, where it will not remain for long, says Pinilla-Alonso. Within approximately one million years, centaurs like Chiron are typically ejected from the giant planet region; they can either end their lives as Jupiter-family comets or return to the TNO region, she adds.

The ices detected, such as methane, carbon dioxide, and water ice, could be primordial components of Chiron inherited from the nebula before the formation of the Solar System, more than 4.5 billion years ago. Others, such as acetylene, propane, ethane, and carbon oxides, could have formed on the surface due to reduction and oxidation processes, the astronomer adds.

Pinilla-Alonso, who has just returned to Spain to carry out research at the University of Oviedo, and Javier Licandro, a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), published a second study in Nature Astronomy on Thursday in which they studied other trans-Neptunian objects and made a classification based on their characteristics. Observations made with the James Webb telescope have made it possible to analyze, in unprecedented detail, the transformations in the surface composition of these objects, highlighting how the sublimation of ice and other thermal processes shape their surface as they approach the Sun. This study shows that centaurs are not only an intermediate link between trans-Neptunian objects and comets, but also provide key information on the thermal evolution of icy bodies in the Solar System, explained the IAC in a press release.

Interestingly, Licandro explains, a new type of surface has been identified, unprecedented among objects beyond Neptune, which resembles that of active comets and asteroids. The diversity detected in the centaur populations in terms of the presence of water, dust, and complex organic compounds suggests varied origins in the trans-Neptunian population and different evolutionary stages, which highlights that centaurs are not a homogeneous population, but rather a dynamic and transitional group of objects.

The two studies are part of the DiSCo program on the surface of trans-Neptunian bodies, led by Pinilla-Alonso, currently a Distinguished Researcher at the Institute of Space Sciences and Technologies of Asturias and the University of Oviedo.

Among all these objects, Chirons features are unique. The body is named after a mythological centaur who was also unique, as he was a wise man who knew medicine and a teacher of great heroes such as Hercules, Achilles, and Jason. This centaur gave up being immortal to help Prometheus  who gave fire to humanity  and instead remained in the firmament as the Centaurus constellation.

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Hadi al-Bahra, head of the Syrian National Coalition that grouped opponents of Bashar al-Assad during the civil war, says Syria's transitional government should be credible and inclusive. A bipartisan effort to protect children from the harms of social media is running out of time in this session of the U.S. Congress. Ghana's Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed two separate cases challenging the legality of one of Africa's most restrictive pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Israel continued to strike Gaza on Thursday as U.S. and Arab mediators worked to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, according to reports.

Medics in Gaza said Israeli strikes killed 44 Palestinians in Gaza on Thursday, including at least 13 who were killed overnight in separate airstrikes.

Medics said another airstrike killed nine people near the Beach refugee camp in Gaza City, while another strike killed four people at a housing project near Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza.

Later Thursday, airstrikes killed at least 15 Palestinians in two shelters for displaced families in eastern Gaza, according to medics, while a separate Israeli strike killed at least three people in a Gaza City suburb.

In some of the strikes, Israel said it was targeting Hamas command centers, without providing evidence.

Those strikes and deaths took place as mediators in Egypt and Qatar continued to work on a deal to pause the war. Mediators have succeeded in narrowing some gaps on previous sticking points, but other differences exist, Reuters reported.

In New York on Thursday, the United Nations General Assembly voted to ask the International Court of Justice for an opinion on Israels obligations to facilitate aid to Palestinians that is delivered by states and international groups, including the U.N.

The resolution was drafted by Norway and was adopted with 137 countries voting yes, 10 countries  including Israel and the United States  voting no, and 22 countries abstaining.

Meanwhile, a new report Thursday from New York-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch, has accused Israel of committing genocide by intentionally depriving civilians in Gaza of an adequate water supply, likely resulting in the deaths of thousands.

The 179-page report published on the groups website outlines how since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023, Israeli authorities and forces cut off and later restricted piped water to Gaza, and cut electricity and restricted fuel, rendering most of the enclaves sanitation infrastructure useless.

Additionally, the report said Israel deliberately destroyed and damaged water and sanitation infrastructure and water repair materials, and blocked the entry of critical water supplies.

In a statement, HRW Executive Director Tirana Hassan accused Israel of deliberately depriving Palestinians of an element essential for human life for more than a year.

"This isnt just negligence," Hassan said. "It is a calculated policy of deprivation that has led to the deaths of thousands from dehydration and disease that is nothing short of the crime against humanity of extermination, and an act of genocide."

Israel emphatically denied the charges. In a statement, Israels Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories agency, COGAT, called HRWs charges a "libelous claim" and "an egregious lie."

The COGAT statement said millions of liters of water flow into Gaza through three pipelines, and Israel has "facilitated hundreds of water infrastructure repairs and fixed water lines leading to Gaza on the Israeli side that were damaged by Hamas.

"We operate in accordance with international law," the COGAT statement said. "Saying otherwise is just flagrant deceit," the statement said.

A report published Thursday by Doctors Without Borders said there were clear signs of ethnic cleansing in Israel's offensive as Palestinians were forcibly displaced and bombed.

Israel has previously denied accusations of ethnic cleansing.

Months of ceasefire talks have proven fruitless in halting the fighting triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 hostages.

Gaza health officials say Israels counteroffensive has killed at least 45,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, while Israel says the death toll includes thousands of Hamas combatants.

Hamas has been designated as a terror group by the United States, Britain, the European Union and others.

VOAs United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report, and some information was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Israels military said Thursday it carried out airstrikes against Houthi militant targets in Yemen.

A military spokesperson said the strikes targeted energy and port infrastructure used by the Houthis as part of their "military action."

Houthi-run media reported attacks in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, and that the strikes hit a power station and an oil facility.

A short time earlier, Israel said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen.

The Houthis have conducted multiple missile attacks directed at Israel and have carried out more than a year of drone and missile attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Iran-backed Houthis say their campaign is in solidarity with the Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The United States has designated Hamas and the Houthis as terror groups.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
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Donald Trump's casualty figures align with July-October Western intelligence, defense and military sources, differing from Ukrainian estimates. All Western data indicate Russia has suffered greater military losses than Ukraine in the conflict.
A Manhattan resident has pleaded guilty to helping establish a secret police station in New York City on behalf of the Chinese government.

Chen Jinping, 60, entered the guilty plea on a single count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government in Brooklyn federal court on Wednesday.

Matthew Olsen, an assistant attorney general in the U.S. Justice Department, said Chen admitted in court to his role in audaciously establishing an undeclared police station in Manhattan and attempting to conceal the effort when approached by the FBI.

This illegal police station was not opened in the interest of public safety, but to further the nefarious and repressive aims of the PRC in direct violation of American sovereignty," he said in statement, referring to the People's Republic of China.

Prosecutors say Chen and his co-defendant, Lu Jianwang, opened and operated a local branch of Chinas Ministry of Public Security in Manhattans Chinatown neighborhood starting in early 2022.

The office, which occupied an entire floor of the building, performed basic services, such as helping Chinese citizens renew their Chinese drivers licenses, but also identified pro-democracy activists living in the U.S., according to federal authorities.

The clandestine Chinese police operation was shuttered in fall 2022 amid an FBI investigation. But in an apparent effort to obstruct the federal probe, Chen and Lu deleted from their phones the communications with a Chinese government official they reported to, prosecutors said.

China is believed to be operating such secretive police outposts in North America, Europe and other places where there are Chinese communities. The country, however, has denied that they are police stations, saying that they exist mainly to provide citizen services such as renewing drivers licenses.

The arrest of Chen and Lu in April 2023 was part of a series of Justice Department prosecutions aimed at cracking down on "transnational repression, in which foreign governments such as China work to identify, intimidate and silence dissidents in the U.S.

Lawyers for Chen and Lu didnt immediately respond to emails seeking comment Wednesday. Chen faces up to five years in prison at his sentencing on May 30.

Lu, who is due back in court in February, had a longstanding relationship with Chinese law enforcement officials, according to prosecutors.

Over the years, they say, the Bronx resident, who was also known as Harry Lu, helped harass and threaten a Chinese fugitive living in the U.S. and also worked to locate a pro-democracy activist in California on behalf of Chinas government.
New details have emerged of Israels occupation of a Golan Heights buffer zone since Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad fell from power this month. Assads fall also coincided with a change in U.S. language on Israeli activity in the zone from several weeks prior, VOA has learned.

A spokesperson for U.N. peacekeeping operations told VOA in a Monday interview that the U.N. Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has identified at least 10 locations occupied by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the buffer zone as of December 15.

The zone, which the United Nations calls an Area of Separation, is on the Syrian side of a 1974 ceasefire line that had divided Israeli and Syrian-administered territory following the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. Under the ceasefire, the area was intended to separate, or be free of, Syrian and Israeli forces.

UNDOF has called Israels latest actions in the zone a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The zone is 75 kilometers long, spanning from the peak of Mount Hermon in the north to the Yarmouk River along the Jordanian border in the south. It varies in width from 10 kilometers in the center to just 200 meters in its southern sector. The area is home to 11 Syrian towns and villages, with tens of thousands of residents.

Since 1974, UNDOF has monitored Syrian and Israeli ceasefire compliance from around 50 positions inside the zone and just outside it.

The U.N. spokesperson said the IDF has severely constrained UNDOFs freedom of movement between those positions since December 7 but added that Israeli troops posture toward UNDOF has for the most part not been aggressive. An IDF spokesman contacted by VOA confirmed it has instructed UNDOF to avoid travel on roads during IDF movements.

The U.N. spokesperson also said UNDOF has not observed the IDF building hard-walled accommodations for troops in the locations they have occupied. Rather, images published by the Israeli government showed troops positioned alongside green tents constructed at the summit of Mount Hermon as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site on Tuesday.

UNDOF is aware of Israeli troops installing mobility impairment devices, or barriers, on some roads within the buffer zone, the U.N. spokesperson said. The IDF spokesman confirmed to VOA that the barriers are a security measure intended to slow the approach of unknown vehicles toward Israeli positions.

In a Tuesday briefing, the U.N. secretary-generals spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, provided more details on how Israels occupation of the buffer zone has impacted UNDOF.

UNDOF used to conduct approximately 55 to 60 daily operational tasks and logistics activities. It is currently restricted to three to five essential logistics movements per day, which significantly affects its operations, Dujarric said.

Netanyahu, in a social media video posted from his visit to the Mount Hermon summit, said the IDF will remain in what he called an important place for Israels security until another arrangement is found ensuring that security.

Israel has said its occupation of the buffer zone is a temporary measure to prevent Syrian armed groups that ousted Assad from threatening Israeli territory.

Retired Israeli Colonel Eran Lerman, vice president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, told VOA that Israels newly established control of the Mount Hermon summit and of commanding geographical features of the largely abandoned city of Quneitra and areas further south enable the IDF to see deeper into Syrian territory.

This is crucial for intelligence gathering, both visual and otherwise, said Lerman, a former deputy national security adviser.

In his first public comment on Israels occupation of the buffer zone that began eight days earlier, Syrias main rebel leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, told Britains The Times newspaper in a Monday interview that Israel must pull back to its previous positions.

"We are committed to the 1974 agreement. ... We do not want any conflict, whether with Israel or anyone else, and we will not let Syria be used as a launchpad for attacks, said Sharaa, whose HTS militia is a U.S.-designated terror group.

Syrian-born political analyst Rime Allaf, an Austria-based advocate of democracy in her native country, told VOA the new authorities in Syria have been much more focused on rebuilding the country after 13 years of war than on Israels expanded control over the Golan Heights.

Prior to its occupation of the buffer zone, Israel had spent several months digging a trench along the Golan Heights ceasefire line as part of a nationwide effort to fortify its borders against future terror attacks like that perpetrated by Hamas from Gaza on October 7, 2023.

UNDOF had publicly complained to Israel about the trench construction, accusing Israeli forces of straying several meters into the Area of Separation at several points. Responding to a VOA inquiry on November 15, the State Department said it had received the UNDOF complaints of "unauthorized military personnel and equipment inside the Area of Separation. It criticized those activities as encroachments [that] degrade the security situation.

Three weeks later, after the fall of Assad, U.S. officials changed their language regarding Israeli activities in the buffer zone, defending the Israeli presence as consistent with Israels right to self-defense and important for its security. They also said the U.S. continues to support the terms of the 1974 Israeli-Syrian ceasefire agreement and wants to see Syrias territorial integrity upheld.

Asked by VOA if the State Department stood by its earlier criticism of the Israeli trench construction along the ceasefire line, a spokesperson responded on December 12 by pointing to a department press briefing that discussed Israels buffer zone activities but not the trench issue specifically.

The U.S. recognized the Golan Heights ceasefire line as Israels border with Syria in 2019. The rest of the international community has not done so, with most nations labeling the Israeli-administered part of the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian territory.

Allaf said many Syrians do not see Israel as having acted in self-defense by occupying the buffer zone.

Im on the phone with people in Syria every day, and most of them are outraged about the Golan Heights because nobody has done anything to threaten Israel. They see Israel as acting illegally and opportunistically to expand its territory in a way that creates more tension with Syria, she said.

Lerman said that while Israels occupation of the buffer zone may be prolonged as Syrias new rulers try to form an internationally recognized political entity, he does not anticipate an eventual Israeli annexation of the territory.

Once there is a legitimate regime in Syria, Israel can trade away the buffer zone for a stable arrangement, perhaps short of a peace deal, that would enable us to concentrate on other missions, he said.
Nicaragua is expected to rubber stamp a change to its constitution in January that alters presidential power and increases state control over media.

If ratified, the change would mandate that the state has power to ensure media outlets and platforms are not subject to foreign interests and do not spread false news.

Analysts say it would replicate a move in other authoritarian countries around the world, including Cuba, Venezuela and former Soviet countries.

Carlos Jornet, president of the freedom of the press and information committee of the Inter American Association, said that controlling free speech in social media and on the internet was a growing phenomenon in the Americas.

Worse still, the governments promoting such controls do so after having co-opted the judiciary, the legislature, and all oversight bodies, he told VOA.

It is clear that when the government labels information as false, there will be no possibility to exercise a defense or argue about the veracity of a complaint or the relevance of an opinion, Jornet said.

The latest reform, which was passed in November, must be confirmed in a second vote in January.

Requested by President Daniel Ortega, the reform seeks to extend his term in office from five to six years and change the role of vice president, who is Ortegas wife Rosario Murillo, to co-president.

The police and military will be strengthened in a way that allows Ortega to tighten his grip on power in the Central American state.

Ortegas attacks on media freedom have already forced hundreds of journalists and others into exile to avoid threat of arrest and imprisonment, say watchdogs.

More than 200 political prisoners were freed last year and expelled to the United States, including five former presidential hopefuls jailed after seeking to challenge Ortega in the 2021 election, and the publisher of one of the countrys oldest newspapers.

At least 229 people detained in Nicaragua for political reasons suffered torture and crimes against humanity, according to the nongovernmental organization, Nicaragua Never Again Human Rights Collective.

The group estimated that around 2,000 people have been arrested in connection with 2018 anti-government protests, Reuters reported this month.

Critics of the latest constitutional change say it effectively legalizes the absolute power wielded by Ortega and Murillo.

However, Gustavo Porras, the head of the Nicaraguan legislature, has said the reform will be approved next month and described the criticism as a stupid way of carrying out opposition.

The Nicaraguan Embassy in Madrid did not respond to VOAs emailed request for comment.

Lucia Pineda Ubau, director of the news site 100% Noticias, said the new constitution will make it easier for authorities to target independent journalism.

This is serious because it includes it in the constitution policy, which continues to punish, persecute and criminalize journalists and the media, she told VOA from her home in exile in Costa Rica.

This adds to the reform of cybercrime [legislation], which was passed in September this year, she said.

The impending constitutional reforms propose increased sentences from 10 to 15 years in prison for propagating false news or misrepresentations that are ruled to have caused alarm, fear or anxiety. It also expands the laws reach beyond Nicaraguas borders.

This government has increased the terror for exiled journalists, Pineda said.

The changes in Nicaragua replicate similar laws and regulations in the region that analysts say are used to silence dissent and media.

In Venezuela, attacks on independent media by the government of President Nicolas Maduro over the past 11 years have created a kind of news desert, according to the Committee for Protection of Journalists.

A report that the watchdog published earlier this year found that the government did not bother to carry out a fresh crackdown against the media before the July presidential election because of the effectiveness of its sustained campaign of repression.

Cuba has also passed a series of laws that further regulate freedom of expression, said William LeoGrande, a Cuba expert and professor of government at American University in Washington.

Cuba has similar laws to Nicaragua, he told VOA, referencing Decree 35, which entails criminal penalties for dissemination of disinformation and requirements for telecommunications providers to suspend or terminate services.

It also potentially gives authorities enormous latitude to criminalize online commentary [like] inciting mobilizations or other acts that alter public order, subverting the constitutional order or defamation with an impact on the countrys prestige.

LeoGrande said that Cubas penal code, which came into force in 2022, contains provisions so broadly worded that they can be used to charge people for criticism or non-violent protest.

Cubas Social Communication Law, which came into force in October, imposes closer regulation on online communication and encourages the repression of dissenting voices.

Reporters With Borders said in October that 11 journalists have already been summoned by Cubas National Revolutionary Police, charged and forced to resign from their jobs.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said the impending changes to Nicaraguas constitution mark a further erosion of any checks and balances on executive power.

If adopted, these changes will sound the death knell for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in Nicaragua, he said in a statement.
Pakistan sharply criticized the United States Thursday for imposing new sanctions against the nuclear-armed countrys long-range ballistic missile program, labeling the move as double standards and discriminatory practices.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller announced the measures on Wednesday, saying they were imposed under an executive order that targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

Miller said the sanctions cover Pakistans state-owned National Defense Complex and three entities collaborating with it in the development of long-range ballistic missiles, including the Shaheen series of missiles.

Pakistans foreign ministry rejected the move as unfortunate and biased. The ministry statement said Islamabads defense capabilities are aimed at safeguarding Pakistans sovereignty and preserving peace in South Asia.

The latest installment of sanctions defies the objective of peace and security by aiming to accentuate military asymmetries, the ministry said, apparently referring to Pakistans rivalry with nuclear-armed neighbor India.

Such policies have dangerous implications for the strategic stability of our region and beyond, the ministry warned, without elaborating.

The designation of National Defense Complex and other firms freezes all U.S. property they own and bars U.S. citizens from engaging in business transactions with them.

Pakistans strategic program is a sacred trust bestowed by 240 million people upon its leadership. The sanctity of this trust, held in the highest esteem across the entire political spectrum, cannot be compromised, the foreign ministry stated Thursday in response to the U.S. announcement.

The accompanying U.S. State Department fact sheet said the Islamabad-based National Defense Complex has worked to acquire items intended to be used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles and missile testing equipment to advance the countrys missile development program.

The other companies hit with U.S. sanctions are Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Ltd., and Rockside Enterprise, all located in Karachi, according to the fact sheet.

The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, Miller said.

Pakistans Shaheen surface-to-surface rocket is capable of carrying nuclear warheads to a range of approximately 2,750 kilometers, with experts saying the range enables the solid-fueled, multistage missile to reach targets anywhere in India and parts of the Middle East.

New Delhi and Islamabad conducted their first nuclear weapons tests in May 1998, raising fears another war between the arch-rivals could escalate into a nuclear exchange in South Asia. Both nations have fought three wars, resulting in strained relations and persistent military tensions.

India and Pakistan oppose and refuse to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty, an international agreement aimed at curbing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

These country-specific U.S. sanctions against a close and longstanding strategic partner like Pakistan are unfortunate, divorced from historical realities, and indicate weaker U.S. commitment towards regional peace, security and strategic stability, Syed Muhammad Ali, a security expert based in Islamabad, told VOA.
Polish Defense Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz laid out his countrys plans to deal with feared Russian aggression, such as possible missile infiltrations and conflict on its borders, in an interview with VOA Eastern Europe Bureau Chief Myroslava Gongadze.

Plans include bolstering air defenses to building a $2.1 billion "East Shield," he said Tuesday.

"Polish F-16s are ready to act if a missile threatens our territory," he said, confirming the militarys heightened readiness amid the war in Ukraine. Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the urgency of European countries pulling their weight in defense, warning that NATOs unity is key to keeping American forces in Europe.

With the war in Ukraine showing no signs of letting up, Poland is leading the charge in Europe, spending more on defense than any other NATO member and urging others to follow suit.

This interview, translated from Polish, has been edited for brevity and clarity.

VOA: You're buying a lot of equipment from the United States. How do you assess this cooperation, and what are you looking forward to?

Polish Defense Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz: Our cooperation is really at the best possible level. I have concluded several contracts worth dozens of billions of dollars, including the purchase of 26 Apache aircraft. Poland will be one of the best armies equipped with attack aircraft, Apaches. We're talking about a strategic partnership, and I think we are meeting President [-elect Donald] Trump's expectations. We're spending a lot on armaments, and we have good trade relations. We're buying a lot of equipment in the U.S. That's a guarantee of security, as well as it is investment in U.S. production.

VOA: How do you assess the Russian threat today, and who are Polands main adversaries?

Kosiniak-Kamysz: Russia is the greatest threat since the end of World War II. Many people have said that since the end of the second World War, but today, it's not the Cold War. We have an active war just beyond our border. We have crises  a conflict in the Near East. We have a conflict situation in the Pacific and also, recently, the developments in Syria have totally changed the position of Russia, Iran and other countries. So, we are living in very difficult times. Poland is spending 4.7% of its GDP the greatest amount among NATO member states on defense  on armaments. Why are we spending that money? Because the situation is utmost difficult. The threat from Russia is realistic. The citizens of Ukraine are experiencing it every day.

VOA: How important it is to invest in defense, and how would you encourage others to put more into defense?

Kosiniak-Kamysz: Two percent is not enough. It is the absolute minimum. I believe that the 2% of GDP that NATO countries have committed to, and those that do not meet it, will not even be invited to the table with the new Trump administration. ... So, all countries must fulfill their obligations. ... Europe must do more for security, not to replace the Americans in Europe, but to keep them in Europe. If we do not spend more on security, if other countries do not follow Poland's example, we will not be able to keep Americans in Europe.

The EU has created the program for defense development, but it has assigned just 1.5 billion euros ($1.55 billion). It's just symbolic. Where are the capacities to manufacture the munitions that North Korea, Russia and Iran have? Europe, as well as the Western world, the U.S., Canada and our allies don't have those capacities. We have to make up for it. 100 billion euros ($103 billion)  that would be the money we should be talking about.

VOA: So, are you saying that Europe is not ready to fight the active war today?

Kosiniak-Kamysz: We are ready  we have to be ready each day. But Europe has to be more ready to a better extent each day. So, it's not enough to say that we are ready and do nothing. A lot has happened since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. But it's still not enough to say that it's at the best level. We have to be ready to fight each time of day and night, each state. We are prepared for that. But each day, we could be prepared better, hence the pressure that we are exerting on other countries. Hence the building of a resilient society. This is something that Western societies don't have today. ...

We have already been attacked with lies, fake news, with misinformation. And it does not matter if you live next to the border with the Kaliningrad region, near the Belarusian border here in Poland, or [if] you live in Portugal, in Quebec, or anyplace today. You are being attacked. Russia has already attacked you.

VOA: Poland has experienced Belarusian helicopters entering its airspace. A Russian missile violated Polands airspace during an attack on Ukraine. Is Poland ready to do something about it?

Kosiniak-Kamysz: The situation of infringing the airspace of Poland also affects Latvia, often affecting Romania with UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), and we've prepared the air defense system. We also have enhanced air defense. We're talking about Rzeszow Airport, which is almost being passed onto the protection of NATO. Our allies America, Britain, Germany, Norway and other nations  are protecting us at the air base. And if that airspace is infringed, then the target missile or a drone can be shot [down]. ... But it's a different situation when it comes to shooting targets above the Ukrainian territory. There is no NATO decision on that position, or agreement to do so. We are protecting our territories.

VOA: Are you saying that if a rocket infiltrates Polish airspace, you're ready to shoot them down?

Kosiniak-Kamysz: Very often, we activate our F-16s to act accordingly, if there is a danger to Polish territory, to defend our territory.

VOA: But it hasn't happened yet?

Kosiniak-Kamysz: No, because there has been no such event where the missile would be aimed at a target in the Polish territory. But yes, last week, the Polish F-16s took off and were ready to protect near the border.

VOA: There are talks about the defense line youre building on the eastern border called the "East Shield." What are the plans for that for the next year or two?

Kosiniak-Kamysz: This is preparation for the event of a conflict on the Polish-Russian, Polish-Belarusian borders. We are building barriers that will complicate the movement of enemy troops. We are also building warehouses for artillery and other means of defense. We are building places for the defense of manpower. .... This should be combined with the Baltic line of defense, [and] strengthening the Russian-Finnish border. In addition, we are increasing protection against illegal migrants.

VOA: French President Emmanuel Macron visited Poland last week and hinted at the idea of Polish and French military personnel going to Ukraine as security guarantees if a peace agreement is signed. Poland declared it was not planning to do so. Why?

Kosiniak-Kamysz: We have not seen any peace plan from President Trump yet. There are many reports in the press about this or that outcome, following the example of Finland, or the example of Germany, but these are all speculations. We exclude the possibility of the Polish military being on the territory of Ukraine. We believe that such decisions should not be made by the group of countries, but NATO should have a key role in this decision. We will consider further steps when that stage comes. At this stage, as you said, we do not plan to send troops to Ukraine.

VOA: So, if NATO would make that decision, you're open to it?

Kosiniak-Kamysz: Well, we'll see. I won't be making any declarations here. I'm just saying that we are not planning to deploy any troops to Ukraine, as long as the peace process has not been finalized, and that is not possible without Ukraine at the table.
We love exploring the traits that set humans apart from other primates and animals. For example, our bipedal posture, hairless bodies, higher encephalization, rich cumulative culture, and language. Yet, we often overlook one of the most conspicuous differences: the development of prominent breasts in women at puberty, something that does not happen in other primates. The intriguing question is  why?

Desmond Morris tackled this question in his 1967 seminal book, The Naked Ape. His ideas became fixed in the collective imagination like a scab that was difficult to peel off, as they were innovative, striking, intuitive and easy to understand. But they were also pure speculation, and subsequent research has chipped away at their foundations.

Morris proposed that female breasts evolved alongside bipedalism, as they resembled buttocks. In quadruped primates, sexual signals are most visible on the backside. In contrast, in the upright position of humans, most interactions are face-to-face, and the buttocks are not as visible, so why not bring them to the chest? If men were attracted to buttocks, Morris argued, it was better to have two sets: one in front, and one behind.

Other researchers later suggested that breasts could be attractive as they serve as indicators of sexual maturity. Whether due to Morriss hypothesis or this one, the idea of breasts evolving through sexual selection has been the most widely discussed hypothesis. Consequently, much research has focused on male perspectives regarding breast attractiveness. And the results are very varied.

Some studies suggest men prefer medium and large breasts  though not excessively large, as they may lack firmness. Others claim men favor smaller breasts. Men like some breasts more than others, depending on cultural factors. Poor men prefer larger breasts than rich men. Men do not care about the size of the breasts. Men in Mali believe that being sexually attracted to breasts is perverted. The sheer variability of findings could fill an entire article.

In 2021, Bogusaw Pawowski and Agnieszka Zelazniewicz from the University of Wroclaw in Poland published a literature review criticizing the theory that breasts evolved through sexual selection. Their review argued that its unlikely enlarged breasts were initially deemed attractive, as in primates they are typically more pronounced during periods of lower fertility: lactation and pregnancy.

A woman breastfeeds her baby during a breastfeeding protest in London, England. Peter Summers (Getty Images)

The researchers also find it strange that such an arbitrary trait evolved simply to attract men. In nature, male selection is often based on characteristics that represent a direct benefit to the individual, such as willingness to mate, health or reproductive potential. In contrast, there is evidence that breast size does not correlate with any of these characteristics. In fact, women begin to develop breasts before they are even fertile.

Pawowski and Zelazniewicz acknowledge the obvious role of breasts in human sexuality, but believe this was not their original evolutionary purpose. Often in evolution, traits that arise for one function are co-opted for another, a process known as exaptation. They suggest that the female breast may have initially been a byproduct of increased subcutaneous fat in humans.

Most studies on the development of primate breasts have been carried out on macaques, because of their usefulness as models for studying breast cancer. In these animals, the mammary glands also develop during puberty, but their volume barely increases. Therefore, womens breasts are different not because they develop earlier, but because they accumulate a greater amount of fat. In fact, while there is considerable variability, a positive correlation exists between breast size and body fat index.

Molecular and archaeological data suggest that, approximately 2 million years ago, Homo ergaster began to increase its level of subcutaneous fat. This helped newborns sustain energy for enhanced brain development and allowed adults to better adapt to colder climates. In women, the surge in estrogen during puberty further increased their fat levels, preparing them for pregnancy.

But why does fat accumulate more in breasts than elsewhere on the body? Fat distribution is related to the number of estrogen receptors. According to Pawowski and Zelazniewicz, female chimpanzees, for instance, have higher concentrations of these receptors around the genitals, and in the uterus and breasts. It is therefore likely that this receptor distribution  already present in our common ancestor  predisposed humans to increased breast development.

But why is there a higher level of fat in the breasts than in other parts of the body? Fat distribution is related to the number of estrogen receptors. According to Pawowski and Zelazniewicz, female chimpanzees have a higher density of these receptors around the genitals, in the uterus and on the breasts. It is therefore likely that our common ancestor already exhibited this distribution, which facilitated a greater increase in mammary size.

The accumulation of fat in the breasts and hips became a distinctive feature between men and women, which, according to Pawowski and Zelazniewicz, may have subsequently driven their attractiveness. Sexual selection, they argue, would then have acted on breast traits, explaining why some women with low body fat still have large breasts, and vice versa. Indeed, genetic studies have even identified two loci (location of a gene on the chromosome) associated with breast size, independent of overall subcutaneous fat, though they account for only about 1% of size variation.

While more research is needed to validate Pawowski and Zelazniewiczs hypothesis, their explanation is grounded in evidence and represents progress over speculative theories made in the last century. Still, it is striking that discussions about the evolutionary origin of breasts barely mention their critical role in womens sexual experiences.

The function of enlarged breasts extends beyond attraction, as proper stimulation during sex is pleasurable for most women. One study found that 80% experience arousal from breast stimulation, and some can achieve orgasm through this alone due to the neural connection between the nipples and uterus. There are also quite a few studies on how to regain nipple sensitivity after a mastectomy, given its importance in female sexuality.

Additionally, nipple stimulation  whether from a sexual partner or breastfeeding  triggers the release of oxytocin. Psychiatrist Larry Young posits that romantic love may have evolved as an adaptation of neural circuits originally designed for maternal bonding. Therefore, female breasts, through oxytocin release during sexual intercourse, may activate this bonding mechanism.

The origin of breasts allure may not stem so much from their size, shape, color or supposed resemblance to buttocks. Perhaps, it all began when a curious Homo ergaster with fuller breasts discovered with her partner that they were a wonderful way to achieve pleasure, desire and love.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday rejected the notion that the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad represented a defeat for Russia.

Putin said during his annual news conference that Russia had achieved our goals in Syria, where it rushed to provide direct military support for Assads government more than nine years ago to help push back rebel fighters.

Russian forces operated out of a network of bases in Syria to carry out airstrikes that helped Assads military gain an advantage in the civil war.

After rebels made a surprise surge that toppled Assads government earlier this month, Assad fled to Russia.

Putin said Thursday he had not yet met with Assad but planned to do so. Among the topics Putin said he would discuss is the whereabouts of American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared while reporting in Syria in 2012.

Putin also said he could ask those now in control in Syria about Tice.

Syrian transition

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that Syrians face an incredibly fraught opportunity as they work to shift away from decades of Assad family rule to a new future.

Speaking at an event at the Council on Foreign Relations, Blinken said the question is whether Syrians will seize an opportunity for the first time in decades not to be governed by a dictator, not to be governed by an outside power, not to be governed by a terrorist organization, not be governed by one sect or minority over another.

He also pointed to the rebels who seized power, and the opportunity they have to engage with the outside world and not take actions that will isolate the country.

Blinken highlighted the example of the Taliban in Afghanistan, saying the group pledged to be more moderate after it seized control but ultimately acted otherwise and ended up terribly isolated around the world.

He said those in Syria need to move the country forward in an inclusive, nonsectarian way, to protect minorities, and deal with security challenges such as chemical weapons and groups such as the Islamic State.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Officials in Russias Rostov region reported a fire Thursday at an oil refinery after a wave of attacks from several dozen Ukrainian aerial drones.

Rostov acting Governor Yuri Slyusar said on Telegram that the fire happened at the Novoshakhtinsk refinery and was later extinguished. Slyusar reported one person was injured in the attack.

Russias Defense Ministry said Thursday it destroyed 36 Ukrainian drones over Rostov, part of a total of 84 drones it shot down mostly over regions bordering Ukraine.

The ministry said the other intercepts took place over Bryansk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Tambov and Krasnodar.

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram that Ukrainian drone attacks damaged several residential buildings.

Ukraines military said Thursday its air defenses shot down 45 of 85 Russian drones used in overnight attacks targeting the Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava and Sumy regions.

The military also said Russian missiles damaged residential buildings and municipal property in Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy.

Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram that the areas damaged included a school and a hospital in Kryvyi Rih.

Some information for this story came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a "substantive" face-to-face meeting Wednesday morning with Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump as his nominee for the next U.S. secretary of state. The meeting comes as Trumps team prepares for the transition process.

It was a good, constructive and substantive conversation, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters during a briefing.

We continue to stand ready to help support a seamless transition on January 20, he added.

In August 2020, China sanctioned Rubio, a longtime critic of the government in Beijing, along with others, citing what it described as "egregious behavior" related to Hong Kong-related issues. Rubio told VOA earlier in December that he is confident in his ability to find some solution to engage with Beijing if confirmed.

When asked if he would maintain his previous stance on foreign policy issues, Rubio said, The president sets foreign policy, and our job at the State [Department] will be to execute it.

Here is a look at Rubios past legislative actions and public statements on key China-related issues:

Securing US technologies

Rubio has warned that "Communist China is the most powerful adversary the United States has faced in living memory," in a September report titled The World China Made.

The report asserts that the Chinese Communist Party controls the worlds largest industrial base through "market-distorting subsidies" and "rampant theft. Rubio urged a "whole-of-society effort" by U.S. lawmakers, CEOs, and investors to rebuild our country, overcome the China challenge, and keep the torch of freedom lit for generations to come.

Rubio has been a vocal critic of U.S.-China research collaborations, warning that taxpayer funds have unknowingly supported Chinese military-linked experiments in areas like stealth technology, semiconductors, and cybersecurity  potentially giving Beijing a strategic edge.

In July, he introduced a bill to fortify U.S. research, with key provisions including the creation of a "TRUST" database to track high-risk Chinese research entities, stricter grant application transparency, and penalties for undisclosed foreign funding. The bill also enhances visa screening for individuals linked to adversarial foreign research and mandates stronger oversight of U.S.-China research partnerships.

Rubio has advocated for the bipartisan 2021 Secure Equipment Act, a law that prohibits the U.S. government from issuing new equipment licenses to Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE that the United States and other Western countries have deemed a national security risk.

Revoking Chinas most favored nation status

Rubio is among the Republican lawmakers who proposed a bill to revoke China's Permanent Normal Trade Relations, or PNTR, with the United States.

Commonly known as "most favored nation" status, PNTR means that Chinese goods being imported into the United States are granted the most advantageous terms that the country offers when it applies tariffs and other restrictions.

Introduced in September 2024, the Neither Permanent Nor Normal Trade Relations Act marks a shift toward a more protectionist U.S. trade strategy. The bill aims to impose higher tariffs on Chinese imports, strengthen supply chain resilience, and reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese goods.

One of the key provisions includes the establishment of a trust fund using tariff revenue to compensate U.S. industries harmed by China's retaliatory trade actions, with priority support for agriculture, semiconductor, and aerospace sectors.

Rubio outlined his position as early as a 2022 speech at the Washington-based Heritage Foundation, calling the belief that free trade and globalization would change China "the single biggest geopolitical blunder of the last quarter century."

For over two decades, China methodically undermined our economic strength by stealing our critical technology, our manufacturing capacity, and our jobs, he argued.

Monitoring China's human rights record

Rubio also chaired the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China, CECC, from 2017 to 2019 and continues to serve as a commissioner.

The CECC was established in 2000 in response to concerns that granting PNTR to China would eliminate Congress's ability to annually review and debate China's human rights record. The commission monitors Chinas compliance with international human rights standards and maintains a list of victims of human rights abuses.

Rubio has criticized Chinas crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, introduced bills to ban imports linked to forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and expanded sanctions on Uyghur human rights abusers.

The Florida senator has also supported U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and efforts to enhance its global standing.

He has met with Hong Kongs pro-democracy activists and has been a staunch advocate for their movement. He introduced the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which was signed into law in 2019.

Rubio also headed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act, signed into law in 2020, which imposed sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in Xinjiang. With the law's sanctions set to expire in 2025, Rubio introduced the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Reauthorization Act of 2024 in June, sponsored by CECC co-chair Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, to extend key provisions for another five years, ensuring continued U.S. support for the human rights of Uyghurs and other ethnic groups in China.

On April 10, 2024, Rubio and Merkley introduced a resolution reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Taiwan's vibrant democracy and recognizing the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act  a landmark U.S. public law that has guided U.S.-Taiwan relations since 1979. The TRA, as it is called, outlines U.S. policy to provide Taiwan with defensive arms and commits Washington to provide Taipei with the capacity to resist coercion or force that could threaten its security or economic system.

Rubio has been a vocal critic of Chinas increasing economic, military, and political coercion against Taiwan. He has introduced bills aimed at bolstering deterrence in the Taiwan Strait and led legislation to facilitate visits between U.S. and Taiwanese officials, such as the Taiwan Travel Act, which President Trump signed into law in 2018.

The law is considered a substantial upgrade to U.S.-Taiwan relations, as it removed previous restrictions on travel for officials.

The Communist Party-led Peoples Republic of China has never governed Taiwan but claims sovereignty over the self-ruled democracy. China has not ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.
South Sudan is due to hold long-delayed general elections in December 2026, and some wonder if the worlds youngest nation will be ready.

The vote was set for this month but was delayed for a number of reasons, including the need for more time to complete a census, draft a permanent constitution and register political parties.

The postponement, first announced in June, extended the term of the current transitional government, headed by President Salva Kiir.

Abendengo Akok, head of South Sudans National Electoral Commission, told VOA that the political will must be present for the vote to be successful, using as an example the 2018 peace agreement that ended the countrys civil war.

"If we are serious, two years are enough for us to run the election, Akok said, adding that adequate funding is necessary for a successful vote.

Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, warned last week that mismanaged elections could reignite violence and upset South Sudans stability.

"We have been insisting that properly prepared elections, which have also been preceded by proper trust-building exercises, can play a significant role in taking an exercise which can be very divisive and make it a nation-building exercise, he said.

People coming together to vote, he said, will help them recognize that together they control the future of South Sudan.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011. The country was set to hold its maiden election in 2015, but civil war broke out in 2013. Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar, Kiirs former vice president, were locked in a power struggle, triggering fighting between forces loyal to each man.

In 2018, Kiir and Machar signed the comprehensive peace agreement, which was to culminate in elections this month. In June, however, Kiir and Machar agreed to push the election out another two years.

Wani Yusuf was 14 years old when he cast his vote in the referendum to secede from Sudan. Now he looks forward to casting his first vote as an adult and believes he will make an informed and independent decision in helping choose South Sudans first democratically elected government.

Yusuf, however, questioned whether the 2026 vote will materialize.

"When you look at the period that we spend postponing the election, it still tells you that that if they cannot conduct election in that time up to now, then there is also high possibility that election might not take place within those two years time, he said.

Apart from budgetary constraints, the electoral commission still needs to conduct a census and draw up guidelines, which will take up to 17 months, according to the document outlining the delay in the vote.

These processes have not started because of a lack of a budget, according to Gabriel Deng, the electoral commissions deputy chair.
The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO will return to New York to face murder charges after agreeing to be extradited Thursday during a court appearance in Pennsylvania where he was arrested last week after five days on the run.

Luigi Mangione waived a preliminary hearing on the Pennsylvania charges in exchange for the prosecutor giving him a 20-page investigative report from the Altoona Police Department.

Mangione also waived extradition to New York.

Blair County Judge David Consiglio ordered that Mangione be turned over to the New York Police Department. At least a dozen uniformed NYPD officers were in the courtroom.

The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate is accused of ambushing and shooting Brian Thompson on Dec. 4 outside a Manhattan hotel where the head of the United States' largest health insurer was walking to an investor conference.

Authorities have said Mangione was carrying the gun used to kill Thompson, a passport, fake IDs and about $10,000 when he was arrested on Dec. 9 while eating breakfast at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Mangione, 26, of Towson, Maryland, was arrested on Dec. 9 when police were called to a McDonald's restaurant on a commercial strip in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after he was reported to match the description of Thompson's killer.

The shooting of Thompson was captured on security video, but the suspect eluded police before Mangione was captured 446 kilometers west of New York.

Mangione, an Ivy League computer science graduate from a prominent family, was carrying a handwritten letter that called health insurance companies "parasitic" and complained about corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press last week.
For many countries in Southeast Asia, Chinese investment and tourism are key to their economies. However, cheap low-quality Chinese products that are flooding markets across the region are also raising concerns about how they are undercutting local businesses, experts say.

That is forcing countries like Thailand to find ways to combat onslaught of low-priced goods.

Last year, bilateral trade between Thailand and China was more than $126 billion, with direct Chinese foreign investment heavily contributing to the Thai economy.

Three of Thailands main economic industries are manufacturing, agriculture and services. But manufacturing has seen a decline, with 2,000 factories closing in 2023, leading to thousands of jobs lost, according to data from the Department of Industrial Works.

Business owners have long bemoaned the fact that low-quality Chinese goods are undercutting local Thai businesses.

Bobae Shopping Mall  a retail and wholesale market in Bangkok  is one of the places where that impact is showing. With seven floors dedicated to shopping units, many have their shutters down, even though Thailand is in its peak season and Christmas is next week.

Banchob Pianphanitporn is the owner of Bens Socks, which is located on the fifth floor. He has owned the business for 26 years and manages four units. He has one factory in Thailand that employs 24 staff in total.

He said that over the last decade, his sales have dropped by half because of Chinese imports.

I would say [sales are] 50% down since 10 years ago, he told VOA.

I sell socks for 150 baht ($4.38) per a dozen, but if this was a Chinese product, they would sell at 85 baht ($2.48). If [customers] have low budget they will say [my socks] are expensive. They dont consider the materials, [my socks] are much better material and more flexible, he added.

Thailands slow manufacturing industry has contributed to a sluggish year for the economy. Forecasts project that Thailands economic will grow by 2.3%  2.8% percent in 2024, which is less than its regional neighbors. Although the Bank of Thailand forecasts a 3% growth in 2025, concerns from business owners remain.

Banchob points to several closures of units in his mall, blaming Thailands economy. But in an effort to remain open, he promotes his business on social media to attract more customers.

Social media is a must. Im on TikTok; I make much content. I have to work harder to tell people Im still alive; Ben Socks made in Thailand is here, he added.

According to Thai government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan, there has been a 20 percent decrease in low-quality imports in Thailand since July. Authorities have introduced tighter inspections of cheap imports, focusing on agricultural, consumer and industrial items. Thailand has also added a 7% value added tax on goods imported that are under 1,500 baht or $43.77, the Bangkok Post has reported.

But for other sellers and store owners, they dont see any difference.

Pam, a seller at Pretty Baby, a baby clothes store in the Bangkok mall, says the seemingly unlimited stock from Chinese manufacturers has affected sales. Pam did not want to disclose her full name fearing retaliation for speaking with the press.

[Chinese products] are selling a lot, but we dont have that much stock. The government still allows the products from overseas. Our sales have dropped down a little bit, she told VOA.

For some customers, retaining regular customers is key to beating cheaper alternatives.

Prang is part-owner of V.C. shop, a clothing store which specializes in loose-fitting clothing known as elephant pants.

The hard advertising from Chinese people [on social media] has had a big effect," she told VOA. Prang too did not want to give her full name.

Pants can sell here for 70 baht ($2.04) but Chinese sell for 50 baht ($1.46). In the past we can tell [the difference] between Thai and China products, now China copies look 99 percent the same. We cannot fight with the costs, but we are confident on our material and quality, and we can keep our customers, she added.

Its not just Thailand that is trying to reduce low-quality imports. A growing number of countries across Asia are looking for ways to protect local manufacturers and trade.

In India, a proposed temporary tax of 25% on steel imports is likely to be imposed to curb cheaper alternatives from China and boost production from Indian manufacturers, the Reuters news agency reported on December 17.

And in Indonesia, protests against Chinese imports have prompted Jakarta to propose a 200% tariff on certain imported clothing and ceramic goods, to protect small and medium enterprises.

Vietnam also relies heavily on China in trade. Beijing is Hanois largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to more than $171 billion in 2023. Although both governments share communist ideologies and a 1,287-kilometer land border, Vietnam is also acting to combat China's cheap imports.

In late November, Hanoi banned Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu after the two companies failed to meet a business registration deadline with the Vietnamese government. But local businesses in Vietnam have long voiced concern over discounted products and the sale of counterfeit items from the retailer.

Cheap Chinese imports from platforms like Shein and Temu are flooding Vietnams markets, squeezing local producers and sparking outrage over unfair competition, Nguyen Khac Giang, Visiting Fellow at ISEAS, told VOA.

In response the government is cracking down by scrapping VAT exemptions, tightening oversight, and banning platforms which do not register in Vietnam. Its a bold move to rein in Chinese e-commerce giants and defend local businesses, but I think the fight is far from over, he added.

Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington who focuses on Southeast Asia politics, says both Thailand and Vietnam may also have another motive.

China produces on an economy of scale that no one in Southeast Asia can, their productions costs are lower for most products. I think what you see Thailand and Vietnam doing now is trying to court Chinese investment for local production, to create local product ecosystems. But neither is willing to take China head on and accuse them of unfair trading practices, he told VOA.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump says the leaders of Ukraine and Russia should be prepared to make a deal to end the brutal conflict that has consumed Ukraine since 2022. He also slammed President Joe Bidens decision to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russian territory with U.S.-provided weapons  hinting that when he takes office, he may reverse that move. VOAs Anita Powell reports from Washington. Iuliia Iarmolenko, Kim Lewis and Kateryna Lisunova contributed.
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Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian soldiers have been receiving training from NATO troops. VOA recently visited one of these training sites where troops from Britain and Canada are training Ukrainian soldiers. Vladislavs Andrejevs has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that he is appointing the former head of Mexicos National Search Commission to head an independent mechanism for determining the fate of tens of thousands of missing and forcibly disappeared persons in Syria.

We pledge our support to those who continue to live with the agony of uncertainty, Guterres said of the families of the missing.

In June 2023, the U.N. General Assembly created the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria, or IIMP. It is mandated to establish the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons in Syria, and to support victims, including survivors and families of the missing.

I am announcing today the appointment of Karla Quintana of Mexico as head of this Institution, Guterres told reporters. She and her team must be allowed to fully carry out their mandate.

From February 2019 to August 2023, Quintana was the national commissioner for the Search of Missing Persons in Mexico, where more than 110,000 people are listed as missing or disappeared, mostly because of organized crime.

Quintana, 46, a human rights lawyer and professor, will have a mammoth task ahead of her. The Syrian Network for Human Rights, or SNHR, says at least 157,634 people went missing from the start of the Syrian civil war in March 2011 until August 2024.

Since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria on Dec. 8, prison doors in many parts of the country have been opened and thousands of the detained released. Mass graves have been discovered. But families continue to search for information about tens of thousands of loved ones who are still unaccounted for.

In an interview with VOA last week, SNHR Founder and Director Fadel Abdul Ghany said about 105,000 people are still unaccounted for and the organization believes that the vast majority of them are dead.

Political transition

The U.N. chief also urged an inclusive, credible and peaceful Syrian-led political process, saying they must manage the situation carefully or risk progress unraveling.

In the meantime, he said the United Nations is shifting its humanitarian response inside the country to respond to the new situation on the ground. Guterres new humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has been on the ground in Damascus, Aleppo and Homs this week.

After 14 years of civil war, Syria already was one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises, with 17 million people  more than 70% of the population  in need of assistance and funding in short supply.

The U.N. chief warned that the war is still far from over. He pointed to significant hostilities in the north, the threat to many parts of Syria from Islamic State fighters, and ongoing Israeli airstrikes and military movement in the zone where U.N. peacekeepers patrol between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and the rest of Syria.

They are violations of Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity. They must stop, he said of the Israeli strikes, which have targeted military facilities, including chemical weapons stockpiles and the entire Syrian navy.

Syrias sovereignty, territorial unity, and integrity must be fully restored, and all acts of aggression must come to an immediate end, Guterres said. This is a decisive moment  a moment of hope and history, but also one of great uncertainty.
Under a scorching sun in the Democratic Republic of Congo, many of the farmers tending to their fields in the troubled eastern region are guarded by United Nations peacekeepers.

The U.N. mission has fallen under increasing scrutiny over the years as the eastern conflict between rebel groups, self-defense forces and other militias has raged.

But in this corner of Djugu territory in the village of Dhendro, farmers are unequivocal in their support for the U.N. force known by the acronym MONUSCO. The farmers, many displaced from their homes by the conflict, shelter in camps near the U.N. bases.

"I came here because of the presence of MONUSCO. It's thanks to their presence that I'm going to the field; otherwise I'm afraid," 23-year-old Lokana Heritier, who left his village to live closer to the blue helmets, told Reuters.

MONUSCO has been deployed in Congo since 2010, when it took over from an earlier U.N. operation to secure the troubled eastern region that borders Rwanda.

The operation to guard farmers who grow corn, beans, potatoes and manioc is known as "Secure Harvest" and it aims to allow them to work freely during the harvesting season and provide protection from militia groups who steal produce and kill people.

"The main objective is to secure the farmers in their farmland when they are working. We believe this is directly linked to the protection of civilians that MONUSCO is mandated for," Brigadier General Monzurul Alam told Reuters.

Last year, the U.N. Security Council approved the end of the mission at the request of President Felix Tshisekedi. The 13,500-strong force had faced attacks and protests over perceptions that it had failed to secure the population.

Congo's government reversed course in July and asked MONUSCO to remain in Ituri and North Kivu provinces until conditions were met for the force's departure, without providing further details.
The 8th Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of Ancient Civilizations was held in Yerevan. Mirzoyan, the Foreign Minister of Armenia, took his place among representatives of ancient civilizations and opened the event with a heartfelt speech. He complained that such an "ancient civilization" as Armenia "constantly faces attempts to distort history and appropriate cultural heritage." He spoke about countering incitement to hatred and discord, using history as a justification for territorial claims (!!!), and lamented how much Armenia suffers from this. Mirzoyan also took the opportunity to highlight the 70th anniversary of the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. Remarkably, Armenia is described as "an active member of the committee for the protection of cultural heritage during armed conflict and is trying to contribute to global efforts in this area" (!!!)...

Such arguments by the Armenian Foreign Minister are an outright mockery of international law. A country that has completely destroyed the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people during its years of occupation is now lecturing others about the protection of cultural heritage in conflicts. But lets leave that on the conscience of the Armenians. If peace is not achieved, they will bear the responsibility, as the irreparable damage to Azerbaijani heritagedestroyed by Armenia over thirty yearsis estimated in the billions. International organizations that appoint Armenia to such committees should also have a conscience.

Lets not spoil our mood. Lets have a laugh.

Armenia is the only country in the world where history is taught from two different textbooks in schools. This is no joke. In the current academic year, 7th-grade students were given a choice between two history textbooks. One presents traditional myths, while the other reflects facts closer to objective reality.

More precisely, the choice was not given directly to the seventh graders but to the schools. Every school in Armenia has the right to choose which program to teachmythical or realistic. Judging by the level of parental hysteria that has shaken school corridors and courtrooms since last year, it is rare for a school to select the second option for fear of facing the wrath of angry parents. Parents fear that their children will grow up to be normal people, rather than "true Armenians" in the worst sense of the term.





In October of this year, the fighters against reality finally won a hard-fought battle against the government, which had attempted to stop the zombification of young Armenians. In short, the history of the issue is as follows: in 2023, a new textbook was written for the 7th grade, in which the territories of Azerbaijan were no longer classified as "ancient Armenian." The new textbook featured a correct map of Armenia, along with many other "flaws." An uproar followed immediately, but the government did not recall the textbook, and, to the horror of many, the children of the "true Armenians" studied from it until the end of the year. However, in the current academic year, parents took a stand and ensured that the previous textbook, which had been recognized by the Ministry of Education as not conforming to standards, was reinstated. Armenian society turned out to be mentally unprepared to accept objective reality. The court overturned the Ministry of Educations decision, and since November, everything has returned to its former state. Armenian seventh graders can once again survey the boundless expanses of their country "from sea to sea."

Arsen Torosyan, a member of the Armenian parliament from the ruling Civil Contract party, once made a statement that caused great displeasure among the opposition. He said that the Armenian people have suffered a very difficult fate. Besides the fact that they have to destroy over 100 years of myths and stereotypes, they also have to completely dismantle the 1,700-year-old myth created by the church. This statement was made in the context of Nikol Pashinyan's call for a struggle for "real Armenia." The Prime Minister urged Armenians to abandon "historical Armenia" in favor of "real Armenia." "Historical Armenia," he believes, is a guarantee of long-term hostility with several neighboring countries and prevents the possibility of independent existence, meaning the country will always need external patrons.

That was well said. However, as it turns out, the reforms are intended only for internal purposes, while in the international arena, the traditional Armenian propaganda remains unchanged.

The conference "History in Crisis" was recently held in Strasbourg. Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia Artur Martirosyan delivered a heartfelt speech on how history should and should not be taught, without forgetting to make inappropriate curtsies to Europe.

"The culture of peace begins with an innovative, citizen-oriented education that gives young people the opportunity to critically reflect on history. Armenia is committed to this cause and supports initiatives that bring historical truth to the fore," said Martirosyan, who saw some role for the Council of Europe in these achievements. History, he said, "should serve as a foundation of truth and mutual understanding to promote peace and reconciliation, not as a tool to promote divisive or misleading programs."

It is quite amusing to hear an Armenian official talk about "how easily distorted historical facts can incite hatred and perpetuate cycles of conflict," and about the inadmissibility of "hate speech in history textbooks, which in turn encourages regional global aggression, intolerance, and racism." Martirosyan stressed the need to teach "an accurate and balanced history that respects diversity and rejects all forms of hatred and discrimination, preventing ethnic cleansing, hate conflicts, and crimes against humanity."





It turns out that in Armenia, they know perfectly well how to do it, but for some reason, they always do the opposite. It is clear that Martirosyan directed his remarks at Azerbaijan, but in reality, he inadvertently revealed exactly what has been happening in Armenian historical scholarship for the past century.

THE WORD TO THE EXPERT

Rizvan Huseynov, historian and political scientist, Director of the Center for the History of the Caucasus:





"Since this topic has come up, I would like to remind you of one characteristic fact from 'antiquity,' just in time for the Forum of Ancient Civilizations in Yerevan. Namely, the case of the map of the Roman Empire displayed on the wall of the Colosseum in Rome, which allegedly shows 'Great Armenia.' This fact is promoted in Armenian historical science as the primary proof of the ancient origins of Armenia. At the same time, our neighbors are not at all bothered by the fact that the boundaries of the continents on this map are depicted in modern outlines with a level of precision that could only be achieved by photographing it from space. They continue to claim that the map is thousands of years old, and everything on it is true...

When our neighbors talk about distorting history, using it as a tool, or about right and wrong history textbooks, its impossible not to be surprised. Although I can understand the concerns of Ararat Mirzoyan or the Deputy Minister of Education. In recent years, the false ideological framework of ancient Armenian history has been seriously undermined by numerous facts, archival materials, and ancient sources that present a completely different narrative regarding the origin, history, ancestral homeland, and settlement of Armenians. And, accordingly, the ownership of Azerbaijani territories by them. Once this truth was suppressed, but now it is starting to be reflected in the school curriculum in Azerbaijan. This is what Yerevan is trying to portray as 'distorting history,' or as state support for hate speech in history textbooks, and so on. We have just begun to learn our history as it truly is. We wish the same for our neighbors. They need it even more than we do.

An interesting scene unfolded during the recent UN discussions on the report about Armenia. Honestly, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Kostanyan, deserves sympathy; he suffered so much when he was asked uncomfortable questions. He was asked directly: Why is there such frenzied agitation against Azerbaijan? Why is the Nazi collaborator Nzhdeh being glorified? Why is there not a single Azerbaijani in Armenia? The Armenian deputy minister could not provide a substantial answer, blushed, and began to spout nonsense unrelated to the topic. He mentioned the economic situation, "refugees," and so on. This is what is called a stream of consciousness.

Armenian officials, when discussing history, often contradict themselves. On one hand, they must admit that the Armenian historical narrative contradicts the basic principles of human rights and democracy, yet on the other hand, they continue to promote false narratives. As long as the Armenian side remains entrenched in such a mindset, there will be no stability for Armenianeither in its public discourse nor in its politics. It will remain a hotbed of discord and destabilization in the South Caucasus. And this situation will persist for a long time because, for any change to occur, Armenia will need to abandon most of its unfounded fantasies."
The spending bill that Republicans and Democrats had agreed on this week to avoid a government shutdown on Friday is in danger of dying after president-elect Donald Trump condemned it on Wednesday night. So has his future vice president, J. D. Vance, and most of all Elon Musk, who has been instrumental in channeling Republican opposition to the initiative. House Speaker Mike Johnson has defended the 1,500-page package, but failed to convince a number of reluctant fellow Republicans. Crucial items such as Social Security payments and the salaries of members of the Armed Forces depend on government funding.

Trumps rejection came after the deal faced a barrage of criticism on social media from Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the two billionaires who will lead the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is theoretically outside the Cabinet and has been tasked with cutting public spending during the next administration. Johnson has complained in a veiled way about the pernicious influence of external actors  who can be none other than Musk and Ramaswamy, although he did not mention them by name  willing to derail any law if politicians do not accede to their wishes.

Criticism of Musks move has set social media alight. The richest man in the world says he wants to shut down the government, forcing millions of American workers  including our troops  to go without pay through the holidays. Republicans are following his orders. This is insane, wrote Democratic Representative Don Beyer, responding to a post by Musk, in which he approved with a simple YES (in capital letters) a previous message by an unknown user that read: Just close down the government until January 20. Defund everything. Well be fine for 33 days, alluding to the time remaining until Trumps inauguration.

Johnsons initiative, which began as a simple spending bill to keep money pumping into the government until early next year, was swollen through bipartisan negotiations to include $100 billion in disaster aid and dozens of unrelated policies, including a new round of aid for Ukraine (a war the president-elect wants to see ended on day one of his term). Trump rejected the new omnibus legislation outright, saying that a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS must be passed and that it should be combined with an increase in the debt ceiling, the limit on how much money the government can borrow to meet its financial obligations.

We should pass a streamlined spending bill that doesnt give Chuck Schumer and the Democrats everything they want, Trump wrote on social media in a joint statement with Vance. That statement followed Musks social media crusade against the bill, in which he relentlessly posted instructions to lawmakers to shoot it down. Republicans who back the legislation have said they are losing support because of Musks barrage of posts.

Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years!, Musk wrote in one post. His criticism has resonated with the Republican caucus, and even those who had traditionally supported stopgap funding measures have now turned against it. Senator John Cornyn called the bill a monstrosity. Representative Ralph Norman alluded to the compromise with voters: The American people wanted change. They didnt say go out and spend more money, put us more into debt. Its the opposite of what the American people voted for.

Trump is pushing for Republicans to rewrite the funding bill and add a federal debt ceiling increase, but many Republicans are balking at the latter, calling it politically toxic. The fight reflects the difficulty the party will face in raising the debt limit on its own next year, even if it enjoys full control of Congress. Increasing the debt ceiling is not great, Trump acknowledged in the statement, but wed rather do it on Bidens watch.

Kill the Bill

Musk, the richest man in the world, has decisively pushed critical Republicans  both ultra-conservative ones and some from the mainstream  to torpedo the legislative project. But his maneuver goes beyond his influence on the president-elect. The billionaire businessman, a major donor to Trumps campaign, has also challenged the party leadership in the House, embodied in the figure of Johnson, whose continuity as speaker he has not expressed himself on, although few people believe he will remain in the position, least of all Musk.

In the face of GOP opposition, a vote scheduled for Wednesday night has been suspended. The House will reconvene on Thursday and lawmakers will try to push the funding bill through in extremis.

In a post on the social network X, the technology entrepreneur, who has been Trumps permanent shadow in the final stretch of the campaign and, above all, since his re-election, wrote on Tuesday night: Absolutely, this bill should NOT pass. A new bill that isnt an insane crime against the American people should be done in 33 days, the time remaining until Trump takes office. In subsequent posts on the social network he owns, Musk has insisted on the obligation to overturn any legislation before the start of the new government. No bills should be passed Congress until Jan 20, when @realDonaldTrump takes office. None. Zero, he repeated, using the slogan Kill the Bill, which has become almost a tick on his timeline.

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U.S. weapons manufacturers could work with Vietnamese counterparts to help build Vietnam's armed forces, the U.S. ambassador to the southeast Asian country said on Thursday.

"Our goal is to ensure that Vietnam has what it needs to defend its interests at sea, in the air, on the ground and in cyberspace," U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper said at an international arms expo in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi.

The expo, held at the Gia Lam airport, brought together 250 exhibitors, including geopolitical rivals such as the United States, China, Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Iran.

U.S. exhibitors included Boeing and Textron Aviation. China was present with Norinco and Gaodu International Trade. Iran's defense ministry pavilion wasn't far from booths set up by Israeli companies Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. Several Russian firms also attended, along with Ukraine's Motor Sich.

Vietnam has been trying to increase its domestic arms manufacturing while reducing its reliance on Russia for weapon imports.

In 2022, Russia made up around 60% of all of Vietnam's military purchases, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. But Vietnam's longstanding efforts to diversify its imports have been accelerated by the war in Ukraine. It has also been trying to boost its own capacity to make arms and displayed military equipment it made at the expo.

A key driver for Vietnam is the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, a key trade and security route. It is a flashpoint in Asia and a fault line in the U.S.-China regional rivalry. Vietnam has been critical of China's increasingly hostile actions in the disputed waters. Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries have overlapping claims in the busy sea passage.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hailed the event as a "message of peace, cooperation and development." He was later given a tour of a military plane made by U.S. firm Lockheed Martin.
Haiti's National Police (PNH) announced a series of "non-stop operations" targeting the armed gangs' home bases.

PNH spokesperson Lionel Lazarre says specialized police units launched operations in the Port-au-Prince neighborhoods of Solino, Nazon, Posmachan and Channmas to root out gang members.

Police say gangster Kendy, also known as "Jeff Mafia," was killed during an operation in Posmachan. Kendy is the right-hand man to notorious gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier.

Click here to see the full story in Creole.
The future of Hashd al-Shaabi, a pro-Iranian Shiite militia integrated into Iraqs defense forces, is under scrutiny as international pressure mounts on Iraq to dissolve or reform the group.

Formed in 2014 to combat ISIS under a fatwa by Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Hashd al-Shaabi later became a formal part of Iraqs military through legislation. However, its continued existence as a semi-autonomous force has drawn criticism, with accusations of advancing Iran's regional agenda and contributing to instability.

Click here to see the full report in Kurdish.
During a visit to Baghdad last week, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to discuss the evolving situation in Syria. Blinken emphasized the need for a Syrian government that respects human rights, safeguards the rights of women and minorities, and protects religious holy sites. He also stressed that Syria must not become a haven for terrorism or a threat to its neighbors. Prime Minister al-Sudani echoed these concerns, highlighting the necessity of a Syrian government that represents all communities to ensure lasting stability, while cautioning that Iraq expects concrete action, not just rhetoric.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, speaking at a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Jordan, reinforced the link between Syria's stability and Iraqs security.

Click here to see the full report in Kurdish.
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Lindsey Graham have warned of bipartisan sanctions against Turkey if it rejects a ceasefire proposal from the U.S. and a plan by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazlum Abdi to establish a demilitarized zone in Kobani. The senators argue that Turkeys attacks on Kurdish allies in Syria undermine regional stability and efforts to prevent a resurgence by Islamic State.

The proposed initiative, supported by the SDF and under U.S. supervision, aims to address Turkey's security concerns while maintaining stability in northern Syria. With 900 U.S. troops still deployed in Syria as part of the anti-ISIS coalition, the senators emphasized the importance of Turkeys cooperation in fostering long-term peace and security in the region.

Click here to see the full report in Kurdish.
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a bid by TikTok and its China-based parent company, ByteDance to block a law forcing the sale of the video app or face a ban. The Biden Administration argued the law was meant to address national security concerns. TikTok and ByteDance asked the Supreme Court to pause the law which forced the sale by January 19th, arguing it violates the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment protections. What are the U.S. governments national security concerns. VOA National Security correspondent Jeff Seldin provides insights into the specifics of the governments national security concerns.
Ukraines president told a French newspaper Wednesday that his country does not have the military might to take back its Russian-occupied territories.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Le Parisien that Ukraines military does not possess the strength it needs to expel Russian forces from the Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine that is has held since 2014.

Ukraines constitution prohibits it from forfeiting its territories, he added.

"We can only count on diplomatic pressure from the international community to force [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to sit down at the negotiating table," Zelenskyy said.

If the West had given Ukraine all the defense systems it needed when Ukraine first asked for them, Ukraine would not be in the situation it is in now with Russia, he said.

Russia occupies about 18% of Ukraine.

NATO and Ukraine

Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels on Wednesday where he met with NATO chief Mark Rutte and other European leaders as Ukraine seeks to bolster its defenses against Russian forces.

As Rutte greeted Zelenskyy for their meeting, the NATO secretary-general said he did not want to speak publicly about when the peace talks would begin and if European peacekeepers would be involved because doing so would play into Putins hands.

Rutte said Wednesday that Ukraines partners will do whatever they can to provide Ukraine with everything it needs to defend itself against the nearly three-year war with Russia, including air defense and other weapons system.

On Tuesday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was in urgent need of military aid, especially air defense systems.

"We must do everything possible to destroy Russias ability to wage war from as far away as possible," he said. "For this, we need more drones, more modern artillery, and long-range missiles."

Wednesdays talks come a month before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office, bringing uncertainty about the level of continued U.S. support for Ukraine from the new administration.

Among those expected to meet with Zelenskyy in Brussels were German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Ahead of the talks, Russia launched another round of overnight aerial attacks.

Ihor Taburets, governor of Ukraines Cherkasy region, said Wednesday on Telegram that Ukrainian air defenses shot down 13 drones. He said there was no damage to infrastructure in the area.

Khmelnytskyi Governor Serhii Tiurin said Wednesday that Ukrainian forces shot down two drones.

Russias Defense Ministry said Wednesday it destroyed two Ukrainian aerial drones over the Belgorod region, along with a drone over Bryansk and another over Kursk.

Moscow attack

Russia said Wednesday it detained a suspect in the killing of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the chief of the militarys nuclear, biological and chemical protection forces.

Authorities described the suspect as a citizen of Uzbekistan who was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services to carry out the Tuesday attack in Moscow.

An official with Ukraines Security Service, or SBU, said Tuesday the agency was behind the attack and called Kirillov a "war criminal and an entirely legitimate target."

Several countries, including Britain and Canada, had sanctioned Kirillov, 54, for his actions in Moscows nearly three-year war in Ukraine.

Some information for this story came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
No one, not even the authorities, knows exactly why a group of around 16 armed individuals burst into an apartment at the Edge at Lowry complex, located in the heart of the city of Aurora, Colorado, and tortured two Venezuelans who were inside. They tied them up, beat them, and threatened them for almost five hours. They were pistol-whipped, they were beat, they were mistreated. One of them, the male, was actually stabbed. He had a stab wound, Aurora police chief Todd Chamberlain told reporters. Chamberlain is almost certain of one thing: that this is another provocation by criminal gangs, specifically the so-called Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) classified as the sixth-most present gang on the United States border.

According to The Denver Post, all of them will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings or hearings before an immigration judge, an ICE official said. No police arrests have been made so far.

In a press conference, Chamberlain said that the incident that took place on Monday night was 100% gang activity. He also said that it was difficult to identify the members because they lack any distinctive marks or signs. However, he insisted that he was using all the resources at his disposal to verify who these individuals are, what their involvement in the crime was, and their identities.

As the group of gunmen ransacked the apartment, the victims  a man and a woman  were taken to another vacant apartment. After hours of torture, they promised that if they were released, they would not inform the authorities. Early on Tuesday morning, they were let go. The victims went to a friends house and immediately called the police.

The information released said that the man and the woman were later taken to a hospital. Although there is no updated news on their health status at this time, authorities said that the man, who was stabbed, is very likely to survive.

With Monday nights incident, the city of Aurora  the same city that has given its name to the deportation operation that president-elect Donald Trump intends to carry out  is once again making headlines and, most likely, serving as an excuse for Republicans to justify why, once in power, they will begin to expel thousands of criminals from the country.

Aurora, in Trumps campaigns

The Edge at Lowry apartment complex, owned by CBZ Management, had already made headlines with its six three-story buildings and brick-colored walls. In mid-August 2024, a video went viral of a group of armed men walking up the stairs of the complex and knocking on the door of one of the apartments.

It was then said that they were members of the Tren de Aragua, the largest criminal gang in Venezuela, which is led from Tocoron prison, some 140 kilometers southwest of Caracas, by Hector Nino Guerrero, sentenced to 17 years for drug trafficking, homicide, identity theft and concealment of weapons of war, among other charges.

With the latest wave of migration that has caused more than eight million Venezuelans to flee the economic and political crisis in the South American country, members of a gang that the U.S. Treasury Department considers a serious criminal threat to the entire region have also moved north. In July, the State Department named it a Transnational Criminal Organization and offered a $12 million reward for information leading to the identification of gang members. In the U.S., authorities have said that they operate with a greater presence in states such as New York, California, Texas, Florida, Washington D.C., Montana, and Wyoming.

Donald Trump and his team quickly realized that focusing their campaign on criminal gangs that threaten national security could win them quite a few voters. The viral video of the alleged members of the Tren de Aragua came at the right time to show the country the supposed need to cleanse it of 11 million migrants, the plan he has in mind for his next term.

Since then, the video of these men has accompanied him in the projections he made in each of his presidential campaigns. On October 11 Trump visited Aurora, a city of about 400,000 residents, where he would never have gone except to win the support of voters fearful of the new migrant arrivals. The city of Aurora  and specifically the Edge at Lowry apartment complex has been branded a hotbed of crime and criminal activity, and occupied by gangs, but authorities say the situation is not as dire as it has been made out to be.

Immigrant advocacy groups like the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition have spoken out against the president-elects remarks and Operation Aurora. In a statement, they said it was a direct attack on the values that define Colorado.

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Photo: Anna Webber/2017 Getty Images for Netflix

An attorney for Danny Masterson has filed an appeal of his 2023 conviction for sexual assault. Page Six obtained the 246-page document from lawyer Cliff Gardner. In a statement, Gardner claims the trial was rife with erroneous judicial rulings that skewed the jurys view of the evidence against him, and that the judge wouldnt admit a stunning amount of exculpatory evidence. Gardner also says Mastersons habeas lawyer will soon be filing a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus documenting additional defects in the trial process.

Masterson was convicted of raping two women in 2003 and was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. It was Mastersons second trial, as the first ended in deadlock. Masterson was convicted on two counts of sexual assault, but the jury remained deadlocked on the third count. At the sentencing, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo told Masterson, One way or another, you will have to come to terms with your prior actions and their consequences. You were not convicted based on rumors, innuendo, gossip, and speculation. After he entered prison, Mastersons wife, Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce. He is currently serving time at the Californias Mens Colony in San Luis Obispo.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 19, 2024 - 13:50 | All, Japan

The average budget of Japanese consumers this Christmas stands at 16,329 yen ($105), down 27.7 percent from last year, as many look to save money, a Tokyo research company said Thursday.

"The rising cost of living is a factor that has made consumers keep a tight hold of their purse strings," said a representative of Intage, which surveyed 5,000 people aged between 15 and 79 online from Nov. 22 to 25.

In addition to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day falling on weekdays this year, consumers appear to be bracing for increased spending during the 9-day-holiday around New Year, according to the company.

First conducted in 2021, the surveys showed Christmas budgets increased for two consecutive years as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic receded.

The average budget for New Year, polled separately, was mostly the same as last year, according to Intage.

In response to a multiple-choice question concerning plans for Christmas, "No plans" was the most selected response at 51.1 percent, up 1.2 percentage points from last year, while 27.4 percent chose "Buy a present (including one for myself)," down 2.3 percentage points.

Related coverage:

Japan gov't to raise tax break cap for offspring's income to 1.5 mil. yen

Households hit by 10-year high Japanese curry rice price

Izakayas close at faster pace than during COVID-19 amid inflation
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Israeli embassy in Dublin has removed its national flag as part of a move towards full closure.

Israel said at the weekend it was closing its embassy in Dublin with Israels foreign minister accusing Ireland of antisemitic rhetoric and of crossing every red line in its relations with Israel.

Gideon Saar cited Ireland recognising a Palestinian state during attacks on Israel, and attempting to redefine genocide in international law to support baseless claims against Israel at the International Court of Justice as acts of hostility towards Israel.

The flag pictured at the weekend (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

The Israeli flag was taken down from outside the building on Dublins Shelbourne Street in the following days.

A spokesperson told the PA news agency: The flag was taken down following the instruction of the foreign minister to close the embassy.

Asked if the embassy was now considered closed, the spokesperson said: Not quite yet.

Elsewhere on Thursday, Simon Harris insisted that Ireland was not anti-Israeli and accused Israeli officials of engaging in distraction.

Mr Harris, who is in Brussels for an EU meeting focused on Ukraine, said he would not be intimidated into changing Irish foreign policy.

Asked if he would be briefing his EU counterparts on the closure of the embassy, he said: What I continue to do in every forum Im in  both public and private  is say the same thing: That the people of Ireland, the Government of Ireland  this one and the next one  are not anti-Israeli.

But we are pro-human rights, we are pro-international law, we are pro-peace, and we will never be intimidated or silenced into moving away from that.

He said it would not be a surprise to anybody that Irelands foreign policy is underpinned by those values.

Mr Harris said there had been very personalised and outright false claims made by the Israeli government.

Theyre done to distract, theyre done so (journalists) ask me about that rather than the fact that tens of thousands of children have lost their lives.

He added: It wont deter us. It wont deter me personally, wont deter this Irish Government or the next Irish government from continuing to speak up and speak out in favour of international law and an end to the loss of civilian life, calling absolutely for the release of all hostages and applying international law in that consistent way.

Meanwhile, Mr Harris said he would like to see a version of the Occupied Territories Bill passed next year, noting that a Government has yet to be formed after the recent general election.

It is expected a government will be formed in January.

It is envisaged that the Bill would impose restrictions or penalties on the trade of goods or services originating from Israeli settlements in Palestine.

Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA)

Speaking in Brussels, Mr Harris told reporters: Its a statement of fact, I think, that pretty much all parties in the general election committed to passing the Occupied Territories Bill, or a form of the Occupied Territories Bill in the next Dail.

My party gave that commitment as well. We will honour that commitment.

As Taoiseach, Mr Harris asked the Irish attorney general to provide advice on creating a workable version of the bill in light of the non-binding advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice that said Israels presence in the Palestinian territories breaks international laws and must end.

He added: But yes, this is something I would like to see happen in the first year of the Government.

The outgoing Government, led by Mr Harris, had been criticised for failing to pass the legislation prior to the election.
Local artist Tadhg Williams recently unveiled his latest project, This Record is a Nixer, at Luca Records and Decks, Waterford, after almost three years since he last released any music.

Tadhg is a local Deise performer who is described as "valuing community and togetherness above all else".

His live shows have been described as "amazing and profoundly personal", while his songs have become known for their honest, challenging lyricism, and heart-on-sleeve melodies.

Having previously endeared himself to a significant fanbase, selling out shows in Dublin and Waterford and earning opportunities to perform in venues such as Vicar St. and Waterford's Theatre Royal, he built up a loyal fanbase on the contemporary Irish music scene.

His previous releases, notably, My Fathers Clouds and The Summer Song, earned significant media attention, with renowned music journalist Tony Clayton-Lea describing the tracks as "cinematic quality that speak certain truths from the heart and soul".

In those three years, Tadhg worked to develop his craft, both in songwriting and his live performances, completing an undergraduate degree in history, which he says has been a huge source of inspiration for much of his latest material.

He has also supported a variety of acts from Mary Black and The Stunning, to Kingfisher and Niamh Regan. He played a set at Glastonbury Festival, and embarked on a small Irish tour to road-test a selection of new songs, before going into the studio with producer, Geoff Warner-Clayton to further develop and record some of these tracks.

His latest project, This Record is a Nixer, is the culmination of that work and is available to purchase and stream now.

The launch took place on December 13, at Luca Records and Decks on Michael Street, in Waterford City.
The Comeragh Social Enterprise Network (Comhar Camaraigh Network) has just published the first edition of a new newsletter and highlighted a plan to set up a fulltime coordinator to support villages, social enterprises and clubs in the area.

The motto of the CNN task group is 'Stronger Together' and a spokesperson said the setting up of the network follows on from 12 months of research that began in October 2023.

"We firmly believe that as a network we will achieve many additional improvements in the region by sharing information and learning outcomes," said the spokesperson.

"The newsletter will facilitate sharing information on resources, solutions, best practices and achievements."

The newsletter will be circulated across a network of 22 villages, 30 social enterprises, 25 GAA clubs and other voluntary and community groups within the area.

It will also be circulated among local state agencies, politicians, civil servants and other relevant people and organisations.

"Our Shared Learning Network is committed to working with and helping network members advance their local plans and add value through collaborative engagements," said the spokesperson.

"Members are encouraged to contribute interesting news items and photos for each quarterly edition," she added. It's hoped that every news item might represent a learning opportunity to be followed up with the provider.

The CCN team is planning to hold a network meeting on Wednesday, January 22, in Dunhill Education Centre from 7pm to 8.30pm, supported by Waterford Area Partnership.

The aim of that meeting will be to agree the content of a strategic CCN Business Plan, funding proposal, job description and Coordinator Work Plan in order to move forward and make a strong application for the funding for a three-year CCN Pilot Project.

"We are convinced that if we can source a full time social enterprise coordinator we will make giant strides on many projects that will play a part in developing an inclusive and prosperous Comeragh Region," said the spokesperson.

It's hoped that every village and social enterprise will send a representative to the meeting. The network concept has already attracted support from a number of agencies and individuals including Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Area Partnership, Leader Partnership, SETU, SERI and SEWF.

"We need a full time coordinator to work with individual villages, social enterprises, GAA clubs, other clubs and organisations to raise levels of inclusion and prosperity across network and region," said the spokesperson.
High Court Reporters

A group of Westmeath County Councillors have welcomed an adjournment in a challenge to a plan to house around 1,000 male asylum seekers in tented accommodation in Athlone, which has been conceded by the State, but say substantive environmental and planning issues remain.

Protests were held in Athlone over the plan to erect up to 150 army-style tents for 1,000 asylum seekers, on a site to the rear of an existing direct provision centre in Lissywollen, Athlone.

It had been proposed that the tents would eventually be replaced with modular units.

At the High Court on Monday lawyers for Cllr Paul Hogan, who brought the challenge against the expedited plan, said the case had been conceded by the State and that the development would be deemed unauthorised.

On Thursday, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys adjourned the matter to January 27th.

In a statement, the Athlone councillors behind the challenge said that while the case had been conceded on a narrow basis, the State are yet to engage with some of what we feel are, our even stronger grounds for judicial review.

While we have been informed that the site will remain in operation until there is a final determination by the court, the State confirmed that all works on the site in Lissywollen will cease this Friday (December 20th).

Accordingly the court has adjourned the matter until January 27 in order to tease this out in more detail.

We welcome this decision as it now gives us a potential opportunity to have all our wider issues of concern heard in full by the High Court.

The group says that there remain substantive environmental and planning issues that deserve further consideration.

The statement is signed by Mayor Frankie Keena, Cllr Aengus ORourke, Cllr John Dolan and Cllr Hogan who brought the challenge.

At the High Court on Monday, Oisin Collins SC with David OBrien BL, instructed by solicitors PB Cunningham & Co, for Cllr Hogan, told Mr Justice Richard Humphreys that "the case is being conceded" by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability and Youth and that "the development will be classified as an unauthorised development".

In his challenge, Mr Hogan, who secured 4.8 per cent of first preference votes running for Independent Ireland in Longford-Westmeath in the recent General Election, claimed the ministerial process providing for the plan was unlawful, irrational and a breach of fair procedures.

Mr Hogans legal papers relied on similar grounds to one recently brought by a north Dublin group that secured a strike-down of a statutory instrument that had paved the way for 1,000 international protection applicants on a State-owned site near Dublin Airport.

Minister for Integration Roderick OGorman contested Mr Hogans case.

Mr Hogan wanted an order either pausing or quashing the statutory instrument the Minister made for the Athlone site.

The instrument confirmed the project did not need An Bord Pleanala approval and noted Mr OGorman was satisfied two specific environmental assessments under EU law did not need to be conducted before proceeding with the plan.

Mr Hogan claimed the Minister failed to adequately screen the project for potential environmental impacts and that he lacks the expertise to carry out such assessments. There were also deficiencies in the assessment of wastewater requirements and effect on traffic, Mr Hogan claimed.

He claimed the occupants would be free to move about and will inevitably cause a significant traffic hazard and a health and safety issue next to the site and along the road.

He submitted that Athlone has a long tradition of providing accommodation and support to people seeking international protection, with one of the first direct provision centres in the State constructed on the adjoining Lissywollen site in 2001.
Annual Christmas Swim for Kinto

The third annual 'Christmas morning swim for Kinto' is being organised to bring together those that know Brian Kinsella and raise as much money as possible for Waterford Marine Search and Rescue

The group will be meeting at Tramore skatepark for 9.45am to be in the water for 10am.

Donations can be made at the 'Annual Christmas Swim for Kinto' GoFundMe page.

Dunmore East Christmas Day Swim

The annual Dunmore East swim is this year in memory of Des McEnery, who was one of the main organisers of the swim for many years.

The swim will be in aid of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund and Gaultier Camogie Club.

It begins at 12 noon at the Strand, and sponsor cards are available from Centra and Harbour Stores.

Michael Power Christmas Day Memorial Swim

The Michael Power Christmas Day Swim this year is in aid of Boatstrand Sea Safety Centre.

The swim takes place at 12 noon at Kilmurrin Cove.

Sponsorship cards are available from the Michael Power Christmas Day Memorial Swim Facebook page

Ballymacaw St Stephens Day swim

In support of Waterford Helping the Homeless, a St Stephens swim will be taking place at Ballymacaw Cove at 12 noon.

A spokesperson from the organisation said: "We are so grateful as all the help we get is so badly needed and going directly to feed and support the most vulnerable."

WLR Christmas Appeal

To raise vital funds for St. Vincent de Paul Tramore and Waterford, the annual Christmas Day Swim in Tramore will take place on Tramore Beach at 11am.

A bucket collection will take place on the day.

Ardmore Christmas Day Swim

The Youghal Christmas day swim will be in aid of Youghal RNLI this year.

Registration will open at the Tourist Office at 11.15am Christmas morning.

Sponsorship cards are available through their Facebook and Instagram pages, @ardmorechristmasswim and Ardmore Post Office.

There will also be a bucket collection on the day.

The Billy Galgey Memorial Swim

The 10th anniversary edition of Bill Galgeys memorial swim will get under way across from Dooleys in Tramore at 11.15am Christmas morning.

We are thrilled to this year fundraise for The Helping Hand Waterford. A local charity who do so much for the vulnerable of our city and county, Ian Galgey said, the grandson of Bill.

Any donations big or small would be greatly appreciated, via the Billy Galgey Memorial Swim GoFundMe page.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 19, 2024 - 14:16 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism

Climbers using the most popular trail on Mt. Fuji are expected to be slugged with a doubled fee of 4,000 yen ($26) from next summer as the Yamanashi prefectural government seeks to tackle overcrowding, a source close to the matter said Thursday.

The prefectural government also plans to move forward the closing time of the entrance gate at the trail's 5th station by two hours to 2 p.m., to discourage overnight "bullet climbing," or trying to reach the summit of Japan's tallest mountain without resting.

The plan comes as Shizuoka Prefecture, which manages three trails to the 3,776-meter peak, is also preparing to impose a 4,000 yen climbing fee while restricting trail access from 2 p.m. starting next summer.

Mt. Fuji, designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013, attracts hundreds of thousands of climbers each year during its official climbing season from July to early September.

Revenue from the climbing fees will be used to cover staffing costs and safety measures. Yamanashi Prefecture plans to stop soliciting separate 1,000 yen donations from climbers used to help in the upkeep of the mountain, the source said.

The Yamanashi government introduced the 2,000 yen fee for climbing the mountain and a limit of 4,000 climbers per day this year. A gate was installed at the 5th station of the Yoshida Trail, restricting access from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. the next day, except for climbers with reservations at mountain lodges.

Related coverage:

New fences installed at Mt. Fuji photo spot to curb jaywalking

Mt. Fuji tram line idea derailed, rubber-tired tram now eyed

"Bullet climbing" on Mt. Fuji down 90% after gate put in place
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 If you think you dont like Christmas movies, you probably havent pushed beyond Miracle on 34th Street. Truth is, the Christmas movie isnt a genre so much as a freewheeling grab-bag linked only by a date. And with horror, action, comedy, romance and goodwill all part of the mix, theres truly something for everyone  maybe even you, Scrooge. That Christmas Netflix Love Actually didnt make the list this year (purely because its already a fixture of Christmas movie nights), but another production by its director, Richard Curtis, has. That Christmas, an animation starring Successions Brian Cox, is Netflixs newest family festive offering. Based on Curtis own trilogy of childrens books, the film offers a collection of stories about a seaside town sent into crisis mode after being hit by a blizzard. In typical Curtis fashion, it involves people falling hopelessly in love and other high jinks of the heart, but it ultimately explores the joy and complexity of Christmas  as well as a truck-tonne of turkeys.

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The Holiday Amazon Prime, Stan*, Binge Nancy Meyers was already the queen of rom-coms, but then she went ahead and made one of the best Christmas films ever. In this 2006 movie, two lovelorn ladies, one in a US mansion and the other in a quaint English cottage, decide to swap houses for Christmas. Despite wanting to escape men and all their drama, they both end up head over heels (if you pay attention, theres also some self-growth in there). If its A-list cast, including Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black, isnt enough to sell you, then its extreme Christmas cosy-factor should. And the scene in which Law puts a napkin over his face and pretends to be Mr Napkin Head for his two kids will melt the heart of even the nastiest Scrooge.

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Theres Something in the Barn Binge If schmaltz isnt your thing, Magnus Martens English-Norwegian horror comedy will do just the trick. An American man moves his family to a small Norwegian town after inheriting a family estate. They soon discover the barn is the home of a mischievous elf  a creature intent on getting rid of the family for good. Theres bloodied tinsel, killer icicles and gun-toting elf gangs. Its a triumph of festive cinema. Christmas with the Kranks Binge If this movie teaches you anything, its to never mess with Christmas. The Kranks, played by Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen, decide to skip Christmas so that they can go on a tropical cruise. However, this makes the Christmas-obsessed townsfolk deeply unhappy, and when their daughter surprises them with a visit, they have no choice but to desperately try to bring Christmas back.

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Allen and Curtis are a dynamic duo in this 2004 hit. Youll want to rewatch Allen trying to eat after botox treatment a million times over. The Muppet Christmas Carol Disney+ There are too many adaptations of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol to count, but The Muppets version is surely the best. Directed by Brian Henson in 1992, The Muppet Christmas Carol is the perfect entryway to the Dickens classic, weaving in popular characters such as Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and Bean Bunny, while also remaining true to the original Scrooge story. The songs are so good they were nominated for best musical childrens album at the 1993 Grammys.

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Hot Frosty Netflix This film is a bit of a wildcard, but whats Christmas without at least one Hallmark-adjacent rom-com? Netflix has mastered the ludicrous Christmas original (remember The Princess Switch trilogy?), and Hot Frosty, starring Dustin Milligan (Schitts Creek) and Lacey Chabert (Mean Girls), promises a genuinely good time. A chiselled snowman turns into a very attractive real man via a magical scarf. He helps a widow process her grief and learn to love again. Its beyond cheesy, and neither scientifically nor anatomically accurate, but its so cheerful and uplifting. The Polar Express Netflix, Binge Robert Zemeckis 2004 animation will make anyone believe in magic. When a boy becomes sceptical about Santas existence, a train arrives outside his house on Christmas Eve, inviting him to the North Pole.

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Antonio Banderas still remembers how powerful movies were to him as a child. I remember movies that impacted me as a little kid. I even remember the warmth of my fathers hand over mine, taking me to see 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Captain Nemo, Peter Pan. Movies like that modelled my personality and the way I understood life. So movies for kids are very important. We shouldnt forget that. Its not like a genre. Its a seed we plant in our children. Banderas plays a complicated villain  a wrong un who is ready to reform  in Paddington in Peru, the third instalment in a film franchise that, like Paddington Bear himself, has become a British national treasure. Captain Hunter Cabot is the devious skipper of a beautifully appointed boat in which Paddington (inimitably voiced by Ben Whishaw) and his adopted English family the Browns travel upriver in Peru, searching for Paddingtons missing aunt, Lucy. Antonio Banderas plays the devious Captain Hunter Cabot (and his gold-digging ancestors) in Paddington in Peru. Credit: Studiocanal Cabot comes from a long line of men and women obsessed with finding the Inca gold supposedly stashed in Eldorado. Banderas plays them all, in a constant internal conversation with his ancestors. I think Hunter is a sick man, Banderas says. He is an addict, not to alcohol but to his own legend. The multi-part performance is a callback to the multiple family members played by Alec Guinness in the 1949 classic Kind Hearts and Coronets. Paddington in Peru is full of such cinephile Spotto moments. The kids wont get it, but Paddington is just as enticing for adult audiences. He is also an icon of the English idea of decency. I suppose Paddington is a manifestation of everything we wish we were and could be, says producer Rosie Alison. Hes like the lost part of everybodys innocence. Its interesting: when we work on set, everyone has a very strong sense of Paddington, what he would do, what he would say. People understand his sincerity, his kindness, his ability to always think the best of people. But hes not sentimental or preachy, because hes a comic klutz.

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Accompanying Paddington on his journey home, Hugh Bonneville returns as the irascible paterfamilias while Emily Mortimer replaces Sally Hawkins as ditzy Mrs Brown. Like Banderas, Olivia Colman is a newcomer to the world of Paddington. She plays a singing nun who is in charge of the Home for Retired Bears, where Aunt Lucy could be found enjoying cups of tea on their gently fanned colonial cane furniture until she suddenly disappeared. There are no prizes for guessing this cinematic reference: Colman, a national treasure in her own right, whirls around on a meadow with the majestic Andes rising behind her, guitar in hand. When director Dougal Wilson offered her the chance to channel Julie Andrews, she was in. Olivia Colman channels Julie Andrews in Paddington in Peru. Credit: Studiocanal Loading I wasnt so good at singing and doing the feet, Colman says now. Thankfully, the habit is quite long. Her trilling voice, moreover, is unnervingly close to Maria at her schmaltziest. Dougal Wilson takes over as director from Paul King, who came to Paddington from the world of alternative comedy, bringing many of its alumni and an anarchic sense of humour with him. I was a fan, but I was minding my own business doing videos and commercials when I got a call from Rosie asking if I might be interested, Wilson says. This is the first feature he has directed.

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The first film [2014s Paddington] is brilliant and the second [Paddington 2, from 2017] is a masterpiece, in my opinion, he says. I thought it was something where you would just have to try not to drop the ball. He also had to maintain Kings style. But Im slightly used to that in commercials  and I quite like the challenge of doing things to a brief. As a fan of the first two Paddington films, director Dougal Wilson figured his job was to try not to drop the ball. Credit: Studiocanal Directing a Paddington film was certainly starting at the deep end for the first-time feature director. Inside Framestore, the visual effects studio where the film came together, VFX supervisor Alexis Wajsbrot estimates that it took roughly 600 people, spread across London, Toronto and Mumbai, to put the bear in the picture. In the intensive last stage of production, live action shots filmed in West London came together with backgrounds and local colour filmed in South America and the digitally produced Paddington. The shooting schedules for Wajsbrot and Pablo Grillo, the animation director, are full of calculations and minutely calibrated graphs, every shot planned down to the millimetre, to accommodate an invisible bear later in the process. The backgrounds had to match the live action: the sun had to come from the same angle, the wind had to blow the real leaves and digital bear fur in the same direction. Its the right thing to do, to talk about these topics. Olivia Colman If we were on a Marvel film, we would do the background digitally, which would be more flexible but less real, says Grillo. What works so well with Paddington is that the sets are very grounded. The bear is the magical element; otherwise, its live action. Wilson shoots little mock-ups of each scene he calls crapomatics, using his runners and assistants to stand in for the actors, as a guide for the animation and camera; the productions physical comedy co-ordinator, Javier Marzan, invents and then rolls through Paddingtons moves so they can be timed to the second. During rehearsals, the actors work with actor Lauren Barrand, who is the same height as Paddington.

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We bring you the stories of womens lives lost in Australia in recent years. Some of the cases featured are still before the courts.

On the day Dinush Kurera hacked his wife to death, he drove to Bunnings to buy an axe.

Dressed in black complete with a black cap, he is captured on CCTV casually scanning the $9.98 fibreglass axe.

He then scans the wrecking bar he would later use to tear palings off the back fence of his estranged wifes home before lying in wait for her.

Within 14 minutes of entering the Sandhurst home, Nelomie Perera, 43, was dead. Kurera beat and stabbed her to death in front of the pairs teenage children.
It may not conform to romantic visions of scenic rail travel, but it is the very stuff of science fiction dreams  a new floating train being developed in China that is projected to reach speeds of more than 1000km/h, making it faster than a commercial plane. Melbourne to Sydney for lunch? Thatll be under one hour; San Francisco to LA for a business meeting; make that 35 minutes; Beijing to Shanghai  just over an hour.

A model of the T-flight supersonic train on display during an exhibition. Credit: Getty Images

While speeds in excess of 900km/h havent been reached yet, recent reports suggest that tests for Chinas new hyperloop trains  which shoot through the air in tube-like constructions  are well advanced. The Chinese are not the first to attempt to revolutionise travel in this way  the idea of using pneumatic tube systems and compressed air for propulsion was first mooted more than 200 years ago; more recently Elon Musk and Sir Richard Bransons Virgin have championed it.

But over the past two decades, China has outpaced all rivals in the conventional high-speed-rail stakes and would appear to have the resources, vision and determination to take it to the next level. So heres what may lie further down the line; hold on to your seats

How fast does it go?
From 2 to 6 December 2024, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national workshop on Rules of Origin for the Timor-Leste Customs Authority in Dili, Timor-Leste. This workshop, funded by the China Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF-China), was designed to enhance the competencies of Timor-Leste Customs officials by providing training on Rules of Origin and Advance Rulings, which are essential for the correct application and implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

In his opening remarks, Mr. Joanico Pinto, Commissioner of Timor-Leste Customs Authority, stressed the importance of correct and efficient application of Rules of Origin for the implementation of FTAs and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) within ASEAN when Timor-Leste becomes a full Member in 2025 or 2026. He emphasized that the workshop was important for Customs officers to enhance both their theoretical understanding and practical understanding during the five-day workshop. He encouraged all participants to take full advantage of this opportunity, to engage with the experts from the WCO, and ask questions when necessary, so that the experts could provide clarifications.

The workshop gathered 33 participants from the headquarters and regional offices, offering them an opportunity to explore the key principles of Rules of Origin. Through practical exercises, participants learned how to apply these principles in real-world scenarios. Discussions focused on the benefits and challenges associated with FTA while granting preferential treatment for goods, and the steps needed to develop a robust infrastructure on origin. Timor-Leste Customs Authority also shared updates on the status of FTAs in Timor-Leste and national practices regarding origin certification and verification. By the end of the workshop, participants had gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, equipping them to better implement and apply Rules of Origin in their work.

During the closing ceremony, Mr. Joanico Pinto expressed his sincere gratitude to the WCO and CCF-China for their continued technical support. He highlighted that the WCO standards in Rules of Origin and national legislation can be implemented by the Timor-Leste Customs Authority to facilitate trade activities and contribute to the economic development of Timor-Leste. Mr. Joanico Pinto also underscored the importance of disseminating the knowledge gained during the workshop to a broader group of Timor-Leste Customs officials. He noted that this would ensure the effective management and correct application of Rules of Origin. With these enhanced skills, Timor-Leste Customs officials are now better equipped to address challenges related to Rules of Origin and navigate the complexities of free trade agreements.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 19, 2024 - 14:10 | All, Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his South Korean counterpart Han Duck Soo, the nation's interim leader, agreed Thursday to maintain close communication to keep the improvement in bilateral ties on track despite the impeachment of the president.

Ishiba and Han, who assumed the role of South Korea's acting president on the weekend, also reaffirmed during their phone call the importance of continuing to collaborate trilaterally with the United States in dealing with North Korea and other issues, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry.

The two also agreed their governments will move forward on preparations for exchange programs and other initiatives to mark the 60th anniversary next year of the normalization of the diplomatic relationship.

The conversation was held as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's authority has been suspended after parliament passed an impeachment motion against him on Saturday following his short-lived declaration of martial law early this month.

Concerns linger over the possible negative impact on Japan-South Korea ties, which significantly improved under Yoon and Ishiba's predecessor, Fumio Kishida, as they worked to resolve bitter disputes over wartime compensation and other issues. Trilateral cooperation involving the United States has also been enhanced.

During the 20-minute phone call, Han was quoted as telling Ishiba that even under an acting president, the "tone" of further developing bilateral relations "remains unchanged," according to the Japanese ministry.

"Both leaders concurred that in light of the current strategic environment, the importance of continuing and developing the Japan-ROK relations remains unchanged," the ministry said in a press release, referring to the acronym of South Korea's formal name, the Republic of Korea.

Related coverage:

South Korea prosecutors again summon Yoon over martial law declaration

Over 70% worried South Korea turmoil to affect ties with Japan: poll
Leesville, LA (71446)

Today

Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies with periods of light rain late. Low 66F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 19, 2024 - 20:44 | All, World, Japan

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is willing to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in mid-January before his return to the White House, a Japanese government source said Thursday.

Japan is looking at the feasibility of such a meeting after it received the message from the Trump side, the source added.

If realized, it will be the first in-person talks between the two since Trump won a second, nonconsecutive term in November.

Ishiba initially explored the possibility of meeting with Trump on his way back to Japan after a trip to South America in November. But it did not materialize as the Trump side cited legal constraints preventing him from meeting with foreign leaders prior to taking office.

For any Japanese prime minister, forging close ties with the sitting U.S. president is considered essential. The two nations are working to strengthen their already robust bilateral security alliance in response to threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

In recent days, Trump expressed his willingness to sit down with Ishiba, telling a press conference earlier this week, "If they'd like to do that, I would do that."

Japan's top government spokesman, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said following Trump's remarks that Tokyo would maintain communication with the Trump administration to arrange a meeting at a "convenient" time for both leaders to engage in a thorough exchange of views.

Trump's overture came to light after he met Sunday with the widow of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who forged personal ties with Trump during his first term as U.S. president.

Related coverage:

Trump says he could meet Japan PM before returning to White House

Trump meets widow of ex-Japanese PM Abe in Florida

Trump renews pledge to block Nippon Steel's bid for U.S. Steel
Ballina student Lucy OHora received top accolades at the conferring ceremony at Carlow College, St Patrick's, in Carlow town.

In addition to receiving her BA (Hons) in English and History, Lucy was awarded the Robert Frederick Holmes (1803) Award in recognition of her contribution to student life in Carlow College.

Rebecca Gallagher, also from Ballina, joined Lucy in graduating from the BA (Hons) in English and History and was joined by her parents for the celebrations.

Staff and students at Carlow College had a day of celebration for its Class of 2024 as 152 graduates  including five students from Mayo - were conferred in the colleges graduation, which took place in Carlow Cathedral.

Michael Moriarty, well-known author and educator, delivered the keynote address at the graduation.

Speaking of the ceremony, Dr Margaret Murphy, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar of Carlow College, said: Today is a day of celebration for our new graduates and their families and friends. It is a proud day for the college and we applaud the achievements of the class of 2024. We look forward to hearing about the next stages in their journeys, whether that is in employment or further study."

Carlow College President, Fr Conn O Maoldhomhnaigh, warmly congratulated the graduates who come from 16 different counties across Ireland.

As College President, it is my pleasure and privilege to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of all of our graduates. They have been part of our journey over the past three to four years and we wish them the very best as they continue on their own individual paths., said Fr O Maoldhomhnaigh.

Carlow College, St Patricks, is a higher-education institution specialising in degree programmes in the areas of arts, humanities and social studies.
Tubbercurry Family and Childcare Resource Centre has received a Child and Youth Participation Award from child and family agency Tusla.

The award was in recognition of the centre's recent play area redevelopment and the fact that it consulted with the children at all stages of the project to ensure their needs and likes were considered.

Martina Gallagher, Childcare Manager, explained: Our courtyard was in need of repair and an upgrade, it was included in the companys three-year plan, so once the Board of Management gave approval for undertaking the construction works, we felt it was important that the children had their say on what they wanted in the outdoor area.

The early years practitioners worked with the children to get their ideas on play structures, colours etc.

"Getting outdoors is an important stage of the daily routine in Tubbercurry FRC - we wanted to make sure that the work we did would be usable all year-round and that it was enjoyable and age-appropriate for the children in our care. A new soft play area with a climbing apparatus and a sand room was established at the request of the children."

Sandra Cribben, Project Coordinator, continued: We were very lucky to have the buy-in from the contractors so the children got to meet with the Kompan team who designed and installed the soft play area, and with Arkens staff who installed the roofed area and the sensory sand play area.

The children were involved in every step of the process and took great interest in the works.

"Management agreed to enter the award scheme which recognises the importance of the childs voice in the service we provide. This involved putting forward a submission to Tusla, followed by a site visit to see the project and interview the children. As a result, we were delighted to win one of four awards under the Early Years and Primary Schools section."

The ceremony was held in Dublin, attended by Sandra, Martina and Liz Keyes, and a party was hosted at Tubbercurry FRC the following week for children and staff. Some of the school-aged children got to officially cut the ribbon with Tubbercurry FRC chairperson, Brendan McAuley.
Last weekend, the famous Santa's Truck had its first-ever stop in Mayo when it visited Ballinrobe.

It was also the trucks only stop in Connacht.

All of the event's proceeds will go towards LauraLynn, Irelands Childrens Hospice.

Watch footage of the truck's arrival into the town (footage from: Mayo.ie):
Sure the election is over for ages now, they say. Inasmuch as people are still talking about politics, the talk you hear is that the result was clear. The Government  the Greens notwithstanding  won, didnt they? So why is it taking them so long to get on with it?

Why indeed. Many people think that forming a government should be quick, especially when it is more or less the same crowd running it. So, whats the delay in finalising it?

There are lots of reasons. The most important one is that any new government  even a re-elected one  has to figure out what it is going to try and actually do over the next five years. The election campaign, which was essentially a game of promises paintball, doesnt give us much guidance on that.

Now that its back to governing its a more sober business. Negotiations that lead to a programme for government are now how the politicians who win elections decide what they will actually do.

It wasnt always this way. When coalition governments started, parties would just sit in a room, agree who got what job and then start governing, figuring they would figure out things as they went along. In the 1970s, Brendan Corish and Liam Cosgrave used to solve difficult problems over a glass of whiskey with the racing on. It worked pretty well by all accounts.

Things have changed somewhat since then. A glass of whiskey and some bonhomie will no longer cut it. One of the key challenges for any coalition government is to achieve something coherent over a long period and get people to come along with you while you do it. The conclusion from recent experience is that you have to develop an agreed plan to bind parties together and then hopefully govern well. That was very much the feeling about the last government  what kept them together was the programme for government.

That is what the discussions about a new programme for government are all about, bringing together parties and independents who had different views on some issues during the election. On this particular occasion, those differences might have seemed small in the context of a contested election, with an opposition with very different views on the other side, but they are nonetheless significant. And they have to be resolved.

The parties will agree on the easy stuff first  and call that progress in the talks. But the harder stuff will have to be gotten to at some point. Whether it be on VAT or the exact amounts of public spending increases or tax changes over the next few years, or when to take hard decisions, these things must now be settled. The media are full of stories right now from groups and organisations trying to influence that. Every story you hear has some angle of that to it.

But it's not enough to figure out what the parties want to do and how much of our money they will commit to doing it. Thats the easy bit. They then have to figure out how to do it. And with what is commonly felt to be a poor record on delivery in their last term, this version of the FF/FG government is going to have to set out some ideas in the programme for government on how to do some important things faster this time.

Some think that creating a Department of Infrastructure to drive the delivery of big projects is the answer. Others think that that is  to state it at its mildest  a terrible idea. Deciding on that is a big decision. When you feel frustrated at the slow pace, let me assure you that it is far better for them to take their time and get that right.

That is before they get to other government departments, ones to create, ones to merge, ones to abolish. It isnt just about a Department of Infrastructure  Fianna Fail campaigned for the creation of something called the Department of Home Affairs. If you create that, which other department goes? These are all important decisions.

The plan setting out what to do and how to do it will be detailed in the new programme for government. To work well, that programme cannot just be a lot of fine-sounding words: it needs a lot of specific detail and clear policies put into action.

The TDs who sign up for it have to commit to the detail. That detail binds them in  you sign up to it all. This is especially important this time as the government will have independents  getting them to stick with the government makes it essential. We did a deal, now honour it, is the principle behind it. Having a programme also reduces the number of rows within the main parties and allows the government to work more smoothly.

That process of signing up is politically critical. The government needs to lock in enough TDs to that process not just to win the vote for Taoiseach, but to have a chance to survive over the longer term. Even with a detailed programme for government, there will be defections, there will be disagreements, there will, alas, be deaths and subsequent defeats in by-elections. With a majority of 88 in the new Dail, that means the government needs a number at least in the mid-90s to not just say they will support them but to sign up and stick to the programme for government. Getting independents to do that will get harder the less likely anyone else is to support the government. Independents know they are the big winners from the election  for clever reasons, they have been quiet enough about it post-election, but that will soon change.

The parties also need a process to decide the positions and who gets what and for how long. How will the rotating Taoiseach be decided? How many cabinet ministers will each side get, which party will get what ones, and then who will do them? How will our next European Commissioner and any number of any new appointments to all sorts of roles be decided? This is the kind of thing that drives many in the public crazy  the scramble for positions. But how else could it be done if not by discussion and negotiation at the start of a new government? Do people complaining about politicians doing this want us to anoint a King to make the decisions instead?

A lot of thought and detailed policy work is needed to make sense of all the different elements. The Civil Service will stand by to help the parties understand what needs to be done and how it might be done, but ultimately the TDs  and most especially the leaders  need to make the decisions and choose priorities.

There might be a fair amount of this work done before Christmas, but dont forget, the people involved are human beings, and they are tired, and Christmas is coming. You can expect a pause. If that means they are less tired when they make decisions about the next five years, that might just be a good thing.

This consideration of how the process works is all before you say anything about what should actually be in the new programme for government. That is another matter  and another article  entirely.
You couldnt move on social media on the weekend of the election for people decrying why so many voters were voting for more of the same.

People frustrated with such relatively strong support for the two main Government parties wondered out loud about the Im alright Jack brigade. Thats their way of describing people who ignored inequalities in the country because they personally were doing quite fine  or so people assumed. It is not anywhere close to being as simple as that.

Certainly in Mayo, while the dominance of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael is on the decline (as referenced in last weeks column), there can be no doubt that structurally, they are still the strongest two parties and thats a massive barrier for other parties.

Sinn Fein may have more seats than Fine Gael but in terms of nationwide reach and strength at a grassroots level, they have quite a bit of catching up to do on both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

I always remember being at a Sinn Fein local election convention in the Welcome Inn in 2014. It was to select their team of candidates across the county and there were 80 party members in the room. Later that same day, the Fine Gael selection convention for the Castlebar area alone had over 300 members gathered in the TF Royal Theatre across town. The gulf between the two at a local level was vast.

Sinn Fein has really established itself since with Rose Conway-Walsh topping the poll to retain her seat and the party taking 19% of the vote when you include her running mate Cllr Gerry Murray (Fianna Fail were only one percentage point ahead of them). But to see the job of work that is still in front of the party, you only need to recall that Cllr Murray was their only candidate elected to the 30 Mayo County Council seats earlier this year.

And, yet, they are still miles ahead of so many other parties. Despite strong performances overall, neither Labour nor the Social Democrats could find a candidate to run in Mayo. The combined People Before Profit and Green vote in Mayo was just over 2,000 though Paul Lawless did make a historic breakthrough for Aontu. His achievement is all the more commendable when you consider his partys lack of a footprint in the county.

Watching the TV debate between the leaders of the three main parties, one couldnt but feel a bit of sympathy for Mary Lou McDonald. On the face of it, it was three party leaders but the reality is it was two versus one.

There was a certain inevitability about the national result and while Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are clearly not as strong as they once were, as evidenced by the very fact they coalesced since 2020, there is a lot of work required by those in opposition to put themselves in a position to create an alternative Government next time around.

Because as long as Fianna Fail and Fine Gael remain so strong at a grassroots level, they will attract more candidates than the others (ideology might not be as big a factor in Irish politics as people might think) and have better local networks than others. And that gives them a huge advantage, particularly in rural constituencies.

Geography and personality have a massive influence on voting patterns, particularly in a constituency like Mayos and Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have a massive head start on the others. Sinn Fein and Aontu taking two seats between them is a spectacular achievement in many respects.

All politics is local is, like any cliche, popular because there is so much truth in it. People in Mayo want a local TD and people want someone in the Dail who they think can represent them and fight for their area. Party loyalties play a part and there is no doubt that many cast their vote based on who they wanted in government but, unlike the UK, candidates parachuted into a constituency with no ties there have next to no chance in Ireland. So the key for parties in Ireland is to get strong candidates and have them well-placed in the constituency.

After the retirement of Michael Ring, Westport clearly wanted to retain a TD in the town. They saw the benefit of having Ring fight for their corner of the country for 30 years and though inexperienced, Keira Keogh, with Rings strong backing, got resounding support, taking 38% of the votes in Westport Electoral Area and cleaning up in the town itself.

Alan Dillon took 38%of the votes in Castlebar; Rose Conway-Walsh a staggering 41% of the Belmullet Electoral Area votes (bear in mind this also includes Achill and votes from there rarely travel north to Erris) while Dara Calleary took 33% of all votes in Ballina.

Only Paul Lawless, with 13% of the vote in Claremorris Electoral Area, was off the pace of those elected. It must be added that his success owed to an ability to get votes from elsewhere and, particularly, being transfer-friendly.

If you look at Castlebar in totality, 63% of votes there went to candidates from the area (Dillon, Lisa Chambers, Joe Daly, Stephen Kerr and Gerry Loftus) while in Claremorris Electoral Area, it was 61% of votes went to the three local candidates (Lawless, Patsy OBrien and Martina Jennings).

It was a huge tally. Cllr Patsy OBriens complaints about South Mayo being let down' by votes leaving the region really does underline the role geography plays. While some on social media were complaining about what parties got support, OBrien was very much of the view that people in South Mayo should vote for South Mayo candidates, irrespective of what party they were with. His concern was not who people should support in order to elect a government but that his area would have a TD, preferably him of course!

And while he might not have got quite enough votes in South Mayo, when you look at the trends though in Mayo, it is clear the wish for a local TD is a big motivation in voter behaviour. Weve said and heard it said frequently that North Mayo does not have the population to elect three TDs (an argument made for why it was an uphill struggle for Mark Duffy). The implicit acknowledgement in this is that votes do not tend to travel far.

Germany has a system where people vote for local candidates to represent their area and, separately, for the party they wish to govern. One wonders how that would play out in Ireland. Because it is clear voters cast their preferences for many reasons and who they want to see in government is just one of those.
Eoin Reynolds

A UK national has pleaded guilty to a drugs offence arising from a raid on a Panamanian cargo ship off the southeast coast that resulted in the largest cocaine seizure in the history of the State.

Jamie Harbron (31) of South Avenue, Billingham in the UK pleaded guilty of Thursday before the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court that on a date between September 21st and September 25th, 2023, both dates inclusive, he attempted to have cocaine in his possession for the purpose of sale or supply, an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Harbron is charged with a further offence that he contributed to an activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity could facilitate an organised crime group in the commission of a serious offence.

Eight men including Mr Harbron have been charged with offences after some 2.25 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated value of more than 157 million was seized from the Panamanian-registered large bulk carrier MV Matthew in Irish waters in September 2023.

The remaining seven are due to go on trial in January, when Harbron will also appear before the court to set a date for his sentencing.

Michael O'Higgins SC, for Harbron, told the court that he will argue that his client has entered an "early guilty plea", which is considered strong mitigation for an offender and typically results in a 25 per cent reduction from the headline sentence set by the court.

On September 26th, 2023, a joint task force comprising members of the Revenue Customs Service, Naval Service and An Garda Siochana interdicted and detained the MV Matthew, which was on a course originating in South America.

After Army Rangers secured the vessel, members of the navy, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue were transferred to the cargo vessel and the ship was then escorted into port.

Having maintained the ship, at a cost of 100,000 per week, the State has now begun the process of disposing of the MV Matthew after lawyers for the accused said they no longer need it to be kept available for inspection.

Harbron remains in custody ahead of sentencing.
By Yuki Yamaguchi, KYODO NEWS - Dec 19, 2024 - 07:00 | All, Japan

Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. could strengthen their struggling electric vehicle businesses through a merger, sharing substantial development costs and utilizing common parts for EVs, potentially reshaping the global auto industry.

Japan's No. 2 and No. 3 carmakers by volume are in talks on a merger under a holding company, sources familiar with the matter said Wednesday.

The talks on the deal, which would create the world's third-largest auto alliance after the Toyota and Volkswagen groups, follow the two automakers' March agreement to conduct a feasibility study on a strategic partnership in EV production and software technologies to compete with overseas rivals such as Tesla Inc. and BYD Co.

Honda and Nissan are restructuring their operations in China to revive faltering sales amid fierce competition from local rivals like BYD, which are gaining market share with affordable battery-powered vehicles.

The two carmakers have introduced fewer new EV models in the world's largest auto market as they contend with rising research and development costs, not only for zero-emission vehicles but also advanced technologies such as autonomous, connected and shared vehicles, similar to many other global automakers.

"It is time to accelerate the development of EVs rather than slow it," Jin Tang, senior principal researcher at Mizuho Bank, said.

Global EV sales are expected to grow 5.7-fold from the 2023 level to 57.13 million vehicles in 2040, according to research firm Fuji Keizai Group.

Honda is streamlining its production operations in China, planning to reduce its annual output capacity by 290,000 vehicles, with further cuts potentially needed due to declining sales. Nissan, meanwhile, closed one of its local plants earlier this year.

Chinese automakers, on the other hand, are also winning over customers with their low-priced EVs in Southeast Asian markets traditionally dominated by Japanese brands.

For Nissan, a closer partnership would be even more critical. The company is overhauling its global operations, including cutting 9,000 jobs and reducing output capacity by 20 percent, following a more than 90 percent drop in net profit in the first half ended September.

The new alliance would allow the two companies to achieve greater economies of scale by sharing parts, accelerating development and cutting costs through joint efforts, analysts say.

If Mitsubishi Motors Corp., currently partnered with Nissan, joins the new alliance, it could generate even greater synergy effects. The three companies said in a statement that they are "considering various possibilities for future collaboration, but no decisions have been made."

Apart from the EV business, the outlook for the auto industry has become far more uncertain. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to raise tariffs on U.S. imports after taking office in January.

The U.S. market is the biggest market for both Honda and Nissan.

Related coverage:

Honda, Nissan in merger talks to form world's 3rd-biggest auto group

Honda to end production of "Super Cub 50" motorcycle in May 2025

Nissan to ax 9,000 jobs, cut global output as U.S. business falters
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Any morning clouds give way to partly sunny skies; a milder afternoon with highs back above the 60-degree mark. .

Tonight

Becoming cloudy overnight with some patchy fog and drizzle possible late at night.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Becoming cloudy overnight with some patchy fog and drizzle possible late at night. .

Tonight

Becoming cloudy overnight with some patchy fog and drizzle possible late at night.
Amazon workers protest in front of an Amazon facility in the City of Industry, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Dec. 19, 2024. United Amazon workers from many warehouses in the United States have announced a strike beginning Thursday after they failed to reach an agreement on labor negotiations with the online retail giant. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union representing 10,000 Amazon workers, said in an announcement on Wednesday night that the decision was made as the company refused to recognize their union and would not negotiate a fair contract. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- United Amazon workers from many warehouses in the United States have announced a strike beginning Thursday after they failed to reach an agreement on labor negotiations with the online retail giant.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union representing 10,000 Amazon workers, said in an announcement on Wednesday night that the decision was made as the company refused to recognize their union and would not negotiate a fair contract.

The strikes will impact Amazon warehouses in New York City, Atlanta, San Francisco, Skokie, Illinois, and three other facilities in Southern California. Thousands of workers are estimated to be on strike.

Moreover, according to the local Press-Telegram newspaper based in Long Beach, California, Teamsters local unions would also put up picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide.

Amazon warehouse workers and drivers without collective bargaining agreements have the legal right to honor these picket lines by withholding their labor, said the Teamsters' statement.

The Teamsters, representing 1 percent of the 1 million full and part-time workers employed by the company in the U.S., said Amazon was given a "clear deadline" to come to the negotiating table and discuss "better working conditions and wages" for the unionized workers, but the company "ignored it."

Amazon's spokeswoman Eileen Hards said Wednesday evening in a statement that company employees had "always" had the choice whether to join a union or not and the company had offered what many unions requested, including competitive pay, health benefits on Day 1, and opportunities for career growth.

Business insiders predicted that the strike likely impacted the e-commerce giant's operations during a key part of the holiday shopping season.

"What we learned from the pandemic is that any potential disruption can cause ripple effects up and down the supply chain," University of Southern California associate professor Juan De Lara, who studies warehouse jobs, labor and unions, told CBS News Wednesday night. 

Amazon workers protest in front of an Amazon facility in the City of Industry, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Dec. 19, 2024.

United Amazon workers from many warehouses in the United States have announced a strike beginning Thursday after they failed to reach an agreement on labor negotiations with the online retail giant.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union representing 10,000 Amazon workers, said in an announcement on Wednesday night that the decision was made as the company refused to recognize their union and would not negotiate a fair contract. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

An Amazon worker protests in front of an Amazon facility in the City of Industry, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Dec. 19, 2024.

United Amazon workers from many warehouses in the United States have announced a strike beginning Thursday after they failed to reach an agreement on labor negotiations with the online retail giant.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union representing 10,000 Amazon workers, said in an announcement on Wednesday night that the decision was made as the company refused to recognize their union and would not negotiate a fair contract. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)
MOSCOW, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Russian government has approved a draft agreement with Azerbaijan to cooperate on developing freight transportation along the North-South International Transport Corridor, local media reported on Wednesday.

The agreement, published by Russia's ministry of transport in coordination with the ministry of foreign affairs and other federal agencies, has been preliminarily negotiated with Azerbaijani counterparts.

It aims to increase the efficiency of transport links between the two countries and provide for a guaranteed volume of transported cargo, the report said.

The corridor is a multimodal transport route spanning 7,200 km, connecting St. Petersburg to Mumbai, India. 
MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Normally busy managing her restaurant, Macao resident Ana Maria Manhao Sou is lately very occupied with an important task: choreographing a Portuguese folk dance for a gala celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China.

Manhao Sou is a member of a unique group in Macao known as the "Macanese" -- individuals of Portuguese descent born and raised locally. As the choreographer for the performance, she was thrilled to contribute to the city she calls home.

"I'm very honored to be part of the grand celebrations and to showcase the rich blend of Chinese and Western cultures of Macao to the world," she said, adding that the preparations have reinforced her sense of belonging and love for the motherland.

For the celebrations, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday.

News of Xi's arrival headlined the front pages of Macao's mainstream media on Thursday, with much emphasis on the president's description of Macao as "a pearl on the palm" of the motherland in a brief speech at the airport.

Macao Daily, a leading local newspaper, highlighted the airport's welcoming crowd of hundreds of people including children, together with joyful dragon and lion dances. It also published a photo series showcasing Macao's transformation over the past 25 years.

The Macao SAR is brimming with cheerful vibes in the days leading up to the 25th anniversary.

Anniversary-themed posters and floral decorations adorn popular sites such as the Ruins of St. Paul's, while national flags and Macao SAR flags flutter along the streets.

A lion dance team performed at Macao Tower, culminating in celebratory banners unfurling from the lions' tongues on a platform 233 meters above the ground, much to the delight of tourists.

"This year's decorations are the most vibrant in 25 years, with an array of flags and lights. As a resident of Macao, it makes me feel warmly embraced by my country," said Leung Chon Long, a local middle school teacher who is the same age as the Macao SAR.

Next to the Macao Science Center, a heart-shaped tree is surrounded by two giant arm-shaped light installations, symbolizing Macao's growth and prosperity under the care of the motherland. This trending photo-op spot caught the attention of a group of students visiting from Hong Kong, another SAR of China.

Monica Zhang, a high school student from Hotung Secondary School in Hong Kong, was impressed by the joyful atmosphere in Macao's streets. "The city has become more modern since my last visit," she said, expressing the hope to make friends during her study tour.

Traditionally known for its casinos, Macao has transformed into a modern, international metropolis with strong support from the central government, achieving remarkable progress in both economic development and residents' livelihoods.

The city has been striving to appropriately diversify its economies, with the gaming sector's share of GDP falling to 37.2 percent last year. A key driver of Macao's economic diversification, the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone on Hengqin Island, located near Macao, was established in 2021 to expand living options and work opportunities for Macao residents.

Local entrepreneur Elwin Ho is seizing opportunities arising from these rapid developments. As the founder of an artificial intelligence company in the cooperation zone, Ho aspires to blaze new paths in the innovation and technology sector.

Leong Chon Kit, head of the Youth Association of Returned Overseas Chinese in Macao, noted that the 25th anniversary of Macao's return is a special occasion that reminds all residents of the significant achievements the city has made.

On Wednesday night, the association, along with more than 60 local youth associations, participated in a banquet celebrating the anniversary. "It is crucial for us to share this touching moment together and express our love for the motherland," Leong said.

An anniversary is not just about celebrations, but also a moment of hope. For Manhao Sou, her simple wish is to receive more guests at her restaurant. "We aim to introduce a new menu featuring more distinctive Macanese dishes, allowing tourists to relish the rich culture of Macao," she said. 
Its amusing how the Armenians are trying to drag "Martyr Rubik Vardanyan" into their circus... The US State Department.

I couldnt care less that this fugitive Russian billionaire has spent years swindling pensioners, engaging in fraud related to money laundering, and funneling illegal funds to the West. The case is probably a mess.

In any case, a journalist was sent to ask about Vardanyan's fate from US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. The intent was clear  to provoke Washington into launching another attack against Azerbaijan.

But heres what the life-giving truth does! The lost elections and the change in administration have benefited America. The State Department dismissed the Armenian journalist with routine words about appeals, respect for rights, and, of course, "the continuation of Washingtons policy."

As for Vardanyan, warm greetings from Washington. Did Rubik and his backers hope that the Democrats would finally target Trump and his team, escalating tensions? Oops, that plan backfired.
This photo taken on Dec. 19, 2024 shows the philatelic products to mark the 25th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Garrison stationed in Macao. The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau will issue philatelic products on Dec. 20 to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the 25th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Garrison stationed in Macao. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

This photo taken on Dec. 19, 2024 shows the stamps to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau will issue philatelic products on Dec. 20 to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the 25th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Garrison stationed in Macao. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

Lau Wai Meng (C), director of Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau, displays new philatelic products during a press conference in south China's Macao, Dec. 19, 2024. The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau will issue philatelic products on Dec. 20 to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the 25th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Garrison stationed in Macao. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

Lau Wai Meng (C), director of Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau, displays new philatelic products during a press conference in south China's Macao, Dec. 19, 2024. The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau will issue philatelic products on Dec. 20 to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the 25th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Garrison stationed in Macao. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)
WUHAN, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- About 80 experts from Chinese energy companies gathered at Shennongjia, central China's Hubei Province on Thursday to advocate for greater efforts in biodiversity conservation during the energy transition process.

The seminar, organized by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) and local government, brought together representatives from over a dozen Chinese energy companies, including the State Grid Corporation of China, China Southern Power Grid, China Huaneng Group, China Three Gorges Corporation, China Huadian Corporation, and China Green Development Investment Group, to share success stories in promoting biodiversity conservation.

The biodiversity of the earth is the foundation of human survival. However, the continuous expansion of human activities poses a threat to many species, leading to environmental pollution and habitat destruction, said Liu Zehong, executive vice chairman of the GEIDCO.

"So it is crucial to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of energy to reduce the impact of large-scale fossil energy development and utilization on natural ecosystems," Liu added.

Cases shared at the seminar included avoiding ecologically sensitive areas, replacing overhead power lines with underground cables, installing artificial bird nests on transmission towers, creating fish migration channels at hydropower stations, using solar power for desert control, and supplying green energy to ecological research bases.

Many of these cases have been cataloged in the "List of Energy Transition for Biodiversity," issued at a sub-forum of the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in October. The list features examples selected from thousands of companies and organizations across more than 100 countries worldwide.

These measures help minimize habitat destruction, promote environmental restoration, and provide direct protection for biodiversity, showcasing successful approaches to integrating energy transition with ecological conservation, Liu said.

"Climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution are the three major crises facing humankind. These challenges are interlinked and require synergistic solutions," said Zhang Linxiu, director of the UN Environment Programme-International Ecosystem Management Partnership.

By sharing knowledge, achievements and experiences, it is hoped that this seminar will provide more pathways to achieving synergistic governance of energy and the environment, she added.

GEIDCO is the first international organization in the field of energy initiated by China. Headquartered in Beijing, it has been committed to promoting the development of the initiative to meet global power demand with clean and green alternatives. 
BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with the United Kingdom (UK) under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders to boost each other's economic and social development, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.

Spokesperson He Yongqian made the remarks at a press conference in response to a question regarding the UK's plan to cooperate more with China on investment and trade.

China attaches great importance to its economic and trade ties with the UK and is willing to promote the steady and sustained development of the China-UK global comprehensive strategic partnership for the 21st century, said He. 
SYDNEY, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- A total of 148 Australians returned home from Vanuatu on Thursday by the air force after a deadly earthquake hit the Pacific island nation.

The 148 citizens returned home on Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flights that landed in Australia in the early hours of Thursday morning local time, two days after the 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu's capital of Port Vila.

Authorities had confirmed a death toll of 14, saying it is expected to increase after the earthquake caused landslides and widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.

The RAAF on Wednesday flew a 64-member Disaster Assistance Response Team and two canines to Port Vila to aid ongoing search and rescue efforts for people believed to be trapped under rubble.

A six-person Australian Medical Assistance Team was also deployed.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement posted on social media on Wednesday night that Australia stands ready to provide further assistance in Vanuatu's time of need.

More than 200 people were treated for injuries and local police said that triage tents were set up outside Port Vila's hospital to manage the influx of patients.

UNICEF said that an estimated 40,000 children were in need of humanitarian assistance.

A local surgeon, Basil Leodoro, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the recovery effort would likely take years. 
MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland stands as yet another occasion to observe the practical success and institutional strengths of China's "one country, two systems" policy, which has brought enduring stability and prosperity to the region.

Over the past quarter century, the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics has garnered global recognition for its success, and demonstrated great vitality and unique charm.

In stark contrast to sluggish development and poor public security before Macao's return to the motherland in 1999, the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has witnessed rapid socioeconomic development and substantial improvement in people's living standards.

From 1999 to 2023, Macao's per capita GDP more than quadrupled to around 69,000 U.S. dollars. On Forbes magazine's 2024 list of the world's richest places, Macao ranked first in Asia and second globally. It is also one of the safest cities in the world. The region has seen historic achievements in economic and social development, and Macao residents' sense of gain, happiness and security has been constantly enhanced.

The region is also unleashing new development potential and vitality. It has made preliminary progress in the appropriate diversification of its economy, fostering key industries such as modern financing and the high-tech sector. From 2019 to 2023, the gaming industry's share of the region's GDP fell 14 percentage points to 37.2 percent. The regional economy is thus becoming more robust and vibrant.

The prosperity and stability of the Macao SAR are solid proof that the "one country, two systems" policy serves the fundamental interests of Macao and the whole country. Residents of Macao have consistently shown a high level of confidence in this policy.

In the early 1980s, then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping put forward the concept of "one country, two systems" with the aim of realizing the peaceful reunification of the nation. According to Deng, the concept means there is only one China and under this premise, the mainland adheres to the socialist system while Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan may retain their capitalist systems over a long time to come.

Under the "one country, two systems" policy, the SAR enjoys executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. The people of Macao administer Macao, with a high degree of autonomy. Its capitalist system and way of life remain unchanged.

As a case in point, the gaming industry, which is banned on the mainland, continues to be a pillar of Macao's economy. Residents of Macao now enjoy a wider range of rights and freedoms than at any other time in history.

"One country, two systems" is a great innovation in the practice of politics, providing the international community with a Chinese solution to similar problems. With no precedent to follow and no ready-made experience to draw upon, the central government has led the governments of the Hong Kong and Macao SARs, as well as all sectors of society, to actively explore this new path and move forward with firm steps. Hong Kong and Macao have integrated themselves into overall national development, and embarked on a bright path of mutual complementarity and common development with the mainland.

Thanks to the policy, Macao has also become a window for China's opening up to the world. The World Trade Organization recognizes Macao as one of the most open economies in the world for trade and investment. It has maintained its status as a separate customs territory and a free port, and played a unique role in promoting economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The central government has significantly increased the SAR's land and maritime areas to bolster its development. Cooperative mechanisms and infrastructure -- such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin -- have provided Macao with ample development headroom and rich opportunities.

Macao's current prosperity and stability show China's capability of encompassing two social systems within one country. The "one country, two systems" policy has proved to be the best institutional arrangement to ensure Macao's sustained prosperity and stability.

With the full support of the motherland, Macao has overcome various challenges and maintained good momentum in its long-term, stable development.

As China adheres to and improves its implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy, Macao will write new chapters in its success story. Further success of the policy will play a key role in realizing China's full reunification and national rejuvenation, and contribute more to world peace and development. 
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...
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan step out of the plane and greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. [Xinhua/Yue Yuewei]

MACAO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon, describing Macao as "a pearl on the palm" of the motherland and expressing confidence in its promising future.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. He will also inspect the Macao SAR.

At Macao International Airport, the Macao police force band played lively welcome tunes. Dragon and lion dance filled the air with joy. Hundreds of people including children and representatives from various sectors waved the national flag, the flag of the Macao SAR and flowers, expressing their warm welcome.

At around 4 p.m., Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, stepped out of the cabin of the special plane and waved to the cheering crowd.

"Every visit to this beautiful place has been very delightful for me," Xi said in a brief speech at the airport.

Over the past 25 years, the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved success widely recognized by the world, showcasing great vitality and unique charm, Xi said.

"This is the glory of Macao residents and the pride of all Chinese people," he said.

On behalf of the central government and Chinese people of all ethnic groups, he extended sincere greetings and best wishes to all Macao residents, adding that Macao's development and the well-being of Macao residents have always been on his mind.

Xi said he will have extensive and in-depth exchanges with friends in Macao on the region's development during the visit.

He expressed the belief that Macao will create an even brighter future by fully leveraging the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems," working hard and actively promoting innovation.

The Macao SAR is brimming with cheerful vibes in the days leading up to the 25th anniversary of its return. Anniversary-themed posters and floral decorations adorn popular sites such as the Ruins of St. Paul's, while the national flag and the Macao SAR flag flutter along the streets.

"Meeting President Xi again up close, I was extremely excited," said Jiang Lai Peng, a student from Kao Yip Middle School who also participated in the welcoming ceremony for President Xi's Macao visit five years ago. "His attention to and care for Macao have deeply touched and inspired me and my classmates."

Ho Kuok Tou, founder and CEO of an artificial intelligence firm with presence in both Macao and the mainland, said he is full of expectations for the future development of Macao.

"I hope the people of Macao will continue to work hard and actively integrate into the overall national development," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan step out of the plane and greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. [Xinhua/Ju Peng]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a brief speech at the airport in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. [Xinhua/Yan Yan]

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Ho Iat Seng, the outgoing chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. [Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan]

MACAO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Ho Iat Seng, the outgoing chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), expressing the central authorities' full acknowledgment of the work of Ho and the fifth-term Macao SAR government.

Xi said Ho has risen to challenges in a pragmatic and productive manner during his five-year term as chief executive. "This is no easy task, yet you have achieved high accomplishments," he noted.

Xi arrived in Macao earlier in the day for celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration of the SAR's sixth-term government. He will also inspect the Macao SAR.

Xi commended Ho for leading Macao in fully and accurately implementing the "one country, two systems" policy with unwavering determination, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, overcoming the severe challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and striving to diversify the economy in an appropriate way.

He expressed the hope that Ho will actively support the incoming chief executive and his team, and continue contributing to the advancement of the "one country, two systems" cause and the development of both Macao and the country as a whole.

Ho expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust and support given by President Xi and the central government, saying that the Macao SAR government, thanks to the staunch support from the central authorities, has elevated the SAR to a new level on all fronts.

Senior Chinese officials Cai Qi and Xia Baolong were present at the meeting.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
Click the photo and watch the video.

MACAO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua)  In 2012, shortly after becoming general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xi Jinping visited Guangdong Province in southern China. One stop on this trip was Hengqin, a place that was not so well-known back then but has since gained much spotlight.

Hengqin is an island in the city of Zhuhai, adjacent to Macao. Xi urged exploring innovative cooperation models between Hengqin and Macao to contribute to the latter's long-term prosperity and stability.

Macao's development has long been on Xi's mind. In 2009, then as vice president of China, he visited Macao and announced the plan to develop Hengqin, highlighting its potential to bolster Macao's economic diversification.

On Wednesday afternoon, Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, arrived in Macao to attend celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. Delivering a brief speech at the airport, Xi called Macao "a pearl on the palm" of the motherland.

Over the past 25 years, the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved success widely recognized by the world, showcasing great vitality and unique charm, he said.

The strategic vision Xi outlined for the city's growth, along with his commitment to improving the livelihoods of the local people, has been pivotal to Macao's transformation into a thriving economic hub and a desired tourist and leisure destination. Its development has been a success story of "one country, two systems."

Since the return from Portuguese rule in 1999, Macao has been governed as a special administrative region (SAR) under the "one country, two systems" policy  a unique arrangement that allows it to maintain its capitalist system and way of life within socialist China.

Over the years, Macao's GDP had grown from 51.9 billion patacas (about 6.23 billion U.S. dollars) in 1999 to 379.5 billion patacas in 2023, while the per capita GDP had more than quadrupled to around 70,000 U.S. dollars. This year, Forbes magazine listed Macao as the second-richest place in the world, trailing only Luxembourg.

The annual number of visitors to the city has also surged to more than 32 million from 7 million 25 years ago.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Planning Macao's Development

The Chinese central government has taken into full consideration Macao's unique position and role, encouraging it to actively integrate into the national development strategy.

For Hong Kong and Macao, "one country, two systems" is the biggest strength; China's reform and opening up has set the broadest stage for their development; and the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area present new and significant opportunities, Xi has said.

The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, established in 2021 under Xi's personal planning and guidance, has enabled Macao to develop industries such as high-end manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, financial services, and cultural tourism, helping to reduce its overdependence on the gaming sector.

As of September 2024, the cooperation zone has attracted 6,461 Macao enterprises and 16,539 Macao residents to move in. The deeply-integrated development between Guangdong and Macao is becoming a reality.

Xi regards the joint development of Hengqin by Zhuhai and Macao as a key component of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's growth. As part of this major national strategy, Macao was designated as one of the four central cities in the Greater Bay Area, alongside Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, serving as an engine for regional development. This has provided Macao with new opportunities, motivation, and space for growth.

Infrastructure construction has gathered speed. On Oct. 23, 2018, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world's longest sea-crossing bridge, was opened, with Xi personally announcing its inauguration.

Over the past six years, the bridge has evolved into a key economic and trade channel and a vital logistics artery in the Greater Bay Area. The annual number of border crossings at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port and the Hengqin Port both exceeded 20 million in 2024, setting new records.

"Over the 25 years since Macao's return, the motherland has been Macao's strongest backing for prosperity and stability, and has provided the greatest opportunities for Macao's development," said Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao SAR.

In July, China unveiled a master plan for furthering its reform, which emphasized leveraging the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems" and improving mechanisms to ensure that Hong Kong and Macao play a better role in the nation's opening up.

"This has pointed the way for Macao to integrate into Chinese modernization and achieve better development, providing a new historical opportunity," Xi has said.

People visit the Senado Square in Macao, south China, Dec. 17, 2024. [Xinhua/Yao Qilin]

Connecting with Locals

In the past years, no matter how busy his schedule was, Xi always managed to meet with ordinary local residents during his visits to Macao. He spent time learning about livelihood projects, be it a public housing program, an elderly-care facility or a government service center. "From your voices, we can gauge whether Macao is prosperous and developing," he told the locals.

Xi has also exchanged letters with people from all walks of life in Macao.

The "Macao Science 1" satellites, jointly developed by the Chinese mainland and Macao, was successfully launched in May 2023.

Following the launch, 18 faculty and students from the Macau University of Science and Technology, who participated in the satellites' development, wrote to Xi to share the exciting news and their experiences in the project. In his reply, Xi encouraged them to actively integrate into and contribute more to the country's development.

"We received President Xi's reply just two days later. It was a tremendous encouragement for us," said Yin Liang, an assistant researcher with the project. "He recognized our work and provided guidance for our future efforts."

Xi also cares a lot about the thoughts and aspirations of Macao's youth. In May 2019, students from a Macao middle school wrote a letter to Xi, sharing their understandings of the concept of "motherland" and expressing their wishes for Xi to visit Macao again.

After replying to the students, Xi fulfilled his promise by visiting their school in December 2019. He attended a Chinese history open class on campus, and told the students: "As Chinese, we must understand the history of our nation."

That open class left a deep impression on then 15-year-old Ni Ho Lam. Inspired by that experience, she began incorporating traditional Chinese cultural elements such as dragons and cranes into her works during creative design competitions. Today, she is pursuing her dream of design and art as a student at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology.

During his overseas visits and domestic diplomatic activities, Xi also promoted Macao actively.

In December 2018, during a state visit to Portugal, Xi emphasized Macao's unique role in advancing cooperation and exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and in the BRI. In April 2019, while meeting with the president of Portugal, Xi stressed: "Macao has already become a bridge for long-term friendly cooperation between China and Portugal."

"As long as we give full play to the institutional strengths of 'one country, two systems' and dare to strive and innovate, Macao will surely create a brighter future," Xi said Wednesday.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha


Li Chunmeng is a woman of remarkable determination and vision. Li, 51, was born and raised in Huzhen, a town in Jinyun County, in Lishui, a city in east China's Zhejiang Province. Li , who rose from an ordinary farmer to become the "queen of wild rice stem (jiaobai)," has for two-plus decades helped more than 4,500 households in her hometown achieve prosperity by cultivating jiaobai. Li is now president of Wuyangwan Fruit and Vegetable Professional Cooperative, in Jinyun. In 2021, she was named an exemplary individual in the fight against poverty, and a National Woman Pacesetter for Achievements.



Taking Root

Li began her jiaobai-cultivation journey in the 1990s. At that time, she was operating a mushroom business in Yongkang, a city in Central Zhejiang. By chance, she helped farmers sell their excess jiaobai. She quickly realized the crisp and delicious jiaobai sold better than mushrooms. So, she seized the business opportunity, and she began developing the local jiaobai industry.

Upon returning to Huzhen, her hometown, in 1998, Li rented 15 mu (1 hectare) of idle land, so she could plant jiaobai. She started from scratch; she studied hard, and for years, she experimented with efficient methods to cultivate jiaobai. Her hard work and dedication paid off; in 2008, she developed a method that made it possible to harvest jiaobai twice a year. That method significantly increased her yield.

Li's philosophy is simple: "Love what you do and dig into it." Every year, she planted several extra mu of farmland, so she could conduct technical experiments. Now, she holds trademarks on more than 10 leading jiaobai-cultivation techniques, and she possesses six national patents. She has become a famous jiaobai-cultivation expert.



Starting Businesses

In 2008, Li established Wuyangwan Fruit and Vegetable Professional Cooperative, in Jinyun. She volunteered to share her cultivation techniques with other villagers, which resulted in an increase in both jiaobai productivity and quality. In turn, the jiaobai industry in Jinyun quickly became prosperous. Now, Jinyun is the largest jiaobai production base in China; in fact, its jiaobai planting area accounts for eight percent of the national total. At present, around 35,000 people in the county, including many women, are engaged in the industry, which represents 10 percent of the county's labor force.

As for Huzhen, Li has helped more than 4,500 households increase their incomes since 2008. Huzhen is now home to 14 jiaobai production bases, one production workshop, two cold-chain warehouses, and two trading markets. Combined, these businesses have created more than 2,000 jobs for locals. The jiaobai produced in Huzhen is now sold in neighboring regions, including Hangzhou, also in Zhejiang, and east China's Shanghai Municipality. The jiaobai is also sold in other countries.

Keep Moving

Li has also played a pivotal role in poverty alleviation. In 2018, in response to a call by the Chinese Government, for paired collaboration on poverty alleviation involving Zhejiang and southwest China's Sichuan Province, Li took her expertise to Nanjiang County, in Sichuan. There, she and her team provided technical guidance and on-site support, and they helped establish jiaobai bases, which in turn created job opportunities. Her work has been instrumental in growing the county's jiaobai cultivation area from 65.4 mu (4.36 hectares), in 2018, to more than 3,200 mu (213 hectares), in 2020. In turn, her efforts have helped lift more than 3,400 low-income households out of poverty.

From a rural woman to a jiaobai expert, and from experimenting with cultivation techniques to starting businesses, Li has never stopped her forward progress. Earlier this year, she shared her experiences in advancing rural development and poverty alleviation in Africa. In July 2024, the First Harare Forum for Africa  Rural Development Cooperation and China-Zimbabwe Civilizational Dialogue Academic Week was held, in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe. Li attended the forum, and she shared her story of pursuing common prosperity by growing jiaobai. Participants spoke highly of Li's story; many, for example, said her story was down-to-earth and inspiring. "Prosperity is never an individual matter, but is a goal achieved through hard work, mutual assistance and collective efforts," Li told the forum.

Photos from Interviewee

(Women of China English Monthly November 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha
Weather Alert

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM CDT /2 PM EDT/ THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 AM CDT /5 AM EDT/ SATURDAY... * WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 45 to 50 mph expected. Locally higher gusts in excess of 50 mph are possible. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 1 PM CDT /2 PM EDT/ this afternoon to 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. &&
CANBERRA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Australia's elite universities have accused the government of making the country unwelcoming for international students following a new move to limit enrolments.

Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare on Thursday announced that the government will replace its failed proposal for an international student cap by slowing visa processing once applications reach a threshold for each university.

The cap would have set new international student enrolments at universities and vocational education providers at a maximum of 270,000 in 2025 as part of the government's broader strategy to cut Australia's migrant intake. However, legislation for the cap was blocked by parliament.

Instead, Clare on Thursday instituted a new ministerial direction that will treat student visa applications as high priority up until a threshold of 80 percent of the caps has been met. After that threshold, applications will receive standard priority processing, slowing them down.

The Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of elite, research-intensive universities, said the new system would lead to greater confusion for international students.

"We run the risk of confusing the international student market with these constant changes to policy settings," Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said in a statement.

"For too many potential students, it makes Australia look too hard and too unwelcoming as a higher education destination."

Universities Australia, the peak body representing all universities in the country, said in August that the planned international student cap would cost the Australian economy billions of dollars and result in thousands of job losses in higher education.

The Australian National University (ANU) in October said it would have to cut operational costs by 250 million Australian dollars (155.9 million U.S. dollars) over the next 15 months, with the bulk to come from job losses and wage reductions.

The university blamed its financial situation on changes in government policy and the management of international student numbers. 
KIEV, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Britain is intensifying its military support to Ukraine with a new aid package that includes naval drones, air defense systems and artillery, British Defense Secretary John Healey said Wednesday.

Training for Ukrainian soldiers under Operation Interflex, a Britain-led multinational military operation, will continue in 2025 regardless of the developments in Ukraine's peace process and a possible ceasefire, Healey said in an interview with the Ukrainian state Ukrinform news agency.

However, he said it is too early to publicly discuss the possibility of British support for deploying an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

Healey arrived in Kiev earlier in the day, local media reported.

On the same day, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov wrote on Facebook that he had talked with Healey about strengthening Ukraine's air defense, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of artillery ammunition, and exploring joint defense projects.

A key topic was the co-production of air defense systems, he said, adding that the discussions also covered the use of Storm Shadow missiles, and equipping and training new brigades of the Ukrainian army. 
Amazon workers protest unsafe working conditions in Staten Island, New York, on March 30, 2020 [AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews]

The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) and the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) hail the stand taken by US Amazon workers in their strike which began Thursday.

The strike includes workers at facilities in Staten Island, New York; Skokie, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; San Francisco and Southern California. UPS workers have pledged to refuse to cross the picket lines. Workers are striking against Amazons refusal to bargain for months and even years after they voted to join a union.

We call for a global movement uniting Amazon and logistics workers across the world, controlled and led by the rank and file, in a common fight against hi-tech exploitation. The strike is the latest in a series of global actions by Amazon workers, including Black Friday protests in 20 countries last month.

The organizing cells for such a movement must be rank-and-file committees, consisting of workers themselves and excluding corrupt union bureaucrats. These committees will fight for workers power against management attacks and sellouts by union officials.

Amazon workers must insist that their strike not be limited in advance by the Teamsters to only a few days. Instead, the strike must be guided by a strategy worked out and democratically enforced from below by workers, through rank-and-file committees made up of representatives from every Amazon facility.

Amazon workers should fan out to other facilities, regardless of union status, to prepare for joint actions. They should use social media to link up with Amazon workers and other sections of the working class in other countries. UPS workers and other Teamsters members, who are indirectly participating in the strike by refusing to handle Amazon deliveries, must use this as the opportunity to establish direct links with Amazon workers.

Amazon can and must be fought on a global basis. The power of the multi-billion-strong international working class, the source of all the wealth on the planet, must be leveraged against the tiny oligarchy that runs Amazon and society as a whole.

It is for this purpose that the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), which operates in logistics and other key industries around the world, was founded in 2021. It has been active among postal workers in five countries, railroaders in the US and in Canada, autoworkers in North America and Europe and other industries.

Workers are fighting against a $2 trillion corporation with tendrils across the planet. Amazonification is a buzzword in corporate boardrooms meaning low-paid, casual workforces whipped into line through automation and artificial intelligence, with workers thrown onto the street once they injure themselves trying to make rate. Delivery drivers, who are not even considered by the company to be direct employees, have no rights or protections.

Amazons structure is being emulated by other corporations. Mass layoffs are underway in the auto industry as it shifts towards hi-tech electric vehicles. In Canada, postal workers struck for more than a month against plans for massive restructuring until the government intervened this week to shut the strike down.

In the US, Trump is planning to privatize the US Postal Service, which is in the middle of a vast Amazon-style restructuring effort. At UPS, the company is shutting or automating 200 facilities as part of its Network of the Future, with tens of thousands of union and non-union jobs on the chopping block.

Amazon founder and chairman Jeff Bezos, with a net worth of $250 billion, personifies the control of American and world society by a tiny oligarchy. Through Amazon, he controls a key part of the world economy, as well as the media through his ownership of the Washington Post. He is a major Trump supporter, backing his plans to slash social spending and corporate regulations.

The essentially criminal interests of this layer are also what is driving war all over the world from Ukraine to Gaza, fought not for democracy or human rights but to conquer supply chains and foreign markets.

The fight against Amazon and other corporate giants requires a fight against the union bureaucracy. The Teamsters officials, having limited the strike in advance, are operating not with a strategy for victory but to bolster their own credibility. The Teamsters bureaucracy has carried out a series of major sellouts. Indeed, the Teamsters instructed its own members to scab on the Canada Post strike by continuing to work at the Purolator subsidiary.

Teamsters General Presidents Sean OBriens verbal attacks on corporate greed at Amazon is exposed by the fact that the union is helping impose mass layoffs at UPS, where management has cited the labor certainty provided by a new contract as a green light for downsizing. The bureaucracy rammed through the deal under false pretenses last year, after lyingly claiming for months that it was prepared to call a national strike.

The immediate issue in the Amazon strike is the companys refusal to bargain years after workers voted to join a union. But if Amazon has refused, it is because it feels emboldened by the position of the Teamsters, which wants only to establish the same corrupt relations with Amazon management that it enjoys elsewhere, jointly imposing cuts.

Nowhere is this bankrupt strategy more exposed than at the JFK8 facility in Staten Island, New York. Two years ago, workers voted in the upstart Amazon Labor Union, months after the rejection of a more established union at a warehouse in Alabama. This is because workers saw the ALU as a more militant alternative to the bureaucratically-controlled official unions.

But the ALU, with no viable strategy for how to achieve this, led workers into a blind alley. Its ties to the rank and file disappeared as it moved into the orbit of the Democrats and to its bigger brothers in the union bureaucracy. This happened until this summer, when bleeding money and beset by factional divisions, ALU officials decided to join the Teamsters.

The bureaucracys hostility to workers finds its highest expression in the Teamsters support for Donald Trump. Its top officials met repeatedly with Trump during the campaign. OBrien spoke at the Republican National Convention, and the Teamsters de facto backed Trump by refusing to endorse a candidate in the November election. Now, OBrien is praising Trumps America First nationalism, blaming foreigners and immigrants for job cuts which the American oligarchs, with the help of the bureaucrats, are carrying out.

Since the election, union officials have flocked to kiss the ring of Trump and promise to work with him. In doing so, they are declaring their support for Trumps plans to carry out historic attacks on the democratic and social rights of the working class. This includes gutting any health and safety protections, with Trump reportedly considering appointing former Amazon executive Heather MacDougall to head the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The union officials only want to make sure there is a place for them in the dictatorship which Trump is trying to build, just as they have worked with Biden and the Democrats to suppress the class struggle and impose pro-corporate contracts.

The same basic relations are mirrored within the unions themselves. Workers have no control over the organizations, which are run as petty dictatorships by bureaucrats who make six figure salaries off workers dues money only to sell them out to management.

A rank-and-file rebellion is needed. Just as workers must organize to smash the power of the oligarchy that controls Amazon, they must also organize to smash the power of the union apparatus and restore workers control.

New structures, rank-and-file committees, are being built to prepare for such a fight. The three principles of rank-and-file committees are:

1. The absolute authority of rank-and-file workers, including over contract talks, the conduct of strikes, the use of their dues money and other key issues. Workers have every right to take actions to override the decisions of union bureaucrats violating their democratic will.

2. Fight for what workers need, not what the oligarchy is willing to give up. Workers must fight for a vast transfer of wealth from the rich to the working class, which created this wealth and to which it rightfully belongs. This can be accomplished through transforming Amazon and other major corporations into public utilities run by workers rather than Wall Street executives.

3. The global unity of the working class. The fight at Amazon proves that workers around the world have the same interests and are engaged in a common fight against the same giant corporations. The watchword of the working class must be not America First, but Workers of the world, Unite!

If you agree with this, fill out the form below to contact the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) for assistance in building a rank-and-file committee at Amazon.
Last week, at the initiative of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), Humboldt University Student Parliament passed a resolution condemning the massive cuts being planned at universities. The result of the vote is an expression of growing opposition to the militarisation of German society and the cuts with which it is to be financed.

The faculty of justice of the Humboldt University is pictured in Berlin, Germany. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) [AP Photo]

In the past few weeks, thousands of people have protested in Berlin against the planned cuts by the Senate (state executive), while thousands of autoworkers took part in warning strikes at Volkswagen. Just one day after the Student Parliament meeting, a general assembly of 1,500 students took place at Humboldt University, which agreed important demands against the shift to the right in official politics, repression by the police and university administrations, and against right-wing teaching and support for war.

The resolution adopted by the student parliament after an amendment was proposed, stated:

The Berlin state government is planning a cutback at the universities: 280 million euros are to be saved in the budget for science and health, almost ten percent of the previous budget. Of this, 100 million euros are to be cut from university contracts and over 10 million from urgently needed renovation and construction measures. The Charite [hospital] alone will lose 8.5 million euros, almost half of the money earmarked for the purchase of new technical equipment. The Student Union, which is responsible, among other things, for BAfoG [student financial aid], student dining halls, cafes, student housing, daycare centres and counselling for mental health issues, is to have its budget cut by about a third, or 6.5 million euros. This is a direct attack on the fundamental rights of students to housing and food. These announced austerity measures will have disastrous consequences for us students. The cuts are also a sign of the militarisation of society as a whole. In the federal budget, the war budget is being massively increased, while education, housing and health are being cut. In the Berlin state budget, the only areas not affected by the cuts are, significantly, the police and the judiciary. We call on all students and teachers in Berlin and across the country to join forces with workers in other sectors and fight together against social austerity.

The adoption of this resolution is of great political significance. It makes the connection between social cuts and the arms build-up, and calls on students to join forces with the working class in the fight against these cuts.

Gregor Kahl, spokesperson for the IYSSE, said in his speech presenting the motion:

The reason for the social and educational cuts is the criminal policy of war of the ruling class and the breathtaking military build-up, which is supported by all parties in the Bundestag [parliament]. Just yesterday, for example, Social Democratic Party (SPD) member of parliament Joe Weingarten called for an additional 200 billion for the Bundeswehr [Armed Forces] on top of the existing 100 billion armaments package. While the federal government is considering sending German ground troops to Ukraine and is already waging a proxy war against nuclear-armed Russia, everything that does not directly serve the logic of war is to be eliminated. The universities, schools and public institutions, like the economy, are to be completely geared towards war. The brutal budget consolidation serves to finance the war debt and make Germany financially fit for a third world war. The costs of rearmament and arms deliveries to Israel and Ukraine are to be passed on to students, teachers, young people and working people as a whole through massive social cuts, according to the will of those in power. We must not allow this!

In the debate on the IYSSE motion, three other slates in the student parliament tabled a joint amendment to the draft resolution. While adding some current figures and further examples of the cuts, the amendment sought to weaken several paragraphs in which the involvement of university president Julia von Blumenthal in the cuts was highlighted and the German arms deliveries to Israel and Ukraine were criticised.

After this amendment was adopted, against the votes of the IYSSE faction and with one abstention, the amended resolution was unanimously adopted by the Student Parliament. The IYSSE will take the resolution of the student parliament as a starting point for building a movement against the billion-euro cuts, militarism and war policy.

At the request of the IYSSE, in addition to the resolution, the Student Parliament also decided to convene a student general assembly to discuss and organise further action against the cuts at universities and in Berlin. The IYSSE will be intensively involved in the preparation of this meeting.

We call on all students to come to the general assembly and also to participate in the preparations. The struggles against cuts, war and fascism cannot be separated from each other but can only be waged through the methods of class struggle. We want to discuss this perspective with all those who are interested. Spread this call and get in touch with us!
Thousands are feared dead after Cyclone Chido on Saturday struck Mayotte, a part of the Comoro island chain located between Madagascar and Mozambique but ruled by France. The storms 220km/h winds felled trees and tore apart fragile sheet metal houses that make up 40 percent of Mayottes housing.

Devastated houses in the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, after the island was battered by its worst cyclone in nearly a century [AP Photo/Ministere de l'Interieur/Gendarmerie Nationale]

Hundreds of thousands of people in Mayotte now face famine and disease, largely cut off from outside assistance. Most of the barges that link the different islands in the archipelago have been destroyed or damaged, roads are blocked by fallen trees or other debris, and hospitals and many grocery stores are partially or totally closed.

President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in Mayotte today, as French authorities continue to delay any estimate of the scale of the disaster. I think there will certainly be several hundred dead, maybe we will get close to a thousand, or even several thousand deaths, said Mayotte police prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville. He blamed the lack of clear figures on Muslim tradition, which he said requires burial at most 24 hours after death.

The horrific toll from the cyclone is due above all to the French governments fascistic hostility to Mayottes population, half of whom are undocumented Comoran immigrants. Mayotte, Frances poorest department, had a 77 percent poverty rate and a 37 percent unemployment rate before the storm. When the lack of electricity, clean water and safe housing provoked protests, Paris responded with far-right calls to stop immigration from the Comoros to France through Mayotte.

This malign neglect has led to disaster, as storms intensified by global warming hit a population lacking basic protections from a cyclone. The death toll may well reach into the tens of thousands.

Many undocumented workers did not go to shelters to avoid capture by police. Zaidou Tavandy, a member of the crisis team set up in the capital, Mamoudzou, said: When the cyclone hit, 3,000 people came to the shelters opened by the city, whereas the population of the capital numbers around 90,000 inhabitants, half of whom are undocumented. Where have all the people gone who no longer have a roof over their heads?

Mayotte Senator Said Omar Oili said, This is the greatest natural catastrophe in France since the eruption of Mount Pelee in 1902 in Martinique, which killed 30,000 people.  The rumors, in the hospitals, say 20,000 dead. Just in La Vigie [a Mamoudzou slum] there must be several thousand.

On the hills, just a few days ago, there were hundreds of houses. They have all been razed to the ground, said Abacar, a resident of Mamoudzou. Many kwassa-kwassa boats that could have been used for transport from Mamoudzou, where the bulk of Mayottes population lives, were confiscated by police as part of anti-migrant operations and stored in a vulnerable garage, Abacar added: They were all shattered during the storm.

Help has to arrive fast. Here, in four days, there will no more to eat, said Youssouf Bacar, a resident of Dzaoudzi, the small island on which Mamoudzou and Mayottes airport are located. Up until now, everyone has managed to get by, but what about in a few days? Without electricity, frozen food will no longer be edible starting tomorrow. So there are no more reserves. And we are not seeing anything coming in.

Bacar said he had heard and seen nothing of rescue operations initiated by the French government, which will send an A-400M military transport plane with 23 tons of food and water from the French island of Reunion, 1,400 kilometers away. With internet largely cut off, Bacar said, I only learned this morning that three government ministers had visited before.

There are growing fears that, after a cholera epidemic earlier this year, Mayotte could see a new surge of diseases due to lack of clean drinking water, including cholera and typhoid fever.

Overseas Territory Minister Francois-Noel Buffet had headed an official delegation to Mayotte and gave a brief speech to a group of soldiers and military police. Everything is a priority, he said, stressing the need to hold on in the next eight days. Buffet claimed that only 72 hours have passed since the catastrophe and our mobilization is already gigantic.

French military police are imposing a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew, ostensibly to prevent looting by Mayottes starving inhabitants, but food and water were only starting to be distributed yesterday.

Emergency workers are still scrambling to restore basic services. The French Interior Ministry reported that commercial flights cannot land in Mayottes airport, that 80 percent of the cell phone network is down, and that water would only be restored to half of Mayottes housing in 48 hours. It said that in Mayottes hospitals, there is 40 to 45 percent of activity that is gradually coming back online.

French imperialism has for decades pursued a neocolonial policy in Mayotte, valuing it for the naval base at Dzaoudzi but treating its population with barely-disguised hostility.

Mayotte was purchased by French King Louis Philippe from Mayotte Sultan Andriantsoly in 1841, seven years before Louis Philippes overthrow in the 1848 revolution. After all the Comoro islands were given to France at the 1885 Berlin conference that carved up Africa, Mayotte was hit by two horrific cyclones, then an earthquake and a smallpox epidemic in 1898. Administered by French colonial authorities in Madagascar, Mayotte was reattached to the Comoros at Madagascars independence in 1960. Mayotte voted to remain French when the Comoros voted for independence in 1974.

In 2017, the first year of his presidency, Macron created an international incident by callously mocking the deaths of Comorans who, in the 1990s, had begun emigrating to Mayotte on kwassa-kwassa boats. A 2012 French Senate report had found that in the previous 20 years, between 7,000 and 10,000 Comorans had died by drowning trying to reach Mayotte. Kwassa-kwassas dont do much fishing, they catch Comorans. Thats different, Macron said.

Macron tried to calm the outrage he had provoked in the Comoros by pledging to work with the Comoran government to limit drownings, but Paris promptly violated this pledge. Under Macron, French naval operations in the region increasingly focused on preventing Comorans from reaching Mayotte, while Mayotte police launched waves of mass arrests of Comorans for deportation.

Frances refusal to invest the funds necessary to build basic infrastructure and public services was graphically exposed in the Macron administrations 2019 decision to contract out the building of water infrastructure to the Vinci corporation. The deal collapsed last year amid protests in Mayotte, when Vinci said it did not have the necessary resources for the project. The European Union, which had partially financed it, investigated Vinci and found that at least 685,000 had been embezzled.

French policy towards Mayotte is increasingly set by the fascistic, police-state concerns that shape all of official French politics. At the beginning of this year, far-right Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin proposed to revoke birthright citizenship in Mayotte to discourage Comoran immigration.

Frances current caretaker Interior Minister, the monarchist Bruno Retailleau, responded to Cyclone Chido by pledging to fight legal and above all illegal immigration. He threatened, We cannot rebuild Mayotte without dealing with the migration issue with the greatest determination. Mayotte is the symbol of the laxness that governments have allowed to emerge on this issue. We will have to pass laws so that in Mayotte, as across all our national territory, France takes back control of its immigration.

This combination of wilful neglect of basic social requirements and fascistic police-state terror created conditions in which thousands, and possibly tens of thousands, needlessly died in Mayotte.
A spectre is haunting Washington  the spectre of communism.

Earlier this month, in a robust 327-62 bipartisan vote, the US House of Representatives passed a McCarthyite bill requiring high school districts to indoctrinate children with fascist propaganda created by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC).

The Capitol is seen in Washington, Tuesday, December 17, 2024. [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite]

156 Democrats joined 171 Republicans in voting in favor of the Crucial Communism Teaching Act. Democratic yea votes for the bill included a majority of the Progressive caucus, including California Rep. Ro Khanna and Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, as well as the Democratic leadership in the House, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (New York), Minority Whip Katherine Clark (Massachusetts), Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (California) and former speaker Nancy Pelosi (California).

In an attempt to head off growing interest in Marxism and socialism, the Crucial Communism Teaching Act calls for the development of civic education curriculum to ensure that high school students in the US are taught blatant lies. The bill calls for the creation of a curriculum that includes a comparative discussion of certain political ideologies, including communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy that are essential to the founding of the United States.

The VOC is not an academic institution, but a far-right non-profit created in 1993 by an act of Congress to advance US imperialist propaganda. Founders of the VOC included Lev Dobriansky, Lee Edwards and Zbigniew Brzezinksi. All three men are lifelong opponents of equality, friends to fascists and servants of US imperialism.



Dobrianksy taught at Georgetown University, served as ambassador to the Bahamas in the Reagan administration, and was also the chairman of the anti-communist National Captive Nations Committee (NCNC). The co-chair of the NCNC was Yaroslav Stetsko, a leader of the Nazi-aligned Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) during WWII and the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Nations.

Yaroslav Stetsko during a visit to Taiwan in the 1950s in his capacity as the head of the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Nations.

Brzezinski was a top US imperialist strategist for decades and security advisor to Democratic President Jimmy Carter. In addition to supporting the Shahs counter-revolution in Iran and Central American death-squads, Brzezinski backed the arming of the Islamist Mujahedeen in Afghanistan.

National security adviser to President Jimmy Carter, Zbigniew Brzezinski, speaking in March 1989. (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler) [AP Photo]

Finally, Edwards helped found the right-wing group Young Americans for Freedom in 1960 and was a former chairman of the VOC. In an obituary posted last week, the VOC noted that Edwards started or helped sustain key anti-Communist organizations, such as the National Captive Nations Committee, the Committee for a Free China, and the American Council for World Freedom. Edwards worked on Barry Goldwaters 1964 presidential campaign, taught at Georgetown University and was a fellow at the Heritage Foundation.

The legislation advanced by the VOC calls for teaching that communism has led to the deaths of over 100,000,000 victims worldwide, and that 1,500,000,000 people still suffer under communism.

The 100 million figure is a lie that originated in The Black Book of Communism, a 1997 book by Stephane Courtois, and other European academics who have distanced themselves from the volume following its publication due to the numerous errors and falsehoods contained within it. Courtois reached his outrageous figure by, among other things, counting Nazis who died fighting the Red Army during World War II as victims of communism.

Courtoiss book seeks to present Nazism and Communism as twin evils, with the former more acceptable to Courtois. Early in the book he contrasts the 100 million supposedly killed under communism with the approximately 25 million who were victims of the Nazis.

The legislation passed last week not only seeks to whitewash the crimes of Nazism, but to prepare students for future war with China. The bill demands that the curriculum focus on past and present communist and totalitarian regimes, namely, the treatment of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) by the Peoples Republic of China and the increasingly aggressive posture by the Peoples Republic of China toward Taiwan, a democratic friend of the United States.

While demonizing official enemies of US imperialism, the bill calls for propaganda lectures that include oral history resources. These resources are to include personal stories, titled Portraits in Patriotism, which will feature victims of communism and proponents of freedom and democracy.

The passage of the bill reflects immense fear within the US ruling class that large sections of the population, including millions of young workers and students, will be looking for a revolutionary alternative to the unending war, inequality, austerity and fascism offered by the capitalist system.

In a press release introducing the legislation last year, far-right Florida Republican Maria Elvira Salazar, a Cuban exile, noted that a poll conducted by the VOC in 2020 found that 1 in 5 millennial people and 1 in 3 members of Gen-Z view communism favorably. A 2022 poll conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 36 percent of US adults viewed socialism somewhat (30 percent) or very (6 percent) positively, while only 57 percent viewed capitalism favorably, an 8 percent decrease compared to 2019.

The passage of the bill comes under conditions where President-elect Donald Trump has promised to carry out a mass deportation operation targeting not only immigrants, but also his political enemies, chiefly communists and Marxists. Last June, Trump promised to use Section 212 (f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to order my government to deny entry to all communists and Marxists. Trump has also called for a new law to address the ones that area already here, that grew up here

Far from defending the democratic rights of the population to the threat posed by Trump and his oligarchic backers, the Democrats are moving swiftly to accommodate Trump and work with him and the Republicans in order to prosecute imperialist war against Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

VOC experts have been welcomed to Washington to advance humanitarian interventionist arguments to justify US militarism. Adrian Zenz, a German researcher and senior fellow at the VOC, received bipartisan support in Congress last year for his research on the Uyghur genocide in China.

Former Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher praised Zenz for playing a paramount role in bringing these atrocities to light. Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi likewise praised Zenzs research for supposedly demonstrating that the mass ending of Uyghur births clearly meets the definition of genocide.

Neither Gallagher nor Krishnamoorthi has characterized the over 14-month US-backed Israeli mass murder and ethnic cleansing in Gaza as genocide. Krishnamoorthi was one of the 156 Democrats who voted in favor of the Crucial Communism Teaching Act.
An agreement between Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer to keep the federal government funded at current rates until March 14, 2025 was thwarted Wednesday after Republican outcry and an intervention by President-elect Donald Trump and his Vice President-elect JD Vance.

In this picture taken through a window, President-elect Donald Trump, from left, Trump's pick for the planned Department of Government Efficiency Elon Musk and Vice President-elect JD Vance attend the NCAA college football game between Army and Navy at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, Saturday, December 14, 2024. [AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough]

In a statement posted on their social media accounts Wednesday, Trump and Vance added an entirely new demand which had not been raised in the congressional negotiations over the continuing resolution. They demanded that the stopgap legislation should also raise the US national debt ceiling. That limit on spending will technically be reached January 2, 2025, but in previous such cases the Treasury has been able to delay an actual default through financial maneuvers between various federal accounts, for as long as six months.

The two fascist Republicans now denounced a previous spending deal reached in 2023 between then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the Biden administration, which suspended the debt ceiling for the balance of 2023 and 2024, in return for significant social cuts. They wrote:

The most foolish and inept thing ever done by Congressional Republicans was allowing our country to hit the debt ceiling in 2025. It was a mistake and is now something that must be addressed.

After threatening former Rep. Liz Cheney for her role in the January 6 Select Committee, Trump and Vance wrote, Increasing the debt ceiling is not great but wed rather do it on Bidens watch adding that Republicans must GET SMART and TOUGH. If Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want, then CALL THEIR BLUFF.

Trumps intervention killed any chance that the current spending bill will pass. A proposed vote on the spending package in the House Wednesday evening was canceled. It is unclear as of this writing if a new continuing resolution will be voted on before midnight on Friday to avoid a government shutdown.

In a statement posted on his X account Wednesday, Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote: House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government.  You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences that follow.

Top Trump adviser Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, denounced the stopgap bill, declaring that the bill should not pass and branding it a piece of pork. Threatening to fund primary challengers against every member of Congress, Musk whipped up Trumps far-right followers on X, writing, Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years!

Trump and his fascist allies are calling for a so-called clean continuing resolution or clean CR, that is, a spending bill that does not contain any other provisions. However, their demand for a rise in the debt ceiling (for the purposes of blaming it on the BIden administration) is itself a violation of a clean CR, and the Democrats, who still control the Senate, dismissed the possibility.

The debt limit is the total amount of money the US government is allowed to borrow in order to meet its existing obligations, including funding the military, Social Security, Medicare, tax refunds and interest on the national debt. Far-right Republicans have typically voted against any legislation that increases the debt limit.

The collapse of the previously agreed-to funding measure portends massive incoming spending cuts under the new Trump administration. Gloating on X following the bills collapse, Musk wrote: Either there is massive change or America goes bankrupt, therefore there must be massive change!

Musk and fellow billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy are informally advising Trump as part of a self-proclaimed Department of Government Efficiency, which aims to cut $2 trillion out of federal spending. They regard the continuing resolution as an unwarranted delay in bringing down the budget axe.

Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress had previously announced on Tuesday that they had reached an agreement to avoid the December 20 shutdown. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer released the 1,500-page bill which continued most federal spending at the levels that prevailed when Fiscal Year 2024 ended on September 30.

The most significant changes to the bill were an additional $100 billion in disaster aid, mainly to address the impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton, which devastated parts of Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee, and $10 billion in new direct payments to farmers.

A few parts of the bill related directly to the build-up of American imperialism towards war with China. The legislation prohibited certain types of US corporate investment in China in industries deemed vital to national security. The Pentagon was slated to receive a $5 billion boost, including $3 billion to repair facilities damaged by the hurricanes and $2 billion for US bases on Guam, which were hit by a Pacific typhoon.

It also authorized an expanded national security drone programin the midst of ongoing popular concern over supposed drone sightings over New Jersey and neighboring states, whipped by the media and both capitalist parties, and particularly by Trump.

In addition to disaster funding, the bill contained a major political concession by the Democrats. The Democrats dropped their opposition to a freeze on $20 billion for the Internal Revenue Service, which was to be directed at stepped-up enforcement of tax collection from wealthy tax dodgers among the super-rich.

Republican outrage  beginning in the far-right House Freedom Caucus Tuesday and spreading throughout the conference Wednesday was focused on several relatively minor last-minute spending additions. This included federal funds to rebuild Baltimores collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge and a provision to transfer control of the dilapidated RFK Stadium to Washington D.C.

There was also a perk for Senators and congressmen of both partiesa cost-of-living raise in their already six-figure salaries. Such raises have been blocked since the 2008 financial collapse, out of fear of public reaction.

Multiple Republicans are outraged over Johnsons inclusion of the Democratic proposals. Rep. Thomas Massie, a libertarian from Kentucky, told the Washington Post he would not vote for Johnson to remain speaker next month. The Post, citing two other members on condition of anonymity, surmised that Johnson would probably be forced out of the running before lawmakers would have to make up their minds on January 3.

Conversations about replacing Johnson as speaker had already begun in certain corners of the GOP conference in the last several days, according to multiple Republicans, the Post wrote, citing a Republican member.

When the new Congress assembles, the Republicans will control the Senate, which flipped from a 51-49 Democratic majority to 53-47 Republican. After Trump is inaugurated, the Republican Party will control both houses of Congress and the White House for the first time since 2018.

The Republican majority in the House will be smaller, down from 222-213 before the election to 220-215. This figure will go even lower, at least temporarily, as two Republican representatives have been nominated for top positions in the Trump administration and will resign their seats once confirmed, while Republican Matt Gaetz resigned as soon as he was nominated, and he will not return in January. All three vacancies are in safe Republican districts and are expected to be filled by the late spring.
SYDNEY, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Emergency flood warnings were issued for communities in the northeastern Australian state of Queensland on Thursday.

Authorities issued Watch and Act alerts for communities along the Jandowae Creek and in the South Burnett region, both approximately 180 km northwest of Brisbane, with residents in low-lying areas urged to leave.

"Warn neighbors, secure belongings and enact your emergency plan," the alert said.

Intense rainfall over several days in Queensland's populous southeast triggered flash flooding and power outages in the area.

Over 2,000 properties in the area were without power on Wednesday night. As of Thursday morning, power had been restored to most of the affected properties.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) had 12 flood warnings in places across the state on Thursday, including a major warning for the Logan River south of Brisbane.

The State Emergency Service said it received 145 calls for assistance in the 24 hours to Thursday morning, mostly in the state's southeast and connected to the heavy rain.

The region's biggest dam at Wivenhoe, west of Brisbane, on Tuesday began releasing water after reaching 90 percent capacity. It marked the first release of water from the dam since severe flooding in 2022.

The BoM said that conditions would ease in Queensland's southeast on Thursday, with storms set to hit the state's north and west. 




MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the Macau University of Science and Technology Thursday morning.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, was briefed on the development of two state-level key laboratories in the university -- one on the quality of traditional Chinese medicine and the other on lunar and planetary science. 
GAZA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- At least 24 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday in Israeli raids across the Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said.

Israeli warplanes bombed a house in Beit Hanoun town in northern Gaza, according to Palestinian security sources.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for Civil Defense in Gaza, told Xinhua that four people were killed in the strike, including two women, and several others are still missing under the rubble.

In a separate incident in northern Gaza, two more were killed and another seriously injured when an Israeli drone targeted a gathering of Palestinians in the Jabalia area, according to Basal.

In addition, a brief statement issued by Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza said that a paramedic was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a building in the town of Beit Lahia at dawn.

The statement added that the Israeli army detonated a "robot" near the hospital, causing injuries among medical staff and patients, without disclosing their exact number and condition.

Meanwhile, Kamal Adwan Hospital said in a statement in the morning that at least 10 people were killed and several others injured in an Israeli shelling on a residential house in Beit Lahia.

The hospital's intensive care unit also caught fire as a result of gunfire from Israeli vehicles, the statement said.

In central Gaza, medical and civil defense workers recovered the bodies of four people who were killed in Israeli airstrikes at dawn, one on a tent sheltering displaced people in Deir al-Balah city and the other around "Ard al-Mufti" park north of al-Nuseirat refugee camp, according to Basal.

In Khan Younis in southern Gaza, three Palestinians, including two women, were killed as a result of an Israeli shelling on a house east of the city, reported the Nasser medical compound after receiving the victims' bodies.

The Israeli army has not commented on these incidents yet.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 45,097, the Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Wednesday. 
The 11th summit of the D8 Economic Cooperation Organization has commenced in Cairo, with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov representing the country at the event.

According to Azernews, citing the Al-Ahram portal, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi extended a warm welcome to the heads of state, government leaders, and delegation representatives attending the summit.

The D8 group, founded in 1997, aims to strengthen economic collaboration among its members. The organization currently includes Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, and Turkiye.

Egypt has assumed the D8 chairmanship and will hold this role until the end of 2025.
A commemorative envelope with a postage stamp in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China is seen at the launch ceremony in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Dec. 18, 2024. A special postage stamp marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China was released at the ceremony here on Wednesday. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

SOFIA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- A special postage stamp marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China was released at a ceremony in Sofia on Wednesday.

With a circulation of 6,000 copies, the stamp depicts the number 75 in the colors of the national flags of both countries, as well as a giant panda and bamboo. Issued by the Bulgarian Posts, it has a nominal value of 3.60 BGN (1.93 U.S. dollars), enough to send a letter to China.

Addressing the event, Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli said the giant panda is China's "most adorable diplomatic envoy" and beloved by people around the world, adding that bamboo - an evergreen plant - symbolizes the relations between the two countries, which are stable and sustainable.

Dai explained that the number "75" resembles a silk ribbon, symbolizing the connection between the peoples of the two countries, who have exchanged goods, ideas and cultures through the Silk Road.

"Philately is often thought of as an art library that holds the history of countries, nations, and I would add, friendships," Dimitar Nedyalkov, Bulgarian deputy minister of transport and communications, said at the ceremony.

"Bulgaria highly values its relations with China, which today cover numerous areas of fruitful cooperation," said Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nevyana Miteva, who also attended the ceremony.

"The issuance of this stamp is a very strong sign that the relations between Bulgaria and China have not only a history, not only a present, but also a good future," Mihail Mikov, former president of the Bulgarian National Assembly, told Xinhua after the event.

Spas Panchev, president of the Union of Bulgarian Philatelists, told Xinhua that the stamp is an opportunity to enrich the collections of philatelists both in Bulgaria and in China. 

Dimitar Nedyalkov (1st R), Bulgarian deputy minister of transport and communications, addresses the launch ceremony of a postage stamp in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Dec. 18, 2024. A special postage stamp marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China was released at the ceremony here on Wednesday. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

The launch ceremony of a postage stamp in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China is held in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Dec. 18, 2024. A special postage stamp marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China was released at the ceremony here on Wednesday. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

Commemorative envelopes with postage stamps in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China are seen at the launch ceremony in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Dec. 18, 2024. A special postage stamp marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China was released at the ceremony here on Wednesday. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)
From the very beginning, The Brutalist doesnt skimp on the majesty: A Holocaust survivor journeying on a ship to America and a new life looks up, smiling, to see the Statue of Liberty as trumpets blare. But his view revolves and Lady Liberty spins on screen, the first symbolic hint in this monumental epic that his version of the American dream will turn upside down.

"The Brutalist" is a toxic tale of the immigrant experience and a gripping narrative of love and hope tested through vice and struggle. Co-writer/director Brady Corbets brilliant drama ( out of four; rated R; in select theaters Friday, nationwide in January) features Adrien Brody playing a Hungarian-Jewish architect taken advantage of by those who laud him. A shoo-in for Oscar's best actor category, Brody leads a stellar cast through decades of a postwar America that promised to take in the huddled masses but never said anything about treating them right.

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Hungarian-Jewish architect Laszlo Toth (Adrien Brody) shows off his plans for a grand new building in the historical drama "The Brutalist."

In 1947, Laszlo Toth (Brody) comes to the USA having survived a terrible trauma during World War II and forced separation from his wife Erzsebet (Felicity Jones), whos being held at the Austria/Hungary border by Soviet soldiers with her niece Zsofia (Raffey Cassidy). Laszlo travels to Philadelphia and moves in with his cousin Attila (Alessandro Nivola) to help with his furniture business. A job goes south that sours their relationship but does put Laszlos talents on the radar of rich industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce).

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Having seen newspaper clippings of Laszlos Brutalist-style buildings and his work up close, Van Buren becomes so smitten that he commissions Laszlo to build an ambitious institute in a rural area outside Philly as a memorial to the wealthy mans late mother. (While Laszlo is a fictional character, his experiences are inspired by key real-life figures of the Brutalist movement.) The gig checks Laszlos key boxes: a job to design a masterwork and an opportunity to reunite with his family.

However, as the movie moves into the 1950s, mutual resentment boils between Laszlo and the Americans around him, both elite and working class. They almost all look down on him and he, being an egotistical perfectionist, goes into a rage when everything isnt to his specifications. We tolerate you, Harry (Joe Alwyn), Van Burens snake-in-the-grass son, hisses at the passionate builder.

And then theres Van Buren himself, a temperamental boss who holds power over Laszlo whenever he can. In front of Erzsebet, Van Buren remarks upon her impressive English and cruelly quips that she should help her husband, who sounds like he shines shoes for a wage, before flinging a penny at him.

Mercurial industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce, left) and his snaky son Harry (Joe Alwyn) take advantage of an immigrant's skill in "The Brutalist."

Brody is phenomenal navigating Laszlos emotional journey over several years, capturing the confidence of an artist who knows exactly what he wants as well as the insecure flaws of an individual distracted by drugs and women. (The character is an interesting counterpoint to Brody's Oscar-winning role as a surviving musician in the 2002 Holocaust drama "The Pianist.") I suppose that inside, he worships at the altar of only himself, Erzsebet says of her husband.

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Jones is terrific as well, first appearing as a weak figure in a wheelchair thanks to osteoporosis and later finding new inner and outer strength when needed. Pearce devilishly counters his co-stars efforts with sheer, punchable antagonism  Van Buren is the absolute worst, a detestable menace and an apt metaphor for the modern mogul.

But the biggest breakthrough of The Brutalist is Corbet. For his third cinematic outing with co-writer/partner Mona Fastvold (after "The Childhood of a Leader" and "Vox Lux"), he has crafted a magnificent film with the sweeping scope of The Godfather and the dark idiosyncrasy of There Will Be Blood. The production design is incredible, and the sites (including a marble quarry in Italy) are stunning. Plus, you wont hear anything better at the movies this year than Daniel Blumbergs minimalistic score, with brassy themes matching the cinematic grandeur and a solo piano accompanying Laszlos more thoughtful internal moments.

Despite the lengthy runtime, there's no filler anywhere in The Brutalist." Even the title screen during the built-in 15-minute intermission (a blessing in itself) is used as a plot point in this remarkably honest movie about our history and the human way we manage to create beauty out of tragedy.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'The Brutalist' review: Adrien Brody stuns in powerful immigrant story
People are seen in front of the building of a school damaged in a missile attack from Yemen's Houthi forces, in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Yossi Zeliger/JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- A missile launched by Yemen's Houthi forces struck a school in central Israel on Thursday, causing significant damage, according to Israeli official sources.

The missile, identified by the Houthis as a hypersonic "Palestine-2" missile, triggered air raid sirens across central Israel overnight. The Israeli military initially reported intercepting the missile but later clarified that it was only partially intercepted and struck the school in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv.

An initial investigation by the Israeli Air Force indicated that the missile's warhead exploded upon impact with the school, causing damage.

Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama told reporters the school had been closed due to the damage. "The school's main structure needs to be destroyed, and it will be rebuilt," he said.

The missile attack from Yemen followed an Israeli air offensive targeting major ports in Yemen and the capital, Sanaa. Local media reported at least nine people were killed in the Israeli strikes.

Also on Thursday, a drone launched from the Gaza Strip triggered air raid sirens in nearby Israeli communities before being shot down by the Israeli Air Force. 

Photo taken on Dec. 19, 2024 shows the building of a school damaged in a missile attack from Yemen's Houthi forces, in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, Israel. (Yossi Zeliger/JINI via Xinhua)

People are seen in front of the building of a school damaged in a missile attack from Yemen's Houthi forces, in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Yossi Zeliger/JINI via Xinhua)

Rescuers are seen at the building of a school damaged in a missile attack from Yemen's Houthi forces, in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Yossi Zeliger/JINI via Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the building of a school damaged in a missile attack from Yemen's Houthi forces, in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Yossi Zeliger/JINI via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Dec. 19, 2024 shows the building of a school damaged in a missile attack from Yemen's Houthi forces, in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, Israel. (Yossi Zeliger/JINI via Xinhua)

A man is seen near the building of a school damaged in a missile attack from Yemen's Houthi forces, in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Yossi Zeliger/JINI via Xinhua)
A coming-of-age movie with a dramatic punk rock twist has a storyline that may sound unreal, but it's based on true events.

In "Los Frikis," set in early 1990s Cuba, hundreds of young, disenfranchised Cubans inject themselves with HIV during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, hoping to escape political repression by going inside government-run clinics, or sanitariums.

Based on true events, the film takes its title from the Spanish translation of the word freaky, referring to the punk rock movement that came together in Cuba during the 1980s and 1990s.

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I grew up in Miami, I have Cuban family, Cuban friends, but I didnt know this story specifically, so it was very important for me to tell it, said one of the movie's leads, Puerto Rican Guatemalan actor Adria Arjona.

Arjona, who starred earlier this year in the romantic comedy crime movie "Hit Man" and is known for her roles in the series "Andor" and "True Detective," spoke to NBC News alongside two of the movie's co-stars, Hector Medina and Eros de la Puente.

"Los Frikis" was written and directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, creators of "The Peanut Butter Falcon," the 2019 comedy drama about a young man with Down syndrome who escapes from a care facility.

Adria Arjona in "Los Frikis."

During the AIDS crisis, Cuba's sanitariums drew both praise and criticism. While they were credited with containing the spread of HIV on the communist island, the clinics were described as a pretty prison by Dr. Jonathan Mann, the first AIDS director at the World Health Organization.

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According to an article in The Lancet, Cuba had 927 cases of HIV seropositivity and 187 cases of AIDS as of May 1993. By comparison, neighboring Puerto Rico, with roughly one-third the population of Cuba, had over 8,000 cases of AIDS at the time, and New York City, with a population closer in size to Cuba, had 43,000 patients with AIDS then.

But Cubas health policy led to "unintended consequences," The New York Times wrote in 2012 about this period.

To stay out, some Cubans tried to avoid testing. But a few others, usually teenagers estranged from their families, deliberately got themselves infected to get in, The New York Times reported.

Patients were initially confined to the medical center by the military. But life inside, which ultimately inspired Los Frikis, could also be less austere than what these punk rockers faced on the streets.

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Inmates got food, medical care and their old salaries; theater troupes and art classes formed. Gay men could live together, which was not true in the macho culture outside, The New York Times reported.

"Los Frikis."

Los Frikis tells the story of this second young group, who lived in a Cuba that was increasingly isolated after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the ensuing demise of the Soviet Union and the communist bloc. Fidel Castros revolutionary government cracked down in response to dissidents and others who didn't fit in.

Theyll throw you in jail for anything here. Its impossible to survive without breaking the law, Paco (played by Medina), one of the punk rockers in the film, says.

Paco, like other young people, believed he could escape from government repression by entering a sanitarium after injecting himself with HIV. Punk bands started forming at these medical centers, and recorded cassettes inspired hundreds to self-inject.

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But many would soon face a rude awakening as they died of AIDS; it would be years before the current treatments that have made it possible to live with HIV as a manageable condition.

Medina  who will play Raul Castro, the brother of Fidel Castro and the former president of Cuba, in an upcoming movie with Al Pacino  said that he prepared for his role in Los Frikis by speaking to a sanitarium doctor who now lives in the U.S.

The doctor had worked at Los Cocos, a sanitarium about 30 minutes southwest from Havana by car. He told Medina that it was painful to remember, since he had become friends with his patients who later died of AIDS.

Eros de la Puente and Adria Arjona in "Los Frikis."

Medina said much of the punk music that Los Frikis made at the time was not preserved. But viewers could still connect with the very positive message of their culture in the film, which shows how they found freedom in friendship, love and the communities they created at the sanitariums.

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This message, Arjona said, transforms the Frikis from scary outcasts to relatable people who are vulnerable and want to heal from different traumas.

In the movie, Arjonas character, Maria, tells Gustavo (played by de la Puente) that you cant expect to hold onto anything.

Faced with the deaths of her peers, Maria poetically says that loved ones, sunsets and even cherished animals like horses eventually disappear.

This makes de la Puente think about one of the most enduring messages from the Frikis movement.

You dont need many things to have everything, he said. I am referring in the context of the film, and how that group of people becomes a family and creates such a beautiful experience in a moment from the history of Cuba that was very empty.

Los Frikis releases in New York and Los Angeles on Friday and select movie theaters nationwide Dec. 25.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The post Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega Feel the Wrath of Enchanted Roadkill in Death of a Unicorn Trailer: Watch appeared first on Consequence.

The first trailer for A24s upcoming dark comedy, Death of a Unicorn, has arrived.

Set for release in spring 2025, Death of a Unicorn stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father and daughter who accidentally kill a unicorn with their car en route to a weekend retreat with the fathers billionaire boss, Dell Leopold, and his family.

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The trailer depicts Rudd and Ortegas characters as they hesitatingly reveal the dead unicorn to the Leopolds, who begin exploiting the discovery, harvesting magical properties from the corpse to find a cure for cancer and, as they see it, seize an opportunity for greatness and immortality. Eventually, though, we come to find that the unicorn isnt quite dead, as a horrific, blood-lusting version of it resurrects to seek vengeance.

Watch the trailer below.

Death of a Unicorn is produced by Ari Aster and marks the debut of director Alex Scharfman. The soundtrack was composed by the iconic John Carpenter, and rounding out the cast with Rudd and Ortega is Richard E. Grant, Will Poulter, Tea Leoni, Anthony Carrigan, Sunita Mani, and more.

The film was first announced in May 2023, and filming began that July in Hungary, despite the then-ongoing actors strike. Because A24 wasnt affiliated with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, it was one of 39 independent productions that were given approval by SAG-AFTRA to continue shooting.

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Meanwhile, 2024 was another good year for A24  Consequence recently named Jane Schoenbruns I Saw the TV Glow the best movie of the year in our annual rundown, which also included A24 titles Love Lies Bleeding and Sing Sing.

Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega Feel the Wrath of Enchanted Roadkill in Death of a Unicorn Trailer: Watch

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As horizon-expanding as travel has the potential to be, its simply impossible to go everywhere and see everything properly within ones lifetime. There are a number of reasons for this sorry facttime and budget, war and other tragedies. Theres also the reality that, no matter where you go and for how long, no matter who you pay, youll never quite experience a slice of life as a tourist in the way a resident does. For better and worse.

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What if we told you theres a supplementnot a replacementfor travel when any of the above constraints make you unable to see that place on your mind? And what if that supplement could be enjoyed from a comfortable seat, whether that be on your couch or in a theater? We think you know where were going with this: international films can transport you anywhere and expose you to cities and ways of life heretofore unknown. The best this year gave us glimpses of what life is like in Benin, Mumbai, Tehran, and more. Read on for our favorite international films.

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All We Imagine As Light

Dont let the slight tweeness of the name deter you, if youre not into that sort of thing. This is a beautiful and warm piece of filmmaking that brings the viewer into the lives of a pair of roommates living in modern-day Mumbai. The two women are coworkers at a clinic, which is about where their similarities end. Prabha is older and married, although her husband has since migrated to Germany and hasnt called her in over a year. The outgoing Anu, meanwhile, is swept up in a secret, forbidden love affair with a young Muslim man. Its as much a character study of the city of Mumbai, the streets, restaurants, and public transportation of which are captured with great care, as it is of our two heroines, with the added bonus that they themselves travel in the back third of the film. When a colleague is priced out of the city, they help her move back to Ratnagiri, a remote seaside village a far cry from the rainy metropolis weve been steeping in. India is as vast as it is internally diverse, and what an introduction this is for those of us not yet lucky enough to go firsthand. Charlie Hobbs, associate editor

Now playing: in theaters in New York and Los Angeles, streaming date unannounced

Look Back

Adapted from a one-shot from Tatsuki Fujimoto, the same creator as the high-octane and gory shonen manga Chainsaw Man, Look Back is a slightly unexpected and philosophically ambitious story on female friendship, vocation, and why art is worth creating. Clocking in at just under one hour, this film manages to deliver some of the most beautiful animation sequences of the year. The culmination is a complete bildungsroman for each of the two female leads, and a gut-wrenching third act that indulges in asking what if in response to regret. Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama doesnt struggle under the yoke of crafting the vague and overwrought strong female lead. Instead, Fujino and Kyomoto are believably talented and arrogant, cruel and considerate, complicated and human. This immediately became one of my favorite coming-of-age films of the year, and with its sucker punch runtime, everyone can and should give it a stream. Kat Chen, editorial assistant, destinations

Now playing: streaming on Prime Video

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Small Things Like These

This Cillian Murphy-led indie is based on Claire Keegans novel of the same name. Murphys Bill Furlong, a moderately successful coal merchant, witnesses the disturbing treatment of young, so-called wayward, women in one of Irelands infamous Magdalene institutions. Though the subject matter is heavy, director Tim Mielants successfully translates Keegans needle-felted touch to the screen and trusts his ensemble to carry the narrative on microexpressions and forced whispers. While it certainly isnt the flashiest entry of the year, its one that grows more impactful after youve had some time to sleep on it and observe how much we ignore in order to carry on with our daily lives. K.C.

Now playing: rent or buy on Prime Video

The Beast

Bertrand Bonellos seriously French, seriously foreboding adaptation of The Beast in the Jungle by Henry James is a liberal one. The source text is about a man who believes himself to be doomed, his fatalism intuitive but otherwise inexplicable. The film bestows this condition upon three charactersthe same soul in different lives, all named Gabrielleplayed by the actress Lea Seydoux. Theres 2044 Seydoux, who is undergoing treatments to purify her DNA and purge herself of emotion so that she can acquire a better job. The process forces you to relive your past lives and deaths, and we see Gabrielle as she was in 1910 France and 2014 Los Angeles. The former affords some fabulous costumery and gilded scenery, the latter some humorous period sartorial touches. Its time travel as well as world travel, its ominous, its incredible. C.H.

Now playing: streaming on the Criterion Channel

Neon

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The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Images of daily life in modern Tehran may be unfamiliar to Americans due to the hostile relationship between our government and theirs. But The Seed of the Sacred Fig, which was shot in secret in the Iranian capital (as well as in other parts of the country) puts the place on the big screen. Set amidst protests that mirror those that occurred after Mahsa Aminis death in police custody after being arrested for wearing her hijab improperly, the film follows a middle-class family (father, mother, two daughters) excited by the prospect of upward mobility after the father gets a promotion working as an investigator for the regime. Its politically explicit to the point that director Mohammad Rasoulof had to flee the country on foot to edit it in Hamburg, where the footage was also smuggled, not so much thrilling as it is gripping and, ultimately, devastating in its meditations on love and its corruption. Scraping the ceiling of three hours, its also an epic, so allot your time and attention accordingly. C.H.

Now playing: preorder on Prime Video

Touch

Dont believe that they dont make em like they used to. Touch is a seriously lovely, old-school film from Iceland that centers on Kristofer, an Icelandic college dropout working as a dishwasher at a Japanese restaurant, and Miko, the daughter of said restaurants owner. There are no boomboxes in the rain or inventive camera angles here, just bare vulnerability and honest emotion. While this viewer had an inkling of the plot twist in the conclusion, that certainly didnt ruin Baltasar Kormakurs slow art of unfurling this story. The intentional pace helps in walking the thin line between good drama and contrived caricature, and every second of Touch stays well inside the territory of the former. If you give it a watch, youll want to hold a box of tissues close and your loved one even closer. K.C.

Now playing: rent or buy on Prime Video

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Dahomey

This brief and imaginative documentary from French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop follows the repatriation of 26 African artworks from France to Benin, formerly land held by the Kingdom of Dahomey. We start in Paris, as the royal artifacts are pulled from their displays at the Musee du Quai BranlyJacques Chirac, loaded and hermetically sealed into huge wooden crates, and driven to the airport. We then meet one of the artworks, a sculpture of King Ghezo in the darknesshis eerie voiceover expresses fear that they wont remember his name in the place he comes from. Then, were in Benin, specifically the city of Abomey, where we see the parade and other celebrations in honor of the artworks return. Particularly compelling are the faces and voices youll see and hear in a group discussion of students at the University of Abomey-Calavi regarding whether the repatriation is meaningful. At 69 minutes, its also blissfully quick. C.H.

Now playing: streaming on Mubi

Perfect Days

This is a true international endeavor: German director Wim Wenders collaborated with Japanese writer Takuma Takasaki to make a whimsical film about a Tokyo toilet cleaner who is obsessed with analog film and Patti Smith cassette tapes. I found this last detail a bit irritatingWenders was clearly just playing all his favorite musicbut not enough to be turned off by whats otherwise a lovely depiction of the quotidian in a city most often represented as bustling and neon to the max. As a bonus, as though anyone needed another reason to want to visit this city, viewers get an absolute blast of a tour of Tokyos public toilets and their glorious designs. We as Americans have no idea how wonderful and varied these toilets are; Wenders even includes a British womans delighted reaction to a particularly colorful glass structure, the walls of which become totally opaque when you lock the door. C.H.

Now playing: streaming on Hulu

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Evil Does Not Exist

It would be easy to read Evil Does Not Exist as being anti-travelor, at the very least, anti-glamping. The new film from Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi is set in the tranquil (and fictional) village of Mizubiki some two hours outside of Tokyo. Locals live in deference to the nature that surrounds them, collecting water from the forests crystal-clear spring with quiet care. But, when COVID-era economic incentives drive a Tokyo consulting firm to erect a glamping site upstream of the village, without considering the environmental consequences on the community, a high-drama town meeting ensues, wherein villagers poke hole after hole in the hastily-drawn plan. Over the film's two hours, it continues to meditate on topics of man and nature, framing stunning countryside scenery for so long, and with such focus, that you emerge refreshed as though from a cold plunge. C.H.

Now playing: streaming on the Criterion Channel

La chimera

Romantic and fantastical, Alice Rohrwacher's 2023 film La chimera stars Josh O'Connor as a bedraggled vagabond with a knack for locating sealed tombs in the Italian countrysidea far cry from his turn as Prince Charles on The Crown. It's an aesthetic throwback to Wertmuller's crime films of the '70s, with lots of great outfits and a colorful supporting cast that includes Isabella Rosselini and the filmmaker's sister, Alba, who plays Elena on My Brilliant Friend. Come for the promise of some zany, meandering anticslots of fernet is drunken midday, in the middle of a field, for exampleand find yourself steadily hypnotized by the art and the magic. Who owns art? The dead? The living? I'm no longer sure. C.H.

Now playing: streaming on Hulu

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In early December, UNESCO inscribed a brand new batch of international traditions to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. The global roster is meant to honor and preserve cultural practices that date back centuries and are still in use today, from traditional performing arts and handicrafts to festivals and culinary techniques.

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The list contains a wealth of information for travelers in search of authentic activities on their next tripand for foodies like us, there's no better way to learn about the culture of a new destination than by trying traditional dishes and drinks.

In 2024, UNESCO inscribed 11 new culinary traditions to the list. To reach UNESCO status, each culinary tradition must be considered essential to the local cultural heritage and executed by highly trained artisansor skilled home cookswho follow an intricate process that is passed down through generations.

We asked travel specialists with expertise in each region for the best ways tourists can experience each culinary tradition, whether through a restaurant, museum, cooking class, or connecting directly with home cooks themselves. Here are the 11 culinary traditions that were just inscribed on UNESCOs list, and how you can access them on your travels abroad. For more global dining inspiration, check out our full guide to the best places to eat in 2025.

The 26th edition of the Gijon Natural Cider Festival has now succeeded again in the world record of simultaneous escanciado of the traditional Asturian drink by having the participation of 9,403 people in the beach of Poniente. (Photo by Mercedes Menendez/Pacific Press) Pacific Press Media Production Corp./Alamy

Asturian cider culture

What it is: This age-old tipple made from naturally fermented apples from the Asturias region of northern Spain stands out not just for its flavor, but also for its ritualistic way of being poured, explains Covadonga Riesco, a specialist at Fora Travel who is based in Asturias. Called the escanciado, this ancestral technique consists of pouring the cider from a considerable height, holding the bottle with one arm raised while the glass is held at hip height, Reisco says. Performed by a specially trained escanciador, the pour is a dramatic tableside show; however, it also serves a practical purpose. The cider is oxygenated and releases all its aromas and flavors, says Riesco, noting the cider has optimal effervescence and flavor within 10 seconds of pouring.

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Where to find it: To soak up all things cider in Asturias, Riesco recommends visiting traditional cider houses in Gijon, like Casa Trabanco, La Galana, and El Lavaderu. You can also visit a llagare, or cider cellar, which offer tours, tastings, and demonstrations of traditional techniques. Sidra Trabanco, El Gaitero, and Sidra Menendez are some of Riescos favorites. For the full effect, Riesco advises planning your trip during cider-making season in September and October or during the Gijon Natural Cider Festival in Julyboth offer the chance to taste plenty of cider vintages and participate in cultural activities.

Korean jang

What it is: Jang sauces are the foundation of Korean cuisine, according to Grant Ekelund, a senior travel consultant at InsideAsia Tours. Among these numerous tasty pastes and sauces are gochujang and ssamjang, two red chili pastes, and doenjang, a fermented soybean paste, all of which are used as bases for dishes as well as condiments.

Where to find it: In South Korea, youll certainly run into jang sauces all over the place, and at all times," Ekelund says. Hankookjip is a Jeonju-style bibimbap restaurant, serving the local version of this iconic dish. Naturally, with a big dose of gochujang. I ate here the last time I was in Jeonju and I loved it. For ssamjang, I love ssambap lettuce wraps. Its such a fun and interactive meal. For a deeper dive into jang pastes and sauces, tourists can visit the Sunchang Jangnyu Experience Center, which is located in the Traditional Gochujang Folk Village in Sunchang, Jeollabuk-do. The center offers the opportunity to make gochujang pastes following traditional methodsincluding cooking the ingredients in large clay onggi jars over a fire. You can also sample dishes where the red pepper paste is the star of the show.

Authentic Thai Tomyum soup noodles with seafood and egg Getty

Thailands tomyum kung

What it is: A traditional Thai prawn soup that is ubiquitous throughout the nation, tomyum kung isnt only served in restaurantsits also a staple in the majority of family kitchens. To make the iconic soup, prawns are boiled with distinctive ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal root, and shallots, according to UNESCO; its hallmark is its wide range of tastes, including sweet, sour, savory, spicy, creamy, and slightly bitter.

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Where to find it: Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle in Bangkok is widely heralded as serving one of the best tomyum kung soups available. Other solid options include Somboon Seafood, which is known for its fried crab curry (its version of the traditional prawn soup was recognized as a dish thats unmissable in Bangkok by the Tourism Authority of Thailand). Jeh O, a small restaurant also in Bangkok that made Michelins Bib Gourmand list, dishes out one of the hottest bowls in town: Locals wait in line for up to two hours for a table here, the Michelin Guide says.

Traditional cassava bread in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, and Venezuela

What it is: Cassava bread has been a staple food of several Caribbean countries for centuries, its preparation dating back to the Indigenous Taino people in the region. The round flatbread is made from cassava, or yuca, flour that is cooked over a fire or on ceramic plates, with the exact preparation varying by country. It is usually eaten as a side dish as part of a larger meal, but it can also be eaten on its own. And heres a bonus for travelers with celiac or gluten intolerance: this ancient bread is naturally gluten free.

Where to find it: One of the best restaurants, or paladars, in Cuba for cassava is called Yucasabi in Old Havana, according to David Lee, founder and owner of Cultural Cuba, which is headquartered in Havana. Cassava is practically a mission statement for the owner of this restaurant, Lee says. [It] is featured in almost every dish on their menu. In the Dominican Republic, Cayo Levantado, a private island resort in the Samana region, offers a cassava cooking class that covers how the root vegetable is cultivated and chosen for harvest. Then, attendees go through the complete process of making their own cassava bread, using traditional techniques.

Azerbaijan, Baku, The Old Town - Icheri Sheher, Woman making Azerbaijani traditional bread cooked in tandir - a clay oven Jon Arnold Images Ltd/Alamy

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Tandir bread baking in Azerbaijan

What it is: Tandir bread is a culinary treasure of Azerbaijan, steeped in tradition and rich flavors, says Zulya Rajabova, founder and president of Silk Road Treasure Tours. It is baked in a tandir, a clay oven heated with wood fire, creating a unique smoky aroma and crispy yet soft texture. The bread is often paired with herbs, cheeses, or tea, and is a cornerstone of Azerbaijans hospitality and craftsmanship, according to Rajabova. Every Azeri traditional family in the villages and towns have their tandir oven to make bread for the entire family, and bread is also a special gift with sweets to bring to relatives and friends when we visit them.

Where to find it: Drop into Sehrli Tandir bakery, which is located in the ancient district of Baku, Azerbaijans capital city. Here, travelers can witness the traditional preparation of tandir bread and enjoy its aromatic, freshly baked flavors, Rajabova says, noting that she often arranges special demonstrations with the bakers, who enjoy showcasing their craft. Qaynana Restaurant, also in Baku, is known for its tandir bread served alongside authentic Azeri dishes. Farther afield, the historic Silk Road town of Sheki is known for its bread-making tradition, according to Rajabova. While specific bakeries might not have formal names, almost every corner offers delightful encounters with skilled bakers and freshly made bread, she says.

Mulgi puder in the Mulgimaa region of Estonia

What it is: Mulgi puder is a type of traditional mashed potato mixed with barley to form a thick stew. The dish originated in a region of South Estonia known as Mulgimaa, famous for its fertile soil and hearty farmers cuisine, but has since spread throughout the nation. Its usually made over the course of several days, according to UNESCO, and many families have their own variation on the traditional recipe.

Where to find it: Since it's traditionally a simple peasant dish, mulgi puder can be hard to find in restaurants, as its more the domain of home-cooked comfort food. Kolu Inn, a tavern at the Estonian Open Air Museum in Tallinn, serves traditional dishes such as mulgi puder, as well as traditional rye bread, meat dumplings, and more. Traveling along the Onion Route, a string of traditional villages along an old trade route near scenic Lake Peipus, can also be a great way to access traditional dishes like mulgi puder. Try eating in local pubs like Kivi Tavern or Moisa Talli. Bed and breakfast like Nina Kordon Guesthouse or Vaino Tourist Farm, also offer the opportunity to sample homemade dishes straight from local cooks kitchens.

BRAZIL-FRANCE-FOOD-CHEESE Douglas Magno/Getty

Brazil's artisan Minas cheese

What it is: This regional cheese, first made in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, embodies the areas historical and cultural heritage, according to Jill Siegel, a Brazil travel specialist at South American Escapes. Its roots trace back to Portuguese colonial times when immigrants introduced cheese-making techniques to Brazil, establishing Queijo Minas as a cornerstone of local gastronomy, she says.

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Where to find it: As the name indicates, the best place to find this iconic cheese is in the state of Minas Gerais, which is also famous for breathtaking landscapes, rich architecture, and vibrant traditions, Siegel says. There are cheese shops on almost every block in small towns around the state, she says. Almost all small Botecos (small neighborhood restaurants) serve this cheese. Although they serve it all over Brazil, it is the best in Minas Gerais.

For the ultimate cheese shopping experience, Siegel recommends heading to the Mercado Central in Belo Horizonte, the state capital of Minas Gerais, where countless loaves and wheels of Queijo Minas are for sale. For dinner, make a reservation at Glouton Restaurant, which features the cheese in numerous dishes, and even offers a Queijo Minas cheesecake for dessert.

Malaysian breakfast culture

What it is: Malaysian breakfast is very important for our culture and lifestyle, Dato Chef Ismail Ahmed, a local celebrity chef and owner of Restoran Rebung in Kuala Lumpur, says in a UNESCO video on the countrys breakfast tradition. The first meal of the day is seen as an important time to gather and socialize. We must have breakfast, Ahmed says. Breakfast meeting, breakfast social, breakfast weddingbreakfast, breakfast, breakfast. The three most popular dishes served are roti canai, an Indian flat bread sometimes served with stewed lentils, nasi lemak, coconut rice served with a smattering of toppings and sides, and teh tarik, a frothy milk tea. The dishes are usually shared, as food is very important to most cultures within Malaysia, and the breakfast culture seeks to unite the different ethnic groups, says Jack Tydeman, a Southeast Asia specialist for Audley Travel.

Where to find it: Restoran Rebung has a buffet-style breakfast serving up Malaysian classics. Village Park Restaurant at the Damansara Uptown food court in Petaling Jaya is famous for its nasi lemak. Food courts and hawker stalls across the country will offer the best taste of a traditional Malaysian breakfast, according to Tydeman. Not only do they offer authentic breakfast dishes, but theyre also where many locals eat, as few residents eat the meal at home. The ambience these [places] provide is an essential part of the breakfast culture experience, Tydeman says.

African women making attieke, Region des Lacs, Sakiare, Ivory Coast Eric Lafforgue/Art in All of Us/Getty

Attieke in Cote dIvoire

What it is: A traditional side dish made from cassava, attieke is a hearty and affordable cornerstone of meals in Cote dIvoire. It has a consistency similar to couscous and is usually eaten with the hands. Typically, the tasty starch is produced by women and girls, according to UNESCO, and helps provide them with financial autonomy. The intricate process of grinding and mixing the cassava roots usually takes place in wooden sheds on platforms, per TRT Afrika: The process, spanning several days, begins with local women working from dawn to sunset.

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Where to find it: As a popular street food in major cities like Abidjan, attieke is usually sold alongside other dishes at open air food markets like Allocodrome de Cocody. Grab a pre-packaged bag full of the traditional side dish, and pair it with other market finds, like fresh grilled fish, chicken, vegetables, and local cocktails.

Traditional Arabic coffee

What it is: In Middle Eastern culture, serving Arabic coffee (Qahwa in Arabic) is a gesture of respect, says Mo Noubani, director of The Travel Box International. Traditionally, the coffee is brewed in a special pot called a dallah with spices like cardamom or saffron and served in small cups called finjan, according to Noubani. Nowadays Arabic coffee plays a central role in Arabian culture as a symbol of hospitality.

Where to find it: When traveling through the Middle East, you wont have to search hard to find Arabic coffee. Just go to any city center, walk around, and you are bound to run into a local traditional coffee shop, Noubani says. As the tradition has moved into the 21st century, more elaborate coffee houses are available, according to Noubani. In Dubai, for instance, The Coffee Lab is the go-to for locals and visitors alike who wish to have an authentic taste," he says. It is regarded as a sophisticated laboratory with specialty coffee roasters. But you cant go wrong visiting a generations-old Arabic coffeehouse, either. In Saudi, The Roasting House in Riyadh, a third wave roaster that produces Turkish and Arabic coffees, is a hit with the locals, as it maintained its quality through the years while establishing current coffee trends..

Inside Asahishuzo Co. Japanese Sake Brewery As Japan's Abe Eyes Exports Bloomberg/Getty

Traditional sake-making in Japan

What it is: Sake is an iconic Japanese liquor made from rice fermented with koji mold. Called nihonsu in Japanese, its the national drink of Japan and is abundantly available at bars, restaurants, and shops, with most regions having their own local twist on the drink.

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Where to find it: Sake is produced throughout the country, and there is an astounding range of variety and styles, says Andres Zuleta, founder of Boutique Japan. For casual sake tasting, I love Kimijimaya, a small and low-key sake shop in the trendy Ebisu neighborhood [of Tokyo]. The shop is located in a mall, but it offers great and unique nihonshu from throughout Japan, and is a really reasonable and unpretentious way to taste eclectic sake samples.

For a more immersive approach, try visiting a sake museum. Theres the Ponshukan Sake Museum in Niigata, which offers sake tasting through numerous vending machines and also a chance to bathe in hot sake, says Gwynnie Vernon, a trip planner also at Boutique Japan. In Kagawa Prefecture, theres even a guesthouse located in a converted, 150-year old sake brewery that allows guests to go through the sake-making process as part of their stay, according to Vernon.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler

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If youve been to all the usual spots with your family and are looking for something new, the Czech Republic may be the holiday vacation you didnt know you needed. Prague, the capital of the city in Europe, has a mix of busy and quaint with narrow streets, small taverns and restaurants galore. Known as the city of a hundred spires and on UNESCOs World Heritage List since 1992, the Prague Christmas Market is a perfect backdrop for your Christmas pics.

Bar Hopping, Christmas Shopping and Plenty of Prague Eats

From November 30 to January 6, 2025, and including all of the major festive days (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day), the Christmas markets will be open at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. These two hangouts are a five-minute walk from each other with free entry. Although Peace Square and Tyl Square are geared toward Czech people, everyone is supposed to be welcome. Havels Market is also open to everyone.

Basile Bedelek

Expect to see brightly decorated wooden huts; arts and crafts such as ceramics and jewelry; Christmas-themed products for sale such as candles, ornaments and nativity scenes; and plenty of food freebies to sample. Usually cooked in front of its visitors, travelers can snack on barbecue sausages, smoked meat dumplings, fish soup and roasted ham. Vegetarian travelers arent left out either, with the option to try garlic flatbread, pancakes and crepes, roasted chestnuts, spicy gingerbread, and Trdelnik chimney cake (rolled dough baked on an open fire with sugar and walnuts). If youre interested in getting a little tipsy, drinks are aplenty. Try Czech beers such as Pilsner Urquell, Budvar and Staropramen (brewed in Prague), along with mulled wine. Keeping it light? Enjoy grog (hot water, rum, lemon, sugar), hot chocolate, hot apple or punch.

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Products sold here have mostly been made or grown in Czechia or the surrounding Central European countries, including the handmade items. Refreshments are sourced in Czechia: Czech rivers and lakes, and the vegetables are grown on local farms. Even the red wine in the svarak is made from Moravian grapes.

When youre finished shopping and eating, enjoy the sight of the Old Town Square Christmas tree dressed with giant Christmas stars and red and gold baubles, along with 110,000 LED lights. The wooden huts have red or white roofs, and the Observation Bridge is filled with giant wired angels and forest animals. This year, in 2024, the markets will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the renowned Czech composer Bedrich Smetana, which will include a light show and music from Vltava, a piece from Smetanas famous symphonic cycle Ma vlast (My Country).

What Clothes To Pack for a Prague Christmas Market Trip

If youre from a warm-weather climate, the 30 degree Fahrenheit days are going to take some getting used to. While some days are bright and sunny, and can go up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, dont be surprised when temperatures drop to 5-25 degrees during the day (and night). If youre from a city where youre used to snow and icy weather, the Czech Republic will probably feel like any other winter with boots, a heavy coat, scarf and a (Christmas) hat. Because its such a walkable town, make sure you wear comfortable shoes that are broken in already so you can take advantage of as many sights as possible.

Alex Wolowiecki

Traveling Through Prague Works for Walkers, Train Riders and Bus Takers

If youre used to public transportation, Prague should be in your comfort zone. There are three, color-coded underground trains, which all operate from 5 a.m. to midnight. Tourist attractions are mainly on the Metro Line A, so get familiar with that one first. Tickets are approximately $1.40 each (or 32 korun), but tourists can also get a 24-hour pass for $4.90 (or 110 korun) or a three-day pass for $13.75 (310 korun). This isnt a credit-card-happy town though; have coins instead of paper notes. Also, make sure to get your tickets validated because there arent the usual barriers in the U.S. like a turnstile or gate. If you dont want to take the train or bus, try the tourist trams: No. 22 or No. 23. Trams operate between 4:30 a.m. and midnight, and the same train tickets can be used here too. If you take your chances with not validating your tickets on either, you could end up with a fine.

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Buses are also an option, but theyre reportedly of little help during your stay since they mainly cover the outskirts. If you would prefer to control your commute with a rental car, get your international drivers license before you leave the U.S. Taxis are a fourth option, but they are rumored to notoriously hustle tourists. If you see a car with TAXI only on one side of the car, skip it. Let your hotel choose a reputable company, so you dont end up in someones car who is not tourist-friendly.

Czech Republic for Black Tourists: Safe Or Not?

As with any city or country where Black people are uncommonly seen, several Black tourists on comment boards pointed out plenty of staring. One local pointed out that nobody will understand if you start talking about so called microagression [sic]. There are quite a few locals who discuss disdain for g*psies (a derogatory term for the Roma population) instead of skin complexion though. This small minority makes up about 250,000 to 300,000 of Romani citizens (less than 3%) and have lived there since the 16th century. Poverty and deprivation are common among the Roma, apparently linked to the transition to democracy and free-market capitalism.

Jialiang Gao

The Czech Republic may slowly be getting used to seeing Black people though, specifically considering some Black students chose to make the Czech Republic their permanent home, marrying locals and starting families. This marked the birth of the first generation of Afro-Czechs. (Kanye West is one of the most popular artists to collaborate with Afro-Czechs.) While still a minority, curious tourists may also want to check out how Afro-Czechs are contributing to the arts, media and literature while theyre there for the holidays.







The post Eat, Drink and Be Merry At the Prague Christmas Market appeared first on Travel Noire.
A month after contracting COVID-19 in January 2021, Nicholas Pastuovic was tired, had a severe cough, experienced hot flashes, and woke in the middle of the night drenched with sweat. He worried he developed long COVID and made an appointment with a doctor. Testing revealed a surprising cause of his symptoms  a watermelon-sized tumor in his chest.

To hear you have cancer is scary, Pastuovic, 61, of the Chicago suburbs, tells TODAY.com. (But) I figured that Im going to find out what I need to do and do it.

Difficulty breathing, exhaustion

After contracting and recovering from COVID-19 in early January 2021, Pastuovic felt well enough to take an annual trip to Florida with his wife. At dinner on the last day of his trip, he felt very ill.

Nicholas Pastuovic was diagnosed with a large watermelon-sized tumor in his chest after struggling to breathe properly.

I thought I was coming down with the flu because I got hot flashes, he says. I went to bed, woke up in the middle of the night just drenched with sweat. He also experienced a terrible cough and felt exhausted all the time. He started losing weight, too. Over the next few months, his symptoms would come and go.

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Probably the worst thing you can do is  use Doctor Google, he says. It seemed like what I had from what I googled was what people were experiencing after COVID. It was long COVID.

By June, Pastuovics wife insisted he visit a doctor. The nurse practitioner in the office ordered blood work and scheduled a CT scan for him. His blood work revealed an elevated tumor marker, indicating he might have some type of cancer. The CT scan revealed the location of a tumor in his chest.

It was a couple weeks later and they did another CT scan and the thing had grown significantly in two weeks, he says. It was very fast growing.

The tumor grew to the size of a small watermelon. Doctors biopsied it to understand the type of cancer it was and discovered it was something called a germ cell tumor, a cancer that forms from nascent reproductive cells. Pastuovic said his tumor was not staged. While germ cells normally migrate to reproductive organs, some of Pastuovics did not, which is why the tumor grew in his chest.

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These germ cell tumors are usually from the reproductive organs, Dr. Zaid Abdelsattar, director of the division of thoracic and lung transplant surgery at Loyola Medicine, tells TODAY.com. (Pastuovics tumor) was in his chest and specifically its in the center of his chest behind his breastbone.

Doctors remain unsure as to why Pastuovic developed a germ cell tumor in his chest.

I wish we knew why these things happen, Abdelsattar says. There are not enough cases worldwide to draw a correlation or association with several risk factors. So, its really hard to say. And for him, he never had any family history of this.

In hindsight, Pastuovic realized that he had trouble breathing for a while.

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It became more labored. That was beside the chronic cough, like a hacking cough, he says. It was really hard to get a deep breath in.

Pastuovic met with doctors at Loyola Medicine in Chicago to learn about his treatment plan which included in-patient chemotherapy. For six days, he would be in the hospital receiving various chemotherapies five of the six days. On the last day, he received fluids before being able to go home. In total, he spent four weeks in the hospital.

It was brutal, he says. A week to 10 days after my first round I had the paramedics in my house taking me back to the hospital because all of my numbers  especially my white blood cell count numbers, would drop.

He was able to stay home after his subsequent rounds of treatment, though he received a blood transfusion to help bolster his white blood cell count. Between rounds, he cut his hand and developed a blood infection that required another hospital stay. Doctors removed his chemotherapy port at that time because they worried infection would settle there. Luckily, he didnt need it anymore. Going through chemotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic felt isolating at times but Pastuovic is grateful for the kindness of the nurses on the oncology floor. He also focused on a goal that kept him motivated through treatment.

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My mindset was, I want to go to Florida in February, he recalls.

Since undergoing treatment for a germ cell tumor in his chest, Nicholas Pastuovic can breathe better and be active with his family.

Before hitting the beach, Pastuovic needed to undergo surgery to remove the remaining cancer. By this time, the tumor was softball-sized.

The seriousness of the surgery was pretty significant because there were major blood vessels intertwined with this tumor, he says. When they got me into the operating room, I thought they were planning a party because there were probably 15, 20 people there.

After a nine-hour surgery where doctors cracked open Pastuovics chest like open heart surgery, staff told Pastuovics wife the surgery went well. After a few days in the hospital, Pastuovic returned home.

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That was a cakewalk compared to chemo, he says. Youre sore but that recovery wasnt that big of a deal quite frankly.

Treating a rare cancer in the chest

Pastuovics tumor was located in an area where if it continued to grow it could create a lot of problems for him.

Anything that grows in that area has the potential to invade into the heart, the major blood vessels, the lungs on either side or even the bone, Abdelsattar, who performed Pastuovic's surgery, says. Its a rare kind of tumor.

Pastuovics tumor grew into the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, part of a blood vessel to the lung and his lung. That meant Abdelsattar and his team needed to remove the tumor from his chest surgically. But before he could do that, he treated the cancer with something called VIP chemotherapy, which is very strong that works for this type of cancer.

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(It) helps shrink the cancer and it kills the majority of it, Abdelsattar says. Theres still residual disease that stays there after it shrinks, and we go ahead and resect it.

In Pastuovics case, doctors removed everything including some of the structures.

We remove the cancer, we removed part of the blood vessel that supplies the lung, and we removed part of his lung, Abdelsattar says. All of it came together as one big block.

This allowed the team to remove all of the remaining cancer cells.

The body is amazing so it can take care of most of these things without needing anything to be replaced, Abdelsattar says. We did not leave him with any residual deficit or any lack of function.

When diagnosed with a large, rare tumor in his chest, Nicholas Pastuovic maintained a positive attitude by focusing on becoming healthy enough to join his wife for their annual winter trip to Florida.

Following surgery, Pastuovic had no evidence of disease. While its been two years since surgery without any signs of cancer coming back, Abdelsattar says theyll still monitor him with blood tests and scans for the next three years.

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Hes doing great, Abdelsattar says. He went to his daughters wedding. All of that would not have been possible if we did not have the team and expertise to do (this surgery).

'I live my life a little differently'

Pastuovics dream of making it to the beach in February 2022 came true.

Six weeks after surgery, I was in Florida, walking the beach, he says.

Doctors also needed to remove a nerve that helps the diaphragm, which means walking can sometimes be challenging.

Basically, only half of my diaphragm works. So, breathing at times can be a little hard, he says. Over time, it has gotten better.

His breathing improved so much that he was able to walk in Quito, Ecuador, which is more than 9,000 feet above sea level, without breathing heavily.

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I walked up a cathedral, about 150 steps, to get to the top, he says. I made it at that elevation.

It felt like a positive thing to be able to walk with ease above sea level on that trip because Pastuovic was there to walk his daughter down the aisle this summer.

Everything was great, he says.

Pastuovic says that before his cancer diagnosis, he often had a negative outlook on life. Being in the hospital for about 40 days, often alone, helped him shift his mindset.

No matter how bad things are, how negative somebodys thinking is you can find it in yourself to have some positive thoughts, he says. I live my life a little differently (now).

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He says he goes out of his way to compliment people for good service or kind deeds and says he wanted to share his story to thank the medical staff that saved (his) life.

While recovery felt tough at times, Nicholas Pastuovic knew his breathing had improved greatly when he could walk his daughter down the aisle in Ecuador, more than 9,000 feet above sea level, with little effort.

Im trying to live my life every day like its my last day, he says, and not dwell on bad stuff,





This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Matthew Tufts and Thor Retzlaff have made the first ski descent of the north face of the 3,580m Lautaro volcano in Chilean Patagonia.

Tufts and Retzlaff headed to the volcano two weeks ago. They approached it via Paso Marconi through Valle del Milodon, where they met three friends who helped them to carry extra food, according to Patagonia Vertical.

On the next afternoon, the pair crossed the 30km plateau to the base of Lautaro. They then had to wait four days for the weather to clear before beginning their climb. They topped out in windless sunshine.

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With only one reference photo of the descent route, they skied down Lautaros north face. The 2,200m vertical descent included a short but very technical crux of 55. It took them 17 hours to cover the 33km from base camp to base camp.

Tufts and Retzlaff spent 11 days in the area and covered a total of 180km.

Lautaro doesnt get many ascents. It was first climbed in 1964 by Pedro Skvarca and Luciano Pera via the southeast ridge.
Gabriel Medina is a divisive figure. No matter what he does, it seems to kick up heartfelt reactions, both positive and negative. Hell, one time all he did was kick out of a wave and it took the world by storm, before being followed by an inevitable backlash.

The one thing that isnt divisive, though, is that the man can surf. Take him out of the context of competitions, fans and the general culture of surfing, and youre left with a singular talent that produces some of the best rides youve ever seen.

Luckily, thats exactly what freesurfing is for.

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A prime example comes from a recent offering from Rip Curl, titled Terra Das Esquerdas, or Land of Lefts. The title refers to Perus bevy of left-handers, including the left-hand point break, Pacasmayo. Officially named Playa El Faro for its distinctive lighthouse, the wave is a sort of sister-wave to the more widely known Chicama and, like its older sibling, its a goofy footers dream.

Filmed by Lucas Balbino, Terra Das Esquerdas, or Land of The Lefts for the non-Portuguese speakers, is the result of a last-minute decision to jump on a plane to chase a swell, explains the caption. At its core, this clip captures a feeling that every surfer can relate to; the urge to round up your crew, drop everything, and head out in search of good waves.

The post Gabriel Medina Heads to Peru for Terra Das Esquerdas first appeared on The Inertia.
Block Island has a new accolade to add to its list: home to Rhode Island's prettiest lake.

Reader's Digest published a list of the prettiest lakes in each state in the country, from Arizona's Lake Pleasant to Wyoming's Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

"Whether you prefer lakes known for their swimming, fishing, or charming surrounding towns, weve got you covered," the Reader's Digest article said.

With so many iconic bodies of water in the Ocean State, such as Watchaug Pond and Worden Pond, Reader's Digest had plenty of lakes to pick from.

Great Salt Pond named as prettiest lake in Rhode Island

An aerial view of Great Salt Pond on Block Island.

The Reader's Digest article said that Great Salt Pond, located in New Shoreham, is Rhode Island's prettiest lake.

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"Great Salt Pond on Block Island, about 13 miles off the main coast of Rhode Island, is arguably the most gorgeous of the bunch," Reader's Digest said. "It used to be an enclosed pond, but it now functions as a tidal harbor for boats and yachts."

Great Salt Pond is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its historic intrigue.

"Besides the aforementioned harbor, the pond is also a great spot to fish, paddle, and swim in its protected northern sector, a designated no-anchor area," the magazine said. "The southern sector remains a bustling yacht destination."

More: Dangerous waters  RI bays and beach breaks, pools and ponds, are death scenes this summer

What is a lake?

While Great Salt Pond, as the name clearly suggests, is thought of as a pond, the different between a lake and a pond is nebulous.

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A lake is a large body of water  either slowly moving or standing  the occupies an inland basin.

Exactly what metric distinguishes a lake from a pond is largely undefined.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Prettiest lake in Rhode Island? Great Salt Pond makes the cut
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Marius Beck Dahle/Havila Voyages

We sail into Norways fjords after a day spent crossing the North Sea, swapping the boundless blue ocean for winding narrow straits. Our ship, the Queen Anne, is sandwiched on both sides by towering walls of granite, soaring up to 6,500 feet tall and plunging over 4,000 feet beneath the waters surface. Some sections of the fjord are so tight it feels as though our 3,000-person cruise ship will scrape the cliffside, the waterway just as wide as our wake. The grand scale of it allthe man-made giant versus the natural oneis at once awe-inspiring and unsettling.

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In 2023, a record-breaking 6.1 million people visited the Nordic nation via cruise ships, nearly 2 million more than in 2022, Forbes reportedand the Norwegian Coastal Administration estimates the 2024 totals will be even higher. Its no wonder that so many choose to travel to Norway by cruise: This is a place meant to be experienced from the water. The word fjord itself comes from fjorthr in Old Norse, which means to travel across, or a place used for passage and ferrying. Its also how we ended up with the English word ferry. Along with the nations thousands of islands, these glacier-carved inlets create an accordion-like geography that forms the worlds second longest coastline.

The steady growth in Norways cruise visitors is in part linked to ships getting biggerincluding Cunards newest addition to its fleet and the vessel I sailed on, the 13-deck, 1,058-foot-long Queen Anne. Flipped vertically, it would be the same height as the Chrysler Building. The ship is brand-new, with a long list of technological bells and whistles designed to cut back on waste and pollution (shore power and food waste biodigesters among them). But for the entirety of the voyage, a nagging thought remained in the back of my mind: Could a cruise ship this large ever be truly sustainable?

In 2017 the Norwegian Maritime Authority announced that emissions from cruise ships in Norways fjords occasionally exceeded health-damaging air pollution limits in port communities. As a result, the Norwegian parliament passed legislation the following year that required cruise ships to be zero-emissions by 2026 in order to sail in the UNESCO World Heritage fjords, Geirangerfjord and Nryfjord.

Marius Beck Dahle/Havila Voyages

The Norwegian Parliament has adopted a brave resolution which will have a great positive impact on conserving our UNESCO World Heritage marine site, Katrin Blomvik, director of the Geirangerfjord World Heritage Foundation, said at the time in a 2018 statement. This will make the fjords the worlds first zero-emission zone at sea.

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Then, in August 2024, the Norwegian government delayed the zero-emissions requirement to 2032. The six-year deadline extension applies only to large vessels over 10,000 gross tonnes, as sufficient technology does not yet exist for the largest ships, the government said in a translated press release. Smaller tourist ships and ferries would still be required to meet the zero-emissions requirements starting on January 1, 2026.

Cruise companies that had already invested millions in developing emissions-reducing technology were frustrated by this delay, says Elise Caspersen, the head of the maritime sector at ZERO, a Norwegian environmental nonprofit that works toward zero-emission solutions. They believed in the requirements and the signals from parliament and invested in ships, she explains.

Lasse Vangstein, the chief sustainability officer at Havila Voyages, a family-owned Norwegian shipping company and cruise line, says the company has already spent about $50 million to ensure their ships would meet the 2026 deadline, investing in everything from batteries charged with onshore hydropower to the FreeCO2ast initiative, a hydrogen fuel pilot program.

The problem with emissions regulations in general is that some of the technology needed to fully transition away from fossil fuels does not yet exist at the needed scale. But since the deadline was set, Norwegian companies have made several new innovations, Caspersen says. For example, the first zero-emission cruise through the Geirangerfjords World Heritage fjord was completed in 2022 by Havila Voyages using battery packs (the largest ever installed on a passenger ship) to sail emission-free for up to four hours at a time.

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Its a classic chicken-or-the-egg dilemma, but if anyone can crack the code, it may be this small Nordic nation. What the cruise industry does here over the next five years will set the stage for the rest of Europe, which is currently trying to square the cruise industrys emissions with the European Unions goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. Norway is always mentioned in international shipping and cruising, says Vangstein. I think if we make the right decisionsboth from a governmental point of view and also from an industry point of viewI think others will follow. You have to have somebody that shows that this is possible.

Norway plays an outsized role in the cruise industry: Viking, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Hurtigrutenthree of the worlds most well-known cruise lineswere all founded by Norwegians and continue to operate in the fjords today. Called a superpower on the seas, the Nordic nation is one of the top maritime nations globally. At the same time, Norway also has one of the worlds smallest carbon footprints, tapping its abundant natural resourcesincluding, of course, the waterto generate renewable energy. The vast majority of the countrys electricity (92% as of 2022) comes from hydropower plants, harnessing renewable power from high-altitude waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and, yes, its fjords.

No matter where we are in Norway, its never too far to go to the sea, explains Vangstein. Weve always been a seafaring country. Weve always been one of the largest shipping countries in the world. So its natural, I think, that we also need to be a part of the [green] transition and the development of technology [for cruise ships].

By using battery power and liquified natural gas (LNG), Havila has decreased its CO 2 emissions by 35% and reduced air pollutants like NOx and SOx by 90%, per the 2023 sustainability report. Hurtigruten, another Norwegian cruise company, has invested over $100 million into environmental upgrades for its fleet in recent years, including equipping three ships to use hybrid electric power, which the company says will cut their CO 2 emissions by 25% and NOx emissions by 80% by 2025.

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Through a government contract called a request for tender, Havila and Hurtigruten both operate tourism sailings on Norways coastal express route, which connects 34 ports stretching from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the far northeast, near the Russian border. The route isnt just a tourist attraction: For 130-plus years, it has served as vital shipping and transportation infrastructure for Norways port communities, especially those in the rural north that lack air and rail links.

The historic route is the ideal case for developing the first zero-emissions cruise ship for a few reasons, explains Trond Johnsen, the center director of SINTEF, a nonprofit research organization that has partnered with Hurtigruten on their Sea Zero sustainability initiative.

This is a route where its actually possible to go electric because the distances between each port are not that long, he says. Youre not trying to cross the Atlantic or even cross the North Sea down to Europe, which would require very big batteriesbigger than the ship itself. With more frequent charging opportunities, smaller batteries can be installed, and thanks to Norways hydropower capabilities, electric battery production and charging is also completed using renewable energy. By combining battery power with additional technology, like solar panels and retractable sails to harness wind power, Hurtigruten says it is on track to launch a zero-emissions cruise ship by 2030.

While the World Heritage fjords requirements now wont go into effect until 2032, SINTEF and Hurtigruten are hoping that the Norwegian government will add a zero-emissions stipulation to the coastal express contract. The contract will expire and reopen for bidding in 2030, according to Johnsen, redetermining which companies get to operate on the route and how many ships (out of the current cap of 11) each line gets. I think we all want that, he says. This project [Sea Zero] actually showed that its possible.

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Norway may soon see the first zero-emissions cruise ship, but transitioning the technologies to scale around the world will not be without its challengesespecially for larger cruise ships traveling further distances, which require much more power (and funding). However, the international research that Havila and Hurtigruten are putting to the test today, like FreeCO2ast and Sea Zero, are proof that solutions are out there.

Today, everything is scalableits just a matter of willingness and motivation, says Vangstein. It is a bigger challenge, but its not impossible.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler

Trending Travel Destinations
PARIS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The official death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mayotte has risen to 31, with approximately 1,400 people injured, according to the French interior ministry. A state of exceptional natural disaster was declared in the overseas department late Wednesday night.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mayotte on Thursday amid fears that the death toll in the poorest French department could climb further in the coming days.

In a statement released late Wednesday, the caretaker minister for overseas Francois-Noel Buffet announced the activation of the state of the exceptional natural disaster in Mayotte to facilitate faster and more effective crisis management and implement emergency measures.

"Faced with this exceptional situation, exceptional resources must be deployed to quickly restore vital services and implement a sustainable reconstruction plan for Mayotte," he said.

He emphasized that the declaration enables faster and more effective responses from both local and national authorities while easing certain administrative processes for expedited action in Mayotte.

On Tuesday, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) expressed alarm over more than 200 of its volunteers feared missing after the cyclone ravaged the islands.

Mayotte, located in the northern Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean, is an overseas department and region of France. Situated off the southeastern coast of Africa, it lies between northwestern Madagascar and northeastern Mozambique. 
National Weather Service officials are expecting a clipper system moving into the Upper Midwest to bring at least 1 to 3 inches of snow Thursday afternoon in the Great Lakes region.

Officials said there is a 40% chance of snow in portions of north-central and northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana.

Chicago weather: How our 2024-25 seasonal snowfall compares with previous years

A period of snow is expected Thursday afternoon into the evening, mainly north of Interstate 80 where up to an inch of accumulation is possible near the Wisconsin border, officials said. Additional snow showers are likely to develop late Thursday night, officials said.

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A clipper system dropping easterly through the Northern Plains into the Great Lakes is expected to bring heavy snow along a path from Minnesota through northern Wisconsin, officials said.

Snow mixed with rain is expected to change into snow with a high of 31 degrees. Thursday night there is a 90% chance of snow with between 1 to 2 inches possible, officials said.

More snow showers are expected Friday before noon.

Afternoon conditions at OHare International Airport were overcast at 32 degrees. Farther southwest at Midway Airport, conditions were similar.
Ethiopia and Kenya both embrace renewables for their electricity production.

Ethiopia produces all the power for its national grid from renewable sources, and is home to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the largest hydropower plant in Africa. In Kenya, renewables account for around 90% of electricity, and the country boasts one of the largest geothermal facilities in the world, in the Olkaria Area.

But relying on renewables can be hard: electricity cant always be generated when needed (a drought can mean no hydropower) and renewable energy is difficult to store. One solution? The Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway.

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The vast piece of infrastructure opened officially last year after a decade of work and $1.2 billion of investment. Now, when one country needs more electricity for its national grid and the other has a surplus, electricity automatically flows across the border, along 650 miles of transmission lines, so that supply meets demand. Last week, a Kenya-Tanzania link began operations, which will let energy flow across that border, too.

A man looks at part of the 650 miles of transmission lines that makes up the Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway. - Dr. Eng. John Mativo/KETRACO

Power sharing

Experts say sharing electricity (or power sharing) between African countries is fundamental to a successful clean energy transition. According to Darlain Edeme, African Energy Analyst for the International Energy Agency (IEA), it can improve quality, reliability, security, and have benefits on prices, in a continent where demand for electricity is rapidly increasing.

In Ethiopia, a country with a population of nearly 130 million, electricity consumption per capita quadrupled between 2000 and 2022. In Kenya, it rose by three quarters within the same period. And its set to continue rising  in 2017 Ethiopia launched its National Electrification Plan that aimed to achieve universal electrification by 2025, despite only about one in four rural households currently having access to electricity. Across Africa, the UN has targeted universal access to electricity by 2030, which would mean adding the 600 million people currently without it  nearly half the population of the continent  in the next five years.

With a rising energy access deficit  the difference between supply and demand  it makes sense for neighbors to pool their resources. But power sharing requires sophisticated infrastructure  namely, interconnectors  transmission lines that enable electricity to flow both ways across a border or over a large distance.

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And its expensive, too. The Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway follows the model of other interconnectors in Africa, including one between Zambia and Namibia, which has run since 2010 and cost $300 million to construct, and a 1,000-mile interconnector between two regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, running since 1982 and costing over $800 million.

A substation (where electricity is converted) in Suswa, Kenya. - Dr. Eng. John Mativo/KETRACO

For the African Development Bank (AfDB), which contributed over $300 million of funding towards the Ethiopia-Kenya link, its worth it. You see population growth somewhat outstripping the growth of new connections, said Daniel Schroth, director of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department at the AfDB. Theres a big push on addressing this energy access deficit more decisively.

Energy security for East Africa

Since the highway opened, Ethiopias electricity supply has provided vital backup for Kenya, which has been importing 200 megawatts (MW) of power daily from its neighbor, equivalent to around 10% of the peak demand of Kenyas national grid. The interconnector has the capacity to transfer up to 2,000 MW.

For many countries in East Africa with a history of power outages, including Ethiopia and Kenya, access to a backup supply could be a lifeline. But while Alemayehu Wubeshet Zegeye, manager for Regional Power Systems Operations in the East African Region for the AfDB, said that the new interconnector absolutely will reduce the number of blackouts, it cannot remove them entirely. IEA analyst Edeme said that while having access to backup supplies of electricity is one thing, having functioning utilities to distribute it is another. Across Africa, he said, utilities are not in the best shape from a financial perspective.

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In September, Reuters reported two major blackouts in Kenya in a single week, with Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi blaming sub-optimal investment in infrastructure.

Connecting the continent

The Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway, also funded by the World Bank, is one part of a wider project for the Eastern African Power Pool (EAPP), a group of 13 countries brought together to meet rising demand for electricity and ensure backup supplies.

The EAPP is one of five power pools in Africa, which, with the help of interconnectors, could one day link together the energy supplies of every region in the continent.

The Ethiopia-Kenya Electricity Highway is one of many interconnector projects in Africa. - Dr. Eng. John Mativo/KETRACO

The vision clearly articulated by the African Union is to create an African single electricity market building on the regional power pools being interconnected, said Schroth. The hope is that with increased competition will come falling prices for consumers, and new sources of revenue for countries producing surplus energy that  in the absence of expensive storage systems  would otherwise go to waste. Already, due to the electricity highway, Ethiopia has increased revenue from its electricity exports, which were previously limited to Djibouti, by almost a half, according to Zegeye.

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Having added the Kenya-Tanzania interconnector to its power sharing network, the next target for the EAPP is to link Tanzania (and therefore Kenya and Ethiopia, too) to Zambia, both countries in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

Environmental benefits around the world

Interconnectors are popular outside Africa, too, with a network of over 400 in Europe. A link between Spain and Morocco already connects the electricity supplies of Europe and Africa, and another  between Greece and Egypt  is currently under construction, with the aim of completion by 2029.

I think there has been a rallying call over the last two years, said Schroth, explaining the proliferation of interconnector projects across the continent and the world. There wont be an energy transition without transmission.

With more funding and international cooperation, there is hope that Africa will one day become a clean energy powerhouse. Im optimistic, said Edeme, I see a lot of momentum right now in the sector.

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A train derailment in West Texas Wednesday left two people dead and three others injured, according to the latest update from officials. The incident occurred in Pecos, a town west of Midland-Odessa.

Around 5 p.m., a train derailed near Oak Street and Dot Stafford Street, the city shared in a statement. Later that evening, authorities confirmed the derailment was caused by the train colliding with a commercial tractor-trailer on the railroad tracks. The train then struck the Chamber of Commerce building.

At the time, the city reported one fatality and injuries to four others. Of those injured, three had minor injuries and one sustained serious injuries and was transported to an Odessa hospital for treatment. The seriously injured victim later died, city officials confirmed during Thursday's press conference.

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During the conference, authorities also shared both deceased individuals had been on the train and were "veteran employees" of Union Pacific.

At least two of the other three injured had been inside the Chamber of Commerce building at the time of the incident, though they were not close to the impacted area. The surviving injured were either treated at the scene or Reeves Regional Hospital. By Thursday morning all had been released and were expected to recover, officials said.

An investigation began shortly after the derailment, and authorities said there was "no immediate hazard to public safety."

Two of the train's cars had been carrying potentially hazardous material, one with lithium-ion batteries and the other with airbags. Pecos City Manager Charles Lino confirmed these materials had been contained and were under the control of Union Pacific.

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The crash site and the surrounding area will remain closed for at least 24 to 48 hours, and the public is urged to avoid the area. This includes the staff of the local commercial businesses. Detours have been arranged, according to Reeves County Emergency Services Chief Ronald Lee.

Lino said city officials, law enforcement and state agencies all had good communication with one another and demonstrated "fantastic" cooperation when responding to the incident.

Lino also reminded the public to be patient during the clean-up period and to stay away so officials could do their jobs.

State Representative Eddie Morales Jr. shared he was working with local authorities and the Texas Department of Emergency Management.

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"After learning of the train derailment in Pecos, I have been in contact with local officials and TDEM," Morales Jr. said in a Facebook post. "As the situation is still ongoing, I will share more information as we learn more. I ask you to join me in keeping the City of Pecos and Reeves County in your prayers tonight."

In a situation such as this, in which a vehicle is in the path of an approaching train, authorities say it is best to call 911 immediately.

This story was updated with new details from Thursday's press conference.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Video: Texas train derails, hits building, leaving 2 dead, 3 injured
One person was hospitalized following a crash involving a school bus in New Hampshire on Thursday morning, officials said.

Emergency crews responding to a report of a crash in the area of Tinker Road in Nashua just before 7 a.m. found a wrecked sedan and school bus blocking the road, according to the Nashua Fire Department.

The name of the person transported from the scene wasnt released but officials said they suffered minor injuries. There was one student on the bus at the time of the crash but they werent hurt.

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A photo shared by the fire department showed debris scattered in the street.

There were no additional details immediately available.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The U.S. Senate passed the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this week, sending the $895 billion appropriations bill to President Bidens desk  with overwhelming support from Democrats, despite Republican language that would restrict kids in military families from accessing gender-affirming care.

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Legislators passed the NDAA by an 85-14 vote on Wednesday afternoon, touting its provisions to raise wages for most servicemembers and set aside billions for new military housing and childcare centers, as Reuters reported. Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer applauded the legislation ahead of the vote, saying it was not perfect but still includes some very important things Democrats fought for, and would help the U.S. take a strong stand against the Chinese Communist Party.

Schumers allusion to the NDAA not being perfect may have referred to the bills language banning TRICARE  the militarys active-duty health insurance program  from covering gender-affirming care to treat gender dysphoria in trans kids, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy, for family members under 18. (Such medicines would still be made available to cis children for pediatric care if the purpose is not to treat dysphoria.) House Republicans added that language to the bill earlier this month, with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson claiming that such a ban was necessary to end the radical woke ideology being imposed on our military.

In the House last week, 81 Democrats voted to send the 2025 NDAA to the Senate with its gender-affirming care ban intact. On Wednesday, in the Senate, all but 10 Democrats again voted in favor of the NDAA, sending it to the White House where Biden is widely expected to sign it into law, as Reuters noted. If passed into law, the ban would likely affect the health care of thousands of trans young people across the U.S. One 2022 analysis of insurance data estimated that 2,500 kids under 18 sought gender-affirming care through a TRICARE insurance program during 2017 alone. As NBC reported this week, the NDAA would, if passed, mark one of the first times Congress has ever passed a federal law directly targeting trans people and their rights.

Some Democrats voted in favor of the bill while also releasing statements in opposition to the gender-affirming care ban, like Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who called the specific provision abysmal but largely supported the rest of the act. Among the loudest voices opposed to the NDAA in its current form was out Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who led an unsuccessful push for an amendment that would have cut the anti-trans language from the bill prior to the vote, The Hill noted, but which was not voted on by legislators. Of the 24 other Democratic senators who supported Baldwins amendment, only seven joined her in voting against the NDAA on Wednesday.

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According to reporting by The Hill last week, Republicans removed other provisions that would have broadly banned gender-affirming care for active duty military and ended a policy allowing servicemembers to be reimbursed for travel related to abortion care, apparently betting  correctly  that a ban on pediatric gender-affirming care would not dissuade Democrats from supporting the NDAA. In remarks ahead of the vote, Baldwin accused Republicans of inserting a poison pill into the legislation to score cheap political points by further attacking trans people.

Were talking about parents who are serving our country in uniform, having the right to consult their familys doctor and get the health care they want and need for their transgender children, thats it, Baldwin said before the vote. Some folks poisoned this bill and turned their backs on those in service and the people that we represent.

In an open letter to Biden last week, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders also opposed the NDAA, but opted to argue against the bills record-high military budget instead of addressing the ban on gender-affirming care. (Sanders was among the 10 Democrats who voted against the NDAA on Wednesday.) [A]t a time when tens of millions of low-income and middle-class families are struggling to survive, we supposedly dont have the resources to help them. But when the military-industrial complex demands another massive payout, Congress is happy to oblige  with almost no questions asked, Sanders wrote.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to Fellow Democrats: Don't Throw Trans People Under the Bus

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As governor, I have vetoed numerous anti-LGBTQ and anti-choice bills, yet I still beat Mr. Trumps handpicked candidate last fall, Beshear said.

LGBTQ+ advocacy and civil rights organizations have roundly condemned the 2025 NDAA, with some expressing dismay at Democrats apparent capitulation. The ACLU urged Biden to veto the NDAA on Wednesday, calling the gender-affirming care ban unconscionable and unjustifiable. In an emailed statement on Thursday, Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) said the organization was disappointed by the Senates vote, saying the NDAA is the first piece of legislation containing expressly anti-LGBTQIA+ provisions to pass both houses of Congress in nearly 30 years.

We are particularly disappointed in the 39 members of the House and Senate, some of which belong to the Congressional Equality Caucus, who supported this measure, directly contradicting their commitment to LGBTQIA+ equality, A4TE representatives wrote in an Instagram post Wednesday. We will continue to hold these lawmakers accountable and keep their constituents informed. Equality demands consistency, not compromises.

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KIRKWOOD, NY  (WIVT/WBGH) Community members and first responders are honoring the memory of a fallen officer by giving back in Kirkwood.

This Monday, Dec. 23, will be the annual Trooper Christopher Skinner Blood Drive at Five Mile Point Fire Company in Kirkwood. Skinner was murdered in May 2014 when he was struck along Interstate 81 in the Town of Chenango while conducting a routine traffic stop. In addition to being a 13 year veteran of the New York State Police, Skinner was a volunteer fireman at Five Mile Point.

The blood drive will occur in the hall, at 16 Crescent Drive. The drive typically raises more than 50 units of blood. You can register to give blood by calling 1-800-Red-Cross, or visit RedCrossBlood.org, and enter the Kirkwood Community.

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The Red Cross says if you donate by January 3rd, youll receive a long sleeve Red Cross shirt.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
A member of the Mayors City Financial Task Force is speaking out about the budget approved by Pittsburgh City Council Tuesday.

The budget passed by a vote of 8-1.

Council member Theresa Kail-Smith said she couldnt support the budget partly because of drastic cuts to overtime for police officers and the declining number of budgeted officers.

Chief Investigator Rick Earle sat down with Council member Erika Strassburger a day after the budget passed.

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Strassburger told Earle shes proud of the new budget and what they accomplished given the precarious financial situation.

>> Pittsburgh City Council passes 2025 budget; some councilmembers concerned about public safety cuts

But Strassburger acknowledged there are likely some lean years ahead.

I feel like its a responsible spending document. Of course, there are some elements Im concerned about, aid Strassburger.

While pleased with the 2025 budget, Strassburger, whos on the Mayors Budget Task Force and Chair of Councils Finance Committee, expressed concerns about drastic cuts to public safety overtime, and a lack of money for new city vehicles, specifically police cars and ambulances that are in bad shape.

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We need a plan to get through this year and then purchase a whole lot of vehicles the following year, said Strassburger.

Strassburger didnt rule out using money from the Stop The Violence Fund to purchase public safety vehicles.

To the extent that theres money left over, I would not be opposed to spending some of that on vehicles, personally. Im not going to speak for other council members, said Strassburger.

Strassburger even suggested the non-profits, some who are being sued by the city in a dispute over paying taxes, like UPMC, might be willing to chip in for ambulances.

Without millions of dollars from the American Rescue Plan, Strassburger said the city needs to come up with other revenue streams, whether its from those nonprofits, or downtown revitalization.

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We dont have the population growth thats keeping pace with what we need to be able to have additional tax income to really grow our city, to really be able to pave the roads, to have the parks and the world class amenities that we all expect in all of our neighborhoods, said Strassburger.

While the five-year forecast is bleak and theres little wiggle room, Strassburger said there will likely be some increases to things like the paving budget.

Allegheny County recently approved a controversial tax hike, and Earle asked Strassburger if thats something the city will consider in the future.

I dont know. I hope not, but those are the tradeoffs, those are the hard decisions we have to make and its certainly not of the table in the future but I certainly hope not, said Strassburger.

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After spending 15 years as a financially distressed city suffering through layoffs and cutbacks, Pittsburgh finally emerged from state oversight under the Peduto administration in 2018.

While some have suggested the city is on a collision course again, Strassburger said today they are nowhere close, and she doesnt think that will happen.

Strassburger also said theres light at the end of the tunnel.

In two years, the city will retire some old debt and there will likely be an infusion of cash.

But there are also some unknowns.

The city has filed a lawsuit against some of the nonprofits, challenging their nonprofit status and arguing that they should be forced to pay taxes.

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They are still awaiting a court ruling on that effort.

And the city is also waiting on another key court ruling that could impact revenue as well.

The State Supreme Court has yet to issue a decision on the non-resident facility usage fee, or the so-called Jock Tax that levies a three percent tax on athletes visiting the city of Pittsburgh.

The city has accounted for revenue from the Jock Tas in the 2025 budget, but it could be struck down by the courts, and that would leave a gapping hole in the budget.

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Two teens were arrested early Thursday morning, accused of breaking into a beloved Seaport attraction.

A 14-year-old male and a 15-year-old male were both charged with trespassing, breaking and entering a building at night for felony, receiving stolen property, and larceny from a building.

Boston Police say they received a report of a break-in at the Snowport Holiday Market on Wednesday night where a large amount of cash was taken.

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Around 1:49 a.m. Thursday morning, officers were patrolling the area when they saw two individuals wearing dark clothes walking through the Seaport Common towards Northern Avenue.

Police continued observing the duo when they allegedly fled through a hole in a fence into the Snowport Holiday Market. The two suspects, a 14 and 15-year-old boy, were stopped by private security. Security asked for police assistance and the two suspects were then detained.

Investigators say the two teens were linked to the previous nights break-in and that they found a significant amount of money on them.

Both juvenile suspects were arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court on Thursday.

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Addressing the oversight committee Wednesday, DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew said Jaden and every other child who died under the care of the state lost their chance at a future. We mourn their loss, she said. I mourn their loss. And I ask myself and lose sleep over the question, Could each child have survived if something different had been done in the child welfare system? (Getty Images)

Frontline workers for Maines child welfare system are again expressing concerns over agency leadership and its ability to listen to employees and keep children safe.

One hundred and forty five caseworkers, community care workers and case aides in the Office of Child and Family Services signed a letter of no confidence in the agencys director, Bobbi Johnson, who has served in the role since January. The letter outlines safety concerns for children in state custody and a pattern of management ignoring staff concerns, according to a news release from the Maine Service Employees Association, SEIU Local 1989, which represents the workers.

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The letter asks Gov. Janet Mills and Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Sara Gagne-Holmes to replace Johnson immediately. The Office of Child and Family Services is housed within DHHS.

More than 2,500 children were in state custody as of September, according to the most recent data on the states Child Welfare Data Dashboard. That is slightly lower but similar to when Johnson took over as director. However, the number of children in state custody has grown over the past few years from about 1,700 in July 2018.

In a statement responding to the letter, Gagne-Holmes said Johnson has her full support as she remains confident in her compassionate, responsive and effective leadership. As an example, Gagne-Holmes said Johnson has visited every OCFS district office three times since she assumed her role to listen to frontline staff.

We recognize no single measure can solve every challenge in a system this complex, but the directors commitment to listening, adapting, and supporting staff is unwavering, she said.

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A key issue raised in the letter is the agencys practice of having children stay in hotels or emergency rooms while they are in state custody. The workers said that continued use of this practice  which has become more of a problem as the number of children in state custody has increased  means Johnson is unable to ensure the well-being and safety of children and OCFS staff.

The Directors inaction in finding an alternate to the warehousing of children in hotels or emergency rooms lends to the perception by many frontline workers that those in Central Office are reinforcing the misconception that hotels and emergency rooms are the only options for housing children, the letter reads. The focus on scheduling and costs associated with warehousing children in hotel and emergency rooms belies the actual needs of the children.

The letter asks Mills and Gagne-Holmes to work with the Legislature to develop alternatives to having children stay in hotels and emergency rooms.

Mills office said her administration has been focused on trying to effectively curb the use of hotels because it believes children in state custody deserve a safe, loving and permanent home.

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But it added that the allegations and personal attacks against Director Johnson are meritless and this extreme approach by the union is not productive, nor does it serve the long-term shared goal of trying to reduce the use of hotels.

Foster care is not an option for many of these children due to their mental health or behavior histories, the release said. In addition to their regularly assigned job duties, caseworkers and other frontline staff serve as caregivers for these children by making sure their needs are met as far as meals, medication, clothing, hygiene, transportation to and from school and recreational opportunities.

The union also filed a complaint with the Maine Department of Labor Thursday morning about OCFS workers being required to stay overnight in hotels with children in state custody. The release said this has resulted in multiple employees being assaulted by minors over the past several years.

Workers listed out seven specific safety issues in the letter, saying they have raised each of them repeatedly in meetings with Johnson without resolution. They include staff having to restrain children and not being certified to administer medication. Workers are also concerned that working multiple shifts in a 24-36 hour window can result in them failing to document vital case information, miss deadlines and even drive under unsafe conditions.

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This isnt the first time child protective workers are coming forward with concerns. Earlier this year, they testified before legislative committees about understaffing and high caseloads throughout the agency. In July, workers also wrote to Johnson and Gagne-Holmes with concerns over scheduling changes OCFS leadership wanted to implement.

The (unilateral) changes will further exhaust an already exhausted state workforce, the workers wrote in the July letter. The results are obvious: a rippling effect throughout our entire system, decreasing the efficiency and effectiveness of our child protective system statewide.

During the last legislative session, there were multiple attempts to improve the states embattled child welfare system. However, lawmakers work came to a close with little to show as far as concrete action. The Legislatures Government Oversight Committee did put forth a list of more than two dozen suggested reforms, which were informed by the months they spent learning about the systems failures from caseworkers and others involved with the agency.

On Friday, legislative Republicans responded to the letter, calling for major reforms of the child welfare system. Specifically, they want to see the Office of Child and Family Services prioritized in the upcoming state biennial budget.

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The future of our communities depends on making kids a priority, said Sen. Jeff Timberlake, of Androscoggin County, who is the Senate Republican lead on the Government Oversight Committee. We will continue our efforts to hold the Mills administration accountable for its failure to do so.

Additionally, a recently released federal audit showed that a vast majority of child abuse cases in the state failed to comply with best practices. After those results came out Johnson said the agency policy and technology updates that have been implemented under her leadership would produce better results if a similar audit was completed again.

Note: This story has been updated to include a response from legislative Republicans.

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This article is part of TPM Cafe, TPMs home for opinion and news analysis. It was originally published at The Conversation.

Coastal populations are expanding quickly around the world. The rise is evident in burgeoning waterfront cities and in the increasing damage from powerful storms and rising sea levels. Yet, reliable, detailed data on the scale of that population change has been hard to pin down, until now.

We study human geography as a sociologist at Mississippi State University and a computer scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Using newly available data from Oak Ridge that combines census results, satellite images and data science techniques, we were able to track growth patterns of coastal populations around the world.

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The results show a striking pattern: The largest number of people by far  about 10% of the global population  live within 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of the coast, and another 5% of the worlds people live between 5 and 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the coast. In the rings beyond 10 kilometers, the population declines swiftly.

Thats a lot of people

The United Nations estimates that Earths population passed 8 billion people in 2022, an increase of 1 billion in just over a decade.

We found that over 2 billion of those people  29% of the total global population  lived within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of shore in 2018, based on Oak Ridge Laboratorys publicly available dataset. About half of those inhabitants  over 1 billion people, or about 15% of the global population  lived within 10 kilometers of the water.

If you picture a globe, that means 15% of the worlds population was living on 4% of the Earths entire inhabitable landmass.

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People are drawn to coastal areas for many reasons. Coastal cities are often economic hubs, meaning job opportunities, access to trade and exposure to bustling communities. These areas also offer access to nature, including fisheries and recreation.

We found that between 2000 and 2018, the global population living within 10 kilometers of the water increased by about 233 million inhabitants  about 28%. Thats equivalent to adding 23 new megacities with 10 million inhabitants each  about twice the size of the Miami metro area  right near the waters edge.

Costly consequences

Human settlement patterns have profound consequences for peoples exposure to risk, particularly near the coasts.

Rising sea levels contribute to high-tide flooding, more extreme storm surge during hurricanes and erosion in regions around the world. In some areas, particularly Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, rising saltwater has infiltrated farm fields and freshwater sources. Hurricanes and typhoons, which gain strength over warm water, have intensified as temperatures have risen.

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Coastal ecosystems, including fragile mangroves, wetlands and coral reefs, are also sensitive to the expanding coastal populations and to the infrastructure and pollution accompanying human settlement.

Despite the importance of understanding these population patterns in coastal regions, trying to get a global picture of the growth has been hazy at best. The LandScan Global project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is changing that by starting to allow public access to annual high-resolution population data. We can used that data to estimate the magnitude and growth patterns of coastal populations on an annual basis.

Where coastal populations are booming

Coastal growth is happening across the globe, but we found the strongest growth patterns on two continents: Asia and Africa.

Currently, Asia has four of the five most populated countries: China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan. It also has 60% of the Earths coastal population. In comparison, Africa has about 12%, Europe has 11%, North America has 9% and South America has 7%.

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But Africa has the fastest-growing population. Between 2000 and 2018, Africas coastal population grew 61%, with 58 million more people living within 10 kilometers of the oceans. Asia added 125 million more inhabitants within 10 kilometers of the coast  a more modest 25% increase.

The population of Ghana, in West Africa, has doubled over the past 30 years. Its greatest population density is on the coast. Ulrich Hollmann/Moment via Getty Images

Collectively, about 78% of the coastal growth was on those two continents.

On all of these continents, human population growth along the coast followed a similar pattern: The highest concentrations of inhabitants are in the bands closest to shore, decreasing rapidly as they move inland. Given the great differences among the cultures, economies and histories of the continents, it is remarkable to find consistent human population patterns.

Coastal regions are hubs of economic activity and infrastructure development, often playing critical roles in national and global economies. However, the rapid population growth is accelerating human and environmental risks.

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Understanding these coastal population growth patterns is fundamental to addressing this global challenge.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Israeli military vehicles are seen during an Israeli raid in Tulkarm refugee camp in the northern West Bank, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Six Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrike and gunfire during two separate incidents in the northern West Bank, Palestinian sources said Thursday.

"The bodies of four people and three injured individuals arrived at Thabet Governmental Hospital in Tulkarm city," the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry said in a brief statement.

Tulkarm Governor Mustafa Taqatqa told Xinhua that an Israeli drone bombed a vehicle in the Tulkarm refugee camp, leading to the deaths of four people whose identities have not yet been determined.

Palestinian civil defense workers rushed to the bombing site to extinguish the vehicle fire and recover the bodies, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a press statement that, in a joint operation by the army and the General Security Service, an Air Force plane targeted Tulkarm in the Menashe Brigade area. He did not provide further details.

Earlier, two Palestinians, including an elderly woman, were killed by Israeli army fire in the Balata refugee camp east of Nablus city.

The Health Ministry stated that "Halima Abu Lail, 80, was killed after Israeli troops shot into her chest and leg, and a young man, whose identity is not yet known, was also killed."

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a press statement that its workers transported three people injured by live bullets to the hospital.

Local sources told Xinhua that Israeli forces stormed the camp, supported by reinforcements including patrols and armored vehicles. Israeli troops were also deployed in several neighborhoods to arrest wanted Palestinians.

The sources added that clashes erupted within the camp's neighborhoods, during which army forces fired live bullets, tear gas, and sound bombs, killing the elderly woman and injuring three others.

The cities, camps, and villages of the West Bank have experienced escalating tensions since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023. 

Israeli military vehicles are seen during an Israeli raid in Tulkarm refugee camp in the northern West Bank, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Israeli military vehicles are seen during an Israeli raid in Tulkarm refugee camp in the northern West Bank, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Israeli military vehicles are seen during an Israeli raid in Tulkarm refugee camp in the northern West Bank, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Israeli military vehicles are seen during an Israeli raid in Tulkarm refugee camp in the northern West Bank, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

(241219) -- NABLUS, Dec. 19, 2024 (Xinhua) -- People comfort each other as they mourn a victim killed by Israeli army gunfire at a hospital in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

(241219) -- NABLUS, Dec. 19, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A woman grieves over a victim killed by Israeli army gunfire at a hospital in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

(241219) -- NABLUS, Dec. 19, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man throws a stone at an Israeli military vehicle during an Israeli raid in Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

(241219) -- NABLUS, Dec. 19, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A man throws a stone at an Israeli military vehicle during an Israeli raid in Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

(241219) -- NABLUS, Dec. 19, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A young man grieves over a victim killed by Israeli army gunfire at a hospital in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

(241219) -- NABLUS, Dec. 19, 2024 (Xinhua) -- People mourn for a victim killed by Israeli army gunfire at a hospital in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A 15-year-old boy is facing multiple charges, including homicide, in connection with a shooting at an after-hours club in South Nashville that left one young woman dead and two others injured earlier this month.

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said the early morning shooting happened at a club in the 900 block of Murfreesboro Pike on Dec. 1. Witnesses told law enforcement there was a heated argument before shots were fired at a vehicle with five people inside, including 18-year-old Ashley Dominguez in the backseat.

(Courtesy: Melissa Alvarez-Zabriskie) (Courtesy: Melissa Alvarez-Zabriskie) (Courtesy: Melissa Alvarez-Zabriskie) (Courtesy: Melissa Alvarez-Zabriskie)

The driver reportedly pulled into an office building parking lot in the 1300 block of Murfreesboro Pike after realizing Dominguez and two 19-year-olds had been injured. The three young women were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where Dominguez died, according to authorities. However, the other two teens were treated and released.

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1 dead, 2 injured after shooting on Murfreesboro Pike, police say

Officials said quick action by a Community Safety Center operator at MNPD Headquarters helped capture video footage of the shooting and allowed for Yariel Sandoval, 15, of Clarksville, to be developed as a suspect.

According to MNPD, coordination between its Homicide Unit detectives, TITANS Unit detectives, and Community Safety Center operators, as well as the Clarksville Police Department, led to Sandovals arrest on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Yariel Sandoval (Courtesy: MNPD)

Authorities said Sandoval was taken into custody in Clarksville on his outstanding warrants for criminal homicide, among other charges. However, the investigation is still ongoing with regard to other people potentially involved.

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No additional details have been released about this case.

Family mourns teen killed in South Nashville shooting, raises awareness about gun violence at vigil

This news comes just days after Dominguezs family held a candlelight vigil to honor her, as well as support the families of the hundreds of other gun violence victims in Nashville over the last decade, at the Historic Metro Courthouse.

One of the things that Ashleys mom wanted was that she wanted to get Ashleys story out so people know that Ashleys a real person, that they are real people, that this tragedy not only cut her daughters life short and took a daughter from her but has sent ripples throughout her family and her community, said Melissa Alvarez-Zabriskie, founder of the Tennessee Hispanic Action Network. She doesnt want this to happen to other kids. Today it could be her daughter, but tomorrow, it can very easily be someone elses.

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Dominguez was one of seven siblings. Her hobbies included singing, dancing, and spending time with her loved ones. She graduated high school in May and planned to travel the world, according to an obituary on the Simple Cremation and Funeral Services website.

We went from doing college arrangements with her and then funeral arrangements in a heartbeat, Dominguezs oldest sister, Maira Fargoso, said.

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If youd like to help the Dominguez family financially, you can donate on their GoFundMe page.

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WABAUNSEE COUNTY (KSNT)  A 15-year-old girl was seriously injured in a rollover crash near Mission Valley High School on Wednesday.

At 3:40 p.m., the 15-year-old was driving a Ford F250 west on Mission Valley Road. The vehicle left the road, overcorrected and crossed the westbound and eastbound lanes of Mission Valley Road. The vehicle went into a ditch and rolled several times, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP).

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The girl was taken to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries. She wasnt wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to the KHP.

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LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Days after a 16-year-old boy was found dead over the side of the road in Lincolnton, officials are now investigating the death as a homicide.

Deputies say the body was found dead on the side of Whitehouse Drive, but did not say when the body was found.

Officials have not released a cause of death nor the victims name. An autopsy is being performed on the body.

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Lincoln County Schools confirmed that the 16-year-old was a former student of the county and withdrew from school back in March of 2024. Counselors are available to speak to students if needed.

Lincoln County deputies say they are investigating multiple leads at this time.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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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: Steven Douglas Curry. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

We want to remember Steven Douglas Curry, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  An 18-year-old turned himself in to police Wednesday morning for his involvement in a shooting that left a 17-year-old girl hurt near Dunbar High School, police said.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said 18-year-old Justice Thomas of Northeast D.C. was arrested and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Girl shot near Dunbar High School in Northwest DC, police say

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Investigators said two suspects tried robbing a 17-year-old girl at gunpoint shortly before 3 p.m. in the 200 block of Morgan Street NW. A third suspect got out of a car and there was an exchange of gunfire.

The girl was taken to a hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries after going to Dunbar High School for help.

Officials confirmed she is a student of the high school.

Anyone with information is asked to contact MPD at (202) 727-9099 or through the departments tip line at 50411. A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  A longtime Columbus legislator and community leader was honored today by having a busy Midtown interchange named in his honor.

Calvin Smyre has been out of the Georgia General Assembly for two years, but his nearly 50 years of public service was recognized today.

It was fitting that the intersection at Macon Road and Interstate 185 will now be known as the Calvin Smyre Interchange.

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Its not far from his home. And thats the left turn he took year after year for the 100-mile trip to Atlanta and the Gold Dome.

Smyre, a few colleagues, and friends gathered at the intersection early this afternoon so he could remove the cover from the sign indicating the honor.

It was an honor granted by vote of the General Assembly, a body he served in with distinction from 1974 until 20022.

Before revealing the sign, several hundred people gathered at the nearby Rainey-McCullers School for the Arts for a program.

A dozen speakers on the local, state and national level lauded Smyre and his decades of public service.

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One of the people there was former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, a close friend.

Sometimes when you are in public life, you get accolades from other places and the home folks dont always give you the accolades, Franklin said. They give you the problems and the complaints. But this is an acknowledgment that Calvin is Columbus through and through. Hes been a champion for Columbus. Hes been a champion for Muscogee County champions. Really, for all of us all over the state, but especially for Columbus.

Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson and State Sen. Ed Harbison have seen Smyres impact first hand.

I think people dont understand just how broad his impact is, Henderson said. I mean, you know, its funny you say that you mentioned that interchange because in many ways, metaphorically, he built that road between Columbus of Atlanta.

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Harbison concurred.

Calvin has done things for this town. People dont really realize, Harbison said. The River Center with Tom Buck. The public private partnership factor in Columbus, Georgia, has his DNA all over it. That was a group of people. But hes a leader in that group. It was just so important that we recognize really what hes done.

Smyre appreciated the honor.

In life, I never thought Id see anything of this magnitude in my lifetime, Smyre said. Generally, when you are like this, this sort of afterlife is, you know, so its good you know, sometime to see your own roses while you are you here? So I look at it from that perspective, and I look at it from my perspective that that as well as I reflect back, you know, in 1974, when you running for public office in this 2024, which is 50 years, you just dont you just dont envision anything like this.

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UPDATE 12/19: Logan City police have dropped charges against a 19-year-old accused of making threats on a Connect bus after video footage contradicted witness statements.

Authorities said the video and audio recordings show a different person making the threatening statements. For this reason, the pending charges against the 19-year-old will be dismissed. They did not release identifying information on the person who is now suspected of making the threats.

ABC4 has removed the 19-year-olds name from this article as he is no longer suspected of wrongdoing.

ORIGINAL STORY:

LOGAN, Utah (ABC4)  A man was arrested after allegedly threatening to kill people while he was boarding a bus in Cache County on Wednesday, Dec. 18, according to police.

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A 19-year-old was arrested for disruption of critical infrastructure (a second-degree felony), and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

According to the Logan City Police Department, the suspect claimed he was armed and said he was going to kill people while he was boarding a Connect Transit bus.

Officials seize more than 32K fentanyl pills, $14K in cash in Salt Lake Co. drug bust

With the assistance of Cache County Sheriffs Office, and North Park Police, the bus was stopped, and a 19-year-old male taken into custody, police said in a press release. No one was injured.

Police did not find any weapons in the suspects backpack after obtaining a search warrant for it. Officials also said each passenger was removed from the bus and checked for weapons.

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Police were notified of the incident around 2:30 p.m. after the bus driver informed their supervisor of the situation. The bus was located near 1600 North 200 East in North Logan.

The suspect was booked into the Cache 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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HARTINGTON, Neb. (KCAU)  A man found guilty of killing four people in Laurel, Neb. and his wife, who has yet to stand trial in her case, have been ordered to pay $1 million in a lawsuit for the wrongful death of one of the victims.

According to court documents, a judge issued a default judgement on Friday against Jason and Carrie Jones in the lawsuit in favor of Gail Curry. Curry is one of the next of kin and the representative of the estate of Dana Twiford, 55, one of the four victims in the quadruple homicide that took place on August 4, 2022.

Sioux City man accused of leading police on high-speed pursuit in stolen city-owned truck

Jason Jones

Jason and Carrie Jones were ordered to jointly pay $1 million and another $117.22 in taxable court costs. Judge Bryan Meismer ordered the default judgment after stating that the Joneses failed to file a response after being served summons.

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Currys lawyer motioned for a default judgement in November after stating that no answers or responsive pleas had been filed by the Jones couple since the suit was filed in July. The suit said that Jason Jones broke into the Twiford residence and killed Dana Twiford and her parents Gene Twiford, 86, and Janet Twiford, 85. Additionally, the complaint states that Carrie Jones conspired, planned, and supported Jason Jones in the killings.

Carrie Jones

Jason Jones was found guilty by a jury in September of four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony, and two counts of second-degree arson for killing the Twifords and Michele Ebeling, 53. The jury then found that aggravated circumstances were present during the murders, meaning Jones is eligible for the death penalty. A panel has been appointed to determine if he will face such a punishment.

On Dec. 3, 2024, Jason Jones defense renewed a motion to declare sections of Nebraskas death statutes as unconstitutional. The defense had tried to quash portions of the death penalty in January 2023, but a judge ruled that Jason Jones was still eligible for the death penalty in March 2023.

Carrie Jones has yet to stand trial on her charges of first-degree murder in connection to the death of Gene Twiford, along with the charges of tampering with evidence and accessory to a felony. She pleaded not guilty to the charges in May 2023.

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Similar to Jason Jones trial, Carrie Jones lawyers have asked for her trial to be moved out of Cedar County, arguing that an impartial jury cannot be seated. During a Nov. 29 hearing, the court indicated it was likely the motion would prevail with the trial possibly being moved to Madison County, but no official ruling has been issued.

A status hearing for Carrie Jones case is scheduled for March 24, 2025, with another hearing set for April 28, 2025.

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PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WKBN)  Two New Castle men were sentenced in federal court this week in connection to a drug pipeline from Puerto Rico and trafficking operation that involved dealers from Western Pennsylvania and Youngstown.

Luciano Bratini Rivera, 37, was sentenced to 97 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

Markus Hobel, 35, was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

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Both men were convicted of conspiring to distribute drugs, namely cocaine, and Hobel was convicted of a firearm offense.

The two men were among 17 from Lawrence County, Puerto Rico and Youngstown indicted in March 2024 for violating federal narcotics, firearms and racketeering laws while dealing drugs in Western Pennsylvania and Youngstown.

According to prosecutors, Daniel Feliciano, 47, of New Castle, was the leader of the operation and the one who received the drug supply in Puerto Rico and distributed it in smaller quantities to multiple co-conspirators to sell.

Some of the drugs were stored for Feliciano in a house in Western Pennsylvania and $11,000 in cash was seized when agents raided it.

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At one point, investigators said that Hobel acted as Felicianos bodyguard.

Cases are pending for the remaining defendants, including suspects from Youngstown, Ellwood City and New Castle.

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Scientists have reported that two endangered whales have been found entangled in fishing gear off the coast of Massachusetts.

According to a statement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released on Wednesday, Dec. 17, the two North Atlantic right whales were spotted swimming during an aerial survey approximately 50 miles southeast of Nantucket, Mass. on Dec. 9.

One of the whales is a juvenile male identified as #5110. According to the NOAAs report, he was first recorded as a calf in 2021 and most recently spotted swimming freely in Cape Cod Bay, Mass. in April 2024. They describe him as a whale with a thick line that passes once across his head and once across his back.

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Unfortunately, NOAA Fisheries scientists have determined that the young male meets the serious injury case criteria and note that he is likely to die from this injury.

NOAA Fisheries A North American right whale entangled in fishing gear. A North American right whale entangled in fishing gear.

Related: Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale Spotted Nursing Calf Near Cape Cod  See the Video!

The second whale is an adult female, age 13, identified as #4120. She was first seen as a calf in 2011, and last seen swimming without entanglements 50 miles off the coast of Long Island, N.Y., in July 2024.

According to the NOAA report, scientists observed two lines exiting the left side of her mouth, with both lines extending a half to two thirds of the way down the body." They also noted that they do not classify her injuries as fatal.

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However, per CBS News, experts at the New England Aquarium expressed concern about her ability to add to the already struggling population. "This is #4120's third documented entanglement, which may impact her ability to reproduce," the aquarium said in a statement.

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The NOAA classifies North American right whales as one of the most endangered species of large whales with a population of only 370 individuals remaining, including 70 reproductively active females. The leading causes of death for the species are boat strikes and fishing gear entanglement.

Getty Brant Point in Nantucket, Mass. Brant Point in Nantucket, Mass.

Related: Experts Searching for Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale Spotted Entangled Near Quebec

"North Atlantic right whales continue to be entangled at levels that could push this critically endangered species to extinction," senior New England Aquarium scientist Amy Knowlton said in a statement, per CBS News. "Serious injuries and deaths of right whales are preventable and highlight the importance of implementing effective changes to reduce ongoing threats from fishing gear, including broader adoption of ropeless or 'on demand' gear and weaker ropes."

As for #5110 and #4120, the NOAA said response teams were unable to launch a crew by boat to reach the whales after the initial sighting due to their distance from the shore. However, per the Dec. 17 report, they stated that we will work with authorized responders and trained experts to monitor the whales. We will further document the entanglements and determine if entanglement responses will be possible."



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MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged Hong Kong and Macao to strive for greater accomplishments and achieve better development, as the practice of "one country, two systems" has entered a new stage.

The two special administrative regions (SARs) should learn from each other, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and create a brighter future, Xi said when meeting with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR John Lee, who is in Macao for the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. 
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A Kern County jury has found two men guilty of murder and other crimes in the shooting death of a man outside a Bakersfield market in 2020.

Mark Milner and Parrish Stinson were found guilty Wednesday and face life terms in prison in the killing of 38-year-old Raul Dominguez, according to court records.

A sentencing hearing had not been scheduled as of Thursday morning.

The shooting happened around 9 p.m. on May 31, 2020, in the parking lot of Central Cali Market at 801 E. California Ave., police said.

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Zack Scrivner asks to pay zero child support

Surveillance video shows Dominguez pull into the market and begin arguing with several people, according to police reports. He continues arguing after getting out of the vehicle.

The video shows several people throw items at Dominguez and he retreats to his vehicle, where hes assaulted by six to 10 people, according to the documents. Three people armed with handguns then position themselves around the vehicle and fire.

Milner, Stinson and a teen were arrested.

A witness who spoke with police days after the shooting said they were at the market that night and heard Dominguez yell racial slurs before he was attacked, according to the documents.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A judge has found the man accused of stabbing eight people on the Las Vegas Strip, killing two, competent to stand trial more than two years after his arrest, meaning stalled criminal proceedings will now move forward.

On Oct. 6, 2022, Yoni Barrios, 34, asked a group of showgirls to take a photo with a foot-long kitchen knife he was trying to sell before allegedly stabbing them, police said after his arrest. Barrios then entered competency court where a judge ordered him to treatment.

If the judge determines a person is incompetent based on doctors rulings, a person could spend months to years in a state facility achieving competency. A defendants criminal case is essentially paused during that process.

FILE  Yoni Barrios appears in court at the Regional Justice Center, on Oct. 11, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, File)

On Wednesday, Clark County District Court Judge Christy Craig determined Barrios was competent to stand trial based on doctors evaluations, documents said. He was due to return to court on Jan. 2.

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Brent Hallett, 47; and Maris DiGiovanni, 30, both of Las Vegas, died in the attack. Six others were injured.

Barrios had arrived from Las Vegas from California earlier that week, police said. Barrios told police he was trying to sell his knives so he could go back home.

According to the arrest report, Barrios went to the Wynn casino to ask about job opportunities as a janitor. He told police he even asked the janitor to contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, so he could return to Guatemala.

Barrios then left the Wynn and approached a group of showgirls near the main entrance to the casino on Las Vegas Boulevard.

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Barrios told the group of showgirls he was a chef. One of the showgirls told the police that Barrios asked to take a picture with the group with his knife. He thought the women were laughing at him and making fun of his clothing and he said it made him angry and he stabbed one of the women in the chest, the report stated.

After the stabbing involving the group, Barrios ran off, stabbing six others, including Hallett, as he ran along the sidewalk from Las Vegas Boulevard to Sands Avenue where he threw the bloody knife in some bushes, police said.

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ST. LOUIS  A U.S. District Judge sentenced a man from Jennings to 21 years in prison for robbing three U.S. Postal Service carriers at gunpoint.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of Missouri, Xavier Sean Boyd, 20, was just one of five suspects involved in a conspiracy to rob the postal workers in the summer of 2022.

Boyd, along with four others, robbed the postal carriers of their arrow keys to unlock mail collection boxes and steal checks to commit fraud.

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Gov. Parson wins battle to appoint next St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, judge rules

Reportedly, Boyd robbed a postal carrier at gunpoint on June 1, 2022, on Chambers Road in St. Louis County. Boyd and the four others used the postal carriers arrow key to steal mail from collection boxes in Berkeley, West Florissant, Normandy, Overland, and Ferguson.

Boyd and another suspect, Roy Lee Jones, 22, obtained $19,199 in stolen checks and deposited them into Joness credit union account on June 7, 2022. The following day, when they tried to withdraw the entire amount, they were only able to obtain $8,500.

After depositing checks into Boyds bank account, they were not able to withdraw any of the stolen funds.

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Two days later, Jones and Boyd robbed two additional postal workers while driving Boyds mothers SUV.

One of the postal workers noted the license plate, and police spotted the vehicle within minutes. When Boyd initially pulled over for the officers but then sped away, leading to a high-speed police pursuit that ended when Boyd crashed.

Both Boyd and Jones fled one foot with pistols, but police tackled and arrested both men.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Boyd had just graduated from a prestigious local high school and had at least one college acceptance at the time.

In September, Boyd pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and two counts of possession and brandishing a firearm in the furtherance of a robbery.

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Jones was sentenced to 84 months in prison after pleading guilty in August to one count of robery, one count of theft of a mail key, and one count of possession and brandishing of a firearm in the furthance of a robbery.

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Climatologists are virtually certain that 2024 will end as Earth's hottest year on record, according to the European climate change service Copernicus.

Not only will it be the hottest year, but the planet will likely reach another critical milestone: the first year Earth has warmed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, which world leaders and scientists hoped to avoid surpassing under the Paris Agreement.

Contrary to our expectations, globally 2024 is likely going to be even hotter than 2023 was, said Randall Cerveny, a rapporteur on extreme weather records for the United Nations World Meteorological Organization and professor of geographical sciences at Arizona State University.

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November ended as the second-hottest November ever recorded. With preliminary data from January through November, climatologists can confidently say this year will be hotter overall than last. All of the 10 hottest years globally have occurred in the last decade, according to scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA.

The year-to-date global average temperature anomaly is 0.73 degrees higher than the 1991-2020 average, the highest degree of variation on record for that period. That number is 0.14 degrees warmer than the same period in 2023.

There are several climatological culprits to blame for these latest records, and like the rest of the world, Arizona wasnt immune to warmer, often record-breaking temperatures.

Why was this year hotter than the rest?

Globally, 2023 was a remarkably hot year. Temperature records made headlines throughout the year. It was hard to believe the planet could get any warmer, and climatologists cautiously hoped the record would last a while.

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But 2024 surprised them.

The reason were so surprised is because 2023 was an El Nino year with a warm Pacific Ocean, Cerveny said. The likelihood that 2024 is going to be hotter than 2023 is alarming because we cant blame El Nino.

El Nino is a climatological event, part of a natural cycle called the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, or ENSO. During an El Nino event, trade winds that tend to blow east to west near the equator weaken or reverse completely, increasing oceanic temperatures in the Pacific.

A Galapagos tortoise at the Phoenix Zoo named Elvis receives a cooling shower on July 18, 2023, that offers relief from the extreme heat wave in central Arizona. Tuesday is the 19th day in a row of temperatures of 110 degrees or more which sets a new record.

Warmer waters send more moisture and energy into the atmosphere, triggering wetter and warmer conditions in many areas around the world.

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But 2024 was not an El Nino year. The National Weather Service has instead issued a La Nina watch this year, which usually triggers the opposite conditions: a cooler Pacific that can cause cooler global temperatures.

Individual cities this year broke day after day the record temperatures for that particular day, Cerveny said. There was a spate of record temperatures that took place in July this year.

Yet another global record was broken that month: July 22 was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth. The daily global average temperature was 17.16 Celsius or 62.8 Fahrenheit. That surpassed the previous record of 17.09 degrees (62.76 degrees Fahrenheit) on July 21, just one day prior, and that had broken the record of 17.08 degrees (62.74 degrees Fahrenheit) set a year earlier, on July 6, 2023.

Cerveny has also observed an expansion of the worlds deserts, creating some of the worst temperatures and droughts.

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East Africa saw some of its warmest and driest weather since the 1980s. Australia has experienced drought through its winter and now into the countrys summer, which is unusual under a La Nina watch.

Were seeing a lot of weather patterns around the world that have been messed up, Cerveny said. The most interesting of those has been the expansion of the desert areas of the world into areas that border them that previously werent as hot.

The Southwest has experienced this phenomenon, as weather conditions typical of the Mojave Desert are spreading beyond its borders, affecting a wider region.

A worker ropes off a bottle of water to be lifted to a palm tree trimmer already high in a tree during excessive heat in Palm Springs, Calif., on Friday, July 5, 2024.

What does 1.5 Celsius of warming mean?

In 2015, world leaders gathered in Paris for the annual UN Climate Change Conference. They agreed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, signing a treaty known as the Paris Agreement.

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Based on some of the preliminary numbers Ive seen, 2024 is going to break that 1.5-degree temperature record that we want to try to keep below, Cerveny said. That could lead to catastrophic changes in our climate.

Climatologists agree that surpassing the 1.5-degree threshold significantly increases the risks of severe and irreversible climate change.

According to Cerveny, its considered a point of no return that could cause cascading effects worldwide, like sea-level rise, extreme weather events and ecosystem collapse.

Exceeding 1.5 degrees of warming could also trigger feedback responses that amplify climate change.

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For example, melting ice from global warming reduces the Earths reflectivity as temperatures rise. The planet then absorbs more heat  a process called the albedo effect  creating a feedback loop that leads to faster and more severe climate impacts.

This is just one of several cyclical responses Earth could experience if warming reaches 1.5 degrees, augmenting the effects of climate change.

Blazing summer: Living and dying in Americas hottest big city: One week in the Phoenix heat

How did Phoenix factor in?

With a scorching summer and an unusually warm fall, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record in Phoenix as well, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix.

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The summer heat arrived early with an unusually warm June, and triple-digit temperatures persisted well into October.

Lots of records were broken, said Erinanne Saffell, Arizonas state climatologist. We got temperatures that had never happened before in Phoenix.

There were 70 days with temperatures at or above 110 degrees, the most ever, surpassing 2023s record with 55 days. Nighttime lows didnt offer much relief, with 39 nights where the temperature didnt fall below 90 degrees, another record.

Phoenix wasnt alone. Statewide, it was the hottest summer on record, with an average temperature of 82.1 degrees. Cities across the Southwest repeatedly broke heat records, with millions of Americans under excessive heat alerts through much of the summer and fall.

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And in Phoenix, the heat still hasnt let up. In the days before Christmas, theres a chance of higher temperatures over 80 degrees and a probability of yet more records before the year ends.

One hot year: The heat is over (fingers crossed). Here's AZ's record summer by the numbers

The 10 Hottest Years Globally

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

2024 (still to be confirmed) 2023 2016 2020 2019 2017 2015 2022 2018, 2021 (tied)

Hayleigh Evans writes about extreme weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email her with story tips at hayleigh.evans@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 2024 will end as the hottest year on record, breaking the 2023 mark
(NewsNation)  More than four weeks have passed since 23-year-old Cornell University graduate Jahnay Bryan was reported missing, and her family is worried she may be in danger.

Bryan was last seen the morning of Oct. 16 near the 2000 block of West Eighth Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

She graduated from Cornell University last year and moved back home with her mom in Pennsylvania.

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Missing daughter was abducted by her mom: Rapper Trae tha Truth

Over time, she slowly lost touch with the people she was closest with in her life, which was concerning, her family said, given that she previously shared a fear of something happening to her. In April, her sister had police conduct a wellness check on the home she was living in with her mom. The police didnt find anything wrong.

In August, Bryan emailed her ex-boyfriend saying, Gone for the last few months, back moving to a new city Monday. Bye.

Months later, she sent another email to him, which was her last known communication: I think we should get married, and I think we should work in industry. I was just in contract with the Commissioner of the Department of Water Management in a city. Its a brilliant idea, said the email, which was sent the same day Bryan was last seen.

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Her sister, Jahque Bryan-Gooden, reported her missing on Nov. 13. Then, the Los Angeles Police Department issued what they call an Ebony Alert.

It is incredibly tiring and frustrating that no matter how much I know it seems like its incredibly slow to move on getting any proof, Bryan-Gooden said to NewsNation Wednesday night on Dan Abrams Live.

LA deputy mayor allegedly made City Hall bomb threat

She said she requested CCTV video footage from detectives and has received tips on her sisters whereabouts.

I know that my sister has now been spotted over nine times in the LA area. People have confirmed and accurately described her, Bryan-Gooden said. Theyve described what shes wearing, and every time the description is consistent.

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Bryans missing persons case has not received as much attention as other recent missing person cases, such as Hannah Kobayashi, who ended up leaving on her own will. Bryans sister said she does not believe she left to start a new life.

She had just graduated from Cornell and had all these ambitions. It is incredibly unlike her to just completely go off the grid, Bryan-Gooden said. And so that, as well as a call that was received that really kind of put more fire under my feet was indicating that my sister could be in danger.

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LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR)  A judge has sentenced a man to 10 years in prison for recruiting at least four juveniles into a street gang.

On May 27, 2023, Officers with the Lynchburg Police Department were patrolling 12th Street when they noticed a pistol with an extended magazine in the passenger floorboard of a vehicle. A K9 unit reportedly detected a narcotics odor coming from the car, which ultimately led to a search.

Once the serial number was run from the firearm, officers learned it was reported stolen in 2022. They also found alleged illegal narcotics along with the gun inside the car.

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Officers watched the vehicle when they saw Larneaux Allen, a convicted felon and known street gang member, and another individual enter the car. Allen attempted to enter the passenger side where the firearm was located.

13 gang-related arrests made in Lynchburg during Operation Gang-Green

Allen was detained and police obtained a search warrant for his phone where they found photos and videos of Allen with the firearm along with gang-related content. Officers also found three videos of Allen beating up juveniles to intimidate them into his street gang.

Police then found several years worth of communications between Allen and juveniles on how to commit crimes and exist within the rules of the gang.

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On Tuesday, December 17, 25-year-old Allen was sentenced to a 10-year active sentence for recruiting juveniles into his street gang and possessing a firearm being a convicted felon.

He received a 20-year sentence with 15 years suspended on a felony charge of Gang Participation that included juvenile members. He also got another 20 years with 15 years suspended on a felony charge of Recruitment of a Juvenile into a Criminal Street Gang.

As a part of the agreement, the Commonwealth moved to drop the felony charge of Receiving a Stolen Firearm.

Judge F. Patrick Yeatts acknowledged the plea from Allen and his attorney that he has changed his life around. Judge Yeatts said he hopes Allen will encourage the juveniles he recruited to do the same.

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MIDLAND, Texas  (KMID/KPEJ)  Each year, around Christmas, Midland Montessori students hop on the bus and visit Hillcrest Manor delivering goodie bags to residents.

Celebrating Christmas in Midland: List of local events taking place throughout the month

This all began 25 years ago, when a parent who worked at Meals on Wheels wanted nine-year-old students to deliver food to 90-year-old residents to celebrate 9-9-1999. Since then, the school has been following the tradition but instead moved it to Christmas time.

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This is our 25th year to visit, said Head of School Donna Luke. Kids just loved it so much we just have been coming back every year. It is very heartwarming especially to see the joy that the children bring to the residents here and how much joy the residents bring to the children. And the children just put so much work into what we bring for the residents.

Inside the goodie bags that the students made were hand-sewn mini pillows, fruit, toothbrushes, and a handwritten poem. Sixth grader Noh Aguirre tells us its cool seeing how happy the residents get when they visit.

For Roberta Reep, whos been employed at Hillcrest Manor for eight years, has seen this each year and said she enjoys what the student do for the residents.

It was just like Christmas was right here, today, said Reep. Then seeing the young people enjoy themselves, Its a joy. I just love to see them come out and give to the elderly people and disabled. They really look forward to it. I think it gives them a ray of hope to keep going.

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Nancy Adams grew comfortable sharing her Compton townhome during the COVID-19 pandemic when she rented spare bedrooms to traveling nurses.

Still, it was a long leap of faith to open her home to her current house guest  a paroled murderer.

Adams, 72, had retired from a career in banking but still relishes her backup job, tending bar at Crypto.com Arena.

"I try to keep it exciting," she said. "What's the point of waking up?"

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But it was something deeper  a mixture of Christian faith, a familial experience with incarceration, a touch of loneliness  that drew her to the post on social media seeking homes for former inmates.

"The thought of what I had read wouldn't leave me alone."

After mulling it over a week, Adams responded. In October, she became a host for the Homecoming Project, a prison reentry program that turns private homes into transitional housing for men and women during their first year out of prison.

Adams, who had accepted her brother back into her home after more than a decade of estrangement and cared for him through his final years, was intuitively aligned with the mission.

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"This is a great thing," she said. "They didn't have anything like this when my brother was in and out of prison."

Given profiles of three prospects, her choice was easy.

After 29 years in prison and a stint in a halfway house, Nicholas Nabors moves into a bedroom of his own. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A loner who spent most days in his room didn't feel right. A smoker was a hard no.

The third might have seemed the least likely fit. Nicholas Nabors murdered a convenience store clerk during a robbery when he was 16. He was paroled after serving just under 30 years of a 34-year to life sentence.

But there was something about him that appealed to Adams. He had earned an AA degree and thrived in his work in prison making DMV tags. He had met his fiancee through prison correspondence. He had a job on a maintenance crew with the California Department of Transportation.

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"His core seems to be good, a person who has dreams and vision and hope to move his life forward," she said. "He just needs a little assistance to do that."

::

The Oakland-based Homecoming Project was launched in 2018 by the national nonprofit Impact Justice, whose mission is investing in community-based models of justice reform.

The Homecoming Project has placed 157 former inmates in Bay Area homes. After their six-month stays, none of the 130 who have so far graduated has returned to prison.

With a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and funds from the California Workforce Development Board, the Homecoming Project branched out to Los Angeles earlier this year. Adams was the fifth volunteer to answer its call. Currently the program is serving six former inmates, two have graduated and six more are signed up to begin in January.

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The project is funded to add more than 80 participants next year, up to half in Los Angeles, seeking to provide a model for addressing the high rate of post-incarceration homelessness.

A study by the Prison Policy Institute found that about 2% of formerly incarcerated people were homeless. That's about three times the rate for the general population in Los Angeles County and 10 times the national rate and means that the prison system could be adding hundreds of people a year to the state's homeless population.

Homecoming Project director Bernadette Butler acknowledges that the scale of the effort so far is not going to provide a significant alternative to the system of group homes contracted by the state to support the reentry of 35,000 to 40,000 inmates released from California prisons annually.

She sees it as a demonstration.

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"We are showing the world what is possible."

::

Nabors had no immediate family to turn to when he was released. He was prohibited from contacting his younger brother, who had joined him in the fatal robbery, and strongly advised by the parole board to stay away from his mother, who gave him the gun used in the robbery and then made national news by testifying against him in his trial.

Paroled to Los Angeles, he spent 90 days in a drug rehabilitation program near MacArthur Park. Even though, he said, addiction was not a problem he completed the program as required and then moved to a transitional home in South Los Angeles.

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After six months, his funding from the state STOP program expired, and he had to start paying $750 rent for a shared room.

At a low point, he turned to the Los Angeles office of the Center for Employment Opportunities, one of four organizations that partner with the Homecoming Project. They got him the Caltrans job, and a staffer saw his potential and referred him to the Homecoming Project.

Three months later, Nabors moved into the four-bedroom home in a gated community just east of Compton City Hall. On move-in day, he and Adams exchanged thoughts on what brought them together and what might come of it.

"I don't have to live in a house by myself anymore," Adams said. "That's a good thing."

Nicholas Nabors moves into a bedroom with help from Ashley McKay, left, a former program associate with the Homecoming Project. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Her own experience with redemption also surfaced.

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"The part of my life of being a Christian, a practicing Christian, you got to step out of your comfort zone and do something differently," she said.

She did when her brother showed up and asked for forgiveness.

"You know sincerity when you see it," she said. "He apologized for all the things he did to us as a family."

She let him in and cared for him the last four and a half years of his life as he died of renal disease.

"That freed me up tremendously. I don't think I would be doing this if my brother hadn't done that."

Nabors articulated his hope for the program as if he had already experienced it.

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"It put me in normal environment," he said. "It allowed me to live with someone who wasn't system orientated, they weren't going to look at me necessarily as an inmate, that I was going to be treated as a normal person. I was going to have freedom and have the space to grow and figure out exactly who I was outside of prison. Traditional programs don't necessarily do that."

A month later, both described an evolving relationship that was closer to roommates than landlord-tenant. They don't spend a lot of time together. He leaves for work in the morning, she leaves for her job before he returns.

"The thing with Nick is he's just such a cool guy and he's easy to talk to," Adams said.

More reflective than on day one, Nabors delved into his own journey.

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"I did something horrible at 16, and for the next 30 years, whenever I tried to identify myself, the picture that they had was at 16. It's a fistfight, it's a brawl, to get anyone to see you as anything other than that.

"And for me, I mean, it's been a struggle, but at this point, I feel like it's empowering for me just to embrace it."

Nabors' self-awareness is not the exception for Homecoming Project clients, Butler said. All must have done at least 10 years, giving them time to reflect and to complete three required rehabilitation programs. Many have had life sentences reduced  a subgroup that has a recidivism rate under 3%, the lowest of all released prisoners.

The parole process, in which only 14% of petitions are granted, is "an incredible first layer of screening," Butler said.

Candidates are further screened informally by parole officers and staff at partner organizations such as the Center for Employment Opportunities who make referrals.

In the balance between clients and hosts, there are always more clients, Butler said.

"There's never going to be a shortage of people leaving prison. Our growth is contingent on recruiting hosts."

To compensate them, the Homecoming Project provides a stipend of $8,600 for the six months. To make the best match, it also preps potential hosts with every detail of their future guest's past including psychological assessments of their future criminal behavior from their time in prison.

Nabors' profile had one complication in that he was engaged. But that was also a strong point. He credits much of the character development to their nine years of correspondence.

"People kind of discredit the idea that you have a relationship in prison," he said. "Well, the truth is that you communicate more when you're in prison, because that's all that you have. I challenge any guy to tell me that he's written his wife a 37-page letter, right, and that you've read her 35-page letter in return and took time to literally go line by line and understand what she was saying and then respond to what she was saying, not necessarily how you felt."

He said writing through his emotions, and reading through hers, caused him to reflect in a much deeper way.

"What am I angry about? So I have to go back. I have to read her letter. OK, what did you say to make me feel so mad? But in that, what we're doing is that we're practicing active listening."

Now, she and her teenage daughter are welcome guests on weekends. Once the six-month program ends, Nabors plans to work with her building a business to operate transitional housing for ex-prisoners.

Nabors and his fiancee, whose privacy he asked to be respected, married Nov. 11 in a ceremony attended by his former supervisor at the Prison Industry Authority but not his mother.

Nicholas Nabors looks out a window as he moves into a bedroom of his own in Compton. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

"I've atoned for those things. I've done my time. I've explored my life. I've gained insight and all those things that we need to do in order to become a better person. My mother hasn't done that."

Adams took a longer view.

"I know it's not a good thing right now, right? You know what I'm saying, but at some point before he leaves this earth, he gonna want to see that woman."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Another suspect has been arrested in connection to shots fired into a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bus in east Charlotte on Monday.

On Wednesday, detectives arrested 20-year-old Paris Lewis-Bynum and charged him with:

Possession of a Stolen Firearm

Possession of a Firearm by Felon

Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill

Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle

(Credit: Mecklenburg County Jail)

Lewis-Bynum appeared in court on Thursday where a judge ordered no bond.

#BREAKING Judge orders no bond for Paris Lewis-Bynum, accused shooter in CMS bus shooting on Monday, 2 students injured from shattered glass, prosecutors say church building also hit when Lewis-Bynum & person in another car got into shootout on W.T. Harris Blvd @Queen_City_News  Robin Kanady (@RobinKanady) December 19, 2024

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said the incident occurred around 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, on East W.T. Harris Blvd near Idlewild Road North. When officers arrived, they discovered an Infiniti vehicle and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bus had each been shot into. CMPD said 30 students from Albemarle Road Middle School were on board.

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CMS confirmed with Queen City News that one student was injured by cut glass.

Following the incident, officers arrested 21-year-old Lamarius Ramel Anthony in connection to the shooting. He was placed in the Mecklenburg County Jail and charged with:

Felony Possession of Cocaine

Possession of Marijuana

Carrying Concealed Weapon

(Credit: Mecklenburg County Jail)

Anthony was given a $9,000 unsecured bond, which he has since posted.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAKE CITY, S.C. (WBTW)  Lake City authorities arrested three people Wednesday, accusing them of a murder-for-hire scheme that has kept a family in limbo for more than two decades.

Kim Burgess, 56, of Florence, Tonya Burgess, 49, of Lake City, and Mack Hanna, 60, of Florence, are facing charges in the September 2004 killing of Lindsey Lashawn Simmons, who authorities say was brutally murdered just six days before her 20th birthday at her apartment on Kroger Circle in Lake City.

All three suspects were booked into the Florence County Detention Center Wednesday afternoon and are being held without bond.

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Make no mistake, this is not the time for a victory lap, Lake City Police Chief Patrick Miles said Thursday in a news release announcing the arrests. There is a long road ahead, a road that leads to a conviction of all involved. For over 20 years this case has remained open, and I am completely humbled that we are able to announce these arrests.

Tonya Burgess, 49, is charged with murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and criminal conspiracy.

Kim Burgess, 56, is charged with murder; murder/homicide by child abuse, aiding and abetting; criminal conspiracy; and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Mack Hanna, 60, is charged with accessory after the fact to felony murder and criminal conspiracy. He is also being held on two separate warrants issued by Florence County authorities.

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According to warrants, all three suspects went to Simmons apartment, where she was found dead on Sept. 5, 2004, after being stabbed multiple times in the neck with a sharp instrument. Warrants say Hanna paid Tonya and Kim Burgess to kill Simmons so he could gain full custody of an infant child he shared with her.

A witness saw Hanna leaving Simmons home at about 9 a.m. on Sept. 5, 2004, just a few hours after Simmons was killed, according to an arrest warrant.

The child abuse charge against Kim Burgess stems from the death of a child years earlier. According to an arrest warrant, Lake City police received an anonymous phone call on May 2, 1992, saying that she had given birth to a baby and then placed it into a hospital pan and concealed it under a bed at her home. The caller told police the infant had lived for approximately 12 hours.

Deputies went to Burgess home on Elm Street and eventually found the childs body in a plastic box that Burgess pulled from under the bed while they were searching the residence, the warrant said. She initially denied giving birth but said later that the infant was stillborn.

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According to the warrant, a medical examination determined that the baby was alive and even took some breaths after being delivered. A pathologist later told investigators that although the baby was born prematurely, it might have had a chance to live if Burgess had sought medical care.

Through the years, Simmons family has continually searched for answers.

Weve been, you might say, trying to do a little investigating ourselves, just like some people in the community cause as everyone knows, theres a killer or killers among us, and who could be next if this person or these persons are not brought to justice, Charles Nero told News13 in July 2006.

Part of the familys efforts included putting up a billboard hoping to draw more attention to the case.

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It would really be heartwarming just to know that whoever did this to her for no just cause is brought to justice and put away, Nero said in 2006 as the second anniversary of Simmons death approached.

Lake City police made the arrests with assistance from FBI special agents and members of the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force.

Our Criminal Investigations Division, along with the special agents with the FBI, have worked tirelessly over the past several months reviewing existing evidence, resubmitting and reevaluating each step investigators before them have taken, Miles said. They have reinterviewed witnesses and discovered new information. Essentially, they have gone through this case with a fine-tooth comb and done an outstanding job.

Miles added that investigators arent finished with the case.

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Investigations into Ms. Simmons case have led to the discovery of other serious, tragic offenses, he said. All of these investigations are actively being worked and will continue to be worked until convictions have been secured.

* * *

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.
MOSCOW, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia is ready to negotiate with any legitimate leader in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

"If someone takes part in the election and gains legitimacy, we are ready to talk to him, including Volodymyr Zelensky," Putin said during his annual news conference.

He added that Russia has no preconditions for starting negotiations with Ukraine, emphasizing that Russia is ready to engage in talks based on the Istanbul agreements while considering the current situation on the ground. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual end-of-year press conference on Thursday in Moscow, where he addressed a wide range of topics from geopolitics to domestic policy. Here are three key takeaways from his remarks:

Willingness to communicate with Trump:

Putin expressed his openness to hold talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, highlighting the potential for negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Of course, I am ready for this at any time, and I will be ready for a meeting if he wants it, Putin said, per CNN.

According to The Associated Press, Putin communicated he is open to peace talks regarding Ukraine. Politics is the art of compromise, he said. We have always said that we are ready for both talks and compromises, per The Associated Press.

Updates on the war in Ukraine:

Putin addressed the Russian military efforts in Ukraine. He claimed progress despite the wars prolonged nature. He emphasized that Russian forces are advancing, saying, Our fighters are taking and returning territory in square kilometers every day, per CNN.

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However, according to CNN, he avoided giving specific timelines for reclaiming contested regions, such as Kursk. Putin persisted with his proposal for a high-tech duel during the conference, suggesting the launch of a missile as a taunt to the West to intercept it, claiming it would be unbeatable, per The Kyiv Independent.

Blaming Ukraine for a generals assassination:

Putin denounced the recent killing of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, calling it a terrorist act orchestrated by Ukraine. He criticized Western silence on the matter, stating, We have never heard from the Western journalistic corps condemnation of such terrorist attacks.

According to CNN, this claim comes without any evidence that Ukraine has targeted civilians in the Kursk region. Kirillov was a prominent figure in Russias nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces.

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyys response:

Zelenskyy condemned Putins comments as reckless and detached from reality saying, Do you think this is an adequate person? They are just thugs, Zelenskyy said while commenting on Putins threats, per The Kyiv Independent.
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Anton Krucky, right, director of the Honolulu Department of Community Services, holds the ceremonial ribbon as Ryan Catalani, second from right, executive director of Family Promise Hawaii, cuts it during the official opening Wednesday of Family Promise Hawaiis new Wahiawa facility. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi assisted.

1 /4 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Anton Krucky, right, director of the Honolulu Department of Community Services, holds the ceremonial ribbon as Ryan Catalani, second from right, executive director of Family Promise Hawaii, cuts it during the official opening Wednesday of Family Promise Hawaiis new Wahiawa facility. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi assisted.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM New residents Kahala Cenal, left, and Keiki Cenal recall having to live out of their vehicle before the Family Promise Hawaii facility accepted them.

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2 /4 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM New residents Kahala Cenal, left, and Keiki Cenal recall having to live out of their vehicle before the Family Promise Hawaii facility accepted them.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM One of the rooms in Family Promise Hawaiis new three-story Wahiawa structure.

3 /4 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM One of the rooms in Family Promise Hawaiis new three-story Wahiawa structure.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Anton Krucky, middle, director of the citys Dept. of Community Services, talks with residents Kahala Cenal, right, and Cenals wife Keiki, left, on the balcony during the official opening of Family Promise Hawaiis new Wahiawa facility on Wednesday.

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4 /4 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Anton Krucky, middle, director of the citys Dept. of Community Services, talks with residents Kahala Cenal, right, and Cenals wife Keiki, left, on the balcony during the official opening of Family Promise Hawaiis new Wahiawa facility on Wednesday.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Anton Krucky, right, director of the Honolulu Department of Community Services, holds the ceremonial ribbon as Ryan Catalani, second from right, executive director of Family Promise Hawaii, cuts it during the official opening Wednesday of Family Promise Hawaiis new Wahiawa facility. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi assisted.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM New residents Kahala Cenal, left, and Keiki Cenal recall having to live out of their vehicle before the Family Promise Hawaii facility accepted them.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM One of the rooms in Family Promise Hawaiis new three-story Wahiawa structure.

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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Anton Krucky, middle, director of the citys Dept. of Community Services, talks with residents Kahala Cenal, right, and Cenals wife Keiki, left, on the balcony during the official opening of Family Promise Hawaiis new Wahiawa facility on Wednesday.

Family Promise of Hawaii has expanded its efforts to support homeless families by opening a new center in Wahiawa, following the recent launch of its innovative temporary housing center in Moiliili.

The newly opened Ohana Navigation Center Wahiawa, at 360 California Ave., provides critical support for families with children experiencing homelessness. The three-story facility can house up to 12 familiesor 48 individualsand includes 18 parking stalls for residents, staff and volunteers.

The center features 24 rooms, each equipped with a wet bar, private bathroom, mini fridge and microwave, ensuring comfort and basic amenities. Rooms are arranged around a central indoor courtyard designed to foster a sense of community, while lockable doors provide privacy and safety for residents.

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Additional shared resources include a fully stocked community food pantry with essentials such as a rice cooker, and a supply closet offering toiletries and other necessities.

To further support families, the facility has two offices for its three case managers and an office for a state Department of Education liaison who helps students experiencing homelessness access educational resources.

The property, which was previously a drug and alcohol treatment center operated by Hope Inc., was purchased by the city in May 2023 for $6.9 million using community development block grant funds. After undergoing renovations, it has been transformed into a safe haven for families in need.

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Family Promise began leasing the facility from the city about a month and a half ago for $100 a month, allowing the nonprofit to focus its resources on assisting residents. The center welcomed its first families Friday.

Operated by the organization, the Ohana Navigation Center Wahiawa offers free short-term housing along with comprehensive case-management services to help families transition into stable, permanent housing.

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The first family to move into the Ohana Navigation Center Wahiawa was Kahala Cenal, 46, and his wife Keiki Cenal, 44, who lost their home on July 11.

The couple, who previously lived in Ewa Beach, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that they faced family problems  and made some poor decisions  that ultimately led to their eviction.

Although their family includes two teenage children and a dog, Kahala and Keiki did not want their children to experience homelessness on the streets, so they arranged for the teens to stay with relatives.

Meanwhile, the couple lived in their car at Ewa Beach Park until Oct. 18, when they were accepted into Family Promises interim housing site in Pearl City, which offers free, short-term housing for families to sleep, study and regain stability.

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Once the Wahiawa center was ready to serve the community, the Cenals moved into the new facility on Friday.

Keiki Cenal, who started a new job as a catering server Wednesday afternoon following the Wahiawa centers opening ceremony, expressed gratitude toward Family Promise for helping her family.

Im very excited for the future,  she said, adding that the support has helped her work toward getting her familys lives back on track.

The two ground-floor units at the Ohana Navigation Center Wahiawa are designed for easy access to accommodate people under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Cenal family resides in one of these units, as it offers convenient space for their pet, including a designated area for the dogs kennel.

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Family Promise is also exploring options to install an elevator or another accessible feature in the three-story building to better accommodate families with disabilities.

(Family Promise ) gave us a new chance at living a better life today,  Kahala Cenal said. Family Promise not only gave us a roof over our heads and food in our bellies, but theyre helping us set up for success, getting us into permanent housing and stuff like that. Im truly grateful for thatfor me, my family and my dog.

He also said that his case manager works with his family every week to come up with a plan and ensure that he and his wife can find better jobs to succeed in life.

I pretty much speak for everybody, all the families that live here, how much gratitude they have for this place,  Kahala Cenal said.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A Palmetto Cash 5 ticket for $302,000 was recently sold in the Conway area, a news release said.

The winning ticket was sold at a gas station at 3886 Highway 701 North. The ticket matched all five numbers drawn on Wednesday. The numbers were 2, 6, 10, 12, and 15.

This is South Carolinas 19th rolling jackpot win. The odds of winning the Palmetto Cash 5 jackpot are 1 in 850,668.

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The ticket holder has 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. The jackpot for Thursdays drawing is $100,000.

For more information on the lottery and prize claims, click here.

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Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Salt Lake City Fire Department responded to a four-alarm fire in a commercial area of the Ballpark neighborhood on Thursday morning, Dec. 19.

Salt Lake City Fire announced it was working on the fire, located near 1030 South and 200 West, just before 10:30 a.m. Approximately 50 to 60 firefighters responded to battle the flames, which was quickly upgraded to a four-alarm fire.

(Courtesy: Salt Lake City Police Department)

Fire officials confirmed that firefighters have taken a defensive operation in battling the flames  meaning firefighters are not entering the affected building and spraying water from the outside.

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It is currently unclear what started the fire and an investigation is ongoing.

Salt Lake City Police have responded and closed the area of 1000 South and 200 West to aid the firefighting efforts and for public safety. SLCPD said 200 West was closed from 900 South to 1300 south while Brooklyn Avenue was closed from 300 West to 200 West.

ABC4 has a crew on scene and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Four UPS workers in Mesa are accused of stealing more than $10,000 worth of electronics and household products throughout 2024.

Mesa police arrested Bo Jordan Arias, 34, Casey Andrew Bedell, 31, Jeremy Douglas Large, 33, and David Richard Panasci, 31, Tuesday after a local UPS warehouse contacted them about an internal fraud investigation involving their employees.

UPS officials said they found that since January packages were being received at the warehouse located near Higley and Baseline roads but never made it to their final destination.

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The four were identified as taking the products through transaction logs and video surveillance, according to court records. All admitted their involvement to UPS officials  all but one also admitted their involvement to police.

The idea to steal the items for themselves or to help them make money came from one of the employees, according to court records.

The plan was to remove certain items from the shipping line such as electronics and home goods, according to court records. Then they would create a new handwritten or printed label with a fake name and put down one of their addresses so they could receive the products.

UPS' investigation was launched Monday after officials caught three of the employees trying to go through their plan to send a gaming computer to one of their homes, according to court records.

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On Tuesday, Mesa police obtained search warrants for the four employees' homes and found the stolen items.

All were arrested on suspicion of theft. Arias and Panasci were also arrested on suspicion of fraud.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 4 UPS workers in Mesa accused of theft of electronics, household goods
(KTLA)  Police in Los Angeles arrested five people this week in connection with organized retail theft in the area of Canoga Park, officials announced.

Officers with the Los Angeles Police Departments Topanga Division ran a series of blitz operations, where police proactively saturate an impacted area with personnel and resources, on Dec. 17.

Of the three operations, one was at a store inside Westfield Topanga Mall in the 6600 block of Topanga Canyon Drive. Another was at a retailer in the 21400 block of Victory Boulevard and a store inside Fallbrook Mall in the 6600 block of Fallbrook Avenue, according to an LAPD news release.

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The five suspects arrested during the operations were identified as:

64-year-old Javid Gholami

55-year-old Artemus Shydian

54-year-old Diana Aragon

20-year-old Jacob Beccera

18-year-old Tanner Talei

Several of the suspects, according to police, were cited and released while others had pending warrants and were taken into custody. Officials did not specify who was taken to jail.

Man, 23, pleads guilty to operating $100M illegal narcotics bazaar on dark web

Additionally, no information was provided as to what kind of items were stolen or their estimated value.

Anyone with information about these types of incidents is encouraged to contact LAPD Topanga Burglary Theft Detectives at 818-756-4800. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

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ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA)  Five people were injured after lithium powder caught fire at an Orlando aerospace facility on Thursday.

Fire crews were called to Aerojet Rocketdyne, a company that designs and produces ballistic missile targets, at 8:20 a.m., according to NBC affiliate WESH.

Firefighters contained the blaze to a single room and extinguished it.

Three people were taken to the hospital and two others suffered minor injuries. No firefighters were hurt.

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In a statement to WESH, L3Harris Technologies said, in part: Employee safety is our top priority, and we are conducting a full investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
SRINAGAR, India (AP)  Government forces in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed five suspected militants in a gunbattle on Thursday, the Indian military said.

Soldiers and police launched a joint operation after receiving a tip that rebels were hiding in a village in southern Kulgam district, the military said in a statement. The militants opened indiscriminate and heavy volumes of fire at the raiding troops, leading to a gunbattle, it said.

Five militants were killed in the fighting, the statement said, adding that two soldiers were also injured. Troops continued to search the area. There was no independent confirmation of the battle.

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India and Pakistan each administer a part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhis rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin talked for more than three hours during an annual news conference in Moscow on Thursday, discussing key topics including the war in Ukraine, his interest in dialogue with President-elect Trump and an openness to asking about detained journalist Austin Tice in Syria.

Putins end-of-the-year news conference has always attracted a large audience but has been followed more intensely since Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Putin actually canceled the news conference at the end of 2022, following major setbacks in the war.

Here are the biggest takeaways from his 2024 press conference.

Austin Tice

Putin said he would inquire about Tice, an American freelance journalist who went missing in Syria in 2012.

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Syrian dictator Bashar Assad fled to Moscow after the fall of his regime earlier this month. Russia has supported the fallen autocrat since the civil war broke out in 2011.

I have not seen President Assad [since] he arrived in Moscow, Putin said. I plan to do so and I will have a conversation with him.

Trump and Biden

Putin appeared to show interest in a meeting with Trump.

If we hold a meeting at some time with President-elect Trump, Im sure well have something to discuss, he said.

Trump has decried the war in Ukraine as a tragedy and has vowed to end it by the time he takes office on Jan. 20, although he recently acknowledged the difficulty of negotiations.

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Putin also quipped about President Bidens controversial pardon of his son Hunter this month, saying that it was a very delicate subject.

Whether [an official is] a politician or a human is an important question, he said. It turned out that Biden had more [humanity], so I wouldnt condemn him for that.

Syria

Russias future in Syria is in peril following the collapse earlier this month of Assads regime.

Moscow has two military bases in Syria, Hmeimim air base and Tartus naval base.

Putin said Russia is in touch with the opposition groups in Syria that toppled Assads regime, which are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

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Today, the situation is quite complicated, he said. We expect and hope that the peace and calm will come there.

We have established relations with all groups that control the situation on the ground and with all countries in the region, and the majority of them are telling us that they have an interest for our military bases in Syria to remain in place, he continued.

Putin explained Russia is also considering its future, including whether the bases in Syria could be used for humanitarian operations.

Ukraine

Putin said he wanted to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine rather than a ceasefire.

They will receive time to reequip their divisions, he said of Ukrainian forces in a ceasefire.

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What we need is not a ceasefire, he added. Instead we need a lasting peace with guarantees for the Russian Federation.

Putin claimed that Russia has tried to secure a peace deal multiple times but that Ukraine has stood in the way.

We are prepared but the other side must be prepared as well to negotiate and to compromise, he said.

Putin also accused Ukraine of terrorist actions and condemned the murder of Russian Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov this week after a bomb exploded in his scooter. Kirillov was the head of Russias nuclear and chemical defense forces.

We need to improve our work and make sure such things never occur again, Putin said.

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Putin said in hindsight, he should have invaded Ukraine earlier than in February 2022.

The war started because we could not tolerate it anymore and wait for the situation to deteriorate further, he said.

But Putin also said if he had known about the setbacks in 2022 his military would face, Russia would have prepared in a systemic, real, serious way.

Putin said his forces were making progress in eastern Ukraine and in retaking territory in the Russian region of Kursk, which Ukrainian forces invaded in August.

New Russian missile

Putin also talked about Russias new experimental missile, Oreshnik, which Russian forces fired into Ukraine for the first time last month.

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Oreshnik is an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) that Putin claimed could travel at more than 10 times the speed of sound.

Putin made a televised appearance last month to announce the firing of the Oreshnik, which came just days after the U.S. lifted a restriction on Ukraine to allow Ukrainian troops to fire long-range missiles deep into Russia.

At the news conference, Putin said the new missile was a cutting-edge IRBM that will be hard for Ukraine to defend against.

There is no chance the missile is going to be brought down, he said, appearing to challenge the West to a fighting duel to see if they can shoot down Oreshnik over a target in Ukraine.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  For more than seven decades, The Arc Kent County has been helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Next year, The Arc celebrates its 75th anniversary as it prepares for a goal of raising $25,000 over the year.

We work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, of all ages, explained Executive Director Tammy Finn.

She said they advocate for children receiving special education services, connect adults with disabilities to community services and help navigate the systems, as well as advocate for legislation on the state and federal levels. The Arc also helps with financial management for about 145 people.

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To kick off its 75th anniversary campaign, The Arc is highlighting monthly videos showing stories of people theyve helped. It will host a gala in September to celebrate.

To learn more about The Arc, visit arckent.org.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
MANILA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed a 10-million-U.S. dollar financing agreement with Indonesia's leading energy company PT TBS Energi Utama Tbk (TBS) to promote sustainable transportation by increasing the supply of electric motorcycles and battery swapping stations.

The funding will support TBS's investments in PT Energi Kreasi Bersama for procuring e-motorcycles and installing a network of battery swapping stations, which will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 123,000 tons, the ADB said in a press release.

"Indonesia is rapidly urbanizing and seeing a surge in private vehicle ownership, particularly motorcycles. By working with TBS in this project, ADB aims to increase the reliability of e-motorcycles and expand sustainable transport options for Indonesians," said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury.

As ADB's first private sector financing for the country's e-vehicle industry, the project "can demonstrate the commercial viability of e-motorcycles and encourage further investments to promote their use," Gaboury said. 
ABBEVILLE, La. (KLFY)  The Louisiana Department of Education has selected Fatmina Brown, with United Way of Acadiana Early Learning Center in Abbeville, as an Early Childhood Teacher of the Year.

The department recognizes that great educators and leaders play a crucial role in student success. Each year the department partners with Dream Teachers to announce exemplary early childhood teachers and leaders.

Brown said the honor is very exciting because it is a privilege when you are recognized by your peers for your hard work and dedication.

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Brown said she has been teaching for more than 20 years.

I started right out of high school. I did most of my teaching at Head Start and Ive been here for three years at United Way with Early Head Start. I enjoy it because, with Early Head Start, you kinda setting the foundation for learning, and when you can set a foundation, a strong foundation, then the possibilities are endless, she said.

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Brown said her favorite part about her job is the long-lasting effects of the work.

When we come to work, we dont just try to teach daily lessons. We teach lifetime lessons so the kids will have something to fall back on later in their life, she said.

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Teaching is not for everybody. You have to have a passion for it, and once you have a passion for it, youll live by the saying if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life because teaching is a lifestyle. Its not a job, she continued.

Raquel Malveaux, director at the center, said Brown is a really good teacher.

She goes above and beyond with the curriculum and she loves the children as if they were her own and were just were proud of her, Malveaux said.

Brown thanks the directors and supervisors who have nominated her.

Brown is now in the process of applying to move on to the next level, which is for the state.

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This week she will be graduating from SLCC in general studies and is attending Northwestern State University for a bachelor of science degree in child and family studies.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
George Stephanopoulos was repeatedly told by his executive producer not to use the word rape' before going on the air to discuss Donald Trump but the ABC News anchor ignored the warning  a decision that cost the network $16 million, The Post has learned.

Parent company Disneys capitulation last week in the defamation lawsuit by Trump against ABC News and Stephanopoulos shocked media and legal experts, but the damning revelation could help explain why Mouse House CEO Bob Iger signed off on the settlement so quickly.

During an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) in March, the This Week host said that Trump was liable for rape while discussing the civil lawsuit won by journalist E. Jean Carroll.

George Stephanopoulos was repeatedly told by his producer not to use the word

rape before he went on air and defamed former President Donald Trump,

sources said. GC Images

This Week producer said dont use the word rape before the segment started, a network source told The Post. The EP [executive producer] said it so many times.

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A second source at the show confirmed via a text message viewed by The Post that Stephanopoulos was warned not to say rape.

Disneys chances of winning the lawsuit would be damaged if Stephanopoulos ignored his producers warning, legal experts told The Post.

Often, when dealing with litigious subjects, the companys legal team may speak to producers ahead of time to advise on language so as to avoid lawsuits, which is customary in the media industry.

However, it is unclear whether ABCs legal team had been involved before Stephanopoulos went on the air.

ABC News declined to comment. Reps for Disney and Stephanopoulos did not return requests for comment.

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Iger agreed to the deal late Friday  hours after Florida Judge Cecilia Altonaga rejected a request to delay the case and ordered Trump and Stephanopoulos to sit for hours-long depositions just days before Christmas, the New York Times reported Wednesday.

The judge also demanded that Disney turn over emails and text messages sent by and to Stephanopoulos by Sunday  which could have forced the media moguls hand if the damning text messages surfaced, according to the Times.

Disneys top lawyer, Horacio Gutierrez, urged Iger to settle the suit rather than risk a civil trial in front of a jury in the president-elects home state, people familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal.

Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger signed off on the $16 million settlement payout from ABC News to President-elect Donald Trump. Variety via Getty Images

Iger also was worried that fighting the case could risk damaging press protections and hurt the Disney brand, according to the Times.

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If Disney were to suffer a negative outcome in US District Court in Florida, the company feared the possible repercussions of appealing to the Supreme Court given the current 6-3 right-leaning majority.

According to the Journal, Disney was concerned that appealing an unfavorable ruling to the Supreme Court would have increased the risk of possibly overturning New York Times v. Sullivan, the landmark 1964 decision that granted the press sweeping protections against defamation lawsuits.

Sources also told The Post that one factor playing into Igers thinking is that he didnt want a lawsuit hanging over his companys flagship television property ahead of a possible sale.

The deal awarded $15 million to a presidential foundation and museum for Trump and another $1 million for Trumps attorney fees.

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As part of the settlement, Stephanopoulos was forced to apologize  which made the journalist apoplectic and humiliated, The Post exclusively reported Tuesday in an article headlined, Furious George.

Iger reportedly did not think that Disney could win if the lawsuit went to trial in Florida federal court. President-elect Trump is seen above on Dec. 7. Getty Images

A source said ABC News employees are now calling Stephanopoulos Furious George behind his back. They are also wondering how the star anchor can now cover the incoming Trump administration.

Everyone seems to be asking that question except ABC brass, the source said.

Trump initially filed the lawsuit in March.

Days later, the anchor went on CBS The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and reasserted his claim that rape was an appropriate word to use, based on comments made by the judge in the New York case.

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Im not going to be cowed out of doing my job because of the threat, Stephanopoulos said of Trumps lawsuit.

Trump has denied all wrongdoing toward Carroll, but last year a New York court found he was liable for sexual abuse over allegations that he abused her at a department store in 1996 and later defamed her in his statements in which he denied her allegations.
An Aberdeen family was left without a home just days before Christmas when a massive tree fell onto their house during a powerful windstorm early Wednesday morning.

At about 12:45 a.m. on Dec. 18, the tree crashed through the ceilings of two living rooms and the dining room.

Despite the extensive damage, none of the four family members inside the home were injured.

Julie Orrin, the homeowner, is a dedicated office administrator at New Beginnings Open Bible Church and recently returned from a mission trip to Uganda, where she worked in a medical clinic.

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She and Teresa Simpson also co-own JOTS Jewels, a small business specializing in handmade jewelry. Many of their supplies were destroyed by the fallen tree.

The tree has left the family with significant repair costs, including tree removal and home reconstruction.

Additional nearby trees will also need to be removed to prevent future damage.

My sister and I have been sleeping in our recliners lately, but tonight we were in our beds, Orrin said. The tree came through both living rooms and the dining room ceiling. Were going to have a long process to go through now.

The family has expressed gratitude for their safety and is seeking assistance to cover the costs of living arrangements, repairs, and other expenses.

A GoFundMe was started to aid in efforts to support the family as they work toward recovery.
The number of abortions provided in Wisconsin halved in the year Roe v. Wade was overturned, according to the latest abortion surveillance report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In both 2020 and 2021, more than 6,400 abortions were provided in Wisconsin, the CDC reported. That number fell to 3,333 in 2022  the same year the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision put Wisconsin's 1849 abortion ban back into effect for about 15 months.

The Wisconsin ban was in place from June 2022 to September 2023 and halted almost all abortions statewide, except when saving the life of the pregnant person.

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"The really shocking number [in this report] is the dramatic decline in abortions provided in Wisconsin in 2022, and we know that that's largely a result of the Supreme Court's decision that overturned federal protections for abortion," said Dr. Jane Seymour, a research scientist for the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Collaborative for Reproductive Equity (CORE).

Here's what to know about abortion access in Wisconsin  both immediately post-Roe and since the 1849 ban has been overturned.

How much did abortions in Wisconsin decrease post-Roe?

The CDC has not reported nationwide abortion numbers past 2022, but data from other groups indicates abortions in Wisconsin continued to nosedive through the end of 2023 and then recovered when the 1849 ban was overturned.

Pro-abortion research group Guttmacher Institute estimates the number of abortions in Wisconsin in 2024 is on track to hit 6,000, or pre-Dobbs decision, levels. That's after clinician-provided abortion numbers dipped to about 1,300 statewide in 2023  a 134% drop from 2021, Guttmacher estimates.

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It's worth nothing that, while the number of abortions in Wisconsin decreased drastically in 2022, the nationwide number dropped by only about 2%, according to the CDC.

Across the U.S., 613,383 abortions were provided in 2022, compared to 625,978 the previous year. That's because many people in states with limited abortion access still found alternate paths to getting the procedure, according to Seymour.

What other ways did people access abortion in Wisconsin when it was illegal?

A detail of an Abolish Abortion sign outside of Planned Parenthood's Madison East clinic, where abortion care services resumed Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.

People in Wisconsin seeking an abortion had a few options before them when the 1849 law was in place, Seymour said.

Perhaps most commonly, Wisconsinites traveled to neighboring states Illinois and Minnesota for abortions, where abortion access in enshrined in the states' constitutions. Guttmacher estimates that more than 6,000 Wisconsinites traveled out-of-state for an abortion in 2023: 5,210 to Illinois and 1,100 to Minnesota.

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Wisconsinites also accessed abortions with medication abortion pills prescribed by a doctor in another state. Several states have abortion shield laws, meaning healthcare providers are protected from legal repercussion even if they provide abortion pills to patients in states where the procedure is illegal.

"From July of 2023 through June of 2024, shield law providers mailed, on average, 128 medication abortion pill orders to Wisconsinites each month, and those are numbers that would not be captured by the CDC surveillance data as having occurred within Wisconsin," Seymour said, citing data from the Society of Family Planning.

Finally, some Wisconsinites likely "self managed their abortion care through pathways outside of the formal medical system," Seymour said. This includes consuming misoprostol and mifepristone, which are pills used to decrease stomach ulcer risk and control high blood sugar but can also end an early pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic.

But, although many Wisconsinites took advantage of these options, Seymour said it's important to note that they often came at "a much higher cost" that not all people could pay.

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In the year following the Dobbs decision, more than 25,000 people nationwide seeking an abortion could not access the procedure, according to CORE.

"Things such as the cost of the actual travel, missed wages, child care expenses, hotel rooms really add up substantially over time," Seymour said. "So it's easy to imagine how somebody living with poverty or with other economic restrictions might have the greatest challenge accessing abortion care out of state."

What happens when people who want abortions cannot receive them?

A baby sleeps in the NICU at Children's Hospital on June 14, 2011.

So far, it's unclear how the 15 months when abortion was almost fully illegal in Wisconsin will affect statewide health outcomes  but Seymour said we'll likely to continue seeing the impact in the coming years.

"Unfortunately, we know that being denied a wanted abortion is a determinant of negative health and wellbeing outcomes," she said.

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Risks of maternal and infant mortality are higher when people are denied abortions, Seymour said, especially in states like Wisconsin where the abortion bans had very narrow exceptions. The 1849 law had no exceptions for cases of rape, incest, non-life threatening health issues for the mother, or detections of genetic disorders in the fetus.

Early post-Roe data bears out these theories of increased negative health impacts: in 2022, the infant mortality rate in U.S. rose for the first time in 20 years. The rate in Wisconsin has been decreasing overall since the early 2010s, but it is still worse than the national average and ranks among the bottom half of states.

In 2022, 5.6 of every 1,000 babies born in Wisconsin died, and Black, Native and Hispanic infants were disproportionately affected, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

What is the current state of abortion access in Wisconsin?

As of December 2024, abortion in Wisconsin is banned at 20 weeks after fertilization. People seeking abortions must also visit a physician for a consultation, undergo a 24-hour waiting period and receive an ultrasound before getting the procedure.

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The Wisconsin Supreme Court is also continuing to weigh whether the 1849 law specifically applies to abortion. The liberal-leaning court heard oral arguments for the case last month and its ruling will decide the future of abortion access in Wisconsin.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he will veto a national abortion ban and instead leave it up to states to regulate the issue.

More: For transgender advocates, restricting health care comes right out of anti-abortion playbook

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What is the Wisconsin abortion law, and how has it changed post-Roe?
If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text "Hopeline" to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

In the aftermath of the Abundant Life shooting that left three dead, including the shooter, and six injured Monday, the Madison community is reckoning with an all-too-familiar sequence of questions: How did this happen? Why would someone do this? Are our schools safe? What can be done?

The cascade of questions doesn't fall on any easy  or direct  answers. Part of what makes grappling with these issues so difficult is that mass shootings are, by definition, senseless acts of violence. They destroy the places we view as safe, which is a core aspect of Maslow's hierarchy of basic needs, said Dr. Stephanie Farrell, a senior pediatric psychologist at UW Health.

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"At the base of that hierarchy is the air we breathe, food, water, shelter, clothing, and sleep. Then the very next level is our sense of safety. That has been shattered, not just for the children and families and teachers in that community, but for all of us with children and loved ones in the schools," Farrell said. "My heart aches when I think of the tremendous losses associated with these tragedies, not just the loss life, but the loss of our childrens innocence.

Rebuilding safety, Farrell said, will take time and layers of care, long after the news cycle quiets down. As the Madison community picks up the pieces, mental health providers and leaders have emphasized an important but easily forgotten key: Nobody should weather this fallout alone.

The tragedy occurred just two days after the Sandy Hook community acknowledged the 12-year anniversary of its elementary school massacre that killed 26 people  including 20 children between 6 and 7 years old.

Nicole Hockley co-founded Sandy Hook Promise in the haze following the murder of her son, Dylan. In her statement on the Abundant Life shootings, Hockley reflected on the grim trauma she and others now share with Madison parents.

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"We are still witnessing senseless and preventable gun violence in schools. Having suffered my childs murder, and so close to the remembrance of the Sandy Hook shooting, my heart is shattered," Hockley said. "I deeply feel for the surviving loved ones who now carry this unbearable pain, and for the community of Madison as it begins to grapple with this trauma during a season meant for joy and togetherness. No family or community should ever endure such unspeakable heartbreak."

Related: Trauma from a school shooting like Mount Horeb's can hurt for a long time, here's how to cope

How to talk to your kids after a shooting

Helping children heal from surviving a shooting is an integral step in rebuilding safety, Farrell said. So much of support, however, depends on where students were during the shooting, their age and, importantly, how adults show up for them.

"There are different levels of trauma, even within the school community," Farrell said. "If you were in that classroom, it was likely experienced very different than if you were across the hall and heard the gunfire, versus if you were on another floor, or if you go to that school but weren't in that day, or if you learned about this tragedy on the news."

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Listening to children, Farrell said, may be self-evident, but allowing them to be in a safe space when they express what they went through can make a big difference. Farrell recommends not waiting until evening to have these conversations, though, because it might trigger nightmares and make it difficult to fall asleep.

Initiating the conversation by modeling emotional expression can help ease children into opening up. Farrell has a personal connection with this: One of her college-aged daughters experienced a shooting threat at her school.

When she talked with her, she started first by establishing a comfortable setting. A cozy couch, a Hallmark movie, enjoying a cup of hot cocoa  creature comforts have big benefits in unsettling times. Then, Farrell expressed her own sorrow and fears.

"We can do a beautiful job role modeling how we feel about this. I told my daughters, 'This makes me so sad and it's so scary. How are you feeling?'" Farrell said. "We can model our emotions, talk about them and label them."

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Encouraging self-care, both for yourself and your children, is vital too. It starts with core elements of self-care, sleeping, exercising, drinking water, healthy eating and taking breaks from media, but Farrell said it's important to give permission, too, for joy and laughter with friends.

Signs to look out for in survivors of school shootings

Even when we try our best, trauma can linger. Farrell recommends adults monitor changes in behavior, especially if they iterate as anger, sadness, fear, irritability, and/or a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Especially in teenagers, this can be a sign of depression, Farrell said.

Physical symptoms may show up too, in the form of headaches, stomachaches, changes in sleep or eating patterns.

It's also normal to not know how to feel.

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Little ones, on the other hand, may express their trauma as separation anxiety and, understandably, a strong desire to not return to school. They may also regress, whether that looks like tantrums, thumb-sucking or wetting the bed. For young children, Farrell said monitoring play can be an indication of how well they're adjusting.

These are normal expressions of trauma. But if behaviors continue for an extended period, it may be a sign that the student is struggling with acute stress disorder or PTSD. Symptoms may look like avoidance behavior, flashbacks (which is a re-experience of the trauma), nightmare, or hyper-startle response.

"I would encourage families to reach out to their primary care provider to get referral information for a therapist, psychologist or counselor in the community," Farrell said.

Resources

Farrell recommended the following resources to help students, teachers and parents navigate a school shooting crisis.

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Additionally, Sandy Hook Promise has a list of recommendations to help the Madison community:

Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her X (Twitter) profile at @natalie_eilbert.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How to talk to children after the Abundant Life shooting in Madison
Luigi Mangione was hit Thursday with a potential death penalty case for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson following a jolting sequence of events that saw him unexpectedly hauled to Manhattan federal court after a dramatic perp walk at the Wall Street heliport.

Mangione was widely expected to be arraigned on state murder and terrorism charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office  including by prosecutors and his lawyers  after waiving his extradition to New York at a court hearing in Pennsylvania.

Instead, after he touched down in New York shortly after 1 p.m., the 26-year-old Maryland man was charged in an unsealed federal complaint with murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum potential sentence of death or life in prison, and stalking and firearm offenses.

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It is a highly unusual situation that we find ourselves in, Mangiones attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo said at a Manhattan federal court hearing, adding she had been prepared to defend him against state charges announced by Braggs office on Tuesday.

In fact, I dont think they even knew that this was going to happen, the lawyer added. There are a lot of factors here that I think are very confusing, highly unusual. And in over three decades of prosecuting and defending criminal cases in New York, frankly, Ive never seen anything like that what is happening here.

Manhattan Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker detained Mangione after his legal team reserved making a bail application and set a preliminary hearing for Jan. 18. The court date will become moot if the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office secures an indictment from a grand jury in the interim. Mangione will be held at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center.

A clean-shaven Mangione, wearing a navy blue sweater, a white collared shirt, khaki pants, and in shackles, looked back once at the gallery in court and was silent except for answering yes when asked whether he understood his rights and what he was being accused of and had read the complaint.

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The University of Pennsylvania computer science graduate is accused of gunning down Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two high school students, on W. 54th St. as the CEO arrived for the annual investor conference of UnitedHealthcares parent company at the Midtown Hilton early on Dec. 4. He was arrested more than 200 miles away five days later when a patron recognized him eating hash browns at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pa.

Authorities recovered a 9mm 3D-printed ghost gun and silencer, ammunition matching that found at the scene, and writings critical of the healthcare industry, according to court records.

The federal complaint, replete with stills from surveillance footage of the incident, accused Mangione of beginning a stalking campaign against Thompson on Nov. 24 when he traveled to the city from Atlanta, Ga., and checked into an Upper West Side hostel for 10 days. His trip over state lines to carry out the alleged crimes gave the feds jurisdiction to bring the case.

The complaint alleges Mangione took months to plan the early morning murder, quoting entries he allegedly wrote in a notebook that express hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular.

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In an August entry, Mangione allegedly wrote that he was glad  in a way  that Ive procrastinated, [because] it allowed me to learn more about an insurance company whose name the feds redacted from court papers. The entry said, the target is insurance because it checks every box, according to the feds.

1.5 months. This investor conference is a true windfall . . . and  most importantly  the message becomes self-evident, read an Oct. 22 entry cited, which the complaint said went on to describe a desire to wack the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference.

In his Manhattan state case, Mangione is accused in an 11-count indictment of first-degree murder, second-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, an additional murder count, multiple firearm charges, and forgery. If convicted of the top counts, he could face life in prison without parole.

Spokespersons for Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Edward Kim said Mangiones state case was expected to proceed to trial first.

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As alleged, Luigi Mangione traveled to New York to stalk and shoot Thompson in broad daylight in front of a Manhattan hotel, all in a grossly misguided attempt to broadcast Mangiones views across the country, Kim said in a statement.

Assistant director of the FBIs New York bureau, James Dennehy, said that this alleged plot demonstrates a cavalier attitude towards humanity  deeming murder an appropriate recourse to satiate personal grievances.

Mangione first appeared in court Thursday in Blair County, Pa., wearing an orange jumpsuit around 7:30 a.m. In the Keystone State, hes accused of carrying a firearm without a license, forgery, and giving cops a fake ID when he was apprehended. Hes not expected to be tried on those charges before his New York matters conclude.

Mangiones apparent anger toward the health insurance industry has prompted an outpouring of support and sympathy for him online from people frustrated with the U.S. health insurance industry, with an online crowdfunding effort raising more than $140,000 toward his legal defense. On Thursday, protesters gathered outside the courthouse were heard yelling, Free Luigi!

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The DA and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, at a press conference earlier this week, decried the support, with Tisch saying authorities had tracked a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder.

Mangione, who comes from a wealthy and well-known family from suburban Baltimore, has not spoken publicly since his arrest outside of mostly inaudible remarks he yelled to the press at his first Pennsylvania court appearance about an insult to the American people and their lived experience.

Interviews with his friends and various writings he published on Reddit and other forums have shed some light on his medical history, including chronic back issues that saw him undergo spinal fusion surgery.

In court filings in the DAs case, prosecutors said two discharged shell casings at the scene of Thompsons killing bore the words deny and depose, and a bullet featured the word delay, in an apparent reference to the health insurance industry routinely denying medical care to maximize profits.

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The NYPD has alleged Mangione had a manifesto laying out his reasons for the killing. He allegedly wrote that the U.S. had the most expensive health care in the world yet ranked 42nd in life expectancy and that insurers had simply gotten too powerful, continuing to abuse our country for immense profit because the American public has [allowed] them to get away with it.

Authorities say Mangiones mother reported him missing to the San Francisco police department in November and that an officer handling the missing person case recognized him in widely-circulated surveillance images after the shooting and contacted the FBI.

NYPD officials on Tuesday said they made contact with Mangiones mother on Dec. 7, who said she didnt know if it was him in the pictures but that the shooting might be something that she could see him doing.

Mangiones climactic return to New York Thursday saw Mayor Adams, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and dozens of armed state and federal law enforcement officers waiting for him at the downtown helipad, an unusually public showing for what is typically a covert arrangement.

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The former deputy commissioner of the NYPDs intelligence and counterterrorism unit John Miller told CNN the turnout wasnt intended to protect the public from Mangione.

The security around Mangione today is because of what theyve been seeing in terms of the public support for him and their security worries about somebody not trying to attack him, but to try and free him from law enforcement, Miller said.
NEW YORK  Luigi Mangione was headed to New York Thursday after waiving his extradition in Pennsylvania  in an unexpected development, to face federal charges stemming from the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, law enforcement sources told the Daily News.

Mangione is expected to be flown to Long Islands MacArthur Airport, then the Wall Street heliport and from there transported to Manhattan Federal Court by car to face charges later this afternoon that are under seal, two law enforcement sources told the Daily News.

The 26-year-old Maryland man, who arrived at the Blair County, Pa., courthouse in an orange jumpsuit around 7:30 a.m., also faces an 11-count indictment brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg that was handed up Tuesday, including charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, an additional murder count, multiple firearm charges and forgery. He was initially expected to appear in Manhattan Criminal Court at 100 Centre St. on those charges.

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On the federal level, Mangione could be eligible for the death penalty under federal law, which is not an option under New York state law.

Reached for comment, Mangiones lawyer, Karen Agnifilo, said, The federal governments reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns. We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.

Nicholas Biase, a spokesman for the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office, declined comment.

A spokeswoman for Bragg said a federal case would proceed in parallel to the state case.

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As alleged, this defendant brazenly shot Mr. Thompson point blank on a Manhattan sidewalk, Danielle Filson added. The Manhattan D.A.s Office, working with our partners at the NYPD, is dedicated to securing justice for this heinous murder with charges of Murder in the first degree.

Mangione is accused in Pennsylvania of carrying a firearm without a license, forgery, and giving cops a fake ID after he was identified at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pa., on Dec. 9. Hes not expected to be tried on those charges before his New York matters conclude.

The University of Pennsylvania graduate is accused of gunning down Thompson, 50, on W. 54th St. near Sixth Ave. as the CEO arrived for an annual investor conference at the Midtown Hilton early on Dec. 4.

In court filings in the DAs case, prosecutors said two discharged shell casings bore the words deny and depose, and a bullet featured the word delay, in an apparent reference to the health insurance industry routinely denying medical care to maximize profits.

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The cops have also alleged Mangione had a manifesto laying out his reasons for the killing. He allegedly wrote that insurers had simply gotten too powerful, continuing to abuse our country for immense profit because the American public has [allowed] them to get away with it.

Mangiones apparent anger toward the health insurance industry has touched off support and sympathy for him online, with an online crowdfunding effort raising more than $140,000 toward his legal defense. The DA and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, at a press conference earlier this week, decried the support, with Tisch saying authorities had tracked a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder.

Authorities say Mangiones mother reported him missing to the San Francisco police department in November and that an officer handling the missing person case recognized him in widely-circulated surveillance images after the shooting and contacted the FBI.

NYPD officials on Tuesday said they made contact with Mangiones mother on Dec. 7, who said she didnt know if it was him in the pictures but that the shooting might be something that she could see him doing.

Within 48 hours, the McDonalds patron recognized him more than 200 miles from the scene, prompting a worker to call 911, according to police.

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NEW YORK  Luigi Mangione was hit with new federal charges that carry the potential death penalty after arriving in New York Thursday stemming from the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with authorities saying he counted down his plan for months.

Mangione was charged with murder through the use of a firearm, a firearm offense, and two counts of stalking covering the 10 days preceding Thompsons killing, according to a copy of the federal complaint.

FBI special agent Gary Cobb referenced writings of Mangiones laying out a months long plan to kill Thompson, including an entry in his notebook from Oct. 22 appearing to count down the days.

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1.5 months. This investor conference is a true windfall . . . and  most importantly  the message becomes self evident, Mangione wrote, according to the complaint, which said it later described an intent to wack the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference.

After appearing earlier Thursday in Pennsylvania and waiving extradition, Mangione was flown to Long Islands MacArthur Airport before being transported to the Wall Street heliport, where more than a dozen armed agents were waiting. Mayor Eric Adams was also present.

Mangione was expected to appear before Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker for his presentment at the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan.

The 26-year-old Maryland man, who arrived at the Blair County, Pa., courthouse in an orange jumpsuit around 7:30 a.m., also faces an 11-count indictment brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg that was handed up Tuesday, including charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, an additional murder count, multiple firearm charges and forgery.

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He was initially expected to appear in Manhattan Criminal Court at 100 Centre St. on those charges upon his return to New York. It wasnt immediately clear when he would.

On the federal level, Mangione could be eligible for the death penalty under the murder statute udner which he is charged which is not an option under New York state law.

Reached for comment earlier Thursday amid news of potential federal charges, Mangiones lawyer, Karen Agnifilo, said, The federal governments reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns. We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.

Nicholas Biase, a spokesman for the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office, declined comment.

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A spokeswoman for Bragg said a federal case would proceed in parallel to the state case.

As alleged, this defendant brazenly shot Mr. Thompson point blank on a Manhattan sidewalk, Danielle Filson added. The Manhattan D.A.s Office, working with our partners at the NYPD, is dedicated to securing justice for this heinous murder with charges of Murder in the first degree.

Mangione is accused in Pennsylvania of carrying a firearm without a license, forgery, and giving cops a fake ID after he was identified at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pa., on Dec. 9. Hes not expected to be tried on those charges before his New York matters conclude.

The University of Pennsylvania graduate is accused of gunning down Thompson, 50, on W. 54th St. near Sixth Ave. as the CEO arrived for an annual investor conference at the Midtown Hilton early on Dec. 4.

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In court filings in the DAs case, prosecutors said two discharged shell casings bore the words deny and depose, and a bullet featured the word delay, in an apparent reference to the health insurance industry routinely denying medical care to maximize profits.

The cops have also alleged Mangione had a manifesto laying out his reasons for the killing. He allegedly wrote that insurers had simply gotten too powerful, continuing to abuse our country for immense profit because the American public has [allowed] them to get away with it.

Mangiones apparent anger toward the health insurance industry has touched off support and sympathy for him online, with an online crowdfunding effort raising more than $140,000 toward his legal defense. The DA and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, at a press conference earlier this week, decried the support, with Tisch saying authorities had tracked a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder.

Authorities say Mangiones mother reported him missing to the San Francisco police department in November and that an officer handling the missing person case recognized him in widely-circulated surveillance images after the shooting and contacted the FBI.

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NYPD officials on Tuesday said they made contact with Mangiones mother on Dec. 7, who said she didnt know if it was him in the pictures but that the shooting might be something that she could see him doing.

Within 48 hours, the McDonalds patron recognized him more than 200 miles from the scene, prompting a worker to call 911, according to police.

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CHICAGO  Advocacy groups slammed the new Cook County States Attorney on Wednesday for dropping charges against an Oak Lawn police officer involved in a violent arrest that was widely shared on social media, sparking outrage.

The decision comes one day before the start of Oak Lawn police officer Patrick ODonnells bench trial, which stemmed from a July 2022 arrest caught on video, which showed the law enforcement official repeatedly battering a teen police say had a gun.

Charges brought forth against ODonnell allege that he used excessive force amid the arrest of then-17-year-old Hadi Abuatelah.

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Judge: Accused Highland Park shooters confession is valid

Muhammad Sankari with the Arab American Action Network called the Cook County States Attorneys Offices decision a terrible injustice. He has stood by Abuatelahs family since the violent encounter that unfolded as officers attempted to take the then-17-year-old into custody after he ran from a traffic stop.

Its very clear the new States Attorney Eileen Burke wanted to send a message today. She just took office, Sankari said.

Abuatelah suffered a broken pelvis and bleeding in his brain. Sankari claimed the officers force was uncalled for and criticized Cook Countys decision to dismiss the charges.

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One of her first actions as States Attorney is not to try to solve the numerous unsolved murders but rather to vacate the charges against an officer who beat a minor almost to death in the street, Sakari said.

ODonnell faced charges of aggravated battery and official misconduct.

**WARNING: The video above may be disturbing to watch. Viewer discretion is advised.

The Oak Lawn Police Department declined to comment on the case due to pending civil litigation. However, its police chief has defended ODonnells actions in the past, claiming that Abuatelah was carrying a bag and attempted to grab a gun while on the ground.

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Prosecutors rest case in Madigan federal corruption trial

Police added that the traffic stop was also lawful, pointing to the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle and an expired tag.

Authorities later charged Abuatelah with unlawful use of a weapon and resisting arrest. Activists believe the Abuatelah s traffic stop was racially motivated and continue to demand accountability.

Were not ones to give up a fight, Sankari said. We were very clear from the beginning. This isnt about one case. Its not about one officer. Its not about one team. Its about our community and the systemic problem in Oak Lawn.

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Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

WGN News contacted the State Attorneys office for comment:

After a thorough review, we concluded that the evidence is insufficient to meet our burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt to move forward with the prosecution of this case. Prosecutors must evaluate the evidence at every stage of a criminal proceeding, and act accordingly in the pursuit of justice. Throughout the pendency of this case, the CCSAO has been in communication with the victim, his family, and attorney as we sought an appropriate resolution. Today we asked the court to dismiss the case, and the court granted our motion. Statement from the Cook County States Attorneys Office

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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Several activists and supporters told WGN News they plan to protest the dismissal of Officer ODonnells charges outside Burkes office 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 WGN-TV.
A drivers record was cleared after Arizona Department of Transportation detectives successfully identified and resolved an identity theft case in which a man used the driver's name during a DUI arrest.

The incident began when the driver contacted ADOTs Fraud Hotline in October 2024 after learning that their personal information had been used in a DUI arrest in September.

ADOT detectives with the Office of Inspector General launched an investigation and used advanced tools, including facial recognition technology, to confirm that the person arrested for driving under the influence was actually Orlando Garcia.

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Garcia had stolen the other person's identity and gave it to police when he was stopped for a DUI.

After identifying the fraud, detectives coordinated with the Phoenix Police Department, which subsequently arrested Garcia on charges of aggravated DUI, identity theft and several other criminal offenses, including misconduct involving weapons, endangerment and drug-related charges.

This was an excellent example of collaboration and thorough investigation, not only clearing the victims name but also removing a dangerous individual from Arizonas roadways, said Lt. Jason Henderson of ADOTs Office of Inspector General. We urge anyone who suspects fraud involving their drivers license, vehicle registration or title to report it immediately to help prevent further criminal activity.

ADOTs Fraud Hotline is available 24/7 for residents who suspect fraudulent activity involving their drivers license, title, registration or criminal behavior. The public can report incidents by calling 877-712-2370, emailing fraud@azdot.gov or by submitting an online report.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ADOT: 'Dangerous individual' removed from the road after ID theft
TUNIS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia has welcomed 9.55 million foreign tourists so far this year, putting the country on track to hit the 10-million mark by year-end, local media reported on Thursday.

Aymen Rahmani, director of Studies and International Cooperation at the Tunisian National Tourist Office, told private radio station Mosaique FM that the country had recorded 9,555,000 foreign arrivals as of Dec. 10. This figure surpasses the 9.37 million foreign visitors recorded over the same period in 2023.

Rahmani expressed optimism that the total number of foreign tourists would reach 10 million by the end of the year, attributing the increase to the government's efforts to adapt the country's tourism offerings to diverse visitor expectations and attract new markets.

Tourism revenues for the year up to Dec. 10 totaled 7.05 billion dinars (2.21 billion U.S. dollars), underlining the sector's role as a key pillar of Tunisia's economy.

The country's tourism industry was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but has shown signs of gradual recovery in recent years. 
BOSTON (WWLP)  The ballot question 1 campaign was centered around letting sunshine in to shine a light on state finances and has the support of advocacy groups from both sides of the aisle.

These advocacy groups say the law took effect several weeks ago and held a State House press conference to talk about their plans for legal action. The press conference featured one of the first signers of the petition that eventually became ballot question 1.

Our state legislature is not being there for their constituency. Theyre not representing their interests, theyre representing their own personal, selfish interests, said Jennifer Nassour, an original petition signer.

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The petition-signer says that she will be a plaintiff in a potential lawsuit against the legislature, and as a Republican, she says her whole party supports the auditors efforts. One public policy expert explained the potential impact of an audit on the average voter.

The laws that affect 7 million residents of the commonwealth are largely drafted in secret and behind closed doors. We believe that a comprehensive audit is the way to stop that, said Charlie Chieppo, a senior fellow at the Pioneer Institute.

The Pioneer Law Institute, represented at the press conference, says their organization is prepared to sue the legislature if they continue to block audit efforts. The group says they will be waiting until January to sue when the legislature and the states election overseer say the ballot law takes effect.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Following the nationwide baby formula shortage a few years ago, which left many families in crisis to feed their babies, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced over half-a-million dollars in new formula has been secured to distribute to New Yorkers in need.

AG James was at Foodlinks headquarters Wednesday to make the announcement. The regional food bank is the first to receive a shipment of formula, amounting to 3,300 cans worth, for distribution.

No one should have to worry about feeding their child in an emergency, said James. Weve secured $675,000 worth of formula from Marine Park that we will deliver to New Yorkers over the next year. 3,300 cans of formula next to me will be the first delivery. The formula will go to families across the Rochester area for families most in need.

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Baby formula headed to Rochester after settlement

The shipments follow a recent price gouging settlement with companies Marine Park and Formula Depot, which were accused of skyrocketing the price of formula during the nationwide shortage.

This year alone, weve seen a 47 percent increase in the number of households turning to food pantries. Our job in this is easy. Its to make sure formula gets into the hands of people in our community who need it the most and luckil, we have an incredible network of community agencies and leaders who will help to ensure that. So, were grateful to do this work, said Julia Tedesco, Foodlinks CEO.

James says this resolution helps tackle market disruptions, working to ensure the most vulnerable families dont go hungry.

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Our work is not over yet. We know individuals, unfortunately, take advantage of the market and I want all of them to know the Office of the Attorney General takes this very seriously. Any business that engages in price gouging, you will soon have an investigator at your door, said James.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dec. 18WILKES-BARRE  Two students from Luzerne County are among the winners of the Office of Attorney General's 28th Annual Drug-Free Calendar Contest.

Attorney General Michelle Henry on Wednesday congratulated Leonis Magallanes, who is a student at Hanover Area Memorial Elementary School, and Jayden Beach, who is from Lehman-Jackson Elementary School. Leonis' picture is featured in the calendar for February, and Jayden's artwork appears in August.

In October, which is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, fifth-grade students across the Commonwealth were encouraged to create an original piece of artwork that illustrates a drug-free message.

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Winning works of art from 13 students were selected to appear in the 2025 calendar, which is circulated across the state in an effort to educate the public about the dangers of drug use.

"Our annual calendar contest is about celebrating the talents of our incredible students and empowering young people to make smart, safe choices," Henry said. "Combating the addiction epidemic continues to be one of my top priorities, and a big part of our collaborative approach is education to deter young people from experimenting or trying illegal substances. This calendar allows our students to be leaders in conveying messaging that can save lives and keep people healthy."

Each month in the calendar is represented by a piece of artwork from a Pennsylvania student. Additionally, a student's illustration was used for the front of the calendar.

The winners were chosen from more than 1,800 submissions from 402 schools in 43 counties, based on the artists' creativity, ability to illustrate and inclusion of a drug-free message.

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Each selected student will receive a certificate and a $529 contribution to their Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program, which is supervised by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department.

The following students were named 2025 Drug-Free Calendar Contest winners:

Cover: Lily Tirk, St. Wendelin Catholic School, Butler County.

January: John Webb, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Northampton County.

February: Leonis Magallanes, Memorial Elementary School, Luzerne County.

March: Claire Li, Cecil Intermediate School, Washington County.

April: Adalynne Williams, St Joseph School, Clarion County.

May: Isis Dawson, Blue Mountain Elementary West, Schuylkill County.

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June: Caitlin Butcher, Moon Area Middle School, Allegheny County.

July: Yaara Mohideen Bilal, South Fayette Intermediate School, Allegheny County.

August: Jayden Beach, Lehman-Jackson Elementary School, Luzerne County.

September: Alexia Young, Chestnut Ridge Middle School, Bedford County.

October: Violet Uher, Panther Valley Intermediate School, Carbon County.

November: Ila Doran, South Saint Mary's Elementary School, Elk County.

December: Charlotte Sollenberger, Mowrey Elementary School, Franklin County.

To view the calendar, visit https://bit.ly/3ZAZ2xS.

The drug-free calendar contest is funded through the Community Drug Abuse Prevention Fund. Fines and penalties collected from certain offenses, such as driving under the influence, contribute to the fund.

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Agents and specialists from the Office of Attorney General visit schools throughout the year to meet with children to educate them about the importance of staying drug-free.

The programs feature customized lessons, interactive presentations and messages that speak directly to the audience.

Visit www.attorneygeneral.gov or call the Attorney General's Office at 1-833-OAG-4YOU to learn more about these programs.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
LANSING  Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is working to prevent a convicted sexual assaulter from being paroled in February because of safety concerns.

She filed an emergency parole appeal in Ingham Countys 30th Circuit Court Wednesday to reverse a parole boards decision to release 56-year-old William Lamont Bonds, convicted by an Ingham County jury about 30 years ago, on Feb. 20.

Her office said in a release Nessel is arguing that the parole boards late fall decision to grant Bonds parole less than a year after he violated previous parole conditions warrants immediate reversal.

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Mr. Bonds is not a suitable candidate for parole, and the parole board decision to grant him parole again is both puzzling and dangerous, Nessel said in a statement. Allowing his release, especially so soon after his failure to comply with prior parole conditions, is a blatant abuse of discretion given the overwhelming facts and circumstances.

Records from his incarceration and his previous parole violation show that he continues to minimize the severity of his crimes. For the safety of our community, Bonds should remain in prison.

A parole board granted Bonds "a 24-month term parole" on Nov. 14, prompting "one of his victims" to seek Nessel's help in preventing the release.

"Upon review, the Department concluded per the filed appeal, that the Parole Bard's decision to 'grant Bonds parole is a clear abuse of the Board's discretion,'" Nessel's office said.

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Bonds was convicted by a jury in 1993 of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, receiving and concealing stolen property over $100 and breaking and entering an occupied building with intent, charges that stemmed from a rape at gunpoint. He also pleaded guilty in a separate 1994 rape case. Two concurrent sentences added up to 25 to 45 years' imprisonment.

Nessel said in her release that Bonds has proven to be a problem behind bars, accumulating nearly 100 misconduct tickets, including one for threatening a female nurse. Bonds also has received misconduct tickets involving other female prison staff and a female administrative law judge.

Bonds was paroled in 2023 with the condition that he was required to complete a sexual abuse prevention program, Nessel's office said. Within two weeks of his release, Bonds was unsuccessfully discharged from the program for noncompliance and his parole was revoked, returning him to the Michigan Department of Corrections custody.

Contact editor Susan Vela at svela@lsj.com or 248-873-7044. Follow her on Twitter @susanvela.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: AG Nessel: Man convicted by Ingham County jury in 1993 shouldn't be paroled
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  A series of intense Israeli airstrikes shook Yemen's rebel-held capital and a port city early Thursday and killed at least nine people, officials said, shortly after a Houthi missile targeted central Israel.

Thursdays strikes risk further escalating conflict with the Iranian-backed Houthis, whose attacks on the Red Sea corridor have drastically impacted global shipping. The rebels have so far avoided the same level of intense military strikes that have targeted Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanons Hezbollah, fellow members of Tehrans self-described Axis of Resistance.

Israel's military said that it conducted two waves of strikes in a preplanned operation that began early Thursday and involved 14 fighter jets. The military said the first wave of strikes targeted Houthi infrastructure at the ports of Hodeida, Salif and the Ras Isa oil terminal on the Red Sea.

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Then, in a second wave of strikes, the military said its fighter jets targeted Houthi energy infrastructure in Sanaa.

After Hamas, Hezbollah and the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis are almost the last remaining arm of Irans axis of evil, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement released Thursday. They are learning and they will learn the hard way, that whoever harms Israel pays a very heavy price for it.

The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah said that some of the strikes targeted power stations in the capital, posting videos of flames engulfing one structure, as civil defense workers doused it in water, trying to extinguish the fire.

The strikes on the two power plants will worsen the electricity crisis faced by Sanaa, where those who can afford it run gas generators or get power from private providers because of the citys long-failing infrastructure.

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Approximately one quarter of Sanaa  particularly shops, stores and commercial facilities  will face immediate and severe disruptions, said Mohammed al-Basha, a Yemen analyst. In a city already staggering under a profound economic crisis, 2025 is set to be exceptionally challenging.

The al-Masirah channel, citing its correspondent in the port city of Hodeida, said that at least seven people had been killed at Salif, while another two had been killed at the Ras Isa oil terminal. Others suffered wounds at the Hodeida port as well, it said.

An Israeli military statement offered no damage assessment.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, said the strikes hit energy and port infrastructure, which he alleged the rebels have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military action.

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I suggest the leaders of the Houthis to see, to understand and remember: Whoever raises a hand against the state of Israel, his hand will be cut off. Whoever harms us, will be harmed sevenfold, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said.

Rebel-held Hodeida, about 145 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of Sanaa, has been key for food shipments into Yemen as its decade-long war has gone on. There's also longstanding suspicion that weapons from Iran have been transferred through the port.

The strikes happened just after Israel's military said that its air force intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it entered the countrys territory. The waves of strikes on Yemen early Thursday weren't a direct response to the missile hit, said a military official, but rather a planned response to months of Houthi aggression. Israels fighter jets were already in the air when the missile was launched.

Rocket and missile sirens were sounded following the possibility of falling debris from the interception, the Israeli military said. Sirens sounded near Tel Aviv and the surrounding areas, and a large explosion was heard overhead at the time.

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Following an investigation, the military said that the missile's warhead fell on a school building in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv. The warhead exploded, collapsing the building, the military said.

The military official said that the Houthis have fired more than 200 missiles and UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles, at Israel since Oct. 7, 2023.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed the attack hours later in a prerecorded video statement, saying the rebels fired two of its Palestine ballistic missiles at Israel.

Israel previously struck Hodeida and its oil infrastructure in July after a Houthi drone attack killed one person and wounded 10 in Tel Aviv. In September, Israel struck Hodeida again, killing at least four people after a rebel missile targeted Israels Ben Gurion airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arriving back to the country.

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American forces have also launched a series of strikes on the Houthis over nearly a year because of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor. On Monday, the U.S. military's Central Command said that it hit a key command-and-control facility" operated by the Houthis in Sanaa, later identified as the al-Ardi complex once home to the government's Defense Ministry.

But Israel appears to have carried out Thursday's strikes alone. A U.S. military official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the attacks, said that Washington had no part in them. While the U.S. has carried out strikes on the Houthis in the past, it's also balancing the desires of Saudi Arabia to reach a permanent ceasefire in its stalemated war with the rebels.

The Houthis have targeted about 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip started in October 2023 after Hamas' surprise attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage.

Israel's grinding offensive in Gaza has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, local health officials say. The tally doesn't distinguish between combatants and civilians.

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The Houthis have seized one vessel and sunk two in a campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by separate U.S.- and European-led coalitions in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have also included Western military vessels.

The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the U.S. or the United Kingdom to force an end to Israels campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.

The Houthis have battled the Saudi-led coalition in the wider Yemen war, which has killed more than 150,000 people, including civilians. The conflict also has created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters that's believed to have killed tens of thousands more.

But the Houthis are still standing even as Israel's campaign against Hamas and Hezbollah has decimated those militant groups. Meanwhile, Israel and Iran have exchanged direct fire while the government of Syria, an enemy of Israel since its founding in 1948, collapsed in the face of a rebel advance as the regions wars have upended Irans network of allied proxy groups.
The Alabama Attorney General's Office argued before a three-judge panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Wednesday. (Chris McLoughlin/Getty Images)

A panel of federal judges in Atlanta Wednesday heard arguments over whether an Alabama state law criminalizing begging could stand.

The arguments turned over prior precedents that have said begging as a form of free speech.

The Alabama Attorney Generals Office Wednesday asked the three-judge panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to find room to maneuver around those precedents to allow the state to enforce the law.

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The court should rely on history and tradition, Alabama Deputy Solicitor General Robert Overing said during oral arguments before the three-judge panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. That state doesnt need a historical twin or a dead ringer. It needs some analog, some predecessor.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs said doing that would throw out established law.

The court has recognized only a few categories of unprotected speech, said Micah West, senior staff attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center, who argued the case Wednesday for the plaintiffs. It has been especially reluctant to carve out new categories of speech.

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Alabama law prohibits people from loitering, remaining or wandering in public to beg, an act that carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $200 fine. Another law makes it illegal for someone loitering along the highway to solicit employment, business or contributions from people who are driving. Violations can mean up to 10 days in jail and a $100 fine, with punishments escalating with subsequent violations.

The class action lawsuit, first filed in 2017 on behalf of Jonathan Singleton, a homeless man living in Montgomery, argues that the anti-panhandling laws violated his free speech rights. The suit named the city of Montgomery, Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham and Hal Taylor, secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), which has power to enforce the statutes.

According to the brief that Singleton filed, between July 2018 and December 2020, the Montgomery Police Department filed 35 citations for alleged violations of the Begging Statute and issued 394 citations under the Pedestrian Solicitation Statute.

Singleton settled the part of his lawsuit pertaining to the city of Montgomery and Cunningham. A federal judge from the U.S. Middle District of Alabama ruled for Singleton in the remaining action against Taylor in March 2023.

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The parties agreed to the facts found in the summary judgement rendered by the judge in the Middle District of Alabama in March 2023, but Taylor appealed, challenging the finding that begging is protected under the First Amendment.

The Legislature revised the statute during the 2023 legislative session through HB 24, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road. The law maintains the criminalization of begging but makes the first arrest for loitering a violation and an additional violation a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to three months in jail and a $500 fine.

U.S. Circuit Judge Elizabeth L. Branch, a member of the three-judge panel who heard oral arguments Wednesday, cited Smith v. Fort Lauderdale, a 1999 ruling that upheld a prohibition on soliciting donations on a stretch of sidewalk because the rule was narrowly tailored to serve the Citys legitimate interests. But the court, citing earlier cases, also stated that begging is speech entitled to First Amendment protection.

Overing argued that begging for money is not protected free speech, citing among other examples a 1788 New York State law and an 1812 action by President James Madison that empowered Washington, D.C., to penalize all vagrants, idle or disorderly persons, according to the state Attorney Generals brief.

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The robust historical record of vagrancy laws stretching back to the Founding and Colonial America shows that the First Amendment was not originally understood to protect begging, the brief said.

Singletons attorneys argued Smith v. City of Fort Lauderdale had decided the matter.

In Smith, this court held that begging  which involves the charitable solicitation of funds for personal need  is constitutionally protected speech, Singletons brief stated.

Singletons attorneys cited similar rulings in other cases by the U.S. Supreme Court and eight other circuit courts.

Branch and U.S. Circuit Judge Barbara Lagoa, the other member of the panel, were mostly silent during the arguments. U.S. Circuit Judge Robert J. Luck, the third panel member, sounded doubtful about the states argument about precedent.

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To apply a different standard, Luck said, the Supreme Court must rule that the standard no longer applies by eviscerating the case law that gives life to that standard. If the cases are still used then the standard still applies.

The Supreme Court did not invalidate the Smith case when the plaintiff filed suit against Fort Lauderdale.

If the panel relied on a reading of that Supreme Court case, and that Supreme Court case is still out there, then how has that been eviscerated? Luck said to Overing. Now, if the Supreme Court were to say, We have this new way of doing stuff, and these prior cases are now no longer good law, I think you might be in the ballpark. But I am worried we are not in the ballpark.

As for West, Luck said there were examples of government making laws against begging and vagrancy after the that the First Amendment was already established, and even so, the government continued to make laws punishing begging and vagrancy.

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The three-judge panel did not render a ruling after oral arguments Wednesday. All three members of the panel were appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term.

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WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  An Alabama man charged in the 2022 death of a friend during a bachelor party in Walton County has been sentenced.

The sentence is from an incident that occurred on May 12, 2022, in Santa Rosa Beach when Walton County Sheriffs Office responded to a medical assist call.

According to authorities, when they arrived they found a man lying on the ground unconscious. When they were performing life-saving measures, three more men collapsed and became unresponsive.

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Holmes County secures state grant to enhance emergency preparedness

All the men were taken to Sacred Heart. However, days later 26-year-old Thomas Gleason of Ridgefield, Connecticut passed away in front of his parents when he was taken off life support.

Officials said their investigation found the group of friends from Georgia, Alabama, and Connecticut traveled to Walton County for a bachelor party to celebrate an engagement. They found the underlying cause of Gleasons death was a lethal dose of fentanyl, found in narcotics provided by John Nabors.

On November 15, Nabors was indicted on felony charges, and on November 20 he turned himself in, WCSO said.

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Nabors has been sentenced to eight years in prison, which will be followed by five years probation.

Mr. Nabors actions took Toms life and in doing so, tattooed an indelible sadness on the hearts of myself, my wife, our daughter, and the more than 500 people who attended Toms funeral, Thomas Gleasons father said.

Thomass name is being released as a part of this report with permission from his father who has waived Marsys Law to allow WCSO to tell his sons story.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  As an hourly employee, your overtime hours are free of state income tax. This is because of a law passed in 2023 by Rep. Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville).

That law is set to expire next June and one state senator said renewing it could come with a price tag.

The only question becomes does the legislature want to continue this or not given the financial impact to the education budget? said Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur). Sen. Orr chairs the education budget committee. He said that impact has come at a cost of $230 million.

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Sen. Orr explained this is money that would have gone to the education budget in the form of 5% tax on overtime. With a tight budget next year, Orr said lawmakers may have to consider making changes- like bringing back that five percent tax on overtime hours.

When you lose revenue, in Alabama were not like the federal government that can cut taxes and raise spending, and just whistle on down the road as they do on a regular basis, said Orr. We have to balance our budget.

BBB: What you need to know in final stretch to Christmas

But Rep. Daniels disagrees. He explained the state has added 43,000 new employees since the law went into effect. Rep. Daniels said the revenue made from spending exceeds what the overtime tax would have brought in by itself.

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So, youre telling me were going to go and take money from hard working Alabamians? said Daniels. The individuals that are responsible for the growth of the Education Trust Fund. If theyre not working, theres no money going to the budget. Youre getting five percent of their first forty hours. Now, you want five percent of time and a half?

Rep. Daniels said we should incentivize people to work. The costs have gone up, but the wages have stayed the same. So for me, a way to solve the problem so employers and employees are happy, is removing their wages on overtime, remarked Daniels.

Sen. Orr said the legislature will have to decide. Do we let it lapse, or do we come with something new, or do we put a cap on it this time? said Sen. Orr. All are options. And well just have to see what the numbers look like in February when we begin our 2025 regular legislative session.

Rep. Daniels said there are more jobs available in the state of Alabama than there are people on unemployment. He said companies need help with productivity.

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An Alameda County family is suing Amazon One Medical, alleging a 45-year-old father of two collapsed and died shortly after he had a video consultation with the telehealth clinic.

Philip Tong had a history of diabetes and, according to the lawsuit, was having trouble breathing and was coughing up blood. The suit also mentioned his feet had turned blue. During a video appointment with Amazon's medical service providers on Dec. 18, 2023, he was told to buy an inhaler.

Tong later collapsed in an emergency room in Oakland and died, according to a lawsuit filed in October.

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"To a reasonable degree of medical certainty, if Plaintiff's Decedent, Philip Tong, would have received proper care, treatment and follow up from defendant on December 18, 2023, he would have survived," the lawsuit alleges.

Tong's wife and two daughters filed the suit in Alameda County Superior Court.

The lawsuit also names Alta Bates Summit Medical Care Center in Oakland as a defendant in the suit. According to the suit, Tong collapsed inside the hospital's emergency room. He had contacted the hospital the day before and informed it of his symptoms.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Amazon One Medical declined to discuss Tong's case but defended the quality of the care provided by the service.

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"While we are prohibited by law from discussing patient records, we refute claims that a change in the duration of visits or location of a virtual visit has impacted the care provided at Amazon One Medical," the statement read, referring to changes in the service since Amazon purchased the company in 2023. "We care deeply about every patient we serve, and the quality and safety of our care are our highest priorities. We're proud of our extensive quality and safety measures, and of the health outcomes we help our patients achieve. We take concerns about our care extremely seriously, and we're committed to continuous improvement."

Read more: 'Don't let me die'  California sues Eureka hospital for denying a woman an emergency abortion

The suit was first reported by the Washington Post.

The suit, filed Oct. 1, alleges Tong contacted Amazon One Medical on Dec. 18, 2023, when he was suffering from a severe bacterial and viral illness, while also managing his diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

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The online medical provider, the suit alleges, provided care "in a careless and negligent manner."

Despite the severe symptoms, the lawsuit alleges, Tong was instructed to use an inhaler.

Hours later, Tong went to an emergency room instead, but collapsed and died as he waited to be seen.

One Medical, the suit alleges, "negligently, recklessly and carelessly" failed to care for Tong, resulting in his death.

Attorneys representing Tong's family did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Amazon purchased One Medical in February 2023 for $3.9 billion, the Washington Post reported. Jeff Bezos owns both Amazon and the Washington Post.

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Read more: Amazon to buy One Medical for $3.49 billion, deepening push into healthcare

At the time of the purchase, executives at both Amazon and One Medical lauded the deal for the telehealth provider as a way to better reach patients. The company offers 24/7 care for an annual fee of $69, or $9 a month for Amazon Prime members. One-time video visits are offered for $49.

"Customers want and deserve better, and that's what One Medical has been working and innovating on for more than a decade," Amazon Chief Executive Andy Jassy said in a statement announcing the purchase.

According to the suit, Tong's family is seeking unspecified damages to be determined at trial.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
TORONTO (AP)  Alberta's premier responded to President-elect Donald Trump's trolling of Canada on Wednesday by saying the trade deficit with the country is due to billions in raw materials being sent south which creates trillions of wealth in America.

Trump said the United States subsidizes Canada and is threating a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods.

No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense!, Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday. Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!

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The premier of oil rich Alberta, Danielle Smith, ignored Trump's latest 51st state trolling and endeavored to answer his question.

"Fair question on the trade deficit with Canada Mr. President @realDonaldTrump - the reason for this is because Canada (especially Alberta) sends billions of raw materials (oil, gas, minerals, grain, livestock, timber, etc) to your U.S. refineries and factories which your great American companies and workers upgrade and sell around the world, including back to Canada (we are your biggest customer by a mile)," Smith posted on X.

Alberta sends 4.3 million barrels of oil and gas to the U.S each day.

Smith said millions of American jobs and companies rely on these affordable raw materials from Canada to make trillions of dollars of wealth in your country.

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About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada.

Canadas ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman, has said the U.S. had a $75 billion trade deficit with Canada last year. But she noted a third of what Canada sells into the U.S. are energy exports and said there is a deficit when oil prices are high.

We are one-tenth the size of the United States so a balanced trade deal would mean per capita we are buying 10 times more from the U.S. than they are buying from us. If thats his metric we will certainly engage on that, Hillman told The AP recently.

Smith said she will attend Trump's inauguration. Her comments come a day after Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Trumps plan to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on all Canada products would be a disaster that would hurt U.S. stock markets.

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Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for.

Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states.
BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The draft of China's first basic law specifically focused on the development of the private sector will be submitted to lawmakers for its initial reading on Saturday.

This was announced by Wang Xiang, spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, at a press briefing on Thursday.

The formulation of the draft private sector promotion law elevates principles, overarching requirements and key measures for promoting the growth of the private economy into legal norms, Wang said.

The law will be of great significance for further optimizing the environment for private sector development, accelerating the formation of a new development paradigm and driving high-quality growth, he added.

The draft was posted on the websites of the Ministry of Justice and the National Development and Reform Commission to solicit public opinion from early October to early November.

The Standing Committee of the 14th NPC will convene its 13th session from Dec. 21 to 25 in Beijing. 
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Dozens of people came together on Wednesday in hopes of humanizing the homeless population and remembering those who died while living on the streets in the last year.

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Just a few days shy of National Homeless Persons Memorial Day, dozens of people marched nearly a mile from the Compassion Services Center in southeast Albuquerque to the Albuquerque Indian Center in honor of people whove died while living on the streets. A huge part of it is to honor those community members that weve lost right because this may be the only type of memorial service that theyre given, said Zoe Robb with the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness.

Each person carried the name of someone they love, some losing their lives to addiction. This was her community, She had plenty of homes where she could be, she rented homes of her own plenty of times but in her substance abuse issues she found a home here, said Anna Martinez, who lost her daughter three months ago.

It was an emotional afternoon for friends and family sharing personal stories. Amanda was the light of our lives, the star of our family. Shes an Aquarius so shes the star, said Martinez.

Over a hundred names were called in remembrance but organizers believe that is only a fraction of the homeless deaths this year. While the event focused on raising awareness that all lives are worth remembering, it was also a way to inspire people to push forward. Lets invest in these beautiful people. We have more Rachels out there, shes going to be a music teacher, Sean in human services, we have another brother thats going to be an addiction counselor, said one speaker.

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Organizers also called on the community to push city and state lawmakers to provide more resources so more lives arent lost.

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CHICAGO  A Chicago alderman and a pair of organizations have called for the Board of Education to reschedule Fridays special meeting that could include a decision about the future of schools CEO Pedro Martinez.

The board on Wednesday added two voting items to its agenda that could lead to the termination of Martinezs contract or buy him out of it. They are listed as Approve Settlement with Chief Officer and Approve Termination of Chief Officer.

The timing of the meeting, previously scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and then rescheduled for 5:45 p.m., following classes ahead of Chicago Public Schools winter break, interferes with the Jewish Sabbath and leaves out newly elected members who dont officially participate on the board until January.

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I find it to be extremely insulting, said Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th Ward). I think the whole Jewish community should be upset. Chicago prides itself in its diversity and excluding a segment of the community is really unacceptable.

Separately, the Illinois Network of Charter Schools called it an eleventh-hour attempt to force through substantial changes to CPS leadership.

For a mayoral-appointed, lame duck school board to call a special meeting with only 48 hours notice on a Friday evening before the start of the holiday break to make decisions with lasting implications for every student and public school in the city is undemocratic, unconscionable, and simply bad governance for a large urban public school system, the organization said in a statement obtained by WGN.

The organization Stand for Children also called for the board to hold off on the meeting, releasing a statement that said, in part: This is yet another move in a series of unprecedented political acrobatics this administration has gone through in a quest to sideline the best interests of students and the stability of our schools.

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The school board currently consists of seven members, all appointed by the mayor, but will increase to 21, with 10 members elected in November to two-year terms. Mayor Brandon Johnson earlier this week announced his additional appointees to the board that will be seated in January.

There was a big election. These people were elected by the people to represent the people of Chicago and they should be given the opportunity to take up such an important matter on the school board, Silverstein said.

Johnson, a former Chicago Public Schools teacher and Chicago Teachers Union activist, reportedly asked Martinez to resign in September but he refused. CTU president Stacy Davis Gates, who worked with Johnson while he was with the union, has been critical of Martinez, calling him an impediment to their ongoing contract negotiations.

Martinez opposes the mayors proposal to cover the school districts budget deficit with a $300 million high-interest loan.

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The CEO appeared Thursday morning at a celebration at Luther Burbank Elementary School with Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who praised his leadership.

I think hes been great to work with and I think very highly of him, Giannoulias said. I have spoken anecdotally to CPS parents. Ive spoken to teachers. I have spoken to principals, and I will just tell you I havent heard anything bad about Pedro.

Martinez has reportedly hired a law firm to help avoid the citys alleged attempts to fire him. Hundreds of CPS administrators in September sent a letter to the board urging them to retain Martinez at the helm of one of the nations largest school districts.

If Martinez is let go without cause, he can stay on the job for up to 180 days following his termination.

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Chicago Public Schools chief Pedro Martinez didnt address the controversy surrounding a special Board of Education meeting called to oust him, instead focusing on congratulating the Luther Burbank Elementary School community for earning a rare designation in being inclusive of students with disabilities as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School.

Speaking in English and Spanish to a packed auditorium Thursday morning, Martinez thanked staff for their hard work and encouraged students to continue cultivating a culture of respect.

We need to be treating each other with kindness, with empathy, he said. Our children need our support. Our parents and family members need that support.

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Meanwhile, Ald. Debra Silverstein, 50th, is asking the board to reschedule Friday evenings special meeting  where the agenda includes two explicit options to either fire Martinez or offer him a settlement  to make sure people of all religious observances can participate in the meeting. Silverstein is the only Jewish member of the City Council.

According to the CPS website, the special meeting will be held at 5:45 p.m. at an administrative building on the South Side.

As the meeting falls during Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, it creates an unnecessary barrier to participation for Chicagos Jewish community, including residents, teachers, and school parents who observe this sacred time, Silverstein wrote in a letter.

Silversteins letter joined a chorus of voices Wednesday and Thursday asking the board to wait to take any action on the CPS chiefs job until the current seven-member body expands to 21 members  part elected and part appointed  in January. Several other aldermen and education advocacy groups also spoke out against the last-minute meeting, scheduled at a tense time in Chicago Teachers Union contract negotiations.

Board meeting time was hastily moved on Wednesday

The meetings agenda was originally posted in the late morning on Wednesday and then amended later in the evening with two additional reports from the outside counsel: to one, approve settlement with chief officer or two, approve termination of chief officer.

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Silverstein explained in the letter that the Shabbat, a weekly day of rest and celebration in Judaism, begins at sundown on Friday and lasts until nightfall on Saturday, making it impossible for observant Jewish individuals to attend or engage in this meeting.

The topics addressed at this Special Board Meeting, particularly those concerning the leadership and future of Chicago Public Schools under Chief Executive Officer Pedro Martinez, are of profound importance to all residents of Chicago, wrote the North Side alderman.

Asked for comment about the letter Thursday, the district did not immediately respond.

The mayors office isnt commenting on the speculation around personnel matters and Board of Education, a spokesperson for the mayor said in a statement.

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The CPS CEOs job has been on the line for months over his refusal to take out a $300 million high-interest loan to cover a new teachers contract and a pension payment to the city. Martinez has said the debt CPS would incur for taking on the loan would be fiscally irresponsible for the cash-strapped district. Financial analysts agree the stakes are high.

The teachers contract expired in June and collective bargaining has ramped up in recent weeks, after months of negotiations.

Some aldermen and advocates say Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is a former teacher and teachers union organizer, is using his ties to the union to push forward a plan that could leave the district in financially unstable territory. Johnson appointed the seven-member board that added the agenda items to potentially oust Martinez.

The mayor is prepared to give the CTU the North Pole and the taxpayers get coal in their stockings in the form of property taxes, said Ald. Gilbert Villegas, 36th, who recently wrote a letter to Illinois state authorities asking for an investigation into the extend that school board members are involved in ongoing teacher contract negotiations.

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After the reports to either fire or offer Martinez a settlement were added to the boards agenda Wednesday evening, there was a flurry of responses on social media.

Hugo Jacobo, director of Chicago Democrats for Education, tweeted out a petition. Jacobos organization formed as a response to union-backed candidates running in Novembers first school board election.

Help save Pedro from being fired this Friday, just before the holiday break! Jacobo wrote.

Is it about the children right now, supposedly? Jacobo asked in an interview with the Tribune. Even if we cant afford it, they dont care.

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Newly elected board members, who will join the 21-member body in January, are also asking to reschedule Fridays meeting.

I just hope that the wisdom of this board allows them to consider that well make better decisions when the full body is there  especially on matters of hiring and firing, said Che Rhymefest Smith, who won the school board race in District 10 on the South Side. Our schools need us more than ever.

Other organizations emailed statements asking for a cancellation Thursday, a day before the meeting.

Stand for Children wrote the Board of Education has decided to rush a monumental decision impacting the future of Chicago Public Schools.

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For a lame duck school board to call a special session with just two days notice and just three weeks before a hybrid elected school board is seated is an affront to the voters of Chicago, said the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club.

Daniel Anello, the chief executive officer of Kids First Chicago, said in a statement that CPS families and communities deserve a transparent, inclusive process that respects both the hard-won democratic reforms and the stated values of collaboration and accountability.

Simply because one has the authority to do something does not make it right, Anello said.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias weighed in on the controversy after attending the event with Martinez at Burbank Elementary, noting how highly he thinks of the schools chief, as a result of the districts efforts to collaborate with Giannoulias office to address CPS bus driver shortage.

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He said he was dumbfounded by the planned Friday evening vote to potentially terminate Martinez as the CEO in Giannoulias view was doing a good job in making tough decisions amid enormous fiscal challenges.

He represents the very best of public service, he said of Martinez. Im surprised and I dont really understand the hunt against him.

Giannoulias was careful to say he deferred to the mayor on CPS decisions  adding that greater transparency from the mayors office is in order. Its his decision to make. But its his to explain the reason why, he said of Johnson, who asked for Martinezs resignation in September.

Friday night sacking  if its true  (requires) doing things in a transparent way, Giannoulias said. Explaining the reasons why youre going to cancel a contract, to me, when youre already dealing with enormous budget challenges, it seems like the responsible thing to do.

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CPS parent Alexandra Beltrand, a member of the Burbank Local School Council, said that Martinezs participation in meetings on the Special Olympics program helped to rebuild her faith in the school system.

I have hope with Pedro Martinez. A lot of people may not want to accept that, but hes done a lot to help us, she said, crediting the CEO with ensuring Special Olympics materials that were initially provided only in English were also made available in Spanish.

Hes trying to be fiscally responsible in a very difficult situation  he was handed a difficult situation, said Beltrand, a graduate of CPS. But if Martinez is fired, she said Burbank families will press on in seeking to be heard.

Were still going to continue to be present, she said. And continue to make sure that our families get what they need.
Actor Alec Baldwin is no longer facing criminal charges for the October 2021 shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust, but that doesnt mean that his troubles have come to an end.

The 30 Rock actor is still named in several civil lawsuits brought by various crew members and Hutchins family. Months after the trial was dismissed, Baldwin made it clear that he was not done fighting to clear his name, hinting that there was more to this case than had been revealed to the public.

Alec Baldwin Wants To Expose What Really Happened In Rust Shooting

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On October 21, 2021, Alec Baldwin was holding a gun inside a church while rehearsing a scene for the Western film Rust in New Mexico. The gun went off, striking and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The bullet passed through her and hospitalized director Joel Souza, who later returned to finish the film in Montana.

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During an appearance on David Duchovnys Fail Better podcast in December 2024, Baldwin revealed that there is another phase to his legal drama as he tries to expose what really happened and how the bullets ended up on the set of the Western film.

Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is currently serving 18 months behind bars after it took a jury less than three hours to find her guilty of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year. First assistant director David Halls pled guilty to negligent use of a firearm and only served probation.

Baldwin Says There Is More To Come In Rust Case

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Although he is no longer on trial, the Beetlejuice actor is still set to clear his name, telling Duchovny, I think theres more to come when it comes to the details of the case.

Theres more to come, but the more to come is now my effort, and its going to be undeniably a successful effort, to raise and to expose what really happened, he said. I was counterpunching. I was on the defensive. I was being accused. I was being indicted.

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Baldwin claimed that the media suppressed every story that could benefit me and amplified every story that could hurt me. This has been for three years. And the truth of what happened has never been told, never.

Alec Baldwin Describes The Hate He Experienced After The Shooting

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The Supercell actor went on to explain how he was a victim of cancel culture without naming the term directly. These last three years, people have just dined out. Because in this country, when people hate you on that level, they want three things: They want you to die, he explained. The second thing is, they want you to go to prison.

These political crowds, both sides, they love to see their enemies put in prisons for years because prison is like a living hell, he continued. And the third thing is, they want you canceled, which is like being in prison or being dead because you roam the earth and youre just invisible.

Baldwin Is Grateful The Trial Was Dismissed

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Although he is grateful that the judge dismissed the case with prejudice, he thinks that getting a verdict would have been a little better because he legal team had troves of things to present to the jury.

We have more sh-t thats going to come out in ensuing legal filings and so forth, Baldwin continued. Theres so much of this case that is not known because we didnt have a full trial.

He said that now that things are coming back my way in a professional sense, he feels more confident in pursuing another phase of bringing out the truth of the Rust case in the next couple of months after the holiday season.

Alec Baldwin Wants To Take A Break From Rust Drama

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After being pursued for legal charges for over three years, Baldwin wants to take a break and enjoy the holidays with his family before exposing more of the Rust incident in the next year. Im going to take a break. I dont want to talk about this for a while. I want to kind of take a nap, he said.

The completed Rust film had its premiere at the Camerimage Film Festival in Poland last month. Baldwin was not in attendance.
The menswear media landscape is shifting rapidly amid a series of departures, and unresolved questions, in the U.K. and internationally.

Earlier this week Alex Bilmes hosted his final Christmas lunch as editor in chief of Esquire U.K. After 14 years in the role, he plans to leave in March as Hearst U.K. hunts for his successor.

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According to Katie Vanneck-Smith, CEO of Hearst U.K., Bilmes made the decision to step down in order to pursue writing projects outside the Hearst universe.

In a statement, she thanked Bilmes for diligently steering the helm of the title, and said that under his editorship, Esquire U.K. has delivered countless exclusives and innovated across all platforms. We are extremely grateful for Alexs contributions and wish him every success for the future.

Bilmes, a well-respected figure, joined Esquire in 2011. During his tenure he wrote profiles of figures including Tony Blair, Paul McCartney, Penelope Cruz, Daniel Craig, Michael Caine and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

His departure comes in the wake of big layoffs at Hearst in the U.S. which were announced just before Thanksgiving.

Dylan Jones

Nearly 200 positions at Hearst are set to be culled as the company reallocates resources to better support its goals, according to WWDs sister publication The Hollywood Reporter.

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Bilmes exit comes just a few weeks after Dylan Jones, the longtime editor in chief of British GQ, stepped down from his latest job as head of The London Standard newspaper, formerly The Evening Standard.

Jones, who plans to spend more time on writing projects, is also in the running to replace Caroline Rush as chief executive officer of the British Fashion Council, according to industry sources.

The move would be an easy one. During his time at GQ, Jones served as chairman of the London Fashion Week Mens showcase which, until COVID-19, took place twice a year, in January and June. Rush will leave her role in June 2025 and her successor is set to be named early in the new year.

In other areas of menswear media, GQ China remains on ice following a split from its local partner, Zhizu Magazine, a subsidiary of China News Service, a state-owned news agency based in Beijing.

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GQ China was originally launched as a partnership between Conde Nast China and Zhizu in 2009, but the relationship between the two partners grew increasingly uneasy over the years, according to former GQ employees.

Gill Zhou, managing director of Conde Nast China who brokered the local GQ deal, stepped down this week after a little more than two years in the role. The news was revealed during a company-wide, internal meeting on Wednesday morning, sources familiar with the matter told WWD.

In September Pierre MPele abruptly left GQ France after a three-year tenure as head of editorial content.

As reported, MPele was replaced by Claire Hazan, a journalist and producer who was previously head of podcasts at Spotify for France and Benelux.

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Previously, Hazan had spent a decade in the Lagardere media group overseeing the editorial strategy and digital transformation of publications such as cinema magazine Premiere and Europe 1.

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  Alexandria City High School (ACHS) said Wednesday that all in-person instruction will be canceled, moving lessons online until winter break begins on Friday.

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt said the move is being done out of an abundance of caution due to student altercations at the ACHS King Street Campus on Wednesday afternoon.

Though the incidents happened at the King Street campus, all high school locations will be impacted for the rest of the week.

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DC restaurant prefers people over 30 years old; some residents question legality

She said the incidents resulted in injuries to staff and students, causing the school to be placed on a hold status for most of the afternoon.

Although these incidents involved a small number of students, such events are extremely disruptive to the educational environment and interrupt the focus on learning that our students deserve, Kay-Wyatt wrote in a notice online.

After learning about possible additional student conflicts on Thursday and Friday, she said all students would participate in asynchronous instruction, maintaining education while prioritizing the well-being and security of our students and staff.

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Families were told severe consequences would be handed down for the disruptive behavior.

Kay-Wyatt noted ACHSs administration team would develop a plan for additional measures that will be implemented when teachers and staff return on Jan. 6, 2025.

Some of those plans will be shared with families before the start of winter break on Dec. 20.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Alice Walton and Mercy CEO Steve Mackin discussed how they envision Northwest Arkansas as the leader of the heartland in healthcare thanks to a 30-year collaboration with multiple partnerships.

In a 12-minute interview with Alice Walton and Mercy CEO Steve Mackin, they explained why they believe Northwest Arkansas needs healthcare changes.

Ive grown up in Northwest Arkansas and watched it change unbelievably, Walton said. To me, we have done so many things the community leadership has just been amazing and we have accomplished so much in terms of quality of life, great public schools, and low crime rate; but the one area we really havent focused on  the way I think we have to as a community is the healthcare area.

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According to multiple studies, Arkansas is among the worst in:

Walton said she aims to bring a lower cost structure, raise quality and increase access to healthcare for people in the area.

Bentonville West High School students compete in nationwide STEM competition

Its really about getting healthcare right, Mackin said.the state of Arkansas can and should do better nationally in terms of access.

Mackin said the partnership with the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Heartland Whole Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, and Mercy will help address these issues.

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we need more specialty care and we need to change the financial incentives in the industry, Walton said.

Mercy Hospital to build cardiac center in Rogers, outpatient center in Bentonville

In a 2018 report, Walton said Arkansas residents exported more than $1 billion in economic impact because people had to leave the area for specialty care. Cardiac care was the biggest need for those leaving.

My goal is that we create a world-class healthcare center here where people from all over the heartland of the 20-state area can come to Northwest Arkansas for specialty care and basic care for our community, Walton said.

How will the new Bentonville medical school help?

Heartland Whole Health Institute will focus on policy reform, payment reform and realignment of the healthcare incentives, Walton said. She said Arkansas has the lowest repayment structure in the nation.

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Which means doctors dont want to practice here, systems dont want to come here, and reform of the payment structure and value-based payment are the two big issues that can transform our health system, she said.

Walton said she wants to also have a holistic approach to healthcare by focusing on mental health and plans to have the Heartland Whole Health Institute make those changes.

Bentonville medical school can now recruit students after receiving accreditation

What we are really trying to do is put mental health back into the middle of healthcare, Walton said. What is mental health? Its not just depression or anxiety it is the social and emotional well-being of all of us.

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Mackin highlighted how the new medical school will address those issues through the holistic healthcare it will teach.

The link between chronic diseases and behavioral healthcare is tight, cancer patients need support, mental health services cardiovascular patients need access to behavioral health support services, Mackin said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Hundreds of drivers at Amazon facilities in seven locations nationwide launched a strike Thursday morning, potentially disrupting holiday deliveries in an effort to get the online retailing giant to recognize their affiliation with the Teamsters union and negotiate a labor contract.

The walkout was set to begin at 5 a.m., with workers at other Amazon locations prepared to join them, the Teamsters said in a news release Wednesday night.

If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed, Teamsters President Sean OBrien said in the news release. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it.

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Delivery drivers in the Chicago suburb Skokie, Illinois, who began organizing in June to join the Teamsters union, gave Amazon a Dec. 15 deadline to negotiate an agreement, seeking higher wages, benefits and improved workplace safety. The workers voted to authorize the strike Monday.

The Amazon union movement started in March 2022, when workers at a large Staten Island warehouse became the first in the U.S. to vote to unionize.

Amazon has refused to recognize the fledgling Teamsters union affiliation at 10 facilities nationwide. In an emailed statement Wednesday, an Amazon spokesperson reiterated the companys position that the union does not legitimately represent the delivery drivers, calling it a false narrative.

The company does not expect Thursdays walkout to disrupt deliveries, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said.

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Union workers planned to form picket lines at Amazon facilities in New York, Atlanta, Southern California, San Francisco and in Skokie. The Teamsters union is also planning to establish picket lines at hundreds of Amazon fulfillment centers nationwide, where unaffiliated warehouse workers and drivers have the legal right to honor the strike and withhold their labor, it said in the release.

A majority of the workers at the Skokie delivery station signed union authorization cards with Teamsters Local 705 over the summer. They joined thousands of workers at facilities in California, New York and Georgia that have unionized with the Teamsters seeking an inaugural labor contract with Amazon.

The Teamsters say that Amazon has illegally refused to recognize their union, while Amazon contends that the subcontracted workers, who drive for third-party companies to deliver the packages, are not eligible for union representation in labor negotiations.

Workers at the Skokie facility are hoping Thursdays walkout will deliver their message and get Amazon to the bargaining table.

Amazon is one of the biggest, richest corporations in the world, Gabriel Irizarry, a driver at the Skokie delivery station, said in the news release. They talk a big game about taking care of their workers, but when it comes down to it, Amazon does not respect us and our right to negotiate for better working conditions and wages. We cant even afford to pay our bills.
The Teamsters launched an unexpected labor strike against Amazon on Thursday, potentially throwing the holiday online shopping season in disarray as the workers fight to improve their lives.

Sean O'Brien, the Teamsters general president, issued a statement on X telling potentially frustrated Amazon customers that shipping delays could have been avoided if Amazon had negotiated with them.

If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it, he wrote. These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, theyve pushed workers to the limit and now theyre paying the price. This strike is on them.

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Amazon has insisted its operations will not be affected by the strike, CNN reports. While the Teamsters represent some 7,000 Amazon workers, that number still only accounts for 1 percent of the shipping giant's total workforce.

The strike kicked off on Thursday when workers at a facility in Queens, New York, stopped working at 6am. Facilities in Illinois, Atlanta, San Francisco, Victorville, and City of Industry in California all joined in on the strike.

Workers at the Queens facility picketed for hours before the NYPD arrived and began arresting strikers.

NYPD out here in Queens doing Amazons bidding by roughing up and arresting workers who are standing up for themselves. The @Teamsters have a right to strike and our police should be protecting them, not Jeff Bezos pic.twitter.com/vg6FS0JbIy  Sen. Mike Gianaris (@SenGianaris) December 19, 2024

Luke Cianciotto, a driver at a Skokie, Illinois Amazon facility, said he and his coworkers are struggling to get by despite putting in long hours.

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We are struggling and fighting for basic benefits and needs that are otherwise an industry standard, he told a group of reporters on Thursday. "Many of us, we dont have any Christmas presents under the tree this year. The wages and hours we get working for Amazon simply arent enough to get by in todays economy.

Another worker at the facility, Gabriel Irizarry, accused Amazon corporate of not respecting its workers.

They talk a big game about taking care of their workers, but when it comes down to it, Amazon does not respect us and our right to negotiate for better working conditions and wages," he said. "We cant even afford to pay our bills.

Amazon insists that the Teamsters are "misleading" the public and that the company pays fair wages.

Striking workers picket outside of the Amazon DAX5 warehouse, in City of Industry, California, (REUTERS)

"The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union," Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said.

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She also said that in September the company boosted the average base pay to $22 per hour, and increased its pay for transportation and warehouse workers by 20 percent.

Amazon has a history or refusing to recognize organized labor groups. The first unionized Amazon warehouse was in New York's Staten Island. The National Labor Relations Board certified the union, but Amazon has appealed the NLRB's ruling and, according to union members, has refused to engage with their group.

Nantel told CNN in a statement that the Teamsters did not even represent "any Amazon employees despite their claims to the contrary," but the Amazon workers represented by the Teamsters argued Amazon was hiding behind contractors to protect its image.

People hold signs and march during a strike by Teamsters union members at an Amazon facility in Alpharetta, Georgia (REUTERS)

Ashshura Brooks, a driver at the Illinois facility, told CNN that Amazon denying that her and her coworkers are even their employees was heartbreaking for Amazon to tell us were not Amazon drivers, when we wear Amazon vests and deliver in Amazon vans.

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Technically drivers like Brooks and Cianciotto work for a third-party company that contracts with Amazon, but, as Cianciotto pointed out, many third party contractors exist solely to provide a service to Amazon.

These third party contractors dont exist without Amazon, he said.

Nantel said that Amazon's employees have "always" had the choice to join a union, and that the company favors "opportunities for each person to be respected and valued as an individual and to have their unique voice heard by working directly with our team."

There's no indication that Amazon plans to work with the Teamsters, and it's unclear how long this current strike might last.
WINDHOEK, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has allocated 330 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity for procurement and implementation as part of its 2024 ministerial plan, the country's Ministry of Mines and Energy announced Thursday.

Minister Tom Alweendo said in a statement that the new capacity will be divided between state-owned NamPower and independent power producers (IPPs).

The 2024 ministerial determination is a bold step forward in Namibia's journey towards energy independence and sustainability, Alweendo said. "It reflects a cohesive strategy aligned with our broader economic goals and our commitments under international environmental accords. As we implement these projects, we are laying down the groundwork not just for a sustainable power grid but for a sustainable future for all Namibians."

According to the minister, the allocation includes 120 MW for IPPs through an accelerated procurement process, with plans for six solar power plants, each generating 20 MW. These plants will be built in regions such as Karas, Hardap, Oshikoto, Kavango West, and Zambezi, which have limited electricity generation capacity.

"These projects are strategically earmarked to foster job creation and ensure local employment during both the construction and operation phases of the power plants," he said.

NamPower will also oversee the development of several other solar projects, including the Rosh Pinah Solar PV Power Plant which will be expanded by an additional 30 MW, bringing its total capacity to 100 MW.

"This proactive step aims to enhance investment efficiency and reduce dependency on imports faster than starting new projects from scratch," Alweendo explained.

Furthermore, Alweendo said, NamPower will develop an 80 MW expansion at the Omburu Solar PV Power Plant in the Erongo region while a 100 MW solar PV power plant will also be developed to supply energy to the Skorpion Zinc Mine.

"The project will also facilitate the revival of the mine, which typically employs up to 600 direct and 1,000 indirect employees," the minister said.

The 2024 ministerial determination is part of Namibia's broader strategy to reduce its reliance on imported electricity and increase its use of renewable energy, he added.

Namibia, which contains some of the best solar potential in the world, imports more than half of its electricity from South Africa and other neighboring countries, due to its limited domestic power generation capacity.

The country is working on expanding its grid infrastructure and exploring additional energy sources, including the potential use of nuclear energy in the long term. It is also part of the Southern African Power Pool, which facilitates regional electricity trade to ensure stability and reliability in the grid. 
(NewsNation)  Nearly 10,000 Amazon workers who are part of the Teamsters union are striking across the United States ahead of the Christmas holiday, but the online retailer says it doesnt expect the strike to affect holiday gift deliveries.

Picket lines are being seen in cities like New York, Chicago and Atlanta as workers are walking off the job as the holiday rush to get packages delivered across the country heats up.

Amazon says the drivers represent a small fraction of its delivery workforce and should not slow down operations, the company told Fox 5 in New York.

Why are Amazon drivers striking?

Teamsters are demanding more money for workers and claim that Amazon officials have not done enough to fix workplace safety issues. Amazon has denied the claims.

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1,000 toys dropped off for patients at Bronson Childrens Hospital

In suburban Chicago, about 400 Teamster drivers work at a facility where some employees are encouraging their colleagues to join the picket lines. The main demand is better pay. Drivers claim they are living paycheck to paycheck.

Workers are also upset with how quickly they must process packages at Amazon fulfillment centers, citing a study that showed that workplace injuries at Amazon are double that of the industry standard.

Where are the areas affected by the Amazon strike?

Drivers are walking out of facilities in Southern California as well as San Francisco, Queens, New York, Atlanta, and outside of Chicago. The union calls it the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history.

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Teamsters are also setting up picket lines at Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide, the organization said, adding drivers and warehouse workers who are not unionized are legally allowed to honor those picket lines.

If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it, said Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien. These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, theyve pushed workers to the limit and now theyre paying the price. This strike is on them.

What do I do if my Amazon packages are delayed?

If your package is delayed, the retailer says to wait 48 hours before contacting them or the seller, according to Amazons website.

You can also find out how to track your order on the website or in the app.

Senate report on Amazon workforce

This week, a report released by the majority staff for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, found that Amazon accepted employee injuries as part of the cost of doing business.

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Amazon responded by saying that the committees chair, Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders is misleading the American public.

Teamsters officials also argue Amazon management did not come to the bargaining table. Amazon executives maintain that the Teamsters are not representative of all of the companys drivers.

Amazon pays a driver service which in turn, provides about 7,000 independently contracted drivers for Amazon, which says the drivers are not Amazon employees. Those drivers, the company says, represent less than 1% of its workforce.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Less than a week before Christmas and the start of Hanukkah, the timely delivery of holiday gifts was thrown into jeopardy as thousands of Amazon workers walked off the job and hit picket lines in an attempt to force the nation's largest e-commerce company to bargain with unionized employees.

Nearly 9,000 Amazon workers, who have affiliated with the powerful International Brotherhood of Teamsters, staged what they are calling "the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history," leveraging the height of the holiday package delivery rush to force the company to the negotiation table.

The striking workers represent less than 1% of the company's 1.5 million employees worldwide, including 800,000 in the United States.

PHOTO:Striking workers picket outside of the Amazon DAX5 warehouse, Dec. 19, 2024, in City of Industry, Calif. (Daniel Cole/Reuters)

Teamsters union officials said the real Grinches in the labor dispute are the "greedy executives" of the company, which is valued at $2.3 trillion.

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"If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon's insatiable greed," Teamsters President Sean M. O'Brien said in a statement Thursday.

The striking workers are targeting Amazon distribution centers coast to coast, which, according to the company, processed 5.9 billion U.S. delivery orders in 2023.

Amazon was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, the second richest man in the world behind Elon Musk, the co-founder and CEO of Tesla, who President-elect Donald Trump has picked to lead his incoming administration's Department of Government Efficiency along with billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy.

Bezos and his fiancee, Lauren Sanchez, were spotted having dinner with Trump on Wednesday night at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Amazon announced last week that it is donating $1 million to the president-elect's inaugural fund and will broadcast the event on Amazon Prime Video.

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It was not clear if Bezos and Trump discussed the Amazon strike.

PHOTO:Striking workers picket outside of the Amazon DAX5 warehouse, Dec. 19, 2024, in City of Industry, Calif. (Daniel Cole/Reuters)

The striking workers, many of them claiming to be Amazon delivery drivers, said they authorized the strike after accusing Amazon of ignoring a Dec. 15 deadline to begin negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters union.

"We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it," O'Brien said. "These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, they've pushed workers to the limit and now they're paying the price. This strike is on them."

Amazon employees formed picket lines on Thursday at seven of the company's major fulfillment centers, including one in New York City's Staten Island borough, where workers voted in 2022 to form a union and affiliate with the Teamsters. The workers at the Staten Island Amazon fulfillment center have complained that the company has refused to recognize the union and negotiate a contract.

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Workers also formed a picket line at an Amazon fulfillment center in Skokie, Illinois, and Atlanta, Georgia, San Francisco and Southern California.

In a statement Thursday, Amazon said it employs 800,000 operations employees in the United States and does not expect the strike to cause delays in the delivery of holiday packages. The company said it had not seen any significant walkouts among its operations employees.

The company claims that those walking the picket lines are "outsiders" and not Amazon workers and accused the Teamsters of pushing a false narrative that thousands of employees are behind the labor action.

MORE: Group behind first-ever U.S. Amazon union backs campaigns at 2 warehouses

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"What you see here are almost entirely outsiders -- not Amazon employees or partners -- and the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters," said Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards. "The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous. We appreciate all our teams great work to serve their customers and communities, and are continuing to focus on getting customers their holiday orders."

Kelly Nantel, another Amazon spokesperson, added that the Teamsters don't represent Amazon employees, saying, "This entire narrative is a PR play and the Teamsters conduct this past year and this week is illegal."

MORE: Amazon introduces Amazon Haul, a budget-friendly service: What to know

Even if a large number of Amazon delivery drivers walk off the job, the company has a backup -- the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Since 2013, Amazon has had an agreement with the USPS to deliver packages during the holiday season to Amazon Prime customers and make deliveries to all Amazon customers on Sundays.

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Amazon also has an agreement with UPS to deliver its packages.

"We dont expect any impact on our operations," Nantel said.

MORE: Amazon introduces Amazon Haul, a budget-friendly service: What to know

In response to Amazon's claim that it has no obligation to bargain with workers who want to unionize and that the Teamsters do not represent its employees, a Teamsters spokesperson told ABC News on Thursday that Amazon "is legally required to bargain."

The truth is, over 20 bargaining units, representing nearly 9,000 employees have successfully organized with the Teamsters because for many years the company has exploited and abused workers, and these workers are fed up and fighting back," the Teamsters spokesperson said.

Amazon strike could lead to delays in delivery of holiday gifts originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Workers at several Amazon warehouses across the country went on strike early Thursday morning, part of an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the e-commerce giant to recognize burgeoning unions at its facilities.

The work stoppage comes in the final stretch of the holiday shopping crush when customers are banking on Amazon to deliver last-minute gifts. The company released a statement claiming the strike would not affect its ability to deliver packages on time.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced the strike would affect seven warehouses, including three in Southern California  in Victorville, Industry and Palmdale  and one in San Francisco. It was unclear how many workers had gone onto the picket lines.

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What were doing is historic, said Leah Pensler, a warehouse worker at the San Francisco facility, according to a news release from the Teamsters. We are fighting against a vicious union-busting campaign, and we are going to win.

Frustrations over pay and working conditions have fueled sporadic organizing efforts among workers at Amazon warehouses in recent years, and the effort has picked up speed among the company's vast network of delivery drivers.

Cole Dunkelbarger of Chicago strikes with local Amazon truck drivers in South Gate on Aug. 4. (Zoe Cranfill / Los Angeles Times)

The Teamsters announced a nationwide campaign to unionize Amazon's warehouse and delivery workers in the summer of 2021. The effort was aimed not only at growing its ranks but also protecting the wages and workplace standards of its members who work at UPS and other companies that are under competitive pressure to replicate Amazon's methods.

In all, the Teamsters said roughly 10,000 Amazon employees and contracted workers at various Amazon facilities have pledged to affiliate with the union, a small slice of the 800,000 workers employed in Amazon's U.S. warehouses. But the Teamsters have not held formal union elections, and the proposed bargaining units at these facilities have not been recognized by the National Labor Relations Board, which has the authority to order Amazon to come to the bargaining table.

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Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel accused the Teamsters of falsely presenting their union as formally representing many of the Amazon employees and subcontracted drivers since they had not completed the process for recognition by the National Labor Relations Board.

For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent 'thousands of Amazon employees and drivers.' They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative," Nantel said in an emailed statement. "What you see here are almost entirely outsiders  not Amazon employees or partners  and the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters."

In early December, the union gave Amazon a deadline to come to the bargaining table. The union said Amazon's refusal to meet its demand to negotiate a labor agreement set the strike in motion.

The strike, which includes workers at warehouses in New York, Atlanta and other cities, is the largest labor action to date against Amazon, the union said.

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If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it, said Teamsters President Sean M. OBrien, according to the news release.

Patricia Campos-Medina, executive director of Cornell University's Worker Institute, said the walkouts were an opportunity for the Teamsters to demonstrate the depth of support for unionizing in warehouses and to draw in more workers.

She said that because Amazon is a large employer with a vast network, potential disruptions would be limited. Nonetheless, she said, "it's a time when Amazon would like to shine and not have distractions. It's a moment of high leverage for workers."

The e-commerce giant has waged a long, largely successful battle to discourage unionization efforts at its facilities, and has been accused repeatedly of engaging in anti-union tactics in violation of federal law  accusations the company denies.

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The federal labor board has ordered a union election by workers at an Alabama warehouse to be repeated several times because of allegations of interference by Amazon.

In 2022, Amazon Labor Union, an independent labor group, won a watershed union election at the JFK8 facility on Staten Island in New York  the first successful unionization effort at any of the companys U.S. warehouses. The union, however, struggled to secure other wins, losing an election at the neighboring facility and another in Albany soon after.

Amazon Labor Union helped Amazon workers at a fulfillment center in California's Moreno Valley to launch a union drive at the facility in 2022, but the effort stalled soon after with the group withdrawing the election petition it filed with the National Labor Relations Board.

After being hampered by internal division, Amazon Labor Union agreed to affiliate with the Teamsters, which provided more stable financial footing and resources.

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The labor push received a boost this year from the NLRB, which has called into question Amazon's model of relying on a network of independent companies to employ tens of thousands of delivery drivers. An initial ruling this summer by an NLRB regional director in Los Angeles determined that Amazon was a joint employer of drivers who delivered packages out of the company's Palmdale warehouse. After that decision, the NLRB office in Atlanta determined Amazon should be held liable for allegedly making threats and other unlawful statements to drivers seeking to unionize in the city.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Amazon staff are taking part in the biggest strike in union history.

In a press release, the Teamsters announced that the workers will begin striking on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 19.

The nationwide action follows Amazons repeated refusal to follow the law and bargain with the thousands of Amazon workers who organized with the Teamsters, the release states.

The strike, which has been described as the largest in American history, began at 6 a.m EST, less than one week before Christmas and the start of Hanukkah.

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Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Amazon Fulfillment center Amazon Fulfillment center

With almost 10,000 Amazon workers joining the Teamsters to fight for safer working conditions, higher wages and improvement on benefits, the fate of many customers' packages remains unknown.

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If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed, " Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien said in a statement.

He added, We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it.

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Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Amazon Prime truck Amazon Prime truck

Related: Joe Biden Backs Amazon Workers' Union Vote in Alabama: 'It's Your Right'

These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible, he continued.

Workers will strike at Amazon facilities in New York, Atlanta, Ga., Southern California, San Francisco and Skokie, Ill.

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The labor union has argued that Amazon, which is worth $2 trillion, has not paid their workers enough to make ends meet.

Related: Amazon and Instacart Workers Are Threatening to Strike  How Are They Avoiding Disaster?

Amazon is one of the biggest, richest corporations in the world, Gabriel Irizarry, an Amazon driver in Skokie, Ill., stated, per the release. They talk a big game about taking care of their workers, but when it comes down to it, Amazon does not respect us and our right to negotiate for better working conditions and wages. We cant even afford to pay our bills.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, a spokesperson for Amazon claimed that the Teamsters illegally influenced staff to join them.

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For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative," Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel, said.

Nantel, added, "The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union."

The spokesperson also said that "over the past six years" Amazon increased the starting minimum wage for workers in fulfillment centers and transportation employees in the US by 20% and in September increased the average base wage to $22 per hour, "($29 if you include benefits)."

PEOPLE has learned that Amazon has not currently had any impact on operations as a result of the strike.

Read the original article on People
Thousands of Amazon workers in the United States walked off the job early on Thursday to pressure the company into union contract negotiations, according to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union.

Teamsters represents 10,000 workers across 10 Amazon facilities. The move is seen as significant given the ongoing challenges with labour organization at major technology firms.

"What we're doing is historic," said Leah Pensler, a warehouse worker at Amazon's DCK6 facility in San Francisco in a press release. "We are fighting against a strong union-busting campaign, and we are going to win."

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The decision to strike amid the peak holiday shopping season comes after Amazon failed to meet the union's December 15 deadline to initiate negotiations regarding new contracts for higher wages and improved working conditions.

Warehouse workers at Amazon facilities in Skokie, Illinois; New York City, Atlanta, San Francisco and Southern California have joined the battle against the technology giant with more locations expected to join soon.

"If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon's uncontrolled greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it," Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien said.

"These wealth-focused executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their substantial profits possible. Instead, they've pushed workers to the limit and now they're paying the price. This strike is on them," O'Brien continued.

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Responding to the strike, the Seattle-based company claimed that its employees already enjoy competitive pay, immediate health benefits, and career growth opportunities.

"For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to deliberately misinform the public - claiming that they represent 'thousands of Amazon employees and drivers'. They don't, and this is another attempt to push a misleading narrative," company spokesperson Kelly Nantel told Fox Business.

The company emphasized that Teamsters do not represent any Amazon employees as the National Labor Relations Board has certified only one unionized Amazon facility in Staten Island, New York, which has not yet gone on strike, despite having authorized one.

"The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to forcefully persuade Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union," Nantel added.
CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A group gathered in front of the Amazon facility near Caledonia Thursday morning, demanding change from the corporation.

The group of five picketers shouted chants calling the company unfair and corrupt. They asked for better wages and healthcare benefits.

Its hard to survive and provide for your family off of the little that we get paid, so were fighting ultimately for healthcare benefits, fair wages, basically industry standards, Michael Daddio, an Amazon driver and Teamsters Local 705 member from Chicago, said. Were doing the same line of work. Were getting paid a fraction of the price.

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Amazon workers strike at multiple facilities as Teamsters seek labor contract

This strike comes after The Teamsters called for a nationwide strike against Amazon.

An Amazon spokesperson in a statement to News 8 said Teamsters are misleading the public.

For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers,' Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative. The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union.

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The Teamsters said they are striking because Amazon ignored their deadline on Dec. 15 to come to the bargaining table.

Its happening not just in the country alone. Its happening all across the world. Were hoping to accomplish Amazon coming to the seat and grab a seat at the bargaining table with us and also to bring awareness so people can understand, like, look, were here for you guys, Daddio said. Everybody, if theyre drivers, fulfillment center workers, warehouse workers, theyre all our brothers and sisters and we will accomplish this.

The strike at the Caledonia facility is an extension of strike lines from Chicago. Daddio and another picketer came from Chicago. He said the three other picketers were from West Michigan. Daddio said they plan to be outside the facility picketing for the next couple of days.

The Amazon spokesperson accused Teamsters of being outsiders.

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What you see here are almost entirely outsidersnot Amazon employees or partnersand the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters, Nantel said in the statement. The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous. We appreciate all our teams great work to serve their customers and communities, and are continuing to focus on getting customers their holiday orders.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Workers at seven Amazon facilities will begin a strike Thursday morning in the final days of the Christmas shopping season.

The labor strike represents an attempt by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to put pressure on the online shopping retailer by threatening to delay some of Amazon's package deliveries during one of its busiest times of the year. The move comes after Teamsters officials accused Amazon of failing to come to the bargaining table to negotiate contracts by ignoring a Dec. 15 deadline the union set.

If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed," Teamsters President Sean OBrien said in a statement. These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, theyve pushed workers to the limit and now theyre paying the price."

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While the union calls it "the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history," Amazon has said the work stoppage is largely not anticipated to slow its operations.

The warehouse of Amazon's new same day delivery center on Tuesday in Ankeny, Iowa.

Amazon workers authorize strikes in New York, California, Illinois, Atlanta

The Teamsters represent nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, which is only about 1% of Amazon's hourly workforce, Reuters reported.

Workers voted to authorize the strike as Teamsters had sought for Amazon to recognize the union and begin bargaining with them by last Sunday. The union is fighting for a contract guaranteeing higher wages and improved work conditions with the strikes, which officials say could expand beyond the seven initial sites.

As of Thursday morning, the strikes were expected to take place at sites in New York City, Atlanta, San Francisco, Skokie, Ill., and Southern California. Teamsters local unions are also putting up picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide, the union said in a Thursday statement.

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"Amazon Teamsters at other facilities are prepared to join them," according to the statement.

Amazon says strike won't slow holiday deliveries

A worker moves products during Cyber Monday at the Amazon fulfillment center in Robbinsville, New Jersey, U.S., November 27, 2023.

Amazon representatives told CNN Tuesday that the potential strikes would not interrupt holiday business.

The Seattle-based online retailer has repeatedly refused to recognize the union, going so far as to file objections with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Reuters reported. In a previous statement to USA TODAY, an Amazon spokesperson said the strike is not a legitimate representation of its workers.

Many of the workers involved in the work stoppage are drivers, who Amazon has argued are not its employees, but rather work for a third-party business.

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"For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers," Eileen Hands, a company spokesperson said in the statement. "They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative."

In a statement to Reuters, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the Teamsters "attempted to coerce" workers illegally to join the union.

"The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union," Nantel said.

Contributing: James Powel, USA TODAY; Reuters

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Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amazon workers to strike at 7 US warehouses amid Christmas shopping
SKOKIE, Ill.  Workers at several Amazon facilities across the country, including a facility in north suburban Skokie, went on strike Thursday morning.

A small number of delivery drivers and warehouse workers at the Skokie facility walked off the job and onto the picket line around 6 a.m. Thursday, less than a week before Christmas.

Weve been struggling and fighting for basic benefits and needs that are otherwise an industry standard, driver Luke Cianciotto said. The wages, the hours that we get working for Amazon just simply arent enough to get by in todays economy.

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We are hoping that you understand that it is no longer going to be packages over people, profit over people, driver Ashshura Brooks said. It is people over packages, and people over profit.

Thats what we need the world to understand.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters says workers at seven Amazon facilities began the strike in an effort by the union to pressure the e-commerce company for a labor agreement during a key shopping period. The Teamsters say Amazon is refusing to bargain with them, while Amazon says the Teamsters arent telling the whole truth.

READ MORE: Teamsters say workers will strike at multiple Amazon facilities as union seeks labor contract

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Amazon says the delivery drivers, which the Teamsters have organized for more than a year, are not its employees. Under its business model, the drivers work for a third-party business, called Delivery Service Partners, who drop off millions of packages to customers every day.

For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative about the independent and small businesses who deliver on our behalf, an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement.

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But the union says Amazon controls everything the workers do and should thus be classified as their employer. Some U.S. labor regulators have sided with the union.

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We wear Amazon vests, we deliver in Amazon vans, we use phones that have Amazon apps on them when it comes down to delivering the packages to the customers, Brooks said in Skokie.

Added Cianciotto: The third-party model they created is very clearly a ploy and a mechanism to get out and under the responsibility for unionizing workers.

 These third-party contractors dont exist without Amazon. Amazon is our only customer.

Insatiable greed

In a statement, Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien said, If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members, and they ignored it.

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That deadline was Dec. 15. Now workers at seven Amazon facilities are on strike, with the Teamsters saying theyre more than ready to join the fight for higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions.

Cook County Sheriff wants to end electronic monitoring program due to safety concerns

The strikes are taking place at one Amazon warehouse in San Francisco and six delivery stations in southern California, New York City, Atlanta and Skokie, according to the unions announcement. Workers at the other facilities are prepared to join, the union said.

At one warehouse, located in New York Citys Staten Island borough, thousands of workers who voted for the Amazon Labor Union in 2022 have since affiliated with the Teamsters. At the other facilities, employees  including many delivery drivers  have unionized with them by demonstrating majority support, but without holding government-administered elections.

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The Seattle-based online retailer has been seeking to re-do the election that led to the union victory at the warehouse on Staten Island, which the Teamsters now represent. In the process, the company has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Some U.S. labor regulators have sided with the union in filings made before the NLRB. In September, Amazon boosted pay for the drivers amid the growing pressure.

These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible, OBrien said. Instead, theyve pushed workers to the limit, and now theyre paying.

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This strike is on them.

The workers who walked off the job in Skokie on Thursday morning represent just a small number of the total workers at that facility. WGN News was told about 500 to 600 people work there.

When asked by WGN to provide an updated statement Thursday morning, an Amazon spokesperson replied by saying the company has seen no impact and no mass walkouts like the Teamsters are claiming.

What you see here are almost entirely outsiders  not Amazon employees or partners  and the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters, the spokesperson said. The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous.

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We appreciate all our teams great work to serve their customers and communities, and are continuing to focus on getting customers their holiday orders.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Thousands of Amazon workers in seven facilities across the United States are on strike, just ahead of some of the busiest shipping days of the year.

Workers taking part in the labor strike are with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters who are looking to put pressure on the retail shipping giant as orders pick up ahead of the holidays by hopefully impacting shipping times.

If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed," Teamsters President Sean OBrien said in a statement. These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, theyve pushed workers to the limit and now theyre paying the price."

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While the Teamsters' goal is to slow down Amazon, the company said that the work stoppage is largely not anticipated to slow its operations.

Here's everything you need to know about the labor strike.

Why are Amazon workers on strike?

The labor strike comes after Teamsters reportedly sent Amazon an invite to the bargaining table to negotiate contracts. The labor union says Amazon ignored the Dec. 15 meeting they set for negotiations to happen.

The union represents nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, which accounts for around 1% of Amazon's hourly workforce, Reuters reported. Many of those on the picket line are drivers, which Amazon says are not their employees, but actually work for a third-party business.

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The union calls it "the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history."

Details on Music City's Amazon HQ2 bid: New details revealed about Nashville's 2018 bid for Amazon HQ2

Are Tennessee Amazon facilities on strike? Which facilities are?

Currently, no workers in Tennessee Amazon branches are on strike. But media outlets have reported that Teamsters have picket lines popping up at hundreds of locations in the United States and some have been spotted at Tennessee locations.

"Amazon Teamsters at other facilities are prepared to join them," according to the statement.

Channel 9 ABC News reported that half dozen members of the Teamsters Union were outside of a Chattanooga Amazon Fulfillment Center on Thursday morning as other locations in the United States walked out. Their message? "You have the power to improve your working conditions."

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More than a dozen fulfillment centers, warehouses, and distribution centers are located across the Volunteer State, and Nashville is home to a 5,000-employee operations hub in Nashville Yards.

Locations of Amazon facilities in Tennessee.

Here are the main facilities where Amazon workers are on strike:

DBK4 in New York City

DGT8 in Atlanta, Georgia

DFX4, DAX5 and DAX8 in Southern California

DCK6 in San Francisco

DIL7 in Skokie, Ill.

Will my Amazon package be delayed because of the strike?

In a CNN interview earlier this week, the global company didn't believe that any (at the time) potential strikes would interrupt holiday business.

Amazon doesn't recognize the union and has filed objections with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Reuters reported. In a statement to USA TODAY, a spokesperson for the retailer stated that the strike was not a legitimate representation of its workers.

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"For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers," Eileen Hands, a company spokesperson said in the statement. "They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative."

Is Tennessee a right-to-work state?

It is. This means workers are not required to join or pay dues to a labor union.

There have been arguments that right-to-work laws diminish the effectiveness of unions by reducing financial resources and lowering unionization rates.

A photo gallery was added to this story.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why are Amazon workers on strike? Will there be shipping delays in TN?
By Daniel Wiessner

(Reuters) - American Airlines has agreed to settle a race discrimination lawsuit by three Black men who were temporarily removed from a flight at the insistence of white flight attendants, according to a court filing on Thursday.

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but lawyers for the men said the settlement includes "a commitment by American to take action to prevent discrimination in the future."

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The plaintiffs had claimed that they and five other Black men were removed from a New York-bound flight out of Phoenix, Arizona, in January for about an hour after white flight attendants complained about a passenger with offensive body odor, in a lawsuit filed in Brooklyn federal court in May.

None of the men ordered off the plane had an odor, the plaintiffs said in the lawsuit. They called the incident "traumatic, upsetting, scary, humiliating, and degrading."

The men accused the airline of violating a Civil War-era law banning race discrimination in contracts.

American Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment. When the lawsuit was filed, the airline said it takes discrimination claims seriously and was investigating the matter.

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Lawyers for the three men who sued said American had fired the flight attendants involved in the incident and expressed a commitment to "delivering a positive experience to customers who choose to fly with the company."

In 2017, the NAACP urged Black travelers not to fly American, citing what it said were a series of racially-based incidents. The civil rights organization withdrew its advisory the following year after the airline agreed to update its policies and train employees on implicit bias.

(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Aurora Ellis)
On December 19, the 2nd International Defense Exhibition "Vietnam Defence Expo 2024" began in Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam. A delegation from the Ministry of Defense Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MSN) attended the official opening ceremony of the event, Azernews reports.

The exhibition, organized by the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam and held biennially, showcases weapons, ammunition, military air and air defense systems, military ship systems and equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, communication and navigation systems, armored transport, reconnaissance and electronic warfare equipment, and more.

The event will conclude on December 22.
From faster travel to better business opportunities, discover how the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is empowering a young Macao entrepreneur to thrive and grow his venture.
Do you want to be part of the first generation in American history to leave the country worse off for your children and grandchildren? Its a question Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says he asks himself often.

Right now, the answer appears to be yes across much of the United States, Cox said Wednesday morning during the second day of his workshop with the Western Governors Association, focused on the housing crisis afflicting the West.

During his first term as governor, Cox announced a $150 million budget to create 35,000 new starter homes by 2028 because thats where the gap has happened over the past 20 years, he said. Its the one thing we stopped building.

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Coxs team shared two videos by Demand More Supply, an initiative managed by Utah Workforce Housing Advocacy. In one of the short clips, children act out how Utahns are aware that a supply-and-demand issue is occurring in their state but dont want to deal with the mess or noise that comes with new construction in their neighborhood. One of the major downsides to this is communities will continue to lose essential workers if housing remains limited and unaffordable.

Demand More Supply shared projected estimates that Utah will be short 153,000 homes through 2030, with home prices currently up 300%.

A foundation of the American dream is owning property, Cox said to the room filled with state lawmakers, government workers, housing professionals and so on. The crisis has become so severe that more than half of Americans cannot afford the national average price of a home. In such a polarized country right now, this is one of the areas where theres true bipartisanship happening, Cox said, adding that its unclear in discussions with other governors which ones are Republican and which ones are Democrats because were all just trying to figure this out.

Cox and other state leaders are also trying to remedy the supply issue by developing federal land into housing.

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The federal government owns about 70% of Utah, Cox said. We are looking at the state inventory of lands right now where we have property and could use that.

He said the state needs smaller lot sizes, and federal land would be the place to build. Im pretty sure that were going to see a bill this year in the legislature here to help us with some of those state public plans to allow for that very thing to happen here.

Last year, Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee introduced the Helping Open Underutilized Space to Ensure Shelter (HOUSES) Act, which would convert Bureau of Land Management land into housing parcels.

Housing: Utahs No. 1 financial concern

Prior to Coxs reelection, The Utah Foundation released a report in October after asking Utahns what top two issues they wanted the incoming Governor to prioritize. The top answer was housing, followed by politicians listening to voter concerns.

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An even more recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll, conducted by HarrisX, asked registered Utah voters if they would say that their personal financial situation is improving, getting worse or staying the same:

Improving: 20%.

Getting worse: 42%.

Staying the same: 37%.

No opinion: 1%.

DN-PersonalFinance1

The HarrisX Interactive poll was conducted between Nov. 26-Dec. 5, 2024, among 826 registered Utah voters with a margin of error of +/- 3.4 percentage points.

One in four Americans fear they will never own property. A report this summer by Clever Real Estate found that 63% of Generation Z alone worry that homeownership isnt in their future.

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Steve Waldrip, Utahs senior adviser for housing strategy, told the Deseret News that older generations broke the social contract with younger generations by handing them the financial consequences of the current housing market.

We told you growing up, Hey, if you do the right thing, get the grades, then youll get a job and then get to go buy a home, he said. Thats what we all got to do.

Waldrip compared the disservice to how Black homeowners were treated in the mid-to-late 20th century.

We froze Black homeowners out of the equation. They had 25% home ownership for most of the 1900s and now they have one of the largest participations in our welfare programs because they couldnt build generational wealth.

Housing is no longer a policy issue. Its become a moral issue. When we look at our values, as Utahns, as Americans, our values align with how we talk about this ability for people to pursue happiness, this social contract that we have with our kids and our grandkids that if you do these things, then you get the American dream. And we have a generation coming up right now that is going, Ive done all these things, and Im looking at the future and I dont see the dream, and thats a moral hazard for our country, he said Wednesday.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  An effort to build tiny homes for local veterans in need received additional support on Thursday.

American Legion Post 104 donated $5,000 to the Veterans Village project in Terre Haute.

The project, by the Terre Haute Area Association of Realtors (THAAR), is building tiny homes for veterans at Maple Avenue and North 23rd Street.

THAAR Treasurer Tom Chiado said Thursday there is still some work to do on the interior of the homes. He explained community donations and volunteers have been making the project possible.

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Weve been very fortunate. The community has really supported us and provided lots of donations. The donations all went for materials. Weve been absolutely fortunate because a lot of the local unions have stepped up and volunteered their labor, said Chiado.

American Legion Post 104 Commander Troy Davis explained why they wanted to support the effort.

Thats the most important thing that an American Legion can do is help out veterans. All these fine folks here have given all their time and money, and everything to this, and so now we are too. Its just going to be wonderful. These places are really neat, said Davis.

Chiado said there are also future plans to construct an additional building on the property. He said that building will have a laundry room and spaces for group meetings.

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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 MyWabashValley.com.
(WFRV)  With a winter snowstorm impacting much of Wisconsin on Thursday, authorities are reminding motorists to fully clear their vehicles of snow and ice before driving.

Wisconsin state law mandates that all vehicle windows be cleared before hitting the road. Additionally, drivers are required to activate headlights during periods of reduced visibility, avoiding reliance on automatic lights.

Can you drive a vehicle covered in Christmas lights in Wisconsin? State Patrol issues reminder

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They commonly wont turn on all of the lighting required in these situations, stated the Columbia County Sheriffs Office in a social media post. Turn the knob all the way on.

Authorities are also urging drivers to reduce their speed and prioritize safety while traveling.

GBAPS: All Green Bay public, private schools closing early due to snowstorm

If you dont do these things, you may have to talk to one of our deputies during your travels, the post concluded.

Snowfall is expected to continue through Thursday and into Friday morning. Travelers are advised to remain cautious and ensure their windshields and windows are clear to avoid potential accidents or traffic stops.

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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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
By Josh Smith and Hyunsu Yim

SEOUL (Reuters) - As South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's relations with the opposition broke down this year, Western diplomats hoped the internal tensions would not affect his tough stance on China and North Korea that had won praise from Washington.

It didn't work.

A focus on a foreign policy seen as favourable to the West, limited attention on the political discord in South Korea, and a hesitation to be seen interfering in domestic matters, left its partners blindsided when Yoon briefly imposed martial law on Dec. 3, analysts and current and former diplomats said.

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Yoon is now impeached and his powers suspended - and his political implosion likely heralds the return of the political left, which is less inclined to be as unabashedly supportive of the U.S. and Japan.

"His allies in Washington are concerned about one thing and one thing only - U.S. national security," said Karl Friedhoff of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. "When I raised the (domestic) issue, I was bluntly told on one occasion, 'Why does that matter?' And now were seeing why it matters."

The conservative Yoon earned wide praise in Western capitals for his signature policy goal of making South Korea a "global pivotal state" by promoting freedom, human rights and the rule of law. That policy saw Seoul weigh in more publicly on the side of Washington and NATO on hotspots such as the South China Sea, Taiwan, and Ukraine.

Philip Turner, who served as New Zealand's ambassador to Seoul until last year, said Yoon had showed autocratic tendencies particularly since the April parliamentary elections but it was seen as a typical political show of strength.

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"Like Koreans themselves, including many of Yoons own supporters, I dont think any diplomats thought that Yoon would go as far as to declare martial law with no basis  an inexcusable and inexplicable action from an ex-prosecutor who positioned himself as a champion of democracy," Turner said.

Yoons Global Pivotal State approach will not be mourned, given the hypocrisy with which it finally collapsed, but if Yoon is ousted by the Constitutional Court following his impeachment on Saturday, the West will hope the next president upholds much of its substance in practice, Turner said.

'DEEPLY SURPRISED'

Asked shortly after the martial law attempt whether it was an intelligence failure that Washington was caught unawares by a key ally, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said almost all U.S. interlocutors in South Korea, including in the president's office, were "deeply surprised" by Yoon's move.

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On Wednesday, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan invoked the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of Donald Trump, when commenting on Yoon's move.

"Did not see that coming, yeah, but we had January 6, yeah," Sullivan said at an event. "So I think it's important for us to recognise that dramatic events happen even in highly advanced, consolidated democracies."

Henry Haggard, a former U.S. diplomat posted to the embassy in Seoul until June, disputed suggestions that Western countries ignored Yoon's hardline tendencies.

"Korea chose Yoon so his foibles were relevant to South Korea, not to us," he told Reuters. "We did not expect this from Yoon, whether he was nostalgic for Koreas authoritarian past or not, because we assumed any president understood that almost no one in Korea sought to turn back the clock."

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Yoon's declaration of martial law was the first time it was used since 1980 and for many South Koreans, the move brought back memories of right-wing rule by military strongmen, many of whom benefited from ties in Washington.

Elected in 2022, Yoon was widely welcomed in Washington and other Western capitals for his rhetoric defending global democracy and freedom.

Invited to make a rare address to the U.S. Congress last year, Yoon referenced freedom and democracy a combined 55 times. Earlier this year he hosted the latest "democracy summit", taking up a U.S.-led initiative.

But critics said that masked growing problems at home.

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Yoon clashed with opposition lawmakers whom he has labelled as pro-North Korea and "anti-state forces", and press freedom organisations have criticised his heavy-handed approach to media coverage that he deemed negative.

PRESIDENCY DAMAGED

Yoon shocked the nation and the world late on Dec. 3 when he gave the military sweeping emergency powers to root out what he called "anti-state forces" and overcome obstructionist political opponents.

Martial law was in force for only six hours before Yoon backtracked in the face of bipartisan parliamentary opposition, but the damage to his presidency was done, and threatened to undermine South Korea's reputation as one of Asia's most vibrant democracies.

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"I think that Yoon's outdated speeches and strong-arm tendencies were ignored because he was seen as aligning more closely with U.S. policies towards China and Western policies towards Russia," said Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korea expert at Kings' College London.

Victor Cha, the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and a former White House official, said Washington was in a no-win position.

"If it says too much too soon, then it is seen as interventionist - either in supporting or opposing the government," he said. "If it says nothing, it is seen as being aloof and complacent."

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim and Josh Smith; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)A man born into slavery in DeSoto Parish in 1857 did not have many opportunities to become educated as a child, but that didnt stop him from studying on his own and becoming one of, if not the first African American newspaper publisher in Shreveport.

Andrew Henry Samuels also became a pastor and a strong proponent of education in Shreveports African American community.

Here is a part of his story.

Image of A. H. Samuels found in the History of Louisiana Negro Baptists by William Hicks.

Andrew Henry Samuels, the son of Cato Samuels, was known as the Silver-Tongue Orator in post-Civil War Shreveport.

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He lived in DeSoto and Caddo Parish during the extreme violence that occurred in the region during the Reconstruction Era. He was only fifteen when C. C. Antoine, of Shreveport, became Louisianas first African American Lieutenant Governor in 1872.

Bloody Caddo: Research uncovers post-Civil War racial violence

Samuels was ordained in 1888 and became a beacon at many churches in Shreveport, including St. Rest Baptist Church, St. Luke Baptist Church, Red Chute Baptist Church, and Willow Chute Baptist Church. He was also the minister of Union Mission Baptist Church in Waskom, Texas.

Samuels helped build a new church building when he was the pastor of St. Rest Baptist Church. The new church building was described as one of the most beautiful frame buildings in the state.

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Unsolved crime: Shreveports St. Rest Baptist Church bombed during Civil Rights Movement

Samuels was also the publisher of the News-Enterprise, a publication in Shreveport that operated independently of political parties.

Modern historians know little about the News-Enterprise. But the reference below, found in the American Newspaper Annual and Directory, shows that the estimated opening date for the New Enterprise was 1897. This could mean that Samuels owned the first newspaper in Shreveport designed specifically for African Americans.

Clip from the 1910 N. W. Ayer & Sons American Newspaper Annual and Directory , a catalog of American Newspaper and periodicals published in the United States.

Samuels wasnt afraid of tackling social issues, such as voter registration and pushback in 1920s Shreveport. In 1922, the News-Enterprise published that of 14,000 colored people in Shreveport, La., only 39 were registered voters.

Excerpt from Crisis, Volume 6 , 1913, edited by Dr. William Edward Burghardt Du Bois and published by Crisis Publishing Company.

At any rate, the paper boldly printed, on election day each of the thirty-nine colored men was challenged as he entered the polling place. He was told that his name was not on the pollbook and that he must go to the courthouse, get a certificate and attach it to his ballot. This was done, and when the votes were counted it was perfectly easy to inspect the thirty-nine colored votes.

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We learn from the Feb. 15, 1903 issue of The Caucasian, a Shreveport publication, that The Enterprise, and specifically A. H. Samuels, published an article about the death of J. L. M. Curry, the agent for Peabodys Reconstruction Schools.

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The clipping quoted is from the Enterprise published by A. H. Samuels, a colored man, in the interest of colored people, we read in The Caucasian. He has well said of Dr. Curry that he was a great and good man and his death is a great loss to (African American) education in the South.'

From his desk, Samuels could reach the public of Shreveport with commentary about the news of the day. He had the opportunity to help squash rumors and speak with reason during an unreasonable era.

The Caucasian, a newspaper with an editor who admittedly favored one race above others, printed an article on Apr. 19, 1903, that quoted directly from Samuels News-Enterprise. Though we cant read the original copy of the News-Enterprise and see the entirety of Samuels article, we can read the few words that were reprinted and hope to gain insight.

A rumor is being circulated that the (African Americans) are holding meetings and organizing for the purpose of retaliating for the burning of a dead (African American.) It is even too absurd to deny, but as some people will believe anything about the (African American,) we desire to inform that it is not so. (African Americans) were horrified at the dastardly and atrocious murder of Mrs. Matthews and attempt to take the life of the little girl, and when it was announced that the culprit had been killed while attempting to escape the (African Americans) approved the act, Samuels was quoted as writing.

Excerpt from The Negro Year Book, Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, 1922, shows A. H. Samuels was a publisher at one of only six known African American newspapers in Louisiana in 1922.

But being a newspaper publisher was not the only way Samuels contributed to society. He was a minister, as was stated earlier in this article. But he was also an educator, in that he helped create the Thirteenth District Academy and then served as the chairman of the Education Board for more than 15 years. He was also the moderator of the Thirteenth District Association (Baptist) and the chairman of the Thirteenth District Academys managing board.

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Samuels was a constant source of encouragement for the staff at the Thirteenth District Academy. He spearheaded the movement to raise funds to construct a new school building and was also a crucial component in its construction. Under his watch, the schools campus grew (in 1914) from a worth of less than a thousand dollars to a worth of more than $6,000.

Andrew and his wife Esther (Chew) Samiels married in 1875 and lived on Christian Street in Shreveport. They were said to have a large and diverse circle of friends.

A. H. Samuels died in 1944. If you know where he is buried, or have further information about him, please contact us.

Sources:

History of Louisiana Negro Baptists by William Hicks

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The Negro Year Book, Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, 1922

Crisis, Volume 6, 1913, edited by Dr. William Edward Burghardt Du Bois

N. W. Ayer & Sons American Newspaper Annual and Directory, a catalog of American Newspaper and periodicals published in the United States, 1910

Jaclyn Tripp took the lead on this article.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  A third opossum has been captured in Honolulu this year, according to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA).

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The animal was trapped overnight by plant quarantine inspectors at a big-box store in Iwilei.

The Plant Quarantine Branch received a report of the opossum on Dec. 12, when a passerby noted seeing the animal in the area the previous night. Inspectors set up traps and returned to the site on Dec. 15, where they found opossum droppings in a storage container.

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They set additional traps using bananas, apples, and cantaloupe as bait. The following morning, the opossum was found in one of the traps.

Opossum captured in downtown Honolulu

It remains unclear where the opossum originated. Store employees said they did not see the animal emerge from any shipping container, although it was observed roaming the area at night. The storage container where the animal was trapped had not been used for shipping.

The opossum, a male weighing approximately nine pounds, will be euthanized for rabies testing due to the unknown origin of the animal.

Several opossums have been captured in Hawaii in recent years, including:

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August 2024: Captured at a Kalihi freight company after it ran into a shipping container.

July 2024: Captured on a window ledge of an office building in Downtown Honolulu.

June 2016: Captured by workers offloading a cargo ship at Honolulu Harbor.

July 2015: Captured near the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Office in Kakaako.

July 2012: Captured in a cat trap at a Sand Island warehouse.

August 2011: Found in a shipping container in the Ward Center area.

2005: Two opossums were found, one inside a military cargo plane at Hickam Air Force Base and the other at a U.S. Postal Service facility at Honolulu International Airport.

Opossum found in shipping container raises concerns about growing threat in Hawaii

Opossums are native to North America and are omnivores, feeding on insects, bird eggs, rodents, fruits, and vegetables.

While less likely to carry rabies than other mammals, they can carry parasites and other diseases.

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Anyone who spots an illegal animal is urged to call the statewide toll-free PEST HOTLINE at 808-643-PEST (7378).

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Police Department said two arrests were made related to a Dec. 4 burglary call that occurred in east Austin.

According to police, a woman was inside her apartment when multiple suspects unlawfully entered the unit. The witness said she hid in a closet and called her boyfriend to help.

Austin police said the witness boyfriend chased the four burglars away but was shot at in the process; however, he was not injured. Police were able to find an expended 9MM shell casing at the scene.

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According to police, 19-year-old Orlen Guillen and 20-year-old Nefi Amed Gomez-Lopez were arrested in connection with the burglary. At the time of APDs statement, detectives said there were still two suspects not in police custody related to the incident.

Suspects and suspect vehicle linked to east Austin burglary (APD photos) Stolen 9MM pistol linked to two Austin burglaries (APD photo) Mugshot of Orlen Guillen (APD photo) Mugshot of Nefi Amed Gomez-Lopez (APD photo)

APD said detectives connected Guillen to the incident using surveillance video from the parking lot where the suspects parked committing the burglary.

Guillen was found a day later and was taken into custody, according to police. The vehicle was also seized as evidence and a search warrant is pending.

Gomez-Lopez was found in the parking lot of the apartment complex still dressed in similar clothing worn during the shooting, according to APD.

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Police said Gomez-Lopez was arrested, but detectives believe he tossed a stolen 9MM pistol from his backpack during his arrest.

The shell casing found at the scene of the burglary was also connected with a Nov. 8 aggravated assault with shots fired concerning a separate residential burglary. A National Integrated Ballistic Information Network analysis confirmed the stolen 9MM pistol was used during each of these offenses, according to APD.

APD said anyone with information should contact the APD Residential Burglary Unit at (512) 974-4941 or via email at APDBurglaryUnit@austintexas.gov.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Fulton County Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis was disqualified by an appellate court Thursday from overseeing the criminal election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump and co-defendants.

That decision could completely derail the criminal case, which was the fourth criminal indictment against Trump.

A lower court declined to disqualify Willis.

"After carefully considering the trial court's findings in its order, we conclude that it erred by failing to disqualify DA Willis and her office," the appellate court ruling said.

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Willis had come under scrutiny over a personal relationship with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor on the Georgia Trump case.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAffee allowed Willis to stay on the case if Wade left. This appellate court ruling reverses his decision.

"While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings," the appellate court said.

Trump and 18 others were indicted in August 2023, charged with a racketeering conspiracy to overturn the legal election results in Georgia.

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Trump was heard on a recorded phone call with Georgia election officials pressuring them to "find" enough votes to make him the winner when Presdient Joe Biden was the legal winner of the state in the 2020 election.

Four co-defendants in the Georgia case have pleaded guilty.

Scott Hall, Kenneth Chesebro, and former Trump attorneys Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis all acknowledged guilt for their roles in the alleged election conspiracy.

Trump was convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state case known as the hush money case.

The jury found him guilty of falsification of business records in an attempt pay off adult film actor Stormy Daniels to keep her story from voters in the 2016 election.
ATLANTA (AP)  A state appeals court on Thursday removed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others, the latest legal victory for the president-elect in criminal cases that once threatened his career and freedom.

The case against Trump and more than a dozen others had already been stalled for months over an appeal related to a romantic relationship Willis had with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she had hired to lead the case.

Citing an appearance of impropriety that might not typically warrant such a removal, a Georgia Court of Appeals panel said in a 2-1 ruling that this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings. Willis office immediately filed a notice of intent to ask the Georgia Supreme Court to review the decision.

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But pursuing a criminal case against a sitting president is a virtual impossibility. And Trump will return to the White House having overcome efforts to prosecute him and empowered by a Supreme Court ruling granting him presumptive immunity for any official acts he takes in office.

The development comes weeks after Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith abandoned two federal prosecutions against the incoming president, and as sentencing in a separate hush money case in New York is indefinitely on hold as a result of Trumps victory in November over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

A grand jury in Atlanta indicted Trump and 18 others in August 2023, using the states anti-racketeering law to accuse them of participating in a wide-ranging scheme to illegally try to overturn Trumps narrow 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden in Georgia. The alleged scheme included Trump's call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger urging him to help find enough votes to beat Biden. Four people have pleaded guilty.

Trump told Fox News Digital that the case should not be allowed to go any further. The president-elect added: Everybody should receive an apology, including those wonderful patriots who have been caught up in this for years.

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Steve Sadow, Trumps lead attorney in Georgia, said the ruling was well-reasoned and just. He said the appeals court highlighted that Willis misconduct created an odor of mendacity and an appearance of impropriety that could only be cured by the disqualification of her and her entire office.

This decision puts an end to a politically motivated persecution of the next President of the United States, Sadow wrote in an emailed statement.

Representatives for Willis did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comment on the ruling.

The allegations that Willis had improperly benefited from her romance with Wade resulted in a tumultuous couple of months in the case as intimate details of Willis and Wades personal lives were aired in court in mid-February. A defendant's motion alleged that Willis and Wade were involved in an inappropriate romantic relationship and that Willis paid Wade large sums for his work and then benefited when he paid for lavish vacations.

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Willis and Wade acknowledged the relationship but said they didnt begin dating until the spring of 2022. Wade was hired in November 2021, and their romance ended in the summer of 2023, they said. They also testified that they split travel and other costs roughly evenly, with Willis often paying expenses or reimbursing Wade in cash.

Speaking at a historically Black church in Atlanta soon after the relationship allegations surfaced, Willis defended Wades qualifications and her own leadership of her office. Defense lawyers said that speech included a series of improper and prejudicial comments against the defendants and their legal team, poisoning any potential jurors against them.

The appeals court majority opinion, written by Judge Trenton Brown and joined by Judge Todd Markle, said the remedy crafted by the trial court to prevent an ongoing appearance of impropriety did nothing to address the appearance of impropriety that existed at times when DA Willis was exercising her broad pretrial discretion about who to prosecute and what charges to bring.

In a dissenting opinion, Judge Benjamin Land wrote that the law does not support the result reached by the majority." Trial court judges, he said, have broad discretion to to impose a remedy to fit a situation and the appeals court should respect that.

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We are here to ensure the law has been applied correctly and to correct harmful legal errors when we see them. It is not our job to second-guess trial judges or to substitute our judgment for theirs, he wrote.

Where, as here, a prosecutor has no actual conflict of interest and the trial court, based on the evidence presented to it, rejects the allegations of actual impropriety, we have no authority to reverse the trial courts denial of a motion to disqualify, he said, arguing that the majority opinion goes against decades of precedent in Georgia.

The ruling by the appeals court panel means it will be up to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia to find another prosecutor to take over the case, though that could be delayed if the state Supreme Court takes the case. It could be difficult to find another prosecutor willing to take it on given the extensive resources needed to prosecute the sprawling and complex case. That person could continue on the track that Willis has taken, decide to pursue only some charges or dismiss the case altogether.

Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, the trial court judge, had ruled in March that no conflict of interest existed that should force Willis off the case. Trump and the others appealed that ruling.

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McAfee wrote that the prosecution was encumbered by an appearance of impropriety. He said Willis could remain on the case only if Wade left; the special prosecutor submitted his resignation hours later.

____

Associated Press writers Eric Tucker in Washington and Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with Macao residents living in Hengqin during an inspection of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, located at the southern tip of Zhuhai in Guangdong Province, Dec. 19, 2024. Xi, accompanied by Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), inspected the cooperation zone on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday praised the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin for its role in bolstering Macao's economic diversification, and urged further efforts to improve connectivity and facilitate market integration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during an inspection of the cooperation zone as part of his three-day visit to the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday for the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, the inauguration of the sixth-term government of the Macao SAR, and an inspection tour of the region.

Hengqin, located at the southern tip of Zhuhai in Guangdong Province, is separated from Macao by a narrow stretch of water. Established in 2021, the cooperation zone serves as a vital platform for promoting Macao's appropriate economic diversification.

During his visit, Xi toured an exhibition highlighting the achievements of the cooperation zone's development, and commended its progress in recent years.

"Practice has proven that the central authorities' decision to develop Hengqin and establish the cooperation zone is completely correct," Xi said.

He was briefed on the joint initiative of Guangdong and Macao to build a high-level scientific and technological platform for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The president praised the integration of advanced multidisciplinary technologies and the zone's support for the global advancement of TCM.

Xi also met with Macao residents living in Hengqin and young entrepreneurs from Macao who have started businesses in the zone. He emphasized that the development of Hengqin provides vast opportunities for Macao's youth to achieve their ambitions, and expressed hope that more young people from Macao will build remarkable careers there.

Speaking with individuals involved in the zone's planning, construction, management and services, Xi lauded them as pioneers of and contributors to Hengqin's development.

Xi stressed the importance of concrete measures and tangible outcomes in promoting Macao's appropriate economic diversification, improving residents' livelihoods and boosting employment.

He called for new institutional achievements in leveraging the advantages of the "one country, two systems" framework and aligning the rules and mechanisms of the two sides.

Additionally, he stressed the pioneering role of deeper integration of Hengqin and Macao in facilitating market integration in the Greater Bay Area.

Xi urged improvements in connectivity to accelerate the creation of a highly coordinated economic system and a deeply aligned regulatory framework between Hengqin and Macao and elevate their integration to a higher level.

Efforts should focus on enhancing public services and social security systems to foster a high-quality living environment that facilitates living, working and entrepreneurship for Macao residents, Xi said.

He also emphasized the need to fully utilize the central government's support policies to foster a world-class business environment.

Senior officials including Cai Qi attended the event. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, speaks with inpiduals involved in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone's planning, construction, management and services, in Hengqin, located at the southern tip of Zhuhai in Guangdong Province, Dec. 19, 2024. Xi, accompanied by Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), inspected the cooperation zone on Thursday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
LONDON (AP)  Apple complained that requests from Meta Platforms for access to its operating software threaten user privacy, in a spat fueled by the European Union's intensifying efforts to get the iPhone maker to open up to products from tech rivals.

The 27-nation EU's executive Commission is drawing up interoperability" guidelines for Apple under its new digital competition rulebook. The interoperability measures would ensure that devices like smartwatches or features like wireless file transfers work as smoothly with iPhones as do Apple Watches or AirDrop.

The EU's rulebook, known as the Digital Markets Act, aims to promote fair competition in digital markets and prevent Big Tech "gatekeeper" companies from cornering markets. The commission posted proposed measures late Wednesday on how Apple should make its iOS operating system work with other technology.

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In response, Apple said it's concerned that some companies  with data practices that do not meet the high standards of data protection law held by the EU and supported by Apple  may attempt to abuse the DMAs interoperability provisions to access sensitive user data.

The company singled out Meta, saying it has made at least 15 requests for potentially far-reaching access to Apples technology stack" that would reduce privacy protections for users.

If those requests were granted, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read on a users device all of their messages and emails, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app that they use, scan all of their photos, look at their files and calendar events, log all of their passwords, the company said in a report.

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, fought back.

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Heres what Apple is actually saying: they dont believe in interoperability, Meta spokesman Andy Stone said in a post on X. In fact, every time Apple is called out for anticompetitive behavior, they defend themselves on privacy grounds that have no basis in reality.

The Brussels-based European Commission's proposed measures call for an approach based on Apple's existing request-based process," in which developers ask for access to features and functions.

Apple should provide a dedicated contact to handle requests and give updates and feedback, and there should be a fair and impartial conciliation" process to settle disagreements on technical issues.

The commission is now asking for feedback from the public by Jan. 9 on the proposals, including from any companies that have made interoperability requests from Apple, or are thinking of doing so.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Its been a controversial proposal that would decide the future of a North Valley middle school. After hours of deliberation on Wednesday night, the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education took a vote.

Taft Middle School is on its way to closing after school board members voted to move forward with plans to repurpose it. But the decision didnt come without pushback. Please vote no, do not close Taft, said one APS parent. Other parents urged board members to vote no or table it.

They expressed concern over the districts lack of communication with parents and the community. I also believe that its unethical to impose traumatic changes on a community without their input and full understanding, said one parent.

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The right-sizing plan will repurpose Taft Middle School in the North Valley, making it the new site of the Coronado Dual Language Magnet K-8 School currently located downtown. This change would open up space for a new international high school, that would serve refugees and immigrant students.

One advocate for the school said, I am supporting the Albuquerque International School, and that school will give hope for our newcomer children for their future. Its not just an investment for their education for their future but as well as the future of our country.

Superintendent Gabriella Blakey said the right-sizing plan is designed to mitigate costs after seeing a decrease in student enrollment. They said the plan has been in motion since 2016 and that Taft was included in 2022.

But board members pushed back out of concern about the districts transparency with the community. Were not creating collaboration were creating chaos, said Ronalda Tome-Warito, School Board Vice President representing District 2.

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This decision makes Taft the third school in the North Valley to close in recent years following La Luz and Duranes elementary schools.

Taft will close next school year and the students will have the option to enroll at Taylor Middle School just a few miles away. The school board vote was 4-3.

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  One of Hampton Roads largest employers has been seeing a rash of car break-ins of late.

Employees at HII Newport News Shipbuilding say they have had their cars broken into, and one said his car was broken into twice in a matter of a week.

Aarron Williams car was first hit by thieves two Fridays ago, but he didnt realize it until he was sitting in his car.

You know, just unwinding at the end of a long shift, you know what I mean? And I felt the breeze, it was cold that day, Williams said.

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He noticed some loose change missing and an ashtray that hes since replaced. Two other employees he walked out with also noticed their cars were broken into. They immediately got on their phones.

The security personnel through the shipyard, we called them, notified them first, Williams said.

And just last week, Williams car was broken into a second time. Thankfully, nothing was taken, and hes now patched it up with cardboard and duct tape. He said his 6-year-old son told him he wanted to put on his Spiderman outfit and catch the suspect.

It calmed me down cause at that particular time I was still upset what was happening and whatnot, Williams said, but it really calmed me down and gave me a light, you know?

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According to Newport News Police, there have been 10 thefts from vehicles here since Dec. 1. Three of those happened Monday night. On Tuesday, police arrested 19-year-old Zachariah Smith as officers responded to another report of a break-in. Hes facing several larceny and weapons charges.

HII Newport News Shipbuilding said they have been working with Newport News Police on security there.

NNS has worked with NNPD to enhance security measures, to include increased surveillance and roving patrols, HII Newport News Shipbuilding said in a statement. We are not discussing specifics of additional measures in order to prevent compromise of our security program.

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DALE COUNTY, Ala (WDHN)  A Dale County man has been found guilty of beating and burning his girlfriends children with a blowtorch.

Court records show 53-year-old Howard Anderson was found guilty of aggravated child abuse and chemical endangerment of a child on Wednesday, December 17.

Dale County Judge William Filmore brought down the verdict during a bench trial after Anderson waived his right to a jury trial.

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He will be sentenced in early January.

Anderson was arrested in October 2023 alongside his girlfriend Ashleigh Ableman after Dale County Sheriffs Investigators accused the two of burning Ablemans three children with a blowtorch several times.

At the time of their arrest, Lt. Caroline Jackson with the DCSO told WDHN the burns were severe, and the children had signs of other kinds of abuse.

Court indictments claim that over several years, Anderson choked one of the children with a vacuum cord and hit her in the eye, and exposed at least two of the children to drugs.

Ableman pled guilty to her charges in June 2024 and was sentenced to five years in an Alabama prison.

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READ MORE: Mom accused of torturing children with blowtorch pleads guilty

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The news of Ana Orsinis death has come as a huge shock. The news anchor recently joined KOLD News 13 in Tucson. Orsini quickly became a beloved figure in the newsroom, known for her vibrant personality and dedication. So, what happened to her?

In this article, we will delve into the details of Ana Orsinis death.

Ana Orsini cause of death explained

Ana Orsini, a 28-year-old news anchor at KOLD News 13 in Tucson, died last week due to a brain aneurysm. The news was shared by her colleagues, who expressed their sorrow and reflected on her endearing personality. Orsini, who joined the station in June 2023, was remembered as a dedicated and empathetic individual who always stood up for others, especially her younger coworkers.

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Tyler Butler, her co-anchor, paid tribute to Orsini on social media, describing her as a force of nature with an unwavering commitment to those around her. He wrote, Ana was a force of nature. I keep thinking about how at times, Id make a self deprecating joke and shed snap, Hey! Dont talk about my friend like that!'

Orsinis colleague and close friend Carsyn Currier wrote on Facebook, I have had a lot of you reach out asking about Ana Orsini TVs cause of death. We recently learned Ana died of a brain aneurysm. It still doesnt feel real.

Meteorologist Cory Kowitz shared his favorite moments working with Ana on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, As you can see, Ana brought fun, funny, and playful energy to the broadcasts that made her so enjoyable to work with. Rest in peace Ana. We all miss you.

A Denver native, Ana Orsini had previously worked at KDRV NewsWatch 12 in Oregon. She started her journalism career in Lubbock, Texas, in 2018. During her brief career, Orsini made a lasting impact by guiding and inspiring young professionals. Orsinis energy and kindness left a mark on everyone she encountered. While her family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, they hope she will be remembered for her warmth and positivity.

Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.

The post Arizona News Anchor Ana Orsini Passes Away at 28 appeared first on Mandatory.
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

WASHINGTON PARISH, La. (WGNO)  An alleged drug dealer in Washington Parish has been arrested on murder accusations.

According to the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office, on Dec. 15, deputies were called in response to a reported drug overdose on Wardline Road in Bogalusa.

Double homicide suspect sought by New Orleans police

An investigation revealed that the drugs were allegedly provided by Derrick Terrell Fairley. Soon after, on Dec. 16, Fairley was arrested on a charge of distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance.

(Courtesy/Washington Parish Sheriffs Office)

An autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was an overdose of fentanyl. On Dec. 18, Fairley was rearrested and charged with second-degree murder.

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Deputies say Fairely is currently being held without bond at the Washington Parish Jail.

New Orleans police arrest suspect in fatal shooting of Cox employee

The immediate and concise action of our officers, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the forensics workers in this case allowed investigators to quickly determine a cause of death and obtain the necessary evidence to establish probable cause for Fairleys arrest, said WPSO.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  San Francisco police officers recently made arrests in connection to two separate homicides.

One of the murder suspects, 18-year-old Hector Armando Lopez Romero, was arrested on Monday in the Mission, police said. Romero allegedly stabbed a victim to death on the morning of November 29 near Mission and Sycamore streets, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

Police did not release the victims identity.

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Khazar and Nima Momeni facing civil trial after murder verdict

Michael Javius, 22, of Hayward, was arrested last week in connection to an October 30 shooting in the Tenderloin that left one man dead, SFPD said. The victim was identified by the coroners office as 64-year-old William Edward Clark.

Investigators served search warrants and seized evidence from homes in San Francisco, Hayward and Antioch linking Javius to the homicide. He was booked into jail on suspicion of murder and conspiracy.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Anas Sarwar is an experienced parliamentarian, having spent five years in the House of Commons and, since 2016, a member of the Scottish Parliament. As leader of Scottish Labour, he knows a thing or two about politics.

He just hasnt quite got to grips with electronic voting in the Holyrood chamber.

Earlier this month he accidentally pressed the wrong button on the console in front of him, registering a vote against offering asylum seekers free bus travel  undoubtedly the right decision but, embarrassingly for Mr Sarwar, against his own party whip.

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Its easily done. Opposition and government MSPs have regularly been confused by the choice afforded them by the flashing lights on the consoles in front of them: votes have to be cast instantly, theres no time for further consultation. Even an attempt to ask a colleague to confirm whether you should be voting Yes or No might risk amused criticism or, even worse, being exposed as not having been paying attention to the debate just finished.

Yet this is the system that more than 60 of our tribunes in the House of Commons want to embrace once they have persuaded their colleagues to ditch the current system in which MPs troop through either the Aye or the Noe lobby to register their vote.

The traditional method of voting is certainly peculiar  peculiar in its methodology and peculiar to the Commons. Each vote takes about 15 minutes, if youre lucky: occasionally the result is deliberately delayed because a rebellious MP has hidden inside one of the toilets (there is one in each lobby), at which point the Speaker may instruct the Serjeant-at-Arms to sort it out.

Its all great fun. I admit I miss very little about being an MP but I do miss the voting: when the division bell rings throughout the parliamentary estate MPs must stop whatever theyre doing to attend the chamber and vote. Everything  lunch, phone calls, meetings, select committee business, correspondence  takes second place to getting to the chamber to vote.

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If youre unsure what the issue at hand is, worry not  theres a party or government whip outside the entrance to whichever lobby youre expected to go through. For the next ten or 15 minutes you can wander informally along, speaking to friends and colleagues, before finally filing past the clerks sitting on their tall chairs, whose job it is to put a line through your name as you pass.

Yes, it takes time, yes its unnecessarily convoluted. And like the first-past-the-post voting system, its a rubbish way of reaching a decision but its still better than all the alternatives.

Requiring MPs to attend in person to troop around lobbies adds little to our debates  with parliamentary TV enabling all MPs to listen to a debate virtually, time walking repeatedly in a circle and travelling to be in the lobbies could be better used to serve our constituents, write our petted-lipped parliamentarians to the Leader of the House, Lucy Powell.

And in that single paragraph lies the biggest weakness to the modernisers [sic] proposed reform: if they had their way, they would never have to attend the Commons at all. They would listen or watch it in the comfort of their Commons office, and at the end of each debate would simply log on to some website or other to deliver their considered verdict on the issue at hand. In fact, why bother attending the Commons at all? If voting is electric, just do it from home.

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Voting in person is valuable  probably essential. Attending the chamber, however resentful an MP might feel at such an obligation, gives you the opportunity to chew the fat with any number of colleagues on matters of the day. If any profession called for the need for its members to chat and swap intelligence and gossip regularly it is surely MPs.

Voting is also when you get the chance to rub shoulders with ministers, who are generally in their departments or on ministerial visits rather than the Commons most of the day. Taking aside a minister for a discreet chat, either about a political or a constituency issue, should not be an optional extra, but an essential responsibility.

During the fraught vote on the Iraq war in 2003, there were still many minutes left, after the Speaker called the vote, to persuade colleagues who were still wrestling with the dilemma of how to vote. I took the advantage of that short space of time to persuade at least one colleague to accompany me into the government lobby.

Now, for critics of the Iraq war, that might not be the best example to cite, but it is nevertheless illustrative of the fact that allowing MPs to be coaxed and argued with, even as voting is underway, is a valuable thing that should not be dispensed with lightly.

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But there will always be those politicians who yearn for a seat on the green benches, who will organise and conspire, perhaps over a period of years, to achieve their ambition, only to demand once they arrive that the institution of which theyre now a member must change radically to suit their own preferences.

But MPs already have more freedom to shape their own jobs  more than any other professional in the country. Their time is already their own: they get to choose which meetings to take, who they should meet, when to show up for work, how often they carry out advice surgeries. They have the choice to be hard-working or lazy, held accountable by their electors only once every four or five years.

But no, thats not enough for some of them. If theres a part of the job they still find a bit annoying, a bit inconvenient, then hundreds of years of tradition and practice must be ditched in favour of the colourless, bland, uninteresting, antiseptic process of electronic voting.

No other field of employment would indulge such arrogant levels of entitlement. Lets hope the Leader of the House knows exactly where to file this missive.

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Dec. 19OLYMPIA  The Washington State Department of Agriculture has announced the successful eradication of the northern giant hornet, a five-year effort involving state officials, local landowners, beekeepers and citizen scientists. The group effort eliminated the invasive species from the state when it could have spread from the northwestern corner of the Evergreen State to the rest of the region.

"It is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects," the Pest Program Manager at WSDA Sven-Erik Spichiger said.

This invasive species, known for its devastating impact on bee populations, was first detected in Washington in December 2019.

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"None of this would be possible without everybody in Washington State and also from other parts of the country and other parts of the world that really helped make this possible," Spichiger said.

He acknowledged the vital role played by landowners in Whatcom County, in particular.

"The landowners generously allowed us access to their properties for trapping and eradication activities," he said.

The cumulative efforts over the years led to the final trap being removed Dec. 5, with no additional hornets found since 2021.

"I am absolutely honored to announce that eradication has been achieved and it's a significant victory for everybody who's involved," Spichiger said.

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The eradication effort was multifaceted and involved various stakeholders, according to the WSDA press release. Local beekeepers took the initiative to aid the WSDA by deploying spring traps to capture emerging queens, while citizen scientists participated in trapping and monitoring activities.

"To me, this was absolutely huge because it allowed us to focus our resources in areas where we knew we had hornets," Spichiger said.

The eradication initiative was initiated in response to public concerns after reports surfaced in 2013 of 42 fatalities resulting from hornet attacks in China, prompting discussions on potential responses to invasive species in the U.S.

In 2016, a framework for responding to invasive hornets was developed, anticipating the need for rapid action in the event of an introduction. Spichiger explained how this groundwork supported their response strategy.

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"You know, we had a couple programs available that allowed citizen scientists to trap Asian giant hornets," Spichiger said, recognizing the important contributions from the community that led to success in the eradication process.

The cooperative efforts came to fruition when WSDA successfully located and eradicated the first nest in October 2020, facilitated by advanced tracking technology borrowed from the United States Department of Agriculture.

Nicole Russo, associate deputy administrator at USDA, expressed gratitude for the collaborative nature of the eradication.

"A strong partnership between USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and WSDA was an essential component of eradicating the Northern Giant Hornet from the United States," Russo said. "True to what we often see when partners come together to fight a destructive pest, a shared goal and determination brought promising results."

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As the battle against the hornet continued, community involvement became pivotal. Trappers worked in challenging conditions to check traps and check for hornet activity. During the three-year effort, multiple nests were detected and successfully eradicated.

Efforts took place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to further complications. Despite these challenges, the team succeeded in tracking and eradicating multiple hornet nests, employing innovative methods such as radio telemetry technology.

"The partnership with WSDA and APHIS was key to this remarkable accomplishment," Russo said, stating how the teams used tracking devices initially developed for other pest management efforts.

Greg Halbrick, assistant director of the Plant Protection Division at WSDA, emphasized the importance of community support in their operation.

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"The amazing citizens of Whatcom County, including the beekeepers and citizen scientists that hung their traps, were extremely helpful," he said.

Despite the announcement of eradication, Spichiger cautioned that vigilance must continue.

"Although it is an absolutely significant victory, we won this battle. The battle will continue," he said, citing the ongoing risk of other invasive species, such as the yellow-legged hornet and the southern giant hornet recently discovered in Spain.

The involvement of the community and multiple agencies proved critical in the success of the Asian giant hornet eradication project.

"The fact of the matter is, if the entire community hadn't stood up and taken action, there is a real good chance that we would just all be living with northern giant hornet for years to come," Spichiger said. "It is a very difficult task to eradicate an insect once it has become well established. And these were established enough that they were actually attacking resources already."
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Come 2025, some Kern and Tulare County voters may be partaking in yet another election.

This special election is to fill the 32nd Assembly District seat, vacated by now-Congressman Vince Fong.

Back in Oct. 2024, just a month before the general presidential election, 17 News spoke with the Congressman about the potential of a special election.

17s Jenny Huh: In terms of the logistics, a special election could happen?

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Rep. Vince Fong: Well cross the bridge if it happens. Well do another interview, and well discuss that option.

17s Jenny Huh: Im going to hold you to that.

Rep. Vince Fong: All right.

That special election is now a reality.

As former state Assemblyman Vince Fong became Congressman Fong, he left the 32nd Assembly District seat vacant.

Motorcyclist suffers major injuries after being hit by sedan on Wilson Rd.

He ran for Congress in the first place because his longtime mentor  Kevin McCarthy  resigned from the 20th Congressional District, following his ouster from the House speakership.

I found out Congressman McCarthy wasnt running for re-election when he came out with his Wall Street Journal op-ed, Fong said in a January 2024 episode of Kern County In-Depth with Alex Fisher.

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That was already after Fong declared re-election to the Assembly. So, Fong tried to run for Congress instead, to succeed McCarthy but, Californias Secretary of State argued a candidate can run only for one office in an election.

Fong disagreed, which led to a months-long lawsuit that Fong won. His name remained on the ballot for both CD-20 and AD-32.

Bakersfield City Councilmember Ken Weir attempted to succeed Fong this past presidential election. Kern Republicans, including Fong himself, rallied behind Weir but were unsuccessful.

Fong won both CD-20 and AD-32. So, AD-32 is vacant once again, and this 2025 special election will determine the next representative.

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Its unclear at this time if Ken Weir will run in the special. So far, Republican Stan Ellis and Democrat Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone have launched campaigns.

17s Jenny Huh: Are you the Kern County Republican candidate?

Stan Ellis: I would say so.

Bakersfield businessman Stan Ellis is sweeping the endorsements of prominent Republicans  Congressmen Fong and David Valadao, Sheriff Donny Youngblood, District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer and supervisors Phillip Peters, Jeff Flores, David Couch and Chris Parlier.

Number one is, we need critical infrastructure for water, Ellis said of his priorities. And we need clean water and sustainable water to our families and our farmersInstead of spending $128 billion on a rail that goes nowhere, high speed rail, why arent we putting that money into water infrastructure that will ultimately lower the price of food for families?

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Ellis said he moved to Bakersfield in 1975 for an oil field job.

Since then, hes gotten creative in many fields, especially science.

We have an opportunity through supply and demand to lower gas prices, the candidate began. When you start lowering gas prices, you bring water in, and you get cheap water, you lower food pricesScience can help us drive commonsense, which theyre lacking in my opinion.

His opponent Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone has a longtime background in education.

Shes the board president of the Bakersfield City School District and said shes been teaching in Kern since 2005.

Im tired of folks who dont have children, folks who have never been in a classroom, coming up with proclamations from Sacramento and sending them down, Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone said. In short, Im really sick of millionaires deciding whats best for my community.

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Cruz-Boone noted her focus is on everyday people, improving quality of education, affordability, public safety and drug prevention.

Im part of a lot of social media mom groups here in Kern and Tulare counties, the candidate said. Those moms barter formula and food so they can feed their family. Im running for folks like that. Im running for folks who work full-time jobs but have a side hustle just so they can afford Christmas for their kids.

Tax brackets and more are changing in 2024, 2025: What to know

AD-32 includes portions of Kern and Tulare counties, stretching south from Visalia to Bakersfield, and into Taft and Tehachapi.

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According to the Secretary of State, 25% of registered voters here are Democrats and 48% are Republicans. If a candidate gets a majority of the votes in the February primary, there will be no general election in April.

Interested candidates must finish paperwork with Elections by Thursday, January 2nd. According to Kern Elections, Ben Dewell has also pulled papers for this race.

Tulare Elections told 17 News as of Wednesday afternoon, no one had pulled papers to run.

Click here for the full interview with Stan Ellis.

Click here for the full interview with Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
China's special representative Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with India's special representative and National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 18, 2024.

China and India's special representatives on the boundary question held the 23rd meeting in Beijing on Wednesday and reached a six-point consensus. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and India's special representatives on the boundary question held the 23rd meeting in Beijing on Wednesday and reached a six-point consensus. It is the first meeting of its kind in five years.

Both sides agreed to continue taking measures to safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, and to continue seeking a package of solutions to the boundary question that is fair, reasonable and acceptable to both in accordance with the political guiding principles reached in 2005, according to the consensus.

They also agreed to further refine the rules for border area management and strengthen the construction of trust-building measures, to continue enhancing cross-border exchanges and cooperation to promote the resumption of Indian pilgrims' visits to China's Xizang, and to further strengthen the construction of the special representatives meeting mechanism.

A new round of the special representatives meeting will be held in India next year, according to the consensus.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of a stable, predictable, and sound China-India relationship for international and regional peace and stability.

China's special representative Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said that the leaders of the two countries met in October in Kazan, Russia, reaching important consensus on improving and developing bilateral relations, which set the course and direction for the recovery and development of China-India relationship at a critical moment.

Wang said both sides should, in the spirit of summarizing experience, looking to the future, and seeking win-win cooperation, place the boundary question in the appropriate position of bilateral relations, jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas, and promote an early return of China-India relations to a healthy and stable development track.

India's special representative and National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval said that both India and China have common interests and similar views, and it is necessary to coexist peacefully and develop together.

Doval said with the joint efforts of both sides, the issues related to the border areas have been properly resolved over the past five years, which is of great significance. The Indian side is willing to maintain pragmatic attitudes and effective communication with the Chinese side and continuously accumulate conditions for ultimately resolving the boundary question. 
The mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey, was charged with witness tampering this week after he was accused of asking his daughter to twist up her previous abuse allegations against him to the police, prosecutors said.

An Atlantic County grand jury indicted Mayor Marty Small Sr., 50, on Tuesday, County Prosecutor William Reynolds' office said in a news release .

Small and his wife, LaQuetta Small, the superintendent of Atlantic City Public Schools, were indicted in September on charges tied to endangering the welfare of their teenage daughter. The mayor was also indicted on charges of making terroristic threats and aggravated assault. The couple pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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Prosecutors alleged Wednesday that while those charges were pending, Small asked his daughter in September to reverse her previous abuse claims against him, "specifically by asking her to state that she tripped and fell in her room when her head was injured."

Authorities allege that Small made the request because of accusations that on Jan. 13 he struck his daughter in the head repeatedly with a broom, resulting in her losing consciousness.

Small blasted the new indictment in a statement Wednesday, saying his attorney Edwin Jacobs would handle any further comments.

"A bad prosecutor can indict a ham sandwich and this is what happened here," Small said in a statement. "We look forward to beating this bulls--- case, Eddie Jacobs will do the rest of the talking for me."

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Jacobs did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday evening.

In addition to the broom incident, Small and his wife are accused of emotionally and physically abusing their daughter on several other occasions in December and January, prosecutors said when they announced the earlier indictment.

During an argument on Jan. 3, the mayor threatened to harm his daughter by slamming her down the stairs, grabbing her head and tossing her to the ground, prosecutors asserted.

They also alleged that in another incident, he repeatedly punched his daughter's legs, bruising them. Prosecutors said that LaQuetta Small bruised her daughter by repeatedly punching her chest in one incident and that she abused her on other occasions.

Small was appointed mayor in 2019 after Frank Gilliam pleaded guilty to wire fraud and resigned. He was elected to a full four-year term in 2021.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed an appeal today in the Ingham County Circuit Court to reverse the parole granted to a convicted rapist.

William Lamont Bonds, 56, is currently incarcerated at the Carson City Correctional Facility. Bonds is scheduled to be released on parole on Feb. 20, 2025.

According to a news release sent to 6 News, Bonds sexually assaulted two victims in separate instances in 1992. He was found guilty by an Ingham County jury in 1993 of one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, one count of Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property over $100, and one count of Breaking and Entering an Occupied Building with Intent. These convictions stemmed from his rape of one victim at gunpoint. Bonds was sentenced to 30 to 45 years.

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He pled guilty to one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in 1994 after breaking into another victims home and raping her. He received an additional sentence of 25 to 45 years for this conviction.

The Parole Board granted him a 24-month term parole on November 14, 2024.

One of his victims contacted the Department of Attorney General seeking help to prevent Bonds release following the Parole Boards decision. The Department says the Parole Boards decision to, grant Bonds parole is a clear abuse of the Boards discretion.

Mr. Bonds is not a suitable candidate for parole, and the Parole Board decision to grant him parole again is both puzzling and dangerous, said Attorney General Dana Nessel in a news release sent to 6 News.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Grand Jury indicted 55-year-old Renee Lynn Strong of Springfield on 26 forgery-related charges.

Strong was a food inspector who is accused of submitting food inspection reports without actually doing the inspections at restaurants and other businesses that sell food.

This latest case brings the total number of DCI investigations into wrong doing by state employees to four. And the Attorney General was clear more arrests could be coming.

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There are additional investigations occurring that Ive spoken to and it would not be appropriate at this time, Jackley told us on Tuesday at a press conference in Sioux Falls.

With more investigations underway, Jackley is calling for changes in Pierre. He plans to introduce legislation that would require state employees to notify the Attorney Generals Office of suspected felonies. Jackley also talked about giving more teeth to the states auditing process.

He also wants to expand whistle-blower protections and increase transparency into state business.

Council outlines next actions for Riverline District

I would tell you that the legislation that I have drafted has gone to LRC for final editing and it will go to the chairs of the respective, typically judiciary sometimes it is state affairs, and then it will be made public hopefully well in advance of the session, said Jackley.

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State lawmakers like Representative David Kull of Brandon are well aware of the fraud and theft cases. Kull, a retired police chief, sits on the Judiciary Committee and believes the legislature will be receptive.

With the investigations going on I anticipate that the Attorney Generals office has identified some areas that could use some help. Our job will be to take a look at the legislation thats brought in, go through it, listen to testimony and then make a decision. I anticipate that what we will get is going to make sense, said Kull.

Governor Kristi Noem says she supports legislation that would add clearer and stronger accountability measures for the states 14,000 employees. The 100th South Dakota legislative session opens on January 14th.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Prosecutors are seeking a protective order to block the release of sensitive information in the case of the Jackson bribery scandal.

On December 9, representatives from the U.S. Attorneys Office requested the protective order, which seeks to protect the disclosure of personal identifiable information, financial information, grand jury testimony and other sensitive witness statements.

The motion stated, If this information were to be publicly disclosed, such disclosure might impede other investigations, substantially impair the privacy of third-party witnesses, and jeopardize the defendants right to a fair trial.

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According to court documents, the government has consulted with the defense counsel for Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba and Jackson City Councilman Aaron Banks, Ward 6.

Hinds County DA, Jackson councilman indicted in bribery scandal along with mayor

Prosecutors said Owens and Lumumba have not objection to the court entering the proposed protective order. They said Owens requested to reserve the right to later move the court to

expand the protective order to include the prosecution team as well as the defense.

According to documents, Banks had no objection to the order, but he objected to the inclusion of names of witnesses as an additional restriction on public disclosure in motion practice.

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Motion for protective order concerning discovery material in Jackson bribery caseDownload

Lumumba, Owens and Banks were indicted in connection to the bribery scandal.

Owens has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. Lumumba has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. Banks has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering.

According to the unsealed indictment, Owens conspired with Lumumba, Banks, former Jackson City Councilwoman Angelique Lee, Ward 2, Sherik Marve Smith and others to carry out a bribery scheme to enrich themselves from October 2023 to May 2024.

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The documents stated that Owens, on behalf of two individuals purporting to be real estate developers from Nashville, Tennessee, facilitated more than $80,000 in bribe payments to Banks, Lumumba and Lee in exchange for their agreement to take official action to ensure the approval of the developers proposed downtown Jackson development project. The two developers were confidential human sources for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Owens allegedly solicited and accepted at least $115,000 in cash and promises of future financial benefits from the developers to use his relationships with Banks, Lumumba and Lee to act as an intermediary for the over $80,000 in bribe payments.

In January 2024, Banks allegedly solicited a $50,000 bribe in exchange for future votes in favor of the project. The documents stated that he also accepted an initial payment of $10,000 in cash from the developers via Owens in February 2024, along with a promise of funding for the employment of a family member and a protective detail service.

Reaction to Jacksons bribery scandal after recent indictments

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Prosecutors said Lee accepted cash, deposits and other gifts for her future votes in favor of the proposed real estate development project in the City of Jackson. The documents showed that Lee accepted $19,000 from February 2024 to March 2024.

The court documents stated that about March and April 2024, Lumumba accepted a bribe payment of $50,000 from the developers via Owens in the form of five $10,000 campaign-donation checks to disguise the true source of the funds in an attempt to avoid scrutiny from the public and law enforcement.

Lumumba directed a city employee to move a deadline to favor the purported developers project, and Banks and Lee agreed to vote in favor of it, according to the indictments unsealed Thursday.

Owens, Lumumba, Smith and the purported developers traveled in April on a private jet paid by the FBI to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, according to the newly unsealed indictment. During a meeting on a yacht that was recorded on audio and video, Lumumba received five campaign checks for $10,000 each, and he called a Jackson city employee and instructed that person to move a deadline for submission of proposals to develop the property near the convention center, the indictment says. The deadline was moved in a way to benefit the purported developers who were working for the FBI by likely eliminating any of their competition, the indictment says.

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Banks, Lumumba and Owens previously pled not guilty to the charges against them, and they each received a $10,000 unsecured bond. Banks, Lumumba and Owens were ordered to give up their passports. Their trial was continued, but a new date has not been announced.

Lee and Sherik Marve Smith were previously charged in connection to a bribery scandal.

Smith  who is an insurance broker and a relative of Owens, according to court documents  was charged with conspiracy to commit bribery. Smith waived his right to prosecution by indictment and consented to prosecution by information, and he pled guilty to the charge. His sentencing has been scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on February 19, 2025.

Smith conspired to give cash payments and campaign contributions to two Jackson elected officials, and the money came from the purported developers who were working for the FBI, according to court documents.

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The case was brought against Lee in August 2024, and she resigned from the Jackson City Council after she was charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.

Investigators said the FBI raided Lees home in May 2024 and found items in connection to the bribery case, except a sweatshirt and perfume. The Associated Press reported the seizure occurred on the same day agents raided the offices of Owens and the downtown cigar shop that he owns.

Among the items found in the district attorneys office was a lockbox made to look like a book labeled as the U.S. Constitution, containing about $20,000 in cash, with about $9,900 showing serial numbers confirming it was paid by the purported developers to Owens, according to the newly unsealed indictment.

Lee pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery, and her sentencing was pushed back to a later date.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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On Monday night, Auburns newly appointed Deputy Mayor, Cheryl Rakes, was set to be sworn in. Right before that, her 2016 Kia Soul, which was parked in front of city hall, was stolen.

I was going to print out my speech I was going to make. That kind of stuff. I went back to my car at about 6:30 and my car was gone, Rakes said. So I called my husband and said did you come pick up car? And hes like no, she continued.

She immediately reported the theft to Auburn Police and thanks to the citys new flock cameras that can detect license plates on stolen vehicles, they were able to track her car down.

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Police found the car damaged and abandoned at an apartment complex about ten minutes away, which Rakes says is about three blocks from where she lives.

The whole column steering is all broken out and they broke the back window, too, Rakes said.

Auburn Police believe at this time that 4 to 5 juveniles stole Rakes car. Rakes tells KIRO7 shes thankful her car wasnt used in any sort of crime or hurt anyone, but she isnt thrilled what the alleged thieves threw out of her car.

I had some Christmas stuff I had in there that I just picked up and was going to take home after the council meeting, Rakes said.

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Auto thefts have been a problem in Western Washington since the pandemic; however, the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force released new data early in the year that suggests auto thefts went down 30% from 2023.

Thats helpful, but like I said its still going on and the problem with the Kias is that not all of them have been fixed yet, Jim Fuda with Crimestoppers said.

Auburns new Deputy Mayor is looking at the positives in this like how the new flock cameras that were installed over the summer have paid off.

Im very glad that we okayed the flock cameras and since the summer time theyve recovered a lot of stolen cars, Rakes said.

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Rakes hopes what happened to her can open the eyes of lawmakers in Olympia on how the state needs to be harder on teen crime.

But there also needs to be accountability. And right now they know theyre not being held accountable, Rakes said.

Auburn Police say no arrests have been made at this time.
Four years ago, the former British colony wedged between India and China promised so much.

A half-century of military rule had given way to a government with a popular leader elected cleanly, with a mandate to transform South-East Asias most impoverished country into a model of what democracy can achieve, even in countries with shallow democratic roots.

Today that leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, eighty next year, is locked in a jungle jail with no prospect of release, while the army with whom she had shared power since 2016 fights a brutal civil war on multiple fronts that has claimed thousands of lives. The countrys ten-year democratic experiment has been shot down in flames.

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The immediate culprit is obvious: the Burmese military has reverted to brutal type. It is again doing what it has done for most of Myanmars independent history  getting rich, while keeping its people poor.

But in this Independent TV documentary, former ambassador Sir John Jenkins argues that we in the West are to blame, too.

(The Independent)

It was Suu Kyis loss of support in the West which emboldened the army to do what it had been itching to do for years and dump her.

Suu Kyis father, Aung San, was the founder of the Burmese army, but her political career was founded on challenging its usurpation of civil power. In her very first speech she did the unthinkable and attacked the armys then leader directly.

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Over the years the army fought back by locking her up, isolating her from her family, banning her party, making any reference to her a criminal matter.

When at last in 2010, after nearly 20 years of confinement, she was freed and allowed into the political arena, it was because she had powerful friends in the West.

The Burmese military understood early on that Suu Kyi was far more than a voluble irritant. From the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 to the honorary doctorate from Oxford University in 2011, she was, as the militarys propaganda put it, the Wests poster girl.

She was blamed for the sanctions imposed on Myanmars economy, for causing her country to lose face in the worlds eyes. But her popularity in the West meant she could not be ignored.

Suu Kyis father, Aung San, was the founder of the Burmese army, but her political career was founded on challenging its usurpation of civil power (Ann Pasternak Slater)

Eventually the shrewdest of Burmas senior generals, Thein Sein, realised that he could use her reputation in the West to his own advantage: by entering politics under tight constitutional restraints, as the armys junior partner, she could bring Myanmar in from the diplomatic cold.

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With strong encouragement from President Obama, thats what happened. In the general election of 2015 Suu Kyi became Myanmars first honestly elected leader since 1962.

But her triumph concealed a fatal weakness. The West had made her; so when she took what seemed to us wrong turns, it was like a protege going rogue.

When in 2017 the army launched an offensive against the oppressed Rohingya minority in Rakhine state, she failed to do what we felt she ought and denounce it.

With strong encouragement from President Obama, in the general election of 2015 Suu Kyi became Myanmars first honestly elected leader since 1962 (AFP via Getty Images)

Then in 2019 when the army was accused by Gambia of genocide, she took it into her head to go to the International Court of Justice in the Hague and defend it.

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Why go out on a limb like this, on the armys behalf?

The obvious explanation  to ingratiate herself with the army top command  is implausible: Suu Kyi has never done anything to make herself amiable to the army.

Rather, as she told the court, she felt the charges to be unjust, and duty bound as leader to say so, to defend her country. Fierce nationalism has been Suu Kyis motivation all her life. It trumps everything else.

But if she didnt aim to please the generals, neither did she feel the need to consider the effect of her Hague trip on the West.

A supporter kisses Aung San Suu Kyi, then leader of the National League for Democracy (Getty)

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Weighing likely consequences has never been Suu Kyis style, which makes her success even more extraordinary. She has always been a most unpolitical, other-worldly politician.

Upshot: her reputation in the West, on the slide since 2017, plummeted to the depths. The generals took note  the Lady no longer had powerful friends to call on. Barely a year later they swept her aside, locked her up and threw away the key.

Its a tragic story in which the Wests rush to judgement has had appalling consequences. Not for us, of course: we simply dropped Suu Kyi and her faraway country into the memory hole. But for a country which once had a future.
Dec. 18LIMA  Aunt Millie's Bakeries celebrated the holiday season by donating 2,000 loaves of bread to the West Ohio Food Bank on Monday, according to a press release.

The tradition of donating bread began 15 years ago, resulting in 700,000 donated loaves across the Midwest.

Aunt Millie's began donations in November and will continue through December. This year, more than 70,000 loaves of its Seeded Italian bread are expected to be donated to 40 food banks across 35 cities.

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"Our company has been very fortunate and our team feels blessed to be able to help put bread on the table for families who are going through a difficult time," John Popp, president, said in a press release.

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(Bloomberg) -- Australia will try to rein in a spike in international student arrivals by imposing different speeds of visa processing, in the latest effort by the center-left government to cut migration numbers ahead of an expected tight election.

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Education Minister Jason Clare on Thursday announced the new ministerial direction, which he said would prioritize the processing of visa applications for those universities and colleges that are operating sustainably.

Under the changes, there will be two categories of visa processing: high priority and standard. Education providers will receive quick approvals up until they hit 80% of their international student allotment, which was previously flagged under legislation to cap arrivals. After that, visas will be processed at a slower pace.

The ministerial direction is a fallback option after legislation to cap international student allocations at universities and skills colleges was rejected by the parliament. The center-right opposition decided to vote against the plan, despite insisting it wanted to see caps on international students as well.

Australia is due to hold an election by May 17 and opinion polls show the Labor government and Liberal-National opposition are running neck-and-neck.

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Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Thursday, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the change would ensure that visa applications are processed in a way that those student numbers can be managed and also applications can flow to regional and smaller universities.

Labor is looking for ways to rein in new arrivals ahead of the election in which the high level of post-pandemic immigration is expected to be a major issue. Estimates for net overseas migration this fiscal year were revised up to 340,000 on Wednesday from 260,000 forecast in May.

However, figures released last week showed there had been a 25% drop in student visa arrivals in the 12 months through June 2024, falling to 207,000 from 278,000 a year earlier.

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The opposition has accused the government of failing to contain net migration, saying its exacerbating a national housing shortage that has seen property prices and rents soar across Australia.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By Francois Murphy

VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria is reviewing the status of Syrian refugees who arrived less than five years ago, Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Thursday after media reports that some had been notified by letter that they "no longer have to fear political persecution".

Nehammer, a conservative who is trying to form a new coalition government while under fire from the far right, pounced on the fall of Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, saying the same day that the security situation in Syria should be reviewed so as to allow deportations there.

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Since then he and his caretaker government have clarified that their initial focus will be on voluntary deportations, with those volunteering to return home being offered 1,000 euros($1,037). Austria is also among more than a dozen European countries to suspend the processing of Syrians' asylum claims.

"Austria ... is now reviewing the eligibility for protection of Syrians who have been in the country for less than 5 years," Nehammer said on X.

Austrian law allows the authorities to revoke a refugee's status in some cases within five years of it being granted. Syrians are the biggest group of asylum seekers in Austria.

Nehammer's People's Party (OVP) has made a hard line on immigration one of its hallmarks, to the point that the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) has accused it of stealing its ideas.

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The eurosceptic, Russia-friendly FPO won a parliamentary election on Sept. 29 but, having secured around 29% of the vote, it would have needed a coalition partner to command a majority in parliament and form a government.

Since none was immediately forthcoming, Austria's president tasked Nehammer with forming a government. Nehammer is in talks with the Social Democrats and the liberal Neos.

News magazine Profil reported earlier on Thursday that some Syrian refugees had received letters from Austrian authorities informing them that proceedings to potentially strip them of their refugee status were being initiated because "the situation in the country of origin has changed".

The United Nations' refugee agency said it was "clearly premature" to initiate such proceedings.

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"They should only be initiated if the situation in the country of origin has fundamentally changed and a safe, permanent return would in fact be possible for those affected," the UNHCR's Austria chief Christoph Pinter said in a statement.

"That is definitely not the case at the moment."

($1 = 0.9646 euros)

(Reporting by Francois Murphy; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Two women were arrested in Los Angeles, California, for the murder of a man in Albuquerque in August.

Albuquerque Police charged Katherine Silas, 23, and Samanta Villalba, 27, with an open count of murder and tampering with evidence for shooting and killing Adam Morres, 24, on Aug. 22. Police said Morres was murdered just hours after he was released from jail.

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Police responded to the shooting around 6:30 a.m. at 516 Hermosa Dr., SE. Morres, was found in the drivers seat of a silver Toyota vehicle and had a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to the hospital, but he died as a result of his injuries two days later.

Homicide detectives determined through investigation that Morres knew Silas and Villalba and detectives believe that Villalba and Silas were upset with Morres for betraying them.

The two women were previously indicted in January 2024 in Arizona for trafficking drugs, police said.

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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.
SANAA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said in a statement on Thursday morning that they had attacked two military targets in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv with "two hypersonic ballistic rockets."

"In support of the Palestinian people in Gaza ... we carried out a qualitative military operation targeting two sensitive military targets of the Israeli enemy in the Jaffa area (Tel Aviv) with two hypersonic ballistic rockets," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in the statement, aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

"The operation achieved its goals successfully," he said. 
SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WKRN)  Two Middle Tennessee businesses will receive funds from a settlement related to a hemp seizure earlier this year.

In May, the Spring Hill Police Department (SHPD) seized 231 pounds of hemp products valued at $1.35 million from Old School Vapor and SAK Wholesale.

MAY: Feels like we got stolen from Lawsuit filed after $1M of hemp seized in Spring Hill

Following the seizure, the businesses sued the SHPD and District Attorney Brent Cooper. News 2 previously reported that the companies claimed the hemp products were legal.

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A Wednesday press release from a law firm connected with the suit announced the SHPD and the state of Tennessee will be responsible for compensating the businesses for their losses. The press release indicated the businesses would recover $735,000. The law firm added the outcome of the settlement sends a message about protecting legal business interests.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

This settlement is more than a financial recoveryits a critical statement about law

enforcements responsibility to understand and respect the law, Alex Little, an attorney at

Litson PLLC, said in a Wednesday press release. Hemp is a legal agricultural product, and businesses should not live in fear of arbitrary seizures based on ignorance.

The announcement added authorities have not admitted wrongdoing in this case. In a statement sent to News 2, the City of Spring Hill reaffirmed that it does not admit any wrongdoing in this case.

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Officers receive frequent training on hemp laws but this is an area of law quickly evolving with additional changes expected to be mandated by the State of Tennessee in 2025, the statement added. The City will remain vigilant in its training to make sure officers understand the law and best practices relative to the same.

The SHPD explained that parties had reached a tentative settlement of $750,000 with the SHPD expected to pay $375,000 while the state of Tennessee pays the other $375,000. The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen have to approve all lawsuit settlements prior to payment, the SHPD added.

Little told News 2 on Thursday he believes the settlement sets a precedent.

Ultimately police officers have to carry out the law and is this area the law has changed and is continuing to change and so its really important that law enforcement stays up to date as to what those laws are. Here that didnt happen, said Little. The state doesnt willingly give up 700 thousand dollars unless theres been a real issue and I think its important that the state had to pay that money here, not just to make sure that my client was repaid for the harm, but also as an indicator to other law enforcement in the future not to do the same thing.

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The vote on this payment will likely occur early next year, the SHPD said; funding for the settlement would come from the citys insurance fund.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Warren business is frustrated after a car crashed into its building last night. The car hit multiple other cars waiting for repairs.

Read next: Big Lots: Going out of business sales to begin at all locations

It happened at B&M Automotive where five cars were damaged. One of them belongs to the owner Mike Salsgiver. Hes worried it could happen again.

This is the second time that somebodys drove through my fence, and its just an ongoing  its a bad intersection here, he said.

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The intersection is Southern Boulevard and West Market Street. Police were chasing a car last night with three people inside. While trying to outrun police, the car went through the stop sign and broke through a fence at B&M. Automotive. Another of the damaged cars belongs to Xyari Williams Gonzalez, who works at B&M.

Im not trying to flip out, but yeah, Im very, very angry at the person who did it. Because why are you speeding, doing all that? Williams Gonzalez said.

The driver was cited for the crash. All three people in the car went to the hospital. The police report doesnt say why the car was being chased.

Traffic lights used to hang over the intersection alerting drivers, but those were taken down years ago.

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Theres no red lights here, no stop sign. The stop sign, you can barely see it over there. They fly on this road and run right into my stuff, and Im losing all my property behind this stuff, Salsgiver said.

There was a similar accident three years ago and another in October, with another of Salsgivers personal vehicles being damaged in that incident, too. He just paid the $7,500 bill to fix the fence and now its torn apart again.

The city needs to do something about it. This is ridiculous that this keeps happening, Williams Gonzalez said.

Salsgiver is also growing tired of the damage.

Somethings gotta be done  guardrails, something like that, red lights, something to stop them from coming in here, Salsgiver said.

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Salsgiver says its a main intersection and the problem should be addressed.

Police estimated the car was going close to 90 miles per hour before the crash.

The shop sits in Councilman Ron White, Sr.s ward. He plans to go there Thursday to talk to the owner about possible solutions to the issue.

White says theres a stop sign there that didnt stop the driver and doesnt believe a light will stop a criminal trying to get away from 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 WKBN.com.
(WFRV)  There have been recent reports of avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, impacting area wildlife.

More than a dozen geese were found dead at Duck Creek Quarry in the Village of Howard on Monday, with testing still underway.

Junk King Green Bay-Appleton teams up to donate toys to local underprivileged children

Avian influenza is an influenza virus that occurs in birds, particularly our waterfowl. Species are natural reservoirs and have a whole string of these viruses, said DNR Wildlife Health Section Supervisor Jasmine Batten. The Village of Howard did work with our wildlife biologist to collect specimens. They have been submitted, so we cant confirm that it is avian influenza without that testing.

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Some areas at the quarry appeared to be blocked off to the public. This keeps people from entering and tracking the virus back home by getting in contact with other people or animals.

Brown County Public Health provided the following statement regarding the potential human impact of avian flu cases in geese recently discovered in Howard:

Brown County currently does not have any confirmed human cases, and the risk to the general public remains low.

Meanwhile, there was a confirmed case in a backyard poultry flock in Kenosha County. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) identified the case of highly pathogenic avian influenza Wednesday afternoon.

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When bird flu is diagnosed in a Wisconsin poultry flock, a control area is established within a 10-kilometer radius around the infected premises, restricting movement on or off any premises with poultry.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection issued the following statement in part:

DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) animal health officials are working together in a joint incident response. The affected premises will not move poultry or poultry products, and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.

Batten with the DNR also said it is important to stay clear of areas where sick or dead birds have been reported.

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Its important to share information with the Department of Natural Resources about sick and dead wildlife, especially groups of wildlife on a landscape, she said. That is really important for us to be able to monitor the health of our wildlife and track impacts of disease outbreaks.

The first presumptive positive human case was detected in Barron County also Wednesday afternoon.

There was no connection between the Kenosha flock and the Barron County human case; however, experts with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services warned the general public about taking additional safety precautions.

One way to try to reduce the number of infections is to prevent them if at all possible in the first place, said Wisconsin State Veterinarian Dr. Darlene Konkle. Washing hands before feeding or working with animals, wearing dedicated boots or clothing when working with animals to avoid tracking the virus into the barns or flocks.

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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also issued the following statement, in part, addressing the first presumptive positive human case in the state:

Wisconsin DHS warns against holiday tradition of eating cannibal sandwiches

The person had exposure to the infected flock. The case was identified through testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH) and is pending confirmation at CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). DHS, in coordination with Barron County Health and Human Services, is monitoring farm workers who may have been exposed to the virus and has provided them with information to protect their health.

Prevention information for farmworkers or others who have close contact with birds, dairy cows, or other relevant animals can be found under Protective Actions for People.

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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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
On Sept 2, a discreet, camera-shy pensioner with a red bob and dark glasses walked tentatively into the Vaucluse criminal court in Avignon, southern France.

Little did Gisele Pelicot or the rest of France know that in the course of the next three and a half months, her plight would trigger global soul-searching about rape culture and consent. It would also lay bare a family drama that is scarcely believable even in the retelling.

On Thursday, her husband of 50 years was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to 20 years in jail.

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It is easy to see why prosecutors criticised French law for being unable to keep him in for a longer period given the seriousness of the acts that were committed and repeated.

Prosecutors had asked for the other 50 defendants to receive terms of between four to 18 years.

When the case opened in September, the public wondered why a perfect, loving, attentive and caring (in Ms Pelicots words) middle-class husband secretly drugged his wife into chemical submission by mixing anti-anxiety drugs into her mashed potato, raspberry ice cream and rose.

A court-sketch of Ms Pelicot during the hearing of the verdicts - BENOIT PEYRUCQ

Dominique Pelicot would then invite scores of men he met on an online chat room called without her knowledge to rape her 200 times in her own home over a decade without raising suspicions from his wife or other family members.

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There was shock at the sheer number of men involved and the fact that most came from towns and villages in a 50km (30-mile) radius of Mazan, the village in Provence where the Pelicots lived.

Whether fireman, soldier, nurse, company boss, or truck driver, their Monsieur Tout-le-Monde (everyman) status reflected a cross-section of French society that brought the case uncomfortably close to home.

Were not monsters, were men like all of you, Paul Grovogui, 31, a food processing plant worker facing 10 years, told the court. Weve all got a life, a family life, we all functioned normally.

Why did they all go to the Pelicots home? And why did they stay? The trial would struggle to provide answers to those questions.

Reuters

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Then there was the staggering amount of evidence: crucially Mr Pelicot had filmed every sexual act on his wife and meticulously archived them in a computer file called abuse.

Yet there was one key ingredient to catapult the mass rape case to a landmark trial of societal proportions: Ms Pelicot herself.

You could feel it as soon as the diminutive pensioner stepped purposefully into court in a floral dress to face her husband of 50 years and a roomful of unknown aggressors. She was calm, composed and brave. Her head was held high. By her side were the couples three children Florian, David and Caroline.

In a historic opening moment, Roger Arata  the presiding judge who led a panel of five magistrates  told a packed courtroom and second spillover chamber for scores of international journalists that all hearings would be public.

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Defence lawyers had pointed out that footage shot by the husband would be shown to the court and that not only would it be dangerous to hold the proceedings in public, but it would also undermine the dignity of the individuals concerned. Some had warned the trial risked becoming a spectacle.

Defendants in the courtroom - Reuters

To no avail. Ms Pelicots wish to waive anonymity and for complete publicity until the end of the court case was granted.

She wants to raise awareness, as widely as possible, of what happened to her so that events like these never happen again, said one of her lawyers, Stephane Babonneau

While it promised to be harrowing, this would be a trial for all to see and for posterity.

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On that first day, Mr Pelicot, a frail but physically imposing white-haired retiree in a black T-shirt, appeared only to confirm his address, telling the judge: You know my home, its prison.

Eighteen of the 51 accused including Mr Pelicot were in custody. One still at large would be judged in absentia, while 32 other defendants attended the trial as free men, meaning they would walk in every day through the same door as Ms Pelicot.

Those who arrived free sauntered in or even cracked jokes amongst themselves, as if they could control the narrative.

Caroline Darian arrives at the Avignon courthouse - Sylvain Thomas/AFP

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But very quickly, it became clear that Ms Pelicot, not they, would call the shots.

She refused to be typecast as the frail victim while also confiding her robust exterior hid inner torment: The facade looks solid, but inside, its a field of ruins. Everything needs to be rebuilt.

By contrast, her daughter, who uses the pen name Caroline Darian and has written a book called And I Stopped Calling him Dad, was the first to crumble, leaving the room in tears 20 minutes into proceedings.

Judge Arata had recounted how naked photomontages of Ms Darian in her mothers underwear had been found on her fathers computer in a folder titled Around my daughter, naked.

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Dramatic courtroom clashes between the pair would later ensue over whether he had drugged and abused her  an allegation he denies.

Ms Pelicots children had said they were disappointed by the low sentences handed out - MIGUEL MEDINA

She needs an audible and human response to the actions she says she is convinced she suffered at his hands, Antoine Camus, her lawyer, told the court early in the trial.

I am not going to try to convince her with perverse answers, Mr Pelicot replied. I dont remember taking these photos. I tell her straight in the eyes that I never touched her.

He then turned to her directly and said: Caroline, I have never done anything to you.

You are lying. I am sick of your lies, Ms Darian screamed back.

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This was just one string of sibling flare-ups revealing how this horrific scenario had ripped apart an until-then contented middle-class French family.

For me, this is the trial of a whole family, which has been totally destroyed, David, 50, the Pelicots oldest son would later tell his father  a word he refused to utter, preferring this man in the dock.

Two men, who hid their faces, leave court in Avignon - Alexandre Dimou/Reuters

Carpentry fitter Vincent Couillet, 43, an alcoholic from adolescence and a libertine, said he was convinced he was going to take part in a threesome, but she was clearly unconscious when he arrived.

Arriving the first time in Mazan, he was greeted by Mr Pelicot, who said: Come on, shes taken her sleeping pill, well go and wake her up.

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Footage of the ensuing scene shows Ms Pelicot, lying inert on her side while the two men proceed to penetrate her.

At the time, I found it strange, but I felt confident, I thought I was invited by the couple. Id never have imagined that he could do that to his wife behind her back, said Couillet.

Three months later, he was back chatting to Mr Pelicot on the internet, on the coco.fr website.

I point out that Ive been there before and found it weird. He said: No, we watched the video and she liked it. That closed the doors of doubt, he told the court.

So he returned to Mazan, committing more sexual acts on Ms Pelicot as she snored heavily.

What interest do you see in having sex with a totally inert body?, asked the judge. No interest for me, but it was for the couple, to satisfy them, he responded So it was out of pure kindness, hit back lead prosecutor Laure Chabaud.

Gisele Pelicot next to a mural of her, created by street artist LaDame Quicolle - Christophe Simon/AFP via Getty

This was too much for Ms Pelicot. I cant stand that man! the septuagenarian shouted as she walked out  one of only two such occasions during the trial.

Perhaps the lamest excuse of all came from Ahmed Tbarak, a 54-year-old plumber who has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 30 years. He said if he had wanted to rape someone, Id have chosen a better-looking woman.

Others alleged Mr Pelicot spiked their drinks, a claim he has denied. One lawyer even blamed testosterone, to the fury of feminists.

The majority, however, maintained they were manipulated or duped by Mr Pelicot, who convinced them they were taking part in a sex game with a consensual couple.

The only one of the 51 men who was not accused of raping Ms Pelicot is Jean-Pierre Marechal.

Dubbed Mr Pelicots disciple, Mr Marechal, 63, learnt from him how to drug and abuse his own wife for five years and admits it.

If I had not met Mr Pelicot, I would have never committed this act. He was reassuring, like a cousin, he told the court. Prosecutors sought a 17-year jail term.

I was like a remote-controlled zombie, argued HIV-positive Romain Vandevelde, claiming that on each of his six visits to the Pelicot home he was under the husbands sway.

I dont even understand how he managed to get me to come here six times, he explained, prompting astonishment from the court.

Did the accused ever bother to ask for the victims consent, asked the presiding magistrate?

I had the husbands authorisation, replied Vandevelde. I thought she was semi-awake, tired. We all get drowsy.

Did you get the same feeling every time? Seriously? Mr. Arata asked incredulously.

Yes yes, the accused simply replied.

Damning videos were then played in which Vandevelde kissed Ms Pelicot and performed various sexual acts while she lay comatose. He gave a thumbs-up to a camera he claimed he didnt know was filming.

In view of these facts ... Did you rape Madame Pelicot? asked Stephane Babonneau, one of Ms Pelicots lawyers, repeatedly.

No, and I dont know anything about it, Vandevelde insisted.

I had no intention of raping Madame. Im very, very sorry, he persisted.

Ms Pelicot blanked him, preferring to chat with her psychologist.

Defence lawyers cast Mr Pelicot as a wolf, an ogre, a paraphilic bomb or even a Minotaur, half-man half-bull, devoured by his impulses and in need of fresh flesh.

One of the defendants arrives at the courthouse in Avignon - SYLVAIN THOMAS

Their arguments were summed up by Nadia El Bouroumi, the defence lawyer who courted controversy later by singing Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Whams 1980s hit song, in a social media post.

This isnt the trial of the 50 bastards from the Vaucluse. Its about the lives of poor people who had the misfortune to meet who? Dominique Pelicot, she told the court.

I defend men who represent normality, but Dominique Pelicot is the exception. Hes the one whos making this trial out of the ordinary! Ms Bouroumi argued.

The power of the serial rapist, she went on, is to get Madame Pelicot, who lived with him for decades, to say that he was a nice guy. And I believe you, Madame Pelicot! All I ask is that you believe these men were also victims of your husband.

To support their argument, defence lawyers showed 27 photos apparently showing Ms Pelicot in various erotic poses that her husband sent to several accused, asking her whether the men could have been duped into thinking this was a sexual game.

When they arrived in the bedroom, they clearly saw that I wasnt the same woman, she responded.

Supporters applaud Ms Pelicot, who exposed her abusers to the world - AFP

That is not my question, said one defence lawyer. That is my answer.

Mr Pelicot insisted they were all informed.

He gave them instructions to avoid waking her up or leaving traces that they had been there  such as warming their hands before touching his wife, or not smelling of perfume or cigarettes, he said.

Among the handful who pleaded guilty was Cedric Grassot, 50, a computer technician, who said: Madame Pelicot, I was your rapist I was your tormentor.

Grassot, who had been raped by his uncle when he was a teenager, traced the start of his hellish descent to a romantic break-up at the age of 20. I lost everything. I could have sunk into alcohol or drugs. I turned to sex.

He said he had a plan that never came to fruition to emulate Pelicot and drug an ex-girlfriend. Pelicot even gave him the Temesta to do so.

Grassot was also charged with the possession of child pornography images. Among his photo montages was the face of one of his ex-girlfriends daughters. He claimed he was under the sway of a domineering Mr Pelicot who retorted: Hes much more perverse than I am.

In terms of deviancy, Ive beaten quite a few records, Grassot conceded.

Dominique Pelicot has been sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison

While the huge number of defendants in court saw character investigations reduced to a matter of hours at best, this proved enough to get a glimpse of the abuse and trauma many have endured in their lives.

Redouane Azougagh, 40, unemployed, told the court he had been sexually abused by an old man in a park when he was 10 years old, a trauma he had never told anyone about before being quizzed by a psychiatrist ahead of the trial.

Fabien Sotto, a 39-year-old man with several previous convictions including drug dealing and sexual assault of a minor, was beaten and sexually abused in a foster family and only realised he had suffered rape when speaking to psychiatrist appointments ordered by the court.

Wives, partners and family members of the defendants were called up to give character statements. Some were disgusted, others offered blind support or displayed apparent cognitive dissonance with a reality too hard to take in.

I was shocked, it doesnt sound like him at all. He was the joy of my life, said the father of Christian Leleu. The fireman is also being investigated for possessing child abuse imagery, as are four others, and faces 16 years in jail. Something must have happened, he must have become depressed, his father mused.

Protesters demonstrate against sexual violence outside the court where Dominique Pelicot has been on trial - Yoan Valat/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Gregory Serviols partner of seven years stood by him. Pregnant with their third child, she said of the plasterer: I dont see him as a rapist. Its not him.

I will always be there for him, whatever happens, said the ex-girlfriend of Guyana-born Joan Kawai.

Many former and current partners of the defendants have undergone tests to see if they too could have been drugged like Ms Pelicot.

As the trial wound up after 15 weeks, Laure Chabaud, the lead prosecutor, told judges: With your verdict, you will make clear that there is no such thing as ordinary rape.

You will deliver a message of hope to the victims of sexual violence and return a part of humanity to Gisele Pelicot that she was robbed of, she said.

Her words echoed those of Ms Pelicots closing statement, in which she said: Its time that the macho, patriarchal society that trivialises rape changes.

Its time we changed the way we look at rape.

Ms Pelicot said it was time to change the way we look at rape - Alexandre Dimou/Reuters

Defence lawyers, on the other hand, urged magistrates to refuse to turn a courtroom into a platform for one cause, that of women, and to show judicial courage. It is not by imposing terrible penalties that we will cure the ills of our society, said lawyer Margot Cecchi.

The accused were then given one last chance to speak.

Some continued to plead innocent. A handful chose to mumble final apologies.

If they were seeking absolution from Ms Pelicot, they were sorely mistaken; in an act of utter indifference, she simply checked her mobile phone.

Yet when Mr Pelicot rose to his feet in the defendants glass box, Ms Pelicot looked him straight in the eye.

You have the rest of my life in your hands, he told the five judges who on Thursday.

I would like to start by hailing the courage of my ex-wife, said the corpulent retired electrician.

I beg her, and the rest of my family, to accept my apologiesI ask their forgiveness.

I can tell my whole family that I love them.

Caroline Darian, right, Gisele Pelicots daughter, was present throughout much of the trial - Christophe Simon/AFP via Getty

He could do no such thing because none of his children had turned up for his closing remarks, leaving their mother all alone on the civil plaintiffs bench.

That poignant image serves as a reminder that the highest profile mass rape trial in living French memory is first and foremost the tragedy of one family with a name: Pelicot.

Why did you keep it?, one lawyer asked during cross-examination after Ms Pelicot confessed her children were ashamed of the word.

In a courtroom where you could hear a pin drop, she replied: My name is now known the world over. They should not be ashamed to bear this name. Today, I want my grandchildren to be proud of their grandma. Today, we remember Gisele Pelicot.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Many people are shopping for Christmas gifts, and for some, grabbing a gift card is an easy gift to grab if you arent sure about a specific item.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents about gift card scams as part of her Holiday Scams Campaign.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that in 2023, consumers reported $217 million in gift card-related fraud.

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Gift cards are a convenient and popular gift option, but theyve also become a favorite tool for scammers, said Nessel in a news release. Education and vigilance are key to combatting gift card fraud. Stay informed and report suspicious activity to help protect yourself and your loved ones from these schemes.

Here are some ways to avoid falling for gift card scams:

Never use gift cards to pay debts. Gift cards are intended for giftingnot for paying bills or fines.

Be skeptical of urgent payment requests. Legitimate organizations will not pressure you to act immediately.

Verify claims independently. Contact the company or individual directly using verified contact information.

Be cautious with online and phone interactions. Dont share gift card details unless you are sure of the recipients legitimacy.

Nessel says scammers use these methods to lure victims:

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Government Agencies: Fraudsters impersonate officials from the IRS or Social Security Administration, demanding payment for back taxes or fines. Fact: No legitimate government agency will demand immediate payment, especially via gift cards.

Tech Support: Scammers pose as representatives from Apple or Microsoft, alleging issues with your computer. They request payment via gift card and may attempt to gain remote access to your device.

Family or Friends in Emergencies: Using AI or voice cloning, scammers can impersonate loved ones, claiming they are in urgent need of help. Verify such claims independently.

Sweepstakes or Prizes: Fraudsters say youve won a prize but must pay fees with a gift card to claim it. Ask yourself: Did you even enter the contest?

Utility Companies: Imposters threaten to shut off your power or water unless you pay with a gift card. Legitimate utility companies dont accept gift cards as payment.

Romantic Scams: Scammers on dating websites may appeal to emotions, convincing victims to send gift cards as a form of financial assistance.

Fake Overpayments: Scammers send counterfeit checks for more than the agreed amount, asking victims to use gift cards to refund the difference.

Finally, If youve purchased a gift card and have shared the card number and PIN with a scammer, follow these steps:

Report the Scam to the Gift Card Issuer: Contact the company immediately. Some issuers, such as Amazon and Walmart, have programs to help recover funds.

Request a Refund: Explain the situation to the card issuer. While refunds arent guaranteed, companies are increasing efforts to combat fraud.

Report the Scam to Authorities: File a report with the FTC and the Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Team. These reports help law enforcement identify patterns and stop scammers.

Click here to see all of Nessels holiday scam alerts.

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Certain baby products would be free from a sales tax in South Carolina if a newly proposed bill is passed.

Per the bills text, tax exemptions would apply for baby formula and baby food, which includes but is not limited to food purees, puffs, teether crackers, puree pouches and other food intended for sale for children under thirty-six months of age. Diapers would also be exempt from sales tax.

At this time, the bill has been pre-filed in the South Carolina House of Representatives on Dec. 12 by Rep. Beth Bernstein. The bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Further action will be taken during the 2025-2026 legislative session, which begins in January.

A separate bill, pre-filled in the House on Dec. 12 by Rep. Shannon Erickson, would make breast pumps, breast pump collection and storage supplies and breast pump kits exempt from sales tax. The bill has also been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
(KTLA)  Police in Fontana are searching for two commercial burglary suspects involved in separate break-ins, both at barbershops, authorities announced Wednesday.

The first incident unfolded Sept. 25 just after 3:30 a.m. at Cut Plus located at 16385 Merrill Ave., according to a Fontana Police Department wanted bulletin.

Dressed in a light-colored hoodie, a male with a thin build was captured on surveillance cameras after smashing through the shops glass door. Authorities said the suspect was speaking to an unidentified woman on the phone and appeared to be looking for specific items.

A suspect was seen on surveillance cameras after breaking into Cuts Plus in Fontana on Sept. 25, 2024. (FPD)

The thief, who had on a white face mask, camouflage cargo pants, black and white Nike shoes, with a black glove on his right hand, nabbed $50 from the cash register and $350 from an envelope behind the counter.

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The suspect has a noticeable inward turned left leg that causes a limp, police said.

The second incident occurred nearly two miles away at Dawns Barber located at 9753 Sierra Ave. just after 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 4, the bulletin noted.

A suspect seen breaking into Dawns Barbershop in Fontana on Oct. 4, 2024. (FPD)

In this burglary, a thinly built white or Hispanic male used a rock to smash the glass front door and then waited several minutes before entering the shop.

Family desperate to find girl, 13, missing in Los Angeles for nearly a week

Dressed in a black hoodie, blue jeans, black shoes and a black face mask, with a red or orange backpack, the man exited the store with $145, the cash register and a credit card reader a few minutes after he entered.

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Anyone with information about these investigations or who may recognize the suspects is asked to contact the Fontana Police Department at 909-356-7152.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Two Bay Area seniors were arrested earlier this month after allegedly shoplifting more than $1,500 of merchandise from a ski shop at Palisades Tahoe over the course of three visits, according to the Placer County Sheriffs Office. The 68-year-old women face charges of grand theft.

Deputies said the thefts from Parallel Mountain Sports, located in The Village at Palisades Tahoe, occurred on July 22, Aug. 19 and Nov. 25. On each visit, the Olympic Valley stores surveillance cameras captured the two women concealing merchandise and walking out, according to the sheriffs office.

(Placer County Sheriffs Office) (Placer County Sheriffs Office) (Placer County Sheriffs Office) (Placer County Sheriffs Office)

On Dec. 2, the suspects vehicle was spotted by Placer County deputies traveling southbound on Highway 89. After a traffic stop, a deputy immediately recognized the women from the surveillance footage, according to the sheriffs office.

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San Francisco resident Tatyana Zhukovsky and Hillsborough resident Clara Michelson were arrested and booked into the Auburn Jail for grand theft and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Amazon workers strike at San Francisco warehouse

The Placer County Sheriffs Office is asking potential victims of similar crimes involving the two women to contact the North Lake Tahoe Investigation Unit at (530)581-6320.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
This week at the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee in Parliament BBC executives had an opportunity to speak openly about the serious problems of bias at BBC Arabic since the Israel-Hamas war began.

Yet, Tim Davie, the director general, and Jonathan Munro, head of the BBC World Service, missed the opportunity for a mea culpa. Instead, it feels as though the BBCs leadership has once again gaslit the Jewish community.

When asked by John Whittingdale MP about the impartiality of BBC Arabic, Mr Davie replied that the service was being managed pretty well actually. Avoiding further scrutiny, Mr Davie handed over to Mr Munro who told MPs that he did not recognise the picture thats been painted by some of our critics about BBC Arabic. To reinforce this rosy account the BBC then issued a statement claiming that BBC News Arabic is committed to covering this challenging and polarising conflict impartially.

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At this stage in the conflict it would be possible to provide more than a hundred examples of BBC Arabics reporting failures, inaccuracies and blatant lack of impartiality.

BBC Arabic reporters showed sympathy on social media for the Hamas terrorist attacks. The service has described Hamas supporters killed in Gaza as journalists, and has been forced to remove a number of items completely from its online output following scrutiny. This includes a video which questioned whether the Kfar Aza kibbutz atrocity on 7 October actually happened, despite detailed testimony on the slaughter that took place that day being widely available.

Despite this weight of evidencewhich BBC executives are aware ofthe director general and his leadership team do not see fit to be transparent in their role as public servants. They know there are significant problems with BBC Arabic but are not prepared to admit it. Defending the BBCs reputation appears to be a much higher priority than being straight with the public.

We all pay for the BBC and are entitled to expect transparency from BBC leaders when they appear in public. That its senior executives are prepared to obfuscate to this extent is particularly disturbing for two reasons.

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First, it involves senior BBC executives failing a test of transparency in Parliament where standards should be at their very highest. That BBC leaders are unwilling to admit the corporations failings when questioned by our elected representatives is a serious breach of standards. Second, it shows that the BBCs leadership is seemingly willing to consistently gaslight one of Britains minority communities on an issue of racism. That is utterly shameful.

The BBC World Service is partially funded by the Foreign Office. The time has come for the government to take action to ensure that strict impartiality is delivered by BBC Arabic. If the World Service cant meet these standards why should the Foreign Office and we as licence-fee payers continue to pay for it?

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SANAA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said in a statement on Thursday morning that they had attacked two military targets in Israeli city of Tel Aviv with "two hypersonic ballistic rockets." 
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who died after an exchange of gunfire with city police in June shot himself in the head during the exchange, an autopsy report said.

Read next: Club shut down, accused of not conducting good business

City police Lt. Brian Butler said that an autopsy done on Mathue OMalley, 27, found he had died of a gunshot wound that was self-inflicted. The Mahoning County Coroners Office ruled OMalleys death a suicide.

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OMalley died several hours after police responded shortly after 12 a.m. June 13 to a 134 S. Maryland Ave. home for a domestic disturbance call, and police said OMalley opened fire on them when an officer went inside.

The state Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation investigated the shooting for police in order to avoid a conflict of interest. They turned over their evidence last week to Mahoning County prosecutors, who presented the case to a grand jury last week.

The grand jury declined to charge the officer who returned fire. WKBN is not naming him because criminal charges were not filed.

A woman who lives in the home and had been in a relationship with OMalley told police she began arguing with OMalley about 11 p.m. June 12, and at one point, she, her daughter and OMalley were in an attic. She managed to call 911 from a cell phone OMalley had left on a ledge after he had threatened to keep them in the attic all night, according to the BCI report.

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They left the attic and the woman was in a bedroom when the police came, the report said. OMalley told her not to let the police in, but she opened the door and told police OMalley had a gun, the report said.

The woman told investigators she tried to stop OMalley from grabbing a gun out of a bedroom closet, but she could not stop him. She heard him cock the gun and heard gunshots go off when the front door opened. She also later told investigators that OMalley may have shot himself, although she did not elaborate on why she thought that.

The officer who walked in told BCI investigators he had just left a homicide scene on Salt Springs Road and was heading to a Mahoning Avenue store to get something to drink when he heard the 911 call go over the radio. Two other officers, one who was still in training, were also heading there but because he was only a block away, he decided to go also.

The officer heard voices inside as he walked on the porch, and as the door opened, he heard the womans daughter say, He has a gun on my mom and saw OMalley out of the corner of his eye, saw the muzzle flash, and fired back.

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[The officer] said that it was fast, the BCI report said. After OMalley stopped firing, the officer also stopped firing and heard a thump and silence. A female then came out of the room screaming and the officer told her to come toward him because he was concerned for her safety.

On the officers body camera video, he can be heard telling her, I want you to be safe! I want you to be safe! while she screams, Hes dead!

On the officers body camera video, the door opens at the 2:17 mark of the video, and OMalley begins firing at the 2:20 mark of the video. In between, the woman is yelling, Hes got a gun! At the 2:26 mark of the video, the shooting stops.

The officer, now joined by two others, went into the room and saw OMalley on the floor. Another officer picked up a gun that was near his hand and saw that he was still alive and started CPR. A sergeant then arrived, the report said.

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Get the gun, get the gun, get the gun, the officer says when the two other officers come inside the home. I got him covered.

The woman and her daughter are both screaming, Help him! and the officer calmly answers, Im trying. A female officer then begins first aid on OMalley.

Are you good? the female officer asks him.

Im good, the officer responds. The adrenaline is going a million [expletive] miles an hour, but Im good.

The officer said he had never been to the home and did not know who OMalley was until he was told he and another officer had arrested OMalley for domestic violence a few years ago, the BCI report said.

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This is the second fatal shooting by a city police officer this year.

In September, a man was shot and killed by police at a Belmont Avenue Dollar General after the man attacked a woman there. BCI is investigating that case as well. The woman he reportedly attacked died from her wounds in November.

In July, the grand jury also declined to charge an officer who was involved in an Oct. 12, 2023, fatal shooting at a home on Helena Avenue.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
DES MOINES, Iowa  One street in the Beaverdale neighborhood is known for its Christmas display and they ask that when you come, you bring a food donation.

The lights display in Beaverdale is so impressive that people will brave the cold for a run through the community.

Put on by Fleet Feet, the Holiday Lights Run takes runners around the neighborhood to experience the lights during a three-mile trek.

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While the cold and icy conditions might deter most people from visiting, one runner says it just added to the experience.

The lights were beautiful, and it was slightly treacherous, but, you know, it was doable, said Cain Kremitzki, a runner in Wednesdays event.

Several families were excited to meet the visitors and shared their stories of decorating the house and the work that goes into the spectacular displays.

She told us a story about her friend that climbed straight up through the trunk to get the lights up on the top and then came down smelling like pine and covered in sap, said Kremitzki.

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Salvation Army opens toy shop for families to find presents for kids

One of the houses uses the extra traffic as a way to bring in donations.

Located on Ashby Avenue, this is Julie Marks fifth year collecting money and food donations for the Food Bank of Iowa.

The Marks family and a crew of volunteers hand out candy canes, takes photos, and chat with people passing by.

One volunteer was thrilled to see just how many people drove or walked by to drop off donations.

A lot of them come by and theyre donating money or dropping off nonperishable goods for the Foodbank. People, they love to come out and see the lights, said Ryan Russell. Of course its beautiful, but I think they want to give back to a good cause as well.

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Those who dont have cash or food to donate can also scan a code and donate through Venmo.

Donations will be accepted at 4316 Ashby Avenue till December 27th from 6 to 9 p.m.

Metro News:

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The official swearing in ceremony for the 132nd Maine Legislature on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

For the first time for many Maine legislators, they have hope that change is coming to make lawmaking more transparent and manageable.

The Joint Rules Committee of the 132nd Legislature is anticipated to meet next month to recommend reforms, notably to the use of vague placeholder bills called concept drafts, which last session drew sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle.

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Newly appointed Senate President Mattie Daughtry and Speaker of the House of Representatives Ryan Fecteau have already made clear they support procedural changes and believe them to be key in bridging partisan divides.

While House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor) didnt respond to questions about where he stands on the changes, his counterpart in the Senate, Trey Stewart (R-Aroostook), said hes eager to make long-discussed reforms a reality.

The exact changes have yet to be determined, but during the legislative off-season the Rules Committee met for the first time since 2018 to discuss a slew of possible reforms. In addition to proposals to amend or ban concept drafts, lawmakers are also considering changes to the legislative calendar, banning late night votes, making more information available online and altering the budget process.

While there has been bipartisan support for many of these proposals, when the Rules Committee reconvened a second time this year in the fall, lawmakers debated how sweeping of an approach to take.

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Sen. Anne Carney (D-Cumberland) reasoned that starting with a few tweaks would offer a clearer picture to later assess which specific changes were effective, whereas Sen. Rick Bennett (R-Oxford) argued at the time that anything less than a total reset of legislative procedure would do more harm than good.

Bennett has long advocated for many of these reforms and attributed the current appetite for change to frustrations boiling over last session as well as newfound momentum from younger leadership, as Daughtry, Fecteau and Stewart are all in their 30s.

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When asked about the proposals on the table, Daughtry said she thinks the 132nd Maine Legislature should decide for the 132nd Maine Legislature what our rules should be.

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Im really grateful to the 131st joint rules [committee] that were able to give us some really great suggestions, Daughtry added, but we need to have our folks as a committee and a bipartisan process looking over that.

When lawmakers were sworn in on Dec. 4, they largely adopted the rules of the previous Legislature but the Rules Committee is expected to settle on its preferred reforms next month. The committee can only make recommendations, however. The full Legislature will have to adopt any changes, which Daughtry said will be done so before the third Friday in January.

This is the first session Ive attended where theres been a little bit of a pause, and a taking of the breath, before we get into the session where people are saying, Do we really want to keep doing things the way weve always done them? said Bennett, who first served in the Maine Legislature in 1990.

Vague bills

During the past several sessions, concept drafts that garnered the most criticism were those with vague titles and initial text that did not give the public an indication of what the bill will be about.

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In contrast, concept drafts are a regular practice for the state budget bill and changes to uniform law, which are typically lengthy and take time to develop.

Last session frustration arose with the shield law to protect healthcare providers from other states bans on reproductive and gender-affirming care. The bill was one of the most hotly debated of the session due to its subject matter but also because the bill text was made public less than a week before the bills hearing and was put into a concept draft that only previously noted it would be related to healthcare.

Stewart said testimony from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to the Rules Committee emphasized the current process isnt working for anyone.

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The Legislature has been not operating transparently with these blank bills or concept drafts, amendments or even complete rewrites of bills being sprung on the public at committee meetings with no warning or notice, Stewart said.

Over the summer, legislators proposed limiting how and when concept drafts can be used, such as ensuring the text added to a concept draft is available before a public hearing, only allowing committee chairs to submit them or not allowing concept drafts to receive a bill number until a week after they are amended with text.

Certainly well have some response to this burgeoning concern around concept drafts and I think a number of other things, and obviously well have to have agreement with the Senate on what those changes are, Fecteau told Maine Morning Star before he officially assumed his post as speaker. They are joint rules, after all.

While Daughtry said she wants the committee to decide the best way forward, she believes in moderation.

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There is a place for concept drafts, Daughtry said, pointing to, for example, their use by committee chairs for issues that come up in committee conversation. But, we did see an inordinate amount of concept drafts over the past few years, and I think we do need to talk about a timeline for concept drafts.

Bennett, who proposed eliminating concept drafts except for the budget bill, is also advocating for the Legislature to eliminate a related item: cloture.

Lawmakers often file concept drafts in order to secure a spot for an eventually fleshed out proposal while still meeting the deadline for submitting bills, known as cloture. This session lawmakers set that deadline for Jan. 10, later than the previous session.

What were hoping to accomplish by a later cloture, Daughtry said, was signaling to our members that we dont want them to just quickly dump their ideas in because a deadline is upon them. We want them to be really careful and think about what theyre doing.

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While grateful for the change, Bennett argues having cloture at all still encourages lawmakers to submit bills before having a chance to collaborate or hear from agencies and constituents.

The more time lawmakers have to work together before having to submit bills, Bennett said, the easier it will be to avoid duplicate bills  an issue leadership already started to address earlier this month.

I dont think its too late to do something as radical, if you want to call it that, as eliminating cloture, Bennett said.

Newly sworn-in Maine Senate President Mattie Daughtry addresses senators in the Senate chamber in Augusta on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Jim Neuger/Maine Morning Star)

Modernizing the Legislature

One of the reasons I ran for this office is a passion to modernize our Legislature, to make it more efficient, to make it work for working people, Daughtry said when assuming her leadership post on Dec. 4.

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When Daughtry was first elected to the Maine House at 25 years old, she said she worked three to four jobs to be able to afford to be a legislator. During the Rules Committee meeting this summer, lawmakers pushed for a more consistent schedule for lawmakers, in order to make workflow more manageable for those balancing other jobs as well as to make running for office more accessible.

Many of these changes do not require amending the joint rules, and the presiding officers have already taken steps to make them a reality.

By the end of the day on Dec. 4, the presiding officers had sent out the legislative calendar for the next two months. For the first several weeks of the session, they switched to having session days only on Tuesdays to make sure committee work is prioritized, Daughtry said.

The presiding officers are also not allowing any committees to meet the week when schools have February vacation, which Daughtry said is meant to allow lawmakers to spend time with their families, or offer time to reset if they dont have school-aged children.

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We have already committed from day one, Daughtry said. We heard that loud and clear.

Lawmakers have also discussed modernizing the information sharing systems to make legislative processes more transparent for the public and more manageable for lawmakers.

Under the current Legislative Document software, which was established in 1999, it is not possible to link informal documents. Doing so would require creating an alternative system, Danielle Fox, director of the Legislatures Office of Policy and Legal Analysis, said during a Rules Committee meeting in the fall.

Documents can only be posted on that part of the website after they have gone through the Revisors Office and given a dedicated number for a Legislative Document (LD), Senate Paper (SP), House Paper (HP), etc.

This raised frustrations from the public during consideration of data privacy laws this past session, Sen. Anne Carney (D-Cumberland) pointed out during the fall meeting. While drafts were sent out to the committees interested parties list  an email list anyone can subscribe to  they were not otherwise posted online.

Fox suggested one way to get around this issue without doing a system overhaul could be to require that public hearing notices also include a statement directing anyone interested in informal documents, such as bill amendments, to contact the respective committee clerk. However, Fox said that could add a substantial amount of work to clerks plates depending on public interest.

Taking lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic era

Fecteau first served as speaker in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he said he intends to bring back some efficiencies from that time.

Newly sworn-in Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau addresses representatives in the House chamber in Augusta on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Jim Neuger/Maine Morning Star)

For example, he wants to again allow the Senate secretary and House clerk to refer most bills to committee rather than taking up time on the floor for committee chairs to make a motion.

Having fewer session days means committees can start meeting at 9am or 10am and they have full work days to start doing their work, Fecteau said.

Bringing back other pandemic-era changes could also help with modernizing the Legislature, Bennett said.

We actually had better practices in online information, he said.

For example, analysis of bills from the Legislatures nonpartisan offices were available online and lawmakers could sign onto bills via Google Docs.

I think modernize means, lets take full advantage of the tools that are routinely deployed in business to have information available digitally, and also to sign documents digitally, Bennett said.

Daughtry sees the pandemic as an impetus for many of the current conversations about modernizing operations. The Legislature has also been mainstreaming its ability for constituents to testify on bills via Zoom, which Daughtry said she thinks is huge for accessibility.

I think in a lot of the conversations, we have to balance, Is this a knee jerk reaction to the last four years or is it something that we need for the long term stability of our chambers? Daughtry said.

The budget

This past session, the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, which crafts the budget, cast several late night budget votes that drew rebuke from lawmakers and the public alike.

Rep. Jan Dodge (D-Belfast) specifically called for banning votes on bills between 10:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. during the Rules Committee meeting this summer.

I believe this is crucial for transparency for not only the public but fellow legislators, and especially relevant to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, Dodge said.

That is just one of many possible reforms to the budgeting process, which lawmakers and the public have long criticized for lacking transparency. Another proposal is to increase membership of the Appropriations Committee to provide more oversight into the process. Bennett, who served on that committee last session, offered this plan in an order on Dec. 4.

The Appropriations Committee also used to review the current services part of the budget, plus the new spending proposed, but that has not been the case in recent years. Some lawmakers want it brought back.

For years, we have simply accepted the new baseline budget without looking at whether what we spent last cycle was actually effective or efficient, Stewart said.

Another widespread concern is the Appropriations Table, where many bills die a quiet death after initially securing the approval of both chambers.

Bills that land on the table have already passed the full Legislature, however if they arent explicitly funded in the state budget, they need to be paid for using remaining unappropriated money, so theyre put on the table to vie for that funding.

Last year, less than 10% of the 250 bills that made it onto the table became law.

Bennett, who also served a previous tenure on the budget committee more than two decades ago, said bills used to be cleared off the table and have final disposition votes in the chambers, even if they were killed.

Now theres this lack of accountability for these bills, Bennett said. People are scratching their heads, like, what happened?

Bennett is also eyeing a change to the states fiscal year to instead align with the federal government, though he said the state will first have to figure out the implications such a change would have for schools and municipalities, so that is a much longer-term idea.

I think that last session was so bad that it opened up the possibility of real change, Bennett said, and sometimes things need to get bad before they can get better.

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Two Belarusians and one Ukrainian were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 11 to 25 years by Belarusian authorities for their alleged involvement in preparing terrorist acts, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported on Dec. 19.

Since the 2020 presidential election in Belarus, which saw Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko claim victory in a falsified vote, the country has witnessed a severe crackdown on dissent. Thousands of opposition leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens have been arrested, tortured, and jailed.

Belarusian prosecutors claimed that two men from the group allegedly tried to blow up a section of the railroad, while the third one's actions were classified as "illegal trafficking of explosives." The sentences for each individual were not disclosed.

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The detention of these three men alongside three other individuals was announced by the Belarusian KGB on Sept. 11. On the same day, a government propaganda film about the group was aired on state-controlled television. In the film, some of the detainees appeared beaten, others were in chains.

According to Viasna, the propaganda film alleged that one of the detainees contacted Ukraine's Security Service (SBUt) seeking to fight for Ukraine. He was allegedly told by the SBU that his skills were needed in Belarus.

The sentences come as Lukashenko prepares for the January 2025 presidential election, seeking a seventh term after 30 years in power.

Lukashenko has recently pardoned prisoners convicted of extremism, claiming that it was a "humane gesture" toward those who had "gone astray, though these individuals were widely seen as victims of repression following the rigged 2020 election.

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Read also: Youll die here  Belarusian political prisoners recount experiences ahead of Lukashenkos reelection

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BELCHERTOWN, Mass. (WWLP)  The body of a missing man was found after an extensive search in Belchertown on Thursday.

The Belchertown Fire Department asked for the publics help on Thursday in locating 27-year-old Robert Williams. He was last seen by his family two days ago.

Chicopee Police seek help locating missing 15-year-old

In a news release from the Northwestern District Attorneys Office, his body was found in a wooded area Thursday morning. They say no foul play is suspected.

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Members of the Belchertown police and fire departments, along with the Massachusetts State Police searched using the Air Wing helicopter, drones, and on foot in the Hamilton Street area Wednesday and Thursday.

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BELTON, Mo.  A woman is concerned her identity may be in jeopardy after she says a thief stole her purse while inside the license office in Belton. She left the bag in her car when she went inside.

Kennedi Siebert said a thief stole her $5,000 purse outside the DMV in Belton, but she said thats not the most concerning item the thief got away with.

My ID, my birth certificate, my social security card, like all of my information for my identity, Siebert said as she explained the items stolen.

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Belton womans valuables, purse stolen out of car at DMV

Siebert and boyfriend Nathaniel Woods walked into the license office in Belton on Friday, where she said she left the Chanel purse locked in the car with a friend.

After a while, she said that that friend came inside to use the restroom and talk.

He didnt lock the car back, Siebert said.

When they returned to the vehicle, her bag was gone, including the items with sensitive personal info she had inside, like her ID, social security card and birth certificate.

I was just freaking out. I was worried that somebody was going to steal my information, or something because I only imagine the person who stole it, Siebert said.

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They were brave enough to steal it, so I can imagine what they would do with my information.

Police said a few hours had gone by before they noticed the purse was missing. Police claim they took a report the next day. They said at this time, theres no suspect information to share.

I was like so panicked, Siebert said.

It was upsetting I was just freaking out because I knew all of my identity was in there, and everything I was just like so worried. I was so worried, thats the main thing I was worried about.

The purse is a black Chanel bag with gold detailing, which was a gift from her mom.

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Kansas City Chiefs to release Christmas claymation short film

When Siebert filed the police report, she said an officer told her they would check camera footage and follow any leads about the theft.

We dont believe in keeping a lot of cash on us for those exact reasons, Woods said.

We canceled all of our stuff, and they really told us theres pretty much nothing we can do.

They said unless somebody opens up a credit card, Siebert said,

Theres nothing we can do.

While Woods said the thief didnt get away with much cash, Siebert said the purse still costs about $5,000.

It was really expensive. It kind of meant a lot to me. It just got stolen.

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It was upsetting, Siebert said.

Return my things if you can.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By a vote of 6-1, the St. Paul City Council approved a developers efforts to overturn a Board of Zoning Appeals decision regarding 1963 Grand Ave., effectively greenlighting a five-story apartment building that will be constructed in place of three rental houses near the University of St. Thomas.

Benegas Properties had sought two zoning variances to construct the Grand Row Apartments  with 75 units across five stories  as well as two levels, or 64 stalls, of underground parking. The zoning code allows only four stories on that part of Grand Avenue, but developers Michelle and Ruben Benegas maintained that an extra level of residences was necessary to offset the cost of the second level of underground parking.

Building four stories would limit the development to 61 apartments, with a single level of underground parking, or 32 spaces.

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This option does not require a variance, but given the already limited parking on Grand Avenue, we prefer not to take this route, wrote the developers, in a written presentation to the city.

They noted that most of Grand Avenue  except for the section from Fairview to Cretin avenues  allows buildings to be erected up to 50 feet or five stories, and there are already 17 apartment buildings on the same city block. The existing, more restrictive zoning from Fairview to Cretin was enacted in 2013.

We found ourselves in a tricky situation, said Michelle Benegas, a professor at Hamline University, addressing the council during a public hearing last week.

She said she and her husband live in the neighborhood and will take pains to make sure the new building meshes with neighborhood character. Macalester College is also proposing a five-story building about two blocks away on Grand Avenue, she noted.

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After considering an analysis by city staff recommending denial, the Board of Zoning Appeals voted 4-1 on Oct. 28 against their request for a fifth story and against a request for relief from floor area ratio requirements. The developers then filed an appeal to the city council.

Terry Fisher, a Summit Avenue resident who lives directly behind the property, told the council last week that with the sites sloping topography, the new building may exceed 50 feet in height just 10 feet off the back alley.

Setback is a big difference for me, he said. Its going to block lighting, its going to block air, its going to create noise.

Another neighborhood resident said each unit would likely draw students, so the project could bring in more than 60 cars.

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Council President Mitra Jalali, who represents the area, motioned Wednesday to grant the developers appeal of the Board of Zoning Appeals decision, calling a five-story building the highest, best use as proposed.

Jalali noted that for the purpose of counting project density, city staff had included part of the alley itself. Excluding the alley from the calculation would yield a different lot size, one that creates more of an undue burden on the developer.

The applicant is saying if the lot were larger, it could accommodate (more) parking, she said. I just think these errors are procedural.

Jalalis motion was approved 6-1. Council Member Rebecca Noecker cast the sole dissenting vote without further comment.

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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Wednesday criticized billionaire Elon Musk, a top ally of President-elect Donald Trump, for his relentless efforts to kill a bipartisan budget deal to keep the government funded past Friday.

Musk repeatedly criticized the agreement on his platform X, formerly Twitter, with Trump seeming to follow suit by publicly coming out against the bill. Trump also threatened to back primary challenges against any Republicans who chose to support the legislation.

This leaves open the possibility of a government shutdown starting at midnight on Saturday but Musk suggested Americans should celebrate the development.

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Your elected representatives have heard you and now the terrible bill is dead, he said. The voice of the people has triumphed!

Sanders slammed Musk for using his influence to help tank the bipartisan spending package that both Democrats and Republicans worked on for months.

Will Republicans kiss the ring? Sanders asked. Billionaires must not be allowed to run our government.

In a separate post on his personal account on X, Sanders also pointed out that Musks net worth has increased significantly since Trump won reelection. The senator also suggested that Musks apparent attempt to block the bill is oligarchy at work.

The US Congress this week came to an agreement to fund our government.



Elon Musk, who became $200 BILLION richer since Trump was elected, objected.



Are Republicans beholden to the American people? Or President Musk?



This is oligarchy at work.  Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) December 19, 2024

Sanders was far from the only lawmaker to take issue with Musks role in Wednesdays developments.

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Its clear whos in charge, and its not President-elect Donald Trump, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) wrote on social media, referring to Musk as Shadow President.

Its clear whos in charge, and its not President-elect Donald Trump.



Shadow President Elon Musk spent all day railing against Republicans CR, succeeded in killing the bill, and then Trump decided to follow his lead. pic.twitter.com/feDiAXe8yp  Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) December 18, 2024

Trumps criticism of the current version of the bill and his call for an increase in the nations borrowing limit took members of both parties by surprise and raised the pressure on his ally House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other Republican lawmakers to devise an alternative plan to avoid a government shutdown.

While Musk, who is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, does not have an official position in Trumps administration, his proximity to Trump since his election victory has made him an influential adviser. Republican members of Congress have also embraced the billionaire.

Trump has tapped Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a non-government advisory group dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency.

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Sanders has previously found common ground with Musk, siding with the billionaire on his criticism of the size of the government defense budget.

Elon Musk is right, Sanders said. The Pentagon, with a budget of $886 billion, just failed its 7th audit in a row. Its lost track of billions.

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Cops in west suburban Berwyn shot and killed a man wanted for a triple homicide in central Illinois after a Wednesday-night foot chase, according to authorities, a pursuit that started on the block where far-right commentator Nick Fuentes lives.

Berwyn police officers responded to a report around 11:40 p.m. of a man with a gun, the department said in a news release. The Cook County Medical examiners office later identified the suspect as John Lyons, 24, of Westchester.

Lyons appeared to have initially shown up to far-right streamer Nick Fuentes house, according to social media posts Fuentes made Thursday.

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Fuentes said on his X account that while he was livestreaming the man came up to his door carrying what looked to be a pistol and crossbow.

Fuentes, whose address was widely leaked in response to his Your body. My choice. Forever comments after the presidential election, said he will now have to uproot my life and relocate.

Earlier this month, Fuentes was charged with battery for allegedly pepper-spraying a woman who showed up at the address, and court documents filed in that case confirm it was the block where the chase began Wednesday. Fuentes made his first court appearance for that case Thursday, with a judge ordering him and the woman to not have contact with each other.

Berwyn police didnt respond to questions about Lyons connection to Fuentes.

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Lyons escaped from police on foot, then forced his way into a residence in the 1800 block of Wenonah Avenue, police said. Inside that home he fatally shot two dogs, police said.

Police said Lyons disobeyed orders to stop and started shooting at officers, who fatally struck the man when returning fire. No officers were injured, police said.

Police believe Lyons committed a triple homicide earlier Wednesday in Mahomet, a small village about 11 miles northwest of Champaign.

Mahomet officers found three family members with gunshot wounds around 9:40 p.m. Wednesday in the 1100 block of Riverside Drive, Mahomet police said. One victim, 26-year-old Sara Mason, was pronounced dead at the scene. Janis Mason, 61, and Caleb Mason, 23, died at an Urbana hospital.

The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task force is investigating the case, Berwyn police said.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear greets supporters at the annual Marshall County Democratic Party bean dinner, Aug. 4, 2023 at Kentucky Dam Convention Center. He was successfully campaigning for a second term as governor. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

FRANKFORT  Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear says hes focused on leading Kentucky for the remaining two years and 340-some days of his second term.

Im seeing a state that I love and that Im from transformed, and I dont want to lose today by thinking about tomorrow. Its just too important, Beshear said in a Wednesday interview with the Kentucky Lantern.

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The Kentucky governor also spoke about his growing role on the national political stage, Republican President-elect Donald Trumps incoming administration and GOP state lawmakers plan to again make cuts to the state income tax.

Over the past year, Beshear, 47, has taken steps to raise his national profile. After his reelection in 2023, Beshear formed a political action committee, In This Together, to support Democratic candidates in Kentucky and across the country. He also had a chance to introduce himself to the country when he was under consideration as a possible running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris this summer. He continued to stump for her across the country after she ultimately selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

In the recent interview, Beshear did note that hes taken on a big role in the Democratic Governors Association. Last week, he was voted as vice chair of the DGA for 2025 and chair-elect for 2026, an important year for Democrats nationally hoping to take back ground in Congress in midterm elections.

Gov. Andy Beshear rallied against Amendment 2 with teachers and union members at Consolidated Baptist Church in Lexington, Oct. 15, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Jamie Lucke)

If I do my job right, especially in 26 with 36 races, and we have not just candidates, but winners, that are running messaging and will govern on the core issues that people care about the most, that list for future offices will grow and grow, and therell be a lot of great candidates out there, some of which were not talking about right now thatll be in the mix for 28, Beshear said.

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As for the 2024 election cycle in Kentucky, Democrats maintained the same caucus numbers in the state House and Senate  20 seats in the 100-member House and seven in the 38-member Senate. Republicans continue to hold supermajorities in both chambers, giving them the power to easily override any Beshear veto.

Beshear said Democratic candidates messaging to sway voters was right in 2024 because while Trump won the state by 30 points, Democrats kept their total number of legislative seats. He also predicted its a good sign for Kentucky Democrats in the future and that the the numbers of Democrats will grow.

From a good government standpoint, they should grow. I dont think the supermajorities are helpful in either party, and we see across the country that they can lead to moving too far, one direction or the other, Beshear said. Most people want middle of the road, common sense, common ground type of policies. And that grows harder with super majorities. We start seeing more extreme members getting elected, and at the end of the day, our job, I think, is to come through on jobs, health care, infrastructure, public education and public safety. Those are those core things that if people feel concerned about, they just dont get to anything else.

Beshear did celebrate one standout from Kentuckys elections  the defeat of Amendment 2. If it had passed, the proposed constitutional amendment would have allowed the General Assembly the power to fund nonpublic schools. Kentucky Democrats, including Beshear, campaigned hard against the measure.

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Defeating Amendment 2 was necessary to ultimately providing the type of education that all our kids deserve, Beshear said.

Biggest accomplishments

Overall, Beshear said the biggest accomplishments of his second term so far have been in areas of economic development, health care, infrastructure and public safety. He highlighted developments in the state, such as Toyotas announcement of r a $922 million car paint facility in Georgetown and UofL Health opening a $78 million hospital in Bullitt County. Overdose deaths in Kentucky also decreased in 2023 for the second year in a row.

Now is the perfect time to reintroduce ourselves to the world, to leave stereotypes of the past in the past, to be able to bring together tourism and economic development and workforce attraction all under that one initiative, Beshear said.

He plans to focus on the exciting things happening in Kentucky in his upcoming State of the Commonwealth address next month. Per tradition, Beshear will address the House and Senate when they return to Frankfort for the 2025 legislative session.

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One GOP priority for the upcoming session will be another half-percent reduction of the state income tax rate. When they return to Frankfort in January, Republican lawmakers are likely to act quickly on such a measure.

Beshear signaled support for another half-percent reduction in the personal income tax rate earlier this month. He told the Lantern that Kentuckys economy is still growing at the moment to support cutting the state income tax, but he added that I do believe in balance. He pointed to issues in Kansas over a decade ago where income taxes were cut but the states economy slowed.

My concern with what the General Assembly set up is, while it has guard rails, the train only moves in one direction, Beshear said. The Kentucky governor vetoed an income tax reduction in 2022 and signed another in 2023.

Gov. Andy Beshear with First Lady Britainy Beshear and son Will waves to spectators during his second Inaugural Parade Dec. 12, 2023, in Frankfort. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes)

Second Trump administration

In January, Beshear must contend with a new Trump administration. Beshear has already been a governor with a president of his opposing party. When Beshear took office in 2019, he overlapped with Trump in the White House.

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During Trumps first term, the European Union enacted retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, including bourbon  and some within the industry are worried more could be coming as Trump signals support for tariffs on countries such as Canada, Mexico and China. The Kentucky Distillers Association recently said the past retaliatory tariffs have cost Kentucky Bourbon a half-billion dollars in exports since 2018.

Beshear noted concerns from those in Kentuckys bourbon industry and added that he hoped Trump will be very surgical in what he chooses to do with tariffs. Beshear said widespread tariffs would raise costs for all Americans, but in some cases tariffs can be useful, such when theyre applied to Chinese electric vehicles to counter that country flooding markets.

If thats done correctly and surgically, that makes sense, and that can help our American businesses, but my hope is that it will be done wisely, that we dont hurt our allies that are out there, that their economies are important to us too. And overall, I worry that a tariff-based policy is going to harm our economy instead of helping it.

Trump has also promised mass deportations of undocumented immigrants but it is unclear what exactly that plan will be. Some Republican governors and lawmakers are making proposals to aid the Trump administration with deportations. However, Beshear says he wants to see Trumps plan before making any declarations.

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Well need to see, number one, what their plans are, and number two, how they plan to go about it, Beshear said. Its important that any plan protects the constitutional rights of citizens and those that are here legally. Its also important in how they implement it that it doesnt put Kentuckians in harms way.

Beshear said most of Kentuckys National Guard members do not have police training, which they would need if deployed to to apprehend individuals. Beshear said immigration laws must also be navigated.

When asked if he anticipates the Trump administration requesting state or local law enforcement aid for deporations, Beshear said he did not want to speculate without knowing Trumps plan.

Well just want to make sure anything is legal and that anyone asked to participate would have the skills to do something safely, Beshear said.

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Presidents may federalize the National Guard in some cases. Under both Trump and President Joe Biden, Kentucky has sent National Guard members to the U.S.-Mexico border.

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VLADIVOSTOK, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- An AN-2 aircraft operated by Fair Avia has gone missing over Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, local authorities said on Thursday.

"At 4:45 a.m. Moscow time (0145 GMT), a distress signal was detected from the AN-2 aircraft, tail number 33555, at an altitude of 700 meters. The plane was en route from Milkovo to Ossora," Sergei Lebedev, regional emergency minister, said on social media.

The plane with three crew members aboard presumedly disappeared approximately 80 km south-southeast of the Klyuchi village. Emergency response efforts are underway.

AN-2 is a single-engine plane widely used in Russia's remote areas. 
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Governor Roy Cooper says North Carolina experienced a comeback during his eight years in office and suggested his political career is not over during a farewell address Wednesday morning.

After thanking family, staff, and supporters, he told a hometown crowd in Nash County that the state had taken a major step backward after the General Assembly passed HB 2 in 2017. The legislation, which was fully repealed in 2020, required single-gender bathrooms to only be used by people with the matching sex on their birth certificate.

We could measure the impact of HB 2 in lost jobs, in lost revenue, in lost plans. But so many North Carolinians, they had lost their belief in our state, said Cooper.

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Cooper told those gathered at Nash County Community College that the Tar Heel State has seen growth, adding more than 640,000 jobs since he took office. North Carolina is now the third fastest-growing state in the country. Cooper also signaled he has additional political aspirations for the office, saying hes not done, which was met with cheers. Many suspect the term-limited governor will run for US Senate in 2026.

Charlotte Hornets apologize after PS5 taken from 13-year-old after on-court giveaway

Roy Cooper has his act down, and I thought it was a good speech about his performance as governor, but also tantalized people by suggesting that hes not through, said Pope Mac McCorkle, a professor at Duke Universitys Sanford School of Public Policy.

In addition to a possible Senate run, McCorkle took note of Coopers call to not let division get in the way of good public policy.

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We cannot allow the divisive tenor of todays politics to rule the day, said Cooper.

McCorkle told Queen City News that Coopers hope can become a reality if Governor-Elect Josh Stein can maintain a political position that differs from what is being pushed by national Democrats. I found the most important ad was when Josh did that ad that said you didnt have to go to four years of college to get a good job. I mean just something a little different, and I think Roys prepared the way for that.

Stein is set to take office in two weeks, on January 1.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
For the last few years, The 74 has collaborated with the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism to help train the next generation of education journalists.

To be part of the growth and development of these young reporters, to watch and help them develop the skills and curiosity needed to become effective observers has been rewarding work.

This year, we worked with them on stories ranging from the rise in homelessness among LAUSD students; the making of an Academy Award-winning film about LAUSDs musical repair shop; to the school systems iconic coffee cake. Their enthusiasm for their work always comes through in their stories and in their willingness to work hard even as they carry a full load of classes, and, often a job.

Education is at a Crossroads: Help Us Illuminate the Path Forward. Donate to The 74

Here are 10 of the most read 2024 student stories:

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For most students, having clean clothes to wear to school is not a problem. But for many at 112th St. S.T.E.A.M. Academy in Watts, clean clothing is such a struggle it has become one of the main contributors to chronic absenteeism. In May the school was one of 20 to receive a new washing machine and dryer from the Rams and the Think Watts Foundation. Principal Jose Hernandez talks about the impact of the washer and dryer. Jinge Li has the story.

Gen Z Black and Latino educators are passionate about inspiring their students but face significant challenges in LAUSD. A recent study highlights their experiences and concerns about job satisfaction and retention, finding that more than 70 percent are considering leaving the profession. Read the key findings and insights from the report. Jack Waterman has the story.

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The number of homeless students who attend Los Angeles Unified schools rose by more than a quarter in the last school year, new statistics show. As of the 2023-2024 school year, LAUSD enrolled 17,245 homeless students, up 26% from the previous school year, according to data the district made public last month. The dramatic jump comes as the district struggles with years of increases in the enrollment of homeless students, and the loss of pandemic-era federal funding that has since 2020 propped up programs to aid kids experiencing homelessness. Katie VanArnam has the story.

The number of homeless students who attend Los Angeles Unified schools rose by more than a quarter in the last school year, new statistics show. As of the 2023-2024 school year, LAUSD enrolled 17,245 homeless students, up 26% from the previous school year, according to data the district made public last month. The dramatic jump comes as the district struggles with years of increases in the enrollment of homeless students, and the loss of pandemic-era federal funding that has since 2020 propped up programs to aid kids experiencing homelessness. Katie VanArnam has the story.

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Its not every day a public school system produces a cafeteria item with a cult following  but thats the case with iconic LAUSDs coffee cake, one of the most popular items on the menu. The recipe dates back to 1954 and even after 70 years, it is still in high demand, with 800,000 slices served annually. Jinge Li got to watch LAUSD staff make the coffee cake and now were introducing people outside of LA to the recipe and its history.

FXs Social Studies delves into the lives of Los Angeles teens navigating the complexities of social media and mental health. Through raw footage and candid interviews, the documentary exposes the challenges young people facefrom substance abuse to bullyingand highlights the urgent need for community support and action. Enzo Luna has the story.

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LAUSD has partnered with housing developers to create affordable housing for struggling families after the district faced a 19% increase in homeless students from the previous school year. Once we know better, we need to do better, said LAUSD superintendent Alberto Carvalho. Sun King is evidence that the impossible can be turned into the inevitable. Katie VanArnam has the story.

It has been a big priority for LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho to ensure student access to successful academic and career pathways post-graduation. His newest achievement is partnering with private sectors to establish a food truck program at LAUSD. We dont want a single student leaving high school without a college or university ticket or an opportunity for career and technical programming, he said. Carvalho hopes that he will bring more partnerships like this to the district. Todays announcement is not only important, Carvalho added, Its also a very cool announcement. Jinge Li has the story.

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When the directors of the Oscar nominated short documentary The Last Repair Shop walk the red carpet next month, the four LAUSD workers who keep thousands of musical instruments in good repair will be right by their side. The four craftspeople are at the heart of the documentary, out now via the Los Angeles Times Youtube Channel and Disney +. Everyone was over the moon excited for this once in a lifetime experience, film co-director Ben Proudfoot told LA School Report. Sara Balanta has the story.

826LA, a tutoring program, is promoting out of the box methods to get LAUSD students confident in their writing abilities. I think that when theyre in school every single day, they kind of start struggling to find the spark when it comes to writing, said 826LA program development manager Alma Carillo. I think being in spaces like this helps encourage that. The organization partners with over 100 schools and uses activities such as publishing student work and hosting readings. Sara Balanta has the story.
The Biden administration is still struggling to offer a coherent response to concerns about drone sightings that have cropped up across the Northeast.

For days, the presidents appointees kept silent as buzz about alleged mystery drones escalated. Then they offered vague assurances that whatever the lights in the sky are, there is no sign that they are dangerous or operating illegally  and that many arent drones at all, but rather just planes and helicopters.

Most recently, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby floated the idea of creating a commission to study congestion in Americas skies. But people familiar with the U.S. aviation system say they cant figure out what that proposal means, or how it would address peoples worries about whats hovering around their homes.

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All the while, concerns about the mystery sightings have continued to proliferate on social media and in news reports, including among law enforcement and elected officials, in what has become a burgeoning public relations fiasco for the waning Biden administration. Its also provided plenty of opportunities for embarrassment for some of the people who have reported seeing the drones  such as former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who has faced accusations that he was spooked by the constellation Orion.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), speaking Tuesday on The Hugh Hewitt Show, said lawmakers are equally in the dark and criticized the Biden administrations response.

We have received briefings  although you might put air quotes around briefings, he said. The administration cannot tell us where these aircraft are originating, what theyre doing, whether they pose a threat or who in the government is responsible for taking them down.

Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), called an unclassified briefing for lawmakers representing New York and New Jersey he received "fucking infuriating.

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No urgency. no transparency. I was providing details to them from my own folks on the ground at Stewart [Air National Guard Base], which was shut down for almost two hours, Ryan said Tuesday, referring to an incident at the military base last week.

Speaking on Hewitt's show, Cotton concurred: Its almost comical, some of the stories we hear. For instance, base commanders sending pilots out on the flight line with flashlights to try to identify them, he said.

A drone industry executive, granted anonymity to discuss how the FAA manages the skies, said the incidents are a troubling showcase of the lack of airspace awareness, coupled with just how challenging the problem of how to integrate drones into the airspace has become over the last several years.

Kirby offered the blue-ribbon panel option on Monday, saying that when Congress returns in January the White House will be calling on them to put in place a bipartisan [commission] to examine congestion in the skies and to help set appropriate rules to address the publics concerns.



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But when asked for more details on what the commission would examine, a National Security Council spokesperson referred questions to the Federal Aviation Administration. In a call with reporters on Tuesday, a senior FAA official, granted anonymity to discuss the issue, referred questions back to the NSC after stating that the agency is clearly committed to safely integrating drones into the [national airspace].

Of course, portions of Americas skies, especially around major metropolitan areas like New York City, are indeed congested. But typically drones dont share airspace with airplanes or other aircraft that are under the direction of air traffic controllers, leaving many industry observers scratching their heads about just what congestion the White House wants to tackle.

The drone industry executive said it is rare for planes, helicopters and drones to share airspace. Planes typically operate under the direction of air traffic control, which kicks in at about 400 feet above the ground. Most drones dont go above that threshold, so they dont enter controlled airspace.

Some types of aircraft habitually operate below the 400-foot threshold  think law enforcement and medical helicopters  and those types of flights could conflict with drones.

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Bailey Wood, a spokesperson for Vertical Aviation International, a trade group that represents helicopter operators among others, said though air traffic control isnt responsible for directing flights below 400 feet, that doesnt mean the area is free of complexity.

The increasing presence of drones highlights the critical importance of emphasizing safe operations in this already congested airspace. We would like to emphasize that minimizing this complexity risks overlooking vital safety considerations and operational challenges faced by the vertical aviation industry, Wood said.

The drone industry executive noted that in those areas, there is a shared responsibility for pilots to detect and avoid one another. In addition, the FAA requires all drone pilots to maintain visual contact with their craft, or for another type of detection equipment to be in place. He said more investments in those kinds of technologies could be part of a commissions work.

But its unclear if thats actually what Kirby meant.

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Questions about the scope of the proposed commission aside, the drone episode has raised awareness of the relatively sparse authority that exists to deal with errant drones  currently, only the Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department can interdict them, and in limited cases.

Over the weekend, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer threw his support behind a bill, S. 1631, that would expand those counterdrone authorities, including to state or local law enforcement agencies that have the right approvals in place.

But bigger bills on which that one could hitch a ride, such as a major defense authorization bill or a bill to fund the government, are already moving through Congress. That means the bill will likely die at the end of the year and need to be reintroduced.

Waiting in the wings is a rule that would also dictate how drones should behave and where they can fly without visual observers for longer distances  which the industry has wanted for years to hasten how drones could be used across the U.S. (Currently, FAA approves waivers for these flights on a case-by-case basis).

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We dont need to study this further, the executive added, saying that the beyond-visual-line-of-sight rule needs to move forward.

If drone operations were normalized, we wouldnt be having this conversation about New Jersey, the executive said.

On how to best respond to the hysteria, the senior FAA official on Tuesday reiterated that ongoing transparency and increasing the publics understanding of whats out there may tamp down some residents concerns, as well as what the FAA sets rules for.

Its an interagency effort for all of us to just keep talking about what were seeing, the FAA official said.

 Connor O'Brien contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden will travel to Rome in January to meet with Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the White House said on Thursday of a trip that will take place shortly before Biden's term in office ends.

Biden will also meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella during the visit from Jan. 9 to Jan. 12, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

"President Biden will have an audience with the Pope and discuss efforts to advance peace around the world," she said, adding that he will talk about "important challenges facing the world" with Meloni.

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Biden spoke with Pope Francis on Thursday.

"The President thanked the Pope for his continued advocacy to alleviate global suffering, including his work to advance human rights and protect religious freedoms," the White House said in a separate statement.

Biden's presidency ends on Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Costas Pitas; Editing by Eric Beech)
Outgoing US President Joe Biden will have one more audience with Pope Francis shortly before his term comes to an end in January, according to Italian media.

The meeting is to take place in the Vatican in early January, the La Repubblica daily reported on Thursday, citing church sources. There was initially no official confirmation.

Biden, 82, and Francis, 88, last met in June at a summit of the Group of Seven industrialized nations (G7) in Puglia in southern Italy.

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The US president is a devout Catholic. He was last received by the pope in October 2021.

Biden's successor Donald Trump will be sworn in at the White House on January 20. On a farewell trip to Europe, Biden could also make a stop in other capitals.

Pope Francis is the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide and also the head of state of the Vatican.
The Biden administration on Thursday upped Americas commitment to reducing planet-warming emissions under the Paris Climate Agreement weeks before President-elect Trump is set to take office.

The White House announced a new nationally determined contribution (NDC) of reducing U.S. emissions 61 percent to 66 percent from 2005 levels by 2035, after previously pledging to reduce them by half by 2030. The NDC also includes a commitment to cut methane, which remains in the atmosphere for less time than carbon dioxide but is more potent at warming the atmosphere, by 35 percent.

The incoming Trump administration is likely to discard the goal. The president-elect has falsely claimed human-caused climate change is a hoax and campaigned on ramping up fossil fuel production in a second term.

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Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris agreement during his first term and is likely to do the same when he takes office in January.

However, the new targets could serve as a potential model for cities and states as they seek to chart their own course on climate with little federal support in the second Trump administration.

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), one of the most climate-focused members of the Senate Democratic caucus, praised the move in a statement and called it an opportunity for climate policy that outlasts any Trump rollbacks of Biden policies.

[A] strong national climate commitment outlasts the term of any one president. This is a signpost that we will hopefully use in the not-too-distant-future to find our way back to the global negotiating table, Markey said.

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Today, the United States shows the world what we will work to achieve over the next ten years, whether driven by leaders in Congress to subnational and local governments and actors, he added. Climate change cannot wait for the right person to be in officeit will take every single one of us, across the globe, to fight the greatest challenge of our time.

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The bill is a stop-gap measure intended to give lawmakers time to consider a more permanent solution to the legal ads issue. (Photo by New Jersey Monitor)

New Jersey lawmakers have sent a bill to the governors desk intended to temporarily address concerns that the impending closure of the Star-Ledger will leave many towns without a place to publish legal notices.

Under a bill advanced by both chambers Thursday, governments would be allowed to place those notices in a newspapers digital edition instead until March 1, 2025. The Star-Ledger will cease printing a print edition on Feb. 2, but it will continue to publish an electronic version of the paper.

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The bill was fast-tracked, since many local governments must designate their official newspapers when they reorganize in January. The state Open Public Meetings Act requires local governments to publish meeting notices and other items in a newspaper of record.

Local officials have complained for years about this requirement, calling it an antiquated provision of the law written when more people received their news from print newspapers. Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-Morris) criticized support for the bill, saying lawmakers were in essence subsidizing an obsolete industry. He suggested posting legal ads and ordinances to township or county websites.

I say its time to pull the Band-aid off and just finish the job, Webber said.

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Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) said the Legislature plans to take another look at the issue. This legislation is just a stopgap measure because there wasnt enough time to come up with a long-term solution, he said.

Everybody has a different idea of what we should do, so were going to try and build those ideas and come up with a good solution, Scutari said.

The bill received unanimous support in the Senate and passed 49-20 in the Assembly. The bill now heads to Gov. Phil Murphy for his signature or veto.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A bill allowing schools to expel a student indefinitely for threatening behavior, including writing a hitlist or bringing a gun to class, is heading to Gov. Mike DeWines desk after passing the Statehouse on Wednesday.

Under current Ohio law, public school students can be expelled for up to 80 days for behavioral issues, and up to 180 days  or one school year  for bringing a gun or knife to school, making a bomb threat or causing serious physical harm to another person. Students aged 16 years or older can be permanently expelled only if they are convicted in court of a serious criminal offense, according to the nonprofit Ohio Legal Help.

House Bill 206, sponsored by Reps. Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana), will give schools flexibility to extend expulsions past 180 days when a student poses a imminent and severe endangerment to others safety.

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This includes bringing a firearm or knife to school, making a bomb threat, causing serious physical harm to someone at school, making a hitlist, creating a threatening manifesto and sharing a menacing post on social media.

Mental health is an issue and theres no time like the present to take care of it, Click said. So many times when theres a tragedy, whats the first question people ask? They say Why didnt you see the warning signs? Why didnt you do something? Reality is that were not always permitted to do something.

Under the bill, after 180 days, a students expulsion can be extended for 90 days at a time, with no limit on how many extensions are allowed.

In order to be reinstated, the student will be required to undergo a psychological evaluation by a psychiatrist, who is agreed upon by the superintendent and the students parent or guardian. If the psychiatrist is not employed or contracted by the district, the cost of the assessment will be referred to the students health insurance. Any costs not covered by health insurance will be paid for by the district.

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After a period of expulsion has been completed, the superintendent, along with a multidisciplinary team they select, will decide whether to reinstate the student. In order to make a decision, the school officials will determine if the student has shown sufficient rehabilitation, while taking the psychological assessment into consideration.

The legislation will require the superintendent to come up with a list of alternative educational options for the expelled student. They will also be permitted to reinstate the student before the expulsion period is up if they feel they no longer pose a threat.

During testimony, multiple groups contested the bill, including The Juvenile Justice Coalition. The nonprofit claimed that exclusionary discipline policies actually result in higher rates of misbehavior, and that such policies lead to educational setbacks, an increased risk of dropping out and involvement with the juvenile justice system. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio expressed concern the legislation gives too much power to the superintendent.

Ryan Davis, an education attorney in Dayton, also fought against the bill, citing concerns about how it could disproportionately affect certain racial and socioeconomic groups.

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In Ohio, exclusionary disciplinary practices in our schools are already disproportionally impacting black, low-income, and disabled students, Davis said in written testimony. The Childrens Defense Funds 2024 State of School Discipline in Ohio found that black female students are six times more likely than white female students to be suspended or expelled, and the trends are similarly staggering for black male students, disabled students, and low-income students.

Click said the multidisciplinary board will help balance power and prevent discrimination from happening. He claims he asked some opponent groups for specific language to include in the bill to help get them on board, but did not receive anything.

Weve been as responsive as we can and if they want to participate, they have to take the initiative to say here is what would take care of these issues and keep students safe, and they failed to do that, Click said. The goal is not extra suspensions or longer suspensions, the goal is safety.  We dont want any students unfairly targeted or discriminated against in our schools, and if they have any solutions or additions in the future, my doors are open.

The bill, first introduced in June 2023, was passed by the House on Dec. 4 with 68 votes for it and 15 votes against it. It passed the Senate 23-7 on Wednesday, and now awaits DeWines signature for final approval.

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The Assembly unanimously passed a bill that would require statewide tracking of rape kits, a measure intended to cut a backlog of untested evidence and increase transparency for victims. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

The state Assembly unanimously passed legislation Thursday that would require New Jerseys attorney general to track rape kits, a measure thats intended to reduce a backlog of untested evidence and provide more transparency to victims.

New Jersey is one of only about 10 states that dont track such kits, which contain biological evidence like semen, saliva, and hair taken from assault victims that help investigators identify assailants.

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The state received $2 million from the U.S. Department of Justice last year to establish a statewide tracking system, so the bill essentially gives Attorney General Matt Platkin marching orders to do so. The feds also have given New Jersey $3.8 million since 2020 to support the investigation and prosecution of unsolved sexual assaults, according to a Senate budget document.

The bill, which the Senate unanimously passed in October, now heads to the governors desk for a signature.

Under the legislation, Platkin would have to establish an online tracking system where victims, law enforcement, and health care facilities or laboratories could track rape kits through the chain of custody, from collection to results.

The size of New Jerseys rape kit backlog is unclear. The Joyful Heart Foundation, a nonprofit that supports sexual assault survivors and pushes nationally for such tracking, surveyed New Jersey law enforcement agencies and found they had more than 1,200 untested rape kits between 2018 and 2020.

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The state auditor found in a 2019 report that state forensic labs had no backlog of kits  but law enforcement agencies did, with 2,834 kits in their possession that they hadnt submitted for testing for various reasons, including investigators who had no suspects, believed the sexual act was consensual, or discounted victims who had a history of mental illness or had filed a complaint against their spouse or partner.

In March 2023, Platkin ordered a series of changes intended to limit New Jersey law enforcements ability to leave rape kits untested. He quadrupled the time agencies must store untested rape kits (from five to 20 years) and limited the circumstances under which agencies can opt not to have evidence tested.

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Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, meets with Graham Allison, a professor at Harvard University, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Huning met with Graham Allison, a professor at Harvard University, in Beijing on Thursday.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, the Chinese people are working together to advance Chinese modernization.

Wang noted that President Xi has provided fundamental strategic guidance for China-U.S. relations by putting forward the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and identifying the four red lines that brook no challenge, namely the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, China's path and system, and China's development right.

China's policy toward the United States has remained consistent and stable, Wang said. Noting that the Thucydides Trap is not a historical inevitability, he added that China and the United States should strengthen dialogue and communication, manage their differences properly, help each other succeed through cooperation, and work together to cope with various global challenges.

Allison said the United States and China should avoid falling into the Thucydides Trap, and finding the right way for them to get along with each other is important for both countries and the world at large.

He expressed his willingness to continue promoting strengthened communication between the United States and China, and to contribute to the stable development of bilateral relations. 

Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, meets with Graham Allison, a professor at Harvard University, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin holds the gavel before starting the body's session at the Statehouse in Trenton on Sept. 26, 2024. (Photo by Mary Iuvone for New Jersey Monitor)

New Jerseys county line is one step closer to history, with Assembly lawmakers Thursday approving a bill that would retool New Jerseys primary ballots in a 70-1 vote.

But the measure could face additional changes when it eventually moves through the Senate, which has not yet taken up the lower chambers bill.

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The legislation, backed by bipartisan sponsors and the product of Assembly select committee hearings, would mandate the states primaries be run on office-block ballots, which group candidates by the office they are seeking, and jettison New Jerseys long-standing county line, a unique ballot design that groups disparate candidates if they have received backing from party officials.

Progressive activists have for years tried to end the county line, which they say improperly gives party-backed candidates better ballot placement.

This day has come about because advocates have, through organizing and litigation, successfully changed the way politics work in a state that has for too long been controlled by political insiders, said Antoinette Miles, state director for the New Jersey Working Families Party.

Advocates celebrated the bill as an end to the county-line system but said it falls short in other areas, like the absence of a mandate that ballot draws to be conducted electronically. It would also allow candidates for certain offices, like Assembly, to be bracketed together on the ballot.

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The bill still faces an uncertain future despite its support in the Assembly. The state Senate has not moved or even introduced a companion to the Assembly bill.

Senate President Nicholas Scutari (Hal Brown for New Jersey Monitor)

Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) said he expects his chamber would likely make some technical changes to the bill when it takes it up.

Were going to take our time and get it right and then send it back. It may be exactly the way they gave it to us, but if it isnt, it isnt, Scutari told reporters Thursday.

Lawmakers began discussing changes to how our primary ballots are designed after a lawsuit filed by Sen. Andy Kim (D) in February challenged the county-line system as unconstitutional (at the time, Kim was still a member of the House). U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi, who is overseeing the case, issued a preliminary decision saying the county line would likely be found unconstitutional at trial.

Lawmakers raising bar to get on ballot

The Assembly, in a 47-27 vote that fell along party lines, also gave approval to a bill that would more than double the number of signatures needed to get onto New Jersey ballots.

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Earlier Thursday, the bill cleared the Senates state government committee, where Sen. Jim Beach (D-Camden)  the bills sponsor, the committees chair, and the only member present for its Thursday hearing  called the measure an effort to keep frivolous candidates off the ballot.

I think that its important that we have serious candidates, and its important that were not experiencing clutter on the ballots, he said. The ballots, in my opinion, are much more confusing than they used to be.

The bill would require candidates seeking the nomination of a major political party for statewide office, like governor or U.S. Senate, to obtain 2,500 signatures to get on the ballot, up from 1,000 under current law.

Signature requirements for major-party congressional candidates would rise from 200 to 500, while legislative office-seekers would be required to collect 250 signatures instead of 100.

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Statewide minor party candidates would see the number of signatures they need to secure a spot on the general election ballot rise from 800 to 2,000, while the cutoff for other independent office seekers would jump to 250, from 100.

Signature requirements for partisan offices at the municipal level would differ based on population, ranging from 100 signatures for municipalities with populations of 50,000 or more to five signatures in municipalities with no more than 2,500 residents.

A single witness argued against the bill, charging higher thresholds would entrench incumbents and depress participation.

While this bill may attempt to save voters from ballot clutter and frivolous candidates and ensure the viability and support of those candidates, higher signature thresholds in the political process will ultimately lead to less participation in the political process. It limits access for independents, reinforcing established politicians, said Lana Leguia, vice president of political affairs for the New Jersey Libertarian Party.

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Beach denied the bill is an effort to limit primary challenges following the death of the county line.

From the moment Beach gaveled his committee into order Thursday to the moment he closed the hearing, he was the only member present in the chamber.

Sens. Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic), John McKeon (D-Essex), and Scutari cast votes in absentia without entering the room.

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BINGHAMTON, NY  (WIVT/WBGH) Another dispute is brewing between Republican Mayor Jared Kraham and the Democratically-controlled Binghamton City Council, this one over how to quickly spend $387,000 of American Rescue Plan funding before the end of the year.

A spokesperson for Kraham says the funds were discovered during an end-of-year audit by the finance department. The money had originally been designated for Family Enrichment Center to turn a former Catholic Church-owned building on Doubleday Street into housing.

But the money was returned when FEN was unable to secure additional funds. So, Kraham wants to tack the money onto an existing agreement with the Broome County Land Bank to purchase and rehabilitate affordable single-family homes in the city.

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But Democrats are crying foul, saying they should have been consulted before Kraham offered the money to the Land Bank. Some Council members would like to consider giving the funds to the Southern Door Community Land Trust which is looking to renovate 6 Florence Street.

Council Majority Leader Kinya Middleton says Southern Doors requests for ARPA funding have been ignored by the Mayor.

Southern Door hasnt received any ARPA funds and the Land Bank has. At least if we can give to an organization that hasnt received anything as of yet, I think they deserve that, Middleton said.

Middleton says the Council supports the Broome County Land Bank and that however it works out, the money will go toward badly needed affordable housing in the city. Kraham calls the Land Bank an outstanding partner with a proven track record of completing affordable housing projects.

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Hes concerned that if Council doesnt act quickly, the ARPA funds will be lost.

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Avian influenza continues to spread. (Getty Images)

LINCOLN  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture, working with USDA and its Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, has announced five cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Nebraska poultry flocks  four of them this month.

The two latest cases were found in a small backyard chicken flock in Sarpy County and a mixed backyard flock in Lancaster County.

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The previous two from December were detected in a commercial turkey flock in Nemaha County and one in a small backyard chicken flock in Dodge County, state ag officials report. The earlier case in Gage County came from a commercial flock.

State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley had said he expected to see more instances of the highly contagious virus because it was circulating in wild birds, commercial and backyard flocks.

He urged poultry producers to monitor their birds because the avian fluspreads easily through nasal and eye secretions, along with food, water and waste.

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Ag officials said signs of avian flu in poultry include drinking less water, eating less, producing fewer eggs, producing soft or oddly shaped eggs, coughing, wheezing, sneezing and diarrhea.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of HPAI and continuing to practice good biosecurity measures helps prevent the spread of this disease, Dudley said in a statement.

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A bird flu outbreak has ravaged the world's birds since 2020 and infected cattle earlier this year.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over the virus this week.

Health officials also confirmed the first "severe" human case and hospitalization for the H5N1 virus.

The burgeoning global bird flu outbreak continued its flight path across the country this week, with two major developments that point to the virus' spread.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over the virus on Wednesday, citing a worrying number of infected cattle herds throughout the state in recent months and a need for more resources.

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Since the state first identified the H5N1 avian influenza virus in cattle in late August, California's agriculture department has confirmed 645 infected dairy herds.

Newsom's announcement, meanwhile, came just hours after health officials confirmed the first severe case of bird flu in Louisiana, saying a person was hospitalized with an infection after being exposed to sick birds in his backyard.

In recent months, infectious disease experts have grown increasingly nervous about the possibility of a human pandemic linked to the virus, even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has maintained that the public health risk for humans is low.

Here's where things stand.

Bird flu outbreak

The H5N1 virus first reemerged in Europe in 2020 and has since become widespread in birds around the world. The outbreak has killed tens of millions of birds and tens of thousands of sea lions and seals in recent years.

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Birds carry the disease while migrating and can expose domestic poultry to the virus while never showing signs themselves, according to the CDC.

In a major escalation earlier this year, the virus jumped to cattle herds for the first time ever. Then, in October, a pig in Oregon tested positive for the virus, an especially concerning case as swine can host both bird and human flu viruses.

There has been no known human-to-human transmission yet. Still, the growing pattern of mammal-to-mammal transmission has infectious disease experts on guard against the possibility that H5N1 could eventually become a human pandemic.

"If it keeps spreading in animals, then it is eventually going to cause problems for humans, either because we don't have food because they've got to start exterminating flocks, or because it starts to make a jump in humans," Dr. Jerome Adams, a former surgeon general and the director of health equity at Purdue University, told Business Insider in April.

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"The more it replicates, the more chances it has to mutate," he added.

The ongoing multistate dairy cattle outbreak, which is believed to have started in Texas, has infected 865 herds across 16 states and has led to a growing number of human cases among US dairy and poultry workers, the CDC said.

The CDC has thus far confirmed 61 reported human cases and seven probable cases across the US, though some scientists estimate that the real number of infections is higher.

More than half of the human cases are tied to interaction with sick cattle. The remaining infections have been traced to exposure to sick poultry or have an unknown origin, the CDC said.

The US Department of Agriculture issued a federal order in December that requires the testing of the nation's milk supply. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

State of emergency

Newsom said Wednesday's announcement will give state and local authorities more resources to study and contain the outbreak.

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"This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak," the governor said in a statement.

Earlier this month, the Agriculture Department said it would start testing the nation's milk supply for traces of the virus, requiring dairy farmers to provide raw milk samples upon request. Until then, cattle testing for potential infections had been almost entirely voluntary.

Dr. Monica Gandhi, a professor of medicine and associate chief of the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, said the declaration will likely give California a greater ability to surveil dairy farms for signs of the virus.

But declaring a state of emergency could be a double-edged sword.

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Phrases "like 'state of emergency,' given that we've just been through a pandemic, can induce panic," Gandhi said.

And it's not time to panic yet, she said.

Gandhi praised the CDC's "very measured" messaging around the virus thus far and said health officials are closely monitoring the spread.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(NEXSTAR)  Health officials on Wednesday confirmed the first severe case of bird flu in the U.S., causing a spike in online searches for symptoms of the virus.

There have been more than 60 bird flu infections in people across the country since March, 2024. Nearly all have resulted in mild illness.

On Wednesday, Google searches for bird flu symptoms shot up 500%, with bird flu topping all trending symptoms searches, according to the search engines data.

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Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu may include fever  or feeling feverish and chills  and respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and tiredness, according to CDC Epidemiologist Dr. Denisse Vega Ocasio.

Louisiana patient has first severe bird flu case in US: health officials

Anyone who may have been exposed to bird flu and starts to feel symptoms should immediately contact the state or local health department  or a community health clinic  the CDC advises.

While bird flu cases have been rampant among wild birds, poultry and U.S. dairy cows, among other animals, cases in the U.S. have all been mild, up until a severe case was documented in Louisiana. That case, which was also the first in the U.S. linked to a backyard flock, involved a person over 65 with underlying medical problems who had been in contact with sick and dead birds. As of Wednesday, the individual was hospitalized in critical condition with severe respiratory symptoms, according to a Louisiana official.

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Health officials with the CDC reiterated Wednesday that the H5N1 flu still mainly affects animals.

No person-to-person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected, the CDC said in a news release. This case does not change CDCs overall assessment of the immediate risk to the publics health from H5N1 bird flu, which remains low.

While the current risk remains low, government officials across the country are working to make sure it remains that way as they try to minimize the agricultural impact.

California declares a state of emergency

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as cases of the virus were detected in dairy cows on Southern California farms. Previously, the virus had been detected in the states Central Valley.

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This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak, Newsom said in a statement.

The virus has been detected in 865 dairy herds in 16 states, with nearly 650 of them in California. Raw milk from infected cattle was recalled late last month after the virus was found in samples sold in California stores.

On Wednesday, Los Angeles County health officials confirmed the deaths of two cats from bird flu infections after drinking the recalled raw milk.

Flu experts said the trajectory of the virus in people remains unclear, but they urged people who have contact with sick or dead birds to take precautions, including wearing respiratory and eye protection and gloves when handling poultry.

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We may see more cases of severe disease in the U.S. since cases seem to be growing more frequent, said Angela Rasmussen, a virus expert at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Birmingham police searching for missing woman last seen in Titusville community

BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WIAT)  The Birmingham Police Department is searching for a missing woman who was last seen in the Titusville community Monday morning.

Aimee Warren, 58, was last seen wearing a green and gold jogging suit. She is 56 and weights 180 pounds.

Anyone with information on Warrens whereabouts is encouraged to call 911 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Three Black men who sued American Airlines for race discrimination after they were removed from a January 2024 flight from Phoenix to New York City have agreed to settle the lawsuit.

The settlement terms are confidential but include a commitment by American to take action to prevent discrimination in the future, according to Emily Leach of the Public Citizen Litigation Group, which represented the men in the lawsuit.

American Airlines has terminated the employment of the flight attendants responsible for their removal.

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"We are very pleased that American Airlines took our complaint seriously and we hope that this never happens to Black passengers or any other people of color again," said Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph, and Xavier Veal, the three men who sued American, in a joint statement.

"Our goal in speaking out has always been to create change. We are proud that we used our voices to make a difference in the lives of Black Americans."

Black men sue American Airlines: What happened

Jackson, Joseph and Veal, who did not know each other before the flight and were not seated together, said their removal from the Jan. 5 flight and their following interactions with American Airlines staff amounted to a "humiliating, degrading and deeply traumatizing" experience.

According to the lawsuit, a representative for American removed the three men and five other Black men from the Phoenix-New York flight after a white male flight attendant complained about a passenger with body odor.

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None of the men removed from the plane had been accused by other passengers of having body odor. The men who filed the lawsuit claimed American's staff discriminated against them because they are Black.

After their removal from the flight, they returned to the gate to rebook and were told there were no other flights that evening. They were eventually allowed back on the plane, but claimed "rude and discriminatory" behavior persisted during the flight.

How American Airlines responded to the race discrimination lawsuit

One month after the race discrimination lawsuit was filed, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom told his employees in an internal memo that the incident was "unacceptable" and that the airline "fell short of our commitments and failed our customers in this incident."

Isom said American would take these steps to improve the flying experience for Black passengers:

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Creating an "oversight and excellence advisory group" focused on "improving the travel experience for Black customers."

Strengthening American's oversight and reporting procedures for handling customer concerns about discrimination or bias.

Re-evaluating American's policies to improvement on how it handles "situations that may result in the removal of passengers."

Introducing new employee training that will focus on how they can "recognize and address bias and discrimination" in real-world situations.

American Airlines commitment to take concrete actions to address discrimination is a significant departure from the way public companies have historically dealt with individual race discrimination claims, Susan Huhta, partner at Outten & Golden and counsel for the men who sued American, said in a statement.

We are pleased to have reached a resolution that will allow these brave men to move forward with their heads held high.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist whos covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republics consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: American Airlines settles with Black men removed from flight
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Heart problems can contribute to health problems, But many times people dont know theres a problem with their heart. Now, they can find out.

A machine that takes your blood pressure automatically has been installed at the Central YMCA. These blood pressure kits come from the American Heart Association and work when someone puts their arm in the sleeve and presses a button.

The machine provides a blood pressure reading and your pulse on a printout that you can keep. There are also guideline numbers posted that suggest a normal reading or indicate you should check with a doctor.

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Were really excited because high blood pressure is known as the silent killer in terms of cardiac health. A lot of people dont know  approximately 50% of people who have high blood pressure arent aware of the fact that they have high blood pressure, said Gabbi Roszman, community impact director for the American Heart Association.

Additional blood pressure hubs are being installed at various Youngstown Metro Housing Authority locations.

The American Heart Association is also providing resources on the danger of high blood pressure and how to receive proper health care to be checked.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
This photo shows a scene during an international symposium on climate resilient water supply held in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Dec. 16, 2024. An international symposium on climate resilient water supply and a water technology exhibition were held here from Dec. 16 to 17. Both events were jointly organized by the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology (JRDC). Experts and scholars from six countries and regions discussed water treatment technologies and expertise in addressing climate change during the events. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)

COLOMBO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- An international symposium on climate resilient water supply and a water technology exhibition were held in Kandy, Sri Lanka from Dec. 16 to 17.

Both events were jointly organized by the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology (JRDC). Experts and scholars from six countries and regions discussed water treatment technologies and expertise in addressing climate change.

In his speech, S. K. Weragoda, director of JRDC, said climate change has had a serious impact on agriculture, economy, and society in Sri Lanka in recent years, and that many countries represented by the attending experts face similar challenges. He expressed his hope that the experts would share their valuable insights and advanced experiences to provide reference for Sri Lanka.

Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) was a major public health issue in Sri Lanka, with over 40,000 people suffering from it since the mid-1990s, statistics showed.

In 2016, then Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena called the disease a "national disaster" that affected 20,828 patients and caused 5,000 deaths per year.

In March 2015, China and Sri Lanka officially launched a joint research cooperation on CKDu and drinking water security, providing safe drinking water to over 5,000 villagers and more than 1,300 students over the following years.

"Our cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Sciences started from CKDu investigation and now is expanding fast. We plan to find new environmental technologies to invest in since it will create more opportunities for Sri Lankan young people," said Lawrance Madapatha, executive director of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.

Earlier, the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and JRDC donated a 5,000-liter-per-day electrodialysis drinking water treatment unit to the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka at a jointly organized workshop on CKDu on Dec. 14, to be used for demonstration of safe drinking water in CKDu-affected areas.

Yang Min, from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences under the Chinese Academy for Sciences, delivered a keynote speech at the symposium, noting that due to the limited and uneven distribution of water resources, China had also faced challenges in ensuring water supply safety.

However, China has now achieved water supply safety through continuous formulation of five-year plans, optimization of drinking water safety and technical standards, and comprehensive efforts to tackle challenges in source water, treatment plant and distribution, as well as the establishment of a nationwide water quality inspection and emergency response system, he said. 

An exhibitor (C) introduces an equipment model to visitors during a water technology exhibition held in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Dec. 17, 2024. An international symposium on climate resilient water supply and a water technology exhibition were held here from Dec. 16 to 17.

Both events were jointly organized by the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology (JRDC). Experts and scholars from six countries and regions discussed water treatment technologies and expertise in addressing climate change during the events. (Xinhua/Chen Dongshu)
Comptroller Brooke Lierman expressed concern that delays in awarding an electronic benefits contract could result in ongoing theft of benefits and tens of millions in losses that the state would have to cover. Photo by Bryan P. Sears

The Board of Public Works voted unanimously Wednesday to extend a contract that ensures electronic benefits services  including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments  will continue even as a contract approved this summer is the subject of a courtroom battle.

Department of Human Services officials said the extension is needed while a ruling voiding a new contract is appealed. Even so, Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) expressed concerns over delays in securing a long-term deal and limiting the states exposure to tens of millions of dollars in fraud.

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I think a bad scenario is all of us being here again six months from now, and having to approve another extension, and the general fund dollars having to keep going to this  very scarce general fund dollars, Lierman said.

Maryland ranked second in the number of claims of stolen food assistance benefits over the past two years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. From the second quarter of 2023 to the third quarter of 2024, according to USDA, there were 48,732 stolen benefits claims made in Maryland, second only to New Yorks 90,677 claims.

Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael J. Lopez told Lierman and the board that his agency has asked for $30 million in the coming budget. The money would be earmarked for reimbursing EBT cardholders who are the victims of fraud and benefits theft.

The new contract was supposed to include new benefits cards with a security chip feature.

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The boards approval of a six-month extension of the current contract with Conduent State and Local Solutions ensures there will be no interruption in distribution of cash and SNAP Benefits for more than 930,000 people through the Department of Human Services.

Human Services Secretary Rafael J. Lopez said Wednesday his agency is prepared to work with either bidder on a contract to provide electronic benefit payments. Photo by Bryan P. Sears.

They are a lifeline to food and to help people make ends meet, Lopez said. In Maryland, these benefits are administered by a contracted vendor who produces and mails out the payment card, loads benefits on the cards and helps us make sure that we distribute these benefits in accordance with federal law and regulations.

The board in July unanimously approved a new contract with Conduent, for a five-year deal with two optional one-year extensions. That approval came as the losing bidder  Wisconsin-based Fidelity Information Systems  was challenging the award before the Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals.

The appeals board determined in August that the newly approved deal with Conduent was illegal and voided it. The department appealed that decision in Baltimore City Circuit Court .

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We will work with either of you, Lopez said, speaking to representatives of the competing bidders, who attended Wednesdays board meeting. And integrity for us means that if we made a mistake, and the circuit court says we did, we pick ourselves up and we will move on for Marylanders.

State officials said the $3.8 million extension on Wednesdays agenda was needed because Conduent has ceased engaging in any work under the new contract while the legal wrangling continues.

Without this option, we will not be able to run an EBT system in Maryland, and that is simply unacceptable, Lopez said. Well not be able to issue payment cards or loan benefits.

Mike Miller, an attorney for Fidelity, said his client did not oppose the extension but said the state has another option: Award the contract to Fidelity. Miller told the board he was concerned the agency would come back asking either for another extension of the current contract or ask the panel to ratify the deal struck down by the contract appeals board.

I dont think you should allow them to railroad this process anymore, Miller told the board. You should instruct them to take the lawful, cost-effective option that will get rid of these fraud issues.
VILLA GROVE, Ill. (WCIA)  A water main break has caused part of Villa Grove to be placed under a boil order on Wednesday.

At 10:25 a.m., Illinois American Water notified its customers of the boil order for a portion of the north end of Villa Grove. Their crews are making emergency repairs at the main break location.

The location of those affected by the order is near the intersection of N Sycamore St. and County Road 1550 N. The full affected area can be seen on American Waters website. Those who reside in the area may experience a service interruption or low water pressure.

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Firearm deer season harvests 82,000 deer across Illinois, up from last year

Repairs were initially expected to take approximately 4-6 hours, but an update at 8:21 p.m. now says the estimated end time will be at 5 p.m. on Dec. 20. American Water will notify its customers when this boil order has been lifted.

Any water to be used for drinking or cooking should be brought to a rolling boil for five minutes. However, the water is fine to use for bathing, laundry and other common uses.

American Water is asking landlords to inform their tenants so that they are aware of the impact to their water service. For additional information, call them at 800-422-2782.

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Columnist Jay Bookman says a relative handful of very wealthy people have made school vouchers their pet vanity project, using multi-million-dollar campaign chests to try to refashion state legislatures all across the country to do their will. Getty Images

School vouchers are unpopular.

They are unpopular with liberal voters. They are unpopular with conservative voters.

In modern American politics, it is rare to find such agreement, with voters of all stripes recognizing that they pose an existential threat to public education.

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Yet somehow, in Georgia and other states, voucher programs continue to be implemented against what appears to be strong bipartisan opposition.

How is that happening?

Its happening because a relative handful of very wealthy people have made school vouchers their pet vanity project, using multi-million-dollar campaign chests to try to refashion state legislatures all across the country to do their will.

Jeffrey Yass of Pennsylvania, Betsy DeVos of Michigan, Richard Uihlein of Illinois, Charles Koch of Kansas and other billionaires are all funding crusades in states where they dont live, threatening the health of public schools that their kids will never attend, because they believe they know better than residents of those states how their children should be educated.

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In Texas, for example, Yass and others donated tens of millions of dollars to remove conservative legislators who had dared to vote against a universal voucher program. In legislative races, $10,000 can do a lot of damage, and in November they succeeded in removing 15 conservative anti-voucher legislators, replacing them with candidates willing to do their bidding.

In states such as Georgia, where public opposition has continued to frustrate straightforward attempts to implement universal vouchers, proponents have resorted to political intimidation, deception and bait-and-switch legislation to accomplish their goals.

Lets start with the assertion that vouchers are highly unpopular.

In every single state, liberal or conservative, in which voters have had a chance to directly voice their opinion, pro-voucher referendums have been defeated, and usually by overwhelmingly margins.

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It happened most recently last month in Nebraska, a conservative state that Donald Trump carried by 20 points. If vouchers are truly a grassroots conservative cause, with broad popular support, surely you would expect them to be popular in the Nebraska heartland.

Yet Nebraskans voted overwhelmingly, 57% to 43%, to repeal a voucher program that their state legislators had tried to impose on them. It was the third time that Nebraskans have directly voted against using taxpayer money to fund private schools.

In Kentucky, the story was much the same. State legislators, goaded by out-of-state donors, needed to change the state constitution to allow vouchers, but doing so required that they get voter approval. It didnt happen. In a deep-red state that Trump carried by 30 points, the proposed voucher amendment was rejected by 30 points. It failed in every one of the states 120 counties, rural and urban.

Its also important to note that the distorting effect of huge sums of campaign money from billionaire voucher proponents is not felt solely in legislative races. Republican megadonors have also made it clear to politicians with ambitions for higher office that if they want the type of large donations needed in national races, they better toe the line on vouchers.

So here in Georgia last year, Gov. Brian Kemp helped to strong-arm the state Legislature into narrowly passing what was sold to legislators and the public as a very limited voucher bill, estimated to provide $6,500 in taxpayer money to pay private-school tuition to students in the lowest-performing 25% of Georgia schools. As part of that bill, legislators authorized spending for vouchers for as many as 22,000 students who are supposedly stuck in those poor-performing schools.

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Except .

Suddenly, state education officials have reread that new law and now claim that it makes as many as 400,000 Georgia students eligible for vouchers, including hundreds of thousands who do not attend a low-performing school. That is a number that was never heard or seen during debate on the legislation.

State Rep. Chris Erwin, chair of the House Education Committee, told the Associated Press that wasnt how the law was intended to work and he wants it rewritten.

House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones joined him, saying she also felt misled.

That wasnt my understanding, she said of the expanded program.

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This is hardly the first time that voucher proponents in Georgia have told the public one thing during debate on a bill, only to turn around and disavow those promises later. Its the kind of bait-and-switch technique you turn to only when you know that your proposal is too unpopular to be adopted through honest means.

Its also important to point out that the publics distrust of vouchers is well-grounded in fact and reality. Study after study has found that vouchers do not improve education outcomes, and instead can cause significant harm. And just as opponents have warned for decades, most of the taxpayer money spent on vouchers is going to subsidize students in prosperous families who were already attending private school or being home-schooled. Relatively little is used to help public-school students escape into better schools, the supposed rationale for vouchers.

And because voucher advocates insist upon little or no regulation of such programs, abuses have become legendary.

In Florida, homeschooling parents are using tax money to fund family trips to Disney World. In Arizona, families are using vouchers to buy themselves big-screen TVs. In Arkansas, a state that ranks 45th in the country in teacher pay, a voucher program created in 2023 is paying for horseback riding lessons for home-schooled children.

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Think about that. At a time when public schools often lack the funding for even basic supplies, voucher advocates are using taxpayer money for equestrian training.

You can cite any number of circumstances in which unregulated campaign money is distorting the political process in this country, but perhaps none is as egregious, blatant and potentially destructive as the debate over vouchers. Rural communities in particular are wary of proposals that would drain resources from their public schools, and if Democrats are looking for a way to restore common ground with those voters, the fight against vouchers offers a great opportunity to do so.

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The new chief executive of HS2 has refused to apologise for the rail project spending 100 million on a bat shed intended to protect the animals from passing trains.

Mark Wild told MPs on Thursday that the planned building in Buckinghamshire was a legal requirement.

The structure was criticised by Sir Jon Thompson, the outgoing chairman of HS2, who said there was no evidence that high-speed trains interfere with bats.

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Dame Bernadette Kelly, the Department for Transports most senior civil servant, told the public accounts committee on Thursday that she and the Treasury had challenged the building of the bat shed.

Yet they found it was the most efficient remedy for protecting the creatures, which are legally protected in the UK regardless of their conservation status.

An artists impression of the bat shed that would arch over the HS2 line - Kim Birtwistle

Asked at a hearing if he wanted to apologise for the structure, Mr Wild, who took over as chief executive earlier this month, said he could understand why that would raise public concern.

But he added: The law says that we must mitigate damage, harm to protected species. I cant apologise for complying with the law. This structure is the most appropriate.

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It is an extraordinary amount of money but it is in the context of a scheme that is costing tens of billions and its built for 120 years.

The Prime Minister separately claimed on Thursday that HS2 is a case study of the last government on how to mishandle a major project, over budget, over time, cut back and almost a textbook example of what the last government got wrong when it came to big infrastructure projects.

Sir Keir Starmer told reporters: That doesnt mean we should abandon infrastructure projects but it does mean weve got to do them differently and weve got to do them better.

The tunnel is allegedly the best way to protect bats, which are a protected species in the UK - HS2/PA

Mr Wilds refusal to apologise comes after Sir Jon, the HS2 chairman, quit this week after the Government said the rail projects latest cost estimate of 66 billion was not an accurate or reliable figure.

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Dame Bernadette told MPs on Thursday: We do not currently have an agreed cost estimate now for phase one I say with great regret, sitting before the committee, that is the situation.

She added that a new cost estimate would likely not be forthcoming until late next year.

Sir Jon was the one who revealed the level of spending on the bat shed, as he described it at a railway industry conference in November.

So far 32.8 billion has been spent on HS2 since it was approved in 2012, with the latest estimates coming after years of warnings that its spending was out of control.

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Police in Boston are turning to the public for help with tracking down three missing teenagers who havent been seen in days, authorities announced Thursday.

Andrew Perez, 18, of Dorchester, was last seen in the area of the UMass Boston student lodge in the admission building at 100 Morrissey Boulevard around noon on Friday, Dec. 13, according to police.

Perez is described as an Asian-Hispanic male, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 170 pounds, with brown eyes and curly hair. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black shoes, and pants.

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Ahmir Galloway, 15, of Roxbury, was last seen in the area of 18 Harold Park shortly before 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, according to police.

He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with two emojis, True Religion blue jeans, black and white Jordan sneakers, and a black backpack.

Police noted that Galloway is known to frequent the area of 365 Blue Ledge Drive and 967 Blue Hill Avenue in Roslindale.

Matthew Pasquarello, 17, of Roxbury, was last seen in the area of Howland Street around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, according to police.

Pasquarello is described as a white male, about 5 feet, 6 inches tall, and 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing all black clothing.

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It is believed he may be in the area of Iffley Road.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Perez, Galloway, and Pasquarello is urged to contact Boston police.

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AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  A Copley man was sentenced to 23 years to life for the March 2023 kidnappings and executions of three men from Youngstown.

A jury in October found Elias Gudino, 59, of Copley, guilty of 18 counts, including aggravated murder with a gun specification, attempted aggravated murder and kidnapping, among others.

Woman killed in hit-and-run; investigators searching for vehicle involved

Elias Gudino mugshot (Credit: Summit County Sheriffs Office)

The bodies of victims Inmer Reyes, 25, Victor Varela-Rodriguez, 31, and Domingo Castillo-Reyes, 35, were found on March 9, 2023.

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The three men were found dumped on the side of the road, each bound, gagged and shot in the back of the head. A fourth victim survived and pretended to be dead until his kidnapper drove away.

Copley scene (FOX 8 photo) Akron scene (FOX 8 photo) Akron scene (FOX 8 photo) Akron scene (FOX 8 photo)

Elias Gudino kidnapped and terrorized four men before executing three of them at point-blank range and nearly killing the fourth. His actions have no place in society, and he deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison, Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich is quoted in a Wednesday news release.

The men were kidnapped from a Youngstown home, according to prosecutors. Gudino tried to lure a fifth person to the home, but was unsuccessful.

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Gudino drove to a low-traffic road in Copley, where he shot at both of the men, killing one of them. One of the bullets pierced the second victims skullcap, but missed his head. That man played dead and waited for Gudino to leave before fleeing, reads the release.

Gudino then drove the other two victims to a low-traffic road in Akron, where he shot and killed them.

Officers rescue mother, 3-year-old during armed burglary at Elyria apartment: Police

Police later found the surviving victim wandering about a half-mile from the scene. He helped officers track down Gudino and later testified against the man.

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Assistant Prosecutor Zach Neumann at Gudinos Wednesday sentencing hearing argued against giving him the chance at parole for the cold-blooded executions, noting Gudinos significant criminal history, which includes a federal drug trafficking conviction for which he served prison time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
A Scottish man who previously served as a body double for Brad Pitt has been sentenced for stealthing, a form of rape, according to the countrys Crown Office & Prosecutors Fiscal Service.

Luke Ford, 35, will spend 16 years in prison for 19 charges including the heinous criminal act, which is "defined as not using a protective condom without a partners knowledge or consent, which is rape," according to the High Court. The BBC reported that Ford preyed upon women he met through dating apps for more than a decade. Multiple women reported that Ford took explicit photos of them without their knowledge and then used the photos to blackmail his victims, threatening to share the shots with the persons family or employers. In another case, Ford smashed a womans head against a car window.

The stealthing case for which Ford was sentenced concerned a woman he met on Tinder. She and Ford went on a few dates before deciding to have sexual intercourse. She told Ford to wear a condom, and was under the impression he did, but after the act he informed her that he hadnt worn a condom. The next day, Ford sent her a text urging her to either buy the morning-after pill or get an abortion. "Just get the pill and if you are pregnant get rid of it, the message read.

Related: Brad Pitt Admits He's in His 'Last Years' of His Career

Ford was described by prosecutors as a failed actor who used the fact that he once doubled Pitt as a way to charm his victims. He was one of several people who served as photo doubles for Pitt during World War Zs production in Glasgow. He genuinely thought he was going to be the next Brad Pitt, one of his victims told STV News. I think there were multiple stunt doubles, but the way that he spun it, it looked like he was Brad Pitts one-and-only stunt double. She added: I would say its taken me a long time to get over what happened and say that life is good now.

Ford is a dangerous and manipulative sexual predator, Detective Inspector Steven Gray said in a statement. I hope that knowing he is now behind bars for his crimes helps them continue to move forward with their lives.
A Braddock Hills man was convicted by a federal grand jury for robbing a bank in Wheeling, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of West Virginia announced Thursday.

Following a two-day trial, Frank L. Morrison, 58, was found guilty on Wednesday.

Authorities said on Sept. 4, 2018, Morrison walked into United Bank in Elm Grove wearing a mask and demanded money from two tellers. He got away with $4,200.

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The jury watched the surveillance video, which showed Morrison throwing away his mask and other things into a nearby dumpster. Investigators were able to obtain matching DNA evidence from the mask.

The U.S. attorneys office said that Morrison has a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions for bank robbery, robbery and access device fraud. He is currently serving an 87-month sentence for a federal firearms conviction in Western Pennsylvania.

Frank Morrison has made a living committing crimes throughout the region, but his criminal career is now over, said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. We will seek a sentence that will keep Mr. Morrison behind bars for the rest of his life so that he can no longer terrorize the public.

Morrison is facing up to 20 years in federal prison for the Wheeling bank robbery. Ihlenfeld said the United States will seek to have that sentence run consecutively to the term he is currently serving





This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  Rankin County deputies and Pearl police arrested a man who allegedly threatened to blow up the Rankin County Sheriffs Office.

Investigator Tyler Burnell, with the Rankin County Sheriffs Office, said Joshua Daniel Pace, 44, of Brandon, was arrested on Thursday, December 19 and charged with making terroristic threats.

Former Capitol police officer indicted for excessive force

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According to Burnell, the sheriffs office received in excess of 20 phone calls on December 18 and December 19. He said 911 dispatchers were threatened with physical violence, and the caller threatened to blow up the sheriffs office.

Investigators were able to obtain the call recordings and identified Paces number. Once he was arrested, Burnell said authorities discovered that Pace was out on parole through the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) for elder abuse.

Pace is being held at the Rankin County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing.

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After a two-day trial, a Putnam County jury found a defendant named Eldridge Griner guilty as charged with First-Degree Murder with a firearm.

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On the evening of May 25, 2021, Griner went to a Palatka apartment under the guise of selling drugs to the victim, Joseph Brinson. A woman who lived in the unit did not want Griner present and asked him to leave, which resulted in an argument. Brinson broke off the argument, escorting Griner outside.

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While outside, Griner pulled out a handgun and shot Brinson point blank in the head. He died of his injuries at the scene.

Later, Griner was taken into custody in South Carolina on an unrelated warrant. According to the report, while being extradited to Putnam County, Griner admitted to killing Brinson, calling it a hit and an execution. He says he had planned it after Brinson had allegedly robbed him prior.

Following Griners verdict, he was sentenced to life in prison.

The fact that a convicted murderer will never walk the streets again is a Christmas gift for the citizens of our communities, State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. His ruthless and brutal execution of our victim reflects the violent depravity of his character.

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An aerial drone photo shows a view of Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

Tourists take photos of red leaves at a scenic spot overlooking Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo shows a view of Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo shows a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows a view of a scenic spot overlooking Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows a ship sailing in Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying themselves at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo shows a view of Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows a cruise sailing in Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying themselves at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying themselves at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows ships sailing in Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

This photo shows a view of Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying themselves at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

Tourists take selfies at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

Tourists enjoy the scenery at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying themselves at a scenic spot near Wuxia Gorge, one of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, in Wushan County, southwest China's Chongqing, Dec. 18, 2024.

Red leaves have recently dyed mountains along the Wuxia Gorge, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts numerous tourists. In the meantime, authorities of Wushan County are committed to developing cultural tourism by hosting the Wushan Red Leaf Festival and other related programs. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)
By Felix Light, Muvija M

TBILISI/LONDON (Reuters) -Britain and the U.S. on Thursday imposed sanctions on Georgian officials, including the interior minister, over a violent crackdown on pro-European Union protesters who have taken to the streets nightly since Tbilisi last month froze EU accession talks until 2028.

Britain's foreign ministry said it targeted five officials who it said were responsible for violent attacks against journalists and peaceful protesters, while the U.S. Treasury Department said it slapped sanctions on two officials it accused of overseeing a violent crackdown against protesters, journalists and opposition figures.

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Georgia had been seen as one of the most democratic and pro-Western countries of the former Soviet Union, but critics say it is moving in an authoritarian and pro-Russian direction.

The ruling Georgian Dream party says it wants a democratic and pro-Western Georgia while maintaining pragmatic ties with neighbouring Russia, which ruled Georgia for 200 years until 1991.

Polls show EU accession is popular in Georgia. It is also written into the country's constitution.

The freeze on EU accession talks sparked protests and a crackdown that has seen more than 400 people arrested, including high-profile pro-EU opposition leaders and activists. Georgia's ombudsman has accused police and authorities of widespread brutality.

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The government says more than 150 police officers have been injured in clashes with firework-throwing demonstrators pursuing a violent revolution.

The British government said in a statement that Britain's sanctions targeted senior figures in Georgia's interior ministry, which oversaw what London described as the Georgian police's disproportionate use of violence.

Among the five officials targeted are Georgia's interior minister, Vakhtang Gomelauri, and Zviad Khazarishvili, head of an interior ministry department accused of masterminding attacks.

Washington also targeted Gomelauri as well as Mirza Kezevadze, the deputy head of the interior ministry's Special Task Department. The U.S. Treasury accused the Special Task Department of responding to protests with disproportionate violence, including mass beatings, verbal abuse and threats of sexual violence, and of targeting journalists and political opposition leaders.

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The move freezes any of their U.S. assets and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. Those that engage in certain activities with the sanctioned officials also risk being hit with punitive measures.

The U.S. previously sanctioned two of the officials Britain took action against on Thursday.

The EU has previously said the crackdown in Georgia merited sanctions, while countries including Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have already imposed measures on senior Tbilisi officials and Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire ex-prime minister widely regarded as the country's paramount leader.

Russia has said it does not interfere in Georgia, though individual Russian officials have praised Georgian Dream.

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Moscow and Tbilisi have had no formal diplomatic relations since Russia defeated Georgia in a five-day war in 2008.

(Reporting by Felix Light and Muvija M; Writing by Catarina Demony and Daphne Psaledakis;Editing by William James, Andrew Cawthorne and Paul Simao)
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain on Thursday said it would send an additional 225 million pounds ($286 million) of military equipment to Ukraine to help it in the war against Russia.

WHY ITS IMPORTANT

Ukraine has urged allies to bolster it both on the battlefield and diplomatically before any potential talks with Russia. As the war approaches its third year, Ukrainian troops are weary and outnumbered along a 1,170-km (727-mile) frontline.

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BY THE NUMBERS

The package comprised of:

- 92 million pounds for equipment to bolster Ukraines navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions and mine countermeasure drones.

- 68 million pounds for air defence equipment including radars, decoy land equipment and counter-drone electronic warfare systems.

- 26 million pounds to provide support and spare parts for systems previously delivered to Ukraine.

- 39 million pounds to provide more than 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and for joint procurement of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of Ukraines Armed Forces.

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Britain also said it would offer more military training to Ukraine.

KEY QUOTE

"The brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit," British defence minister John Healey said in a statement. "But they cannot go it alone  which is why the UK will step up our international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025."

($1 = 0.7867 pound)

(Reporting by William James; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
British Columbia has given Hollywood producers an early Christmas present by boosting the foreign film tax credit for major studios and streamers that shoot locally.

The latest provincial budget has raised the production services tax credit for foreign projects shot locally from 28 percent to 36 percent from Jan. 1, 2025. And tentpole projects with local expenditures exceeding $200 million will receive an additional two percent bonus.

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The film tax credit boost follows B.C., which depends heavily on Hollywood film and TV production produced locally, feeling the impact of industry shutdowns during the pandemic and last years dual Los Angeles strikes. Our province is home to one of the busiest film and TV production centers in North America, B.C. premier David Eby said in a statement as Los Angeles productions increasingly opt to shoot outside of California in rival locales, including Canada.

But film production in B.C. has taken a big hit over the last few years, responding to significant impacts from the pandemic, multiple labor disruptions and changes to industry practices. Were boosting tax incentives  and our competitive advantage  to ensure that our province remains a destination of choice for filmmakers in Canada and around the world, employing skilled British Columbian crews, he added.

The western-most Canadian province is currently hosting shoots for the latest seasons of The CWs Wild Cards, CBS Tracker and Fire Country series and SyFys Resident Alien.

B.C.s provincial film tax credit boost follows California Gov. Gavin Newsom in Oct. 2024 moving to vastly increase the cap on production tax credits from $330 million to $750 million a year. The initiative is meant to curb productions increasingly opting to shoot outside of California and in other states and countries that offer more tax credits.

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Other states and countries are similarly beefing up their tax incentive programs. In June, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill allowing game, national talk and contest-based shows, among other reality TV, to receive tax credits for shooting in the state. That followed Japan unveiling an incentive scheme offering reimbursement of up to 50 percent of qualifying expenditures in the country.

B.C., while remaining the biggest destination for Los Angeles producers shooting in Canada, last year saw foreign location and service production falling in value by 36.5 percent to $1.68 billion in the year to March 31, 2024, according to the latest survey from the Canadian Media Producers Association, representing local indie producers.

Foreign, mostly Hollywood production in B.C. represents over 80 percent of total production spending in the province as Los Angeles producers also look to take advantage of generous currency savings as the value of the Canadian dollar continues to fall in value against the American greenback.

That sector was undercut last year by Hollywood strike action that largely shuttered the industry for over six months and a continuing fall in global production activity amid an industry contraction.

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The United Kingdoms Prime Minister Keir Starmer is urging President-elect Trump to stand with Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Starmer and Trump spoke on the phone Wednesday, their second call since Trump won the presidential election last month.

On the call, the prime minister congratulated Trump on his recent Cabinet nominations and reiterated the need for allies to stand together with Ukraine, a U.K. government statement about the call said.

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Starmer noted that the Western allies must ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position in the face of continued Russian aggression as the war nears its three-year mark.

As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, Starmer also underscored the need to work together to ensure peace and security in the region.

Both Starmer and Trump agreed they want to strengthen the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. The leaders said they looked forward to working together on international security and economic growth.

The U.K. readout said they agreed to keep in touch and meet in person at the earliest opportunity.

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Earlier this week, Trump expressed confidence that he could settle the Russia-Ukraine war but also noted it would be more difficult than the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Trump said the war in Gaza would be in a good place when he takes office in January. But he said it would be more difficult to handle Russia and Ukraine.

Trump cited the complexity of the war, with the addition of North Korean troops aiding Russia. He also criticized the Biden administrations move to authorize Ukraine to use long-range missiles that can strike deeper into Russia.

The president-elect has long promised to end the war in Ukraine in one day if he were reelected. His pledge has sparked fears that he might allow Russia to capture land inside Ukraine, but he has offered little details about how he may tackle the conflict.

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The Hill has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
PERTH, Australia (AP)  A British YouTuber and rapper known as Yung Filly admitted in an Australian court on Thursday to reckless driving while he was awaiting trial on charges of raping a woman three months ago.

The 29-year-old, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, appeared briefly in the Perth Magistrates Court charged with speeding at 158 kilometers (98 miles) per hour in a 100 kph (62 mph) zone in the Western Australia state capital last month. Speeding becomes reckless driving at 45 kph (28 mph) above the speed limit.

His lawyer Joanne Oliver told the court he would plead guilty to a reckless driving charge at his next court appearance on Jan. 30.

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Barrientos faces potential penalties of 9 months in prison, a 6,000 Australian dollar ($3,750) fine and a disqualification from driving for at least six months.

Dressed in a white T-shirt and jeans, Barrientos did not speak to news media as he walked from the court to a waiting van.

Barrientos first appeared in the same court in October when he was charged with raping and choking a woman in a hotel room after a performance during a national tour.

The Colombia-born entertainer, who has 1.8 million followers on YouTube, had been arrested in the east coast city of Brisbane and extradited across the country.

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He is accused of assaulting a woman in her 20s in a hotel room on Sept. 28 after he had performed in a Perth nightclub at the outset of the Australian tour that included Melbourne and Sydney before it was to end in Brisbane. He was arrested before the Brisbane performance.

He is charged with four counts of rape, three counts of assault causing bodily harm and one count of impeding the womans normal breathing or circulation by applying pressure to her neck.

His bail conditions include that he does not leave Western Australia.

Barrientos started his YouTube career in 2013 and music career in 2017. He has also hosted or appeared in several television programs.

He won a MOBO Award, an annual British music award presentation honoring achievements in music of Black origin, in the Best Media Personality category in 2021.
After a gas main rupture next to a Brookhaven elementary school happened while work was being performed to install Google Fiber, Mayor John Park issued a stop work order for installations.

Channel 2s Michael Seiden reported on the safety issues and response from the city surrounding the stop-work order.

The order came after a crew installing Google Fiber in the right-of-way on Ashford Dunwoody Road struck a gas main near Montgomery Elementary School on Dec. 13, putting the school on lockdown as emergency responders rushed to help.

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The next day, Park issued the order to halt installations in Brookhaven.

It was the latest incident in a series of issues, with homeowners telling Channel 2 Action News about fiber installers hitting water lines and leaving residents without water for hours.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Dec. 16, a Google Fiber spokesperson said in a statement that they take construction issues very serious and follow local guidelines during the process, including locating any existing utilities before beginning work, and that they were working with local officials to address the most recent issue near the school.

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Now, Park has released a more detailed statement on how Brookhaven will proceed regarding installations of Google Fiber in the city.

TRENDING STORIES:

Last Saturday, Dec. 14, the City of Brookhaven issued a citywide stop work order for Google Fiber in response to safety concerns following the rupture of a gas main next to an elementary school during school hours.

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This was not the first incident that has come up in the Google Fiber installation in Brookhaven, by far. It also wont be the last. While the myriad of complaints about landscaping is annoying and troublesome, the issues of one utility routinely hitting other utilities are dangerous and extremely disruptive. While Google Fiber has followed the law in regard to requesting utility markings, it just has not been enough. A huge factor in the number of hits has been the accuracy of the markings provided by the other existing utility locators.

I authorized the complete stop work order so we can assess the means and methods to ensure public safety and that unnecessary impacts to City residents are avoided moving forward. The problem with a complete stop work order is it stops everything. In addition to digging and boring, it also stops installation, testing, repair and clean up.

In the statement, Park acknowledged that Google Fiber had remained attentive and responsive to the citys concerns and there are discussions underway about minimizing impacts, and that all involved were making progress.

In the spirit of this progress, and the safety around the job sites that are underway, the City of Brookhaven is allowing certain activities to continue while best practices moving forward are still being ironed out, Park added.

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As of Thursday, the mayor said installation activities will resume, sharing the following details:

Google Fiber can resume all activities that are not associated with direction boring and/or digging of any kind (i.e., pulling cables, splicing, testing, restoration, with an emphasis on restoration).

Directional boring and/or digging of any kind shall remain under the stop work order mandate until at least Monday, Jan.6, and the following conditions are met:

The use of ground penetrating radar has proven to be successful in avoiding existing utilities and has been incorporated in operations.

Improved coordination with other existing utilities has been established.

The Brookhaven Public Works Director meets with Google Fiber and contractors to emphasize the need for a thorough utility review prior to digging.

Additional information about the overall project is provided to the City of Brookhaven.

Moving forward, GF shall submit for approval the areas where new directional bores and/or digging will take place. New areas will not be approved until prior areas have been completed and fully restored.

The mayor said Brookhaven does not have the authority to preclude the installation of Google Fiber as a utility, but they will use every measure to ensure the health and safety of all Brookhaven residents and visitors as the installation proceeds.

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  A 54-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of his brother.

Officers with the North Charleston Police Department responded to Carolina Sound Communications on Southrail Road late Wednesday night for a report of a missing person.

The individual was reported missing through the Charleston Police Department. Detectives from the agency also responded to the business to execute a search warrant for their case.

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Harve Jacobs, a spokesman for North Charleston police, said the missing man was found dead inside a warehouse with an apparent gunshot wound.

The death was considered a homicide. The victims brother, Charles Gordon Perry, was arrested on a charge of murder.

The victims identity has not yet been released.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Dec. 18MONTGOMERY  A Barr-Reeve High School senior is the recipient of the Daviess County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.

This year's winner is Brynna Knepp and she was thrilled to be named the recipient of the award.

"It is a wonderful thing. I am so grateful to receive it. I know there were a lot of worthy applicants," said Knepp. "I feel so honored to be the one to receive it this year."

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Knepp is the latest in a series of Lilly Endowment Scholarship winners from Barr-Reeve. She says it is not an accident, because the school encourages students to achieve.

"I think it says wonders about the education we receive here at Barr-Reeve. We have amazing staff that really work with the students and go the extra mile to help us do as well as we can and help the students achieve," she said. "I think it all shows in the accomplishments of the students and our state ranking as a school."

Knepp is the daughter of Alex and Tera Knepp, and she thanked her family as well as the school for helping her land the honor.

"I am so thankful, grateful and honored. I have to thank some people, my parents, Mrs. (Chastity) Sward is our guidance counselor and helped me a lot in preparing the application," she said. "Special thanks to my parents and her and all of the teachers at Barr-Reeve who have helped me get here."

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Knepp says her plan is the attend the University of Southern Indiana to pick up and undergraduate degree before going to Indiana University's Maurer School of Law.

"I will use the Lilly Endowment money for my undergrad degree. That will allow me to put away some money for law school," said Knepp. "The Lilly scholarship is a wonderful thing. It has helped so many kids in the past and I know it is going to help me so much. I am thankful that the community foundation and the Lilly Endowment make this available and allows kids to have the opportunity to further their education."
Dec. 19AUSTIN  Texas Land Commissioner Dr. Dawn Buckingham sent a letter to the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other key leaders Thursday calling for a joint investigation by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense to locate and return the remains of World War II and Korean War Veteran Lieutenant Colonel George A. Davis Jr.

Early next year, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) will open the fifth Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Lubbock, where Davis' family resides. In honor of his tremendous courage and sacrifice, the GLO plans to commemorate the grand opening of the new cemetery by holding a special interment ceremony for Davis.

"As Land Commissioner and VLB Chairwoman, supporting our Veterans and ensuring they are laid to rest with honor and dignity is one of my top priorities," Buckingham said in a news release. "Lieutenant Colonel George A. Davis Jr. is a World War II and Korean War hero. He had an exemplary military career as a decorated U.S. Army Air Corps pilot, fought in two major wars, and selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while fighting in Korea over seven decades ago. We must help bring him home to rest in Lubbock, where his family resides and remind our state and nation that our war heroes will never be forgotten. After 72 years, Colonel Davis and his family need to be reunited."

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Davis began his incredible military career fighting in World War II after joining the U.S. Army Air Corps in March 1942. In just three years, he flew 266 combat missions, accrued 705 combat hours, and was awarded several medals, including the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and nine Air Medals for acts of heroism.

Davis commanded the 334th Fire-Interceptor Squadron during the Korean War while training new pilots and flying air-to-air combat missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership and extraordinary bravery in combat with an armed force. He became known as the Korean War's ace of aces.

Davis was shot down 30 miles south of the Yalu River on February 10, 1952, while flying his 59th mission and defending a group of F-84 Thunderjets conducting a low-level bombing mission over North Korea. He was declared missing in action and presumed dead. Colonel Davis was later awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valorous actions.

Currently, controversy and rumors surround the location of Colonel Davis's remains. It has been reported that the Chinese military recovered Colonel Davis's body but did not return his remains to the United States. There are additional reports that his dog tag and remains are possibly on display in a Korean War Museum in Mainland China.

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Regarding this critical situation, Commissioner Buckingham said in her letter, "These rumors are extremely problematic, and if true, the flagrant disrespect shown to Colonel Davis is unacceptable. I'm calling on the United States to use all diplomatic means to demand the Chinese government to permit United States investigators to explore the validity of these claims immediately [...] Please help the loved ones of Lieutenant Colonel Davis finally find closure and allow us to provide him a dignified resting place."

Click here to read Commissioner Buckingham's letter.
HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM)  After months of waiting, the Hershey Tanger Outlets has officially confirmed the opening date for the new Build-A-Bear Workshop.

abc27 news reported back in September when the Hershey Tanger Outlets confirmed with abc27 news that a new Build-A-Bear Workshop location would be opening its doors by the end of this year.

Although they initially hoped to open the family-friendly teddy bear workshop by the end of the month, the grand opening has been pushed back slightly to Wednesday, January 15.

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Earlier this week, the Hershey Tanger Outlets announced on Facebook that they are holding a job fair for the new Build-A-Bear Workshop, which will be held later today on Thursday, December 19, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. inside the Starbucks at the Outlets.

Various positions at the new store are available which include a full-time store manager, part-time sales leads, and part-time sales associates.

The Hershey Tanger Outlets are located at 46 Outlet Square, and their hours of operation are:

Mondays  Saturdays // 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sundays // 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
BAGHDAD, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi authorities said on Thursday that they have started to return Syrian soldiers who entered Iraq earlier this month before the overthrow of the former Syrian government.

Iraqi Interior Ministry Spokesman Muqdad Miri said in a brief statement that the Syrian soldiers had been sent back to their home country through the Qaim border crossing in the western Iraqi province of Anbar, after coordination with Syria's interim authorities.

On Dec. 7, more than 1,000 Syrian army personnel entered Iraq through the Qaim border crossing, according to the Iraqi News Agency.

Syria's interim authorities said on Wednesday that the previous government's soldiers and officers fleeing to Iraq were now welcome to return home without fear of reprisal. 
The moderator of a Reddit forum dedicated to drones has resigned in fury after a deluge of posts from conspiracy theorists about alleged mass drone sightings in New Jersey.

In a blistering note announcing their departure from the subreddit, the moderator said the sightings were all bullshit and declared: I cant stem the tide of dumbness.

To address the obvious: Yes, the current idiotic discourse over nonexistant [sic] swarms of drones in the eastern United States contributed to this choice. Seriously, if you guys were seeing all the posts Ive been removing for the past couple weeks, youd be sick of this place too, he wrote in a farewell post.

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His resignation comes after residents across the country began reporting unexplained drones in the sky over the past month. Some lawmakers have joined the fray to demand answers from the federal government.

The moderator, who goes by the screen name Nanosauromo and did not want to share his real name, told The Independent that watching over the subreddit had become unbearable due to hundreds of people posting videos of ordinary passenger planes or their neighbors drones with claims they were UFOs or government surveillance.

Weve always gotten those types of posts, and theres been a rule against them for years, but there was definitely a dramatic increase in the last month or so, he said. If theres something to be learned from this, its that people dont look up very much, and arent aware of just how many lights in the sky were always there.

The moderator announced their decision to quit the subreddit of some 230,000 members on Wednesday. (Screenshot / Reddit)

Many theories have been advanced by the public to explain the sightings: some believe the drones belong to a foreign adversary, some suspect surveillance by the U.S. government, others believe aliens might be responsible, and one Congressman has gone so far as to claim that an Iranian mothership off the coast of the United States is launching drones.

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Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told CNN last week that many of the sightings were a case of mistaken identity and that Homeland Security is in regular contact with New Jersey officials and has deployed experts and monitoring equipment to the state. We have not seen any unusual activity. We know of no threat. We know of no nefarious activity, he said.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement : We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.

That hasnt stopped people from flooding the r/drones subreddit with videos of alleged sightings.

In a lengthy resignation message titled Actually, you know what, screw it. Im out, the moderator continued:

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Ill say basically my final piece on the situation here: Its all bullshit. One or two instances of someone seeing their neighbors drone gets reported on by boring local news, which leads more people to be on the lookout for drones; these people report their own cases of seeing drones that are really videos of ordinary airplanes, helicopters, or stars or planets in the sky (Ive seen countless such pictures and videos and yes, this describes all of them), which leads to more media coverage, which conditions people to think everything they see in the night sky is a drone, taking more videos of manned aircraft and celestial bodies, and the whole thing keeps snowballing until we have the former governor of Maryland claiming hes being spied on by the fucking constellation Orion.

Nanosauromo was the sole moderator of the subreddit, which had over 230,000 members when he resigned. His role has now been filled by six new moderators.

He told The Independent that he started as a moderator on the subreddit in 2020. He had a job filming weddings as a drone videographer a few years earlier and he enjoyed it so much that he bought his own drone and kept flying as a hobby.

When the posts about sightings started getting out of hand, he took measures to lock down the posts, but that only made it worse.

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There were a lot of conspiracy nuts telling me stuff like you cant hide the truth and calling me an asshole. If anything, the amount of crap I had to deal with went up, he said.

This photo provided by Brian Glenn shows what appears to be multiple drones flying over Bernardsville, N.J., on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP)

The purpose of the subreddit is labeled as: Discussion of drones - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and the flying thereof. Most of the posts are technical discussions about hobby drones, images and videos taken by drones and general questions about flying drones.

In an indication that the subreddit is prone to conspiracy theories, one of the forums rules, dubbed Rule 51, states: You are not being stalked by a DJI Phantom.

This is a blanket rule to cover posts by people who think some person or government is spying on them or every tiny light in the sky is a drone. We dont want nonsensical conspiracy talk here, the rule states.

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You are probably not interesting enough to be worth spying on. That thing in the sky is probably an airplane. And if a consumer drone was close enough to look in your window, it would be deafening, it continues.

Calm down, and take your vague conspiracy malarkey elsewhere.
German submarine builder thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is planning to invest millions in its shipyard in the north-eastern German city of Wismar in anticipation of major orders from the German and Norwegian navies.

"We are currently expecting a very low three-digit million amount, which we actually need to upgrade the site for submarine construction," company boss Oliver Burkhard told dpa.

The expanded joint German-Norwegian order for additional U212CD-class diesel-electric submarines from the company is expected to bring in billions of dollars in business for the shipyard.

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On Wednesday, German parliament's key budget committee approved the construction of four more modern class 212CD submarines for the German Navy for around 4.7 billion.

According to TKMS, Norway has also already signaled its intention to increase the number of submarines as well.

The shipyard is already working on a previous joint order placed in 2021 for a total of six submarines - four for the Norwegian Navy, and two for the German Navy.

Since 2019, Burkhard said the company has invested more than 250 million at its main shipyard in the northern German city of Kiel on the Baltic Sea in order to create additional production capacity with a new shipbuilding hall.

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In addition, TKMS acquired the former MV shipyard site in Wismar in 2022 in order to be able to build surface and underwater hulls there at the same time.

According to previous information from the defence contractor, up to 1,500 new jobs could be created there at full capacity.

"Kiel has a high capacity utilization due to the existing orders," said Burkhard.

He estimated that the company will continue working at full capacity until the end of the 2030s.

TKMS will fully expand the subsidiary in Wismar into a submarine site in order to be able to deliver the boats for Germany and Norway on time, said Burkhard.

He said the production of the first two 212CD submarines for Germany and four for Norway remains on schedule.
Dec. 19A Flathead County District Court judge earlier this year dismissed a felony case against a man accused of breaking into his son's Kalispell-area business in 2023.

Prosecutors brought Gary Leroy Bradford up on one felony count of burglary after the 79-year-old allegedly made off with a checkbook, rent check and a .38 caliber revolver in an Oct. 4 break-in on Rocky Cliff Drive. Bradford's son phoned in the burglary and provided deputies with the Flathead County Sheriff's Office with surveillance footage, according to court documents.

The video captured Bradford walking from his property to the business and captured him taking items inside, court documents alleged.

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The 79-year-old allegedly acknowledged possibly going inside his son's business when investigators stopped by his home to speak with him. A search of his house turned up the checkbook, but not the revolver or rent check, court documents said.

In December 2023, Bradford's defense attorney asked that he be evaluated by a mental health professional. Judge Heidi Ulbricht, who presided over the case, ordered him to the Montana State Hospital on Dec. 7.

Bradford was deemed unfit to proceed in May 2024. Prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss the case the following month.

Ulbricht ordered it dismissed on June 11.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.
In the 1980s and 1990s, a series of Supreme Court decisions and a new law sought to curb "frivolous" prisoner lawsuits and give more deference to prison officials. Together, they changed the legal landscape of the Eighth Amendment  the foundational constitutional protection against "cruel and unusual punishments."

Heavy criticism soon followed  from the American Bar Association, members of Congress, and Supreme Court justices themselves. Ted Kennedy, then the senior senator from Massachusetts, described one critical measure, the 1996 Prison Litigation Reform Act, as "a far-reaching effort to strip federal courts of the authority to remedy unconstitutional prison conditions."

Read more from our series on the Eighth Amendment:

The gutting of the Eighth Amendment

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Debunking the myth of 'frivolous' prisoner suits

The Supreme Court's 'deliberate indifference' trap

It's not excessive force unless it's 'malicious and sadistic'

Federal courts have sanctioned medical neglect by private contractors

Only 1% of prisoners win their claims. Here's what it takes.

How we analyzed 1,488 prisoner suits

In successive decades, judges and legal scholars have continued to argue that these developments erode protections for the 1.2 million people incarcerated nationwide. Top law-enforcement officials, on the other hand, have argued that prisoners were clogging up the courts with costly, meaningless actions. And federal judges have hesitated to substitute their own judgment for that of correctional personnel on the ground.

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Little has been known about how the Supreme Court standards and the 1996 law shaped outcomes for cases alleging Eighth Amendment violations  and how many of the underlying claims dealt with frivolous matters.

Business Insider set out to investigate. Guided by advice from legal scholars including Margo Schlanger, a law professor at the University of Michigan, and attorneys who have argued Eighth Amendment cases, BI built and analyzed an original database of 1,488 federal Eighth Amendment lawsuits.

BI found that constitutional protections had been dramatically weakened. Cases settled a third as often as civil-rights suits filed by nonprisoners. And plaintiffs won their cases less than 1% of the time.

Here's how we arrived at our findings.

We started with cases in appellate courts

BI sampled lawsuits using Westlaw, a legal-research platform, searching for opinions that cite one of the two Supreme Court standards that now guide how federal courts evaluate Eighth Amendment claims. While Westlaw is one of the most complete databases of legal filings, it is, like the others, not completely comprehensive.

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Claims that allege excessive force are governed by a standard called "malicious and sadistic," so to sample those claims BI searched Westlaw for opinions that mentioned the standard and cited one of the Supreme Court's precedent-setting decisions, Whitley v. Albers or Hudson v. McMillian.

Cases alleging constitutionally inadequate healthcare, a failure to protect, or inadequate conditions of confinement are governed by the "deliberate indifference" standard; to sample those claims, BI searched Westlaw for opinions that mentioned the standard and cited Farmer v. Brennan, Wilson v. Seiter, or the earlier Estelle v. Gamble, the relevant Supreme Court precedent-setting cases.

Because so few Eighth Amendment cases make it to the appeals stage, we were able to pull all opinions that fit these parameters over the course of five years  from 2018 to 2022  spanning two presidential administrations and the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected prisons and courts nationwide.

Then we sampled cases at the district courts

A great many cases filed in district court never reach the appeals courts. In consultation with constitutional scholars, we pulled a sample of district-level cases to understand how Eighth Amendment cases founder earlier in the process. For these, we pulled all cases with judicial decisions filed in the third quarter of 2022 that fit the same search parameters.

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Our district sample captured many more cases that failed under mechanisms imposed by the PLRA.

Together, our samples spanned cases from every circuit in the United States filed by prisoners held in hundreds of US prisons in 47 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. They are likely not comprehensive. If a case file did not mention the Supreme Court standards or the precedent-setting cases  as when a prisoner without counsel lacked knowledge of the law and the case was dismissed on technical grounds at prescreening  our search would not have captured that case. The impact of the PLRA may be greater than our dataset indicates.

About one in 10 cases contained additional claims unrelated to the Eighth Amendment, including claims filed under the First Amendment or the Americans with Disabilities Act. We tracked only the outcomes of their Eighth Amendment claims.

The sample is dominated by suits filed by people while they were incarcerated but also includes cases filed by formerly incarcerated people or their surviving families. BI excluded cases unrelated to incarceration and those pertaining to pretrial detainees. We excluded any case from our district sample that also appeared in the circuit sample. We also excluded cases that had not reached a final disposition, including subsequent appeals, by September 1, 2024.

Our data analysis

A team of researchers read federal court filings associated with each case and logged details in 59 variables including plaintiff names and incarceration status; the claim category and standard applied; defendant names, roles, and employers; alleged harm suffered, such as broken bone, amputation, or death; whether defendants asserted an affirmative defense, such as qualified immunity; whether the plaintiff had counsel; and judge and court names. If a plaintiff had a lawyer at any point during their case, we logged them as having legal representation.

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Researchers assigned each case a final disposition category based on the standard or procedural mechanism under which the case was ultimately decided. BI counted all cases that failed under any mechanism of the PRLA  whether they were dismissed at screening, or were struck because prisoners failed to exhaust the prison's grievance process before filing suit, or fell short of any other of the law's requirements  as having failed under the PLRA. This tally included cases in which a judge granted a plaintiff leave to amend. If the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, we logged the case according to its final resolution.

When defendants voluntarily withdrew their cases for reasons clearly unrelated to reaching a settlement; died without a family member or estate to continue their case; or otherwise failed to respond to a court order resulting in dismissal, BI counted these cases as abandoned or withdrawn.

BI's sample included 86 cases with claims governed under both the "malicious and sadistic" and "deliberate indifference" standards. For those, we analyzed the case on both standards, recorded each claim's disposition, and assigned a final disposition category to the case based on the longest surviving claim. For example, if a judge dismissed a plaintiff's excessive-force claim but allowed the plaintiff's claim of inadequate medical care to go to a jury trial, we counted the case outcome under the "deliberate indifference" standard.

In 12 cases, judges granted summary judgment to claims governed by both standards in a single order. Ten of these cases alleged excessive force and alleged inadequate medical care for the injuries they said resulted; two claimed both excessive force and inadequate conditions of confinement. We assigned all these cases as having lost on the "malicious and sadistic" standard since the claims centered on an excessive-force complaint.

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The sample includes 28 cases in which a jury found in favor of the defendants. BI counted these as cases in which the plaintiffs lost on the relevant standard.

BI counted cases as having failed on qualified immunity, the Supreme Court doctrine that can shield public officials from civil liability, only when that standard was decisive in the dismissal of a plaintiff's claim. Another Supreme Court precedent, known as Bivens, governs cases filed against federal officials; we tallied a case as a Bivens failure only when a judge dismissed a claim solely because it had not met Bivens standards.

All cases were recorded as having reached a settlement when the settlement was clearly stipulated in the docket or when the defendant and the plaintiff submitted a joint motion for dismissal pursuant to an out-of-court settlement agreement. To identify damages paid, BI reviewed the docket for disclosed settlement amounts and supplemented this research with news reports and public announcements.

BI counted two categories of cases as plaintiff wins: cases in which the plaintiff won at jury trial and cases in which judges made decisions in favor of the plaintiff  whether for damages or for injunctive relief.

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To supplement and contextualize our analysis of the 1,488 lawsuits, containing tens of thousands of pages of court records, we reviewed hundreds of pages of training materials obtained through public-records requests from 37 states, as well as medical records, incident reports, and surveillance footage obtained through records requests and court filings. We reviewed scholarly literature on the Eighth Amendment; read Supreme Court decisions, dissents, and archives; and reviewed archived congressional debates. And we interviewed more than 170 people, including prisoners and their families, attorneys and legal scholars, correctional staff and prison healthcare providers, policymakers and law-enforcement officials, and current and former federal judges.

Read the original article on Business Insider
For most of the past year, human rights watchdogs have characterized Israel's deeds in Gaza as collective punishment, war crimes, violations of human rights, but not necessarily "genocide"  defined as intentionally destroying a people as a whole, and carrying more weight than perhaps any other crime. Now, a 179-page Human Rights Watch report is accusing Israel of doing just that, echoing a recent Amnesty International report in explicitly describing the Israeli campaign as a genocide against Palestinians.

While the report detailed a litany of alleged offenses that would qualify as acts of genocide, including the mass killing of 45,000 civilians with weapons of war, HRW singled out the cutting off of water to Gaza. That action, the report said, was further evidence that "Israeli authorities have deliberately inflicted conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the population in Gaza" and caused "thousands of deaths."

The report found that, throughout the invasion, Israeli forces had restricted the flow of piped water, intentionally destroyed water and sanitation infrastructure and blocked attempts by aid groups to transport water into Gaza. In doing so, the report continued, Israel was directly responsible for the rampant illnesses and deaths linked to water-borne disease, dehydration and starvation  a catastrophe made even worse by Israel's concurrent destruction of hospitals and killing of doctors and medical staff.

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This isnt just negligence; it is a calculated policy of deprivation that has led to the deaths of thousands from dehydration and disease that is nothing short of the crime against humanity of extermination, and an act of genocide," HRW Executive Director Tirana Hassan said in a statement.

To aid in its investigation, HRW researchers analyzed satellite imagery, photographs, videos and reams of data captured since October 2023, while interviewing more than 100 water utility officials, medical professionals, international aid workers and Palestinian civilians. The group also compiled statements by Israeli officials, including calls to exterminate Palestinians and "erase" Gaza, as proof of genocidal intent.

The current genocide, HRW said, was not a sudden act of malice but "part of the continuing crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution that Israeli authorities have been committing against Palestinians" in both Gaza and the West Bank.

President Joe Biden considered issuing sanctions against far-right Israeli ministers for encouraging violence in the West Bank, but ultimately decided against it this week. His administration also continues to send billions of dollars' worth of weapons to Israel, despite calls by HRW and other groups for governments to "end their risk of complicity in atrocity crimes in Gaza and take immediate action to protect civilians with an arms embargo, targeted sanctions, and support for justice."
A group of California firefighters have reunited with a baby they helped save after the child was born on the side of the road well before her due date.

Jazmin Quijano was just 22 weeks pregnant when she suddenly went into labor in June, according to NBC affiliate KCRA and CBS affiliate KOVR.

The mom-to-be was on her way to St. Josephs Hospital in Stockton, but the hospital reportedly was not equipped to care for a premature baby.

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So Quijano and her partner began their journey to UC Davis Children's Hospital in Sacramento. However, the baby did not wait for them to reach the hospital.

Related: Mom and Baby Reunite with Ambulance Team After Traumatic Birth: 'They Saved Not One, but Two Lives'

Quijano was forced to give birth to an unresponsive baby on the side of Highway 99 around 2 a.m. local time, The Sacramento Bee reported.

It was scary, Quijano told the paper. What happens if you dont survive? Because she wasnt crying. She wasnt even moving at all.

Quijano performed CPR on her baby until Sacramento firefighters arrived about five minutes later, according to KCRA.

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.

Jeffery Switkowski, a firefighter with Fire Station 6, told KOVR that the baby still was not breathing and didn't have a pulse as they loaded her into an ambulance.

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We had to do CPR all the way to the hospital, Switkowski recalled, We did everything that we could."

Related: 1-Year-Old 'Miracle Baby' Saved by Trucker After 2 Days Alone on Side of Highway, Brother, 4, Found Dead

The baby was quickly transported to UC Davis Medical Center, firefighter Andrienne Bisharat told the Bee.

The baby, named Daleyza, spent at least 145 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before she was released on Nov. 15.

On Wednesday, Dec. 18, Daleyza and the firefighters who helped save her life were reunited for the first time at Fire Station 6 in Oak Park.

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Those are her first family, Quijano explained. Theyre going to always be family no matter what. ... Shes always going to hear about them when shes older and she has her own kids. Were always going to talk about this.

Related: Woman Gives Birth on Cape Cod Highway, Husband Cuts Umbilical Cord in Dunkin' Donuts Parking Lot

Switkowski said the reunion was super special for everyone, according to KOVR.

We had no idea that she was going to be here," Switkowski told the station. "It was so good to hold her and see that she's doing so well."

Dr. Steven McElroy, the chief of the neonatology department at UC Davis Medical Center, lauded the firefighters efforts to save the baby.

The odds of being able to survive what she did and do as well as she did is zero, McElroy told The Sacramento Bee. So this is truly an amazing, amazing thing.

Read the original article on People
A California man has reportedly been detained after being accused of communicating with the teenage shooter who killed two people at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis. on Monday, Dec. 16.

Alexander Paffendorf, 20, of Carlsbad, allegedly revealed to FBI agents that he'd told the 15-year-old shooter  identified by police as Natalie Rupnow  his plans to "arm himself with explosives and a gun" and "target a government building," per a gun violence restraining order obtained by NBC 7.

The Associated Press, who didn't identify the man, reported that he posed an "immediate danger to himself and others."

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The man was detained after he was discovered plotting a mass shooting with the Madison Wisconsin shooter, NBC News stated, citing a Carlsbad police officer in the gun violence restraining order documents.

Scott Olson/Getty A photo of crime scene tape outside the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis. A photo of crime scene tape outside the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis.

The FBI have seen the messages sent from the Calif. man to Rupnow, per the outlet, adding that the order had been approved by a San Diego County judge and had been served to the man at his home just before 9 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Paffendorf was detained, but it's not clear if he was arrested, per NBC 7.

A court hearing regarding the gun violence restraining order is set for Jan. 3, according to NBC News.

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Renee Foreman, a neighbor of Paffendorf's, said "You would never think that would happen. In your own neighborhood, across the street from your house. That's not good. That's scary," per NBC 7.

Carlsbad Police Department, Madison Police Department, San Diego's FBI Office and a spokesperson for the San Diego County Superior Court didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for further information.

Scott Olson/Getty Tributes left outside the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis. Tributes left outside the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis.

The update comes after the two deceased victims of the shooting were identified as a student and a staff member on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Six others were hospitalized following the attack, with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes previously said.

According to a release from the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office which was obtained by PEOPLE, the victims were identified as Erin M. West, 42, and Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14.

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Preliminary autopsy results showed that both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene and died of "homicidal firearm-related trauma," per the release.

Scott Olson/Getty The Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis. The Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis.

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Barnes identified the shooter as Rupnow, who went by the name "Samantha," in a press conference on Monday, Dec. 16.

The teen is alleged to have opened fire with a handgun in a study hall at the school, before turning her weapon on herself.

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According to the medical examiner's report, Rupnow was pronounced dead at a local hospital following the incident. Preliminary autopsy results confirmed that she died as a result of "firearm-related trauma," and additional testing is underway.

Authorities are yet to establish a motive, but Rupnow's family is cooperating with the investigation, and law enforcement has searched her home, Barnes said at a previous press conference.

On Wednesday, Dec. 18. Barnes also told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that police don't currently believe that Rupnow was targeting a specific person.

Read the original article on People
On Wednesday, California's Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in response to the growing threat of the Avian influenza A (H5N1), also known as Bird Flu.

According to the governor's official website, Newsom made the decision after additional cases of bird flu were found in dairy cows on farms in Southern California, "signaling the need to further expand monitoring and build on the coordinated statewide approach to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus."

This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak," Newsom shared. "Building on Californias testing and monitoring system  the largest in the nation  we are committed to further protecting public health, supporting our agriculture industry, and ensuring that Californians have access to accurate, up-to-date information."

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Related: More Than 111 Million Birds Have Been Affected by Bird Flu  and It's Making Eggs Hard to Find

The proclamation explained that bird flu has been detected in dairy cattle in 16 states since the first confirmed detection in Texas and Kansas in March 2024. According to Reuters, the U.S. has also just confirmed the first case of "severe" bird flu in a human on Wednesday, found in a resident in Louisiana, who has now been hospitalized and is in critical condition. It's also the first case to be linked to a backyard farm rather than a large commercial facility. And while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still regards bird flu as low-risk to humans, it has also confirmed 61 human cases across the United States.  mostly in dairy farm workers.

Experts like Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told Reuters that this particular case in Louisiana is one to watch as the virus may be different than the one seen in cattle.

"The mild cases that we've seen in the United States largely reflect that many of the individuals are getting infected by dairy cows, and that's very different than getting infected with infected birds," Adalja said. "If you look at the genotype of this patient in Louisiana, it wasn't the cattle strain. It was a wild bird strain." (The CDC noted that the person infected in Louisiana may have had exposure to sick or dead birds on their property.)

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Related: Everything You Need to Know About Keeping Safe Amid the Bird Flu Outbreak

Additionally, CBS noted that California isn't the first state to issue an emergency action due to bird flu. In August, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis also issued an emergency declaration for Weld County following its own bird flu outbreak.

And while, again, the risk is low, the CDC has advised consumers to stay away from "uncooked or undercooked food or related uncooked food products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheeses, from animals with suspected or confirmed HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection."

However, even this may not be enough. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis with the CDC, shared with reporters on a call, "Infections without a clear source of exposure do occur," but importantly added, "neither these cases nor the cases with known animal or animal products exposure have resulted in human to human transmission."

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Reuters added that since the outbreak began in 2022, bird flu has infected more than 860 dairy herds and killed 123 million poultry. Newsom added, "While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus.



Read the original article on Food & Wine
California's free earthquake early warning app is now available for Mac computers and Chromebooks  a major expansion of access for the warning system, which has been available for years on cellphones.

The MyShake app, developed by UC Berkeley, is one of the most popular ways to receive earthquake early warnings generated by the U.S. Geological Survey's ShakeAlert system, which provides alerts in California, Oregon and Washington. The app has been downloaded nearly 4 million times since it launched in late 2019.

MyShake was already available on iPhones, iPads and Android phones. UC Berkeley is also working to make MyShake available for the Windows operating system, said Richard Allen, director of the Berkeley Seismology Laboratory.

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More than half a million people in California got early warnings through MyShake on Dec. 5 for a magnitude 7 earthquake that struck in the Pacific Ocean 30 miles off the Humboldt County coast and Dec. 9 for a magnitude 5.7 earthquake centered about 50 miles southeast of Reno, which was widely felt across Central California.

Read more: California earthquake early warning system: How to get it now

Some users got up to 15 seconds of warning before they felt shaking from the earthquake off Humboldt County, officials said. And some people got more than 10 seconds of warning about the Nevada earthquake.

On Aug. 6, more than 517,000 early warning alerts went out to MyShake users for a magnitude 5.2 quake that struck Kern County, near the Grapevine section of Interstate 5. People throughout Southern California said they got a few seconds of warning before they felt shaking.

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Earthquake early warning systems operate on the scientific principle that shaking waves moving through rock travel slower than today's telecommunications systems  similar to how you might see a bolt of lightning seconds before hearing thunder.

For example, it would take more than a minute for a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that starts at the Salton Sea along San Andreas fault to be felt 150 miles away in Los Angeles.

Read more: California's earthquake revolution: Early-warning systems make strides, issuing more than 5 million alerts

The farther you are from the epicenter, the likelier it is that you could get more warning. But if you're very close to the epicenter, the warning might arrive after you've already started to feel shaking.

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The USGS ShakeAlert system relies on a vast array of seismic sensors in the ground to detect shaking as soon as it happens. That information is then sent to computers to determine whether and where to send an alert.

Officials advise people to drop, cover and hold on when they hear an alert of incoming shaking.

Gov. Gavin Newsom hailed the expansion of the MyShake app, which is provided in partnership with the California Governors Office of Emergency Services, to more devices.

I encourage Californians to download the MyShake app on their phones, laptops or tablets to receive these important alerts, and make sure emergency notifications on mobile devices are turned on," Newsom said in a statement.

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Read more: Faster alerts for California megaquakes: Early-warning system gets major upgrade

The MyShake app is set to trigger alerts if a quake is estimated at magnitude 4.5 or higher and the intensity of shaking at the phones location is expected to be at least weak  defined as Level 3 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. That intensity of shaking is defined as one that's noticeable to people indoors, especially on the upper floors of a building, and may cause cars to rock slightly. Some people indoors might liken the feeling to vibrations from a passing truck.

There is a setting you can change on your iPhone to improve the speed, accuracy and reliability of emergency alerts, Apple says. To do that, you can turn on "local awareness" by going to settings, then notifications; scrolling down to "Government Alerts," then tapping "Emergency Alerts" and navigating to the option.

On its website, MyShake suggests opening the app every month or so to keep it "fresh and ready to receive alerts. Not using the app for a prolonged period might cause the app to be put into deep sleep."

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One easy way to do this, MyShake suggests, is to click on the app when it notifies you  without any urgent, alarming warning sounds  of a significant earthquake somewhere around the world, which typically happens every two weeks. "By tapping on this notification, and opening the MyShake app, you can keep the app fresh, and not have to rely on your own reminders."

Read more: 'It's insane.' How rattled Northern Californians weathered 7.0 earthquake and tsunami warning

MyShake is also now available in six languages: English, Spanish, Tagalog, Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese  the last voiced in Mandarin, and using traditional characters. MyShake will use the first language that it supports from your device's language and region settings, but on an iPhone you can change the language by going to settings, then apps, and selecting MyShake before choosing a preferred language.

People who don't have computers or smartphones can still get quake alerts on their cellphones  but only for those in which a higher magnitude or higher level of shaking is projected at their location. Those alerts are sent through the Wireless Emergency Alerts system, similar to Amber Alerts.

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.
A man in California was detained by FBI agents after investigators alleged that he was communicating and plotting with the 15-year-old girl responsible for a mass shooting at a small Christian school in Wisconsin.

Alexander Paffendorf, a 20-year-old resident of Carlsbad, California, was served a gun violence restraining order by FBI agents on Tuesday night, local channel CBS 8 first reported.

The document accuses Paffendorf of plotting a mass shooting with Natalie Samantha Rupnow, the 15-year-old student at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, whom police identified as the shooter who killed two people and injured six more in a mass shooting on Monday.

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On the restraining order, investigators wrote that Paffendorf admitted to the FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun that he would target a government building. FBI agents saw the messages from Paffendorf to Rupnow.

The document did not identify a particular government building he intended to target.

The order is a civil action, allowing authorities to seize Paffendorfs firearms. A neighbor told the local station they saw federal agents carrying what appeared to be black gun cases out of Paffendorfs apartment.

The Madison Police Department and the FBIs San Diego field office did not immediately return requests for comment from the Daily Beast.

A hearing will take place on Jan. 3, according to the document. It was not clear if Paffendorf was still in custody on Wednesday nightor whether he would be charged criminally.
By Alimat Aliyeva

The program for the production of fifth-generation F-35 multirole fighters, which were intended to rearm not only the United States Air Force but also the air forces of all NATO countries, has failed. This was stated by journalist Dan Fraser of Responsible Statecraft, Azernews reports.

"It's time for the American people to face the reality that the F-35 program has been a complete failure," Fraser said. "The high-ranking officials in the national security team are unlikely to admit this in such blunt terms, but some of them are already quietly acknowledging the truththough perhaps not fully grasping its significance yet."

Fraser highlighted the program's exceptionally long development period of 23 years, coupled with the enormous cost of approximately $300 billion for its development and production. Despite these investments, Fraser argues that the F-35 fighter itself is not an extraordinary combat vehicle.

While the F-35 was designed to be a game-changer for air forces worldwide, it has been plagued by delays, technical challenges, and cost overruns, leading to criticisms regarding its overall effectiveness. The aircraft has faced numerous issues, from software glitches to concerns about its performance in combat scenarios. Many experts and military officials have questioned whether the F-35, despite its advanced technology, is truly the leap forward in combat aviation that it was intended to be.

Moreover, as the U.S. military continues to invest in modernizing its defense technologies, questions are being raised about whether resources might have been better spent on developing more reliable and cost-effective alternatives. With increasing competition from countries like China and Russia in the field of military aviation, the F-35's troubled history serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities and risks associated with high-tech military programs.
by Hisham El-Zimaity

China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, home to a rich tapestry of ethnic and cultural diversity, has undergone significant development in recent years. Among the Chinese government's key objectives has been integrating Uygurs and other ethnic minority groups into the broader framework of modern Chinese society, emphasizing economic, educational, and cultural inclusion while preserving regional heritage.

During my recent attendance at the 6th World Media Summit in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, I witnessed firsthand the profound efforts being diligently made to uplift and integrate the Uygur population. From the city's bustling streets to vibrant markets and innovative educational centers, it was clear that the region is undergoing transformative changes to foster unity, tolerance, and prosperity. One of the most impactful moments of my visit was touring the Xinjiang Islamic Institute, where I saw how vital moderation and mutual respect are in cementing a balanced and harmonious society.

One of the most striking aspects of my visit was the region's visible economic progress. China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects such as highways, railways, and urban development, creating numerous job opportunities for the local population. I visited an industrial park near Urumqi, where Uygur workers held skilled jobs in the textile, electronics, and renewable energy sectors.

Another impressive aspect was the vocational training programs, which equipped Uygurs with the skills necessary in a modern economy. These initiatives are not just about job creation but also about fostering economic independence and upward mobility. Local officials shared success stories of Uygur entrepreneurs who, supported by government incentives, have established businesses that blend traditional crafts with modern markets.

Education is a central pillar of the integration efforts. During my visit, I saw a bilingual school where Uyghur and Mandarin were taught side by side. It was heartening to see children actively learning and engaging in both languages, preparing them for opportunities across China while retaining their cultural roots.

Affirmative action policies have enabled Uygur students to access higher education opportunities in leading Chinese universities. Conversations with educators highlighted the importance of these efforts in bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, equipping Uygur youth with the skills to thrive in our fast-evolving world.

Contrary to some external narratives, my visit demonstrated that Uygur culture is actively preserved and celebrated. Cultural centers in Urumqi showcased traditional Uygur music, dance, and cuisine, with multiple street events promoting the region's unique heritage. Walking through the city's vibrant markets, I saw firsthand how the government encourages tourism that highlights Uygur traditions. This boosts the local economy while sharing China's rich culture with the world.

One of the most memorable experiences was attending a cultural performance in Urumqi, where artists performed traditional Uygur dances and music. This event not only reflected the beauty of Uygur heritage but also the government's efforts to integrate such traditions into the broader national narrative.

Technology is playing a transformative role in modernizing Xinjiang and empowering its people. During my visit, I learned about initiatives such as e-commerce training for Uygur entrepreneurs and the development of smart city projects in Urumqi. These advancements have made it easier for local businesses to access national and global markets and improved quality of life through better services and connectivity.

My visit to Urumqi deepened my appreciation for the great efforts being made to integrate Uygurs into modern Chinese society. While challenges undoubtedly remain, the commitment to balancing economic growth, cultural preservation, and social inclusion was evident in every interaction I had.

The policies and initiatives I witnessed aim to ensure that all ethnic groups in Xinjiang share the benefits of modernization while celebrating their unique identities. The focus on education, economic empowerment, cultural integration, and religious tolerance reflects a forward-thinking approach to building harmony in a region of immense diversity.

By creating opportunities for growth and unity, China is paving the way for a Xinjiang that thrives within a modern, inclusive society where Uygurs and other ethnic minority groups can maintain their cultural heritage while participating fully in the nation's development.

My experience in Urumqi, particularly my visit to the Xinjiang Islamic Institute, convinced me of the importance of tolerance and open-minded moderation as the foundation of a harmonious and balanced society. It left me optimistic about the future of this dynamic region, with hopes that cooperation with my country Egypt will strengthen and broaden for the benefit of the Chinese and Egyptian friendship.

Editor's note: Hisham El-Zimaity is a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs and the Egypt-China Friendship Association.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.
A 20-year-old California man has been detained on suspicion of "plotting" to coordinate a mass shooting at a government building in conjunction with the Madison school shooter, according to court records first obtained by a local CBS affiliate in California.

According to an emergency gun violence restraining order viewed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and USA TODAY, FBI agents interviewed Alexander Paffendorf of Carlsbad in connection with the attack.

Law enforcement officials say they are still investigating what led 15-year-old Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow to shoot and kill a student and teacher, and injure six others, at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday.

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"During an FBI interview, Paffendorf admitted to the FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun and that he would target a government building," the order states.

According to the order, FBI agents "saw the messages from Paffendorf to Rupnow."

In an interview with the Journal Sentinel Wednesday evening, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said he did not have information about the arrest in California and referred questions to the FBI. A spokesperson for the FBI San Diego field office declined to comment.

The Carlsbad Police Department, which filed the petition for the order, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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A San Diego judge approved the emergency order on Tuesday. It orders Paffendorf to surrender any firearms and ammunition and prohibits him from getting more.

Not long after the judge signed the order, Paffendorf's neighbors in Carlsbad saw more than a dozen police cars enter the apartment complex, according to CBS 8.

"They had their full guns out all over the street," neighbor Alex Gallegos told the station. "There were cop cars. I'd say about 15 cops here."

A court hearing for Paffendorf is scheduled for Jan. 3.

A man who answered the phone at a number linked to Paffendorf's father hung up on a Journal Sentinel reporter Wednesday evening.

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Police say Rupnow, a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School, brought two handguns to school on Monday but appears to have only used one in the attack.

Authorities have identified the victims as Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, and Erin Michelle West, 42. Police said evidence suggests the teen then fatally shot herself.

More: Victims identified in Monday's school shooting in Madison

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: California man detained in connection with Madison school shooting
A Southern California man who was in contact with the Madison, Wis., school shooter allegedly was plotting to attack a government building, according to records and media reports.

On Tuesday evening, a San Diego County Superior Court judge granted a gun violence emergency protective order that the Carlsbad Police Department filed against local resident Alexander Paffendorf, according to online records reviewed by The Times. This is a civil action that allows law enforcement to seize weapons from individuals deemed to be a threat to themselves or others.

Carlsbad police did not respond to a request for comment or for a copy of the original order filing Wednesday evening. However, a copy obtained by CBS 8 shows that FBI agents detained the 20-year-old after learning he was allegedly plotting a mass shooting with 15-year-old Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow.

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Authorities say Rupnow shot and killed a teacher and a teenage student and injured six others at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin on Monday, before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"During an FBI interview, Paffendorf admitted to the FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun and that he would target a government building," the restraining order states, according to CBS 8.

In an online Q&A about the shooting, the Madison Police Department acknowledged a question "about a person arrested in California potentially linked to this shooting," but referred all inquiries to the FBI. The bureau declined to comment on Paffendorf.

As of Wednesday evening, Paffendorf's name did not appear in the San Diego County Sheriff's Office's online custody records.

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Shortly after the restraining order was approved, residents near Paffendorf's apartment complex reported seeing multiple police cars enter the area, CBS 8 reported.

Neighbor Alex Gallegos told the station that he saw about 15 officers pull into the complex. They later exited Paffendorf's apartment carrying what Gallegos said looked like a "black gun box."

"I'm just glad that they are on top of it and are going to get to the bottom of it hopefully, before something bad happens here in our county," he told the station.

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.
Just weeks after two major earthquakes shook California, one of them prompting a rare tsunami warning for the coast, state officials announced several upgrades to its early notification system for earthquakes, MyShake.

The MyShake app, which is run by the Governors Office of Emergency Services and the UC Berkeley Seismology Lab, primarily gives advance warning of a strong earthquake.

This is how to prepare for and respond to an earthquake

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According to state officials, more than 3.7 million people have the app so far, and more than 500,000 people combined received a notification from MyShake for the two earthquakes, in some cases as much as 15 seconds before the shaking.

The first earthquake happened off the northern coast of California on December 5 and measured a magnitude 7, with the second earthquake on December 9 in Nevada, with shaking felt across California.

The California landmarks most at risk from a massive earthquake

The new upgrades to the tool will allow more people to receive an early warning when a strong earthquake is imminent.

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According to state officials, the updates are:

 New availability on Chromebook laptops and devices running MacOS, such as laptops and tablets

 Audio messages in six languages updated to include a calm, but urgent voice: English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean and Vietnamese

 Information for seismic activity as los as magnitude 2.5, while early warning alerts will remain only for magnitude 4.5 or higher

 Ability to pinpoint precise seismic activity and identify neighborhoods, places, addresses and zip codes

 New landscape orientation on compatible devices, such as tablets

 Easier identification of app functionality issues

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration, Californias attorney general has issued notices that advise immigrants of their rights in the state and provided tips to avoid falling victim to scammers who may take advantage of someones immigration status.

During Trumps first term as president, California and other states created new laws and policies that limited cooperation between state officials and federal immigration officials, including through so-called sanctuary laws.

Governor Gavin Newsom has also called for a special legislative session to Trump-proof the state.

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Newsom makes emergency declaration amid bird flu outbreak

As Trump prepares for his second term, he has said his administration will implement mass deportations, and he has nominated people to immigration and border posts who are known for their hardline stances on immigration.

Below are the rights and protections that the California Dept. of Justice is reminding immigrants of and the common immigration-related scams to avoid.

New National Historic Landmark in California recognizes Chinese railroad workers

 Housing: California prohibits housing providers from asking about someones immigration status unless the applicant is asking for federal housing assistance. Housing providers cannot threaten or share information about someones status to federal immigration officials, such as ICE, local law enforcement or other government agencies.

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 Medical care: Federal law requires that all people can receive emergency medical care, including those without legal status in the country.

 Attorneys: Anyone arrested has the right to a government-appointed lawyer, including people detained by ICE or who are already facing immigration proceedings.

 Questions about status: California prohibits state and local law enforcement from asking about a persons immigration status if that information is used for immigration enforcement purposes.

 Personal information: A persons home or work address cannot be shared with immigration officials unless that information is already public or is involved in a persons previous criminal history.

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 Cooperation with ICE: Cooperation between state and local agencies and ICE is limited, meaning a person cannot be investigated, questioned or detained for immigration purposes unless it is part of a joint federal task force whose purpose is something besides immigration enforcement.

Body found in 1980 in Northern California finally identified

The California Dept. of Justice is also advising immigrants to be aware of common scams.

 Organizations: The California DOJ advises people that they can find nonprofit immigration help through organizations at this link.

 Documents: People should never give out original documents unless proof is shown that the government requires the original. Some scammers may refuse to return originals until a payment is made.

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 Immigration consultants and notaries: California advises that only lawyers, accredited representatives and some organizations can offer legal advice or represent someone in immigration court.

 Calls asking for money: A common scam involves a call or text saying payment is needed to resolve an immigration issue, but California is reminding people that no federal or state agency will ever ask for personal information or payment via phone call, text or email.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Finding a home insurance plan in San Diego County could get a touch easier in the new year, as a key piece of Californias plan to halt providers pull out from the state went into effect last week.

Under the regulation change from the Department of Insurance, insurers will now be able to use technology called catastrophe modeling to set their premiums and other rates, if they commit to writing more policies in high wildfire risk areas.

This computerized modeling, which insurers had been pushing for in recent years, allows companies to calculate future risks and efforts to curb the impacts of climate change in an area. Previously, service providers had used past wildfire losses to calculate premiums in California.

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San Diego advocate joins dozens asking for permanent natural disaster recovery funding

While companies have until early January to submit their models to state regulators for approval, the switch is already showing signs of reversing home insurance providers exodus.

Farmers Insurance Group, the states second largest provider, announced last week it would begin a phased reopening of some coverage lines it closed earlier this year, including several homeowners policies.

Behram Dinshaw, president of personal lines for Farmers Insurance, cited the implementation of state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Laras plan as a factor in their decision.

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While other big insurers who have taken steps to scale back their presence in California, like State Farm, have not yet announced plans to reopen lines of coverage, Lara is celebrating the move as a sign of what is to come under the new regulations.

Homeowners who could likely feel these effects the most are those in wildfire distressed areas in California, including more than a dozen zip codes here in San Diego, that have only been left with the states FAIR Plan to cover their home.

The FAIR Plan is a bare-bones, last resort policy with high premiums offered by the state that was created with the intention of giving homeowners an option when they lose their coverage and are transitioning to a new plan.

The number of property owners  both commercial and residential  on this plan has more than doubled across the state since 2020, according to the FAIR Plans most recent data.

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San Diego County has outpaced this growth, seeing three times as many homeowners on the plan this year than in 2020. The areas with the highest number of FAIR Plan policyholders include much of the regions backcountry and inland valley areas.

Giving people more choices to protect themselves is how we will solve Californias insurance crisis, Lara said. For the first time in history we are requiring insurance companies to expand where people need help the most. With our changing climate we can no longer look to the past.

What is a Red Flag Warning and why is it important?

However, some consumer advocates are skeptical of the changes, arguing it could contribute to spikes in rates for homeowners based on more opaque methods. Critics point to Floridas insurance market, with its exorbitantly high prices, as evidence of the pitfalls of this modeling.

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Full transparency is what keeps insurance rates honest but Commissioner Laras rule does away with that protection, Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog, said in a statement. Consumer Watchdog is one of the most vocal opponents to the new regulations.

The rule will let insurance companies raise rates based on secret algorithms but not expand coverage as 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The import deluge keeps flowing into the West Coast ports.

The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles both handled a remarkably near-identical number of containers in November as the twin gateways endure a rush of cargo ahead of a presidential transition expected to usher in new tariffs and potential second dockworker strike on the East and Gulf Coast.

More from Sourcing Journal

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At the Port of Long Beach, dockworkers and terminal operators moved 884,154 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in November, up 20.9 percent from the throughput in the year-ago month. This was the busiest November on record for the port, surpassing the previous top mark in 2020 by 12.8 percent.

The Port of Los Angeles processed 884,315 TEUs in November, a 15.8 percent increase over the previous year, but still 0.6 percent below the hubs own November record four years agowhen imports had heavily escalated and ports became congested due to heavy pandemic stimulus-driven spending.

With the November figures, the Port of Long Beach is on course to reach 9.6 million cargo containers by the end of 2024, which would be a record that marks a roughly 20 percent increase over the year prior.

For the L.A. port, the gateway says it is well on pace to exceed 10 million container units, the second such year to hit that point since 2021, when it handled 10.7 million TEUs.

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Scott Kelly, vice president of ocean services, the Americas at freight forwarder Expeditors International, said in a Tuesday briefing that his company has already been assisting some clients with shifting cargo to the West Coast ahead of the East Coast port contract negotiation deadline of Jan. 15further flooding the twin ports with more potential cargo.

Customers will have the options of beginning to ramp up their shipments [into the U.S.] in the next week or so. Well see what they do, Kelly said. Customers that had already built a model in have adjusted and moved to the West Coast a little bit. Were already seeing some of that, but other than that, we have not seen a mass migration yet.

Seroka called President-elect Donald Trumps recent backing of the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) in its contract negotiations with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) as pretty unique, given the meetings with key stakeholders ahead of taking the oath of office.

The port director was optimistic that the incoming administration would keep the wheels moving on the East Coast port talks.

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One of the things we have noticed with the current administration is that Acting [Labor] Secretary Julie Su used a lot of shuttle diplomacy, kept both sides at the table, kept talks moving forward in a variety of collective bargaining environments. Thats shown to be pretty positive as far as the outcomes go, Seroka said. I trust that incoming President Trump will have the same mindset of keeping folks at the table and moving the dialogue forward. It is my view, in conclusion, that all ports in the United States need to be running at top speed to fuel this American economy.

Seroka shared some the mixed results that automation has brought the wider twin port complex, saying longshore work in Los Angeles and Long Beach is up about 32 percent over the past decade. Could it have been more? Possibly.

Three of our 12 terminals have an automated environment, he said, noting that the L.A. port uses automated stacking cranes, automated straddle carriers and rail-mounted gantry cranes, while the Long Beach Container Terminal uses an automated guided vehicle system.

Some have opined that productivity is not that great, but costs have been dropped and longer hours of operation can be attained using this robotic mechanism, said Seroka.

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On the other hand, Seroka acknowledged the possibility that members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) may be disappointed in some automation developments since the language was first implemented in their 2008 collective bargaining agreement.

Maybe some promises have not been lived up to and maybe job cutsbeing replaced by these robotics or automated machineshave been deeper than what was anticipated, Seroka said.

As the automation arguments continue, the California ports are bringing in imports at a wider pace than the projected total across U.S. ports anticipated for November. Imports took up the lions share of the cargo movement at both San Pedro Bay ports, increasing 21.8 percent to 432,823 TEUs at Long Beach, and up 19.1 percent at Los Angeles to 458,165 TEUs.

Although most ports have not reported Novembers numbers, the monthly Global Port Tracker from the National Retail Federation anticipates the months inbound cargo volume to reach 2.17 million TEUs, up 14.8 percent year over year.

That list includes data tracked at ports like L.A./L.B., alongside Seattle/Tacoma, New York/New Jersey, Virginia, Charleston, Savannah and Houston.
California's push to end sales of new gas-powered cars has cleared a major hurdle, setting the stage for a dramatic transformation of the state's automotive landscape by 2035.



As the EPA announced Wednesday, the agency has granted California two crucial waivers to enforce strict vehicle emission standards, including the landmark ban on new gas vehicle sales. The decision reinforces California's role as a national leader in emissions regulations, though the incoming Trump administration has already signaled plans to challenge the ruling.



EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the state's "longstanding authority" to protect residents from vehicle-related pollution, dismissing opponents' arguments against both the electric vehicle mandate and a separate measure affecting heavy-duty vehicles.

Related: Inside Gstaad: The Swiss Alps Best-Kept Secret

For L.A. drivers, the ruling means dramatic changes ahead at local dealerships. By next year, 35% of new vehicles sold at L.A. car lots must be zero-emission vehicles, with that percentage steadily climbing until reaching 100% by 2035. While existing gas-powered vehicles can still be bought and sold used, new car buyers will increasingly find their options limited to electric vehicles.



As AP News reports, auto industry leaders have expressed serious concerns about meeting these targets. "Achieving the sales mandates under current market realities will take a miracle," said John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. Toyota's North America spokesman Scott Vazin raised additional concerns, warning that the rules could force manufacturers to prioritize zero-emission vehicles in certain states, potentially limiting consumer choice and affordability.

Related: California's Wildfires Keep Growing [Photos]

Environmental advocates view the EPA's decision as a crucial victory. "EPA's approval is a critical step forward in protecting our lungs from pollution and our wallets from the expenses of combustion fuels," said Paul Cort, director of Earthjustice's Right To Zero campaign. The Supreme Court's recent decision to hear a related case challenging an earlier California emissions waiver underscores the continuing tension between state and federal authority over vehicle standards.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota (CAIR-MN) is calling for a hate crime probe by state and federal law enforcement authorities into a reported threat against a Minneapolis mosque.

Police have confirmed that a violent threat was made on social media targeting the worshippers at the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center (AAIC).

Police told the mosque to cancel all weekend activities as they investigated and later determined that the threat was not credible.

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"We condemn this reported threat targeting a faith community and urge local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate the incident as a possible hate crime," CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said. "The Muslim community will not be intimidated by threats of violence and will instead continue practicing their faith."

Google Maps

It's the second reported hate crime in the Twin Cities this week, coming just a few days after an unidentified individual spray-painted swastikas on a Minneapolis synagogue.

Among those condemning the threats is Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who said: "These recent threats against the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center in Minneapolis are unacceptable. No community should live in fear, especially places of worship. We must stand together against hate."

Related: Search for vandal who defaced Minneapolis synagogue with swastikas
Did you miss it? On Tuesday, the electoral college made official what weve known for six weeks: Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris for the presidency.

Americans could be excused for being unaware that electors met in all 50 state capitals and the District of Columbia to cast votes. In nearly every presidential election year, the constitutionally required but largely ceremonial event passes with little notice. The tragic exception, of course, was in 2020: Loser Trump followed weeks of lies and scores of lawsuits alleging election fraud with an illegal scheme creating fake pro-Trump electors in battleground states  a prelude to the violent insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. (Unlike Trump, his accomplices in the scheme are, justly, still being prosecuted .)

Its great that the transfer of power is proceeding peacefully, as it always has except at the onset of the Civil War, and, yes, in 2021. Yet you can thank President Biden, Vice President Harris and their fellow Democratic good losers for that, not Trump. No one can credibly doubt that, had he lost again, hed be raising another ruckus. Or worse, that thered be violence. Trump suggested as much, telling Time in April, If we dont win, you know, it depends.

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States and the federal government prepared for mayhem that never came. Gabriel Sterling, the top Georgia election officer who four years ago publicly and presciently warned Trump that someones going to get killed because of his provocations, and who endured death threats himself, said of the electors meeting this week, To be honest, I forgot about it.

As Trump declared in last months victory speech , Its time to unite.

But as Biden said afterward in congratulating him: You cant love your country only when you win.

Biden  who still hasnt received Trumps acknowledgment of Bidens 2020 victory, let alone congratulations, and who, thanks to Trump, is considered illegitimate by seven of 10 Republicans  expressed hope that we can lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system.  It can be trusted, win or lose.

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Indeed. And thats why, in this week of the uneventful electoral college vote, Americans should take the occasion to note the damage that Trump has wrought to the citizenrys faith in elections by his years of demagogically disparaging them  instead of joining him and his MAGA minions in memory-holing their falsehoods about election fraud.

Trump has gone silent about rigged elections since he won in November. And yet, up to the final hours of voting, he was crying foul. "A lot of talk about massive CHEATING in Philadelphia. Law Enforcement coming!!!" he posted on election day.

City and state officials, including Seth Bluestein, a Republican member of Philadelphias board of elections, reposted Trumps lie to insist there was absolutely no truth to it. For that, Bluestein suffered antisemitic attacks and threats online. Countless election workers have known the feeling. Thanks, Trump.

Days earlier, Trump claimed , Pennsylvania is cheating, and getting caught, at large scale levels rarely seen before." He spread a false conspiracy theory of vote stealing in one county, adding, We caught them cold. No, he hadnt; there were no vote thieves to catch.

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After Trump won Pennsylvania  surprise!  he clammed up about Democrats alleged heists there and in all six other battleground states that he carried, including four states governed by Democrats. I guess as vote riggers go, Democrats are just inept?

Even before the election, Trump stifled his talk that early and mail voting are rife with fraud, but only after advisors, apoplectic that Republican candidates were being shortchanged, appealed to his yuge ego: Sir, your people are so excited to vote for you that they want to as soon as they can, one said during an April meeting at Mar-a-Lago. You gotta tell them its OK.

Trump has not, however, changed his tune about the 2020 election. The president-elect continues to lie that he won it, so routinely that reporters let it go unchecked. Whats worse, looking ahead, is that Trump reportedly is making fealty to his election lies a job requirement for appointees to high-level administration posts.

So it is that hes tapped former Florida Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi to be U.S. attorney general. She was part of the first wave of the Big Lie, as former Trump White House aide Alyssa Farah Griffin put it to the House Jan. 6 investigation committee. Bondi rushed to Pennsylvania after the 2020 election to spread disinformation about dead voters and ballot dumps. She was with lead election denier Rudy Giuliani for Team Trumps ludicrous news conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping in a Philadelphia industrial park. And she was fulminating on Fox News: We are not going anywhere until they declare Trump won Pennsylvania.

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In 2022, former Trump aide Cassidy Hutchinson told the Jan. 6 committee that Bondi contacted her before she testified to press Hutchinson to remain loyal to Trump, according to the Washington Post. (Yet its former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, the committees vice chair, that House Republicans now want prosecuted for witness tampering for her talks with Hutchinson.) This year, Bondi echoed Trumps falsehoods about noncitizens voting from her platform as a leader of a pro-Trump policy institute. And she promised retribution for Trumps indictments: The Department of Justice, the prosecutors will be prosecuted.

No doubt Bondi as the next attorney general would carry out Trumps calls for the Justice Department to investigate the 2020 election , to prosecute Biden and to get House Jan. 6 committee members behind bars.

Is she going to continue  pushing out the Big Lie? Californias new Democratic senator and Jan. 6 committee veteran Adam Schiff recently asked on MSNBC .

That was a rhetorical question, of course.

@jackiekcalmes

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
PHNOM PENH, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable water access and climate-resilient infrastructure in Cambodia, said a MISTI's press release on Thursday.

The deal was inked in the capital Phnom Penh on Tuesday between MISTI's Minister Hem Vanndy and UNOPS Country Manager Eda Kraja, the press release said.

"Access to clean water is not only a fundamental human right but also vital to public health, socio-economic growth, and environmental sustainability," Vanndy said.

"This collaboration is a model for how targeted investments can drive transformative change, especially for vulnerable communities," he added.

Kraja said this initiative supported Sustainable Development Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation.

"The partnership aims to implement innovative, scalable solutions to improve water access and strengthen infrastructure against the impact of climate change," she said.

The MoU formalized joint efforts to plan, design, and execute projects that enhance water supply systems while ensuring long-term sustainability and inclusivity, according to the press release. 
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  The city of Peoria is working with outreach partners on housing options, with a new date for the camping ban.

The City wont begin to enforce their camping ordinance until after the first of the year, said Joe Dulin, director of community development.

This is to allow for the holiday season, said Dulin.

What the city says

Dulin gives an update on how many people are still in the I-74 encampments.

When we talk to the continuum of care and the street outreach folks, they put the number about twenty-five to thirty people that were along the seventy-four corridor, he said. I know theyve worked really hard and identified housing for about half of those already, so really just whittling that number down as few as possible.

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Phoenix Community Development Services has been heading the effort to get housing for individuals who are without it. Dulin said this has taken a bit of time, but theyre currently in the process of housing people.

They had to get the units ready and get things like that, he said. So you havent probably seen a noticeable difference in fewer kind of tents or anything like that, but by the time we start enforcing the ordinance in the first of the year, youll see all of those placements hopefully have taken place.

One womans success story

Kimberly Johnson, who was once homeless, shares how she was able to find success through housing in Peoria at the Dream Center.

I came here, I was allowed to come here, she said. I lived in apartment 505, and I worked here on the shelter floor, and then I worked at the front desk. So, you know, I just tell people that you can do better.

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She now works two jobs and is hosting a giveaway of hats, gloves and other items at the Dream Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18.

What outreach partners say

Kshe Bernard, the co-founder of LULA, said while the service providers were once not given a seat at the table to talk about options for housing, now they are with RE!INSTITUTEs 100-day plan with the city.

Thats what were in the process of doing is defining what that plan is, she said. It is to serve the most vulnerable folks in our community.

Bernard detailed how the collaboration from all parties is going.

Weve got a lot of stakeholders and service providers at the table, and we are all chock-full of what I think are really good ideas, and we are trying to figure out the best way to implement them, she said.

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Kate Green, executive director of Home For All Continuum of Care, wrote in a statement about the challenges that come with people trying to find affordable housing.

Accessing shelter can be challenging when programs are at capacity and intakes are limited to overflow accommodations, she wrote.

Green continued by writing, The solution to ending homelessness is housing and our community must work toward increasing access to affordable housing opportunities for everyone, creating accessible systems of care, and preventing homelessness from occurring in the first place.

Outreach workers from Phoenix Community Development Services could be seen on Wednesday walking around encampments with backpacks, which one worker said, when answering WMBDs call for inquiry, these were probably filled with items to help with the cold.

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The City of Las Vegas set up a barricade at a homeless encampment. (Michael Lyle | Nevada Current)

A series examining how local governments regulate  and criminalize  homelessness.

A man is sleeping on the ground next to a bus stop wrapped in a blanket when he is spotted by a police officer.

A City of Las Vegas Marshal notices the 55-year-old while patrolling near the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas on a recent November morning, according to the police report.

Officer James Blaisure determines the man is unhoused and violating an expanded ban passed by the city council earlier in the month that restricts camping or lodging citywide even if there arent available shelter beds.

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The officer sees the mans walker covered in clothes next to him as he sleeps. Blaisure unwraps his blanket and tells him he cannot sleep there.

The man is asked if he has been to the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center, roughly a mile away that can accommodate up to 550 people with a sleeping mat at night.

He tells the officer he was going to make his way over there eventually, according to the police report.

It was the second time in a week that officers had warned him for the same offense  camping or lodging without consent, a misdemeanor that could carry a $1,000 fine.

Experts and advocates suspect such encounters are on the rise following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June that cities dont violate the 8th Amendments restriction on cruel and unusual punishment when they criminalize those experiencing homelessness for sleeping outside even if there arent other adequate accommodations for them to go.

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The National Homeless Law Center tracked cities that have passed anti-homeless camping bans or expanded existing camping bans to make them more punitive since the high courts decision. It found 99 ordinances were passed in 26 states that restrict unhoused people from sleeping and camping, according to data it provided to States Newsroom in November.

Another 66 ordinances were pending at the time.

But with homelessness rising, driven by the lack of affordable housing, low wages, and limited access to social services among other factors, advocates say the court decision stands to worsen an issue that has become more politicized in recent years.

Every bill is a little bit different, said Jesse Rabinowitz, the communications and campaign director for the National Homelessness Law Center. The main two things they all have in common are that none of them solve homelessness and all of them will make homelessness worse.

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A full report from the law center on recent criminalization trends is expected to be released in early 2025.

Roughly a third of all camping bans the National Homeless Law Center has tracked since July were passed in California, the state with the largest homeless population.

Illinois had the second highest with 13 ordinances, all that featured language crafted by the Illinois Municipal League.

Eric Tars, senior policy director at the National Homeless Law Center, said there is a common refrain across cities adopting ordinances with local officials saying its not our intent to criminalize people experiencing homelessness.

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The camping bans passed in Illinois cities start with a $75 fine, a hefty price for someone experiencing homelessness. The cost can increase each time.

Violating camping bans could result in a $50 fine in Merced, California and a $100 fine in Phoenix, Arizona.

A West Virginia city expanded a ban in September, prohibiting camping and storing personal property in public spaces, West Virginia Watch reported. Morgantown officials set penalties ranging from fines of $200 to $300 for second and third offense as well as possible jail time.

Kinsburg, California has fines up to $500. Similar to Las Vegas fine, ordinances passed in some California cities like Fresno, Indio and Hemet could come with up to $1,000 fines.

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Las Vegas City Marshals, which oversee public safety and enforcement on city-owned property, issued citations to three unhoused people sleeping near the Fremont Street Experience in November.

In addition to a potential $1,000 fine, the 55-year-old man also faces up to six months in jail after his 2025 court date. In an email, a Las Vegas official said that its up to the judge to decide whether to implement the full amount.

Unhoused people who are arrested under many of these new ordinances could also face jail time ranging from 10 days to a year, the law center reported.

In the Illinois cities that passed similar camping bans, jail time is possible if someone violates the ordinances more than six times in a two-year period.

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Not all the bans tracked in the last five months are new, but some have been amended to be more restrictive following the Supreme Court ruling, according to the law center.

Cities including Las Vegas; Oceanside, California; Paso Robles California; Bremerton, Washington; and Auburn, Washington all updated existing camping and sleeping bans in recent months to remove provisions that prevented enforcement if shelter beds werent available.

When passing these ordinances, Tars said officials often try to assuage their conscience and say things like we want to push them into services or were working on other shelters.

Things like those will take longer, if ever, he said. The camping ban they pass goes into effect immediately. Even without those services theyre already moving toward enforcement. Thats the only piece they prioritize. That really tells you what their priorities are.

Public pressure to do more

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found that nationally 654,104 people experienced homelessness on a single night in 2023, a 12% increase from the previous year.

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The numbers are largely viewed as an under count as the method of counting individuals on a single January night comes with challenges and an already transient population can easily fall through the cracks.

Marcy Thompson, vice president for programs and policy at the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said data doesnt give a full picture of homelessness.

If you just look at that data, its easy to assume that things arent working and that homelessness response systems arent doing their job, or that resources arent being spent appropriately, Thompson said. What you dont see in those numbers are things like, how many people are becoming homeless each year for the first time.

Low wages not keeping up with the cost of rent, the lack of access to health care and mental health resources and systemic racism have all contributed to the homeless crisis, she said.

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On the list of policy issues that contribute to homelessness, Thompson said the lack of affordable and available housing nationwide is at the top.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law by President Joe Biden, provided cities and states with an historic, one-shot infusion of flexible dollars that some used to address housing shortages or stand up homeless resources.

Lauren Lowery, the Housing and Community Development director with the National League of Cities, said those funds resulted in $6.7 billion for housing-related expenditures, which is like over 10 years of the home investment block grant.

ARPA dollars were very significant about helping cities to address those at risk for homelessness and those experiencing homelessness as well, she said.

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But the investments, while significant, were never enough, Thompson said.

There isnt sufficient housing, she said. As homelessness becomes more visible, theres often a lot of public pressure to do something.

The law center said of the 187 cities previously surveyed in recent years they found that each one had at least one, if not multiple, laws criminalizing homelessness in some form, Tars said.

In 2023, Georgia lawmakers passed a bill that mandates local governments to enforce ordinances prohibiting unauthorized public camping and sleeping on sidewalks and other public spaces, the Georgia Recorder reported. The measure also requires an audit of how public funding is used for programs to help people experiencing homelessness.

Gov. Bill Lee allowed a Tennessee law banning camping on public property to take effect without his signature in 2022, calling for the need to seek solutions to address homelessness, the Tennessee Lookout reported.

Almost nowhere in America can you do all of the activities that you and I do every day and take for granted, Tars said. Eating, sleeping, resting, sitting. Were all sitting right now. If we were doing that and we were homeless and doing that outside in a public space, it might be considered a crime.

There were attempts to limit punitive measures.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed Republican-sponsored legislation in 2023 that would have made it illegal for unhoused persons to camp in public spaces. And the Missouri Supreme Court struck down that states public camping ban on a technicality.

An appellate court in 2022 ruled in favor of unhoused people who sought to overturn city ordinances passed in Grants Pass, Oregon, that restricted and fined people for sleeping and camping in public even though there arent other places to go.

Many Western cities within the jurisdiction of the court submitted amicus briefs the following year asking the Supreme Court to overturn the decision. Many argued their hands were tied to address homelessness because of the federal courts ruling.

Anit Jindal, an attorney representing the League of Oregon Cities, wrote in a brief that the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals decision limits the tools available to local governments for tackling this complex and troubling human issue.

When we talk to cities about the need to build housing or the need to fund outreach or services, they say cities cant move quickly because government is slow, Rabinowitz said. They have moved very, very quickly to pass these bills that make homelessness worse.

Even as the federal courts ruling stood, cities carried out encampment removals and adopted carefully worded ordinances to criminalize sleeping in a public right of way but only when shelter beds werent available.

In a 6-3 ruling this June, the Supreme Court reversed Johnson v. City of Grants Pass paving a way for cities to adopt camping and sleeping restrictions.

In a statement to States Newsroom, Jeff Olivet, executive director of U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said cities are facing a difficult decision when it comes to the rising number of encampments.

Encampments raise significant, legitimate concerns about the health and safety of neighborhoods and local businesses, he said. However, the criminalization of homelessness is ineffective, expensive, and inhumane. Housing and health care, not handcuffs and fines, solve homelessness.

An uncertain future

In the days following his re-election, Republican Donald Trump vowed in his second term to use every tool, lever and authority to get the homeless off our streets.

Trump proposed an urban camping ban. He said he would open up large parcels of inexpensive land and create tent cities where the homeless can be relocated and their problems identified. He plans to bring in doctors, social workers and job rehab specialists.

The threat of a national camping ban from Trump isnt new and something he spoke about during his first term.

Before the Grants Pass decision, the 9th Circuit ruled in the 2018 case Martin v. Boise that cities cant punish people for sleeping on the streets if there isnt any alternative shelter.

The Supreme Court declined to review the case in 2019.

Tars said the courts decision might have prevented Trump from pursuing aggressive plans toward pressuring cities to enact punitive measures toward the unhoused.

Now that the Supreme Court has overturned the Martin v. Boise principle in the Grants Pass case, that has basically paved the way for him to pick up right where he left off, only bigger, better and worse, Tars said.

There are still mounting questions around what legal authority Trump would have federally to criminalize homelessness.

Thompson said there are other ways the federal response to homelessness and the housing crisis could change in a second Trump term.

When awarding grants, HUD gives points to communities who are demonstrating that they are not criminalizing homelessness, she said.

Another administration could choose to take those points away or offer those points for something else, right? she added.

HUD isnt the only department that could change how it approaches homelessness.

Weve seen the Department of Justice over the years provide guidance around the importance of not criminalizing, Thompson added. Weve seen guidance around good first responder and community partnerships that are housing focused from Department of Justice. Weve seen them speak out against community and state level tactics that have been enforced.

Those guidances, she added, could change and push more punitive tactics.

Even who is appointed to agencies could impact the direction the federal government takes to address homelessness, Rabinowitz said.

The 2019 pick to head the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, Robert Marbut, had been against housing first strategy.

While it is still unclear about a second Trump administration, Rabinowitz said early indicators show that Trump could force more people into homelessness by gutting further the social safety net.

Once people are homeless, they (Trump administration) have no plan to address it other than literally rounding people up and putting them in detention camps, he added.

Little daylight between Republicans, Dems

Although many are worried about what a more punitive approach to homelessness could look like under Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress, Tars said its not just Republicans who have embraced harsh stances toward the unhoused.

Democratic mayors, governors, people who should know better, are aligning themselves with the same position that Trump is taking, he said.

One example Tars points to is Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who signed an executive order less than a month after the Supreme Court decision around encampments.

The directive orders state agencies to remove an encampment if they determine it poses an imminent threat to life, health, safety or infrastructure and if feasible to remove the encampment. The order requires notices be posted 48 hours prior to an encampment removal.

Following the directive, Newsom said there is now no excuse not to clean out encampments.

Tars warned moving people out of encampments isnt easy, especially if there isnt enough housing or shelter space for people to go. He warned the method to remove people could lead to more people ending up in jail.

Rabinowitz said Newsoms push to clear out encampments shows theres often little daylight between what Democrats like (Gov.) Gavin Newsom and what far right extremists like Donald Trump want to do in regards to homelessness.

The governors office declined to answer questions about whether the directive could push more unhoused people into the criminal legal system or how the effectiveness of the directive is being monitored.

In a statement to States Newsroom, the office said Governor Newsoms stance is not to forcibly remove homeless encampments or people.

We cannot comment on hypotheticals for the next administration or policies which have not yet been enacted, but California always stands ready to protect the best interests of our state and people, said Tara Gallegos, a spokeswoman for the governor. California will continue to advance person-centered approaches to help people access help, shelter, and affordable housing options.

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Canada has a warning for President-elect Donald Trump as he looks to launch a trade war with the U.S.s northern neighbor: Hurting us will help China.

If you say no to Canada, you're basically saying yes to China when it comes to strategic supply chains, Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canadas minister of innovation, science and industry, said on todays POLITICO Tech podcast. I don't think that's what the American people would want.

Champagne argues that the two nations fortunes are inextricably intertwined  after all, they are each other's largest trading partner  and that the U.S. relies heavily on Canada for economic essentials like critical minerals and oil. Plus, the countries have common ambitions in areas like artificial intelligence and nuclear energy where Champagne says they can better compete against China together.



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But Champagnes case has done little to sway Trump so far. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico unless they do more to secure the U.S. border from immigrants and drugs. And recently, he has lobbed online insults at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and at Canada itself, disparagingly referring to it as the 51st state.

You have to take these comments with a grain of salt, I would say, Champagne said. The good thing that I see with [the] president-elect is he talks a lot about Canada, which is a good thing. That means that we matter.

Still, the tensions over Trump have caused waves in Ottawa. Earlier this week, Canadas deputy prime minister and finance minister Chrystia Freeland resigned over a split with Trudeau on how to brace for the coming conflict.

POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly spoke with Champagne about the political fallout in Ottawa, whether he still supports Trudeau, and how Canada is bracing for Trumps return. Listen to the full interview.

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Dec. 18The government of Canada is moving forward with a $900 million plan to shore up their border security and immigration systems.

The plan, announced in the Fall Economic Statement that sets broad policy and spending plans from the Prime Minister and his administration, calls for $1.3 billion Canadian in spending to address five "pillars" of the Canadian border and immigration systems.

"We must preserve the integrity of our immigration system, and make sure that it is well-managed and sustainable," said Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller. "As we continue working with the United States to protect the safety of both sides of the border, we continue to offer protection to the world's most vulnerable, while maintaining an immigration system that Canadians can trust."

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Broadly, the Prime Minister Justin P. J. Trudeau and his government plan to fund law enforcement activity to intercept fentanyl and the chemicals used to make it from entering Canada, including training a new class of canine drug detection teams to supplement the 80 K9 teams already in use across the country.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are responsible for patroling and enforcing border and immigration laws between ports of entry north of the border  the Canadian government plans to deploy a new air-based intelligence unit within that national police force, which will use drones, helicopters and portable surveillance towers, as well as counter-drone technology to effectively monitor the U.S.-Canada border 24 hours a day.

A legal change planned by Trudeau's government would also require that Canadian ports provide space for the government to inspect goods for export, as they are required to for imported goods.

The Trudeau government also plans to invest in the RCMP national police force and their national communications monitoring authority to track transnational organized crime and fentanyl traffiking.

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The Canadian health ministry will also create a national drug profiling and testing center to add another 2,000 investigations to the country's annual investigatory capacity, and a new division focused on tracking precursor chemicals for a range of dangerous and illegal drugs.

The Canadians also seek to increase information-sharing agreements with the U.S., coordinating cross-border interception of illegal crossings and drug traffiking in a more unified way, while also collaborating with local police forces on the Canadian side of the border as well. Trudeau proposes creating a new North American Joint Strike Force to target transnational organized crime.

The Canadian government also formally announced plans to end 'flagpoling,' a practice maligned by U.S. officials where Canadian visa-holders would cross out of Canada and immediately back into it through a U.S land crossing in order to speed up their visa renewal process. The Canadian government will take broad steps to end the practice on top of steps already taken  including limiting visa renewal processing hours at Canadian ports of entry and establishing an in-country renewal office network to supplement the mail-based renewal system.

To counter illegal immigration, the Canadian government is looking to amend national immigration laws and give its government more power to suspend, cancel or change an individual's immigration process, and to pause accepting applications for visas or asylum. The government is also reaffirming its commitment to current immigration agreements that require people seeking asylum do so in the first country they enter in the U.S. or Canada.

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Many of these announced changes rely on the Canadian Parliament to pass legislation, either to change existing law or to authorize spending  and the plan comes at a tenuous time for the Trudeau government. He's broadly losing popularity, fighting with the premiers that run the Canadian provinces, and hearing calls for resignation from both the opposition and his own party.

On Monday, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned from her post and lambasted the Trudeau administration, denouncing his domestic economic plans that she accused of being short-sighted and unserious. She had been expected to give the Fall Economic Statement, containing this and many other policy proposals, later that day, but the announcements were delayed and Wednesday's documents were released by the new finance minister, Dominic LeBlanc.

Freeland expressed concerns over Trudeau's response to the impending administration of President-Elect Donald J. Trump, who in recent weeks has leveled serious criticism and threats at the northern nation. He's threatened to slap the country, one of the U.S.'s primary trading partners and a long-time ally, with steep import taxes in response to ongoing concerns over northern border security.

Illegal crossings, drug traffiking and criminal activity across the U.S.-Canada border have hit a new high over the last year, prompting words of concern from local and state lawmakers, as well as New York's Republican representatives in Congress. They've demanded more federal attention on the U.S. border, but Trump has called on the Canadians to step up their border security measures as well. It appears the Canadian government is responding to that request.
Canadian film and TV production volume fell to pre-pandemic levels in the 2023/24 period as a commissioning slowdown and the U.S. labor strikes bit, a report from the countrys screen producers body shows.

Volume was down 18.5% to C$9.58B ($6.68B) in the 12 months between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, according to the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA)s Profile 2024 report. In 2019/2020, the figure was C$9.38B, with the following year seeing a fall as Covid-19 lockdowns hit production before a major spike over the next two years saw figures reach C$11.75B last year (2022/23).

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The CMPA says the figures reflect a significant downturn in both the domestic and foreign production segments, with the lengthy actors and writers strikes and a slowdown in commissioning, most notably in English-language television, blamed primarily for the fall. This was despite the sector employing nearly 180,000 people and contributing C$11.04B to Canadas GDP.

The numbers released in todays report starkly confirm the significant economic slowdown that Canadian producers and creators have faced over the past 18 months, said CMPA President and CEO Reynolds Mastin. While this downturn affects the entire industry, small production companies and those working in the kids and animation sector have been hit particularly hard.

Within the C$8.58B figure, just under half (C$4.73B) was from the foreign location and service (FLS) segment, with Canadian television next with C$3.25B, in-house broadcaster spend at C$1.16B and Canadian theatrical feature film coming in at C$440M. The split of employment broadly followed the same percentage breakdowns.

Despite the U.S. strikes, the CMPA noted that FLS production in 23/24 was still 80% higher than in 2014/15, and while Canadian production is also up, it has grown at a slower rate over that same period. English-language content made up 70% of the C$3.69B spent on Canadian productions, with French-language accounting of the rest.

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The news comes as the Canadian Radio-television Communications Commission (CRTC) continues to work through a multi-phase review of the regulatory framework for the Canadian broadcasting system. In June, the Commission outlined terms of the Online Streaming Act, which dictates streamers must spend 5% of their local revenues to support Canadian content. The move that was welcomed by the CMPA, but the body does not expect positive impacts for some time, given contributions are not required until August 2025.

We are still one to two years away from seeing any new investments in Canadian content through the Online Streaming Act, but we remain hopeful that the industry will ramp up again, said Mastin. Recovery is crucial for the tens of thousands of Canadians whose livelihoods depend on the success of this industry.

The Profile report has historically been released in Spring, but the CMPA says this meant it was not always reflective of the industry, so moved the date to December. The 2025 edition, and all future editions, will be released in the fall.

The annual economic report, whose full title is Profile 2024: An Economic Report on the Screen-based Media Production Industry in Canada, is compiled by Nordicity, and developed in collaboration with the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canada Media Fund (CMF), Telefilm Canada and the Association Quebecoise de la Production Mediatique (AQPM).

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CHICAGO  About five miles from the Jesse Brown Veterans Medical Center, an annual mission of mercy continues.

In the citys Canaryville neighborhood, tough and gruff they are on the outside, but within, the sensitive and caring souls of the Canaryville Veterans Riders Association have their walking orders  to collect cold weather gear for their fellow vets who may have fallen on hard times.

Weve been doing this, I think, 10 years or so, maybe even longer, Tommy Russell, Marine veteran and club president, told WGN News.

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Russell said the coat drive and giveaway of other necessities, such as T-shirts, socks, and underwear, began before Thanksgiving and epitomized the clubs mission.

Theyre Still There, We Still Care. And even if theyre here, we still care. Thats one of our mottos and its more than just a saying on the back of our vests.

Alberto Lopez, a Marine vet now working for the VA, says the much-needed donated items will be shared among the vets they serve. Lopez added that a fair amount of them spent their days on the battlefield overseas and now battle PTSD at home.

It is not a topic of shame, Lopez said. Its one that says, Hey, you had an experience. You had these moments in your service that led to these events and we want to be able to help you.

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As they hit the road with the goods accepted and the deeds appreciated, CVRA members who spoke with WGN News say they remain humble and thankful that they can still help and serve.

CVRA partners with veterans advocacy group nonprofit Guardian Corp of America in Lombard for the coat drive effort. The group keeps track of homeless vets and estimates there are at least 2,000 ex-service members in Cook County alone at any given time.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Its been the honor of my life to serve our community and the people who live here, said Grand Junction Mayor Pro-Tem Randall Reitz, who is running for District E.

Community is a word that can be defined as a social unit, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary, but its one of the key words for a leader.

To me its more than the buildings, and its more than just walking through our downtown and seeing some familiar faces, Grand Junction is home to 70,000 people, said Cody Kennedy who is re-running for District A.

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Grand Junction is a place where I raised my family. I have three kids. They were all born here in Western Colorado, my whole career has been here, Reitz said.

Reitz is one of four who are running for a city council seat.

Reitz is campaigning to fill Mayor Abe Hermans position in District E, since Herman wont be running again.

WesternSlopeNow spoke with Kennedy, and he said he is continuing to focus more on.

Everything from housing to our ongoing issue with our downtown streets, particularly Fourth, Fifth and potentially Seventh, Kennedy said.

While Kennedy is focused on everything, he tells WesternSlopeNow the most important part of being a council member is listening to the voices of the community.

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I think that voices need to be heard, and while we can disagree on things, we should be able to have that dialog, Kennedy said.

Reitz told WesternSlopeNow he is continuing his focus on mental health and advocating the importance of a healthy mindset.

I come from a behavioral health background, to advocate for the behavioral health of our community and kind of the wellness and the connectivity that we feel amongst ourselves, said Reitz said.

The other candidates running include Ben Van Dyke, who announced his candidacy but not which district, and Laurel Cole, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County, running for District D, a seat currently held by Dennis Simpson.

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My hope is that we can really encourage people to vote. So talk to your neighbors, talk to your friends, encourage them to vote, said Kennedy.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  KELOLAND News told you how geese in Sioux Falls, particularly around the airport, present a potentially dangerous situation for airplanes.

Wednesday Sioux Falls Animal Control started the process of trying to get the geese to high tail it out of there with a round of hazing.

Delbridge animals could go to Notre Dame museum

If youre trying to move geese, you just cant wing it.

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Sioux Falls Animal Control methodically uses a cannon to provide the birds with a little shock and awe.

Theres no projectiles or anything like that nothing comes out of the cannon other than air, Tanner Bruns with Sioux Falls Animal Control said.

They typically focus their efforts along the Big Sioux River off Cliff Avenue.

The reason the geese congregate so much in this area, because there is open water, they like to be on water, they feel safe on water, so anywhere the water stays open on the river, we get a large group of geese hanging out, Bruns said.

They also use a shotgun to fire pyrotechnics at the geese (bang) to try and scare them as well; as you can see its similar to a firework.

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Thats usually enough to scare some of these geese off this open water that we have here to try to get them not to want to hang out here and hang out somewhere else in town, not as close to the airport over there, so we try to prevent any potential goose airplane strikes, Bruns said.

To make sure they continually scare the geese, the cannons go off every hour during the day for the next three months.

They consult with the airport before they start the process because timing is everything.

Anytime we do hazing we give their air traffic control a call saying hey are we good to do the hazing, because we dont want to scare the geese upright as a plane was going to land, Bruns said.

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Sioux Falls Animal Control has a second cannon that they set up a little closer to the airport.

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One in five U.S. public school students attends a rural school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, underscoring the critical role these schools play in shaping educational and economic outcomes for millions of students.

This Thursday, join The 74 and the Progressive Policy Institute for a special conversation about how rural collaboratives can transform life trajectories for rural high school students and create sustainable economic development for their communities.

The Rural Collaborative model, inspired by Texas Rural Schools Innovation Zone (RSIZ), aims to better align educational pathways with local economic needs. Speakers will include RSIZ Executive Director Michael Gonzalez, Texas State Rep. Brad Buckley, Colorado State Rep. Eliza Hamrick and Empower Schools CEO Alyssa Morton. RSVP right here.

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Sign up for the Zoom right here or tune in to this page Thursday at 11 a.m. ET to stream the event.

More rural education and career pathway coverage from The 74:
A South Side man with a long criminal record as a conman, thief and scammer was sentenced to 14 years in prison in connection to two very different felony cases.

In one case, Tirnell Williams, 45, pleaded guilty to identity theft between $10,000 and $100,000. In the second case, prosecutors accused him of masterminding a sex assault on an unwitting victim in a downtown hotel so that he could sue the hotels parent company.

Williams pleaded guilty in both cases on Dec. 12 in the Leighton Criminal Court Building. He entered the Stateville Correctional Centers northern reception center this week to begin his sentence.

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The sentencing perhaps closes a dark chapter of heinous crimes orchestrated by a career criminal who prosecutors portrayed as a ruthless opportunist willing to use innocent people to try to get a big payday.

In addition, while in custody, Williams regularly filed lawsuits against his jailers who he claimed violated the federal disabilities act. In 2022, while Williams remained in Cook County Jail awaiting trial, the Cook County Board approved a $10,000 settlement for a suit he brought against Sheriff Tom Dart and others.

In previous suits, the city of Chicago and Cook County approved settlements totaling $12,250.

Prosecutors have claimed in court that Williams girlfriend told them that he uses a wheelchair for the lawsuits he files and that he was able to walk.

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Williams claims of being a paraplegic had not stalled his criminal career, including an ongoing felony case in Will County, where he was accused of being one of three men caught following a dramatic armed robbery at a Joliet cellphone store.

Williams extensive criminal history  which includes dozens of cases and several aliases  dates back to the 1990s when he was a teenager and includes several audacious crimes, including the theft of $100,000 in abstract artwork and running off with $3,000 in federal government money that was supposed to be used in a controlled drug buy.

Williams used animal to commit hotel assault: prosecutors

In Williams most recent Cook County cases, he pleaded guilty to a single felony charge in exchange for prosecutors dropping others.

Williams was accused of setting up the Aug. 14, 2020, attack at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Chicago River North. During his September 2020 bail hearing, prosecutors claimed that he arranged the sexual assault of his fiancees girlfriend in the stairwell of the hotel so he could file a lawsuit accusing the hotel chain of lax security. Authorities said Williams was planning a second assault at another Hilton when he was arrested.

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During that hearing, prosecutors said Williams was recorded saying he hadnt known the attacker in the first assault but planned on using him for the second assault because he was a real animal and he enjoys it.

Two weeks after Williams hearing, authorities charged his live-in fiancee with felony communicating with a witness and harassing a witness after they say she ignored law enforcement and reached out to her victim friend, asking that she rescind the rape accusation. The woman later pleaded guilty to two counts of harassing a witness and was sentenced to three years in prison minus the 563 days she spent in jail.

In his own plea deal, Williams pleaded guilty to a single count of Class X armed robbery in exchange for prosecutors dropping the remaining 28 felony charges that included aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault and kidnapping among others. He received a 14-year prison sentence.

While in custody for the hotel case, he was indicted in a case where authorities said Williams used forged documents to assume the identity of a deceased elderly man to defraud the Navy Federal Credit Union of thousands of dollars.

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In that case, he pleaded guilty to a single count of identity theft in exchange for dropping 10 other felony counts. He got a four-year sentence that will run concurrently with the longer sentence.

It remains unclear whether authorities ever identified the attacker. The states attorneys office didnt respond to a request for comment.

A Chicago police spokesperson on Wednesday said the case remained open, but provided no other details.

Williams attorney couldnt be reached for comment.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Ho Hau Wah and Chui Sai On, former chief executives of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), in Macao, south China, Dec. 19, 2024. Ho is also vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday afternoon met with Ho Hau Wah and Chui Sai On, former chief executives of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Ho is also vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Significant changes have taken place in Macao since its return to the motherland 25 years ago, with its accomplishments widely recognized, Xi said.

Xi told Ho and Chui that during their tenures as chief executives, they had led the SAR government and people from all walks of life in resolutely safeguarding national security and maintaining prosperity and stability of Macao, laying a solid foundation for Macao's long-term development. He commended their remarkable contributions to the sound development of Macao today.

Xi expressed the hope that Ho and Chui will support the incoming chief executive and the new term of the Macao SAR government in administering the SAR in accordance with the law, and make continuous contributions to the stable and sustained practice of "one country, two systems."

Ho and Chui said they will spare no effort to support the incoming chief executive and the next term of Macao SAR government in uniting and leading people from all walks of life to open a new chapter in Macao's development.

Senior officials including Cai Qi and Xia Baolong were present at the meeting. 
WARNING: The contents of this article discusses mental health issues and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the San Diego Access & Crisis Line at (ACL) 1-888-724-7240.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  A 20-year-old man from Carlsbad, who authorities say was found to be in contact with a school shooter in Wisconsin, is now facing a potential Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order, court documents show.

On Wednesday, the Carlsbad Police Department filed the petition against the man, with a hearing on the restraining order scheduled for Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. The move follows revelations by law enforcement, reportedly linking the man to 15-year-old Natalie Samantha Rupnow.

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The teen opened fire during a study hall at Abundant Life Christian School in the city of Madison, Wisconsin earlier this week. One student and a teacher were killed amid the carnage, and six others were injured, authorities confirmed. Rupnow was also found dead at the school by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Wisconsin authorities said.

As reported by the Associated Press, a California judge issued the restraining order against the Carlsbad man under the states red flag law, just days after the Wisconsin shooting. This type of gun confiscation legislation is intended to temporarily remove firearms from a person who has been deemed a threat to themselves or a person who has been deemed a threat to someone else.

Also reported by the Associated Press, the Carlsbad man is suspected of plotting a mass shooting with Rupnow. Police say he had been messaging her prior to the shooting. He reportedly told FBI agents that he had discussed with Rupnow potential plans to target a government building while arming himself with explosives. When and where the potential act was to take place in unknown.

As of Thursday, no charges have been announced against the Carlsbad man. Though the protective order has been filed, local authorities have not yet commented on whether it is solely linked to apparent communications with the teen shooter in Wisconsin. FOX 5/KUSI has reached out to the Carlsbad Police Department for comment but has yet to receive a response. Meanwhile, the FBI San Diego declined to provide a statement on the matter.

Understanding Californias Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order

In an effort to address gun violence, California lawmakers created a legal measure designed to prevent imminent harm from individuals deemed to pose a threat to themselves or others due to their access to firearms. It is known as the Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order, or GVEPO.

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The GVEPO allows law enforcement officers to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are identified as a danger, even if no criminal charges have been filed against them. This law was introduced as part of Californias broader efforts to reduce gun violence and protect public safety.

What is a GVEPO?

A GVEPO is a court-issued order that temporarily prohibits a person from purchasing, possessing or receiving firearms. The order can be requested by law enforcement when there is a reasonable belief that an individual is at risk of using a firearm to harm themselves or others.

The GVEPO can be sought by police officers or law enforcement agencies after responding to a situation where an individuals behavior or circumstances suggest they may be a danger to themselves or others. These situations might involve threats of violence, severe emotional distress or the presence of firearms at a scene where someone is exhibiting concerning behaviors.

How does the GVEPO work?

When a law enforcement officer believes that a person poses an imminent risk due to their access to firearms, they can file for an emergency order. If granted by a judge, the order can last for up to 21 days. During this period, the individual must surrender their guns and they are prohibited from purchasing new firearms.

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The goal, according to lawmakers, is to allow time for law enforcement, mental health professionals or other authorities to evaluate the situation and determine if longer-term intervention is necessary. If so, a Gun Violence Restraining Order would then be issued, which can last for up to a year.

The impact

Californias GVEPO is a key part of the states broader efforts to prevent mass shootings, suicides and other gun-related incidents. By providing a mechanism to temporarily remove firearms from those who pose a potential threat, officials with California Attorney Generals office say the GVEPO helps to reduce the immediate risk of violence and allows time for proper intervention.

It is particularly beneficial for addressing the complex issues related to mental health and gun violence. Many instances of gun violence, including suicides, involve individuals who may not have previously been flagged as a criminal threat but are at risk due to mental health struggles or sudden emotional distress. The GVEPO aims to intervene before these situations escalate into tragedy, officials explain.

More information on GVEPOs can be found here: https://oag.ca.gov/ogvp/gvro-dvro.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
A bus carrying a Carroll County Public Schools student was involved in a head-on collision Thursday morning in Hampstead, according to police.

A 5-year-old boy was the only student on the school bus at the time, and was not injured, according to a news release from the Maryland State Police Westminster Barrack; the bus driver was also uninjured.

The driver of the red Kia Optima involved in the collision was flown to Baltimore Shock Trauma for non-life-threatening injuries, the release said.

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Police said the car was traveling southbound on Route 30 (Hanover Pike) at about 6:44 a.m. Thursday when it struck the bus head-on in the northbound lane. The cause of the collision is under investigation.

Hampstead Pike was closed for about four hours Thursday morning, the release said.

There were 13 traffic accidents involving Carroll County school buses during the first two months of the school year, Transportation Services Director Michael Hardesty said in an email last month, which he called an excellent record considering the distances school buses travel. No accident-related injuries had been reported for this school year at the time.

Have a news tip? Contact Thomas Goodwin Smith at thsmith@baltsun.com.
Carver Middle School will become the fifth Orange County school to work directly with local organizations to address students barriers to learning, in a program dubbed Community Partnership Schools.

The school joins Eccleston Elementary, Evans High, Jones High and OCPS Academic Center for Excellence as community schools in Orange County collaborating with the Childrens Home Society of Florida. The community school model works to address educational obstacles such as poverty, food insecurity and access to healthcare by integrating outside services directly into the school ecosystem.

The Childrens Home Society of Florida received $80,000 in state grant funds through UCF to launch the program at Carver Middle, which serves about 650 students. Carver Middle has 100% of its student population classified as economically disadvantaged, according to the schools annual state report card.

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Kea Cherfrere, the senior director of community partnership schools at the Home Society said Carver Middle will hold public meetings over the next year to discuss which organizations and services would best fit the needs of the schools community.

But the work has already begun: On the first day of school, the group worked with parents of Carver Middle students to identify gaps in 7th grade immunizations, she said. The organization then helped parents make doctor appointments to ensure their students wouldnt miss school because they lacked a required shot.

At other community partner schools in Florida, teacher retention and parental engagement have increased while chronic absenteeism has decreased, Cherfrere said.

We dont want to come in and think that were the expert and that this is going to be a silver bullet, she said. This has definitely been a community  hence community partnership school. The model requires so many layers of community to hold us accountable to that. We cant do it alone.

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Adding Carver Middle to the community partnership program completes a K-12 pipeline with the inclusion of an Orange County middle school, meaning a student can go from kindergarten through graduation in schools with additional resources.

Evans High School, the first Orange County school to become a community partner, has seen its graduation rate soar from 64% to over 90% in the ten years since the partnership started.

Samuel Danner, the principal at Carver Middle, advocated for the community partner program to come to his school after seeing it in action at Evans High. With the program already in place at elementary and high schools in Orange County, Danner said adding a middle school is crucial to offering services during what he calls the weird zone of life.

A lot of work, but its worth it, because it helps foster student achievement across the board, Danner said.
Dec. 18The case involving a former Savannah Police Department lieutenant and the death of a K-9 officer is moving to Clay County.

News-Press NOW previously reported that members of Daniel Zeigler's defense team discussed a potential venue change with an attorney from the Missouri Attorney General's office, which is acting as a special prosecutor in the case. Circuit Court Judge Daniel Kellogg granted the request to move the case to Clay County and its courthouse in Liberty, Missouri.

Ziegler pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor animal abuse in October, a charge that could carry a maximum of a year in jail and a fine of $2,000. He is charged in the death of the K-9, Horus, in June.

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A probable cause statement filed in the case said Zeigler and Horus completed their overnight shift at 4:50 a.m. on June 20, according to an Andrew County dispatch log. Zeigler later contacted Savannah Police Chief Dave Vincent at 5:54 p.m. and informed him Horus was dead.

Vincent said K-9 Horus had been left in the Savannah Police K-9 vehicle following the end of their shift and had died of heat exposure, the probable cause statement said.

A trial setting hearing is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, in Clay County.
Sen. Bob Casey hears testimony at the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions subcommittee on Children and Families July 9, 2024 (U.S. Senate photo)

A little more than 18 years after he was first elected to the U.S. Senate, Bob Casey took to the floor for the final time Wednesday for a farewell speech.

I rise today for the final time as a United States senator with a heart full of gratitude, Casey said.

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During his more than 20-minute speech, which came more than a month after his loss to Republican Dave McCormick by just 15,000 votes, Casey reflected on his career in public service, accomplishments and the challenges he believes the chamber will face in the future.

Casey said his mother, the late Ellen Harding Casey, often reminded him to count your blessings and thanked Pennsylvanians for electing him to public office for nearly three decades.

Casey, son of the late Gov. Bob Casey, has been in public office for 28 consecutive years: as state auditor general, state treasurer, and U.S. senator. He cruised to victory in 2006 over incumbent GOP U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum and served three terms in the chamber.

Casey, the longest serving Democratic senator in Pennsylvania history, thanked his family, the men and women behind the scenes in the U.S. Senate, and the Capitol police officers, saying many of them will never get the commendation or credit you deserve, but the work you do is vital and is a great service to our nation.

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Im proud of the work weve done together on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania to fight for our children, our seniors, people with disabilities, our veterans and our workers, Casey said.

Among other pieces of legislation he mentioned, he called the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, more commonly known as the ABLE Act, one of his biggest accomplishments.

Before ABLE, people with disabilities could not save more than $2,000 without risking access to their federal benefits  forcing many people with disabilities into a permanent state of poverty, Casey said.

Casey also cited his work passing the Campus SAVE Act in 2013, which puts more responsibility on colleges and universities to prevent sexual assault on campuses, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act passed in 2022 aimed at providing pregnant women with reasonable accommodations while they continue to work.

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As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Casey authored a law to improve school nutrition, adding that nearly 68% of American school districts now offer free meals. He worked with Republicans to reauthorize the Global Food Security Act to combat food insecurity.

Casey also cited legislation to make airplane cockpits safer and reducing the number of IEDs that were killing and wounding U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Casey also pointed to challenges ahead for the nation, including combating climate change and gun violence and the opioid crisis, lowering costs for families, providing home and community based services for seniors and people with disabilities, as well as a looming vote next year on tax legislation.

Theres a big moment in 2025, a tax bill. I wont be here for it, but that tax debate will be a critical moment for American families, Casey said. Congress will decide whether to help middle class and low income families, people striving to get to the middle class, or to continue what I would argue is a 40-year trend to provide substantial tax benefits to the largest corporations on the planet Earth and the wealthiest Americans.

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I hope that the Senate will act to help the middle class and those striving to get to the middle class, Casey added, while also saying the Senate should make sure the Child Tax Credit is also passed and fully refundable.

On foreign policy, Casey called China not just a competitor, its an economic adversary, saying the United States must continue to confront China head on.

Ive often said that when China cheats, Pennsylvania loses jobs, Casey said, while touting the legislation hes authored over the years to crack down on Chinas trade tactics.

Casey said the Senate and the American people have to make a choice between dictators and democracy and said it was important to continue supporting Ukraine.

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He said that Americans must continue to support the people of Ukraine and their consequential war with a murderous dictator, Vladimir Putin.

Our nation has generously supported the Ukrainian military. We cannot stop, Casey said. Abandoning them now undermines freedom-loving people all over the world.

Senate colleagues thank Casey

Following Caseys speech, several Democratic senators hung around to deliver speeches on the floor thanking him for his service.

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), wearing a suit and tie for the occasion, praised his colleague for his leadership and friendship. I will confirm that Bob Casey is Pennsylvanias best senator, Fetterman said.

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Bob was by my side when I had a stroke. He lent me his voice when I was learning how to speak again, Fetterman said. I never forgot that.

He also added that Casey served as a mentor for him after he was elected to the U.S. Senate and during a difficult time in his life.

After McCormick is sworn in, Fetterman will become Pennsylvanias senior senator, making it the first time since 2010 that Casey has not occupied that role.

With Casey sitting beside him, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who was also elected to the U.S. Senate alongside Casey in 2006 and lost his bid for reelection in 2024, said that Browns staff worked with Caseys more than any other in the Senate.

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Nobody in this body has focused their work on children as much as Bob Casey, and its the Child Tax Credit, for sure, but its so many other things, Brown said. For disabled kids, for giving kids from Erie to Sharon to Philly to Bucks County, giving them more opportunity in life than they otherwise would have had.

Brown also said Casey possessed an uncommon kindness and humility that was rare in the U.S. Senate and benefited his constituents.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who was also first elected to the Senate with Casey in 2006, said Casey is trustworthy.

And that way, hes been to me like a brother I never had, Klobuchar said.

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U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) called Casey humble and unassuming, but a fighter for the causes he believed in.

I have never campaigned harder for a colleague. I have never been more disappointed at an outcome, and it has never seemed more unjust to me than the days we must face ahead without this son of Scranton who has not just counted his blessings before us today, but who has been a blessing to us every single day, Coons said.

Cartwright and Wild say good-bye to the U.S. House

House Democrat Susan Wild also made a farewell speech on Wednesday. Wild, a three-term Representative of the 7th District, was first elected during a blue wave in 2018, but was defeated by Republican Ryan Mackenzie in November as the country conversely shifted towards conservatives.

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I grew up in a true bipartisan household, Wild said, with a Republican father and a Democratic mother. I am most proud, I think, of having put the greater Lehigh Valley on the map of folks here in D.C.  And I am proud to have had huge returns for the greater Lehigh Valley during the past six years.

Wild noted the accomplishments shes been most proud of  lowering the cost of prescription drugs, raising awareness around mental health issues, and passing the CHIPS act, which has spurred private sector investment in manufacturing across the country, including in the Lehigh Valley.

But Wild also left her colleagues with a warning.

Most of all, we need to work on campaign finance reform, she said. This past election, in my district alone, the race cost a total of $38 million. For one congressional race, that is obscene.

According to the non-partisan money-in-politics tracker, OpenSecrets, the majority of that money came from outside spending. While there are laws limiting how much individual donors can give to a candidates campaign, outside spending groups like super PACs can raise and spend unlimited sums in favor of their preferred candidates. In some cases, they do not have to disclose where that comes from.

Pennsylvanias 7th District saw more outside spending than all but seven House races in the 2024 election.

Imagine all the good that can be done with that [money], Wild said.

On Tuesday, 8th District Democratic U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright also gave a parting speech after serving 12 years in the House. Cartwright was defeated in November by Republican Robert Breshnahan in the race to represent the northeast Pennsylvania District that includes Scranton.

When I was elected, I vowed to be an effective legislator, Somebody who would put aside politics for party, and work across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation to the lives, not just of my constituents back home, but of all Americans, Cartwright said.

Cartwrighted cited legislation he sponsored that was passed during the last three presidential administrations. Some of those bills, he said, protect veterans, preserve the environment and curb government waste. Cartwright also noted his success securing funding to restore train service between Scranton and New York City through the 2021 infrastructure bill.

Ive seen it all here in 12 years, Cartwright said. Ive observed Olympic-caliber levels of obsequiousness, but Ive also served with the best people Ive ever met in my life.

Both Wild and Cartwright thanked their families and staff members both in their districts and in Washington, D.C.

The next congressional term will begin on Jan. 3, with Republican majorities in both the House and Senate.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data showed a huge drop in child flu vaccinations in Tennessee. Health officials called the concerning.

The CDC reported that child vaccination rates have dropped by nearly half. Only 26% of children in the state have gotten their flu shot for this season, compared to the 41% vaccinated last year at this same time.

In September, the agency also said the total number of pediatric deaths reached 200 last flu season, which is the highest reported for a non-pandemic year. Local health officials tell me theyre closely monitoring the numbers.

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Its concerning for us. Were seeing the start of our flu season now and were already seeing a lot of hospitalizations, Dr. James Antoon, assistant professor of pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt, told News 2. Getting vaccinated for the flu decreases the chances that youre going to have flu with symptoms. If you do get the flu, its going to be less severe than it otherwise would have.

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At the same time, CDC data showed flu cases have trended slightly upward in the state. Health officials told News 2 they believe the drop in state child flu shots could be due to vaccine skepticism and COVID-19 fatigue, among other factors.

Youre less likely to transmit the flu to other people in the household and there are a lots of very vulnerable populations who are not eligible to get the flu vaccine, Antoon added. That includes children less than 6 months of age. The flu can be very severe among infants and the only way to protect them is to vaccinate people around them.

While the numbers indicate fewer children are getting vaccinated, it can be difficult to predict the implications of that decreased rate.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Its really difficult to predict what the flu season is going to look like, Antoon said. We know that when you have lower vaccination rates, that we have higher hospitalization rates for influenza. So if this turns out to be a really bad flu year, its going to hit us harder.

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Follow this link to see the complete data on child vaccination rates in the U.S.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Months after Hurricane Milton tore across the state, some Central Florida residents have grown weary of piles of branches in their front yards and turned to their own festive or fiery ways to deal with them.

Ive had some residents that have resorted to burning it, Seminole Commissioner Bob Dallari said at a recent county meeting. I even have one neighborhood thats actually decorating some of the debris.

Officials from counties and cities across the region said that on average nearly 85% of the debris from Milton has been collected. However, cleanup crews still have neighborhoods to visit for the first time, and others where they will make a second pass, they said.

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Were pretty much in the final phase, said Oliver Bond, solid waste division manager for Seminole County. He estimated the county has scooped up about 90% of debris.

At this point its piecemeal, Bond said. If there is missed material, were making a map to hit those areas that werent collected.  Unfortunately that last 10% takes the longest. But well make sure we collect every pile.

As of Tuesday, about 148,000 cubic yards of debris  nearly enough to fill two of Epcots signature Spaceship Earth ball, which has a circumference of 518 feet and a volume of 87,111 cubic yards  had been collected in Seminole. Crews should be finished by mid-January, he estimated.

Seminole  which contracted with three companies that collect debris  estimates the cleanup will cost about $5.7 million in total. The companies are paid based on amount of debris collected and local governments are reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A representative from a monitoring company accompanies crews to document the amount collected. Debris is ground into mulch and spread across an open area near Geneva to decompose.

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In Orlando, city crews have collected 27,000 cubic yards or about 90% of debris, spokesperson Ashley Papagni said in an email.

Crews should be finished with storm debris collection by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend (Jan. 20), she said.

Papagni said neighborhoods with the greatest amount of debris include College Park, Colonial Town North and the Lake Davis area due to the mature tree canopies found in those areas.

In unincorporated Orange County, 96% of debris  about 180,000 cubic yards  has been cleared. The remainder is on the west side, spokesperson Amanda Dukes said in an email. The county expects to get the rest substantially cleared by Friday. The county estimates it will spend $6 million on the work.

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In Osceola County, about 26,000 cubic yards of debris had been collected as of Tuesday, according to spokesperson Mark Pino. That amounts to an estimated 75% of debris.

Tavares votes to end fluoridation after in-person appeal from Florida Surgeon General

The county is anticipating the completion of the recovery by the end of January, he said in an email.

Despite the counties numbers, residents complain and question on social media why debris still sits in front of their houses.

Still waiting, Peggy Marie Robles, who lives in west Seminole, wrote on the countys Facebook page last week. All the houses around us were picked up over a week ago, but our pile was left behind for some reason. Hoping they are planning to double back before closing down the operation.

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Upsala [Road in Sanford] still has piles of storm debris, Jim Doane said on Seminoles Facebook page.

One reason for the delay: Milton made landfall Oct. 9 on Floridas west coast near Siesta Key, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall Sept. 26 in the Big Bend region. Helene caused minimal damage in Central Florida but left large amounts of debris in other states including Georgia and North Carolina.

That stretched resources thin as contractors and crews headed to other storm-battered areas for work collecting debris.

This year was particularly difficult, Bond said.

Even so, officials ask for residents understanding as crews make their way to the debris.

Its frustrating, Seminole Commissioner Lee Constantine said. I just want everybody to understand that it happens and to be a little patient.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce has announced that Kenneth Jordan will be the new Director of Development.

According to a news release on Thursday, Jordan has joined the chamber after most recently serving as an event manager for the Oak View Group at the Terre Haute Convention Center. As the Director of Development, Jordan will now be working with the Chamber to help with events and secure partners for initiatives and programs to improve the area. The first assignment for Jordan will be the annual City Update on February 21st at his old stomping grounds of the Terre Haute Convention Center.

Rep. Tonya Pfaff appointed to committees supporting Hoosier workers

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We are so excited to welcome Jordan to the team, said Kristin Craig, President/CEO of the

Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. As the Chamber staff continues to grow, his experience will

help us serve our members and the community even better.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  An arrest has been made following a fatal shooting in Champaign that happened last week.

WCIA previously reported that police were dispatched to Springfield Avenue and Kenwood Road around 7:50 p.m. on Dec. 9 for reports of a shooting with injuries.

UPDATE: Police in Chicago suburb say Mahomet homicide suspect killed in shootout

On the scene, officers found 21-year-old Heaven Hope with multiple life-threatening gunshot wounds. Hope was transported to an area hospital but later died from her injuries.

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Champaign Police said that a Chicago man is in custody following the investigation.

Police said the initial investigation shows that Hope and a man entered a business when 24-year-old Carl Tribble Jr. of Chicago began to open fire. Hope was hit multiple times but the man with her was not struck. Tribble then fled the area on foot.

At this time, Champaign Police said the incident may have resulted from an argument outside the business.

Tribble was arrested on Dec. 11 in Farmington, Missouri after a vehicle pursuit that began in Southern Illinois. Tribble remains in custody in Farmington but will be transported to Champaign County for first-degree murder charges.

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Officers are still canvassing the area for witnesses and video footage. They ask for anyone with additional information to contact them at 217-351-4545. To submit a tip anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-8477 (TIPS), on their website, or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  Plans for the future of Glenwood Avenue are changing.

Mahoning County Engineer Pat Ginetti said the proposed project will still reduce the road from four lanes to three. That would be one lane in each direction and a center turn lane.

Now, however, theyre eliminating the bike lanes on both sides.

The change would run from Western Reserve Road north to Midlothian Boulevard with a roundabout at Wildwood Drive.

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Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2026.

Jon Rudder contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
WELLINGTON, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- A New Zealand Air Force rescue plane has arrived in Vanuatu's capital city Port Vila, the New Zealand Defense Force said.

"Our thoughts remain with the people of Vanuatu at this difficult time, and we will continue to assist as required," New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.

The rescue plane was on board with search and rescue equipment, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular staff and six New Zealand Defense Force personnel, including medics and staff, who will assist with planning the emergency response and evacuation of New Zealanders, said a Defense Force media statement.

Meanwhile, a second carrier plane was also on the way to transport urban search and rescue members and equipment to Vanuatu.

Surveillance flight by a New Zealand Air Force plane over Vanuatu including outlying areas to provide imagery for damage assessments was being carried out on Wednesday and will continue on Thursday.

On Thursday afternoon, another New Zealand Air Force plane will depart from Auckland to transport more humanitarian assistance and disaster relief stores to Vanuatu and enable evacuations.

Vanuatu has declared a state of emergency following Tuesday's 7.3-magnitude earthquake. Official death toll was revised down to nine, though it was expected to rise. 
EXCLUSIVE: Channel 4 has greenlit 2024: The Year From Space, telling the story of major 2024 events via satellite images.

Titled Earth: A Year in Orbit globally and narrated by Sherwood star Robert Lindsay, the show, which is being sold internationally by Fremantle, will present the years headlines such as the April solar eclipse, destruction of a cargo ship crashing into the Baltimore bridge and extreme weather events in Kazakhstan, the Caribbean and the Philippines.

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Produced by Atlantic Productions, 2024: The Year From Space aims to provide new perspectives on the talking points of the year. It follows Channel 4s 2022: The Year From Space, which aired at the start of 2023 and was also made by Atlantic.

Ceire Clark, Senior Acquisitions Manager, International, Fremantle, said: This documentary captures a remarkable year on earth from a perspective most of us very rarely get to see. Acquiring Earth: A Year in Orbit aligns with our goal of bringing thought-provoking content to the market that is truly global.

Atlantic EP Anthony Geffen said: Every day, millions of images are sent back to Earth, capturing the breathtaking beauty and delicate fragility of our ever-changing world, shaped by both nature and human actions. Its only by seeing Earth from space that we can fully appreciate its true wonder.

Earth: A Year in Orbit is directed by Ben Harding and executive produced by Nick Catliff and Anthony Geffen and, senior producer Lina Zilinskaite. The commissioner for Channel 4 is Jonah Weston.

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CHAPLIN  Some eastern Connecticut residents have expressed concerns about a proposed permit renewal for a gas compressor station in Chaplin.

Enbridge is applying to renew an air permit at the Chaplin station. The applicant, Algonquin Gas Transmission LLC, applied for a Title V Operating Permit Renewal, which was tentatively approved by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on October 2. On October 3, Nick Katsevich, the Northeast field organizer for the grassroots environmental organization Sierra Club Connecticut, requested a hearing on the permit application with the DEEPs Office of Adjudications. The virtual hearing took place December 12.

The Sierra Club released a statement expressing concerns with the facility, noting the compressor station maintains flow and pressure of fracked gas that could release toxic emissions. The Sierra Club also noted Enbridge will be responsible to self-report emissions data, and at the hearing, the state DEEP was asked to montor the air quality and conduct random inspections to ensure the safety of the community.

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Upon final approval, the Chaplin station would possibly emit up to 35,800 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Sierra Club activists, and there were also concerns that Project Maple, the pipeline route expansion proposed by Enbridge that crosses state lines, would equal the emissions of seven coal plants.

If approved, the air quality permit will allow Enbridge to operate the Chaplin facility for five more years, Katkevich said. It is up to DEEP to take bold action to protect Chaplin residents from Enbridges reckless pollution. DEEP has the power to institute the air monitoring and stricter regulations Chaplin needs to hold Enbridge accountable and protect public health. Now is the time for DEEP to critically consider the future of the Chaplin Compressor as our state moves increasingly toward a clean energy future.

Members of the activist Stop Project Maple, which protests the pipeline expansion, also expressed their concerns over the Chaplin permit renewal.

As a young person who grew up just one town over from the compressor station, I am deeply alarmed by the continued expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure, member Sena Wazer said. The compressor station is harmful to local residents, moves us further away from the greenhouse gas goals were already falling behind on, and sacrifices the future of young people to short term corporate profit. DEEP must stand up for our communities and the young people of our state.

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Another concerned citizen was member Sydney Collins. Im from Coventry, just a short drive from Chaplin, Collins said. Chaplin is an environmental justice community, and its important that DEEP takes steps to protect it from the harmful impacts of fossil fuel infrastructure. As a young person, we cannot allow this facility to emit more greenhouse gases that go against our state goals and new federal regulations to methane emissions. DEEP must act now to protect the residents, our state and our climate future.

Public comments in favor or opposed to the permit renewal are still being accepted by the Office of Adjudications. To offer input, email kathleen.reiser@ct.gov by 5 p.m. Thursday.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  No charges will be filed against Mayor Andrew Ginther in relation to a conversation he had with the judge who was originally overseeing the citys lawsuit against its crime-ridden Greyhound station.

Special prosecutor Brad Nicodemus, the Whitehall city attorney, was assigned last December to investigate potential charges of obstruction of official business and interference with civil rights against Ginther, but he said Wednesday he found no probable cause to charge the mayor.

The decision comes as Greyhound announced service will return Downtown on Jan. 3 through a curbside stop on East Mound Street, with its Wilson Road terminal  which was the subject of the legal action  being used for transfers only.

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The night before Wednesdays announcement, Nicodemus was addressed angrily at a Whitehall City Council meeting by Joe Motil, who filed the complaint and ran against Ginther in the last mayoral election.

Mr. Nicodemus has not contacted or interviewed me, even though I am the complainant in this matter, Motil said. One year after this agreement was assigned to be investigating, theres been nothing but silence.

Accusations against Ginther came on Dec. 8, 2023, as court proceedings resumed for an August lawsuit overseen by Judge Stephanie Mingo of Franklin County Municipal Court between the city, Greyhound Lines and Barons Bus, the stations operator.

The lawsuit was filed after multiple complaints of safety and sanitation concerns at Wilson Road, including one where a station security officer had his ear bitten off. City Attorney Zach Klein was looking to declare the bus terminal a public nuisance.

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Ginther allegedly called Mingo in October, which led Greyhound representatives to accuse him of having an improper conversation with Mingo. She recused herself on Dec. 11, 2023.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  Charleston County leaders gathered Thursday to rename the Emergency Operations Center after a dedicated former director who passed away in May.

Former Director Joe Coates passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones after a cancer battle.

Under Coates leadership, Charleston County became the only South Carolina county to be awarded an Emergency Management Accreditation Program endorsement. That accreditation was reaffirmed earlier in the year.

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His employment with the county began in 2008. Since that time, Coats worked his way up the ranks of the Emergency Management department until being named interim director in July 2021 and director in January 2022.

Joe Coates was a remarkable leader whose dedication and steady hand guided Charleston County through some of our most challenging times, said Charleston County Council Chairman Herb Sass. Knowing and working with Joe was a privilege I will always cherish. Renaming the Emergency Operations Center in his honor is a deeply fitting tribute to a man whose legacy of service and kindness will forever inspire us all.

Before his passing, Coates was able to attend the county council meeting, where the resolution to rename the building was passed.

Following approval of the motion, all those present erupted into applause and gave Coates a standing ovation.

Thank yall very much. Its a very shocking surprise this evening, but what I do want to say is thank you to my team, Coates said after receiving the honor. Without the team that I have right now, we couldnt have done what weve done in the short period of time since Ive been the director. We are moving in the right direction.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
This is an adapted excerpt from the Dec. 18 episode of "Deadline: White House."

On Tuesday, House Republicans issued a report recommending the FBI investigate former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney for her role in investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, President-elect Donald Trump, who has called for Cheney to be jailed before, reacted to the report on Truth Social, writing that the former Republican congresswoman could be in a lot of trouble.

Now, lets not get caught up in the weeds here. We need to understand that, as Cheney has said before, Trump is petty, vindictive and cruel. This is not about the law for him; its not about providing a predicate for the FBI; its simply about his desire for revenge.

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Republicans case against Cheney has no legal merit and no lawyer or judge should take it seriously, but there are two goals Trump and his allies are trying to accomplish with this threat.

The first involves Trump's pledge to pardon the rioters who stormed the Capitol, including those who violently attacked police officers. By pardoning those involved, Trump wants to turn things upside down and make the rioters, the people who tried to overturn the election, heroes. Then he wants to turn the tables on the truth-tellers, the people who tried to get to the bottom of what happened on Jan. 6, and make them villains. Trump wants to take the moral universe and turn it on its head, as he has done over and over again.

The second goal also involves something we've seen from Trump before. For the president-elect, fear is the point. Trump wants people to be afraid. It doesnt matter whether theres any legal merit to charge Cheney or the other individuals hes threatened. In fact, the more absurd some of these lawsuits are, the scarier they are because theres no protection. He wants people to believe its dangerous to criticize him.

To that end, it's also important to ask, why people are afraid right now. Its because they dont think the guardrails will hold. They dont think that Trump can be stopped. They dont have confidence in Congress. They dont have confidence in the courts. They dont have confidence that independent agencies will remain independent under Trumps watch. Thats the real danger here. Americans have lost faith in the methods that, under normal circumstances, could hold someone like Trump accountable.

Allison Detzel contributed.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Charlotte County deputy killed by man who had dislike for law enforcement: Sheriff

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WFLA)  Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell held a news conference on Thursday where he disclosed new details about the death of Sgt. Elio Diaz, who was gunned down during a traffic stop earlier this week.

On Sunday around 3 p.m. Sgt. Elio Diaz pulled over a white truck at a Chevron gas station located at 4968 Tamiami Trail due to not having insurance.

As reported by NBC affiliate WBBH, the suspect, 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn, was stopped for over an hour before he pulled out a rifle and shot Diaz at least ten times.

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A manhunt ensued over the next fifteen minutes until the suspect was shot and killed by deputies at a Popeyes restaurant on Kings Highway near I-75.

Credit: Charlotte County Sheriffs Office

The sheriffs office said that the truck was searched and discovered to be full of weapons including a crossbow, and two gas masks. There were also mushrooms found in the back of the vehicle.

According to the sheriffs office, Mostyn had a criminal history of marijuana and DUI charges.

When questioned, Mostyns mother told officers her son had a dislike for law enforcement due to a rocky relationship with his father.

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A toxicology report has been ordered.

Sgt. Diaz was airlifted to a hospital immediately after the shooting, but later succumbed to his injuries.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles told Channel 9 she is undecided on whether she will run for re-election in 2025. Lyles has been mayor since 2017. Filing for Charlotte City Council and the mayoral election is in July.

I have not made (a decision), Lyles said. Come down to the board of elections and well see.

How proposed affordable housing funds will be spent in Charlotte

Since taking office, Lyles oversaw a record amount of funding for affordable housing. She has also been instrumental in the passage of the Unified Development Ordinance, Bank of America Stadium improvements, the Red Line acquisition, and investments in Corridors of Opportunity.

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Lyles says her priority in 2025 is landing a sales tax increase referendum on the ballot. If approved by voters, the funds will be used for the Red Line, light rail expansion, bus improvements, and other transportation initiatives.

The General Assembly will have to authorize the ballot measure.

Im an optimist about this, Lyles said. I think we are building a good case.

If Lyles doesnt run for re-election, expect several prominent Charlotte Democrats to take a look at the seat. Two potential candidates are Charlotte City Councilmembers Dimple Ajmera and Malcolm Graham. Ajmera has previously said she is humbled by calls for her to run for mayor.

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Asked this week if he would consider running, Graham said the question is moot until Lyles says she isnt running.

Lyles will be on the Political Beat on Dec. 29. You can watch her full interview at 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Channel 9 and 10:30 p.m. on TV64.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced Wednesday the arrest of 34-year-old Shallee Aleah Smith of Charlotte, who was charged with felony insurance fraud.

According to special agents with the Department of Insurances Criminal Investigations Division, Smith provided false statements on her vehicle policy with Dairyland Insurance Company. Smiths vehicle had sustained damage and an attempted theft that she did not disclose during renewal, officials say.

Charlotte woman accused of insurance fraud claiming a television was stolen

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The incident occurred on Sept. 29, 2023, based on arrest warrants.

Smith was arrested on Dec. 10 and released on a $50,000 unsecured bond. She appeared in Mecklenburg County District Court on Dec. 11.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHEYENNE  Cheyennes city budget faces revenue shortfalls, as its sales tax revenues declined this year from local gas and oil industries. City officials are now worried how property tax relief measures will impact local services without a proper backfill from the state.

City and Laramie County officials told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle they support property tax relief for Wyoming residents, especially for senior homeowners who live on a limited income. However, without a comparable backfill from the state to make up for lost tax revenue, Cheyenne and the rest of the county could face budget cuts.

When (state lawmakers) cut property taxes, what theyre cutting is not the states budget, but our budget, Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins said. If they could find a way to backfill that, that would be much appreciated.

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Four bills signed into law earlier this year offered expanded property tax relief for Wyoming residents. The 4% cap on annual property tax increased for single-family residential structures didnt have much impact on Laramie County residents, since property taxes across this region barely saw a 4% increase in the 2024 tax season, according to Laramie County Assessor Todd Ernst.

However, the long-term homeowner property tax exemption thats set to go into effect next year could have a significant effect on the countys tax revenue, Ernst said. It provides an exemption of 50% of a propertys value for primary residence homeowners if they or their spouse is 65 or older and has paid property taxes in the state for 25 years or more.

Ernst said he was surprised to see 3,400 applications come in for this exemption as of last week, and he speculated this number will continue to rise. Laramie County could lose an estimated $4 million in tax revenue from this tax exemption, he said.

Its going to be pretty significant, Ernst said. All the taxing entities are going to feel something with this exemption. Your Weed and Pest, your Conservation District, all your fire districts, the city, the county  theyre all going to feel a hit of this.

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At the same time, he said this is a good benefit for those who have suffered from high property taxes and are seeking some relief. Wherever he goes, Ernst said he makes sure Laramie County homeowners are aware of this program.

Our long-term homeowners have paid taxes in Wyoming a long time, so they deserve a break, Ernst said.

A decline in tax revenue

Cheyenne City Treasurer Robin Lockman said property taxes paid by local residents are a source of revenue for the citys general fund. Cheyennes sales tax revenue, another primary source of the general fund, has been down for several months, she said, which will affect the citys budget for both the current fiscal year and the next.

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The trend is that its been lower, ever since the fiscal year started, Lockman said. When the revenue comes in lower than what we project, but were still spending the same amount that we budgeted, obviously thats a huge concern.

July was the first month where there was a significant decline in sales tax revenue, down by 25.12% from June. Augusts revenue was also lower, she said. Sales tax revenue was slightly higher in September before going down again in October, Lockman said.

Property taxes just add a whole nother problem to this, Lockman said.

Both property and sales tax provide revenue to the citys general fund, which funds local services including law enforcement, firefighters, parks and recreation, and city employee salaries.

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Collins said a $400,000 home in Cheyenne pays $304 a year in property taxes. It takes 329 houses to pay the salary of one firefighter or police officer, Collins said.

We dont have enough houses in all of Cheyenne just to pay for my fire department, Collins said. Let alone everything else that we do.

Nearly 73% of the city budget is people, Collins said, with the other 27% accounting for insurance, gasoline, utilities, etc. A severe decrease in city tax revenue could result in employee cuts  something Collins said he very much wants to avoid.

Need for backfill

The Legislatures Joint Revenue Committee forwarded a property tax relief bill to the 2025 general session identical to one vetoed by Gov. Mark Gordon earlier this year. Bill draft 171, Homeowner property tax exemption, would provide homeowners a tax exemption of 25% for the first $2 million worth of their property at fair market value.

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If this bill is passed and signed into law next year, qualified long-term homeowners could get up to 75% off their property tax value, Ernst said. A backfill from the state is essential to small towns and cities in order to continue providing city services as these property tax exemption programs start to take effect, officials said.

The state has those extra dollars, Collins said. They can backfill us to do that. If they can provide direct relief for extra money to people  I think thats brilliant.

Revenue Department Director Brenda Henson has repeatedly reminded state legislators there is no policy restricting Wyoming taxpayers from applying for and qualifying for more than one property tax relief program.

Other programs currently signed into law include an expanded tax exemption for veterans, an expanded property tax refund program and a 4% increase cap on property taxes for residential land, which will go into effect next year with the long-term homeowners exemption.

It is tough, Ernst said. We just need to make sure that we can do these relief programs to help the people that need relief, and also  make sure that all of our services that we need and require get paid for.
TAIPEI, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- A large fire broke out on Thursday at an incomplete warehouse in the city of Taichung in central Taiwan, killing nine people and injuring seven others, according to local media.

The bodies of the last five victims were found by firefighters at approximately 7 p.m.

Construction work was underway when the fire erupted. A total of 19 people were rescued by firefighters, with five sent to hospital.

The city's fire department has said it will undertake criminal identification work alongside local police to determine the cause of the fire. 
A former Oklahoma grocery store shelf stocker who murdered a 10-year-old neighbor in 2006 as part of an intended cannibalistic fantasy was put to death by lethal injection on Thursday  the killers 45th birthday.

After coaxing Jamie Rose Bolin into his apartment, Kevin Ray Underwood bludgeoned her over the head with a cutting board before suffocating her to death. He then placed the youngster in a plastic tub, where he nearly beheaded her, but wound up abandoning his plans to dine on her flesh.

Kevin Ray Underwood brutally murdered neighbor Jamie Rose Bolin, 10, as part of a twisted fantasy (Oklahoma Department of Corrections)

In an email, Oklahoma Department of Corrections spokeswoman Kay Thompson told The Independent that Underwood requested a last meal of chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, a cheeseburger with fries and ketchup, pinto beans, a hot roll and a cola from the prison canteen, which he received on Wednesday at 5:40 p.m. Underwood was remorseful for his actions and how they affected both the Bolin family and his own, according to Thompson.

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The decision to execute me on my birthday and six days before Christmas was a needlessly cruel thing to do to my family, Underwood said in his final statement. [B]ut Im very sorry for what I did and I wish I could take it back.

Kevin Ray Underwood died by lethal injection shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday (Getty Images)

The execution process began at 10:04 a.m., using a three-chemical protocol: midazolam, for sedation; vecuronium bromide, to halt respiration; and potassium chloride, which stops the heart. Underwood slipped into unconsciousness at 10:09 a.m., and was pronounced dead at 10:14 a.m., according to data provided by the Oklahoma DOC. Underwood elected not to have a chaplain present in the death chamber at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, a DOC fact sheet stated.

As an agency, we carried out the courts orders according to our high standards of professionalism and respect for those in our custody, ensuring dignity for everyone involved in the process, the DOC said in a statement.

It was Oklahomas fourth execution of 2024, and the nations 25th and final execution of the year. Underwoods mother, Connie, was on hand to witness her sons death, according to the Associated Press.

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Members of the Bolin family were also there to watch Underwood die, including the victims sister, who thanked prosecutors for their hard work over the past 18 years.

This doesnt bring our Jamie back but it does allow the space in our hearts to focus on her and allow the healing process to begin, she said.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond pushed for Kevin Ray Underwood to be executed, calling him a deeply evil monster (The Oklahoman/Gannett)

Underwoods attorneys argued that his life should be spared due to a history of, among other things, autism, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, deviant sexual paraphilia and an addiction to pornography. But in a rebuttal opposing clemency, prosecutors said Underwoods actions could not be laid at the feet of psychological issues, and that Underwoods danger to society centered on the fact that he is smart, organized and driven by deviant sexual desires rooted in the harm and abuse of others.

Underwood maintained an online blog for several years before he was arrested for Bolins murder, describing himself as single, bored, and lonely, but other than that, pretty happy. One entry read, If you were a cannibal, what would you wear to dinner? The skin of last nights main course.

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In a hearing last week, the three members of Oklahomas Pardon and Parole Board voted unanimously against staying Underwoods execution.

I am pleased the board voted to deny clemency for this deeply evil monster and ensured that justice will be delivered for Jamie Rose Bolin, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a statement following the decision. Jamies family has waited 18 excruciating years for justice that finally will be carried out when this murderer is executed.

There are presently 32 men and one woman on Oklahomas death row. Between 1915 and 2024, the state executed 209 people  82 were electrocuted, 126 died by lethal injection, and one was hanged.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  The Chicopee Police Department is seeking the publics help in locating a missing 15-year-old girl.

Chicopee City Council approves new truck stop, travel center

Ashea George left her home on Broadway Street on Saturday and was reported to have been seen earlier on Wednesday on Belmont Ave in Springfield, according to the Chicopee Police Department.

Chicopee Police Department

If you have seen Ashea or know where she may be, contact the Detective Bureau at 413-594-1740.

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.
(SOUTHERN COLORADO)  Childrens Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs (Childrens Colorado) is alerting the community that ongoing negotiations with TriWest, a healthcare program for military service members and their families, is putting access to pediatric care for patients at risk.

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TriWest) will become the new contractor for the TRICARE West Region. While negotiations will continue through the New Year, Childrens Colorado will become a non-network, participating provider for the TRICARE patients.

This is not a decision we have taken lightly and one we are hopeful will be resolved prior to June 1, said Greg Raymond, President of Childrens Colorados Southern Region. Caring for our military children was a key reason we made the decision to open our hospital in Colorado Springs, despite challenges we knew we would encounter. And we have done everything in our power over the past 18 months to preserve access to the pediatric special care our patients deserve and will continue to do so over the coming months while our negotiations with TriWest continue.

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Push to change DOD rule that impacts Childrens Hospital

Childrens Colorado said this change of network status is not the same as being fully out of network. However, beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, TriWest may require patients to obtain prior authorization for certain services provided by Childrens Colorado, due to the new non-network, participating provider status. Childrens Colorado recommends that families check with TriWest before scheduling services (including lab, radiology and urgent care) at any Childrens Colorado location to determine if prior authorization is required.

For months, Childrens Colorado has worked on reimbursement negotiations with TriWest. They said because the Defense Health Agency cut reimbursement rates for TRICARE patients in October 2023, Childrens Colorado was faced with the decision to change their network status with TriWest, transitioning from their previous in-network status with Health Net, the contractor for TRICAREs West Region until Jan. 1, 2025.

Childrens Colorados status as a non-network, participating provider will remain in place at least through June 1, 2025. Childrens Colorado said this provides time for TriWest to address the challenges shared with them in the contract negotiations. Should TriWest not be able to come to reasonable and viable terms, Childrens Colorado said they will be forced to consider the decision to be a non-network, non-participating provider status on June 1, 2025.

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We cannot emphasize enough that this is a difficult process for us and becoming a non-network, non-participating provider is an option we hope will not come to fruition in 2025, Raymond said.

Childrens Colorado said these cuts will limit access to pediatric care that is critical for the well-being of the communitys children, particularly in the southern Colorado community, which is disproportionally impacted by these changes because of the large military population.

Nearly 20% of Childrens Colorados patient population in Colorado Springs relies on TRICARE for health insurance coverage. Childrens Colorado believes the cuts made by DHA to TRICARE reimbursements in Oct. 2024 threaten their operations and services in Colorado Springs. Childrens Colorado said these cuts will be catastrophic to their operations and to the equity of and access to patient care for their patients across the state and surrounding regions, especially those who rely on TRICARE for healthcare coverage.

Our military members and their families make tremendous sacrifices to serve our nation, Raymond said. Having to wonder whether their child can see the doctors, nurses or mental health professionals they need or if theyll have to pay out of pocket for health care is unacceptable. TRICARE must fix their bureaucratic system. Our service members in uniform, veterans, and their children deserve better.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
China is adding yet another superlative to its aviation roster: the worlds largest airport on a man-made island.

Currently under construction off the countrys northeast coast, the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport will eventually cover a 20-square-kilometer (7.7-square-mile) island with four runways and a 900,000-square-meter (969,000 sq ft) passenger terminal, according to an airport statement.

Its operators aim to handle 80 million passengers per year across 540,000 flights, with the first phase due to open in 2035.

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The countrys largest offshore airport is rising slowly from the sea level like the sunrise in the east, reads a post by Dalian Jinzhou Bay International on Chinese social media platform WeChat.

Once completed, it will become the worlds largest airport on an artificial island, surpassing both Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Japans Kansai Airport (KIX).

There have been great challenges to the construction, Li Xiang, chief engineer of Dalian Airport Construction and Development Co., Ltd., told state-run local media in October, as the project has complex geological conditions, high drilling difficulty and high demand in quality with a tight construction schedule.

Dalian, a city of 7.5 million people, has long been a transport hub due to its proximity to Japan and South Korea.

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Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport, the citys international airport that has been operating for nearly a century, has already met its maximum capacity and has been expanded several times in recent years, according to Yicai, a state-linked newspaper.

The city started site selection and demonstration work on the new airport in 2003, but construction only began in earnest a few years ago, according to state-run local media.

New airports are a key part of Chinas aviation growth. The country is on track to pass the United States and become the worlds largest air travel market.

Beijings second airport, Daxing (PKX), opened to great fanfare on October 1, 2019, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China.

At the time, Chinese officials said the country would need 450 airports by 2035 to keep up with demand.

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BEIJING (Reuters) - There are no so-called "secret police stations", China's foreign ministry said on Thursday, after a New York resident who prosecutors say operated such a station pleaded guilty to conspiring to act as an unregistered foreign agent.

China is a country with rule of law and has always strictly abided by international law and respected the judicial sovereignity of all countries, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a press briefing.

(Reporting by Eduardo Baptista and Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
China's special envoy for the Horn of Africa Xue Bing has visited Somalia to assure the nation of Beijing's support, amid growing support in Washington for recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland.

Xue, who was appointed in 2022 to mediate regional crises, told Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud that China "supports Somalia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity" during his visit to capital Mogadishu on Tuesday.

It follows the December 12 inauguration of Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as Irro, as the new Somaliland president.

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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.

Located on the Gulf of Aden coastline, Somaliland proclaimed its independence in 1991 but has not been recognised by any country. Mogadishu continues to consider the region part of northern Somalia.

Last week's swearing-in ceremony was attended by Taiwan's deputy foreign minister Wu Chih-chung, leading to a protest by China, with Beijing saying it opposes the "establishment of official institutions or any form of official exchanges between Taiwan authorities and Somaliland".

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory, to be brought under mainland control by force, if necessary. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise the island as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any unilateral change to the status quo.

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The US was also represented at Irro's inauguration, with US ambassador to Somalia Richard Riley leading a delegation as he praised Somaliland's "commitment to fair and credible elections and the peaceful transfer of power".

It follows growing calls for Washington to recognise Somaliland as America prepares for Donald Trump's return to the White House in January.

Support for the breakaway region has been growing among Republican policy leaders on Capitol Hill, right-leaning think tanks and Africa advisers in Trump's incoming administration, according to US-based news outlet Semafor.

US Republican congressman Scott Perry last week introduced a bill calling on the US government to recognise Somaliland "as a separate, independent country".

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The bill hails Somaliland's record of peaceful elections and commitment to democratic governance. This is in sharp contrast with Somalia, which continues to grapple with Islamic extremist rebel group al-Shabab.

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as Irro, has been sworn in as president of Somaliland, even though the breakaway region has never been recognised internationally. Photo: AFP alt=Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as Irro, has been sworn in as president of Somaliland, even though the breakaway region has never been recognised internationally. Photo: AFP>

Somaliland was also part of the agenda of Project 2025, a controversial policy wish list created by right-wing US think tank The Heritage Foundation, which has been widely viewed as a blueprint for Trump's next administration. Trump has repeatedly distanced himself from the document, though many of its themes have aligned with his statements.

In the Project 2025 document, it called for "the recognition of Somaliland statehood as a hedge against the US's deteriorating position in Djibouti".

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Joshua Meservey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute think tank in Washington who focuses on great power competition in Africa, said while it was "possible" for the Trump administration to recognise Somaliland, it might not happen soon.

"[Trump's] team will have to get in place and do a strategic review before any such decisions are made," Meservey said. He also noted that Mogadishu would react strongly to any such move.

Mogadishu might also try to draw closer to US competitors such as China, Iran or Russia, "but the country is so unstable and the government so dysfunctional that it wouldn't be a very tempting partner for those countries beyond some limited involvement", Meservey said.

John Calabrese, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, said at least two of Trump's more competent nominees for key national security positions - Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz - are both China "hawks". They not only regard China as the number one peer competitor, but also as an adversary, Calabrese said.

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"So, to the extent that they believe recognising Somaliland would advance US objectives to counter China in the Horn, they might stake out that position," he said.

China and the US are both angling for influence in the Horn of Africa, where the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Gulf of Aden, between Somaliland's Port of Berbera, Djibouti and Yemen, is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

In Djibouti, Chinese firms have funded and built projects such as the Doraleh multipurpose port and the Djibouti free-trade zone. Beijing also opened its first overseas naval military base in Djibouti in 2017 to protect its interests and citizens in the region.

The US, meanwhile, has been eyeing access to Somaliland's Port of Berbera as an alternative to its Djibouti military base, Camp Lemonnier, to counter China's influence in the region as well as to protect trade routes amid Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

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According to Guled Ahmed, a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute, the recognition of Somaliland was studied by the African Union back in 2005, when it was determined that it was justified and unique and would not open a Pandora's box.

He said, from a geopolitical aspect, it will improve maritime security in the Red Sea and "become a successful democratic model for inspiration in the troubled Horn of Africa".

Seifudein Adem, an Ethiopian global affairs specialist and a research fellow at the JICA Ogata Research Institute for Peace and Development in Tokyo, said China's diplomacy in the region would meet headwinds should the US recognise Somaliland.

If it got US recognition, Somaliland may upgrade and formalise its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, he said.

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Plus, stronger ties between an independent Somaliland and Ethiopia could amplify the profile of any relationship between Somaliland and Taiwan, at least in Africa, he 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.
The Chinese government allegedly used a Chino Hills man in an effort to advance policies favorable to the People's Republic of China in Southern California local government, according to a criminal complaint released Thursday.

Yaoning "Mike" Sun, 64, was charged with acting as an illegal agent of a foreign power and conspiring with another man  John Chen  who had been plotting to target U.S.-based practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice banned in China. Chen was sentenced last month to 20 months in prison for acting as an unregistered agent of the People's Republic of China and bribing an Internal Revenue Service agent.

Sun, a Chinese national, served as the campaign manager and business partner for a Southern California politician, described in court records only as Individual 1. The politician was running for local elected office in 2022.

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During the campaign, prosecutors allege, Sun communicated with Chen about his efforts to get the politician elected to a city council. Chen relayed information to officials in the Chinese government about how it could influence local-level politicians in the United States, particularly in getting them to oppose Taiwan's independence, according to the complaint.

Read more: Man pleads guilty to helping establish secret Chinese police station in New York City

U.S. Atty. Martin Estrada called the case "another example of a very disturbing trend" of the Chinese government seeking to influence foreign and domestic policies in the United States. China takes a broad approach, he said, including connecting with local government officials who might not yet be on the national stage.

Estrada said a goal of the scheme was to reduce "support in our country for Falun Gong and ... for pro-democracy movements in China."

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The scope of the effort and whether it led to any concrete actions to favor China is unclear.

But the indictment comes at a time of souring U.S.-China relations and a looming trade war as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House.

There have been growing signs that China is attempting to influence state and local governments. In 2022, federal authorities issued a notice warning that the Chinese were collecting personal information about state and local leaders and trying court those who might rise to higher office, according to documents obtained by the Wall Street Journal.

Earlier this year, federal authorities charged a woman who had served as a senior deputy to two New York governors with being a Chinese agent working to push that government's agenda. Prosecutors alleged that Linda Sun's actions included preventing representatives of the Taiwanese government from having access to the governor's office.

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Yaoning Sun was arrested Thursday morning. If convicted of all charges, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison, prosecutors said. Neither he nor Chen could immediately be reached for comment.

The U.S. attorney's office declined to name the person identified in records as Individual 1, who was elected to a local council. Two sources familiar with the investigation identified the person as Arcadia City Councilmember Eileen Wang.

It is not clear whether Wang was aware of Sun's or Chen's alleged connections to Chinese government officials. Prosecutors have not charged the politician with any crime. They said the investigation is ongoing. One source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stressed that officials have no evidence that Wang knew of the alleged activities.

Wang could not be reached for comment.

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In November 2022, shortly after Individual 1 was elected to office, Chen asked Sun to prepare a report on the election that was sent to Chinese government officials and referred to the newly elected council member as a "new political star," according to prosecutors.

Chen also told Sun to make a list of mainstream U.S. politicians with whom Individual 1 is familiar, noting "the more the better, the higher position the better." Chen told him this list would be "very effective to elevate [the elected official's] status in China," the criminal complaint states.

In early January 2023, Chen communicated with a Chinese government official, saying that he had told the council member he "will support [him/her] to do [his/her] job as Chinese American elected official well, go against Taiwanese independence ... write up [his/her] deeds in a document and report to China." The Chinese official, records show, responded: "That's great!"

In late January, the city council member sent Chen a thank-you note for attending their Chinese New Year event. Chen responded by applauding the politician's work.

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Read more: Chinese citizen allegedly photographed Vandenberg base with drone, says it was 'probably not a good idea'

"You are doing a good job, I hope you can continue the good work, make Chinese people proud," he wrote, according to the complaint.

In a report drafted by Sun and Chen for Chinese government officials in February 2023, the men also asked for $80,000 to go to Washington D.C. to train locals, organize a float and a 100-person drum band that would perform in red uniforms for the National Independence Day Parade that July 4.

The men note in the report that Taiwan's flag, which they refer to as a "false flag," and Falun Gong had been featured in parades in the United States, according to the complaint.

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It is unclear whether the men received the requested funds.

Chen was indicted in June 2023 in a separate case in New York in which prosecutors alleged he worked in the United States at the direction of the People's Republic of China to further its campaign against practitioners of Falun Gong. The Chinese government sees Falun Gong as a threat to the continuation of Communist Party control of the country, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

While he was in custody, prosecutors allege Chen told his cellmate that he was a Chinese spy working for an agency that's "100 times better than the FBI," according to the complaint.

Rebecca Ellis contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Central Rural Work Conference was held in Beijing from December 17 to 18. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the conference thoroughly implemented the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as well as the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee. It also fully followed General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions and instructions on work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers, and the guiding principles of the Central Economic Work Conference. At this conference, the current situation and challenges facing work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers were analyzed, and arrangements were made for work in this regard for 2025.

The CPC Central Committee attached great importance to the conference, before which the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting and put forward clear requirements for making the conference a success and advancing work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers.

Xi, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered important instructions on work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers. Xi pointed out that in 2024, China's grain output has reached a new level, farmers' incomes have steadily increased, and rural areas have been harmonious and stable, providing a solid foundation for promoting high-quality economic and social development.

To do a good job on work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers in 2025, we must follow the guidance of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee. We must also promote integrated urban-rural development, further deepen rural reform, improve the support system for strengthening agriculture, bringing benefits to farmers and increasing their incomes, and comprehensively promote rural revitalization. It is a must to never cross the red line when it comes to the protection of arable land, promote the development of high-standard farmland with high quality, strengthen support for agricultural science and technology and equipment, and ensure stable production and supply of grain and major agricultural products. It is imperative to actively develop rural industries for the benefits of villagers, raise overall agricultural returns, strengthen county economies, expand channels for farmers to increase their incomes, continue to consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation, and resolutely ensure that no large number of rural residents falling back into poverty. It is necessary to draw on the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program to steadily promote rural development, boost cultural development in rural areas, promote the transformation of outdated customs and habits, and build a beautiful and harmonious countryside for people to live and work in. It is necessary to strengthen the building of primary-level Party organizations in rural areas, and improve the effectiveness of guiding primary-level governance through Party building.

Xi stressed that Party committees and governments at all levels should give priority to the development of agriculture and rural areas, consolidate the political responsibility of secretaries of CPC committees at five levels in advancing rural revitalization, fully mobilize the enthusiasm of Party members and officials as well as farmers, work hard with persistent efforts and accelerate the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, so as to consolidate further the foundation of agriculture, make rural areas and villagers' life more prosperous, and move towards the goal of building the country's strength in agriculture.

Xi's important instructions were delivered and studied at the conference, and the Guidelines of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Further Deepening Rural Reforms and Advancing All-Round Rural Revitalization (Draft) was discussed. Liu Guozhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, attended the conference and delivered a speech.

It was noted at the conference that in his important instructions, Xi fully affirmed the progress made in work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers this year, put forward clear requirements for the work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers in 2025, and provided scientific guidance to this work from a strategic viewpoint and with a focus on key areas, which hold great political, ideological, guiding and pertinent significance. Efforts must be dedicated to studying and implementing Xi's important expositions and instructions on work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers. These directives must be resolutely carried out with a strong sense of political consciousness and translated into concrete actions with practical circumstances considered.

It was noted at the conference that focus should be given to studying and applying the experience gained from the Green Rural Revival Program and advancing comprehensive rural revitalization. Efforts should be concentrated on accomplishing some major practical matters to enhance the economic performance of agriculture, infuse new impetus to the development of rural areas and increase farmers' incomes. It is imperative to safeguard and ensure national food security through continuously improving the supply of key agricultural products such as grains, keeping the total grain acreage stable, increasing per unit yields of grain and oil crops on a large scale, enhancing the capacity to prevent and mitigate agricultural disasters, and ensuring stable and high grain production output. In addition, efforts must also be made to strengthen the protection of the country's farmland and improve its quality. This includes strictly offsetting cultivated land that has been put to other uses, establishing a monitoring network for the use of cultivated land, and guaranteeing regulation of the projects quality and capital security in the construction of high-standard farmland.

It is essential to coordinate all strengths in agricultural science and technology to make breakthroughs, speed up promoting the broad application of scientific and technological advances, and develop new quality productive forces in agriculture according to local conditions. It is imperative to refine the supportive policy system for grain production, and launch and implement the inter-provincial program under the coordination of the central government for major grain consumption areas to compensate major grain production areas. It is essential to optimize the coordination mechanism between trade and production of agricultural products, and ensure that the prices of key agricultural products including grain remain at a reasonable range. It is imperative to build a diversified food supply system, ensure stable development of the livestock industry, and improve the long-term mechanisms for the conservation of grain and other types of food. It is essential to unswervingly consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation, improve the efficiency of monitoring and assistance mechanisms to prevent people from slipping back to poverty, and coordinate efforts to establish the mechanism of preventing rural residents from lapsing or relapsing into poverty, and the system of multi-tiered and categorized support for low-income residents and underdeveloped areas. It is imperative to improve the quality and efficiency of rural industries, deliver good results in promoting local specialties, foster new industries and models, improve the mechanism for rural industries of all kinds to help villagers in different ways, and thus help increase their incomes.

It is essential to upgrade rural planning and development, keep up with the trends of demographic change, promote the integration of rural revitalization and new urbanization, coordinate urban and rural planning at the county level, extend endeavors for infrastructure construction to rural areas, improve basic public services there, continuously enhance rural living conditions, and strengthen rural ecological governance. Efforts must focus on refining rural governance systems, advancing Party building to drive rural revitalization, and tackling pointless formalities to alleviate burdens on primary level governments. It is imperative to implement the program to cultivate civilized rural customs, promote progress in rural culture and ethics in the new era and make efforts to change outdated social customs and habits. It is important to apply and further develop the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance in the new era, so as to identify and settle rural conflicts and disputes and maintain stability and harmony in rural areas. It is imperative to implement the task of comprehensively furthering rural reform, orderly advance the pilot program for villagers to contract their land for another 30 years after the second round of land contract expires. Effective models should be explored for villagers to make the best use of their idle rural housing through leasing, equity participation, or cooperative arrangements. Furthermore, investment and financing mechanisms for rural revitalization should be innovated to unleash the potential and dynamism of initiatives in this regard.

The need was emphasized at the conference to strengthen the Party's overall leadership over work related to agriculture, rural areas, and farmers. It is essential to take profound and effective measures to promote the study and application of experience gained from the Green Rural Revival Program and to improve the long-term mechanism for advancing comprehensive rural revitalization. It is crucial to uphold the Party's mass line in the new era, take into consideration the realities of rural areas, respect the will of farmers, and give full play to their principal role in rural development. It is also imperative to improve approaches and work style, and encourage local explorations, reforms, and innovations, so as to continuously create new prospects for comprehensive rural revitalization.

The first plenary meeting was chaired by Wu Zhenglong, state councilor and secretary-general of the State Council.

Those who attended the conference included members of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, leading officials from provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, municipalities specifically designated in the state plan, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, along with leading officials from central Party and State departments. Also present at the conference were leaders of relevant people's organizations, financial institutions and enterprises, and those from relevant departments of the Central Military Commission. 
Yang Tengbo at the opening ceremony of the Chinese Congress in Beijing - chinadaily.com

The name of Yang Tengbo, the man MI5 alleges acted as a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) agent targeting Prince Andrew, is now public. Yang has been banned from the UK after being deemed a threat to national security. But this begs the question: how was he able to penetrate the crust of British society so deeply in the first place?

The Home Office submission to court alleged that Yangs covert and clandestine ties to Prince Andrew, combined with his CCP connections, placed him in a position to generate relationships that could be leveraged for political interference purposes.

Yangs public association with the Duke of York came through the Pitch@Palace entrepreneurship competition. Yang ran its Chinese branch, which was supported by the CCP.

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This raises a second question: what exactly did Andrew gain from his dealings with Yang? Making sense of the Pitch@Palace corporate structure is tough enough, but one fact stands out: millions of pounds poured into one UK subsidiary as the competitions China activities took off.

Even more intriguing is a message reportedly found on Yangs phone about getting the relevant people in and out of the house of Windsor. While the full context and implications of the message remain speculative, such access raises serious concerns about CCP infiltration and influence at the highest level.

A closer look at Pitch@Palaces Chinese connections reveals a disturbing pattern. Chinese companies invited to its eventsattended by top investors and innovatorsinclude firms with questionable backgrounds.

Among the invitees were a surveillance technology firm since sanctioned by the US and a medical diagnostics company later sued in Germany for alleged intellectual property infringements. Another participant is now one of Chinas leading lights in autonomous navigation, the AI-powered technology transforming warfare. Yet another was a startup founded by engineers from Chinas premier military aerospace firm.

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Yang also collaborated with Xia Hua, a prominent Chinese fashion mogul. Together, they operated Pitch@Palace China with the backing of Beijings ministry of science and technology. Xia oversaw a competition in 2018 in which her own company won first prize, beating dozens of startups.

Through Pitch@Palace, Xia cultivated influential relationships in the UK. A Chinese embassy statement described her ability to make friends from all walks of life, highlighting events she hosted with the wives of prominent politicians and business leaders. Most notably, Xia built a relationship with the late Lady Barbara Judge, once described as the best-connected woman in Britain. Together with Yang, the trio even formed a fashion venture to promote products from Chinas ethnic minoritiescoincidentally a CCP propaganda priority amid global criticism of its treatment of Uyghurs and Tibetans.

Xias rise continued unabated. By 2022, she was appointed vice president of Chinas national chamber of commerce, run by the United Front Work Department (UFWD)a CCP body described by Xi Jinping as a magic weapon. By 2024, she was a deputy in Chinas National Peoples Congress.

Yang Tengbos past reveals a pattern of obvious CCP ties that British officials either failed to notice or act upon. His consultancy, Hampton, was contracted by the Chinese embassy in 2010 to influence UK legislation on alternative medicine. By 2015, Hampton was arranging events to honour Xi Jinpings state visit, including a prominent Piccadilly Circus display reading Welcome, Xi Jinping. In 2018, Yang was photographed alongside the deputy head of the UFWD. By 2019, he was attending major UFWD meetings as an overseas delegate. These were not subtle connections, yet they went unexamined until Yang was directly flagged by MI5.

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This is not an isolated failure. The case of Chen Shirong, exposed by my research group, UK-China Transparency, highlights a similar pattern. For years, Chen simultaneously worked for the CCPs UFWD and the UK Foreign Office as an interpreter. During Xi Jinpings 2015 state visit, Chen regularly attended CCP-linked events and contributed to propaganda outlets. Shockingly, it was a teenage hobbyist who brought Chens activities to light, not government officials.

These examples are in all likelihood the tip of the iceberg of Britains failure to scrutinise individuals with known CCP affiliations. Basic due diligencesuch as searching for Chinese-language recordsis rarely undertaken, despite tools like AI making this easier than ever.

Britains blind spot stems from a broader failure to grasp how the CCP operates. The pro-CCP policies of the Cameron-Osborne era encouraged British officials to court Chinese investment without understanding the strings attached, and to view connections to the CCP as a positive.

The result has meant allowing CCP-affiliated individuals to gain access to sensitive networks and institutions.

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The dramatic shift in attitudes toward Chinaprompted in part by cases like Yang Tengboshas exposed the dearth of China knowledge across government and private sectors. Our ignorance has given the CCP a free hand.

The CCP insists that Chinas rise has been and always will be peaceful, despite its growing aggression in recent years. It insists that Chinese investment is a win-win proposition  while omitting how the party uses investment to grab intellectual property and interfere with critical industries.

We must understand that far from seeking the mutual understanding, the CCP is constantly trying to confound our grip on what it is, and what it is up to. The lesson we should draw from the Yang affair is that, for Britain, a closer inspection of the CCP affiliates in our midst is long overdue.

If we fail to act, Yang Tengbo will not be the last name to remind us of our complacency.

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Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday argued that Donald Trump has found success trying to intimidate political foes and the press as he called on Americans not to act like the president-elects actions are normal.

We should fight as Democrats like democracy is on the ballot because it is and if we dont show outrage right now then the public is just going to accept that this is a normal circumstance of present-day democracy, Murphy told MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace.

So showing some fight right now, both in the private sector and amongst electeds, is really important.

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Murphys remarks arrive after Trump  fresh off ABC News settling his defamation lawsuit against them  sued the Des Moines Register along with veteran Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer over a pre-election poll that showed Kamala Harris beating him in the Hawkeye State.

Hes also threatened additional lawsuits against the press and warned that former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) could be in a lot of trouble for her work investigating the deadly Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol after a GOP-backed report recommended she face a criminal investigation herself.

Trump  who once publicly imagined Cheney with guns trained on her face  made over 100 threats to prosecute or punish his perceived foes on the campaign trail.

Murphy told Wallace that efforts to line up a criminal prosecution of Cheney are a clear signal to critics that you could face jail time if you cross Trump.

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He referred to countries that have elections but arent considered real democracies as the opposition becomes weak due to fear of criminal prosecution while the press becomes so cowed by the regime that there isnt a choice in elections.

In countries where that happens, where the opposition fears going to jail so they stay home and the press doesnt tell the truth because they fear consequences, democracy dies, it just does, Murphy warned.

You still have elections but the opposition is so weak that they can never win and Trump over the last four days is showing you that plan to suppress the opposition and to suppress the press and, so far, he has had stunning success even before he gets sworn in.

Murphy added that the most important remedy for Trump is to not normalize his efforts.

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And so as leaders, we cant accept this is normal, he said.

As journalists, you cant accept that this is normal. The minute pretend that this is a normal exercise of executive power is the day that people give up fighting.

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Today marked the highlight of Vladimir Putins calendar for December: his annual press conference and direct line Q&A session with the general public, held at the Gostiny Dvor hall in Moscow. This is one of a few rare instances throughout the year when the Russian president graces his people with his presence and gets to hold court in person.

Members of the public and journalists, both domestic and foreign, are given the opportunity to ask Putin questions on a variety of subjects. But despite appearances, there is little that is spontaneous about this exercise. The questions are screened and selected in advance, with a handful by journalists from unfriendly countries let through to give the illusion of transparency. Nevertheless, Putins answers always manage to reveal a great deal about his current state of mind.

The annual direct line is a useful opportunity for Putin to pedal the image of himself as the benevolent Tsar with the power to fix any problem with the wave of a hand  and helpfully deflect blame onto the officials below him. Even last year, this benevolent Tsar looked a little fragile, answering awkward questions about the war in Ukraine with bellicose hyperbole and a distinct sense of injured pride. Today, however, the theme throughout his answers was business as usual. This was a president firmly in control.

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To kick off the session, a graph showing the most frequent question topics was beamed into the Moscow hall behind the president. Most common, apparently, were questions on housing, followed by the health services and transport. The war? In fifth place.

One of the first questions of the session  clearly staged  came from the editor in chief of the Russian news agency TASS. Before asking it, he took the time to thank the president for awarding the news agency the Order for Valiant Work. His question, when it came: Is victory in the special military operation any closer? With an air of smug showmanship, Putin had two assistants unfurl the banner of the 155th Separate Guards Marine Brigade, currently fighting in Kursk, before answering. The capabilities of the Russian army are growing, he said, skirting the question by claiming Moscows troops were winning back hundreds of square kilometres every day.

Todays event was the 21st such townhall of Putins rule; two years ago  the first time it was due to be held since the invasion of Ukraine and at a time when the moment of the conflict was turning against Moscow  it was cancelled altogether, presumably out of a fear the Russian president could be jumped with uncomfortable, unplanned questions from the live audience. That he is holding it at all, and allowing such a variety of questions on the war, shows just how much can change in two years.

Asked about what he would offer Donald Trump in any future meeting, Putin once again denied having spoken to the American president-elect following his election win last month, saying theyd last spoken more than four years ago. But, he said, he was ready, any time for such a discussion. On the accusation hed be showing up to the meeting as a weakened leader, Putin retorted: I believe Russia has become much stronger over the past two, three years. Why? Because we are becoming a truly sovereign country.

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Putin boasted about the capabilities of the Oreshnik ballistic missile, challenging Ukraines allies to a 21st century technological duel with chilling calm. Let them choose some strike target in, say, Kyiv, and concentrate all their air and missile defences there and we will strike it with an Oreshnik and we will see what happens then.

Wrapping up the four hour session, Putin granted the BBC one of the final questions: had he fulfilled his predecessor Boris Yeltsins parting wish from 25 years ago to protect Russia? Without missing a beat, the answer came: Yes. Not only do I believe I have protected the country, but brought it back from the brink.

The next time the Russian public sees Putin, it will be for his traditional New Years Eve address in just under a fortnights time. They can expect a performance just as full of bravado then too.

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Editors Note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct hours the showers are available.

(COLORADO SPRINGS)  Two churches in Colorado Springs have come together to help the unhoused community by offering them a place to take a showerits often something that can be taken for granted by so many, but for thousands of people in Southern Colorado, a shower can be life-changing.

Whether its after a long day of work, going to the gym, or just a way to relax, feeling refreshed and clean is the best feeling for so many, but that simple luxury is not something available to thousands in our community.

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If you arent getting a shower and youre living on the street a lot of how you feel and how youre treated is that somehow, youre less than human, so, having a shower is providing them something that we take for granted, said Chris McCarthy, a volunteer for Shower to the People.

The Sanctuary Church and Sacred Heart Church in Old Colorado City are calling the program Shower to the People, and just last year they helped more than 800 people.

Someone who was there to shower was pre job interview, and they came back a couple weeks later and told us they did get the job, said McCarthy.

Shower to the People was initially created by the Sanctuary Church in 2022, after they received a generous donation to remodel the old carriage house on their property, creating space for four shower stalls.

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Shower to the People expanding services for unsheltered.

Another gentleman who I had met a few times, I knew him by name, and I called him by name, and I heard him say to someone else with surprise, oh my gosh, she called me by name. And that really struck me because I think a lot of the time, the homeless are seen as invisible, said McCarthy.

They say an average of 65 showers occur each week, and 65% of those are from regular users while the other 35% are new to the program.

Anything the community wants to do to help keep this ministry alive, Id love to see it be expanded because it is very valuable. We do sometimes have to turn away people because we run out of time and, you know, nobody likes to do that, said McCarthy.

Shampoo and soap are supplied to each person, along with other things like toothbrushes, shaving tools, blow dryers, nail clippers, and even a pair of fresh socks and underwear.

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The churches hope to expand their hours but have limited resources. So, they are asking the community to donate their time or any shower supplies they can.

If you are interested in donating or volunteering, click here.

Nobody likes to turn somebody away for something as basic as a shower, said McCarthy.

Showers are available on Thursdays from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon. Starting Jan. 7, 2025, the showers will be available on Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
One of the "shocking pictures" taken at the Kentucky Capitol in 2020 and published with an article in Rolling Stone. Gun rights activists hoist semi-automatic firearms on the Capitol's third floor where the legislature meets. (Photo by Bryan Woolston/Getty Images)

One year ago, on Dec. 15, Kentuckians concerned about the epidemic of gun violence packed a committee room and overflow spaces at the Kentucky Capitol to witness the last Interim Judiciary Committee meeting of the year. The main item on the agenda: public presentation and discussion of the CARR (Crisis Aversion and Rights Retention) bill addressing mental illness and access to firearms. A bill that Republican state Sen. Whitney Westerfield had been working on for months.

Days before the bill was introduced, Rep. Savannah Maddox made statements on WHAS TV similar to those she would repeat at length in the Dec. 15 committee meeting, saying she thinks its unconscionable that with a supermajority of 111 (Republicans) out of 138 (state legislators) that were even having a discussion about gun control legislation.

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Maddox appeared to make the argument that if your party is in the supermajority, there is no reason to talk to fellow legislators, that there is no work to be done.

But isnt that why we send our representatives to Frankfort in the first place, to meet in person, to have hard discussions?

If discussion itself is unconscionable, as Maddox insists, why do we pay our lawmakers to spend three months every year in Frankfort?

Looking back, what I remember most about the hours leading up to the CARR hearing are the anxious phone calls and text messages exchanged by people planning to attend the meeting, concerned that citizens against the bill would be carrying firearms to make a point? To be intimidating? Both?

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Yes, it is true that here in Kentucky we have the right to carry loaded guns inside our Capitol and the Annex. This is the law. You can pass your guns right around the metal detectors and walk on in.

When I mention to non-Kentuckians, like my dad, that Ive been at some meeting in our Capitol, I am often reminded of the shocking pictures taken there in January 2020 with a story published by Rolling Stone magazine. Walking into the state capitol completely blew my mind, the gun-toting protester said. Being able to walk in completely armed, with guns  I mean, Im completely armed. And they trust us. Im not a Kentucky resident. Im from Virginia. A complete stranger. I walked in, (and security acted like), Cool, come on in. Enjoy the capitol.

It is a sad statement that Kentuckians suffering from gun violence trauma considered not coming to Frankfort last December, anxious about being packed inside a room, doors closed, with potentially-armed strangers.

This week there was a school shooting at a Christian school in Wisconsin. The shooter was a 15 year-old girl.

Mourners gathered on the Capitol Square in Madison, Wisconsin, Tuesday evening for a vigil following a school shooting Monday that left three dead and injured six other people. (Erik Gunn | Wisconsin Examiner)

Days earlier, Dec. 14 marked the tragic anniversary of the Sandy Hook school shooting where 20 students, ages 6 and 7, and six adults were killed. Twelve years have passed. Those kids should be, would be, graduating from high school.

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Just three months ago, in September, there was an extended manhunt for the Kentucky freeway shooter. Schools and businesses shut down for days. Kids were kept home in fear. Law enforcement and first responder resources were stretched to their limits.

What did our lawmakers offer?

Sen. Brandon Storms statement after a sniper armed with a semi-automatic weapon opened fire on vehicles traveling Interstate 75, injuring five people.

State Sen. Brandon Storm, who has been named our new Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman  arguably the most powerful committee in Frankfort  issued a spine-free, action-free, meaning-free statement that closed with, We will come together, stand strong, and extend our love and support to all those who need it. Let us all lift every person affected up in prayer.

Thoughts and prayers.

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Wash, rinse, repeat.

On Dec. 17, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence released its Annual Gun Law Scorecard. Kentucky has some of the weakest laws in the country when it comes to gun violence, which is why we gave it an F this year. Gun violence is now the number one killer of children in the United States.  Its time for elected leaders in Kentucky to focus more on saving the lives of their constituents than taking money from the gun lobby.

According to Giffords, an average of 841 Kentuckians die every year by firearm.

We often hear lawmakers say that what we need to address is mental illness. And yet CARR, a bill narrowly focused on keeping guns out of the hands of those suffering a mental health crisis, was buried in oblivion last session by GOP leadership.

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Can anyone explain that?

Remember this every time your legislators refuse to discuss simple gun violence prevention legislation while filing last-minute, pet-bills with canned statements about how they have been working on said bill for months, behind the scenes to justify passing their bills before the public has time to understand whats happening. A corrupted process studied and reported on most recently by the League of Women Voters.

Citizens have the right to be informed about potential legislation in time to review the bills.

Citizens have the right to feel safe in school.

Citizens have the right to demand that our lawmakers take 841 firearm deaths per year seriously enough to hold public hearings, during the regular session, on potentially lifesaving legislation.

Citizens, lawmakers and state government staff have the right to feel safe attending committee hearings inside the Kentucky Capitol.

Citizens have rights.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of El Paso will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday morning, Dec. 19, for the Medical Center of the Americas (MCA) Health Clinic project.

The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 19, at the future MCA Health Clinic site, 4240 Alameda Ave.

The significant project, which is set to transform health services in the community, includes the construction of a new 10,500-square-foot health clinic, the City said in a news release.

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The City said the new clinic, operated by the Department of Public Health, is projected to serve approximately 10,000 community members annually.

It will offer critical services, including:

HIV prevention

Sexual health services

Tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment

This new facility will allow the Department of Public Health to deliver essential clinical services to members of the community who otherwise might not be able to access such care, health director Dr. Veerinder Taneja said. El Paso Community Clinics are vital components of our department, addressing one of the communitys greatest needs  access to care. These clinics provide preventative screenings and ensure individuals receive necessary medical treatment.

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With an approximate budget of $9 million, this project is funded by a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). It reflects the City of El Pasos steadfast commitment to fostering a healthy and sustainable community, read the news release.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Miami-Dade County Commissioners recently moved forward with a resolution to ban the use of plastic and Styrofoam at county-owned buildings, including Miami International Airport, Port Miami, and various offices, WSVN 7News reported.

The resolution passed by a 10-3 vote.

Plastic pollution is a major problem for our planet, and single-use plastic products are among the biggest contributors. A huge amount of single-use plastic  which is made from non-renewable petroleum  ends up in landfills, the environment, and the ocean every year. There, it sheds microplastics that have spread to every corner of the planet and directly kills wildlife and marine life by ensnaring and choking the animals.

Do you think governments should ban the production of gas-powered lawn equipment?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

Banning single-use plastic products is one of the most effective methods we have to fight against this type of pollution  and one that is being taken up by more and more states and municipalities.

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These include but are not limited to Massachusetts, which has banned single-use plastic bags as well as outlawed state agencies from buying single-use plastic products; California, which has banned single-use bags, among other products; and New York, which banned plastic bottles in hotels.

While some businesses have balked at these new rules and threatened to pass the associated costs on to their customers, what they are being asked to do is frankly not all that cumbersome. While business owners may feel their right to maximize profits supersedes everyone else's right to live in a world that isn't drowning in litter and pollution, the actions of these various state and city legislatures make it clear that this is not the case.

"[The resolution is] just asking people to pick better products that would reduce their waste  very specifically, single-use plastics that are polluting our bay," Dave Doebler, co-founder of Volunteer Cleanup, told 7News.

"We need to think about really the scourge of plastics," Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava said. "We are working so hard to clean up our beaches, our waterways. It's a worldwide problem."

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.




TRINITY, Texas (KETK)  The City of Trinity has settled a civil lawsuit that led to the suspension of former Trinity Police Department Chief Daniel Kee.

UPDATE: Harrison County hit by smaller 2.6 magnitude earthquake

Former Trinity Police Department Officer Brittany Davis notified officials about allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct and a quota system at the department back in August, according to a statement from Davis legal representatives at Hightower, Franklin, and James, PLLC. Kee was suspended in September after more officers came forward in support of Davis, according the statement.

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The Dec. 19 statement from Davis lawyers said that the city and Davis have now come to a settlement on undisclosed terms.

Officer Davis courageous decision to come forward and speak up brought about change in Trinity, Texas. That is never an easy decision for a law enforcement officer to make and too

often these things are simply swept under the rug. Thanks to Officer Davis, that did not

happen in Trinity. Tanner Franklin, partner at Hightower, Franklin, and James, PLLC

City of Trinity Administrator Tracy Hutto confirmed that they did reach a settlement with Davis but did not provide any other information about that settlement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Clark County defense attorney is facing felony charges after being suspected of forging documents to prevent a client from being arrested.

Josephine Townsend has been charged with two counts of forgery, Washington Attorney General Bob Fergusons Office reported on Wednesday. The probable cause affidavit claimed the 64-year-old lawyer committed the act on July 17 of this year.

Murder hornets eradicated from Washington, ending threat to US ecosystem

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According to Clark County Sheriffs Office Detective Sergeant Jay Camp, a criminal no-contact order banned Townsends male client from being within 1,000 feet of an individual they were accused of assaulting in November 2023.

The affidavit shows the alleged victims significant other also requested a superior court order for protection, which further prohibited Townsends client from being within 5,000 feet of the woman and her children.

Camp said the criminal order was amended in April of this year, so the client was only restricted from being within 500 feet of the family. The detective noted the previous filing would have restricted him from entering his own residence, because of its proximity to the alleged victims.

The modification solely applied to the criminal order, not the civil order from the superior court.

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Illustration renews Clatsop County cold case after remains found off Hwy 26 in 1999

Townsends client was accused of violating the order on July 17 near a Vancouver Safeway  less than 5000 feet from the family of his alleged victim. According to the affidavit, the clients significant other later told law enforcement that Townsend sent them a document showing the modified protection order.

Camp claimed the Clark County Sheriffs Office was unable to locate the document, but the Records Unit did locate a motion to modify the order. The detective said the motion was filed on the same day deputies attempted to arrest the client seen within 5000 feet of the alleged victims family.

The obvious immediate concern was the fact that the amended order Ms. Townsend provided was signed by the court about three months before the motion for the order was ever even filed on July 18, 2024, Camp wrote.

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The affidavit notes the clients name was also mispelled on the order, and he denied ever signing or electronically signing the documents.

KOIN 6 has reached out to Townsend for comment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
A Clarksville teen is facing a criminal homicide charge after an 18-year-old was killed earlier this month outside an after-hours club on Murfreesboro Pike in Nashville.

The 15-year-old was arrested Wednesday, Metro Nashville Police said in a news release Thursday morning. The Tennessean is not naming the teen as he has not yet been charged as an adult.

Ashley Dominguez was killed Dec. 1 after a shooting following what witnesses reported was a "heated argument." Gunfire hit the car Dominguez was a passenger in, mortally wounding her and injuring two other 19-year-olds, police said.

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All three victims were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where Dominguez died.

Surveillance footage helped police identify the Clarksville teen as a suspect, the Thursday statement said. Police are still investigating if anyone else was involved in the shooting.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Police: Boy, 15, charged after woman's fatal shooting
This photo taken on Dec. 8, 2024 shows thick smoke after an explosion in Damascus, Syria. Syrian armed opposition forces seized full control of Damascus on Sunday, ending over five decades of the Assad family rule. (Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua)

In Syria, stability perpetually teeters on a razor's edge. We press on, not because we've conquered fears, but because we have no other choice.

by Hummam Sheikh Ali

DAMASCUS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Having spent nearly 14 years reporting on the Syrian conflict, I thought I had become accustomed to the erratic nature of war, until the event on Nov. 27 delivered a stark reminder that normalcy in Syria remains as elusive as ever.

That morning, a militant alliance led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group launched a massive offensive in Aleppo's northern countryside. At first, it appeared to be just another flare-up in the long and bitter conflict -- one of many I had covered over the years.

However, by the evening of Nov. 29, it became clear that this was no ordinary military operation. The militant alliance stormed the city of Aleppo, retaking not only their former strongholds but also areas they had never held before. In a flash, the frontlines extended hundreds of kilometers southward, as if the conflict had rewound to its early years.

The unfolding events stirred a sense of deja vu. In 2013 and 2014, during the first two years of the civil war, I ventured to the frontlines, carefully navigating through shattered glass and twisted rebar. I witnessed neighborhoods reduced to ruins, inhaled the acrid stench of charred metal, blood, and dust, and saw homes obliterated.

Over time, I learned to distinguish different calibers of weapons by their sound alone. These experiences left deep scars, robbing me of calm and planting seeds of fear -- a dread that the horrors of the past might return.

Locals rally in a street in Damascus, Syria, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

The advance of the HTS and its allies in late November took most people by surprise. After a brief pause following the fall of Aleppo, the militant group pushed southward, capturing territory with astonishing speed. Government strongholds fell one after another -- first Hama, then Homs -- and within days, they were at the gates of Damascus.

When rumors swirled that the militant group was closer than anyone dared to imagine -- I was out with friends in Damascus, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy. But inside, I was a wreck. My thoughts raced to my parents, my home, and the familiar streets and shops. Government assurances of "solid fortifications" around the capital did little to soothe my unease.

In the early morning hours of Dec. 8, the quietness of the city was rattled by the sound of gunfire. Within hours, Damascus was awash with rumors, looting, and mayhem. Despite the mounting anxiety that gripped me, I pressed on as a reporter. Peering out of my window, I saw armed men I didn't recognize, abandoned military trucks, and discarded rifles and uniforms all over the streets. Confusion reigned.

My body rebelled -- I woke the next day unable to swallow and was driven to the hospital. Outside, the streets seemed surreal, scattered with bullet casings, and guarded by nervous armed men. Yet, inside the hospital, doctors chatted over sweets, and even asked me to take their pictures, as if clinging to any strand of routine amid the turmoil.

Within days, surprisingly, Damascus began to recover its rhythm. Markets reopened, people ventured out, and normality -- if that's what we could call it -- took on a new shape.

People shop for potatoes at a market in the city of Hama, central Syria, on Dec. 4, 2024. (Str/Xinhua)

Hospitals regained their steady hum, and essential goods returned to shelves, albeit at higher prices. Fuel and bread, once rationed, became available again, though more expensive. We remain in a state of flux, caught between the relief of a fragile calm and apprehension about what tomorrow might bring.

People are trying to find their footing in this altered landscape -- stepping over bullet casings, breathing in the crisp December air, and striving to regain a sense of normalcy. The memory of fear lingers, but so does a stubborn determination to adapt and move forward.

In Syria, stability perpetually teeters on a razor's edge. We press on, not because we've conquered fears, but because we have no other choice.

However, amid the fragile calm, the roar of Israeli fighter jets targeting military sites across the country serves as a constant reminder that peace remains an elusive dream. 
GUTHRIE, Ky. (WKRN)  A Guthrie police officer struck a 61-year-old Clarksville man who was the subject of a statewide Silver Alert in December and he went unconscious briefly, according to a responding officer.

When he originally went missing on Dec. 6, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said George Henderson had a medical condition that could have impaired his ability to safely return home. The agency said Henderson was located in Kentucky, and is safe the following day.

PREVIOUS: TBI: Missing man out of Clarksville found safe

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A report from the Guthrie Police Department obtained by News 2 included officer testimony, with one officer calling Henderson incoherent and unable to tell the officer how he had gotten to Kentucky.

The officer reported Henderson was wearing two different shoes and having a white powder residue in his left nostril. The officer said he determined that residue to be cocaine or crushed crystal meth.

I then attempted to place George under arrest to which he pulled away and began fighting me, the officers testimony reads, in part. George was taken to the ground to which he then grabbed my arm and bit it. George was then struck with a closed-hand strike to gain compliance following the force continuum. George went unconscious briefly and was taken into custody with no further incident.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Henderson was charged with resisting arrest, assault of a police officer or probation officer in the third degree, public intoxication excluding alcohol, attempting to commit theft by unlawful taking or dispossession of contents from a vehicle and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree.

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News 2 has reached out to the Guthrie Police Department for comment. As of publication, there has been no response.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Trumbull Countys long-time Clerk of Courts celebrated her upcoming retirement with friends and other elected officials Wednesday.

Friends, colleagues, and other elected officials celebrated Karen Infante Allen as she prepares to embark on a new chapter.

Its overwhelming. It really is, Infante Allen said. Its bittersweet because a blessing that Ive been here this long but the friends Ive made over the years here has been fantastic.

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Infante Allen has been Clerk of Courts for two decades, working 17 years before that at Niles Municipal Court. In her time serving at the county level, she worked with the County Recorders Office and Probate Court to launch the Good Deeds Program.

We hope that continues, she said. That helped benefit a lot of people throughout the county.

Her office was recently gifted $2 million from the Certificate of Title Administration Fund to the countys general fund.

Through a lot of good effort, you know, title fees increased  we went out there, we campaigned to bring the business back to Trumbull County and we were able to give back so I was able to give back $2 million to the general fund just last week and I was very proud of that, Infante Allen said.



As for her plans for retirement, Infante Allen will keep busy.

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Im going to volunteer, Im going to visit my grandchildren and my daughters in Columbus and enjoy time with them and Im very involved in Niles community service and my church so Ill be volunteering and just hope for the best, she said.



Infante Allen says shell be working until her last day official day in office, which is Jan. 3.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Congress has until midnight Friday to come up with a way to fund the government or federal agencies will shut down, meaning hundreds of thousands of federal employees could be sent home  or stay on the job without pay  just ahead of the holidays.

Republicans abandoned a bipartisan plan Wednesday to prevent a shutdown after President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk came out against it. Trump told House Speaker Mike Johnson to essentially renegotiate the deal days before a deadline when federal funding runs out.

On Thursday, Republicans did just that, putting together a revamped government funding proposal that would keep the government running for three more months and suspend the debt ceiling for two years, until Jan. 30, 2027. But the bill failed overwhelmingly in a House vote hours later, leaving next steps uncertain.

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Early Friday, some of Johnson's biggest critics brought their grievances to a private meeting in his Capitol office to seek a way forward, but some expressed doubts a new vote would happen before the deadline.

Here's what to know about a possible government shutdown, what agencies would be affected and how long it could last:

___

What does it mean if the government shuts down?

A government shutdown happens when Congress doesn't pass legislation either temporarily or more permanently funding the government, and such a measure isn't signed by the president.

When would a government shutdown start?

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If Congress doesnt approve a continuing resolution or more permanent spending measure by Friday, the federal government will shut down.

When the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, Congress passed a temporary funding bill to keep the government in operation.

That measure expires on Friday.

Which government agencies would be affected by a shutdown?

Each federal agency determines its own plan for how to handle a shutdown, but basically any government operations deemed non-essential stop happening, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees see their work disrupted.

Sometimes workers are furloughed, meaning that they keep their jobs but temporarily dont work until the government reopens. Other federal workers may stay on the job but without pay, with the expectation that they would be paid back in full once the government reopens.

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The basic rules for who works and who doesnt date back to the early 1980s and havent been significantly modified since. Under a precedent-setting memorandum penned by then-President Ronald Reagan budget chief David Stockman, federal workers are exempted from furloughs if their jobs are national security-related or if they perform essential activities that protect life and property.

Essential government agencies like the FBI, the Border Patrol and the Coast Guard remain open. Transportation Security Administration officers would continue to staff airport checkpoints. The U.S. Postal Service also won't be affected because its an independent agency.

But national parks and monuments would close, and while troops would stay at their posts, many civilian employees in agencies like the Department of Defense would be sent home. Court systems would be affected, too, with civil proceedings paused, while criminal prosecutions continue.

Automated tax collection would stay on track, but the Internal Revenue Service would stop auditing tax returns.

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Will a government shutdown affect Social Security checks?

No. Recipients of both Social Security and Medicare would continue to receive their benefits, which are part of mandatory spending that's not subject to annual appropriations measures. Doctors and hospitals would also continue to get their Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.

But it's possible that new applications wouldn't be processed. During a government shutdown in 1996, thousands of Medicare applicants were turned away daily.

What is a CR, or continuing resolution?

When Congress is down to the wire on passing measures to fund the federal government, the term CR often comes up. What does it mean?

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CR stands for continuing resolution, and its a temporary spending bill that lets the federal government stay open and operating before Congress and the president have approved a more permanent appropriation.

A clean CR is essentially a bill that extends existing appropriations, at the same levels as the prior fiscal year.

What is an omnibus bill?

It's a massive, all-encompassing measure that lawmakers generally had little time to digest  or understand  before voting on it.

There are a lot of spending measures all rolled into one, and sometimes thats what happens if the dozen separate funding measures havent worked their way through the congressional spending process in time to be passed in order to fund the federal government.

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But Republicans opted against an omnibus this time, hoping instead to renegotiate all federal spending next year when Trump is in the White House and they will control both chambers of Congress.

Is a government shutdown going to happen?

Maybe  and maybe not.

There is often a scramble on Capitol Hill to put together a last-minute funding package to keep the government open just before a deadline, at least temporarily. But shutdowns have happened, most recently six years ago, when Trump demanded funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. That shutdown was the longest in U.S. history.

Jimmy Carter saw a shutdown every year during his term as president. And there were six shutdowns during Reagan's time in the White House.

___

Kinnard reported from Charleston, South Carolina, and can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP.
Congress has until midnight Friday to come up with a way to fund the government or federal agencies will shut down, meaning hundreds of thousands of federal employees could be sent home  or stay on the job without pay  just ahead of the holidays.

Republicans abandoned a bipartisan plan Wednesday to prevent a shutdown after President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk came out against it. Trump told House Speaker Mike Johnson to essentially renegotiate the deal days before a deadline when federal funding runs out.

Heres what to know about a possible government shutdown, what agencies would be affected and how long it could last:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

___

What does it mean if the government shuts down?

A government shutdown happens when Congress doesnt pass legislation either temporarily or more permanently funding the government, and such a measure isnt signed by the president.

When would a government shutdown start?

If Congress doesnt approve a continuing resolution or more permanent spending measure by Friday, the federal government will shut down.

When the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, Congress passed a temporary funding bill to keep the government in operation.

That measure expires on Friday.

Which government agencies would be affected by a shutdown?

Each federal agency determines its own plan for how to handle a shutdown, but basically any government operations deemed non-essential stop happening, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees see their work disrupted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sometimes workers are furloughed, meaning that they keep their jobs but temporarily dont work until the government reopens. Other federal workers may stay on the job but without pay, with the expectation that they would be paid back in full once the government reopens.

The basic rules for who works and who doesnt date back to the early 1980s and havent been significantly modified since. Under a precedent-setting memorandum penned by then-President Ronald Reagan budget chief David Stockman, federal workers are exempted from furloughs if their jobs are national security-related or if they perform essential activities that protect life and property.

Essential government agencies like the FBI, the Border Patrol and the Coast Guard remain open. Transportation Security Administration officers would continue to staff airport checkpoints. The U.S. Postal Service also wont be affected because its an independent agency.

But national parks and monuments would close, and while troops would stay at their posts, many civilian employees in agencies like the Department of Defense would be sent home. Court systems would be affected, too, with civil proceedings paused, while criminal prosecutions continue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Automated tax collection would stay on track, but the Internal Revenue Service would stop auditing tax returns.

Will a government shutdown affect Social Security checks?

No. Recipients of both Social Security and Medicare would continue to receive their benefits, which are part of mandatory spending thats not subject to annual appropriations measures. Doctors and hospitals would also continue to get their Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.

But its possible that new applications wouldnt be processed. During a government shutdown in 1996, thousands of Medicare applicants were turned away daily.

What is a CR, or continuing resolution?

When Congress is down to the wire on passing measures to fund the federal government, the term CR often comes up. What does it mean?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

CR stands for continuing resolution, and its a temporary spending bill that lets the federal government stay open and operating before Congress and the president have approved a more permanent appropriation.

A clean CR is essentially a bill that extends existing appropriations, at the same levels as the prior fiscal year.

What is an omnibus bill?

Its a massive, all-encompassing measure that lawmakers generally had little time to digest  or understand  before voting on it.

There are a lot of spending measures all rolled into one, and sometimes thats what happens if the dozen separate funding measures havent worked their way through the congressional spending process in time to be passed in order to fund the federal government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But Republicans opted against an omnibus this time, hoping instead to renegotiate all federal spending next year when Trump is in the White House and they will control both chambers of Congress.

Is a government shutdown going to happen?

Maybe  and maybe not.

There is often a scramble on Capitol Hill to put together a last-minute funding package to keep the government open just before a deadline, at least temporarily. But shutdowns have happened, most recently six years ago, when Trump demanded funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. That shutdown was the longest in U.S. history.

Jimmy Carter saw a shutdown every year during his term as president. And there were six shutdowns during Reagans time in the White House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

___

Kinnard reported from Charleston, South Carolina, and can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
CNN senior political analyst Gloria Borger is leaving her post after 17 years at the network, where she appeared as a regular contributor on The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper 360.

The newsletter Status was the first to report the news, which HuffPost has since confirmed. CNN did not provide any details around the circumstances of her departure, and Borger did not return a request for comment.

She previously served as CNNs chief political analyst and was a fixture in the networks election coverage, having been part of the CNN teams that won a Peabody Award and an Emmy for the networks presidential election coverage in 2008 and 2012.

CNN's Gloria Borger, left, appears with The Wall Street Journal's Gerald Seib, political strategist Ann Lewis and former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour at a panel on the 2018 midterm elections. Krista Kennell via Getty Images

Shes scaled back her appearances in recent years, however. Her most recent segment on CNN appears to be a 2023 analysis on a federal judge ruling against former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

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News of Borgers departure comes the week after longtime CNN host Alisyn Camerota announced on air that she was leaving the network after 10 years, saying that at CNN, shed had the kind of peak career experiences that I had dreamed of since I was a teenager.

Their departures come a few months after CNNs chief executive, Mark Thompson, announced some shake-ups at the network in light of a shifting business strategy, including more experimentation with artificial intelligence. The move would result in about 100 employees, or about 3% of the workforce, losing their jobs, Thompson said.

Related...
Dec. 18ABILENE  Caleb Mitchell was exploring possible programs of study at Texas State Technical College when a co-worker provided some guidance.

Mitchell said in a news release a fellow AEP Texas employee told him about the college's Electrical Power and Controls program and how it could help Mitchell further his career.

"My meter electrician (at AEP Texas) has a degree from TSTC," Mitchell said. "He said the bachelor's degree I received was not tailored to what AEP needed, so I decided to look at going back to school. My boss told me that I needed to have this (Electrical Power and Controls) associate degree to move up."

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Mitchell, of McCamey, said the company supported his decision to pursue an associate degree at TSTC.

"I am using the company's reimbursement program to help pay for college," he said.

Mitchell said he has learned a lot during his first semester of the program but knows that more advanced technical aspects of learning are ahead.

"I am excited to learn about the transformers and the programmable logic controllers," he said. "Those are some of the things I know I will need to know in the field."

Mitchell said he enjoys his time in the TSTC lab and learning from instructors Kevin Staton and Larry Walders.

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"I have never been in a college class that is so interactive," he said. "The students really participate, and the instructors encourage cooperation."

Staton said Mitchell began the program with an advantage.

"Working at AEP, Caleb tends to know quite a bit about the field," Staton said in the release. "He will continue to grow throughout his time at TSTC."

One thing that Mitchell will have to do more often is make the commute from McCamey to Abilene, a drive of more than three hours each way.

"I think a lot about school while I am driving," he said. "It gives me time to think about the day. And on the drive home, I think about what I have learned."

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Staton said the commute shows a positive trait in Mitchell.

"I really like his dedication to the program," Staton said. "That is a long drive, and he is going to be making it twice a week over the next couple of semesters."

Mitchell said he plans to stay with AEP Texas when he completes his degree, hoping for more opportunities in the future.

"My plan is to be a meter electrician so I will be able to work with more equipment," he said. "I will also be able to help the people in my area a lot with that knowledge."

Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians earn an average annual salary of $64,220 in Texas, according to onetonline.org. The growth in the number of such positions in the state was projected to be 14% between 2020 and 2030, according to the website.

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TSTC offers Electrical Power and Controls in a hybrid format, combining virtual learning with in-person, hands-on lab work. In addition to the Abilene campus, TSTC's campuses in Fort Bend County, North Texas and Waco offer the program.

Electrical Power and Controls is part of TSTC's Money-Back Guarantee. If participating students do not find a job in their career field within six months after graduation, they will receive a refund of their tuition.

Registration for TSTC's spring semester is underway. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.
Families in Cobb County are among the latest to report food stamp theft.

Ive got a few friends that have them, said Charlie Bean. Theyre like, its gone. Five, six hundred dollars are gone.

Channel 2s Courtney Francisco spoke with Bean as he was picking up food for friends who have no car to get to Must Ministries pantry in Smyrna.

They have kids, and their kids are hungry, said Bean.

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Workers at the pantry said theft is not the only problem clients are reporting, according to MUST Spokesperson Katie Ruth Camp.

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Were seeing a lot of delays with people getting their food stamps, issues with renewals, said Camp.

Georgias Department of Human Services said staff has been working overtime since October to relieve a backlog of SNAP renewals. In 2023, DHS donated $2.8 million to support the food banks forced to fill the gap.

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For so many, food stamps are the only way that they can get food, said Camp.

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In response to the theft, DHS blames card skimmers and phishing schemes.

This month, DHS created a new security feature that allows clients to lock their SNAP cards when not in use.

DHS said in the last year, it has received more than 25,000 reports of fraud and has spent $7.5 million on reimbursements. You have 30 days to report theft or risk losing a refund.

DHS said it takes about 10 business days for clients to get reimbursed once their claim is reviewed and approved.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  First, it was Amazon dropping the boom on remote work and ordering workers back to the office five days a week. Other major employers have followed with AT&T announcing on Tuesday that it too would mandate workers being in the office five days a week, beginning in January.

But as the post-pandemic return-to-office push gathers steam, again, workers are quietly mounting a pushback of their own. In the wake of office pandemic era work trends like the great migration and quiet quitting, the latest workplace trend has been branded as coffee badging.

What is coffee badging?

According to Forbes, coffee badging is a workplace trend that started to appear last year as more employees returned to their offices. The behavior allows employees to meet their required in-office attendance policies, but avoid spending too much time there.

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Heres how it works.

On a given day, an employee goes into the office, grabs a coffee and socializes with fellow employees, and then quietly slips out and finishes their shift at home. By swiping their badge and putting in face-time with co-workers, the employee has effectively made an appearance, and earned a badge, despite still working the majority of their day from home.

Murder hornets eradicated from US, officials announce

A person engages in this trend, as they feel taken advantage of for being forced to undertake an expensive and time-consuming commute to and from the office, according to Forbes.

How widespread is coffee badging?

More than half of hybrid workers  about 58%  admitted to coffee badging in a 2023 survey from Owl Labs, a videoconferencing software company. Another 8% of hybrid workers surveyed said they hadnt coffee badged yet but are interested in giving it a try.

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A subsequent 2024 report from Owl Labs saw the number of U.S. workers who admitted to coffee badging drop to 44%. According to that report, 70% of those employees were caught by their bosses, but 59% of employers didnt mind.

There are various reasons for coffee badging, according to Owl Labs. Many employees (about 60%) believe they are more productive when they work from home. They also seem to spend more when they have to go into work.

Young Americans richer than ever, sense economic fragility: Report

Workers, according to the survey, spend an average of $51 a day when they go into the office. Thats $408 a month for hybrid workers who go in eight days a month and $1,020 for full-time workers.

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Commuting is another big factor, according to Owl Labs, with 61% of workers spending 30 to 90 minutes on their daily commute, and another 20% spending one and a half to two hours commuting.

People dont want to spend time and money on frequent office pilgrimages if theyre just going to be sitting on the same video calls theyd be doing in the comfort of their own homes or on tasks that they feel less productive doing from the office, said Owl Labs CEO Frank Weishaupt. The data shows that many companies have more work to do to provide an attractive, productive and stress-free office environment that makes employees want to gather.

Who is coffee badging?

According to Owl Labs, men are more likely to show up and leave early  62% compared to 38% of women. In terms of age, millennials are the most likely generation to coffee badge, followed by Gen Xers, then Gen Z, with baby boomers last.

Louisiana patient has first severe bird flu case in US: health officials

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Looking abroad, coffee badging is slightly less prevalent in the UK at 39%, less prevalent still in Germany at 38%. France, according to Owl Labs, has the lowest self-reported levels of coffee badging at 22%.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  A community-driven workshop and retail space for craftspeople celebrated its one-year anniversary with a grand opening at a new location.

Made in Johnstown has moved from its former location at 507 Main St. to 420 Main St. The new location offers a windowed storefront, where about a dozen of the organizations members sell their products.

Made in Johnstown directors Michael Rottman and Todd Stiffler also celebrated the organizations one-year anniversary by joining it to the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Amy Bradley presented them with a plaque Tuesday and hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new location.

The ribbon cutting was attended by local government officials and leaders of neighboring businesses in downtown Johnstown, including Kayla Puchko Stephenson, of Puchko Financial Associates, 515 Main St., said Made in Johnstown has significantly benefitted downtown Johnstown.

We appreciate Made in Johnstown for bringing arts downtown, she said. Its also wonderful that it brings more foot traffic downtown.

Members of Made in Johnstown have 24/7 access to the space, which is fully equipped with pottery-making tools and kilns, 3D printing labs, a jewelry studio, metal shops and wood shops.

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I think this place is a godsend  the equipment, the knowledge the directors bring and the space itself, artist Joseph Hensel said. You can rent space to store materials and inventory.

Hensel makes sculptures, furniture, clocks and lamps using artifacts including old patterns, parts, tools and machinery salvaged from local steel mills, coal mines, power plants and industrial facilities including Bethlehem Steel Corp. and U.S. Steel.

Hensel has been making and selling his work full-time since 1998, but the opening of Made in Johnstown bolstered his abilities.

I was established, but I didnt know I was missing this place until it opened, he said.

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Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky offered some congratulatory remarks during the ribbon cutting.

Entrepreneurs are growing here, Chernisky said. We are building an economy here... we are winning and bringing foot traffic downtown at all times of the day.

Benefactors including the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant have contributed to Made in Johnstowns success, Rottman said.

A lot of organizations helped us put this downtown, he said. Thank you to the community for welcoming us.

Made in Johnstown has grown to 53 members, including full-time entrepreneurs as well as hobbyists, Rottman said.

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Scott Miller, of Johnstown, makes live edge furniture at the facility.

Coming to the maker space saved him from the winter blues, he said. He now produces items that he sells at the buildings storefront.

I love this place, Miller said. Its a great outlet. More people need to know about it.
For Kenzie Scanlon, ringing in the holidays wasn't always a joyous time. Her tumultuous upbringing was marked by both parents battling addiction, her father's arrest, a house fire that destroyed all the family's belongings, and then her father's sudden death.

Some bright spots, however, were the times she and her siblings got Christmas gifts, thanks to donors who had picked their names from her Texas high school's Angel Tree and fulfilled their wishes.

Scanlon wants to make sure other kids get to experience the same happiness, so the college freshman returned to her old school last week to become an Angel Tree donor herself.

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"I know how hard it is to be a student in that situation," Scanlon tells PEOPLE. "I want to be that bright spot in other kids' lives."



Related: Deacon Says His Dazzling Christmas Light Display Has Led to 82 Marriage Proposals and Even a 'Miracle' (Exclusive)

Hannah Zhang, New Caney High School Yearbook Photographer Kenzie Scanlon Kenzie Scanlon

Scanlon, 19, the oldest of four siblings, says she knows how much a kind gesture can mean, especially for people who've suffered through such an unstable childhood.

Her parents, who split when she was young, both had trouble keeping jobs and were in and out of their kids' lives, she said. Her father abused drugs, was imprisoned for shoplifting and later died at age 38 after some pancreatic ulcers ruptured, Scanlon says.

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Meanwhile, Scanlon had to step in and act as caregiver to her siblings over the years when her mother was involved with abusive boyfriends and often wasn't home, she says. One time when her mother wasn't there, faulty wiring sparked a fire and the house burned down, she says. They moved to a new house but Scanlon and her brother later moved out and went to live with other families after a separate incident.

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.

Her brother, Ayden, 16, says Scanlon made all the difference for him.

"Kenzie practically raised us," he tells PEOPLE. "Honestly, if it wasn't for Kenzie I wouldnt be doing as good as I am inside of school or outside of it."

Hannah Zhang, New Caney High School Yearbook Photographer Kenzie Scanlon Kenzie Scanlon

During her high school career, Scanlon was voted class president at New Caney High School in Texas, took multiple dual-credit and AP classes, played percussion in the band and performed in school plays.

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It was a good way, she said, "to show my siblings that with everything we're going through that we can still be involved and be better than our circumstances."



Related: Woman Knew She Wouldnt Live to See Another Christmas, So She Asked Secret Santa for Help Surprising Her Husband

One of the most meaningful school activities, she said, was participating in the annual Angel Tree program, in which teachers, students and parents raise money to buy gifts for about 200 deserving kids, while students organize and wrap presents.

In 2021, Scanlon and her siblings were among the beneficiaries. At Christmas time, they all got gifts, including some favorites of hers like a James Avery charm bracelet and AirPods. The younger kids also received gifts the next two years.

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"It helped a lot when I was going through everything," Scanlon says. "It really did feel like our community cared about us."



Hannah Zhang, New Caney High School Yearbook Photographer Kenzie Scanlon Kenzie Scanlon

Community support also enabled her to go to college, she said. Last year she was one of the winners of a $20,000 scholarship from the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, which this year plans to give out more than $28 million in scholarships.



Related: Anonymous 'Santa' Pays Off $65K in Layaway Balances at Tennessee Walmart: 'A Christmas Miracle'

Hannah Zhang, New Caney High School Yearbook Photographer Kenzie Scanlon Kenzie Scanlon

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Scanlon is now a first-generation college student attending Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, but made it a point to come back to her old high school to participate in the Angel Tree program.

It's made her "so happy," she says, "knowing I'm giving back."



If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

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SHANGHAI/LIMA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The pulse of global trade quickened as the first cargo ship from Chancay, Peru, docked at Shanghai's bustling port on Wednesday, carrying fresh fruits across the Pacific for Chinese consumers.

With the arrival of the "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, at Shanghai's Yangshan Port, cranes creaked to life, unloading containers that represented more than just goods -- they carried the promise of a new maritime corridor bridging South America and Asia.

From Peru's Pacific coast to one of China's economic hubs, the vessel's journey marked a new step toward deeper trade ties and turned a broad vision of shared development into reality.

NEW MARITIME-LAND CORRIDOR

The ship set sail from Chancay Port, a site poised to become a key logistics hub in Peru. Situated 78 km north of capital Lima, the port is expected to facilitate trade between Peru and Asia, cutting shipping time to China to just 23 days from 33 days and slashing logistics costs by at least 20 percent.

In November, visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping, alongside Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, officially inaugurated the deep-water megaport, marking the launch of what Xi described as a new Asia-Latin America land-sea corridor. Xi also called on the two sides to ensure that the port is successfully built, managed and operated, and to improve shipment capacity and service quality.

For over a month since the inauguration, the first smart port in South America is running smoothly. With a number of large screens and specially designed software that can monitor the port in real time, all kinds of operations inside the port, like transporting shipping containers, can be arranged in a more effective manner.

Daniel Jares, a contract control coordinator at the port, said the port has seen a steady increase in business recently, with an increase in the number of managers, operators and maintenance staff. "People are excited about the changes that are happening at the port every day."

Before Chancay, South American goods bound for China were shipped through North America, costing a significant amount of time with expenses running high. With this new direct route, Peru stands to benefit from increased exports and economic growth.

Beyond its efficiency, Chancay is strengthening Peru's strategic role as a vital gateway, linking land and sea routes while serving as a bridge between China and Latin America. The port has transformed maritime logistics in the Pacific, said Rosario Santa Gadea, former director of the Center for China and Asia-Pacific Studies at the University of the Pacific in Peru.

Projections show that Chancay Port could generate up to 4.5 billion U.S. dollars in annual revenue for Peru and create over 8,000 direct jobs. Looking ahead, products such as Brazil's soybeans, iron ore, and frozen meat -- along with Colombia's coffee and avocados -- are expected to be regularly shipped to Asia via this new trade corridor.

CLOSER TRADE LINKS

The Chancay Port project is not only an infrastructural feat but also a symbol of the deepening trade relations between China and Peru. Over the past decade, trade between the two countries has grown rapidly, driven by China's increasing demand for Peru's agricultural and mineral products such as fruits and seafood.

China has been Peru's largest trading partner and largest export market for 10 consecutive years. From 2016 to 2023, bilateral trade grew at an average annual rate of 14.6 percent, reaching 37.69 billion U.S. dollars last year. This mirrors the increasingly closer economic links between the two nations.

The completion of Chancay Port will bolster these trade links by reducing the time and cost of transporting goods, said Santa Gadea.

The facility is expected to handle millions of tons of goods annually, providing a faster and more efficient route for Peruvian exports to reach China's ports. At the same time, China will benefit from the improved access to South America's growing consumer base.

In addition to fostering trade, the Chancay Port project is likely to stimulate new business ventures and joint investments between Chinese and Peruvian companies. The port's modern infrastructure is expected to attract global companies seeking to expand their operations in South America, creating new opportunities for collaboration and economic growth.

The port's capacity to handle large volumes of cargo will also facilitate the growth of trans-shipment operations, making it what Santa Gadea called a regional trade hub for South America.

Felipe Ribadeneira, president of the board of directors of the Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters, told Xinhua that shorter transportation time is great as bananas, shrimp, cocoa and other agricultural products from Ecuador can reach the Chinese market more quickly through this new channel.

BLUEPRINT FOR COMMON DEVELOPMENT

Also at the port's inauguration ceremony, Xi said the corridor, to connect the Inca Trail with the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, will open up a road of common prosperity and happiness for Peru and other Latin American and Caribbean countries.

As analysts pointed out, the port represents more than just a logistics hub -- it is a concrete manifestation of the broader vision for common development that underpins the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The initiative, proposed by Xi, emphasizes mutual benefit, win-win cooperation, and shared prosperity among participating countries.

Addressing the fourth symposium on Belt and Road construction work in Beijing earlier this month, Xi stressed the importance of comprehensively advancing high-quality cooperation under the BRI.

Since the initiative was put forth in 2013, major achievements have been made in Belt and Road cooperation, enhancing China's friendship with participating countries and promoting their economic and social development, he said.

Jorge Chain, general manager of the Peru-China Chamber of Commerce, described the Chancay Port project as a prime example of "beneficial and mutually advantageous cooperation."

Over the past decade, China and Latin America have become partners under the BRI. So far, 22 countries in the region have signed BRI cooperation documents with China. A host of projects jointly built under the BRI, including the Belo Monte Hydropower Plant ultra-high-voltage transmission line in Brazil, Argentina's Belgrano Cargas railway and the Jamaica North-South Highway, have borne fruit.

For Peru, Chancay Port offers an opportunity to enhance its role in the global supply chain. As one of the leading economies in Latin America, Peru has long been recognized for its abundant natural resources. With global demand for these resources constantly evolving, Peru will have more opportunities to diversify its economy and develop new sectors.

"The BRI brings more connectivity and is contributing to the development of this agriculture sector. But this is just the first step; the second step is to develop more manufacturing products, export of manufacturing products," said Santa Gadea. 
DENVER (KDVR)  Christmas Day is not typically thought of as a day of shopping, with many stores opting to close to give employees a chance to spend time around family or just enjoy the winter festivities in general.

Photos: How Denver decorated for Christmas over the past 90 years

Some stores choose to open for at least part of the holiday for various reasons, but one type of store, by Colorado law, has not been allowed to sell their wares on Christmas Day in any capacity until this year; liquor stores.

Liquor stores no longer banned from opening on Christmas

In the past, Colorado limited the days when alcohol could be sold in the state, most notably barring sales on Sundays and Christmas Day.

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The ban on Sunday alcohol sales was repealed in 2008, but the Christmas Day provision remained on the books for over a decade until a bill changing many of the states liquor laws was passed and signed into law earlier this year.

One of the things taken off the books was the ban on Christmas Day liquor sales.

The previous law only applied to liquor stores, so bars and restaurants were free to open and serve alcohol on Christmas Day.

Christmas Vacation filming locations you can visit in Colorado

The state does still limit the hours that alcohol can be sold, with liquor stores only being allowed to sell alcohol between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight. Restaurants and bars are not allowed to serve alcohol between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m., with some exceptions.

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While this does not guarantee that any liquor stores will be open, there is a higher chance of that being the case in towns across Colorado now that the store owners arent legally barred from doing so.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Buckley Space Force Base sign is seen on July 7, 2021, shortly after a base renaming ceremony where the base entry sign was updated showcasing the new base name. Buckley SFB hosts six major base partners including Space Delta 4, 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard, the Navy Operational Support Center, the Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado, the Army Aviation Support Facility and the Air Reserve Personnel Center. (Senior Airman Danielle McBride/U.S. Space Force/Public domain)

U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper celebrated various measures benefiting Colorado that passed as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act approved by the Senate on Wednesday.

Colorado is central to our national security and the NDAA shows it, Hickenlooper said in a statement. This bill invests in our military so our service members in Colorado and across the globe can continue keeping us safe.

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Both senators advocated for $68 million that will be used to expand Buckley Space Force Bases power capacity and power generation capabilities.

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Bennet helped secure $216.1 million for research, development and deployment of defense and aerospace technologies in Colorado intended to improve military readiness and capabilities in space.

Hickenlooper supported the inclusion of the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Act, a bipartisan measure that extends recovery programs aiming to protect threatened and endangered native fish species in the two river basins for seven years. The measure was also backed by U.S. Reps. Joe Neguse, a Lafayette Democrat, and Lauren Boebert, a Windsor Republican.

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Senators voted 85-14 to approve the $885 billion NDAA, which drew ire this year from Democrats for a provision banning the militarys TRICARE health program from covering certain treatments for youth experiencing gender dysphoria.

Bennet also advocated for a measure that will require the Department of Defense to brief both Armed Services Committees in Congress on the effects of a rule change decreasing TRICARE health insurance reimbursements to childrens hospitals by 40%. Affected hospitals include Childrens Hospital Colorado.

Hickenlooper sponsored the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act, which requires the DOD to implement a plan to sustain and recapitalize 25 fighter squadrons of the Air National Guard, like the 140th Wing at Buckley.

Our Air National Guard fighter squadrons  like the Buckley-based 140th Wing  are responsible for 94 percent of homeland defense missions, Hickenlooper said. Forced reductions with no plan to replace their capabilities is dangerous. Our bipartisan bill puts these vital units on the path to full replacement and secures our national security.

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Other Colorado-specific items Hickenlooper highlighted include $61 million to build a new ambulatory care center to provide medical services to service members and their families at Fort Carson; a measure allowing the DOD to coordinate with commercial space companies to provide imagery aid when the Colorado National Guard responds to wildfires; and a program supporting land conservation efforts near military installations, including in Aurora and Colorado Springs.

Other national measures both senators supported in the bill include a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% pay raise for all other service members; coverage parity and no copays for contraceptives for eligible TRICARE beneficiaries; and a measure requiring the DOD engage with Japansese stakeholders and report to Congress on potential for cooperation regarding a measure focused on developing capabilities between the U.S., Australia and the United Kingdom.

Bennet and Hickenlooper also supported preserving governors authority over Air National Guard space units in their states following an Air Force proposal that sought to transfer space units to Space Force. While the House Armed Services committee approved an amendment in May to protect a governors authority, the amendment was not included in the final version of the NDAA.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  A Columbus man with previous convictions of aggravated assault and illegally possession a firearm has been sentenced to over 14 years in prison on methamphetamine distribution charges, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

The U.S. Attorneys Office says Quntay Thomas, 40, was sentenced to 175 months followed by three years supervised release on Tuesday, Dec. 17. On Aug. 20, Thomas pled guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

In a controlled buy, DEA agents bought 55.64 grams of pure methamphetamine from Thomas on May 17, 2019, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

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In another controlled buy on Sept. 6, DEA agents bought 51.81 grams of methamphetamine. Warrants were then put out for Thomas arrest.

A search warrant was carried out at Double Churches Road on Nov. 29, 2023. Thomas was taken into custody. Agents found a loaded Glock .45 caliber pistol and three bags of methamphetamine in the home.

The GBI drug lab confirmed those bags had 418.93 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine inside. The U.S. Attorneys Office says Thomas admitted to distributing the drug.

Thomas past criminal convictions in Muscogee County include aggravated assault, illegally possession a firearm and drug distribution.

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This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Muscogee County Sheriffs Office and the Harris County Sheriffs Office with help from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Columbus Police Department is looking for information on a missing juvenile.

Police say Sophia Wilson, 15, was last seen on Thursday, Dec. 12 at about 11 p.m. in the 800 block of Stafford Court. She was wearing all black and carrying backpacks.

Kara Sosebee, 16, also went missing in the same area during that timeframe.

Wilson is described as standing at 5-foot-7 and weighing 160lbs. She has blonde hair and blue eyes.

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Anyone with information is asked to call 911, the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449, or lead investigator Cpl. Adil Zaman at 706-225-3488.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Last weekend, South Koreas Congress passed an impeachment bill for President Yoon Suk Yeol.

While the constitutional court of Korea is expected to deliver a final verdict within 180 days, the odds are not in the presidents favor due to his imposition of martial law and adverse public opinion. Following the courts ruling, South Koreans will have 60 days to elect their next president.

American interests must assess whether the incoming president will continue the policies of Yoon, who was a staunch supporter of U.S. foreign initiatives in East Asia. This includes forming a security alliance among South Korea, Japan and the U.S. to counter threats from North Korea, China and Russia.

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Gallup Koreas opinion poll on Dec. 6 indicates that Korean voters will likely choose from four candidates: Han Dong-hoon and Oh Se-hoon from the conservative ruling party and Lee Jae-myung and Kim Dong-yeon from the progressive opposition party.

Since Yoon holds conservative views, candidates such as Han or Oh may be inclined to continue aligning with U.S. leadership within the triad alliance. Conversely, Lee or Kim might be reluctant to maintain this alignment due to anti-Japanese sentiments.

Among the four candidates, only Lee or Kim realistically stands a chance of winning, as the political fallout from Yoons administration has dramatically diminished the prospects for the two conservative candidates.

Lee, the leader of the largest opposition party, is currently the front-runner. He is known for his willingness to negotiate and compromise to achieve effective policy outcomes, even though that entails risks. Lee once stated, Even if I might have to experience a political loss, I push forward on the right things to bring about results.

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Lee has played a significant role in the impeachment process against Yoon.

President-elect Donald Trump should be concerned about a potential Lee presidency, especially if Lee attempts to engage in secret dialogues with North Korea to revive the unification movement without consulting the White House. Conservative Koreans have criticized Lees amiable stance toward Pyongyang.

To maximize Koreas national interests, Lee would likely prioritize economic cooperation with China while maintaining a security alliance with the U.S., which is central to the progressive partys foreign policy. As of November, China is South Koreas largest trading partner. Lees approach could undermine the America First policy in several areas, as he may opt not to support U.S. efforts to counterbalance Chinas economic rise.

However, Lees aspirations for the presidency may be jeopardized if he is convicted of violating the Public Offices Election Act, which would bar him from running for office. The ruling party is trying to expedite the upcoming trials to ensure that Lee cannot enter the race.

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If Lee cannot run for president due to a criminal conviction, the opposition party likely would replace him with Kim, the current governor of Gyeonggi province, an office Lee previously held.

Kim is a self-made bureaucrat and politician. Although he does not have a prestigious background, his extensive experience and knowledge in economic policymaking and development set him apart from other presidential candidates. Given the challenges facing the national economy, many Koreans may view him as the ideal candidate to revitalize economic growth.

Trump would not need to raise concerns with Kim, as Kim has maintained a neutral stance toward North Korea. However, he would be displeased if Kim initiates economic rapprochement with China.

Another strength of Kim is that he was born in Chungcheong province, a region often considered a political swing area. Many Koreans support presidential candidates from their hometowns, regardless of their qualifications.

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One of Kims weaknesses is that he is relatively new to the political stage, having primarily built his career as a civil servant and university chancellor. His party must actively promote him to the public as soon as possible.

Han from the conservative party is expected to run against two progressive candidates. He has followed in Yoons footsteps, having a lengthy legal career before being appointed as the leader of the ruling party in December 2023. Yoon regarded Han as his junior partner, influencing his decision to appoint him.

However, the relationship between Han and Yoon has deteriorated since Han began to distance himself from Yoons policy positions and criticize Yoons scandal-ridden wife. Hans actions were driven by his ambition to become the next president.

On Dec. 3, during martial law, Yoon ordered his soldiers to arrest and detain Han, the only targeted member of the ruling party. Han escaped arrest with assistance from an opposition party member.

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Despite Hans acclaimed legal expertise, he remains unpopular among his conservative colleagues and conservative members of the Korean community due to his opposition to Yoon. If Han is elected president, he would likely adopt a friendly approach toward the White House, similar to Yoon.

Oh is an alternative candidate to Han. He is a lawyer and politician who served as a member of the National Assembly from 2000 to 2004. Additionally, he has been the mayor of Seoul four times.

Although Oh has an impressive record, his popularity among Koreans is only 3%, according to a recent Gallup Korea survey.

However, Oh likely would consider Trumps political requests, as his policies consistently align with the conservative partys foreign policy platform.

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Overall, Trump would prefer to work with a conservative South Korean president as a political partner. However, widespread public discontent toward Yoon and the conservative party  stemming from the political and economic fallout following the imposition of martial law and subsequent impeachment  suggests that a progressive president is more likely to be elected.

A conservative South Korean president would likely be more cooperative and friendly toward Trump, while a progressive president may be less willing to collaborate, as they tend to prioritize the sovereignty of their nation and the interests of their people.

____

Seung-Whan Choi teaches Korean politics and international relations at the University of Illinois Chicago. A retired Army officer, he is the author of four books and dozens of journal articles.

___
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  In the first year of Gov. Jeff Landrys term there have been three special sessions to address redistricting, crime and tax reform. Throughout much of the state, many people are waiting for insurance reforms to try and bring down their premiums.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple believes a special session is needed before the next regular session to tackle this growing crisis.

People are leaving our state because of insurance. Businesses are leaving our state because of insurance, Temple said. People and businesses are probably not considering our state to move into because of insurance.

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Temple said they are waiting to see the full impact of property insurance reforms signed into law this year. Car insurance rates continue to be sky-high and there have been talks of tort reform after the 2020 efforts were concluded to be unsuccessful.

Theyve been fighting tort reform in the capital for the last 30 or 40 years. Well, obviously, that hasnt been successful, but theyve only been doing it trying to handle it during regular sessions, Temple said.

Louisiana enacts major tax reforms: Sales tax hike, income tax cut

Advocates for policyholders believe some of the moves already made by the legislature and Temple will harm consumers.

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I think most of Commissioner Temples proposals are legislative instruments that will make it harder for consumers to file claims, whether theyre home or auto, Ben Riggs with Real Reform Louisiana said.

Riggs has been against most of the slate of reforms that were passed in the 2024 regular session.

For example, the legislature repealed a unique law that required insurance companies to essentially be married to their policyholder if theyve renewed with them for more than three years. Without that protection, homeowners are susceptible to their insurance dropping them from their coverage.

Temple responds to those accusations by leaning into the idea that the reforms arent going to directly bring down premiums. Rather, it will create a more competitive market that will trickle down to lower rates for homeowners.

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Were twice the national average to claim bodily injury, Temple said. And if youre claiming bodily injury, then youre obviously going to have medical costs associated with it, which is going to drive the overall cost of the claim up. So were driving that factor by having twice the national average of bodily injury claims. Then the second factor is were also having were at twice the national average to litigate.

Riggs suggests more accountability is needed in how rates are set by the companies and if the commissioner ever rejects a proposed rate increase.

Louisiana as a state, has the second worst credit rating in the country and as a result, the use of credit scores in Louisiana really, really, really hurts our insurance rates, where we have the second highest insurance rates in the country, Riggs said.

Louisiana cast its electoral votes for Donald Trump

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When asked why there has not been a call for a session yet, Temple said he has not had a chance to talk to the governor about it but looks forward to doing so. Both Landry and Temple were inaugurated in January of 2024. Temple said his team hopes to compile legislation based on the testimony in the public hearings and present the governor with a package of bills for a special session.

Theres certainly political risk with it. I mean, Im elected and I know that theres things that people want to see results right away, Temple said. And insurance is not one where were going to see results right away. But thats why its important to make sure that what we ask legislators to pass and what we ultimately pass is going to make a difference.

Riggs said he has seen the ideas proposed by Temple in these legislative hearings as mostly pro-industry and believes a special session would do more harm than good to consumers.

Temple suggests that he would like to have the session in the weeks leading up to the 2025 regular session that begins on April 14. He also believes this issue is better set up to be addressed when there are no budget talks and other topics being debated.

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During a regular session, you see a lot of horse-trading. A lot of times people get leveraged, votes get leveraged, Temple said. You know, support this bill and Ill support that one. Dont support this billWe have a special session then we can truly focus. We can get the focus of the legislature to hone in on what needs to be done and have some really tough conversations.

Landry has not indicated there will be a special session on insurance in the short term but has mentioned that something has to be done to address the high rates in the state.

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Dec. 18Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph announced on Wednesday morning that since Oct. 1, they have helped more than 2,000 local families with energy assistance this winter.

CAP helps area residents in many different ways from their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, their Housing Development program, Water Assistance program, their Head Start program, Family Services programs and Community Engagement.

CAP shared on Wednesday, Dec. 18, that they have been able to help 2,133 households in the St. Joseph Community who were in a crisis energy assistance situation pay more than $119,800.

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When it comes to the peak of summer or winter, CAP makes sure that customers who are struggling to pay their energy bill and meet a certain criteria are able to benefit from their Energy Crisis Intervention Program.

Eligible customers include Missouri and United States residents who are responsible for paying utilities (including renters), who have less than $3,000 across all of their financial accounts and either meet or are below the income guidelines for a household of their size.

"We're so proud of the work they do every day to ensure families are staying warm this winter," CAP wrote on a social media post Wednesday morning.

CAP will be closed beginning on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 until Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

If you would like to find out more about CAP, or see if you may be eligible for services, visit their website at capstjoe.org.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi joined Kim Kalunian at 4 to discuss Hasbro, truck tolls, the Superman building, and his goals for 2025.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is notifying the public that a person whose past behavior has led him to be labeled a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) has moved to a new address in Colorado Springs.

According to CSPD, 62-year-old Rosendo Garza has moved to a new address at 620 West Colorado Avenue in Colorado Springs. Garza was convicted of Attempted Sexual Assault on a Child in El Paso County in 2001. Garza also has convictions for failing to register as a Sex Offender in 2007 and 2024.

Garza is described as a Hispanic man, 54, 160lbs with brown hair and brown eyes.

Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department

In accordance with Colorado law, CSPD is notifying the community and has undertaken the following tasks:

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Notified the Division of Criminal Justices Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) Notification Team.

Reviewed and confirmed Garzas residence, employment, access to vehicles, legal status, and past crimes.

Made notifications to neighbors and businesses deemed to be in the immediate area.

Briefed patrol personnel on Garzas status, history, appearance, residence, employment, and vehicles.

Notified surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Provided an online video that describes the SVP community notification process, SVP information, and additional resources for the community.

Online SVP Community Notification video at: www.coloradosprings.gov. Click on Public Safety, then click on Police, Transparency, and Data.

CSPD will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that Garza registers as a sex offender and that he understands his responsibilities as such. Anyone with further questions can contact Detective Nancy Gifford at (719) 444-7672.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The community is rallying around two Buffalo teens after their mother died from shingles this week by gathering gifts and food for them ahead of the upcoming holiday.

The teens story has led the community to fill the grieving families hearts and stockings with love. Jaci Kemp, 55, has been battling shingles for the last two years, falling to the illness on Monday.

She would always, over time, pick a different color to decorate the tree, said Donald Kemp, Jacis brother. She wanted to do that this year, but didnt get a chance to.

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Family members said that Jaci was the provider of the family.

She was basically the strength, just always had the boys in her heart and mind and worked her butt off, Donald said.

She was a great person and shes going to be highly missed, said Ginnie Gonzalez, a friend of Jacis. She really is going to be highly missed. She was a very loyal friend, very loyal.

Jaci left behind her two sons, who wished not to be on camera. They are now under the care of their uncle, who said hes ready to fill his sisters shoes.

The goal right now is to bring together all the resources I can to make sure that we can keep the home, Donald said.

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In true Buffalo fashion, community members have come out to support the family by sending love on Facebook and providing food and gifts for Christmas, along with other items.

In less than 24 hours, 11 bags of groceries and a Christmas ham was dropped off at the Kemp house, collected by two longtime friends.

You dont plan for things like this, it just it comes up, so we want to keep their life as close to normal as possible so they can get through this time, Gonzalez said.

Its made a really big difference. Even if its one bag of groceries, some clothes, two pairs of sneakers, whatever it was, it really helped and it mattered, said family friend Sandra Marrero. It might have been small to them, but its really big to us and were really grateful.

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Jacis ashes will be scattered beneath the Santa Monica Pier in California, where most of her family is from.

This is my first time, you know, ever going down this road and what its made me realize is that Im not alone. Thats probably the biggest thing, is Im not alone, Donald said. Thats definitely given me foundation to move forward.

The family is asking for any and all to help with this coming Christmas season.

Whether its a gift for Christmas, even five dollars to go towards their Christmas gifts and dinner or even some extra food you may have that your family doesnt like. Household items and Hygiene Products welcome, the family said on Facebook.

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You can help the Kemp family by sending support through Cash App to $Wildwest902, Venmo to Sandra-Marrero-19, or PayPal to SandraMarrero902 and putting donation in the description.

You can also reach out to Marrero for gift or food pickups at (716) 250-8602.

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Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia and Turkmenistan are committed to strengthening cooperation in the oil and gas sector, the leaders of both countries said on Thursday after a bilateral meeting.

This cooperation will be long-term and mutually beneficial, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said in a joint statement at the conclusion of the latter's inaugural official visit to Malaysia.

"Recognizing a shared vision, the two leaders emphasized the significance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, and noted (Malaysia's state-owned oil and gas firm) Petronas' positive, long-lasting experience in this field," the statement said.

"Both leaders are committed to building a robust, long-term partnership with a strong focus on the oil and gas industry, aiming for continued growth and mutual prosperity. This reaffirms both countries' commitment to exploring new opportunities in the spirit of mutual benefit," it added.

Both leaders are committed to cooperating and coordinating through various international cooperative platforms, including the United Nations, the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other international organization frameworks.

They also witnessed the exchange of notes between Malaysia and Turkmenistan on partial visa abolishment agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, air services agreement and aviation industry, as well as between the institutes of foreign relations of both countries on cooperation in the field of training for diplomats and scientific exchange. 
WARE, Mass. (WWLP)  We continue our coverage of the controversy at Ware Public Schools involving the schools superintendent.

Urgent need for blood donations this holiday season

Wednesday night was significant as it was the first meeting since the Ware Teachers Association voted no confidence in Superintendent Michael Lovato.

Teachers, parents, and students gathered in the Ware High Schools auditorium for the first school committee meeting since the Ware Teachers Association voted no of confidence in school superintendent Michael Lovato.

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This is in response to the multiple allegations made against Lovato during his 17-month leadership including a hostile working environment, unfair treatment, and even violation of Individualized Education Programs, also known as IEPs, which is a legal document that outlines a students special education services.

Situations that are damaging to students are of the most importance to us, and our membership felt it was time to make these concerns public and known to the school committee. Amber Boucher, Preisdent, Ware teachers Association

In response to the vote, Lovato gave a presentation during the committee meeting, to address teachers and parents concerns.

We are going to share the facts. Whether its good or bad. We are going to tell the truth and we are going to tell themask the questions you need to. We are going to listen. Michael Lovato, Superintendent, Ware Public Schools

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Lovatos presentation showed the current progress made in the Ware Public School systemincluding the graduation ratebut highlighted areas of improvement, like behavior and discipline. Special education was a top concern for many in attendance.

One person in attendance shared with 22News, They have special-ed teachers but they are busy with 20-25 kids. How can they give those kids the individual attention that they need?

School Committee Chair Brian Winslow says that the committee is actively reviewing the concerns of the teachers associationadding that Lovato has, quote, dedicated himself to implementing necessary changes that aim at addressing the longstanding challenges to improve the educational experience for all students.

Lovato says his presentation will be available on the schools website. We will keep you up to date on any decision made by the school committee regarding these allegations.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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HONOLULU(KHON2)  The Eddie could go this week. Organizers have put the Big Wave Invitational on yellow alert.

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The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is the premier surf event in the world, honoring the memory of Eddie Aikau.

Were running this event in the name of one of the biggest legends in the sport is surfing, who was a lifeguard here at Waimea Bay, Liam McNamara, the event director explained. The legacy, the history, the prestige, its just all there.

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McNamara said conditions are prime for the contest to run Sunday, December 22.

Were in a good place right now. were pretty confident, McNamara said.

The three elements needed to green light the contest are aligning. The first requirement: wave heights. The Eddie requires consistent 40 foot surf. He said the swell is on its way to arrive 8 a.m. Sunday, coming from the North North West with clean conditions.

On Friday, well be making that final call to go green, McNamara said. So everybody will have forty eight hours to pack their lunches and get ready for the weekend.

Yellow alert issued for Eddie surf contest to possibly run Sunday

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Rocky Canon, Eddie Aikau Broadcast team member Rocky Canon said he has his fingers crossed, hoping and praying to the ocean gods that we are going to have our chance to do it again on Sunday.

If the Bay calls the day this weekend, it will be only the 11th time the prestigious event happened since 1984.

Canon recalls the last event in January 2023.

I dont remember seeing an Eddie that was that consistent, Canon explained. And thats huge as far as the amount of large waves, and then of course the cherry on top. You know, having one of our local boys homegrown, Waimea lifeguard, Luke Shepardson take home, the Eddie trophy was just a special day,

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The historic even will draw thousands to Waimea Bay and the beach will be packed with eager onlookers and surfing enthusiasts. McNamara is urging everyone who decides to come down to exercise caution.

There were a number of close calls and injuries when the Eddie ran in 2023, requiring lifeguards to rescue spectators swept off their feet by waves washed ashore..

Be mindful of what the lifeguards say, number one. Last year, the other year we had a lot of water moving around. We had people over there in the corner, on rocks and in bushes, McNamara said. The Bay here is only so big. Make sure to listen to the lifeguards. Make sure to know where the high water marks are.

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If the event gets the green light for Sunday, it will air live at 8 a.m. on KHII and on Rogue.TV

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DAKAR, Senegal (AP)  A man in western Congo died Thursday with hemorrhagic fever symptoms, leading officials to suspect that a still-unidentified virus may be involved alongside malaria in a mysterious outbreak that has killed dozens of people, health authorities said.

Congo authorities said last week that they suspected malaria in the flu-like disease outbreak, which has killed at least 37 people and in which more than four out of five patients have tested positive for malaria.

But the death of the man with hemorrhagic fever  not normally associated with parasite-caused malaria  could indicate a virus at work as well.

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The man died Thursday in the remote Panzi area of Kwango province where the outbreak has been recorded, Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention official Ngashi Ngongo told reporters.

That has led to a working hypothesis that the outbreak is either severe malaria on a background of malnutrition or a viral infection that is happening on the background of malaria," Ngongo said.

Malaria is endemic in the Panzi area, where there also are high levels of malnutrition, complicating the diagnosis of the latest outbreak.

So far, there have been 592 reported cases and 37 deaths confirmed in health facilities, Ngongo said. That is an increase of 65 cases and 5 deaths compared to last week. There have been an additional 44 deaths documented in communities, which are currently being investigated.

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Out of samples taken from 51 cases, 86% have tested positive for malaria. Tests for additional diseases are being conducted at national laboratories and are expected next week, Ngongo said.

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said last week that most of the blood samples collected in the Panzi area were positive for malaria but that it was possible that more than one disease was involved. He said further samples were being collected and tested.

Most of the cases and deaths reported in Panzi have been children under 14, according to WHO.

The symptoms have included fever, headache, cough and anemia. Experts from WHO and Congo's National Rapid Response Team were in the area last week to investigate and take samples.

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The Panzi health zone, around 435 miles (700 kilometers) from the capital, Kinshasa, is hard to access. The experts took two days to arrive, according to Congos health minister.

Because of the lack of local testing capacity, samples had to be taken to Kikwit, more than 310 miles (500 kilometers) away, the head of the National Institute for Public Health, Dieudonne Mwamba, said last week.

Panzi was hit by an epidemic of typhoid fever two years ago, and there is currently a resurgence of seasonal flu across the country, Mwamba added.

The area also has low vaccination coverage, leaving children vulnerable to a range of diseases including malaria, the head of the WHO said Tuesday.
Congress has less than 12 hours to find a way to fund the federal government or risk the closure of multiple federal agencies and services. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees will either be furloughed or sent home days before Christmas

Republicans abandoned a proposed bipartisan plan Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk voiced their opposition. The Associated Press reported that Trump told House Speaker Mike Johnson to renegotiate the deal days before a deadline when federal funding runs out.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency amid bird flu outbreak

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Heres what you need to know:

What is a federal government shutdown?

According to the states Employment Development Department, Congress sets aside money for federal agencies to use in the next fiscal year each year. When there isnt a current federal budget, federal agencies must stop spending money until a new budget is passed. This is known as a federal government shutdown.

What happens to federal workers during a shutdown?

Federal workers are classified as either essential or nonessential.

Essential employees, those who perform emergency work involving the safety of human life, the protection of property or other exempted work, will be required to report to work.

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However, non-essential workers will be furloughed or placed on unpaid leave.

What services/ programs will be impacted?

The U.S. Constitution specifies that the president continues to get paid during a shutdown.

Lawmakers in Congress will also continue to receive pay.

The Social Security Administration will continue distributing Social Security benefits to seniors and people with disabilities. However, a lapse in funding can delay new claims and other customer service requests.

Medicare claims will continue to proceed, but new applications, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and more could be delayed due to a funding lapse.

Veterans benefits, such as education and health benefits, disability compensation, and pension claims, will not be impacted. All VA medical facilities and clinics will remain open and operational, but VA call centers and hotlinesexcluding the Veterans Crisis Linewill be impacted.

Federal unemployment benefits will continue to be dispersed to the California Employment Development Department.

The U.S. Postal Service will remain operational.

United States military activities , excluding operations deemed necessary for national security, will cease operation. Active-duty personnel will continue on a normal duty status and will not be paid until Congress appropriates their funding.

About half of the Pentagons 800,000 civilian employees would be furloughed.

National parks, monuments and other sites would be closed to the public. Park rangers will also be furloughed. Some states could use money to keep their parks and other sites open.

Agents at the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, other federal law enforcement agencies and prison staffers would remain on the job. The Secret Service and the Coast Guard will continue operations. However, the Federal Trade Commissions consumer protection and antitrust employees would be furloughed.

Federal courts can remain open without congressional funding but will eventually have to scale back activities depending on how long the shutdown lasts. The Supreme Court would stay open as well.

Airport security screeners and air traffic control workers would be required to work, according to a breakdown from Reuters, but absenteeism could be a problem.

U.S. embassies and consulates would remain open. Passport and visa processing would continue as long as sufficient fees cover operations.

Pell Grants and student loans would continue to be paid out but could be disrupted as most Education Department employees would be furloughed.

The Internal Revenue Service would stop examining and auditing tax returns and responding to taxpayer queries. Automated tax collection would continue. About two-thirds of the 90,000 employees at the IRS will be furloughed.

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GREENWICH, Conn. (WTNH)  Connecticut students are taking action and spreading joy in honor of a Long Island teen who bravely fought a devastating disease.

When Penny was just 4 months old, she rolled off our bed and fractured her tibia bone, Kate Doerge said of her daughter, Penny.

That incident uncovered devastating news. Penny had a disease called neurofibromatosis (NF).

Sandra Boyntons new holiday book with music is for children and adults

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Because we wanted to make sure she had a big beautiful life, we didnt let the diagnosis define her, Doerge said.

She had multiple surgeries on her leg and a recurring brain tumor.

Doerge said, through it all, her daughter was full of light and joy.

She went skating and did ballet. She did gymnastics and bedazzled her cast that she had, she said.

Sadly, Penny passed away two years ago at 16.

Her parents recognized the supportive community that had formed and knew they had to turn pain into purpose.

They founded Pennys Flight to raise funds for research around NF that could hopefully lead to a cure.

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While Penny lived in Long Island, chapters of Pennys Flight popped up all around the region in places like Trinity College in Hartford and Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford.

Two years ago, I learned about Pennys Flight through a family member, Daphne Fallon who is part of a chapter at Sacred Heart in Greenwich said where she takes part in special events like painting parties. Whether its selling merch or getting the word out there, its really just the little things to help get the message out there is the main goal.

Fallon even produced a documentary about Pennys life thats been shown at local film festivals.

Having her light everywhere you go is just super inspiring, she said.

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Its become this movement, Doerge said. We talk about spreading wings and shining a light but theyre doing it on their own.

The family is amazed by the support and is gratified to help others and teach others while guided by Pennys special spirit.

Its such an honor and a beautiful tribute to Penny and the way she lived her life, Doerge said.

Fallon hopes to raise more awareness of Pennys Flight at a special squash game at Sacred Heart in the coming months.

Click here to learn more about Pennys Flight.

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A Connecticut man who stabbed his neighbor to death pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity on Wednesday.

Sebastian Andrews, 32, has been charged with murder for the March 2023 killing of Arinzechukwu Red Ukachukwu, 39, in Wilton.

Andrews insanity plea was entered after psychological evaluations from specialists hired by the state and by Andrews defense team. Investigators have described the killing as a random act of violence with no known motive.

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A three-day hearing from April 1-3 will determine Andrews fate, the Norwalk Hour reported. Defense attorneys will argue he was suffering from mental disease or defect at the time he killed Ukachukwu, whose family was disappointed in Wednesdays plea.

I feel it was a premeditated murder, the victims sister, Princess Ukachukwu, told the Hour. A white man kills a black man, and now hes able to get off.

Andrews walked to his next-door neighbors house on March 21, 2023, and confronted Ukachukwu in the driveway before stabbing him and dragging him into the garage, authorities said. Andrews father spotted his sons attack from a window and called the cops, according to a police report.

When Andrews first spoke with police, he claimed he acted in self-defense, but investigators said his story didnt match the evidence.

Ukachukwu had just moved from Brooklyn to Wilton months earlier, heading out for what he hoped was a peaceful life in the suburbs to raise his 2-year-old son, Golden Gray, with his wife, Alisha Lager.
MADISON, Wis. (WFRV)  Timothy M. OShea, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced on Monday that a 27-year-old man from Hartford, Conn. was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison.

Matthew Ramos-Soto pled guilty to charges stemming from a wire fraud scheme that targeted the elderly on April 4, 2024.

Former Fond du Lac restaurant owner indicted for arson, fraud scheme

Ramos-Soto, according to the release, was part of a larger network that called elderly victims posing as either a relative or an attorney, claiming that their relative was arrested for causing a fatal accident.

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Victims were forced to provide bail money in cash so their relatives could be released. A courier posing as a bail bondsman picked up the funds from victims residences.

Ramos-Soto was one of the couriers as well. Between October 24 and October 28 of 2022, he and other couriers picked up more than $250,000 from Wisconsin victims.

He was identified by law enforcement and ultimately arrested while trying to pick up money in Michigan in June 2023. Cell phone data from Ramos-Soto showed that he had picked up money from victims in 18 different locations around the country from October 2022 to June 2023.

Multiple federal cases have been brought against this network in other states as well.

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Wisconsin man nicknamed Bin Laden sentenced to 45 years for sex trafficking

Unfortunately, scams targeting the elderly or vulnerable are proliferating, OShea said. If someone demands money over the phone or internet, always reach out to a trusted advisor or law enforcement agency.

No more details were provided.

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A Connecticut police officer who fatally shot a man as he tried to flee in a stolen vehicle while being attacked by a police dog was justified in using deadly force while inside the car, according to a report issued Thursday by the states Office of Inspector General.

It was both reasonable and justified for West Hartford Officer Andrew Teeter to fire five rounds into the torso of Mike Alexander-Garcia on Aug. 8, 2023, to defend himself and others from what he reasonably believed to be a threat of serious injury or death, Inspector General Robert J. Devlin, Jr. wrote in the report.

The document comes four months after the family of Alexander-Garcia filed a wrongful death lawsuit naming Teeter, the West Hartford police and the town as defendants. It alleges violations of Alexander-Garcias constitutional rights, state laws and police policies and procedures. The family has also called for a federal civil rights investigation of the department, alleging racial profiling was involved.

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Lawyers for the family on Thursday released a statement saying they were deeply disappointed in the inspector general report and maintain Alexander-Garcias death was completely unnecessary and the result of over-aggressive police work.

Had Officer Teeter made different decisions that day, Mike would still be alive. We know what Mike did that day. But it is the job of our police officers to mitigate danger and risk rather than increase it, the lawyers said, noting they will continue to seek justice and accountability on behalf of Mike and his family by all means possible.

The chaotic and deadly 2023 confrontation occurred during the evening rush hour on a busy local street in the Hartford suburb. Police had received a report of a stolen vehicle. They used tire-deflation devices to try and stop it, but the vehicle kept moving before eventually crashing. Alexander-Garcia, who was inside, abandoned the car, tried unsuccessfully to take two occupied vehicles before running into a nearby car service center and getting into a Toyota RAV4 with the keys in the ignition.

Teeter sent the police dog into the vehicle through an open car window and ordered the dog to bite Alexander-Garcia. Teeter also got into the RAV4. But Alexander-Garcia, who began to drive off, ignored the bites, Teeters orders to stop and repeated threats to shoot and continued to drive away, the inspector generals office determined.

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Before he was shot, Alexander-Garcia is heard on Teeters body camera saying, Let me out. Please. Please Officer, according to a transcript included in the report.

The officer shot Alexander-Garcia while he was driving away recklessly, hitting Teeters cruiser, another vehicle and a stack of tires before crashing into a utility pole. Alexander-Garcia was treated at the scene and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

The inspector generals investigation determined it was reasonable for Teeter to deploy the dog and to get inside the vehicle himself. But the lawyers for Alexander-Garcias family said the actions were overly aggressive.

Lifting a police dog into the car Mike was in and then jumping into the car created the situation that led Officer Teeter to shoot Mike five times, according to their statement. This was over-aggressive police work that led to tragic results."
BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- China hopes that the European Union (EU) will take concrete steps as soon as possible to jointly advance consultations on a price commitment plan for Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian made the remarks at a press conference in response to a question on the progress of the consultations.

He noted that China always stands for the resolution of trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, and has been doing its utmost in the price commitment talks. 
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A new waterline is set to provide quality water to the village of Casstown.

According to the Miami County commissioners, more than $4 million has been invested for the creation of a waterline spanning more than 2.5 miles. The funds will ensure the line brings quality water to residents, as well as the line being brought to village homes.

Commissioners said the project is a much-needed step to enhance the lives of village residents.

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The project has been a priority for us for quite some time. This is crucial for the quality of life for these Casstown residents, said the commissioners. There have been a lot of moving parts to this project that took some time to navigate, but we remained dedicated to seeing it through.

Construction is expected to occur in mid-March 2025.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  Construction work led to a fire at the priest residences near Dowling Catholic High School on Wednesday.

At around 10:30 a.m. the West Des Moines Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in the 1300 block of Buffalo Road. When crews arrived on scene they found fire inside one of the walls of the building.

Des Moines teen pleads guilty to high-speed crash that killed couple

According to the fire department, construction crews were working when a spark from grinding caught something inside the wall on fire.

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The department said no injuries were reported.

Metro News:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Some people may be surprised to learn that a transmission line across Kansas is still in the works.

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that it will no longer pursue the Midwest-Plains and Plains-Southwest National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor through Kansas.

However, on Thursday, the Kansas Corporation Commission emphasized that the Grain Belt Express transmission line it approved in 2011 is still going through the state regulatory process.

Path of the Grain Belt Express (KSN Graphic)

Its status as a previously approved project has not changed and is moving forward, the KCC said in a news release. The DOEs decision does not reverse the previously announced $4.9 billion conditional loan guarantee awarded to the Grain Belt Express project on Nov. 25.

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Suspect arrested in Dallas in $50K Great Bend scam

With the DOE ruling Kansas out of the federal corridor designation, decisions about the Grain Belt Express will be under state jurisdiction.

Linda Berry, KCC spokesperson, said that includes the possibility of land being taken through eminent domain.

The Grain Belt route was approved in 2013, and all affected landowners were notified at that time, she said. At this point, we have been told that 97% of the easements have been signed.

She says the federal corridor would have been five miles wide, which could have opened the door to additional projects going through the area in the future, increasing the amount of land needed. The Grain Belt easements are 150 feet wide.

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The project would transport energy from Kansas wind and solar farms. The KCC has taken several actions on it over the past 13 years:

2011  KCC approval based on benefits to the state and granted a Certificate of Convenience and necessity to build the line.

2013  Approval of a route, beginning at a converter station in Ford County and continuing to Missouri.

2019  Approval of the project acquisition by Invenergy Transmission LLC from Grain Belt Express Clean Line LLC.

2023  Approval of a request to allow the line to be built in two phases. Phase 1 can begin once all regulatory and financing requirements have been obtained for the Kansas and Missouri portion of the project. The order issued did not remove or alter any of the protections for landowners that were required by the commission when it approved the acquisition of the project by Invenergy in 2019.

2024  Conditional approval to a siting plan for two 345 kV transmission lines, known as the AC Collector System, designed to connect wind and solar farms to the Grain Belt Express.

Coming in 2025  The commission is expected to take action on the siting of the AC Collector lines.

The KCC currently has statutory siting authority and will continue its responsibilities under Kansas law as the agency that evaluates applications for companies seeking to operate as a public utility in Kansas as well as approving the routes of any transmission line 230kV or higher and longer than 5 miles that is constructed in the State, Berry said.

The Grain Belt Express website says that it will connect four states across 800 miles with low-cost power for 3.2 million homes. Click here to learn more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
The Cook County Board on Thursday approved three large settlements  a fraction of the more than $120 million approved during 2024, according to the countys Finance Committee.

The largest on Thursdays agenda, $3 million, was for Jeremiah Cain, who spent 23 years in prison for supplying a gun in the 1999 murder of Jose Garcia and shooting of Julio Lugo, which he said he did not do. As of September 2023, he was one of 40 people exonerated in recent years after problematic murder investigations by Area 5 Chicago police detectives, including Reynaldo Guevara.

The shooting was part of a gang rivalry involving the Latin Kings and Orchestra Albany, of which Cain was a member.

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Cain sued in federal court in September 2023, alleging police and a Cook County prosecutor conspired among themselves and with others, known and unknown, to frame him for the murder. The case also alleged other officers were aware Cain was being physically and verbally abused during interrogation.

The suit alleged Detective Anthony Wojcik struck (Cain) multiple times and punched him while he was chained to a wall, that officers conspired to get Cain and other co-defendants to sign a false confession that he had supplied the gun used in a gang rivalry shooting, and that at trial, cops concealed material that would have cleared him. While police found the gun at Cains house, witnesses later said Cain had no knowledge the weapon was involved in the shooting.

Cains case was among a group of eight that were vacated by then-States Attorney Kim Foxx in 2022. Murder charges were dismissed, he was released from prison and received a certificate of innocence in April 2024. The settlement will be split between Cain and his attorneys at the Bonjean Law Group.

The board also approved a $1.5 million settlement to Robert Hill, who sued the county sheriff and the Robbins Police Department for their handling of an investigation of a 2005 robbery and shooting at a Robbins liquor store.

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Hill denied ever serving as a driver for the two men who had committed the crime and claimed that any statements implicating him were false, according to court records. Hill had also made an agreement with officers at the time that if he passed a polygraph test, he would be released. He passed and was let go, but was later arrested and prosecuted anyway.

Though said he had an alibi for the time of the robbery, his lawyer did not submit it, court records say. A judge later found that polygraph agreement was binding and dismissed the indictment. Hill was released in 2017.

The board also approved a $1.15 million medical malpractice settlement with Tondeo Wilkerson.

Wilkerson was transferred to the countys Stroger Hospital after he dislocated his knee in the spring of 2020. Staff found problems with the main artery there, according to his complaint. Part of his leg was amputated in a surgery that wasnt performed until the night after he was admitted.

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The county and its health system do not typically comment on such settlements, nor do commissioners. The deals are discussed in closed sessions of the countys litigation subcommittee and are approved as a package during open monthly finance meetings. All three were approved Thursday without comment. County records indicate more than $120 million was spent on settlements this year.

In separate action, the board approved tweaks to the countys paid time off ordinance to address concerns that teachers at suburban schools would take a partial PTO day and create a substitute teacher shortage. Since passage of the original ordinance, park districts and school boards in the suburbs have pushed to be exempt from the countys paid time off ordinance, to no avail.

They are concerned expanded paid time off would be difficult to administer and cost more to hire substitute teachers. The ordinance approved Thursday said schools may set a minimum increment not to exceed their regular workday, meaning workers could not opt to take two hours off at midday, for example.

Commissioner Scott Britton had been leading a charge to exempt schools and parks over the past year and said during a Wednesday hearing that the rules unintended consequences were playing out.

Entire municipalities were opting out of the ordinance, exempting the school and park districts within them. This is exactly the consequence of what happens when you dont vet something, Britton said. I dont think by insisting on having parks and schools included we realized, perhaps I didnt realize, that there would be fewer people covered than would have been had those not been included.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability on Thursday released body-worn camera footage of a harrowing late-October shootout between Chicago police officers and a now-deceased hate crime suspect in the West Rogers Park neighborhood.

Around 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 26, a 39-year-old Orthodox Jewish man was in the 2600 block of West Farwell Avenue when someone approached from behind and shot him in the shoulder, police previously said. Neighbors came to the aid of the wounded man while the shooter remained in the area.

The video footage released Thursday shows Chicago Police Department officers responding to the scene of the initial shooting before the suspect, 22-year-old Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, darted out of an alley and opened fire on a CPD officer and Chicago Fire Department ambulance.

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Bodycam footage from one officer captured a plume of smoke from the barrel of Abdallahis gun. COPA records indicate five of the 10 responding CPD officers fired their weapons, and dozens of gunshots can be heard over about three minutes.

Abdallahi was struck several times and taken into custody. He was eventually charged with attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, hate crime and terrorism.

Abdallahi was found dead in his Cook County Jail cell on Nov. 30. The county medical examiners office said as of Dec. 19 that his cause and manner of death have yet to be determined, though the sheriffs office previously said Abdallahi suffered an apparent suicide attempt.
China wants to hit a military modernization milestone in 2027.

But China's ongoing crackdown on military corruption could disrupt its progress, says the Pentagon.

China suspended a top military official last month, a year after firing its last defense minister.

China's near-term military modernization goal could be bogged down by its corruption scandals, a senior US defense official said on Monday.

"The substantial problems they have with corruption that have yet to be resolved certainly could slow them down on the path toward the 2027 capabilities development milestone and beyond," the official told journalists during a press briefing.

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A transcript of the briefing was published on Wednesday, the same day the Defense Department released its annual assessment on China's military capabilities.

According to the Pentagon's report, at least 15 high-ranking Chinese military officials and defense industry executives were removed from their positions between July and December 2023.

Last month, The Financial Times reported that defense minister Adm. Dong Jun was under investigation for graft, the third consecutive person in the role to be investigated. A defense ministry spokesperson denied the FT's report, calling it a "sheer fabrication."

Also last month, China's defense ministry said a senior military official, Adm. Miao Hua, was suspended and under investigation for "serious violations of discipline." The accusation usually refers to corruption.

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The 69-year-old oversaw political indoctrination in the People's Liberation Army and served on the Central Military Commission. The six-person commission, chaired by China's leader, Xi Jinping, oversees China's armed forces.

Miao's suspension came just a year after China's last defense minister, Gen. Li Shangfu was fired. Li was in office for seven months before he was removed.

Li and his predecessor, Wei Fenghe, were eventually expelled from the Chinese Communist Party for alleged corruption in June. They were also stripped of their military ranks.

"In 2023, a new wave of corruption-related investigations and removals of senior leaders may have disrupted the PLA's progress toward stated 2027 modernization goals," the Pentagon's report said.

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Earlier this year, US intelligence highlighted corruption effects including missiles filled with water and intercontinental ballistic missile silos sporting improperly functioning lids that could derail a missile launch.

US intelligence sources told Bloomberg in January that corruption was so severe in China's Rocket Force and the wider PLA that it would most likely force Xi to recalibrate whether Beijing can take on any major military action soon.

US officials believe that Xi wants China to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027. China first announced the modernization goal in October 2020. The 2027 milestone will coincide with the centennial of the PLA's founding.

"That doesn't mean that he's decided to invade in 2027 or any other year," CIA chief William J. Burns said in an interview with CBS in February 2023.

Representatives for China's defense and foreign ministries did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Fort Lauderdale might start charging a new tax that would bring in tens of millions to help cover the cost of ocean rescue and emergency medical services.

The tax would come to $456.78 for a home with a taxable value of $590,000, according to current estimates. The higher the value of the home or commercial property, the higher the tax.

Commissioners got details about the possible new tax from an outside consultant on Tuesday.

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If Fort Lauderdale moves forward with the plan, the tax would show up on property tax bills as soon as 2026.

The tax would apply not only to single-family homes, but to all properties currently taxed in Fort Lauderdale, said Peter Napoli, a senior manager with Stantec Consulting.

Napoli had a dire warning for the commission, saying the city can expect a growing shortfall over the coming years if drastic measures are not taken.

The city will face a deficit of $4.7 million in 2026; a deficit of $35.4 million in 2027; $39.4 million in 2028; $52.9 million in 2029; and $45.3 million in 2030, Napoli said. Emergency reserves would be depleted by 2029, he added.

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Commissioner Ben Sorensen said he was alarmed by the news.

Were going to be in trouble if we dont increase revenue or significantly reduce spending, he said.

Mayor Dean Trantalis said an Emergency Medical Services tax would help close the gap, but he sees no reason to move forward with a new tax at this time.

Ive seen these (projections) for years and theyre always jaw dropping, he said. And at the end of the day, we seem to find a way to close the gap.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue has a $127.4 million budget.

Heres how the budget breaks down: The cost of fire/first responders is $68.5 million. Costs related to Emergency Medical Services come to $52.9 million. And Ocean Rescue costs an additional $5.9 million.

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Fort Lauderdale homeowners already pay a yearly fire fee of $328.

Unlike the fire fee, the EMS tax would be tied to the value of their property.

Collecting an EMS tax rate of $68 per $100,000 in assessed value would bring in nearly $75 million over the next 10 years, Napoli said. Increasing the EMS tax to $86 per $100,000 in assessed value by 2033 would bring in close to $95 million.

You can adopt the EMS tax rate at full cost recovery in the first year, Napoli said. Or you can phase it in, ramp it up over a four-year period or five-year period.

Heres the cost breakdown if the EMS tax were phased in:

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 25% cost recovery in Year 1: $101.64 for a home with a taxable value of $590,000

 50% cost recovery in Year 2: $208.57

 75% cost recovery in Year 3: $322.67

 100% cost recovery in Year 4: $454.83.

After hearing the presentation, Trantalis said he and the commission needed time to vet the idea with the community.

According to your chart, this is not going to creep up on us until 2027, he told the consultant. We dont really have to do anything now. I see a projected deficit of only $4.7 million in 2026. Its something we can consider down the road. I think it might be important to reach out to the community and see what the appetite is for this.

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Acting City Manager Susan Grant suggested the commission move forward with a new ordinance to get the framework in place, even if they decide to wait on collecting the new tax.

That way wed be prepared based on what budget numbers look like, Grant said. Set up the framework and we wouldnt have to decide until June or July.

Vice Mayor Steve Glassman and Commission John Herbst both agreed.

I think to set up the structure is not a bad idea, Glassman said.

The mayors response: I dont want to scare anybody either.

Herbst chimed in.

I concur that establishing a structure right now doesnt necessarily obligate us to fund anything, he said. And it puts the infrastructure in place so if we do decide we want to move forward were not hamstrung by timing considerations.

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Herbst suggested the commission continue the discussion at their annual goal-setting session in January.

I do think we should come to some consensus in January before we get too much further down the road, Herbst said.

Grant said shed direct staff to begin working on an ordinance so the commission can be poised to move forward with the new tax if thats the route they decide to take.

Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan
There are no signs yet that talk of Trumps terror will push undocumented immigrants to self-deport in droves.

Instead, they and their U.S. citizen children might end up in hugely profitable tent cities or internment camps in the middle of nowhere and forgotten just like the Germans, Japanese and other Europeans during World War I and World War II.

No, this isnt hyperbole.

Its part of Donald Trumps plan, and it is coming right out of his mouth.

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The president-elect and his people seem serious about invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to round up undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

It's dangerous to invoke the Alien Enemies Act

A lot of Trump supporters love the idea of eradicating all the immigrants  criminals or not. But do they want this done by any means necessary?

Thats dangerous stuff, and not because mass deportation wont necessarily secure the 2,000-mile border with Mexico, as Trump promised to get elected.

But because handing over such unlimited powers to a single individual puts everyone in danger.

If Trump is allowed to invoke the Alien Enemies Act, he or a future president could use it on a whim against any American deemed an enemy.

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Theres a good reason why that 1798 law has been invoked only three times: during the War of 1812, World War I and World War II.

What does the act do?

It allows the president in wartime to detain and deport the natives and citizens of an enemy nation, Katherine Yon Ebright of the Brennan Center for Justice explained.

Only Congress can declare war.

When can the president invoke the act?

The act can be used in times of declared war or when a foreign government threatens or undertakes an invasion or predatory incursion against U.S. territory.

This is where it gets dicey.

Clearly, the U.S. is not at war with Mexico  not in the literal sense, as legal experts say is the intent of the 1798 act.

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But anti-immigration hardliners argue that drug and human trafficking, and the throngs of asylum seekers showing up at the border constitute an invasion and predatory incursion.

Legal scholars and experts have extensively weighed in the constitutionality of invoking the aliens act as an immigration enforcement tool. No doubt, though, that the incoming Trump administration plans to invoke it and test its legality.

Wilson kept people locked up for years

Its imperative, then, to understand how this largely forgotten law was used in the past to try to gauge what might happen under the Trump administration and future presidents  if he gets his way.

Congress declared war against Germany in April 1917. Then President Woodrow Wilson seized on the Alien Enemies Act to ultimately intern more than 6,000 Germans at war prison barracks built in states like Georgia and Utah.

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Enemy aliens then werent limited to those born in countries at war with the U.S. but also some who expressed pro-German sentiments and hostility to U.S. involvement in the war.

The war fighting ended in November 1918, but arrests kept going until 1919. And the last prisoners werent released until June of 1930, according to national archives.

Nearly 70,000 citizens were sent in WWII

Thats damning, right? At minimum, it shows how easily the act can be abused.

Years later, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the evacuation of all persons deemed a threat from the West Coast to internment camps and government relocation centers.

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By then, the FBI had already identified German, Italian and Japanese people suspected of being enemy agents, but suspicion quickly spread to all persons of Japanese descent, whether foreign born or American citizens.

The result? More than 120,000 persons were sent to assembly centers, including racetracks or fairgrounds. That includes nearly 70,000 American citizens, national archives show.

Trump's border czar has studied this history

Tellingly, Trumps new border czar and other hardliners have carefully studied the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and how it was carried out.

Theyre reportedly eyeing remote locations in Texas and elsewhere to build detention centers, just like it was done during World War II.

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The point of remote sites, I suppose, would be to keep the detained migrants out of sight, hidden from Americans who would protest their deportation.

Opinion: Even Democrats are using immigrants for political gain

But I bet Trumps immigration czars didnt read or are ignoring the fact that former Republican President Ronald Reagan signed a law in 1988 acknowledging the injustice of internment.

Either that or they just dont care about one of Republicans long-standing mantras to respect the rule of law.

This isn't just about deporting immigrants

Its easy and convenient to forget about Americas past, especially mistakes made in the heat of political upheaval and war.

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The current anti-immigrant paranoia is as intense and discriminate as that against the Japanese, who were falsely accused of remaining loyal to their ancestral land, or the Germans and other Europeans before them.

But dont forget Reagans words as he apologized for the World War II internments, quoting himself as a young actor:

Blood that has soaked into the sands of a beach is all of one color. America stands unique in the world: the only country not founded on race but on a way, an ideal. Not in spite of but because of our polyglot background, we have had all the strength in the world. That is the American way.

As much as Trump wants it, the United States is not technically at war with Mexico or Venezuela or Haiti or El Salvador or Nicaragua or any other country that people are fleeing to seek refuge in America.

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You may want immigrants gone by any means.

But you ought to question the wisdom of letting Trump invoke such awesome powers as the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 because he or future presidents could easily turn it against anyone in America deemed an enemy.

Elvia Diaz is editorial page editor for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Reach her at 602-444-8606 or elvia.diaz@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, (formerly Twitter), @elviadiaz1.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump deportation plans could lock up citizens for years | Opinion
Trade Minister Omer Bolat addressed the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) General Assembly, evaluating the latest economic data and providing updates on trade with the European Union.

Minister Bolat stated that the Turkiye-European Union trade volume increased by 4% in 2024 and reached $216 billion.

During his presentation on the 2025 budget of the Ministry of Trade, Minister Bolat highlighted the ministry's activities and goals. He noted that geopolitical tensions and rising protectionist trends in trade policies have created significant uncertainties globally. He reminded the assembly that the world economy grew by 3.3% last year, performing below the historical average.

Despite weak external demand and the devastating earthquake on February 6, the Turkish economy demonstrated strong performance, growing by 5.1% in 2023. Minister Bolat also projected that the current account deficit would be less than 1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) this year.

To boost exports, Minister Bolat mentioned that they supported exporting firms with 42 support programs, providing $15.3 billion in aid to 21,545 firms this year. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainability of exports and increase market diversity. Through the Export Academy, they aim to raise the number of exporting firms from the current 140,000 to over 200,000 by 2030.

Minister Bolat also discussed their diplomatic efforts to increase the export of goods and services, stating.

"The Turkiye-European Union trade volume increased by 4% in 2024, reaching $216 billion. We have accelerated our efforts to update the Customs Union. We are negotiating our justified demands on issues such as visa barriers, transportation, truck transit documents, and free trade agreement discrepancies. We are working with our sectors on the EU's green and digital transformation processes," he concluded.
MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday commended the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) for its achievements over the past five "extraordinary" years.

Xi made the remarks while addressing a welcome dinner held by the SAR government on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. 
Dec. 18The seven-year lease for Dartmouth Health to run the only state-owned psychiatric hospital for juveniles cleared the Executive Council Wednesday.

Gov. Chris Sununu called the pact one of the crowning achievements of his eight years in office that will end early next month.

"We have Dartmouth Health taking care of our kids right now; it's just awesome," Sununu told reporters. "They agree New Hampshire kids should come first."

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The support of town officials in Hampstead and Senate Majority Leader Regina Birdsell, R-Hampstead, were critical to finalizing the agreement, Sununu said.

The 4-1 approval of the contract came over the opposition of Councilor Cinde Warmington of Concord, the council's lone Democrat.

Warmington argued the 138-page contract had too many holes, including a lack of reporting and a guarantee that in-state residents would get priority for inpatient services, and the need for more communication earlier with the existing employees.

"It's a big, big change for the state and the concern we have to address fundamentally is we cannot have kids sitting in hospital emergency rooms for days and weeks on end and not getting the treatment that they need," said Warmington, who at one point called the plan "half-baked."

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She tried to table the contract for a second straight meeting, but the other four councilors opposed that move.

Since Wednesday was the council's last meeting of the year, the proposed contract would have died due to inaction and the process would have to start all over before a new council in 2025.

"They are the only game in town, they are the best game in town, and they are mission driven," said Councilor Joe Kenney, R-Wakefield.

The Dartmouth Health-owned Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital will actually run the facility.

Negotiations produced a hybrid public/private partnership that gives Dartmouth Health the lease for which it will pay the state more than $1 million a year. The deal allows for three extensions at five years apiece that could take the relationship out to 2046.

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The contract calls for the state to remain involved in management of services for one year after the contract is approved and to collect an administrative fee of up to $5 million.

Sununu said turning management over to Dartmouth Health will save the state $20 million compared to what the taxpayers would pay under state administration.

The state bought the privately-owned Hampstead Hospital in 2022. The state ended its agreement with the first provider, Wellpath Recovery Solutions, after a year and a half in the wake of many complaints about the response to acts of violence by juvenile patients.

Dartmouth Health officials said final negotiations will proceed with the goal of a final closing in February.

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"Young people in our state deserve outstanding clinical care to support their health and well-being," said Dr. William C. Torrey, Dartmouth Health chair of psychiatry.

"At Dartmouth Health, we are deeply committed to developing, implementing, and offering evidence-based mental health best practices and in training the next generation of mental health professionals."

The state's lead negotiator predicted other states will look to this effort as groundbreaking.

"This model sets us on a path toward success, stability, and growth," said Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Weaver.

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Deputy Commissioner Morissa Henn said it would have been presumptuous for administrators to have conversations with current Hampstead employees until the contract won approval.

"We are teed up now to have town hall meetings and office hours with employees starting tomorrow," Henn said, adding that Dartmouth Health has committed to at least a 2% pay raise plus up-front bonuses for workers who agree to stay on the job.

She resisted the "worst-case scenario" offered by Councilor Ted Gatsas, R-Manchester, who said the contract will lead to a large exodus among the more than 110 workers who have worked under three different management teams over the past three years.

"It is always normal when you have change, there is a natural attrition that occurs," Henn said. "We will not see anything close to what you are talking about."

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There are currently about 35 residents in a complex designed to have nearly 80 patients. The state deliberately chose not to set a minimum bed requirement for the new provider, Henn said.

"We believe and have learned in our experience that is important for the providers themselves to have flexibility," Henn said. "It's not fair to patients to be enforcing a certain number (of patients) to be side by side in a given unit given their needs may require special arrangements."

Setting a bed quota goes against the ultimate goal, which is for most juveniles to be treated at home or at a less restrictive setting closer to where they live, she added.

"It is important not to imply that more beds are good," Henn said.

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Dartmouth Health already provides medical administration at New Hampshire Hospital and services at the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester.

The council has approved spending nearly $40 million to build a smaller replacement to the Sununu center on the grounds of Hampstead Hospital, which will focus more on treatment and less on incarceration of troubled juveniles.

"They have never reneged on their commitment to the community," Henn added.

klandrigan@unionleader.com
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved paying $7.5 million to settle a lawsuit on behalf of several girls who were sexually assaulted by a former Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy.

The settlement comes six months after Sean Essex  who worked for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for more than two decades  was sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually abusing the three young daughters of a woman he was dating, as well as another girl he met several years earlier.

The girls were between ages 4 and 13 at the time of the abuse, which spanned from at least 2006 until the time of Essexs arrest in 2022.

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Later that year, attorney Spencer Lucas filed a lawsuit on behalf of the three sisters, who were listed as Jane Does in court filings. Lucas did not immediately offer comment on the boards approval of the settlement, which did not include the fourth victim.

In an emailed statement, the Sheriffs Department said this week that it immediately opened a criminal investigation upon learning of the allegations two years ago.

Read more: Former deputy who preyed on young girls sentenced to 40 years as serial sexual predator

This individuals egregious actions do not align with the values upheld by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department or the dedicated law enforcement professionals who serve our communities with pride every day, the statement said. Department members who engage in any misconduct, particularly criminal behavior targeting vulnerable populations, will be thoroughly investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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An attorney for Essex did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Before the abuse came to light, the girls mother had dated Essex for roughly five years, according to the Sheriffs Departments summary of the case . After the relationship ended in 2018, the girls mother still let them go on outings with him.

Then on April 4, 2022, one of the girls told her mother that Essex had sexually abused her, the Sheriffs Department wrote in its summary of the case, which was included in the board agenda. Another of the girls called Essex a pervert, which prompted their mother to ask more questions.

The girls said Essex sexually assaulted them between 2014 and 2022. According to the departments summary, he frequently stopped by the familys home in uniform and took the girls out to get food in his patrol car.

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As the familys attorney previously told The Times, that was where some of the abuse happened.

He would pick up the girls individually in his L.A. County sheriffs patrol vehicle, and he would take the girls and he would abuse them in the patrol car, Lucas said in 2022, adding that some of the abuse occurred in a Sheriffs Department parking lot.

The 33-count indictment filed against Essex in August 2022 alleged that he abused the sisters at various points from 2013 until five days before his arrest.

The indictment also included charges stemming from the alleged abuse of another girl in 2006, which the district attorneys office had declined to prosecute at the time.

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Read more: Prosecutors declined to charge deputy with sex crimes. Years later, he's accused of abusing three sisters

Its absolutely shocking to us that the county didnt do more to investigate and bring this terrible perpetrator to justice in 2006, Lucas told The Times in 2022. This whole terrible abuse that these poor little girls went through should have been stopped.

Previously, the Sheriff's Department said it had tried to fire Essex following an internal affairs investigation in 2018, but the countys Civil Service Commission overturned his termination and ordered the department to reinstate him.

He ended up separating from the department in late 2022, several months after his arrest.

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This year, L.A. Superior Court records show, he pleaded no contest to four felony charges and was sentenced to prison. In October, the state deemed him no longer eligible for certification as a peace officer in California in light of his criminal convictions.

In its summary of the case, the department also laid out corrective actions and missteps in the handling of the matter. One root cause was the Departments failure to thoroughly investigate previous sexual misconduct allegations, the document said.

Another was a Commanders failure to thoroughly investigate/read all pertinent documentation related to Essexs previous misconduct.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Photo by simpson33 via iStock / Getty Images Plus)

A Scott County prosecutor is suing an Iowa county, a Division of Criminal Investigations agent and a judge for defamation.

Ryan McCord is suing former Appanoose County Attorney Susan Cole, DCI agent Ryan Kedley, and Des Moines County in a lawsuit that was initially filed in state court and recently transferred to federal court. It is the fourth civil claim or lawsuit that McCord has filed that is connected to his former fiancee.

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Cole is no longer the attorney for Appanoose County, having been appointed to the position of district associate judge earlier this year.

In his lawsuit, McCord alleges that in 2020, while he was working as a prosecutor in Des Moines County, his boss at the time, Des Moines County Attorney Lisa Schaeffer, contacted the DCI to conduct a criminal investigation into his conduct. Within two months, the lawsuit claims, McCord was fired and charged with misdemeanor harassment, and Schaeffer had contacted Cole to arrange for her to serve as special prosecutor in the case.

The harassment charge was based on allegations that McCord had used his position as a Des Moines County prosecutor to threaten or extort his ex-fiancee, Nasim Heckenberg.

According to court records, Heckenberg worked as a physician at the Great River Medical Center in Burlington and was in the United States on a visa. McCord was accused of telling Heckenberg, falsely, that he had a pending domestic violence complaint against her at the sheriffs office and that charges could be filed if they didnt get back together. I could file the charges any time in the next two years, he allegedly told Heckenberg in one social media message.

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McCord also was accused of suggesting to Heckenberg that she had committed a felony that could threaten her employment and her immigration status and lead to her deportation.

In his lawsuit, McCord alleges that prior to the harassment charge being filed against him, Kedley intentionally included information in his arrest and search warrant applications that he knew at the time was false and omitted exculpatory evidence.

The lawsuit claims the allegedly false statements made by Kedley were made with extreme recklessness and malicious intent.

In September 2022, the harassment charge was dismissed due to a defect in the manner in which it was originally filed.

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McCords arrest, which resulted in news stories about the case, caused irreversible damage to McCords professional and personal lives, the lawsuit claims, and rendered him unemployable for nearly three years as an attorney. McCord is currently working as a criminal prosecutor in Scott County.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for defamation, invasion of privacy, First Amendment retaliation and false arrest. The defendants in the case have yet to file a response.

Three other lawsuits filed by McCord

Shortly after the criminal charge of harassment was dismissed in 2022, McCord sued his ex-fiancee for defamation, alleging she had falsely reported to law enforcement officials that he had threatened to have her deported if she did not remain in a relationship with him.

In that case, a judge imposed sanctions on McCord for violating a court order, stating that McCord had supplied Heckenbergs attorney with a document dump that was disorganized and inappropriate  The court does find that (McCord) inexplicably continues to fail to follow the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure. The judge also criticized McCord for maligning the opposing counsel in the case.

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In January 2024, District Court Judge Joshua Schier dismissed McCords lawsuit against Heckenberg, stating, Throughout the course of this proceeding, (McCord) has repeatedly failed to comply with the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically regarding discovery, and has failed to comply with this courts orders regarding discovery. As a result, there is very little information available to anyone regarding (his) accusations.

In November, McCord filed a small-claims lawsuit against his ex-fiancee, seeking $2,600 as payment for rent, moving expenses and storage-unit fees. That case is still pending.

McCord is also suing the Associated Press for its reporting of his arrest in 2020, alleging an AP reporter embellished facts or made statements in the article that were not supported by facts. The Associated Press has argued that all of the statements in its report are true or substantially true, and that McCord suffered no injury directly attributable to any false or defamatory statements. A trial-setting conference in that case is scheduled for Jan. 2, 2025.

McCords law license is currently in good standing with the State of Iowa, with no record any public disciplinary action. McCord said Thursday the 2020 arrest has caused numerous problems for him and that he has spent the past four or five years trying to clear my name.
AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Two people have been indicted after a baby investigators say was in their care suffered several injuries and was found unresponsive at a local motel.

Officers rescue mother, 3-year-old during armed burglary at Elyria apartment: Police

Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovichs office announced Wednesday that a grand jury indicted Jason Santos and Jamilee Hunt, both 37, on charges including rape, felonious assault and endangering children.

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Hunt also faces an additional charge of endangering children because she has a previous conviction for an offense involving neglect, abandonment, contributing to the delinquency of, or physical abuse of a child.

Credit: Summit County Prosecutors Office

According to investigators, Springfield Township first responders were sent to the Red Roof Inn on South Arlington Road in Akron Nov. 22 after a 911 call indicated there was an unresponsive infant in one of the rooms.

The baby was revived by first responders but she had multiple fractures on her arms, legs and ribs, bruising all over her body, and additional injuries to her internal organs, according to the Summit County Prosecutors Office.

The child was taken to the hospital where it was discovered she also had injuries consistent with sexual assault. She is still in the hospital recovering.

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Investigators determined that the child was in the care of Santos and Hunt when she sustained the injuries, a press release from the Summit County Prosecutors Office stated.

Bound, gagged and shot in the head: Elias Gudino gets life in prison for grisly murders

These were horrific crimes against a baby and my office will work hard to hold these offenders

accountable, said Kolkovich. I want to thank the Springfield Township first responders for their quick action that saved this childs life, and I hope that her condition continues to improve.

The next court appearances for Santos and Hunt have not been scheduled.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Curtis Boyd and Glenna Halvorsen-Boyd remember the last time medical abortions were illegal across the nation.

They remember, in the wake of the Roe ruling that had recognized womens right to terminate a pregnancy, watching that medical procedure become the subject of heated and polarizing political debate.

They have walked through the ashes of the surgical centers where they provided care and returned to rebuild the facilities, which had been set ablaze by extremists.

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They have seen abortion providers including their friend Dr. George Tiller, murdered in 2009 by people citing right to life beliefs. Assassinated in the church where he served as an usher, Tiller had dedicated his professional life, as they have, to improving care and expanding options for women seeking to terminate pregnancies.

The Boyds experiences encompass a history of womens reproductive rights  from the 1960s when Boyd performed abortions from his small-town medical practice before the procedure was legal across the United States, and when Halvorsen-Boyd counseled and arranged travel for women who did not want to or could not bring their pregnancies to term.

More: This woman left Florida and traveled across the country for an abortion. Here is her story

'When you're the oppressed one, you feel it'

The two have lived and worked together for so long they could be expected to finish each others sentences. They dont, though. They are too aware of the different takes each has on the experiences they have shared.

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It can feel personal to her.

When youre the oppressed one, you feel it, Boyd says. "I can never be a woman.

They came together during a time of promise for women's health care, in the aftermath of the Roe v. Wade decision that allowed him to open the first clinic providing legal abortions in Texas and allowed her to ensure the women who came there felt safe, supported and cared for.

They have seen that care threatened over the decades that followed as womens access to abortion became a target for politicians and violent extremists and the rhetoric of those seeking to deny all abortion access grow ever more uncompromising.

Couple own West Palm Beach women's clinic

Dr. Glenna Halvorsen-Boyd and Dr. Curtis Boyd

The pair, who in 2021 bought the Presidential Womens Center in West Palm Beach from founder Mona Reis, have recounted all of this in their memoir, We Choose To.

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They tell their story in alternating voices, highlighting the separate paths that brought them to their commitment to abortion access and care.

For him, that included a rural upbringing in a fundamentalist Baptist family. It was an upbringing that led him to become a preacher before he became a physician, and to a world where in the early 1960s girls grew up to be wives and mothers; boys became husbands and fathers  and the sole provider for the family.

It was into that world that a desperate young woman he calls Sallie stepped, when she appeared at his office in 1967 and told him she needed an abortion. For her privacy and my own protection, he writes, he forgot her name on purpose, but Ill never forget her."

The memory of a high school classmate who became an outcast when she became a single mother while the boy who impregnated her escaped judgment and responsibility, Boyd writes, prompted his response to "Sallie." Putting his license, his practice and his familys security at risk, he provided the medical service she came to him for, setting out on a path that more than half a century later, he has not turned back from.

'We Choose To' is Dr. Curtis Boyd and Dr. Glenna Halvorsen-Boyd's memoir of providing abortion care before and during the era in which women's rights to terminate a pregnancy were protected under the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision.

Doctor says clergy sent patients to him

While violent opponents of abortion rights cite religious beliefs as driving their fervor, Boyd notes, it was people of faith  chaplains, ministers and rabbis  who formed a Clergy Consultation Service on Problem Pregnancy, and who directed a steady stream of patients to his practice. It was they who asked him in the wake of Roe to open the states first abortion clinic in Dallas in 1974.

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It was then that Halvorsen-Boyd, shaped by a strong mother, a compassionate father, President Lyndon Johnsons War on Poverty and the womens movement of the 1960s, stepped into the newly opened clinic and into her lifes work of providing counseling to woman seeking abortion care.

A West Palm Beach police vehicle is parked in the entrance to the Presidential Women's Center, which is owned by Curtis Boyd and Glenna Halvorsen-Boyd.

Their book recounts how he worked throughout his career to develop surgical techniques to make the abortions less disruptive to womens lives, while she worked to address the faith, fears, needs and values of each patient.

They continue to hope that the medical procedure, which stands alone for the obstacles of women seeking it, will be recognized and treated as care.

Abortion isnt a problem, Boyd says: Its a solution to a problem.

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After the Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs decision overturned the constitutional right to abortion guaranteed by Roe, they were forced to close their Dallas clinic when Texas then banned the procedure.

They finished their book prior to the release of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe, which they address in an afterword.

They were in their Dallas surgery center when the decision was announced, Halvosen-Boyd wrote, recalling gathering with clinic staff.

Protesters demonstrate in front of the Paul G. Rogers Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in West Palm Beach after a draft opinion suggested the U.S. Supreme Court was poised to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide. That is what the court did months later in 2022.

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Curtis and I were the only people in the building who had been alive before Roe, she wrote. For everyone else, our patients as well as staff, abortion had always been safe and legal.

The determination that kept them moving forward under threats and danger, continues to propel them.

"For me, Halvorsen-Boyd said, I feel the utter devastation and despair, the outrage and the fear. Then my very strong stubborn streak kicks in.

More: Providers prepare for perils of new 6-week abortion ban

Protesters demonstrate at the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach in 2022.

'This is wrong'

What I feel is this is the right thing to do, Boyd said. This is wrong. Something needs to be done about it. If you seek what is fair and just, then you take the risk for it.

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Boyds days of providing abortions in the states where they are illegal are behind him now. He is 88 and doesnt want to die in prison.

In the past year, they sold their clinic in New Mexico to a Texan physician they know.

This leaves the clinic in West Palm Beach.

Were going to stay open as long as we can, Boyd said, if we can break even.

They were afraid that wouldnt be long when Floridas ban on abortions past six weeks following a womans last menstrual period went into effect.

He credits the clinics director, who believed they could keep providing services to the narrowed population of women still allowed to terminate pregnancies, and has, so far, succeeded.

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But the defeat of Amendment 4 worries them.

The fear I have, Boyd said, is the state will prohibit abortion altogether.

Antigone Barton is a reporter with The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at avbarton@gannett.com. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Abortion providers tell story from pre-Roe to post-Dobbs to Florida ban
A California couple is suing a fertility doctor for impregnating the wife with a strangers sperm rather than her husbands, a new lawsuit states.

The duo, known in the complaint as Jane and John Roe, sued Dr. Hal C. Danzer for medically raping Jane when he artificially inseminated her using the sperm of a donor rather than that of her husband in the 1980s, according to the suit obtained by The Independent. It wasnt until earlier this year that the pair discovered that John was not biologically related to his daughters.

The Independent has emailed Danzer and a lawyer who previously represented him in an unrelated lawsuit for comment.

According to the suit, in 1983, after failing to conceive naturally, the couple sought help from Dr. Danzer at the Los Angeles Fertility Institute, who suggested they try intrauterine insemination.

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Following multiple unsuccessful attempts, the couple successfully conceived twins in April 1984  but tragedy struck months later when Jane went into premature labor in November; the twins didnt survive more than a day.

The loss of their twins solidified Plaintiffs deep desire for their own children and imbued their subsequent attempts to conceive with even greater gravity, the filing says. After even more unsuccessful attempts and investing in a notoriously expensive process, the couple found success in October 1985, and Jane gave birth to healthy twin girls in June 1986.

The couple was overjoyed. Decades later, the family made a life-altering discovery.

A couple is suing a fertility doctor who allegedly impregnated the wife with a donors sperm rather than her husbands  a detail they only discovered decades later (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

In January, one of the twins became interested in her familys ancestry after having a child of her own. She was shocked and dismayed when the results showed that she had a biological relationship with her mother  but not with her father, the suit says.

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Her twin sister took a DNA test a month later to confirm there wasnt a fluke. Both tests showed the same results: the twins had 50 percent Ashkenazi Jewish DNA from their biological father. This genetic makeup didnt align with John, who is of Greek descent.

The couple felt devastated that they were deceived so terribly, the suit says. The suit accused Danzer of having  violated his oath as a physician as well as Janes bodily autonomy by using a strangers sperm.

After digging through ancestry websites, the family realized this was not an isolated incident; they uncovered 16 paternal half-siblings related to the twins. The family reached out to these relatives and found that of those who responded, all were born in Los Angeles from 1971 to 1992 and were all connected to Danzers former partner at LAFI, the filing says.

John and Jane have both suffered from emotional distress as a result of the mixup.

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For Jane, having a trusted doctor medically rape her by impregnating her with a strangers sperm without consent is a horror she feels she may never overcome She also feels deeply ashamed, as if she let down her husband and her children by choosing to work with someone as careless as Danzer, the filing says.

The loss for John is also severeto learn that he has no biological ties to his only children is a blow he cannot ever have anticipated, the suit says. John has sunk into a deep depression after learning the news, as he feels as though a key portion of his identitythat of being a fatherhas been stripped away overnight. Despite the fact that he knows his girls still love him, he feels left alone with no family, the suit states.

He also has to live with the uncertainty of what happened to his sperm. If Danzer could use the wrong sperm to inseminate Jane, might not he have used Johns sperm to inseminateperhaps even impregnatesomeone else? the suit says.

On top of this, the medical history of the twins biological father has led to starving revelations that have rocked the family and created new fears about the future, the suit says.

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The biological father has a family history that includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, breast cancer, diverticulitis, osteoporosis and dementia/Alzheimers disease, high cholesterol, gout and heart attack. The sperm donor himself even passed away at 63 from thigh liposarcoma, the suit says.

The couple is suing Danzer for medical battery, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, unjust enrichment, negligence and/or malpractice and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. They are demanding a jury trial.

The couple is seeking damages in an amount to be determined at the trial, the suit says.
The Georgia Court of Appeals on Thursday disqualified Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from her prosecution of President-elect Donald Trump and his co-defendants in their election interference case.

"After carefully considering the trial court's findings in its order, we conclude that it erred by failing to disqualify DA Willis and her office" over what the appeals court called "a significant appearance of impropriety," the ruling said.

The criminal indictment against Trump and his co-defendants still stands, the court said.

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MORE: Timeline: Criminal probe into Trump's efforts to overturn Georgia election results

Trump and 18 others pleaded not guilty last year to all charges in a sweeping racketeering indictment for alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state of Georgia.

Defendants Kenneth Chesebro, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis and Scott Hall subsequently took plea deals in exchange for agreeing to testify against other defendants.

Following the Thursday's ruling, the Fulton County DA's office filed notice that they intend to appeal the decision to the Georgia Supreme Court. A spokesperson for the DA's office declined to comment further to ABC News.

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The appeals court ruling leaves the question of who takes over the case -- and whether it continues -- to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia. That decision may be delayed due to the appeals process.

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump smiles at the crowd during the National Guard Association of the United States' 146th General Conference & Exhibition, on Aug. 26, 2024, in Detroit. (Emily Elconin/Getty Images)

The case has been on pause after Trump and his co-defendants launched an effort to have Willis disqualified from the case over her relationship with fellow prosecutor Nathan Wade. Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee declined to disqualify Willis, leading Trump to appeal that decision.

The appeals court ruled to disqualify Willis and her entire office from the case because "no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings," the ruling said.

"The remedy crafted by the trial court to prevent an ongoing appearance of impropriety did nothing to address the appearance of impropriety that existed at times when DA Willis was exercising her broad pretrial discretion about who to prosecute and what charges to bring," the order said, reversing Judge McAfee's original decision.

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Wade, who had been the lead prosecutor in the case, resigned as special prosecutor in March after McAfee issued his ruling that either Willis or Wade must step aside from the case due to a "significant appearance of impropriety" stemming from a romantic relationship between the DA and the prosecutor.

While the appeals court disqualified Willis and her office, it did not find enough evidence to justify "the extreme sanction" of tossing the entire indictment against Trump and his co-defendants, as Trump had sought in his appeal.

"While this is the rare case in which DA Willis and her office must be disqualified due to a significant appearance of impropriety, we cannot conclude that the record also supports the imposition of the extreme sanction of dismissal of the indictment under the appropriate standard," the ruling said.

MORE: Georgia court halts Trump's election case in Fulton County pending resolution of Fani Willis ruling appeal

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"The Georgia Court Of Appeals in a well-reasoned and just decision has held that DA Fani Willis misconduct in the case against President Trump requires the disqualification of Willis and her office," Trump attorney Steve Sadow said in response to the ruling. "The Court highlighted that Willis misconduct created an 'odor of mendacity' and an appearance of impropriety that could only be cured by the disqualification of her and her entire office. As the Court rightfully noted, only the remedy of disqualification will suffice to restore public confidence."

Judge Clay Land -- one of the three judges on the appeals panel -- dissented from the decision, arguing that reversing the trial court "violates well-established precedent, threatens the discretion given to trial courts, and blurs the distinction between our respective courts."

Land argued that the appearance of impropriety -- rather than a true conflict of interest -- is not enough to reverse Judge McAfee's decision not to disqualify Willis.

"For at least the last 43 years, our appellate courts have held that an appearance of impropriety, without an actual conflict of interest or actual impropriety, provides no basis for the reversal of a trial court's denial of a motion to disqualify," he wrote.

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In his dissent, Land emphasized that the trial court found that Willis did not have a conflict of interest and rejected the allegations of impropriety stemming from her relationship with Wade, including the allegation that she received a financial benefit from his hiring.

MORE: Trump's trials: Prosecutors wind down federal cases as state cases could be placed on hold

"It was certainly critical of her choices and chastised her for making them. I take no issue with that criticism, and if the trial court had chosen, in its discretion, to disqualify her and her office, this would be a different case," he wrote. "But that is not the remedy the trial court chose, and I believe our case law prohibits us from rejecting that remedy just because we don't like it or just because we might have gone further had we been the trial judge."

The Georgia election interference case is one of four criminal cases that were brought against Trump after he left the White House in 2021. His two federal cases, on charges of interfering with the 2020 election and refusing to return classified documents, were dropped following Trump's reelection last month, due to a longstanding Justice Department policy prohibiting the criminal prosecution of a sitting president.

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Trump's sentencing in New York, following his conviction on charges of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 election, was postponed indefinitely following Trumps reelection last month.

Court disqualifies Fani Willis from Georgia election case against Trump, but indictment still stands originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
On 19 December, the Pecherskyi District Court of Kyiv imposed a preventive measure on Ivan Rudyi, Head of the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, in the form of detention without the right for bail.

Source: Suspilne, the Ukrainian public broadcaster

Details: The court ruled that he will be held in a pre-trial detention centre until 4 February 2025.

For reference: On 18 December, employees of the State Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Prosecutor General detained Ivan Rudyi for supporting the operation of a Russian-owned online casino in Ukraine.

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During the search, a large amount of a drug-like substance was found in the official's possession.

Background:

The Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries has recently come under media scrutiny in connection with operating an online casino linked to the Russian Federation.

In early December, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law under which the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries is to be disbanded by 1 April 2025.

The Cabinet of Ministers (Ukrainian government) appointed Ivan Rudyi as the Head of the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries on 28 October 2020.

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CHICAGO  Officials from Chicagos Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) offered new details on Wednesday about a shooting involving an off-duty CPD officer that unfolded over the weekend.

According to police, the incident unfolded just before 1:30 a.m. on Saturday in the 1000 block of South Mayfield Avenue in Austin.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Officers said a preliminary investigation has revealed that a vehicle, which was occupied by five people, including two off-duty CPD officers, was parked in the area when an unknown individual exited another nearby vehicle and exchanged gunfire with people inside the car where the two off-duty officers were, striking a male civilian.

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According to an initial report by Chicago police on Saturday, the victim was a 26-year-old man.

COPA said Wednesday that CPD later notified them that one of the off-duty officers inside the car had allegedly discharged a firearm during the incident.

Following the shooting, the officer who allegedly discharged their firearm was relieved of police powers by the department amid an ongoing investigation into the incident.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

COPA confirmed that portions of the incident were captured by third-party cameras and said materials related to the incident will be shared by February.

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COPA said no arrests have been made in connection with the incident and

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NANJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Yang Kening, a former senior political advisor for southwest China's Sichuan Province, stood trial on Thursday for bribery and illegal possession of guns and ammunition.

His case was heard at a court in the city of Nantong, Jiangsu Province.

Prosecutors accused Yang of taking advantage of his various posts in Sichuan to provide assistance to others in matters such as project contracting and business operations, illegally accepting money and valuables worth over 72.23 million yuan (about 10 million U.S. dollars) in return.

Yang was also accused of unlawfully obtaining guns and ammunition, and of keeping them at his residence.

At the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that was then examined by the defendant and his lawyers, and the two sides gave their respective accounts of the case, according to a court statement.

In his final statement, Yang pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. A verdict will be announced in due course. 
Felonies

The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Mitchell Ashmore, 64, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug.

Damian Ba22, 21, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, felony fleeing warrant.

Clinton Childers, 51, of Guntown, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, two counts of possession of methamphetamine, possession of hydrocodone, possession of a controlled substance.

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Sandra S. Depriest, 61, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug.

Frederick O. Ellis, 44, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug.

Bryant Oneal Heard, 36, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, credit card fraud, burglary of an auto.

Brandon ONeal Manning, 39, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug, possession of a controlled substance.

Marshall Dewayne Smith, 47, of Booneville, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of methamphetamine.

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Lee County Sheriffs Office

The following reports were filed Wednesday by the Lee County Sheriffs Office.

A County Road 1145, Auburn, man said overnight, someone entered multiple vehicles and made off with hunting equipment and cash. The man said his compound bow was stolen from the backseat of his Toyota Corolla and a Thompson Center rifle and a Leupold scope were taken from the front passenger seat. His wifes Mitsubishi Outlander had $167 cash taken from her wallet in the center console. Some odds and ends were taken out of brother-in-laws car. None of the vehicles were locked.

A Mitchell Road woman said a gray-and-black mixed breed dog has been hanging around the apartment complex for the last several days. She said the dog would not allow her to get out of her car. When the deputy arrived, the was laying in the second-floor stairs landing. The dog looked healthy but was limping on one front leg. The dog was not aggressive toward the officer.

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A County Road 1562, Tupelo, man said his security camera alerted him at 1 a.m. He looked at the camera and saw a male in his backyard walk up the house and try to open the doors of his vehicles. When the suspect realized the doors were locked, he walked away from the property.

Anyone with information on any of these crimes is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 841-9041, the Tupelo Police Department at 841-6491 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  This week on Crime Stoppers, law enforcement needs your help with any information regarding a disappearance, cold-case homicide and car theft.

If you have information regarding the cases below, call Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan at (517) 483-STOP. You can remain anonymous.

Those who contact Crime Stoppers with information can receive up to a $1,000 award

Gregory Brian Pennington Disappearance

Gregory Brian Pennington (Eaton County Sheriffs Office)

The Eaton County Sheriffs Department (ECSD) is looking for Gregory Brian Pennington, 42, of Nashville, Mich.

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ECSD reports officials responded to the 4000 block of Michigan Ave. on Dec. 11 for reports of an abandoned vehicle. The investigation revealed the vehicle was owned by Pennington.

On Dec. 12, Pennington was reported missing. Detectives from the Sheriffs Department are investigating and report that his disappearance was possible foul play.

Armando Gonzalez (Lansing Police Department)

The Lansing Department is asking for any information related to a 1986 homicide. 70-year-old Armando Gonzalez was found in his townhome on Turner St., Lansing, with multiple stab wounds on Dec. 11, 1986.

East Jolly Rd. car thief (Lansing Police Department) East Jolly Rd. car thief (Lansing Police Department)

The Lansing Police Department is asking for any information related to the identity of a man who ran from police after stealing a vehicle.

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The theft occurred on the 400 black of East Jolly Rd., and the suspect fled from police on the 1800 black of Maplewood Ave.

(File/WLNS)

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Once again, a collaborative effort between a Michigan zoo and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has paid off for a critically endangered animal. Lansings Potter Park Zoo announced Wednesday that one of their eastern bongos has given birth.

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Two-year-old Zahara gave birth to a calf on Dec. 10. The female calf is the third eastern bongo to be born at Potter Park Zoo since 2014 and the sixth in the zoos history.

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A veterinary team examined the calf shortly after her birth and gave her a clean bill of health.

Zahara grooms her new calf shortly after her birth on Dec. 10, 2024. (Courtesy Potter Park Zoo) Zahara helps her new calf try to stand shortly after her birth on Dec. 10, 2024. (Courtesy Potter Park Zoo) A member of the Potter Park Zoo veterinary team holds the unnamed eastern bongo calf during its medical exam. (Courtesy Potter Park Zoo)

The calf appears healthy, and Zahara has demonstrated excellent maternal instincts as a first-time mom, Dr. Ronan Eustace, Potter Park Zoos director of animal health, said in a blog post.

Eastern bongos are native to the remote mountain forests of Kenya and known for their reddish-brown coats, white stripes and long, spiraled horns. They grow to be approximately 4 feet tall (at the shoulder) and more than 8 feet long. Like all antelopes, eastern bongos are known for their keen hearing abilities.

DNR: 2 bald eagles struck by vehicles in 2 days

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The animals are critically endangered. Fewer than 100 eastern bongos remain in the wild, withered down by habitat loss and poaching. There are actually more eastern bongos living in ACA-accredited zoos across the United States as part of a breeding program to help the species survive.

A member of the Potter Park Zoo veterinary team holds the unnamed eastern bongo calf. (Courtesy Potter Park Zoo)

Zahara was born at Potter Park Zoo in March 2022. The calfs father, Moose, was brought to Potter Park Zoo from Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium as part of the breeding program.

Giraffes? Sea lions? 30-foot waterfall? John Ball Zoo looks toward the future

Both Zahara and the calf are being closely monitored in their indoor habitat. The care team says the calf is nursing well and gaining weight. She will likely make her public debut next spring.

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Im incredibly proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide to all of our animals every single day, Pat Fountain, Potter Park Zoo animal care supervisor, said in a blog post. Were thrilled to welcome another healthy bongo calf into our herd.

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EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  An East Hartford man is facing 10 charges after he allegedly leaders troopers on a chase in his smoking car on Interstate 84.

Among the offenses 27-year-old Daniel Vazquez has been charged with are second-degree reckless driving, engaging police in a pursuit, illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol/drugs and interfering with an officer/resisting arrest. He has been released on a $10,000 bond.

Troopers spotted Vazquez crashing his Infiniti at about 9:40 p.m. Monday on the Exit 58 onramp to I-84 West in East Hartford, according to state police. The crash led to the car having heavy damage to the front and a deflated tire. The Infiniti had heavily tinted windows and no license plates.

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Vazquez then quickly drove off when troopers started approaching the vehicle, according to state police. Troopers turned on their lights and signal, but Vazquez didnt stop and swerved across lanes of traffic while his vehicle was still smoking.

He exited eastbound onto Route 2, where troopers tried to box him in. He crashed again at Exit 5 when he hit a guardrail and concrete divider.

Vazquez had clear signs of impairment, according to troopers. He failed a field sobriety test.

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Connecticuts first speeding cameras are set to be rolled out next month in a small town located in the states Northwest corner.

Washington, with a population of just under 4,000 people, is set to become the first town to begin ticketing speeders by license plate readers. The affluent town, long known for being a retreat destination for well-known celebrities, is nestled within the Litchfield Hills.

The number one volume of calls we get is for speeding, said Washington First Selectman James Brinton. Washington is a rural community and we have a very small police force with 93 miles of roads. So if you can imagine, its very difficult to patrol all of our roads. This was a problem before the pandemic, but post-pandemic, its like on steroids. Its a huge safety concern for our residents.

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The town applied with the states Department of Transportation for three speeding cameras to be posted in areas known for high rates of speeders, Brinton said. Among the areas that were approved for cameras were Baldwin Hill Road, Old Litchfield Road, and Wykeham Road. The town, which only has one stoplight, opted to not put a speeding camera in that area.

Prior to the application process, we put up a data collector on those roads, which reads speeds and the percentage of how many miles over the speed limit cars are going, Brinton said. We chose those roads in collaboration with our police department. For lack of a better term, all of those roads passed with flying colors. The state clearly saw that the data showed a high rate of speeders.

The automated cameras work by capturing pictures of license plates and then sending speeders a ticket in the mail, according to Brinton. The town partnered with software and technology company Dacra Tech to install the cameras. Each camera system costs approximately $28,000, according to the town.

Speeders will be ticketed $50 for the first violation and then $75 for every subsequent violation along with a $15 processing fee, Brinton said. The company makes $10 from each fine.

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Under state law, anyone who is caught speeding within the first 30 days the cameras are in operation, will only be issued a warning, according to Brinton. After that, speeders who receive tickets can appeal the violation, much like a traditional speeding ticket from a police officer.

Its not about the money, its about public safety, Brinton said. This is about keeping our residents safe.

So far, Washington is just one of two other municipalities across the state that have applied for either speeding or red light cameras, according to Josh Morgan, spokesperson for the states DOT. New Haven sent in an application on Dec. 5 for both red light and speeding cameras, which is currently under review. Stamford also sent an application for just speeding cameras over the summer, but it was not approved, according to Morgan.

Stamfords plan came in over the summer and we replied in July that we had concerns about some types of signage in school zone locations. So far, they have not re-applied yet, Morgan said. Were still in the process of reviewing New Havens application.

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The Connecticut General Assembly passed a law last year enabling cameras to ticket vehicles running red lights or speeding. As part of that law, the DOT had to develop guidelines for municipalities to follow by Jan. 1 of this year.

Since then, only three municipalities out of the states 169 towns and cities have applied for speeding or red light cameras, according to the DOT. Washington, with its small population and detailed application, made the approval process relatively quicker than other larger and more diverse communities.

Im not really surprised that we have received only three applications, Morgan said. Its a lengthy process, its not as simple as a town saying we want to put up cameras, and then it happens tomorrow. Theres a lot of planning that goes into it. It was deliberately written to take time and make municipalities gather the data to avoid the misuse of this technology.

The application process is complex, both to protect law-abiding drivers and to keep low-income neighborhoods from being targeted, according to state officials.

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To ensure that the (camera) distribution throughout a municipality is equitable  CTDOT will not approve more than two (camera) locations within a Qualified Census Tract (QCT) as designated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, DOT guidelines state.

A Qualified Census Tract is a geographic area in which 50% of the households have an income of less than 60% of the areas median gross income, according to the state.

Its a detailed and lengthy process for a purpose, Morgan said. The legislation was written to prevent misuse to target certain people or communities. Crashes happen everywhere, not just in some communities. Lessons were learned in other states, and we applied those here in Connecticut. But we expect more municipalities to apply next year.

Under state guidelines, all municipalities that install speeding or red light cameras must re-apply in three years. As part of the application to re-apply, towns must show proof that the cameras were effective in curbing accidents.

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This is not a set it and forget it program, Morgan said. Washington did a thorough job with its application. It showed us through data that those roads are high problem areas for speeders. But in three years, it will need to again prove the effectiveness of those cameras.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Following 18 hours of negotiations, the Culinary Union Local 226 said it reached a tentative agreement with Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

The resort had a neutrality agreement with the union before it opened in December 2023 which gave workers the right to decide whether to join the union.

The agreement was reached around 3:30 a.m. Thursday and will cover nearly 3,300 workers, according to a post on the unions X account. The union said it was the best contract ever that meets LV Strip standards.

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The culinary union is still on strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas over a new union contract. Its the unions longest strike in more than two decades.

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JOPLIN, Mo.  The head of a southwest Missouri task force is retiring.

Hes got hundreds of cyber crime arrests to his credit, affecting thousands of victims here and around the world.

The task force wasnt in existence at that time, it was just me, said Chip Root, supv. SWMO cyber crimes task force.

That was 2008.

It didnt take long for Chip Root to realize he needed help investigating crime online  leading to the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.

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A total of four counties, Jasper, McDonald, see, it was Barry. And Newton, said Root.

Thats grown to 22 counties. Its now been 11 years since Root was named officer in charge of the task force, building impressive numbers during that time.

4,256 cases closed. 880 southwest Missouri suspects arrested.

Rescued 717 local southwest Missouri child victims. Additionally, we have identified. We know them by name. There are almost 162,000 children that were victimized from all around the world, said Root.

Root started in law enforcement 30 years ago at the Girard Police Department.

He would also work at Galena PD before moving to the Joplin Police Force and cyber crime investigation.

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Initially, we were almost 100% proactive in working undercover. We would do peer-to-peer investigations, said Root.

Now theyre tied into the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and carry federal law enforcement credentials.

Worked cases all over the globe. I mean, from Germany, Italy, Africa, Israel, Russia, said Root.

Hes retiring to take his career in a new direction, as the chief deputy of Cherokee County.

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An electric bike rider was taken to the hospital with a serious injury after being hit by a garbage truck in Cambridge Thursday.

Cambridge police responded to Murdock and Prospects Street around 7:30 a.m. for the reported collision, a department spokesperson told Boston 25 News,

Responding officers found the cyclist suffering from a serious leg wound and rushed him to a nearby hospital. The cyclists injuries are non-life-threatening, police say.

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The trash truck was pulling out onto Hampshire Street when the crash happened.

The road was closed while officials responded.

A Boston 25 News crew captured damage to the front end of the garbage truck.

The crash remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee, who is in Macao for the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, in south China's Macao, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged Hong Kong and Macao to strive for greater accomplishments and achieve better development, as the practice of "one country, two systems" has entered a new stage.

The two special administrative regions (SARs) should learn from each other, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and create a brighter future, Xi said when meeting with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR John Lee, who is in Macao for the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

Noting that the country has high expectations for Hong Kong, Xi expressed the hope that Lee and the HKSAR government will govern firmly and prudently, vigorously promote the economy and seek development, and strive to achieve new success for Hong Kong.

Lee said that he will make efforts to lead Hong Kong in promoting the economy, seeking development and effectively improving people's livelihoods. He said Hong Kong will actively participate in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and better integrate into the overall national development.

Senior officials including Cai Qi and Xia Baolong were present at the meeting. 
Dec. 18After criticism of the use of group homes to house children in state custody, the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department recently opened another facility for girls for whom the agency struggles to find foster homes.

The move, which comes after staff at another facility for boys left in droves within months of opening, has been billed as a way of finding a middle ground between the ideal setting for children with high needs  placement with families equipped to help them, which the agency struggles to accomplish  and having them stay in CYFD offices.

That would also free CYFD employees of overnight assignments to care for children staying in department offices, Cabinet Secretary Teresa Casados said in an interview. Those duties have often caused burnout among department workers and have contributed in to staff turnover.

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"What we're trying to do is get these kids to placement. But we're also trying to get them out of the office," Casados said. "So these multipurpose homes are really serving as that bridge."

The facility, called the Hope House, has about four girls staying there, up from three who initially moved in when it opened in Albuquerque, Casados said. CYFD's contractor for the home, Youth Development Inc. began serving youth Dec. 12, said Chief Executive Officer Robert Chavez.

Per YDI's contract with CYFD, the home aims to have beds for as many as a dozen girls. The maximum $1.5 million contract ends on June 30. Children must be enrolled in school or an alternative education program and must have access to transportation to behavioral health services.

"It's a nice home," Chavez said in an interview. "It's a nine-bedroom home we have. We have a therapy office where we'll have a therapist available to help with the trauma. ... That's the benefit, is you're getting [a] trained, highly skilled organization."

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CYFD's use of group homes  the agency opened one for boys earlier this year  has faced some criticism from legislative staff and lawmakers, who say congregate care settings are not a best practice for housing children in state custody.

Rep. Eleanor Chavez, D-Albuquerque, said such homes fail to provide the consistency children need. She said group homes are often pitched as temporary solutions but children can end up staying longer than intended.

"For me, congregate care means that kids are sort of just another number, and they kind of get lost in the system," she said. "The other thing that worries me is that if we have congregate care, then that opens up the possibility of kids really growing up in congregate care."

Chavez, the CEO, said congregate care settings can have positive impacts on young people, noting placement in a home is sometimes not an option for those entering Hope House. YDI's goal, he said, is to "improve their situation right now."

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The boys' home, operated in Albuquerque by the national nonprofit AMIkids Inc., saw 16 employees as of late September leave since the home opened in May. At the time, Casados likened the home's staffing woes to the agency's own troubles keeping kids with foster families.

But Chavez, the CEO, said YDI works to provide supports for staff who have stress after dealing with traumatic cases and the agency fosters a sense of teamwork that aids in retaining staff.

Seven employees currently work at Hope House, he said, adding YDI is hiring more, including a manager.

Casados pointed to an upcoming program known as Foster Care + as a means for the department to address its struggles to find homes for children with high needs, many of whom face behavioral health or other issues that lead to them having to leave homes they were placed in.

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Foster Care +, modeled after an Oklahoma program, aims to equip families with training and resources to serve those children. That program is set to begin in early 2025; Casados has previously said almost a half-dozen families have expressed interest.

"We can really start to build individual placements for the needs that those kids have and really focus in on one child at a time," she said.

Esteban Candelaria is a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms. He covers child welfare and the state Children, Youth and Families Department. Learn more about Report for America at reportforamerica.org.
A 5-year-old girl in Washington, D.C., is fighting for her life after being shot by her 3-year-old brother with an unsecured gun.

Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith shared in a press conference hours after the Monday, Dec. 16 incident that the 5-year-old received a gunshot wound to the upper body after "a younger child accessed a firearm that was unsecured in the apartment."

A police report obtained by PEOPLE shows that the child was shot in the chest while in the living room of the residence.

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The girl was immediately rendered aid after officers arrived but was later taken to the hospital in serious condition, where she remains hospitalized for treatment of "critical injuries," a Tuesday, Dec. 17 press release states. The child was not named in the release.

Related: Tenn. D.A. Tried to Fire Gun at Wanted Murder Suspect But Instead Hit Home with Mom and Kids Inside: Police

Smith said an adult male "tasked with providing support or care for the children" was present at the home during the incident while their mother was running errands. She described the man as a "friend of the family that the family has known for quite some time."

The man, later identified as 59-year-old Darrell Graham, was arrested at the scene and charged with First Degree Cruelty to Children, per the press release.

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After police executed a search warrant on the home, they recovered the ammunition and firearm used in the shooting, which was determined to be a ghost gun.

Getty Stock image of police siren Stock image of police siren

Related: Man Described Newlywed Bride as His 'Everything.' But He'd Actually Murdered Her on Their Honeymoon in Fiji

Per United Against Gun Violence, ghost guns are "unserialized (and therefore untraceable) firearms that are put together by components purchased either as a kit or as separate pieces" but are "fully functioning guns."

The discovery led 21-year-old DJaunae McCrory Jackson, believed to be the victim's sister, to also be charged with First Degree Cruelty to Children, Criminally Negligent Storage Of A Firearm, Prohibited Possession of Certain Dangerous Weapons, Possession Of A Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device, Possession Of Unregistered Ammunition and Possession Of Unregistered Firearm/Unlawful Possession of A Firearm or Destructive Device.

The charges came after McCrory Jackson was placed under arrest and charged with Assault on a Police Officer (Simple Assault). Police claim she assaulted MPD officers and special police officers who responded to the shooting.

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"What I want to emphasize tonight is that this incident really highlights the danger of unsecured firearms in homes and especially around children," said Smith during Monday's press conference.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

"We want to emphasize the importance of firearm safety and we are asking everyone to keep our young female victim in your prayers at this time," she added.



Read the original article on People
A district attorney in Tennessee was accused of recklessly shooting into a home while a mother and her three children were inside while he was chasing a fugitive, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced Monday.

Christopher Robert Stanford, the 31st Judicial District attorney general, was indicted on one count of reckless endangerment, according to the announcement.

The charge stems from an incident last month in which Warren County sheriffs deputies responded to a report of a deceased man inside a home in McMinnville, WTVF-TV in Nashville reported.

Christopher Robert Stanford, the district attorney for Van Buren and Warren counties in Tennessee, was charged with recklessly firing his gun. Chris Stanford, District Attorney General, 31st Judicial District

When deputies arrived at the property on Nov. 20, they found two more bodies nearby and identified the deceased as the homeowners, according to a news release from the sheriffs office. Deputies called the district attorneys office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and agents with the Department of Homeland Security following the discovery.

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Authorities were able to identify two suspects in the killings, Jessica Root and Caleb Brookins, according to the news release.

Stanford, as part of the investigation, was at the scene on Nov. 21 when law enforcement authorities attempted to apprehend Brookins on outstanding warrants, DeKalb County district attorney Bryan C. Dunway said in a news release last month. Brookins, however, tried to escape in a vehicle with a woman, Hannah Rose, driving him, Dunway said.

Stanford attempted to pursue the vehicle and fired shots in its direction, Dunway said.

According to an indictment cited by The Tennessean, Stanford allegedly unlawfully, intentionally and recklessly fired a handgun at the time of the pursuit, and a bullet went through the wall of a home where a woman and her three kids were inside. No one was injured in the shooting.

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At the time, Stanford reportedly told officials he fired his gun in self-defense, but a video obtained by WTVF showed the district attorney shooting at least three shots toward the suspects car after it began speeding away. Prosecutors said the video is evidence that Stanford faced no imminent threat nor was he aiming when he fired his gun, WTVF reported.

Root, Rose and Brookins were taken into custody on suspicion of criminal homicide. Since the shooting, Stanford is now considered a witness in the homicide case and is not allowed to prosecute it, according to WTVF.

According to WTVF, Stanford is expected to appear in DeKalb County General Sessions Court on Jan. 7. He was released on $10,000 bond. Its unclear if he has an attorney representing him.

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DA Fani Willis has officially been disqualified from the election subversion case against President-elect Donald Trump. CNN reports that the Georgia Court of Appeals will reverse its previous decision, allowing Willis to stay on the polarizing case after it was revealed that she had a romantic relationship with one of the prosecutors she hired for the prosecution.

With the case on hold, a new prosecutor would need to be selected and appointed for the case to move forward. It should be noted that the Georgia Court of Appeals decision dismisses the charges or the case brought against Trump.

After carefully considering the trial courts findings in its order, we conclude that it erred by failing to disqualify Willis and her office, the court of appeals wrote in a statement. While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, prosecutor Daysha Young, attorney Andrew Evans and prosecutor Nathan Wade, listen during a hearing in the case of the State of Georgia v. Donald John Trump at the Fulton County Courthouse on March 1, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. The hearing is to determine whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be removed from the case because of a relationship with Nathan Wade, special prosecutor she hired in the election interference case against former President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump and a slew of his allies were charged in Georgia for attempting to allegedly overturn the 2020 election to which he lost the state to Joe Biden. Willis then brought forth the charges, and then the indictment, against Trump, with the DAs case gaining momentum. However, the case hit a major roadblock when it was revealed that Willis had a relationship with lead prosecutor Nathan Wade, who was hired on the case.

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The judge overseeing the forthcoming case stated that it was damaged by appearance of impropriety and that Willis had a serious lapse in judgment over her relationship with Wade. At the time, the judge ruled that Willis could stay on the case as long as Wade stepped down. Months after Wade stepped down, though, the judge ruled that Willis must step down as well.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Downtown Austin Alliance will introduce Mark Clemens, the new Austin Police Department downtown commander, at its monthly virtual meeting on Thursday.

Clemens will provide an update on downtown crime trends and APD staffing, according to a press release.

The DAA said it will also share the October Downtown Public Improvement Districts unsheltered homeless count results and updates on Downtown Alliance safety programs.

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Austinites can register to attend the virtual meeting online.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Thursday on the Daily 8, were looking at renovations coming to the Kent County Animal Shelter, strikes happening at Amazon facilities nationwide, a Rise player coming out of retirement and more.

You can watch the full Daily 8 for Dec. 19, 2024, in the video player above or check out any of the stories mentioned below:

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Each weekday, the Daily 8 brings you the top eight stories we are keeping an eye on in and around West Michigan.

Join us again Friday for the Daily 8.

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President Joe Bidens inner circle kept his interactions short and tightly scripted, allowing his declining energy levels to remain under wraps.

He also held other top lawmakers and even his own pollsters at arms-length, according to a damning new report in the Wall Street Journal.

The former senator and vice president has long surrounded himself with a small group of loyal advisers who, thanks to their deep knowledge of both the president and of Washington, serve as particularly effective proxies.

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When Biden was elected president in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, aides limited in-person meetings to minimize his risk of exposure to the virus. They also wanted to prevent the types of gaffes and other rhetorical missteps that have characterized his long political career.

But after the pandemic, the barriers that had been erected between the president, high-ranking officials and the public hardened instead of softening, sources told the Journal.

Many of the sources chalked up the restricted access to an especially powerful inner circle, rather than a deliberate attempt to hide any age-related decline.

But regardless of their motives, the result was that the public was largely blindsided when the president struggled to string together a coherent argument in his first and only debate against his Republican challenger Donald Trump in late June.

Many Democrats were shocked by Joe Biden's lackluster debate performance in June. / Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Over the past two years, Bidens meetings with Cabinet officials have been relatively infrequent and often tightly scripted, according to the Journals report. Cabinet members often met with senior advisers, who then brought the issue to the president before reporting back.

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When the president did show up, aides seemed to do an excessive amount of hand-holding, sources said. As the presidents energy seemed to wane, his eager beaver staff were quick to jump in and handle things for him, Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) told the Journal.

White House spokesman Andrew Yates told the Journal that Biden meets regularly with key Cabinet members, and that in every administration its normal for people to want to spend more time with the president than whats available.

He added that any close handling was related to concerns about Bidens propensity to over-share, not his age or mental acuity, and that senior staff executed Bidens agenda under his direction.

But top lawmakers in Bidens own party said they found him surprisingly hard to reach. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, who chaired the House Armed Services Committee, couldnt even get Biden on the phone before the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

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The president later apologized for the snub.

And as Bidens poll numbers tanked following his disastrous debate performance, the president eschewed the long, detailed conversations hed had with his pollster John Anzalone during the 2020 campaign.

Instead, his polling team was told to submit memos to top campaign staff. An aide with a background in polling then sifted through the information and presented it to Biden, making the pollsters wonder if the president was actually getting the data they had prepared.

Those suspicions were apparently well founded, as Biden continued to describe the race as a tossup even after polls showed Trump leading him nationally. Bates said Biden stayed abreast of polling data, but he didnt specify where the information came from.

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Eventually, of course, Democratic lawmakers forced Biden to see the light. The president suspended his re-election bid, and Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris following an abbreviated campaign. Leaving Democrats to wonder how they missed their original candidates now-obvious liabilities.

The Daily Beast has reached out to Biden for comment but had not heard back at the time of publication.
The Wall Street Journal published a bombshell report Thursday, based on interviews with nearly 50 people knowledgeable of the operations of the Biden White House. The story details the extent to which the presidents age has posed an issue throughout his presidency, including from the very start, and the lengths to which aides went to conceal it.

President Biden, now 82, was 78 years old when he took office, and the Journal reports that administration officials began to notice signs of his age in just the first few months of his term, as he would grow tired if meetings went long and would make mistakes.

Those who met with the president were reportedly told that exchanges should be short and focused. Meetings were strategically scheduled and, sometimes, if Biden was having an off day, they were simply canceled. A former aide recalled a national security official saying, regarding one rescheduled meeting, He has good days and bad days, and today was a bad day so were going to address this tomorrow.

The Journal reported that lawmakers, Cabinet members, and the public all seemed to have less face time with the president than in previous administrations and that senior advisers were often put into roles that some administration ocials and lawmakers thought Biden should occupy. Namely, administration officials like Jake Sullivan, Steve Ricchetti, and Lael Brainard frequently functioned as intermediaries for the president.

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House Armed Services Committee Chair Adam Smith reportedly sought to reach Biden ahead of his withdrawal from Afghanistan but couldnt get on the phone with him. Smith noted that he was more frequently in touch with Barack Obama when he was president, though he wasnt then the House Armed Services chair. Representative Jim Hines, ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, similarly told the Journal, I really had no personal contact with this president. I had more personal contact with Obama, which is sort of strange because I was a lot more junior.

As for Biden and his Cabinet members, the Journal reports that interactions were relatively infrequent and often tightly scripted. One reportedly gave up on trying to request calls with him altogether because it was clear that such requests wouldnt be welcome. The report reveals too that Biden struggled to recall lines that his team had previously discussed with him as he prepared for his interview with special counsel Robert Hurwho was investigating whether Biden mishandled classified material and in February determined that a jury would consider him a sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.

On the 2024 campaign trail, the report says, Bidens team often vetted questions from event attendees in advance. Pollsters for the campaign were also seemingly kept at arms length: The Journal reports that Bidens pollsters didnt meet with him in person and saw little evidence that the president was personally getting the data that they were sending him, as the president often seemed unaware of the ample polling showing he was trailing Trump.

Years of such incidents culminated in Bidens disastrous June 27 debate performance. President-elect Donald Trump will, like Biden, be 78 at his inauguration and 82 by the end of his term.
Danny Mastersons lawyer filed an appeals brief seeking a complete reversal of his convictions for rape, arguing that the That 70s Show stars accusers significantly altered their stories to squeeze through a labyrinth of statutes-of-limitations laws in order to pursue monetary damages through a civil case.

The 60,000-word brief  equivalent to more than 200 pages  made several arguments to immediately free Masterson, who was sentenced in September 2023 to 30 years to life in prison for the assaults of two women who testified in his Los Angeles re-trial. The first trial ended in a hung jury in November 2022.

The filing from Cliff Gardner picked apart the timeline of the accusers stories in exhausting detail, outlining how each evolved their memories over the years more than a half-dozen times. He suggested that they tailored their accounts knowing that a criminal conviction would open the long-expired limitations statutes preventing them from seeking a significant financial reward  and that the trial court improperly stopped him from making that argument to the juries.

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Gardner pointed out in his introduction that the initial mistrial and split verdict at re-trial  with protracted jury deliberations at both  shows that jurors already had reservations about the credibility of the witnesses, despite the critical omission of their possible motives.

Jurors at both trials learned that the testimony of [the accusers] changed dramatically over the years, Gardner wrote. The many changes over time  involving both sharply changing recollections as to some facts and the wholesale addition of new facts never before mentioned  consistently pointed in one direction: to a newly minted claim that force was used.

Gardner added that the accusers stayed in touch, and were well aware that the California statute of limitations for both criminal and civil rape cases had long passed, coordinating their stories to fit the requirements  in this case, multiple victims  to re-open criminal prosecution. Only with a conviction secured could they then proceed to sue the disgraced TV actor for monetary damages.

Gardner argued that the courts ruling to withhold that detail was irreconcilable with more than a century of California law.

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But the statute of limitations issue here was just the tip of the unreliability iceberg, Gardner wrote. Predictably, within one year of the criminal verdict, both [accusers] moved to amend their pending lawsuit to reap a bigger financial reward.

The filing included text and phone communications between the victims and detectives that Gardner said show a clear understanding of the legal hurdles necessary to re-open a civil case  and a clear intent to do so.

Ugh, one of the accusers put in a text message to a Los Angeles detective. I was told [the other two accusers] are both out of the case. And that means [state law] 667.61 is out and therefore statute is an issue and my [civil] case cant go forward. She then asked the detective to call one of the accusers to get her back on board with the criminal case.

Citing the landmark 1913 Supreme Court ruling People v. Fleming, Gardner argued that the trial court violated both state and federal law in precluding defense counsel from presenting evidence showing that the complaining witnesses had a direct financial interest in the outcome of the criminal trial.

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He also noted that the court improperly suppressed communications between the accusers, which the defense requested via subpoenas; that the admission of testimony about the Church of Scientology violated First Amendment church-state separation norms; and that the 16-year delay between the initial police report and prosecution violated Mastersons due-process rights, among other arguments for an immediate reversal.

The post Danny Masterson Appeals Rape Convictions, Says Victims Stories Evolved to Pursue Monetary Damages appeared first on TheWrap.
Danny Masterson speaks during a Launch Event for Netflix "The Ranch: Part 3" hosted by Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson at Tequila Cowboy on June 7, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. - Credit: Anna Webber/Getty Images/Netflix

Danny Masterson submitted a massive, admittedly oversized appeal brief in his California rape case Wednesday that challenges the credibility of his victims and claims a series of trial court errors requires the reversal of his 2023 conviction.

The 246-page filing, obtained by Rolling Stone, has yet to be accepted by the states Court of Appeal, but it lays out the arguments he believes are his best shot at overturning his two forcible rape convictions and sentence of 30 years to life in prison. (If the court denies his request to extend his word limit, the brief will be edited down, his appellate lawyer Cliff Gardner tells Rolling Stone. As it stands, the brief is 59,850 words. The limit was supposed to be 25,500.)

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Gardner, whose other clients include Eric and Lyle Menendez, shared the brief on his website along with a statement claiming he was working toward Dannys complete exoneration. He claimed the states prosecution of the actor best known for his role on That 70s Show had two fundamental flaws.

The trial was rife with erroneous judicial rulings that skewed the jurys view of the evidence against him, and there was a stunning amount of exculpatory evidence which was never presented to the jury, Gardner said in a statement. He added that a separate petition known as a writ of habeas corpus would be filed soon by a different appellate lawyer and would document additional defects in the trial process while requesting Mastersons release.

Masterson, a prominent Scientologist, was charged in 2020 with forcibly raping three women on different occasions during the height of his sitcom fame in the early 2000s. An initial trial ended with a hung jury, but the follow-up jury found him guilty of raping two of the Jane Does. Both trials included emotional testimony from the three women. They all said Masterson drugged them before forcibly raping them. They were practicing Scientologists at the time and testified that Church of Scientology officials protected Masterson.

In his new appellate brief, Masterson alleges the two women had evolving stories that changed dramatically over the years. He claims that while one of the Jane Does reported her rape to police in 2004, it wasnt until 13 years later that she claimed for the first time that Masterson displayed a gun during her attack. (At trial, the Jane Doe testified she told police many details that officers allegedly neglected to include in their reports. Police did record Does initial police interview, but investigators lost the recording by 2020.)

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Masterson also argues in his brief that the trial court erred when it excluded evidence that the Jane Does had a strong financial incentive in obtaining criminal convictions for forcible rape. The trial court excluded evidence showing that if the complaining witnesses obtained forcible rape convictions against Mr. Masterson, state law would provide a new, one-year window within which they could file rape-based causes of action, entitling them to a dramatically greater damage award than the existing lawsuit for harassment damages. And predictably, within one year of the criminal verdict, both (Jane Does) moved to amend their pending lawsuit to do just that, Gardner and his co-counsel, Lazuli Whitt, wrote in the new brief.

It is true, of course, that a defendant is not entitled to a perfect trial. He is, however, still entitled to a fair one, the lawyers said.

The civil lawyers now representing the Jane Does in their pending lawsuit did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Rolling Stone. During the two criminal trials, the womens testimony was presented alongside testimony from other women who also alleged Masterson sexually assaulted them.

Prosecutors also addressed the issue of alleged differences in the womens accounts at various times. They told jurors that it was an extremely unrealistic standard to say victims must remember and recite everything in their first police interview. They argued that if someone later asks a question that elicits new information, that doesnt mean the victim is a liar.

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Masterson, 48, filed his notice of appeal in November 2023. His appeals team received a scolding from his trial court judge earlier this month after jurors on the second trial reported they were contacted at their homes or jobs and felt pressured to speak with Mastersons representatives.

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WELLINGTON, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Vanuatu's hospital facilities were "completely over capacity" as the Pacific Island nation requested international assistance after a massive quake.

"I did visit the main hospital Vila Central when I was in Vanuatu last year, and they were completely over capacity," Michelle McCrystall, climate scientist at the University of Auckland, said on Thursday.

The earthquake, described by locals as a "violent, high-frequency vertical shake," left at least 14 people dead and more than 200 injured so far after buildings collapsed, and an initial tsunami warning has since been lifted.

"Hospital facilities in Vanuatu are already stretched with limited resources and lack of good medical equipment and are making do with second-hand equipment for the health provisions for the entire country," McCrystall said, adding the deaths and injuries will stretch an already thin health industry that requires more nurses and doctors to provide adequate health care as well as substandard health equipment.

New Zealand aid flights arrived in Vanuatu on Thursday as the search for survivors continues, and hundreds of wounded are treated after the 7.3-magnitude earthquake caused strong shaking near the capital Port Vila, about 30 km from the epicenter, at 12:47 local time, with a depth of 43 km.

Ian de Terte, a clinical psychologist at Massey University, said the earthquake in Vanuatu was tragic for the residents. As a country, it has had several disasters in the last decade.

The situation in Vanuatu remains concerning after a massive earthquake struck the country, and the government has requested international assistance, a UN spokesperson said on Wednesday.

UN humanitarians said that immediate needs include medical supplies and repair to medical structures, mobile medical teams, search and rescue teams with heavy machinery for clearing, as well as safe drinking water.

Prof. Behzad Fatahi of Civil and Earthquake Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney called on residents in Port Vila, as well as nearby countries like New Caledonia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands, to remain alert for further shaking.

He also warned of secondary hazards, such as soil liquefaction and landslides, particularly in coastal cliffs and hilly areas west of Port Vila, where ground instability could worsen with aftershocks. 
From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch

I havent been following the Martian invasion of New Jersey closely (why is it always New Jersey?) but one report did catch my eye.

Since the panic over unidentified drones in the sky began, it turns out no less than 15 military aircraft stationed at a local base have been hit by lasers from the ground. In one case a pilot was injured seriously enough to require medical care after landing.

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Donald Trump was asked about the drones this week and chose to feed the publics anxiety, naturally. The government knows what is happening, he insisted darkly. Something strange is going on and for some reason they dont want to tell the people. Hes been receiving intelligence briefings for more than a month yet didnt appear to know what that something strange might be. In fact, he told reporters, because the drones had been spotted near Bedminster hed decided to cancel an upcoming trip there.

All of this feels familiar.

A grassroots frenzy breaks out; expert naysayers are dismissed out of hand; Trump wades into it at some point to stoke suspicions; eventually someone gets hurt. Its a populist parable for our times.

That was the story of the Stop the Steal saga that followed the 2020 election, which began with Fox News calling Arizona for Joe Biden on election night and ended with MAGA goons punching cops at the Capitol. It was also the story of miracle cures like hydroxychloroquine that caught on early in the COVID-19 pandemic. According to one study, some 17,000 people paid with their lives for that one.

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The standard rebuttal to this sort of criticism is that the people cant be faulted for being paranoid given how comprehensively the expert class has failed them. Theres a reason we now live in a low-trust society! And theres truth to that. But trying to solve a problem of trustworthiness by electing Donald Trump president is like trying to cure COVID by injecting bleach. Not only will it not work, itll cause a bunch of new problems.

Lets talk about one of those new problems, as the now-familiar populist parable is set to play out again. This time with the biggest body count yet.

Just asking questions.

Vaccine skepticism is a canary in the coalmine. If its gaining influence where you live, thats a foolproof indicator that your culture is rotting and headed toward dark places. (In that sense its like antisemitism.) The people are looking for witches and eventually theyll find some to burn.

Do you realize how many vaccine skeptics there are around the incoming president right now?

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Aaron Blake did a head count for the Washington Post. Some are well known, like the guy Trump wants to put in charge of Americas public health bureaucracy:

Less well known is former Rep. Greg Weldon, a medical doctor and Trumps nominee to head the Centers for Disease Control. Weldon has expressed support for the COVID and flu vaccines, according to the Post, but during his time in Congress allegedly wouldnt let go of the repeatedly debunked belief that vaccines cause autism. It was Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who proposed him to Trump for the CDC job, coincidentally.

Also coincidentally, one of the lawyers whos assisting Kennedy in vetting candidates for public health positions has petitioned the government to revoke its approval of the polio vaccinealthough the lawyer in question insists its not all polio vaccines hes looking to ban. Just one polio vaccine.

Alongside the would-be health bureaucrats is an assortment of casual skeptics who are eager to ingratiate themselves to Trumps tribe and seem to regard just asking questions about vaccines as an easy way to do so. Elon Musk, Pete Hegseth, Vivek Ramaswamy, Howard Lutnick, and Sean Duffy have each raised doubts in the past to some degree about the value of immunization, per Blake, usually involving the COVID vaccine but not always.

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Earlier this year Kash Patel, the presumptive new face of federal law enforcement, went as far as to hawk capsules that promise to detoxify the body from the effects of mRNA vaccines. This must be the most thoroughly, and crankishly, anti-vax administration in the history of the United States.

Trump himself seems to be of two minds on the subject, caught between encouraging the paranoia of his base and protecting his own ego.

Hes proud of how quickly his administration brought the COVID shots to market and how many lives it saved. And he understands that deauthorizing the polio vaccine would put him on the wrong end of whats likely to be a 20-80 issue. But hes also seen firsthand how hostile his adoring fans can become when the subject of COVID immunization is brought up, to the point where he now avoids mentioning it. And hes wondered for years about a possible link between vaccines and autism, dont forget, even broaching the topic at a 2015 Republican primary debate.

Whats a conspiratorial populist who has to govern a country where anti-vaxxism is still a minority position to do?

Insinuation, not regulation.

I think hell do what he always does when we reach this stage of the populist parable. Hell feed the paranoia.

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A grassroots panic over vaccines has been spreading on the right since 2021. Expert opinion to the contrary has gotten nowhere despite remarkable statistical evidence that vaccination works. Now comes the point in the cycle where Trump wades in to goose the suspicions of his fanswhich will probably gratify them enough that he wont need to take any official action against vaccines in order to placate them.

Repeatedly in interviews lately hes said that the question of whether vaccination causes autism requires further study and that RFK is just the man to do it. I think vaccines arecertain vaccinesare incredible, he told Meet the Press. But maybe some arent. And if they arent, we have to find out. I think its unlikely that hell risk a public firestorm by yanking anything off the market, just as its unlikely that Liz Cheney will do time in prison once Patels Keystone Kops target her.

But in both cases, simply launching an investigation can do grievous damage and achieve Trumps political goals. He doesnt need to see Cheney locked up to gain a measure of revenge on her. All he needs to do is impugn her by placing her under a legal cloud and invite the public once again to wonder whether his accusers, the self-anointed guardians of civic propriety, are the real criminals.

Ditto for vaccines. Hardcore anti-vaxxers might want to see the polio shot deauthorized, but most will be satisfied with seeing Trump and Kennedy use their perch to spread skepticism about whether vaccination works and, if it does, whether the side effects are worse than the disease. The two dont need to regulate anything to reduce vaccine uptake among Americans. They need only insinuateto squeeze the conventional wisdom that vaccines are a medical marvel.

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And when they do, theyll be sowing doubt in fertile soil. Three years of populism post-COVID have largely wrecked right-wing support for vaccination.

A Gallup poll published in August revealed one disastrous number after another. Just 26 percent of Republicans say its extremely important for children to be vaccinated versus 63 percent of Democrats. In 2001 the party shares were nearly identical. Republicans now oppose government vaccine mandates for children, 36-60, and nearly a third say vaccines are more dangerous than the diseases theyre designed to prevent. Just 12 percent said so in 2019. When asked whether vaccines cause autism, Democrats split 4-60. Republicans split 19-20, with 61 percent unsure.

Much of that 61 percent will end up forming an opinion over the next four years, I suspect. Care to wager on what itll be?

Cultural pressure.

This isnt just polling claptrap, either. Growing vaccine skepticism is showing up in actual vaccination rates. In the 2019-20 school year, 45 states had at least 90 percent of kindergarteners immunized for measles, mumps, and rubella. In 2023-24, only 36 did. More than three-quarters fell short of 95 percent, the target rate in that age group to ensure herd immunity.

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Here, too, Trump has been a pernicious influence. As a candidate he vowed to not give one penny to any school that has a vaccine mandate or a mask mandate if elected, his way of atoning to anti-vaxxers for having spearheaded the COVID shots in his first term. (His campaign claimed he was referring only to mandating the COVID vaccine but thats far from clear.) Last year a survey found Republican support for mandating the MMR vaccine for schoolchildren declining from 79 percent in 2019 to just 57 percent in 2023. That will almost certainly drop further now that their hero appears to have condoned their skepticism.

Its plausible that Republican states will spend the next four years rescinding their school immunization mandates, leading vaccine rates among children in Republican families to tank. Trump wont need to deauthorize anything; once vaccination is a matter of choice and freedom, herd immunity be damned, cultural pressure on the right will provide the necessary barrier.

Thatll be when we reach the fourth stage of the populist parable, where people get hurt. Its happening right now in Congo but there its a problem of vaccine supply. In populist America its a problem of demand egged on by the likes of Kennedy. Who, by the way, already has a considerable death toll to account for.

If you want to see what could plausibly happen to American opinion on vaccines, look at the data that Pew Research published earlier this month.

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Pews survey wasnt about vaccination, it was about election integrity. Each cycle, theyve asked voters whether they thought that years election was administered well. Among Democrats there hasnt been much variation: 94 percent said yes in 2020, 96 percent said so in 2022, and 84 percent said so this year in defeat. Among Republicans, however, its night and day. Just 21 percent agreed in 2020, then 53 percent in 2022, and 93 percent last month following Trumps victory.

Thats 12 points of variability on the left and  72 points of variability on the right courtesy of the Stop the Steal hysteria of four years ago. Thats how dramatically Republican opinion can shift when Trump is and isnt egging on populist paranoia. Imagine how the numbers on vaccination might move with RFK as his mouthpiece on public health and other influential right-wing cranks in Congress emboldened to speak their piece about the supposed risks of inoculation.

A matter of trust.

If you find yourself wondering why Never Trump was so hysterical about seeing him return to the presidency, this is why. Its not just a matter of Trump posing a threat to liberalism, although he does. Its a matter of him empowering a populist zeitgeist so consumed with contrarian spite that its given to demonizing even phenomenal Enlightenment achievements like vaccines.

When you elect Trump, you dont just get coup plots. You get his nominee to lead the FBI chirping about the acumen of QAnoners, his friend and close adviser on foreign policy wondering why anyone should hate Bashar al-Assad (heres why, maybe), and his fans questioning whether their children should take advantage of possibly the greatest medical advance in human history. You get a cultural Dark Age.

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A question for Trump apologists: What should we do to avert it, or at least mitigate the damage?

If theyre being honest theyll say nothing. To be a populist is to be a victim and to be a victim is to lack agency, blameless for your own terrible choices. The elites have failed and so the people cant be held responsible for not merely ignoring their advice but doing the opposite. If we end up with a measles outbreak next year because parents wont vaccinate their kids, thats not the parents fault. Its Anthony Faucis fault for having misled them early in the pandemic about masks.

Lets pretend, though, that the populist party just won total control of the federal government and now it, not the elites, gets to set policy. How should it go about restoring trust in our low-trust society such that Americans, particularly on the right, begin thinking about making vaccination great again?

It could try to restore faith in government by resolving to run the cleanest, most ethical administration America has ever seen, I suppose. But ethics arent Trumps forte, you may have noticed; hes more of a fat envelope kind of guy. And installing one of the countrys biggest cranks as head of Health and Human Services objectively isnt an ideal way to boost public trust in government competence. Thats a political payoff to the Dark-Agers in the GOP base, not a confidence-building measure designed for the wider public.

The new government could focus on improving public education, I suppose, but here again self-aggrandizement is likely to be a higher priority than restoring civic trust. The point of postliberalism is to advance right-wing cultural priorities ruthlessly; it doesnt aim to undo political indoctrination in schools so much as to coopt it for the right. A MAGA-inspired state curricula would accordingly be light on the scientific virtues of vaccines and political virtues of separation of powers, I think, and heavy on teaching alleged controversies. Some say that separation of powers is wisebut others say we need a strong, bold, all-powerful leader. Some say that vaccines are beneficialbut others say theyll kill you stone dead.

A society in which kids arent sure what to think about stuff as basic as the Constitution, vaccination, and who really won the 2020 election seems unlikely to me to be higher-trust.

The new government could focus on trying to make the mainstream media do its job more accurately and responsibly. Certainly that project, if successful, would go a long way to rebuilding civic trust. But a president cant do much to compel how the press behaves short of filing frivolous defamation lawsuits and trampling on its First Amendment rights. Even if he could, Trumps idea of fair and responsible journalism is the right-wing media industry, a propaganda factory so shameless in its gatekeeping and embarrassing in its hero-worship that Kim Jong Un would blush at the sight of it. MAGA medias journalism is less credible by any measure than that of the mainstream press, as the Stop the Steal fiasco demonstrated. Even its less ideological icons are known for not being, shall we say, sticklers about facts. Especially facts about vaccines, not coincidentally.

Many countries, North Korea among them, have a press whose only job is to convince its audience that the head of state can do no wrong. Do those countries tend to be healthy, thriving, high-trust societies in your experience?

Any serious response to Americas trust problem and the pathologies its created, like vaccine skepticism, begins with understanding that Trumpism isnt a solution. Its an accelerant. Its treating social COVID with bleach. On November 5, Americans chose to inject themselves.

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David Gergen, a political commentator whos served in the White House under four presidents, has been diagnosed with dementia, his daughter revealed in The Boston Globe.

Gergen, 82, has Lewy body dementia, his daughter, family medicine doctor Katherine Gergen Barnett, wrote, describing the disease as a combination of Parkinsons meets Alzheimers.

Watching the wrecking ball of Lewy body dementia careen into the fortress of my fathers mind has been devastating, she wrote, saying his body and mind have quickly declined.

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Gergens career highlights include serving during the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. He served as an official counselor to Clinton, as the White House communications director for Ford and Reagan and the speechwriting director for Nixon. Hes spent his last few years as a political analyst at CNN.

David Gergen in January 2020. Boston Globe via Getty Images

In her piece for the Globe, Gergens daughter shared some of her fathers recent thoughts, including ones on the current political climate.

We are going through a period of fear. People are terrified. We have been tested, we are being tested now, but we must recognize that politics in our country is like a pendulum, Gergen told his daughter, adding: We must hold onto the inspirational moments of our history and use them to light our path forward.  I keep thinking about Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech  and though we still have so far to go as a country, you could not have imagined everything that could have happened from that moment.

He also called on younger generations to factor the countrys needs into their career plans.

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Many in the next generation are going to the best schools and not giving back what is remotely needed by our country, he said, according to his daughter. We need to continue to ensure that we have people in the next generation out front pulling the wagon  innovators and people in the public sector  delivering on the goods.

Gergen has published two books about his perspective on leadership, including Hearts Touched With Fire: How Great Leaders Are Made in 2022. In it, he praised the leadership successes of Presidents John F. Kennedy and George H.W. Bush, the late Rep. John Lewis, the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, human rights advocate Malala Yousafzai and climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Related...
Dec. 19 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1777, Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army began a winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pa.

In 1946 the First Indochina War began with Vietnamese troops under Ho Chi Minh clashing with the French at Hanoi.

In 1958, the U.S. satellite SCORE (Signal Communications by Orbiting Relay Equipment), launched aboard an Atlas rocket, transmitted the first radio voice broadcast from space, a 58-word recorded Christmas greeting from President Dwight Eisenhower.

File Photo courtesy of NASA

Rescue workers inspect the truck that crashed into a Christmas market close to the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church in Berlin, Germany, on December 19, 2016. File Photo by Paul Zinken/EPA

In 1972, the splashdown of Apollo 17 ended the United States' manned moon exploration program. "It's a beautiful day," astronaut Eugene Cernan said upon exiting the command module.

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In 1974, Nelson Rockefeller was sworn in as Vice President of the United States under President Gerald Ford.

President Bill Clinton said he deeply regrets his actions during an impromptu meeting with the press in the White House Rose Garden on December 11, 1998, as the House Judiciary Committee votes on impeachment proceedings. On December 19, 1998, In 1998, he became the second U.S. president to be impeached. File Photo by Ian Wagr/UPI

In 1984, the prime ministers of Britain and China signed an agreement to return Hong Kong to China in 1997.

In 1998, Bill Clinton became the second U.S. president to be impeached (Andrew Johnson was the first) by the House of Representatives, which approved articles charging him with perjury and obstruction of justice. Like Johnson, he was acquitted by the Senate.

The Apollo 17 spacecraft, containing astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, Ronald E. Evans, and Harrison H. Schmitt, glided to a safe splashdown December 19, 1972. File Photo by NASA/UPI

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In 2006, a Libyan court sentenced five Bulgarian nurses and a doctor to death for deliberately infecting 426 children with HIV.

In 2012, Britain announced it would begin a gradual withdrawal of its forces in Afghanistan in April 2013.

Robert Gerenser (C) portrays Gen. George Washington as he and other members of the Washington Crossing Re-enactors Society take part in the 54th annual re-enactment of the famous crossing of the Delaware River from Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania to Washington Crossing, New Jersey on December 25, 2006. On December 19, 1777, Washington and the Continental Army began a winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pa. File Photo by John Anderson/UPI

In 2012, South Koreans headed to the polls to elect Park Geun-hye as the nation's first female president.

File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI

Afghan soldiers train under the supervision of British troops at Ghar Ordoo military base on May 26, 2010, in Herat province west of Kabul, Afghanistan. On December 19, 2012, Britain announced it would begin a gradual withdrawal of its forces in Afghanistan in April 2013. File Photo by Hossein Fatemi/UPI

In 2013, Target, confirming a security breach, said criminals stole credit and debit card information millions of people who shopped in its stores in the post-Thanksgiving period.

In 2016, a failed Tunisian asylum seeker drove a truck into a group of people at a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people and injuring dozens more. The driver, Anis Amri, was killed days later in Milan when confronted by police.

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In 2018, President Donald Trump announced the full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, declaring victory over the Islamic State.

In 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court disqualified Donald Trump from appearing on the state's ballot in 2024, stating that the former president is not eligible to run for the White House because of the 14th Amendment's insurrectionist ban. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned this ruling in March 2024, though Vice President Kamala Harris won the state in the November election.

File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas will no longer fall back if a bill filed on Wednesday can spring forward.

House Bill 1069 was filed to eliminate Daylight Saving Time in Arkansas. If the legislature passes it, the Natural State will remain on Greenwich mean central time year-around.

Trump wants to end daylight saving time: Weve tried before  heres what happened

The bill will allow state employees to adjust their schedule to a one-hour earlier start time when the rest of the country is observing Daylight Saving Time (DST), which begins in early March and ends the first weekend of November.

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HB 1069 is sponsored by Rep. Stephen Meeks (R-Greenbrier).

If the legislation passes, Arkansas will join Hawaii and Arizona in not observing DST.

Daylight savings: When Arkansans tried to stop changing the clocks

Advocates of eliminating DST point to the grind of losing an hours sleep in March and the subsequent readjusting of sleep schedules. Eliminating DST would also eliminate inconsistencies in timing since not all states and countries observe DST.

A 2023 study found that the change in light exposure that comes with DST increases suicide and mortality.

DST began on March 19, 1918, to save energy during World War I. Originally known as War Time, it ended after a year, only to be reestablished in February 1942 in response to World War II to be repealed again in 1945.

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Daylight saving time starts soon: What if we stopped changing the clocks?

Congress passed the Uniform Time Act to set a national standard time with annual observance of DST. President George W. Bush extended DST in 2005, adding a few weeks.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Procrastinators take notice: Amazon workers began a strike Thursday morning, Dec. 19, as we enter the final shopping days before Christmas next week.

Workers are striking at several locations around the United States as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters try to apply pressure on the online retailer by threatening to delay some of Amazon's package deliveries during one of the company's busiest times of the year.

If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon's insatiable greed," Teamsters President Sean OBrien said in a statement.

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Amazon has said the work stoppage is largely not anticipated to slow its operations.

Amazon workers authorize strikes in several states

The Teamsters represent nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, which is about 1% of Amazon's hourly workforce, Reuters reported.

The union is fighting for a contract guaranteeing higher wages and improved work conditions.

As of Thursday morning, the strikes were expected to take place at sites in New York City, Atlanta, San Francisco, Skokie, Illinois; and Southern California.

Teamsters local unions also are putting up picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide, the union said Thursday.

Are there Amazon strikes at any Florida locations?

At an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Opa-locka, two Teamsters held signs calling the company "unfair," while delivery truck drivers made their way into the facility, according to NBC Miami.

Will Amazon strike affect Florida shoppers?

Amazon representatives told CNN Tuesday the strikes would not interrupt holiday business.

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In 2023, Amazon accounted for 29 percent of all global online orders in the two weeks leading up to Christmas, according to Newsweek.

Many of the workers involved in the work stoppage are drivers. Amazon has argued the drivers are not its employees, but work for a third-party business, company spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement to Fox Business.

Are there any Amazon fulfillment or distribution centers in Florida?

There are more than 80 Amazon fulfillment and distribution centers in Florida.

Among them are fulfillment centers in Orlando, Groveland, Temple Terrace, Ocala, Deltona, Jacksonville and Tallahassee, along with many more scattered around the state.

Contributor: Eric Lagatta, USA Today Network

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Amazon: Strike locations, impact on Christmas shopping
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Dayton City Commission is making big investments in their projects and their employees before they break for the end of the year.

During the last meeting of 2024, Dayton City Commission members approved a massive sum of money  roughly $227 million dollars. This massive sum covers a multitude of services, contracts and development projects.

In opposition to Daytons 2023 city manager recommendations, city spending has gone up, and can be attributed to a few things.

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City spending is going up, and Dayton approved a lot of funds contributing to that at its last meeting of 2024, said 

One of the biggest contributors is health insurance for the 1800 people employed by the city who opted in. That will run until the end of 2029, costing $189 million overall.

The next biggest development project Dayton will be seeing was approved for $5.8 million  the On Main development, which is seeking to revamp the Montgomery County Fairgrounds into a mixed-use and walkable area.

This can be a real transformative project in that part of downtown, said Shelly Dickstein, Dayton city manager. We work really hard to bring that kind of funding to the table.

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On Main will span 35 acres and bring common spaces, residential and retail areas, together. Its expected to be completed in 2026.

Some Dayton residents at the meeting hoped that money could be spend elsewhere.

Imagine a Dayton that spends $3 million reversing the effects of redlining, a Dayton that works on the ground to create peace, said one resident.

There will always be requests made to the City Commission that the City Commission doesnt want to move forward, or that arent in the interests of the city, said Dickstein. We just managed through those with hard conversations and do what we can to create the impact where we can.

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Have a sense of putting yourself in other peoples shoes, said Brent Palmer, resident. Put the community at the forefront and thats your job there.

The next City Commission meeting will be after the start of the new year, and if youd like to take a look at the funds that were confirmed, you can visit daytonohio.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 WDTN.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  Westminster police are investigating a homicide after a man was shot and killed inside a residence near the Orchard Town Center.

Just before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Westminster police said they were called to reports of a shooting at a home in the 14700 block of Orchard Parkway. The residence is near the popular Orchard Town Centers shops, restaurants and movie theater.

When officers arrived at the home, Westminster police said they located a dead man with a gunshot wound inside the doorway of the residence.

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Police said a male suspect carrying a gun fled from the area northwest on foot after reportedly shooting the victim. Officers set up a perimeter around the residence and a K-9 assisted in the search for the suspect.

The only other identifying details shared by Westminster police is that witnesses described him as a man with a slender build wearing all black.

Police responded to an apartment complex in North Westminster for a shooting (KDVR). Police responded to an apartment complex in North Westminster for a shooting (KDVR). Police responded to an apartment complex in North Westminster for a shooting (KDVR).

Judy Baril, doesnt live in the neighborhood, but her daughter does and her granddaughter heard the gunfire.

She heard the shooting, so kind of scared here a little bit, but I told everything was okay and the police were here and she was gonna be okay, Baril told FOX31s Gabby Easterwood.

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Baril said the incident was startling, but doesnt put her in any kind of fear.

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Police are asking anyone who lives near 148th Avenue and Huron Street to share their surveillance video from around the time of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Westminster Police Department at 303-658-4360.

Westminster police have not released information on the motive behind the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and Westminster police will release more information as it becomes available.

We have said that we believe this is an isolated incident. The suspect clearly came to this location and left in a hurry. Which leads us to believe that this was intentional, so we dont believe there is an immediate threat to the public, said Samantha Spitz, Westminster Police Departments public affairs coordinator.

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The coroners office will release the deceaseds identity at a later 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 FOX31 Denver.
The News

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance called for the debt ceiling to be addressed immediately as part of ongoing negotiations over a short-term government funding bill. The US is on track to hit the ceiling after it is reinstated early next year.

Trump and Vance admitted its not great but wed rather do it on Bidens watch  something both parties seem pretty skeptical about.

Democrats typically are more likely to support debt ceiling increases under presidents from their party than Republicans are, but without an imminent deadline, Democrats say theyd just be boosting GOP tax cut plans.

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Why would we help them pass the tax cut for billionaires and corporations? Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., told Semafor. The people I represent hate that idea.

Republicans dont think its likely, either. If Im [Senate Democratic leader Chuck] Schumer, just because somebody asked for something, if there wasnt leverage or benefit to it, I dont know why I would accept them, said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.
ALEPPO, Syria (AP)  The moment he arrived home to Syria from Turkey, Ahmed al-Kassem held his sister in a tight embrace, tears streaming down their faces. They hadn't seen each other in more than a decade and now were reunited only days after the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

But soon, the former refugees joy was tinged by uncertainty about the future of his war-torn homeland. His old house in the city of Aleppo was too damaged to live in, and the family home he had brought his wife and children to had no electricity or running water.

If I had known, I dont know if I would have come, the 38-year-old al-Kassem said. Our life in Turkey was not perfect, but what we are seeing here is a disaster.

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Al-Kassem and his family are among the more than 7,600 Syrian refugees who Turkish officials say have crossed back into Syria from Turkey since Dec. 9 when Assad was swept out of power by insurgents. Thousands more have come back from neighboring Lebanon. The Associated Press documented the return of al-Kassem's family, from their crossing out of Turkey with a truckload of belongings on Dec. 13 to their first days in Aleppo, a city still scarred by the long civil war.

They leave behind a life they built in Turkey over the past 11 years. Four of his five children were born in Turkey and know Syria and their relatives here only through video chats. For al-Kassem and his wife, its a chance to rejoin their family, resume their lives, and introduce their kids -- three girls and two boys aged 7 to 14 -- to their Syrian heritage.

But its a dive into the unknown of a new Syria still being formed. Theres little chance Turkey will let them back.

At Turkey's Oncupinar border crossing, they waited in line for hours and then had to hand over to Turkish officials the temporary protection documents that certified their refugee status and right to be in the country.

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On the Syrian side of the border, known as Bab al-Salameh, they unloaded their belongings  including a carpet and a washing machine  from the Turkish truck and placed them into another truck and van.

For an hour, they rode across northwest Syria until they reached Aleppos Masaken Hanano district. By now it was after nightfall, and the neighborhood was shrouded in darkness, with no electricity. They passed buildings destroyed or damaged years ago in fighting.

Using the light on his mobile phone, al-Kassem led his family down a dark alleyway and found his sisters one-story house. It was intact but dark. There in front of the house, he had his tearful reunion with his sister. The kids hugged their cousins for the first time.

But the initial reality was hard.

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When AP journalists met al-Kassem again three days later, he had sent his children to another relatives house because his sisters home had no electricity or running water. The relatives house at least had a few hours of each every day, he said.

Al-Kassem wondered if he made the right decision bringing his family back so soon.

When I saw my country liberated, I got up and returned with my children, to introduce them to our homeland and show them their country, al-Kassem said. But when my children came here and saw the situation, they were really surprised. They didnt expect this.

In Turkey, they had water, electricity, the internet all lifes essentials were available, he said. But here, as you can see, we have been here for days with no water. I have no idea where I will go with my children.

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His 14-year-old daughter, Rawiya, said she was pleased to be reunited with her relatives. But she was worried about starting school in Aleppo after years in Turkish schools. She speaks Arabic but cant read or write it.

It will be difficult for me to start learning Arabic from zero, said Rawiya. Despite this, Im happy to be in Syria.

Rawiya was 4 when her family fled Aleppo in 2013. At the time, rebels held the eastern districts of the city and fighting was ferocious with Assads forces holding the western half. A mosque behind al-Kassems house was repeatedly hit by shelling  and the day the shelling hit his house, he decided it was time to go.

They settled in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaras, where al-Kassem worked in construction, as he had in Aleppo. There, his other children were born and raised, becoming fluent in Turkish while speaking little Arabic.

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Once a vital economic hub and Syrias largest city, Aleppo was ravaged by years of fighting, until government forces with help from Russia and Iran finally recaptured the entire city in 2016. Much of the eastern section remains in ruins, many of the buildings still concrete skeletons with a few partially rebuilt by residents.

In Aleppos Old City, a Syrian revolutionary flag now hangs from the historic castle, where crowds continue to celebrate Assads downfall. Dozens of people strolled outside the ancient structure, some carrying or wearing the flag. The streets were filled with residents and visitors.

We are here today to share the joy with everyone, said Huzam Jbara, a mother from nearby Idlib province visiting Aleppo Castle with her two daughters for the first time in 10 years. We are very happy, and we got rid of the tyrant who oppressed his people, killed his people, and locked them in prisons.

In Aleppos Kostaki Homsi Street, lines stretched outside bakeries as people waited for bread  a sign of the widespread poverty in Syrias wrecked economy.

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In his first days back in Aleppo, al-Kassem found his old home in Masaken Hanano. The windows were shattered, all the belongings they left behind were gone.

He reflected on his life in Turkey. They faced hardships there, including the COVID pandemic and a devastating 2023 earthquake. Now they will face hardships returning here, he said.

But I have to adapt to the situation, al-Kassem said.  Why? Because it still is my homeland, my home, and our people are here.

__

Associated Press journalists Lujain Jo in Dubai, UAE, and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey contributed.
Dec. 18Decatur police are seeking the public's help in apprehending a suspect in multiple burglaries in which the offender sexually assaulted the victims.

According to the Decatur Police Department, the suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-9 in height, between 20 and 45 years old, with a slender to medium build. The suspect covered his face during the burglaries and assaults.

Decatur police said the man is a suspect in three separate incidents.

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According to police, on April 27, Dec. 7 and last Saturday, burglaries occurred on Ferry Street Northeast, Hay Drive Southwest and Second Avenue Southwest, respectively, in which the offender entered the dwelling through an unlocked window and sexually assaulted the victim.

Decatur police request that citizens ensure the doors and windows to their residences are secure and locked, especially during the night.

The Criminal Investigation Division of the Decatur Police Department is requesting any information that might be beneficial to these cases or leads to the identity of the individual. Please call the Decatur Police Department's Tip Line at 256-341-4636 with any information.

If anyone sees suspicious activity, please call the Decatur Police Department at 256-341-4660 to report it.

 franklin.harris@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2394.
MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin on Thursday morning.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, had warm exchanges with Macao residents living and starting businesses in the cooperation zone, and with people involved in the zone's planning, construction, management and services. 
The Senate has passed a divisive new defense spending bill that directs $895bn towards the Pentagon for the coming year, despite Democratic objections to a provision buried within it that blocks the transgender children of servicemen and women from receiving health coverage to treat gender dysphoria.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed through the House of Representatives last week and the upper chamber of Congress on Wednesday by 85 votes to 14 and will now make its way to President Joe Bidens Resolute Desk in the Oval Office to be signed into law.

But while the NDAA includes such positive measures as pay rises for both junior and senior enlisted members and authorizes $33.5bn for new battleships, $17.5bn for military construction projects and $143bn for research, development and weapons testing, its anti-trans clause, reportedly added at the insistence of House Speaker Mike Johnson, caused disquiet.

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The provision blocks TRICARE, the US militarys healthcare plan for its members, from providing medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization for children under 18.

Its inclusion inspired 11 Democrats and three Republicans to vote it down, with Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin, herself a veteran, leading the rebellion on the Senate floor and tabling an amendment to exclude it that was ultimately not granted a vote.

Its flat-out wrong to put this provision in this bill and take away a service members freedom to make that decision for their families, Baldwin said, estimating the acts consequences could impact as many as 6,000 to 7,000 military families.

Its unfortunate that some of our colleagues decided to force this harmful provision in this National Defense Authorization Act, because otherwise, I would have been proud to support it.

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Making a case for supporting the bill anyway, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said: Everyone knows this NDAA is not perfect, but it still takes a strong stand against the Chinese Communist Party.

The NDAA includes pay rises for servicemembers and authorizes $33.5bn for for construction of new ships (Richard A Brooks/AFP/Getty)

He also cited the bill authorizing a Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative, bolstering nuclear modernization and Indo-Pacific sea-power and supporting technological innovation in the military as reasons to back it.

Speaker Johnsons intervention is effectively a watered-down version of a restriction on transgender healthcare in the Armed Forces that House Republicans attempted to introduce in June.

He made two further demands on the NDAA that upset lawmakers: dropping a provision that would have expanded access to IVF for service members and insisting that the overall price of the legislation did not exceed congressionally-imposed limits.

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One member of the chamber who was particularly frustrated by the latter was Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has spent his final weeks in Washington arguing for greater military investment in response to a more hostile geopolitical environment, exemplified by the outbreak of wars in Ukraine and Gaza in recent years.

McConnell had wanted the bill to authorize an extra $25bn and said: The absence of the Senate-backed increase to top-line investments will go down as a tremendous missed opportunity.

Artificial budget restraints mean that major bill provisions like a pay raise for enlisted service members will come at the expense of investments in the critical weapons systems and munitions that deter conflict and keep them safe.
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CLAUDIA LaMANTIA The National Defense Authorization Act provides $1.2 billion for the construction of the new Dry Dock 5 at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Rear Adm. Dianna Wolfson, left, and Capt. Stephen Padhi discussed the status of the project in November.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CLAUDIA LaMANTIA The National Defense Authorization Act provides $1.2 billion for the construction of the new Dry Dock 5 at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Rear Adm. Dianna Wolfson, left, and Capt. Stephen Padhi discussed the status of the project in November.

The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to pass the latest iteration of the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual military spending bill that sets the Pentagons priorities. It included pay raises for troops and a major emphasis on military infrastructure in the Pacific amid simmering tensions with China and North Korea.

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The bill authorizes over $2.2 billion in spending on Hawaii facilities. More than half$1.2 billiongoes to Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard for the new Dry Dock 5, which is the most expensive single construction project in the U.S. Navys history. It will replace the current Dry Dock 3, which was built in 1942 and is unable to service the Navys newer Virginia-class submarines or larger surface ships.

Among other things it also includes $505 million for the Water Treatment Plant at Red Hill, $203.5 million for a new hangar and parking apron at Marine Corps Base Hawaii and $36.6 million for a Hawaii Air National Guard Space Control Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

It also gives more freedom to commanders in Hawaii to make changes to military installations around the Pacific by increasing the threshold of authority for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command to conduct minor military construction projects  up to $30 million.

This years NDAA invests in critical DOD infrastructure, bolsters national security and readiness, supports our service members, and delivers for the people of Hawaii,  U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Im proud to have helped secure provisions to increase pay for military personnel and ensure service members and their families can access and afford basic needs like child care and health care.

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The new bill requires the Pentagon to designate two officialsone for Hawaii and one for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islandsto be responsible for coordinating infrastructure projects with state, territorial, local governments and community members that are intended to support additional service members and their families who are expected to find themselves stationed in the Pacific over the next decade.

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The bill also directs the Pentagon to implement all of the recommendations from Inspector General Reports this year that identified failings and safety oversights at fuel storage facilities around around the worldincluding in Hawaii at the now infamous Red Hill facility.

In November 2021, a fuel leak from Red Hill entered the Navys Oahu water system, which serves 93, 000 people, a number of whom reported health problems from exposure to contaminated tap water. The Navy is conducting ongoing cleanup operations at the World War II-era fuel farm, which sits just 100 feet above a critical aquifer most of Honolulu relies on for drinking water.

In a provision included by Hirono, the bill established a new militarywide classification system for major mishap incidents,  defined as incidents that surpass $500 million in damage or loss and have a significant effect on national security.

If an incident meets these criteria and is designated by the Secretary of Defense, the Pentagon will be required to appoint a two-star admiral or general as the investigating officer and complete the investigation within 12 months. The provision also requires mandatory follow-on reports to Congress until all disciplinary actions are completed.

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The bill also includes a 14.5 % pay increase for junior enlisted personnel aimed at improving quality of life and potentially boosting recruiting and retention. The military has struggled to attract and keep recruits in recent years, with only the Marine Corps meeting recruiting goals set by the Pentagon. The bill also includes a smaller 4.5 % pay increase for more senior military personnel and a 2 % pay raise for Department of Defense civilian employees.

Another provision authorizes military services to provide travel and transportation allowances to pay for the shipping of two privately owned vehicles during military moves. Current law limits reimbursement for only one vehicle, which military couples and families moving to places like Hawaii and Guam have cited as major hardships when moving from the mainland.

The bill also contains authorization for an increase of $50 million of Impact Aid to support schools located near military communities and an additional $20 million for children with severe disabilities.

Defense spending has played an outsize role in Hawaiis economy, with the Pentagon now pumping an estimated roughly $7.9 billion into the state, accounting for roughly 8.3 % of the islands total gross domestic product. Both federal and local politicians have sought to channel funding into creating high-paying tech jobs and backing education programs they hope will support that growth.

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The most recent iteration of the NDAA requests $4 million above the White Houses requested national budget for the Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative, which aims to creates a local skilled workforce in Hawaii to meet the militarys demand for intelligence, information technology and cybersecurity professionals to support operations in the Pacific.

Outgoing President Joe Biden is expected to pass the bill. But debate over military spending was sometimes bitter this year with culture war issues taking front and center.

This year Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate successfully pushed for a provision that stops TRICARE, the militarys health insurance, from covering hormone therapy and other treatments for children who identify as transgender.

In a statement, Hirono said that while this NDAA takes important steps to ensure the readiness of our military and the health and safety of our service members, its unfortunate Republicans demanded the inclusion of a cruel and unnecessary amendment preventing TRICARE from providing gender-affirming care, despite our efforts to strip it from the bill. Ill continue working to support our service members and their families and fighting to ensure they have access to the care and benefits they need.

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Hironos Republican opponent in this years election, former state lawmaker and retired Marine officer Bob McDermott, made the fierce debate over childrens gender identityparticularly how it is treated by schoolsa key part of his campaign. He also accused Hawaiis congressional delegation of a lack of action on ongoing problems with environmental contamination underneath what is now Radford High School that was left by the Navy after World War II.

However, Democrats used their narrow lead in the Senate to shoot down other provisions championed by some Republicans, including an effort to block the Pentagons current policy of reimbursing troops who travel to seek abortions, a push to eliminate the militarys current climate change mitigation programs and shut down Pentagon diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

The bill includes $16.3 million in funding for solar panel-covered parking and electric vehicle charging stations at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The Navy, in particular, has been investing in solar power in the islands, in hopes of diversifying its power grid and making it less dependent on petroleum supply lines that could be disrupted in times of conflict.

The NDAA also calls for commanders to brief lawmakers on the risks related to flooding and other natural disasters that threaten military installations and surrounding civilian infrastructure. Some military officials have warned that sea level rise is already changing how they conduct operations, and that rising temperatures could mean more challenges.

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The final version of the NDAA also directs the Army to provide a briefing to lawmakers on Hawaiian Home Lands that surround military testing facilities and the potential of using advanced surveillance technologies to locate munitions and unexploded ordnance.

It encourages the Pentagon to finalize a memorandum of agreement with the state formalizing a long-term commitment to environmental restoration and remediation as well as a research program to determine the total volume and location of any contaminated soil. It requires the office of the Secretary of Defense to step up the eradication of the coconut rhinoceros beetle on military-controlled lands in Hawaii.

The bill also calls for an update to Congress on cultural training and community orientation for service members assigned to Hawaii, Guam and the Marianas.

However, the future of many of these initiatives is up in the air. In January, newly elected Republicans take their seats in what will be a GOP-led House and Senate.

President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for defense secretary, Army veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth, has vowed to fire woke  officers, and said he hopes to end diversity programs and most environmental programs the military currently has in place.
A DeKalb County mother has filed a discrimination lawsuit against PNC Bank because she says she was turned down for a promotion because shes a Black single mother.

A spokesperson for PNC Bank told Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes that PNC does not tolerate discrimination and they look forward to presenting the facts in court.

Brandie Falice told Fernandes that after working for PNC since 2018, she is pursuing the case for herself and other single Black mothers who may find themselves in a similar situation.

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It was very disrespectful and I questioned my worth altogether because of that, Falice said.

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She says she was put on the fast track to management and landed a role just underneath the manager in a matter of months.

I got that role within the first year and I was actually promoted on my birthday in 2019, Falice said.

When COVID-19 hit and some PNC branches closed, she says she kept moving up and became an assistant branch manager in 2022. That same year, she applied for a management position at a branch in Peachtree Corners.

In her discrimination lawsuit, Falice says the regional manager who interviewed her for the position told her she would not be a good fit because most of the customers are white and, as a single mother, could not work weekend events.

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I felt discouraged and I felt the time I spent with this company and my efforts to reach my goals in that space were shot down because of something that I love about myself, she described. It does feel like youre judged and it feels like youre not worthy as other people.

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A spokesperson for PNC Bank denies the allegations.

We believe Ms. Falice was treated fairly and consistent with our company values, policies and practices. PNC does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation and we look forward to presenting the facts in court, they said in a statement.

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Falices attorney believes PNC can learn from this lawsuit.

Its a chance for them to show some accountability, said attorney Artur Davis. How many young women of color are being denied opportunities for the same kinds of bias reasons used to hold Brandie Falice back.

Falice has since moved on to a completely different career.

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DELPHI, Ind.  Delphi murderer Richard Allen proclaims his innocence in the killings of teenagers Libby German and Abby Williams and is finished talking with "state actors," a defense sentencing memorandum declares.

His attorneys told Allen not to participate with probation officials for his sentencing on Friday, and they indicated they hope their appeal will provide Allen with the "opportunity to present a full defense at a second trial."

Jurors selected from another county convicted Allen on Nov. 11 of two counts of murder and two counts of murder in the commission of a felony.

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More: 2024 top story: Richard Allen guilty in Delphi murders case

The trial started Oct. 14 in Allen County with jury selection. After the five men and seven women on the panel were selected, the evidence and deliberation portion of the trial moved to Delphi in Carroll County.

Jurors believed Allen forced Libby and Abby off the Monon High Bridge Trail on Feb. 13, 2017, and forced them to ford the Deer Creek to the north bank, where he killed them with a knife, slitting their throats.

Throughout the two years of pretrial wrangling, Allen's defense decried that Allen was being horrendously mistreated in Indiana maximum-security prisons, and that his repeated petitions for court interventions for his safekeeping were ignored or denied.

Richard Allen

"For this reason, Richard's defense counsel advised Richard Allen not to participate in providing information for the presentence investigation report to the Allen County probation department as defense counsel assessed that there is no value in Richard Allen continuing to talk with state actors," the memorandum states.

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The memo points out that during two years of pretrial detention, the defense brought to the court's attention that he was held in solitary confinement  sometimes suffering mental breaks with reality  without due process, violating Allen's constitutional rights.

During trial, psychiatrists for the state and the defense both said that long-term solitary confinement can cause psychosis, which Allen suffered during his incarceration at Westville prison, according to testimony at his nearly five-week trial.

Allen's rights further were violated by a state-contracted prison psychologist "who, while having a deep personal interest in this case, engaged in 'confidential' discussions with Mr. Allen about the details of the acts for which he was accused," the memo states.

"As a result of these constitutional violations, Richard Allen's defense team believes it has an obligation to protect him from the prospect of any further inappropriate contacts with state actors," the memo states.

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The memo notes that the two murder convictions and the two convictions for murder in the commission of a felony cannot be sentenced together without causing double jeopardy. The defense asks that the convictions of felony murder be vacated, and that the court sentence Allen only on two convictions of murder.

The defense sentencing memo states that 52-year-old Allen faces  at a minimum and if both sentences are run concurrently  45 years in prison, for which he will have to serve 33.75 years. If that unlikely scenario plays out at Friday's sentencing hearing, Allen would be 85 by the time he served the sentence. The memo notes that a concurrent sentence is unlikely.

On Friday, Allen will face 45 to 65 years in prison on each of the murder convictions, and two of the convictions will have to be vacated to avoid double jeopardy.

Indiana's advisory sentence for murder is 55 years, which would translate to 110 years in prison if both sentences run consecutively. Allen would have to serve 75% of that sentence, which would be 82.5 years.

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Because Allen was arrested Oct. 26, 2022, he already has served two years of whatever sentence he receives.

Allen's sentencing hearing begins at 9 a.m. Friday. The Journal & Courier and the Indianapolis Star will have comprehensive coverage online and in print, including any comments from the victims' and Allen's families, if the court's gag order is lifted.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lawyers: Delphi murderer Richard Allen maintains innocence, plans appeal
Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy has argued that President-elect Donald Trumps supposed plan to cripple U.S. democracy has already been put into action.

Murphy took to X to lay out his case, saying, Its happening right in front of our eyes. Its accelerated rapidly in the last 24 hours. Not sure why everyone doesnt see this.

Can I take a minute to connect the dots  on how Trump is putting into action a plan to cripple our democracy in a way we may never recover from? he asked.

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Murphy, 51, was responding to a post by the House Administrations Oversight Subcommittee, outlining a Republican report recommending that former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney be criminally investigated for her work on the Select Committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

He wasnt kidding when he said Democrats were the no. 1 threat to America and needed to be dealt with by law enforcement and the military, Murphy wrote Tuesday. House Republicans referral of Liz Cheney for criminal prosecution  on made up charges  shows you the plan.

Trump has said that members of the Select Committee on January 6, which has since been disbanded, should go to jail for working on the panel.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy spoke out on X about Trumps plans to undermine democracy (Getty Images)

Murphy went on to ask who would support Cheney and others Trump wants to prosecute, noting that the president-elects nominee to run the FBI, Kash Patel, is unlikely to do so.

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Kash Patel was chosen to lead the FBI BECAUSE he wants to prosecute Trumps opponents, the senator argued. He added that the Department of Justice would also be unlikely to be able to stand up for Cheney, saying, Trumps pliant DOJ can handpick a jurisdiction with a MAGA judge.

Not every Trump opponent will fold, but many will. If you have a family at home, are you really going to stand up to Trump if theres a chance you could end up in jail? he asked. History shows that selective prosecution of a regimes opposition has a broad chilling effect.

Murphy also noted Trumps legal battles with the press, saying, The second part of Trumps plan is to use the White House to destroy the free media. Trump filed a lawsuit against The Des Moines Register and pollster Ann Selzer Tuesday because of a poll released before the election showing Vice President Kamala Harris in the lead in Iowa.

We shouldnt pretend this is normal, Murphy wrote.

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Trump recently settled a defamation lawsuit against ABC News for $15 million after anchor George Stephanopoulos said the former president had been found liable for rape when a jury found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E Jean Carroll, but not for rape.

Already, you see how the big media companies are giving in. ABC paid Trump $15m even though his defamation suit had no merit, Murphy argued. Bezos told the Post to not endorse against Trump. MSNBC is up for sale because Comcast doesnt want to get in trouble.

Murphy quoted Trump as saying that after he lost a case against a journalist, the former president said, "I did it to make his life miserable, which Im happy about."

He gladly admits its about intimidation, Murphy said, going on to note that Trump has suggested that he will use the Federal Election Commission to go after news organizations.

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Even if he uses this power rarely, media companies have already shown they are reluctant to put up a fight, Murphy said.

The senator said there may be a chance its all show and bluster, but recent developments, including the ABC and Register lawsuits and the Cheney referral for prosecution, all point to this being very, very real.
Dec. 18SANTA FE  Four-term state Rep. Harry Garcia of Grants appeared headed for the exits after losing his primary race in June.

But the Democratic lawmaker could end up back at the Roundhouse next month after applying for a vacancy in a different House district.

Garcia, a business owner and Vietnam War veteran, has held the House District 69 seat since he was appointed in 2016 by former Gov. Susana Martinez.

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However, he was defeated in the June primary election by fellow Democrat Michelle Abeyta.

With the end of his two-year term approaching, Garcia applied for the House District 6 seat vacancy that Rep. Eliseo Alcon of Milan had held until stepping down last month due to health issues.

The two House districts are adjacent, with the town of Grants split between the two districts.

Garcia changed his address on his voter registration last month after discussing the issue with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver.

"I've always had residences in both districts," Garcia told the Journal.

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He also said he knew there would be concerns about his bid to replace Alcon but said he already knows many of the residents and communities in the district.

"I thought it would be very beneficial for the communities, and that's why I did it," Garcia said.

He also said he was told by Toulouse Oliver he could serve out the remainder of his current term while he pursues the vacant seat, though a spokesman for the Secretary of State's Office disputed that assertion.

Specifically, Secretary of State's Office spokesman Alex Curtas said Toulouse Oliver and Garcia did not discuss the legislator's status in his current House seat.

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Curtas also said Garcia would have to resign his House District 69 seat if he's ultimately appointed to fill the House District 6 vacancy.

The state Constitution says that legislators "shall be deemed to have resigned" if they move or no longer maintain a residence in the district they were elected to represent.

The vacant House seat in question encompasses two different counties  Cibola and McKinley  and county commissioners in both counties must vote on a nominee. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham would then decide who to appoint from among the names submitted.

Cibola County commissioners voted to recommend Garcia earlier this month, but McKinley County commissioners indefinitely put off a vote on the vacancy that had been scheduled for Tuesday, according to the county manager's office.

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Meanwhile, swapping out one House district for a different one appears to be rare, if not unprecedented, at least in modern times.

If he's ultimately appointed, Garcia said he would have no issues working in the state House alongside Abeyta, who defeated him in the June primary election.

"To me, a person who is revengeful because they lost their seat is not a good person," Garcia told the Journal.

A Lujan Grisham spokesman declined to comment on the vacant House seat Wednesday, saying the Governor's Office was waiting to see who McKinley County commissioners might nominate.
Democrats have slammed Elon Musk after his opposition to House Speaker Mike Johnsons proposed congressional spending bill led Donald Trump and JD Vance to order Republicans not to support it, leaving the federal government hurtling toward another shutdown.

Johnsons stop-gap continuing resolution (CR) would have bankrolled the government at current funding levels through to mid-March 2025, but the president-elect and his deputys intervention now appears to have tanked its chances of passing in its present form before Fridays deadline, sparking chaos on Capitol Hill.

After Musk spent the day posting comments expressing his objections to the bill on his social media platform X, Trump and Vance weighed in with their own opposition to Johnsons measure, saying it failed to address the national debt ceiling and granted too many concessions to Democrats.

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They called on Republicans to abandon it or face a future primary challenge and favor a new streamlined alternative instead.

Leading the Democratic jeering was Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who wrote on X: Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government. The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesnt like it.

Will Republicans kiss the ring? Billionaires must not be allowed to run our government.

Also enjoying the apparent power struggle within the incoming Trump administration and questioning who is really in charge was David Axelrod, former White House adviser to Barack Obama, who asked on X: So will President-elect Musk join the budget negotiations now?

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Adding their voices to the row were Democratic representatives Pramila Jayapal and Maxwell Alejandro Frost.

Its clear whos in charge, and its not President-elect Donald Trump, the former wrote.

Shadow President Elon Musk spent all day railing against Republicans CR, succeeded in killing the bill, and then Trump decided to follow his lead.

An unelected billionaire was crowned co-President by the Republican Party, Frost posted.

Theyve given him the influence to make a damn post that throws a spending bill into limbo cause House Republicans are scared of him.

No greater example of oligarchy. Where the ultra-wealthy run the show.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk attend a SpaceX launch in Texas last month (Reuters)

Republicans were also reportedly left blindsided by Wednesdays developments, according to The Hill.

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Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins said she was surprised by the demand.

I was surprised that he wants to move the debt limit vote up to this year, she told reporters. I dont know his rationale.

Her North Carolina GOP counterpart Thom Tillis said he has no problem with the demands made by Trump and Vance but added: I just dont know why Senator [Chuck] Schumer would accept it.

But perhaps the most withering comment of all came from the outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said that his colleagues should not be remotely shocked by disagreement between Musk and Johnson.

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Oh, this is the way its going to be next year, McConnell assured a reporter as he left his office for the day, evidently glad to be washing his hands of the infighting by sailing off into retirement.

As McConnell suggested, the row exposes what could prove to be a volatile fault line between two key allies of the new president in Johnson and Musk, head of the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with the former working to find consensus in Congress and negotiate departmental budgets and the other seeking to trim the fat and slash and burn excessive spending wherever he finds it.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson once again finds himself under intense pressure (AP)

Johnson, who met with Vance for an hour last night to attempt to iron out their differences, is already facing speculation that he could now be challenged for the gavel in the new year as he seeks re-election to the speakership, with the MAGA wing of the GOP reportedly drawing up a list of possible candidates to replace him.

Asked about Musks criticism on Fox and Friends earlier in the day, Johnson said he had discussed the matter with the tech mogul and his DOGE colleague Vivek Ramaswamy by text and said: They understand the situation. They said, Its not directed at you, Mr Speaker, but we dont like the spending. And I said, Guess what fellas? I dont either.

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Weve got to get this done because, heres the key, by doing this, we are clearing the decks and we are setting up for Trump to come in, roaring back, with the America First agenda.

Thats what were going to run with gusto beginning January 3, when we start the new Congress, when Republicans again wrench control and all of our fiscal conservative friends, Im one of them, will be able to finally do the things that we have been wanting to do for the last couple of years.
House Democrats are finding themselves in uncharted waters after President-elect Donald Trump and House Republican leaders proposed raising the federal debt limit, potentially taking a default off the table for the first half of Trump's second term.

The provision embedded in the newly revised continuing resolution set for a House vote Thursday evening looks a lot like what Democrats wanted Republicans to support when presidents of their own party were in power: It suspends the debt ceiling through Jan. 30, 2027, without any corresponding spending cuts.

When Trump first publicly floated addressing the borrowing limit, or eliminating it entirely, on Wednesday evening, it piqued the interest of some Democrats who have long railed against it as nothing more than a potential lure for Republican hostage-taking.

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Let's get rid of the debt limit. Let's be done with it, said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. I agree with President-elect Trump, declared Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), endorsing abolition.

But by Thursday evening, when it became clear that Republicans wanted only a two-year pause hitched to a stopgap funding package that dropped some of their priorities, they rallied against it.

Im not simply a no. Im a hell no, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told his caucus in a closed-door meeting, per three people familiar with his remarks.

Why the turnabout?

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As much as Democrats would love to disarm this particular legislative time bomb, theyre not in any mood to negotiate with Republicans after Trump and billionaire ally Elon Musk sabotaged the prior deal to keep the government open and provide billions in disaster and farm relief.

We have a bipartisan, bicameral negotiated deal that we should vote on to keep the government open, Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) told reporters.

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), the incoming chair of the centrist New Democrat Coalition, said the GOP decision to renege on the initial deal is so bad that it makes it virtually impossible to address the debt limit.

The conversation we need to be having is, how much money are we going to bring into this government to pay for the things we want to do, and given how much money we think we can bring in, what are the things that are most important for us to do? he said. And that conversation gets usurped by the whole debate around debt limits and hostage-taking.

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Jeffries sent a clear signal on his debt-limit position to fellow Democrats in a social media post Thursday morning: GOP extremists want House Democrats to raise the debt ceiling so that House Republicans can lower the amount of your Social Security check. Hard pass.

Other Democrats quickly fell in line, including some who have long decried brinkmanship over borrowing.

We have at least six months to resolve the debt ceiling. But we only have hours to prevent a government shutdown. Republicans need to honor the agreement they negotiated and stop manufacturing crises that harm hardworking Americans, top Budget Committee Democrat Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) said in a statement.

The widespread Democratic opposition means Thursdays planned vote  under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds margin  will likely fail. Aside from Democrats, a cadre of conservative House Republicans also appears likely to oppose any attempt to hike or abolish the debt ceiling.

That could leave Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson in a familiar spot: negotiating with the other party over what they would want in return for raising the debt limit.
BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- China is considering expanding public access to science and technology knowledge through a draft law revision.

The second draft revision to the Science and Technology Popularization Law will be submitted to a session of the country's top legislature for deliberation from Saturday to next Wednesday, Wang Xiang, a spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, told a press conference on Thursday.

The latest draft proposes the designation of September as an annual national science popularization month.

It also includes provisions to encourage social entities to establish awards for science popularization according to law, support enterprises to open their laboratories and production lines to the public, and help organizations and individuals to utilize new media to undertake diverse forms of science outreach.

The draft includes new provisions related to talent training, the establishment of volunteer service teams, and an incentive mechanism for science popularization personnel.

If adopted, this would be the first revision to the Science and Technology Popularization Law since it was enacted in 2002. 
The Democrats failure to punish greedy CEOs for the 2008 financial crash contributed to the rise of Donald Trump, argues Obamas former White House chief of staff.

Rahm Emanuel, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Japan, criticized the party for being blind to the rising sea of disillusionment that has been simmering for years in America, he wrote in a column for the Washington Post titled The road back to power for Democrats.

Emanuel, who was Obamas White House chief of staff from 20092010, said the disillusionment began in 2003 with the Iraq War and rumbled on into 2008, where unchecked greed led to the collapse of the global financial system.

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Not only was no one held accountable, but the same bankers who engineered the crisis were aggrieved at the suggestion of diminished bonuses and government intervention, Emanuel said. It was a mistake not to apply Old Testament justice to the bankers during the Obama administration, as some called for at the time.

The former Chicago mayor said Trump managed to channel a nations fury over those years. He pointed to the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as an example of how furious the nation has become.

Outgoing U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel attacks the Democrats for not punishing those responsible for the 2008 crash (AP)

The online cheerleading for the killer of a health-care insurance CEO in New York City is just more evidence of this seething, populist anger, he said.

The only top bankers to receive a sentence was Kareem Serageldin, a former Wall Street bank at Credit Suisse.

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The Obama administration was heavily criticized for not going after the architects of the 2008 crash, which was triggered by shaky subprime mortgage schemes that made banks and their executives fortune until it all came toppling down with consequences around the world.

Eric Holder, the former attorney general, previously insisted that the Department of Justice did not have the evidence it needed to prosecute.

I think you have to understand, if we could have made those cases, we certainly would have, Holder told NBCs Seth Meyers back in 2016. These are the kind of things that are career-defining. People come to the Justice Department to make these kind of cases. But given the statutes we had to work with and the burdens of proof we had to meet, we were simply unable to do that.

In his column, Emanuel also made a subtle dig at Kamala Harris when he wrote how campaigns of joy in an era of rage dont win elections.

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November was a jarring reminder that misjudging the mood of a nation can be catastrophic, he concluded.

There is speculation that Emanuel, reportedly in the running to lead the Democratic National Committee, may run for president in 2028, Politicos Playbook reported. Emanuel has not responded to the rumors.
The state Capitol. (Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)

 Democrats first test after November drubbing will take place in Virginia.  Politico

 Nike just dropped a Virginia Union University-branded sneaker.  Axios

 Virginia teacher says a lot of staff disagreed, some quit over mandate to use students preferred pronouns.  FOX News

 Wilder: Democrats risk same mistake that gave them Youngkin.  Richmond Times-Dispatch

 Stoney says hes still hoping Virginia Democrats can avoid gubernatorial primary.  The Richmonder

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Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire who has become Donald Trumps omnipresent best friend since Trumps victory in the 2024 presidential election, already has a lot of titles. Hes the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Starlink. Hes co-chair of DOGE, for whatever thats worth. Hes the self-appointed main character of the social media site he owns, X.

On Wednesday, after Musk tanked a Republican government funding bill, Democrats gave him another title: shadow president-elect.

You have to ask Donald Trump if Elon Musk is the one making decisions, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) told HuffPost on Wednesday.

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The Democratic messaging tack represents the party settling on a loose message for the early days of the second Trump administration, with leading senators labeling Trumps billionaire-stocked Cabinetan oligarchy and preparing to argue the wealthy businessmen around Trump are setting the Republican agenda rather than the purportedly populist president-elect.

The idea that Musk is leading Trump, and not vice-versa, was clearly visible on Wednesday. Musk spent most of the morning and afternoon on a social media spree condemning the spending package, occasionally spreading false information about it. Trump, meanwhile, did not weigh in on the bill at all, ultimately coming out against it only after reports that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was crafting a backup plan.

Its clear whos in charge, and its not President-elect Donald Trump, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) wrote on social media. Shadow President Elon Musk spent all day railing against Republicans [continuing resolution], succeeded in killing the bill, and then Trump decided to follow his lead.

Historians will be looking back, scratching their heads about our great democracy, wondering whether stuff went awry because of the impact of personal wealth, and it is all about his money and his control of certain institutions that are supposed to convey information, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) added of Musk.

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Musk celebrated Trumps decision to come out against the bill in predictable fashion.

Your elected representatives have heard you and now the terrible bill is dead. The voice of the people has triumphed!



VOX POPULI

VOX DEI  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2024

One Democratic aide, requesting anonymity to speak frankly about party strategy, acknowledged the Democratic Party was trying to drive a wedge between Trump and Musk, who spent a quarter-billion dollars helping to elect the Republican to office. Both men are known for their enormous self-regard, and Musks constant presence at Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence since the election has annoyed other Trump aides.

But Democratic reaction to the chaos in the House wasnt all glee.

Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), whose state has been badly ravaged by floods, lamented House Republicans decision to abandon a government funding deal that would have provided $100 billion in disaster aid to several storm-wracked states, including Vermont.

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Thats terrible for communities that are really in desperate need of the disaster relief so its pretty reckless for this to blow up because Elon Musk is scaring the Republicans, he said.

The bill also included disaster aid for North Carolina, where Trump campaigned with promises to aid communities after historic flooding earlier this year.

In a statement posted online Wednesday, Trump said Republicans want to pay for disaster relief but only if Democrats agree to drop their priorities in the bill and also raise the debt limit, another major wrinkle in negotiations over legislation to keep the government open past Friday.

Not all Democrats are lining up to bash Musk, with Rep. Ro Khanna  a Democrat who represents Californias Silicon Valley  leading the way in arguing Democrats should try to work with the billionaire, if only to ultimately expose the hollowness of his rhetoric.

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Musks role in the still-nascent Trump administration is at least somewhat controversial among the public: A YouGov poll found 48% of Americans had a favorable opinion of Musk, while 42% had an unfavorable opinion. The Associated Press found the public generally split in their opinions of Musk, while a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday found a 53% majority of the public disapproves of Musk playing a prominent role in the Trump administration.

Related...
ENDICOTT, NY  (WIVT/WBGH) After years of delays, its all systems go for demolition of old dilapidated IBM buildings in Endicott.

Some workers were on site today doing some initial preparation. At a meeting on Monday, the village board finalized a state environmental quality review of the plan to tear down the structures at the northeast corner of McKinley Avenue and North Street.

The old factory buildings have been vacant for many years and have fallen into significant disrepair, with pieces of the facade falling off and the roofs caving in. Phoenix Investors, which owns the Huron Campus, received a $6 million grant from the Restore New York program and $2 million from Broome Countys ARPA funds to help pay for the work.

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The project was complicated because of all of the underground tunnels and utilities that connect the 10-acre parcel to the remainder of the campus. Mayor Nick Burlingame says hes glad the end is near.

Its hard to see the history leave. These buildings meant a lot to our community but its time. Its time for a new chapter. They were becoming a safety concern. Its time. Were looking forward to a shovel-ready site. We still have many historic IBM buildings in the village, Burlingame said.

Another delay in the process was concerns by the State Historic Preservation Office. Some of the buildings predate not only IBM but also Endicott Johnson. SHPO ultimately required that photo documentation of the buildings be conducted to preserve their history online.

Senior Vice President of Phoenix Chris Pelto says Gorick Construction plans to begin the demolition before the end of the year. Once completed, a large depression in the ground will remain to make the property ready for future development.

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Burlingame says it will be surrounded by a green mesh fence, grass and landscaping.

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Elon Musk sticking his fingers in congressional affairs before his new pal Donald Trump is even sworn in as president had many Democrats referring to the tech figure as President Musk Wednesday.

The billionaire Tesla CEO successfully lobbiedwith Trumps helpfor the death of a bipartisan spending bill Wednesday that would have staved off a shutdown and funded the government through Marchleaving the Capitol in chaos as Congress scrambled to keep Washington running as the Christmas holiday looms.

Regarding the pairs efforts to kill the spending bill that House Speaker Mike Johnson had painstakingly negotiated with Democratic leaders, New York Rep. Daniel Goldman told MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell: Its not Donald Trump asking for this. Its very clearly President Elon Musk asking for this.

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The fact that Donald Trump has been completely AWOL during these negotiations to the point where only after Elon Musk publicly tweets about his displeasure, about this budget deal, he continued, all of a sudden Donald Trump, chief of staff to Elon Musk, comes trotting in and blows up the deal.

That sentiment was on display from other congressional Democrats, like Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal.

Its clear whos in charge, and its not President-elect Donald Trump, she wrote on X. Shadow President Elon Musk spent all day railing against Republicans CR, succeeded in killing the bill, and then Trump decided to follow his lead.

And Georgia Rep. Hank Johnson likewise suggested that Musk is the one calling the shots.

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Wow! Rather than serving the people who elected them by keeping the government open through the holidays, MAGA Musk Republicans have chosen to follow President-Elect Musks order to SHUT IT DOWN! he wrote on a post on X. Folks, American Democracy is in TROUBLE.

On the Senate side, Bernie Sanders used the term President Musk in two posts asking whether Republicans answer to him or to the American people.

The US Congress this week came to an agreement to fund our government.



Elon Musk, who became $200 BILLION richer since Trump was elected, objected.



Are Republicans beholden to the American people? Or President Musk?



This is oligarchy at work.  Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) December 19, 2024

Republican former congressman Adam Kinzinger also joined in, referring to the two men as President Musk and Vice President Trump on CNN.

The latter term got enough traction to trend on X, which Musk owns.

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Even as that sentiment went viral Wednesday night on the social media platform, Musk and Trump reportedly dined together at Mar-a-Lago, along with Amazon head Jeff Bezos.

Whether the viral sentiment or the words President Musk were mentioned at the table is unclear, but its a well-known fact that Trump doesnt appreciate someone else taking up his spotlight.

As such, Musk is playing a risky game by publicly acting before the president-electeven if their viewpoints are aligned.

Thats according to Wall Street Journal reporter Vivian Salama, who appeared on CNN Wednesday night to discuss the days events.

It is very unusual to see close advisers to Donald Trump getting ahead of him on critical issues like this, she said. Its incredibly risky, and amazingly, his advisers have been remarkably silent on why it took Donald Trump or even Vice President-elect JD Vance so long to weigh in on this issue, whereas Elon Musk, as you were saying, was tweeting all day long about this.
The Danish government has prepared the 23rd military assistance package for Ukraine in the amount of DKK 2.1 billion (EUR 281.5 million) to strengthen air defence and combat aviation.

Source: Danish Defence Ministry, as reported by European Pravda

Details: As part of the aid package, Denmark is allocating funds, among other things, to strengthen Ukraine's air defence and operate Ukrainian F-16 fighters.

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In addition, Denmark is transferring several CV90 infantry fighting vehicles in cooperation with Sweden, sending additional troops to the NATO mission to support Ukraine, and increasing its contribution to the EU military mission to support Ukraine.

The assistance package is funded by a reallocation of funds from the Ukraine Fund - a special fund established by Denmark to assist Ukraine - in 2024 and contributions from the European Peace Fund.

In addition, the remaining DKK 275 million (EUR 36.8 million) will be reallocated to strengthen the financial contribution to "the development of Ukraine's fighter aircraft capacity", the statement said.

In total, Denmark has earmarked DKK 64.8 billion (EUR 8.6 billion) for military support for Ukraine from 2023 to 2028, which is being implemented through a special Ukrainian fund. More than DKK 50 billion (EUR 6.7 billion) has already been spent or pledged.

Background:

In October, the Danish government announced the 21st package of military assistance to Ukraine, aimed at both supplying weapons from warehouses and ordering them from international suppliers.

In December, Ukraine also received a second batch of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark.

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Denmark has allocated 2.1 billion Danish kroner (over $292 million) to bolster Ukraine's air defense, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced on Dec. 19.

The announcement comes amid intensified Russian attacks against Ukraine, including one of the largest aerial strikes on Dec. 13, which targeted energy infrastructure across Ukraine.

The package includes financial support for the operation of Ukraines F-16 fighter jets used to counter Russian air targets.

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One of Ukraine's most urgent needs right now is the ability to protect itself from Russian air strikes. That is why we are prioritizing more support for air defense, Poulsen said.

Denmark has already transferred the second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 7.

Denmark has provided Ukraine with about $7.5 billion worth of military aid since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. It was also the first country to offer military aid to Ukraine through direct purchases from Ukraines defense industry.

Denmark is part of a broader coalition effort to bolster aid to Ukraine ahead of the uncertain future of U.S. aid under incoming President Donald Trump. On Nov. 27, the heads of government from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine.

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The countries identified Russia as a significant long-term threat and called for stronger sanctions and enhanced defense measures to counter Moscows aggression.

Read also: Putin proposes to experiment on Western air defenses by launching Oreshnik at Kyiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Owl Club of Denver, a social club that recognizes the academic excellence of local young African American women, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The club was founded in 1941 and has provided a safe space where community members could feel a sense of belonging, celebrate one anothers achievements, and defy stereotypes placed on Black people and their culture, according to History Colorado.

Denver history: How jazz music formed the Harlem of the West in Five Points

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The club also provided scholarships and community support for young women who had the will but were limited in opportunities at the time, and it continues to do so to this day.

The club hosts an annual Debutante Cotillion honoring students who are graduating high school and recognizes them for their exemplary character, academic accomplishments, dedication to community service and leadership qualities. According to the website, over 1,600 women have been presented as Owl Club Debutantes.

In 1960, after more than a decade of fundraising, the club purchased a building constructed in 1951 at 2815 Madison St. The single-story, rectangular building with its original red Roman brick facade has been preserved by the club and is still the headquarters and clubhouse today.

The Owl Club of Denver, a social club that recognizes the academic excellence of local young African American women, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo courtesy: Denver Public Librarys Special Collection via History Colorado) The Owl Club of Denver, a social club that recognizes the academic excellence of local young African American women, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo courtesy: Denver Public Librarys Special Collection via History Colorado) The Owl Club of Denver, a social club that recognizes the academic excellence of local young African American women, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo courtesy: Denver Public Librarys Special Collection via History Colorado) The Owl Club of Denver

History Colorado describes the building as a tangible cornerstone of Denvers Black community. It was nominated in October and has officially been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

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Denver fire station added to National Register of Historic Places

The designation was part of History Colorados Colorado Heritage for All initiative, which aims to identify 150 unrecognized spaces that tell stories of communities of color, women and LGBTQ+ Coloradans and add them to the state register of historic places by the end of 2026.

The 74th Debutante Cotillion is scheduled for June 7, 2025.

People can learn more about the club at History Colorados exhibition Owl Club of Denver: Legacies of Excellence, which is on display at the History Colorado Center until May 10, 2025

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Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya speaks during a joint interview with Chinese media in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait, Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

KUWAIT CITY, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya said Wednesday Kuwait-China relations are continuously developing and evolving into a strategic partnership with long-term collaboration on developmental projects beneficial to both nations.

During the meeting between leaders of the two countries in September 2023, a clear roadmap was drawn to advance Kuwait-China relations, the minister told Xinhua in a joint interview with Chinese media.

Al-Yahya revealed that "six major projects are currently being implemented in coordination with the Chinese side, with steady and parallel progress."

The top Kuwaiti diplomat also expressed appreciation for China's position on pressing issues in the Middle East.

"We fully support and are completely satisfied with China's position on the Middle East," he said.

He specifically highlighted China's alignment with Kuwait's views on the Palestinian issue, which he described as central and of utmost importance to Kuwait.

The minister extended his gratitude to China for its unwavering support for Palestine, particularly its recognition of the Palestinian state and its endorsement of a two-state solution.

"We are facing challenging circumstances in the region; the situation is very tense, and we hope for China's continued support on this matter," he said.

On Kuwait's perspective of the Belt and Road Initiative, Al-Yahya underscored that Kuwait is "one of the first countries with a special connection to the Silk Road, and we remain committed. This vision will materialize in the near future."

The interview was conducted during the inauguration of the new premises of the Chinese embassy in the Hawalli Governorate of Kuwait on Wednesday evening. 
LEBANON, Wis. (WFRV)  Deputies believe alcohol to have been a factor in a Waupaca County single-vehicle crash that left the driver dead at the scene and a passenger hospitalized.

A release from the Waupaca County Sheriffs Office states that deputies were called to the crash scene shortly after 10:30 p.m. on December 18 on Buelow Road at the intersection of CTHWY T in the Town of Lebanon.

Deputies investigation determined that the vehicle was heading south on Buelow Road when the driver reportedly failed to navigate a curve, leading to the vehicle hitting a utility pole after leaving the road.

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Oshkosh PD investigating shooting after multiple gunshots heard on Michigan Street

The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene and a passenger was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment.

Deputies did note in the release that alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

No additional information was provided. Local 5 will update this story when more details are released.

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AUGUSTA (WJBF)  The Richmond County Sheriffs Office is searching for a man accused of several violent crimes.

22-year-old Wandarius Hilquez Polen is wanted for Aggravated Sexual Battery, Kidnapping, and Robbery by Force for an incident that occurred on December 11th.

Reports say the victim pulled into Circle K at the corner of Wrightsboro Road and Barton Chapel Road to put gas inside her car.

The victim told police when she got out of the car to walk inside and pay, she felt like someone grabbed her waist from behind, put her on the wall, and grabbed her neck.

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Then Polen allegedly sodomized the woman and stole her gold Cuban link chain.

The suspect is known to frequent the James Drive and Boykin Road area, according to authorities.

If you know of the Polens whereabouts, contact Inv. Ken Rogers or any Violent Crimes Investigator with the Richmond County Sheriffs Office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.



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DES MOINES, Iowa  A Des Moines teen pled guilty to vehicular homicide on Wednesday in connection to a high-speed crash that resulted in the death of a Des Moines couple.

In November 2023 the Des Moines Police Department responded to a crash involving a Chevy Camaro and a Buick Century at the intersection of East 27th Street and East University Avenue. The driver and passenger of the Buick, identified as 76-year-old Fred Lehman and 79-year-old Mary Lehman, died from their injuries at the scene.

Later that month officers arrested and charged the driver of the Chevy Camaro, then 18-year-old Kameron Wright, in connection to the crash. Police said Wright was driving at excessive speeds and was driving under the influence at the time of the crash. He was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide  OWI and two counts of vehicular homicide  reckless driving.

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Multiple search warrants served in metro narcotics investigation

On Wednesday Wright pled guilty to only two counts of vehicular homicide  reckless driving and one count of of operating while intoxicated.

According to the Polk County Attorneys office, data retrieved from the Camaro showed it was traveling at 112 mph two seconds before the crash.

Metro News:

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The plea agreement states that if Wright is sentenced to prison he must serve the vehicular homicide charges consecutively to each other (one after the other) for a total of 20 years in prison. The attorneys office said the prosecution and defense will argue whether Wright should be granted a suspended sentence with a probation term of three years or if he should be sentenced to prison. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 13.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsins capital remains a crime scene as detectives search for a motive in the deadly Monday morning shooting carried out by a student and probe her possible links to a California man who authorities say was planning another mass shooting.

The campus remains closed as investigators comb through social media and documents to understand how 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who went by Samantha, got a firearm used in the killings at the private school in Madison.

Rupnow used a handgun to carry out the attack, authorities said. The handgun and a second gun not used in the attack were found at the scene, Madison police said Wednesday. The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has traced the origins of the weapons, but police wont provide further information on the guns, as it could jeopardize our investigation, a police statement said.

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During an FBI interview Paffendorf admitted to the FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun and that he would target a government building, the documents revealed, but did not identify the building.

As investigators sift through Rupnows social media and analyze documents she is purported to have written, it also appears she had been in contact with Alexander Paffendorf, a 20-year-old man in Carlsbad, California, who was allegedly plotting a separate mass shooting with the teenager, San Diego County court documents show.

A California judge issued a restraining order against Paffendorf on Tuesday under Californias red flag law. The order requires him to turn over his guns and ammunition to authorities within 48 hours unless an officer asks for them sooner.

CNN has attempted to reach Paffendorf for comment, but its not clear where Paffendorf is now.

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As Wisconsin detectives search for the motive behind the shooting, the public face of the investigation  Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes  will be leaving the department, the city announced Friday.

Barnes, who was a teacher before becoming a police officer and Madisons top cop, will become Seattles new police chief, the Seattle mayors office said.

In a video shared on Seattles YouTube page, Barnes introduced himself as the citys new police chief and said he planned to visit next month to learn more about the Seattle Police Department and our commitment to safety and service.

Barnes noted this weeks tragic circumstances in Madison prevented him from visiting sooner, according to the video.

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In light of the recent school shooting  my priority must be here with our community and the dedicated men and women of the Madison Police Department, Barnes said.

Our officers and community are now navigating the emotional aftermath of this tragedy, he said. My immediate responsibility is to support my officers as we come to terms with this devastating event.

Barnes is expected to leave MPD in February, Satya Rhodes-Conway, Madisons mayor, told CNN affiliate WISC on Friday. Details have not been finalized on who will take over updating the public on the shooting investigation, a city spokesperson told CNN.

There is no threat in 2 states, officials say

A neighbor, Alex Gallegos, said he witnessed authorities carrying out a big black box during a search of Paffendorfs residence this week, when he saw about 15 police officers on the quiet street. It looked like a gun case of some sort, and thats all I know, Gallegos said.

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The Carlsbad Police Department told CNN there is no threat to the city.

We are in communication with our federal partners, and we do not believe there to be a threat to our city, the police department said in a statement, adding it did not have additional details to share.

The FBI said it is also not aware of any ongoing threats associated with this matter in Wisconsin or California, the agency said in a statement to CNN.

The father of the 15-year-old Madison, Wisconsin, school shooter posted a photo to Facebook of his daughter, Natalie Rupnow, at a shooting range in August. - From Jeff Rupnow/ Facebook

The Abundant Life Christian School attack was one of more than 80 school shootings across the United States this year  surpassing 2023 for the most in a single year since CNN began tracking such incidents in 2008.

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Teacher Erin Michelle West, 42, of DeForest, and freshman Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, of Madison, died at the scene, the Dane County Medical Examiners Office said in a news release Wednesday.

Six people were injured in the shooting. Two students remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition, a University of Wisconsin Health spokesperson said Friday. Four other people with minor injuries were discharged earlier this week, according to the Madison Police Department.

Rupnow was pronounced dead at a hospital Monday as a result of firearm related trauma, the medical examiners office said, noting additional testing is underway.

Active shooting incidents involving female shooters are rare, data from an FBI study and other reports suggest. CNN has documented 83 school shootings in 2024, and of the 59 in which the gender identity of the suspected shooter was available, only two were female.

What we know about the shooters life

The mayor of Madison said it is too early to comment on whether the parents of the shooter will face criminal charges, as have a few other parents of US school shooters in recent years.

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(Authorities) want to be very careful to do everything that they can properly and to execute the investigation in the best way possible, and so thats something that is going to unfold over, you know, months, Rhodes-Conway told WISC.

Investigators are looking at if the parents may have been negligent, the police chief said Tuesday. He also said investigators have no reason to believe that they have committed a crime at this time.

Rupnows parents, Jeff and Mellissa Rupnow, have not responded to CNNs repeated requests for comment. They have been cooperating with police, Barnes has said.

Court records obtained by CNN show Rupnows parents have been married to each other and divorced from each other twice, with court orders requiring the teen to split time between her mothers home and her fathers, court records obtained by CNN show.

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Jeff Rupnow had posted a photo on Facebook of his daughter at a shooting range in August. In the photo, the teenager can be seen wearing a black shirt with the name of the band KMFDM.

The German bands lyrics were cited by the students who carried out the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado, where 13 people were killed and a song by the band was featured in a TikTok video posted moments before a 17-year-old unleashed gunfire at Iowas Perry High School, killing a sixth grader and wounding seven other people in January.

KMFDM issued a statement condemning the 1999 attack and expressed sympathy for the victims, adding their music was intended to stand against violence, according to Reuters.

Police in Wisconsin are also talking to Abundant Life Christian School students to determine whether bullying was one of the factors in Mondays shooting, Barnes said.

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Mackynzie Wilson, a sophomore at the school who had a locker next to Rupnows, said she never thought the student she described as shy would be capable of carrying out an act of such violence.

She was really quiet. She didnt really have any friends, and she just seemed really lonely, Wilson told CNN. It wasnt like she was trying to fit in. She seemed very content being alone.

Victim fights for life as families plan funerals for others

Erin West, a teacher who was killed in the Madison school shooting - From Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care

A funeral service will be held for West, a teacher employed part-time by the school, on Monday. Students described West as a loving person who devoted her time to supporting them.

Angel Brube, a seventh-grader at the school, told CNN he knew the teacher well and described her as always very kind and caring.

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Vergara was an animal lover who was passionate about art, reading, singing and playing music, according to her online obituary. Her funeral will be held on Saturday.

West and Vergara died of homicidal firearm related trauma, preliminary autopsy results found. The medical examiners office said it will be conducting additional testing.

Meanwhile, the family of a student who suffered life-threatening injuries in Mondays shooting is asking for prayers and privacy as they focus on their sons recovery.

Madison school shooting victim Rubi Vergara, 14 - From Gunderson Funeral Home

The boy, referred to as Samy in a Facebook post, remains in critical condition, according to the post by Marcio Sierra Jr., the senior pastor at Lighthouse Church in Madison.

He said the family are members of the church and hes been in daily contact with them. The family asked him to be their voice to the community, he said.

They ask that you please continue to pray for Samy, he needs a miracle. The family understands the power of prayer, and they know that Samy is in Gods hands, Sierra wrote.

For now, their request is that we stand with them in prayer and speak life over Samy, he wrote.

The United Way of Dane County in Wisconsin has collected nearly $96,000 from 870 donors on behalf of Abundant Life Christian School, according to an emergency and recovery fund verified by CNN. All funds will go directly to the school.

The organization is working with the school to determine how the funds will be used, a United Way of Dane County spokesperson told CNN in an email.

Residents and officials call for action

Hundreds gathered outside the Wisconsin State Capitol on Tuesday night to remember victims. A Christmas tree twinkled as mourners met in freezing temperatures to grieve, holding candles and hugging therapy dogs.

For students like Wilson, it was difficult returning to the school for the vigil because of the fear and trauma that built up, she said.

Madison local Justin Myers brought his two young children to the Tuesday vigil, telling CNN he had told them the truth about what happened at Abundant Life.

Its an epidemic, and Im not a big believer in the thoughts and prayers crap  I dont think it works, he added. We need action, legislation and laws to make sure that guns dont get into the hands of people who dont have them.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan called for more action from Congress to address gun violence.

From Newtown to Uvalde, Parkland to Madison, to so many other shootings that dont receive attention  it is unacceptable that we are unable to protect our children from this scourge of gun violence, Biden said in a statement Monday.

Existing Wisconsin law limiting gun access to children is not sufficient, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard said Tuesday. Our laws in Wisconsin are far too lax when it comes to access of guns by children, Agard said Tuesday.

We should have background checks. We should have red flag bills, we should be providing adequate support for everyone in our community when it comes to behavioral health, Agard added.

Both federal and Wisconsin law generally make it illegal for someone younger than 18 to possess a firearm. State law similarly makes it illegal for any person to intentionally sell, loan or give a dangerous weapon to someone younger than 18  but there are exceptions such as allowing minors to possess a firearm for target practice under adult supervision, for use in the armed forces or for hunting.

Wisconsin also has a child access firearm law that makes it illegal to recklessly store a loaded firearm within reach or easy access of a child younger than 14, with penalties of up to nine months in prison if that child takes the firearm without permission and if the child uses the gun and causes bodily harm or death to himself, herself or another.

In April, the parents of the teenager who killed four students in the 2021 school shooting in Oxford, Michigan, were each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter.

In October, a Georgia grand jury indicted a father on murder and other charges in the mass shooting by his son at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, as the nation continues to struggle with accountability for the violence plaguing American schools.

CNNs Jack Hannah, Taylor Romine, Sarah Dewberry, Elise Hammond, Whitney Wild, Holly Yan, Steve Almasy, Jillian Sykes, Caroll Alvarado, Taylor Galgano and Ashley R. Williams contributed to this report.

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Detroit has seen a surge of missing persons reports this year  hundreds more than in recent years  and police say the increase is tied to a rise in "runaways who voluntarily leave home."

More than 3,100 reports of missing people have been made to the Detroit Police Department so far this year  an 18% increase over 2023, as of Dec. 13, according to police data. Many have involved people who are vulnerable: elderly residents with dementia, people living with mental health issues and teenagers who left their homes without permission.

People have been recovered in more than 2,900 of this year's reported missing cases, police said. But for children and teens, even a short time away could expose them to dangers.

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"One child missing is enough," Darryl Woods, chair of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, said. "And we need to continue to ramp up our efforts and find ways to make sure that children are in safe places."

Detroit Police Commissioner Ricardo Moore told the Free Press that the increase in missing persons reports "should really be alarming." Last year, he requested information about missing persons cases from the department because of concerns from a community activist about the number of cases in the news.

As of Dec. 13, according to police, there had been 3,103 missing persons reports made so far this year. That's up from 2,629 missing person reports made last year; 2,583 made in 2022, and 2,338 made in 2021, according to data from the department.

In a statement to the Free Press, the Detroit Police Department said it has seen an increase in missing persons reported over the last few years. While there is an increase, a driving factor is an increase in the number of runaways who voluntarily leave home.

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The department, on its Facebook page for missing persons cases, defines runaways as "youth who have left home without parental/caregiver permission." About 41% of people actively missing in the city as of Dec. 13 were classified by Detroit police as runaways, according to data posted on the page.

"Thankfully, the number of recovered missing persons continues to increase as well," the department said in its statement, adding that people have been recovered in 2,919 of this year's missing persons cases, as of Dec. 13. "The Department continues to actively work to bring missing Detroiters home."

Detroit Police Sgt. Shannon Jones, with the department's missing persons unit, said she has noticed younger kids running away and staying out overnight. Every year it gets younger, I tend to notice, Jones told the Free Press during an interview this fall.

Angeline Hartmann, director of communications for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said children who leave home can be at risk for a variety of possible dangers, including homelessness, selling or using drugs, being targeted by sex traffickers or becoming involved in criminal activity.

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They definitely are pressured out there to survive, she said.

It's unclear how Detroit's increase this year compares with national trends. According to statistics from the National Crime Information Center, there was a 3% increase in the number of missing persons records in the U.S. between 2022 and 2023.

A selfie taken by Na'Ziyah Harris on Jan. 9, the last known picture of her, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

About two dozen of Detroit's missing persons cases this year ended when police determined people had died. That includes the case of long-missing teen NaZiyah Harris, who vanished in January at age 13. Her disappearance was first reported to Detroit Public Schools Community District Department of Public Safety, but Detroit police took over the case in February.

The teen's body has not been found and a 42-year-old Detroit man, who has children with Na'Ziyah's aunt, has been charged with murder and sexual assault charges in the case.

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I strongly believe that it is a community issue when our young people come missing in the city of Detroit," Woods said, "that we have to stay vigilant and that we have to continue to roll up our sleeves to be able to protect our children."

Most missing cases promoted by police involved youths

To get the public's help to find missing people, Detroit police post information on social media and send email notifications to media outlets about some cases. The alerts include photos and basic information, like names, ages, race and gender, as well as details about when and where people were last seen.

The same information is often posted on DPD's Facebook page for missing persons.

Not every case gets an emailed alert. Since the beginning of the year, the Free Press has received alerts about more than 400 missing people from DPD. A handful concerned people last seen in 2023. Often, the department also sends alerts when people are recovered.

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To report on and better understand Detroit's missing persons cases, the Free Press undertook a monthslong effort to collect and analyze the alerts. The Free Press also asked DPD for details about every person reported missing this year, but the department declined to provide that information. The newspaper filed a Freedom of Information Act request on Wednesday for those details.

Among 438 cases reviewed by the Free Press:

The majority  about 60%  concerned missing youths.

The youngest person was a 1-year-old and the oldest was an 87-year-old man; both have been found.

Most of those who went missing  91%  are Black.

The cases were evenly divided by gender, with 52% females and 48% males.

Mental health issues or dementia were listed in roughly one out of three cases.

Jones said community assistance is a big factor when someone is reported missing.

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"Were more successful when we get more information, Jones said. She stressed the importance of parents knowing who their children are hanging out with and where.

Checking up on your kids and knowing about your community and when you see kids wandering the street or going around and getting in cars that they shouldn't be getting into  being on that type of alert, Jones said.

Police confirmed that, among the missing people who have been recovered, 25 were determined to be dead. As of late October, according to police, five of those cases were homicides, including NaZiyah Harris, who went missing Jan. 9.

Tamara Liberty Smith, vice chair of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, said "we do not have an epidemic of missing persons." She said many youths reported missing left home without permission, but they often continue to use social media while gone and someone knows where they are, then they eventually return home.

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In Na'Ziyah's case, Smith said: There was no sign or evidence of any life. There was no social media presence. There was no chatter from her friends saying they had spoken with her. No family members have seen her.

Family waits years for answers: 'It's just like the time has stopped'

Though most missing person cases in Detroit are resolved  as is the case for 94% of this year's cases so far, according to police data  some have lingered for years, leaving families with few answers as to what happened to their loved ones.

Thats true for the family of Alasia Hill, who vanished in 2021 at age 23.

Ive had dreams of talking to Alasia, trying to figure out where she was and, you know, its just like the time has stopped, said Shyaira Fikes, Hills oldest sister.

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Charisma Carucci, Hill's mother, last saw her daughter on March 10, 2021. She said her daughter, who had recently had her hand amputated at Henry Ford Hospital, had stitches taken out that day in March 2021 and then went to a home she was staying at not far from the hospital. Carucci said she spoke to her daughter by phone that evening, but when she called to check on her the next day, Hill had vanished.

Detroit police said this month that Hill is still missing and her case is under investigation.

Alasia Hill has been missing since March 2021, when she was last seen in Detroit.

Carucci described coping with her daughters disappearance as like a battle within.

Sometimes I feel like, am I giving up hope to come to a place of acceptance that we may not get an answer? Carucci said. Am I being naive to believe that shes, you know, just out there and doesnt know how to get in touch with us or she cant?

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Fikes described Hill, a mother of two, as a powerful and strong person.

Her personality was amazing, she said. If you had Alasia as your friend, you had Alasia as your friend forever.

Every year, Fikes said, a photo of her, her son and Hill  the last she took with her sister  pops up on her phone. Seeing it hurts, she said.

Its like time ticking, Fikes said. In my mind, its like you hear a clock just tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick. And it's like, I need it to just be solved, something to come out, someone to say something. Something. I need something.

Anyone with information about a missing person case is asked to contact their local police precinct or Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 800-SPEAK-UP.

USA Today Network staff members Stephen Harding, senior product manager, Jaron Stevenson, system architect, and Amelie Sutton, product manager, contributed to this report.

Contact Kristi Tanner: ktanner@freepress.com

Contact Gina Kaufman: gkaufman@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit police see increase in missing persons reports in 2024
Dec. 18CLEVELAND  During a celebration at Cleveland State University on Dec. 12, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that nearly 200 people have been pardoned in the first five years of the Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project.

DeWine launched the project in December 2019 to simplify and expedite the lengthy pardon application process for certain rehabilitated citizens who have consistently demonstrated that they've become law-abiding, contributing members of society in the years since their convictions.

As of today, 182 individuals have received expedited pardons through the program, including 74 people pardoned in the past 12 months alone. Two pardon recipients stood with DeWine today as he signed their pardons.

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"Even for those who've learned from their mistakes and have gone on to live good lives, a criminal history shuts the door on certain career, education, and volunteer opportunities," DeWine said.

"Through the Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project, we are helping to remove the obstacles for those who have become upstanding citizens."

The Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project eliminates administrative hurdles in the complex pardon application process and provides free one-on-one support from partnering law schools in Ohio. Pardon requests submitted through the Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project are also fast-tracked for consideration by the Ohio Parole Board and, ultimately, the governor.

The program operates in partnership between the Ohio Governor's Office, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, the University of Akron School of Law, Cleveland State University College of Law, the University of Dayton School of Law and the Ohio Justice & Policy Center in partnership with the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

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Since 2019, 543 applicants have met the criteria to participate in the Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project with more than 275 people currently in various stages of the expedited pardon application process.

To be accepted into the Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project, applicants must meet various program requirements. Those who do not qualify for the program may still apply for a pardon through the traditional application route.

Since the creation of the Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project, Ohio law has changed to allow the governor to automatically seal the records of those who have received a pardon. Anyone pardoned before September 2021 can also take steps to have their record sealed.

For more information on the Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project, including how to apply and minimum eligibility requirements, visit ohioexpeditedpardon.org.
Anna V. Smith

High Country News

Indigenous voters  motivated in part by economic issues, land rights, tribal sovereignty and the preservation of language and culture  tended to support progressive priorities and liberal candidates in the November election, according to the National Electorate Voter Poll, which researchers at BSP Research, First Nations Development Institute and others shared last week.

Those findings stand in stark contrast to a National Exit Poll by Edison Research that claimed that 68% of Native voters voted for President-elect Donald Trump. That exit poll, which was widely shared online and across media networks after the election, falsely suggested that a large shift in Native voting patterns had occurred. Native voices are rarely heard, and when people dont hear from us, they make shit up, said Michael Roberts (Tlingit), CEO of the Colorado-based First Nations Development Institute, pointing to the Edison Research poll.

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Instead, the National Electorate Voter Poll by BSP Research found that 57% of the Native voters surveyed voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, while 39% voted for Trump. The majority also supported womens right to abortion (85%), protecting families from climate change (89%), and expanding clean energy investments (88%), none of which are part of Trumps agenda. This is very useful information for the incoming Trump administration that we know is potentially going to move in a different direction on a number of these issues, said Gabe Sanchez, director of research at BSP Research.

Other highlights showed that 15% respondents said this was their first time voting, and that support for Harris was higher among Native women, young voters and people who speak an Indigenous language at home.

Whats the bigger picture?

According to early analyses by voting rights advocates, this election cycle saw a lower turnout among some rural and urban Native communities. This tracks with nationwide findings for some voters compared to the last presidential election in 2020. But the reasons behind the drop in Native voter turnout are likely complicated, as are efforts to draw conclusions concerning voting patterns. The results of the National Exit Poll, distributed in early November by NBC News, CNN and others, were seized upon by conservative outlets and often reposted online devoid of context. Indigenous researchers and community advocates pointed out problems with the data that amounted to misinformation  the sample size was just 229 people, for example, and no polling locations on tribal lands were included. In an email to High Country News, Edison Research, which conducted the poll, agreed that while the poll met Edisons criteria, it was limited in scope. This data point from our survey should not be taken as a definitive word on the American Indian vote, said Randy Brown at Edison Research.

The poll underscores the challenges involved in gathering accurate voting data that is reflective of Indigenous communities, which are not politically homogeneous. Native people are often omitted from these types of conversations. But then to have the rare cases in which we are included being misrepresentations of our voices is equally as problematic, said Stephanie Fryberg (Tulalip), professor of psychology at Northwestern University and founding director of the Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity Center. Fryberg wrote a widely circulated op-ed for Native News Online detailing some of the issues with the Edison Research poll.

So, what did turnout look like in this election cycle?

Accurate voting data can be difficult to come by, because ballots are not attached to demographic information. Instead, voting trends must be cross-referenced with things like census data, which can also be inadequate. In an analysis done by the Native American Rights Fund in mid-November, preliminary voter turnout was down in Native-majority counties compared to the 2020 presidential election, dropping from 53% to 49% in 2024  a decline of about 10,000 voters. That decline was echoed in majority-Native counties like Sioux County, North Dakota, and Todd County in South Dakota. Overall, NARF found, support for Harris was higher in majority-Native counties in Montana, South and North Dakota and Wisconsin, while Trump outperformed her in Oklahoma.

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Native people are often omitted from these types of conversations. But then to have the rare cases in which we are included being misrepresentations of our voices is equally as problematic.

But this kind of analysis usually only applies to reservation communities where tribal lands and county voting data overlap. In urban areas or other places where Native people are not the majority, it can be harder to draw big-picture conclusions. Theres no easy answer for that from the urban Native perspective, said Janeen Comenote (Quinault), executive director at the National Urban Indian Family Coalition, which advocates for Indigenous families in urban areas. According to post-election analyses by the NUIFC, while turnout was down nationwide, the decline was less significant in urban areas where the coalitions member organizations had a presence. And in two counties in swing states there was actually an increase in turnout: Wake County, North Carolina and Clark County, Nevada.

In November, after the Edison Research poll results were distributed, the NUIFC sent out its own survey, hoping to better understand how Native people connected to the coalitions member organizations voted. According to Rio Fernandes, director of civic engagement at the NUIFC, 1,133 people responded, with 85% of urban respondents saying they voted for Harris, while 10% voted for Trump and 5% either voted for a third party or did not vote at all. For respondents living on reservations, 85% voted for Harris, 8% voted for Trump, and 7% voted for a third party or did not vote. But Comenote cautions that this survey was informal: The primary reason is just to interrogate that graphic that came out from CNN and see if that was what we found with the aid of a larger sample size and broader geographic spread.

How useful are polls, and what are their limits?

The methodology used in BSP Researchs National Electorate Voter Poll was much more nuanced than Edison Researchs survey: It screened out people who only claimed a distant ancestor as their sole connection to Native ancestry, for example. It also sought out a variety of respondents from reservation and urban areas and inquired about their political tribal priorities and whether they spoke a Native language at home.

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While BSPs poll did find that younger Indigenous men were more likely to vote Republican than older Native men, Roberts of First Nations Development Institute cautioned against reading too much into it. I think folks are trying to find a way to indict Brown and Black voters for the loss in this election by the Democratic Party, Roberts said. And when you look at subgroup by subgroup, theyre still primarily voting for Democratic candidates, adding that we need to look somewhere else for who won and who lost this election for Candidate Harris.

I think folks are trying to find a way to indict Brown and Black voters for the loss in this election by the Democratic Party.

One question that remains unanswered in the recent polls and surveys: What are the reasons behind the drop in turnout? There are several hypotheses; the Native American Rights Fund, for one, cited the ongoing accessibility barriers to getting Native voters to the polls, such as the long distances to polling sites and frequent rejection of tribal IDs. Comenote, meanwhile, noted that back in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led states to try novel approaches to ensure that people could vote. That election saw the highest turnout this century.

Overall, Indigenous researchers stressed the need for gathering more, and better, data regarding Native voters and doing so in collaboration with Native-led organizations. More accurate data sets can help arm our Native community colleagues to make better cases for the work that theyre doing, said Roberts. Political leaders in Indian Country agree. Our communities, especially in rural and tribal areas, demand to be reported on with diligence and accuracy, said Mark Macarro (Pechanga Band of Indians), president of the National Congress of American Indians in a statement about the Edison Research poll results. Native voter influence must not be distorted and diminished.
This article is part of Dealing the Dead, a series investigating the use of unclaimed bodies for medical research.

In August, a single email triggered a chain of hand-wringing and strategizing inside one of Americas largest medical technology companies: A reporter asked Boston Scientific if the biotech giant realized one of its subsidiaries had received bodies for medical training with no consent from the dead or their families.

Company leaders fretted about how the revelation from NBC News would look to investors and debated how or even whether to answer, according to internal emails received through a public records request. The company had acquired the specimens from a Texas medical school for trainings on an innovative back pain procedure, but officials said they hadnt known the bodies were unclaimed.

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We didnt do anything illegal or wrong, Jessica Sachariason, Boston Scientifics global corporate communications director, wrote to executives and an in-house lawyer. But she noted that NBC News findings posed reputational risks to the company if Boston Scientific didn't respond.

Boston Scientific's headquarters in Natick, Mass., in 2010.

The story of how a major biotechnology company came to use the unclaimed dead offers a window into the pressing demand for human bodies  a crucial part of Americas $180 billion medical device industry, yet one that is poorly regulated and usually invisible to the public.

Using unclaimed bodies for medical research is legal in much of the country, but is widely considered unethical because of the absence of consent; the unclaimed include people whose relatives could not be reached as well as those who could not afford to make funeral arrangements.

Bodies are used in countless ways in the medical world  by doctors to hone surgical skills, by paramedics to practice lifesaving techniques and by acupuncturists learning how organs interact. And before a new medical device is deployed in human clinical trials, biotech companies often use bodies as a test. Since 2019, at least 332 medical devices that received clearance by the Food and Drug Administration cited cadaveric studies to show they were safe, according to records compiled for NBC News by Bright Data, a web data collection company.

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Despite the importance of bodies in medicine, there is no data on how many are used each year, let alone how many of them are unclaimed. In investigations over the past two years, NBC News has found widespread mistreatment of the dead and their families. Local authorities have repeatedly failed to find relatives after people have died, even though the family members were reachable, leaving the bodies to go unclaimed. And some of those unclaimed bodies have been sent off for research even as peoples loved ones reported them missing or waited anxiously to hear from them.

This is legalized grave robbing. No shovel needed, said Janet Cope, an anatomy specialist at Elon University in North Carolina, referring to the use of unclaimed bodies. That is what theyre doing.

After Relievant Medsystems developed the Intracept system, a widely used surgical technique for alleviating lower back pain, Boston Scientific spent over $800 million to acquire the company last year. Boston Scientific said the Intracept procedure was expected to generate over $100 million in sales in 2024.

Relievant also was one of the biggest customers of the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. The company paid more than $1.1 million for access to hundreds of bodies as well as space at the centers now-shuttered BioSkills laboratory to train doctors on its invention from 2019 through 2024.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center regularly leased out unclaimed bodies for research and training.

What Relievant did not know at the time, according to emails and invoices obtained by NBC News through a records request to the university, was that at least 80 of the bodies the company used for these trainings were unclaimed. At least seven of the trainings, using 18 unclaimed bodies, occurred after Boston Scientific purchased Relievant in late 2023. The Health Science Center received the unclaimed bodies from two local counties.

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As NBC News began to ask questions, Sachariason suggested Boston Scientific publicly say that it was reviewing its work with the Health Science Center, and Kevin Barry, a company legal director, advised leaders to avoid the appearance of turning a blind eye to UNTs practices, according to a lengthy email chain that was forwarded to the center.

The company should take a definitive ethical stance, he wrote, noting that investors could be troubled by the news.

Sachariason ultimately told NBC News that Boston Scientific and Relievant no longer worked with the Health Science Center.

The center permanently closed its BioSkills laboratory and ended its use of unclaimed bodies in September, after documents uncovered through reporters' information requests revealed deficiencies in leadership, standards of respect and care, and professionalism, the centers president said.

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This week, NBC News reported that one of the bodies Relievant used belonged to Aurimar Villegas, a 21-year-old Venezuelan migrant who was killed in a road rage shooting and whose family was desperately, and unsuccessfully, trying to bring her body home.

In response to follow-up questions, Sachariason sent a statement saying that the centers use of unclaimed bodies without consent was not in line with our understanding of the centers willed body program. Boston Scientific updated its policies to require consent from the donor or their next of kin, she said.

NBC News surveyed the 15 largest medical device makers and found that just two others  Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic  said they have policies against using unclaimed bodies for research or training. Fresenius Medical Care said it did not use bodies. The rest said they did not have a policy, did not respond or did not give a clear answer to NBC News questions.

Some companies and medical schools have switched from using bodies to alternatives like augmented and virtual reality, highly detailed interactive digital tables and lifelike synthetic models. These options have a number of advantages: They are reusable; they lack chemical preservatives that can be dangerous for students; and they come free of ethical issues.

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SynDaver is a company that sells human replicas made of silicone or synthetic tissue for up to $200,000 each. Calisse Revilla, the companys sales director, said one goal is to reduce the demand for corpses and disrupt bad actors who do not treat human remains with respect. That is something that we are trying to combat, she said.

SynDaver's products include synthetic models of a human heart, a full body and intestines.

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SynDaver provides models to companies that include Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic, a representative said.

Still, no one  including Revilla  thinks the digital and synthetic alternatives will fully supplant the need for human specimens anytime soon. Doctors still will need to practice sawing into bone and suturing muscles. Each human is uniquely shaped, and that variability is key to teaching medical professionals the range of what to expect.

Any kind of hesitation or inexperience can really cost someone their life, said Corinne Bell, executive director of the Anatomy Gifts Registry, a nonprofit body donation organization.

Boston Scientific has used simulators to train experienced physicians on Relievants Intracept surgical technique, but prefers using human specimens to train new hires who wont necessarily have the same knowledge, Jonnie McKee, a senior education manager, said in a summer 2024 email obtained by NBC News.

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For those trainings, Relievant typically rented space in the University of North Texas Health Science Centers BioSkills lab. Fees last year included $1,623 for the daily rental, $232 for cleanup, $42 per participant, $927 for every human torso the center provided  and $186 for each cremation, according to invoices NBC News obtained.

This training was so essential to Boston Scientific that the company wrestled with whether to cancel a September class at the Health Science Center after learning about its use of unclaimed bodies.

Cancelling the course last minute  when we have done nothing wrong and are operating above board makes little sense to me, Brian Betts, a Boston Scientific vice president, wrote to several colleagues in August, not long after NBC News had reached out to the company. Cadaver trainings are a necessary part of medical education.

When Boston Scientific asked the Health Science Center for reassurances that none of the bodies in the September training were unclaimed, the center replied that two of the bodies belonged to people with no reachable family members and two others had relatives who chose not to claim them, but that it was legal for the bodies to be used.

The Health Science Center shuttered its BioSkills laboratory following NBC News' investigation.

Boston Scientific ultimately held the training after the center confirmed in writing that it would provide bodies that had been donated with consent, Sachariason told NBC News. Andy North, a Health Science Center spokesperson, confirmed that the bodies used in the training were either directly donated by the individual prior to death or by next of kin.

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Garland Shreves, CEO of Research for Life, a body donation company, said its important for bioskills labs like the one at the University of North Texas to meet a minimum standard of safety, ethics and transparency, which includes not using unclaimed bodies. To ensure that happens, he believes labs should be inspected by the government.

No one should be forced to be a donor, Shreves said. The law may allow it in certain jurisdictions. Whether its allowed or not doesnt mean we should do it.

UPDATE (Dec. 27, 2024, 5:30 p.m. ET): This article has been updated to add more details on Boston Scientific and Relievant Medsystems work with the University of North Texas Health Science Center, based on documents NBC News obtained through a public records request after the article initially published. This includes additional instances of unclaimed bodies used for trainings.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
CALIFORNIA  H.R. 5863, the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act passed the Senate just two weeks ago, and on Dec, 12 it was officially signed into law by President Biden. Thousands of people will be exempt from paying federal income taxes on their disaster relief settlements.

The bill includes survivors of the Camp, Zogg, and North Bay Fires, and the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, among other recent disasters. Disaster survivors can now claim refunds for any taxes paid on wildfire settlement funds from 2020-2025 by filing an amended return or claiming the change in the next tax year.

H.R. 5863 applies not just to claimants part of the Fire Victim Trust but any wildfire payments received from 2020 to 2025 for federal wildfire disasters that happened after 2014. In California, S.B. 1246 and A.B. 1249 were signed into law in 2022, making wildfire relief payments exempt from state taxes. However, before H.R. 5863, there were no exemptions at the federal level.

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For thousands of fire survivors still trying to rebuild and recover across California, every dollar counts.

A day didnt go by that I wasnt thinking about this, Mayor of Paradise, Steve Crowder said.

More than six years after the Camp Fire, Crowder said its about time this legislation passed. Crowder traveled to Washington D.C. several times on behalf of the Town of Paradise and fellow disaster survivors to advocate for the tax exemptions.

I think what its going to do is its going to let them know I can afford to rebuild there or Im going to have to build a smaller house but its going to be closure, Crowder said.

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Closure  something survivors have been searching years for.

Relief. A huge relief and feeling of fairness because theres been a lot of unfairness in the last six years, Camp Fire survivor Angie Derryberry said.

Carrie Max is one of many survivors still living in a trailer after the Camp Fire.

Its home. Ive been here 52 years, Max said.

Shes finally rebuilding her home through Recover California and said it took just about every penny of hers to do so.

This really is a process, Max said. Since I started building, Im just realizing this has really affected me. I get to breathe and stuff but Im really realizing how painful its been.

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More than $512 million in taxes is expected to be returned to thousands of fire survivors like Max. However, to her, the passage of H.R. 5863 represents much more than that.

There are so many layers to the struggles and the stresses that one of them is lifted. It truly is an OK, that one is done, yay, Max said.

However, the road to get the bill passed wasnt a quick one. This is the fourth time the bill has been presented and for months there was no movement. Mayor Crowder said the wheels finally started turning after the election.

I think the big thing this time is the elections are over. It doesnt really matter who gets credit for the win so I think politics were finally out of the equation, Crowder said.

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Its a sentiment echoed all the way in Washington D.C. by Congressman Doug LaMalfa whose district [District 1] includes several communities burned in the Camp Fire. The passed legislation included Rep. LaMalfas bill, H.R. 4970, the Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Act.

This is a bill that should have passed easily. It didnt have any real opposition once the fiscal things had been sorted out, Rep. LaMalfa said.

The bill also allows amended tax returns to be filed, by taxpayers who qualify for wildfire payment tax relief up to a year after passing instead of being limited to three years after the tax return was originally filed.

People have been patient, amazing, for how long it has taken to get here, Rep. LaMalfa said.

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H.R. 5863 is a culmination of several bills that tried and failed over the past two and a half years, but its also a culmination of the communitys drive to get it passed no matter where they landed after disaster.

Some people ended up in Missouri and Michigan and have not been able to come back and there are ways to come back and theres all kinds of avenues, Max said. Our town wants to be our town again and were still working at it.

Thousands of disaster survivors will start amending their taxes in the coming months.

I imagine it will take them a period of time to put the pieces in place to do those refunds. Will it take them a month, will it take a couple of weeks, well keep an eye on that and keep monitoring that. We dont want it to drag on forever. I guess what I hope to see is by February theyll be sending these refund checks out the door, Rep. LaMalfa said.

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After H.R. 5683 passed in the Senate, FOX40 reached out to the Fire Victim Trust and shared this statement:

Since as far back as November of 2022, the Fire Victim Trust has expressed support for legislation to relieve fire victims from the obligation for paying federal taxes on disaster recovery payments. In fact, I have written twelve separate letters over the past two years to U.S. Senators and Members of the House, and sent a video message to Congress, urging passage of the legislation. I was thrilled therefore when I learned last week that the Senate has passed H.R. 5863, the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. The bill excludes from taxpayer gross income any amount received by an individual taxpayer as compensation for expenses or losses incurred due to a qualified wildfire disaster, including the Northern California fires covered by this Trust. I hope the President will sign this bill promptly to help fire victims continue to recover from their losses. Monetary compensation received after losing ones home or business should never be regarded as income in the same way as wages or benefits. Cathy Yanni, Trustee, Fire Victim Trust

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JAKARTA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is preparing to face an influx of travelers during the Christmas and New Year holidays as millions of people are expected to jam the roads and cities across the Southeast Asian archipelago.

According to a recent survey by the country's transportation ministry, around 110 million people, or about 43 percent of the country's population, plan to travel during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The figure is higher than the number of travelers during the same period last year.

Some 45 percent of the figure, according to the ministry's estimation, travel for tourism, while around 32 percent travel to celebrate Christmas and New Year with families in their hometowns. The ministry also mentioned that the outbound Christmas traffic is expected to peak on Dec. 21, while outbound traffic for the New Year is projected to peak on Dec. 28.

Authorities have ensured that transportation facilities and infrastructure are ready to serve the mobility of holidaymakers during the holiday period.

"We hope that all the facilities and infrastructure which have been well-prepared can help and serve the people on their trips. We also call on all travellers to be cautious of weather conditions," Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said recently.

The ministry has prepared measures to prevent traffic congestion, particularly in regions expected to see increasing travelers, such as imposing contraflow traffic schemes with the police on several toll roads. A travel ban for cargo trucks on national and toll roads in some days of the holiday period will also be enforced. However, it would not apply to trucks carrying food, fuel and other essential items.

Furthermore, security preparations for the year-end holiday season are now in full swing, with the police and military personnel already set up in various locations such as airports, seaports, and shopping malls, the country's National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo told reporters recently.

During Christmas, the police will safeguard churches across the country. 
GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio (WJW)  Officials in Geauga County are in a dispute over the duties of the dog warden.

During the county commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand noted he and prosecutor Jim Flaiz are upset by ignored or delayed responses by dog warden Matt Granito while Granito was speaking with the board.

Officers rescue mother, 3-year-old during armed burglary at Elyria apartment: Police

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The sheriff presented the idea that the commissioners could enter a contract with his office to have the sheriffs office take over the duties of the dog warden.

That led to a lengthy exchange between Granito and Flaiz.

The Sheriff spoke to Fox 8 on Wednesday. He said thereve been several meetings with Granito to resolve the issue, but they havent found a resolution.

He believes his office would be in a better position to do the job.

We feel that we can do it better serving the public because of our availability and we will respond to these calls, Hildenbrand said.

He added that Granito not responding to certain calls puts a strain on the sheriffs office and the prosecutors office.

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Granito then posted to the dog wardens Facebook page that the animal shelter is in danger of being shut down and to call the officials, like the sheriff and Commissioner Jim Dvorak, who support the closure.

Theres a lot of misinformation that the dog warden is putting out there. That we want to close the shelter and permanently close it. Thats not true. Were not going to close the shelter., Hildenbrand said. People need to know the whole truth, and theyre not being told the whole truth. This is not a snap decision. Its not even my decision. Its the commissioners decision, but I offered it. They need to know the true facts of why this is happening. Its not just because we dont like the dog warden.

Couple indicted after baby was found bruised and unresponsive

Hildenbrand takes issue with the Geauga County Animal Shelter taking in dogs from other rescues and from out of state. He said if the commissioners were to move forward with this, a deputy would be assigned to the shelter, they wouldnt take in dogs from outside of Geauga County, and would work with Rescue Village, a local nonprofit, to handle adoptions.

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Granito was unavailable for comment on Wednesday as he was traveling for a previously planned trip.

County Administrator Gerry Morgan spoke on his behalf.

According to Morgan, Granito doesnt respond to certain calls to take in a dog because it falls outside of his jurisdiction under the Ohio Revised Code. He added that taking in dogs in those scenarios would make the county liable if something were to happen to the dog while in the countys custody.

Furthermore, he said the shelter takes in dogs from other rescues because it doesnt cost them anything, but they can profit from the adoptions. The Geauga County Animal Shelter doesnt receive any county money and only profits from adoptions and animal licenses, Morgan said.

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He said thereve been meetings to try and resolve the issue of calls that may not fall under Granitos jurisdiction and there was talk about new policies and waiver forms for dog owners if the warden has to take a dog into custody, but they hadnt come to a resolution.

Morgan doesnt believe the sheriffs office taking over is the solution.

I dont believe thats the solution, he said. I mean, thats something weve discussed in the past and the sheriff never seemed to be interested in having [the responsibility]. So, I dont know whats changed from that perspective, but I believe the dog warden position is an important position in the county.

Gerry Morgan isnt sure how this will move forward. He said it will have to be discussed at the next board of commissioners meeting on December 27.

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Bound, gagged and shot in the head: Elias Gudino gets life in prison for grisly murders

Granito and shelter employees like Cherie Rosenberger are urging the community to get involved by calling their elected officials and showing up at the meeting to support them.

Rosenberger told Fox 8 that the shelter has saved thousands of dogs from euthanasia. She believes if the sheriff takes over, the shelter will just become a 72-hour hold for dogs to either be moved to Rescue Village or be put down.

The dogs, first of all, are going to lose because nobody is going to take care of them. Theyre going to be assessed in 72 hours and if theyre still grumpy theyre going to be put down. The dogs are going to lose, the animals are going to lose, she said.

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Meanwhile, in a press release on behalf of the commissioners on Wednesday, it was said that Commissioners Timothy Lennon and Ralph Spidalieri were unaware this sheriff would suggest his office take over the dog wardens duties when the topic was added to the agenda. The topic was added to the agenda by Commissioner Jim Dvorak.

Spidalieri allowed the discussion to continue, despite contentious moments, to allow dog warden Matt Granito to present his case, the press release said.

The release added that the board of commissioners strive to maintain transparency and that concerns on both sides will receive due consideration.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Diverse Erie is taking legal action against Erie County Executive Brenton Davis.

Diverse Erie filed a lawsuit after Davis refused to release to them some $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding that was approved for them this past January by Erie County Council.

Lawsuit settled between Sen. Dan Laughlin, Erie Reader

Diverse Erie put in an invoice shortly after the councils approval so that they could continue their mission to provide aid to small businesses throughout Eries BIPOC community.

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Everything that the county of Erie has requested of us, we have done. This is just a matter of a difference in opinion between county council and the administration. But at the end of the day, as I have shared, small businesses are the ones that are being harmed. Theyre being harmed because they are not able to get funding, said Gary Lee, chief administrative officer of Diverse Erie.

Former Erie Humane Society executive director charged for alleged theft, fraud, record tampering

Without this funding, Diverse Erie could cease to exist in 2025, and the lawsuit requests that the money be released.

We reached out to the Davis Administration who said they had no comment, citing ongoing litigation.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
A marker for a segment of Enbridge Line 6 in northern Wisconsin. A leak in the line in Jefferson County is now under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (Photo | Frank Zufall)

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating a major leak from a pipeline managed by the Canadian oil giant Enbridge. Last weekend environmental groups sounded the alarm after learning that Enbridges Line 6 pipeline had spilled the equivalent of 1,650 barrels  more than 69,000 gallons  of crude oil in the town of Oakland in Jefferson County.

The DNR issued a statement saying that a report of a two-gallon spill was sent to the state agency on Nov. 11. Notifications were sent by Enbridge to the DNR, the National Response Center (NRC), and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The DNR then visited the site on Nov. 11 and 12, with additional follow-up on Dec. 6, according to the agency. On Nov. 14, the spill quantity was updated to 126 gallons (or 2-3 barrels). On Dec. 13, Enbridge again revised the spill estimation to 1,650 barrels (or 69,300 gallons) of crude oil.

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Under Wisconsin law, entities that cause environmental contamination are responsible for reporting and remediating the contamination, the DNR states. Enbridge is providing weekly updates to the DNR regarding the investigation and cleanup process. As investigation and cleanup is an iterative process, the DNR continues to evaluate appropriate next steps, including any potential enforcement actions such as a corrective action order.

Using the GPS coordinates from the accident report and Google Maps, Wisconsin Examiner found that the spill occurred near a roadway running through a grassy, wooded area. The spill occurred near a waterway that flows into Lake Ripley, close to a grouping of nature preserves and campgrounds. The accident report noted that the pipelines leak detection systems did not notify anyone of the leak.

The Line 6 leak occurred during the same week that environmental and tribal groups filed new legal challenges against Enbridges proposed Line 5 pipeline reroute. Opponents of Line 5 are concerned that the pipeline, which currently runs through the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewas reservation, will still present environmental hazards even if it is rerouted around tribal lands. The Bad River Band argues that the pipeline poses a risk to the health of the Bad River, which the tribe relies on for food, medicine, and important cultural practices. Environmental groups echo those concerns, and feel state and federal agencies have failed to adequately evaluate the environmental risks posed by Enbridge Line 5.

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Warning: This case involves violence and sexual assault  viewer discretion is advised.

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A local doctor has been charged after DNA connected him to a 1989 rape case.

Frederick Louis Tanzer, age 66, has been charged with six counts of making false statements to an agency or officer of the United States and two counts of making or using a false document or writing.

These federal crimes are prosecutable even if the underlying offense has passed the statute of limitations.

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Tanzer was arrested on Dec. 11 after his DNA was confirmed to match the DNA of the rapist from a 1989 crime scene. The incident took place over 30 years ago an a condo on Creighton Place in Cincinnati.

It is alleged that Tanzer made several false statements to investigators when approached about the rape last week, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date of the incident.

According to recent court filings, two additional victims have been identified, who were repeatedly drugged and raped by Tanzer. Court documents detail incidents that occurred as recently as two and a half years ago in Kansas.

Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Ohio, Kansas and Colorado. He will remain in custody pending trial.

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Based on the incidents reported and the places in which Tanzer has resided, federal investigators are asking the public to contact the FBI with any similar information. Tips can be called in to 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 longtime internist who founded a chain of Southern California clinics has surrendered his medical license after an accusation from the state medical board that he sexually assaulted three patients, two of whom worked for his clinics.

Dr. Mohammad Rasekhi signed an agreement to give up his medical license last month, weeks after the Medical Board of California filed an accusation against him detailing allegations that Rasekhi sexually abused three women while they were under his care.

Rasekhi denies all the allegations, his attorney Peter Osinoff said this week. He chose to waive his rights to a hearing and retire from medicine, a decision Osinoff said his client had been considering for some time.

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For him to spend his retirement money litigating over a license he no longer uses is not a good use of money, Osinoff said. The surrender took effect Dec. 2.

Rasekhi was the founder and chief medical officer of Southern California Medical Center, a group of general practice clinics with locations in El Monte, Van Nuys, Pico Rivera, Woodland Hills, Pomona and Long Beach.

Sheila Busheri, co-founder of Southern California Medical Center and Rasekhi's spouse, declined to comment.

In a document filed Oct. 3, the state medical board accused Rasekhi of sexual exploitation and gross negligence in his treatment of three patients.

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The first became a primary care patient of Rasekhi's around 2005, when she was 12 years old. In 2016, she accepted a job at SCMC while still seeing Rasekhi for her medical care.

Soon after, Rasekhi began making sexually suggestive comments to her at work, the document states. These progressed to unwanted sexual contact the woman endured for fear of losing her job, according to the complaint. The abuse continued until she went on medical leave in 2020.

The medical board reviewed records of the womans doctor appointments with Rasekhi. According to her chart, Rasekhi performed breast exams on the patient during visits for seemingly unrelated complaints such as back pain and hair loss, the accusation states.

Respondent denied performing breast exams during those visits and conceded that the medical record does not accurately reflect the details about the visit or the examinations actually performed, the complaint states.

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A second patient began seeing Rasekhi in 2016 at the age of 62. In September 2017, the complaint states, Rasekhi arrived unannounced at the patients home.

After entering Patient 2's home and without Patient 2's consent and over Patient 2's protests, Respondent made sexual advances towards, and had sexual contact with, Patient 2, the complaint said.

A third patient was employed at SCMC from 2007 to 2017, and became a patient of Rasekhi's in 2015. Rasekhi made frequent suggestive comments at work that escalated into advances and sexual contact that continued until her resignation, the complaint stated.

A woman whose employment dates matched those of the third patient settled with Rasekhi, Busheri and SCMC for $3.5 million in 2019, according to a report in the Daily Journal.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  Before Christa McAuliffe was an astronaut, she was a vibrant teacher in New England keen on showing her students how everyday people left extraordinary marks on U.S. history.

Nearly four decades later, a new documentary focuses on how she still inspires others and less on her fate aboard the space shuttle Challenger.

Christa: From Ordinary to Extraordinary from New Hampshire PBS explores her close relationship with the state and its capital, Concord, where she was picked from more than 11,000 applicants to be the nations first teacher in space.

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You say Christa in New Hampshire, everyone knows exactly who youre talking about, Gov. Chris Sununu says in the film. Its release on Thursday comes three months after a bronze statue of McAuliffe was unveiled at the Statehouse, on what would have been her 76th birthday.

The documentary features interviews with community members, footage of scenes such as a Main Street parade for McAuliffe, and some of her comments  including her parting speech to Concord High School seniors in 1985. It reflects the pride and joy felt by residents then and now for an enthusiastic teacher who loved learning and telling stories.

McAuliffe was 37 when she was killed, one of the seven crew members aboard the Challenger when the space shuttle broke apart on live TV on Jan. 28, 1986. The documentary briefly touches on the tragedy.

We all want to be remembered for who we were, what we cared about, what we loved, what we did, and not how we died, Jeanne Gerulskis, the recently retired executive director of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, says in the film.

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History through the eyes of ordinary people

McAuliffe taught social studies at Concord High School beginning in 1983. She created a course devoted to the history of American women that's still taught there today. People in the documentary said she wanted students to see the role that ordinary people, particularly women, can play in history.

McAuliffe saw herself as one of them. A lover of field trips, she looked forward to bringing back her thoughts and journal from the shuttle mission like a woman on the Conestoga wagon pioneering the West, she had said in an interview.

Holly Merrow, a former student of McAuliffe's in the women's history class, feels the documentary embodies her spirit of wanting to inspire children.

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We felt like we were going to space, as well, Merrow, now a teacher in Maine, recalled about McAuliffe at a recent screening of the film.

Educating future generations

The documentary also talks about the importance of telling children who McAuliffe was.

In New Hampshire, many children learn about government beginning in fourth grade. They visit the Statehouse. McAuliffe's statue stands near the entrance, a good starting point for a discussion. It's the first statue added to the grounds in over a century, and the first woman.

At Concord High School, Kimberly Bleier teaches social studies in a room where McAuliffe once taught. In the film, she says she often reminds herself that theres a lot of responsibility there to ensure that what McAuliffe brought to the school, such as her love of hands-on learning, is still remembered and talked about.

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Bleier currently teaches Street Law, a general introduction to the legal system that emphasizes criminal and juvenile law. McAuliffe had taught that class, too.

Bleier was a sixth-grader when she watched the space shuttle launch on television. She recalled how devastating it was.

I don't want to watch the shuttle blow up again, she said in an interview with The Associated Press on Monday. I want to watch her. I want to hear her.

Where can I see it?

The 30-minute documentary can be viewed online on the New Hampshire PBS website. Viewers also can stream it on the PBS App.
Top academic institutions are under fire amid an alleged scheme in which university admissions offices favored the children of the wealthy over their poorer  but higher-performing  peers.

First filed in 2022, the antitrust lawsuit initially identified more than a dozen schools including Georgetown, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Cornell, alleging they took part in a "cartel" to secretly ensure that children of wealthy donors were admitted while saving on financial aid for students who needed it.

Though most of the 17 schools named in the suit have since settled for hundreds of millions of dollars, as the New York Times reports, the remaining universities are targeted by a new filing.

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The plaintiffs, all former students at these elite schools, are seeking class status and combined damages of $685 million as they continue to accuse the colleges that haven't settled of colluding to limit financial aid while favoring wealthy applicants.

At Georgetown, the filing claims, the school's president allegedly drew up a list of roughly 80 applicants whose parents had donated to the school. Though nothing of their academic record was included on the list, the words "Please Admit" were written atop it.

The suit went on to tell the story of an applicant whose parents met with former Georgetown president John DeGoia at a business conference that Forbes has referred to as "summer camp for billionaires." Though the applicant was initially deferred, extensive communications between DeGoia and the student's parents resulted in their placement on the so-called "President's List."

When asked why the student had been admitted, DeGoia "implausibly claimed," as the lawsuit notes, that "he did so because the student had 'overcome obstacles'  namely, that the parents had been divorced."

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Things were spelled out even more plainly in a deposition reviewed by the NYT regarding two applicants recommended by a rich banker who had ties to a university board member at MIT. In that deposition, the school's director of admissions said that the two children had been placed on a similar "cases of interest" list, and that without that designation, "we would really have not otherwise admitted."

"Sure hope the wealthy next year raise a few more smart kids!" an enrollment official at Notre Dame wrote to colleagues, according to the suit.

In a statement to the NYT, a spokesperson for Georgetown said the suit shows a "limited and inaccurate view" of the school's admissions, while an MIT representative said that "the potential for philanthropic gifts had no bearing on these isolated cases."

"In fact," that spokesperson, Kimberly Allen, told the NYT, "our records reflect that the children of wealthy individuals routinely receive disappointing news from [MIT]."

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Still, the allegations in this ongoing lawsuit sound a lot like affirmative action for the wealthy  even as the demise of actual affirmative action results in fewer students of color being admitted to these prestigious institutions.

More on wealth inequities: Elon Musk's "Charity" Is Hoarding Money Instead of Giving It to the Needy
KANSAS (KSNT)  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that despite scaling down the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor it would push forward with the Grain Belt Express transmission line in Kansas.

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) said in a press release the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor was scaled down to three projects, none of which will cross Kansas. However, the Grain Belt Express project, approved by the KCC, will continue through the regulatory process.

Earlier this year, Kansas residents met to discuss the proposed corridor, expressing concerns their land would be taken under eminent domain to build it. The corridor would have connected with the already approved Grain Belt Express, linking Kansas to a power transmission line stretching east through Missouri and Illinois to western Indiana.

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The DOE announced Monday that it had dropped that plan but is going ahead with the Lake Erie-Canada Corridor, the Southwest Grid Connector Corridor involving Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico and the Tribal Energy Access Corridor in the Dakotas and Nebraska.

Its status as a previously approved project has not changed and is moving forward, the KCC wrote in a press release. In addition, without a Federal Corridor designation, State jurisdiction and approval processes remain intact for the Grain Belt Express and the KCC will continue to review any potential future projects.

27 News obtains bids for Hotel Topeka

The DOEs decision to scale down the corridor project wont impact the $4.9 billion loan guarantee awarded to the project in November by the Biden administration. The following actions have been taken in respect to the Grain Belt Express project, according to the KCC:

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2011  The Grain Belt Express project, designed to transport energy from Kansas wind and solar farms was approved based on benefits to the state and was granted a Certificate of Convenience and necessity to build the line.

2013  The route of the Kansas portion of the line was approved, beginning at a converter station in Ford County and continuing on to Missouri.

2019  The Commission approved the acquisition of the project by Invenergy Transmission LLC from Grain Belt Express Clean Line LLC.

2023  The KCC approved a request to allow the line to be built in two phases. Phase 1, which includes Kansas and Missouri, can begin once all regulatory and financing requirements have been obtained. The order issued did not remove or alter any of the protections for landowners.

2024  The KCC gave conditional approval to a siting plan for two 345 kV transmission lines, known as the AC Collector System, designed to connect wind and solar farms to the Grain Belt Express.

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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Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have grand ambitions for their supercharged government consultancy.

The so-called Department of Government Efficiency is going to solve the U.S.s debt problem. Its going to dramatically reduce the governments power and slash the size of its workforce. And its going to crack down on that perpetual, easily named enemy: waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending.

Or, so they say.

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Heres the thing: those are completely different objectives that can be in conflict. Each poses its own political and legal obstacles. Its not clear how  or if  DOGE intends to pick its battles.

DOGE could have real value if it zeroes in on things that should be dealt with, like federal buildings sitting unused, outdated technology systems or the estimated $247 billion in improper payments that went out in fiscal year 2022.

Theres a fair amount of enthusiasm and energy around the project, in a way that suggests it could have serious political legs (despite a name inspired by the meme dog Doge who utters exclamations like much wow! and has an offshoot cryptocurrency). Musks and Ramaswamys efforts are integrated with the overall presidential transition, and candidates for all manner of jobs are being asked where cuts would make sense.

But theres comparatively less value for these two un-elected business guys to answer foundational questions about what we as a society should value. Theyve talked about balancing the budget. But doing that would require building consensus on broad tax and spending priorities  a completely separate undertaking. After all, the government does not exist to be efficient. It should seek efficiency as a means to achieve its goals.

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And its unclear why Musk and Ramaswamy are qualified to set those goals.

In fact, President-elect Donald Trump himself seems to have a narrower view of their role, one that is focused on targeted cuts. This week he effectively promised that voters would not have to make tough sacrifices for the sake of efficiency.

Were looking to save maybe $2 trillion, and itll have no impact  actually itll make life better  but itll have no impact on people, he told reporters about DOGE on Monday. We will never cut Social Security.

For now, the DOGE project is broad  identifying regulations that its co-heads deem to be a government overreach, or even agencies that they think shouldnt exist.

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But inaction is much easier in Washington than action, and it wont be easy getting a long list of recommendations implemented (Im assuming there will be 420, given Musks fondness for the number).

The first buddy so far seems to be taking a hardball approach, posting on X that politicians who oppose Trumps agenda will lose their primary/election. Period. And on Wednesday, he took direct aim at the spending deal negotiated by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, saying it should not pass.

Those are bold moves, and Washington is definitely taking notice. Johnson said Wednesday on Fox News that he is on a text chain with Musk and Ramaswamy. They said, Its not directed at you, Mr. Speaker, but we dont like the spending, the speaker said. And I said, Guess what, fellas, I dont either.

But given the practical limits of DOGEs power (it is not actually a government agency, despite its name), it will need to have buy-in  from lawmakers, from the incoming Cabinet as well and, of course, from Trump.



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They dont have any authorities, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former head of the Congressional Budget Office whos president of the American Action Forum, said to me about DOGE. On my most cynical days, I think theyre just a think tank, and I run a think tank. I know how little power I have.

Just look at a past, DOGE-like effort: the Grace Commission in the 1980s. It was the same basic idea  a private-sector advisory group designed to look at ways to make government work better. Almost none of that bodys suggestions were actually adopted, despite a mandate from then-President Ronald Reagan.

I brought up the shortcomings of that commission to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who was in the Senate at the time and is now the top Republican on the Budget Committee. He said DOGE is different in one respect.

Their approach is, to do all you can do under the law by executive action, he told me. And I dont think that was the theory behind the Grace Commission. Thats about the only difference I think I can say in their process.

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Grassley said its important to focus on both the long term and the short term when it comes to spending and noted that DOGE is soliciting input from lawmakers.

But I think at least their short-term goal is not to try to get something through Congress, he said.

That executive-focused approach squares with the op-ed Musk and Ramaswamy wrote in The Wall Street Journal in late November, but it doesnt quite match up with their rhetoric. Musk has suggested that the government should delete the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and solicited feedback on the budget of the Internal Revenue Service.

Youd need Congress for those kinds of things.

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Its not as though DOGE is destined to fail by trying to work with lawmakers. But they will need to direct their energy in clear, productive and politically savvy ways, such as tapping into preexisting interest in cutting waste.

There are early signs that theyre doing so. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who is in charge of her chambers DOGE caucus, is finally having her moment after years of publishing a report about spending she considers unnecessary. The often-mentioned $2 trillion in potential savings is a figure that comes from that report.

As the top watchDOGE in the Senate, I will be using my decade of making Washington squeal as a roadmap to work with the Trump administration to reduce waste, downsize government, and drain the swamp, Ernst said in a statement to me.

A person familiar with DOGE efforts in the Senate told me that having Ramaswamy and Musk on board with these kinds of moves offers publicity for potential cuts that would be much harder for senators to achieve on their own (X owner Musk has more than 200 million followers on the social media platform).

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Theres some high-level consistency in how the central players are talking about it. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who is leading a DOGE subcommittee in the House, has called $2 trillion in spending cuts a very worthy goal mark. And theres plenty of interest from other lawmakers, even some Democrats.

But for the moment, DOGE represents whatever people want it to be, and thats not a realistic way to achieve any of their goals.

The DOGE heads have said theyll close up shop on July 4, 2026, though well get an important signal about their work well before then  in Trumps forthcoming budget proposal.

Its easy for Republicans to be enthusiastic about a vague idea. Its much harder to build support for a specific plan.

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Meanwhile, even small-dollar items have powerful constituencies that will bring political blowback. Just ask Betsy DeVos Education Department, which proposed cutting $17.6 million in funding for the Special Olympics in 2019.

In her book Hostages No More, she described being raked over the coals in a House hearing for this proposition. I did my job defending the budget, making the perfectly valid point that taxpayers cant fund every worthy program, she wrote.

But the backlash was enough to budge Trump.

I have overridden my people, he told reporters two days after the hearing. Were funding the Special Olympics.


COLOMBO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) on Thursday to provide 150 million U.S. dollars for transmission projects in Sri Lanka, a statement from CEB said.

The CEB said ADB approved the loan package in November 2024 after rigorous due diligence by ADB on the technical, economic and social merits of its upcoming investment proposals.

Through these funds, several essential projects in the long-term transmission plan will be implemented over 2025-2027. It will improve the overall reliability and stability of the grid, the CEB said.

Transmission assets built through this loan will enable the integration of planned large-scale renewable energy developments into the national grid. The financing will support the construction of six new grid substations, the construction of 87 km of 132 kV transmission lines, the construction of 45 km of 220 kV transmission lines and the augmentation of two existing grid substations, according to the CEB.

The CEB and its distribution subsidiary Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) serve over 7.5 million electricity customers through its transmission network comprising 3,400 km of high voltage lines and 90 grid substations, according to the CEB. 
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the two billionaires tasked with slashing government waste, are expected to recommend an agency-wide purge of spending on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, three sources familiar with their plans told CNN.

That could include eliminating entire divisions involving DEI in agencies across the government, such as the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity & Inclusion at the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Policy at the Department of Defense.

Anything having to do with DEI will be gone, said one of the people familiar with the plans for President-elect Donald Trumps new Department of Government Efficiency, adding that Republicans in all branches of the incoming government are on board. Everyone is committed to working together and rooting it out.

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Musk and Ramaswamy have made no secret of their disdain for DEI. Musk called it just another word for racism earlier this year.

An efficient government has no place for DEI bloat. Time to DOGE it, Ramaswamy posted last month.

Among DOGEs first recommendations for action could be rescinding Biden-era executive orders related to DEI, according to one of the people familiar with DOGE discussions.

President Joe Biden expanded government workplace DEI protections by signing a number of executive orders widening them to include a broader group of Americans, from pregnant people and military spouses to rural communities and caregivers.

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DOGE has no statutory authority and is essentially a presidential advisory commission that can make recommendations to Congress and the White House. But there are indications that targeting DEI-related initiatives will be a priority for empowered Republicans looking to cut spending across Washington.

Pete Hegseth, Trumps pick for defense secretary, gave a laundry list of DEI-related initiatives that he says Trump has told him to remove at the Pentagon.

Clean house of the woke crap, Hegesth told Megyn Kelly in early December. All that stuff. Climate stuff, the (Critical Race Theory), the DEI and genderism. Get rid of it.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, arrives for a meeting at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, on December 18, 2024. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Supporters of government DEI programs worry about what this means for protections and opportunities for groups of people historically discriminated against. Its so important to always remember those three letters of the acronym and just realize what it actually is, which is about creating fair and equal opportunity for people, regardless of their identity and backgrounds, says David Glasgow, executive director at the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at the NYU School of Law.

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Republicans in Congress tend to share Ramaswamy and Musks hostile view toward DEI programs.

Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene will chair a new House subcommittee to work on DOGE initiatives, along with House Oversight Chairman James Comer, both of whom have been critical of DEI.

We support the concept of DEI, said a Republican congressional source familiar with DOGEs goal of eliminating DEI. But having offices specifically dedicated to DEI within government departments isnt necessary, the person added.

A DOGE spokeswoman did not respond to CNNs request for comment.

DEI across the federal government

Any purge of DEI initiatives would affect hundreds of millions of dollars or more in proposed government spending with potential ramifications for thousands of federal workers, contractors and the communities they serve around the country.

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But wiping DEI initiatives out of the government could be a herculean task  in part because its next to impossible to track.

What is and isnt considered DEI is subjective, leaving open the question about what will and wont draw the attention of DOGE and what will ultimately be cut.

Calculating the total cost of DEI across the government would require going to each agency individually, according to the Government Accountability Office. Even then, the information may not be available since there are no requirements for agencies to specifically collect or report that information, the GAO said in response to inquiries from CNN.

The Office of Personnel Management, the federal agency in charge of leading DEI efforts across the federal government, declined to comment for this story, or provide any information on an overall figure for total DEI spending.

The Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building, which houses the Office of Personnel Management headquarters, in 2015. - Mark Wilson/Getty Images/File

CNN analyzed the proposed budgets of 20 federal agencies. While each noted diversity initiatives in fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025 budget requests, they didnt all explicitly detail DEI expenditures.

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Some federal departments have entire offices dedicated to DEI, like the ones at DOD and HHS. There are also programs across departments that include money for things such as minority-owned business development, as well as diversity recruitment and training efforts.

Price tags for DEI efforts vary widely across the government, but clues can be found in the amount of money agencies have publicly requested as part of the appropriations process.

HHS, for example, requested $113 million in its FY 2024 budget for training for diversity in the health workforce. Thats up from $102 million in 2023 and $94 million in 2022. The Department of Labors 2024 budget request included $515,000 to hire two full-time employees and provide for the necessary resources to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) program and training initiatives.

At the Department of Agriculture, to establish The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office, it requested $3 million that same year. In a more than 5% increase from FY 2023, the State Department requested $73.6 million for DEI for 2025.

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In its FY 2025 budget request, the Department of Defense asked for $50.9 million to fund DEI related activities, according to a spokesperson. That amount would account for .006% of the departments total budget request, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson also said that DODs Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity has a staff of less than 15 people and that DEI issues are not their primary duty.

How this money is spent often goes well beyond workforce recruitment and training initiatives. For example, HHS spends some of its DEI funds on increasing the diversity of patients participating in its clinical trials as part of its cancer research.

HHS also aims to expand efforts to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion in nutrition and in health and food security research. It is also implementing strategies for vaccine equity in rural communities and advancing research that promotes maternal health equity.

Expected legal challenges

Hundreds of civil rights and advocacy groups are preparing for the numerous legal fights that would come from Republican efforts to dismantle DEI. The American Civil Liberties Union told CNN its carefully reviewing all public statements from DOGE, the incoming Trump administration, as well as comments made on the campaign trail.

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We are crafting a legal strategy by finding all the ways their anti-DEI plans are in defiance of civil rights laws, said ReNika Moore, director of the ACLUs Racial Justice Program.

As DOGE works to identify how to wipe out DEI governmentwide, it will have a likely ally in the Department of Justice, where Trumps pick to head the Civil Rights Division, conservative attorney Harmeet Dhillon, is expected to reverse Biden-era civil rights initiatives. Dhillon also isnt likely to legally defend government agencies whose DEI programs are targeted, one of the sources said. A representative for Dhillon declined to comment.

DOGE will also have strong allies in Congress, where Republicans have already written at least one piece of legislation aimed at ending DEI protections. In June, Texas Rep. Michael Cloud and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, now the vice president-elect, introduced the Dismantle DEI Act.

Rep. Michael Cloud at the US Capitol on June 5, 2024. - Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images

If reintroduced and passed in the next Congress, the bill would not only wipe out federal DEI programs but also all of Bidens DEI-related executive orders, putting an end to DEI training and overturning rules preventing current employees working on DEI issues from being reassigned to other duties or agencies.

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The introduction of the bill kicked off a rapid response from civil rights groups, who say it would reverse hard-fought protections that benefit all Americans.

Disabled Americans are protected by many DEI provisions. And while congressional Republicans say they will still have their rights protected even after DEI is purged, their advocacy groups arent buying it.

The Act would likely harm millions of disabled people, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, a legal advocacy group, wrote in a letter to congressional Republicans in November.

For now, civil rights and advocacy groups are focused on the fight to come and on reminding people of the importance and variety of benefits provided by DEI programs.

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Demelza Baer, director of public policy for the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan civil rights organization, says opponents have misrepresented DEI as something that benefits only a narrow group of Americans.

Some people enjoy the benefits from programs that they dont even realize would qualify under this umbrella, said Baer. Like women work mentoring programs, which is under this concept of DEI because it is providing support for a group of people who have been historically and continue to be discriminated against.

Liz King, senior director at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of more than 200 civil and human rights organizations, says the basic concept of DEI is infused into core American values, something she argues its opponents have tried to diminish.

Our opponents are looking to maintain this status quo of racial inequality, and so they are attacking this boogie man of an acronym they have come up with, King said. But we are talking about a core question of democracy.

There is growing concern among disability and civil rights groups about how eradicating DEI programs will impact the enforceability of settled civil rights laws on the books.

It is not possible to comply with our civil rights laws without also pursuing diversity equity and inclusion and accessibility, said King. Challenges to DEI allow the violation of our civil rights laws and thats why were going to see them in court.

CNNs Emily R. Condon and Shoshana Dubnow contributed to this report.

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(WFRV)  A landlord who reportedly owns nearly 9,000 apartment units across southern Wisconsin was ordered to make a monetary payment after settling a lawsuit.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, it has negotiated an agreement with Milwaukee landlord Youssef (Joe) Berrada and his property management company. This agreement reportedly resolves the landlord/tenant enforcement action that was filed back on November 15, 2021.

Former Fond du Lac restaurant owner indicted for arson, fraud scheme

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The release says the agreement was sent to the Wisconsin Legislatures Joint Committee on Finance for approval.

The protections that state law provides for tenants are in place for good reasons, and those protections are especially important when folks are faced with the possibility of being evicted. Im proud that weve reached this landmark proposed resolution. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul

Officials say the agreement requires a payment of over $1,700,000. Additionally, the agreement includes significant injunctive provisions to address harm stemming from the conduct the State alleged violated the law. There were also other programs that the defendants agreed to run and participate in as a part of the agreement.

It was also mentioned that the agreement has a restitution program that requires Berrada Properties Management to make payments to tenants who paid late rent or attorney fees that were not authorized, did not get full credit for their security deposit, had property confiscated or were subjected to a self-help eviction.

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Berrada reportedly controls over 200 limited liability companies that combined to own nearly 9,000 apartment units in Milwaukee and Racine.

Can you shoot down a drone in Wisconsin? FAA warns citizens of legality

More information about the settlement can be found on the DOJs website. No additional details were provided.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
The U.S. Department of Justice alleges in a civil suit unsealed Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, that CVS ignored clear patterns of prescription fraud for opioids and other tightly regulated depressants. (Courtesy of CVS Health)

The U.S. Department of Justice has targeted CVS in a nationwide lawsuit, alleging the retail pharmacy giant worsened the opioid crisis by filling  and using government money to pay for  phony prescriptions for powerful drugs.

The civil complaint filed on Friday and unsealed Wednesday names CVS and its numerous subsidiaries in all 50 states as defendants. The 97-page suit accuses the pharmacy chain, which numbers more than 9,000 branches, of ignoring clear patterns of prescription fraud for opioids and other tightly regulated depressants.

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The national pharmacy giants filling of questionable prescriptions ultimately contributed to the epidemic of opioid death over the 10-year period investigated in the lawsuit, U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island Zachary A. Cunha told reporters in a press event Wednesday.

It is our allegation that CVS as a corporation ignored repeated red flags that large numbers of opioid prescriptions were not legitimate and should not have been filled, Cunha said.

CVS Pharmacy Inc. is headquartered in Woonsocket and is the largest pharmacy chain in the country. It operates directly in six states, including Rhode Island, and owns subsidiaries in other states which are responsible for local compliance with Drug Enforcement Administration rules for controlled substances.

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The pharmacy chains parent company, CVS Health, has expanded into most areas of the health care industry but has experienced tough times in recent months. In September, it announced it would lay off 2,900 people, and a year ago, its stock price was $74.88 per share. Shares rose 2.82% to $45.28 Wednesday.

The suit argues that CVS ignored internal suspicions about certain problematic doctors and prescriptions, and essentially defrauded federal programs like TRICARE, a military health care program, by filling these prescriptions. The suit places the blame squarely on corporate policies, and notes that pharmacists themselves often raised alarms about prescriptions, including those from known fraudulent physicians, to no avail.

CVS pharmacists described working at CVS as soul crushing because it was impossible to meet the companys expectations while performing their jobs properly and safely, the lawsuit reads.

The misery of employees derived from CVS attempts to lighten its labor costs, the Department of Justice alleges, because the company set staffing levels so low that it was impossible for pharmacists to comply with their legal obligations and meet CVSs demanding metrics, according to the lawsuit. CVS repeatedly ignored the increasingly impassioned complaints from pharmacists that their pharmacies were dangerously understaffed.

One doctor mentioned in the civil suit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against CVS Pharmacy, Inc. dispensed an estimated 16,000 controlled substance prescriptions over roughly 21 months  about 25 prescriptions for controlled substances per day. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

These are not subtle red flags, they are overt

One doctor mentioned in the suit doled out an estimated 16,000 controlled substance prescriptions over roughly 21 months  about 25 prescriptions for controlled substances per day.

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The fact that a prescription is for a legitimately licensed drug doesnt make the individual prescription legitimate, Cunha told reporters. If I go to my physician and I pay that physician $100 in the absence of a medical condition to issue me a prescription for an opioid, thats not a legitimate prescription.

A case study of a Virginia resident identified as Patient #2 shows that CVS, over the course of about three months, filled four prescriptions at CVS for 2mg alprazolam tablets  the highest commercial dose of the drug also known as Xanax. The prescriptions were all written by the same doctor and amounted to 201 tablets in all, and together generated an excess supply of 166 tablets in three months, according to the lawsuit.

Patient #2 was also filling opioid and tranquilizer prescriptions from the same doctor at other pharmacies. Patient #2 died from a mixed overdose 10 days after picking up their last bottle of alprazolam at CVS.

Other patients mentioned in the lawsuit were able to successfully fill trinity cocktails at CVS, which are simultaneous prescriptions for an opioid, a benzodiazepine like alprazolam or diazepam (Valium), and muscle relaxant carisoprodol. The drugs can exert a fatal depressant effect when ingested together, and the lawsuit shows very high amounts of these drugs being dispensed in tandem at CVS locations.

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One trinity cocktail dispensed in a single day by an unidentified CVS location in 2020 had 270 opioid-containing tablets, 90 diazepam, and 90 carisoprodol.

Those numbers are far above recommended limits for opioid prescriptions. In one 2019 study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, a review panel discussed the ideal number of opioids to prescribe for an assortment of common surgeries. According to the study, For all 20 surgical procedures reviewed, the minimum number of opioid tablets recommended by the panel was zero.

The lawsuit is founded on the violation of two statutes: the Controlled Substances Act, because the prescriptions were unlawfully and knowingly filled, and the False Claims Act, because federal funds were used to subsidize these unlawful prescriptions. The suits possible civil penalties include fines between $5,500 and $23,607 for each false payment claim fulfilled by federal programs, with false claims after November 2015 carrying a higher price tag.

I dont think it could be more clear that a pharmacy has an obligation under the Controlled Substances Act that the prescriptions that it lets go out the door are legitimate, particularly when there are repeated red flags that we allege, Cunha said. These are not subtle red flags, they are overtThe notion that there is some sort of regulatory ambiguity here; I reject that.

A shifting standard

Kara Page, a spokesperson for the pharmacies parent company CVS Health, wrote in an email Wednesday that the firm complied with the Justice Departments investigation for more than four years.

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We strongly disagree with the allegations and false narrative within this complaint, Page wrote. We will defend ourselves vigorously against this misguided federal lawsuit, which follows on the heels of years of litigation over these issues by state and local governments  claims that already have been largely resolved by a global agreement with the participating state Attorneys General.

That settlement arrived in 2022 and saw CVS agree to pay possibly up to $5 billion for opioid prescribing claims, without any admission of wrongdoing or liability.

The governments lawsuit seeks to impose a shifting standard for pharmacy practice, Page continued. Many of the litigation theories laid out in the complaint are not found in any statute or regulation, and relate to topics on which the government has declined to provide guidance. Each of the prescriptions in question was for an FDA-approved opioid medication prescribed by a practitioner who the government itself licensed, authorized, and empowered to write controlled-substance prescriptions.

Page also claimed the company created a program 12 years ago to block doctors with suspicious prescribing practices, and that the effort has blocked 1,250 practitioners since, including nearly 600 prescribers who the government continues to license, Page wrote.

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The governments lawsuit intensifies a serious dilemma for pharmacists, who are simultaneously second-guessed for dispensing too many opioids, and too few, Page added.

Cunha had a different take at the press conference.

Were not requesting that CVS be rendered unable to fill prescriptions, he said. Were demanding that CVS be held accountable for its conduct in the past, and we hope to encourage them to make sure that their practices are compliant with the law in the future.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The bill to create an Ohio license plate featuring Dolly Parton is headed to the desk of Gov. Mike DeWine.

Ohio Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) confirmed early Thursday morning that Senate Bill 290 had passed the Ohio House of Representatives. S.B. 290 would allow drivers to purchase a license plate with Parton and her Imagination Library logo on it.

Ohio State Senator Nickie J. Antonio

If DeWine signs the bill into law, the special plate would be available for $25. The proceeds of the plate will go directly to help Partons Imagination Library of Ohio.

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Earlier this month, WDTN.com reported the bill had passed the Ohio Senate and was sent to the Ohio House for consideration.

We certainly worked 9 to 5 and into overtime to see the Dolly Partons Imagination Library license plate pass unanimously out of the House and Senate, said Antonio.

The bill now heads to DeWines desk for his consideration.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dominique Pelicot has been given a 20-year prison sentence after being found guilty of the aggravated rape of his ex-wife Gisele Pelicot by a court in the French city Avignon on Thursday, in a trial that has shocked France and the world.

Dominique Pelicot, the main defendant in the case, repeatedly drugged his then-wife, abused her and offered her to dozens of strangers to rape, over a period of almost 10 years. He confessed to the crimes in court.

The verdict can still be appealed.

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Fifty other defendants have been on trial in the historic case, one accused of sexual abuse and the others all accused of rape.

The court found one of them guilty of attempted rape, and two were found guilty of sexual violence.

All other defendants have been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Their sentences were still being read out on Thursday morning.

Co-counsel Antoine Camus said: "Everyone contributed to this monstrosity, to this martyrdom of this woman, in their own way, at their own level."

Dominique Pelicot allegedly made contact with the men on an online platform and recorded the abuse in hundreds of videos and photos.

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The public prosecutor had demanded prison sentences of between four and 18 years for the other defendants, who are said to have been between 21 and 68 years old at the time of their offences.

Many of the co-accused argued that they believed Pelicot had consented to the sexual encounters and was only pretending to be asleep.

Investigators suspect there are a dozen other perpetrators who have not been identified.

Gisele Pelicot, who is now 72, believes she suffered around 200 rapes.

The trial, which has been ongoing since September, has shocked France and reignited the debate on criminal legislation on sexual violence.
Since turning 18, Rani Dasi has voted in nearly every election. She even ran in a couple herself, winning a seat on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board.

But now her eligibility and more than 60,000 others are being challenged by Republican State Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin.

LINK: The Political Beat

I think I feel a responsibility to my community members, to my family, to my ancestors, who, some of them literally died for the right to vote, Dasi said. I cannot tell you about the amount of time that could be spent on other really important needs across the state of North Carolina.

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Griffin trails Democrat Allison Riggs by 734 votes in the race for North Carolina Supreme Court. After the North Carolina State Board of Elections rejected his protest, he filed a writ of prohibition with the state Supreme Court. On Thursday, NCSBE removed the case from state court and into the hands of federal court.

Griffins lawsuit targets three sets of voters

The first are voters whose registrations didnt include their drivers license or the last four digits of their Social Security number. The second is targeting what he calls never residents. Those are people born overseas to North Carolina residents but have never lived in North Carolina. The last focus is on overseas voters who did not provide a photo ID.

Dasi was told there are potential inconsistencies with her registration. But she says the Board of Elections told her no information is missing from her file. Plus shes been voting for years without issue and had to show her ID at the polls this year.

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Same with Jen Baddour, a registered voter since 1992 who could see her vote tossed out.

Now that my vote is in question, Im like, how? I dont understand it, she said. It doesnt make any sense and it feels like a slap in the face. Completely unnecessary and unconstitutional.

A federal judge already ruled in a separate case that voters with missing registration information shouldnt be purged.

Riggs is calling on Griffin to concede and drop the lawsuit. Griffin says this is about counting every legal vote.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump invited a primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Chip Roy on Thursday for his opposition to raising the debt ceiling without stringent restrictions on future spending, calling the Austin Republican an obstructionist.

The very unpopular Congressman from Texas, Chip Roy, is getting in the way, as usual, of having yet another Great Republican Victory - All for the sake of some cheap publicity for himself. Republican obstructionists have to be done away with, Trump posted on his social media platform.

Chip Roy is just another ambitious guy, with no talent, Trump continued. I hope some talented challengers are getting ready in the Great State of Texas to go after Chip in the Primary. He wont have a chance!

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Trump made a surprise appeal to raise  or even abolish  the debt ceiling Wednesday, asserting the politically noxious task would be better to get done while President Joe Biden is still in office. The debt ceiling impacts borrowing for spending that has already been allocated. Failure to raise the borrowing limit could mean the U.S. would be unable to pay interest on its loans  a default that economists say would have devastating impacts on faith in the nations economy.

Republicans in the past have used the debt ceiling to corner Democrats into policy that limits future spending. Trump and his vice president-elect, JD Vance, said in a statement Wednesday that they wanted to raise the debt ceiling now to prevent Democrats from doing the same to them to advance liberal policy.

Increasing the debt ceiling is not great but wed rather do it on Bidens watch, Trump and Vance said in their joint statement. If Democrats wont cooperate on the debt ceiling now, what makes anyone think they would do it in June during our administration?

But Roy has fought vehemently to bring down federal spending and opposes lifting the debt ceiling without using it to force Democrats to agree to future spending limits. Speaking on Sean Hannity's radio show on Thursday, Roy said he was willing to raise the debt ceiling, but only with spending restraint and structural reforms.

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Roy is not afraid to ruffle feathers on Capitol Hill if it means fighting for his principles of limited government. He has clashed with leadership on limiting funding and allowing more input from the rank and file on leaderships decisions. He has also clashed with Trump and his allies, endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Republican presidential primary. He later supported Trump in the general election.

Roy ran unopposed in his Republican primary this year. Roy represents parts of Austin and San Antonio. He won reelection in November by nearly 26 points.

The pitch to eliminate the debt ceiling comes while the U.S. House is roiled in a separate fight over funding the government beyond Friday at midnight, when current funding expires.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, introduced earlier this week a measure, known as a continuing resolution, to keep the government funded at current levels until March of next year, giving Congress time to write legislation for spending for the rest of next year. Without the resolution, much of the federal government will shutdown until Congress comes to a deal to fund the government.

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Republicans revolted against the continuing resolution for including over 1,500 pages of added priorities unrelated to keeping the government open and providing little time to review the entire bill text. The right wing of the party, particularly Roy, has decried massive legislation like this in the past, saying it skirts accountability by the rank-and-file members and is another way to pass extraneous spending.

Its $110 billion of unpaid for deficit spending that will continue to pile on to the debt, Roy said.

Among the priorities included in the bill were billions of dollars in funding for disaster response, including over $5.4 billion for Texas following Hurricane Beryl. The bill also contained Republican priorities including Sen. Ted Cruzs Take It Down Act, that would criminalize pornographic deep fakes.

Elon Musk, the Texas transplant and billionaire who was named to be one of Trumps leads on government efficiency, put up a clarion call among the right, posting repeatedly on social media to Kill the Bill.

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Democrats were furious that an unelected billionaire like Musk could have so much sway among the Republican party to tank the legislation.

Hurricane Beryl hit Texas in 2024, damaging 3 million homes, costing $4.6B, and leaving 7,000 jobless. The bill offers $5.4B to help Texans rebuild. But unelected [Elon Musk] decided that Texans can lose jobs and businesses, U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, said on social media.
Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush and other Democrats continue to push Biden to certify the Equal Rights Amendment before Trump takes power, despite rejection by the National Archivist. Rep. Bush joins Joy Reid to discuss this plus more in her exit-interview from Congress.
New York state prosecutors announced on Tuesday that they were charging Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with murder "in furtherance of terrorism." The law that they are citing, which was passed a week after the attacks of September 11, 2001, increases penalties for violent crimes meant to "intimidate or coerce a civilian population," "influence the policy of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion," or "affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination or kidnapping."

Killing and kidnapping, of course, are already illegal. Thompson's murderer would have gone to prison for a very long time, with or without terrorism laws. A few decades ago, authorities had all the power they needed to investigate and prosecute violent crimes. But the wave of counterterrorism laws, which began in the 1990s and ramped up after 9/11, has allowed the government to create a new realm of special crimes.

Terrorism enhancements, like hate crime enhancements, increase the penalties for certain crimes simply because the motive is politically controversial. Other counterterrorism laws allow the government to treat unpopular First Amendment activitieslike talking to unsavory foreign rebel groups, or animal rights activismas if they were associated with heinous crimes.

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The first counterterrorism laws in the United States were concerned with foreign policy and immigration. The Export Administration Act of 1979 allowed the U.S. State Department to designate certain countries as "state sponsors of terrorism," which subjected them to certain kinds of economic sanctions. The 1990 amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act allowed authorities to ban any foreigner who "has engaged in a terrorist activity" or "is likely to engage after entry in any terrorist activity" in the United States.

But criminal law continued to treat terrorist crimes like regular crimes. Ramzi Yousef, who killed six people at the World Trade Center in 1993 and plotted to blow up several airliners, was thrown into solitary confinement for life. Timothy McVeigh, who killed 168 people at the Oklahoma City federal building in 1995, was executed. There didn't have to be any special laws for political violence, because the normal laws against murder and explosives use were enough.

After the Oklahoma City bombing, however, Congress passed the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996. The Clinton administration and its supporters, including the Anti-Defamation League, originally wanted a broad law to crack down on both foreign and domestic terrorism, but Republicans pushed back due to worries about expanding the power of federal law enforcement. As a compromise, the final law banned "material support" for foreign terrorist organizations, meaning that there would be no legal definition of "domestic terrorism."

But even the ban on supporting foreign terrorists encroached on "activities that would ordinarily be considered constitutionally protected," according to a February 2024 study by the Center for Constitutional Rights. The definition of "material support" is vague, and the definition of a "foreign terrorist organization" is completely up to the discretion of the U.S. State Department.

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In a 2010 case, Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project, the Supreme Court ruled that even teaching terrorists to lay down their arms could be considered a form of support. The Humanitarian Law Project, a group of American activists, had wanted to provide human rights and international law classes to rebels in Turkey and Sri Lankathe Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, respectivelyin order to encourage them to take a more peaceful route.

Because the PKK and the Tamil Tigers were considered terrorists, the Humanitarian Law Project sued the U.S. government for the right to engage with them, arguing that the "material support" ban was unconstitutionally vague. Chief Justice John Roberts responded that any act coordinated with a terrorist group, even a speech act, "frees up other resources within the organization that may be put to violent ends," "helps lend legitimacy to foreign terrorist groups" and strains "the United States' relationships with its allies."

Associate Justice Stephen Breyer, dissenting from the decision, stated that "money given for a charitable purpose might free up other money used to buy arms," but the same principle doesn't apply to "advocacy of political ideas and lawful means of achieving political ends," which "is the kind of activity to which the First Amendment ordinarily offers its strongest protection."

In 2022, the U.S. Treasury even tried to use counterterrorism sanctions to stop American researchers in Lebanon from even listening to designated foreign terrorists speak, arguing that "the provision of a platform for [the sanctioned individuals] to speak" was considered a "service." Threatened with a lawsuit, the Treasury backed down.

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The decision of who counts as a terrorist is an arbitrary, political decision that is nearly impossible to challenge in court. The PKK is on the terrorist list, but it has never killed Americans, and American troops fight alongside its Syrian Kurdish allies. The Mojahedin-e Khalq, an Iranian guerrilla organization that has killed Americans, was taken off the terrorist list after U.S. politicians decided they wanted to use it to overthrow Iran's government. The State Department has designated neo-Nazis in Russia as terrorists but refuses to do the same for neo-Nazis in Ukraine. And so on.

Meanwhile, counterterrorism began to be used as a cudgel against animal rights activists. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the FBI began to raise the alarm about "ecoterrorism," and several states capitalized on those fears to pass "ag-gag" laws making it illegal to film inside farms or laboratories without the owner's consent. When People for Ethical Treatment of Animals managed to film pigs being mistreated at an Iowa farm, the owner described it as "the 9/11 event of animal care."

In 1989, the House Committee on Agriculture considered a federal bill to protect farms and laboratories from protestersbut the Department of Justice testified against it, arguing that the laws on the books were enough to deal with vandalism and threats. In 2006, Congress passed the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, which increased penalties for conspiring to commit violence, theft, vandalism, or "intimidation" against facilities with animals.

As for New York's post-9/11 terrorism enhancement, it was first used in 2007 against gangsters who had a gunfight in a church and killed a 10-year-old girl. Rather than fighting religious extremists and political militants, the counterterrorism law was used to throw the book at particularly notorious criminals for a particularly heinous crime. Michael Balboni, one of the authors of the counterterrorism bill, called the antigang prosecution an "unanticipated application" of his law.

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New York prosecutors have also used a provision in the law against "terroristic threats" to slap felony charges onto what would normally be misdemeanors "such as aggravated harassment, disorderly conduct, and falsely reporting an incident," Brooklyn Law School professor Louis Jim wrote in 2010. A combination of "prosecutorial discretion, statutory vagueness, and the pressure to prosecute terrorism cases leads to the potential for prosecutorial abuse," he added.

Murder is bad enough. The government should punish murderers, deter serious death threats, and break up conspiracies to kill civilians. Creating a special category for political violence isn't necessary to accomplish these things. What counterterrorism laws do accomplish is allowing politicians to grandstand on public fearsand increase their own power in the process.

The post We Don't Need Terrorism Laws When Murder Is Already Illegal appeared first on Reason.com.
SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's constitutional court re-sent an impeachment notice to President Yoon Suk-yeol's residence Thursday after the presidential security service's repeated rejection of receipt, according to multiple media outlets. 
DENVER (KDVR)  The Douglas County Canine Rescue, a nonprofit registered in Castle Rock, relinquished its license to the state on Nov. 19, months after the state sought to file charges against the pet rescue organization.

The rescue was subject to two cases brought by the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act program in 2023 and 2024. Through those cases, DCCR faced nine charges, which included failing to provide timely veterinary care to the dogs in their care, failing to maintain records, falsifying records and operating without proper licensure.

Denver Zoo offering free admission to kids through end of year

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The PACFA filed a notice of charges against the pet rescue organization on Dec. 21, 2023, seeking to revoke DCCRs pet animal facility license.

The rescue did have a license at the time for a large pet rescue but did not have other required licenses for other services like boarding facilities, animal sanctuaries, training, transportation and breeding. That large pet rescue license was relinquished on Nov. 19 after DCCR agreed to not perform any acts of a pet animal facility for which licensure is required. The courts granted a dismissal of both cases on Nov. 26.

DCCR advertised itself as a Colorado-based 501c3 nonprofit, no-kill, PACFA license animal rescue, and said it had facilitated over 10,000 dog rescues since 2014.

The case came to light when the PACFA program received a complaint on Aug. 1, 2023, from a DCCR foster volunteer. The foster had a dog named Love Muffin from DCCR, and the foster alleged that DCCR had not completed an annual foster home inspection before giving Love Muffin to them.

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When pressed on foster home inspection records, DCCR provided falsified documents alleging the home inspection was completed in March 2023. In August, PACFA investigators visited another foster home connected to DCCR and found there were 31 dogs in that house.

Fort Collins founder of illegal pyramid scheme that netted over $23M sentenced

Additionally, PACFA alleged in court documents that a 10-week-old puppy had broken his leg but didnt receive veterinary care until at least 10 days later. A similar incident was described regarding another dog in June 2023, when a dog broke its leg and didnt receive care for about eight days.

Investigators also told the court that when they went to the home of DCCRs founder in August 2023, they were refused entry to the home. When they returned with an administrative warrant, investigators found 23 dogs in the homes basement.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  A local Spanish lounge and bar announced they are closing and changing ownership for the new year.

Barsa Tapas and Lounge Owner Drazen will retire this year, the establishment shared via a Facebook post although they did not mention who will own it next.

The restaurant has been open for fourteen years on the corner of King and Line Streets. Barsa employees invite the community to stop by before they officially close on Saturday.

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The lounge will be open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. the last day.

We appreciate all of our staff, past and present, and all they have done to make Barsa such a successful and special place, owners wrote. To everyone who has walked through these doors as our guests, vendors, family, and friends, we are very grateful for you and the relationships we have formed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
CHEYENNE  A group of downtown business owners met Tuesday morning to hear the Cheyenne Police Departments official vision for what the new paid parking program will look like. Many of them spoke in opposition to the proposal, with the belief that it will drive business away and hurt the downtown core.

CPDs Capt. David Janes, who has been leading the research into best practices and presented the information to the audience of business owners, said the parking system wont change that much.

People will still be able to park for two hours for free throughout downtown, which is the status quo, but after that time, people must pay for additional parking hours instead of immediately receiving a ticket.

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The number one thing was to create turnover, to help encourage downtown economic growth, Janes said.

The rates for additional hours will vary in different parts of downtown, depending on how much traffic the different areas receive. These zones were established based on data showing where CPD currently issues the most tickets on cars overstaying the two-hour parking rule.

The most expensive zone, outlined in red on the map presented Tuesday, will charge $3 for an additional hour, $4 for another and so on. The other two zones, outlined in green and blue, will begin at $2 and $1, respectively, for an additional hour and increase at the same rate as the red zone for each additional hour after the two free hours have expired.

Janes said this restructuring is intended to drive long-term parkers to the parking garage and incentivize turnover in front of businesses, so cars are not taking up spaces in front of a business all day.

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Additionally, he said the rates at the Spiker Parking Structure will be reduced so that it is a cheaper option than parking on the street. Currently, the rate at the parking structure is $4 per day after two free hours. Once implemented, he said the two free hours will remain, but people will be charged an additional dollar for every extra hour they are there, up to a maximum $4 charge.

CPD has said these efforts to update the parking system were in response to complaints CPD and the Cheyenne City Council have received about the lack of turnover in parking spaces downtown.

At the meeting, a majority of the business owners who spoke said they have never expressed concern over this issue, and feel CPD has not been transparent and excluded them from the conversation.

We keep hearing we (business owners) asked for this, we did this. This is everybody in the core (downtown) district right here, and none of us knew about it. Thats a problem, said Corey Loghry, owner of The Downtowner.

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Jerry Inniss, owner of Two Doors Down, said he felt a bit more comfortable with the two hours of free parking remaining, compared to no free parking, but expressed concern with how the perception of even having paid parking will impact his customers.

I think were concerned about the perception that people are going to have to pay to come downtown. ... Its been exciting the last three, four years with all the activity thats happened (downtown), and Im really concerned that were going to lose that, he said.

Inniss, and several other business owners, also said he is worried that many of his customers will have a difficult time navigating the mobile application that will be required to park downtown. He said he believes this would deter potential customers.

Even if customers are not staying longer than two hours, they will still need to have the app to register their car in the parking spot. People also will be able to do this by calling a phone number if they dont have access to the mobile application.

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Sam Galeotos, owner of The Metropolitan, said he is categorically opposed to this change proceeding. He presented a document to Janes and the other attendees that he drafted two years ago outlining concerns he had regarding the parking situation in downtown Cheyenne. He said all of the items on the list have still not been addressed.

Some concerns on the list included inconsistent and faded paint on curbs that may be confusing to customers, vehicles staying booted in parking spaces for multiple days, and city vehicles taking up too many spaces that could be available to the public.

I would like to see a more diligent approach to solving our parking issues in downtown, he said.

Susan Allen, owner of The Hawthorn Tree, said she just sees this program as a cash grab for CPD to boost its revenues.

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Janes told Allen that this program is not intended to generate revenue. Rather, its designed to change behavior and direct more traffic to the parking structure.

We dont know how much money this is going to make, Janes said. The goal is, again, to get turnover. If everybody just parks for two hours, and it doesnt make any money, (thats) no big deal. But any money that is made from the paid on-street parking is going right back into downtown parking. It will go into keeping those lines painted. It will go into keeping the garages up and running.

Another concern many business owners have shared is that their employees feel unsafe parking in the parking structure, especially when its dark outside.

Janes said CPD is working to continue to address these concerns. He said the department has hired a new third-party security company to monitor the garage, and he hopes to get entrance and exit gates installed in the garage, as well as the ability to lock access to the staircases.

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Currently, CPD reports that 91% of parking tickets are paid, but there is a balance of over $250,000 in unpaid parking tickets.

With people registering their license plates in the app when they park, Janes said it will make it easier to enforce parking rules downtown because CPD will not have to patrol downtown every two hours and instead just ticket the vehicles not registered to park.

As it stands, enforcement hours will remain Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Janes said CPD may not have the capacity to enforce parking rules downtown during Cheyenne Frontier Days.

The meeting, hosted by the Downtown Business Collective, concluded while many business owners still had questions and complaints. As City Council has already approved the paid parking district, CPD will continue with the program, and Janes said he hopes to have it fully functioning by June 2025.

Its tough in downtown right now. As a business, its tough, Galeotos said. This, to me, is another obstacle to bringing people down and frequenting our stores and everything. I believe that the leadership should take a more tempered, deliberate approach to walking through this process with everybody.
Dozens of men, including the ex-husband of Gisele Pelicot, were found guilty Thursday of raping and sexually assaulting her in a historic trial that shocked France.

Speaking with journalists in the southern town of Avignon after the verdicts were read, Pelicot, 72, said the outcome of her case gave her faith in a future in which everybody, women, men can live together in harmony, in respect and in mutual understanding.

Pelicot, who has become a hero to many in France for choosing to waive her right to anonymity and highlight the crimes orchestrated by her husband, added that she had fought the case with her children and her grandchildren in mind because they are the future, according to a live translation by NBC News British broadcasting partner, Sky News.

Gisele Pelicot addresses the media after her husband was sentenced Thursday.

Earlier in the courtroom, she watched as Roger Arata, the lead judge, sentenced her husband, Dominique Pelicot, to 20 years in prison. He had admitted to drugging her until she became unconscious and inviting dozens of men to rape her over the span of a decade.

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Another 46 men were found guilty of rape, two of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault in the high-profile case, according to Sky News. They ranged in age from 26 to 74 and were handed sentences from three to 13 years. Collectively, they will serve more than 400 years.

Around 15 had admitted to the facts, although only a handful of the men accused expressed remorse in the lead-up to their verdicts.

In a side room, family members of the defendants watched the proceedings unfold on television screens, with some bursting into tears and gasping as the sentences were revealed, The Associated Press reported.

A placard reads "All women on Earth support you, thank you Gisele" as people gather outside the courthouse in Avignone.

With emotions running high, some 200 police officers were deployed in and around the courthouse, which was packed with family members of the accused, spectators and journalists from around the world. More than 150 journalists were accredited to cover the trial, which many activists see as a watershed moment for womens rights in France.

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Pelicot said she respected the court and its decisions.

While each of the 51 men tried in the case were found guilty, outside the court campaigners against sexual violence said their sentences fell short of what was required.

Calling the terms far too lenient, Marion Vogel, who runs a therapy program for domestic violence and other trauma victims in Mazan, the village where the Pelicots lived, said, Shame hasnt really changed camps to include the courts.

It was absolutely essential for this high-profile trial to set an example and deliver deterrent sentences, so that every mans mind would be marked by it, and our society could finally evolve, she added.

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Muriel Reus, a radio host whose organization, Femmes Avec, helps victims navigate the justice system, also said it was "not a real punishment for most of these men.

In an earlier hearing, it was revealed that Pelicot only learned of the horrors she endured when police started an investigation into her husband after a security guard caught him filming up the skirts of women with his smartphone.

Investigators told they had found videos on her husbands devices that suggested she herself had been the victim of a major crime.

While she could have remained anonymous, she called for the trial to be held in public and she instructed her lawyers to fight for harrowing video and other evidence to be played out in open court.

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She has previously said she was doing this in a bid to put an end to the macho, patriarchal society that trivializes rape.

A court sketch of Gisele Pelicot during the hearing in Avignon on Thursday.

Campaigners against sexual violence had been hopeful that Pelicot's case would represent a turning point in the fight against rape culture and in the difficulties that sexual assault survivors often face in obtaining justice.

And in France, some of them told NBC News this week that they hoped to transform a society in which 75% of women said they believe they are not treated equally in a 2024 government study, and where last year, 230,000 women reported they had been victims of sexual violence.

We have a real problem with French law, said Magali Lafourcade, secretary general of the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights. There are a huge number of situations which are not rape under French law [but] which are rape in the eyes of the victim.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The News

DR Congo has filed a criminal complaint against Apple in France and Belgium over the tech giants alleged use of conflict minerals in its supply chain.

It accuses Apple of being complicit in crimes committed by armed groups controlling mines in eastern DRC, saying minerals pillaged from the region are laundered internationally and used in the manufacture of Apple devices.

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Apple said it strongly disputes the allegations, adding it does not directly source minerals and audits its supply chain to ensure ethical sourcing, in addition to funding organizations enabling mineral traceability.

In a statement, it said its suppliers had been notified earlier this year that their refiners and smelters must suspend sourcing of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold from DRC and neighboring Rwanda.
(Bloomberg) -- Justin Trudeaus political crisis is deepening, with more members of his Liberal Party publicly calling for the Canadian prime minister to step aside and give a new leader a chance before an election in 2025.

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Jenica Atwin, a Liberal who serves as parliamentary secretary to a cabinet minister, told a newspaper in her home province of New Brunswick that Trudeau should leave and that she wont run for reelection if he stays.

Chad Collins, an Ontario member of parliament, said that around 50 elected Liberals  perhaps more  are part of a growing group that wants the prime ministers resignation. Other Liberals in the anti-Trudeau camp have given similar numbers. That would be about a third of the 153-person Liberal contingent in the House of Commons.

Mondays resignation of Chrystia Freeland, Trudeaus powerful finance minister and his longtime deputy, was a massive shock that has irreparably damaged the prime minister, Collins said in an interview.

Freeland said she quit after being told she would be moved to a different role in the cabinet. Trudeau delivered that news on Friday, she said  just three days before she was due for a major speech that would update the country on its fiscal and economic situation.

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I dont know whos giving him advice. I can guess. Its not good advice, Collins said. But the buck stops with him with the decisions he makes, and were now seeing the fallout thats come with what many would consider a very poor decision.

In terms of who the successor is, I dont know at this point whether or not we could do much worse, he said.

Still, Trudeaus new finance minister insisted on Thursday that Trudeau has the full support of his cabinet to stay on as prime minister. Dominic LeBlanc also sidestepped a question about whether he would like to lead the Liberal Party.

If the prime minister has the full support of his cabinet, then why would we contemplate what happens when he decides to leave? he said.

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Earlier Thursday, however, Justice Minister Arif Virani avoided offering a clear defense of Trudeau when asked whether he thought he should resign.

Decisions will be taken by the parties that are involved, he said, steering the discussion back to his announcement about preventing wrongful convictions. I have absolute confidence in the prime minister in terms of what he has asked me to do. That is serve as a minister of justice who defends peoples rights.

The 52-year-old Trudeau has been under pressure to leave for months. In June, the Liberals lost a special election in a Toronto district that they had held for decades. In September, they lost a seat in Montreal in similar fashion. Soon after, about two dozen Liberal lawmakers signed a letter asking him to go.

But Freelands resignation  coming at a time when Canadas economy faces the threat of tariffs from the incoming Trump administration  has turned bubbling discontent into a full-scale crisis for Trudeau. The party also lost yet another special election the same day she quit.

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The prime minister has canceled all of his usual year-end television interviews and said almost nothing publicly since her departure, other than some brief comments at two Liberal events.

Polls suggest the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is on course to win a majority government in the next election. This isnt just about one man  its about saving our party from a historic defeat, Wayne Long, another Liberal member of parliament from New Brunswick, wrote in an open letter on Wednesday.

More Liberals will step away from politics if Trudeau tries to stick around, Collins warned. I think the risk he runs is that hell have a skeleton crew of experienced elected representatives.

--With assistance from Melissa Shin.

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(Adds that finance minister says Trudeau has full confidence of cabinet. Earlier updates added comment from the justice minister and Wayne Long.)

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(NewsNation)  With more than 40 million Americans expected to travel by air over the upcoming holidays, mysterious drone sightings reported around the United States in recent weeks are raising anxiety levels over whether drone activity could affect peoples ability to reach their desired destinations.

Drone sightings in New York closed the runways at Stewart International Airport for about an hour last week. The airport said the closures did not affect any flight traffic. However, it prompted New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to say that the drone sightings have gone too far.

Sightings have also been reported around several military installations around the country, which has added to concerns among lawmakers and local residents.

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Rumors of open border prompt migrant rush to US

This week, The Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration issued a joint statement about drones after complaints about a lack of government transparency.

The federal agencies said thousands of lawful drones are operated by hobbyists, law enforcement and commercial operators each day. The agencies say there are more than 1 million legally registered drones in the United States. The statement concluded that other explanations for the sightings included people misidentifying objects such as helicopters and stars.

As of this week, the FBI said it has received more than 5,000 tips about drone sightings in recent weeks. John Kirby, the White House National Security adviser, said this week that there is no public safety threat over the drones.

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However, as more Americans prepare to take to the skies for holiday travel, the FAA is warning drone operators to adhere to federal airspace guidelines, which prevent drones from flying below 400 feet at all times. The FAA defines controlled airspace as that which is found around some airports and at certain altitudes where air traffic controllers are actively communicating with, directing and separating all air traffic.

NBC News reported in 2023, 42 million drone fights were reported, all of which were flying under 400 feet and below the 45,000 daily plane flights.

In addition to the airport closure in New York, drone sightings have been reported around airports in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey, according to Fox News. Brett Velicovich, the CEO of Expert Drones, said the sightings leave airport officials little choice in how to respond.

Two Massachusetts men were recently arrested and charged in what Boston Police characterized as a hazardous drone operation near Logan Airports airspace, police said. The men face trespassing charges after the drones were reported flying dangerously close to the airport.

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He said the drone sightings are affecting the economy by causing flight delays.

The airports cant do anything else but shut down traffic even if there is just a reported sighting, Velicovich told the network. Out of precautions for safety (airports) have to, and thats the issue is (drone operators) cant be tracked easily and can quickly shut down traffic and cause mass disruptions.

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With more than 40 million Americans expected to travel by air over the upcoming holidays, mysterious drone sightings reported around the U.S. in recent weeks are raising anxiety levels over whether drone activity could affect peoples ability to reach their desired destinations.

Drone sightings in New York closed the runways at Stewart International Airport for about an hour last week. The airport said the closures did not affect any flight traffic. However, it prompted New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) to say that the drone sightings have gone too far.

Sightings have also been reported around several military installations around the country, which has added to concerns among lawmakers and local residents.

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This week, The Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration issued a joint statement about drones after complaints about a lack of government transparency.

The federal agencies said thousands of lawful drones are operated by hobbyists, law enforcement and commercial operators each day. The agencies say there are more than 1 million legally registered drones in the U.S. The statement concluded that other explanations for the sightings included people misidentifying objects such as helicopters and stars.

As of this week, the FBI said it has received more than 5,000 tips about drone sightings in recent weeks. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said this week that there is no public safety threat over the drones.

However, as more Americans prepare to take to the skies for holiday travel, the FAA is warning drone operators to adhere to federal airspace guidelines, which prevent drones from flying below 400 feet at all times. The FAA defines controlled airspace as that which is found around some airports and at certain altitudes where air traffic controllers are actively communicating with, directing and separating all air traffic.

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NBC News reported in 2023, 42 million drone fights were reported, all of which were flying under 400 feet and below the 45,000 daily plane flights.

In addition to the airport closure in New York, drone sightings have been reported around airports in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey, according to Fox News. Brett Velicovich, the CEO of Expert Drones, said the sightings leave airport officials little choice in how to respond.

Two Massachusetts men were recently arrested and charged in what Boston Police characterized as a hazardous drone operation near Logan Airports airspace, police said. The men face trespassing charges after the drones were reported flying dangerously close to the airport.

He said the drone sightings are affecting the economy by causing flight delays.

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The airports cant do anything else but shut down traffic even if there is just a reported sighting, Velicovich told the network. Out of precautions for safety (airports) have to, and thats the issue is (drone operators) cant be tracked easily and can quickly shut down traffic and cause mass disruptions.

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Countries in the Maritime and Drone Capability Coalitions are set to begin supplying Ukraine with tens of thousands of drones of various types starting in January under the Ramstein format.

Source: Luke Pollard, UK Deputy Secretary of State for Defence, in a speech to members of the House of Commons, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The official noted that London continues to cooperate with the countries of the Ramstein format and not exclusively with them in order to increase the pace of arms supplies to Ukraine and increase the cost of war for Russia.

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"I can confirm there will be a notable gear-shift in January, when we commence delivery of tens of thousands of drones through the Maritime and Drone Capability Coalitions that the UK is leading with our Norwegian and Latvian partners," said Pollard.

The deputy defence secretary did not provide any further details on the matter.

Background:

In June, the UK and Latvia, on behalf of the drone coalition, announced a tender to supply Ukraine with First-Person View drones worth 352,000.

In July, the countries participating in the drone coalition signed a Memorandum of Understanding, under which they created a joint fund worth 45 million.

In November, Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov announced that this year, the countries of the drone coalition would allocate 1.8 billion to support Ukraine's defence forces.

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More than 5,000 tips of drone sightings have been received by the FBI over the last month, and the locations of those drone sightings has spread across the U.S.

Now drones have been reported in Ohio, Utah and California.

Drones also have been been spotted in Florida, according to some media reports.

While drones are a growing part of life, from deliveries to fighting fires, unexplained sightings concern residents, especially when they're spotted over military installations and homes.

Drone spotted over Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida

The Naval Air Station Jacksonville confirmed reports of a drone recently seen flying in its airspace, according to WFTV9.

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Officials said it was spotted flying near the base twice.

The Naval Air Station Jacksonville said the drones are not a threat, but the base is prepared for potential risks, WFTV9 reported.

President Biden: 'Nothing nefarious' with drone sightings

President Joe Biden dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding the rash of drone sightings after President-elect Donald Trump claimed the federal government appeared to be withholding information on the reports.

Nothing nefarious, apparently," Biden said Tuesday when asked by reporters at the White House. "Were following it closely. So far no sense of danger.

Biden's comments echo what FBI, Pentagon have said about drones

Biden's comment reaffirmed a joint statement issued by the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, FAA and the Pentagon saying that  based on preliminary investigations  "the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and stars mistakenly reported as drones.

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"We have not identified ... a national security or public safety risk," the statement said.

Not everything in the air is a drone

Although reported drone sightings in U.S. airspace have risen in recent weeks, there is a strong possibility the unidentified flying objects believed to be drones are actually something else. And because the sightings aren't confirmed to be connected, different sightings may have different explanations.

Harry Direen, an electronic and software engineering expert at DireenTech, told USA TODAY he wouldnt be surprised if people were seeing drones at first, but that once the notion of drones took hold, people assumed any aircraft they couldnt identify was a drone.

After what were likely valid sightings of possibly hobbyist drones, every aircraft can then become suspicious, Direen said.

How can you tell the difference between a drone and a plane?

From a distance, it's difficult to tell the difference between a drone or anything else, even a plane.

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Motion and height are two of the major differences to tell the difference between drones and planes or helicopters. Planes and helicopters usually move in a straight line, but drones can stop quickly and change course. The majority of drones operate below 400 feet, according to the FAA.

 Are those drone or aircraft lights in the night sky?

On a plane a green light is located on the tip of the right wing, with a red light on the tip of the left wing, according to the Pilot Institute. A white light is located on the aircrafts tail and sometimes additionally on the wingtips, facing backward.

"Beacon lights are flashing red lights located on the top and (on larger aircraft) the bottom of the airplane," the Pilot Institute said.

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Drones flying at night are required to have one bright, anti-collision light thats visible 3 miles, according to the FAA. But drone owners can add other lights.

Where to report dangerous drone activity

The FAA encourages people who think a drone appears dangerous or is being used to commit a crime to report it to local law enforcement.

If you think a drone isn't following FAA rules, report it to a local FAA flight standards district office.

Is it legal to shoot at a drone?

Taking a shot at a hovering drone is illegal. The FAA considers it shooting at an aircraft, a federal crime.

Only law enforcement authorities can take action against drones, said Ryan Calo, a University of Washington law professor and robotics law expert.

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It's also not very safe, as your missed shots could hurt someone or damage property and if you hit it, now you could be liable for whatever or whomever it lands on.

Drone sizes: How big - or small - are they?

Drones vary widely in size, according to JOUAV, Unmanned Aircraft System. They range from:

Very small drones: Size: 6 inches or less Weight: 200 grams or less Use: Military surveillance

Large drones Size: 4 feet and up Weight: 44 pounds and up Use: Enemy detection and combat capabilities, including surveillance; deliveries or filmmaking.



Who can fly a drone?

In brief, to fly a drone:

FAA regulations on flying drones

The Federal Aviation Administration issues guidelines and regulations when it comes to flying drones, whether you're a "recreational flyer" or "certified remote pilot."

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Recreational flyers should:

Take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)

Follow safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization

Keep the drone within line of sight, or use an observer who is in direct communication with you.

Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft.

Fly at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in controlled airspace

Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.

Have a current FAA registration, mark (PDF) your drones on the outside with the registration number, and carry proof of registration with you when flying.

Certificated remote drone pilots should:

Get a remote pilot certificate. Eligibility requirements include:

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At least 16 years old.

Able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS.

Additional requirements include:

If youre flying a drone for videos or newsgathering, you must have a drone pilot certificate and follow the FAA's Small UAS Rule.

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Without authorization, you can't fly a drone:

In controlled airspace around an airport.

Over a designated national security area.

Over military bases or infrastructure.

Over national landmarks.

In airspace covered by Temporary Flight Restrictions.

Contributors: John Bacon, Eric Lagatta, George Petras, Stephen Beard, USA Today Network; C.A. Bridges, USA Today Network-Florida

This story was updated to add new information.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida drone sightings: 10 things to know, how to report
By Alimat Aliyeva

The large-scale warming of surface waters in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean in 2014-2016, known as the "warm blob," caused catastrophic consequences for marine ecosystems. One of the most affected groups was seabirds, particularly thin-billed kittiwakes, predators that depend on the availability of small fish, Azernews reports.

A study conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and published in the journal Science showed that about 4 million kittiwakes died during the heatwave, which is half of their population in Alaska. An analysis of data from 13 colonies, covering the period from 2008 to 2022, revealed a sharp decline in the number of birds.

In the Gulf of Alaska, the number of birds decreased by 50 percent. In the eastern part of the Bering Sea, losses amounted to 75 percent.

Before the "warm blob," about 8 million kittiwakes lived in Alaska, a quarter of the world population. Today, their number has fallen to 4 million, and no recovery has been recorded over the past seven years.

Scientists have found that the main factor in the death of the birds was not heat stress, but drastic changes in the food chain. The warming of the ocean led to a decrease in ecosystem productivity, which caused a shortage of fish, a key food source for kittiwakes. Analysis of the birds' remains showed that most of them died of starvation.

"These results clearly demonstrate the long-term effects of the marine heatwave on marine predators," said Julia Parrish, a professor at the University of Washington and co-author of the study.

Although the "blob" became one of the strongest marine heatwaves, such phenomena are becoming more frequent due to climate change. A 2023 study, in which many of the authors of this work participated, showed that an increase in ocean surface water temperature of just 1C over six months can cause mass deaths of seabirds.

"The frequency and intensity of such events increase with ocean warming. We may be at a stage where the ecosystem is being rebuilt, and a return to the previous state may not be possible," said Parrish.

The recovery of seabird populations after a heatwave usually takes about three years, but the kittiwakes in Alaska show no signs of population growth even after seven years. This raises concerns among scientists and raises questions about the future sustainability of marine ecosystems.

Participants in the University of Washington's Citizen Science program made a significant contribution to data collection. Volunteers living on the coasts helped record cases of mass bird deaths, which became an important source of information for analysis.

The authors of the study emphasize that the preservation of marine ecosystems requires not only monitoring but also active measures to reduce the effects of climate change to prevent further disasters.
SANAA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said it launched on Thursday a drone attack against a military target in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv and "successfully achieved its goal."

"We are ready for a long war with the Israeli enemy," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a televised statement aired by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, adding, "Our operations will not stop until Israeli aggression on Gaza stops."

Israel has not yet commented on the Houthi claim.

Earlier in the day, Israel launched a series of airstrikes against Houthi targets in northern Yemen, destroying two major power stations in the capital Sanaa and bombed imported fuel storages in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.

The Houthi group said nine people were killed by the Israeli airstrikes at dawn on Hodeidah's ports of Ras Isa and As-Salif, and three others were injured.

The strikes at dawn dealt a major blow to the Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, as it uses the ports of Ras Isa and As-Salif to import fuel and cooking gas and sell them to the residents in the areas under their control.

Israeli Defense Forces Spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on the social media platform X that the Israeli army had conducted "precise strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen," which came after the Houthis launched a long-range rocket at Tel Aviv on Wednesday night.

The Houthi group has been controlling much of northern Yemen since late 2014, forcing the internationally recognized Yemeni government out of Sanaa.

Since November 2023, the Houthi group has been carrying out rocket and drone attacks against Israeli cities and disrupted "Israeli-linked" shipping in the Red Sea, allegedly to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid their ongoing conflict with Israelis. 
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Reported sightings of drones over New Jersey have prompted a spike in the number of people in the state pointing lasers at airplanes flying overhead, which is illegal and can be dangerous, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said.

The FAA said reports are up 269% to 59 in the first half of December, compared with eight in the same period last year. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety issue and a violation of federal law. U.S. agencies have repeatedly said the spike in drone sightings does not pose national security risks and appear to be mostly aircraft, stars or hobbyist drones.

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The FAA said it has received dozens of new laser reports from pilots in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania airspace.

The FBI in New Jersey separately warned people Wednesday not to shoot at suspected drones or point lasers at them, warning "there could be dangerous and possibly deadly consequences if manned aircraft are targeted mistakenly" as drones.

Federal agencies have stepped up tracking of drones in New Jersey and in nearby states after a frenzy of public concern.

Fewer than 100 of the more than 5,000 reported sightings in New Jersey and other northeastern U.S. states merited investigation, officials at the Defense Department, Homeland Security Department, FBI and FAA said this week.

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The Biden administration gave members of the U.S. House of Representatives Intelligence Committee a classified briefing on the issue on Tuesday.

Officials have repeatedly said most of the large fixed-wing sightings involved manned aircraft, and came after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday called for more federal comment on the reported sightings.

There are about 1 million registered drones flying about 42 million flights annually. "There are thousands of commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones lawfully in the sky on any given day. With the technology landscape evolving, we expect that number to increase over time," agencies said this week.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler and David Gregorio)
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on drone operations in dozens of areas of New Jersey and New York until mid-January, unless operators are granted special permission from the government due to "special security reasons."

Uncrewed aerial drones have been lighting up the sky at night in New Jersey and nearby states for weeks, since about mid-November, leading to concern from residents and speculation online. Some had demanded answers from local and state officials for answers.

PHOTO: Multiple suspected drones are seen over Bernardsville, New Jersey, on Dec. 5, 2024. (AP)

MORE: New Jersey drone mystery: What to know and what can be done

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"At the request of federal security partners, the FAA published 22 Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prohibiting drone flights over critical New Jersey infrastructure," the FAA said in a statement Thursday.

The temporary flight restrictions in New Jersey, which are set to last until Jan. 17, have been implemented beginning Wednesday in the following locations: Hamilton, Bridgewater, Cedar Grove, North Brunswick, Metuchen, Evesham, Camden, Gloucester City, Westampton, South Brunswick, Edison, Branchburg, Sewaren, Jersey City, Harrison, Elizabeth, Bayonne, Winslow, Burlington, Clifton, Hancocks Bridge and Kearny.

PHOTO: New Jersey cities face temporary flight restrictions for drones (Federal Aviation Administration)

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the flight restrictions were issued "out of an abundance of caution."

"We continue to assess there is no public safety threat relating to the reported drone sightings," the spokesperson said in a statement Thursday. "In coordination with the FAA and our critical infrastructure partners who requested temporary flight restrictions over their facilities, out of an abundance of caution, the FAA has issued temporary flight restrictions over some critical infrastructure facilities in New Jersey."

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Following New Jersey's lead, on Thursday night, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced federal partners and the FAA will also grant temporary flight restrictions over some of the state's critical infrastructure sites.

Similarly, Hochul said the action is "purely precautionary" and that "there are no threats to these sites."

PHOTO: New York locations face temporary flight restrictions for drones (Federal Aviation Administation)

The temporary flight restrictions in New York, which are set to last until Jan. 18, have been implemented in dozens of locations, including near LaGuardia Airport, many cities on Long Island, and the New York City boroughs of Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

MORE: Drone updates: Authorities warn people about taking matters into their own hands

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The restrictions say no uncrewed aircraft systems can operate within a nautical mile of the airspace specified in each Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM, including from the ground up to 400 feet. Recreational drones are allowed to operate up to 400 feet, under FAA rules.

The previously issued temporary flight restrictions for Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, remain in place.

The government may use "deadly force" against the drones if they pose an "imminent security threat," the NOTAM said.

Pilots who fail to abide by those restrictions could be "intercepted, detained, and interviewed by the law enforcement/security personnel." The FAA said it could also take administrative action, including imposing civil penalties and suspending or revoking the operators' certificates, as well as pursuing criminal charges.

PHOTO: In this image taken from video, what appears to be drones flying over Randolph, N.J., Dec. 4, 2024. (AP)

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MORE: Drone updates: No national security risk found after 5,000 tips, FBI and other federal agencies say

This ban comes after Sunday's press briefing where an FAA official said there have "without a doubt" been drones flying over New Jersey, pointing to the fact that nearly a million drones are registered in the U.S.

The FBI has received more than 5,000 tips in the last few weeks about drone sightings in New Jersey and other states, said a multiagency statement, which was released Monday by the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the FAA and the Department of Defense.

"Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones," the joint statement said.

FAA temporarily bans drones in parts of New Jersey, New York adds flight restrictions originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Following the continuous sightings of massive drones in the New Jersey area, a temporary ban has now been enforced.

On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in place for more than two dozen areas across New Jersey, NBC News reported.

The restrictions are "prohibiting drone flights over critical New Jersey infrastructure," the FAA said in a statement, according to the outlet. The TFRs will be in effect until Jan. 17, 2025, in areas including Camden, Jersey City, Clifton, Bayonne and North and South Brunswick, according to the complete TFRs list.

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While not receiving any feedback/info from federal officials, I reached out to civilian aviators/others for analysis. I used public flight tracking tools to recreate the conditions of my time out. For instance I was at Round Valley Reservoir at 9:20pm and shot this video. 2/9 pic.twitter.com/vp1F9VObHs  Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) December 14, 2024

The details of the TFRs state that no unmanned aircraft systems are permitted to operate within one nautical mile of the airspace in each NOTAM, including from ground level up to 400 feet in the air, local ABC affiliate WABC-TV reported. The FAA also cited special security reasons for the TFRs, the outlet said.

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Related: Pentagon Launches New Effort to 'Detect, Identify and Attribute' UFOs in U.S. Airspace

The decision to implement drone restrictions follows the Dec. 15 press conference from the FAA, where the organization confirmed that "without a doubt" there have been drones flying throughout New Jersey, according to the outlet.

The FAAs statement regarding the presence of drones followed a contrasting explanation from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security a day earlier that said many of the drone sightings in New Jersey since last month are actually "manned aircraft being misidentified as drones."

On Saturday, Dec. 14, a DHS official said authorities "have not identified any basis for believing that theres any criminal activity involved, that theres any national security threat, that theres any particular public safety threat or that theres a malicious foreign actor involved in these drones," CNBC, Newsweek and The Guardian, reported.

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Related: 'Manned' Aircrafts Over New Jersey Are Being Misidentified as Drones,' Federal Authorities Say

Previously, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he had spoken with various authorities about the drone sightings.

We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners on this matter, Murphy wrote in a statement on Thursday, Dec. 5.

Reports of the unidentified drones had been plaguing central New Jersey since November, with some residents describing the activity as menacing and creepy.

Read the original article on People
A drug addict who traumatised a nine-year-old boy by abandoning him in a dark wood has been spared jail.

Ashley McGovern, 31, drove the child, who had a fear of the dark, into the countryside near her then home in East Lothian before leaving him on his own.

McGovern went on to claim that the boy was missing, prompting a large-scale search involving 80 police officers and a helicopter, along with mountain rescue and coastguard personnel.

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The frightened child was found 24 hours later with no shoes and socks on after a dog walker heard him crying.

The traumatised victim was found to have suffered brain injuries and spent more than four months in hospital undergoing extensive rehabilitation following his ordeal.

Traces of cocaine and alcohol were found in the boys system, indicating that he was exposed to the substances before being abandoned.

Extremely serious offences

McGovern earlier admitted wilfully ill-treating and neglecting the boy to his severe injury, permanent impairment and to the danger of his life. She previously faced an accusation of attempting to murder the child.

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The defendant, latterly of Haddington, East Lothian, also admitted attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

Judge Lord Young, at the High Court in Edinburgh, told her they were extremely serious offences. He added: Because of the significant harm caused to this child a custodial sentence would be the norm.

The judge said he remanded her in custody following a previous court appearance, after she pleaded guilty, because he had anticipated that she would receive a jail sentence.

However, Lord Young said he had since been persuaded that she could be dealt with via a non-custodial sentence.

He handed her a community payback order with a supervision requirement for a maximum period of three years, along with a requirement that she undertake 300 hours of unpaid work.

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The court heard McGovern had been assessed as having a low risk of re-offending and someone who did not present a risk to the public.

Lord Young said she had suffered from clinical depression and anxiety linked to low self-esteem for many years but had made great strides towards getting her life together. She was unable to explain why she left the child in the wood.

The court heard that the boy was in good spirits on Sept 9 2022 before he got into McGoverns car and she drove into the countryside. She then parked in a lay-by next to Brock Wood, near the village of Spott.

Advocate depute Alan Cameron KC said the sun had set by the time they arrived and there was no other light source in the area.

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He told the court: The boy was known to be afraid of the dark.

McGovern returned to her vehicle about an hour later leaving the boy, who had been wearing a short-sleeved polo shirt and jogging bottoms, with no food or water.

She then texted a man asking if he had seen the child and at first told her father that the boy was missing. A major search operation was then launched.

Something flipped

After the boy was found, the emergency services took him to hospital where he was treated for chest and neck injuries, and was also found to have a suspected ankle fracture.

Further tests revealed the child had suffered a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen.

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Mr Cameron said the boys condition deteriorated significantly as he experienced seizures, issues with his sight and involuntary limb movements. He ended up requiring a wheelchair to get about.

The boy underwent extensive rehabilitation during his lengthy hospital stay before leaving in January last year but may be left with permanent weakness on his right-hand side.

Defence counsel John Scullion KC said: The accused recalls feeling a sense of panic and describes feeling that something flipped in her mind that day.

Referring to an assessment by a criminal justice social worker, he added: The author of the report confirms she displays shame and remorse for the pain and suffering she has caused, which, in my submission, is both genuine and profound.

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The Ohio House chamber. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original photo.)

Bipartisan Ohio lawmakers introduced a measure to permanently eliminate the practice of lame duck sessions in the Ohio General Assembly, a measure that has unlikely odds of passage due to the nature of the very session it seeks to remove.

State Reps. Sean Brennan, D-Parma, and Bill Dean, R-Xenia, said the proposal was released at the end of the GAs two-year session intentionally, to emphasize a need for greater accountability, transparency and integrity in the legislative process.

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Lame duck session is the last-ditch effort for legislation that sat in committees and the legislature all year, and the final legislative action for any senators and representatives who are not continuing on to the next General Assembly after a general election. Any bills that arent passed before December 31 must be reintroduced in the new year.

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Not one colleague I have spoken to on either side of the aisle has anything good to say about this process, Brennan wrote of lame duck, in a statement announcing the proposal. Being thrown multiple bills with multiple amendments on multiple complicated subjects hours before you have to make a decision is not a way to govern and not fair to the people we serve who have a right to be involved in the process and who can be negatively impacted by the things we do.

Dean said ending lame duck sessions would ensure every vote reflects the clear voice of the electorate and avoid pushing major decisions through in a short, unaccountable window.

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The proposal would end legislative sessions follow a general election, put new legislators into their seats promptly and promote deliberative and transparent governance during non-election years.

A legislative aide in Deans office said the path forward was unknown for the measure, considering the Senate and House are conducting their final scheduled week of session this week, and the bill would require committee consideration before going up to for full chamber votes.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  After a two-year delay, lower-income San Diegans can now apply for the California E-Bike Incentive Project, which is funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Pacific Beach Bike Shop, on Garnett Avenue, is one of more than 40 shops throughout San Diego County that are participating in the program.

Only a limited number of applications will be approved statewide in this first round, which functions on a first-come, first-served basis as long as applicants meet the necessary requirements.

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E-bikes are really making it a lot easier for people to get around, said Mark Rowe, owner of Pacific Beach Bike Shop.

Word of the states new e-bike incentive program is slowly getting around.

Weve had four people come in inquiring about it and I wish them luck. There are only 1,500 vouchers out there, Rowe explained.

A limited number of vouchers of up to $2,000 will be distributed to eligible applicants.

If they purchase a bike for $1,600 they can use the rest of the voucher to purchase one helmet, one lock, or a basket, Rowe said.

Any money left over on a voucher is not cash redeemable.

To qualify, California residents must be at least 18 years old and have a gross annual household income less than 300% of the federal poverty level. That means less than roughly $45,000 for individuals and $61,000 for couples.

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Rowe says a lot of his usual clients could benefit from this program.

We get a lot of students from UCSD that come in here looking for e-bikes to save on the parking fees and parking up there in general isnt awesome, Rowe said.

Liz Stuart is a fourth year PHD student at UCSD who doesnt drive.

Sometimes Ill take the shuttle and then other times Ill get on a spin, Stuart said.

Spin is an app that offers electric scooters and bicycles.

Stuart says she wasnt aware of the incentive program until FOX 5/KUSI told her about it.

I think its a great program, especially for students. especially since we have such a big campus and then the parking situation is always really tricky, Stuart said.

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Shes hoping to put the pedal to the metal and stake her claim.

I definitely am going to look into it when I get home, Stuart said.

This initial round of applications will total $3 million in funds authorized by the California Legislature.

Other rounds of voucher dispersals are expected every three to four months totaling $7.5 million.

More information on the program can be found here. To find participating retailers near you click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  An East Hartford memorial retired a flag for the first time on Wednesday.

Members of the community can bring their flags to the memorial, located at Hillside Cemetery, to be burned.

We dont burn the flag, said Richard Bates, who is on the veterans commission. We cut the flag in a ceremonial process into four quarters. We first burn the stripes, and then the union. But, once a flag is cut, its no longer considered a flag.

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Fifteen flags were burned Wednesday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
EDEN, N.C. (WGHP)  An Eden man faces a child abuse charge after officers responded twice to a home in Eden, according to the Eden Police Department.

On Saturday, officers with the EPD responded to a home on Harris Street to check on the welfare of a juvenile.

Officers arrived on the scene, spoke with the people involved and also told Rockingham County Child Protective Services about the incident.

A short time later, a second call came in, and the caller said there was a disturbance involving a gun.

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Officers went back to the home and spoke with David Jeffrey Hutcherson, 60, of Eden, who was then arrested for resisting, delaying and obstructing.

On Wednesday, investigators with the EPD consulted with North Carolina Child Protective Services, and additional charges were taken out for Hutcherson.

A detective secured warrants on Hutcherson for misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun and misdemeanor child abuse.

Hutcherson was given no bond.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Cook Countys system of electronically monitoring criminal defendants awaiting trial is the largest such system in the country, according to the county sheriffs office. More than 3,500 people accused of crimes, including over 100 facing murder or attempted murder charges, arent behind bars and instead are confined to their homes or given curfews to return there, depending on the severity of their alleged offenses.

Our county is highly unusual in having two such systems, one run by Sheriff Tom Dart and the other by Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans. Dart has said his office will stop monitoring the movements of new defendants beginning in April, likely leaving the Cook County courts to manage the critical function alone.

Darts rationale is that he doesnt think his office can keep residents safe as the number of defendants on home confinement grows. New Cook County States Attorney Eileen ONeill Burke, elected on promises to take a harder line on accused criminals than her progressive predecessor, has said the office will prosecute more crimes. Cook County judges likely will see more defendants before them, which logic suggests will mean more people headed to Cook County Jail but also more defendants wearing ankle bracelets.

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Electronic monitoring has become a hotter topic of late as the public sees horrifying examples of those who are supposed to be confined at home out on the streets and allegedly committing violent crimes. Most notably, Harvey resident Darion McMillian, 23, was on electronic monitoring on drug-related charges when he allegedly shot to death Chicago police Officer Enrique Martinez, as well as a companion in the car in which McMillian was a passenger, on the night of Nov. 4 on the South Side.

McMillian ran from the scene, cutting off his ankle bracelet monitor, before police found and arrested him, police and a Cook County prosecutor said.

For several years now, Dart has been a critic of how Cook County is using electronic monitoring, saying that a program which began more than 30 years ago as a way to relieve jail overcrowding through pretrial release of those accused of non-violent offenses now is tasked with monitoring mainly alleged violent criminals.

In 2022, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot pointed with alarm to the 100-plus people on electronic monitoring who had been accused of murder or attempted murder. She called on Evans to lock up accused killers. Evans, often an opponent of pretrial incarceration of all but the most dangerous defendants, said Lightfoots position amounted to saying that defendants facing certain allegations be considered guilty until proven innocent.

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Lightfoot was right then, and Evans was wrong. Most would agree that those accused of murder should be considered a threat to public safety as they await trial. We hope Evans views become more in tune with the publics now that the states landmark SAFE-T Act is in effect.

That law, which made Illinois the first state to end cash bail, has been a source of controversy since its initial passage in early 2021. The principle that someone charged with a crime shouldnt be imprisoned solely because they lack the cash to make bail is a sound one. But theres far more to the law than that, and there are plenty of people with extensive experience in the criminal justice system saying the statute needs to be tightened in the interest of public safety.

In the meantime, it also makes sense to us that a single office  whether the sheriff or the Cook County courts  be in charge of enforcing home confinement and curfew restrictions on defendants. It appears that will be Evans sole job soon, and in some ways thats an appropriate outcome given the chief judges influential role in creating the system as we know it today.

Evans raises reasonable issues in terms of additional staffing that hell need, as well as close cooperation with the Chicago Police Department, and perhaps Darts office, too, since the security personnel employed by the judiciary dont have arrest powers. The sheriff, of course, has such powers.

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However oversight of this critical public safety function is sorted out once Darts office stops performing it, its imperative that Evans ensure hes at least as concerned about the safety of streets in Chicago and the rest of Cook County as he is about the rights of the accused.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
CAIRO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi reaffirmed on Thursday Egypt's support for Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity during a meeting with Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

The two leaders met on the sideline of the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation held in Cairo earlier in the day.

Sisi emphasized Egypt's keenness on firming up the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and the full enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

The Egyptian president also reiterated Egypt's steadfast commitment to offering all forms of assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people and support the effective functioning of the country's institutions.

The meeting also touched on regional developments and Egypt's efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza as a core step toward restoring regional stability. The two leaders expressed their commitment to Syria's stability, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as the safety and security of its people.

They also cautioned against the expansion of the conflict, stressing the need for all parties to act with wisdom and responsibility to restore regional peace.

Also on Thursday, EgyptAir, the flag carrier of Egypt, announced resuming its flights to the Lebanese capital Beirut after three months of suspension. 
Dec. 19If Common Cause Indiana is correct in its allegation that the boundaries of Anderson's six City Council districts violate the U.S. Constitution, then residents might well think that council members would do everything possible to resolve the matter.

But it's been more than a year since Common Cause, along with the local NAACP branch, the League of Women Voters and two registered voters filed a federal lawsuit claiming the districts established through the council and the Madison County Election Board violate the 14th Amendment.

In specific, the 3rd District has 11,644 voters compared to, let's say, 7,490 in the 4th District. The ideal population for the single-member districts is closer to 9,130, Common Cause asserts.

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Of Anderson's nine council members, six come from single districts and three are at-large.

Under the current apportionment, District 3 has less influence and voting strength than the other districts. That district is basically all of Anderson south of 38th Street. District 4 is primarily the west side of the city, notably where there is a large Black population.

There is an apparent unfairness to the current council divisions.

The City Council has a duty to realign voting districts based on the decennial census. The latest Census was in 2020.

The deadline for revising districts passed Dec. 31, 2022.

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An effort was made on Dec. 11, 2022, to revise the map. But the Council voted 6-3 against redistricting.

Common Cause and the others filed the federal lawsuit in June 2023.

Three members of the council  Ollie H. Dixon, Greg Graham and Joe Newman  created a map this year that was never presented to the federal court. Common Cause submitted a map to the city council.

The council voted not to accept that map and instead decided to hire an outside consultant to draw up district maps as a result of the 2020 federal census.

On Sept. 30, Judge James Sweeney ordered the City Council to redraw the disproportionate districts, saying the current map is unconstitutional.

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No immediate resolution is seen.

In the last two weeks, two attorneys representing the city withdrew from the case. Chicago attorneys Steven M. Laduzinsky and Devlin Joseph Schoop cited "irreconcilable" differences between themselves and the Common Council.

Local attorney Rosemary Khoury will stay on the case for the city. But Khoury already has a full caseload in representing the prosecutor's office in her city court assignments.

The costs of this case are becoming absurd.

So far, the Anderson City Council has paid the Chicago-based Henderson Parks law firm a total of $150,000. That payment yielded taxpayers little but "irreconcilable differences."

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Costs will rise.

Common Cause expected that a new map would be submitted to the Council on Dec. 17. But the agenda only listed the hiring of a firm to handle redistricting. With the thought that the Council was again delaying the process, Common Cause asked the federal court to set a deadline of Jan. 31, 2025, for a revised map to be in the judge's hands.

But, as of now, voters in Anderson are still  more than a year into the controversy  unable to say that their representation by the City Council is fair.
The prisoners write in carefully lettered script or on old electric typewriters. There are sometimes grammatical errors or misspellings. But the language is direct. They describe facing Stage 4 cancer after their symptoms went undiagnosed for years. The denial of orthotic shoes to treat a diabetic condition that led to a severe wound and amputation. Nineteen years locked in solitary confinement.

Some describe beatings and sexual assaults by fellow prisoners that they say corrections officers failed to prevent. Others say they were assaulted by officers themselves.



The Eighth Amendment, which bars "cruel and unusual punishments," was intended by the founders as a bulwark against prisoner abuse. Over the years it came to mean any treatment that "shocked the conscience." But prisoners and civil-rights attorneys have said that it is now nearly impossible to win such claims in court.



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To investigate whether that constitutional protection holds, a Business Insider team read tens of thousands of pages of court records for nearly 1,500 Eighth Amendment complaints, including every appeals court case with an opinion we could locate filed from 2018 to 2022 citing the relevant precedent-setting Supreme Court cases and standards. We reviewed hundreds of pages of training materials, medical records, incident reports, and surveillance footage. We read cases from prisoners convicted of violent and nonviolent crimes  some who have spent decades behind bars for murder or sexual assault, others sentenced to short stints for marijuana possession or third-degree assault. We spoke with more than 170 people, including prisoners and their families, attorneys and legal scholars, correctional staff and prison healthcare providers, and current and former federal judges.

Divinity Rios, Melvin Carson, Gene Wilson, and Clifford Stephens. Rios and Carson said they experienced sexual misconduct; Wilson's mother sued after officials said he took his own life; one of Stephens' fingers was severed by broken kitchen equipment. Their claims were all dismissed. Courtesy of Maria Rivera, Mandy Carson, Rena Abran, Braheem Townsend

We uncovered a near evisceration of protections for this nation's 1.2 million prisoners, largely propelled by legal standards and laws put into place at the height of the war on drugs.

In our analysis, plaintiffs prevailed in only 11 cases, including two class actions  less than 1%.



"If a right is unenforceable, then it's not much of a right," Paul Grimm, a former federal judge for the District of Maryland, said after reviewing BI's findings. "It is essentially unavailable."

One Tennessee prisoner wrote a letter to the court after failing to overcome these steep odds in his own case.

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"To everyone I tried to talk to and ask to file grievances and complaints to bring the wrongs to light," he wrote, "I'm sorry that I tried to bring hope and law and order to a place that has no hope or process of order."

Failed oversight

Over decades, federal and state oversight agencies have repeatedly found that US prison systems have failed to protect the prisoners in their care. Just this year, an inspector general found that staff in federal prisons had failed to adequately respond to medical emergencies, contributing to 166 prisoner deaths. The Department of Justice recently found that people held in Georgia state prisons had experienced "horrific and inhuman conditions" stemming from what the DOJ called "complete indifference" by the institutions. "Inmates are maimed and tortured," the department wrote, "relegated to an existence of fear, filth and not so benign neglect."

Some years ago, an oversight monitor found that California prisons' system for disciplining officers accused of excessive force was "broken to the core."

For prisoners inside these systems, the courts are often the only backstop.

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But in the 1980s and 1990s, as the nation's prison population exploded, a new law and a series of revised legal standards radically restricted the ability of prisoners to prevail in Eighth Amendment lawsuits.

The 1996 Prison Litigation Reform Act, passed with robust bipartisan support, effectively carved out a separate and unequal system for prisoners who seek to file suit.

Nathanael Carter Jr., Marvin Waddleton III, Robert Byrd, William Stevenson. Carter said a guard shot him; Waddleton and Byrd said guards beat them while they were restrained; Stevenson said guards repeatedly shocked him with a Taser. All lost their excessive-force claims. Courtesy of Dezzerea Carter, Marlyn Waddleton, Bill McGlothlin, William Stevenson

It required prisoners to complete a prison's internal grievance process before filing a claim in court  and then survive a screening process. After that, their claims faced exacting Supreme Court standards. Claims that guards had used excessive force were now decided under a 1986 standard that granted broad protections to prison staff as long as their actions were not "malicious and sadistic." Claims that prison staff have failed to keep prisoners safe  whether from violence, negligent healthcare, or inhumane conditions of confinement  were now decided under a Supreme Court standard, refined in 1994, which says such failures violate the Constitution only if officials were "deliberately indifferent."

Together, the standards shifted the focus away from the underlying claims of abuse, however extreme, and onto the question of prison officials' intent.

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David Fathi, the director of the National Prison Project at the ACLU, said the emphasis on mindset has become "an enormous barrier to justice for incarcerated people." If abuse or neglect exists in prisons, he said, "that should be enough to violate the Eighth Amendment."

"You shouldn't have to go looking for someone who was thinking bad thoughts."

Read more from our series on the Eighth Amendment:

The gutting of the Eighth Amendment

Debunking the myth of 'frivolous' prisoner suits

The Supreme Court's 'deliberate indifference' trap

It's not excessive force unless it's 'malicious and sadistic'

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Federal courts have sanctioned medical neglect by private contractors

Only 1% of prisoners win their claims. Here's what it takes.

How we analyzed 1,488 prisoner suits

Altogether, said Kathrina Szymborski Wolfkot, a former appellate attorney at the MacArthur Justice Center, these laws and standards have made federal courts "inhospitable places for incarcerated people." Though some attorneys turn to state courts instead, there they face another set of challenges, such as caps on damages for malpractice claims or, in some cases, weak state constitutional protections.

The Department of Justice, the ACLU, and other powerful litigators have sometimes succeeded in winning Eighth Amendment cases that usher in reforms through consent decrees or injunctive orders. But such outcomes are rare. The DOJ has secured consent decrees in just four prison cases over the past decade.

A separate and unequal system

In restricting access to the courts, lawmakers in the 1990s argued that most prisoners filed suits over "frivolous" matters. Yet only a few dozen of the claims in BI's sample were over minor complaints, such as being denied shoes to wear in a dirty shower.

Mark Mann, Darius Theriot, Alex Ryle, and Christopher Neff. Mann, Theriot, and Ryle said they faced treatment delays for serious conditions; Neff said he was denied proper care after being shot. All lost claims of inadequate medical care. Courtesy of Marie David, Cheryl Theriot, Season Shider, Elva Neff

Among cases that prisoners lost, we logged 161 claims that guards had failed to protect a prisoner from being beaten or stabbed, including four fatalities. We identified 42 failed cases alleging untreated cancer, heart disease, HIV, or hepatitis C. We logged 78 claims of untreated mental illness, including eight that ended in suicide. There were 21 claims of sexual assault by prison staff. There were claims of confinement in extreme filth, including exposure to poisonous spiders, black mold, and feces.

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The vast majority of prisoners, BI found, are navigating all of this without attorneys, in part because of the PLRA, which prevents attorneys from recovering their full litigation costs.

In the outside world, most civil suits settle  about 73%, one study found. In BI's sample, only 14% of prisoner lawsuits did, sometimes for paltry amounts or no damages at all. One North Carolina prisoner who said guards beat him while he was in restraints settled for $250.

By the time the cases were settled or decided in favor of the plaintiffs, those in charge  the wardens and medical directors  had almost always been dropped as defendants, limiting the ability of those judgments to drive institutional change.

Billions of taxpayer dollars go to corrections contractors, to run everything from food services to healthcare to staffing to data management, and the legal obstacles introduced in the 1980s and '90s have shielded these for-profit companies as well. For example, hundreds of private prison health providers or their employees were named as defendants in BI's sample. Of these cases, 14% settled and plaintiffs prevailed in less than 1%. One law-review article concluded that the low risk of liability had influenced companies' cost-benefit analysis and "leads to dangerous, ineffective healthcare that is shielded from constitutional challenge."

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More than one federal judge described prisoner claims as tragic  before going on to cite precedent or the narrow standards in deciding against the plaintiffs. Several issued fiery dissents. One was issued in an August 2019 case filed by a prisoner who was denied a transfer he said was necessary for his safety. "We do not sentence people to be stabbed and beaten," Judge Robin Rosenbaum of the 11th Circuit wrote.

"The Eighth Amendment does not allow prisons to be modern-day settings for Lord of the Flies," she went on. "The Majority Opinion condones this behavior and ensures it will occur again."

This project was supported by a grant from Columbia University's Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights in conjunction with Arnold Ventures. Data analysis and visualization were supported by the Fund for Investigative Journalism.

Series credits

Reporting: Nicole Einbinder, Hannah Beckler, Narimes Parakul, Rosemarie Ho

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Editing: Esther Kaplan, Sophie Kleeman, John Cook

Copy editing: Kevin Kaplan

Research: Darren Ankrom, Paco Alvarez, Sam Russek, Schuyler Mitchell, Lucy Dean Stockton, Paige Oamek, Finley Muratova, Matt Drange

Design and visuals: Randy Yeip, Kim Nguyen, Dan DeLorenzo, Rebecca Zisser, Isabel Fernandez-Pujol

Illustration: Matt Rota

Photography: Courtney Coles, Kaylee Greenlee, Octavio Jones, Nick Oxford, Alyssa Schukar, Shelby Tauber, Patience Zalanga

Video: Teresa Zhang, Robert Leslie

Read the original article on Business Insider
UPDATE: Fort Bliss confirmed to KTSM that Brandon Shepherd is a specialist assigned to the 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade.

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 22-year-old El Paso man is facing charges after he was driving drunk and was involved in a fatal crash last Friday, Dec. 13, in West El Paso, according to court documents obtained by KTSM and El Paso Police.

El Paso Police say its Special Traffic Investigations Unit responded just after 2 a.m. that Friday to the intersection of North Mesa and Castellano in reference to a fatal crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle.

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Brandon Victor Shepherd, 22, is facing a charge of driving while intoxicated and a charge of unlawful carry of a weapon with a total bond of $12,500.

Police say Shepherd was traveling north on the 4700 block of North Mesa in a white pickup truck, and had two passengers in the vehicle.

At the same time, Kyle Leonard Calverly, 38, was traveling south at the 4800 block of N. Mesa on a motorcycle and was approaching the intersection of Castellano.

Police say Shepherd turned onto Castellano entering Calverlys path and Calverly was thrown from his motorcycle. Calverly suffered serious injuries and died at the scene of the crash.

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Court documents say that Shepherd told police that they had been at a bar called Moon Tower on North Mesa and they then went to Whiskey Dicks.

Shepherd told police that he had a total of four Michelob Ultra tall boys and did not drink more than that because he was the designated driver, according to court documents.

Court documents say that an officer administered two breathalyzer tests on Shepherd, where the first one came out to 0.140 and the second sample came out to 0.131. The legal limit in Texas is 0.08.

Shepherd told police that he did not see Calverly traveling south on North Mesa, according to court documents.

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Shepherd told police that once he saw Calverly, he tried to avoid colliding with him but it was too late, according to court documents.

Shepherd told police that he called 911 and was directed to perform CPR on Calverly, according to court documents.

During the incident, the white pick-up truck impacted a portion of a nearby business called the Angry Owl.

Police say investigators discovered the motorcycle had previously been reported as stolen, and a contributing factor in the crash was a red-light violation. Police did not say who ran the red light.

The officer at the scene was advised that the crash would need to be further investigated to determine the actual cause.

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This is the 66th traffic fatality this year compared to 75 in 2023, according to 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 KTSM 9 News.
UPDATE: THURSDAY 12/19/2024 12:40 p.m.

(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.)  Manitou Springs School District 14 (D14) said the Manitou Springs Fire Department conducted an investigation of Manitou Springs Elementary School (MSES) and has collected a sample for testing. One staff member was evaluated by first responders on-site but not taken to a medical facility.

According to D14, Hazmat officials believe the incident was an isolated issue related to a vacuum used on Tuesday, Dec. 17, in the auditorium and Thursday morning in the basement. The El Paso County Hazmat also assessed all HVAC systems and determined on Tuesday and Thursday that all oxygen levels were normal and there were no signs of any contaminants.

A third party deep cleaned the auditorium on Wednesday, Dec. 18, and D14 said the entire school will now be deep cleaned. To facilitate the deep cleaning, MSES will be closed on Friday, Dec. 20.

ORIGINAL STORY: Elementary school evacuated again over staff experiencing symptoms

THURSDAY 12/19/2024 11:18 a.m.

Manitou Springs Elementary School (MSES) was evacuated once again on Thursday, Dec. 19 by the Manitou Springs Fire Department due to staff experiencing symptoms.

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According to Allison Scott, Communications Specialist for Manitou Springs School District 14 (D14), the school initiated an early release for all students following a precautionary evacuation ordered by the fire department. The evacuation was prompted by staff on the basement level experiencing symptoms such as coughing and watery eyes.

Early release details, according to D14:

Pick-Up Instructions: Parents and guardians are asked to pick up their children as soon as possible at Manitou Springs Elementary School.

Sign-Out Process: Students will only be released to individuals listed on their approved contact list.

As part of the investigation, the Manitou Springs Fire Department and El Paso County Hazmat team responded. MSES said the team collected samples and will be running tests.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, a visible powder was found in the elementary schools auditorium where 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students were present. Some individuals reported symptoms such as coughing and burning eyes, which the fire department said were resolved once students and staff were evacuated.

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The Hazmat team investigated this previous incident and confirmed no hazardous substances were present in the auditorium and deemed the rest of the building safe.

The auditorium was closed and deep-cleaned on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The cleaning included carpet and seats in the auditorium, all surfaces, and air-purifying.

The district thanks all families, staff, and emergency responders for their patience and cooperation as we worked to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff, wrote D14.

FOX21 News has a crew on the way to the scene and will provide updates to this article once we get them.

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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.
An agreement was struck. Washington was ready to leave for the holidays having come together on a plan to fund the government and avert a shutdown  albeit with some grumbling on the Maga right.

Then Elon Musk jumped in. By Thursday morning, that deal had collapsed.

After days-long crusade by the Twitter and Tesla CEO, House Republicans began coming out in droves in opposition to the bill  in no small part due to a wave of phone calls from Republican voters furious over Musks tweets, which described the deal as criminal. Musk, in countless posts, raged against the legislation and overtly threatened to end the careers of any Republican who voted for it multiple times.

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Trump came out against it too, after Musk declared that no government funding bill should be passed at all until his inauguration in January.

The deal, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, had been detonated by House Republicans because the GOP caucus has been ordered to shut down the government.

This reckless Republican-driven shutdown can be avoided if House Republicans will simply do what is right for the American people and stick with the bipartisan agreement that they themselves negotiated, the Democratic leader told journalists at his partys press conference Thursday morning.

And he says he does not know whether Speaker Mike Johnson is still calling the shots in terms of supplying Republican votes for the legislation. Responding to a reporter who asked, who is in charge?, and questioned Musks role, Jeffries responded: Thats a great question. I dont have the answers right now.

Elon Musk made Mike Johnsons job very difficult this week, just as Congress was ready to leave town for the holidays. (Getty Images)

His fellow Democrats spent the day dunking on their Republican colleagues for changing course on Musks whims. The Twitter CEO, Democrats argued, was the real president-elect.

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We have an outside influence who believes, I think, that he is president. And that is President Musk, declared Rosa DeLauro, a senior Democrat and key ally of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Pramila Jayapal, outgoing head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, wrote on Twitter: Its clear whos in charge, and its not President-elect Donald Trump.

Shadow President Elon Musk spent all day railing against Republicans CR, succeeded in killing the bill, and then Trump decided to follow his lead.

Dan Goldman, speaking on CNN, added: Its one thing when you have Donald Trump governing by tweetbut now you have Elon Musk, an unelected oligarch, governing by tweet.

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One White House official who spoke to The Independent described the situation as evoking a sense of deja vu going back to late 2018, when then-President Trump reneged on a deal cut between then-House Speaker Paul Ryan, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to avert a holiday shutdown because it did not include funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border.

But the official, a Washington veteran who has served in senior roles working for multiple House Democrats, expressed incredulity that the current situation was being prompted by two people who currently have no official role in government.

"I dont think theres a precedent for two billionaires  one unelected and one who isnt yet in office  shutting down the government on Christmas  and after a deal was cut," they said before opining that the challenge for Democrats will be whether they can "message this and get a message out that makes this stick to the two of them [Trump and Musk]."

"Its a real question. Gravity isnt what it used to be," they added.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries says his caucus, which is in the minority by a single-digit margin in the lower chamber, would not support any funding bill that deviated from the agreement struck by congressional leadership on Tuesday. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The derision even provoked an angry response from a Trump spokeswoman, incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt: "As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR, Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop."

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GOP leadership entered the day looking isolated, with backbencher Trump acolytes coming out one after another to announce their opposition.

Johnson is due for a reckoning from the House Republican caucus, which threw Kevin McCarthy out of the speakers chair just a little more than one year ago and could easily do something similar in January when the chamber meets for the 119th Congress.

Congressional leaders unveiled the 1,500-page legislation to fund the government on Tuesday. The bill would continue funding for agencies and programs at current levels until mid-March, while also including billions for disaster relief funding. The massive piece of legislation also provided money to fully fund the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, which collapsed after being struck by a disabled cargo ship earlier in March of 2024, as well as an extension of the annual Farm Bill.

Then, a newer, slimmer version emerged on Thursday. It contains the same extension of funding at current levels, the same disaster relief funding (including Key Bridge repairs) and Farm Bill extension. Gone was a provision expanding sales of E15, a type of fuel that uses more ethanol  a blow to farmers. Also gone were changes to the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) system. But it would allow the GOP to avert fights over the debt ceiling until 2027, a major boon for the presidents legislative agenda.

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Johnson is now desperately working to unify his caucus around this new deal. But Magaworld was fully calling for his head before Trump announced his support for the second round, and demanded that the GOP hold the line and shut down the government. Musks concerns about spending remaining at current levels remain unaddressed, even in the new version.

Johnson is facing a possible reelection fight as speaker next month, and much of his success will be determined by whether he manages to keep Donald Trump (and Trumps acolytes in Congress) on his side. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

It isnt really clear whether the new legislation has the political support within the GOP caucus to pass the lower chamber, to say nothing of the Democrat-controlled Senate. Spending hawks like Rep Tim Burchett, who spoke to The Independent late Thursday afternoon, were still not fully on board. Johnson and his team are preparing for votes this evening, with lawmakers eager to get out of town.

Jeffries, at his press conference on Thursday morning, called the latter demand premature at best, signalling that Democrats would not entertain it. His caucus would vote for nothing, Jeffries said, except the bill released this week after the two parties came to an agreement.

He flatly denied that Democrats would vote to support Mike Johnson, the GOP House speaker, in the upcoming speakership elections  where it looks increasingly likely that Johnson will face a rebellion within his caucus.

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That leaves several questions to be answered in the weeks ahead: will Mike Johnson go the way of Kevin McCarthy? Will the House GOP operate for the next four years as a wholly subservient body bound to the whims of Musk and Trump? Will Musk, the incoming DOGE chief, overstep his boundaries by overshadowing the president-elect?

Or will Johnson find a spine, and win over enough of the rabble-rousers in his party to stave off an organized challenge?

One reality is definitely clear after Thursday: Mike Johnson wholly lacks the ability to stand up to either Trump or Musk, and whip his caucus into line. But it also seems like he lacks the ability to unify the disparate portions of his caucus even when he does have the backing of the incoming president.
MAGA talking heads are seriously calling for golden boy Elon Musk to be made Speaker of the House after his contribution to the torpedoing of a bipartisan spending bill that would have warded off a festive government shut down.

The billionaire Tesla CEO successfully lobbiedwith President-elect Donald Trumps helpfor the death of the lengthy bill that would have staved off a shutdown and funded the government through March.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise listen during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol. / Alex Wong / Alex Wong/Getty Images

His performance Wednesday, propped up by an X posting storm, had many Democrats jokingly referring to 53-year-old as President Musk. But now, it appears comments about Musk getting a Capitol gig are not actually tongue-in-cheek anymore.

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The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress... Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul posted on X Thursday.

He continued: Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk... think about it... nothings impossible. (Not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka uniparty, lose their ever-lovin minds).

Sen. Rand Paul likes the idea / NATHAN HOWARD / REUTERS

Paul was seemingly referring to the fact that the Constitution does not require the Speaker to be a member of the House, as noted in a 2023 report from the Congressional Research Service. However, there has never been an example of a non-member taking control of the gavel in the chambers 235-year history.

Even still, MAGA tongues are wagging at the thought of Musk taking over from Mike Johnson, whose bill the X boss helped to bury.

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Georgia rep Marjorie Taylor Greene posted on X, saying: Id be open to supporting @elonmusk for Speaker of the House. DOGE can only truly be accomplished by reigning in Congress to enact real government efficiency.

The establishment needs to be shattered just like it was yesterday. This could be the way.

Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Chip Roy talk with reporters about a bipartisan government funding bill outside the U.S. Capitol Building. / Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Foxs House of Representatives reporter Liz Elkind said rank-and-file lawmakers were frustrated with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Ill have nothing to do with them after watching them publicly trash the Speaker, one said, Elkind reported on X.

A second accused them of free-lancing and shooting off the hip without talking to Trump.

Elon Musk has grown close to Trump / Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images

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And despite the buzz around him, the tech billionaires ambition should stop short of dreams of the presidency, as Musk would be barred from running on a count of him being born in South Africa.

However, that didnt deter Musk from an X victory lap on Wednesday night. Your elected representatives have heard you and now the terrible bill is dead. The voice of the people has triumphed! he said.

Johnson replaced ousted former speaker Kevin McCarthy more than a year ago, but could be in trouble come a full House vote in the new year.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) seems to have struck a nerve by calling for Donald Trump to hold Elon Musk to the kind of ethics standards set for government officials while the tech billionaire remains a major figure in the president-elects orbit.

On social media Tuesday, Musk shared a series of racist images  apparently generated by artificial intelligence  that depicted Warren and leaned heavily on Native American stereotypes.

In one image, Warren is depicted wearing a beaded headdress adorned with bird feathers. The image also imagined the senior Massachusetts senator wearing a buckskin shirt with leather fringe.

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Subsequent posts by the worlds richest person imagined Warren  still shown in Native American garb  eating cake and smiling gently while wearing some sort of leather garment.

Musk included no explanation alongside the images, instead posting a series of crying laughing emoji with the caption, Guess who this is?

The images appear to be a reference to Trumps racist nickname for Warren, Pocahontas, which is itself derived from Warrens own tangled claims of Native American ancestry.

(DNA test results from 2018 showed that Warren likely has a Native American ancestor but that the vast majority of her ancestry is European.)

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Lauren van Schilfgaarde, a law scholar and the assistant director of the Native Nations Law & Policy Center at the University of California, Los Angeles, told HuffPost that the images are problematic on a variety of levels.

Setting aside Warrens own awkward ancestral claims, van Schilfgaarde said that AI imagery represents Indigenous people as an amalgamation of racist tropes.

Thats deeply problematic, she said. Instead of recognizing Native peoples as distinct nations, theyre represented as one generic entity.

But she found it interesting that Musk would fall back on what she called quintessential racism to respond to concerns about conflicts of interest and his continued presence in Trumps life.

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It shows hes scared, she ventured. Responding to it in this fashion seems to suggest he needs to distract from the substance of her critique.

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Billionaire Elon Musk saw a sharp 10 percent increase in his odds of being Speaker of the House on Polymarket, the crypto-based betting platform, after several lawmakers suggested him for the job.

Musk, who has quickly ascended as a close ally of Donald Trump, proved just how powerful political influence is this week when he managed to convince Republicans in Congress to oppose the bipartisan spending bill that, if passed, will prevent the government from shutting down.

Wielding his influence on the social media platform he owns, X, Musk sent out more than 150 posts urging Republicans to break from the bill backed by the current Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

This, seemingly, gave some the idea that Musk could serve as a competent speaker.

The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress . . . Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky wrote on X on Thursday morning.

Musk has found considerable influence over president-elect Donald Trump  even becoming co-chair of a government advisory committee (via REUTERS)

He added, ... think about it . . . nothings impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka uniparty, lose their ever-lovin minds).

The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress . . .



Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk . . . think about it . . . nothings impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka uniparty, lose their ever-lovin  Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 19, 2024

Senator Mike Lee of Utah said new leadership in the House felt almost inevitable as Johnson faces doubts within his party. Lee suggested House Republicans look toward Musk or his co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy.

Given theyve all expressed such affection for Vivek and for Elon, let them choose one of them, I dont care which one, to be their speaker, Lee said.

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, another staunch Trump supporter, also floated the idea with a poll on X.

Would you support @elonmusk for Speaker of the House?



The House controls policy and appropriations (spending) and can cut programs, departments, agencies, as well as make new laws like term limits and pass a balanced budget amendment.



DOGE could become the legislative branch.  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) December 19, 2024

The proposal inspired some to take to Polymarket and place bets on Musk becoming the new speaker.

Between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., Musks odds jumped from one percent to 12 percent.

Polymarket gained traction during the presidential election when an influx of bets placed on Trump winning raised some eyebrows. Those results stood in direct contrast to public polling from universities, media outlets and survey centers which had Vice President Kamala Harris winning.

Ultimately, Trump did win  giving Polymarket a boost in reliability. However, by Thursday afternoon, Musks odds had returned to one percent.

Musk could, in theory, become Speaker of the House. Nothing in the Constitution prevents a non-congressional member from being elected to serve as speaker  so long as they are nominated and win a majority of votes.

However, the Tesla and Space X CEO has specifically taken up an advisory role over an official position in the government. It allows him to have influence and flexibility without dealing with the administrative hurdles that come with holding an official position.
A bipartisan spending bill to avert a government shutdown was vanquished after Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump rebelled against it. Musk made his dissatisfaction known before Trump spoke out.

The richest man in the world spent his day yesterday blasting a bipartisan spending package aimed at averting a government shutdown. Elon Musk took to his social media platform X, calling it one of the worst bills ever written, and demanding kill the bill. He told his hundreds of millions of followers to call their elected representatives, and claimed any lawmaker who supported the continuing resolution (CR) should be voted out.

Kill the Bill https://t.co/D2Yntonrcv  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2024

Then President-elect Donald Trump tagged in. Trump, too, took to his social media platform Truth Social to advise Republicans to get smart and tough. If Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want, then CALL THEIR BLUFF, he wrote. Trump said the bill would be so destructive to our country, and threatened any Republican who voted for it, saying theyd be primaried.

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House Speaker Mike Johnsonwho earlier defended the spending billscrapped it. Lawmakers now have two days to avert a partial government shutdown after the one-two punch that was Musk and Trump.

On Thursday morning before the bill was killed, Trump told Fox News that Johnson would easily remain speaker if he acts decisively and tough and gets rid of all of the traps being set by Democrats in the spending package. His tone seemed different from the friendly, somewhat viral photo of Johnson, Trump, his son, Musk, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on a jet eating McDonalds on their way to a UFC fight post-election.

Make America Healthy Again starts TOMORROW.  pic.twitter.com/LLzr5S9ugf  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) November 17, 2024

As for Musk, the Tesla chief executive threw his support behind Trump throughout the electionon the campaign trail, on X, appearing on podcasts, and appealing to his colleagues in tech and Silicon Valley. He also helped financially, to the tune of about $200 million via his America political action committee. After his election victory, Trump appointed Musk and rival turned endorser Vivek Ramaswamy to run a brand-new initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk has appeared in photos at Mar-a-Lago frequently since the electionhelping Trump with his transition and dining with foreign officials and other tech billionaires. Trump and Musk had dinner with Amazon executive chairman Jeff Bezos last night. There have been reports about Musk maybe overstaying his welcome or irritating those in Trumps inner circle.

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Musk has a far greater reach on X than Trump, let alone all of Congress, the Washington Post reported. The question is, will that at some point bother Trump? It remains to be seen.

Still, not everything Musk says goes. Musk wanted Cantor Fitzgerald chief executive Howard Lutnick to be Trumps nominee for Treasury secretary. But Trump went with Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager who spent years of his career at Soros Capital Management.

Notably, Musk and Trump appear to be misaligned on the run-up to Trumps return to the Oval Office. Musk posted that no bills should be passed until Trump takes office for a second time in January. Trump, on the other hand, posted that everything should be done, and fully negotiated, prior to my taking Office on January 20th, 2025.

In a statement, Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the TrumpJD Vance transition, said: "As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR, Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop," referring to the spending bill. Tesla did not immediately respond to Fortune's request for comment.



This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
(Bloomberg) -- Billionaire Elon Musk is turning to an executive from one of his own companies, a former Trump White House official and other tech executives to help hire staff for the incoming administrations nascent effort to slash the size and scope of government.

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Steve Davis, president of Boring Co., Musks tunneling operation, and Michael Kratsios, former US chief technology officer, are among those leading interviews of potential candidates, according to people familiar with the effort. Theyve hired about 10 people so far, and are seeking software engineers including those with experience in artificial intelligence, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss personnel matters.

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The hiring push signals that momentum is building behind the initiative, a Musk brainchild known as the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE for short. It has the blessing of President-elect Donald Trump, who named Musk and former Republican campaign rival Vivek Ramaswamy to lead it within a week of his presidential election victory.

Despite its moniker, DOGE is not an official government agency established under law by Congress, and its authority is still taking shape ahead of Trumps inauguration next month. For now, DOGE is operating out of glass-walled office space in Washington leased by SpaceX, another Musk-owned company, about four blocks away from the White House.

Musk and Ramaswamy are still trying to figure out DOGEs structure, but theyre considering incorporating as a 501(c)(3), according to some of the people. One complication is that a 501(c)(3) can be either a public charity  which means it has to pass a public support test with at least a third of donations coming from a broad array of supporters  or a private foundation, which would be more restrictive.

Trump could also make it an official federal advisory committee by executive order. But those committees can have strict ethics and transparency requirements  and are funded by taxpayers, which would risk undermining the cost-cutting mandate. There are about 1,000 such public-private advisory committees in the federal government, costing a total $399 million last year.

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Its unclear wholl be signing the paychecks of DOGE hires or if Musk or Ramaswamy are putting in any of their own funds for the effort. But the use of SpaceX offices suggests that Musk, the worlds richest man at a net worth of roughly $458 billion, is shouldering at least some of the expenses.

The initiative highlights the relationship that Musk has rapidly cultivated with Trump through the campaign and post-election. Musk contributed a total of $238.5 million to a pro-Trump political action committee, making him the largest single donor in the US election.

Musk and Ramaswamy injected themselves into debate Wednesday in Washington over a stopgap government funding bill with posts on X urging lawmakers to reject the legislation and seek aggressive savings. Trump followed hours later with a joint statement also signed by Vice President-elect JD Vance declaring their opposition to the bill and urging Congress to also include an increase to the debt ceiling in the package  a move that risks complicating passage ahead of a Friday deadline.

Musk hatched the idea for DOGE during the campaign, and it was quickly embraced by Trump and many of his conservative allies. The Tesla Inc. chief executive officer has amplified the budding initiative with regular posts on X of what he sees as examples of wasteful government spending.

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House Republicans have seized on DOGE by announcing plans for a Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency led by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene that would align with the Musk-led push for streamlining government.

The effort seeks to trim as much as $2 trillion in federal spending, but its unclear whether thats on an annual basis or over a 10-year budget window. That figure, however, exceeds the amount Congress spends annually on government agency operations, including defense, and would likely require deep cuts to popular programs like Social Security and Medicare.

I expect DOGE to operate in founder mode  lean, decisive and led by two great people in Vivek and Elon who are obsessed over every detail, said James Fishback, the co-founder of investment firm Azoria Partners and a Ramaswamy confidant.

Formerly a SpaceX engineer, Davis became president of Musks tunneling business, Boring Co., and was brought in by Musk in October 2022 to help with the $44 billion purchase of Twitter, the social media platform now known as X.

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Davis was devoted to the cause: At one point he moved his family into Xs offices while he worked to slash the websites expenses. During the election campaign, Davis also played a key role in Musks America PAC, a crucial fundraising vehicle supporting Trumps campaign.

Kratsios was a key technology adviser in the Trump White House, later serving as a Defense undersecretary for research and engineering. Hes now managing director at Scale AI, Inc., which specializes in training data for AI.

Musk, Davis, Kratsios and the Trump transition team didnt respond to messages seeking comment.

--With assistance from Bill Allison.

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UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- As the situation on the Korean Peninsula is becoming more sensitive and complex with an unstable and uncertain future trajectory, the international community should work together to promote the political settlement process of the Peninsula issue, a Chinese UN envoy said at the UN Security Council.

"Maintaining peace and stability and preventing war and chaos on the Peninsula serve the common interests of all parties and are in line with the common expectation of the international community," Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said on Wednesday at a UN Security Council meeting.

He urged all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint, and refrain from any words or deeds that may intensify conflicts and tensions.

Stressing the importance of creating an atmosphere conducive to dialogue, Geng called on the relevant parties to be rational and pragmatic, resume contact as soon as possible to build mutual trust and restart dialogue, and work together to break the current deadlock.

"A certain country should abandon the myth of sanctions and pressure, take tangible measures to truly show goodwill and sincerity for dialogue," he added.

As a vestige of the Cold War, Geng said, the Korean Peninsula issue is rooted in the long existing failure to achieve the transition from armistice to a peace mechanism, and the severe lack of trust between the parties, especially between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The envoy said that the dual track approach and the principle of phased and synchronized steps proposed by China are effective ways to promote the political settlement process.

He called for the relevant country to abandon the Cold War mentality, and stop the erroneous acts of using the Peninsula issue to promote its geopolitical strategy and provoke bloc confrontations. "Otherwise, the political settlement of the Peninsula issue will be difficult to advance smoothly."

Noting that some council members linked the current European security with the Peninsula situation, Geng emphasized that the issue of Ukraine and the Peninsula issue are completely different in terms of origin and nature. "Linking the two will only make both issues more complicated and difficult to resolve," he added.

"Using the worry about the intertwining of the security in Europe and that in the Asia Pacific and their resonance as a pretext to push NATO to cross its boundary and extend its power to get involved in the Asian Pacific will only further intensify regional antagonism and exacerbate confrontations. China firmly opposes this approach," the ambassador said. 
Kill Bill

The federal government is on the verge of a shutdown  and practically at the behest of Elon Musk.

Republican and Democrat representatives had negotiated a stopgap spending bill, proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), that would fund the government for the next three months, as well as providing over $100 billion in disaster relief and other urgent provisions.

But with a Friday deadline looming, the bill, known as a continuing resolution, is now practically dead on arrival. On Wednesday, president-elect Donald Trump commanded Republicans to kill support for the bill, blowing up the fragile bipartisan agreement.

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Someone had been whispering in Trump's ear, though: Musk, a man who's recently made it his life's mission to gut government bureaucracy and slash federal expenditures. A full twelve hours before Trump weighed in, Musk began posting non-stop on his website X, formerly Twitter, disparaging the bill  and calling for the heads of any Republicans that supported it.

"This bill should not pass," he posted at 4:15 am on Wednesday to his over 200 million followers. By the end of the day, he had posted over 100 times, leveraging his enormous popularity to put pressure against the bill.

"Stop the steal of your tax dollars!" Musk posted that afternoon. "Call your elected representatives now. They are trying to railroad this thing through today!"

Shalt Not Pass

The episode is a testament to Musk's outsized political influence, even though he doesn't have a formal executive role in the incoming Trump administration.

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"Our constituents, the people who elected us, are listening to Elon Musk," Rep. Andy Barr (R-Kentucky), told The Wall Street Journal. "My phone was ringing off the hook today."

It's not an exaggeration to say that one very rich man's all-day Twitter spree has helped determine the very functioning of government  namely, that it should barely function at all until lawmakers capitulate to his and Trump's demands.

Musk's threats of ousting any Republican that doesn't toe the line aren't to be taken lightly, either. If he was willing to spend $200 million to elect Trump, he could certainly afford to spend smaller sums to replace pesky representatives with more servile challengers.

And if Musk further has it his way, he'd keep the government shut down for an entire month.

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"No bills should be passed Congress until Jan 20, when [Donald Trump] takes office," he posted during his X-spree. "None. Zero."

DOGEs of War

Yet this is just a preview of what Musk will be able to carry out now that he's in Trump's inner circle.

Musk will co-chair the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with fellow billionaire and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, which will be an advisory body  not a position in Trump's cabinet.

Still, if Musk's online tirades are anything to go by, it's apparent that DOGE's real power will reside in essentially being a propaganda arm for the administration, bolstered with the legitimacy of sounding like it's a real department.

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He's already hailing the moribund state of the bill as a major victory.

"Your elected representatives have heard you and now the terrible bill is dead," Musk tweeted. "The voice of the people has triumphed! VOX POPULI VOX DEI."

More on Elon Musk: Elon Musk Being Investigated for Violating Terms of "Top Secret" Clearance
A Michigan man is in custody after he allegedly stabbed the president of the company where he works, per police.

Erik Denslow was stabbed during a staff meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17, in their Muskegon, Mich., office, the Fruitport Township Police Department said in a statement. Denslow was not named by the police, but was identified by WZZM 13 and MLive.

Police arrested a 32-year-old employee at the company; MLive, News 8 and FOX 17 identified the suspect as Nathan Mahoney, citing police and unspecified court documents.

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Officers responded to the office of Anderson Express Inc., a manufacturing company, on Tuesday, around 9:30 a.m. to a report of a stabbing, per police statement.

The suspect allegedly stabbed Denslow in the side with a knife before fleeing the scene in his vehicle, police said. He was apprehended in about 15 minutes.

Mahoneys co-workers told police he had a quiet demeanor at work; police have not yet established a motive, but Deputy Chief Greg Poulson told News 8 they are not ruling out the possibility of a copycat attack of the fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO in New York City earlier in December.

I think that comes to everyones mind in this time. Were going through all his social accounts, all his electronic media and trying to determine a motive for this act, Poulson told the outlet.

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UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside a Manhattan hotel on Dec. 4, prompting a days-long manhung before suspect Luigi Mangione was arrested in connection with the killing.

Anderson Express Erik Denslow Erik Denslow

According to his LinkedIn profile, Denslow has been the president of Anderson Express Inc. for fewer than two years; he was promoted to president within a year of joining the company.

Anderson Express Inc. works with the automotive and defense sectors, per the companys LinkedIn page.

In a statement, the company said they are in shock over the incident and are also focused on supporting our employees as they process this senseless assault, MLive and WZZM 13 reported.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Neither Fruitport police nor Anderson Express Inc. responded to PEOPLE's requests for further information.

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Denslow was in critical condition after being hospitalized but is expected to survive, per police.

Mahoney has been charged with assault with intent to murder and fleeing a police officer, according to Michigan court records reviewed by PEOPLE. He is being held on $500,000 bond and $1,000 bond for the charges, respectively.

He was arraigned on Wednesday, per MLive, News 8 and FOX 17. Court records did not indicate any plea information and his lawyer did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment.

Read the original article on People
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  An employee at a local Charlotte energy company was killed this week while on the job, officials confirm to Queen City News.

The deadly accident happened Wednesday, Dec. 18, around 5 p.m. at the Siemens Energy production facility along Westinghouse Blvd in Charlotte.

Medic was called and pronounced the person deceased at the scene.

Siemens Energy confirmed the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is conducting an investigation. The North Carolina Department of Labor  Occupational Safety and Health Division has also been notified of the incident and its been assigned for inspection.

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Charlotte Hornets apologize after PS5 taken from 13-year-old after on-court giveaway

Siemens Energy released the following statement to Queen City News.

We are deeply saddened that we lost a member of the Siemens Energy family at our facility in Charlotte, NC on the evening of December 18, 2024. We are in touch with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department as well as the employees family. Siemens Energy

The energy company confirmed as of Thursday afternoon, parts of the facility have not been impacted by this incident and remain operational.

Earlier this year, Siemens Energy announced a major expansion in Charlotte, bringing close to 500 jobs as part of a $149.8 million initiative between the Queen City and Wake County.

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More than 1,200 employees were already based in Charlotte at the facility off Westinghouse Blvd. near the Steele Creek area before the announced expansion.

The company has operated in the U.S. for over 100 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 Queen City News.
The president of a Michigan-based manufacturing company was stabbed by one of his employees during a staff meeting earlier this week, in what authorities described as a possible copycat of the attack on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Nathan Joseph Mahoney, 31, is accused of stabbing the president of Anderson Express Inc. in their Muskegon office just before 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the Fruitport Township Police Department said in a news release.

The victim, Erik Denslow, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he underwent surgery. His condition was listed as serious but stable on Wednesday.

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Fellow employees described Mahoney as having a quiet demeanor, authorities said, adding that investigators have not established a motive.

The incident comes just weeks after the slaying of Thompson, who was fatally shot outside a Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, where he was expected to attend an investors meeting.

On Wednesday, Fruitport Township police said investigators were looking into the possibility that this weeks stabbing could have been inspired by the New York City shooting.

We havent ruled out copycat motive in regards to this, Deputy Chief Greg Poulson told local television station WOOD. I think that comes to everyones mind in this time. Were going through all his social accounts, all his electronic media and trying to determine a motive for this act.

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Investigators say Mahoney was a recent hire who was being trained to replace a retiring employee. He was among several employees present at Tuesdays meeting.

According to police, Mahoney got up in the middle of the meeting and left the room. When he came back about 10 minutes later, he walked over to Denslow and stabbed him in the side with a knife.

After the alleged incident, the suspect ran from the business, entered his vehicle and fled the scene. He was arrested approximately 15 minutes later, police said.

Mahoney is charged with attempted murder and fleeing and eluding, MiLive reported. Hes expected back in court on Dec. 26 for a probable cause conference.
A headline on this story was changed to reflect that while Gov. Andy Beshear discussed Trump tariffs and recreational marijuana, they were not described as a priority for 2025.

2024 will go down as the fourth best year in state history for private sector investments in Kentucky and the best year for economic tourism impact, Gov. Andy Beshear said Wednesday.

Beshear, who is finishing up the first year of his second term, highlighted the investments in a year-end interview, touting the coming $700 million Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing facility, an almost $1 billion investment from Toyota and a new record for state exports.

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The Courier Journal sat down with Beshear to reflect on the state's economy, discuss priorities for the next legislative session and weigh in on the possibility of recreational marijuana, among other things.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Starting off with the economy, where do you go from here?

Well, I hope to make next year the third best year. I'm competitive. ... The first thing we've got to do is continue the hard work making sure that the next site is ready and the next site. And obviously we invest through our budget, through the (Kentucky Product Development Initiative) program, to make sure that that happens.

We also have to make sure that we have an international presence, because a lot of these companies are providing foreign direct investment. So, one thing I'll be asking the legislature to do is provide dollars for some additional foreign offices. We have fewer foreign offices for economic development than I think any of our surrounding states. West Virginia even has three. We just have two. You look at all the money coming from South Korea and the investments, just about all of our surrounding states have an office there. We don't. While budget-wise it's really a small dollar item, I think (it's) very important to keep us competitive.

Are you looking to ask next legislative session for that investment in foreign offices?

Well, we're going to see if we can do it in this session. There are some pockets of dollars that are out there that may not be expended from the current budget or other funds that we've created. So this is just a targeted investment, especially trying to get a South Korea office up and going, that could be very helpful for us and has almost no real budget impact.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear speaks about what his administration accomplished in 2024 and looks ahead to 2025. December 18, 2024

Amendment 2\'s defeat was one of the biggest things to come out of election night here in Kentucky. What are your thoughts moving forward for you and for the Democratic Party in terms of education priorities?

This battle for charters or vouchers should be over. In a state that Donald Trump won by 30 points, Amendment 2 was defeated by 30 points. And so when you saw the Kentucky GOP fully endorsing Amendment 2, that's a 60 point swing from their presidential candidate to the performance of Amendment 2. It just ought to be over.

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What that means is we all ought to be able to work together. We ought to say that the people of Kentucky have said that we need to be investing in public education. So, we've seen some improvement. While I wanted set dollars for raises, what we saw in the last budget was a lot more money going to transportation, which all of our schools told us, since they were paying for it right now, that they could use that money to provide raises. So, not the way I wanted it to happen. But still, we got some good results out of it, but we're still not competitive. We're not competitive with Tennessee and where they're going with teacher salaries.

We also need to continue to invest in career and technical education. ... I think the most important thing on the education side, other than raises, is universal pre-K. We are at a disadvantage. ... Providing that not only helps an individual get back into the workforce faster, it may help them get back a couple years earlier because you removed that enormous financial obligation that that family may be paying.

Medical marijuana was also a big thing to come out this year. I\'m wondering what your thoughts are on recreational marijuana? Would you support legalizing it?

I think we've got to prove that we can safely provide medical marijuana before we consider that step. I think that the way the system is being set up is going to be one that is safe. I'm a former attorney general. I wanted to do this in a way to where we regulate it. The office that's been created has done a really good job. Sen. (Steve) West has been really helpful and even tweaking legislation as we learn where we're going. So that partnership is bipartisan, but it's been really important, and he's been a really important figure in this.

But the the inspectors have already been hired. They're already looking at the cultivation and the processing and the labs, the dispensaries, that is going on right now. So I want to give the people of Kentucky time to see how we do medical marijuana and then be able to make a decision from there.

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More: Medical marijuana dispensary license winners picked for Louisville, Lexington. See the list

Next year we have a new presidential administration coming in. Do you have any concerns over certain policies that the president-elect has proposed and how that would impact Kentucky?

Well, tariff policy is definitely concerning for Kentucky. There have been studies that say that we're going to be the hardest state hit. I think that depends on what tariffs and on what goods. Certainly during the last Trump administration, Kentucky got hit with a bourbon tariff that cost hundreds of millions of dollars to those companies that employ a lot of Kentuckians.

The challenge with tariffs is typically it just gets passed on to the consumer. If a good costs $10 and a 20% tariff is put on it, we end up paying $12 for it. There are some industries that we haven't had the time to build out in the United States, like we need to. Certainly the Biden administration was trying to provide incentives for that to happen. What we could see is tariffs, significantly increasing the cost of necessary materials for items in the United States and that being passed on to our consumers. And my hope is that they'll think very carefully about that. I mean, President-elect Trump ran on the idea that things cost too much, hopefully he won't enact policies that will make things cost more.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear speaks about what his administration accomplished in 2024 and looks ahead to 2025. December 18, 2024

What are the biggest priorities for you going into 2025 both for Kentucky and what you\'ve been doing on a national level?

Certainly on the national level, my goal is to be a reasonable, common sense, common ground voice in this uncertain future that we're entering. I want people to know that there are leaders out there, that I'm just one of, that are laser focused on their everyday needs, that can push out the partisanship and say the things people care about the most are their job, their health care, the roads and bridges they drive on, the public school they drop their kids off at and public safety in their community. I think that the American people very much want leadership ... that's being focused on their lives and doesn't veer far to the right or the left.

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I think one of the reasons we've been successful in Kentucky is we always just talk about moving forward, and we focus on those things that help everyone, whether they're a Democrat or Republican or an independent. We're booming in a way that most states aren't. So, we feel this optimism, and I see it across Kentucky at a time when pessimism hangs around the rest of the nation. So one of my most important jobs is to keep that going.

In my role as the eventual chair in 2026 of the Democratic Governors Association, I want to elect a lot more leaders that are laser focused on those core issues that Americans worry about. If I do this right, there's going to be a lot of reasonable voices out there that lead their states in ways that just help everyone.

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Gov. Andy Beshear discusses Kentucky economy, recreational marijuana
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the suicide prevention hotline at 988. National Alliance on Mental Illness Utah: namiut.org

ENOCH, Utah (ABC4)  The family homicide in West Valley City, where police found five family members shot dead inside their home on Tuesday, Dec. 17, has an unfortunate parallel to a recent tragedy in a small Southern Utah town.

West Valley Police believe a 42-year-old man shot his family, killing his wife and three of their children, and then himself. At last check, police said the sole survivor, his 17-year-old son, was in the hospital with a severe brain injury.

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The incident takes some Southern Utah community members back to January 2023, when police found a family dead inside their Enoch home. Police believe 42-year-old Michael Haight shot and killed his wife, their five children (ages 4 through 17), and his mother-in-law before turning the gun on himself.

LEARN MORE: Police believe family killed in West Valley home was a murder-suicide

Investigators believe a divorce filing (after several years of emotional abuse) triggered the murder-suicide. Several community members told ABC4.com they still reflect on what happened, calling it upsetting and shocking.

Enoch City Manager Rob Dotson said in a time of tragedy nearly two years ago, he also found gratitude.

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If I go back again and think about what happened, Im just so grateful for the immense amount of support and compassion and care in many, many ways that came to us, he said. I would expect that the same is happening in West Valley City.

After hearing the latest coming out of Salt Lake County, Dotson recognized the importance of anyone involved in the West Valley incident  family members, neighbors, first responders  to get the help they need.

Reach out to the right person. Dont hesitate. There are numbers to calland they are willing to help, he said. Youll feel much better in the long run by doing so.

Cannon Secrist contributed to this report.

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Support for victims and survivors of domestic violence is available 24/7: 1-800-897-LINK (5465). If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or in an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
CHUCKEY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Months after severe flooding from Hurricane Helene damaged the Enon Baptist Church building, members were still able to host a gift giveaway for their youth at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church.

Emma Ward, the pastor at Mt. Carmel UMC, has been letting Enon members use the church on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.

Keith Malone, the Enon Baptist Church pastor, said Ward was the first to call to help.

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To have someone when you see disaster coming your way and knowing you dont have any control over it, to have people that will reach out to you right then, it was a blessing for sure, Malone said.

PREVIOUS: The road to recovery one month after Hurricane Helene

Malone said donations came in from the community and all over the nation to gift presents to their youth.

Weve had gifts come as far as from lower southern part of Mississippi to local churches in Kingsport to people in Memphis. I mean, its been phenomenal, Malone said. People from across the nation have just poured out their love through monetary donations and taking care of these kids for Christmas. Because their lives have been so devastating, to lose a home and everything that you had. What an opportunity to give back to the community.

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Malone told News Channel 11 that six families in their congregation lost their homes to flooding from Helene. Theyve all been placed in temporary homes until their homes are rebuilt or other permanent ones are found.

This gift giveaway wasnt just for affected families, but all the youth at Enon. They got to pick out multiple presents in a room filled with gifts.

Its awesome that with this flood that these people have just came together and somebody donated all this, all these gifts and stuff, Henry Cooper, Enon Baptist Church Member, said. Its just amazing.

Coopers best friend Lincoln Johnson agrees.

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All this stuff where people have donated all this stuff is really kind to know these gifts were given to us by people who are trying to help our community to become better and stronger, Johnson said.

Unfortunately, like many kids, Johnson witnessed the flooding firsthand.

When I saw Taylor Bridge get absolutely demolished, I bent down on my knees and I said, all I can do in this moment is pray and then I prayed for the people that they were safe and good, Johnson said.

Enon Baptist Church is working on rebuilding in a new location not far from their old building.

Weve had a local family here on 107 just right up the street from our old church that has donated five acres of property to us and has [given] that property to us, Malone said.

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Were in the process of getting all the legal aspects done on the property to where we can take possession of it, Malone said. Were just trusting the Lord to provide for us to build the church back because we cant restore because of the cost. So were going to just have to build new. Were excited. We have a long journey and a long road ahead of us, but were trusting the Lord to take care of the needs that we have before us.

Malone said he can stand in the middle of the five-acre property and see their old church building.

Enon Baptist is still seeking monetary donations to help with the costs of building the new church building. Malone said they would accept any help they receive. Their donation address is PO Box 206, Jonesborough, Tennessee 37659.

Their goal is to raise $1.5 million to construct their new building which will be 10,000 sq. ft. Theyve already raised a little over $200,000.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Operation Warm was in full effect Wednesday to serve 800 students in the Little Rock School District.

For the 10th consecutive year, Entergy Arkansas and the Little Rock International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 34, have come together to provide elementary school children with coats.

Toys dropped off at Childrens Advocacy Centers of Arkansas for Santas Holiday Gift Drive

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The event happened just before the LRSD students are set to leave for winter break.

Operation Warm is a national nonprofit that manufactures high-quality coats and shoes for children in need.

Since 1998, the organization has provided more than 6 million coats to kids in need across the United States.

Little Rock Coaches to help Stuff the Bus for Arkansas families

The Little Rock firefighters began working with the national nonprofit several years ago after seeing a group of young children shivering at a school bus stop near their firehouse.

Helping people is our job, but its also part of who we are, IAFF Union 34 President Matthew Stallings said. We work year-round to support this program, and the last few weeks have been a concerted effort with Entergy and the Little Rock School District to determine the needs of the students and organize the coats for distribution.

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Celebrate the holiday season with Christmas movies & Santa Claus at War Memorial Stadium

With the support of a $10,000 grant from Entergy Arkansas and payroll-deduction contributions from members of IAFF Local 34, firefighters were able to purchase 800 new coats for children at Western Hills and Carver STEAM Magnet Elementaries, as well as Romine Early Childhood Center.

Since 2015, nearly 6,000 students across the Little Rock School District have benefited from the generosity of Union 34 firefighters and Entergy, LRSD Superintendent Jermall Wright said. We are deeply grateful for their continued dedication and investment in our community.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Eric Trump on Wednesday joined in with father Donald Trumps attempted trolling of Canada, a move that drew criticism on social media.

51st State! #Canada, the Trump scion posted on X, formerly Twitter.

It followed days of taunting from his dad, the U.S. president-elect, of Canadas beleaguered Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the idea of incorporating Americas northern neighbor into the United States.

Donald Trumps mocking of Trudeau as a governor reportedly began after the Canadian leader complained to Trump in person, during a meeting at his Mar-a-Lago, Florida, home, about the negative effects that Trumps proposed hike in tariffs on products imported into the U.S. from Canada would have on the latter.

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Eric Trumps post was praised by some but by others he was told, bluntly, to go fuck yourself.

Stop talking like a half-wit. Its unbecoming. https://t.co/vRSjaJI6fp  Roxy (@roxysupra) December 19, 2024

How about GFY neighbour.  https://t.co/bLRjEfOUSA  TeslaGoesPlaid | Mike  (@TeslaGoesPlaid) December 18, 2024

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Genuinely go fuck yourself https://t.co/ovCwaPsmrF  Adrian "Ferns" Fernando (@Browndalorian) December 18, 2024

Unkindly go fuck yourself. https://t.co/U7gnQMGmBg  Morgan Laidler (@MorganLaidler) December 18, 2024

absolutely fkn not. https://t.co/PYCMSQuiUO     (@mandaroti) December 19, 2024

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Hahaha - dumb ass  Frank Tucci (@franktucci) December 18, 2024

This so so absolutely stupid. https://t.co/fqyiBjEE8z  Travis (@bushleaguechef) December 18, 2024

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How about no.  Freyja (@FreyjaTarte) December 18, 2024

I highly doubt Canadians would want US medical bills, just an inkling.  Peez (@therealcpeez) December 18, 2024

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As school kids go home for the holidays, Erie Insurance is working with the Erie School District to make sure children arent going hungry over the break.

A team of Erie Insurance employees donated, packed, and then handed out 500 bags of food to students at Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School before the winter break.

Booker T. Washington Center dishes out hundreds of holiday meals for families in need

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This is the eighth year for this program that supplies students with a variety of easily prepared food items, including cereal, pasta, peanut butter, and much more.

Its very heartwarming, the students are very excited they look forward to this and it helps just between that break between Christmas and when they come back to school after the new year, said Alicia Pelkowski, vice president of customer service at Erie Insurance.

Elementary school students sing Christmas carols, hand out gifts to nursing home residents

School will still be in service up until Christmas Eve.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
KIGALI, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Wednesday welcomed the sentencing of Philippe Hategekimana, alias Biguma, a former deputy commander of the Gendarmerie -- now the Rwanda National Police -- for his role in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, particularly in the Southern Province.

The Court of Appeal in France on Tuesday upheld the life sentence for Hategekimana. The appeal hearing began in early November after Hategekimana, who denied the charges, challenged the life sentence handed down by the Paris Assize Court in June 2023.

"Justice is served for the victims of the genocide committed against the Tutsi in Nyanza and the surrounding areas," Jean-Damascene Bizimana, Rwanda's minister of national unity and civic engagement, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Hategekimana, 67, was found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity. In its ruling, the court emphasized the grave nature of his crimes, noting that his actions were instrumental in the scale of massacres in Nyanza.

"We are very happy with the court's decision that Philippe Hategekimana was convicted for his role in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. We are happy that justice has been served," Erasme Ntazinda, mayor of Nyanza District, Southern Province, told reporters on Wednesday at the district headquarters.

The mayor added that the survivors were satisfied with the decision of the Paris Court of Appeal, which sentenced Hategekimana to life in prison after survivors testified about his involvement in the genocide.

In June 2023, a lower court sentenced Hategekimana to life imprisonment. He appealed the ruling, and during the appeal trial, testimonies from numerous witnesses implicated him in orchestrating and participating in the killings.

After the genocide, Hategekimana fled to France, where he adopted the false identity of Philippe Manier. He obtained refugee status and French citizenship in 2005. He worked as a university security guard in Rennes, a city in northwest France, but fled to Cameroon in 2017 after facing media scrutiny and a complaint filed by the France-based rights group Collectif des Parties Civiles pour le Rwanda.

Hategekimana was arrested in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, in 2018 and extradited to France. Since 2019, he had been in custody awaiting trial.

In a related case in October, a French court sentenced former Rwandan doctor Eugene Rwamucyo to 27 years in prison for his role in the 1994 genocide.

Approximately 1 million people -- mostly members of the Tutsi community and moderate Hutus -- were killed in the genocide orchestrated by Hutu extremists during a 100-day massacre in 1994. 
By Andrius Sytas

TALLINN (Reuters) - NATO will need to contain Russia for the next 20 years, the head of Estonian foreign intelligence said.

Estonia, which is bordered by Russia and is a member of the alliance, has doubled its defence spending since the war in Ukraine began to 3.4% of its gross domestic product this year, the second largest proportion in NATO, and increased taxes from next year to purchase stockpiles of ammunition for defence.

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The task for NATO in the coming 10-20 years will be to contain or deter Russia so it doesn't get any stupid ideas to push towards the West militarily," Director General Kaupo Rosin told Reuters on Tuesday.

I think it's doable, but the issue needs to be taken seriously in the West, and that we invest (in defence)."

While Russia has repeatedly denied it has any designs on attacking a NATO country, its defence minister said this week Moscow must be ready to fight the NATO military alliance in Europe in the next decade.

Rosin said: NATO and national military plans must be credible, must be real and must be backed up with real resources, regarding troops present, follow on units, ammunition. If we do our homework properly, then we will be able to deter Russia."

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While he said it was hard for him to envisage Russia negotiating over Ukraine any time soon, he said Russia would be trying to limit NATOs activities, NATO infrastructure and the troop presence in the vicinity of Russia, including in NATOs eastern flank states.

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he was ready to compromise over Ukraine in possible talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on ending the war and had no conditions for starting talks with the Ukrainian authorities.

CHINA TECHNOLOGY

Touching also on China during the interview, the top Estonian spy said there could be a risk of blackmail from China if Estonia did not ban Chinese technology in crucial parts of the economy, such as in solar inverters, which connect solar panels to the grid and which could be switched off remotely.

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If there would be a situation where China would like to push us towards a political decision, and some sectors are, in reality, not under our control. That would mean all this equipment would be manipulable from China," said Rosin.

This scenario is maybe not real today, but we have to avoid that this scenario becomes reality one day."

His comments chime with those of NATO chief Mark Rutte, who said early this month the alliance would step up intelligence sharing and improve the protection of critical infrastructure in the face of "hostile" acts of sabotage against allies by Russia and China.

Russia has dismissed multiple accusations of engaging in hybrid acts.

China has repeatedly denied allegations of spying in Europe. China has also begun in recent years to call out alleged Western hacking operations.

(Editing by Alison Williams)
European Union chief diplomat Kaja Kallas has said that Western states should stop offering peace talks to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and instead ensure that their promises of security guarantees to Kyiv are not "hollow".

Source: European Pravda with reference to the Financial Times

Details: Before the EU leaders' summit on 19 December, Kallas said that it was pointless to push Zelenskyy to peace talks when Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin did not show a desire to end the war.

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Quote from Kallas: "Theres no point pushing Zelenskyy to talk when Putin doesnt want to talk. We cant talk about peacekeepers when theres no peace. And why is there no peace? Because Russia does not want peace."

Details: She emphasised that supporting Ukraine now is much cheaper than enduring a war later, because "Russia has not changed their goals" and Ukraines allies need to be "very honest with ourselves in this regard."

Kallas also noted that the big question is what security guarantees for Ukraine consist of. She said: "The big question is, what is the security guarantee? . . . What actually is it, that is tangible? If it is not troops, if it is not long-range weapons, what is it actually that protects you and defends you when somebody is attacking you?"

Kallas asked what EU member states that have signed security guarantee agreements with Ukraine "what are they willing to put on the table that means these security guarantees would not be empty?"

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She added that the EU should not underestimate its own strength and overestimate Russia's, but should do everything "to strengthen Ukraine right now because the stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they are behind the negotiation table  if they come to that point".

Background:

US President-elect Donald Trump's team is known to be working on a plan to end combat actions in Ukraine and is in discussions with the current US administration and the Ukrainian side.

Trump also recently stated that his team is working to "end the war" in Ukraine and has made "some progress".

It is worth noting that Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda is sceptical about the idea of peace talks with Russia at the current stage of the war, when Russia is in a strong position.

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(Bloomberg) -- The EUs European Commission has pressed Apple Inc. to further open up the iPhone operating system to rivals, prompting the company to complain about requests from Meta Platforms Inc. that it says will undermine privacy.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The commission instructed Apple on Wednesday to rework the iOS operating system so that its more compatible with smartwatches, earbuds, headsets and other devices from competitors.

In a document posted online, regulators said that outside iOS developers should be provided with more details on how to request access to iPhone features. They also should be given a dedicated contact to handle the requests, the commission said. And the group wants Apple to adopt better processes related to rejected requests and for taking steps toward conciliation.

The dispute has become a major flashpoint for Apple, which says its closed system provides a superior experience to consumers and better guards privacy. The EU, meanwhile, has been trying to rein in the power of giant American tech companies.

As part of the push, regulators published an extensive list of features that it wants Apple to open to third-party developers. They cover technologies ranging from Wi-Fi connections to file-transfer features to the beaming of video from devices.

In response, Apple said that the EUs Digital Markets Act, which lays out a broad set of guardrails for the worlds largest technology platforms, would put users at risk. In an online paper, the company said the rules force users to open their devices  and their most sensitive data  to companies with a track record of violating their privacy.

The firm singled out Facebook parent Meta as having made more requests than any other company to access Apples sensitive technologies under the DMA. Meta is seeking to alter functionality in a way that raises concerns about the privacy and security of users, Apple said.

In recent years, Meta has developed hardware devices  including the Quest virtual realty headsets and smart glasses  that pair with iPhones and Android devices. Meta also has clashed with Apple over privacy features and in-app fees for iOS applications, saying they have hurt the social media giants business.

Meta now has an opportunity under the DMA to have its products work more seamlessly with Apples technology. One of the aims of the flagship rules is to ensure that other developers can gain access to key Apple features, such as its Siri voice commands and payments chip.
The European Union needs to engage with the new leadership of Syria to keep them accountable during the transition of power following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said in Brussels on Thursday.

The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is largely responsible for ousting long-time ruler al-Assad, has said it wants to represent all of Syria.

The EU should "hold them to that" while providing as much humanitarian aid as possible, De Croo said.

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EU leaders meet in Brussels for the first time since al-Assad was toppled, with the bloc facing decisions about how to deal with HTS, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations and subject to EU sanctions.

The EU's far-reaching economic sanctions on Syria could be reconsidered if the country's new leadership makes progress towards an inclusive and democratic power transition, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said ahead of the meeting.

The HTS-led armed groups, however, control only a portion of Syrian territory, with large swathes of the country controlled by Kurdish forces as well as other factions that fought against the ousted al-Assad regime.

De Croo stressed the bloc should work to prevent Syria from developing into a "place where everyone is fighting out their conflicts on someone else's ground."

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HTS has taken the lead in forming a transitional government in Damascus.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said it was important the EU judges the HTS group "by what they do and not what they say," but noted that it was too early in the transition to really make a judgement.

EU leaders, while cautious about Syria's future under HTS, shared their approval of the fall of the al-Assad regime.

"It's good that Assad has fallen. He attacked, killed and tortured an incredible number of his own citizens," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.

"And now there is an opportunity for a safe life for the very different population groups, the very different religious communities," Scholz said.

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EU leaders hope that Syria under its new leadership could once again be labelled as a safe country, which would mean EU countries could refuse Syrians asylum and begin deportations.

Berlin and other European governments have already suspended the processing of pending and new asylum applications by Syrians.

Over 1 million Syrians have been granted international protection in the EU, with several hundred thousand living in Germany alone.

Other topics on the agenda for Thursday's meeting are the latest developments in the Middle East conflict as well as discussions about the EU's strategic position and relations with the rest of the world.

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The Irish prime minister said he wants to address the EU's alleged double standards in relation to its support for international law in Ukraine but not in the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas.

The war was unleashed following the October 7, 2023 attacks mounted from the Gaza strip by Hamas and other extremist organizations in which 1,200 people died and more than 250 were abducted.

The Israeli military offensive to free the hostages and defeat Hamas in response has caused more than 45,000 casualties in Gaza, according to Palestinian reports.

Harris said that when discussing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many countries outside of Europe raise civilian casualties in Gaza in response, asking why the EU does not support international law "in relation to the Middle East."

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The summit is to be chaired for the first time by new European Council President Antonio Costa, who took office on December 1.

The German chancellor is to also represent France at the summit, as French President Emmanuel Macron is to travel to the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte which has been devastated by Cyclone Chido.
EU leaders said on Thursday they want to support Syria with "the historic opportunity to reunite and rebuild the country" following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.

To help an "inclusive and Syrian-led political process" in the transition of power, EU leaders in a joint statement called for a series of options to support the country to be prepared.

This could include lifting current far-reaching economic sanctions on Syria, dating back to al-Assad's repressive rule, and reconstruction aid for the destruction caused by the country's long civil war.

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So far, only humanitarian aid has been provided to civil society in Syria, as the European Union did not want to monetarily support al-Assad's regime.

EU leaders meet in Brussels for the first time since al-Assad was toppled, with the bloc facing decisions about how to deal with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the country's new leadership.

HTS, which is largely responsible for ousting long-time ruler al-Assad, is designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations and subject to EU sanctions.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said a decision on lifting the economic sanctions "must be made quickly and swiftly" in a press conference after the summit.

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While warning that the EU must not "be led by hope," Scholz said that economic development has an important role for the Syrian transition to life after al-Assad's rule.

The EU needs to engage with HTS to keep them accountable during the transition of power, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said in Brussels.

HTS has said it wants to represent all of Syria. The EU should "hold them to that" while providing as much humanitarian aid as possible, De Croo said.

The HTS-led armed groups, however, control only a portion of Syrian territory, with large swathes of the country controlled by Kurdish forces as well as other factions that fought against the ousted al-Assad regime.

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De Croo stressed the bloc should work to prevent Syria from developing into a "place where everyone is fighting out their conflicts on someone else's ground."

HTS has taken the lead in forming a transitional government in Damascus.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said it was important the EU judges the HTS group "by what they do and not what they say," but noted that it was too early in the transition to really make a judgement.

EU leaders, while cautious about Syria's future under HTS, shared their approval of the fall of the al-Assad regime.

"It's good that Assad has fallen. He attacked, killed and tortured an incredible number of his own citizens," Scholz said earlier.

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"And now there is an opportunity for a safe life for the very different population groups, the very different religious communities," he said.

EU leaders hope that Syria under its new leadership could once again be labelled as a safe country, which would mean EU countries could refuse Syrians asylum and begin deportations.

In their call for a peaceful transition of power, EU leaders highlighted the "creation of conditions" to allow Syrian refugees to be returned to the country in their joint statement.

Berlin and other European governments have already suspended the processing of pending and new asylum applications by Syrians.

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Over 1 million Syrians have been granted international protection in the EU, with several hundred thousand living in Germany alone.

Syrians who are "well integrated" in Germany, with jobs or in education and speak German, may stay in the country, regardless of developments in Syria, Scholz stressed again after the summit.

The German chancellor said that Germany plans to increase their diplomatic presence in Syria now that contact has been made with the country's new leadership.

New European Council President Antonio Costa, who chaired his first leaders summit, said the EU would also expand its diplomatic presence in Damascus.

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Other topics on the agenda for Thursday's meeting were the latest developments in the Middle East conflict as well as discussions about the EU's strategic relations with the rest of the world.

The Irish prime minister said he wants to address the EU's alleged double standards in relation to its support for international law in Ukraine but not in the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas.

The war was unleashed following the October 7, 2023 attacks mounted from the Gaza strip by Hamas and other extremist organizations in which 1,200 people died and more than 250 were abducted.

The Israeli military offensive to free the hostages and defeat Hamas in response has caused more than 45,000 casualties in Gaza, according to Palestinian reports.

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Harris said that when discussing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many countries outside of Europe raise civilian casualties in Gaza in response, asking why the EU does not support international law "in relation to the Middle East."

The German chancellor also represented France at the summit, as French President Emmanuel Macron needed to travel to the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte which has been devastated by Cyclone Chido.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a press conference on the sidelines of the European Council summit. Sierakowski Frederic/European Council/dpa
By Lili Bayer and Andrew Gray

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged European countries on Thursday to provide guarantees to protect Ukraine after the war with Russia ends but said these would not be enough without support from the United States under Donald Trump.

While the fighting triggered by Russia's 2022 invasion goes on with no end in sight, Western and Ukrainian officials have begun discussing post-war scenarios, prompted in part by President-elect Trump's pledge to bring the conflict to a swift conclusion.

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Addressing a summit of European Union leaders, Zelenskiy welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to deploy troops to Ukraine following an eventual ceasefire.

He told the leaders it was "crucial for Europe to make a significant contribution to security guarantees".

"We support Frances initiative for a military contingent in Ukraine as part of these guarantees and call on other partners to join this effort, it will help bring the war to an end," he told the closed-door meeting, according to a text posted on his website.

Zelenskiy said Ukraine would ultimately need more protection through membership of the NATO military alliance. NATO has said Ukraine will join its ranks one day but it has not set a date or issued an invitation.

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In the meantime, Zelenskiy said, Ukraine could have separate guarantees from European nations and the United States.

"It is impossible to discuss this only with European leaders, because for us, the real guarantees in any case - today or in the future - are NATO," he told reporters.

"On the way to NATO, we want security guarantees while we are not in NATO. And we can discuss such guarantees separately with both the U.S. and Europe," he said.

Whether Trump would be prepared to offer such guarantees is an open question.

Trump has repeatedly called for a swift end to the nearly three-year-old war. On Monday he said Zelenskiy should be ready to reach a peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though he did not say whether this meant Kyiv ceding territory to Moscow as part of a negotiated settlement.

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Russian forces occupy nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory and are making steady advances in the east of the country.

MESSAGE TO TRUMP

EU leaders aimed to use Thursday's summit to send a clear signal to Trump about their continued support for Ukraine and stress that any peace deal must involve Ukraine and respect its territorial integrity.

"The European Council ...underlines the principle that no initiative regarding Ukraine be taken without Ukraine," said an official declaration issued by the summit.

Zelenskiy said any end to fighting would have to be durable.

"We cannot live with a frozen conflict in our territory," he told reporters.

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The EU leaders were also due to discuss wider EU-U.S. relations, amid concerns of a possible transatlantic trade war.

Trump has said the EU will "pay a big price" with tariffs for not buying enough U.S. exports. He has already pledged hefty tariffs on three of the United States' largest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and China.

EU diplomats have said the key for the bloc is unity and avoidance of Washington conducting discussions or deals with single EU members - a copy of its unified strategy for dealing with Britain during Brexit negotiations.

The EU will seek to point out it is the United States' second-biggest trading partner and a close ally with shared values. However, mindful that Trump is preoccupied by the U.S. goods trade deficit, EU officials have floated the idea of offering to buy more U.S. LNG or arms.

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"If the U.S. is looking at China, then we should stick together - Europe and the United States. If we have a trade war between the U.S. and the EU, then who is laughing out loud? It is China," said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa, Anastasiia Malenko, Philip Blenkinsop, Lili Bayer, Jan Strupczewski, Kate Abnett, and Andrew Gray;Editing by Gareth Jones, William Maclean and Frances Kerry)
By Mari Saito

BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Union has imposed sanctions on a former Russian spy whose activities promoting the Kremlin's agenda inside Germany were revealed in a Reuters investigation.

In the investigation published in 2023, Reuters revealed that Berlin-based businessman Oleg Eremenko was a former officer in Russia's GRU military intelligence agency who had established ties with German far-left movements and was lobbying for Berlin to end its isolation of Vladimir Putin's Russia.

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The EU, in a decision published this week including Eremenko on its sanctions blacklist, described him as a former GRU officer. It said he was acting as an envoy of the Russian state security apparatus who was "cultivating links to and supporting anti-democratic organisations within Germany".

It added that Eremenko was therefore supporting Russian policies that sought to undermine democracy, the rule of law and the constitutional order in Germany. The decision was adopted on Dec. 16, the document showed.

The sanctions mean any assets Eremenko has inside the EU will be frozen, and he will be barred from entering any of the bloc's member countries.

Reuters on Thursday called Eremenko on mobile phone numbers listed for him in Germany and Russia, but he did not pick up. He also did not respond to a message via WhatsApp seeking his comment.

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Officials across Europe have alleged the Russian state is orchestrating a campaign to clandestinely influence public opinion and soften European governments' support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Moscow has accused European leaders of inventing this Russian influence campaign to mask their own dwindling popularity.

The Reuters 2023 investigation also identified a Germany-based couple with ties to the Russian state who were campaigning for Berlin to stop supporting Kyiv. Last month, the couple, Elena Kolbasnikova and Max Schlund, said the German authorities had removed their right to reside in the country.

(Writing by Christian Lowe; Editing by Alex Richardson)
The European Commission (EC) announced on Thursday its decision to disburse a 18.1 billion macro-financial assistance loan to Ukraine starting in early 2025. The loan will be repaid from the proceeds from frozen Russian assets.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "The decision taken today by the European Commission to allocate EUR 18.1 billion to Ukraine came at a crucial time. It sends a clear signal that the EU's long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom is unwavering," said Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification.

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He said that this funding will help Ukraine solve its urgent budgetary problems. The European Commissioner said it is the EU's contribution to the G7 initiative on loans for Kyiv secured by the proceeds from frozen Russian assets, which should amount to a total of EUR 45 billion.

The EUR 18.1 billion loan will be disbursed in tranches over the course of 2025. The first tranche is due in early January, the European Commission said.

"This decision was taken after the commission concluded that Ukraine has fulfilled all the political conditions agreed upon for the disbursement of this money," the EC communique said.

Background: The European Union and Ukraine have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide macro-financial assistance worth 18.1 billion secured by frozen Russian assets.



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Christmas is often one of the most stressful times of the year for travel. With an influx of travelers and higher stakes for missed flights, the holiday season can be particularly challenging.

In past years, issues with even a single airline have caused significant disruptions at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, leading to delays and lost luggage. To ensure you don't miss your flight and are prepared for any situation, here is your comprehensive guide to holiday travel through Austin's airport:

Holiday season expected to peak at 30,000 travelers a day

Airport representatives expect Friday, Sunday and Monday to be the busiest days for the first cycle of holiday travel. During these days it is predicted that approximately 30,000 departing passengers will be in Austin's main terminal.

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While airport representatives said that's not a record, the foot traffic is still much higher than usual, significantly affecting airport operations. The holidays also attract many families and inexperienced travelers, which can further slow airport processes.

When should you get to the airport?

Representatives from Austin's airport recommend that travelers arrive at their terminal at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before departure for international flights. This is even more important if you are checking a bag. In recent years, lines to check bags for various airlines have grown into hourslong endeavors.

Moreover, if you are returning a rental car, are traveling in a large group or need to complete other pre-security screening activities, you should add at least 30 minutes to that original estimate.

Airline ticket counters are expected to be busy, but for airlines that offer free or discounted checked luggage, such as Southwest and sometimes Delta, lines for checking luggage are expected to be longer.

How to get to the airport

Concentrated travel during the holidays means traffic near the airport will be much heavier than usual, and this should be accounted for when planning your trip. To best prepare, you can check real-time traffic updates at DriveTexas.org before heading out.

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If you are planning to leave a car at Austin's airport, there are several options. The cheapest is economy parking at $12 a day. If you want to park in the blue garage closer to the terminal, it will be $23 a day, and if you choose the red garage, which is closest to the main terminal, it will cost $32 a day.

If you don't have a ride to the airport, CapMetro offers service with Route 20 for a convenient airport connection.

Packing restrictions to know

The most common prohibited items are liquids and aerosols exceeding 3.4 ounces. Having these items will hold up the line and cause delays. Firearms are also strictly prohibited in carry-ons. Passengers can visit TSA.gov for guidance on how to pack and what items are allowed in carry-on luggage.

If you are traveling with gifts, TSA recommends that passengers wait until they have arrived at their destination to wrap them or send the gifts ahead by mail as they might have to be unwrapped at a checkpoint.

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The AUS Guest Services team will be set up on the concourse through Christmas Day with a free gift-wrapping station for travelers to wrap gifts before boarding their flights.

TSA checkpoint information

The Transportation Security Administration operates three checkpoints in the main Barbara Jordan Terminal that lead to all gates. Checkpoint 1 is open for general screening, Americans with Disabilities Act screening and priority passenger screening, as well as Known Crew Members.

Checkpoint 2 East is open for general screening but intermittently used by the TSA to screen PreCheck customers. Checkpoint 2 West is open for PreCheck screening and Clear screening.

Representatives from the airport said they have partnered with the TSA to expand the current checkpoints to allow for the most screening lanes and equipment to date.

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Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. To share additional tips or insights with Salgado, email Bsalgado@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How early should you get to Austin airport? What to know before you go
TUNIS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia and Palestine signed here on Thursday five agreements on cooperation in the industrial field, said the Tunisian Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy in a statement.

The agreements, signed by Tunisian Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Fatma Thabet Chiboub and her Palestinian counterpart Arafat Asfour, aim to enhance the bilateral partnership in scientific and technical cooperation, accreditation and recognition of conformity certificates and quality marks, said the statement.

They also cover the exchanges of expertise and experience between the Tunisian National Institute of Standardization and Industrial Property and its Palestinian counterpart, said the statement.

During the signing ceremony, Chiboub said the agreements "are considered as one of the distinguished mechanisms to link the industrial cooperation relations between the two countries," according to the statement.

Tunisia supports "the efforts of the Palestinian state to win the battle of development and construction," she said.

For his part, Asfour stressed the importance of achieving economic integration between the two countries.

He said that "the future belongs to the Palestinian state and that its government is striving to consolidate economic relations with Tunisia and draw inspiration from successful experience."

The signing of the agreements came a day after the two ministers met in Tunis to discuss bilateral cooperation. 
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A new report shows that people living in New York City public housing are five times more likely to get evicted if they live in a building thats privately managed.

In a new report, the Office of the New York City Comptroller found that overall PACT developments evicted one out of every 176 units within the last year for things like unpaid rent and disorderly conduct.

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Thats about the same as citywide average, but compare it to traditional management by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), which evicted only one in every 866 units.

Residents want to understand all the facts, so we dug in, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander said.

Lander said public housing residents are entitled to proactive outreach, communication and other support to avoid unnecessary eviction.

Its also critical there are resources for those facing eviction, and we found not all tenants got the same information about those, so we found NYCHA could do a better job of oversight, the comptroller said.

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A spokesperson for NYCHA called the comptrollers analysis superficial, said PACT property managers have already spent $7 billion on repairs, and go above and beyond to help residents avoid eviction.

Since its inception, the PACT program has invested an unprecedented $7 billion to redevelop and renovate NYCHA apartments and communities, fundamentally transforming physical conditions and improving quality of life for thousands of public housing residents. After decades of federal disinvestment, PACT is one of the most successful long-term strategies for recapitalizing and preserving crucial affordable housing stock. In this report, the Comptrollers Office does not take into account NYCHAs financial and operational challenges and provides only a superficial assessment of the Authoritys work with no substantive programmatic recommendations. The fact remains that there have been very few evictions under PACT, and the program upholds resident rights and protections and provides households with ongoing social services and financial assistance to resolve existing rental arrears. NYCHA and its PACT program undoubtedly prioritize keeping New Yorkers housed, and any suggestion otherwise is misguided and false. NYCHA spokesperson

The comptroller responded, Theres nothing superficial. NYCHA had not put these numbers out before. That is why residents asked us to do the audit.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Reuters) -Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a former top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has been indicted on bribery charges, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said on Thursday.

Lewis-Martin took bribes from two real estate investors in exchange for expediting construction permits for businesses they owned, according to Bragg's office.

"We allege that Ingrid Lewis-Martin engaged in a long-running bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy scheme by using her position and authority as the Chief Advisor to the Mayor of the City of New York," Bragg said in a statement.

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Lewis-Martin resigned from her post last weekend.

Adams himself was hit with an unrelated five-count federal corruption indictment in September. The mayor allegedly accepted illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel from Turkish nationals seeking to influence him. Adams has denied wrongdoing and says he will fight the charges in court.

According to prosecutors, the real estate investors gave $100,000 in checks in August 2023 to Lewis-Martin's son, who deposited them in a bank account he shared with Lewis-Martin and used the funds to buy a Porsche.

Lewis-Martin asked the investors to use the encrypted messaging app Signal to conceal the scheme, Bragg's office said.

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"To think that a high-ranking city official would take a bribe in the form of a check deposited into their own bank account defies common sense," Arthur Aidala, Lewis-Martin's attorney, said in an email. "We look forward to the citizens of the city of New York, who Ingrid has served so admirably for decades, clearing her name after a trial."

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson, Costas Pitas and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Caitlin Webber, Franklin Paul, Jonathan Oatis and Leslie Adler)
Peter Thomas, the ex-husband of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after the IRS said he didnt pay taxes on several nightclubs he owns in Charlotte, Miami, and Baltimore.

Thomas took a plea deal in July and was sentenced Thursday.

According to court documents, Thomas collected more than $640,000 in trust fund taxes from the wages of their employees between 2017-2022, but never turned it over to the IRS.

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Records show Thomas did the same thing with his bars in Miami Beach and Baltimore, collecting $1.1 million between 2021-2023.

Thomas used the trust fund taxes for other purposes, including more than $2.5 million in cash withdrawals, $370,000 for travel, real estate purchases, and more than $250,000 in retail purchases, including on high-end purchases at Neiman Marcus, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy. Thomas also caused more than $2.9 million to be transferred between the Charlotte businesses, Bar One Miami Beach, LLC, and Bar One Baltimore, LLC, a news release from the Department of Justice said.

TRENDING STORIES:

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A federal judge in North Carolina order Thomas to pay $2,526,131.99 in restitution on top of the 18 months in prison. Once release, he will also have to serve two years of supervised release.

After his plea, Thomas took to social media to apologize for what he had done.

Ive done some wrong that I have to make right. I have to stand up, I have to be accountable, I have to be responsible, and I have to pay my debt, Thomas said.

This is not the first time Thomas has found himself in legal trouble.

In 2019, Thomas was arrested for writing fraudulent checks.

Thomas attorney said the incident was an unfortunate misunderstanding.

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The year before, prosecutors dismissed an assault charge against him.

Thomas will report to prison once the Bureau of Prisons decides on what facility to send him to.

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A former Talawanda School District staff member is in police custody amid an investigation into making physical contact with a student, the district says.

According to the Talawanda School Districts website, a staff member at Bogan Elementary was put on administrative leave pending an investigation into alleged physical contact with a student.

The district says it intended to terminate the employee at an upcoming disciplinary hearing, but the staff member resigned before proceedings occurred.

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The Talawanda School District said the former employee is now in police custody.

The district condemns the use of inappropriate or excessive student physical contact.

At this time, Talawanda School District says no further details are available.

Enquirer media partner Fox19 provided this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bogan Elementary employee accused of 'physical contact' with student
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden's administration will provide U.S. lawmakers an assessment by Jan. 17 on the credibility of assurances by the United Arab Emirates that it is not providing - and will not provide - weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Thursday.

The letter came from Brett McGurk, Biden's coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa. The White House has been under pressure from fellow Democrats to halt weapons sales to the UAE until the U.S. certifies it is not arming the RSF, one of the parties in a brutal civil war that has killed tens of thousands.

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U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs filed legislation in the Senate and House last month that would have halted the weapons sales.

"Despite reports we have received suggesting the contrary has occurred to date, the UAE has informed the Administration that it is not now transferring any weapons to the RSF and will not do so going forward," McGurk wrote.

The administration would "monitor for indicators of the credibility of these assurances provided by the UAE," he wrote. He added that by Jan. 17, "I commit to providing you with the executive branch's up-to-date assessment in that regard."

U.S. law requires congressional review of major arms deals. Senators can force votes on resolutions of disapproval that would block such sales. Although the law does not let House members trigger such votes, resolutions must pass both chambers of Congress, and potentially survive a presidential veto, to go into effect.

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War erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF over a transition to free elections. The United Nations has said nearly 25 million people - half of Sudan's population - need aid, famine is looming and some 8 million people have fled their homes.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was to announce at the United Nations on Thursday additional funding for humanitarian assistance to Sudan and efforts to support civil society in the country.

Sudan's army has accused the UAE of providing weapons and support to the RSF in Sudan's 18-month-old war. The Gulf state denies the allegations. U.N. sanctions monitors have described as credible accusations that the UAE had provided military support to the RSF.

The UAE has long been a major purchaser of U.S. weapons.

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In October, the Biden administration announced, for example, that it had approved a potential sale of GMLRS and ATACMS munitions, and related support, for $1.2 billion.

GMLRS, or Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rockets, are made by Lockheed Martin, with L3Harris Technologies producing the solid propellant rocket motor for the system. The long-range ATACMS are made by Lockheed Martin.

Van Hollen's and Jacobs' resolutions sought to stop that sale.

"Without the UAEs support, the RSF will not have the same capabilities to wage this war  making negotiation and a ceasefire a much likelier alternative," Jacobs said in a statement.

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Van Hollen said he would closely monitor the assessment of the UAE's compliance. "Should the UAE fail to live up to these assurances, we retain the right to refile our Joint Resolution of Disapproval to block the sale in the next Congress," he said.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Don Durfee and David Gregorio)
Dec. 18An Oklahoma death row inmate is scheduled Thursday to be the 25th and final person to be executed in the United States this year.

Kevin Underwood, 44, is set to be executed Dec. 19, his birthday, by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. A Cleveland County jury sentenced Underwood to death for acting on his admitted fantasies of cannibalism and killing 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin in 2006 in his Purcell apartment.

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board unanimously voted Dec.13 to deny clemency for Underwood following a weeklong legal battle and two canceled hearings.

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"I would like to apologize to the victim's family, to my own family and to everyone in that room today that had to hear the horrible details of what I did," said Underwood, who appeared on video from OSP. "I can't believe I did those things. The person I was in the weeks leading up to that event is not who I am now."

Underwood's attorneys argued their client deserved mercy due to his long history of abuse and serious mental health issues.

Connie Underwood, his mother, asked for the Board to show her son mercy.

"I can't imagine the heartache the family of that precious girl is living with every single day," Connie Underwood said. "I wish we understood his pain before it led to this tragedy."

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Attorneys from the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office urged the Board to reject clemency and described the crime as "one of the most notorious and depraved murders in Oklahoma history."

"Kevin Underwood is a deeply evil monster who committed an unthinkable murder that took a 10-year-old child away from her parents and loved ones," Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in previous statements. "The death penalty is the only appropriate punishment in this case, and I urge the Pardon and Parole Board to reject clemency and ensure justice for Jamie."

Attorneys for Underwood earlier this year filed a suit challenging the constitutionality of the state's execution protocol, arguing the Oklahoma Department of Corrections' policies can be changed at any moment without legislative oversight, making it unconstitutional.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court denied the challenge in October.

Underwood was originally scheduled to be executed on Dec. 7, 2023, prior to the AG's office asking for more time in between executions to lessen the workload on Oklahoma Department of Corrections employees.
Florida carried out only one execution this year  down sharply from six in 2023  although the state led the nation with the most new death sentences ordered by juries, according to a year-end analysis by the Death Penalty Information Center.

While Gov. Ron DeSantis was seeking the Republican Partys presidential nomination last year, he ordered six executions, the most in Florida in 10 years and three times the number which took place in his first four years as the states chief executive.

But this year, the governor stepped back, without explanation. He signed only the death warrant for Loran Cole, 57, who died by lethal injection in August at Florida State Prison. DeSantis dropped out of the race for the White House Jan. 21.

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Cole was convicted in 1995 for the murder of John Edwards, an 18-year-old Florida State University student. Cole also was convicted of robbing, raping and kidnapping Edwards sister who, with her brother, was camping in the Ocala National Forest.

There are 277 people currently on Death Row in Florida.

The Death Penalty Information Center is a nonprofit organization that takes no position on the death penalty but is critical of problems in its application.

Nationwide support for capital punishment is at low point

In its year-end analysis, the center pointed out that an October poll by Gallup, shows nationwide support for capital punishment is at a five-decade low in the U.S., although 53% of Americans still favor use of the death penalty.

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Public support of the death penalty had peaked in 1994, with 80% of Americans in favor, according to Gallup.

Was uptick a race with Trump? DeSantis steps up pace of executions in Florida, chasing Trump

Pleas ignored... Push grows to spare convicted killer once confined to troubled Dozier School

But among Republican voters, capital punishment remains popular, with 82% in support, compared to 38% among Democratic voters and 58% among independents.

The increase in Floridas executions in 2023 occurred while DeSantis was competing in Republican presidential primary contests with President-elect Donald Trump, who in his first term, conducted the most federal executions of civilian inmates since President Grover Cleveland in 1896.

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Along with Florida, eight other states carried out executions this year: Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, Utah and Indiana, which joined the list Wednesday when Joseph Corcoran died by lethal injection for the 1997 murders of his brother, his sister's fiance and two of their friends.

Corcoran was the first Indiana inmate to be executed in 15 years.

Kevin Ray Underwood also was executed Thursday in Oklahoma on his 45th birthday, for killing a 10-year-old neighbor in 2006.

Protestors pray during the execution of Loran Cole at Florida State Prison in Raiford, FL on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Cole has been on death row for almost 30 years after being convicted in the 1994 murder of 18-year-old John Edwards and rape of his 21-year-old sister at a campground in the Ocala National Forest near Ocala, Florida. Cole and his accomplice William Paul over powered the siblings brutally killing Edwards and tying his sister to a tree raping her and leaving her tied up. Paul was also convicted and is serving life in prison.

Year-to-year totals change little

Across the nation, the use of capital punishment remained largely unchanged from a year earlier. With the executions of Corcoran and Underwood, the yearly total climbed to 25, up from 24 in 2023.

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But even as Florida carried out only one execution this year, the seven death sentences handed out by juries topped all states, edging out Texas second-place total of six.

About one-third of the 26 new death sentences imposed nationwide came from non-unanimous juries, including six in Florida. Last year, DeSantis enacted legislation which reduced the number of votes needed to recommend a death sentence from unanimous to eight-out-of-12 jurors.

The change had been predicted to result in an increase in death sentences coming out of Florida which, with Alabama, are the only two states that permit non-unanimous death sentences.

Previous coverage: Death penalty is easier to get in Florida than anywhere in the country under new law

Florida leads nation in death row exonerations

Nationwide, three death row prisoners were exonerated in 2024. The center reports that 200 death-row prisoners have been cleared of all charges related to their wrongful convictions since 1972.

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Florida leads the nation with 30 people exonerated from death row since the state reinstated capital punishment in 1976.

In 2024, we saw people with credible evidence of innocence set for execution, followed by extraordinary levels of public frustration and outrage, said Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center. Several high-profile cases fueled new concerns about whether the death penalty can be used fairly and accurately.

John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com, or on X at @JKennedyReport.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: While Florida executions drop, new death sentences lead nation
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  If you installed a new sidewalk in 2024, youll probably want to avoid using deicer on it this winter.

Engineers with the city of Sioux City and the Iowa Concrete Paving Association recommend using sand on new sidewalks instead of deicer during the new sidewalks first year. Deicer can have harmful effects on new sidewalks and driveways and can cause the concrete to deteriorate faster.

Storm Lake receives grant for Sunrise Park additions

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Along with avoiding deicer the first year, officials recommend doing the following:

Keep fertilizers off concrete surfaces. They contain the same chemicals as deicer. Remove snow and ice from concrete immediately. Always use a concrete sealer for added protection from deicers.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, faces two separate sets of murder charges in state and federal court in New York.

Below is an explanation of the charges, and where the case will go from here:

WHAT CHARGES DOES MANGIONE FACE IN FEDERAL COURT?

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan on Thursday charged Mangione, 26, with one count of murder through use of a firearm, one count of using a firearm silencer during a violent crime, and two counts of interstate stalking for allegedly surveilling Thompson.

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Those charges were based on a complaint filed by the FBI. Prosecutors may seek a grand jury indictment of Mangione, which could contain different charges.

WHAT COULD THE CONSEQUENCES OF THOSE CHARGES BE?

The federal murder charge is eligible for the death penalty, should prosecutors seek it. Otherwise, Mangione could face life in prison if convicted on the murder charge, and a mandatory 30-year sentence if convicted of using a silencer.

The possibility of the death penalty may provide an incentive for Mangione to seek a plea agreement, said Anna Cominsky, a professor at New York Law School.

"There is no greater bargaining chip," Cominsky said.

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HOW WOULD A DEATH PENALTY CASE WORK?

Federal prosecutors would need the approval of the U.S. attorney general to seek the death penalty. A potential trial would proceed in two phases: one to determine Mangione's guilt, and, if he is found guilty, a separate trial for a jury to decide whether to sentence him to death.

Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma, a New York defense lawyer, said prosecutors more frequently seek the death penalty for crimes with multiple victims or when law enforcement officers are killed.

Last year, a federal jury in Manhattan deadlocked on whether to impose the death penalty on Sayfullo Saipov, who was convicted of killing eight people and injuring 12 during a 2017 Manhattan attack inspired by Islamic State. Saipov was instead sentenced to eight consecutive terms of life imprisonment.

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"It's hard to see a jury voting for death in this case," Margulis-Ohnuma said.

WHAT ARE THE STATE CHARGES AND THEIR POTENTIAL PUNISHMENTS?

On Tuesday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced that his office had secured an 11-count grand jury indictment of Mangione on charges including first degree murder and murder as an act of terrorism.

Mangione could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted on all the state charges. New York's highest state court ruled the death penalty unconstitutional in 2004. Despite the state ban, federal prosecutors are still permitted to seek executions for federal cases.

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HOW WILL THE TWO CASES ADVANCE?

The state case is currently expected to proceed to trial before the federal case, the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's office said. Bragg said on Thursday that there is precedent for state and federal prosecutions proceeding as parallel matters.

Mangione's lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo said the two cases appear to be in conflict, since the state case includes a terrorism charge accusing Mangione of seeking to intimidate a population or influence policy, and the federal case centers on his allegedly stalking and killing an individual.

"These are two completely different theories," Friedman Agnifilo said in court. "These seem like different cases."

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Amy Stevens and Matthew Lewis)
PHNOM PENH, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's trade volume with its fellow ASEAN member states hit 14.3 billion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of 2024, up 12.8 percent from 12.68 billion dollars over the same period last year, said an official report released on Thursday.

The kingdom exported products worth 4.62 billion dollars to other countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the January-November period this year, up 8.9 percent from 4.24 billion dollars over the same period last year, said the report from the Ministry of Commerce.

Meanwhile, the country's total import from its fellow ASEAN countries amounted to 9.68 billion dollars, up 14.8 percent from roughly 8.44 billion dollars, it added.

Cambodia's trade volume with the ASEAN accounted for more than 28 percent of its 50.4-billion-dollar total trade volume during the first 11 months of this year, the report said.

The kingdom's top five trading partners in ASEAN during the above-mentioned period were Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the report added.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has said that the country stood as a vibrant partner within the ASEAN, adding that made-in-Cambodia products, such as garments and bicycles, were currently recognized in ASEAN and worldwide for their quality and competitive pricing.

"Cambodia's strategic membership in key regional and global trade agreements, including ASEAN and the World Trade Organization, positions it as a highly integrated player within the dynamic global market," he said.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. 
By Andy Sullivan

WASHINGTON - Large swaths of the U.S. government could temporarily close at midnight on Friday if Congress does not approve a stopgap spending bill due to pressure from Donald Trump.

The president-elect is also urging lawmakers to approve more government borrowing by addressing the nation's debt ceiling before he takes office on Jan. 20.

WHY WOULD THE GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN?

Congress is supposed to allocate funding to 438 government agencies before Oct. 1, the start of the fiscal year. But lawmakers rarely meet this deadline and routinely pass temporary spending bills to keep the government operating while they finish their work. The current temporary spending bill expires on Saturday. Republicans and Democrats have prepared legislation that would push the deadline back to March 14, but Trump has urged his Republicans to vote against it.

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If lawmakers don't work out a deal that can make it through the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and the Democratic-majority Senate and pass it before midnight on Friday, funding for much of the government will lapse.

WHAT IS THE DEBT CEILING?

A debt limit is a cap set by Congress on how much money the U.S. government can borrow. Because the government spends more money than it collects in tax revenue, lawmakers need to periodically tackle the issue -- a politically difficult task, as many are reluctant to vote for more debt.

Trump wants Congress to tackle the debt ceiling now so he will not have to deal with it when he is in the White House. One of his first priorities on returning to office will be extending tax cuts passed during his first term. Doing so will add about $4 trillion over the next decade to the U.S. federal government's current $36 trillion in debt, tax experts say.

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Congress set the first debt limit of $45 billion in 1939, and has had to raise that limit 103 times since, as spending has consistently outrun tax revenue. Publicly held debt was 98% of U.S. gross domestic product as of October, compared with 32% in October 2001.

Under a 2023 budget deal, Congress suspended the debt ceiling until Jan. 1, 2025. As a practical matter, the U.S. Treasury will be able to pay its bills for several more months, but Congress will have to address the issue at some point next year.

Failure to act could prevent the Treasury from paying its debts. A U.S. debt default would likely have severe consequences, roiling global financial markets and plunging the country into a recession.

Sometimes Congress raises the debt ceiling quietly, and sometimes lawmakers use the occasion to engage in a noisy debate over fiscal policy before raising the cap at the last possible moment.

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Republicans unsuccessfully tried to pair a debt-ceiling hike with spending cuts in 1995 and 1996, leading to two partial government shutdowns. They won significant spending restraints in a 2011 confrontation that pushed the United States to the brink of default and prompted a first-ever downgrade of its top-notch credit rating.

Republicans also won some spending restraints in the 2023 debt-ceiling deal, but many in the party were left frustrated that they did not get more.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?

There have been 14 shutdowns since 1981, according to the Congressional Research Service, many lasting only a day or two. The most recent one was also the longest, lasting 35 days between December 2018 and January 2019 due to a dispute between then-President Trump and Congress over border security.

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Hundreds of thousands of federal workers would be furloughed without pay and a wide range of services could be disrupted, from financial oversight to trash pickup at national parks.

Other workers deemed essential would remain on the job, though they also would not get paid. Services like mail delivery and tax collection would continue.

Shutdowns that last only a few days have little practical impact, particularly if they occur over a weekend, but the broader economy could suffer if federal employees begin missing paychecks after two weeks.

A shutdown would directly reduce GDP growth by around 0.15 percentage point for each week it lasts, according to Goldman Sachs, but growth would rise by the same amount after the shutdown was resolved.

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The 2018-2019 shutdown cost the economy about $3 billion, equal to 0.02% of GDP, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

WHAT FUNCTIONS ARE CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL?

Each department and agency has a contingency plan to determine which employees must keep working without pay.

The 2018-2019 shutdown furloughed roughly 800,000 of the federal government's 2.2 million employees.

The Department of Homeland Security's 2022 shutdown plan calls for keeping 227,000 of its 253,000 workers on the job, including border security agents and the Coast Guard.

The Department of Justice said in its 2021 contingency plan that 85% of its 116,000 employees would be considered essential, including prison staff and prosecutors. Criminal litigation would continue, although most civil litigation cases would be paused.

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Air travel would remain relatively unimpeded, but in previous shutdowns the Transportation Security Administration has warned that airport-security screeners could call in sick at an increased rate.

It is not clear whether the United States' 63 national parks would remain open. During a shutdown in 2013, the Obama administration shuttered parks due in part to safety concerns, losing an estimated $500 million. In the 2018-19 shutdown the Trump administration kept them open with public restrooms and information desks closed and waste disposal halted. Some states, such as New York and Utah, paid for their sites to stay open and staffed during the 2018-2019 shutdown.

The Internal Revenue Service has furloughed up to 90% of its staff in the past but all of its employees are considered essential under its current contingency plan.

All military personnel would remain working, but roughly 429,000 civilian Pentagon employees would be furloughed.

(Reporting by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan Oatis)
Residents of Murmansk and Severomorsk, located 12 km away, reported two powerful explosions on the evening of Wednesday, 19 December. Media reports indicate that they could have occurred in the area of the main naval base of the Russian Northern Fleet.

Source: Russian news agency Agentstvo; Andrii Kovalenko, Head of Centre for Countering Disinformation, on Telegram

Details: The explosions were recorded at around 17:30, and a video was later posted on social media.

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The Barents Observer, a Norwegian news outlet, reported that the site shown in the video is located 13 km from the Severomorsk-1 military airfield, which is home to a squadron of fighters, bombers and Ka-27 helicopters.

         pic.twitter.com/IwK6b9wXt6     (@ukrpravda_news) December 19, 2024

An open weapons depot is situated 11 km away from the site, and to the northwest of Severomorsk-1, there are several installations containing mobile anti-aircraft missiles and electronic warfare antennas.

Media reports suggest that the explosion in the video resembles the detonation of a large quantity of ammunition.

Update: Later, Andrii Kovalenko said that the Murmansk base allows Russia to control Arctic sea lanes and provides access to the Arctic Ocean. It supports both surface ships and nuclear submarines.

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Quote from Andrii Kovalenko: "Murmansk is home to command centres, ammunition depots, repair docks and fleet control centres. It is also the place of testing, particularly for Zircon missiles. The direct distance from Murmansk to Ukraine is approximately 2,000 kilometres.

The Northern Fleet ships are carriers of Kalibr missiles, which Russia has been launching against Ukraine during the war. The Russian Northern Fleet also carries out reconnaissance and countermeasures against NATO forces with an eye to the Arctic."

Background: On 18 December, a double-decker passenger and freight train collided in Russia's Murmansk Oblast, causing seven carriages to derail, specifically three passenger cars and four freight cars.

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Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

A fire broke out at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia's Rostov Oblast in the early hours of Dec. 19 following a mass drone and missile attack, Yuri Slyusar, acting governor of Rostov Oblast said.

Explosions initially rang out near the oil refinery just after midnight, the Russian Telegram news channel Astra reported, citing eyewitnesses. The outlet also posted video footage of the site in flames.

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Slyusar wrote on Telegram that a fire had broken out at the refinery following a mass Ukrainian aerial attack which allegedly included "over three dozen" drones as well as three missiles.

Firefighters are currently on-scene attempting to extinguish the large blaze, Slyusar added.

The Kyiv Independent cannot verify any of the claims made by the official, and Ukraine has not yet commented on the alleged attack.

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Shortly before reports began circulating of the strike on the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, Slyusar claimed that Russian air defenses shot down seven drones over the region.

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The reported attack comes on the heels of an alleged strike on the Kamensky Combine, another Russian industrial facility in Rostov Oblast. Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's counter-disinformation center, said the site was attacked on Dec. 18.

The Kamensky Combine is one of the largest chemical plants in Russia. The facility produces rocket fuel, including fuel for intercontinental ballistic missiles, Kovalenko said.

Ukraine has previously targeted the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery with drone strikes. The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces claimed that a July attack on the refinery destroyed 1.5 million tons of oil and oil products worth $540 million.

The refinery partially shut down after an attack in March.

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Ukrainian forces regularly target Russian oil depots in addition to attacks on weapons factories and military air fields. Fossil fuel exports are the primary drivers of the Russian economy and the main source of revenue for the Kremlin's war machine.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Couple hundred North Korean troops lost fighting for Russia against Ukraine, AP reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Smaller towns within commuting distance of major cities dominated the housing market this year, Zillow says.

"Exurbs" in the Northeast accounted for seven of the top 10 markets in 2024, the firm says.

Manchester, New Hampshire took the top spot, followed by Rockford, Illinois and Stamford, Connecticut.

The Northeast continued to dominate the US housing market this year, with buyers flocking to small cities beyond the suburbs but still within commuting distance from major metros, a recent Zillow report said.

"Exurbs" in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maryland accounted for seven of Zillow's 10 most popular markets in 2024, with Manchester, New Hampshire taking the top spot, rising from third place last year.

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Manchester, the state's largest city, saw home values rise 7% in the last year to $415,000, the report says. While a sharp increase, that's still more affordable than nearby Boston, Zillow added.

"Manchester has garnered particular attention from potential buyers outside of its metro area, suggesting a strong interest in relocating there," the analysts said.

Cities in Connecticut like Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven, and Waterbury also saw an influx of buyers, coming in at number three, five, eight, and nine, on the top 10 list respectively.

Columbia, Maryland, meanwhile, came in at number four, while Allentown, Pennsylvania notched the sixth spot on the list.

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"These communities strike a balance between suburban amenities and being located just a hop, skip and a jump from the vibrant offerings and thriving job markets of large urban centers," the company said in a press release.

The list, which looked at cities with populations of at least 100,000 people, determined the most popular markets via demand metrics like page-view traffic, home value growth and how quickly homes sell in each city.

This year's list marks the second year in a row that the Northeast has clinched Zillow's top market. West Chester, Pennsylvania took the top spot last year, with seven other cities in in New Hampshire and Connecticut taking up other spots in the top 10.

The Northeast's "exurbs" have proven particularly popular in the era of hybrid work, where workers don't have to make the trip into the office every day, Zillow's chief economist Skylar Olsen said.

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"With the rise of hybrid work models, more people are discovering hidden-gem cities they might have previously overlooked when daily commutes were the norm," Olsen said in the press release.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Illustration by Tim Richardson)

(Illustration by Tim Richardson)

Tiananmen Square, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Exxon Valdez oil spill were the top media stories in 1989. For the wildlife conservation community, the 11-million-gallon oil spill in the pristine waters of Alaskas Prince William Sound would become a foremost concern for years to follow.

On top of the shock and disgust felt by everyone, conservation professionals and environmental advocates bore responsibility in urging penalties to the fullest extent of the law to be paid by the worlds largest corporation and a behemoth integrated oil and gas producer and refiner to boot.

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With economic damages and coastal clean-up being handled in separate lawsuits eventually totaling $4 billion, the environmental damages case rested on the success of criminal and civil prosecutions of Exxon by the George H.W. Bush administration Department of Justice and Gov. Walter Hickels Department of Law.

As months rolled on, no one knew how hard the Bush and Hickel teams would push or even whether they would jointly sue or instead choose separate paths. The active litigation status of the case allowed both agencies to maintain silence, which added to the frustration of those seeking a just resolution to the then largest pollution incident case in history.

Exxons guilt was never an issue.

But no one had dealt with a case as large as this and one that offered a bright lights test of the legal clout and penalty bite of the Clean Water Act, Natural Resources Damages Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Rivers and Harbors Act as well as Alaskan natural resource laws.

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In the meantime, agonizing public outcry went from despair at the time of the oil spill summer to a rousing boil getting hotter by the month. The broad public pressure was so intense in the oil spill aftermath that the Bush administration voluntarily withdrew their plan to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. That move disgusted Hickel and the Alaska delegation over what they viewed as their best ever chance for expanding Arctic drilling into the refuges coastal plain. In another setback for ANWR drilling advocates, House Speaker Jim Wright, who had committed to passing Arctic refuge drilling that year, resigned when his spiraling ethics crisis dominated congressional media coverage.

(Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council map)

Finally, around the first anniversary of the oil spill, Hickel broke the state federal standoff by merging the governments lawsuits and insisting on a $1 billion settlement from Exxon, or theyd see them in court.

The historic, and then largest, environmental fine in U.S. history at $1 billion was reached in October 1991, a year and a half after the spill. Public reaction was largely favorable although how the settlement would be spent was unknown and some voices urged far harsher penalties.

The $1 billion represented 20% of Exxons one-year profit. The state and federal governments would each receive $50 million in the criminal settlement that they alone would control.

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The far larger $900 million civil settlement was to be spent by a six-member trustee council. Alaskas three trustees represented the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Law. The three federal trustee agencies chosen were the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In a novel move, federal Judge Russel Hollands civil fine terms included a provision that any and all Exxon Valdez Trustee Council spending had to be unanimously approved with a 6-0 vote.

From the organizational baby steps of the council at the end of 1991 to slow walking at the start of the 1992 presidential election year, every imaginable public and private stakeholder circled the $1 billion. Everyone had an opinion with dialog and media jousting often turning heated in the Alaska frontier style.

Packed town hall meetings punctuated the third anniversary of the spill, straining public patience. By summer, the preoccupation with the election led to a full year of inaction since the October 1991 Exxon settlement.

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Bill Clinton and Al Gore won the three-way presidential race with 43% of the vote leading to a musical chairs switch out of the three federal trustees.

Bruce Babbitt grabbed the federal teams reins after replacing Manuel Lujan as Interior secretary to the delight of conservation advocates hoping to maximize the outcomes of Exxons $1 billion penalty.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt, Old Harbor Native Corp. President Emil Christiansen and Akhiok Kaguyak President Ralph Eluska walk in 1994 in Old Harbor. (Photo by Tim Richardson)

That hopeful mood soured when Hickel threatened on the fourth anniversary of the spill to wait out Clintons first term barring more middle ground on a wide range of Alaska development issues involving federal lands. Such a standoff would prolong inaction for four more years. Hickels threat was real because the three Alaskan oil spill trustees were cabinet appointees serving at his pleasure. Similarly on the federal side, the chain of command ended at President Bill Clintons desk in the Oval Office.

To widespread disbelief, all advocates in the oil spill community saw the state-federal fault line likely going from crevice to chasm.

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The fourth anniversary of the spill passed, but during an August 1993 visit to Alaska, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Fish Wildlife and Parks George Frampton proposed a grand bargain with Alaska Attorney General Charlie Cole.

Frampton said that Babbitts top priority for the $900 million shared civil settlement was conserving habitat with purchases or easements of every private inholding with a willing seller in the 1.8 million-acre Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.

The inholdings totaled over 350,000 acres. Alaska Native corporations owned over 90% of the inholdings and were willing sellers of fee title or conservation easement of about half of their federal refuge inholdings and some large coastal rainforest areas on Afognak Island to be considered later.

One firm Native condition on the Kodiak bear refuge inholdings was that high value salmon river riparian areas had to be paired with other low commercial value mountainside tracts that they were forced to select under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

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The Alaska delegation strongly objected due to the no more clause prohibiting federal land expansion in the 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). Some opposed Native Alaskans in the spill region getting a disproportionately large amount of the funds. Public access rights to the conserved areas was the tradeoff Babbitts plan offered. Other critics felt buying land with money from a marine disaster 240 miles away was hairbrained.

But the Kodiak Archipelago was inside the 1,200 miles of oiled coast due to the Alaska Gyre currents in the Gulf of Alaska. Babbitts plan was bolstered when habitat assessments of oil spill injured wildlife and their habitat within the whole spill region demonstrated that the Kodiak Archipelago scored 75% of the top ranked habitat parcels.

In addition, national opinion counted because the American people were injured parties in the Exxon Settlement, deserving a 50% share of the settlement, and public comment from the Lower 48 states backed habitat protection by 85%.

The legal basis for using oil spill funds in an area least impacted and furthest away from the Exxon Valdez wreck site in Prince William Sound relied upon the Natural Resources Damages Act link to injury and potential for benefit of injured resources and human services.

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In exchange for the Alaska trustees support of Kodiak habitat acquisitions, the federal trustees would vote for Hickels Seward Sea Life Center intended as a cruise ship tourism attraction but with just enough Gulf of Alaska marine research to qualify for NRDA under the link to injury and potential for benefit legal guidelines. Hickel said Alaska needed its own Woods Hole marine science center and clearly wanted to boost the spill regions economy.

(Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council chart)

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When the proposed dual agreement went public, environmental groups favoring forest acquisitions from Native corporations in the Chugach National Forest sharply attacked it. The Sea Life Center was a whale jail which represented brick and mortar restoration designed to funnel NRDA funds meant for the damaged Prince William Sound environment into Alaskas tourism economy.

It was at that moment that a phalanx of sportsmens conservation groups backed Babbitts plan 100%. This throw down of support in a highly publicized organized fashion occurred after a four-year courtship by Kodiak Native corporations to recruit sportsmens groups with large or impactful memberships and that were well positioned to become a Greek chorus of support for Babbitt. While the camo vs green dialogue progressed, Alaska politically dominant development interests were off balance because Alaskas own large, impactful sportsmens constituency wanted future access rights to Kodiak protected.

Hunter and angler groups argued forcefully for breaking the Exxon Valdez Oil Settlement impasse in favor of investing oil spill funds for habitat acquisition, especially on partially treeless Kodiak, because 70% of the salmon rivers in the Kodiak bear refuge were within the private Native inholdings. If the inholdings were developed as private property, priceless resources would decline following development and legendary public hunting and fishing would be lost forevermore.

Akhiok leader Nick Peterson speaks to ABC News crew members, while Akhiok Kaguyak Inc. President Ralph Eluska is on the left. (Photo by Tim Richardson)

The sportsmen groups won over enough of the environmental leaders to create a clear pro-habitat consensus and made the case that The Exxon Valdez spill settlement must be rescued now or large-scale conservation as a mission would lose public faith. Kodiak offered outstanding habitat protection and firmly established acquisition and easements as a proper use of the largest environmental fine in U.S. history. Kodiak advocates also pledged support for all the forest resource conservation possible within Prince William Sound.

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The following year, in 1994, the first Kodiak refuge habitat purchases occurred, assuring public access to the spectacular Kodiak refuge, and the subsequent train of inholdings deals rolled north into Prince William Sound and the Kenai Peninsula, setting records for refuge, forest, and park conservation.

The total acres of habitat conserved by Exxon Valdez oil spill restoration dollars equals 633,727 acres of inholdings inside 8 million acres of the Chugach National Forest, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge and Kenai Fiords National Monument. Nearly 200,000 acres of coastal rainforest tracts for the Alaska State Park system were conserved on Afognak and Shuyak Islands along with Kachemak Bay.

A version of this story first appeared in Outdoor News Bulletin.

Old Harbor Native Corp. President Emil Christiansen is interviewed by a National Geographic film crew. (Photo by Tim Richardson)

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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) Law enforcement agencies across Acadiana are being impersonated by scammers trying to seal peoples money.

They call people pretending to be a law enforcement agency and urge them to send money to resolve an issue. Then, they threaten to arrest you if you dont comply.

Chris Babin, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana said the threats are meant to scare people into acting immediately.

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They say theres already an existing warrant, and they need a payment over the phone in order to get rid of that, Babin said. In some of the other situations weve seen, they actually tell them that their information has come up in a criminal investigation, that they may be associated with a crime and that they need to provide certain information.

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The call usually comes from what appears to be the real agencys phone number. Scammers mask their phone number, so the law enforcement agencys number is what shows up on the caller ID.

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Babin said this scam is not new, but their tactics are.

People have become a lot more savvy, not necessarily believing these types of phone calls, Babin said. So, some of the reports weve gotten, scammers are taking it a step further, and theyre offering to send you a picture of their credentials or anything that they can try to do to convince you that they are real.

The photos are AI-generated or photoshopped to make it look like they work for the agency they claim to be a part of.

Heres how to avoid law enforcement impersonation scams:

Never give in to pressure. Scammers often use a sense of urgency and threats to scare you, but dont take action. Call the law enforcement agency directly if you suspect the call is real.

Never send money to strangers. Scammers will ask you to wire funds or buy prepaid gift cards to pay the required fines. You wont be able to get that money back.

Guard your personal information carefully. Dont share your address, social security number, or bank account information.

Dont answer messages from strangers. Block anyone who sends unsolicited calls or text messages.

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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 KLFY.com.
The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday temporarily banned drone flights over 22 New Jersey towns for what it says are special security reasons.

An FAA spokesperson told NBC New York the temporary flight restrictions apply to critical New Jersey infrastructure and were implemented at the request of federal security partners.

The closure applies to airspace in a 1-mile radius from each of the 22 locations, up to 400 feet above ground level, which is the upper limit of most recreational drones.

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While the vast majority of unmanned aircraft will be banned, the FAA does make exceptions. Flights necessary for national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, or disaster response will be permitted, for instance, as are commercial activities with a valid statement of work.

The restrictions are scheduled to expire Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.

Michael Melham, the mayor of Belleville, New Jersey, floated a theory earlier this week that the drones might be searching for missing radioactive material. The state Department of Environmental Protection quickly swatted it down, noting the missing radioactive material Melham referenced was just a package briefly misplaced by FedEx.

Residents in New Jersey have reported more than 5,000 drone sightings to the FBI in the last few weeks, describing the unmanned crafts as car-sized and seemingly capable of staying aloft for hours at a time.

A drone operator helps to retrieve a drone after photographing over Hart Island in New York. Residents in New Jersey have reported more than 5,000 drone sightings to the FBI in the last few weeks. via Associated Press

When I would get up and look out my window at 2 a.m., 4 a.m., they were still hovering, Morris County resident Julie Shavalier told NBC News earlier this month.

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I got up at 5:30 a.m. this morning and they were still there as the sun was starting to rise, Shavalier added. They went back in the same direction they came from, and I expect theyll be back as soon as the sun goes down tonight.

Of the more than 5,000 tips, however, only 100 have so far led to further investigation.

The FAA said Tuesday that the vast majority of purported drone sightings in the area have simple explanations. Those include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones.

The FAA did confirm that a limited number of drone sightings have been within restricted airspace over military facilities in the state but cautioned that such sightings are not new.

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A spokesperson for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, a sprawling 42,000-acre installation in New Jersey roughly 30 miles east of Philadelphia, told The War Zone, a news outlet for military and defense coverage, that they see several such incursions a year. But so far, the drones have only been trying to sneak contraband into a federal prison thats on the base.

Related...
NEW YORK -- Federal authorities are taking action against the mysterious drones seen flying over New Jersey and several other East Coast states.

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ban on most drones over nearly two dozen towns, including cities from Camden to Bayonne, Edison, Harrison and Jersey City. The ban will be in effect until Jan. 17.

The FAA order says no unmanned aircraft can operate below 400 feet within one nautical mile of the airspace specified in each town. The order makes some exceptions for first responders and certain commercial drones.

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"Pilots of aircraft that do not adhere to the procedures in the national security requirements for aircraft operations contained in this section may be intercepted, and/or detained and interviewed by federal, state, or local law enforcement or other government personnel," the order reads in part.

Several of the zones are centered around infrastructure, like power substations. Others cover areas like the Kearny port and airspace around military installations like Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in South Jersey, or airports such as Newark-Liberty International Airport.

Earlier this month, the Florham Park police chief told residents drone sightings had been reported above "water reservoirs, electric transmission lines, rail stations, police departments and military installations."

Where are drones banned in New Jersey?

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North Jersey:

Cedar GroveBridgewaterNorth BrunswickMetuchenSouth BrunswickEdisonBranchburgSewarenJersey CityHarrison, Hudson CountyElizabethBayonneCliftonKearny

Central Jersey:

Hamilton, Mercer County

South Jersey:

BurlingtonEveshamCamdenGloucester CityWestamptonWinslowHancocks Bridge, Salem CountyMap shows areas of New Jersey where drones are banned

The map below shows the areas affected by the FAA ban on drones, which will be in effect until Jan. 17. See the full order from the FAA here.

FAA grants temporary flight restrictions in New York, governor says

In a statement Thursday evening, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the FAA plans to grant temporary flight restrictions over some of the state's critical infrastructure sites.

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The full statement reads:

"Since mid-November, New York has been carefully monitoring reports of drone activity and we have been communicating closely with our federal partners. I've spoken with Secretary Mayorkas multiple times and was just informed that he has coordinated with federal partners and the FAA plans to grant temporary flight restrictions over some of New York's critical infrastructure sites  this action is purely precautionary; there are no threat to these sites. This is in addition to the state-of-the-art drone detection system delivered to us by the Biden-Harris Administration earlier this week. While we have not detected any public safety or national security threats, we will continue aggressively monitoring the situation as we call on Congress to pass legislation to give states and local law enforcement the authority and resources they need to manage this evolving technology. Public safety is my top priority and I will stop at nothing to keep my constituents safe."

Many of the neighborhoods, which are all listed on an FAA website, are near area airports.

Meanwhile, Nassau County on Long Island is taking new measures to crack down on the mystery drones. Thursday, county and police officials unveiled new drone detection technology and a new intelligence center. They're also working with a task force that consists of the Coast Guard, NYPD and other agencies to investigate the drone sightings.

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County Executive Bruce Blakeman said at times, police are allowed to shoot down drones.

"If there's a mass gathering anywhere and there is a drone that is a threat to the public at large, they have the authority and the jurisdiction and the right to shoot down that drone," he said.

The police commissioner said people flying drones over 400 feet can be charged with obstructing governmental administration.

Mysterious drones over New Jersey and beyond

Drones sightings have been reported all month long, first over Morris County, New Jersey and then over places in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

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Federal, state and local officials have been demanding more information about where they are coming from and what's being done to stop them. The FBI is leading the investigation and tells CBS News it has received thousands of tips.

The sudden move by the FAA comes after federal officials have tried to put the matter to bed, saying they found nothing suspicious in the skies.

While the White House says there is no known threat, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy recently sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking for more federal resources.

Over the weekend, drone activity forced New York's Stewart Airfield to shut down some runways. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement the next day saying, "this has gone too far."

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Then on Wednesday, an effort from Sen. Chuck Schumer to give local law enforcement more ways to track drones was blocked in the Senate.

New Jersey State Senator Jon Bramnick said the FAA's move only causes confusion.

"They say there's nothing going on, but we're going to shut down the airspace anyway. I don't get it," he said.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer is calling on the FAA to brief the public on their decision.

"So that they can respond about what these drones are. And I don't know why they would ever put out an alert like this without publicly briefing properly," Gottheimer said.

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In Mendham, the drones were all the buzz at a local coffee shop.

"The other day, right outside of my work, there were at least 10-12 of them darting around, going in all different directions," resident Olivia DeMattio said.

"It's not making me crazy or anything. It was very colorful, but strange," resident Beth Mahan said.

"This is a real phenomenon. We're not making it up. We're not hallucinating. And so it has been frustrating that I think it hasn't been taken as seriously as it could have been," Mendham Township Committee member Amalia Duarte said.

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Mendham isn't on the list where drones are banned, so residents there expect to keep their eyes to the sky each night.

In nearby Watchung, Mayor Ronald Jubin says sightings have been constant since mid-November.

"Hundreds. Hundreds. I see them every night," he said.

He says he's frustrated his town didn't make the list and disappointed there's a lack of transparency and communication.

"No one reached out to Watchung, whether we thought that was relevant here," Jubin said.

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Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The Federal Aviation Administration is temporarily banning drone operations in 22 communities in New Jersey, citing "special security reasons."

The FAA issued a Notice to Airmen earlier this week advising operators and members of the public about the Temporary Flight Restrictions in the 22 separate areas of New Jersey, restricting private use of unmanned aerial vehicles through at least Jan. 17.

The new rules regulate drones operating over power stations and other critical elements of infrastructure, and limit the craft to rising no higher than 400 feet. They apply only to drones and not civilian airplanes or helicopters.

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The power stations with flight restrictions include the Cedar Grove Switching Station, Athenia Switching Station, Hudson Switching Station, PSE&G Kearny Switching Station, and Bayonne Switching Station.

"In coordination with the FAA and our critical infrastructure partners who requested temporary flight restrictions over their facilities, out of an abundance of caution, the FAA has issued temporary flight restrictions over some critical infrastructure facilities in New Jersey," the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

A list shows the 22 locations of the FAA's newly-issued Temporary Flight Restrictions related to drone operation in New Jersey. Image courtesy of the Federal Aviation Administration

Previously existing TFRs prohibiting drone use in other New Jersey communities will also remain in place.

Drone sightings were reported in parts of New Jersey midway through November, forcing the White House and federal agencies like the FBI and Department of Homeland Security to publicly state the incidents do not pose a risk to national security.

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A joint statement issued by the FAA, FBI, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security said the agencies were probing the incidents.

The Department of Defense issued a statement saying it is taking "all reports of drones seriously."

"Temporary flight restrictions for special security reasons" issued by the FAA do allow for exceptions if drone operation is direct support of an act of national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting or search and rescue.

The TFRs also authorize federal officials to use "deadly force" to bring down any drones that violate the new orders if they pose an "imminent security threat."

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Local officials have pushed back and pleaded for more control at the state level to deal with the ongoing issue.

Earlier in the week, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called for an investigation after seeing a drone above his home.

He called on lawmakers to allow the state police to take a more active role in investigating the drone activity.

"I've never seen anything like that before and I've been living at that house for 30 years," Christie said on ABC's "This Week" on Sunday.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas even joined the fray, and reminded New Jersey residents nervous about unidentified lights and the drones that there are at least a million registered drones in the United States, and that thousands could be in the sky at once.

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"I want to assure the American public we are on it. We are working in close coordination with state and local authorities," he said on "This Week."

Federal officials have urged the public not to take action against any drones seen flying above New Jersey, including aiming lasers at the objects or attempting to shoot them down.

"FBI Newark and New Jersey State Police want to warn the public about an increase in pilots of manned aircraft being hit in the eyes with lasers because people on the ground think they see an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). There is also concern with people possibly firing weapons at what they believe to be UAS but could be manned aircraft," the FBI's Newark office said in a joint statement with the New Jersey State police.

"FBI Newark, NJSP and dozens of other agencies and law enforcement partners have been out every night for several weeks to legally track down operators acting illegally or with nefarious intent and using every available tool and piece of equipment to find the answers the public is seeking. However, there could be dangerous and possibly deadly consequences if manned aircraft are targeted mistakenly as UAS."

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also announced Thursday a temporary ban on drone flights over critical infrastructure sites across New York state, calling the decision "purely precautionary." She did not say what sites would be covered, to what degree flights would be banned, or for how long.
MANILA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of live cattle and buffalo as well as their products from Japan due to the outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD), the country's Department of Agriculture said Thursday.

In a memorandum, Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the import ban is essential to protect local cattle and water buffalo from the LSD virus.

"This precautionary measure is intended to safeguard the country's livestock industry from potential risks posed by the spread of LSD," the memorandum said.

LSD is a viral disease that primarily affects cattle, often leading to severe complications or death.

However, certain products are exempted from the ban, provided they meet Philippine import and health standards. These include skeletal muscle meat, casings, gelatin and collagen, tallow, hooves and horns, blood meal and flour, bovine and water buffalo bones and hides, and pasteurized milk.

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported the outbreak to the World Organization for Animal Health on Nov. 15. 
Claim:

U.S. President Joe Biden has issued more pardons than any other American president.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

What's True:

On Jan. 17, 2025, Biden announced he would commute the sentences of about 2,500 people serving time for nonviolent drug offenses. That act made Biden the president who has issued the most individual acts of clemency in a single term.

What's False:

Biden has not pardoned the most people in a presidential term  President Jimmy Carter issued an executive order pardoning the 209,517 men charged with evading the Vietnam draft on his first day in office.

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On Dec. 13, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden announced one of the biggest acts of clemency in modern American history by pardoning 39 people and commuting the sentences of almost 1,500 others. On Jan. 17, 2025, he commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 more people, making him the U.S. president to issue the most individual acts of clemency.

Biden's actions in December 2024 sparked discussion online over the power of the presidential pardon, and several conservative pundits on social media criticized Biden's actions as an overreach, claiming that he had pardoned more people than any other president in American history. The rumor was also shared by tech billionaire Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X.

(X account @ElonMusk)

The claim is not entirely true, because of the language of the presidential pardon.

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There are four key words to understanding the power: clemency, commutation, reprieve and pardon. Clemency refers to any action that a president takes to reduce or eliminate the legal penalties for a crime, and a pardon, commutation and reprieve are all forms of clemency. According to the White House Historical Association, a reprieve delays a sentence or punishment, a commutation reduces a sentence or punishment and a pardon fully releases a person from punishment and restores all civil liberties.

Another element is an amnesty, which is similar to a pardon but applies to a whole class of individuals.

Before his second large act of clemency on Jan. 17, Biden had not issued the most individual acts of clemency of any president. As such, we previously rated this claim false (archived).

According to the Department of Justice's Office of the Pardon Attorney, Biden had issued pardons for 65 people and had commuted the sentences of 1,671 more as of Dec. 23, 2024. (A full list of those pardons is available elsewhere on OPA's website). His most recent action added nearly 2,500 more acts of clemency to his total, placing Biden far ahead of the previous record, Harry Truman's 2,044 acts.

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However, because many of Biden's acts of clemency were sentence commutations, not pardons, it is incorrect to say Biden had issued more pardons than any U.S. president in history. Using the OPA statistics, most presidents have used the power more than Biden. While Biden issued 65 individual pardons, Donald Trump issued 144 during his four years in office and Barack Obama issued 212 across eight years.

However, this is still not the full story, because the figure of 65 does not include any blanket pardons, acts that pardon multiple people at once. In 2022 and 2023, Biden issued two blanket pardons addressing people convicted on certain marijuana charges. According to data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission, those pardons affected 6,577 people. Even with those blanket pardons, however, Biden had not pardoned 8,000 Americans.

Furthermore, even if Biden had pardoned 8,000 people, it would still not be the most individuals pardoned by a U.S. president. On his first day in office, President Jimmy Carter pardoned everyone who evaded the Vietnam War draft, albeit with some exemptions  209,517 men were officially charged, according to Politico. Furthermore, President Andrew Johnson issued blanket pardons for most Confederate soldiers after the end of the Civil War (those acts of clemency did require an oath of allegiance, so some may wish not to count this).

Sources:

"ArtII.S2.C1.3.1 Overview of Pardon Power." Constitution Annotated, https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S2-C1-3-1/ALDE_00013316/.

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"Biden Commutes Roughly 1,500 Sentences and Pardons 39 People in Biggest Single-Day Act of Clemency." AP News, 12 Dec. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-clemency-4432002d67334e6716c2776fd73f3cc8.

"Biden Pardons Thousands Convicted of Marijuana Charges on Federal Lands and in Washington." AP News, 22 Dec. 2023, https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-pardons-clemency-02abde991a05ff7dfa29bfc3c74e9d64.

"Biden Pardons Thousands for 'simple Possession' of Marijuana." AP News, 7 Oct. 2022, https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8.

Confederate States of America | History, President, Map, Facts, & Flag | Britannica. 21 Nov. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Confederate-States-of-America.

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Danner, Chas. "Everyone Biden Has Granted Presidential Pardons and Commutations." Intelligencer, 15 Dec. 2024, https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/joe-biden-clemency-list-pardons-commutations.html.

[December 25, 1868.- Granting Full Pardon and Amnesty to All Persons Engaged in the Late Rebellion.] By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation ... Done at the City of Washington, the Twenty-Fifth Day of December, in the Ye | Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/resource/rbpe.23602600/. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Glass, Andrew. "President Carter Pardons Draft Dodgers , Jan. 21, 1977." Politico, 21 Jan. 2018, https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/21/president-carter-pardons-draft-dodgers-jan-21-1977-346493.

"Marijuana Pardons and Expungements: By the Numbers." NORML, https://norml.org/marijuana/fact-sheets/marijuana-pardons-and-expungements-by-the-numbers/. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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Number of Federal Offenders Convicted Only of 21 U.S.C.  844 Involving Marijuana Fiscal Years 1992  2021. U.S. Sentencing Commission, https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/news/press-releases-and-news-advisories/news-advisories/20221012_Updated-News-Advisory-Data-Analysis.pdf.

Office of the Pardon Attorney | Clemency Statistics. 12 Jan. 2015, https://www.justice.gov/pardon/clemency-statistics.

Office of the Pardon Attorney | Pardons Granted by President Joseph Biden (2021-Present). 22 Jan. 2021, https://www.justice.gov/pardon/pardons-granted-president-joseph-biden-2021-present.

Office of the Pardon Attorney | Presidential Proclamation on Marijuana Possession, Attempted Possession, and Use. 6 Oct. 2022, https://www.justice.gov/pardon/presidential-proclamation-marijuana-possession.

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Office of the Pardon Attorney | Proclamation 4483: Granting Pardon for Violations of the Selective Service Act. 12 Jan. 2015, https://www.justice.gov/pardon/proclamation-4483-granting-pardon-violations-selective-service-act.

"PRESIDENT ANDREW JOHNSON PARDONS CONFEDERATE JOHN C. SHELTON, 1866." Library of Virginia, https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/dbva/items/show/149#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20controversial,ended%20on%20April%209%2C%201865.

Stilwell, Blake. "Pardoning Vietnam War Draft Dodgers Was a No-Win Situation for Jimmy Carter." Military.Com, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.military.com/history/pardoning-vietnam-war-draft-dodgers-was-no-win-situation-jimmy-carter.html.

"The History of the Pardon Power." WHHA (En-US), https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-history-of-the-pardon-power. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Updates:

Jan. 17, 2025: This story was updated and its rating changed to reflect almost 2,500 individual acts of clemency granted by President Joe Biden. While the claim that Biden has pardoned the most people remains false, he has now issued the most individual acts of clemency of any president.
Claim:

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump once said the U.S. and Italy have been allies since ancient Rome.

Rating:

Rating: False

In mid-December 2024, a claim spread on social media that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump once said the U.S. and Italy have been allies since ancient Rome.

"Trump said that the United States and Italy have been allies since the time of Ancient Rome. The translator's reaction is priceless," one X post (archived), with over 12.4 million views as of this writing, read.

Trump said that the United States and Italy have been allies since the time of Ancient Rome. The translator's reaction is priceless. pic.twitter.com/l51xsGxhqj  Olena Rohoza (@OlenaRohoza) December 16, 2024

Trump's alleged comments sparked mixed reactions on social media.

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"This sounds outrageous. Please post the whole quote so I know how angry to be about it," one X user wrote, while another countered, "You shouldn't be mad about it at all. What he said was perfectly reasonable." Another user speculated: "I guess he wanted to say ancient Greece, right? Right?"

The claim was spread by numerous X accounts, and circulated on social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

In short, Trump did not claim that the United States and Italy have been allies since ancient Rome. He remarked that the two countries have a "shared cultural and political heritage" dating back back thousands of years. As such, we have rated this claim as false.

We previously debunked this rumor back in 2019, highlighting that such an assertion would obviously be incorrect, as the United States was not founded as an independent nation until 1776, and Italy did not achieve unification until the 19th century, becoming a republic only in the 1940s.

Context of Trump's Remarks

The claim originated from a speech Trump gave during a joint press conference with Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Oct. 16, 2019. During the event, Trump made the following statement: "The United States and Italy are bound together by a shared cultural and political heritage dating back thousands of years, to ancient Rome."

President @realDonaldTrump just wrapped up a joint press conference with President Mattarella of Italy.



The United States and Italy are bound together by a shared cultural and political heritage dating back thousands of years to Ancient Rome."  pic.twitter.com/10Ib2h4O4e  The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) October 16, 2019

Right after that, Trump stated: "Over the centuries the Italian people have blessed our civilization with magnificent work of art, science, philosophy, architecture, music." He continued: "On Monday we pay tribute to the Italian explorer who led a voyage of discovery to the New World, a gentleman known as Christopher Columbus. And to me it will always be called Columbus Day. Some people don't like that, I do."

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Therefore, Trump stated that the United States and Italy share a political and cultural heritage dating back thousands of years, but did not claim they had been allied for that long. Trump's use of the phrase "dating back thousands of years" seems to have caused confusion, leading some to misinterpret his remarks.

The influence of the Roman Republic on the formation and principles of the American Republic is well-documented, making Trump's point historically accurate.

Viral Pics of Italian Interpreter

Moreover, the images shared in posts spreading the false claim, allegedly showing "the translator's reaction," were not taken during Trump's misinterpreted comments about Italy. Instead, they were captured that same day in a different location  at the Oval Office of the White House.

Trump said that the United States and Italy have been allies since the time of Ancient Rome. The translator's reaction is priceless. pic.twitter.com/l51xsGxhqj  Olena Rohoza (@OlenaRohoza) December 16, 2024

For instance, the first photo appears to be a screenshot from the video titled "OVAL OFFICE: President Trump FULL Meeting With Italian President" shared on Oct. 16, 2019, by LiveNOW from FOX YouTube channel:

Below you can see a photograph of the scene we accessed via Getty Images:

(Getty Images)

Its description read:

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WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 16: U.S. President Donald Trump meets with President Sergio Mattarella of Italy in the Oval Office of the White House October 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. President Trump is holding talks with President Mattarella on bilateral issues including "common security challenges and shared economic prosperity." (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Shortly after the event, Mattarella's interpreter, Elisabetta Savigni Ullmann, sparked controversy with many social media users speculating about her expressions.

Welcome to the Splash Zone, Italian Translator. pic.twitter.com/IDaBGd8LkM  John Heilemann (@jheil BlueSky @jheilemann Insta) (@jheil) October 16, 2019

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In October 2019, we debunked an adjacent rumor claiming that Trump called Italy's president "Mozzarella."

Sources:

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMICO8tp3wA. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

---. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgAhYvbbD5g. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

Italy - Unification, Risorgimento, Nation-State | Britannica. 19 Dec. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/place/Italy/Unification.

MacGuill, Dan. "Did Donald Trump Call Italy's President 'Mozzarella'?" Snopes, 17 Oct. 2019, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-italy-mozzarella-president/.

---. "Did Trump Say Italy and U.S. Have Been Allies for Thousands of Years?" Snopes, 21 Oct. 2019, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-italy-ally-ancient-times/.

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---. "Did Trump Say Italy and U.S. Have Been Allies for Thousands of Years?" Snopes, 21 Oct. 2019, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-italy-ally-ancient-times/.

Milestones in the History of U.S. Foreign Relations - Office of the Historian. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1776-1783/declaration. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

President Trump and Italian President Joint News Conference | Video | C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-and-italian-president-joint-news-conference/534513. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

President Trump Meeting with Italian President | Video | C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-meeting-with-italian-president/534512. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.
Claim:

The speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is not required to be a member of Congress.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

The U.S. Constitution does not stipulate that the speaker of the House must be a member of the body, though traditionally a sitting member has always held that position.

In a Dec. 19, 2024 X post (archived), U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, claimed the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives doesn't need to be a member of Congress and floated the idea of putting billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has never held elected office, in the role.

The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress . . .



Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk . . . think about it . . . nothing's impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka 'uniparty,' lose their ever-lovin'  Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 19, 2024

As of this writing, Paul's post has received more than 103,000 likes and 24,000 reposts. Paul's idea was amplified (and critiqued) by many posts on X, such as this one (archived), this one (archived) and this one (archived). U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, also voiced support for electing Musk as House speaker (archived).

I'd be open to supporting @elonmusk for Speaker of the House.



DOGE can only truly be accomplished by reigning in Congress to enact real government efficiency.



The establishment needs to be shattered just like it was yesterday.



This could be the way. https://t.co/8YuL56e443  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) December 19, 2024

It's true that the U.S. Constitution does not require the speaker of the House to be a member of Congress and that Musk could theoretically hold that position. House members have voted for people outside of elected office to be speaker of the House before.

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The Constitution simply says that "The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers." According to the most recent version of the "The House Practice: A Guide to the Rules, Precedents and Procedures of the House," that guideline is the only requirement for electing the House speaker. "The House Practice" is published by the House Parliamentarian, who provides nonpartisan guidance on House rules and procedures. Here's the section on electing the Speaker (emphasis ours):

Article I, section 2 of the Constitution directs that the House choose its Speaker and other officers. The Speaker is the only House officer who traditionally has been chosen from the sitting membership of the House. The Constitution does not limit eligibility to that class, but the practice has been followed invariably.

As the only rule about the speaker of the House is that they must be elected by the House of Representatives, lawmakers could theoretically elect Musk if he was able to garner enough support.

As the reference source notes, lawmakers have never elected someone to speaker of the House who isn't already a sitting House member. However, individual members have voted for people who weren't elected officials: During the 2013 speaker of the House election, for example, lawmakers voted for David Walker, former head of the Government Accountability Office, and Colin Powell, a former secretary of state.

Sources:

"Article I Section 2 | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress." Constitution.congress.gov, constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-1/section-2/.

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House of Representatives, Clerk. "FINAL VOTE RESULTS for ROLL CALL 2 | QUESTION: Election of the Speaker." House.gov, 3 Jan. 2013, clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll002.xml. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

Office of the Parliamentarian. House Practice: A Guide to the Rules, Precedents, and Procedures of the House. GovInfo, United States, 16 Apr. 2024, p. 665, www.govinfo.gov/collection/house-practice?path=/gpo/House%20Practice/118th%20Congress/GPO-HPRACTICE-118. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.
DENVER (KDVR)  Arapahoe County officials and Colorado HOA Reform invited residents of Club Valencia in Arapahoe County to attend a resource fair on Wednesday to help those displaced by fires in 2022 and 2023.

More than 80 people had to move out of their homes at the Valencia condominiums in February 2023 after a fire sparked in the complex, only three months after another fire in November 2022. In January, FOX31s Nicole Fierro spoke to residents who said they had no hot water, were experiencing an increase in cockroaches and other pests, and a decrease in security.

Douglas County Canine Rescue relinquishes license after lengthy investigation

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On Wednesday, Colorado Rep. Naquetta Ricks and Colorado HOA Reform hosted a resource fair, dinner and HOA membership meeting for Club Valencia survivors.

Monica Vida attended the resource fair. She told FOX31s Greg Nieto that her mother owns 11 Club Valencia units, and four of those were impacted by one of the condominium fires. All of the renters for the impacted units have not been allowed back into their units, according to Vida.

Were really grateful they put this together, she told Nieto. Were basically tired of fighting insurance and whatever government agency.

She and her mother went to the resource fair in search of clarity on the situation. The event was specifically aimed at providing rental assistance, housing navigation, public health resources and human services connections to benefits.

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While Vidas mother wants to know how much longer they will be kept waiting, Vida said that waiting can either make you angry, or appreciative.

Ultimately, we hope to celebrate the holidays and at least be reminded of the things we do have, Vida said.

FOX31 reached out to the property management company after 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and have not yet received a response.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Fake $100 bills used as movie props are currently circulating in the Rochester community, sparking a warning from police.

Rochester PD posted on Tuesday that it's aware that the fake bills are being used in the city, and have recovered stacks of fake bills "worth" $45,000.

While the bills resemble real money, RPD says they are clearly labeled "prop movie money," and on the front, it says "for motion picture purposes."

Rochester Police Department Facebook

"Real U.S. money will have a watermark visible from either side when held to light and ink in the bottom right corner that changes from copper to green," the post read.

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Members of the community who come in contact with one of these bills are asked to contact police.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.
Martin Baron, the former executive editor of the Boston Globe who shepherded the newspaper to a Pulitzer Prize during his tenure, believes President-elect Donald Trump will prosecute journalists and use the power of government to cripple media institutions.

Baron sat down Tuesday with CNNs Christiane Amanpour to discuss ABC News settling a $15 million defamation suit with Trump last week, but soon pivoted to the potential danger media outlets as a whole could face once Trump assumes office in January.

Asked how the administration can come after us, Baron warned, They have a lot of tools.

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He continued: And I think they will use every single one of them. Thats already evident from the measures that they are promising to take. I think they are salivating for the opportunity to prosecute journalists for leaks of supposed national security information.

Trump has called critical outlets fake news since his first presidential campaign in 2016 and said in October that CBS must be investigated and should lose its license after the public broadcaster aired a 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Baron, who denounced Trump for attacking the media during his first term, suggested Tuesday that a revocation of broadcast licenses is just the beginning  and that Trump will sue a lot of media outlets for supposed defamation once he retakes the White House.

I suspect a lot of the wealthy allies of Donald Trump will underwrite those lawsuits, Baron told Amanpour. I suspect that they will deny information to major media outlets routinely. I suspect that they will threaten advertisers from major media outlets as well.

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So they will do everything to undermine public confidence in the press, to further undermine public confidence in the press, and undermine its economic sustainability, he continued. And probably to intimidate the press by this relentless pursuit.

Baron said Trump will "use the power of government against the press once back in office. Left: Molly Riley/Associated Press; Right: Allison Robbert/Pool Photo/Associated Press

Trump has notably already tapped loyalist Kash Patel, who wrote an actual list of political enemies in his 2023 book Government Gangsters, as his FBI director. On Monday, Trump sued pollster J. Ann Selzer over a pre-election survey that showed Harris leading him.

Trump was seemingly emboldened after ABC News settled a defamation suit over anchor George Stephanopoulos saying on air earlier this year that Trump was found liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump had been found liable for sexual abuse, not rape, by a jury in 2023.

Baron predicted Tuesday that Trump will only grow bolder once he is back in the White House, and that he will use the power of government against the press with the full force of the U.S. Justice Department.

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And the intention is not necessarily to win these cases, he added. Its to  impose these heavy burdens, the cost of defending yourself against lawsuits, against investigations, all of that. Those costs are enormous  And a lot of media institutions simply cant afford that.

Related...
AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB)  Dozens of migrants, including children, were left standing out in the December cold in Amherst while a dispute was worked out among Jewish Family Services and a local motel.

WIVB News 4 was first called with reports of a group of migrants standing outside of the Motel 6 on Maple Road in Amherst just after noon Wednesday. A News 4 photojournalist arrived on scene at 1 p.m. and saw those migrants still standing outside in the snow and rain.

News 4 reached out to Jewish Family Services, which is partnering with New York City to help hundreds of asylum seekers in Amherst and Cheektowaga with housing.

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JFS initially said keeping the families in the cold was due to an issue with a private security firm that was on site at the hotel this morning that was not affiliated with JFS or its agreement with New York City. The organization later said the migrant families were waiting outside due to the rooms not being ready to be occupied yet, and they were eventually let inside of the hotel.

JFS also cited in their statement that DocGo ended their contract earlier than expected this morning. A spokesperson from DocGo says that is not the case and told News 4 that JFS was made aware it was going to be ending its services at the original hotel the migrants were being housed at weeks ago.

DocGo also provided WIVB News 4 with a letter it says was sent from JFS to local migrants. It reads in part, On December 17th/18th, DocGo NYC will be ending its services at this hotel. JFS case managers will be meeting with you prior to that date to assess your eligibility for other services in Western New York.

Courtesy: DocGo

After hours of back and forth, News 4 reached out to JFS again. They said they have in fact been in regular communications and coordinating with DocGo staff on the ground in recent weeks.

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But, JFS also said people were released from the initial hotel two hours ahead of schedule, causing the migrants to have to wait outside.

DocGo debunked that statement as well. DocGo says they had to discharge all guests by 11am, but they had an indoor space for them to wait. DocGo says JFS chose to pick them up early.

The group said it will continue to work with families and provide case management services over the next several months as they integrate into the community.

JFS said all asylum seekers have now been moved out of Cheektowaga hotels.

While 200 individuals and families have already been placed into permanent housing, we have had to temporarily move approximately 45 families into another hotel while we work to resettle them over the coming weeks, JFS said in a statement. In addition, approximately 227 people also remain in an additional Amherst hotel as our case managers work to secure permanent housing. JFS remains committed to continuing to support families residing in the two Amherst hotels by providing transitional services, including food vouchers and case management.

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After all resettlement has been completed, which is anticipated sometime within in the first quarter of 2025, JFS will continue to work with the families and provide case management services over the next several months as they assimilate into our community, the statement continued. We are grateful to so many in the community for the ongoing support through donations and volunteer efforts as we work to resettle families so they can embark on a new year with a fresh start.

State Sen. Sean Ryan has been outspoken on the migrant issue in Western New York since 2023. In fact, he and his office helped to spearhead the agreement with New York City Mayor Eric Adams administration to have a non-profit care for and house migrants who remain in Western New York. Ryan said in March the intention is to get people out of hotels and motels and into long term housing.

Ryan initially indicated through a spokesman he would offer a statement on what happened Wednesday at the Motel 6. He later declined to comment, citing conflicting information.

Latest Local News

Dave Greber is an award-winning anchor and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here.

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Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
(KTLA)  Family, as well as police, are desperate to find a 13-year-old girl missing in Los Angeles for nearly a week, officials announced Wednesday.

Naomi Daniella Santos was last seen by family members when she left her residence in the 8700 block of Langdon Avenue at around 8 a.m. on Dec. 13 to attend school at Magnolia Science Academy in the 18200 block of Sherman Way, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department.

Santos was supposed to take public transportation after school to meet her mother at Parthenia Street and Tobias Avenue in Panorama City but never showed up. Her whereabouts remain unknown.

Naomi Daniella Santos, 13, is seen in this undated photo released by LAPD.

Naomis parents, friends and family members have not seen or heard from her and are concerned for her safety, police said.

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5 arrested amid retail theft blitz operation in Westfield Topanga Mall area

The teen is described as a Hispanic female with black hair and brown eyes, standing approximately 5 feet tall and weighing around 110 pounds. She was last seen wearing a blue sweater and gray pants and was carrying a blue backpack.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact LAPDs Mission Area Juvenile Detectives at 818-838-9810.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
VIENTIANE, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The sixth Lao Digital Forum was held in Lao's capital Vientiane, focusing on the transformative role of financial technology (fintech) and discussing its impact on the economic future of Laos, marking a milestone in the country's journey toward a digitally empowered economy.

The event brought together leaders from the Lao government, financial institutions, businesses, and technology innovators, focusing on opportunities to position Laos as an emerging player in the ASEAN digital economy, with fintech as a core enabler of growth, Lao Economic Daily reported on Thursday.

During the event, the Lao central bank, the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL), provided significant updates on the regulatory landscape. The participants discussed the newly approved Payment Settlement System Law and Banking Law.

The Lao Digital Forum has served as a platform for open dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders. This year's forum underscored the growing momentum for fintech innovation in Laos, driving progress toward a more inclusive and sustainable digital future. 
A family in San Jose, California, is mourning their 6-year-old son King Holguin, a nonverbal and autistic child who was fatally struck by a car Friday, Dec. 13, on Interstate 280, per ABC 7 News.

King was two weeks shy of his seventh birthday when he died.

I just want to hold him, the boys father, who was not identified, told the outlet Monday. I want him back, but I know he is in a better place. He was always outgoing, loving and the house is quiet without him. But I know everyone misses him and I miss him.

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A news release from the California Highway Patrol obtained Wednesday by People confirmed a pedestrian ran into the number three lane of the northbound interstate that night and was struck by a 2024 Nissan Altima driven by a 36-year-old San Jose local.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at a hospital, the news release confirmed, and was identified as King by the Santa Clara Medical Examiner. His parents are now hoping to contact the driver  to assure him that it wasnt his fault, they told ABC 7 News.

King Holguin via GoFundMe. GoFundMe

Kings primary daycare provider, Solis Sisneros, told the outlet that he had a penchant for running off, particularly when it rained. His apartment on Parkmoor Avenue was reportedly not far from an entrance to the highway.

He got out in the middle of the night when everyone was asleep  locked the door behind him, left his iPad, Sisneros told ABC7 News. He just went out, you know. Everybody was looking for him, but wed never expect him to be on the freeway, though.

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I wish I was there for him that night and I just want to apologize to him, his father added.

The medical examiner confirmed in an email to People that King died accidentally from multiple blunt trauma force injuries resulting from the collision. The boys family told KRON 4 that he didnt fully understand traffic and the gravity of the danger it can pose.

His mother, Victoria Olivas, told KTVU that King managed to thwart the child safety locks at home and said she only noticed he was gone after he had already left.

Lydia Holguin, a relative, has since created a GoFundMe in order to help finance his burial.

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Our hearts are very heavy, we would do anything to get more time with him, the fundraiser page reads. King was very outgoing, energetic, adventurous, stubborn, loving boy who loved to play and run around all the time. He had tons of energy.

The Cambrian School District shared the news in an open letter to the community Monday, offering thoughts and heartfelt condolences to Kings family and friends. The late 6-year-old was a student at Bagby Elementary School In San Jose, per KTVU.

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The family of high school senior Olivia Flores, the high school senior killed when the car she was in was struck by a Minnesota State Patrol squad car in Rochester, is suing the former trooper who was behind the wheel.

Shane Roper, 32, of Hayfield, was fired from the Minnesota State Patrol earlier this year after he was charged with nine crimes  including 2nd-degree manslaughter and criminal vehicular homicide  over the death of the 18-year-old from Owatonna.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is seeking to dismiss eight of the charge, with his case awaiting further hearings.

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However, on top of criminal litigation, Flores' family has now filed a lawsuit against Roper, suing him for wrongful death and with violating Flores's 14th Amendment rights.

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The crash happened on May 18 at the intersection of Southwest Memorial Parkway and Southwest 12th Street, near the Apache Mall in Rochester, while Flores was a back seat passenger in her friend's car.

According to the criminal complaint, Roper had been pursuing someone who committed a petty traffic crime, and was accelerating to speeds of 98 mph on Highway 52.

While driving east on 12th Street Southwest, he approached the intersection of Apache Drive Southwest, where the Ford Focus containing Flores was attempting to turn. Due to his speed, Roper could not brake in time and struck the passenger side. His car was still going 55 mph at the time of impact.

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As a result of the crash, Flores suffered multiple skull and rib fractures, hemorrhaging, loss of consciousness, and a coma. She died the following day.

The charges also state that on the same day of the crash, Roper had been driving at 135 mph without his lights and sirens activated.

The suit notes that during his time as a Minnesota state trooper, Roper showed "repeated reckless behavior" that put others and himself in danger. In total, he has faced disciplinary action for five separate cases in which he was driving recklessly.

The lawsuit also claims that Roper attempted to deceive investigators, saying that during the crash that killed Flores, he had his lights and sirens active. However, the suit says body camera footage from the incident shows that Roper only turned his sirens and lights on after the crash.

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"The post-crash activation of the lights and siren was confirmed through the overlay display on the squad video footage showing an 'L' for lights and 'S' for siren," the suit states. "Defendant Ropers body-worn camera footage also shows him manually activating the toggle switches that control the emergency lights and siren after he had crashed into the vehicle in which Ms. Flores was a passenger."

Before the crash, Roper had been conducting several minor traffic stops, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, with a 20-year-old law enforcement student as a passenger.

"Like the traffic stops for minor infractions he conducted earlier in his shift on May 18, 2024, Defendant Roper was not facing any emergency situation or response when he was driving shortly before he crashed into the Bartz vehicle and fatally injured Ms. Flores," the suit alleges.

It also claims that in the aftermath of the crash, Roper spoke to other troopers about the incident, joking: "This isnt my first rodeo."

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The family is asking for compensatory, unique, and punitive damages for each charge, as well as costs and disbursements, including attorneys fees. Roper has since been sent a summons but has not responded.

Related: Minnesota school closures, e-learning days for Thursday, Dec. 19
YANKTON RESERVATION, S.D. (KELO)  There are many unanswered questions in what Zander Zephiers family says was a deadly shooting in late November on the Yankton Reservation in south-central South Dakota. The 23-year-old Zephier had been on the run from the law. Now, his loved ones, along with Yankton Sioux Tribal leadership, want answers.

Councilor: Anti-Sioux Falls bias starting to crack

It wasnt just a death for our family, Zanders brother Zane Zephier said. It was a death for our entire community.

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To me, theres something awfully, went bad, went haywire, said Jason Cooke, vice chairman for the Yankton Sioux Tribe.

Like many on the Yankton Reservation, Zane is looking for clarity about his younger brothers death.

We want someone to look into this, to find answers for us and to ensure that what happened that day wasnt injustice, Zane said.

Zane says U.S. Marshals fatally shot Zander at their grandmothers home in the Wagner area. Zander was a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe.

A huge loss, Zane said. My whole motivation in life has been to show my little brother and sister that theres a better life ahead than the life we grew up in, and yeah so to lose him is, was a big part of me.

Surveillance footage shared with KELOLAND News. Surveillance footage shared with KELOLAND News. Zander Zephier

From a surveillance camera, viewers can only see what happened outside the home on November 27. Neither the U.S. Marshals Service nor the FBI are commenting on what happened inside. It is unknown if Zander was armed; it is also unknown if he made any movement or threat toward a Marshal.

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He went on the run, Zane said. He was on the run for months, and they had raided my grandmothers home multiple times.

Zanders criminal history includes assault and grand theft convictions. Court papers also say he headbutted a deputy in late June in Lake Andes. Court papers say a judge gave Zander permission in mid-July to leave jail for his uncles funeral. Court documents also say Zander never returned to the Charles Mix County Jail once the furlough to attend that funeral was done.

Zander also appears on South Dakotas sex offender registry, with a home listed as UNLOCATABLE. A Facebook video Zander shot inside the home gives viewers some small peeks at what happened. What sounds like breaking glass and a command are audible.

Come out with your hands up, Zander, a voice says on the Facebook video.

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In security footage from a camera Zanes uncle mounted outside the home, viewers can see Zander being wheeled out on a stretcher. Zane says the video also shows the marshals making light of the situation.

Hes in a good mood, Zane says. Hes laughing. Hes joking.

Zane says family was gathered across the street watching.

I dont think its right, Zane said. You have to understand what you just did to someone and what you just did to a young kid.

Zane Zephier Jason Cooke, Yankton Sioux Tribe Vice Chairman Melissa Zephier Cournoyer Michelle Irvin

Attitude displayed by the Marshals also bothered neighbor Michelle Irvin, who captured video on her phone.

They gathered in a circle and were laughing, not just chuckles, they were hysterically laughing, and I could not understand why they were laughing after this tragic situation just happened, Irvin said.

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Irvin is emotional when talking about how Zander was treated after he was brought out of the home.

They werent gentle with him, thats for sure, Irvin said. They were not gentle. They dropped him, and they could have been a little more gentle. They knew we were all watching. They knew.

Its not yet clear how many times Zander was shot. Zane says federal agents told his grandmother there were two shots.

Once in the chest and once in the abdomen, and when I had talked to the YST chief of police, they told us that they fired three rounds, Zane said. The Marshals fired three rounds, that was their official report to them.

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This, Zane says, also differs from what a funeral director who saw his brothers body told him.

Hes also the coroner, and he told me that Zander had more than two bullet wounds, Zane said. There was four, possibly five including one on top of the head and possibly one in the back. But hes not going to be able to confirm anything until he sees the autopsy results for himself.

Zane says the above document left at his grandmothers home lists a knife, shell casings and a bullet among items seized by the federal government. The list does not specify if the knife was in Zanders possession or what role it may have played. Cooke, the Yankton Sioux Tribe vice chairman, does not believe Zander was armed with any weapon.

If he was a flight risk or a violent or a threat to anybody, he wouldnt have got a furlough in the first place, so why would he, and yeah maybe he did not return, but he got a furlough, Cooke said.

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Cooke spoke at a recent candlelight vigil outside the home where Zander was shot.

I want justice for him, family member Melissa Zephier Cournoyer said at the vigil. I want people, the higher-up people to do something. I want them to stand up for us and fight for us cause this was wrong.

This is something that shouldnt have happened, Cooke said.

It was really cold, but it was a little healing, Cournoyer said.

Now, the hope is for clarity, too.

I hope that we get answers, like and we get a understanding of why they did the things they did, Irvin said. Because Ive watched U.S. Marshals go and do things in other situations, and they were way more, I dont know, delicate. They didnt come in like this.

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Wed like to see the videos of everything, Cooke said.

We want to see that, and we want to see the autopsy, Zane said.

Id like to know what their story is, Irvin said. So I hope that they can give answers to the family.

KELOLAND Investigates reached out to the U.S. Marshals Service for this investigation. Brady McCarron, deputy chief for their Office of Public Affairs, responded, saying in an email: We are not able to comment on cases that are under investigation. He referred KELOLAND Investigates to the FBI, saying they are investigating. KELOLAND Investigates reached out to the FBIs Minneapolis office, which covers South Dakota. A public affairs specialist replied that no information was available.

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KELOLAND Investigates also requested Zanders death certificate, which could provide information about his final moments, but the certificate is not yet 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 KELOLAND.com.
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4)  The extended family of the five people who were found dead in their West Valley City home released a statement on the tragedy Thursday morning.

Dae Reh, 42, Bu Meh, 38, Boe Reh, 11, Kristina Ree, 8, and Nyay Meh, 2. were all found dead earlier this week in their home near 3700 and Oxford Way in West Valley City. Sha Reh, 17, was also located with a severe head wound in the garage and transported to the hospital in critical condition.

Police are investigating Dae Reh, the father of the family, as a suspect in what is believed to be a murder-suicide.

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Like all of you, we were shocked to learn of the tragic and untimely deaths of 4 of our family members at the hands of their husband and father. We condemn all forms of abuse and violence, especially abuse and violence against innocent women and children, the family members statement read.

The family said they are cooperating with law enforcement as detectives search for a possible motive for the killings.

While the perpetrator of these heinous acts is deceased, we know that Gods justice is not, it read.

PREVIOUS STORY: Police believe family killed in West Valley home was a murder-suicide

The familys statement described Buh Meh as a beautiful wife and mother who worked hard to provide for her family after they fled their country of Myanmar more than 10 years ago due to ethnic cleansing. The statement said her dream was to own a home.

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After moving into their own home and finally enjoying a level of prosperity far beyond the nightmare of their former country or the refugee camp in Thailand in which they lived for a season, and for reasons that we cannot comprehend, her husband robbed her and their children of that security and their very lives, the statement read.

The family said they have felt unspeakable peace through their faith and belief that [their] loved ones have returned home to the God who gave them life. They are asking for privacy as they mourn and seek healing, as well as support through a GoFundMe to offset funeral and medical costs.

They said Sha Reh, the 17-year-old who survived the shooting, is a hero and deserves their full attention during his long and complex road to recovery.

The family is preparing a celebration of life for the victims and will publicly release that information when it is available.

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The statement also pointed to the Utah Domestic Violence Link Line at 1-800-897-5465 for anyone experiencing abuse and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for anyone at risk of self-harm.

There is hope. There is healing. There is peace. Violence is never the answer and never a solution, the statement read. We express our gratitude to the many first responders, police, health care professionals, clergy, friends, and others who have assisted and helped to care for our family members. We are grateful for you. We know that God will help carry your burdens.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
An award-winning British cellist who performed at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was forced to postpone a concert after his pre-booked cello was denied boarding by Air Canada.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, 25, who performed at the Royal Wedding aged just 19, released a joint statement on his social media with his sister, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, that they would have to postpone their Toronto show on their winter tour.

The duo were booked to perform at the Koerner Hall on 11 December but had severe misfortune with flights while trying to reach the Canadian city.

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First we had delays, then a cancellation, and the day concluded by being denied boarding with the cello - despite having a confirmed seat for it - on a new, final flight into Toronto, they wrote.

After nine anxious hours at the airport, we realised our journey wasnt going to be possible.

We can only dream of a time when all airlines have a standardised, global and carefully considered approach to the carriage of precious instruments that are booked to travel in the cabin, they said, adding they will find a new date in Toronto next year and tagged Air Canada in the post.

The siblings were flying from Cincinnati to Toronto, with a connecting flight in Washington. Their original flight with American Airlines was delayed and then cancelled, so they decided to buy tickets on a new flight to Toronto with Air Canada, also booking a seat for the cello, a spokesperson for the cellist told The New York Times.

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However, Mr Kanneh-Mason said that they were given conflicting information by the airline, which resulted with staff denying their boarding with the cello at the gate.

Mr Kanneh-Masons cello is no ordinary instrument. It was made by Venetian luthier Matteo Goffriller more than 300 years ago and was given to Mr Kanneh-Mason in 2021 on an indefinite loan. It is believed to be worth around 3m ($3.1m), according to a video from Genrman broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

Air Canada told the newspaper that it regretted that the musicians had not been able to travel as planned and that it would be in contact.

Air Canada has a comprehensive policy of accepting cellos in the cabin when a separate seat is booked for it, it said in a statement. In this case, the customers made a last-minute booking due to their original flight on another airline being cancelled.

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Air Canada states on its website that musical instruments can have their own seat purchased for them so long as they meet its size requirements, but the passenger must contact its reservations team as soon as theyve booked the flight, or at least 48 hours prior to departure.

The number of instruments that can be accommodated on a flight is also limited.

Mr Kanneh-Masons management team EMM Ltd/IMG Artists told CNN that situations like these for professional musicians are frequent and extremely frustrating.

It seems that we can arrange and provide all the necessary tickets, required specialist cello bookings, visas, proof of engagements and yet all too regularly there is an inconsistency of experience and training with booking systems and ground staff at airports, it added.

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We would welcome some constructive discussion with the airline industry body. Whilst Air Canada has now at least refunded all the tickets, we have yet to receive any form of apology for their error which led to over a thousand people having their concert tickets cancelled that evening, it said.

This is not the first time Mr Kanneh-Mason has had to deal with flight disruptions due to manoeuvring his instrument across borders.

In September 2023, he called out British Airways on social media after he was denied boarding with his cello despite confirming two tickets with the airline beforehand.

A spokesperson for British Airways later said that Mr Kanneh-Masons experience was due to an error.

The Independent has contacted Air Canada for comment.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
A Georgia appeals court has disqualified Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from heading the states RICO prosecution against Donald Trump and several of his allies over their alleged attempts to interfere with Georgia 2020 election results.

The decision is another blow to Georgias efforts to try the president-elect for his role in the attempted manipulation of the vote. The prosecution was already in peril given the Supreme Courts presidential immunity ruling earlier this year, and controversy over an alleged improper relationship between Willis and former Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade.

In March, Georgia Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled that the allegations and evidence presented by Trump co-defendant Mike Roman in his request for Willis to be removed from the case was legally insufficient to support a finding of an actual conflict of interest. However, the appearance of impropriety remains. McAfee allowed Willis to remain on the case under the condition that Wade step down from his own involvement in the prosecution.

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Roman  along with several co-defendants in the case, including Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and Jeffrey Clark  appealed the decision.

On Thursday, the appellate court wrote in its ruling that after carefully considering the trial courts findings in its order, we conclude that it erred by failing to disqualify DA Willis and her office [] While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings.

The court further added that while they believed Willis should be disqualified from the case, there was no evidence supporting the defendants request for an outright dismissal of the case against them.

Notably, Judge Ben Land dissented from his colleagues. I am particularly troubled by the fact that the majority has taken what has long been a discretionary decision for the trial court to make and converted it to something else entirely, he wrote. Wwe have no authority to reverse the trial courts denial of a motion to disqualify. None.

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Land noted that the appeals court had sided with McAfees finding that the defendants had failed to present sufficient evidence that Willis personal relationship with Wade presented a conflict of interest to the prosecution, or that she had a personal stake in the conviction of any defendant.

Every day in courtrooms all over this state, trial judges solemnly and diligently fulfill their constitutional obligations and perform a vital and indispensable public service, he wrote. We should not lightly interfere with their work or weaken their discretion by imposing our will because we dont like the result. Because I am convinced that is what the majority has done in this case, I respectfully dissent.

The Georgia case is the last ongoing criminal prosecution against Trump in the aftermath of his November election victory. Last month, the Justice Department moved to dissolve its two cases against the president-elect  one focused on federal election interference, and the second on his alleged mishandling of classified documents. In New York, Trumps sentencing over his conviction on charges of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels has been delayed indefinitely. Earlier this week,Judge Juan Merchan ruled that despite Trumps election and the Supreme Courts immunity decision this summer, the conviction stands.

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FINDLAY, Ill. (WCIA)  Troy Uphoff of Findlay has great soil and he knows how to grow high-yield corn. His plot was entered into a nationwide contest hosted by the National Corn Growers Association; averaging over 385 bushels per acre, he won in the conventional, non-irrigated category.

He did a lot to make sure the corn in his field never had a bad day this past summer.

From the Farm: U of I Extension offers mental health resources for ag community

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It all starts with Mother Nature, and weve always got to have a little bit of luck there. Truly though, it starts with clean fields, great fertility, picking out the right plant for the right acre for the root structure, obviously, Uphoff said. And then the next steps is picking out the right variety to accelerate that yield and just see what we can do.

Uphoff added that Mother Natures contribution was good rainfall. There was between five and six inches of precipitation over the summer. There was also good drainage and cooler temperatures.

It isnt the first time Uphoff has been at the top or near the top of the National Corn Growers Associations yield contest. Hes been there consistently since 2020; Fred Below, a University of Illinois crop physiologist and corn specialist who works closely with Uphoff, said many of the contests winners repeat.

If you look at athletes, once they train for it, they tend to keep winning. And Im going to say that Troy is trained for these high yields, Below said. Hes a thirst for knowledge, so hes willing to try things and learn from it. Again, just like training to be a top-notch athlete.

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From the Farm: Corn Yield Contest Winner

Below added that this year, Uphoff beat an unofficial 40-year-old record.

In 1985, Hermann Warsaw had 370 [bushels per acre]. Wasnt an official record, I dont think we had the witnesses and the recordkeeping that goes along with the contest now, Below said. Last year, Troy had 362, which was close to Warsaw. I think hes really proud of the fact that now he broke that as well.

Troy will pick up his trophy in March when he is in Denver.

Archives of past contests, including those Uphoff has competed in, can be found by clicking here. His first contest was in 2020.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  American farmers, small business owners and wildfire survivors are among those who will suffer if Congress cannot agree on a new spending bill after President-elect Donald Trump abruptly rejected a bipartisan plan that included more than $100 billion in disaster aid.

A mayor in Hawaii is watching closely to see what happens because a potential allocation of $1.6 billion in funding is on the line. It's critical to ongoing disaster recovery efforts from the 2023 Maui fire, which proved to be the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.

I think what funding does is provides people with hope so they can plan for their future, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen told The Associated Press Thursday. And the longer we go without funding, the longer people wallow and wonder, is there a chance? Is there a path? Do I cut my losses? Do I leave?

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While money from the Federal Emergency Management Administration has provided temporary relief, the disaster recovery funding was intended for long-term needs such as housing assistance and rebuilding infrastructure, he said. The historic town of Lahaina is still struggling after the August 2023 fire killed at least 102 people and leveled thousands of homes, leaving behind an estimated $5.5 billion in damage.

The money is also urgently needed after Hurricanes Helene and Milton slammed the southeastern United States one after the other this fall. Helene alone was the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Katrina in 2005, killing at least 221 people. Nearly half were in North Carolina where flooding and winds caused an estimated $60 billion in damage.

Im tracking this bill like a hawk right now, to be honest, Asheville Tea Co. founder and CEO Jessie Dean said. I think a lot of us are.

Flooding from Helene in September washed away the company's building along with all of its equipment and inventory. Her small business employs 11 people directly and also works with small farmers in the area to supply the herbs for its teas.

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On Thursday, Republicans released a new version of the bil l to keep the government operating and to restore the disaster aid with Trumps support. But it was rejected by the House of Representatives. The next steps are uncertain.

I realize there are other distractions that are going on, but I would just bring everybody back to their commitment to help disaster survivors, said Bissen, Maui's mayor. And thats really all this is. We have a proven and established, legitimate disaster that took place. And we are coming up on 16 months, which no other disasters ever had to wait that long for.

In Asheville, Dean is extremely grateful for support the business has received from customers and nonprofits that is helping it stay afloat right now, but more is needed. So far she has received no money from the U.S. Small Business Administration after applying for a disaster relief loan. Neither have any of the other business owners she knows.

In day to day life right now, I'm talking to friends every day who are struggling with the decision around whether or not to continue to run their business, whether or not they can," she said.

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Many farmers are in the same boat, since about $21 billion of the disaster aid in the earlier version of the bill was assistance for them.

Without federal disaster money right now, or without some assistance, people like me will not be farming much longer, Georgia pecan farmer Scott Hudson said. He farms 2,600 acres (1,050 hectares) of pecans across five counties in southeastern Georgia that were hammered by Hurricane Helene.

We lost thousands of trees that will be decades before they are back to where they were the night before the storm, he said. And we lost upwards to 70% of the crop in certain counties.

Some of his fellow farmers fared even worse.

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Whether youre a Democrat or Republican, the farmers need this money, he said. American ag needs this money ... not to be profitable, to just stay in business.

People like retired engineer Thomas Ellzey are also counting on disaster aid. He has been living in a mud-filled house in Fairview, North Carolina, for almost three months. Although he pre-qualified for a low-interest loan from the SBA that helps homeowners rebuild, officials have told him the agency does not have the money and is waiting on Congress to act.

Ellzey is 71 years old and said he budgeted carefully for his retirement, trying to prepare for every possible emergency that could come up once he stopped working. But he couldnt have predicted a hurricane, he said.

Everything I owned was paid for, including my cars, the house, the land. I had no bills, he said. Going back in debt is kind of rough at my age.

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The earlier version of the spending bill included included funding for low-interest loans for businesses, nonprofits and homeowners trying to rebuild after a disaster; money for rebuilding damaged roads and highways; and funds for helping communities recover through block grants administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The block grant money is one of the key funds for homeowners who dont have insurance or enough insurance recover from disasters.

Although hurricanes Helene and Milton are the most recent large natural disasters to hit the U.S., a lot of the money was intended more generally for relief from any major disaster in recent years, including droughts and wildfires.

Stan Gimont is senior adviser for community recovery at Hagerty Consulting who used to run the community development block grant program at HUD. He noted that the country is still paying for disasters that happened while it simultaneously prepares for events that will happen in the future.

The Maui fire is a clear example.

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It took a year to clean that up and to get it to a point where they have removed all the debris, all the toxic materials and the burned up cars, whatever was in those houses, Gimont said. So even though that event occurred in the past, the bills for that are going to come due in the future.

___

Willingham reported from Charleston, W.Va., and Kelleher reported from Honolulu. Rebecca Santana contributed from Washington. Gary Robertson contributed from Raleigh, N.C. Videojournalist Brittany Peterson contributed from Denver.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The Knoxville Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Thursday on Washington Pike. Officers initially responded to a reported gunshot victim at the North Hills Apartments on Orchard Avenue.

KPD said one person had died and another person was injured in the incident. The victim, who died, was identified as Ernest Glenn, 38 of Knoxville. KPD added that the injured victim remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. KPD said the shooting is believed to have been targeted.

According to KPD, officers responded at around 3:40 a.m. and spotted a vehicle that had crashed into a fence in the 2900 block of Washington Pike.

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Gatlinburg Parade 2024: Watch the annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

The driver, an adult man, was found unresponsive and suffering from at least one gunshot wound, KPD stated in a news release. Responding officers and KFD personnel attempted life-saving care but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

KPD said the officers who continued to the site of the initial call at the North Hill Apartments found another gunshot victim, also an adult man. That victim was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center with serious injuries.

It is believed that the shooting occurred in the 2900 block of Washington Pike and the second victim fled from the scene into the North Hills Apartment complex to seek help, KPD stated. There is no suspect information at this time and the investigation remains in the early stages. That investigation is being led by the KPD Homicide Unit.

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Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at 865-215-7165.

There are multiple ways you can provide anonymous information to Crime Stoppers. You can call 865-215-7165 or **TIPS, and go online at www.easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org, via the free mobile app, P3 Tips, or the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers Facebook page. Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward.

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TOKYO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Major Japanese carmakers Honda Motor and Nissan Motor will enter negotiations toward a merger, joining their resources to face fierce foreign competition in a rapidly changing automobile industry, local media reported Wednesday.

Japan's second and third largest automakers are considering operating under a holding company, and soon will sign a memorandum of understanding, Nikkei Asia said, citing sources close to the matter.

Their respective stakes in the new entity, as well as other details, will be decided later.

The report also said that Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan is the top shareholder, might join the grouping, forming the world's third-largest auto group with combined sales reaching around 8 million vehicles.

Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi confirmed the report in nearly identically worded statements released later in the day, saying they are considering a number of options including the plan mentioned in the press reports.

Nissan said that it is considering various aspects of future collaboration with Honda and Mitsubishi Motor, "but nothing has been decided at this time."

Honda and Nissan agreed in March this year to commence a feasibility study on a strategic partnership in EV production and software technologies to cut costs and improve competitiveness, with Mitsubishi Motors joining the talks in August, according to Nikkei Asia. 
The person killed in what police called a mass shooting in Maryland on Tuesday, Dec. 17, has been identified.

Charles Graham Jr., 26, was pronounced dead at the scene in Towson, Md., where responding officers found multiple victims near a vehicle engulfed in flames, around 7:15 p.m. that day, Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said at a press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

McCullough said that eight other people appeared to have had gunshot wounds, while a ninth appeared to have been hurt, but not by a gunshot. All of the wounded victims, who are between the ages of 14 and 27, were transported to area hospitals, according to McCullough.

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Police referred to the incident as a mass shooting and are investigating what led to the vehicle crashing with all 10 victims inside.

Related: 1 Dead and 9 Others Hospitalized in Maryland Mass Shooting

Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto via AP Authorities at the scene of the mass shooting in Towson, Maryland on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Authorities at the scene of the mass shooting in Towson, Maryland on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

We do not believe this was a random act of violence, McCullough told reporters while also saying that investigators are not ruling out the possibility that the incident was retaliation for a recent fatal shooting that occurred in the same area.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The shooting McCullough is referring to claimed the life of 19-year-old Andrew Blessing on Dec. 9, per a police press release. No arrests have been made in connection with the case.

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The Andrew Blessing homicide occurred not far from yesterdays shooting and it's an ongoing investigation, McCullough said. At this point nothing has been ruled out.

The Tuesday shooting also remains under investigation and police have yet to make any arrests.

Authorities are urging the public to contact police with any information related to the incident by calling 410-887-4636 (INFO).



Read the original article on People
LOS ANGELES (AP)  FBI agents searched the home of a Los Angeles deputy mayor this week as part of an investigation into whether he made a bomb threat against City Hall, officials said.

A statement from the office of Mayor Karen Bass said she was notified of Tuesday's search at the residence of Brian K. Williams, her deputy mayor for public safety, as part of an probe into an alleged threat.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that officers responded "earlier this year" to a bomb threat against City Hall.

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Our initial investigation revealed that the source of the threat was likely from Brian Williams, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety," the department said in a statement Wednesday. "Due to the Departments working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI. The FBI remains the investigating agency.

Williams attorney, Dmitry Gorin, told the Los Angeles Times that his client strongly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations.

Zach Seidl, a spokesperson for Bass, said Williams has been placed on administrative leave.

The Mayor takes this matter very seriously, Seidl said in a statement. When the threat was reported, LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger. Following additional investigation, LAPD referred this matter to the FBI for further investigation.

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Messages were left Thursday for FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller.

Williams has not been arrested or charged and Gorin said his client was cooperating with investigators.

He has a lengthy career of public service and is presumed innocent of these allegations," Gorin said.

Williams has spent nearly two years as a deputy mayor in Bass office, working on issues such as police hiring, public safety spending and the search for a new police chief.

He was also a deputy mayor from 2001 to 2005 during the administration of Mayor James K. Hahn. Before that, Williams spent several years an assistant city attorney in Los Angeles, the Times said.
A 35-year-old man's death is being investigated by the FBI after he was reportedly bound by crew members while aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship that docked in Los Angeles.

According to a passenger who spoke with Fox 11, the man was bound with zip ties and hit with pepper spray by crew members on Friday after he allegedly became unruly. The cruise ship was traveling from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico, when the incident occurred.

Passenger Christifer Mikhail said the man appeared intoxicated and violent.

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"The gentleman that was drunk said he was going to kill us," Mikhail told the news station. "He started chasing us down the hallway."

Video of the incident showed a man kicking a door to reportedly attack a crew member. He also spewed profanities and made racist comments, according to Mikhail.

Later in the video, multiple uniformed crew members are shown crowded around a person lying on the ground in a carpeted hallway. The man was on the cruise with his fiancee and young son, reports Fox 11. He died Friday aboard the Navigator of the Seas ship and there was no immediate information about a cause of death.

In a statement to the news station, Royal Caribbean Cruises said they are "saddened by the passing of one of our guests. We offered support to the family and are working with authorities on their investigation."

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An FBI spokesperson said in a statement the agency "responded to a Royal Caribbean cruise on Monday to investigate an incident that occurred on board that resulted in death. Our investigation is ongoing."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(NewsNation) The FBI is investigating the death of a passenger who allegedly became unruly on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Passenger Michael Virgil, 35, allegedly attacked two crew members on the cruise line after becoming drunk Friday, USA Today reported.

Video footage obtained by local news outlet Fox 11 shows him kicking down a door where a crew member was allegedly hiding. The passenger was later restrained by staff using zip ties, handcuffs and either bear or pepper spray, the outlet reported.

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It is unclear how the passenger died, but the FBI is now investigating.

The FBI responded to a Royal Caribbean cruise on Monday when it docked in Los Angeles and is investigating an incident on board that resulted in death, the FBI said in a statement to USA Today.

We are saddened by the passing of one of our guests, a spokesperson for the lines parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, told the outlet. We offered support to the family and are working with authorities on their investigation.

The passenger who filmed the incident told Fox 11 that he was scared seeing Virgils behavior.

The gentleman that was drunk said he was going to kill us, Christifer Mikhail told the outlet. He started chasing us down the hallway.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
The FBI is investigating an incident aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship allegedly involving an unruly passenger.

The incident took place Friday aboard the Navigator of the Seas, which was sailing from Ensenada, Baja California, to Los Angeles, officials said.

The unidentified passenger allegedly became unruly and crew members were called in, according to witnesses.

PHOTO: In this screengrab from a video, an unruly passenger aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Sea is restrained on Dec. 13, 2024. (Christifer Mikhail)

MORE: Video Deadly 'incident' on cruise ship

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A video of the incident showed crew members restraining the man on the floor with towels.

It is unclear when the man died after being restrained.

PHOTO: In this March 2, 2021, file photo, Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Sea cruise ship is shown docked at PortMiami in Miami, Fla. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images, FILE)

"The FBI responded to a Royal Caribbean cruise on Monday when it docked in Los Angeles and is investigating an incident on board that resulted in death," the FBI said in a statement.

Royal Caribbean Cruises released a statement after the incident, saying, "We are saddened by the passing of one of our guests. We offered support to the family and are working with authorities on their investigation."

FBI investigating death on Royal Caribbean cruise after alleged incident with unruly passenger originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A high-ranking City Hall official who works with public safety agencies has been placed on administrative leave Thursday, two days after the FBI raided his home connected to an investigation into a bomb threat made to the building where he works for Mayor Karen Bass made earlier this year.



The Mayor's Office was notified that the FBI searched Williams' home Tuesday as part of their investigation, according to a statement from her office. "The mayor takes this matter very seriously," Deputy Mayor of Communications Zach Seidl said in a statement. "When the threat was reported, LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger."

Related: L.A. City Council Move to Protect Immigrants Before President Trump Takes the White House

The motive and nature of the alleged bomb threat was not revealed. But the allegation that an official working closely with law enforcement was "likely the source" of a public safety threat led the Los Angeles Police Department to refer to case to federal investigators in the FBI.



FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller declined to comment, saying the agency cannot confirm or deny any investigation.



"Due to the department's working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI," LAPD said in a statement. "The FBI remains the investigating agency. No additional information is being released."

Related: Mayor's LAPD Chief Pick is Being Lauded By Rank & File Cops and Community

"The mayor takes this matter very seriously," Deputy Mayor of Communications Zach Seidl said in a statement. "When the threat was reported, LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger. Following additional investigation, LAPD referred this matter to the FBI for further investigation."



Williams denied the allegation through his attorney, Dmitry Gorin, who told reporters his client "strongly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations." Gorin emphasized that Williams has not been arrested or charged and will continue cooperating with investigators through his legal team



Williams was appointed as deputy mayor of public safety in 2023, overseeing the LAPD, LA Fire Department, and other public safety departments in his role. He most recently represented the mayor at the swearing-in of the new Los Angeles district attorney a few weeks ago. In 2023, Williams - as one of 21 Deputy Mayors working in the Bass Administration - earned nearly $200,000.

Related: Mayor Bass Makes History As First Black Woman to Receive Olympic Flag at Closing Ceremonies

As a longtime civil servant, Williams has held multiple government positions in Southern California, including serving as the executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission and assistant city attorney. He was also a deputy mayor under James Hahn, who was mayor of Los Angeles from 2001 to 2005, where he oversaw transportation and public works, among other city agencies.



The Williams' investigation is the latest scandal to rock L.A. City Hall in recent years. Former City Councilor Mark Ridley-Thomas is appealing his federal conviction on bribery and fraud charges. In October, former Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison for his role in a sprawling pay-to-play scheme that also ensnared two other corrupt City Councilmembers Jose Huizar, who was sentenced to 13 years behind bars earlier this year, and Mitch Englander. Englander served 14 months in federal prison as part of a plea deal and was released in Feb. 2022.
FBI agents searched the home of a Los Angeles deputy mayor on Tuesday in connection to a bomb threat hes accused of making targeting City Hall earlier this year.

The Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement to HuffPost Wednesday that it suspects Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Brian Williams was the likely source of the bomb threat. The exact date of the threat is unknown.

Our initial investigation revealed that the source of the threat was likely from Brian Williams, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety. Due to the Departments working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI. The FBI remains the investigating agency, the LAPD statement said.

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Mayor Karen Bass selected Williams for the role in 2023, at which point he began overseeing the police department, the fire department and more. Williams has held multiple government positions, including as a deputy mayor under Jim Hahn in the early 2000s.

Deputy Mayor of Communications Zach Seidl told HuffPost that the mayors office is aware of the allegation that Williams made the threat and that he was immediately placed on administrative leave.

The Mayor takes this matter very seriously, Seidl said in a statement. When the threat was reported, LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger.

HuffPost reached out to the FBI in Los Angeles for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

Related...
The FBI needs your help finding a married couple believed to be involved in a multi-state jewelry theft operation.

Warrants were issued in Kansas for Vasile Sava and Onita Rostas in January 2024.

Both were charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.

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Investigators believe Sava and Rostas work with others to rob jewelry stores. The suspects distract the employees at the jewelry stores, while the others walk out with stolen items.

The couple may be using aliases and may be operating in California, Texas, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.

Anyone with information about where Rostas and Sava could be is encouraged to call any law enforcement agency or contact the FBI via www.tips.fbi.gov or via the National FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALLFBI.

Read: Luigi Mangione faces federal charges, arrives in New York for arraignment

Warrants were issued in Kansas for Vasile Sava and Onita Rostas in January 2024.

Read: Investigation continues after woman involved in Mathews Bridge crash found dead in river week later

Warrants were issued in Kansas for Vasile Sava and Onita Rostas in January 2024.

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The Ice Harbor Dam is located on the lower Snake River in southeastern Washington. (Courtesy of Columbia River System Operations EIS)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation announced Tuesday that they will update an environmental study on the management of federal dams along the Columbia and Snake rivers.

The agencies will prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement analyzing new environmental data that a 2020 study, which evaluated the operations and maintenance of the 14 federally managed dams throughout the Columbia River Basin, did not address.

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The new data that will be considered under the supplemental study includes a 2022 paper, Rebuilding Interior Columbia Basin Salmon and Steelhead and the 2024 Tribal Circumstances Analysis. Both identify breaching the lower Snake River Dams located in Washington as the greatest opportunity to restore salmon and steelhead populations in the basin.

The 2020 study, known as the Columbia River System Operations Final Environmental Impact Statement, implemented a plan to keep the lower Snake River dams in place. Shortly after, it was challenged in court by 10 entities  including the Idaho Conservation League, the states of Oregon and Washington, the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama tribes, and other environmental nonprofits.

In December 2023, the parties, who are represented by the environmental legal nonprofit Earthjustice, agreed to a 10-year legal pause while they collaborate on an updated fish restoration plan. Tuesdays decision to create a supplemental study is an important step in fulfilling that goal, according to a statement from Earthjustice.

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The information available now provides us with all we need to chart a successful path forward, Earthjustice Senior Attorney Amanda Goodin said in a press release. We know we can avoid extinction and rebuild salmon and native fisheries to a healthy and harvestable abundance if we commit to the centerpiece actions they need, including breaching the four lower Snake River dams and replacing their services.

Environmental groups applaud move to update study, calling 2020 study flawed

Environmental advocates say the previous 2020 study was flawed, and a revision would help restore and prevent extinction of salmon and steelhead populations.

We appreciate the decision to do a supplemental process to address these flaws and evaluate stronger measures in how we operate the hydropower system including breaching the lower Snake River dams, Sierra Clubs Snake and Columbia River Salmon Campaign Director Bill Arthur said in a press release. Extinction is not an option, and that is the trajectory we are on without stronger actions.

Today, four of the 16 salmon stocks in the Columbia and Snake Rivers are extinct. This includes Snake River coho, Mid-Columbia coho, Upper Columbia coho and Mid-Columbia sockeye.

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Additionally, 13 salmon and steelhead stocks in the Columbia River Basin are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

Federal, state, and tribal agencies have collaborated to restore salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River Basin. While some progress has been made compared to the 1990s, when annual runs in the basin declined to around 1 million fish, current numbers remain far from historic levels of 10 to 16 million fish per year. Officials are also falling short of the goal to restore 5 million salmon and steelhead to the basin by 2025.

Federal agencies have been wrong over and over about the impact of dams on salmon, Idaho Conservation League Salmon and Energy Strategist, Mitch Cutter, said in a press release. This supplemental environmental study is a chance for them to do right by tribes, river communities and anyone else who depends on the wealth of Northwest rivers for their lives and livelihoods.

Hydropower coalition calls on federal government to withdraw review, calling it misleading

A coalition of power, navigation and agriculture groups across the Pacific Northwest is urging the federal government to withdraw its decision to initiate a supplemental study of the Columbia and Snake River dams.

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The coalition, known as the Columbia Basin Regional Alliance for Transparency, includes Public Power Council, the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, Northwest RiverPartners, Northwest Requirements Utilities, and other Pacific Northwest stakeholders. The coalition is dedicated to preserving hydropower and river commerce activities across the Columbia and Snake rivers.

In a press release, the coalition said a supplemental review would be premature, unnecessary and mislead the public about the role dams have to support the economy and the environment.

Hydropower is the largest source of energy in the Pacific Northwest, providing about 50% of the regions annual energy generation, according to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

The Columbia and Snake River system also provides an efficient transportation route for moving agricultural products from Idaho, Washington and Oregon to global markets. The four Lower Snake River dams create a navigable waterway with their lock system, enabling goods to travel from the Port of Lewiston to the Port of Portland, where they are prepared for export.

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The proposed environmental review could lead to breaching federal hydropower facilities that serve as the largest source of affordable, reliable, clean energy for millions of people in the region while also providing world-class, clean river transportation for the regions and nations economies, the coalition released in a statement.

Federal agencies accepting public comment for supplemental study

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation are asking federal, local and state agencies, Native American tribes, and the public to submit comments relevant to the supplemental plan by March 20.

The agencies will host three virtual public meetings the week of Feb. 10. Details of those meetings will be posted on the project website early in the new year, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

To learn more about the project or to submit public comment, visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website.

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BARRY COUNTY, Mo.  A Neosho woman was indicted by a federal grand jury in connection to fentanyl distribution in Barry County, according to the Barry County Sheriffs Office (BCSO).

Chrystal Fanning mugshot

Chrystal Dawn Fanning, 42, was indicted for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl.

In a press release, BCSO says they collaborated with the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team (ODET) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on an investigation spanning several months into the distribution of fentanyl in Barry County.

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Historic downtown Aurora building collapses

After the investigation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped Fanning and Jared Dodge of Eagle Rock, Missouri, on Sept. 21, 2024, and discovered a large number of fentanyl pills, which were later found to weigh around 636.3 grams in total. BCSO says Fanning admitted to investigators that she was picking up fentanyl out of state and she supplied fentanyl in Barry County for a significant amount of time.

Fanning and Dodge were charged in Newton County for drug trafficking. BCSO arrested Fanning on Dec. 13, 2024, after her indictment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JAKARTA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government is speeding up efforts to ship fresh durian directly to China, a minister said here.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan led a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the preparation of the durian exports to China.

After the meeting, he said Indonesia sent durian to China in the form of durian paste, and the government plans to export fresh durian to the overseas market.

The minister said for the past years, the shipment of Indonesia's durian to China had to pass through Thailand's market, which decreased the profit for the growers. 
An ad for hydrogen powered cars is displayed in Jersey City, New Jersey at an event hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Dept. of Energy. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Editors note: The Capital Chronicle has launched a $10,000 end-of-year fundraising campaign to help us continue our first-class coverage next year. A lot is at stake, and theres a long legislative session in 2025. Were completely dependent on donor dollars, which are tax deductible. Please contribute to us if you can.

A year after naming the Northwest one of seven new regional hydrogen hubs in a nationwide competition, the U.S. Department of Energy is beginning its review of possible environmental risks of developing certain hydrogen projects and is inviting the public into the process.

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The review, announced Wednesday, will analyze any adverse effects from developing hydrogen projects and the impact of potential infrastructure, their scope, design and construction. But the assessments are only a first step and do not necessarily mean the projects will go forward and receive funding, the agency said. It is holding a virtual meeting for the public in January and will take comments until spring.

The projects involve the development and distribution of green hydrogen energy and its end users. Green hydrogen can be produced with water and used without emitting greenhouse gases. Green hydrogen energy is seen as a key source of clean energy to help reduce climate-warming emissions from sectors that currently rely on fossil fuels and are hard to electrify because of the huge amounts of energy they demand.

Learn more and submit comments

Register here to attend a virtual meeting about the hydrogen hub environmental assessment on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Submit comments on the environmental assessment process through March 23, 2025 here.

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The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub, which includes Washington, Oregon and Montana, was chosen in 2023 to receive about $1 billion in federal funding during the next decade. Companies have proposed 10 projects for the Northwest hub so far, including several hydrogen production facilities, hydrogen distribution pipelines and storage projects, and projects that would spur adoption of hydrogen-powered trucks, buses and hydrogen refueling stations, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The hydrogen produced in the Northwest could also be used to make fertilizer, and power energy-demanding processes like semiconductor manufacturing.

By replacing fossil fuels in some transportation and in hard to electrify sectors, the hub could divert up to 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year, according to the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association. Thats equivalent to removing about 400,000 gasoline-powered cars from roads annually.

But the Northwest Hub has faced challenges getting off the ground, with project developers pausing plans due to unaffordable renewable energy prices as regional rates for electricity  needed to make green hydrogen  skyrocket. Theyre also facing a lack of demand along with delays and confusion over a federal tax credit that was meant to spur investment and jump-start the industry.

Green hydrogen

Green hydrogen starts with water, which is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. Using a device called an electrolyzer, an electric current is passed through the water, causing a reaction that splits the hydrogen and oxygen from one another. The hydrogen is captured and stored. The production process requires a lot of electricity. But as long as that electricity comes from a renewable source, such as wind or solar power, the hydrogen is green and carbon neutral. When burned as fuel, hydrogen emits no carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases, just water.

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Congress is debating a spending bill that includes nearly $100 billion in disaster relief. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

North Carolina stands to lose nearly $9 billion in disaster relief if Congress fails to pass a spending bill before the end of the week, the second-largest amount of any state.

The spending plan, known as a continuing resolution, has received bipartisan support after it was introduced Tuesday by House Speaker Mike Johnson. The measure contains nearly $100 billion in disaster relief and an additional $10 billion in banking relief.

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As it stands, funding is set to run out on Saturday and could cause a government shutdown. The continuing resolution would fund the government through March 14.

But theres opposition from the incoming executive branch. President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance released a statement Wednesday demanding Congress raise the nations debt ceiling, as well as remove certain spending proposals, instead of approving the bipartisan package that had been negotiated.

House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro released a document outlining the value of investments that states could lose if the bill doesnt pass.

North Carolina could miss out on $8.748 billion that could go towards Hurricane Helene relief, according to the list. Florida, which is also suffering from the effects of Helene and Hurricane Milton, tops the list at $10.83 billion.

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The document clarifies that it is not a comprehensive list of all disaster funding programs.

DeLauros memo contains a graphic titled President-Elect Musks High-Stakes Heist, referring to billionaire Elon Musks unconventional involvement in backing Trump and influencing government decisions.

Image: U.S. House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut)

North Carolinas congressional delegation took to social media to weigh in.

If Congressional leaders intend to leave DC before the holidays without passing disaster recovery, they should be prepared to spend Christmas in the Capitol, Sen. Thom Tillis posted. Ill use every tool available to block a CR that fails Western North Carolina communities in need of long-term certainty.

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Outgoing Democratic Rep. Wiley Nickel fired back, seemingly referring to Musk: We had a bipartisan deal for aid to Western NC Thom. The Real President-Elect and Donald Trump just killed the deal.

Nickel currently represents the 13th congressional district but opted not to run for reelection due to gerrymandering. Hes the only Democrat so far to announce a senatorial bid for 2026  Tillis seat.

Democratic Rep. Deborah Ross of the second congressional district also lambasted Musks involvement.

Republicans are willing to shut down the government because the richest man in the world said he doesnt like a bill, she posted. The people elected us to look out for them and keep the government running. This isnt complicated.

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Republican Sen. Ted Budd kept it short: No CR without disaster relief for Western North Carolina.

Rep. Greg Murphy, a Republican representing the third district, expressed discontent as well. He highlighted how members of Congress and the White House are elected to their positions, as opposed to Musk.

Disaster aid and Farm aid is not Pork. Its called governing. Thats what we were all ELECTED to do, he posted.

This report has been updated to reflect a slight revision to the estimated loss for North Carolina.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A federal judge on Thursday denied a request for bond by one of two defendant in the fatal shooting of a Warren letter carrier earlier this year.

Writing for the court, U.S. Judge Donald C. Nugent said, that there is no condition or combination of conditions that could reasonably assure Mr. Sledges appearance and the safety of the community were he to be released pending trial.

Thomas Sledge, 44 and his son, Kaprise Sledge, 24, were indicted on Oct. 2 by a grand jury on charges of murder of an officer and employee of the United States and one count of discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence for the March 2 shooting death of Jonte Davis. They have been held without bond since they were arrested.

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Davis was a letter carrier for the Warren branch of the U.S. Post Office and was shot and killed while delivering mail at Olive and Washington Streets NE.

Davis had been shot while inside his U.S. Postal van by a suspect in another vehicle, reports state. Officers and EMTs performed life-saving measures on scene and he was transported to Trumbull Regional Medical Center, where he later died as a result of his wounds.

Both men have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors have not revealed a motive.

In Thomas Sledges motion for bail last month, his attorneys said he should be granted bail because he is not a flight risk because of strong family ties to the community and that the government has alleged he was not the shooter in the case, but he was driving a vehicle that was used.

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Thomas Sledges attorneys also wrote that there is only one eyewitness who has reported seeing Thomas Sledge driving and that eyewitness testimony is often unreliable.

In their response last week, the government said evidence that will be introduced at trial will show that Thomas and Kaprise Sledge planned and executed the murder of a United States postal worker. The government also said the circumstances of the crime  that Davis was shot in broad daylight on a residential street while delivering mail  also do not merit Thomas Sledge being granted bail.



Prosecutors say there is also evidence from Thomas Sledges phone that he was at or near the location where the SUV used in the shooting was abandoned and that he was in that area at the same time Karprise Sledge was there. They add there is video evidence and eyewitness testimony showing that Thomas Sledge was inside the SUV used in the shooting.

Thomas Sledge was also on federal probation for a drug crime at the time Davis was killed, the government wrote. He has past convictions for drug offences as well as attempted murder, felonious assault, being a felon in possession of a firearm and tampering with evidence.

While Mr. Sledge has family in and ties to the community and is currently employed, such factors are undoubtedly outweighed by his lengthy criminal history and the legitimate concerns that both the Government and the Court have regarding the significant danger posed to society should Mr. Sledge be released, Judge Nugent wrote. Furthermore, if convicted of murder, Mr. Sledge faces a minimum penalty of life imprisonment and is, therefore, a flight risk.

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Prosecutors are still mulling over whether they will seek the death penalty. Judge Nugent has given them until the end of December to make that decision.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Riley Moore, who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, is shown in the West Virginia Judiciary on March 8, 2023. (Will Price | West Virginia Legislative Photography)

Complicated things  like how the federal government distributes $6 trillion plus in spending, funding and allocations  over time develop into axioms so everyone involved can have a soundbite to explain the unexplainable.

Follow the money is a universal saying for investigating truth that, when applied to government, leads to the appropriators: the elected representatives on the respected committees of the same names in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Which leads to one of the best axioms in all of government, there are three political parties: the Democrats, the Republicans, and the appropriators.

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The designation beyond just party affiliation is for good reason. By virtue of having their hands directly on the government money faucets, appropriators are some of the most influential and important members of our representative democracy. Trending on social media and doing media hits is fine enough for attention, but for the truly savvy and ambitious member of the legislative branch the real power always is, has been and ever will be the ability to point the federal funding firehose at whatever political hotspot nationally or back home that is needed. Money is power, and being an appropriator puts one in charge of the biggest money pile in all the land. Being an appropriator is a much sought, usually fought over, often leveraged-into sort of position.

So it is notable that the newly elected member from West Virginias 2nd district Riley Moore was appointed to the coveted House Appropriation Committee for the incoming 119th Congress. While not unheard of for a freshman member of Congress to get on the committee of 61 out of a Congress of 435 individuals, the coveted assignment shows someone who enters the south wing of the U.S. Capitol with some considerable traction.

West Virginia will now have a brace of appropriators in Washington, with Moores aunt, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, sitting on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. Like her nephew in the house, Capito went straight to appropriations when she first reached the U.S. Senate a decade ago.

While both are Republicans, and open supporters of President-elect Donald Trump while representing a heavily pro-Trump state, there are some notable differences rhetorically. Fitting of the traditional differences in senators and house members, Moore is comfortable talking about going to Washington as part of fighting back this woke left culture thats out there while Capito usually keeps her verbiage a level or two above the current buzzwords of the day. There are also probably some generational differences there in approach, even while there is little if any disagreement on key issues between them. Anyone looking for Manchin-like levels of intraparty rebellion for legislative horse trading will be disappointed.

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Rhetoric and politics will always be intertwined, but as appropriators the old axioms of how Washington, D.C. works will be applicable to how the related half of West Virginias federal representatives are really doing their jobs. Whatever is said at the microphones, in the gaggles, in news releases, on social media, appropriators intentions are easy to discern using that universal rule of investigating truth: follow the money.

A freshman congressman will not have the pull that the fourth most powerful Republican in the incoming U.S. Senate majority has, but Rep.-elect Moore is entering Congress already seated at the big funding table. Together though, West Virginia should be well represented when it comes time to hand out funding.

The secret sauce to politics in general, and especially when West Virginia elects someone to federal office in the modern era, is to rhetorically rage at Washington, D.C. and shake ones fist at they and them of the government while getting deep enough into that government to stick the other hand as deep into Uncle Sams pocket as possible. The late Robert C. Byrd was a master of the tactic and has his name on dozens of those funded things scattered across the state. Retiring U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin learned it, with the added spin of being publicly contrarian to necessitate legislative placation. We arent sure what, if anything, Sen.-elect Jim Justice will be doing committee-wise. Rep. Carol Miller sits on the influential House Ways and Means committee, among others.

Capito has spent a decade working her way up the committee assignment and power structure ladder to be in a position to do the same. She has quietly become one of the key members of the GOP Senate, and with an incoming majority will be a major player for the legislative fights to come. Moore will now get a chance to see how he funnels money back home, based on how well he masters the politics inside the politics of congressional committees. Just getting onto that committee shows influence, but wielding his position in ways his constituents will see, and feel is now up to him and how he performs.

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West Virginias electorate is one of the reddest in America, a 180-degree political turn in the last 25 years. While the Republican Party dominates all levels of state government, West Virginia now has two elected officials designated in the most powerful political grouping funding-wise in America. In Washington, the old axiom goes, there are three political parties: the Democrats, the Republicans and the appropriators. Pay close attention to what Capito and Moore do going forward as members of the vaulted appropriator class, and follow the money that comes from their decisions and votes. And judge accordingly.

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Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, faces four new federal charges, newly unsealed court documents show.

Mangione was already facing state charges in New York and Pennsylvania, but the newly filed federal charge of murder through use of a firearm could enable authorities to seek the death penalty.

He also faces a federal firearms charge and two counts of stalking, according to the unsealed complaint, which was posted by Courthouse News Service.

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Mangione is accused of gunning down Thompson outside New York Hilton Midtown, where the CEO was set to address an annual investors meeting. The killing captivated nationwide attention as authorities for days searched for the suspect before locating Mangione at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pa.

Mangione was transported from Pennsylvania to New York on Thursday after he waived his extradition. New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) was seen escorting Mangione alongside a large group of armed law enforcement as the suspect landed in the city in a helicopter.

The new federal complaint also reveals new details about an alleged notebook Mangione possessed, saying it contained several handwritten pages that express hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular.

It purportedly included an entry dated Oct. 22  six weeks before the killing  in which the investor conference was described as a true windfall and Mangione described an intent to wack the CEO of an insurance company.

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Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mangiones attorney, said they would fight the charges in whatever court they are brought.

Earlier this week, state prosecutors in Manhattan charged Mangione with 11 counts, including first-degree murder and second-degree murder as a crime of terrorism. The first-degree murder charge carries a sentence of up to life in prison without parole.

Charging papers cast the alleged murder as an attempt to intimidate or coerce civilians and influence the policies and conduct of the government.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) said the 26-year-olds alleged attack threatened the safety of local residents and tourists alike in one of the most bustling parts of New York City.

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This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation, he said.

Agnifilo accused federal prosecutors of heaping unnecessary charges on Mangione.

The federal governments reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns, she said before the charges were unsealed.

Mangione also faces charges in Pennsylvania, where police said he was captured with a ghost gun, silencer and writings expressing ill will toward corporate America on his person.

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Federal prosecutors are looking into whether to charge Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of United Healthcares CEO, two sources familiar with the matter told NBC News on Wednesday.

If federal charges are filed, the New York state murder case against Mangione would have priority, the sources said.

Mangione, 26, was indicted Tuesday on first-degree murder and other charges in the targeted killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who authorities said was shot from behind as he walked on a Manhattan sidewalk on Dec. 4.

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New York police said Mangione targeted Thompson, possibly because of the size of the private health insurance company he led. United Healthcare is the largest private health insurer in the United States.

Mangione was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, in addition to counts of second-degree murder and other counts.

In New York, a first-degree murder charge needs a special circumstance beyond intent, like the killing of a witness, being a murder for hire, the killing of a police officer or the killing of someone in furtherance of terrorism.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo, one of the attorneys representing Mangione on the New York charges, said Wednesday night that they are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.

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The federal governments reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns, she said.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Tuesday that the ambush killing of Thompson was "intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation."

Mangione, wearing a hooded a jacket and a mask, waited for nearly an hour near a hotel for Thompson to arrive and then shot him from behind with a 9 mm handgun equipped with a suppressor at around 6:45 a.m., Bragg said.

Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 9 after he was recognized from security photos New York police and the FBI distributed.

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He is being held in Pennsylvania and has contested extradition to New York. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the federal prosecutor's office in Manhattan, declined to comment.

Representatives of the FBI and the New York Police Department also declined to comment.

If he is convicted of either first-degree murder or second-degree murder as an act of terrorism, Mangione could face up to life in prison without parole, Bragg said. If he is convicted of a normal charge of second-degree murder, the maximum sentence is 25 years to life, Bragg said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A potential government shutdown is looming after President-elect Donald Trump rejected a bi-partisan bill to keep it open after the new year.

Trump is now urging Republicans to renegotiate days before the Friday deadline.

Many federal workers in the DMV are scrambling right before Christmas.

Federal employees live paycheck to paycheck so yes were going to hurt, said Jesus Soriano, who is a federal employee in the DMV and serves as president of the American Federal Government Employees Local 3403 union.

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Soriano represents more than 1,000 local federal employees who now dont have a Christmas.

Were going to have a hard time paying our rent, paying our mortgages, buying groceries, said Soriano. But the problem or the issue is not about us. Its about the public we serve.

Work begins on the $800 million renovation of Capital One Arena

Republicans scrapped the spending bill after President-elect Donald Trump rejected the billurging them to renegotiate.

Im a definitely lean no, said Representative Mike Collins.

I was a no before I even came into Washington, D.C. this week, said Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.

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Democrats in the DMV criticized the move.

Two billion dollars for the Key Bridge, which is critical for commerce here in the mid-Atlantic region thats off the table, said Maryland Congressman Glenn Ivey.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore also weighed in.

Were coming up on the Holiday season and there are families who are receiving word that we are on the verge of a government shutdown which fundamentally will support no one in any of our communities, said Governor Moore.

Mayor Muriel Bowser commented on the shutdown during a press conference about the RFK Stadium earlier Thursday.

Im hopeful that all of our officials are laser-focused on not closing the government five days before Christmas, said Mayor Bowser.

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Meanwhile, the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) is offering to help the estimated 27,000 D.C. service members by providing zero-interest loans and relief options to help them get through the shutdown.

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Federal prosecutors could seek the death penalty in new charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

The former Ivy League student will reportedly face federal charges as well as the terrorist murder indictments already filed by state prosecutors in New York.

While capital punishment has been outlawed in New York for 20 years, federal charges open the possibility for the Justice Department to green-light a parallel death penalty prosecution.

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The New York Times quoted three sources with knowledge of the development as saying a federal case will be pursued through the U.S. attorneys office for the Southern District of New York. However, it wasnt clear exactly what additional charges Mangione, 26, will likely face.

The defendant is already facing a first-degree murder charge and two counts of second-degree murderwith two of the counts upgraded to murder as an act of terrorismover the Dec. 4 slaying. If convicted on those state charges, the worst punishment Mangione can face is life in prison without parole.

A decision over whether to seek Mangiones execution in the federal case is unlikely to be made before Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office next month, the report said.

In a statement to the Times, Mangiones attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said the federal move would raise questions over her client facing possible double jeopardyreferring to the constitutional bar on trying people twice for the same offense.

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The federal governments reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns, she said. We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.

The U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan has been contacted for comment. The US Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

ICYMI: Watch here as D.A. Bragg and @nypdpc announce the indictment of Luigi Mangione for the first-degree murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside of the Hilton Hotel in Midtown. pic.twitter.com/8GWQdRAsMk  Alvin Bragg (@ManhattanDA) December 18, 2024

Danielle Filson, a Manhattan district attorneys spokesperson, told the Times: The state case will proceed in parallel with any federal case. This defendant brazenly shot Mr. Thompson point-blank on a Manhattan sidewalk. The Manhattan D.A.s office, working with our partners at the N.Y.P.D., is dedicated to securing justice for this heinous murder with charges of murder in the first degree.

Prosecutors say Mangione waited for the health-care company CEO to attend an investors meeting before shooting him in the back and leg and fleeing on an e-bike. He was arrested five days later at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Dec. 19Two federal agencies that operate dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers are reopening a 4-year-old study that rejected dam breaching to help save wild salmon and steelhead.

The Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation plan to update the 5,000-page Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement to consider new information that has emerged since the document was finalized in 2020.

The study that looked at the 14 federal dams on the two rivers to measure their impact on salmon and steelhead concluded that breaching the four lower Snake River dams would help the fish but the resulting reduction of regional hydropower generation and the elimination of tug-and-barge shipping between Lewiston and the Tri-Cities would be too costly.

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Instead, the federal agencies adopted a plan that banks on spilling water at the dams combined with other actions to prevent threatened and endangered wild Snake River salmon and steelhead from blinking out.

Soon after, the Nez Perce Tribe, Oregon and conservation groups sued the government charging the plan did too little to help the fish. It was the latest round in a decades-old legal fight between the wild fish advocates and the federal government.

That battle took a new turn when the Biden administration agreed to settlement talks with the plaintiffs that eventually led to a 5-to-10-year pause in the litigation and greenlighted studies and alternative energy development efforts that could pave the way for future breaching of the Snake River dams.

One part of the agreement included a commitment by the government to consider updating the 2020 environmental impact statement on the dams to wrap in new developments, such as the recent restructuring of the 60-year-old Columbia River Treaty that will change the way spring flood risk mitigation is managed; the federal government's tribal circumstances report released in June that said development of the dams caused substantial and ongoing harm to Native American tribes in the basin; a 2022 NOAA Fisheries report that said wild Snake River salmon can't be recovered to healthy and harvestable levels without dam breaching; and a series of studies that are just getting underway that are part of the settlement agreement and generally examine ways to replaces services provided by the dams if they were to be breached.

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"It's clearer than ever that we need a major course change, with new information showing many salmon populations in the basin hovering near extinction," said Earthjustice Senior Attorney Amanda Goodin in a news release. "The information available now provides us with all we need to chart a successful path forward. We know we can avoid extinction and rebuild salmon and native fisheries to a healthy and harvestable abundance if we commit to the centerpiece actions they need, including breaching the four lower Snake River dams and replacing their services. We also know we have no time to lose."

Shannon Wheeler, chairperson of the Nez Perce Tribe, said a new look at the issue is critical and a chance to boost salmon recovery.

"We are reassured to see strong support in the Northwest that no salmon extinction occurs on our watch. This should be a fundamental feeling for all people in the Northwest and we are hoping it is."

Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM

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The 2020 study was completed in the waning days of President Donald Trump's first term in office. With the former president poised to return to power next month, it's unclear how reopening the document will proceed or how long it will take to update.

A coalition of dam supporters that includes representatives of the agricultural, shipping and power industries is asking the federal government to backtrack on its decision to reopen the document, calling it "premature and unlawful."

"The justification for this study is not clear and won't help any of the economic challenges millions of people in the Northwest including those in Idaho face from rising energy costs," said Clark Mather, executive director of Northwest River Partners.

If the nation and region are to meet challenges posed by rising energy costs and forecasted growth in demand for electricity, hydropower will play a critical role, according to the coalition that also argues salmon numbers have improved and that climate change poses a bigger risk to the fish than dams.

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Breaching the four lower Snake River dams would reduce the regional output of the Columbia River hydropower system by about 900 average megawatts and end tug-and-barge shipping between Lewiston and the Tri-Cities that farmers rely on. But salmon advocates and many scientists say it would lead to a four-fold increase in wild Snake River salmon and steelhead and allow the region to meet its salmon recovery goals.

Prior to 1850 and the over-exploitation of the runs by commercial fishing followed by development of the hydropower system as many as 16 million wild fish returned to the Columbia River Basin annually. By the 1990s, that number dipped to about 1.3 million, according to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Over the past two decades the return has climbed to 2.3 million.

But today the returns are dominated by largely unprotected hatchery fish while wild fish that spawn in the mountain streams of central Idaho, southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon struggle. For example, this year an estimated 7,500 wild Snake River spring chinook returned past Lower Granite Dam, according to the Nez Perce Tribe. Work by the tribe indicates that about 40% of the spring chinook populations that spawn in Snake River tributaries are so low they are deemed to be quasi-extinct.

"The reality is the federal agencies have never truly made visible the devastating effects of the dams on mainstem Snake and Columbia rivers have had and continue to have every day on the treaty obligations to Columbia River tribes and the Nez Perce Tribe. I think it's time for those consequences and those effects to be revealed and to truly guide agency decision making," Wheeler said.

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While the Biden administration has been more engaged in efforts to recover the fish than previous administrations, it has not formally endorsed breaching. In 2021, Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho released a $33.5 billion plan to breach the four dams and mitigate affected communities and industries. The idea, which has not been written into legislation, lacks support from his colleagues and has been countered by Republicans in Idaho, Washington and Oregon with bills to protect the dams.

The Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation published a notice of intent to update the study in Wednesday's issue of the Federal Register. The two agencies are collecting public comments over the next 90 days and plan to hold public meetings on the effort in February.

Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com.
Our sponsors, Three Mountain Roofing and Vermont Federal Credit Union have done quite a bit of heavy lifting to make this drive possible. All of todays donations collected at City Market on Burlingtons south end will go directly to the Vermont Foodbank for immediate use across the Green Mountain State.

One of Three Mountain Roofings owners, Alisa Anderson, expressed how much they love being a part of this event because it speaks to their overall mission as a company. Three Mountain Roofing even had some of their staff members helping with donations today and it brought a big smile to everyones faces. Alisa said, we focus on community and More Than Roofing is one of the programs we have and the food shelf is part of that. It fits right in with our core values. Alisa also mentioned, to collect food for people who need it, its a basic need and basic needs need to be covered and were glad to be a part of that.

Three Mountain Roofing and Vermont Federal Credit Union both really showed up and showed out for this event. The Vice President of Marketing for the Vermont Federal Credit Union, Peter Winch, spoke to how involved they are with this event and what it means to their membership along with the communities of Vermont. He says, theyre excited and will be here today and will help as people come in. Mr. Winch notes, they do enjoy it and its a fun experience. Peter also wanted to note that if you cannot make it down to donate at City Market today, there are donation bins that will be located at their eight different branches in Vermont right up until a day or two before Christmas.

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The beneficiary of all of your donations from todays Feed A Family event will go directly to the Vermont Foodbank and they are very excited about it because needs have only grown in the Green Mountain State this year. Sarah Keblin, the Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Vermont Foodbank, mentions that just one dollar can help the Foodbank buy up to four dollars in groceries just because of the sheer power of buying in bulk. Whether its cash or non-perishables, Sarah says its all important and will most certainly be used. When talking about the cash donations, Sarah adds, even when we get donated foods theres a cost to storing, distributing, and moving that food around. It helps us collect lots of donated food, as well.

Lastly, we wanted to highlight the help City Market has provided us for this event with not only loaning out their space for the event but also pre-bagging items to make the donation process easier. Cheray MacFarland, the Director of Community and Marketing for City Market, says that its just easier for people to donate if they dont have to think about it. Cheray explained the process of the pre-bagged items for donation by saying, all you have to do is grab a ten dollar bag, bring it to check out, and the donation will go directly to the Vermont Foodbank.

Again, we cannot thank you all enough for supporting our 2024 Holiday Feed A Family Food Drive. We have raised lots of food and funds for communities fighting food insecurity across the North Country, Vermont, and New Hampshire. We hope to see you down at City Market with a donation or two until 7 PM tonight. Thanks again for making a difference in your community!

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COLOMBO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- China and Sri Lanka expressed willingness to jointly advance high-quality development of Belt and Road during meetings held here between Sri Lankan leaders and a senior Chinese political advisor.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met with Qin Boyong, vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, executive vice chairperson of the Central Committee of the China National Democratic Construction Association, on Wednesday and Tuesday, respectively.

Qin said China was willing to deepen the high-quality development of Belt and Road with Sri Lanka, and practical cooperation under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, to push forward their strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and a lasting friendship.

The Sri Lankan leaders thanked China for its assistance to the economic and social development of the country, saying that the new government will firmly adhere to the one-China principle and is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with China, jointly build the Belt and Road with high quality and deepen cooperation in various fields.

Qin, whose delegation visited Sri Lanka from Monday to Thursday, also met with Sri Lanka's parliament speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. 
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (KRQE)  The FEMA New Mexico Joint Recovery Office will participate in a New Mexico Workforce Connection job fair in Las Vegas, New Mexico, on Dec. 19. The organization is looking to fill full-time positions at several locations in Santa Fe, Mora, and Las Vegas.

The positions range from claims navigators to lead claims navigators, team supervisors, administrative support team chiefs, quality control team members, and operational data analysts.

Story continues below

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The fair will be on Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 833 Grand Ave., Las Vegas NM.

Staff will be available to receive resumes, answer questions, and have on-the-spot interviews.

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State Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, will become the next director of the Department of Children, Youth and Families. (Legislative Support Services)

State Rep. Tana Senn will be the new head of the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson on Wednesday announced Senns appointment to lead the agency, which manages a host of early learning and child welfare programs. It is also responsible for the states juvenile detention centers.

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Senn takes over for director Ross Hunter who has been under fire in the past year over his management of the agency. Lawmakers called for Hunter to step down in July. Around that time, the department faced criticism over its decision to suspend intakes at two state juvenile detention facilities due to overcrowding.

Senn, a Democrat from Mercer Island, has served in the state Legislature since 2013. Her work has focused on improving education and increasing access to child care and youth mental health services. She helped craft the Fair Start for Kids Act, which passed in 2021 and made record investments into child care and early learning.

Supporting kids and families has been a longstanding priority of mine, Senn said in a statement. After more than a decade of shaping policy in this critical space, I am honored to be asked to serve as secretary of the Department of Children, Youth and Families and look forward to creating direct, meaningful impact for our most vulnerable communities.

In the Legislature, Senn has also worked on laws to close gender wage gaps and require zero-emissions school buses in districts across the state.

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Before joining the Legislature, Senn worked in government relations and communications for 15 years. She has a bachelors degree in education from Washington University in St. Louis and a masters in public policy and administration from Columbia University. She currently serves as the co-president of the National Association of Jewish Legislators.

Tana Senn is a well-respected, innovative leader on issues related to supporting Washington children and families, Ferguson said in a statement. I am thrilled that she will serve as Director at DCYF and confident she will ensure this critical state agency works better for the kids and the families of our great state.

Senns appointment starts Jan. 15. Her resignation from the Legislature will trigger a replacement process, with the King County Council giving final approval for another Democrat to take her seat. The 41st Legislative District, which she represents, is a safe Democratic seat. She won reelection in November with 67% of the vote.
Jay-Z and Roc Nation are the subject of a new lawsuit filed by celebrity lawyer Tony Buzbee.

Buzbee filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in Harris County, Texas. The lawsuit accuses Jay-Z and his record label of violating Texas law by offering money to Buzbee's former clients in exchange for suing his practice, Buzbee Law Firm.

Buzbee is the lawyer for the woman accusing Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs' of raping her when she was 13. He filed a lawsuit on behalf of the accuser in New York in October and later added Jay-Z to the complaint. The 55-year-old rapper filed a countersuit in Los Angeles in November.

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The Roc Nation founder also denied the accusation and claimed the assault never happened. The music mogul's lawyer, Marcy Croft, was also named in the lawsuit.

Roc Nation Issued A Statement Regarding The New Lawsuit

MEGA

Roc Nation issued a statement calling the new lawsuit "baloney," USA Today Reports.

"Tony Buzbee's baloney lawsuit against Roc Nation is nothing but another sham. It's a pathetic attempt to distract and deflect attention. This sideshow won't change the ultimate outcome and true justice will be served soon," read the statement.

Croft also issued a response to the outlet.

"Tony Buzbee has now conjured up fantastical allegations against me and my firm  well-known corruption fighters  in a desperate attempt to distract from his mounting legal woes," she said. "We look forward to addressing these false allegations and having them dismissed."

New Lawsuit Alleges A Conspiracy

The lawsuit claims that a "conspiracy" headed by the "Song Cry" artist Roc Nation and Croft offered Buzzbee's client $10,000 to sue his firm.

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According to the Los Angeles Times, the complaint accused the trio of sending fraudsters pretending to be Texas state employees with "fake badges. "

"Many times the investigators used fake names, or flashed badges or credentials but would not let the clients see them," says the lawsuit. "During some of the contacts, the investigators were pushy, and in at least two, they pretended to be acting on behalf of the State of Texas."

"These folks have stooped to a new low to try to intimidate the lawyers of the Buzbee Law Firm from doing their important work," said Buzbee.

"This conduct was specifically targeted at our firm so we would not pursue cases related to the Diddy litigation. But, we will not be bullied or intimidated. The Defendants overstepped, got sloppy, and stupidly got caught in their illegal scheme on tape," he added.

Diddy and Jay-Z Accused Of Sexual Assault

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Jay-Z and Diddy are accused of taking turns raping the now-38-year-old woman at a party back in 2000 following the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. The Alabama woman claimed that she walked to a gas station where she called her father to pick her up after the assault.

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As previously reported by The Blast, the accuser admitted to inconsistencies in her story and said she "made mistakes" after her father said he did not remember picking her up at a gas station. She also recalled a conversation at the party with a celebrity who was later proven to be out of town and on tour during the 2000 MTV Music Awards.

Despite the inconsistencies in her story, the accuser is standing by the rape allegation. Jay-Z denies the accusation and has not been charged with any crime. In his countersuit, Jay-Z said the accuser's claim was "patently false."

"Basic facts in her narrative  the who, what, when, and where  are wrong," said the filing. "These stunning revelations make clear that the complaint filed by the plaintiff's attorney, Anthony Buzbee, had no factual basis whatsoever."

Jay-Z Is Reportedly Upset For His Family

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At a recent press conference in New York, one of Jay-Z's lawyers, Alex Spiro, said that the recording artist was "upset" for his wife and children, The Blast previously reported.

"He's upset. He's upset that somebody would be allowed to do this, to make a mockery of the system like this," said Spiro.

"He's upset that this distracts and dissuades real victims from coming forward. He's upset that his kids and his family have to deal with this. He's upset, and he should be upset."

Jay-Z Releases Statement Regarding Latest Lawsuit

MEGA

Jay-Z released a statement saying Buzbee filed the lawsuit for money and fame. He also accused him of filing a false complaint.

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"Buzbee filed a false complaint against me in the pursuit of money and fame," said the rapper.

"This incident didn't happen and yet he filed it in court and doubled down in the press. True Justice is coming," Jay-Z continued.

"This was over before it began," he noted, adding that the "1-800 lawyer doesn't realize it yet," a reference to Buzbee holding a press conference when he announced the sexual assault lawsuit and invited victims to contact him through a 1-800 number.
Troopers say a motorcyclist died following a two-vehicle crash in Volusia County.

It happened around 5 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Glenwood and Wilmhurst roads near DeLand.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, the crash involved a Honda Accord and a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

READ: Woman who killed her terminally ill husband inside hospital due in court Thursday

Investigators said the crash occurred when the Hondas driver tried to make a lefthand turn from southbound Wilmhurst Road onto eastbound Glenwood Road.

Officials said she pulled out from a stop sign and into the direct path of the bike, which was traveling westbound, causing the motorcyclist to crash into the side of the car.

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The motorcyclist was rushed to AdventHealth DeLand Hospital for treatment but did not survive.

FHP said he was a DeLand resident, age 33.

READ: FHP: Girl dies in ATV crash involving 4 teens in Volusia County

The driver of the Honda, 73, also of DeLand, suffered minor injuries, troopers said.

The crash remains under investigation.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Portland City Council held its final meeting of the year on Wednesday, marking the end of an era as a new mayor and new form of government are set to take the reins.

Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioners Mingus Mapps, Carmen Rubio and Rene Gonazlez gave their goodbyes during the final Portland City Council meeting before the citys transition to a new style of government.

Its the last time Wheeler presided over the council in a meeting as Mayor-elect Keith Wilson is set to take his place on January 1.

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James Beard Public Market gets biggest donation yet

The city council itself will also transform based on a voter-approved ballot measure in 2022, changing Portlands bureaucratic structure from a commission form of government to a representative form of government. That means the City of Portland will no longer be led by four commissioners elected at large, a system that was set up in 1913. Starting next month, 12 councilors will now lead the city, representing four districts throughout the city.

The role of the mayor will also change as the position will no longer be part of the city council and voting alongside them, as it was before. The city councilors also wont control individual bureaus, as it was with the commission form of government.

In this new form of government, the 12 city councilors will focus on creating the laws. The individual bureaus will be controlled by a city administrator, and deputy city administrators, underneath the mayors office.

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The mayor and auditors will remain as city-wide elected representatives.

Timbers, TriMet continue ride partnership for events

Mayor-elect Keith Wilson was voted into office using Portlands new ranked-choice voting system, passed in the same 2022 ballot measure as the government restructuring.

In addition, all but one of the city commissioners are leaving office  Dan Ryan will be the lone remaining member. That means three former commissioners are leaving alongside Mayor Wheeler. Its unclear where the outgoing city leaders will be working next.

Wheeler, who chose not to seek reelection after eight years in office, publicly thanked his fellow city council members Wednesday.



These commissioners have been instrumental in transitioning to this new form of government and they should be commended for their leadership during this dynamic time, Wheeler said. It was not easy. There was no clear path in terms of how to get it done. But they did it and for that reason, colleagues, you have my sincere gratitude and my thanks for your leadership.

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Mapps gave a very tearful thanks to his fellow council members and his staff at Wednesdays meeting. In doing so, Mapps said that Wheeler will be remembered as one of Portlands great mayors.



No mayor in America has faced a more daunting series of challenges than Ted Wheeler, Mapps said. Mayor Wheeler met those challenges with courage, creativity and compassion. His steady leadership during turbulent times is the reason Portland is on the rise today.



Mapps also gave advice to the incoming city council.



Disagreements amongst council members are inevitable and healthy, Mapps said. That is what democracy looks like. At the same time, I encourage new members of the council to remember (that) Portland succeeds when council works as a team. Your shared goal is not just to make a better city, but to make it a place where every Portlander can thrive.

Commissioner Ryan, who Wheeler referred to as the lone survivor, said that he plans to stay in touch with his departing coworkers. He added that he also looks forward to celebrating the formation of the new city council  Ryan was the only existing city council member to seek reelection for his own seat.



I will miss all of you deeply, Ryan said. I will do everything I can to keep us as a city moving forward, as I have the honor of doing that now with 11 other public servants.

Some of the outgoing Portland commissioners told KOIN 6 News theyre proud of getting the city through tough times like the pandemic but recognize some problems are getting worse  like homelessness, crime and drugs.

On Wednesday, Wheeler reflected on whats been accomplished over the course of his two terms in office.

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The turn-around has happened. Crime is down, economic activity is up. Liveability issues are being addressed. We now have programs to move people off the streets into permanent housing. And I like the trajectory and I hope the next city council has the opportunity to build on that legacy, he said.

Human-sized boulder strikes car on WA highway

Wheeler said hes been meeting regularly with Mayor-elect Wilson, who already has a temporary office in Portland City Hall. Wheeler hinted at a major announcement related to homelessness, something Wilson campaigned on helping to solve by quickly setting up a large number of overnight shelters.

Mayor-elect Wilson and the 12 members of the new city council will be sworn into office on Thursday, taking their seats in the expanded and renovated city council chambers on New Years Day.

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To conclude the meeting, Wheeler gave his final wish for the City of Portland.

My final wish is that the people of this city see the value of their city employees and support them and encourage them, Wheeler said. Theyre out there keeping the streets clean when theres a blizzard. Theyre out there turning the dials, making sure that clean water continues to flow. Theyre making sure that, if theres a problem in our streets, theyre there. If theres a public safety issue, theyre there. Theyre here for the city in so many different ways, I just wish the public could see what I see in terms of their true and brilliant and [selfless] leadership.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  A structure fire in Kahului on Monday evening displaced two adults but caused no injuries, according to the Maui Fire Department.

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Firefighters responded to the blaze, reported at 5:40 p.m. on December 17 on Puunene Avenue.

Units responded and upon arrival, crews extended hose lines to attack the fire and conducted searches of both the main house and an attached cottage to ensure all occupants had evacuated safely.

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Kuhio Highway crash claims the life of a Moloaa man

The fire was brought under control at 5:53 p.m. and fully extinguished by 7:01 p.m.

The fire caused significant damage to the cottage, with approximately 50% of the structure lost.

Damage is estimated at $47,000 for the cottage, though the value of other damages is still unknown.

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Two adults were displaced by the fire and have been put in contact with the American Red Cross for assistance. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  The Peoria Fire Department said a fire caused approximately $10,000 worth of damage.

The fire department responded to a call of a structure fire at 10:34 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the 700 block of Morton Street near the intersection of Northeast Glendale Avenue, said Battalion Chief Mike Ralston.

Peorias Fire Chief shares tips on fire safety

When firefighters arrived, they saw smoke and flames coming out of the house when they successfully contained the fire to the room it had started in, he said.

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The house was vacant and no one was injured in the incident, Ralston said.

He said the fire damages were estimated at $10,000.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  One firefighter has been injured while battling a working fire in Franklinton on Thursday.

The Columbus Division of Fire arrived on the scene of a reported fire at the first block of N. Central Ave. shortly after noon and put out the flame. According to Battalion Chief Scott Sanders, a resident tried to light a gas stove with a flammable liquid, leading to the blaze.

NBC4i photo by Dan Hammond NBC4i photo by Dan Hammond NBC4i photo by Dan Hammond

In the midst of putting it out, a firefighter was injured and taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition. The person was unable to extinguish the fire themselves, but was not injured.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
GARY, Ind.  Emergency crews in Gary responded to a building fire scene late Wednesday afternoon.

SkyCam9 flew above the scene at 15th and Delaware, where fire crews were seen distributing water to a building ablaze.

Photo courtesy of Breanne Stone Photo courtesy of Breanne Stone Photo courtesy of Breanne Stone Photo courtesy of Breanne Stone Photo courtesy of Breanne Stone Photo courtesy of Breanne Stone

WGN News is working on learning more. As of this writing, it is unknown if anyone suffered injuries or what may have sparked the blaze.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
A vehicle caught on fire in a grocery store parking lot in Rocky Hill on Wednesday afternoon.

The Rocky Hill Fire Department responded to the parking lot of Big Y World Class Market, located at 1040 Elm St., around 3:22 p.m. for a report of a car fire, according to Chief Michael P. Garrahy.

Firefighters found a passenger car with a rapidly spreading engine compartment fire, Garrahy said. The vehicle was parked in close proximity to several other vehicles that were being moved by bystanders, according to Garrahy.

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The vehicle fire was quickly extinguished without any damage to nearby vehicles, Garrahy said. Fire department units remained on the scene for about 45 minutes.

No injuries were reported, according to Garrahy.

The Fire Marshals Office is investigating the incident, Garrahy said.
TOKYO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- More than 33 million foreign travelers visited Japan from January to November, exceeding the current annual record high marked in 2019, government estimates showed.

In November alone, the estimated number of foreign visitors rose 30.6 percent from a year earlier to 3,187,000, bringing the cumulative total to 33,379,900 since January this year, the Japan National Tourism Organization said Wednesday.

The figure has surpassed the previous full-year high in 2019 by 1.5 million, marking a significant recovery in demand for travel to Japan, after a plummet due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If things go well, the 2024 total will surpass 35 million," Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Naoya Haraikawa told a press conference the same day. 
Video from Sky5 shows firefighters using a ladder truck and multiple tanker trucks to fight the fire, which appears to be on the top floor of the home.
PRINCETON, WV (WVNS)  WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital announced the addition of their first location in Raleigh County.

Graduate of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine trains to offer medical care to space crew

According to a press release, Rainbow Pediatrics in the Beaver area of Raleigh County will join WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital (PCH)s network of healthcare clinics, not only as PCHs first clinic in Raleigh County, but also as their second pediatrics clinic.

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The partnership, expected to be finished in the first half of 2025, will help patients at PCH Rainbow Pediatrics access pediatrics specialists throughout the state, while the team at PCH Rainbow Pediatrics stays the same. The primary physician will remain, Dr. John Fernald, MD, the founder of Rainbow Pediatrics.

This partnership represents our commitment to expanding access to high-quality pediatric care for families in southern West Virginia. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Fernald and the outstanding Rainbow Pediatrics team into the WVU Medicine family. Karen Bowling | PCH President and CEO

Graduate mental health program to be launched by Bluefield University

WVU Medicine is a highly respected health system that is leading the way in improving the quality of care throughout our state. My staff and I are eager to embrace the opportunities this partnership will bring to our patients. Dr. John Fernald, MD

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The press release stated that Fernald, who graduated from the East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine in 2001, as well as served in the army in Iraq, has more than 22 years of pediatric experience.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday a Louisiana resident is believed to have been infected with a severe case of bird flu through sick or dead birds on their property that were not part of a commercial poultry flock. In this photo, a seagull flies against a coastal backdrop. (Photo by Adrijan Mosesku/Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.)

A Louisiana resident has contracted the countrys first severe case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a human, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.

The unidentified person is believed to have been infected with the virus through sick or dead birds on their property that were not part of a commercial poultry flock, though federal public health officials declined to provide more details on a call with reporters, citing patient confidentiality. The virus is also called bird flu, or H5N1.

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Previously, the majority of cases of H5N1 in the United States presented with mild illness, such as conjunctivitis and mild respiratory symptoms, and fully recovered, Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said during the call.

Over the 20-plus years of global experience with this virus, H5 infection has previously been associated with severe illness in other countries, including illnesses that resulted in death in up to 50% of cases, Daskalakis said. The demonstrated potential for this virus to cause severe illness in people continues to highlight the importance of the joint, coordinated U.S. federal response, the One Health response, to address the current animal outbreaks in dairy cows and poultry and limit the potential of transmission of this virus to humans through animal contact.

Despite the Louisiana case, Daskalakis said on the call, the CDC believes the threat to the general public remains low.

The Louisiana Department of Health wrote in a press release posted Friday that the person lives in the southwestern region of the state and was hospitalized, but didnt provide additional information.

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Emma Herrock, communications director for the Louisiana Department of Health, told States Newsroom in an email Wednesday the patient is experiencing severe respiratory illness related to H5N1 infection and is currently hospitalized in critical condition.

The patient, she said, is reported to have underlying medical conditions and is over the age of 65.

61 confirmed cases in humans

The CDC has confirmed 61 human cases of H5N1 throughout nine states this year, but the Louisiana patient is the first severe case of bird flu in someone within the United States.

Daskalakis declined to say during the call why the Louisiana case is considered severe when a Missouri resident who was hospitalized due to bird flu was not classified the same way.

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The Missouri patient, who was admitted to a hospital in August, had significant underlying medical conditions, according to public health officials. That person experienced acute symptoms of chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness, according to the CDC.

The CDC declined to say Wednesday what symptoms the Louisiana patient was experiencing, citing privacy concerns.

Bird flu has affected wild birds and poultry flocks throughout the United States for years, but it wasnt until March that dairy cattle began becoming infected with the virus.

The dairy outbreak has affected 865 herds through 16 states this year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There have been 315 new cases in dairy cattle during the last month, with the vast majority of those diagnoses in California, while one herd each tested positive in Nevada and Texas.

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Bird flu has affected nearly 124 million poultry throughout 49 states, according to USDA.

Milk testing

Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said on the call the nationwide milk testing strategy launched earlier this month has expanded to several states.

The program requires anyone responsible for a dairy farm  such as a bulk milk transporter, bulk milk transfer station, or dairy processing facility  to share unpasteurized or raw milk samples when requested.

California, Colorado, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Washington are the 13 states currently enrolled in the program, he said.

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These states represent a geographically conversant list of states, some of which have been affected by H5N1 in dairy cows, and some of which have never detected the disease, Deeble said. Additionally, these first two groups of states represent eight of the top 15 dairy-producing states in the country, accounting for nearly 50% of U.S. dairy production. We anticipate continuing to enroll additional states in the coming weeks.

The USDA also continues to have a voluntary bulk milk testing program for any farms planning to ship dairy cattle across state lines to provide an easier pathway to establishing the herd is negative for H5N1, instead of having to test each cow individually.

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NEWARK, NJ  Unionized flight attendants who work for United Airlines held a day of protest on Thursday at airports across the nation  including Newark  as they fight for a new contract.

Dozens of flight attendants affiliated with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA marched outside of Uniteds terminal at Newark Airport, hefting signs that read Corporate Greed Doesnt Fly and Ready To Strike. In a nod to the Christmas season, the union enlisted the help of a costumed Santa, who walked alongside the fed-up flight attendants and led them on chants.

The rally took place less than a week before the winter holidays, which are expected to be one of the busiest-ever at the airport. Nearly 5.2 million passengers are likely to pass through travel through Newark, JFK, LaGuardia and New York Stewart International airports between Dec. 21 and Jan. 2, according to the Port Authority.

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The flight attendants filed for federal mediation nearly a year ago, and have been working with an amendable contract since 2021, their union said.

A spokesperson with United Airlines told Patch that the company is eager to reach the industry-leading agreement with our flight attendants that they deserve.

The ball is already rolling, the company added:

United is offering pay raises of 22.5%, new boarding pay, and many other improvements. The federal mediation process requested by the Association of Flight Attendants is expected to resume in early 2025 with the new negotiating committee named by the union on November 19.

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That isnt enough for the frustrated flight attendants, who continue to threaten a strike if their demands arent met.

According to the AWA-CWA, managements proposals include raising the requirement to qualify for medical benefits, a rollback of sick leave coverage, reducing guaranteed monthly hours, lengthen shifts, reducing rest in between shifts, increasing medical premiums and removing some medical plan options.

No other workgroup at United or across the industry has agreed to concessions, the union claimed. Its a delay tactic  period.

The flight attendants have launched repeated rallies and protests outside Newark Airport since contract talks hit a brick wall, also holding a demonstration ahead of last Christmas holiday at the busy airport.

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United flight attendants arent the only members of its crews who have been demanding pay boosts and better working conditions. Pilots have also picketed at Newark Airport in recent years after contract talks with the company stalled.

SUPPORT FROM CONGRESS

The flight attendants have picked up support from 25 United States senators, who called on United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby to return to the bargaining table to deliver a fair contract in a letter on Thursday.

The signatories included both of New Jerseys senators: Cory Booker and Andy Kim.

We encourage you to negotiate urgently to reach an agreement that recognizes these workers' vital contributions to United Airlines, the letter reads.

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Flight attendants worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic amid not only a public health crisis, but also a surge in conflict and aggression on planes, it continues. Flight attendants risked their own health and safety day after day and do the difficult, essential work that allowed United Airlines to thrive.

While United flight attendants have been working for nearly four years without a raise or any improvements to their contract, the airline has yielded billions in profits, the senators said. As CEO, you have experienced a 90 percent increase in your compensation during this time. In October, United Airlines announced a $1.5 billion stock buyback plan, even as flight attendants struggled to meet their basic needs and keep up with the cost of living.

The letter continues:

New collective bargaining agreements at United and across the airline industry have begun to reflect significant gains for workers after two decades of austerity and consolidation. We hope you agree that flight attendants have waited long enough for a contract that reflects their essential work. We urge you to personally engage in negotiations and help bring them to conclusion without any further delay.

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We will be closely following progress at the bargaining table and are eager to see a fair agreement reached soon, the letter concludes.

Photo: Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Dont forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.

Flight Attendants Picket At Newark Airport: Ready To Strike originally appeared on the Newark Patch
Flight restrictions have been imposed above 22 pieces of critical New Jersey infrastructure like power plants, amid an ongoing panic over numerous potential drones being spotted across the Northeast over the last month.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the restrictions, which bar drone flights within 400 feet of designated sites, came at the request of federal security partners. They last through January 17.

Officials in New Jersey, the center of the drone panic, said the restrictions arent enough to ease the publics concerns about the sightings.

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I think the powers-that-be are stonewalling, Mine Hill Mayor Sam Morris told PIX11 News. And I would not stop short of saying I think theyre gaslighting. Theyre trying to now tell people youre not seeing anything. And thats just not true.

Federal officials have sought to assure the public that theres nothing to fear about the drones, many of which they say are authorized flights or other types of normal aircraft being mistaken for drones.

We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement last week.

Drone rules limit flights over critical New Jersey infrastructure like power stations until January

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the department has deployed resources, personnel, and technology to monitor the sightings in New Jersey.

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Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones, he recently told ABC News. But theres no question that drones are being sighted.

We deploy personnel, technology, and, if there is any reason for concern, if we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will communicate with the American public accordingly, the secretary added.

Earlier this week, President Biden said all available information suggests "nothing nefarious.

That message of calm hasnt stopped the administration from coming in for bipartisan criticism that it isnt doing enough.

Biden administration officials insist security personnel are monitoring sightings and public has nothing to fear about drones (AP)

On Wednesday, Senate Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his frustrations after a bill stalled that would let local enforcement track the drones and enhance federal powers to respond.

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The people in New York and New Jersey have a lot of questions, and theyre not getting good enough answers, the Democrat said. The utter confusion surrounding these drone sightings shows that the feds cant respond all on their own.

Republican leaders also hammered Biden on the drones.

This is why we need Donald J. Trump back in the White House, to bring a steady hand to the wheel and a strong commander-in-chief. He would have already had the answers, House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox and Friends on Wednesday.

Since last month, drone sightings have been reported in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, and California.

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Conspiracy theories have proliferated about the aircraft, with unsupported speculation that theyre everything from Iranian drones to UFOs to a U.S. government psychological operation.

In the ensuing paranoia, citizens have taken to shining laser pointers at passing aircraft a triple the usual rate, according to the FAA, putting pilots and passengers at risk.
CRESTVIEW, Fla. (WKRG)  Florida lawmakers held a public hearing Tuesday evening at Warriors Hall to discuss priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

The event provided residents and local leaders an opportunity to address concerns directly with the Okaloosa County Legislative Delegation. State Senators Don Gaetz and Jay Trumbull and State Representatives Patt Maney and Joel Rudman were present.

Escambia County home a total loss after fire

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Local officials highlighted priorities like funding for stormwater systems, transportation improvements and mental health programs. Crestview City Manager Tim Bolduc said infrastructure is critical for managing the countys growth.

So tonight well be basically just kind of doing an overview of the importance of keeping a focus on putting money towards infrastructure projects, particularly as it relates to stormwater, water, sewer projects, Bolduc said. As we continue to grow in the state of Florida, its important that we pace it with good infrastructure.

Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner is requesting $1 million for stormwater improvements at the Mattie Kelly Outfall. The city is also seeking funds to renovate Clement Taylor Park and complete the $12 million Crosstown Connector project to ease traffic on Highway 98.

Residents raised concerns about property rights and preserving rural land.

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New Orleans Saints, Pelicans owner visits MCPSS campus, donates furniture

Property rights are a big issue, and we need lawmakers to protect our rural character and agriculture, Crestview resident Lane Watkins said.

Watkins said public input plays a key role in shaping legislative priorities.

They may not remember your name, but they remember how many people got up and talked to them, Watkins said. And if enough people talk to them about an issue, they absolutely do things about it.

Other attendees valued the event for bringing state lawmakers together in one place.

Escambia County Public Schools steps up to provide donations to Manna Food Pantries

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Because we have here with all of our elected officials, its hard to get them all in one place to hear what they plan to do for our area, Crestview resident Adeen Wincapaw said. This will be the first time Ive actually had all of our state representatives in one place telling us what they plan to do.

County and municipal leaders also emphasized the importance of protecting local decision-making authority.

Delegation members said the feedback gathered from the hearing will help shape their priorities heading into the 2025 legislative session. Residents expressed hope that their concerns would lead to action in Tallahassee.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the city of Tavares, Florida  less than an hour northwest of Orlando in Lake County  voted to remove fluoride from the citys water.

Tavares isnt the first or only Florida city to make this decision, though. On the same day, Port St. Lucie city officials decided to temporarily remove fluoride from their water as well.

These decisions come just a few weeks after Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo made an announcement in November saying that, It is public health malpractice, with the information we have now, to continue adding fluoride to water systems in Florida. And just days after Ladapo's November announcement, the city of Stuart, Florida, decided to temporarily remove fluoride from its tap water.

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Heres what to know about why the U.S. has fluoridated tap water, the pros and cons of fluoride in water and what Ladapo said in his November statement.

Why does the U.S. put fluoride in water?

According to the CDC, all water has fluoride in it, but not at levels high enough to prevent cavities, which is why the U.S. fluoridates tap water.

Fluoride combines with outer enamel tooth layers, preventing cavities by making teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. Almost all water contains some naturally occurring fluoride, but usually at levels too low to prevent cavities, the CDC says.

Many communities add a small amount of fluoride to the water supply to prevent cavities and promote good oral health.

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But having fluoridated water is not enforced by the U.S. government, which is why its fairly simple for city governments to choose for themselves whether or not they want to treat water with fluoride.

CDC does not mandate community water fluoridation. The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) recommended fluoride level is not an enforceable standard, according to the CDC.

State and local governments decide whether to implement water fluoridation. Often, voters themselves make the decision to adjust water fluoride to improve public health.

Port St. Lucie's fluoride removal: Fluoride removed from water in Port St. Lucie following state surgeon general's concerns

Is it good to have fluoride in your water?

According to the American Dental Association and the CDC, the main benefit and reason for adding fluoride to drinking water is to prevent cavities.

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Community water fluoridation is so effective at preventing tooth decay that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named it one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century, the American Dental Association says.

Fluoride is naturally present in groundwater and the oceans. Water fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride to a recommended level for preventing tooth decay. Its similar to fortifying other foods and beverages  for example, fortifying salt with iodine, milk with vitamin D, orange juice with calcium and bread with folic acid.

What are the disadvantages of fluoride in water?

According to a 2022 study published in the National Library of Medicine, too much fluoride can be a bad thing long-term.

Excess amounts of fluoride ions in drinking water can cause dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, arthritis, bone damage, osteoporosis, muscular damage, fatigue, joint-related problems, and chronicle issues, the study says.

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In extreme conditions, it could adversely damage the heart, arteries, kidney, liver, endocrine glands, neuron system, and several other delicate parts of a living organism.

And according to a 2023 study (also published in the National Library of Medicine), fluoride does have benefits, but is likely more beneficial as a topical treatment than it is by ingestion, especially if other chemicals are mixed into water fluoridation.

While fluoridating water, contamination with toxic chemicals can probably occur (i.e., arsenic). Although all suppliers are required to provide certificates of analysis and the amounts of contaminants in chemicals added to water as in some countries such as New Zealand, this is not always the case all over the world the study says.

Since the fluoride benefit is mainly topical, perhaps it is better to deliver fluoride directly to the tooth instead of ingesting it.

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Fluoridated water in Florida: Florida Surgeon General Ladapo bucks CDC, calls fluoridating water 'health malpractice'

What did the Florida surgeon general say about tap water?

In November, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo called fluoridated water a health malpractice.

According to the Florida Department of Healths statement that corresponded with Ladapos announcement, there is a neuropsychiatric risk associated with too much exposure to fluoride through ingestion, particularly in pregnant women and children. The statement said that the wide availability of alternative sources of fluoride for dental health, eliminated the need for community water fluoridation.

It is clear more research is necessary to address safety and efficacy concerns regarding community water fluoridation, Ladapo said.

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The previously considered benefit of community water fluoridation does not outweigh the current known risks, especially for special populations like pregnant women and children.

Is Florida's water fluoridated?

Yes, most of Floridas tap water is fluoridated. According to the Florida Department of Health and the States surgeon general, around 70% of Floridas community water systems treat water with fluoride.

Heres a list of the public water systems in Florida that actively fluoridate their water as of Dec. 4, according to the Florida Department of Health:

Alachua - Alachua Water Treatment Plant, GRU - Murphree Water Treatment Plant

Bay - Bay County Water System

Brevard - City of Cocoa, City of Palm Bay, City of Titusville, City of Melbourne

Broward - Bcwws 2a, Bcwws 1a, City of Dania Beach, City of Deerfield Beach, Cooper City, City of Coral Springs, Coral Springs Improvement District, Town of Davie, Fern Crest Utilities, Inc., City of Fort Lauderdale, City of Hallandale Beach, Town of Hillsboro Beach, City of Hollywood, City of Lauderhill, City of Margate, Miramar (East and West), City of North Lauderdale, City of Pembroke Pines, Plantation East and Central, City of Pompano Beach, Sunrise Sawgrass, Sunrise Springtree, City of Tamarac, Royal Waterworks, Inc., Parkland Utilities, Inc., Sunrise Southwest, North Springs Improvement District

Citrus - City of Crystal River, Inverness Water Department

Collier - Immokalee Water, Naples Water Department, Collier County Regional Water Treatment Plant

Escambia - Emerald Coast Utilities Authority

Gadsden - City of Quincy

Hendry - City of Labelle

Highlands - Sebring Water and Sewer System

Hillsborough - City of Plant City Utility, City of Tampa Water Department, HCPUD/Northwest Utilities, HCPUD/South-Central, City of Temple Terrace Utility

Indian River - City of Vero Beach, Indian River County Utilities

Lake - City of Eustis, Tavares Water Department (no longer included, as of Dec. 2024), Umatilla Water Works

Lee - City of Fort Myers Water Treatment Plant, Lee County Utilities

Leon - City of Tallahassee

Manatee - City of Bradenton, Manatee County Utilities Department

Marion - City of Ocala

Martin - City of Stuart (no longer included, as of Nov. 2024)

Miami-Dade - City of Hialeah, City of Homestead, MDWASA - Main System, City of North Miami, North Miami Beach, FKAA J. Robert Dean Water Treatment Plant

Okaloosa - City of Niceville

Orange - City of Maitland, City of Ocoee, Orlando Utilities Commission, City of Winter Park, OCUD/Western Regional Water System, OCUD/Southern Water System, OCUD/Eastern Water System, TOHO Water Authority Eastern, TOHO Water Authority Western

Osceola - City of St. Cloud, Harmony CDD, TOHO Water Authority - Poinciana System, TWA Sunbridge Water Treatment Plant

Palm Beach - Wellington Water Treatment Plant, Delray Beach Public Water System, West Palm Beach Water Treatment Plant, Palm Beach County Water Utilities, Lake Region Water Treatment Plant

Pasco - New Port Richey Water Department

Pinellas - Belleair Water Plant, Dunedin Water System, Pinellas County Utilities, Oldsmar Water System, City of St Petersburg

Polk - City of Auburndale, City of Bartow, City of Lake Alfred, City of Lakeland, City of Haines City

Seminole - Altamonte Springs Water Department, City of Lake Mary, City of Longwood, City of Sanford, Seminole County Northeast, Seminole County Southeast, Seminole County Southwest, City of Oviedo, Seminole County Northwest

St. Lucie - Ft. Pierce Utilities Authority, St. Lucie West Services District

Sumter - Sumter County

Suwannee - Live Oak Water Treatment Plant, Suwannee Correctional Institute

Taylor - Taylor County

Union - Union County

Volusia - City of Daytona Beach, City of Deland, City of Holly Hill, City of New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, City of Port Orange

Wakulla - Wakulla County

Walton - Walton County

Washington - Washington County

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida surgeon general warns against fluoride in water. Here's why
(WJW)  Ohio is one of the most recent states to legalize recreational marijuana. About half the US has legalized recreational marijuana, and more states have legalized marijuana for medical use.

So, what does that mean for you when youre flying to see friends and family for the holidays  or any other time of year?

How many local ER visits are blamed on marijuana?

Can I travel on a plane with marijuana?

The short answer is no. Most cannabis products remain illegal under federal law. Since TSA security is under federal jurisdiction, bringing marijuana through a TSA checkpoint could lead to criminal charges.

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Heres the TSAs official statement on traveling with marijuana  which applies to both carry-on and checked bags.

Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA. (See the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334.) TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law to local, state or federal authorities.

TSAs screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.

TSA notes that its employees are not trained for drug screening and that theyre looking for security threats, not drugs.

Will marijuana eventually be allowed?

The rules will likely change if marijuana is reclassified.

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Marijuana is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

Yes, marijuana can cause psychosis

In the spring, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration proposed to shift marijuana from a Schedule I drug, which includes heroin and LSD, to a less tightly regulated Schedule III drug, which includes ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

Federal rules allow for some medical uses of Schedule III drugs.

The proposed change faces a lengthy regulatory process, and theres no timeline for the change as of now.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PRAGUE, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Czech police officers intervened in central Prague on Thursday following a report of a gunman that later turned out to be false.

"Police are investigating a report that a man with a gun is heading from Letna Park to the city center. Security measures are in place at the scene, with several dozen police officers searching for the unknown man," police said on social media X around noon.

Police said they also communicated with the management of Charles University's Faculties of Law and Arts, whose buildings are in the city center near the park.

According to the Czech News Agency, students at both faculties were notified on their mobile phones about the police action around noon. About half an hour later, police announced the conclusion of the security measures, confirming the report was fabricated.

"It seems that the caller made the whole thing up. The detectives are now dealing with him on suspicion of spreading a hoax message," police added.

Saturday marks one year since the shooting tragedy at Charles University, in which a gunman killed 14 people at the university's Faculty of Arts building in central Prague. The killer later committed suicide. A further 25 people were injured in the tragedy. 
Oh well, at least ladling grotesque public subsidies to corporate film industry giants should be quite the spectacle to behold. (Photo: April Corbin Girnus/Nevada Current)

Nevada state Senate Democrats emailed out a missive Wednesday morning proclaiming that their leader, Nicole Cannizzaro, has announced a major education policy bill.

The bill doesnt exist yet. But there is an outline.

It says charter school teachers should maybe be licensed.

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Better late than later, spose.

The outline of the bill also has some preliminary language about making private schools that get public money meet some of the same assessment requirements as public schools.

Perhaps one might be excused for thinking a major public education bill sponsored by Democrats would stop giving public money to private schools altogether.

Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, meanwhile, can be expected to fight fight fight, as his Dear Leader might say, to make the public fork over even more of its money for private schools, most of which are churchy, and which the vast majority of Nevada children do not attend and never will.

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Its also easy to imagine Lombardo condemning expanded private school assessment standards and stiffer licensing requirements for charter school teachers as burdensome government regulations (a phrase Republicans love to sling around) that interfere with holy sacred school choice amen.

Extracting another beloved cliche from the Republican grab bag, Lombardo could also complain that license requirements for charter school teachers would amount to government overreach into the private entities that manage the overwhelming majority of Nevadas charter schools.

Then again, that might be a bridge too far for both Lombardo and the management firms. The charter arm of the school privatization movement prefers not to remind people that public funding provided for charter schools goes to private companies.

The Cannizzaro bill that doesnt exist yet also calls for continuing to fund raises that were funded in 2023. Because nothing says major education policy bill like continuing to do what you already did. Very innovative.

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And perhaps the most ambitious  or ambitious sounding  part of the legislative outline calls for expanding Nevadas scantly existing state-funded pre-K programs to create universal pre-K for all four-year-olds.

Many states have beaten Nevada to the punch on universal pre-K. The track record so far indicates the programs are nowhere near as encompassing as the word universal suggests. And in an echo of a problem that bedevils K-12 schools in Nevada and the nation, universal publicly funded pre-K programs in other states cant find enough people to work in them.

In other words, creating accessible and adequately staffed pre-K is not easy.

But it is costly.

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Fortunately, Las Vegas resort corporations are spending billions to build resorts in the United Arab Emirates. And only one of those corporations alone, MGM Resorts International, spent $8.2 billion on stock buybacks from 2019 through 2023  more than twice as much as the entire Nevada gambling industry paid in gaming taxes over the same period.

Such developments obviously suggest that Cannizzaro and her fellow Nevada State Senate Democrats are preparing a high-profile and aggressive public outreach campaign to win support for funding universal pre-K by explaining that now, clearly, is an excellent time to raise Nevadas lowest-in-the-nation gaming tax.

Ha ha just kidding. If there is one long-held and unshakeable policy position among Nevada Democratic legislative leadership, it is that now, clearly, is no time to raise the gaming tax, and it never is.

The major education policy bill announced by Cannizzaro isnt major.

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But it is messaging  something warm and fuzzy enough to win applause from corners of the Democratic Partys constituency while innocuous enough not to unsettle the resort or real-estate/development industries or other powerful special interests.

The forthcoming legislation Nevada Senate Democrats announced Wednesday will allow them to chant theyre for education a lot and say Lombardo is not for education if, when, and after he vetoes it. (Reminder  when state legislators meet in their regular session between February and June, it will be the last regular session before the 2026 election in which Lombardo will be seeking reelection.)

Yes, of course this Democratic legislation will be first and foremost a political instrument that gives Democrats the appearance of having a substantive agenda item while also laying the groundwork for future political ad fodder.

And yes any expansion of pre-K will be Lilliputian, treading water on salaries would happen whether this bill existed or not, and while some of the procedural shuffling and administrative juggling and systemic rejiggering that will be called for in the bill might be marginally productive, its still shuffling, juggling, and rejiggering.

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Could it all lead to some reforms so modest and mild that even Lombardo might sign them? Sure.

But unless the legislation gets strengthened substantially while being drafted (which would be pretty much the opposite of the Nevada Way), it will not be a major education policy bill. Cannizzaro, her colleagues, and their political/organizational allies may have to pretend it is. Thankfully the rest of us dont.

The plan announced by Cannizzaro this week may prove emblematic of the 2025 legislative session. Given Democratic control (but not supermajority control) of the Legislature and Republican control of the governors office, and with the election for governor and other statewide offices around the corner, the session promises to be full of sound and fury signifying a whole lot of not very much.

One potential exception is the process by which legislators of both parties, and the governor too, willingly and eagerly bestow billions of dollars of public subsidies on corporate film industry giants who neither need nor warrant public subsidies. That, at least, should be quite the shameless spectacle to behold.

A few passages in this column originally appeared in the Daily Current newsletter, which is free, and which you can subscribe to here.
PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. (WSAV)  A man whose job it once was to keep people out of jail is now behind bars himself.

Frederic Green is being accused of a murder that happened in Port Wentworth in late November. News 3 learned that Green is also facing charges in Missouri. He was arrested in Lake Saint Louis after a high-speed chase with police there on Dec. 1.

Lake Saint Louis Police received a license plate reader notification that alerted dispatch of an out of state murder suspect who had entered the city limits. Police officers located the vehicle in the area of North Henke Road and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled and refused to stop, driving erratically in excess of 120 mph. The vehicle struck a curb which damaged a tire causing it to slow and eventually come to a stop, a press release from LSLPD said.

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The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has issued a warrant for aggravated fleeing/Valentines Law with a bond set at $100,000.

In 2016, Green sat down to talk with News 3 about his passion for stopping gun violence in Savannah and encouraging crime suspects to pursue a different and better future.

I have no willpower to say no. I cant turn back that way. You know, I have too many people counting on me now, Green said in 2016.

He served several years in jail, but he told WSAV he was working on turning a new leaf. He started his own non-profit, Filling the Gaps Outreach.

WSAV confirmed with the city of Savannah that Green did serve in some capacity with the Advocates for Restorative Communities Task Force and End Gun Violence: Step Forward Program.

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Mayor Van Johnson wrote in a statement to News 3, In 2020, I appointed Frederic Green to the inaugural Advocates for Restorative Communities (ARCS) Task Force, acknowledging his experience advocating for justice-involved citizens. Mr. Green resigned from the task force in 2022 and has not been involved or affiliated with the ARCS Task Force or the End Gun Violence: Step Forward program since that time. As I have consistently stated, accountability is paramount, and everyone must be held responsible for their actions under the law. Our dedication to reducing gun violence and fostering safer communities in Savannah remains steadfast and unwavering.

Green is being held at the Saint Charles County Department of Corrections. More charges could be announced once he is back in Georgia.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Luke Ford is heading to prison.

The 35-year-old Scottish nativewho worked as Brad Pitts body double in the 2013 film World War Zwas found guilty of 19 charges involving violence, sexual assault, threats and abuse against women, according to a Dec. 18 press release from the Crown Office.

According to the release, Ford was given a 21-year extended sentence, 16 of which will be served in prison and his name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

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E! News has attempted to locate council for Ford for comment.

Ford also bene banned from contacting or attempting to contact the nine female victims prosecution says were targeted by Ford over a 12-year span from 2008 to 2020. Over this time period, Ford was found to have raped six of the victims, in addition to submitting them to physical, mental and sexual abuse, including strangulation, smashing ones head against a car window and slapping another across the face, according to the BBC.

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The outlet also reports Ford was found to have threatened the women with sharing photos hed taken of themoften taken without consentwith their employers or family if they didnt do as hed asked.

One of the rapes involved what is called stealthing, which is defined as not using a condomor removing one during intercoursewithout the consent or knowledge of the partner. His guilty verdict marks the first time an abuser has been convicted for stealthing in Scotland.

Scotland Police

According to the testimony of the unnamed victim of the stealthing, as reported in The Times, she and Ford met on Tinder in 2017 and had agreed to use a condom prior to having sex, Ford telling her it was a good idea.

However, after she handed him a condom before having sex, he later told her he hadnt used it. I was shocked and upset, she told the court, per The Times. I would not have had sex with him without a condom. I asked him to leave. I felt completely violated.

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According to the outlet, when she confronted him the next day, he dismissed her concerns, telling her, Just get the pill and if you are pregnant get rid of it.

A second, anonymous victim spoke out about Fords acting work.

He genuinely thought he was going to be the next Brad Pitt, she told STV News of Fords work on World War Z. I think there were multiple stunt doubles but the way that he spun it, it looked like he was Brad Pitts one-and-only stunt double.

Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock

She added, I honestly believe that hes a serial perpetrator and a master manipulator and theres many more victims out there. I would say its taken me a long time to get over what happened and say that life is good now.

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Following Fords conviction, Scotlands Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending Katrina Parkes spoke out about the significance of the case.

Luke Ford is a serial offender who demonstrated no respect for the consent of his victim, she said in the press release. He was prepared to use manipulation, force or threats to carry out his abuse. He showed disregard for the importance of consent between partners.

Noting the importance of being able to convict him on the stealthing charge, Parkes added, I hope that the many victims in this troubling case find some relief in Ford being held accountable for his offending. I commend them for their courage and strength. And I would urge any victim of similar offending to take confidence from Fords conviction.

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  An indictment was unsealed on Wednesday in the Southern District of Mississippi charging former Capitol Police Flex Unit officer Jeffery Walker with felony deprivation of rights under color of law.

According to court documents, Walker used excessive force against a handcuffed arrestee, identified as E.S., including the use of dangerous weapons and force resulting in bodily injury.

Mississippi family upset after President Biden commutes sentence of convicted oncologist

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On July 27, 2022, prosecutors said Walker, driving an unmarked police car, attempted to initiate a traffic stop involving E.S., who failed to stop and led Walker on a chase. During the chase, several Jackson police officers followed behind until Walker cut E.S. off, causing Walker to run into a tree and E.S. to swerve into the yard behind Walkers car.

According to court documents, an assisting Jackson police officer pulled E.S. from the car and handcuffed him without issue. Shortly after taking control of E.S., who was still handcuffed and compliant at this point, prosecutors said Walker slammed E.S. head into the hood of E.S. car, put him on the ground and kicked him in the head and face area. They said E.S. suffered bodily injury as a result of Walkers actions.

If convicted, Walker faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

The FBI Jackson Field Office is investigating the case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Dec. 18A former Cumberland County sheriff's deputy has been indicted on two felony charges tied to the alleged theft of more than $10,000 in property.

Brian Smith, 37, of Poland, was indicted by a grand jury this month on one count of theft by unauthorized taking and one count of burglary, Class B charges that each carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.

He is being prosecuted by the Office of the Maine Attorney General, which handles cases involving public officials to avoid any potential conflicts of interest that a district attorney's office might face. The office declined through a spokesperson to discuss the indictment. They typically don't discuss pending cases.

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The state alleges that between Jan. 4 and June 27, Smith took property worth more than $10,000 from three victims, according to the indictment filed in Cumberland County Superior Court. Prosecutors are also accusing Smith of illegally being in one of the victim's homes on Jan. 8 in Gray with the intent of committing theft.

A copy of the indictment did not say whether Smith knew the victims.

Smith was released on $2,000 bail and is not allowed to leave Maine before his arraignment, scheduled for early next year.

Sheriff Kevin Joyce said Smith resigned from his position as a sergeant on Aug. 1 while being investigated for a personnel issue. Smith worked for the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office for about nine years.

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The sheriff's office declined to answer questions about the case. In a statement issued Tuesday night, Joyce said the allegations in Smith's indictment are "contrary to the great work exhibited by his co-workers."

"The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office strives to hire quality employees who have good moral character," Joyce said. "However, when you hire from the human race, there are no guarantees."

Smith was placed on administrative leave over the summer, shortly before news broke that he was charged in Androscoggin County with domestic violence reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon. The charges stemmed from a report the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office received alleging Smith had fired his gun within 5 feet of a person in his backyard.

A clerk for the courthouse confirmed that the earlier case was dismissed by the district attorney's office in September due to insufficient evidence.

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Action News Jax has obtained new documents showing former Douglas Anderson teacher Corey Thayer, who was accused of inappropriate contact with students last year, had a history of complaints before ever coming to Duval.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Action News Jax uncovered those complaints in Thayers personnel file from his time working in Orange County Public Schools.

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The first complaints were filed in 1999 by multiple students, who accused Thayer of flirting with female students, and even snapping girls bra straps.

Thayer denied the allegations and the district deemed the allegations to be unfounded.

Thayer faced another round of complaints in 2005 related to a trip to Baltimore.

Witnesses accused Thayer of getting drunk at the airport, swearing, and making comments about peoples mothers and sisters.

There didnt appear to be any determination made by OCPS in that case.

The last round of allegations was filed in 2007, when several witnesses accused Thayer of sexually harassing employees at a restaurant, with some witnesses even reporting he pinched the owners nipple and used racial slurs.

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Thayer was temporarily suspended as a result of that incident and resigned shortly after, noting he was moving.

Its obviously a concern that we had hired him here in Duval County, said Vice Chair of the Duval County School Board April Carney (District 2).

Carney argued the personnel file is especially concerning, as Thayer still has a valid teaching certificate.

Shes been working to help the Florida Department of Education get up to speed on Thayers case in hopes of getting his certificate revoked to prevent him from moving on to yet another school district.

If you have a teaching certificate in the State of Florida, wherever we have reciprocity, a teacher can go and get a job in another public school district throughout the country. So, its definitely a concern to me, said Carney.

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As for how Thayer was hired in the first place given his prior record, that decision predates Carneys tenure.

But she did note improvements have been made to the districts hiring process over the last year.

And so I applaud the district for taking strides and this board for being adamant about making sure that our students are in a safe and appropriate learning environment, said Carney.

Thayer has not been criminally charged as a result of any of the allegations made against him, but he did recently reach a settlement with the district and the alleged victims family.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Decades after he fueled the crack epidemic in Washington, D.C., notorious former drug kingpin Rayful Edmond III died Tuesday in federal custody while at a residential reentry facility in Miami.

After being locked up since April 1989, he was moved from federal prison to community confinement, with a release date of November 2025.

Neighbors frustrated after teen shot near Dunbar High School, police search for suspects

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William H. Billy Murphy Jr., Edmonds trial lawyer, hasnt been in contact with his former client since the aftermath of the trial.

My reaction was, probably like everybody elses in the sense that he had been, a notorious figure in D.C. and, it was shocking to hear the news because he had been out for a while, Murphy said. So I didnt I didnt suspect foul play. I just wondered what caused his sudden death.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed Edmonds death but didnt say how he died. According to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiners Office, they didnt have a record of Edmond, saying they typically dont have a record of people who die of natural causes.

Edmonds criminal operation was linked to at least 30 murders, although none were directly attributed to him.

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He was arrested in 1989 at 24 years old, and sentenced to life in prison for his role as the leader of a highly lucrative drug trade.

Some estimates were it was as much as, $50 million a month. Some estimates even were that it was $50 million a week. So it was a tremendous amount of addictive cocaine, Murphy said.

Residents can get help clearing sidewalks with DC Volunteer Snow Team

The lawyer said he worked closely with Edmond during the trial.

What struck me about him was that he was brilliant, first of all. Second of all, he was charismatic. Third of all, he was a master at running a complex business operation thats one of the most difficult operations of any kind to run, and thats the illegal drug business and all the associated violence, that he had the respect of the entire organization, even though he was in his 20s. And, there was a lot of complexity to and he handled it like it was nothing, Murphy said.

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Edmond was caught in prison continuing to sell drugs. But he started cooperating with authorities, helping prosecutors jail dozens of drug dealers, break up distribution rings and even teaching prison guards how to prevent trafficking inside prison.

Murphy wonders what could have been if Edmond werent raised by two drug dealers for parents.

[I wonder if] instead, [they] were legitimate business people who were successful and who taught him, how to run a legitimate business. He was so talented that the sky would have been the limit, he said.

Murphy said theres still a thriving drug scene in D.C. and its up to the community to prevent crime before it starts.

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Weve gotta raise these kids. Weve gotta assume responsibility for them. Unless we want them to continue to grow into the next Rayful Edmond instead of the next Thomas Edison or Henry Ford, he said.

Get a free Lyft ride home in the DC area this holiday season through SoberRide

Murphy said that should include residential schools and better career paths that kids can follow.

Instead of relegating all of them to expressing their genius through the arts, we ought to be making sure that they also expressing their genius through mathematics and science and, technology among other things, in medicine and law. And, you dont see that happening, Murphy 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A former high-level Canoo employee, speaking exclusively to News 4, says he is not shocked the company, which received major financial support from the State of Oklahoma, furloughed all its employees and shuttered its Oklahoma production facilities on Wednesday.

In fact, he says, despite telling the public and its investors otherwise, the company never built any vehicles in Oklahoma at all.

In 2023, Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma Department of Commerce leaders announced the State of Oklahoma had awarded Canoo, a start-up electric vehicle manufacturer, more than $100 million in state-funded, performance-based incentives.

Canoo furloughs workers, idles factory

The plan was to pay out the incentives to Canoo over a 10-year period to help the company get off the ground.

In exchange, Canoo would manufacture its vehicles in Oklahoma, bringing the state jobs and potentially millions in tax revenue.

Canoo opened a battery manufacturing plant at the Mid-America Industrial Park in Pryor and a vehicle assembly in Oklahoma City.

By the end of this year, well bring about 120 jobs to this site, Canoos CEO told News 4 when giving media a tour of the Oklahoma City facility in November 2023.

Electric vehicle company Canoo facing breach of contract lawsuit

But despite what appeared to be a smooth-sailing start for the company, Canoo is now sinking.

In 2023, the company lost more than $300 million.

As of Wednesday, its stock price sits at just 13 cents a share.

In November, the company furloughed around 30 workers in Oklahoma City.



Then, on Wednesday, the company announced it had furloughed its 82 remaining workers in Oklahoma and would be idling its Oklahoma City and Pryor plants.

A former high-level Canoo employee who recently left the company within the past few months told News 4, none of these developments surprise him.

I left voluntarily because I could see the writing on the wall, said the employee, who asked News 4 to keep his identity anonymous.

OKC Canoo workers face furloughs ahead of holiday season

The former employee spent several years with the company.

He told News 4 that Canoos management structure never made much logistical or financial sense to him.

They hired too many, too quick, and paid too much, the former employee said. Everybody was a boss, and everybody wanted to be everybodys boss everybody had a director title, so nobodys doing anything.

He said each one of those numerous directors took home a six-figure salary.

In 2023, Canoo executives showed off the companys Oklahoma City assembly plant, complete with high-tech, robotic assembly equipment.
Former Rep. David Rivera, R-Fla., was indicted Tuesday on charges that he violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act and laundered funds to "conceal and promote his criminal conduct," the Justice Department said Wednesday.

The indictment accuses Rivera of working as an agent of Raul Gorrin Belisario, a Venezuelan national who the Treasury Department said played a role in a corruption scheme to bribe the national treasurer of Venezuela.

Rivera sought to lobby senior U.S. government officials on Gorrins behalf, attempting to have Gorrin removed from a list he was placed on because of the allegations of bribery, according to the grand jury indictment.

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Under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, anyone who has agreed to work in a certain capacity for a foreign governments interest, through either the government itself or an intermediary, must register with the U.S. government.

The indictment also alleges that Rivera created shell companies to conceal and promote his crimes. The alleged scheme took place in 2019 and 2020, according to the indictment.

The FBIs Miami Field Office, which the Justice Department said is investigating the case, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday night. Neither did an attorney for Rivera.

A spokesperson for the Justice Dept. declined when NBC News asked if the case's prosecutors would like to provide further comment.

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Rivera was previously arrested and indicted in 2022. Prosecutors alleged in that case that he tried to act and cause others to act in the United States as an agent of a foreign principal, referring to the Venezuelan government, without registering with the U.S. government.

The Miami Herald reported Wednesday that Rivera referred to the various allegations under the Foreign Agents Registration Act as false, arguing in a statement that Tuesdays indictment was just another politicized indictment against a Republican, right before the Trump administration brings back sanity and fairness to this weaponization of the justice system.

Rivera served in Congress from 2011 to 2013.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV)  A former restaurant owner in Fond du Lac has been indicted for allegedly setting fire to her business in a scheme to defraud an insurance company.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced on Tuesday that a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against 43-year-old Arletta Allen.

Wisconsin DHS warns against holiday tradition of eating cannibal sandwiches

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Allen faces charges of arson of a commercial building, wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, arson in connection with a federal felony, and making false statements to law enforcement.

The indictment alleges that on October 10, 2021, Allen intentionally set fire to A Family Affair Soulfood Kitchen, a restaurant located on South Main Street in Fond du Lac.

Can you shoot down a drone in Wisconsin? FAA warns citizens of legality

Authorities claim Allen attempted to defraud Germantown Mutual Insurance Company by submitting a sworn proof of loss claim for damages caused by the fire while falsely denying her involvement. The indictment further alleges that Allen made false statements to law enforcement multiple times regarding her actions and whereabouts before the fire.

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If convicted, Allen faces the following penalties:

Count One: Mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years imprisonment

Count Two: Up to 20 years imprisonment

Count Three: Mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment, to run consecutively to any other sentence

Count Four: Up to 5 years imprisonment

The case remains under investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
LONDON, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Kingdom (UK) announced on Thursday an additional 225 million pounds (283 million U.S. dollars) of military support for Ukraine to upgrade its defense next year.

The announcement was made during UK Defense Secretary John Healey's visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

The new support package includes a 186-million-pound package of key military equipment through the International Fund for Ukraine and 39 million pounds to provide more than 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and for joint procurement of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of Ukraine's Armed Forces, according to a statement on the British government website.

"Our support for Ukraine is ironclad," Healey said, noting that the UK's support will continue for as long as it takes. (1 pound = 1.26 U.S. dollar) 
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  A former Huntsville family practice doctor and her wife were sentenced for drug crimes, health care fraud and COVID-19 disaster relief fraud Wednesday.

According to the Department of Justice, Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Francene Aretha Gayle to 87 months in prison on four opioid prescribing charges, one count of healthcare fraud, and one count of wire fraud. Judge Burke also sentenced Schara Monique Davis to 42 months in prison for one count of healthcare fraud and one count of wire fraud.

New Hope man pleads guilty to cyberstalking, extortion and production of child exploitation materials

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Davis is Gayles wife and she owned the medical practice with her.

On June 10, Gayle pleaded guilty to five counts of unlawful drug possession, one count of healthcare fraud conspiracy and one count of wire fraud conspiracy. Davis also entered a guilty plea for one count of healthcare fraud conspiracy and one count of wire fraud conspiracy.

The defendants plea agreement states that between 2014 and 2022, Gayle was the sole physician at a multi-clinic practice across three North Alabama locations: Huntsville, Athens and Killen. Davis owned the company and served as the business manager.

In 2019, records show that the Killen location was shut down. The Alabama Medical Licensure Commission then revoked Gayles license in March 2020 and shortly after this, the other two locations closed.

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Gayle admitted to the court that she distributed drugs including oxycodone, hydrocodone and methadone.

The couple admitted to conspiring to commit health care fraud for several years by billing insurers for office visits under Gayles name even when she did not see the patients, including times when she was not in the building  and sometimes when she was not in town.

The couples state they knew what they were doing was fraud, but records show that they continued anyway.

In 2015, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBS) says they audited the practice and uncovered that Gayle was absent and other staff members were seeing the patients, yet visits were still billed under Gayles name. This prompted BCBS to flag the business.

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After this, Gayle reportedly promised to stop the fraudulent billing charges.

The DOJ said the business continued to fraudulently bill insurers over the next four years. In total, between 2015 and 2020, Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross paid more than $2.3 million for office visits billed under Gayle.

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Former Jacksonville television news anchor Mark Spain has died at age 64, just three weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

In a Facebook post Thursday, his wife of 23 years, Lynita Carter Spain, wrote that he "fought hard  stayed positive throughout the battle and wasn't afraid."

He was a "man of hope, someone who loves his city and stood for equality, treating others with respect and kindness. He was a husband, father, brother, friend and a positive light in the community. My first true love."

A 2011 Jacksonville mayoral debate featured then Action News anchor Mark Spain, left; then Florida Times-Union writer Abel Harding' and then First Coast News reporter Ken Amaro questioning candidates. Melissa Ross, then with WJCT, was moderator.

Even as he battled cancer, Spain "encouraged those around him. He loved to help others and longed for peace and was an ambassador for positivity," she wrote. "He loved his family and was extremely proud of his children."

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The couple had two daughters and a son.

"He brought so much joy, compassion, love and strength into our lives and his absence will be deeply felt," she said. "Its surreal that it was exactly three weeks ago yesterday that he was diagnosed  It was not easy watching him fight for his life and battle this disease, but he was not alone and neither were we."

Spain was a news anchor and reporter for First Coast News from 2000 to 2007, according to his Linkedin page. He then held the same roles at Action News Jax from 2007 to 2014 until he was one of five anchors let go. In 2015 he joined ABC 13 in Lynchburg, Va., where he was a lead anchor of the evening and late shows.

He loved being a journalist.

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"He  felt so blessed to do what he did for a living. He was one hell of a journalist and took his job very seriously," his widow wrote. "He was a pillar of the community and people loved to share how much they love and enjoyed watching him on the news."

Spain

While at Action News Jax, Spain was particularly known for the Kid Care Report that examined local daycare center center violations. The station called his death "heartbreaking."

First Coast News General Manager Tim Thomas said of the loss, "We are deeply saddened to hear of Mark's passing. He always worked to better the First Coast in every story he produced."

An ABC-13 report said he "cared about making a difference" and mentored dozens of young professionals.

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"His guidance and genuine care for those he worked with made him much more than just a coworker or even a friend  he was a member of the family," according to the report.

Spain started his journalism career early, as 9-year-old paperboy for the Cleveland Press, according to ABC 13. He majored in communications at Cleveland State University and worked multiple jobs in the journalism industry, including in Fort Wayne, Erie, Indianapolis and Cleveland.

He received multiple awards. In 2018 and 2019, he was named Best News Anchor by the Association Press of the Virginias. The Virginia Association of Broadcasters gave him first place for Outstanding News Series in 2018 and Best Documentary or Public Affairs Program in 2022. And "he helped land many other awards for the crew at WSET over the years," according to ABC 13.

bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Former Jacksonville TV news anchor Mark Spain dies from cancer
The LSU Student Health Center sits on Monday, March 20, 2023, on Infirmary Road in Baton Rouge, La. (Matthew Perschall for Louisiana Illuminator)

The former head of LSUs Student Health Center is suing the university over its partnership with the Catholic hospital network Our Lady of the Lake (OLOL), which she says violates employees First Amendment rights and limits students health care options.

Julie Hupperich, the former director, alleges in a lawsuit filed this month with the 19th Judicial District in Baton Rouge that she was fired in May because she raised objections to the deal that allowed OLOL to take over operations of the Student Health Center in February 2023.

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Hupperich alleges in her lawsuit she was harassed and terminated based on objections she raised that are protected under Louisianas whistleblower laws. She is seeking financial compensation for lost wages and benefits, among other damages. Read the full complaint below.

According to the lawsuit, Hupperich repeatedly raises concerns to LSU administrators about Student Health Center employees being required to adhere to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services and Catholic Social Teachings to maintain their employment, which she claims violates the First Amendments prohibition against a state-sponsored religion.

Meetings at the health center began with forced prayer, Hupperich alleges. She also said she was warned to stop complaining about the OLOL partnership before she was terminated, court records say.

Adhering to those policies limits LSU Student Health Center employees ability to provide complete birth control, gynecological, suicide prevention, mental health and sexual transition counseling and services, the lawsuit alleges.

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Providers are only allowed to prescribe birth control to students if cramps or acne is the reason, Hupperich alleges, and mental health providers must limit their counseling on suicide to advising that suicide is a mortal sin, she claims in the lawsuit.

The pledge also required providers to agree that life begins at conception and that abortion is never permitted, the lawsuit alleges.

Our Lady of the Lake spokeswoman Alexandra Stubbs declined to answer specific questions about the allegations in the suit but defended the partnership in a statement. The hospital system is not a party to the lawsuit.

Our commitment to providing comprehensive health care remains steadfast, and we have always operated within the legal boundaries governing our activities, Stubbs said. We are dedicated to supporting LSU and ensuring that students receive the highest standard of care.

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The Illuminator reached out to LSU spokesman Todd Woodward for comment midday Wednesday, and he had not responded as of end of day.

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Hupperich also alleges the partnership is diverting student fees to OLOL and improperly charged students a $5 co-pay, even when the health centers services are completely covered by their own insurance. Hupperich said she was told by LSU Vice President of Finance and Administration Kimberly Lewis that OLOL was interested in recouping their multimillion dollar donation to the university through running the center according to court records.

Non-medical staff were able to access student medical and mental health records when Hupperich led the center, her lawsuit says, which she considers a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a federal privacy law that protects patients health information.

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Baton Rouge attorney Jill Craft is representing Hupperich in the lawsuit.

When [Hupperich] continued to object to and refuse to participate in  the misuse of student health fees for religious purposes, HIPAA violations and  and/or mental health treatment without adequate consent, forced prayer before meetings of LSU employees, required adherence to religious dogma as a condition of employment,  she was targeted and fed false information, Craft wrote in the lawsuit.

At the time the partnership was approved, Lewis told the LSU Board of Supervisors that university-employed health care providers will continue to directly provide gynecological and reproductive healthcare, rather than turning those responsibilities over to OLOL.

Because of the Lakes relationship as a Catholic organization, we know that there are some differences, and we dont want our students to not have access to all the services they currently have, Lewis told the board in 2023.

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That separation is also outlined in the cooperative agreement between the university and OLOL.

But Hupperich says even LSU employees who work at the health center are required to be credentialed by OLOL, which she said in her lawsuit means pledging allegiance to Catholic doctrine.

Hupperich is not the only one raising red flags about this separation not being honored.

Alyson Neel, an instructor at LSUs Manship School of Mass Communication whose research focuses on the availability of emergency contraception, said that when she and her students approached the Student Health Center about increasing access, she was told told their policy was to only carry it for students who have experienced sexual assault.

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The response was, Well, they could order it through us, but we do not carry it for students who are not sexual assault survivors, Neel said. They made it clear that was because of the OLOL partnership.

LSU has a large, diverse student population that has diverse sexual and reproductive health needs, and its critical that whoever the provider is of those services on LSUs campus is able to meet those diverse needs, Neel added.

Hupperichs lawsuit lands in a state considered to have one of the strictest abortion bans in the country. It went into effect in June 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, and it only allows the procedure when the life of the mother is at risk, she faces serious health risks or the fetus is not viable.

Louisiana lawmakers and Gov. Jeff Landry also passed a first-of-its-kind law this year that classifies pills used to manage miscarriages and for common reproductive health procedures as controlled dangerous substances because they are also used for abortions.

This is a developing story.

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Fallout from an investigation into a 2021 state education contract continues, with a new complaint accusing one of Gov. Dan McKee's former advisers of flouting state lobbying registration rules. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Gov. Dan McKee appears to have staved off any formal complaints for his role in steering a multimillion-dollar state education contract to one of his former advisers friends in 2021.

The adviser, Mike Magee, has not.

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Common Cause Rhode Island on Thursday announced it had filed a complaint with the Rhode Island Department of State against Magee for failing to register as a state lobbyist, despite clearly and repeatedly lobbying to help direct the $5.2 million school reopening contract to his friends firm, ILO Group.

The Dec. 17 letter to the state relies on several examples of Magees influence, citing findings from a state criminal investigation unveiled in October. The multi-year investigation led by the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General and Rhode Island State Police ultimately found insufficient proof to charge McKee, Magee, or other involved officials with criminal wrongdoing. But Attorney General Peter Neronha, maintained that the trove of documents showed hamhandedness by McKee and his advisers in the procurement process.

John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

John Marion, executive director for Common Cause Rhode Island, echoed the critique in a statement on Thursday.

The investigation into how the ILO Group was awarded a state contract exposed politics at its worst including a procurement process full of back-scratching, Marion said.

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Magee, who now serves as president of Minerva University in San Francisco, responded in an email late Thursday.

As an unpaid member of Governor McKees transition team, I tried to help Rhode Island support teachers and students through one of the worst periods of the COVID pandemic, Magee said.

Yet he plays a starring role in the investigation. As one of McKees then-advisers, he first floated the idea of hiring ILO Group as a consultant for the state. Not coincidentally, ILO Groups co-founder and current CEO, Julia Rafal-Baer, worked alongside Magee at a separate education firm called Chiefs for Change.

Magee also played a role in crafting the bid language in a way that would narrow eligibility to ILO, and, when the two bids came in, advocating for the contract to go to his friends firm over the alternate, lower bid, according to the joint investigation.

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All of these activities require him to register with the state as a lobbyist, Common Cause argued in its complaint. Yet the state lobby tracker shows no record of Magee, or Chiefs for Change, in its 2021 database.

Marion in his letter asked the state to investigate the complaint, seeking applicable relief from the court, including but not limited to monetary civil penalties. State law allows the Secretary of State to ask the court to impose a $5,000 penalty per violation of state lobbying rules, along with barring registration for three years.

Faith Chybowski, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State, confirmed in an email Thursday that the department had received the complaint and will begin a preliminary investigative process.

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission will begin the process to consider changes to state ethics rules at its January meeting, based on a request by Common Cause Rhode Island. (Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current)

Lobbying for reform

In the immediate aftermath of the state investigation, Marion initially suggested Common Cause might file an ethics complaint against McKee for violating a section of state ethics code that bars public officials from accepting gifts over $25.

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The state criminal investigation uncovered another questionable connection between Magee and McKee involving $90,000 worth of consulting services from a separate firm, SKDK. Magees education company, Chiefs for Change, paid for the services on behalf of McKee.

Marion ultimately came to the same conclusion as state investigators: It was impossible to disentangle SKDKs work for the administration from that which personally benefited McKee in his reelection campaign.

That is key to whether an ethics violation occurred, Marion said in an interview. You cant take personal gifts but your office can receive gifts. The investigation, though really extensive, couldnt provide evidence that the gift was personal.

But the absence of evidence to meet state complaint criteria could open the door to reforming state ethics laws.

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We are disappointed that the states public integrity laws did not protect against the unethical behavior revealed in the ILO Group investigations, Marion said in a statement. While ultimately few may be held accountable, Rhode Islanders deserve to know this behavior wont be repeated. That is why we are seeking these changes to our ethics and campaign finance laws.

While ultimately few may be held accountable, Rhode Islanders deserve to know this behavior wont be repeated. That is why we are seeking these changes to our ethics and campaign finance laws.

 John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island

In a separate, Dec. 18 letter to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission, Marion asked for just that: reforming a slew of provisions in the state ethics code around gifts: who can receive them, and their public disclosure.

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Marion wants the state ethics panel to consider expanding its gifts clause to ban lobbyists from offering gifts to state officials or employees for personal gain. Existing state ethics code does not include lobbyists among the interested persons from whom public officials cannot receive gifts.

When registered lobbyists, who by definition are paid to influence public officials, are giving gifts to those same public officials, it undermines the public trust, gives the appearance of impropriety, and suggests that public officials are using their official positions for private gain, Marion wrote. Including registered lobbyists in the definition of an interested person creates a bright-line rule that those subject to the Code can easily understand, and that the Commission can easily enforce.

At least 22 other states already have laws barring gifts from lobbyists to public officials, according to the letter.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha is working with legislative leaders to craft a bill more explicitly banning bid-rigging in state procurements. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Smith Hill steps up on bid-rigging

Common Cause has also asked the state ethics panel to consider requiring public officials to include any gifts given because of their position as part of mandated, annual financial disclosure forms.

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Jason Gramitt, executive director for the Ethics Commission, confirmed receipt of the letter in an email on Thursday. The commission will tentatively start the process to consider rule changes at its January meeting, he said.

Marion also called for changes to state procurement laws to prevent political interference.

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi said in an interview on Dec. 16 that he and Neronha were working together on anti-bid rigging legislation that would be introduced in the upcoming legislative session.

Neronha in a statement on Thursday doubled down on his criticism of the McKee administration.

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Unfortunately, the results of the ILO investigation arent an anomaly; rather they demonstrate a pattern of ethically questionable behavior by the executive branch and many of those in its orbit, Neronha said. Rhode Islanders deserve to feel confident that their elected officials  those that they hired to do their bidding, so to speak  are doing so in ways that are above board and ethically unambiguous. In this case, my Office was not able to bring criminal charges, which isnt an endorsement of the behavior, despite what the Governor would have Rhode Islanders think, but rather an indictment of the strength of the laws. Time for change.

Olivia DaRocha, a spokesperson for McKees office, responded in an email Thursday afternoon.

The McKee Administration is always open to legislation that could finetune or update existing policies, DaRocha said. It does, however, take issue with characterizing the administrations previous actions related to this matter as unethical.

Updated to include a comment from Gov. Dan McKees office and from Mike Magee.

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Former Miami-Dade Congressman David Rivera has been charged for a second time with secretly working as an unregistered foreign agent in the United States.

But this time, Rivera is accused of trying to lobby a Trump administration official between 2019 and 2020 on behalf of a wealthy Venezuelan businessman who authorities say paid the former U.S. representative $5.5 million while trying to get himself removed from a federal government sanctions list.

Rivera, 59, was charged Tuesday by a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C. with failing to register as a foreign agent for Raul Gorrin, a Caracas TV mogul close to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and with laundering lobbying payments through Riveras firm, Interamerican Consulting, Inc.

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Gorrin, who was charged in 2018 by a grand jury in Miami with foreign bribery and money laundering, was sanctioned in January 2019 by the Treasury Department, which blocked the Venezuelan from doing business or accessing bank accounts in the United States. Gorrin is at large in Venezuela, according to federal authorities.

The Washington, D.C., criminal case targeting Rivera follows a prior Miami federal indictment brought against the former congressman in late 2022, alleging that the Republican and a Miami-Dade political consultant failed to register as foreign agents for the Venezuelan government.

David Rivera intends to vigorously defend himself against these charges in the District of Columbia just as he has done so in the Southern District of Florida, defense attorney Ed Shohat said on Wednesday.

Rivera issued a statement late Wednesday, condemning the Justice Department for bringing the latest charges against him under the Foreign Agents Registration Act: As with the previous false FARA allegations, [this is] just another politicized indictment against a Republican, right before the Trump administration brings back sanity and fairness to this weaponization of the justice system.

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The extent of Riveras alleged activities as an unregistered foreign agent for Gorrin is not entirely clear from the new indictment.

For example, the indictment says: Rivera sought to lobby senior government officials ... on Gorrins behalf, and for his benefit, to have Gorrin removed from the Specially Designated Nationals list.

Rivera sought to make contact with Government Official-1 both directly and through a series of intermediaries, the indictment adds. Rivera willfully engaged in these activities without registering under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, as required by law.

The indictment accuses Rivera of creating fraudulent Delaware shell companies using names associated with a law firm and with Government Official-1 in the Trump administration to give the false impression they were legitimate. He then used the shell companies to pay others who assisted him in his effort to lobby senior government officials on Gorrins behalf, the indictment says.

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The indictment also alleges that Rivera received more than $5.5 million for his lobbying and consulting services from and on behalf of Gorrin, with the payments transferred to Rivera through a series of Hong Kong intermediary companies. It also claims that Rivera moved $900,000 of that money into his political campaign account at SunTrust Bank on Dec. 31, 2019.

Rivera, perhaps best known as a conservative, anti-Castro politician who served one term as a Miami-Dade congressman between 2011 and 2013, is accused in the prior Miami indictment of accepting $20 million in fees from the U.S. subsidiary of Venezuelas state-owned oil company that prosecutors say was actually for lobbying on behalf of Venezuela and its authoritarian leader, Maduro.

In December 2022, Rivera and political consultant Esther Nuhfer were charged by an indictment accusing them of conspiring to commit offenses against the United States and failing to register as foreign agents with the U.S. Attorney Generals Office as part of their consulting work for Venezuelas oil subsidiary, PDV USA  along with money laundering.

Both have denied wrongdoing.
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  A former State College area psychologist has been sentenced for the rape and sexual assault of a young girl, which lasted from 2005 to 2013.

Richard Lenhart, 63, of Bellefonte, was found guilty in August by a Centre County jury of rape, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, decent assault, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors, according to Attorney General Michelle Henry.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former State College psychologist found guilty of raping child

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Lenhart was sentenced to 20 to 40 years in prison, which means at 63 years old, he could potentially spend the rest of his days in a prison cell. He is also now being convicted of insurance fraud and unrelated sexual assaults of patients in his psychology practice.

Thanks to the bravery of this victim to come forward and face her abuser, the defendant will spend years in prison for sexually assaulting her, Attorney General Henry said. The defendant abused his position of trust to groom and abuse the victim from a young age. My office will continue to make sure that anyone who harms children will be prosecuted and held accountable.

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The victim had told police that Lenhart had abused her in multiple places in State College, which involved inappropriate, sexual and grooming-type behavior. She testified that she was first raped when she was 8 years old.

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UVALDE, Texas (AP)  A Texas judge on Thursday refused to throw out criminal charges accusing the former Uvalde schools police chief of putting children at risk during the slow response to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, while a lawyer for his co-defendant said they want to move the upcoming trial out of the small town where the massacre occurred.

At a court hearing in Uvalde, Judge Sid Harle rejected Pete Arredondo's claim that was he improperly charged and that only the shooter was responsible for putting the victims in danger. Nineteen children and two teachers were killed in the shooting on May 24, 2022.

Harle also set an Oct. 20, 2025, trial date. An attorney for Arredondo's co-defendant, former Uvalde schools police officer Adrian Gonzales, said he will ask for the trial to be moved out of Uvalde because his client cannot get a fair trial there. Uvalde County is mostly rural with fewer than 25,000 residents about 85 miles (140 kilometers) west of San Antonio.

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Everybody knows everybody, in Uvalde, Gonzales attorney Nico LaHood said.

Both former officers attended the hearing.

Nearly 400 law enforcement agents rushed to the school but waited more than 70 minutes to confront and kill the gunman in a fourth-grade classroom. Arredondo and Gonzales are the only two officers facing charges  a fact that has raised complaints from some victims' families.

Both men have pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of abandoning or endangering a child, each of which carry punishment of up to two years in jail. Gonzales has not asked the judge to dismiss his charges.

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A federal investigation of the shooting identified Arredondo as the incident commander in charge, although he has argued that state police should have set up a command post outside the school and taken control. Gonzales was among the first officers to arrive on the scene. He was accused of abandoning his training and not confronting the shooter, even after hearing gunshots as he stood in a hallway.

Arredondo has said he was scapegoated for the halting police response. The indictment alleges he did not follow his active shooter training and made critical decisions that slowed the police response while the gunman was hunting his victims.

It alleges that instead of confronting the gunman immediately, Arredondo caused delays by telling officers to evacuate a hallway to wait for a SWAT team, evacuating students from other areas of the building first, and trying to negotiate with the shooter while victims inside the classroom were wounded and dying.

Arredondos attorneys say the danger that day was not caused by him, but by the shooter. They argued Arredondo was blamed for trying to save the lives of the other children in the building, and have warned that prosecuting him would open many future law enforcement actions to similar charges.

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Arredondo did nothing to put those children in the path of a gunman, said Arredondo attorney Matthew Hefti.

Uvalde County prosecutors told the judge Arredondo acted recklessly.

The state has alleged he is absolutely aware of the danger of the children, said assistant district attorney Bill Turner.

Jesse Rizo, the uncle of 9-year-old Jacklyn Cazares who was killed in the shooting, was one of several family members of victims at the hearing.

To me, its hurtful and painful to hear Arredondos attorneys try to persuade the judge to get the charges dismissed, Rizo said.

He called the wait for a trial exhausting and questioned whether moving the trial would help the defense.

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The longer it takes, the longer the agony, Rizo said. I think whats happened in Uvalde  youll probably get a better chance at conviction if its moved. To hold their own accountable is going to be very difficult.

The massacre at Robb Elementary was one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history, and the law enforcement response has been widely condemned as a massive failure.

Nearly 150 U.S. Border Patrol agents, 91 state police officers, as well and school and city police rushed to the campus. While terrified students and teachers called 911 from inside classrooms, dozens of officers stood in the hallway trying to figure out what to do. More than an hour later, a team of officers breached the classroom and killed the gunman.

Within days of the shooting, the focus of the slow response turned on Arredondo, who was described by other responding agencies as the incident commander in charge.

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Multiple federal and state investigations have laid bare cascading problems in law enforcement training, communication, leadership and technology, and questioned whether officers prioritized their own lives over those of children and teachers. Several victims or their families have filed multiple state and federal lawsuits.

___

Associated Press reporter Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas, contributed.

___

Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is suing a former statehouse aide for defamation, claiming that her accusations of sexual harassment caused a cascade of harm, and ruined him both personally and professionally.

In a summons and notice filed Thursday morning and obtained by The Independent, Cuomo insists Bennett directly undermine[d] her own allegations in tens of thousands of contemporaneous text and video messages, and that she withheld this evidence from New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who found that the ex-governor made inappropriate advances toward multiple women working under him. Jamess investigation also found that Cuomo retaliated against at least one of his accusers for going public with her complaints.

Among other things, the false accusations she publicized in the national media were a significant factor in calls for an investigation into Governor Cuomos conduct, Cuomos filing states.

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Public pressure following Jamess report led Cuomo to step down from office in 2021. He has recently floated the possibility of mounting a political comeback, generating speculation  and constenation among Democrats  that he may run for New York City mayor. Another of the former governors accusers, ex-aide Brittany Commisso, said she found Cuomos desire to reenter politics sad.

Cuomos filing, docketed in New York State Supreme Court, calls Jamess findings biased, misleading, and inaccurate, and slams the AG for taking Bennett at her word without obtaining or reviewing substantial material relevant evidence.

On Thursday, Cuomos attorney, Rita Glavin, declined to comment on the filing, telling The Independent, Were just going to let this one speak for itself.

Debra Katz, Bennetts attorney, said in a statement that sexual harassment accusers have long been subjected to defamation suits to silence and punish them, adding, It is shameful that Mr. Cuomo has apparently now chosen to go down that path.

Onetime aide Charlotte Bennett claims former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed her in the statehouse (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

In an emailed statement to The Independent, former NYS State Senate staffer Erica Vladimer, who co-founded the Sexual Harassment Working Group in 2018 after allegedly receiving an unwanted advance from her then-boss, called Cuomos intention to sue outrageous, and said he is using the judicial system to further victimize Charlotte Bennett... while threatening anyone else into silence.

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Bennett, 28, filed a federal sex harassment lawsuit against the 67-year-old Cuomo in September 2022 but voluntarily dropped it earlier this month. In a statement issued December 9, the day she withdrew her suit, Bennett said, Former Governor Andrew Cuomo can no longer use this lawsuit to harass me and my family. His abusive filings and invasive subpoenas are meant to humiliate and retaliate against me and those who have supported me over the last five years of this living nightmare Throughout this extraordinarily painful two year case, Ive many times believed that Id be better off dead than endure more of his litigation abuse, which has caused extraordinary pain and expense to my family and friends. I desperately need to live my life. Thats the choice I am making today.

Katz, in her own companion statement, said Cuomo had made an astonishing number of invasive discovery requests and outrageous statements in pleadings to embarrass and humiliate Bennett, including requests for medical records from gynecologists dating back to when she was still a minor.

This fishing expedition was designed to dig up material to smear our client and distract from the fact that Mr. Cuomo did, as the New York Attorney Generals Office concluded after a lengthy investigation, sexually harass Ms. Bennett and at least 11 other women, Katz said.

Cuomos filing on Thursday contends that Bennett dismissed the suit in order to shield the overwhelming evidence of her false claims from ever becoming public. The filing takes exception to the December 9 statements themselves, calling them false and defamatory. He now says Bennett embellished her claims against him, and weaponized light moments in the office by deeming them humiliating and demeaning.

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Cuomo claims that Bennett in fact told family and friends at the time that she found these interactions to be hilarious.

Cuomo argues that Bennett was the one who intentionally and deliberately initiated personal conversations about her personal life, including one in which she confided that she was a sexual assault survivor. While Bennett later said that the conversation made her feel uncomfortable, Cuomos Thursday court filing claims Bennett said on video that it was amazing. She also said Cuomo made suggestive comments to her, such as a remark about the large size of his hands.

In a 2021 interview with The New York Times, Bennett said Cuomo inquired about her personal life, telling her that he was amenable to having a relationship with a woman in her 20s. Cuomo denied any improprieties, telling the Times that he believed he was mentoring Bennett, and that he never made advances toward Ms. Bennett, nor did I ever intend to act in any way that was inappropriate.

Cuomo resigned in August 2021 in the wake of multiple womens claims of lewd behavior (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Bennett said at the time that she understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me, and said this made her feel horribly uncomfortable and scared. A week after she complained to Cuomos then-chief of staff, Bennett was transferred out of Cuomos office to another job, which she described in her federal suit as retaliation.

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However, Cuomos Thursday filing slams Bennett for the claim, saying she had wanted and sought such a new position for some time and specifically requested that position, and goes on to accuse Bennett of seeking a payday.

Cuomo further accuses Bennett of turning on him after asking him to review a speech she planned to deliver at Hamilton College in May 2020, claiming she became upset when his feedback was critical rather than laudatory. In other conversations Bennett flagged as bothersome, Cuomo argues he was simply trying to check on Bennetts emotional well-being after she showed up to work appearing physically unwell and after he heard that she was engaging in impulsive and reckless behavior in or around the workplace.

Bennett enjoyed the media spotlight, and she and her agents gave numerous public interviews, including on national television broadcasts, repeating her false claims, Cuomos filing contends. From day one, Governor Cuomo denied ever having sexually harassed Bennett (or anyone else).

Cuomo says in the filing that he fully intends to clear his name, and that he wants to ensure that Bennett and her agents never again repeat the falsehood that he sexually harassed Bennett. He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages to be determined in court.

Bennetts lawsuit against New York State, her former employer, remains open.
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Fort Smith City Director Neil Martin expressed concern and frustration after learning of a proposal to bring a spent nuclear fuel storage site to the city.

The discussions, reportedly led by the Arkansas Nuclear Voice Group, surprised officials and residents alike.

I wasnt aware of it, Martin said in an interview Monday. People just started kind of talking about it online, hitting us up. That was the first I had heard of it.

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According to Martin, the only communication the city had received from the Arkansas Nuclear Voice Group was an email sent last summer, which was dismissed as spam and did not register with the board.

Martin strongly opposed the proposal, which he said has caused significant concern among the citys residents.

A lot of folks are feeling like they didnt have a say in the location of that prison. So thats kind of a sidebar thing, Martin explained. They look at this and say, Oh, my gosh, is this another situation where we have no say?'

Arkansas Board of Corrections votes to enter lease agreement for Franklin County prison land

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The Arkansas Board of Corrections voted to enter a lease agreement for a proposed prison site on Dec. 10.

A group of area residents continues to oppose the prison location, voicing concerns about security, property values and infrastructure strain. They also expressed concern that the state government did not tell them about the plans to put a prison in their county before Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Oct. 31 announcement.

The revelation of the nuclear storage proposal comes amid rising tensions over Fort Smiths growing military presence, particularly with the arrival of F-35 fighter jets at the local airbase. Martin expressed concerns about the citys security, noting the potential risks posed by both the military base and a nearby nuclear storage site.

We have these F-35s coming in, which potentially makes us a target for foreign adversaries. Does the presence of nuclear waste being stored here heighten that potential target from an adversary? he questioned.

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Despite the fears circulating in the community, Martin reassured residents that their voices were being heard.

I know residents are scared and confused, he said. But I want them to know that their leaders hear them.

In response to the growing unease, Martin has drafted a resolution that will be presented at the citys next board meeting. The resolution, he said, will formally oppose any effort to bring a nuclear waste storage facility to Fort Smith.

I think well get a resounding approval on that from the board, Martin predicted. Now, I cant speak for all of the board, but I have a feeling they will look at this and say, No. I think pretty much all the comments Ive heard and just my feeling of it is this is not something we want in the city of Fort Smith.

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The Arkansas Nuclear Voice Group has not yet responded to requests for comment on the issue.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
For the record:

8:39 p.m. Dec. 23, 2024: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that investigators said in a written statement released Thursday that the killings appeared to have been a home invasion robbery by San Diego-based gang members of Laotian descent who targeted a massive marijuana growing operation. The statement was released Wednesday.



Four years ago, six people were shot and killed at a large-scale marijuana operation in the small community of Aguanga in Riverside County, with a seventh victim dying in a local hospital later. Police called it one of the county's worst mass killings.

At the time, Riverside County sheriff's investigators had little information about the shooting, let alone any information about the identity of the potential shooters. It would also take weeks before coroners would release the identity of the victims.

A bin of marijuana stems at the property where seven people were shot to death over Labor Day weekend 2020 at an illegal marijuana growing operation in the unincorporated area of Aguanga in Riverside County. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

But investigators said in a statement released Wednesday that the killings appeared to have been a home invasion robbery by San Diego-based gang members of Laotian descent who targeted a massive marijuana growing operation.

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Investigators said they have also identified a vehicle  a midsize, dark colored SUV  that was used during the crime.

The newly released new details underscore the Sheriffs Departments determination to solve the brazen mass killing.

The Sept. 7, 2020 , shooting occurred on a remote property nestled on the edge of the Cleveland National Forest. It included a house, a trailer and other makeshift dwellings. At least 20 people lived on the property, according to the Riverside County Sheriffs Department.

Investigators said evidence at the scene indicated the property was being used to manufacture and harvest illicit marijuana. More than 1,000 pounds of marijuana and several hundred marijuana plants, valued between $1 million and $5 million, were located at the scene. The shooting appeared to coincide with peak harvest time.

A reporter views the property where seven people were shot to death over Labor Day weekend at an illegal marijuana growing operation in the unincorporated area of Aguanga in Riverside County in 2020. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The dead  five women and two men  were identified by the sheriffs office as Samantha Sourignasak, 44, and Khamphour Nanthavongdovane, 53, both of Las Vegas; Phone Chankhamany, 54, of Murrieta; Thongpath Luangkoth, 47; and Souphanh Pienthiene, 48. Also killed were Anaheim residents Vikham Silimanotham, 64, and Khamtoune Silimanotham, 59.

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In an interview with The Times, Phone Chankhamanys son said the victims were mostly recent immigrants from Laos with little paper trail.

Chankhamanys son, whom The Times is not naming for his safety, said his mother had overseen the grow. She was born in Laos and came to the United States about 16 years ago, he said in an interview at his uncles home.

Several of his mothers friends worked at the site, he said, alongside a revolving cast of recent immigrants from Laos, who, unable to speak English and struggling to find employment, would work and live on the property until they made enough cash to move on.

Usually, when they come to the U.S., its the first thing they do to make money, he said.

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The mass shooting underscored Californias pervasive black market that has continued despite the state legalizing recreational marijuana in 2016. The black markets growth is driven in part by cannabis operators who seek to evade expensive licensing fees and other regulatory costs, allowing them to undercut competitors.

But the illegal operations, especially in more remote areas of the state, have led to violence that includes shootings and dismemberments .

So far this year, an estimated $353 million worth of illicit plants have been seized through a California Department of Justice program , while a task force with the governors office has seized an estimated $191 million.

Riverside sheriff's detectives said the investigation into the Aguanga mass killing is ongoing. Theyre asking anyone with information about the killings to call (951) 955-2777 or used the online tip line , which can be accessed on the sheriffs website.

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Times staff writers Matt Ormseth and Clara Harter contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Neil Cavuto, the first anchor hired by Fox News in 1996, is leaving the network, another casualty of cost-cutting in the TV news business.

Cavuto, 66, will make his final appearance on the network Thursday on "Your World," his long-running daily business-oriented program. His current deal is up at the end of the month.

Cavuto chose to leave the company after being offered a new contract  probably at a lower salary  according to people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to discuss it publicly.

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"Neil Cavuto's illustrious career has been a master class in journalism, and we're extremely proud of his 28-year run with Fox News Media," the company said in a statement confirming the anchor's departure. "His programs have defined business news and set the standard in the entire industry."

Big-name anchors across the TV news business are being asked to take lower salaries as ratings and revenues are shrinking. Hoda Kotb of NBC's "Today" and Chris Wallace of CNN both chose to leave their roles rather than take new deals at lower pay.

Cavuto anchored 12 hours of programming a week on Fox News and its sister channel the Fox Business Network, where he also served as managing editor. He was a popular figure among colleagues.

Cavuto is one of the few Fox News anchors who frequently criticized President-elect Donald Trump, which did not always please the conservative viewers who make up much of the network's audience.

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Read more: MSNBC ratings collapse postelection, Fox News surges as cable faces an uncertain future

The anchor had a sense of humor about the audience's love-hate relationship with him. When he returned after one of his long medical leaves, he read messages from viewers who were disappointed that he was back.

Cavuto has battled a number of health issues over the years. He has multiple sclerosis, underwent open heart surgery in 2016 and is a cancer survivor.

He was an original anchor at CNBC when it launched in 1989. He developed a bond with Roger Ailes when he ran the NBCUniversal-owned business news network and followed the executive to Fox News when it launched in 1996.

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Cavuto became the lead anchor of Fox Business Network when it was launched in 2007. He helmed a midday program, "Cavuto: Coast to Coast," on the network in addition to his daily and weekend shows on Fox News.

No successor was named for Cavuto, whose programs will continue. A permanent replacement is likely to come from within the network.

Cavuto served as a moderator for the second Republican presidential primary debate in 2015, which delivered the largest audience in the history of Fox Business Network.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Frederick Police Department will deploy 20 new stationary license plate readers throughout the city.

The department currently has 13 vehicle-mounted units and one mobile trailer unit that can be used in a response to a specific need, said Lt. Aaron Lapp, commander of the Technology and Services Division.

Lapp said the department is expected to receive the new units in the second quarter of 2025. The cost of the 20 new units is $52,000 in the first year, which includes the hardware, according to Lapp.

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The city will pay an annual fee to use the license plate readers, but the department wont own the units. The manufacturer, Utility Inc., will be responsible for any required maintenance or repairs to the units.

The specific license plate reader is the Pulsar model.

The solar-powered Pulsar model can cover two lanes of traffic and has a range up to 82 feet, both day and night, according to its website.

Police Chief Jason Lando said during a Dec. 4 City Council workshop meeting that the locations of the license plate readers would be based on historical crime and traffic data.

Were going to strategically place them in areas where we see the most traffic  the ingress and egress to the city, Lando said at the meeting. So if we should have some sort of crime take place, theyll be mounted kind of close to the highway, so we can basically get the most bang for our buck.

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Lapp said the units that the department purchased are stationary, but they can be moved as needed.

He added that approximately once a year, the department will reevaluate the location of the units.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police found that more than 70% of crimes in the United States involved a vehicle.

Lapp referenced this statistic when describing the logic behind covering arterial roads, high-traffic areas, and ways in and out of the city.

In response to questions about privacy concerns, Lapp said the department has numerous policies in place for the use of such technology.

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We take privacy very seriously, he said.

He said the cameras only detect license plates that are in plain view and do not record people or have any facial recognition capabilities.

Lapp added that the system only stores recorded video and data for 30 days before being rewritten. This allows investigators to track movement in the event of a major crime, but not store footage indefinitely.

He said the long-term plan is for the units to feed into call centers, creating information hubs. From there, officers might be able to receive notifications in their vehicles similar to how the current vehicle-mounted systems work. But that would be new to the department and would require additional technological developments.

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For situations that require a more rapid response or specific deployment of such technology, the department will continue to use its mobile trailer that it purchased through a grant.

Lapp said the force has had difficulty reusing the vehicle-mounted systems.

Theyre on older vehicles that are aging out, he said.

Lapp said fragile cables often break when removing and reinstalling the older systems on new cars.

Similar to how the trailer license plate reader was purchased, Lapp said, the police department hopes to purchase the Utility Inc. vehicle-mounted system through grant funding.
I simply no longer know what to do. The situation is an absolute catastrophe.

Marie Dose sighs deeply, pushing back her brown locks. Tortoiseshell spectacles frame her serious gaze. Various legal briefs sit tidily on her oversize desk. Dose is the lead lawyer representing Le Collectif des Familles Unies, a group that brings together the families of more than a hundred French citizens stranded in detention camps in Syria since the collapse of ISIL, the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Her law offices, in a converted classic Parisian apartment in the Ninth Arrondissement, are spacious, but far from luxurious. Childrens books are tidily laid out in the waiting area, together with a Smurf toy figurine dressed in a lawyers robe, holding a yellow scroll.

This year marks the seventh anniversary of the loss of most of ISIL territories in the Levant, most notably the two large urban centers of Mosul and Raqqa, which ISIL had seized in 2014. It is also the seventh anniversary of the start of the detention in northeastern Syria of hundreds of European women and children: the families of European men who heeded ISILs siren call back when the terrorist group seemed unstoppable. The detainees have spent those years in camps run by the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDFan anti-ISIL, U.S.-backed Kurdish-Arab militiaalongside tens of thousands of non-European women and children.

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It was also seven years ago that the first family contacted Dose to seek her help to bring back their daughter, together with two young grandchildren, from Syria. Dose laughs bitterly as she recounts how at the time she simply took it for granted that the French governmentEmmanuel Macrons governmentwould want to repatriate French citizens, especially minors. Her hopes would be repeatedly dashed. Perhaps it was the scars of the series of ISIL terror attacks on French soil, or the right-wing political threat of Marine Le Pen, Macrons two-time rival for the presidency. Regardless, though its policy evolved, France, unlike Germany, Finland, and other European countries, has not brought back many of its women and children.

Today, at least 50 French women and 120 French children are still detained in the camps. Many have perished in the harsh conditions of the desert, with only basic medical care available. Back home, a code of omerta has set in among Frances political class as regards the return of these French families. In a country where marches and strikes are frequent, there is little visible political and social agitation for repatriation. There are no MISSING or KIDNAPPED posters of these children plastered on lampposts. To Dose, childhood is the last sacred thing there is  yet neither policymakers nor the public give a damn.

Children in the refugee camps made these drawings, which Le Collectif des Familles Unies turned into postcards.

Whats more, after this summers snap elections, Macron is a lame-duck president, initially forced into cohabitation with a minority right-wing coalition government, having rejected the progressive parties candidate for prime minister. That government collapsed in early December. The next parliamentary elections are widely expected next summer. As unforgiving as Macrons France has been with the stranded women and children, an even more severe policy would be expected under a Le Pen government. The question of the childrens return grows ever more urgent. Matters are further complicated by the fall of Bashar Al Assads regime, which for the moment has deepened the uncertainty surrounding the detainees future.







One of the most striking phenomena of the rise of ISIL in 2014 was its transnational appeal: An estimated 53,000 men, women, and minors, including 40,000 fighters, were said to have joined ISIL forces. Up to 4,761 of the foreign volunteers were women; another 4,640 were minors. These volunteers and their families hailed from 80 to 110 countries, spanning the borders of the Islamic world and beyond. Around 6,000 came from Western Europe, 7,000 from Eastern Europe and Russia, and 750 from the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand. Of the Western contingent, around 40 percent were women and minors. The largest group by far were the French: Approximately 1,900 joined ISIL. A Collectif representative confirmed to me that the relatives of those members represented in his association span all of Frances class, ethnic, geographic, and religious backgrounds.

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One ISIL Frenchman was Patrick Pascal (all names of the family members have been changed). Patrick was born and raised in a middle-class, mixed-faith Parisian household. Both parents were educators. Pierre, the father, was born in French Algeria to a Pieds-Noirs family of Protestant and Roman Catholic stock. Patricia, the mother, is partly of Jewish heritage and lost an aunt to the Nazis during the wartime occupation of France. The family would spend the school year in Paris and summers in a holiday cottage in the countryside, a short drive away from the beach. Today, both are retired and in their sixties, with the gentle manner common to many grandparents, except that their four grandsons are detained in a Syrian camp. When I first visited them this past summer, they were busy packing bags for a third trip to Syria, where they would visit their daughter-in-law and grandchildren. This was not what we imagined when we said we would travel once we retire, Pierre quipped, yet here we are.

As in many neighborhoods across France, Patrick grew up with many Muslim friends. In the park nearest the Pascals Parisian home, one does not have to listen hard to hear the staccato Arabic of the Maghreb. Patricks familiarity with Arab culture evolved into interest in the Muslim faith, and eventually led to him converting during his teenage years. He moved to Egypt when he turned 18 to try to learn Arabic and deepen his knowledge of the faith. Yet he returned to France shortly thereafter.



Back home, he would meet and marry Leila, a Parisian of Arab heritage. By 2015, the couple had two young boys. Patrick would also fall in with a fundamentalist crowd. During a picnic that summer, he shared with his parents that he planned to take his young family on holiday. Patrick managed to leave France, despite being technically under judicial supervision. One month later, in August, he told his parents that he would extend his vacation. The following month, he would share with them that the young family had arrived in ISIL territories.





The Pascal family may have arrived during ISILs zenith; yet, as sudden as ISILs rise was its downfall. By the winter of 2017, after intense attacks from an international coalition and SDF forces, ISIL lost control over all its major urban areas. Many ISIL fighters, civilian members, and their families were killed in combat. Those who survived, like the Pascal family, fled for their lives. In April 2018, the family was captured unharmed by SDF forces. Patrick was separated from his family. He would later be sent for trial in Iraq, with Frances permission. Leila and her three boysthe third son was born in Syriawould be interned in Al Roj camp, in northeast Syria. (A fourth son was born later.)

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Thousands of foreign women and children were stranded in SDF camps in northeastern Syria. As of 2021, the two main camps of Al Hol and Al Roj held more than 60,000 people, of whom around 12,000 were third-country nationals.

The SDF itself has a mixed reputation, despite its success in overcoming ISIL. The group is closely linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which has been designated as a terrorist group by the United States, the European Union, NATO, and the United Kingdom, among others. The SDF has been repeatedly accused of ethnic cleansing, torture, and other war crimes.

Syrian Kurdish officials have repeatedly called on third countries and the international community to urgently repatriate their citizens. These calls were echoed by the United Nations and humanitarian NGOs. Vladimir Voronkov, undersecretary-general of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, publicly warned that countries failure to repatriate would bring about the very outcomes we intend to prevent, including the radicalization and recruitment of a new generation of terrorists, and the strengthening of terrorist groups in the region and around the world.

An average of five children per week were reported to have died in Al Hol during 2019 and 2020. The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria described conditions in Al Hol as inhumane. Children have drowned in sewage pits, died in tent fires, and been run over and killed by trucks.

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What is striking is that the vast majority of the detained were, and remain, minors. The latest counts estimate children make up two-thirds of those detained in camps. Moreover, according to United Nations estimates, 77 percent of the children in camps were under the age of 12 at the time of internment, with 33 percent younger than five. The sanitary conditions within the camps are dire. An average of five children per week were reported to have died in Al Hol during 2019 and 2020. Save the Children reported that two children were dying every week in Al Hol in 2021. The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria described conditions in Al Hol as inhumane. Children have drowned in sewage pits, died in tent fires, and been run over and killed by trucks.

The security situation is equally challenging. Children are at constant risk of being trafficked, injured, or even murdered. The U.N. reported more than 90 murders in Al Hol in 2021. Forty-two murders, including 22 women victims, were documented in Al Hol in the first 11 months of 2022 alone. In November 2022, two Egyptian girls, both younger than 15, were found dead with stab wounds in a sewage ditch in Al Hol, days after being raped, according to the U.N. report.

The Kurdish-run Al Hol refugee camp in Syria in 2021

A precise number is not known, but at least hundreds of the detained children were citizens of Western democracies. In 2019, Frances Minister of Justice Nicole Belloubet confirmed that 75 percent of the French children detained in the camps were younger than seven. These children were either brought to the conflict zone by their parents, or were conceived and born in erstwhile ISIL territories, as with the Pascals third child. The Pascals fourth child would be born in a detention camp in October 2018.





The right of return is a core principle in international law that, according to Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, guarantees everyones right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country. This right was partially born of the restrictions placed on Jewish citizens of Germany, whose entry and exit from their homeland were blocked by Nazi authorities.

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While the right of citizens to return to their countries is a fundamental legal right, it is understandable, given the severity of the actions of adults who voluntarily joined ISIL, that their potential return home would be a source of controversy. Most legal advocates, however, took for granted that children would be quickly repatriated. After all, they were entirely blameless.

Yet, unlike other cases involving stranded citizens abroad, such as those of Americans kidnapped by Hamas in Gaza, there would be limited public clamor in France to bring our kids home and, consequently, a striking lack of political will, too. Louise (a pseudonym) is a UNICEF official involved in the repatriation negotiations with the governments in question. When we spoke near the United Nations New York headquarters, she admitted that, back in 2019, We thought the world, especially democracies, would take people home. Instead we were surprised by the level of inaction, particularly with regards to children. Today she fears the camps are turning into a Guantanamo Bay situation, with numbers slowly going down, but at the same time childrens lives are wasting away.

In fact, individual Western government policies regarding repatriating female and minor citizens vary markedly. Finland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, and eventually Belgium moved to return all of their underage nationals detained in Syria, as well as the mothers, where feasible. To Jussi Tanner, Finlands special envoy for repatriations, bringing the women and children home together reflected both the states obligation to protect childrens fundamental rights and the states security interests, because the longer children remain in the camps, the harder it will be to counter violent extremism and radicalization.

Americas policy has also been to repatriate detained American citizens, including volunteer combatants, in order to prosecute them in U.S. courts. According to Rights and Security International, as of July 2023, 38 Americansboth adults and minorshave been repatriated. At least 11 additional individuals have returned of their own accord.

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The United States has also lobbied other countries to repatriate, not least to minimize potential ISIL radicalization of the thousands of children in camps. Gen. Michael Kurilla, the U.S. military commander in the Middle East, described detained children as prime targets for [ISIL] radicalization. In January 2022, ISIL attacked one SDF prison, aiming to free its fighters. The prison held more than 3,000 ISIL suspects and about 700 adolescent boys. The attack resulted in the deaths of more than 500 individuals. Many of the dead were children or juveniles. The risk of similar actions is increasing. In 2023, ISIL claimed responsibility for 121 assaults in Syria and Iraq. The pace of ISIL attacks has since more than doubled, with 153 taking place in the first half of 2024 alone.

The U.S. approach is exceptional among anglophone Western nations. The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have shared an extreme reluctance to repatriate their citizens. The United Kingdom in fact stripped some of its nationals of their citizenship, even those who went to Syria while still minors. Very few have been brought back, and there has been no marked change in policy under Prime Minister Keir Starmers Labour government.





Jo Becker, Advocacy Director of the Childrens Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, explained to me that the lethargic and hostile policy is down to a number of reasons. The children are from the other: Most are of immigrant stock, from lower down the socioeconomic ladder, and all are of the Muslim faith. The questions of the role of immigrants in Europe, and the place of Muslims in the continent, are already domestic political hot buttons. Becker notes that beyond poor community activism  racism is surely a factor, together with the rhetoric of fear of returnees being ticking time bombs, as one prominent French prosecutor described them. Many of the countries with the largest contingents in Syrian camps have been the victims of repeated ISIL terrorist attacks.

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All these elements certainly apply to France. It has suffered the bloodiest ISIL terrorist attacks on the continent, including the November 2015 Paris attacks that killed 131 and injured 416. At the same time, France has supplied the largest contingent of Western ISIL fighters. The broader question of integrating Frances Arab and Muslim populationthe countrys largest ethnic and religious minorityhas bedeviled French politics and boosted the popularity of French extremist politicians.

Partly as a result, Marine Le Pens far-right Rassemblement National, or National Rally, the new name for her father Jean-Marie Le Pens Front National, has established itself as the largest opposition party. Le Pen advanced to the second-round runoff with Macron in Frances last two presidential elections, where she has noticeably narrowed her losing margin. In 2022, Le Pen garnered more than 41 percent of the presidential vote, compared to 34 percent in 2017. Her father managed less than 18 percent in his 2002 presidential runoff against Jacques Chirac.

Frances initial policy during ISILs collapse was for French citizens to be detained and tried by local authorities. The government began to make plans to change this toward the end of 2018, following the defeat of ISIL, when the Trump administration announced the planned withdrawal of the bulk of U.S. forces from northeastern Syria. Some French Cabinet ministers began to publicly speak in favor of repatriation. In January 2019, Belloubet, the minister of justice, spoke of Frances interest in ensuring that we know what the French detainees are up to. Christophe Castaner, Frances minister of the interior at the time, publicly stated that detainees were French before being jihadistssuggesting that France was thus responsible for bringing men home, too. This prompted Le Pen to retort that they are jihadists so they shouldnt be French. A few days later, Edouard Philippe, Frances then prime minister, also spoke in favor of repatriation, asking, Do we prefer that they be dispersed, that they join the ranks of [ISIL], or that they leave for another country to continue to foment jihad?

It seemed that the French government was set to repatriate. At the end of January 2019, it was leaked to Frances conservative BFM TV, presumably by hard-liners opposed to repatriation, that the government was preparing to fly home more than a hundred detainees, including men, to France. The adults would all be immediately imprisoned, while children would initially be taken into foster care.

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Far-right politicians and media outlets quickly began to stir up opposition, with Le Pen declaring that those individuals should not return to France. An internet poll published at the end of February by France Info and Le FigaroFrances leading conservative broadsheetshowed wide support for this view. A hefty 82 percent of the online responses supported Iraqrather than Francetrying French jihadists. In addition, 89 percent were worried about the return of jihadists [from Syria] to France, while 67 percent preferred to leave the [French] children of the jihadists in Iraq and Syria. The survey also broke down the results by political party preferences and found that 63 percent of the supporters of Macrons own party were opposed to the return of the children.

Macron addressed the controversy on February 26, denying that there ever was any plan to bring back jihadists and affirming that France would continue to apply the same policy of detaining and trying the French citizens on the ground in Syria and Iraq. Yet it was not true that there was no plan to bring back the French detainees. I obtained copies of leaked French intelligence documents that confirm the advanced preparations made for the return of all French detainees, including adult males. In one document, an Excel table lists detainees names, nationalities, birth dates, gender, date of arrest, whether they were minors, where they were detained, whether their physical location was confirmed, whether they would be repatriated in the first or second proposed flight, and whether there was an agreement with another country to take custody of the detainee instead. Also listed were family membership (so as to identify members of the same family who had different surnames), the date the individual left for ISIL territories, and how long they had spent there. Leila Pascal and her three children at the time appear on the list. All the namesincluding adult menthat I reviewed on the partial list were classified as to be repatriated, except for one Mauritanian who was not a French citizen. The return of French citizens was to be coordinated with the U.S. Army, reflecting U.S. policy that the safest place to try and monitor the detainees was in their home countries.

A second secret PowerPoint lays out how such monitoring would proceed. The document lists the number of French citizens and groups them by categories. Last updated at 4 p.m. on March 6, 2019, it lists 106 confirmed adults to be returned to France: 37 men and 69 women, of whom six were foreigners. Four more adult women are listed as unconfirmed. The number of men and women assigned to Frances different anti-terrorism and intelligence services, notably the General Directorate for Internal Security, or DGSI, and the Judicial Polices Anti-Terrorist Bureau, or SDAT, is listed and broken down by gender. The document notes three adult noncitizens, two Belgian women and one Mauritanian man, on the to not repatriate list.

The document also lists 149 confirmed children, with another six unconfirmed, broken down by age: Thirty are younger than two years old, 99 to 103 between two and 13 years old, seven older than 13, and 13 to 15 with unconfirmed ages. Of those older than 13, two are listed by name to be assigned to SDAT and DGSI, presumably for post-repatriation interrogation.

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The repatriation would never take place. Another ISIL-inspired attack on French soil in early March 2019 further empowered the hard-liners around Macron, in particular Jean-Yves Le Drian, a former defense minister who at the time was foreign minister. In 2016, Le Drian wrote a short book, Who Is the Enemy?, laying out how to fight and defeat the enemy while remaining within the political, legal, and ethical culture of France. In office, Le Drian and the French government instead negotiated a dealreportedly in exchange for a secret $2 billion payment to Iraqto transfer 13 French nationals arrested by the SDF in Syria to Baghdad for trial and imprisonment. France was and is the only Western country to allow this, despite the fact that France has banned the death penalty.

Three months later, between May 26 and 29, 11 of those same French citizens were sentenced to death. Patrick Pascal was one of those sentenced to hang. In Iraq, ISIL membership carries the death penalty. However, the Frenchmen were arrested in Syria, not Iraq. The Pascals deny Patrick was an ISIL combatant at all. Agnes Callamard, at the time the U.N. special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions, described the transfer of the accused to Iraq as illegal and the trial as unfair, clouded by allegations of torture and ill treatment. Le Drian stated in Parliament on May 29 that the defendants had enjoyed fair trials.

Under Le Drians stewardship, French policy was also tough on the French relatives. A representative of the Collectif confirmed to me that Le Drians Foreign Ministry never shared news of deaths with relatives back home, even if the families would have no other way of finding out.

Under Le Drians stewardship, French policy was also tough on the French relatives. A representative of the Collectif confirmed to me that Le Drians Foreign Ministry never shared news of deaths with relatives back home, even if the families would have no other way of finding out. When the Pascals first traveled to Syria in 2019, as part of a pan-European group, they were the only ones refused entry to camp. SDF officials apologetically turned them back, saying the orders allowed all nationalities to enter, except for the French, as their government did not want them to enter. The Pascals request to visit Iraq, where Patrick was being held, was also refused by French diplomats. After Le Drian left his position as foreign minister, the Pascals would return to the Syrian camp for two more visits. Both times they were admitted. Similarly, the Pascals subsequent requests for authorization to travel to Iraq have been granted.





Still, Frances policy would become more generous in one way: France would now bring back orphans, on a case-by-case basis. Other children would be repatriated only if their mothers renounced their legal parental and custodial rights. Between early 2019 and early 2021, 35 vulnerable children were thus brought home. Adults would still not be repatriated, even for medical reasons. One 28-year-old Frenchwoman died in camp for lack of treatment, despite repeated requests for a medical evacuation to France. In 2021, a group of French female detainees started a hunger strike to demand repatriation. Yet, under Le Drian, Frances policy would not budge. Le Drian did not reply to multiple emails requesting comment.

Even worse, the policy was applied inconsistently. At the time, five French juvenile males were being held in a center at Orkesh, where the SDF detains adolescent boys in conditions notably tougher than in the Al Roj and Al Hol camps. All five are sons of French jihadists; all were brought to Syria as children. One arrived when he was 11, another when he was nine. Four of the five never fought for ISIL. The fifth admits fighting for ISIL while still a minor.

At the time the new policy was announced, all five were minors and separated from their parents. Yet they were still not repatriated, despite their repeated requests. One boys mother and siblings were flown home in January 2023, but the boy was overlooked by French officials and left behind. Several boys require urgent medical attention. One was injured by a mortar, another by an allied airstrike in 2019, leaving him with one paralyzed arm and serious head injuries. A third, the former fighter, was shot in the head by ISIL as he tried to escape and was later further injured by an exploding mine. One French teenager attempted to commit suicide, before being saved at the last minute by another detainee. Another male French juvenile, Asadullah, is separately held in Al Houri camp. His jihadist father, since killed fighting for ISIL, kidnapped him and his two elder brothers from his ex-wife and smuggled them from France to Syria. Asadullah arrived in Syria at the age of nine, surrendered to the Kurds when he was 12, yet remains in camp despite repeated requests for repatriation.

Marie Dose, the lead lawyer for the stranded families, in her office in Paris

Dose fears that those forgotten boys will soon die, unless France rescues them. France is well aware of the boys plight: The youths shared that they were interrogated by French intelligence agents at Orkesh. Dose met with Luis Vassy, then the chief of staff of Stephane Sejourne, Frances foreign minister until September. Dose recalled that Vassy promised that he would bring the boys situation to the immediate attention of the foreign minister, and that they will study this very seriously. Despite Vassys promises, the French Foreign Ministry has yet to change tack. Vassy did not reply to my emails requesting comment.

I spoke to Francois Hollande, president of France from 2012 to 2017 and Macrons former boss, to try to better understand the refusal to bring back these minors. Hollande explained that the fact that they were innocent was precisely why Macrons government had not brought them back, as the children cannot be taken into custody [on their return to France] because they have not committed any [violent] act. While making clear that he disagreed with the policy, and that France must take care of its citizens, he said the refusal to repatriate is simply un choix politique.







Lawyers for the Collectif, the group fighting for the displaced families, have repeatedly challenged this policy choice, but French domestic courts declined to provide any relief. The administrative courts repeatedly affirmed the French states executive privilege on all matters concerning international relations. This was in striking contrast to neighboring Belgium. Like France, Belgium was the repeated victim of ISIL-inspired terrorism, had a large contingent of citizens interned in Syrian camps, and initially put in place a minimal repatriation policy. Nicolas Cohen, a Brussels advocate for Belgian families of those detained in Syria, shared with me his experience of the total resistance of Belgian authorities. No one wanted to hear anything about [the children].

But Belgian policy would change. Judges ordered the government to allow the return of all the children in Syria, together with their mothers. In Germany, too, the state at first would return only children, before domestic courts ruled that bringing back children without their mothers violated laws on protecting the family.

The deference of French courts forced families to seek judicial relief internationally, where Frances policy has been repeatedly censured. In February 2022, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child condemned France for its failure to repatriate minors, underlining that doing so violated the childrens fundamental right to life. The committee concluded that France had failed to show due consideration to the best interests of the child victims when assessing their relatives requests for repatriation. Further, the committee ruled that prolonged detention of the child victims in life-threatening conditions  amounts to inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. France then repatriated women for the first time, bringing home 16 women in July 2022, along with 35 children.

A second legal victory by the families was won in September 2022, when the European Court of Human Rights ruled that France must consider all requests for repatriation. The case involved French grandparents, who sued the French state on behalf of their daughters and grandchildren, who were detained in the Syrian camps. The court ruled that the absence of a formal decision by the French government in response to repeated requests for repatriation was arbitrary and violated Frances legal obligations. That October, France repatriated 16 women and 42 children. In January 2023, France was reprimanded in yet another international forum, this time the United Nations Committee Against Torture. A few days later, France repatriated 15 women and 32 children from the Syrian camps.

Etienne Mangeot, a French advocate involved in the repatriation cases, told me that it was clearly only condemnation, or the prospect of being condemned, in international legal fora that prompted France to change policy. Immediately before the September 2022 judgment, one lawyer acting on behalf of the families was briefed off the record by Macrons new justice adviser, Xavier Ronsin, who said that Frances policy would change, as it soon did.

Another important factor for the change in policy was that Catherine Colonna replaced Le Drian as foreign minister in May 2022. It is notable that no repatriation of any women took place during Le Drians tenure; this changed under Colonna. Hollande underlined to me that it is the minister of foreign affairs who has the authority to decide on repatriation, while the ministers of justice and interior are responsible for the detainees only once they have returned to France.

All informed sources I spoke to stated that the decision-making on this question is ultimately the preserve of Emmanuel Macron, with policy discussions tightly controlled within a small circle. To Dose, It is obvious that it is Macron who personally decides all of this. He cannot acknowledge the error of the policy he put in place, so he is being stubborn and dragging things out. In a way, Macrons policy was the worst of both worlds: He did not act decisively to protect the French children out of fear of blowback from the political right, yet he still lost ground to the far right in every election held during his tenure.

Today, the question of the childrens return is rarely raised in French media, other than an article in Le Monde after every repatriation flight. Few officials will speak on the record. Hollande underlined to me the fear among French policymakers of both Marine Le Pen and of public opinion more broadly. Mangeot described thedecision-makers as very, very scared, indeed almost paralyzed by the fear of future terrorist attacks in France and of being blamed if they bring back the children. Simon Foreman, a French expert in international law involved in the cases, told me that the French position is incomprehensible, and is dictated by political calculations and analysis of public opinion.

Frances policy is even more unfathomable because the children already brought back from Syria do not present any particular difficulty, said Olivier Christen, the prosecutor of Frances National Anti-Terrorist Office. To him, these children do not fit in any way the description of ticking time bombs.





Even though Frances final relaxation of policy allows for the repatriation of all women and children at the mothers request, neither the families nor their advocates are satisfied. They are pushing for France to bring back all the women and children, whether the women are willing or not. A French diplomat quoted in Le Monde argued that France cannot repatriate citizens by force, but that is precisely what France planned to do in 2019, before Macrons U-turn.

Matthieu Bagard, co-president of Avocats Sans Frontieres, or Lawyers Without Borders, talked me through the mindset of the remaining Frenchwomen in the camps, which he, too, has visited multiple times. One group of radicalized women remain pro-ISIL and prefer their children to grow up in camps rather than return to what they consider an impious, heathen, French society. These women impose their choice on the children. In one case, it is a grandmother who is forcing her preference on an orphaned grandchild, who remains with her in the camp.

A displaced boy at the Atmeh refugee camp on the outskirts of Idlib, Syria

A second group is ready to return but is worried about their preference being known, as it would expose them to punishment and retaliation by ISIL sympathizers in the camps. A third group occupies the middle ground. They are willing to return in theory, but afraid of the punishment that awaits them and, indirectly, their children. More than anything, they do not want their children to be removed from them and their extended families. Repatriated French children are taken on arrival by child welfare authorities and placed in foster families or homes, where they sometimes spend years before being returned to their actual families. Abuse of children is not uncommon in French foster care.

As for the women themselves, many feel theyve paid sufficiently, as Leila Pascal once said, for their mistake in going to Syria. All will be charged with association de malfaiteurs terroristeassociation with terroristsas soon as they set foot on French soil. The charge carries a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, considerably longer than in neighboring countries. Three women repatriated to France from the camps have been sentenced to 12, 14, and 17 years, respectively.

Whats more, France doesnt count the years in the SDF detention camps as time served. In Germany, by contrast, the Supreme Court has established that an individuals mere presence in ISIL territories is insufficient to lead to a presumption of membership in the terrorist organization. Furthermore, for those who are ultimately convicted in German courts for acts committed in Syria, years of detention abroad are used as a factor to determine the final German sentence. Every year that Germans are held in Iraqi prisons counts as three years of a German sentence, while years of detention at Al Hol are assessed on an individual basis. Still, most German women who are convicted of membership in a terrorist groupin this case ISILrarely serve their full prison sentences, since theyve often earned credit through their various incarcerations abroad.

Frances punitive policy means that many women, such as Leilathe Pascals daughter-in-law and mother of their four grandsonshope for repatriation to a third country. Some Frenchwomen married and had children with foreigners, leading them to hope for repatriation to their husbands countries. Other women are dual nationals because of foreign heritage. Leila herself is a dual national, despite being born and raised in France. She sometimes dreams of taking her boys to live in her third country. There they could live together, in safety, free of the threat of criminal prosecution.



Leilas parents-in-law share that she suffers bouts of panicked fear and simply does not know how to proceed after many years of detention in precarious conditions. During my last visit to the family, Leila was messaging the Pascals that she could hear the explosions of Turkish airstrikes around the SDF camp, retaliation for a Kurdish terrorist attack in Ankara a few days earlier. The United States, too, conducted airstrikes in the region in late October.

What Leila fears most is being separated from her boys. Leilas eldest, Hassan, is now a tall 14-year-old. He risks being summarily removed from her care by the SDF, and placed in the male juvenile detention center in Orkesh. Leilas other sons are 10, eight, and six years old; all will eventually be separated from her. Like other female detainees with sons, Leila faces the real question of whether the boys will be taken to Orkesh or to France, where they would initially enter the foster system, before eventually being reunited with their grandparents.

The Pascal grandparents strongly prefer that Leila choose to return home with the boys. When I last visited them, they had just come back from their third visit to Syria, and they would soon travel to Iraq to see their son, whose health continues to deteriorate. Patricks death sentence has since been commuted; he has also requested to be repatriated to serve his sentence in France.

For the Pascals, the whole situation has been an unimaginable emotional, financial, and legal burden to bear, yet the hope is still alive, according to Pierre Pascal. Their mood was more positive and optimistic than it was before their summer trip to Syria. The spare bedrooms in their apartment are ready for the grandchildren, with the beds made.

Francois Hollande, too, regrets that there have not been more returns to date, and he told me, Frances current policy clashes with the principle of protecting [French] children  as well as that of liberty. The priority [of the French state] must be protecting children.

Francois Hollande, too, regrets that there have not been more returns to date, and he told me, Frances current policy clashes with the principle of protecting [French] children  as well as that of liberty. The priority [of the French state] must be protecting children. We take more risks in not bringing them back. We must bring them back as quickly as possible.

In my final conversation with Marie Dose, she spoke with passion about how France owes these children a duty of care. We must save these children from their mothers, and these mothers ideology. She is worried about France returning to a more hard-line policy. Before the fall of the Assad regime, Dose received an official refusal to repatriate the French teenagers at Orkesh and Al Houri, with the French government claiming the area is too dangerous for French soldiers, despite Dose and French grandparents repeatedly visiting the same facilities. More than anything, she is fearful for the very lives of the children: We are in a race against the clock, and time is running out for these most innocent of victims.
The verdicts expected today in the southern French city of Avignon in the mass rape trial have been met with massive media interest, moving the court to provide exceptional measures to accommodate the flood of reporters.

The court said 180 journalists have registered for the trial, including 86 media representatives from abroad. Its exceptional measures are to allow all national and international media to report on the trial under the best possible conditions, the court said.

Additional security measures have been put in place, including the establishment of four transmission rooms within the court, where the verdicts can be followed as they are delivered in the courtroom. Police presence will be significantly enhanced with an additional security company, and the area around the court is expected to be cordoned off.

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In the trial, 51 men are being prosecuted. The main defendant, Dominique Pellicot, confessed to drugging his then-wife Gisele repeatedly over almost a decade, assaulting her, and offering her to dozens of strangers for rape. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

Long-term sentences have been requested, with the prosecution seeking between 4 and 18 years of imprisonment for the men, who were reportedly aged between 21 and 68 years old at the time of the offences. Dominique Pellicot is said to have contacted them through an online platform, documenting the acts with hundreds of videos and photos.
A Fresno police officer who shot and killed Austin Flores as he held what turned out to be a replica gun wont face charges, according to a California Department of Justice report released Wednesday.

The state DOJ also gave no recommendations to the Fresno Police Department related to training or policies for the May 19, 2022, killing of Flores, who was pointing an imitation or replica firearm incapable of firing a round at officers when he was shot, the report says.

Taking into account the totality of circumstances involved in this incident, it was not unreasonable for Corporal (Christopher) Cooper to believe that Mr. Flores aimed what appeared to be an operable firearm directly at him and to respond with deadly force, the report concluded.

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The Fresno Police Department declined to comment on the report on Wednesday.

Under Assembly Bill 1506, the DOJ investigates any fatal shootings by police in which the person killed was not armed.

Police were called about 11:17 a.m. on the day of the shooting by Floress mother. He was in violation of a restraining order while at a family home near Crystal Avenue and Fountain Way, the report said.

The mother told police she believed her 27-year-old son was drunk or high. The DOJ report said his autopsy found ethyl alcohol, methamphetamine and opiates, fentanyl, and Citalopram, a prescription drug.

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The DOJ report said police got conflicting information of whether Flores had a gun from the mother and grandmother, who was also at the house. They told police at different moments that the gun appeared real and other times that it was fake or a toy.

Video shows officers arrive to find Flores in the backseat of a car parked behind an open gate on the side of the house. Flores stepped out of the car and officers began to yell commands as he appeared to be holding the replica as one would hold a real gun.

Cpl. Christopher Cooper fired nine rounds in under three seconds, striking Flores five times. He was hit once each in the chest, abdomen, back, buttocks and back of the elbow, the report says.

Flores fell by the time the third round was fired, turning his back and falling as the other six rounds rang out, the report says.

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Flores was pronounced dead at 12:30 p.m. at a local hospital, the report said.

The body worn camera footage demonstrates numerous efforts to verbally de-escalate the situation before resorting to the use of force when Mr. Flores charged towards one of the officers with a firearm, the report says.
A friend of the jailed Miami high-flying Alexander brothers turned himself in Wednesday to face charges he held a woman down while they raped her in 2016.

Ohad Fisherman, 39, cut his Japan honeymoon short to surrender at the Miami-Dade County Courthouse and was charged with sexual battery by multiple perpetrators for allegedly restraining one of the brothers victims while the twins raped her.

Investigators say that Alon Alexander lured a woman to a fake New Years Eve barbecue on Dec. 31, 2016, by sending her photos of a packed gathering. But she arrived to find just Fisherman, two maids and the twin brothers, Alon and Oren Alexander.

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According to the woman, the twins took her into a bedroom, where Fisherman kneed her in the back and held her down on the bed by the arms while the twins took turns raping her, the Miami Herald reported.

She was then forced to have sex with Fisherman, told to take a shower and forbidden to tell anyone what had happened when they finally allowed her to leave, according to Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.

Fisherman denied the allegations but did not enter a plea. He was accompanied in court by his wife and mother-in-law, who together put up $260,000 in collateral on his $25,000 bond. A dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, he surrendered both passports. Though released on bail, he must wear an ankle monitor.

Mr. Fisherman is anxious to resolve this and to vindicate his name, defense attorney Jeffrey Sloman told reporters.

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The 37-year-old twins and their older brother, Tal Alexander, 38, have all been in custody in Florida since their indictment last week on multiple state and federal sexual assault and trafficking charges filed in Miami and Manhattan. Tal Alexander is in federal custody, while the twins are in Miami-Dade County Jail.

In addition to a slew of federal charges filed in New York alleging they drugged and violently raped dozens of women for years, the twins face state sexual battery felony charges in Florida in relation to three separate alleged assaults between 2016 and 2021. Fisherman is named as an accomplice in one of those but has not been accused in any of the brothers other crimes.

With News Wire Services
Frito-Lay is recalling a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration citing the risk that some consumers could experience a "life-theatening allergic reaction" due to an undeclared allergen.

The FDA said it had been alerted by a consumer that the product might contain undeclared milk. The bags of chips affected by recall were distributed to some retail stores and e-commerce distributors in Oregon and Washington, and were available for sale beginning Nov. 3, 2024.

"Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product," the FDA said in the recall notice posted Thursday.

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No allergic reactions related to the recall have been reported, according to the notice. Additionally, no other Lay's products, flavors, sizes or variety packs are affected.

Frito-Lay is recalling a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips after being alerted by a consumer contact that the product may contain undeclared milk. / Credit: FDA

The recalled chips include Lay's Classic Potato Chips, in flexible 13 oz. (368.5 grams) bags with UPC code 28400 31041, a "Guaranteed Fresh" date of 11 Feb 2025, and one of either two manufacturing codes: 6462307xx or 6463307xx.

General guidelines from the FDA advise consumers who have purchased any recalled food to dispose of the product or return it to the retailer for a full refund.

In a similar event, Costco in October recalled nearly 80,000 pounds of store-brand butter because the key ingredient, milk, was missing from the product's label.

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DAVIE COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  The Town of Mocksville will soon be home to a new furniture manufacturing facility which is expected to create 250 jobs.

The Lithuanian Company, SBA Home, chose Davie County to establish its first North American furniture production facility.

Leaders with Davie County Economic Development Commission and Davidson-Davie Community College said its another sign of the return of manufacturing to the Triad. They expect it to help keep more people in the local workforce.

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Always excited when were seeing a rebirth of not only our furniture but our manufacturing facilities across the Piedmont Triad and in the state of North Carolina, Davidson-Davie Community College Vice President of Workforce and Community Engagement Dr. Johnathan Brown said.

SBA Homes new furniture manufacturing facility in Mocksville will be located at 187 Gildan Dr. It will be housed in a 500,000-square-foot facility.

Davie County Economic Development Commission President Terry Bralley says theyve worked on this project for nearly a year.

This project is really driven by our spec building program  We partner with private investors  We have a virtually complete building that is speed to market in todays world. Companies can come in, get a spec building up there and be in operation in a sooner time, Bralley said.

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The Lithuanian manufacturers primary furniture buyer is Ikea. Its investment is expected to have a big impact on economic development in the county.

Around $50 million is what we have gauged our incentives on, which is great. Helps us grow our tax base and helps offset the burden to the local residents when it comes to taxes and helps our schools, helps our community college and helps our programs that we can offer to our young people here, Bralley said.

Davidson-Davie Community College is looking to help fill the workforce.

Its always interesting when we first introduce ourselves to these companies. Were trying to learn more about them and what their needs are so we can kind of match and build what theyre looking, Brown said.

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Brown said many manufacturing facilities are now heavily automated and rely on machines.

Were looking to upskill our students to give them the ability that when they walk in that facility, theyre able to fix things, think critically and solve problems. Because once a machine goes down, weve got to get it back up and running, Brown said. We also work on the program inside with our places, and theyre able to program those machines.

Brown said 90% of their manufacturing classes are hands-on. He said the college is looking ahead to the recruiting process and is ready to match up with what SBA Home needs for its workforce.

Im hoping we can supply all 250 employees on this first start-up. But those are conversations that we will have with the company. We look forward to that and we welcome that challenge, Brown said.

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SBA Homes furniture manufacturing facility in Mocksville is expected to be operational by Oct. 2025.

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Morrisville, VT (myCV)  Dozens of doctors, nurses and people living in Lamoille County worry about the possibility of the birthing center at Copley Hospital closing down, after learning the hospitals board of trustees is having discussions about its future.

More than 60 people, many of whom work at the hospital, recently signed a letter condemning hospital leadership for even considering closing the birthing center. The medical staffers shared the letter with Lamoille County communities, saying people deserve to know that conversation is happening. In the letter, they noted people in the county needing pregnancy care would have to travel all the way to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington or the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin if Copley Hospital shutters its birthing center, and they argue that could lead to young families moving out of the area.

The letter also contained numerous stern statements, including: Eliminating this essential service would be a betrayal of Copleys mission, We need to resist the moral bankruptcy of cutting needed services, and It is shortsighted at best, dangerous at worst.

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Wednesday afternoon, Copley Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Woodin responded to the strongly-worded letter, saying the critiques in it are premature, and that the hospitals board is still far from making a decision on the birthing centers future.

I just think its sad that some of the language really shuts down the conversation, Woodin said, referring to the letter. To cry and say that that would constitute moral bankruptcy is really unfortunate  were trying to have thoughtful deliberation on an important issue.

Woodin said the birthing centers future came under question this fall after the hospital received recommendations from the state-funded Oliver Wyman Act 167 report. The purpose of the yearslong report was to study ways to ensure future sustainability for all Vermont hospitals, and in a lot of cases, the report found that saving money and cutting services and staff is one of the more effective solutions to keep small hospitals afloat. As a result, the report made that recommendation to many Vermont hospitals, including Copley, and also recommended Copley cut other clinical services.

Small community hospitals cant be all things for all people, Woodin said. So there, at times, need to be some tough decisions as to whats best and what can we sustain  The Vermont hospital system really is in a difficult time, so thats why weve been looking at the birthing center.

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Woodin noted that although the Copley board of trustees is considering the studys recommendations, it doesnt necessarily mean theyre going to act on them. He said it ultimately comes down to a combination of whats best for the hospital and the community.

A decision of this magnitude, which is really quite significant, is really something that the board needs to decide, Woodin said. The board, representing the community, theyre all community volunteers on the board.

Sometimes those words sort of hurt and are meant to limit our options, Woodin said, referring again to the letter signed by some of his staff. So were just going to have to steel plow through it.

Woodin added the board will be making some notable decisions within the next 30 days, but those will not involve the birthing center. He said board members will make sure all decisions they make feel appropriate.

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If Copley Hospitals birthing center does eventually close, it wouldnt be the first one in our region to shut down in recent years. Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone stopped doing non-emergency births in March 2022.

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Dec. 19Hundreds of Ohio villages will have to prove their worth under a new law passed by the General Assembly this week.

Ohio House Bill 331, which passed with bipartisan approval Wednesday, creates an automatic process to regularly review and potentially dissolve villages

The bill, carried by local Reps. Tom Young, R-Washington Twp., and Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon, sets up a once-a-decade county audit for villages to determine if that village provides at least five out of 10 essential services to its residents and produces at least one candidate for the village's elected positions of government.

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Under H.B. 331, villages that fail the audit will be subject to a vote among its resident to dissolve the village's government entirely.

Young told this outlet that the bill is aimed at decreasing the number of taxing jurisdictions, and therefore the amount of different property taxes Ohioans pay, in the state of Ohio.

"We have too many taxing jurisdictions in this state," Young said. "...We have a spending problem in this state, in (Montgomery) county, and it's got to stop."

The bill grew out of repeated efforts in 2023 and 2024 to dissolve the 195-year-old Warren County village of Harveysburg that village voters rejected both years.

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Ohio has hundreds of small villages that could fall subject to such audits.

In addition to Harveysburg (pop. 554), southwest Ohio is dotted with tiny villages that could face such audits. This includes the village of Jacksonburg in Butler County (pop. 55); Clifton in Greene County (pop. 131); Ludlow Falls in Miami County (pop. 175); and Catawba in Clark County (pop. 245).

The bill now goes to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature.
(Bloomberg) -- Group of Seven nations are exploring ways to toughen the price cap on Russian oil as they seek to better target Moscows ability to fund its war against Ukraine, according to people familiar with the matter.

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Options under consideration range from essentially replacing the mechanism with a full ban on handling Russian crude to lowering the price threshold from the current $60 to about $40, the people said. The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive talks, cautioned that discussions were ongoing and theres no consensus yet on a next step.

Under the current terms of the price cap, western operators can insure and transport oil only when its purchased below the price threshold. The US and European Union also introduced an embargo on most imports in the months after Russias full-scale invasion.

Thats seen Moscow turn to a covert fleet of tankers, often operating with unknown insurers or owners, to move its crude to new markets, particularly in Asia. This shadow fleet has helped Russia work around the restrictions, with prices for its crude selling above the price cap for most of the year.

In response, G-7 nations have sanctioned dozens of vessels and entities involved in these shadow trades. A number of Northern European countries also are ramping up insurance checks on passing Russian tankers.

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The price cap was originally designed to limit the amount of money Russia makes from its oil sales while keeping global oil prices from skyrocketing. With prices for oil slipping amid forecasts of a global surplus in 2025, Ukraines allies are open to taking more aggressive action, Bloomberg previously reported.

As they weigh possible options, G-7 nations are looking to balance the potential economic impact of any measures with other issues such as maritime safety, with some arguing that trade could benefit from Moscow using more reliable operators, the people said.

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The Group of Seven countries are discussing a possible reduction in the so-called price cap for Russian oil transported by sea to limit Russia's oil revenues.

Source: Bloomberg, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to Bloomberg, the G7 is discussing various options for tightening oil restrictions against Russia - from actually replacing the price ceiling mechanism with a complete ban on working with Russian oil to lowering the price threshold from the current US$60 to about US$40.

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The Bloomberg sources noted that discussions on the measures are ongoing, and there is no consensus on further steps.

The article says that at the same time, the G7 countries are seeking to balance the potential economic impact of any measures against Russian oil with issues such as maritime security.

In December 2022, the West set an upper limit on the price of Russian oil exports by sea at US$60 per barrel. The sanctions also prohibit Western companies from providing oil transportation services from Russia at a price higher than the ceiling.

The restrictions have forced Russia to reorient its oil sales to much more distant countries, such as China and India, and to invest in "shadow fleets" of worn-out tankers that are not officially tracked.

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In response, the Group of Seven countries have imposed sanctions on dozens of vessels and companies involved in this shadow trade.

In addition, a number of Northern European countries have also stepped up insurance checks on Russian tankers passing through their borders.



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The city of Aurora, Colorado, has reentered the national debate on immigration after a married couple was kidnapped by a group of undocumented migrants Monday night in their apartment complex and bound, beaten and pistol-whipped, police say.

Police Chief Todd Chamberlain described the incident at The Edge on Lowry apartments as without question a gang incident, and police have said both the perpetrators and victims are Venezuelan immigrants.

Sixteen people have been detained in connection to the case and are in the custody of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, police said.

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The investigation is ongoing and so far eight suspects in custody face varying charges, which include second-degree kidnapping, aggravated robbery, first-degree assault, extortion and burglary, Chamberlain said. CNN is working to determine whether they have legal representation. Police are seeking charges against three other suspects still at large.

Several suspects are members of the notorious transnational gang Tren de Aragua, which originated in a Venezuelan prison and has infiltrated US cities, according to Chamberlain. In March, a group of Republican Congress members urged President Joe Biden to take action against the group.

Without question, in my opinion, this is (Tren de Aragua) activity, Chamberlain said, noting that investigators are still working with federal authorities to determine what gang affiliations, if any, the group of suspects have.

Our victims were basically subjected to some incredibly inhumane and harsh and unbelievable treatment, Chamberlain said.

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The victims reported the attack to police and were treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, the police chief said.

Renewed immigration controversy

The attack has brought renewed attention to the nondescript row of brick apartment buildings and the city of Aurora, which just months ago became a flashpoint in the national conflict over immigration.

President-elect Donald Trump repeatedly compared the Denver suburb to a war zone while on the campaign trail, echoing unsubstantiated rumors that Venezuelan gangs were violently assuming control over parts of the city amid an influx of migrants into the Aurora and Denver areas.

But local officials argue that while organized criminal activity is present in Aurora, the issue has become grossly exaggerated and is limited to a handful of apartment buildings in a city of more than 400,000 residents.

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Chamberlain said the apartments at The Edge have become a focus of his police department, which has been proactively working to address crime at the property and does nonstop patrols in the area.

It is an incredibly crime-riddled complex  the attention (on it) will not stop until every individual that victimizes somebody else will be held accountable or be removed from that complex.

But the problem extends beyond that property, he said.

We have a gang problem in Aurora without question, Chamberlain said. We have 25-some gangs like every major city does. We have a number of gang members and its not just up in that area. Its not just in that complex. Its throughout the entire city of Aurora.

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Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman echoed the police chiefs concerns in a statement Wednesday but insisted the city should not be defined by its recent criminal woes.

Aurora, like every other major city across the country, must tackle crime  especially concentrated pockets of crime  aggressively. But as I have said repeatedly, specific bad actors and problematic properties do not reflect on this city as a whole, Coffman said.

Local officials also pointed out the longstanding concern that immigrants are disproportionately targeted as victims of crime.

Its imperative that our public safety policies prioritize protecting every resident of Aurora, regardless of their immigration status, Alison Coombs, Aurora City Council member at large said.

How the attack unfolded

Investigators say the victims were targeted because the wife had recorded a video of a fight between two women at the apartment complex in November, Chamberlain said Friday. The video, which was later posted online by a friend, also showed several people in the background who are suspected of being involved in criminal activity, he added.

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The friend began receiving threats for sharing the video and fled the state on December 16 out of fear for their safety, police said.

That same night, the couple was unloading groceries from their car in the parking lot of their apartment complex when they were confronted by a group of 15 people who were reportedly armed with handguns and rifles, according to police. Police had previously said the couple was taken from their apartment.

The victims were forced into a vacant apartment in The Edge and terrorized as some of the suspects went to the couples apartment, ransacked and stole their belongings, the police chief said. The man was stabbed and both were bound and pistol-whipped, he said.

The suspects found the wifes cell phone and deleted the fight video she had taken, the police chief said.

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These suspects wanted the camera or the cell phone that was used by our victim to take this video. They wanted that video removed, because, again, it showed not only the two females fighting, but it also showed a number of other individuals in and around that apartment complex that were involved in criminal activity, Chamberlain said.

Just before 2 a.m., the victims pleaded for their release, telling their alleged kidnappers they would not report the attack to the police, Chamberlain said. The pair was released and drove to a friends house, where they immediately called the police.

Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain speaks at a press conference Tuesday. - KUSA

Officers responded to the apartment complex and locked down the property, where they found about 15 people in one apartment, many of whom are suspects in the attack, Chamberlain said.

Most of them are without question or most likely  undocumented or immigrants to the city of Aurora, Chamberlain said.

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Police searched five apartments and seized handguns, magazines of ammunition, knives, cell phones and bindings consistent with the victims story, according to police. Officers also found the victims cell phones and jewelry, which had been stolen.

During the attack, some suspects forced the victims to share their banking information, Chamberlain said. For weeks before the kidnapping, suspects had also been visiting the couple and forcing them to hand over hundreds of dollars, he added.

These suspects were basically extorting or taxing these individuals, and Im sure they have been doing it to more individuals that live in and around that apartment complex, Chamberlain said Friday.

Investigators are now trying to determine whether other people in the complex are being extorted for money, he said.

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The US Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations are assisting in the case. CNN has sought comment from the agencies.

Victims were Venezuelan migrants

The victims of Mondays attack are Venezuelan migrants, and Chamberlain applauded their incredible amount of courage in reporting the crime, despite fears that their immigration status may lead to repercussions against them.

Chamberlain said the suspects likely targeted the victims because they believed they would not report the crime to police.

These individuals, like many gangs and many individuals involved in this type of activity, they victimize their own race and their own ethnicity, the police chief said. The reason they do that is because they are easy victims because they know because of their status they will not come forward to the police.

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Investigating organized criminal activity at the apartment complex is challenging because many of the residents there are immigrants who may be hesitant to speak with investigators, Chamberlain said.

It is incredibly hard because a lot of those individuals that may or may not be victimized in there feel that they cannot come forward to the police based upon their immigration status, he said. The one thing that I want to assure everybody who lives in that apartment complex, everybody in the city of Aurora who is documented or undocumented: We are here to serve you.

Chamberlain encouraged anyone  regardless of their immigration status  to feel comfortable contacting Aurora police if they have been the victim of a crime.

There is no place in this country, there is no place in this city where somebody should be victimized or mistreated based upon their documentation status, he added.

CNNs Lucy Kafanov and Hanna Park contributed to this report.

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ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL)  Elizabethtons Gap Creek Bridge is set to reopen by the end of the week, the office of Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby announced on Thursday.

Reopening the Gap Creek Bridge has been a top priority, Woodby said in a news release. We know how important this bridge is for our citizens and local businesses, and I appreciate the efforts of Highway Superintendent Shannon Burchett and the Tennessee Department of Transportation in making this happen.

Carter County emergency management director fired

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Once the Gap Creek Bridge reopens, a red light will be in place to control traffic.

The one-lane traffic arrangement is designed to ease traffic pressures in the area due to the closure of the Broad Street Bridge.

While this temporary solution is not ideal, its an important step in alleviating traffic congestion and providing some normalcy as we await the formal construction process, Woodby said in the release.

Community members are asked to plan commutes accordingly and to be patient with traffic.

Residents who lost a private bridge due to flooding from Hurricane Helene are encouraged to apply for Individual Assistance from FEMA to cover replacement costs.

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For more information on FEMA assistance, click here or call 800-621-3362

Residents can also visit the Disaster Resource Center at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library (201 North Sycamore Street) from 9 a.m.  6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.  5 p.m. on Saturdays.

The deadline to apply for assistance is Jan. 7.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
GEORGIA (WJBF)  In response to the unprecedented damages caused by Hurricane Helene, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has officially launched the HEARTS Georgia (Housing Emergency Assistance and Recovery Through Sheltering) program to support survivors of Hurricane Helene. This state-run, first-of-its-kind program provides temporary shelter to survivors whose primary residences were majorly damaged, destroyed, or deemed uninhabitable.

The HEARTS Georgia program provides non-congregate sheltering in hotels or motels for eligible survivors in the 61 counties federally declared for FEMAs Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs. This program will help survivors transition into long-term housing solutions, supplementing the immediate efforts undertaken in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

HELENE RECOVERY EFFORTS: Augusta leaders hold third meeting on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts

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The HEARTS Georgia program is about helping our neighbors get back on their feet after Hurricane Helene turned their lives upside down, said GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings. By providing safe and comfortable temporary sheltering, were giving families the breathing room to focus on rebuilding their homes and lives. Our priority is to stand by Georgias communities throughout this recovery process, reminding them that were here with them every step of the way.

In the past few months, GEMA/HS has worked closely with Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) groups, local emergency management agencies, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based groups to provide immediate assistance and long-term recovery support. These collaborative efforts have included sheltering assistance, home rebuilds, and identifying low-income housing through the Department of Community Affairs.

To qualify for the program, survivors must:

Be registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.

Reside in one of the 61 federally declared counties.

Have a primary residence that was majorly damaged, destroyed, or deemed not habitable.

Agree to comply with program rules and requirements.

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This program represents the most substantial forward-facing initiative to date, aimed at addressing the housing needs of Georgians during their recovery. The HEARTS Georgia program is designed to help affected individuals for up to six months. Georgians in affected areas can visit gema.georgia.gov/hearts-georgia to apply.

For assistance, survivors may contact the HEARTS Georgia Program Contact Center at 833-575-4411 or email GEMA/HSs Community Recovery Department at community.recovery@gema.ga.gov. GEMA/HS remains committed to helping Georgias residents recover and rebuild after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
JOPLIN, Mo.  The Joplin office of an area ministry was a very busy place on Wednesday.

It makes your heart warm, said Larry Efird, Salvation Army volunteer.

He is one of a small army of volunteers working since last week to make sure theres food on the table and gifts under the tree for others in the community that, for whatever reason, wouldnt be able to do so themselves.

They wouldnt have a Christmas probably, like a lump of coal in the movies, a lump of coal but yah, a lot of these kids would not have a Christmas, said Efird.

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For a while, Captain Deb Middendorp was concerned they wouldnt be able to provide gifts for over a thousand families in Jasper and Newton counties.

Generosity of people has been amazing this year, its its you can see all these bags represents one family and theyre loaded with toys for the kids we have a food box for the families, said Captain Deb Middendorp, Salvation Army of Jasper Newton County.

A total of five hundred and twenty-five families picked up food baskets and over a thousand gifts for their kids.

Much of the non-perishable food items in the boxes were brought in by kids in Joplin schools that hosted food drives.

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And an area farmer donated an entire cow, to provide meat for each basket.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Dec. 19GENEVA  The Geneva Area City Schools will advertise for its open superintendent position on its website.

The application deadline will be Jan. 31, 2025.

When discussing the open position at a special meeting Tuesday, board members thought Interim Superintendent David Riley was the best candidate.

Riley has been the board-appointed interim superintendent since August.

He was appointed after the departure of previous superintendent Terri Hrina-Treharn.

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Riley also served as substitute superintendent from April to August.

Board President Marti Milliken Dixon said Riley has worked well with the board.

"David has done every single thing we've asked him to do," she said. "David's done a lot of impossible things to clean up issues in the district."

Board member Brock Pierson said he thinks Riley would make a great superintendent, but the district should advertise.

Pierson said he wants district residents to know they opened the position up to application.

"My biggest thing is, if someone comes to me and they go, 'Why didn't you consider somebody else?'" he said.

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Board Vice President Jamie Ortiz disagreed.

"We have the superintendent we need," she said.

Pierson said the board should make sure the process is open, but thinks Riley is the best option.

"We are proving that, and there is no better objective proof than having that be their decision," he said.

Milliken Dixon said she would collect the applications.

"I know that we have our superintendent [in Riley], but I try to be open-minded," she said. "I will read resumes, cover letters [and] interview people if we deem that necessary, because I want to make sure."

At that same meeting, the board gave Riley a contract.

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According to the contract, Riley will make $132,250 annually.

The contract stipulates the board will compensate Riley an additional $15,750 for his time as substitute and interim superintendent pre-contract.

The contract's term will end July 31, 2025.

If the board ends the contract and picks a superintendent other than Riley, he will return to his previous role as assistant superintendent.

Riley said he is grateful to the board for giving him the contract.

"I know we've been talking about it for quite a few months," he said. "I do believe that the patience that we've all exhibited through this was a good thing. So, I'm very excited."
George Stephanopoulos, the Good Morning America co-host who was recently on the losing end of a $15 million settlement agreement between Walt Disney Co. and President-elect Donald Trump, has signed a new multi-year contract with ABC News, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Exact details of the networks deal with Stephanopouloswho earns somewhere close to $20 million annuallyremain unclear.

On Dec. 15, Trump and ABC News reached the settlement agreement in a defamation lawsuit the president-elect filed against the outlet after Stephanopoulos inaccurately said that he was found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll in the 90s.

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Donald Trump has been found liable for rape by a jury, Stephanopoulos repeatedly told Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) during a This Week interview on March 10. Trumps suit said Stephanopoulos defamed him as the jury found him liable for sexual abuse, not rape.

ABC News ultimately agreed to pay $15 million toward Trumps presidential library and $1 million in legal fees. The Times reported that Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger approved the agreement, citing sources close to the deal.

An ABC News representative declined the Los Angeles Times request for comment on Stephanopoulos reported new deal.

Any issues executives may have had with his Trump-related blunder seemingly fell by the wayside thanks to falling ratings at Good Morning Americawhich recently fell behind NBCs Today, the Times noted.

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A TV insider previously told the Daily Beast that Disneys decision to settle the suit makes sense.

Would I rather apologize and have somebody pay the $15 million, or go through discovery for two years and every text and email end up on the front page of the Daily Mail?

Id say, for most broadcast journalists, thats an easy decision, they continued.
Longtime ABC News star George Stephanopoulos has reached a new deal that will keep him at ABC News and as an anchor on Good Morning America for the near term.

The news should end speculation that the well-paid Stephanopolous was on his way out as the Disney-owned network, along with every news organization, looks to trim the high overhead of pricey talent deals. An industry source with knowledge of the deal said the length of the extension was shorter than a typical multi-year on-air talent pact  which is another sign of the times for the TV news business.

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The Los Angeles Times was the first to report the news of the new deal. Under his previous pact, Stephanopoulos was one of the highest-paid anchors on TV, making up to $18 million per year. The fate of Stephanopoulos has been at the center of much speculation in recent days, following Disney CEO Bob Igers approval of a a $15 million settlement and an additional $1 million to settle a lawsuit from incoming President Donald Trumps legal fees, as well as a quasi-apology on Dec. 13.

As Variety has reported, Stephanopoulos is believed to have been blindsided by the deal and unaware that Disney had decided to settle. Over the weekend, he deleted his account on X, formerly Twitter, where he had more than 2.3 million followers, in the wake of heavy blowback to the Disney settlement. Representatives for Stephanopoulos referrred calls to ABC News. ABC News could not immediately be reached for comment.

Trump had sued ABC News over the anchors comment in a March 2024 interview on This Week that Donald Trump has been found liable for rape by a jury. Stephanopoulos was referring to a jurys verdict that found Trump had sexually abused the writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s.

Separately, talent reps have been keeping a close eye on shows like ABCs Good Morning America in the wake of other recent major trims in the news business. GMA has a high overhead from the salaries of its three core anchors: Robin Roberts, Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan. And with Stephanopoulos contract up first, and it was expected to be a tense renegotiation.

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GMA has recently been locked in a tough ratings battle with NBC rival Today; GMA averaged 2.69 million viewers last week, behind Todays 2.83 million average. Today anchor Hoda Kotb opted to depart, and even though salary was not cited as her reason for leaving, most still saw it as a high-profile example of TVs new austerity push when it comes to talent and production costs  especially on long-running franchises like Today and GMA.

Stephanopoulos last reported deal renewal was in 2019, when he signed a four-year pact to continue at the network. He later extended that contract in 2021, adding new production duties, including a new program on politics for Hulu and four hour-long specials for primetime, while World News Tonights David Muir was made lead anchor for ABC News special reports and news of national importance.

Stephanopoulos has been with ABC News since 1997, when he joined the news outlet as an analyst, following a stint as communications director in the Clinton White House. He became the host of the Sunday public-affairs program This Week in 2002. In 2009, he joined Good Morning America.

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DAMASCUS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Thursday accused Turkish troops and allied factions of escalating attacks near Syria's border city of Kobani.

The SDF said in a statement that Turkish forces and their "mercenaries" launched a full-scale assault Wednesday on the southern outskirts of Kobani, specifically near the Tishreen Dam area.

The group added its fighters repelled the attackers by nightfall, but Turkish drones and artillery continued to strike various parts of Kobani. In addition, Turkish military reinforcements, including tanks and armored vehicles, were said to be massing along Syria's northern border.

The SDF emphasized its support for recent U.S.-led de-escalation efforts and the positive stance adopted at the Aqaba meeting, which was held on Dec. 14 with a focus on efforts to halt combat operations in Syria.

The militia, however, called on the global community to take a "clearer and firmer" position against Turkish escalation, urging Arab states and concerned nations to denounce what it termed "an ongoing campaign to seize Syrian territory."

"We do not seek further conflict, but we will not hesitate to defend our people and our land," the militia warned.

The SDF also encouraged residents in Kobani to arm themselves and form a united front against any invasion attempts.

"Every village and corner of Kobani can become a fortress of resistance," it said, warning there would be no "picnic" for any invading force.

Ankara has long viewed the SDF group with suspicion due to its links to Kurdish militants inside Turkiye. 
George Stephanopoulos signed a new deal with ABC News in which the Good Morning America co-host will remain with the network, a news division spokesperson said.

Stephanopoulos signed a multiyear agreement, but no other details were provided. The agreement was said to be unrelated to ABCs $16 million settlement last week with President-elect Donald Trump, who sued in March over comments that Stephanopoulos made on This Week, the Sunday show which he also hosts.

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Stephanopoulos last renewed his deal with the network in 2021.

ABCs settlement with Trump included a $15 million donation to the Trump presidential foundation and library, and $1 million to his attorneys in legal fees. During an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) in March, Stephanopoulos had said multiple times that Trump had been found liable by a jury for rape. In fact, Trump had been found liable for sexual assault, in a defamation case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. The judge overseeing the case, however, later wrote in another ruling that the finding that Ms. Carroll failed to prove that she was raped within the meaning of the New York Penal Law does not mean that she failed to prove that Mr. Trump raped her as many people commonly understand the word rape.

The network faced a bit of a backlash for the settlement, as some First Amendment advocates believed that it had a good chance to prevail and that it would embolden Trump to file additional lawsuits.

Indeed, on Monday, Trump sued a pollster, Ann Selzer, under Iowas Consumer Fraud Act, claiming that her pre-election poll Kamala Harris with a three-point lead was an intentional effort to interfere in the election. Selzer and the Des Moines Register, another defendant in Trumps suit, have denied any such thing. While her poll was off, she was certainly not the first pollster to produce what is called an outlier.

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The Los Angeles Times first reported on Stephanopoulos deal this evening.

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"Good Morning America" co-host George Stephanopoulos, who is taking fire over Walt Disney Co.'s decision to settle President-elect Donald Trump's defamation suit against ABC News, isn't going anywhere.

Stephanopoulos, 63, recently agreed to a new multiyear contract to remain with the ABC News morning program, according to several people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment publicly.

An ABC News representative declined to comment.

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The deal probably will quell rumblings of any long-term fallout over ABC News' agreement to pay $15 million toward Trumps presidential library and $1 million in legal fees to settle a lawsuit over Stephanopoulos inaccurate on-air statement that the president-elect had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s.

Trump's suit said Stephanopoulos defamed him because the jury in the Carroll case found him liable for sexual abuse  not rape. Trump sued after Stephanopoulos made the comment on a March 10 broadcast of his "This Week."

The judge in the case said that "the finding that Ms. Carroll failed to prove that she was raped within the meaning of the New York Penal Law does not mean that she failed to prove that Mr. Trump raped her as many people commonly understand the word 'rape.' "

President Trump with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos at a town hall at National Constitution Center, on Sept. 15, 2020. (Associated Press)

Journalists at ABC were disheartened that the news division and Stephanopoulos agreed to apologize to Trump and that the company was unwilling to fight the suit in court.

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The decision  a preview of the challenges of covering a new Trump administration  added to the dread already felt among the network's rank and file who are bracing for cost-cutting in the new year, according to one insider not authorized to comment publicly.

But any concerns at Disney about the negative reaction to the settlement took a back seat to the fragile state of "Good Morning America," which has fallen behind NBC's "Today" in the Nielsen ratings.

Stephanopoulos  who is said to earn in the range of $20 million annually  has long provided nutritious news calories to the breezy morning program that he co-hosts with Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan.

The network has no apparent successor to Stephanopoulos, who joined "Good Morning America" in 2009. A change in the host chairs can be disruptive to morning audience viewing habits, which are deeply entrenched.

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Disney's decision to back down to Trump has raised fears that the media industry will be tested by the contentious president-elect, who has promised to use legal means against outlets he believes have treated him unfairly.

Read more: Security contractor can seek damages from CNN over Afghan war profiteer report

"The incoming president is going to make use of libel laws as a mechanism to harass and intimidate the people they perceive as their opponents," said veteran 1st Amendment attorney Lee Levine. "That's now perfectly clear. ... He wants to send a message out there: 'Don't cross me.' "

Trump also has filed a lawsuit against CBS, claiming the network deceptively edited a "60 Minutes" interview of Vice President Kamala Harris to make her look better to viewers. The network denied the accusation.

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On Monday, he sued the Des Moines Register over an erroneous preelection poll that showed him losing in the state.

Levine believed that ABC News would have prevailed on a legal basis had the case gone to trial. But the company was unwilling to take the risk of paying damages set by a jury and the negative publicity that comes with any legally protracted battle, sources said.

"There was a real fear of an adverse judgment of a larger amount that was paid in a settlement," Levine said.

Levine added that Trump's use of the courts to attack media organizations will intimidate outlets that don't have the resources to mount a robust legal defense. He is hopeful that larger companies such as Disney will "hold firm and litigate these things when appropriate" going forward.

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Disney probablywanted to avoid the risk of having the inner workings of its operations presented as evidence in the public setting of a courtroom.

Settlement talks began after the judge in the case ruled Friday that Stephanopoulos and Trump had to sit for depositions and submit emails and text messages as evidence.

It's not uncommon for media companies to settle libel cases to avoid such exposure.

Fox News paid a record-setting $787 million to settle a defamation suit from Dominion Voting Systems over false statements made in the network's 2020 election reporting.

The Disney agreement, which sources said was approved by Chief Executive Bob Iger, came just as the case went to trial, at which its top executives and anchors were expected to testify. Many libel attorneys were surprised the suit was not settled before a substantial amount of emails and testimony were revealed in court records.

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Trump's previous attempts to sue news outlets critical of him have failed.

Trump sued the New York Times over its investigation of his finances, which led to the recent New York civil court ruling that has him on the hook for $454 million. The suit was dismissed in March, and Trump had to reimburse the newspapers legal costs.

In 2022, Trump sued CNN for $475 million, claiming the news network was waging a campaign against him by booking guests critical of his policies and speeches. The case was dismissed in 2023.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ABCs Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos has agreed to a new contract, an ABC News spokesperson confirmed to HuffPost on Thursday. The deal became public amid an uproar over the networks settlement of Donald Trumps defamation lawsuit.

It was Stephanopoulos legally inaccurate rape wording to describe a civil verdict in E. Jean Carrolls sexual assault suit against Trump that prompted the president-elect to sue.

The controversial settlement sparked speculation about [Stephanopoulos] future at the network Deadline wrote in reporting the multi-year contract renewal. It also reportedly set off internal pushback at the Disney-owned network for caving in the legal fight, perhaps setting a precedent for other news organizations now threatened by Trump as he returns to the presidency.

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The Los Angeles Times noted that the ratings of Good Morning Americasliding behind NBCs Today was perhaps a greater concern to ABC than public backlash over the settlement. At an estimated salary of $20 million a year, Stephanopoulos has provided continuity and journalistic heft for a morning show audience that can resist change, the newspaper wrote. Hes cohosted GMA since 2009.

Variety reported the contract details were worked out before the defamation payout while a person familiar with the new development told HuffPost it was not connected to settlement timing.

The networks perceived capitulation to Trump had also angered Stephanopoulos, according to Variety.

George Stephanopoulos has reportedly signed a multi-year contract extension. Raymond Hall via Getty Images

Trump sued ABC News after Stephanopoulos, on his ABC show This Week back in March, told Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) that the former president was found liable for rape in his alleged sexual assault on writer E. Jean Carroll at a New York City department store in the 1990s. Trump was found liable for sexual abuse, but not rape, with the judge later commenting that by definitions outside of New York law, Trumps actions could be understood as rape.

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In a filing made public over the weekend, ABC News conceded it would pay $15 million toward Trumps presidential library as part of a settlement.

Trump has vowed to go after news organizations that he believes have treated him unjustly. He sued CBS, alleging it manipulated a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris to cast her in a better light. On Monday he sued the Des Moines Register for a poll showing Harris ahead before he carried the state easily.

Related...
George Stephanopoulos is staying with ABC News for the foreseeable future, per the Los Angeles Times.

The Good Morning America co-anchor reportedly has signed a new, multi-year deal with the network. The contract re-upping comes after ABC News recently settled a defamation lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump for comments Stephanopoulos made on-air in March.

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TVLine has reached out to ABC News for comment.

Under the terms of the settlement, ABC News and Stephanopoulos will pay $15 million to a Presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for plaintiff, as presidents of the United States of America have established in the past. ABC and Stephanopoulos will pay an additional $1 million in fees for Trumps legal costs.

In addition to the financial terms, ABC News and Stephanopoulos are required to post a public apology on the article accompanying the interview. The note is to read: ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABCs This Week on March 10, 2024.

Trump filed the lawsuit after Stephanopoulos said the former president was found liable for rape in an on-air interview with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABCs News Week in March. Stephanopoulos was referencing E. Jean Carrolls civil case against Trump in which a federal jury found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming the writer. He was not found liable for rape.

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In addition to being part of the Good Morning America team, Stephanopoulos also anchors This Week With George Stephanopoulos and leads George Stephanopoulos Productions, a production unit within ABC News that focuses on long-form, nonfiction projects.

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A divided Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified the prosecutor in President-elect Donald Trump's state election racketeering case on Thursday, ruling Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis carried the appearance of impropriety in her decisions about who to prosecute and what charges to bring.

Willis had acknowledged a romantic relationship with a special counsel she hired onto the case, Nathan Wade. After fiery hearings earlier this year, Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee ruled Willis showed "a tremendous lapse in judgment" but that she could remain on the case.

But Trump and eight other defendants in the sprawling prosecution appealed that decision.

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The appeals panel voted 2-1 to disqualify Willis, throwing the continuation of the case into doubt.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks during her election night watch party after winning re-election in the Buckhead neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 21, 2024.

"After carefully considering the trial courts findings in its order, we conclude that it erred by failing to disqualify DA Willis and her office," Judge Trenton Brown wrote for the court, rulng that McAfee's review "did nothing to address the appearance of impropriety that existed at times when DA Willis was exercising her broad pretrial discretion about who to prosecute and what charges to bring."

Brown was joined by Judge Todd Markle. Judge Benjamin Land dissented.

Steve Sadow, Trumps lawyer in Georgia, called the decision well-reasoned and said it should end the case.

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The Court highlighted that Willis misconduct created an odor of mendacity and an appearance of impropriety that could only be cured by the disqualification of her and her entire office, Sadow said. This decision puts an end to a politically motivated persecution of the next President of the United States.

A lawyer for another defendant, Michael Roman, also welcomed the decision.

"We are very pleased the Court of Appeals agreed with Mr. Roman and the other defendants that Ms. Willis should not have been allowed to prosecute this case," said Ashleigh Merchant, who was the first to argue Willis' removal.

Willis's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Will Trump go on trial in Georgia?

The decision throws into uncertainty when any trial could be held with a new prosecution team for the 15 defendants who have not already pleaded guilty. The appeals court refused to dismiss the indictment.

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Antony Michael Kreis, a law professor at Georgia State University who has closely followed the case, said the state Supreme Court could still overturn the appeals ruling. But if it stands, Kreis said the case would be turned over to another district attorney.

The two big questions are whether the Supreme Court of Georgia steps in, and then what happens if the disqualification order stands, Kreis said.

The disqualification of Fani Willis is entirely unfounded, but there is a silver lining  the indictment against Trump still stands," said Norm Eisen, a legal expert who worked for the House committee that investigated Trump's first impeachment. "It should be pursued vigorously. As weve seen in the New York case, Trump is not immune, and prosecutors must continue to hold him accountable.

More: NY judge upholds Trump hush money conviction despite Supreme Court's immunity ruling

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But Clark Cunningham, another law professor at Georgia State, said if the decision stands, Peter Skandalakis, director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, would reassign it to another prosecutor.

Cunningham said Skandalakis could assign the case to himself and eventually dismiss the charges.

However, as a first step, he would be likely to decide that all charges against Trump must simply suspended during his second term as president, Cunningham said.

District attorneys in nearby Cobb or DeKalb counties would be most likely to accept the Trump election case if Willis' disqualification is upheld, Kreis told USA TODAY, expressing reservations at the prospect of Skandalakis dismissing the charges.

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"I am not supremely confident itll get reassigned, but I think there is a strong argument that an unelected attorney should not have the power to thwart the decision of a Fulton County grand jury to demand a prosecution," he said. "Its a sticky situation.

Sadow contends the charges against Trump must be dropped because of his imminent return to the White House.

More: Federal judge dismisses Jan. 6 case against Donald Trump at request of special counsel Jack Smith

Federal judges have dismissed two indictments against Trump: one for alleged election interference and one for alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving the White House. Prosecutors asked to dismiss the federal election case and dropped an appeal in the documents case because of longstanding Department of Justice policy against trying a sitting president.

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McAfee had postponed scheduling a trial on the Georgia charges while awaiting the appeals ruling. Replacing Willis is expected to significantly delay a trial for any defendants prosecuted.

Trump and 18 co-defendants were indicted on charges they tried to steal the 2020 election. Four defendants have pleaded guilty, but Trump and the remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Trump is charged with the overall racketeering conspiracy and several charges dealing with an alleged conspiracy to replace presidential electors for President Joe Biden, who won Georgia in 2020, with Trump supporters.

Other defendants who also sought to remove Willis include Trump's former campaign lawyer, Rudy Giuliani; his former White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows; and a former assistant attorney general, Jeffrey Clark.

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Trump and the others alleged that Willis benefited from luxury vacations with Wade after she hired him to help with the case.

Willis and Wade traveled together four times that were documented, the appeals court noted, including to Aruba and Belize; on a cruise from Miami; and to California's Napa Valley. The total value of their travel together was up to $15,000, the appeals court wrote.

Willis and Wade each testified at a contentious hearing that she had reimbursed him for her share of the travel, although she said she'd paid in cash and couldnt document the payments.

More: Trump lost on immunity. What's next for his New York hush money conviction?

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The appeals court found that Willis "was not financially destitute" when the trips occurred and that the defendants had provided no proof the financial arrangements "created an incentive to prolong the case."

"Indeed, the record is quite to the contrary," the appeals court said. "Before the relationship came to light, the State requested that trial begin less than six months after indictment."

McAfees remedy was for Wade to resign from the case but to leave Willis in charge of it.

But the appeals court found the appearance of impropriety would continue throughout the trial and that nothing short of Willis's removal would "restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings."

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"While this is the rare case in which DA Willis and her office must be disqualified due to a significant appearance of impropriety, we cannot conclude that the record also supports the imposition of the extreme sanction of dismissal of the indictment under the appropriate standard," the court ruled.

Judge Land wrote in this dissent that the law does not support the result reached by the majority. Land wrote that McAfee had broad discretion to impose a remedy that fits the situation.

Here, the trial court expressly found that appellants failed to show that the district attorney had an actual conflict of interest, failed to show that she received any material financial benefit as a result of her relationship with Nathan Wade, failed to show that she had a personal stake in the conviction of any defendant, and failed to show that their relationship, including their financial arrangements, had any impact on the case, Land wrote.

(This is a developing story. Check back for updates.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fani Willis disqualified as DA in Trump's election racketeering case
The Georgia Public Service Commission will re-evaluate in 2025 the schedule for closing coal-fired units at Georgia Powers Plant Bowen near Cartersville. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

A new Georgia Power rate hike set to take effect on Jan. 1 will have the average household spending about $43 more on electricity as measured since the start of 2023, following a series of rate increases.

Georgia Power customers have endured a half dozen rate increases since 2023 to cover base electric rate increases, recover excess fuel expenses, and cover the cost of completing two nuclear power generators at Plant Vogtle.

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In 2025, Georgia Powers 3.5% rate hike will result in a $5.48 cent increase on the typical household bill. The five-member Public Service Commission unanimously approved the rate increase Tuesday, allowing Georgia Power to recoup from ratepayers $306 million invested by the investor-owned utility into upgrading its power grid and new energy sources. All five elected PSC members are Republicans.

Georgia Power attorneys said that the $306 million is $97 million less than what was originally expected after the company revised forecasts projecting a rapidly growing industrial customer base.

Commissioner Lauren Bubba McDonald earlier this month requested that the rate increase be delayed until later in 2025 in order to relieve increasing financial hardship for many customers.

A delay would also provide a better indicator of how the countrys energy policy will be shaped once President-elect Donald Trump takes office, he said.

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McDonald also noted Georgia Powers profits that contributed to $1.5 billion in earnings reported during the third quarter of 2024 by Southern Co., the utilitys parent company.

We need to do everything that we can to hold down rate increases, whether its gas, electricity, automobile fuel or whatever and give America a chance to breathe again, McDonald said at last weeks committee meeting.

The final days are winding down on an eventful 2024 for Georgia Power, with the company pressing forward with its revised plans to bring on line a large amount of fossil fuel energy sources in order to meet projected capacity demands, which is largely a consequence of an influx of massive data centers to support the artificial intelligence industry.

Georgia Power attorney Brandon Marzo said state regulators were voting on a rate hike that is in compliance with a rate case order from 2022 and revised plans adopted earlier this year by the commission.

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We spend every day working with our team to try to figure out ways to help our customers and include them in these filings, Marzo said last week. Even the income qualified discount where we have a projection for a massive expansion of that will help some of our customers who are the most in need.

Unfortunately, in this case there are things that the commission determined, per the adopted stipulation, that were necessary investments to serve our customers.

In late January, Georgia Power will file its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan with the PSC. Georgia Powers upcoming resource plan details the companys ambitious energy deployment goals for the next decade, including accelerated plans to add fossil fuel and clean energy sources.

Georgia Powers long-term plan for 2025 is expected to include details about recovering the extensive bill incurred after Hurricane Helene ravaged the state this fall.

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Several clean energy groups are anticipating Georgia Powers filing next month will offer more insight into the companys potential request to delay the closure of its legacy coal-fired units.

The company recommended in 2022 to retire two coal-burning generators at Plant Bowen in Bartow County in 2028. In late-2023, Georgia Powers revised proposal called for pushing back the Bowen closure until 2035. However, state regulators ordered the company to wait until 2025 before setting a deadline.

Jennifer Whitfield, senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center, said the expectation is for Georgia Power to abandon timelines for closing the fossil fuel burning units in order to satisfy the energy-hungry data centers it has recruited to Georgia.

The realities of coal have not changed, though: Its still expensive and dirty, Whitfield wrote in an email last week.

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ATLANTA  Georgia prosecutors called on a state appeals court to reject President-elect Donald Trump's bid to dismiss the election interference case against him, saying his arguments are "underbaked" and "should be ignored."

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis office is pushing forward with its case against Trump and more than a dozen of his allies, which began in August 2023. Attorneys for Trump argue that the case should be dropped in light of Trump's recent election and the immunity from prosecution that is often afforded to sitting presidents.

Prosecutors disagreed.

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Trump "does not make a specific request based on reasoned argument but expresses his preference that this Court independently perform extensive and novel legal analysis without guidance from the parties in order to arrive at a general result: the dismissal of all charges against him," Willis' office said in a filing Wednesday with the Georgia Court of Appeals, which described Trump's request as "procedurally and legally inadequate."

Trump's attorneys disputed those characterizations in a subsequent filing Wednesday, saying his request "was intended to alert this Court to a jurisdictional issue and his legal position on how and when the issue should be addressed."

"Contrary to the States response, it did not 'demand' this Court do anything," Trump's lawyers wrote.

A spokesperson for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the court filings.

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Trump's lawyers said in a filing this month that the appeals court should dismiss the 2020 election interference charges because of the unconstitutionality of his continued indictment and prosecution by the State of Georgia now that he is President-Elect and will soon become the 47th President of the United States.

They contended that a sitting president is completely immune from indictment or any criminal process, state or federal, and that the appeals court should direct the lower court to dismiss the case well before the inauguration of President Trump on Jan. 20.

The district attorney's office noted that Trump is not yet president and said, "While the courts understanding of presidential immunity continues to evolve, 'president-elect immunity' obviously does not exist."

The U.S. Constitution "places all the authority of the chief executive in the incumbent president, while a president-elect holds none," said the filing by Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Donald Wakeford.

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It also pushed back against Trump's assertion that presidents are immune from state prosecution, because the claim relies mainly on a Justice Department memo and not case law.

"Similarly, Appellant notes that the states may not 'impede' or 'interfere' with a sitting presidents ability to perform their duties but neglects to explain how this principle practically applies to the present case," the filing said, referring to Trump's pending appeal of an order allowing Willis to remain on the case as a prosecutor despite conflict-of-interest allegations.

The prosecution's filing also said Trump "does not specify or articulate how the appeal  or indeed, any other aspect of this case  will constitutionally impede or interfere with his duties once he assumes office."

"In other words, Appellant has not done the work but would very much like for this Court to do so," the filing said.

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Wakeford also pushed back against what he described as a "familiar tactic" of Trump's legal team  its contention that the case is "politically motivated."

Trump's "prosecution in fact arose from his own actions as alleged in [his] indictment," Wakeford wrote.

The case is "the result of two separate grand juries and years of investigation, and any suggestion it is motivated by 'possible local prejudice' remains utterly unfounded," he added.

It is unclear when the appeals court will rule on Trump's effort to get the case dismissed.

The court had been scheduled to hear arguments on Willis' disqualification this month but abruptly canceled the hearing without explanation.

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Trump and 18-co-defendants were indicted on racketeering charges in August 2023, alleging they conspired to illegally overturn the 2020 election results in the state. Some of the defendants have pleaded guilty. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

Trump has also pleaded not guilty to state charges in New York, where he was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The judge in that case recently rejected his bid to overturn his conviction on presidential immunity grounds.

Trump has another motion to dismiss pending in the New York hush money case.

Charlie Gile reported from Atlanta and Dareh Gregorian from New York.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  Legislation proposed by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has made it a step further.

The Water Resources Development Act, which would focus on updating Columbus water infrastructure, has passed the U.S. Senate.

This legislation comes after a water main break led to hundreds of families losing access to clean water in Columbus, according to the office of Sen. Ossoff.

The bill would allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out infrastructure projects around Columbus. The bill is now heading to the presidents desk.

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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 WRBL.
BAKU, Dec 19 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan has officially joined the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) as its first new member since the bloc's founding, the country's Foreign Ministry announced in a statement on Thursday.

The decision was made unanimously at the 11th D-8 Summit in Cairo. Prime Minister Ali Asadov led Azerbaijan's delegation at the summit, marking the culmination of the country's engagement with the organization, which began in 2017 when President Ilham Aliyev attended the Istanbul Summit as a special guest.

The Foreign Ministry stated that the country remains committed to supporting the fundamental principles of D-8 while promoting stability, security, and cooperation in the region.

"D-8 membership of Azerbaijan will also be a great contribution to strengthening Islamic Solidarity, promoting Islamic values in the world and combating Islamophobia," the statement said.

Azerbaijan applied to join the organization in July 2022.

D-8, established in 1997, includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkiye. The bloc, representing 60 percent of the global Muslim population, aims to improve member states' positions in the global economy, diversify trade relations, and improve living standards. 
A 25-year-old woman and her 26-year-old acquaintance were both convicted and sentenced to life in prison by a German court on Thursday in a case dubbed the "doppelganger murder" by the German press.

The woman had searched for victims online who looked like her, arranged to meet the 23-year-old victim and then killed her with the help of a 26-year-old man she knew.

The apparent aim of the woman's deadly scheme was to fake her own death in order to escape her family and start a new life.

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"This is a disturbing act," presiding judge Konrad Kliegl said in announcing the verdict on Thursday in the southern German city of Ingolstadt.

The main defendant, a 25-year-old German-Iraqi woman, was ruled to have committed a particularly serious murder, a decision which means she is very unlikely to be released from prison on probation in 15 years, as is typical.

The woman had also instructed a man to kill her brother-in-law, the court found. The crime did not take place, but the woman was nevertheless convicted of attempted incitement to murder.
A lawsuit by consumer advocacy groups against German state-owned railway Deutsche Bahn over the company's tough cancellation policy around its Bahncard passenger discount subscriptions was rejected by a regional court on Thursday.

The lawsuit complains about Deutsche Bahn's policy, which requires people to send in notice cancelling their discount cards at least six weeks before they expire - or else be automatically renewed for a full year.

Judges at a court in Frankfurt ruled that the six-week notice requirement is lawful. The decision is binding and cannot be appealed.

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The railway has in the meantime reduced the notice period to four weeks before expiry.

Deutsche Bahn's Bahncards offer passengers 25% or 50% off on fares with a subscription. The cards are popular, although many riders have long complained about the automatic renewal policy.

The lawsuit was filed by the Thuringia Consumer Advice Centre, which alleged that consumers were not properly made aware that three-month trial Bahncards would automatically convert into a year-long subscription unless cancelled well in advance.
An Evangelical Church congregation in Germany could face criminal charges for holding an anti-colonial Christmas market that sold banned Hamas symbols.

Prosecutors are investigating the Michaelskirche parish in Darmstadt for incitement to hatred and the use of terrorist symbols after receiving complaints about the festive event held on Sunday.

Stalls at the market sold keyrings emblazoned with Hamass red triangle emblem, a symbol the terror group uses to mark enemy targets that was banned in Germany in July.

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Also for sale were maps of Palestine with the state of Israel erased, festive biscuits that read Palestinian Lives Matter and stickers with the slogan: From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

Advertised as an anti-colonial, peace-supporting Christmas market, traditional mulled wine and carols were on offer alongside the pro-Palestine trinkets.

Stalls at the market sold keyrings emblazoned with Hamass red triangle emblem - Honestly Concerned eV

The parishs website invited people to a journey for diversity and solidarity with all oppressed people and to support Palestinians with the proceeds from our market.

Robert Hartmann, a senior prosecutor, told German media that they are investigating whether criminal offences may have been committed. No suspects have yet been identified.

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Both the Michaelskirche parish and a pro-Palestine group called Darmstadt4Palestine that co-organised the event are under investigation, German media reported.

Festive biscuits that read Palestinian Lives Matter and What would Jesus say were also on sale at the market - Honestly Concerned eV

Daniel Neumann, the chairman of the Jewish community in Darmstadt, said: It is a scandal that a Protestant church community either naively allows itself to be involved in this or maliciously does so.

Hanno Benz, Darmstadts mayor, said: Anti-Semitism has no place in our society. Holding such an event under the umbrella of a Protestant community is intolerable.

He continued: Attempts are being made to delegitimise Israels right to exist and to demonise the state of Israel.

Advertisements for the event promoted it as an an anti-colonial Christmas market - lapping/pixabay, Michaelsgemeinde

Volker Beck, the president of the German-Israeli Society, filed a complaint to the authorities and said: Anti-Judaism is still a problem in the churches. It is popping up especially at Christmas.

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Regional Evangelical authorities said: The reports and images that we have received about a Christmas market held by the Michaelsgemeinde [the parish] on the third Sunday of Advent are deeply disturbing.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Pastor Manfred Werner, the parish leader, said he had zero tolerance for racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

I apologise to the Jewish community, my community, the Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation, the church governing bodies and all those involved in the work of the Dialogue Forum and to all people who are rightly outraged by this contempt for humanity, he added.

In the future, we will take a close look at which symbols of dialogue partners in the dialogue forum are given guest status on our premises.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
BERLIN (AP)  German lawmakers on Thursday approved legislation designed to protect the country's highest court against possible future manipulation or obstruction by authoritarian or extremist politicians.

Officials have cited experiences in Poland, Hungary and elsewhere as illustrating the need to bolster the Federal Constitutional Court. The measure was drawn up by the three parties in the governing coalition that collapsed last month and the mainstream conservative opposition.

In what is expected to be one of its last sessions before it is dissolved ahead of an early election in February, parliament's lower house, or Bundestag, backed the plan by 600 votes to 69.

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The legislation is set to anchor the courts ground rules in the constitution. That means a two-thirds parliamentary majority would be required to change them in the future, rather than a simple majority.

We see when we look abroad that, when autocrats come to power, they almost always first turn against the effectiveness and independence of justice, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told lawmakers.

She named no countries, but backers have pointed to Poland in particular as a cautionary tale. That countrys former nationalist conservative government moved to establish control over the Constitutional Tribunal.

Germanys Federal Constitutional Court, based in the southwestern city of Karlsruhe, is frequently called on to act as the ultimate arbiter over policy.

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It has two panels of eight judges each, who serve a single 12-year term. Those requirements are to be anchored in the constitution, as are the upper age limit of 68 for justices and other rules.

The far-right Alternative for Germany party, which has been polling at up to 20% in recent surveys, argues that mainstream parties are simply trying to cement their own influence over the court.

Half of its justices are elected by the Bundestag and the other half by parliament's upper house, which represents Germanys 16 state governments. Candidates are proposed by political parties and need a two-thirds majority to be elected, which is meant to ensure balance and effectively rules out highly polarizing figures.

The reform also includes a workaround in the case of obstructive minorities blocking the election of justices. That would enable the Bundestag to elect judges if the upper house fails to, or vice versa.
Reforms designed to guarantee the independence of Germany's Constitutional Court passed the lower house parliament with broad cross-party support on Thursday.

The reforms will now head to the upper chamber of Germany's parliament, the Bundesrat, for approval. The matter could be taken up as early as Friday.

The measures would enshrine key aspects of how the Constitutional Court functions in Germany's constitution, known as the Basic Law, including the 12-year terms for judges, term limits and the mandatory retirement age of 68 years.

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Supporters have described the move as a way to insulate the court from possible political interference in the future, since changes to the Basic Law require two-thirds majorities in parliament.

Rules for the Constitutional Court are currently laid out in German law, which can be amended with a simple majority in both chambers of parliament.

Lawmakers from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens were joined by the centre-right CDU/CSU opposition bloc as well as the free-market liberal Free Democrats (FDP) and the hard-left The Left in backing the changes.
Reforms designed to guarantee the independence of Germany's Constitutional Court passed the lower house of parliament with broad cross-party support on Thursday.

The reforms will now head to the upper chamber of Germany's parliament, the Bundesrat, for approval. The matter could be taken up as early as Friday.

The measures would enshrine key aspects of how the Constitutional Court functions in Germany's constitution, known as the Basic Law, including the court size of 16 judges, 12-year terms for judges, term limits and the mandatory retirement age of 68 years.

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Supporters have described the move as a way to insulate the court from possible political interference in the future, since changes to the Basic Law require two-thirds majorities in parliament.

Rules for the Constitutional Court are currently laid out in German law, which can be amended with a simple majority in both chambers of parliament.

The changes also create a new mechanism for confirming judges to the court through parliament, aimed at making it harder for a minority party holding more than a third of seats to effecitvely veto nominees.

Lawmakers from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens were joined by the centre-right CDU/CSU opposition bloc as well as the free-market liberal Free Democrats (FDP) and the hard-left The Left in backing the changes.

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The final vote was 600 lawmakers in favour and 69 opposed.

Lawmakers from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the insurgent populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) opposed the change.

Politicians from several other parties suggested the reforms were aimed at insulating the court against the AfD, whom many mainstream German politicians accuse of being a threat to the democratic order.

Katja Keul, a Green who serves as a senior official at the German Foreign Office, warned that Germany's "judiciary is under fire from the anti-democrats."

Without a strong Constitutional Court, a "dictatorship of the majority" threatens, Keul said.
Reforms designed to guarantee the independence of Germany's Constitutional Court passed the lower house of parliament with broad cross-party support on Thursday.

The reforms will now head to the upper chamber of Germany's parliament, the Bundesrat, for approval. The matter could be taken up as early as Friday, and is expected to be easily approved there, too.

The measures would enshrine key aspects of how the Constitutional Court functions in Germany's constitution, known as the Basic Law, including the court size of 16 judges, 12-year terms for judges, term limits and the mandatory retirement age of 68 years.

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Supporters have described the move as a way to insulate the top court from possible political interference in the future, since changes to the Basic Law require two-thirds majorities in parliament.

In parliament, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser argued that the reforms are necessary in order to avoid leaving an opening for the enemies of democracy.

She pointed to the ultimate failure of German democracy during the Weimar Republic of the 1920s and 1930s, which she said came in part because pro-democracy politicians "failed to take the necessary steps to protect and defend their democracy, because they did not make their institutions robust against attacks."

Rules for the Constitutional Court are currently laid out in German law, which can be amended with a simple majority in both chambers of parliament.

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The changes also create a new mechanism for confirming judges to the court through parliament, aimed at making it harder for a minority party holding more than a third of seats to effectively veto nominees.

Lawmakers from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens were joined by the centre-right CDU/CSU opposition bloc as well as the free-market liberal Free Democrats (FDP) and the hard-left The Left in backing the changes.

The final vote was 600 lawmakers in favour and 69 opposed.

Lawmakers from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the insurgent populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) opposed the change.

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Politicians from several other parties suggested the reforms were aimed at insulating the court against the AfD, whom many mainstream German politicians accuse of being a threat to the democratic order.

Katja Keul, a Green who serves as a senior official at the German Foreign Office, warned that Germany's "judiciary is under fire from the anti-democrats."

Without a strong Constitutional Court, a "dictatorship of the majority" threatens, Keul said.

"The Bundestag resolution is evidence of democratic cooperation - I am very happy about that," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a post on X after the vote.

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The German Association of Judges (DRB) also welcomed the reform and suggested that Germany's 16 states should also review their state constitutions and judicial laws for possible weaknesses.

"The independence of the courts must be protected as effectively as possible as a bulwark of democracy so that extremists and enemies of the constitution have no chance," said DRB Federal Managing Director Sven Rebehn.
A German politician who once led the government's IT security agency won a court victory against star comedian Jan Bohmermann's TV programme over a segment that ridiculed him for alleged ties to Russia.

A court in Munich took issue with four specific statements Bohmermann made during a segment about Arne Schonbohm, the then-head of Germany's Office for Information Security (BSI), in a 2022 episode of his widely watched satirical programme ZDF Magazin Royale.

But the court denied Schonbohm's demand for 100,000 ($104,000) in monetary compensation from public broadcaster ZDF, instead only ordering the broadcaster to cease disseminating the claims.

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Interior Minister Nancy Faeser dismissed Schonbohm as BSI president in November 2022, only shortly after Bohmermann ridiculed him for supposedly being too close to a trade group that had alleged contacts to Russian intelligence services.

Schonbohm fought back against his dismissal, and he is now the president of the Federal Academy of Public Administration, an agency in the Interior Ministry which trains public administrators.

The court ruled that two statements made during the programme in particular could be "understood to mean that the plaintiff had deliberate contacts with Russian intelligence services," which constituted "an untrue statement of fact that violated the plaintiff's general right of personality."

A satirical statement must also be measured against the standards of freedom of expression if it concerns the factual core of the statement, the court said.

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In a statement distributed by his lawyer, Markus Hennig, Schonbohm called for personnel consequences at ZDF.

"With completely unfounded accusations, Jan Bohmermann has destroyed my integrity and irreparably destroyed my career," Schonbohm said in the statement, which also described the segment and its fallout as a "media execution."

ZDF did not immediately comment on the verdict, but said that a statement on the case would be forthcoming.

The ruling is not yet legally binding and may still be appealed.
PARIS  Germany will buy four more submarines from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to increase the number of boats to six, part of a joint purchase with Norway that may also see the Nordic country increase its order, according to the German defense ministry.

Norway plans to buy an additional two submarines on top of four already ordered, the Bundeswehr procurement office said in a statement on Thursday. The two countries in 2021 had announced plans to jointly buy six 212 Common Design submarines from ThyssenKrupp in a deal worth about 5.5 billion (US$5.7 billion).

Germany announced the submarine contract extension as part of 21 billion in defense spending approved by the Bundestag, the countrys parliament, on Wednesday. Other approvals including the go-ahead for the F127 anti-air warfare frigate, Elbit Systems PULS rocket artillery, missiles for the Patriot air-defense system, reactive armor for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle and the development of sea-to-air missiles.

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The cooperation with our Norwegian partner will provide our two armed forces with new opportunities for deployment in the context of national and alliance defense, particularly on NATOs northern flank, Annette Lehnigk-Emden, the head of the Bundeswehr procurement office, said in the statement.

The 212CD submarines for Germany and Norway are on schedule, ThyssenKrupp said in a separate statement . The yard started production in September 2023, and the six vessels for the German Navy will be delivered starting in 2032, with one boat every year through 2037. The Norwegian Navy is scheduled to receive its first submarine in the new class as early as 2029.

The 212CD submarine will have a length of about 74 meters and a beam of 10 meters, and displace around 2,500 tons when surfaced. The vessel is based on the 212A submarine in service with the German Navy, which has a length of around 58 meters and a displacement of 1,500 tons.

Advance payments related to the order expansion will have a positive impact on cash flow in the current financial year, ThyssenKrupp said.

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The company says it invested more than 250 million at its location in Kiel, Germany, to add production capacity for the submarine program with the construction of a new shipbuilding hall. ThyssenKrupp also acquired additional shipyard capacity at the former site of MV Werften in Wismar to build submarines and surface vessels.

With the expansion of the 212CD order, other countries could join this project in the near future, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems CEO Oliver Burkhard said in a statement. Our strong position has now become even stronger.

The close cooperation with Norway will allow for synergy in operations, logistics and maintenance, which should boost operational availability and reduce costs, according to the defense ministrys procurement office.

ThyssenKrupp had offered an expeditionary variant of the 212CD, with an increased length of more than 80 meters and displacement of more than 3,000 tons, as its candidate for a submarine tender by the Netherlands. The Dutch in March awarded the contract to Frances Naval Group, which was offering a smaller, conventionally-powered version of its Barracuda submarine, with a surface displacement of 3,300 tons and a length of 82 meters.

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As part of the spending approved by the Bundestag, Rheinmetall together with partner blackned GmbH won an order for IT-system integration worth about 1.2 billion over 10 years, the company said in a separate statement. The order is part of a Bundeswehr program to digitalize land-based operations, with Rheinmetall accounting for around 730 million of the contract volume, and the remaining 470 million for blackned.

As part of the same program, a project company set up by Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland won a six-year contract worth roughly 2 billion to equip around 10,000 Bundeswehr vehicles with digital radio equipment. Each company will account for half of the order value, with the work to start in mid-2025 and the equipment conversion complete by the end of 2030, KNDS said in a statement.

The new technology will increase the command-and-control capability of the army units fundamentally, and improve the interoperability within the Bundeswehr and with NATO allies, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said in the statement.
The German climate activist group Last Generation is changing its name but will continue its advocacy with a new focus, the group has announced.

Co-founder and spokeswoman Carla Hinrichs told news magazine Spiegel that "something new, something big," would evolve from the group.

There would still be protests, highlighting the need for diversity and creativity, Hinrichs said.

"But blockades in front of cars, airports, and roads are no longer our focus," she said.

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The group's name was derived from the activists' belief that they belonged to the last generation capable of averting a global climate disaster, but that view no longer holds

"The situation is escalating before our eyes," Hinrichs said. Since the group is no longer certain that it will in fact be the last generation, it is abandoning the name, she said.

"When we started, the government would still have been able to counteract the climate catastrophe. Today we are in the midst of it."

Last Generation has made a name for itself in Europe with acts of civil disobedience, such as obstructing traffic, abseiling from motorway bridges and throwing food at museum artworks.

According to Hinrichs, the aim now is to expand the project. "We want to make connections and prepare for the upcoming crises. It is about mutual assurance, social justice and cohesion."
BUDAPEST, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) --- Marcin Romanowski, former Polish deputy minister of justice, has been granted political asylum in Hungary, according to Gergely Gulyas, minister in charge of the Prime Minister's Office.

Prosecutors in Poland issued an arrest warrant for Romanowski who is wanted on criminal charges about one week ago. Prosecutors accused him of 11 charges including involvement in an organized crime group, using crime as a source of income, and abusing his power while serving as deputy minister of justice.

Hungary's asylum decision comes amid strained relations between Poland and Hungary, despite the countries traditionally being close allies within the European Union (EU).

In an interview with a local online journal Mandiner on Thursday, Gulyas confirmed that Romanowski had arrived in Hungary and was granted asylum by Hungarian and EU regulations. The minister said that Hungary's decision was based on concerns about the lack of a fair trial and political influence in Poland.

He underlined that Romanowski had been arrested earlier this year despite holding immunity as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. 
Former German finance minister Christian Lindner, a free-market liberal, on Thursday challenged Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Greens to a debate ahead of upcoming early German elections.

Habeck and Lindner repeatedly clashed during their time in government together, particularly over economic policy and Lindner's steadfast refusal to authorize deficit spending for the kinds of major infrastructure and climate projects championed by Habeck.

The difficult three-party coalition collapsed in early November after Chancellor Olaf Scholz sacked Lindner, accusing him of having lost trust and engaging in "petty politics" to the detriment of the country.

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Germany's public broadcasters had tried to schedule Habeck in a debate against Alice Weidel, the top candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). But Habeck refused the invitation.

Scholz, a centre-left Social Democrat, is set to square off against conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats (CDU).

Lindner told dpa on Thursday that he would gladly take Habeck's place in the debate against Weidel, but said that a face-off with his former sparring partner from Cabinet meetings would be better.

Lindner is now leading the campaign for his small pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), who have slid in the polls and are in danger of falling short of the 5% threshold generally needed to claim seats in parliament.

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"The TV stations should not base these debate formats purely on polls, they need to be made more political. In my view, the most exciting combination would be Robert Habeck and Christian Lindner," Lindner told dpa.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned on Thursday that the threat of EU penalties on car manufacturers for violating climate targets must not become a burden on the struggling industry in the coming year.

The European Commission must find a way to ensure that fines "do not affect the financial liquidity of companies that now have to invest in electro-mobility, modern products and vehicles," Scholz said on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels.

Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) have opposed the EU fines on carmakers in their campaign manifesto for the upcoming German elections, which are expected to be held on February 23.

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The automotive sector holds major importance for Germany's export-oriented economy, and struggles at German carmakers like Volkswagen have raised fears that the country's economic struggles could become a full-blown crisis.

According to current EU legislation, car manufacturers can face substantial fines from next year because of stricter fleet limits on overall CO2 emissions.

Fines on carmakers could run into the billions of euros, although the environmental advocacy group Transport&Environment has expressed doubts that penalties of that magnitude would actually be imposed.

Several influential German state premiers from across the political spectrum recently called on the European Commission to suspend the possibility of fines.

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The EU-level centre-right European People's Party (EPP) has also recently voiced criticism of the impending penalties in the European Parliament.

Those demands have been met with criticism from environmentalists and Green politicians in the European Parliament.

"The pressure from the EU limits to change may be inconvenient for some manufacturers, but it is urgently needed for the climate and also for car manufacturers," said Marion Tiemann from the environmental group Greenpeace.

Michael Bloss, a Green lawmaker in the European Parliament, also argued that last-minute changes to the rules would cause chaos and undermine fair competition by effectively punishing carmakers who have invested to meet the rules.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned on Thursday that the threat of EU penalties on car manufacturers for violating climate targets must not become a burden on the struggling industry in the coming year.

The European Commission must find a way to ensure that fines "do not affect the financial liquidity of companies that now have to invest in electro-mobility, modern products and vehicles," Scholz said on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels.

Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) have opposed the EU fines on carmakers in their campaign manifesto for the upcoming German elections, which are expected to be held on February 23.

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The automotive sector holds major importance for Germany's export-oriented economy, and struggles at German carmakers like Volkswagen have raised fears that the country's economic woes could become a full-blown crisis.

According to current EU legislation, car manufacturers can face substantial fines from next year because of stricter fleet limits on overall CO2 emissions.

Fines on carmakers could run into the billions of euros, although the environmental advocacy group Transport&Environment has expressed doubts that penalties of that magnitude would actually be imposed.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that she will start a dialogue on the future of the automotive industry with car manufacturers, trade unions and industry associations in January.

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According to the Commission, the talks will focus on finding potential steps to increase demand, improve the sector's finances and address the EU's climate targets.

There has also been criticism of the possible penalties from other EU countries.

Recently, leaders in Italy, Poland, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia joined together in a letter expressing their concern that the ailing car industry could face further disadvantages as a result of penalties.

The French government has also expressed concern.

Several influential German state premiers from across the political spectrum recently called on the European Commission to suspend the possibility of fines.

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The EU-level centre-right European People's Party (EPP) has also recently voiced criticism of the impending penalties in the European Parliament.

Those demands have been met with criticism from environmentalists and Green politicians in the European Parliament.

"The pressure from the EU limits to change may be inconvenient for some manufacturers, but it is urgently needed for the climate and also for car manufacturers," said Marion Tiemann from the environmental group Greenpeace.

Michael Bloss, a Green lawmaker in the European Parliament, also argued that last-minute changes to the rules would cause chaos and undermine fair competition by effectively punishing carmakers who have invested to meet the rules.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has once again called on NATO allies to maintain their support for Ukraine following a gathering of European NATO leaders in Brussels.

"We must secure our support for Ukraine in the long term," Scholz said on Thursday. "It must be clear that we are prepared to provide support for as long as it is needed."

Senior leaders from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday evening at the invitation of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

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The meeting was aimed at discussing further possibilities to support Ukraine, a prospect made more urgent by fears that US President-elect Donald Trump might cut US aid for Ukraine once he takes office in late January.

Scholz said that he had asked his allies to consider further assistance with supplies of air defence, artillery and ammunition.

He vowed that Germany "will continue to be the biggest supporter of Ukraine in Europe."

Scholz also expressed confidence that cooperation between the United States and European allies would remain possible under Trump.

With regard to the efforts to end the war, he reiterated that no decisions should be made over the heads of the Ukrainians. But he also stressed that NATO must not be drawn directly into conflict with Russia.
The murder hornet, formally known as the northern giant hornet, has been eradicated five years after it was first spotted in Washington state, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

The insect is known for its dangerous sting, which can kill an entire honey bee hive in as little as 90 minutes, decapitate bees and threaten pollinators and native insects. The species was first discovered in 2019 in Washington near the Canadian border. The WSDA and U.S. Departments of Agriculture confirmed that northern giant hornets have not been detected in Washington since 2021.

The hornets, typically 2 inches (5 cm) long, were first called Asian giant hornets, the Associated Press reports, citing the National Institutes of Health. The insect has nearly seven times the venom of a honey bee. Unlike the honey bee, it can sting multiple times and through a beekeeper suit. The WSDA ordered special reinforced suits from China to protect employees during the eradication efforts.

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The species killed 42 people and seriously injured 1,675 in China in 2013, according to a WSDA and USDA Wednesday news conference.

Washington State Department of Agriculture Washington State Department of Agriculture employees Washington State Department of Agriculture employees

In August 2019, the hornets were detected in North America in British Columbia, Canada. The Invasive Species Centre in Canada confirmed the species has not been found in British Columbia since 2021 and has also been eradicated there.

In December 2019, a Whatcom County, Wash. resident found the insect. DNA evidence suggests there were two different introductions as specimens from each location appeared to originate from different countries, per the release.

In the following years, the WSDA found and eradicated a single hornet nest in October 2020, then three nests in August and September 2021. This past year, the WSDA continued trapping efforts in Whatcom County. The county has not encountered the hornets since December 2021, making the recent three-year mark the official declaration that the species has been eradicated.

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Additionally, the countys residents also assisted in their eradication by agreeing to put traps on their properties and report sightings. Researchers could track the insects movements by using dental floss to attach tiny radio tracking tags to the insects, per the AP.

Related: Close to 200 Queen Murder Hornets in Wash. Nest Killed 'In the Nick of Time,' Scientist Says

Washington State Department of Agriculture Murder Hornet Nest Murder Hornet Nest

We are proud of this landmark victory in the fight against invasive species, said Dr. Mark Davidson, Deputy Administrator at U.S.D.A.s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. "By tackling this threat head-on, we protected not only pollinators and crops, but also the industries, communities, and ecosystems that depend on them.

Ive gotta tell you, as an entomologist  Ive been doing this for over 25 years now, and it is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects, Sven Spichiger, pest program manager of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, said in the virtual news conference.

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"We had a little luck from the weather, a little luck from genetics, but most of all, we had a lot of tenacity from the population up there calling in reports, and our crew is going out and working really hard."

Washington State Department of Agriculture Washington State Department of Agriculture employees Washington State Department of Agriculture employees

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The state will continue to remain vigilant. It will also monitor Kitsap County, where one resident reported an unconfirmed sighting in October 2024.



Read the original article on People
CHICAGO, Ill. (WCIA)  Landmarks Illinois has announced $34,000 in grant funding to preservation efforts in communities across the state  including a couple in Central Illinois.

The funding will support people working on preservation projects in Gibson City, McLean, Anna, Chicago, Hometown, Mendon, Princeton and Rockford. A 19th-century opera hall, an iconic Route 66 attraction and a nationally recognized round barn are among the historic places Landmarks Illinois is helping people preserve through grant funding.

Several Central IL counties receive grants toward local parks & rec

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The two Central Illinois preservation projects include:

Gibson City Restoration Association, Gibson City : $4,000 for masonry repairs to the historic Burwell Building, built in 1883 as an opera hall and is now being restored to spark economic development in the citys commercial corridor.

CORE of McLean, McLean: $5,000 for power washing, base painting and other restoration work at the McLean Water Tower, a now decommissioned water tower built in 1935 that CORE is preserving to create a Route 66 landmark the community and visitors can enjoy and visit to learn about local history.

Overall, Landmarks Illinois has awarded the $34,000 in grants to nine preservation projects across the state through its Preservation Heritage Fund and Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois grant programs.

The grants provide monetary assistance to significant structures or sites in Illinois that are under threat of demolition, in imminent deterioration, in need of stabilization, in need of structural or reuse evaluation or need to be evaluated for landmark eligibility.

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A total of $29,000 in matching grants has been awarded to seven Illinois preservation efforts in this latest round of grant funding. To learn more about each grant recipient, visit the Landmarks Illinois website.

Grant applications for the next round of funding through the Preservation Heritage Fund and Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois grant programs are due April 1, 2025.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Gisele Pelicots children have complained that the sentences handed to the 51 defendants in the Avignon mass rape trial were not severe enough.

On Thursday, judges gave Dominique Pelicot, her 72-year-old ex-husband, the maximum 20-year sentence for aggravated rape, meaning he is likely to die behind bars.

He cannot ask for conditional release until he has served two-thirds of his prison term. Even then, this would be subject to a special review over whether he still poses a safety threat.

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However, his co-defendants received considerably milder sentences than those demanded by prosecutors.

The court in southern France found 47 guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault. They were handed sentences of three to 15 years, all less than the four to 18 prosecutors had requested.

The children are disappointed by these low sentences, said a family member, who asked not to be identified.

Gisele Pelicots children, Caroline and David, arrive at the court in Avignon to hear the verdict in the mass rape case - Alexandre Dimou/Reuters

Of the 51 convicted, 41 were remanded in custody, three received deferred committal orders and six were allowed to walk free. One is still at large, and was given a 12-year sentence in absentia.

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On the steps of the Avignon court, Ms Pelicot, 72, appeared satisfied with the verdicts, saying: I respect the courts and I respect the decisions.

Stephane Babonneau, one of her lawyers, told The Telegraph: For her, it doesnt make any difference whether the accused are sentenced to five,10 or 15 years in prison. Whats really important was that she is truly acknowledged as a victim and all of them were convicted for what they did, as most denied wrongdoing.

However, he conceded that some of the children consider the sentences are rather low although they respect the courts decision.

He added that Ms Pelicot was relieved not to have to go to court with all of the accused every day and is looking forward to resting over Christmas at home with her friends and relations.

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In her first words after the verdict, Ms Pelicot said: I now have confidence in our ability to collectively grasp a future in which everyone, woman and man, can live in harmony with mutual respect and understanding.

She said she had found the trial very difficult but stood by her decision to waive her anonymity, which meant the trial remained public despite harrowing testimony and the screening of hours of graphic video evidence.

When I opened the doors of this trial on September 2, I wanted society to be able to take part in the debates that took place. I have never regretted that decision, she said.

Ms Pelicot, who has been catapulted to feminist icon status for her bravery in standing up to a roomful of defendants throughout the trial, said she was feeling very emotional and thinking of her children and grandchildren. For them, I wanted to put this struggle forward, she said.

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Im also thinking of all the other families affected by this tragedy. Im also thinking of the unrecognised victims, whose stories often remain in the shadows. I want you to know that we share the same struggle.

Ms Pelicot did not react when the verdicts were read out, instead resting her head against the courtroom wall. In contrast, her ex-husband broke down in tears, hunched over his chair inside a glass box.

Beatrice Zavarro, Pelicots lawyer, said her client had not yet decided whether he would appeal against the decision, which would trigger a retrial before a popular jury.

We will make a decision within the 10-day period, she declared, before adding that Pelicot is somewhat dazed by the security period that has been pronounced against him.

Dominique Pelicots lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, speaks to the press at the court in Avignon - Guillaume Horcajuelo/Shutterstock

Pelicots ex-wife also refused to shed a tear as the co-defendants were all found guilty of some or all of the charges.

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The second-highest sentence was 15 years, handed to Romain Vandevelde, who visited the Pelicot home six times and raped her without a condom despite being HIV-positive.

Under treatment for 20 years, he had a low viral load and was therefore not contagious at the time of the events, according to his lawyer, who provided medical documentation. Prosecutors had asked for 18 years.

The three sentences of 13 years were handed down to Charly Arbo, Jerome Vilela and Dominique Davies, defendants who had also visited Mazan six times.

Described as Pelicots disciple, Jean-Pierre Marechal, 63, was the only defendant not to have been accused of raping or assaulting Gisele Pelicot.

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However, he emulated his mentor by inviting Pelicot to rape his own wife a dozen times. She too was drugged with the anxiolytic Temesta. He was jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of the attempted rape, aggravated rape, and drugging of his own wife.

The lightest sentence was handed to Joseph Cocco, 69, who was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault and sentenced to three years, two suspended. He was allowed to walk free, having already spent time in detention.

After the verdict, his lawyer taunted a group of feminists gathered outside the courthouse in Avignon who shouted: Shame on you.

Christophe Bruschi told the protesters he had a message to all these hysterical knitters, telling them to jeers: Your request [for 20-year sentences for all accused] has been refused. My client is free, he thanks you and says up yours.

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Anne-Cecile Mailfert, who chairs the Fondation des Femmes feminist association, said: The justice system should be ashamed of itself. This is not the result we wanted. The justice system has not done its job.

Other commentators disagreed, pointing out that the average sentence for rape in France is 9.8 years, according to the justice ministry. Marie-Pierre Porchy, an honorary judge, said the verdicts show that the justice system works well. Sentences are not automatic. They depend on the acts and the personality of each defendant.

01:37 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage of the trial of Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men, who were accused of raping and drugging Gisele Pelicot in her home.

The court found 47 of the defendants guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault.

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Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison, which could be extended.

He will likely die in jail.

01:29 PM GMT

Merci Gisele

The trial ended several hours ago but crowds of women are still outside of the Avignon court waving placards in support of Gisele Pelicot.

Two women hold placards in support of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot - REUTERS

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01:02 PM GMT

Gisele Pelicots statement in full

It is with deep emotion that I speak to you today. This trial has been a very difficult ordeal. And at this moment, I am thinking first and foremost of my three children, David, Caroline and Florian.

Im also thinking of my grandchildren, because they are the future, and its also for them that Ive fought this battle, as well as my daughters-in-law, Aurore and Celine.

Im also thinking of all the other families affected by this tragedy. Im also thinking of the unrecognised victims, whose stories often remain in the shadows. I want you to know that we share the same struggle.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout this ordeal. Your testimonies have overwhelmed me and given me the strength to come back every day to face those long days of hearings.

I would also like to thank the Victim Support Association, whose unfailing support has been invaluable.

To all the journalists who have followed this case from the outset, I wish to express my gratitude for the faithful, respectful and dignified way in which they have reported daily on these hearings.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude and esteem to my lawyers for having accompanied me at every stage of this painful journey.

When I opened the doors of this trial on September 2, I wanted society to be able to take part in the debates that took place. I have never regretted that decision.

I now have confidence in our ability to collectively grasp a future in which everyone, woman and man, can live in harmony, with mutual respect and understanding.

Asked afterwards by the press about the verdict handed down a few minutes earlier by the Criminal Court, Mrs Pelicot simply added: I respect the court and the decision of the verdict.

Gisele Pelicot with her lawyers Stephane Babonneau and Antoine Camus at the criminal court in Avignon - GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

12:47 PM GMT

Crowd cheers outside courtroom

Gisele Pelicot was met with rousing applause as she left the Avignon criminal court for the last time.

Supporters chanted Gisele, Gisele as she was escorted away by a squad of French CRS riot police.

The 72-year-old grandmother and her children were led to a marked police car and driven off in a four-car convoy with motor cycle outriders with blue lights flashing.

Gisele Pelicot leaves the courthouse surrounded by French police in Avignon, France - MANON CRUZ/REUTERS

12:37 PM GMT

Scholz salutes Pelicots bravery

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has saluted the bravery of Gisele Pelicot for demanding a public and open trial of her ex-husband who was convicted of orchestrating her mass rape.

The shame must change sides. Thank you, Gisele Pelicot! Scholz said, echoing Pelicots own words.

You courageously went from anonymity into the public eye and fought for justice. You gave women around the world a strong voice. The shame always lies with the perpetrator, he added.

12:25 PM GMT

Pictured: Gisele Pelicot leaves court

Gisele Pelicot is now leaving the Avignon courthouse after addressing the large crowd that had gathered inside.

She waved away a microphone that was placed towards, which suggests that she did not want to speak again after giving an initial statement.

12:21 PM GMT

Watch: Gisele Pelicot speaks after court verdicts

Im thinking of the hidden victims whose stories often stay in the shadows, Gisele Pelicot said outside of the Avignon court on Thursday.

I want you to know that we share the same fight.

12:16 PM GMT

Gisele Pelicots comments come after family expresses disappointment

Gisele Pelicot told the crowd gathered inside the Avignon courthouse that she respects the sentencing handed down by the judges.

However, an anonymous family member privately expressed their disappointment with the low sentences, according to AFP.

Pelicot (her ex-husband) himself was jailed for 20 years, while the Avignon court sentenced his co-defendants to between three and 15 years in jail  with two of the sentences suspended.

12:07 PM GMT

Gisele Pelicot found trial very difficult

Gisele Pelicot said the trial was very difficult.

However, she said she did not regret waiving her right to anonymity.

12:01 PM GMT

Gisele Pelicot feeling emotional and thinking of her children

Gisele Pelicot said she is feeling very emotional and thinking of her children and grandchildren.

She said: For them, I wanted to put this struggle forward.

Id like to express my deepest gratitude to all the individuals who have supported me throughout this, with the witness statements and the testimonials.

This really gave me strength to come back day after day.

Gisele Pelicot addresses the crowd inside the court in Avignon - MANON CRUZ/REUTERS

11:58 AM GMT

Gisele Pelicot speaks outside court

Gisele Pelicot is speaking outside of the court in Avignon.

She was greeted to loud cheers as she stepped outside.

Well bring you live updates of what she says.

11:53 AM GMT

Pictured: Court sketch of Gisele Pelicot

This court-sketch, made by Benoit Peyrucq in Avignon, depicts Gisele Pelicot towering over the courtroom as the verdicts are handed down by the judge.

Of course, this is not an actual reflection of the view inside the courtroom, rather a representation of how Gisele transformed from a victim at the start of the trial to a major public figure.

The court-sketch shows Gisele Pelicot during the hearing of the verdicts - BENOIT PEYRUCQ/AFP

11:41 AM GMT

Dominique Pelicot jailed for 20 years

Dominique Pelicot has been sentenced to the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for inviting more than 70 strangers to rape his unsuspecting wife Gisele in their Provence home as she lay drugged unconscious.

To a packed Vaucluse criminal courtroom in Avignon, southern France, five professional judges handed the retired electrician the maximum possible sentence for aggravated rape, meaning that the 72-year-old will likely die behind bars.

Prosecutors said he deserved more given the scale of his depraved crimes, which have earned him the monicker the monster of Mazan, referring to the village where most of the rapes took place.

He filmed the abuse of his wife and meticulously stored the images and films on a hard drive. He was found out by chance after being arrested in a supermarket for upskirting in 2020.

11:16 AM GMT

Gisele Pelicot thanked for her courage

The president of Frances National Assembly has thanked Gisele Pelicot for her courage.

In a post on X, Yael Braun-Pivet said Pelicot had become the voice of so many victims.

She said: The world is no longer the same thanks to you.

A woman holds a placard that reads all women on earth support you, thank you Gisele - CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP

11:06 AM GMT

Dominique Pelicots children disappointed

The children of Dominique Pelicot, who was sentenced to 20 years for orchestrating and committing the mass rape of his now ex-wife Gisele, believe that the verdicts handed down by a French court were too mild.

The children are disappointed by these low sentences, said a family member, asking not be identified, after a court in Avignon sentenced Pelicots co-defendants to between three and 15 years in jail, with two of the sentences suspended.

11:00 AM GMT

Your views...

10:36 AM GMT

Analysis: Tense atmosphere outside court

There is a tense atmosphere outside the court after more lenient-than-expected sentences were handed down to the co-defendants of Dominique Pelicot.

Most fell short of the prosecutions demands. Feminist activists, who had come to witness the verdict and lend their support to Gisele Pelicot, demonstrated their disappointment and anger outside the Avignon courthouse.

Shame on the justice system! they chanted.

The defendants have not yet left the courtroom. Some will be released as they have deferred committal orders.

10:23 AM GMT

Dominique Pelicot cried during sentencing

Dominique Pelicot cried when the sentences were read out, hunched over his chair.

He was jailed for at least 20 years on Thursday after being found guilty of aggravated rape.

Gisele Pelicot simply rested her head against the wall as her husband received the maximum sentence in a final act of defiance and stoicism after a four-month trial that she said had exhausted her.

But she refused to shed a tear as her abusers were all found guilty of some or all of the charges.

10:22 AM GMT

French court finds all 51 defendants guilty

If you are just joining us, a French court found all 51 defendants guilty in a drugging-and-rape case that shocked the world.

In all, the court found 47 of the defendants guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault.

10:13 AM GMT

Dominique Pelicots lawyer considering appeal, says lawyer

Dominique Pelicots lawyer said he was dazed at the judges decision to hand him the maximum 20-year sentence  two-thirds unconditional  to consider keeping him in prison for a longer term at the end of that period if he is still deemed a security threat.

Beatrice Zavarro, Pelicots lawyer, said he had not yet decided whether he would appeal against this decision, which would trigger a retrial before a popular jury.

We will make a decision within the 10-day period, she declared, before adding that Pelicot is somewhat dazed by the security period that has been pronounced against him.

Beatrice Zavarro (right) speaks to the press as she leaves the courtroom in Avignon - MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP

10:12 AM GMT

Analysis: Court saw difference between Pelicot and co-defendants

The court marked a clear difference between Dominique Pelicot and his co-defendants. In all, the prosecution had requested 652 years imprisonment for the 51 defendants, who were ultimately sentenced to 428 years behind bars.

Pelicot got 20 years.

The second-highest sentence was 15, which was handed to Romain Vandevelde, who visited the Pelicot home six times despite being HIV-positive. Under treatment for 20 years, he had a low viral load and was therefore not contagious at the time of the events, according to his lawyer, who provided medical documentation. Prosecutors had asked for 18 years.

The three sentences of 13 years in prison were handed down to defendants who had also visited Mazan six times: Charly Arbo, Jerome Vilela and Dominique Davies.

Of the 51 convicted, 41 were remanded in custody, three received deferred committal orders and six were allowed to walk free.

Following the verdict, the 18 defendants already in custody were kept in detention. Of the 32 who were free to appear, 23 warrants of committal were issued with immediate effect (they will be taken directly into custody). Three deferred committal orders were issued because of the state of health of these three defendants (they will be incarcerated in suitable facilities).

Six defendants were released, either because the sentence handed down covers the pre-trial detention already served, or because their sentence will be adjusted directly.

09:56 AM GMT

Pelicot can apply for conditional release but could stay in jail for longer

Dominique Pelicots conviction carries a two-thirds prison sentence and his situation will have to be re-examined at the end of his sentence for possible prison detention, the court said.

This means that he could apply for a conditional release once two-thirds of his sentence has been completed. However, he could be kept in prison for longer as he is deemed a threat.

Dominique Pelicot has been sentenced to 20 years

09:53 AM GMT

Sentencing ends

Romain Vandevelde is sentenced to 15 years, the most we have seen so far except Dominique Pelicot. It is less than what prosecutors had asked for.

Saifeddine Ghabi has been sentenced to three years.

Ludovick Blemeur has been sentenced to seven years.

Cedric Grassot has been sentenced to 12 years.

Cendric Venzin has been sentenced to nine years.

Hassan Ouamou, who is on the run in Morocco, has received a sentence of 12 years.

That concludes the sentencing, with defendants given 10 days to appeal.

09:52 AM GMT

Judge hands down five more sentences

Patrice Nicolle has been sentenced to eight years.

Gregory Serviol has been sentenced to eight years.

Jean-Luc LA has been sentenced to 10 years.

Quentin Hennebert has been sentenced to seven years.

Abdelali Dallal has been sentenced to eight years. He will be placed in a special jail due to medical issues, according to the judge.

09:50 AM GMT

First co-defendant to visit Pelicot home jailed for six years

Born in Carpentras, Adrien Longeron grew up in an affluent, loving family. His mother was a care worker, and his father the CEO of a public works company  a position Adrien, as site manager, was in line to inherit before his arrest.

Beneath the ideal son-in-law exterior, he suffered from the trauma of sexual abuse by a cousin at the age of eight.

He said he was led to believe at 18 that he had become the father of a girl who later died but it turned out he was not the genitor. This lie changed his relationship with women, he said. I never trusted them again. I hated them.

He went to the Pelicot home on March 14, 2014  he was the first of the co-defendants to have done so.

He was 23 at the time, and his son was to be born 10 days later. He denied the rape allegations, claiming to have been convinced by Dominique Pelicot that it was a scenario.

As long as the husband was present, there was no rape, he claimed.

He has been jailed for six years.

Read more about those being sentenced here.

The 51 men accused of raping Gisele Pelicot

09:46 AM GMT

Another group handed jail sentences

Adrien Longeron has been sentenced to six years.

Jerome Vilela has been sentenced to 13 years.

Didier Sambuchi has been sentenced to five years.

Karim Sebaoui has been sentenced 10 years.

Vincent Coullet has been sentenced to 10 years.

09:44 AM GMT

More men sentenced

Andy Rodriguez and Jean-Marc LeLoup have been sentenced to six years.

Thierry Parisis, Jean Tirano, Mohamed Rafaa, Redouane El Farihi, Mahdi Daoudi, and Ahmed Tbarik have been sentenced to eight years.

Thierry Postat has been sentenced to 12 years.

Simone Mekenese has been sentenced to nine years.

Patrick Aron has been sentenced to six years. He will be placed in a special jail due to medical issues, according to the judge.

Nizar Hamida and Joan Kawai have been sentenced to 10 years.

Husamettin Dogan has been sentenced to nine years.

Hughes Malago has been sentenced to five years.

09:37 AM GMT

Sentencing ranges from five to 13 years

Charly Arbo has been jailed for 13 years after being found guilty of aggravated rape.

So far, the sentences for those found guilty of aggravated rape have ranged from five years to 13.

Jacques Cubeau has been sentenced to five years in jail.

Boris Moulin, Nicolas Francois, Cyrille Delville and Lionel Rodriguez have been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Christian Lescole has been sentenced to nine years.

Philippe Leleu has been sentenced to five years, two of which are suspended.

Fabien Sotton has been sentenced to 11 years.

09:28 AM GMT

Another sentencing in

Joseph Cocco, who was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault, was sentenced to three years, two of which were suspended. He will walk free have already spent time in detention.

09:27 AM GMT

Man who raped own wife jailed for 12 years.

French press dubbed him Dominique Pelicots disciple.

Jean-Pierre Marechal was the only defendant not to have been accused of raping or assaulting Gisele Pelicot.

However, he emulated his mentor by inviting Pelicot a dozen times to rape his own wife, also drugged with Temesta.

He has been jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of the attempted rape, aggravated rape, and drugging of his own wife.

Read more about the defendants here.

09:19 AM GMT

Dominique Pelicot jailed for 20 years

Dominique Pelicot, Giseles former husband, has been jailed for 20 years.

It is the maximum possible sentence.

At the end of sentence, a fresh examination of Pelicot will be made to decide whether he should be kept longer.

He was found guilty of aggravated rape earlier this morning.

09:19 AM GMT

More verdicts come in

Saifeddine Ghabi has been acquitted of rape and attempted rape. He was found guilty of sexual assault.

Joseph Cocco was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault.

Hassan Ouamou, Redouane El Farihi, and Jean Tirano have all been found guilty of aggravated rape.

09:17 AM GMT

Five more guilty verdicts returned

Ahmed Tbarik has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Paul-Koikoi Grovogui has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Omar Douiri has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Husamettin Dogan has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Romain Vandevelde has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

09:16 AM GMT

More pictures of Gisele Pelicot entering court

We now have more pictures of Gisele Pelicot entering the court in Avignon.

She entered the courtroom with a smile on her face as she prepared to hear the verdicts being passed down by a panel of five French judges.

Gisele Pelicot is escorted by her lawyers as she arrives at the Avignon court

Gisele Pelicot enters the court in Avignon with a smile on her face\ - Shutterstock

Gisele Pelicot surrounded by a pool of journalists as she enters court - AFP

09:13 AM GMT

Five more guilty of rape

Jean-Marc LeLoup has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Andy Rodriguez has been found guilty of aggravated rape and aggravating factors.

Vincent Coullet has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Adrien Longeron has been found guilty of aggravated rape and possessing child abuse images.

Hughes Malago has been found guilty of aggravated rape and two aggravating factors.

09:13 AM GMT

More verdicts coming in

Jean-Luc LA has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Fabien Sotton has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Karim Sebaoui has been found guilty of aggravated rape and possessing child abuse images.

Redouane Azougagh has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Joan Kawai has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

That takes the total number of defendants found guilty of raping Gisele Pelicot to 25. A 26th man was found guilty of raping his own wife.

09:08 AM GMT

Five more verdicts come in

Cyprien Culieras has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Mathieu Dartus has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Quentin Hennebert has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Cyril Beaubis has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Philippe Leleu has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

09:07 AM GMT

Serial guest at Pelicot household guilty of rape

Jerome Vilela, the divorced father of two, was a serial guest at the Pelicot household, visiting their home in Mazan six times, between March 29 and June 18, 2020.

Vilela has always maintained he was aware that Gisele Pelicot had been drugged by her husband. He said he was astonished any defendants could claim they were unaware Ms Pelicot was drugged.

Having been there six times, its difficult to adopt any stance other than to admit it, he said. This woman is brave enough for me to put my shame aside and tell the truth to help her move forward.

He has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Read more here.

09:06 AM GMT

More verdicts coming in

Nizar Hamida has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Boris Moulin has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Dominique Davies has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Jerome Vilela has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Didier Sambuchi has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

09:04 AM GMT

Five more guilty of rape

Simone Mekenese has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Thierry Parisis has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Patrice Nicolle has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Jacques Cubeau has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Nicolas Francois has been found guilty of aggravated rape and possessing child abuse images.

09:00 AM GMT

Three more found guilty of rape

Christian Lescole, a 57-year-old fireman, has been found guilty of aggravated rape. Lescole was acquitted of possessing child abuse images.

Cyrille Delville, a construction worker, has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Florian Rocca has also been found guilty of aggravated rape.

08:56 AM GMT

Man, 30, guilty of aggravated rape

Charly Arbo, 30, has been found guilty of aggravated rape.

Arbo proposed drugging and raping his own mother, the court heard during the trial.

On the first occasion he visited the Pelicot home, Charlie Arbo was aged 22 and Gisele Pelicot was aged 64. Arbo and Dominique Pelicot were also accused of raping Gisele Pelicot in her bed on the night of her 66th birthday.

I never had the intention to rape, he claimed.

Arbo had spent part of his childhood in Mazan and lived a 30-minute drive away.

Video evidence showed a whispered conversation in Gisele Pelicots bedroom between the two men, in which they discuss a plan to drug and rape Arbos mother in the same way.

Dominique Pelicot gave Arbo three sedative tablets wrapped in silver foil. Faint traces of sedatives were found in the mother but the plan never came to fruition.

Asked in court if he was angry with his mother or hated her, Arbo said he was not. I love my mum as any son loves their mum, nothing special

Read more here.

08:54 AM GMT

Pensioner, 63, guilty of aggravated rape of his wife

Jean-Pierre Marechal, 63, a pensioner, has been found guilty of aggravated rape with administration of a chemical substance on his wife Cilia.

He is the only defendant not accused of raping Gisele Pelicot. Prosecutors have asked for 17 years imprisonment.

08:52 AM GMT

Dominique Pelicot guilty of all charges

Presiding judge Roger Arata has just pronounced Dominique Pelicot guilty of all charges.

Pelicot is seated at the far end of the glass box, wearing his usual grey jogging jacket.

Several other defendants share this booth with him, but are little apart. Five police officers are with them.

08:44 AM GMT

Verdicts expected soon

Verdicts are expected to come in the next few minutes.

Stay tuned for live updates.

08:35 AM GMT

Defence lawyer booed as he arrives at court

A defence lawyer is booed as he arrives at court.

Pseudo lawyer!!! shout a few members of the Amazones dAvignon feminist collective.

Pseudo feminist! retorts a woman who appears to be the partner of a defendant.

08:32 AM GMT

Pictured: The man accused of allowing 70 men to rape his wife

This is Dominique Pelicot, the 72-year-old retired electrician, for whom prosecutors have demanded the maximum possible sentence of 20 years for aggravated rape.

Dominique Pelicot, the 72-year-old retired electrician accused of drugging his wife and allowing dozens of men to rape her

08:26 AM GMT

Watch: Gisele Pelicot receives heroines welcome

Gisele Pelicot received a heroines welcome with rousing applause as she entered the Avignon courthouse for a final time after a three-and-a-half-month-long trial.

Mobbed by TV camera crews and journalists from around the world, the red-bobbed pensioner whose face has become internationally renowned was guided by a police escort to the main courtroom to hear the verdict, which is due to be given in the coming minutes.

08:11 AM GMT

Watch: Gisele Pelicot arrives at court

Gisele Pelicot has arrived at court as the court prepares to hand sentences to 50 men accused of accepting Dominique Pelicots offer to rape his wife.

She arrived to applause and cries of Justice for Gisele outside the court.

Gisele Pelicot arrives with her lawyer Stephane Babonneau (R) at the courthouse in Avignon - AFP

08:07 AM GMT

Defiant mood among women outside court

Outside the courtroom female activists gathered, bearing placards and chanting as the defendants were guided by security through the throng and into the court to hear the verdict.

The mood among the women was defiant. Posters in French, German, Portuguese and Dutch attested to the international interest, not just in the media but among womens groups across Europe and beyond.

One protester in a yellow coat had pinned a notice to her back which read: Mon corps est a moi. Homme, tu ne me violes pas.

This translates to: My body is mine. Men, you do not rape me.

08:00 AM GMT

Mr Everyman: The 50 men accused of raping Gisele Pelicot

The French media have dubbed them Monsieur Tout-le-monde  Mr Average Joe.

They are the 51 men of all ages, walks of life and origins hauled to the Vaucluse criminal court of Avignon, southern France, to face their alleged victim: Gisele Pelicot.

All but one are charged with the aggravated rape, attempted rape or sexual assault of the 72-year-old woman drugged by her husband.

They are aged 27 to 74. Just over two-thirds have children. Three-quarters were employed in jobs ranging from lorry drivers to carpenters, a prison guard, a nurse, an IT expert working for a bank, a local journalist.

Around 40 per cent had criminal records, several for domestic abuse and two for rape. A third suffered from alcoholism or drugs. Around a dozen reported being sexually abused as children. Others came from stable, loving homes.

The profile of the rapist does not exist, said Antoine Camus, one of Ms Pelicots two lawyers, in his closing statement.

These are the stories of all the average Joes.

Read the full story here.

The 51 men accused of sexual assault or rape of Ms Gisele Pelicot

07:52 AM GMT

Defendant bows his head as he arrives at courthouse

One of the defendants bowed his head as he arrived at the Avignon courthouse on Thursday morning.

Other defendants, including Dominique Pelicot, were brought to court in prison vans whose sirens sounded across the mediaeval city.

The court is due to hand sentences to 50 men in addition to Pelicot.

One of the defendant arrives at the courthouse in Avignon - AFP

07:39 AM GMT

Gisele Pelicots children arrive at court

Caroline Darian, David and Florian, the children of Gisele Pelicot, have arrived at court ahead of todays verdict.

Ms Darian, her pen name, clashed repeatedly with her father in court, accusing him of drugging and abusing her.

Photos were found on Dominque Pelicots hard drive of her asleep in her mothers underwear. He denied this.

Caroline Darian, David and Florian - Gisele Pelicot - have stood by their mother throughout the trial - REUTERS

07:32 AM GMT

How Gisele Pelicot became a feminist icon

With her instantly recognisable red bob, Gisele Pelicot smiles beside a message graffitied on a wall in large capital letters: Justice for Gisele, justice for all women!

The photograph perfectly captures how the grandmother of seven has embraced her role as a national and international feminist icon.

Since September, the 71-year old has often walked past these words on a wall in Avignon, southern France on the way to the trial of her husband and 50 other men of all ages and walks of life accused of raping her as she lay drugged on her bed in her Provence home.

Another wall opposite the entrance to the courthouse has been daubed: Gisele, women thank you. On it has been scribbled: All our respect and Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Brazil, England  are with you.

She posed in front of this too.

Read the full story here.

Gisele Pelicot waived her right to anonymity at the start of the trial - REUTERS

07:24 AM GMT

Chants of justice for Gisele outside court

Supporters of Gisele Pelicot have just started chanting justice for Gisele outside of the court in Avignon, southern France.

Hundreds of journalists are queuing outside of the court as demonstrators gather ahead of todays verdict.

This is the queue to get into the courthouse for the Verdict of the alleged mass rape of Gisele Pelicot - Henry Samuel for The Telegraph

07:20 AM GMT

In pictures: Shows of support ahead of verdict

Members of the feminist collective Les Amazones Avignon post a message of support for Gisele Pelicot on Wednesday evening ahead of todays verdict.

A message reads Shame has changed side, what about justice ? - AP

Members of the feminist collective Les Amazones Avignon post a message of support for Gisele Pelicot reading In France in 2024, 94 percent of the rapist are acquitted - AP

07:13 AM GMT

Heavy police presence outside Avignon court

There is a heavy police presence outside the Avignon court where almost 200 journalists, almost half foreign, have been queuing from dawn ahead of the verdict.

A lone feminist campaigner is waving a placard with the words: Christmas in jail, Easter behind bars for Doninique Pelicot and the 50 other accused. A second joined her with another placard that reads: Thank you for your bravery Gisele Pelicot.

On the other side is the message: So that shame changes sides - a phrase used by Ms Pelicot in court to justify an open-door trial.

Busloads more protesters are expected later on after the verdict.

07:08 AM GMT

Welcome to our live coverage

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage as judges in France deliver verdicts in the Gisele Pelicot rape trial.

Well be bringing you live updates from the court throughout the day.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Dominique Pelicot, the ex-husband of Gisele Pelicot, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in France Thursday for drugging and raping her and inviting other men to participate.

Following the sentencing, Gisele Pelicot told reporters outside the courthouse in the French city of Avignon that she "never regretted" being put through the public trial of her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men.

The 20-year sentence given to Dominique Pelicot was the maximum allowable punishment under French law.

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The 72-year-old pleaded guilty to drugging and raping his then-wife for around a decade.

Dominique Pelicot would meet strangers on the Internet and invite them to the couple's home to participate in the group rapes.

Lead judge Roger Arata found the other 50 men on trial guilty for their involvement, following a very public trial that captured the attention of the country. The other defendants ranged in age from 26 to 74 and were given sentences ranging between three and 13 years in prison.

Authorities said it is likely more than 70 men were actually complicit in the sessions, but they could not identify all of them.

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Gisele Pelicot was greeted by cheers and supporters holding signs of encouragement as she left the courthouse Friday.

"It is with profound emotion that I am here, the trial was a very difficult ordeal," Pelicot told reporters and supporters.

"I'm also thinking of the many victims who are not recognized, whose stories often remain in the shadows. I want you to know that we share the same battle."

Pelicot said she never considered not following through with the public trial.

"When I opened the doors to this trial on 2 September, I wanted society to be able to take part in this debate. I have never regretted that decision. I have confidence in our ability to collectively grasp a future in which everyone, women and men alike, can live in harmony, with mutual respect and understanding."
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The on-going battle between Oklahoma County Commissioners and Oklahoma City City Council could become costly to taxpayers.

City council went into executive session during its Tuesday meeting. Thats when they decided to press forward with finding a new jail site, calling for third-party mediation. Minutes later, commissioners voted to move forward with a lawsuit against city council.

Commissioners sued city council after it denied rezoning requests for the proposed jail site on East Grand Blvd in southeast Oklahoma City.

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The citys decision has put the squeeze on commissioners to hit a deadline to break ground on a mental health facility. The project would have been built on the proposed jail site.

It potentially puts in peril the mental health facility and the $40 million attached with that and suffice it to say Im just extremely disappointed, said Brian Maughan, District 2 Commissioner.

The $40 million earmarked for the project came from federal COVID-19 funds, or ARPA funds.

OK Co. Commissioners vote to secure federal funds for mental health facility at jail site

The Attorney Generals Office issued a letter of counsel last week. It stated a court would likely grant immunity to the count in the case. Commissioners claim they have superior sovereignty over the piece of land.

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The fact the city council wants to play politics for $40 million and over the site of a jail, of which they were told by the Attorney General that this was our decision and our decision alone and they should work with us to get along, said Myles Davidson, District 3 Commissioner. Yet theyve dug in their heels.

There is a large need for mental health facilities in Oklahoma. According to Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, the state has the fifth highest rate of mental illness in the nation. Only a small portion of those affected receive state services for care.



County Commissioners said, despite the need for the facility, they will find a way to spend the money on other federally approved programs.



Make no doubt about it. Were not losing the $40 million, said Davidson. The public needs to be fully aware that the $40 million dollars is going nowhere. We are not sending that money back to D.C.

The lawsuit between commissioners and city council is expected to be heard in court on January 23.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A series of atmospheric river storms are expected to impact Northern California over the weekend, raising the likelihood of making holiday plans for many travelers more complicated.

The forecast

The first of the storm systems is expected to move into the Bay Area on Saturday morning, bringing about a quarter of an inch to a third of an inch of rain to San Francisco and Oakland, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Dial Hoang.

The North Bay valleys are expected to get around half an inch to three-quarters of an inch of rain while the mountains could record one and a half inches, Hoang said. San Jose and the inland portions of the East Bay could see a few hundredths of an inch.

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The storm is expected to last through Sunday before another storm brings "intense rain" to the region Monday and Tuesday, Hoang said. San Francisco and Oakland could get an additional inch and a half of rain while the North Bay valleys could get up to 3 inches in some areas.

"It's going to be pretty messy, especially Monday and Tuesday if you're trying to travel during those days," Hoang said. "In the North Bay especially, we expect pretty intense rain, increased flooding concerns and possibility for damaging wind gusts, mainly at the coasts and higher elevations."

Another storm system could affect the Bay Area the day after Christmas but it's still too early to determine timing and rainfall amounts, he added.

Read more: California's wild weather: Brush fires, flooding  even a tornado. More storms on the way

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For Los Angeles County, there's a shot of rain arriving on Christmas Eve but it doesn't look like there will be significant rainfall, said National Weather Service forecaster Lisa Phillips in the Oxnard office. Some areas could get less than a tenth of an inch, with mountain regions expected to record higher amounts.

Phillips said that it doesn't appear there will be any major travel impacts to consider in Los Angeles County.

"In general, it doesn't look like anything to get excited about," she added.

Holiday travel

At the nation's airports, the Transportation Security Administration announced that its staff is expect to screen nearly 40 million people from Dec. 19 through Jan. 2  a 6.2% increase from a year ago, according to a social media post. The busiest days are expected to be Dec. 20, Dec. 27 and Dec. 30.

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For road travelers, the American Automobile Assn. estimates that 119.3 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1 using all modes of transportation, according to a news release. About 90% of travelers are expected to be driving to their destinations, with 107 million traveling by car, which is 2.5 million more than last year, according to the AAA.

This year's travel projection breaks the last record travel set in 2019 by 64,000 people, according to AAA. The agency expects 3 million more travelers this holiday season than last year.

This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that, Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel said in the statement. This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, were anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MOSCOW, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- On the initiative of the Uzbek side, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev had a telephone conversation on Thursday, the press service of the Russian president reported.

It was noted that Mirziyoyev expressed sincere condolences over the death of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian armed forces' radiological, chemical and biological defense troops, and his assistant.

It was emphasized that Uzbekistan strongly condemns this despicable terrorist act. The intention to continue close cooperation between the two countries' special services in countering terrorism has been emphasized. Mirziyoyev congratulated Putin on his successful annual press conference with a "Direct Line" question and answer session.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further developing mutually beneficial Russia-Uzbekistan ties in all areas.

According to the press service of the Uzbek president, Mirziyoyev had a telephone conversation with Putin on Thursday. They discussed topical issues on bilateral agenda and multilateral cooperation within the framework of regional organizations.

They stressed the importance of continuing close and productive interaction between the intelligence services of the two countries to strengthen the fight against challenges and threats to security. 
MADRID (Reuters) - Chance images captured by a passing Google Maps camera showing a man leaning over a large bag or bags in a car trunk with what could be a human body gave police an extra clue in a murder investigation in the central Spanish village of Tajueco.

A friend reported the male victim missing in November 2023 after receiving suspicious text messages sent from the victim's phone saying he had met a woman and was leaving the province of Soria, where Tajueco is located, and abandoning his phone, police said in a statement on Wednesday.

The investigation focussed on the missing man's girlfriend and her ex-partner, with unspecified important clues found in their cars and homes, police said.

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During checks on the movements of one of the cars, police came across a street view image captured by a Google Maps car mapping the area.

It showed a street that was deserted except for a man leaning into the trunk of a red car in which there was a bulky white bag or bags. Several other images in the same series, dated October 2024, showed the trunk shut and nobody in the street.

Last month, police arrested the couple initially on suspicion of kidnapping, and later discovered a human torso, believed to be that of the missing man, in a shallow grave at a local cemetery on Dec. 11.

The investigation is still underway, police said, noting that the Google Maps image was just one of several clues in the case.

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In 2022, a Google Maps street view picture helped Italian police catch a top mafia fugitive who had been on the run for nearly 20 years.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro; Writing by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Aislinn Laing and Frances Kerry)
Google Maps has guided Spanish investigators to resolve a year-long murder mystery by capturing the moment a person stowed a suspected corpse into a car.

Police in the northern region of Castile and Leon began their probe in November 2023 when someone reported the disappearance of a male relative.

Officers arrested a woman who was the missing male's partner and another man who was her ex-partner in Soria province on November 12, police said in a statement on Wednesday.

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Investigators then raided the suspects' homes and inspected their vehicles but also stumbled on an unexpected lead in the search for further clues.

These were "images in a location application" where they "detected a vehicle that may have been used during the course of the crime," the statement said.

Spanish media circulated pictures of a screenshot of Google Maps' Street View from October 2024 showing a person dumping an object covered in a white shroud into a car trunk in the village of Tajueco. It was the first time in 15 years that the car had been to the town of Tajueco, the BBC reported.

Google Street View image helps police unlock murder case https://t.co/swr2OSZXfF  BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) December 18, 2024

The images contributed to resolving the case, though they were not "decisive," police said.

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Officials said another photo sequence shows the blurred silhouette of someone transporting a large white bundle in a wheelbarrow, the BBC reported.

The central government's representative in Soria, Miguel Latorre, told public broadcaster RTVE the person "can presumably be" considered the culprit.

Police said a severely decomposed human torso believed to belong to the victim had been found this month in a cemetery in Soria province. El Pais daily reported that he was a 33-year-old Cuban.

A judge has ordered the suspects into custody and the investigation remains open.

Google technology has helped investigators make breakthroughs in cases before. In 2022, an Italian mafia boss who was on the run for decades was arrested after he was spotted on Google Maps.

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In 2019, the remains of a man missing for 22 years were finally found thanks to someone who zoomed in on his former Florida neighborhood with Google satellite images and noticed a car submerged in a lake.

2 Republicans voted to release Ethics Committee's report on Matt Gaetz misconduct, sources say

Texas man fights to reunite with his family after he says they were unexpectedly deported

Police say "combination of factors" led student to carry out Wisconsin school shooting
A Google Street View camera image showing a person loading a large white sack into the trunk of a car has helped Spanish police arrest two people following a man's disappearance.

On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the Spanish National Police confirmed officers had arrested a man and a woman in the province of Soria on Nov. 12, per a translated release.

Authorities confirmed the arrests came after a relative reported a man  who hasn't been named  missing in November 2023 after they received "suspicious" messages from him.

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"The officers traveled to two towns in Soria where they arrested a woman, the missing person's partner, and a man, who had been the detainee's partner, as alleged perpetrators of a crime of illegal detention aggravated by failure to provide information on the whereabouts of the missing person," police said, per the translated release.

Google Maps Google Street View camera catches murder suspect stuffing package into car Google Street View camera catches murder suspect stuffing package into car

The update comes after a Google Street View image taken in the town of Tajueco in October 2023 captured a man loading a large white bag into the trunk of a red car down a quiet street.

The two people arrested have reportedly been accused of "killing and dismembering a Cuban man," per Spanish outlet El Pais.

"Subsequently, with the necessary judicial authorizations, two raids and searches were carried out at the homes of both detainees, as well as a technical police visual inspection of the vehicles of the arrested, where they managed to find elements relevant to the investigation," police said.

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"In addition, the investigators had some images that they detected during the investigation in which, in a location tracking application, they detected a vehicle that could have been used in the course of the crime," they added.

Police said the images found online had been "one of the clues" that helped investigators "solve the crime."

A second Google Maps image reportedly showed a "blurred silhouette of someone" who was "carrying a large white bundle on a wheelbarrow," El Pais reported.

Getty Stock image of police crime scene tape in spanish Stock image of police crime scene tape in spanish

Police confirmed the man had been reported missing by a relative after they received "suspicious" messages. Despite the two being "close" the person said they "had not heard" from the missing man "for some time."

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"The complainant stated that he had received a series of messages from the missing man's phone in which the latter told him that he had met a girl, that he was leaving Soria and that he was getting rid of the phone," the police release stated.

"All of this made the complainant suspect that the messages had not been sent by the missing man, so he decided to report it to the National Police," it added.

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Police confirmed in the release that a "human torso in an advanced state of decomposition" had since been found "buried under the ground of a cemetery in a town in Soria" on Dec. 11 which "could correspond to the missing person." However, the remains are yet to be identified.

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Police also shared a video of authorities digging up the remains on X (formerly known as Twitter).

October 2023 marked the first time in 15 years that the Google car had been to the town of Tajueco, per the BBC.

The Spanish National Police didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.

Read the original article on People
Valentina Gomez, the Republican who produced outrageous anti-gay videos in a losing bid to become Missouris secretary of state earlier this year, isnt giving up on politics just yet. (Watch the video below.)

In a video on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday, Gomez announced she is running for Congress in Texas  while suggesting she might have designs on the seat that Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R) just won again. And she did it all in her familiar bombastic style.

Im running for Congress in Texas and Im taking down a RINO and a dinosaur once and for all, because Congress is full of crooks like Speaker [Mike] Johnson, who is just a little man with no balls that funds Ukraine and betrays the American people every chance he gets, Gomez declared. And Dan Crenshaw, who is only good at betraying his fellow Navy SEALs.

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Gomez then pivoted to what she said were her attributes.

Im 25 with an MBA, fluent in multiple languages, former NCAA Division I swimmer, and with many more accolades to my name, she said. But heres the only reason why you should vote for me: because I dont give a fuck what all those bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., think about me. Im coming to Texas to speak the truth, cook the crooks and save the children. Buckle up, Texas, because this aint my first rodeo.

The video ends with an image of Gomez toting a gun  a big one.

Im running for Congress in Texas.

I dont fear pdfs, criminals, or the crooks in DC. I only fear God. pic.twitter.com/sWiZBOdTmf  Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForUSA) December 18, 2024

Gomez has proven she can attract an online audience with hate. She appeared to burn LGBTQ-related books in one video during her campaign for secretary of state, a job that includes oversight of Missouris libraries. In another, she admonished viewers: In America, you can be anything you want, so dont be weak and gay. She also told Black people seeking reparations to get the fuck out of the country.

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Her audience on X didnt reflect her competitiveness in the Republican primary for secretary of state. She finished sixth in an eight-person field in August.

Missouri wasnt ready for me, so Im going to fight for Texas, she explained on X on Wednesday.

Gomez did not respond to emailed questions about her congressional run or her claim about Crenshaw, but did take a shot at HuffPost and other fake news media in a statement that she asked we include in its entirety:

I trust my Bible, my rifle, and X. Not media like CNN, MSNBC, HuffPost and other fake news media. I am excited to represent the people of Texas in Congress. Texas needs a fighter who speaks the truth, cooks the crooks, and saves children. Rinos, Dinosaurs, and traitors have their days numbered. My team will be sending legal notices to Meta, Tik Tok, and Wikipedia to reinstate my accounts and pages with over 100,000 followers. Otherwise, they would be interfering in a Federal election. I put the fear of God on pedophiles, criminals, and now, the crooks in Washington DC.

Related...
(NewsNation)  A Republican U.S. senator has floated the idea of Elon Musk taking over as Speaker of the House as threats of a government shutdown loom.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul suggested appointing Musk  the tech billionaire  for the role after he helped to lead a revolt against a bipartisan spending bill on Wednesday. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Lo, is pushing the bill, which President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance publicly opposed in a joint social media statement.

In a post on X, Rand stated that the House Speaker is not required to be a member of Congress.

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Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk, Rand wrote in the post. Think about it nothings impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka uniparty, lose their ever-lovin minds).

Spending bill contains relief for border farmers affected by lack of water

Trump and Vance called for Republicans to approve a clean stopgap funding bill that is paired with an increased debt ceiling. They called for the bipartisan proposal that was negotiated by Johnson to be struck down. The statement, which was posted on Trumps Truth Social account, called for a streamlined spending bill that doesnt give Democrats everything they are seeking.

Republicans want to support our farmers, pay for disaster relief, and set our country up for success in 2025, the post said. The only way to do that is with a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS combined with an increase in the debt ceiling. Anything else is a betrayal of our country

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The post also called for Republicans to get smart and tough. Trump told Fox News that Johnson will easily remain speaker if he acts decisively and tough.

This week, U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, D-New York) criticized Trump for allowing Musk to govern by tweet and referred to Musk as an unelected oligarch during an appearance on CNN.

Musk, who has been appointed by Trump to oversee the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency along with Vivek Ramaswamy, used his social media platform to criticize the proposed spending bill.

This bill should not pass, Musk posted early Wednesday morning.

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Democrats have criticized Trump for allowing Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, to wield so much power. Musk spent more than $250 million this year to support Trump and other Republicans ahead of the general election in November.

Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government, Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders wrote on X. The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesnt like it. Will Republicans kiss the ring? Billionaires must not be allowed to run our government.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EAGLE PASS, Texas (Nexstar)  Gov. Greg Abbott announced the state is placing dozens of billboards in Central American and Mexican cities to deter potential migrants from making the trek north. Abbott said the messaging on the billboards is a dose of tough medicine to hopefully prevent people who might be on their way to the Texas-Mexico border.

They inform potential illegal immigrants about the reality of what will happen to them if they try to enter Texas illegally, Gov. Abbott said during a news conference.

The governor made the announcement on private ranchland in Eagle Pass near the U.S.-Mexico border. The ranch is owned by Kim Wall and her husband, Martin. The Wall family said they have found migrant women and children beaten and sexually assaulted on their property.

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The family said they burned down several rape trees where these assaults were happening. The Wall family has also said they recently found three people murdered on their property, making them feel unsafe to walk around their land.

Weve had several rape trees and lots of women that have been found beaten and raped in front of our house, left to die in drainage ditches, Wall said to a group of reporters.

The billboards are written in Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese, with the message to warn people from attempting to cross the border. Some of the messages highlight the sexual assault dangers of a journey up north. One billboard reads, Your wife and daughter will pay for their trip with their bodies.

Rose Luna, the CEO of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, joined the governor during the news conference. She said there is an unspoken sexual assault crisis for women and children at the southern border. She has listened to horror stories from survivors.

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One of them said the very violence they were trying to escape is the violence they experienced on the journey here, Luna recalled during the news conference.

Abbott hopes the new campaign will discourage any influx of border crossings in the last month of the Biden administration as President-elect Trump prepares to take office on Jan. 20. The governor said the Republican president will bring better collaboration and cooperation on border security efforts.

Its a deadly situation. A horrific situation for those who are victims of sexual assault. A horror that we fully expect to end beginning in about a month when President Trump takes office and shuts down the border and restores safety and normalcy to an immigration process, Gov. Abbott said.

In a post to X Thursday morning before the news conference, the governor said, Texas is fighting to stop illegal immigration, human smuggling, and drug trafficking. I launched Operation Lone Star in 2021 to do just that.

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Since March 2021, when Operation Lone Star began, there have been 516,300 illegal immigrant apprehensions, 45,300 criminal arrests, 39,400 felony charges, and 505 million lethal doses of fentanyl seized, according to the Governors office. Those numbers were last updated in July 2024.

The newest campaign adds to the multi-technique effort Texas is utilizing to deter migrants from crossing over the border illegally. Abbott has used razor wire, marine barriers, and Department of Public Safety Troopers and Texas National Guardsmen as part of his border security efforts.

Texas is also building portions of border wall to accompany the existing federally built wall. The Texas Facilities Commission, the agency in charge of building the state-funded wall, says Texas has completed 50 miles of the wall so far. There is another 15.5 miles of border that is either under construction or awaiting construction.

There is active border construction at 13 different sites across Cameron, Starr, Zapata, Webb, Maverick, and Val Verde counties, according to the TFC 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 KXAN Austin.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the state is prepared to keep national parks open during a potential government shutdown that could start this Friday, at midnight.

A congressional deal for a short term spending bill quickly collapsed on Wednesday under the weight of unrelated provisions and pressure from President-elect Donald Trump and his allies just 48 hours after it was proposed.

During his monthly press conference on Thursday, the governor called out federal lawmakers for frequently forcing states to pick up the slack on government funding and urged Congress to prioritize coalition building over narrow partisan politics.

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Its just embarrassing, Cox said. We know that the only way we can get something done is if theres a disaster looming. Thats no way to run a country.

The rejection of House Speaker Mike Johnsons months-long effort of crafting a continuing resolution, or CR, to fund the government through March 14 came as a little bit of a surprise, according to Cox, who said he was on the phone with Utahs entire congressional delegation on Thursday as the deal fell apart.

Why did the short term spending bill fail?

Johnson had attempted to curry Democratic favor in the closely divided House by including pricy provisions that had nothing to do with basic government operations. But Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance and the heads of Trumps government efficiency advisory body, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, urged Republicans to vote against the bill over the billions of dollars in new spending for disaster relief, farmer subsidies and a significant salary increase for lawmakers.

Some GOP lawmakers have proposed a shorter CR with no strings attached. But it is uncertain whether a new deal can be struck before funding runs out for non-essential federal employees. According to Cox, there is no winner in the argument between those who say it is irresponsible to let the government shut down and those who say it is irresponsible to support a 1,500-page bill filled with pork, government handouts and political favors.

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Everybodys right on this, Cox said. And this is the problem, these are conversations and debates that should have been happening a month ago, not a day or two before the government shuts down, right before Christmas.

There is still the possibility that a funding agreement is reached, Cox pointed out. And if it doesnt, the state has contingency plans it can dust off that have been in place for several years to ensure that national parks do not close in the case of government shutdowns, which, Cox noted, have become increasingly common.

If the shutdown looks like it will be for an extended period of time, Cox said he will need to engage in conversations with Utahs representatives in Washington, D.C., about what other federal programs will need to be temporarily propped up on the states dime.

Can Congress avoid future shutdowns?

Cox is not optimistic that this problem will go away anytime soon, he said, considering the small majorities Republicans will have in Congress and the lack of political will to pursue policies that garner broad-based support from a diverse set of lawmakers. Just this week, an important bipartisan piece of permitting reform that would have fast-tracked transmission projects and federal leases was discarded after failing to find consensus on the funding package, Cox said.

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Whats needed is for lawmakers to increase their ambitions from passing legislation along party lines, to crafting bills that draw a wide coalition of lawmakers, Cox said. Otherwise, we set ourselves up for for a disaster.

I do wish that we had a party  I would like it to be my party, of course, but either party  that was really looking at true coalition building, Cox said. I believe that there is a an exhausted majority out there that are desperate for an abundance agenda and real leadership and and neither party has has seemed interested in tapping into that because that we dont learn any lessons from elections.

It is easy for parties to ignore those lessons and simply blame the other side, or external factors, when elections are so close, Cox said, as they have been for two decades in this country. But refusing to take electoral results into account is what leads to the uncompromising approach among legislators that almost always seems to end up at a dead end, he said.

But thats not real leadership, Cox said. And so Im hoping that there will be some lessons learned in this election, and we can start building coalitions again, because thats what the Constitution requires of us.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the state is launching a "tough medicine" messaging campaign warning migrants against the dangers of illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

The state is paying to erect billboards across Central America and in border cities across northern Mexico to discourage migrants from crossing into Texas. The billboard campaign costs around $100,000, Abbott said.

The billboards, which are in multiple languages, including Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic, tell horror stories to deter migrants from entering, Abbott said on Thursday, Dec. 19, in Eagle Pass in south Texas.

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Those stories involve migrants being sexually assaulted while seeking to enter the United States. One of the billboards, the governor said, asks family members this question, "How much did you pay to have your daughter raped?"

"This is tough medicine," Abbott said. "But we want no more rape trees in Texas. Do not make the dangerous trek to Texas."

He said he had the ashes of a tree where migrant women were sexually assaulted by human traffickers and left to die.

Abbott was accompanied by Texas Department of Public Safety Director Freeman Martin, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, Texas Border Czar Mike Banks, Association Against Sexual Assault CEO Rose Luna, and ranchers Kimberly and Martin Wall.

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More: As landowners resist, Texas border wall is fragmented and built in remote areas

Migrant plead with the Texas National Guard to be let in on the north embankment of the Rio Grande in El Paso, Texas in order to be processed by Border Patrol on March 20, 2024.

The governor did not provide any evidence of these "rape trees" and deaths. The governor also did not mention if Texas authorities are investigating these rape allegations.

The Maverick County sheriffs office didnt immediately respond to El Paso Times request for comment.

Immigrant rights advocates argue that the very efforts of the state to stop migrants through transnational border security programs do little to deter them from arriving but rather push them into more dangerous situations.

"Actions like Lone Star do nothing to address the crisis of violence and sexual abuse by unscrupulous actors against those who migrate," Dylan Corbett, the director of the El Paso-based Hope Border Institute, said. "On the contrary, the state's illegal closure of the border to asylum seekers is directly funneling them into the hands of criminals who prey on them."

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More: El Paso County set to close Migrant Support Services Center

These "rape tree" allegations were refuted by border authorities, according to a 2022 story by Border Report.

I dont know where theyre getting that information. What area? Its not in Maverick (County) that I know of and I havent heard it from the other sheriffs close to my area, Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber told Border Report.

Abbott plans to work "hand-in-hand" with President-elect Donald Trump, saying that Trump with bring an end to alleged "horrors" along the border.

More: How will Donald Trumps return to White House affect immigrant rights, deportation?

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The Governor's new effort comes as he seeks nearly $3 billion more in Texas' next legislative session for border security for his Operation Lone Star. The project has cost taxpayers $11 billion since its launch in March 2021.

Operation Lone Star further militarized the southern border with Mexico through the deployment of Texas National Guard soldiers and state troops. The operation also unrolled thousands of miles of razor wire and expanded the border wall across the U.S.-Mexico border.

While the state's efforts have drawn the public's attention, they have done little to address the causes of migration.

"Gov. Abbott's Operation Lone Star is really an exercise in political theatrics," Corbett said, "It does noting to address migration."

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Jeff Abbott covers the border for The El Paso Times and can be reached at: jdabbott@gannett.com; @palabrasdeabajo on twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Gov. Abbott announces new border security measures in Texas
NEW YORK  Gov. Hochul has increased the number of National Guard troops in the New York City Subway system, she announced Wednesday  doubling down on a controversial deployment that she credits with helping drive down subway crime.

Its clear to me, as Ive heard from many people, that the presence of the National Guard has made not just a physical difference, but a psychological difference in how they feel about safety, Hochul told reporters at a press conference at the Grand Central subway station.

Citing an expected uptick in tourists visiting the city for the holidays, Hochul announced she had deployed 250 additional New York Guard members to the subway system.

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Ill be clear  this is not in response to a specific crime, were not seeing a trend thats alarming, Hochul said. Its about continuing a strategy that has proven its success, and expanding it to protect even more people.

Hochul first deployed 750 members of the New York Guards and 250 state and MTA police officers to the system in March, part of a multi-pronged effort to reduce violent crime on city subways.

The guard members and state troopers, some armed with military-style M4 carbines, became an immediately visible presence at some of the citys transit hubs, standing alongside NYPD officers while they searched straphangers bags.

The guard members quickly stowed the long guns amid concerns they were militarizing the subway system, and in recent months, the soldiers and airmen with the Guard have been seen throughout the system, working with law enforcement at various stations throughout the city.

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The Guard deployment was the primary effort of a multi-prong plan that also involved mental health outreach, the installation of surveillance cameras in every subway car, and regular meetings between prosecutors and transit officials in an effort to curb recidivism.

Its made an extraordinary difference, Hochul said Wednesday. Subway crime is down 10% just since last March.

In only two years since the year 1970 have we had fewer subway crimes than we had this past year, she added.

As of Sunday, major crime was down 6% on the subway system from this time last year, a reduction driven by a 20% decrease in burglaries and a 16% drop in robberies.

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But nine people have been killed in the subway system so far this year, up 80% from the five who were killed by this time last year. Five rapes have been reported, one more than this time last year.

Felonious assaults have held relatively steady, dropping 1.6%.

The Guard members  who operate as part of a 9/11-era counter-terrorism deployment known as Empire Shield  are not law enforcement officers. They cannot legally arrest anyone, and a Guard officer told the Daily News Wednesday that his troops could only operate within the subway system if they were embedded with police.

Asked Wednesday why she wasnt deploying additional state or MTA police officers, Hochul said the troops projected safety.

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Fear is a really powerful emotion, Hochul said, referencing newspaper coverage of subway crime. When someone sees an individual, one of these trained professionals, standing there, I can tell you  as a mom and as someone who talks to a lot of people around here  they feel better knowing theres a strong, solid presence thats going to protect them.

This is about a presence, she continued. But if theres a problem, I guarantee they know how to handle it.

_____
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and First Lady Kristin Cooper after the governor's farewell address at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount on Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

ROCKY MOUNT  North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper delivered his farewell address Wednesday, touting Medicaid expansion, clean energy investments and public education as landmarks of what he called a statewide comeback story under his tenure.

We have restored our reputation as a welcoming place, where people can thrive, innovate and grow, Cooper told a crowd of around 200 at Nash Community College, a short drive from his hometown.

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Cooper, who has served two terms after stints as attorney general and state senator, will leave office next month. Succeeding him will be Governor-elect Josh Stein, a fellow Democrat who is currently serving as attorney general.

The Nashville native recalled taking office in 2017 beneath the rubble of HB 2, North Carolinas bathroom bill that was widely denounced and later repealed.

The states reputation was in tatters, Cooper said, and his top priority was a pipe dream.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper delivers his farewell address as he prepares to leave office at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount on Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

Eight years later, that priority  expanding the states Medicaid program  has come to fruition. Cooper touted that win, along with several others: attracting clean energy businesses and jobs; wiping out medical debt; and investing further in education.

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Every inch of headway weve made demands our continued vigilance, Cooper said. Just as our comeback story was never a given, progress is never guaranteed. We have to work for it. We have to earn it.

And with the eyes of the North Carolina political world already looking to a U.S. Senate race in 2026, Cooper left the door open to continuing his political career.

Were not done, he said. Im not done.

Cooper reflects on his legacy  and challenges

Coopers policy wins did not come without challenge or opposition, he acknowledged.

These past eight years certainly tested us in other ways, he said.

Looming largest among them were the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a series of devastating hurricanes  Matthew, Florence and now Helene.

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And he faced a Republican-led legislature with which he was able to work with on several issues, but often led to combative disagreements on major policy. He has used the veto pen more than any governor in North Carolina history  and many of those vetoes have been overridden in response.

North Carolina GOP spokesperson Matt Mercer in a statement blasted Coopers leadership  criticizing his failure in disaster recovery, as well as his stances on education and crime.

Roy Coopers place in North Carolina history is secure: he is the most inconsequential governor, Mercer said.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper leads a round of applause for First Lady Kristin Cooper during his farewell address at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount on Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

Among the criticisms and frustrations in his speech Wednesday  of which there were few  Cooper reserved his strongest for the issue of school vouchers.

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He touted expanded pre-K and raises for teachers, but warned against the program that has been a priority for GOP leaders.

Right-wing extremists and for-profit schools have peddled a false narrative that our public schools are failing, Cooper said. Using that lie to justify their programs to rob public taxpayer money from public schools and send them to private schools for the wealthy, for vouchers.

But he warned against allowing North Carolina and its government to be consumed by partisan divisions.

We cannot allow the divisive tenor of todays politics to rule the day, Cooper said. Not when we have so much promise to fulfill.
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The FBI has searched the home of Brian Williams, Los Angeles deputy mayor for public safety, as part of an investigation into a bomb threat made against City Hall earlier this year, local media reported Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Police Department also identified Williams as the "likely" source of the bomb threat, said the Los Angeles Times.

Williams, who has served the role for nearly two years, oversees police hiring, public safety budgets, and the search for a new police chief, it added. 
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma State employees on Wednesday were ordered to return to office, according to Governor Kevin Stitt.

The Executive Order 2024-29 Stitt signed directs state agencies to return full-time employees to in-office work environments by February 1, 2025.

According to Gov. Stitt, the decision ensures efficient government operations and accountability to taxpayers while cutting the need for further COVID-19 pandemic accommodations.

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Former employee: Canoo never built vehicles in Oklahoma, most employees never moved to Oklahoma

COVID altered the way we did business for a time, but that time has passed. Now, we need to put stewardship of taxpayer dollars as our top priority. Oklahomans deserve a government that operates with full accountability and delivers services effectively. Returning to traditional work environments is a critical step in achieving that goal. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt

Key Provisions of Executive Order 2024-29 state:

Return to Office Deadline: All full-time state employees are required to perform their duties in their assigned office, facility, or field location by February 1, 2025. Limited Exceptions: Agency executives may approve exceptions for: Employees with non-standard work hours (e.g., evenings, weekends, holidays), roles where in-office employment is deemed unreasonable, and agencies facing office space constraints that would require additional expenditures to accommodate employees. Transparency and Accountability: Agencies utilizing exceptions must report details to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), including employee job descriptions and anticipated return dates. Quarterly reports on remote or hybrid workforce composition will be submitted to OMES starting March 31, 2025. Governor Stitt emphasized that this executive order aligns with his administrations broader efforts to ensure transparency and optimize the efficiency of government services.

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Its time for our government to fully return to the workplace. By bringing state employees back to their offices, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing the best, most efficient service possible for the people of Oklahoma. State COO and director of OMES Rick Rose

Read the Executive Order here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Congress has just hours to come up with a plan to fund the federal government or face a partial shutdown.

Capitol Hill lawmakers have until midnight Friday to pass a bill that would continue to fund the government through March after a 1,500-page package was shot down by President-elect Donald Trump.

The partial shutdown could cause nationwide disruption to federal agencies and their employees, about 6,000 of whom work in Arizona, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

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Without a solid funding bill in place, here's what a potential government shutdown would look like for Arizonans.

When is the government shutdown deadline?

Funding expires on Friday night when Congress hopes to adjourn for the holidays. If a funding bill is not enacted, the government will furlough thousands of federal workers and reduce federal services.

What does a government shutdown mean?

A shutdown means that Congress has not agreed on funding for the government. It is a different issue from sequestration, where discretionary spending is reduced.

Which Arizonans would a shutdown affect?

In addition to Arizona's federal employees, the federal government employs about 3 million people nationwide, according to FRED.

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Although the word 'shutdown' sounds like a complete stop, that is not the full picture. Federal agencies classify their workers either as essential or nonessential.

Workers identified as essential continue to work but might not be paid right away. On the other hand, nonessential workers are furloughed and not allowed to work or be paid until the government reopens, according to a breakdown compiled by Reuters.

Essential workers who are part of Arizona's 60,000 federal employees, such as U.S. Postal Service employees and air traffic controllers, would still work through a potential government shutdown.

What would happen to Arizona national parks?

Under a potential government shutdown, national parks, monuments and other sites will be closed to the public, with rangers furloughed and facilities shut down. Some states may temporarily fund park operations, as seen during the 2018-2019 shutdown.

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When a government shutdown loomed in 2023, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobb intended to use state money to keep the Grand Canyon National Park open.

Previous shutdowns have kept visitors out of national parks or resulted in damage to parks that operated with minimal staff.

Arizona governor voices concern over potential shutdown

Gov. Katie Hobbs was "closely monitoring the potential federal shutdown and preparing for all eventualities," wrote Liliana Soto, a Hobbs spokesperson.

"She remains committed to working to mitigate the impacts of a federal shutdown on everyday Arizonans, and the administration is in constant contact with Arizonas congressional delegation on developments in Washington," Soto said.

Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks during a news conference on Nov. 25, 2024, at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix.

The Governor's Office said the potential shutdown put Arizonans in a position as "hostages."

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"Arizonans should not be held hostage by irresponsible politicians in Washington, D.C., especially during the holiday season. We cannot afford this continued chaos from Congressional Republicans who refuse to do their jobs and put everyday people ahead of their political machinations," Soto said in her written statement.

Which federal workers would stay on the job during a government shutdown?

Federal law enforcement, such as the FBI and Secret Service, would remain operational. Border Patrol and immigration enforcement agents will continue working. However, local governments would not receive new aid for migrant shelters.

The Transportation Security Administration's airport security screeners and air traffic controllers would remain on duty, but new hires and some major infrastructure projects could face delays.

Government programs such as Social Security and Medicare, food assistance and the military would be mostly untouched by a government shutdown. Many could see minor disruptions and delays to benefits and services.

What happens to Social Security if the government shuts down?

Among those agencies and programs that continue on because some of their mandatory spending is not subject to annual appropriations by Congress are Medicare, Medicaid and, yes, Social Security.

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Social Security has "dedicated funding, so it's outside of the budget process," said Craig Copeland, director of wealth benefits research at the Employee Benefit Research Institute. "All that money is there to paid (out). It doesn't have to be appropriated.  You're still going to get your checks."

Social Security retirement and disability benefits including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will continue to go out.

Will there be military pay during a government shutdown?

Active service members are generally not paid in a government shutdown, despite continuing to report for duty.

In the runup to a potential shutdown in September 2023, the Defense Department said in a memo to Pentagon leaders that "military personnel will not be paid until such time as Congress appropriates funds available to compensate them for this period of service."

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The government has about 1.3 million active-duty service members and 800,000 National Guard and reservists.

The Pentagon is also likely to pause military recruitment and operational planning. The pause in pay and furloughs will have impacts that go beyond U.S. borders.

Financial services company USAA is preparing to step in for impacted members with a zero-interest loan equal to the amount of one net paycheck (from $500 to $6,000) and various payment relief options, the company said on its website.

Would a government shutdown affect flights, cruises?

A shutdown should not immediately affect travel.

Funding to agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection would be on hold. However, the agents who you typically interact with at airports and seaports, and the controllers who oversee your flights are considered essential and will be working without pay during the shutdown.

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All the crucial safety functions like inspections and air traffic control continue.

Consular operations in the U.S. and internationally will also continue normally if there are sufficient fees to support them, according to the most recent guidance from the State Department. This includes passports, visas, and assisting U.S. citizens abroad.

Who are essential personnel? Think of it as the people who keep things moving. Air traffic controllers, safety inspectors, security agents and customs officials have all been exempt under previous shutdown plans and will likely continue working even in the current situation.

What happens during a government shutdown?

During a government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal workers deemed nonessential would be furloughed, meaning they won't work and won't be paid.

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When government employees are furloughed, they are temporarily ordered to return home without pay for non-disciplinary reasons, according to OPM's Guidance for Shutdown Furloughs.

In the case of a government shutdown, those workers are put on leave because there isn't money budgeted for their job. The good news is that furloughed employees who are not allowed to work or who do not receive paychecks are still guaranteed back pay due to legislation passed in January 2019.

What about the mail? Will the US Postal Service keep delivering it?

Mail carriers deliver post in snow, rain, heat ... and government shutdowns.

The U.S. Postal Service would not be affected because it does not depend on Congressional funding.

What about NASA? Who would watch over space traffic?

NASA would continue to track satellites, operate the International Space Station and support astronauts in orbit. But the U.S. space agency would do so with a severely diminished workforce, with 17,000 of its 18,300 targeted for furlough status.

Does Congress still get paid?

Lawmakers would continue to collect paychecks, even as some of their nonessential staffers would be furloughed.

How would a shutdown affect the White House?

During past shutdowns, the White House furloughed a significant portion of its staff. Essential offices, like the National Security Council, will continue operating, while others will be scaled back.

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Under the U.S. Constitution, the president would continue to be compensated.

Can federal workers collect unemployment during a shutdown?

Most federal workers and contractors would be eligible for unemployment.

Those who believe they're eligible can visit the Department of Unemployment Services website to file in the jurisdictions where they work, not where they live.

USA TODAY reporters Eric Lagatta, Mike Snider, Ahjane Forbes, Zach Wichter, Nathan Diller and Fernando Cervantes Jr. contributed to this article.

(This story was updated to include new information.)

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What a federal government shutdown would look like for Arizona
Earlier this week, Republicans and Democrats in Congress had a 1,547-page budget agreement that few loved, but most could live with.

Included were numerous assorted policy measures such as a ban on deep-fake revenge porn; the funding to keep the government running for three months  and crucial disaster relief funding that would allow Tampa Bay-area families to rebuild their homes destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In all, the budget package included some $10 billion in Florida disaster relief.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Pinellas County Republican who often votes against short-term budget bills, posted to X that the budget bill was a st sandwich. But she signaled her support.

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My constituents need the emergency relief funding, Luna wrote.

Then, later Wednesday, Luna changed course. She said shed heard from constituents, and she could no longer support the measure.

The episode was a microcosm of Washington, D.C. politics as President-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration approaches. Luna was just one of several Republicans to abandon the bipartisan funding agreement amid lobbying by the Trump-aligned billionaire Elon Musk.

With the bipartisan package appearing dead, lawmakers have just hours to figure out another way to fund the government, or else key programs will expire Friday night. Thursday afternoon, Trump said Republicans had reached a deal on how to fund the government, including $10 billion in new disaster relief funding. The House rejected the plan Thursday evening, but Speaker Mike Johnson appeared determined to try again before Fridays midnight deadline.

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Here are four things to know about a potential government shutdown, and what it would mean for Tampa Bay.

1. Key government programs will continue

A government shutdown does not include people who perform essential day-to-day government functions. Congress will still meet. Active duty military will still carry out missions. Border patrol agents will continue to roam the border.

It also doesnt include key entitlement funding. Social security beneficiaries will get mailed their checks. So will those dependent on Medicaid or disability benefits. Those on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will not be affected.

2. It could mean travel issues

Those with travel plans likely dont have to worry about delays caused by a lack of air traffic controllers or Transportation Security Administration inspectors.

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However, a shutdown would mean that many of those transportation employees would have to work for free during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. Its possible that unpaid employees would decide not to show up to work, creating delays. This happened in January 2019.

Numerous other transportation functions would also stop, according to a White House document outlining the procedures of a shutdown. Air traffic controller hiring and training would cease as would capital planning and other long-term strategy. These things wouldnt be felt immediately, but they could affect how the government performs if the shutdown drags on.

3. Disaster relief and recovery will be delayed

Government funding and disaster relief arent necessarily tied together. But unless Democrats agree to the Republican deal proposed Thursday, the timing of a potential shutdown would be unfortunate for those hoping for federal money.

The Small Business Administration, which has numerous loan programs, is out of money for disaster relief loans, according to an analysis by congressional Democrats. If Congress doesnt inject more funding into the administration, the wait list of people who need money will continue to grow.

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Time is money, said Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, who represents part of Hillsborough and Pinellas. This delay is going to make life more expensive for people

Numerous other small business loans such as the 7(a) Loan Program would also stop in the event of a government shutdown.

No disaster relief also means no money for programs and projects meant to respond to needs exposed by the 2024 hurricane season. The city of St. Petersburg, which saw its wastewater system overwhelmed by Hurricane Helene, could have seen that system improved by some of the $1.6 billion that Congress had set aside for improving local wastewater infrastructure. Its unclear whether that money will come through now.

Even in the event of a shutdown, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says it would keep working to strengthen its fleet of planes that fly into hurricanes to gather data.

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But theres little that agency could do without government funding. In the bipartisan agreement that now appears dead, lawmakers had set aside $399 million for the hurricane hunter fleet. Now the funding for the fleet is up in the air.

4. Republicans are working on a fix. Can they do it?

Republicans killed the first attempt at a government funding bill. Now, House lawmakers say they have a replacement.

But the politics remain tricky. House Speaker Johnson, who has just an eight-member majority, has to walk a narrow tightrope. A bill cant alienate too many members of his own caucus, many of whom are dead set against funding resolutions that have kept the government functioning for years. And it cant be so conservative that a Democratic-controlled Senate will reject it.

Some members, like Luna and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan have said they support a standalone disaster relief measure. Thursday, Luna hailed Trump for his work on the new agreement.

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But in an interview hours before the new deal was announced, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, a Broward-area Democrat who sits on the House Committee on Appropriations, said she was doubtful Republicans could come to an agreement by themselves. She thinks theyre going to need Democratic votes.

They arent able to pass a bill by themselves, Wasserman-Schultz said. The majority they have is very very small.

In the 2024 elections, Republicans lost seats in the House. Come the new year, the Republican majority will only get smaller.
With a government shutdown narrowly avoided late Friday into Saturday morning, the House and Senate sent a funding bill to President Joe Biden's desk.

An initial bipartisan deal was tanked earlier this week by President-elect Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk. Then on Thursday night, the House failed to pass a revamped plan that included Trump's explosive demand that the debt limit be extended.

Under the proposal, the 118-page bill contains most of the provisions that were put in place in the bipartisan bill that was agreed to on Wednesday. The bill includes $100 billion for disaster aid, $30 billion for farmers and a one-year extension of the farm bill, provisions that were under heavy debate prior to this week's votes.





Latest Developments





Dec 21, 12:45 PM

Biden signs short-term government funding bill

President Joe Biden signed into law the short-term funding bill on Saturday, according to a release from the White House. Biden signed the bill this morning after lawmakers sent it to his desk after late-night negotiations.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden departs from St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church, on the day of the anniversary of the death of the President's first wife and daughter who died in a car accident in 1972, in Wilmington, Delaware, Dec. 18, 2024. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

The bill extends funding for the government until mid-March, has $100 billion for disaster aid, something the White House wanted, and extends funding for farmers.



"This agreement represents a compromise, which means neither side got everything it wanted. But it rejects the accelerated pathway to a tax cut for billionaires that Republicans sought, and it ensures the government can continue to operate at full capacity," Biden said.



-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart





Dec 21, 6:01 AM

Biden to sign funding bill Saturday, White House says

President Joe Biden will sign the short-term funding bill that Congress passed overnight on Saturday, according to the White House.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden stand for a group photograph with White House staff members outside the White House on Dec. 20, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Ben Curtis/AP)

The White House Office of Management and Budget stopped "shutdown preparations" overnight in expectation that Congress would pass the short-term funding necessary to keep the government running.



"Because obligations of federal funds are incurred and tracked on a daily basis, agencies will not shut down and may continue their normal operations," an overnight White House statement said.



"There is a high degree of confidence that Congress will imminently pass the relevant appropriations and the president will sign the bill on Saturday," the White House said.



"Because obligations of federal funds are incurred and tracked on a daily basis, agencies will not shut down and may continue their normal operations," the White House added.



-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart





Dec 21, 12:52 AM

Senate approves short-term government funding bill



The Senate approved the House-passed short-term government funding bill in a just-after-midnight vote by a vote of 85-11.

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The legislation will extend government funding until March 14. It provides $100 billion for disaster aid, $30 billion for farmers and a one-year extension of the farm bill.

The gavel technically fell in the Senate at 12:38, meaning that Congress technically missed its midnight deadline to avert a shutdown by 38 minutes.

President Joe Biden still needs to sign the bill, but a shutdown has for all intents and purposes been averted and no real tangible effects of it will be felt in the window between now and Biden's signing of the bill.

PHOTO: The U.S. Capitol is pictured in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 20, 2024. (Richard Pierrin/AFP via Getty Images)

Before the vote, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the work of the Senate in passing this bill.

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"Tonight the Senate delivers good news for America: there will be no government shutdown right before Christmas," Schumer said. "After a chaotic few days in the House it's good news that the bipartisan approach in the end prevailed. It is a good lesson for next year: both sides have to work together."

He heralded the legislation as a "good bill".

"It is a good outcome for America and the American people," Schumer said.

The passage of the passage of the short-term funding bill marks the end of the 118th Congress. The Senate will now depart for the holidays, and return on January 3, 2025, when the 119th Congress will be sworn in.

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-ABC News' Allison Pecorin





Dec 20, 10:56 PM

Senate has plan to pass funding bill before midnight deadline: Schumer

The Senate is, after several hours of stalled debate, beginning a series of votes that are all but certain to end in the passage of the House-backed short-term continuing resolution.



"I have very good news for my colleagues and the country: Democrats and Republicans have just reached an agreement that will allow us to pass the CR tonight before the midnight deadline," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the floor.



The Senate was first voting on a series of amendments to the Social Security Fairness Act, a bill that would boost Social Security payments for millions of public service retirees who also receive pensions.



Final passage of the short-term funding was expected to be the last vote Friday evening.



-ABC News' Allison Pecorin





Dec 20, 10:10 PM

Ahead of vote on shutdown bill, Senate approves funding for pediatric cancer research

Ahead of an expected vote late Friday to keep the federal government running, senators voted unanimously to approve some of the funding for pediatric cancer research that was stripped out of the House version of the stopgap funding bill.



Since President-elect Donald Trump helped to torpedo the original bipartisan funding deal in the House, Democrats have decried the fact that a measure to reauthorize National Institutes of Health funding for pediatric cancer had been removed.

PHOTO: Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer speaks as he is flanked by Democrats from the Senate Judiciary Committee during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

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But it turns out that a clean version of that bill -- albeit with less money -- has been sitting in the Senate since the House passed it in March.



On Thursday night, without much fanfare and ahead of approving the stopgap funding bill, the Senate unanimously approved the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0.



The bill reauthorizes a pediatric disease research initiative within NIH through fiscal 2028 and requires the agency to coordinate pediatric research activities to avoid duplicative efforts.



The legislation was led by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.).



Senators were also expected to advance both the government funding bill and the Social Security Fairness Act.



-ABC News' Allison Pecorin





Dec 20, 7:39 PM

Jeffries calls funding bill passage 'a victory'

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the passage of the government funding bill "a victory" for the American people during remarks after the vote.



"House Democrats have successfully stopped the billionaire Boys Club, which wanted a $4 trillion blank check by suspending the debt ceiling in order to enable them to cut Social Security, cut Medicare and cut nutritional assistance, while providing massive tax breaks for the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected," he said.



Jeffries took no questions.





Dec 20, 7:18 PM

Schumer confident Senate will pass government funding bill

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he is confident the Senate will pass the government funding bill.



"The House has overwhelmingly passed a bill to keep the government open, and Im confident the Senate will pass it as well," he said. "We hope to get it passed as soon as possible."



As of now, it is unclear when the vote will be. If the vote is moved to Saturday, there would be a lapse in government funding starting at midnight, but the impact of a shutdown would be minimal given it is a weekend.



"Though this bill does not include everything Democrats fought for, there are major victories in this bill for American families -- provide emergency aid for communities battered by natural disasters, no debt ceiling, and it will keep the government open with no draconian cuts," he added. "As I have said, the only way to keep the government open is through bipartisanship."



-ABC News' Mariam Khan





Dec 20, 6:33 PM

Johnson says House will address debt limit in January

House Speaker Mike Johnson said the House will address the debt limit "early in January."



Asked whether he still wants to be speaker, Johnson paused before expressing his appreciation for the challenging leadership post.



"Being speaker of the House is a challenge in this modern era, but its a challenge that we accept. Its a great honor to serve in the position. I wouldnt say its the most fun job in the world all the time, but its an important one. Its a hugely consequential moment for the country," he said.



-ABC News' John Parkinson





Dec 20, 6:29 PM

Johnson celebrates passage of funding bill, urges Senate to clear it swiftly

"We are really grateful that tonight, in bipartisan fashion, with overwhelming majority of votes, we passed the American Relief Act of 2025. This is a very important piece of legislation," Johnson said.



Johnson said the bill is "a necessary step to bridge the gap, to put us into that that moment where we can put our fingerprints on the final decisions on spending for 2025. We also, in this bill, as you know, took care of Americans who desperately needed and deserve the assistance.



"We also took care of our farmers, many of whom were on the brink of collapse because of Bidenomics, frankly, because the inflationary cost of their inputs," he added.



The speaker said he was in "constant contact with President Trump" and spoke with him 45 minutes ago.



"He knew exactly what we were doing and why, and this is a good outcome for the country. I think he certainly is happy about this outcome as well," he said.



Johnson said he talked to Elon Musk an hour ago, saying, "We talked about the extraordinary challenges of this job, and I said, 'Hey, you want to be speaker of the House?' I don't know. He said, this may be the hardest job in the world."



-ABC News' Lauren Peller and John Parkinson





Dec 20, 6:08 PM

Voting formally ends, Democrats vote yes

With an overwhelming bipartisan majority, Republicans and Democrats came together Friday evening to pass a short-term spending bill to keep the government open through March 14.



The final vote was 366-34-1, easily surpassing the two-thirds majority threshold needed for passage under suspension of the rules.



No Democrats voted against the measure, while 34 Republicans voted against it. One Democrat voted "present."



The bill now heads to the Senate with about six hours left before tonights deadline.



-ABC News' John Parkinson

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
Tens of thousands of federal workers both in Indiana and around the country could be furloughed days before the holidays if congressional leaders don't find a solution to avert a looming government shutdown.

A bipartisan agreement that would've funded the government into March died Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump ordered Republicans to oppose it, causing lawmakers to scramble Thursday and find a solution before Congress adjourns.

The bill is more than 1,500 pages long and includes a variety of add-ons. Those include more than $100 billion for disaster relief for states hit by hurricanes, health care measures to lower drug costs and pay raises for members of Congress, USA TODAY reported.

When could the federal government shut down?

Current government funding expires Friday night when Congress is scheduled to adjourn for the holidays. If a funding bill is not passed by then, the shutdown would begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

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 LIVE UPDATES: Government shutdown looming? Republicans say they're 'making progress'

How many federal government employees are there in Indiana?

According to data from the U.S. Census and U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Indiana has 23,785 federal civilian employees. They have an average salary of $88,750.

When was the last government shutdown?

The federal government has shuttered 21 times since 1977, most recently in 2018.

How long do government shutdowns last?

It varies. Of all the shutdowns, the longest took place the last time Donald Trump was president, which lasted more than a month and cost the economy about $3 billion. The average number of days among all shutdowns since 1977 is eight.

Shut down: Timeline of more than 20 U.S. government shutdowns over nearly 50 years

Do government employees get paid during a government shutdown?

No. During a shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, those deemed nonessential, are furloughed, or sent home without pay.

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Employees who are classified as essential for critical operations in defense, energy, agriculture, and other sectors would continue to work, but without pay. They are reimbursed later.

How would a government shutdown affect national parks?

Last year, thousands of park rangers were expected to be furloughed ahead of a potential government shutdown in September. The National Park Service said then it would close the majority of national parks and leave visitors with limited resources.

Ahead of the deadline, Indiana Dunes National Park tourism staff said its visitor center at the park is owned by Porter County government and would remain open. The Indiana Dunes State Park, which is not operated by the federal government, said then it would also remain open during a shutdown.

Is mail service or the post office impacted by a government shutdown?

The U.S. Postal Service would be unaffected during a government shutdown because it does not depend on Congress for funding. Last year, an online statement posted in September 2023 by USPS said their "operations will not be interrupted in the event of a government shutdown, and all Post Offices will remain open for business as usual."

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2023 government shutdown: How the last government shutdown impacted Indiana housing programs, national parks

IndyStar reporter Brittany Carloni and USA TODAY reporter Saman Shafiq contributed to this story.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: A government shutdown would affect thousands of Indiana federal employees
BOSTON (WWLP)  Governor Maura Healey announced the date for her State of the Commonwealth address.

Advocacy groups threaten lawsuit for the legislature

Healey will deliver her speech before an audience of lawmakers on January 16th, which will be broadcast for people at home. The speech will reflect on the prior year and lay out policy priorities for the year ahead.

Some of these will include Healeys annual budget plans for the fiscal year 2026, which she must file by January 22nd. The State of the Commonwealth speech dates all the way back to 1830.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Photo illustration by Getty Images.

Gov. Greg Gianforte is asking for public comment to see which of four attorneys he should appoint to fill a judicial vacancy in the Seventh Judicial District in eastern Montana.

The person chosen by Gianforte after consideration of the public comments will become a judge who covers Dawson, Prairie, McCone, Richland and Wibaux counties.

The four applicants are Scott William Herring, John Tyson Hrubes, Brett Joseph Irigoin and Charity Sue McLarty. People can read more about them and see their applications here. A candidate must receive at least three letters of support to be considered for the job by Gianforte, the governors office said.

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The governor is accepting comments and letters of support through Jan. 16, 2025, at 5 p.m. People can submit those letters by email to nominatejudges@mt.gov, by fax to (406) 444-4151, or by mail to Attn: Hannah Slusser, Governors Office, PO Box 200801, Helena, MT 59620.

Once comments and letters are received, they will be posted online for the public to see.
Dec. 18GRAND FORKS  Grand Forks'

incoming police chief

was on leave from his current agency, the Madison Police Department, at the time of a Monday, Dec. 16,

fatal school shooting,

but he still feels its impact.

"It was very difficult," Capt. Jason Freedman told the Herald. "This was one of the most significant events to happen in the city in my 27-year career. To have to watch as my colleagues and friends had to deal with this tragedy, and the danger and the trauma of it  yeah, it's been difficult."

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Freedman is on leave, paying out the remainder of his vacation time before he transitions to the Grand Forks Police Department. Though not currently working, he is still technically an MPD employee until Jan. 3.

Monday's shooting at Abundant Life Christian School left the 15-year-old suspect, another student and a teacher dead, and two students critically injured, according to Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 17, reporting from Reuters. In the aftermath, Freedman reached out to check in with some of his colleagues.

It's been particularly tough, he said, because he knows the SWAT and peer support teams played significant roles in the response to the shooting, and he has been heavily involved in both teams.

At some point, every law enforcement officer transitions, he said, whether to another position, another agency or out of the field altogether. Though he knows the agency is well-equipped to handle crises such as this, his roots there run deep.

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"It's a terrible thing," Freedman said. "I wish I had been there for my people, and for our community, and been able to play a more active role, but I also ... know they're doing what needs to be done, and taking care of themselves and our community here."

Prior to this shooting, the most recent, similar incident he recalled was in the late '90s, when a man held a number of preschoolers hostage inside a day care. The man was killed by police without any harm coming to the children, Freedman said.

"This is the first time we've had an active killer in one of our schools," he said. "We've been preparing for it for a long time, but it's very jarring. For anybody who worked it, I'm going to guess that's going to be (one of their top) most significant, challenging days."

Freedman will join the GFPD officially on Jan. 27 but will move in a couple weeks prior, returning briefly to Wisconsin to help his son move back to college.

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In the meantime, he's been preparing for his move, making phone calls, writing emails and reviewing the GFPD's directives manual, which outlines all of its policies and procedures. He's also already visited Grand Forks and made an appearance at

the GFPD's annual awards ceremony on

Friday, Dec. 13.

Freedman had already been planning to come to Grand Forks during a weekend in December, so when someone from GFPD reached out to Freedman to let him know the awards ceremony was coming up, he said it was easy to make the time to be part of the event.

It worked out really well, he said  he was able to meet a bunch of people, including patrol officers, command staff, retired Chief Mark Nelson, Lt. Andrew Stein and Interim Chief Dwight Love. On Saturday, Dec. 14, Dep. Chiefs Bill Macki and Brett Johnson also gave him a tour of the department, which Freedman said went great.

"It felt like a good first in-person opportunity just to chat with some people a little bit and to start putting some faces to names," he said. "Every little interaction, I think, will make the transition easier."
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Grand Junction Fire Department Chief Ken Watkins has announced he will be retiring effective Jan. 3, 2025, following a 17-year tenure with the department.

Chief Watkins tenure as GJFD fire chief began in May 2007, after serving in the United States Army, then moving up the ranks during his 25-year career with the Westminster Fire Department.

In a release, the fire department says it has made great strides under Watkins leadership, including forming initiatives to ensure the health and safety of employees, completing long-term planning and infrastructure improvements like the rebuilding of Fire Station 3 and guiding the department through a rigorous accreditation process through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

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Watkins served on the Colorado State Fire Commission, as a past board chair for Hilltop Community Resources and as a past president of the Horizon Sunrise Rotary.

Officials say his involvement on professional boards such as the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Colorado State Fire Chiefs and the Mesa County Fire Chiefs Association highlight his dedication to advancing the fire service profession. His numerous awards  including the Governors 100 Award and the Career Achievement Award  underscore his impactful contributions to the field.

The City of Grand Junction completed a national search to select Chief Watkins replacement. Grand Junction Deputy Chief Gus Hendricks will serve as interim fire chief beginning Sunday, Dec. 22.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 parents of a young Washington County boy face felony charges in connection with a utility vehicle rollover crash that left the boys friend critically injured.

The charges against Grant residents Sam and Katie Kelley come almost a year after the Jan. 6 crash in the 9000 block of Lansing Avenue North. The Kelleys were each charged Wednesday in Washington County District Court with one count of endangering a child.

The Kelleys son was driving two visiting brothers in the familys Polaris Ranger 500 Utility Vehicle when it rolled onto its right side and left the one of the visitors pinned underneath and unconscious, authorities said. All three of the boys were 6 years old.

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When a Washington County Sheriffs Office deputy arrived on the scene around 8:30 a.m., he found Sam Kelley, 56, kneeling on the ground next to the UTV. The upper cage of the UTV was pinning down the boys neck, and the boys face was turning blue, likely due to lack of oxygen, according to the criminal complaint filed in Washington County District Court.

The body of the UTV, which weighs 1,065 pounds, was pinning down the boys legs, one of which was obviously broken, the complaint states.

The deputy, Sam Kelley and a third individual lifted the UTV off of the boy, and the deputy performed CPR on him until medics arrived and transported him to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

Spinning on fresh snow

The boy who was driving said he and his friends decided to take the UTV out for a ride and went to get their helmets. He told police that he is not allowed to drive this UTV, but did it anyway, the complaint states.

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The boy told police he was driving the UTV along a trail near the neighbors house when the UTV started spinning because of the fresh snow, the complaint states. (He) stated that he let go and the UTV rolled onto its passenger side, pinning (the) victim underneath.

He noted that the victim wasnt wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and said the boy wasnt awake and just needed some air, the complaint states. He stated that he has driven the UTV before and that it is one of many that he uses on a daily basis.

A teenage witness at the scene told police that the boys ride the various ATVs on the property, but were not supposed to be using the Ranger UTV, according to the complaint. The witness said he was drilling holes in the ice when the boy who was driving and the other passenger ran to him for help and stated the UTV had flipped onto (the) victim, the complaint states. (He) explained that the Ranger UTV can drive up to 40 mph if the drivers seatbelt is engaged, otherwise it will not move faster than 15 mph.

Parents were aware, investigators say

When interviewed by police, Katie Kelley explained that the visitors were brothers who came the evening before for a sleepover with her son. She said the boys had been to her home before and used their ATVs, and that (her son) knows he is not allowed to drive the UTV, and that she was aware the boys were using it that morning, the complaint states. (She) stated she was inside the house preparing breakfast at the time of the crash.

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At the hospital, another deputy spoke with Samuel Kelley, who stated that he was aware the boys were using the UTV that morning, according to the criminal complaint.

Neither Samuel or Katie Kelley were outside supervising the boys while they used the UTV, nor did they stop them from using it after seeing that they had taken it without permission, the complaint concludes.

As a result of the crash, the boy who was injured sustained a bruised lung and broken leg, which required surgery. He remained at Regions Hospital in an induced coma and on life support for several days before being discharged on Jan. 15, the complaint states.

The injured boys parents told police that they were concerned about their children riding ATVs at the Kelley home and had recently spoken to Katie Kelley about their concerns following the deaths of two children in an ATV crash a few months prior, the complaint states.

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In the earlier incident, an Afton man was charged with two counts each of second-degree manslaughter and child endangerment in connection with the deaths of his daughter and her friend on his property on April 22, 2023.

Samuel Kelley is being represented by Stillwater attorney Eric Thole in the case; Katie Kelley is expected to be represented by Stillwater attorney Rebecca Waxse.

Weve been waiting for the investigation to conclude, so we can now respond to the specific allegations, Thole said. Were relieved to be getting reports that the young boy is healing.

Thole declined to comment further.
SACRAMENTO, the United States, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday granted California two waivers, empowering the state to enforce vehicle emissions standards exceeding federal regulations, including a plan to phase out sales of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035.

This decision marks a significant triumph for California's environmental ambitions but faces an uncertain future. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, set to assume office next month, has repeatedly pledged to revoke such waivers, raising the prospect of policy reversals that could reshape the regulatory landscape.

The waivers were requested by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a state government agency in charge of reducing air pollution, to implement two regulations: the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) for light-duty vehicles and the "Omnibus" regulation targeting heavy-duty highway and off-road vehicles and engines.

Under the ACC II framework, California aims for 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. CARB clarified that this does not equate to an outright ban on fossil-fueled vehicles, as residents will still be able to own and operate existing gasoline-powered cars.

The Omnibus regulation seeks to slash heavy-duty low-nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 90 percent, a critical step in reducing smog-forming pollutants. CARB estimates public health benefits from the initiative could yield savings of 23 billion U.S. dollars, stemming from reduced illnesses.

The legal foundation for these waivers goes back to the 1970 Clean Air Act, which granted California special authority to establish its own vehicle emission standards due to the state's unique air quality challenges. However, the state must obtain EPA approval to implement emissions rules that exceed federal standards. Other states may adopt California's emissions policies, and more than a dozen have done so, with increasing alignment on zero-emission goals.

"California has longstanding authority to request waivers from the EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan in a news release. "Today's actions follow through on the EPA's commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change."

California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the EPA's decision as a reaffirmation of the state's decades-long authority to combat air pollution and address climate change.

"Clean cars are here to stay," Newsom said in a statement, highlighting growing consumer demand for electric vehicles and the auto industry's increasing shift towards zero-emission technologies.

The U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of governors representing approximately 60 percent of the U.S. economy, praised the EPA's decision, noting that the waiver approval benefits not only California but all states and territories choosing to adopt the ACC II rule.

While environmental groups and public health advocates welcomed the waivers, the regulations face significant criticism from industry stakeholders. Critics questioned the feasibility of achieving 100 percent EV sales by 2035, with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation describing California's clean car mandate as "an unaccountable, unachievable regulatory wormhole."

CARB, however, maintained that the goal was attainable, citing recent data showing that clean vehicles represent 26 percent of sales in California, with over 2 million zero-emission passenger cars sold.

The oil industry has also voiced strong opposition to California's clean vehicle plan. Western States Petroleum Association President and CEO Catherine Reheis-Boyd criticized the EPA's decision, arguing that the clean vehicle mandate disregarded voters' concerns about affordability and unfairly burdens working families while limiting consumer choice.

The celebration of the waivers may be short-lived. The incoming Trump administration has vowed to challenge California's authority to set its own emissions standards. During his first term, Trump revoked California's waivers in 2019, a move that was later reversed by the administration of President Joe Biden, a Democrat, in 2022. 
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry announced $5 Million in grants for workforce development, and some of that money is coming to the Midstate.

The Industry Partnership grants, L&I says, will help prepare Pennsylvania workers for family-sustaining jobs and strengthen workforce development projects.

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Industry Partnerships highlight the Shapiro Administrations strategic and continued efforts to invest in Pennsylvanias workforce, said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. Through collaboration with local employers, educators, and community organizations, we can enhance training opportunities for our workers, help address the needs of high-demand industries within our communities, and ultimately drive economic growth across the Commonwealth.

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Grants awarded locally include funding for a Nurse Aide Training Hub, a program promoting manufacturing careers, and a program addressing the information technology industrys skilled worker shortage.

A breakdown of grants covering area counties is below:

The Manufacturers Association (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties  $400,000)

The South-Central Manufacturing Industry Partnership focuses on three core goals: promoting manufacturing careers, enhancing training for middle-skill technical occupations in manufacturing, and facilitating connections among South Central PA manufacturers to share best practices and foster mutual learning.

SCPa Works (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties  $250,000)

The South-Central Information Technology Industry Partnership will address the industrys skilled worker shortage through talent education alignment and workforce training, expand the partnership network, enhance the TechConnect.jobs website, and foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in South Central PA.

Chester County Workforce Development Board (Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and York counties  $250,000)

The Manufacturing Alliance of Chester and Delaware Counties will focus on growing participating companies workforce and business capabilities, implementing AI in manufacturing strategy, expanding youth and parent career awareness, strengthening collaboration with Women in Manufacturing, and providing ongoing industry worker training.

The Training and Education Fund (Allegheny, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Fulton, Huntingdon, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties  $399,405)

The Nurse Aide Training Hub will create a self-sustaining program by aligning regional resources, connecting employers with nurse aide training providers and community support services. The initiative focuses on removing barriers and linking community members interested in healthcare careers with training, support, and employment opportunities.

Pennsylvanias State System of Higher Education Foundation ($250,000)

The PA Banking Career and Workforce Development Industry Partnership will pursue three primary goals: expanding the banking workforce talent pipeline, developing new talent through workforce training, and upskilling incumbent employees.

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In 2023, Wallowa County residents voted in favor of taking an initial step towards breaking away from Oregon and joining Idaho. (Courtesy of Rick Vetter)

The Greater Idaho movement, which seeks to redraw Oregons border and have most of central and eastern Oregon counties join its eastern neighbor, has displayed a knack for getting attention. But its run may be nearing an end because it is hitting a wall in moving toward its goal.

On Dec. 4, the Citizens for Greater Idaho group sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump asking for his help in shifting the counties to Idaho. Pointing out that people in eastern Oregon largely supported Trump in the November election while the state overall remained Democratic, the group said, We yearn to join the family of small-government and citizen-directed systems that Idahoans enjoy, but we need help from your administration to make this happen.

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Apparently, Trump has not responded.

He could speak out on the issue, but a president has little ability to change state boundaries. Article IV, Section 3, Clause 1 of the Constitution says no changes involving parts of states can happen without the consent of the legislatures of the states concerned as well as of the Congress.

The Greater Idaho movement could petition Congress for action, though there seems to be little interest there. Early in 2023 the group did see a whisper of movement on that front, with the Idaho House of Representatives passing House Joint Memorial 1, which resolves that the Idaho Legislature stands ready to begin discussions with the Oregon Legislature regarding the potential to relocate the Oregon/Idaho state boundary.

But the statement was nonbinding, and it didnt pass by a large margin. It died in a Senate committee, and the idea was not revived in the 2024 legislative session.

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One of the legislators who supported the memorial said during the debate he didnt think it would ever happen. Though the Greater Idaho movement is good public relations for Idaho, state officials dont appear to have much interest in moving forward with it.

Their action is still more than what Oregon lawmakers have done, and there are no signs of any movement on that front in Salem. Gov. Tina Kotek has not addressed the issue either even though backers called for talks on the issue this spring. Then on July 11, the Greater Idaho leaders sent her a letter, asking to meet. Their website says no response has been forthcoming.

The group has had some success with voters. From November 2020 to this May, 13 Oregon counties voted in favor of talks on the Greater Idaho idea: Jefferson, Union, Baker, Grant, Lake, Malheur, Sherman, Harney, Klamath, Morrow, Wheeler, Wallowa and Crook. One of those, Wallowa, voted against in 2020 but reversed that stand this year by a margin of seven votes.

That marked a slight reversal of the general trend of support, however. The most electoral enthusiasm for an Idaho move was in 2021 and 2022, when measures calling for talks on the issue won about 60% support. Votes in Wallowa and Crook counties that have been held since then have been much closer.

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The movement may have gone as far as it can. Voters in Josephine and Douglas counties rejected Greater Idaho, and meetings on the idea in counties where measures passed have been sparsely attended.

The movement is based in La Pine, which is in Deschutes County. The county has not voted on the idea, and it would likely fail there: Deschutes County tilts Democratic. A vote has not been held in Jackson County, either.

The Greater Idaho movement has few options left, but it still can be considered a success. It has brought fresh attention to the concerns of the eastern part of the state, and it probably has had an effect on legislation and even Koteks travels, though shes not met with the group itself.

The likelihood of Trump getting involved is close to nil, but the movement has had an impact.

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A little over two years ago, Nicole Polarek and her family left their favorite pancake restaurant in Highland Park, Illinois, and joined throngs of people on the street to watch the city's Independence Day parade.

Within moments, a gunman shot from a nearby rooftop into the crowd directly in front of them. The attack ultimately killed seven and injured dozens of others  and although Polarek, her husband and three children escaped physically unscathed, their lives changed forever.

When the Green Bay woman heard about Monday's shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, which left three dead, including the young shooter, and several injured, she knew it was time to pay the kindness that had been shown to her family forward.

Nicole Polarek of Green Bay

"It's really hard for people to know how to respond. What to feel, what to say, what to do. I decided to come up with the 'what,'" Polarek said, because "while I don't know any of these people personally  I know these people."

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Polarek is organizing a toy drive of items she said are especially helpful to comfort and distract kids and teens in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event. As of Wednesday afternoon, she told the Journal Sentinel people had purchased more than 400 toys off of her wish list, but that number was increasing by the minute.

The wish list includes Squishmallows and other stuffed animals, fidget toys, art supplies and Play-Doh, as well as weighted blankets and pillows. They're similar to the items her children received from a makeshift community resource center in the aftermath of the Highland Park shooting, toys that she said made the children feel special and helped her and her husband parent during a difficult time.

Polarek began the drive informally, texting friends who texted others. As news of the drive spread, she reached out to Green Bay businesses that could store the toys in the event that there were too many for her to take on her own. At some point, she said, she'll drive them down to the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, whose staff will distribute them to families impacted by the Abundant Life shooting. Her goal is to need a large truck.

When Polarek first had the idea, she thought that whether it was two toys or 200 that she could put in the hands of grieving children, it would signal that the people of Green Bay were showing up for the people of Madison. The response she's gotten so far has been evidence that "people have a lot of capacity for empathy, and for love, and for generosity," she said.

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Today, her family is faring well thanks to the support of their community, including a therapist who specializes in trauma. Still, "we're all changed forever," she said.

"When the headlines fade  which they will, quickly  what is left is a long road for those kids and teachers and students," Polarek said. "I know the broader community response matters."

How to help

People can access Polarek's wish list by visiting target.com/gift-registry/gift/madison-survivors-support-drive and selecting the option to ship the toys directly to her. Target gift cards can also be purchased.

Separate places to donate include:

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The Abundant Life Christian School Emergency and Recovery Fund from United Way of Dane County, unitedwaydanecounty.org

GoFundMe organized by a parent of a student at Lighthouse Christian School, which has ties to Abundant Life Christian School, gofundme.com/f/help-abundant-life-christian-school-families-heal-recover

Abundant Life Christian School alumni fundraiser, rb.gy/xa43ki

More: Fundraisers set up to help those affected by shooting at Abundant Life Christian School

More: At vigils across Madison, a grieving city struggles to make sense of shooting tragedy

Madeline Heim is a Report for America corps reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or mheim@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Green Bay woman collects toys to help Madison kids cope with shooting
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  Greenlink held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new operations and maintenance facility on that opened on Arcadia Road Wednesday.

The Greenville Transit Authority (GTA) said more routes, more frequent hours and better-quality service will be provided thanks to the new space.

The space includes nine maintenance bays to work on city buses, along with fueling stations for natural gas-powered busses and battery chargers for electric busses.

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Officials said the building is the second largest transit project in South Carolina, behind Charlestons Bus Rapid Transit (BTR).

Just to see the potential that we have now that we have this facility, I think this will be huge for Greenville County, said Benton Blount, Greenville County Council member.

Blount explained the facility was much needed for the county to keep up with growing demands.

I have a large group of constituents in District 19 that rely on this as their source of ability to get to work, to make a living to support their family, he said. Everyone from people who have disabilities, handicapped in wheelchairs, can use our transit. As well as people who just cant afford a car, they use this as their lifeline to get downtown and back.

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Post-pandemic, GTA officials said they saw a 34% increase in transit ridership across the county.

We are more than Were the buses, we are a community partner. We are a job connector, said public transportation director James C. Keel. We are an economic driver. We are a lifeline to a lot of people.

With this facility, Keel said GTA is able to take the fleet of buses from 17 to 43.

One of the biggest challenges weve had is that we havent had enough buses, or we havent had enough stop time in between routes, explained Blount. When people go downtown, it takes a long time to get back, but the expansion and the addition is going to make it available for people to simply go into town do what they need to do or go places and get back home in a relatively quick amount of time.

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Officials said it boils down to one thing.

If you want to have a good economy in Greenville, Keel said. Transportation is very important.

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GRIMES, Iowa  An adult male surrendered to law enforcement after barricading himself inside a Grimes home for almost two hours Wednesday night.

I-80 eastbound blocked by semi rollover in Altoona

At around 7:30 p.m. the Polk County Sheriffs Office responded to a report of a domestic incident at a home in the 400 block of SE 14th Street. According to the sheriffs office, when deputies arrived at the scene they discovered an adult male had barricaded himself inside with an adult female.

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The sheriffs office said after almost two hours of negotiation the man surrendered and exited the home.

No additional information has been released.

Metro News:

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GROVEPORT, Ohio (WCMH)  The Groveport-Madison School Board held its first special meeting Wednesday after voters rejected a levy in November that would have raised millions to build several new schools.

The ballot measure, if passed, would have cost homeowners $85 per $100,000 of appraised property value. Due to concerns about school safety and distractions, the money would have been used to build three new middle schools and an addition to the high school.

Since the bond issue failure, the district has been focusing on addressing the immediate needs of their schools.

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Resident Cheryl Irving left the meeting early but gave her thoughts on the levy and what the board should work on moving forward.

I think that sometimes theres a lack of communication between the board and administration with the public, Irving said. If you improve that and if you focus on the education for the kids, all the other parts of the puzzle will start to fall in because people feel that they have that communication open.

Earlier in the night the board approved a resolution to join the vouchers hurt Ohio lawsuit in a 3 to 2 vote. That lawsuit aims to end vouchers for public school students to attend private schools, a program critics say draws needed state money away from public schools.

Towards the end of the meeting, the board briefly discussed the bond issue, with one member saying, The voters said their piece, but there are thoughts on what the board can do in the future is another measure is proposed.

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I think that whats going to have to happen is that the public needs to see a 10-year plan and they need to see consistency among all the board members and the administration in implementing that plan, Irving said.

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Journalists at The Guardian are to boycott news meetings in a significant attack on the authority of Katharine Viner, the editor-in-chief.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has warned bosses that it plans to take part in disruptive industrial action in the new year as it threatened further strikes in protest against the sale of The Observer.

The industrial action is expected to include boycotting the daily morning news conference, which is often led by Ms Viner, when it resumes in January.

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It is the latest challenge to Ms Viners authority as union officials discuss a potential no-confidence vote in the editor.

Journalists are able to cast an advisory vote on who they want to be appointed editor, meaning a vote of no-confidence would risk making her position untenable.

It comes after the Scott Trust, the 1.3bn fund that owns both The Guardian and The Observer, this week closed a deal to sell the Sunday title to loss-making start-up Tortoise despite widespread opposition from staff.

In a motion passed at a meeting this afternoon, the NUJ called for further concessions around the sale, including allowing all Observer journalists to stay on at The Guardian instead of transferring to Tortoise and offering severance pay for freelancers and casual workers.

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The union is also demanding governance reform, including appointing four journalists as directors of the Scott Trust and having worker representation on the Guardian Media Group (GMG) board.

Katharine Viner, editor of The Guardian, is facing the threat of a no-confidence vote as anger mounts over The Observers sale - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The NUJ warned that if there is no progress made on these concessions by Jan 8, it will vote to set dates for substantive new strikes following four days of walkouts this month.

In the motion, it said: The Guardian and Observer chapel are appalled at the companys decision to approve the sale of the Observer to Tortoise media, a deal we think will be disastrous for the future of the worlds oldest Sunday newspaper and for liberal journalism.

We also believe it represents a serious blow to The Guardian, ceding the UK news agenda to the Right-wing media at a time when liberal voices are needed more than ever.

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Making the announcement a week before Christmas is yet further evidence of the contempt with which the Scott Trust and company management hold the pledge maintained for many decades of living our values.

In a second motion, the NUJ warned bosses that none of its members would undertake any work relating to the transfer of The Observer to Tortoise until the dispute was resolved.

One journalist said: The Scott Trust has chosen to entirely disregard the views of its workforce  its journalists.

Were disgusted at their behaviour and will be taking further industrial action to demonstrate we will not tolerate this behaviour from our unaccountable billionaire owner.

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Any decision to take further strike action could prove controversial. Some staff members have warned that they cannot afford to take more unpaid days in the new year. An NUJ source insisted there was not a whisper of disunity within the union.

The sale means that control of The Observer, which was founded in 1791, is passed to a six-year-old start-up run by James Harding, the former BBC News boss.

Tortoise, which has racked up more than 16m of losses since its launch in 2018, has pledged to invest 25m in the newspaper. The Scott Trust has also paid 5m for a 9pc stake in the start-up.

However, staff have raised concerns about the long-term financial viability of The Observer under new ownership and accused the Scott Trust of betraying its principles.

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Tortoise this week announced that Lucy Rock, currently acting editor of The Observer, will take up the role permanently. She will be the newspapers first female editor in more than a century.

The Guardian declined to comment.

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Dec. 18A national gun safety advocacy group has upgraded its rating of Maine laws following a historic legislative session in which lawmakers passed expanded background checks and a 72-hour waiting period on gun purchases in the wake of the mass shooting in Lewiston.

The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence released its annual gun law scorecard for states around the country on Tuesday. The center gave Maine a C-plus, which is an improvement from last year's D-minus rating and made Maine the most improved state.

"Following the tragic mass shooting at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston, Maine enacted important improvements to its gun laws," the scorecard said. "However, there are still basic gun safety measures which are missing, putting Mainers at grave risk."

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The new rating comes as lawmakers are preparing for the next legislative session to start in January, and as gun safety and gun rights' advocates are gearing up for a slate of new proposals, including the possibility of a renewed push for a red flag law.

Following the mass shooting that left 18 people dead and 13 others injured last year, lawmakers expanded background check requirements to include private, advertised sales and implemented a 72-hour waiting period on gun purchases.

They also updated the state's yellow flag law to make it easier for police to take someone into protective custody in a step toward restricting their access to weapons, and set aside millions of dollars for mental health and violence prevention programs.

The budget passed by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Janet Mills in April included funding for establishing an Office of Violence Prevention at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an expansion of crisis receiving centers to help people experiencing mental health or substance use crisis, and additional money for the mental health assessments that are part of the yellow flag law, among other things.

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Still, the state still lacks fully universal background checks for gun purchases and a red flag law that would give family members, in addition to law enforcement, a path toward restricting access to weapons without a mental health evaluation for a person in crisis.

"Additionally, Maine passed a reckless permit-less carry law in 2015 that allows residents to carry loaded, concealed handguns in public without a permit or background check," the scorecard said.

WILL LAWMAKERS TAKE UP MORE GUN BILLS?

Gun safety was a major topic of this year's Legislature as lawmakers were met with public demands for action in the wake of the Lewiston shooting.

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While it remains to be seen exactly what initiatives will be taken up in the coming year, the Maine Gun Safety Coalition is trying to get a citizen's initiative for a red flag law before voters, and said last month that it was close to getting the necessary number of signatures needed.

As of Wednesday, Maine Gun Safety Coalition Executive Director Nacole Palmer said the coalition was about 7,500 signatures short of its goal of 75,000, which is higher than the 67,682 signatures needed from registered voters to force the Legislature to either pass the law or send it to a statewide referendum. The signatures are due to the Maine Department of the Secretary of State by Jan. 23 in order for the question to make the November 2025 ballot.

In addition to its work on a red flag proposal, the coalition will be advocating in the coming legislative session for a ban on bump stocks, a ban on ghost guns  the untraceable firearms like the one used in the shooting of the United Healthcare CEO earlier this month  and a new secure storage law to prevent firearm accidents and teen suicides.

There are lawmakers sponsoring bills for each of those initiatives, but they are not ready to be named publicly, Palmer said in an email.

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Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, sponsored a bill last session that would ban bump stocks and other rapid fire devices. The bill passed the Legislature but was vetoed by Mills, who noted that a federal regulation banning bump stocks was being challenged at the time and said there was ambiguity in the bill.

In response to questions about whether she plans to reintroduce the bill this year, Carney said in an email that she would wait until after cloture  the deadline lawmakers have to file bills  on Jan. 10 to talk about any legislation she will sponsor.

Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, who sponsored a proposal for a red flag bill last session when she served as House speaker, did not respond to a phone message or email asking if she plans to reintroduce the bill or similar legislation.

Laura Whitcomb, president of Gun Owners of Maine, a group dedicated to gun rights, said she fully expects red flag legislation to be introduced again this session.

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Gun Owners of Maine and other red flag opponents argued last session that the proposal that was before lawmakers didn't provide enough due process protections for the accused and that the mass shooting in Lewiston could have been prevented with the state's existing yellow flag law, which wasn't used.

"If anything, we would like to see a roll back of some of the changes in Gov. Mills' legislation from last year, such as the expanded background checks and giving law enforcement twice as much time to infringe on people's rights," Whitcomb said, referring to changes made to the yellow flag law to extend the amount of time in which a hearing on a weapons restriction may be held.

"We think the current state of things includes too much infringement on people's rights, so there's really no room for compromising (on a red flag proposal)," Whitcomb said.

Democrats, who control both chambers of the Legislature and the governor's office, spearheaded gun safety and gun control legislation last session while Republicans emphasized investments in mental health in the wake of the Lewiston shooting.

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Spokespeople for Mills and Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, did not respond to phone messages and emails Wednesday asking what if any proposals for gun legislation they or other Democrats might bring forward this year.

House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, did not offer any specifics for potential bills but said in a written statement that there "will absolutely be legislative proposals surrounding firearms coming this session."

"I know that like all bills, they will be thoughtfully considered in committee, and I will be closely following that work," Fecteau said. "People deserve to feel safe in their communities, and addressing gun violence is one of the key ways we can increase safety for Maine people."

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Police have taken a gunman into custody after getting into a standoff with East Point officers.

The incident started shortly after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Matador Court Apartments.

Police said the gunman got into a fight with another man at the apartment complex and started firing at him.

No one was injured, but police said the gunman went back into his apartment and has been holed up there ever since.

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Police said shortly before 10 p.m., that the man had been taken into custody.

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Gather your wine-loving friends and join us for a fun night out every third Thursday of the month at 6 PM!

Were excited to announce that Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas will be hosting our next wine walk on December 19th from 6 to 8 PM. Get ready to enjoy some fantastic live music, delicious bites prepared by our chef, and a delightful selection of winesall for just $45 per person. Below are the list of wines you'll be tasting! Tickets can be reserved on the website.
Almost 600,000 students gain UK degrees each year without setting foot in Britain, a report has found.

The number of people studying at British universities overseas has risen by a third over the past three years, according to the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi).

In total, 576,705 students were enrolled offshore last year, up from 432,500 in 2019-20.

It means 16 per cent  or around one in six  of all UK higher education students are now taking their degree abroad.

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A quarter of those were classed as distance learners, meaning they were registered at British campuses but studying from another country. Seven per cent were enrolled at British universities overseas branch campuses.

It follows an increase in the number of UK universities opening international campuses, with about 30 British institutions now offering degrees through their foreign branches.

The UK University Overseas Campus Network includes institutions such as the University of Westminsters branch in Uzbekistan, the University of Salfords campus in Bahrain, and De Montford Universitys outposts in Dubai and Kazakhstan.

Many UK universities have also set up partnerships with foreign institutions, allowing them to validate degrees based on local curricula as long as they meet British standards.

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Experts have suggested transnational education will likely become more popular in the coming years as UK universities grapple with a drop in lucrative international students enrolling in Britain.

Although often cheaper than degrees offered to foreign students who study on UK soil, transnational degrees still contributed around 2.4 billion to the UK economy in 2021, according to Government estimates.

Hepi found that UK degrees obtained in other countries are also more accessible for overseas students, while boosting British influence abroad.

However, the think tank warned that there is currently sparse data available about the quality of such degrees, meaning we know very little about these students.

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It called on the Office for Students (OfS), the higher education watchdog, to publish more information about the subjects studied by transnational students, how many of them finish their degrees, and whether they go on to successful careers.

China, Sri Lanka and Malaysia had the highest numbers of transnational education students studying for UK qualifications last year, according to data from the Higher Education Statistics Authority.

The three countries accounted for more than 30 per cent of offshore students enrolled at British universities between them in 2022/23. Meanwhile, students living in EU countries accounted for just 16 per cent of the total.

Reputation for excellence

Nick Hillman, director of Hepi, said: Over half a million people study for UK higher education qualifications abroad. That is a huge vote of confidence in our education system.

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It is vitally important both for the students and for our wider reputation that qualifications delivered overseas are of a similar quality to those delivered here in the UK, with robust feedback loops and trustworthy regulation.

Josh Fleming, director of strategy and delivery at the OfS, said: The English higher education sector has a deserved reputation for excellence, and transnational education allows students around the world to benefit.

The OfS regulates on behalf of all students at registered English universities and colleges, wherever they study. These students, in England and abroad, deserve to enjoy the fantastic experience that English higher education has to offer.

We are planning to make substantial improvements to the data we collect on transnational education. Were looking forward to working with the sector to ensure this results in effective regulation that protects students and minimises burden for institutions.

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A man was sentenced to 62 years Thursday for killing an expectant father in a road confrontation as they drove on 165th Street.

Trinidad Cervantes, now 20, of Hammond and formerly Chicago, was convicted last month in the May 2, 2023 shooting death of Rajesh Reggie Bhagwandeen, 26.

Cervantes was driving back from a work job in Lowell. He said he was afraid for his life, and shot in self-defense after he claimed he saw Bhagwandeen reaching for a gun. No weapon was later found on the victim.

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Investigators concluded Cervantes shot seven times from a box truck into the victims lower, 1990s-era BMW. He received 55 years for murder and seven for a gun enhancement. His final three years would be served in the Lake County Community Corrections program.

His lawyer John Cantrell indicated he may appeal.

Police arrived at 5:09 p.m. at the crime scene near 165th Street and Calumet Avenue.

The drivers door on Bhagwandeens black 1996 BMW was still open. The car was in the middle of the street. It had four bullet holes with seven bullet casings found on the street. He had just left work as a mechanic at a nearby car dealership.

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A white box truck pulled up alongside him west on 165th before shots rang out, according to witnesses. It swerved around a couple of cars in oncoming traffic, then headed north on Calumet Avenue. Cervantes was later arrested at a relatives home in Illinois.

Bhagwandeen rescued stray pets and played bingo with seniors in Whiting, his aunt Bina Bhagwandeen Maharaj said. He was relaxed and easy-going.

He was a young and vibrant man; his death was the hardest thing our family has faced, she said. They were robbed of his future, including watching him don traditional Hindu bridegroom attire someday at a wedding.

His brother Devraj Bhagwandeen said they were supposed to graduate together from Ivy Tech. Reggie was pursuing a degree in automotive technology. He was preparing himself to be a father  to a girl  cooking a big meal for the first time weeks before he died.

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In lengthy remarks, his mother Shevon Bhagwandeen said she was left in utter despair.

We were supposed to go first, she said, raising her voice at Cervantes. She never hated anyone previously.

I hate you, she said. You will pay for what you have stolen from our family.

Cervantes mother emotionally asked Judge Samuel Cappas to show leniency, saying her son had never been in the criminal justice system before.

As a mother, I see pain, she said, referring to his facial tattoos. I see him hurting behind it. Hes scared.

His sister Aaliyah Cervantes said her brothers life changed when he was hospitalized after he was beaten and robbed at gunpoint trying to pick his girlfriend up from a party in January 2023. His sense of safety was warped and he started carrying a gun, she said.

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Deputy Prosecutor Brad Carter said the 165th Street shooting was unprovoked, later saying it as a bold attack.

Cervantes explanations were never consistent. In jailhouse calls, he acted as if someone else did this to him, Carter said.

Cantrell argued Cervantes had no criminal record and was polite and well-mannered in his office. It was a split-second decision for a 19-year-old, he said.

Cervantes was shot at 12 and hospitalized for the January 2023 beating, Cantrell said. He asked for a minimum sentence, plus the agreed 7-year term for the gun enhancement.

He was the least of the worst, the lawyer said. I believe he is.

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Carter retorted that Cervantes got at least some of his facial tattoos while in jail. He got caught smoking marijuana and destroying mattresses in jail.

Cervantes said he never ever wanted this in my life. He was not looking for trouble. He had plans to get a house and start a family with his then-girlfriend.

Im not a gangster, he said.

In sentencing, Judge Samuel Cappas questioned if Cervantes remorse was genuine, but that weighed against no prior record. The shooting  during rush hour on a busy street  was spontaneous and unnecessary, he said.

mcolias@post-trib.com
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  A Hampton landlord was sentenced Wednesday to 17 years in prison for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and race-based interference with housing and employment.

According to court documents, David L. Merryman, 59, owned 39 rental properties in Newport News and 23 in Hampton. Many of Merrymans rental properties were in poor condition and located in low-income neighborhoods to target underprivileged African Americans with limited credit and housing options.

From 2019 through at least January 2024, Merryman engaged in obtaining rent relief benefits to which he was not entitled, as well as fraudulently obtaining large initial payments in the form of security deposits, prepaid rent and other fees for rental homes that were in poor repair, according to court documents.

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Previous Coverage: Indicted Hampton landlord accused of defrauding Black tenants, racist language and threats

For example, a tenant identified as E.P., regularly paid Merryman rent from 2015 until she was laid off from her job in 2021 during the pandemic after suffering medical problems, court documents state. On May 10, 2021, Meryman applied to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for approximately $15,100 in rent benefits for E.P. and forged her signature without her approval. Despite obtaining those benefits for E.P., Merryman evicted her, citing her unpaid rent. E.P. then lost all her belongings when Merryman sent a crew to remove them from her home and tow her car when she was hospitalized.

Merryman also harassed his minority tenants with slurs, comments about slavery, mocking comments, death threats and assaultive conduct related to their race, according to court documents, all in violation of their right to occupy and lease a dwelling free from racially motivated harassment, threats and force.

A tenant, identified as L.G., made requests for necessary repairs to the home she was renting, to which Merryman repeatedly made racially derogatory responses, court documents state. In April 2019, Merryman threatened to turn L.G. and her children into potting soil. L.G. obtained a protective order against Merryman, who then responded by, among other things, parking his vehicle just outside the prohibited radius of the order and intimidating L.G. and her family.

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For years, David Merryman used his position of power as a landlord and his tenants economic vulnerability to make a profit, said Brian Dugan, special agent in charge of the FBIs Norfolk Field Office. He not only sought out tenants with few housing options to rent, but then continued to racially harass and subject them to unsuitable living conditions. His victims were oftentimes mothers or fathers who just wanted to keep a roof over their familys head. Were thankful for todays sentence, which showcases the serious nature of these types of offenses, as well as the FBIs commitment to investigating the perpetrators of these crimes.

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The news of Ana Orsinis death has left many in shock and mourning. The news anchor recently joined KOLD News 13 in Tucson. Known for her vibrant personality and dedication, Orsini quickly became a beloved figure in the newsroom. Now, many are curious about what happened to Orsini.

Here are all the details of Ana Orsinis death.

Ana Orsini passes away at 28, claims report

Ana Orsini, a 28-year-old news anchor at KOLD News 13 in Tucson, tragically passed away last week due to a brain aneurysm. The heartbreaking news was shared by her colleagues, who expressed their sorrow and reflected on her vibrant and caring personality. Orsini, who joined the station in June 2023, was remembered as a dedicated and empathetic individual who always stood up for others, especially her younger coworkers.

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Tyler Butler, her co-anchor, paid tribute to Orsini on social media, describing her as a force of nature with an unwavering commitment to those around her. He recalled, Ana was a force of nature. I keep thinking about how at times, Id make a self deprecating joke and shed snap Hey! Dont talk about my friend like that!. Butler also emphasized her genuine care for everyone she met.

Co-anchor Carsyn Currier, who called Orsini her best friend, wrote on Facebook, I have had a lot of you reach out asking about Ana Orsini TVs cause of death. We recently learned Ana died of a brain aneurysm. It still doesnt feel real. Meteorologist Cory Kowitz also shared his favorite moments working with Ana on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, As you can see, Ana brought fun, funny, and playful energy to the broadcasts that made her so enjoyable to work with. Rest in peace Ana. We all miss you.

A Denver native, Ana Orsini had previously worked at KDRV NewsWatch 12 in Oregon. She started her journalism career in Lubbock, Texas, in 2018. Orsini made a lasting impact during her brief career by guiding and inspiring young professionals. Orsinis energy and kindness left a mark on everyone she encountered. While her family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, they hope she will be remembered for her warmth and positivity.

The post What Happened to Ana Orsini? Arizona News Anchor Passes Away appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
FILE - In this photo made with an Optical Gas Imaging thermal camera, a plume of heat from a flare burning off methane and other hydrocarbons is detected in the background next to an oil pumpjack as a cow walks through a field in the Permian Basin in Jal, N.M., Oct. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

The blob on the satellite image is a rainbow of colors. An analyst digitally sharpens it and there, highlighted in red, is the source: a concrete oil pad spewing methane.

In the 75,000-square-mile (194-square-kilometer) Permian Basin straddling Texas and New Mexico, the most productive oil and gas region in the world, huge amounts of the powerful greenhouse gas escape from wells, compressor stations and other equipment.

Most efforts to reduce emissions have focused on so-called super emitters like the one in the satellite image, which are relatively easy to find with improving satellite imaging and other aerial sensing.

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Now researchers say much smaller sources are collectively responsible for about 72% of methane emissions from oil and gas fields throughout the contiguous U.S. These have often gone undetected.

It's really (important to) approach the problem from both ends because the high-emitting super emitters are important, but so are the smaller ones, said James Williams, a post-doctoral science fellow at the Environmental Defense Fund and lead author on a new study that took a comprehensive look at emissions within the nation's oil and gas basins.

Addressing methane is important because it accounts for about one third of all greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

Tackling methane emissions in the Permian is especially challenging because there are more than 130,000 active well sites owned by everyone from family operators to international conglomerates, experts said. Each site can have multiple oil wells.

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The Permian is in many ways the most complicated basin in the world; its incredibly dense there ... with big, small and everything in between, said Steve Hamburg, chief scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund.

Whats more, pipelines, processing and other activities often are owned by different companies  with tens of thousands of points where methane might escape, either through leaks or intentional venting.

An Israeli company that used satellite data and artificial intelligence to look for leaks in Midland County, Texas, the heart of the Permian Basin, found 50 separate plumes emanating from 16 of 30 sites it monitored. Most were bleeding over 4,500 kilograms of harmful gas per hour and five exceeded 10,000, far above the Environmental Protection Agency's super emitter threshold of 100 kg/hr.

But the biggest surprise, was seeing a lot of small emissions in this very crowded place ... so close to each other, so close to an area where people actually live, said Omer Shenhar, vice president of product at Momentick, which provides satellite-based monitoring to oil and gas companies.

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Methane traps over 80 times more heat close to the Earth than carbon dioxide does, ton for ton. Whats more, concentrations have almost tripled since pre-industrial times.

A powerful new satellite called MethaneSAT that launched this year will be able to detect small emissions over wide areas that other satellites can't. Researchers will also be able to track methane over time in all the world's major oil-producing basins.

We've never had that, said the EDF's Hamburg, who leads the project.

Although the satellite cannot pinpoint those smaller sources, you don't need to because operators on the ground can find the sources, Hamburg said.

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In the U.S., oil and gas companies will be required to routinely look for leaks at new and existing sites, including from wells, production facilities and compressor station under a new EPA rule.

The rule also phases out the practice of routinely burning off excess methane, called flaring, and requires upgrading devices that leak methane.

States have until 2026 to develop a plan to implement that rule for existing sources.

Oil and natural gas companies also would have to pay a federal fee per ton of leaked methane above a certain level under a final rule announced last month by the Biden administration, although the incoming Trump administration could eliminate that.

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Methane  the primary component of natural gas  is valuable commercially, yet many operators in the Permian regard it as a nuisance byproduct of oil production and flare it because they haven't built pipelines to carry it to market, Duren and Hamburg said.

Neither the Permian Basin Petroleum Association nor the U.S. Oil & Gas Association responded to requests for comment.

Riley Duren, CEO of the nonprofit Carbon Mapper, who was not involved in the study, said it's always important to tackle super emitters because they have such an outsize impact. They are often fleeting but not always. Some continue for weeks, months or years.

Everything adds up.

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I think ... what percentage of the total comes from a large number of small sources versus super emitters is less important than what do you do with the information, said Duren. There are literally thousands and thousands of pieces of equipment and they can blow a leak at any time.

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Time is running out to distribute the remaining American Rescue Plan funds, a fact not lost on Harrisburgs Heinz-Menaker Senior Center, which is in desperate need of funding.

We are in the 11th hour, Les Ford, the executive director of the center said. This is a crisis.

The center, which has been around since the 1970s, serves dozens of senior citizens by hosting events, serving meals and, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, distributing vaccines.

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Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams approved $250-thousand to go towards the center, according to Les and the mayors communication director, Mischelle Moyer.

Before the funds can be allocated to the facility, Harrisburgs City Council must approve them. City Councilwoman Jocelyn Rawls told abc27 News that Council is not against distributing some of the funds to the center, just not all of them.

However, Mayor Williams is the one who needs to open the application for funding, according to City Council President Danielle Bowers. Those funds also will not expire because they are already implemented to the general fund so they can be reallocated

The Mayor is very displeased that the funds have not yet been dispersed to the Heinz-Menaker Center, which is the ONLY certified senior center in the city. It is City Council who is dragging their feet. The Mayors position is very clear, they are due the funding. Mischelle Moyer, City of Harrisburg Communications Director

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In January, I will start the process, with the approval of my board, of shutting this center down [if funds are not approved], Ford said.

Hes asking City Council to do something, and fast.

We are in a crisis, and it was a crisis that did not have to come to this stage, Les said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Hartford teachers are set to see a salary increase, reduced work day, and more after the Board of Education Tuesday approved a new three-year contract supported by the teachers union.

Hartford Public Schools leaders announced the approval in a statement Thursday. They said the new contract with the Hartford Federation of Teachers was approved with the support of five board members. Two members abstained from the vote.

Report: Connecticut teachers stressed, burned out

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School officials said they will work with the city and state to identify the additional $19.6 million needed to pay for the agreement over the next three years.

According to district officials, highlights of the contact include:

Salaries for educators will see an average increase of 15% over three years, making compensation more competitive compared to surrounding districts.

Salary increases between $7,000 and $9,000 for new teachers starting in the academic year 2025-2026. Yearly salaries for teachers with bachelors degrees in their first year will increase from $47,464 to $54,552 and for those with a masters degree, increase from $51,761 to $60,740.

A 30-minute reduction of the teachers work day, to be more comparable to other districts in the state.

Three more work days of professional learning to extend teachers work calendar.

Bonus incentives that reward longevity, promote recruitment in areas of shortage.

Hartford Public Schools are looking to hire more teachers and support staff in special education, math, speech and language pathologists, and paraprofessionals.

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Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez said the contract is a reflection of our shared commitments to our educators and to providing students with high quality education opportunities.

EXCLUSIVE: Hartford and New Haven superintendents talk school threats, teacher shortages

I want to thank the Hartford Federation of Teachers, the Hartford Board of Education and the

administrative staff at Central Office for working diligently in this collaborative and respectful negotiation to arrive at this historic contract. The improvements in compensation and working conditions covered in this agreement will help us to overcome some of the staffing hardships we faced in recent years, Torres-Rodriguez said.

President of the Hartford Federation of Teachers Carol Gale said the contract is a step in the right direction, as it acknowledges our certified staff as professionals deserving of compensation more commensurate with their experience and educational attainment.

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 And it takes the bold step of reducing the workday to ease the increased burden placed on our staff since the pandemic. We know that our educators work well beyond their contractual hours and go the extra mile in support of their students, thus the current conditions made them feel overworked and underappreciated, Gale said in a statement.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A Hartford man was sentenced on Wednesday in Burlington, Vermont for firearm possession, according to the U.S. Attorneys office in the District of Vermont.

Hartford man sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for role in grandparent scheme

In Feb. 2023, Sharad Collier, 27, allegedly fled from a residence in Morristown, Vermont where law enforcement had arrested other individuals. Officers were able to track Collier at a shed-like structure where he refused to exit for approximately two hours.

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Police obtained a warrant to search the residence where Collier fled from, where they found a semi-automatic pistol in the bedroom previously occupied by him. Collier was an unlawful user of controlled substances at the time and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

He was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A Hartford man was sentenced on Monday in Madison, Wisconsin for his role in a wire fraud scheme targeting elderly victims, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Western District of Wisconsin.

Manchester man charged in crash that killed 18-year-old

Matthew Ramos-Soto, 27, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison. According to court documents, Ramos-Soto was a part of a network of individuals perpetrating grandparent schemes across the country.

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In the scam call, perpetrators would call elderly victims posing as a relative or a relatives attorney. They were told that their relative had been arrested for causing an accident that severely injured or killed a person, and were asked to provide bail money in cash so that their relative could be released immediately.

He was arrested in June 2023.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Trumps pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, pledged to support efforts to reimpose restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone if Trump wants to.

Hawley told reporters Wednesday he suggested to Kennedy during a Tuesday meeting that it would be a wise idea to return to the rule under the last Trump administration, which required in-person dispensing of the drug.

Mifepristone is the first of a two-drug regimen used for medication abortion. The Biden administration permanently removed the in-person dispensing requirement last year, allowing the drug to be sent through the mail even in states that ban abortion.

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We reviewed what the Biden administration has done on this issue, which is basically just to try and negate anything that the state voters might do, Hawley said. So we talked about that. He [Kennedy] acknowledged all of that, I think, seemed to understand it.

Hawley said Kennedy committed to implementing all the anti-abortion policies from Trumps first term.

In posts on the social platform X, Hawley specifically said Kennedy committed to reinstating the Mexico City policy & ending taxpayer funding for abortions domestically.

The Mexico City policy required foreign non-governmental organizations to certify they would not perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning using funds from any source (including non-U.S. funds) as a condition of receiving U.S. government global family planning funding.

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Hawley also said Kennedy told him there are far too many abortions in the U.S. and that we cannot be the moral leader of the free world with abortion rates so high.

Kennedy has been meeting with GOP senators this week to shore up support for his nomination. Among other issues, Republicans said they had questions about Kennedys past support for abortion.

He said President Trump has not given him direction yet on this issue, but he will absolutely do whatever President Trump wants to do, that he will not put his thumb on the scale for any pro-choice position, Hawley said.

I think hes going to follow Trumps lead, which is fine, Hawley said. Id be disappointed if the president doesnt reimpose what these basic parameters on mifepristone, that existed up until the last 18 months.

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Trump has given mixed responses to questions about abortion pills.

In an interview on Meet the Press, Trump signaled he would not move to restrict access to abortion pills upon taking office, though he acknowledged things change.

Trump has repeatedly said abortion access should be determined by individual states, but his victory in Novembers election has raised alarm among advocates about how his incoming administration might further restrict access to abortion pills through regulations at the Food and Drug Administration or through enforcement of the Comstock Act.

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HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  Holyoke Community College will hold a special Registration Express event for the Spring 2025 semester next month.

The event will serve as an opportunity for students to learn about Mass-Educate, which is the states new program for free community college.

It will be held on January 11th on the first floor of the main campus at 303 Homestead Avenue. Students in attendance can complete the admission and registration process that day.

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Anyone who cant go in person will be able to attend over Zoom.

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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diego officials have begun handing out pamphlets to residents living in flood-prone areas, asking them to take precaution and prepare for emergencies heading into the first rainy season after a storm ravaged the citys southeastern neighborhoods.

The citys stormwater department this week began handing out the brochures with information on emergency preparedness, flood-related evacuations and flood insurance, among other things, to thousands of residents who live or own property in areas designated as floodplains.

Flooding can have a devastating impact on our community, and its crucial that our residents are well-prepared, Todd Snyder, the director of the citys Stormwater Department, said in a release Wednesday. These educational flyers provide the necessary information to help families protect themselves, their homes and their property.

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Dry rainy season sparks wildfire concerns

City officials say these pamphlets supplement steps crews have taken to maintain miles of stormwater channels that had been inundated during the Jan. 22 floods, due in part to a build up of debris, to prevent further overflowing should the area get another downpour.

According to the city, crews have returned to the 18 miles of channels cleared under an emergency declaration following the storm to remove any debris again heading into the peak of the rainy season.

This includes Chollas Creek, which runs through neighborhoods that were some of the hardest hit by the Jan. 22 storm.

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The city urges residents to check whether their home or property falls in a floodplain using the flood mapping tool through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and take advantage of the 15% discount on flood insurance that is available to San Diegans.

We encourage everyone to take steps to prepare before the next big storm, Snyder continued.

At this point, it is unclear whether this years rainy season will shape up to be just as historically wet as it has been the past two years. So far, the region is on track to have the third driest start to the rainy season in nearly 150 years, according to the National Weather Service.

How much has San Diegos November weather changed over the years?

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A shift back to La Nina pattern  albeit a weak one  may be partly to blame for the slow start, as historically it has been a harbinger of bone-dry conditions in Southern California,. However, meteorologists say there is a reason Californians could still see more rain moving forward.

As Nexstars chief meteorologist Brian James explained, the weaker pattern means the atmospheric wall keeping the jet stream up north is more fluid, allowing it to be pulled farter south.

That would also mean its more likely for some of that moisture to get pulled farther down the state so it doesnt just give the northern half of the state the benefits, James explained. It may very well impact and be beneficial to more of the state.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The California Department of Health and the Los Angeles Public Health Department are warning consumers not to eat raw oysters and clams harvested from certain areas in British Columbia, Canada, and Pickering Passage, Washington, because they may be linked to an outbreak of norovirus in California.

The raw oysters and clams were served at various restaurants and venues across the state.

As of Dec. 12, 2024, 57 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus have been reported among people who ate raw oysters from British Columbia while dining at several restaurants in California. People have reported becoming sick between Dec. 1 through 9, 2024, a news release from CDPH said.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency amid bird flu outbreak

Restaurants and retailers should ensure that potentially contaminated raw oysters and clams are unavailable for sale.

The impacted products include:

Oysters with tags from the following landfile numbers

BC 14-8, Landfiles: 1402193, 1402293, 1413888

BC 15-4, Landfiles: 2401247, 2401505

The Pacific oysters may be marketed as Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, or Royal Miyagi Oysters.

Oysters and clams from Rudys Shellfish that were harvested between Nov. 15 and Dec. 11.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is often transmitted by having direct contact with someone infected. Symptoms include:

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Fever

Diarrhea

vomiting

Nausea

Body aches

Stomach cramping

Symptoms can start 12 to 48 hours after consuming the infected foods. Consumers are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms for more than 3 days, cant keep food down, or feel very tired.

LA County residents can report foodborne illnesses here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Public health leaders are expected to hold a meeting on Thursday to discuss enrollment opportunities and deadlines for 2025 through the Health Connector.

Massachusetts residents are required to carry health insurance or potentially face a tax penalty. Anyone who is still looking for health insurance or hasnt had coverage in months can still enroll.

The deadline for coverage by January 1 is December 23. During Open Enrollment, anyone who needs health insurance, including those in the states growing gig and creative economies, or people who havent had health coverage in many months or years, can get covered.

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Caring Health Center offers resources to help people navigate obtaining coverage.

We have six certified navigators and they work here at Caring Health Center and so theyre not just for Caring Health Center patients, but they are also for the community at large, said Caring Health Center President and CEO Tania Barber. So anyone can come in and set up an appointment with a navigator, and they will help them access the insurance that fits them best.

Most people who apply for coverage through the Health Connector qualify for ConnectorCare, which makes coverage more affordable through lower premiums and co-pays, and the elimination of deductibles.

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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SHARON, Pa. (WKBN)  There are new developments regarding the impending closing of Sharon Regional Medical Center.

According to the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office, a hearing set for Thursday to address the ownership of the property where the hospital is located has been continued. The hearing was rescheduled for Jan. 3.

The Buhl Charity Trust sold the land in 2014 to Community Health System, which eventually sold it to Steward Health, which in turn sold it to Medical Properties Trust. Pennsylvania claims the last sale violated a purchase agreement.

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Steward still owns the actual hospital building and had planned to close on its sale on Jan. 6 to Meadville Medical Center, but that deal fell through.

The commonwealth wants both the land and hospital returned to Buhl.

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By Ankur Banerjee

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Shares of Kioxia soared 14% in their market debut on Wednesday, valuing the Bain-backed chipmaker at more than 890 billion yen ($5.80 billion) and highlighting strong investor demand for the third biggest IPO in Japan this year.

Kioxia, a major manufacturer of memory chips, raised 120 billion yen after pricing its IPO in the middle of the indicative range at 1,455 yen per share.

It opened at 1,440 yen, below the offer price, before hitting an intraday high of 1,689 yen. It closed the first day of trading at 1,601 yen.

"I'm relieved to see we've made it to listing," Kioxia chief executive Nobuo Hayasaka told a press conference.

Kioxia, formerly known as Toshiba Memory, was bought for 2 trillion yen in 2018 by a Bain-led consortium from Toshiba after a long and contentious battle. Toshiba put the business up for sale after plunging into crisis due to cost overruns at its nuclear business.

"Market appears to have reacted well to the valuation discount being offered," said Jon Withaar, who manages an Asia special situations hedge fund at Pictet Asset Management.

"There doesnt appear to be any urgent selling. Todays performance bodes well for future private equity exits in Japan providing valuation is reasonable."

Kioxia's debut comes in a strong year for IPOs in Japan that saw big-ticket IPOs from Tokyo Metro and Carlyle Group backed testing tool maker Rigaku.

IPOs in Japan have raised over $6 billion so far in 2024, LSEG data shows, its best year since 2021, although the number of IPOs is at their lowest in a decade.

PRIZED ASSET

The road to the IPO has been an arduous one for Kioxia, whose name is a combination of the Japanese word kioku meaning "memory" and the Greek word axia meaning "value".

The deal by the Bain consortium to acquire Kioxia, seen as a prized asset at the time, was a landmark intervention by private equity in Japan.

Uncertainty has continued since the sale, with Bain postponing IPO plans two years later amid concerns about the health of the global chip market stemming from tensions between China and the United States.

An effort to merge Kioxia with partner Western Digital, which had initially objected to the sale to the consortium, stalled due to reservations from the Japanese company's investor SK Hynix.

Bain Capital scrapped plans for an IPO of Kioxia in October after investors pushed the buyout firm to almost halve the 1.5 trillion yen valuation it was seeking, Reuters has reported.

Bain's stake in Kioxia is due to fall with the IPO to 50.7%, including the overallotment, from 56.2% previously. Bain decided to sell only a small portion of its shareholding due to the market value of the chipmaker, a person familiar with the buyout firm's thinking has said.
Elon Musk's DOGE has hired about 10 people so far, per Bloomberg.

Boring Co. CEO Steve Davis and ex-Trump tech adviser Michael Kratsios are interviewing hires.

The commission said in November that applicants could send their resumes via DM on X.

Elon Musk is tapping a mix of old and new faces to meet DOGE's staffing needs.

Last month, President-elect Donald Trump announced that Musk would co-lead an advisory group called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, alongside Vivek Ramaswamy.

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DOGE, Trump said in his announcement, would be tasked with slashing excess regulations and trimming wasteful government spending. The commission is set to conclude its work by July 4, 2026.

On Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that The Boring Company CEO Steve Davis and former US chief technology officer Michael Kratsios were interviewing potential hires. DOGE has hired about 10 people thus far, the outlet reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Musk's commission is also looking to recruit software engineers, including those with experience in artificial intelligence, per Bloomberg.

Much of the group's staffing is still unclear, including whether these are full-time roles, where they will be based, and how they will be paid.

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According to a Bloomberg, DOGE is currently operating out of a SpaceX-leased office located near the White House.

In November, Musk said in an X post that DOGE employees will be involved in "tedious work" and draw zero compensation.

Indeed, this will be tedious work, make lots of enemies & compensation is zero.



What a great deal!  https://t.co/16e7EKRS6i  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 14, 2024

DOGE so far: a mix of Musk and Trump staffers

Davis is no stranger to Musk's enterprises.

The Boring Company chief holds a doctoral degree in economics from George Mason University and started out as a SpaceX engineer. Musk later handpicked Davis to run his tunneling company.

Davis was also involved in Musk's purchase of Twitter in 2022 and played a key role in Musk's pro-Trump super PAC, America PAC.

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Joining Davis is Kratsios, who served as Trump's top technology advisor during his first administration. Prior to joining the Trump administration, Kratsios was tech billionaire Peter Thiel's chief of staff and a principal at Thiel Capital.

Kratsios is a managing director at Scale AI, a data labeling startup.

DOGE's first reported hire was announced by Trump  not Musk or Ramaswamy  earlier this month.

In a Truth Social post on December 4, Trump said that Republican lawyer William Joseph McGinley will serve as the commission's counsel.

McGinley, a former partner at the law firm Jones Day, served as Trump's White House cabinet secretary from 2017 to 2019.

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Silicon Valley appears to have figured prominently in Musk's work on DOGE.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has reportedly been consulting Silicon Valley leaders, such as venture capitalist Marc Andreessen and Uber cofounder turned food tech entrepreneur Travis Kalanick, about his plans for the commission.

In November, the commission started an account on Musk's social network X and said that applicants could send in their CVs via direct message.

"We don't need more part-time idea generators. We need super high-IQ small-government revolutionaries willing to work 80+ hours per week on unglamorous cost-cutting," the post said.

Musk did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A high-speed rail that would link Portland to the Pacific Northwests other major cities is one step closer to becoming a reality.

On Wednesday, a group of Washington lawmakers informed residents that the U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Railroad Administration doled out $49.7 million for the Cascade High-Speed Rail project.

Yamhill County couple gifts Portlands James Beard Public Market its biggest donation yet

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Sen. Maria Cantwells Office said the award will help officials continue developing the proposal, which would offer train service from the Rose City to destinations like Seattle and Vancouver B.C.  at a speed of up to 250 mph.

Cantwell was one of 13 Pacific Northwest lawmakers who asked U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to allocate additional funding toward the project in September.

The letter asserted that the Cascadia corridor including Washington, Oregon and British Columbia is expected to welcome four million new residents by 2050. Officials argued that a high-speed rail is essential to accommodating this growth.

The region has already seen an increase in train travel, with Cantwells office noting a 40% increase in ridership along the Amtrak Cascades route from 2023 to 2024.

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The proposed high-speed rail corridor could transport people between Seattle and Portland in less than an hour, creating critical additional capacity, the lawmakers, including Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, wrote. Planning for this growth now, rather than reacting to it later, will set our region and country on the best path to compete in the 21st Century and beyond.

Car hits woman on Powell Boulevard, marking Portlands 69th traffic death in 2024

All 10 of Washingtons Democratic Congress members wrote a similar letter to Buttigieg in September 2023. They estimated the high-speed rail would garner $355 million in economic growth for the region.

According to Cantwells office, project leaders can now complete step two of the Corridor Identification and Development program. This planning phase includes route planning, identification of capital projects, and community outreach.

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CAVE SPRINGS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The Highway 612 bypass construction is 75% complete and is intended to eventually help first responders.

There have been massive traffic jams on Highway 112 which intersects Highway 612, and traffic flow to the Northwest Arkansas National Airport makes traffic even more difficult.

First responders in Cave Springs find themselves battling through two-lane traffic on their way to emergencies. Police officers and firefighters in Cave Springs are preparing for another two to three years of fighting traffic before they can fight fires.

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ARDOT plans road projects for Highway 612, XNA, Springdale

Cave Springs Mayor Randall Noblett drives through the traffic every day. Hes witnessed firsthand how much of an issue its been for first responders during peak commute times. We see a lot of traffic here on a consistent basis, but we see peak periods like lunchtime and early morning and late evening, said Noblett.

Police Chief Rick Crisman battles this same stretch of road many times a day, but most of the time, with lights and sirens on. I think once that bypass gets open and rolling, it would help us tremendously. Its tough if its an emergency call. Obviously, we hit the lights and sirens and we will make it there. But just trying to go to a normal non-emergency call. Its tough trying to get in and out of these places, said Crisman.

ArDOT reveals XNA connector roads

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After the bypass construction is finished in 2028, the fire department hopes it will also reduce the number of accident calls up and down Highway 112. It will help us with the decrease in traffic which will hopefully help decrease the amount of car wrecks we have in the city, said Cave Springs Fire Chief Gary Jordan.

It should help reduce the backup so thats much easier for them to get out and go to where they needed to be, said Noblett.

The bypass is set to be completed in 2028 which is intended to allow the Cave Springs Fire Department and the Cave Springs Police Department to have time to respond to emergency calls sooner.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  Hopes and plans for the future still hang in the air after the Hirschi Middle School town hall.

The town hall was held for parents and teachers alike to celebrate progress through the first semester and realize where the school still needs to grow. Parent involvement was one of the more discussed topics by parent C.D. Solomon.

You have to put that time in to make the child want to work, Solomon said. And if you dont put anything in, why should the child? If you dont, if you dont invest in your child, the childs not going to invest in itself.

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Improved student conduct was one of the reasons cited by administrators for the recent academic success. Other parents like Gwen Thomas believe disciplinary options are vital to keeping students accountable both in and out of the classroom.

City contributes $1 million to Wichita Falls Fireman Relief and Retirement Fund

You know, we want the kids who are in the classroom to stay in the classroom, Thomas said. But if they cannot and they will not be disciplined, get them out of the schools, get them to an alternative school. They work.

Many students are keeping themselves accountable as well. Joriya Wiley, a 7th grader at Hirschi was recognized among many others as a Top Husky and she has noticed improvements in her own classmates, changing Hirschi for the better.

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So, I have this one student in my class whos a little dyslexic, but I feel like hes doing better, like hes doing more spelling or answering questions in class, Wiley said. I feel like hes doing very wonderful in class.

Hirschi still faces an uphill climb, to increase test scores to a satisfactory level in the state of Texas. But, with goals in place for the near and distant future, as well as 17 new staff members, Principal Del Hardaway assured parents that Hirschis administration is prepared to reach those lofty goals.

We dream about being off T.E.A.s radar, Hardaway said. We dream about making sure this campus has the success of the other two middle school campuses.

Though the road to Hirschis goals is a long one, Principal Hardaway knows it will take a village to get there. The town hall was the first step.

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Caitlin Dahlgren owns a townhome in the Dutch Knolls neighborhood in Rogers. She has to pay $5,000  her HO-6 insurance deductible  for a roof replacement she and other neighbors feel isn't necessary. Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer.

Townhome owners in a Rogers neighborhood are preparing to pay a $16,400 bill from their homeowners association for new roofs  just two years after a full roof replacement.

Given their toddler-aged existing roofs, residents of the Dutch Knolls community were surprised when the bills arrived in mid-November with a payment deadline of Dec. 15. Most didnt realize their HOA had filed an insurance claim, and some residents say their roofs have no damage. Many homeowners will have their bills covered by their own insurance; others dont have the right type of insurance or enough coverage to foot the bill.

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Tensions erupted last week between homeowners, their HOA board members and the property management company, Sharper Management, at a meeting meant to answer residents questions about the insurance claim that led to the roof replacement bill. Residents expressed frustration, alleging poor communication from management and questioning the decision to pursue an insurance claim for the 2-year-old roofs.

After the meeting, the HOA board pushed back the deadline to pay until Jan. 31.

Dan Cunningham, the owner and CEO of Sharper Management, said his company informed residents via e-blasts when they had clear information to share.

Once the insurance company inspected the properties and found damage, the HOA was bound by fiduciary duty to follow through with the insurance claim and repair, Cunningham said. Homeowners rarely show up to HOA meetings, he added.

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Does anyone think the insurance company wants to pay out a claim? Cunningham said in response to Reformer questions.

The conflict highlights the financial strain homeowners associations can place on residents, many of whom are unaware of the power their HOAs wield until its too late to contest their decisions. Those who cant pay HOA bills can face liens and even foreclosure.

This year, the Legislature convened a working group on homeowners associations and common interest communities  the legal umbrella term for HOAs and similar organizations  bringing together home and condo owners, property management companies, legal experts, lawmakers and other stakeholders. The working group is tasked with studying the impact of HOAs and CICs, and making recommendations for reforms.

With a tied House and a budget due by the end of next session, party politics and tough budget negotiations could derail other priorities  but there is bipartisan interest in curbing HOA powers.

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HOAs must be brought to heel, state Rep. Walter Hudson of Albertville, an influential Republican, posted on X in October.

Working group members heard from dozens of people affected by HOA issues  including some from Dutch Knolls  at a listening session in Maple Grove on Dec. 5.

What we have done is create another quasi unit of government with very little accountability, lacking in transparency, lacking in checks and balances and very little recourse, said state Rep. Kristin Bahner, DFL-Maple Grove, after hearing homeowners stories.

Some HOA board members spoke at the listening session, saying its hard to recruit new board members because of the heavy responsibility of managing a community.

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Cunningham said Dutch Knolls HOA board members are receiving death threats, notes, voicemails, letters, etc. from community members as a result of the insurance claim.

Homeowners without insurance coverage on the hook for thousands of dollars

On July 13, a wind and hail storm damaged all buildings in the community, the letter sent to homeowners explained, so the homeowners association filed an insurance claim.

Replacing all of the roofs in the community will cost an estimated $1,593,329, according to the insurance company and the homeowners associations public adjuster. The associations master insurance policy has a deductible of $1,576,712; split among the communitys 96 units, that means each homeowner pays $16,424.

The insurance company will pay out a total of just $16,617.

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Many residents hired outside contractors, or invited friends or relatives with roofing knowledge, to inspect their roofs and insist that there is no hail damage.

Eric Skarnes, president of Insurance Warehouse, an insurance agency and broker based in Golden Valley, said HO-6 insurance can protect homeowners from large HOA assessments, and can cost as little as $20 or $40 per year.

While HO-6 insurance is required by mortgage companies for homes purchased in an HOA, those boilerplate policies often dont provide the right level of coverage, or have a high deductible.

Its something [homeowners] have to take upon themselves to go get, Skarnes said.

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Sharper Management sent Dutch Knolls residents a reminder earlier this year to update their HO-6 policy to account for a higher deductible in the communitys master policy.

Some Dutch Knolls homeowners had enough HO-6 coverage to pay the full roof replacement bill; others dont have HO-6 insurance, or dont have enough coverage, leaving them on the hook for thousands of dollars.

Dutch Knolls resident Caitlyn Dalhgren said she has HO-6 insurance, but her deductible is $5,000  a large burden for her family of four.

Natalie Croaker bought a townhome in the community with her husband in 2022. When they received the notification from Sharper Management that they should update their HO-6 policy, they called their insurance carrier to check on their coverage, and came away from the conversation believing they had the correct insurance, Croaker said.

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When they filed a claim for the $16,400 bill from the HOA, they learned they didnt have the right amount of coverage  their insurance will only cover $1,000, so they are on the hook for more than $15,000.

We would have to most likely get help from family and friends, because we do not have $15,000 lying around, Croaker said. We have a kid that we have to take care of, and we both work full time, and our kid is in daycare, and just like  life is expensive in general.

One resident at a Dec. 10 meeting said her insurance carrier sent an agent to assess the damage and found none, so her claim was denied.

Skarnes, the insurance broker, said carriers dont assess damage for claims related to HO-6 policies  they only need proof of the loss assessment bill from the HOA. (Skarnes is not the insurance broker for Dutch Knolls.)

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Regardless, claim denials and homeowner or insurance company mistakes could leave residents responsible for the full bill.

The situation at Dutch Knolls is also occurring in an increasingly unstable property insurance market, which has seen carriers leave the state amid losses due to extreme weather events. Fewer carriers means higher premiums, and HOAs are having difficulty finding carriers to insure them. In Minnesota, insurance carriers have taken losses in six of the last seven years, largely due to hail.

Throw in rapidly rising property taxes, and homeownership is becoming less affordable for many Minnesotans.

Croaker said she and her husband are still in talks with their insurance company in hopes of getting more coverage. Shes been messaging back and forth with the property manager to try to set up a payment plan or get an extension, she said.

Dutch Knolls townhomes in Rogers. Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer.

Second roof replacement in two years

Dutch Knolls has been through this process before.

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On Oct. 5, 2022, residents received a letter explaining that they each owed $3,592 to pay for roof replacements due to hail damage. The community had a different insurance policy and carrier and property management company that year.

Bridget Newman bought her townhome in the community in 2019. When she learned about the planned roof replacement in 2022, she sent her boyfriend, a longtime general contractor who does roofing and siding, up on the roof to take a look at the damage. He didnt see any, she said.

I thought, this is weird, but I didnt really think anything of it. I just kind of let it go, Newman said. Her HO-6 policy covered the bill.

When Newman learned of the hail damage to the roofs this year, she sent her boyfriend back up on the roof, and again he said there was no damage. He also looked at nine neighbors roofs, and found no damage on those, either, Newman said.

A handful of homeowners at a Dec. 10 meeting said they hired their own contractors to evaluate the roofs, and those contractors found no damage.

The letter provided to residents says all roofs sustained damage.

By the time the residents received the bill, the important decisions had been made; the contractor selected; the contracts signed.

Residents ask: What now?

On the evening of Dec. 10, dozens of homeowners crammed into the small community center at Dutch Knolls. Their shoulders touched as they sat on the couch and ottoman, while others sat on the floor or stood in doorways.

On the opposite side of the room, the five members of the HOA board of directors stood behind a counter forming the kitchenette. An attorney in a sport coat extended the wall between the homeowners and their representatives. He warned at the start of the meeting that he would end it early if the homeowners interrupted him or spoke disrespectfully.

Some of the residents questions werent actually questions, as the attorney was quick to point out. They were frustrations  points that the homeowners felt they hadnt had a chance to express. Homeowners questioned why the HOA board members were not allowed to speak; instead, the attorney answered all the questions, often to the dissatisfaction of the audience.

Residents wanted to know how the HOA board selected the contractor, why Sharper Management hadnt sent out more communications about the decision-making process, and details of the damage to homes.

There are some questions where you said, I dont know, and the people standing right behind you are the people that could answer this question for us, one woman said. Were here to get answers.

What question would you like the answer to? the attorney responded.

The room broke out in boos and jeers.

You guys have been interrupting, screaming, yelling, and so you know what? Were going to go ahead and were going to end this meeting, the attorney said.

Many residents planned to use the community space after the end of the meeting to discuss their options moving forward. But the attorney, after consulting with the HOA board, asked everyone to clear the room; a police officer, who had observed the meeting from the doorway, stepped to the center of the room.

After some verbal resistance  residents said the community space was theirs to use  the homeowners stepped outside and formed a semicircle facing the door. Newman, who had taken on a de-facto leadership role, addressed the crowd; shed spoken with a lawyer and wanted to know whether anyone would chip in financially to try to fight the roof replacement bill.

The homeowners weighed their options. None seemed great. They could hire a lawyer and hope to discover some issue with the HOAs procedure for assessing the bill that would void the involved contracts, but that could be time-consuming, expensive and risky.

They could ask for extensions and payment plans and haggle with insurance, but would still have to pay the full bill.

Or, they could find a way to replace the existing HOA board of directors and the property management company, and hope that they could do so fast enough to block the roof replacement.

The work is scheduled to begin in the spring.
Photo by iStock / Getty Images Plus

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs is urging Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne not to move forward with a plan to automate the approval process for some of Arizonas school voucher program reimbursements.

The Arizona Department of Education announced last week that it plans to clear a backlog of reimbursement requests from families who use the states universal school voucher program by automatically reimbursing 85,000 purchases of up to $2,000, with plans to audit them later.

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The announcement came as the department struggled to deal with a backlog of over 89,000 reimbursement requests. The total cost to automatically reimburse the vast majority of them would be approximately $170 million, Hobbs said in a Thursday statement.

In a letter sent to Horne on Thursday, Hobbs pointed to instances when money from the voucher program, formally known as the Empowerment Scholarship Account program, was misused. She specifically cited the recent indictment of two people who dont even live in Arizona for an ESA fraud scheme in which they applied to the program with the names of fake children and then used the money for personal living expenses.

The ESA program works by giving the parents of participating students a debit card that can be used to pay for various educational costs, or reimbursing the parents for those costs. The costs can include private school tuition, homeschooling supplies or the money can be saved for college.

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The people of Arizona expect their elected officials to be strong stewards of their taxpayer dollars, not to enable fraudulent spending, Hobbs said in the letter.

Horne in a press release last week said that if post-reimbursement audits show that money was used improperly, that it can be clawed back.

Supporters of Horne and the ESA program backed the decision by pointing out that the Arizona Department of Education has operated in this manner in the past, conducting risk-based audits after reimbursements are made. However, the states ESA program has ballooned since that time.

The program originated in 2012, but was expanded in 2022 from serving a limited group of about 12,000 students who met specific criteria to a universal program available to all of the states roughly one million K-12 students. There are currently more than 83,000 students enrolled, according to the Department of Education.

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In a press release Thursday, Horne shot back at Hobbs saying that this years state budget included the provision for the Arizona Department of Education to move to this style of audits of the program. The provision does not prevent the department from investigating ESA voucher expenses for suspected fraud.

The method we are instituting, known as risk-based auditing, is specifically provided for in the budget statute that the Governor signed last session, Horne said in the press release. Maybe she should start reading what she signs.

In his response, Horne went on to say that the program is among the most accountable in the state. He added that the backlog problem originated after the governor signed a bill that allows private school tuition to be paid under the reimbursement system instead of using a third party vendor, which contributed to the backlog, according to Horne.

Implementation of this course of action is a complete dereliction of ADEs responsibility to ensure the appropriate use of public funds, Hobbs said. You must reconsider these actions and propose a solution to administering the ESA program that does not give a blank check for even more rampant fraud.

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The ESA program has been a point of contention between Republicans, who championed the expansion and laud it as a successful example of school choice for other states to follow, and Democratic leaders as costs to maintain the program have skyrocketed and have led to major budget battles in the state.

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NEW YORK  An additional 250 members of the National Guard will be deployed to New York Citys subway system as Gov. Kathy Hochul presses to bolster safety on the nation's largest mass transit system as riders concerns about crime and disorder persist.

Hochul on Wednesday expanded a plan she unveiled earlier this year to improve safety and encourage more people to ride the trains since a 2020 pandemic drop that hurt the MTAs revenue.

"The presence of the National Guard has made not just a physical difference, but a psychological difference in how (people) feel about safety, the Democratic governor, flanked by police and transit officials, said at a news conference.

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All subway cars will also be outfitted with security cameras  the culmination of a project started two years ago, Hochul said, noting, We want to make sure there are eyes everywhere.



The centrist Democrat is looking to address a leading worry for New Yorkers ahead of her reelection bid in 2026, when she will face challengers from both parties looking to take advantage of her political vulnerabilities. In 2022, a Republican overperformed in the blue state of New York by running against her almost singularly on combating crime.

Alongside MTA CEO Janno Lieber, Hochul said mass transit crime dropped this year, as ridership increased overall in 2020.

Thats proof that the vibe that has been created about the subway being safer is making a difference in riders minds, Lieber said.

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Transit officials have made strides with cracking down on fare evasion as well as removing from the transit system people suffering from severe mental health crises.

Boosting mass transit ridership has long been a goal for New York officials. But a series of high-profile crimes on city trains has threatened to stymie a post-pandemic recovery  just as business leaders encourage workers to return to offices. Hochuls additional guard deployment also arrives at the height of the citys holiday tourism season.

Hochul in March deployed 750 members of the National Guard to the subway system, a week after a conductor was slashed in the neck  a decision that drew scorn from left-leaning Democrats who said it was an overreaction, and Republicans who accused her of not doing enough to address crime.



Hochul has sought to allay New Yorkers fears over public safety following a spike in violent crime that coincided with the pandemic.

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She has touted a statewide drop in many violent crimes, including shootings, as police at the local and state levels mount efforts to remove illegal guns from the street.

But GOP officials on Tuesday remained unimpressed with Hochuls efforts to address crime as New Yorkers are also restive over affordability issues.

Subway crime has been a problem for three years with barely any help, and now all of a sudden, as they are implementing congestion pricing and fare hikes, do they care about how the public perceives their own safety while riding, Republican Council Member Joe Borelli said.

The Democratic governor has faced criticism for reviving a controversial toll plan for entering Manhattan below 60th street, a program known as congestion pricing that is set to take effect on Jan. 5. Money raised from the program will be leveraged for $15 billion in bonds to pay for infrastructure upgrades on the dilapidated transit system.

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Hochul today insisted the deployment has improved public safety.

Its a deterrent to those who would break our laws and threaten other riders, she said. It also gives you that sense of security that if you have a problem, theres someone there to help.

The decision is not tied to a specific mass transit incident, Hochul added, though it coincides with the acquittal this month of Daniel Penny, who a jury found did not commit criminally negligent homicide when he placed Jordan Neely in a chokehold on the F train in February 2023. Neely later died, and a medical examiner ruled homicide the cause of death.



The governor has sought to work closely with Mayor Eric Adams  a former police captain whose own campaign focused heavily on public safety  to demonstrate officials were addressing voters concerns.

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Adams hours after Hochuls announcement revealed the construction of a new $150 million project to construct a new station house for the 116th precinct in Jamaica, which will include a community room that will serve as a gathering space for members of the community.

If we want people to believe part of the public safety apparatus, then they need to feel free about coming inside the precincts, Adams said at a press conference. So many of us who have grew up, we thought a precinct was a place only bad people were in and we were afraid and intimidated. We would walk by and feel as though it was an occupying existence in our community. We want to change that.

The construction of the precinct will also reduce call-response times and increase officer presence throughout Queens, Adams said.
HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD)  Authorities say a Holland police officer was injured when arresting a suspect Thursday morning.

The Holland Department of Public Safety said that around 4 a.m., two officers found a suspect wanted on several warrants sleeping on the steps of the Herrick District Library.

Marcellus Marquise Taylor, 30, of Holland was combative with officers and resisted arrest. During the struggle, one of the officers shoulders was injured, according to HDPS.

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Taylor was taken to the Ottawa County Jail and charged with assaulting and resisting an officer causing injury, assaulting and resisting an officer, as well as possession of a controlled substance, according to the news release. He is being held on $25,000 cash or surety bond.

The officer was taken to hospital and released.

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HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Holmes Countys Sheriffs Office and school board are cooperating in a joint venture to prepare the community for future hurricanes and other disasters.

The Sheriffs Office Emergency Management Division secured a $1.5 million state grant for the purchase and installation of two new generators. The Florida Department of Emergency Management grant will not cost taxpayers and requires no matching funds.

Bonifay K-8 will receive an upgraded generator, estimated to be one million dollars, capable of supporting the schools role as a hurricane shelter.

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You really dont understand the need for a generator until you come upon a hurricane, or the power goes out and youre not able to run anything. The generator thats currently there will not provide them with the adequate amount of electricity during the hurricane or when the powers out, Holmes County Sheriff John Tate said.

Bay County non-instructional staff also face delayed annual raises due to payroll transition

Bonifay K-8 is deemed the countys primary special needs shelter. It must provide a safe environment, with electricity, for those requiring limited medical assistance.

There are citizens in our community that people dont realize that at home their own medical equipment they had to have it to live in. Lets think about it. If we have a major storm come through here, even remarkable came through here. Parts of this county lost power for several days. Imagine youre an individual at home thats bedridden, thats attached to this equipment, and you lose your power, Holmes District Schools Superintendent Buddy Brown said.

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The existing generator at the school will be moved to another location within the school district.

The grant will also fund the installation of a smaller generator at the Holmes County School District office so they can maintain critical operations in an emergency.

The Glenwood Historical Markers Trail is now a digital and immersive experience

Officials will begin the bidding process for the generators in the next couple of months and hope to have the generators installed before the next hurricane season.

The current generator at Bonifay K-8 will not be removed until the new one is ready to be installed. Officials are hoping to install it when school is not in session.

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HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  Despite a reduction in the rate  Holyoke homeowners will be paying higher property tax bills next year.

Mayor Joshua Garcia said the City Council voted Tuesday night to reduce the tax rates for both residential and commercial properties. However, the average single-family home tax bill will still increase by about $300 or $25 per month.

Mayor Garcia said the increase is primarily driven by rising residential property values, coupled with higher costs for insurance, schools, transportation, and contractual obligations.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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By Anna Hirtenstein

(Reuters) -Some shareholders in Brooge Energy have filed a fraud complaint in the United States against Ernst & Young, alleging the auditor failed to identify fabricated revenues in two years of the oil storage firm's annual reports.

The plaintiffs are Stephen Cannon, Bryant Edwards and Neil Richardson, who were investors in a so-called special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that bought Brooge in 2019, according to the filing with the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York.

The plaintiffs allege Brooge fabricated revenues amounting to tens of millions of dollars and that Ernst & Young's audit of the company was fraudulent.

Ernst & Young said it is unable to comment on legal proceedings. Brooge also did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Brooge agreed to a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2023 over fraud charges, which involved paying a $5 million penalty.

"The fundamental financial picture presented by Brooge to plaintiffs was a fraud: in fact, Brooge fabricated between 30% and 80% of its 2018, 2019 and 2020 revenues," the filing said.

"Brooge could not have effectuated this scheme without critical support from Ernst & Young."

Brooge, an oil-storage leasing company based in the United Arab Emirates' Fujairah, was set up in 2013 and counts Mohammed bin Khalifa, the eldest son of the previous president of the UAE, among its shareholders.

Brooge's shares closed at $1.585 on Tuesday, down from a peak of $12.99 in March 2020.

The board of Dubai-listed shipping firm Gulf Navigation in September approved an acquisition of companies and assets owned by Brooge, including a capital increase, according to UAE state news agency WAM.

One of Brooge's lines of business was with Coral Energy Pte. Ltd., according to the filing. Coral was later rebranded as 2Rivers and was sanctioned by Britain on Tuesday for allegedly playing a key role in the Russian oil trade.

(Reporting by Anna HirtensteinEditing by Mark Potter)
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Midland Habitat for Humanity celebrated its latest homeowner this week with the dedication of its 200th home to the Vinyette Moore family.

Habitat supporters, friends, family, and future Habitat homeowners gathered to support the new homeowner. The Beal Foundation generously provided funding for the build.

Moore put in more than 250 hours of sweat equity into the home and also completed Habitats Homeowner College program with classes on personal finance, homeowner maintenance, civic engagement, health and wellness, and more all with one goal in mind: a home for her family. She now plans to pursue a teaching certificate to continue to provide for her family of five.

Joey Hopkins, MHFHs Executive Director, said This is an exciting day for Habitat but also for the Moore family. We are thankful for the Beal Foundation and their generous support to help fund this home. Vinyette worked hard to make this a reality, and were thrilled she made it in before Christmas! We want to thank the entire community for helping us get to 200 homes and we are excited to get to work on the next 200!

Since 1991 MHFH has completed 200 homes with 48 of those coming in the last few years. Habitat has had 66 homeowners pay off their home in full. Over 800 West Texans call a MHFH house their home. Based on production, MFHH is 6th out of 61 Habitat affiliates in the state of Texas and in the top 6% of affiliates nationwide. The 200 MHFH homes in West Texas are valued at more than $35 million dollars, helping to fund all the local taxing entities.

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The organizations partnership model offers deserving, hard-working families a hand-up. MHFH uses a rigorous qualifying process that includes progress from the application through homeownership.

Each participant contributes a minimum of 250 hours of sweat equity on the worksite and completes a homeownership education program. Successful candidates are then awarded a 0% interest mortgage, making homeownership a reality for some of the most deserving families in the Permian Basin.

Anyone interested in supporting MHFHs efforts in the Permian Basin can contact Jeff Meyers, Chief of Staff, at 432-686-8877.

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 Yourbasin.
Dec. 18Friends, family and advocates for the homeless community will gather this week to remember dozens of homeless Santa Feans who died in the past year.

Community members can visit the courtyard at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 100 S Guadalupe St., at 3:30 p.m. Friday for the memorial event. Among the dead are at least two people who died last month, likely as a result of exposure to an early November snowstorm, which hit some parts of the state with more than a foot of snow.

Ericka Kidd, a program and case manager for services at Santa Fe Suites offered through St. Elizabeth Shelters and Supportive Housing, said at least 48 people will be honored at Friday's event. Santa Fe Suites, a low-cost complex that provides housing for people transitioning out of homelessness, saw two residents die in August as a result of overdoses.

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The 48 deaths in 2024 marks a sharp rise from previous years, with 36 people remembered at last year's Santa Fe Homeless Persons' Memorial and 37 in 2022, according to organizers. The event in most years has honored 26 to 27 people.

In previous years, people have been remembered at the memorial through the sharing of stories and testaments to the deceased, such as painted stones or farolitos marked with their names.

"Whether the individuals have been homeless or not, they have a genuine community of people that care for them," Kidd said.

"All these individuals that have passed," Kidd said, "they have names, they have families. Even if they have been disconnected. We often don't have a voice, so this is a way of giving a voice to people that are loved and cared about."

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Kidd will be present at the vigil, alongside residents of Santa Fe Suites who have experienced homelessness.

The complex will throw a celebration of life party, featuring donuts and coffee, at 9 a.m. Dec. 27, Kidd said.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  HopeWest, a Grand Junction nonprofit that provides grief support and care for serious illness, has announced its new president and CEO following a nationwide search.

Deneen Silva, MSN, has served as the executive director of HopeWests Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Program since earlier in 2024, having moved to Colorado from Oregon to take on the role.

Deneen embodies HopeWests values. She has critical nursing experience, breadth and depth in the hospice, palliative care, and PACE lines of business and is an exceptional organizational and community fit. We could not be more excited that she accepted our offer and has chosen to serve HopeWest in this new capacity as president and CEO, said HopeWest Board Chair Monika Tuell, who oversaw the national search and competitive application and hiring process.

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Silva holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Gonzaga University. Silva has more than 20 years of healthcare experience, with expertise across oncology, hospice, palliative care, pediatrics, geriatrics, population health, academic nursing, and PACE.

Stepping into the role of president and CEO of Hopewest is a tremendous honor for me, Silva said. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead such a compassionate and devoted team and look forward to building on the organizations legacy of excellence in hospice, palliative care, and programs of all-inclusive care while continuing to serve the community with unwavering resolve.

Silva will step into the role of president and CEO in February 2025. Cassie Mitchell, current president and CEO, will remain with the organization through the end of March 2025 to ensure a seamless transition.

As we look to the future, I am excited to build on the extraordinary foundation of care and innovation at HopeWest, exploring new ways to meet the growing needs of our community and to provide support and guidance for those navigating hospice and palliative care, said Silva.

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CAROLINA FOREST, S.C. (WBTW)  Two people were injured in what Horry County police believe to be an isolated shooting in a Carolina Forest neighborhood, the department said on Facebook.

Officers responded Thursday afternoon for a reported shooting off of Hidden Creek Lane in the Southgate neighborhood in Carolina Forest. Police said those directly involved in the shooting have been located.

News13 photo: Alec Daniels News13 photo: Alec Daniels News13 photo: Alec Daniels News13 photo: Alec Daniels

One person was shot in the upper right leg, according to a police report obtained by News13. Another person suffered gunshot wounds to their neck, both arms and one of their legs. Their conditions were not immediately available.

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Neighbors say they began seeing a heavy police presence at about 3:45 p.m.

One neighbor told News13 they usually let their kids ride bikes up and down the street but not anymore.

It terrifies me having four kids under the age of ten wanting to play outside and play with other kids, he said. But you dont know who or what you can trust when you can trust.

He didnt want to show his face on-camera but says he wasnt surprised this happened. He says about two weeks ago, he heard what sounded like a gunshot in the same area and quickly reported it to police.

As soon as I got out of my truck, I heard one gunshot sound like a warning shot more or less, he said. And in just a matter of a few seconds, a vehicle came from the same direction of the gunshot. Same direction as what has occurred today.

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No additional information was immediately available. Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

* * *

Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work, here.

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HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  An Horry County man says all of the money on his South Carolina Electronic Benefit Transfer card has been stolen not once, but twice this year.

I went to the grocery store on Nov. 8, Willis Allen said. We finished our shopping, got to the cash register and ran our card three times, but there was nothing on there.

He explained that almost $600 has been stolen from his EBT card.

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The state Department of Social Services provides the cards out to those who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The department said the reported theft is an ongoing issue across the country.

For those in the SNAP program, their cards are loaded each month with money they can use to buy food at any type of grocery store.

[On] Dec. 8, the same thing happened, he said. I checked my card that morning, I had them. I told my fiance, but she was still in the bed, and I said, I need to roll right now to prevent anything from happening. But she told me, Just wait for a few hours, and Ill go with you. So, I waited around, but that wait got me.

In just two hours, Allen said the balance on the card that was there earlier that morning was gone.

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During the third quarter of 2024, DSS said hundreds of thousands of households across the nation reported similar thefts.

If theyre getting our food stamp information, theyre getting our regular information, Allen said. So its putting us in jeopardy both ways.

Allen told News 13 that he has been receiving food stamps since January when he had to quit his job to take care of a family member. He said he has canceled three different cards and is out hundreds of dollars.

I had to pick up a day here and a day there to survive for me and my fiance, Allen said. So, you know, life goes on even though they took our stamps.

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After conducting searches, Allen said it looked like the thefts came from two companies, one in New York and another in Pennsylvania. He said he has never been in those two states.

DSS said anyone who has had their benefits electronically stolen should immediately report the loss to local law enforcement and call 800-554-5268. To learn about ways you can help prevent theft, click here.

* * *

Jackie LiBrizzi is a multimedia journalist at News13. Jackie is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, and was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. Jackie joined the News13 team in June 2023 after she graduated as a student-athlete from the University of South Carolina in May 2023. Follow Jackie on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Dec. 18The Decatur County Memorial Hospital Board recently approved moving the staff reappointment deadline to February 2025 and approved an amendment to their wound care privileges.

Dr. Nicole Boersma walked board members through what reappointments are and explained that since DCMH has begun using a new electronic system for staff reappointments, the deadline for reappointments needed to be extended to February while the system is rolled out. Reappointments, essentially, are the process by which medical providers renew their credentials to perform different aspects of care.

Wound care privileges will now be extended to nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants; previously, these privileges were only applied to physicians.

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In addition, a master CRNA Services Agreement with Premier Anesthesia Associates was approved.

No decisions were made regarding committees for 2025, but board members were reminded that they need to provide any preferences related to which committee they would like to serve on before January.

CEO Rex McKinney reviewed recent events. The men's health tailgate in November had more than 70 men attend for screenings. The Veteran's Day luncheon at the American Legion was a success, with more than 100 community members attending, including several veterans. DCMH also supported the Greensburg Bread of Life during November, purchasing and delivering turkeys for Thanksgiving. And, the Holiday Lane event held Dec. 6 attracted approximately 700 attendees.

In other news, McKinney shared that DCMH has seen growth in some key areas, particularly in surgical services and ambulatory care in 2024, alongside improved clinic access, which he noted has likely spurred growth in primary care.

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Despite this growth, 2024 was a challenging fiscal year for DCMH and this is expected to continue in 2025, "given the state of health care in Indiana as well as the United States," McKinney said.

Staff turnover rates have improved over the course of the year, however, and the workforce appears to be stabilizing.

McKinney touted DCMH's programs for developing healthcare workers and students, noting it's "often an overlooked area with regards to our mission," but is something they take seriously. He also commended the EMS team on another year with more than 4,000 runs serving Decatur County, and the pharmacy program on its continued growth saying, "our outstanding pharmacy team provides a high level of service."

The next DCMH board meeting is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start on Jan. 30.

Contact Noelle Maxwell at news@greensburgdailynews.com.
(KTLA)  A hospital in Los Angeles is asking for the publics help in identifying a patient admitted last month.

The unidentified male was hospitalized at around 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 after he was found unresponsive on 4th and Union Street, hospital officials said in a news release.

Described as a Hispanic male, approximately 50-60 years old, the patient was admitted without any documentation or evidence of his identity.

Dignity Health officials are asking for the publics help to identify this man who has been hospitalized at California Hospital Medical in downtown L.A. since Nov. 20, 2024. (Dignity Health)

He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 165 pounds with brown eyes and black and gray hair.

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Man, 23, pleads guilty to operating $100M illegal narcotics bazaar on dark web

Hospital officials added that the patient was admitted wearing blue jeans and a black t-shirt and was carrying a set of four keys.

Anyone with information about the patient, who may know him or his family is urged to contact Dignity Health at 213-507-5495 or 213-742-5511.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A congressional committee has reportedly secretly voted to release its bombshell report into sex and drug use by ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz now that his bid for attorney general has imploded.

In a major reversal, the Republican-controlled panel voted last week to publish what is said to be a highly damaging report that effectively sunk Gaetzs nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Justice, CNN reported Wednesday.

It wasnt immediately clear when the Gaetz report might be made public but it could be anytime after the House leaves town for its end-of-year break.

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Gaetz hit back hard in advance of the reports impending release, accusing the committee of railroading him and denying the most explosive charge that he slept with an underage female escort.

My 30s were an era of working very hard  and playing hard too, he tweeted. Its embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have.

Gaetz, 42, resigned from his Florida congressional seat as he pressed a short-lived battle for confirmation as attorney general. He later said he wouldnt return to Congress in January and has joined right-wing One America Network as a TV anchor.

The pro-Trump firebrand was investigated by federal prosecutors over the allegations that he had sex with paid female escorts at drug-fueled parties. At least one of the women was underage at the time she says she slept with Gaetz.

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The feds declined to charge Gaetz, but his colleagues in Congress launched an ethics probe into the same allegations.

The House Ethics Committee, which is evenly divided between members of the two parties, was poised to release its report when Gaetz abruptly resigned on the same day Trump named him as his pick to be the nations top law enforcement official.

Stepping down immediately appeared to be a ploy by Gaetz to short-circuit release of the report because the panel typically only exercises jurisdiction over sitting members of Congress, not former ones.

The panel initially agreed to set aside the report. But it apparently later made a U-turn behind closed doors, meaning at least one of the five GOP lawmakers on the panel must have broken ranks to vote with Democrats to bare Gaetzs dirty laundry.

_____
GRIFTON, N.C. (WNCT)  On Wednesday night, Officers with the Grifton Police Department were dispatched to Church Street due to an intoxicated male in possession of multiple firearms.

According to the Grifton Police Department, those sent to the scene were warned that the intoxicated male had shot a firearm into the floor of the residence. When Officers arrived, it was quickly determined that he was under the influence, displaying cognitive changes, was armed with multiple firearms and had locked himself inside the room with the weapons.

Warrants were secured around 8:15 p.m. and Pitt County Sheriffs Office SRT team made entry and were able to get the suspect out of the house. Three firearms were seized from the residence and the male was transported to ECU Health for evaluation.

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(Reuters) - Companies ranging from finance majors to Silicon Valley behemoths are pledging donations to Donald Trump's inaugural fund as business leaders rush to ensure a favorable relationship with the U.S. president-elect after his November election win.

Trump is set to take office in January and executives are hoping a positive rapport with his administration, such as the one Tesla boss Elon Musk has established, could mean notable benefits for their companies.

Below is a list of companies that are contributing funds for Trump's inauguration for his second term in the White House.

ROBINHOOD MARKETS

Retail trading platform Robinhood Markets donated $2 million, a company spokesperson said.

UBER TECHNOLOGIES

Uber Technologies and its CEO Dara Khosrowshahi donated $1 million each, a company spokesperson told Reuters.

AMAZON.COM

Amazon is donating $1 million. The company will also air the inauguration event on its Prime Video service, an Amazon spokesperson said.

META PLATFORMS

Meta Platforms has donated $1 million, a company spokesperson told Reuters.

OPENAI

CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a personal donation of $1 million to the inaugural fund, an OpenAI spokesperson confirmed.

"President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead," Altman said in a statement.

BANK OF AMERICA AND GOLDMAN SACHS

Bank of America, the second-largest U.S. lender, and investment bank Goldman Sachs plan to contribute to Trump's inaugural committees, but have yet to decide on the amount, spokespersons for each bank said.

(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh, Deborah Sophia, Harshita Mary Varghese and Rishi Kant in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai)
UPDATE: The Senate agreed to S.4367, Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, voting 97-1.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  After being first built in 1937, the bill that would bring repairs to the Lock and Dam is now one step away from the Presidents desk.

The House of Representatives passed the final version of the Water Resources Development Act last Tuesdaypart of which calls for full repair of the Lock and Dam.

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The decision comes after years of battles between the Army Corps of Engineers and the cities of Augusta and North Augusta over the Lock and Dam.

The Corps wanted to tear down the structure to build the fish passage. But those opposed thought that would lower the level.

Its a historic day for the CSRA. We are dependent on that pool. Its not only an economic matter, but its critical to our industry and our water supply, said District 12 Rep. Rick Allen.

Congressman Allen and the Department of Transportation have examined the area to determine what repairs are needed.

Its a historic day for the CSRA because we are dependent on that pool. Its not only an economic matter, but its critical to our industry and our water supply, said Allen.

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We need to do some pressure grouting on one of the outer piers, and reinforce both of those on the Savannah side of the dam. Then, obviously the water over has deepened the pool on one side of the dam. I would suggest that they actually bring in some rock to put in that side, up to the level of the concrete retaining wall that the gates close down on, Allen said.

The bill also calls for the pool level to be maintained at 114.5 feetbut its a cause of concern for the Savannah Riverkeeper.

Columbia alone has had three 500-year floods in just the last couple of years. We know we have an infrastructure where were flooding with more water over the next couple of years. Weve now set an arbitrary level at this dam that is going to lessen our ability to control from floods, said Tonya Bonitatibus. People dont drive cars from 1936, so the idea that only a technology from that time period is what could keep the water level in downtown Augusta is actually blatantly false.

Shes also concerned about the potential costs involved to maintain that water level.

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Theres no doubt that the modifications to maintain this water level will require more additional funding, said Bonitatibus. South Carolina and Georgia have little pots of money, so hopefully thats enough. I think youre very likely to see the city of Augusta on the hook for a pretty good chunk of money coming up soon.

The City of Augusta has had to spend their money wisely over the last few months, as the total estimated cost of damage so far is up to $30 million.

City leaders also just approved the 2025 budget three weeks ago.

But leaders on both sides of the river say they are pleased with the progress after years of discussions with the Corps of Engineers.

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Its important because it gives us the ability to have recreation along the Savannah River. It allows our manufacturers to pull from the pool to operate their facilitiesit gives us a lot of opportunities, said Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson.

All of the important entities have come together and said weve got to make this happen. They are really close now with the house passing that language, said North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams.

But the Savannah Riverkeeper disagrees, saying there were much better options than the route taken.

I think how we proceed forward may have huge economic positives (or negatives) for us. So, I hope that we dont let some level of hubris and idea of the good old days keep us into a place that economically hurts us in the future, said Bonitatibus. My main concern is for the river and the people using it. Its unfortunate that were moving forward with a project that creates this artificial conflict where there really didnt have to be one.

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The Senate still has to vote on the bill before it goes to President Biden, but Congressman Allen says hes optimistic after positive conversations with senators around the country.

Weve been in conference, and everybodys agreed to everything despite the fight it took to get here. We only won this amendment by one vote in the committee, and it took a ton of work to get that done. But I presume itll be this week, and the President will sign it immediately, said Allen.

The Senate will vote on the Water Resources Development Act at 6:30 Wednesday night.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The Ohio Statehouse had its last official session for the year on Wednesday. In the session that lasted until 2:15 a.m. Thursday, lawmakers said goodbye to outgoing members, sent several bills to the governor, and approved a measure for the May ballot.

What is on its way to the Governors Desk?

House Joint Resolution 8 passed with bi-partisan support. It will ask voters to authorize $2.5 billion in spending for infrastructure come May.

The $2.5 billion would be allocated over 10 years and is an increase from the current $2 billion, which is expiring on July 1, 2025.

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The resolution was approved with bi-partisan support to renew the grant loan program that was first created in 1987. The money goes to local governments for projects on things like roads, bridges, and water supplies.

Why driving to Michigan for recreational marijuana is cheaper than buying it in Ohio

House Bill 8 passed with only four Republicans between both chambers voting against it. The bill would allow parents to opt their students out of sexuality content, would require that parents be notified about changes in their childs mental, emotional, or physical health, and prohibit school personnel from encouraging a student to withhold information from a parent, unless it would result in abuse, abandonment or neglect.

In the end it is parents who should get to make the decisions concerning their childrens education, Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) said. Schools should not have the broad authority to keep secret information about some elses child.

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This bill has no redeeming qualities whatsoever, is unnecessary and is another example of solution looking for a problem, Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) said.

The bill was amended in the Senate to also require public schools to allow students to leave campus during the day for religious instruction. The bill has a provision to require that background checks are performed on those implementing religious release programs.

Youre mixing religion and education in public schools, I mean Ive seen unconstitutional stuff come our way, it just continues, Representative Joe Miller (D-Amherst) said.

If you continue to push back and if you continue to tell parents that they cant choose just a few minutes a day of release time religious instruction, youre going to leave them with no choice but leave for the entire day and go to a private school, a charter school, Representative Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) said. This is a better option for public schools.

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House Bill 206 could result in indefinite expulsions for students who pose an imminent and severe endangerment, to the health and safety of other students or staff. It received a mix of support from Republicans and Democrats.

The bill allows an expulsion of 180 days, during that time the student will still receive schoolwork at home. The student must also be assessed by a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, or licensed school psychologist to determine whether the student poses a danger.

DNA evidence leads to arrest in Franklin County 1992 killing of 19-year-old woman

At the end of the expulsion period, the students superintendent assesses the student to determine whether they have shown sufficient rehabilitation, and may extend expulsion for 90-day periods thereafter.

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The bill now also increases the appropriation authority for school choice program administration in fiscal year 2025 from up to $4 million to up to $8.14 million to help with ongoing lawsuits regarding school choice.

This is just another example of universal vouchers being out of control, Representative Phil Robinson (D-Solon) said.

That bill also allows for easier access to prescribe seizure medications to student during the school day and has provisions regarding school closures for poor-performing schools.

House Bill 7 passed with bi-partisan support. It is a measure to support mothers and babies. It originally had a multi-million-dollar appropriation in it, but all the spending was stripped before passing the statehouse.

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The bill now has several policies in it, to do things like update the Medicaid programs coverage of evidence-based mental health and dyadic family therapy services for young children and their caregivers.

This is just providing the codes, you all will make the decision next term as to how to provide the funding, Senator Matt Dolan (Chagrin Falls) said.

House Bill 49, a hospital price transparency bill, made it across the finish line in a last-minute move. The bill was amended in to House Bill 173; the bills sponsor said a middle-ground was found between the Senate version, which largely gutted the bill, and the originally introduced bill.

It sounds absurd, but we never knew the price and your vote today will allow us to know the price for non-emergency services, Representative Tim Barhorst (R-Fort Loramie).

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House Bill 315 was amended with several bills and was the big hold up of the night. The bill has provisions regarding name image and likeness (NIL) provisions for college athletes. The bill also includes Madelines Law, which requires health benefit plans to provide coverage for the cost of one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear up to $2,500. It passed both chambers with bi-partisan support and now heads to the governors desk for consideration.

Columbus serves trespassing notices at dozens of homeless camps

Were not pulling a fast one here in the dark of night, Representative DJ Swearingen (R-Huron) said during his 2 a.m. floor speech on the bill.

The only complaint of this this bill is that it didnt do enough, Representative Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake). But this is a good bill.

Other bills that passed include:

Senate Bill 58 passed with Republican support. The bill, in part, prohibits anyone from being required to have firearm insurance or liability and prohibits government entities from keeping any list of privately owned firearms or owners.

House Bill 322 creates the offense of grooming in the Ohio Revised Code. It passed with bi-partisan support; lawmakers said it will help further protect kids from sexual abuse.

House Bill 37 increases penalties for operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) and establishes a new system for vehicular homicide penalties.

Senate Bill 54 was amended to include several provisions, including money for a May election to approve the infrastructure issue, and $10 million to help farmers get through the states historic drought.

House Bill 531, known as Bradens Law prohibits sexual extortion, creating a new offense for doing so.

House Bill 77 creates more guidelines and regulations for flying drones in the state.

Senate Bill 208 passed with bi-partisan support and requires school districts to include an exception for military children in open enrollment policies.

What Failed to Pass?

Senate Bill 326 would have banned the sale of Delta-8 products but in a last minute decision two weeks ago, the effort was dropped in Senate committee.

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Delta 8 is a low-level THC that can give the user a high similar to marijuana and Governor Mike DeWine has been calling for its regulation for a year. Lawmakers are likely to bring the issue back up at the start of the new year.

House Bill 79 was an energy efficiency bill that narrowly passed the House. The bill was poised to have a Senate committee vote on Wednesday, but that committee was ultimately cancelled. The bills sponsors say it would have, in theory, helped consumers save on their bills and help reduce excess energy use.

Senate Bill 75 was meant to allow the creation of joint economic development districts, but was amended with several provisions on Wednesday, and ultimately failed. One of the provisions put into the bill would have prohibited homeowners associations from restricting political yard signs on private properties. The legislation ultimately failed to pass the House 38-53. The sponsor of the HOA yard-sale bill said he will re-introduce his bill next year.

House Bill 296 would have increased contributions to the Police and Fire Pension Fund after a lot of deliberation in the House, and passing that chamber, it ultimately did not get taken up by the Senate. Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said it would have been extraordinarily difficult to get that done in a compressed time period.

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Columbus school leaders on decision to close five schools

Property tax legislation has been debated for the past two years extensively at the Ohio Statehouse. Despite the debate, nearly two dozen bills being introduced and a study commission, efforts to bring Ohioans relief stalled, and will likely become a consideration for next years operating budget. The budget typically passes in June.

Pay raises for public officials, including state lawmakers, were on the table for a few weeks and being debated behind the scenes. Lawmakers ultimately decided not to move forward with giving themselves a raise. Senate President Huffman said there was not the political will to get that done.

Senate Bill 83 was an overhaul to higher education, it stalled back in June. The bills sponsor, at the time, said if it did not pass by the end of 2024, he would reintroduce it with none of the compromises that he made throughout the past year.

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School bus safety legislation was mulled over by lawmakers for more than a year, but ultimately did not make it across the finish line. Leadership said some sort of school bus safety measure is likely to be re-considered next year.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
DENVER (KDVR)  Sixteen people taken into custody Tuesday following a home invasion at the Edge at Lowry apartment complex are Venezuelan nationals not authorized to be in the U.S. and are suspected Tren de Aragua associates or members, a spokesperson with Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Wednesday.

The Aurora Police Department said Wednesday evening that three of the 19 people taken into custody on Tuesday in relation to the armed invasion were not involved. The total number of people detained as of Wednesday evening was 16, according to police.

Previous coverage: Aurora police chief: Armed apartment invasion 100% gang activity

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ICE specifically confirmed that Enforcement and Removal Operations Denver had taken 16 people into custody at the complex on Tuesday, and that all those detained were Venezuelan nationals.

Around 8:45 p.m. Monday, a male and a female victim were accosted by between 13 and 15 armed individuals at the complex at 1258 Dallas St. and forced into a different apartment, according to police.

The two victims were allegedly tied up, pistol-whipped, beaten and stabbed, Aurora police said.

Officers carried out search warrants on apartments in two of the complexs six buildings on Tuesday as part of the investigation, according to police.

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An ICE spokesperson told FOX31 that the suspects detained will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings or hearing before an immigration judge.

According to police, no one has been arrested so far and no arrests are expected to happen on Wednesday.

Former Drug Enforcement Administration Venezuela attache Wesley Tabor told FOX31 that identifying Tren de Aragua members can be difficult at times.

Troubled Aurora apartment caretaker says residents are not paying rent

You dont have tattoos. You dont have certain clothing. Now, some of the members may have tattoos of novelty, but as a whole new organization, they dont do that. You need deep and concentrated intelligence into what and who these people are, Tabor said.

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The apartment complex has been in the local and national spotlight for several months and is set to close after the owner of the complex reached an agreement with the city.

V Reeves, an organizer with the local nonprofit Housekeys Action Network Denver, told FOX31 there are concerns about where the approximately 200 people currently living there will go next.

What we really need is  we need relocation support, right now, just because of where theyve been, they are [a] target for hostility, they said. You have a lot of families. Hard workers. People in need of finding safe and dignified housing.

Violeta Chapin, a clinical professor of law at the University of Colorado Boulder, told FOX31s Kasia Kerridge that the process for anyone arrested in the U.S., regardless of their immigration status, is that the suspect is presumed to be innocent of all charges.

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(A)nd the process unfolds in the way that we see it unfold for anyone, said Chapin. People who are not citizens of the United States, certainly if they are convicted of certain crimes, they can be removed, they be deported based on that conviction. But, it requires again a conviction, not just an arrest.

FOX31 Political Analyst Chris Decker told Kerridge that he believes the case will be charged in state courts, but could be picked up by federal prosecutors.

My guess is that this will be charged in the state courts, but its very possible that the feds could pick this up, potentially because of the notoriety of the story a couple of months ago, and also for the fact that this was apparently connected to a very serious Venezuelan gang, said Decker. I just cant see how this wouldnt be the final straw to closing this place down. I know that you cant just close down or seize a property, but there are ways that the city of Aurora could go after them under nuisance laws or condemnation proceedings  Or, that its sold to another group perhaps that would take more care in screening the residents.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Economists agree that the progress of a country is dependent on education. According to the World Bank, earnings increase by 10% with each year of schooling received, a higher increase than any other individual action could provide, writes guest columnist Becca Renk. (Courtesy of Becca Renk)

Im giving my new neighbor Wilmer a ride into town. Hes from the interior of Nicaragua, Siuna. To make conversation, I ask about horses. Wilmer explains to me the attributes of horses versus mules and donkeys, the relative cost of each animal and the cost of breeding a mare with a donkey.

The conversation moves on to food crops  Wilmer fills me in on the dates for bean, corn and rice harvests in different parts of the country and the price per pound for each crop on the farm versus the market. He tells me hes headed up north at the end of the year to work the bean harvest.

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Wilmer will take a bus all the way to the end of the line, then walk three hours and cross several rivers to get to his house. He is 18 years old, and hes only spent three months in a schoolroom in his whole life.

I can read, he says, but I cant write.

Wilmer hasnt been able to register for school, social benefits, or work a formal job because he doesnt have a birth certificate. He was born at the end of the neoliberal era when it was very common to not register babies births at all.

The right to have a name is one of the many rights that the current Nicaraguan government has been restoring to its people since returning to office in 2007. Today, registering a babys birth is a free process available at hospitals where 97% of births now take place. Municipal governments also have a program providing free legal services for citizens whose birth was never registered.

The right to education

To take advantage of this program, Wilmer has come to stay with his mother in our rural village near Managua. He hopes to have his birth certificate before the end of the year. Once he is in the system, the local principal has ensured him that he can enroll for the new school year in high school on Saturdays. He is excited about the possibilities this will provide him.

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Between 1990 and 2006, the neoliberal educational model in Nicaragua considered the public school system as useful only in creating future clients, viewing the poor as a source of cheap labor and not worthy of investment in their education. Public school funding was slashed, including even the daily glass of milk given to children during the 1980s. In the 1990s, the wealthy sent their children to private schools while public classrooms deteriorated to the point of being useless, and children had to bring their own desks or sit on the floor to receive their lessons.

As a consequence of these policies, by 2006, nearly a quarter of the country was unable to read or write. This is a particularly shameful statistic following on the triumphant National Literacy Crusade in 1980 that had managed to lower the 50.3% illiteracy under the Somoza dictatorship to 12.9% in a matter of months.

Economists agree that the progress of a country is dependent on education. According to the World Bank, earnings increase by 10% with each year of schooling received, a higher increase than any other individual action could provide.

Idaho dead last in educational spending

In the United States, education spending falls short of benchmarks set by international organizations such as UNESCO, of which the U.S. is a member. The U.S. puts just 12.7% of public funding toward education, well below the international standard of 15%, while spending 43% of the annual federal budget on military spending.

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When I graduated from public school in Idaho, the state spent less money per student on education than any other state in the nation. Thirty years later, that is still true. In the interim, things have actually gotten worse: the No Child Left Behind Act focused curriculum on teaching for standardized tests, and the charter school movement led to an exodus of creativity and public school funding to the private sector. As a result of these policies, today 27.6% of Idahoans have a high school diploma, but no college education; and in my rural hometown, 15% of the adult population didnt graduate high school at all.

Nicaraguas investment in education

Eighteen years ago, when the Sandinista government came back into office, more than half of Nicaraguas population was under the age of 21. It was clear that without a significant investment in education, the economy and society were not going to advance.

Nicaragua opted to make educational investment as a pillar in its poverty reduction programs, and that investment has risen every year since. In 2024, 53 cents of every dollar Nicaragua spent was on social programs, with education representing 19.5% of the countrys overall budget, well above UNESCOs international standard of 15%. Nicaraguas total military spending is only 3% of the national budget.

In this small country of 7 million people, the educational investment has been huge: since 2007, all existing classrooms been remodeled, and 9,000 more have been built new; all teachers been trained and 10,000 new teachers have been added; 1.25 million school desks have been purchased and 1.2 million schoolchildren get a hot meal daily.

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In addition to infrastructure investments, the Nicaraguan government has also invested in people: seniors graduating high school now receive a cash bonus from the government of $82. This year, the bonus was given to 63,717 students, adding up to a total investment of $5.24 million.

The results of these policies? Nicaragua has been declared free of illiteracy, the school retention rate is now over 92%, and Nicaragua is number one in the world for women and girls education.

If youre not studying, its because you dont want to

Wilmers option to attend Saturday school in rural areas is just one of a multitude of opportunities now available through the free education system in Nicaragua. There are accelerated classes on weekends to finish high school in two years, short courses available in each municipality, and free technical degrees available for those 14 years and older in everything from motorcycle mechanic to chef, veterinary technician to alternative energy tech. Additionally, there are more than 400 university degree courses available at free universities in around the country, with in-person, low residence and online options available in rural areas.

When talking to Nicaraguans about variety of educational options, the phrase I hear most is, Nowadays, if youre not studying, its because you dont want to. Thanks to free third-level education and improved opportunities, since 2006, the percentage of population with a university degree in Nicaragua has risen from 9% to 19%.

Spoiled for options in Nicaragua

Our daughters attended public school in Nicaragua from preschool right through high school. When they graduated, we considered sending them to live with their grandparents in Idaho to continue their education. But in rural north Idaho, in-person university classes are at least an hours drive, and the closest four-year degree available is at the University of Idaho three hours away in Moscow. Even with in-state tuition, the cost of U of I is estimated at over $25,000 per year.

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Given the lack of options in north Idaho and the quality of choices available for free in Nicaragua, the decision is a no-brainer. After taking a gap year, our daughter Orla is one of nearly 62,000 applicants to public university this year. Just in the past few years, there has been a marked increase in the number of public universities and campuses around the country, so this year there is a single application for all the public universities.

In order to apply, a few weeks ago Orla went online and entered her student ID number into the online application. Her full name and grades from high school automatically popped up. She then entered her top three choices for majors, which she picked from a catalog of over 400 options, aided by an online quiz that matched her interests with available careers. Orla then entered her preferences for morning, afternoon, evening, Saturday and Sunday options and put in her contact information.

This week, the results will be available online: students are accepted to a program based on grades and are placed in the program at the university closest to them. If they arent accepted to their top three choices, they are given a list of degree courses that still have available places, and are given the option to enroll in one of those courses. The only cost ever for public university from application right through graduation, is a one-time fee to issue a diploma which is a maximum charge of $40.

As Wilmer makes the long trip home for the holidays, I know he will be fine. Ive rarely met someone with such street smarts, despite coming from a place where there are no streets. But Wilmer has to work very hard just to survive. When he comes back from harvesting beans in January, birth certificate in hand, the new school year will be starting. I imagine him adding formal education to all his intelligence, and I know that nothing will be able to stop Wilmer.

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CHICAGO, Ill. (WCIA)  Attorney General Kwame Raouls Office has issued cease and desist letters to five med spas in the Chicagoland area for misleading marketing of weight loss medications.

Raoul is warning Illinois residents seeking to purchase GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound to be aware that many sellers advertising these name brand medications are instead offering unapproved versions of these products that might put peoples health at risk.

New IL pay stub requirement will begin in 2025

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He is strongly urging people to obtain prescriptions for weight loss medications from a trusted health care provider and to fill those prescriptions at an appropriately licensed pharmacy.

Raoul is warning consumers of misleading advertising by med spas, wellness centers, online retailers and social media sellers that states or implies they are offering name brand GLP-1 medications or generic versions of name brand medications, when in reality they are offering compounded drugs.

These compounded drugs are not the same as generic drugs because they are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as they are often produced on site and by prescription for individual patients who arent able to take a drug in its FDA-approved form.

However, when a drug is in short supply, the FDA allows certain larger pharmacies to use the active ingredient in that drug to produce compounded versions of the drug in order to meet the public demand. The FDA doesnt review compounded drugs for safety, quality or effectiveness, however, and these drugs may pose health risks.

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Millions of Americans are looking for help losing weight, and for reasons ranging from the costs to the availability of prescription drugs, they are looking for alternate means of buying what can be lifesaving medications, Raoul said.

According to Raoul, unscrupulous sellers are also making misleading health claims and promoting GLP-1 products in formulations that havent been evaluated by regulatory agencies or tested in humans at all, such as drops, skin patches and nasal sprays.

IL community colleges join forces to feed needy during holidays

The FDA has issued warnings to try to stop the distribution of illegal versions of weight loss products. Some GLP-1 medications are being sold directly to consumers without prescriptions or are research-only products that should never be used by humans.

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The office said before purchasing products advertised as GLP-1 medications, consider the following questions. If the answer to any of them is yes, avoid purchasing the medication to protect yourself from serious health consequences that may be associated with compounded or fake products. Raoul is urging consumers to ask:

Does the seller offer GLP-1 medications without a prescription or without the supervision of a licensed health care provider?

Does the seller offer research-grade, research-only or GLP-1 medications for research purposes?

Are consumers encouraged to reconstitute GLP-1 medications, break apart Mounjaro and Zepbound pens or vials to use as separate doses, or to water down doses?

Is the GLP-1 medication mixed with other medications or chemicals?

Is the GLP-1 medication offered as drops, sprays, skin patches or in under-the-tongue form?

Is the seller promoting GLP-1 medication to consumers under the age of 18?

Is the GLP-1 medication sold without disclosing the potential side effects or safety risks?

Is the compounding pharmacy, med spa, wellness center or online retailer making claims about the GLP-1 medications safety and efficacy?

Is the seller offering to sell more than three months of GLP-1 medications at once?

Is the GLP-1 medication being sold or shipped from another country?

Is the GLP-1 medication sold by an individual person, including by someone on social media?

Are consumers being encouraged to lie to obtain the GLP-1 medication, including by misrepresenting their weight or BMI?

Raoul is urging consumers considering taking a GLP-1 medication for weight loss to first consult a trusted physician and fill any prescriptions at state-licensed pharmacies. To find out whether a medication shortage exists before taking that drug, check the FDAs drug shortage database.

Firearm deer season harvests 82,000 deer across Illinois, up from last year

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Knowing whether a medication shortage exists can be a sign that the drug you are contemplating is potentially being compounded. Ask questions about what exactly is being offered, including active and other ingredients.

Consumers should avoid obtaining or filling prescriptions from unknown sources. If filling prescriptions from an online pharmacy, visit the FDAs online pharmacy information page for resources about safely obtaining prescription medicines online.

Raoul encourages Illinois residents to report deceptive marketing or the sale of unsafe products on the Attorney Generals website or by calling one of the Attorney Generals Consumer Fraud Hotlines:

800-386-5438 (Chicago)

800-243-0618 (Springfield)

800-243-0607 (Carbondale)

866-310-8398 (Spanish-language hotline)

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
By Michael S. Derby and Ann Saphir

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday the U.S. central bank has no desire to be involved in any government effort to stockpile large amounts of bitcoin.

"We're not allowed to own bitcoin," Powell said at a press conference following the Fed's latest two-day policy meeting, in which policymakers cut rates as expected while signaling a less certain path for monetary policy in the months ahead.

In terms of the legal issues around holding bitcoin, "that's the kind of thing for Congress to consider, but we are not looking for a law change at the Fed," Powell said.

The Fed chief was addressing the prospect of central bank involvement in the idea of the government building a so-called Strategic Bitcoin Reserve once President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Powell's comments on Wednesday dented the value of bitcoin, which has rallied sharply along with other crypto assets since Trump's victory in the Nov. 5 election on the prospect of a more hands-off government approach to a class of assets that rarely functions as actual money, but is instead largely used as a vehicle for speculation.

Trump has suggested he will create a U.S. bitcoin strategic reserve - a concept that has also been widely rejected in Europe.

The incoming president has not provided details on what such a reserve would entail, beyond saying its initial holdings could include bitcoin seized from criminals, a stockpile of about 200,000 tokens worth about $21 billion at current prices.

Bitcoin has more than doubled this year to more than $100,000 on optimism over Trump's pro-crypto stance. The asset has proven volatile in its 15 years of existence, which analysts say reduces its utility as a store of value or a unit of exchange, key attributes of a reserve currency.

Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis has introduced a bill to create such a reserve, under which the U.S. Treasury would buy 200,000 bitcoins annually until the stockpile reaches one million tokens. The purchases would be funded by Fed bank deposits and gold holdings.

Funding a strategic bitcoin reserve would likely require the approval of Congress and the issuance of new Treasury debt, according to an analysis published this week by Barclays. Given the likely ways such a reserve could be created, "we suspect such a plan would face stiff resistance from the Fed," Barclays analysts said.

EUROPE AGAINST BITCOIN RESERVES

More broadly, Fed officials have been skeptical of securities such as bitcoin as they have also backed away from their own efforts to create a fully digital dollar in favor of allowing the private sector to innovate payments technologies.
ILLINOIS, Ill. (WCIA)  The inaugural Feed the Need Food Drive is bringing community colleges together to combat food insecurity and support students on campuses across Illinois.

The drive has collected over 91,000 individual non-perishable food items for local campuses and community food banks.

Gibson City, McLean among eight communities receiving grants from Landmarks IL

Addressing the issue of food insecurity is a mission shared by all Illinois community colleges large and small, Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham said. We wanted to find a way to make a collective impact through friendly competition by providing direct support to students in need at community colleges across Illinois.

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John Wood Community College took home the top spot in the drive, collecting the most individual non-perishable food donations and will receive a commemorative plaque given to each years winner.

The top five schools that collected the most food between Oct. 14 and Nov. 30 were:

John Wood Community College (Quincy)

Elgin Community College (Elgin)

College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn)

Waubonsee Community College (Sugar Grove)

Shawnee Community College (Ullin)

Participating in the Feed the Need Food Drive was about more than collecting foodit was about showing our students that their struggles are not invisible, Rachel Hansen, dean of student affairs at John Wood Community College, said. This initiative reinforces our commitment to creating a campus environment where all students feel supported and valued.

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Food insecurity remains a widespread issue affecting college students across the country, with estimates suggesting that 33-51% of college students experience food insecurity (Inside Higher Ed). According to a 2021 study by Temple Universitys Hope Center, 39% of community college students nationally face food insecurity, while 61% experience some form of basic needs insecurity.

Across the country, 48% of students at both community colleges and universities reported food insecurity in the previous 30 days, with 25% of community college students experiencing very low food security. This issue disproportionately impacts students of color, with 57% of Black/African American students reporting food insecurity.

Several Central IL counties receive grants toward local parks & rec

In Illinois, hunger is also a big concern, with 12% of residents experiencing food insecurity, affecting over 1.5 million individuals. In the Chicago area, one in five households face food insecurity (WTTW, November 2023), emphasizing the urgent need for support and resources.

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We applaud the efforts of every community college that participated in this inaugural effort to address this critical need and hope it continues to grow in the years to come, Illinois Community College Board Chair, Dr. Lazaro Lopez said.

The 2024 Feed the Need Food Drive was part of a systemwide effort involving Illinois community colleges working together to support those facing hunger. Through a friendly competition, participating colleges rallied their students, faculty and community partners to donate food for those struggling with food insecurity on campus and in local communities.

All of the non-perishable food items collected during the drive will directly benefit many on campus and community food pantries. This will ensure that many people have access to meals, especially when theyre needed the most.

Addressing food insecurity is crucial in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have access to basic nourishment, Richard J. Daley College student and ICCB Student Advisory Committee Chair, David Ramirez, said. As students, we recognize the value of supporting others on our campuses to overcome challenges that may hinder someones success and well-being.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Many new laws will go into effect on January 1, including one that will require posters to be hung containing information on what physical/sexual abuse is and how to report it.

The posters are aimed towards children under the age of 18.

Emergency rooms, doctors offices, truck stops, bus stations and public restrooms are among those that will soon be sources of information for children seeking help from abuse.

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Director and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford Shannon Krueger said most children might not be aware of the resources available to them.

I dont think children are commonly aware that they can make a phone call or go online, Krueger said.

Places like motels, hotels, tattoo and body piercing establishments have been added to the list as well.

Theyre asking them to put it in conspicuous places, like a public restroom, Krueger said. Itll be private, which is good because it will help a child or a person that wants to remain anonymous be able to have a voice.

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The law was amended to not include daycare centers and schools. Even though not required, the Owner of Colorful Meadows Home Daycare Michelle Yates said she plans to have as many resources in her home as possible.

I do work very closely with the YWCA [Young Womens Christian Association], so if they have anything, I will be sure to get it from them, Yates said. I would definitely put up some of my own stuff as well. Its just very important to have those available so when you need them, you have them ready to go.

Krueger said the toughest step is often the first, but she said its important to ask for help.

Its always better to get help, Krueger said. It doesnt always mean that your whole life is going to change. It just means that things, services and resources can be offered. Its always important to get help so you dont have to be in the situation that youre in.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO)  New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Illinois population has increased for the first time in 11 years, and the state may have Texas to thank for it.

As the nations population surpasses 340 million, this is the fastest annual population growth the nation has seen since 2001  a notable increase from the record low growth rate of 0.2% in 2021. The growth was primarily driven by rising net international migration, the Census said in a news release.

The report estimates Illinois population grew by 67,899 residents between July 2023 and June 2024.

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That marks the first time in 11 years that the states population has grown, after 9 years of population decline.

A massive influx of international migrants, sent from border states including Texas, is primarily responsible for that growth, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Between 2023 and 2024, as part of Operation Lone Star, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent over 51,000 migrants to Chicago and other states with sanctuary policies in place for foreign nationals who illegally crossed the countrys southern border.

Statewide, immigration doubled that number. The new residents totaled 112,955, ten times higher than 2021.

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Illinois also saw population gains from births outpacing deaths, with 11,012 new residents born during the year.

Domestic migration trends remain, with Illinois ranking 48th in population loss due to residents moving to other states.

In total, 56,235 residents moved out of Illinois.

The reason? High taxes, according to a poll by NPR and the University of Illinois.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO)  Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Thursday a settlement with an alternative energy supplier over allegations of the use of deceptive tactics to convince consumers to switch over from their default public utility to their more expensive offerings.

The settlement was reached with Palmco Power IL, which operates under the name Indra Energy and will provide restitution to Illinois residential customers who received electricity from the company for 30 days or more, beginning October 2017.

The refund amounts will be based on the customers electricity usage, according to a press release.

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Thousands of Illinoisans were contacted by Indra with promises of lower electricity rates and overall cost savings on their energy bills. In reality, consumers ended up paying more in energy costs than if they had stayed with their public utility company, Raoul said. My office is committed to protecting Illinois consumers from deceptive practices utilized by some alternative retail electric suppliers, and preventing people from overpaying for the energy they need.

The complaint alleges that Indra falsely claimed to be affiliated with ComEd or Ameren; promised free, government subsidizes tablet computers in exchange for enrollment; and engaged in telephone solicitations without consumer consent and misrepresented the total amount consumers would pay if they switched to Indra.

The attorney general said customers who switched to Indra virtually always paid more than if they had stayed with their public utility.

Under the agreement, Indra must stop marketing and enrolling Illinois customers for 18 months, and if it resumes, be monitored for two years.

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QUITO (Reuters) - The IMF on Thursday said its executive board completed the first review of an extended fund facility for Ecuador, allowing for an immediate disbursement of around $500 million.

In a statement, the IMF noted Ecuador's "significant progress" implementing its economic reform program.

"The authorities' strong and decisive policy efforts helped safeguard macroeconomic stability, strengthen the fiscal and external positions, and protect vulnerable groups amid a challenging environment," the IMF said.

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The latest disbursement is part of the $4 billion four-year arrangement that the IMF's executive board approved in May and follows an initial disbursement of $1 billion.

The IMF "signals that the country has considerably strengthened the sustainability of its public finances and has advanced in the implementation of important structural reforms," Ecuador's government said in a statement.

(Reporting by Costas Pitas in Los Angeles and Alexandra Valencia in Quito; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Julia Symmes Cobb)
Dec. 18Asylum seeker detainees in a New Mexico detention center face widespread medical neglect, the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center claims in a new complaint.

Filed with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties on Dec. 9, the complaint claims the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan has "inadequate or nonexistent" medical care. The law center is calling for an investigation into what it calls the "systemic, needless suffering" of detainees  including health risks incurred by an alleged drug smuggling ring involving prison staff.

"The rate at which both serious and routine medical issues are ignored, improperly attended, or even mocked, is staggering," claims the 60-page report, which includes testimonials from detainees, medical complaint forms and correspondence with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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While the complaint claims on-site staff's apathy toward medical needs, it also says the prison's medical positions are understaffed, with only 55% of them filled as of Dec. 4, according to a confirmation from ICE's El Paso field office. The staffing shortage creates "extreme risks" for detainees, the report says.

The correctional center is a private prison contracted by ICE and owned and operated by CoreCivic, which owns two other prisons in New Mexico, including the migrant detention center at the Torrance County Detention Facility.

'Horrific conditions'

One claimant named in the report, Erick Andrade, says he experienced medical neglect at both the Torrance and Cibola facilities.

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Andrade, a 34-year-old Venezuelan father who said he fled his country to escape political repression, arrived at the U.S. border seeking asylum in December 2023. What followed for Andrade, the report says, was months of "horrific conditions of confinement, medical neglect, coercion and mistreatment by ICE and CoreCivic officials" at both facilities.

In January, the Venezuelan government announced the end of deportation flights to the country. ICE gave Andrade and hundreds of Venezuelans in New Mexico a choice: accept deportation to Mexico or remain in detention indefinitely.

Andrade accepted his deportation, despite his fears of facing repression in Mexico. Since being deported, he has been diagnosed with an intrathoracic air bubble, an abdominal hernia and a urinary tract infection. He has also been robbed multiple times, the report says, but it said he is afraid to go to the police out of fear of further extortion by officials.

He was also dismayed to learn, according to the complaint, that soon after his deportation, the Venezuelans who chose to remain in New Mexico detention centers were later transferred and released.

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Another detainee, a 19-year-old male whose name is redacted, reportedly experienced at least one epileptic seizure as a result of the center's sporadic administration of medication. Several detainees were also cited in the complaint as being provided inadequate or no medication and were told to purchase more from the prison's commissary, which many were unable to afford, the complaint says.

The complaint also claims detainees are endangered by drug-trafficking activities conducted by staff and inmates in the prison, citing the arrest of several inmates in the fall as part of an investigation into an "intergang conspiracy involving both incarcerated and non-incarcerated gang members," according to a news release from the U.S. attorney for New Mexico.

Confidential informants said they watched a Cibola prison staff member place a package containing drugs, including fentanyl, on a food tray that would be delivered to inmates within the facility, and they said food trays are a common method for moving drugs around the facility. Another informant reported a corrections officer smuggled methamphetamine and the opioid Suboxone into the facility in their boots, according to an Oct. 29 affidavit in support of an FBI search warrant.

The complaint calls upon the Department of Homeland Security to investigate medical practices at the Cibola facility and ensure ICE and CoreCivic are held responsible for the violation of federal detention standards. It also calls for changes to ensure adequate medical care is provided to detainees.

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CoreCivic responds

CoreCivic spokesperson Ryan Gustin said in a statement providing health care is "a critical component of our mission and a major part of the positive impact we make for those in our care." He said the Cibola facility has an on-site clinic "staffed with licensed, credentialed healthcare professionals" and ensures access to off-site care when needed.

"It's important to understand that our care management approach considers the unique needs of the people at CCCC," he wrote. "Many of them have had little access to medical treatment in their lives. They also have a higher-than-average degree of chronic and acute care needs. These factors are all considered by our health services team as they work to provide the best possible care to these individuals."

He said everyone entering the facility receives a "thorough health assessment" and the facility both routinely treats common illnesses and "monitor[s] patients with chronic conditions to help them manage their health long-term."

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Everyone at the facility, he wrote, has daily access to sign up for medical care and there is 24-hour service for emergencies. The facility operates "with a significant amount of oversight and accountability," he wrote.

"CCCC adheres to all ICE standards, and we're monitored by ICE officials on a daily basis," he wrote. "CCCC is also audited regularly and without notice several times a year, and we're routinely visited by elected officials, attorneys, families and volunteers."
Snow and rain are forecast to move into the Ohio Valley region on Friday.

According to a hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service in Wilmington, light snow, or a snow and rain mix, is likely to hit Greater Cincinnati on Friday. However, precipitation is expected to taper off by Friday evening.

Forecasters are calling for snow accumulations of an inch or less. Some slick spots may be possible, especially if wet surfaces refreeze Friday night as temperatures drop to well below freezing.

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Friday's highs will range from the lower to mid-30s. Colder air will filter south into the area overnight, with lows ranging from the upper teens to the upper 20s.

Before the snow falls, expect mainly cloudy skies and highs in the mid to upper 30s on Thursday.

Everyone should see some snow on Friday, with an inch or better likely north of Dayton and west of Columbus. Closer to the Ohio River, a quarter inch of accumulation will be more representative. pic.twitter.com/m5cnaxWqrY  NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) December 19, 2024

Will Cincinnati have a white Christmas?

According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, there's "a chance" the Ohio Valley could see a white Christmas.

The outlet also predicts snowfall will be "below normal" in the far eastern U.S. and "above normal elsewhere" this winter.

"The snowiest periods will be in late December, from late January into early February, in late February, and in mid-March," The Old Farmers' Almanac forecast predicts.

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However, the National Weather Service is currently predicting that rain will spread over Greater Cincinnati Monday through Wednesday evening. Warmer conditions are also expected to return next week for the Christmas holiday.

Detailed 7-day Cincinnati weather forecast

Thursday: Cloudy, with a high near 38. Light and variable wind.

Thursday night: A chance of rain and snow between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., then a chance of snow after 5 a.m. Cloudy, with a low of around 33. South wind 3 to 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.

Friday: Rain and snow likely before 9 a.m., then snow. High near 35. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

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Friday night: A slight chance of snow before 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low of around 26. North wind 7 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 35. North wind 3 to 6 mph.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low of around 19.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 33.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 43.

Tuesday (Christmas Eve): A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 45. The chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday (Christmas Day): A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

Source: National Weather Service, Wilmington.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Up to an inch of snow possible on Friday, but what about Christmas?
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand  Eleven years after its keel was laid, India has taken receipt of a 3,900-ton guided missile frigate from Russia.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a significant milestone in the longstanding friendship between India and Russia, with the two nations bound together by mutual trust and a special and strategic privileged partnership.

The ceremony for this Project 1135.6-class warship, christened INS Tushil, took place in a wintry Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad earlier this month.

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The warship was originally destined to join the Russian Navy, but it was diverted to Delhi after India contracted for two frigates in October 2016. Sister ship INS Tamala is due for handover in the first quarter of 2025.

India already has six frigates of this Talwar class in service  three built in the Baltiysky shipyard, St. Petersburg, and three in Kaliningrad.

Viraj Solanki, Research Fellow for South and Central Asian Defence, Strategy and Diplomacy at the U.K.-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Defense News that Russia remains a key defense partner for India.

Indias armed forces have long relied heavily on Russian weapons and military equipment, and that dependence will not change soon, Solanki said.

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INS Tushil, carrying BrahMos supersonic missiles, will join the Indian Navys Western Fleet.

After being launched in October 2021, its first sea trials occurred in January ahead of delivery acceptance trials that concluded in September.

The Indian government boasted that the warship packs a lethal punch and is an impressive blend of Russian and Indian cutting-edge technologies and best practices in warship construction, per a statement.

Levels of Indian content reached 26%, including 33 Indian-made systems.

However, Moscows war with Ukraine has encouraged India to prioritize locally built warships rather than Russian ones. In September, for example, Delhi granted acceptance of necessity for seven Project 17B frigates to be constructed in India.

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Although India is seeking to rely less on Russia for defense equipment, the sheer amount of Russian-made equipment operated by the Indian armed forces is so great that itll take a long time to make any significant dent, Solanki said.

Still, he added, India has sought to diversify its equipment suppliers in recent years. This has included co-development and co-production of equipment through joint ventures between foreign and Indian companies. At the same time, India has been seeking to enhance its own indigenous defense capabilities.

India is widening the scope of its naval operations too, from the Gulf of Oman to the Gulf of Aden, from the Suez to Malacca, and from Australia to Madagascar. Singh said the navy is playing the essential role of a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
NEW YORK  Ingrid Lewis-Martin, New York Mayor Eric Adams recently resigned chief adviser, her adult son and two real estate investors were indicted on bribery and money laundering charges by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office Thursday.

Lewis-Martin and her son, Glenn Martin II, are accused of using her government influence to push construction projects through the Department of Buildings complicated processes in exchange for $100,000 as well as business investment commitments from the real estate investors, Mayank Dwivedi and Raizada Vaid.

In a press conference before their arraignments, Bragg called their alleged crimes corruption at the highest level of city government that could be summed up in three words: Quid pro quo.

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Lewis-Martin acted as an on-call consultant for Vaid and Dwivedi, serving at their pleasure to resolve whatever issues they had with DOB on their construction projects, and she did so without concern for security considerations and with utter and complete disregard for DOB expertise and the public servants who work there, Bragg told reporters at his office.

He added: It was not what is in the best interest of the City of New York and those who live here and those who commute here, those who visit here. Plain and simple: It was for the best interest of the defendants.

Lewis-Martin, who was led into the courtroom Thursday afternoon in handcuffs, pleaded not guilty, as did the other three defendants. They were all placed on supervised release, required to surrender their passports.

The indictment says that Lewis-Martin and her son, a DJ who goes by Suave Luciano, accepted financial support from Vaid, known as Pinky, and Dwivedi for the sons business ventures, including a clothing line and a Chick-fil-A franchise, in exchange for Lewis-Martins help.

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Both businessmen had construction permits pending with the citys Department of Buildings. Starting in November 2022, the two real estate investors asked Lewis-Martin to help with a rejected construction application for a hotel on Rivington Street on the Lower East Side and a stalled application for a rooftop bar called the Glass Ceiling in Midtown.

According to the indictment, on Nov. 16, 2022, Dwivedi texted Vaid: Ingrid Madam is needed.

Lewis-Martin then allegedly asked Kazimir Vilenchik, then acting commissioner of DOB, to approve the two applications. A couple weeks later, she told Vaid to use Signal, an encrypted messaging app, according to the indictment.

Pinky (Vaid) has you completely covered, Lewis-Martin wrote to her son after the meeting. You(r) fashion line is 100%. Call him later.

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In January 2023, the two again asked Lewis-Martin for help, and again, she reached out to Vilenchik, according to the indictment. Later on, Lewis-Martin allegedly used her son as an intermediary for her dealings with the two businessmen.

In August 2023, Martin II received two payments of $50,000  a cashiers check from Dwivedis company and a personal check from Vaid. The son deposited the $100,000 into joint bank accounts held with his mother and then transferring $50,000 to his DJ business, according to the indictment. He then used that money to ultimately buy a Porsche.

The alleged quid pro quo relationship continued as late as June 2024, as the son sought their backing for a Chick-fil-A franchise, according to court papers.

All four have been charged with conspiracy, with each of the real estate investors hit with bribery charges, and Lewis-Martin and her son are charged with bribe receiving and money laundering, according to the indictment, which was unsealed just before 1 p.m. on Thursday.

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Lewis-Martin and her son, Glenn Martin II, arrived at Braggs office in downtown Manhattan around 7:30 a.m. to turn themselves in.

Lewis-Martin smiled and exchanged some quick words with officers assigned to the DAs office while her son stayed quiet before they both walked inside. They are expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon.

Lewis-Martin is a longtime friend of Adams and one of his closest confidantes, having worked for him going back to his days as a state senator representing Brooklyn.

She abruptly resigned from her powerful post as City Halls chief adviser Sunday  just hours before news broke that she would soon be facing charges. Her son is also close with Adams and refers to the mayor as his uncle.

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Lewis-Martins departure was the latest in a string of high-profile resignations from City Hall as Adams remains under federal indictment on charges alleging he solicited bribes and illegal campaign cash, mostly from Turkish government operatives, in exchange for political favors.

Previously, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Schools Chancellor David Banks, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, senior public safety adviser Tim Pearson and Asian affairs director Winnie Greco all resigned after being ensnared in several separate federal corruption probes.

Adams has pleaded not guilty, while Lewis-Martin told reporters Monday  before the specifics of the charges against her were known  that she would be falsely accused of something. Besides the mayor, shes the most high-profile Adams administration official to face criminal charges.

The DA has an incomplete and inaccurate view of the facts. We look forward to setting the record straight and proving Mr. Dwivedis complete innocence, Teny Geragos, a lawyer for Mayank Dwivedi, one of the businessmen expected to be charged, said, prior to the indictment being unsealed.

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Investigators with the DAs office seized Lewis-Martins phone and searched her Brooklyn home right after she returned to JFK Airport from a trip to Japan in September. Federal agents also served her with a subpoena at the airport requiring her to provide grand jury testimony and documents in the probe that resulted in the mayors indictment.

Also in September, DA investigators seized devices from several individuals who accompanied Lewis-Martin on her Japan trip, including Jesse Hamilton, a former state senator who now manages the Adams administrations vast real estate portfolio, and Diana Boutross, a top broker at the Cushman & Wakefield real estate firm.

The Boutross and Hamilton seizures are believed to be part of an investigation looking into possible corruption in the city governments commercial real leasing sector. No one has been publicly accused of wrongdoing in connection with that inquiry to date.
By Lisa Baertlein and Abhinav Parmar

(Reuters) -FedEx (FDX) announced the much-anticipated spinoff of its freight trucking division on Thursday, as it restructures operations to focus on its core delivery business.

Shares jumped 7% in premarket trading, adding $5 billion to FedEx's market capitalization.

Analysts believe the spinoff could unlock up to $20 billion in shareholder value, while clearing the way for FedEx management to zero in on merging operations of its separate Express and Ground units to boost profits. They say FedEx Freight assets were not fully appreciated within FedEx and that spinning off the trucking business as a publicly-held entity will provide an opportunity to expand and improve its operations.

Freight is one of FedEx's most profitable businesses, said Edward Jones analyst Faisal Hersi. The company trades at a relative discount to its publicly held trucking rivals like XPO and Old Dominion, meaning that making it an independent company will create value for investors, he said.

"We are encouraged that the company listened to shareholder feedback and is pursuing this route," Stephens analyst Daniel Imbro said of the spinoff.

FedEx Freight is the largest U.S. provider of less-than-truckload services, which involve carrying multiple shipments from different customers on a single truck; the shipments are then routed through a network of service centers where they get transferred to other trucks with similar destinations. The unit's revenue fell 11% to $2.17 billion during the fiscal second quarter ended Nov. 30.

Executives said FedEx Freight lost some cost-conscious customers that it had picked up after the bankruptcy of rival Yellow Corp and that the business appeared to have bottomed during the most recent quarter.

The after-hours rally in FedEx shares came despite its warning that 2025 revenue could be held back by a stubbornly challenging environment, with demand for its fastest and most lucrative deliveries from business customers remaining weak.

As a result, Memphis-based FedEx lowered its profit outlook for the full year ending May 2025, calling for adjusted profit of $19 to $20 per share. In September, FedEx cut the top end of its full-year adjusted operating income to between $20 and $21 per share from its previous range of $20 to $22 per share.

FedEx second-quarter adjusted profit fell to $0.99 billion, or $4.05 per share, from $1.01 billion, or $3.99 per share, a year earlier. Nevertheless, the result from the latest quarter topped analysts' average call for earnings of $3.90 per share, according to LSEG.
Anita Hofschneider

Grist

Julian Aguon wore a dark blue suit and garland made of white coconut fronds, brown hibiscus tree bark, and brown cowry shells. Under the arched ceilings and chandeliers of the Peace Palace in The Hague, he stepped to the podium to make his case to the International Court of Justice.

The right to self-determination is a cornerstone of the international legal order, Aguon told the 15 judges who make up the court. Yet climate change, and the conduct responsible for it, has already infringed the right to self-determination for the many peoples of Melanesia.

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The International Court of Justice, or ICJ, normally hears disputes over lands and waters between countries, but sometimes it takes on cases of broader global resonance. This was one of them: Aguon was arguing on behalf of Pacific island nations thousands of miles away that hope to hold accountable the countries most responsible for climate change. The 42-year-old attorney from Guam spent five years working toward this moment, along with his co-counsel, Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh. Now, he sought to underscore what was at stake.

The peoples of Melanesia live exceptionally close to the Earth, and thus feel the vandalism visited upon it acutely, he said. Moreover, theirs represents living, breathing alternative imaginations  imaginations other than the one that has brought this planet to the brink of ecological collapse. Thus, ensuring they are able to live and thrive in their ancestral spaces is of the utmost importance, and not only for themselves, but for all of humanity.

Aguon grew up on Guam, the son of a plumber and a social worker. His childhood consisted of playing in jungles with his cousins, where elders warned them to avoid anything metal in case it was leftover ordnance from World War II; family gatherings to pray the rosary in the Chamorro language; and absorbing a cultural devotion to serving ones community. His dad worked short stints for various employers, including at a naval ship repair facility, and died of pancreatic cancer when Aguon was 9. Aguon has wondered if his death was related to U.S. military pollution.

At the time, his fathers death led his family to disintegrate, and Aguon buried himself in books like "The House on Mango Street," the story of a Chicana girl growing up in Chicago  a coping mechanism that deepened his empathy and drive for justice. A quote from James Baldwin resonates with Aguon today: You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read.

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Grief so often has an isolating effect that it need not have, Aguon told Grist. I feel like my grief has been a bridge that Ive walked across to get to other people.

Julian Aguon as a small child in the 1980s, with his sister and grandma outside of their Tamuning house on Guam. Now an attorney, Aguon is fighting for climate justice in the worlds highest court (Photo courtesy of Grist)

In the 1990s, when Aguon was a kid, a massive typhoon hit Guam. The windows and sliding glass door in his home shattered, and Aguon, his brother, sister, and mother propped a mattress up in their living room and hid behind it. Aguon remembers tracing the mattress embroidered flowers with his finger as the family waited for the winds to pass. Years later, he would read a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that predicted the coming of even stronger cyclones.

At that moment I was like, Wow, weve already been through so much, he said. How much more extreme would the storms get? How much more would his community have to endure? I had a really shocking sense of the scale.

The case before the ICJ, led by Aguons law firm, Blue Ocean Law, hopes to establish legal consequences for nations that have driven climate change, and illuminate what obligations those countries owe to people harmed.

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The court is being asked to provide an advisory opinion to clarify the legal obligations of countries under existing international law. Aguon describes it as a request for an objective yardstick by which to measure those countries actions, which could open the door to a new era of climate reparations.

Ten-year-old Julian Aguon speaks on the one-year anniversary of his fathers death. Now an attorney, Aguon is fighting for climate justice in the worlds highest court in The Hague. (Photo courtesy of Grist)

After Aguon and Wewerinke-Singh exited the courtroom last week, they joined a press conference before the palaces marble staircase near its front entrance. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatus top climate official, told reporters that the island nation deliberately chose Blue Ocean Law to represent them at the ICJ because the Indigenous-led firm would not only represent them legally, but culturally.

This is a case about our identity as Pacific Islanders, our human rights as citizens of this planet, and the responsibilities that states have to ensure our human rights and our cultural identity and our essence and our future is protected, Regenvanu said.

If the ICJ delivers the advisory opinion Vanuatu is seeking, Aguon hopes Indigenous peoples will be able to leverage that opinion in climate-related lawsuits against their governments and file human rights complaints against both countries and corporations. Given the climate impacts Indigenous peoples are already experiencing, the stakes couldnt be higher.

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In the summer of 2010, then-28-year-old Aguon was just a year out of law school and was looking for a job after finishing up a clerkship with Guams Supreme Court. He wanted to work in international and human rights law, but no firms specialized in that on Guam, the largest island in the Pacific region of Micronesia thats home to about 160,000 people. Well-established lawyers on the island discouraged him from trying to start a new firm from scratch: Why not work for a few years, get some more experience, they suggested.

They were right, in some ways, Aguon said. I did lack experience, but I didnt necessarily need the experience that they had, because I wanted to do something different.

What he envisioned was a law firm that could advocate on behalf of Indigenous peoples in the Pacific: communities like the Marshallese, which are still fighting for justice after decades of U.S. nuclear testing; like the people of Tuvalu, where rising seas are threatening to eliminate entire islands; and the Chamorros, like Aguon, where an ever-expanding American military presence increasingly stresses the islands lands and waters.

To accomplish that, Aguon would need to be licensed to practice law in multiple countries. He spent months studying for and passing bar exams not only on Guam, but also in the Marshall Islands and Palau. He opened a solo law practice in 2010 in a tiny office in the village of Hagatna, Guams capital. At first he worked locally, providing legal counsel to Guams Legislature and defending the island governments plans for an Indigenous-only vote on the islands political status. As his workload grew and his clientele expanded, he opened up Blue Ocean Law in 2014, and began to hire staff attorneys who saw the law the way he did: as a tool for social change that is both severely limited and potentially emancipatory.

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We are a small team of activist lawyers, social change lawyers, Aguon said. His colleagues include his ICJ co-lead Wewerinke-Singh, who has worked on climate litigation across multiple regions and U.N. courts; Alofipo Soo alo Fleur Ramsay, a Samoan attorney whose environmental justice work in Australia and in the Pacific has earned her chiefly orator titles from two villages in Samoa; and Watna Mori, a Melanesian lawyer from Papua New Guinea whose expertise in human rights and environmental law extends to advocacy for legal systems that value Indigenous knowledge systems.

Blue Ocean Law now includes seven attorneys, whose work spans Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, the three major regions of the Pacific.

Over the next decade, Aguon argued for Guams right to self-determination before a U.S. federal appeals court in Honolulu, defending the islands effort to limit a vote on Guams political status to Indigenous Chamorros. (Chamorro is also spelled CHamoru, but Aguon prefers the former). He lost, and Guam has yet to schedule a vote.

But Aguon is still proud of one aspect of the judges decision, which recognizes a legal distinction between racial and ancestry classifications. From now on, for all Indigenous peoples living under U.S. rule, there is now a case that formally and comprehensively disentangles those two concepts, which means that Native peoples throughout the country can cite it to argue that some ancestral classifications are not the same as racial classifications, he said.

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After losing in federal court, Aguon and his team took their advocacy on behalf of the people of Guam to the United Nations. The island is still formally recognized by the U.N. as a colony, and first became an American military outpost at the turn of the 20th century. For decades, the U.S. refused to grant Chamorros U.S. citizenship, and instead forced them to live under a carousel of capricious naval governors who banned everything from the Chamorro language to interracial marriage to whistling.

Law is the vocabulary of the powerful in so many instances, Aguon said. The U.S. military was probably my greatest teacher in that regard.

His firm has advised the Marshall Islands government on its legal options as it continues to contend with the legacy of U.S. nuclear tests. Aguon and his colleagues have also worked with organizations and legislatures in Pacific countries like Fiji to consult on the risks of deep-sea mining.

Aguons team has filed complaints about human rights violations by the U.S. military against the Chamorro people with the United Nations, prompting three U.N. rapporteurs to issue a joint letter in 2021 criticizing the U.S. for denying the Chamorro people their right to self-determination.

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Just last month, Blue Ocean Law filed a complaint with the U.N. Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples on behalf of youth from Palau who say U.S. militarization in their islands is violating their rights, including their right to freely consent to what happens on their land.

Were consistently taking on the U.S. empire in all of these cases, Aguon said.

In 2006, the same year that Aguon went to law school, the U.S. military proposed a massive expansion of its presence on Guam, deciding to move its Marine Corps base to Guam from Okinawa after local opposition to the soldiers presence became impossible to ignore. (At the heart of the anti-military protests were concerns about American soldiers sexual violence against Okinawan women and girls, including the 1995 rape of a 12-year-old by two Marines and a Navy sailor.)

Between the 8,000 service members, their 9,000 dependents, and the tens of thousands of construction workers and other staff needed to create more facilities for the new base, the military estimated there would be an influx of 80,000 people on Guam, increasing its population at the time by more than half. Its good for the strategic interests of America, retired Marine Corps Major General David Bice told the Guam Chamber of Commerce in 2007. Its good for our friends in the Pacific, and its also good for Guam.

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The community balked. Aguon felt that the military used language to obfuscate rather than illuminate the reality of their impact on Guam. For example, live-fire training was a euphemism that could refer to anything from machine gun firing to large-scale bombing practice. Environmental impact encompassed the destruction of cultural sites dating back more than 1,000 years. Readiness referred to the militarys ability to respond to threats, but it wasnt always clear whether the Indigenous people were among those the U.S. cared about protecting.

The law is about hyper-vigilance, hyper-attentiveness to how language is being used and deployed, Aguon said. Often it is being weaponized against people most in need of this protection.

Litigation and community protests forced the Department of Defense to shrink its military relocation to 5,000 troops, and change the location of its planned firing range. The new Marine Corps base opened last year, and a machine-gun practice range is being built adjacent to a federal wildlife refuge.

Aguon sees the law as a single tool among many to push back against this entrenched militarism that he sees echoed around the world, from Honolulu to Gaza. To him, what will ultimately effect change is solidarity.

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Were up against such huge, gigantic, colossal forces, Aguon said. Im casting my net of hope in that direction, that the peoples of the world  from the ground up  can really find more effective ways to confront these forces that were up against.

In 2017, Aguon sat in Straub Hospital in Honolulu and held the hand of a longtime mentor, Marshallese leader Tony de Brum, who is known internationally for his global leadership in fighting climate change. De Brum had served as a father figure after Aguons dad passed and helped inspire his passion for climate justice. Give them hell, de Brum said, before he too died. Four years later, Aguon was named a Pulitzer finalist for a screed on climate change in the Pacific: To Hell With Drowning.

When Vanuatu asked for his law firms help with its climate change case five years ago, Aguon hadnt ever argued before the ICJ and wasnt intimately familiar with the particularities of its proceedings.

The ICJ only accepts cases brought by U.N. member states, and because the U.S. never relinquished Guam, the island territory doesnt have the right to file cases there. The same is true for countless Indigenous nations throughout the world whose borders are missing from most maps: The highest court in the United Nations doesnt have a seat for them, and so their voices are rarely heard. That echoes other venues of the U.N., where Indigenous peoples are often left out of key negotiating rooms because their nations dont have U.N. member state status and they lack representation within their colonial governments.

A group of climate activists demonstrate in front of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, on Dec. 2, 2024. (Photo by Lina Selg/ANP/AFP/ Netherlands via Getty Images via Grist)

The ICJ proceedings are more state- and international-organizations-focused, less people centered, where engagement by civil society is quite restricted, and Indigenous peoples do not have a direct pathway for engagement in the court, said Joie Chowdhury, a senior attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law who has also assisted on the climate case. Thats in contrast to other U.N. legal venues like the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, she said. So there is no easy pathway for Indigenous peoples engagement, and especially in this case, that would be important given their tremendous knowledge and expertise in climate change and biodiversity.

Sometimes, nongovernmental organizations may intercede, as in this ICJ case where a dozen were approved to participate. In addition to representing Vanuatu, Aguons team is also representing the Melanesian Spearhead Group, a nongovernmental organization that consists of Melanesian Pacific island states. The organization also includes the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front, which represents the Indigenous Kanak people of New Caledonia who are fighting for independence from France.

Bringing a case before the ICJ requires specific knowledge and meaningful funding, and often parties are represented by a cottage industry of attorneys who specialize in the ICJ and are familiar with its proceedings. This is only the second time that a Pacific state has sought an advisory opinion from the ICJ. The last time was in 1996, when the Marshall Islands asked the judges to weigh in on whether detonating or threatening to use nuclear weapons violated international law. The judges said that it may be legal in extreme cases of self-defense.

Many of these countries that have never argued before the ICJ before are actually not just coming to argue their case, but leading from the front, said Chowdury from the Center for International Environmental Law. It is showing and demonstrating to the world that this is an avenue of justice.

Representatives from Pacific island nations gather outside the International Court of Justice on Dec. 2, 2024. More than 100 nations and organizations are seeking an advisory opinion from the top United Nations court on what countries are legally obligated to do to fight climate change and help affected nations mitigate its impact. (Photo by Michel Porro/Getty Images via Grist)

Just getting on the court docket is a challenge and, in this case, required getting a resolution approved by the U.N. General Assembly. The case was originally launched in 2019 by law students at the University of the South Pacific, who took a ground-up approach to persuading U.N. General Assembly members in the Pacific and beyond to formally request an ICJ advisory opinion. As their campaign grew, Aguon found himself and his staff providing input at all hours of the day every time a word or comma changed in the draft that circulated among U.N. delegates.

The case morphed into the largest-ever in ICJs history. Overall, 97 countries and 12 nongovernmental organizations are urging the court to weigh in on what major polluting countries owe to the peoples and nations who have been harmed by their relentless carbon emissions. Aguon spoke on the first day, but oral arguments were scheduled for the first full two weeks of December. Its not clear when an opinion will be rendered.

In the meantime, Aguon hopes that not only the court but the world will pay attention to the stories that the case is revealing about the cost of climate change to Pacific peoples. During the press conference near the entrance of the Peace Palace, he told the story of one of the villages he visited when collecting witness testimony for the case.

There is a village at the mouth of a river in the Gulf province of Papua New Guinea, that is on the move again. The people of Vairibari, whose ancestors have lived along the banks of the Kikori River Delta since time immemorial, have already moved four times due to sea level rise. This will be their fifth and final relocation. Final, because there is simply no more inland to go, Aguon said.

A planning committee has been formed to handle the logistics. Among other things, the villagers are debating about how best to relocate the remains of their deceased relatives, because storm surges have already begun washing away the dead. The people of Vairibari want nothing more than to stay. But climate change is making that option all but impossible.
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has said he might pardon people who engaged in graft if they return what they stole, underlining his commitment to tackle corruption.

Speaking before hundreds of Indonesian university students in Cairo on Wednesday during his visit to Egypt, Prabowo said he would implement a plan to retrieve ill-gotten gains in the coming weeks or months.

"Hey you corrupters, or those who feel that you have stolen from the people, if you return what you stole, we might forgive you. But please return it," Prabowo said.

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He did not give details on his plan, but said his government might provide ways for wrongdoers to discreetly return what was stolen.

Prabowo took office in Oct. 20 and vowed to eradicate corruption and introduce a "realistic" approach to preventing it by increasing wages of state officials entrusted with large budgets.

Experts have highlighted a slowdown in Indonesia's anti-corruption drive during the 10-year administration of his predecessor, Joko Widodo.

Prabowo also warned any Indonesian who received incentives offered by the state to "pay their obligation". It was not immediately clear what he was referring to.

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"As long as you pay your obligation, abiding by the law, then we will look to the future, we will not bring up what happens in the past," he said, without elaborating.

Indonesia under Widodo had a tax amnesty programme where the government provided opportunities for individuals to declare obligations or assets they had not paid tax on, in a move aimed at boosting tax compliance.

Indonesia's law minister did not immediately respond to a request for clarification about Prabowo's plans.

Prabowo's amnesty idea follows his decision last week to pardon about 44,000 prisoners - about 30% of the prison population - from drug offenders to activists convicted of defamation and people jailed in the restive province of Papua for criticising the government.

(Reporting by Ananda Teresia; Editing by Martin Petty)
NEW YORK  Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Mayor Adams recently resigned chief adviser, used her influence for years to expedite construction projects on behalf of two real estate moguls who in exchange gave her son $100,000 for a Porsche and invested in his business ventures, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday.

The bombshell indictment, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, charges Lewis-Martin; her son, Glenn Martin II; and the two businessmen, Mayank Dwivedi and Raizada Pinky Vaid, with conspiracy, bribery, bribe receiving and money laundering.

The $100,000 bribe was allegedly deposited into a joint bank account kept by Lewis-Martin and her son, a professional DJ known as Suave Luciano who then used most of the cash to buy a Porsche, prosecutors allege. Some of the cash was also spent by the mother and son on luxury items and other personal expenses, court papers say.

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Bragg, at a press conference, called the alleged crimes corruption at the highest level of city government that could be summed up in three words: Quid pro quo.

Lewis-Martin acted as an on-call consultant for Vaid and Dwivedi, serving at their pleasure to resolve whatever issues they had with DOB on their construction projects, and she did so without concern for security considerations and with utter and complete disregard for DOB expertise, Bragg told reporters at his office.

Later, Lewis-Martin was led into a 15th floor Manhattan Criminal Court room in handcuffs, along with her son, Dwivedi and Vaid. All four pleaded not guilty, and were released on the conditions they surrender their passports and not take domestic trips exceeding seven days without court approval.

Not. I am not guilty, Lewis-Martin told Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Daniel Conviser during the arraignment.

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Arthur Aidala, Lewis-Martins lawyer, called the charges ridiculous after the court appearance.

There was a business arrangement between her son and them that was totally legitimate, and Ingrid knew nothing about it, nothing, the lawyer said of the alleged quid pro quo relationship.

The alleged scheme

Dwivedi and Vaid first met Lewis-Martin and her son in January 2022, the month Adams took office, when the top City Hall adviser invited them to Gracie Mansion where the mayor would be meeting with foreign dignitaries, according to the indictment.

While his mother continued to pull levers at the city Department of Buildings to get the businessmens real estate projects prioritized for approvals, prosecutors say Dwivedi and Vaid committed to pour money into the younger Martins business ventures, including a fashion line and a Chik-fil-A franchise.

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Vaid and Dwivedi had multiple construction permits pending with the citys Department of Buildings at the time of the Gracie event, and starting in November 2022, they asked Lewis-Martin to help with a rejected construction application for a hotel, Hotel on Rivington, on the Lower East Side and a stalled application for a rooftop bar called the Glass Ceiling in Midtown.

Asked whether the mayor was aware of any of his top advisers alleged activities, Kayla Mamelak, the mayors spokeswoman, said in an email: I would refer you to DA Braggs own words: These charges do not allege any criminal conduct by Mayor Eric Adams. The mayor is not a target of our investigation.'

According to the indictment, on Nov. 16, 2022, Dwivedi texted Vaid about their stalled projects: Ingrid Madam is needed.

Lewis-Martin then allegedly asked Kazimir Vilenchik, then acting commissioner of the Buildings Department, to approve the two applications.

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A few weeks later, after Vaid had asked for more approvals, Lewis-Martin emphasized the need for secrecy and told him to use Signal, an encrypted messaging app, texting him: Please only use Signal for asks, the indictment says.

That same day, prosecutors say Lewis-Martin asked Vilenchik for more approvals for Vaid and then sent a text to her son, telling him the businessman had committed to invest in his fashion line.

Pinky (Vaid) has you completely covered, Lewis-Martin wrote to her son. You(r) fashion line is 100 percent. Call him later.

In January 2023, the two again asked Lewis-Martin for help, and again, she reached out to Vilenchik, the indictment says.

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Later on, Lewis-Martin allegedly used her son as an intermediary for her dealings with the two businessmen.

In light of the allegations, Department of Buildings spokesman Andrew Rudansky said late Thursday the agency is sending out inspectors to conduct field inspections of both locations, and we will be conducting audits of the construction applications associated with those properties.

A Porsche

In August 2023, Martin II received two payments of $50,000  a cashiers check from Dwivedis company and a personal check from Vaid. The son deposited the $100,000 into the joint bank account held with his mom and then transferred $50,000 to his DJ business, according to the indictment.

He then used that money to buy a Porsche, and the rest for personal expenses with his mom, according to prosecutors.

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In buying the Porsche, Martin II falsely told a car dealer his father was the source of the cash for the purchase, even having someone impersonate his dad in a call with the retailer, prosecutors say.

After purchasing the Porsche from a different dealer in Manhattan, MARTIN II sent LEWIS-MARTIN a photo of himself and his father with the car, prosecutors wrote in court papers. She responded cheekily, Is that your dad?'

The alleged quid pro quo relationship continued as late as June 2024, as the son sought the real estate investors backing for a Chick-fil-A franchise, according to court papers.

Im not playing. Your sister has to be rich! Im gonna retire, Lewis-Martin told an unidentified associate on an intercepted June 20 phone call while discussing securing financing for her sons Chik-fil-A franchise from the businessmen, according to the indictment.

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Assistant District Attorney Guy Tardanico said in court Thursday the prosecutors would turn over the states wiretap evidence if defense attorneys promise it's for attorneys eyes only.

Lewis-Martin is a longtime friend of Adams and one of his closest confidantes, having worked for him going back to his days as a state senator representing Brooklyn.

At City Hall, she was known as his main gatekeeper and political power broker until she abruptly resigned from her post Sunday  just hours before news broke that she would soon be facing charges. Her son is also close with Adams and refers to the mayor as his uncle and has performed multiple DJ sets at Gracie since he became mayor.

High-profile resignations

Lewis-Martins departure was the latest in a string of high-profile resignations from City Hall as Adams remains under federal indictment on charges alleging he solicited bribes and illegal campaign cash, mostly from Turkish government operatives, in exchange for political favors. He has pleaded not guilty.

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Previously, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Schools Chancellor David Banks, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, senior public safety adviser Tim Pearson and Asian affairs director Winnie Greco all resigned after being ensnared in several separate federal corruption probes.

Investigators with the DAs office seized Lewis-Martins phone and searched her Brooklyn home right after she returned to JFK Airport from a trip to Japan in September. Federal agents also served her with a subpoena at the airport requiring her to provide grand jury testimony and documents in the probe that resulted in Adams indictment.

Also in September, DA investigators seized devices from several individuals who accompanied Lewis-Martin on her Japan trip, including Jesse Hamilton, a former state senator who now manages the Adams administrations vast real estate portfolio, and Diana Boutross, a top broker at the Cushman & Wakefield real estate firm.

The Boutross and Hamilton seizures are believed to be part of an investigation looking into possible corruption involving Lewis-Martin and the city governments commercial real leasing sector. No one has been publicly accused of wrongdoing in connection with that inquiry.

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Tardanico, the prosecutor, said in court Lewis-Martin is subject to several ongoing investigations by this office.

As she exited the courtroom Thursday, Lewis-Martin hugged friends in the gallery.

_____
NEW YORK  Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Mayor Eric Adams recently resigned chief advisor, her adult son and two real estate investors were indicted on bribery and money laundering charges by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office Thursday.

Lewis-Martin and her son, Glenn Martin II, are accused of trading influence for $100,000 in cash and checks from the real estate investors, Mayank Dwivedi and Raizada Vaid.

From the moment Lewis-Martin became the second most senior person in City Hall, she abused her position and sold her influence to enrich herself and her family, Bragg wrote in court papers.

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Both businessmen had construction permits pending with the citys Department of Buildings and repeatedly contacted both Lewis-Martin and her son to speed up their applications and help reverse applications that had been rejected, according to the prosecutors.

Lewis-Martin allegedly contacted Kazimir Vilenchik, then acting commissioner of DOB, for help with their applications.

In August 2023, Martin II received two payments of $50,000 a cashiers check from Dwivedis company and a personal check from Vaid. The son deposited the $100,000 into joint bank accounts held with his mother and then transferring $50,000 to his DJ business, according to the indictment. He then used that money to ultimately buy a Porsche.

All four have been charged with conspiracy, with each of the real estate investors hit with bribery charges, and Lewis-Martin and her son are charged with bribe receiving and money laundering, according to the indictment, which was unsealed just before 1 p.m. on Thursday.

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Lewis-Martin and her son, Glenn Martin II, arrived at Braggs office in downtown Manhattan around 7:30 a.m. to turn themselves in.

Lewis-Martin smiled and exchanged some quick words with officers assigned to the DAs office while her son stayed quiet before they both walked inside. They are expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon.

Lewis-Martin is a longtime friend of Adams and one of his closest confidantes, having worked for him going back to his days as a state senator representing Brooklyn.

She abruptly resigned from her powerful post as City Halls chief adviser Sunday  just hours before news broke that she would soon be facing charges. Her son, a professional DJ who goes by Suave Luciano, is also close with Adams and refers to the mayor as his uncle.

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Lewis-Martins departure was the latest in a string of high-profile resignations from City Hall as Adams remains under federal indictment on charges alleging he solicited bribes and illegal campaign cash, mostly from Turkish government operatives, in exchange for political favors.

Previously, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Schools Chancellor David Banks, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, senior public safety adviser Tim Pearson and Asian affairs director Winnie Greco all resigned after being ensnared in several separate federal corruption probes.

Adams has pleaded not guilty, while Lewis-Martin told reporters Monday  before the specifics of the charges against her were known  that she would be falsely accused of something. Besides the mayor, shes the most high-profile Adams administration official to face criminal charges.

The DA has an incomplete and inaccurate view of the facts. We look forward to setting the record straight and proving Mr Dwivedis complete innocence, Teny Geragos, a lawyer for Mayank Dwivedi, one of the businessmen expected to be charged, said, prior to the indictment being unsealed.

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Investigators with the DAs office seized Lewis-Martins phone and searched her Brooklyn home right after she returned to JFK Airport from a trip to Japan in September. Federal agents also served her with a subpoena at the airport requiring her to provide grand jury testimony and documents in the probe that resulted in the mayors indictment.

The DAs office has declined to comment on details of its investigation into Lewis-Martin. Bragg is expected to hold a press conference to discuss the charges against Lewis-Martin, her son and the two businessmen before her afternoon arraignment.

Also in September, DA investigators seized devices from several individuals who accompanied Lewis-Martin on her Japan trip, including Jesse Hamilton, a former state senator who now manages the Adams administrations vast real estate portfolio, and Diana Boutross, a top broker at the Cushman & Wakefield real estate firm.

The Boutross and Hamilton seizures are believed to be part of an investigation looking into possible corruption in the city governments commercial real leasing sector. No one has been publicly accused of wrongdoing in connection with that inquiry to date.
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former chief adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, surrendered Thursday morning at the Manhattan District Attorneys Office on bribery and money laundering charges.

Lewis-Martin reported to the courthouse in lower Manhattan early Thursday with her son, Glenn Martin II, who faces the same charges.

Two real estate investors, Raizada Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi, also face bribery charges in the case.

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MORE: NYC Mayor Eric Adams to stand trial in April 2025 on federal corruption charges

The group is accused of engaging in a $100,000 bribery scheme while Lewis-Martin was in office, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Lewis-Martin resigned from her position on Sunday.

PHOTO: New York Mayor Eric Adams, and chief adviser to the mayor Ingrid Lewis-Martin, attend a press conference at City Hall, in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (Peter K. Afriyie/AP, FILE)

Vaid and Dwivedi are accused of paying Glenn Martin II $100,000 months after Lewis-Martin allegedly performed favors for the two men, including helping them with issues relating to construction permits and a family member's visa, according to the indictment.

Glenn Martin II allegedly used the money to buy a Porsche, prosecutors said.

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"When City officials monetize their office for personal gain, they undermine fundamental principles of integrity in government, diminish trust in public officials, and unfairly tarnish the reputations of the countless City employees who use their office solely to serve the public good," New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said in a press release after charges against Lewis-Martin were announced.

The case is separate from federal charges against Adams, sources told ABC News. Adams, who has denied any wrongdoing, is facing corruption charges over allegedly accepting years of luxury travel gifts in exchange for, among other things, persuading the fire department to approve the opening of the new Turkish consulate in Manhattan despite the lingering safety concerns of inspectors.

MORE: Phone seized from NYC mayor's chief adviser, lawyer says

Lewis-Martin's attorney, Arthur Aidala, said Monday that he expected her to be indicted in connection to allegedly improper gifts, according to WABC.

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"Pieces of puzzles are going to be put together to make it look as horrible as possible," Aidala, sitting alongside Lewis-Martin, told reporters Monday. "But we know the truth, and the truth is Ingrid Lewis-Martin never broke the law."

"I am being falsely accused of something," Lewis-Martin told reporters Monday. "I don't know exactly what it is, but I know that I was told that it is something that is illegal, and I have never done anything that is illegal in my capacity in government."

PHOTO: Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who abruptly resigned Sunday as New York Mayor Eric Adams' chief adviser, and her attorney Arthur Aidala, spoke during a news conference, in New York, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (Jake Offenhartz/AP)

Lewis-Martin had her cellphone seized in September when she returned from a trip to Japan and also had her home in Brooklyn searched.

Lewis-Martin has long been one of Adams' top confidantes as he climbed the political ladder. She served as a senior adviser to Adams for five years when he was a state senator and then as his chief of staff for another seven years. She also served as deputy Brooklyn borough president while Adams was the borough president. He announced Lewis-Martin would become his chief adviser in January 2022.

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, NYC Mayor Eric Adams' former chief adviser, surrenders on criminal charges originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Protesters Catherine Hayes and Rick Fisher hold signs outside the Kansas City Life Insurance Co. headquarters at a twice-weekly protest (Josh Merchant/The Beacon).

Dozens of homes and businesses on four blocks of the Valentine neighborhood have been razed over the past 120 years, demolished one by one from 80 at its peak in 1909 to 30 at the beginning of this year.

As 2024 comes to a close, only eight still stand in the area bordered by 33rd and 35th streets, Southwest Trafficway and Pennsylvania Avenue.

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Its like a wasteland, said Catherine Hayes, a Valentine resident for the past 40 years.

Her daughter, Sarah Hayes, was born in the neighborhood and finds it surreal to see the four blocks of her neighborhood nearly emptied.

I walk down there every single day in the summer, she said. Those people are gone. Those places are gone. Theres no getting them back.

After Kansas City Life Insurance Co. announced in September that it would demolish two dozen homes in the Valentine neighborhood, neighbors have gathered twice a week for the past month in small groups ranging from two to 10 people in front of the KC Life headquarters.

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They hold signs saying, KC Life Insurance kills homes and Honk if you hate the demo.

They board (the houses) up and let them sit there and fall apart, said Chris Jordan, the development chair for the Valentine Neighborhood Association. And then they decide that theyre going to tear them down because theyre in bad shape.

The company, meanwhile, contends its determined to improve the neighborhood.

By removing these vacant structures, it said in an emailed statement, we are laying the groundwork to redevelop this property in a manner that meets the needs of our City.

A KC Life spokesperson said in the statement that the company plans to develop the vacant lots with a mixed-use and residential project. But it declined to share additional details about the scope, timing or financing for anything on the empty lots.

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In that vacuum of detail, neighbors of KC Life have become increasingly frustrated about demolitions on the lots around them and how little they know, or can influence, the transformation of the neighborhood that some of them have called home for decades.

We dont want to see any more houses torn down without a plan in place, Jordan said.

Valentines strained relationship with Kansas City Life Insurance

Resentment towards Kansas City Life Insurance is in the Valentine Neighborhood Associations DNA.

The insurance company began buying properties behind its headquarters at 3520 Broadway in the 1960s. KC Life was one of six corporate sponsors of the Penn Valley Redevelopment Project in 1971, which would have cleared eight blocks of existing homes and businesses for an office park and higher-density housing. The plan included a 23-story headquarters for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, another corporate sponsor of the project.

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That is when the neighborhood association came together and said, Youre not forcing us out. We want to stay in our homes, Jordan said.

In 1997, a segment of 36th Street, one block from KC Lifes headquarters, was designated Joe Cigas Drive after the man who founded the neighborhood association in opposition to the redevelopment project and unsuccessfully sued KC Life in 1972.

Tensions flared up again in 2020, when KC Life demolished the Knickerbocker Apartments, a century-old apartment building that was on the National Register of Historic Places.

It had been held vacant for 18 years when KC Life determined that a fire had made the building unsalvageable.

Whats next for the Valentine neighborhood?

The Valentine Neighborhood Association was verbally told by Kansas City Life Insurance in September that all but two of the companys properties north of 35th Street would be demolished, Jordan said. That leaves two small apartment buildings and a single-family rental up for possible demolition in the future. All three buildings are occupied.

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Kansas City Life Insurance would not confirm the number of properties that it plans to demolish and redevelop, nor any of the addresses that will be demolished in the future.

While the plans and the timing of whats ahead are not ready to be shared publicly, said a spokesperson for KC Life in an email statement, we can share that any development plans will be timely and complimentary to the needs of the neighborhood, including residential and mixed-use.

KC Life has not started moving its plans through the city development process, according to Councilman Crispin Rea, who represents Kansas Citys 4th District at-large.

After being notified on Sept. 11 that KC Life would be demolishing 23 lots, the neighborhood association sent the company a letter two weeks later asking them not to demolish anything until they could present a plan.

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They sent a reply (a month later) saying, We dont have a plan (to show you), and were tearing them all down, Jordan said. That was the communication. And Im not sure that theyve communicated with us since, as a board.

KC Life has owned many of these properties for decades since the original development plan was shot down in 1971. And in the years since then, the companys neighbors have grown anxious watching homes disappear without anything being built in their place.

Weve heard that before, Jordan said. We cant really show it to you, but we have a plan. But nothing happens, and in the meantime, you lose housing.

The neighborhood association is exploring turning Valentine into a historic district, like Old Hyde Park or Roanoke, to slow down the KC Life demolitions.

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Today, a property can be demolished within a couple of days. But even starting the process for creating a historic district would create a temporary stay on demolitions until a decision is made on the application.

If the historic district is approved by City Council, demolitions will require the review of the Historic Preservation Office.

The trouble with vacant lots

Valentine isnt the only neighborhood thats struggling to deal with vacant lots.

In Kansas City, almost one in 10 properties sits vacant. In the citys 3rd District, its nearly one in four.

Property owners can save money on property tax bills by leaving lots empty  if theyre willing to skip the possible profits by building something on the land. If a developer ultimately purchases the empty lots, they can stand to turn a profit.

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But city leaders, including Mayor Quinton Lucas, dont think that property owners across the city should be rewarded for keeping their land undeveloped.

What that waiting means is often a generation of people, of kids, of families, are dealing with this substantial blight in their community, he said.

The mayor said the Valentine neighborhood has suffered from having so many vacant lots.

We dont need more dead blocks in Kansas City, Lucas said, whether thats in Midtown or whether thats on Prospect.

Rea grew up in a different neighborhood, but his home was the only occupied house among seven on one side of the street.

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Its scary to live in a neighborhood with a lot of vacant property, he said. It makes the neighborhood less safe, it makes the neighborhood less clean.

The cost of vacant lots

Kansas City is exploring a few different options to encourage property owners to develop their vacant lots across the city.

Rea said the city should distinguish between someone who might have inherited land and someone who is more clearly hoarding property as a speculative investment.

One possibility is to start levying fees on property owners whose vacant properties cost the city money to maintain.

A 2014 report found that, over five years, Kansas City spent $6.8 million mowing lawns and cleaning trash on vacant lots. (Jordan said Kansas City Life Insurance has kept its properties clean and the grass mowed.)

Those fees could be scaled based on how much money a vacant lot is costing the city to maintain.

A more likely option is taxing vacant land at higher rates than its assessed value. That rate could increase the longer a property is vacant.

To implement a vacant-land tax, Kansas City voters would have to approve it at the ballot box.

In its research on vacant-land policy, Kansas City Hall considered directing that potential revenue to the citys Brownfields program to help pay for environmental decontamination  which in some cases may be the reason a property isnt being developed.

Lucas said hes been dealing with vacant-property owners who have left their neighbors dealing with illegal dumping, rats and fires for years. Usually the owner pays a fine, then does nothing to fix the problem.

We should be aggressive, he said. We should be as aggressive as possible.  We have tolerated it in Kansas City for far too long.

Demolition delay ordinance to be discussed by City Council

Kansas City Council is considering an ordinance that would add further delays to certain demolition permits.

The ordinance, which was recommended for approval by the Neighborhood Planning and Development committee, would give the Historic Preservation Commission 45 days to review a demolition proposal before it can move forward.

The new restrictions carve out an exception for buildings that are newer than 50 years old and for buildings that the city has deemed dangerous.

This article first appeared on Beacon: Kansas City and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Tom Werner

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Not only are there growing concerns about the supply of apprenticeships meeting demand; theres a shortage of another important workforce training tool  internships.

There were an estimated 5.7 million fewer high-quality internships last year than learners who wanted to intern, according to the Business-Higher Education Forum, or BHEF.

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Employers last year provided 2.5 million high-quality internships, compared to 8.2 million people who wanted one, the BHEF found. Another million internships that were offered fell short of high standards of quality and skills development, the organization said.

It costs money to have folks who are coordinating internships, said Jennifer Thornton, BHEFs senior vice president and chief program officer. So resources matter.

Black and Hispanic students and students who were the first in their families to go to college, came from low-income backgrounds or attended community colleges were among the least likely to secure an internship, according to the BHEF. Asian students in four-year colleges and universities were the most likely to be rejected for them.

A separate study, by the advocacy organization California Competes, found that women were also less likely than men in that state to complete paid internships, and students whose parents went to college were three times more likely to complete one than students whose parents didnt go.

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Whos going to have the most access for those informal networks? Its typically going to be associated with socioeconomic status and social capital, said Thornton. Meanwhile, better-resourced colleges and universities also connect more regularly with their alumni, who can be invaluable in terms of connecting students with internships.

Experts say legal challenges to internship programs that give preference to applicants from marginalized groups are likely to make that mismatch worse.

Under pressure from a conservative group, for instance, the accounting firm PwC stopped giving preference to applicants to a student internship program based in part on racial identity.

Contact writer Jon Marcus at 212-678-7556 or jmarcus@hechingerreport.org

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This story about looking for internships was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter. Listen to our higher education podcast.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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A Washington State Department of Agriculture team is seen after removing hornets from the first northern giant hornet nest detected in the U.S., during October 2020. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Department of Agriculture)

The hunt for invasive murder hornets is over in Washington and the rest of the U.S. after three years without confirmed detections, state and federal officials said Wednesday.

It is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects, said Sven Spichiger, Washington State Department of Agriculture pest program manager.

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The insects  more formally known as northern giant hornets  posed a significant threat to honey bees and other native insects in the Pacific Northwest. They can kill an entire hive in as little as 90 minutes by decapitating the bees.

Officials described the search for the hornets as something like a scene out of a movie. Teams captured one of the 2-inch hornets, attached a small tag to the insect, and tracked it back to its nest by listening to radio transmitter beeps.

A northern giant hornet is fitted with a tracking device. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Department of Agriculture)

The hornets sting also poses a threat to humans as it can penetrate a beekeeping suit and a swarm of stings can be fatal. In 2013, more than 40 people were killed and over 1,000 were injured in China by the insects.

In North America, they were first spotted in British Columbia, Canada in August 2019 and confirmed in Whatcom County, Washington in December of that year.

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Despite these detections occurring around the same time and location, DNA evidence suggests the hornets found in Washington originated from South Korea while the ones in British Columbia originated in Japan.

Between 2020 and 2021, four nests were spotted inside tree hollows in Washington. This was distinctive, as the hornets tend to nest in the ground.

Spichiger theorized that nesting in trees could have been a trait of the specific hornets that turned up in Washington or a response to flooding at the time they were around.

A northern giant hornet seen on an apple. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Department of Agriculture)

Eradication efforts, which began in 2019, involved collaboration between state, federal, and international government agencies as well as support from community members. Over half of the confirmed detections came from the public, according to Spichiger.

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If the entire community hadnt stood up and taken action, there is a real good chance that we would just all be living with the northern giant hornet, Spichiger said.

The state continued trapping efforts through this year in Whatcom County. Despite trapping and continued public outreach, no additional hornets have been detected in the area. The last trap was removed from that part of the state on Dec. 5.

There was a suspicious hornet sighting, in Kitsap County, south of Port Orchard, in October, according to the state Department of Agriculture. But this report was based on an image provided by a member of the public and the department was unable to get the hornet.

The department will continue trapping in this area as a precaution until 2025. But so far, trapping and community outreach havent yielded any evidence of northern giant hornets in the area, the agency said.

Although they are now eradicated from the state, well always be keeping an eye out for them and encourage community members to do the same, Spichiger said. They got here once and they could do it again.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowas six congressional delegation members are awaiting a vote on a bill that would extend government funding and avoid a government shutdown. The concern from those six members is whats within a 1,500 page continuous resolution.

United States Senator Chuck Grassley during his weekly media availability highlighted his concern with the government potentially shutting down.

I dont want a government shutdown. I dont think well have a government shutdown, and Im sure we wont have one when it comes to a vote in the United States Senate. I know its a little closer in the House of Representatives, but thats the way it is, said Grassley (R). The Senate waits for some type of funding bill to come out of the U.S. House.

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Wednesday Republican house lawmakers were sorting through the massive bill that would include $10 billion in direct payments to farmers, $21 billion in agriculture disaster aid, a one year extension of the 2018 farm bill and year round E-15.

Accessible playground coming to Iowa State Fairgrounds

Congressman Zach Nunns office tells WHO 13 News that those are portions of the bill that is supported by Congressman Nunn, but the 1,500 page bill includes some things that frustrate him and other lawmakers, specifically mentioning the portion of the bill that increases pay for those elected.

Senator Joni Ernst expressed her displeasure with the bill that was introduced in a post on social media Wednesday.

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Congress deserves a lump of coal for failing to do its job and putting special interests ahead of taxpayers, Ernst wrote in part. In a follow up post Sen. Ernst showed support for Iowa farmers, saying that a farm bill shouldnt be held hostage by the massive spending package.

If there is not some type of resolution passed before the Friday deadline, there will be some aspects of the federal government shut down on Saturday.

Iowa News:

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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.
Thousands of undergraduate and graduate students will graduate from Iowa's public universities this weekend. (Photo courtesy of University of Northern Iowa)

Thousands of students will walk across stages in Ames, Cedar Falls and Iowa City this weekend to commemorate the accomplishment of earning a degree.

The University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University have recorded more than 4,000 degree applicants seeking to graduate at the end of the semester.

University of Iowa

Graduation ceremonies at the UI for different colleges and degree levels are spread out between Dec.19 and Dec. 22, with details online about specific times and whether livestreaming will be available.

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A total of 1,707 undergraduate, graduate and professional students are slated to graduate this fall, according to a news release, from 56 Iowa counties, 35 states and 43 countries. Of the 1,163 undergraduate degree applicants, almost one-quarter identify as first-generation college students.

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The average cumulative grade-point average of undergraduate degree applicants is 3.20, and 11% of the group will graduate with multiple majors.

Among the most popular areas of study for undergraduate degree applicants are economics, nursing, English and creative writing, finance and psychology.

University of Northern Iowa

UNI will celebrate commencement for its more than 650 undergraduate and graduate degree applicants at 10 a.m. Dec. 21 in the McLeod Center, according to a news release, with a livestream available online.

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Almost one-third of graduates identify as first-generation college students, and included in the graduating class are students from 80 Iowa counties, 14 states and nine countries.

The average cumulative grade-point average of the 570 undergraduate degree applicants is 3.39, and almost 14% will graduate with multiple majors.

UNIs College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences will see the most graduates with 210 applicants, followed by the College of Education with 147 and the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences at 146.

Iowa State University

ISU will hold its commencement ceremony for graduate degree applicants at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and for undergraduate degree applicants at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 21, according to a news release, with additional receptions for specific colleges taking place throughout the two days. Links to livestreams for the celebrations can be found online.

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Just over 1,400 undergraduate students are expected to earn their degrees this semester, according to a news release, as well as 245 masters students and 110 doctoral students. In total, the college plans to award 1,763 students their diplomas.

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Water quality in a surface ditch on a farm in Washington is protected by vegetation along its banks. (Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA)

A public-private partnership between the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Soybean Association and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will invest over $2.3 million to install nutrient-reducing practices in priority Iowa watersheds.

The majority of the funding will come from IDALS for outreach and to farmers and landowners who will then work with conservation staff to implement practices like saturated buffers, oxbows and perennial cover. The $1.4 million put up by IDALS will also support design and engineering costs.

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Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the project Wednesday at the Iowa Soybean Associations Winter Policy Conference.

This project, and others like it, prove collaborating is key to making meaningful progress, Naig said in a statement. If you are a farmer or landowner located within the project area, I would invite you to consider how you can incorporate some of these water quality practices on your land.

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According to a press release from IDALS, the partnership will prioritize the watersheds of North Raccoon River, Boone River, Skunk River, Middle Cedar River and Turkey River.

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Christie Wiebbecke, the chief officer for Iowa Soybean Associations research and conservation said the association was grateful for the support and partnership from IDALS and USFWS.

The goal of the initial three-year agreement is to install at least 21 saturated buffers, 900 acres of perennial cover and 30 multi-purpose oxbows, which restore curves to a stream and help to capture nutrients from water that drains into a stream.

The press release from IDALS called these science-based practices that improve soil health and protect water quality.

According to a report from Iowa Soybean Association, tile drainage routed through a restored oxbow can remove 50%-95% of nitrate from the water before it runs off into the rest of the stream.

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The practices follow the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, which is part of a multistate effort through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce nutrient runoff from agricultural fields into the Mississippi River watershed, and thus reduce the dead-zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

Andrew DiAllesandro, the USFWS private lands coordinator for Iowa, stressed the importance of collaboration in creating a lasting legacy for Iowa resources and communities.

This public-private partnership will be instrumental in delivering impactful water quality and wildlife habitat conservation practices across Iowa and will be a model for partnership efforts moving forward, DiAllesandro said in the press release.

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As the worlds only operator of the legendary F-14 Tomcat swing-wing fighter, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has a unique airpower status. A recent airshow provided the chance for a very rare close-quarters look at the Cold War-era jet, which by now has very questionable capabilities and serviceability, while there are persistent reports that it could soon be replaced entirely by Russian-provided Su-35 Flanker multirole fighters.

Zivojin Bankovic, a military aviation writer for the Serbian Tango Six website, shared with The War Zone photos taken by the team while on assignment in Iran, where he saw one of the countrys last F-14s, as well as other unusual aircraft types, at the 2024 Kish Air Show.

Star of the show: the participating F-14A serial number 3-6006 from the 8th Tactical Air Base at Isfahan. @tower_eye, Tango Six

In fact, the 12th Iran International Aerospace Exhibition on Kish Island in the Persian Gulf, held from Dec. 10-13, offered what might be the publics final opportunity to witness the Persian Cats in action. Even getting to the event was something of a challenge, especially given the tensions and complex geopolitical situation in the Middle East right now.

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For Bankovic, conditions were eased somewhat since his native Serbia is one of just five European nations whose citizens can enter Iran without visas, with Tehran allowing tourist stays of up to 15 days.

@tower_eye, Tango Six

The 2024 Kish Air Show presented some challenges for the organizers, too.

On Dec. 5, in the run-up to the show, an Iranian-made Yasin jet trainer crashed while flying to the event, killing its two pilots, Colonels Hamidreza Ranjbar and Manuchehr Pirzadeh. The highly experienced test pilots had been expected to demonstrate the Yasin and U.S.-made F-5 fighters at the show.

While the cause of the crash has not been disclosed, there are unconfirmed reports the aircraft may have suffered a double engine failure.

The F-14 dominates the IRIAF static display at Kish Island. @tower_eye, Tango Six

Understandably, the incident tempered the atmosphere at the airshow, resulting in a somewhat somber 12th edition.

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Initially, organizers told Bankovic and his colleagues that there would be no military aircraft present at the airshow. Poised to cancel the trip to Iran entirely, another email arrived just a couple of days before the show was to begin  the IRIAF would participate after all.

Still, on arrival, there would be more problems for Bankovic, as he explained to The War Zone:

The first day presented challenges for spotters who had purchased spotter tickets costing hundreds of dollars. Poor organization and coordination between the event staff, police, and military security prevented access to the designated airport areas  as had been promised. As an apology, the organizers offered a morning tourist tour of Kish Island on the final day.

Despite these setbacks, journalists and enthusiasts subsequently enjoyed unprecedented access to the F-14 and its crew, relishing the chance to see the operational Tomcat on the ground and in the air  something impossible in the Western world since the U.S. Navy retired the fighter back in 2006.

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The F-14 might still be the pride of the IRIAF, but the fleet has suffered high-profile issues throughout its eventful service in Iran.

The nose of the IRIAF F-14 contains an AN/AWG-9 fire control radar. @tower_eye, Tango Six

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In particular, the F-14s once-state-of-the-art AN/AWG-9 fire control radar has suffered from low serviceability, with the Tomcat fleet effectively being divided between those with fully functioning radars and those with more diminished capabilities. The current status of any surviving AIM-54 Phoenix and AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles is also a matter of debate, and Iranian programs to introduce alternative weaponry for the F-14 have had only very mixed results, as you can read more about here.

The fact that only one F-14 was included in the airshow is almost certainly indicative of broader problems within the IRIAF. As well as long-term maintenance issues with the Tomcats especially, the air force as a whole is facing the prospect of a potential broader conflict in the region, so serviceable combat jets would have been required for quick reaction alert and other high-priority tasks.

As it was, the IRIAF participated at Kish with a fleet of just 10 aircraft. The static display featured six aircraft (three F-5s and three PC-7 turboprop trainers), while four others participated in the aerial display (one F-14 and three F-4 Phantoms). This fell short of the originally announced lineup, which was supposed to include demonstrations of the Yasin, F-5, MiG-29 Fulcrum, and Yak-130 Mitten, along with additional aircraft in the static display.

A Saghe  an Iranian twin-tail modification of the F-5E. @tower_eye, Tango Six

The modest IRIAF participation was not only attributable to the Yasin accident. After all, most of the fleet comprises aircraft that are between 30 and 50 years old  if not older.

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Despite Irans ability to adapt to sanctions, maintaining such aging equipment is getting increasingly difficult. This was evident at the airshow itself  the F-14 flew only on the pre-show arrival day, performing a low pass, a turn, landing, and taxiing before remaining grounded for the rest of the show, departing only on Dec. 14.

A planned race between an F-14 and a Lamborghini was canceled due to technical issues with the Tomcat. Instead, the Lamborghini was raced against a civilian aircraft, a Hawker Beechcraft 400XP from the local Toos airline.

The participating F-14A (U.S. Navy Bureau Number 160334, Iranian serial number 3-6006) came from the 8th Tactical Air Base at Isfahan, which is home to Irans last three Tomcat squadrons: the 81st, 82nd, and 83rd Tactical Combat Squadrons.

In contrast, the F-4 fighter, increasingly also a global rarity, fared better at Kish. Three F-4Es from the 91st Tactical Combat Squadron performed impressive formation flybys and solo passes over three days, operating out of their home base, the 9th Tactical Air Base at Bandar Abbas.

F-4E Phantom fighter-bombers are currently the backbone of the IRIAF. @tower_eye, Tango Six

As it stands, there is a strong likelihood that the F-4 will outlive the F-14 in Iranian service, in an ironic twist. After all, the F-14 was originally introduced as a Phantom replacement for the U.S. Navys carrier air wings.

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Back in 2023, an Iranian lawmaker told media in that country that Russia would deliver the first Su-35 fighters to the IRIAF in the coming months.

Shahriar Heidari, a member of the Iranian parliaments National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told the semi-official Tasnim news agency in January 2023 that the first examples of the Russian-made fighter were planned to be handed over to the IRIAF in the spring of 2023.

While that never happened, there have since been more reports indicating that the delivery of Flankers to Iran could be imminent. Its widely presumed that the aircraft in question would be drawn from a batch that was already built for Egypt, before the deal with Cairo collapsed, apparently under U.S. pressure.

One of the Su-35s built for Egypt but never transferred to that country. via @nskplanes

Its unclear how many Su-35s Iran might be looking to acquire, but reports suggest that the IRIAF could be in line to receive 24 examples.

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Such a deal makes good sense for Tehran and Moscow.

For three decades, Irans attempts to procure new Chinese- or Russian-made fighters to replace its aging fleets of F-4s, F-5s, and F-14s have failed, in the face of international sanctions.

But Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine has led to it being ostracized, too, and increasingly seeking military and economic relations with Iran. This burgeoning relationship has seen, most notably, Shahed series one-way attack drones heading from Iran to Russia, as well as being built locally in Russian factories. With Moscow finding it increasingly hard to sell arms, Iran is now very much one of the most realistic clients.

Yet another Iranian F-5 upgrade, the Kowsar, in front of the F-14. @tower_eye, Tango Six

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While a true multirole fighter, and a generational leap above the F-14A, the Flanker-E is similarly a twin-engine fighter, equipped with a powerful fire-control radar, and has the potential to carry very long-range air-to-air missiles. It would therefore be an obvious replacement for the IRIAFs Tomcats.

In the past, Tasnim reported that at least some of the Su-35s are expected to be based at the 8th Tactical Air Base at Isfahan, where they would almost certainly supplement and eventually replace the F-14s of the 81st, 82nd, and 83rd Tactical Combat Squadrons.

For now, however, theres no sign of imminent Su-35 deliveries to Iran, meaning that diminishing numbers of F-14s will likely have to continue in service for some time longer.

An airshow visitor gets up close to the F-14. @tower_eye, Tango Six

With Iran firmly ostracized from much of the international community, chances to see the IRIAFs F-14s will likely be vanishingly few from now on.

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With that in mind, the possibility of seeing just one of these rare Persian Cats at the Kish Air Show is something that will remain long in the memories of those privileged to see it.

With thanks to Petar Vojinovic, Zivojin Bankovic, and the team at Tango Six.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
CLONDALKIN, Ireland (AP)  Dozens of massive data centers humming at the outskirts of Dublin are consuming more electricity than all of the urban homes in Ireland and starting to wear out the warm welcome that brought them here.

Now, a country that made itself a computing factory for Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft and TikTok is wondering whether it was all worth it as tech giants look around the world to build even more data centers to fuel the next wave of artificial intelligence.

Fears of rolling blackouts led Ireland's grid operator to halt new data centers near Dublin until 2028. These huge buildings and their powerful computers last year consumed 21% of the nations electricity, according to official records. No other country has reported a higher burden to the International Energy Agency.

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Ireland is a microcosm of what many countries could be facing over the next decade, particularly with the growth of AI, said energy researcher Paul Deane of University College Cork.

Dublins data center limits

Twenty-six-year-old activist Darragh Adelaide lives in a working-class Dublin suburb just across a busy motorway from Grange Castle Business Park, one of Irelands biggest data center clusters. It could get even bigger were Adelaide not a thorn in the side of Googles expansion plans.

Its kind of an outrageous number of data centers, Adelaide said. People have started to make the connection between the amount of electricity theyre using and electricity prices going up.

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Ireland has attracted global tech companies since the Celtic Tiger boom at the turn of the 21st century. Tax incentives, a highly skilled, English-speaking workforce and the countrys membership in the European Union have all contributed to making the tech sector a central part of the Irish economy.

Nearly all of the data centers sit on the edge of Dublin, where their proximity to the capital city facilitates activities that require fast connections. Ireland's cool temperatures also make it easier to keep data center computers from overheating without drawing in as much water.

Still, buildings that for years went mostly unnoticed have attracted unwanted attention as their power demands surged while Irish householders pay some of Europes highest electricity bills. Irelands Environmental Protection Agency has also flagged concerns about pollution from data centers on-site generators affecting areas near Dublin.

A crackdown began in 2021, spurred by projections that data centers are on pace to take up one third of Ireland's electricity in this decade. Regulators declared that Dublin had hit its limits and could no longer plug more data centers into its grid. The government urged tech companies to look outside the capital and find ways to supply their own power.

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In June, Adelaides campaign against the centers helped get him elected to a seat on the South Dublin County Council for the leftist People Not Profits Party. The council soon after rejected Googles plan to build another data center. Google appealed the decision in September.

The backlash from Dublin-area local planning authorities has frustrated data center developers.

Whats preventing us from being able to leverage that is the fact that the power constraints that we have, or the power moratorium that we have, is greatly impacting our ability to provide space for customers, said Dermot Lahey, who directs Digital Realtys data center implementation in Ireland.

Moving to the boglands?

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Once colder weather sets in, the smoky fragrance of fireplaces burning briquettes of peat lingers over County Offaly, an area west of Dublin in a region known as the Midlands. Its places like this where some data center developers, thwarted by Dublins constraints, now see opportunity.

A report commissioned by County Offalys government pitches the bog-dotted region as a place to create thousands of green jobs and rival Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris in being an anchor for data centres powered by renewable energy.

Farmer and conservationist Brian Sheridan, 83, is doubtful. He's seen this region transformed once before, from a vast wetland known as the Bog of Allen to barren pockets of brownfields as people cut away trenches of dense peat soil, or turf, to create homegrown fuel.

The bog started disappearing and it wasn't being replaced, said Sheridan, walking along a boardwalk over carpets of moss and sedges in the now-protected Clara Bog Nature Reserve.

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Decades of rapid extraction fostered Ireland's energy independence and employed scores of workers in turf-cutting, briquette factories and power plants. But it also polluted the air and devastated a delicate environment. Bogs that naturally trapped large amounts of carbon dioxide were stripped down to the bedrock, contributing to global warming. When burned, peat is dirtier than coal.

Ireland has largely banned the sale of peat and shuttered the last remaining peat-fired power plants. But the state-supported company at the helm of peat extraction, Bord na Mona, still controls vast tracts of former bogland. It has refashioned itself as a renewable energy provider, laying down wind turbines and solar farms and partnering with Amazon to build a data center near the village of Rhode.

Bord na Mona declined multiple interview requests about its plans, and some residents feel left in the dark. Amazon also declined to talk about specific projects and has repeatedly signaled it may shift its new data center investments away from Ireland.

Could wind save Ireland's data centers?

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A tech-driven race is on to harness the region's wind. Backed by a power purchase agreement with Microsoft, the Norwegian wind energy company Statkraft is building nine towering wind turbines in remote former boglands along County Offalys eastern edge. Statkrafts managing director for Ireland, Kevin ODonovan, said data centers are actually helping to accelerate Irelands clean energy transition.

For a lot of the mainland European countries, demand is going down and thats actually leading to a challenge to roll out renewables, ODonovan said. Whereas in Ireland we have demand thats increasing because the country is growing economically and obviously a part of that is the data center growth.

On the other side of Offaly, a group of residents who live along the Lemanaghan Bog near the site of a 7th-century monastery are skeptical of such claims. They are opposed to what a proposed Bord Na Mona wind farm will do to its cultural heritage and ecology.

KK Kenny took his concerns to Dublin this fall in a meeting with the countrys taoiseach, or prime minister, Simon Harris. Kenny wants to see the bog preserved for biodiversity. He'd be happy to see data center developers follow through with their pledge to look to other European countries.

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They say, oh, theyre going to pull out," Kenny said. "That would be a great thing. We cant sustain them.

Some neighbors of Amazon's proposed data center in Rhode are more open to the idea. One village resident already commutes all the way to Dublin to work at a data center. Another is hoping it will employ people whod want to buy new homes.

Were all for change, said Gerard Whelan. Ill get work because I build houses. Its a domino effect.

What happens next for Ireland's data centers could depend in part on the new national government coming into power early next year.
The Israeli military said it had carried out airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday after its air force had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen overnight.

The strikes hit military targets belonging to the Houthi militants on the western coast and inland Yemen, the Israeli army said.

Earlier, warning sirens sounded in several areas in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, after a missile was fired from Yemen into Israeli territory. The army said the sirens were triggered because of possible falling rocket fragments.

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The Houthi militia in Yemen, which is allied with Israel's arch-enemy Iran, like the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah movement, has continued its attacks on Israel, approximately 1,800 kilometres away, even after the ceasefire in Lebanon.

The militia claims it operates in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been waging war against the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas since the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Recently, a house in Israel was hit by a drone strike from Yemen. In July, a man in Tel Aviv was killed when he was struck by a projectile from Yemen.

In retaliation for Houthi attacks, Israel targeted sites in Yemen in July and September, including power stations and a port, resulting in several fatalities.
Israel has bombed key ports in Yemen as well as the country's capital Sana'a, the military said on Thursday, after its air force had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen overnight.

Dozens of fighter jets, tanker aircraft and reconnaissance planes were deployed in two waves to attack military targets some 1,700 kilometres from Israel, according to the military.

Three key ports used by Yemen's Houthi rebels, a long-time adversary of Israel, have been hit and put out of operation, a military spokesman said.

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For the first time, the Israeli Air Force also unleashed strikes on the capital Sana'a, bombing the city's energy infrastructure, he added.

It was the third time Israel had targeted the Houthis with airstrikes following attacks in July and September.

Nine people were killed in Thursday's strikes on the western coastal province of Hodeidah, the Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah broadcaster reported.

Al-Masirah TV reported seven people had been killed in the port of al-Salif and two others at the Ras Isa oil facility.

It also reported strikes targeting two power plants in the capital Sana'a.

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According to Israel, the port of Hodeidah was also bombed.

Israeli school hit by missile fragments

It comes after Israel repelled a missile attack launched from Yemen overnight.

However, the strikes on Yemen were not a direct response to that attack but had been planned long in advance, according to the military.

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack, saying in a statement that they targeted "two specific and sensitive military targets" in Jaffa next to Tel Aviv.

A school near Tel Aviv was badly damaged when a missile fired from Yemen was shot down early on Thursday, according to Israeli media reports.

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The Houthi militia in Yemen, which is allied with Israel's arch-enemy Iran, like the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah movement, has continued its attacks on Israel even after the ceasefire in Lebanon.

According to the Times of Israel newspaper, the Houthis have fired around 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel in the past 12 months. Israel was able to intercept most of the missiles, it said.

The militia claims it operates in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been waging war against the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas since the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Recently, a house in Israel was hit by a drone strike from Yemen. In July, a man in Tel Aviv was killed when he was struck by a projectile from Yemen.

In retaliation for Houthi attacks, Israel targeted sites in Yemen in July and September, including power stations and a port, resulting in several fatalities.
Xi lauds Macao's success ahead of silver jubilee

Xinhua) 08:05, December 19, 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan step out of the plane and greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

MACAO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon, describing Macao as "a pearl on the palm" of the motherland and expressing confidence in its promising future.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. He will also inspect the Macao SAR.

At Macao International Airport, the Macao police force band played lively welcome tunes. Dragon and lion dance filled the air with joy. Hundreds of people including children and representatives from various sectors waved the national flag, the flag of the Macao SAR and flowers, expressing their warm welcome.

At around 4 p.m., Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, stepped out of the cabin of the special plane and waved to the cheering crowd.

"Every visit to this beautiful place has been very delightful for me," Xi said in a brief speech at the airport.

Over the past 25 years, the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved success widely recognized by the world, showcasing great vitality and unique charm, Xi said.

"This is the glory of Macao residents and the pride of all Chinese people," he said.

On behalf of the central government and Chinese people of all ethnic groups, he extended sincere greetings and best wishes to all Macao residents, adding that Macao's development and the well-being of Macao residents have always been on his mind.

Xi said he will have extensive and in-depth exchanges with friends in Macao on the region's development during the visit.

He expressed the belief that Macao will create an even brighter future by fully leveraging the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems," working hard and actively promoting innovation.

The Macao SAR is brimming with cheerful vibes in the days leading up to the 25th anniversary of its return. Anniversary-themed posters and floral decorations adorn popular sites such as the Ruins of St. Paul's, while the national flag and the Macao SAR flag flutter along the streets.

"Meeting President Xi again up close, I was extremely excited," said Jiang Lai Peng, a student from Kao Yip Middle School who also participated in the welcoming ceremony for President Xi's Macao visit five years ago. "His attention to and care for Macao have deeply touched and inspired me and my classmates."

Ho Kuok Tou, founder and CEO of an artificial intelligence firm with presence in both Macao and the mainland, said he is full of expectations for the future development of Macao.

"I hope the people of Macao will continue to work hard and actively integrate into the overall national development," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan step out of the plane and greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a brief speech at the airport in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A private investment fund created last year by billionaire Zhang Yiming - founder of TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance - has received a licence from Hong Kong's securities regulator to conduct asset management, paving the way for the young entrepreneur to use Hong Kong as a base to manage his wealth.

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) granted Zhang's Cool River Venture HK a type 9 licence for asset management on November 21, which allows for activity including real estate investment management and securities and futures contract management, according to an SFC notice.

The company, based in the Central business district at the International Finance Centre, lists Liu Bide and Liu Zhao as responsible officers. The former did not have any other records with the SFC, while the latter was a representative of Barclays Capital Asia from 2013 to 2015.

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.

Cool River Venture was incorporated in Hong Kong in May 2023, and it primarily invests in technology-related industries, sources told the South China Morning Post at the time.

ByteDance declined to comment. The Post was unable to reach Zhang for comment.

TikTok's office in Culver City, California, on March 13. Photo: Reuters alt=TikTok's office in Culver City, California, on March 13. Photo: Reuters>

The approval offers a rare glimpse into recent activity from Zhang, who has kept a low profile since he stepped down in 2021 as CEO and chairman of the tech giant he founded in 2012, which has grown into the world's second most valuable unicorn after Elon Musk's SpaceX. But he has remained active in corporate strategy and personally overseen the poaching of artificial intelligence professionals from rival companies, as ByteDance bets big on the technology, according to a recent Financial Times report.

"For Zhang's company to apply for such a licence, it showed Hong Kong can attract wealthy entrepreneurs to set up family offices and asset management companies in Hong Kong," said Wilson Chan Fung-cheung, associate director of the master of business administration programme at City University of Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong has thus become more attractive to rich people in the region to manage their wealth, and the trend is likely to continue in coming years," he added.

Zhang, a Chinese national, still owns roughly 21 per cent of the company and now lives in Singapore, according to a ByteDance court filing in May. The tech firm was valued at about US$300 billion during a recent investor share buy-back. The 41-year-old became the wealthiest Chinese entrepreneur this year, according to the latest China Rich List released by the Hurun Research Institute in October.
Israel has bombed key ports in Yemen as well as the country's capital Sana'a in response to more than a year of missile and drone attacks launched by the country's Houthi rebels, the military said on Thursday.

Dozens of fighter jets, tanker aircraft and reconnaissance planes were deployed in two waves to attack military targets some 1,700 kilometres from Israel, according to the military.

"We did this in response to repeated Houthi attacks against civilian targets in Israel," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

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Three key ports used by Yemen's Houthi militia, a long-time adversary of Israel, have been hit and put out of operation, a military spokesman said.

The ports are not only considered an important trading centre for Iranian weapons deliveries for the Houthis but are also used for international aid shipments for the population of the impoverished, war-torn country on the Red Sea.

Israel also attacks capital

For the first time, the Israeli Air Force also unleashed strikes on the capital Sana'a, bombing the city's energy infrastructure, the spokesman said.

It was the third time Israel had targeted the Houthis with airstrikes following attacks in July and September.

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Nine people were killed in Thursday's strikes on the western coastal province of Hodeidah, the Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah broadcaster reported.

Al-Masirah TV reported seven people had been killed in the port of al-Salif and two others at the Ras Isa oil facility.

It also reported strikes targeting two power plants in the capital Sana'a.

According to Israel, the port of Hodeidah was also bombed.

Israeli school hit by missile fragments

Israel repelled a missile attack launched from Yemen overnight.

The strikes on Yemen were not a direct response to that attack but had been planned long in advance, according to the military.

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The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack, saying in a statement that they targeted "two specific and sensitive military targets" in Jaffa next to Tel Aviv.

A school near Tel Aviv was badly damaged when a missile fired from Yemen was shot down early on Thursday, according to Israeli media reports.

The Houthi militia in Yemen, which is allied with Israel's arch-enemy Iran, like the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah movement, has continued its attacks on Israel even after the ceasefire in Lebanon.

According to the Times of Israel newspaper, the Houthis have fired around 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel in the past 12 months. Israel was able to intercept most of the missiles, it said.

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The militia claims it operates in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been waging war against the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas since the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Recently, a house in Israel was hit by a drone strike from Yemen. In July, a man in Tel Aviv was killed when he was struck by a projectile from Yemen.

In retaliation for Houthi attacks, Israel targeted sites in Yemen in July and September, including power stations and a port, resulting in several fatalities.
Israel has bombed key ports in Yemen as well as the country's capital Sana'a in response to more than a year of missile and drone attacks launched by the country's Iran-allied Houthi militia, the military said on Thursday.

Dozens of fighter jets, tanker aircraft and reconnaissance planes were deployed in two waves to attack military targets some 1,700 kilometres from Israel, according to the military.

"We did this in response to repeated Houthi attacks against civilian targets in Israel," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

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Since the onset of the Gaza war more than a year ago, Yemen's Houthis have targeted Israel and merchant vessels in the Red Sea, stating these actions are in solidarity with the Palestinian organization Hamas in Gaza.

Three key ports used by the Houthis, a long-time adversary of Israel, were hit and put out of operation on Thursday, a military spokesman said.

The ports are not only considered an important trading centre for Iranian weapons deliveries for the Houthis, but are also used for international aid shipments for the population of the impoverished, war-torn country on the Red Sea.

Israel also attacks capital

For the first time, the Israeli Air Force also unleashed strikes on the capital Sana'a, bombing the city's energy infrastructure, the spokesman said.

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It was the third time Israel had targeted the Houthis with airstrikes following attacks in July and September.

Nine people were killed in Thursday's strikes on the western coastal province of Hodeidah, the Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah broadcaster reported.

Al-Masirah TV reported seven people had been killed in the port of al-Salif and two others at the Ras Isa oil facility.

It also reported strikes targeting two power plants in the capital Sana'a.

One power plant, north of Houthi-controlled Sana'a, went out of service due to the bombardment, depriving the city of more than 30% of its electricity needs, al-Masirah reported.

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According to Israel, the port of Hodeidah was also bombed.

The militia's chief Abdel-Malek al-Houthi reacted defiantly later Thursday.

"The Israeli aggression on our country will never discourage us from our position in support of the Palestinian people," he said in a televised address.

"We are fully convinced of our position and are ready to confront any level of escalation," he added, according to al-Masirah.

Israeli school hit by missile fragments

Israel repelled a missile attack launched from Yemen overnight.

The strikes on Yemen were not a direct response to that attack but had been planned long in advance, according to the Israeli military.

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The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack, saying in a statement that they targeted "two specific and sensitive military targets" in Jaffa next to Tel Aviv.

A school near Tel Aviv was badly damaged when a missile fired from Yemen was shot down early on Thursday, according to Israeli media reports.

The Houthis, who are aligned with Israel's arch-enemy Iran, like the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah movement, have continued their attacks on Israel even after the ceasefire in Lebanon.

According to the Times of Israel newspaper, the Houthis have fired around 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel in the past 12 months. Israel was able to intercept most of the missiles, it said.

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The militia claims it operates in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been waging war against the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas since the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Recently, a house in Israel was hit by a drone strike from Yemen. In July, a man in Tel Aviv was killed when he was struck by a projectile from Yemen.

In retaliation for Houthi attacks, Israel targeted sites in Yemen in July and September, including power stations and a port, resulting in several fatalities.
Israel launched airstrikes on multiple targets in Yemen, including the capital of Sanaa, during the early hours of Thursday morning, while the Yemen-based Houthi militant group was conducting its own missile attack on Israel. The Israeli raids come after an uptick in attacks against Israel by the Iran-backed Houthis, including two in the past week.

Israeli media reports claim that 14 Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft were already in the air as part of a pre-planned operation, while the Houthi missiles were still inbound. F-15 and F-16 combat jets were involved in the operation, supported by aerial refueling tankers and intelligence-gathering aircraft.

Armed with Rampage missiles, an F-16 takes off, apparently to strike targets in Yemen. IDF

Videos and photos released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) showed IAF F-15s and F-16s purportedly departing their bases for the raids. While the F-15s were armed with Popeye missiles, the F-16s were shown carrying the much newer Rampage missiles.

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Media reports out of Israel suggest that the strike aircraft took off around 1:00 a.m, with the first wave hitting the Yemen coastal area around 3:15 a.m., and the second wave striking the Yemeni capital around 4:30 a.m. An infographic released by the IDF suggests that the package passed through Saudi Arabian airspace en route to striking Yemen.

  -  -    -2,000     -60 ,           .



 :   ,             . pic.twitter.com/wDxBoddma6  Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) December 19, 2024

The IDF said it conducted precise strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen, including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Houthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions.

The IDF conducted precise strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen  including ports and energy infrastructure in Sana'a, which the Houthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military action. Israel will not hesitate to act in order to defend itself pic.twitter.com/SDR0mtQm3o       Daniel Hagari (@IDFSpokesperson) December 19, 2024

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The IDF added that it attacked dozens of targets in five main areas: Sanaa, Hodeidah, Ras Isa, other coast areas, and many smaller ports, such as Al-Salif.

A view from the Houthi-controlled Haziz power plant, damaged as a result of the Israeli airstrikes, in Sanaa, Yemen on Dec. 19, 2024. Photo by Mohammed Hamoud/Anadolu via Getty Images Anadolu

The Houthi media channel Al-Masirah reported a series of aggressive raids on Sanaa and Hodeidah, with at least nine people said to have been killed in Hodeidah province.

The port facilities were selected since they are used to unload Iranian weapons being brought into Yemen to arm the militants. Here, the IDF claimed it attacked eight special large ships, which reportedly could potentially close off access to the ports, even if only temporarily.

WATCH 



IDF obliterates Houthi power plant.



The power plant in Sanaa this morning following IDF strikes. pic.twitter.com/DSc7nqp0bD  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 19, 2024

BREAKING 



A wave of airstrikes in Yemen is continuing following the Houthi launch of a missile at Tel Aviv. Reportedly power plants in Sanaa have been targeted resulting in widespread power outages.



Via: @inside_IL_intelpic.twitter.com/dth43ZHBjE  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 19, 2024

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In a statement, the IDF accused the Houthis of conducting attacks against Israel in contravention of international law, adding that the Houthi regime constitutes a threat to the regions peace and security.

The IDF revealed new footage detailing the strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.https://t.co/QVI2EPo4XP pic.twitter.com/s5TwCW561r  The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) December 19, 2024

The Israeli airstrikes were immediately preceded by a Houthi ballistic missile attack. Parts of at least one Houthi missile hit a school in the area of Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, although its unclear if this was a direct hit, or whether local air defenses partially intercepted the incoming weapon, with the damage resulting from missile debris. Another possibility is damage caused by falling debris from one or more interceptor missiles.

Houthi ballistic missile appears to have had a direct hit on a school in the Tel Aviv area. pic.twitter.com/T5WyVP0fWK  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 19, 2024

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A spokesperson for the Houthis, Yahya Saree, said the group had targeted two specific and sensitive military targets in the Jaffa region near Tel Aviv, using hypersonic ballistic missiles. The exact type of missile used by the militants has not been independently verified. While claims by the group about the kinds of weapons it uses are frequently exaggerated, it should be noted that most traditional ballistic missiles also have hypersonic performance in their terminal phase of flight.

Emergency responders inspect damage to a school in the city of Ramat Gan, after a Houthi missile strike, on Dec. 19, 2024. Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images Amir Levy

As for the weapons used by the IAF in the raid, F-15s were shown carrying the Popeye standoff missile, also known by the U.S. designation AGM-142. This is a solid-fueled weapon, just under 16 feet long, and with a launch weight of almost 3,000 pounds.

Armed with a roughly 800-pound high-explosive or penetrator warhead, Popeye has a range of approximately 50 miles. This is by now a fairly old weapon, with work on it having apparently begun in the early 1980s, followed by service introduction with the IAF in 1986.

Popeye uses an inertial navigation system (INS) for midcourse guidance, before switching to a TV or infrared sensor for terminal guidance. It does this via datalink, allowing for man-in-the-loop control of the missile for final targeting. The Popeye is usually controlled by the launching aircraft or another crewed aerial asset from dozens of miles away, via a datalink pod that connects with the missile to establish line-of-sight radio connectivity. This allows for adjustments of the missiles flight path all the way up to or very close to the point of impact, giving the missile extremely high levels of accuracy.

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In imagery released by the IDF, the datalink pod is shown under a central fuselage station on an F-15B/D Baz, as seen below.

IDF

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Israeli F-16s, meanwhile, were shown carrying Rampage missiles, which are an air-launched adaptation of the ground-launched Extended Range Artillery guided rocket, or EXTRA.

Like Popeye, Rampage offers a significant standoff range, reducing risks to the launching aircraft, although, in the case of Yemen, the country has only very low-level air defense capabilities.

Rampage is part of a growing arsenal of Israeli air-launched ballistic missiles and other similar aerial munitions, the importance of which has come into sharp focus this year, especially in retaliatory strikes on targets in Iran and also airstrikes in Lebanon.

The missile was first publicly revealed in 2018 and has been pitched as an ideal tool for carrying out short-notice strikes on time-sensitive and well-defended high-value targets. Destroying air defenses is at the top of its use case, for instance. The weapons supersonic speed presents challenges for any air defenses attempting to intercept it, flying much faster than a cruise missile, for example. That also helps the missile burrow deeper into hardened targets, if needed. The missile is able to hit targets more than 90 miles away, its manufacturer claims.

An F-16 carrying Rampage missiles on the outer underwing stations, as well as three external fuel tanks and conformal fuel tanks. IDF

Along with keeping out of range of air defense systems, the use of standoff missiles  alongside potentially other munitions, as well  reflects the fact that Israel has limited aerial refueling capabilities, which are otherwise needed to support long-range strikes.

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Popeye and Rampage are well suited to attacking highly defended targets at a distance without major support packages traditionally required to enable those kinds of strikes, removing the risk inherent in conducting such an operation deep inside hostile airspace. For instance, staging a combat search and rescue (CSAR) contingency operation for any downed aircrew, even if the result of a mishap, would be challenging and resource-intensive. So using standoff munitions for targets located deeper inside a hostile country solves a lot of problems and streamlines an aerial operation like this one.

More generally, its notable that Israel is now regularly highlighting to the public some of the munitions used in long-range strikes against Yemen and Iran, as well as shorter-range ones in Lebanon. This kind of explicit messaging was very rare in the past and is engineered to present niche capabilities that have helped it conduct precision strikes against prized targets even deep inside Iran and, at least so far, do so with apparent impunity.

The Israeli airstrikes were the third time that it has targeted Yemen since the start of the current war in the Middle East.

The Houthis began their current campaign in solidarity with Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza, the current round of which began in October 2023.

Security forces loyal to the Houthis take part in a rally in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, in support of the Palestinians and against the United States and Israel, on Dec. 18, 2024. Photo by Mohammed HUWAIS / AFP MOHAMMED HUWAIS

Israeli officials had recently begun to threaten a more concerted response to the Iranian-backed Houthis, which have been regularly firing long-range missiles and drones at Israel. According to the IDF, the militants have launched more than 200 ballistic missiles and more than 170 drones toward Israel. While most of these have been claimed by Israeli air defenses  assisted by the U.S. military and other allies  22 have penetrated into Israel.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared today: After Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis are almost the last remaining arm of Irans axis of evil. The Houthis are learning, and will learn the hard way, that those who strike Israel will pay a very heavy price for it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2nd R) visits the peak of Hermon Mount (Jabal al-Sheikh) on the Syrian side of the border after the fall of the Baath regime in Syria on Dec. 17, 2024. Photo by Mayan Toaf / Israel GPO / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images Anadolu

A further threat to the Houthis came from Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz, who said: I warn the leaders of the Houthi terrorist organization: Israels long arm will reach you too.

Already, the Houthis have said they will respond to the latest Israeli airstrikes. Speaking today, one Houthi official said that the group would respond to escalation with escalation.

Muhammad al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi political bureau, said: The American-Israeli bombings of civilian facilities in Yemen expose the hypocrisy of the West. Our military operations to support Gaza will continue, and we will respond to escalation with escalation until the crimes of mass extermination in Gaza stop and the possibility of bringing food, medicine, and fuel into the strip is allowed.

Another view from the Houthi-controlled Haziz power plant, in Sanaa, Yemen on Dec. 19, 2024. Photo by Mohammed Hamoud/Anadolu via Getty Images Anadolu

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Iran  the major military backer of the Houthis  also condemned the Israeli attacks.

Esmaeil Baqaei, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said the attacks were a flagrant violation of the principles and norms of international law and the U.N. charter.

According to Israeli media reports, Washington was alerted to the IAF airstrikes in advance. The latest Israeli attacks on Yemen follow U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets in the same country, although these have tended to focus more on Houthi weaponry, including to blunt the militants anti-shipping attacks in the Red Sea.

The latest round of airstrikes, coupled with the ramping up of Israeli rhetoric surrounding follow-up raids, suggests that there could be more to come. Time will tell whether we will see a broader campaign, but with Hamas and Hezbollah now significantly degraded as fighting forces, and regime change in Syria, Israel certainly has more capacity for dealing with the Houthis.

UPDATE:

The IAF has posted video of an F-16I and F-15D refueling from its KC-707s, Popeye and Rampage under their wings, as well as a clip of the strike on one of the ships in port. That latter video, and extended version of which is embedded in the article above and reposted below, clearly shows man-in-the-loop guidance of the weapon and could have been a Popeye (symbology looks like Popeye) or other weapons that feature that guidance method, such as the Spice-2000 bomb and the Delilah cruise missile.

 ,   :     -  . pic.twitter.com/b9pYZNvdh6  Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) December 19, 2024

Post Unavailable

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
CAIRO (Reuters) - The Israeli military said on Thursday that sirens sounded in numerous areas in central Israel after a missile was launched from Yemen.

The missile was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory, it added. There were no reports of casualties,

Earlier this week, Yemen's Houthi militants said they fired a ballistic missile at a military target in Jaffa, a city in central Israel.

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The Iran-backed group in Yemen has repeatedly fired drones and missiles towards Israel in what it describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

(Reporting by Ahmed Tolba and Emily Rose; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Stephen Coates)
Israels military launched deadly strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen early Thursday, just hours after the Iran-backed militant groups latest attack on Israel.

Nine people were killed and three others injured in Israeli airstrikes on a port and oil facility near the capital Sanaa, said Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, in a post on X. Earlier, Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV said the Israeli strikes targeted the Heyzaz and Dhahban power stations near the capital, and the Hodeidah port and Ras Isa oil facility.

Israels military said the airstrikes were retaliation for Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel over the past year, most of which were intercepted.

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Israels long hand will reach you as well, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a warning to Houthi leaders following the strikes. Whoever raises a hand against the State of Israel - his hand will be cut off, whoever harms us - will be harmed sevenfold.

Tensions between Israel and the Houthis have escalated for months as Israel wages its war on Hamas in Gaza following the Palestinian militant groups October 7 attacks  with world leaders warning of the potential for a wider Middle East conflict.

Earlier Thursday, sirens were heard in central Israel after the Israeli military intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. A school was damaged and no injuries were reported, the IDF said.

The Houthis later claimed they had achieved their goals in twin missile attacks on Israeli military targets in the Tel Aviv area.

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The Houthis have attacked Israel, its allies and vital Red Sea shipping lines in rejection of Israels military campaign in Gaza that has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians. The group, which controls Yemens most populous regions, say they wont stop striking Israel and its allies until a ceasefire is reached in the Palestinian enclave.

In July, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv, Israels commercial center  the first such strike on the city by the group.

Israeli police bomb squad members work near a damaged site after a projectile fired from Yemen was intercepted, in Ramat Gan, Israel on December 19, 2024. - Stoyan Nenov/Reuters

Israel hit back the next day with deadly airstrikes on a Yemeni port in the first such Israeli strike on Yemen, according to Israeli officials.

In September, the Houthis fired a missile deep into Israel, and earlier this month, they claimed to have fired a drone that hit a building in central Israel. No injuries were reported in either attack.

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Israels key ally the United States has also struck Houthi targets in Yemen multiple times over the past year, including consecutive nights of strikes in November.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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A school near Tel Aviv was badly damaged when a missile fired from Yemen was shot down early on Thursday, according to Israeli media reports.

The debris from the projectile hit the school building in the suburb of Ramat Gan, causing part of the structure to collapse.

There were no casualties although there could have been a tragedy if the attack had occurred a little later at the start of classes, said an army spokesman.

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According to the military, the missile was detected approaching Israel when a long-planned Israeli air attack on harbours in Yemen and, for the first time, on the capital Sanaa had already begun.

Dozens of fighter jets, tanker planes and reconnaissance aircraft were involved in the attack in Yemen, around 2,000 kilometres away.

According to the Times of Israel newspaper, the pro-Iranian Houthi militia has fired around 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel in the past 12 months. Israel was able to intercept most of the missiles, it said.

The militia claims it operates in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been waging war against the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas since the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
ROME  Russia is moving military assets from Syria to Libya, creating a security threat in the central Mediterranean, Italys defense minister has said.

Moscow is transferring resources from its Syrian base at Tartus to Libya, Guido Crosetto told Italian daily La Repubblica.

That is not a good thing. Russian ships and submarines in the Mediterranean are always a concern, and even more so if instead of being 1,000 kilometers away they are two steps from us, he said.

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Since Syrian dictator Bashar Assad fled rebels this month, the Russian forces backing him have moved personnel and material to two bases it manages in the country: one at the port of Tartus and one at Hmeimim air base.

Amid speculation Russia may leave the country, satellite images show Russian warships previously docked at Tartus have put out to sea, prompting theories they might head to Tobruk in eastern Libya, where Moscow has been negotiating a formal deal to use the citys port withlocal leader Gen. Khalifa Haftar.

If Russia loses use of Tartus it would be denied a port to base naval vessels in the Mediterranean, making Libya a highly desirable alternative.

Analyst Jalel Harchaoui said that while there was no evidence of naval vessels heading for Libya - yet - there was plenty of evidence of increased Russian flights arriving.

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Russian activity in Libya has been more intense of late, said Harchaoui, an analyst at the Royal United Services Institute think tank in London.

Three cargo flights recently arrived from Belarus as well as at least one cargo flight direct from Russia, which reminds us that Syria was a very useful stepping stone for flights from Russia to Africa, but not essential, he said.

Moscow already has military bases in eastern Libya which are staging posts for troops and material being sent to back military coup leaders in sub-Saharan Africa.

We dont know if the warships from Tartus will pop up in Libya but it already looks like Russia is increasing its presence there. And even if Russia keeps a presence in Syria, it counts as a downgrade and the Russians will likely look to recreate their level of comfort in Libya, he said.

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If they do move into Tobruk, it would be seen as a brazen gesture by NATO and the U.S., and a sign that Haftar is no longer even pretending to listen to the West. The question is, will the U.S. and the U.K. then use coercion?

Ben Fishman, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told Defense News, I would be totally unsurprised if Russia is moving assets to Libya  they have been courting Haftar precisely for scenarios like this.

He added, I think the U.S. should go on record with any evidence it has of a Russian build-up, as it has on previous occasions.

In recent months, Haftar has met with U.S. officials who want to discuss reunifying the eastern half of Libya he controls with western Libya, which is run by a UN-recognized administration in Tripoli.

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A U.S. charge daffaires in Libya, Jeremy Berndt, kept channels open on Wednesday by meeting with two of Haftars increasingly influential sons in Benghazi.

Mohamed Eljarh, a Benghazi-based managing partner at consultancy firm Libya Desk, said, Unlike the Syria case, there is no evidence of any formal agreement between Haftar and Russia for a Russian military presence in Libya. Russias access to Libya has come through informal agreements and understandings that it will supply training and equipment to the LNA.

The Libyan National Army, or LNA, is Haftars military force.

Eljarh added, I sense there could be a temporary arrangement with Russia to host more Russian assets now that Moscow in on the back foot in Syria. But Haftar has a history of saying no to the Russians when certain lines are crossed.

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This week, CNN quoted unnamed U.S. officials claiming Russian naval vessels were already moving from Tartus to Libya.

Eljarh said, LNA contacts tell me reports have been exaggerated and that the LNA is sending signals to the U.S. saying, We are worried you are targeting us with all this exaggerated media campaign  please make your intentions clear.

Amid talk of Russia shifting assets to Libya, analyst Claudia Gazzini said one state was being forgotten  Turkey, which provides military support to the Tripoli government.

You would need Turkish acquiescence here, said Gazzini, a Libya expertat the Crisis Group.

I cannot imagine the Turks and the Russians have not discussed the matter. What have been the contours of that conversation?
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Though mold growth anywhere gives most people pause, a recent report indicates that it may be a widespread problem in the capital city.

In August, the city of Jackson temporarily closed Thalia Mara Hall after officials discovered early microbial activity in the facility. City employees expressed concerns about pests and mold at the Metrocenter Mall back in 2023. However, a Deye report indicates that mold in these buildings is part of a larger issue. It found that Jackson is the 16th moldiest city in the United States.

The site reports that Jacksons high humidity and warm temperatures create an environment where mold growth is a frequent concern, particularly in shaded areas or spaces with limited airflow. However, the capital city was not the only Mississippi city on the list. Biloxi, Gulfport and Hattiesburg ranked 7th, 11th and 22nd in the reports ranking, respectively.

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Thalia Mara Hall still expected to reopen in January

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes and pets. It can also be carried indoors.

While some dismiss mold as a mere nuisance, exposure may have devastating health consequences. This includes chronic skin conditions, dangerous respiratory infections and potentially life-threatening lung inflammation.

Below is CDC guidance on how to reduce mold growth in ones home.

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Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting. You can buy mold inhibitors at paint and home improvement stores.

Be sure the air in your home flows freely. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom that vent outside your home. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.

Clean up and dry out your home fully and quickly (within 2448 hours) after a flood.

Fix any leaks in your homes roof, walls or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.

Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can  no higher than 50%  all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you do so.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Yet again, Jackson County legislators met Wednesday to decide on how to use $70 million of federal funds.

Those funds will go back to the federal government if legislators cant decide on how to spend the money by December 31 of this year.

We are right here at the edge of the cliff to pass this doggone ordinance, get this moving, and move on to the other business of the county, but now here we are again, Megan Marshall, the Third District At-Large Legislator for Jackson County, shared Wednesday.

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Due to the lack of a unanimous vote, the ordinance didnt pass Wednesday. Nevertheless, it was introduced.

KCPD settles another lawsuit involving same police officer

On Thursday, it could be perfected and adopted with a majority vote, unless someone objects, in which case it would take a vote of six legislators.

This new piece of legislation that is the compromise, I think and would say is a Cleaver compromise is now on the agenda for tomorrow, Manny Abarca, Jackson Countys First District Legislator, shared Wednesday.

I think we are there, its just the procedural processes of making this happen.

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While some lawmakers claim its all part of the process, others in Jackson County are less than pleased about the quarrel.

I dont like this approach. It kicks the can down the road, money that we have had for four years while the community is hurting and there are no deadlines; this is just a way to preserve the funds, said Sean Smith, Jackson Countys Sixth District Legislator.

I dont want the community to think that Im on board with waiting to maybe put these funds out in the community three years from now, five years from now. The fact is there is no deadline after this.

Smith was the only one who wasnt in favor of the legislation Wednesday and called it a book-keeping trick.

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Shortly after the special session started Wednesday, legislators had to take a recess, simply to get a copy of the legislation. That was among a few reasons why the lone vote was concerned with it, he says.

Raytown man charged in federal drug trafficking indictment

Smith also made his thoughts clear on how he feels about Frank White Jr. and took to Facebook to share them on Tuesday.

Its pretty clear that some legislators wanted this money to go back to the feds and I just think that right now tomorrow we will find out for sure who wants to save the taxpayers money and improve the infrastructure of the county and also put money into our community to help our nonprofits, Frank White Jr., Jackson County Executive, said.

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One step closer.

Many legislators said on Wednesday that theyre confident that this ordinance will pass Thursday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
By Jody Godoy

(Reuters) -Grubhub settled with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Tuesday for allegedly misleading customers about order fees, adding restaurants to its platform without their consent and deceiving drivers about pay.

The settlement requires Grubhub to cease the practices and pay $25 million. The agencies sought a $140 million judgment against the company, but reduced it to what Grubhub is able to pay, they said. If Grubhub is found to have misrepresented its financial position, the full penalty will apply.

A Grubhub spokesperson said on Tuesday that, "while we categorically deny the allegations made by the FTC, many of which are wrong, misleading or no longer applicable to our business, we believe settling this matter is in the best interest of Grubhub and allows us to move forward."

The food delivery platform hid fees until the last minute, misled Grubhub+ subscribers to believe they can avoid fees, and blocked some customers from using their gift card balances, according to the lawsuit.

Drivers were told they could earn up to $26 an hour, when in reality only the top 2% achieved those rates, the agencies said. And thousands of restaurants were added to the platform without their consent, resulting in order delays and customer complaints, the FTC and Illinois said.

"For Grubhub, these misrepresentations are a quick and cheap way to add restaurant offerings and build scale. But Grubhubs deception harms restaurants and diners alike," the agencies said.

The FTC and Illinois alleged the practices violated federal and state law.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York; Edited by Chizu Nomiyama)
JACKSON, Mich.(WLNS) A mid-Michigan police department helped put some food on many families tables just in time for the holiday season.

The Jackson Police Department hosted its second annual ham giveaway at the County Fairgrounds Wednesday.

The department gave away 400 hams, that were donated by Garcia Laboratory.

As people drove through, one ham was given to each vehicle.

Elmer Hitt, Director of Police and Fire Services, says they do this to help the community, especially during the holidays when many people are stressed out.

(WLNS)

Its a good feeling. I mean, again, we look for these opportunities as law enforcement. We understand the importance of giving back in a different way, said Hitt. and helping out. Outside of just the normal job of being a law enforcement officer.

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In November, the Jackson Police worked with Walmart to give out 500 free turkeys to families for Thanksgiving.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
A Jamaican jailed twice for drug dealing has avoided deportation after claiming that it would breach the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The 39-year-old Jamaican, who was granted anonymity, claimed that his removal by the Home Office would breach his right to a family life, and put him at risk of inhuman or degrading treatment in his home country.

He claimed that he had been a victim of trafficking in Jamaica and had been abused when he was eight, before he came to the UK at the age of 16.

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His appeal against an earlier decision to deport him was upheld by an upper tribunal, which ordered his case should be reconsidered.

The decision came despite two convictions which saw him imprisoned for terms of 18 months and 30 months for dealing heroin, a class A drug.

The case is likely to reinforce calls for the UK to quit the ECHR after The Telegraph revealed on Wednesday how a Turkish crime boss, said to be one of Britains biggest drug dealers, won his human rights battle against deportation.

The 70-year-old man, who was jailed for 16 years for plotting to supply heroin across the UK, won the right to remain in the UK on the basis that it would breach his human right to a family life even though he had an extra-marital affair with a woman in Turkey and had married her to preserve her honour.

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The Turkish drug dealer, who was also granted anonymity, claimed that as an Alevi Kurd he would be persecuted if he was deported to Turkey, even though the immigration tribunal was told he had returned to his homeland eight times since he came to Britain without facing any persecution.

The mans claim to remain in the UK was backed by the UN Refugee Agency despite the Home Office saying he was a danger to the community whose continued presence in the UK was not conducive to the public good because of his criminal history.

The Jamaican came to Britain in 2001 when he was 16. He overstayed his visa, for which he was arrested in 2006, but remained in the UK before being arrested again on suspicion of drug offences.

He successfully appealed an initial deportation order in 2012 and was granted 30 months leave to remain despite having been jailed a year earlier for 18 months for drug offences.

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In May 2020, he was jailed for 30 months for possession of heroin with intent to supply and was served with a deportation order by the Home Office.

However, he challenged it under articles 3 and 8 of the ECHR, which protect the rights to a family or private life, and rights to not be subjected to torture, or degrading or inhuman treatment.

The judge in the lower immigration tribunal rejected his claims that it would be unreasonable or unduly harsh to deport him back to Jamaica, dismissing his claims of a torture risk and that deportation would damage his family life.

The Home Office argued that the Jamaican had been convicted of a particularly serious crime and was a danger to the community.

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However, the judge was forced to hold the hearing without the man being present because he had failed to turn up. He claimed, via one of his uncles, that he was ill, although no medical evidence was provided to the tribunal to support the claim.

On appeal, an upper tribunal judge ruled that the lower court had failed to take account of all material considerations in the Jamaicans claim and also denied him a fair trial by not adjourning it so he could give evidence in person. He ordered the case to be reconsidered.

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Jamestown, New York  (WJET/WFXP) Two brothers were arrested after a SWAT raid in Jamestown, New York uncovered two carbine rifles suspected to be stolen and outfitted with high-capacity magazines

According to Jamestown Police, SWAT teams along with the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force raided an apartment in the 200 block of Forest Avenue around 2:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16.

Teenage victim identified in west Erie homicide on Tuesday

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Inside police said they found 25-year-old Tyler and 20-year-old Damion Dalton both of Jamestown along with at least two rifles suspected to be stolen, one of which was from Tall Tales Sporting Goods in Warren County, PA and both outfitted with high-capacity magazines.

Police said one was an AR-15 while the other was a disassembled carbine rifle that each had their serial number defaced and both men were taken into custody.

Tyler Dalton, 25. Photo courtesy of Jamestown Police. Damion Dalton, 20. Photo courtesy of Jamestown Police.

Woman arrested for robbery, assaulting victim in New York residence

Damion previously had a warrant out for his arrest at the time of the raid and is being charged with the following:

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Two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (defaced weapons)

Two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (high-capacity magazines)

One count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (assault weapon)

One count of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property

Tyler, a convicted felon, is also alleged to have been in possession of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest is charged with the following:

Two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (defaced weapons)

Two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (high-capacity magazines)

One count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (possession of an assault weapon)

One count of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property

One count of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

NY teen charged for online threat to Chautauqua Co. high school

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Both men have since been arraigned in Chautauqua County Court pleading not guilty to all charges with bail set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 insured bond or $20,000.00 partially secured surety bond for each of them.

The Chautauqua County, Sheriffs Office, Dunkirk Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Chautauqua County Tac Meds, and the Jamestown Fire Department also assisted on the scene.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
The News

Congressional Republicans are already used to turning on their social media alerts for Donald Trump. Theyll need to do the same for JD Vance.

When Trump and Vance issued a lengthy statement on Wednesday evening that doomed the partys short-term government spending deal, it notably did not appear first on Trumps Truth Social account or come from his official transition team. The Trump-Vance broadside was first posted by Vance on his X account.

The vice president-elect spent the next few hours tending to Capitol Hill, meeting privately with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss his and Trumps problems with the package. Vance was back on the Hill on Thursday, trying to sort out the mess his party had made of a government shutdown deadline that hits Saturday at midnight; he met with Johnson again and then briefed his Senate GOP colleagues on the state of play.

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He told us all the problems that theyre having reaching an agreement, said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

Vances central role in the implosion and rebuilding of the GOP spending plan is particularly striking given that hes the youngest Republican senator in Congress and still technically one of the most junior lawmakers in the Capitol. But the 40-year-olds quick ascension goes beyond his status as Trumps political heir apparent  this week is a signal that he may become the president-elects leading emissary on Capitol Hill, too.

Hes going to be involved in a of decisions that the president makes, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito told Semafor. It wont be just ones that are interacting in between the Hill and the White House.

Trumps last vice president, Mike Pence, served as Trumps go-to man in Congress and dined frequently with GOP senators. Theres an expectation among senators that Vance will assume a similar role, but the two men bring far different personas to the job.

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Vance is a social media-savvy millennial with a populist bent that often barely resembles Pences old-school conservatism. Hes far more aligned ideologically with Trump, and he was doing battle online long before the similarly hyper-connected president-elect added him to the ticket.

In fact, most congressional Republicans found out about Trumps opposition to the original GOP spending deal by reading Vances post.

I did indeed, said Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., who was not in Congress during Trumps first term. From afar, it looked like this was the norm. And here we go.

Know More

Trump has his own deep ties to lawmakers, formed during his first term and beyond; hes well-known for directly calling Republicans to lobby them as needed. But Vance still has plenty of opportunities to serve as a conduit between the Hill and the White House.

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You cant have the president call for everything, one person close to Vance told Semafor. JD is a former colleague calling them. Its a little bit of a softer touch  [Trump] is the hammer. JD is more like a diplomat.

Republicans dont seem put off about the fact that Vance, who has only been a senator for two years, will likely be playing a key role in securing party unity to enact Trumps agenda. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., suggested Vances position will be a source of pride for fellow senators, noting that it honors the institution and sort of elevates all of us.

Vances connections to the Trump White Houses legislative affairs go beyond the spending deal and his emerging unofficial role. Hes also playing an active part in corralling support for Trumps Cabinet picks, and the new administration tapped a Vance aide, James Braid, to be Trumps top legislative point man on Capitol Hill.

Incoming GOP vice chair Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., said both Vance and Braid should meet with the Senate GOP as often as possible to stay on the same page.

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Those wishes were manifested Thursday as Vance showed up at Republicans private lunch meeting and his shuttling around the building was unmissable. Several senators said that after speaking to House GOP leaders earlier in the day, Vance reviewed their options to get out of the partys self-inflicted jam before the government runs out of money.

Trump and Vance are both urging Republican lawmakers to take the mid-year breach of the nations debt limit off their plate, in addition to quashing months of work by Johnson by asking that the spending bill be slimmed down.

Late Thursday afternoon, Trump and House Republicans were touting a potential breakthrough on a spending and debt limit deal, but big hurdles remain before a shutdown can be averted  including in the Senate.

The request by President Trump that the debt limit issue be part of this was completely unexpected, said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who is set to chair the chambers government spending panel next Congress.

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Despite his short time on Capitol Hill, a Vance adviser said the Ohioan has relationships that pre-date his time in office thanks to his popular 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy. And hes clearly eager not to be seen as an upstart trying to dictate to senior senators.

I think its how you approach your colleagues, and I dont think he approaches his colleagues that way, the Vance adviser said. Hes willing to do whatever he can to help the administration with its goals, but hes also able to talk to them on their terms too.

Shelby and Burgess View

Vance will have one of the toughest jobs in Washington, managing Trumps expectations as well as those of hundreds of congressional Republicans in the House and Senate. Hell have to carefully balance his relationships with lawmakers against Trumps own.

As Capito put it: Hes also going to be very respectful of the fact that hes not the president and that the president is the final decision-maker.

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Hes more ideologically aligned with Trump than Pence was, which helps. But Elon Musks pride in knifing the spending deal even before Trump spoke out illustrates the potential downside of Vances prominence in negotiations with Congress.

Getting out too far ahead of Trump is always risky.





Room for Disagreement

Vances emergence on the Hill for Trump, despite his relative youth, strikes some of his more senior colleagues as a clearly good thing. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., aired a sense of relief that the vice president-elect got involved in the negotiations.

Its appropriate. Vance has two years in the Senate, Tillis told Semafor of Vances role.

The duo talked Wednesday night about prioritizing disaster assistance to hurricane-hit states, like Tillis own.
President-elect Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for another tech bro Wednesday night, with Amazon boss Jeff Bezos spotted at Mar-a-Lago.

Bezos and fiancee Lauren Sanchez were seen sauntering into Trumps Florida estate Wednesday night for a dinner with the incoming president. The pair walked hand in hand behind Trump and his wife, Melania, to huge cheers. They dined at a table with the Trumps.

Another guest at Mar-a-Lago posted a picture of the gathering on Instagram and claimed that Elon Musk arrived mid-dinner and sat between Bezos and Trump.

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Lieba Nesis, a reporter and lawyer who took the shot, said it had seemed that Bezos was on a mission to win Trump over before Musk arrived unceremoniously around 50 minutes later, catching his fellow billionaire off guard and making him uncomfortable like he had been c--k-blocked.

The tension between Musk and Bezos known rivals is palpable as they do their best to engage politely but clearly have no love for each other! she added.

However, a person close to Bezos rebutted those claims in a chat with the Daily Beast. There was no friction whatsoever, it was a fantastic dinner, a really great time, they said.

Trump appeared elated with how things went, writing on Truth Social on Thursday morning: EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND!!!

Bezos and Sanchez / bona_eunjae_ / Instagram

Bezos, who has donated $1 million to the Trump inauguration through Amazon, has been on frosty terms with Musk.

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Musk previously wrote on X that hed heard Bezos was telling everyone [Trump] would lose for sure, so they should sell all their Tesla and SpaceX stock.

Bezos, who owns rival space firm Blue Origin, shot down the claim, saying: Nope. 100% not true.

Musk, the SpaceX CEO and X owner, who has recently become Trumps righthand man, apparently led the charge on collapsing a bipartisan deal on the debt ceiling on Wednesday.

On Thursday, he tried to calm relations with the worlds second richest man, Bezos, saying on X that he enjoyed a great conversation with The Washington Post owner.

Bezos Palm Beach visit comes as Amazon workers walk out of plants at one warehouse in San Francisco, and six delivery stations in southern California, New York City, Atlanta, and Skokie, Illinois.

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Bezos, not traditionally an ally of Trump who once called him Jeff Bozo, recently expressed excitement at Trumps return to the White House. Im actually very optimistic this time around, Bezos said at The New York Times DealBook Summit in New York earlier this month. He seems to have a lot of energy around reducing regulation. If I can help do that, Im going to help him.

We do have too many regulations in this country, Bezos added.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, seen in July, walked into Mar-a-Lago to cheers. / Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Trump and Bezos relationship recently experienced an uptick when the Amazon founders newspaper, The Washington Post, broke with tradition and refused to back a presidential candidate earlier this year. The move came after years of the paper backing Democratic candidates for president.

Trump said at the New York Stock Exchange last week that he was excited by his tech-heavy diary.

I want to get ideas from them, Trump said after being named Times Person of the Year. Look, we want them to do well.
NEW JERSEY (PIX11)  Its been one month since New Jerseys first reported drone sighting and many questions still remain unanswered.

Everybodys just aggravated, said Mine Hill Mayor Sam Morris. I can tell you, all the mayors I work with in Morris County, were all on the same page.

More Local News

The federal government reports it has not found any anomalous drone sightings that pose a threat to public safety. Despite that, Morris said he was bombarded with text messages from concerned residents on Tuesday evening about new sightings.

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I thinks the powers-that-be are stonewalling, said Morris. And I would not stop short of saying I think theyre gaslighting. Theyre trying to now tell people youre not seeing anything. And thats just not true.

Mayor Mike Melham of Belleville expressed similar skepticism, calling the current situation a clown show.

Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali said he wants to know who owns the drones and where they originated. He said they are still flying over Montvale homes and schools.

Tim Dougherty, the mayor of Morristown, said he remains concerned about the Coast Guards drone sightings but that, at a certain point, he has to trust the federal government.

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Residents we spoke to largely dont see the drones as a safety risk but also dont necessarily believe the government is divulging everything.

I probably think that the government really knows whats going on  or at least a few people do  and otherwise, they wouldve shot it down, said Chris Kazatski of Jefferson Township.

I think theyre full of it, said Alec Leslie, who works in Chester. I think theyre trying to hide something from us. Either they dont know what it is  which is still scary  or they do know and they dont want to say what it is.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  New Jersey's top court on Thursday agreed to temporarily pause a lower court decision that determined the attorney general overstepped his authority when he took control of the Paterson Police Department.

The Supreme Court of New Jersey's temporary pause means Attorney General Matt Platkin's officer in charge will remain in control of the department, the attorney general said. The high court issued the stay without elaboration, and Attorney General Matt Platkin praised the decision in a post on X.

As our appeal proceeds, the PPD will continue to run as it has since March 2023: ensuring public safety while strengthening community trust, Platkin said.

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On Wednesday, the New Jersey Appellate Division said Platkin had no authority to supersede, or take over, Paterson's police force in March 2023 after the headline-grabbing death of Najee Seabrooks, who was fatally shot by officers after barricading himself in an apartment bathroom.

The court directed Platkin to return control of the police department to city officials and return Police Chief Engelbert Ribeiro to the city from a police training commission, but that decision is on hold after the Supreme Court's order.

The court's decision comes as the Biden administration puts other departments under a microscope, including Trenton's, which it said has a pattern and practice of misconduct, and as Platkin has called for more police accountability around the state. .

Paterson has a population of about 160,000 and lies about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Manhattan. Its demographics shifted in recent decades from a mostly white city to one today where Black residents account for nearly 24% and Hispanics for just over 60% of the population.

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As Patersons Black population grew, it found itself clashing with the citys white power structure, particularly its police force. Platkin said earlier this year that he wouldn't blame residents for being distrustful of the police.

Since the start of 2019, city police fatally shot four people; two others, including Jameek Lowery, have died after being restrained.

The appeals court's ruling left in place Platkin's takeover of the police department's internal affairs unit  the group charged with investigating the department itself in certain cases. City officials did not challenge the attorney general's takeover of that part of the department.
ROCKVILLE, Md. (DC News Now)  Jews are encouraged to use extra caution when Hanukkah starts on Dec. 25.

Theres no information that theres a specific targeting of the Jewish community, said Rusty Rosenthal, executive director of community security at The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Prince Georges County Task Force releases suggestions addressing pedestrian safety

The number of anti-Jewish incidents in Montgomery County roughly quadrupled last year when compared to cases in 2022.

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The fact that Hanukkah lends itself to more outside, events, maybe more public events, you know, the menorahs that are up you know, obvious Jewish symbolism may attract more attention, Rosenthal said.

He heads JShield, which works with Jewish organizations and communities to improve security at Jewish facilities.

You cannot be over-reliant on maybe the one security officer you have outside or the fact that JShield exists, and theres someone looking at security for the whole community or even your law enforcement, Rosenthal said.

Rosenthals recommendations include a visitor sign-in process, to track those in Jewish buildings or on that property. Plus, provide staff training, and develop a security plan and drill procedure.

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I think that makes a lot of sense, said Sheldon, who is Jewish.

Students from Barbara Ingram School for the Arts to showcase their talent at Maryland Theatre Christmas show

Sheldon said hes not worried about something happening during the upcoming holiday.

Ive never seen it happen, he said. You know, Ive been around for a while, and Ive never seen anything terrible happen in Montgomery County.

The Jewish Federation wants people to be alert but not to the point it takes away from celebrating Hanukkah.

Its the Festival of Lights, and we should find the light in the darkness, Rosenthal said.

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He also reminded people to contact authorities if they see any suspicious activity.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
By Maki Shiraki and Norihiko Shirouzu

TOKYO (Reuters) -Honda and Nissan are in talks to deepen ties, two people said on Wednesday, including a possible merger, the clearest sign yet of how Japan's once seemingly unbeatable auto industry is being reshaped by challenges from Tesla and Chinese rivals.

A combined Honda and Nissan would create a $54 billion company with annual output of 7.4 million vehicles, making it the world's third-largest auto group by vehicle sales after Toyota and Volkswagen.

The two firms already forged a strategic partnership in March to cooperate in electric vehicle development, but Nissan's deepening financial and strategic trouble in recent months has added more urgency for closer cooperation with larger rival Honda.

Nissan announced a $2.6 billion cost savings plan last month that includes cutting 9,000 jobs and 20% of its global production capacity, as slumping sales in China and the United States led to an 85% plunge in second-quarter profit.

"This deal appears to be more about bailing out Nissan, but Honda itself is not resting on its laurels," said Sanshiro Fukao, executive fellow at Itochu Research Institute. "Honda's cash flow is set to deteriorate next year and its EVs haven't been going so well."

Shares of Nissan closed nearly 24% higher in Tokyo trade on Wednesday, while shares of Honda, whose market value of $43 billion is more than four times bigger than that of Nissan, declined 3%. Shares of Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan is the top shareholder with a 24% stake, gained nearly 20%.

The automakers have been grappling with challenges from EV makers, particularly in China, where BYD and others have surged ahead.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is also threatening hefty tariffs on vehicles shipped from Canada and Mexico to the U.S., adding further pressure on the companies. Honda and Nissan both produce cars in Mexico for export to the United States.

The talks between Honda and Nissan, first reported by the Nikkei newspaper, could allow the companies to cooperate more on technology and help them create a more formidable domestic rival to Toyota.

The discussions are focused on finding ways to bolster collaboration and include the possibility of setting up a holding company, said the people, who declined to be identified because the information has not been made public.

The companies are also discussing the possibility of a full merger, according to one of the people, as well as looking at ways to cooperate with Mitsubishi.

Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi said no deal had been announced by any of the companies, though Nissan and Mitsubishi noted the three automakers had said previously they were considering opportunities for future collaboration.
Jill Bidens press secretary was told to stop talking about her frenetic presidential campaign schedule because it upstaged her husband, a report has claimed.

The first ladys communications staff were chided by their superiors in 2020 for telling journalists in Iowa that she held more events in the state than the president.

The message from Joe Bidens inner circle was that the more you talk her up, the more you make him look bad, Michael LaRosa, her press secretary, said.

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The claims have been made in an article by the Wall St Journal that describes Mr Biden, 82, the oldest president in history, as diminished during his presidency.

Jill Biden at the Paris Olympics in July - Gonzalo Fuentes/REUTERS

Mr Bidens inner circle allowed his mental decline to go unchecked for years, the article claims.

That included during his 2020 presidential campaign which he mostly ran from the basement of his home in Delaware.

Mrs Biden enthusiastically hit the campaign trail in Iowa, the first state to hold a primary election.

At the time, Mr LaRosa was proud of the fact that Mrs Biden had hit more counties than her husband, and shared it with a local journalist in Iowa.

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But he was quickly reprimanded, the Journal reported, and on a ride in a minivan in Iowa, Anthony Bernal, then a deputy campaign manager and chief of staff to Mrs Biden, told him to call the reporter back.

Mr LaRosa said he was told to de-emphasise the difference between the plodding pace of Mr Biden and that of his wife, who is eight years younger than him.

According to Mr LaRosa, the message was: The more you talk her up, the more you make him look bad.

Mrs Biden with Olena Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine, at the UN assembly this year

After Mr Biden took office in 2021, his schedule was tailored further to his needs: meetings were kept short and scheduled for the afternoons because that was when he was at his best.

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During the Spring of 2021, one national security official told an aide that a meeting had to be rescheduled because the president was having a bad day.

The aide recalled the official saying: He has good days and bad days, and today was a bad day so were going to address this tomorrow.

Representative Adam Smith of Washington said he tried to speak to the president ahead of the catastrophic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021  widely seen as Bidens biggest foreign policy failure  but could not get him on the phone.

Mr Smith, a Democrat who at the time was chairman of the powerful armed services committee, said that Mr Biden was more insulated than most presidents.

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He said: I spoke with Barack Obama on a number of occasions when he was president and I wasnt even chairman of the committee.

Even Janet Yellen, the Treasury secretary, had an arms length relationship with Mr Biden and one-on-one discussions with him were rare, the Journal reported.

Mrs Biden speaks to Donald Trump at the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in December - LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Andrew Bates, the White House spokesman, said Mr Biden earned the most accomplished record of any modern commander in chief and rebuilt the middle class because of his attention to policy details that impact millions of lives.

Mr Biden was forced to drop out of the presidential race following his disastrous June debate performance against Donald Trump.

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According to the article, a small group of aides stuck close to Mr Biden, especially when he was in public.

A person who witnessed this said: They body him to such a high degree, adding that the hand holding is unlike any other president in modern times.

Inner circle fiercely loyal

Mr Bidens inner circle were said to be fiercely loyal and long-serving, but that meant they did not tolerate criticism of him or any dissent.

Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he had no personal contact with the president despite working on the reauthorisation of national security surveillance powers.

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Even those who did speak to Mr Biden regularly saw that he was not the man he used to be during his five decades of public service, starting with his election to the Senate in 1973.

Senator Joe Manchin, the West Virginia independent, said Mr Biden had lost that fight, and did not seem to have enough energy to do the job.

According to Mr Manchin, he did not think Mr Biden had the ability to continue to stay on, just grind it, grind it, grind it.

Mr Manchin said that Mr Biden let a group of his staff, who he called the eager beavers take care of more things than he expected, rather than doing them himself.

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Ron Klain, Mr Bidens chief of staff for the first half of his administration, disputed this and said that the agenda was set by the presidents direction and leadership.

But cabinet members voiced frustration that they could not get a call with Mr Biden and one even stopped asking for them after being told such requests werent welcome, the Journal claimed.

Lloyd Austin, the defence secretary, found that his relationship with Mr Biden drifted over the past four years despite his brief including the wars in Ukraine and Israel.

Fewer cabinet meetings

Mr Biden also held fewer cabinet meetings during his presidency: just nine so far compared to 19 for Mr Obamas first term and 25 for Mr Trump.

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In late 2023 the president was interviewed by Special Counsel Robert Hur who was investigating whether Mr Biden had deliberately removed and stored classified documents.

The presidents team spent three hours a day for a week preparing him but Mr Biden still could not remember lines he was given.

Mr Bidens energy levels were up and down during the prep sessions and he made a series of blunders in the interviews, the Journal said.

Mr Hurs devastating report concluded that Mr Biden should not be charged, adding that he was a sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.

The efforts to protect Mr Biden continued into his re-election campaign where questions from donors at meet-and-greets were pre-approved and printed on cards.

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Mr Biden still made a series of gaffes which surprised the donors as they knew he was expecting their questions.

Other Biden aides would often repeat basic instructions to the president such as where to enter or leave a stage.

He still managed to get this wrong and at the end of a press conference on an official trip to Brazil last month, Mr Biden wandered off from the podium and into the rainforest, apparently unclear where he was going.

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Then-national security adviser John Bolton listens as U.S. President Donald Trump meets with the prime minister of the Netherlands at the White House on July 18, 2019 in Washington. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

WASHINGTON  One of Donald Trumps top White House advisers in his first term warned Thursday that the former and soon-to-be presidents threats against onetime congresswoman Liz Cheney and others who tried to hold him accountable for his actions leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, need to be taken seriously.

This is part of the retribution campaign that he signaled for quite some time, said John Bolton, who served as Trumps national security adviser from spring 2018 through late summer 2019. The important thing is that people understand that hes carrying through on what he said he was going to do.

Cheney, of Wyoming, was the highest-ranking congressional Republican to continue criticizing Trump for his coup attempt culminating in an attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of his supporters nearly four years ago. She lost her leadership position in May 2021, but then served as vice chair of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack. A Trump-backed Republican ousted her from her House seat in the 2022 midterm elections.

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Trump has at times claimed that he would fulfill his many promises of seeking retribution against his political opponents simply by completing a successful second term. On Wednesday, however, he offered what appeared to be a new threat targeting Cheney  Liz Cheney could be in a lot of trouble  and then paraphrased a House ally whod said that numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney ... and these violations should be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

My message to Republicans is that you have to take what Trump says on repeated occasions seriously. Thats what he wants to do, Bolton told HuffPost. He may not do it. He may be distracted from it, but dont live in the bubble that its just talk and you can dismiss it.

Bolton also said that Trumps pick to be the next director of national intelligence, former Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, should be rejected. Shes utterly unqualified for the job, and she said things about Syria, about Ukraine, about a variety of other issues that put her not just at the extremes of public opinion, but put her on a different planet, he said.

Trump aides did not respond to HuffPosts requests for comment.

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Bolton was Trumps third national security adviser. His first, Michael Flynn, resigned just weeks after the start of Trumps term in 2017 after admitting he misled then-Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential transition. Trumps second national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, lasted just over a year.

Bolton, considered a foreign policy hawk in the tradition of the pre-Trump Republican Party, frequently butted heads with Trump over a number of issues, including his affinity for dictators like Russias Vladimir Putin and North Koreas Kim Jong Un. Bolton left the White House just as the public was learning of Trumps attempts to coerce Ukraine into smearing the 2020 Democratic opponent he most feared.

Bolton said he considered Gabbard; former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, Trumps first choice for attorney general; and Kash Patel, Trumps pick to run the FBI, to be the most dangerous for the country. Gaetz was pressured into withdrawing his name last month amid speculation regarding a still-secret House Ethics Committee report about his alleged sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

Thats one down, Bolton said.

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Whether Senate Republicans have any interest in warnings from the likes of Bolton, however, remains to be seen. An account on X, formerly Twitter, for Senate Republican leadership consistently posts supportive messages about GOP senators meetings with Trumps administration picks, including Patel and Gabbard, but never posts statements from Republican senators who are noncommittal.

I had a good meeting with @Kash_Patel this afternoon, read a Wednesday message that the account reposted from Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford, referring to Patel. We talked about how we can support our great FBI Agents in the field and strengthen the ties between federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement.

That post came shortly after one from Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul praising Gabbard. Tulsi embodies the qualities Washington finds intolerable: fearlessness, principle, and an unwavering commitment to challenging corruption, Paul wrote.

Bolton is among the 60 former and current executive branch officials from both major political parties whom Patel listed in his book, Government Gangsters, and believes need to be gone after.

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Patel served under Bolton as a National Security Council staffer during Trumps first term, and Bolton criticized him in a book of his own, called The Room Where It Happened, for having spent much of his time there trying to cozy up to Trump rather than carry out his assigned duties.

Bolton said that if, as the coup-attempting former president and his Republican allies claim, the FBI does need to be fixed, the way to do so is to appoint an outsider with a strong reputation, such as Democratic President Jimmy Carters choice of William Webster, a federal judge, in 1978.

You dont solve the problem by making it worse and appointing an FBI director whos going to conduct witch hunts because Donald Trump wants it, he said.
Speaker Mike Johnsons handling of an end-of-year spending deal is throwing his grasp on the gavel into uncertain territory ahead of a critical Jan. 3 Speaker vote, as some GOP lawmakers question their support for the Louisiana Republican.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) came out against Johnson on Wednesday in light of the spending deal, pledging to oppose him on the House floor next month. And a handful of other Republicans are not saying if they will support Johnson, leaving their options open as criticism of the Speaker mounts.

Hard-line House Republicans who have been party to gavel battles in the past, meanwhile, say chatter is increasing about Speaker alternatives, raising serious questions about Johnsons fate in the top job.

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Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) said discussion about alternatives to Johnson is the most Ive ever heard.

Another House Republican tied Johnsons fate to the negotiated spending package: If this passes, the Speakers in real trouble, the lawmaker said.

Even if Johnson abandons the bill, his handling of the situation could leave GOP members sour on his leadership.

Opposition to the spending deal from President-elect Trump  whose prior support for Johnson helped him get unanimously nominated for Speaker last month  and Elon Musk, who huddled with Republicans at the Capitol recently but has been incessantly posting on the social platform X against the bill, is putting even more heat on the Speaker as he looks to navigate the last legislative landmine of the 118th Congress.

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The bill unveiled Tuesday evening combines an extension of government funding through March 14 with a number of add-ons, including disaster assistance for hurricane damage; assistance for farmers; a health care deal that includes reforms to the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry; an extension of the farm bill; and an increase in pay for members of Congress.

Amid the outrage, the Speaker is considering a clean continuing resolution (CR) as a plan B. Trump, meanwhile, is pushing Johnson to include a debt ceiling increase with a clean CR. But it remains unclear if that could pass the House, with Democrats appearing to balk at the new proposal after securing wins in the negotiated package.

Johnson cannot afford more than one Republican defection on the House floor in the Jan. 3 Speakership election, assuming all members are present and voting. Republicans are set to have 219 Republicans on Jan. 3, with former Rep. Matt Gaetzs (R-Fla.) seat expected to be vacant. All 215 Democrats will vote for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

Massie, who previously led a failed effort with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) in the spring attempting to oust Johnson, had appeared to soften on his opposition to the Speaker earlier this month. But the spending package is cementing his opposition to him.

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I wont vote for him, Massie said, citing all the grievances I had this summer when we tried to vacate, and then this bill.

Other Republicans are signaling they may follow Massies lead.

Im not committing to anything just yet, but I can tell you this: I have a massive amount of heartburn over whats been done, how its been done and why its been done, said Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), one of the eight Republicans who voted to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) last year.

Johnsons potential defectors are not limited to the usual hard-line conservative antagonists, though. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) said he is undecided on his support for Johnson, before tearing into the Speakers leadership  especially on government funding matters.

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He committed to the conference a year ago that we werent gonna govern by CRs anymore, and weve done five, Steube said. And 43 days after we get a mandate from the American people, were gonna work with Democrats to do stuff when a Republican Senate comes in in two weeks?

All that is setting the stage for another potential drawn-out Speaker battle. It took House Republicans 15 ballots over multiple days to elect McCarthy in 2023, before a revolt from a handful of GOP members led to his ouster and eventual settling on Johnson.

Johnson downplayed the risks Tuesday, saying in a press conference that he is not worried about getting the support he needs to keep the gavel next year, adding he certainly hope[s] and am working towards the majority of the majority of the GOP conference supporting the CR.

Were governing. Everybody knows we have difficult circumstances. Were doing the very best we can under those circumstances, Johnson said.

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And asked about Musks opposition Wednesday, Johnson said on Fox & Friends that the billionaire incoming Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) co-chief understands the impossible position the Speaker is in. That interview came shortly before Musk unleashed dozens of posts of X slamming the proposed CR.

One House Republican said the two obvious candidates for Speaker if Johnson were to lose support would be House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), both of whom ran failed bids for the top job after McCarthys ouster last year. Another obvious possibility would be House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), the No. 2 Republican who also sought the Speakership in 2023, though members did not float his name to The Hill.

Ogles pointed to a poll on his X account that included Emmer, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Jordan as potential options for Speaker.

But Donalds, who is likely to run for governor of Florida, told The Hill he is still supporting Johnson. Jordan also told reporters Wednesday that Johnsons going to be the Speaker, Im not concerned about that, later adding, Im for Mike. A spokesperson for Emmer said he supports Speaker Johnson and is focused on doing the job he was elected to do.

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And in a good sign for the Speaker, he is retaining some support from hard-line conservatives.

I still support Speaker Johnson, said Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), chair of the House Freedom Caucus. But he added: There are a growing number of voices, both inside and outside the Freedom Caucus, who kind of shake their heads at whats going on this week.

Harris helped negotiate a deal with Johnson and anti-chaos conservatives to raise the threshold to force a snap vote on ousting the Speaker from a single member to nine members, which helped secure Johnsons nomination for Speaker in an internal House GOP voice vote in November.

Even if Johnson survives this roadblock, the mutiny he faced over the spending deal is foreshadowing what the next Congress could bring  when Republicans will have an even slimmer majority than their current one and, after a number of members depart for the Trump administration, will not be able to afford to lose any lawmakers on party-line votes.

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And he will still have to grapple with the motion to vacate, which, even with a higher threshold, could still lead to his demise.

Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), another member who helped to oust McCarthy, said the spending deal does affect how Im thinking about my vote for Speaker, pointing to consistent frustrations with how the Lousianan has handled spending issues over the past year.

This has been the same playbook that Ive seen, you know, pretty much every time from Speaker Johnson, Crane said.

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Luigi Mangione arrived back in New York City on Thursday just as damning new evidence emerged against him.

Detectives allege that the accused CEO assassin wrote in his journal as far back as August that he wished to murder a health insurance executive, with him supposedly settling on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson after months of research.

The target is insurance, he wrote in August, according to the New York Post. He allegedly added that UnitedHealthcare checks every box for the sort of target he sought.

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of a UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson, is escorted to court by the NYPD after arriving from Pennsylvania. / Reuters via Youtube

Mangione allegedly wrote an entry on Oct. 22 that alluded to an investor conference coming up in six weeks where he hoped to wack the CEO of one of the companies in attendance.

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Authorities say Mangione made good on his wish, claiming he is the suspect who unloaded three bullets into the back of Thompson, 50, as the executive walked to the New York Midtown to give a speech to investors on the morning of Dec. 4.

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, arrives at a helicopter pad after being extradited from Pennsylvania, in New York, on Dec. 19, 2024. / Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

The 26-year-old Mangione received a presidents welcome when he touched down in New York City on Thursday. He was met by a horde of officerssome donning rifles and helmetsfrom the NYPD and FBI, who made sure he was paraded in front of news cameras before he was transported to a local detention center.

Mangione had previously been held at a facility in Pennsylvania, but his attorney there failed to convince a judge he shouldnt be extradited to New York. Cops say he was recognized at a McDonalds in the state and was arrested after he was found to be in the possession of a ghost gun and false IDs that tied him to Thompsons Midtown Manhattan murder.

Luigi Mangione showed an angry outburst while he was being escorted into a Pennsylvania courtroom earlier this month. / Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

Now adding to the trove of evidence against Mangione are his journal entries, which were unsealed Thursday. In one writing, cops say he seemingly admitted to the crime and commented on how easy it was to use a 3-D printer to create his alleged murder weapon.

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I wasnt working with anyone, the Ivy League graduate allegedly wrote. This was fairly trivial: Some elementary social engineering, basic CAD, a lot of patience.

He allegedly added: P.S. you can check serial numbers to verify this is all self-funded. My own ATM withdrawals.
Journalist and serviceman Andrii Nikitin from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has been found dead after several days of searching.

Source: Andrii's sister Tetiana Latai on Facebook; Institute of Mass Information

Quote: "Andrii is no longer with us... I will announce the date and time of the funeral later... I thank all the dog handlers, police officers and all those indifferent who joined the search..."

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Details: The circumstances of Nikitins death are currently unknown. Andrii was searched for several days. His sister reported that he left his parents on 12 December and did not return or contact them after that.

Andrii Nikitin worked for the Vidkrrytyi (Open) TV channel and the Nashe Misto (Our City) media holding. He joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the summer of 2024.

Andrii will be buried in the village of Bashmachka on 20 December at 12:30.

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A Cook County judge on Thursday found a man guilty of shooting and killing 7-year-old Natalia Wallace on the Fourth of July in 2020 but acquitted the alleged getaway driver, issuing the split ruling in front of a full courtroom of family members.

Wallace, called Natalie by her family, was slain while playing outside with her cousins in the South Austin neighborhood, at least the 13th child age 10 or under to be shot that year. She was the unintended victim of a revenge shooting, prosecutors had alleged.

Im a little bit shocked, Natalies father, Nathan Wallace, said after the rulings. Im grateful at least one was found guilty.

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Kevin Boyd, 35, and Reginald Merrill, 37, were standing trial on murder charges before Judge Joanne Rosado. Prosecutors said Boyd and two others fired a volley of shots around 7 p.m. in the 100 block of North Latrobe Avenue, aiming for a man they believed was involved in the slaying of Boyds brother. Merrill, prosecutors alleged, was their getaway driver.

Charges remain pending against two other co-defendants, Davian Mitchell and Terrell Boyd.

Prosecutors said Kevin Boyd, his brother and two others sought to avenge the death of a third Boyd brother.

They were out getting revenge, said Assistant States Attorney Krystyn Dilillo. The Boyds had a bone to pick with the streets because their brother was murdered a week or two before.

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Delivering her ruling at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, Rosado emphasized that two eyewitnesses identified Kevin Boyd to detectives as a shooter. Though both witnesses ended up recanting in the courtroom, Rosado said other evidence proved they were lying on the stand.

One of the witnesses was the intended victim of the shooting and was shot in the legs that day. The other was Natalies aunt.

She comes in here, her demeanor is hostile, agitated, unwilling to testify. She denies everything, remembers absolutely nothing, Rosado said. I dont understand why an aunt who saw her niece murdered would get on the stand and lie, but she did.

But in Merrills case, Rosado said, no one identified him as having been involved. Though his car was used in the shooting, Rosado said the driver never exited the vehicle, and no clear view of him was captured on any video.

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Is it him? Probably, Rosado said. But probably is not beyond a reasonable doubt.

The daylight shooting happened as children, including Natalie, played together on the block as the day wound down and Chicagoans geared up for fireworks later than night. Nathan Wallace testified that he left to run an errand but that family members soon called frantically, telling him to return to the block.

I actually begged for her to come with me, Wallace said of his daughter. She wanted to stay with her cousins.

With tears in his eyes after the ruling, Wallace said that though his family members are upset, theyre anxious to see if the remaining two defendants will be served with justice.

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It didnt turn out how we wanted, he said.

Natalie has three siblings and was set to start second grade at Crown Community Academy of Fine Arts that fall.

With Christmas around the corner, Wallace will be with his surviving children. They will watch Christmas movies, he said, and reminisce about Natalie.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A federal judge has dismissed several criminal counts against a Nye County deputy sheriff charged in an alleged scheme to arrest the former CEO of an electric and broadband company.

Capt. David Boruchowitz, 43, originally faced charges of deprivation of rights under the color of law, wire fraud, and perjury, prosecutors said. In 2023, Boruchowitz pleaded not guilty and a judge released him on a personal recognizance bond, records showed.

On Wednesday, Judge Andrew Gordon dismissed the wire fraud charges, saying there was no evidence Boruchowitz intended to obtain money or property from the victims as set in case law.

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According to court documents, beginning in February 2019, Boruchowitz and others made numerous misrepresentations and omissions of material fact as part of a scheme to defraud and fraudulently deprive former Valley Electric Association CEO Angela Evans of her job.

Boruchowitz allegedly lied to obtain search warrants at the electric companys offices and then arrested Evans based on the false allegations that she embezzled, documents said. Boruchowitz then had Evans falsely arrested while knowingly misrepresenting and omitting material facts in the search warrant affidavit and in a declaration of arrest, prosecutors said.

The Nye County Sheriffs Office, which posted video press releases on incidents under the prior sheriff, then published four videos about the search, arrest, and finally, the district attorneys decision not to file charges, prosecutors said.

In addition to dropping the four counts Wednesday, Gordon added there was no evidence Boruchowitz intended to obtain Evans job, documents said.

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Prosecutors allege Boruchowitz had personal interests in a petition to recall Evans from the companys board, documents said. They add that Boruchowitz then allegedly perjured himself during a February 2021 interview.

A trial was scheduled for January.

Boruchowitz did not appear in a sheriffs department staff directory on Thursday.

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Dec. 18ROCHESTER  A judge's recommendation to dismiss part of Rochester City Council member Molly Dennis' lawsuit against the city, Mayor Kim Norton and fellow council member Patrick Keane has been unsealed.

A 48-page report filed by U.S. Federal Court Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko in late October was sealed for 45 days to allow review by Dennis and the city's attorneys to ensure no information needed to be redacted for confidentiality.

With no confidential information reported, the court provided public access to the document this week.

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Micko is recommending the presiding judge, Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, dismiss six of Dennis' nine complaints outlined in the discrimination claim.

The remaining three claims revolve around allegations that Dennis was denied access to public services based on needs connected to her attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis and that she allegedly faced retaliation after seeking accommodations for her disability.

In her lawsuit, Dennis claims her March 6, 2023, censure, as well as following actions, violated several state and federal protections against discrimination. The city sought to have the lawsuit dismissed.

Micko's recommendation suggests all claims against Keane be dropped and only one against Norton be allowed to move forward for a potential trial, largely because their roles in the censure were legislative actions taken as elected officials.

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Several claims linked to employment discrimination are also recommended for dismissal based on Dennis' status as an elected official.

"Ms. Dennis was simply not an employee of the city of Rochester at the time of the alleged events because she served as an elected official," Micko wrote. "She asks the court to permit additional fact discovery on her employment status but does not explain what additional facts could change the court's conclusions here, nor can the court conceive of any set of discovered facts that would alter this analysis."

The judge repeatedly points out he has not held Dennis to the "same stringent standards" of an attorney in pleading her case, since the council member is representing herself, but Micko also outlined when arguments appear to lack legal standing, including a complaint that would hinge on racial discrimination, rather than her attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis.

He also states that Dennis' claims that the censure violated her First and 14th amendment rights are not supported in her complaint.

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The three claims Micko recommends for moving forward are tied to access to public services and alleged reprisals based on Dennis' disability. All three involve the city, but only one would include Norton.

"The court understands Ms. Dennis to be alleging that the city deprived her of meaningful access by failing to accommodate her disability and by discriminatorily punishing her for her disability," Micko wrote. "As a result, the court construes Ms. Dennis's operative pleading to allege that she was excluded from receiving the benefits of, and participating in, the city's services and activities available to non-disabled members in her elected councilor peer group."

Dennis has pointed to a need for hourly movement breaks, among other medically supported accommodations, that align with her ADHD diagnosis. While she claims the city has not supported the needs, the city's attorneys have argued the required accommodations have been supported, even if Dennis states more was needed.

Dennis has also stated she believes communication restrictions outlined in the censure sought to target her disability and were created to hamper her access to public services needed as a council member.

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Micko said the two complaints surrounding public service access are complicated by Dennis' elected status, since it makes her a public entity rather than an outside member of the public.

It "raises the question of how an elected official is legally protected  if at all  from disability discrimination," he wrote. "Neither the ADA nor the (Minnesota Human Rights Act) expressly exclude elected officials from bringing a public access claim related to their disability."

He said enough of a question remains to require added court review through a potential trial.

He's recommending the same holds true for the council member's claims that the city and Norton retaliated against her based on her request for disability accommodations.

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"Ms. Dennis has also plausibly alleged examples of how the limitations placed on her materially impacted her ability to do her job of communicating with constituents and representing her constituents in city proceedings," he said.

Potential retaliation includes Norton's refusal to meet with Dennis and allegations of actions that excluded her from conversations and prevented her from accessing needed information, but Micko points to a potential uncertainty about the timing of such actions, which would be needed to prove they were retaliatory based on Dennis' seeking disability accommodations.

Erin Emory, an attorney from the Minneapolis-based Greene Espel law firm, which is representing the city, has filed an objection to the recommendation. The document remains sealed, with Emory reporting that it contains confidential information.

Dennis, who is in her final weeks as a council member, does not have an objection to Micko's report on file with the court.

No dates for future hearings or a potential trial have been set, according to court records, and Chief Judge Schiltz is expected to make a final determination whether to adopt Micko's recommendations at a later date.
An I Voted stocker is pictured at the Salt Lake County Government Center in Salt Lake City on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

A judge has rejected a lawsuit challenging the disqualification of a school board candidate in Wasatch County  a legal fight that had thrown that race in limbo for about a month, even though the rest of Utahs election results have been certified for weeks.

After a more than two-hour hearing on Wednesday, 4th District Court Judge Shawn Howell said she would be siding with the Wasatch County county clerk and upholding her decision to disqualify a school board candidate, Tom Stone, after he missed his campaign disclosure deadline.

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As Ive listened to this whole thing, the whole situation honestly, to me, is defined by human error, Howell said before announcing her ruling, which she said was a legal conclusion based on what is  and isnt  explicitly required from clerks in Utahs election laws.

Stone filed his campaign disclosure report, due Oct. 29, two days late, on Oct. 31  a fact that Stones attorney, Sen. Todd Weiler (who also serves as a legislator in the Utah Senate) did not dispute.

However, Wasatch County Clerk/Auditor Joey Granger didnt initially inform Stone of any consequence, and the Nov. 5 election came and went. Stone  as far as he knew  thought he had won his race, with unofficial results showing he led his opponent, Bradley Ehlert, with 41.67% of the vote over Ehlerts 38.61%.

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It wasnt until Nov. 14, nine days after the election, that Granger informed voters and Stone in a letter that he had been disqualified from the race because he failed to file the financial disclosure report on time, and that the county would no longer count any votes for this candidate.

That led Stone to sue, alleging the county clerk was supposed to immediately notify him and voters that he had been disqualified, rather than issue that notification more than a week after Election Day.

Granger, when questioned under oath during Wednesdays hearing, said when she first received Stones late report on Oct. 31, she flagged the email and put it in my reminders before she continued with my election duties. She said she didnt immediately disqualify him and notify voters because it got lost in my to-do pile.

It wasnt until after she received a letter on Nov. 13 from the law firm Ballard Spahr informing her that three candidates, including Stone, had failed to file their campaign disclosures on time that Granger acted.

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Stones attorney, Weiler, questioned why Granger had sent email reminders about campaign disclosure deadlines to other candidates but left Stone off that email list.

Granger, when questioned under oath by her attorney, Wasatch County Deputy Attorney Shelby Thurgood, said Stone was inadvertently omitted from that email list, which she said she created.

During his cross examination of Granger, Weiler also raised questions illustrating that this wasnt the first time Stone had experienced issues with the Wasatch County clerks office. Last year, Weiler alleged someone in Grangers office manipulated and changed Stones property tax appeal application to uncheck a box requesting an in-person hearing to argue against a 1,000% property tax increase.

When questioned about that incident, Stone said after he asked Granger multiple times to arrange a time for his appeal, he eventually was able to secure a time. After his presentation, he said Granger told him, You probably should know something. The box was unmarked in my office by somebody.

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I just put my hands in the air and said, Look, I got my chance, thanks so much, I dont want to go farther down that road, Stone said, adding that conversation happened in front of other Wasatch County officials and that she admitted that someone in her office unmarked the box which would not have allowed me to come in and appeal my tax notice, which was a 1,000% increase.

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Granger, when questioned by Weiler, said she didnt recall telling Stone that someone in her office had unchecked the box. Out of about 37,000 residents in Wasatch County, Weiler asked Granger how is it possible that one of those 37,000 citizens would have your office mishandle his appeal, and then a year later leave him off of an email list.

He must be the unluckiest person in the world, or at least in Wasatch County, would you agree? Weiler said. Grangers attorney objected on the basis that the question was argumentative, leading Weiler to withdraw it.

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Ultimately, Weiler argued that because Granger didnt disqualify Stone until nine days after the election, it was too late because she let voters cast their votes for him not knowing he would be disqualified.

If the court allows this to stand, I think it undermines the confidence of the electorate, Weiler argued. We cannot allow our election officials to act so unilaterally to pull the carpet underneath the candidate who won and the voters who voted for him.

Thurgood, however, argued that there are no explicit requirements within Utah law setting a deadline for clerks to disqualify candidates  and that the statute is clear that if candidates miss their campaign finance disclosure deadlines, theyre disqualified.

That failure alone, Thurgood argued, is enough for the court to deny the petition.

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Thurgood also argued it would be unfair to other candidates to provide an exception to Stone and allow him to disregard the rules with no consequences.

The judge agreed that Stones late filing clearly disqualified him  and also that Utah law sets no timeframe for clerks to inform a candidate theyve been disqualified. Reminders, she also noted, are a courtesy, and that clerks dont necessarily need to remind candidates about the deadlines.

When candidates sign their candidate declarations they initial a box saying theyre aware of the requirements and deadlines for campaign finance disclosure reports.

Howell also said Weilers argument that letting the clerks decision to disqualify Stone stand would undermine elections is misplaced, adding that Granger did ultimately comply with Utah law.

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Human error was on parade here, the judge said, though she added shes not blaming anyone. But I cannot come to any other legal conclusion based on the language of the statute.

After the hearing, Weiler told Utah News Dispatch he would need to consult with Stone before he could say whether theyd be filing an appeal with the Utah Supreme Court.

Based on the judges decision, Wasatch County officials are now expected to certify the races results with Stone disqualified and Ehlert as the victor.

However, the matter of whether clerks should have more explicit requirements to notify candidates in a timely manner when theyve been disqualified may surface during the Utah Legislatures 2025 general session, scheduled to begin Jan. 21.

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Weiler said he typically doesnt try to take my clients losses in court and run a bunch of a bills as a result of that, but he said he expects several bills related to Utahs election system to come up during the session, and I might ask a sponsor to look into an amendment.

Thats worth some discussion, he said.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A judge sentenced an aunt Wednesday who adopted her niece and nephew and severely abused them for nearly a decade to at least nine years in prison.

Clark County District Court Judge Joe Hardy sentenced Addy Gonzales to 9-24 years at the Nevada Department of Corrections. Gonzales, who according to prosecutors, worked for the Clark County School District for 17 years as a family learning advocate was immediately removed from the courtroom in handcuffs.

Hardy also sentenced the victims grandmother, Maria Pasarin; and Gonzales boyfriend, Daniel Omezcua, to probation.

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Gonzales faced the most severe allegations and pleaded guilty to four counts of felony child abuse, neglect, or endangerment, according to court records obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators.

The trio kept the children locked up in their North Las Vegas home for extended periods.

The victim, now 20 years old, stated in court and spoke of being robbed of a childhood. She said she and her brother continue to struggle from the trauma.

I still feel this weight of what Addy did to me, she told Hardy. From the age of 10 until I turned 18, my life became a nightmare.

Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Dena Rinetti called it a case that shocks the conscience.

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I cannot press upon this court enough how inconceivably cruel these three defendants were to these two children, Rinetti said.

Gonzales asked Hardy for another chance.

God gives chances, she said during a statement in which she did not offer an apology and claimed she did the best she could.

Only God knows what happened, Gonzales told Hardy.

Neighbors called police after the teen girl was seen trying to escape from the second-floor window to get water in November of 2022. Video showed the girl on a ladder.

The teen and her brother testified in front of the grand jury that they were kept locked in the garage or bedroom without food or water and suffered physical abuse at the hands of Gonzales.

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Gonzales formally adopted the children in 2015 after they were placed with her in 2013, according to Rinetti. Both children had a difficult childhood and had been in and out of the foster system, Rinetti said. She told Hardy their mother dealt with substance abuse, domestic violence and mental health issues and their father had been in and out of prison and deported twice.

Gonzales told the judge she did a better job than the childrens parents.

A grand jury previously indicted Gonzales on 27 charges, including 24 felony counts of child abuse, neglect or endangerment, and three gross misdemeanor counts. As a result of a plea agreement dated Aug. 26, the remaining counts will be dropped.

The plea agreement details the potential sentence of one to six years in the Nevada Department of Corrections for each count.

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Daniel Omezcua, Gonzaless partner, pleaded guilty to one felony count of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. A grand jury previously indicted Omezcua on 16 counts. Hardy sentenced Omezcua to a 28 to 72-month suspended sentence, meaning probation.

Pasarin, the grandmother, pleaded guilty to two counts of felony child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. A grand jury previously indicted Pasarin on 17 counts. Hardy sentenced Pasarin to two suspended sentences of 24 to 60 months to be served concurrently.

The teen girl said that she was held captive for three to four months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Police found her in a room with deadbolts on both sides and buckets for bathroom use.

Photos from inside the home revealed that Gonzaless son, now a teen, was treated differently from the two alleged victims. The son also testified in front of the grand jury that the alleged victims were also treated well. Prosecutors argued that his testimony was influenced by the defendants.

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All three defendants initially pleaded not guilty.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, you are urged to report it. More information can be found here.

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Japanese fast-casual restaurant chain Pepper Lunch plans to open its first store in Mongolia in 2025 as part of its global expansion strategy. The move expands its international presence to 17 countries.

The brand has entered a franchise agreement with Bluemon Group, a local distributor in Mongolia, as reported by Inside Retail.

Pepper Lunch global CEO Yuto Tago stated on LinkedIn: We signed a master franchise agreement with our Mongolian franchise partner yesterday. Mongolia is Pepper Lunchs 17th country. I cannot wait to see the first restaurant opening next year!

Pepper Lunch is known for its DIY casual dining concept, offering a range of premium steaks, pasta, Pepper Rice and its signature dish, Cheese Curry Rice.

The restaurant chain, founded by chef Kunio Ichinose in 1994, now operates more than 500 locations.

In 2020, Pepper Food Service sold the Pepper Lunch franchise to J-Star Investment Fund for $79m. This acquisition has further facilitated the brand's expansion.

It offers a unique dining experience where customers cook their own meals on patented sizzling hot teppan plates. This interactive concept has contributed to the brand's popularity, allowing diners to immerse themselves in the process of cooking to their own preference.

As part of its international growth, Pepper Lunch signed a development agreement for North America in October 2023.

The BID Investment Group has committed to developing ten new locations in and around the Phoenix, Arizona area up to 2029.

In December 2023, Pepper Lunch entered development agreements with Majestic Restaurant Group and NiKU, advancing its expansion within the US.

Majestic Restaurant Group has signed up for the development of ten Pepper Lunch units across the Tampa, Orlando and Gainesville areas up to 2028.

NiKU plans to establish ten locations in Hawaii up to 2033, with the first to open in the first quarter of 2025.

The brand plans 100 North American locations by 2026. It already has outlets in British Columbia, California, Florida, Guam, Nevada, Texas and Vancouver.

"Japanese restaurant Pepper Lunch to enter Mongolia in 2025" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




A judge has denied a motion to dismiss charges in the Uvalde, Texas, criminal case stemming from the 2022 mass shooting and has set a tentative trial date.

Former Uvalde school district police chief Pete Arredondo, who was the on-site commander at Robb Elementary School on the day of the shooting, and former school officer Adrian Gonzales appeared in court for a joint pretrial hearing on Thursday.

PHOTO: This booking image provided by Uvalde County, Texas, Sheriff's Office shows Adrian Gonzales, a former police officer for schools in Uvalde, Texas, who was arrested and booked into jail before he was released, June 28, 2024. (Uvalde County Sheriff's Office via AP)

PHOTO: This photo provided by Uvalde County Sheriff's Office shows Pete Arredondo, the former police chief for schools in Uvalde, who was arrested and briefly booked into ail before he was released, June 27, 2024. (AP)

Arredondo faces 10 counts of child endangerment and abandonment on behalf of the injured and surviving children in classroom 112. Gonzales faces 29 counts: 10 counts for each surviving child and 19 for each deceased child. Arredondo and Gonzales have both pleaded not guilty.

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Their charges stem from the May 24, 2022, mass shooting during which a gunman killed two teachers and 19 students at the elementary school. Law enforcement waited some 77 minutes at the scene before breaching a classroom and killing the gunman.

MORE: Inside Uvalde football's transformative, emotional season that uplifted a grieving town

The judge on Thursday denied the motion to quash Arredondo's indictment. The judge also set a tentative trial start date for October 2025.

Arredondo had filed a motion asking the court to declare his child endangerment indictment invalid, arguing the gunman was solely responsible for the shooting.

PHOTO: In this May 27, 2022, file photo, a makeshift memorial for the shooting victims is shown outside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

'No one took leadership': A detailed look at the failings in Uvalde school shooting

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Arredondo has repeatedly defended his actions and told investigators he did not believe the gunman was an active shooter when he arrived. He also has insisted he was not in command of the police response.

The indictment alleges that despite having time to respond to the shooting, Gonzales failed to act to impede the gunman and failed to follow active shooter training by not advancing toward the gunfire.

Gonzales' defense attorney, Nico LaHood, has said, "There was over 370 officers there. We have not seen or even heard of a theory of why Mr. Gonzales is being singled out."

MORE: Former Uvalde school district police officer pleads not guilty as victims' families look on

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Families of victims and survivors who were in the courtroom Thursday said they were relieved the case is moving forward.

"It was hard being inside the courtroom while Pete was with his attorneys as we listened to their arguments about why he felt he wasn't responsible for Jackie's death," said Gloria Cazares, whose 9-year-old daughter, Jackie, was killed. "After two and half years, it finally feels like things are progressing."

No CBP personnel responding to Uvalde shooting violated policy or law: Internal report

During the hearing, attorneys discussed their frustration with their inability to receive an unredacted copy of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection report about the agency's response to the Robb Elementary shooting.

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To date, Arredondo and Gonzales are the only indicted law enforcement officers of the 376 officers who were among the police response to the shooting.

Judge in Uvalde criminal case denies motion to dismiss charges, sets tentative trial date originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb.(Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

LINCOLN  A federal judge in Washington, D.C., wont let former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., stall his trial in hopes that the next leaders of the Justice Department will drop the felony charges prosecutors have re-filed against him.

Judge Trevor McFadden denied Fortenberrys motion to delay his second criminal trial beyond Feb. 3, when he is set to face allegations that he lied to the FBI about knowing that foreign funds were raised illegally for his congressional campaign.

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Fortenberry, who lives in Lincoln, had asked the judge for a two-month delay so a new GOP appointee would be able to re-evaluate his case. Prosecutors objected to the motion. McFadden denied the request this week, writing that he would only consider delay requests agreed to by both sides.

A federal jury in California found Fortenberry guilty in 2022 of three felonies tied to concealing foreign campaign donations and lying to federal agents about whether he knew the donations were illegal. The verdict was based partly on recorded conversations between Fortenberry and the FBI and Fortenberry and an FBI informant.

Fortenberry, who represented Nebraskas 1st Congressional District, was sentenced to probation and fined.

Fortenberry and his legal team had argued that he was prosecuted for political reasons by the Justice Department under President Joe Biden. Prosecutors have denied the allegation, pointing to corruption investigations of congressional Democrats.

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The investigation of the 2016 Fortenberry fundraiser began during President-elect Donald Trumps first term. Fortenberry was charged during the Biden administration. Trump and some of his allies in Congress, including Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, contend Fortenberry was mistreated.

Nigerian-Lebanese billionaire Gilbert Chagoury was the source of the foreign money given to Fortenberrys campaign, which an FBI informant told Fortenberry in a 2018 call after the L.A. fundraiser. Fortenberry claimed ignorance to the agents who visited him in 2019.

Chagoury admitted making the illegal donations and was fined $1.8 million. Fortenberry had supported the mission of Chagourys organization, In Defense of Christians, which protects Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East.

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Fortenberry resigned from office and was replaced in a special election by then-State Sen. Mike Flood.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned his first conviction because he was charged in California, where the fundraiser took place, instead of in Nebraska or Washington, where he allegedly lied.

The new charges focus on lying to or misleading federal agents and falsifying or concealing material facts. Fortenberry donated the money to charity in 2019 after being confronted by the federal government about its illegality.

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A pro-gun rights demonstrator carrying an AR-15 and a handgun stands outside of the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville in August 2023. Assault weapons bans have faced more challenges in federal courts after the U.S. Supreme Court expanded Second Amendment rights in 2022 (Jon Cherry/Getty Images).

More than two years after the U.S. Supreme Court fundamentally expanded its interpretation of the Second Amendment, federal courts throughout the country continue to strike down state restrictions on gun ownership.

Since the high courts 2022 decision  in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen  that firearm regulations must have some historical comparison going back to the countrys founding, some state restrictions have been ruled unconstitutional. But lower courts are still figuring out the limits of that historical test and have not yet come to a broad agreement on key gun-related laws.

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Still, wins for gun rights supporters have mounted. Over the past two years, federal courts have struck down bans on assault weapons in trend-setting blue states such as California and Illinois.

In October, a federal district court judge ruled that New Yorks ban on carrying a concealed firearm on private property open to the public is unconstitutional.

In September, a federal district court judge in northern Illinois ruled the states ban on carrying a concealed firearm on public transit violated the Second Amendment.

And in July, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit upheld a lower courts ruling that found Minnesotas age restriction on residents carrying a handgun in public also was unconstitutional.

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It has been a busy time for gun rights attorneys, such as Bill Sack, director of legal operations for the Second Amendment Foundation, a Bellevue, Washington-based legal advocacy organization that has flooded the courts with challenges to gun regulations nationwide.

The second Bruen came down, there was the starting gun for a sprint, for which we have not stopped yet, he told Stateline. Stuff is ripe for a fresh challenge.

Sack and other gun rights advocates are now asking the courts to define the Supreme Courts new Bruen standard: a series of who, what and where questions about which gun rights limitations are allowed under the latest interpretation of the Second Amendment.

Who can own a firearm? Cases going through the courts are challenging laws that ban firearm ownership by anyone younger than 21, or anyone who has been convicted of nonviolent offenses or people who live in public housing.

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What sort of firearm equipment can someone possess? There are state laws that may put restrictions on owning handguns, assault weapons, high-capacity magazines and untraceable ghost guns that people can assemble from online-bought or 3D-printed parts, such as the one allegedly used by the suspect in the recent assassination of a UnitedHealthcare executive in New York City.

Where can people possess a firearm? The U.S. Supreme Court has established that states can ban firearms in sensitive places, but states and courts are still determining what that means. Some states ban firearms on mass transit and in public parks or government buildings. This month, Michigan banned firearms in and around polling places.

Still, Sack expressed optimism.

We are making major inroads, Sack said. The arc of history will show that this time period was very good for us and very bad for them.

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But Sacks confidence may be misplaced, said Esther Sanchez-Gomez, litigation director at the Giffords Law Center, a nonpartisan gun safety organization.

Last month, a federal judge in southern Illinois struck down the states ban on assault weapons. While that case is being appealed, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit ruled earlier this month that the ban can remain in place for now.

Sanchez-Gomez also pointed out that in August, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit upheld Marylands ban on similar weapons. The issue might need to be resolved by the Supreme Court.

Theres movement on assault weapons, she said in an interview. I wouldnt say that its a lost issue universally. Rather, Id say that theres a lot of different results coming out and that courts have yet to coalesce.

A shifting standard

In June 2022, the 6-3 conservative majority of the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of New Yorks law that established a strict permitting system to carry a concealed weapon. In the case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, the nations high court established the standard by which firearm-related cases should be judged.

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Not only did the court rule that Americans have a constitutional right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense, but it also noted that gun laws must have some sort of historical grounding dating back to the countrys founding.

Conservative Justice Clarence Thomas outlined that test in the majority opinion, writing that to justify a firearm regulation the government must demonstrate that the regulation is consistent with the Nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. That has forced litigants and lawmakers to find comparable laws from 200 years ago to justify a new gun restriction.

This was a departure from the previous standard, established 14 years earlier in District of Columbia v. Heller.

In that 2008 case, the Supreme Court ruled a person has a right to possess firearms but made clear that gun restrictions are constitutional. The decision held that a gun law could be judged on whether it served the public interest, such as by preventing firearm deaths.

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That standard no longer applies, and courts are still determining whether there are limits to the Second Amendment and how a historical test from the Revolutionary era can be applied to modern firearm restrictions. Liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has criticized the Bruen standard, saying it forces judges into service as amateur historians.

But the Supreme Court has shown that it views some gun restrictions as constitutional. In an 8-1 decision in United States v. Rahimi this June  with Thomas the lone dissenter  the court upheld a 1994 federal law that bans people with domestic restraining orders from owning firearms.

The Supreme Court gave us some additional clues, but it is still creating some confusion, Sanchez-Gomez said. What youre seeing is courts across the country trying to figure out how to do that historical, constitutional test in real, practical terms.

Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh even noted in a concurring opinion in Rahimi that Second Amendment jurisprudence is in its early innings and that he expects the court will see many more cases.

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Indeed, The Trace, a nonprofit news service that investigates gun violence, found that as of September, there had been more than 1,600 federal court decisions on Second Amendment challenges that cited Bruen.

A paper by law professors at the University of Southern California and the University of Virginia, published in July, found the Bruen decision had a substantial effect on firearm-related gun cases. Bruen seems to have generated more pro-gun decisions, researchers wrote, but they said the next few years may bring yet more changes.

The future of gun restrictions

While Minnesotas minimum age requirement for possessing a firearm was struck down this year, similar restrictions in states such as Colorado, Florida and Pennsylvania are still going through federal appeals courts and could have a different outcome.

Courts also are trying to determine appropriate state firearm restrictions for sensitive places, where the presence of guns could be a significant danger. There are challenges across the country to firearm possession in post offices, parks and playgrounds.

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In September, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld parts of Californias and Hawaiis sensitive places laws, allowing residents to carry firearms in some previously banned locations, such as financial institutions, hospitals and public transit, but continuing the bans in alcohol-serving bars and restaurants, beaches and parks.

In many of these cases, the makeup of the courts has been a deciding factor. For example, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, based out of northern Illinois, has tended to be more favorable toward gun safety laws.

Its unclear how gun regulations are going to fare in the courts in the coming years, said Adam Garber, executive director of CeaseFirePA, a gun safety organization that has advocated for tighter restrictions at the commonwealth and local level.

While the U.S. Supreme Court signaled a willingness to allow some restrictions in its latest decision this year, he said, the Bruen opinions effects linger.

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The reality is that there is a real risk to gun safety laws across the nation because of a radical interpretation, Garber said. But we also saw courts say, Wait, wait, wait, were not saying no gun safety laws are allowed.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
MIFFLINTOWN, Pa. (WHTM)  A Juniata County man is facing federal charges, accused of drug trafficking and firearms charges.

Janssen Rodriguez Velez, 27, of Mifflintown, was indicted Wednesday, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Federal authorities say he conspired to distribute cocaine in Mifflin on last February.

He also had a pistol during and in relation to the alleged drug trafficking activities, police alleged.

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The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case.

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The maximum penalty Rodriguez Velez could face is life in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Family and friends of Darisha Bailey Vath hugged each other  a few cried  after jurors found Dylan Simmons guilty Thursday of murdering the 17-year-old by hitting her with his car after a fight last year at a Forest Lake park.

They talked about justice, closure  and how much she is missed.

Shes finally getting justice after almost a year and a half, said her mother, Sareth Vath. I feel like now we can start grieving correctly, because the last year and a half we werent able to.

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Jurors concluded that Simmons, 21, of North Branch, did not intend to kill Vath, acquitting him of second-degree intentional murder.

He was convicted of the remaining charges: second-degree unintentional murder during the commission of a felony, criminal vehicular homicide and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.

Simmons showed no emotion or reaction when the verdict was read, nor when the jurors were polled.

Vaths mother, when asked about the jury acquitting Simmons of intentional murder, said, He still murdered her, so 

The jury, which was made up of 11 men and one woman, deliberated for about four hours Wednesday and an hour and a half Thursday, following a five-day trial.

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Washington County District Judge Siv Mjanger set Simmons sentencing hearing for March 20. Prosecutors intend to seek an aggravated upward sentencing departure.

This verdict affirms that Dylan Simmons murdered Darisha Bailey Vath, pure and simple, Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson said in a statement. As her family experiences this moment of justice, we continue to keep them in our thoughts while they cope with the pain of their loss.

Simmons attorneys argued at trial that he was faced with an angry mob and had acted in self-defense when he drove his Mazda sedan at Vath and others from the opposing side in the group fight around 1:20 a.m. July 16, 2023, in Lakeside Memorial Park in downtown Forest Lake.

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Were pleased that they found him not guilty on intentional, said Simmons attorney, Travis Kowitz, because there was no way, based off the evidence, that that was an intentional murder.

A life was lost  and my client and his family since day one have felt terrible about that and knew that he was going to have to do some time. And they just didnt want the intentional-murder amount of time or more.

State sentencing guidelines call for Simmons, who has no prior felony convictions, to receive a prison term between about 10 to 15 years, Kowitz said. He said the states request for an upward departure to guidelines is ridiculous.

The aggravating factors are what? he said. Juveniles were present? The same juveniles who had bats and knives. I mean, come on.

Brewing conflict

A conflict between Simmons group of friends and Vaths group of friends  all former or current students at Forest Lake Area High School  had been brewing for about two years, according to prosecutors.

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Simmons was playing hacky sack with friends at Lakeside Park on the night of July 15, 2023, when he sent a text message to Vaths brother, Devon Bailey Vath, telling him to go to the park to fight.

Simmons and Ryan Anderson took hammers from Simmons car; people in the car Devon Bailey Vath was driving had a baseball bat and a folding knife. A few punches were thrown, but the fight simmered down after Simmons began swinging his hammer.

Witnesses testified during the trial that Simmons and Anderson jumped in the Mazda and Simmons then drove at Vath and her brother, narrowly missing them. Simmons then circled around the parking lot, accelerated and struck the back of a parked car.

Simmons, with Anderson now recording on his cellphone, reversed his Mazda and again drove directly toward several people, striking Vath and driving over her with all four tires. She died at the scene of traumatic head injuries.

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Simmons sped away from the scene and eventually returned after Anderson called a witness at the scene. The witness gave his phone to a police officer, who directed Simmons to return.

Simmons told a Forest Lake police investigator during questioning he thought he hit a speed bump.

Miss her every day

Vath, who would have been a high school senior, dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. She had a bright smile and goofy personality, her family said.

I miss her, her brother Devon, 20, of Stacy, said after the verdict. I love my sister. My beautiful sister.

Her father, Darius Bailey, said hes relieved, adding: I couldnt sleep the whole week. I havent ate a full meal. Its a hard thing.

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His daughter was very unselfish, he said. When we went to the store, she would buy something for her brother or her sister before picking up something for herself. I miss her every day.

Krystin Braaten, who, along with her boyfriend, performed CPR on Vath, was at the courthouse for the verdict. Afterward, she sobbed while she hugged Vaths mother.

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The 33-year-old said she and her boyfriend were walking home and noticed someone doing doughnuts in the parking lot of Lakeside Park. And we joked, saying, that idiot is going to hurt someone,' she said. And then the next thing we know, we heard screaming. I guess it was just my natural reaction  I said, I got to go.'

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When they reached Vath, the teen had shallowed breath and her pulse was weak. We then started CPR, she said, fighting back tears, but every compression, it was just 

She said she has kept in touch with Vaths mother since that day.

Im here for them, and my own closure, she said.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The fate of Pharaohs Gentlemens Club owner Peter Gerace Jr. will soon be in the hands of the jury.

Federal prosecutors and Geraces attorneys rested their cases Wednesday afternoon after nearly two months of testimony from more than 40 government witnesses.

Geraces indictment charged him with nine crimes, including conspiracies to commit drug and sex trafficking, maintaining Pharaohs as a drug-involved business, and bribing his childhood friend, former DEA agent Joseph Bongiovanni, over a 10-year span in exchange for sensitive information and cover from law enforcement investigations.

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A jury convicted Bongiovanni in October of seven of 11 charges, including conspiracy to distribute drugs and defrauding the United States. He faces 20 years in prison. He was not convicted of the bribery charge.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Tripi, Nicholas Cooper and Casey Chalbeck put over a dozen former Pharaohs dancers on the stand, who described a club where drug use and drug dealing was obvious and widespread.

Most of the dancers became addicted to cocaine, pain pills and heroin. Prosecutors accused Gerace of dangling these drugs in front of the dancers to coerce them into sex acts with himself, his friends and wealthy patrons.

Some of the dancers with the worst addictions said they feared withdrawal symptoms and were willing to do anything to avoid them.

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They said Gerace provided drugs and directed them to known drug dealers and wealthy patrons in the club. Prosecutors and federal agents said most of the dancers had to be subpoenaed to testify because they feared Gerace, his long list of connections with law enforcement, and his affiliation with the Outlaws Motorcycle Club.

Tripi said in his nearly two-hour-long opening statement in November that Geraces business model at Pharaohs was to push financially strapped exotic dancers deep in the throes of addiction to gain control over them.

Geraces attorneys Eric Soehnlein and Mark Foti accused the government of using conjecture and speculation without direct evidence that Gerace was involved in organized crime with a host of people, including some of his childhood friends.

Soehnlein said in his opening statement that the dancers made conscious decisions to use drugs and engage in sex acts, and those choices can have consequences. But the government wouldnt show any evidence of Gerace coercing them into any illegal acts.

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Gerace decided Wednesday that he would not testify in his trial and his attorneys declined to put any witnesses on the stand.

On Thursday, jurors will hear up to seven hours of closing arguments before they begin their deliberations.

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A real estate developer at the center of an alleged attempted extortion scheme by ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan testified Thursday that he never felt intimidated or pressured into hiring Madigans law firm.

Andrew Cretal, who helped turn a site in the West Loop into a luxury apartment high-rise, was called as a witness in Madigans defense Thursday as the former speakers corruption trial hit its home stretch ahead of a holiday break.

Prosecutors have accused Madigan of leveraging his immense public power to get business for Madigan & Getzendanner, his property tax appeal law firm, including in July 2017, when he met with Cretal and an associate about the project known as Union West.

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The meeting had been set up on Madigans request by then-Ald. Daniel Solis, who was secretly cooperating with the FBI and made video and audio recordings at the center of the bombshell case.

On Thursday, Cretal testified he never felt that he had to hire Madigan & Getzendanner to get what he wanted from Solis, who led the 25th Ward, where the project was, and also headed the influential City Council Zoning Committee.

Cretal said he also found Madigan and his law partner to be knowledgeable and professional, and that he was ultimately happy with their work.

In your interactions with Mr. Madigan, did you ever feel fearful or intimidated or threatened into hiring that law firm? asked Madigan attorney Daniel Collins.

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I did not, Cretal responded.

Cretals testimony was intended to undercut allegations that Madigan used fear or intimidation to put the squeeze on developers and bring in lucrative contracts for his firm.

On cross-examination from prosecutors, though, Cretal said it was highly unusual that Solis had reached out to him to tell him that Madigan wanted to meet. In his 17 or 18 years as a developer, Cretal said, he had never gotten a request like that from a public official.

Did you feel a little bit nervous going into this meeting? asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker.

Into the meeting with Madigan and Getzendanner? Yes, I was nervous, Cretal said.

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Cretal testified that he even asked a colleague, Rick Vogel, to come to the meeting with him so he would have a witness to vouch for what happened there.

You wanted a second set of eyes and ears, right? Streicker asked, which Cretal confirmed.

Cretal said he also was worried about an implication that if he did not hire Madigans firm, Union West would not get necessary approvals from City Council committees.

On further questioning from Madigans lawyers, though, Cretal said that worry dissipated after the meeting.

Throughout his testimony, Cretal, who is based in Virginia and appeared pursuant to defense subpoena, sounded less than thrilled to be on the stand, speaking almost exclusively in a deep monotone and offering bare minimum, one- or two-word responses.

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At one point, when Collins asked Cretal if the East Coast was one hour ahead of Chicago due to time zones, he responded dryly: Thats usually how it works.

Madigan, 82, of Chicago, who served for decades as speaker of the Illinois House and the head of the state Democratic Party, faces racketeering charges alleging he ran his state and political operations like a criminal enterprise.

He is charged alongside Michael McClain, 77, a former ComEd contract lobbyist from downstate Quincy and longtime confidant of the speakers. Both men have pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing.

Prosecutors rested their case in chief early Wednesday. With a break next week for the Christmas holiday, the defense phase of the trial will stretch into the new year. Prosecutors have indicated they will call at least one witness in rebuttal, and closing arguments could come as soon as the week of Jan 6.

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After Cretal left the stand, Madigans defense called Illinois Appellate Court Justice David Ellis, a best-selling novelist and the speakers former chief counsel, who spent time Thursday attempting to rehabilitate Madigans image, which was tattered somewhat in the dozens of undercover videos and wiretaps the jury heard.

Ellis said Madigan was very hands-on and wanted input from everybody. It didnt matter to him who came up with the right answer, as long as it was right. He didnt want a bunch of yes-men just telling him how great he was, Ellis said.

Madigan was also wary of big business and constantly told his staff to make sure the people were not being taken advantage of in legislation, according to Ellis.

Ellis also testified about his role as Madigans point person in the negotiations with ComEd over the 2011 Smart Grid legislation, which prosecutors allege was the focus of an overarching bribery scheme by the utility to win the speakers support.

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Ellis said he was instructed to hold ComEds feet to the fire, insisting on job creation, rate caps and a sunset provision that would ensure the company had to come back to the General Assembly and show it had kept its word.

When Madigan attorney Todd Pugh asked Ellis if the speaker ever asked him to go easy on ComEd during negotiations, Ellis scoffed and said, No, no, no.

If he had ever told me something like that, to go easy on somebody whose bill we were reviewing, I think I would have fallen out of my chair, Ellis said.

Ellis also advised Madigan during negotiations in 2013 over AT&Ts ongoing efforts in the General Assembly to end mandated landline service, known by the acronym COLR. Ellis said that, like the ComEd bill, he had concerns that AT&T was concerned more about its bottom line than providing service to rural and poor areas.

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Ellis said he told Madigan that the bill was not OK.

Earlier in the day, the jury heard from the lone witness called by McClains defense team: Stephen Selcke, a retired governmental affairs executive with AT&T Illinois, who was involved in the hiring of former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo, a Madigan ally, as a subcontractor in 2017.

Selcke was initially on prosecutors witness list but was called instead by the defense after prosecutors indicated they would not put him on the stand. Defense attorneys wanted Selcke to tamp down allegations that former state Rep. Edward Acevedos hiring was a bribe to win Madigans assistance with the COLR legislation.

Indeed, Selcke testified Wednesday that as far as he knew there was no explicit arrangement for AT&T to hire Acevedo in exchange for Madigans support of bills the telecommunications giant wanted to pass.

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But Selcke was a potential gold mine for the government in other ways, particularly on Thursday when the prosecution was allowed to show jurors a series of emails detailing pressure AT&T was getting from McClain to hire Madigan-friendly consultants.

The emailed discussion, revealed in court for the first time, came in late 2016  about a year after AT&T had planned to cancel contracts with former state Rep. Annazette Collins, a Madigan ally, and the eldest sons of Acevedo, a Chicago Democrat who at the time was Madigans assistant majority leader.

That decision brought a negative reaction from McClain, who asked the telecommunications giant to reverse course, according to Selckes testimony Thursday.

After McClain intervened, AT&T renewed the contracts of both Collins and Apex Strategies, the company owned by Acevedos sons, Michael and Alex, according to testimony.

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Under continued cross-examination by prosecutors, Selcke testified that later that year, as they prepared their 2017 consulting budget, his colleague Bob Barry suggested they set up the $60,000 contingency fund for future requests from our friend in Quincy, a reference to McClain.

That would be OK with me as long as we realize, and make (AT&T President) Paul (La Schiazza) aware, that if we get folks crammed back down our throats we will have to steal from Invest in Illinois, Selcke emailed back, according to a redacted copy of the email string shown in court.

Prosecutors accuse Madigan and McClain of inducing AT&T to hire Acevedo on a lucrative contract for little or no work so that Madigan would support AT&Ts favored legislation.

Collins was convicted last year of tax charges related to the payments from AT&T and is serving a one-year sentence in federal prison. Acevedo and his two sons were also convicted of tax-related counts stemming from Apex Strategies accounts.

At the end of the day, with jurors out of the room, McClain told the judge he would not take the stand in his own defense.

Do you want to testify in your case? Blakey asked, after giving him the standard admonishments about his rights as a defendant.

No thank you, your honor, McClain said.

It was the second time in two years McClain had to answer that question from a judge. He also declined to testify in last years ComEd Four bribery trial, which saw McClain and three others convicted.

There has so far been no indication that Madigan will take the stand either, though that decision has not been announced.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The jury for Kouri Richins will be selected only from one county instead of two, according to a recent ruling from the court.

Richins  the Utah woman accused of killing her husband and later writing a childrens book on grief  is facing charges of aggravated murder and attempted criminal homicide in the case.

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LEARN MORE: Kouri Richins complete timeline in murder case

In October, Richins attorneys filed a motion to expand where potential jurors could be picked from, seeking to select people from both Salt Lake and Summit counties. While the court originally granted that motion, the presiding judge of the district, Laura S. Scott, denied the request in November.

Scott denied the request because the defense did not effectively highlight extraordinary circumstances to hold in-person jury selection, and having jurors travel from Salt Lake to Summit County would cause a significant and unwarranted burden for the potential jurors.

On Dec. 16, the judge in the Richins case, Richard Mrazik, signed a ruling explaining the denial of the request. The document explains why Scott denied the request, and also cites a portion of Utah Code for the denial of the request.

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The Dec. 16 document says, in part, that while a district court may summon jurors from an adjacent county, it may not summon jurors from multiple counties for one trial.

The document also says that the phrase the county in Utah Code section 78B-1-103  which reads, persons selected for jury service be selected at random from a fair cross section of the population of the county  indicates jury selection from a single county.

Absent a motion to change venue or other motion requesting jurors from an adjacent county, potential jurors will be summoned only from Summit County, the document concludes.

Richins evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2025, and the four-week trial is tentatively scheduled for April 28 through May 22, 2025.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
At a press conference in Brussels on Dec. 19, President Volodymyr Zelensky blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent threats of using the new Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) against Kyiv to test Western air defense systems in what he called a "high-tech duel" with the West.

Putin proposed the "high-tech duel" during his annual press conference on Dec. 19. He suggested launching an Oreshnik at a site in Kyiv while challenging the West to deploy their air defenses to intercept it, claiming the missile was unbeatable.

"Do you think this is an adequate person? They are just thugs," Zelensky said while commenting on Putin's threats.

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Later on, Zelensky published a video clip with Putin's suggestion about a "duel" on X, calling him a "dumbass."

"People are dying, and he thinks its 'interesting.' Dumbass," Zelensky wrote.

Putin's remarks followed his earlier threats to use Oreshnik missiles to strike at "decision-making centers" in Kyiv.

Russia first launched an Oreshnik at the city of Dnipro on Nov. 21. The strike was accompanied by a Russian propaganda campaign claiming the attack was carried out in response to the U.S. and U.K.'s decision to lift restrictions on Ukraine's long-range strikes inside Russia and aimed at undermining Western support for Kyiv.

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Zelensky also commented on the 2022 Istanbul negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and Putin's peace proposal back then, dismissing them as a sham.

He simply offered Ukraine to surrender, freeze the conflict, shift allegiance to Russia, and give up our independence, Zelensky said.

This person calls these some kind of agreements. He is just an old fantasist living in his own aquarium.

The draft of the Istanbul agreement was published in full by The New York Times in June. According to it, both sides agreed to exclude Ukraine's Crimea from the treaty, leaving it under Russian occupation without Ukraine recognizing Russian sovereignty over it while the status of other Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine was to be decided in later talks between presidents Zelensky and Putin.

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Ukraine offered to abandon aspirations to join NATO or any other military alliance, but the treaty allowed Kyiv to enter the EU. Russia also demanded the lifting of all sanctions, repealing Kyiv's laws related to language and national identity, and limiting Ukraine's Armed Forces.

Read also: Putin claims Russia wasnt defeated in Syria

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  One neighborhood on Kansas Citys south side complains it sees water main breaks too often.

The latest break came early Wednesday morning when water bubbled from the ground at 85th and Woodland. A spokesperson for KC Water said the rupture happened around 2 a.m., prompting a city repair crew to respond.

That crew spent most of the day on the job using heavy equipment to dig up the pavement and repair a six-inch water pipe.

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Employees at PDQ Lawn Service say water main breaks are common, and theyd like to see old water pipes replaced.

Man charged in 2020 deadly Johnson County crash

I would say not less than once per year for the last 20 years, David Little, the companys owner, said.

Little, whos made his livelihood at that location since 1985. He said water from the latest incident got inside his business on Wednesday. Little and his staff used sandbags to keep heavy water from getting inside.

I think the city does a good job of coming out and patching them. They dig up the street and they fix it again, but Ive got about a 150-foot section here that theyve fixed at least 20 times, Little said.

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One of Wednesdays repair workers said Little might be correct, since crews are there often, and there are three water mains under the pavement at that location.

Across the street at Center Academy for Success, students in grades K-5 were taken to Center High School for Wednesday classes, according to Center Schools Superintendent Dr. Yolanda Cargile.

KC Waters online outage map originally showed this to be a widespread concern. However, in the end, the water companys spokesperson says only 30 customers were affected. As for the outage at 85th and Woodland, one member of the repair crew says work was to be completed before quitting time on Wednesday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Listen and subscribe to Opening Bid on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

Another week, another round of bullish sentiment surrounding Wall Street darling Nvidia (NVDA).

This time, it comes from Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, who sat down with Yahoo Finance Executive Editor Brian Sozzi for his Opening Bid podcast.

Recent headlines might have set some bears and interested fans of the company on edge  specifically, news out of Beijing that Nvidia is the subject of an antitrust probe. If the company is found guilty, it could be subjected to a reported $1 billion fine. Its stock has shed 12% from its record high in early November, including a 5% drop in the past week.

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Regarding possible woes and fines, Ives takes a more bullish and practical stance. Im more focused on the cappuccino, making sure its hot in the morning, he told Sozzi (see video above; listen below). The bears, they wake up, theyre focused on anything.

Ives, who's credited for nicknaming Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang the godfather of AI, recently returned from a trip to Asia. The stats are looking favorable, according to Ives. Fifteen-to-one demand to supply, he said of Nvidias products. Do you think this [antitrust probe] is stopping it?

In one analogy, Ives compared what's happening at Nvidia to an all-night party. The past, he explained, was 9:00 p.m., but the party itself goes to 4:00 a.m. Theres many points where the DJ stops the music, he said. People hear a siren every once in a while and think the cops are coming.

Youre going to have these nervous moments, he added. But our view is this is just the beginning  year two of a 10-year build-out.

Nvidia stock has experienced an enormous surge this year, climbing over the summer to the position of the top-valued company in the world. The incoming Trump administrations cryptocurrency enthusiasm also put Nvidia on the map since miners use its servers for their work.

Nvidia has been on the minds of many recent guests on Opening Bid. Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya told Sozzi its Blackwell and forthcoming Rubin GPUs, which are set to hit the market in the third quarter of 2025, prove it has room to soar.

In a note dated Nov. 20, Arya reiterated a Buy rating and $190 price target. Praising the company for its products, for being a fast-growing megacap, and for its solid free cash flow generation, he added, expect to see the stock to churn near-term as investors digest lack of 'sizzle' but we continue to like the stock on its substance.
Riders wait for the Prospect Max bus at the 31st Street stop in Kansas City, in the first corridor to be included in the REACH program (Mili Mansaray/The Beacon).

You see someone in the midst of a mental breakdown, or high on drugs.

Call 911 and they may get arrested. Things could get worse from there. They might lose their job, their apartment. Rather than get the care that could pull them out of a crisis, they could land in custody and spiral into further trouble.

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So a new program funded by the Kansas City Council offers another response: A call to an alternative number could hook the person up with a mental health clinician, a social worker or another professional to get them help.

Kansas Citys fledgling Responding with Empathetic Alternatives and Community Health, or REACH, program aims to cut crime and keep people committing nonviolent offenses out of jail.

The program launched in December and operates along the Prospect Avenue corridor from 27th Street to 45th Street. It offers a shortcut to help with homelessness, mental health issues and substance abuse problems.

So instead of calling 911 and making it a police problem, residents can call 816-513-6010 or submit an inquiry at reach@kcmo.org to put REACH on the case.

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People dont have to find themselves  in the criminal legal system in order to get the care they need, said Derek Buford, a leader with Decarcerate KC, the organization behind the REACH campaign. We cannot have the police be our care providers.

How does the REACH non-emergency line work?

The Kansas City Council approved $1.2 million for the program, which sprang from a joint effort of the Kansas City Fire Department, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and the Kansas City Police Department.

Representatives with the program said they are still establishing the hours of operation.

REACH was deployed along Prospect because of its high poverty rates and lack of community resources, factors that contribute to higher levels of crime. The Prospect Max bus between 27th and 45th streets will also be part of REACHs coverage, meaning residents can call for assistance while using the bus in this area.

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If it works, said 6th District Councilmember Johnathan Duncan, it will be expanded across the city.

The next expansion phase will be downtown, leaders with Decarcerate KC said.

Duncan said interest already exists to expand to the Hickman Mills and Ruskin neighborhoods.

Proponents say REACH will also ease the burden on police, 911 dispatchers and the courts.

Keeping someone in the Jackson County jail costs around $2,000 per month per person, Decarcerate KC leader Croatia Black said. We are overfunding the police department and continuing to strengthen the system that we know isnt working. This is giving a different option for how we deal with conflicts in our communities.

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Duncan said REACH is housed within the Kansas City Health Department and is in the process of hiring workers to answer calls and respond in person.

While REACH does not include police, he said KCPD has met with the REACH committee to ensure that officers in the field understand the program and can request help from it.

An officers main objective is to enforce the law, Duncan said. The purpose around this is to ensure that were not responding to every problem with a hammer because not all problems are nails.

The Kansas City Fire Department or paramedics may respond alongside REACH in cases involving medical issues.

This article first appeared on Beacon: Kansas City and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Governor Laura Kelly announced that $1.9 million will go to various criminal justice organizations in Kansas on Thursday.

Twenty-six Kansas law enforcement agencies were selected to receive grant awards from the Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant (JAG) Program, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor. The program helps state and local agencies fund programs to reduce and prevent crime.

The JAG program represents a collaborative partnership among federal, state and local governments to create safer communities and improve criminal justice systems. It provides critical funding to support a range of program areas such as law enforcement, corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, technology improvement, prevention activities, crime victim services, and mental health programs. The Office of the Governor said in a press release on Thursday.

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For more information on the JAG program, click here.

DOE pushing forward with Grain Belt Express

County Organization Grant Amount Brown Hiawatha Police Department $15,853 Coffey Coffey County Sheriffs Office $71,000 Crawford Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas $148,000 Ellis Northwest Kansas Community Corrections $79,236 Jackson Jackson County Sheriffs Office $83,840 Johnson Gardner Police Department $31,093 Johnson Johnson County Crime Lab $30,819 Johnson Merriam Police Department $85,002 Johnson Sunflower House $29,304 Kingman Kingman County Sheriffs Office $167,766 Leavenworth Brothers In Blue Reentry $98,628 Lyon 5th Judicial District Community Corrections $40,000 Marshall Marysville Police Department $40,000 Meade Meade County Sheriffs Office $40,000 Montgomery Coffeyville Police Department $40,000 Morris Morris County Sheriffs Office $83,840 Pratt Pratt Police Department $10,495 Scott Scott City Police Department $45,492 Shawnee Kansas Highway Patrol $105,678 Shawnee Kansas Judicial Branch $83,545 Shawnee National Alliance on Mental Illness Kansas $95,713 Shawnee Shawnee County Department of Corrections $71,000 Sumner Wellington Police Department $154,966 Wyandotte Avenue of Life $63,425 Wyandotte Unified Govt. of Wyandotte Co./Kansas City, KS  Police Dept. $68,334 Wyandotte Unified Govt. of Wyandotte Co./Kansas City, KS  Sheriffs Off. $141,813 TOTAL $1,924,842

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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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Sen. Mike Thompson, a Johnson County Republican on the Legislature's auditing committee, said he was discouraged by the Kansas Department of Commerce's transparency with economic incentive programs. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  State auditors reported the Kansas Department of Commerce wasnt fully complying with a five-year-old law mandating maintenance of a public database tracking more than 100 economic development incentive programs.

The transparency database was conceived by the Kansas Legislature to offer a means of reviewing how hundreds of millions of dollars in incentives were handed out by state officials to city, county and businesses recipients. The statute authorizing the accessible, searchable and printable database limited the required disclosures to incentive awards valued at more than $50,000 per year.

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The Legislatures auditing agency concluded the commerce departments database didnt include all economic development programs. In addition, auditors said, there were shortcomings in the database due to missing information on incentive programs and unreported details on recipients of incentives.

The auditors drafted a list of 60 incentive programs offered by the state, and discovered 13 were absent from the database. In a separate assessment, auditors said five programs studied in detail lacked about half of 11 state-mandated disclosures, including information on compliance rates and return on investment.

The online database contained most statutory information for 24 recipient records reviewed by auditors, but some incentive benchmark information was inadequate.

Most significantly, the database didnt provide easy access to information on the STAR bond program, which provides one of the states major tax breaks for developers. Commerce department staff told auditors the STAR bond program was unique and difficult to standardize into the recipient table format of the database, the audit report said.

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Commerce agency personnel told auditors technical hurdles existed that made it difficult to compile all required incentive information. In addition, the agency said some information missing from the database could be found by the public at other online locations.

Sen. Mike Thompson, a Johnson County Republican on the Legislatures auditing committee, said lawmakers should work on a bill that more explicitly laid out requirements of the database and that encouraged commerce officials to close remaining gaps.

The reason for that database, ostensibly, is so anybody can go in there and track anything thats going on, Thompson said. Im a little bit discouraged that in the report commerce contends they fully fulfill statutory requirements by providing information at other locations on the website.

Auditors said in the report distributed to legislators this week that the commerce department should flag missing information and offer explanations to online users about impediments to data collection.

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Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chair of the Legislatures audit committee, said she was pleased the commerce department had taken steps to expand availability of information on incentive recipients. She lauded the addition of a feature on the database website that allowed users to search economic development awards by House and Senate district, in addition to city and county summaries.

This is a massive change to what was available, Tyson said. Its much appreciated.

However, Tyson said it would be necessary for the Legislature to grapple with missing information on the estimated return on investment of individual projects.

Theres always a way to calculate and figure that, the senator said. That is very important for us to know whether some of these programs should continue or not.

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Rachel Willis, director of legislative affairs at the commerce department, offered the agencys rebuttal to the analysis produced by the state division of Legislative Post Audit.

She highlighted deficiencies in methods relied on by auditors and argued the audit report didnt reveal the scope of efforts to comply with the transparency law.

Unfortunately, (state law) lacks the specificity and clarity needed for our agency to truly meet these goals. Without that clear statutory guidance, Legislative Post Audit has developed new unknown standards and made certain assumptions in areas where the statute is too broad, Willis said.

She also said the commerce departments compliance challenge was exacerbated when the Legislature provided only partial funding of a budget request that would have been dedicated to the database.

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The audit findings were insufficient and not all encompassing, Willis said, because auditors arbitrarily reviewed 60 incentive programs despite the database containing information on 106 programs. She said auditors randomly selected a handful of grant programs to examine in detail, but ignored more than 40 other state grant programs.

The audit reviewed 24 recipient records, which is less than 0.001% of the recipient records in the database, Willis said.

She said the databases spreadsheet had 13,000 rows and nearly 225,000 cells of data. Commerce compiled the information through collaboration with four state agencies and updated the information twice each year.

The idea of documenting incentive benchmarks or return on investment was a challenge because records varied greatly, she said. It would be impossible to gather that information in a format offering a consistent, digestible language accessible to all users, she said.

Transparency will always be a priority for the agency, Willis said. The database has been a work in progress as we navigate a broad statute that attempts to use a cookie-cutter approach to a wide variety of programs.
King Charles is kicking off the Christmas celebrations at his annual pre-Christmas Palace lunch, but not everyone will be in attendance.

PEOPLE understands that Kate Middleton, Prince William and their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, will not be present at this year's festivities.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were never expected to attend the lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, Dec. 19. The couple and their children are already in Norfolk, England, more than 100 miles away from London, ahead of the royal family's private Christmas celebrations at the Sandringham Estate.

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PEOPLE understands that William and Kate are looking forward to catching up with family at Sandringham over Christmas as usual.

Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Kate Middleton at the 2023 Christmas carol service Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Kate Middleton at the 2023 Christmas carol service

While Kate and William may not have joined in the festivities, Charles, 76, still hosted several members of the royal family for Christmas lunch, including his younger brother Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, who were seen arriving at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

Charles' brother Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson canceled their appearance at the Christmas luncheon in the wake of backlash around the Duke of York's suspected connection to an alleged Chinese "spy."

Related: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson Will Not Be at Royal Familys Christmas Celebrations

Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson at the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024. Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson at the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024.

PEOPLE understands that the Duke of York, 64, reached the decision after discussing the matter with his ex-wife, the Duchess of York, who convinced him that this was the right move. The same is true of Prince Andrew's decision to skip the royal family's Christmas gathering at Sandringham next week on Dec. 25.

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Royal biographer Ingrid Seward tells PEOPLE that Andrew will have also spoken things over with his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who are protective and loyal towards him.

"Despite [the Duchess'] missteps in the past, she does know how things will play out socially. She would tell him its best to stay away. And Beatrice would have backed her up in that," says Seward.

Prince Andrew and Ferguson, who is popularly known as Fergie, divorced in 1996 after a decade of marriage, but remain close today and continue to live at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

The royals' Christmas lunch is a private family gathering, and a tradition King Charles has continued from his late mother Queen Elizabeth's reign. Dozens of family members convene about a week before Christmas for the upbeat holiday meal at Buckingham Palace in London. From there, the late Queen would head to Sandringham House, her private estate in the Norfolk countryside, and step out for church at St. Mary Magdalene on Christmas Day with her family in tow.

Samir Hussein/WireImage King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham for Christmas with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis in 2022 King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham for Christmas with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis in 2022

The royal family's Christmas plans have been under unusual scrutiny this year amid fallout around Andrew's alleged links to the "spy" scandal. Charles' younger brother has been under harsh spotlight since Dec. 13, when it emerged that he reportedly had close professional ties to a Chinese national, alleged to be a spy. The story made headlines when a British court upheld an existing decision to ban the man from the U.K. on national security grounds following a special immigration investigation, drawing attention also to his reported relationship with Andrew.

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U.K. newspaper The Times reported that the businessman, 50, had been appointed as a "business adviser" by Andrew and was promised access to the highest levels of the royal family "in an apparently serious breach of national security."

The businessman  initially codenamed only as H6, and later named on Dec. 16 as Yang Tengbo (also known as Chris Yang)  became a close confidant of King Charles' brother and allegedly earned "an unusual degree of trust" from the royal, the BBC reported.



Yang denied any wrongdoing in a statement shared by the BBC, and Buckingham Palace didn't comment as Andrew is not a working royal.

The Duke of York took a forced step back from public duties following his bombshell Newsnight interview in November 2019 about his speculated connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison while awaiting trial.

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Related: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie Make Rare Decision to Skip Christmas Celebrations at Sandringham  Heres Why

Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, Sir Timothy Laurence and more royals at the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of Greece at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Feb. 27, 2024. Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, Sir Timothy Laurence and more royals at the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of Greece at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Feb. 27, 2024.

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Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and his transition away from royal responsibilities was made official when Queen Elizabeth stripped him of his military titles and patronages in January 2022 amid Virginia Roberts Giuffre's civil sexual assault lawsuit. An out-of-court settlement for an undisclosed sum was reached that February.

Looking ahead to the royal family's Christmas plans on Dec. 25, PEOPLE understands that Prince Andrew, Fergie, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and their respective families will not join King Charles at Sandringham because of the spy scandal. Though Andrew hasn't held a working royal role for years, he continues to join his family for major ceremonial events and holiday celebrations.

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The York family had been widely expected to stay at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate for Christmas like they did last year, but the plans have apparently pivoted.

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PEOPLE understands that Beatrice, 36, and Eugenie, 34, had invitations to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws some time ago and have decided to do so. Their attendance at Sandringham had been in question, an insider says, while their parents will likely keep a low profile at Royal Lodge, their home on grounds of Windsor Castle.

Step inside the royals' holiday traditions with PEOPLEs Special Edition: Christmas at the Palace: A Royal Family Album.



Read the original article on People
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  On Wednesday night, Santa ditched the reindeer and sleigh for KC patrol cars and fire trucks.

From police to sheriffs departments and EMTs, more than 100 different crews from far and wide came to bring an early Christmas gift to those looking from their hospital rooms at Childrens Mercy.

Theyre missing out on a lot of things at school a lot of things with friends and family and to have these communities come together to show support to them really makes them feel special, said the manager of patient and family programs at Childrens Mercy, Trista Cobbins.

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Jingle! holiday vendor pulls out of event: Where is everyone?

Cobbins says Night Lights at Childrens Mercy started four years ago thanks to Kansas City Police Sergeant Scott Nelson, who brought the idea from his last job in New York.

The secret is I had to do a favor for Captain Becchina and he owed me a favor and this was my favor, said Sergeant Nelson.

That favor has now turned into an annual tradition with new faces from inside the car to those watching from windows.

I just want them to get better so they can go home and be with their family and enjoy Santa Clause bringing presents next year, Sgt. Nelson continued.

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The parade of lights was also live-streamed by the hospital so that even the kids who couldnt watch from the windows were able to see it on screen.

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The News

Kenya will review its widely criticized visa-free policy after the country plummeted in an index that measures accessibility to visitors, the Cabinet said in a statement.

The government in January replaced visas with its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system  a mandatory online requirement that costs $30 and takes three days to process. Travellers have complained about the cost and processing delays.

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The Cabinet on Tuesday greenlit a review in response to various concerns. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano on Wednesday said on X that a review was scheduled for Jan. 7, adding that it would aim to improve Kenyas ranking on the Africa Visa Openness Index, by the African Development Bank, where the country fell 17 places this year to rank 46th out of 54 countries.

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Kenya generated around $2.7 billion dollars from tourism last year, making it one of the largest contributors to the economy.

Some fear the ETA could hinder the countrys ability to meet its target of welcoming 5 million tourists annually by 2027, up from 2.1 million last year.
The Lee County Courthouse in Keokuk, Iowa. (Courthouse photo via Google Earth; seal courtesy of the State of Iowa)

A southeast Iowa lawyers license will remain suspended at least through the end of the year over allegations that he refused to cooperate with state officials over an inquiry into client trust accounts.

In April 2024, the Iowa Supreme Court temporarily suspended attorney Steven J. Swans license to practice law, citing his alleged failure to comply with a Client Security Commission request for information on clients trust accounts. The trust accounts consist of money paid by clients for the handling of their cases.

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In June, Swan applied for reinstatement, which led to an objection by the Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board. The board alleged it was still unable to certify that Swan had not engaged in the practice of law while suspended.

In October, the court denied Swans application for reinstatement of his license. State records indicate his license remains suspended and that he will be ineligible to apply for reinstatement prior to Jan. 1, 2025.

In addition, the suspension will continue until the board, the Office of Professional Regulation, and the Client Security Commission certify that Swan is in compliance with all of their requirements for reinstatement.

The court is also requiring Swan to submit documentation from a qualified medical professional that he is fit to practice law.

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Swans law office in Keokuk remains open, but he could not be reached for comment.

In August, District Judge Clinton Boddicker wrote to the Iowa Supreme Court to voice support for Swans reinstatement, citing his experience and the lack of lawyers practicing in Lee County and Keokuk in particular. Attorney Kevin Kuckelman also voiced support for Swan, noting that there are only four private-practice attorneys living and working in Keokuk.

Myron Gookin, chief judge of Iowas 8th Judicial District, told the court earlier this year that he had asked all of the judges in the Keokuk area whether they had any opinions to share regarding Swans efforts to have his license reinstated.

According to Gookin, two judges emailed him responses and a third spoke to him on the phone. Gookin reported that one of the judges stated in writing that Swans health has been compromised for years and that Swans work product has been poor. He rarely, in my experience, does his work the correct way the first time. Some errors are innocuous, others not so.
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce held a farewell party for two staff members who recently accepted jobs elsewhere in the community

Ashley Sinclair began working with the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 11, 2021, as the marketing director of programs and downtown, and Hattie Russom started working on Dec. 11, 2023, as the director of membership development. Both will end their time with the chamber on Friday, Dec. 20.

Sinclair is the new recreation and events Manager for the town of Kernersville Parks and Recreation Department, and Russom will move to Sterling Spaces, an event management company, as its marketing and communications coordinator.

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Sinclair said she is most looking forward to being able to continue helping people.

Im looking forward to being able to stay in Kernersville and taking a step professionally, she said. A lot of what they do is weddings, so just excited to be a little part of someones biggest day of their life, and I went to school for marketing and communications, and to be able to apply a lot of what I have learned.

Sinclair and Russom said that what they will miss the most about the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce is the members.

It has been a pleasure working so close with the business community, and again I am not going far so I am still going to be around, Im just going to be on the other side of town, Sinclair said. So, I am really excited to still be able to work with the people in the area and still have those connections.

Russom thanked the community and the chamber for being part of something bigger than just me. I seriously could not have imagined a better first job.
McALESTER  The 25th and final execution of 2024 in the United States was carried out Thursday when an admitted child killer was put to death on his birthday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.

Kevin Ray Underwood, 45, was pronounced dead at 10:14 a.m.

"I would like to apologize again for all the terrible things I did," he said from the execution gurney. "I hate that I did those things, and I wish I could take them back."

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He blinked rapidly after finishing his last words, and a tear rolled down his face.

Eight other states carried out executions in 2024, including Indiana on Wednesday for the first time in 15 years. Underwood was the fourth inmate to be executed this year in Oklahoma.

He was given a lethal injection for murdering a 10-year-old neighbor, Jamie Rose Bolin, in 2006 in his Purcell apartment. The victim's older sister, Lori Pate, said afterward, "This does not bring our Jamie back, but it does allow the space in our hearts to focus on her and allow the healing process to begin."

Jamie Rose Bolin

The grocery store stocker hit Jamie over the head with a cutting board and then suffocated her on April 12, 2006. He was 26 at the time of the crime. The FBI found the girl's nearly decapitated body in a plastic tub in his bedroom closet two days later.

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He confessed he had prepared for months to carry out his sexual and cannibalistic fantasies. He said he chose Jamie, whose nickname was "Coppertop," because she was a convenient victim.

In his confession, he said his original plan was to cut off his victim's head and set it on his desk "so it could like watch me." He said he wanted to keep the corpse in his bed, "sleeping with it and having sex with it for a day or two," before butchering and cooking it.

He said he did try to have sex with Jamie's body but abandoned his plan to cook and eat it.

His attorneys described him as a mentally ill genius who gave in to his fantasies after becoming addicted to internet pornography. They also said he was a victim of bullying.

Death row inmate Kevin Ray Underwood is sworn in via video at his clemency hearing Dec. 13 at the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. He gave a two-minute statement, apologizing for what he had done.

His diagnoses since his arrest included autism spectrum disorder. "He ultimately lost his ability to discern fantasy from reality," said Kim Spence, an expert on that disorder who evaluated Underwood at the penitentiary for over 11 hours.

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Jurors at a 2008 trial quickly found him guilty of first-degree murder. They were split 10-2 on punishment at first but reached a unanimous decision on a death sentence after eight hours.

Witnessing the execution with the victim's family was District Attorney Greg Mashburn, who prosecuted Underwood at the trial in Cleveland County District Court.

"Today justice was done for Jamie," said Mashburn, who announced Wednesday he will retire March 1. "It's like I told the jury. The death penalty in Oklahoma is reserved for the worst of the worst. And this case was exactly that."

More: Gov. Kevin Stitt fills final spot on Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board

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The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-0 on Dec. 13 not to recommend clemency. Attorney General Gentner Drummond and his assistants had told the board Underwood's crimes "remain some of the most depraved and notorious in Oklahoma history."

The execution went forward shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court denied his emergency request for a stay. His attorneys had complained his clemency hearing was unfair because it wasn't before a full board of five members.

In dispute in his final days was whether he truly regretted what he had done. When he was caught, he had told the FBI, "I'm going to burn in hell."

At his clemency hearing, he apologized for his crimes. "I recognize that although I do not want to die ... I deserve to for what I did," he said via a video feed from the penitentiary. "And if my death could ... change what I did, I would gladly die."

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However, the state's attorneys called him remorseless and manipulative. They showed the Pardon and Parole Board a recent message he sent a female acquaintance. "What I did doesn't weigh on me and constantly torment me the way the state wishes it would, partly as I have virtually no memory of the event," he wrote Nov. 12.

The execution was completed in 10 minutes without issue and Underwood was cooperative beforehand, Oklahoma Department of Corrections executive director Steven Harpe said.

"It was really pretty textbook for us," Harpe told reporters.

Underwood received his last meal at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday and was given Xanax Wednesday night and again Thursday morning, Harpe said. He said sedatives are typically offered to all inmates facing execution but they are rarely taken.

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Underwood's last meal was chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, pinto beans and a hot roll, a cheeseburger and fries, reporters were told.

Observing the execution for the media were reporters for The Associated Press, The Oklahoman, The Norman Transcript and two Tulsa television stations

"I've witnessed a number of executions now. And I would say the process seemed to go quicker than usual," said KOTV reporter Reagan Ledbetter.

Oklahoma has now carried out 210 executions at the state penitentiary since they started there in 1915, according to the statistics kept by the Corrections Department.

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In an annual report released Thursday, the Death Penalty Information Center said 2024 is the 10th consecutive year in the United States with fewer than 30 executions.

The nonprofit organization also said new death sentences had been imposed in only 10 states in 2024, as of Dec. 16. Oklahoma had none.

The scheduling of Underwood's execution on his birthday was a coincidence that came about in part because the procedures are only done on Thursdays. Two years ago, death row inmate Richard Fairchild also was executed on his birthday.

In his last words, Underwood called the decision to hold the execution on his birthday and six days before Christmas "a needlessly cruel thing to do to my family."

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While strapped to the gurney, he looked over more than once at his mother, Connie Underwood. He apologized to his family as well as to the victim's family.

The Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester is shown at sunrise Thursday. Kevin Ray Underwood was the 210th inmate executed there since December 1915.

Demonstrators gathered in the cold outside the governor's mansion Thursday morning. "We grieve for Jamie and Kevin and the senseless loss of their lives, the Rev. Don Heath, chair of the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, said after the execution.

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals will schedule the next execution after being notified of Underwood's death. Next on the list is Wendell Grissom, who was convicted of murder for a fatal shooting in 2005 during a burglary of a rural Blaine County home.

(This story was updated to add new information and photos.)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma executes Kevin Ray Underwood for 2006 murder of 10-year-old
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  A Kansas official who is an informal adviser to President-elect Donald Trump's transition team on immigration issues doesn't expect mass deportations to prompt arrests of migrants at sensitive locations such as schools and churches.

But Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach does expect Trump to take action that will spark a legal challenge over the citizenship status of children born in the U.S. to immigrants living in the country illegally. He also expects Trump to encourage local and state law enforcement officers to help with efforts to arrest and detain migrants.

Kobach has for two decades been one of the most influential lawyers in the Republican movement to restrict illegal immigration. He is also a longtime Trump supporter who could be a key ally given federal immigration authorities' need for state and local cooperation to carry out Trump's promise of the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.

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He said Wednesday that he's in regular contact with Trump's team, including Tom Homan, Trump's pick for border czar, and Stephen Miller, incoming deputy White House chief of staff for policy. He made his comments during an interview with The Associated Press. Here are excerpts:

Is it realistic to try to remove millions of immigrants?

Critics of Trumps mass deportation plans argue that hes promising to remove millions of immigrants from the U.S. and thats logistically not possible. But Kobach and other Trump allies think only a portion of those migrants would have to be deported for the effort to succeed.

KOBACH: Once theres a massive enforcement effort going on, then a lot of people start leaving on their own.

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You can put a multiplier on that number, and itll be a much greater number. They will start leaving on their own because they dont want to get arrested. They want to leave on their own terms, and so I dont know  we dont know  what that multiplier number is going to be, but there will be one.

What about arrests at sensitive locations?

Immigrant rights advocates worry the Trump administration will rescind a longstanding policy of avoiding arrests of migrants at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals and houses of worship.

KOBACH: I havent heard this. ... First of all, I dont think that you are likely to see K-12 students being arrested. Its going to be the adults that are going to be the focus of the removals."

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There are some places that are better to make an arrest than others. There are reasons why the policy of a police department is different with regard to a high-speed chase in a neighborhood versus a high-speed chase on a highway. So I think theyre probably going to have to make decisions as to which ones involve the least risk to the public.

Is an attempt to end birthright citizenship coming?

Birthright citizenship means that anyone born in the U.S. is a citizen, whatever the legal status of their parents. Trump has promised to end it, though others say the 14th Amendment enshrines it in the U.S. Constitution.

KOBACH: Whatever the Trump administration does will certainly be litigated because its one of those hot-button issues.

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I believe that the Trump administration has every intention of addressing this issue, in his second term.

How would state and local officials help?

The Trump administration would need the help of state and local officials in its efforts to deport millions of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

A provision in federal immigration law allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to make agreements with state and law enforcement agencies to deputize and train officers to arrest migrants.

KOBACH: They can provide a force multiplier to the federal government, and I think that is the biggest and best thing that the states and counties can do to help. ... The point is, it casts a daily net.

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I dont see how a massive deportation program can possibly succeed without it."

Where would immigrants be detained?

President Joe Biden's administration cut the number of beds that ICE had for detaining immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. However, in August, the agency issued requests for information about the potential for new detention centers in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington, documents show.

Trump could seek new contracts with counties to keep immigrants in their jails, and Kobach said he's previously worked as a lawyer for some Texas counties with bigger jails than they need for local offenders.

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KOBACH: "The Trump administration, the people in the immigration sphere, are well aware of this problem, and I've talked to them."

A few of those (Texas) counties have a really big facility, jail, and the reason its so big is they want to contract with other counties and with the federal government.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Nima Momeni, the killer of tech mogul Bob Lee, was convicted of second degree murder this week. Prosecutors said Momeni made a cold and calculated decision to murder Lee in San Francisco on April 4, 2023 to get revenge for his sister. After the jurys guilty verdict was announced on Tuesday, Lees family vowed to continue seeking justice through filing a civil case against Momenis family members, including his sister, Khazar.

Inside the courtroom on Tuesday, the killer turned around and locked eyes with his mother, Mahnaz Tayarani. The mother formed her hands into the shape of a heart, reassuring her son that she still loved and supported him.

Khazar Momeni walks out of a San Francisco courtroom with her mother on Oct. 22, 2024. (KRON4 Photo)

Bob Lees ex-wife, Krista Lee, revealed that her family is preparing for a civil trial against Momeni, Khazar, Khazars husband, and Momenis mother for their alleged attempt to cover up the crime after Bob Lee was stabbed to death. They are all absolutely guilty, Krista Lee told KRON4.

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Krista Lee said she recently obtained new information that will allegedly expose more about the Momeni familys attempted coverup, and the information will be used for a civil trial. Krista Lee met privately with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins on Tuesday afternoon.

Bob Lees ex wife, Krista Lee, is seen in the San Francisco courthouse on Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Benjamin Fanjoy)

For his high-profile criminal trial, Momeni testified that he acted in self-defense. Momeni claimed he made a bad joke about Bob Lee spending time in strip clubs instead of with his family. Bob Lee blew up with anger and attacked with a knife, the defendant testified. Jurors did not believe Momenis self-defense claim and reached a unanimous verdict for second-degree murder.

Prosecutors said the murder cases motive centered on Khazar and Momeni was an overprotective big brother.

Khazar was a no-show for Tuesdays verdict. She only showed up at court for her brothers arraignment and when she was ordered to testify for the trial. Khazar defended her brothers character in front of the jury and talked about her relationship with Lee. Khazar and Lee partied together in the days leading up to his death. At one of the parties, Khazar said she was sexually assaulted by Lees drug dealer on April 3, 2023 and she called her brother for help.

Khazar, center, arrives for the arraignment of Nima Momeni, her brother, on May 18, 2023. (AP Photo /Godofredo A. Vasquez)

After he drove his sister home to Millennium Tower, Momeni called Bob Lee to interrogate him, asking why was Khazar naked at the party and did anything inappropriate happened, the victims friend testified.

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Krista Lees emotions boiled over during Khazars fourth day on the stand. My husband was murdered. She has no right to make herself a victim in this. She can go f**k herself, Krista Lee said.

Defense attorneys and prosecutors both told the jury that Khazar lied on the witness stand and she struggles with drug addiction.

Surveillance videos showed Bob Lee and Momeni left Khazars condo around 2 a.m. on April 4, 2023. Thirty minutes later, the two men stepped out of Momenis white BMW under the Bay Bridge and Bob Lee was stabbed through the heart.

Momeni was the only person charged with a crime in connection to Lees death. KRON4 asked Tayarani on Tuesday about the looming civil battle. She shook her head and simply answered, They can do anything they want.

Nima Momenis mother posted this sign outside the San Francisco courthouse after her son was found guilty of murder on Dec. 17, 2024. (KRON4 Photo)

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Tayarani had tears in her eyes as she called the verdict unfair this week. My son is not the person that they think. Hes very kind, she told reporters. She hung up a sign outside the courthouse reading, Self defense is not a crime. The mother attended every day of her sons two-month-long trial.

Police detectives who investigated the murder case testified about what happened after the tech mogul was slain. Detectives said Momenis mother, sister, and brother-in-law refused to cooperate with their investigation. It took investigators nine days before they had enough evidence to arrest him.

Bob Lee

Just before dawn on April 13, 2023, San Francisco Police Department officers executed three search warrants at three homes simultaneously. As a SWAT team stormed into Momenis Emeryville home, another team raided Khazars luxury condo on the 41st floor of Millennium Tower in San Francisco.

The third SFPD team searched a condo on the 29th floor of Millennium Tower where Khazars husband, plastic surgeon Dino Elyassnia, lives. Elyassnia refused to answer basic questions, such as giving his phone number and spelling his name, homicide detective Domenico Discenza testified. Khazar also refused to answer any questions to help police solve their murder case.

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SFPD Lt. Phillip Gordon said his team was unable to find Momenis white BMW and the clothing that he wore during the killing. Momeni testified that by the time police showed up, he had already left his BMW and clothing at his mothers house. Prosecutors said Tayarani sold the BMW.

Khazar Momeni, the sister of Bob Lees accused killer, just arrived at the SF courthouse to testify this morning.

Yesterday she was on the stand for 6 hours. Heres what she told the jury: https://t.co/5yOyQ6WYsg@kron4news pic.twitter.com/29T3cINdHL  Amy Larson (@AmyLarson25) October 22, 2024

Momenis family hired defense attorney Paula Canny, gave her all of their cellphones, and bought new cellphones, according to trial testimony. Khazar and her husband paid for Momenis defense attorneys, later hiring attorneys Saam Zangeneh, Bradford Cohen, Tony Brass, and Zoe Aaron.

Momeni and Khazar are not only siblings, but they are also super friends, a prosecutor said, adding, they hung out all the time, texted all the time. In the days after the homicide, the siblings text messages suddenly stopped.

Brass said Momeni plans to appeal his criminal conviction. Obviously anyone in his position is going to feel very disappointed. This is a very painful day and this is not the end of this story. There were a lot of decisions made. Some of them we dont think were right and thats why we have an appellate court.

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Jenkins said her prosecutors are ready to fight once an appeal is filed. A defense lawyer worth their salt is going to file an appeal of any conviction. I have great confidence (prosecutors) will do everything that we need to sustain this conviction.

Bob Lee's ex-wife, Krista, said she is happy with the verdict. "Let's get this a**hole sentenced and put away." Krista said her family will pursue a civil case against Nima Momeni, his mom, his sister Khazar, and Khazar's wealthy husband Dino. "They are all absolutely guilty." pic.twitter.com/5BMDC8Bxig  Amy Larson (@AmyLarson25) December 17, 2024

Krista Lee said she was happy that Momeni is now a convicted murderer. Lets get this a**hole sentenced and put away, she told reporters.

Momeni is facing 16 to life when he is sentenced in 2025. He will remain locked in a San Francisco County jail until his next court appearance on January 10.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
A 21-year-old man who shot and killed his uncle in Graham during a confrontation over the sexual abuse of his sister pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Raul Alberto Lozano Lucas was 19 years old at the time of the July 2, 2023, shooting of 59-year-old Antonio Lucas Huerta. According to the defendants attorney, Michael Stewart, Lozano Lucas and his mother were abused by his uncle as a child, and after learning that his sister had been sexually abused by his uncle, Lozano Lucas demanded answers from the man.

During that confrontation, Lucas Huerta taunted Lozano Lucas and seemed to boast and laugh at him, according to court filings from the defense. When the defendant said his mother had told him the uncle had done something to her, too, Lucas Huerta reportedly raised his voice and tried to backhand Lozano Lucas, who grabbed a pistol and started firing.

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Pierce County Sheriffs Department deputies were called at about 8:30 p.m. for a report of a shooting. A 911 caller reported that family members were holding the shooter down. Arriving deputies detained the defendant while others tried to provide medical aid to Lucas Huerta.

Lucas Huerta was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. Deputies found eight bullet casings nearby.

Prosecutors originally charged Lozano Lucas with premeditated first-degree murder in Superior Court, but the charge was reduced to second-degree murder Tuesday. Deputy prosecuting attorney Brian Wasankari wrote in a court filing that the proposed reduction was largely based on what was provided in the defendants mitigation materials, which described the abuse Lozano Lucas and his immediate family suffered at the hands of his uncle.

The defendants attorney said this was a rare case where a person knows that their family member is being sexually abused and takes the law into their own hands.

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Theres a price to be paid for that, and that price is 15 years in prison in this case, Stewart said.

The defense attorney said he and prosecutors agreed to recommend that Judge Edmund Murphy impose a low-end sentence on the reduced charge based on the abuse Lozano Lucas endured, the defendants youth, his own personal deficits and the sexual abuse the defendants sister went through.

Lozano Lucas had no prior criminal convictions.

This is an absolute tragedy, Stewart said. Raul should not have killed his uncle, and his uncle should not have abused those children.

Lozano Lucas was born in California and moved to Tacoma with his mother and sister at the age of 4 or 5 to live with his uncle after his father died of liver cancer, according to the defenses mitigation materials. While his mother worked, he and his sister spent a lot of time with his maternal grandmother and Lucas Huerta, who they witnessed drinking alcohol regularly and would physically abuse them and threaten them with worse if they said anything about it.

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The uncle was also financially exploitative, according to the defense. He withheld money from Lozano Lucas mother for work she did at the family store, making her unable to sufficiently provide for her children and forcing her to be dependent on Lucas Huerta.

A report was made to law enforcement about a year before the shooting about a sexual incident regarding Lucas Huerta inappropriately kissing the defendants sister when she was 7 years old, but she reportedly had a difficult time speaking to the authorities about the details of the abuse.

Stewart said that about seven or eight people were in court Tuesday morning in support of Lozano Lucas, including his mother and sister.

This is something that I dont know what most people would do in a situation like Raul faced, but I would hope that we would have the tools to deal with it differently, Stewart said.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  Alexandria City High School moved all in-person classes to online learning for Thursday and Friday after students and staff were injured during several altercations.

Several students showed up to the King Street campus of the High School on Thursday not knowing about classes being moved online out of an abundance of caution.

I didnt know notice that, said an Alexandria City High School senior.

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Three additional people arrested in connection to deadly Manassas shooting

This comes after several altercations took place on Wednesday.

The Alexandria Police Department (APD) said at around noon, two School Resource Officers (SRO) responded to reports of multiple physical altercations occurring in school hallways and the cafeteria.

In a letter to parents, Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt for Alexandria City Public Schools said students and staff were injured.

APD said one student left with their parents to receive treatment at a clinic. A woman who was seen in a video on social media lying on the ground refused medical attention at the scene and declined to file a police report.

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APD said they are continuing to verify the validity of a report that a student was stabbed, but as of Thursday, had not found anything substantiating that claim.

To ensure safety for everyone the school was placed on a hold status for most of Wednesday despite the altercations involving a small number of students at the King Street campus.

A senior said she was on her way to class when she saw a fight break out, adding, It was kind of scary but not too much.

Alexandria high school cancels in-person classes due to student altercations

Superintendent Kay-Wyatt went on to express in the letter her disappointment in students, and that disruptive behaviors will face consequences.

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I would also like to express how disheartening and concerning it was to learn about the unacceptable behaviors and actions taken by some of our students that resulted in injuries to staff and students. Our school community deserves better and counts on us to provide a safe place for teaching and learning, she wrote.

The letter went on to say additional measures will be implemented for when students return back to school after winter break in January.

APD said two students were charged with assault and battery for their involvement in the fights on Wednesday.

Police added they would be increasing their presence in and around neighborhoods of ACHS and within retail spaces to deter and prevent further incidents.

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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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Right before Klockers Tavern closed its doors, Horry Countys top prosecutor Jimmy Richardson spoke to News13 about nuisance rules that sometimes lead to a businesss demise.

The law can force them to shut down if they create constant problems in the community.

Richardson said the lengthy process of deeming a nuisance business starts after police hand over a request to his 15th Judicial Circuit office.

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Owners of the troubled Highway 17 Bypass bar announced Tuesday it was ceasing operations, a day after 43-year-old Jotham Simmons was fatally shot on site and after years of other violent incidents.

Richardson told News13 his office didnt receive any nuisance requests for the property, but it has been implemented locally in several high-profile circumstances.

Horry County uses it, he said. We use it a lot more than Greenville or Charleston or anywhere else.

Almost a year ago, a property known as the Yellow House in Myrtle Beach was shut down by a judge. It was declared a nuisance three different times related to drug dealing and violent crime.

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And in March, a couple was forced out of their Conway-area property after being accused of setting a cross on fire in their yard to intimidate their black neighbors.

Richardson says while there isnt a set number of times before police seek to deem an area as a nuisance, they look at how it affects the community.

As bad as the cross burning may have been for that particular night, the judge dont want to hear about one incident, he said. Its bringing in testimony from all of the other people that say, you know, these are the things that weve had to deal with, this is the pattern.

Richardson says the solicitors office looks at whether the property is being used for prostitution, drug dealing or just being a general nuisance.

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He says they typically deal with these types of cases three to four times a year.

But first, police have to compare area to area for the number of calls.

And what youll generally see is these three locations are side by side, he said. Ive had zero calls for service here, Ive had 81 calls for service here, and Ive had nine calls for service here.

He says once it gets to his office, theyll issue a warning but if nothing changes, theyll serve a summons and complaint.

Eventually a judge will call a temporary hearing and at most, the business will close for one year before a final hearing is held.

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A lot of times when that comes up, theres nothing to even argue about anymore, he said. Theyve already been closed for the whole year that the statute allows for.

Richardson says if a business opens back up after that year and the nuisance continues the process would start all over again.

Horry County police tell us they only seek to declare a business a nuisance as a last resort if public safety is at risk.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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* * *

Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work, here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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After two days, authorities released the names of those killed in the shooting at a Madison Chrisitan school that has rocked the community.

The Dane County Medical Examiner's Office released the names  14-year-old Rubi Vergara and 42-year-old Erin West  on Wednesday night. Six others were injured in the attack that took place on Monday at Abundant Life Christian School just before 11 a.m., including the teenaged suspect, who took her own life.

Funerals for the two are scheduled to take place in the coming days.

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Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said in an interview with the Journal Sentinel Wednesday evening that police currently have no information indicating the shooter was targeting a specific person. He asked anyone with information that would indicate otherwise to contact police.

"The shooter made a decision to walk into that study hall with mixed high school students and open fire, Barnes said. Everyone in that room had an equal chance of dying that day.

This has been the deadliest year for school shootings in Wisconsin's history, since they have been tracked.

Here's what we know about the victims of the attack:

14-year-old Rubi Vergara was killed in the shooting

Rubi Vergara was the first victim publicly identified in the shooting with an obituary for the teenager that was released on Wednesday night.

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Vergara's family had previously authorized the release of the teen's obituary earlier Wednesday evening, according to Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation in Monona.

The daughter of Vicente and Jennifer Vergara, the student is described in her obituary as an avid reader who loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band. She "shared a special bond with her beloved pets," a cat named Ginger and her dog Coco.

A funeral service for Vergara will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at City Church, 4909 E. Buckeye Road in Madison. Family and friends who wish to view the service via livestream may do so at gundersonfh.com at the time of the service. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Erin West, 42, was a teacher and killed in the Madison shooting

Erin West of DeForest was the teacher killed in the shooting.

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According to an obituary for West, she was the daughter of Larry and Teresa Etherton and married to Jack. She had three daughters.

West enjoyed camping with her family, going to school sporting events, serving at Doxa Church and spending time with her family, the obituary said. A funeral service will be held at Doxa Church, 2700 Novation Parkway, Madison, at 12 p.m. on Monday. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com.

Dane County Medical Examiner's releases details on those who died

The Dane County Medical Examiner's Office on Wednesday evening released the names of Vergara and West following forensic autopsies. Preliminary findings indicate both died due to firearm-related trauma, according to the medical examiner's office.

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The office also said that Natalie Rupnow, the teenage shooter, was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound at the hospital. It was previously unclear when she was declared dead. Little is publicly known about her.

Madison police no longer receiving information on injured

Information on the six injured in the shooting has been limited since Tuesday.

At that time, Barnes said of the six who were injured, two students remained in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. A teacher and three other students were initially hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. Two had been released from the hospital as of Monday evening.

On Wednesday evening, Barnes told the Journal Sentinel the hospitals treating victims from the shooting were no longer giving out information on their conditions. The police chief said the hospitals were citing health privacy law in making the decision.

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To his knowledge, he said those victims are still alive.

David Clarey can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com

Jessica Van Egeren and Alison Dirr of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What we know about those injured, killed in Madison school shooting
Authorities in Madison, Wisconsin, released the identities of the student and the teacher who were killed when police say a 15-year-old opened fire at the Abundant Life Christian School earlier this week.

The victims were identified as 42-year-old Erin M. West and 14-year-old Rubi P. Vergara. The victims' names were released late Wednesday evening by the Dane County medical examiner.

West had been a teacher at Abundant Life Christian School for four years, according to her obituary.

PHOTO: Teacher Erin West, a victim in the recent school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, is seen in this undated photo. (Abundant Life Christian School)

The mom of three enjoyed "family camping trips, attending school sporting events, serving at Doxa Church, and spending time with her daughters and the rest of her family," her obituary stated.

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A funeral service will be held for West on Monday at her church, Doxa Church, in Madison.

PHOTO: A vigil is held for the victims of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, Dec. 17, 2024. (WKOW)

Rubi was a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School, according to her obituary.

She was remembered as an "avid reader" who "loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band" and her dog and cat, her obituary stated.

A funeral service will be held for Rubi on Saturday at City Church in Madison.

"Our community continues to grieve following the tragic events at Abundant Life Christian School," Dane County Executive Melissa Agard said in a statement on Thursday. "I extend my heartfelt condolences to all who are impacted by this tragedy. Let us continue to support one another with compassion and care during this profoundly difficult time."

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MORE: Abundant Life Christian School shooting latest: Motive appears to be combination of factors, police say

West and Vergara were both pronounced dead at the scene, according to the medical examiner.

Overall, six people were also injured in the shooting, police said. As of Wednesday evening, two students with life-threatening injuries remained in the hospital, police said in an update.

Four others -- identified previously as three students and a teacher -- have been released from the hospital, police said.

PHOTO: A vigil is held for the victims of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, Dec. 17, 2024. (WISN)

A candlelight vigil was held Tuesday night at the state capitol for the victims of the shooting.

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"Yesterday, the Madison community experienced a terrible and traumatic event," Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said at the vigil. "We will never be the same, but we will get through and we will get through this together by relying on each other and taking care of each other."

MORE: Teen suspect in deadly Wisconsin school attack points to rarity of female shooters

The suspected shooter, 15-year-old Natalie "Samantha" L. Rupnow who was a student at the school, died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Officers did not fire their weapons.

PHOTO: Children prepare to board a bus bound for the reunification center where they'll meet their parents after a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., Dec. 16, 2024. (Cullen Granzen/Reuters)

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The motive appears to be a combination of factors, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said at a news conference Tuesday.

"Everyone was targeted in this incident and everyone was put in equal danger," Barnes said.

However, police said they are still investigating whether there were specific targets in the shooting and are still working to determine a motive.

What we know about the victims of the Abundant Life Christian School shooting originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Soon after being nominated to lead the Department of Defense, Pete Hegsetha former Army National Guard major and Fox News personalityfound himself mired in controversy over his past statements and actions. Among the most notable? His comments about women in combat.

Im straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles. It hasnt made us more effective. Hasnt made us more lethal. Has made fighting more complicated, he said in a podcast interview this past November. He was surprised, he told host Shawn Ryan, that his recent book had not gotten more blowback over its sections about women in the military.

The past is prologue, it seems. But Hegseths comments raise broader questions about women in the military. For starters, how has the role of women in the military changed in recent years?

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All combat roles in the U.S. military were opened to women by then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta in January 2013. Two years later, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter lifted all gender-based restrictions on military service with no exceptions. This meant that women, who now make up almost 18 percent of U.S. military personnel, no longer faced barriers in certain occupations or to their promotion through the ranks. These seismic shifts in the organization of the U.S. military followed a multiyear campaign by servicewomen to eliminate continuing gender segregation by an employer of more than 2 million people.

That hard-fought campaign drew on womens battle-field experiences in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars where women distinguished themselves, including through participation in Female Engagement Teams and Cultural Support Teams. As Carter noted in 2018 explaining his decision to eliminate gender-based restrictions, more than 300,000 women served in combat environments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many servicewomen sustained combat-related injuries including, most notably, sitting Sen. Tammy Duckworth. (Servicewomen also made headlines during those wars for their participation in the torture of Iraqi civilians and capture by militant groups.)

Its curious, given this general trajectory of greater integration and notable distinction, that Hegseth was so opposed to having any of the almost 230,000 active-duty servicewomen in combat roles. (As controversy over his comments has mounted, Hegseth has tried to walk back his remarks, calling women some of our greatest warriors in a recent interview.) So, why did he think that its too complicated to serve with women?

A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) offers some clues. Beginning in 2017, once all positions were open to women, scholars at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the UCLA Anderson School of Management studied the integration of women into infantry and armor companies, the Armys most combat-oriented occupations. They found that, contrary to Hegseths opinion, integrating women into these previously all-male combat units had little effect on mens performance or behavioral outcomes as understood by the Armys own metrics. This included little effect on retention, promotions, demotions, separations for misconduct, criminal charges, and medical conditions.

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However, the study did find that the arrival of women led to a decline in mens perceptions of company performance and cohesion, confidence in leadership, beliefs about the inclusivity of the workplace, and perceptions of leader responses to harassment and discrimination. Male soldiers were more likely to feel worse about their working conditions after a female officer was integrated into their company. This effect was more pronounced for male officers than male enlisted soldiers (13.9 percent of a standard deviation for male officers vs. 3.9 percent of a standard deviation for enlisted men).

One of the most obvious interpretations of the studys results is that men in positions of power feel undermined by women in positions of power, an explanation alluded to in the study. The very presence of women challenges mens claims to authority. Male officers become officers in part because they are presumed to have leadership qualities, a trait that has historically been considered distinctively male both within and outside of the military. This would explain why male officers seem particularly hostile to the arrival of their female counterparts, whereas enlisted menwho have to listen to officers regardless of the officers sexdo not.

Are there complications related to women serving in combat roles? Of course. But they arent the ones Hegseth is thinking of.

Yes, womens biology matters, but not because women are the weaker sex. Designing for womens bodies, for both uniforms and gear, is easy to do as proven by NASA four decades ago. Managing womens menstruation during missions is a real challenge, but one easily addressed through pre-deployment physicals.

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What is more difficult to address is the psychological impact, for men, of having women serve alongside them in combat. The addition of women does not appear to affect the actual effectiveness of a unit, according to the militarys own metrics. It does, however, disrupt the Band of Brothers myth, which holds that the all-male combat unit is elite, essential, and exceptional. The myth was used to justify womens continued exclusion from combat through emotional appeals to a brotherhood of arms. It most recently formed the basis of a slew of vitriol and op-eds on why women should never be allowed to become Navy SEALs or Army Rangers. (To date, 143 women have passed the Army Ranger School and one woman has passed the Navys Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman training.)

Accepting that concerns about combat effectiveness are as bogus for integrating women as they were for integrating African Americans raises other complications, such as the registration of women for the Selective Service. Signing women up for the draft has become a thorny culture war issue described by Sen. Ted Cruz as nuts.

The presence of women throughout the U.S. military also complicates narratives around sexual assault, which the Pentagon claims is declining even though outside studies suggest otherwise. The authors of the NBER study suggest that female officers may increase male officers awareness of the challenges they face, including sexual harassment and assault. Depressingly, they find that when a female officer is present upon integration, there is a significantly larger decline in male officers, relative to male enlisted soldiers, perceptions of the companys ability to prevent and respond to sexual harassment/assault. This is particularly troubling given that a 2021 RAND study found that nearly half of female soldiers who reported sexual harassment indicated that they were targeted by their supervisor or someone in their chain of command.

Despite the hostility they face from some of their brothers-in-arms, U.S. servicewomen in combat roles arent going anywhere, regardless of who the next secretary of defense is. The military is open about its recruiting challenges, which include a growing number of young people who have no interest in serving or who cannot meet the militarys health and fitness requirements. Combined with projections of a demographic decline, the military needs to embrace a model where it is recruiting from 100 percent of the populationwhether the men who run it want to or not.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Rev. Renee Kesler, director of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, delivers a eulogy for her friend, poet and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni on Dec. 19, 2024 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Knoxville. (Photo: Angela Dennis)

Friends, sorority sisters, high school classmates and admirers filled the pews of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Wednesday to celebrate the life and legacy of Nikki Giovanni, the renowned poet, author, and activist who died on Dec. 9, at the age of 81.

The memorial, held at the church where Giovanni grew up, was a tribute to the legendary writer whose work inspired generations. Born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni Jr. in Knoxville on June 7, 1943, Giovannis connection to Mt. Zion was deeply rooted in her upbringing, shaping her values and artistic voice.

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Giovanni often shared stories about her love for Knoxville and the church she grew up in before graduating from Knoxvilles Austin High School in 1961.

Rev. Johnnie Skinner, pastor of Mt. Zion, opened the service with reflections on Giovannis legacy. We are thankful that Nikki kept the vision alive. She never lost that. May God bless her memory and may we all live up to the words she spoke, he said.

The service included heartfelt readings of Giovannis poem Knoxville, Tennessee, a love letter to the city, and reflected her fondest memories of her hometown. Members of the congregation also performed gospel hymns, and elected officials spoke, including Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. Kincannon shared the citys appreciation for Giovannis contributions to the arts and social justice and announced she has approved a resolution marking Dec. 19 Nikki Giovanni Day.

Nikki Giovanni had some good times in Knoxville, and she had some hard times. Her childhood home was destroyed, the library where she was introduced to literature was destroyed and she often spoke up about that. Those were hard times, but she loved her hometown, she loved this community, Kincannon said.

A marker at 400 Mulvaney St. in Knoxville, site of poet Nikki Giovannis childhood home. (Photo: City of Knoxville)

In 2019, the City of Knoxville erected a historic marker at 400 Mulvaney Street, where Giovannis former home stood before being razed during the citys urban renewal projects.

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The memorial, which was organized by the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, the hub for African American history and preservation in Knoxville, concluded with special remarks by its Executive Director Rev. Renee Kesler. Kesler was a longtime friend of the iconic poet.

Kesler urged congregants to not only remember Giovanni for her accomplishments, but also for who she was.

Well talk about the brilliancy of her mind, and the literary work for generations to come. And indeed the Beck Cultural Center will preserve that history. But Im not going to just talk about what she did, but Im going to talk about who she was, Kesler said.

Anyone who knew Nikki had their own story, she lives in those stories. She had a smile and she made you laugh. Even until the end she did not want you to take her voice, said Kesler. She was still doing the work, she was still writing poems. She created words that were so powerful that they live on beyond her, she had all that beautiful poetry and its just beautiful but at the end of the day she was a child of God.

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The Knoxville memorial was part of a series of events honoring Giovannis life. A public visitation was held in Blacksburg, Va., on December 14, where she spent decades as a distinguished professor at Virginia Tech. On December 15, her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, honored her with an Omega Omega Service, followed by a private funeral for family and close friends. Giovannis body will be laid to rest in Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 19 with a public graveside service at Spring Grove Cemetery.

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PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  Kosovos population has shrunk to 1.6 million from 1.74 million 13 years ago, the results of a census showed on Thursday.

According to the second census conducted in post-independence Kosovo earlier this year, the minority Serbs in the four northern municipalities where most live - Leposavic, Zvecan, Zubin Potok and North Mitrovica - totaled 36,652 or 2.31% of the population.

The Statistics Agency said Serbs boycotted the census to a considerable extent" following calls by Serb political parties to do so. The agency estimated the overall Serb population at around 53,000, more than double the number the initial 2011 census found.

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Kosovos average age is just shy of 35, the second youngest in Europe. The average age in the 2011 census was nearly 30.

The census also showed that the 1998-1999 war resulted in 11,417 dead and 1,047 missing. Material damage was estimated at 5 billion euros ($5.2 billion).

The census registered 93.49% of the population as Muslim, 2.31% as Orthodox and 1.75% as Catholic.

The census results make up the basis to draft policies on the citizens' real needs, said Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

Kosovo was a former Serbian province until a 78-day NATO bombing campaign in 1999 ended a war between Serbian government forces and ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo and pushed Serbian forces out. Belgrade does not recognize Kosovos 2008 independence.

Kosovo-Serbia relations remain tense despite efforts by the international community to normalize them.

___

Semini reported from Tirana, Albania.

___

Follow Llazar Semini at https://x.com/lsemini
Damola Adamolekun assumed the CEO role at Red Lobster in August, mere months after the seafood chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In September, the company announced it would be exiting bankruptcy under Adamolekuns stewardship. Before joining Red Lobster, he served as CEO of P.F. Changs from 2020 to 2023, leading the Asian-inspired food chain through the pandemic and revitalizing a once-struggling brand. But whats most striking about Adamolekuns curriculum vitae is not his two successive corner office posts but rather his extraordinary feat of having led two major restaurant chains by the age of 35.

Adamolekun is what one would call a CEO sprinter, one of a rarefied cohort of executives who take less than the roughly 24-year average to move from entry-level to the corner suite. What separates these sprinters from the average executive are three main career catapults, says Elena Lytkina Botelho, a partner at management consulting firm ghSmart and leader of its CEO Genome Project. Botelho and her coresearchers analyzed data from 17,000 C-suite executives to examine their career trajectories over 10 years. Together, they identified three career acceleratorsor catapultsthat help professionals fast-track their ascent to the corner office: taking a demotion or pay cut to expand the scope of their responsibilities; making a bold leap within the first decade of their career; and stepping into and successfully resolving a significant mess.

Whats great about these catapults is they help you get results, get noticed, and get stronger, Botelho says. Ninety-seven percent of CEO sprinters in the study had at least one catapult, and 50% had at least two. Of the three catapults, the study found that taking a lesser role to broaden ones skills and responsibilities was by far the most popular, with more than 60% of sprinters having taken a demotion or pay cut at some point in their career. More than a third made a bold career leap, and over 30% led their team through a mess.

Rising to the corner office at an expedited pace often requires some short-term sacrifices. As a result, relying solely on vertical growth and expertise in a single field can hinder an executives upward trajectory, says Jane Edison Stevenson, Korn Ferrys global vice chair of board and CEO services and global leader of board and CEO succession. Horizontal moves and zigzags are really pivotal, she says.

In a recent Fortune interview, Xerox CEO Steve Bandrowczak shared a similar sentiment. In 2007, he left his role as Lenovos chief information officer to take a sales position two levels below at a Canadian telecommunications company. The position was, in many ways, a step-down and required him to take a large salary cut. I accepted that role because I had never run a sales team before, and I knew it was important to gain that experience, he said.
Thursdays Top Stories

Thursdays Five Facts

[1] VIDEO: Deputies arrive at Belen home where teen is accused of murdering family  Video has been released of the moments Valencia County Sheriffs deputies arrested a teen accused of killing his family. The newly released body camera footage shows deputies rushing to the scene early Saturday morning. When they arrived at the home, they found 16-year-old Diego Leyva who had earlier confessed to police dispatchers, telling them he was responsible for a quadruple murder.

[2] APS Board of Education votes to close Taft Middle School  The Albuquerque Public Schools is moving forward with a controversial right-sizing proposal that would close and repurpose a North Valley middle school. The right-sizing plan will repurpose Taft Middle School in the North Valley, making it the new site of the Coronado Dual Language Magnet K-8 school. Taft will close next school year and the students will have the option to enroll at Taylor Middle School just a few miles away.

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[3] Some clouds but warmer and still dry across New Mexico  Northerly to westerly surface winds are a signal of the change in the weather pattern this morning as despite the colder air for most, temperatures are widely varying with some passing clouds from the north but with still dry air. Bitterly colder air is present in the San Luis Valley to the Enchanted Circle, as well as from the Four Corners to the Gila National Forest, as air temperatures are just above zero to the teens for most of those communities, while most other areas are experiencing air temperatures in the teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, and even the low 50s from west-northwest to east-southeast from high to lower elevation, but some of that colder air is settling down to the valley floors, other than the East Highlands, which are dealing with the down-sloping, milder breeze.

[4] City of Albuquerque looks for ways to increase safety on Lead and Coal Avenues  The City of Albuquerque is looking to make changes to streets that are notorious for cars crashing into homes. Wednesday night the Municipal Development Department hosted a public meeting for a study focusing on Lead and Coal.

[5] NMSU astronomer awarded NASA grants for early solar system research  A New Mexico-based astronomer is working to answer the oldest questions about the universe. Daniel Carrera began his PhD in Sweden in 2012 and conducted post-doctorate work in Iowa before coming to New Mexico State University this past fall. Carrera came to NMSU with two grants from NASA totaling about a million dollars over the next four years. One of those grants will fund a study about the formation of plants around other stars titled giant planets in the first million years. The second grant will fund a study on the early solar system.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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LOGAN COUNTY, Ky. (WKRN)  An investigation is underway following a deputy-involved shooting in Logan County that resulted in a mans death.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) said its Bowling Green post was contacted by the Logan County Sheriffs Office just before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18 and asked to investigate a shooting in Lewisburg. As a result, troopers and detectives responded to the scene.

Law enforcement is, really, one big family: Spring Hill Police Department collects items for fallen West Tennessee deputys family

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According to officials, the preliminary investigation indicates two Logan County deputies responded to a call about a disturbance at a home along Lewisburg-Edwards Road. During the incident, a deputy reportedly realized a man at the residence had an active arrest warrant.

KSP said the individual had a gun, which he pointed toward the deputies during the interaction, so one of the deputies fired their agency-issued weapon, hitting the man. The Logan County Coroners Office pronounced him dead at the scene.

Authorities said no other injuries were reported following the shooting.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the Commonwealth as requested by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation, KSP said in a statement. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSPs standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts have been gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.

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No additional details have been released about this incident, including the identity of the man who died.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  A Moloaa man has died following a traffic crash on Kuhio Highway near mile marker 18 on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The Kauai Police Department identified the victim as 77-year-old Stuart Hanchett.

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The crash occurred around 1:45 p.m. when Hanchett, who was riding a Kawasaki Prairie quad, attempted to cross Kuhio Highway and was struck by a Toyota Tacoma driven by a 69-year-old man from Princeville. The Tacoma was traveling north at the time.

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The driver of the Tacoma suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated on scene by American Medical Response (AMR) personnel. However, Hanchett was critically injured and rushed to Wilcox Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

1-day Kamaka Air stand down affecting Molokai residents

Kauai police shut down a section of Kuhio Highway near North Koolau Road for nearly three hours while the Traffic Safety Section conducted an investigation. Drivers were diverted through Koolau Road during the closure.

At this time, speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, but the investigation is ongoing. Toxicology reports and an autopsy are still pending.

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Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact Officer Himongala at 808-241-1617.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Kentucky Supreme Court (front, from left) Debra Hembree Lambert, Laurance VanMeter, Michelle Keller. (Back row, from left) Shea Nickell, Kelly Thompson, Robert Conley, Angela McCormick Bisig. (AOC photo/Brian Bohannon)

The state Supreme Court in a narrowly-decided ruling has potentially opened an avenue for the General Assembly to impose laws on a single Kentucky locale or entity.

In a 4-3 ruling issued Thursday, the high court upheld a 2022 law that at present applies only to Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). The law shifts power from the elected school board to the appointed superintendent.

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The Supreme Court decision overturns earlier rulings by Jefferson Circuit Court and the Kentucky Court of Appeals, both of which found the law was unconstitutional.

Justice Shea Nickell (kycourts.gov)

In a majority opinion written by Justice Shea Nickell, the Supreme Court ruled 2022s Senate Bill 1 can stand. As written, the legislation would change the relationship between school boards and superintendents only in a county school district with a consolidated local government, a description that fits only the states largest school district, which has been the target of criticism by Republicans. Backed by Republican lawmakers, the legislation would make a host of administrative and academic changes, including provisions directed at the management of JCPS.

The lawsuit focuses on two sections of the Kentucky Constitution regarding so-called special legislation. Section 59 bars the General Assembly from enacting laws that would apply to only a single locale or entity. It specifically prohibits local or special acts concerning  the management of common schools. Section 60 prevents the legislature from enacting any special or local act by exempting a local entity from the operation of a general act.

The argument that S.B. 1 is unconstitutional local legislation because the (JCPS) Board is currently the only existing member of the class is without merit, Nickell wrote.

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Joining Nickell were Justices Debra Hembree Lambert and Robert Conley and Chief Justice Laurance VanMeter.

Justice Angela McCormick Bisig. (kyccourts.gov)

Nickell wrote that other school districts could in the future come under the laws purview.

In the context of Section 59, a classification does not apply to a particular individual, object, or locale unless the scope of the class is permanently closed, Nickell wrote.

Dissent says ruling nullifies constitutional protections

Justice Angela McCormick Bisig in her dissent scoffed at the majoritys reasoning, saying their ruling had made a nullity of the state Constitutions bans on special legislation. She was joined by Justices Michelle Keller and Kelly Thompson.

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One need not stretch to the extreme of colorful hypotheticals to reach this conclusion, she added. She said under the ruling the General Assembly could limit funding for any public university west of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which would just be Murray State University, but nonetheless would be permissible because it is possible another public university might someday exist in the described area. She also argued a statute requiring any museum with a life-sized replica of Noahs Ark to be taxed at a higher rate than other museums would be permissible as Kentucky only has one such museum but another might someday be built.

Bisig predicted the General Assembly will be able to evade the constitutional bans on special legislation, as it is more than capable of concocting clever open classes that in effect are likely only ever to reach a single individual, object or locale.

Or, as in the present case, a statute altering the school district-superintendent relationship only in a county school district with a consolidated local government adopted under KRS Chapter 67C is permissible because the General Assembly was able to craft a unique description for the district that might be capable of applying to another district at some point in the future, she said.

Nickell wrote that the majority strenuously rejects the minoritys contention that the ruling undermines the intent of the Constitutions ban on special legislation.

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Citing previous court decisions, Nickell said Kentucky has long recognized a clear distinction between a general and a special law, stating [a] statute which relates to persons or things as a class is a general law, while a statute which relates to particular persons or things of a class is special.

After legal analysis, the court cannot conclude the application of S.B. 1 is limited to a particular individual, object, or locale, Nickell wrote.

The text of S.B. 1 neither mentions Louisville or Jefferson County in particular nor does the plain language indirectly limit any and all future applications of the statute to this particular locale, he wrote. On the contrary, it generally pertains to a county school district in a county with a consolidated local government under KRS Chapter 67C. This language pertains to the Board as a member of an open classification. Thus, S.B. 1 does not violate Section 59.

In the dissent, Bisig argued lawmakers now may pass legislation that reaches only a single individual, object or locale, so long as it does so by adopting a class definition that is open, no matter how remote or speculative the possibility that another might later join the class.

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What is left of Section 59 and 60 is a wholly empty shell prohibiting only legislation that either explicitly reaches only a single expressly named individual, object or locale, or that sets forth a class definition so narrow that only one member could ever exist, Bisig said. Unsurprisingly, the statute at issue here survives the Majoritys wholly impotent test, despite the fact the statute applies only to the Jefferson County Public School District.

Republican leader applauds decision, criticizes JCPS

Senate President Robert Stivers (LRC Public Information)

Republican Senate President Robert Stivers praised the ruling in a statement Thursday afternoon. He added that the legislature acted constitutionally and appropriately when establishing the 2022 law and said it was not special legislation.

This ruling is a shot across the bow to Kentuckys largest school district, one which continues to fail its students, particularly low-income and minority students, Stivers said.

As education receives the largest portion of our states budget, funded by hard-working Kentuckians, this body will continue to provide the legal framework by which Kentuckys public school boards educate our children.

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The JCPS board immediately challenged the law after the General Assembly passed it.

Corrie Shull, chair of the JCPS board, said in a Thursday afternoon statement the board disagreed with the majority ruling and strongly agreed with Bisigs dissenting opinion.

We will review the Courts decision which will redistribute major decision-making authority from the voters elected board members to the appointed superintendent, giving Jefferson County voters fewer rights over their childrens education than voters elsewhere, Shull said. By upholding SB 1 and its provision limiting the board meetings to once per month, the Courts decision will hamstring the boards ability to react quickly and make decisions in emergency situations. The ruling could also have a substantial impact on the boards discussions as we search for our next superintendent.

The current superintendent, Marty Pollio, previously announced he plans to retire this summer.

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Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments in the case in August. There, Thompson said the legislation is direct legislative interference, directly to the school.

In recent years, Frankfort Republicans have sought increased oversight of JCPS through legislation. This interim session, a legislative task force met to review the management of schools with student enrollment above 75,000. JCPS is the only district in Kentucky that meets that criteria. Pollio said in a September letter to employees announcing his retirement that the district pushed back on attacks from Frankfort since 2017.

Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office was proud to defend this law and deliver a victory for students at the Kentucky Supreme Court in a Thursday statement. He said each student deserves a quality education that sets them up for success in the classroom and throughout their life and lawmakers took bold steps to support Kentucky students and teachers. 

Now, its time to put this law into action, Coleman said. As Jefferson County searches for its next superintendent, the district needs a strong leader who can use the substantial tools provided by the General Assembly to move beyond past struggles and help students achieve.

Broader impacts?

Sam Corbett, a former JCPS board member, said in a phone interview that the Supreme Courts ruling seems like a bad decision. The new ruling appears to take away local authority from the school district and put it in the hands of the legislature. He also raised concerns about how this decision could affect other entities, such as colleges, universities and more.

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Local school board members across the state should be concerned about the ruling, Corbett said.

If I was a sitting board member looking at this decision, I would be concerned about what might come down the pathways in the future, Corbett said. While this measure only impacts JCPS in the short-term, it gives the legislature broader power in the future, he added.

Corbett said there is a lot of animosity between JCPS and the legislature, but he can see both sides of the issue.

In some cases, maybe some of the legislators dont understand the challenges that you have around JCPS, Corbett said. Now, having said that, youve also had examples of JCPS board members who, in some cases, wanted to go to war with the legislators, which obviously, I dont think is a good idea.

This story was updated Thursday afternoon with additional comments.

Read the ruling and dissent

2023-SC-0498-DG
KYLE, Texas (KXAN)  The Kyle Police Department said it arrested a man on Dec. 10 related to the stalking of a 13-year-old girl at a local convenience store.

KPD said 29-year-old Daniel Duran was being held at the Hays County jail on charges of stalking and resisting arrest.

According to police, video footage showed Duran following the victim through the store before leaving and waiting for her outside.

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Footage then shows him chasing the victim as she exited the store and attempted to run home, KPD said.

Following the incident, Kyle police said officers were able to quickly find and arrest Duran.

Child safety is our top priority, said Dr. Jeff Barnett, Kyle Police Chief. We encourage all parents and guardians to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Together, we will keep the children of our community safe.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
For the record:

10:05 p.m. Dec. 18, 2024: An earlier version of this story said the deputys assault on Emmett Brock occurred in 2022. It happened in 2023.



Nearly two years after he was caught on camera beating a transgender man in a 7-Eleven parking lot, a Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy has agreed to plead guilty in federal court to a civil rights violation for using excessive force, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Joseph Benza III, 36, was charged late Tuesday with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law for assaulting a then-23-year-old teacher, previously identified as Emmett Brock.

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In a plea agreement filed the same day, Benza said he would admit to a single felony charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

When an officer violates someones civil rights, it corrodes trust in law enforcement and undermines the effectiveness of other officers who sacrifice to protect the public, U.S. Atty. Martin Estrada said in a news release. This senseless assault and subsequent attempted cover-up are an affront to our system of justice.

Previously, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's internal use-of-force investigation cleared the deputy of wrongdoing. This week, the department said in a statement that the prior determination was based on the statements and reports provided at the time. Since the initial probe, the department said, the federal case has revealed new evidence of "egregious actions to cover up misconduct," prompting a new internal administrative investigation.

The department said in a statement that Benza has been relieved of duty, and "potentially additional employees" could also face discipline as the investigation continues.

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In a news release, Sheriff Robert Luna called Benza's actions deeply troubling," saying they undermine the integrity of our Department, the trust of our community, and the safety of those we are sworn to protect.

In addition to the felony plea, Benza also admitted to repeatedly lying to the FBI and falsifying his incident report. Prosecutors said several other sergeants and deputies  who were not identified in court records  colluded with Benza to protect him.

Tom Yu, the attorney representing Benza, said he supported his client's decision to take accountability.

Read more: Did sheriff's officials conspire to set up whistleblowing lieutenant?

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"Although the use-of-force, standing alone is completely reasonable and justified, the before and after use-of-force conduct impacted the calculus of the evaluation of the takedown and the eventual arrest," Yu said in an emailed statement. "We will be asking the court for probation on behalf of Deputy Benza."

Previously Yu said the force his client used was justified because it initially appeared that Brock was beginning to walk away as Benza approached him.

To Brock, news of the developments came as long-awaited vindication.

Im in a state of shock, he told The Times on Wednesday. And I want to acknowledge that there are a lot of survivors of police misconduct that dont see justice, so I feel incredibly lucky that I did.

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His attorney, Thomas Beck, was also pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

First, the cop is actually being prosecuted, which I didn't think was going to happen, he said. And second, theres significant evidence that the FBI got that I hadnt been able to get.

::

On the morning of Feb. 10, 2023, Brock had left his high school teaching job early and was driving to a therapy appointment when he spotted a deputy who appeared to be having a heated conversation with a woman on the side of the road.As he drove by, Brock previously told The Times, he casually threw up his middle finger, thinking the deputy would not see it.

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A few seconds later, he said, he spotted a patrol cruiser following close behind him without its lights or sirens on, mirroring his every turn.

For months, Benzas lawyer said the person Brock passed on the side of the road was not his client but another officer, probably from another agency. He said Benza never saw Brock flip him off  and Benzas own incident report made no mention of it.

The stop and the violence that followed was not a retaliation for being flipped off, Yu told The Times. It was a pretext stop, and police do that all the time.

Federal court filings made public this week tell a different story . According to prosecutors, just after noon Benza had received a call for a potential domestic disturbance, but he abandoned it when he saw Brock flip him off. Then he followed Brocks car for 1.8 miles, at some point reaching speeds over 50 mph without ever attempting to initiate a traffic stop, according to the plea agreement.

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At one point, prosecutors said, Benza called another deputy and told him he planned to stop someone who'd flipped him off. Benza said on the call he intended to use force against the person and asked the other deputy to start driving to his location.

Meanwhile, Brock  unnerved and fearing he was being followed by someone impersonating a police officer  called 911 and asked what to do.

The dispatcher told him he didnt need to pull over unless signaled to do so, but Brock eventually parked in a 7-Eleven parking lot on Mills Avenue in Whittier and stepped out of his car. Video of the incident shows that the deputy approached him and said, I just stopped you, offering no explanation as to why.

No, you didnt, Brock replied, according to an audio recording captured by the deputys body camera. Federal prosecutors said Benza then violently body slammed Brock into the ground.

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For the next three minutes, Brock struggled and screamed as the deputy held him down and punched him in the head.

Youre going to kill me, he shouted. Youre going to fing kill me. Help! Help! Help! Im not resisting!

After Brock was in handcuffs, the deputy put him into the back seat of his cruiser and eventually took him to a station for booking.

Read more: What it's like to sleep in prison: Moldy mattresses, bright lights, nonstop noise

When Benza later put together the incident report, he asked several sergeants whether he should mention the real reason he started following Brock and was told to omit it, according to his plea agreement.

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In his report, Benza said it appeared Brock was about to throw a punch, so he grabbed his arm and struck first, hitting him repeatedly. During the struggle, the deputy's report claimed, Brock attempted to rip my skin from my hand by repeatedly biting him.

But a paramedics report from the scene did not mention any bite marks. And when Benza went to a hospital later, a physician assistant wrote that there were no bite marks at this time.

Still, Brock was taken to the Norwalk sheriffs station and booked on three felonies and one misdemeanor. He suffered a concussion, along with scrapes and bruises.

Brock's family bailed him out that evening. He lost his job four days later after state authorities notified the school of his pending charges, which were dropped several weeks after The Times first published video of the incident.

Emmett Brock, shown in 2023, is suing the Sheriff's Department after he was beaten by a deputy. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

According to federal prosecutors, in the days after The Times and other news outlets reported on the case, Benza sent a group text to two other deputies about the media coverage, and the three of them discussed the need to delete text messages on their personal cellphones in light of the anticipated federal investigation.

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Three days after the initial group text, one of the other deputies  identified only as Deputy C in court papers  texted the group to relay a sergeants instruction for Benza to toss the phone, which federal prosecutors said was a directive to delete data from the device.

Before Deputy C was interviewed by federal investigators in September of this year, prosecutors said, he and Benza discussed lying to authorities to explain their messages about the sergeants order to dump the phone. The two decided to claim the order to dump the device was a directive to transfer the data to the cloud.

When federal investigators interviewed Benza, he claimed he had not seen anyone flip him off, alleged again that Brock had bitten him, and said he had not substantively discussed the contents of his incident report with anyone else while he drafted it.

In his plea agreement, Benza admitted to lying. He discussed the contents of the report, he acknowledged, and that someone else  a sergeant  actually wrote substantive portions of it for him.

Read more: Crypto 'godfather' of Bel-Air: Probe widens into L.A. deputies' alleged links to mogul

Following this weeks plea agreement, Benza is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court in the coming days.

Its unclear whether any of the other deputies referenced in court filings have been investigated or disciplined by the Sheriffs Department.

Since the encounter that upended his life, Brock has formally been found innocent of the charges he faced. This year, he filed a lawsuit in federal court , alleging false imprisonment, civil rights violations and assault and battery. The case is still pending.

Though he never returned to his teaching job, Brock enrolled in graduate school and is expecting to complete his master's degree in sociology in the spring. Hes working as a youth engagement specialist at a homeless shelter.

There are no words to describe this feeling, he told The Times. I never thought I would see the day that there would be justice for this.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The FBI is investigating the Los Angeles deputy mayor of public safety after reports show he was allegedly tied to City Hall bomb threats made earlier this year.

Agents searched the home of Brian Williams on Tuesday for evidence of a connection.

Williams, whos been placed on administrative leave, helps to oversee the local police and fire department while managing public safety for the area.

Earlier this year the LAPD [Los Angeles Police Department] responded to a bomb threat made against Los Angeles City Hall, the department said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.

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Our initial investigation revealed that the source of the threat was likely from Brian Williams, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety. Due to the Departments working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI. The FBI remains the investigating agency.

Williams worked in Mayor Karen Basss (D) administration for two years and previously served as the executive director of Los Angeles Countys Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission for seven years.

The Mayors Office was notified that the FBI searched the home of Deputy Mayor Brian Williams yesterday as part of an investigation into a bomb threat he allegedly made against City Hall earlier this year, Basss spokesperson Zach Seidl said in a statement obtained by Nexstars KTLA.

He was immediately placed on administrative leave. The Mayor takes this matter very seriously, he added.

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When the threat was reported, LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger. Following additional investigation, LAPD referred this matter to the FBI for further investigation.

The Hill has reached out to LAPD and Basss office for further comment.

KTLA 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.
A new final rule was issued by the U.S. Department of Labor will require coal operators who self-insure to post adequate security bonds that cover all of their black lung benefit liabilities.. (Getty Images)

A new final rule was issued by the federal Department of Labor last week that will require coal operators who self-insure to post adequate security bonds that cover all of their black lung benefit liabilities.

The rule comes as a protection for coal miners who currently or could in the future receive black lung benefits, which are supposed to be paid by the operators who employed them and who, through that employment, exposed them to dangerous silica dust that causes black lung disease.

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This is a long-overdue rule that will have a significant impact in helping to ensure benefits to miners who have contracted black lung will be paid, and be paid by those responsible  the coal companies, said Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers of America, in an emailed news release earlier this week.

The finalized rule requires self-insured coal companies to post collateral  through surety bonds or other forms  that is equal to 100% of their black lung benefit liabilities.

With the new rule, coal companies that merge or file for bankruptcy will not be able to buck their responsibility for paying out benefits. Roberts said coal companies often use the bankruptcy process to shift these expenses to taxpayers by transferring the responsibility to the federal Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.

That means taxpayers are now picking up the tab for coal companies that did not adequately protect their workers from dangerous levels of respirable coal dust, Roberts said in his statement.

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The trust fund exists to cover benefits for miners when no specific coal operator can be held responsible for their illness or when the operators fail to pay their share. Self-insured coal operators, however, are obligated to pay their own expenses.

Between 2014 and 2016, bankruptcies at just three coal companies resulted in an estimated $865 million in benefit payments being transferred to the taxpayer-funded trust, according to a 2020 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The new rule came partially in response to that report, said Brendan Muckian-Bates, the policy and advocacy associate at the Appalachian Citizens Law Center.

The finalized rule is especially timely as two of the countrys largest coal producers  Arch Resources and CONSOL Energy  are in the middle of a merger that, once complete, will create a new, $5 billion coal company based in Pennsylvania.

Those companies combined, Muckian-Bates said, report at least $300 million in black lung liability that  without the rule  could potentially be passed on to the trust fund.

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Nationwide, Muckian-Bates said, its known that black lung benefit liabilities at self-insured coal companies total at least $615 million, but Milliman  a risk analysis consulting group  estimates that amount could actually be much higher, totaling between $9 billion and $14 billion.

Despite the high liability, Roberts said that only $119 million in security has been posted by self-insured coal companies to cover the costs of benefits.

If bankruptcies or mergers occur  which is likely given the ongoing decline in the coal market  the difference between what is posted and what is owed would be passed on to the trust fund, threatening its solvency and the access of benefits for coal miners who rely on it, Muckian-Bates said.

This is a powerful rule to ensure that as the coal market becomes a bit more unstable  knowing that large companies have used these bankruptcies to shed their liabilities  this ensures that they cant do that now, Muckian-Bates said. They cant transfer that [liability] to a trust fund thats  been a target sometimes of certain administrations.

The rule is scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 11.

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LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA)  A middle school teacher in Lake Wales was arrested Tuesday after he was accused of battering and strangling a man at his ex-romantic partners home.

The Polk County Sheriffs Office and Polk County Fire Rescue were called to a home in Lake Wales on Saturday, where they found a man in obvious distress and in need of medical attention.

The victims girlfriend, who witnessed the alleged attack, told deputies that Thomas Griffin, 51, showed up to her house and banged on the door, asking where her boyfriend was. Deputies said Griffin and the woman were previously in a romantic relationship.

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Griffin was accused of forcing his way into the home, grabbing the victim by the throat and punching him multiple times, knocking out one of his teeth. Griffin then left the area.

The suspect forced his way into the home and violently attacked the victim, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement. As a teacher, hopefully a former teacher, Griffin holds a position of trust in our communitya trust that has been severely broken. School students should not be exposed to this kind of potential volatile behavior.

The woman and her child, who was also in the home, were not hurt in the incident.

Griffin was arrested Tuesday and charged with burglary with assault, false imprisonment and battery by strangulation. He was placed on administrative leave from his teaching position at McLaughlin Middle School by Polk County Public Schools. The results of an internal investigation are pending.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
DAJABON, Dominican Republic, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominican Republic ranks among the Latin American and Caribbean nations with the highest rates of teenage pregnancy. Women, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), have launched an initiative to tackle this issue through a multi-faceted approach that includes empowering young girls, increasing sexual education, and expanding access to family planning.

Women lead the fight against teenage pregnancy in the Dominican Republic

The problem is particularly acute along the border with Haiti. In provinces like Elias Pina, 79% of households have low or very low socioeconomic status, according to data from the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Development (MEPyD) cited in a UNFPA report.

The report highlights that teenage pregnancy is more prevalent in border provinces than in the rest of the country, accounting for one in four pregnancies, compared to one in five nationwide. With 77 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19, the Dominican Republic has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Latin America.

To address this, a network has been established with UNFPA's support. It includes family planning programs in health centers, hospitals, neighborhoods, and even private homes known as "key houses."

Grismary Carrasco runs one such "key house" in the border town of Dajabon.

She emphasizes the "greater privacy" of the key house, where she distributes an average of 190 condoms per month.

Within this network, the Centros de Primer Nivel de Atencion (Primary Care Centers, or CPNA) serve as the first point of contact with the healthcare system, initiating prenatal care for pregnant women.

Dr. Encarnacion de Pula, director of a CPNA in the border town of Pedernales, warns that some underage girls from low-income families engage in relationships with adults in exchange for favors, even though "it is penalized."

To bridge this gap, UNFPA has donated four "motorcycle ambulances" to the province of Elias Pina. These vehicles are equipped with space for patients, making it easier for mothers to access hospital care.

UNFPA believes that achieving zero teenage pregnancies in the Dominican Republic requires starting awareness efforts in childhood.

Alicia Estevez is part of the Building Dreams girls' club in Dajabon, where she works with underage girls, teaching them "their rights over their bodies and that no one is allowed to touch them."

She explains, "Many adults come through here and deceive them (...) then, when they get pregnant, they abandon them and leave."
LANSING  House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, ordered a short-lived call of the House on Thursday afternoon, directing Michigan House Sergeants at Arms to bring absent members back to the chamber on its final scheduled session day of the year, before reversing course and abruptly adjourning.

The move would have compelled absent members  which include the entire Republican caucus and state Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit  to return to the House floor, but about an hour after Tate's initial call, Democrats adjourned for the day without reaching a quorum or taking up any legislation.

The House is adjourned until Dec. 31, which was not a previously scheduled session day. House Speaker Pro Tempore Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, said lawmakers will adjourn "sine die" that day, ending the legislative session.

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"Everything that was on the agenda today is dead," Pohutsky said, after the House session adjourned. "The 55 members that did not attend should feel free to own that."

Republicans have not attended session in protest of inaction on legislation to preserve the states tipped minimum wage. Whitsett skipped session Wednesday and was not in attendance Thursday. She told reporters that she had left session Friday and had not returned in following days because legislation that was being voted had been rushed to the floor.

Standing alongside Republican Leader Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, Whitsett criticized Tate and accused him of adding bills she supports to the House agenda without having any intention of having the legislation voted on. She also said she was told a call of the House wouldnt be issued once she arrived in Lansing.

"I can't believe the Speaker of the House Joe Tate, in this way, is so heartless," Whitsett said. "And he wanted me to push the button for bills that he knows have not been vetted."

State Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit, and Michigan House Republican Leader Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, speak with reporters on the Michigan House floor on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, in Lansing, Mich.

Whitsett had named bills on water affordability as a key legislative priority for her district. House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash, D-Hamtramck, said at no point did Democrats have the votes to pass the water affordability package, which was on the House agenda for Thursday.

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Under the call of the House, as outlined in the House rules, the doors to the chamber are closed and members cannot leave the floor without permission from the Speaker or his designee. Sergeants at Arms "may be dispatched after the absentees," and if the Speaker calls for it, the Michigan State Police can be called to assist. Pohutsky said the chamber had not involved the MSP.

Whitsett was in Lansing on Thursday, but was not in the chamber when Tate ordered the call of the House or when the chamber adjourned, either.

House speaker Rep. Joe Tate looks on during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing.

Tate's call is the latest development in the so-called lame-duck period of the Legislature session between the November election and the end of the year. Democrats, who lost the House to Republicans, were expected to move a slew of policy goals before the GOP takes the gavel. But lawmakers have failed to come to a consensus, leaving many measures still outstanding  bills expanding birth control access, addressing maternal health care, subjecting lawmakers and the governor to open records requests, updating training standards for police and more were still awaiting passage in the House.

Some House Democrats have openly criticized Tate for blocking certain policy measures.

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The Michigan Senate, where Democrats also hold the gavel, was also in session Thursday and was expected to vote on a series of bills that had already passed the House. The Senate did not vote Wednesday, after Sen. Sylvia Santana, D-Detroit, did not attend session.

Santana did attend Thursday's session. Santana, whose absence denied Senate Democrats a 20th vote in the chamber, said Senate leadership had neglected policies meaningful to Black communities and communities of color.

Without naming specific policies, Santana said taking up more issues important to those communities would have led to stronger outcomes for Democrats during the November election when Democrats lost the Michigan House as well as the presidential election to Republican Donald Trump.

Quite frankly, I feel like if we wouldve taken these issues up earlier on, we wouldnt have the circumstances that we saw on Nov. 6, she told reporters before Senate session began Thursday morning. We wouldve seen a different outcome here in the state of Michigan."

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Santana said Black communities and communities of color are asked to support Democrats without Democrats always meeting their needs.

In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, said she was "deeply disappointed" in the House's decision to adjourn, but said the Senate would continue to vote on legislation Thursday evening. The Senate reconvened voting around 4:30 p.m.

Thursdays abrupt House adjournment until Dec. 31 prompted immediate questions among Lansing political observers about how the Legislature would adjourn to end the current two-year legislative session, and what legal complications could arise for bills passed by both chambers but not given immediate effect.

Those bills take effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session, under the Michigan Constitution of 1963.

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But the constitution says the Legislature ends its session without day, or sine die at noon on a day determined by concurrent resolution. The House and Senate must together schedule that date, which must be before the end of the year, and while the Senate could still pass such a resolution, Tate set the date for the next House meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, which is after noon on the final day of the year. If Sine Die never happens, will legislation in this category just never take effect? former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, a Republican, asked on X.

But Peter Ruddell, a Lansing lawyer and lobbyist, said his reading of the law is that bills passed without immediate effect would take effect 90 days after the end of the session, whether the Legislature adjourns sine die or not.

Metro Detroit GOP House lawmakers held a news conference on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2024 at American Coney Island in downtown Detroit as they continued to boycott attending scheduled House sessions until they can vote on legislation to preserve the tipped minimum wage.

House Republicans were again far from Lansing on Thursday, boycotting the chambers final scheduled session day of the year as they protested inaction on legislation to preserve the states tipped minimum wage. Changes set to take effect in February ordered by the Michigan Supreme Court would eventually have Michigan join the group of states that have a single minimum wage for all workers instead of a lower tipped minimum wage for restaurant servers and bartenders.

At American Coney Island in downtown Detroit, a group of metro Detroit Republican lawmakers said eliminating the tipped minimum wage would be a disaster for the restaurant industry. "We need to get back to Lansing to fix this, said state Rep. Joseph Aragona, R-Clinton Township. They also blasted forthcoming changes to the states paid sick leave law they said creates uncertainty for business owners.

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With the House's adjournment, any movement on the tipped wage issue will have to wait until next year.

This is a developing story.

Staff writer Clara Hendrickson and Lansing Bureau Chief Paul Egan contributed. Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lame duck continues to languish as House adjourns without voting again
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Lancaster man was sentenced to serve 24 years and four months in prison for a new child pornography charge after having a prior child pornography conviction, the United States Attorneys Office announced.

Officials said on June 9 and 10, 2023, 30-year-old Christopher Gostick was in attendance at a sleepover birthday party when he kissed a 9-year-old victim on the lips.

The victim then told her parents and police responded to the residence, taking cellphones and a tablet that belonged to Gostick, who is the victims uncle.

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On one of the cellphones, officials said a video of the 9-year-old using the bathroom was uncovered.

On another cellphone, police also found a screen recording of a Snapchat conversation between Gostick and a second minor victim, who was 10 years old at the time. Gostick was posing as an 11-year-old female during the conversation and told the 10-year-old to send him a sexually explicit video, which the minor did.

Approximately 613 images and two videos containing child pornography were found on Gosticks devices, the attorneys office said.

Gostick pleaded guilty back in June to receipt of child pornography.

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In August 2019, Gostick was convicted on a state charge of attempted possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16.

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Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  One day after Rochester City Council officially approved Good Cause Eviction protections for renters, there is more reaction from both councilmembers, and those opposing the measure.

Rochester City Council approves updated Good Cause Eviction protections

Good Cause Eviction, which aims to protect renters from rate hikes, unfair evictions and would guarantee a lease renewal to anyone who pays on time, is set to take effect as soon as the mayor signs it into law. While it passed the legislative body Tuesday evening, there were two councilmembers who voted against it. Local landlords are also now reacting to the new measure.

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Matt Drouin runs Oak Management Group and is also the President of the trade organization, Freedom First Investors Association, Ltd. Additionally, he is part of Mayor Malik Evans Quality Housing Task Force, which first formed upon the initial start of the administration in January 2022.

Drouin described Good Cause Eviction as another layer of regulation, anticipating it will compound with the changes already set in place by the state in 2019 under the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act. That measure expanded protections for renters in New York State and drastically limited the opportunity for regulated rents to rise at rates higher than what is in a renter guideline under annual limits.

What does it look like exactly from an implementation standpoint and then how it actually gets applied and interpreted through the courts systems as well and thats still yet to be seen. So, what Im encouraging property owners to do now is to get educated, surround yourself with people who are in trade associations that have a dissemination of information that is actually correct to keep you in compliance so you do not get yourself into trouble and also can be educated on best practices to how to navigate this, Drouin said.

Good Cause will mandate landlords have a legitimate reason to evict a tenant, even within market-rate apartments. Landlords will also now have to prove if a tenant violated a lease obligation, was engaging in illegal activity, and/or unreasonably refusing to give landlord access.

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We all know that weve had neighbors that can be hell-raisers, and sometimes theyre tenants, sometimes theyre homeowners and the typical mechanism for landlords to get those disturbing tenants out  whether its through drug dealing or domestic violence issues  is through not renewing their lease, and then just getting them out through a holdover proceeding. That goes away under Good Cause, Drouin said.

If we have tenants that are displaying objectionable tendency, were going to have to essentially build like a criminal case against them in order to get a warrant of eviction to get them out, which this takes time and it takes money, and it also takes resources. Because a lot of times property owners have been lackadaisical about documenting tenant behavior  those ones that have actually been disturbing to either their other residents in their apartment building or other neighbors. you cant be lackadaisical about it anymore. Youre going to have to like really to document and notify the tenant of every single violation, and lease violation theyve done, to the letter of the law in order to actually build a case against that tenant and get a warrant of eviction in court to get them out, he added.

The second component is the build-in rent control component of it. The rent cap increases that are built in the legislation, which I believe its like 3% plus CPI or 10% per year, whichever is less  is not going to be a problem for people that are already living in stabilized housing. You know housing has already been upgraded, has new roofs, new windows; its higher quality right. What this is going to effect is that it will protect tenants that are in already-dilapidated housing and are paying cheap rent from getting displaced from another owner buying that building that wants to upgrade it and do all of those necessary repairs, so those tenants will be able to stay in place, Drouin said.

In a joint statement issued by council members who voted in favor of passing Good Cause, including Kim Smith, Mary Lupien, Stanley Martin, and Willie Lightfoot, the decision to approve the measure is historic and credited the years long efforts of City-Wide Tenant Union of Rochester.

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Their efforts resulted in Council amending the proposed law, closing the LLC loophole to protect 24,000 additional households left unprotected by the previous version introduced in June, the statement read.

Councilmember Kim Smith reflected on the communitys unwavering determination, stating:

This victory underscores the power of persistence in addressing the needs of the people. Our journey for Good Cause began over three years ago. Even after being initially dismissed as a state issue, and even when it was delayed by months of deliberation, the community refused to be deterred. At every step, they showed up with renewed resolve, because they know what we knowhousing is a human right.

Councilmember Mary Lupien expressed her commitment to ongoing efforts, saying:

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Weve worked very hard to see this day come. Good Cause Eviction is a critical tool in our fight against housing instability, but it is only the beginning. Stable housing is the foundation for safe and strong neighborhoods, and for opportunity. We can and we must do more. We remain committed to further measures that will ensure every Rochester resident has a home where they can thrive.

Councilmember Stanley Martin emphasized the importance of Good Cause, stating:

This win is a result of the relentless advocacy of tenants, community organizations and an intentional co-governance strategy that centers the voices of directly impacted communities. For several years, tenants in our community have drawn attention to unjust no-cause evictions and the devastating impact it has on their families. The Good Cause Eviction Law prioritizes keeping people in their homesit is a crucial step in recognizing that at the center of community health and wellness is safe and affordable, secure housing. While were excited about the positive changes this law will bring for renters, we know theres still more to do to effectively address Rochesters housing crisis. For today, we celebrate a hard-won victory for our City.

Councilmember Willie J. Lightfoot deliberated the impact of this legislation long and hard and ultimately recognized that:

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Enacting Good Cause Eviction legislation is a critical step in ensuring that all individuals have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. By protecting tenants from unjust evictions and exorbitant rent increases, we are upholding the values of fairness and community. This legislation is a testament to our commitment to housing justice and the protection of our most vulnerable citizens. Together, we can build a more secure and equitable future for all.

The statement also noted that the council members are aware this is a first step in addressing a broader agenda to transform housing security in the city, adding over half of its renters are rent-burdened, paying over 30% of their income on rent.

Drouin told News 8 the measure does not get to the heart of several ongoing complications, including public safety and neighborhood stability.

Good Cause Eviction does not increase the accessibility of housing, does not increase the supply of housing  all it does is it keeps a few residents able to be like stay where they are. Right, which may be in sub-standard housing. And it does not do anything to address the root cause of the issue, which is the cost to provide housing has outpaced what our community, what residents in our community have the ability to afford and that is an income problem, not a cost of housing problem, Drouin said.

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He also noted income, as a holistic topic, is an extremely complex issue to fix.

We have people that arent making enough money to, say, go to work and also pay for child care and all of the other expenses that are associated with it so we really have to address the income situation in our communityWe do need more bona fide affordable housing units, which we have some of the best affordable housing developers in the country in Rochester, NY. But those wheels move very, very slow and under Good Cause Eviction, were going to have more units actually coming offline due to being abandoned and vacant and boarded up based upon the systemic impacts that Good Cause will have at a higher clip and a faster pace that affordable housing developers can actually provide new housing units, said Drouin.

And this is an incredibly essential business, is housing, right? A lot of people want to say that nobody should profit off of housing and if we have no profit off of housing then we have no housing, just like if we have no farmers we have no food, he added.

The statement issued by the four city council members Wednesday evening noted the measure will officially go into law once the mayor signs it.

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36,706 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?

36,706 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A bill meant to curb Ohios feral swine population by permitting property owners to shoot and kill them without a license has been sent to Gov. Mike DeWines desk.

The legislation, House Bill 503, received bipartisan Statehouse approval on Dec. 11 when the Ohio House voted to concur with amendments made in the Ohio Senate. The measure will allow landowners to kill a feral hog without a license, as long as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is notified within 24 hours.

Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Sabina), the bills primary sponsor, testified in November that feral swine are often descendants of escaped, released pigs, or imported swine that cause $1.5 billion in damages nationwide every year. In Ohio, theyre often found in Adams, Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Scioto and Vinton counties.

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Property tax relief appears stalled at Ohio Statehouse

These are not the typical, everyday pig that we see at our county fairs. These are animals that are a nuisance to landowners around the nation and are a threat to Ohios park economy, Peterson said. Feral swine are destructive and dangerous. They have no redeeming value other than their head mounted on a wall.

Petersons legislation received nearly unanimous support in the House and Senate and little opposition testimony. Wayne Shingler, a Franklin County farmer who spoke against H.B. 503 during a Dec. 10 hearing, said he takes issue with a provision that eliminates an existing license to feed garbage to swine and prohibits bringing swine into Ohio who have been garbage-fed.

With so many municipalities taking an interest in diverting food waste from landfills, Ohio should be promoting garbage feeding, not banning it, Shingler said. If my boiling a pot of leftovers for my pigs in Franklin County is going to attract feral swine from 100 miles away, then the only way we could possibly avoid attracting them is to ban all cooking statewide.

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Several industry organizations backed the bill, like Ohios Farm Bureau, Poultry Association and Forestry Association. The Ohio Pork Council testified in November that feral swine post an enormous outbreak risk as they are potential carriers for at least 30 diseases, including swine brucellosis, pseudorabies, foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever.

Ohio AirTag bill that would ban nonconsensual tracking heads to governor

The arrival of even a single ASF-infected wild pig in Ohio could have devastating consequences, said Cheryl Day, Ohio Pork Council vice president. If we fail and ASF strikes, the U.S. pork export market would halt, and domestic hog prices would immediately drop by 50 to 60%, putting our farmers and all related industries at great financial risk.

Sen. Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster), chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, said he supported the bill given the ballooning feral hog problem in other states like Texas, Georgia and Kansas.

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Other states are desperately dealing with the feral swine problem. Even Texas spends about 1/3 of a billion dollars simply trying to contain its feral swine epidemic, Schaffer said. Its time to eliminate this problem for our farmers in southern Ohio and prevent it from spreading elsewhere.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 29-year-old Las Cruces man accused of killing his mother and fleeing the state of New Mexico has been found guilty of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, the Office of the Third Judicial District Attorney said on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Dillon Alexander Waller, 29, was found guilty by a Las Cruces jury and will be facing life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years, the Third Judicial DAs Office said.

The tampering with evidence charge carries an additional three years.

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Las Cruces man accused of killing mom, fleeing state

As KTSM has previously reported, on Nov. 21, 2022, Las Cruces Police were called to do a welfare check on Cynthia Berendzen, who according to neighbors had not been seen in a few weeks.

Officers entered the home and smelled odor of bleach and cleaning agents and when officers entered the master bedroom, they found the bathroom door locked, according to the DAs Office.

The DAs Office said once officers breached the bathroom door, they found Berendzen was in the advanced stages of decomposition.

Officers further investigated the home and found the refrigerator empty and all the silverware, cooking utensils, plates, pots, and pans removed.

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According to neighbors, Berendzens son, Waller, drove away from the home in her vehicle with Berendzens four dogs on or about Nov. 14, 2022.

According to the DAs Office, Berendzens vehicle, along with the dogs, was found abandoned near the U.S. border near San Diego.

The dogs were found in good condition. They were microchipped and scanned where Berendzens information was found. On Nov. 17, 2022, Berendzen was reported as a missing person, the DAs Office said.

Waller was arrested for an outstanding warrant in Las Cruces on April 1, 2023.

Upon Wallers arrest, he allegedly possessed 7.3 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, according to federal court documents.

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When he was interviewed by investigators regarding his mothers death, Waller said he knew nothing about his mothers death and changed his story twice; that his mother died unexpectedly, then that he had strangled her while she was sleeping, according to the DAs Office.

Waller told officers that he and a friend moved Berendzens body into the shower, cleaned up, removed all evidence, and took Berendzens bank card, the DAs Office said.

Authorities were never able to substantiate whether the friend was an actual person.

Waller abandoned Berendzens dogs and her car and crossed the border into Tijuana, Mexico to meet up with the accomplice, but according to Waller, she never showed up.

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According to the DAs Office, Waller crossed back into the U.S. to find Berendzens vehicle gone. He returned to Las Cruces where he was identified and arrested.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A police sergeant accused of abusing his power while on the job and also possessing child pornography is unable to pay his legal bills, according to court documents filed by his lawyer.

The 8 News Now Investigators obtained the motion filed by Kevin Menons defense attorney, Dominic Gentile on Dec. 17.

Despite attempts to secure payment for legal service rendered, Sgt. Menon can no longer meet his financial obligations regarding the instant case, which as rendered it is impracticable to continue representing him effectively, Gentile wrote.

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In his first case, the Clark County District Attorneys office alleges Menon abused his power as a police sergeant by creating fake scenarios that resulted in citizens, mainly Black men, being detained on the Las Vegas Strip.

Menon had been leading a team of officers on the strip. Body camera and surveillance videos showed Menon dressed in plain clothes while officers were dressed in uniform.

Detectives said when they seized Menons electronic devices for the investigation, they found child sexual abuse material, also known as child pornography. This resulted in a second criminal case against Menon for child pornography-related charges.

Prosecutors previously invoked their right to a speedy trial for the second case prompting Clark County District Court Judge Ron Israel to set a trial date for Jan. 21.

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In his motion, Gentile asked for the trial to be pushed back and cited issues due to media attention.

Due to the pervasive media attention that has been received by both matters in which Sgt. Menon has been charged, it is imperative that a motion to change venue or postpone the trial in this matter be filed prior to the trial date and jury selection in this case, Gentile wrote.

The case requires specific experts who do not want to be involved, according to Gentile.

The media attention that has been paid to this matter has resulted in a thus far impregnable resistance to becoming involved in the defense of Sgt. Menon, to the point where they dont even want to discuss it, Gentile wrote.

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The Clark County Public Defenders office would have a conflict of interest to represent Menon, according to Gentile, because of its involvement with representing individuals Menon told his team to stop on the Strip. Gentile cited a telephone conversation with two assistant public defenders.

The police department began investigating Menon after officers reported Menon to the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, the union representing officers. Union leadership reached out to the department.

Police arrested Menon on Aug. 30. A Clark County grand jury later indicted him for 13 charges related to the alleged abuse of power and then four counts of child abuse.

Menon remains out of custody after posting bond.

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No other officers were charged.

After his arrest, the department placed Menon on leave with pay and his police powers were suspended pending an investigation. The department has since stopped paying him.

A jury trial for his first criminal case is scheduled for March.

Gentiles motion is scheduled to be addressed at a Dec. 23 court hearing.

To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com.

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A man from LaSalle, Ill. who was arrested in October for driving the wrong way on a one way street while under the influence of alcohol and with three small children in the car has entered a plea in the case.

Lee Lumkins (Scott County Jail)

Lee Lumkins, 55, pleaded guilty to three charges of child endangerment and one count of operating under the influence first offense on December 17. He was sentenced to 120 days in the Scott County Jail, with credit for time served for the OWI charge. However, all but two days of the sentence were suspended and Lumkins was placed on probation. He must pay a fine of $1,250. He was sentenced to a term not to exceed two years in the Iowa Department of Corrections for each child endangerment charge, but those sentences were suspended. He was placed on supervised probation for two years. He was also fined $2,565, or $855 for each child endangerment charge.

On October 8 of this year, Lumkins was arrested after Davenport Police stopped his vehicle in the intersection of 15th Street and Harrison Street. Lumkins was driving the wrong way on a one way street with posted signs. Officers found an open container of alcohol in the vehicle and three children, ages 2, 4 and 6, who were not properly restrained in car seats.

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Los Angeles Unified school principals  saying their workload is too heavy and the pressure to raise student achievement, manage complex budgets and keep campuses safe is too intense  have voted to join the Teamsters union in a rebuke to the leadership of Supt. Alberto Carvalho and the Board of Education.

In an election that concluded last week, 85% of voting members, who include principals and other mid-level administrators, chose to unionize. In essence, the leaders of 1,300 public schools in the nation's second-largest school system  known for strict adherence to policies and for echoing the district's messaging  have said their burden is unfair and their voices go unheard.

"What I hear from the field is people want out, people want to retire early, and they don't feel supported," said Maria Nichols, president of Associated Administrators of Los Angeles, the union that already represented school administrators and which conducted the election to affiliate with the Teamsters. "It's task upon task upon task. They're overworked and on overload."

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Having the muscle and experience of the Teamsters will make a difference, said Nichols: "People are asking for change, and we knew that if we didn't do something transformational, we were going to get the same results as last year, which is nothing. Now we're ready to be able to take the district to collective bargaining."

Senior district officials, who are not involved in labor organizing, defended their actions, while trying not to stoke the anger of the newly fired-up union.

Los Angeles Unified is committed to being the district of choice not only for families but also for employees," according to a district statement. "We strive to provide our workforce with competitive salaries, unrivaled benefits, and professional growth and development opportunities. This was demonstrated in our last negotiations in which we implemented historic salary increases.

Unions for school administrators are uncommon because most school districts are small, but they are not rare among larger entities. The American Federation of School Administrators has 150 locals across the country. Eight locals are part of the California Assn. of Urban School Administrators, including AALA.

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The Associated Administrators of Los Angeles has been known for working closely with upper management. Former President Nery Paiz had expressed respect for Carvalho and advocated for his members through this collegial connection.

Although Paiz gradually became more vocal in expressing the unhappiness of his members, he was swept out of office in March, an unusual step for members of that group.

Principals interviewed by The Times requested anonymity out of a fear of retaliation. Principals have tenure protections as teachers but are at-will employees as principals.

One elementary school principal spoke of a string of central-office mandates that stripped principals of meaningful autonomy and also a system that left principals undertrained for essential tasks such as evaluating teachers.

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"No one is honoring time limits, and the lead time to prepare faculty and staff," said another principal. "Its like were constantly in the 12th hour. They just want to see numbers, numbers, numbers, and they ignore the story behind the number.

Carvalho has said it was necessary to centralize operations for the sake of efficiency and effectiveness. He points to recent rises in test scores as validation.

Principals say pressure is too great

A high school principal complained about shrinking school staffing and expanding central bureaucracy:

"Now we have offices over tutoring, innovation and education excellence," the principal said. "Tutoring programs used to be embedded into the division of instruction. Now there is an entire office of six or seven people doing it. School budgets were reviewed by two people in the past. Now there are two additional layers that review budgets. I will get the same email from three different offices and they are walking all over each other.

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In contrast, the district leadership says it has saved millions of dollars by consolidating positions and closing vacancies. In a recent presentation, however, the district's chief financial officer said that, for some time, staff positions districtwide have been rising even as student enrollment declines, creating long-term potential budget problems.

The principals interviewed also complained about the removal of school police from campus and the overall reduction of the school police force. The school board majority voted in June 2020 to slash school police funding by 35% and remove officers from campus. Formerly, a typical high school had one regular officer and two middle schools would share an officer.

The school board cut back on police in response to heightened student activism that followed the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020. The students said the presence of police diminished the learning environment and especially made Black and Latino students feel like suspects.

One principal said district insiders told her that 14 guns have been seized on campuses since the start of the school year through November.

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The school district declined to confirm or deny that figure, but has acknowledged a steep rise in such categories as fights, weapons seizures and use of illegal or controlled substances such as drugs.

In lieu of police officers, the district has expanded counseling and mental health supports, and administrators said they also favor such extra help for students and, if anything, need more of it.

60-hour workweeks

All of the principals complained about the workload and about undue pressure to meet performance targets.

In a recent member survey, "half of my members were working 50 hours a week," Nichols said. "The other half were working 60-hour weeks. And in the past, if you work beyond your hours and you had professional development to attend to, you would have been paid overtime. That went away with the new district leadership. Carvalho got rid of that."

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Extra duty pay had been more routinely available for many administrators, but there also was abuse of overtime among some, which senior officials had been trying to clamp down on even prior to Carvalho's arrival in February 2022.

Workers represented by AALA earn in the range of $80,000 annually to about $195,000, depending on the job and on the experience and training of the individual, per a recently posted salary table. Principals' salaries range from about $113,000 to $173,500, according to the union.

Upon taking office as AALA president, Nichols pledged to be more assertive, and she urged members to bring in the Teamsters, who have 1.4 million members across North America. Their members include transit workers, police, mechanics, court employees, prison guards and cafeteria workers.

Last year, school administrators in the Richmond, Va., public schools joined the Teamsters. AALA will affiliate with Teamsters Local 2010, which represents 23,000 clerical, administrative and skilled trades workers throughout the University of California and California State University systems.

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Union members will pay higher dues but will have access to Teamsters researchers, bargaining resources and legal defense.

"We are excited about becoming Teamsters because we now have leverage, power, knowledge and a partner with a proven track record in getting the results we need," Nichols said.

The Teamsters will represent all AALA members, who include assistant principals and middle managers with a teaching credential in the regional and central offices as well as one unit of managers without a teaching credential. AALA has about 2,750 members.

Prior to the vote, under different contracts, the Teamsters already represented L.A. Unified school custodial supervisors  called plant managers  as well as cafeteria managers. Thus, it would be hard to keep campuses open if all the Teamsters-affiliated workers were to go on strike. In past strikes by other union-represented employees, administrators have been indispensable in keeping schools open, although campuses were closed during a three-day strike by other workers in 2023.

Reaching this point once seemed unlikely

Not only are principals part of management, but they've benefited from an informal policy under which the powerful teachers union would agitate for wage hikes  and other district employees would get the same raise without having to fight for it.

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But that system has begun to break down.

Even though the most recent teacher raises were sizable  about 21% over three years  it was not enough to satisfy the separate union that represents the district's lowest-paid employees, including teacher aides and cafeteria workers. Their union, Local 99 of Service Employees International Union, wanted a higher percentage raise than the teachers  and got it  after that three-day strike.

Meanwhile, senior officials including Carvalho indicated that the era of applying contract benefits won by the teachers union to employees outside that union was likely to end for budgetary reasons.

Even though L.A. Unified has avoided layoffs faced by some other school systems, many employees have had to accept transfer to lower-paid positions. As one example, Carvalho and the Board of Education authorized closing out the jobs of 400 assistant principals  all of them had been represented by AALA.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  One Tennessee lawmaker thinks her bill, which would put hygiene products in public schools, will pass the upcoming legislative session.

House Bill 39, filed by representative Elaine Davis (R-Knoxville), would require local education agencies and public charter schools to put free feminine hygiene products in all womens and girls bathrooms, locker rooms and with school nurses.

Rutherford County Schools votes on proposed zoning changes

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Menstrual cycles can be unpredictable and every woman knows the awkward feeling of being caught without a pad or tampon. This is a situation our young girls should never have to experience, especially at school. Feminine hygiene products are as essential as toilet paper, but in Tennessee, they are taxed as a luxury, meaning they are not covered under WIC or TANF, sometimes leaving young girls without access. My goal is to bring dignity to these young ladies, keep them healthy, and ensure they can stay in the classroom. Statement from Davis

The Community Resource Center is a nonprofit dedicated to helping end hygiene poverty and hygiene insecurity in Middle Tennessee. Tina Doniger, the organizations CEO, said the problem extends across the country.

[The bill is] a continuation of last years legislation that we tried to get past, Doniger said.

During the previous legislative session, Davis introduced the Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Act. However, it did not make it out of committee.

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MARCH: Bill could require TN high schools to provide free period products

There are families that are not sending their children to school because they dont have products, Doniger added. Theyre using rags or socks or t-shirts instead of approved period products that are healthier for them.

Doniger said the legislation addresses not only healthcare, but allows students to feel comfortable at school. The Community Resource Center added that the state should also consider adding the products in bathrooms at elementary and middle schools.

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By Blake Brittain

The U.S. International Trade Commission said on Tuesday that smartphones made by Lenovo's Motorola Mobility infringe patents owned by Ericsson, which could lead to a ban on U.S. imports of the phones if the decision is upheld.

An ITC judge said in an initial ruling that the smartphones violate Ericsson's patent rights in 5G wireless technology, handing Sweden-based Ericsson a preliminary victory in its international patent licensing dispute with China-based Lenovo.

Spokespeople for the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the decision.

The full commission is scheduled to issue a final ruling on Ericsson's allegations in April. Another ITC judge ruled for Lenovo in an initial decision in a related case last month.

Ericsson filed its complaint with the Washington-based ITC last year, alleging that phones from Motorola's Moto G, Edge and Razr lines infringe patents related to wireless communications. Lenovo denied the allegations.

The companies are also embroiled in patent lawsuits in South America, the United Kingdom and North Carolina. Ericsson won preliminary court orders banning sales of Lenovo smartphones in Brazil and Colombia in its infringement cases there.

A U.S. appeals court in October revived Lenovo's request for an injunction to bar enforcement of the South American bans.

(Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Editing by David Bario and Bill Berkrot)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  In worst-case scenarios, seconds matter. Thats why one state lawmaker has pushed to fund panic buttons in every Tennessee school.

While the technology passed during last years session, the focus has now turned to funding.

The panic alarm system is, in my mind, one of the most valuable things a school can installseconds matter, explained state Rep. Ron Gant (R-Piperton).

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FEBRUARY: Grants available to Tennessee schools for panic buttons

School safety is at the top of mind throughout the country following a deadly shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, earlier this week. That tragedy has, once again, sparked a discussion about how to keep students safe while at school.

Its unfortunate that we live in these days and times where this amount of evil that is out there, but weve got to do everything we can as lawmakers, Gant said.

In an effort to keep students safe, in 2023, Tennessee became one of seven states to pass Alyssas Law. The law is named after 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff, who was killed in the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school shooting. Her parents have publicly said EMS couldnt find her and save Alyssas life in time.

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Since her death, Alyssas parents have worked to pass her legacy from state to state.

This is a solution to some of my greatest fears as a mom, said Holly Walker, co-founder of Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS) Tennessee.

Whether theyre on a lanyard, on the wall, or in an app, when teachers press the button, it sends an alert for help. Mother and co-founder of MOSS Tennessee, Noelle Rasmussen, said not only can panic buttons be used during active shooter incidents, but also during more common occurrences like allergic reactions and fights.

They help in a variety of situations. Theres an intruder alert function and theres a staff alert function, and the panic alarms have been used 95% of the time for non-intruder needs, Rasmussen said. This is kind of like a no-brainer. There are lots of issues around school safety and we get that. We felt like this solution was one where everyone can get on board.

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MOSS Tennessee is a nonprofit working to bring lifesaving tools like panic buttons to classrooms across the state.

Its unfortunate that we live in these days and times where this amount of evil is out there, but weve got to do everything we can as lawmakers, said Gant.

Now with the law on the books, the focus has been centered on funding for the technology.

Money is, obviously, of the importance of this because weve got to fund each school to be able to do this, Gant said.

Tennessee lawmakers could consider universal carding, other policies to curb youth vaping

According to Gant, the cost to implement panic buttons inside every Tennessee school would be around $15,000 per school. Then, there would be an ongoing re-occurring cost of about $8,000 would be needed every year to maintain the technology.

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We know it saves lives, Gant added. Its just  when we do we do it?

Gant told News 2 he briefly talked to Governor Bill Lee about the initiative, and is hopeful his colleagues will see this as a bipartisan solution during the upcoming legislative session.

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(Getty Images)

LINCOLN  State Sen. Rob Dover knows real estate.

The Norfolk lawmaker, appointed to the Legislature in 2022 and now elected to serve four more years, is a Realtor, a builder and a developer of private residential and commercial properties. He has previously served on the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.

Still, Dover said, hes had a tough time determining whether state funds and public incentives directed at affordable housing are used as effectively as possible.

State Sen. Rob Dover of Norfolk. Dec. 12, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

He led an interim study aimed at finding out what works and what doesnt. A lineup of housing and economic development experts discussed their thoughts and experiences during a hearing Wednesday before the Legislatures Appropriations Committee.

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Dover said the expert input, along with other research gathered for the Legislative Resolution 416 he sponsored, will be the basis for housing-related legislation he expects to propose during the upcoming legislative session to improve the states return on investment.

The study looked at, for example, possible change in Nebraskas Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the Rural Workforce Housing Fund, and documentary tax and tax-increment financing statutes.

By and large, there is agreement that these funds are making housing more affordable to those in need and that we are seeing new housing spring up in all parts of Nebraska, Dover told fellow committee members. This does not mean programs are perfect.

Housing critical to NE growth

Ultimately, Dover said, Nebraskas challenges can be resolved by increasing the number of people paying income, sales and property taxes that lower individual tax burdens.

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Economic development requires workers. Workers require housing. In short housing is critical for Nebraskas economic growth.

 State Sen. Rob Dover of Norfolk

Economic development requires workers. Workers require housing, he said. In short housing is critical for Nebraskas economic growth.

Testimony during the hearing at the Capitol came from seven invited Nebraskans who work in the housing industry, including private developers, nonprofits and city governments.

A common theme among the advocates was to invest further in efforts that create housing affordable to Nebraskans. They laid out examples of how various state-funded programs have benefited families and communities.

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Candice Alder, economic development director in Norfolk, said 218 new dwellings were possible with help from the state rural workforce fund, which became law in 2017. The state contributed $1.6 million and the city match was about $750,000.

Alder said the economic development tool TIF also moved the needle in providing more housing, playing a role in the development of 936 housing units since 2016.

Generally under TIF, a developer, with approval by the respective city, is allowed to use increased property taxes generated by the improvement on a blighted property (the so-called increment) to help finance a redevelopment project.

Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, however, raised doubts during the hearing about whether TIF is being used appropriately in all cases. He pointed to a review by State Auditor Mike Foley, who suggested lawmakers clarify boundaries of the program.

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We need to have it tightened up, Erdman said. We have a lot of slack.

State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard (Courtesy Unicameral Information Office)

Alder and Jake Hoppe of Hoppe Development, another fan of TIF, suggested changing language in the statute so that the incentive, when used for low- and moderate-income housing, is not limited to blighted areas.

Under state law, an area must be deemed blighted and substandard by a respective city council before a redevelopment project area within that zone can qualify for TIF to defray costs of eligible expenses.

Nobody wants to be called blighted, said Alder.

Low-income tax credit key

Hoppe and others praised the state and federal low-income housing tax credit programs administered by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority as key for producing residential dwellings for people of low and moderate incomes.

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According to NIFA data, the tool accounts for the states biggest chunk of affordable rental housing, or about 5,000 new dwellings added over the last decade and another 2,000 or so in various stages of development.

In essence, the credit allows investors to offset their tax liability in exchange for providing upfront funds to develop affordable housing. That money reduces a projects overall debt, which allows rents to be more affordable at below market rates.

A NIFA-led study identified a goal for Nebraska to create, by 2028, at least 35,000 affordable and attainable homes across the state for low- to middle-income earners, which authors said would reduce the number of needed housing units by about a third.

The Poppleton Project planned by inCommon Housing Development Corp. is to rise on these empty midtown Omaha lots. The first phase is to provide 51 affordable rental dwellings in funded primarily through federal and state low-income housing tax credit programs administered by NIFA. (Courtesy of Erin Sorenson and inCommon)

Hoppe suggested broadening the scope of the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund to provide grants not only for creation of owner-occupied housing, but also for rental. He said requirements in certain state housing funds are cumbersome and should be streamlined.

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Roger Nadrchal, CEO of NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska, urged lawmakers to keep the documentary stamp tax, collected on the transfer of real estate, for housing-related programs and not redirect it to other purposes.

Charlie Wesche, CEO of NeighborWorks Lincoln, talked up the Community Land Trust model. Under that program, a family buys a home but leases the land underneath from the CLT.

Participating land trust residents agree to certain requirements. For example, in the case of a resale, the equity is capped to keep the property affordable for another buyer in a similar economic situation.

Wednesdays gathering was the last interim study hearing of this year prior to the start of the next legislative session.

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Dover said his goal is to promote state programs in which funds can be reinvested to help more homebuyers instead of being forgiven, resulting in a single use or forfeited tax dollars.

It is my intention to bring legislation in the coming session that will lower the burdens discussed, streamline the process, and move affordable housing forward across the state, he said.

How Nebraska stacks up

A Framing the Future, Altering the Affordable Housing Blueprint in Nebraska, issued in September by the Nebraska Legislative Research Office, used Census Bureau data to look at how the state stacks up nationally:

Nebraska ranked at the bottom of the pack when looking at how much state government spent on housing and community development projects, according to the bureaus 2021 Survey of State and Local Government Finances.

Nebraska climbed to 39th among the 50 states when combining amounts that local communities spent, along with their state governments, on housing and community development.

In comparing per capita local and state government spending, Nebraska ranked 28th, with $137 per capita spending. Massachusetts was at the top ($506) and Wyoming at the bottom ($35).

In comparing per capita local and state government spending with neighboring states, Nebraska was behind Colorado ($275), but ahead of Missouri ($135), Iowa ($134), South Dakota ($128), Kansas ($81) and Wyoming ($35).

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Said the research report: Many state housing funding programs exist in Nebraska, but the state ranks poorly in spending on housing and community development.

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Vehicles speed down Louisiana Highway 19 in East Baton Rouge Parish where average car insurance rates are among the highest in the nation. (Photo: Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

As Louisiana lawmakers continue to study solutions for the states out-of-control car insurance premiums, theyre also considering some creative rebranding to try to generate new support to curtail personal injury lawsuits.

Its a three-alarm fire, Louisiana House Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson, R-Pineville, said during a House Insurance Committee hearing last week.

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It was the latest among a series of meetings the Legislature has held to research the causes and potential solutions to the states property insurance crisis. Although the crisis involves both vehicle and homeowner insurance coverage, the hearing focused on the vehicle coverage rates in Louisiana, which are the third highest in the nation, according to Bankrate.

Evidence and data presented so far to lawmakers points to a familiar legislative path to rein in what they and others see as a lucrative market for personal injury lawsuits in Louisiana.

Similar efforts of the past have gone by the name tort reform.

A tort is a wrongful act that causes someone to suffer a loss or a harm that often becomes the basis of a lawsuit. In general, tort reform legislation targets areas of civil law that some believe give plaintiffs an unfair advantage in lawsuits.

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When a researcher told members of the committee that tort reforms in Florida showed success in lowering insurance rates there, Johnson wondered aloud about whether a rebranding of tort reform might be in order for Louisiana.

Some alternatives he and others have floated include lawsuit abuse reform or truth in payments.

I just want it to be honest labeling so people understand what it is, Johnson, a lawyer who used to defend insurance companies, said in a post-meeting interview.

Previous tort reform efforts in Louisiana in 2020 underwent similar rebranding as civil justice reform.

Regardless of what its called, tort reform doesnt have the best track record in Louisiana. The 2020 legislation ushered in under former Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon failed to lower premiums as its supporters promised.

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In 2021, Louisiana drivers paid an average of $2,399 per year for full coverage car insurance. That number has jumped nearly 27% to an average of $3,036 per year in 2024 so far, according to market analysis from online agent Insurify, which publishes aggregate price data from over 100 insurance underwriters.

Ben Riggs, executive director of Real Reform Louisiana, a group that has long opposed tort reform and argues for more accountability from insurance companies, criticized the talk of rebranding when asked about it in a phone interview.

Efforts to rebrand tort reform are a tacit admission that tort reform has failed to lower insurance rates in Louisiana and made it harder to hold big insurers accountable, Riggs said. We do not need cosmetic changes. We need real insurance reforms that lower costs and strengthen consumer rights.

Rep. Brian Glorioso, R-Slidell, said the 2020 tort reform legislation was overrated because it only applies to cases going to trial, which lawyers on both sides of the issue say is only a small percentage of cases. Glorioso, who was elected to the House last year, is a civil law attorney who has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury suits.

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I never thought that bill was ever going to do anything, he said.

Tort reform has been generally difficult to pass in a Legislature that, despite its pro-business Republican supermajority, also counts many civil litigators among its members. Some recent reform efforts in the spring stalled or were watered down under opposition from Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, who received large campaign contributions from a cohort of wealthy Louisiana trial lawyers. Landry even vetoed one of the bills his party placed on his desk, replying with a lengthy rebuke of the bill and of the 2020 tort reform legislation.

One reform lawmakers have previously tried and failed to enact was a bill to eliminate the Housley presumption, a standard of evidence the Louisiana Supreme Court created for auto accidents, medical malpractice and other injury lawsuits through a precedent-setting 1991 case, Housley v. Cerise.

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In a nutshell, the Housley presumption says courts should assume a plaintiffs injuries resulted from the accident in question if they were in good health beforehand.

Some lawmakers have blamed Housley for excessive litigation in Louisiana and will likely move to address the case law again during the next legislative session.

Johnson said the presumption places the burden on the defendant  and their insurer  to try to prove they did not cause the plaintiffs injury.

Glorioso said Johnsons assessment is technically not incorrect, but he said Housley is not really as broad or impactful as it sounds. He said he has mostly seen it play a role in bumper tap cases involving small but quick payouts for minor injuries that doctors can only subjectively diagnose.

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Eliminating or weakening the presumption would require plaintiffs to provide more objective evidence to show that their injuries actually stem from the accident for which they are suing, Glorioso said.

However, one possible consequence of that is it could make it difficult for some legitimate accident victims to recover damages, he said.

Its always a balancing act where youre trying to craft legislation that only goes against the bad actors and doesnt affect people who are legitimately hurt, Glorioso said.

Others believe lawmakers are on the wrong path with tort reform. Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, who also practices personal injury law, has repeatedly pointed to what he says is a lack of data showing a causal relationship between litigation and high car insurance rates.

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Louisiana and many other states allow insurance companies to treat their rate algorithms as confidential proprietary information, which has made outside research challenging. Lawmakers also havent pressed insurers very much to disclose the variables that cause rates to fluctuate according to zip code.

It would seem to me its impossible to address skyrocketing insurance rates without knowing how those rates are made, Riggs said in a previous interview.

Regardless of the merits of tort reform, Glorioso agreed the term is vague and carries baggage that lawmakers will probably try to rectify with some kind of rebranding during the next legislative session.

We probably need better messaging so that the public understands how this affects their pocketbook, he said

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Lawmakers are expected to hold additional hearings on insurance matters in the coming months, and some have floated the idea of holding a special session on insurance before they convene for the 2025 regular session, which is set for April 14 through June 12.

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State officials have repeatedly pressed Tennessee State University leaders to declare financial exigency, an extreme measure that can only be triggered by an imminent financial crisis at the school after all other options are exhausted. It would give the historically Black, public university more flexibility in laying off employees, included tenured faculty.

A six-page document in the university's bylaws spells out the process that would lead to the declaration. It would take months, if not longer. As an example, Memphis-based Christian Brothers University declared financial exigency in 2023 after years of flagging enrollment and mounting budget deficits. Budget and staff cuts were not enough to remedy the situation, according to information on the private, Catholic university's website.

Here's what to know about TSU's financial state, what financial exigency would mean and what state and university officials are saying about it all.

A student walks across the Tennessee State University campus in Nashville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024.

TSU president says he's not ready to declare financial exigency

TSU interim President Dwayne Tucker, who took up his post on Monday, said he first plans to do everything he can to shore up the school's troubled finances without declaring financial exigency.

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A longtime businessman, Tucker temporarily stepped away from his role as the CEO of LEAD Public Schools, a network of charter schools, to lead TSU. He also resigned his post on the TSU board, where he had served since April, to lead the university. His term runs until June 30. The TSU board plans to relaunch its search for a permanent president in January, with the goal of appointing a new leader who will start on July 1.

Board member Dwayne Tucker asks a question during the TSU Board of Trustees meeting at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.

Tucker has decades of business experience that includes turning around financial struggles at large companies. While he said he is not shying away from the difficult decisions ahead, his priority is creating a three-year financial plan for TSU to present early in the new year. The school currently has enough funding to get through April, barring any major changes, according to Tucker.

On Monday, which was also Tucker's first official day on the job, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally pressed him on declaring financial exigency during a State Building Commission meeting. Tucker said he wasn't ready to "pull the trigger" and instead plans to comb through every department and program at TSU to reduce or adjust costs.

"I'm not trying to make an excuse," Tucker said. "At the end of the day we all need to be accountable to the state and to Tennessee State University."

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The commission ultimately agreed to hear from Tucker again about his plan at its next meeting on Feb. 13, with the promise that Tucker would work closely with commission members, as needed.

What would it take for TSU to declare financial exigency?

TSU's bylaws define financial exigency as a formal declaration by the TSU board that the university faces an immediate financial crisis due to a current or projected shortfall in funds for the entire campus. The shortfall must prevent the school from maintaining its programs and activities essential to its educational goals. Additionally, the budget shortfall must be severe enough that it can only be balanced by "extraordinary means" like terminating employees, including tenured faculty. While tenured faculty appointments are typically indefinite, they can be terminated in extraordinary circumstances like financial exigency, the discontinuation of a program or ethical issues.

Before declaring financial exigency, there are several steps that must first be taken, including:

The president must provide documentation that he has exhausted all other measures to reduce the university's expenditures and enhance its revenues.

The president must share all analysis and documentation that shows the university is in an imminent financial crisis with the entire TSU faculty or its representative body, along with representatives of all other campus personnel.

The university must provide ample opportunities for discussion with and advice from faculty, staff and all other campus personnel.

If the president is still convinced financial exigency is best, he will make a recommendation to TSU board chair to declare it.

Working with the president, the chair must then submit a statement to the board that includes a description of the university's current and projected fiscal condition and an analysis of what is contributing to its immediate financial crisis, among other items.

What happens if TSU declares financial exigency?

If the board formally declared financial exigency, it would be up to the president to initiate a plan to reduce TSU's budget. A lengthy process is outlined in the bylaws that includes a special committee made of people who broadly represent all employees who would have a chance to weigh in on how to make budget cuts and layoffs.

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The plan formulated by the committee would outline guidelines on how to select employees for termination, including factors like tenure status, rank, seniority and performance evaluations.

There would be an appeal process for those who were terminated. The roles left open after a termination due to financial exigency must not be filled for three years without first offering it to the person who was terminated, with limited exceptions.

See the financial exigency rules for yourself

Curious about all the details of the financial exigency plan? Here's the entire document.

A quick note before you dive in: While this document is on the Tennessee State University website, it includes language that appears to have carried over from when the university was under the governance of the Tennessee Board of Regents. However, TSU now operates under its own, independent board. That means roles assigned to the Tennessee Board of Regents and its chancellor in the document now go to the TSU Board of Trustees and its board chair.

Financial Exigency by USA TODAY Network on Scribd

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee State University: Lawmakers press for financial exigency
The Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules did not take public testimony before approving hotly contested landfill rules. (Claire Sullivan | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Without hearing public testimony, a legislative oversight panel on Thursday approved hotly contested rules that will control how the states landfills are sited, designed, built, and managed.

Members of the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules argued that the concerns about the regulations  namely that they werent protective enough  fell outside the purview of their work. Weeks ago, after receiving hundreds of pages of public testimony in opposition to the rules, the committee issued a preliminary objection to the proposal from the Department of Environmental Services. On Thursday, they swiftly approved the rules  which were unchanged from the last time they had heard them  on a 9-1 vote.

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Rep. Erica Layon, a Derry Republican who voted to approve the rules, said she didnt feel they were as protective as they should be. But, she argued in a point that was echoed by other members, those disagreements are policy issues that should be settled in the Legislature, not through JLCAR.

Even though we may personally feel that we want to do something, Layon said, we need to act in our role as JLCAR, not as an advocate and not trying to push policy in this committee.

Before lawmakers voted, DES repeated an argument it has made for months, and that advocates have contested for just as long: that the proposed rules are an improvement from the status quo. Adam Crepeau, the assistant commissioner of the department, told lawmakers the proposed rules were more protective in a number of ways and in no case are less protective.

We believe that these rules are much more protective than the current existing rules, Crepeau said. And beyond that  we believe that we also provided plenty of opportunity for public comment through the process and went above and beyond the required process for public comment when creating rules.

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Rep. Peter Schmidt, a Dover Democrat, was the lone vote against the motion to approve the rules. He said the argument from the agency that the new rules are better than the existing ones is almost disrespectful to the amount of opposition that these rules have received from the public.

The fact that they may be better in a whole series of ways does not mean that better is good, Schmidt said. Better is not a sufficient response. These rules are not protective enough, and the fact that they may be better than the existing rules is very weak, in my opinion.

Layon was joined in approving the rules by Rep. Carol McGuire, an Epsom Republican who raised the motion to approve them; Sen. Tim Lang, a Sanbornton Republican; Rep. Bob Lynn, a Windham Republican; Rep. Jaci Grote, a Rye Democrat; Sen. Kevin Avard, a Nashua Republican; Sen. Ruth Ward, a Stoddard Republican; Sen. Pat Long, a Manchester Democrat; and Sen. Daniel Innis, a Bradford Republican.

Avard is an alternate on the committee but was a voting member on Thursday. Earlier in the week, on his YouTube channel whose description says it aims to give voice to the many individuals in NH who have been unjustly treated by NH State agencies, Avard interviewed John Casella, CEO of Casella Waste Systems.

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Casellas company is trying to build a new landfill in Dalton half a mile from Forest Lake. The fact that DES has received applications for that landfill at the same time as crafting the rules has drawn increased attention and criticism to the regulations. DES has said the rulemaking and permitting review processes are separate, and that it has not yet begun its technical review of the proposed landfill. Casellas existing landfill in Bethlehem has racked up hundreds of violations related to the management of leachate, the trash juice created when waste mixes with water.

Thursdays vote was a blow to advocates and residents who have spent months raising red flags about the rules that they argue offer far too few protections to the environment and public health. Many of them traveled Thursday to Concord from as far as the North Country to make their voices heard before the committee. But after sitting through hours of testimony on unrelated regulations the panel was considering, they werent given the chance to speak.

To not have that opportunity is extremely disappointing, said Tom Tower, vice president of the North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, in an interview after the vote.

His sentiment was echoed by others, some of whom had prepared pages of detailed testimony in anticipation of making their case before the committee. Lawmakers spent only a few minutes on the rules, with the chance for public testimony severed by an early motion from McGuire to approve the rules, which was seconded by Avard.

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After a motion is made, public testimony is generally not accepted in any public committee in the Legislature, said Lang, who was elected at the start of the meeting as the new chair of the committee. It becomes a discussion on the motion in and of itself is what happens amongst the members of the committee.

Sarah Doucette, a Whitefield resident, shared her planned testimony with the Bulletin. In it, she said the Dec. 19 meeting was the fifth that she had attended on the rules. Doucette had planned to remind lawmakers that they are tasked with doing the peoples work, not the work of the waste industry or the prevailing political machine or a state agency with an agenda apart from the peoples work.

Except for waste industry input, in the hundreds of pages of comments submitted on the rules update, I am not aware of anyone  not even one person  who endorsed the DES process or its outcome, Doucette wrote. No[t] one citizen, not one independent professional consultant, not any legislator on the sub-committee that labored with rule-making reviews for months. The people are not behind the rules presented and endorsed by DES today. The people are aggrieved and they object to these rules.

Michael Wright, president of the Forest Lake Association, emailed his testimony to the committee members on Wednesday night and also shared it with the Bulletin on Thursday. In it, he said the proposed rules fell short of achieving the highest possible standards of environmental and public health protection. Wright also asked lawmakers to delay the adoption of the rules until these deficiencies are addressed.

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A major sticking point in the rules was where they would allow a landfill to be built. Some critics argued the standards were so relaxed that they would allow a landfill to be put virtually anywhere.

In the current rules, which are being updated after a decade as required, no standard exists for something called hydraulic conductivity, a figure that explains how fast liquid pollution would permeate through the earth under the landfill in the event of a leak. The new rules create a standard for this, but critics say it would make New Hampshire an outlier among jurisdictions that have rules around hydraulic conductivity.

The rules also would allow a 2-foot base of imported soil with hydraulic conductivity that pollution could travel through in as fast as eight days in the event of a leak, according to Adam Finkel, who spent years as the chief rule writer at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Finkel, in an interview following the vote, called it a dark day  for a committee that needs some education. He said he intends to challenge the rules in court but hopes the Legislature takes the step of strengthening them through law.

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I think if the Legislature does its job, Finkel said, and says there are half a dozen numerical fixes to these rules, they would put them in line with the rest of the world, protect our people, then, you know, thats obviously a better way to do it, because it doesnt rely on a subjective judgment of a judge.

The new rules go into effect at 12:01 a.m. the day after the agency files them with the Office of Legislative Services, unless another day and time is identified in writing to the offices director.
On Thursday, a Lawrence man was sentenced to state prison after pleading guilty to a fatal 2020 shooting.

Miguel Angel Vega Rodriguez, 23, took the life of 26-year-old Delvis Paulino-Fernandez and wounded 2 others on May 3, 2020, during a backyard gathering on Newton Street.

Vega Rodriguez was charged with:

Voluntary manslaughter

Two counts of armed assault to murder.

Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.

Carrying a firearm without a license.

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A co-defendant in the same case, Hector Baez, 27, of Haverhill and Lawrence, pleaded guilty last year and received a similar sentence.

Following this guilty plea, Miguel Vega Rodriguez will now face the consequences for his terrible actions, said Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker. I greatly appreciate all those who have worked diligently on this case. I would especially like to thank the family of Delvis Paulino-Fernandez, who will not be forgotten.

Vega Rodriguez faces 22-26 years in state prison, followed by 3 years of probation.

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This is the Urbandale office building from which four Iowa pathologists launched a new business, Goldfinch Laboratories. (Photo via Google Earth)

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit alleging a group of central Iowa pathologists conspired to maintain a monopoly at the expense of patients.

The lawsuit was one of three involving allegations of unfair competition, harassment, retaliation and discrimination among central Iowa pathologists.

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The suit was filed in May 2024 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa by four pathologists who last year established Goldfinch Laboratory of Urbandale  physicians Tiffani Milless, Caitlin Halverson, Renee Ellerbroek and Jared Abbott.

The four sued their previous employers, Iowa Pathology Associates of Des Moines and Regional Laboratory Consultants, alleging the two companies tried to suppress competition for pathology services in central Iowa and maintain a monopoly, all in violation of state and federal law.

Each of the companies provides dermatopathology and other pathology services for patients in central Iowa whose physicians require laboratory services that provide medical diagnoses from biological specimens.

The lawsuit alleged that since 2021, IPA and RLC pressured its pathologists to sign employment agreements that include a no-compete clause. At the time, the four IPA-employed pathologists who would later depart and form Goldfinch refused to sign the agreement.

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The lawsuit claims the agreement was not intended to prohibit the use of confidential corporate information and was instead aimed at maintaining IPAs and RLCs monopoly on services.

As part of its lawsuit, Goldfinch accused IPA of refusing to share biopsy slides with Goldfinch pathologists, even when those slides were required to ensure the continuity of care offered to patients and even when, according to Goldfinch, the refusal could well have caused harm to patients.

IPA and RLC denied any wrongdoing and filed a motion to have the case dismissed. U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger recently granted the motion after finding that Goldfinch failed to define a geographic market in which consumers had no other source for pathology services.

Even assuming central Iowa is where the defendants draw a sufficiently large portion of their business, Goldfinch has not sufficiently alleged a plausible reason why potential referral sources cannot practicably turn to alternative sources outside central Iowa, the judge ruled. Goldfinch has not plausibly identified a relevant market as required to allege attempted monopolization.

Two other lawsuits still pending

The federal lawsuit followed a still-pending state court lawsuit filed by IPA and RLC against the four Goldfinch partners in late 2022 that is in the final stages of litigation.

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That lawsuit seeks to block Goldfinch from soliciting IPA clients or using IPA information, and alleges the Goldfinch pathologists were flagrantly, rampantly and disloyally working against IPAs interests even before they left IPA.

A bench trial in that case was held last month, but the court has yet to issue a decision and recent post-trial briefs are sealed from public view.

Separately, two of the Goldfinch pathologists  Tiffani Milless and Caitlin Halverson  have filed a discrimination lawsuit against IPA and RLC, alleging they were paid $200,000 to $350,000 annually, which they claim was far less than what some of the less qualified male doctors were paid.

A trial in that case is scheduled for August 2025.
Attorneys for Jay-Z asked a Manhattan judge Wednesday to address unsupported allegations that he raped a 13-year-old girl with Sean Diddy Combs and expedite his removal from the case.

Alex Spiro, a lawyer for the Brooklyn-born billionaire whose real name is Shawn Carter, has asked a federal judge to dismiss Carter from the suit. In new court filings, he said admissions by the unnamed accuser and her father in a recent NBC special cast yet further doubt on a claim that was obviously false from the start.

Plaintiffs unsupported allegations crumble under scrutiny, as the evidence  and lack thereof  reveals glaring inconsistencies and outright impossibilities in her story, Spiro wrote. These allegations have caused incalculable harm to Mr. Carter, his family, his businesses, his employees and his legacy.

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The Alabama woman, who is now 38, accused Carter earlier this month of the assault in a pending lawsuit against Combs, who separately appeared in court Wednesday in his criminal sex trafficking case.

The womans suit alleges the incident occurred at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party hosted by Combs in 2000 after she got a ride to the event from the awards ceremony from a limo driver associated with Combs who said she fit what Diddy was looking for.

In graphic detail, the filing alleged that she was in a room with Combs and Carter at the after-party. It alleges Combs threw her toward a wall and then onto a bed and that Carter then removed her clothes and began raping her while Combs and an unnamed female celebrity watched.

The suit alleges Combs then raped her and that she ultimately escaped after he tried to force her to perform oral sex. Both men deny the allegations.

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During her NBC interview Friday, the woman acknowledged some inconsistencies in her account, but said she stood by it. She had said her father picked her up from the party for a five-hour journey home, which he told the outlet he didnt recall, and that she had spoken to Benji Madden from the band Good Charlotte, who has said he was touring in another state.

In his Wednesday filing, Spiro, who represents Mayor Adams in his unrelated criminal case, said the discrepancies highlight severe misconduct by the womans Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing a slate of accusers in suits against Combs. After the interview aired, Buzbee said he would further vet the womans claims.

The fundamental inconsistencies in Plaintiffs case revealed in the NBC interview, coupled with Buzbees chronic inability to follow the rules in this case and others, creates a substantial risk that Buzbee will destroy evidence damaging to Plaintiffs case, including evidence of his own misconduct, impairing the integrity of the judicial process, Spiro wrote.

An order immediately mandating the preservation of all evidence relevant to this case is necessary to ensure that Mr. Carter has a full and fair opportunity to present his defense against Plaintiffs fictitious claims.

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Buzbee did not respond to requests for comment.

Manhattan Federal Judge Analisa Torres will rule on Spiros requests.

Combs has been awaiting trial at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center since his September arrest on sweeping sex trafficking charges that carry a potential decadeslong sentence. Multiple attempts by his legal team to get him released to house arrest on a $50 million bond have failed.

At a brief court hearing in Combs criminal case Wednesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson said prosecutors were on track to produce all discovery to his team by the end of the year, including many large electronic files. She declined to shed light on a possible superseding indictment, but said, Any additional charges likely will have minimal additional discovery, if any.

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The Bad Boy Records founder has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and interstate transportation to engage in prostitution in the case that alleges he used his business empire as a means to sexually abuse and coerce women into violent sexual performances dubbed freakoffs.

The feds say Combs often drugged his victims and recorded the abuse sessions for blackmail purposes, and that he and his associates engaged in forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.

Parallel to the criminal case, Combs has been sued in nearly 40 civil cases, levying similar claims of sexual misconduct. Last week, three anonymous men were the most recent to bring allegations in separate Manhattan Supreme Court suits alleging he drugged and raped them, in some instances with other people, between 2006 and 2022. Combs denies all allegations.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) Board of Education has unanimously approved new school attendance zones for elementary, middle, and high school students for the next school year, the district said in a news release on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

According to LCPS, the newly approved zones were in collaboration and recommendations from the Redistricting Advisory Committee comprised of principals, parents, students, and school communities.

We are grateful for the work of the committee, our school administrators and parents who participated in this process, LCPS Chief of Student Services and Community Relations Sherly OBrien said. Their commitment to this district ensures equitable learning spaces that will allow all students to thrive, which is the mission of our district.

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The new school zones will go into effect for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, LCPS said.

The following approved zones are defined by the red line with the option number and how many students will be affected:

For elementary schools, Option 1 will impact approximately 500 students.

Option 3 was approved for middle schools and will be impacting approximately 273 students.

Revised Option 3 was approved for high schools and will impact about 683 students.

The revised option for high schools was created following feedback from parents and staff that provided for a better balance among comprehensive high school populations, LCPS said.

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In total, roughly 1,456 students will be impacted by the new school zones, which LCPS said is less than seven percent of the total district population.

Next semester, all LCPS students will receive a letter telling students which school they are zoned for and given instructions on the transfer process if applicable.

LCPS said siblings are not split between zones and students in 5th, 8th, 11th and 12th grade are allowed to continue to stay at their current schools, regardless of new zones with their siblings.

In addition, students who are rostered in a New Mexico Activities Association-sanctioned activity or sport at their current school will not need to complete a transfer application, LCPS said.

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The district launched the new school zones to address the overcrowding in East Mesa schools, to balance enrollment at high schools, and to plan the opening of the new Columbia Elementary School, LCPS said.

LCPS said the district was also focused on improving transportation, long-term growth, and the potential construction of new schools along U.S. Highway 70.

As we continue to monitor our numbers, LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz said. The adjustment could affect incoming kindergarten, 6th, or 9th grade students to minimize the impact to the district. What we dont want is to wait too long to do this very important work; we need to be proactive for future planning.

For more information on the redistricting process or zones, you can visit LCPSs website here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
LE MARS, Iowa, (KCAU)  200 Kemps workers in Le Mars are joining the Teamsters union.

Teamsters Local 554, based out of Omaha, said in a Wednesday release that the Kemps workers voted to join the union.

Kemps is a dairy production facility headquartered in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, providing dairy products throughout the Midwest. Kemps is a subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), the largest milk co-operative in North America.

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There are 200 workers at the Le Mars Kemps who work in production, warehouse, and driving. The local Kemps workers are joining 1,800 other DFA Teamsters, the release said. The vote was part of a nationwide coordinated campaign at DFA locations.

Goose population threatens airplanes flying in and out of Sioux Falls

Teamsters Central Region International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 554 Danny Avelyn said they look forward to fighting alongside the Kemps workers.

The Teamsters are the only union that can get these hardworking men and women the best contract possible at DFA, and were honored that they chose to join our movement, Avelyn said in a statement in part.

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Joseph Morris, a member of the Kemps Teamsters Organizing Committee, said the hard work for the election paid off.

Everyone at this plant is looking forward to jumping right into bargaining so we can get the wages, health care, and safety that we deserve, Morris added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Hoffmann, the Danish subsidiary of Veidekke, has entered into a strategic four-year framework agreement with the Danish Building and Property Agency for design-and-build projects.

The agreement, commencing in 2025, is expected to have a total volume of DKr6bn ($841m).

Hoffmann will aim to ensure safe and efficient construction project execution, promoting a collaborative approach with fewer contracts and interfaces.

The agreement allows for all construction projects valued at over Dkr3m to be executed under this framework.

This strategic move is anticipated to streamline processes for the Danish state's largest property company, which is responsible for developing premises for the police, universities, courts, and central administration.

Each project falling under this agreement will be accounted for in Veidekke's order book during the quarter it is signed.

Danish Building and Property Agency acting director Signe Primdal Lyndrup said: We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Hoffmann.

It is an important milestone for the Building and Property Agency, and we look forward to entering into a cooperation model where we find good solutions together, and where learning can be transferred from project to project, with a focus on delivering buildings to the agreed budget, time and quality.

Hoffmann CEO Torben Bjrk Nielsen said: The agency is pioneering new forms of trust-based collaboration, featuring a precise execution model which ensures that we can supply buildings to the agreed budget, quality and time - thus succeeding together.

Prior to this, Nordr chose Veidekke to construct an environmentally certified residential block in Trondheim, Norway.

Last month, Veidekke secured a major contract from Fornebubanen for the construction of new metro stations at Lysaker and Vker in Norway.

"Veidekkes Hoffmann signs framework agreement for design-and-build projects" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




Sahra Wagenknecht, the leader of the new eponymous German populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) has distanced herself from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I condemn this war," Wagenknecht told German public broadcaster ZDF on Thursday. "I consider politicians who start wars - and that also applies to Vladimir Putin - to be criminals."

Wagenknecht is known for her opposition to German military support for Ukraine and has expressed pro-Russian sentiments in the past.

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Speaking to ZDF, she nonetheless defended the decision to leave Germany's lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, along with her party ahead of a speech given by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in June.

She said there was no opportunity for a debate at that time and that Zelensky was only to receive "standing ovations," despite having recently ordered a drone attack on Russian nuclear forces using drones. That was "very negligent," Wagenknecht commented.

The BSW, which was founded last year on a platform combining left-wing economic policy with hard-right positions on issues such as migration, is polling at around 8%.
Mitchel and Bonnie shortly before their 1973 disappearance. The pair haven't been heard from since. - Credit: www.mitchelandbonnie.com

A renewed push by New York police investigators to solve the nations oldest missing-teens case has yielded significant new leads  including the possibility of previously unknown witnesses to their disappearance, Rolling Stone has learned.

For the first time in the history of the 51-year-old cold case, special investigators from the New York State Police have joined with the Sullivan County Sheriffs Office to interview a Rhode Island man who has provided new information about the case of the missing youths  two Brooklyn high schoolers named Mitchel Weiser, 16, and 15-year-old Bonnie Bickwit.

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As detailed in a 2023 Rolling Stone investigation, the couple vanished in July 1973 in connection with one of the biggest rock concerts in history: Summer Jam, featuring the Grateful Dead, the Band, and the Allman Brothers, held in Watkins Glen, N.Y.

Allyn Smith, a 74-year-old retired jewelry-manufacturing worker, tells Rolling Stone he was stunned when two New York investigators from the State Police and Sullivan County Sheriff showed up unannounced at his Rhode Island home right before Labor Day weekend.

Smith says he had thought the case was resolved years ago based on the information he provided in 2000, when he voluntarily responded to a cable-TV episode seeking the publics help 27 years after the couple disappeared.

At the time, Smith told a New York State Police investigator and this reporter that he and the teens  whom he had never met before  were hitchhiking home from Watkins Glen hours before the concert ended and were picked up by a driver in an orange Volkswagen. On their way home, the van pulled off the highway near a river so the group could cool off on this hot summer day. Smith said Bonnie accidentally fell into the river. Mitchel jumped in after her. They were never seen again.

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I thought you guys had closed the case, Smith says he told the investigators. They answered, No, its always been open. But now were investigating with fresh eyes on it.

During the interview, Smith says, he provided new information, revealing there were two previously unmentioned hitchhikers in the back of the van that picked them up in Watkins Glen on July 28, 1973.

Smith says that the two other hitchhikers in the back were older, perhaps in their midtwenties. He did not talk to them. They stayed in the van the whole time and did not go down to the river. They never got up or anything, Smith says. They were all covered up with sleeping bags and blankets.

He also offered new information about the river site: an area off the highway with rocks that served as a spot where locals gathered to cool off during the summer. He said about 25 people had witnessed the teens being swept into the river. Everybody watched it, Smith says. Everybody saw it. These details can assist investigators in narrowing a search for unclaimed bodies, officials say.

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Asked why he didnt mention this information 24 years ago, Smith replied, To tell you the truth, I never thought about it.

Smiths wife, Francis, tells Rolling Stone the incident had a profound effect on her husband, and that he immediately told several friends about it upon returning home in 1973. He was shaken by it, she says, adding that he provided investigators with the names of those friends.

Meanwhile, state-police experts from the Major Crimes and Cold Case units, working with the county detective, are also interviewing relatives and friends of the teens, reviewing old information, assessing new leads, and are planning to use social media to reach fans of the bands and Summer Jam, which attracted 600,000 music lovers from across the country.

The state police are actively collaborating with the Sullivan County Sheriffs Office on this case, New York State Police Lt. Col. Paul DeQuartro tells Rolling Stone. Together, we have been thoroughly investigating every lead and remain committed to following all developments to their conclusion.

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The upgraded joint investigation follows a series of articles in Rolling Stone exposing decades of incompetence and neglect in handling the case. In response, New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul directed state-police experts to assist the county in thoroughly reviewing the case and chasing down all leads.

We hope that this work will uncover new leads or overlooked information that will help solve this case and give their families and friends the answers they deserve, a Hochul spokesperson said in 2023.

It seems like theres certainly an increased effort to pull the case wide open and take a fresh look at what appears to be significant new information, retired state-police investigator Roy Streever, who worked on the case 25 years ago, tells Rolling Stone.

Family and friends have renewed hope that this enhanced effort will definitively reveal what happened to Bickwit and her boyfriend Weiser, two beloved, talented, honor students who attended John Dewey High School in Brooklyn.

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I am feeling thankful to Gov. Hochul and New York investigators for reopening the case involving the disappearance of my only sister, Bonnie, says Sheryl Kagen, who was recently interviewed by two state-police investigators. I would like to have real answers and an actual memorial service.

This is exciting and amazing, adds Michele Festa, Bonnies best friend in high school, after two New York State Police investigators recently interviewed her for several hours. Police took Festas sweet-16 photo album  photos mostly taken by Weiser. It was likely the last sweet-16 party Mitchel and Bonnie ever went to. They said they are interviewing many people, says Festa. Oh, my god, I couldnt believe it.

Michele Festas sweet 16, which Bonnie attended with Mitchel

In fact, investigators have several other theories to review. One concerns a 63-year-old Florida woman who told police 10 years ago that as a child, she saw her father bury Weiser in connection with what she believed was a child sex-trafficking ring. Her family had lived in Steuben County, about 20 minutes from the concert site.

Another theory involves notorious 1970s New York serial killer Robert Garrow, who was driving an orange Volkswagen that summer. A third involves a convicted murderer serving a life sentence in a Maryland prison.

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Investigators also recently contacted Maurice Schickler, a psychic who 24 years ago told authorities and this reporter he believes the teens were murdered, and that the names Wayne, Wade, and Willie were connected to the story. (More recently, a woman named Sarah Saunders, who used to live in Steuben County, told Rolling Stone that 10 years ago, another psychic told her there were two young people buried on her property. Saunders then lived in the town of Wayne with her husband, Wade.)

I told [investigators] I know where their bodies are buried, Schickler tells Rolling Stone. If they invite me to come, Id be delighted to help.

Stuart Karten, Weisers high school best friend who has been seeking answers for 51 years and operates the site www.mitchelandbonnie.com, says hes excited about the augmented initiative.

Finally, we have an investigation that is combing through all the past leads, and most importantly, with a new set of fresh eyes, Karten says. I am still hopeful after 50 plus years that this can bring closure to all the friends and families.

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EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  The American Red Cross of Illinois will be hosting the 20th annual 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive on Thursday.

Jayce Eustice, the regional communication manager for the American Red Cross of Illinois, said they have seen thousands of donations over the last 20 years and hope to see the number grow.

We love to continue to grow this drive as it happens each and every year, Eustice said.

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Red Cross says blood donations are Critically Needed

He said the donation process is very safe and simple for first-time donors.

It will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Missouri historian Tom Rafiner grew up in Jackson County, within the Burnt District boundaries, but the event was never referenced in public schools. The monument behind him was part of a chimney, the only portion of hundreds of homes that remained standing following the destruction by fire. (Frank Barthell photo)

Hidden stories in plain sight

This two-week series delves into the history and legacy of the Kansas-Missouri border war.

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Ive lived in Lawrence since 1987, so I consider myself a fully vetted Jayhawk. For what Im about to write, however, I might be refused service at the Free State Brewery or permanently banned from Massachusetts Street.

I owe the state of Missouri an apology.

Working on this Border War series led me to Harrisonville, Missouri, to learn about General Order No. 11. Just four days after William Quantrill and his murderous guerillas left Lawrence, Union Gen. Thomas Ewing Jr. issued a decree ordering 25,000 Missouri residents to abandon their homes in the space of two weeks.

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For decades after learning the full scale of Quantrills Massacre, I assured myself that no acts of violence by Union troops or Kansas Jayhawkers in Missouri would justify Quantrills attack on my city. I had no clue about General Order No. 11; had never heard of Missouris Burnt District. Most people still havent.

Missouri historian Tom Rafiner has written both a moving intimate account and a well-documented history entitled Cinders and Silence: A Chronicle of Missouris Burnt District, 1854-1870. Apparently, many people use the massacre for excusing their ignorance about what took place in Missouri during that time period.

The Lawrence Raid has seemingly justified all that came before and all that followed, Rafiner writes.

General Order No. 11 reads: All persons living in Jackson, Cass, Bates Counties, Missouri, and in that part of Vernon included in this district  are hereby ordered to remove from their present places of residence within fifteen days from the date hereof.

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The formal order included residents of the northern section of Vernon County, but excluded residents who could prove their Union loyalty living within one mile of the city limits of several communities in these counties.

In June, I accompanied Rafiner on a short drive on Route 7 south from Pleasant Hill to Harrisonville. Here are some of his observations:

This is the route refugees would have followed to leave Cass County after the Order No. 11.  The average temperature would have been 95 to 102 degrees. It had not rained for six weeks. There were many ponds. Streams were pretty much dried up. The oxen pulling the carts were known to stampede once they caught a whiff of water. The refugees were not permitted to stop to get food or water  dust was everywhere. Children walking behind the carts wore kerchiefs to keep the dust from their eyes.  The Kansas 9th Cavalry was searching among the refugees for boys or men who might have ridden with Quantrill. If you were even suspected, you were shot on sight.

Its heartbreaking, but only after your anger subsides over the treatment of refugees by Union forces.

Historian Albert Castel wrote that Order No. 11 stands as the harshest treatment ever imposed on United States citizens under the plea of military necessity in our nations history. (Frank Barthell photo)

In July 1865, twenty-two hundred square miles of western Missouri lay totally destroyed, Rafiner wrote. Twenty-eight hundred farms as well as numerous towns and villages had disappeared in conflagration. Three and half counties along Missouris western border, once the home to almost forty-thousand civilians lay mostly devoid of humans.  The western edge of Missouri transitioned from a storied national step westward to a burnt district. By 1870, now repopulated, less than one in five of the burnt districts residents had any personal memory of the burnt districts Civil War history.

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In a letter home in October 1863, a federal soldier wrote: Chimneys mark the spot where once stood costly farmhouses, cattle and feral hogs destroying large fields of corn, prairie fires are burning up miles of good fencing.

A Union officer at the time, Missouri artist George Caleb Bingham tagged Ewings edict a crime against humanity.

A replica of his painting Martial Law hangs in Kirk Hall in the Kansas City Central Library.

It took nearly 150 years. But a memorial was finally established. On April 26, 2009, the Burnt District Monument was dedicated just west of Harrisonville.

Carol Bohl, then executive director of the Cass County Historical Society, said: When we come to this place, let us listen with respect to the stories of both Missourian and Kansan. Bushwhacker and Jayhawker. Union and Confederate.

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My apology to Missouri isnt simply for my ignorance. More to the point, I felt no curiosity or empathy about the states border war experience.

But as Civil War historian David Schafer has written, Certainly, there were no saints on either side of the conflict. But I have come to more deeply believe that the institution of slavery  with all of its shameful impacts and human misery  needs to be front and center when interpreting the history of that era.

Heres what I learned in my time in the Burnt District with Tom Rafiner. I hate, condemn and accept no excuses for the practice of slavery in Missouri. In the end, residents paid a very high price for accepting this evil in their state.

Yet I also feel compassion for the Missouri people who suffered so terribly for so many years. To feel both simultaneously? It is not only possible. Its human, and a valuable skill for navigating through todays political firestorms.

Frank Barthell is a former video producer at the University of Kansas. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
North Korea may dispatch more troops to Russia despite casualties, South Koreas National Intelligence told lawmakers during a briefing Thursday.

At least 100 North Korean soldiers died, and over 1,000 were injured during combat in Kursk, Russia, South Korean lawmaker Lee Sung-kwon of the ruling party told reporters Thursday after a closed-door briefing with South Koreas National Intelligence.

U.S. and Ukrainian estimates suggest there are between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops currently inside Russia, with their focus on the Kursk region. Ukrainian and American officials now say North Korean forces are actively engaged in fighting and taking casualties.

PHOTO: This file photo shows North Korean soldiers marching during a rally on Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Sept. 9, 2018. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Ukrainian forces claim 'significant' casualties among North Koreans in Kursk

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The Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) this week reported at least 30 North Korean troops killed and wounded in Kursk.

South Koreas National Intelligence found evidence suggesting there were numerous North Korean casualties including senior officials during missile, drone attacks and drills, Lee said Thursday.

The reason why there were so many casualties despite a small number of battles is because North Korean soldiers were deployed as frontline shock troops in an unfamiliar open field and lack abilities to respond to drones, Lee said.

PHOTO:North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to pay tribute on the 13th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death, in Pyongyang, North Korea, Dec. 17, 2024, in this photo released Dec. 18, 2024. (Kcna/via Reuters)

MORE: North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk adapting after 'serious losses,' Ukraine says

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There are complaints from the Russian army that North Korean soldiers are becoming a burden due to their ignorance in drones, Lee added after the briefing.

ABC News' David Brennan and Ellie Kaufman contributed to this report.

At least 100 North Korean soldiers killed, 1,000 injured in fighting in Russia, South Korean intelligence says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
At least 100 North Korean troops have been killed while fighting for Russia against Ukraine, a South Korean lawmaker said after an intelligence briefing, the BBC reported on Dec. 19.

Another 1,000 of Pyongyang's soldiers have been injured, South Korean MP Lee Sung-kwon told reporters, connecting the high casualty rates to the lack of experience with terrain and drone warfare.

The comments come after an undisclosed U.S. official estimated for the media that "a couple of hundred" of North Korean troops have been injured or killed since joining combat earlier this month.

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Pyongyang has dispatched over 10,000 of its soldiers to help oust Ukrainian troops fighting in Russia's Kursk Oblast since early August, Kyiv and Western officials said.

"Within the Russian military, complaints have reportedly surfaced that the North Korean troops, due to their lack of knowledge about drones, are more of a burden than an asset," Lee Sung-kwon said in comments quoted by the BBC.

After reporting initial but limited clashes with North Korean troops in the fall, Ukraine said that in December, Russia also began using the soldiers in ground assaults.

The full extent of North Korean losses might be hard to ascertain, as President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia is trying to hide the casualties.

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Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder confirmed on Dec. 16 that North Korean personnel had engaged in combat operations alongside Russian troops in Kursk Oblast and suffered their first losses.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Couple hundred North Korean troops lost fighting for Russia against Ukraine, AP reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
RAMALLAH (Reuters) - At least six Palestinians were killed in separate incidents in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, including militant fighters and an 80 year-old woman shot in the chest by Israeli forces, the Palestinian health ministry said.

The latest deaths add to a growing toll in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza more than a year ago triggered a surge in violence that has killed hundreds of Palestinians and dozens of Israelis.

In Tulkarm, in the north of the West Bank, four Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on a vehicle, the ministry said. The Tulkarm Brigade, an umbrella group representing different militant factions, said the four killed were fighters and that their deaths would not affect its commitment.

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The Israeli military confirmed it had carried out a joint operation with the Shin Bet security service in Tulkarm but gave no other details.

Separately, the ministry said two Palestinians, including an 80 year-old woman, were killed when they were fired on by Israeli troops carrying out a raid in the Balata refugee camp near the West Bank city of Nablus.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the militant group Islamic Jihad, said in a statement they were battling Israeli forces in both Balata and Tulkarm, where they said they hit an Israeli armoured bulldozer with a hidden explosive device.

(Reporting by Ali Sawafta and Jana Choukeir; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Rosalba O'Brien)
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is asking President Joe Biden to engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping to allow pending adoptions from the Peoples Republic of China to move forward after the country ceased international adoptions in September.

More than 160,000 children have been adopted from China since the early 1990s, as the nations draconian one-child policy forced families to abandon children. About half have come to the United States. As the countrys economy grew and birth rate slowed, international adoptions have declined.

Chinas Foreign Ministry announced in September it would suspend international adoptions, to be in line with the spirit of relevant international conventions. Now, only blood relatives may adopt a child or stepchild from China. The decision comes as officials are seeking to reverse sharply declining birth rates.

Gov. Bill Lee speaks during Tennessees 2024 Electoral College at the State Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.

The suspension indefinitely delayed adoptions of more than 260 children across the United States, including a several Tennessee families who were in the middle of the adoption process.

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Chinas decision to end international adoptions is within its purview under the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, but Lee and the governors are urging action to allow adoptions already in process to continue.

Lee on Wednesday led a group of 33 governors in a letter urging Biden to engage with China on the matter.

Hundreds of prospective adoptive families across 44 U.S. states have been left in a state of uncertainty since this announcement, Lee and others wrote. We implore you to engage President Xi directly on this critical issue and ensure our governments work together to fulfill commitments made to these children and families.

Today, I'm leading a bipartisan coalition of governors in calling on @POTUS to take diplomatic action to impress upon the Chinese government the need to honor pending adoptions. https://t.co/AioK9VtPkj pic.twitter.com/sjddAdnigv  Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 18, 2024

Lee was joined in the letter by governors of: Alabama, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

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Dozens of families, including twelve Tennessee families, are ready and willing to open their homes to these children with medical and emotional needs, and most have waited nearly five years to complete the adoption process, Lee said in a statement. We are asking President Biden to take diplomatic action to impress upon the Chinese government the need to fulfill the humanitarian commitment already in place and honor pending adoptions.

Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com or on X at @Vivian_E_Jones.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Lee urges Biden to act suspension of China's foreign adoption program
During an emotionally charged meeting in which residents and members of the Stafford Board of Supervisors alike described how the board had broken its trust with the community, the woman at the center of the issue received numerous personal apologies for the wrong done to her by the board.

The Board of Supervisors also disciplined a fellow member blamed for causing the wrongdoing. The actions are part of a story of how someone interested in serving her community ended up being the subject of false accusations, but wasnt given an explanation, or the chance to defend herself, until months afterward.

Stafford resident Mary Becelia was appointed by the county as a citizen representative on the Central Rappahannock Library Board in January 2023. She was removed from the board in July and told by a library trustee that it was because of misconduct, Becelia recounted in her remarks to the board Tuesday.

Five fellow residents, including her husband and son, as well as members of the Board of Supervisors also detailed the process in public for the first time. Becelia described the ordeal in detail, including her many attempts to determine what had happened.

The board would not answer my emails or the certified letter I sent nor provide me with any explanation, Becelia said. I am but the avatar for any citizen who gets caught in the crosshairs of motives and reasons, that even to this day have yet to be explained.

The reasons were politically motivated, Chair Meg Bohmke said Tuesday. Before the board voted to censure fellow Supervisor Monica Gary for providing inaccurate and misleading information about Becelia, Bohmke read a statement blasting Gary.

The boards continued investigation uncovered these motives from Supervisor Gary were political in nature and related to her upcoming reelection and gaining support from the Democratic committee, Bohmke stated. The misconduct she previously shared with the board, in fact, was a fabrication from Supervisor Gary.

Gary was the Board of Supervisors representative on the library panel until fellow board members removed her and replaced her with Supervisor Pamela Yeung.

Gary said on Tuesday that Board of Supervisors' members were punishing her for making her colleagues look bad and that various actions the board was taking violated state and federal laws.

Public trust is broken because you broke it, Gary told her fellow members. The public doesnt trust because this board is untrustworthy and has shown themselves not to be so, and this is not the only incident.

Gary then alleged that another board member had cursed at county employees at a recent holiday party, telling them to get the g**damn lights lit right now. The fellow member called that a lie and demanded that Bohmke restore order.

In the end, board members voted 5-1 to censure Gary for her actions, including the use of abusive, intimidating or threatening language, according to the resolution read by Vice Chair Tinesha Allen.

The board took the disciplinary action even further by removing Gary from all local and regional boards, authorities, commissions and committees to which she had been assigned. The resolution encouraged Gary to conform her behavior to the standards of the boards performance code or face additional discipline and reprimand as permissible by Virginia law.

Gary was not allowed to vote on the matter. Yeung abstained because she wanted to remove Gary from the library board, but not the other committee assignments.

The actions that started with Becelias removal and escalated into a formal censure of Gary clearly gave the whole board a black eye. No one described that better than Robert Calvert, Becelias son, who recalled that Bohmke spoke at his Eagle Scout ceremony and encouraged him to enter public service.

He said hes been doing that, but the recent events involving his mother have given him an unexpected lesson.

What I have seen has shaken me and my faith in local government  (which) has been damaged, and I suspect yours has, too, by seeing this political body made up of people who are literally our neighbors, acting in a manner that has been profoundly damaging to one of their constituents, someone who is entirely innocent, Calvert said. Being unfairly accused of wrongdoing could just as easily happen to anyone who steps up to volunteer for our county.

Supervisor Deuntay Diggs, a lieutenant with the Stafford Sheriffs Office, also was dismayed by what had happened.

I am deeply sorry and I am embarrassed, he told Becelia and her family, adding that he thought he could believe those who sit on the board with him. If I cant trust the leadership in this community, then who can I trust? We need to think about that.

Gary pointed out that Bohmke was supposed to email Becelia after the resident was removed from the library board. Bohmke took responsibility for not doing that. She also said there were various reasons she was not allowed to contact Becelia which she would not discuss publicly.

The board also voted unanimously to strike all references to the word misconduct from the official meeting notes regarding Becelias removal from the library board.

As other residents praised Becelia for her integrity, dedication and fondness of all the services the library system provides, resident Jody Blakely Webb said she did appreciate the boards apology.

But I really wish we hadnt come to this point, she said. If we want community volunteers, we cant get better than Mary, and we need to have transparency and  be very careful about the words that we state in public records.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  There are explosive new developments in the legal showdown over who gets to appoint the next St. Louis County Prosecutor: the Missouri Governor or the St. Louis County Executive.

Republican Gov. Mike Parson has appointed long-time assistant county prosecutor Melissa Price-Smith to the post.

Democrat St. Louis County Executive Sam Page has appointed Cort VanOstran, a former assistant U.S. attorney and Democrat congressional candidate.

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Both candidates for the job appeared before the St. Louis County Councils Committee of the Whole Tuesday night. Price-Smith dropped a bombshell revelation, saying that during the interview process with Pages selection committee, she was asked to do something she refused to do.

I was also asked to find dirt on a county council member, she said. When I refused, I received another call that I was to try harder.

Councilman Dennis Hanock asked, Would it be safe to assume that since you didnt follow those instructions, that probably has something to do with why you didnt receive the (Page) appointment?

I have no idea why Dr. Page didnt give me the appointment. Apparently, he thought a better choice was Dr. VanOstran, Price-Smith responded.

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A spokesman for Page told FOX 2, We have no idea what Ms. Smith is talking about.

VanOstran was ready to work with all attorneys on the staff, including Price-Smith, the spokesman said.

Wednesday brought courtroom fireworks as a lawsuit filed by the governor against the county executive went before St. Louis County Circuit Judge Brian May. He listened to arguments representing Page and St. Louis County, as well as Parson and the State of Missouri, for a little more than an hour.

The state government ultimately gets to control who makes that choice, and the general assembly has made the choice by passing a statute that says the governor will appoint all replacements for midterm vacancies for the attorney general, prosecuting attorneys, and circuit attorneys, Assistant Missouri Attorney General Andrew Crane said, arguing for the governor.

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Neal Perryman, arguing for the county executive, added, We would ask that the court find in favor of the county and declare that the county has the power to make the selection of the next prosecuting attorney. Throughout Missouri history until now, the governor has never asserted the authority to appoint the prosecuting attorney of a charter county.

May took Perryman to task.

Perryman pointed out in the past that perhaps governors and county executives simply worked out a decision instead of fighting in court. .

You agree with that; youve witnessed that; have you ever witnessed that in your time? the judge asked.

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That people agree with each other? Sure, Perryman responded.

I think youre being a little sarcastic, May said.

No, no, no, no, no, insisted Perryman.

No, I think you are, quipped May.

Section 5 of the St. Louis County Charter explicitly states, A vacancy in the office of Prosecuting Attorney shall be filled by the County Executive, subject to confirmation by the Council.

Missouris Revised Statutes (105.050) say, The Governor, upon being satisfied that such a vacancy exists (including prosecutors), shall appoint some competent person to fill the same until the next regular election.

The functions that have traditionally been state power remain state power because the legislature did not choose to yield them to the county, Crane argued.

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May said his ruling would come quickly, noting that appeals were likely and that current prosecutor Wesley Bell would be leaving the job by Jan. 3, when he is sworn in as a newly elected member of Congress.

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State Rep. Joshua Siegel (D-Lehigh) is running for Lehigh County executive. (Contributed photo)

Democratic state Rep. Joshua Siegel announced Tuesday he is running for Lehigh County executive.

The winner of the county executive race would take over from term-limited Democratic County Executive Phillips Armstrong, for whom Siegel served as director of communications.

Siegel, who represents the 22nd Legislative District covering part of Allentown and neighboring Salisbury Township, was first elected to the state House in 2022 and re-elected last month.

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The Lehigh Valley region is Pennsylvanias third largest metropolitan area and has transformed from a heavy industrial economy to a modern manufacturing hub, Siegel told the Capital-Star.

While he credits the Lehigh Valleys previous leaders for that success, Siegel, 31, said he believes its time for a new generation of leadership in the county executives office. He said he would use the office to ensure Lehigh County remains affordable and offers a high quality of life.

I want to make sure we are addressing the results of our success, Siegel said, noting that the region is experiencing a shortage of affordable housing, threats to farmland and open space from development and rising local taxes.

Siegel said he would promote regional strategies for smart growth to promote the development of multi-use, walkable communities and a housing production fund to provide revolving financing for affordable housing. He would also promote regionalization of municipal services including police, fire and ambulance services to reduce municipal taxes.

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In the wake of the 2024 election where Republicans made gains in areas historically dominated by Democrats, Siegal said his party has an opportunity to regain voters confidence by demonstrating an ability to meet their needs on the local level.

Its a natural place to reach out to those people who are disaffected, Siegel said.

If Siegel is elected county executive, it would set up a special election in the state House for early 2026. Siegel said hes confident that would not put the House Democratic Caucus one-seat majority in peril. Siegels district leans heavily Democratic, with Siegel winning 64% of the vote in 2022 and running unopposed this year.

State Rep. Dan Miller (D-Allegheny) has also announced he is running for an Allegheny County Common Pleas Court seat in 2025.
The Lenexa Police Department is searching for a man who was caught on camera assaulting a teenage retail employee Wednesday afternoon, along with his accomplice.

The battery took place at discount department store  of  Brand Name Clothing, located at 8800 Marshall Drive in Lenexa.

Lenexa police released a video of the attack from store surveillance footage around 1:50 p.m. Tuesday. The man, wearing black pants and a black hoodie, is shown running up to the employee from behind and punching him in the head.

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The video then shows the suspect, along with a second identically dressed man, leaving the store. Police believe both men fled the scene in a white, newer-model Nissan Altima.

Can You Help Us Identify These Individuals? Were seeking information about two individuals involved in an incident where a 15-year-old store employee was battered. This occurred at a retailer in the 8800 block of Marshall Drive.



The suspects were observed acting suspiciously pic.twitter.com/J5NwS2nDhJ  Lenexa Police (@LenexaPolice) December 18, 2024

The 15-year-old employee has not been publicly named. Police believe the attack was unprovoked.

The suspects were observed acting suspiciously inside the store before one of them unexpectedly punched the employee in the back of the head, the Lenexa Police Department wrote on social media Wednesday afternoon.

 of  Brand Name Clothing declined to comment on the incident.

Weve turned it over to the police and theyre taking it from here, a store manager told The Star.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
After seven months of work to for a union and negotiate a new contract, New Lenox District 122 support staff signed an agreement Tuesday that some believe will help workers such as custodians and school nurses feel more valued.

Rachel Tuley, a paraprofessional at Arnold J. Tyler Elementary School, said after years of feeling underappreciated and underpaid, an untenable insurance change approved as part of the most recent teacher contract drove support staff to unionize.

People were going to be underwater, said Tuley, president of the New Lenox Professional Support Staff Council of the Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 604. People are so desperate at this point that they would even say yes to (a union), something they said no to for literally decades.

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Tuley said shes grateful they did, as the contract approved by the school board Tuesday provides raises that make up for their 4.3% increase in insurance premiums. The contract awards raises of 6%, 5.3% and 5% over the next three fiscal years, according to the district.

It also established minimum tier wage rates based on a tiered system centering on years of service and education. If after their 6% raise, an existing employees wage was still below the new minimums, the employee was adjusted up to the new established minimum, according to the district.

I feel like we did better than what anybody could have expected, especially being with the administration, having a brand new union, making a brand new contract from the ground up  it was not an easy process, she said.

District 122 support staff are historically among the lowest paid in the area, according to the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Bargaining for the contract began in August, with little progress being made as recently as late last month, when the union rallied at the school district office ahead of a meeting.

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Tuley said progress came from the unions commitment to working toward a common goal in spite of disagreements, as support staff represent a wide range of district employees. Conversations with the district also remained civil and productive, Tuley said, allowing them to develop a contract that made as many people happy as possible.

I think that a big problem is a negotiating team that isnt listening to each other and actually working for their members and not themselves, Tuley said. And also with an administration that will budge at all  I think that sometimes it does take a little action in order to get them to budge.

District 122 Superintendent Lori Motsch said in a statement to the Daily Southtown that the two parties were able to settle an agreement because both shared a vision of using available resources to offer competitive compensation, reflecting a mutual goal of attracting and retaining high-quality support staff.

The district plans to make support staff feel valued and appreciated by continuing to prioritize fair and competitive compensation while ensuring fiscal responsibility to the community, Motsch added. Moving forward, we will focus on open communication and ongoing recognition of their essential contributions to our schools.

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Tuesdays board meeting ended with the approval of the contract, which was passed around to be signed by each board member as well as Tuley, who was given a seat at the table. Parents, teachers and support staff applauded along with the board once the document had all its required signatures.

Motsch congratulated the union for its milestone achievement of ratifying its first contract.

You have so much dedication to your members, and although you will not miss spending Monday nights together (negotiating), you did great work, Motsch said.

ostevens@chicagotribune.com
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine gives the State of the State Address, January 31, 2023, in the House Chamber at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.)

Advocates condemned Ohio lawmakers for passing another anti-LGBTQ bill as the General Assembly wrapped up late Wednesday night, urging Gov. Mike DeWine to veto the legislation, though DeWine has indicated he will sign it.

The Ohio Senate passed House Bill 8 and the Ohio House concurred with changes made to the bill, sending it to DeWines desk. He will have 10 days to either sign the bill into law or veto it, once he receives it. DeWine has indicated he favors the legislation.

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The controversial bill requires educators to out a students sexuality to their parents, requires public schools to let parents know about sexuality content materials ahead of time so they can request alternative instructions, and requires school districts to create a mandatory religious release time policy.

We are deeply disappointed that the legislature decided once again to attack LGBTQIA+ youth by passing yet another bill that will make schools less safe and inclusive for queer and transgender people, Kaleidoscope Youth Center, an organization that serves LGBTQIA+ youth, said in a statement.

TransOhio said passing H.B. 8 is a harmful step backward for students.

By requiring a religious release program and restricting discussions on gender and sexuality, the law imposes a narrow worldview on public education and limits teachers ability to provide inclusive, fact-based instruction, TransOhio said in a statement. By mandating the reporting of students assumed gender identities and behaviors to parents, the law breaches student privacy, erodes trust, and puts vulnerable children at risk of harm.

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Those who supported H.B. 8 called it the Parents Bill of Rights, but those who opposed it called it the Dont Say Gay Bill, due to its similar language to Floridas Dont Say Gay law that passed in 2022.

While this bill is presented as a Parents Bill of Rights, its provisions pose significant risks to the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth and raise troubling questions about the separation of church and state in public education, Stonewall Columbus said in a statement.

The Ohio Education Association said this bill will take time away from educators being able to teach students and will create more challenges for marginalized students.

It unnecessarily entangles state government in regulating communications between parents and educators, sowing distrust rather than fostering the collaboration needed to ensure all students can learn, grow, and thrive, OEA President Scott DiMauro said in a statement.

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The bill, which underwent several changes since it was first introduced in February 2023, received much opposition.

Despite the outcry from hundreds of students, parents, and social workers, conservatives want to broaden curriculum censorship, weaken current civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and impose new disclosure and alternative curriculum mandates on teachers and counselors, Lauren Blauvelt, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, said in a statement.

These requirements would create conflicting, burdensome obligations for educators, making it overly difficult for them to comply, Blauvelt said.

The Ohio Center for Sex Education said this bill is at odds with studies that show comprehensive sexuality education programs reduce the rates of sexual activity, sexual risk behaviors, sexually transmitted infections, and adolescent pregnancy.

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This bills vague language creates an environment of fear and division, putting LGBTQ+ students at risk and eroding the trust that educators work hard to build with their students and families, Jenna Wojdacz, the centers assistant vice president, said in a statement.

Equality Ohio, along with several other organizations, is asking DeWine to veto the bill.

Overnight when most school-age children are asleep, the legislature rushed through another shameful attack on LGBTQ+ youth, Equality Ohio Executive Director Dwayne Steward said in a statement.

LifeWise Academy, a Hilliard-based religious instruction program, celebrated the passage of H.B. 8.

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Families understand the benefits of Bible-based character education during school hours, given the increasing demand for our program in communities throughout Ohio and the country, LifeWise CEO Joel Penton said in a statement.

LifeWise enrolls 50,000 students across 29 states, including about 160 Ohio school districts.

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A 25-year-old woman and her 26-year-old acquaintance were both convicted and sentenced to life in prison by a German court on Thursday in a case dubbed the "doppelganger murder" by the press.

The woman had searched for people online who looked like her, and then arranged to meet the 23-year-old victim whom she killed her with the help of a 26-year-old male acquaintance.

The apparent aim of the woman's deadly lookalike scheme was to fake her own death in order to escape her family and start a new life.

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"This is a disturbing act," presiding judge Konrad Kliegl said in announcing the verdict in the southern German city of Ingolstadt.

The main defendant, a 25-year-old German-Iraqi woman, was ruled to have committed a particularly serious murder, a decision which means she is very unlikely to be released from prison on probation in 15 years, as is typical.

The woman had also instructed a man to kill her brother-in-law, the court found. The crime did not take place, but the woman was nevertheless convicted of attempted incitement to murder.

In August 2022, the accused German-Iraqi woman and her co-defendant, a Kosovar, allegedly drove to the victim's home in Eppingen, in south-west Germany, under false pretences.

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They drove with the victim toward Ingolstadt. They are then said to have killed the woman during a stopover in the Heilbronn area; the forensic doctors found 56 stab wounds.

The victim's body was eventually discovered in the main defendant's car in Ingolstadt.

The defendant supposedly wanted to frame the death as her own in order to go into hiding because of disputes involving her family, the public prosecutor said.

The defence lawyers had called for their clients to be acquitted, arguing that the crime has in fact not been solved despite the trial lasting almost a year.

They also raised doubts about the investigators' doppelganger theory, saying that the defendant and the victim did not in fact look alike.
The Supreme Court is fast-tracking arguments over the law that could ban TikTok in the United States if the Chinese-owned social media platform isnt sold to a U.S. company.

Those arguments will take place on January 10th before a January 19th deadline, one day before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

The case is pitting the Constitutions protection of free speech against the governments national security concerns.

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The clock is now ticking for Massachusetts content creators who are worried theyll soon be stripped of their livelihoods.

Its marketers. Its social media managers. Its people in hospitality and business owners. Its going to be a domino effect of who this really hurts, said Shell Rodriguez, social media manager with Xenia Greek Hospitality.

Rodriguez said small businesses thrive on TikTok thanks to an algorithm that evaluates each video independently.

You can really get a viral video way easier on this platform compared to Facebook or Instagram or YouTube, " she said. With the ban, youre really taking away the magic of getting your brand out there.

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The United States represents TikToks biggest market with over 170 million users on the platform.

95 percent of my business comes from TikTok, said Natick resident Kenneth Cadieux. TikTok is the lifeblood of my business, and if it goes away, that business disappears.

Cadieux also calls TikTok the nucleus of his business.

Hes sold more than 25,000 copies of his cookbook called Bite Sized after losing more than 500 pounds following weight loss surgery.

To dictate what apps were allowed to have on our phone is a gross overreach, he said. You ban TikTok today, what gets banned tomorrow?

Lawmakers believe TikTok raises national security concerns because of the span of user data available and the risk that the Chinese government could use the app to spread disinformation.

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It answers not to the United States Congress, not to the American public but to the Chinese communist party, said Massachusetts Congressman Jake Auchincloss.

Rep. Auchincloss helped draft the divestment law that the Supreme Court will be examining.

The bill quite simply says TikTok can remain open, but TikTok better obey U.S. law, he said. If the Supreme Court does its job, we should have new owners of TikTok by 2025.

President-elect Trump, who unsuccessfully attempted to ban TikTok during his first term in 2020, has changed his stance.

Hes promised to try and save the app from its potential ban after taking office on January 20th.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A letter circulating through Lincoln County has encouraged residents to track and report information about possibly undocumented people in the community, prompting a response from the county sheriffs office.

The letter, titled The Brown Round-Up Part 1, said Jan. 21, 2025 will mark the beginning of the largest round-up of brown illegals in our history. It encouraged readers to write down license plates of people who may be undocumented for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, presumably after President-elect Donald Trump enters office.

It is not clear where the letter came from or who was behind its circulation. However, deputies said the letter was harmful, divisive, and inconsistent with the values we uphold as public servants and community members as it was meant to target people of color.

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Beaverton middle school evacuated after threats Wednesday afternoon

Targeting individuals in this manner erodes trust and undermines the sense of safety and inclusion that we strive to maintain in Lincoln County, officials said.

The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office also noted that Oregon law does not allow the inquiry of collection of a persons immigration or citizenship status, explaining that is why deputies do not document or share that kind of information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

One of the things we tell each person when they join our team is to do the right thing, officials said. We are encouraging our community members to do the right thing and use compassion as we encounter these types of messages.

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A photo of the full letter sent to the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office can be found below:

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LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo.  Six people face criminal charges after an infant recently died from exposure to meth and fentanyl in Lincoln County.

A Lincoln County grand jury returned an indictment last week for murder and endangering the welfare of a child against six individuals:

Dillon Clark

Gabriel Clark

Adam Hausermann

Evan Hausermann

Selena Rodriguez

Shawna Walton

Adam Hausermann remains at large. The other five are currently in custody in Lincoln County on a $500,000 cash-only bond.

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According to a Facebook post from Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney Mike Wood, those six individuals are accused in the death of a 49-day-old baby girl. Prosecutors now say the baby may have been dead for hours before first responders were called to the trailer park in August.

Once law enforcement responded to that scene, there was fentanyl all throughout the house, Wood said.

The autopsy showed the baby died due to fentanyl and meth but also had signs of previous abuse like broken ribs at various stages of healing and a brain bleed, he added.

Wood says that the United States Marshals Service executed early morning raids to arrest five of the six in a coordinated effort with the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office and St. Louis County Police Department.

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The investigation continues, so its strategic in the sense that we wanted to get all of them in hand at one time so they arent able to collaborate, Lincoln County Sheriff Richard Harrell said.

Those arrested include the childs father, Gabe Clark. The mother, Selena Rodriguez, is also charged with murder, even though it is not believed she was at the home when the child died. But Wood says investigators believe she knew there was drug use in the home and she still allowed the baby to go there.

We will pursue criminal charges as aggressively and as harshly as we possibly can in order to prevent these types of unnecessary deaths, he said.

In a report out just this year, the Missouri Department of Social Services and a subcommittee studied fentanyl deaths in children. It found that in 2022, the overall number of fentanyl-related child deaths nearly doubled. Deaths of children under 5 years old went up 500%, with 20 kids in that age group dying.

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Sheriff Harrell says kids in his county are at risk.

Weve identified over 500 residences where we know theres a history of narcotic activity, and we believe theres potentially as many as 1,000 children in our community that are currently at risk, he said.

As investigators look more into the drugs found on scene, additional charges could still be coming, according to Wood.

Anyone with information on Adam Hausermanns whereabouts should contact the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office at 636-528-8571.

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For the first time, the owner of a liquor store causing controversy in the Sherwood community is speaking out. Neighbors have been vocal in their opposition, urging city leaders to block the stores operation after months of efforts to prevent its opening.

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The liquor store, Als Alcohol, is located near a school, a church, and a childrens bookstore, raising concerns among locals. Despite these issues, George Freght, part-owner of Als Alcohol, says his goal is simply to run his business and serve customers, without causing trouble.

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We just want to open. We dont want any problems. Its a 100% retail liquor store. Were not doing anything illegal, said Freght.

Since opening, Freght has received 15 citations, each costing $250, for not meeting certain compliance requirements.

These violations include failing to submit a required distance survey, which mandates liquor stores be at least 500 feet away from schools, and not having the proper certificate of use. Freght said he is working to resolve these issues but feels the fines are unfair.

Ive been collecting all these receipts. They come every day, he explained. Its unnecessary.

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District 10 Councilwoman Jacoby Pittman has been a vocal opponent of the store, leading efforts to block its opening since May. Pittman, who represents the area, believes that while the zoning allows for liquor stores, the neighborhood already has two nearby stores. She is pushing for new legislation to prevent liquor businesses from opening in areas close to schools, churches, or family-oriented businesses.

I want to make sure were not allowing any more liquor stores near schools or churches, said Pittman. We need to develop legislation that is clear and effective to prevent this from happening again.

Pittman is also advocating for educational classes on zoning laws related to liquor stores.

Freght, however, remains determined to keep the store open and plans to have all necessary paperwork in order by his December 21 deadline.

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The House rejected a Republican plan to stave off a government shutdown on Thursday, hours after GOP members crafted a new spending proposal and President-elect Trump endorsed it.

The first plan, a bipartisan effort, went down in flames when it was opposed by many members and Trump.

Ahead of the vote, Democrats called the GOP plan laughable.

Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) handling of the end-of-year spending deal has thrown his future into uncertain territory ahead of a critical Jan. 3 Speaker vote. Trump and Elon Musk put heat on the Speaker when they publicly lobbied on Wednesday against the first plan.

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Trump expressed his support for the new deal, calling for lawmakers to vote in favor of the funding stopgap, which omits certain language regarding a Congress pay raise and other measures.

Follow along all day for the latest from Capitol Hill and beyond.

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BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  What started small through one local mans vision has turned into a quarter of a century in business.

Palo Creative in Boardman is a local creative and digital marketing agency started by its owner and CEO, Rob Palowitz, who was born in the Valley.

We started in 1999 from my home in Boardman and had four different office locations. It started out as actually a catalog boutique design shop, said Palowitz. In our industry, things change very fast. Were always trying to look around the corner. I always wanted to make sure we were innovative, even when it was just myself.

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Palo Creative is innovative, award-winning, and just celebrated 25 years in business.

Starting that way and progressing along, we started looking at web development, said Palowitz. We started looking at more of the advertising and marketing tactics rather than just design because it was too linear for me. I wanted to grow into something bigger and do it in Youngstown, Ohio.

Palowitz went away to school but promptly returned to Boardman. He prides himself on being local and loyal.

Obviously, we want to have something close to home, build some sort of legacy for your family. Build a great team where its great talent you have right here in town that they dont have to leave, said Palowitz. We evolved the business from design to marketing to advertising to web development. Weve always been at the forefront of that, adopting the latest trends. Always try to do everything in-house. Always try to use local printers and sign shops. Im proud to do that and Im proud to help support the local businesses here in town.

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Palowitz says he is also proud to now have his daughter in his business, which remains strong and has survived a quarter of a century because of the resiliency and passion of its team and its owner.

Weve dealt through a lot of things. You know, Y2K, 9/11, the 08 crash, now the pandemic. Theres just been a lot of things that weve weathered weve done well. We pivot quick, said Palowitz. Grit, perseverance, hard work, never quit and never, never give up. Those are some of the top things that I think about being a business owner  and reputation, what people think of us  very proud of that.

The most important thing at Palo Creative is what the team can do to provide extra service and take care of its clients.

Because they mean something to us because we build relationships, said Palowitz. Relationships to help our business owners do what they do best and thats grow their business.

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And the future remains bright at Palo Creative.

For the next 25 years, were going to be looking ahead with technology, with software. Thats one thing in our industry really going crazy. Youre constantly juggling, constantly researching new industries, digital marketing, said Palowitz. I compare it to being like a stockbroker because when you have digital marketing ads going, you constantly have to check. Being hands-on with metrics and analytics, we really dive in, taking advantage of software, then helping the client utilize that for their customers as well.

Being as seasoned as he is, Palowitz also knows what to do for those looking to grow or start their own business.

I think the main thing when youre looking to grow your business whether youre a small, medium, large business what you need to assess is, what are your goals? said Palowitz. In order to know where youre going, you have to know where youve been and also know the experience youve had along the way.

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Palo Creative boasts a strong team with years of knowledge and experience to help other businesses get where they need to be.

We come up with a strategy. We do a discovery. What makes your business different? Why should people care about your business? Whats going to move the needle for you? said Palowitz. We establish roles and establish how were going to best grow your business with the budget we have and everything is all put on a plan. Going in, there are no surprises. Were very interactive and tight with our clients. We never want them wondering. We want them to ask questions, but we also want them to be responsible for their time and managing things on their end.

So what will the next 25 years at Palo Creative bring to the Valley?

Youre never looking backward. Youre always looking forward. You know that windshield is a lot bigger than a rearview mirror, said Palowitz. Im always grateful for the people that Ive had in the beginning, the people along the way, the people in the present, and the people in the future.

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Palo Creative is located at 970 Windham Court, Suite 3 in Boardman. Call (330) 599-4141, and visit PaloCreative.com for more information. You can also follow the business on Facebook.

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Dec. 19Both the Decatur County and Rush County Community Foundation have received some very welcomed news; they have been awarded $5 million each from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative.

These are two of 30 implementation grants being awarded through GIFT VIII, a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations and their partners to strengthen quality of life for the people in the towns, cities, counties and regions they serve.

With the grant, DCCF will partner with local entities to address the serious lack of mental health resources in the community. The Decatur County Sheriff's Department and Jail Commander Mike Eggleston have already begun implementing an internationally recognized Crisis Intervention Training program, and now Eggleston will lead a grant-funded effort to identify additional existing mental health resources and determine what can be enhanced through the generosity of this award. He leads a committee of partners including the Community Healthcare Clinic, Board of Health, schools, Decatur County Memorial Hospital, Court Services and a handful of others.

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Tami Wenning, Executive Director of the Decatur County Community Foundation, said, "This is such a huge blessing to our community. Working with Mike (Eggleston) and the other people around the table to develop readily available resources to address the broad spectrum of mental health issues has been eye-opening. Knowing we've been awarded $5 million to use towards getting these measures in place is a game-changer!"

Thanks to this grant, RCCF will roll out a Rural Revitalization program to improve opportunities in Rush County's small towns and unincorporated areas with four main objectives. 1) To bring high speed internet to more homes and businesses by adding roughly 70 miles of middle-mile broadband infrastructure. 2) To eliminate blight and position properties for infill housing opportunities through an acquisition and demolition program. These efforts will also include offering owner-occupied rehabilitation grants to help homeowners remain in place and improve their residences. 3) To increase and enhance recreational opportunities including improvements to county playgrounds and the development of river access points for canoeing and kayaking. 4) To coordinate efforts with Rush County officials for oversight of county ordinances and code enforcement.

"We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for their investment in Rush County and for sharing our vision to improve our community," RCCF Executive Director Chris May said. "This award is validation of more than 14 months of focus and dedication from our staff, board, stakeholders, and county representatives. I hope this success indicates that our organization is focused every day on fulfilling our mission of cultivating resources to enhance life in Rush County."

RCCF developed its Rural Revitalization plan throughout 2023 and 2024. In addition to utilizing Lilly Endowment GIFT VIII Planning Grant funding for public input, RCCF incorporated 953 responses in Rush County's 2023-24 Comprehensive Plan public workshops, online public surveys, focus group discussions and open house conversations to identify the top issues facing Rush County and our county's top priorities.

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A resounding 81% of respondents agreed that broadband services should be improved throughout the county, making it a top priority. Facing a declining population, the Rush County Comprehensive Plan ranked a strategic blight elimination program to bring properties onto the housing market as the #1 housing-related objective. Additionally, recreational opportunities along the Flatrock and Big Blue rivers and local park and playground improvements rated among the top parks and quality of life objectives.

The Rush County GIFT VIII Community Leadership Implementation Grant is slated to take shape in early 2025, aiming to complete work by the end of 2027. RCCF will host workshops in the coming months with county and community leaders to discuss timelines, project specifics and roles.

The Decatur County Community Foundation, established in 1992 with help from a challenge grant from Lilly Endowment Inc, was excited when this GIFT VIII opportunity was announced because of the opportunities it presented.

"We were excited about the match opportunity and the response of the local community to meet that challenge," Wenning said. "Receiving notice that we were being awarded the opportunity to pursue our mental health project is just the best possible icing on the cake!"

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Established in 1991, the Rush County Community Foundation holds nearly $30.5 million in assets; 2024 was a record year for RCCF, reaching all-time highs in assets and in grantmaking, supporting Rush County with nearly $1.1 million in payouts including more than $250,000 in scholarships. Through its' Lilly Endowment GIFT VII receipt of $5 million in 2020, RCCF has played a leading role in planning and creation of the Love Community Center, set to open in early 2025.

In 1990, Lilly Endowment launched the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) initiative to help establish and further develop community foundations throughout Indiana. Lilly Endowment hoped that Indiana's community foundations could enhance the quality of life in their communities by convening conversations among people of diverse ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, occupations, races and cultural traditions about their communities' most compelling needs and opportunities as well as the best ways to address them.

About Lilly Endowment

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location.

In keeping with the founders' wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders' hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
Scams tend to ramp up around the holiday season and this year it appears as though the Pennsylvania Coroners Association is the latest target. Washington County Coroner Tim Warco had someone trying to pose as him asking to send him gift cards.

Today I was called by two of the associate coroners of the commonwealth. One in Adams County and one in Beaver County that I was scammed and I had no idea what they were talking about, Warco said.

It was quite the surprise for Warco on Wednesday - when he learned someone had used his name and likeness in a phishing attempt.

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Initially they sent an email address out saying hey can you help me reply back and then the few that did reply back got a message asking for help purchasing gift cards and providing gift card numbers, Matthew Yancosek said.

Yancosek with the coroners office says its not the first time the Pennsylvania Coroners Association has been through this.

Yancosek said, They look for people with well known names. People in positions of authority or perceived authority. Tim serves as Vice President of the association and theyre looking for people that might think, ok the president needs something Im going to bend over backwards to help him and Im not going to question him.

A total of 44 emails were sent through the state association server. Warco says hes never asked anyone from the association to buy him gift cards so the message was a red flag, even though the email appeared to come from Tim Warco.

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The Beaver County Coroner put out a post onto social media Wednesday cautioning people to be on alert.

Some quick tips: Make sure the name matches up with an email address you expect and check to see how the message is written.

Yancosek added, Language that doesnt appear to be natural English - I need gift card instead of I need a gift card.

Those with the coroners association want to know if anyone else received these fake emails. If you are one of those people you can reach out to the PA coroners association or the Washington county coroners office.

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ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ)  Some families in Central Pennsylvania have already received the best gift ever ahead of the holidays  a newborn baby.

UPMC Altoona is celebrating all of the babies born at the hospital this holiday season by dressing them up in onesies made to look like gift wrap, and instead of a bow, hats made by hospital staff and volunteers.

Danielle Foster, who gave birth to her daughter Aurora Tuesday, said that her newborn is a great gift to be taking home and is looking forward to watching her family spend time together.

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Im looking forward to seeing my oldest child interact with the baby and just taking care of a newborn of course theyre always fun, Foster said.

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The staff at UPMC Magee-Womens at UPMC Altoona expect to deliver over 1,500 babies by the end of the year.

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GATES, N.Y. (WROC)  When a woman went missing out of a forested Honeoye Falls neighborhood earlier this year, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office deployed drones.

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Whiting, who is part of MCSOs unmanned aircraft systems program, said effort, along with old-fashioned police work, helped to find the womans body in the Genesee River.

The trees were changing so we were losing the tree cover, that afforded us the opportunity to see the ground below the sticks and see the ground cover, Whiting said.

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These days, though, the drones dont just provide a simple eye in the sky.

Why shooting down mystery drones carries big risks

Whiting said thermal capabilities help deputies find a missing person or suspect who might be hidden.

We also have infrared capabilities. So, a separate payload that allows us to use infrared light. Ambient light from the moon, from streetlights, but also having an infrared spotlight to illuminate an area where there is nothing else out there, Whiting said.

Starting in 2017, the program now has 22 drones, many of them performing different tasks. Some, in fact, can drop flotation devices to someone struggling in the water. While Whiting hailed the life-saving aspects of the drones, he has taken calls from people concerned over privacy.

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What I will say is any time were flying theres a mission at hand, theres a reason were doing it and theres something were focusing on. Were not flying to look into backyards, to look in windows, he said.

As of late, theres been a lot of talk about drones with some of those who spot them calling it into police. Whiting said theres certain eavesdropping laws to consider, but many sightings shouldnt arise suspicion.

Local expert suggests use of VPNs amid drone sightings

If something seems suspicious and seems a lot closer than it really should be its no different than someone peeking up over top of a fence, he said. We wouldnt want it to happen, we wouldnt want it to be that close, but just because an aircraft is flying overhead a hundred, two hundred feet in the air, theres really nothing to say they cant do it so long as theyre doing it safely and within the rules that the FAA put out.

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Whiting noted their drone program is available to any local first responder group that might need it, especially fire departments as drones can help firefighter decide where best to attack the blaze.

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BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (WDTN)  Police are issuing a warning after several scams were reported, with local victims losing over $400,000 collectively.

The Beavercreek Police Department is putting out a warning after learning of multiple residents falling victim to a new type of scam.

These scams involve fraudulent investments where the scammer requests payment in cryptocurrency. This type of digital currency only exists in electronic form, making it harder to trace. It can typically be used over the phone, computer or at an ATM.

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Scammers prefer this form of payment because transactions are instant and irreversible.

That means lost funds are usually gone for good, with local police saying its difficult to press charges or recover money when scammers use this method.

While we collaborate with the Ohio Attorney Generals Office, which has established a Cyber-Facilitated Fraud Unit, recovery of lost funds is often not possible, said Beavercreek PD.

Police want to remind everyone to use caution and do your research before investing or sending money. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

To learn more about cryptocurrency and scams, click here.

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Editors note: The Senate approved legislation early Saturday to extend the federal budget into the spring, averting a government shutdown and sending the bill to President Joe Bidens desk. Find additional reporting here.

A partial government shutdown this weekend could delay troops paychecks at the start of the new year and shutter some base recreation activities just before Christmas, yielding a stressful holiday season for military families.

Congress has until midnight Friday to pass legislation extending the federal budget into the spring and avoiding a government shutdown. House and Senate leaders appeared to have a deal in place on Wednesday morning, but the plans were thrown into disarray when President-elect Donald Trump came out in opposition to the plan Wednesday afternoon.

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With the deadline less than 48 hours away and no votes scheduled on the issue in either chamber, federal offices  including ones in the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs  are expected to begin informing employees about shutdown protocols on Thursday.

While a partial shutdown would technically begin early Saturday morning, most of the impacts would not be felt until Monday morning, when the new work week begins.

The following is a look at the most significant impacts for military families and veterans if federal offices are shuttered, based on past memos from government officials.

Military pay

Active-duty troops would be required to continue to report for duty in the event of a shutdown, but their paychecks would stop until a new funding deal is reached.

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Practically, troops would not notice that delayed pay until the first week of January, when the next round of military checks is scheduled to be sent out. The 2025 pay is also the first with the 4.5% pay raise for all troops, money that they would not get until later.

During the last partial government shutdown, Defense Department funds were protected but Department of Homeland Security appropriations were not. That meant that most Coast Guard members went without paychecks for weeks, until the stalemate was settled.

A shutdown would also delay some specialty pays and stipends. In 2013, Congress passed legislation protecting military paychecks, but death gratuities for families of troops killed overseas were delayed for weeks because of the budget fight.

Civilian defense workers

Unlike troops, not all civilian defense staffers would be required to keep working in the event of a shutdown. Of the 700,000-plus Defense Department civilian employees, roughly half are considered essential employees who would remain on the job without pay.

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As a result, some troops could find their offices half-staffed after a shutdown begins, with some key programs halted until funding disputes are settled.

In 2013, most of the 350,000 furloughed Defense Department civilians were called back to work within a week, without pay.

Back pay for civilian employees is guaranteed, thanks to a law passed in 2019. But the same does not go for contractors and subcontractors. In many cases, those workers are sent home and lose paychecks for the duration of the shutdown.

Military medical sites

Critical medical and dental care are exempted from shutdown orders, but elective surgery and other elective procedures can be postponed or cancelled during a shutdown.

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Private sector health care under Tricare would not be affected by a shutdown, and specialty medical care for wounded warriors would continue. But office hours could be curtailed because of staffing issues.

Child care and MWR

In the past, Defense Department officials have said child care would be decided base-by-base, depending on installation staffing and demands. Families may not know if their facility will remain open until Monday.

Department guidance during previous shutdown threats has also specified that morale, welfare and recreation activities that receive any taxpayer funding will operate during a shutdown if they are deemed necessary to support essential operations. That includes mess halls, physical training and child care activities required for readiness.

Non-essential activities could be shuttered.

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Activities and organizations funded entirely by nonappropriated funds, such as many MWR activities and the military exchanges, generally will not be affected. The exchanges are largely funded by sales revenue, and part of their profits go to help fund some MWR activities.

Commissaries

Military grocery stores should not be affected unless the shutdown lasts several months. Defense Working Capital Fund activities  which includes the Defense Commissary Agency  is permitted to continue to operate until cash reserves are exhausted.

Defense officials have also provided exceptions to stay open in the past for overseas commissaries and sites determined to be in remote U.S. locations where no other sources of food are reasonably available for military personnel.

Veterans Affairs operations

Unlike the Defense Department, most Veterans Affairs offices are funded a year in advance. That blunts the impact of a shutdown on benefits processing, medical centers and other support services, all of which will continue operating amid a partial shutdown.

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Hours and appointment availability could be changed because of the budget impasse, but VA hospitals will remain open and operational.

Some department information hotlines could be shuttered during a shutdown, and some VA central office staff would be furloughed until new funding is approved. But compared to other departments, the impact on overall VA operations would be minimal.
LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  Federal agents searched the home of Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Brian Williams on Tuesday following allegations that he made a bomb threat to City Hall earlier this year.

The investigation and ensuing search was confirmed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Basss office Wednesday afternoon.

Man, 23, pleads guilty to operating $100M illegal narcotics bazaar on dark web

The date and time of the alleged bomb threat was not disclosed, but a spokesperson for the mayor said the Los Angeles Police Department investigated and found no immediate threat to the public.

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Williams was immediately placed on administrative leave, the spokesperson said.

Officials did not disclose any motive for Williams alleged actions as of this week.

Deputy Mayor Brian Williams (far left) stands on stage as former District Attorney George Gascon announces charges in the killing of actor Johnny Wactor on Aug. 19, 2024. (AP Photo)

Williams was named by Bass as the Deputy Mayor of Public Safety in February 2023. His duties include overseeing the LAPD, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the police departments that patrol LAX and the Port of Los Angeles.

Williams has also served as a deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn, in which he oversaw management of public works and the L.A. Department of Transportation.

Basss spokesperson said the mayor takes this matter very seriously.

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Due to Williams oversight over the LAPD, the case is being investigated by the FBI. When reached for comment, an FBI spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to comment on the matter.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Several members of the South Dakota Banking Commission expect that agricultural producers will be showing lower returns from crops this year.

They spoke about general financial conditions of South Dakotas farms and ranches during their meeting Wednesday.

Crop producers have hit some difficulties, said Kevin Tetzlaff, president and CEO at First Bank & Trust based in Brookings.

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Weve had some good years prior where weve been able to build up some capital, Tetzlaff said.

Corn prices in South Dakota climbed as high as the mid-$6 range in 2022 while soybeans reached past $14. Last year, they brought $4.29 and $12, and 2024 hasnt seen a turnaround.

Thats been somewhat reflected in a broader slowdown. State sales-tax receipts for the first five months of the current budget year that began July 1 were 1.1% behind the similar five-month period a year ago and 3.7% behind what the Legislature had estimated in February.

And less revenue means state government has less to spend. Governor Kristi Noem in her budget address earlier this month called for 1.25% increases to K-12 schools, healthcare providers and state government employees for the coming budget year.

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Banking Commission member Steve Hayes, former president and CEO at Dakota Prairie Bank in Fort Pierre, said Wednesday that losses have been emerging among ag producers in his area.

Attorney General preparing legislation to curb corruption

Particularly grain youre going to see some issues, Hayes said.

But cattle prices remain strong, and land is holding or rising in value, according to the commissions chair, Jeff Erickson of Sioux Falls.

That diversification has paid off, he said.

Erickson and his wife, Linda, own part of American Bank & Trust where their son, Scott Erickson, is now president and CEO.

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In eastern South Dakota, every bit of land is going for more than the people who put it for sale thought they were going to get, Erickson said. The land has not slowed down at the auction level.

Dick Westra, former president and CEO at Dacotah Bank in Aberdeen, said its a challenge to gather deposits from customers when the equity market produces double-digit returns, while local businesses still want to borrow. He expects lenders will see a lot of break-even balance sheets from ag producers because crop prices have dropped.

If its break even, Erickson said.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  As the Mississippi Delta erodes, a partnership between LSU and Tulane is researching how much these disappearing communities will change if nothing is done.

Its not just a Louisiana issue. About 1 in 14 people worldwide live on threatened river deltas.

The future for south Louisiana is pretty challenging in terms of global sea level rise, as well as natural coastal dynamics that are occurring, said LSU Professor of Geology and Geophysics Samuel Bentley.

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The Mississippi River Delta Transition Initiative, or MissDelta, received $22 million from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine to examine how these critical areas of commerce, industry, and culture will be impacted by the erosion of the coast both above and below water.

Sort of making sure that were untangling all the various threads of cause for the problems that people are facing, Bentley said.

Their area of focus is known as the bird foot part of Plaquemines Parish. In 2023, it faced a saltwater intrusion due to drought up and down the Mississippi River. The river is also redirecting its flows, making it a challenge to manage the water. On top of the generations of people who live there, the area is a critical part of worldwide commerce.

Some water facilities still battling saltwater intrusion in Southeast Louisiana

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We have this iconic landmass thats disappearing and the disappearance of it will place communities at risk in fishing, natural resource and other industries at risk, as well as the stability of our navigation network, Bentley said. The value of shipping in and out of Southwest Pass is on the order of $450 million a day.

With significant impacts of climate change leading to more droughts and severe storms battering the delta and coasts, Bentley said his team with both universities is meant to ask What if questions around the impact of the Mississippi delta disappearing on communities and businesses. What they find over the five-year process is aimed at helping not only state and federal leaders make decisions around protecting the coast, but also those around the world in similar situations.

Our goal is to help people be able to look at problems associated with the Delta, with the best available science, both physical and natural science, as well as socioeconomic science, and make informed decisions, Bentley said.

It is not only climate impacts that cause the delta to erode. Humans have leveed the river to prevent floods and stop new wetland growth. This is on top of shipping channels, oil and gas infrastructure, and dams upriver. The MissDelta team recognizes the little bit of sediment that makes its way down the river is precious, and they are looking at how it could best be utilized.

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Part of the process is explaining the science of the coast to community stakeholders.

That is what is going to allow the communities in the workforce to either stay or force them to leave, Bentley said.

In other places around the world, they have been looking into solutions that Louisiana could draw from. But the state is looking to be a leader in the shift to protecting the coast as time is not in its favor. The research team has four more years of funding to create an overall report of what they find.

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Luigi Mangione on Thursday was greeted by throngs of supporters at court as he agreed to be extradited to New York to face murder charges in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Crowds in support of Mangione had gathered outside the Blair County courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania where the 26-year-old appeared for two separate proceedings: one relating to firearms and forgery charges in Pennsylvania, and the other relating to his extradition to New York.

He is now expected to be immediately taken to New York where he faces 11 counts in connection with Thompsons death, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism.

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Demonstrators outside the court ahead of Mangiones arrival carried signs reading Free Luigi and Murder for Profit is Terrorism, according to ABC News.

One person carried a sign emblazoned with the words Deny, Defend, Depose, referencing words written on ammunition found at the scene of Thompsons shooting death in Manhattan.

Supporters of alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione outside the courthouse in Pennsylvania today pic.twitter.com/k61JTUSG8e  Jon Levine (@LevineJonathan) December 19, 2024

#LuigiMangione supporters on line for his hearings today at Blair County Courthouse, PA. pic.twitter.com/tiyGaPvYuu  Michelle Ross (@MRossNews) December 19, 2024

In an apparent reference to the terror charges Mangione is facing, another person carried a sign reading Health Insurance Practices Terrorize People, according to the New York Post.

I think our country is broken and the people dont care about the working class, Adam Giesseman, a 33-year-old protester from Piqua, Ohio, told the Post. If what is alleged is true, he should suffer the consequences of what is handed to him, but Im glad he brought attention to the fact that our country is broken.

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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Tuesday called Thompsons killing a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock, attention and intimidation, adding that it was a crime intended to evoke terror.

NOW: Supporters of Luigi Mangione stand outside of Blair County Courthouse where the CEO Shooter is about to have his extradition hearing pic.twitter.com/JZM9SvYAIw  Oliya Scootercaster  (@ScooterCasterNY) December 19, 2024

Mangione would face a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole if convicted on all counts. On Wednesday, media reports claimed that Mangione will also face federal charges in addition to the state murder indictment. The federal casewhich is being brought by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New Yorkcould potentially allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty, according to The New York Times .

He could be arraigned in New York state court as early as Thursday afternoon or Friday.

Authorities claim Mangione was the masked gunman who approached Thompson from behind and opened fire outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown on December 4. Prosecutors claim Mangione fled the scene on an e-bike and evaded capture for five days until he was spotted at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

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Police say he was found at the time of his arrest with a gun partly made with a 3D printer, a silencer, and a fake ID which he allegedly used to check into a hostel in New York before the shooting. He was also allegedly carrying a brief manifesto mentioning UnitedHealthcare.

The killing triggered a public outpouring of online rage against the health insurance industry in general and even praise for the crime itself. A fundraiser for Mangiones legal defense has raised over $150,000.
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder  one of which is charged as killing in an act of terrorism, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Jeff Swensen / Getty Images

The indictment specifies: "The defendant... with intent to cause the death of another person, caused the death of Brian Thompson, and said person was killed in furtherance of an act of terrorism... and were intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policies of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion, and affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination or kidnapping."

The indictment alleges Mangione intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policies of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion, and affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination or kidnapping.  Molly Crane-Newman (@molcranenewman) December 17, 2024

Twitter: @molcranenewman

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During a press conference, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg shared similar sentiments, telling reporters that Thompson's death on a public street was a killing that was intended to evoke terror. And weve seen that reaction.

"This type of premeditated, targeted gun violence cannot and will not be tolerated," Bragg continued in a statement.

As with much news surrounding this case, the update to Luigi's charges quickly spread online, where the murder as an act of terrorism charge raised a few eyebrows.

Handout / Getty Images

Largely, reactions fell into two camps online:

1. Those who question UnitedHealthcare  whose parent company is the for-profit corporation UnitedHealth Group  being characterized as a "government unit."

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And 2. Those expressing the belief that if Luigi is to be charged with murder as an act of terrorism, so, too, should those who kill people on school grounds, which are funded by local, state, and federal governments.

Group one seems to largely fall in line with the words of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez when she spoke on the nation's interest in this case. "I think people need to really understand how much everyday people are living with," she said.

Many in America "know someone who died or passed away, and in their most vulnerable moments, had either their lives destroyed from a devastating healthcare diagnosis that completely upended their financial life.

This collective American experience, which is so twisted to have in the wealthiest nation in the world, all of that pain that people have experienced is being concentrated on this event."

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"This is not to say that an act of violence is justified," she continued, "but I think for anyone who is confused or shocked or appalled, they need to understand that people interpret and feel and experience denied claims as an act of violence against them."

Regarding the public reaction to the shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) said on Thursday, "I think people need to really understand how much everyday people are living with.""This is not to say that an act of violence is pic.twitter.com/nYiNASNElW  CBS News (@CBSNews) December 12, 2024

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Twitter: @CBSNews

Purportedly in group one, a netizen wrote, "I cannot get over the DA classifying a private healthcare corporation as a 'unit of government'. One of the most mask off moments I have ever seen from the ruling class."

Sorry, I cannot get over the DA classifying a private healthcare corporation as a unit of government. One of the most mask off moments I have ever seen from the ruling class. https://t.co/uz9jLQkgtL  barbarism critic  (@SxarletRed) December 17, 2024

Twitter: @SxarletRed

"terror charges against luigi are crazy because if the for profit health insurance system and the violence it inflicts isn't terrorism what is," another added.

terror charges against luigi are crazy because if the for profit health insurance system and the violence it inflicts isn't terrorism what is  Kylie Cheung (@kylietcheung) December 17, 2024

Twitter: @kylietcheung

And, "If Luigi Mangione is a terrorist I'd love to know how for-profit insurance is classified."

If Luigi Mangione is a terrorist Id love to know how for-profit insurance is classified  David Doel (@daviddoel) December 17, 2024

Twitter: @daviddoel

Then comes group two, where people express a want for what they view as equal justice  those who intentionally kill others, particularly (in this case) within "government"-related entities, being treated similarly by the US justice system.

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"Luigi getting hit with a terrorism charge...where was this charge for all of the school shooters in the past 12 years?" one person wrote.

Luigi getting hit with a terrorism chargewhere was this charge for all of the school shooters in the past 12 years?  Matt Duffy (@Mattduffy33) December 17, 2024

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Twitter: @Mattduffy33

"We live in a world where a person can shoot a CEO and label it domestic terrorism but can't give the same label to those who shoot up schools," another said. "What the fuck is wrong with this place."

We live in a world where a person can shoot a CEO and label it domestic terrorism but cant give the same label to those who shoot up schoolsWhat the fuck is wrong with this place  Kalop (@burlapmilkshake) December 18, 2024

Twitter: @burlapmilkshake

"'Terrorism' if it's a CEO, but 'unfixable' if it's school children."

"Terrorism" if it's a CEO, but "unfixable" if it's school children. https://t.co/3TqTZ4iiEr  DeathMetalViking (@DeathMetalV) December 17, 2024

Twitter: @DeathMetalV

Deeper in the internet hole, netizens alluded to hypocrisy, posing, "they didn't even charge dylann roof with terrorism, a literal white supremacist neo-nazi who wanted to start a race war after massacring nine members of emanuel african methodist church during their bible study."

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Dylann Roof was convicted of murder and 33 counts of racially motivated hate crimes after he opened fire on the congregation of a Black church during their bible study. He reportedly shot about 74 rounds, killing nine people.

In what appears to be his manifesto, the writer refers to Black people as "the biggest problem for Americans."

"I have no choice. I am not in the position to, alone, go into the ghetto and fight. I chose Charleston because it is most historic city in my state, and at one time had the highest ratio of blacks to Whites in the country. We have no skinheads, no real KKK, no one doing anything but talking on the internet. Well someone has to have the bravery to take it to the real world, and I guess that has to be me," it reads.

Roof was not charged with murder as an act of terrorism, despite criticism.

& they didnt even charge dylann roof with terrorism, a literal white supremacist neo-nazi who wanted to start a race war after massacring nine members of emanuel african methodist church during their bible study https://t.co/Rx4WFrG9FR    .. (@soybeanfairy) December 18, 2024

Twitter: @soybeanfairy

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As of Thursday, Dec. 19, HuffPost reports that Luigi Mangione will waive extradition from Pennsylvania and could be in New York, the site of the killing, as early as this week. We will keep you updated on what happens next.

What are your thoughts on these charges? Let us know in the comments.
Luigi Mangione could face the death penalty for allegedly killing the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare in New York after being hit with a federal murder charge.

The 26-year-old also faces federal charges for stalking and firearms offences.

The nature of the federal charges would allow prosecutors to pursue the death penalty against him for allegedly shooting dead Brian Thompson, according to a criminal indictment unsealed on Thursday.

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Mr Mangione has already been charged in New York state in an 11-count indictment including one count of murder in the first degree and two counts of murder in the second degree.

So far, it is unclear whether federal prosecutors intend to seek death penalty charges against Mr Mangione following the rare move to charge him with federally.

A decision on capital punishment would fall to the attorney general, which The New York Times reported would probably be after president-elect Donald Trump had taken office.

Luigi Mangione has already been charged in New York state in an 11-count indictment - Eduardo Munoz/REUTERS

Mr Trump has nominated Pam Bondi for the position, a vocal supporter of the death penalty during her time as Floridas attorney general.

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Sources told The New York Post that federal prosecutors decided to pursue their own case to ensure Mr Mangione would be eligible for execution.

The move is unusual because murder is normally charged at the state level.

Prosecutors said they had jurisdiction in the high-profile case because of Mr Mangiones travel in interstate commerce, having allegedly taken a bus from Atlanta to New York before shooting Thompson.

They also claimed he used interstate facilities  a mobile phone and the internet  to plan and carry out the stalking, shooting, and killing of Brian Thompson in the vicinity of West 54th Street and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan.

Dissuade copycat killers

It may signal that authorities intend to mount the strongest possible response to Mr Thompsons death in an effort to dissuade copycat killers.

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Social media users have revelled in his killing amid a wave of anger directed at health insurance companies, with some producing lists of other major industry figures to target.

The Manhattan district attorneys office said on Thursday that the New York case would proceed in parallel with the federal case.

As alleged, this defendant brazenly shot Mr Thompson point blank on a Manhattan sidewalk, it said in a statement.

The Manhattan DAs Office, working with our partners at the NYPD, is dedicated to securing justice for this heinous murder with charges of murder in the first degree.

Mr Mangione landed in New York on Thursday after formally waiving his right to an extradition hearing in court in Pennsylvania, earlier this same day.

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Everything we did today was in his best interest. Were ready now to defend, move forward and start defending these charges in New York, and Pennsylvania, Thomas Dickey, representing Mr Mangione, said outside court.

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Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old from Towson who has been charged as the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4, now faces federal charges on top of his criminal cases in New York and Pennsylvania.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan leveled charges of murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges and a firearms offense against Mangione on Thursday afternoon. That morning, Mangione waived extradition to New York, where he had been indicted on charges of murder in the furtherance of terrorism as well as several weapons offenses.

Mangione appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker in the federal Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse late Thursday afternoon and was ordered held without bail and was expected to be remanded to Rikers Island.

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The Gilman alumnus wore khakis and a blue pullover instead of his orange prison jumpsuit and answered yes when asked if he understood he was being charged with murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges and a firearms offense.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday that the city would be actively involved in the Mangione case, adding that people praising the suspect in Thompsons death in Manhattan are celebrating using violence to solve an issue and are vile.

Adams was part of a large security escort that took Mangione to the courthouse to face four new federal charges.

This act of terrorism and the violence that stems from [Mangiones case] is something that will not be tolerated in the city. We wanted to personally be here to show the symbolism of leading from the front, Adams told reporters.

Federal charges raise death penalty questions

The development of four federal charges for the Baltimore-native in the Thompson murder case now raises the possibility that he could face the death penalty.

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While Mangione previously faced 10 charges in New York and Pennsylvania, he was not eligible to receive the death penalty if convicted for three murder charges in New York because the state has ended the practice. Federal law, however, allows for people convicted of murder to face the death penalty as a punishment.

In Pennsylvania earlier Thursday, a clean-shaven Mangione appeared calm and in good spirits as he waived extradition to New York from Pennsylvania to face charges for the shooting death of Thompson.

There were no outbursts on his way in, like during his first appearance at Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, when he yelled to reporters before entering the building.

Mangione only replied to questions from the judge and simply replied yes, when asked whether he understood his rights and the extradition process.

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More than a dozen representatives from the New York Police Department sat in the front row of the packed Pennsylvania courtroom, which was filled mostly with media.

There appeared to be some Mangione supporters present; one woman seemed to be crying during the hearing.

There were a handful of protesters outside the courthouse carrying signs that criticized health insurance companies and called for universal health care. Others held signs that said Free Luigi and Murder for Profit is Terrorism.

We relinquished him to the custody of the New York City Police Department, and theyll be taking him back to New York City in a safe and secure manner, Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks told reporters after the hearing.

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Mangione, who grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore as part of a sprawling, wealthy family, graduated in 2016 as the Gilman Schools valedictorian.

He is accused of carefully planning Thompsons murder  traveling to New York to find him, carrying a gun with a silencer to carry out the killing, and developing a document that chronicled his disdain for the insurance industry, which law enforcement said they found on him at the time of his arrest.

Thompson was shot and killed as he walked to a Manhattan hotel where Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare was holding an investor conference.

The court confirmed that Mangione would not be returning to the Pennsylvania prison where he has been held since being arrested at a nearby McDonalds on Dec. 9.

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He also will not face gun and forgery charges in the state until the case in New York is resolved, Weeks confirmed.

Mangione was indicted Tuesday by a New York grand jury and charged with an act of terrorism in connection to the Dec. 4 murder of Thompson.

Mangione had previously faced five charges in New York, the most serious of which was second-degree murder. The indictment ramps up the stakes to include murder in the first degree in furtherance of terrorism, along with two counts of second-degree murder and multiple weapons charges.

Mangione headed to New York after hearing

During Thursdays court appearance, Mangione huddled with his defense attorney, Tom Dickey, throughout the proceeding at Blair County Courthouse. Dickey occasionally put his hand on the back of Mangiones chair as he discussed the hearing.

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Dickey confirmed with the court that Mangione has legal counsel in New York and was confident that an extradition waiver would not jeopardize his defense. Mangione has hired former Manhattan Chief Assistant District Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo to represent him in New York.

We are in a position to provide a smooth transition without disruption to my clients representation, Dickey told the court, in agreeing to waive extradition.

Following the roughly 90-minute hearing, Mangione, wearing an orange jumpsuit, was driven from the courthouse in a black SUV, and was expected to then head to New York by plane. He did not say anything to a handful of reporters in the alley of the courthouse.

Now, Mangione could be jailed at Rikers Island in the Bronx as he awaits his trial in New York, law enforcement said. In addition, Mangione could face federal charges for the death of Thompson

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You can follow our live coverage of the case here.

Sun reporter Raquel Bazos contributed reporting to this story.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich or Riley Gutierrez McDermid at rmcdermid@baltsun.com or Frank Gluck at fgluck@baltsun.com.
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old from Maryland who has been charged as the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4, now faces federal charges on top of his criminal cases in New York and Pennsylvania.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan leveled charges of murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges and a firearms offense against Mangione on Thursday afternoon. That morning, Mangione waived extradition to New York, where he was indicted on charges of murder in the furtherance of terrorism as well as several weapons offenses.

Mangione appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker in the federal Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse late Thursday afternoon and was ordered held without bail and was expected to be remanded to Rikers Island.

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The Gilman alumnus wore khakis and a blue pullover instead of his orange prison jumpsuit and answered yes when asked if he understood he was being charged with murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges and a firearms offense.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday that the city would be actively involved in the Mangione case, adding that people praising the suspect in Thompsons death in Manhattan are celebrating using violence to solve an issue and are vile.

Adams was part of a large security escort that took Mangione to the courthouse to face four new federal charges.

This act of terrorism and the violence that stems from (Mangiones case) is something that will not be tolerated in the city. We wanted to personally be here to show the symbolism of leading from the front, Adams told reporters.

Federal charges raise death penalty questions

The development of four federal charges for the Baltimore-native in the Thompson murder case now raises the possibility that he could face the death penalty.

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While Mangione previously faced 10 charges in New York and Pennsylvania, he was not eligible to receive the death penalty if convicted for three murder charges in New York because the state has ended the practice. Federal law, however, allows for people convicted of murder to face the death penalty as a punishment.

In Pennsylvania earlier Thursday, a clean-shaven Mangione appeared calm and in good spirits as he waived extradition to New York from Pennsylvania to face charges for the shooting death of Thompson.

There were no outbursts on his way in, like during his first appearance at Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, when he yelled to reporters before entering the building.

Mangione only replied to questions from the judge and simply replied yes, when asked whether he understood his rights and the extradition process.

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More than a dozen representatives from the New York Police Department sat in the front row of the packed Pennsylvania courtroom, which was filled mostly with media.

There appeared to be some Mangione supporters present; one woman seemed to be crying during the hearing.

There were a handful of protesters outside the courthouse carrying signs that criticized health insurance companies and called for universal health care. Others held signs that said Free Luigi and Murder for Profit is Terrorism.

We relinquished him to the custody of the New York City Police Department, and theyll be taking him back to New York City in a safe and secure manner, Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks told reporters after the hearing.

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Mangione, who grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore as part of a sprawling, wealthy family, graduated in 2016 as the Gilman Schools valedictorian.

He is accused of carefully planning Thompsons murder  traveling to New York to find him, carrying a gun with a silencer to carry out the killing, and developing a document that chronicled his disdain for the insurance industry, which law enforcement said they found on him at the time of his arrest.

Thompson was shot and killed as he walked to a Manhattan hotel where Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare was holding an investor conference.

The court confirmed that Mangione would not be returning to the Pennsylvania prison where he has been held since being arrested at a nearby McDonalds on Dec. 9.

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He also will not face gun and forgery charges in the state until the case in New York is resolved, Weeks confirmed.

Mangione was indicted Tuesday by a New York grand jury and charged with an act of terrorism in connection to the Dec. 4 murder of Thompson.

Mangione had previously faced five charges in New York, the most serious of which was second-degree murder. The indictment ramps up the stakes to include murder in the first degree in furtherance of terrorism, along with two counts of second-degree murder and multiple weapons charges.

Mangione headed to New York after hearing

During Thursdays court appearance, Mangione huddled with his defense attorney, Tom Dickey, throughout the proceeding at Blair County Courthouse. Dickey occasionally put his hand on the back of Mangiones chair as he discussed the hearing.

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Dickey confirmed with the court that Mangione has legal counsel in New York and was confident that an extradition waiver would not jeopardize his defense. Mangione has hired former Manhattan Chief Assistant District Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo to represent him in New York.

We are in a position to provide a smooth transition without disruption to my clients representation, Dickey told the court, in agreeing to waive extradition.

Following the roughly 90-minute hearing, Mangione, wearing an orange jumpsuit, was driven from the courthouse in a black SUV, and was expected to then head to New York by plane. He did not say anything to a handful of reporters in the alley of the courthouse.

Now, Mangione could be jailed at Rikers Island in the Bronx as he awaits his trial in New York, law enforcement said. In addition, Mangione could face federal charges for the death of Thompson.

_____

(Sun reporter Raquel Bazos contributed reporting to this story.)

_____
(NewsNation)  Prosecutors in New York announced they are charging UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect Luigi Mangione with first-degree murder and killing as an act of terrorism, which comes with a penalty of up to life in prison.

But could Mangione face the death penalty?

Mangione, 26, is charged with the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was on his way to an investor meeting when he was shot outside of a Manhattan hotel. Police have described the crime as brazen and targeted, with bullets engraved with the words deny defend and depose.

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Authorities launched a manhunt for the suspect, releasing photos taken from surveillance footage around New York. Mangione was eventually arrested at a McDonalds in Pennsylvania.

Charlamagne tha God on people celebrating UnitedHealthcare CEOs death: I dont understand

New York abolished the death penalty in 2004 and even before that, the last execution in the state took place in 1963.

In order to face the death penalty, Mangione would have to be charged federally, which isnt likely for a murder charge.

While hiring someone to kill another person across state lines qualified as a federal crime, crossing state lines to murder someone yourself does not, making it unlikely for Mangione to face a federal murder charge on top of the state charges.

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Even if he were to face such a charge, the federal government might not make the case for the death penalty, something that is relatively rare in federal prosecutions.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Luigi Mangione is now expected to face federal chargers in connection with the killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in addition to state charges in New York and Pennsylvania, a Justice Department source confirms.

Federal prosecutors at the Southern District of New York are expected to unveil new charges against Mangione on Thursday, Dec. 19, the source says. The source didn't specify what charges he will face.

The news comes after Mangione waived his right to an extradition hearing in Pennsylvania on Thursday morning and was transferred to the custody of the New York City Police Department, who will take him back to Manhattan to face first-degree murder charges filed by the Manhattan District Attorney.

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Mangione will also have to return to court in Pennsylvania to face state weapons and forgery charges on Feb. 24, the judge ruled on Thursday.

Mangione's lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, did not immediately return PEOPLE's requests for comment.

In a statement to ABC News, Agnifilo said: "The federal government's reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns."

Altoona Police Department via Getty A photo of Luigi Mangione via the Altoona Police Department. A photo of Luigi Mangione via the Altoona Police Department.

Related: Luigi Mangione Waives Extradition, Will Be Taken to N.Y.C. on Thursday as Video Shows Him Before Court

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Mangione was met outside the courthouse by throngs of supporters bearing "Free Luigi" signs, as well as signs deriding the privatized healthcare industry.

On Tuesday, Dec. 17, a New York grand jury voted to indict Mangione on first- and second-degree murder charges alleging he committed an act of terrorism. He also faces charges for possessing weapons and forged instruments.

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The Ivy League-educated scion of a prominent Maryland family is the prime suspect in the killing of Thompson, who was gunned down on Dec. 4 in Midtown Manhattan by a masked assailant who then fled the scene on a bicycle, evading authorities.

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Five days later, Mangione was arrested at an Altoona, Pa., McDonald's after a customer recognized the suspected killer from images put out by New York police. He had been held in Pennsylvania prison since then.

Related: UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Fatally Shot in Broad Daylight in Front of Midtown Hilton

Police believe Mangione harbored an animus towards corporate America, particularly the healthcare industry.

The words "deny" and "depose" were found on shell casings at the scene, while "delay" was found on a bullet, per Bragg's office  similar to a phrase used to describe the health insurance industry's practices for scuttling claims. Police also say they found a manifesto in his possession, in which he criticized the health insurance industry and described them as "parasites" who "had it coming."



Read the original article on People
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)  Luigi Mangione is now facing a federal murder charge related to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to a complaint unsealed Thursday.

Federal authorities filed murder, stalking and weapons charges against the suspected UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter.

Family of Luigi Mangione speaks out following arrest and arraignment

Mangione is scheduled to be arraigned at a Manhattan criminal court Thursday, court records show. He agreed to return to New York to face a state murder charge at a morning court appearance in Pennsylvania where he was arrested last week after five days on the run. It was unclear when he would be in court on the federal charges.

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In New York, Mangione is currently facing first- and second-degree murder charges related to terrorism, according to an indictment unsealed this week. The top charges come with a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.

Mangione is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4 outside a Midtown Hilton hotel, officials said. District Attorney Alvin Bragg accused Mangione of waiting outside the hotel before shooting him with a 3D-printed ghost gun.



Officials are calling the killing brazen and targeted, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Mangione was found with a three-page hand-written document that speaks to both his motivation and mindset.

Additionally, the shell casings found on the scene had the words depose, deny, and defend written on them, sources told PIX11 News.

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This story comprises reporting from the Associated Press.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ALTOONA, Pa.  Brian Detwiler does not miss the police presence that was camped out at a McDonalds in his town of Altoona, Pennsylvania, after Towson-native Luigi Mangione was found there and arrested in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Mangione was recognized by one of the restaurants employees Dec. 9, and the small town  population just over 40,000  quickly became the center of national headlines. Detwiler, like many other local residents, said he is ready to move on from the crime that has polarized the nation.

It was a big deal that he was here, said Detwiler, who owns Mansion Donut Company in downtown Altoona.

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The employees at the McDonalds on East Plank Road are still on alert. While one person confirmed to The Baltimore Sun that the location was the site of Mangiones arrest, the person said the parent company had prohibited employees from speaking to the media.

There was a reported $60,000 reward from the FBI and the Crime Stoppers program for information leading to Mangiones arrest. Galen Wilson, a customer at Triangle Barbershop on 12th Avenue, wondered if the McDonalds employee who alerted police will ever be able to obtain the reward money. Mangione has to be convicted before the tipster is able to collect.

Mangione, a graduate of Gilman School and the University of Pennsylvania, was formally indicted Tuesday by a New York grand jury and charged with murder as an act of terrorism, among other crimes, in the Dec. 4 killing of Thompson, 50.

Mangione, who grew up in Maryland and graduated in 2016 as the Gilman Schools valedictorian, is accused of carefully planning Thompsons murder  traveling to New York to find him, carrying a gun with a silencer to carry out the killing, and developing a document that chronicles his disdain for the insurance industry, which law enforcement said they found on him at the time of his arrest.

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Mangione is still being held in the Altoona area. He has been charged with gun and forgery offenses in Pennsylvania. On Thursday, he is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing on those charges at 8:30 a.m., followed by a hearing on his potential extradition to New York at 9 a.m. at the nearby Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

Blair County court officials are expecting a huge crowd for the proceedings.

With an expectation of an increase of law enforcement, media and the public to the area, we are taking the listed precautions to ensure the safety of everyone, the Blair County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. We respectfully request and thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we navigate through the scheduled proceedings.

There are multiple reports saying Mangione will waive extradition and could return to New York as soon as Thursday.

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Some residents in Altoona said they had problems with how Mangione has become a folk hero among some of those frustrated by the health insurance industry.

There are these people online that say there should be more people like him  Cmon, thats crazy, said resident Stephen Powell, who was walking down 13th Avenue on the cold, rainy Wednesday.

Looking online, people are split whether they think he is a hero or a killer, said Detwiler, the donut shop owner. I get it, but there is a right way to express your frustration, and take another humans life is not it.

Bill Herr, who works at Triangle Barbershop on 12th Avenue, said he has Mangione fatigue. He is ready for the town to get back to normalcy.

Im just tired of talking about it, Herr said.

_____
Luigi Mangiones return to New York City was more befitting of a president or a pope than a suspected assassin.

Little more than two weeks after he is alleged to have gunned down the chief executive for the nations largest health insurer in Midtown Manhattan, the curly-haired, sharp-jawed former Ivy Leaguer emerged from a helicopter on a helipad overlooking the East River.

Freshly extradited from Pennsylvania, Mangione appeared handcuffed in a prison-issue orange jumpsuit. He was immediately swarmed by dozens of law enforcement officers, some of them holding rifles. The cameras of every major cable news station were trained on the 26-year-old software engineer.

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Even embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams was waiting on the pad, ready to escort Mangionean attempt at leading from the front, he would soon tell the gathered reporters.

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, arrives at a helicopter pad after being extradited from Pennsylvania, in New York, on Dec. 19, 2024. / Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Traffic at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, the venue of Mangiones entrance, typically comes from top Wall Street executives. It is where Marine One, the presidential helicopter, often touches down in the city.

Mangiones arrival was unusually circus-like, even for a high-profile suspect in a federal case, according to John Miller, CNNs chief law enforcement analyst, who was once a deputy commissioner for the NYPD.

Someone accused of a particularly heinous crime might receive some increased security measures, like a bullet-proof vest, for their own protection.

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In this case, its upside-down, Miller said. The security around Mangione today is because of what theyve been seeing in terms of the public support for him and their security worries about somebody not trying to attack him, but to try and free him from law enforcement.

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, arrives at a helicopter pad after being extradited from Pennsylvania, in New York, on Dec. 19, 2024. / Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Media fervor hit a fever pitch when Mangione, who stands accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was arrested and his name was released. Rather than just outcry over the murder, he was met with praise, especially on social media, as waves of details about his background and the possible ideological underpinnings of his crime emerged.

The public image that has formed of Mangione is one of a well-educated, physically active, friendly young man, someone who was driven to brazen act of violence by his dismay with an unjust system.

The killing has stoked discussion about health-insurance industry practices to avoid paying out on claimswhich, based on the brief manifesto reportedly penned by Mangione after the shooting, would seem to have been among assassins goals.

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, arrives at a helicopter pad after being extradited from Pennsylvania, in New York, on Dec. 19, 2024. / Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

The significant online support for Mangione has drawn condemnation from some, especially pundits and politicians on the right.

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Meanwhile, a recent Emerson College poll found that 22 percent of Democrats, compared to 12 percent of Republicans, found Thompsons killing acceptable. For voters under 30, the figure was 41 percent.

At his extradition hearing earlier on Thursday, supporters with signs that read Free Luigi thronged around the Pennsylvania courthouse. Meanwhile, an online fundraiser for Mangiones legal defense has raised over $150,000.

And in the hours since Mangione was perp-walked across the helipad, social media users have compared the image to various pop-culture and religious iconographyincluding Jesus Christ being led to his crucifixion by Roman soldiers, Superman in military custody, and Konstantin Korobovs painting of the Lamb of God being ripped apart by wolves.

As Mangiones star-studded legal team readies to face federal charges in New York, Mangiones entrance to the city isnt likely to be the last spectacle.
Luigi Mangione is set to be hauled back to Manhattan on Thursday to face an exceedingly rare first-degree murder charge in the brazen shooting of UnitedHeathcare CEO Brian Thompson, sources said.

Mangione, 26, is expected to waive extradition during a hearing at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania on Thursday morning after previously fighting orders seeking to bring him to the Big Apple to face charges.

He will appear sometime this week  possibly as soon as Thursday  before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro on an 11-count indictment unveiled Tuesday, a courthouse source confirmed to The Post.

Mangione will return to Manhattan on Thursday to face a first-degree murder charge. Pennsylvania Department of Corrections/AFP via Getty Images

Mangione  a University of Pennsylvania graduate from a prominent Maryland family  faces the possibility of life without parole if convicted of murder as an act of terrorism.

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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said that Mangione was indicted on the upgraded charges because the Dec. 4 crime  in which Thompson was gunned down outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown  was intended to provoke terror.

This was a frightening, well-planned targeted murder that was intended to cause shock, attention and intimidation, Bragg said at a news conference.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that officials have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder that has been praised on social media.

Mangione faces the possibility of life without parole if convicted of murder as an act of terrorism. Obtained by NY Post

Let me say this plainly, there is no heroism in what Mangione did, Tisch said at the joint press conference.

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But murder in the first degree  which is typically charged in cases involving victims who are law enforcement members or possible witnesses to crimes  is being considered by some legal experts as a reach.

Its extraordinarily rare, and this is actually the first time in Manhattan Ive seen one with a terrorism enhancement, veteran defense attorney Ron Kuby told The Post Wednesday.

Some legal experts believe that the first-degree murder charge is a reach. REUTERS

The attorney said that he felt Bragg is wildly overcharging Mangione in an attempt to make a great headline.

By calling Mangione a terrorist, prosecutors have opened the door to politicizing the slaying of the health insurance executive, Kuby added.

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Mangione allegedly had a handwritten manifesto-type document that mentioned UnitedHealthcare and accused health insurance companies of corporate greed, prosecutors have said.

Kuby believes that Bragg is wildly overcharging Mangione. Brent Gudenschwager/New York Post

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If anyone was wondering whether Mangione as a defendant was going to be able to bring his politics into the case he doesnt have to worry about that, Kuby said.

The prosecution is going to do that for him, he added.

Jason Goldman, a defense attorney in Manhattan, said that murder in the first degree is a rare charge that could be used in order to secure a compromised verdict later at trial.

Goldman says that murder in the first is a rare charge. DCPI

While the killing certainly has coerced and influenced the population, that may be an unintended response as opposed to the reasoning behind the killing, Goldman said. If anything, it may have been charged as a tool for the prosecution to later secure a compromise verdict at trial.

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Mangione also faces two counts of second-degree murder in addition to multiple counts of weapon possession and second-degree forgery charges. He faces 25 years to life on the second-degree murder charge.

Some experts warned that the online hysteria sparked by the brazen murder could potentially sway an entire trial.

Mangione also faces two counts of murder in the second degree. WNYW/Fox 5

One wildcard juror can turn this thing upside down, former Manhattan prosecutor and defense attorney Mike Discioarro said. And if youre on social media, youll see there are a lot of wildcards out there.

Mangione had challenged extradition orders seeking to bring him back to Manhattan, but Bragg said that the accused killer may abandon his stance at a court proceeding scheduled in Pennsylvania Thursday morning.

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He will have a preliminary hearing on Thursday morning for gun charges immediately followed by a second court appearance where sources said hell officially waive extradition back to Manhattan.

Mangione is also facing multiple counts of weapon possession and second-degree forgery charges after allegedly using a 9mm ghost gun to kill Thompson. Linkedin / Brian Thompson

Mangione is accused of gunning down Thompson with a 9mm 3D-printed ghost gun equipped with a homemade silencer when he brazenly shot the CEO as he walked to the hotel on Sixth Avenue near West 54th Street, where UnitedHealthcares parent company was holding its annual investor conference.

The cold-blooded caught-on-camera killing shows the masked gunman shoot Thompson from behind, striking him in the back and leg, according to the indictment.

The words DENY and DEPOSE were written on two of the shell casings, and the word DELAY was spread out on a bullet found at the scene.

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Mangione led police on a five-day manhunt after fleeing the shooting via an e-bike, where he headed uptown before grabbing a taxi, that eventually led to him fleeing the state, officials have said.

Mangione fled the shooting via an e-bike. Daniel McKnight / New York Post

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He had been staying at the HI New York City Hostel on the Upper West Side for more than a week before the murder using a fake New Jersey ID under the name Mark Rosario, prosecutors said.

Mangione was arrested at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania on Dec. 9.
The public reaction to United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompsons killing, allegedly by a young man named Luigi Mangione who, allegedly, was angry about insurance industry practices, has been less than mournful.

Anyone who has ever had a claim denied, or simply had to navigate the almost Stalinist bureaucracy of American health insurance just to get necessary care, can  without condoning murder  understand the frustration we imagine Mangione felt, as he attempted to get care for his reported back injury.

Brian Thompsons professional life was less than noble. The man acquired wealth leading an industry that often denies health care to insurers as a business practice.

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The schadenfreude from Mangiones alleged crime, at least if you listen to the loudest voices on the Internet, apparently feels so good.

And therein, as the Bard once said, lies the rub.

If our health care system is as bad as we think  and I submit that it is  what are we going to do about it? Murder, even if fueled by what we assume is righteous anger, wont get anyone better health care, or lead to the single-payer system desired by those who revel in, or at least shrug at, Thompsons killing. The only tangible result of Thompsons death is that a family will be without a husband and father this Christmas. That doesnt seem like a great outcome, honestly.

We dont like our health care system. We want it to be better. We just dont want to do anything to improve it.

Suspected shooter Luigi Mangione is led from the Blair County Courthouse after an extradition hearing December 10, 2024 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Mangione has been arraigned on weapons and false identification charges related to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Mangione is incarcerated in the State Correctional Institution in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania awaiting extradition to New York.

Obamacare was mostly an improvement

Look at the history.

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President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act was President Barack Obama's biggest policy push. He signed it into law in 2010, the biggest health care reform since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

The Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, was a big step forward. In 2010, about 16% of Americans lacked any health insurance. Thanks to Obamacare, by 2023, it was 8%. Still, just having insurance is half the battle. Getting care, even with coverage, can be expensive and complicated by the machinations of the insurance industry.

Despite large Democratic majorities in Congress, Obama couldnt deliver on a public option, which would have created a competitive counterweight to private insurers like United Healthcare. What he did pass cost Democrats those Congressional majorities in a historic midterm victory for the Republicans.

But that was 2010.

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More from Freep Opinion: Its time to let go of the past, Detroit. Let the Boblo Boat sink.

We could have better health care

The only thing that proved less popular than Obamacare was the GOP's push to repeal it. Republicans started campaigning on the promise of ACA repeal almost before Obama signed the legislation, and made ending Obamacare the centerpiece of their policy promises for years after.

Republicans were back in the drivers seat in 2016, when Donald Trump won the presidency  and tried and failed to get an ACA repeal through a GOP-majority Congress. Trump also promised a replacement system, perpetually two weeks away but never actually delivered. Credit the former and future president here: He understood that Americans love the promise of health care reform  "concepts of a plan far more than any actual reform plan.

Its been 15 years since Obamacare passed. While the ACA helped many within the broken system  expanding access to insurance and ensuring people with pre-existing conditions can get coverage  the system itself remains fundamentally unchanged.

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We are still the only industrialized nation without universal health care. Yet Americans pay more than double, per capita, for health care than the people of France. French universal coverage also offers objectively better outcomes, such as longer life expectancy and lower rehospitalization rates.

Its easy to blame American politicians for this predicament, but its not exactly like the American electorate is demanding anything better.

The one alternative system that gets attention is Medicare for all  a shorthand for a single-payer universal insurance comparable to Canadas system. Single-payer would have put Brian Thompson and United Healthcare out of business.

But it isnt exactly a new idea. Michigan Congressman John Dingell Sr.  the John Dingell who died in 1955, not his son, who held the office for 59 years  was a proponent, going back before Franklin Roosevelts first term.

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Americans hate private health insurance enough to be ambivalent or downright celebratory about the murder of an insurance executive, but not enough to demand our representatives replace it with with public insurance. Fine. But other models exist all over the world. Germany has a multi-payer system that provides universal care, and does so more cheaply than the United States system.

We want better and cheaper care than whats provided by the Brian Thompsons of the world. We also dont want to sacrifice the mix of private and public providers. Great. So why arent we copying Germany?

Picking literally any health care system from across the industrialized world and implementing it here should be enormously popular with voters fed up with United Healthcares claims denials or Anthem Blue Cross attempt to impose time limits on anesthesia during surgery.

It isnt.

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More from Freep Opinion: A RenCen redo could work, with a lot more public input

Death and taxes

The problem, I think, is we expect health care to be a consumer product. We want medical iPhones, something that gets lighter, faster, and more powerful every year.

Health care isnt like that. Health care will always involve sitting on an exam table in a paper gown. It requires poking and prodding. Prostate exams and mammograms. In the end  and no one gets to avoid this ending  a doctor will tell you or your loved one: Im sorry, theres nothing more we can do.

Its no surprise, then, that reasonable overhauls of our broken system are as unpopular as the broken system. There is no system that will give us what we really want from medicine, which is to not get old and die.

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Like a cancer patient who recognizes that chemotherapy is the worst thing imaginable except for not getting chemotherapy, the American public must recognize there will be no perfect health care system that we will love.

Doctors will tell us to turn our head and cough. Medications will have side effects. It will still cost, whether through premiums or copayments or taxes. However, the rest of the world has shown that a better system can cost less and keep more of us healthier for longer.

We should all share that goal, regardless of our politics. And we should all demand more of our elected officials who seem too enchanted by ideological rhetoric and/or the campaign dollars from the health care and insurance industries.

At the very least, we should want that far more than vengeance on greedy health care executives. The fact that we dont is our real sickness.

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Free Press contributing columnist Jeff Wattrick is a freelance writer who lives in Grosse Pointe Park. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it in print and online.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Luigi Mangione is an accused murderer, not a reformer | Opinion
Luigi Mangione will be housed in the same Brooklyn jail as Sean "Diddy" Combs  and the two even have the same lawyer.

Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, arrived in New York to be arraigned on federal murder charges that could land him the death penalty.

He has now been remanded into federal custody, and will be housed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, per CNN and ABC News. That's the same lockup where Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, has been held since his September arrest on sex trafficking charges.

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The two not only are sharing a residence for the time being  they're also sharing legal representation.

Marc Agnifilo, who is representing the hip hop mogul, appeared in federal court in Manhattan with his wife, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, on Thursday to inform Judge Katharine Parker that they will represent Mangione in his defense against the federal charges.

Related: Luigi Mangione Plotted to 'Wack' an Insurance CEO for Weeks Before Brian Thompson's Killing: Feds

He also faces first and second-degree murder charges in New York State, where he's accused of committing an act of terrorism. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Thursday the state prosecution will run "parallel" with the federal one, while the Justice Department said in a press release that the state prosecution is expected to go to trial before the federal one.

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Mangione is further charged with weapons and forgery raps in Pennsylvania, where he was apprehended after a five-day manhunt. He has pleaded not guilty to the Pennsylvania charges, and has not yet entered a plea in New York.

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Related: Luigi Mangione Returns to New York to Face Federal Murder Charges that Could Carry Death Penalty

In a brief statement to reporters outside the courthouse Thursday, Friedman Agnifilo declined to comment on the charges but said Mangione "appreciates everyone's support."



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Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will face federal charges on top of state charges in New York and Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York on Thursday filed charges against the 26-year-old, including murder through use of a firearm, two stalking charges and a firearms offense.

Mangiones New York-based attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, questioned the constitutionality of federal charges in a statement. The federal governments reported decision to pile on top of an already overcharged first-degree murder and state terror case is highly unusual and raises serious constitutional and statutory double jeopardy concerns, wrote Friedman Agnifilo. We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought.

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The federal criminal complaint includes details from the notebook that police said they found on Mangione when he was arrested. According to the complaint, the notebook contained handwritten pages that express hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular, as well as an entry dated Oct. 22 that refers to an investor conference as a true windfall.

Mangione was indicted Tuesday by a New York City grand jury on 11 counts, including three counts of murder, two of which label the attack an act of terrorism. He waived extradition at a hearing in Pennsylvania on Thursday and was subsequently brought back to New York, where he is accused of killing Thompson on Dec. 4 in what police say was a targeted attack.

Mangione also faces two felonies and three misdemeanor charges in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested after a dayslong manhunt.

His Pennsylvania attorney, Thomas Dickey, has said Mangione will plead not guilty to all state charges.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
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Dueling sets of images of Baltimore native Luigi Mangione have become ubiquitous in recent weeks  the official police mugshots taken after the 26-year-old was accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, and fanciful renderings on social media of the so-called patron saint of health care justice.

Mangione has been charged with murder as an act of terrorism in the Dec. 4 slaying of Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street.

The photographs might be of the same person, but the stories they tell couldnt be more different.

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The official police photos of Mangione in traffic cone-orange and navy blue jumpsuits appear intended to convey the serious nature of the offense with which he has been charged, according to a former New York City police detective and two photography instructors from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

In the mugshots, Mangione is unsmiling, staring straight at the camera or in sharp profile. His face is stubbled with an incipient beard, he appears to be developing a unibrow, and his eyes are hooded.

The FBI has issued a set of guidelines on how suspects should be photographed for mug shots, instructions intended to result in an image that accurately depicts a suspects appearance while remaining emotionally neutral.

But experts said that even when police photographers adhere to those guidelines, small differences in the way the photograph is taken can subtly alter the impression the image conveys.

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I could show you five different photos of the same person taken by five investigative agencies and they would all look different, said retired New York City detective Scot Rosenthal. Some might show facial blemishes, while others might not.

The photo of Mangione wearing a navy jumpsuit departs from the FBI guidelines, according to Bill Gaskins, the founder and director of MICAs Photography + Media & Society program, because a bright light to Mangiones left appears to throw the opposite side of his face into shadow, an effect associated with something obscured or hidden from view.

His eyes also imply a low camera angle that require his chin to be at a higher angle than normal, Gaskins said. That could be read as an arrogant expression by some.

Luigi Mangione depicted as a saint

Compare that to the Instagram image of Mangione as quite literally a saint created by the Egyptian graphic artist Mohamed Gadelrab.

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In the rendition, Mangione is still unsmiling but his expression is serene. His head is surrounded by a halo and he is richly dressed in green and cream-colored robes. His right hand is raised in benediction, while his left rests on the sacred heart of Jesus emblazoned on his chest.

The image received 2,140 likes in less than 24 hours. While some comments accuse the artist of glorifying murder, other posters said It was inevitable, or declared, In Luigi we trust.

Nonetheless, both sets of images have something in common; neither, strictly speaking, is objective. Both are framed in a way that has the potential to sway the sympathies of todays viewers  and tomorrows jurors.

Mug shots are supposed to be objective records of individuals taken into police custody, the California defense attorney Tsion Chudnovsky wrote in a July blog post, but sometimes, they can be manipulated to make a person look guilty. This manipulation can happen through various techniques, such as darkening African American faces, using shadows and lighting, and other methods influencing public perception.

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Thats the reason that some law enforcement agencies, including the San Francisco Police Department, have stopped releasing mug shots publicly.

Little things like a slight up or down angle can create shadows that read as sinister even with standardized lighting, said Nate Larson, who chairs MICAs Photography Department.

A small thing like choosing one photographic moment over another can also influence our interpretation of a persons character. Theres a lot of unseen power in these small decisions to shape associations.

In 2019, for instance, the Portland Police Department became embroiled in controversy after it used editing software to remove facial tattoos from a photo of Tyrone Allen, who was suspected of having committed a series of bank robberies.

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The image was altered to more closely resemble surveillance videos that showed a robber without tattoos. The doctored picture was then placed in a photo line-up  and at least two witnesses identified Allen as the robber.

History of mugshots remains fraught

But the culprit behind Photoshopped mugshots isnt always the police. Sometimes it is the news media.

In 1994, a prominent editor issued a public apology after murder suspect O.J. Simpsons mug shot appeared on the cover of Time magazine. If readers didnt make note of the credit line, which identified the image as a photo illustration, they wouldnt have suspected that the photo had been doctored to make Simpsons skin tone darker than it really was.

Amidst charges of racism, Times editor replied that the image was intended to raise the mug shot to the level of art.

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Though the images on social media are explicitly expressions of opinion and dont pretend to model real life, posts on Instagram, X and other sites trouble some observers for different reasons.

Why is Luigi Mangione a heartthrob?

Rosenthal and Gaskins noted that it didnt take long before Mangiones good looks became a major theme on social media. Posters swooned over Mangiones supposed resemblance to movie stars Timothee Chalamet and Jake Gyllenhaal.

In Gainesville, Florida, hundreds of university students participated in a Luigi Mangione lookalike contest. And less than a week after the shooting, some people had already gotten tattoos celebrating the shooting suspect.

While acknowledging that Mangione is innocent until proven guilty, Rosenthal worried that social influencers are putting together and fabricating a story of a cult hero that bears almost no resemblance to reality and that could make it difficult to eventually convene a panel of twelve unbiased jurors.

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Meanwhile, Gaskins thinks the sympathetic coverage of a white, privileged, well-educated young man exposes Americas social and cultural fault lines.

Luigi Mangione is being humanized in ways that are not accorded to people who are outside of his social class or to people who are outside of his race, he said.

We have access to his valedictorian speech [from Gilman School] and to his vacation photos. He is being presented as a troubled person, not as a criminal person.

Even more disturbing, Gaskins said, and unlike many people accused of crimes, Mangione is being discussed exclusively as an individual, not as a typical example of a racial or social group.

As he put it: He is not seen as representative of all white males his age.

Have a news tip? Contact Mary Carole McCauley at mmccauley@baltsun.com and 410-332-6704.
Luigi Mangione, the suspected murderer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, waived his extradition during a court appearance on Thursday, Dec. 19, paving the way for him to be transferred into custody in New York City later in the day.

Mangione, wearing an orange jumpsuit with a maroon shirt underneath, appeared calm in court and spoke minimally. Outside the courthouse were protesters sympathetic to Mangione, many of whom held "Free Luigi" signs.

After his court appearance, he was transferred into the custody of New York City police.

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A video shot by local station WTAJ and distributed to the media by the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania shows Mangione being taken into court in Pennsylvania for two back-to-back court appearances: The first apperance addressed the gun charges he faces in Pennsylvania and the second addressed his extradition.

Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo/Bloomberg via Getty Luigi Mangione Luigi Mangione

Mangione is accused of killing Thompson on Dec. 4 in Midtown Manhattan. He allegedly fled the scene and was at large until his Dec. 9 arrest in Altoona, Pa., at a McDonald's, when he was recognized and a restaurant employee called 911.

In Pennsylvania, Mangione faces charges including carrying a gun without a license, forgery, falsely identifying himself to the authorities and possessing instruments of crime, according to a criminal complaint.

Related: Luigi Mangione Indicted on Terrorism, Upgraded Murder Charges in New York

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In New York, Mangione faces a first-degree murder charge that alleges he committed an act of terrorism and two second-degree murder charges, as well as weapons charges. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, in announcing the charges, said Mangione's "intent was to sow terror."

PA Department of Corrections / Handout/Anadolu via Getty; Pennsylvania State Police Luigi Mangione Luigi Mangione

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Police have said Mangione had a "ghost gun" on him that matched the shell casings found at the crime scene. They also say he had fake IDs on him along with a "manifesto" railing against the health care industry in which he allegedly wrote, "These parasites had it coming."

Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo/Bloomberg via Getty Luigi Mangione Luigi Mangione

Mangione had cut off contact with family and friends for six months prior to the killing, and his mother filed a missing person report with the San Francisco Police Department in November.

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Related: Luigi Mangione's Mother Told FBI She 'Could See Him' Shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO

Jeff Swensen/Getty Luigi Mangione Luigi Mangione

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During a Tuesday press conference announcing the New York charges against Mangione, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny confirmed the missing person report filed by Mangione's mother, Kathleen, in November. After that, when still images from surveillance footage circulated, police in San Francisco notified the NYPD that the person in the photos resembled Mangione.

Subsequently, according to Kenny, FBI and NYPD personnel reached out to Mangione's mom on Dec. 7.

"They had a conversation where she didn't indicate that it was her son in the photograph," Kenny said. "But she said it might be something that she could see him doing."



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BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing CEO Brian Thompson in NYC, has waived extradition at the Blair County Courthouse Thursday morning.

Mangione was at the courthouse Dec. 19, for a hearing on both his extradition and the charges filed by Altoona police when he was arrested at a local McDonalds. Mangione waived extradition, meaning he is now in custody of the New York Police Department and will be taken back to NYC where hes expected to plead not guilty.

Seemed unimaginable: Luigi Mangiones former roommate reacts to arrest

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Inside the courtroom, the only words spoken by Mangione were yes and no, in response to the judges questions.

Everything we did today was in his best interest and were now ready to move forward and start defending these charges in New York and Pennsylvania, Mangiones attorney Thomas Dickey said outside of the courthouse.

Mangione court sketch provided by CBS Mangione court sketch provided by CBS Mangione court sketch provided by CBS

Mangione is currently on his way back to New York after being placed on a small-engine plane at the Blair County Airport late Thursday morning.

Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks confirmed that while Mangione will stand trial for first-degree murder in NYC, he will not be dropping the charges police filed that include Mangione having a firearm on him when he was found.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

Over the weekend, it was confirmed that Mangione will be represented in the murder case by former prosecutor and high-profile private attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo.

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Luigi Mangione's NY judge is Gregory Carro, described as tough on crime and sympathetic to victims.

Lawyers call him no-nonsense, and some say he leans pro-prosecution.

Carro has allowed video and still photography in his courtroom during past high-profile proceedings.

His cases have earned tabloid nicknames, including the "rape cops," a "killer nanny," and a "blowtorch hubby." In 2021, he presided over the moped hit-and-run death of Gone Girl actor Lisa Banes.

New York Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro has had dozens of sensational  sometimes horrific  cases in his 25 years on the Manhattan criminal bench.

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As early as Thursday afternoon, Carro will preside over his most high-profile media case yet, the prosecution of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of the ambush shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

With Carro on the bench in a likely-packed 13th-floor courtroom, Mangione, 26, will be officially informed of the first-degree murder indictment against him. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Tuesday that the indictment alleges a top charge of murder as an act of terrorism.

After the charges are read, Mangione will have the chance to enter a plea of not guilty. Carro, who is expected to keep the case, will then set a next court date and order that Mangione be taken to a city jail to await that date.

A former Manhattan narcotics and homicide prosecutor, Carro was appointed to Manhattan's criminal court bench in 1998 by then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

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Carro is the son of retired Associate Justice John Carro, who in 1979 was the first Puerto Rican appointed as an appellate judge in New York.

Luigi Mangione is charged with the first-degree murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

A 'tough draw'

The younger Carro is known among defense lawyers at Manhattan Criminal Court as a "tough draw. "

If one lawyer tells another in a courthouse hallway, "I just learned my guy is going to be in front of Carro," another might commiserate, "Wow, that's a tough draw," veteran attorneys in the city told BI.

Prosecutors might say the opposite of Carro: "Good draw."

"Of course, in a case like this, there are no good judges," said longtime Manhattan defense attorney Ron Kuby. "You're not going to find any members of Antifa on the bench."

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Kuby called Carro "harsh but not crazy," as Manhattan criminal judges go.

Five Manhattan defense lawyers interviewed by Business Insider said the judge leans pro-prosecution. None would say so on the record, because they may have cases before him in the future.

The most common descriptor among lawyers reached by BI? "No nonsense."

"He's a tough judge," said a former fellow jurist, Charles Solomon, a state Supreme Court Justice in Manhattan who retired in 2017.

"Very firm, very fair, and well-respected by his colleagues," Solomon said of Carro.

Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg announced Mangione's indictment with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Derek French/BI

Judges are assigned at random

Solomon said that Carro would have been assigned as Mangione's judge through a strictly random process.

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What likely happened was that on December 4, the day of Thompson's shooting, Mangione's lead prosecutor, Joel Seidemann, happened to be on call to "catch" new homicides.

Seidemann's team of prosecutors feeds all of its new cases into one of only two assigned courtrooms, and one of them was Carro's.

"This is the typical way a case gets assigned," agreed another retired state Supreme Court justice, Michael Obus, who served as a supervising judge in Manhattan Criminal Court from 2009 to 2017.

"He's a solid guy," Obus said. "He's a very good trial judge. In general, lawyers could do a lot worse than Judge Carro."

Laura Italiano / BI

Law, order, and victims

At sentencings, Carro is an emphatic advocate for law, order, and victims, his many news clippings show.

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"I can only imagine what memories are haunting the victim in this case and his significant other," he said last year at a recent high-profile sentencing, for the random, attempted slashing murder of a French tourist.

In 2011, Carro presided over the trial of an NYPD officer accused of raping a young fashion executive  a woman he'd been dispatched to help when she was too intoxicated to get out of her taxi.

A jury cleared the officer of rape and convicted him of official misconduct for the three caught-on-video visits he made to the woman's apartment during his shift that night.

Police misconduct offenses "rip at that fabric that holds us all together," Carro told the former officer, Kenneth Moreno, before sentencing him to a year at Rikers Island jail.

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"You, sir, ripped a gaping hole in that fabric in committing those crimes."

It was Carro's biggest media case until now.

Moreno's lawyer, Joe Tacopina, was one of the lawyers to call Carro "no nonsense."

"Not easy on defendants or defense lawyers, for that matter," Tacopina said.

"Honestly, it doesn't matter what judge has this case," the former criminal attorney for President-elect Donald Trump, added. "There is such overwhelming evidence of guilt here. It is not a 'Who done it.' It is a 'Was he sane when he did it' case."

Yoselyn Ortega, a former nanny convicted of killing two young children in her care, standing before New York Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro in a 2012 hearing. Thomson Reuters

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In his most high-profile murder  dubbed the "killer nanny" case by city tabloids  Carro allowed a jury to hear the insanity defense of Yoselyn Ortega, who in 2012 fatally stabbed two young children in her care.

Defense lawyers called two psychiatrists to the stand to testify that Ortega heard voices  including Satan's  urging her to kill the children. Jurors also heard that when the mother returned home to witness the carnage in her Upper West Side bathroom, Ortega was nearby, slashing into her own throat with the murder weapon.

The jury rejected the defense.

Carro called Ortega "pure evil" at her 2018 sentencing.

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Then he sentenced Ortega to life without parole for first-degree murder, the same maximum penalty Mangione faces for the same top charge in his indictment.

Last month, the New York Times reported Carro sentenced a Long Island, New York man who admitted planning to "shoot up a synagogue" to ten years prison on a plea to possessing a weapon as a crime of terrorism.

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CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX)  The local non-profit, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is looking to buy the former L.E. Phillips Libertas Center in Chippewa Falls. They are hoping to use the building to help address substance use disorder in the area. LSS will offer a blend of services consisting of those like what was at the facility before it closed as well as those already offered through existing programs. LSS Vice President of Program Services Tara Treglowne explains, Whats also very exciting is that the former Libertas building is really as it sits today is really set up nicely from a physical plant standpoint to allow the programming needs that we have, and it would only need very minor renovations or updates to do so.

LSS says it hopes to re-open the building, under its name, in early 2026. Its current services and locations will continue to run as normal.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  A Lynn Haven man was arrested for charges related to using a child in a sexual performance.

On December 10, the Ferry County Sheriffs Office in Washington state contacted the Bay County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Division.

According to a news release, FCSO received a report of a 14-year-old communicating online with an adult male, who had solicited her for sexually graphic images.

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Authorities identified the man as 37-year-old Michael D. Rutherford of Lynn Haven.

Wanted fugitive arrested following search warrant execution in Holmes County

During the investigation, multiple agencies developed enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for Rutherfords residence. That search warrant was served on Thursday morning by BCSO investigators, Homeland Security Investigations, the Lynn Haven Police Department, and the Florida Department of Corrections.

Rutherford was taken into custody and transported to the Bay County Jail.

Rutherford was charged with the use of a child in a sexual performance, solicitation of a minor for sexual acts via the Internet, and transmission of harmful materials to a minor. The new charge constituted a violation of Rutherford state probation, so a violation of probation charge was added.

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He is currently being held on a $600,000 bond.

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I am still enough of an institutionalist that it pains me to hear Supreme Court justices embarrassing themselves on the bench. So as I listened to Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito engaging with Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar during oral argument in the case challenging Tennessees ban on the provision of gender-affirming drugs for minors earlier this month, I couldnt help but cringe.

Shuffling through papers that he suggested were studies from various European countries that urged caution in the provision of puberty blockers to teens, Alito engaged in a gotcha line of questioning, insisting that Prelogarthe meticulous and unmatched litigator who has masterfully led the solicitor generals office under President Joe Bidenhad somehow misled the court about the accumulated scientific consensus on the effectiveness of puberty blockers for teens experiencing gender dysmorphia. His derisive tone and relentless questioning were typical for Alito and not what concerned me.

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It was instead the contempt that Alito showed for the rules that govern the boundaries of litigation in our system. None of the studies he referenced as the basis of his questions to Prelogar had been part of the record in the case. None had been presented before the judge who tried the case. Justice Alito appeared to have, as the saying goes, done his own research, which he was now injecting into the case. And this embarrassed me.

It is not difficult for a civil rights lawyer to criticize the conservative-controlled courts aggressive and transparent efforts to erase the legacy of the Warren courts jurisprudence.

What has received too little attention is how this courts headlong rush toward achieving its ideological aims is undermining the rules that govern our system of litigation in its wake.

Alitos performance during the argument in U.S. v. Skrmetti was a case in point. For the Supreme Courtthe highest appellate courtto engage in sustained and aggressive questioning of an attorney about factual data outside the record that was never subjected to the crucible of litigation is a violation of the most basic rules that define the roles and boundaries of our three-tiered federal court system. The record developed at trial in a case is bound by the evidence accepted and the findings made by the district court judge. Appellate judges can only dislodge the trial courts factual findings if they are clearly erroneousa high and mostly unreachable standard. In no instances can appellate courts add evidence to the record. They are limited to remanding a case back to a trial court to receive additional evidence. But that is not what Justice Alito was doing. And it wasnt a one-off question by Alito.

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Justice Alitos reliance on the cautious approach followed recently by European countries in setting boundaries for the provision of gender-affirming care to minors was in and of itself a revealing and shameless reversal of his long-standing public and adamant insistence that we should look to our own laws and traditions rather than that of other countries in deciding questions related to individual rights. Chief Justice John Roberts, for his part, seemed unbothered by Justice Alitos invocation of new laws in Britain restricting access to puberty blockers for minors. This is the same Chief Justice Roberts who in in 2005 famously disparaged the use of foreign law in U.S. judicial decision-making by saying that looking at foreign law for support is like looking out over a crowd and picking out your friends. You will find them. This time, Roberts concern was limited to one of judicial competence: Should we follow the United Kingdoms position from three years ago? Or the United Kingdoms position now?

For years civil rights litigators have accepted that the conservatives on this court will not be influenced by foreign law, or by policy practices of foreign nations. Is that still true? Should our briefs now make references to such sources? Or are they only relevant when they reinforce substantive positions already held by the conservative justices?

There were other moments that would mystify any experienced litigator, as when Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked with plaintive sincerity who decides?seeming to earnestly question the boundaries of judicial power. Kavanaughs concern seemed to focus on the courts role in deciding hotly contested issues, especially when there is a claim that the scientific community is split on the effects of a particular practice prohibited by law. Shouldnt courts leave it to the states in those circumstances, Kavanaugh mused. Who decides? he asked, as though the entire legal framework of segregation and white supremacy the court struck down in Brown v. Board of Education and its progeny were not built upon the science of eugenics and the dangers of race-mixing, and as if the states rights movement itself was not advanced with full knowledge that leaving it to the states would mean the exclusion of politically powerless groups from the protections of full citizenship.

Still, theres no perfect way out, Justice Kavanaugh whined, as though the entire project of actual judging was simply beyond him.

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Chief Justice Roberts likewise seemed prepared to adopt a kind of false judicial modesty, deeming courts bereft of expertise and insisting that such a matter might be best left to the peoples representatives. God forbid this court is ever faced with an actual challenge to Brown.

Kavanaugh and the chiefs musings were so disturbing that it forced Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to jump in and exclaim that she was getting worried by the line of questioning, which appeared to disregard our long-standing equal protection jurisprudence. First reminding the court that these arguments were the same as those made back in the day, the 50s, 60s, with respect to racial classifications, Justice Jackson noted that in Loving v. Virginia (the case that challenged state bans on interracial marriage), those same kinds of scientific arguments were made. Justice Jacksons intervention hopefully reminded her colleagues that both Kavanaugh and the chiefs judicial modesty approach would have allowed states to render the marriages of at least two of the courts justices null and void, and more importantly would as she stated undermine the foundations of our bedrock equal protection cases.

As Prelogar and counsel for the respondents Chase Strangio reminded the justices repeatedly, they had really only one thing to decide in Skrmettiwhether the Tennessee law was a sex-based classification that required higher scrutiny for review. This was not a difficult question as the Tennessee law explicitly made reference to sex in its very text. But repeatedly, the conservative justices seemed to want to wrestle with the policies behind the Tennessee lawmatters that would appropriately be addressed in the first instance by the courts below on remand under the appropriate level of review. But it was clear that the conservative justices wanted more. They wanted to wade into an analysis of what they clearly regard as the harm of administering puberty blockers to minors.

Why do all these rejections of previous norms and rules of litigation matter, one might ask? What difference does it make how the court strips away rights and protections? What matters is that they do it, and that the lives of millions of Americans will be affected, surely? In my view, the way they do it matters because the conservative justices in their haste and stubborn determination are pulling down not only long-standing substantive protections for marginalized people, but also the standards that hold our system of litigation together.

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Whether it is ignoring the trial record in a case when that record is unhelpful to the outcome the justices have decided (see SSFA v. Harvard and University of North Carolina); misreading the record to reinforce a claim of harm (Kennedy v. Bremertonthank goodness for photographs!); deciding consequential cases in which it is evident that the named plaintiffs lack standing and in which therefore there is no true case or controversy (303 Creative LLC); jettisoning long-established precedent without clearly establishing the predicate of conditions the conservatives justices themselves have over many years identified as the proper foundation for abandoning stare decisis (Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization; Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo)these are all instances in which how the court reached its decisions undermined the long-standing policies and practices that govern our system of litigation.

Litigation is dependent on a set of expectations that help lawyers identify when a case should be pursued, what constitutes an appropriate plaintiff, where a case should be filed, how much to allocate to the expensive costs of discovery and trial, what kind of evidence and testimony, including expert testimony, should be necessary, and later when an adverse opinion should be appealed and on what grounds.

But those judgments are difficult to make when the court has elevated its own outcome-focused agenda over adherence to an established and consistently applied set of litigation rules. Our entire profession should be concerned about the courts increasingly cavalier treatment of the rules and long-standing practices that allow lawyers to effectively develop litigation strategy and anticipate outcomes, whether they are beneficiaries of the courts excesses or not. The very concept of the rule of law is premised on an expectation of stability and consistency in how law is practiced, not just what laws will be applied and to whom.

We have yet to see what the court will do with the Skrmetti case. But if recent cases, and the oral argument, are anything to judge by, at least some of the conservative justices seem prepared to get to the outcome they have decided by any means necessary. More and more, the conservative majoritys approach has put the rules and norms that govern our system of litigation in the crosshairs as much as the substantive rights of marginalized groups.
MACAO (AP)  When Portugal returned its colony Macao to China in 1999, coffee shop owner Daniel Chao was a first grader living in a different world.

Since then his sleepy hometown has transformed into a bustling gaming hub lined with glittering casinos. Its once quiet streets are now jammed with tourist buses. But the growing wealth of the city dubbed the Las Vegas of the East has not brought qualities of sustainable development such as economic diversity and high civic participation.

What was once a relaxed, free place in my childhood has become a place that is crowded and highly commercialized, said Chao.

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Macao will mark the 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on Friday. Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting the city for three days and the city is festooned with celebratory banners and other decorations. A fireworks display is planned for next week.

Since 1999, the city of 687,000 has transformed from a monopoly-driven gambling enclave into the worlds biggest gaming hub, packed with mainland Chinese tourists. Its GDP per person has more than quadrupled to $68,000, roughly on a par with Denmark and Australia and surpassing Hong Kong's of about $50,000.

China rules Macao under a one country, two systems arrangement similar to its governance of Hong Kong, a former British colony. Macao is the only Chinese city where casino gambling is legal and it has resorts run by affiliates of the American gaming giants MGM Resorts, Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts.

Since Macao opened its casino market following the handover to Beijing, its economy has grown to $46 billion in 2023 from $6.5 billion in 1999, despite economic slumps during the COVID-19 pandemic and a crackdown on the junkets that have facilitated visits by high-roller gamblers from elsewhere.

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The economic growth has come at a cost.

Chaos mother worked at a casino job that brought better pay and a bigger apartment, but also stress and irregular hours. He remembers doing homework at 5 a.m., after her night shift. When he was working as a teacher, his students often went to sleep late or had to rely on paid tutors because their parents also worked casino shifts.

The citys tourism boom has brought years of easy money that gave its businesses scant incentive to strive to improve their products or services and develop the resilience needed to overcome the hard times of the pandemic and competition from mainland Chinese products, Chao and some other residents said.

Chao has considered leaving the city, but opted to stay.

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Leaving must come at a heavy price, he said, adding that it seems Macao isnt exactly unlivable yet.

The ruling Communist Party's agenda for Macao now holds sway, with city leaders often referring to national plans. Thats a marked shift from the past, when the city rarely felt any direct impact from Beijing, said Ieong Meng U, a professor at the government and public administration department of the University of Macao.

He expects Macao to become increasingly integrated with nearby Guangdong province over the next decade, following plans to promote tourism, Chinese medicine, finance, technology and exhibitions.

China has designated a special zone on Hengqin island in neighboring Zhuhai city, jointly run by Guangdong and Macao, that is planned to have about 120,000 Macao residents by 2035.

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The closer economic ties have coincided with more intrusive political controls, especially after huge anti-government protests in Hong Kong in 2019 that led Beijing to crack down on virtually all public dissent.

A vigil commemorating Chinas bloody 1989 military crackdown on the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests was banned. Pro-democracy figures were barred from running in Macao's 2021 legislative elections. Last year, the city toughened its national security law. In November, Macao Journalists Association expressed concerns over signs of declining press freedom, saying some local media outlets have been asked to withdraw their articles due to political pressure.

Activist Jason Chao, no relation to Daniel Chao, decided to leave.

After years of working to promote greater democracy, he grew frustrated by officials' lack of willingness to change and the tendency of Macao residents to rely on solving problems through seeking Beijing's help or personal connections rather than civic participation, a habit he says partly stems from the city's colonial heritage under Portuguese rule.

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I exhausted the tactics I had learned at that time," Chao said.

In 2017, Chao left to study overseas. He's now a director of a civil society organization serving Hong Kong immigrants in Britain.

Some older residents believe life has improved in the past quarter century.

Ka Man Chun, a retiree, likes the annual cash handouts, funded by gaming tax reserves, that the government has given residents since 2008. This year, each permanent resident received $1,240,

Ka says he feels safe since he steers clear of politics.

25 years have passed, theres nothing really bad, he said.

Macaos public security, economy and welfare have improved significantly from the colonial era, said Anna Ng, a flower shop owner in her 60s.

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Though critics say Macao has failed to diversify its economy, Ng sees signs of progress in the citys growing exhibition industry and says she's found new opportunities in cultural and creative activities.

Enid Ieong said she has grown bored with the city's limited choices for careers and leisure activities and wants to join her boyfriend in Hong Kong. She dreams of living in Hong Kong's Sai Kung, an area famous for its scenic beauty and beaches.

Ieong mocked the annual cash handout as compensation for what she calls the psychological damage of living in a gaming hub.

I feel like I was born in a grand mansion, but am only responsible for sweeping the floor, she said.
MacKenzie Scott said she donated another $2 billion to organizations she cares about in 2024. The billionaire author and philanthropist has now donated more than $19 billion since 2019, the year she divorced from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and received more than $38 billion, mostly in Amazon stock.

Scott, in a blog post Wednesday announcing her latest donations, said she gave to 199 organizations this year. She said roughly 75% of those donations went to non-profits that support the economic security and opportunity of people who are struggling, including those that are focused on housing affordability, health care, and child development, among other causes.

Ive asked the investment team helping me manage the assets Im working to give away to source funds and companies focused on for-profit solutions to these challenges, Scott said.

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She added that her gifts this year were focused on mission-aligned ventures, including working with leaders from the populations they are serving and from generally undercapitalized groups like women and non-white Americans.

Some of the organizations Scott donated to this year include Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, Legal Aid Chicago, and Lakota Funds, which was the first Native American community development financial institution when it was founded in 1986.

You can view all of Scotts donations via this database.

The post MacKenzie Scott Donates Another $2 Billion in 2024 to 199 Mission-Aligned Ventures appeared first on TheWrap.
If you saw it in a movie, youd probably think it was implausible to a cartoonish degree: An unelected billionaire, after effectively purchasing influence, attaches himself to an American political leader and starts sitting in on meetings with foreign leaders, huddling with members of Congress, helping kill legislation for reasons that dont make sense, weighing in on cabinet choices, and heading up a powerless advisory panel that the political world is pretending has real authority.

All the while, leading public officials  who were actually elected to positions of authority  coordinate their policymaking efforts with this billionaire as if he were in a position of real influence.

But this isnt the basis for an overwrought Hollywood script; its American politics as 2024 comes to an end. Theres reason to believe, however, that the public isnt overly impressed. A HuffPost report highlighted the latest public opinion research related to Elon Musk and his affiliation with Donald Trump:

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Musks role in the still-nascent Trump administration is at least somewhat controversial among the public: A YouGov poll found 48% of Americans had a favorable opinion of Musk, while 42% had an unfavorable opinion. The Associated Press found the public generally split in their opinions of Musk, while a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday found a 53% majority of the public disapproves of Musk playing a prominent role in the Trump administration.

The Quinnipiac poll was of particular interest because of the straightforward wording of the question: Do you approve or disapprove of Elon Musk playing a prominent role in the Trump administration?

There was, predictably, a sharp partisan divide, but overall, a 53% majority said they disapprove. (Among self-identified independent voters, the gap was 20 points: 57% disapproved, while 37% approved.)

The same national survey found that a 44% plurality have an unfavorable opinion of the billionaire, but that only helped reinforce the larger point: The real public reservations are not about Musk personally, but rather about his outsized role in the incoming Republican administration. (The Quinnipiac poll surveyed 924 self-identified registered voters nationwide from Dec. 12-16 and has a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percentage points.)

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At least for now, however, these public attitudes are being ignored: Ahead of this weeks government shutdown deadline, House Speaker Mike Johnson has, by his own admission, been in frequent communication with Musk, trying to convince him of the merits of a stopgap spending bill as if the billionaire had a vote on Capitol Hill.

Those efforts have not succeeded, but what matters is the fact that the Republican Partys top official on Capitol Hill felt the need to appeal to an unelected billionaire for support.

The Louisiana congressman isnt alone: Other GOP lawmakers are also reaching out to Musk in the hopes of advancing their legislative priorities, too.

Democratic officials, meanwhile, have begun referring to the worlds wealthiest individual as President Elon Musk and the nations Shadow President, and its tough to blame them under the circumstances.

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Of course, Trump has a history of resenting those who try to share his spotlight, and its not yet clear whether the president-elect will tolerate his billionaire pal generating so much attention that he wants for himself.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
U.S. Rep. Greg Lopez, a Colorado Republican, talks about his six-month term in the House on Zoom. Lopez was elected on June 29 to fill the remainder of former U.S. Rep. Ken Bucks term after Buck resigned his 4th Congressional District seat.
Todays installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.

* Though vote tallies suggest North Carolinas Jefferson Griffin came up short in his bid for a seat on the state Supreme Court, the Republican is now asking that same court to discount more than 60,000 ballots. The states Board of Elections has already rejected a related effort.

* Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown said hed give the final speech of this term this week, but he refused to call it a farewell speech, despite his failed re-election bid in Ohio. Why? Because the outgoing senator is leaving the door wide open to another campaign, possibly as early as 2026.

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* There was some recent scuttlebutt about Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow running for Democratic National Committee chair, but the state legislator ultimately passed on the race.

* In related news, David Hogg announced this week that hes running to become a vice chair of the DNC. Hogg, whos 24 years old, is perhaps best known to national audiences as an anti-violence activist who survived a mass shooting at a Florida high school in 2018.

* Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is reportedly eyeing a gubernatorial race in New Mexico in 2026. If elected, Haaland, whos also a former congresswoman, would be the nations first Native American woman to serve as a governor.

* In Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis will almost certainly have to choose a temporary successor for Republican Sen. Marco Rubio in the new year, and Donald Trump told reporters this week that he doesnt expect the governor to pick his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. The president-elect added that that issue has nothing to do with me, though there has been some reporting to the contrary.

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* In New York, where Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul appears to be gearing up for re-election bid, recent reporting suggests she might face a primary challenge from her own lieutenant governor: Antonio Delgado, a former Democratic congressman, hasnt ruled out the possibility of a 2026 gubernatorial campaign.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
In recent weeks, as Democratic and Republican lawmakers worked on a spending bill that would prevent a government shutdown, there were a handful of core questions that negotiators had to grapple with. Would it include federal disaster aid? How much? What about aid to farmers?

It was against this backdrop that Donald Trump waited until a bipartisan agreement was complete  and until a shutdown deadline was just two days away  at which point he decided to make a new, odd, and wildly unnecessary demand, confusing a whole lot of officials in both parties in the process. Politico reported:

Donald Trump and JD Vance injected themselves further into an escalating fight over federal spending, demanding that House Republicans scrap a plan that would avert a government shutdown within days. Trump and Vance issued a statement Wednesday insisting that Congress raise the nations debt ceiling and cut a range of spending proposals instead of passing the package that Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans had negotiated with their Democratic counterparts.

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The fact that the president-elect jumped in at the last minute to take a sledgehammer to a bipartisan agreement is itself a dramatic problem. But Trumps decision to also add a debt ceiling increase to the multifaceted mess wasnt just problematic, it was also bizarre. NBC News Sahil Kapur went so far as to characterize it as mind-boggling to see the Republican push a provocative demand thats wholly unrelated to the ongoing debate.

Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman of New York found it so odd that he told MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell that Trumps demand makes absolutely no sense. The congressman added, in reference to the president-elect, Im concerned about his mental capacity.

Congressional Republicans didnt go nearly that far, though some GOP lawmakers conceded that they didnt understand Trumps 11th-hour demand, either. This has come as a surprise to me, Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine told reporters. I was surprised that [Trump] wants to move the debt limit vote up to this year. ... I dont know his rationale.

In case this werent quite enough, the morning after making his strange new demand, the president-elect told NBC News that hed like to see Congress get rid of the debt ceiling altogether  a goal long sought by progressive reformers and annoying political writers like me.

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In a phone interview, Trump specifically said getting rid of the debt ceiling entirely would be the smartest thing [Congress] could do. I would support that entirely.

The Republican added, The Democrats have said they want to get rid of it. If they want to get rid of it, I would lead the charge.

Theres ample speculation about the president-elects motivations, and in the hours following Trumps comments to NBC News, many Democrats seemed unsure how to respond. Its equally unclear how Republican lawmakers  whove spent years using the debt limit as a partisan cudgel  feel about this latest demand.

But stepping back, theres no great mystery as to why Trump has stumbled into this. The New York Times reported:

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As he prepares to push an agenda of tax cuts and border security, Mr. Trump fears that a debt limit fight next year could interfere. His plans are expected to cost trillions of dollars, much of which will most likely need to come from borrowed funds. A drawn-out debt limit fight next year could force Mr. Trump and Republicans to bow to the demands of Democrats and could consume the congressional calendar.

I think thats right, though Id add a related point: Trump is likely terrified of the idea that Democrats might act like him.

Lets not forget that during his first term, the then-president condemned the idea of using the nations debt limit as part of a partisan hostage strategy that threatened the nation. In 2019, for example, Trump declared, I cant imagine anybody using the debt ceiling as a negotiating wedge. In Oval Office comments, he went on to describe the policy as a sacred thing in our country.

After he left office, the Republican promptly changed his mind and demanded that GOP lawmakers use the debt ceiling to threaten the Biden White House, even if it put Americans at risk. As recently as last year, CNNs Kaitlan Collins reminded Trump of his own record, and he responded, Thats when I was president.

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Collins asked, So why is it different now when youre out of office? He replied, Because now Im not president.

Of course, Trump will soon be president again, and its apparently occurred to him that congressional Democrats  whove never tried to leverage the debt ceiling for partisan gain  could, at least theoretically, borrow a page from his own playbook.

Evidently, the president-elect would be delighted if Democrats were to simply take such a possibility off the table now, before hes even inaugurated.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Two weeks ago, as speculation intensified about President Joe Biden protecting potential GOP targets with pre-emptive pardons, Republican Rep. Dan Meuser appeared on Newsmax and derided the discussion as nonsense. The Pennsylvanian quickly explained why such pardons would entirely unnecessary.

Nobodys going to be going after Liz Cheney, Meuser said, referring to the former House Republican Conference chair who helped lead the bipartisan Jan. 6 committee. He made the comment in such a way as to suggest the very idea was absurd.

Two weeks later, as NBC News reported, one of Meusers colleagues declared that the FBI should investigate Cheney as a result of her work on the Jan. 6 panel:

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Based on the evidence obtained by this Subcommittee, numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney, the former Vice Chair of the January 6 Select Committee, and these violations should be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said an interim report released by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., who chairs the House Administrations oversight subcommittee, which investigated the Jan. 6 select committee.

The report specifically alleged that House Republicans, as part of their investigation into the Jan. 6 investigation, found evidence showing Cheney tampered with at least one witness, Cassidy Hutchinson, by secretly communicating with Hutchinson without her attorneys knowledge.

Before we dig in on this, lets briefly review how we arrived at this unusually ludicrous point.

As 2023 got underway, and the new Republican majority in the House got to work, among the earliest priorities for the party was a new, GOP-friendly investigation into the Jan. 6 attack. The endeavor would be led by Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk, in his capacity as the chair of the House Administrations subcommittee on oversight, who faced some awkward questions about a controversial Capitol tour the day before the riot.

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After launching his own Jan. 6 probe, among the Georgia Republicans first steps was exonerating himself.

In the months that followed, Loudermilk said he intended to determine what really happened on Jan. 6, indifferent to the fact that we already know what really happened.

This seemed to come to a head nine months ago, when Loudermilk released his findings, and it landed with a thud: The GOP congressman and his oversight subcommittee colleagues made a handful of underwhelming claims, and by any fair measure, there was no there there.

Those same House Republicans nevertheless kept going  and this week concluded that Cheney likely broke numerous laws.

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That is not a claim to be taken seriously. The Washington Post published an analysis that explained why the allegations are even thinner than you think  and theyre largely a rehash of unimportant information that we already knew.

And yet, Donald Trump nevertheless seized on Loudermilks findings, celebrated the Georgians report, and declared by way of his social media platform that Cheney could be in a lot of trouble. The online missive came on the heels of Trumps appearance on NBCs Meet the Press, in which the president-elect said Cheney and her colleagues on the Jan. 6 panel should go to jail.

And thats ultimately what makes this story so notable. Its easy to brush off baseless claims from a subcommittee, but the broader political context matters: Well soon have a new president hellbent on retaliating against his perceived enemies, and the former Wyoming congresswoman is a foe Trump seems to enjoy hating. This is the same president-elect, of course, who not only spent his first term trying to weaponize federal law enforcement, but who also intends to put sycophantic partisans in charge of the Justice Department and the FBI.

The New York Times published a related analysis following Loudermilks claims, adding, For years, President-elect Donald J. Trump has made it known that people he believes to be his enemies should be prosecuted. This week, his allies in Congress laid out a template for how to go after one of them in particular: Liz Cheney, the former Wyoming representative who has been a focus of Mr. Trumps anger.

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So much for nobodys going to be going after Liz Cheney.

For her part, the former House GOP Conference chair responded to the allegations in a statement that said Loudermilks report intentionally disregards the truth and the Select Committees tremendous weight of evidence, and instead fabricates lies and defamatory allegations in an attempt to cover up what Donald Trump did. Cheney added, Their allegations do not reflect a review of the actual evidence, and are a malicious and cowardly assault on the truth.

As for Hutchinson, her lawyer, William H. Jordan, said in a statement that the allegations that Hutchinson colluded with Cheney are preposterous.

Hes right, though its an open question whether that would matter to Trump-aligned law enforcement officials in 2025.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
A 15-year-old who killed two and injured others in a shooting at a Christian school in Madison on Monday had two handguns with her, though police believe she used only one of them in the attack, the city's police chief told the Journal Sentinel Wednesday evening.

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said Natalie Rupnow, a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School, had two guns with her when she opened fire on a study hall, killing a teacher and fellow student and leaving six more injured. Evidence suggests she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and no officers fired their weapons, he said previously.

The police chief said many questions remain about her motive, as authorities investigate the teenagers cellphone activity and how she got the firearms.

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We believe, preliminarily, that one of these handguns was the sole weapon used to commit this heinous act, and the other was not used, Barnes said, noting a ballistics report would ultimately determine how many of the guns were used.

Police know the origins of the firearms and believe they can follow their path, but Barnes said he was wary of saying too much at risk of jeopardizing any potential criminal case. He said it was too early to say if charges would be filed in the shooting.

A major part of the investigation is determining how she got the guns and from whom, he said. Barnes said he asked the ATF to trace their origins.

The Journal Sentinel spoke with Barnes shortly after media reports surfaced saying a man who had been in contact with the shooter was detained in California. A court document showed the 20-year-old has been held on suspicion of coordinating a mass shooting at a government building in conjunction with the Madison school shooter. Barnes said he could not speak to those reports and referred questions to the FBI.

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He also spoke with the news organization as the people killed were publicly identified for the first time as Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, of Madison and Erin M. West, 42, of Deforest.

As for the people who were injured, Barnes said the hospital had stopped updating police about the conditions of the people who remain there, citing privacy laws.

He said to his knowledge those victims are still alive.

On Tuesday, he said of the six who were injured, two students remained in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. A teacher and three other students were initially hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. Two had been released from the hospital as of Monday evening.

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He said with the information police currently have he could not say that she targeted a specific person. If anyone has information that would indicate she was targeting someone, he asked them to come forward to police.

The shooter made a decision to walk into that study hall with mixed high school students and open fire, he said. Everyone in that room had an equal chance of dying that day.

He did not know whether she was assigned to be in that study hall.

Little is publicly known of the shooter.

Court records indicate she cycled between the homes of her parents  who married and divorced more than once during her lifetime, finalizing their most recent separation in the summer of 2022.

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In the wake of the shooting, attention has also turned to the freshman students online presence. However, details  including a manifesto some believe was written by her  remain unverified.

The department is seeking a person who first posted the purported manifesto online, because it was alleged that there was a direct link to that person. If its true that person had direct contact with her, Barnes said they would have information valuable to investigators.

Investigators are conducting an analysis of the teenagers cell phone to determine if the document originated from her device.

David Clarey can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com. Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com.

This story was updated to add new information.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Madison school shooter had two handguns in attack Abundant Life school
MADISON, Wis. (WTVO)  Medical examiners have identified a teacher and student who were killed in a shooting at a Christian school in Madison earlier this week.

Rubi Vergara, 14, was a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School. Erin Michelle West, 42, was a substitute coordinator and in-building substitute teacher.

Both were killed when authorities said 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow opened fire around 10:57 a.m. in a classroom study hall on Monday.

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Authorities said Rupnow was found dead in the school, of a self-inflicted wound.

Six additional victims were shot. Two of those are students who are in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, and another three injured students and a teacher are expected to recover.

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said detectives are working to determine a motive for the killings, adding that Rupnow appeared to have been motivated by a variety of factors,

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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MAGA nation is celebrating after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was removed from the 2020 election interference case against Donald Trump and his allies.

A Georgia appellate court ruled Thursday that Willis prior romantic relationship with a special prosecutor once on the case, Nathan Wade, was a sufficient conflict of interest for her dismissal.

The decision overturns a previous ruling that allowed Willis to stay on the case as long as Wade resigned, which he promptly did. Although it doesnt eliminate the criminal racketeering indictment against Trump, the decision does muddle the cases future less than a month out from the presidential inauguration.

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Accordingly, Trump and some of his most ardent supporters are celebrating the outcome as a huge win.

Trump and his backers celebrated the decision to remove Willis. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

In an interview with Fox New Digital, Trump praised the decision, declaring the case entirely dead and adding that the wonderful patriots who have been caught up in this for years deserve an apology.

Trump told Fox that the whole case has been a disgrace to justice.

There is no way such corrupt people can lead a case, and then it gets taken over by somebody else, Trump added, insisting that the case has no future.

In a statement to the Daily Beast about the ruling, Trumps communications director, Steven Cheung, wrote that the American People have demanded an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all the Witch Hunts against him.

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Other prominent MAGA figures also took part in the revelry.

Fani Willis DISQUALIFIEDanother Trump win!Merry Christmas!! wrote pundit Megyn Kelly on X.

Fellow far-right commentator Charlie Kirk, meanwhile, added that the ruling was a HUGE legal victory for not only President Trump but all of the co-defendants who were targeted alongside him.

Over a dozen Trump alliesincluding Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadowswere charged alongside him under Georgias RICO act him for what prosecutors said was an organized criminal effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which Trump lost.

Wade resigned from the case after a court ruled that he and Willis could not both continue to work on it. / Pool / Getty Images

The previous relationship between Willis and Wade came to light months after the district attorney had hired him to assist as a special prosecutor for the case, although they both insisted there was no impropriety in the move.

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The appeals court, however, decided otherwise.

While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings, the ruling reads.

Although another prosecutor could theoretically take over the case from Willis office, there has so far been no indication that this will happen.
Dec. 19Nearly 150 employees in Maine's Office of Child and Family Services have signed a letter of no confidence in Director Bobbi Johnson and are calling on Gov. Janet Mills to replace her immediately.

In response, Mills and Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Sara Gagne-Holmes each issued statements supporting Johnson and criticizing the union that represents those workers.

The latest disagreement between child protection caseworkers and administrators comes just weeks before the next Legislature convenes. It could foreshadow additional attempts to overhaul the agency tasked with protecting the state's most vulnerable children, which has been under scrutiny for many years.

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In the letter of no confidence, which was released Thursday by the state employees' labor union, workers accused Johnson of failing to acknowledge or address critical safety issues relating to using hotels to temporarily house children in state custody. The 145 workers who signed the letter represent about 25% of union workers with the agency or 19% of all staff.

"Director Bobbi Johnson has actively demonstrated that she is unable to ensure the well-being and safety of children and OCFS staff by refusing to address the housing of children in hotels," the workers wrote. "First and foremost, holding children in hotels or emergency rooms only increases the trauma for children. The director's inaction in finding an alternate to the warehousing of children in hotels or emergency rooms lends to the perception by many front-line workers that those in Central Office are reinforcing the misconception that hotels and emergency rooms are the only options for housing children."

Johnson took over as agency director in January, just months after former director Todd Landry resigned amid growing criticism. She has been a Department of Health and Human Services employee for 28 years.

Mills, through her spokesman Ben Goodman, said she has full confidence in Johnson as someone who "cares deeply about children and her employees."

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"The allegations and personal attacks against Director Johnson are meritless and this extreme approach by the union is not productive, nor does it serve the long-term shared goal of trying to reduce the use of hotels," Goodman said in an email. "The governor knows Director Johnson is committed to working collaboratively to address this issue."

Gagne-Holmes also defended Johnson.

"Since becoming director of the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), Director Johnson has visited every district across the state at least three times, listening to front-line staff and considering the concerns raised  including those in the (union) letter," the commissioner said in a prepared statement. "We recognize no single measure can solve every challenge in a system this complex, but the director's commitment to listening, adapting and supporting staff is unwavering. Director Johnson has my full support, and I remain confident in her compassionate, responsive and effective leadership."

Workers said they only decided to send the letter of no confidence after trying for months to get Johnson to hear their concerns.

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When a caseworker petitions to remove a child from a home because of suspected abuse or neglect, the child is then placed in a foster home or with an extended family member. But that doesn't always happen immediately, and in the meantime, they often stay in hotels that must be staffed by caseworkers 24 hours a day. That means workers are responsible for providing meals, medications, transportation to and from school and other activities, any medical appointments and more.

In the letter, workers said staff members have been assaulted by aggressive children and have been forced to cover multiple long shifts back-to-back. Sometimes, it can take weeks to find a placement, especially if the child has behavioral health needs, said Robin Upton-Sukeforth, a union representative for caseworkers.

Concerns about using hotels to house children have long been raised among workers, but the problem has become more acute, Upton-Sukeforth said. There are more children in state custody now than at any point over the last two decades  2,507 as of September , according to state data, up from 1,724 in July 2018.

"All of the above concerns have been raised in meetings with Director Johnson and the significance of these concerns have been dismissed as a failure on the front-line staff to adapt to the demands of the work," the letter states. "Director Johnson consistently demonstrates a blatant failure to listen to the concerns of the front-line OCFS staff prior to or even post-implementation of policies and procedures, jeopardizing Maine's vulnerable citizens and the OCFS staff who serve them."

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In addition to signing a letter of no confidence, the Maine Service Employees Association union filed a workplace complaint with the Maine Department of Labor over requiring workers to stay overnight in hotels with minors in state custody.

Maine's Office of Child and Family Services has been investigated numerous times over the years by lawmakers and by federal and state auditors, often in response to high-profile child deaths.

Despite improvements in training for staff and increases in worker salaries to curb high burnout and turnover, problems have persisted.

Just last month, federal auditors released a report that found Maine's child protection officials failed to complete all of the requirements in 94% of abuse or neglect investigations between October 2021 and September 2022. The most common failures were not completing safety assessments within 72 hours, not completing investigations within 35 days, and not notifying parents or caregivers of a finding within 10 days.

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Johnson said at the time that it had been two full years since the end of the audit period and many of the problems cited have been remedied or are in the process of being addressed.

Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, who served last session as chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, said he expects more robust debate about child protection when the next Legislature convenes in January.

"As far as Bobbi Johnson is concerned, the complaints are similar to what we've heard before under other directors, so I think it's premature to give her a no-confidence vote. She needs more than 11 months," Baldacci said. "But the governor has to take a personal involvement in this. She can't just say these are unfair attacks."

Sen. Jeff Timberlake, R-Turner, said the concerns raised in the employees' letter were similar to what he heard from workers during Government Oversight Committee meetings over the last couple of years.

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"It's very discouraging," he said. "Something has to be done different."

Timberlake said he plans to bring back a bill that would separate the Office of Child and Family Services from DHHS, something that failed last session.

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By Ashley Tang

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's High Court on Thursday acquitted Rosmah Mansor, the wife of jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak, of money laundering and tax evasion, citing insufficient grounds to charge her.

Najib and Rosmah have been the subject of multiple graft investigations since Najib's surprise election defeat in 2018, when voters' fury over his alleged role in a multi-billion dollar scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) ended his nine years in power. Both have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

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Rosmah is not yet out of the woods, however, and is currently free on bail pending an appeal against a 10-year jail sentence in 2022 for soliciting and receiving bribes to help a company win a $279 million solar power supply project from Najib's government.

Rosmah has been widely scorned in Malaysia for her extravagant lifestyle and penchant for luxury handbags, more than 500 of which were found at properties searched by police as part of investigations into the 1MDB scandal, on top of 12,000 items of jewellery.

According to Thursday's High Court judgment seen by Reuters, Rosmah was acquitted of the 12 money laundering charges and five tax evasion charges against her, which it said lacked probity, propriety and legality.

Rosmah said she was grateful the case had concluded and thanked her lawyers.

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"I also want to thank the judge who has made the right decision. This is what I call justice and this is the kind of justice that everybody should have," she told a livestreamed press conference.

Her acquittal follows the recent dropping of corruption charges against Najib linked to 1MDB due to procedural delays and the failure of the prosecution to disclose key documents.

Najib faces several trials linked to the scandal at 1MDB, from which Malaysian and U.S. authorities say about $4.5 billion was stolen in a complex, globe-spanning scheme between 2009 and 2014.

Najib, who helped found 1MDB when he was premier, was found guilty of corruption and money laundering in 2022 in a case linked to the scandal and sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2022, though the term was later halved by a pardon's board chaired by Malaysia's king.

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Najib has also apologised for his role in mishandling the 1MDB scandal, though he maintained he had no knowledge of any illegal transfers from the state fund. Najib has been pressing to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

($1 = 4.5030 ringgit)

(Reporting by Ashley Tang; Editing by Martin Petty)
The Arhuaco tribe has resided in the lush, emerald expanse of Colombias Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta for hundreds of years. Its the kind of landscape that looks surreal, surrounded by the cerulean Kutunsama lagoon, the ivory peaks of the coastal mountains glaciers, vibrant creatures like the Macaw and a kaleidoscope variety of flora. But the Mamo, the Arhuacos high priests, want you to know every inch of their beautiful home is at risk.

Mamus, a new documentary short directed by Jacques Naude, offers an intimate look at the Arahuacos imperative warning: their existence, and the Earths in general, is being threatened by outside forces like climate change, resource mining, and Colombias armed conflict. According to the Arhuaco, their spiritual philosophy to respect the environment is the only path forward. The 30-minute film, produced in partnership with Imagine Documentaries, XTR, Offline Picture, and Rolling Stone Films, is out today on Documentary+ and RollingStone.com.

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Over the course of five years and several trips to Colombia, Naude worked with producer Ramon Campos Iriarte, a Colombian political analyst and journalist, to bring Mamus to life and carry [the Arhuacos] message of conservation to a different audience, Campos Iriarte tells Rolling Stone. They really need attention in order to stop the militarization of their territory and armed factions fighting over land and resources, he adds.

The result is a visually compelling portrait of life inside the Seynimin village, one of the sacred Arhuaco communities. Embedded in the tribes daily customs are religious rituals that represent the Arhuacaos spiritual connection to nature and responsibility to protect Mother Earth. One scene in the documentary showcases this when a Mamo hands out balls of raw cotton to several men as a way to pay tribute to the land for everything it has given them. The Arhuaco are highly symbolic people, Campos Iriarte explains. Everything they do has a meaning beyond the material activity that youre seeing, he says.

But what carries Mamus is the wisdom imparted by Arhuacos own Mamos, which is voiced-over the entire documentary short in their native language Iku. The Mamo are the spokespeople for Mother Earth, their God and their life revolves around the Great Mother, Naude explains on the same Zoom call with his producer.

He and Campos Iriarte were able to gain unique access to the Mamo and conduct in-depth interviews with several of the high priests. This kind of access was no easy feat. The last time the Arhuacos Mamo let outsiders into their world for a documentary was in 1990, when Alan Ereiras BBC project From the Heart of the World: The Elder Brothers Warning, first shared the Arhuacos warning with the world.

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Naude and Campos Iriarte credit their tribe liaison, Arukin Torres Zalabata, with their ability to develop trust within the community, which was made easier by Campos Iriarte; his father, Yezid Campos, is an anthropologist who spent over 50 years studying the Arhuaco. My dad really opened the door for us, Campos Iriarte says, adding, I grew up going to La Sierra, they know me as the son of the anthropologist that went there in the Seventies.

This trust was a crucial component of filming. After all, its extremely uncommon for large, high-tech video cameras to be brought into the Arhuacans most sacred spaces. We really had to approach the whole film in a very lean and respectful way, Naude says.

Once they gained the Arhuacos trust, Naude and Campos Iriarte had to work within the restraints of the tribe They give you a window and that window is all you get, Naude says. Within the small time frame and against the odds of brutal travel to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Naude and Campos Iriarte captured several Mamo voices across generations. At the end of the day it wasnt a scripted film, the director says, describing how the Mamos way of speaking in parables guided Mamus narrative. We were being led by their message, he adds.

At one point in the documentary, an elder Mamo declares, No matter what our customs, we all need Mother Earth. Its a statement that emphasizes the overarching message the Arhuaco are trying to get across. While they are worried about their own home, the effects of climate change and resource mining can, and will, impact nearby cities in Colombia, and eventually the world.

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If you want to preserve this environment, you need to think about the dramatic changes that are happening right now, Campos Iriarte says. Its a universal message that you can hear people from all over the world saying. [The Arhuaco] just have a very natural way of putting it.

It is both Naude and Campos Iriartes goal that the Arhuacos message will reach wider audiences with the release of Mamus. Naude says, This message has its own legs and its own power, and itll distill itself in the right hearts and minds.

Film Credits

Director: Jacques Naude

Prod Co: Imagine Documentaries, XTR, Offline Pictures, Rolling Stone Films

Producers: Ramon Campos Iriarte, Arukin Torres Zalabata

Executive Producers: Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Meredith Kaulfers, Bryn Mooser, Kathryn Everett, Justin Lacob, Jason Fine, Gus Wenner, Alexandra Dale, Jacques Naude

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A man facing murder charges in connection to a deadly shooting last year will remain behind bars. Bryan Perello is accused of shooting and killing Adam Duarte at a casita on Mountain Rd, near Rio Grande Blvd. in May 2023.

Albuquerque police seek information on pair accused in deadly stabbing

Police said his truck was seen at a strip club earlier that morning where Duarte was seen getting in an argument with a friend of Perello. Those two men later left together in the same truck which police said was caught on camera near the crime scene. The state asked for pretrial detention based on his criminal history including being on conditions of release in a federal case at the time of the murder. Judge Brett Loveless granted the states motion.

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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.
Video above: Woman dies in shooting at Tampa home, suspect at large

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The man accused of fatally shooting a woman in Tampa on Tuesday morning was arrested, police announced Wednesday.

Derrick Dempsey, 35, was charged with first degree murder, according to a release from the Tampa Police Department.

Florida stepmom charged after boy drowns in ditch full of feces, urine: report

Officers were called to a home on St. Joseph Street after gunshots were reported. They found the victim, a woman in her mid-30s, with a gunshot wound.

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She was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Witnesses told detectives Dempsey and the woman were arguing inside of a pickup truck before Dempsey got out and retrieved a gun, according to police. The witnesses reported hearing a gunshot.

This is a tragic loss that no family should have to endure, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. We are thankful this dangerous individual is no longer on the street and for the partnership with the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office that led to a quick arrest in this case.

The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office assisted in arresting Dempsey.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Stabbing suspect Axel Rudakubana has entered not guilty pleas for the charges of murdering three young girls  Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, and Bebe King  at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class in Southport, England.

The pleas were entered on behalf of Rudakubana, 18, per the BBC and The Guardian. He appeared via video link at Liverpool Crown Court from the London prison where he is being held on Wednesday, Dec. 18. but refused to speak, according to the outlets.

The alleged murders took place at The Hart Space community center on July 29 during the first week of the girls summer vacation from school, per The Guardian.



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He also entered not guilty pleas for the attempted murder of 10 other people, including eight children, and to additional charges related to possessing the poison ricin and for having an Al Qaeda manual, reports the outlet.

Press Association via AP Court sketch of Southport stabbings suspect Axel Rudakubana Court sketch of Southport stabbings suspect Axel Rudakubana

Related: All Children Injured in Mass Stabbing at Taylor Swift Themed-Event Released from Hospital

At the time of the alleged knife attack, Rudakubana  who was born in Wales to Rwandan Christian parents  was aged just 17, per the outlet. He was arrested shortly afterward.

The L.A. Times reports Wednesday's court date was the first time Rudakubana has not obscured his face with his clothing while appearing in court. Judge Mr Justice Goose said Rudakubana was a "mute of malice"  a legal term for a defendant who refuses to speak and engage, per BBC.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The BBC adds that the defendant rocked from side to side during the hearing and occasionally bowed his head.

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The judge set the trial date for Jan. 20. and said it was expected to last up to four weeks, per the outlet.

Related: King Charles Makes Poignant Visit to Town Where 3 Girls Were Killed at Taylor Swift-Themed Dance Class

Taylor Swift/Instagram Taylor Swift issued a heartfelt response to the tragic incident on Jul. 30 Taylor Swift issued a heartfelt response to the tragic incident on Jul. 30

Following the incident in July, Taylor Swift issued a heartfelt statement via her Instagram Stories, saying she was at a complete loss at what had happened.

"The horror of yesterday's attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I'm just completely in shock... The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders."

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"These were just little kids at a dance class," the 35-year-old added. "I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families."

Read the original article on People
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  A man charged with firing a gun inside an Alabama A&M dormitory in March is now also facing an attempted murder charge from the same incident.

Court records show Juvuan Maurice Richards Jr., 20, was charged with firing two shots at a university police officer in a dorm stairwell. The attempted murder charge was filed in September.

HPD looking for person, truck involved in Dec. 12 hit and run

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Following the March incident, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said the officer exchanged gunfire with a university student in a residence hall. The student, who was not identified, was injured and taken to the hospital, ALEA said.

The same day Richards was charged with firing a Glock 17 handgun in the Knight Living and Learning Complex on the Alabama A&M campus.

Court records show Richards had a $50,000 bond on the initial charge. His bond on the second charge was reduced to $25,000 in October.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
NEW YORK (AP)  The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcares CEO was whisked back to New York by plane and helicopter Thursday to face new federal charges of stalking and murder, which could bring the death penalty if he's convicted.

Luigi Mangione was held without bail following a Manhattan federal court appearance, capping a whirlwind day that began in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested last week in the Dec. 4 attack on Brian Thompson.

The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate had been expected to be arraigned Thursday on a state murder indictment in a killing that at once rattled the business community and galvanized some health insurance critics, but the federal charges preempted that appearance. The cases will now proceed on parallel tracks, prosecutors said, with the state charges expected to go to trial first.

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Mangione, shackled at the ankles and wearing dress clothes, said little during the 15-minute proceeding as he sat between his lawyers in a packed federal courtroom.

He nodded as a magistrate judge informed him of his rights and the charges against him, occasionally leaning forward to a microphone to tell her he understood.

After the hearing, a federal marshal handed Mangiones lawyers a bag containing his belongings, including the orange prison jumpsuit he had worn to court in Pennsylvania.

Mangione had been held in Pennsylvania since his Dec. 9 arrest while eating breakfast at a McDonald's in Altoona, about 233 miles (37 kilometers) west of Manhattan.

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At a hearing there Thursday morning, Mangione agreed to be returned to New York and was immediately turned over to at least a dozen New York Police Department officers who took him to an airport and a plane bound for Long Island.

He then was flown to a Manhattan heliport, where he was walked slowly up a pier by a throng of officers with assault rifles  a contingent that included New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

The federal complaint filed Thursday charges Mangione with two counts of stalking and one count each of murder through use of a firearm and a firearms offense. Murder by firearm carries the possibility of the death penalty, though federal prosecutors will determine whether to pursue that path in coming months.

In a state court indictment announced earlier this week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office charged Mangione with murder as an act of terrorism, which carries a possible sentence of life in prison without parole. New York does not have the death penalty.

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Mangiones lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said its a highly unusual situation for a defendant to face simultaneous state and federal cases.

Frankly Ive never seen anything like what is happening here, said Friedman Agnifilo, a former top deputy in the Manhattan district attorney's office.

She reserved the right to seek bail at a later point and declined to comment as she left the courthouse.

Mangione, of Towson, Maryland, is accused of ambushing the 50-year-old Thompson as the executive arrived to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference.

Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting Thompson from behind. Police say the words delay, deny and depose were scrawled on the ammunition investigators found at the scene, echoing a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims.

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The gunman then pedaled a bicycle through Central Park, took a taxicab to a bus station and then rode the subway to a train station before fleeing to Pennsylvania, authorities said.

There, a McDonalds customer noticed that Mangione looked like the person in surveillance photos police were circulating of the gunman, prosecutors said.

When he was arrested, they say, Mangione had the gun used to kill Thompson, a passport, fake IDs and about $10,000.

According to the federal complaint, Mangione also had a spiral notebook that included several handwritten pages expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives. UnitedHealthcare is the largest health insurer in the U.S., though the insurer said Mangione was never a client.

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An August entry said that the target is insurance because it checks every box, according to the filing. An entry in October describes an intent to wack the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference, the document said.

Mangione initially fought attempts to return him to New York. In addition to waiving extradition Thursday, he waived a preliminary hearing on forgery and firearms charges in Pennsylvania.

The killing unleashed an outpouring of stories about resentment toward U.S. health insurance companies while also shaking corporate America after some social media users called the shooting payback.

Mangione, a computer science graduate from a prominent Maryland family, repeatedly posted on social media about how spinal surgery last year had eased his chronic back pain, encouraging people with similar conditions to speak up for themselves if told they just had to live with it.

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In a Reddit post in late April, he advised someone with a back problem to seek additional opinions from surgeons and, if necessary, say the pain made it impossible to work.

We live in a capitalist society, Mangione wrote. Ive found that the medical industry responds to these key words far more urgently than you describing unbearable pain and how its impacting your quality of life.

He apparently cut himself off from family and close friends in recent months. His family reported him missing in San Francisco in November.

Thompson, who grew up on a farm in Iowa, was trained as an accountant. A married father of two high-schoolers, he had worked at UnitedHealth Group for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance arm in 2021.

___

Scolforo reported from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Associated Press writers Mike Rubinkam in Allentown, Pennsylvania; and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; contributed.
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Officers with the New Orleans Police Department have announced the arrest of a man in connection with a mass shooting during a second line in the St. Roch area.

On Nov. 17, the NOPD reported that multiple people were shot during the Nine Times second line in the 1800 block of Almonaster Avenue around 3:30 p.m.

Following an investigation, NOPD detectives said they identified 32-year-old Alex Harris as a suspect in the investigation.

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New Orleans police identify suspect in fatal shooting of Cox employee

According to police, Harris and another person got into an argument when they allegedly began shooting at each other. NOPD officials said nine bystanders were wounded.

(Courtesy/Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office)

On Friday, Dec. 13, Harris was taken into custody. He faces charges of felon in possession of a firearm, illegal discharge of firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm at a parade.

Additionally, the NOPD announced the arrest of 36-year-old Tavi Roach. According to police, Roach was arrested following the shooting after police allegedly connected him with a stolen car that was seen leaving the scene.

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Six suspects sought in French Quarter shooting

Roach faces charges of felon in possession of a firearm, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen auto.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional information was not provided.

Anyone with information can call Fifth District detectives at 504-658-6050 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 504-822-1111.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a man Wednesday suspected of shooting and killing a man in Southeast D.C. last year.

Shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2023, MPD responded to the 400 block of Ridge Road SE. There, they found 52-year-old Marcus Little of Southeast D.C. suffering from gunshot wounds.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Shooting in Southeast DC leaves man dead

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He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Just over a year later, on Dec. 18, MPD said officials arrested 42-year-old Rico Parker of Southeast D.C. He was charged with First Degree Murder While Armed (Premeditated).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A breakdown in contract negotiations between Childrens Hospital Colorado and TriWest Healthcare Alliance has led the nonprofit pediatric hospital system to move to non-network participating provider status beginning Jan. 1, according to officials.

Doing so will provide additional time to work on a sustainable agreement, said Greg Raymond, president of the hospital network's southern region that's based in Colorado Springs.

Officials from Childrens Hospital have not yet determined whether they will sign a contract as a non-network, non-participating provider or return to full network status, he added.

As negotiations continue, if the two entities do not reach an agreement by June 1, Childrens Hospital Colorado will make that decision, Raymond said in an interview with The Gazette.

This is an interim step to allow us to work in good faith with TriWest, he said. Weve got to negotiate a middle ground for TRICARE to save money and for Childrens being able to provide services families deserve and allow for us to be sustainable.

TriWest deferred commenting on the contract negotiations to the Defense Health Agency.

TriWest has authority to continue to negotiate in good faith with Childrens Hospital of Colorado and would welcome them to remain in the TRICARE network, officials from the Defense Health Agency said in a statement to The Gazette.

Patients families received a letter on Wednesday explaining the situation. Pre-authorization and approval for services will be the most immediate impact, Raymond said.

As of Jan. 1 military service members with children who use Childrens Hospital Colorado facilities will need to check with TriWest to see if prior authorization is required for services such as outpatient radiology, lab work, pediatric specialty visits and other services.

Parent Edward Tice was upset by the news.

TRICARE members will be forced to pay for specialty outpatient care out of pocket and then file for reimbursement, said Tice, who has two special-needs children who use Childrens Hospital.

To inform TRICARE members of this decision that we will be out of network for care one week before Christmas and two weeks before a new contractor takes over the health care contract is an insult to those who wear or have worn their uniforms and all the needs of their families, he said.

TriWest will replace Healthnet in the western half of the United States on Jan. 1 as the new benefits administrator for TRICARE, the health benefit plan for active-duty military men, women and their families.

TriWest will determine patients co-pays and deductibles, and Childrens Hospital Colorado will bill TriWest for authorized services and receive reimbursement directly from TriWest.

The dispute stems from the federal Defense Health Agency cutting TRICARE reimbursement rates last year for childrens hospitals around the nation. The new pay structure also applies to cancer hospitals and ambulatory service centers.

Current negotiations with TriWest have not yielded improvements over the cuts weve experienced going back to October 2023, Raymond said.

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Since opening a Childrens Hospital location in Colorado Springs five and a half years ago, the systems southern region has posted operating losses each year between 2019 and 2023, he said. The TRICARE cuts have reduced outpatient reimbursements by 60%, amounting to further losses of $2.4 million per month, Raymond said.

With five military installations in El Paso County, the hospital in Colorado Springs is more adversely affected than other pediatric hospitals because of its high payer mix of TRICARE clients, he said.

Last year, Childrens Hospital Colorado cared for 15,000 TRICARE patients, 10,300 of whom received services in southern Colorado.

TRICARE patients comprise nearly 20% of the clients at the Colorado Springs hospital  making it the second-largest provider of healthcare for patients with TRICARE coverage in the country, Raymond said.

The Defense Health Agency argues in its statement to The Gazette that it is required by federal law to align reimbursement rates for institutional providers of services of the same type under Medicare  essentially to pay children's hospitals based on a similar structure as adult hospitals.

Critics have contended that reducing payments for TRICARE patients does not adequately account for the additional costs of pediatric care and negatively impacts access to care for military families.

The Defense Health Agencys updated rule, published in April 2023 and enacted Oct. 1, 2023, includes the provision that additional payments (are) available to these hospitals to ensure that TRICARE reimburses 100% of their costs for TRICARE covered services.

The agency recognizes that Childrens Hospital of Colorado would prefer to continue to receive payments above their reported costs; however, TRICARE is committed to maintaining access to a robust benefit and fairly reimbursing providers while responsibly managing taxpayer dollars, the statement said.

The situation has other consequences, the Childrens Hospital Association said in an email.

Providing military families with access to local civilian pediatric specialty care is essential for military recruitment and retention, ensuring continuity of care, maintaining quality health care standards and supporting the well-being of military-connected children and their families, the statement said.

Over the past year, Childrens Hospital Colorado has taken several steps in opposing the change.

Hospital leadership appealed to elected Congressional officials, who on Tuesday called on the Defense Health Agency to come to the table, ensure fair reimbursement rates and fulfill their duty to military families to provide access to the health care they need. The statement was issued by U.S. Sen Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn and Jason Crow.

While visiting Colorado Springs on Wednesday, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he agrees, saying the Defense Health Agency and Children's Hospital Colorado "need to find a way" to reach an agreement.

Childrens Hospital Colorado also unsuccessfully sued to challenge the legality of the rule.

Were now in a position to make the difficult decision to not sign the contract with TriWest, Raymond said. This is going to be destructive to families and disruptive to their care, and it's important families take proactive steps.

For more information, go to www.tricare.mil/west or www.childrenscolorado.org/tricare.
Luke Ford  a Scottish man who served as a body double for Brad Pitt  was sentenced to 16 years in prison by the High Court in Edinburgh, following a series of charges of abuse against women, including rape, according to a statement from the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service in Scotland.



Ford, 35, preyed on women he met on dating apps over the course of 12 years, subjecting his victims to physical and sexual abuse. Fords abuse included strangling, smashing a partners head against a car window, slapping another across the face and blackmailing women by threatening to share illicit photographs he had taken of them with their employers or families, prosecutors said, according to the BBC.

Ford is a dangerous and manipulative sexual predator, said Scottish Police Detective Inspector Steven Gray. I hope that knowing he is now behind bars for his crimes helps them continue to move forward with their lives.

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Among Fords 19 convictions was one on a charge of stealthing  "defined as not using a protective condom without a partners knowledge or consent, which is rape," according to the statement from prosecutors. According to the statement, Ford's conviction for the crime is the first of its kind in Scotland.

One rape victim, who met Ford through Tinder in 2017, said that she had handed Ford a condom in bed and said he had to use protection so that she could avoid pregnancy  to which he responded, good idea. But he later told her he had not used the condom, according to The Times of London.

I was shocked and upset, said the victim. I would not have had sex with him without a condom. I asked him to leave. I felt completely violated.

After she confronted Ford, he called her paranoid and instructed her to take an emergency contraceptive pill.

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Ford, from Stirling, Scotland, was described to the court as an amateur actor, who played Pitts body double during shoots for the 2013 film World War Z in Glasgow.

Paramount Pictures Brad Pitt in 'World War Z' Brad Pitt in 'World War Z'

He genuinely thought he was going to be the next Brad Pitt, one of Fords victims told STV News, speaking on the condition of anonymity. I think there were multiple stunt doubles, but the way that he spun it, it looked like he was Brad Pitts one-and-only stunt double.

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Calling Ford a master manipulator, the victim added: I would say its taken me a long time to get over what happened and say that life is good now.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

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A man who allegedly sold fentanyl resulting in the deaths of two others could face a minimum of 40 years in prison, according to federal prosecutors.

Christopher Morales, 22, was formally charged by a grand jury on Wednesday with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death  which is now his second charge for the same crime.

The initial charge came in October after the death of a person in Palmdale. That charge, on which prosecutors say hell be arraigned in the coming weeks, came after a Palmdale resident died of a fentanyl overdose in March.

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Prosecutors allege that Morales knowingly sold that person fentanyl. The investigation of that initial incident led to a search of his Palmdale home in April, when the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department discovered 4.3 grams of fentanyl.

Another insurance company is rolling back coverage in California

The investigation also produced text messages between Morales and the victim, which prosecutors say indicated a transaction for fentanyl.

After he was arrested again for a second death, authorities found an ounce of fentanyl pills.

Within a five-month period, two victims died of fentanyl poisoning, allegedly after receiving fentanyl from the defendant, said Anthony Chrysanthis, deputy special agent in charge for the DEA Los Angeles Field Division. His actions serve as a reminder that drug traffickers are not going to stop distributing their poison just because someone dies. But traffickers should take notice  law enforcement is not stopping either.

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The two charges each carry a minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, meaning if convicted on both counts, Morales would spend at least 40 years behind bars. Both counts carry a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The defendant allegedly chose financial gain over the life of another when he decided to traffic fentanyl, said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. We cannot tolerate those who treat unnecessary and preventable losses of life as just the cost of doing business. Our office and our law enforcement partners will continue our steadfast campaign to help fight this fentanyl crisis and bring lawbreakers to justice.

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  A man has been charged after a juvenile disclosed incidents of sexual abuse that happened 10 years ago.

On Aug. 26, troopers with the Monongalia County detachment of the West Virginia State Police took part in a forensic interview at the Child Advocacy Center due to an investigation reported by child protective services, according to a criminal complaint.

Earl Villers

In that interview, the juvenile disclosed that in 2014, Earl Villers, 29, of Burton, performed acts of sexual abuse and assault while the victim was approximately 5-6 years of age, troopers said.

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During that time, the victim was under the supervision of Villers, who did intentionally isolate the victim by claiming he was going to change the victims pull-up diaper, and while Villers had separated the victim from other family members, he performed sexual abuse acts, according to the complaint.

Lewis County woman allegedly allowed infant to be abused since birth

The victim stated that the event was not reported initially because the victim did not began to comprehend and understand the incident was not okay' until the victim was 10 years old, troopers said.

In that interview, the victim said that the sexual acts performed by Villers were reported to members of the victims family, who did not report the event to law enforcement, but rather kept the incident private and continuously allowed [Villers] to supervise the victim, according to the complaint.

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Villers has been charged with sexual abuse and sexual assault. He is being held in North Central Regional Jail.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A 75-year-old man pleaded guilty Thursday in municipal court to a charge of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol after he was pulled over for going the wrong way on Interstate 680.

Read next: Auto repair shop owner tired of crashes into his business

John Rosa Sr. entered his guilty plea to a charge of OVI, a first-degree misdemeanor, before Judge Carla Baldwin. Rosa also entered a guilty plea to a minor misdemeanor traffic offense.

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Under a sentencing agreement between Rosas lawyer and prosecutors, and upheld by Judge Baldwin, Rosa was fined $400 and costs and sentenced to 180 days in jail with 177 suspended.

Rosa will attend a three-day driving school as part of his sentence in lieu of jail.

Rosa was charged Sept. 13 after police and troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol were called about 12:35 a.m. to the freeway for a report of a vehicle traveling south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 680.

Reports said an officer found a car on the shoulder next to the center divider in the northbound lane of the freeway facing south near the Himrod Avenue Expressway. Reports said the driver, later identified as Rosa, smelled heavily of alcohol and was slurring his words.

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When asked how much he had to drink, reports said he told the officer he had a bottle of wine earlier.

Reports said Rosa appeared apprehensive about taking a field sobriety test and was put in a cruiser. He later agreed to take the test, reports said. Reports said he almost fell over and he could not follow any of the instructions, so the test was halted and he was taken to the police department for a breath test.

Reports said Rosa agreed to the breath test but did not perform the test properly so a proper reading could not be obtained from the machine.

Also as part of his sentencing, Rosa must continue drug and alcohol counseling. His lawyer, Scott Cochran, told the judge his client had begun treatment immediately after his arrest and that he has continued the treatment since then.

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Rosas license was also suspended for a year retroactive to his arrest, but Cochran said he has a motion pending asking for limited driving privileges.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The man accused of shooting two security guards outside of a club on Third Street earlier this month has been taken into custody.

Andre Sherrod, 57, is charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

Andre Sherrod (Photo courtesy of the SCSO)

According to reports, on December 10, Sherrod walked up to Lucilles Blues and Diner where two security guards were standing outside. He was denied entry to the club because he was allegedly intoxicated and would not submit to a search.

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Security guards injured, arrested after shooting at club on Third Street

Sherrod then went back to his car and got a gun. He fired multiple shots at the security guards as he fled the scene.

Police say security guard Quintrease Rhodes was shot in her left hand and arm. Jayden Logan, the other guard was shot in each of his thighs.

Both of the victims were taken into custody following the shooting.

Quintrease Rhodes and Jayden Logan (Photos courtesy of the SCSO)

According to police, Rhodes is a convicted felon and was in possession of a firearm. She also has a criminal history of Aggravated Assault with a guilty plea last year in October.

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Logan was in possession of a gun that was reported stolen out of Pontotoc County, Mississippi back in May, police say. The weapon had a small metal lever known to make the firearm automatic.

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Rhodes was charged with Convicted Felon in Possession of a Handgun, and Logan was charged with Theft of Property to wit: Handgun and Prohibited Weapon to wit: Machine Gun.

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TWINSBURG, Ohio (WJW)  One of the great holiday traditions in Twinsburg is residents showing their gratitude for the hard work of garbage collectors and other service workers by leaving them gift cards or cash on collection day.

We just feel that its the right time of year. We appreciate the service and the hard work and, you know, a little bit goes a long way and it makes us feel good. said Twinsburg resident Drew Dallet.

Dallet says he saw a pickup truck stop by his garbage cans on Tuesday and then watched as the driver grabbed the gift cards that the Dallet family left for their collectors.

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I was like I think somebody just stole our cards and then he slipped away into the condos, which are right over here, and I just got in my car and went after him, he said.

Car dealership fire now believed to be arson; reward offered for information

Dallet used his car to block the suspects truck on a nearby street and began taking photos. He then got out and confronted the driver about taking the gift cards.

He said no, I didnt. He said I was just picking, and I said, you did, I saw you out the window. I watched you do it, and he grabbed the two cards and held him out of his window and he said, Im sorry, and I said, thats a horrible thing to do. If youre doing it to us, youre doing it to other people and all he had to say was he was sorry, Dallet said.

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Dallet then shared his photos of the suspect with Twinsburg police, who placed a high priority on identifying the modern-day Grinch.

After issuing an alert about the mans habit of picking through trash and allegedly taking holiday gift cards, police in neighboring communities quickly identified the suspect as 64-year-old Robert Nark of Mantua.

Christmas display damaged for the third time this year in New London

Investigators say, like Dallet, they took a personal interest in stopping the holiday thievery.

I respect the service workers out there and, you know, those gifts are meant to be there for them, the hard work they do. Theyre out there driving around every day, whether its delivering packages, delivering mail or picking up the trash. Its a great thing that they do and its like stealing Christmas, and nobody likes that, right, said Twinsburg Police Lt. Alan Ternosky.

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Detectives say Nark has been charged with theft.

Police in nearby cities are investigating a series of similar holiday-related crimes.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Windham man convicted in a Niles police chase has picked up more prison time for a parole violation.

Scott Mosier violated his probation in connection to a 2022 failure to comply case in Niles when he was convicted in November 2024 of burglary in Portage County.

In the 2022 case, prosecutors said Mosier ran from police in connection to some stolen packages.

Mosier was sentenced to seven and half years in prison in the Portage County burglary case and now he will have to serve an extra nine months on the probation violation.

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Dec. 19A man in custody at the Anchorage Correctional Complex was critically injured in an assault involving another man in his cell, Alaska State Troopers said.

Lawrence Fenumiai, 33, is facing first-degree assault charges in the incident that occurred early Wednesday morning.

Troopers said in an online report Thursday that they were notified of a "serious assault between two inmates" just before 6 a.m. The Alaska Bureau of Investigation responded and found the two men got into a physical fight and one suffered injuries they described as life-threatening, they said.

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The injured man was transported to an Anchorage hospital and is in critical condition, troopers said. Fenumiai was treated by medical staff at the jail and remains in custody there.

The men shared a cell in a general housing unit at the jail, troopers spokesman Austin McDaniel said. The facility was in "nighttime operations, so the inmates were secured in the cell when the incident occurred," he said in an email.

Both men, still in the pretrial phase of their cases, are unsentenced on felony and misdemeanor charges, he said.

Betsy Holley, a spokeswoman for the Alaska Department of Corrections, said she couldn't provide specific information about the incident due to the ongoing investigation.

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Asked what protocols the department has in place to avoid violence between people in custody and held in the same cell, Holley said correctional officers "conduct regular checks on all inmates in our care."

Fenumiai was initially jailed in May at Lemon Creek Correctional Center on charges stemming from an assault case, she said.
Just over three months after a Mesa County crash that killed three, two of which were Colorado Department of Transportation workers, an arrest was announced Wednesday.

The Sept. 4 crash on U.S. 6 westbound near mile marker 40 in the Grand Junction area claimed the lives of Kathi Ann Wallace of Grand Junction and CDOT maintainers Trent Umberger and Nathan Jones.

According to CDOT, Wallace was a passenger in the vehicle that struck the two CDOT workers, which caused the Jeep Grand Cherokee to roll. At the time of the crash, Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, said the CDOT workers were walking back toward their truck, "on the shoulder, out of the lane of traffic," when they were struck by the Jeep.

Patrick James Sneddon, 59, is facing a slew of charges after being arrested Wednesday, including three counts of vehicular homicide while driving under the influence. He is also facing charges related to the failing to move over law for stationary public service vehicles and weaving between lanes.

Sneddon is being held in the Mesa County jail with a bond of $100,000 .
The man accused of drugging his then-wife and inviting dozens of men to rape her for nearly 10 years has been sentenced to 20 years.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, a jury in Avignon, France, found Dominique Pelicot, 72, guilty of aggravated rape against his then-wife Gisele Pelicot, also 72, according to the BBC.

Dominique was also found guilty of the attempted aggravated rape of the wife of one of the other accused men  Jean-Pierre Marechal  taking indecent images of his daughter, Caroline Durain, and his daughters-in-law, Aurore and Celine, per the outlet.

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The outlet reported that Dominique cried as the judge read out the sentences in court. Gisele and her children, including daughter Caroline, were present in court for the sentencing.

In September, Dominique confessed to his crimes in court, admitting, "I am a rapist," the BBC reported.

He has been on trial along with 50 other men, whose ages range between 26 and 74. Those 50 were also sentenced alongside Dominique after being given guilty verdicts for crimes including aggravated rape, sexual assault and child abuse imagery. This included Marechal, who was found guilty of attempted rape and aggravated rape of his wife, as well as drugging her, per the BBC.



CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Gisele Pelicot in Avignon, France, in October 2024 Gisele Pelicot in Avignon, France, in October 2024

Related: Wife Whose Husband Drugged Her So Dozens of Men Could Rape Her Storms Out of Courtroom

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Retired electrician and estate agent Dominique said he had been drugging Gisele and filming the rapes for nearly a decade from 2011 to 2020, according to U.K. newspaper The Times.

He told the court he regularly crushed drugs in his wife's food, including her favorite dessert  raspberry ice cream, according to the The Telegraph.

"I used to say to him, 'How lucky am I, you're a darling, you really look after me,' " Gisele previously said in court, the BBC reported.

Dominique was arrested in December 2020 after police seized his electronics while investigating him for filming up the skirts of three women, prosecutors previously said.

CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Gisele Pelicot Gisele Pelicot

Related: Gisele Pelicot's Sons Say Their Dad Should Be 'Punished' for Drugging Her So Dozens of Men Could Rape Her

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Gisele had no idea about the rapes until police told her after discovering thousands of photos and videos taken by her husband, who had documented the abuse after recruiting strangers on the internet, The New York Times reported, citing the investigating judges report.



Ive lost 10 years of my life that Ill never make up for," she said in court, per The Guardian. "This scar will never heal, she said, adding that she would never find peace over the ordeal and that the 50 men had sullied her.

Ive seen people take the stand who deny rape, and some who admit it. I want to say to these men: When you entered that bedroom, at what point did Madame Pelicot give you her consent? she said, speaking about herself in the third person, according to The Guardian.

CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Gisele Pelicot and her daughter Caroline Darian in court in September 2024 Gisele Pelicot and her daughter Caroline Darian in court in September 2024

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"At what point did you become aware of this inert body? At what point did you not report it to the police? she continued.



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On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the court heard a 2020 police statement from Dominque where he said that he "facilitated the rapes" and admitted that "between 30 and 50 people" have come to their house "to have sex with my wife," per the BBC.

The previous day, the couples three children appeared in court and described their devastation after learning about what their father did, according to The Guardian.

Dominique asked the couples eldest son David Pelicot, 50, for forgiveness, but he replied, Never," The Guardian reported.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.



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Content warning: This story contains graphic, disturbing details.

An Oklahoma man was executed for the 2006 murder of a 10-year-old girl who he'd lured into his apartment to fulfill a cannibalistic fantasy.

Jamie Rose Bolin was killed by Kevin Ray Underwood after he sexually assaulted her in his Purcell, Okla., home on April 12, 2006, per the Associated Press, The Norman Transcript and The Oklahoman.

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He was sentenced to death in 2008. He died by lethal injection on Thursday, Dec. 19, which was his 45th birthday, per The Oklahoman, AP and CBS News.

Jamie lived with her father in the same building as Underwood at the time of the murder, the AP reported.

Family photo Jamie Rose Bolin

Underwood, a former grocery store worker, hit the 10-year-old with a cutting board after luring her into his residence, per AP, The Norman Transcript and The Oklahoman. He then suffocated and sexually assaulted her.

After officers grew suspicious of him at a checkpoint, investigators searched his home and found Jamies body in a plastic bag inside his closet, the AP and The Norman Transcript reported. Per the AP, the childs body was without clothes when she was found.

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Underwood reportedly confessed that he'd almost beheaded the child, seemingly in a bid to eat her, but he then dropped that plan, the outlets reported.

He also said his assault and killing stemmed from a cannibalistic sexual fantasy he had, per the AP, The Norman Transcript and The Oklahoman.

Underwood's attorneys had argued that he suffered horrific trauma as a child and had mental health problems, the AP andThe Oklahoman reported. His reported diagnoses included bipolar disorder, among others.

Prosecutors maintained that many people suffer from abuse and mental illness, but dont become killers.

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Underwood apologized to Jamies family last week during a hearing for a petition for clemency, The Oklahoman, CBS News and the AP reported.

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"I would like to apologize to the victims family, to my own family and to everyone in that room today that had to hear the horrible details of what I did, he said via video, the outlets reported.

His bid for clemency was rejected. He died by lethal injection at about 10:14 a.m. on Thursday, The Norman Transcript reported.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.



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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A 60-year-old man has been charged with arson after an overnight fire on Kingston Pike.

The Knoxville Fire Department shared that Michael OBerry was charged with arson and vandalism after a fire at Smart Way on Kingston Pike. The fire did $10,000 worth of damage to the furniture within the store. KFD said OBerry is believed to have set fire to a Conex storage box used by the business to store new furniture.

Fatal shooting in Knoxville under investigation

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Knoxville Police officers identified OBerry from video at the scene and located him nearby. Knoxville Fire Investigators charged him with arson and vandalism.

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READ: More top stories on WATE.com

He is being held at the Knox County Detention Facility.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man faces a murder charge after he allegedly punched a man in the head at a Las Vegas bus stop, according to an arrest report.

Police arrested Jeramy Burney, 30, on Dec. 13 on an open murder charge.

On Nov. 24 at 8:54 p.m., a man identified as Paul Ramirez called 911 to report that a previous disturbance at the Huntridge Tavern resulted in another disturbance with security at the same location near Charleston Boulevard and Maryland Parkway, the report said.

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In the background of the call, the security guard was heard telling the dispatcher that Ramirez was an ongoing problem and that he had been in a fight prior to security arriving, police said.

Five minutes later at 8:59 p.m., another person called 911 and said that he was involved in a disturbance at the Huntridge Tavern and that he was later battered by security. The person told dispatch that Ramirez walked to a nearby bus stop, according to the report.

Police said both Ramirez and the person who called 911 the second time sounded intoxicated and were not fully cooperative with dispatchers while on the call.

At 9:17 p.m., 911 received another call from Ramirezs phone but this time the person reporting was an unidentified man who told dispatch that the phones owner, Ramirez, had been punched by an unknown man about five minutes earlier and the suspect left the scene on a bus. The man told dispatch that Ramirez was unconscious, bleeding from the head, and in need of immediate medical attention. About three minutes later Las Vegas Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene and took Ramirez to a local hospital, the report said.

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Metro police arrived at the scene about an hour and 15 minutes later and spoke to employees of the bar who said Ramirez was in an argument inside the bar which resulted in him being escorted off of the property. He then passed out at the bus stop at the corner of Maryland Parkway and Charleston Boulevard, police said.

On Nov. 28, Metro police were notified that Ramirez died as a result of a skull fracture he received on Nov. 24. An autopsy confirmed that his cause of death was blunt force trauma to the back of his head, police said.

Throughout the investigation, police learned that Ramirez got into an argument with another person at the bar which resulted in him being escorted out of the bar. While outside of the bar, Ramirez continued to act aggressively toward people, according to the report.

Ramirez also got into two altercations with two women who were patrons at another nearby business. During the second altercation with the women, Ramirez was then placed in a headlock by security and escorted to a nearby convenience store, the report said.

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Ramirez then made his way to the bus stop where he started rambling to the other people at the bus stop saying something to the effect of them not touching his property. Then a man, later identified as Burney, threatened to knock Ramirez out if he continued to make threats, police said.

The two men continued to argue and at one point Ramirez clenched his fists and growled, which resulted in Burney punching him once in the face. Ramirez then fell backward and cracked his head on the concrete. A nearby witness then grabbed his phone and called 911, according to police.

On Dec. 13, police located Burney at the intersection of Jones and Eldora. He was arrested and taken to the Clark County Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 25, 2025.

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PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Police were at the scene of a deadly shooting that happened in the middle of the day in Prince Georges County on Tuesday.

The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) responded to the 6700 block of Walker Mill Road at about 3 p.m.

There, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds outside.

Neighbors frustrated after teen shot near Dunbar High School, police search for suspects

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He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding potential suspects or a motive is asked to contact PGPD through Prince Georges County Crime Solvers online. You can also submit a tip through the P3 Tips app.

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GRIMES COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44)  A man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for spitting on a Navasota police officer.

The Grimes County District Attorneys Office says 51-year-old Jimmie Lee Peavy, Jr. pled guilty to Harassment of a Public Servant on Tuesday.

The Navasota Police Department originally responded to a disturbance in progress on November 30, 2023. The incident occurred at the Stripes convenience store located at Highway 105 East and Highway 6. The reporting party told law enforcement that Peavy and another man were fighting in the parking lot. Officers arrived and made contact with Peavy, who was found to be intoxicated.

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The D.A.s Office says Peavy was placed in custody for public intoxication, but then started showing signs of aggressiong toward one of the officers on scene. After being placed under arrest, Peavy made threats against the officer. He spit on and kicked the officer inside of the Grimes County Jail during the intake process. Peavy was charged with Retaliation, Harassment of a Public Servant, and Assault on a Public Servant.

On Tuesday, December 14, 2024, a jury panel was summoned to hear the case against Peavy. After a jury was selected, visiting District Judge J.D. Langley heard a motion to suppress filed by the defense. After hearing evidence and argument by both the state and defense, Judge Langley found the arrest was not unlawful and denied the motion.

Woman gets 20.5 years in prison for aunts death

Following the hearing, Peavy pled guilty to Harassment of a Public Servant, a third-degree felony. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison in a plea agreement made by District Attorney Andria Bender.

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The D.A.s Office says Peavy faced a habitual offender punishment range due to his prior felony convictions. He will remain in Grimes County Jail custody until he is transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

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SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A man and his parents were sentenced Wednesday in connection with the killing of the mans wife at a Spartanburg County home.

According to 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry J. Barnette, Mathew Konnecker Konner Long pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

The 28-year-old was sentenced to 42 years in prison for the shooting that occurred at Vista Drive in Moore on April 3, 2022.

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Officials said that Long called his estranged wife, Donna Victoria Grace Long, and asked her to come to his home. When Donna Long arrived, Mathew argued with her.

Mathew Long got a gun and shot his wife multiple times.

Longs parents, Carolyn Veronica Long and Donald Charles Long were at the home at the time of the shooting. Donald Long called 911.

First responders saw Donald Long leaving the home with a bag before deputies arrived. Carolyn Long gave the gun Mathew used to Donald to dispose of.

Donna Long was taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.

Deputies spoke with Mathew and Carolyn, who gave conflicting explanations of what had happened.

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Carolyn Long said that an unknown person came into the home and shot Donna.

In the 911 call, Mathew Long can be heard yelling as Donna pleaded for him to stop. Longs parents can also be heard in the phone call.

Mathew Long admitted to shooting Donna Long repeatedly.

Investigators were able to use traffic cameras and cell phone data to track Donald Long to Saluda, North Carolina after the shooting.

Polk County deputies and the Saluda Fire Department helped recover the gun used to shoot Donna Long.

Carolyn Long, 80, pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and accessory after the fact to murder. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison suspended upon serving two years on home detention.

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Donald Long, 73, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison suspended upon serving two years on home detention.

Donna was cruelly taken from her friends and family by Mathew Long and then his parents worked to cover up what he had done, Barnette said. Through the work of the justice system, Mathew Long is exactly where he should be.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The family of a man brutally beaten on Christmas Day last year stood face-to-face with one of the suspects in court Wednesday as he was sentenced.

Brucewayne Beaman speaks during his sentencing Dec. 18.

Brucewayne Beaman was sentenced to 25 years in prison with five years of probation after taking a plea deal for manslaughter in the death of Michael Dicesare, 60. He was beaten by Beaman and another man at the corner of Bay Street and Portland Avenue, according to police. Dicesare died more than a month after the attack.

Wednesday was a rather emotional day in court, as the victims brother and daughter provided statements directly to Beaman. In those statements they each echoed the belief that Christmas, a day usually filled with cheer, is now a painful memory because of what the judge called heinous and cruel crimes by Beaman.

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I know that it will take me quite some time before I will be happy on Christmas. I know that I will never have my brother and my best friend to talk to for the last rest of my life, I can only say that 25 years in prison is not long enough for the crime that was that the person in front of you committed, said David Dicesare, Michaels brother. I ask that you be aware of the profound and lasting effects that this horrific tragedy has had on all of us.

Suspect in deadly Christmas beating pleads guilty

Amanda Dicesare, the victims daughter, speaks during Brucewayne Beamans Dec. 18 sentencing with David Dicesare, the victims brother, tearing up in the background.

Beaman also apologized to the Dicesare family.

I really wasnt in the right state of mind of the night of the incident, he began. I was very high and drunk. I really didnt believe that I did that until my council showed me the video and I recognized the hat and clothes that I was wearing that night, and I said, yeah that was me. But I really couldnt remember what actually led up to that. But as I watched the video, I realized yeah that was me. I didnt deny it, because I know for sure that, that was me. I really wasnt in the right state of mind; I had a lot of stuff going through me but thats besides the fact, what I was going through, you know?

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Judge Julie Hahn told Beaman that Dicesare did not deserve to have lost his life in this way, and said she hoped the words of the family sit with him in prison.

I dont care about anything he said. I dont, said Amanda Dicesare, Michaels daughter. The judge said it perfectly. I dont. It doesnt matter if he was in his right state of mind or not, especially when he mentioned growing up with ADHD. I did too. Ive been diagnosed since I was seven years old, and I had a I did it wasnt hard to grow up with, but I certainly, certainly wont murder anybody over it. I mean, I appreciate the apology, but I feel like you kind of I dont care what state of mind you were in. I dont care. I dont care. I dont.

The second suspect in this case, Guy Mustgray, was also offered a manslaughter plea deal though he did not take it. His case goes to trial in March.

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A man who heinously murdered his cousins wife and her three young children inside a home in West Brookfield in 2018 was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday.

Mathew Locke, 38, formerly of Ware, learned his fate in Worcester Superior Court, a little more than a month after he was convicted in the killings of Sara Bermudez, 38, Madison Bermudez, 8, James Bermudez, 6, and Michael Bermudez, 2.

Locke was sentenced to four life sentences for each victim, all of which will be served consecutively in the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster.

The deaths of this mother and her children were some of the most heinous ever seen by this office, Early said in a statement. We hope this outcome can provide some measure of justice for the victims family.

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All four victims were found stabbed to death in their home at 10 Old Warren Road on the afternoon of March 1, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. DNA and video evidence recovered during a subsequent investigation linked Locke to the murders, according to police.

Locke is a first cousin to Moses Bermudez, Saras husband and the father of her three children. At the time of the murders, Moses Bermudez was in Los Angeles for a work trip.

Before the quadruple murder, Locke had a documented history of violence, according to restraining orders obtained in 2018 by Boston 25.

Lockes relationship with the mother of his child was strained in the three years they were together, a relative told Boston 25 News. Twice, she took out restraining orders against Locke claiming he got physical with her and threatened her life.

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After a four-week trial, the jury found Locke guilty of first-degree murder under all three theories, including deliberate premeditation, extreme atrocity and cruelty, and felony murder, with the underlying felonies being armed burglary and aggravated rape.

The jury also found Locke guilty on the charge of armed burglary and arson of a dwelling. Earlys office noted that there was evidence that there had been a fire in the home that extinguished itself.

Lockes trial included more than 1,000 exhibits and upwards of 70 witnesses. The jury deliberated for about 10 hours before reaching the verdict.

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Law enforcement has identified the suspect in Tuesday's officer-involved shooting in eastern Colorado Springs as 43-year-old Kari Anstett.

The shooting was reported in the 5600 block of Buckskin Pass Drive, near North Powers Boulevard and South Carefree Circle. Colorado Springs police officers were dispatched to the area around 3 p.m. after a caller stated his ex-girlfriend was at the residence "ringing the doorbell and excessively knocking."

Anstett was shot by police after allegedly pointing a firearm at officers, but her injuries were non-life-threatening.

She is now in custody on four no-bond warrants for violation of a restraining order. Law enforcement anticipates with further investigation, more charges will follow.

Anstett is slotted next for a virtual hearing on advisement Friday with the 4th Judicial District.

In accordance with Colorado Revised Statues 16-2.5-301 and the Forth Judicial District Deadly Force Investigation Memorandum of Understanding, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office has assumed the investigation.
Belton, Tx (FOX 44)  A 52-year-old Temple man ended up in the Bell County Jail after police chased a motorcycle through Belton at speeds nearing 100 miles per hour.

Chad Wayne Patrick faced multiple charges following the incident that occurred early Tuesday morning.

A Belton Police Department spokesperson said officers were patrolling in the 300 block of West Loop 121 at 3:14 a.m. Tuesday when the spotted a motorcycle turning to go north on the IH 35 service road. At the time they noticed the motorcycle traveling at 90 miles per hour in a 40 mile zone.

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Arrest in Killeen hit and run that injured man, killed dog

When officers attempted a traffic stop, the motorcycle operator accelerated to near 100 miles per hour and appeared to cut through traffic using multiple lanes.

Officers eventually made a successful traffic stop near the 7700 block of Smith Dairy Road. Patrick was taken into custody at that point and transported to the Bell County Jail.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a man accused of opening a package at a Newton Falls home that contained drugs that were sent through the mail.

Pierre Parker, 39, faces charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

An arraignment date has not been set yet. Parker has been in federal detention since a criminal complaint was filed Nov. 19 against him.

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An affidavit filed with the criminal complaint said Parker was arrested after postal inspectors were alerted to a package from Phoenix, Ariz., that was to be delivered to an address on Benita Avenue in Newton Falls.

The inspectors got a search warrant after a dog detected narcotics inside it. Inspectors opened the package and found several pills inside that tested for fentanyl, the affidavit said. There was a total of two and a half pounds in the package, the affidavit said.

Inspectors, along with members of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Portage County Sheriffs Office, delivered the package to the address Monday, using an undercover officer to deliver it. Before the package was delivered, the drugs were taken out and another substance was placed inside, the affidavit said.

A tracking device was also placed inside the package which could also determine if it was opened, the affidavit said.

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About an hour and a half after the package was delivered, agents were made aware the package had been opened and moved into the home, the affidavit said. Parker, who was seen walking in and out of the house several times, was found in a car in the driveway and admitted to opening the package, the affidavit said.

The affidavit said Parker told investigators he was planning on delivering the package to an unknown individual in the parking lot of a Canton Walmart, the affidavit said.

Parker said he was going to sell the package for $2,000, the affidavit said.

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A man who murdered his cousins wife and her three young children inside a home in West Brookfield in 2018 will learn his fate on Thursday.

Mathew Locke, 38, formerly of Ware, will be sentenced in Worcester Superior Court, a little more than a month after he was convicted in the killings of Sara Bermudez, 38, Madison Bermudez, 8, James Bermudez, 6, and Michael Bermudez, 2.

All four victims were found stabbed to death in their home at 10 Old Warren Road on the afternoon of March 1, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. DNA and video evidence recovered during a subsequent investigation linked Locke to the murders, according to police.

Locke is a first cousin to Moses Bermudez, Saras husband and the father of her three children. At the time of the murders, Moses Bermudez was in Los Angeles for a work trip.

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Before the quadruple murder, Locke had a documented history of violence, according to restraining orders obtained in 2018 by Boston 25.

Lockes relationship with the mother of his child was strained in the three years they were together, a relative told Boston 25 News. Twice, she took out restraining orders against Locke claiming he got physical with her and threatened her life.

After a four-week trial, the jury found Locke guilty of first-degree murder under all three theories, including deliberate premeditation, extreme atrocity and cruelty, and felony murder, with the underlying felonies being armed burglary and aggravated rape.

The jury also found Locke guilty on the charge of armed burglary and arson of a dwelling. Earlys office noted that there was evidence that there had been a fire in the home that extinguished itself.

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Lockes trial included more than 1,000 exhibits, upwards of 70 witnesses, and the jury deliberated for about 10 hours before reaching the verdict.

The deaths of this mother and her children were some of the most heinous ever seen by this office, Early said after Lockes conviction. We hope this outcome can provide some measure of justice for the victims family.

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WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCBD)  A man was critically injured Monday afternoon when his vehicle crashed into Ireland Creek and overturned in the shallow water.

Colleton County Fire Rescue said witnesses watched as the mans small SUV slowly drove over the embankment and into the creek around 1 p.m. The car then overturned, pinning the driver in his vehicle with his head underwater.

The two witnesses, who saw the crash from the nearby Ollies parking lot, jumped into action and entered the cold water to begin efforts to rescue the man.

Colleton County Fire Rescue

Colleton County Fire Rescue

Colleton County Fire Rescue

Walterboro officers began to arrive, and they all worked together to free the victim. He was eventually airlifted to the trauma center at Trident Medical Center in North Charleston where he remains in critical condition.

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Fire-Rescue officials said the mans dog was also in the vehicle, but the animal did not appear to be injured. Animal services took custody of the dog.

The Walterboro Police Department is investigating the crash.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Sentencing will be at a later date for a man who pleaded guilty Thursday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court in two separate cases to charges that he beat a woman and sold drugs.

Read next: Man sentenced after arrest in undercover sex sting

Joseph Floyd Jr., 25, pleaded guilty before Judge John Durkin to a count of felonious assault, a second-degree felony; and aggravated menacing, a first-degree misdemeanor; for the beating of a woman on June 23, 2023, in Youngstown.

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In the second case, Floyd pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated trafficking in drugs, a third-degree felony; three fifth-degree felony counts of possession of cocaine; and misdemeanor counts of possession of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The drug charges stem from a search warrant served in 2023 at a home in the 800 block of Bennington Avenue on the East Side by the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force as part of an investigation into drug activity.

In the first case, Floyd is accused of arguing with a woman and punching her, kicking her, hitting her with a pool stick and pouring chemicals on her.

Floyd is currently free on bond and will remain free on bond while awaiting sentencing.

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LAURENS, S.C. (WSPA)  A man was given the maximum sentence after a crash in Laurens County that resulted in the death of a 3-year-old girl, the Eighth Circuit Solicitors Office said.

Gabriel Arteaga-Arteaga, 26, was found guilty on Wednesday for reckless homicide and driving without a license. Arteaga-Arteaga was also an undocumented immigrant.

According to the Eighth Circuit Solicitors Office, Arteaga-Arteaga was driving on Chestnut Ridge Road on October 8, 2023. He ran a stop sign at Highway 76 and struck a SUV that had three passengers.

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One passenger, 3-year-old Madison Hines, died as a result of the collision. Arteaga-Arteaga gave the trooper a Mexican identification card due to not having a drivers license.

Arteaga-Arteaga was sentenced to 10 years in prison for reckless homicide and 45 days for driving without a license.

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HEWLETT, N.Y. (PIX11)  A man is wanted after he was seen dragging a 74-year-old pedestrian to the side of the road during a hit-and-run on Long Island on Wednesday, according to the Nassau County Police Department.

It happened along Broadway in Hewlett around 10 p.m. A 74-year-old man was crossing the street when he was hit by a dark-colored SUV driving northbound on Broadway, police said.

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Witnesses saw a man get out of the SUV and drag the victim off the roadway, according to authorities. The man then got back in his car and fled the scene, police said.

The victim was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. An investigation into the hit-and-run is ongoing, according to authorities.

Submit tips to police by calling Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS (8477), visiting nassaucounty.crimestoppersweb.com or downloading the P3 Tips mobile app.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

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A man who pleaded guilty in the stabbing a 21-year-old cashier during a robbery at a Fort Worth Kroger was sentenced to 30 years in prison, according to Tarrant County prosecutors.

Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney posted on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Michael Pitts, 38, had pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery in the incident, according to a news release posted on Wednesday, Dec. 18 on the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorneys Office Facebook page.

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I believe your choice was egregious and selfish, the victim told Pitts during allocution, according to the post.

Mariah Smith was stabbed by Pitts in the abdomen with a knife at the Kroger at 9114 Camp Bowie W. Blvd. on May 1, according to Fort Worth police.

Pitts approached Smith from behind and demanded she open her cash register, but she couldnt because she was in the middle of scanning a customers groceries and the register was locked. When Smith turned around, she was stabbed, she told Star-Telegram during a conversation in May.

Smith spent eight days in hospital and she had to undergo an emergency surgery, where medical personnel had to remove her spleen, part of her pancreas and one of her kidneys.

She has lingering health issues from the incident, the post stated.
LISBON, Ohio (WKBN)  A Canton-area man who was arrested in an undercover human trafficking sting in Salem accepted a plea deal and was sentenced Thursday.

Read next: New Ohio laws going into effect on Jan. 1

Kenneth Payne, 51, pleaded no contest to a charge of criminal mischief, amended from an engaging in prostitution charge. A charge of possessing criminal tools was dismissed.

Payne was sentenced to 30 days in jail with 30 days suspended and ordered to pay a $250 fine, which will be forfeited to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. Payne will also be on probation for one year.

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Payne was arrested in August 2024 on E. State Street where he thought he was meeting up with a person he had solicited online, according to investigators.

According to a police report, Payne told agents at the time that he was married and requested numerous sexual acts for $260.

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PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing his fiance and their unborn child in Putnam County.

According to District Attorney Bryant Dunaway, Christian Jacob Luna pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Dec. 18 to first-degree premeditated murder and first-degree felony murder of an unborn child before the Putnam County Criminal Court.

PREVIOUS | 23-year-old woman killed in Cookeville; Fiance captured in Louisiana

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The charges stem from a 2022 incident, where Luna reportedly shot 23-year-old Lyndzy Bounds multiple times in the doorway of her Cookeville apartment along West 12th Street.

According to a previous News 2 report, Luna fled to Louisiana after the shooting. Authorities said he was arrested at his grandparents home in Carencro, Louisiana and was brought back to Tennessee to face prosecution.

DA Dunaway said Bounds family were in the courtroom Wednesday morning as Luna entered a guilty plea. Her sister  Bianca Hawlik reportedly addressed the court and described the great loss her family has suffered.

My sister is gone: Cookeville woman found dead in apartment, pregnant with first child

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News 2 spoke with Hawlik in 2022. She said her sister was kind, never met a stranger, loved everyone and had the biggest heart.

The case was set to begin a jury trial on Jan. 21, 2025. However, since Luna pleaded guilty, a jury trial is now unnecessary.

Luna was sentenced to serve life in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

Dunaway added that the case was investigated by the Cookeville Police Department, assisted by the Carencro, Louisiana Police Department and was prosecuted by District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway and Asst. District Attorney Beth Willis.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Sebring man received a 24-month prison sentence after he was found with stolen township equipment last year.

Jonathan Cosgray, 33, received the sentence Tuesday in Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas Judge Anthony DOnofrios courtroom.

According to court records, a jury found Cosgray guilty of aggravated possession of drugs and receiving stolen property but not guilty of fraudulent actions concerning a vehicle identification number.

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Police arrested Cosgray in December 2023 after receiving a tip about a side-by-side that had been stolen from Goshen Township in April. Police said they found a side-by-side on the Cosgrays property that matched the one that was stolen, as well as 10 grams of methamphetamine on him.

Laurel Stone contributed to this report.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Leavittsburg man was sentenced Thursday in connection to a police chase in Trumbull County.

According to the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office, Phoenix S. Albertini, 29, was given a two-year prison sentence by Common Pleas Judge Ronald J. Rice after pleading guilty to a third-degree felony of failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer.

Judge OBrien noted Albertinis extensive criminal record in Florida, prosecutors said, which prevented him from being put on probation.

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Albertini was arrested in August following a chase that started on state Route 534 in Newton Township and proceeded at speeds of 90 miles an hour into Lordstown. He was eventually caught after driving over spike strips on Newton Tomlinson Road and then driving onto Carson Salt Springs Road where he bailed out of the pickup truck he was driving while it was moving.

Deputies chased Albertini and caught him near the abandoned truck.

In addition to the the fleeing charges, court records show that Albertini faces a drug possession charge from the same date as the chase, which was filed December 17 in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court. No future court date was listed for that case.

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A man on Long Island was caught on surveillance video setting fire to a porta potty outside a house under construction, then running away after getting set ablaze himself.

The Nassau County Police Department on Wednesday released video of the bizarre blaze, asking for the publics help in identifying the alleged arsonist.

In a release, the department said police were called to the scene around 4:30 a.m. Saturday for an active fire in front of the home at a portable bathroom outside a home under construction in Levittown.

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Upon police arrival, a thorough investigation was conducted and it was determined that an unknown male subject was seen running on fire from the victims driveway and fled eastbound on Sprucewood Drive, the police statement said. The portable bathroom parked on the front lawn sustained heavy fire damage, and the home has minor damage.

In the video, a man can be seen emerging from the porta potty, which is engulfed in flames. He tries to put them out but then catches fire himself, and sprints down the street. Police had not found him as of Wednesday night.

The fire didnt stop at the toilet  it raced through the yard and then to the partly built home, reported ABC News.

You see somebody come out, a big whoosh. A big thing of flames, the homeowners mother, Barbara Piccione, told News 12 Long Island. He was running around trying to put his feet out and then he ran down the street and as far as three houses from where the cameras went you saw he was still on fire.

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The Wantagh Fire Department put out the fire; no one was injured.

Who lights a porta potty on fire? Ive never heard of a porta potty arson. Only in Levittown, Piccione told News 12. We want to know who did this; we want him caught.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  A Pennsylvania man convicted of murder in the 1980s was shot by an officer inside a federal courthouse Monday.

According to court documents filed Thursday, it was the same courthouse where he filed several civil actions that were dismissed by the courthouses namesake.

Joseph Camino, 56, of Braddock, brought a folding knife with a blade longer than two and a half inches into the Sylvia H. Rambo United States Courthouse on Monday with the intent to assault a court security officer, according to a news release from the DOJ.

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FBI investigating officer-involved shooting at Harrisburg federal courthouse

The release states that Camino was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury on charges relating to the assault.

Camino was convicted of third-degree murder, burglary and robbery in Indiana County in 1989, and was sentenced to between 25 and 60 years in prison, court docs show. In May, he was released on parole and has been living in a halfway house in Braddock since.

He filed four federal civil actions relating to his incarceration while he was in prison, but Judge Rambo dismissed them, court docs state.

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Camino left the house Sunday but did not return when he was supposed to later that evening. He was seen entering the courthouse the next day on surveillance video and having a conversation with the officer he attacked, according to court documents.

Camino briefly left the building and sat down. According to the charges, he was seen on video placing an object in his hand, then he put his hand in his jacket pocket before he went back into the courthouse.

This was when he lunged at an officer where the court security officers were stationed while he had a knife in his hand. He was ordered to drop the knife but was shot by another officer when he didnt drop it.

He was then taken to the hospital where he is in stable condition, the DOJ says.

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He faces charges of knowingly possessing a dangerous weapon in a Federal facility with intent to use, knowingly possessing or causing a dangerous weapon to be present in a Federal court facility, court docs state.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

Camino faces up to 27 years of imprisonment with a term of supervised release and a fine if convicted.

The courthouse is named after longtime judge Sylvia Rambo, a senior judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Judge Rambo retired in August 2024 after serving the Middle District of Pennsylvania since 1979 after being appointed by President Jimmy Carter.

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BOCA RATON  The Boca Raton Police Department has identified the man killed in an officer-involved shooting at Second Avenue and Second Street downtown on Wednesday morning.

Police identified the man as Morey Clemmons. He was 39.

Shortly before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, a Boca Raton police officer "encountered" Clemmons between Northwest Second Street and Palmetto Park Road, police spokesperson Jessica Desir told reporters at the scene.

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At some point during that encounter, Desir said, the officer fired his weapon.

"We can confirm that one male is deceased,," Desir said to reporters Wednesday.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation, which Desir told reporters was "standard protocol" in officer-involved shootings.

Police have not said why the officer fired a weapon.

The officer, who has not been identified, was not injured, Desir said Wednesday.

Jasmine Fernandez is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Man who was shot, killed by Boca Raton officer, is identified
VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM A man who barricaded himself inside the Don Quijote store on Kaheka Street is led away by Honolulu Police Department officers about 10 :25 p.m. Wednesday after a five-hour standoff.

1 /5 VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM A man who barricaded himself inside the Don Quijote store on Kaheka Street is led away by Honolulu Police Department officers about 10 :25 p.m. Wednesday after a five-hour standoff.

VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM A crowd gathered outside the Don Quijote supermarket on Kaheka Street following a disturbance inside apparently involving a man who barricaded himself in the store Wednesday evening.

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2 /5 VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM A crowd gathered outside the Don Quijote supermarket on Kaheka Street following a disturbance inside apparently involving a man who barricaded himself in the store Wednesday evening.

VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM Onlookers and police are seen outside the Don Quijote supermarket on Kaheka Street Wednesday evening as a barricade situation forced the store to close.

3 /5 VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM Onlookers and police are seen outside the Don Quijote supermarket on Kaheka Street Wednesday evening as a barricade situation forced the store to close.

VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM The front entrance of the Don Quijote Honolulu store on Kaheka Street Wednesday evening.

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4 /5 VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM The front entrance of the Don Quijote Honolulu store on Kaheka Street Wednesday evening.

VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM The front entrance of the Don Quijote supermarket on Kaheka Street Wednesday evening.

5 /5 VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM The front entrance of the Don Quijote supermarket on Kaheka Street Wednesday evening.

VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM A man who barricaded himself inside the Don Quijote store on Kaheka Street is led away by Honolulu Police Department officers about 10 :25 p.m. Wednesday after a five-hour standoff.

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VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM A crowd gathered outside the Don Quijote supermarket on Kaheka Street following a disturbance inside apparently involving a man who barricaded himself in the store Wednesday evening.

VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM Onlookers and police are seen outside the Don Quijote supermarket on Kaheka Street Wednesday evening as a barricade situation forced the store to close.

VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM The front entrance of the Don Quijote Honolulu store on Kaheka Street Wednesday evening.

VICTORIA BUDIONO / VBUDIONO @STARADVERTISER.COM The front entrance of the Don Quijote supermarket on Kaheka Street Wednesday evening.

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UPDATE A man who barricaded himself inside a busy Don Quijote store on Kaheka Street in Honolulu surrendered at 10 :15 p.m. Wednesday after a five-hour standoff.

At 9 :33 p.m., a loud bang echoed from inside Don Quijote, resembling a flash-bang deployment, but there was no resolution to the standoff until about a half-hour later.

At 10 p.m., policeofficers released what appeared to be pepper spray or tear gas, affecting bystanders on Kaheka Street, many of whom began coughing heavily.

Personnel in hazmat suits and gas masks were soon seen exiting the supermarket through a side door.

At 10 :15 p.m., the suspect emerged from the same door, escorted by two Honolulu Police Department officers.

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The man sat on a fire truck for about seven minutes, repeatedly calling out, Carrie, thats my lawyer,  before being taken into custody.

The suspect was placed into an HPD vehicle at 10 :25 p.m., which then left the scene.

The store was evacuated and closed soon after an altercation involving the man erupted in the liquor department after 5 p.m.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE Don Quijote supermarket on Kaheka Street was forced to close around 5 :45 p.m. Wednesday as at least a dozen police vehicles, Emergency Medical Service units and Honolulu Fire Department trucks surrounded the area after a man barricaded himself inside the store.

More than two hours later, at 8 p.m., sources at the scene said the Honolulu Police Department was attempting to contact the man, who had barricaded himself inside the liquor cooler room.

Kainoa Sastra, a 23-year-old visitor from San Francisco, said he was shopping at the supermarket with a friend and using the self-checkout when a commotion erupted in the liquor section at about 5 :05 p.m.

There were aggressive, loud, screaming noises,  Sastra said, adding that the disturbance was quickly followed by the sound of glass bottles smashing.

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Sastra said other shoppers said they saw a person armed with a knife.

As of 6 p.m., the man had barricaded himself inside the supermarket. A video circulating on social media showed witnesses alleging that the man was throwing liquor bottles and had started a fire inside the store.

By 6 :20 p.m., another group of HPD officers dressed in tactical gear entered the building. At around 6 :30 p.m., store personnel said the man had locked himself in the freezer.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A search is underway for a man wanted for attempted murder, Charlotte authorities announced on Thursday.

Detectives with CMPDs Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) are seeking the publics assistance in locating Lothario Spann.

Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area  >> Latest stories here

Spann is wanted for assault with a deadly weapon intent to kill and attempted murder.

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CMPD said he is known to frequent public transportation. Anyone with information is asked to call CMPD at 704-334-1600.

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CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (DC News Now)  Officials said a man surrendered to deputies in West Virginia after he was wanted for a deadly shooting in Fredericksburg last week.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, Elijah Musgrove surrendered to Berkeley County Sheriffs Office deputies in West Virginia.

PHOTOS: Driver crashes into Falls Run Stone & Stucco sign in Fredericksburg

The Fredericksburg Police Department said he was wanted for his involvement in a shooting that happened on Dec. 14 at around 1 a.m. in downtown Fredericksburg in the 400 block of William Street. There, officers found Tyler Lee Jones, 23, suffering from gunshot wounds.

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Jones was taken to the hospital where he died.

Musgrove is in custody in West Virginia and will be extradited back to Fredericksburg.

The investigation into the shooting is still ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Dec. 18A judge has ordered a competency evaluation of a Manchester woman charged with second-degree murder following the shooting death of her boyfriend last week in a condominium on Silver Street.

A competency hearing for Alicia Castagnino has been scheduled for Feb. 11 at district court in Manchester. The hearing was scheduled after a probable cause hearing Tuesday morning was canceled.

Castagnino, 24, was arrested last week and charged with one count of second-degree murder for knowingly causing the death of Brennan Pelio, 27, by shooting him in the head with a firearm, and, alternatively, on one count of second-degree murder for recklessly causing the death of Pelio under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life by shooting him in the head with a firearm, according to the Attorney General's Office.

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Most documents in the case remain sealed.

During her arraignment, Castagnino (dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit) appeared on video, where her face was briefly visible when the camera was first turned on, but she quickly turned around for the duration of her hearing. Judge Kimberly Chabot entered no plea on her behalf as requested by counsel.

Manchester police responded to the condo around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, after receiving a call reporting a suspicious death and found Pelio dead from an apparent gunshot wound, prosecutors said.

Castagnino lived in the building where the shooting occurred  Twin Towers Condominiums at 470 Silver St. City property records show Pelio owned the same condo unit that Castagnino gave officers as her address.
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, waived extradition and is headed back to New York to face murder charges.

Mangione, 26, will leave Pennsylvania on Thursday after he agreed to be extradited during a court appearance, a spokeswoman confirmed.

He was being held in the Keystone State after his arrest in Altoona last week.

Thompson was shot and killed in Manhattan earlier this month outside the Hilton Midtown hotel before his companys annual investor meeting. The suspect fled, and a days-long manhunt ensued.

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Mangione was spotted in a McDonalds in Altoona and has been in custody on firearm charges in Pennsylvania.

Prosecutors in New York subsequently unveiled a murder indictment, including a first-degree murder charge and two counts of second-degree murder, one of which was charged as a terrorism crime.

A Manhattan courtroom has been set aside for Mangiones appearance later Thursday, and an overflow room has been designated for people to watch the proceeding, The Associated Press reported.

Blair County (Pa.) District Attorney Peter Weeks said Mangione will go forth with New York to await trial or prosecution.

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We intend to keep our case active, and we intend to essentially revisit the case when the defendant is available for prosecution in Blair County, Weeks said of the charges Mangione faces in Pennsylvania.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, waived extradition on Thursday and was transported to New York to face criminal charges.

Mangione, 26, appeared at a Blair County, Pennsylvania, court Thursday morning for a preliminary hearing on his state charges, and at a second hearing immediately afterwards on his extradition to New York. A small group of people gathered outside the courthouse, some holding signs expressing support for him.

Mangione is now likely to be moved to a New York City jail to await arraignment.

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Mangione was indicted Tuesday by a New York City grand jury on 11 counts: one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism; two counts of second-degree murder, one of which is charged as killing as an act of terrorism; seven counts of criminal possession of a weapon; and one count of possession of a forged instrument.

He also faces two felonies and three misdemeanor charges in Pennsylvania, where he has been held since his arrest on Dec. 9.

Mangiones Pennsylvania attorney, Thomas Dickey, has said that Mangione will plead not guilty to all the charges. Dickey initially said that he would fight extradition to New York, which could have potentially delayed his transfer by several weeks. However, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said last week that there were indications that Mangione would not oppose extradition.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
MANHATTAN (KSNT)  Kansas licensing and regulatory board for healthcare providers announced a chiropractor based out of Manhattan has surrendered his license after he was found guilty of committing sexual battery against a patient.

The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts (KSBHA) announced on Dec. 18 that Kenyon Erickson surrounded his license as a chiropractor this week. Erickson, who has been providing care as a chiropractor since 2001, lost his license following a one-day bench trial in Riley County on April 9 that found him guilty of one count of sexual battery.

KSBHA documents show Erickson began providing care to a patient in 2011. The patient arrived for an appointment with Erickson on April 14, 2022 where he was accused of touching the patients genitalia without consent, violating the Kansas Healing Arts Act. Court records show Erickson was found guilty and sentenced to one year of house arrest.

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Kansas chiropractor loses license after being accused of Medicare fraud scheme

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

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The U.S. Marshals are hunting a man who they allege shot and killed his girlfriend during an argument before carjacking a witness and escaping, authorities said.

The U.S. Marshals Service in the district of Nevada are working with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and requesting the publics assistance with a reward of up to $3,500 for information leading to the arrest of a Las Vegas man suspected in the April 22, 2023, homicide of a woman.

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Oswaldo Nathanahel Perez-Sanchez, 26, is alleged to have shot to death his girlfriend during an argument at her home in Las Vegas before carjacking a witness and fleeing the scene, according to U.S. Marshals in a statement released on Wednesday.

Perez-Sanchez is a white (Hispanic) male, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 190 pounds, authorities said. He has black hair and brown eyes and tattoos on his neck, chest and both arms. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

The FBI is also offering a reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to the arrest of Perez-Sanchez and say that he has ties to or may visit Southern California and Mexico, according to their law enforcement assistance notice.

MORE: 32-year-old woman bludgeons mother to death inside her own home: Police

PHOTO: The U.S. Marshals are hunting a man who they allege shot and killed his girlfriend during an argument before carjacking a witness and escaping, authorities said. (U.S. Marshals Service)

MORE: Man nearly electrocuted to death while hanging Christmas lights on tree

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On April 26, 2023, a state warrant was issued for his arrest in the Justice Court, Las Vegas Township, Clark County, Nevada, charging Perez-Sanchez with open murder - with the use of a deadly weapon or tear gas; coercion constituting domestic violence with threat or use of physical force; robbery - with the use of a deadly weapon or tear gas; and grand larceny of motor vehicle, the FBI said.

Anyone with information regarding his current location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals or the FBI.

Manhunt on for suspect who shot and killed girlfriend during argument, carjacked witness: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The majority of voters are dissatisfied with the trajectory of K-12 education and support leaving school decisions to local governments, according to a recent national survey.

The survey, from right-leaning education advocacy group Yes. Every Kid. Foundation, reveals opinions about local school control, open enrollment and funding from 1,000 registered voters across the nation.

The majority of survey respondents support ending assigned school zones  district boundaries that determine which school students attend, depending on their home address. Nearly two-thirds (65%) said they support giving children access to the best public school that works for them, regardless of the neighborhood they live in.

Education is at a Crossroads: Help Us Illuminate the Path Forward. Donate to The 74

About 56% said K-12 education is headed in the wrong direction, a finding that should be an alarm bell for policymakers, said Matt Frendeway, vice president of strategy for Yes. Every Kid. One-third (31%) of respondents said education is going in the right direction, while 12% said they didnt know.

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Families dont feel like things are working, he said.

The results are similar to the findings of other national surveys. An annual Gallup poll found that in 2024, 55% of people said they were dissatisfied with the quality of K-12 education in the U.S.

Frendeway said the Yes. Every Kid. survey results suggest that voters want less federal involvement and more flexibility in education.

When asked who they trust the most to decide how local education funding is spent, 20% of respondents said their state department of education, 18% said teachers and 15% said parents.

About 14% chose their local school board, 12% said individual schools and 12% preferred the federal government.

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While 74% of respondents said Washington should fund public schools, only 28% said it should decide what schools spend the money on.

Districts receive roughly 10% of their funding from Washington, with state and local governments supplying the rest. The money is funneled through programs such as Title I for low-income schools and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which supports special education students.

The role of federal funding has recently come under scrutiny, especially with the election of President Donald Trump, who has called for shifting more funding to the states or dismantling the Department of Education altogether.

In the Yes. Every Kid. survey, 59% of respondents said they would support ending all federal requirements tied to education funding and instead sending money directly to states to spend.

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About 62% said they support each state tailoring education programs to the needs of their own student populations.

Frendeway said one approach is to increase block grant funding, which is money that comes from the federal government but is administered by state or local governments.

Governors would have more say in how to benefit schools in their state, he said. It brings the funds closer to those who need it and deserve it.

Other education groups have warned that dismantling federal funding would devastate local schools by worsening teacher shortages and quality instruction for vulnerable students, according to the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning policy institute.
UNIONTOWN, Kan.  A little over a year ago, Uniontown, Kansas voters rejected two bond questions put on the ballot by their school district.

Now, school administrators are hoping a revamped approach will have a better fate.

We knew we had some needs that really did need to be addressed, said Vance Eden, USD 235 Uniontown School District.

The USD 235 Board of Education has approved a resolution placing a 1 point 25 million dollar bond question on the next special election ballot.

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This comes after voters rejected two propositions in November 2023.

We found out of it once it failed. You know, maybe that wasnt that wasnt the biggest needs that the the district needed. So we went back to kind of went back to the drawing board, said Tyler Martin, USD 235 Board of Education Uniontown member.

USD 235 Board of Education members conducted several surveys asking the community what projects they felt were needed the most.

Using that feedback, the bond request was reduced by 86 percent.

Got it paired down to a much smaller bond and just focused on three the three main projects, said Martin.

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The largest of the three proposed projects: replacing two modular units at West Bourbon Elementary School with a permanent structure for the pre-school and offices for school psychology and speech therapy.

USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden says the current units are 40 to 50 years old.

Obviously, all construction is expensive and so we need to have a plan in place. So that we can make sure that we have, you know, that preschool program for years to come, said Eden.

The other two items include replacing the current fire alarm system at the high school 

That works out pull stations but doesnt have smoke detection and also isnt monitored or it doesnt have like a call out feature that would automatically notify emergency dispatch, said Eden.

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And renovating the main entrance at West Bourbon Elementary to be ADA accessible and more secure.

The question will be on the March 4 special election ballot.

Both Martin and Eden emphasize if this is approved  there would not a tax increase.

Eden says the hope would be to get some projects finished by August of 2027.

The school district in a community like ours is the hub. And so we want people to yeah, we want to serve the people as they as they want to be served, said Eden.

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FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY)  The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced on Wednesday that a Marion County soldier who went missing during the Korean War has been accounted for.

James C Bowman

According to a release, U.S. Army Pfc. James C. Bowman, 20, of Jordan, West Virginia was officially accounted for on Sept. 25, 2024, after he was reported missing in action on Nov. 28, 1950, while serving in Korea.

Bowman was assigned to K Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division and was reported missing in action after his unit was attacked by the Chinese Peoples Volunteer Army while in North Korea.

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Bowmans remains were turned over to United Nations Command by Chinese Communist Forces in 1954 during Operation Glory but were not identified at that time and were given the designation Unknown X-15647 as a result. Those remains were later buried as an Unknown in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, HIalso known as the Punchbowl.

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In 2018, the DPAA proposed a plan to exhume 652 Unknowns from the Punchbowl including Unknown X-15647, which was exhumed in 2021. The remains were then sent to the DPAA laboratory for analysis where scientists used dental, anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify them.

After he was reported missing, Bowmans name was placed on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl. A rosette will now be placed next to his name to indicate that hes been accounted for.

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Bowman will be buried in Fairmont at a later date.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington said he has withdrawn his name for consideration as the next Dallas city manager.

Washington said in a statement to executive staff Thursday morning that he had withdrawn his candidacy from all city manager recruitments after the city commission approved his contract.

A few weeks ago, news about my candidacy for the city manager position in another community was released. While my desire has always been to continue the important work were doing here in Grand Rapids, I explored other opportunities to ensure a clear future for my family amid contract renewal delay. While I was carefully examining other options, the Grand Rapids City Commission unanimously approved my contract, and many members of this community and workforce reached out to me and affirmed their desire for me to remain a Grand Rapidian, Washington said, in part, in the statement.

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It was reported that Washington had been named one of the four semifinalists for the next Dallas city manager position last month.

In a statement sent to News 8 last month, Washington said this is the first job hes applied for since coming to Grand Rapids in 2018. He explained that he explored other options when his contract approval was delayed for more than a month until after the election.

Washington previously served as the assistant city manager for the city of Austin, Texas, among other city positions in Texas, according to his biography on the city of Grand Rapids website.

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MARSHFIELD  Local law enforcement are investigating a jackpot theft overnight Dec. 13 from an ATM located at Simplicity Credit Union, 222 E. Upham St. in Marshfield.

The credit union first became aware of the attack after receiving a low balance alert, which is a normal cue to refill the machine, Sarah Arnoldy, chief experience officer for the credit union, said in an email to a Marshfield News-Herald reporter. Malware on the machine prevented the branch manager from verifying the cash levels in the machine and the hardware vendor confirmed Monday morning the machine had been tampered with over the weekend.

The amount of money stolen from the machine cannot be shared due to the ongoing investigation and to protect the safety and security of bank staff, Arnoldy said. She added the amount included in other news reports is inaccurate.

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Credit union members personal financial information is stored separately from the ATM and was not breached in the attack, according to a release from the credit union.

This was a highly specific and deliberate attack on the ATM at our Upham Street location, carried out using external tools and malware, the credit union said. We want to assure everyone that these types of targeted ATM attacks do not involve member accounts, personal information, or any internal systems.

The credit union carries insurance coverage, which protects their business operation from effects of the stolen property.

Local law enforcement believe the ATM attack in Marshfield may be linked to as many as six similar incidents that occurred across the state over the weekend, Arnoldy said.

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No other Simplicity Credit Union ATMs were targeted in this type of attack over the weekend or any time previously. The credit union also has locations in Stevens Point, Neillsville, Plover and Neenah. Within an hour after confirming the attack, the credit union worked to ensure the rest of its machines had not been attacked in a similar way and implemented additional measures to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

The thief utilized a method known as jackpotting, which refers to hacking into an ATMs computer software to command it to dispense the currency loaded into the machine, according to Marshfield Police Lt. Jason Parks.

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We are aware that this has happened at different locations throughout our state. Weve been in contact with those departments (in those locations) and were working together to try to see if it is the same individuals that may be involved, Parks told a Marshfield News-Herald reporter.

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The individual responsible for the theft attempted to conceal their identity from security cameras, Parks said. The credit unions cameras captured clear images of one suspect, Arnoldy said.

Details on the method of the theft could not be shared due to the ongoing investigation.

Jackpotting of ATMs typically uses one of two strategies, both involve opening the machine either by breaking it or obtaining a matching key to open its service panels. Thieves then connect a computer that can either upload a malicious hacking program or simply hijack control of the machine and then direct the machine to dispense its contents.

The U.S. Secret Service issued a warning regarding ATM jackpotting in 2018. Robberies of ATMs have increased in the years since, according to FBI crime data reported by American Bankers Association.

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These types of attacks have been on the rise nationally and we hope that the evidence we have already been able to provide will help authorities find the people responsible and prevent losses for other credit unions and banks, Arnoldy said.

Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Marshfield News-Herald: Marshfield Simplicity Credit Union targeted by ATM 'jackpot' theft
Martin Sheen as President "Jed" Bartlet in <em>The West Wing</em>; President Joe Biden delivers a prime-time address to the nation in the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024. Credit - NBC/Everett Collection; Evan VucciAP Photo/Bloomberg/Getty Images

During the seven years I spent portraying President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet on The West Wing, I developed deep respect for the presidency and the monumental challenges its real-life officeholders confront every day. Recent news about President Bidens exercise of his clemency power has drawn my memory to one of the most difficult decisions I made as President Bartletone that has stayed in my mind over the ensuing yearsto deny clemency to a federal prisoner and allow his execution to proceed.

Both my fictional White House staff and the viewing public recognized at the time that this was not President Bartlets finest hour. I myself urged Aaron Sorkin, the showrunner, to write a different ending.

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Allowing the television execution to proceed was a dramaticand believableoutcome back then. In early 2000, when the episode aired, Americans still overwhelmingly supported capital punishment. Many of our elected leaders, including our presidents, shared those views. Just a few years earlier, Bill Clinton left the presidential campaign trail to preside over the execution of Ricky Ray Rector, a Black man with an IQ of just 70 on Arkansas's death row.

President Biden now has the opportunity to make a much better decision than President Bartlet did, by commuting all federal death sentences. And he has good reason to. In recent years, we have become more aware of the death penaltys many shortcomings. These shortcomings include racial bias, the law's rudimentary acknowledgement of the effects of brain damage and mental illness, prosecutorial misconduct, shoddy defense representation, and the intolerable risk of executing the innocent. Additionally, nearly a quarter of the men on federal death row were very young, 21 or younger, when they committed their crimes.

People across the political spectrum have come to question the continued use of the death penalty. Today, we know far more than we did in 2000 about the death penaltys failure to deter crime, the enormous public resources it drains, and the trauma it inflicts on the people tasked with carrying out executions. If there is one thing I have learned about politics, both from my experience on The West Wing and from my many decades of activism, it is that a policy exacting such extreme costs for so little benefit should be considered a failure.

My views about the death penalty are neither recently adopted nor abstract. I began questioning the morality of death sentencing as a child because of my concern that, for political gain, the government was about to execute an innocent person.

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In the 1970s, as a young actor, I twice played the roles of real-life men who were executed. I played a Korean War veteran executed for several murders in Badlands (1973) and the only soldier post-Civil War to be executed for desertion in The Execution of Private Slovik (1974.) These roles forced me to consider broader problems with the death penalty, including that it is ultimately dehumanizing for all involved.

Most significantly, I have spent the past two decades corresponding with a person on death row and have visited him in prison. I have seen this man express deep remorse with a clear recognition of the harm the death of his victim caused. I have also seen him engage in heartfelt religious contemplation and introspection. He is very different from the person who was sentenced to die. My relationship with him has demonstrated to me what I've always believed: that human beings have an extraordinary capacity to grow and change.

President Biden made history in 2020 when he became the first American president to openly oppose the death penalty. He now has the opportunityand the support from Catholic leaders, corrections officials, prosecutors, civil and human rights organizationsto enshrine his legacy of justice, compassion, and positive change. He now has the opportunity to save the lives of real, not fictional, human beings by commuting all federal death sentences. I urge him to do so.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
MARYLAND (DC News Now)  Marylands Office of the Attorney General (OAG) filed a lawsuit Wednesday against W.L. Gore & Associates, alleging the companys manufacturing facilities have released forever chemicals into the environment for decades.

Gore owns and operates 14 facilities in Maryland, manufacturing products ranging from cables and wires to medical products and clothes. It describes itself as a materials science company focused on discovery, product innovation and rewarding careers for our Associates.

The OAG alleged that 13 of Gores facilities had contaminated their local environments  specifically in Cecil County  with toxic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including hazardous perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

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Scientists find forever chemicals lurking in certain smartwatch wristbands

These chemicals are known as forever chemicals because of how long they remain in the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said PFAS break down very slowly and can build up in people, animals and the environment over time.

In releasing these chemicals into the environment, Gore caused widespread contamination of drinking water and the States natural resources, including surface water, groundwater, soils, sediments, plant and animal life, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown stated in a news release.

[Gore] knew for decades that PFOA was toxic and posed significant risks to human health and the environment and failed to warn the State or the communities living around its facilities of the dangers posed by its PFAS. Instead, Gore concealed those dangers to protect its corporate image and limit its liability, the OAG wrote.

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In a statement sent to DC News Now, Gore denied the allegations outlined in the complaint. A spokesperson shared the following:

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) denies the allegations in the complaint and is surprised by the Maryland Attorney Generals decision to initiate legal action, particularly in light of our proactive and intensive engagement with state regulators over the past two years. As recently as this morning, we submitted to the state a detailed testing report for our Cherry Hill facility, which summarizes nearly two years of comprehensive ground water investigation. This demonstrates Gores continuous, proactive engagement with the Maryland regulators since learning two years ago about the presence of PFOA in ground water near our Cherry Hill facility. We have been working with Maryland, employing the most current, reliable science and technology to assess the potential impact of our operations and guide our ongoing, collaborative efforts to protect the environment. As a responsible manufacturer, we strive to always adopt the best available control technologies and implement the most advanced practices to fulfill our commitment to be a good steward of the environment and a good neighbor. Our actions have reflected the emerging science of PFAS and evolving regulations. Gore has been a community partner as well as a manufacturer of products of high societal value in Maryland for decades. Our friends, families, neighbors and fellow Associates call Cecil County home and its important to us that we are a valued member of the community. More information about our efforts can be found at: https://forward.gore.com/ W. L. Gore & Associates

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While we appreciate Gores limited investigation to ascertain the extent of PFAS contamination around its facilities, much more needs to be done to protect the community and the health of residents, Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain stated in part in a news release.

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The OAGs lawsuit claimed Gore violated Maryland environmental law and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

The State seeks broad relief from Gore, including recovery of the costs of investigating the scope of contamination; the costs of drinking water testing, monitoring, and treatment; the costs to remediate the contamination; and damages for harm to state-owned land and resources, the OAG stated.

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Maryland officials have filed suit against W.L. Gore & Associates, the manufacturer of Gore-Tex, alleging that at least 13 of the companys 14 facilities in Cecil County have contaminated the environment, including soil, air and groundwater, with forever chemicals for some 50 years.

Marylands lawsuit, filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court of Maryland, also alleges that the Delaware-based company knew for decades of the danger posed by the chemicals, called PFAS, but concealed that information from the State and the public.

After a lawsuits from community members in the Elkton area in 2022 and 2023, Gore attracted state scrutiny. The company has mounted its own investigation into the extent of the contamination.

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But in the lawsuit, MDE argues that Gores effort thus far has been limited.

This investigation comes decades after Gore knew of the potential risks, reads the complaint. Moreover, Gore has not fully delineated the scope of that contamination and has concluded that some sites do not warrant any PFAS sampling.

In a statement, Gore spokesperson Amy Calhoun said that the company denies the allegations in the lawsuit, and is surprised by the Maryland Attorney Generals decision to initiate legal action, particularly in light of our proactive and intensive engagement with state regulators over the past two years.

As recently as this morning, we submitted to the state a detailed testing report for our Cherry Hill facility, which summarizes nearly two years of comprehensive groundwater investigation, Calhoun said. This demonstrates Gores continuous, proactive engagement with the Maryland regulators since learning two years ago about the presence of PFOA in groundwater near our Cherry Hill facility.

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According to a company webpage called Gore Forward, Gore hired independent environmental consulting firm Arcadis to assess the contamination. Gore is actively assessing potential impacts at 4 locations, according to the site, including by installing and sampling groundwater wells.

The company has also compensated some residents within a particular radius, by providing bottled drinking water, paying for in-home drinking water treatment systems and connecting some homes to public drinking water.

Many residents in the vicinity rely on wells, and saw levels of hazardous PFAS above national drinking water limits, according to private testing and state testing previously reviewed by The Sun as part of a February investigation.

The complaint indicates that the contamination is more widespread than initially thought, impacting Gores Cherry Hill, Fair Hill, Appleton, Elk Creek, Elk Mills and Lovett facilities. All of the Elkton-area facilities are within 10 miles of each other.

What are PFAS and how does W.L. Gore use them?

To make Gore-Tex and other products, Gore uses a PFAS compound called expanded PTFE. For many years, that compound was manufactured using a harmful chemical called PFOA, which is now one of the most tightly regulated PFAS because of its known links to health conditions, including cancer.

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PFOA was removed from Gore-Tex in 2014. In recent years, amid scrutiny from regulators and advocates, the company has gone a step further, releasing a PFAS-free version of its famed waterproof membrane.

Manmade compounds such as PFOA have earned the nickname forever chemicals, because their heat and water-resistant properties mean they do not readily degrade once released into air, soil and water.

A wide variety of consumer products have been made with PFAS, from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam and carpets.

The class includes thousands of chemicals, and several have been linked to health impacts. Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency established drinking water limits for several PFAS, including PFOA, which apply to public water treatment facilities.

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The agency has also listed PFOA as a hazardous substance under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, commonly known as Superfund, giving the federal government increased authority to regulate the substance and clean-ups.

What does Maryland want from the W.L. Gore lawsuit?

Wednesdays suit argues that Gore, a privately held company that reports billions in annual revenue, should be held financially responsible for the cost of the investigation into its sites, as well as any PFAS remediation activity and environmental restoration.

Most critically, PFAS contamination of groundwater and surface water is impacting the States drinking water sources. Gore is liable for all of the costs necessary to investigate and treat in perpetuity any and all drinking water wells and sources of drinking water adversely affected by its PFAS, read the complaint.

Gore should also pay damages to the state, argues the litigation, to compensate the residents of the State for the lost use and value of its natural resources during all times of injury caused by PFAS.

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In a statement, Maryland Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain said, While we appreciate Gores limited investigation to ascertain the extent of PFAS contamination around its facilities, much more needs to be done to protect the community and the health of residents.

We must remove these forever chemicals from our natural resources urgently, and we expect responsible parties to pay for this remediation, McIlwain wrote.

The complaint was filed by the Maryland Attorney Generals Office on behalf of the Maryland Department of the Environment. Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement that his office will not tolerate companies that put profits ahead of the health and safety of Maryland families.

Wednesdays state action was applauded by attorneys Philip Federico and Chase Brockstedt, who represent residents in Elkton who previously filed suit over the contamination. Since their filings, the attorneys said their teams have discovered that the PFAS contamination in the communitys water is even more widespread than initial data suggested.

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As first alleged in 2022 by our clients, W.L. Gore & Associates has a long history of contaminating the environment and prioritizing profit over the health of the communities in which it operates, read the attorneys statement. On behalf of our clients, we will continue to cooperate with the State to end this contamination and obtain justice.

Have a news tip? Contact Christine Condon at chcondon@baltsun.com, 667-256-6883 and @CChristine19 on X.
BOSTON (WPRI)  Drones continue to be spotted across the United States and now legislation is being filed in Massachusetts to regulate them better.

Massachusetts State Senator John Velis is refining a bill clarifying what exactly a drone is and the regulations for its operators.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently controls drone regulation, but everyone is keeping their eyes on the sky.

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One of several agencies investigating is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which has asked people to share videos, photos, and any other information they may have about the drones.

Velis, an Afghanistan veteran, said he doesnt believe there is anything nefarious going on in the sky but thinks its likely a combination of drones, planes, and helicopters.

He added that the governments delayed response warrants criticism, prompting concern from the public.

National security officials said the drones do not appear to be a sign of foreign interference or a public safety threat.

Since the last filing there has been an abundance of new information, but this is not something we can run from we need to deal with this head-on, Velis said.

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He plans to propose these changes during the next legislative session in the new year.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A Massachusetts man was charged with firearm possession charges on Dec. 4 in New Haven, according to the Department of Justice.

What are ghost guns? Hartford Police Department explains

In August, Enfield police allegedly arrested Nicholas Kingsley, 40, of Agawam, Massachusetts after finding three privately made ghost guns in his car during a traffic stop.

In April, while Kingsley was detained in state custody, agents allegedly also found and seized 14 fully assembled firearms, several Glock machine gun conversion devices and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

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Kingsley is facing four charges and a maximum prison sentence of 50 years.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  President-Elect Donald Trumps core campaign promise is the mass deportation of people who are in the country illegally. According to the Migration Policy Institute, this could impact more than 200,000 people living here in Massachusetts.

Its a very tough thing to do, Trump said. But you have rules, laws, and regulations. They came in illegally.

Incoming Border Czar Tom Homan is warning local governments not to intervene with the administrations deportation plans. If they cross that line and knowingly harbor and conceal an illegal alien, well, Im going to seek prosecution, said Homan.

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Here in Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey was asked if she would comply if the Trump administration were to try to mobilize the state police to help with deportations. She said absolutely not.

Immigration drives US population growth to highest rate in 23 years as residents pass 340 million

Northampton Mayor Gina Louise Sciarra agrees, We will not go out of our way to ask about immigrant status and we will try to protect people as much as possible.

A 2017 State Supreme Judicial Court ruling prevents Massachusetts police from arresting someone solely based on an immigration detainer. This is because immigration detainers are civil matters. Massachusetts law does not allow police to arrest someone for violating federal immigration laws without pending criminal charges.

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ICE doesnt do blanket sweeps, said Todd Lyons, the Acting Assistant Director of Field Operations for Enforcement Removal Operations. We dont do large-scale roundups. Every individual thats here today has come to our attention because theyve been arrested by a local municipality for a felony or an egregious crime.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno told the 22News I-Team he does not want criminals on city streets, regardless of their immigration status. Anyone that is an illegal migrant coming in that is involved with criminal activities, Im going to treat them the same as I would residents or people in the city of Springfield, said Sarno. I want them off my streets and out of my neighborhoods. But, we are not going to get involved in the mass deportations.

In Massachusetts, an influx of migrants has put a strain on the government and the economy.

Over the past year, over 10,000 families moved through the emergency shelter system  many of them undocumented immigrants. This has cost the state $1 billion this fiscal year alone.

Mayor Sarno is hoping the new administration will help local cities and towns who have been left to front these costs. There are costs for housing, schooling, and that trickles down to a city such as Springfield, and we are not getting any relief whatsoever, said Sarno. The federal government created this problem, and then completely walked away from it.

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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The crowd surged forward, thousands cheering, waving and jostling their way around Damascus Al Ashmar Square, all positioning themselves for the best view of a hanging.

Hurry up, a mother scolded her child as they walked along the roadside. "We dont want to be late."

A fire truck approached, spurring a chorus of shouts by those thinking a condemned man was inside. Young men scampered onto the truck, hoping to glimpse Saleh al-Ras, an enforcer for former Syrian President Bashar Assad, who was ousted by rebels this month after 13 years of civil war.

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Al-Ras led a militia that oversaw security in the district of Tadamon, just outside Damascus, and is widely believed to be responsible for numerous atrocities there, including a 2013 massacre that killed nearly 300 people. People in Tadamon have a nickname for the toothbrush-mustached henchman: "Syria's Hitler."

This man, he and his people, they were animals, said Majed Shaaban, 32, who works for a cleaning services company. I came to see him die.

A crowd gathers after hearing that a militia commander would be publicly hanged.

Shaaban and the rest of the crowd would eventually leave the square in disappointment.

Read more: Amid the joy after Assad's ouster, Syrians search for their missing

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Syria's new leaders have promised justice for a population that had been terrorized for decades by a government that imprisoned, disappeared, tortured, killed and used sexual violence as a weapon of war. But in keeping with the rebels' quest for international legitimacy, they have also vowed to deliver it through the rule of law, with prosecutions that could take years.

That timescale is unlikely to satisfy ordinary Syrians clamoring for vengeance.

::

Within days of the rebel victory, pro-rebel activists reported that Al-Ras had been one of several figures detained in a countrywide dragnet by the interim security authority led by the rebel faction Hayat Tahrir al Sham.

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Government officials did not confirm whether Al-Ras was captured, but before long word was spreading in Tadamon that he was to be publicly hanged.

Waiting for the execution in Al Ashmar Square last week, people in the crowd explained why they wanted to witness Al-Ras be put to death.

If he wanted a woman he saw at the checkpoint, he would arrest her husband and threaten to kill him if she didnt let him rape her, said a woman in her 30s.

Read more: In post-Assad Damascus, a mix of joy and trepidation

The woman said that four of her relatives, including her uncle and nephew, had been taken by Al-Ras' men and that almost certainly they were dead.

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I wont tell you my name, or my age  Im too afraid," she said. How could she be sure the militia commander somehow wouldn't return to power? "Anyone could inform on you; the grocer, the restaurant waiter, the neighbor  everyone.

Its only been a week without them," she said. "We need time to get used to this new life.

Next to her, a 62-year-old man, also too afraid to give his name, agreed that Al-Ras was a perpetrator of rape and murder.

Sometimes he would just shoot the husband, rape the wife, then shoot her too, he said. If they put this man in front of us on the ground, all the women of Tadamon would jump on him and rip him apart.

A man sifts through rubble for human remains in the Tadamon neighborhood at the edge of Damascus.

After a few hours, with no sign of Al-Ras, the bearded militants maintaining order informed people there would be no execution for two days, until Friday after noon prayers. The crowd reluctantly dispersed.

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But when Friday came, word spread there would be no execution after all. The hanging had been a rumor.

An official in the Ministry of Interior, who was not authorized to speak to the media, said the government had no plans to execute any former government figures without trials.

Read more: Rebels seize Damascus; Assad reported to have fled Syria for Moscow

"There are many rumors about executions, but this is just people's talk," he said. "We're not going to have reprisals.

"We will have justice for everyone, but first we have to form a government so we can have proper courts," he said.

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In a statement last week, Ahmad al Sharaa, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al Sham faction, said the government planned to release a most-wanted list of members of the former government and offer rewards for information leading to their arrests.

We will pursue them in Syria, and we ask countries to hand over those who fled so we can achieve justice. ... The blood of the innocent martyrs and the rights of the detainees are a trust that we will not allow to be wasted or forgotten.

At the same time, Al Sharaa said, the new leadership was offering amnesty to conscripts and would open so-called reconciliation centers.

::

When rebels overran portions of Tadamon early in the civil war, the district became an emblem of the resistance. Then when evidence emerged of mass killings, it seemed to encapsulate the sadism of Assad's security forces. In the days since the governments disintegration, Tadamon has illustrated the search for the missing, and for answers.

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Last week in Tadamon, where bombed-out husks of buildings rise out of a sea of rubble, Usama Kastana, 40, and a few other residents explored the ruins near Al-Ras' checkpoint for the first time, including the site of the 2013 massacre that had been off-limits to residents for years.

You couldnt even come close to this block, Kastana said. We werent allowed.

Two years ago, a member of the government-backed militia gave researchers 27 videos of intelligence and militia personnel leading blindfolded detainees to a ditch filled with tires and shoving them in or shooting them in the back as they ran, then igniting the tires to burn the bodies.

Researchers and journalists combed through the videos and identified 288 people  including seven women and 12 children  who were killed.

Bones lie on the ground in the Tadamon,

Fouad Shawakh, 56, said executions were routine in the neighborhood right up until government forces withdrew this month.

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Youd hear shooting," he said. "Then there would be this smell all over the place, of burning flesh.

Mohammad Darwish, 23, pointed to a pile of trash and shredded clothing in the rubble, along with what appeared to be human bones.

Look, heres the top part of the skull, Kastana said.

"Search each of these buildings and youll find bones in every single one, Darwish said before leading a reporter to a nearby mosque that had been commandeered by Al-Ras men throughout the war.

We spent the last day taking bones out of there as well, he said.

During his search, Darwish had discovered a tunnel. It stretched dozens of feet but had been partially blocked by debris. Darwish was sure there would be remains inside.

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Though they would have been happy to see Al-Ras punished, many here insisted their priority was to know the fate of their missing loved ones.

Men gather around a hole leading to a tunnel found in Tadamon.

The worst thing authorities could do now is execute him," said Walid Al-Abdullah, 56. "We know he did the crime and he should be punished, but they need to keep him alive until we find out what happened.

Al-Abdullah, an engineer, remembers the date  July 27, 2013  when 15 members of his family, including his parents, sisters and four of his nieces and nephews, disappeared. He found the family home ransacked and no trace of his loved ones, he said.

Read more: Inside a Syrian prison in post-Assad Damascus

"I don't care to get compensation or for anything that was lost from the house. None of it," he said. "I just want to know the fate of 15 people."

For years, Al-Abdullah said, he sent official requests for information to the ministry of interior and the intelligence agencies. He got no answers, only punishment, he said, including losing some benefits at his state job.

He held out hope that his family was alive  thinking there were kids among those taken, so surely they would be fine  until two years ago when he saw the massacre videos.

After a visit to Tadamon, Human Rights Watch issued a report Monday urging Syria's transitional authorities to secure and preserve physical evidence across the country of "grave international crimes by members of the former government."

Remains have been found at what appear to be mass graves just outside Damascus. (Ayman Oghanna / For The Times)

"The loved ones of people so brutally killed here deserve to know what happened to them," said Hiba Zayadin, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. "The victims deserve accountability."

Al-Abdullah was waiting for a government to be formed so he could restart his search requests. He wants to know what happened to them, even if he may never understand the reason.

Why would they kill kids? he asked.

Beside him stood Ali Fadhel, who said he was imprisoned for more than three months after asking about his two brothers, taken by the militia.

With them there was no why or why not," he said. "They just took you.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Vanuatu on Tuesday, December 17 that has destroyed buildings across the capital of Port Vila with 14 confirmed deaths and more expected as recovery efforts get underway. People in the island nation located west of Fiji have reported 18 aftershocks that continue to rattle the island. The event was considered a major earthquake and further aftershocks are expected. Vanuatu is located within what is known as the Ring of Fire, which is an area of high tectonic plate activity where the Pacific plate meets its neighbors. This is where 80 percent of the worlds largest earthquakes occur.

The earthquake occurred 30 kilometers west of Port Vila and initially set off a tsunami warning that was called off after a few hours. Communications have been impacted, with undersea internet cables damaged in the quake.

The surf community of Pango is located just six kilometers from Port Vila on the edge of a lagoon and home to multiple A-frame peaks and point breaks. The community has a close relationship with the ocean, with many surfers spending years playing in the shallows with their families for years prior to picking up a surfboard. The community has started to produce some quality surfers in recent years who have earned their stripes on the reef breaks along the lagoon that surrounds the village. Pango also hosts annual surf festivals and is the heart of ni-Van surfing. All communications with Pango have been cut off since the earthquake and the extent of any damage in the community is unknown.

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Kiwi surf photographer and long-time Pango resident Glen Craig said, Unfortunately it will be a mass casualty event by the looks of it with at least 10 buildings collapsed [in Port Vila] and an unknown number of people inside some of themThe priority will be search and rescue for the buildings that have collapsed along with medical teams to offer assistance and engineers to clear the critical infrastructure safe for entering.

New Zealand and Australian search and rescue teams have arrived in Port Vila to assist with efforts to search for missing people in the rubble and help treat the hundreds who are injured. Some airlines have suspended flights to Vanuatu due to possible damage to Port Vila airport infrastructure. Much of Vanuatu is without water as reserves that supply clean water across most of the country were damaged in the quake and there are growing concerns for the public health systems capacity to deal with the growing cases of waterborne diseases.

Related: The Drowning Isles
Mayor Brandon Johnsons top labor adviser told board leaders at Chicago Public Schools that the mayor expected CEO Pedro Martinez to be out by Sept. 26, according to an internal memo obtained by the Tribune.

In a Sept. 12 email sent to Jianan Shi and Elizabeth Todd-Breland, the boards president and vice president at the time, Deputy Mayor for Labor Relations Bridget Early wrote, Heres what lies ahead for the Board for the remainder of this term: CEO out by 9/26  Land contract, current leadership is not on track to getting this done before a strike.

Earlys email laid out a series of talking points she said included board expectations from the mayor.

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As her last bullet point under the section for board member talking points, Early wrote: Exit option  I have told the Mayor that I am committed to landing these items before the end of the term. It is okay if this is a lot to take on. If this feels like too much, we can work on an exit plan.

Its unclear if Shi and Todd-Breland  who ultimately did not move on Martinezs employment and resigned with the rest of Johnsons seven-member school board in October  replied. Shi declined to comment. Todd-Breland did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday about the memo.

The mayors office has refused to provide the full email via public records requests, but the Tribune obtained an unredacted copy this week. Johnsons chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, was also included in the message thread. She has been floated as a potential successor to Martinez, but flatly denied she was leaving her current post in an October interview with WTTW-Ch. 11.

The Tribune and other outlets reported on Johnsons September meeting with Martinez, where the mayor allegedly asked him to step down, based on various sources, including with the Johnson administration. Martinez later wrote an article for the Tribunes opinion section explaining why he refused the mayors request.

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At first, the mayor sidestepped reporters questions on why he wanted Martinez gone by saying he doesnt discuss personnel issues, a common line from his administration when faced with staffing controversies.

But he soon began suggesting that he never called for Martinez to resign. In the beginning of October, Johnson responded to a question on whether he asked his first handpicked school board to fire the CEO with: No. When we talk to members of the board of education, what weve asked them to do is not cut our schools.

During one testy City Hall news conference on Dec. 2, Johnson refused to answer when asked multiple times whether he still wanted Martinez to resign, instead repeating, Have I ever wished that? and You heard me ask him to resign?

What do you mean still my wish? Johnson said to a reporter. Youre making an assumption here, respectfully, OK. So if you ask it right, Ill answer it.

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The mayor added: I dont want to accept this frame or assertion that Ive done something that Ive never expressed out loud, because I dont discuss personnel issues.

Martinezs employment status has been the topic of controversy for months since late September. Johnson, a former teacher and ex-Chicago Teachers Union organizer, originally requested the CEOs resignation as the district was facing a financial gap due to the costs of a proposed new teachers contract and a pension payment for nonteacher school staff.

Martinez refused to take out a loan, as requested by the mayor, because he said it would be fiscally irresponsible to do so.

CPS settled its budget in July without accounting for the proposed contracts cost or the pension payment. A budget amendment is required to account for the unsettled financial gap once a contract agreement has been reached.

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In October, the issue of Martinezs employment reached a boiling point when Shi and Todd-Breland, along with the other members of the mayors first appointed school board, resigned en masse. But their replacements came with their own set of controversies, and led to the resignation of the next board president, the Rev. Mitchell L. Ikenna Johnson, in the wake of offensive social media posts and questions about his background.

But after last months first school board elections and the announcement this week of a third slate of Johnson appointees, Martinez may be in his final days of leading the nations fourth-largest school district. CTU did not see the majority of its endorsed slate prevail in the November races, but the mayor still retains control of the school board with a one-seat majority for the next two years.

Martinezs contract allows him to stay on as CEO for half a year after the board fires him, if his termination is without cause. Observers say the task at hand for Johnsons latest iteration of the Chicago Board of Education is to find a reason to fire him that would withstand the muster of a lawsuit.

Meanwhile, contract negotiations are ongoing. Though both sides of the bargaining table meet daily, the district and the teachers union have yet to reach an agreement. Months after Early sent an email to former board members Shi and Todd-Breland, the financial gap is still a pressing issue for CPS.

The City does have the legal authority to borrow on behalf of CPS, Early wrote in her September email.
Mayor Brandon Johnsons top labor advisor told the Chicago Public Schools board leaders that the mayor expected CEO Pedro Martinez to be out by Sept. 26, according to an internal memo obtained by the Tribune.

In a Sept. 12 email sent to Jianan Shi and Elizabeth Todd-Breland, the boards president and vice president at the time, deputy labor mayor Bridget Early wrote Heres what lies ahead for the Board for the remainder of this term: CEO out by 9/26  Land contract, current leadership is not on track to getting this done before a strike.

Earlys email laid out a series of talking points she said included board expectations from the mayor.

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As her last bullet point under the section for board member talking points, Early wrote: Exit option  I have told the Mayor that I am committed to landing these items before the end of the term. It is okay if this is a lot to take on. If this feels like too much, we can work on an exit plan.

Its unclear if Shi and Todd-Breland  who ultimately did not move on Martinezs employment and resigned with the rest of Johnsons seven-member school board in October  replied. They did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday about the memo.

The mayors office has refused to provide the full email via public records requests, but the Tribune obtained an unredacted copy this week. Johnsons chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, was also included in the message thread. She has been floated as a potential successor to Martinez, but flatly denied she was leaving her current post in an October interview with WTTW.

The Tribune and other outlets reported on Johnsons September meeting with Martinez, where he allegedly asked him to step down, based on sources that encompass the Johnson administration. Martinez later wrote an article for the Tribunes opinion section explaining why he refused the mayors request.

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At first, the mayor sidestepped reporters questions on why he wanted Martinez gone by saying he doesnt discuss personnel issues, a common line from his administration when faced with staffing controversies.

But he soon began suggesting that he never called for Martinez to resign. In the beginning of October, Johnson responded to a question on whether he asked his first handpicked school board to fire the CEO with: No. When we talk to members of the Board of Education, what weve asked them to do is not cut our schools.

During one testy City Hall news conference on Dec. 2, Johnson refused to answer when asked multiple times whether he still wanted Martinez to resign, instead repeating, Have I ever wished that? and You heard me ask him to resign?

What do you mean still my wish? Johnson said to a reporter. Youre making an assumption here respectfully, OK. So if you ask it right, Ill answer it.

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The mayor added: I dont want to accept this frame or assertion that Ive done something that Ive never expressed out loud, because I dont discuss personnel issues.

Martinezs employment status has been the topic of controversy for months since late September. Johnson, a former teacher and Chicago Teachers Union organizer, originally requested the CEOs resignation as the district was facing a financial gap due to the costs of a new teachers contract and a pension payment for nonteacher school staff.

Martinez refused to take out a loan, as requested by the mayor, because he said it would be fiscally irresponsible to do so.

CPS settled its budget in July without accounting for the contracts cost or the pension payment. A budget amendment is required to account for the unsettled financial gap once a contract agreement has been reached.

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In October, the saga that had become the issue of Martinezs employment reached a boiling point when Shi and Todd-Breland, along with the other members of the mayors first appointed school board, resigned en masse. But their replacements came with their own set of controversies, leading to the next board president, the Rev. Mitchell L. Ikenna Johnson, resigning in the wake of offensive social media posts and questions about his background.

Now, after the first school board elections concluded last month and a third slate of Johnson appointees was announced this week, Martinez may be in his final days of leading the nations fourth-largest school district. CTU did not see the majority of its endorsed slate prevail in the November races, but the mayor still retains control of the school board by one seat for the next two years.

Martinezs contract allows him to stay on as CEO for half a year after the board fires him, if his termination is without cause. The task at hand for Johnsons latest iteration of the Board of Education is to find a reason to fire him that would withstand the muster of a lawsuit.

Meanwhile, contract negotiations are ongoing. Though both sides of the bargaining table meet daily, the district and the teachers union have yet to reach an agreement. Months after Early sent an email to former board members Shi and Todd-Breland, the financial gap from September is still a pressing issue for CPS.

The City does have the legal authority to borrow on behalf of CPS, Early wrote in her September email.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Landing Mall at 63rd and Troost could see significant changes in the future.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas asked the community for redevelopment ideas on Wednesday. Hundreds of people responded to Lucas Facebook post with their suggestions.

Lucas said conversations about the future of the mall are happening now.

Jingle! holiday vendor pulls out of event: Where is everyone?

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I think Kansas City is getting better and better every day, but the way we do that is by investing in some of our older properties, things that could use that level of renovation and investment. I think there will be a new day at the Landing, he said.

Lucas also said hes been talking with the real estate firm Block and Company about renovating and improving the site. He likes the idea of a mixed-use development.

It is such a vital and central part of that part of Kansas City. The Troost and 63rd Street corridors have seen lots of reinvestment, and we want to see even more activity, Lucas explained.

The work that is being considered is demolition of the entire property, and then looking to build something new that might be retail on the lower level and multi-family up top.

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As conversations about the malls future continue, there will be flexibility in the redevelopment model for businesses currently using the space.

Probably the best model that you might consider is Ward Parkway, where a chunk of the mall was taken down, but a chunk of the mall remained, and so you had that kind of mixed-use that you have from the different shops that are there, but also small restaurants and vendors. Whatever happens, we support small businesses, Lucas said.

Safety will be a top priority as plans move forward.

Planned Parenthood CEO talks ahead of judges decision on abortion in Missouri

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Safety is vital and paramount. Vacant lots, empty buildings, and abandoned buildings start to become these festering spots of violent crime and nuisance issues, Lucas continued.

The mayor believes that redeveloping the Landing Mall could increase foot traffic and, in turn, boost overall safety.

Whereas if were actually doing the work to make sure people have a reason to be there, people have a reason to be excited with whats happening, people are shopping, a lot of things are going on; thats one way we help address the safety challenge. So thats what I would look at more than just kind of status quo.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Mayor Oscar Leeser is preparing to step down this month, making way for Renard Johnson and a new administration.

As he wraps up his eight years in office, Leeser reflected on the challenges hes faced, the changes hes seen in El Paso, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Leeser served two non-consecutive four-year terms and was barred by term limits from seeking re-election in November.

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Leeser navigated several challenges during his time in office, including the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing border surges.

He said unity was key during turbulent times, both for him personally and for the City.

I lost my mom. I lost my brother. All within a month because of the uncertainty in what was going on in our community, Leeser said. It was something that we needed to work together on as one.

Despite the obstacles, Leeser says he is proud of the Citys efforts to support those in need, particularly migrants who arrived at the El Paso border.

We all know that today our immigration process is still broken, and its been broken for over 30 years, Leeser said. With all these people coming, we made sure they were treated with respect. We made sure they had a warm meal, a place to stay, and that they could reunite with their family members.

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Leeser described his time in office as an incredible ride and highlighted the privilege of leading El Paso through historic moments.

To sit here and say Im the mayor of one of the largest cities in America, and I sit with the president of the United States, and we made not only El Paso but our nation a better place to live  its a dream come true, Leeser said.

As for his hopes for the next city government, Leeser emphasized the need for unity and continued representation for all residents, even as political challenges evolve.

We need to continue representing 100 percent of the people, Leeser said. But the challenge will be different because the people we worked with in Washington, (like President Biden) theyre gone.

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Leesers transition will mark the start of a new era for El Paso, with Johnson stepping into the role of mayor.

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Frances overseas territory of Mayotte is facing a humanitarian catastrophe after it was hit with Cyclone Chido on Saturday. Twenty people have been confirmed dead but the death toll is expected to reach hundreds if not thousands, according to local authorities.

The island, which is located about 185 miles north-west of Madagascar, experienced wind of over 225km/h (140mph). It has affected most of the infrastructure, including power and water supplies. An estimated 100,000 residents are without shelter or water, according to The Guardian.

The hospital is hit, the schools are hit. Houses are totally devastated, Mayottes mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila told AFP, as reported by BBC.

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People are starting to die of thirst and hunger due to damages made to essential infrastructures, a Mayotte senator said.

The situation is quite chaotic. Were okay; were a bit flooded, but we have a solid house, Amalia Mazon, a 27-year-old Mayotte resident told BBC. Its more about what comes after that concerns us. We dont have any electricity, we dont have any cell phone reception, and theres still a lot of rubble everywhere.

She noted the lack of resources and information concerning potential incoming aid.

The water here is completely yellow. Its unusable for us, she said. Honestly, theres nothing here on the ground  no resources at all. There are three people trying to care for hundreds of people. We feel completely abandoned, and we dont even know if help is coming. We have no news; we have no idea

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The French government has deployed about 1,600 police officers and gendarmes on the ground to clear debris and assist the population, interior ministry spokeswoman Camille Chaize said on Monday. As BBC reported, about 800 personnel from emergency services Securite Civile will be sent out to help with recovery efforts.

Mayotte residents have called out the lack of assistance from the French government for years. The island experienced weeks of protests against gang activity and the current migration crisis after a member of the French parliament visited Mayotte in January. The French overseas territory has also been experiencing its worst drought since 1997.

Mayotte is Frances poorest territory. About 84% of the population lives below the poverty line and over 40% lives off 160 (about $168) or less per month, according to the INSEE, Frances National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, The Guardian reported. About 40% of the housing on Mayotte are shacks made of sheet metal and 29% of households have no running water.







The post Mayotte: Cyclone Chido Causes Humanitarian Catastrophe With Thousands Of Prospective Fatalities appeared first on Blavity.
Dec. 18A McAlester man was federally indicted this week after investigators said the man took several items from the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, including munitions used for training.

Court records show Garland Leon Seay, 38, was indicted in the Eastern District of Oklahoma with two counts of theft of government property and entering a military installation for a purpose prohibited by law.

Seay was arraigned Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Muskogee. Records show Seay was allowed to post a bond in the amount of $10,000 with several conditions of release, including complying with any order in his active cases in Pittsburg County District Court. Seay is accused of stealing from McAAP a training missile, telescope spotlights, electronic tablets, tools, a camera, computer hard drives, spools of cable, bags of heavy machinery tools, and other miscellaneous tools and equipment between July 2024 and September 2024.

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The items were located in a McAlester residence where Seay resided following a July 2024 search warrant conducted by the Pittsburg County Sheriff's Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Krebs and McAlester Police Departments.

Other items from a local business were also found during the search with Seay charged in Pittsburg County District Court with burglary in the second degree.

In that case, Seay is accused of cutting a fence, sheet metal, and locks to a McAlester business and stealing several items.

Seay also has another active felony case where he is accused of filming a 14-year-old girl in the shower in 2023.

Records in the federal case show a trial is currently scheduled to begin on Jan. 27, 2025, at the federal courthouse in Muskogee.
Outgoing Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) quipped Wednesday evening that Republicans may be in for more turmoil next year after President-elect Trump threw the year-end spending debate into chaos by coming out against a stopgap spending bill negotiated by congressional leaders

Oh, this is the way its going to be next year, McConnell told a reporter for CNN as he walked out of his office shortly after Trump urged Republicans to sink the deal negotiated between Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other congressional leaders.

Senate Republicans are bracing for a roller-coaster year in 2025 with Trump in the White House and the next Speaker trying to manage a one- to three-seat House majority.

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Trump appeared to torpedo the 1,500-page short-term funding bill that Congress was poised to pass by Friday when he and Vice President-elect Vance called on lawmakers to instead pass a clean continuing resolution combined with language to raise the debt ceiling.

Democratic senators expressed frustration over Trumps late foray into the spending debate, only two days before the Dec. 20 deadline by which Congress needs to pass a stopgap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown.

Speaker Johnson needs to get it together. The American people are counting on us. This is not the Christmas present, the government shutdown, that the American people deserve, said Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).

Some Republicans said they dont see any chance that Democrats would agree to raising the debt limit, which is projected to expire next summer.

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Im just thinking about if I were Schumer, just because somebody asked for something, if there wasnt leverage or benefit to it, I dont know why he would accept it, said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

But other Republican senators said, in the event the deal negotiated by Johnson reached the Senate, they were prepared to vote against it, even though they want to pass some disaster relief before Christmas.

Ive got a better chance of actually supporting a clean CR than what we had before. I already told leadership that I would not vote for that bill, said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), referring to the 1,500-page deal unveiled late Tuesday.

Im happy to see a clean CR as long as we can also include some supplemental [funds] for the folks down South that are in the flood area, he added.

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GOP senators on Wednesday said theyre eager to avoid a government shutdown right before Trump takes office.

I think it would be master-class dumb to shut government down, said Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.).

Kennedy said he would vote for a clean stopgap measure to fund government into next year but argued that it should include disaster relief.

Senate Democrats on Wednesday evening said its foolish and unrealistic to expect them to agree to a debt-limit increase a few days before Christmas when theres been no discussion of the issue until now.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) called Trumps demand foolish while Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called it pretty unrealistic, though he acknowledged its above my pay grade.

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The party that doesnt control the White House in recent years has demanded major concessions in exchange for raising the debt limit.

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TOWNSEND, Ga. (WSAV)  A McIntosh County man and registered sex offender has been charged with sexual exploitation of children after a state investigation.

Wesley Covenah, 40, of Townsend, was arrested on Dec. 11 by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), with assistance from the McIntosh County Sheriffs Office, and booked into the county jail.

Covenah has child molestation convictions from 2007 in Chatham County.

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The GBI said their agency began investigating Covenahs online activity in September after they received a Cyber Tipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about child sexual abuse material.

Man dies after shooting during large fight in McIntosh County

Investigators obtained a warrant to search his home and then secured his arrest.

Other tips about child exploitation cases can be forwarded to the GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at 404-270-8870 or reported via cybertipline.org.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), on the GBIs website or via the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

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JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  AAA estimates that a record 119.3 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home between Christmas Eve and New Years Day.

Officials with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced the agency will limit traffic delays due to highway construction and by offering a few holiday travel tips.

To provide maximum travel capacity and minimal construction delays throughout the holiday season, MDOT crews and contractors will halt all non-emergent lane closures from Tuesday, December 24 to Thursday, January 2.

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Progress being made on U.S. 80 bridge repairs

Even though highway construction across the state is suspended, drivers should be aware that some lane closures will remain in place, said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. These lane closures are to protect the traveling public, and MDOT wants motorists to treat these like active work zones, even with the absence of workers.

MDOT offers these tips for safe driving this holiday season:

Plan ahead and allow for extra travel time. The MDOT Traffic mobile app shows real-time traffic conditions along your travel route.

Slow down and use extra caution in work zones.

Dont litter those new presents! Secure your load properly to your vehicle.

Watch for deer and other wildlife. When temperatures drop, animals are more active near highways. Use extra caution if traveling during dawn, dusk and after dark.

Buckle up. Using your seatbelt is an easy and effective way to save lives and reduce serious injuries in the event of a crash.

Avoid distractions like cell phones and food.

Do NOT drive impaired. If you plan to drink, have a designated driver.

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With increased traffic around Christmas and New Years, driving smart is crucial in ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday for all Mississippians, said White. Do your part by obeying the speed limit, buckling up and not driving distracted or impaired. We want everyone to get home for the holidays safely.

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When you have to take your car into the shop, your mechanic might be elated or disappointed to work on your car depending on the manufacturer. Workers at one body shop in Colorado are sharing their honest thoughts on their least favorite types of cars to work on.

Accurate Automotive in Northglenn, Colorado just shared a TikTok probing its employees about their most hated car brands to work on. The answers spanned a variety of names and continents of origin, but one pattern appeared to emerge: European autos aren't exactly fun to work on.

"A Subaru's not my most hated car, but a Volkswagen definitely is," one person said.

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"For me, anything European," another chimed in. One mechanic simply stated "Volvos."

"I would say foreign vehicles are a nightmare," another person said. That isn't limited by continent, as he affirmed that it goes for both European and Japanese cars like Honda and Toyota.

Many European brands are regarded as high-end in the U.S., while others such as Volkswagen might be more geared to a daily driver. This includes BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Porsche, Land Rover, Mini, Alfa Romeo, and Jaguar. According to LeMans Motors, European brands are usually more expensive to service and maintain, which might not be at the top of buyers' minds when they drive off the lot but might come back to bite them down the road.

Related: Mechanics Reveal Most Common Car Maintenance Mistakes

Before buying your next car, consider what works best for your lifestyle and tailor your next purchase accordingly.
A little more than two weeks after HB10 was enacted into law, Sheriff Garry McFadden is sharing how his department is implementing it. The law requires sheriffs to cooperate and honor detainers, holding people at ICEs request for up to 48 hours. A law is written in part because of McFaddens past opposition to the process.

We will always follow the law, McFadden said. That is what we will always do.

According to the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office, 32 detainers have been placed by ICE since December 1. Sheriff McFadden said ICE has not picked anyone up. He doesnt expect that trend to continue.

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President Trump and his administration are going to be very forthcoming with immigration, he said. I think there will be a lot of deportation.

Channel 9 reviewed the court documents for all 32 people MCSO said ICE placed detainers on in the first two weeks of HB10. A review of court documents shows 13 people are back on the streets after not being picked up. Some of the suspects are accused of felonies.

One suspect not picked up after an ICE hold was Kalihet Gaitan-Castano. Shes accused of participating in the robbery and shooting of a man outside of an east Charlotte apartment complex. Diego Tinoco-Martinez was also released. Hes accused of trying to stab his ex-girlfriend with a kitchen knife. Merville Khonde was also released. The citizen of Congo, according to ICE, is accused of leading police on a chase in a stolen car with speeds topping out at 100 miles per hour on Nevin Road.

ICE told Channel 9 last week there are different standards for when they pick people up. Sheriff McFadden said ICE told him there is no movement right now as they wait for Trump to take office.

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ALSO READ: Mecklenburg Co. sheriff says ICE hasnt picked up anyone after detainers since HB10

Still, McFadden said hes hearing from community members who are concerned.

To take that fear away is going to be hard, he said.

ICE told Channel 9 that Sheriff McFadden is not notifying the agency before suspects with detainers are released. Sheriff McFadden confirmed that is the case even though the detainers requested he do so.

On Khondes detainer, ICE requested a call to DHS before he was released from custody. That did not, and has not, been happening.

Do you notify ICE before (the suspect) leaves after the retainer expires? Eyewitness News Reporter Joe Bruno asked.

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No, we dont, Sheriff McFadden said. Its not part of the new law. Its not part of it.

Why not give them a call to let them know (that a) detainer just expired? Hes free to go. Bruno asked.

Thats something we have to talk about. Im not sure why we do that, McFadden said. Im not sure. I just think its the best for us.

A spokesperson for ICE said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations was not involved in the drafting of HB10 and therefore wont comment on its interpretation but said the point of a detainer is to serve as a request that the local agency tells ICE before they are released from the agencys custody.

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Common sense dictates that without notification, ICE ERO will be unaware of an individuals scheduled release subsequent to completion of a criminal sentence or posting of a bond, at which time ICE will determine what enforcement action will be taken, the spokesperson for ICE said.

In the 45-minute interview with Channel 9 and Telemundo, Sheriff McFadden laid out several things he said are confusing about the new law and its impact. He said it isnt clear if the 48-hour countdown starts immediately after his office receives the detainer. He said right now they arent counting weekends and holidays in the 48 hours. A spokesperson for ICE says that interpretation is correct.

McFadden said ICE hasnt picked up any of the 32 people who have had a detainer placed on them since House Bill 10 went into effect. But he doesnt know what would happen if they tried. He said hes not sure if they need a warrant or writ.

ICE said the detainer and accompanying administrative warrant are sufficient for them to pick somebody up.

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McFadden also said he doesnt know what will happen to state charges if ICE picks a suspect up. A spokesperson for ICE said that the decision will be made by local authorities.

McFadden chided the process and what he said was a lack of communication about how to implement the law.

There was no collaboration of this rollout of HB10 and I think that was poorly done, he said. I think if you are going to pass the bill or when the bill was overridden by republicans, I think there should have been a meeting to say it is now law and this is how we are going to move forward.

Following Channel 9s interview with Sheriff McFadden, a spokesperson for MCSO said McFadden spoke to ICE and was told there is no movement right now as they wait for President-elect Trump to take office. A spokesperson for ICE denied that is the case, saying there is no movement because the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office hasnt notified ICE ERO that any of the noncitizens in its custody, and for whom an ICE detainer has been issued, are scheduled for release.

VIDEO: Mecklenburg Co. sheriff says ICE hasnt picked up anyone after detainers since HB10
HEMPSTEAD COUNTY, Ark.  Westbound lanes are clear on Interstate 30 in Hempstead County after a multi-vehicle crash involving a log truck Thursday morning.

Officials with the Arkansas Department of Transportation said the crash happened west of Hope around 10:27 a.m.

ARDOT officials said medical helicopters were dispatched, but information on injuries has not been released.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Memphis man has been convicted of sex trafficking in Bowling Green, Kentucky after a two-day trial, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Portier Govan, 38, has been convicted of all counts in a five-count indictment, including sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Brittany Howard, 25, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation on October 30. The DOJ says Howard was Govans co-defendant.

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ORIGINAL STORY: TN man, KY woman indicted for sex trafficking conspiracy

This defendant used extreme threats of violence to compel an 18-year-old victim to engage in commercial sex, even holding a gun to her head to terrify, control, and coerce her for his own profit, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division.

Clarke says Govan repeatedly attempted to cover up his crime by intimidating a witness to lie for him.

This defendant preyed on a vulnerable young woman, threatening her with physical violence and even death if she didnt comply with his demands, said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division.

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During the trial, the DOJ says evidence showed that Govan and Howard met the victim at a Kentucky gas station and convinced her to come back to their hotel room. That is when they recruited and enticed the victim to engage in commercial sex by promising her good money.

Govan would take the victim on shopping trips to malls in Tennessee and when they returned to Kentucky, he would convince her to participate in seeing a commercial sex customer with Howard.

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The DOJ says, Govan sexually assaulted the victim, and for four days compelled her to engage in commercial sex for his profit by threatening to hurt her. Upon being discovered by the police, Govan attempted to interfere with the investigation by having Howard lie for him and prevent the police from speaking to the victim. After his arrest, he sought to obstruct the prosecution by passing letters to Howard in the jail instructing her to lie.

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Govans sentence hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2025. He faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison up to life imprisonment as well as mandatory restitution.

Howards sentence hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2025.

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Two men are facing various gun charges after an argument in Palm Coast led to shots being fired.

Deputies say Steven Hyatt pointed a gun at Orlando resident James Everett and another man around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday from the second floor of the Econo Lodge.

Investigators say Everett then pulled out his weapon and fired two shots at Hyatt.

Watch: Search for stolen car leaves 1 dead, 3 arrested in Orange County, deputies say

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Hyatt fled into his room while Everett and the man with him ran from the motel.

Both Everett and Hyatt are facing aggravated assault charges.

Watch: Man accused of exposing himself while peeking into Sanford homes to face judge Thursday

Our patrol deputies and detectives did a great job quickly controlling the scene and detaining suspects before someone was hurt, said Florida County Sheriff Rick Staly. This investigation is continuing to determine why individuals from Orlando were in Palm Coast and what the actual intent of the confrontation at the Econo Lodge was about. This could have been a deadly event with innocent bystanders getting hurt or killed. We thank all the callers that saw something, heard something, and said something.

Deputies said no one was hurt in the shooting.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Two men were arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping after a multi-agency task force rescued a victim on Thursday, Dec. 19, in Fabens, according to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPCSO).

According to the Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a report of an aggravated kidnapping on Monday, Dec. 9 at the 12300 block of Clifton Hills Road.

EPCSOs Major Crimes Unit, in collaboration with the El Paso Police Department, Horizon Police Department, the Texas Rangers, the FBIs Violent Crimes Task Force, and the U.S. Border Patrol Special Operations Group launched a joint investigation.

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The Sheriffs Office says at 11:35 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, joint task force officers did a residence search at the 600 block of Onate Drive where officers rescued the unharmed victim.

Uriel Herrera Contreras, 40, and Jose Antonio Herrera, 44, were taken into custody and charged with aggravated kidnapping, according to the Sheriffs Office.

Uriel Herrera Contreras, 40. Photo courtesy to EPCSO

Jose Antonio Herrera, 44. Photo courtesy to EPCSO

They were then booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility, each with a $400,000 bond.

The victim was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation and an investigation into the kidnapping is still ongoing, EPCSO said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Surveillance video shows bullets piercing a school bus window narrowly missing dozens of students onboard.

No one was shot on Monday when the Albemarle Middle School bus -- filled with 30 students -- was struck by at least two bullets. Two students had minor injuries from broken glass.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said the gunfire came from a drug deal outside the bus along East W.T. Harris Boulevard.

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Two convicted felons, who were arrested after a school bus shooting in east Charlotte, have lengthy criminal records.

Tuesday afternoon, police said Lamarius Ramel Anthony, 21, was arrested and charged in connection with this case. He was charged with having drugs and possession of a concealed weapon and was released from jail the same day.

PAST COVERAGE: Second arrest made in school bus shooting

On Wednesday, Paris Lewis Bynum, 20, was arrested and charged in the same shooting.

Bynum was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill, and possession of a stolen vehicle. He is in the Mecklenburg County jail after Judge Fritz Mercer gave him no bond.

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Lewis-Bynum was arrested seven times since September of 2022, according to jail records.

Some of the charges hes faced included attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a stolen weapon, breaking or entering a motor vehicle and there are more.

Some of those charges were dropped over the years but he pleaded guilty in two cases, including in August to attempted possession of a firearm by a felon. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail and probation.

On Thursday, a viewer sent Channel 9 a social media post that appears to show Lewis-Bynum and others flaunting guns.

This has been a frustration for years, said Dan Redford, the president of the Charlotte Fraternal Order of Police. It really goes into play the failures that weve had in this county in not holding violent criminals accountable.

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Redford said hes not surprised but is frustrated and this time, the community dodged a bullet.

We could have had four, five kids on this bus that we could have had to bury and having to go explain to mom and dad and to their family why it is their child died, Redford said. And the senselessness behind these two morons out here on the street that arent supposed to have guns.

Redford and others have said its a slap in the face to officers who continue to arrest suspects over and over again.

CMPD: Second arrest made in school bus shooting




Dec. 18LIMA  Many of Jed Metzger's friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate his retirement Thursday afternoon.

Balloons floated in the air as cake, cookies and the aromas of snacks and food drew people to the back of the conference room att the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce.

Serving as the president and chief executive officer of the chamber for nearly 26 years, Metzger said he was looking forward to working part-time with the Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

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"The Chamber Foundation has agreed to keep me on as a part-time executive director, basically trying to help the foundation be more sustainable and working on the workforce initiatives that we have at the Hub at Central (District), as well as all the various projects and various people that run through the foundation," Metzger said.

Metzger said he looked forward to his successor, Joshua Unterbrink, moving to his new role effective Jan. 1.

"I'll probably have to be at my office at the Hub (Central District) because I think it's important for Josh. They need to recognize him, (and if I'm here) I'll just be in the way," Metzger said.

Unterbrink said he was honored to fill Metzger's shoes.

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"Jed has done a lot for this community and has been a great leader," he said.

Unterbrink and the chamber often worked together while he served as the co-director for Activate Allen County.

"Having Jed here as a mentor in many ways the last seven years as Activate has been a part of the Chamber Foundation has really provided me an opportunity to learn what the chamber really is," he said.

Unterbrink's laser focus is maintaining the work and the position the chamber has built to be a voice for business and a driver for community-building.

Teri Silone has been Metzger's assistant for all but one of his years at the chamber. When she began at the chamber, she quickly realized how Metzger was different.

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"Jed was always 'children, family first, family is so important,'" Silone said. "He wasn't like any boss I'd ever had."

Silone spoke highly of Metzger's ability to be analytical when most other people are looking to react.

"He's always been very analytical. Jed will analyze and think about everything to find a solution when others react," she said.

Silone said she believed Unterbrink will be a good fit as the new president.

"Josh is going to be great because he shares a lot of the same traits with Jed," she said. "They really have so much in common that it makes it easier for me."

Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351

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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch confirmed on Wednesday the death of a staff investigator in the violence-racked city of Culiacan, where a deadly conflict pitting two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel has been playing out for months.

Garcia Harfuch confirmed the killing in a post on X after local media reported that his team had been shot at in Culiacan.

(Reporting by Diego Ore; Editing by Anthony Esposito)
A New Mexico teenager accused of murdering four relatives told investigators he heard a voice that ordered him to kill his family, a state police spokesperson said Wednesday.

The 16-year-old, whom NBC News is not identifying because he is a minor, faces four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the killings Saturday in Belen, about 30 miles from Albuquerque. The boy is being held in a juvenile detention center in Albuquerque but could be charged as an adult later, the 13th Judicial District Attorneys Office said.

It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney.

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The suspect called 911 around 3:30 a.m. Saturday and told the dispatcher he had killed his family, state police said in a statement over the weekend. It described him as extremely intoxicated and said he exited a residence and surrendered when officers arrived.

The officers found four people dead inside the home and a handgun in the kitchen, state police said.

A motive had not yet been determined, Ricardo Breceda, a public information officer for the New Mexico State Police, told NBC News on Wednesday.

The suspect told agents that a voice told him to kill his family, Breceda said.

The suspect made the statement Sunday when he was sober, said Breceda, who added that the gun used in the shootings had been purchased by the teens father, who was one of the victims. Breceda said authorities were not sure whether the boy had a history of mental illness.

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State police identified the victims as Adriana Bencomo, 35; Leonardo Leyva, 42; Adrian Leyva, 17; and Alexander Leyva, 14.

'She absolutely loved being a mom'

Bencomo had been a volunteer firefighter and was a doting mother, said those who knew her. News of the murders stunned her current and former colleagues at the City of Rio Communities Fire Department, where she volunteered.

Adriana Bencomo was one of four people found dead in a home in New Mexico. A 16-year-old relative was arrested and charged in the killings.

She absolutely loved being a mom, said Ashley Romero-Reynolds, a former volunteer who now lives in Ohio. She would bring her boys to the fire department when we had little events there and whatnot or just to see their mom.

Romero-Reynolds said Bencomo went by Andy and always wanted to make people laugh  whether it was by cracking jokes or by doing silly dances.

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If someone is having a bad day, guaranteed she will make it better, Romero-Reynolds said.

Bencomo was a volunteer firefighter for 17 years, responding to priority calls, such as house blazes, car wrecks and medical emergencies, Fire Chief Andrew Tabet said.

He described Bencomo as a vital part of the fire crew who always put others first.

She was a genuine person who wanted to help her community. She wanted to be there for people, Tabet said, adding that Bencomo was bilingual and helped the department with any language barriers.

Tabet said he had been friends with Bencomo for 15 years and last spoke with her the day before she died.

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We were both looking forward to the holidays, he said. Ill miss her smile and genuine appreciation for everyone who was here.





Adriana Bencomo was a volunteer firefighter for 17 years.

Leonardo Beltran, the father of victim Leonardo Leyva, said he was struggling to come to terms with the loss of his family members.

The dead are dead, and I cannot resurrect them, he said in Spanish when he was reached by phone Tuesday. Its incredibly difficult.

The suspect was a student at Belen High School, and the youngest victim, Alexander, attended Belen Middle School, said Lawrence Sanchez, superintendent of Belen Consolidated Schools. Adrian, 17, attended a school outside the district, he said.

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The school system has brought in resources to help students and staff members cope with the tragedy.

Were playing each day by ear, Sanchez said, adding that the first day back at school after the killings was a tough day.

In a statement this week, Sanchez said the school district is committed to working closely with law enforcement and school officials to take steps to do our part in preventing anything like this from happening again.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure our children and families feel safe, supported, and valued, he wrote.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently collected nearly 6.5 million wild coho salmon eggs in less than three weeks.

The coho salmon eggs were collected from Oct. 15 to Nov. 1 at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery Weir in Beulah, which is located southwest of Traverse City, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

The collection was part of a fall effort to accumulate eggs to stock fish in Michigan waters.

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Three million of the eggs will go to Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. The states work with Michigan to make sure the fish are stocked in Lake Michigan.

Coho salmon egg take at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery in Beulah.

Other fish eggs gathered this fall included wild Chinook salmon and hatchery-kept brown, brook and lake trout.

Chinook salmon eggs were collected Oct. 1-16 at the Little Manistee River Weir in Manistee.

Eggs and milt (sperm) are gathered from the fish during the annual salmon run, according to the DNR. At the weir, salmon swim up a fish ladder and into holding ponds. The fish are then brought into the facility, where eggs and milt are collected and the eggs are fertilized.

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More: Great Lakes fish thought extinct for decades rediscovered  in an unexpected place

"We experienced a solid run of wild Chinook salmon this year, Aaron Switzer, fish production program manager, said in a news release. The run at the Little Manistee was healthy enough to provide all of Michigans egg needs. We were also able to provide eggs to Indiana and Illinois state-owned fish hatcheries. Once hatched, reared and stocked all of these Chinook salmon contribute to the Lake Michigan salmon fishery.

The DNR also collects eggs from fish that aren't wild.

Fish kept in hatcheries will provide 378,000 brook trout eggs, 448,000 lake trout eggs, 2.6 million brown trout eggs and 1.5 million rainbow trout eggs. An additional 422,000 eggs from splake, a brook trout and lake trout hybrid, will also be collected from hatchery fish.

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Brown trout egg collections took place though mid-October at Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson. Rainbow trout egg collections will begin there in December and continue until mid-January.

Hatchery egg collections for brook and lake trout at the Marquette State Fish Hatchery in Marquette are already complete.

The DNR detailed how it collects eggs at the Little Manistee River Weir and Egg Collection Facility in 2021, including how the milt is gathered from ripe males and how eggs are removed from ripe females by adding compressed air into the body cavity with a small needle.

More: 9.1 million fish stocked into Michigan waters in 2024

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When collecting eggs from steelhead, spawned fish are moved to a recovery tank outside the building before being released upstream, according to the DNR. Steelhead do not necessarily die after spawning and can spawn more than once in their life cycle.

Chinook salmon only spawn once during their life cycle and then die, so fish that have been spawned are then harvested and sold by a state contractor.

Coho salmon also only spawn once and die soon after, according to the DNR.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan DNR collects 6.5 million wild coho salmon eggs
House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, issued a rare call of the House on Dec. 19, 2024, as Democrats tried to reach a quorum to pass their agenda before losing the majority in January. It ultimately failed and Tate was forced to adjourn the session. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Updated 6:20 p.m.  12/19/24

The Michigan House of Representatives adjourned Thursday having never reached a quorum for the second day in a row, effectively marking the end of the first Democratic trifecta in Lansing in four decades.

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House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) attempted to reach a quorum by issuing a Call of the House, a rare procedure in which House sergeants are ordered to bar the chamber doors and gather any absent members.

But the move was unsuccessful in bringing any additional members to the House floor, and Tate announced after about an hour that the House would adjourn until Dec. 31 at 1:30 pm.

State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) joined all 54 Republicans in skipping session Thursday, arguing that Tate would not negotiate in good faith.

They promised me they werent going to lock me in here, and thats exactly what they did, Whitsett said.

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While Whitsett said there were bills on the agenda Thursday that would have benefitted Detroit, including water affordability legislation, she said putting the bills on the agenda was merely a strategy to get her to vote on other pieces of legislation that she says had not been properly vetted.

They also wanted to do that to force me to come in to vote on bad bills, so I would look like the bad person who didnt want to do right by her community, Whitsett said.

State Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit, and House Minority Leader Matt Hall, R-Richland Twp., speak to reporters after the state House failed to reach a quorum on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Whitsett, who also skipped session Wednesday, first told reporters Wednesday night that she planned to attend session Thursday after legislation she supported was added to the agenda, but later backtracked and said she would not attend.

Then, on Thursday morning, she announced that she was on her way to the Capitol, but upon arriving waited in the office of House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) rather than coming to the chamber.

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House sergeants were seen entering Halls office shortly after the call of the House was issued, possibly in an attempt to bring Hall or Whitsett to the chamber, but Hall said that he did not speak to any sergeants and was unaware if his staff had.

Republicans first walked out of session last week in protest of changes made to the states minimum wage that would eliminate a separate tipped wage, an issue that Whitsett also wanted addressed.

House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) addresses the media with GOP colleagues after they walked out of the House chamber. Dec. 13, 2024 | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

Do the Republicans care more about the Black people than our own party? I guess so, Whitsett said after the House adjourned Thursday. This shows it.

But Whitsett said that she still considers herself a Democrat and does not plan to caucus with Republicans.

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I am for my city of Detroit and I am still a Democrat. And I hope that the Democratic Party actually understands that the issues that they are pushing here are the actual things as to why they lost in the first place, Whitsett said.

Hall told Whitsett that when Republicans take the majority in the state House next year, they will work with you in good faith to try to help your city and your district.

But the incoming speaker declined to commit to bringing the water affordability legislation Whitsett has advocated for up for a vote.

Speaker Pro Tem Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) said that the only order of business when the House meets Dec. 31 will be to adjourn sine die, marking the official end of the legislative term.

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The Senate has session Monday and could continue to pass any bills that have already made it through the House, but any new legislation originating in the Senate, along with any House bills that have not already been sent to the Senate, would have little hope of reaching Governor Gretchen Whitmers desk, effectively ending Democrats hopes of addressing issues including government transparency, child labor, maternal health and gun reforms.

Everything that was on the agenda today in the House is dead, Pohutsky said. The 55 members who did not attend should feel free to own that.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), meanwhile, issued a statement after the House adjourned expressing disappointment that vital legislation ready for passage would not get that opportunity.

Legislators are tasked with the responsibility of using every tool available to advocate for their constituents and communities, and frustrated is too light of a word to describe my dismay that the House failed to meet its obligations in this historic moment, said Brinks, who added that the Michigan Senate would remain in session Friday.

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In the coming hours, residents can count on us to act on key items that will protect the states children, improve on-the-job rights for workers, and more, she said.

Among the legislation that has hit a legislative brick wall were a host of gun-related bills, including proposed bans on ghost guns and bump stocks, as well as banning most guns in the Capitol.

Ghost guns are untraceable firearms easily assembled in minutes from parts bought without a background check. They undermine gun safety laws, endanger public safety, and have become a weapon of choice for criminals, said Denise Wieck, a gun violence survivor and volunteer lead with Moms Demand Action.

Wiecks son, Guy, was shot and wounded by a ghost gun in 2021. Wieck is the co-founder of the organization Lock It For Everyone (L.I.F.E.).

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No one should have to go through the pain of learning that your child has been shot and may not survive. At 17, my son was badly injured with a ghost gun and suffers the consequences to this day. Michigan Houses failure to do all that it could to ban these incredibly dangerous weapons will cost lives, said Wieck.

This story was updated to include a statement from Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids).

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  With just two more days left before the Legislature wraps up for the year, state lawmakers were not as productive as expected Wednesday.

The lame duck session looked like it was set to be a free-for-all for Michigan House Democrats, who have one last chance to pursue their priorities before Republicans take over next month.

Democrats are set to lose their majority, with Republicans holding a 58 to 52 advantage in the new year. Democrats will still have control of the state Senate and of the governors mansion.

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Before the Legislature wraps up, House Democrats only had to muster all 56 of their members to pass whatever they wanted. But one east side representative refused to vote on legislation that she thinks is being rushed through without proper consideration, and a Democrat in the Senate may also be resisting.

Michigan House Republicans walk out over tipped wage

Meanwhile, House Republicans have not returned after walking out during Fridays session, saying Democrats are refusing to negotiate on tipped worker wages.

In a press release, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, told speaker-elect Matt Hall, R-Richland, to show up and negotiate.

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Matt Hall  youve made your point, Brinks said in the statement. Now its time to show up and negotiate. If youre serious about getting a better deal on wages, sick time, and roads, Im at the table and theres a chair for you. We have the time, and the Senate has the session days to get it done.

The people of Michigan are counting on us to be present and do our jobs. Setting a precedent of walking out when things arent going your way is not how you want to start your speakership.

Hall responded to say he wants to work with Brinks, but the obstacle in our way is House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit.

After recount, result certified for 44th Michigan House District race

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He has lied over and over. Hes been unable to deliver votes he promised, Hall wrote in a social media post. The speaker has failed to follow through, and from his number one priority  the land value tax  all the way to roads, he has repeatedly shown himself unable or unwilling to honor his commitments.

Then last week, he failed again, making it clear to the press that plans to protect restaurant workers and workable earned sick time are dead. Speaker Tates weak leadership has left Michigan workers without the actions they need.

In a press conference Wednesday, state Republican lawmakers aired their grievances and explained why theyre not coming in as the year comes to a close.

They said House Democrats continue their refusal to address pressing issues, including the pending elimination of tipped wages.

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The minimum wage for tipped workers is set to increase to $12 an hour on Feb. 21, after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in a July that a 2018 ballot initiative approved by voters should go forward.

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Advocates for the raise, including One Fair Wage, the national group behind the ballot initiative, say it will help reduce poverty, wage theft and workplace harassment; Those against the raise, including Save MI Tips, which organized a rally in September that drew in hundreds of servers and bartenders from across the state, say itll mean lower overall wages, fewer server jobs and higher prices for customers.

All were asking for is, lets work on serious issues. Lets address roads, our county and city roads need help, and from what Ive read, the governor agrees with that, Hall said during the press conference. Lets go work on saving our restaurant industry and saving their jobs of our workers, they work hard and they deserve to make a good living for their families.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Supporters for the Justice for Survivors bill package look out at the nearly empty Michigan state House floor in the Capitol on Dec. 18, 2024. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

Sexual assault survivors and their families implored Michigan legislators Wednesday to think of them before they skip another day of work.

Michigan state House Republicans and Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) did not attend session Wednesday in protest of the House not taking up legislation to retain tipped wages, reform paid sick leave and institute a road funding plan. Their abstention rendered the chamber unable to hold a quorum and take votes on the Houses second to last session day on the calendar as the legislative session ends and all unpassed bills die.

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But survivors of sexual assault say they have come to the state Capitol too often and bore their painful stories out to lawmakers too many times for the reforms in the Justice for Survivors bill package to die for a fourth legislative session. The package would extend the statute of limitations for survivors to sue perpetrators and eliminate governmental immunity for institutions to be protected against litigation if they had knowledge of assaults and failed to protect future assaults.

Former University of Michigan wrestler Tad DeLuca, the whistleblower that brought more than 1000 stories of sexual abuse perpetrated by university doctor Robert Anderson to light, said serial sexual assault at institutions will continue unless lawmakers decide enough is enough. DeLuca and other supporters for the Justice for Survivors bill package gathered in the Capitol for a news conference to urge lawmakers to act on the package.

Former University of Michigan wrestler Tad DeLuca who has publicly accused the late university doctor Dr. Robert Anderson of sexual assault speaks in support of the Justice for Survivors bill package in the Michigan State Capitol on Dec. 18, 2024. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

The state senate passed the Justice for Survivors bill package last week with bipartisan support, but attendance issues in the House threaten the package.

That makes them accomplices. That makes them the enablers, Deluca said of the lawmakers that didnt show up to the House as the package was on the agenda. If our government and judicial system was created for any particular purpose [other] than ensuring that citizens can achieve justice and be protected from predators, that should be at the top of the list.

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Notably, the sole Democratic hold out for attendance, Rep. Whitsett, has sponsored efforts in this package in the past and stood beside those whove shared their stories of abuse by Anderson.

In the Justice for Survivors package, Senate Bills 1187, 1188, 1189 and 1190 look to address the fact that it can take a person a lifetime to come forward with their story of sexual abuse. The bills would extend the statute of limitations for survivors to sue perpetrators from their 28th birthday or 3 years after an individual discovers they were assaulted, whichever is later, to either 10 years after the incident, 7 years after an individual discovers they were assaulted, or before their 42nd birthday, whichever is later.

Under the bills, if a person files criminal charges against a perpetrator, it eliminates the statute of limitations for civil cases. The bill also caps damages at $1.5 million for each incident.

The bills would also open a one-year revival window to allow sexual assault survivors to retroactively sue for damages even if the statute of limitations has closed on their case.

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The bills in the package are reasonable and offer a clear message to survivors in Michigan that they matter and their healing process will be supported, Grace French, president of Army of Survivors said. The lifelong trauma of sexual abuse and the failures of systems to protect those they are responsible for is not unfamiliar to French who survived and later helped to bring accountability to ex-Michigan State University and olympic gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar who is now serving effectively three life sentences on sexual assault and child pornography convictions.

Too many survivors are silenced by barriers like short statute of limitations and arbitrary timelines that dont reflect the realities of trauma. The truth is the impact of sexual abuse doesnt disappear after years. It can take decades to process. This legislation recognizes that truth, French said. This is a moment where we can stand with survivors together. We can foster a culture where survivors are heard, believed and empowered to seek justice without fear. We cannot undo the harms of the past, but with this legislation, we can take meaningful steps toward a safer, more just future.

The Justice for Survivors bill package was not on the state House agenda Wednesday and is not on the agenda Thursday, the last day of session for the House so the future of the package is not promising.

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But hope is still being held, Trinea Gonczar, Director of Engagement at Avalon Healing Center for sexual assault survivors told Michigan Advance as she made her way to the House gallery Wednesday to see if lawmakers would come to session and the package would be put up for a vote.

Gonczar, is one of the sister survivors who helped take down Nassar and petition for dozens of bills known as Nassar bills, which are pieces of legislation born from the lessons the the state learned about how to curb sexual violence from the stories of survivors.

And though there should be no statute of limitations for survivors to seek justice through the judicial system, Gonczar said, these bills will allow some survivors to have their day in court.

Grace French, founder and president of The Army of Survivors speaks in support of the Justice for Survivors bill package in the Michigan State Capitol on Dec. 18, 2024. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

We have one shot to give survivors an opportunity to have justice, and weve worked really hard to get here, and weve worked for a really long time, and as an eight year old survivor of sexual assault to being 37 when I was able to disclose my assault, I would have fallen under that statute, Gonczar said. This is about humanity. This is about doing the right thing for humans. This is not a partisan issue. This is a bi-non-partisan issue.

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Joined by her baby sister in the sisterhood of survivors, Ashleigh Weiszbrod, Gonczar said the goal of those gathering in support for the legislation is to create a better reality for survivors whether they come forward well into adulthood or have to speak in court as children like Weiszbrod did against Nassar in 2018.

From speaking in a courtroom against Nassar alongside her parents when she was 14 years old to now being a 21-year-old who will be graduating college soon, Weiszbrod said she has gained a broader perspective of the barriers the laws pose in Michigan with every year a survivor doesnt report.

Though she was not alone in being one of the many individuals in coming forward saying they were abused by Nassar as minors, there werent too many individuals so young as Weiszbrod who spoke as he was being sentenced.

I hadnt gone through high school sex ed yet I didnt know what statute of limitations even meant at the timeNow, having gone through all of the court stuff and things that I have, I think that these bills passing and these packages passing are very important, Weiszbrod told the Advance.

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Holding institutions like MSU and U of M for leaders actions and inactions in the face of serial sexual abuse is made difficult when such entities benefit from the protection of governmental immunity against civil cases, French and other survivors said.

Senate Bills 1191 and 1192 would strip public universities, colleges and school districts of governmental immunity against being sued for damages suffered due to the criminal sexual misconduct at the hands of university employees if the school was negligent in recognizing the abuse or if the school had knowledge of the abuse and failed to report it to law enforcement. If a school neglected to act on knowledge that a prior incident of criminal sexual conduct was perpetrated by an employee and then a subsequent assault took place, under the bills, the school could be held liable for the criminal sexual misconduct.

French and many of the women who galvanized together against Nassar and other perpetrators as sister survivors have called for more accountability and change from MSU and other institutions to prevent sexual abuse from being able to flourish.

And just as survivors have knocked on the doors of power at MSU since 2016 when reports of Nassars abuse came to light, individuals at U of M are also looking to shine a spotlight into how serial sexual abuse persists in higher education.

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Airron Richardson, a former wrestler at U of M, has come forward in recent years about his story of abuse by Anderson while attending the school in the 90s. But he shared Wednesday it hasnt been easy to come forward as a survivor decades after his abuse and recognition of the pain he and scores of others endured under Anderson hasnt come easily from the university.

Airron Richardson, a former wrestler at UofM speaks in support of the Justice for Survivors bill package in the Michigan State Capitol on Dec. 18, 2024. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

My fellow athletes, like Tad, were ignored by the former school president for months. Without the support of my fellow survivors, Im not sure I would have made it through our eventual settlement. You should not have had to go through that, Richardson said. Helping survivors of sexual abuse is not a partisan issue. Its a matter of humanity, of protecting those at risk, of supporting those seeking justice, of holding organizations accountable.

This week can make a real difference for survivors of sexual assault and honor the courage it takes to hold power accountable, survivors said during the news conference Wednesday, but the bills have to make it to the voting board.

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Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A Michigan man pleaded guilty to plotting a mass shooting at a local bar and Democratic Party office over his hatred for gay people after a string of other related charges, according to court documents.

Mack Davis, 22, of Owosso, pleaded guilty to a single count of committing a hate crime, according to a release Tuesday by the U.S. Justice Department. He faces a maximum penalty of life in a federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

"This kind of vile and heinous hate-fueled violence, intended to target innocent people based on their sexual orientation, runs contrary to our values as Americans," wrote Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division.

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The local Owosso police previously had arrested Davis in connection to separate incidents. It's alleged he fired 60 bullets from a rifle into the property of several neighbors and vandalized the car of a neighbor he knew to be gay. He then was transferred to federal custody, where he remains.

Authorities said Davis attempted to carry out a mass killing at the Shiawassee County Democratic Party headquarters on Main Street in Owosso and then at the nearby Rainbow Bar because he associated both spots with gay people.

"This kind of vile and heinous hate-fueled violence, intended to target innocent people based on their sexual orientation, runs contrary to our values as Americans," says Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJs Civil Rights Division. Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice

According to officials, Davis researched both locations online and conducted physical surveillance and posted about his findings on social media. Authorities say Davis managed to methodically amass a sizable arsenal of firearms, rounds of ammunition and bomb-making parts and inscribed one of the knives with an anti-gay slur.

Davis initially was indicted on the string of other charges and faces up to 14 years in prison and five years of supervised release related to that, according to a plea agreement reported Monday by Lansing State Journal.

Not all turning out for the L.A. Pride parade along Hollywood Boulevard supported gay rights in 2023. This week it was announced that a Michigan man pleaded guilty to plotting a mass shooting at a bar and Democratic Party office over his hatred for gay people. A recent study revealed that although there remains a supermajority level of acceptance for LGBTQ people in the United States, data by GLAAD suggests that toxic views and actions expressed this year and last are slowly having an effect on Americans. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

A top Michigan law enforcement official for the DOJ called the plans devised by Davis as "chilling."

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"He intended to commit mass shootings at two locations -- destroying countless lives and devastating our community -- all because of his fanatical hatred for gay people," said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for Michigan's Eastern District.

Davis utilized search engines and social media sites to research, post on and pay tribute to infamous mass killers from July 2023 and June 2024 a number of times. And he wrote about dozens of them in journals and on other items at his residence, according to court documents.

His weaponry came to include two firearms, magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a crossbow and arrows, assorted bomb-making parts, smoke grenades, tactical gear and clothing and a handful of knives.

His guilty plea comes after an FBI crime report in September indicated that, in 2023, the number of hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community had increased to 2,402 recorded incidents, up from 1,947 in 2022.

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The public should take note, said one FBI agent.

"This case serves as a stark reminder that there is no tolerance for hate-fueled violence," wrote Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson in Detroit.

The plea came on the week of the 51st anniversary of the American Psychiatric Association's reversal of its position that declared homosexuality was a mental illness.

A recent study revealed that although there remains a supermajority level of acceptance for LGBTQ people in the United States, data by GLAAD suggests that toxic views and actions expressed this year and last are slowly having an effect on Americans.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The Michigan Department of Treasury (MDT) is warning taxpayers with past-due tax debts to be aware of scammers sending threatening letters.

According to the Treasury, taxpayers may receive a letter regarding overdue tax bills. This letter tells individuals to contact a toll-free number to resolve the debt.

This letter threatens to seize the taxpayers property, including bank accounts, wages, business assets, cars, real estate, refunds and cash.

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These letters include specific personal facts pulled from public records as well as an official-looking DR-1024 form number to appear more credible.

The Treasury reports that they will contact taxpayers with official letters that use a state of Michigan letterhead that includes both the names of the governor and state treasurer.

The state of Michigan works collaboratively with individuals to find solutions to their outstanding state debts. If you receive an aggressive and threatening letter, please contact Treasury directly so we can log the scam, clarify your state debt status and discuss options, said Deputy State Treasurer Kavita Kale, overseer of the Treasurys Revenue Services programs.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (WHTM)  Nine nonprofits in the Midstate are receiving a financial boost thanks to a Pennsylvania utility company.

The PPL Foundation awarded $75,000 in Energizing Education grants to help expand access to high-quality, equitable educational programs in the area.

The PPL Foundation is proud to support nonprofit organizations in south central Pennsylvania that are helping prepare students with the tools they need to be successful, said Kelly Palmer, regional affairs director for PPL Electric Utilities. These grants are designed to provide lasting impacts by funding programs that set students on a course to reach their full potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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The funding, PPL says, will support a wide range of educational programs, including programs encouraging students to pursue STEM careers, enhancing literacy and summer learning opportunities, and more.

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Grants were awarded to the following organizations:

Arbor Place

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capitol Region

Girls on the Run Mid State PA

Junior Achievement of South Central Pennsylvania

Lancaster Farmland Trust

Lykens Valley Childrens Museum

Manada Conservancy

North Museum Corporation

Summer Program for Youth

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By Wladimir Pantaleone and Angelo Amante

PALERMO, Italy (Reuters) - A court on Friday acquitted Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini of charges of kidnapping over 100 migrants aboard a boat he had blocked at sea for nearly three weeks in 2019, as part of a policy to curb irregular arrivals.

After a three-year trial, judges rejected a prosecutor's request to hand a six-year jail term to Salvini, the leader of the far-right League party, who is serving as transport minister in Giorgia Meloni's government.

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"I'm happy. After three years, common sense won, the League won, Italy won," Salvini told reporters, saying that protecting national borders "is not a crime, but a right."

The verdict came against a backdrop of tensions between the government and the judiciary over migration, after a court questioned the legality of a flagship plan to send asylum seekers to Albania, in cases now pending with the European Court of Justice

Salvini had tried to prevent the Spanish charity Open Arms from bringing 147 asylum seekers to Italy in the summer of 2019, when he was interior minister, as part of his policy of closing Italy's ports to migrant boats.

The not-guilty verdict was greeted with applause from League politicians who gathered in the court room to support their leader. Prime Minister Meloni said it showed the allegations were "unfounded and surreal."

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"Let us continue together, with tenacity and determination, to fight illegal immigration, human trafficking and to defend national sovereignty," Meloni wrote on social media platform X.

Before judges withdrew to consider their verdict, prosecutor Marzia Sabella told the court that Salvini had exceeded his powers in refusing to let the ship dock and there were no national security considerations justifying him in preventing the disembarkation.

Defence lawyer Giulia Bongiorno, who is also a League senator, said the boats had no automatic right to dock in Italy and the migrants could have been taken elsewhere if the charity had been genuinely concerned for their welfare.

FAR-RIGHT SUPPORT

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The Open Arms' ship had picked up mainly African migrants off Libya over a two-week period and then asked to dock in an Italian port. It turned down a request to sail to its home country Spain, saying those on board were too exhausted and needed immediate care.

Magistrates eventually seized the boat and ordered the migrants be brought ashore.

The case drew international attention.

Salvini received backing from far-right allies across Europe this week, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and also from U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, who is advising U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Well over 1 million migrants have reached Italy by boat from North Africa over the past 12 years, seeking a better life in Europe. The migration has boosted support for far-right parties, which have put curbing mass migration from Africa and the Middle East at the top of the political agenda.

(Writing by Angelo Amante and Crispian Balmer; Editing by Keith Weir, Frances Kerry, Gavin Jones and Leslie Adler)
House Speaker Mike Johnson has begun the steady descent out of Donald Trumps favor.

A source close to Trump told NOTUS Thursday that the president-elect initially supported Johnsons plan to keep the government funded, but was surprised to find that the whopping 1,547-page bill was filled with plans to spend billions of dollars on Democratic priorities, farmers, and disaster relief.

Senator Josh Hawley told CNN Wednesday that Trump had said Johnson had not told him everything in the massive spending bill.

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Trump has been a staunch ally of the Louisiana Republican, including in May when Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene tried to have him removed from the speakership. Johnson has remained cozy with the president-elect, but all of that could change in the wake of his continuing resolution, which is particularly unpopular with unofficial, unelected co-President Elon Musk.

Trumps defection could spell trouble for Johnson, who needs to be speedily reelected next year so that Congress can go on to certify the results of the presidential election.

Trump spoke with Fox Digital Thursday and indicated that Johnson would have no trouble getting reelected  so long as he is able to clean up the spending bill.

If the speaker acts decisively, and tough, and gets rid of all of the traps being set by the Democrats, which will economically and, in other ways, destroy our country, he will easily remain speaker, Trump said.

Meanwhile, members of Johnsons own party appear to have already moved on. Representative Thomas Massie said Wednesday night he would not vote for Johnson as speaker in January, and some lawmakers are even suggesting Musk as a potential replacement.
A 20-year-old Milwaukee man has been arrested and charged in connection with a robbery that took place Dec. 16 at Port Washington State Bank in Cedarburg.

Solomon Moburg was charged with a felony count of robbery of a financial institution, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 40 years of prison time, a fine of up to $100,000, or both, according to a criminal complaint filed Dec. 17 in Ozaukee County Circuit Court.

Moburg's charge also includes a modifier of habitual criminality repeater for having been convicted of a felony within the last five years, which could increase the maximum prison time by six years.

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In March, Moburg was convicted of escape-criminal arrest, a felony, in Washington County, according to court records.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Monday, Dec. 16, employees at the bank told police that Moburg entered the bank's front entrance, stated that he wanted money and no dye packs," and aggressively corralled bank staff away from the teller station.

Moburg took money from one of the teller drawers, exited the bank, then fled southbound on Washington Avenue, employees said.

At 3:15 p.m., Cedarburg police were dispatched to the bank at W61N526 Washington Ave. for a report of a robbery in progress.

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Officers searched the area and pulled surveillance footage from a nearby business. The footage showed an individual matching bank employees' description of the suspect, including ripped white pants and a D.A.R.E. shirt, entering the business at 3:11 p.m.

At the bank, Moburg was wearing a blue bandana masking his face, according to the description provided to police. But at the local business, the mask was off, and officers saw a face they recognized.

Officers spoke with a witness who had connected with Moburg earlier in the day on Dec. 16 via Snapchat. Moburg requested the witness pick him up and park in an alley off of Hamilton Road between Hilgen and Hilbert avenues, around 0.3 miles from the Port Washington State Bank.

Moburg instructed the witness to stay with the car until he returned. Around 20 minutes later, Moburg returned, running toward the car and telling the witness to leave because "the cops are coming."

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Moburg gave the witness $300 and said to take him to the Target in Grafton. Cedarburg police eventually accessed Target's video surveillance system, which showed Moburg entering, purchasing ride sharing gift cards and a phone-charging device, and exiting 3.5 hours later.

On Dec. 19, Moburg will appear at the Ozaukee County Justice Center for an initial appearance.

Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee man, 20, arrested and charged in Cedarburg bank robbery
Sara Connors

APTN News

Southeast Alaskan tribal groups are decrying a proposed mine in northwestern British Columbia, arguing it will have disastrous environmental repercussions for the Taku River watershed.

Vancouver-based Canagold Resources Ltd., is proposing to develop the New Polaris gold mine, an underground gold mine located 100 kilometres south of Atlin, B.C. and 60 kilometres northeast of Juneau, Alaska.

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The remote, fly-in mine would produce around 1,000 tonnes of ore per day.

The people of the Taku have subsisted, survived and stewarded the Taku River watershed for thousands of years, said Jill Weitz, government affairs liaison for the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.

Its such a magical place that to even think about activity like that, for those of us downstream, its kind of mind boggling, she said.

The Taku River, as well as the Stikine and Unuk rivers, flow from northwestern B.C. to southeastern Alaska.

The rivers are home to all five species of wild Alaska salmon, brown bears, moose and other wildlife and fish species.

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Salmon fisheries derived from the three rivers help generate $50 million in economic activity annually in Alaska. The rivers also help contribute towards the states tourism and cruise ship industries.

In October, B.C.s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) recommended the project proceed to the process planning phase, the next step in the environmental assessment stage.

But Alaskan tribal groups said the project raises many concerns.

Mining and salmon

Mining and salmon have never gotten along, said Guy Archibald, executive director for the Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary Commission.

Archibald takes issue with the projects proximity to the rivers watersheds. He said river-bearing salmon help nourish southeast Alaskas rainforest, providing marine nutrients that are vital to the forests ecology. The salmon are also an important food source for wildlife.

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He noted Canagold intends to barge supplies to the site on the Taku River during the two-year construction phase, which he argues can be challenging to navigate.

Hes also concerned with the companys proposal to build an air strip adjacent to Flannigan Slough, the Taku watersheds largest wetland and critically important habitat for salmon, moose, swans, geese, and other wildlife.

Archibald further noted New Polaris will be a gold mine, which he said isnt a critical mineral.

Its mainly used for jewelry, which is basically vanity, he said. Its short-sighted. Its ridiculous.

Tulsequah Chief mine

Perhaps one of the biggest concerns for Alaskan tribal groups is the mines proximity to the Tulsequah Chief mine, located 100 kilometres south of Atlin. They would operate nearly within eyesight of each other.

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Tulsequah Chief operated between 1951 to 1957 without any reclamation plan. For nearly 70 years, the mine has leaked acidic drainage into the surrounding environment and nearby waterways.

While the B.C. government has committed to cleanin up the site, Weitz said progress has been slow.

Part of the delay in the cleanup of the Tulsequah Chief site is that access to the site is so challenging  That will be no different at the New Polaris site if that project moves forward, she said.

Theyre pushing this ahead when they, again, have not yet been able to reclaim and close (the Tulsequah Chief) site.

Short end of the stick

The New Polaris project will be located on the traditional territory of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) in Atlin.

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The First Nation signed a collaborative engagement agreement (CEA) with Canagold last year ensuring the project would not go ahead without its consent.

According to a news release, the agreement allows TRTFN to veto the project if it doesnt feel it should proceed  even if the B.C. government gives it the green light.

But TRTFN said the agreement doesnt mean its on board with the project.

Importantly, the CEA does not constitute any express or implied consent by Taku River Tlingit for the proposed New Polaris Project, the release states. The CEA outlines the minimum requirements to guide the mutual interests of the parties and facilitate a collaborative, respectful, and long-term relationship.

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While Weitzs organization supports the agreement, she said the provincial and federal governments arent obligated to take Alaskan tribal groups concerns into account as they would for Canadian First Nations.

She said that goes for other mining projects in northwestern B.C. that impact tribes in southeast Alaska.

I absolutely think that we got the short end of the stick in this scenario, she said.

By way of pollution, we are on the receiving end of any downstream pollution of projects in B.C. We receive no economic benefit for the projects that are in B.C., and again, the B.C. government, nor the federal government of Canada, are required to pay attention to our comments and concerns.

We want to do everything we can

In a news release, the company said it had actively addressed concerns raised by TRTFN, Alaskan tribal groups and other stakeholders.

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It noted it incorporated feedback into its project planning, for instance, forgoing the use of cyanide in the flotation process and reducing the size of fuel storage facilities required on-site.

But Archibald disagrees.

(Alaskan tribes) could submit comments. Thats not consultation. Thats not anywhere close to consultation, he said.

The Indigenous people here have been here for tens of thousands of years. They stewarded these rivers. They have a vast amount of knowledge of the river, of the resources, of how to manage it or co-operate with it. And none of that is going to be required to be included in the analysis here.

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Weitz agrees.

To suggest that theyve addressed concerns from downstream tribes is far from the truth, she said. We want and need binding and enforceable protections, and until we have those in place, our concerns will remain elevated.

According to the EAO, Alaskan tribal groups concerns will be discussed in the future if the project proceeds.

Weitz hopes all parties can work collaboratively to ensure the Taku watershed will be protected.

Its very special and significant to the people of this region, and we want to do everything we can to ensure that it is stewarded for the generations to come.

TRTFN, Canagold and the B.C. government declined to comment.
HINES, Minn. (AP)  Minnesota officials this month went to a purported rescue facility to remove more than 250 animals living in crates caked with excrement  only to find many dogs and cats missing and a pile of ashes and animal bones.

Only 70 animals escaped alive.

A man and a woman who lived at the home in rural Hines, Minnesota, about 80 miles (145 kilometers) south of the Canadian border, were charged with 10 counts of animal torture Dec. 9. The woman on Monday requested a hearing on the legality of the animals' removal.

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Im hoping obviously for justice for those animals, Beltrami Sheriff Jason Riggs said.

Sheriff's deputies began investigating after receiving a report Oct. 21 about an extremely skinny loose dog and others kept in small cages covered in feces, according to the probable cause statement.

Deputies who visited the property that day gave the owners a week to clean and care for the animals. When deputies returned Oct. 29, they counted at least 250 cats, dogs and horses, not including free-roaming barn cats. Again, they gave the owners time to clean and care for the animals.

By Nov. 12, several dogs and cats appeared to be missing, according to deputies, and an owner said at least one had been euthanized, the probable cause statement said. Dogs were so skinny that deputies could see their ribs and hip bones, and several were eating animal excrement. A few cats had so little muscle mass that they were unstable when they stood up," deputies wrote, and other cats' eyes had burst from untreated infections.

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Deputies returned Dec. 6 with a search warrant and rescue workers to remove the animals. Deputies said they found animal bones in an ash pile at least 4 feet long and 2 feet deep (1.2 meters long and 0.6 meters deep).

All 70 animals were taken to the Animal Humane Society, which had to build temporary shelters to house them. Spokesperson Sarah Bhimani said the effort required 8,000 pounds of cat litter, 100 new litter boxes, $5,000 in medications, $1,000 in prescription food and $700 in personal protection equipment for rescue workers.

One unlucky kitten rescued from the house has a broken pelvis and is at risk of losing a leg, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Graham Brayshaw said. Another kitten, now named Korok, is at risk of losing both eyes.

But Brayshaw said almost all the other animals rescued from the house recovered quickly.

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As a whole, they really just needed a really good environment or a good clean environment to live in and to get good access to food, clean water and that sort of thing, Brayshaw said.

Bhimani said it took time to coordinate help for so many animals at once. She said all the animals went to the Animal Humane Society because of the pending criminal charges and possibility that the former owner could request them back.

We needed to make sure that we could responsibly care for them," Bhimani said. So this was really an all-hands-on-deck situation for us.

Riggs said his department deals with large-scale animal abuse allegations so infrequently that we have to break out the books on relevant Minnesota law. He said Beltrami County, which has a population of about 47,000, does not have the infrastructure or veterinary care to handle such a case.

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When youre talking potentially over 250 animals, we just have no way to plan for that, Riggs said.

He also said a review of Minnesota's animal welfare laws is needed.

Are we doing the best for Minnesota with the laws that we currently have? Riggs asked.

Kerry DAmato, executive director of the animal shelter Pet Haven, said it took too long to rescue the animals.

She said Minnesota law enforcement officers do not have enough training and resources to quickly handle similar situations and there are no state laws regulating foster-only animal rescues.

Its not about pointing fingers, DAmato said. Its about, how can we use this tragic case to make things better in the state of Minnesota? And if we dont, were going to keep seeing it.
(NewsNation)  Houston rapper Trae tha Truth is seeking the publics help in locating his 6-year-old daughter, who he says was abducted by her mother in August during a scheduled visitation.

In his first national interview, the rapper, who has primary custody of his daughter Truth, said the childs mother, Heather Cuevas, failed to return her after a weekend visit in the Houston area. He hasnt seen his daughter since Aug. 16.

Truth is delightful. When she walks into a room, she definitely lights it up, Trae told NewsNations Banfield. She definitely changed me for the better.

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Missing Cornell students sister: Very unlike her to disappear

A felony warrant has been issued for Cuevas arrest. Multiple agencies, including the FBI, U.S. marshals, the Black and Missing Foundation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, are involved in the search.

Private investigators spotted Truth with her mother in Los Angeles in September. According to Trae, investigators observed them being moved to another vehicle but discontinued their pursuit due to safety concerns.

I dropped off, and I told her, I see her Sunday, and I gave her a hug and a kiss, and that was the last time I seen her, Trae said.

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The rapper expressed worry about his daughters well-being, noting that she is currently not attending school. He said Cuevas had abandoned their apartment and vehicles, and all phone contact has been cut off.

Dane Elkins missing case gains new leads

I definitely feel shes in danger because mentally, I dont know her moms state, Trae said. I dont know where shes sleeping, dont know what shes eating.

The custody dispute between Trae and Cuevas spans six years. Earlier this year, Trae was granted primary custody, with Cuevas receiving weekend visitation rights and summer visits.

He says that his gaining primary custody may have triggered something in Cuevas, potentially leading to her decision to disappear with Truth.

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Truth is super damaged mentally, Trae said, noting that she will require therapy to process this trauma. He said it has been hard having to explain Truths continued absence to her brothers.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Truths whereabouts to contact law enforcement at 281-341-4686 or the Black and Missing Foundation at 877-972-2634.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FLETCHER, N.C. (WSPA)  Police said a father and daughter who have not been seen in weeks have been spotted.

Fletcher police said that Michael Anthony Shope and Altani Ani Dotsikas were observed a few days ago. Police said that the two appeared to be in good health.

Officials said they still need to locate the two to confirm their well-being. Police said they are not believed to be in North Carolina.

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The North Carolina Department of Public Safety said Shope and his daughter may be traveling through the Greenville area, as well as Atlanta, Georgia.

The pair were last seen on December 3, at a motel on Underwood Road.

Shope, 41, is a white man, around 59 in height and weighs around 170 pounds. Officials said he is bald with blue eyes, and has a tattoo on the right side of his neck.

NCDPS said Shope may be experiencing a mental health crisis, and that his phone has been disconnected.

Police said Ani is a white female, standing at 42 and weighs around 90 pounds. She has brown hair, brown eyes and wears glasses. NCDPS added that Ani has special needs, and that she was in Shopes custody.

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The two, police said, could possibly be using a four-door, silver Toyota Corolla Matrix with the NC plate (VDN-2957).

If seen, police ask that you call (828) 687-7922, or local law 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 WSPA 7NEWS.
SPRINGBORO, Ohio (WDTN)  A man is reported missing out of Warren County.

An endangered missing adult alert was issued Thursday morning for Ricky Stewart.

Stewart, 67, is described to be 511, 205 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Stewart was seen driving away from his home on Dec. 18. around 8 p.m.

The vehicle of interest is a grey 2020 Honda Ridgeline with OH plate number JIY8575.

You are asked to call 911 or the Warren County E911 Communications Center at 513-695-1574 if you see Stewart or the vehicle.

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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 WDTN.com.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  As people prepare to buy food for Christmas, a report reveals that eating with loved ones in Mississippi offers everyone around the table the gift of saving money.

The increase in the price of common items on most peoples grocery lists means that food costs are higher than in years past. Despite that being the case, an analysis from SumUp reveals that Mississippians will pay the third lowest amount for food around the holiday.

The cost of a Christmas meal in Mississippi is $47.13. This is $4.84, or over 9% cheaper, than the national average.

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Christmas Village at Crossroads Store & Grill

According to Wisevoter, a source used by SumUp in its analysis, Mississippis favorite dessert around the holidays is cheesecake. Other loved desserts include sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls and eggnog, respectively.

In terms of other notable holiday expenses, Mississippians are also frugal when putting gifts under the tree. For instance, Mississippians spent $605.25 on average back in 2023. This is about half of the national average of $1,210.

Though Mississippis average grocery and gift costs may seem low compared to most of the country, it will still be burdensome for many in the Magnolia State. A recent report from ADP revealed that Mississippi has the 2nd lowest median salary nationwide at $46,000. Additionally, the states 7% grocery tax is the highest in the United States.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  The cold and flu season is in full swing, and COVID cases are still on the rise.

As Mississippi temperatures continue to fluctuate, it can become more difficult to combat illnesses.

Dr. Timothy Quinn, of Quinn Healthcare, said if you start to experience COVID, cold or flu-like symptoms, youre encouraged to visit a doctor or pharmacist.

Mississippians encouraged to monitor flocks for bird flu

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If you dont have any fever or very severe calls or any headaches, chills, sweats, its okay to just maybe start with the pharmacy, and you can talk to the pharmacist. The pharmacies have a great deal of training, and they can let you know better when its probably better to go ahead and go see your medical provider. But they can also suggest the medications that they have in stock at that pharmacy. So, just request to speak to the pharmacist, because pharmacies do have a great deal of training, and they can really lead you in a pretty good direction, Quinn said.

He said vaccinations are also a good way to minimize the severity of illnesses during the cold and flu season.

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Supporters of Amendment 3 celebrate on Sept. 10 on the steps of the Missouri Capitol after the state Supreme Court ruled the abortion-rights measure could remain on the ballot (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).

You dont argue one thing in a lawsuit and the opposite thing in a different lawsuit.

It undermines the integrity of the judicial system. And its unfair.

And yet, as I predicted, Attorney General Andrew Bailey has completely flip flopped on his interpretation of Amendment 3  the ballot initiative that Missouri voters just approved to make legal abortion available in this state.

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The Amendment 3 campaign had to sue the state twice over inflammatory ballot language that claimed it would mean abortion would be completely unregulated in Missouri.

In the first lawsuit (there were five lawsuits over Amendment 3, Im only going to deal with two of them here), the state defended a flagrantly inaccurate ballot summary from Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft that claimed the ballot initiative would result in: unregulated, and unrestricted abortions until live birth, without requiring a medical license or potentially being subject to malpractice.

In the second (after the court had said the ballot summary challenged in lawsuit #1 was inaccurate and unfair), the state defended fair ballot language that claimed the amendment:

will prohibit any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women undergoing abortions and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against anyone who performs an abortion and hurts or kills the pregnant women.

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That sounds very bad. Also definitive. But Bailey and company never believed any of it.

After emphatically claiming to the public and the courts that Amendment 3 would prohibit any regulation of abortion, the state is now arguing that it can continue to regulate abortion care out of existence.

When abortion was still recognized as a right under the U.S. Constitution, abortion opponents were extremely successful at over regulating to make it impossible to actually get an abortion. These laws, known as targeted regulation of abortion providers, or TRAP laws, left Missouri with only one abortion clinic and resulted in a drop in the number of abortions provided from over 9,000 in 2016 to 150 in 2021.

The TRAP strategy entails imposing regulations that can look reasonable to the uninitiated but are medically inappropriate and designed to be impossible to comply with so clinics cant operate.

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An example of a classic TRAP law: Missouri requires that an abortion provider obtain admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles.

At many hospitals, the criteria for getting admitting privileges involve the number of patients a doctor admits in a year. But abortion patients almost never have to be admitted to a hospital.

Hospitals can give privileges to anyone they want for credentialing reasons, but they are loath to do that for abortion providers who are unlikely to admit patients and very likely to bring political heat.

Missouri and other anti-abortion states claim that requiring admitting privileges furthers continuity of care because the same doctor who provided ones abortion should treat any complications. That claim is contrary to modern medical practice in which someone admitted to a hospital is typically cared for by a doctor specializing in hospital care (a hospitalist) rather than an outpatient provider.

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Also, many patients have to travel long distances to reach an abortion provider. In the small percentage of cases where they have complications, the nearest hospital is not likely to be the one where their provider has privileges.

And the most common complication is incomplete abortion following a medication abortion, which requires the same treatment as an incomplete miscarriage. This is treatment any emergency room should be able to provide, in most cases without needing to admit the patient.

The continuity of care claim is particularly absurd and offensive coming from Missouri officials who have fought to force women to travel out of state for care.

The admitting privileges requirement is but one of the medically unjustifiable regulations that the officials who claimed Amendment 3 meant abortion would be completely unregulated are now claiming can survive court review.

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In the previous lawsuits, the state based its argument that abortion would be completely unregulated on the fact that Amendment 3 would go beyond the abortion rights recognized in Roe because abortion restrictions would need to survive ultrastrict scrutiny.

The state was correct about Amendment 3 going beyond Roe. Amendment 3 does impose a new ultrastrict standard of review  because it was designed to invalidate TRAP laws.

This standard is indeed stricter than Roes strict scrutiny standard or Planned Parenthood v. Caseys undue burden standard. Even under the weaker undue burden standard, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down admitting privileges requirements in two states, but only after years of litigation in which the clinics facing closure had the burden of proving the requirement had no medical benefit and unduly burdened abortion seekers.

Amendment 3 puts the burden on the state to prove that a regulation actually protects patient health and is consistent with standard medical care. Thats a burden the state cant meet given that the many laws purportedly intended to make abortion safe dont apply to miscarriage care, which entails the same medications and procedures as abortion.

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Now, however, the state is arguing that all the amendment did was reinstate the Roe/Casey standard so all of the TRAP laws that made abortion unavailable in Missouri before Dobbs should be upheld.

The state makes additional arguments that are incompatible with its previous position that abortion would be totally unregulated, going so far as to argue that abortion providers dont even have standing to sue to invalidate Missouris TRAP laws.

There is a legal doctrine that is meant to prevent litigants from taking inconsistent positions in court called judicial estoppel. The court can estop a litigant from making the inconsistent argument. That should happen here.

As the Missouri Supreme Court has explained, Judicial estoppel is invoked to protect the dignity of the judicial proceedings and to prevent parties from playing fast and loose with the judicial process by taking inconsistent positions in two different proceedings.

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It isnt fair for proponents of a ballot initiative to have to bring multiple lawsuits to combat a legal position the state doesnt actually hold. Estoppel could deter similar bad behavior the next time state officials want to use antidemocratic means to thwart an initiative petition.

Our officials owe us and the courts accurate information. Advocates on opposing sides of an issue owe each other basic candor as well.

When I asked anti-abortion leader Sam Lee whether he would stand by his claims about Amendment 3 if it became law, he said he couldnt say. It was clear throughout the election that the people spreading outlandish disinformation about Amendment 3 wouldnt actually interpret it to protect even limited access to abortion.

Fair play and a discourse based on facts are essential to maintaining democracy and the rule of law. Those who sought to deny that to us should be held accountable by the courts and the public.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.  A Missouri man has pleaded guilty to federal charges after setting fire to a church in 2021.

According to a press release from the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ), 48-year-old Christopher Scott Pritchard pleaded guilty to two counts of arson for setting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Cape Girardeau on fire.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man charged with arson following Cape Girardeau church burning

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Pritchard admitted to intentionally setting fire to the church, the USDOJ said, causing a complete structural loss and obstructed the churchs congregants in the free exercise of their religious beliefs.

The USDOJ said Pritchard will be sentenced on Feb. 18, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison for violating the Church Arson Prevention Act. He also faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison for arson of a building affecting foreign or interstate commerce and may be required to pay a fine of up to $250,000 per count.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UPDATE (3:31 p.m.): An unknown substance passed around campus sent two Accel Academy students to the hospital on Wednesday.

The two high school students were taken to the hospital at around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, leaving the Mobile Police Department with the task of figuring out what the substance is and where it came from.

The police department described the scare as a vaping incident.

We have, we as any other school, we are anti-drugs, anti-vape anti and all that, Accel Academy Marketing and Communications Director Victoria Lambert said. We are anti cell phone.

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The two students, according to Lambert, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are in stable condition.

Our No. 1 priority is to ensure that all of our students and staff are well taken care of and that theyre safe, Lambert said. Our due diligence is to our students and to our staff.

About 825 students are enrolled between the charter school systems middle and high schools. All students, according to Lambert, are thoroughly searched each day as they come onto campus with a metal detector at the entrance of the school.

We do just make sure that each student comes in and they are de-weaponed and have nothing that could cause harm to another student or themselves, Lambert said. We are always looking to make sure were taking safety precautions for our students.

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Lambert said the police department is leading this investigation. Meanwhile, school staff will continue to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity among its students.

No arrests have been made. This remains an active investigation.

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  The Mobile Police Department is investigating after two students were taken to the hospital for an incident at a local high school.

Why the I-10 Bayway is getting new antennas and cameras  and how the data will be used

According to an MPD news release, officers responded to Accel Academy (3725 Airport Boulevard) after receiving reports that two students were being taken to a local hospital.

INCIDENT LOCATION:

MPD officials said that the students were taken to the hospital after a vaping incident. Both students received non-life-threatening injuries, the release said.

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No one has been charged in the incident and police said it is an active investigation.

Active duty marine arrested in connection with body found in Mobile: Escambia County Sheriffs Office

This is a developing story. News 5 will update this article as information becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Two decades after a devastating tsunami swept across Southeast Asia, Petra Nemcova is recalling what, and who, helped her survive the storm.

The Czech-born supermodel spoke about her vacation-turned-nightmare with ABC News Diane Sawyer in a segment that aired Thursday on Good Morning America. Sawyer first interviewed Nemcova about her unlikely survival in 2005, mere months after the storm claimed the lives of more than 230,000 people  including Nemcovas boyfriend, British photographer Simon Atlee, who was among the 5,000 who died in Thailand.

Read more: Uniworld picks model Petra Nemcova as 'guardian angel' of its new millennial cruise line

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It's always difficult to go back in that moment when my life changed, Nemcova told Sawyer in the Thursday segment, which included footage from their original conversation nearly 20 years ago.

Nemcova previously described how the Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami had flooded the bungalow she and Atlee were staying in  just as they were packing up to leave. Atlee was consumed by the waters, but Nemcova managed to cling to a palm tree for eight hours before she was rescued.

I went into this stillness, into almost like a meditative state, the former "A Model Life" host said Thursday, because I knew if I start panicking, you lose more energy. And I needed all my energy to keep alive.

In the hours Nemcova was frozen, debris broke every bone in her pelvis and caused severe internal bleeding in her stomach, ABC reported.

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Read more: Faced With a Crisis, Super Power Kicks In

Because of her injuries, Nemcova couldnt swim, she said in 2005.

But then a group of strangers found her, Sawyer narrated in Thursday's segment. Dressing her in new clothes, they placed her on a mattress and steered the makeshift life raft toward medical help.

Those people were ready to risk their lives for strangers, and that shows the best of humanity, Nemcova said Thursday.

The second part of the conversation with Nemcova will air Friday morning. It will spotlight the philanthropic work the model has done since the tragedy in Thailand, transforming all the darkness into light," Sawyer said.

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In 2005, Nemcova founded the Happy Hearts Fund , a charity that coordinates disaster relief efforts beyond what emergency responders can offer. While competing on Dancing With the Stars Season 12 in 2011, the model performed a routine to Josh Grobans You Raise Me Up, saying the song empowered her to found her nonprofit.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Niles mother who was indicted on charges of child endangering after her child was injured by the family dog entered a guilty plea Thursday.

Read next: Man charged in OVI, wrong-way I-680 arrest enters plea

Brianna NcNeese pleaded guilty in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court to a charge of endangering children, a third-degree felony. A presentencing investigation was ordered.

The childs father, Dillon Gallagher, pleaded guilty to the same charge on Dec. 12. A presentence investigation was also ordered for him.

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The charge stems from a June incident where Niles Police say the baby boy was attacked by a German shepherd in his parents home. According to a police report, officers saw bruises and a multitude of cuts, punctures, and scratches on the boy while he was at the hospital.

At the time, the boys parents told officers they had been lying on the couch with the baby on McNeeses chest and fell asleep. Gallagher woke up and found the boy face down on the floor in front of the couch, the report states.

Nadine Grimley contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
The mother of one of the four University of Idaho students who were found slain in 2022 shared the story behind the matching ring she had with her daughter, and the foundation created in her honor.

Karen Laramie, the mother of Madison Mogen, showed her half of a two-piece ring her daughter surprised her with while appearing on TODAY on Dec. 18.

"So it's a two-piece ring, and my half, I think, says, 'You are my sunshine,' and hers said, 'My only sunshine,'" Laramie said, adding that she used to sing the song to her daughter "all the time."

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Laramie was joined by Angela Navejas, the mother of Mogen's best friend Ashlin Couch. Navejas and Couch co-founded the Made With Kindness Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to honor the lives of Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle.

Mogen, 21, Goncalves, 21, Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 19, were found fatally stabbed in an off-campus house near the University of Idaho on Nov. 13, 2022, shocking the community in the small college town of Moscow, Idaho.

After a six-week manhunt, authorities charged Bryan Kohberger with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. A judge entered a not guilty plea on Kohberger's behalf in 2023, and he is set to stand trial in Boise, Idaho, in August 2025.

Laramie said she didn't have a lot of comments on the length of time it's taken to reach Kohberger's upcoming trial.

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"I feel like the legal system is not about the victims, and I'll leave it at that," she said.

In addition to the story behind her matching rings, Laramie shared how her daughter's kindness inspired the nonprofit.

"We were in Seattle one time, and I'm watching her as an adult, going shopping and being in these stores, and I'm like, 'You're just so kind to everybody.' Like, did I really, did we really ingrain that in you? Like, that's amazing."

"One time, she called my cousin on Veterans Day and said, 'Thank you for your service,' after she lived with him and like, burned half his pans," she continued through laughter. "She just had that genuine love that it's just impossible to describe."

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Navejas explained how the Made With Kindness Foundation, created in March 2024, came to be.

"We just decided that we wanted to start something to be able to remember and honor the girls and how they were -- their optimism, empowerment, confidence," she said. "And so we just woke up one morning and said, 'Hey, let's start a foundation in the girls' honor.' And I grabbed some flowers and wrote a letter to Karen, and she wasn't home, so I stuck it on her door, and she got home from Hawaii, and then, here we are."

The Chapin family has created their own foundation, Ethan's Smile, in honor of their son.

Laramie, who serves as a community engagement coordinator for the Made With Kindness Foundation, shared what she's looking forward to the most of being a board member.

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"So I think the most important thing is it's going to be really fun to be part of the scholarship committee and just watch kids, read what they have to say, what's in their hearts, and be able to give them back something," Laramie said. "Everyone needs a helping hand, and I'm just really super excited to see."

"We have a lot of platforms that we're working on, and every one of them is positive, and that just brings it back to your heart," she continued. "We're missing our kids, and to have something to put your heart into positively, there are no words."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Dec. 18MORGANTOWN  While the exact route remains a work in progress, Monongalia County appears to be in the path of a major power transmission project.

On Wednesday, representatives of NextEra Energy Transmission sat down with members of the Monongalia County Commission to discuss the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL), a 105-mile transmission line that's going to run from Greene County, Pa. to Frederick County, Va.

"That's going to be a 500-kV line, which is one of the big, major transmission lines. Think about it as if it's a major highway for energy and electrons, " NextEra Energy Transmission Senior Director Kaitlin McCormick said, adding, "We have a small component in Pennsylvania, then we'll be crossing through West Virginia, into Maryland, back into West Virginia and then ending in Virginia."

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When pressed for any specifics in terms of potential location, McCormick explained NextEra was looking at the northern part of the county, stating, "I think we're primarily looking at areas that don't have zoning districts within them."

PJM Interconnection manages the electrical transmission system for a 13-state region that runs from Michigan to Tennessee and from Illinois to Delaware. West Virginia is included in that region. So is the Washington D.C. area, for which PJM is predicting a dramatic increase in the number of power-hungry data centers coming online.

"PJM is working through a lot of stuff and a lot of changes as demand for electricity changes, the uses change, particularly there are some major industrial users that are looking for things. It's a total change in landscape and we're just a piece of that, " McCormick said.

NextEra's MARL project was one of several selected by PJM to help meet the region's shifting power demands.

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NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic will finance, develop, own, construct, operate and maintain the transmission line, which is expected to take two years to construct.

"The way those work, it's not affiliated with any one generation source or any one power source. It's just working to help provide a backbone to move electricity across the grid and through the region, " McCormick said. "That's a major capital investment here in the region and in the state and in Mon County as well."

In January, postcards will go out to anyone living within a miles-wide swath identified for the potential route. That study area will be centered around existing transmission corridors.

McCormick said the company wants to run the line parallel to existing infrastructure, if possible.

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"We recognize some of those transmission lines have been there for decades and where we can't parallel, we're looking to go around some of the human environment that's built up around that, " she said.

The company will ultimately need a 200-foot wide right of way.

Interactive online maps and a survey will be part of the public feedback process, as will a public comment period and open meetings tentatively planned for the March /April 2025 timeframe.

For more information, check out midatlanticresiliencylink.com.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  We know how much Christmas Day means to children knowing theyll receive gifts, but what about when kids are doing the giving?

Monrovia Elementary School students went to Manna House Wednesday for a special visit.

MCSO deputy honored as 2024 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

The young Hawks from MES have led an annual tour of giving back around the holidays and students have said its their favorite time of year knowing their donations are making a difference across the Tennessee Valley.

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The kids began gathering toys and hygiene products back in November. They gave dozens of toys along with items like deodorant and toothbrushes to Manna House.

What they donated will go to less fortunate families across North Alabama with the hope of providing some holiday joy.

Students like Ben Watson and Molly Frazier say impacting others through giving back is something they all take pride in doing.

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I have a lot of stuff that most people dont have and I want them to have stuff that they need, Watson said.

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Its pretty cool to see the line and how were going to make every kid on Christmas happy, Frazier told News 19.

Teachers at MES say part of their mission is teaching their students about the importance of helping others through community work.

Wednesday was the students first time donating to Manna House and many of them say Christmas will be much more special knowing other children will have gifts to unwrap.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Water pipe (Photo by Travis Modisette via Flickr | CC-BY-SA 2.0).

North Star will pay a fine for significant service and reliability issues in handling water for a Helena subdivision, according to an order this week from the Montana Public Service Commission.

Approved in a 3-0 vote, the order said the PSC will impose a fine, to be calculated after further investigation, for North Stars failures in service along with its failure to cooperate with the regulatory agency.

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After months of complaints from residents of the subdivision, estimated by one to be roughly 240 houses, the PSC said the utility has not been responding to the agencys questions about alleged deficiencies, and it hasnt even fully addressed the solutions its tried to implement.

Doug Boutilier, owner of North Star, said Tuesday in a brief phone conversation that he had not had a chance to read the order and did not have a comment until he reviewed it. He had not responded Wednesday by press time.

This summer and fall, residents of the development said the utility was restricting their water use so much, their lawns were turning brown. Some neighbors said they were losing their investments in landscaping, and the utility didnt have enough water supply.

They also said North Star had implemented a boil advisory due to potential contamination at one point, but the reason for it wasnt clear, according to the order. Many also complained about the lack of communication from the utility.

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The Public Service Commission expressed those and other concerns in its order demanding responses from North Star.

Weve been waiting for compliance, and despite staffs diligence and giving them ample opportunity, North Star has not complied and is deserving of the stiff consequences, said Commissioner Annie Bukacek at the meeting.

According to the order, the investigation by the PSC started in 2021, and the issues still have not been fixed.

The order said regulators are authorized by law to obtain information from North Star, and the utility is obligated to respond, but it has yet to do so in a satisfactory way.

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Nothing in its (responses) demonstrates North Star is providing the reasonably adequate service mandated by (Montana law), the order said. Quite to the contrary, the information provided confirms North Star is not providing reasonably adequate service.

For example, the order said the utilitys tariffs require it to charge a flat rate for water and a metered rate for usage above 10,000 gallons per month, but as late as August this year, at least 25 residences didnt have working meters or didnt have meters at all.

North Star is therefore potentially charging unmetered residences and residences with non-functioning meters less than required by its tariffs and giving special privileges to those residences in the form of lesser charges, both of which are violations of Montana code, the order said.

At the meeting, subdivision resident Ralph Jackson said he appreciated the questions the PSC was posing to North Star, and he said at least for the moment, some of the issues appear to be resolved.

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I even got my lawn to come back, so I appreciate that, Jackson said.

However, he agreed the lack of meters was problematic, and he said until everyone had a working meter, North Star couldnt accurately track the amount of water it was using.

The order from the PSC said the utility has blamed the lack of water supply on customers, alleging they are overusing water. However, the order said North Star appears to have done little to address the alleged overuse.

The order said the PSC will collect more information in order to determine a proper penalty, and it also will hear from North Star. It said the law allows a fine of not less than $100 or more than $1,000 for each offense, and each day a violation occurs constitutes a separate offense.

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At the meeting, Commissioner Tony ODonnell said problems at the subdivision caught his attention eight years ago. He said he appreciated the order the PSC was taking up and had wanted to adopt it much earlier, although KTVH reported he had pushed back on proposed fines in 2021.

It has absolutely amazed me and befuddled me why the residents of the North Star have not had adequate service for this period of time, ODonnell said this week.

At the meeting, he, Bukacek and Commissioner Jennifer Fielder approved the order.
Eleven of the 16 youth plaintiffs in the Held v. Montana case pose for a photo after Day 5 of the trial on Friday, June 16, 2023. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

The Montana Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a district court ruling in the nations first constitutional climate change trial , affirming that the youth plaintiffs have a fundamental constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment while revoking two Montana statutes.

The 70-page decision, authored by Chief Justice Mike McGrath, comes 16 months after Lewis and Clark District Court Judge Kathy Seeley ruled in the landmark Held v. Montana lawsuit, explicitly stating that the states greenhouse gas emissions are proven to be a substantial factor in causing climate impacts to Montanas environment, and harm and injury to the youth plaintiffs. Seeleys decision also rolled back two laws enacted by the 2023 legislature that changed the Montana Environmental Policy Act.

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The state immediately appealed the decision to the Montana Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments in the appeal in July. The court found in a 6-1 decision that Montanas constitutional guarantee of a clean and healthful environment includes a stable climate system, which is clearly within the object and true principles of the Framers inclusion of the right.

In addition, the order found that Montanans right to a clean and healthful environment was violated by the MEPA Limitation, which precluded an analysis of GHG emissions in environmental assessments and environmental impact statements during MEPA review, the order states.

The six-justice majority found the law which limited analysis of greenhouse gas emissions during environmental reviews is unconstitutional and enjoined the state from acting on it.

Justice Jim Rice dissented.

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The Daily Montanan has contacted the governors office, state agencies, legislative leadership and the plaintiffs for comment on the decision. Many of them said they were reviewing the decision and would provide a response later Wednesday.

This item was originally published in Daily Montanan.
In an apparent about-face by the Oklahoma State Board of Education, three legislators who attended the boards regular monthly meeting entered an executive session without issue, which is their right under the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act.

Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, the incoming chair of the House Education Subcommittee, joined new Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, and Democratic Senate Leader Julia Kirt of Oklahoma City in the executive session, during which  according to the posted agenda  the board discussed 29 separate teacher licensing issues.

It was the first time either Woolley or Kirt had attended a State Board of Education meeting in 2024.

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"I take my job of oversight for taxpayer money very seriously and wanted to observe the executive session firsthand because of all the concerns about potential misuse of taxpayer funds by the superintendent," Kirt told The Oklahoman. "Access to the executive meetings were just one of our concerns about his leadership."

The appearance of legislators in the boards executive sessions has been a major source of irritation this year for the board, led by state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters. In June, Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, showed up at a board meeting and attempted to attend a scheduled executive session, but was blocked by Walters, relying upon advice from then-board attorney Cara Nicklas.

That led to a monthslong back-and-forth between Nicklas and the Oklahoma attorney generals office, who had differing interpretations of the Open Meeting Act.

The act does allow for the presence of lawmakers in executive sessions, which are closed to members of the public: Any member of the Legislature appointed as a member of a committee of either house of the Legislature or joint committee thereof shall be permitted to attend any executive session authorized by the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act of any state agency, board or commission whenever the jurisdiction of such committee includes the actions of the public body involved.

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Three legislators were blocked from the executive session during Julys meeting. Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a formal opinion  which has the force of law, absent a court ruling  the day before the boards August meeting. In that meeting, the board entertained the idea of filing a lawsuit over the issue, but took no action, as five legislators watched from the audience in the tiny meeting room inside the Oliver Hodge Building.

The board also opted in August to not conduct an executive session, an unusual step for a board that routinely discusses sensitive personnel issues. The board also didnt hold an executive session in September.

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks during a meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education at the Oliver Hodge Building on the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.

Education board violated Oklahoma law by skipping November meeting

The day before the October board meeting, the attorney generals office withdrew its approval of Nicklas to serve as the boards attorney  essentially firing her  and the next day Brad Clark, the current general counsel for the attorney generals office, served as the boards attorney. Clark had previously served as both the state Education Department and Board of Educations attorney at different times under then-state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, Walters predecessor.

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Violating Oklahoma law, the board did not have its regular monthly meeting in November. The board did hold a special meeting on Nov. 8, during which it voted to hire a new attorney, Joel Wohlgemuth. There was a short executive session held during that meeting and Lowe sat in on it.

Woolley, who took office last month, didn't want to comment on the presence of lawmakers in the executive sessions.

"I'm probably going to just stay away from that topic," he said. "I'm a freshman. I'm new. I was advised not to even talk about it."

Kirt, the first elected Democratic lawmaker to be allowed into the board's executive session since the issue came to light, had no such reservations.

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"While I can't comment on the private meeting, I appreciate they are now following the law to allow legislators to attend," Kirt said. "Senator Mary Boren has been consistent in demanding our right to transparency and laying the legal groundwork so all legislators can do our job for the people. I may have been the first Democrat but I'm glad Boren made it a bipartisan priority!"

More: What could Ryan Walters do next after being bypassed by Donald Trump? He has options

Attorney Chad Kutmas attends a meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education at the Oliver Hodge Building on the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.

On Thursday, Wohlgemuth didnt attend the meeting, but an attorney from his firm, Norman Wohlgemuth, did  Chad Kutmas. Walters mistakenly referred to Kutmas three times as Joel before realizing his error. Kutmas is one of the attorneys representing Walters in an ongoing defamation lawsuit filed against the state superintendent by Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller in Tulsa County District Court.

Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for the attorney generals office  which must grant approval for outside attorneys to work with state agencies  said the approval granted to Wohlgemuth to represent the board covered Wohlgemuths associates, so the presence of Kutmas in the meeting, and the executive session, was legal.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma lawmakers allowed into education board's executive session
The formation of the Moon may have come harder on the heels of Earth's birth than we thought.

According to a new analysis by researchers from the US, France, and Germany, Earth's constant companion may have formed as early as 4.53 billion years ago  hundreds of millions of years earlier than previous estimates.

It's a timeline that maybe even solves other mysteries about the Moon, such as why there are fewer huge impact basins than we expect, and why it has less metal compared to Earth. It could even help us better understand the history and evolution of our own planet, says a team led by geologist Francis Nimmo of the University of California Santa Cruz.

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The current leading theory for how the Moon formed is predicated on the chaos of the early Solar System. The Sun formed around 4.6 billion years ago; at that time, it was surrounded by a disk of gas and dust left over from its own formation, coalescing into rocks that clumped together, smacked into each other, and generally contributed to an air of mayhem.

An artist's impression of the giant impact thought to have resulted in the formation of the Moon. ( NASA/JPL-Caltech

Scientists think the Moon formed when a large object, around the size of Mars, collided with a baby Earth, which was still warm and gooey from its own formation. A huge amount of Earth's mass could have been ejected into orbit, where it came together to form the Moon.

After its formation, the Moon is thought to have hosted a global magma ocean that rapidly cooled and solidified into the lunar surface. Based on samples of Moon rock that were assumed to have formed in this magma ocean, the collision is estimated to have occurred 4.35 billion years.

But more recently, a different picture has emerged from tiny grains of lunar zircon.

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Zircon crystals are an excellent way to find the age of a sample because of a quirk of the way they form. When they are forming, zircon crystals incorporate uranium, but strongly reject lead. Over time, the radioactive uranium in the zircon decays into lead at a very well understood rate.

Scientists can look at the ratios of uranium to lead in a zircon crystal and work out how long ago the zircon formed, with a high level of accuracy.

The revised timeline for the formation and remelting of the Moon. (Nimmo et al., Nature , 2024)

What's interesting is that zircon crystals from the Moon have been dated at ages that are significantly higher than 4.35 billion years. One came in at 4.46 billion years; another at 4.51 billion years. These are incompatible with a global magma ocean, which would preclude the formation and survival of zircon crystals.

Somehow, these zircons exist. At the same time, there are a large number of lunar rocks that are 4.35 billion years old. To resolve this apparent discrepancy, Nimmo and his colleagues performed analyses and modeling to show that both can be true  if the Moon formed at an earlier time, and then underwent widespread crustal remelting 4.35 billion years ago.

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When two bodies orbit each other, the path of the orbit usually isn't a nice neat circle, but instead traces an ellipse, a property known as eccentricity. The changing proximity of the two bodies to each other also produces a change in the gravitational pull felt by each object as they move closer to and farther from the other. This constantly changing tug exerts a tidal force on each object, stretching and squishing it and warming it up through constant friction.

Back when the Moon was newly formed, before it settled into a more circular orbit, the Moon's orbit may have been eccentric enough to melt parts of its surface for a few tens of millions of years. This could have been around 4.35 billion years ago  neatly resolving the problem of the older zircon and the younger surface rock.

This, in turn, constrains the age of the Moon to between 4.43 and 4.53 billion years ago. Since Earth is estimated to be 4.54 billion years old, that means our planet may have been best buddies with its satellite for almost its entire lifespan.

The finding could help resolve some interesting mysteries. The Moon has fewer impact basins than scientists expect based on how heavy they estimate that early bombardment to have been. A tidal remelting of the lunar surface would have effectively erased any such impact basins. This also places constraints on the age of the huge South Pole-Aitken Basin that covers a quarter of the Moon's surface.

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In addition, Earth has metals on its surface from planetesimals that smacked into it during the early Solar System bombardment. The Moon has considerably less. If the Moon formed, collected some planetsimals, and remelted, those metals would have sunk out of view below the lunar surface.

Unless aliens came along and threw zircons all over the Moon just for a giggle. In that case, all bets are off.

The research has been published in Nature.

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The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has set off soul-searching among many Americans. Part of that reflection is about the public reaction to Thompsons death and the sympathy the suspect received online, with some people critical of the insurance industry celebrating the assailant as a sort of folk hero.

As many observers have pointed out, frustrations are no excuse for murder. But it has become a moment of wider reflection on health care in America, and why so many patients feel the system is broken.

Philosopher Nicole Hassoun researches health care and human rights. The Conversation U.S. spoke with her about the deeper questions Americans should be asking when they discuss health care reform.

Were seeing an outpouring of anger about health care in the United States. Your work deals with global health inequality and access  can you help put the U.S. system in perspective?

If we compare ourselves to other rich countries, we dont do very well. We spend much more money  about double per patient, on average, compared with other OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries  and get much less in return. In a study of 10 wealthy nations, including New Zealand, Sweden and Canada, The Commonwealth Fund  a private foundation for health care research  ranks the U.S. last overall.

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About 90% of Americans have some kind of health insurance. Still, 10% lack insurance entirely, and even some of those who are insured cant afford the co-pays or medication costs.

And there is a great deal of inequality in the U.S.: both disparities in access to health care and disparities in outcomes. Black infants die at a rate nearly 2.5 times higher than white babies do, for example, and diabetes rates are 30% higher among Native Americans and Latinos than white Americans. People of color tend to have lower rates of coverage as well.

Before the Affordable Care Act, the situation was really dire. Its likely many of us will get some terrible health condition like cancer during our lifetime, even when were relatively young. And what that meant before the ACA was that, if you got sick enough to lose your job  and so, your health insurance  new insurers could charge high rates because of your preexisting condition.

Youve argued theres a universal right to health. What does that mean, and what would it look like?

I think that people everywhere should have a legally enforced right to health  and in many countries, such as Germany and Norway, they do. In about half the worlds countries, that right is spelled out in the constitution.

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But the United States has not ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which includes a right to health. Morally, I think that the U.S. ought to have signed on to that. People should be able to live minimally good lives, and health is really important to do that. Countries should protect their citizens human rights, and health is fundamental to other human rights, like the right to life.

When I say people have a right to health, I mean they have a right to the socially controllable determinants of health. This includes a clean and safe environment, health care and adequate food, water and social support. I am not saying that they have a right to be healthy, because you cant guarantee that for anybody.

What I mean is that society should do what it can so that everybody has health care at a reasonable cost. Good governments and their social support systems help everyone secure the health they need to contribute to society.

The alternative is costly for everybody, not just people who are sick. Nearly half of the health problems in the U.S. stem from preventable diseases. As a wealthy country, we should have the resources to address those problems  including steps as simple as making sure people have high blood-pressure medicine, or regular primary-care visits. Everybody should be getting that kind of care, because otherwise, people certainly end up in the emergency room. Even ER visits that do not result in hospitalization cost an immense amount of money, ratcheting up the costs for everyone in the system, and often patients still dont get the care that they need. According to a 2020 study published in The Lancet, a single-payer system could save the U.S. 13% savings in health care spending or US$450 billion each year.

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Its a matter of how we want to be as a country. We can make health a right, but that is a decision that the American population has to make. Were all in this together. Were all trying to make this country work. And its a lot harder to do that when youre sick.

You mentioned an interesting phrase: the idea of the minimally good life.

I just wrote a book on the minimally good life, and the main question it grapples with is this: What do we owe each other as a basic minimum? What kind of social safety net will suffice for everyone?

I argue that respect for humanity requires people to help others live minimally good lives when that help does not sacrifice our own reasonably good quality of life.

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But how should we define that minimum? How should the country decide what kind of social welfare system to have? The basic idea is this: Put yourself in other peoples shoes and think, There but for the grace of God go I. What would I need to live a good-enough life as that person? What would I need if I were them?

Maybe you dont have cancer right now, or heart disease, or anything else. But someday you might. Empathy lets us think about how we can create the kind of security that will help us all flourish and live good lives.

Its also part of being a good-enough person. I think we live better lives when we help each other. When we think about what we want, what policies and laws we want to vote for, we have to put ourselves in others shoes and consider what would be good enough for all of us.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Nicole Hassoun, Binghamton University, State University of New York

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Nicole Hassoun has received grant funding from the World Health Organization for research on global health justice and vaccines.
Puffs of smoke rose above a meadow in northeastern Washington as a small test fire danced in the grass a few feet away from me. Pleased by its slow, controlled behavior, my crew members and I, as part of a training program led by the nonprofit organization The Nature Conservancy and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, began to light the rest of the field on fire. The scene had all the trappings of a wildfire  water hoses, fire engines, people in flame-resistant outfits. But we weren't there to fight it; we were there to light it.

It might sound counterintuitive, but prescribed fires, or intentionally lit fires, help lessen fire's destruction. Natural flames sparked by lightning and intentional blazes lit by Indigenous peoples have historically helped clean up excess vegetation that now serves as fuel for the wildfires that regularly threaten people's homes and lives across the West and, increasingly, across the country.

For millennia, lighting fires was common practice in America. But in the mid-to-late 1800s, the US outlawed Indigenous burning practices and started suppressing wildfires, resulting in a massive buildup of flammable brush and trees. That combined with the dry, hot conditions caused by the climate crisis has left much of the country at a dangerously high risk of devastating wildfires. The top 10 most destructive years by acreage burned have all occurred since 2004.

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In the late 1960s and early 1970s, federal land managers reevaluated their approach to fire and did the first prescribed burns in national parks. We're still making up for lost time: Scientists and land managers say millions more acres of prescribed burns are necessary to keep the country from burning out of control.

But the scale of the task doesn't match that of the labor force, whose focus is often extinguishing fires, not starting them. Responding to the increase in natural disasters has left America with few resources to actually keep them from happening. As Mark Charlton, a prescribed-fire specialist with The Nature Conservancy, told me, "We need more people, and we need more time."

This fall, I outfitted myself in fire-resistant clothing and boots, donned a hard hat, and joined a training program called TREX to better understand how prescribed burns work. TREX hosts collaborative burns to provide training opportunities in the field for people from different employers and backgrounds. The hope is that more people will earn the qualifications they need to lead and participate in burns for the agencies they work for back home.

Our team would walk across the area we planned to burn to collect data on weather and fire behavior. Courtesy of Kara Karboski

The program's emphasis on learning, coupled with the support of the University of Idaho's Artists-in-Fire Residency (which helped pay my way), is why I, a journalist with no fire jobs on my resume, could join a prescribed-fire module of about two dozen more experienced participants. I had to pass a fitness test  speed walking three miles with a 45-pound backpack in under 45 minutes  take 40 hours' worth of online coursework, and complete field-operations training to participate as a crew member. While hundreds of people have participated in TREX burns across the country since the program's inception in 2008, the dramatic growth of wildfires is outpacing the number of people being trained to reduce their impact.

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The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of forests and grasslands across the country, burning an average of about 1.4 million acres, roughly the size of Delaware, each year with prescribed burns. It burned a record 2 million acres in fiscal 2023. But it's still not enough preparation, considering wildfires have burned over 10 million acres in recent years and people continue building and living in wildfire-prone areas. "It's a huge workload we have, and we know it," said Adam Mendonca, a deputy director of fire and aviation management for the Forest Service who oversees the agency's prescribed-fire program. The agency plans to chip away at the problem with the roughly 11,300 wildland firefighters it employs each year who squeeze the work in during the offseason, when there are fewer fires to fight.

But relying on wildland firefighters can be problematic. "We only have those resources for a short time," said Charlton, who served as the incident commander on the Washington burns I joined this fall. "After a long fire season, people are exhausted. It's hard to get people to commit." Plus, wildfires are increasingly overlapping with the ideal windows to do prescribed burns  often the spring and the fall, when conditions are cooler and wetter, making fires easier to tame.

That was especially true this year: Multiple large fires burned across the West into October. These late-season wildfires, coupled with two hurricanes that firefighters helped respond to, strained federal resources. That month, the nation's fire-preparedness level increased to a 5  the highest level  indicating the country's emergency crews were at their maximum capacity and would've struggled to respond to new incidents.

In response to the elevated preparedness level, the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group urged "extreme caution" in executing new prescribed fires, saying backup firefighters or equipment might not be available. "We get to the point where we're competing for resources," said Kyle Lapham, the certified-burner-program manager for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the burn boss on the Washington burns.

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There's also a qualification shortage. Prescribed burns require a well-rounded group with a variety of expertise and positions  including a burn boss, who runs the show and must have years of training. Charlton estimated that hundreds more qualified burn bosses are necessary to tackle nationwide prescribed-burn goals.

A lot of planning  and trained expertise  is required before any burning can begin. Courtesy of Adam Gebauer

Just as concerning is an interest shortage. The Forest Service has struggled to hire for and maintain its federal firefighting force in recent years, in large part because of poor pay (federal firefighter base pay was raised to $15 an hour in 2022) and other labor disputes over job classifications, pay raises, staffing, and more. The agency is also expecting budget cuts next year and has already said it won't be able to hire its usual seasonal workforce as a result.

Legislation inching its way through Congress could help, though its fate under a new administration is unclear. The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2024 would direct hundreds of millions of dollars to the Forest Service and the US Department of the Interior for prescribed burns, including investment in training a skilled workforce  but it hasn't progressed past a Senate subcommittee hearing in June.

Without a boost in funding, the agency will continue relying heavily on partnerships with nonprofits like The Nature Conservancy and the National Forest Foundation to staff prescribed burns. The Forest Service also recently expanded its Prescribed Fire Training Center to host educational opportunities out West. Critically, though, time is of the essence.

During my TREX training in October, about 20 foresters and firefighters from as far south as Texas and as far north as British Columbia worked beside me. Our group included employees of the Washington Department of Natural Resources and two citizens of the nearby Spokane Tribe of Indians, who have a robust prescribed-fire program of their own.

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Over two weeks I got a front-row seat to how much planning (sometimes years) and time a single prescribed burn takes. We conducted several burns in the mountains north of Spokane on the property of a receptive landowner who'd hosted TREX in previous years. He provided the training ground and, in exchange, got work done on his property. This isn't a common scenario  burning on private land can be more complicated, and so more burns happen on state or federal property.

When I arrived, the burn's incident-management team had already put together a burn plan detailing our objectives  reducing wildfire risk to the landowner's house, thinning small tree saplings, knocking down invasive weeds, opening up more wildlife habitat  and the exact weather conditions, like wind speed, relative humidity, and temperature, we needed to safely burn. Prescribed burns on federal lands also go through an environmental review.

At the site, we scouted contained areas we would burn, called units, with trainees making additional plans for how to ignite and control fires. Keeping a fire in its intended location, called "holding," meant lots of prep work, like digging shallow trenches to box the fire in. During the burn, teams monitored smoke and occasionally sprayed the larger trees we wanted to preserve with water when flames threatened their canopies; others poured fuel on the ground, igniting bushes, grass, and smaller trees to slowly build the fire.

Those nights, I went to bed dreaming of smoke. I left with a deeper appreciation for those who set fires for a living. Courtesy of Kara Karboski

Managing the fire didn't end when we finished burning the 30 or so acres. In some cases, it can involve days of monitoring and cleanup. To make sure the fire was out, my crew and I combed through areas we'd burned the day before for smoke or heat. If we discovered something still smoking, we'd churn up the ground with a shovel or pickax, douse the hot spot with water, and repeat. Just when we thought we were done, we'd find another spot we'd missed.

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I went to bed those nights dreaming of little puffs of smoke and woke up with small flakes of ash embedded behind my ears. The work was rewarding and exhausting  I left with a deeper appreciation for the workers who do it for a living.

While every prescribed burn is different, it's always a careful equation. Everything needs to line up: supportive communities, the right weather, and, of course, the workers necessary to plan, burn, and extinguish. Only then can you light the match.

Kylie Mohr is a Montana-based freelance journalist and correspondent for the magazine High Country News.

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MOREHEAD, Ky. (FOX 56)  Since 1964, the Morehead Optimist Club has supported local kids and community groups, donating around $200,000 annually.

Club members said that most of the money has been raised through weekly bingo games.

Louisville educator, political advisor to run against Rep. Grossberg

The Morehead chapter of Optimist International meets every Tuesday at Gattis Pizza in downtown Morehead to plan initiatives and select local groups to support, according to club volunteers.

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I knew that I wanted to belong to a civic club, Bill Redwine said. And, you know, the community had a number of clubs. And then I got involved and see what we did with kids and how we helped kids and impacted kids. really, you know, kind of the driving force thats kept me going.

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New members are always welcome at the Morehead Optimist Club. To find more information, visit its website.

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MOSCOW  The mother of U.S. journalist Austin Tice sent Russian President Vladimir Putin a letter late Wednesday asking for his help in finding her son, who went missing in Syria a dozen years ago.

"The current situation in Syria compels us to ask for your help in finding Austin and safely reuniting our family," Debra Tice wrote. "You have profound connections with the Syrian government, which can be a great benefit for our unrelenting efforts to find our Austin and reunite our family."

"In this holiday season of peace and goodwill, we respectfully request your assistance in finding Austin and safely reuniting him with our family," she wrote.

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NBC News obtained a copy of the letter just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured Debra Tice that Israel would not conduct airstrikes near a secret prison outside Damascus where she believed her son may have been held.

Putin is a longtime patron of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted earlier this month and fled the country to Russia. He and his late father ruled with an iron fist for half-a-century.

Assad's sudden downfall raised the Tice family's hopes that the missing journalist might be in Mt. Qasioun prison, which is under a military museum and has a hidden tunnel that has not been fully explored.

But Debra Tice said she's ready to reunite with her son wherever he may be.

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"We would, of course, be willing to travel to Moscow or any place on earth to put our arms around our precious Austin and bring him safely home," she wrote.

In an interview with NBC News, Debra Tice said she had no misgivings about asking Putin for help.

Of course I am reaching out to powerful people, so they can help us," she said. "Russia has had a port there in Latakia forever, so I do think they have the ability to know whats going on on the ground. We are still trying to find out where he is."

Austin Tice disappeared in 2012, when he was in Syria reporting on the countrys civil war.

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Shortly after he vanished, the State Department concluded that he was being held by the hostile Syrian government, a charge that Assad denied for years.

Since the civil war in Syria erupted in 2011, hundreds of thousands of political prisoners disappeared into Assads sprawling network of prisons and many were tortured and killed.

Both Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad, who died in 2000, have been accused by human rights groups of massacring and abusing their fellow Syrians.

But after the downfall of the Assad regime, thousands of prisoners who had been held captive for years have been released. But there still has been no sign of Tice.

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A former prisoner told NBC News in the last few weeks that he was held captive in a cell across the hall from Tice and saw him alive as recently as July 2022.

But while NBC News has not been able to independently confirm that account, Debra Tice said Sunday on NBC News Meet the Press that we were able to verify that he was there in 2022.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(KRON)  A mother of six was stabbed to death by her jealous husband inside their Redwood City home this December, prosecutors said. Odilia Bohrsicajau, 33, recently told her husband that she no longer wanted to be with him, according to investigation.

The 57-year-old husband, Juan Antonio Garcia, suspected that Bohrsicajau was cheating on him with a co-worker, the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office said.

On the night of December 8, Garcia attempted to woo his wife in their bedroom. The victim rebuffed his attempt and he became enraged and decided to kill her. He retrieved a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her multiple times in the neck, face, and chest, and she bled to death, prosecutors wrote.

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The victim leaves behind six children, all who live in Guatemala with their grandmother, prosecutors wrote.

Khazar and Nima Momeni facing civil trial after murder verdict

Garcia allegedly changed out of his bloody clothes, left the knife in the kitchen sink, and fled from the crime scene. He later called police to turn himself in.

The accused killer is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Wednesday to face murder charges. He is being held in custody with no 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 KRON4.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  School Superintendent Marie Feagins narrowly escaped an ouster by the Memphis Shelby County Schools board Tuesday, and faces another vote when they take it up next month.

Many were perplexed on why the school board, which just hired Feagins in February, now wants her gone. The boards resolution listed three issues given as a reason to recall the superintendent.

MSCS board postpones vote on Feagins future until January

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One of those issues may have caught the attention of Feagins or someone in her administration, weeks ago.

Thats when SchoolSeed, a foundation that supports the school system, says a $45,000 donation they sent to MSCS at the school systems request was suddenly and unexplainably returned.

The money was for a Summer Leadership Institute for principals. The donation was mentioned in the school boards resolution to terminate Feagins.

Shes the one initiated the SchoolSeed transfer, board member Towanna Murphy said. She sent the letter to finance. Has finance send the letter to SchoolSeed to get the check. So she initiated that. And when it came up four months later, she acted like she didnt know. She said she just found out.

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Feagins said it was an oversight by one of her staff members to request the donation money without board approval, when any donation over $15,000 has to be approved by the board.

As Superintendent, Feagins says she took ownership.

Tired of all the bull crap: MSCS Board split on delaying superintendents contract vote

We sent the funds back because it was not worth public scrutiny, Feagins said. The funds still sit with SchoolSeed, still available to be used for Leadership Development week as they were allotted.

SchoolSeed declined a request for an interview, but its CEO told us they regularly send checks to MSCS or pay for something directly when funds are needed. They say they have no input on the procedures on who is informed about funding requests.

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SchoolSeed has proudly partnered with MSCS to raise private funds for the districts Annual Leadership Institute at the request of MSCS, the group said in a statement. All funds raised were directed to the district to facilitate their immediate application towards this impactful program.

But it was enough to raise the ire of some school board members, along with claims that Feagins misrepresented employees misuse of overtime, and was dishonest about the availability of federal grant funds.

Those were the reasons some board members want her out. But it was evident, Feagins still has supporters.

I dont have any concerns. I trust her. They hired her to do the job. I dont have any concerns because guess what. Give her a fair chance, said school advocate Sarah Carpenter.

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Feagins also says she has been transparent with board members about missing the deadline for a federal grant. She says she meets weekly with every board member who agrees to do so.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Mt. Juliet man pleaded guilty Tuesday to assaulting law enforcement during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said 41-year-old Nicholas Waldon Smotherman pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Dec. 17, in U.S. District Court to felony assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, which carries a penalty of up to eight years in prison. His sentencing date is set for April 23, 2025.

PREVIOUS: Mt. Juliet man arrested in connection with Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection

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According to court documents, Smotherman was identified among a crowd of rioters on Jan. 6, 2021, on the Upper West Plaza of the U.S. Capitol grounds. Shortly before 2:30 p.m., a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers body-worn camera captured Smotherman wearing body armor as he stood in front of the bike racks and a police line on the southwest side of the plaza.

The DOJ said Smotherman could be seen on the bodycam footage next to a group pulling on the bike racks, appearing to advance toward an MPD officer. Police commanded the rioters to move back, but they pulled the bike rack barricades to the ground. Meanwhile, Smotherman moved forward toward the police line, approached an MPD officer, and pushed the officer with both hands.

Officials said the officer attempted to push Smotherman back using a baton, but Smotherman stood upright and yelled, Hit me with it again. When the officer tried again, Smotherman grabbed the officers baton and attempted to pull it away while yelling, Ill f take this and Come out here b. The officer prevented Smotherman from taking the baton while another officer deployed pepper spray, which made Smotherman retreat.

DOJ: No undercover FBI agents were present for Jan. 6, countering conspiracy theories

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Soon after, rioters overran the police line on the Upper West Plaza, so officers retreated to the Lower West Terrace, the DOJ said. Then, a large crowd of rioters gathered in and around the entrance to the Lower West Terrace Door, which officials referred to as the Tunnel, calling it the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement on Jan. 6, 2021. Smotherman was identified in and around the Tunnel.

More than three years later, the DOJ announced the FBI arrested Smotherman on Aug. 2 in Hermitage.

According to officials, this case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and the DOJ National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Tennessee. The FBIs Nashville and Washington field offices investigated the matter, receiving help from the U.S. Capitol Police and the MPD.

After investigating Jan. 6, House GOP sides with Trump and goes after Liz Cheney

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In the 47 months 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 U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony, the DOJ said in a statement, adding the investigation remains ongoing.

If you have any tips about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, you can call 1-800-225-5324 or follow this link.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Well thats un-fare.

The MTA approved a $1.27 billion order of 435 new subway cars  including 80 open-gangway cars  then OKd a plan to raise subway and bus fares to $3-per-swipe.

This is a good deal, MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said Wednesday of the price hike, after approving a budget plan that aniticipates a 4% hike in fares from the current $2.90 by the second half of 2025.

The MTA approved a $1.27B purchase of new subway cars  including 80 European-style open-gangway cars  then had the gall to vote on a plan to raise subway and bus fares up 4% to $3 per swipe. Matthew McDermott

The MTA board will have to formally approve the hike next year.

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We are way cheaper than other major world cities, Lieber said.

But the coming hikes met immediate blowback from critics who scoffed at the big spending alongside the fare hikes and a new Manhattan business district congestion toll that goes into effect on Jan. 5.

Chicago Transit bought 400 cars for $632 million pre-pandemic, City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island) said.

So given the MTAs incompetence factor, multiplied by their waste, abuse and mismanagement, paying only double a few years later seems par for the course, he added. Congestion pricing was supposed to solve all these capital shortfalls, but apparently now it wont.

This is a good deal, MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said Wednesday of the price hike, which will take effect in the second half of 2025. Getty Images

The MTAs current five-year plan assumed a routine increase of 4% in 2025 and another 4% increase in 2027  which would mean fares of about $3.14. Meanwhile, commuters on wheels are slated to shell out $9 at the start of the congestion toll, which will balloon to $15 in the coming years.

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The Miserable Transit Authority strikes again, raiding the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers with their congestion tax scam and endless fare and toll hikes, City Council Member Robert Holden (D-Queens) said in a statement.

Instead of rooting out waste and abuse within their bloated system, they keep the grift alive at our expense, he added. This is pathetic, unacceptable, and New Yorkers deserve better.

The MTAs current five-year plan assumed a routine increase of 4 percent in 2025 and another 4 percent increase in 2027  raising a single ride ticket up to about $3.14. James Keivom

But it remains to be seen if the latest crunch on commuters will have any ramifications at the ballot box for Gov. Kathy Hochul or other pols with elections a ways off, insiders said.

Unfortunately, the fiscal needs of the MTA and the political fortunes of mayors and governors rarely converge favorably, Democratic political strategist Jake Dilemani told The Post.

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Straphangers and commuters will feel the pinch even more, Dilemani added, but it is unlikely this fare increase will have political repercussions when voters head to the polls for mayor next year and governor in two years.

The $1.27 billion package is set to add 355 modern R211 subway cars, plus 80 more that include the European-style open-gangway trains.

Those doorless trains are set to debut in 2027 and eventually replace all R44 trains on the Staten Island Railway and the orange-and-yellow R46 subway cars used for decades on the A, C, N, Q, R and W lines. The new trains will also usher in the replacement of the R68s used on the B, D, N and W lines.

G-line straphangers will be able to ride the accordion cars starting early next year, the MTA said.

The latest crunch on commuters comes on the heels of the MTAs Monday announcement of a $1.27 billion package to add 435 modern R211 subway cars, some of which include the accordion-style door-less open-gangway trains. Matthew McDermott

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At least two five-car open gangway trains from the C line will be transferred to the G line in the first quarter of 2025  and riders will have about a one-in-five chance of riding an open gangway car.

This latest order is putting the MTA closer towards its goal of fully modernizing the system, MTA Chief of Rolling Stock Tim Mulligan said in a statement. The R211s are state of the art and less prone to breakdowns, which means smoother trips for tens of thousands of New Yorkers and more reliable service for decades to come.

The accordion-style R211 trains, first rolled out on the C line earlier this year, are part of a generational upgrade to our subway fleet, NYCT President Demetrius Crichlow said at a Monday MTA board meeting, and the benefits are huge.

Crichlow acknowledged the wider doors, better signage, displays and the presence of video cameras to improve the safety of our customers and employees.

Transit crime is down more than 6% citywide, according to NYPD data  and Lieber blamed current subway crime on people that are mentally ill. Christopher Sadowski

Transit crime is down more than 6% citywide, according to NYPD data  and Lieber blamed current subway crime on people that are mentally ill.

Where we continue to have challenges is because of whats going on with criminal justice, Lieber said. The fact that someone thinks they can just get on a train and stab someone.
Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rand Paul floated naming Elon Musk as speaker of the House.

Musk could become speaker, given there are few requirements for the job.

Republicans backed Mike Johnson to retain the gavel in November, but that vote isn't binding.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia joined a growing effort on Thursday by saying she would consider supporting Elon Musk being the next speaker of the House.

"I'd be open to supporting @elonmusk for Speaker of the House," Greene wrote on X. "DOGE can only truly be accomplished by reigning in Congress to enact real government efficiency."

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Greene, who has repeatedly tussled with Speaker Mike Johnson, said electing the Tesla CEO as speaker "could be the way" to send a major message to those who want to continue business as usual.

"The establishment needs to be shattered just like it was yesterday," said wrote.

House Republicans voted unanimously last month for Johnson to be their candidate for speaker. But that closed-door result is not binding, as evident by then-Rep. Kevin McCarthy's struggles in early 2023. The entire House will vote in January on the next speaker.

Johnson is facing major unrest among his colleagues after Musk, President-elect Donald Trump, and others effectively blew up a bipartisan deal to avoid a government shutdown that included a number of unrelated provisions to entice Democrats to support it.

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Greene tried to oust Johnson in May. But according to Politico reporter Olivia Beavers, she was planning to support Johnson in January.

"Not too long ago, Rep. MTG was telling me she was planning to back Speaker Johnson," Beavers wrote on X.

The US Constitution outlines few requirements for to become speaker of the House. Musk or anyone else would not need to be an elected member of Congress to serve as speaker.

Greene quoted a separate post from Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, which kicked off the effort to make Musk for one of the most powerful jobs in Washington.

"Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk . . . think about it . . . nothing's impossible (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka 'uniparty,' lose their ever-lovin' minds)," Paul, a Republican, wrote on X.

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Paul's comment is reminiscent of previous efforts to push now-President-elect Donald Trump as speaker. Then-Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican, voted for Trump during the initial days-long stand off that ended up with Johnson as speaker.

As the world's wealthiest person, Musk would have unprecedented power in the unlikely event he were to become speaker  posing a multitude of conflicts of interest. The speaker of the House is also part of the so-called "Gang of 8," a group of top congressional leaders regularly briefed on highly classified US intelligence. While Musk is known for his tendency to plow himself into his work, the day-to-day duties as speaker of the House are considerable.

Musk would also have to give up one powerful aspect of the speakership: the ability to become president. Musk was born in South African to non-US citizens, making him unable to satisfy the US Constitution's requirement that only "natural-born" citizens can become president.

In this event, the House Speaker would not be second in line of succession after the vice president. Instead, the president pro tempore of the US Senate would move up. The president pro tempore is often the senior most member of the majority party, meaning it will likely be Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who is 91.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Americans are expected to spend more on Christmas gifts than last year, landing around $980 billion, according to a new WalletHub report.

A recent Gallup poll also says holiday spending will increase this year; most recently Americans estimated holiday spending will cost them over $1,000 this year.

Meanwhile, credit card debt is also soaring as the average household credit card debt is $9,706, an increase of over 5% from last year, according to WalletHub. And, according to a recent survey by CouponBirds, nearly half of parents surveyed nationwide expect to go into debt to purchase Christmas gifts for their children.

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WalletHub calculated an ideal holiday budget for hundreds of U.S. cities. Here's a look at their recommendations, plus how much Wisconsin families are estimated to spend this year on holiday gifts.

RELATED: Thousands of shoppers fall victim to holiday scams every year. How to avoid them in Wisconsin

How much are Wisconsin parents spending on gifts for children?

Average amount parents in each state expect to spend on holiday gifts for children, according to a CouponBirds survey.

Wisconsin parents expect to spend an average of $507 per child on Christmas gifts, according to CouponBird, an online coupon finder.

The website surveyed 2,500 parents nationwide for the report. Wisconsinites, on average, said they would spend slightly more than the national average of $461 per child.

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The top-spending states were New Jersey and Texas at $712 and $659 per child, respectively. South Dakota and West Virginia, meanwhile, were on the other end of the spectrum, with parents planning to spend $247 and $255 in each state.

Shoppers walk around Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa.

What is the average recommended holiday budget in Milwaukee?

According to the WalletHub report, the average recommended holiday budget in Milwaukee lands at $1,169 this year. That's slightly less than for shoppers in Waukesha, whose budget should ideally stay under $1,711.

Here are WalletHub's average recommended budget for other Wisconsin cities:

Appleton : $1,554

Madison : $1,523

Eau Claire : $1,471

Kenosha : $1,470

Green Bay : $1,437

Oshkosh: $1,341

Top highest holiday budgets by city:

Source: WalletHub

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These are the top average recommended holiday budgets by city, according to the WalletHub report.

Newton, MA: $4,206 Sunnyvale, CA: $3,845 Palo Alto, CA: $3,719 Mountain View, CA: $3,715 Milpitas, CA: $3,659 Bellevue, WA: $3,550 Flower Mound, TX: $3,541 Fremont, CA: $3,483 Carmel, IN: $3,424 Santa Clara, CA: $3,419

RELATED: Travelers are changing holiday plans to save money. Tell us how youre traveling this year

RELATED: European-style Christmas markets in the Milwaukee area and beyond for 2024

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How much are Wisconsinites spending on Christmas 2024?
They lined up in the drive-thrus and inside at the counter on Saturday. Thousands of people throughout Central Texas bought shakes, cheeseburgers, chicken bites, veggie burgers, chicken burgers, egg burgers, fries, cookies, banana bread ... and even the not-so-secret off-menu grilled cheese.

Together the community raised $46,113 during P. Terry's Burger Stands' Giving Back Day in support of the Austin American-Statesman's Season for Caring. It was the biggest one-day donation P. Terry's has given to date. The locations saw a 25% increase in sales from last year because of community members' commitment to help their neighbors.

This is the 16th year the local burger stand has given to Season for Caring, which highlights the needs of local families and the nonprofits that support them.

April Oliver, a P. Terrys Burger Stands runner and cashier, takes orders to customers' cars Saturday, which was when P. Terry's donates the revenue from that day's sales to Season for Caring.

"We see the entire community go to P. Terry's to support the umbrella that Season for Caring offers," said Patrick Terry, the co-founder of P. Terry's. "You do so much good throughout the community."

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Since 2009, P. Terry's has given Season for Caring $471,911 through its quarterly Giving Back Day, which gives 100% of that day's profits. The giving has grown and spread as P. Terry's has grown. From one location on Lamar Boulevard in 2005, P. Terry's now has 28 Central Texas locations, seven in and around San Antonio, and one in the Houston area. It expects to open two more locations in the Houston area next year.

Giving Back Day now extends to helping organizations in the San Antonio and Houston areas, tied to the profits at those stores during the designated days. On Saturday, around Texas, Giving Back Day raised almost $60,000.

John Strappazon eats Saturday at the P. Terrys location on West William Cannon. P. Terry's Burger Stands' Giving Back Day raised $46,113 in support of Season for Caring.

P. Terry's staff members get excited by these Giving Back Days, and they watch the sales reports and text each other the good news, said Marisa Garcia, the vice president of culture at P. Terry's. "It's exciting," she said. "Like right now, we're doing wonders."

They also go with their own families and friends to their local P. Terry's to do their part to give back that day, she said.

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It was always a goal of P. Terry's to be able to give back. One of the first checks was given to a Boys & Girls Club down the street from the old P. Terrys office, and the check was for a couple of thousand dollars. Patrick Terry remembers how the clubs representative cried when he got the check. That made a lasting impression of what a difference a Giving Back Day check could make.

An Austin American-Statesman Season for Caring flyer is delivered with a meal at P. Terrys Burger Stand on West William Cannon on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2024 in Austin.

P. Terry's uses a selection process each year to pick the four organizations in each community that will benefit that year. The committee continues to choose Season for Caring for its December designated day in Central Texas because of the reputation the program has built and because it's a really simple way to give to a variety of nonprofits in one program, Terry said.

"The fact that they can go to P. Terry's and grab a burger, fries and a milkshake, I can't think of anything simpler to help the community," he said.

This weekend's check to Season for Caring will help Meals on Wheels Central Texas, Community Action of Central Texas, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, Interfaith Action of Central Texas, Any Baby Can, Austin Palliative Care, Breast Cancer Resource Center, Foundation Communities, Foundation for the Homeless, Hospice Austin, SAFE and Wonders & Worries.

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These Season for Caring nonprofits will help the featured families first, but then the donations will help hundreds of other families with basic needs such as rent, groceries, utilities, medical bills and transportation throughout the year.

Season for Caring is raising money and in-kind donations through Jan. 31. Now through Dec. 25, the Sheth family is matching all funds up to $500,000.

Season for Caring families also have needs for plumbers, roofers, tuition, car repairs, gently used vehicles and more. To find out how you can get involved, read the stories in the Statesman and at statesman.com/seasonforcaring, or email nvillalpando@statesman.com if you have a service to donate.

Statesman Season for Caring logo

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About Season for Caring

The Statesman will be sharing the stories of all 12 Season for Caring families throughout the holiday season. Find more stories and information at statesman.com/seasonforcaring.

All donations are being matched up to $500,000 by the Sheth family through Christmas Day. You can donate online or use the coupon on Page 2B and mail it to Austin Community Foundation, c/o Statesman Season for Caring, 4315 Guadalupe St., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78751. Make checks payable to Statesman Season for Caring.

Use the form below or click here: https://statesmansfc.kimbia.com/statesmanseasonforcaring

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: P. Terry's helps Statesman Season for Caring families
Ohio hospitals will soon be asked to disclose the cost of medical care they provide to patients.

State lawmakers on Wednesday approved legislation that requires hospitals to post a list of standard charges for their services, with and without insurance. They must also publish the cost for at least 300 shoppable services, which include surgeries and other non-urgent care that can be scheduled in advance.

Hospitals that don't want to provide a price list for shoppable services can instead offer an online price estimator. They won't be allowed to sell patients' personal data from the estimator or use it for targeted advertising.

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'Not simple math': Cincinnati region's hospitals charge wide range for care

"We're actually going to be guaranteed price lists, and those price lists are going to allow people to shop," Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville, said. "Being able to shop increases competition, should increase quality, should lower prices and ultimately should just serve the people of Ohio."

Wednesday's vote came after months of disagreement between House and Senate lawmakers over the best approach to hospital price transparency. The original bill provided protections for patients regarding medical debt and would have allowed them to submit complaints about hospitals.

The version approved is similar to federal requirements, although a recent report found just 21% of hospitals were in full compliance. But Ferguson contends Ohio's policy has more teeth: The Ohio Department of Health must fine hospitals in violation and publish a list of those that don't play by the rules.

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Ohio hospitals are committed to providing patients with information to help them make decisions regarding healthcare services. the Ohio Hospital Association said in a statement.

See who made the list: 4 Greater Cincinnati hospitals named 'best' for maternity care by U.S. News

The measure now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine's desk. PatientRightsAdvocate.org founder Cynthia Fisher called on DeWine to sign the bill, saying it would make Ohio the first in the nation "to require that hospitals publish upfront prices in dollars and cents."

"By passing this strong price transparency bill, Ohio legislators ignored special interests and stood up for Ohio health care consumers who for too long have been blinded to prices and forced to pay for care with a blank check," Fisher said.

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Haley BeMiller covers state government and politics for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio lawmakers approve hospital price transparency policy
Is Assads fall from power going to lead to the further dismemberment of Syria? What are the wider consequences for the Middle East?

First, its important to recognise the true dynamics behind this geopolitical shockwave.

Irans supreme leader Ali Khamenei blames the US and Israel for overthrowing Bashar al-Assad. Indeed President Joe Biden has proudly taken credit for what happened in Syria. Thats great for his legacy perhaps, but far from the truth. In reality, Biden tried to obstruct Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus decisive campaign against Iran and its proxies  especially Hezbollah  which was directly responsible for the fall of Assad.

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Instead of the US, Israels partner in ousting Assad was Turkey. Whether there was any coordination between the two we can only speculate, but it was president Racip Erdogan that unleashed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which Turkey sponsors with Qatar, to spearhead the drive on Damascus.

The future of Syria is going to be influenced by Israel and Turkey beyond all other forces. The two countries are far from friends, but both have national security interests in Syria. Until Netanyahu ordered the shattering of Syrias military hardware last week, the country had for decades represented the greatest direct conventional threat to Israel. Courtesy of Assad, Syria was also the principal supply route from Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Unlike Netanyahu, Erdogan has broader designs on the Middle East, including, at least in his minds eye, the resurrection of the Ottoman caliphate. He has close ties with Qatar and Sunni jihadist groups in the region, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which themselves may now gravitate further towards Ankara as Iran descends: an increasing threat for Israel and many of the Arab countries as his regional power strengthens.

More immediately the 3.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey are politically problematic for Erdogan and he wants them sent home.

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But his highest priority is ending the idea of a Kurdish autonomous region in northern Syria, which he sees as a direct threat to Turkey given the pressures over Kurdish separatism in his own country. There are indications now that Erdogan is winding up for a major assault against the Syrian Kurds.

Significant though they are, the Kurds are just one part of a complex ethno-religious patchwork of rivalry and often deadly antagonism, which includes Sunnis, Shia, Alawites, Druze and Christians. It is unlikely HTS leader Al-Julani will be able to re-unite a long-fractured country any more than Assad could.

Turkey may move to crush the Kurd-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). They will certainly put up a fight, but their future will be more in doubt if President Trump makes good on his apparent intent to withdraw US troops from northern Syria with whom they are allied. The SDF were mainly responsible for the destruction of the Islamic State caliphate in Syria. Fighting against Turkey for their own survival, they would have no capacity against Isis, which could re-emerge more strongly.

Russia  with Iran  kept Assad propped up, but is now in the process of a forced reboot of its strategy in Syria. It seems unlikely Putin will be in a position to help protect his Alawite allies should they come under fire.

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Iran has pulled out, but will not have given up on its malevolent designs for Syria despite this catastrophic setback. Tehran has so far avoided direct criticism of HTS and may well be seeking to cultivate a longer term relationship or alternatively shift efforts to destabilise the new government. Neither is beyond the cynical machinations of the ayatollahs.

Beyond Syria itself, what might be the consequences of Assads involuntary relocation to Russia?

Islamist opposition groups in Jordan could take inspiration from Julanis power grab. Its also possible that HTS and other jihadists in Syria could set their sights on the Hashemite Kingdom. Their goal is the Islamic radicalisation of the Levant. Although perhaps temporarily in abeyance, and with the group fully occupied trying to flex its muscles over Syria, in time that aspiration is likely to return to the fore.

Ammans problems dont end there. Iran has long been working to destabilise Jordan and following the loss of Syria that will now become a higher priority. Israel, the US and the UK each have vested interests in Jordans stability. Israel in particular has been a life-preserver for the country and is more than ever sharply focused on preventing the downfall of King Abdullah.

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While Iran looks to bring down the King, the ayatollahs have themselves just become more vulnerable. One of the major deterrents to uprising against the regime was the unspeakably bloody 14-year civil war in Syria, which cost hundreds of thousands of lives. The opposition in Iran might now become emboldened by a combination of Tehrans weakness at the hands of Israel and the inspiration of a virtually bloodless revolt in Syria. If the incoming Trump administration frees Israels hands to destroy Irans nuclear programme in the coming months, that could become the tipping point that results in regime change in Tehran.

Like the fall of Assad, the end of the ayatollahs would be a net gain for Middle East security. But the rise of Erdogan, with his own Islamist agenda, could develop into the next major challenge for this turbulent region.

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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN)  One person is in custody after an early morning reported pursuit turned stand-off in Butler County.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones reports a vehicle reportedly involved in a pursuit beginning in Clermont County made entry into Liberty Township around 3:10 a.m. The individuals inside of the vehicle allegedly have a violent criminal history.

Sheriff Jones said the vehicle was reportedly found in the 7300 block of Linn Road in Liberty Twp., but those from the vehicle are said to have entered a residence and refused to leave when prompted to by law enforcement.

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Upon the arrival of the Butler County Regional SWAT Team, it helped assist in conducting a search warrant of the property,

According to Jones, one person was taken into custody. The Sheriffs Office also claims a fully loaded weapon was found inside of the alleged vehicle, according to the release.

Doesnt matter which patch is on what uniform, said Jones. The Butler County Sheriffs Office will help when called.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON (NewsNation)  Some Democrats are blasting billionaire Elon Musk and his influence on the incoming administration after President-elect Donald Trump derailed a bipartisan congressional spending deal, seemingly at Musks request.

Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders blasted the SpaceX and Tesla CEO on Wednesday, calling him President Elon Musk and adding, Billionaires must not be allowed to run our government.

It comes after Trump told House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Republicans to essentially renegotiate days before a deadline when federal funding runs out.

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Musk whipped up outrage toward the bill and cheered on Republican lawmakers who announced their opposition.

Rep. Boebert: Republicans shouldnt vote on CR bill based on Musks threats

How much influence does Musk have?

Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance called for Republicans to approve a clean stopgap funding bill paired with a hike to the debt ceiling, saying the previous government funding measure negotiated by Johnson should be torpedoed.

The episode showcased the growing political influence of Musk, whom Trump has selected alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, cut programs and reduce regulations.

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Things seemed to be on track with the CR until Musk posted on X and Trump and Vice President-elect Vance all came out against the spending bill.

A handful of prominent Trump allies and advisers earlier Wednesday urged lawmakers to reject the spending proposal and suggested those who support it should face consequences.

Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years! Musk posted on X, the social media platform he owns.

Musk later suggested no new legislation should pass until Trump takes office, effectively endorsing a government shutdown just ahead of the holidays.

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Ramaswamy also posted a lengthy message criticizing the size and scope of the funding bill.

CDC reports first severe case of human bird flu in US

Democrats say Musk, not Trump running GOP

Several lawmakers told NewsNation that Musk was the catalyst that prompted strong opposition. His actions also led some lawmakers  nearly all Democrats, along with a few Republicans  to question whether Musk holds too much influence over the legislative process.

All of a sudden, we have an outside influence who believes, I think he is president, and thats President Musk, who has not (been) elected, has no authority, and trying to really upend what the services are to the American people, said House Appropriations Ranking Member Rep. Rosa DeLauro.

Johnson searching for clean CR

Johnson is now searching for a backup plan to fund the government before Fridays shutdown deadline.

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Hes considering a clean CR that would drop many of the extra provisions in the 1,500-page bipartisan spending bill that was previously negotiated, including more than $100 billion in federal disaster aid, The Hill reports.

This comes amid next months speakership race. Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie said he wont back Johnson for a second term, putting his position in jeopardy heading into the new Congress.

The Hill and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Just two days before a planned Christmas break, Speaker Mike Johnson is facing down the threat of a government shutdown and demands from an incoming president that he cannot easily deliver on.

Yesterday, Trump ally Elon Musk banded with conservatives in the House and outside influencers to effectively tank a bipartisan government funding deal that included disaster aid and billions in farm assistance.

The complaint? That Uncle Sam was spending like a drunken sailor and needed to tighten the purse strings quickly.

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But then Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance dumped gasoline on the fire. In a lengthy post on X, they criticized Johnsons continuing resolution deal as a betrayal of our country, and demanded that Johnson raise the debt ceiling or eliminate it entirely.

Increasing the debt ceiling is not great but wed rather do it on Bidens watch, said the joint Trump-Vance statement. Lets have this debate now. And we should pass a streamlined spending bill that doesnt give [Senate Majority Leader] Chuck Schumer and the Democrats everything they want.

The request for a debt ceiling hike blindsided many on Capitol Hill. But it didn't come out of nowhere, we're told.

Privately, Trump pushed Johnson to quickly raise the debt ceiling since the election, hoping to clear the decks for his post-inauguration sprint. The speaker, POLITICO has learned, refused to take the request seriously  probably because he knows any debt ceiling increase would mean major concessions to Democrats, which could in turn mean kissing his speaker's gavel goodbye.

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Johnsons not wrong about that: Even before Trump made his debt ceiling demand, some conservatives were so peeved with the CR that they were threatening to oppose Johnsons bid for speaker early next year. Are those members really going to get behind a snap debt ceiling hike just because Trump said jump?

But from the perspective of Trumps circle, if Johnson had heeded Trumps advice from the start, the president-elect would have protected him from any conservative blowback, allowing him to emerge with his gavel intact. Now, Trump and his brain trust feel frustrated that Johnson gave away concessions to Democrats without giving Trump the debt ceiling hike he wanted.

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The Elon factor

Johnson probably wouldn't be in this position if it weren't for Musk, who spent all day Wednesday stoking rage on the right over Johnson's deal.

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There was little evidence Trump cared much about the CR before that, and POLITICO has learned that Trumps team was aware of the contours of the deal and did not object. It was not a matter of debate during Saturday's Army-Navy game discussion, which focused mostly on reconciliation. And we're also told Republicans passed off the details of the deal to those close with Trump.

The most prominent theory of what happened yesterday is this, according to multiple Hill Republicans: Musk, as the anointed co-chair of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency panel, got out over his spending-slashing skis and backed Trump into a corner.

Senior Hill Republicans are peeved that Musk  whom they see as an ally in cutting government waste starting next year  began making demands that are impossible to placate with a Democratic president and Democratic Senate still in control. His tweeting against the bill  often with totally false accusations  further complicated what was already a difficult whip count.

Under this theory, Trump got caught flat-footed as Musks opposition spread like wildfire, igniting the right  and thus had to chime in with his own concerns.

What now

Johnson is in a bind, to say the least.

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On the one hand, hes struck a deal with Democrats that is all but dead. It seems unlikely he can scrounge up enough votes to get the bill through a two-thirds suspension vote, which would involve allowing Democrats to overwhelmingly carry the vote, which  again  is not great for his speakership prospects.

But hes also out of time to potentially re-negotiate something new. Funding runs out Friday night at midnight. Traditionally, these sorts of negotiations take weeks. And, by the way, raising the debt ceiling will prompt conservatives to demand further spending cuts, only prolonging talks.

Among Hill Republicans, no one seems to know the way out. Johnson cant just freely give Trump what he wants  a debt ceiling increase  without Democratic buy-in, given they control both the Senate and White House. And remember, past debt ceiling negotiations have gone along with long-term spending cap deals, where Democrats have keenly protected their own interests in non-defense discretionary spending. Would Trump (and Musk) be okay with Johnson doing that for Democrats?

At the same time, Hill Democrats have zero interest in helping bail Johnson out, even as some of them privately feel bad for him given that hes tried to negotiate in good faith only to get railroaded by Musk, a tech billionaire-slash-political-novice who very clearly has zero idea how Capitol Hill works.

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Schumer was on the floor huddling with his members amid the chaos last night telling them that this was the company line: We have a deal with Republicans, and were sticking with it. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries tweeted something similar.

The problem for Johnson is that Musk and his Twitter cronies are threatening to essentially primary Republicans who back a typical end-of-year spending bill before Trump is even in office. And even as primary threats are likely to get old fast with Hill Republicans, moving forward, Johnson will have to placate not only Trump, but also Musk  the man some Republicans in Trump world half-jokingly call President Musk or Vice President Musk, who is now firing off tweets and breaking things a la Trump circa 2017.

It all adds up to this: The chances of a government shutdown are now dramatically greater, given the ticking clock. But as always, the holiday jet fumes will mean lawmakers wont want to be here all that long. Dont bet against a little Christmas miracle.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy pressured Republicans to scrap their bill to keep the government funded.

The US government is now set to shut down early Saturday morning if Congress doesn't act.

A shutdown would furlough thousands of federal workers, impacting programs many Americans rely on.

The US is once again on the brink of a government shutdown following intense pressure from President-elect Donald Trump and his newly created DOGE commission.

It would mean federal workers are temporarily out of work, and Americans could experience slowdowns at airport security and customer-service delays for programs like Social Security. During the last government shutdown under Trump, national parks shuttered and flights were delayed or rerouted because of limited transportation staffing.

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The possibility of a shutdown starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday comes after the House of Representatives seemed poised this week to approve a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through March. However, following intense criticism on social media from Trump and the leaders of his new Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, House Republicans scrapped the bill.

They took issue with the inclusion of a range of items in the bill that they said were not relevant to government funding, including pandemic preparedness and a pay raise for lawmakers.

Ramaswamy posted on X on Wednesday morning that the bill is "full of excessive spending, special interest giveaways & pork barrel politics."

Musk also wrote on X on Wednesday that a government shutdown is "infinitely better than passing a horrible bill."

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Trump and his vice president-elect, JD Vance, released a joint statement Wednesday saying the resolution would "give Congress a pay increase while many Americans are struggling this Christmas."

Now, Congress must find a new funding solution in just over 24 hours, leaving Americans on the brink of the first government shutdown since 2018. Here's what that could mean.

What happens in a government shutdown

Every federal agency is required to prepare for a government shutdown by creating contingency plans to submit to the Office of Management and Budget. Each agency outlines how it will structure its workforce in a shutdown, including how many workers it will furlough and for how long.

This means federal workers would be affected first, with many finding themselves temporarily out of work. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more severe the consequences for Americans would be, but if federal workers are furloughed, agencies will be strained to carry out their usual daily functions.

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For example, the Social Security Administration's latest contingency plan said it expects to furlough 8,103 of its 59,000 employees at the start of a shutdown. This means that while Social Security payments would still continue to reach Americans, customer service would be limited for beneficiaries dealing with payment issues.

During a government shutdown, active-duty military service members would remain on duty but may go unpaid until funding is restored. The Department of Education's latest contingency plan, from 2023, said that it would have to pause most of its grantmaking activities during a shutdown, including its review of grant applications from local school districts.

The Department of Transportation's contingency plan in 2024 said that while facility service inspections and air-traffic-controller training would cease, essential services like air travel would continue. The Department of Homeland Security's most recent contingency plan said that the Transportation Security Administration would furlough over 2,000 workers, likely resulting in longer wait times for travelers at airports.

The US Postal Service, however, would not be affected by a shutdown because it's an independent agency.

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Additionally, a 2023 brief from the progressive think tank Center for American Progress said that a number of federal programs "immediately cease" during federal shutdowns, including the processing of new small business loan applications, workplace safety inspections, NASA research programs, and federal loans to farmers.

The collapse of the previous deal means the clock is ticking for both parties to come to an agreement on avoiding a government shutdown before the weekend.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, criticized the recent government shutdown threats in a statement Wednesday.

"Triggering a damaging government shutdown would hurt families who are gathering to meet with their loved ones and endanger the basic services Americans from veterans to Social Security recipients rely on," she said. "A deal is a deal. Republicans should keep their word."

Read the original article on Business Insider
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Drones continue to dominate headlines nationally and locally, and one Dayton business is feeling the impact.

The Hobby Shop says theyve seen a surge in customers looking for drones, especially with Christmas just one week away. With the rise in popularity, store employees are reminding customers that theres a lot to learn before letting your own drone take flight.

Additional drone incursions experienced over Wright-Patterson AFB

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With recent drone sightings as close as Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Hobby Shop feels an even greater responsibility to inform customers about safe flying, especially since some drones dont have an age restrict to operate, nor do they require a pilots license.

The Hobby Shop has sold drones for years, but this holiday season is different.

Drones are popular. We do have a lot of people that are inquiring, especially with it being in the news now, said Randy Kastl, president of the Hobby Shop. Its one of those things where they may have forgotten about it, and now its kind of brought it back to the forefront.

The store offers all types of drones, in the form of airplanes, helicopters and even quadcopters with built-in 4K cameras. The Hobby Shop says many of their customers are new to the drone world when they come in.

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Most of them are just looking for something interesting. They are a lot of fun. Its as if you are flying without having to be a true pilot, said Kastl.

Many of these drones weigh under 249 grams, so the FAA does not require a pilots license or registration to fly them. However, with some people breaking the law and flying over WPAFB, the Hobby Shop is taking their job of education even more seriously.

We want to make sure that our customers are following the FAA guidelines. We want to make sure our customers are safe. Thats the most important, said Kastl. And if its under the 249g, then we let them know that there are specific areas where they still, even with that, they cannot fly still within certain zones in certain areas.

They also encourage customers buying larger drones to join local flight clubs.

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But even with the FAA guidelines, Kastl says the recent drone sightings over classified sites show that enforcing these regulations is a big issue.

There is no way to economically, realistically, go and find people with receivers because these receivers, transmitter systems only typically transmit for one mile, said Kastl.

And Kastl has seen the effect of these broken regulations firsthand.

Unfortunately, the people who are suffering from this are the hobbyists who have done this for a long time. Theyre the ones that are paying the price, said Kastl.

If youre buying a drone this holiday, the Hobby Shop recommends shopping local for expert support, repair parts and safety advice, especially if youre a beginner.

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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 WDTN.com.
Following a series of drone sightings in New Jersey last week, unidentified drones have now been observed near the NAS Joint Reserve Base and Lockheed Martin facilities in North Texas.

According to investigators speaking to NBC DFW, residents and police officers began reporting drone activity after 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The drones, flying approximately 100 feet in the air, were seen in White Settlement, near high-profile military sites. Witnesses observed them in various groupings, sometimes flying in clusters of six, and at other times in pairs or trios.

The sightings continued for two hours with some reports coming from federal law enforcement, NBC DFW reported.

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Kind of concerning, especially with all the national narrative, White Settlement Police Chief Chris Cook told NBC DFW. I think people are just kind of in tune with whats been going on in the northeast.

Drones spotted near Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. White Settlement Police Department has notified... Posted by DFW Scanner on Wednesday, December 18, 2024

United States government officials and citizens are already on high alert after more than 5,000 drone sightings have been reported across the country over the last month. Despite the volume of reports, the FBI says it has uncovered nothing nefarious since the deluge of sightings across the Northeast began fueling concerns about national security and airspace safety.

In a joint statement, the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, FAA, and the Pentagon confirmed they have received around 100 tips regarding these sightings. The Biden administration has deployed advanced detection technology and trained visual observers in the region to investigate the reports and analyze technical data.

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"The sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and stars mistakenly reported as drones," the statement said. "We have not identified ... a national security or public safety risk."

Who owns the air space in Texas?

The airspace above your property is primarily regulated by federal law, with the Federal Aviation Administration overseeing navigable airspace, which is considered a public highway. This includes airspace above 500 feet in uncongested areas and 1,000 feet in congested areas. However, property owners still retain certain rights to the immediate airspace above their land.

With the rise in drone use, airspace rights have become more complex.

Drones can photograph public property without restrictions, but when it comes to private property, stricter regulations apply. Violations can result in civil action or criminal charges, although these laws are still developing and subject to judicial review, according to The Weaver Law Firm in Houston and San Antonio.

Can you legally shoot down a drone in Texas?

Because the FAA classifies drones as aircraft, shooting them down could violate several federal laws, with the most serious penalties including fines of up to $250,000 and imprisonment for up to 20 years. Drones are protected under the same laws that prevent interference with manned aircraft.

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Additionally, under Texas Penal Code  28.03, "damaging or destroying a drone could be prosecuted as criminal mischief." Penalties depend on the value of the damaged property, ranging from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony.

What to do if you spot a drone

If you spot an unfamiliar drone, do not attempt to interfere with it. Instead, contact your local law enforcement or the FAA to report the sighting. Be sure to provide details about the drones location, appearance, and any suspicious activity you observe.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Mysterious drones spotted near Texas military base, police say
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK)  The Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office said theyre searching for a man who violated his parole and is considered armed and dangerous.

3.3 magnitude earthquake strikes in Harrison County

Ray Allen Drgac, 68, was out on parole for a Nacogdoches County aggravated kidnapping from 1994 but the sheriffs office said hes violated his parole.

Photo courtesy of Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office.

Officials said that Drgac is around 5 foot and 7 inches tall and that they consider him to be armed and dangerous.

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Anyone with information on his location is asked to call Nacogdoches County dispatch at 936-559-2607.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
(Bloomberg) -- Rosmah Mansor, the wife of Malaysias former Prime Minister Najib Razak, was granted a full acquittal in her money-laundering and tax evasion case, in the latest legal victory for individuals linked to one of the countrys ruling parties.

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Malaysias High Court allowed Rosmahs application to strike out all 17 charges she faced in the trial, the Edge Malaysia reported. High Court judge K Muniandy ruled that the charges  involving 7.1 million ringgit ($1.6 million)  were bad in law, according to the report.

This is what I call justice, and this is the kind of justice that everybody should have, Rosmah told reporters outside the courthouse. Its not just a birthday gift to me, but also a gift to bossku, she added, referring to her husband by his nickname which translates to my boss.

The decision adds to the list of legal wins for individuals connected to the United Malays National Organisation, a scandal-tainted party that Najib once led and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim counts on for support. And its poised to deepen disillusionment toward Anwar, who rose to power in 2022 promising reforms and an end to corruption.

Prosecutors last week withdrew their appeal against UMNO President and Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidis graft acquittal. A Malaysian High Court also dropped last month one 1MDB-related case against Najib, who remains influential in the party despite being behind bars. Rosmah, Zahid and Najib were charged in court when Mahathir Mohamad was prime minister. Anwar has denied interfering in their cases.

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The prosecution said it will appeal Thursdays decision, according to the Edge. Rosmah is separately appealing her guilty conviction over a graft case and faces a lawsuit over luxury goods allegedly linked to 1MDB.

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Under the visionary leadership of Executive Director Davie Tucker, the Metro Human Relations Commission has launched the Humans Over Hateinitiative  a bold and transformative response to the rising tide of hatred in our nation.

This initiative seeks to dismantle the corrosive forces of fear and bigotry, rebuild trust in civic life, and reimagine our community as one rooted in hope, justice, and hospitality. As president of American Baptist College, I stand in proud support of this effort, which has the potential to become a national model of resistance against hate and a powerful testament to the strength of human connection.

At the heart of this initiative are Hospitality Tables, intentional spaces for Nashvillians to gather for dialogue, reflection, and action. These tables are arenas of courage, where individuals confront the erosion of public trust and the venom of hate groups.

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They call us to reimagine civic life by grappling with profound questions:

Who are we as a community?

Who am I on this journey toward justice?

What values will guide our collective future?

Love can transform an enemy into a friend, Dr. King reminded us

In a time when our politics are fractured by vitriol, domestic terrorism is on the rise, and global conflicts deepen, these Hospitality Tables offer a countercultural response. With the mantra No Hate on My Plate guiding these experiences, they serve as sacred spaces for reflection, healing, and hope. Here, citizens wrestle with essential questions:

Metro Human Relations Commission held the inaugural Randy Rayburn Friendsgiving dinner at the Nashville Farmers' Market on Nov. 21, 2024. Commission Executive Director Davie Tucker addresses the gathering.

What would a Nashville look like that honors the dignity and justice every citizen deserves?

How am I connected to the fabric of our common humanity?

What public policies can lead us toward justice, equity, and flourishing?

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History has shown us that hatred is destructive not only to individuals but to the soul of a community. Hate is bad business.

Opinion: During the holidays, Americans can choose hope or hate. Here's what that means.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. His vision of love and justice as the antidote to fear resonates deeply today.

Fear, a primal driver of hatred, has become weaponized in our national discourse, fueling the rise of racial hate groups, antisemitism, and xenophobia. These forces pose existential threats to democracy and the moral fabric of our society.

Hospitality is an antidote to fear and hatred

Yet history also offers hope. During the Civil Rights Movement, African American families opened their homes and churches as sanctuaries of hospitality. These spaces of radical welcome confronted hate with the transformative power of love and community, shrinking fear in the presence of courageous hospitality. Todays Hospitality Tables can evoke a similar spirit.

Metro Human Relations Commission held the inaugural Randy Rayburn Friendsgiving dinner at the Nashville Farmers' Market on Nov. 21, 2024.

Philosopher Martha Nussbaum, in her book, Monarchy of Fear, reminds us: Where you fear, there too you will hope. Hope, she argues, is the necessary partner to fear, transforming it into energy for change. In this light, hospitality becomes an act of defiance against fear and hate  a deliberate invitation to encounter, understand, and create a better community.

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Imagine a city where hospitality is not just a value, more than a conservative or liberal non-partisan civility, but a guiding policy  a Nashville that ensures hospitality and justice, equitable access to healthcare, safety, and education; and a city where justice is the measure of progress.

Achieving this vision requires us to confront fear-driven politics, dismantle barriers of anger and blame, and replace division with collective healing. Hospitality Tables offer not only spaces for emotional dialogue, but also platforms for transformation where stories of struggle and resilience are shared, and public policy is shaped with empathy and vision.

Forrest Harris

The Humans Over Hate initiative calls us to reject fear and embrace the challenge of building a beloved community defined by love, justice, and hope. In these sacred spaces, we can reclaim our shared humanity, resist the forces of hate, and chart a course toward a flourishing future for all.

Let us gather, listen, and act courageously. Together, we can ensure that Nashvilleand ultimately our nationbecomes a beacon of hospitality and justice, proving that love and community are the ultimate weapons against hate.

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Forrest E. Harris is president of American Baptist College in Nashville, Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Justice and hospitality are at the root of Humans Over Hate | Opinion
Mayor Freddie O'Connell on Wednesday announced his appointments to the board formed earlier this year to oversee development along Nashville's East Bank.

In a news release, O'Connell announced that he'd be appointing the following individuals to the authority:

Emily Lamb, a land use and development attorney, will be appointed board chair with a term ending in June 2029.

Brian Reames, a partner with Magnolia Investment Partners, will serve on the board through June 2025.

Kaitlin Dastugue, chief operating officer of the Civic Design Center, will serve on the board through June 2026.

Mona Hodge, an associate principal architect with Smith Gee Studio, will serve on the board through June 2027.

Hal Cato, the CEO of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, will serve on the board through June 2028.

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While the Nashville Council had to vote to approve forming the authority to oversee work on the East Bank, the mayor's appointments don't require that group's approval.

Im grateful for each appointees willingness to serve on what will be a critical authority that ensures continuity of work and progress along our East Bank, OConnell said in the release.

With that, the nine-member board is filled. Besides O'Connell's appointments, the Nashville Council is responsible for selecting two appointees. O'Connell's group joins attorney Scott Tift and Nathaniel Carter, the director of workforce and employment with Stand Up Nashville, who were elected to the board at the council's Nov. 7 meeting. Tift received the most votes from council members and thus will serve on the board through June 2027, while Carter's term runs through June 2026.

The final two members of the board are the speakers of the state House and Senate, or their designees, who will serve as voting ex officio members.

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O'Connell's office said Thursday that the next step will be for O'Connell to name a CEO of the authority, and according to Wednesday's release the authority's first meeting is expected to be announced after the start of 2025. The legislation establishing the authority calls for the mayor to appoint the first CEO, while each subsequent CEO will be appointed by the board of directors.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville mayor appoints 5 members to East Bank Development Authority
Dec. 18ROCHESTER  A national education organization has filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, accusing Rochester Public Schools of racial discrimination regarding its teaching staff.

Parents Defending Education filed the complaint on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The document alleges that the district has violated both the Civil Rights Act, as well as the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution by only offering some resource opportunities to teachers of color.

"Rochester Public Schools has affinity group programming for some teachers that is not open to all," the complaint reads. "The District allows only some teachers to participate in affinity group programming, mentoring and scholarship opportunities and their participation is based on their race."

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Parents Defending Education describes itself as a "national grassroots organization working to reclaim our schools from activists promoting harmful agendas." The group lists Rochester Public Schools on its "IndoctriNation Map," and has spent at least $15,000 making data requests of the district.

According to the complaint, Rochester Public Schools received a grant of $136,400 to "to support its mentorship-focused employees of Color Resource Group." The funding was issued through the Teacher Mentorship and Retention of Effective Teachers Grant.

A report from the Minnesota Professional Educator and Licensing Standards Board said RPS used the grant for stipends for mentoring teachers, as well as "for teachers from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to take part in events and opportunities for professional learning and collegial support."

The complaint also references the district's "Grow Your Own" program, which is designed to help develop more teachers from within the district rather than having to recruit them from elsewhere. One of the requirements of the program is to be a person of color.

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The complaint asks the Department of Education to "promptly investigate the allegations" and "act swiftly to remedy unlawful policies and practices."

In a statement about the complaint, Rochester Public Schools defended its practice as both lawful as well as a legitimate way to diversify its staff to match its student body.

"Research has conclusively shown that when a student of color has a teacher of color, it has powerful benefits to their academic achievement and educational experience," the district said in a statement. "We believe the benefits of the diversity of our staff apply to all other positions as well. As a result, our strategic plan seeks to develop and recruit staff from diverse backgrounds and support them once they are employed in our district. We've done so in a way consistent with the law and best practices in education and other fields."

The district's current goal is to increase "the percentage of teachers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) from 5% to 9% between 2023 and 2026."

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On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the district released a report, showing that 5.6% of the district's teaching staff are teachers of color. By comparison, more than 40% of the district's student body are students of color.

This is not the first time RPS has been accused of racial bias. In 2018, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights required RPS to submit regular reports and develop plans on how it would address issues of racial disparities.

During the 2017-2018 school year, 45% of disciplinary referrals were for Black students, even though they represented about 16 percent of the total student body at the time.

RPS was also cited in 2015 by the U.S. Department of Education for racial discipline disparities.
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP)  NATOs secretary general on Thursday visited a military training site in Bulgaria, inspecting the activities of a multinational unit set up as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Mark Rutte told reporters it was important to ensure that the alliance continues to provide military assistance, training and advice to Ukraine so that one day Ukraine will be strong enough to start peace talks and they will be from the position of strength.

The Bulgaria-based joint unit, comprised of 1,200 to 1,300 soldiers, was set up as part of NATOs commitment to reinforcing its southeastern flank against potential threats from Russia. Half of the soldiers are from Italy, while the rest including troops from the United States, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Turkey.

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The unit is expected to grow eventually to a brigade of up to 5,000 troops.

This Multinational Group is working towards growing into a brigade to support NATO security on the eastern flank and to send a clear message that we are ready to defend our countries together, Rutte told reporters.

NATO has also sent additional multinational battlegroups to alliance members Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Slovakia since 2022.

Rutte was accompanied by Bulgarias foreign and defense ministers, Ivan Kondov and Atanas Zapryanov at the military base in Novo Selo, eastern Bulgaria,

He urged all NATO allies to spend more on defense and boost their military production.
A US citizen arrested in 2023 in connection to running an overseas police station in New York City pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to conspiring to act as an agent of the Chinese government.

Chen Jinping, a naturalized US citizen who lives in New York City, faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government.

Today, a participant in a transnational repression scheme who worked to establish a secret police station in the middle of New York City on behalf of the national police force of the Peoples Republic of China has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to act as an illegal agent, US Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement following the hearing.

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Through a translator in court, Chen said he sought to remove an online article on behalf of the Chinese government in 2022. Chen read a brief statement acknowledging that he knowingly agreed with others to act as an agent for China.

His court-appointed attorney declined to comment to CNN on the plea agreement.

In the fall of 2022, Chen had an article regarding the PRC governments operation of the Overseas Police Station removed from a Chinese media outlet at the direction of a Chinese government official, the indictment said.

The FBI arrested Chen and another man in New York in April 2023, charging them with conspiracy to act as foreign agents and an additional count of obstructing justice for allegedly deleting messages with officials from Chinas Ministry of Public Security.

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At the time, federal prosecutors had charged dozens of other alleged Chinese agents with working to silence and harass dissidents within the United States.

The police station in New York was shut down after a search warrant was executed at the location in 2022, according to the US Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York.

Chens co-defendant is also in plea negotiations with the US attorneys office, according to court records.

Chen, who was released on bond after his arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced May 30. His son and daughter sat in the front row of the courtroom during the hearing on Wednesday.

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WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (ABC4)  Navajo President Buu Nygren has nominated a new attorney general after the controversial removal of the current AG by the Navajo Nation Council.

Kris Beecher, who currently serves as Nygrens deputy chief of staff, was nominated for the position in a letter sent to the council by Nygren on Dec. 18. If approved, Beecher would be the 14th attorney general of the Navajo Nation since the position was created.

I am honored and humbled to serve the people of the Navajo Nation in this capacity, Beecher said in a statement released by Nygren. I look forward to working with all three branches of the government to help the nation move forward. Thank you to President Nygren for trusting me to carry out this role, and its time to get back to work. We still have so much more to accomplish.

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PREVIOUS: Navajo Nation Council votes to oust attorney general amid ongoing controversy

Beechers nomination comes after the Navajo Nations Council removed Ethel Branch, who had served as the Navajo Nations attorney general since 2023 and had previously served as the nations 11th attorney general from 2015-2018.

Her removal came after a report cleared Nygren of sexual harassment allegations by the nations vice president, Richelle Montoya. Branch appointed a special counsel to investigate those allegations in April, however her critics said she had not done enough to investigate the claims of Montoya.

In Nygrens nomination of Beecher, he expressed frustration with the removal of Branch, saying, We made huge strides towards justice for our Navajo people, that is who they terminated. I know appointing Kris Beecher as AG, he will continue to keep making those strides for our people. Hes been right there with us and knows what needs to be done.

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They are the worst, Navajo Nation sues AZ county over voting obstacles

Though Beecher has been nominated for attorney general, he still has to be voted on by the Navajo Nation Council to be appointed. According to section 1962 in Title 2 of Navajo Nation Code, the office of the president will make a recommendation to the council and the council will then appoint an attorney general.

Nygren said within his statement that until Beecher is rejected or appointed by the council, Heather Clah, deputy attorney general, will remain the acting attorney general and run the Navajo Department of Justice.

ABC4.com has reached out to the Navajo Council for comment on the recommendation of Beecher, but did not receive a response at the time of publishing.

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SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  A Navarre man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after he was sentenced in connection with a 2023 deadly shooting, according to the Office of the State Attorney First Judicial Circuit of Florida.

UPDATE: MCPSS teacher placed on administrative leave

The State Attorneys Office news release said Aubrey James Luker was sentenced to prison after a Santa Rosa County jury found that he was guilty of first-degree premeditated murder.

Aubrey James Luker. (Santa Rosa County Jail View)

Luker was sentenced on Wednesday, Dec. 18 in connection with the 2023 murder of Toby Hill.

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News 5 previously reported that authorities said Luker shot and killed Hill on Salamanca Street on April 7, 2023. Court documents said Luker approached Hill from behind and shot him in the back of the head with a .380 caliber handgun.

Active duty marine arrested in connection with body found in Mobile: Escambia County Sheriffs Office

Luker was sentenced to life without parole in state prison for the murder, according to officials.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Northrop Grumman has released a new rendering of the U.S. Navys future E-130J aircraft to support the Take Charge And Move Out (TACAMO) mission. TACAMO is a critical component of Americas deterrent posture and involves providing airborne command and control support for nuclear ballistic missile submarines, including being able to send orders to them to launch strikes while submerged. Aircraft that support nuclear missions like TACAMO are commonly called Doomsday planes.

The rendering was included in a press release this evening from Northrop Grumman announcing its selection to lead the conversion of Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 cargo planes into new E-130J configuration. The E-130J contract covers three Engineering Development Models (EDMs) and options for up to three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) and up to six aircraft in the first lot of production, the U.S. Navy said in a separate release. The deal is valued at $3,459,276,000, according to the Pentagons daily contracting notice. The E-130Js are set to replace the Navys Boeing 707-based E-6B Mercury aircraft, which currently support the TACAMO and U.S. Air Forces Looking Glass Airborne Command Post missions.

One of the US Navys existing E-6B Mercury aircraft. DOD

Lockheed Martins famed Skunk Works advanced projects divisions, as well as Raytheon (though its Collins Aerospace subsidiary), Crescent Systems Inc., and Long Wave Inc., are also part of the Northrop Grumman-led team. In November, Lockheed Martin, via the Navy, released pictures, one of which is seen below, showing the cockpit section of the first C-130J-30 destined to become an E-130J.

Lockheed Martin via USN Kathy Hieatt

The C-130J-30 is a stretched version of the baseline C-130J cargo aircraft. The new Northrop Grumman rendering shows the E-130J will have a large satellite communications (SATCOM) dome on top of the forward end of the fuselage, similar to the one found on the current E-6Bs. Past renderings showed the dome at the rear end of the top of the fuselage.

A previous rendering of a C-130J-30-based TACAMO aircraft from Lockheed Martin. Howard Altman

The top of the fuselage is dotted with various other antennas, as well, which makes sense given the robust and secure communications suite the TACAMO aircraft must carry. A pair of spike antennas are also seen under each wing. These are also found on the Mercury jets, as well, and are tied to high-frequency communications arrays.

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A significantly extended landing gear sponson is visible on the left side of the aircraft in the new E-130J render. This is a unique modification that could have multiple uses, from helping to cool onboard electronics to housing antenna arrays. The bottom of the aircraft is not visible, but past renderings have shown additional blisters for downlink antennas needed to connect with ground entry communications points.

The rendering also shows the E-130Js most visibly unique feature, a pair of long trailing wire antennas with drogues at the end for the aircrafts very low-frequency (VLF) communications system. Those antennas are miles long and TACAMO aircraft have to fly slow, steep, tight circular patterns when they are in use so that the tips fall vertically down. This is the system used to communicate with submerged submarines, which you can read more about here.

Another look at the new E-130J rendering with the various antennas and other features visible. Northrop Grumman

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Before the introduction of the E-6 series at the very end of the Cold War, the Navy actually used specially modified EC-130G and Q aircraft to perform the TACAMO mission. The arrival of upgraded E-6B jets in the 1990s led to the consolidation of the TACAMO and Looking Glass missions.

The smaller E-130J will allow for more distributed operations from a larger number of airfields. The Navy has also cited a variety of other cost, logistics, maintenance, and training benefits as driving its decision to return to a C-130-based platform in the past, as you can learn more about in detail here. C-130 variants, including multiple subvariants of the J model, are in widespread use across the U.S. military, and with allies and partners. The E-6Bs were converted from some of the last 707s ever produced. As noted, the larger and higher-performance Mercury jets currently perform two mission sets, TACAMO and Looking Glass, as well.

Northrop Grumman has invested more than $1 billion in digital engineering and manufacturing capabilities that will assist in rapidly designing, building, testing, and sustaining the E-130J, Northrop Grumman said in its release. The effort will incorporate Northrop Grummans technology leadership in advanced manufacturing, agile design, digital engineering and weapon system integration expertise to take advantage of Day One readiness across the Northrop Grumman-led industry team.

It is also important to note here that the current plan is for the E-130J to supplant the E-6B only when it comes to the TACAMO mission. How the Air Force will continue to meet its Looking Glass mission requirements is not entirely clear, though its future fleet of Boeing 747-based E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) could help meet those needs, at least to a degree.

A rendering of the future E-4C SAOC for the US Air Force. SNC

Today is a tremendous day for the future of naval aviations contribution to our nations nuclear deterrence mission, Navy Capt. Adam Scott, head of the Navys Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271), said in a statement. With the selection of Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation as the prime contractor for the TACAMO Recapitalization Program, we are ready to move out with developing this critical asset. In carrying on the legacy of the E-6B Mercury, the E-130J will ensure our nations leadership is always connected to its nuclear forces for decades to come.

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Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nations nuclear Triad, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said in a separate statement. The E-130J will carry on the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO aircraft and keep our nation safe.

With the contract to Northrop Grumman today, the Navy has now fully embarked on a path to fielding its next Doomsday planes.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  Governor-elect Josh Stein announced on Wednesday over a dozen new leadership members for the Governors Office. This follows his announcement of his new cabinet leaders.

RELATED: NC Governor-elect Josh Stein announces new cabinet members

Here are short biographies of the members of his leadership team:

Seth Dearmin, Chief of Staff

Seth has been Chief of Staff at the North Carolina Department of Justice since 2017. Before that, he ran Governor-elect Josh Steins successful 2016 campaign for Attorney General and led various initiatives for political, corporate and non-profit clients of Nexus Strategies, a public affairs consulting firm.

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Dearmin formerly worked on the Attorney Generals staff of now-Gov. Roy Cooper and for the University of North Carolina General Administration under then-President Erskine Bowles. Seth is a native of Pinnacle and served as Student Body President of his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Seth and his wife have a young son.

Jasmine McGhee, Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor

As Senior Deputy Attorney General at the North Carolina Department of Justices Consumer Protection Division, Jasmine led the departments consumer protection and antitrust work. Prior to this role, she led the offices Public Protection Section which focused on educating North Carolinians about scams and fraud.

Jasmine has served on the states Human Trafficking Commission, Governors Crime Commission, and was the staff lead for the Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice. Before joining the AGs office, Jasmine was a white-collar investigation and litigation lawyer at WilmerHale in Washington, D.C. and K&L Gates in Raleigh. She is a proud alum of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and obtained her law degree from Columbia. Jasmine hails from Durham, and she and her husband have two young daughters.

Laura Brewer, Deputy Chief of Staff and External Advisor

Laura is Deputy Chief of Staff at the North Carolina Department of Justice. In that role, she led the departments policy and communications work, while also overseeing the legislative and information technology functions. Laura also helped create and deliver the More Powerful NC public education campaign centered around opioid addiction and treatment.

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Before her time at the Department of Justice, she worked at Capstrat, a communications agency, where she led work on health care, energy, and regulatory issues for public and private-sector clients.

She also worked in the U.S. Senate offices of Elizabeth Dole and Richard Shelby. Laura is a graduate of Mary Washington College and Johns Hopkins University. She and her husband live in Raleigh and are the parents of twins.

Christie McNeill, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Operations Officer

Christie has served as Executive Director of the Transition Team for Governor-elect Josh Stein. Prior to that, she spent over 10 years at McKinsey & Company, most recently as a partner in the financial services practice where she advised clients on a range of strategic topics.

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She has been a leader at startup businesses and worked on education reform at the New Jersey Department of Education. A native of Greensboro, she earned her undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her MBA at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Christie and her husband have two young daughters.

Sarah Boyce, General Counsel

Sarah is the Deputy Attorney General and General Counsel at the North Carolina Department of Justice. Prior to her current role, Sarah was Deputy Solicitor General. Before joining NCDOJ, Sarah helped found the Washington, DC office of Munger, Tolles & Olson and is a graduate of Davidson College and Duke University School of Law.

She clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and for Justices Sandra Day OConnor and Stephen Breyer on the U.S. Supreme Court. Sarah also served as a Bristow Fellow at the U.S. Department of Justice. She is a native of Belmont, and she and her husband have two young sons and a new daughter.

Tiffany Lucas, Chief Deputy General Counsel

Tiffany has served in the North Carolina Department of Justice since 2017, as Deputy General Counsel and as a Special Deputy Attorney General for the offices Education Section. Before joining NCDOJ, she worked in the Georgia Office of the Attorney General and at Alston & Bird and Kilpatrick Stockton law firms. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Harvard Law School. Tiffany and her husband live in Cary and have one daughter.

South Moore, Deputy General Counsel

South has served in the North Carolina Department of Justice since 2021, most recently as Deputy General Counsel. Before joining NCDOJ, he clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.

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He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke Law School. Moore grew up in Murfreesboro and now resides in Raleigh with his fiance.

Jonathan Krebs, Western North Carolina Recovery Advisor

Jonathan will serve Governor-elect Josh Stein as the Western North Carolina Recovery Advisor. For the past 20 years, Jonathan has worked with residents, governments and communities to rebuild from nearly every major disaster since Hurricane Katrina.

He has led the design and implementation of programs that restore housing, infrastructure and small business. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Business Administration. Jonathan and his wife have two sons.

David Webb, Intergovernmental and Outreach Director

David served as the Political Director for Attorney General Josh Steins campaign for Governor. An eastern North Carolina native, David developed and executed a successful political outreach plan to engage voters across North Carolina. The coalition groups he built included business leaders, faith leaders, women, Republicans, law enforcement, farmers, educators, students, and veterans from all corners of the state.

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He previously served as Regional Director for US Congressman Don Davis and Deputy Political Director for Cheri Beasley for NC. David taught high school social studies at Southwest Guilford High and earned his undergraduate degree from UNC Greensboro. He and his wife Kelsey Webb live in Zebulon.

Kate Frauenfelder, Communications Director

Kate served as the Communications Director for Attorney General Josh Steins campaign for Governor, sharing Governor-elect Steins vision for a safer, stronger North Carolina with voters across North Carolina. She previously worked for the North Carolina Democratic Party as its Communications Director. A native of Durham and daughter of two educators, Kate earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives in Raleigh with her fiance.

Tracy Lovett, Office of Constituent Engagement Director

Tracy currently serves as the Director of the Office of Public Engagement and Inclusion for the North Carolina Governors Office. She previously worked for Congressman David Price in the US House of Representatives for 22 years, including as Director of Outreach and Senior Advisor. Lovett holds a bachelors degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Jacqueta Rascoe, Boards and Commissions Director

Jacqueta is an experienced leader and Director of Boards and Commissions for the North Carolina Governors Office. In addition to her public service, she is a licensed massage and bodywork therapist with a passion for holistic wellness, serving as an active board member of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association. A Fayetteville native, Jacqueta is dedicated to fostering well-being in mind, body, and spirit. Jacqueta balances her professional endeavors with her most cherished roles as a wife and mother to her two young children, Jordyn and Jaxon.

Louise Warenda, Operations Director

Louise is joining the Governor-elects team from the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, where she served as Operations Manager. Prior to contributing to the success of RTRP, Louise was the Office Manager and Assistant to the CEO of Capstrat. Louise is a native of Wilson, and a graduate of North Carolina State University. In her spare time, she helps run the Triangle-based 50 Group, and is an active member of St. Michaels Episcopal Church. Louise is married and is the proud mother of three beautiful daughters.

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Nearly 2,000 dangerous dogs have been seized this year amid a new ban on XL bullies, with 818 being put down, according to reports.

Since February it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption certificate, meaning unregistered pets can be taken and owners possibly fined and prosecuted.

In the first eight months of 2024, 1,991 suspected banned dogs were seized, up from 283 in 2023, according to 19 police forces in England and Wales that replied to BBC freedom of information requests.

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Supt Patrick OHara, of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), said: The cost of kennelling and veterinary bills alone currently stands in excess of 11 million and is expected to total over 25 million by the end of the financial year.

He said the new legislation had placed huge additional demand on our resources.

Before the XL bully ban was introduced, there were 120 dog liaison officers across England and Wales. However, Mr OHara said since then more than 100 additional officers and staff had been redeployed from other areas to support the dangerous dog response.

He added: We have not yet received any additional funding to support us in dealing with this additional demand which we predict will continue to rise since the government brought in the ban on XL bullies.

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We will always uphold legislation and act robustly to keep our communities safe from threats, of which dangerous dogs continue to present a significant one.

Alongside this, we are working hard to encourage responsible ownership, ensuring people are aware of the types of dogs they are bringing into their homes and what is involved in taking on a dog of any breed.

Suspected dangerous dogs are often kept in kennels pending a decision by the courts on their destruction.

Initial projections were that there could be as many as 10,000 XL bullies in the UK, but by the time the database closed for registration this stood at more than 55,000, the NPCC said.

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The BBC reported that the chiefs of the 43 police forces in England and Wales want a change in the law to give officers alternative ways of dealing with people found in possession of dangerous dogs, including being able to caution responsible owners who may have unwittingly bought an XL bully, while still having strong powers to tackle illegal breeders and persistent offenders.

Of the 25 forces that replied to BBCs requests for information, 22 said they were on course to see more reported incidents this year.

More than half of the police forces that responded also said their kennels were full or near capacity.

A Government spokesman said: The ban on XL bullies is an important measure to protect public safety, and we expect all XL bully owners to comply with the strict conditions.

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We continue to work with the police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to prevent dog attacks by encouraging responsible dog ownership across all breeds of dog, addressing dog control issues before they escalate and using the full force of the law where needed.

A High Court judge said earlier this week there was sufficient evidence of an alarmingly high level of fatal attacks by XL bullies to justify the Governments concerns about the dogs.

Mrs Justice Beverley Langs comments came after XL bully owner Sophie Coulthard and the campaign group Dont Ban Me, Licence Me, took legal action against the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs over the new restrictions.

Campaigners argued that the ban was unlawful, claiming it was based on unreliable material, lacked a proper analysis of its impact and included vague standards that risked people unknowingly committing a criminal offence.

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However, in a judgment on Tuesday, Mrs Justice Lang dismissed most of the legal challenge and said that issues, including defining the right types of dog and the human impacts of euthanasia, had been considered by Defra.

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Nearly $7 million in newly awarded federal funding will reclaim mine land in Dickson City and Blakely, preparing both sites for future development.

The state Department of Environmental Protection announced Tuesday that it awarded $6,716,080 to Lackawanna County commissioners to reclaim the Dickson City Pile  a sprawling mountain of culm around Jackson, Walker and Jermyn streets in the borough. Those Dickson City mine spoils will be removed and transported to Blakely to remediate issues from former mines on both sites, curing both properties of mine hazards and readying both of the affected properties for development, according to an email forwarded from Sandra Opshinsky, grants manager for the Lackawanna County Department of Planning & Economic Development. The Blakely land slated to receive the mine spoils sits behind the Peckville Assembly of God Church on Business Route 6 and above the residential homes between Theresa Street and Keystone Avenue.

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Abandoned mine spoils from Dickson City will be relocated to Blakely to level off mine scarred land, as seen on Wednesday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Former mine land in Dickson City slated to be reclaimed and potentially converted into housing using more than $6.7million in federal funding. (SEAN MCKEAG/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Former mine land in Dickson City slated to be reclaimed and potentially converted into housing using more than $6.7million in federal funding. (SEAN MCKEAG/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Abandoned mine spoils from Dickson City will be relocated to Blakely to level off mine scarred land, as seen on Wednesday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Abandoned mine spoils from Dickson City will be relocated to Blakely to level off mine scarred land, as seen on Wednesday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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The state gave the county $800,180 in January for the design and engineering of the project, bringing the total grant funding to just over $7.5 million, Opshisnky said, noting that the newly awarded funding is the complete amount she requested in the grant application. The county contracted with Archbald-based KBA Engineering for the design and engineering of the project, she said. Lackawanna County is responsible for all grant processes, reporting and compliance for the project through its Department of Economic Development, she said.

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Businessman Alpesh Al Patel owns the properties in Dickson City and Blakely, according to Opshinsky.

Als Motel LLC purchased the Dickson City land last year for $500,000 from Albert Dubas of Olyphant, according to a property transaction recorded May 2, 2023. Patel signed an accompanying mortgage as a member of Als Motel LLC. That same day, Patel purchased the Blakely land from Dubas Enterprises Inc. for $150,000.

Patel proposes to build housing on the Dickson City land, said Gary Wilding, project manager at KBA Engineering.

Wilding was unsure of Patels plans for Blakely.

Patel, who owns the Dunmore-based Als Quick Stop chain of convenience stores, said in an email Wednesday that while there are numerous ideas and details regarding the final project, it is too early to discuss them comprehensively.

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Im excited about the potential future development of this property and the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of the community, Patel said.What I can say is that Im eager to see this land transformed into something that revitalizes the entire area.

To remediate the mine land in Dickson City, work will involve removing the spoils, grading the land, installing stormwater controls and implementing erosion and sediment controls, Opshinsky said. The Blakely property will receive the spoils and be graded for development, she said.

The goal is to use the culm from Dickson City to fill in the land in Blakely, Wilding said, noting some of the spoils will remain in Dickson City to help level off that site.

However, because the pile essentially acts as a sponge, the project will also entail upgrading Dickson Citys stormwater system to account for the removal of the pile, Wilding said.

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KBA is now working on initial stormwater management controls, with both sites requiring National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits because they disturb more than an acre of land, he said.

Thats a big nut to crack for a project this size, he said.

There is not yet a complete timeline for work, he said.

In total, the DEP awarded about $19.6 million on Tuesday for environmental restoration of eight abandoned mine lands across the state as part of the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program, according to a news release from the DEP. The funding is through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has invested more than $700 million into reclaiming Pennsylvanias abandoned mines since 2022, the DEP said.

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Pennsylvania has the largest inventory of abandoned coal mines in the country, needing roughly $5 billion for reclamation and stream restoration, and to date, the state has rehabilitated more than 151,000 acres of the roughly 288,000 acres of abandoned coal mines throughout Pennsylvania, according to the DEP.

Reclaiming abandoned mine land is a crucial endeavor, restoring both the environment and communities in the Commonwealth, while simultaneously creating jobs and bolstering the economy in both the short- and long-term, DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley said in a statement. These grant recipients are taking on projects to pave the way for meaningful efforts in improving water quality, fostering ecosystem recovery, and revitalizing communities for a greater quality of life for Pennsylvanians.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD/WLNS)  Before it adjourned for the day Thursday, the speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives ordered the Sergeant at Arms, and potentially the Michigan State Police, to round up members and lock them in their Capitol chamber.

House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, issued the rare call of the House after the 54 Republican members and one Democrat decided not to show up for votes. The absences left 55 representatives available to vote, one less than the group needs to be able to do any business.

The Michigan Legislatures lame duck session was scheduled to wrap up Thursday, but on Thursday afternoon, House Democrats adjourned until Tuesday, Dec. 31.

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House Republicans have not returned after walking out during the Dec. 13 session, saying Democrats were refusing to negotiate on tipped worker wages. The minimum wage for tipped workers is set to increase to $12 an hour on Feb. 21, after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in July that a ballot initiative approved by voters in 2018 should go forward.

Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit, is the lone Democrat who walked out. She was reportedly in Lansing Thursday, unlike many GOP members who held morning news conferences in Midland and Kalamazoo. Earlier this week, Whitsett said she was staying home until the speaker allocated more money to local districts.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has accused the lawmakers of acting criminally. In a social media post Wednesday, Nessel said House Republicans refusing to show up is criminal.

Michigan lawmakers stall amid lame-duck session

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Article IV of the Michigan Constitution defines the role of the Legislature and how it is to be constituted. The chief purposes of the Legislature are to enact new laws and amend or repeal existing laws, she wrote. What Rep. Whitsett and the MI House Republicans have chosen to do today is literally criminal.

She later posted saying that attorneys who intentionally dont show up to court are subjected to 93 days in jail or a $7,500 fine.

Why our elected lawmakers should be held to a lesser standard when they fail to fulfill their duty to appear for session is a mystery. Michigan residents deserve better, Nessel wrote.

Thursday morning, speaker-elect Matt Hall, R-Richland, held a press conference at 600 Kitchen & Bar in Kalamazoo. He said the attorney general has no authority over the Legislature, but the Legislature has ways to reign in what he calls using lawfare to go after innocent people.

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House Republicans, were not going to be bullied by the attorney general, he said. Were a separate branch of government. Were the legislative branch, and under Michigans laws and constitution, we have the authority to look at her budget. We set her budget. Her office is out of control, so theres a lot of changes that were going to have to make to her budget to stop her from going after innocent Michiganders time after time after time.

He said Republicans wont show up until there are negotiations on the expected changes to the tipped wage and minimum wage. He said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, has shown she is open to negotiating, but without the involvement of House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, any compromise would be dead on arrival.

Her and I could negotiate a deal, and we will negotiate a deal next year, he said. But if I negotiate a deal with her we still need Joe Tate, the House speaker to perform this year. And what hes done over and over is gone back on deals, made commitments and failed the people of Michigan.  Next year, well get the deal done with leader Brinks and well save the restaurant industry.

Advocates for the tipped wage raise, including One Fair Wage, the national group behind the ballot initiative, say it will help reduce poverty, wage theft and workplace harassment. Those against the raise, including Save MI Tips, which organized a rally in September that drew in hundreds of servers and bartenders from across the state, say itll mean lower overall wages, fewer server jobs and higher prices for customers.

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Brinks in a statement said she was deeply disappointed.

I am deeply disappointed that the House of Representatives called it quits while so many great pieces of legislation were ready for the green light. Legislators are tasked with the responsibility of using every tool available to advocate for their constituents and communities, and frustrated is too light of a word to describe my dismay that the House failed to meet its obligations in this historic moment, Brinks said in the statement.

The Michigan Senate is still in session, and we have the opportunity to do good  a lot of good. In the coming hours, residents can count on us to act on key items that will protect the states children, improve on-the-job rights for workers, and more.

This week was expected to be a free-for-all for Michigan House Democrats, who had one last chance to pursue their priorities before Republicans take over next month. Democrats are set to lose their 56 to 54 majority, with Republicans holding a 58 to 52 advantage in the new year. Democrats will still have control of the state Senate and the governors mansion.

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 News 8s Rick Albin contributed to this report.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Northeast Tennessee legislators know recovery from Hurricane Helene is going to be a long haul, but they also agree now is the time to press hard advocating for state dollars to flow from Nashville.

Its something that everybodys working on, and I hope that when we get into the legislative session well be able to get some relief to this area, Fourth District Representative Renea Jones (R-Erwin) told News Channel 11 Tuesday after a meeting with Farm Bureau representatives.

Court rules that Sullivan Co. teacher fired in 2021 must be reinstated

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Jones, a freshman lawmaker who took office less than six weeks after the Sept. 27 disaster, represents Unicoi County and a large portion of Carter County  two of the hardest-hit, and economically distressed, parts of the region. She said shes grateful for the quick response by Gov. Bill Lee in opening up a loan program (HEAL) that local governments could tap into in the disasters immediate aftermath.

Theres still more needs, Jones said, adding that counties like Unicoi and Carter didnt have money lying around before the flood. And its definitely not there after the flood. Bridges are not cheap, roads are not cheap, schools are not cheap and the counties are having to foot that bill upfront before FEMA can step in. Our road departments, they need funding and theyre footing the bill right now. So we just need to get that money to them as soon as we can.

Damaged infrastructure in Erwins industrial park. (Photo: WJHL)

Both Jones and Sixth District Rep. Tim Hicks (R-Gray) say the devastation likely merits a dip into state coffers that Hicks, whos about to begin his third term, said are pretty flush.

We have a huge rainy day fund, Hicks said as he took a break from completing work on an Appalachia Service Project-funded housewhich should be ready by Christmas for a flood victim whose home was destroyed Sept. 27.

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We need to make sure that were taking care of Tennesseans, and thats exactly what the legislature and what the governor wants to do, Hicks said.

He and Jones both said theyve spoken with lawmakers from across the state  a number of whom have made the trip east and pitched in personally to help on the innumerable projects that are stacked up  and theyre confident the will is there.

They really want to do anything they can to try to help, Hicks said. They understand that this is one of the biggest catastrophes that ever happened to Tennessee, and they truly want to help us.

Hicks said the challenges are complex and involve so many different potential funding streams  while also impacting individuals and businesses in addition to local governments  that theyll probably require a special session.

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That could happen within just a few days after legislators return to Nashville on Jan. 14.

US 421 reopens between Mountain City and state line

I think that would be the best thing for us to do is to tackle this and really hit it head on so we can just focus on this. Its so important.

In addition to tens of millions of dollars in locally funded debris removal, road reconstruction and other public infrastructure expenses, the economic catastrophe is pinching homeowners, small and medium-sized businesses and farmers.

You do see a little bit of a rebuild and a little bit of repair, but theres still so much, Jones said. You wonder how are we going to ever rebound and rebuild, from our industrial park and those business owners and those people without jobs.

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At the rebuild in the Embreeville area, saws were whirring at four different new home sites, with three of them nearly done. Like so much thats been accomplished, the private sector, volunteers, donors and non-profits have borne most of that burden so far.

Two new houses built through Appalachia Service Project to replace flood-destroyed homes in Embreeville, Tenn. were nearing completion Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo: WJHL)

Hicks said many dozens of additional families are still without a home, yet many of them still have mortgages hanging over their heads for houses that dont exist anymore. Thats one of the areas where he thinks a special session is important.

A lot of the aid has an income restriction on it, Hicks said, referring to the fact that recipients have to make below a certain annual income.

Theres a lot of folks down here, hard-working middle-class folks that get up in the morning and work every day and are working today, he said. They woke up one morning and their house was completely washed away and now theyre having to pay a mortgage.

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Lenders have suspended payment in most cases, but that will come to an end at some point.

Somehow we need to help those folks get back on track because, from my perspective, Im seeing those folks really struggle, Hicks said.

I think thats where the state can step in hopefully either through grants, they can even loan some money out and get paid back through these mortgages. But were going to have to try to help the folks thats holding a mortgage right now because banks dont know what to do.

For her part, Jones said shes got a lot to learn as she begins her legislative tenure, but she knows one role she can fill immediately.

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Just standing alongside Senator (Rusty) Crowe and all the other representatives beating the pavement, saying, we need this  just being an additional voice.

Its a process and it takes time getting things in place and I know folks are frustrated, but its something that everybodys working on.

Hicks said its definitely one of his top priorities, just as it has been in his personal life as the general contractor has spent many hours volunteering around the region since Sept. 27.

Theres going to be quite a bit of funding have to come up this way so that we can carry on with our lives. We dont want to be sitting here 10 years from now in Northeast Tennessee still paying for this.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The abuse and death of Reba the Bulldog have motivated a Nevada lawmaker to push for harsher penalties for animal cruelty.

The dogs case made national news this summer after she was found inside a taped plastic tub in the extreme heat.

Reba, dog found sealed in tub in triple-digit heat, passes away

32-year-old Isaac Laushaul and 30-year-old Markeisha Foster, who were both arrested in December, each faces a felony count of willful or malicious torture, maiming, or killing of an animal, which could lead to one to four years in prison.

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In my opinion, the penalty does not fit the crime, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said during a news conference last week. Its not enough.

Man arrested in connection to death of Reba the Bulldog

Wolfson said he was one of many who have called for harsher penalties regarding animal cruelty.

Markeisha Foster, 30; and Isaac Laushaul Jr., 32, both face animal abuse charges in connection with the death of Reba the Bulldog. (KLAS)

Now, those calls could be one step closer to being answered.

Its a living being, Nevada Assemblymember Melissa Hardy said. Animals are living beings.

Las Vegas man accused of leaving Reba the dog for dead tied her outside until she got sick, report says

Hardy, who represents District 22 in Henderson, told 8 News Now she is outraged by the death of Reba.

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On December 10, she filed paperwork for the draft of legislation for harsher animal cruelty laws, nicknamed Rebas Bill.

After I saw the horrific story about Reba this summer, Hardy recalled. I was devastated, and immediately in my mind that I wanted to do something this legislative session.

No bail for suspect in torturing, killing of Reba the English bulldog

Reba, an English Bulldog found inside a sealed plastic tub in 110-degree heat, received care before she would die from her injuries. (KLAS)

John Waudby, creator of the website JusticeForReba.org, told 8 News Now he reached out to Hardy for help moving new legislation forward, as he doesnt believe current laws are enough.

Weve got to do something, Waudby said. Because its obvious the punishment is not a deterrent.

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Both people charged in Rebas death are facing the maximum penalty in our state, but other cases differ depending on circumstances.

Las Vegas community continues to push for answers after Reba the bulldogs death

Under Nevadas current animal cruelty law, a first, second, and third offense carries different potential punishments.

A person committing a first offense of animal cruelty can be convicted of a misdemeanor and sentenced to jail between two days and six months, a $200 to $1,000 fine, and up to 120 hours of community service.

A second offense could lead to between 10 days and six months in jail, a fine between $500 and $1,000, and up to 200 hours of community service.

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Las Vegas community rallies around Justice for Reba events

A third offense or severe case of abuse is considered a felony that carries a prison sentence of one to four years and a $5,000 fine.

Hardy told 8 News Now she hopes to strengthen all penalties, especially for any first animal cruelty offense.

You took the life of a living being, that was your intent, she explained. And you should be punished accordingly, with a felony, jail time.

She said she would also like to incorporate whether the abuse at hand in any case was pre-meditated or malicious.

She said its up to state lawmakers to answer the call and make sure other animals dont suffer like Reba.

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Unfortunately we cant save little Reba and we cant go back and undo what she went through, Hardy concluded. But I think by coming together as a community and as legislators, we can do some good so her memory wont be her suffering.

Laushaul and Foster remain at the Clark County Detention Center and are due back in court for a preliminary hearing on December 23.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones  in jeopardy of the Nevada bar disciplinary board revoking his license to practice law  will be allowed to present evidence to the decision-making panel of his mental state when he deleted text messages related to a controversial land development deal, documents obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators reveal.

Jones, the documents say, improperly deleted text messages from his phone to hide negotiations with then-commissioner and gubernatorial candidate Steve Sisolak concerning a decades-long dispute between the county and a developer, Gypsum Resources.

The county settled with Gypsum, in part because of Jones role as counsel for neighbors opposing the deal, for $80 million in June. The threat of losing in court with more than $2 billion on the line forced the county toward resolving the litigation.

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In an order filed by the office of bar counsel this week, the chair of the state bars panel overseeing those disciplinary hearings said the panel will not relitigate the issue of whether Jones deleted those messages from his personal phone.

In October 2022, a federal judge magistrate held a hearing and sanctioned Jones, determining that he had in fact deleted the messages.

At a hearing in November, Jones  through his attorneys  argued that the magistrate judge, Elayna Youchach, did not issue a final adjudication on the issue of whether Jones deleted the messages because she did not hold an evidentiary hearing on the matter. But, in the order, chairman Andrew Chiu, found that there is no such requirement.

Jones attorneys also argued that he did not have a full and fair opportunity to litigate the deletion issue in front of Youchach. But Chiu wrote: Although he was not a party, he had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the issues in Federal Court as he was directly involved in the proceedings, having multiple opportunities to present testimony, declarations, etc. to the allegations and hence the deletion of the text messages themselves should not be relitigated.

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The order allows Jones to introduce evidence of his mental state at the time of those deletions, indicating that Youchachs written decision that Jones deleted his messages in bad faith was not based on any evidence.

That issue as well as the determination of which Rules of Professional Conduct the Respondent violated, and the associated appropriate discipline, will be and should be decided by the Panel at hand, Chiu wrote.

Jones has a three-day hearing scheduled with the panel in March. The bar counsel has told the 8 News Now Investigators that either disbarment or a suspension of Jones law license are possible.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nevada Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro announced the Education through Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency (EDUCATE) Act which aims to facilitate a conversation about accountability across all facets of the education system during the 2025 legislative session.

The EDUCATE Act, which will cost around $500 million, is divided into five key components and includes recommendations from current and former school district leaders. educators and educator organizations, community members, and policy experts.

The five key components are:

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Qualified teachers and staff for every school and every classroom

Improving student outcomes and achievement

Giving kids a head start by expanding pre-k programs

Improved accountability measures for all publicly funded schools

Planning for the future of public education in Nevada

Qualified teachers and staff for every school and every classroom

The act plans to fund the continuation of nearly 20% raises for educators, support professionals, and school resource officers passed as part of the Nevada Legislatures historic 2023 education budget. It would also address Nevadas chronic shortage of licensed educators and support staff through the Nevada Institute on Teaching and Educator Preparation (NITEP) and the statewide expansion of highly successful Alternative Routes to Licensure (ARL) and Paraprofessional Pathways Project (PPP) programs.

It would also establish the Nevada Commission on Educator Recruitment and Retention which will replace the Nevada Department of Educations advisory task force. The new commission would identify long-term strategies to address educator workforce pipelines

Improving student outcomes and achievement

According to a release from Cannizzaro, the EDUCATE Act would require the State Board of Education to develop School Academic Achievement Plans for elementary schools that will include three-year academic, staffing, and remediation goals and plans aimed at

advancing student achievement. It would also require the Department of Education to develop plans for schools to reduce the amount of educators non-instructional time to 2% or less of the total number of annual minutes of student attendance.

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The act would establish administrator-to-teacher staffing ratios, require that all classroom-based positions in elementary schools be filled prior to the staffing of non-classroom-based positions, and limit circumstances where an elementary school is allowed to exceed existing statutory limitations on class size.

Giving kids a head start by expanding pre-k programs

The act plans to expand the states existing pre-K programs to create universal pre-K for all kids 4 years old.

Improved accountability measures for all publicly funded schools

As for public schools, the act plans to establish a School District Oversight Board, which will be a joint legislative and executive branch committee that will have new authority to oversee school districts and take remedial action if districts fail to meet certain obligations under Nevada law.

It would also mandate minimum professional qualifications for school districts when hiring superintendents and chief financial officers and grant voting rights to appointed members of the Clark County School District Board of Trustees.

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For charter schools, the act would require the State Public Charter School Authority to conduct more rigorous reviews of financial plans and the performance of charter schools. It would also reform the membership of the SPCSA to ensure members have professional expertise in a variety of management and operational practices relevant to charter schools.

Under the act, all teachers who provide instruction at a charter school to hold a license or endorsement from the Nevada Department of Education within five years.

For opportunity schools, the act ensures that all private schools receiving public funds are subject to the same math, science, and English language assessment requirements as traditional public schools. It also mandates the collection and reporting by schools of demographic and enrollment information on Opportunity Scholarship recipients.

Planning for the future of public education in Nevada

The act plans to eliminate burdensome, redundant, and unnecessary quarterly reporting requirements for some programs when data is available from other public sources. It would also charge the Commission on School Funding with several new study areas and provide the Commission with a bill draft request that will enable further implementation of needed funding, efficiency, and accountability measures to improve educator retention and student outcomes in Nevadas public schools.

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The EDUCATE Act is the result of a commitment I made a year ago to bring forward a package of education reforms that would improve outcomes for students, help us hire and retain great teachers and staff, and give parents more confidence in our educational system, Cannizzaro said. This legislation would not have been possible without the input of current and former school district leaders, educators, policy experts, and community members. We all agree that our kids deserve the best possible educational opportunities, and I look forward to a robust conversation during the legislation session about making publicly funded schools more transparent and accountable to deliver for students, parents, and our community.

For more information, click here.

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President-elect Donald Trump dined with fellow billionaires Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk at Mar-a-Lago Wednesday night - as the Amazon founder became the latest billionaire to visit Mar-a-Lago.

Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, has been appearing to attempt to end his feud with Trump, including by pulling the papers expected endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris before the election. The former CEO of Amazon was seen at the president-elects private Florida club in images shared across social media on Wednesday. He was joined by his fiance Lauren Sanchez.

Trump previously said on NBCs Meet the Press that he was planning to have dinner with Bezos.

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It was a great conversation, Musk wrote on X Wednesday night.

President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a news conference at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort on December 16. He recently met with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos at the club. (Getty Images)

Bezos, the owner of Blue Origin, a rival of Musks SpaceX, is just one of several tech leaders who have been trying to cozy up to Trump after his election victory. Both Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Google leader Sundar Pichai have visited Mar-a-Lago in recent weeks to see Trump.

Meta, Amazon and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have also donated $1 million each to Trumps inauguration.

Bezos had some run-ins with Trump during his first term over The Posts coverage of his administration. But the Amazon founder praised Trump after the assassination attempt against the former president in July.

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At The New York Times DealBook conference earlier this month, Bezos said, Im actually very optimistic this time around.

Im very hopeful. He seems to have a lot of energy around reducing regulation, he added. And my point of view, if I can help him do that, Im going to help him. Because we do have too much regulation in this country.

Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, has been appearing to attempt to end his feud with Trump, including by pulling the papers expected endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris before the election (Getty Images for The New York Times)

Bezos has also clashed with Musk in the past, but put that aside for the Trump meeting. The Tesla CEO is set to play a large part in the incoming Trump administration. Musk was put in charge of the outside commission the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Musk donated more than $200 million to pro-Trump groups ahead of the election.

Last month, Musk posted that Bezos had told others to sell Tesla and SpaceX stock because Trump would lose the election. Bezos replied, calling the claim 100 percent not true.

The dinner came as Trump and Musk both bashed a spending deal to fund the federal government put forward by Congressional Republicans, possibly leading to a partial shutdown when the deadline passes on Friday night.
Lawmakers will continue work on addressing New Hampshire's housing shortage. Here, a row of houses in downtown Concord on Dec. 18, 2024. (Dana Wormald | New Hampshire Bulletin)

New Hampshires housing shortage dominated candidate platforms this election season, from the battle for governor to the races for the state House. And it has been top of mind for many voters, polls indicate.

The reality is the public opinion is changing on this, and it is changing in the way of looking for more housing options, said Nick Taylor, the newly chosen director of Housing Action New Hampshire, a coalition of advocacy groups.

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A December UNH Survey Center Poll shows that 77 percent of Manchester residents support zoning code changes to increase housing, Taylor noted. And he pointed to an additional, statewide survey by Saint Anselm College in June that showed that 75 percent of respondents believe more housing needs to be built in their own communities.

This is really important, as we look at the legislative session, to remember that the loudest voice is not the majority, Taylor said. The majority of New Hampshire residents want action on this and they need action on this.

Now, with Republican Gov.-elect Kelly Ayotte set to take office in January and expanded Republican majorities in the House and Senate, the challenge is on to meet those expectations.

Heres what housing advocates are watching for in 2025.

Ayotte reiterates promises to reduce state approval processes

Ayotte said the voters she heard from during her campaign convinced her that the housing shortage is constraining the states growth.

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This is really about our future, Ayotte said. Its about our now and its about our future.

Speaking to Elissa Margolin, the incoming director of housing programs at Saint Anselm College, Ayotte called for an all of the above housing approach, and repeated her promises to work to streamline the approvals process for housing developers from state agencies such as the Department of Environmental Services and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

You can get stuck in one place or the other, and you can languish there for a while, she said. And we all know that if that happens, money dries up, opportunity dries up.

Ayotte also expressed support for public-private partnerships, such as one that led to a $20 million affordable housing development in Rochester. She cited similar developments in Berlin and Swanzey that she visited as a candidate.

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During her campaign, Ayotte also said she doesnt want the state to interfere with local zoning policy, a position that could put her at odds with some of the bills this year.

I believe that local voice is important in New Hampshire, so I would not want to interfere with local decision-making, Ayotte said in an Oct. 15 debate.

But Ayotte also said she is a supporter of legislation that encourages accessory dwelling units.

Lawmakers to push for assistance for affordable housing

As lawmakers enter the 2025 budget year, Taylor highlighted legislation to boost the budget of the states affordable housing fund. That fund is run by New Hampshire Housing, a public agency, and helps to provide financial backing for new developments that include rents with specific affordability criteria.

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Housing advocates will push to double the amount that goes into the affordable housing fund by increasing the contribution, Taylor said. Currently, the first $5 million collected by the states real estate transfer tax goes into the affordable housing fund; Housing Action New Hampshire will push for that to change to the first $10 million.

Advocates will also push to double the budget of the Community Development Finance Authority, which helps to fund infrastructure projects that include housing developments. That agency has a program that allows businesses to donate to designated development projects run by nonprofit organizations and receive 75 percent of that donation as a credit against their business taxes. That includes the creation of historic housing preservation tax credit.

Currently, the authority can offer businesses up to $5 million in tax credits per year; one bill next year would increase that limit to $10 million.

This would continue that and help really amp it up, Taylor said. Theres always more requests than there are resources for it, and so lets unlock that as a continued potential.

Renewed efforts for ADUs

Ever since Gov. Maggie Hassan signed a law in 2016 that allows New Hampshire residents to create one accessory dwelling unit by right, housing advocates have said more needs to be done.

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The 2016 law was intended to encourage the creation of ADUs, which often utilize existing structures on a persons property. But the law allowed cities and towns to impose a number of conditions onto the creation of ADUs, such as a high number of parking spaces, that advocates argue helps prevent homeowners from using them.

A series of attempts to expand the ADU law in the state have fallen flat in the State House. Most recently, in May, the state Senate killed a House bill that would have expanded the number of allowable ADUs to two per property, and removed many of the restrictions that towns and cities often apply to the first ADU. Senate Republicans argued it could erode property values by preventing neighbors from objecting to over-development.

But in 2025, Taylor and other housing advocates are hoping to pass a specific type of ADU legislation: a bill allowing for detached ADUs by right.

Sponsored by Sen. Dan Innis and Rep. Joe Alexander, the bill would modify the existing accessory dwelling unit statute  which requires that towns and cities must allow for attached accessory dwelling units either by right or by special variance  to also include detached ADUs.

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Communities will still have the ability to regulate certain elements of it, but lets make this process really work and start to flush out some of the pieces where were seeing roadblocks across the board, Taylor said.

Soil-based lot sizing

Many New Hampshire towns employ minimum size lots requirements, and tie those minimums to concerns about water and sewer access.

But housing advocates say the minimum acreage can be arbitrary, and not rooted in what the property could actually support. By setting a minimum lot size for all single-family homes that is unnecessarily large, towns can discourage development of small parcel homes, ideal for starter homes, say advocates.

Enter soil-based lot sizing. Proposed legislation for next year would require towns and cities to use assessments by the Department of Environmental Services to determine the minimum sizes for properties based on water and sewer needs. If the department deems that the property needs only a half an acre of space to sustain a single-family home, the city or town could not require a larger minimum lot size, the legislation states. The bill would not apply to all single-family homes, but it would require towns to apply DES standards to at least half of the single-family homes in its borders, allowing towns to designate denser areas closer to town and less dense areas further away.

(The legislation is) to say that if youre going to create lot size minimums, lets have it be based in science and what the soil can affect, as opposed to arbitrary measures around certain acreage, Taylor said.
Nine people were killed in Yemen in Israeli strikes on the western coastal province of Hodeidah, the Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah broadcaster reported.

The Israeli military said it had carried out airstrikes hitting military targets belonging to Yemen's Iranian-allied Houthi militants on Thursday after its air force had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen overnight.

Al-Masirah TV reported seven people killed in the port of al-Salif and two others at the Ras Isa oil facility.

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It also reported strikes targeting two power plants in the capital Sana'a.

Meanwhile, the Houthis said in a statement that they targeted "two specific and sensitive military targets" in Jaffa.

"The operation was carried out simultaneously with the Israeli aggression on civilian facilities in the capital, Sana'a, and the Hodeidah province, including power stations," it added.

Since the outbreak of the Gaza war last year, the Houthis have fired rockets and drones at targets in Israel and attacked ships in the Red Sea.
PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11)  Last years supersession, or takeover, of the Paterson Police Department by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkins office made big news.

It was also an embarrassing black eye for the states third largest city and Mayor Andre Sayegh.

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But in a surprise ruling, the New Jersey state appellate court put the police department back in local control when it answered the question at hand: Does the attorney general have the authority to supersede operational control of a police department without a municipalitys consent?

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The courts answer: we conclude the answer is noWe reverse the AGs supersessionand direct defendants to reassign the police chief to Patersonand restore day-to-day operational control of the PPD to plaintiffs

We challenged his authority to take over our police department. If its Paterson today, what town tomorrow? The attorney general is not elected. Hes appointed. And he doesnt know the needs of the average resident on the streets of this city, said Mayor Sayegh.

Mayor Sayegh acknowledged the police department still has a lot work to do to restore the communitys trust.

Theres no disputing the fact a series of controversial police-involved encounters  culminating with the fatal shooting of Najee Seabrooks  enraged the community and set the stage for the attorneys takeover.

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Attorney General Platkin released a statement which reads in part: We are deeply disappointed with todays ruling

Platkin added that since his office took over, murders, shootings, sexual assaults, robberies, and other violent crime in Paterson have all plummeted, while officer morale and community trust have dramatically improved.

More officers have joined the force, and community activist Corey Teague volunteered to sit on an advisory committee when the state took over.

Its not perfect, and theyll be the first to tell you. But its moving in the direction that it should, said Teague.

He believes community relations have improved over the last year and half  but in light of this ruling, he is now skeptical about the future.

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I think they just want to reverse it back to putting the rails in front of 111 (police headquarters), back to the community being afraid. Its not supposed to be us versus them, said Teague.

There is a giant footnote attached to the ruling. The appellate court stayed or paused the return to local control upon the attorney generals office filing an application for this matter to be heard in the Supreme Court. Its unclear if or when that will happen.

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  A New Mexico-based astronomer is working to answer the oldest questions about the universe, thanks to multiple grants from NASA. Daniel Carrera began his PhD in Sweden in 2012 and conducted post-doctorate work in Iowa before coming to New Mexico State University this past fall.

Why one farmers Chimayo green chile is gaining fame in the final frontier

Carrera came to NMSU with two grants from NASA totaling about a million dollars over the next four years. One of those grants will fund a study about the formation of plants around other stars titled giant planets in the first million years. The second grant will fund a study on the early solar system.

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The funding will support not only Carreras research but also a graduate student assistant and two senior scientists who will also contribute to those studies.

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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.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI)  The Northern New York Community Foundation is giving a big gift to area food pantries this holiday season.

The organization announced it will provide $59,000 in support this year to 47 local food pantries, soup kitchens, and school-based backpack programs in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Enter the 2025 Remarkable Women contest

The total support includes $40,000 to 37 organizations across the region that the Foundations Board of Directors approved as year-end aid during its December meeting. The grants will help strengthen programs and stock shelves at community food pantries and soup kitchens across the tri-county region. A total of $19,000 was awarded through that fund to 14 tri-county organizations already this year.

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Because of the commitment and generosity of community foundation donors past and present, we are pleased to provide this type of support all throughout the region, especially as we enter the holidays and winter months. We know the need continues to be great, and we are hopeful this helps cast a wide net to help those who are struggling in the counties we serve. Rande Richardson, NNY Community Foundation executive director

Pantries and soup kitchens receiving year-end support may utilize it to secure the most important supplies for their clients, including food, hygiene products, and other grocery items not available through the Food Bank.

Organizations receiving year-end grant support include:

Jefferson County

Antwerp Food Pantry

Clayton Council of Churches Food Pantry

Feed Our Vets Watertown Food Pantry

Gwens Food Pantry, LaFargeville

Indian River Baptist Church Food Pantry

Indian River Middle School Backpack Program

Jefferson Community College Food Pantry

Sackets Harbor Central School Backpack Program

St. Marys Food Pantry, Evans Mills

St. Pauls of Redwood Food Pantry

The Rohde Center, Adams

The Salvation Army of Watertown

Theresa Food Pantry

Thousand Islands Central School Backpack Program

Watertown City School District Food Pantry

Watertown Urban Mission

Lewis County

Croghan Food Pantry

Lowville Food Pantry

St. Lawrence County

Christian Fellowship Center Food Pantry, Madrid

Church and Community Program Churches of Canton

Clifton-Fine Central School Food Pantry

Free Community Meal Soup Kitchen, Star Lake

Free Will Meal Program Soup Kitchen, Canton

Gouverneur-Richville Christian Fellowship Food Pantry

Heuvelton Central School District Food Pantry

Massena First United Methodist Church Soup Kitchen

New Beginnings Clothing and Food Outreach, Madrid

Ogdensburg Snackpack Program

Parishville-Hopkinton Central School Backpack Program

Potsdam Snack Pack Program

Richville Baptist Chapel Food Pantry

Salvation Army of Massena

St. Lawrence County Community Development Program

St. Peters Outreach Ministry, Massena

Star Lake Food Pantry

Tri-Town Community Services Food Pantry, Brasher Falls

Waddington Family Resource Center Pantry

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Organizations that previously received a share of $19,000 in Community Support Fund grant support this year include:

Jefferson County

Alexandria Community Thrift Store

Cape Vincent Community Food Pantry

Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County

St. Marys Food Pantry, Evans Mills

Village Ecumenical Ministries, Carthage

Lewis County

Lewis County Opportunities

St. Lawrence County

Community Lunch Program for Kids, Norwood

Grasse River Food Pantry, Russell

Hammond Food Pantry

Helping Hands of Potsdam

Heuvelton Central School District Food Pantry

Norfolk-Raymondville Food Pantry

Massena First United Methodist Church Soup Kitchen

Potsdam Snack Pack Program

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After California's $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers went into effect in April, some economists expected affected restaurants to cut jobs. So what actually happened? They not only added workers but did so at a faster pace than fast-food restaurants in the nation as a wholeor at least that was the claim of a research paper by two labor economists at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Davis.

If you actually read it, you'll find that the results celebrated in the press release and echoed by the media aren't in the paper. In fact, it barely addresses the effect of the minimum wage increase on fast-food employment in California. It offers no numbers and no models. There's no evidence that fast-food jobs increased after the law was implemented.

The paper's findings were trumpeted as evidence that government-mandated wage increases have no adverse effect and that we should be raising the minimum wage higher and in more places.

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Only toward the end of the 25-page study is employment shown. There you'll find a graph that represents the closest thing to an argument in the paper. It shows full-service and fast-food restaurant employment in California, represented by the red line, and in the U.S., represented by the blue line, from 2023 to 2024.

(Adani Samat)

The authors state that the data are prone to sampling errors, and make an inconclusive finding that "we do not detect evidence of an adverse employment effect." But the paper's abstract neglected the fine print caution, boldly asserting, "We find that the policydid not reduce employment." The accompanying press release, which is likely all that journalists bothered to read, states that "contrary to fears expressed by restaurant groups, the wage increase did not lead to job cuts."

But the solid red line on the chart clearly shows California fast-food employment increasing more slowly than the solid blue line showing national fast-food employment, which is the opposite of the authors' claim. If they suggest anything, these data show that the minimum wage increase reduced California fast-food jobs.

(Adani Samat)

But it's still hard to make a precise estimate from the way the chart is presented. So I looked up the numbers, which tell a different story than the authors claim. Even though the paper was published in September, the chart ends in July 2024, when California fast-food employment was up 1.85 percent since March 2024 while national fast food was up 3.22 percent.

(Adani Samat)

This is a sign that the minimum wage is having a negative impact. In 2021 and 2022, national and California fast-food employment grew at nearly identical rates: 7.7 percent over the two years nationally, and 7.8 percent in California. But in 2024, growth slowed dramatically in California, and after July, employment began to decline.

(Adani Samat)

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The slowdown started a couple of months before the law took effect, but that's exactly what you'd expect because it was signed by the governor in September 2023 and management's decisions to close, open, or rebrand their restaurants would have been made in anticipation of the law being implemented.

(Adani Samat)

But there's a big problem even with my version of the chart. The data used to draw the red solid line don't only represent fast-food restaurants impacted by the law; they also include casual dining restaurants exempted from the law, such as buffets, Panera Breads, smaller fast-food chains, donut and snack shops, grocery store concessions, and most delis. If fast-food restaurants were negatively impacted by the law, we would expect some of the exempted establishments to expand to take their market share, thus adding jobs. By combining data from exempted establishments that were likely growing with data from restaurants impacted by the minimum wage increase, the negative effect of the law may be hidden in the data.

Looking at crude aggregates tells us little. But California possesses the information from employer job reports that would settle the issue. Every quarter, California employers submit a series of reports to the state giving details of each employee's hours and pay by Social Security number. The state knows everyone who worked for a fast-food operation covered by the law, and what their wages and hours were before and after the law took effect.

Another study on the same subject, "Early Effects of California's $20 Fast Food Minimum Wage" by Daniel Schneider, Kristen Harknett, and Kevin Bruey, sponsored by Harvard's Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy, used data from semi-annual surveys of retail workers in Western states. In this case, the researchers focused only on fast-food workers covered by the law, excluding exempt restaurants.

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Immediately after the new fast-food law became effective, California fast-food workers lost an average of two work hours per week due to the law, according to the paper. But the authors used misleading language to report this result because their margin of error for the estimate meant that the actual change could be anything from an average loss of five hours to an average gain of one hour. "We can reject large reductions in work hours," the study reports. "We find no significant effects of the minimum wage increase on usual hours."

Both statements are misleading. The authors can reject that the average loss in hours was greater than five per week, but five hoursor even twois a large loss. The estimated two hours per week loss is economically significant to the low-wage workers, just not statistically significant by conventional criteria (which means it might be the result of random noise). The correct phrasing is "we failed to find statistically significant proof" of wage losses, not "we find no significant effects." Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

Another deficiency is that the study only covered fast-food workers who kept their jobs after the law went into effect, excluding missing workers who were laid off and the employees of restaurants that closed. And the respondents were self-selectedpeople who respond to Facebook and Instagram ads to take a survey for a chance to win a $500 gift card. This is not a random selection of people, and they do not always answer the questions seriously or honestly. This is not a sample from which anyone would expect to get solid proof of anything, so failure to find it doesn't mean much one way or the other.

Finally, the study only deals with the first few months after the law took effect. Some changes can take months or years to emerge.

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The main objection to high minimum wages is not their effect on overall employment, prices, or profitsit's the fear that they cut off the bottom rungs of the economic ladder for low-skill workers. Instead of being able to work at low wages while improving job skills and making contacts for advancement, they are forced into the underground cash economy or public assistance. Therefore studies of these laws should focus on the effect on these low-skill workers, not on economic aggregates.

The correct way to study the impact of the $20 minimum wage is to see what happened to fast-food workers who were earning less than that amount before April 1, 2024. How many had their pay raised and hours maintained? How many lost their jobs or lost hours, and what did they do afterward? Were low-skill workers able to compete for the new job openings after the law's implementation?

If minimum wage increases were a drug, governments would have to conduct trials and monitor adverse effects afterward. That's what happened in Seattle when it raised the minimum wage in 2014. The city called for proposals to study the impact on actual workers earning below the minimum before the law. The Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington was the only volunteer. Its researchers found that the law didn't cause an increase in layoffs among workers who had previously earned below minimum wage, but it did reduce their hours by an average of 7 percent. That was partly offset by a 3 percent increase in hourly pay for the hours they did work. On net, the law cost these workers an average of $888 per year.

That amount is significant in itself, but it's important to consider that it accounts for only the short-term effects. As mentioned above, some layoffs and hour reductions will happen immediately, but otherssuch as more businesses closing and fewer opening, or automation and other changes reducing employmentcan take years. Another point is that the workers who benefited from higher pay were the ones most likely to have risen out of the minimum wage ranks to the middle class even without a mandated increase, while the workers who lost much more than $888 per year are more likely to be the ones blocked forever from economic advancement. In fact, the paper found that the workers who benefitted net were the most experienced and highest paid among the groupearning more than the old minimum but less than the newwhile the less-experienced workers earning the old minimum or close to it, lost considerably more than the average.

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Seattle legislators must have been unhappy with those findings because they cut funding for the Evans School and reached out to the same group at U.C. Berkeley that did the California minimum wage study to do its own distorted analysis, which was rushed out a week before the Evans study was made public. Eventually, Seattle raised the minimum wage again.

These studies aren't about the search for truth with statistics; their purpose is to score political points, with little regard for the low-skill workers whose lives are directly impacted.

The post No, California's $20 Minimum Wage for Fast-Food Workers Did Not Create Jobs appeared first on Reason.com.
ANKARA (Reuters) -There is no talk of a ceasefire deal between Turkey and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria, contrary to a U.S. announcement, a Turkish defence ministry official said on Thursday.

The State Department had said a ceasefire round the city of Manbij was extended until the end of this week.

"As Turkey, it is out of the question for us to have talks with any terrorist organisation. The (U.S.) statement must be a slip of the tongue," the Turkish official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters.

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The SDF blamed Turkey for opposing international efforts to achieve a ceasefire. "The Turkish occupation and its mercenaries did not abide by this decision and continue their attacks on the southern front of the city of Kobani," it said in a statement, vowing to keep fighting and urging people in Kobani to carry arms.

Washington brokered an initial ceasefire between Turkey-backed Syrian rebels and the SDF last week after fighting broke out as rebel groups overthrew Bashar al-Assad.

The SDF is an ally in the U.S. coalition against Islamic State militants. It is spearheaded by the YPG, a group that Ankara sees as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants who have fought the Turkish state for 40 years.

Turkey regards the PKK, YPG and SDF as terrorist groups.

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The U.S. and Turkey's Western allies list the PKK as terrorist, but not the YPG and the SDF.

When asked if Ankara was considering another ground operation into northern Syria, the same Turkish official said that Turkey still sees a threat to its borders from north Syria.

"Our preparations and precautions as part of the fight against terrorism will continue until the PKK/YPG lays down its arms and its foreign fighters leave Syria," the official said.

Turkey believes forces of its ally the Syrian National Army paramilitary group will "liberate" YPG-controlled areas in north Syria, the official said, signalling that Turkey does not plan an imminent operation into the region.

(Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever and Clauda Tanios; Editing by Daren Butler, Peter Graff and William Maclean)
Family members are searching for closure after Lashunda Shmicka McLendon was gunned down last Friday in a south Charlotte parking lot.

Channel 9 reported when Ebonee Rahman was accused of killing the 42-year-old mother on Archdale Drive, near Nations Ford Road.

Loved ones believe someone else needs to be held accountable.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police broke up fight between suspect, victim hours before deadly shooting

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Court documents say the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department was called to the Archdale Mini Mart for an assault with a deadly weapon call on Dec. 13.

They spoke with Rahman and McLendon. Police radio describes what happened next:

Basically, the suspect pointed a firearm at our victim and communicated a threat. She had an extraditable warrant out of South Carolina, and we took her downtown.

According to other radio calls, officers brought Rahman back to the same place she allegedly threatened McLendon.

An affidavit said Rahman was seen on video confronting McLendon before taking a gun from an unknown mans jacket and firing the shot that killed her. Rahman was arrested for murder, but McLendons family wants the man who Rahman grabbed a gun from to also be held accountable.

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The person who had the gun is still out there and thats not right, family members told Channel 9.

Theres no closure because, if it was just her there would be closure, but with him still out there is no closure, Latara Rushing, McLendons daughter, said.

We asked CMPD if that man is a person of interest and they said they couldnt share any other details.

According to a GoFundMe campaign, McLendons funeral will take place on Dec. 21.

Rahman is now facing charges of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

The shooting happened in an area that has seen violent crime recently.

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Earlier this month, police said a 25-year-old man was shot and killed just half a mile down the road on Archdale Drive. And back in May, police responded to the same area after two people were seriously hurt in a shooting.

Police said none of those shootings are related, but witnesses feel more needs to be done.

I would like police and detectives to check the area more often because I see a lot of groups of people, Paula Gonzales told Channel 9s Hunter Saenz.

WATCH: 2 troopers injured after high-speed chase ends in crash
Oklahoma schools moved up one letter grade in two categories in the statewide School Report Card for the 2023-24 school year, released Wednesday by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

The state received an F grade in chronic absenteeism for 2022-23, but that grade improved to a D for 2023-24. The states grade for postsecondary opportunities for students also rose, from a C to a B.

Oklahomas grades in the other four categories measured by the report card did not change from the previous school year. The state received a C for both academic achievement and academic growth, a B in English language proficiency progress and a D in graduation.

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The test scores for the 2023-24 school year  which are used, along with other factors, to help determine state report-card grades  have generated controversy. Oklahoma Voice reported earlier this year that the state Department of Education had engaged in whats known as reducing cut scores, a process which lowers the bar for students to achieve a proficient score on the tests.

Walters and the state agency didnt acknowledge what was happening until media outlets began asking questions about the process.

The 2023-24 report is the second issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Education under current state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, but its the first that shows results from testing conducted entirely during Walters tenure.

Under Walters, the timing of the release of the School Report Card has come later in the year than in previous years under his predecessor, Joy Hofmeister. The Oklahoma School Report Card for the 2021-22 academic year came out April 20, 2022, while schools were nearing the final month of classes of the 2022-23 academic year. Oklahoma students already were taking state tests for the 2022-23 round of school report cards at that point. Last years report card came out in mid-November.

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The current system used for Oklahomas school report cards measures multiple indicators at different points in an effort to provide a snapshot of school performance. Each indicator receives a specific point value that translates to a letter grade.

OSDE is sending more resources than ever to help students who may be falling behind in literacy in and math, Walters said in a statement. This years data is the most comprehensive and most transparent in the history of the state with over 300 additional schools now receiving overall letter grades than did in 2022. Not only does this increase public transparency and accountability, it helps parents make informed choices about their childs education and ensures our agency can direct resources to the schools that need it most.

According to the report card, 698,923 students were enrolled in Oklahoma schools during the 2023-24 school year. The report card includes information and analytics for public school districts  including charter schools  and grades for individual school sites within the districts.

The report card shows 36.1% of Oklahoma students met or exceeded grade-level standards by scoring at or above the proficient level on their state tests, with 37% scoring at the below basic level, which is the lowest of four levels on the tests.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma School Report Card shows slight improvement in two categories
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The national violent death reporting system shows first responders make up at least 1% of all suicides in the U.S. To reduce those numbers, state officials and former first responders believe there needs to be a process for people to talk about mental health issues.

State officials say there are several resources to help responders deal with traumatic experiences that come with the job. But some say more needs to be done. The nonprofit First H.E.L.P reports that in 2023, over 100 first responders across the country committed suicide.

Alabama man sentenced to eight years in prison following tragic fentanyl death

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That includes law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and more.

You go to a really bad call and see things that most the average person will never see, never even imagine seeing unless they watch it on a movie, said Charles Bowden, a part-time paramedic.

Bowden says a lot of times, responders dont feel like they can seek help when they experience trauma on the scene.

If you did it, everybody even the administration looked as you as weak.

But state officials are working to change that. In 2018, Florida initiated a post-traumatic stress disorder benefit, requiring departments to cover the first responders costs for seeking mental health resources.

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Theres a path for them to be able to get that treatment. Its still not easy because you think about those that enter that profession, as noble as it is, they also have this very tough exoskeleton that they cant let anybody feel like theyve got any vulnerabilities. And so its very hard. The adage for the longest time was, suck it up, buttercup. You know, dont you know, you cant let your guard down. So it was very challenging in order to get those to actually reach out to that benefit. Said Jimmy Patronis, Florida state fire marshal.

Patronis says a lot of emergency workers lean on their fellow responders before seeking help in other places.

Holmes County secures state grant to enhance emergency preparedness

A lot of times these first responders, they dont want to necessarily talk to a help hotline. They would rather talk to somebody else who has been in the same profession that theyre in order to get the type of Id I counseling to have a real empathy for what theyre coping with and dealing with. Said Patronis.

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Patronis also says programs like the 2nd Alarm Project help give emergency workers options outside of their agency or department.



The 2nd Alarm Project is a nonprofit resiliency program. It started in 2018 to help first responders deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. To learn more about 2nd Alarm, click here.

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NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD)  The Normal Police Department arrested a man on Tuesday for his alleged connection to a criminal sexual abuse investigation.

Brady Stoewer, 23, of Normal was charged with 14 counts of criminal sexual assault with a victim between the ages of 13 and 17, four counts of criminal sexual abuse with a victim under the age of 18, two counts of grooming and one count of child pornography, said Brad Park a spokesperson for the police department.

Park said Normal police received their first report of a criminal sexual abuse incident on June 16. Over the following days, additional juvenile victims were identified and interviewed.

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Normal Police searching for home invasion, sexual assault suspect

Stower was an employee at a local tumbling and cheer facility in Normal. Once the evidence was collected, the facility immediately terminated his employment, said Park.

He was taken into custody on Tuesday. McLean County court records show he is to remain held at this time, Park said.

He said all charges were reviewed by the McLean County States Attorneys Office and were presented to a McLean County Grand Jury.

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President Joe Biden delivers remarks on May 31, 2024, in Washington, D.C. A federal judge in North Dakota is questioning Biden's decision to commute sentences of more than a dozen North Dakota defendants. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

A federal judge is criticizing President Joe Bidens decision to set free more than a dozen North Dakota defendants, including two men sentenced to prison for high-profile fraud cases.

Biden last week commuted the sentences of 1,499 criminals including Hunter Hanson and David McMaster, convicted in separate North Dakota fraud cases, and 12 drug traffickers convicted in North Dakota.

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U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland this week sent an email to the Department of Justice seeking an explanation for those commutations.

Hovland in 2019 sentenced Hanson of Leeds to serve eight years for wire fraud and money laundering in a grain-dealing scheme. Hanson also was ordered to pay more than $11 million in restitution after he defrauded more than 60 farmers, elevators and grain brokers.

Hovland in 2013 sentenced McMaster to more than 15 years and eight months for bank fraud and wire fraud in a case involving BNC National Bank in Bismarck. McMaster was ordered to pay $28.5 million in restitution.

Hovland in the email described both cases as very sophisticated fraud schemes in which countless numbers of innocent persons were victimized by their deceitful scams.

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He said both defendants pleaded guilty and their convictions and sentences were upheld by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Neither defendant has ever presented any evidence to support a commutation of their federal sentences, Hovland wrote.

The people selected for commutations were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement by Biden announcing the decision.

McMaster is in the custody of the Residential Reentry Management field office for Phoenix, while Hanson is in custody of the Residential Reentry Management field office for Minneapolis, according to the federal Bureau of Prisons website.

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Emails seeking comment from attorneys for Hanson and McMaster listed in federal court records were not immediately returned Wednesday.

Hovland requested that the Office of the Pardon Attorney within the Justice Department provide an explanation for how those two cases and North Dakota drug cases were investigated and the decisions to commute the sentences were made.

He said he was never contacted by the Justice Department and neither were prosecutors and victims.

I am certain the victims would be shocked and appalled to learn of the commutations, as are the prosecutors, Hovland wrote. To not seek any input from those persons who were directly involved in the criminal case at issue is alarming and troublesome at best.

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Biden issued the commutations on Dec. 12. His order says they are effective Dec. 22.

While the convicts are to be released from custody, the order says other sentencing conditions, such as restitution and supervised release, remain in effect.

Biden also pardoned 39 people. None of those pardoned were from North Dakota.

I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, Biden said in the statement.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor said Wednesday he didnt have a position on the commutations, as he was not assigned to any of the affected cases. In a statement to the North Dakota Monitor, he called Hovland a careful and fair-minded judge who is deeply concerned about fairness and the rule of law.

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The other North Dakota defendants with sentences commuted were each convicted of felony drug trafficking charges, court records indicate. They are:

Fraenchot Deon Banks

Kelli Lynn Caron

Karin Ilene Condon

Gary Ernest Eiseman

Kristina Larae Erickson

David Jeffrey Farnsworth

Selica Jane Fender

Joe Lenard Rodriguez

Susana Serrato

Kinzey Taylor Shaw

Frank Anthony Villa

Joshua Clarence Young

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North Dakota National Guard members participate in a joint training exercise with UH-72 Lakota Air Ambulances at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota, on May 21, 2021. The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act contains $10 million to support the sustainability and modernization of UH-72 Lakota helicopters, including those used by the North Dakota National Guard. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Anthony Housey)

North Dakotas active duty service members and National Guard soldiers will see pay increases and funding for programs, equipment and runway maintenance next year through the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

The $885 billion defense bill, approved by the Senate Wednesday and the House last week, will give junior enlisted service members a 14.5% increase in base pay and all service members a 4.5% pay increase.

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And thats important because we have a recruiting challenge, we need to be able to recruit these people and providing a salary increase goes a long way to both recruit and keep our service members, North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer said in a statement.

Cramer and Sen. John Hoeven, both Republicans, voted in favor of the bill.

The new defense budget also provides $1.9 million for planning, design and maintenance of the runway at the Grand Forks Air Force Base, a news release from Cramers office said.

Two Grand Forks companies will receive more than $5.5 million for continued development of corrosion resistant coatings and unmanned aerial vehicle technology.

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The Minot Air Force Base will receive part of $3.9 billion in funding for the continued modernization of the countrys nuclear arsenal as it shifts from Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles to the Sentinel missile system.

The bill also contains $10 million to support the sustainability and modernization of UH-72 Lakota helicopters. North Dakota National Guard soldiers use those aircraft for search and rescue, reconnaissance, medical evacuations and disaster response missions, among others.

At the Space Force Station in Cavalier, $5 million was authorized through the bill to update one of the bases radar systems that can track more than half of all Earth-orbiting objects. It also can monitor intercontinental and sea-based missile threats.

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As our nation faces new and growing threats, whether from the nuclear ambitions of our adversaries or the misuse of unmanned aircraft, we need to properly equip and support our men and women in uniform, Hoeven said in a statement. Thats exactly what weve worked to accomplish with this years defense authorization bill.

The legislation also contains a provision that prohibits military health insurance from covering the children of service members for medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization.

The bill now goes to President Joe Bidens desk.

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At least 100 North Korean troops have been killed fighting in Ukraine, South Koreas spy agency said.

Another 1,000 have been injured in the ongoing fight in Russias Kursk region, after being deployed by Moscow, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) also claimed

The heavy losses were caused by North Korean soldiers lack of experience in drone warfare and their unfamiliarity with open terrain, Lee Seong-kweun, a South Korean lawmaker, told journalists after attending a closed-door briefing held by the NIS.

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Some North Korean generals might be among the casualties and the Russian military has allegedly described North Korean soldiers as burdens on the battlefield due to their ignorance of drones, Mr Lee said.

According to the US and South Korea, North Korea has deployed more than 10,000 troops to help Russia fight the war against Ukraine, with Pyongyang also reportedly shipping more than 10,000 containers of artillery rounds, anti-tank rockets, mechanised howitzers and rocket launchers to Russia.

Despite the heavy losses, Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator, is reportedly planning an inspection of the countrys special operations force, which could be dispatched to Ukraine.

Kim Jong-un has vowed to stand alongside Vladamir Putin and Russia until Ukraine is defeated - AP/Alexander Zemlianichenko

On Thursday, Ukraines military intelligence service also revealed that North Korean troops have installed more observation posts to detect Ukrainian drones.

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After suffering severe losses, DPRK [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea] units began to set up additional observation posts to detect drones of the security and defence forces of Ukraine, Ukrainian military intelligence agency said.

Russia continues to deploy North Korean troops to the western Kursk region to fight Ukrainian forces, suggesting that Moscow doesnt want to lose the pace of offensive actions, it added.

South Koreas assessment of North Korean casualties on the battlefield comes after both the US and Ukraine said some North Korean troops had been killed during combat against Ukrainian forces on Monday.

Ukraines military intelligence agency said around 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded during battles against Ukrainian forces over the weekend. The US confirmed news of North Korean casualties but didnt provide specific numbers.

Leaked videos reportedly show North Korean soldiers undergoing training in Russia

Kyiv and Washington both confirmed that North Korean troops are actively engaged in combat operations against Ukrainian forces and are primarily used in infantry roles.

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Soldiers said to be North Korean were seen storming Ukrainian trenches in videos released this week by Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, who accused Moscow of trying to hide growing casualty numbers.

One video appeared to show Russian forces trying to conceal the presence of their North Korean counterparts, covering their faces with masks and using a campfire to burn the faces of the dead.

Russia is not only involving North Korean soldiers in assaults against Ukrainian positions, but also trying to hide the losses of these people, Mr Zelensky said, before adding: The Russians are also trying to literally burn the faces of the killed North Korean soldiers.

He called it a clear demonstration of Russias contempt for everything human.

North Korean troops continue to be deployed to the western Kursk region to fight Ukrainian forces - AP/Ng Han Guan

On Thursday, North Korea said, despite reports of North Korean casualties in Kursk, that its military alliance with Russia was very effective in deterring the US and its vessel forces. There was no mention of casualties in the statement.

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An unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson blamed the US and its allies for prolonging the war in Ukraine and destabilising the security situation in Europe and Asia Pacific.

It is because of the misguided acts of the US and the West persisting in their structure-destructive, hegemony-oriented, and adventuristic military policy, the spokesperson said.

Analysts say that, despite the North Korean casualties, if Pyongyang continues to deploy troops to help Russia fight Ukraine, those troops will still be a positive for Moscows offensive operations.

Any number of extra troops adds value to the Russians because the Russians are having problems filling the roles, said Stephen Nagy, a political science professor at the International Christian University in Japan.

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But with a lack of real combat experience and communication issues, Mr Nagy said the North Korean troops might complicate Russias war against Ukraine in the long run.

He told The Telegraph: I think rather than help, it may complicate the Russians efforts to fight the Ukrainians.

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North Korea is producing ballistic missiles for use by Russia against Ukraine faster than previously thought, Jonah Leff, the executive director at the independent Conflict Armament Research (CAR) group, told the U.N. Security Council on Dec. 18.

Leff said that the researchers from his group examined remnants of four North Korean missiles recovered in Ukraine in July and August. One of them had marks showing it was procured in 2024, according to the researcher.

"This is the first public evidence of missiles having been produced in North Korea and then used in Ukraine within a matter of months, not years," Leff said.

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North Korea has shaped up to be Russia's leading supporter in its full-scale war against Ukraine, providing not only ballistic missiles and artillery ammunition but also soldiers.

Leff told the U.N. Security Council back in June that his group has "irrefutably" established that Russia is using North Korean missiles against Ukraine.

According to Ukraine's military intelligence, Russian forces have launched at least 60 North Korean ballistic missiles, namely the short-range KN-23/24 model, as of early December.

"Their accuracy, in principle, is not very high. We understand that the technology with which they were manufactured is outdated," Andrii Cherniak, a military intelligence spokesperson, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

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Leff also said that some of the components found in the missile debris did not originate in North Korea and were produced as early as 2023.

"Despite nearly two decades of sanctions on the DPRK, it has demonstrated this year its ability to produce and supply ballistic missiles for use against Ukraine within just a matter of months," the researcher commented. The DPRK is the official name of North Korea.

"Through CAR's collaborative approach with industry, we have ascertained that these components found in remnants of weapons systems used against Ukraine derived from supplies by third-party distributors, mostly based in East Asia."

Russia has not officially confirmed weapons shipments from North Korea but affirmed a close military and economic relationship with Pyongyang.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership pact in July, and North Korea has subsequently dispatched over 10,000 soldiers to aid Russian forces in the embattled Kursk Oblast.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Couple hundred North Korean troops lost fighting for Russia against Ukraine, AP reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The News

North Korea has suffered at least 100 casualties fighting alongside Russian troops in the Ukraine war, the US and South Korea said, pointing to the increasingly global nature of the conflict.

The announcements by Washington and Seoul came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Brussels to shore up support from European allies ahead of US President-elect Donald Trumps return to office.

The UKs defense secretary, meanwhile, is reportedly considering sending British troops to Ukraine to train Kyivs forces, according to the BBC.

SIGNALS

Dozens of nations are now embroiled in Russias war in Ukraine

Source: Politico

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So many counties are now either directly or indirectly involved in the war that even the most dogged of isolationists would have a hard time selling [it] as a regional conflict, wrote Politico in a piece headlined World War III is already underway. Both Kyiv and Moscow are increasingly framing the war in global terms: Ukraine says it is fighting for democracy, while Russia rails against the collective West. By the same token, however, Ukraines backers are accountable to public opinion at home. Americans are now evenly split on whether the US has a responsibility to help Ukraine, according to the Pew Research Center, and the idea of Ukraine ceding territory appears to have gone from being taboo to lodestar, Politico wrote.

For developing countries, ideological battles come second to the economy

Sources: Chatham House, Heinrich-Boll-Stiftung, LSE Public Policy Review

Many in the West hoped the developing world would rally behind the rules-based order, but Asia has largely rejected the conflict as a battle between might and right in favor of pragmatic non-alignment, an Asia-Pacific expert at Chatham House said. Pro-Russian narratives do have some reach in the Global South, but economic factors may be more significant, a Russia expert wrote for Heinrich-Boll-Stiftung: Countries dependent on Russia for food, grain, and fertilizers find it hard, if not impossible to shun Moscow. The immediacy of the painful economic spillover of conflict translated into a position that supported the cessation of war, even if that would play into the hands of Putin, an international relations expert argued.

Despite losses, North Korea sees much to gain

Sources: Royal United Services Institute, BBC

North Koreas involvement in the war serves its mission of reshaping the Korean Peninsula, an expert argued for the Royal United Services Institute. Russia may now be more likely to come to North Koreas aid in the event of any future conflict with South Korea and the US. North Korea also sees army deployments as a good way to earn money, the director of the Korea Risk Group told the BBC: Moscow pays Pyongyang $2,000 per soldier every month, according to South Korean intelligence estimates.
North Little Rock police arrest suspect in MacArthur Drive deadly shooting

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Police in North Little Rock said they have made an arrest tied to a November deadly shooting.

Authorities said they arrested 23-year-old Briontaye Walls in connection with the death of 21-year-old Giovanni Castillo on Nov. 12.

North Little Rock police investigating deadly shooting on MacArthur Drive

On Nov. 12, officers with the North Little Rock Police Department responded to an area in the 4800 block of MacArthur Drive around 8:50 p.m.

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After arriving, officers said they found a man who had been shot. Police said the victim, identified as Castillo, was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators said they later identified Walls as the suspect in the shooting and arrested him on Dec. 17.

North Little Rock police identify victim in Tuesday night shooting

Police said Walls is facing a charge of capital murder and a charge of aggravated robbery.

Image of Briontaye Walls courtesy of North Little Rock Police Department

Officials said anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the NLRPD tip line at 501-680-8439 or detectives at 501-771-7151.

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Northwest Oregon Works, an Oregon Workforce Board supporting Clatsop County, awarded the Oregon State University Seafood Lab in Astoria a check for $29,762 to provide Fishermen First Aid and Safety Training and drill conductor training, in partnership with Oregon Sea Grant, to 36 interested high school students.

Some of the funds will outfit the students with the gear and equipment needed to work as a deck hand in the commercial fishing industry; the rest will assist in conducting the commercial training.

This funding was made possible by Oregon House Bill 3410, which was passed in 2023. Northwest Oregon Works took the lead on this initiative and hired its first maritime program coordinator, Len Tumbarello, in May.

For maritime organizations in Columbia, Clatsop, Lincoln, Tillamook and Benton counties that have a project requiring funding, go to nworegonworks.org and complete the Maritime Inquiry Form.
Outside the packed courtroom in Avignon, where verdicts were handed down in the Pelicot rape trial, a placard reads like the terrifying title of a folktale, a warning from history: Rapists of Mazan: Horror in the Sleeping Woods. In truth, it is an epitaph for the way we conceive of that idyll we once called France.

Mazan, a medieval Provencal town at the foot of the slopes of Mont Ventoux, just off the tourist trail, is at the epicentre of the super trial that concluded on Thursday with a total of 428 years handed down to the 51 accused.

In the French media, the proceedings were known as le proces de viols de Mazan, the Mazan rape trials. It was here that the unthinkable abuse of Gisele Pelicot took place at the behest of her husband, Dominique, dubbed the Monster of Mazan, who has been sentenced to 20 years in jail.

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Whenever I meet someone new, whether its a woman or a man, I no longer tell them I come from Mazan, says local contractor Philippe Ramey, 60. The name of my town has been tarnished forever with the stain of mass rape.

And, in truth, not just his town.

In 1989, Peter Mayles wonderfully evocative memoir A Year in Provence sparked Britains love affair with this sun-baked, lavender-scented region of fine food, vines and picture-perfect villages.

His vivid descriptions of slow-paced living and leisurely lunches enjoyed en plein air to a soundscape of cicadas were enhanced by gentle pen-portraits of characterful locals.

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Here in 2024 it has taken just four months for an Avignon courtroom to irreparably smash that heavenly image to smithereens.

Mazan, a medieval Provencal town at the foot of the slopes of Mont Ventoux, is at the epicentre of the supertrial - Juliette Treillet

The entire world has looked on aghast as a dark underbelly of predation and sexual perversion has been revealed in all its terrible depravity. During these past weeks, it is France itself that has been in the dock; its sexual mores, its egregious treatment of women, its very integrity has been subject to intense scrutiny, and found wanting.

Time and again each defendant  among them a labourer, a journalist, a firefighter  were referred to as Monsieur-Tout-Le-Monde. Mr Everyman

The vast majority were not seasoned offenders. They were sons, fathers and grandfathers. They had mothers, wives, girlfriends and children who professed to them being respectable, respectful members of society. If these, then, are the nations everymen  apparently ordinary men willing to strip naked and sexually assault, degrade and rape a sleeping grandmother  what does it say about France?

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In France, women face sexual micro-aggressions on the street, in their homes, everywhere, was the blunt analysis of Lilou Gourdan, 20, a student in Avignon. There is a normalisation of that contempt, and this awful case is the result  men claim rape is about sex, and excuse themselves by complaining they are at the mercy of testosterone. But rape is not about sex, it is about violence, power and control over women.

By waiving her anonymity, Gisele Pelicot has forced France to confront its rape culture - Juliette TREILLET

Unlike our laws, which focus on consent, French law defines rape as acts of violence, coercion or surprise. Proof of intent is required; without the intention to commit it, there can legally be no rape. And so a common defence among these men was that they believed sex with a comatose, sometimes snoring 72-year-old Gisele Pelicot was consensual because her husband said so. In other words, marriage conferred on him the right to do with her body as he wished.

One defendant literally said: Its his wife, he can do what he likes with it.

Here in Britain, such testimonies would be absolutely unthinkable. Not so across the Channel, where shockingly misogynistic attitudes prevail. There were no kids involved, no women were killed, the family will have a hard time but they can rebuild. After all, nobody died, was how Louis Bonnet, the mayor of Mazan, shruggingly dismissed the case at the outset.

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Later he apologised  was compelled to apologise  due to the outrage his remarks sparked. But when he voiced his thoughts, he spoke for many. In the Avignon courtroom, some defence lawyers suggested a sliding scale of seriousness. There is rape, and then there is rape, asserted Guillaume de Palma, a lawyer for several defendants. This prompted Caroline Darian, Pelicots daughter and author of the best-selling book Ill Never Call Him Dad Again, to leave the courtroom in distress.

According to the furious activists who stood outside today, the unduly mild sentences given to many of the accused proved that in French law there is indeed a hierarchy of rape. I am really disappointed by the verdicts, was the view of Simone Montendre, 29, who was born in Provence. Too many of these rapists are going to spend Christmas with their families at home, like nothing happened. How can that be just?

Pelicots supporters stood outside the Avignon court - Juliette Treillet

Gisele Pelicot herself did not flinch during the trial. Feted as a feminist icon, her extraordinary courage and self-possession must not be allowed to distract  detract  from the obscene abuse and degradation meted out to her by her husband and dozens of complete strangers as she lay drugged. The words submissive bitch were scrawled across her body. Her limp form was trussed up in lingerie and arranged just so; a rag doll propped against pillows for the rapists who came to use and abuse her, for the camera that recorded it all. And afterwards, her spouse, the man she loved and trusted implicitly, who had crushed medication into her food and drink and choreographed her rape like a porn director, would wash all traces from every orifice, replace her sleepwear and in the morning affect sympathy as she complained of soreness, memory loss, confusion.

Things must change now. Surely they have to? one new mother said to me, her baby asleep in a buggy. But her own train of thought explained why they wouldnt. Ive heard men I know blame the rapists behaviour on the internet  as though they were the real victims and not Madame Pelicot. Genuine change, she went on, would require a political decision involving change in the law to include consent and the education of kids at school.

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It would require, in other words, the nation to reimagine itself.

Pelicots insistence on public proceedings has compelled the nation to confront its ingrained beliefs about gender violence and power. To what effect? Despite Dominiques early plea of guilt, the silence from Frances leading politicians has been deafening until now, giving rise to the suspicion that the men who govern the country would rather upset women than risk opening the Pandoras Box of patriarchy.

Her extraordinary courage and self-possession must not be allowed to distract  detract  from the obscene abuse and degradation she suffered - Juliette Treillet

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Stephanie Vuilquez, a 52-year-old physical therapist, had taken the day off to mount a vigil outside the court. There are women here making a stand  where are the men? They are the problem but they dont care enough to turn up. They stick together, not so much shoulder to shoulder, but balls to balls. Men prefer to gaslight women and accuse them of being aggressive rather than admit they are to blame.

In Mazan, hours before the verdicts, it was clear the mood had shifted. In a warm, welcoming cafe bar, where just three months ago regulars spoke openly of their disgust, the overriding emotion was of ennui. The court case had dragged on too long. It was high time things got back to normal. People here have lost interest, observes Daniel Rybaka, 80, who used to work in the clothing trade. At the beginning it was a shock, but now were detached. We dont feel shame, why should we? Yes, these things happened here, but we are tired of journalists coming from all over the world. These crimes are not specific to Mazan or Provence  it stands to reason they will be taking place everywhere.

With the bitterest of irony, the most famous son of Mazan up until now has been the 19th-century libertine and taboo-breaking author Marquis de Sade, whose chateau has been converted into a luxury hotel. How sinister rings his quotation: It is only by way of pain one arrives at pleasure.

It beggars belief that the unthinkable pain experienced by Pelicot in this sleepy community of just 6,000 souls can simply be erased. Rybaka shrugs: The next big story here will be the weather. After these verdicts, everybody will forget about the trial. The men around him nod in agreement. It is evident that sympathy for Pelicot has evaporated. Even the fact that 22 of the men filmed raping her were never traced by police  meaning they are still out there in the wider community  is of little concern.

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Perhaps the menfolk of Mazan, of Provence, really will succeed in forgetting. But the world has a longer memory.

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GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (WJW)  A porch pirate taunted his victim by twerking by the front door. Once the doorbell video was posted online to catch the thief, the thief then returned to the home to make it known that he didnt like what was posted.

According to the Gloucester Township, New Jersey Police Department, the robbery took place at a home just before 6:40 p.m. on Dec. 9.

Oklahoma prepares to perform the nations 25th and final execution of 2024

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Footage of the robbery posted by the department on YouTube shows two suspects running up to the victims door, stealing their package, and then twerking at the camera.

According to police, the victim uploaded the video on the Ring Neighbors app to help get the suspects identified.

Two days after the robbery, one suspect returned to the home, showed the Ring Neighbors post to the doorbell camera and said the post was not cool.

Come on dude. Not cool bro, come on, not cool. Not cool at all. Thats my a** on the internet, the porch pirate is heard saying in the video.

Amazon workers strike at multiple facilities

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After running off, the suspect is then seen returning to the home once again to return one of the four stolen glasses back to the front porch. The suspect the said, I meant to give this back.

You cant make this stuff up, police said in the video.

Gloucester Township Police ask that anyone who recognizes the suspects in the video call 856-228-4500.

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The death of a beloved mother whose body was found in a luxury apartment building in Boston last week is being investigated as a homicide, authorities announced Thursday.

The body of 30-year-old Shantel Gillespie was found inside a fifth-floor unit at The Harris South End at 390 Harrison Avenue on Thursday, Dec. 12, according to the Boston Police Department.

We have reason to believe that Ms. Gillespies death is a homicide, police said in an updated statement released Thursday morning. Preliminary information indicates that this was not a random act and that residents of the building and members of the public are not in danger.

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Investigators said they are still awaiting a cause and manner of death determination from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Gillespie was a mother of three who had just completed coursework for her nursing degree two days prior to her death, family told Boston 25 News earlier this week.

Gillespies sister told Boston 25 that all of her children were under the age of 6 and that she was trying to escape a pattern of domestic violence.

Gillespie immigrated to the United States from Jamaica in 2014 and spent the last five years working as a clinical assistant at Boston Childrens Hospital. She was set to receive her associate degree in nursing from Laboure College of Healthcare in Milton in the coming weeks.

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There have been no arrests made in connection with Gillespies death.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support her children.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The Brockhouse Collection Workgroup has agreed on the next steps for the taxidermy animals at the now closed Delbridge Museum. Monday, the group talked about where the collection could go.

The committee recently received interest from several organizations to relocate the collection to their facilities. At Mondays meeting, the work group discussed which institution would be the best fit.

Zebra Donuts drawing in dozens

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The Brockhouse Workgroup received proposals from six nonprofits.

One of the key things that as a group that we asked for was that we were interested in proposals from museums, conservation organizations, academic institutions and other qualified entities interested in acquiring the collection, city of Sioux Falls business analyst Matt Newman said.

The University of Notre Dame Museum of Biodiversity is interested in about two-thirds of the specimens.

If you read through their description of why theyre interested in 117, those are the ones that theyre adding on a new edition onto their museum. Those are the pieces that they are interested in and that they thought felt qualified for restoration, Newman said.

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The committee sees Notre Dame as a respected institution.

Just seems to make the most sense when you look at all of these proposals, so certainly I would move that Notre Dame would be the one that I would recommend based on the six proposals that are here, committee member Jeff Scherschligt said.

The Brockhouse Workgroup says it will also consider the Institute for Natural History, the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Oddities Museum for the rest of the roughly 150 taxidermy animals in the collection.

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(KRON)  Novato High School was put on lockdown Thursday afternoon as police investigate a robbery that took place nearby. Novato PD provided an update on X at 1:40 p.m., saying that officers completed a search of the campus, and that the school is now secure.

Rain headed for SF Bay Area may impact holiday travel

Novato PD confirmed a pickup location has been set-up for student release in the NHS Main Parking Lot.

Novato PD said it received a report of an armed robbery near Arthur Street and Hayes Street at 11:35 a.m. According to police, several boys approached the victim and demanded personal property.

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Witnesses told police a firearm was brandished during the incident. After the robbery, the suspects fled onto the campus of Novato High.

Novato PD had deployed officers, drones and canine units to secure the campus.

After an extensive search, it was determined that the suspects were no longer on school ground. The lockdown was lifted at around 1:30 p.m. Police said there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the neighborhood.

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MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A Wisconsin judge on Wednesday temporarily put on hold his recent ruling that restored collective bargaining rights to teachers and most other public workers that were lost under a 2011 state law that sparked weeks of protests and made the state the center of the national battle over union rights.

That law, known as Act 10, effectively ended the ability of most public employees to bargain for wage increases and other issues, and forced them to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits.

Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost on Wednesday granted a temporary stay of his Dec. 2 ruling striking down most of the law as unconstitutional. The stay is in place while Frost considers written arguments over whether to place his ruling on hold while the Legislature appeals it.

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Those arguments are due to the court by Jan. 24, meaning the ruling will likely be on hold until at least then and maybe longer. Some unions had pushed for the reopening of contract negotiations after Frost struck down the law.

An attorney for the unions that filed the lawsuit declined immediate comment.

Under his ruling, all public sector workers who lost their collective bargaining power would have it restored to what was in place before 2011. They would be treated the same as the police, firefighter and other public safety unions that were exempted under the law.

Republicans immediately appealed and the case is ultimately expected to go to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

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Supporters of the law have said it provided local governments more control over workers and the powers they needed to cut costs. Repealing the law, which allowed schools and local governments to raise money through higher employee contributions for benefits, would bankrupt those entities, backers of Act 10 have argued.

Democratic opponents argue that the law has hurt schools and other government agencies by taking away the ability of employees to collectively bargain for their pay and working conditions.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  Amid the havoc wrought by a violent earthquake two days earlier, Ivan Oswald and his staff prepared for lunchtime service Thursday at Nambawan Cafe, on an idyllic stretch of Vanuatus waterfront.

The menu for the usual lunchtime rush was replaced with defrosted sausages for emergency workers sifting through rubble in search of those trapped alive or killed in flattened buildings when the massive, 7.3 jolt hit Port Vila, Vanuatus capital 48 hours earlier. Search crews were joined Thursday by specialists arriving in waves from Australia, New Zealand and France.

Earthquakes are normal for the South Pacific nation made up of 80 islands and home to 330,000 people, but Tuesdays terrifying shake was like nothing residents had felt before. Centered 30 kilometers (19 miles) offshore, at a depth of 57 kilometers (35 miles), the quake was followed by hundreds of rattling aftershocks.

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Death toll remains uncertain

The death toll was still unclear and official information remained scarce.

The government initially confirmed 14 deaths. Early on Friday, it said 10 had been verified by the hospital -- but officials expected the number would rise. More than 200 injured people were treated, officials said, but that figure has not been updated since around early Wednesday.

Nearly 1,000 people have been displaced, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said, with that number too likely to grow.

On Thursday, telecommunications -- though piecemeal and patchy -- were more widely restored after a near total blackout following the quake. It offered residents of Vanuatu answers about the scale of the damage and about how many people were missing.

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As word got around that Nambawan had power and an independent internet source, rescuers, tourists and locals visited to charge devices and attempt to locate their relatives.

We've had a few tears, said Oswald, the cafe's owner. I can't help with the rescue, but I can help with this.

Damage concentrated in the capital

The extent of the damage became clearer on Thursday. The worst-hit area was Port Vila's downtown, busy with lunchtime shoppers on Tuesday. Some outlying islands and villages near the quake's epicenter have experienced landslides.

Infrastructure damage was extensive, including to hospitals, roads, buildings, two major water reservoirs and gas pipes. Response efforts were hampered by access problems.

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A massive landslide has blocked the sea port, limiting the transport of essential supplies and personnel, the UN humanitarian agency said. The airport was open only for aid flights on Thursday, but the runway has been deemed operational and the resumption of commercial services will be considered on Friday.

But risk of more serious slips loomed as rain began late Thursday night. A low pressure system moving towards Vanuatu threatened a low to medium chance of a cyclone, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, and more rain was expected in coming days.

That could prompt further landslides, erosion and floods in already vulnerable areas, officials said, as they warned those living on hillsides to evacuate. An urgent environmental assessment was needed to prevent an ecological disaster, the UN update early Friday said.

Fears over water and damage to buildings

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Aid agencies told The Associated Press on Wednesday that their biggest worries were about drinking water and shelter for those unable to return home. The main utilities provider, UNELCO, said it could take two weeks to fully restore water service, according to the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation.

The hunt for survivors and recovery of bodies centered on two collapsed buildings in the city center, with Australian search experts on Thursday joining locals who had desperately dug for people yelling out from the crumpled structures. After dramatic rescues of dust-covered survivors that lifted spirits on Tuesday and Wednesday, the mood had become bleaker about the prospects for those trapped, residents said.

It was not known how many people remained in the buildings  a garage and a surf clothing store. Among the dead was a French national, Vincent Goiset, said Jean-Baptiste Jeangene Vilmer, France's ambassador to Vanuatu.

Two Chinese nationals were also killed, Vanuatu officials said.

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An economic blow

Another building housing embassies for several countries  including the United States, France and New Zealand  also crumpled, but no casualties were reported. Military flights evacuated 148 Australian nationals from Vanuatu late on Wednesday.

Hundreds more foreigners waited for commercial flights to resume so they could leave. The quake at the start of the summer season in the tourism-dependent island nation threatened an economic crisis if tourists did not return, said Glen Craig, chair of the Vanuatu Business Resilience Council.

We've had such bad luck, said Craig, referring to the three cyclones that struck in 2023 and the collapse of Vanuatu's national airline in May. We were just getting back on our feet and we were really looking forward to a bumper summer.
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The number of American Indian and Alaska Native-owned businesses in the United States declined by more than 2 percent from 2021 to 2022, though those businesses enjoyed a 44 percent increase in receipts, an 8 percent increase in employees and a 13 percent increase in employee payroll, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released Thursday.

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The bureaus 2023 Annual Business Survey, which covers reference year 2022, showed there were 47,519 American Indian and Alaska Native-owned businesses that year with $78.5 billion in receipts, 333,153 employees and about $14.6 billion in annual payroll in 2022.

The survey also found that the number of Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander-owned businesses increased by nearly 15 percent from 2021 to 2022, from 8,324 to 9,552. Those businesses saw a more than 31 percent increase in receipts from $10.5 billion to $13.8 billion, a 29 percent increase in employees from 53,277 to 68,795, and a 28 percent increase in annual payroll from $2.5 billion to $3.2 billion.

Overall, the Annual Business Survey found that the number of U.S. businesses from 2021 to 2022 held steady at 5.9 million, while minority-owned businesses increased 8 percent from 1.2 million to 1.3 million, veteran-owned businesses declined by 10 percent from 304,823 to 273,542, and women-owned businesses remained around 1.3 million.

Related: Immigration drives US population growth to highest rate in 23 years

Other findings from the Annual Business Survey include:

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Veteran-owned businesses had an estimated $884.5 billion in receipts, 3.2 million employees, and $179.7 billion in annual payroll.

Women-owned businesses had an estimated $2.1 trillion in receipts, 11.4 million employees, and $508.5 billion in annual payroll.

There were an estimated 650,680 Asian-owned businesses in the United States in 2022, an estimated 144,141 (22.2 percent) of them were in the Accommodation and Food Services sector. Asian-owned businesses had the largest estimated receipts ($1.2 trillion) among minority race groups.

There were an estimated 194,585 Black or African American-owned businesses with $211.8 billion in annual receipts, 1.6 million employees, and about $61.2 billion in annual payroll. About 49,872 (25.6 percent) of them were in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector.

The number of Hispanic-owned businesses grew about 14.6 percent from 406,086 in 2021 to 465,202 in 2022 and made up about 7.9 percent of all U.S. businesses with an estimated $653.5 billion in annual receipts, 3.6 million employees, and approximately $143.2 billion in annual payroll.

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An education panel approved a contract Wednesday night for a digital entrance exam to the citys specialized high schools after it reignited an equity debate over using a single test to admit students.

Progressive members of the Panel for Educational Policy had been reluctant to greenlight the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), following years of stubbornly low rates of Black and Hispanic student enrollment. The city twice delayed a final decision and held a town hall on the contract while trying to secure the votes.

Under state law, the SHSAT is the sole means of admissions to eight high schools, including Stuyvesant High School, the Bronx High School of Science, and Brooklyn Technical High School. Fourteen panelists voted to approve the contract for a vendor; two rejected it. Four members abstained from the vote.

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Ive heard the comment that if we were to defeat this contract, we would really cripple the incoming freshmen class, and thats not a position I would feel comfortable with, said Gregory Faulkner, the panel chair at Sunset Park High School in Brooklyn. However, I do think its important that we not let this be the end of this conversation.

It is clear that there are problems. When you look at the percentages of Black and Latino students who enter the school, it is problematic, Faulkner said.

The contract with testing giant Pearson will cost $17 million over five years, with options to extend the agreement by up to two years. By next application cycle, Pearson will create and administer a digital version of the SHSAT, though paper exams will still be available for students with disabilities who need accommodations. During the contract period, the test is expected to become an adaptive  giving students questions based on how they performed on the exam so far.

The SHSAT is the latest in a series of tests to move onto the computer. The SAT, Advanced Placement and New York state tests have all transitioned online in recent years, or are in the process of doing so.

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We as a panel have not seen a model of this test, said Jessamyn Lee, who represents Brooklyn parents on the panel. We are being asked to radically change the way your students take this test and the testing experience of students to come  sight unseen, just taken on faith.

Close to 100 parents and children spoke in support of the contract during the meeting, fearing a failure to approve the vendor could leave the elite high schools without freshman classes in the coming years. Families defended the test-only admissions process as a merit-based way of selecting students  and blamed the school systems ability to prepare students, and not the test itself, for disparate outcomes.

Everyone can excel on this test, said Lisa Marks, a parent of three public school students and co-president of the group Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum Education, which launched a petition with about 5,000 signatures. And to think otherwise is to show the bigotry of low expectations.

A handful of speakers against the contract were met with boos and hecklers who shouted wrong! misinformation! and liar! Throughout the meeting, which lasted roughly five hours, the panel chair had to ask parents to respect one another and follow the example set by children in the room.

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Out of 25,700 eighth-graders who took the SHSAT last year, just over 4,000 students received offers, admissions data show. Fewer than 5% and 8% of offers for specialized high schools went to Black and Hispanic students for this fall, compared with more than a quarter and a half of white and Asian students, respectively.

Several hundred more students are accepted to the specialized high schools every year through a program for test-takers who just missed the score cut-offs.

Ive heard people say that, you know, the problem is not the test; the problem is the system, said Tom Sheppard, a Bronx parents representative on the panel and a Brooklyn Tech alum. Guess what? It is possible for more than one thing to be true.

There is a problem with the way that K to 8 runs, but you cannot convince me that a test is fair when it produces those results, Sheppard added, pointing to the low number of offers made in the Bronx. The test is working exactly how its designed to work.
NEW YORK  Mayor Eric Adams legal team has requested that his federal corruption case be put on ice until Jan. 20, the day Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the nations next president.

The request, filed in Manhattan Federal Court on Tuesday night, comes after Trump said earlier this week hes considering pardoning Adams as the mayor continues to battle a five-count criminal indictment alleging he solicited bribes and illegal campaign cash, mostly from Turkish government operatives, in exchange for political favors.

Adams, who has pleaded not guilty, is due back in court Friday for a status hearing in his case.

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But Alex Spiro, his lead defense lawyer, wrote in the new filing that Adams doesnt have additional issues to raise at this time, given that Manhattan Federal Court Judge Dale Ho earlier this week rejected his request to dismiss the bribery count in the indictment.

As a result, and because counsel for Mayor Adams is currently out of state and actively engaged on other matters, the mayor respectfully requests that the conference be adjourned until after January 20, 2025, Spiro wrote.

Ho had yet to rule on Spiros request for a delay as of Wednesday night.

Spiro didnt make any mention in his filing that Trumps inauguration falls on that date. He wrote that an adjournment until Jan. 20 makes sense as the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office is supposed to submit a filing by Jan. 17 related to classified national security information that has surfaced as part of the case.

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Spiro didnt respond to emailed questions about his latest filing.

On Wednesday evening, prosecutors from the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office filed a letter informing the judge they do have an issue they want to raise at Fridays conference.

Should the conference be held, the Government anticipates raising an issue relating to extrajudicial statements that (Adams legal team) has made relating to the case, the prosecutors wrote.

Its unclear what out-of-court comments by the Adams team the prosecutors want to discuss with the judge, but they wrote they will likely submit a filing elaborating on that before Friday.

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Spiro, a high-priced celebrity attorney known for representing the likes of Elon Musk and Jay-Z, has been vociferous in blasting the case against the mayor, even mocking prosecutors for holding a little press conference about the indictment when it was first unsealed in September.

Prior to Tuesday nights filing, Spiro had pushed for expediting the mayors case as much as possible, requesting shorter timelines and pushing for his trial to start as early as March.

After the judge recently set an April 21 trial start, Spiro protested, saying it should be moved up until at least April 1 so the mayor can have more time to campaign for reelection ahead of the June 24 Democratic primary in which he faces multiple challengers. Also on Tuesday night, Ho struck down that request, ruling that the trial should proceed with an April 21 start date.

After Trump said Monday he will certainly look into pardoning Adams of his federal crimes, the mayor told reporters when asked for a reaction: I have an attorney that is going to look at every avenue to ensure I get justice. I did nothing wrong, should not have been charged.

Adams has for months come under fire from fellow Democrats for defending Trump. The mayor notably said during the campaign the Republican president-elect was not a fascist despite that characterization being a campaign key talking point of Vice President Kamala Harris.
(Bloomberg) -- Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former top adviser to New York Mayor Eric Adams, was charged with bribery and money-laundering in the latest case to emerge from corruption probes rattling City Hall.

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Lewis-Martin, who resigned from her post earlier this week as one of the most influential people in City Hall, turned herself in to investigators at the Manhattan District Attorneys office Thursday morning. She is the first of Adams closest advisers to be charged since the mayor was indicted on federal corruption charges in September.

From the moment Lewis-Martin became the second most senior person in City Hall, she abused her position and sold her influence to enrich herself and her family, prosecutors said Thursday after unsealing an indictment in New York state court. District Attorney Alvin Bragg called her actions naked cronyism that in and of itself is anathema to public service.

The indictment accused Lewis-Martin, her son and two New York City real estate investors of engaging in a bribery-conspiracy scheme. The DA alleged that during her time as chief adviser to Adams, Lewis-Martin and her son accepted more than $100,000 from Raizada Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi, who had pending construction permits for two of their properties: the Glass Ceiling rooftop bar near Herald Square and the Hotel on Rivington on the Lower East Side.

The Mayors Chief Adviser accepted cash and other benefits for herself and her son, in exchange for using her authority and influence to expedite her co-conspirators construction projects, said Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber.

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Lewis-Martin, wearing a black suit and leopard-print shirt, pleaded not guilty Thursday during an arraignment in New York, as did the other defendants. All four were released on their own recognizance, but the judge ordered each to surrender passports and notify prosecutors if they plan to travel by airplane or leave the state for more than seven days.

Other Probes

The charges dont involve the mayor, who wasnt accused of wrongdoing and isnt a target of the district attorneys investigation, Bragg said during a press conference. At the arraignment, a prosecutor told the judge that Lewis-Martin is subject to several investigations in our office.

Lewis-Martin, who resigned abruptly a month before her planned retirement, has denied wrongdoing. I have never done anything illegal in my capacity in government, she said at a news conference Monday, before the indictment was unsealed.

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According to prosecutors, Lewis-Martins son got a $50,000 check from Dwivedi and a $50,000 check from Vaid last year, which he deposited in a bank account he shared with his mother. Her son, Glenn Martin II, then transferred $50,000 to a company used for his disc-jockey business, Suave Productions, and used that money to issue a $113,000 cashiers check to purchase a 2023 Porsche, prosecutors alleged.

In exchange, Lewis-Martin acted as an on-call consultant for Vaid and Dwivedi, serving at their pleasure, to resolve whatever issues they had on their construction projects, Bragg said.

According to the indictment, Lewis-Martin explicitly instructed the alleged co-conspirators to use the encrypted messaging app Signal to communicate with her. Prosecutors also used wiretaps to track phone conversations of the defendants.

As Vaid and Dwivedi continued to seek Lewis-Martins intervention on behalf of their projects, her son asked them to help with his other business ventures, including his request for their financial backing to open a Chick-fil-A franchise, prosecutors said.

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Lewis-Martin was one of Adams longest-serving confidants. The mayor was charged by federal authorities with fraud and bribery, and since then, more than a half-dozen of his top aides have quit in the face of several investigations of city government. Adams denies the charges.

Navigate Red Tape

Arthur Aidala, Lewis-Martins lawyer, called the charges preposterous. He said his client had simply helped a citizen navigate the thick red tape of city government. The attorney also said the mayors longtime aide was being targeted to secure her cooperation in the criminal case against Adams.

This is a political case, this is a witch-hunt type of case, Aidala said. Even though Lewis-Martin and her son shared a bank account, he had his own independent relationship with the two real estate investors, Aidala said.

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Adams became the first New York City mayor in modern history to be indicted on federal corruption charges in a case brought by the Manhattan US attorneys office. He is expected to go to trial in April.

The prospect of criminal charges against Lewis-Martin came to light a day after the mayors indictment, when investigators seized her phones after shed landed at John F. Kennedy Airport from a trip to Japan.

--With assistance from Magdalena Del Valle.

(Updates with Lewis-Martin pleaded not guilty and comment from her attorney. A previous version corrected the spelling of Porsche in subhead.)

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Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Luigi Mangione, accused of shooting and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is now facing charges that could bring the death penalty after being extradited from Pennsylvania back to New York City Thursday.

Mangione was charged with the stalking and killing of Thompson, and the use of a silencer in a crime of violence, the U.S Justice Department announced Thursday. The new federal charges make him eligible for the death penalty if he is found guilty.

Mangione's appointed lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, expected her client to be arraigned on state murder and terrorism charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office -- including by prosecutors and his lawyers -- after waiving his extradition to New York at a court hearing in Pennsylvania.

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Instead, shortly after arriving in New York, Mangione, 26, was charged with murder through the use of a firearm, a federal crime, which carries a maximum potential sentence of death or life in prison, and stalking and firearm offenses.

"It is a highly unusual situation that we find ourselves in," Friedman Agnifilo said at a Manhattan federal court hearing, adding she had been prepared to defend him against state charges announced by Bragg's office on Tuesday.

Luigi Mangione faces a total of 11 federal charges, including two of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree murder in New York City related to the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4. Pool Photo by Gene J. Puskar/UPI

A media frenzy ensued after Mangione arrived via helicopter in Lower Manhattan and was escorted, shackled and in an orange jumpsuit, across the heliport by police.

"I don't think they even knew this was going to happen," Friedman Agnifilo added. "There are a lot of factors that are very confusing and highly unusual. Frankly, I've never seen anything like this."

Luigi Mangione had been held in custody at the Huntingdon State Correctional Institution in Huntingdon, Pa. Pool Photo by Gene J. Puskar/UPI

Manhattan Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker detained Mangione after his legal team reserved making a bail application and set a preliminary hearing for Jan. 18. The court date will become moot if the Manhattan U.S. attorney's office secures an indictment from a grand jury in the interim.

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Lawyers are also poring over a notebook found in Mangione's possession that related to events surrounding the December 4th shooting, they said.

An entry dated August 15th says "the details are finally coming together," according to court documents. Mangione allegedly wrote, "I'm glad - in a way - that I've procrastinated," Mangione allegedly wrote in the entry.

The note said he had more time to learn about the company he was targeting, the name of which was redacted, court documents show.

"This investor conference is a true windfall ... and - most importantly - the message becomes self evident," another entry says, according to the complaint, an apparent reference to Dec. 4 UHC shareholder meeting where Thompson was gunned down.

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The Justice Department said Mangione allegedly committed the crime to start "debates" over the state of the health care industry in the United States.

"Brian Thompson was gunned down in cold blood as he walked down a street in midtown Manhattan," Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said in the Justice Department release. "As alleged, Luigi Mangione traveled to New York to stalk and shoot Thompson in broad daylight in front of a Manhattan hotel, all in a grossly misguided attempt to broadcast Mangione's views across the country. But this wasn't a debate, it was murder, and Mangione now faces federal charges."

Mangione waived his right to an extradition hearing.

"We relinquished him to the custody of the New York City Police Department, and they'll be taking him back to New York City in a safe and secure manner," Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks told reporters Thursday morning.

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Mangione has been indicted on 11 charges in New York, including first-degree murder as an act of terrorism. He has not yet pleaded in relation to those charges.

Mangione is also accused of using a 3D-printed ghost gun to kill UnitedHealthcare Thompson on Dec. 4. Authorities say Mangione waited outside Thompson's midtown Manhattan hotel before shooting him.

He then fled but was arrested five days later at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pa.

Public reaction to the shooting has been largely supportive of Mangione, as people have expressed their frustration and anger on social media over their experiences with the healthcare industry generally, and with insurance companies specifically.

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Several crowdfunding sites have spontaneously raised in excess of $115,000 in legal defense funds for Mangione, with mostly anonymous donations large and small coming in from all over the world.

UnitedHealthcare ranks as the 9th largest corporation by revenue in the world, and reported profits of $22 billion in 2022, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission. That was up from about $14 billion in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI)  The New York State Police have made a pair of arrests in an alleged larceny case at the Walmart on State Route 3 in Watertown.

According to state troopers, 33-year-old Cayla Jacobs and 35-year-old Nathan Lindsay, both of LaFargeville, were are arrested after allegedly exiting the store without paying for merchandise.

The pair were caught on a surveillance camera and the NYSP made a call to identify them.

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The alleged incident occurred on Monday, December 9.

(New York State Police)

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A Canisteo man was arrested on drug and weapon charges near an elementary school.

On Wednesday, New York State Police were called to help detain a suspicious man near Canisteo Greenwood Elementary School. It was alleged that Harley Marble, 30, was riding an unregistered, off-road motorcycle near the school without a helmet and then tried to hide the bike on school grounds.

After detaining Marble, troopers said they found suspected cocaine and a flare gun modified to fire 12-gauge shotgun shells.

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Marble was charged with second-degree criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was taken to the Steuben County Jail for arraignment.

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The Diocese of Orange has agreed to pay $3.5 million to a man who alleges he was sexually abused by a former administrator at Mater Dei High School in the late 1970s.

The settlement concludes a lawsuit filed in 2019 against the diocese and brings the amount the Catholic Church has paid out in civil cases involving Msgr. Michael Harris to at least $10 million. Harris has denied molesting minors and was never criminally charged.

The man, identified in court documents as John Doe, wrote in a statement read by his attorney during a news conference Wednesday that he's still trying to overcome the pain of the abuse he suffered more than four decades ago.

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Harris, Mater Dei and the Diocese of Orange made promises to me and promises to my parents, the man said in the statement. They promised I would be safe at school. They also promised I would be part of a community, a community that would help me grow as a student, as a Catholic and as a human. Instead, they put me in the path of a serial predator ... who took all those promises and broke them.

Read more: L.A. Catholic Church payouts for clergy abuse top $1.5 billion with new record settlement

In a statement this week, the Diocese of Orange said it "vigorously defended" the claim and was prepared to take it to trial but opted instead to settle the case. The diocese's insurers funded the settlement.

"In all claims alleging child sexual abuse, the Diocese is committed to seeking justice, fostering healing and providing unwavering support to survivors," the diocese said in a statement. "The Diocese of Orange deeply regrets the harm caused [by] any and all incidents of abuse. The events alleged in this case occurred more than four decades ago; we recognize that such events have lasting impacts, and we are committed to ensuring the Diocese of today is safe for all."

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In his lawsuit, the man alleged he was sexually abused by Harris at Mater Dei in 1978. Harris was the school's vice principal at the time, according to the diocese.

Harris allegedly summoned the 15-year-old boy to his office under the "guise of discussing his grades," the lawsuit states.

When Harris told him that his grades were too poor to continue to attend the private school, the teen got upset. He was concerned about how his mother  who had worked hard to get him into the school  would react, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges Harris comforted the boy and during the encounter began forcibly orally copulating the teen.

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Read more: L.A. Catholic church covered up molesting priests for decades. The price: $1.5 billion and so much pain

Harris, a once-popular priest known as "Father Hollywood," worked at Mater Dei between about 1978 and 1987, according to the lawsuit. Prior to that, Harris was assigned as a priest within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

The lawsuit alleges that Harris was listed in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' "Report to the People of God" in 2004 as a priest who had sexually abused minors. The archdiocese listed Harris as having 12 accusers spanning 1972 through 1990, according to the lawsuit.

In 1994, when he resigned as principal of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Harris told supporters in a letter that he was leaving because of stress. Afterward, the Diocese of Orange sent Harris to the St. Luke Institute in Maryland, a treatment center for priests. Doctors at the center concluded Harris was sexually attracted to adolescent boys, according to a report from the center previously reviewed by The Times.

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In 2001, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Diocese of Orange agreed to pay $5.2 million to a former student who alleged Harris molested him in 1991 when he was 17. In 2012, the Diocese of Orange settled another case for $2 million in which an Air Force pilot said he was abused by Harris as a teen in late 1986 or early 1987.

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Centaurs are real. In space, that is. These celestial objects orbit the sun between Jupiter and Neptune and have the characteristics of both asteroids and comets. Now, astronomers are learning more about a famous centaur known as (2060) Chiron and how its surface chemistry sets it apart from other centaurs, by detecting its chemical composition for the first time. Chiron has both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ice alongside carbon dioxide and methane gases in the cloud-like envelope of dust and gas that surrounds itcalled a coma. The findings are detailed in a study published December 18 Astronomy & Astrophysics and add understanding the make up of these objects that date back to our Solar Systems early days.

This new study also builds upon a discovery from earlier this year that detected carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide ice on trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) for the first time.

Comets vs asteroids vs centaurs

Both comets and asteroids are planetary objects that orbit the sun, but they do have some key differences.

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According to NASA, an asteroid like Dimorphos is a small, rocky object that appears as a point of light when observed with a telescope. Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belta ring between the orbit of Mars and Jupiter. They also come in various shapes and sizes and some have a satellite orbiting.

A comet, such as Halleys comet, is made out of ice and dust. When a comet near the sun, its dust and ice begins to vaporize. When viewed with a telescope, a comet appears fuzzy and like it has a tail as the vapor trails it.

[ Related: Dinosaur-killing asteroid likely came from deep space beyond Jupiter. ]

Much like the mythological half-human and half-horse creatures, centaurs in space have characteristics of both comets and asteroids. They revolve around the sun in the outer solar system, primarily between the orbits of the gas giant Jupiter and Neptune.

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In 1977, Chiron became the first centaur ever discovered. Astronomers originally thought that it was an asteroid, but when it was seen emitting a halo of gas and a tail like a comet, they realized it was not a space rock. Chiron is even an oddball among these hybrid celestial bodies, as it sometimes acts more like a comet with rings of material around it.

Finding Chirons gas

In the new study, a team used data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to study these TNOs that are a bit like floating time capsules.

All the small bodies in the Solar System talk to us about how it was back in time, which is a period of time we cant really observe anymore, study co-author and planetary scientist Noemi Pinilla-Alonso told UCF Today. But active centaurs tell us much more. They are undergoing transformation driven by solar heating and they provide a unique opportunity to learn about the surface and subsurface layers.

Pinilla-Alonso is an Associate Scientist at UCF and now now works at the University of Oviedo in Spain.

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With Chiron, astronomers can observe its surface where most of the ice is found and the coma where gases originate.

TNOs dont have this kind of activity because theyre too far and too cold. Asteroids dont have this kind of activity because they dont have ice on them. Comets, on the other hand, show activity like centaurs, but they are typically observed closer to the Sun, and their comas are so thick that they complicate the interpretations of observations of the ices on the surface, said Pinilla-Alonso.

[ Related: Planet Nine might not actually be a planet. ]

Understanding which gases are in the coma and the different relationships with the ice can help us understand the chemical and physical properties at play. The JWST helped the team pinpoint the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ice alongside carbon dioxide and methane gases in Chirons coma.

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These results are like nothing weve seen before, study co-author and UCF astrophysicist Charles Schambeau told UCF Today. Detecting gas comae around objects as far away from the Sun as Chiron is very challenging, but JWST has made it accessible. These detections enhance our understanding of Chirons interior composition and how that material produces the unique behaviors as we observe Chiron.

The JWSTs spectra data also showed the huge amount of various ices with different volatilities and how they are made. Chiron likely originated from the TNO region and has likely been zipping around our Solar System since it was formed about 4.6 billion years ago. The team hopes to continue analyzing Chirons gases in the future.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The Humane Society of Odessa recently reached its GoFundMe goal, after facing a closure last week. Officials at the Humane Society, however, said the work is far from over.

The Humane Society of Odessa is seeking donations and pet adoptions so it can continue its mission of finding permanent homes for animals throughout the Basin. The Humane Society currently has two facilities open and is hoping to condense them down to one.

At this point, we need to get at least 150 dogs homes or into rescues to be able to be okay. It would be a lot less expensive to run both facilities if we had a lesser amount, said Director Heather Silvia.

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RELATED: Humane Society of Odessa faces possible closure

I mean, we have two electric bills every month, two water bills, we have to pay the employees to take care of the animals. The only money we get is what people donate. We are thankful for anyone that has donated so far, and we feel very blessed. But, its not something thats really going to have an end. As long as people keep dumping dogs, as long as people keep breeding dogs, as long as there is unwanted dogs in Odessa, we are going to need funding, said Office Manager Christyna Taylor.

While getting a new pet for the holidays might seem like a good idea, the Humane Society said to make sure you are prepared for the responsibility involved.

If youre not prepared, regardless of the size, if youre not prepared to take on a 1015-year commitment, dont get a puppy. A lot of times, we see a lot of returns in January because people get puppies and then get home and realize its a big responsibility, and they return them. So, while we want to get our dogs adopted out into homes, we just want to make sure people are mentally prepared, said Taylor.

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If you are interested in helping out, there are several easy ways to do so. If youre interested in donating financially, you can visit the Humane Society of Odessa website here. The organization said the following items would also be especially helpful:

Bedding, especially in the wintertime. If they have old towels, old blankets, sheets, pillows, old dog toys, old dog beds. If they just want to bring us cleaning supplies, or even if they just want to come in and volunteer their time. Any way that someone could help out, we would really appreciate it. Rugs is also a big one for us. Rugs and carpet pieces.

If you would like to adopt a pet from the Humane Society, simply bring a valid ID and fill out an application. You can also do a Home Check to ensure the animal is right for you.

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A Chicago police officer was relieved of police powers in connection with an exchange of gunfire involving off-duty officers last weekend on the citys West Side.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability on Wednesday provided additional details about the shooting Saturday in the Austin neighborhood.

A vehicle containing five people, including two off-duty Chicago police officers, was stopped in the 1000 block of South Mayfield Avenue around 1:30 a.m. when an unknown man exited his vehicle and exchanged gunfire with occupants of the vehicle with the officers, according to COPA.

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A 26-year-old man in the car with the officers was wounded in the exchange and taken to a local hospital, where he was listed in serious condition.

The Police Department later notified COPA that one of the off-duty officers fired a gun during the incident, according to COPA. That officer has since been relieved of police powers as the investigation continues.

Authorities have not said what they believe sparked the shooting. Police did not respond to questions about the incident.

No one was in custody as of Wednesday. Portions of the incident were captured on third-party cameras. Additional material in COPAs investigation is expected to be released within 60 days, in accordance with the citys video release policy, unless prohibited by court order.
The 2023 officer-involved shooting of a man who was trying to flee after stealing a car from a tire business in West Hartford was justified, according to a report released Thursday by the Connecticut Office of Inspector General.

West Hartford Police Department Officer Andrew Teeter fired five rounds, killing 34-year-old Mike Alexander-Garcia as he was attempting to steal a vehicle from the garage bay of the Town Fair Tire on New Britain Avenue at 5 p.m. on Aug, 8, 2023, according to the report from Inspector General Robert J. Devlin, Jr.

Devlin ruled that Teeter used deadly force to defend himself and others from what he reasonably believed to be a threat of serious injury or death, the report said.

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The situation began at 4:51 p.m. when West Hartford police were trying to pull over a Hyundai Elantra that had been reported stolen from Hartford on Aug. 4, 2023. The stolen Hyundai, occupied by Alexander-Garcia and another suspect, 47-year-old Lyle Solsbury, was picked up by a FLOCK camera near the Westfarms Mall that alerted police, according to the report.

Officers spotted the vehicle heading east on New Britain Avenue, where they deployed stop sticks, the report said. The officer saw that the Hyundai struck a BMW and then a Honda Pilot at the intersection of New Britain Avenue and South Street, where it became disabled before Alexander-Garcia and Solsbury fled on foot, according to the report.

Solsbury was apprehended quickly and arrested on multiple charges.

As Teeter responded to the area, he learned that one party was in custody but at least one other subject was still outstanding, the report said.

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After exiting his cruiser, witnesses told Teeter the suspect, described as a man wearing a long-sleeve black shirt and red shorts, was running east along New Britain Avenue. Dispatch relayed that the man, later identified as Alexander-Garcia, had attempted to jump into someones car but was unsuccessful.

Teeter got back into his cruiser and drove east on New Britain Avenue. At Town Fair Tire, Teeter saw Alexander-Garcia running through the Town Fair Tire lot. Alexander-Garcia then ran into the garage bay of the Town Fair Tire and jumped into a Toyota RAV4, as seen on footage released by the Inspector General.

Teeter pulled into the lot and went into the service bay. Several employees were in the garage and one was leaning into an open window of a parked vehicle. Teeter said in a statement that it appeared that the employee was in a fight with Alexander-Garcia. Teeter told the employee to move and then observed Alexander-Garcia in the drivers seat.

CT Inspector General identifies suspect fatally shot by West Hartford officer, releases bodycam footage

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I then deployed K-9 Islay into the vehicle through the open front passenger window and instructed her to bite the subject and hold him so I could take the subject into custody, Teeter said in his statement to the Inspector General.

While standing outside of the vehicle but leaning in, I now observed that the vehicle had keys in the ignition. I observed that despite the subject being bit by K-9 Islay, he was still attempting to put the vehicle in gear, Teeter said in his statement. If I attempted to get away from the vehicle, I feared I would be struck by the open door or caught up in the wheels and run over.

Teeter jumped into the passenger side and told Alexander-Garcia not to drive away as the K-9 locked onto his arm, the report said.

I entered the vehicle for my own safety as well as to continue to eect the arrest of the subject, Teeter said in the statement. I gave multiple commands to the subject to stop fighting, stop it, and dont do it but he made no eort to stop; nor did he make any comments to suggest compliance. I broadcast on my radio that we were in the vehicle and K-9 Islay was on the subject.

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Alexander-Garcia is seen on the responding officers dashcam footage hitting the officers vehicle and another vehicle as he attempted to drive away with both the police dog and Teeter in the vehicle. As the vehicle accelerated onto New Britain Avenue, another officer at the scene observed the RAV4 strike a white Nissan Altima that was traveling westbound.

During that time, Teeters bodycam footage shows him screaming multiple times to Alexander-Garcia.

At this time, I was backward in the front passenger seat and across the center console area with K-9 Islay between the subject and me while the vehicle was in motion and the passenger door still open. Due to my position and the fight I was engaged in with the subject, I could not determine at all where we were going, Teeter said in the statement. The vehicle began to shake in a manner that I knew it was in motion and colliding with objects. I then gave multiple warnings to the subject that Im gonna shoot you, STOP, and still the subject observed no change in behavior or attempts by the subject to surrender.

Teeter told the inspectors he could hear the engine accelerating as they were bounced around within the vehicle.

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Based on the culmination of events thus far, the subjects complete disregard for my lawful commands and his continued behavior of non-compliance/active resistance, I feared for my safety, Teeter said in the statement. If the subject was allowed to continue to operate in a violent reckless manner on a busy and active roadway and pedestrian area, there was a high likelihood of serious injury or death to myself, K-9 Islay, and the public. Based on the totality of circumstances, and after numerous warnings, I drew my department issued service weapon and discharged several shots at the subject.

Alexander-Garcia was struck five times in his torso and crashed into a utility pole across the street from Town Fair Tire. West Hartford ocers and EMS provided Alexander-Garcia medical aid on scene until he was transported to Hartford Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 5:53 p.m.

The Inspector General said Teeter suffered a broken rib and multiple head lacerations during the incident. The police dog was not harmed.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on Alexander-Garcia on Aug. 9, 2023, and ruled the death a homicide as a result of gunshot wounds. The autopsy report listed five gunshot wounds to Alexander-Garcias torso. Four projectiles were recovered from his body and turned over to Office of Inspector General inspectors. A toxicological analysis of Alexander-Garcias blood was positive for cocaine and benzoylecgonine, the report said.

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Family of man killed by West Hartford police officer files wrongful death lawsuit seeking over $75M

The family of Alexander-Garcia filed a wrongful death lawsuit in July against Teeter, the town of West Hartford and its police department seeking more than $75 million.

The 66-page lawsuit, filed on behalf of the administratrix of Alexander-Garcias estate on July 31 in Hartford Superior Court, alleges Teeter violated multiple department policies and Alexander-Garcias constitutional rights under the states Police Accountability Act, which was passed in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in 2020.

The 15-count complaint contends that Teeter should not have released the police dog into the vehicle Alexander-Garcia was allegedly trying to steal and should not have pursued him on foot or jumped into the car. The lawsuit, filed by Peter Bowman and Ken Krayeske of Stratford-based BBB Attorneys, alleges that Teeter did not give a clear directive and only expressed his intent to shoot Alexander-Garcia before firing multiple rounds at Alexander-Garcia.

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The inspector general concluded that Teeters decision to deploy the police dog into the RAV4 to take Alexander-Garcia into custody was a less lethal option with a high probability of success.

As part of its investigation, Devlin consulted with K-9 expert Terry Anderson regarding Teeters deployment of Islay into the RAV4.

Ocer Teeters deployment of canine Islay through the passenger side window was reasonable and the most ecient/eective less lethal force option. Alexander-Garcias failure to comply with Ocer Teeters commands and Islays bite displayed his complete disregard for his safety and the safety of others, Anderson said, according to the report.

Alexander-Garcias behavior is contrary to others when confronted with a police canine. A lot of criminals when confronted with the potential of being bitten by a police canine immediately surrender. Others fail to surrender until a canine is forced to bite them. Alexander-Garcia can be heard pleading with Ocer Teeter to stop the dog from biting him; however, Alexander-Garcia made no eort to surrender and continued his reckless actions while relentlessly trying to escape.

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Devlin also concluded that Teeters decision to enter the RAV4 to affect the arrest Alexander-Garcia did not amount to officer-created jeopardy.

Finally, his use of deadly force inside the RAV4 was a reasonable response to a legitimate threat of serious injury or death to himself and others posed by the chaotic and reckless actions of Alexander-Garcia, the report said.

In sum, I find Officer Teeters use of deadly force to be justified under Connecticut law.
ELYRIA, Ohio (WJW)  A family is safe and two suspects face charges after an armed burglary at an Elyria apartment complex Tuesday evening.

According to Elyria police, a man, who wasnt home, called 911 just before 5:30 p.m. after seeing two armed men inside his apartment on Rosewood Drive through an interior security camera livestream.

Woman killed in hit-and-run; investigators searching for vehicle involved

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The caller said his girlfriend and their 3-year-old child were home at the time. The security footage showed the suspects pull out firearms and physically assault the woman, according to police.

Elyria police officers quickly responded to the scene and set up a perimeter.

Officers successfully breached the apartment door, securing the safety of the victims and apprehending the suspects without further harm, Elyria police said in a Wednesday press release.

Christmas display damaged for the third time this year in New London

The suspects, identified as 21-year-old Ramal Sitton and 20-year-old Johnny Rice, were taken into custody. Two loaded firearms were recovered from the scene.

Ramal Sitton (left) and Johnny Rice (right), courtesy of Elyria Police Department

According to Elyria police, a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects went into the home to steal money and other belongings. Investigators say they held the victims at gunpoint and threatened their lives.

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The Elyria Police Department commends the quick actions of our officers and dispatchers,

whose efforts and collaboration were essential in resolving this dangerous situation and ensuring the safe rescue of the victims, the press release said.

Sitton and Rice are being held without bond in the Lorain County jail. They both face multiple felonies, including aggravated burglary, kidnapping, felonious assault, and disrupting public services.

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State and federal officials declared victory over northern giant hornets, also known as murder hornets, in a Thursday press release from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).

The WSDA said the agency alongside the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have declared the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) eradicated from Washington and the United States.

Im incredibly proud of our team, which has dedicated years of hard work to safeguarding our state and the nation from this invasive threat to our native pollinators and agriculture, WSDA Director Derek Sandison said in the release. Id also like to acknowledge the federal, state, and local support that made this feat possible. This success is the result of our combined efforts.

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Northern giant hornets, which are invasive, were first seen in the U.S. in the Evergreen State five years ago. Experts have told the public that the hornets dont often attack people and pets, but may do so when threatened. They have venom that can result in death.

We are proud of this landmark victory in the fight against invasive species, the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Deputy Administrator Mark Davidson said in the WSDA release. The success of this effort demonstrates whats possible when agencies and communities unite toward a common goal. USDA played a key role by providing critical funding, technology, personnel and research support, and scientific expertise that helped WSDA eradicate this pest.

Beyond a potential, yet uncommon, threat to humans, northern giant hornets are a bigger risk for bees as well as other insects.

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Mia Maldonado

Idaho Capital Sun

Officials are still not close to reaching their goal of returning at least 5 million salmon and steelhead to the Columbia River Basin. However, new data shows a positive trend in total abundance of fish in the basin.

Thats according to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, which on Tuesday met over Zoom to discuss the latest data of salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River Basin.

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Before 1850, salmon and steelhead runs to the Columbia River Basin were estimated to have been between 10 to 16 million annually. Dams significantly fractured those runs, and in the 1990s, runs declined to about 1 million a year.

However, the most recent 10-year rolling average from 2014-2023 stands at 2.3 million salmon and steelhead returning to the basin, similar to the average of 2.4 million fish between 2004-2013, and an improvement from the average in the 1990s which fell to 1.3 million fish, according to data from the council.

Increased salmon and steelhead abundance in the Columbia River Basin  especially above Bonneville Dam  over the past 40 years marks important progress, Council Member Louie Pitt, who represents Oregon and is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, said in a press release.

37 years later, council remains far from goal of 5 million fish returns

The Northwest Power and Conservation Council was established in 1980 by the Northwest Power Act, which authorized Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington to develop a program to protect, mitigate and enhance fish and wildlife impacted by hydropower systems in the Columbia River Basin.

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The councils fish and wildlife program is funded by the Bonneville Power Administration, and it directs more than $280 million annually to cover 300 projects throughout the basin.

In 1987, the council set a goal to have 5 million salmon and steelhead return to the basin past Bonneville Dam by 2025. And through the 1990s, 12 salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River Basin were listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act as run sizes continued to decline.

Since then, the closest the council has been to reaching its 5 million goal was in 2014, when 4.6 million salmon and steelhead returned to the basin.

While dams are a primary hindrance to salmon and steelhead population recovery, these fish also face severe stresses from climate change, pressures from human population growth in the basin, and other environmental impacts, Pitt said.

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We cannot ease up in our collective efforts to help these fish populations grow stronger and larger everywhere we can  including in blocked areas of our basin such as above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams, Pitt said.

Ed Schriever, a council member who represents Idaho and is a former director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, said the progress is a result of the coordination between state, federal and tribal agencies and other partners across the Columbia River Basin.

Over the past four decades the regions fish and wildlife managers have significantly increased their capacity to perform mitigation, stewardship, and enhancement, Schriever said in the press release. The managers have also refined their methods and processes as our scientific understanding has evolved and grown more sophisticated. The work being done today is more directed and purposeful than it has ever been.

Data shows improvement in fish production above Bonneville Dam

Another key finding from Tuesdays presentation is an improvement in salmon and steelhead production above Bonneville Dam since the establishment of the council Endangered Species Act listings.

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Early initiatives of the 20th century to recover salmon and steelhead populations, such as hatcheries, focused mostly in the lower sections of the Columbia River to benefit commercial fisheries and ocean harvest, said Peter Jensen, council spokesperson. This ignored fisheries upstream, particularly those for tribes, which experienced the heaviest losses of salmon and steelhead abundance.

Since then, new hatcheries upstream of Bonneville Dam, many managed or co-managed by tribes, have helped offset some of those losses.

The data presented on Tuesday gives a more complete picture of salmon and steelhead returns in the basin, showing current and historical estimates of proportions of ocean harvest, returns to the mouth of the river, and adult fish tracked passing Bonneville Dam as they migrate upriver to spawn. Previous efforts only focused on fish migrating past Bonneville Dam.
LEAVITTSBURG, Ohio (WKBN)  At a meeting Thursday night, the Trumbull County MetroParks Board of Commissioners voted for a second time to proceed with having the Leavittsburg Dam removed but, once again, it didnt come without a lengthy discussion.

For most of the year, the debate has raged over the Leavittsburg Dam  should it be demolished or should it stay?

Dam removal is not a very popular decision, with residents who have loudly expressed their displeasure with the plan to demolish it, even providing a study to show that alternatives are possible.

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Earlier this month, the Ohio EPA approved a permit for the removal of the dam.

The debate before the board Thursday was whether the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency would allow for alternate plans to removing the Leavittsburg Dam, specifically a rock ripple and a fish ladder.

Warren Township resident Debbie Roth talked with officials at the EPA, who said the MetroParks would have to file new paperwork.

They cant just tell me that, Oh yes, we can do it. They need to know whats happening to be able to do it, she said.

MetroParks Commissioner Kurt Sauer thought the Akron-based engineering firm DLZ, hired by Trumbull County, was going to contact the EPA to determine if alternate plans were feasible.

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Sauer said DLZ never answered.

I am very disappointed in what DLZ has communicated to the board, he said.

Trumbull County Engineer Randy Smith said DLZ did contact the EPA.

There was some reluctance to talk to them because, Im assuming because of the contractual issues, he said.

Work with us, not against us, said Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy.

Malloy, who supports the alternate plans, asked board members to delay their decision, saying if they approved demolition, they were just a rogue board.

Dont come to the commissioners and say, Were in trouble, were now in a lawsuit. Can CORSA back us up? or Can you help us on the commissioner end? I tell you now the answer will be no, Malloy said.

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Sauer asked that the resolution to go forward with the dams demolition be tabled for a third time until a meeting could be set up.

With representatives from the governors office, the Ohio EPA and the county, as well as the state board of health, Sauer said.

His motion to table died for a lack of a second.

The board then, by a vote of 4-1, voted to continue with the process of demolishing the Leavittsburg Dam. Sauer was the only no vote.

The process of demolishing the Leavittsburg Dam is scheduled to begin next year. Warren Township Trustee Kay Anderson, who was at the meeting, said afterward that its possible the township may file a lawsuit to stop the demolition from proceeding.

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The Leavittsbug Dam is one of nine dams along the Mahoning River that are scheduled to be demolished. The Lowellville, Struthers, and Summit Street dams have already been removed.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Officials with the Utah County Sheriffs Office executed search warrants in Salt Lake County in recent days, leading to the arrest of several people and the seizure of money and several different drugs.

According to a UCSO press release, the Utah County Major Crimes task force executed several search warrants on two different fentanyl distribution groups in Salt Lake County.

Officials seized more than 32,000 fentanyl pills, more than $14,000 in cash, along with cocaine, marijuana and THC vapes, and about one pound of heroin, UCSO said.

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Police believe family killed in West Valley home was a murder-suicide

An image of drugs seized in Salt Lake County in Dec. 2024 after officials executed several search warrants. (Courtesy: Utah County Sheriffs Office) An image of drugs seized in Salt Lake County in Dec. 2024 after officials executed several search warrants. (Courtesy: Utah County Sheriffs Office) An image of drugs seized in Salt Lake County in Dec. 2024 after officials executed several search warrants. (Courtesy: Utah County Sheriffs Office)

Seven individuals were arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for charges related to the distribution of controlled substances. UCSO said two suspects are Honduras citizens and five suspects are citizens of Mexico.

These groups were targeted due to the fact that the drugs these groups were distributing were finding their way onto the streets and into the homes of Utah County residents, the sheriffs office said.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  The effort to determine what caused problems with the voting process in Cambria County during the recent general election and how to prevent the issues from arising again in the future is continuing.

A printing error resulted in there being ballots that could not be read by voting machines.

The problems required counting thousands of ballots by hand, a process that took several days.

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The result of the most closely watched local race  incumbent state Rep. Frank Burns, D-East Taylor Township, defeating Republican Amy Bradley in the 72nd District  was not known until Friday of election week.

Burns released a press statement Tuesday with details of a letter he sent to Pennsylvania Department of State Secretary Al Schmidt calling for an independent investigation into the matter.

I urge you to conduct a public hearing  and to use the full investigative powers of your office  to determine what went wrong in Cambria County, who was responsible and how we can ensure it never happens again, Burns wrote.

Burns continued: The people of Cambria County deserve honest answers as to how this snafu occurred and who is culpable  which I firmly believe wont be forthcoming from within Cambria County, given the insular and self-protecting nature of the existing local political structure. Its established modus operandi is best described as the fox guarding the henhouse and see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, while praying, fingers crossed, for a carpet big enough to sweep this under.

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Cambria County Solicitor Ron Repak said an investigation involving the Department of State has already started.

We beat him to the punch, Repak said.

Ive already been in contact with the Department of State. Ive been in contact with the Department of State from day one. Weve already spoken with all counsel over there. Weve come up with a plan regarding making sure that we do an internal investigation. Weve talked with every single entity there. Theyre going to help support us in that investigation.

He cant ask for something to be done that weve already asked ourselves.

Repak added: The first thing we did was, OK, now that this is done and the dust is settled, we need to immediately look into what happened, what went wrong, what systems can we put in place to make sure this never happens again. Weve conducted interviews.

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We are absolutely working intimately in tandem with the Department of State.

Weve already had a meeting with all the individuals on the Department of State regarding additional trainings moving into next year.

The Department of State could not be immediately reached Tuesday on short notice.
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  While Christmas tree fires arent very common when they do happen, they can be dangerous.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2018 and 2022, fire departments were sent to over 150 home fires that started with Christmas trees.

New interactive book celebrates 30 years of Bright Nights

West Springfield Fire Lieutenant Tony Spear says the majority of these fires start because of plugging in too many Christmas lights, which you should always make sure are in good condition.

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For Christmas tree lighting, youre going to want to use and plug directly into the wall any of the pre-lit trees directly into the wall and never use extension cords and certainly never run any cords under any carpeting or rugs or anything over and over like that, Spear says.

According to the US Fire Administration, both cooking fires and candle fires also peak on Christmas Eve and day. In fact, more than half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles.

The States Department of Fire Services recommends the following tips:

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Spear says to keep an eye on these candles and blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed, and turn off all light strings and decorations as well.

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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Dec. 19Ohio lawmakers this week passed a package of controversial education bills, including the "Parents Bill of Rights Act"  derided by critics as a forced outing bill for LGBTQ+ youth  and a measure mandating public school districts to allow students to attend third-party religious instruction during the school day.

The measure, Ohio House Bill 8, passed mostly along party lines 24-to-7 in the Senate, with one Republican objector; and 57-to-31 in the House, with three Republican objectors (including Rep. Andrea White, R-Kettering). It now goes to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature.

The Parents Bill of Rights framework originally sought to establish a mandatory line of communication between public schools and students' parents, but the bill received significant backlash from LGBTQ+ students and advocates over a provision that requires school officials to report significant changes in a student's mental health to the student's parents.

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The American Civil Liberties Union and statehouse Democrats argued that the provision will essentially function as a "forced outing" mandate for LGBTQ+ students who have not yet come out at home, potentially putting them in danger.

"This bill's vague language creates an environment of fear and division, putting LGBTQ+ students at risk and eroding the trust that educators work hard to build with their students and families," said Jenna Wojdacz, assistant vice president of education at Ohio Center for Sex Education, after the measure passed.

Supporters argued that the bill properly empowers parents to make decisions about their child's education and mental health.

"Schools should not have the broad authority to keep secret information about someone's child," said Senate Education Committee chairman Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware, before Wednesday's vote.

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When the bill cleared the Ohio House last June, bill sponsor Sara Carruthers, R-Hamilton, told this outlet that she'd be open to amending the bill to address the forced outing concerns. "It has nothing to do with LGBTQ+; it never did, it shouldn't," she said.

But the Ohio Senate declined to add explicit safeguards to the bill, denying an amendment proposed by Democrats that would allow school districts to "withhold such information from a a parent if a reasonably prudent person would believe the disclosure would result in abuse, abandonment or neglect."

The Senate did, however, amend H.B. 8 to require Ohio's public school districts to adopt a policy to allow students to leave class in the middle of the day to attend third-party religious instruction.

Democrats argued that the law would disrupt students' school days and burden teachers.

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Former public school teacher and administrator Rep. Adam Bird, R-New Richmond, argued late Wednesday night that mandatory religious release would actually be beneficial to public schools, which are increasingly faced with the potential of losing students to private schools following the state's investment of over a billion dollars into a new private school voucher program.

"I would give this warning to the opponents of release time for religious instruction: If you continue to push back, and if you continue to tell parents that they can't choose just a few minutes a day of release time for religious instruction, you're going to leave them with no choice but to leave for the entire day and go to a Christian school, a charter school, a non-public school," Bird said.
The Ohio Legislature passed what has been dubbed a Parents Bill of Rights on Wednesday, sending it to the Republican governors desk where it is most likely to be signed.

The legislation was passed in the state Senate 24-7, with only one Republican voting against the measure. The state House approved the bill 57-31.

The bill requires parents to be notified about sexuality content that would be taught in classrooms, with the option for the children to be opted out of the discussions.

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Schools will also be required to notify parents if their child requests counseling or asks to be called by a different name or pronoun.

Schools should not have the broad authority to keep secret information about someone elses child. Children are not a ward of the state or a school district and are to be raised and guided by their parents, state Sen. Andrew Brenner (R) said, WOSU Public Media reported.

The bill was strongly opposed by Democrats and LGBTQ advocates who see it as perilous for kids.

Its dangerous, and Ive worked with children who have come to me, a trusted adult, who are suicidal and questioning their identity. Its dangerous. It would have risked their safety and well being to out them, and this bill will not help anybody, said state Rep. Jodi Whitted (D), The Columbus Dispatch reported.

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If signed into law, the legislation also requires schools to allow children to leave the building to get religious instruction during the school day, under programs such as the LifeWise Academy. Some K-12 schools already offer this option, but before it was up to the local school boards whether it was allowed.

The bill has been sent to the desk Gov. Mike DeWine (R), who has voiced support for such reforms in the past.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. (Photo by Morgan Trau, WEWS.)

Correction: An earlier version of this story misattributed accusations made in a civil complaint. This version has been updated.

A federal judge has tapped two Ohio pensions to lead a class-action suit by seven entities accusing the business-information platform ZoomInfo of making false statements about the health of the business. Later, truthful disclosures led to plunging stock values, costing public-pension systems and other investors tens of millions of dollars, the suit says.

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Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright of the U.S. District Court of Western Washington last week named the Ohio pensions  the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System  lead plaintiffs in the case, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in a statement Tuesday. The two pension systems lost a combined $75.9 million due to what the suit calls ZoomInfos fraudulent statements, Yost said.

Vancouver, Wash.-based ZoomInfo offers clients a data platform with contact and business information about prospective customers. As the pandemic waned, the company misled its investors about the declining state of its business, the lawsuit alleges.

During the pandemic, it claimed that it was raking in record revenues, attracting billions in investments, the lawsuit said.

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The individual defendants, because of their positions of control and authority as officers and/or directors of the company, were able to, and did, control the content of the various SEC filings, press releases, and other public statements pertaining to the company during the class period, the complaint said. Each individual defendant was provided with copies of the documents alleged herein to be misleading before or shortly after their issuance, participated in conference calls with investors during which false and misleading statements were made, and/or had the ability and/or opportunity to prevent their issuance or cause them to be corrected. Accordingly, each individual defendant is responsible for the accuracy of the public statements detailed herein and is, therefore, primarily liable for the representations contained therein.

By late 2022, it became impossible for ZoomInfo to hide the truth about the health of its business from the public, the plaintiffs said.

Eventually, the truth about ZoomInfos financial status began to emerge, the complaint said. ZoomInfo gradually revealed its customer retention and revenue in a series of five corrective disclosures between Nov. 1, 2022 and Aug. 5, 2024. On Nov. 1, ZoomInfo published a report disclosing losses and held a call with analysts in which (Chief Financial Officer Cameron) Hyzer revealed difficulties in the contract renewal process Financial analysts panned the report as inconsistent with the Companys prior representations, . . . observing that the abrupt change in tone caught them flat-footed given the Company and its managements recent bullish commentary. Following the Nov. 1 news, the price of ZoomInfo Class A common stock plunged.

After those disclosures, the stock lost 90% of its value, going from $79 a share to just $8 a share, the suit said.

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In announcing that the Ohio funds were joining the suit, Yost in a November statement said his aim was to protect Ohio retirees.

ZoomInfos leadership willfully blinded investors to the reality that interest in the companys product was waning, he said. Their reckless deception inflicted serious losses for Ohios pension systems and other investors, and were demanding accountability.

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File photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.

Medicaid work requirements are back again. And they are just as bad an idea this time as they were before.

The stated aim of Ohios proposed Medicaid waiver, posted for public comment this Tuesday, is to improve Medicaid enrollee health and well-being through incentivizing work, education, and addiction recovery.

Deceptive rhetoric aside, the actual effects of these requirements couldnt be more different  or worse.

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Medicaid work requirements are barriers to receiving vitally important health care services. And they take aim at the already most vulnerable Ohioans. The waiver will cut coverage for tens of thousands of Ohioans, add more government red tape in basic access, and increase insurance costs for all of us.

This isnt just my opinion. Courts have already weighed in, striking down a work requirement law implemented in Arkansas in 2018. By the time federal courses stopped the program in 2019, 18,000 adults had lost coverage.

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Even more damning: work requirements did not drive more Arkansans with Medicaid to work. In fact, the program cost the government more to administer than it would have cost to simply maintain health coverage. The same is true in other states like Kentucky and Virginia where administrative costs totaled in the hundreds of millions.

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Past work requirements were found to have violated the aims of the legal provision by which they are established  so-called 1115 Demonstration Waivers established under the Social Security Act. These waivers were established to drive innovation in the delivery of Medicaid, not to keep Americans from enrolling. Acknowledging this legal determination, several states, including Ohio, put their proposals on ice.

The news that Ohio is going to try again is a clear effect of the 2024 election. Ohio is hoping that likely Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz is more open to them. The DeWine administration is also hoping that courts will be more open to work requirements this time around.

The Truth About Work Requirements

Ohioans may ask: Why shouldnt we make Ohioans work for coverage?

If the waiver were about policy, then we would maintain current access because we know it reduces Ohioans debt, enables them to get better jobs, and helps state economies improve in general. Ohio already has data demonstrating this fact. But the work requirements being proposed will only make Ohioans comply with another government mandate for something they already pay for through their taxes.

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Ask yourself this question: Do I want more Ohio government in my health care? If the answer is no, then why would some Ohio Republicans be pushing this policy on the poorest Buckeyes?

The important thing to understand is that this is about politics, not policy. The fact of the matter is, the overwhelming majority of individuals on Medicaid already work, are in school, or are a caretaker of a relative. And while the waiver recognizes some of that, the state readily admits that more than 60,000 Ohioans will lose coverage. More than that, the state also admits the average costs for enrollees will increase, which means insurance costs increase for those in the private market.

As happened in Arkansas, the proposed waiver is not likely to push more Ohioans to work, get help, or learn. It is, however, likely to serve as a significant barrier to enrollment in Medicaid. This is what we political scientists call administrative burden. Every conceivable Medicaid work requirement will reduce the number of people able to access Medicaid services.

Public Comment is Open, But Ohioans Might Miss It

The DeWine administration posted public notice about these consequential enrollment barriers in a sly manner, on Dec. 16, just days before Ohioans focus turns to the holidays and time with family. In-person and virtual public comment will be held twice, just after the New Year, on Jan. 3 and Jan. 9. Ohioans can provide written comment, as well. The administration is availing itself of the statutorily smallest window for public comment, which closes on Jan. 16  just four days before President-elect Trump is sworn in for a second term.

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The clear goal is to push Medicaid work requirements through without too many Ohioans noticing, and to have these barriers to Medicaid enrollment teed up for Trump and Oz when the new administration takes control.

Medicaid Saves Lives

Dont be fooled by the DeWine administrations Orwellan evocation of enrollee health and well-being. Real health and well-being is promoted by increased access and the removal of administrative barriers.

The proposed requirements are part of a longer effort to undercut Medicaid and punish poor Ohioans. The administration will likely tell us we are overreacting, that these proposed requirements will bring some accountability to Ohio Medicaid. The fact that Ohio decided to slow their efforts until full MAGA control of the federal government should tell us all we need to know.

In 2013, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, called Medicaid expansion a matter of life and death. We have ample evidence that Medicaid saves Ohioans lives and makes millions more healthier. Expanded access and reduced administrative burden during the height of the COVID pandemic was a lifeline for our state, driving down poverty along the way.

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We must reject these bad faith efforts to make it harder for Ohioans to access Medicaid.

Dan Skinner is Professor of Health Policy at Ohio University and host of the Prognosis Ohio podcast. Follow him on BlueSky at @danskinner.bsky.social.

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Dec. 19Ohio lawmakers this week voted to regulate unmanned aerial vehicles  UAVs, or drones  in state law.

Ohio House Bill 77 is headed to the governor's desk after passing Wednesday with bipartisan support.

The bill would make "operating a UAV in a manner that knowingly endangers any person or property or that purposely disregards others' rights or safety" a criminal offense, punishable by a $500 fine and/or six months in jail.

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It would also make it illegal to operate a UAV in a manner that disrupts law enforcement or emergency services; or to use a UAV to photograph, record or loiter over or near a critical facility  such as major utilities or a police station  "with purpose to further another criminal offense" or "with purpose to destroy or tamper with the facility," according to a legislative analysis of the bill.

The bill also authorizes local governments to establish their own ordinances on private drone use in or above parks or other public property.

A legislative analysis of the bill notes that use of UAVs has "increased exponentially" in recent years. This adds state restrictions to already existing federal regulations.

The legal use of drones has been in the news lately after UAVs have been seen over and near military bases across the country, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

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H.B. 77, sponsored by state Rep. Bernie Willis, R-Springfield, passed the House with bipartisan support and no formal opposition.

"With the likes of both Honda and Intel making their way into Ohio, the use of drones will soar," Willis testified in committee. "This bill takes the necessary actions to facilitate this exciting frontier and ensures a safe sky."
An Ohio school board is considering a new policy that could strip its teachers of one of the most beloved classroom traditions: decorating their walls.

The policy, which was read for the first time Tuesday evening at a Little Miami Schools board meeting, would require teachers to take down most posters, flags and other displays that aren't directly related to that class's curriculum.

Little Miami School District is in Cincinnati's suburbs, more than 30 miles northeast of Downtown. An online petition against the proposed policy garnered hundreds of signatures in the last week, and several people for and against the policy showed up to speak at a recent school board meeting.

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More: Ohio teacher suspended for having LGBTQ books in classroom. Now she's suing the district

Teachers would still be able to display family photos on their desks and motivational posters on their walls, David Wallace, a school board member, said Tuesday, but "materials in the classroom should reinforce the subject being taught." He gave the example of a "Readers are Leaders" poster that would be allowed in a reading teacher's classroom.

"It is not the district's job to influence our children on social, political or sexual issues," Wallace said. "As a parent, we should not have to worry that children are being subjected to materials that go against our household values and beliefs."

If the policy is approved, signs, posters, flags and other displays across the district  including on stadium fencing, walls, doors, ceilings, vehicles, the district's website and in emails  would be limited to:

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The American flag.

The State of Ohio flag.

The Little Miami flag and mascot.

Classroom displays that are part of of the class's curriculum.

Superintendent-approved signs "that denote a recognition of achievement."

Sport tournament displays.

Signs from the branches of the U.S. military, colleges and universities.

Country flags that represent the district's foreign exchange students.

Flyers, notices and invitations for clubs, no larger than a standard letter sheet of paper, and only on approved bulletin boards.

The school board did not vote on the policy on Tuesday. The proposed policy will be discussed further after the holidays.

Proposed policy sparks controversy in the community

Nearly 600 people have signed an online petition against the policy and about 20 people spoke about the proposed policy at Tuesday's school board meeting. Several people told the board that they saw the policy as an attack on the LGBTQ community.

Wayne Lyke, who has taught at Little Miami High School for 25 years and is president of the teachers' union, said he has spoken with teachers at all of the district's schools and with outside consultants.

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"We are all in agreement," Lyke told the school board, "that this policy is bad for students, bad for teachers and generally bad for the district."

Teachers' decorations don't only reflect the curriculum but also reflect educators' personalities and their character, Lyke said.

"Those decorations are meant to make that environment less overwhelming and more comfortable and inviting for the students," he said. "This policy would take away all of that life and vitality and create a sterile, institutional environment that will make students less comfortable in the classroom and negatively impact the educational process."

Several local Republican figureheads attended Tuesday's school board meeting to advocate for the policy, including Christian Mays, who sits on the Warren County Republican Central Committee, and Kelly Kohls, who is the executive director for the National School Board Leadership Council, a training center that works with school boards to "eradicate controversial curriculums" and eliminate "teacher activists within our schools," according to the organization's website. Kohls also partners with Moms for America, a national nonprofit that promotes patriotism and motherhood as an alternative to the ideas of "radical feminists."

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Kim Georgeton, who chairs the Hamilton County Moms for Liberty chapter in Ohio, also spoke at Tuesday's meeting. Moms for Liberty is a national 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization working to unite and empower parents "to defend their parental rights at all levels of government." It launched in 2021 and is headquartered in Florida. The Southern Poverty Law Center has designated it an antigovernment extremist group.

More: Moms for Liberty endorses candidates for Northwest, Forest Hills, Loveland school boards

"Classrooms are not private spaces for individual agendas," Georgeton said at Tuesday's meeting. "They are public spaces. They are owned by all of us: parents, students, taxpayers and community members. These spaces must remain neutral so every child, every family, feels that their values are respected."

The Little Miami school board will meet again for a regular business meeting Jan. 28.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: School board in Ohio might restrict flags, posters in classrooms
Dec. 18Ohio lawmakers this week voted to put a measure before voters in May to allow the state to issue $2.5 billion in bonds to fund bridges, roads and other capital projects over a 10-year period.

This is the fifth time since the 1980s that the General Assembly has asked voters to approve state borrowing in bulk. It was backed by government and business group and faced no organizational opposition.

The sole vote against the measure was state Sen. Niraj Antani, R-Miami Twp., who previously said he opposed it because: "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."

Unlike other measures passed this week, this resolution doesn't go to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for a signature. Instead, it goes straight to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who is tasked with preparing the initiative for the ballot.
Oklahoma City has some new rules for short-term rental hosts, like Airbnb and VRBO.

On Tuesday, the city council unanimously approved adjustments to two laws that further regulate how hosts can operate their short-term rentals and how new rental applications are approved.

In addition to changes previously proposed, like stricter occupancy limits in hopes of cracking down on so-called "party pads," the council approved new additions to the laws, including enabling the city's Board of Adjustment to consider homeowners association restrictive covenants against short-term rentals when approving rentals that are not the host's primary residence and eliminating a two-night minimum stay proposal.

An Airbnb is pictured in northwest Oklahoma City.

Changes made to OKC's short-term rental regulations

Here are some of the changes being made that likely will have the biggest impact on home-sharing in Oklahoma City:

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Setting a maximum occupancy limit based on the number of bedrooms, with the goal being to eliminate guests inviting over large groups of people for overnight parties. Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., the limit is the number of bedrooms multiplied by two, plus two additional occupants. And at any one time, there is a maximum occupancy of 16 regardless of the number of bedrooms.

If properties are "home shared" for more than 10 nights in a calendar month, the host will need to apply for a special exception from the Board of Adjustment.

In historic preservation districts, the home share must be located on the same parcel as the host's primary residence and the host's primary residence must be occupied by the host at the same time of the rental.

Placing a limit on the number of special exceptions for short-term rentals to not exceed 10% of the dwellings within any given block.

Establishing an off-street parking requirement of one parking space for every four occupants.

Enabling the city's Board of Adjustment to consider homeowners association restrictive covenants against short-term rentals when approving rentals that are not the host's primary residence.

What residents thought of new home-sharing regulations

Nick Tran, a short-term rental host and property owner, said at Tuesday's meeting he would like to see improvements in the approval process. Tran said he was approved for a special exception property in June and has yet to receive his business license as of December.

Tran added he feels the requirement for a special exception to rent a property out more than 10 nights in a calendar month is cumbersome, especially to those who rent out rooms in their home while they are living there.

"I think that is not a good change," Tran said. "I think it's going to affect a lot of hosts. Like for me, I just traveled to Vietnam for a month, and I wouldn't be able to Airbnb my home out during that time, because I can only do up to 10 days."

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The ability to rent out the home share for more than 10 days per calendar month, like other special exception short-term rental permits, would have to be approved by the city's Board of Adjustment.

Gary Jones, government affairs director for the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of Realtors, said his organization's members "feel very good about this ordinance." However, he said the one thing that is not addressed he would like to see something done about, is how the city will enforce the new regulations.

"If you don't come up with a real enforcement mechanism, we really haven't done the work," Jones said. "And our members wanted to make sure that they said very loudly and clearly that they're committed to enforcement, and even if it means increasing the application fee in order to help subsidize the cost of that, that they believe it's necessary."

City management is working with its new Office of Innovation to post requests for consultant support in addressing the following concerns:

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Identifying unlicensed home shares.

Assisting with outreach, including short-term rental licenses that are about to expire or have recently lapsed.

Assisting with oversight of hotel tax obligations.

Creating documentation of licensing violations.

Providing a 24-hour complaint platform.

Coordinating with the city's licensing and code enforcement database.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Airbnb, VRBO regulations in Oklahoma City are changing: What to know
Dec. 19An initiative launched to identify priority issues in Oklahoma schools has revealed the public and educators agree that among different academic skills, students' reading and writing skills needed the most improvement.

Oklahoma Education Impact Initiative Director Ed Harris, a professor emeritus of education leadership at Oklahoma State University, reported that this fall, the agency surveyed the general public and educators from urban, suburban and rural areas to identify areas of improvement in the state's education system.

Tenkiller School Superintendent Ryan Cottrell said the findings are reasonable, and in line with national trends. Cottrell said literacy is considered fundamental to overall academic success.

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"When students struggle with these skills, it can affect their performance in other subjects, such as math, science, and social studies, since comprehension and processing of text is essential in these areas," he said.

Cottrell said that Tenkiller uses a program called "WIN," which stands for "What I Need." This program allows teachers to tailor instruction to address individual needs of each student.

Early literacy skills are built by focusing on reading skills in phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. Educators also use one-on-one support, small group sessions, and adaptive technologies to assist learners, Cottrell said.

Keys Public Schools Superintendent Vol Woods said students on his campus can access an artificial intelligence program called AI Khanmigo, which is used to foster reading and writing skills in students.

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"Additionally we offer an after-school tutoring program and have implemented data-driven instruction with regular progress monitoring," Woods said.

They OKEII survey also found the public and educators agree the goal of Oklahoma's k-12 schools should be to promote good work habits and self-discipline, and prepare students for the workforce.

"We agree [those] are important aspects of public schools," Tahlequah Public Schools Superintendent Tanya Jones said. "Our fundamental purpose is to give all students a well-rounded education that prepares them for all types of postsecondary opportunities."

Grand View School Superintendent Larry Ben said he believes a school isn't inherently required to learn about hard work or self-discipline, adding that the workforce is a moving target.

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"We need to educate students in a way that they can adapt to the changing needs in the workforce and opportunities they will have in the future," Ben said. "Students are going to need to think critically, adapt, and solve problems."

The OKEII study also found the public and educators agreed the best ways to attract high-quality teachers is to increase financial incentives for teachers, and reduce student behavioral issues, Harris said.

Hulbert Public Schools Superintendent Jolyn Choate said the Hulbert Board of Education has approved a match program for educators' retirement. Employees must remain in the district for five years to receive the match.

Choate said students at Hulbert are awarded for good behavior.

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"This is done to promote positive behavior at school and provide an opportunity for students to be recognized for their actions," Choate said.

Ben said that at Grand View, teachers are paid above the state minimum, and the school offers to pay a portion of educators' retirement benefits. Increasing pay can be difficult without additional funds being allocated by the state, according to Ben. Woods said the same is true at KPS.

"Student behavior is probably the most important factor in working conditions for teachers," Ben said. "When behavior is orderly and teachers are supported by administration and parents, they can enjoy their jobs."

Ben said student behavior is something educators ask about in job interviews, and it impacts their decisions.

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At Keys, Woods said, one incentive used to retain and recruit staff is the 1,088 formula, which results in a shorter academic year.

"Student behavior is not a problem because we uphold student behavior through established school policies and procedures," Woods said.

At TPS, Jones said, educators are offered professional development in the areas of classroom management and building classroom culture.

"We work hard to ensure a positive culture at TPS that makes teachers feel valued and respected," Jones said.

According to Harris, the last highlight from the OKEII study was the fact that nearly all respondents said parents and students need to be held more accountable for students' behavior, attendance, and achievement.

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"Hulbert Public Schools believes parents and guardians should work in tandem as a team in order to promote good attendance and student achievement," Choate said. "Parents and guardians are notified when their student reaches three absences and [we] encourage communication about said absences to ensure validity of necessary occurrences."

Through the use of a parent portal, parents and educators can keep lines of communication open, according to Choate.

Ben said it is not helpful for teachers, parents, or students to blame any of the other parties for their responsibility. To promote and acknowledge student success and positive accountability, Ben said Grand View posts on social media, hosts parent-teacher conferences, holds Student of the Month assemblies, and recognizes students at school board meetings.

"Everyone should be held accountable in their respective roles," Ben said.

Emails sent to Woodall, Norwood, Lowrey, Peggs, Briggs, and Shady Grove schools had received no response by TDP deadline.
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Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, pictured April 25, said he aims to end "sanctuary schools" by requiring students to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status. Schools would have to record the number of undocumented students they enroll, under Walters' proposal. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  A proposed rule from the Oklahoma State Department of Education would force public schools to ask for proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status while enrolling students, a policy that could contradict federal law if passed.

The suggested rule also would require school districts to record the number of undocumented students enrolled and report the information to the state Education Department. Students would not be identified personally, according to the rule proposal, but the agency has not explained what it would do with the information.

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Undocumented students still would be able to attend public schools in Oklahoma, but the proposal has raised concerns that it could dissuade families from enrolling their children in school.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who leads the Education Department, said his administration suggested the policy as a way to end sanctuary schools in Oklahoma, though his spokesperson declined to say what that term means.

Walters said the rule would correspond with President-elect Donald Trumps goal of curbing illegal immigration.

Every state should follow our lead, Walters said in a video posted to social media Tuesday.

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The text of the proposed rule states the policy would assess current and future needs for programs teaching English as a second language, transportation services and school funding. It also aims to gauge language and cultural barriers.

Families would have to provide a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, drivers license, an unexpired permanent resident card or another document proving the student has legal authorization to live in the country.

The Oklahoma policy is one of seven new proposals for changes to the Education Departments administrative codes, which have the force of law.

Other suggested rules would slash references to cultural diversity and equity from the agencys rulebook and would require Oklahoma teachers to pass the U.S. Naturalization Test to earn or renew their educator certification.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education will host public hearings on its proposed administrative rule changes on Jan. 17. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)

The rule changes would need approval from the Oklahoma State Board of Education and consideration from the state Legislature before being implemented. The Education Department is accepting written public comment on the rules through Jan. 17.

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Members of the public will be able to comment on the immigration status rule in a Jan. 17 hearing beginning at 11 a.m. at the Education Departments headquarters in Oklahoma City.

Although public schools are allowed to require proof of residency within a school district, the federal government prohibits schools from asking students for their immigration status, deeming it unnecessary and a potential discouraging effect on enrollment.

Advocates from Oklahoma Citys Latino community say the rule would instill greater fear in immigrant families, harm vulnerable children and do nothing to improve academic outcomes.

The rule would inflict psychological warfare on immigrants, said Gloria Torres, executive director of Calle Dos Cinco, a nonprofit boosting community development in the majority-Latino Historic Capitol Hill district.

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Schools dont need to know childrens immigration status to understand their language proficiency or other educational needs, said Torres, formerly a teacher, principal and Oklahoma City Board of Education member.

She said collecting immigration details would turn schools into a place these families will be afraid of.

As educators, our role is to provide an education, to provide that safe learning environment, Torres said. This proposed rule goes against everything that we have learned about building trust with our families, with our kids.

A spokesperson for the state Education Department, Dan Isett, did not respond to questions asking how the proposed rule would materially improve instruction, nor would he say whether the agency has any concerns about deterring families from enrollment.

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Supt. Walters is committed to protecting Oklahomans from unfunded mandates, including the taxpayer burden imposed by the Biden administrations failure on border policy, Isett said. A critical step in that process is to get the best possible information about the depth of the problem.

Isett did not clarify whether Walters believes education of undocumented children is an unfunded mandate on public schools.

Oklahoma funds its public schools based on the number of children enrolled, and the federal government provides additional money and resources, including for English learners.

Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, attends a Hispanic Cultural Day rally outside the Oklahoma State Capitol on May 15. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, said alienating immigrant students risks creating an underclass and uneducated population, harming the state as a whole.

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We want kids to get a good education, grow up and eventually be people that contribute to the economy, to the workforce and ultimately make Oklahoma a better state because that benefits everyone, Alonso-Sandoval said. Students not having access to education benefits no one.

The U.S. Supreme Court decided in 1982 that states cannot deny undocumented children equal access to public education. The Court found no evidence showing the exclusion of these students from public schools would stop illegal immigration nor that it was likely to improve the quality of public education overall.

A majority of the Court agreed that excluding these children does not comport with fundamental conceptions of justice.

Alabama attempted to require schools to verify students immigration status in a sweeping 2011 immigration law. Many of the laws provisions, including student citizenship checks, were overturned as a result of a federal lawsuit.

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However, absenteeism and withdrawals from Alabama schools substantially increased among Hispanic students after the law passed, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Alonso-Sandoval, a first generation Mexican-American, said immigrants positively contribute to Oklahomas economy by filling essential jobs, but they now face unrest and fear locally and nationally.

These kids are going to go through traumatic experiences these upcoming years, he said. Theyre already starting to because of these specific policies.

Trump has promised mass deportations of undocumented residents once his next presidency begins. In Oklahoma, where state leaders enthusiastically embraced Trumps deportation plan, it is now a state crime, as well as a federal offense, to live in the state without legal authorization.

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A federal judge paused enforcement of the state law pending the outcome of a legal challenge against it.

Weve seen illegal immigrants pour into our state, pour into our schools, bringing fentanyl, increasing crime and creating an incredible burden for the taxpayers in the state of Oklahoma, Walters said Tuesday. Here in Oklahoma, we will not allow the lawlessness of the Biden administration to continue to negatively impact our classrooms.

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Gov. Kevin Stitt has ordered all state workers to return to their offices and places of employment, saying the move is needed to "hold stragglers accountable." The order comes more than a year after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, and reflects the frustration many businesses have expressed in getting employees who went remote during the crisis to return to their offices.

"Return to the office, or you wont be working for our state, the governor said in a tersely worded message on X.

The governors order, No. 2024-29, said all full-time state employees are required to perform their duties in their assigned office, facility, or field location by February 1, 2025. The order said that forcing state employees to return to traditional work environments was a critical step in accountability and delivering services effectively.

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More: Trump vows to fire federal employees who won't return to office. What it means.

The order also provides a few limited exceptions for state employees with non-standard work hours (e.g., evenings, weekends, holidays), roles where in-office employment is deemed unreasonable and agencies facing office space constraints that would require additional expenditures to accommodate employees.

COVID altered the way we did business for a time, but that time has passed. Now, we need to put stewardship of taxpayer dollars as our top priority, Stitt said in a statement announcing the order. Oklahomans deserve a government that operates with full accountability and delivers services effectively. Returning to traditional work environments is a critical step in achieving that goal.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt gets ready speak to during an event at the State Capitol in November.

It was not immediately known how many state workers are working remotely.

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Though Stitts executive order is still being distributed throughout the state, he put the message out widely with a posting on X Wednesday evening.

I just issued an executive order requiring all state employees to return to the office, the governors posting said. The majority are, but this order is necessary to hold the stragglers accountable."

Stitts executive order also requires agencies that utilize the order's exceptions to report employee job descriptions and anticipated return dates to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Quarterly reports on remote or hybrid workforce composition must be submitted to OMES starting March 31, 2025.

Rick Rose, the states chief operating officer and the director of OMES, said it was time for government to fully return to the workplace.

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"By bringing state employees back to their offices, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing the best, most efficient service possible for the people of Oklahoma, Rose said.

While Stitt and other state officials said the order is necessary, state Health Commissioner Keith Reed told his employees that the issue was more complicated than just returning to the office.

"As you have likely seen, Governor Stitt issued an executive order requiring state employees to return to the office. I understand many of you have questions and concerns. We are reviewing the details of the Executive Order to fully understand the guidance and how this will impact our agency," Reed wrote in an email to his employees. "Keep in mind, considering we relocated the Central Office during the early months of the pandemic, we have never operated from this location without a telework policy in place."

Reed said his agency would need to reconcile space and current headcount to truly understand the impact. "As we learn more, we will share more information. In the meantime, Id like you to try to put this aside and enjoy your holiday with family and friends," he wrote.

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The governors order drew a terse response from Rep. Forrest Bennet, a Democrat from Oklahoma City. Replying to Stitt on X, Bennett said the governor's order was anti-family.

I guarantee we will lose talented workers to the private sector, which understands that flexibility at work is vital in order for people to balance work and family obligations, Bennett wrote.

Stitt isn't the only governor who told state workers to return to the office. This summer Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen issued an executive order requiring state employees to return to the office and, in California, thousands of employees stopped remote work under new guidelines released this spring.

This story is similar on the federal level.

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According to Governing Magazine, four years after the start of the pandemic the number of government workers who are still remote has dropped. In 2023, 54 percent of federal workers worked at remote locations at least one day each week while another 42 percent did not work remotely at all.

By the end of 2023, most federal agencies required employees who were eligible to work remoted to maintain an in-person office presence of at least four days per each two-week pay period. Utah Sen. Mitt Romney sought to address the issue with legislation that would require in-person work for a majority of federal employees.

Romneys bill, the Back to Work Act of 2024, would limit remote work to no more than 40 percent of days within an employees pay period and, at the same time, require federal agencies to report to Congress on the agencys productivity with remote workers.

The bill was filed in May, but since then has seen little movement.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Gov. issues order requiring state employees to return to office
DICKSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  After being scammed out of $45,000, a retired Oklahoma firefighter is demanding that federal law enforcement agencies do more to protect Americans.

Matthew Hobson told News 2 that he wired the money, thinking he was buying his childhood dream car: a classic 1968 Chevy Camaro. However, its been nothing but a nightmare for him.

This story lines up almost exactly with that of a man from Dickson County, Tennessee, who was reportedly tricked by a Romanian crime syndicate into wiring $50,000 for a classic Ford Bronco that was not really for sale.

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The 54-year-old Oklahoma man told News 2 over the phone that he is a cauldron of emotions after wiring money that he had saved up for most of his professional life. He described the situation as horrible, embarrassing, and shameful, adding that hes angry he lost so much money.

PREVIOUS: Dickson County authorities arrest Romanian national in connection with antique car scam

Hobson is a retired Oklahoma firefighter of 25 years. Ever since he was a kid, he said hes dreamed of owning a 1968 Chevy Camaro.

I had a picture of this car on my wall since I was 12 years old, he said.

When Hobson saw this classic car for sale online, he contacted the sellers.

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They sent me videos, they walked around the car; it was so professionally done, he described.

Hobson said he did his due diligence investigating the car, the company, and the process for weeks. He added that the company seemed exceedingly professional, so he wired them $45,000 from his firefighting pension fund.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

I mean, it was texts, phone numbers, bill of ladings, bill of sales, Hobson explained. It couldnt have been any more legit.

After a lot of excuses about when the car would be delivered, the suspected scammers vanished. In one of his last calls to the representatives, Hobson said he voiced his extreme dissatisfaction.

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I told him on the phone Id get him. I said, You ripped me off. I promise I will find you, and Im not going to stop until I do,' he recalled.

According to Hobson, he called the FBI, who gave him a website to visit and wont take his calls. He said he also called his local district attorney and sheriffs department, but only his local police department is investigating the case.

Hobson reported authorities have traced the company to a location in Arizona, but that facility has not been in operation for some time. Like the fake Ford Bronco case in Middle Tennessee, Hobson said the feds wont touch it.

Entire neighborhood worth: Alleged thieves steal $131K worth of electrical wire in Berry Hill

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News 2 asked Capt. Jennifer Caruthers with the Dickson County Sheriffs Office about the lack of federal involvement. She said her investigative team would welcome an outside agency like the FBI or Homeland Security to get involved.

Wouldnt the FBI or ICE or Homeland Security be interested in a guy like this ripping off Americans? News 2s Andy Cordan asked.

I would think so because hes not by himself, and we would love for one of the federal agencies to pick up interest in this case, Caruthers replied.

Caruthers showed News 2 evidence discovered in the phone of alleged syndicate member Vasile Suprovici, 28, who is accused of being involved in the scam of the Dickson County victim. He reportedly had close to 10 identifications and passports that even appeared realistic when passed under a black light.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Hobson said he is surprised federal agencies are not interested since the perpetrators appear to be syndicate members in this country illegally, passing forged documents and stealing easily millions of dollars from hardworking Americans like him.

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It is so hard to get anybody to care, to try, to investigate, he said. Its no wonder they get away with this. It is so simple to do and absolutely almost impossible to get them. You dont get any help.

Hobson told News 2 he knows of at least 10 other victims scammed the same way.

News 2 reached out to the FBI on Wednesday, Dec. 18 if they plan to act on this case, but were still waiting on a response.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
State officials, including Gov. Kevin Stitt, break ground on a project to build an arch honoring the 45th Division of the Oklahoma National Guard on Thursday on the Capitol complex in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  State officials broke ground Thursday on a project to build an arch and amphitheater on the south side of the Capitol complex.

The project, which lawmakers set $4.3 million aside for, is expected to be complete within two years of construction beginning.

Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks at an event kicking off construction on an arch on the Oklahoma Capitol complex honoring the 45th Division of the Oklahoma National Guard. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 4012 last session to create the project and set aside funding. It is meant to honor the 45th Division of the Oklahoma National Guard.

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This arch will remind us of the battles fought, the lives given and spirit of those who wear the uniform, Stitt said. And I hope this arch will help inspire future generations to reflect on the price service members pay and the call to serve.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Mancino said the project is an honor to veterans and members of Oklahomas National Guard. He said the arch will serve as a focal point for future veteran ceremonies in the state.

Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, chair of the House Veterans Caucus, served in the 45th Division and spoke at the ceremony.

Every time a soldier gazes upon this arch, theyll be reminded theyre a part of something far greater than themselves, he said. This dedication and investment in honoring our veterans and National Guardsmen also sends a powerful message, a message that says Oklahoma stands firm on its support for those who defend our freedoms.

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Other state leaders at the event included former Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, and Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, who authored the legislation for the project.

The amphitheater will seat around 100 people and the arch will be 30 feet tall and 60 feet wide. The project will also include a veterans park.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  An Oklahoma man who killed a 10-year-old girl in a cannibalistic fantasy died by lethal injection Thursday in the nations 25th and final execution of the year.

Kevin Ray Underwood was pronounced dead at 10:14 a.m. at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. It was Oklahomas fourth execution of the year, and it took place on Underwoods 45th birthday.

Oklahoma uses a three-drug lethal injection process that begins with the sedative midazolam followed by a second drug that paralyzes the inmate and a third that stops their heart.

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Underwood, a former grocery store worker, was sentenced to die for killing Jamie Rose Bolin in 2006. He admitted to luring Jamie into his apartment and beating her over the head with a cutting board before suffocating and sexually assaulting her. He told investigators that he nearly beheaded Jamie in his bathtub before abandoning his plans to eat her.

Strapped to a gurney inside the death chamber on Thursday, Underwood apologized to Jamie's family and to his own family for all the terrible things I did.

The decision to execute me on my birthday and six days before Christmas was a needlessly cruel thing to do to my family, Underwood said, but I'm very sorry for what I did and I wish I could take it back.

Underwood looked over to members of his legal team and his family, including his mother, as the execution began at 10:04 a.m.. His breathing hitched slightly and his eyes closed a few minutes later. A doctor entered the execution chamber at 10:09 a.m., shook him a few times and declared him unconscious. He was pronounced dead five minutes later.

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Jamie's sister, Lori Pate, who was among several relatives who witnessed the execution, thanked prosecutors for helping guide her family through the nearly 18-year process from Jamie's death to Underwood's execution.

This doesn't bring our Jamie back but it does allow the space in our hearts to focus on her and allow the healing process to begin, Pate said.

During a hearing last week, three members of the state's Pardon and Parole Board unanimously voted against recommending clemency.

Underwoods attorneys had argued that he deserved to be spared the death penalty because of his long history of abuse and serious mental health issues that included autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar and panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizotypal personality disorder and various deviant sexual paraphilias.

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Prosecutors argued that many people suffer from mental illness, but that doesnt justify harming children.

In a last-minute request seeking a stay of execution from the U.S. Supreme Court, Underwoods attorneys argued that he deserved a hearing before all five members of the board and that the panel violated state law and Underwoods rights by rescheduling the hearing at the last minute after two members of the board resigned. The court rejected that bid earlier Thursday morning.
Students exit the Jenks Public Schools Math and Science Center on Nov. 13. The Oklahoma State Report Cards released Wednesday grade the performance of every public school in the state. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Oklahoma released its annual A-F State Report Cards of school performance Wednesday, claiming public schools are turning the corner toward sustained academic excellence despite few signs of improvement.

The agencys announcement fails to mention Oklahoma inflated English and math proficiency rates this year by lowering expectations for student achievement on spring tests. Test results are the biggest factor contributing to a schools overall report card grade, but agency officials have not explained whether the new testing expectations impacted school evaluations.

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Education Department spokesperson Dan Isett declined to comment directly on the changes to test scoring, incorrectly stating it would be unprecedented for the agency to do so when releasing state report cards.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters said the latest report cards, which grade the performance of every public school in the 2023-24 academic year, are the most comprehensive and most transparent in the history of the state.

Internal agency documents not released to the public, which Oklahoma Voice obtained, showed statewide English and math results would have been similar to scores from the year before if proficiency expectations had not changed.

The new report cards show the state graded itself at a C, the same as last year, for academic achievement and academic growth  two factors that are both based on testing performance.

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Test results included within the state report cards, though, suggest major leaps in student mastery of English and math.

The report cards released Wednesday show 43% of Oklahoma students made at least a proficient score in English in the 2023-24 school year, a significant increase from 26% the year before. Math proficiency jumped from 26% the previous year to 32% in 2023-24.

But, public and confidential records Oklahoma Voice obtained show the change to student performance expectations was the chief cause of the increased results, rather than academic progress. This year, students could perform worse and still be considered proficient, according to documents the Education Department released.

Other report card factors show minimal improvement from the previous year.

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Oklahomas four- and five-year high school graduation rates increased by 1% each, growing to 81% and 83% respectively. The state graded itself as a D in this factor.

The performance of students learning English as a second language mirrors last years results. Thirty-three percent of English language learners met or exceeded growth targets, enough for a B grade for the state. These students take a different assessment from the usual state tests to evaluate their progress in language acquisition.

The chronic absenteeism rate improved by 1% to reach a D, up from an F last year. This calculates the number of students who are absent for 10% or more of the school year.

The grade for postsecondary opportunities rose from a C to a B. This factor grades the job schools do to expose students to early college and career opportunities.

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Fifteen more schools scored an overall A while the share of F schools decreased by 1%, according to the Education Departments announcement.

Walters said his administration is providing more resources than ever to help students who might be falling behind in reading and math.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters said new state report cards are the most transparent in state history, despite a lack of clarity over test results. (Photo by Brent Fuchs/For Oklahoma Voice)

We have instituted robust reforms of our accountability system, introduced incentive and bonus programs for teachers, and implemented the biggest teacher recruitment effort in the history of our state, he said. This years state report card serves to inform the legislature and our agency of where the most help is needed, and we will continue to do everything possible to get Oklahoma students back to basics and back on track.

Committees of Oklahoma teachers, which the Education Department and a testing vendor convened, developed the new English and math proficiency expectations this summer. The expectations, also called cut scores, lowered the amount of knowledge a student would have to demonstrate on the tests to be considered proficient in English and math.

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Education Department officials and the states testing vendor presented the new cut scores to the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability in July. The commission then approved the new cut scores.

The presentation, which Oklahoma Voice obtained through an open records request, projected proficiency rates would dramatically increase as a result of the reset cut scores. The results released in Wednesdays report cards closely resemble, within 2 percentage points or less, the rates established over the summer.

The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, which the commission oversees, is preparing a study of this years cut score setting process. The commissioners could change the cut scores again, if they deem it necessary after reviewing the study, QEQA Executive Director Megan Oftedal said.

The Education Department released test scores to schools and parents in August without announcing the significant scoring change. It wasnt until news media, including Oklahoma Voice, reported the altered cut scores that Walters acknowledged the new testing data is very different.

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Releasing test results to families, schools and the public without announcing that major scoring changes have taken place contradicts common best practice, multiple school accountability and testing experts have told Oklahoma Voice. States typically announce these changes far in advance so schools and parents dont mistakenly equate test results that arent comparable.

The last time Oklahoma made major statistical changes to its scoring methods was in 2017 when the state raised the standard for proficiency in English and math.

At that time, state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister reported the new grading system before releasing test results. She warned the stricter scoring would cause proficiency rates to drop.

Nationwide testing also could shed light on performance in Oklahoma schools. The National Assessment for Educational Progress, also known as the Nations Report Card, will compare math and reading levels from all 50 states when it comes out Jan. 29.

OSTP ELA and Math Concordance Tables (2)

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CHICAGO  An Old Town bar is closing its doors for good in January after 13 years.

Old Town Pour House on Wells Street in Chicagos Old Town neighborhood took to social media Wednesday to announce its impending closure on Monday, Jan. 5.

From cheering on the Cubs during their historic 2016 World Series win to celebrating the Blackhawks Stanley Cup victories in 2013 and 2015, weve cherished every moment shared with our incredible guests, read a Facebook post.

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Beloved burger spot in Evanston closing after 15 years

As we reflect on this journey, we have made the bittersweet decision to close our Wells Street location after our final full day on Sunday, January 5. While this chapter is coming to an end, were not saying goodbye without a proper send-off. Join us for our legendary New Years Eve celebration to raise a glass to the memories weve created together.

Owners say the bars locations in Oak Brook and Naperville will remain open.

Cheers to Wells Street and all of you who made it so special! the post concluded.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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Old Town Pour House is located at 1419 N Wells St.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two Iowa county jails misused restraint chairs against inmates who were in the throes of a mental health crisis, a new report alleges .(Photo by Caspar Benson/Getty Images)

Two Iowa county jails misused restraint chairs against inmates who were in the throes of a mental health crisis, a new report from the Iowa Office of Ombudsman alleges.

Restraint devices that are intended to prevent unruly or potentially violent inmates from harming others or themselves are not uncommon in jails, but when misused can put inmates at risk of injury and death. Iowa law specifies that physical restraints should be used only when necessary, and that inmates, once restrained, be closely monitored by the staff.

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The ombudsmans investigation of four inmate complaints revealed that state administrative rules, manufacturers instructions, and the jails own policies were repeatedly violated at jails in both Webster County and Boone County.

In those cases, the report claims, inmates were kept in the chairs for five, nine, or even 14 hours  in spite of the fact that the inmates had calmed and their disruptive behaviors had long ceased. In some of the cases, jailers were aware of, but disregarded, inmate medical conditions during the restraint process, the report alleges. Required bathroom and water breaks were sometimes overlooked, and some of the inmates waited weeks for a mental health evaluation and treatment.

One inmate was restrained in a chair four times over a period of six days. Each time he was released from the restraints, he resumed harming himself by headbutting his door or punching himself. Often, the jails use of restraints either wasnt documented in video recordings or the recordings later went missing, the ombudsman alleges.

Misuse of restraint chairs can exacerbate mental illness or even result in death, Ombudsman Bernardo Granwehr said. It is our hope that the recommendations in this report will result in changes that will minimize such a possibility in Iowas jails.

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The report also notes there were instances of restraint chairs being used as a form of punishment rather than as a response to immediate threats  a practice the ombudsmans office noted is in violation of state law. In addition, jails were not always reporting their use of restraint chairs to the state jail inspector, as required by Iowa law.

The report is a follow-up to a detailed 2009 ombudsmans report on the use of restraint chairs in county jails. That report led to improvements statewide, but the ombudsmans office states that it noticed an upswing of complaints beginning in 2020. A subsequent delay in investigating those complaints was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the ombudsmans office to reprioritize its cases.

Jail officials around the state have since acknowledged a lack of awareness of the 2009 report, which the ombudsmans office says is likely due to turnover among jail administrators and staff.

The new report notes that in the wake of the 2009 report, the Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association backed some of the recommendations by the ombudsmans office, but didnt support others, such as requiring jails to document their consideration of other, less-restrictive alternatives to restraints, and recording on video all aspects of restraint device use.

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In his written response to the report, Webster County Sheriff Luke Fleener indicated his office has already taken steps to address several of the issues and he promised to collaborate with the ombudsmans office on addressing any future concerns. He commended the ombudsmans staff for their common-sense approach when investigating complaints.

In his response to the ombudsmans findings, Boone County Chief Deputy Sheriff Cole Hoffman questioned why the report was issued four years after one of the complaints was filed and suggested that he be given four years to respond to any allegations specific to Boone County. Hoffman also questioned the ombudsmans motives and what he perceived to be the offices bias.

In response to the issues raised by Hoffman, the ombudsmans office noted that he did not specifically address our findings and recommendations in his defense of the jails actions  We received no acknowledgement of, or commitment to follow, any of these recommendations. As a result, we are concerned that the issues identified in this report will remain unresolved at the Boone County Jail.

Editors note: Reporter Clark Kauffman worked for the Iowa Office of Ombudsman from October 2018 through November 2019.
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Police in Chambersburg are investigating after one person was found dead at Southgate Mall.

According to police, on Dec. 18 at 6:44 p.m., officers responded to 211 Southgate Mall for a reported shooting. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered a dead body lying in the roadway in front of the address.

Police said that multiple witnesses told police that a fight broke out shortly before shots were fired.

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Chambersburg Police are searching for the operator of a light-colored van. The driver is considered a person of interest and is not a suspect at this time.

There is no ongoing threat to the public, according to police.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Chambersburg Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 717-264-4131 or submit an anonymous tip online.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH)  One person was killed Thursday morning in a shooting involving Gahanna police.

According to a Gahanna city spokesperson, police were involved in the shooting near the 800 block of Taylor Road. No officers were injured, and the suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Officers were called to a hotel around 9:30 a.m. to assist with a person who staff said used a fraudulent credit card. Police said the person would not exit his room and fled out a window, running across the street into an empty lot that was between an assisted living facility and a residence. Officers quickly followed and realized he was armed with a handgun.

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According to officials, officers went through multiple de-escalation techniques with the suspect, who was in his early 20s, including at least 36 commands to drop the weapon. Police said both verbal commands and an attempt to stun the suspect did not remedy the situation, and the suspect eventually pointed his gun directly at an officer, which is when multiple officers fired.

According to a news conference held by Gahanna officials, Mayor Laurie Jadwin has asked for an outside investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Four officers were placed on administrative leave because of their involvement, per division policy.

Its about one of the worst calls that an officer, any officer can experience. No officer wants to do what they had to do today, police union vice president Brian Toth said. Today also highlights the dangers, the great dangers that all of our law enforcement officers face throughout the country.

Gahanna Middle School South and Lincoln Elementary schools were briefly placed into a secure status due to nearby police activity, the school district confirmed. Classes have resumed at both locations.

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Taylor Road was closed for several hours as the investigation continued.

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Warning: This article contains descriptions of graphic scenes.

For a moment, Oksana Latanska could not believe her eyes when she looked down at a cold, little body, gray from dust and ashes.

It hardly resembled the little boy that she knew so well and whom she saw almost every weekend at the rallies calling for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) from Russian captivity.

Only his golden-blonde curls helped her recognize the body, bringing the worst nightmare into reality.

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It was Maksym Shaulskyi, her friend's son, who was only 12 years old when a Russian missile strike on his hometown of Kryvyi Rih took his life on Sept. 21.

The aftermath of a Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, on Sept. 21, 2024. The attack killed three people, including a 12-year-old boy, and injured three others. (Serhii Lysak / Telegram)

With a population of around 660,000, Kryvyi Rih is the second most populous city in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Due to its proximity to the embattled Donetsk Oblast, the city has suffered multiple deadly attacks by Russian forces since the start of the full-scale war.

"I saw what was left from our sunshine. It was excruciating," Latanska told the Kyiv Independent.

The strike also killed Maksyms 75-year-old grandmother, Valentyna Shaulska, and two more civilians, according to the local authorities.

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According to Latanska, the boy's biggest dream was to see his older brother Mykyta, one of the defenders of now-occupied Mariupol in Donetsk Oblast, who has been in Russian captivity since 2022.

But that dream was shattered by a Russian missile hitting a residential neighborhood of a peaceful city.

"It's a horrible tragedy," Latanska says. "Maksym was such a wonderful boy Our little sunshine."

Maksym is one of the 578 Ukrainian children killed by the Russian war since Feb. 24, 2022, according to the national database.

Maksym is one of the 578 Ukrainian children killed by the Russian war since Feb. 24, 2022, according to the national database. The U.N. estimates that at least 11,743 civilians have been killed and 24,614 injured since the start of the full-scale invasion. However, the actual number of civilian casualties is likely much higher as it doesnt account for fatalities in the Russian-occupied territories that are inaccessible to international organizations.

United by grief

Latanska, who heads the Steel Guard of Kryvyi Rih non-profit that advocates for the release of Ukrainian POWs, says it was the "common grief" that united her and Shaulskyi's family shortly after Russias all-out war began.

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Latanska's son, Ukrainian soldier Vitalii, served in the same National Guard unit with Mykyta Shaulskyi. They both defended Mariupol in the spring of 2022 during the brutal Russian siege of the city, both ending up in Russian captivity at the age of 22.

Former service member herself, Latanska says that Maksym and Mykytas mother, Nataliia Shaulska, joined the Armed Forces when one of her sons was already in captivity. The family also has another adult son who lives in Dnipro, according to Latanska.

Their entire family regularly took part in the local weekend rallies, part of a national movement aimed at keeping the release of the prisoners on everyone's agenda.

Maksym Shaulskyi's family in a photo posted on Sep.23, 2024. (Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine / Telegram)

Little Maksym rarely skipped them, Latanska says. He and Mykyta were very close, she says, adding that it was the boy's biggest dream to see and hug his big brother again.

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Photos of Maksym holding Mykyta's portrait and calling for his release during one of the rallies in Kryvyi Rih went viral following his death.

While Latanska's son Vitalii was released from captivity in June, Mykyta is still a prisoner of Russia. He is now 25.

Latanska says they hope Mykyta will be released soon, but they worry about how he will receive the devastating news that Russia killed his brother and grandmother while he was in captivity.

'No punishment is enough'

The mother of Mykyta and Maksym, Nataliia Shaulska, returned to civilian life nearly three weeks before her youngest son was killed. She was outside Kryvyi Rih when the missile struck their neighborhood, almost completely destroying their house.

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"Otherwise, the entire family would have been gone," Latanska says.

She rushed to the site the moment she learned about the tragedy: "When I was looking at his (Maksym's) body, I thought that the monster who launched the missile might also have children, maybe even of Maksym's age."

"I thought about how he landed his plane at a Russian airfield, walked into a bakery, and bought some pastry for his family. He walked home and kissed his wife and his sleeping 12-year-old son. And for me, the only fitting punishment is from God, who will take away his family in the most painful way possible, so he feels it himself."

"But even that would not be enough because it would not bring our boy back," she went on.

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"No punishment for Russia would be enough."

Women embrace each other as they visit a designated area for commemorating fallen Ukrainian and foreign fighters during the Independence Day of Ukraine, in the Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine on Aug. 24, 2024. (Roman Pilipey / AFP via Getty Images)

Note from the author:

Hi! Daria Shulzhenko here. I wrote this piece for you. Since the first day of Russia's all-out war, I have been working almost non-stop to tell the stories of those affected by Russias brutal aggression. By telling all those painful stories, we are helping to keep the world informed about the reality of Russias war against Ukraine. By becoming the Kyiv Independent's member, you can help us continue telling the world the truth about this war.

Read also: Children who lost parents in Russias war share dreams, hopes in letters to St. Nicholas

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Join the movement in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s passion for justice, the Food Bank of Northwestern Louisiana need your help to serve one million meals for MLK in January.

Nearly 1 in 7 Louisiana households experience food insecurity, states the Food Bank of NWLA, Many of these households depend on the vital services provided by food banks to make ends meet.

The Food Bank of NWLA says YOU can honor Dr. Kings legacy of justice, equality and service by helping food your neighbors in one (or all) of these ways service, share or support/donate.

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Shreveport Cafe center of community and activism for MLK

They have partnered with Feeding Louisiana to help reach their goal of providing one million meals to those in need.

On the organizations website they quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lifes most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others? to encourage individuals to serve, share and support.

They detail that there are three ways you can help them reach their goal: through volunteerism through the Food Bank of Northwestern Louisiana (register online); participate in their virtual food drive; or donate.

According to the Million Meals for MLK, 100% of the donation will go towards purchasing food for Louisianians

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The Food Bank states that $1 donated is equivalent to four meals and 1.2 pounds of food donated equals to 1 meal donated.

They note, hosting or participating in the virtual food drive is an impactful way to help those facing hunger. You can give goods by purchasing pack and go proteins to fuel the day for a family; purchase spaghetti dinners, and much more.

This movement also helps all five Louisiana regional food banks in need of critical supplies during the holiday season.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Meeting for the first time since the fatal police involved shooting of Jazmir Tucker on Thanksgiving day, Akrons Citizens Police Oversight Board chairman was inviting public comment and questions.

I think theres a lot really on all of our shoulders collectively, Kemp Boyd told Fox 8 News in a one-on-one interview prior to Wednesdays meeting.

Shell casings match gun recovered from teen fatally shot by police: Akron PD

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Obviously you carry a lot of the remorse for the family and grieve for them and what they are having to walk through, live in and to live through not just now, but for what its going to look like in the future, said Boyd.

The Citizens Police Oversight Board was created by Akron voters following the fatal police involved shooting of Jayland Walker in June of 2022.

Members work with an independent police auditor to review internal police department investigations of use of force complaints and weigh in on any related disciplinary measures.

But the board cannot carry out its own investigations and its disciplinary recommendations are only recommendations. They can be accepted or rejected by the mayor and the police chief.

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When discussing the boards annual report with members of city council and its safety committee last month, Independent Auditor Anthony Finnell said in more than 100 cases he and the board have reviewed, he has only strongly disagreed with the departments recommendations twice.

Boyd on Wednesday said that seems to be an indication that in well over 90-percent of the use of force complaints made against officers the department is getting it right.

But he said the city should not be satisfied with anything less than 100-percent.

Following the latest police involved shooting, Boyd said he understands the anger and frustration that many in the community have and that they are tired of the same old responses and answers.

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Man charged with stealing holiday gift cards left for Twinsburg garbage collectors

I think I understand that frustration you are talking about. In the last three years the number of officer-involved shootings that we have had, obviously some have not been fatal but some have, so we need to be able to address that and so I understand not wanting to hear the same old rhetoric or the same old thing, Boyd told Fox 8 News

He welcomes community engagement with the oversight board but wants to educate the community on what they can and cannot do.

Even now going into, we are about to be on two years I think, theres a misconception of what we are able to do versus what we are not able to do and so any time I think we can present information that is educational and bring clarity of focus is a beneficial thing.

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What I can say as the board chair of the Akrons Citizens Oversight Board is, you know, we are going to continue to do what we have been granted to do based on the charter amendment that put us into place and we are going to do everything we can to work alongside our police auditor to present the recommendations that we deem to be presented, said Boyd.

On Monday Akron Mayor Shammas Malik made a proposal to city council to spend nearly $700,000 to hire a law firm which would review the citys use of force policy.

Boyd says he supports a review of the policy but hopes the oversight board and others have a seat at the table for that review.

He also believes that the challenges related to police use-of-force are not as simple as tweaking policy or training.

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I think that we are facing a very complex issue right now in our city and so the one thing we dont want now is easy. If we have a complex issue then there is going to be complex solutions so I dont think its just one thing or another thing, I think its a host of things, said Boyd

Driver saves 4-year-old boy found wandering busy road in Berea

You ask the question initially, what do you carry? And I think one of the things that I carry is hope, my faith helps me to stay hopeful, said Boyd, who is also a pastor.

Its ok to be upset, its ok to be frustrated, its ok to be angry, but I would want to encourage them to not allow our anger to allow us to sin, against each other, against the city but especially against God because I think thats not helpful for us at this critical time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Border security, police officer safety gear, and crime victim/survivor support are some of the focuses of programs that will benefit from more than $500 million in grants provided through the governors Public Safety Office this year.

Governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday announced that the office would administer the funding to several public safety programs and services across Texas.

Ensuring the safety and security of Texans is our top priority in Texas, Abbott said in the release. These public safety grants will provide critical funding to strengthen Texas agencies and organizations as they work to secure the border, prevent human trafficking, ensure justice for victims, and protect Texans from dangerous criminals and violence. With this $500 million in grant funding, we will continue to build a safer Texas for all.

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Gov. Abbott unveils new border security strategy to deter migrants

Abbotts release listed 25 efforts the money will be dispersed across, with each focus having several different grant awards being funded.

The area with the highest amount of funding was Serving Victims of Crime and Addressing Violence Against Women. There were 509 awards totaling $194.9 million to provide services directly to victims of crime to speed their recovery and aid them through the criminal justice process, as well as projects that promote a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to improve the justice systems response to violent crimes against women, according to Abbotts office.

Border security and homeland security were also listed several times as areas receiving funding.

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Operation Lone Star, the states massive and unilateral border enforcement effort that was created in 2021, was given 87 awards totaling $55.7 million. Abbotts office said that money will go toward projects that enhance interagency border security operations supporting Operation Lone Star including facilitation of directed actions to deter and interdict criminal activity.

The state has spent at least $11 billion on Operation Lone Star since it started in 2021, per KXAN reporting from September of this year. Lawmakers intend to continue and expand the efforts.

Whats next for Operation Lone Star?

Border Fire Zone departments were awarded a total of $3.1 million spread across 22 awards. Abbotts office said that will assist professional fire departments in the border region with the acquisition of specialized equipment and medical supplies to support emergency services associated with the execution of activities that deter crime in the border region.

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Seventy-four awards totaling $5.5 million went to local border security efforts or Operation Border Star. The release said that money will provide for overtime and operating costs that support an increased law enforcement presence to detect, deter, and disrupt drug, human, and other trafficking along the Texas-Mexico border.

Homeland security efforts were given 316 awards totaling $56.5 million to help prevent terrorism and prepare for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of Texas and its citizens, the release said. The projects fund equipment, planning, training, exercises, and other activities for local, regional, and state-level agencies and strengthen core capabilities outlined in the National Preparedness Goal.

Police officer equipment was another focal point for the grant money. There were 98 awards geared toward body-worn cameras, a total of $4.6 million. That will help equip peace officers with body-worn camera systems to document investigative activities, per Abbotts office.

There was also money designated to bullet-resistant shields and bullet-resistant vests.

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Texas law enforcement agencies can apply for ALERRT training, bullet-resistant shields funding

One hundred awards, totaling $4.9 million, are going toward the shields, and 113 awards totaling $1.8 million will go toward the vests.

Several other public safety programs will also get some of the $500 million. Those are listed and detailed on the Public Safety Office website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
If Joe Biden intends to humiliate every last one of his supporters before he leaves office, he is well on his way to achieving that goal.

Mostly out of sight while President-elect Trump dominates the spotlight, Biden has decided to resurface inconveniently to destroy Democrats claims of moral superiority by pardoning his dissolute son along with a raft of fraudsters and corrupt public officials.

Bidens mass clemency, combined with the ridiculously broad get-out-of-jail-no-matter-what card for son Hunter, is an outrage in and of itself. But the fallout from his irresponsible behavior will forever taint the Biden-Harris Cabinet. Hatred for Trump didnt just unite the fractious Democratic Party, it created a toxic blind loyalty to Biden. Now, after four years of defending anything and everything Biden (which absurdly continues), that loyalty is going to bite.

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What makes Bidens mass clemency especially outrageous is that many of the beneficiaries are fraudsters who likely will never make restitution to their victims or to taxpayers. Among Bidens greatest (or sleaziest) hits are commutation for Rita Crundwell, perpetrator of the largest municipal embezzlement scheme in American history; Meera Sachdeva, who bilked Medicare for millions by shorting her patients chemotherapy drugs; and Gregory Podlucky, who defrauded investors of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Worst of all, Biden commuted the sentence of disgraced Pennsylvania judge Michael Conahan, who, along with a co-conspirator, accepted millions in bribes to sentence more than 2,000 children to a for-profit juvenile detention facility. The damage he did to those young people and their families was (and is) extraordinary, including drug addiction and even suicide.

Biden has managed to wreck any credibility he ever had with respect to the rule of law and an independent judiciary. One of the strongest arguments the Democrats had against Trump was the incoming presidents cavalier attitude toward the legal system. All that is in tatters.

This whole sordid affair brings up further questions as to who was vetting these clemencies. Did anyone get paid off? Its not like the stench of potentially paying for pardons is unknown to Democrats.

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Perhaps Biden is far too mentally checked out to be held responsible for what his aides cooked up and put in front of him. But that leads to a further question  if Biden doesnt know who he is letting off the hook legally, how can he be expected to discharge his other duties?

Democrats may think the best thing to do is lay low and deflect to Trump as much as possible. So far, that is not working. The public is turning against Biden and the collateral damage is mounting.

Bidens approval rating is cratering. Last weeks YouGov benchmark poll showed him with a mere 38 percent approval rating against 57 percent disapproval. Just before the election, Biden was at 43 percent approve and 53 percent disapprove, so thats a nine-point swing against him. In both polls, only unthinking, reflexive Democratic loyalty is propping him up. His approval rating with independents is more than 30 points underwater. The RealClearPolitics approval averages show Biden behind both Harris and Trump.

The lack of courage to break with Biden is metastasizing to other Democrats. Harris, for example, has fallen from even approve-disapprove ratings in the YouGov poll to a 9-point deficit. That is not good for someone who hopes she still has a political future. Pete Buttigieg, a putative candidate for Michigan governor, is not likely to benefit from Bidens perfidy.

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Whats worse about Bidens numbers is that he should actually be improving in the polls. Post-election, the departing president usually gets a polling bump. The focus moves toward the incoming president and the barrage of election criticism normally falls away. That Biden is sinking so badly is remarkable.

The biggest casualty in the end may be the left-progressive media ecosystem. Whether the traditional newspaper establishment like The Washington Post, the cable news networks MSNBC and CNN or even the new media and social influencers like Harry Sisson, their fervent cheerleading for Biden will not age well. In their role as quasi-state media, pushing over-the-top party talking points, Biden could do no wrong and was a paragon of virtue, particularly in comparison to the odious Trump. But today, Biden looks like just another old, corrupt politician who wont get out of the way.

As the Democrats seek to rebuild from the political mess Biden is leaving, all the main actors are tainted by their support of the departing president. At some point, they will have to break with the past. Bidens legacy is that he is making that task more difficult by the day.

Keith Naughton is co-founder of Silent Majority Strategies, a public and regulatory affairs consulting firm, and a former Pennsylvania political campaign consultant.

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President Trump recently said that he will 100 percent secure the release of conscience rights prisoner in Hong Kong, Jimmy Lai.

100 percent, Ill get him out. Hell be easy to get out, he said. But we dont have people that even talk about it.

Hes right.

The Biden administration has been basically silent on Lais case and many others like it, which is emblematic of a broader retreat from moral leadership in foreign policy.

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The Trump administration can and should change that. Supporting prisoners of conscience is both a moral imperative and a strategic advantage. It requires minimal diplomatic effort and yields substantial national security benefits.

Lai, a self-made billionaire and former newspaper publisher, has languished in a maximum-security Chinese prison in solitary confinement for four years, unseen until his trial, which is currently going on. His alleged crime is conspiring with foreign agents to undermine the Chinese Communist Party. His real crime is one as old as totalitarianism itself: refusing to become a mouthpiece for the regime.

Lais courage reminds me of Armando Valladares, a Cuban dissident I had the privilege of working alongside for many years.

Valladares endured 23 years in Castros gulags, for refusing to surrender his conscience to a three-word sign: Im with Fidel. Eight of those years, Valladares spent naked, in solitary confinement. Yet, like Lai, he drew unshakable strength from his faith: Valladares wrote poetry from his cell until deprived of his pen. Lai sketched images of Christ on the cross until authorities confiscated his pad. These quiet acts of defiance underscore a truth that terrifies dictators: deeply held beliefs, like the proverbial rock in Davids sling, possess the power to topple even the mightiest of oppressors.

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Standing with dissidents like Lai offers an incoming Trump administration the opportunity to strike a strategic blow against an authoritarian regime. Would securing Lais release topple the Chinese Communist Party? No. Would it weaken its might before the world? Absolutely.

At the same time, it would expose the regimes fragility, remind the world that America stands with those who resist oppression, and serve as a decisive act of moral leadership that could forestall greater conflicts.

Yet securing Lais release and advancing U.S. interests also requires a revitalized commitment to conscience rights and religious liberty overseas. The Biden administration failed to install diplomats in almost 20 percent of embassies, many in strategically vital regions, creating a vacuum that continues to critically jeopardize our national security. Trump must act urgently to ensure that embassies are fully staffed with principled, capable diplomats who can champion American principles and support conscience rights.

All these positions are not symbolic; they are instrumental in strategically advancing security interests. The U.S., by championing conscience rights abroad, strengthens resistance to oppression and exposes the fragility of authoritarian regimes.

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Marco Rubio, a potential secretary of State, understands this dynamic. A man of profound religious conviction and Cuban heritage, Rubio knows that Castros decision to cancel Christmasfor three decades wasnt about Santa Claus. Dictators stamp out religion wherever they can find it because nothing weakens the despotic flex like the belief that our rights precede the Almighty State, and that they arent the Almighty States to give and take. The belief that our rights emanate from Almighty God, whatever name you give him, has the power of the rock in Davids sling  capable of felling even the most towering tyrants.

By prioritizing Lais release on Day 1, Trump and Rubio could signal a decisive shift in our foreign policy: a bold reaffirmation of Americas role as the unwavering defender of liberty and the champion of those who dare defy oppression. Such an act would strike a decisive blow against authoritarianism and yield a strategic gain for our national security, proving that the power of despots is neither absolute nor inevitable when met with courage, conviction and the unrelenting force of freedom.

Kristina Arriaga was a commissioner on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom from 2016-2019. She is currently the CEO of Intrinsic Communications.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
It was no surprise to learn Tuesday that House Republicans investigating the previous investigation of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol found fault with the committees processes and findings. What stands out in the interim report is its unfounded conclusion that former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., committed witness tampering and therefore numerous federal laws were likely broken in her role as the House Jan. 6 committees vice chair and these violations should be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

We shouldnt dismiss House Republicans decision to suggest that Cheney be investigated as just another round of cultish behavior toward former President Donald Trump from a party he has fully cowed. Since the GOP ousted her from House leadership, members of the caucus wishing to showcase their loyalty have made it a point to attack her. But Tuesdays report goes beyond posturing for status and instead provides a green light for a looming onslaught of retribution from Trump.

The interim report from the House Administration Committees oversight subcommittee entirely dismisses the idea that Trump had any role in motivating the Jan. 6 attack. It refuses to engage with Trumps lies that he won the 2020 election, the main impetus for his supporters rioting through the halls of Congress. Instead, the report overwhelmingly focuses on Cheney, specifically on her interactions with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House staffer who testified before the committee.

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When she first answered questions from the Jan. 6 committee, Hutchison was accompanied by a lawyer who was paid for by Trumps allies. After that initial interview, Hutchinson hired her own counsel and proceeded to sit for further depositions. In those depositions, she testified about meetings in the lead-up to Jan. 6 and Trumps state of mind as she observed him at the White House during the attack. Her appearance during the committees public hearings in 2022 provided some of the biggest bombshells in a production that had already had plenty.

In an attempt to discredit Hutchisons testimony, Republicans have decided to zoom in on her swap in legal representation. As NBC News reported Wednesday, while the report alleges they spoke directly to each other without a lawyers knowledge, it indicated Republicans dont seem to know what they discussed. But the report presumes that Cheney directed Hutchinson to retain new counsel, which Republicans say would be witness tampering and potentially violation of a law against procuring another person to commit perjury:

Based on the evidence obtained by this Subcommittee, Hutchinson committed perjury when she lied under oath to the Select Committee. Additionally, Hutchinson was interviewed by the FBI as part of its investigation into President Trump. This Subcommittee sought a copy of the FBI report 302, documenting this interview and Hutchinsons statements, but the FBI has refused to produce this vital document. The FBI must immediately review the testimony given by Hutchinson in this interview to determine if she also lied in her FBI interview, and, if so, the role former Representative Cheney played in instigating Hutchinson to radically change her testimony.

Trump has been anything but quiet about his desire to see his political enemies suffer. In an interview this month with moderator Kristen Welker on NBCs News Meet the Press, Trump outright said Cheney and Jan. 6 committee Chair Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., should go to jail. Though he denied that hed sic his Kash Patel and Pam Bondi (his picks for FBI director and attorney general) on the two, as his former fixer Michael Cohen has testified, Trump has often eschewed direct orders for knowing nods.

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In a statement Cheney issued after Tuesdays interim report was released, she stressed that Jan. 6 showed Trump for who he is: a cruel and vindictive man who allowed violent attacks to continue against our Capitol and law enforcement officers while he watched television and refused for hours to instruct his supporters to stand down and leave.

In a different time, for subcommittee chair Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., and his fellow Republicans to goad the FBI to investigate the official actions of a former congressperson without evidence could be dismissed as chest-thumping. In a more sensible time, even if a federal investigation into Cheney were opened, it would most likely be short-lived, a literal open-and-shut case. And a deep skepticism about any further risk of arrest or indictment without obvious legal grounds would be warranted. But given Trumps repeated insistence to Welker that the Jan. 6 committee's members "committed a major crime" by deleting records, even though that claim has been debunked, theres no guarantee that an absence of wrongdoing is enough to safeguard Cheney from any potential threat to her freedom.

The country needs Republicans who are brave enough to stand firm against such potential lawlessness. But what we are witnessing is the cowardly spectacle of Republicans providing a baseless justification for Trumps revenge against his enemies, displaying a level of submission and subservience that disregards facts and is governed solely by fear.

House Republicans backing this attack on Cheney are acting out of nothing more than spineless and gutless self-preservation. What better way to avoid being the next target of Trump, their feeling of terror whispers to them, than sacrificing Cheney on the altar of Trumps ego? Its a calculation that far overestimates Trumps willingness to reciprocate acts of loyalty.

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We already knew that Trump has surrounded himself with people who intend to turn the executive branch into a weapon to carry out his plans of retribution. But House Republicans have shown us a disturbing sign that GOP representatives could be willing partners in that campaign of vengeance, no matter how flimsy (or even nonexistent) the evidence is.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Southern Utah is experiencing a boom, and at the heart stands Utah Tech University  helping students find career success, driving economic growth and sparking innovation across both rural and urban communities. From St. George to surrounding regions, Utah Tech plays a vital role in expanding access to higher education opportunities and strengthening local economies.

In a time when the value of higher education is questioned on a national stage, Utah Techs next president must champion the universitys role as a critical driver of opportunity, innovation and above all, value  for individuals, their families and society. The search for Utah Techs next president isnt just about filling a vacancy; its about finding a visionary leader who will shape the universitys future while inspiring and empowering the surrounding community. This individual must understand the transformative power of education, they must have the dedication to unlock Utah Techs full potential.

Utah Techs next president will advance the Utah System of Higher Educations 2024-27 strategic plan, which focuses on access, completion, financial value and economic development. These pillars are shaping the future of higher education in the state, reinforcing the value it has for careers and within communities.

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As the universitys trajectory rises, the Utah Board of Higher Education is firmly committed to selecting a president for Utah Tech University who will build upon its remarkable achievements and guide its continued evolution as a regional and statewide leader in higher education.

Recognizing the critical need for an expeditious and successful search process, the Board of Higher Ed recently established a new 10-member search committee. This committee represents key stakeholders from the Utah Tech community, including trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni and administrators, as well as Board of Higher Education members. The committee is charged with identifying candidates who embody Utah Techs values and vision, ensuring a thoughtful and inclusive process to support the Utah Board of Higher Education in selecting the universitys next president.

Utah Tech University is a leading force in higher education and workforce development in southern Utah, offering about 300 academic programs with an emphasis on affordability, hands-on learning and real-world application. Aligned with the states priorities for higher education, Utah Tech continues to focus on making higher education accessible for individuals to take part in its polytechnic mission and active learning approach to graduate career-ready with a valuable credential.

As Utah Tech moves forward, the Board of Higher Education is seeking a president who will exemplify professionalism, ethics and strong leadership. The Board is fully committed to finding a leader who will ignite success across the institution, navigate its current challenges with integrity and guide the institution through its next phase of growth.

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The search committee will work diligently in the coming months to review applications, conduct interviews and ultimately recommend three to five finalists for consideration by the Board of Higher Education. Applications for full consideration are open until Jan. 17, 2025, and the Board aims to name a new president by early March 2025.

The Board of Higher Education and the search committee recognize the significance of this decision and will work tirelessly to represent the voices of students, faculty and staff to identify a leader who understands the unique opportunities and challenges facing Utah Tech University.

We encourage qualified candidates to apply to become part of this extraordinary institution.

For updates on the presidential search and a full list of search committee members, visit utahtech.edu/presidentialsearch.
It didnt take long, did it? Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed. Before police had finished cordoning off the crime scene, social media was on fire, turning the alleged shooter into some kind of folk hero.

To more than a few Americans, Luigi Mangione, the man arrested and charged with killing Thompson, wasnt a cold-blooded killer but rather a righteous vigilante standing up to corporate greed. Hes even been dubbed the hot assassin because of a shirtless picture that revealed him showing off his abs.

Heres the reality: A man was shot in the back on a New York City street. Youd think that, at the very least, we could all agree that thats wrong without adding phrases like, but there are times when even murder is understandable.

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Sure, in a country of 335 million people, youre bound to find a few folks willing to support just about any wild idea. Im sorry, prior authorization is required for thoughts and prayers, was the message from one social media post that went viral. Unfortunately thoughts and prayers are out-of-network, was another.

But this isnt only about a handful of angry individuals posting nasty comments on social media.

Consider what two U.S. senators had to say about Thompsons killing. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), the progressive Democrat, told HuffPost, The visceral response from people across this country who feel cheated, ripped off, and threatened by the vile practices of their insurance companies should be a warning to everyone in the health care system.

And she added that, Violence is never the answer, but people can be pushed only so far. This is a warning that if you push people hard enough, they  start to take matters into their own hands in ways that will ultimately be a threat to everyone.

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Another progressive, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), chimed in with his take: I think what the outpouring of anger at the health care industry tells us is that  you cannot have people in the insurance industry rejecting needed health care for people while they make billions of dollars in profit.

No, neither senator endorsed the killing  and it would be unfair to suggest that either of them did. Warren actually walked back her comments, saying, I should have been much clearer that there is never a justification for murder.

Okay, but lets just say her comments and those of Sanders didnt exactly pour cold water on the fire.

And in a blog post that ran under the headline Why we want insurance executives dead, journalist Taylor Lorenz wrote, No, that does not mean people should murder them. But if youve watched a loved one suffer and die from insurance denial, its normal to wish the people responsible would suffer the same fate.

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The fact that prominent voices are playing into this narrative  that violence may be wrong but explainable  is deeply troubling, and thats putting it mildly. Any time we normalize harmful behavior  even if that wasnt the intent  its not good for the culture, certainly not for a culture as polarized as ours.

But make no mistake: This isnt only about the outrage over UnitedHealthcare. Its about something much bigger.

For decades, corporations  and not only those in the health care business  have been painted as the villains in American life. Yes, some of the criticism is deserved. Corporations are there to make money, and the people who run them have been known to, at times, put bottom-line interests ahead of the concerns of their customers.

But when does legitimate criticism cross the line into vilification and violence? If we decide that CEOs arent just part of a broken system but are themselves evil, violence starts to look less like a crime and more like justice in some peoples eyes.

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And heres where it gets even messier: Social media has made every grievance, every act of outrage, go viral in seconds. Its a giant amplifier for the angriest voices in the room. Its no wonder extreme ideas that used to be confined to the shadows now feel mainstream.

But this isnt entirely new. Back in the 1970s, left-wing groups like the Weather Underground justified bombings as acts of protest. Same in the 1990s (and beyond), with right-wing militia violence. In every case, there was this underlying idea that the cause was so righteous it excused the crime. The difference now is that were no longer shocked by any of this. Weve become desensitized.

So, whats the fix? For starters, leaders  political, cultural, media and otherwise  need to step up. Instead of offering half-baked I can understand the frustration remarks, they need to draw a clear, bright line: Murder is wrong, period.

But I suspect that as we became more tolerant over the years of all the good things  civil rights, gay rights, womens rights  we became indiscriminately tolerant. We tolerated all sorts of conduct that not too long ago would have been considered way out of line, such as people dropping F-bombs in public, to use one example. And so, for some Americans, even murder is condoned, or at least understood, so long as the cause is just.

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The challenge is to figure out where to draw the line on tolerance. Because if were so open-minded that were willing to justify murder, something in this country has gone way off the rails.

If killing the head of a health care company can be justified, whos next?

Bernard Goldberg is an Emmy and an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University award-winning writer and journalist. He is the author of five books and publishes exclusive weekly columns, audio commentaries and Q&As on his Substack page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In the military, the use of a laser to identify what other forces should attack is known as painting the target.

President-elect Donald Trump just painted his first target for political retribution. It happened when he claimed on Meet the Press that the House Jan. 6 committee had deleted and destroyed a whole year and a half worth of testimony. I think those people committed a major crime. By those people he meant the nine current and former Democratic and Republican House members on the bipartisan committee that investigated the attack on the Capitol.

Trump has no evidence that the committee destroyed any testimony or other records. In fact, the committee followed House protocols in archiving testimony and documents, which you can read online here to your hearts content.

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When NBC News interviewer Kristen Welker asked whether Trump was going to direct his attorney general and FBI director to send the committee members to jail, he first said, no not at all, but pointedly added, I think that theyll have to look at that. Effectively, Trump told the chief law enforcement officers in his coming administration to investigate the Jan. 6 committee members for a crime that never happened. Thats how you paint a political target for retribution.

By one tally, Trump has made more than 100 threats since 2022 to investigate, prosecute, imprison or otherwise punish individuals and organizations, from Vice President Kamala Harris to CBS and NBC to the district attorneys and members of grand juries who investigated him. An investigation alone would be payback because, even when a grand jury investigation ends without charges, it can devastate the targets reputation and financial resources.

And lack of a plausible case will not be an obstacle if an unscrupulous federal prosecutor wants to indict a Trump political opponent. As the saying goes in legal circles, a prosecutor can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich. This is why the Biden White House is discussing whether to offer preemptive pardons to the people on Trumps enemies list.

The only limit on target selection will be Trumps imagination, which is not much of a limit. Recall that he suggested that MSNBC anchor and former congressman Joe Scarborough killed a member of his staff in 2001 (she actually died after a fall caused by a heart condition). As part of his birther conspiracy, Trump insinuated that President Barack Obama was involved in the death of Hawaii State Health Director Loretta Fuddy (she died in a plane crash). He promoted the right-wing conspiracy theory that Bill and Hillary Clinton murdered Deputy White House Counsel Vince Foster (it was ruled a suicide).

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Federal criminal trial prosecutors  the ones who actually go into the courtrooms and face judges and juries  could pose an obstacle. Are they willing to risk their careers and reputations to satisfy Trumps desire for payback by bringing indictments that lack any evidentiary foundation?

Legions of lawyers, from Watergate to Trumps first administration, came to grief by putting personal ambition ahead of professional ethics. Rudy Giuliani, once the crusading U.S. Attorney and New York City mayor whose leadership on 9/11 made him a global figure, signed up to promote Trumps 2020 election denial falsehoods. Today he is disbarred and bankrupt, his reputation is gone, and a federal judge just threatened him with imprisonment for, of all things, repeating election denial lies.

But cautionary tales like these never seem to deter ambitious underlings from stupid, destructive conduct while serving powerful figures. Sadly for many innocent people, if Trump wants political retribution, he is likely to find attorneys in his second administration willing to mete it out.

Gregory J. Wallance was a federal prosecutor in the Carter and Reagan administrations and a member of the ABSCAM prosecution team, which convicted a U.S. senator and six representatives of bribery. He is the author of Into Siberia: George Kennans Epic Journey Through the Brutal, Frozen Heart of Russia.

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared his permanent readiness to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels, where both are attending an EU summit.

Source: European Pravda, citing a Hungarian news outlet Telex.hu

Details: Orban was asked whether he would present Zelenskyy with a plan for a Christmas truce between Kyiv and Moscow. The prime minister responded that the plan was already on the table and would either be accepted or rejected.

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When asked if he would hold talks with the Ukrainian president on 19 December, he replied, "I work on standby and sleep on standby. I'm always ready for any meaningful discussion."

Background:

Orban said he would not respond to provocations, referring to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's criticism of the Hungarian prime minister's attempts at "mediation" and his statement that Orban had no leverage over Moscow.

Tensions between Kyiv and Budapest escalated after Viktor Orban called Vladimir Putin last week.

Afterwards, Orban stated that he had proposed a ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner-of-war swap to Ukraine for Christmas but claimed that President Zelenskyy had rejected the idea.

The Ukrainian president then expressed hope that Orban "at least wont call [Bashar al-] Assad in Moscow to listen to his hour-long lectures as well".

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted that Kyiv had refused to hold a phone conversation between Orban and Zelenskyy regarding Hungary's "truce" proposal and was outraged that almost no one in the EU supported the "Christmas truce".

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has once again criticised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's attempts to present himself as a "mediator" in the "settlement" of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Source: Zelenskyy said this at a press conference in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy stressed that he had not spoken to Orban since before the Hungarian PM proposed a "Christmas truce".

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Quote: "To be honest, I think it's very frivolous when we talk about certain initiatives that are related to the lives of Ukrainians and when we learn about it from the media," he said.

Zelenskyy added that Orban has "no mandate to negotiate".

"His relationship with Putin is too warm to put Putin in his place," the president said.

He added that the proposals raised by the Hungarian prime minister "look more like political PR".

"I don't know what the Hungarian side is proposing, except that it sounds like a festive Christmas exchange. We are not having fun at all... Nothing can be discussed and resolved without Ukraine," the head of state stressed.

Background:

Tensions between Kyiv and Budapest escalated after Viktor Orban called Vladimir Putin last week.

Afterwards, Orban stated that he had proposed a ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner-of-war swap to Ukraine for Christmas but claimed that President Zelenskyy had rejected the idea.

The Ukrainian president then expressed hope that Orban "at least wont call [Bashar al-] Assad in Moscow to listen to his hour-long lectures as well".

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(Bloomberg) -- Poland summoned Hungarys ambassador to Warsaw after Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government granted asylum to a fugitive Polish opposition lawmaker.

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The dispute marks a sharp deterioration in already strained relations between once close European Union allies. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who ousted the nationalist government in Polish elections last year, has become one of the fiercest critics of Orbans increasingly autocratic rule and pro-Russian rhetoric.

Tensions flared after Hungary on Thursday confirmed that it had granted political asylum to former Polish deputy justice minister Marcin Romanowski, who is wanted on fraud charges. Romanowski, who had gone into hiding after claiming that the case against him was politically motivated, had served under the previous Law & Justice-led cabinet, one of the few to have maintained close ties with Orban. Hes denied wrongdoing.

On Friday, Poland summoned the Hungarian ambassador in protest and recalled its own envoy to Budapest for consultations. The measure is a step toward lowering the level of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Foreign ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski said.

Hungarys decision to grant the asylum request wasnt political, Orban told reporters after an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, saying he was not a part of the legal procedure. At the same time, he pointed to strained bilateral ties and singled out recent rule-of-law criticism from Polish Justice Minister Adam Bodnar as a brutal attack against Hungary.

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Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski slammed Hungarys asylum decision as a hostile act against a country thats seeking to bring to justice former officials wanted for corruption or fraud.

The former head of the state strategic reserve agency, Michal Kuczmierowski, was arrested in the UK in September and is awaiting extradition to Poland. In May, Polish Judge Tomasz Szmydt fled the country and on Monday asked for political asylum from Belarussian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

I didnt expect that the corrupt officials running away from justice will have a choice between Lukashenko and Orban, Tusk said at a press conference at the EU summit he attended alongside Orban. Nobody has any doubts that those who stole, were corrupt are looking for shelter under the wings of politicians who are very much like them.

Bodnar, his justice minister, said on Friday that it would be difficult to return Romanowski to Poland without cooperation from Hungary.

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Its not the first instance that Hungary is sheltering persons under investigation by Polish authorities. Daniel Obajtek, the former chief executive officer of state-owned refiner Orlen, stayed in Budapest earlier this year until he became a European parliament lawmaker, giving him immunity from potential prosecution.

On Thursday, Polish prosecutors requested that the immunity of three Law & Justice lawmakers, including Obajtek, be lifted in order to press charges.

In 2018, Hungary had also granted political asylum to Nikola Gruevski, the former prime minister of North Macedonia. At the time, Gruevski had escaped to Budapest to avert starting a jail term back home for abuse of power.

(Recasts with fresh developments.)

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(Bloomberg) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told European Union leaders that he wants to wait until the inauguration of his ally Donald Trump before deciding whether to extend the blocs sanctions against Russia, according to people familiar with the matter.

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The EU has imposed 15 rounds of sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, which need to be extended every six months. The next extension is due by the end of January, 11 days after Trump is due to be sworn in.

Up to now, its been a routine decision, but extensions require the unanimous backing of the 27 member states, which could allow Orban to veto it. At the end of a day-long EU summit Thursday, Orban surprised his counterparts by saying he wasnt ready to move forward with an extension, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The EU is already worried that Trump, who has suggested he may cut or eliminate US support to Ukraine, will strike a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orbans objection drove home a key worry of European leaders: that the Hungarian leader may partner with Trump to shatter the blocs unity over supporting Ukraine financially and militarily.

In the waning weeks of the Biden administration, the US and the EU have been working to ramp up pressure on Russias struggling economy, including tightening the sanctions regime.

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The EU has frequently run into hurdles with Orban, who has blocked a number of steps aimed at further punishing Russia or helping Ukraine. He has been a close ally of Trump and traveled to Florida earlier this month to meet him in person.

At this weeks summit in Brussels, the EU was already falling into an uneasy waiting game, with leaders on standby to see what he will actually do when hes back in the White House.

The main message today was full support for Ukraine as long as it takes, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday evening at a news conference.

But Trumps return has caught the EU at its most vulnerable moment in years, leaving leaders to piece together a way forward. And the summit also betrayed the tentative nature of the EUs response.

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A meeting that sought to drive home unity featured some notable absences. Emmanuel Macron of France skipped the summit to survey flood damage in the Indian Ocean. Italys Giorgia Meloni left early with the flu. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was there, but hobbled politically at home.

Starring Role

And Orban enjoyed a starring role in the summits final news conference, where he noted the US will soon have a new president.

I suggest to Europeans to have strategic patience, Orban told reporters. We should not do anything that would go against this future transatlantic relationship.

European governments would be hard-pressed to fill any vacuum in Ukrainian aid left by the US.

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The EU must spend more money on defense, thats the short answer, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told reporters.

Scholz, who lost a confidence vote earlier this month, said he was confident that the foreign policy cooperation with the US will continue under Trumps administration. He spoke with Trump by phone on Thursday.

I am quite confident that the USA like Europe will continue their support for Ukraine, Scholz told reporters of his discussion with Trump. But of course with a clear perspective that there will be a fair peace for Ukraine, that it can defend its sovereignty and that the killing will end.

--With assistance from Andrea Palasciano, Michael Nienaber, Zoltan Simon, Sanne Wass and Patrick Donahue.

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A "no trespassing" sign on a fence outside the Northwest Detention Center. (Grace Deng/Washington State Standard)

Editors note: The Capital Chronicle has launched a $10,000 end-of-year fundraising campaign to help us continue our first-class coverage next year. A lot is at stake, and theres a long legislative session in 2025. Were completely dependent on donor dollars, which are tax deductible. Please contribute to us if you can.

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum rolled out a toolkit on Wednesday so immigrants in Oregon can protect themselves and know their rights under the first-in-the-nation state sanctuary law that has been in place since 1987.

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Rosenblums release of the toolkit in English, Spanish and other languages is intended to inform immigrants as Oregon braces for likely increased federal immigration activity after President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Trump has pledged mass deportations of undocumented residents but its unclear how widespread it will be beyond people with criminal records. Oregon has an estimated 108,000 undocumented residents, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.

I recommend having conversations with family members in the next several weeks to know your rights, understand what protections Oregons sanctuary laws provide and what they do not provide, and make a plan for what to do if immigration officials come to your home or place of business, Rosenblum said in a statement.

Oregon sanctuary laws restrict state and local government, including police agencies, from helping enforce federal immigration laws without a signed court order. Federal immigration agencies can still operate in Oregon. But state laws restrict state and local funding, facilities, equipment and personnel from assisting them without a court order. The Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit covers details in the law and peoples rights. For example, the instructions tell immigrants that if federal immigration officials are outside their doors, they have the right to not open the door and can ask to see a warrant signed by a judge.

The toolkit, available online, includes brochures, posters and public service announcements in English, Spanish and five indigenous languages: Mam, Mixteco Alto, Mixteco Bajo, Kiche and Purepecha. Additionally, the toolkit links to ACLU Know Your Rights videos in English, Spanish, Urdu, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Russian and Mandarin.

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Under the first Trump administration, federal officials cracked down on immigrants without legal residency, including separating families. It tried to withhold federal funding from sanctuary states unless state officials cooperated in the crackdown, but a U.S. judge in Oregon declared that illegal.

In 2021, the year that Trump left office, the Legislature approved the Sanctuary Promise Act, which strengthens the states sanctuary laws and defines what law enforcement activity is prohibited by local and state Oregon agencies. The law also established a new, first-in-the-nation statewide hotline to report possible sanctuary law violations. Those alleged violations reported 34 possible cases from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024. Of those, 29 were unfounded and five are under investigation.

Rosenblum said she hopes immigrants use the materials and educate others.

Every person has the right to live, work, play and learn safely in Oregon, period, Rosenblum said.

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Shes leaving office in January and former House Speaker Dan Rayfield is taking her place and has told the Capital Chronicle he expects to also have to file lawsuits against the Trump administration, as Rosenblum did in areas like travel bans and environmental issues.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Following President-elect Donald Trumps promises to crack down on immigration when he returns to the White House, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is offering resources that inform residents of the states sanctuary laws.

The Oregon Department of Justice unveiled its Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit  available in both English and Spanish  on Wednesday. The toolkit informs people on how to report sanctuary law violations, advises families on how to address potential encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and more.

High-speed rail project connecting Portland to Seattle, Vancouver B.C. makes headway

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Every person has the right to live, work, play, and learn safely in Oregon, period, AG Rosenblum said, in part, in a statement.

Officials noted Oregon became Americas first sanctuary state in 1987, establishing that state and local governments are prohibited from enforcing federal immigration restrictions without a judges order. However, ODOJ reported that it has ramped up its monitoring of sanctuary law violations in recent years due to increased anti-immigrant rhetoric in our national politics.

In 2021, shortly after Trump left office and President Joe Biden took over, Oregon lawmakers introduced and later passed the Sanctuary Promise Act. The legislation further clarified state policies involving immigration activity and enforcement, and enacted a hotline that allowed residents to report people in violation of these laws.

But Trump has recently doubled down on his plans of mass deportation and potentially ending birthright citizenship in the U.S.

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More than $15K in stolen merchandise found in Salem storage locker, police say

Although federal leaders are still permitted to enforce their laws in Oregon, the states attorney general wants immigrants to know and understand their options.

I recommend having conversations with family members in the next several weeks to know your rights, understand what protections Oregons sanctuary laws provide and what they do not provide, and make a plan for what to do if immigration officials come to your home or place of business, Rosenblum added.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Chef and owner of one of the oldest continuously operating Black-owned businesses in the U.S., will proudly represent Shreveport in the 2025 Tournament of the Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Years Day.

Chef Damien Chapeaux Chapman, is the owner of 103 year old, Orlandeauxs Cross Lake Cafe in Shreveport, known for its authentic Creole and Southern dishes.

Orlandeauxs Cross Lake Cafe holds a unique place in Shreveport-Bossiers history, not only for its food but also for its role as a hub for civil rights discussions. Between 1958 and 1962, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. even held meetings at the cafe. The restaurant has long been a center of community and activism.

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According to the news release, Chapman was selected by the Louisiana Office of Tourism for his passion for the community and culture of Shreveport-Bossier.

Chef Damian-Chapman (Courtesy of Visit Shreveport Bossier)

Nations oldest Black-owned business is Shreveports Orlandeauxs Cafe

Aligning with this years float theme, Louisiana Saturday Night, Orlandeauxs Cross Lake Cafe is a place that truly shows off the flavor, style, & soul of Shreveport-Bossier. Chef Chapeaux not only honors 103-year-old family traditions at his restaurant but also creates a sense of community that embodies what our area is all about. He is an incredible ambassador for Shreveport-Bossier, and visitors leave his cafe with more than a great meal  they leave with a piece of our story, says Stacy Brown, President and CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier (VSB).

Chef Chapman is committed to staying at the heart of the Black community and making sure Orlandeauxs remains a destination where visitors can experience Shreveport-Bossiers rich culture and history, notes VSB.

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Our floats theme is Louisiana Saturday Night and well bring all that food, fun, and music to transform a Wednesday in Pasadena, said said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

Behind the scenes: Louisiana volunteers decorate the 2024 Rose Parade float

Louisiana participates in the Rose Parade annually to celebrate its unique culture and festive spirit on a national stage.

The news release details, Louisianas participation has been recognized with awards such as the Wrigley Legacy Award in 2022 and the Showmanship Award in 2024. This years float will feature an alligator carrying a Cajun dance hall and pots of boiled seafood on its back. All the participating floats are true works of art with decorations made from flower petals and other all-natural materials.

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The Tournament of Roses Parade presented by Honda will roll January 1, 2025, and broadcast live all over the world at 10 a.m. Central through broadcast partners, including ABC and NBC.

The parade is also streamed on Christmas Pus, Fubo or Pluto TV.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Four Central Florida men recently pleaded guilty to involvement in a conspiracy that distributed nearly 200 pounds of cocaine, according to the Department of Justice.

The drug distribution ring consisted of Israel Miranda, 36, of Kissimmee; Abiezer Laboy-Lozada, 36, of Orlando; Jorge Antonio Gonzalez de la Fuente, 31, of St. Cloud; and Carlos Antonio Garcia Garcia, 35, of Kissimmee, according to a news release Thursday from the department. They all signed plea deals with prosecutors.

The Drug Enforcement Administration first identified the group in 2022, the release said. DOJ said Miranda distributed drugs or drug proceeds reflecting distribution of more than 89 kilograms of cocaine or 196 pounds.

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In May 2023, Laboy-Lozada received cocaine in a parking lot from Miranda, some of the between 20 and 30 kilograms of cocaine he would receive from him over the course of the operation. In October 2023, Miranda delivered a shoebox containing a kilogram of cocaine to Gonzalez de la Fuente, who gave it to Garcia Garcia. Law enforcement found the shoebox when they stopped Garcia Garcias vehicle.

Central Florida residents weary of debris from Hurricane Milton as collection efforts drag on

In another incident in October 2023, Miranda delivered drug proceeds to an individual found to be transporting $262,257 in a brown paper bag and texted a conspirator an image of the stacks of cash he had with the message should be 110k. Law enforcement seized nearly $52,000 from Miranda in November and nearly $150,000 in March. The conspirators in total forfeited $464,000 seized during the case.

One of the men, Gonzalez de la Fuente, would meet with the other conspirators two or three times a month and was involved in distributing between 15 and 50 kilograms of cocaine, the news release said. He even continued to distribute drugs after being charged and was subsequently detained.

Miranda and Laboy-Lozada face up to life in prison and Gonzalez de la Fuente and Garcia Garcia face up to 40 years.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson visited Calloway-Smith Middle School on Wednesday, and she came bearing gifts.

Mobile Civic Center demolition gets more expensive; project still under budget

According to the Mobile County Public School System, Benson donated furniture for the schools lobby and student reading books as part of her annual Season of Giving.

Fuse Projects Academic Support Program through the Avenue Bridge Collaboration brought Benson to Mobile, according to an MCPSS spokesperson, who said Fuse supports students at Calloway-Smith Middle School, Florence Howard Elementary and The Pathway.

(Mobile County Public School System)

(Mobile County Public School System)

(Mobile County Public School System)

(Mobile County Public School System)

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I wanted to be here in Mobile with these kids, and I think theyre doing a great job, Benson said. We are just so happy, and we feel very blessed to be able to do this.

Robertsdale Christmas tree farm works to keep protected tortoises safe

According to an MCPSS news release, Benson has made stops in Louisiana and Mississippi to make similar donations to Boys and Girls Clubs, food banks, and assisted-living communities.

Its a blessing for our school to receive this donation from Mrs. Benson, Calloway-Smith Principal Nedra Payton said. Were going to have new furniture in every area of the school, and there are going to be reading nooks so that students can move into the hallway when they finish their assignments and have a place to read.

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We thank her and the Fuse Project.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
(WFRV)  The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Gregory J. Haanstad, announced on Tuesday that an Oshkosh man was indicted on charges of illegally possessing and stealing a firearm.

42-year-old Donta Bradshaw, according to the indictment, knowingly stole a semi-automatic pistol from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Oshkosh.

Wisconsin man with homemade pipe bombs gets two years in federal prison

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Bradshaw is a previously convicted felon, which prohibits him from owning a firearm under state and federal law. If he is convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison for the possession charge and 10 years for the theft.

No more details were provided.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV)  Officers in Oshkosh are investigating a shooting that happened Wednesday night after multiple gunshots were heard near Michigan Street.

According to the Oshkosh Police Department, officers were called to the 1000 block of Michigan Street around 9:30 p.m. on December 18.

Oshkosh man indicted on charges of theft, illegal possession of firearm

Initial reports came in that multiple gunshots were heard in the area, and when officers arrived, evidence of gunshots was found.

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Officers say the incident began with an argument between two groups of people. However, no injuries have been reported, and investigators are working to identify potential suspects and witnesses.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Oshkosh Police Department at (920) 236-5700, through Winnebago County Crime Stoppers at (920) 231-8477, or through the P3 App.

Local 5 will update this story when any new information is released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry (Commonwealth Media Services)

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced on Thursday the appointment of Michelle Henry, the states outgoing attorney general, to serve as Pennsylvanias next state inspector general.

Henry, whose appointment will be effective on Jan. 21, 2025, to the role, will be taking over for Inspector General Lucas M. Miller, who was appointed to the office in 2020 by then-Gov. Tom Wolf.

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Id like to thank Inspector General Miller for his service to the commonwealth, and Im proud to nominate Attorney General Michelle Henry to serve as Pennsylvanias next state inspector general, Shapiro said. Michelle is an experienced prosecutor who has spent decades in public service protecting consumers rights, standing up for public safety and the rule of law, and fighting for people all across Pennsylvania.

As inspector general, Henry will be tasked with protecting taxpayer dollars by investigating fraud, misconduct, and abuse in executive agencies under the governors jurisdiction.

Shapiro said he has complete confidence in her ability to hold bad actors accountable for fraud and misconduct and root out waste and abuse.

Henry, who has served as attorney general since Shapiro, also the former attorney general, was sworn-in as governor in 2023, said shes honored and humbled by the trust placed in her to lead this office.

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As attorney general, I worked to root out fraud and protect Pennsylvanian taxpayers from deceptive practices  and as inspector general, I will continue to hold bad actors accountable and to protect the commonwealth from waste, fraud, and abuse, Henry said. Working with Governor Shapiro, we will make sure that the Office of Inspector General always has Pennsylvanians backs.

Henry was among a coalition of 19 other state attorneys general supporting the Federal Trade Commissions proposal to outlaw junk fees, charges that are mandatory but not transparently disclosed to consumers, and announcing a settlement with an energy provider for tricking consumers into signing service agreements.

Henry was formerly the Bucks County district attorney and the first deputy attorney general when Shapiro was the states attorney general.

While Henry was appointed by Shapiro to finish out his term as attorney general, she announced that she would not run for a full term. York County District Attorney Dave Sunday, a Republican, will be the states next attorney general after defeating former two- term state auditor General Eugene DePasquale, a Democrat, in Novembers election.

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When serving in the Bucks County District Attorneys Office, Henry served as the chief of major crimes and child abuse units. She played a significant role in creating the countys children advocacy center.

As first deputy attorney general under Shapiro, she was tasked with overseeing criminal cases, civil suits representing Pennsylvania and public protection cases fighting for the rights of Pennsylvania consumers.

Following Millers resignation on Jan. 2, 2025, First Deputy State Inspector General Clarke Madden will serve as Interim State Inspector General between Jan. 2 and Jan. 21, 2025 before Henry takes the oath of office.
A cannabis operation in Tacoma was shut down on Dec. 11 after it was discovered that large amounts of product allegedly were being sold off the record into the black market.

Several search warrants were executed at the 17,000-square-foot warehouse and residence where the products were being stored, according to a Tacoma Police Department news release. The police department says they are not releasing information on the location of the warehouse, pending an active investigation.

The operation was licensed with Washington state, but investigators alleged that the cannabis products were being transported and delivered outside the scope of the license, according to charging documents.

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The investigation into the facility started in June after police and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board were informed the licensee was violating several cannabis codes and laws, documents show.

Prosecutors wrote cannabis products were discovered in non-licensed locations, and traceability records did not align with the reported deliveries. The marijuana was allegedly being diverted and sold without proper authorization, which would violate state law.

Over 7,000 marijuana plants were seized after the Tacoma Police Department concluded their investigation into an illegal cannabis operation.

These warrants were carried out with the assistance of Washington State LCB Enforcement Unit officers, the Pierce County Sheriffs Department Special Investigations Unit, and the Tacoma Police Hazardous Environments and Tactics Team, the release said.

About 2,000 grams of cannabis flowers and a handgun were discovered in a safe, with no camera coverage in the area, prosecutors wrote. According to state law, cannabis licensees are required to maintain surveillance in areas where the plants are being grown, processed, stored or destroyed. All cannabis plants must be tagged, but many at the location allegedly were not. More untagged cannabis flowers were allegedly discovered during the police search of the facility.

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The release said that law enforcement seized:

7,789 marijuana plants

Multiple pounds of manufactured cannabis product

Three vehicles

One handgun

An undisclosed amount of U.S. currency.

The licensee, a 35-year-old man, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance, records show.

According to my client, if there is anything off, its not his fault  hes doing everything according to the law, Jay Berneburg, the mans attorney, told The News Tribune. Im still waiting on police reports and search warrants, and when we start digging down into the weeds of these things, the devil is always in the details.

The man appeared for an arraignment at the Pierce County Superior Court on Thursday, court records show. Superior Court Commissioner Philip Thornton released the man on personal recognizance.
Luigi Mangione is placed in an New York Police Department SUV on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, after a Pennsylvania judge ordered his transfer to New York city to face prosecution for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (Screenshot/WTAJ)

The suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was turned over to New York police after waiving hearings Thursday in a western Pennsylvania courtroom.

Luigi Mangione, 26, is charged with murder as an act of terrorism for the Dec. 4 shooting of Thompson, 50, outside a Manhattan hotel where UnitedHealthcare was holding an investor meeting.

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Mangione appeared Thursday in Blair County court for hearings on his extradition to New York and on charges stemming from his arrest in an Altoona McDonalds restaurant where he was spotted eating breakfast five days after the shooting.

Mangiones attorney Thomas Dickey waived both hearings. The Associated Press reported he waived the hearing in an agreement with Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks in which Mangione would receive a copy of the Altoona police investigative report.

Blair County Common Pleas Judge David Consiglio ordered Mangione to be transported to New York to face prosecution there, according to court records. Video provided by Altoona television station WTAJ showed Mangione being placed in a black police SUV with several New York Police Department officers.

Mangione was also charged with carrying a firearm without a license, forgery, records or identification tampering, possession of instruments of crime and presenting false identification to law enforcement. Mangione is a 2020 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania whose last known address, according to police, was in Honolulu.

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New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Dec. 9 that Mangione was in possession of what New York police described as a ghost gun made with a 3D printer and a handwritten document that speaks to his motivation and mindset.

He also provided Altoona police with false identification including one that matched a false New Jersey drivers license that the suspect in the shooting used to check into a New York hostel.

Thompson had been CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the nations largest for-profit health insurance providers, for nearly three years. His killing has prompted an outpouring of criticism of the company and the United States health care system generally for denying or unnecessarily complicating medical treatment.
Luigi Mangione is placed in an New York Police Department SUV on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, after a Pennsylvania judge ordered his transfer to New York city to face prosecution for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (Screenshot/WTAJ)

The suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was turned over to New York police after waiving hearings Thursday in a western Pennsylvania courtroom.

Luigi Mangione, 26, is charged with murder as an act of terrorism for the shooting of Thompson, 50, outside a Manhattan hotel where UnitedHealthcare was holding an investor meeting Dec. 4.

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Mangione appeared Thursday in Blair County court for hearings on his extradition to New York and on charges stemming from his arrest in an Altoona McDonalds restaurant where he was spotted eating breakfast five days after the shooting.

Mangiones attorney Thomas Dickey waived both hearings. The Associated Press reported he waived the hearing in an agreement with Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks in which Mangione would receive a copy of the Altoona police investigative report.

Blair County Common Pleas Judge David Consiglio ordered Mangione to be transported to New York to face prosecution there, according to court records. Video provided by Altoona television station WTAJ showed Mangione being placed in a black police SUV with several New York Police Department officers.

Mangione was also charged with carrying a firearm without a license, forgery, records or identification tampering, possession of instruments of crime, and presenting false identification to law enforcement. Mangione is a 2020 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania whose last known address, according to police, was in Honolulu.

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New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said on Dec. 9 that Mangione was in possession of what New York police described as a ghost gun made with a 3D printer and a handwritten document that speaks to his motivation and mindset.

He also provided Altoona police with false identification including one that matched a false New Jersey drivers license that the suspect in the shooting used to check into a New York hostel.

Thompson had been CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the nations largest for-profit health insurance providers, for nearly three years. His killing has prompted an outpouring of criticism of the company and the United States health care system generally for denying or unnecessarily complicating medical treatment.
ISLAMABAD (AP)  Pakistan on Thursday denounced new U.S. sanctions on the country's ballistic missile program as discriminatory that put the region's peace and security at risk.

Pakistan's foreign ministry warned in a statement that the sanctions have dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond. It also cast doubt on U.S. allegations that targeted businesses were involved in weapons proliferation because previous sanctions "were based on mere doubts and suspicion without any evidence whatsoever.

It also accused the U.S. of double standards for waiving licensing requirements for advanced military technology to other countries.

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The sanctions freeze any U.S. property belonging to the targeted businesses and bar Americans from doing business with them.

The U.S. State Department said one such sanctioned entity, the Islamabad-based National Development Complex, worked to acquire items for developing Pakistans long range ballistic missile program that includes the SHAHEEN series of ballistic missiles.

The other sanctioned entities are Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International and Rockside Enterprise.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Wednesday on X that the U.S. had been clear and consistent about our concerns over such weapons proliferation and that it would "continue to engage constructively with Pakistan on these issues.

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The sanctions were also opposed by the party of Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Zulfiqar Bukhari, a Khans spokesman, took to the social platform X to criticize the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, saying we strongly oppose U.S. sanctions on the National Development Complex and three commercial entities.

The latest U.S. sanctions came months after similar measures were slapped on other foreign entities, including a Chinese research institute, after the U.S. State Department accused them of working for the National Development Complex, which it says was involved in the development and production of Pakistans long-range ballistic missiles.

Analysts say Pakistan's nuclear and missile program is primarily aimed at countering threats from neighboring India.

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Security expert Syed Muhammad Ali called the sanctions short sighted, destabilizing and divorced from South Asian regional strategic realities.

Pakistan became a declared nuclear power in 1998, when it conducted underground nuclear tests in response to those carried out by its rival and neighbor India. The two sides regularly test-fired their short, medium and long-range missiles.

The two South Asian rivals have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. The disputed Himalayan region is split between them and claimed by both in its entirety.
This past weekend, protesters demonstrated outside a Cracker Barrel in Waldorf, Maryland after it turned away students with disabilities during a field trip in early December.

We are her voice, we are advocates, Dustin Reed, Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) parent, told NBC affiliate WRC-TV in Washington, on Dec. 15. Reed, the protests organizer, also livestreamed the protest on Facebook. If theyre not heard, no change will happen.

Reed says the turnout at the demonstration was amazing. His 7-year-old daughter, who is nonverbal, was one of the students involved in the incident.

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I want awareness, I want discrimination to stop in all aspects, Reed tells TODAY.com. No one deserves that kind of treatment.

Dozens of people gathered in front of the Cracker Barrel, held signs in support of the students and shouted, Can we eat now? the protests main slogan. They also also chanted, Treat us equally, Self-determination and Shut them down in front of the restaurant.

Protesters gather outside of a Cracker Barrel in Waldorf, Maryland on Dec. 15.

The controversy began on Dec. 3 when 11 students with disabilities and seven staff members were denied service at the Cracker Barrel location.

The group attempted to eat at the restaurant during a field trip that was part of a community-based instruction program meant to hone life skills, including interacting with others in public spaces like retail shops and restaurants.

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Another parent, Andrew Blumhardt, told USA Today at the protest that his 7-year-old daughter Mary was one of the children denied at the restaurant.

He claims a Cracker Barrel server told Marys aide, Can you move this? using the object pronoun to refer to his daughter, who uses an electric wheelchair.

A representative for Cracker Barrel told TODAY.com on Dec. 9 that the refusal of service to the party of 18 was due to staffing issues and a partially closed second dining room, and that its missteps were unfortunate but were unrelated to the students capabilities.

On Dec. 9 however, after Cracker Barrel executives met with CCPS leadership, teachers and parents, the chain said it took actions to address the missteps at the Waldorf location, including firing the general manager and two servers, and conducting specialized training for its staff, though it did not specify what that training would look like.

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Cracker Barrel declined to comment on the protest.

A protester outside of a Cracker Barrel in Waldorf, Maryland on Dec. 15.

Reed says he isnt satisfied.

There isnt much Cracker Barrel can do now, he says. They had their chance to correct their wrongs at the meeting corporate called for with us parents. They decided to deny, gaslight, and defend themselves instead of taking accountability and correcting.

Reed says Sundays protest was only the beginning and that he plans to hold another one at the start of 2025, improving upon aspects of the first to make it more accessible to everyone. He also said its too late for Cracker Barrel to fix things with the group.

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With how well it went I would love to continue to help our children and their community be heard/stood up for, Reed says. Our time to take a stand is now.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Paris Hilton is celebrating a huge milestone after using her celebrity and personal experience to enact protections for institutionalized youth.

Today is a day I will never forget, the celebrity DJ, 43, began as the caption to a 20-photo Instagram carousel on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

After years of sharing my story and advocating on Capitol Hill, the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act has officially passed the U.S Congress, she said.

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The bill regulates best practices regarding the health and safety, care, treatment and appropriate placement of youth in boarding schools, boot camps and other youth centers, according to Congress and the organization's website.

Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Paris Hilton, center, is seen with Reps. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) as they emerge from the U.S. Capitol after the House passed the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act Dec. 18, 2024 Paris Hilton, center, is seen with Reps. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) as they emerge from the U.S. Capitol after the House passed the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act Dec. 18, 2024

The first image showed Hilton, dressed in a black pantsuit and multicolored top, standing on the steps of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. as she held a poster with images of children above her head.

Children should not die in treatment, her message read.

Related: Paris Hilton Advocates for Child Abuse Bill amid Her Own Teen Trauma: 'Silence Doesn't Heal'

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Hilton continued with her caption, adding, This moment is proof that our voices matter, that speaking out can spark change, and that no child should ever endure the horrors of abuse in silence. I did this for the younger version of myself and the youth who were senselessly taken from us by the Troubled Teen Industry.

Additional photos showed the socialite standing with members from her Trapped in Treatment podcast, a docu-style series where Hilton reveals the truth about her abuse at Provo Canyon School alongside a mix of experts as they discuss the origins of the Troubled Teen Industry.

AARON SCHWARTZ/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Paris Hilton testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee during a hearing on child welfare on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 in Washington Paris Hilton testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee during a hearing on child welfare on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 in Washington

Hilton first opened up about her experience in her 2020 documentary, This Is Paris.

"It was supposed to be a school, but [classes] were not the focus at all," Hilton previously told PEOPLE about the behavioral health center her parents sent her to as a teen. "From the moment I woke up until I went to bed, it was all day screaming in my face, yelling at me, continuous torture."

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Related: Paris Hilton Talks Alleged Abuse, Sex Tape and Trust Issues: 5 Revelations from Her Documentary

In her Instagram caption Wednesday, Hilton thanked the countless survivors who shared their stories, to the families who stood with us.

And to the coalition, thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with me, she added, also tagging several legislators who assisted with getting the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act passed.

Hilton concluded: And to the children still trapped in these systems: I will never stop fighting for you. Change is possible! .

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Paris Hilton at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October, 20, 2021 Paris Hilton at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October, 20, 2021

Her family was also onboard to support her efforts, as Hilton shared smiling photos of her husband, Carter Reum, along with their son, Phoenix Barron Hilton Reum, whom the couple welcomed via surrogate on Jan. 16, 2023.

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She and Reum are also parents to London Marilyn Hilton Reum, 1, who arrived via surrogate in November 2023.

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.

Ahead of the bill being passed, Hilton shared an open letter on Instagram earlier this week, stating that she was physically restrained, sexually abused, isolated, overmedicated, and stripped of my dignity as a teenager at Provo Canyon School.

The mother of two urged every member of the House" to think of the children who can't speak for themselves.

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The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act was passed unanimously by the Senate on Dec. 11, before the House also voted in its favor. Next, it will go to President Biden before it can be signed into law.

Read the original article on People
The Ukrainian parliament on Dec. 19 adopted a bill dissolving the system of medical examination commissions (MSEC) for determining the severity of disabilities.

President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree in October to disband the commissions after several officials were accused of using corrupt schemes to acquire falsified disability certifications.

A total of 259 members of parliament voted in favor of the bill, said Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a member of the opposition Holos party.

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Obtaining disability status through medical examination commissions allows one to avoid military service and receive a higher pension, among other social benefits.

Starting Jan. 1, Ukraine will introduce new expert commissions in major hospitals for assessing people's medical status based on a new, "modern system," Zhelezniak said.

"The system of medical and social expertise that currently exists in Ukraine was formed before Ukraine gained independence. It does not meet the current challenges that our country faces during the armed aggression by the Russian Federation, nor the current approaches to establishing disability adopted in the world," the explanatory note to the draft law read.

The bill's authors expect that the new system will help create a transparent procedure for assessing the needs of the applicants. The replacement of commissions is expected to reduce the administrative burden and help reduce appeals against their decisions.

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The draft law has to be signed by the president before becoming law.

Following the National Security and Defense Council meeting on Oct. 22, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) head Vasyl Maliuk said that the SBU had exposed corruption schemes at medical examination commissions in 2024, resulting in the cancellation of 4,106 fake disability status certificates.

Maliuk added that 64 officials at medical examination commissions have been charged with committing crimes, while another nine suspects have been convicted.

According to Zelensky's October decree, all commissions in Ukraine will be eliminated by Dec. 31, 2024. Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin submitted his resignation on Oct. 22 following the reports of prosecutors illegally obtaining disability status.

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Read also: Ukraines parliament supports bill on multiple citizenship in first reading

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In his ongoing effort to flesh out his leadership team, Pasco County Schools Superintendent John Legg tapped two more veteran district officials Thursday to fill key roles.

He named assistant superintendent for high schools Monica Ilse to serve in the newly created deputy superintendent for academics job, and River Ridge High School Principal Toni Zetzsche to lead an expanded district communication and community engagement department.

Ilse, 52, has worked for the district since 1997, including time as the principal of Land O' Lakes and Anclote high schools. She has four degrees from the University of South Florida, including a doctorate in educational leadership.

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Im very excited about the opportunity, Ilse said of the appointment, which goes to the school board in January.

Zetzsche, 47, joined the district in 2006 and has led River Ridge High since 2015. Her move leaves open the principal post, which will be filled temporarily by assistant principal Kelly McPherson while its being advertised. She has a doctorate in education leadership from Capella University.

These selections mark another choice by Legg to maintain continuity within the district even as he makes changes.

Days after his election, he picked Betsy Kuhn, who had been assistant superintendent for support services under Kurt Browning, to become deputy superintendent for administration.

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Kuhn said she expected to work hand in hand with Ilse in advancing initiatives to better serve students and schools.

There are so many things happening on the instructional side that if the non-instructional people know about it, we can support them better, Kuhn said.

Ilse said her primary objective will be improving academic outcomes, which Legg set forth as one of his top priorities. The Florida Association of District School Superintendents currently is assisting the effort by analyzing district departments for areas where work can be better aligned to meet the goal, she said.

We are looking forward to reviewing the information, Ilse said. We know we need to do more in the student achievement area.

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School board vice chairperson Colleen Beaudoin praised Ilse as an exceptional leader.

She has a deep understanding of instructional best practices, Beaudoin said. I am confident that Dr. Ilse will work collaboratively with school leaders to support teachers, so they have the resources they need to deliver high-quality instruction.

Legg and the school board have commented frequently about the need to improve district communications at all levels. The district has not had a communication director since the fall.

Kuhn said she expected Zetzsche to take the department to the next level as she grows the responsibilities to also include community engagement, after-school enrichment and education foundation activities.

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Beaudoin also had positive words for this appointment, noting that Zetzsche has done an outstanding job building relationships with community partners and communicating with River Ridge stakeholders.

Im confident she will improve communications across the district, Beaudoin said.
A new danger has hit airline passengers: getting soaked while 30,000 feet in the air.

After months of bizarre plane mishaps, including emergency doors falling off, unexpected stowaways , and even diversions because of pigs, an American Airlines flight had a watery fiasco on Dec. 7.

A viral video shows liquid creeping down the aisle of the plane while concerned passengers rush to escape the flood.

A passenger, Hilary Stewart Blazevic, shared the video on Storyful, saying a woman had discovered the leak while in the rear bathroom and altered the cabin crew.

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It was utter disbelief and a little panic realizing they cant shut off the water, she said.

Blazevic added that passengers lifted their feet and grabbed their bags from the ground to avoid the disgusting water.

Social media users weighed in on the flight, which was from Dallas to Minneapolis.

New final destination fear unlocked, one user wrote.

Imagine drowning on a plane in air, another user said.

Man, those 4-D movies are on a whole new level, a viewer wrote.

Other users also expressed concern about the cleanliness of the water, as the leak had originated from the bathroom.

Nothing says emergency like toilet water, one commenter wrote.
Chicagos OHare Airport was the scene of a bizarre holiday brawl last week, as several travelers and even an employee took to whacking each other over the head with wet floor placards in one of the American Airlines terminals.

The video shows two men dressed in black and another in a blue shirt, who apparently works for the airport, going after a fourth man in a white shirt who is swinging wildly at them with a large plastic sign. It seems the three men are trying to subdue the one in the white shirt, but hes able to gain the upper hand on them. At one point, he knocks a man to the ground and proceeds to rip the hair from anothers head. The melee ends when the man in white grabs a metal stanchion from one of the check-in counters, encouraging the other brawlers to back off.

Chicago police reportedly responded to the incident and generated a report, but no arrests were made, a department spokesperson told The New York Post. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Mens Journal, nor did American Airlines or Chicago OHare Airport.

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At this point, it's unclear what prompted the WWE-style confrontation or how it was ultimately resolved. Likewise, it's unknown whether the man in blue was an American Airlines employee or an airport vendor.
The recent public anxieties surrounding drones clouding the Northeast have exposed gaps in the regulations and a bureaucracy ill-equipped to handle a surge of activities in the skies no matter how innocent or nefarious.

For weeks, potential drone sightings have swarmed social media and sparked cries from lawmakers and the public for the government to get to the bottom of it, despite federal authorities insisting theres no threat. Drone sightings have been reported in at least six states  New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio  while arrests have been made in connection with drone operations near restricted areas in Massachusetts and California.

But who regulates these remotely operated, unmanned aircraft?

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Timothy Tenne, who was a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) official from November 2014 to April 2017, stood up the drone integration office helping develop the countrys first drone regulations. He currently is the CEO of American Robotics, which builds unmanned aerial systems.

None of the government agencies, whether its state, local, federal, even the DOD (Department of Defense) have all the resources they need, Tenne said. So, they have to prioritize what things are national security threats.

For almost 10 years, the FAA has been working on integrating drones into the National Airspace System. However, the last few weeks have raised alarms to public observers on the matter and issues behind regulation. Although many of the drone sightings are actually manned aircraft or even stars, federal officials have said, local politicians have continued to press federal government officials for more answers.

As of October 2024, the FAA had registrations for 789,000 recreational drones and over 396,000 commercial drone registrations, according to federal data.

The early days of drone regulation

The regulations governing drones are relatively new. Over the years, as technology has advanced, the laws and enforcement of those laws have struggled to keep up.

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Tenne said drone technology first began to gain traction during former President Barack Obamas administration.

Tenne pointed to an example of a Kentucky man who shot down a drone out of the sky in 2015 as a defining moment. The FAA ruled it was illegal to shoot down an unmanned aircraft.

But the FAA rules only tell part of the story.

When we talk about drones, its not just about the flying aspect into the National Airspace System. Its things like keeping town rules. Its trespassing. Its acting unsafely, assault, battery, Tenne explained.

Small, unmanned aircraft systems are regulated under 14 CFR Part 107. According to the FAA, its legal to fly a drone in most locations, however, there are rules. Drones must be flown under 400 feet and must avoid other aircraft. The FAA also places airspace restrictions in certain areas such as stadiums and sporting events, airports, security sensitive areas, restricted or special use airspace and in most of Washington DC.

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Lisa Ellman is a global regulatory partner at the law firm Hogan Lovells, where she is the chair of the uncrewed aircraft systems practice. She is also co-founder and executive director of the Commercial Drone Alliance, a non-profit that advocates for the commercial use of drones.

Ellman pointed to bipartisan legislation on the Hill aimed at navigating that issue and enhancing the authority granted to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice with drones, authored by Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan.

The focus in Washington right now is we recognize and sympathize with the American people here that there needs to be more information available to the American people more quickly, Ellman said.

She said the legislation also creates a pilot program around the use of mitigation technologies, enabling states and localities to utilize, in very limited circumstances, mitigation technologies. That can be sending a drone to capture another drone or even hacking technology if needed.

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If its a drone that is operating in a certain way, its possible that they may not be able to use the technology that is necessary in order to be able to identify it, Ellman said. Thats where the legal gaps come in, and thats where this needs to change and the law needs to change.

Drone sightings cast light on regulation, transparency

Drone restriction awareness has also been highlighted over the last several weeks through varying incidents. Runways at New Yorks Stewart International Airport were temporarily closed for about an hour last week after the FAA alerted the airports operator to a drone sighting there.

Lawmakers and experts have urged the government to be transparent with the alleged drone incidents.

I cant rule out the fact that we might find some sort of illegal or criminal activity, some nefarious activity, (but) all I can do is tell you that right now we see none of that, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters Monday.

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Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who sits on the House Intelligence Committee, told CNNs Kaitlan Collins that government authorities in a classified briefing said there was no evidence of anything nefarious. The government has reviewed about 5,000 incidents and still has 100 other reported incidents to look into.

I think one thing that really stood out in this particular briefing is that theres both a lack of technology as well as resources for both drone detection and takedown by different law enforcement and other agencies. And also, theres a lack of legal authorities and rules and regulations to enable them to do what they have to do to protect the homeland, he told CNN.

Drones are also restricted in some airspace by the FAA at the request of law enforcement for safety and security reasons.

Senior FAA officials told reporters that a local issue involving drones would be handled by local law enforcement. If theres a federal issue, it might roll over to the FBI or a criminal investigation.

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All of the experts CNN spoke to dont believe the public should be worried at this point, but do believe that there should be more information. Tenne stressed there are procedures, however, for releasing that information to the public, which may be why not much has been said.

In most cases, theyre protecting the operator, because there are legal procedures to go through if someone is operating outside the regulation, because that could be a criminal act, Tenne said. It could be just a mistake, which is still a criminal act, and they have to work with the Department of Justice to work through that. So, releasing all that information prior to investigating would be not following the rules of procedure.

Jonathan Gilliam has worked previously as a special agent for the FBI and been a federal air marshal. He said the governments confusing statements have contributed to the public outcry.

There has to be a better path of information from the government to the people, and the government has to take what the people say seriously, Gilliam said.

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He said this will be especially important with the next administration  to pinpoint a lack in communication between law enforcement and the public.

Theres people that are very, very scared about this, Gilliam said. Whether theyve created that anxiety themselves, or it really exists, I think that this is a huge thing.

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The Marine Corps. Toys for Tots program made a very special delivery on Wednesday to Shriners Childrens Hospital.

The outpatient center in Erie provides specialized medical care for children in the region. Those children work with therapists to help rehab from surgeries and regain mobility. Toys are a big part of their recovery, helping to relieve anxiety and bring them comfort.

Elementary school students sing Christmas carols, hand out gifts to nursing home residents

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According to a Shriners child life specialist, the toys delivered Wednesday will be distributed to patients all year long, whether theyre having a procedure or celebrating a special occasion.

Theres been many times weve had children come in and theyre crying and very anxious because theyre coming to a doctors office. We bring a toy in a frown turns to a smile and they get super excited and they love playing, said Michelle Derooy, certified child life specialist.

Erie High students use their shop lessons to make Christmas presents for local kids

Law enforcement officers, military and your hospital workers, were all here working together trying to make a difference during the holiday season. We just want to see the smiles on the childrens faces, said Corporal Shanaya Smith, a Toys for Tots coordinator.

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This is the second year in a row that Erie Shriners is among the nonprofit organizations receiving support from Toys for Tots.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A freight train traveling through Texass Reeves County derailed when it collided with a tractor-trailer, before slamming into a building, authorities said, leaving two people dead and three others injured.

Officials in Pecos City declared a major accident on Wednesday after the train crashed into the towns Chamber of Commerce building near the intersection of Oak Street and Dot Stafford Street.

Union Pacific, based in Omaha, Nebraska, said Thursday that two of its employees had been killed. Pecos Police Chief Lisa Tarango said the other injuries were minor.

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We did have a tractor trailer struck by a train which did cause a derailment a little before 5.00 p.m. today, Pecos City manager Charles Lino confirmed to reporters on Wednesday evening after initial reports said the vehicle involved was an 18-wheeler truck.

It is not clear how the tractor-trailer became stuck on the tracks.

Carriages have been left strewn by the roadside after the train derailed (Reeves County Texas/Facebook)

The Pecos Police Department is now leading the investigation with support from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Video of the collision, which was obtained by NewsWest 9, shows the moment the train barrels into the vehicle. Thats not good, the witness behind the camera says as he watches the collision from his own vehicle.

Emergency services go to work after the derailment, containers are shown stacked on top of each other after the derailment (Reeves County Texas/FB)

Harrowing footage shared to Facebook by Reeves County officials shows the aftermath of the crash, including train cars strewn beside the tracks. Police, firefighters, ambulances and other vehicles appearing to attempt to clear up the area are also seen in the video.

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The public has been urged to avoid the area for safety reasons, authorities said in a public notice on Wednesday evening.

Three train cars that carried potentially hazardous materials were derailed, however, there were no known leaks of the dangerous cargo. The only spillage was diesel from an engine that has since been contained.

Eddie Morales Jr, a local state representative, said on Facebook that he has been contacted by the Texas Department of Emergency Management and local officials.

No other details have been released. An update is expected at 10.00 a.m. local time on Thursday morning.

The Independent has contacted the Pecos Police Department for more information.
Campaigners are demanding French rape laws be changed to include the word consent after judges handed down sentences in the Gisele Pelicot case.

They say the case, in which Ms Pelicots husband recruited dozens of strangers to rape her while she was drugged unconscious, proves the current legislation is insufficient.

France can no longer maintain its legislation as it stands, and must at last clearly integrate the notion of consent into the offence of rape, said Audrey Darsonville, a criminal law professor.

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She said the country was flouting its European obligations by not doing so and faced a string of legal cases on the issue in the coming months.

France must force the defendant to prove they verified that a plaintiff gave free and informed consent. Thats not currently the case, she told The Telegraph.

French criminal law defines rape as a penetrative act or oral sex act committed on someone using violence, coercion, threat or surprise. It makes no clear mention of the need for a partners consent and prosecutors must prove the intention to rape to secure a guilty verdict.

Ms Darsonville, like others, would like France to emulate English law, which specifically defines consent as by a person who agrees by choice, and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice.

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Prosecutors in England must consider whether a complainant had the capacity (that is the age and understanding) to make a choice about whether or not to take part in the sexual activity at the time in question.

They must also decide whether he or she was in a position to make that choice freely, and was not constrained in any way.

Carole Hardouin-Le Goff, a law professor who specialises in sexual violence, also saw the need for explicit consent  known as positive consent or only yes means yes  for sexual acts to be enshrined in French law, as it has been in Canada and Spain.

France, she pointed out, has ratified the Istanbul Convention, which states that consent should be in the law.

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The issue of consent has loomed large from the start of the Pelicot trial and its absence from legislation has been exploited by defence lawyers.

Ms Pelicot, appearing for sentencing, waived her anonymity to bring the full scale of the horror to the worlds attention - Alexandre Dimou/Reuters

In France, its not necessary to have obtained the victims consent, to necessarily ensure that there is no rape, said defence lawyer Guillaume De Palma in the opening days of the trial. In order for there to be rape, the guilty intent of the perpetrator must be demonstrated.

None of the defendants confirmed they had asked for any kind of consent from the inert victim.

Despite damning video evidence against them, at least 35 of the defendants denied aggravated rape charges, claiming that Dominique Pelicot tricked them into believing they were taking part in a sex game, or that Gisele Pelicot was feigning sleep.

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Ive seen individuals take the stand, most of them denying rape. I want to say to these men: at what point did Mrs Pelicot give you her consent when you entered this room? At what point do you become aware of this inert body? asked Ms Pelicot.

Gisele Pelicots image has become an icon for women in France and around the world - Abdul Saboor/Reuters

Others said that the husbands consent applied to his wife. As the husband had given me permission, as far as I was concerned, she agreed, said Andy Rodriguez, a defendant.

The problem in France currently is if a defendant says: I didnt intend to rape, I intended to have a sexual relationship with someone I thought was consenting. Its a completely legal act and thus very hard to convict someone, said Ms Darsonville.

The push for consent-based legislation on rape had already gained significant support in France before the Pelicot trial. In a November 2023 Ifop poll, 89 per cent of respondents were in favour of updating the legal definition of rape.

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Last year, France opposed an effort to make non-consensual sex a criminal offence across the European Union. But Emmanuel Macron, Frances president, later said that, while he opposed legislating at an EU level on the issue, he did favour new legislation in France.

Didier Migaud, the justice minister of Michel Barniers government, also recently backed the change.

This lawyer is proving us right that the law needs to be changed, and the question of consent needs to be written down in black and white in the penal code, and defined in the penal code, agreed Aurore Berge, the outgoing equality minister.

Ms Pelicot points to a picture of herself by a graffiti artist in Avignon with the legend: Gisele, women thank you. - Christophe Simon/AFP via Getty

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But other legal experts and womens rights activists said consent puts scrutiny on the victims behaviour and words, rather than on the accused, and that a person can say yes without wanting to.

Anne-Cecile Mailfert, a feminist who runs La Fondation des Femmes, said English law on rape should not be seen as a model as it is based largely on the consent of the victim, which is the hardest thing to prove.

She asserted consent law is a key factor in the catastrophic conviction rate in the UK. There is a one per cent chance of a reported rape ending in a conviction, according to recent figures.

The Pelicot trial shows that French law poses no problem. As soon as you drug someone, its de facto rape by surprise, so the notion of consent is taken into account, Ms Mailfert argued.

A courtroom sketch shows Ms Pelicot listening to her former husbands testimony - Valentin Pasquier/AP

In France, only 6 per cent of rape cases go to court and even then very few end in convictions  last year there were 2,083 out of 36,000 complaints.

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But thats not because of the definition of rape, she said.

The real problem is resources for proper investigations, overcrowded prisons and judges encouraged to drop cases that arent clear-cut, said Ms Mailfert. She also blamed enduring prejudice among male judges.

She added: Above all, the Pelicot trial has highlighted the evils of toxic masculinity and rape culture in society.

In her final testimony last month in Avignon, Ms Pelicot, 71, insisted the trial was about changing the way we look at rape.

But just how that is translated into law remains a hotly contested issue.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A downtown Youngstown company has been approved for a tax abatement they were seeking to help expand their business.

Penguin City Brewing announced on Instagram Wednesday they have been approved for an Ohio Enterprise ZoneTax abatement incentive.

The abatement will help them achieve their goals of hiring new employees, working on the inside and outside of the building, and creating internship opportunities for Youngstown State students.

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Co-owner Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki said that with the abatement, they will be able to bring in six new positions  three full-time and three part-time.

They sought a tax abatement of 75 percent for the next 10 years to generate about $700,000.

In the Instagram post, Penguin City thanked Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown, 1st Ward Councilman Julius Oliver and all of city council for helping them achieve their goals.

This opportunity means the world to us and we are deeply grateful to the administration for approving and supporting our project, Lyras-Bernacki said. As we move into the next phase of construction and improvements, were excited to expand, create these jobs and continue being a positive force in our amazing city.

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Brandon Jaces contributed to this report.

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A Pennsylvania man has been arrested after officers at Newark Airport detected a loaded gun and ammunition in his carry-on bag, the Transportation Security Administration announced Thursday.

The Bensalem man, who has not been identified, was passing through one of the airports security checkpoints on Wednesday when screeners intercepted a .380 caliber gun, which was loaded with six bullets, along with 12 additional bullets in two gun magazines.

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The man told officials he didnt realize he had his loaded gun with him  an alleged oversight that turned out to be a very expensive mistake to make, according to Thomas Carter, TSAs Federal Security Director for New Jersey.

If you own a firearm, you need to know where it is at all times. Thats a vital part of being a responsible gun owner, Carter said Thursday in a press release. Not only was this individual arrested, but he now also faces a stiff federal financial civil penalty that could cost him thousands of dollars.

The federal penalty for bringing a weapon to a TSA checkpoint could cost travelers as much as $15,000  even when they have a concealed gun carry permit, according to the agency.

Additionally, travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck, the agencys expedited screening program, will also lose their privileges if caught with guns at an airport security checkpoint.

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Guns can only be transported on a flight in checked bags and declared to the airline. They also must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container, according to the TSA.

The airline will be sure that the gun travels with checked baggage in the belly of the plane, never in the cabin of the plane, the agency said.

Wednesdays incident marked the 20th firearm caught at a Newark Airport security checkpoint so far this year, tying last years record, officials said.
An active-duty Marine assigned to Naval Air Station Pensacola was arrested Wednesday and is being considered a primary suspect in the alleged murder of an escort.

Willie Ellington, 20, was taken into custody Dec. 18 by the Escambia County Sheriffs Office on charges of first-degree premeditated murder and possession of child pornography after ECSO deputies, assisted by police officers from Mobile, Alabama, located the deceased remains of Tshey Bennett in a pond in a Mobile neighborhood, according to AL.com.

Investigators stated that Bennett, who was first reported as missing on Dec. 14, met Ellington at the Sweet Dreams Inn in northwest Florida shortly before her disappearance, according to the report.

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Shortly after locating Bennetts remains, the investigating team found and arrested Ellington in Opelika, Alabama.

Due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding [Bennetts] disappearance, investigators have been working the case as a potential homicide, the Sheriffs office stated in a release.

Additional information was not yet made available.

Inquiries regarding Ellingtons service record were not available as of press time.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The United States has more than doubled the number of its forces in Syria to fight the Islamic State group  a dramatic increase that the Pentagon revealed Thursday, acknowledging that the added troops have been there for months or even more than a year.

The U.S. had said for years that there were about 900 troops in Syria, but Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, acknowledged there were roughly 2,000 there now.

The Pentagon was asked repeatedly about the U.S. presence in Syria in the wake of the chaotic overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad on Dec. 8. It did not disclose the increase and instead kept repeating the 900 figure.

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Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, Ryder said the additional forces had been in Syria at a minimum months  its been going on for awhile. He said he only just learned the new number and that the increase was not related to the ouster of Assad or any hike in attacks either by or against IS.

Pentagon officials said they were working to nail down the timing of the increase and what exactly the additional forces were doing.

Ryder blamed the secrecy on diplomatic considerations and sensitivities, but declined to be more specific. There has long been friction between the U.S. and Syria's neighbors  Turkey and Iraq  about the ongoing presence of American forces in Syria and the need to keep them at a particular level.

And Ryder said he is not tracking any additional adjustments to the force numbers in the future. That could change, however, as President-elect Donald Trump has said he does not support U.S. forces getting more involved in Syria.

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Ryder told reporters the increase in forces was temporary and they are there to augment U.S. operations against the Islamic State group. He said U.S. Army conventional and special operations forces make up the bulk of the additional troops.

The temporary description, however, belies the fact that troops have been rotating in and out of Syria for nearly a decade, and for much of the last year, or possibly two, the number has consistently been higher than the 900 officials repeatedly insisted were there.

There have always been an undisclosed number of U.S. special operations forces deploying into Syria for short periods of time, but that would not account for the extra 1,100 forces.

Asked if Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin knew the total was that high, Ryder said, Im confident that the secretary is tracking U.S. forces deployed around the world. When pressed on whether Austin directed his staff to keep the higher number secret, Ryder said no. He also said that Austin has not talked to Gen. Erik Kurilla, the top U.S. general for the Middle East, about the matter.

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Since Assad's overthrow, Israel and Turkey have both launched military operations inside Syria's borders, including Tel Aviv's airstrikes against weapons facilities in the east that belonged to Assad's regime and Turkey's offensive in the northeast against Kurdish forces, who have partnered with the U.S. in its fight against the Islamic State.

The U.S. also has significantly stepped up airstrikes against IS targets in Syria over concern that a power vacuum would allow the militant group to reconstitute itself.

Until Thursday, the Pentagon had insisted there had been no change to the U.S. force numbers in Syria, even as questions arose as to whether the new instability there has put the U.S. mission in jeopardy. Ryder said the troop increase was long in place before the government overthrow and any uptick in airstrikes.

Trump tried to withdraw forces from Syria during his first term, which drove former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to resign in protest. Trump's decision also triggered a broad backlash on Capitol Hill and from stunned allies. He was convinced to leave U.S. forces in the country to help protect the critical oil fields.
Chinas Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has expanded its global reach and moved more regularly and in greater mass beyond its regional waters in the past year as it continues to roll out warships and logistics support vessels that provide the force with greater range. Thats one finding from the unclassified version of an annual Pentagon report to Congress on Chinas military, released Wednesday.

The 182-page report assesses the state of the force up through early 2024. It doesnt indicate when the PLAN, which numbers more than 370 vessels, might be able to operate with regularity close to American coastlines, but it addresses other areas where the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) is bolstering its maritime power projection capabilities.

Chinas first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. (AFP via Getty Images)

These have included efforts to increase the PLA Navys distance sea training  that includes in the eastern Indian Ocean and in the western Pacific Ocean, a senior U.S. defense official told reporters Monday, ahead of the reports rollout. And they also have a pretty significant level of global engagements, including port calls as distant as the Middle East and Africa. So I think thats a pretty good encapsulation of where they are right now.

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As the PLAN emerges as a global maritime player, one that has had a continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 via its permanent base in Djibouti, the services surface and undersea platforms are propelling this growing capability that can enable combat operations beyond the reach of the nations land-based defenses, the report states.

In addition, its growing aircraft carrier force is extending air defense coverage for deployed task groups, while its emerging requirement for sea-based land-attack systems will enhance the PRCs ability to project power, the report notes.

Furthermore, the PLAN has a sizable force of highly capable logistical replenishment ships to support long-distance, long-duration deployments, including two new FUYU class fast combat support ships (AOEs) built specifically to support aircraft carrier and large-deck amphibious ship operations, the report states. The PLANs expanding fleet of large modern amphibious warships enable it to conduct a wide range of expeditionary operations wherever PRC interests are threatened or in support of PRC participation in internationally sanctioned operations.

TWZ has reported on a myriad of PLAN operations in recent years that reflect this increased global ambition. U.S. Coast Guard vessels trailed four unidentified Chinese warships sailing in Americas Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaskas Aleutian Islands in August 2021, and Chinese ships have had a sporadic but increasing presence there since. A PLAN task force was active in the Mediterranean Sea back in July 2017, with Chinas naval task force joining its Russian counterparts for drills in the Baltic Sea, as well.

U.S. Coast Guard ships trailed Chinese warships that entered Americas Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaskas Aleutian Islands in 2021. (www.twz.com)

Chinas global maritime goals are further aided by a surface warship and submarine-building industry that is believed to have 200 times more capacity than its American counterparts, the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) warned in 2023.

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As it pursues a strong and modernized navy force on the high seas, the PLAN has worked to update or replace previous generations of naval platforms that had limited capabilities, in favor of bigger, modern multi-mission combatants, according to the Pentagon assessment.

Today, the PLAN is largely composed of modern multi-role platforms featuring advanced anti-ship, anti-air and anti-submarine weapons and sensors, the report states. The PLAN is emphasizing maritime joint operations and joint integration with the other branches of the [Peoples Liberation Army]. This modernization aligns with the PRCs growing emphasis on maritime domain and increasing demands for the PLAN to operate at greater distances from mainland China.

Among those new ships, the service in 2023 certified an eighth Rehnai class guided-missile cruiser that deployed with a 112-cell Vertical Launching System (VLS) array that can fire land attack, anti-ship, anti-air and anti-submarine weapons, along with radar, communications and sensors that increased its situational awareness.

A Chinese Type 055 warship. (Uncredited image)

Also known as the Type 055 design, the Renhai class dwarfs comparable U.S. warships, as TWZ reported in 2022:

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At just over 590 and a half feet long and with a full displacement of between 12,000 and 13,000 tons, the U.S. military, among others, categorizes the Type 055 design, also known in the West as the Renhai class, as a cruiser rather than a destroyer. For comparison, the U.S. Navys future expanded Flight III Arleigh Burke class destroyers will be 509 and a half feet long and displace around 10,864 tons. In terms of general lengths and displacements, the Type 055s, are also larger than the Navys 567-foot-long and 10,752-ton-displacement Ticonderoga class cruisers.

The service began launch tests of the electromagnetic catapults aboard its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, this year. Once operational, Chinas third carrier will allow it to launch various specialized aircraft, increasing the PLANs power projection capability, the report states. Go here to read more about Fujian, Chinas first domestically produced and locally designed carrier and the first in the PLAN to launch aircraft via catapults and not ski jump takeoff ramps. It is believed to be the nations most capable carrier yet and was named in a high-profile 2022 event. Chinas carrier fleet, which also includes the Liaoning and the Shandong, were all concurrently at sea for the first time in September.

PLANs carrier force is escorted by the services newest and most capable surface combatants, including the aforementioned Type 055, the Type 052 Luyang III and Luyang III MOD class guided-missile destroyers, which will likely be equipped with a planned naval variant of the Z-20 helicopter, a medium-lift multi-role helicopter analogous to the MH-60R Sea Hawk.

The PLAN also had eight Type 071 Yuzhao class landing platform dock ships (LPD) and four Type 075 Yushen class amphibious assault ships (LHA) in its armada as of December 2023, according to the Pentagon report. TWZ reported in August 2024 on a Yuzhao class LPD spotted with a laser onboard for testing.

Kunlun Shan, the lead ship of Chinas type 071 vessels. (South China Morning Post via Getty Images)

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Meanwhile, China is readying a monster-sized amphibious assault ship known as the Type 076, which the U.S. military now also refers to as the Yulan class. Featuring a large open flight deck, TWZ reported in May 2024 that the ship could feature catapults and arresting gear to support an air wing that includes uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) and other fixed-wing drones. Size-wise, satellite imagery showed it was roughly in between the Type 075 amphib and the carrier Fujian in size.

The PLANs expanding fleet of large modern amphibious warships will enable it to conduct a wide range of expeditionary operations to protect the [Peoples Republic of Chinas] interests or in support of international operations, the Pentagon report states.

Beyond its permanent base in Djibouti, the PLA is very likely already considering and planning for additional military logistics facilities to support naval, air and ground forces projection, the report states. Countries being considered for such hubs include Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Cuba, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, the Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola, Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, Gabon, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Tajikistan.

Beijing views internal conflicts in Ethiopia and Sudan, or the Iran-backed Houthis ongoing attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea, as proof that China needs a military that can operate farther from the homeland.

Chinas military base in Djibouti in 2017. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

The PRC asserts that military logistics facilities, like its Djibouti base, will be used to provide international public goods like [humanitarian aid and disaster relief] and secure the PRCs lines of communication, citizens, and assets abroad, the report states.

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TWZ also reported Wednesday on the Pentagon reports section on Chinese air asset development, including the stealthy, long-awaited H-20 bomber. While U.S. officials dont expect it to be operational until the next decade, such a capability would further Beijings reach in the skies, even as the PLAN makes progress on the seas.

An expanding and further-reaching Chinese navy will have increasing implications on the current global order, a Pax Americana backed by U.S. Navy gray hulls since World War II. It will see Beijings flotillas heading further east, putting them closer to critical U.S. territories on a regular basis. How the U.S. will deal with this new reality as its own fleet is struggling to expand its capacity is yet to be seen.

Contact the author: geoff@twz.com
WASHINGTON (AP)  Republicans decision to abandon a congressional spending plan will cost about 2.1 million troops their paychecks over the holidays unless some agreement is reached before Friday's deadline to prevent a government shutdown, the Pentagon warned.

Even if they dont get paid, those troops will be required to report for duty both overseas and at home, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday.

Without an agreement to fund the government, troops will not receive their end-of-month paychecks and reservists drilling after Friday will not be paid, he said.

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In addition, about 365,000 Defense Department civilians will be required to work without pay if the government is shut down, according to defense officials. Most are deemed essential because they work in critical national security jobs. An additional 435,500 civilians would be furloughed.

The military payroll is just one of thousands of federal accounts that would be affected, but one of the most visible.

Congress was on the verge of passing a stopgap measure on Wednesday to keep the government running when President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk used Musks social media platform X to attack the 1,500-page bill over its unrelated spending add-ons and threaten any Republican lawmaker who supported its passage. Support for the bill quickly failed.

House Republicans were scrambling late Thursday to get an agreement on an alternative.

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I think a shutdown deprives the military of a paycheck," Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee told reporters as he walked into House Speaker Mike Johnson's office late Thursday. So the last thing we want to do is shut down the government.

House Democrats, however, had already begun to say the new slimmed-down spending plan was untenable.

The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Trump was aware that his stand on the bill could result in the military not being paid.

Other civilian personnel deemed not essential to immediate military operations will be furloughed, Ryder said.

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In previous shutdowns Congress has worked to secure troop pay, but not everyone was covered. In 2019, members of the Coast Guard were left out and went more than a month without pay.

A lapse in funding will cause serious disruptions across the Defense Department and is still avoidable," Ryder said.



Mike Pesoli contributed.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  There will now be daily flights to the Mile High City.

Thats the word from officials at the Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport who made the announcement during a late morning news conference Thursday morning.

United Airlines will have daily roundtrip flights to Denver that will leave at about 8:50 a.m. each day and then return 12 hours later. This will allow passengers to connect to various places out west as well as some international locations.

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The airline will use regional 76-seat jets.

United is pleased to launch the only daily nonstop flight between Central Illinois and Denver, said Mark Weithofer, the airlines managing director for domestic network planning. This service will increase connectivity to Uniteds comprehensive global network, and build upon our existing schedule to Chicago OHare.:

Tickets will go on sale Thursday and service will start at the end of March.

Peoria now has flights to 13 destinations on three different airlines, Allegiant, American and United.

This isnt the first time Peoria has had flights to Denver. They had gone away in the past but Airports Director Gene Olson said he and others had been working for a while to bring them back at the request of the business community.

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Were very happy to announce these new flights working together in partnership with United. We know the business community in Central Illinois has been asking for access to Denver and points west for a long time, he said.

Olson said a major win for Peoria is that the flights are both outgoing and incoming each day which gives people a way to get back home from out west.

Having these added flights makes Peoria a more desirable location for people. He admits that people dont necessarily come to a city for an airport but if they chose not to do business here, often times, lack of flights is a factor.

Olson said this is all possible through a Small Community Air Service Development Program grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Olson said the airport applied for and won a grant in 2023 with the idea of trying to obtain service to Denver.

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This story will be updated.

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Students at Perry High School will return to in-person classes on Friday.

The adjustment comes after a shooting outside of the school on Tuesday morning.

Students at Perry learned remotely on Wednesday out of an abundance of caution. They will also be remote on Thursday before they return to in-person classes Friday.

>> Gunshots by Perry Traditional Academy put school on lockdown; students to learn remotely Wednesday

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On Tuesday, officers responded to the area for an 11-round shot spotter in the area of the school on Perrysville Avenue shortly after students arrived.

Police said surveillance video shows Micaiah Wheeler, 17, firing shots at a group of about eight people on the steps of the school. No one was hit, and he then ran away.

>> Teen arrested, charged after shots fired outside of Perry High School

Wheeler is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault, attempted homicide and firearms charges. Court documents state that he is a danger to the community and hes currently in the Allegheny Jail.

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Billionaire author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott acknowledged another $2 billion in donations in a blog post on Wednesday, bringing the total shes given away since 2019 to $19.2 billion.

She also revealed new information about how she was managing her wealth, saying she had directed advisors to invest her funds into mission-aligned ventures. Most of the grants she made in 2024, she said, went to bolstering economic security and opportunities..

Ive asked the investment team helping me manage the assets Im working to give away to source funds and companies focused on for-profit solutions to these challenges, Scott wrote. That is in contrast to withdrawing funds from a bank account, or from a stock portfolio that increases the wealth and influence of leaders who already have it.

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Most of Scotts wealth comes from shares of Amazon that she received when she divorced the companys founder, Jeff Bezos. Forbes estimates her current wealth to be $31.7 billion, even after giving away her money for five years.

Gabrielle Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of The Panorama Group, has researched Scotts giving and provided advice and support for nonprofits who have received Scotts gifts. She said she sees a growing focus in Scotts giving on issues of poverty.

She is creating an amazing role model for philanthropists, although I dont see very many that have followed her role modeling, Fitzgerald said. But it really shows that its easy to give away a lot of money to good groups.

In announcing the gifts on her Yield Giving website, Scott mulled over the meaning of investing, writing that it seems to have undergone a kind of semantic shriveling. On the list of its big, beautiful, original definitions? To devote resources for a useful purpose. To endow with rights. To clothe.

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Scott, who does not comment on her giving beyond the rare post on her website, has shaken up the nonprofit sector with her embrace of trust-based philanthropy, providing big grants with no strings attached to over 2,450 nonprofits.

In 2024, she also gave repeat gifts to several organizations  something of a new development in her giving, which has set a high bar for how much and how fast megadonors can give. Two organizations, CAMFED, which supports girls education in Africa, and Undue Medical Debt, which was formerly called RIP Medical Debt, both got third donations from Scott this year.

Grantees say that when Scotts team notifies them of grants they say not to expect additional support. So it was a surprise for Shaun Donovan, CEO of the affordable housing organization Enterprise Community Partners, when he got the news of a second, major donation.

I was taking my luggage off the security screener at LaGuardia Airport and my phone rang and I was told that MacKenzie Scott was awarding us another $65 million, Donovan said in an interview in November.

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His organization had received $50 million from Scott in 2020, making them one of the nonprofits that has received the most funding from Scott, based on grant data made public on Yield Giving. About 500 organizations have not disclosed the amount of funding theyve received from Scott.

We were not expecting their second gift. Every time they award this funding, theyre very clear that organizations should not expect it, Donovan said, adding his advice is, Really treat it that way. Dont use it for regular operating expenses. Dont use it for things that will create a cliff or a hole in your budget for your organization.

This year was already a standout in Scotts giving because it was the first time that she awarded grants through an application process. In March, she announced the recipients of an open call for applications from nonprofits. She surprised recipients by awarding more money to more organizations than she had initially promised, committing $640 million to more than 360 nonprofits.

In one measure of the demand for the large and unrestricted grants she makes, 6,353 nonprofits applied through the nonprofit Lever for Change, which ran the open call for Scott. Ultimately, 279 nonprofits were awarded $2 million, while 82 organizations received $1 million each. Previously, organizations have said theyve responded to questions from an anonymous donor who turned out to be Scott or just received an email or cold call without any application at all.

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The fact that her grants are unrestricted, meaning that nonprofits can use them however they want to further their charitable purpose, is part of what makes them so valuable, Donovan said. Five years into her philanthropic blitz, he said its now possible to see her impact across whole sectors.

The scale of this giving has really not just changed individual organizations but changed entire fields like affordable housing, he said.
MANILA (Reuters) - Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said legal experts would consider clemency requests for Mary Jane Veloso, who had been sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking before the two countries reached a deal for her repatriation this week.

Veloso, 39, had received a last-minute reprieve from execution by firing squad for drug trafficking in Indonesia in 2015. After years of negotiations, she returned to Manila on Wednesday to serve the remainder of her sentence.

"We're aware of the request for clemency from her representative, of course, and from her family," Marcos told reporters on Thursday.

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"We leave it to the judgment of our legal experts to determine whether the vision of clemency is appropriate."

Indonesia did not set any conditions on the return of Veloso, Marcos said.

"We are still far from that," Marcos said when asked about clemency. "We still have to have a look at really what her status is."

Veloso, a former domestic helper and mother of two, was arrested in Yogyakarta in 2010 after being found with 2.6 kg (5.73 lb) of heroin concealed in a suitcase.

She said she was an unwitting drug mule, but she was convicted and sentenced to death, prompting an outcry in the Philippines.

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Veloso was repatriated days after the five remaining members of the "Bali Nine" drug ring were sent back to Australia from Indonesia.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales and Mikhail Flores; Editing by John Mair)
PEARL RIVER COUNTY, Miss. (WGNO)  A man is dead after a crash on a Mississippi interstate.

According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, around 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, troopers responded to the crash scene on Interstate 59 in Pearl River County.

Double homicide suspect sought by New Orleans police

An investigation revealed that 66-year-old Nathan Boone was headed north on the interstate in a Chevy Camero just as 74-year-old William Baker was headed south in a Volvo semi-truck.

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Troopers reported Boone crossed over the median colliding with Baker.

Boone suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. Troopers did not say if Baker was injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Friends and family of the two young pilots filed in to the Kamaka Air Hanger off Lagoon Drive Wednesday afternoon for a private vigil. The grief of the crash, palpable and raw.

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Were told there was music, hula, heartfelt stories shared, over laughter and lots of tears.

Family has identified the two as Preston Kaluhiwa, 26, and Hiram Defries, 22. Defries was a 2020 Punahou graduate who played football and loved to fish.

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Hirams dream of flying came as a surprise to those close to him, but they were proud of his goal to be a commercial pilot. Today, he was supposed to officially get his wings to fly for Kamaka Air.

He loved what he doing and what he was learning, and they were so kind, because they gave his mama his wings today, said his grandmother, Reverend Stephanie Borabora.

The family of one of Preston Kaluhiwa released a statement about their beloved son, brother, grandson and nephew.

Two confirmed dead in Kamaka Airlines plane crash

It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved Preston Kaluhiwa. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, and nephew and will be truly missed. Preston was a proud 2016 graduate of Kamehameha Schools, an avid canoe paddler, and an aspiring airline pilot. Prestons positive spirit and zest for life touched everyone who knew him. He had a deep passion for aviation and loved to soar through the skies as a pilot. We know he will continue to do so in the hands of Ke Akua, the family told KHON2.

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A longtime friend and co-worker said Kaluhiwa was a canoe paddler he was a steersman, so was always the guy in control.

Ever since I grew up in high school, he hasnt changed since then because he didnt need to. Hes always been the cool, calm, collected man that he is. He made a perfect pilot, said Kapahu Chow, Flight Operations with Kamaka Air. He was such a great pilot, and we had no doubt that he would be able to get any job that he wanted after this. And for this to be happening, it still doesnt feel real.

Federal investigators in Honolulu to look into cause of Tuesdays deadly plane crash

Kaluhiwa was on a practice flight with Defries heading to Lanai when the crash occurred Tuesday afternoon.

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The FAA said that the pilots reported a control anomaly shortly after takeoff from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

DOTs Ed Sniffen said it appeared the pilot made a lot of adjustments to apparently avoid obstacles in the area, and they were able to avoid crashing into the nearby guideway of the Skyline as well as nearby fuel storage tanks.

The aircraft hit an abandoned building on Aolele Street and much of the wreckage ended up in the parking lot, according to HFD Chief Hao.

Crews were still at the scene and NTSB opened an investigation Tuesday night.

Kamaka Airlines said they are not flying Wednesday and are on company stand down out of respect for our Kamaka family members, according to CEO Dave Hinderland.

The Kaluhiwa family ended their statement, We deeply appreciate the outpouring of aloha and support during this difficult time. We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate through this time of grief.

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This video is from a previous story that can be found here.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  More than 15.4 million visitors were welcomed to Americas favorite beaches in 2024 despite the Hurricanes hitting Pinellas County.

According to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater President, and CEO Brian Lowack, through tourism Pinellas County received more than $11.2 billion.

Once again, this past year, St. Pete-Clearwater proved that it is one of the top destinations for local, domestic, and international travelers seeking award-winning beaches and ready to explore the incredible experiences found within our slice of paradise, Lowack said.

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In total, the St. Pete-Clearwater destination saw 4 million visitors traveling to the area, and 4 million hotel room nights were booked in 2024, according to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.

Despite recent storm-related challenges, Pinellas County is still shining bright with award-winning beaches, world-class dining, hands-on art experiences, and recreational activities, all eager to welcome guests in 2025, said Kathleen Peters, Pinellas County Commissioner and Tourist Development Council Chair.

Hurricane Helene and Milton brought destruction to Pinellas County, and locals are still affected by the storms.

The Pinellas County tourism and hospitality industry continues to grow and drive incredible economic impact for all our residents, Peters said.

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Some awards St. Pete-Clearwater received in 2024 are:

Clearwater Beach was the only beach in the continental U.S. to receive the 15 best white-sand beaches around the world by Travel + Leisure.

Fort De Soto Park was named one of the best dog-friendly beaches in America by USA Today.

Hubbards Marina was named best fishing charters in America by USA Today which was the third consecutive year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Six weeks after Missourians across the Show Me State voted in favor of reproductive rights for Missouri women, the constitutional amendment has yet to take effect.

It is however frustrating, upsetting and as Missourians, deeply alarming that you would have elected officials who are so willing to subvert the will of the people, Emily Wales, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains said.

It was two weeks ago, both Planned Parenthood and the Missouri Attorney Generals Office presented their arguments in front of a Jackson County judge.

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Wales is weighing in as the amendment hangs in the balance.

Belton womans valuables, $5,000 purse stolen out of car at DMV

Wales calls the fight that the state AG is putting up as shocking especially because the majority of Missouri voters approved of supporting reproductive rights. Wales is also imploring the judge in this case for answer sooner rather than later.

Ive never seen anything quite like this, where you have a vote of the people. We had the opportunity in Missouri to hear directly from the people to see what the voters wanted and they wanted to restore abortion rights, Wales said.

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Their attorneys, along with the ACLU of Missouri, argued against the AGs office, for abortions to start in the time frame that a constitutional amendment is supposed to take affect, which is 30 days after voters passed said amendment. But that hasnt happened.

Missourians currently have a right that they cant realize, they cant access care I was hopeful that we would have care reestablished by now, but the AGs officer has made it very clear that they are going to fight, Wales said.

Its spurred by a trigger law in Missouri that went into effect following Roe v. Wade being overturned by the Supreme Court in 2022.

Since then, abortions have been illegal in the state, until voters passed Amendment 3 in November.

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Jackson County legislators to meet again for ARPA discussion

Were not going to stop this fight and most importantly, even in this moment, when you cant access your constitutional rights, your neighbors, your friends, your loved ones voted to restore your rights, to make sure you can get the care you need and that means something, she said.

FOX4 reached out to the Missouri AGs office and have not heard back.

The judge in this case gave all sides by 2 p.m. Thursday to file a motion, then we wait and see what she will decide.

If its in favor of those supporting the amendment, procedures like abortions could start almost immediately.

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The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, based in Dowagiac, Michigan and Four Winds Casinos have announced the donation of 1,000 food boxes to support those in need this Christmas.

Each Christmas food box includes a smoked ham, stuffing mix, mashed potatoes, canned corn, cranberry sauce, and a pumpkin pie. Distribution will be carried out through multiple organizations across Indiana and Michigan.

Earlier today, Four Winds Casinos team members joined efforts at the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, located at 702 Chapin Street in South Bend, to distribute 200 food boxes.

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Other recipient organizations include Feeding America Indiana in South Bend, Ind.; Decatur Human Services in Decatur, Mich.; Marcellus Community Food Pantry in Marcellus, Mich.; Cooperating Ministries/Methodist Church in Hartford, Mich.; Action Ministry Center in Dowagiac, Mich.; Caring Connection in Benton Harbor, Mich.; and Lawrence United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Mich.

This annual tradition reinforces our ongoing commitment to actively supporting individuals and families in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana through a variety of causes and initiatives. We hope these meals provide a sense of relief and joy to those that receive them," Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Matthew Wesaw said.

Mary Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Four Winds Casinos added, The organization and delivery of these holiday meals is heartwarming for our team members. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those that received the meals and the support of several organizations that helped with the distribution.

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Marijo Martinec, the Executive Director and CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Indiana said, We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos to feed the hungry. Their generosity and long-term commitment continue to make a positive difference for many families struggling with hunger.

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About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
Poland this year again registered a significant rise in the number of attempts to enter the country via Belarus without authorization, a senior government official said on Thursday.

Between January 1 and December 15, the border guard registered 30,000 such attempts, Deputy Interior Minister Czesaw Mroczek told a parliamentary debate in Warsaw.

In 2023 as a whole, the number was just under 26,000, and in 2022 it was more than 15,000, according to Mroczek.

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Poland and the European Union accuse the authoritarian Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of bringing migrants from crisis regions to the EU's external border in an organized manner in order to exert pressure on the West.

In the summer of 2022, Poland secured the border with Belarus with a 5.5-metre-high fence and an electronic surveillance system. This is also an EU external border.

According to earlier reports, the Polish border guard counts cases in which migrants have crossed the fence or a border river and are intercepted on the Polish side as attempted unauthorized border crossings.

However, as the border fence is also located on Polish territory, cases in which the migrants were noticed directly at the fence but failed to cross the barrier are also counted as attempted border crossings.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  On Wednesday, police arrested someone in relation to a fatal shooting that happened in Southeast D.C. almost four months earlier.

Around 8:25 p.m. on Aug. 19, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the 3000 block of Stanton Rd. SE for a reported shooting.

There, police found two men who had been shot.

One of them, 19-year-old Vonte Martin of Southeast, died there. The second victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

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Former DC drug kingpin Rayful Edmond dies; trial lawyer reflects on his death

On Dec. 18, MPD said that the suspect, 26-year-old Tyquan Jennings, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The main branch of the Dayton Metro Library has reopened after reports of a fight Wednesday afternoon.

According to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch, officers with the Dayton Police Department were called to the DML main branch on Third Street on reports of a fight. This was initially called in just after 4 p.m.

The library call center confirmed to 2 NEWS that the library closed due to the fighting. While patrons were asked to leave, staff remains on scene.

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A DPD officer told 2 NEWS that the closure was due to several incidents happening around the same time.

A juvenile was suspected of possessing a firearm inside the library around 2:40 p.m. Police say around 4:10 p.m., two adults assaulted a juvenile inside the library. Those individuals have reportedly been charged with summons to court.

In addition, a girl was reportedly pepper-sprayed and went to the hospital for her injuries.

2 NEWS reached out to the library for comment, and they said they would offer a statement after they fully assess the incident.

The Library exists to be open and safe for all. Steps and actions moving forward are with the goal of keeping the Library safe and open, the library said.

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2 NEWS is working to learn more.

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WAREHAM, Mass. (WPRI)  A New Bedford man was arrested Monday after shoplifting and fleeing from officers in Wareham, according to police.

Wareham officers responded to the Target on Cranberry Highway around 3:30 p.m. for reports of an active shoplifter. Police said the suspect, identified as 65-year-old John Vacchino Jr., left the store and got into a waiting car.

When officers stopped the vehicle in the parking lot, police said Vacchino Jr. fled on foot. After a brief chase, officers took him into custody.

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Police said Vacchino Jr. was found with tools to defeat security devices. Further investigation revealed he had an outstanding warrant in New Hampshire and four others in Massachusetts.

Vacchino Jr. is facing several charges, including shoplifting, possession of anti-theft device removers and being a fugitive from justice. He was held without bail and arraigned in Wareham District Court on Tuesday.

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Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Authorities in Utah investigating the shooting deaths of four family members and a critically injured teen said Wednesday that evidence suggests the father attempted to kill his wife and four children before turning the weapon on himself.

The gruesome scene at a residence in the 3700 block of Oxford Way in West Valley City, a suburb of Salt Lake City, was discovered Tuesday afternoon by a concerned relative who had not heard from the family's 38-year-old mother for sometime.

The relative had found the 17-year-old son in the garage suffering from a gunshot wound. Police then discovered the 42-year-old father, 38-year-old mother, 11-year-old son and two daughters, ages 9 and two, inside the home.

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Circumstances surrounding the mass murder were not initially clear, as authorities had to wait until a search warrant was granted, which occurred Tuesday night, before a thorough investigation could commence.

In an update Wednesday, Roxeanne Vainuku, deputy communications director for West Valley City, told reporters that a handgun believed to have been used in the shooting was found under the body of the father.

"The father likely shot all of the members of the family and then himself," She said. "However, we do need to wait for confirmation from ballistic evidence and from forensic evidence to be able to determine that definitely."

The 17-year-old son remains hospitalized in critical condition.

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Vainuku would not comment on the specific injuries sustained by the four deceased victims, but said the surviving son was shot in the head and was suffering from a severe brain injury.

"So that, I think, clarifies a lot," she said.

The mother and two daughters were found dead in an upstairs bedroom, while the father and 11-year-old son were discovered in the living room.

Vainuku said the surviving son was not shot in the garage but had somehow made his way there after being wounded.

Authorities suspect the shooting occurred sometime over the weekend, but a better timeline will be developed based on the findings of the autopsies.

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Police have no reported history of domestic violence from that residence and the only interaction with authorities was a noise complaint the family reported sometime ago concerning a party in the neighborhood.

There is no known motive, Vainuku said.

"We understand how frustrating it is for an incident of this magnitude to happen and to not understand why. We know people want to know why -- we want to know why -- but the truth is, we may never know," she said.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The victim of a deadly shooting on Fernwold Street in Springfield on Wednesday has been identified.

According to Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh, at around 4:35 p.m. officers were called to the 0-100 block of Fernwold Street near the intersection of Baldwin Street for a ShotSpotter activation. Upon arrival, officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound and was brought to Baystate Medical Center, where he later died.

Springfield police arrest suspect allegedly tied to Stafford St. shooting

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On Thursday, the Hampden District Attorneys Office released the victims identity, 48-year-old Jose Lopez of Springfield. Details of any suspects involved have not yet been released.

If you have any information you are being asked to contact the Springfield Police Detective Bureau at 413-787- 6355 or anonymously Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7), then type SOLVE and your tip.

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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JENKINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Police are investigating a reported head-on crash in Jenkins Township Wednesday night.

Authorities say the Jenkins Township Police Department was called to the 1500 block of Pennsylvania State Route 315 after 5:00 p.m. for a reported head-on crash involving two cars Wednesday night.

Pa. State Rep. calls for name change of Biden Expressway in Scranton

Officials say there are injuries, but can not say how many or how severe they are and the Jenkins Township Police Department is investigating the incident.

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This is a developing story and 28/22 News will provide updates as they are made available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
A police officer and a teenager have been injured as a result of a Russian attack on the border area of Chernihiv Oblast.

Source: Viacheslav Chaus, Head of Chernihiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: Russian forces attacked the border area of Chernihiv Oblast in the evening of 18 December.

Aftermath of the Russian attack

Photo: Ukraines National Police

Quote: "Unfortunately, people were hurt. A police officer was seriously injured and is in critical condition. A 16-year-old boy also received injuries."

Details: Chaus added that the attack also damaged a residential building.

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Cheyanne Marie Hurley, 23, charged with driving while impaired, failure to stop for a steady red light, speeding, and having expired or no inspection, December 3.

Alyssa Nicole Mcgee, 24, was charged with failure to appear in court, December 4.

Tonya Lewis Wallace, 62, was charged with maintaining a vehicle or dwelling place for a controlled substance, possession of up to  ounce of marijuana and paraphernalia, and possession of alcohol in the passenger area, December 4.

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Tonya Lewis Wallace, 62, was charged with resisting a public officer, December 4.

Teanna Lache Lewis, 42, was charged with possession of up to  ounce of marijuana, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling place for a controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and possession of an open container of alcohol in the passenger area, December 4.

Teanna Lache Lewis, 42, was charged with resisting a public officer, December 4.

Cainon Glenn Anderson 24, was charged with possession of a stolen catalytic converter, possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling place for a controlled substance, possession of up to  ounce of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, failure to appear in court and misdemeanor probation violation, December 5.

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Lyndon Kierre Beal, 35, was charged with injury to real property, December 5.

Ariana Christine Graham, 32, was charged with failure to appear in court, December 5.

Hilario Simon Magana, 31, was charged with breaking and entering a motor vehicle, breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft, possession of stolen goods, inhaling toxic vapors, and second-degree trespass, December 5.
HIGHGATE, Vt. (myCV)  Police are asking for public assistance after a John Deer Gator was stolen from United Ag and Turf Wednesday morning.

Officers were first alerted to the incident on Vermont Route 78 at roughly 9:19 a.m. The John Investigators believe that the Deer Gator 835M was taken very early in the morning.

Anyone with information about this theft should call the St. Albans State Police Barracks at 802-524-5993.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma City Police are searching for an armed robbery suspect who allegedly pointed a rifle and demanded money from a store clerk in NE Oklahoma City last Thursday.

The incident happened around 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, at a convenience store near NE 23rd Street and Bryant Avenue.

According to authorities, the suspect approached the counter while a customer was checking out, pointed the rifle at the store clerk and demanded money before running away with the cash.

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LOCAL NEWS: Man accused of robbing metro bank arrested after leaving name on bus ticket

Police search for armed robbery suspect of NE OKC store. Image courtesy, Oklahoma City Police Department.

Police search for armed robbery suspect of NE OKC store. Image courtesy, Oklahoma City Police Department.

Police say they are looking for any potential witnesses, including the customer who was at the counter during the time of the incident. The customer was said to have fled shortly after the robbery.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300. Officials say a cash reward is possible.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
UPDATE: The Greenville County Sheriffs Office reported that Bernice Jones has been safely located.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  Officers with the Greenville Police Department need the publics help locating an endangered woman reported missing in the city.

Bernice Jones (Greenville PD)

Police said 88-year-old Bernice Jones was last seen around 9 a.m. Thursday on Birnie Street.

Officers shared that Bernice suffers from dementia and may be disoriented.

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Anyone with information regarding Bernices whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.

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UPDATE: Peterson has been found safe, according to police.

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Columbus Police Department is asking for the public to share any information they may have on a missing juvenile.

Police say Makayla Peterson, 15, was last seen in the 6200 block of Warm Springs Road on Friday, Dec. 13 at about 2 a.m. Her clothing description is unknown, but authorities say she wears a lot of black clothing.

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Peterson stands at 5-foot-4 and weighs 130lbs. She has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911, the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449, or lead investigator Cpl. Luis Bencosme-Gonzalez at 706-225-4367.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
A traffic stop in Florida ended in the arrest of a man and woman wanted in connection with the death of a truck driver at a Nashville truck stop earlier this year.

Charvelle Clark, 46, of California, and Nikki Landrey, 36, of Louisiana, are being held in Holmes County, Florida pending their return to Nashville to face charges related to the death of 37-year-old David White. The two face second-degree murder charges, police said in a Thursday statement.

White, of North Carolina, was found dead by a Love's Travel Stop employee on Jan. 8 when his company called for a welfare check.

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White was inside the cab of his rig, parked on Lucas Lane next to Love's Travel Stop. He was last seen at about 7:20 p.m. the night before buying food at the convenience store.

"It is alleged that a dispute between the three parties resulted in White being shot," police said in the statement.

Police previously reported they were looking for a 2015 to 2022 model Dodge pickup truck in connection with the case.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Police: Two held in Florida, charged in January homicide
Good news for the planet: The General James M. Gavin power plant in Ohio, one of the nation's largest coal-fired power plants, is slated to close or convert to a cleaner fuel source by 2031, Inside Climate News reported. The 50-year-old Gavin plant along the Ohio River was once the United States' largest emitter of sulfur dioxide, a pollutant linked to acid rain and respiratory issues.

The plan will likely be finalized following the pending acquisition of Lightstone Holdco, the plant's current owner, by Energy Capital Partners, an investment firm committed to energy innovation, a source told Inside Climate News. Plans may be subject to change if the plant finds it can't meet the energy demand with renewable energy sources.

Still, this decision "highlights the dimming economic prospects of coal-fired power in the U.S," Brendan Pierpont, director of electricity modeling at the think tank Energy Innovation, told the news outlet. He added that plant owners "acting in the interest of their customers" would do the same thing.

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The closure or conversion of the Gavin plant marks a win for the transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are steadily capturing larger shares of the electricity market.

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Replacing coal with cleaner alternatives will lower carbon pollution that contributes to climate change. It would also reduce the amount of hazardous pollutants released into the atmosphere, cleaning the air and improving the overall quality of life for surrounding communities.

The Ohio coal plant joins a growing list of dirty fuel facilities globally that announced plans to cease operations this year. The Merrimack and Schiller coal plants in New Hampshire will shut down in the next three years and be turned into solar farms and battery capacity for offshore wind turbines. The U.K. shuttered its last standing coal plant earlier this year.

As Pierpont put it: "Plans to stop burning coal at plants like Gavin show that cleaner, more cost-effective energy solutions are the future."

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Wall Street Journal reporter Vivian Salama said Elon Musk is definitely playing a risky game by getting ahead of Donald Trump to tank a government funding bill.

Democrats and other critics started calling Musk Trumps shadow president on Wednesday after the billionaire Tesla CEO railed repeatedly against the bill in a social media spree, before the president-elect ultimately weighed in, likely delivering a fatal blow to the bipartisan deal negotiated by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).

Its incredibly risky, Salama, a national politics reporter who covered the White House during Trumps first administration, said of Musks maneuvering on CNNs OutFront on Wednesday.

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And amazingly, his advisors have been remarkably silent on why it took Donald Trump, or even Vice President-elect JD Vance, so long to weigh in on this issue, she continued. Whereas Elon Musk ... was tweeting all day long about this, as was Vivek Ramaswamy.

Musk reportedly spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars to help elect Trump. The president-elect subsequently tapped Musk, along with entrepreneur and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead a new non-government advisory group, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

It is very unusual to see close advisors to Donald Trump getting ahead of him on critical issues like this, Salama said.

She said it wasnt clear if Musk and Ramaswamy had coordinated in advance with Trump before speaking out so vocally against the funding bill.

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Advisers told us that they did kind of receive Trumps blessing, that they were on the same page, but they really couldnt give much more of an explanation as to why Elon Musk was just kind of going full-throated, you know, rejection of the bill so early on, without us hearing from Trump, she said.

And so he is definitely playing a risky game. Donald Trump typically likes to kind of be his own spokesman, she added. We know that. I happened to cover his first White House, and so we saw that play out.

CNNs Erin Burnett likened Musks situation to when Icarus flew too close to the sun.

Many have speculated that Musk is hogging the spotlight in a way that is sure to irritate Trump, and that is already reportedlyrankling some of Trumps advisers.

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A nearly-extinct Caribbean reptile is showing signs of a comeback following years of conservation efforts. The population of the Sombrero ground lizard (Pholidoscelis corvinus) has increased from less than 100 individuals in 2018, to over 1,600 in 2024. The huge population jump is detailed in a survey released on December 18.

A Sombrero ground lizard (Pholidoscelis corvinus) filmed in 2023. CREDIT:  Justin Springer / Rewild.

A Sombrero ground lizard (Pholidoscelis corvinus) filmed in 2023. CREDIT:  Justin Springer / Rewild.

Sombrero ground lizards are a small reptile that primarily eats the eggs of ground-nesting birds, corn, and other plants. It is endemic to Sombrero, the northernmost island of the Lesser Antilles and roughly 34 miles off the coast of Anguilla. This tiny Caribbean island ranks in the top three of the worlds 36 biodiversity hotspots, with several species that are only found on this 94 acre island. The colorful Sombrero Island bee, a to-be-named pygmy gecko, and the Sombrero Island wind scorpion, and numerous others all call this place home. The island also supports large seabird colonies and is designated as an Important Bird Area.

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The Critically Endangered Sombrero ground lizard is an endemic species, which means its found only on Sombrero Island and nowhere else in the world, Farah Mukhida, a natural resources manager and Executive Director at Anguilla National Trust tells Popular Science. Its a beautiful little reptile with its black-blue scales.

A study from 1999 estimated there were only between 396 and 461 individuals left. Sombrero Island was also once on the verge of environmental collapse. Mineral mining, a population of invasive mice, deforestation, and severe hurricanes had all taken their toll.

That its managed to survive decades of phosphate mining, invasive species, and now climate change with longer periods of drought, higher temperatures, and even stronger hurricanes and storm surges that sweep over the island is absolutely astounding and shows just how resilient this lizard is, says Mukhida.

Sombrero Island wind scorpian (Antillotrecha iviei) photographed in August 2021. This harmless invertebrate is one of the islands many endemic species. CREDIT:  Toby Ross / Fauna & Flora.

Major conservation efforts beginning in 2021 have focused on removing the invasive mice and planting more native species on the island. Experts from the Anguilla National Trust, Fauna & Flora, and Re:wild have worked to help the Sombrero ground lizard and its island habitat recover. The lizards are showing huge signs of improvement, with their population increasing roughly 16 times in six years.

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We were absolutely ecstatic when we analysed the results of our population surveys and found this enormous increase in their numbers, says Mukhida.

The island itself has been declared pest-free and is much more green. Native plants including the sea bean, seagrape, and prickly pear are already showing healthy new growth. The conservationists are also expressing some cautious optimism for the future.

A Caribbean hermit crab (Coenobita clypeatus), photographed on Sombrero Island in June 2021. CREDIT:  Toby Ross / Fauna & Flora.

This is a remarkable turnaround for this cheeky and charismatic lizard but while we celebrate this recovery, we recognise that there is much more to be done to secure their future and that of other Caribbean wildlife, Jenny Daltry, Caribbean Alliance Director, Fauna & Flora and Re:wild, said in a statement. The combined impacts of biodiversity loss and climate breakdown are being felt with greater intensity every year in the Caribbean and around the world. Indeed, we are still busy helping our partners in Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines to recover from the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Beryl earlier this year.

Efforts will continue to preserve this biodiversity hotspot in the face of a changing landscape. One of the factors helping this recovery is the islands distance from the mainland and fairly low number of visitors. The team plans constant vigilance to make sure they can respond quickly if more invasive rodents arrive. The continued re-wilding here will also require constant upkeep for the islands flora, including building soil reserves and sowing additional seeds.

The Sombrero bee (Lasioglossum sombrerense) photographed on Sombrero Island in August 2021. A species endemic to the island. CREDIT:  Toby Ross / Fauna & Flora.

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These restoration interventions have cascading effects: they attract insects which help pollinate plants, they attract birds that drop seeds, they provide food and shelter for lizards that also serve as seed dispersers, pollinators, and nutrient transporters, says Mukhida. Were committed to Sombreros recovery, sharing lessons learned, and building on successes.


PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Portland City Council unanimously approved $300 million on Wednesday for eight climate initiatives across the city.

The projects aim to reduce carbon emissions, improve infrastructure, and create economic opportunities for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and construction, the city announced.

Wednesdays vote marks the largest set of investments to date from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, which is a voter-approved tax on large retailers for climate investments.

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LIST: These new Oregon laws will take effect in January 2025

The $300 million package  titled Collaborating for Climate Action is part of the $1.6 billion five-year Climate Investment Plan that the council updated earlier in December.

These projects are transformative, said PCEF manager Sam Baraso. We are collectively acting at the speed of climate change  which is now  while creating lasting improvements in schools, homes, jobs and our citys infrastructure, starting with our communities that have been long left behind.

The largest investment in the package directs $70 million for climate-resilient schools through the Multnomah Education Service District. Under this project, Portland school districts will use the funds for an array of climate-friendly initiatives including energy-efficient HVAC systems, geothermal heating, LED lighting, window replacements, transportation decarbonization and green schoolyard projects, the city said.

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These projects will impact students across the city in schools that serve roughly 7,700 students, 69% who are students of color and 38% who speak English as a second language, said Aaron Presberg, senior program manager of Energy and Sustainability for Portland Public Schools. These projects will provide better learning environments in our citys classrooms both during the day and in after-school programming, including any programming run by community partners that utilize our buildings.

TriMet will also see PCEF funding, with $55.5 million for its 82nd Avenue Transit Project  supporting Bus Rapid Transit, workforce development, and corridor cooling for a seven-mile stretch of 82nd Ave. from Southeast Clatsop Street to the Northeast Cully neighborhood.

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These projects all embody a vision that our organizations had for PCEF when our organizers dreamed this up, said Duncan Hwang, Metro council member and co-chair of the 82nd Avenue Transit Project Steering Committee. Today really feels like a milestone and the result of years of organizing. I am so excited to be able to make that community vision, which seemed just impossible a decade ago, a reality.

Vegan drive-thru coming to North Portland aims to rival fast foods top burgers

Another $36 million will support Prosper Portlands Broadway Corridor Redevelopment of the former United States Postal Service location in Northwest Portland. The funding will go towards street trees, bike and pedestrian infrastructure and net zero energy middle-income housing.

Additionally, the package gives over $30 million to the Bonneville Environmental Foundations Empowering PDX Project to provide solar power, battery storage and energy efficiency technology to serve over 1,500 low-income Portlanders.

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The Portland Bureau of Transportation will also see funding to the tune of over $20 million for the Sidewalks to Schools project to build new tree-lined sidewalks by schools for safe, accessible routes for students to get to school.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  A businessman with no experience in public office is taking over as mayor of Oregons biggest city as it embraces an entirely new system of government  one thats so different, the City Council chambers had to be completely renovated.

Portland voters last month elected Keith Wilson, a trucking company executive and founder of a nonprofit working to increase homeless shelter capacity. He ran on an ambitious pledge to end unsheltered homelessness within a year and was sworn in Thursday alongside a council expanded from five seats to 12.

Portland is contending with homelessness, public drug use and a rising cost of living.

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Wilson, a Portland native, plans to reach his goal of ending unsheltered homelessness by increasing the number of nighttime walk-in emergency shelters in facilities such as churches and community centers.

His message appeared to have resonated in a city where surveys conducted over the past few years have shown that residents view homelessness as a top issue. He ran against three outgoing City Council members.

Our city government has been reimagined, embodying the best of our innovation and values, Wilson said on the stage of the Newmark Theater in downtown Portland after taking the oath of office. Now it's time for Portland's new leadership to meet the moment we now face and solve the issues that prevent us from reaching our true potential.

Wilson said he will treat homelessness as a crisis. He noted the city's plans, announced earlier in the day, to open 200 overnight winter emergency shelter beds.

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Tents, tarps and RVs are not places to sleep, because we will have secure shelters for everyone, he said.

The mayoral race, which featured 19 candidates, was thrown open when Mayor Ted Wheeler decided against seeking reelection after holding the citys top post since 2017. Wheeler rose to national prominence in 2020 as nightly protests erupted on Portland streets and around the country in response to the police killing of George Floyd.

The field of candidates in council races was crowded as well, with nearly 100 running for the new seats that were elected by voters in individual districts rather than citywide.

The new city council sworn in Thursday is more diverse and representative than any that came before, Wilson said. Women make up half of the new council, which also includes multiple people of color  including the first two Asian-Americans to serve on the body.

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The 130-year-old City Hall was renovated for $8.3 million to accommodate the increase in members. The new dais can now seat 12 people; floor layouts were changed to create more office space; and technology, seismic and accessibility updates were added throughout the building.

Remodeling council chambers is a once-in-a-generation activity, Maty Sauter, director of Portland's Bureau of Fleet and Facilities, told the outgoing City Council as it held its last meeting on Wednesday in the new chambers. We've been able to reuse this 1895 facility and make it modern, contemporary and useful.

Its going to take time for the new government to figure out which of the many changes are working, said Chris Shortell, associate professor of political science at Portland State University.

In another first for City Hall, Wilson and the incoming Council members were elected under Portland's new system of ranked-choice voting. A candidate would win if they were the first choice of more than 50% of voters in the first round. Otherwise, a second round would eliminate the candidate with the fewest votes and their supporters votes go to their next choice. The process would repeat until someone emerges with a majority of votes.

Some 34% of voters ranked Wilson as their first choice, according to final results.

The new City Council will hold its first meeting in January.
Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has had a telephone conversation with his Portuguese counterpart Nuno Melo about cooperation in the defence industry and aid to Ukraine.

Source: Rustem Umierov on Facebook

Quote from Umierov: "We discussed with my counterpart [Nuno Melo] the prospects for cooperation in the defence industry. I suggested that Portugal should consider allocating funds to finance Ukrainian production in 2025. We agreed to hold consultations on the capabilities of our defence industry."

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Details: The ministers also discussed cooperation on the supply of drones for the Ukrainian defence forces. They plan to meet in person in January at the next Ramstein meeting.

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A federal judge appeared to warn this week about the dangers of pardoning a leader of the Oath Keepers amid signals from President-elect Donald Trump that he is considering wide-ranging pardons related to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta invoked the case of Oath Keepers leader Elmer Stewart Rhodes III as he doled out a sentence to a different member of the extremist group who had pleaded guilty to conspiring to stop the transfer of power in 2021.

The notion that Stewart Rhodes could be absolved of his actions is frightening and ought to be frightening to anyone who cares about democracy in this country, Mehta said Wednesday during the sentencing of former North Carolina Oath Keeper chapter leader William Todd Wilson, according to The Associated Press.

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If anyone would know about Rhodes and the threat he poses, it would be Mehta.

When he sentenced Rhodes to 18 years in prison last summer  the second-most severe penalty among all the Jan. 6 cases so far  there wasnt much remorse shown by the Oath Keeper leader, just as there had not been when Rhodes testified on his own behalf at his weeks-long trial.

All Jan. 6 defendants are political prisoners. They are grossly overcharged. A steep sentence here wont help or deter people, it will make people think this government is even more illegitimate than before, Rhodes said at his sentencing hearing in 2023.

He went on to declare: My goal will be to be an American Solzhenitsyn to expose the criminality of this regime.

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The comparison Rhodes made between himself, a leader of an extremist group found guilty of plotting to stop the transfer of presidential power with a riot on Jan. 6, and that of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the Nobel-winning Russian author and dissident thrown into a gulag for eight years after being charged with anti-Soviet crimes  and by some accounts, credited for destroying an empire  was not well received by Mehta.

Mehta had listened to the evidence the jurors used in deciding to convict Rhodes: Rhodes had, in rapid order, conspired to stop Congress from certifying Joe Bidens election. He assisted members of his network to amass an arsenal of guns that they brought across the country from various states. They planned on using the weapons at a moments notice and planned on hauling the guns and ammunition and body armor into the District of Columbia from a stash point in Virginia if Trump invoked the Insurrection Act or if Rhodes made the call.

Nothing would deter Rhodes, the judge told the Oath Keepers leader. The evidence showed he had continued to discuss stopping the transfer of power when Biden was inaugurated on Jan. 20. Rhodes scheming knew no bounds unless and until he would be forcibly stopped by law enforcement.

So convinced of this at Rhodes sentencing that Mehta addressed the onetime lawyer directly: The reality is, based on the words we hear you speak, the moment you are released, you will be prepared to take up arms against your government.

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Not because you think the wrong president is in office but because you think that is an appropriate way to have redress of government when the law is applied in a way you dont think it should be.

As for Wilson, the 48-year-old former military veteran and law enforcement officer deserved leniency, Mehta said. Wilsons guilty plea had stripped him for life of his military benefits.

But he had cooperated with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy in May 2022. That plea came early, and notably he wasnt indicted alongside members of the Oath Keepers initially, suggesting he had been cooperating early on. Wilson was just one of a few members of the extremist group to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy. (Brian Ulrich of Georgia and Joshua James of Alabama also pleaded guilty.)

Wilson came to Washington with Rhodes a day before the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol. He assisted in coordinating the weapons cache for the groups so-called quick reaction force, and he was one of the first Oath Keepers who breached the Capitol, where he helped force open a door that allowed other rioters to stream inside. Rhodes was never inside the Capitol but was stalking the grounds, communicating with members as the chaos ensued.

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Seditious conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.

Mehta sentenced Wilson to probation only for 36 months and a fine of $2,000.

Setting the history books straight came at a great price to you, the judge said.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The federal government is barreling towards a partial shutdown after GOP lawmakers in Congress backed away from a deal on a short-term spending bill struck with Democrats just days before the Friday deadline.

The move to renegotiate came at the request of President-elect Donald Trump and his allies, who demanded Republicans only agree to a clean stopgap spending bill that includes language to raise  or abolish  the debt ceiling in a series of statements Wednesday.

The original deal struck with Democrats tacked on funding for disaster aid for living in areas hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and economic assistance for farmers. The bill would have also opened up $250 million for repairs to the South Bay sewage treatment plant here in San Diego.

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Live updates: Funding bill Plan B fails as shutdown deadline looms

Congress has until midnight Friday to engineer and pass a new bill, or else risk sending the federal government into a partial shutdown right before the holidays.

Any potential shutdown could have far-reaching impacts that could hit people here in San Diego, including furloughs on federal workers and pauses on certain services.

Heres what San Diegans should know about a potential shutdown:

What does a government shutdown mean?

A government shutdown occurs when Congress does not pass legislation to fund government operations and the president does not sign such a measure to put it into effect.

Without this measure, the government cannot operate and effectively shutters everything except for certain critical services until lawmakers push through a spending bill, either one that funds operations temporarily  also referred to as a stopgap  or on a more permanent basis.

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In the last decade, the U.S. has seen four government shutdowns. The most recent, which was the longest in history, occurred during Trumps first term from December 2018 to January 2019, when lawmakers hit a stalemate over $5.9 billion in funding for his U.S.-Mexico border wall.

What is impacted and how might San Diegans feel it?

One of the primary and most painful impacts of a government shutdown relates to federal workers, including civilians career, federal law enforcement and military personnel.

Most non-essential federal employees will be furloughed after a shutdown begins, while essential employees will be expected to continue working without pay. This largely depends on the agency they work for, as each decides on its own plan for handling shutdowns.

A number of these non-essential federal offices will be shuttered until funding is restored. This includes the National Park Service, meaning sites like the Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego and nearby parks like Joshua Tree would close for the duration of the shutdown.

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Among those that would continue working without pay include: Congress and their staffers, the U.S. Postal Service, active duty service members, U.S. Border Patrol agents, employees at Veterans Affairs, Transportation Security Administration agents and air traffic controllers.

All operations at military bases like Camp Pendleton and Naval Base Coronado will also be likely be expected to continue as normal without pay for on-duty personnel.

In San Diego County, these changes would hit tens of thousands of federal workers, including 64,000 civilians  accounting for about 3.6% of the regions civilian workforce  and 115,000 military personnel.

Many of these workers will likely be able to collect back pay for the duration of the shutdown when the government reopens. Some banks will be offering a paycheck assistance program for impacted patrons, including Navy Federal Credit Union.

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These freezes will not prevent San Diegans who receive Social Security checks or benefits through Medicare from continuing to accessing those entitlements, as it is funded separately. However, the processing of new applications could be upended, as seen during a 1996 shutdown, and response times for those with issues may slow.

Another notable impact that may become a big issue heading into the busy travel season is how a shutdown impacts air travel. While federal airport workers like TSA agents will still be expected to work without pay, previous shutdowns have led to an uptick in the number of employees staying home, contributing to longer screening lines and more flight disruptions.

How would a shutdown end?

Congress would need to pass a plan to fund the government to end any shutdown. In this case, it would likely be a short-term measure, pushing the deadline to fund the government in whole back to early spring.

Republican leadership in the House announced a new funding plan Thursday afternoon, which includes elements of both Trumps demand to suspend the debt ceiling and the funding asks from Democrats.

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Whether the spending bill passes through votes by lawmakers remains an open question.

The measure failed in a vote Thursday on the floor of the House of Representatives using an expedited procedure that requires two-thirds of the body to approve. Republicans can now try to pass the bill a second time using a simple majority, but it will likely be difficult.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) would need to garner some Democratic votes to balance any Republican defections with their slim majority  an unlikely prospect with a majority voting against the Republican-led Plan B in the first round.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
If Congress fails to pass the continuing resolution to fund the government by the end of the day Friday, millions of federal workers could head into the holidays without paychecks. They could be furloughed or be asked to work without pay.

That includes some members of the military, and other critical government workers, such as TSA agents and air traffic controllers, just as the holiday travel craze begins.

Some contractors with the federal government are not guaranteed back pay, like federal employees, which could have devastating consequences for workers living paycheck to paycheck.

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MORE: Senate Republicans weigh in on new government funding challenges as clock ticks

Employees at the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) are bracing for a shutdown, and one union leader is calling on Congress to fund the government. BOP employees are deemed essential, so they will have to work regardless if they are paid.

"The impending shutdown threatens the basic financial security of our dedicated law enforcement personnel," Jon Zumkehr, president of AFGE Local 4070, said.

Zumkehr said during the last long-term shutdown in 2019, many staff were forced to get other forms of employment to make ends meet.

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Despite the efforts to avert the shutdown, plans are still being made in case a deal is not made before Friday night's deadline. The White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has already been in touch with agencies about their plans in case of a government shutdown, an OMB official told ABC News. The official said the initial communication with agencies about their shutdown plans happened last Friday.

That communication is part of OMB's procedure, which is required by law, stating that one week prior to appropriations bills expiring, the office must "communicate with agency senior officials to remind agencies of their responsibilities to review and update orderly shutdown plans" and "share a draft communication template to notify employees of the status of appropriations."

PHOTO: A TSA employee work behind plexiglass shields at Ronald Reagan National Airport, July 22, 2020. (Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE)

The procedure also states that the White House office must continue communicating with agencies ahead of any anticipated shutdown. The policy states that about two business days before the expected lapse in funding, "agencies should notify employees of the status of funding."

MORE: 'Total dumpster fire': Republicans fume over speaker's spending plan days from shutdown deadline

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ABC News Senior Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott talked with one federal contractor as a shutdown loomed last year, who said the 35-day government shutdown in 2018 took her months to recover from financially.

Lawmakers in Congress continue to negotiate a deal that would keep the government funded. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told ABC News on Wednesday that lawmakers had a "productive" late-night meeting in the House Speaker Mike Johnson's office.

"We are going to continue to work through the night to the morning to get an agreement we can bring to the floor," Scalise said, adding that he hoped the House could "get it resolved" on Thursday.

PHOTO: The US Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. (STOCK PHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Johnson's original plan called for extending government spending at current levels until March and added other provisions like relief for disaster victims and farmers and a pay raise for members of Congress. That plan is in jeopardy as President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk have pushed for Republicans not to accept that deal.

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Trump has pushed Republicans to deal with the debt limit before he takes office, saying that if they don't, "he'll have to 'fight 'til the end' with Democrats."

In a joint statement Wednesday afternoon, Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance called on Congress to "pass a streamlined spending bill that doesn't give [Senate Majority Leader] Chuck Schumer and the Democrats everything they want."

What will happen to U.S. military members and DOD civilians if there's a government shutdown?

If there is a government shutdown, the U.S. military operations overseas and domestically will continue, but U.S. service members won't be paid during that time.

Defense Department civilians will be given guidance to show up at their offices on Monday morning and will have four hours to sign a memo that acknowledges they will not be working, set up their out-of-office emails and voicemails and turn off their phones and laptops so they will be unable to work from home during the shutdown. If employees happen to be on time off during the shutdown, they will be able to provide a digital signature of that memo and will turn off their devices. They will also provide personal email addresses so they can be contacted once the shutdown is over.

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However, a good number of DOD civilians will be "excepted" or deemed essential and have to come into work, but without pay.

Both U.S. military personnel and DOD civilians are guaranteed retroactive pay after the shutdown ends under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019.

Contractors who work for the Pentagon will continue to work if their contract is funded through the current year, but if a contractor is not under an already-funded contract, then he or she will not get paid during the shutdown.

ABC News' Rachel Scott, Sarah Kolinovsky, Luke Barr, Luis Martinez and Lauren Peller contributed to this report.

Potential government shutdown impacts: Millions of federal workers at risk of furlough originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Do You Copy?

In September, SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission was already well underway way  when the power suddenly went out in one of the company's facilities in California.

As Reuters reports, ground control lost communications with the mission's crew, which was being led by billionaire Jared Isaacman (who, it's worth noting, recently was named NASA administrator by president-elect Donald Trump.)

During the mission, Isaacman became the first private citizen to perform a spacewalk, venturing outside of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft.

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TK says the hour-long outage never put the four astronauts at risk. Throughout, they were able to communicate with the ground via SpaceX's Starlink satellite network.

Nonetheless, it sounds like a scary predicament for everybody involved.

"Not having command and control is a big deal," a source familiar with the problem told Reuters. "The whole point of having mission operators on the ground is to have the ability to quickly respond if something happens."

Space Blackout

The fact that we haven't heard of the outage until now highlights how private space companies can operate outside the scrutiny to which space organizations like NASA are subjected. Case in point, a moratorium passed by Congress in 2004 no longer requires private operators to disclose mishaps in orbit, as Reuters points out.

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Now that Isaacman has been named administrator, as well as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's close relationship with Trump, these rules could soon further loosen.

It may be the first time the public has heard of the outage, but SpaceX did notify NASA, according to Reuters.

The outage was caused by a power surge, which left SpaceX unable to transfer mission control to a backup facility in Florida. According to Reuters' sources, the astronauts would've had to fly the spacecraft themselves if the issue hadn't been resolved in time.

The outage reportedly occurred before Isaacman ventured outside of the capsule.

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Whether we'll hear about future mishaps like this one remains unclear. Musk has become a big proponent of deregulation, and Trump has already made it clear that he's willing to dump environmental rules Musk's businesses have had to abide by.

Isaacman also happens to be invested in SpaceX, a glaring conflict of interest that will likely be of interest to Congress when it votes on whether to approve Trump's pick for NASA administrator next month. A rejection of a cabinet pick, however, has remained extremely rare.

More on the mission: Space Tourist Alarmed When Vision Starts to Deteriorate
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  Democrats in North Carolina were celebrating big wins in the swing state after the November election, including victories in races for governor and other top statewide offices. But the political high didnt last long.

Republican lawmakers are stripping away some core powers of the newly elected officials through a series of wide-ranging changes, anticipating that the result of a yet-to-be-called state legislative race will cost them their veto-proof majority next year. Critics say the moves, which were rushed through without any chance for public comment or analysis, undermine the voters and are simply undemocratic, but they have few options for undoing them.

Let us speak plainly: This bill is nothing more than a desperate power grab, said Courtney Patterson, vice president of the NAACP's North Carolina chapter.

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Among the changes, which were included in a bill that also addressed Hurricane Helene relief, are stripping the incoming governor of the authority to appoint members to the state elections board and instead giving that responsibility to the state auditor  a job won by a Republican last month. The measure also weakens the ability of the governor to fill vacancies on the state court of appeals and the state supreme court. It prohibits the attorney general from taking legal positions contrary to the legislatures and weakens the powers of the state school superintendent and lieutenant governor.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein, who will succeed Cooper next month, have already filed a lawsuit against Republican lawmakers, saying many portions of Senate Bill 382 violate the state constitution. The Republicans' actions in North Carolina are the latest example of how majority parties in some states have tried to undermine representative democracy in recent years, using extreme gerrymandering to expand their hold on power or trying to undercut officeholders of the opposing party or ballot initiatives that passed in statewide elections.

This is not how healthy democracies work," said Steven Greene, a political science professor at North Carolina State University. You dont lose and decide youre going to change the rules because you dont like that you lost. Its corrosive of the basic principles of democracy.

Greene said he was disappointed but not surprised by the effort he describes as part of a familiar playbook. In 2016, hundreds of people protested and more than two dozen were arrested after Republicans passed a bill that stripped powers from Cooper's incoming administration during a special session.

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Republicans point out that Democrats acted to weaken executive branch positions after voters elected the state's first GOP governor in the 20th century, in 1972, and the century's only GOP lieutenant governor in 1988. North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger blamed Democrats blatant partisanship for necessitating the changes, which came just weeks after voters chose Democrats for the top statewide positions.

The new measures in Senate Bill 382 actually balance our three branches of state government so that North Carolina remains on a positive trajectory, free from Democratic Party and liberal activist obstruction, he said in a statement earlier this month.

While Democrats have won many top statewide offices for several election cycles, Republicans maintain a tight grip on the other two branches of government in North Carolina. Republicans have control of the legislature and hold at least a 5-2 majority on the state Supreme Court, where any dispute over the power-stripping legislation could ultimately land.

Since winning control of North Carolinas legislature in the 2010 elections, Republican lawmakers have repeatedly drawn voting districts to their favor, just as Democrats had done when they were in charge. That has helped Republicans retain a firm hold on power in the legislature while also triggering protracted court battles over redistricting.

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The current legislative districts are advantageous to Republicans. The GOP won about nine more state House seats this year than would have been expected based on their average share of the district votes, according to an Associated Press analysis using a mathematical formula designed to detect gerrymandering.

North Carolina is very much a purple state, said Melissa Price Kromm, executive director of North Carolina for the People Action. ... But our legislature has been gerrymandered to allow for a Republican supermajority that makes these nefarious attacks on our democracy possible. Its baked into the system.

Meanwhile, an extremely tight race for a state Supreme Court seat has sparked a legal battle over the potential removal of tens of thousands of ballots. With the incumbent Democratic justice clinging to a narrow lead, the Republican candidate's challenge includes objecting to ballots from voters whose registration lacks drivers license or Social Security numbers. His attorneys argue that makes them incomplete.

North Carolina voters see that the same folks who are trying to overturn the results of the state supreme court race are the same people who are trying to change the way our elections are handled, the way powers and government functions are handled, said Julia Hawes, communications director at the statewide advocacy group Democracy North Carolina. A lot of us have been watching these power grabs and attempts to overturn the will of the people for over a decade.

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In several other states, lawmakers also have made attempts to nullify some results of the November election. In Missouri, Republicans are taking initial steps to curtail voter-approved abortion protections by introducing a new constitutional amendment to restrict abortion access. Massachusetts Democrats are exploring options to alter the auditing process after voters overwhelmingly approved giving the state auditor the authority to watchdog the Legislature.

During last week's veto override in the North Carolina House, over 100 demonstrators chanted Shame and People power as they were escorted out of the chamber's gallery. Two days before, hundreds marched to the Legislative Building to deliver documents opposing the bill.

Rep. Cynthia Ball, a Democrat and member of the election law committee, criticized Republicans for not making the bill public earlier, not offering a public comment period and tucking such a significant power shift into legislation that included storm relief.

"Our democracy is threatened more and more when things are done behind closed doors, she said.

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Della Hann, 64, traveled the 2 1/2 hours to Raleigh from her home in Southport to demonstrate when the Senate agreed to override Coopers veto of what she called a horrible bill.

The legislation, she said, is not for the people of the state. Its for the people sitting in that room to keep their power.

Kromm, of North Carolina for the People Action, said watching crowds gather in protest offered hope and said her group would be focused on educating voters so they can hold lawmakers accountable.

The sheer number of people who turned up showed that people in North Carolina care about whats happening in our legislature, and they dont give up without a fight," she said. "They know authoritarianism thrives on complacency and that we must stand together and refuse to let this assault on democracy go unanswered.

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___

Fernando reported from Chicago. Associated Press writers Makiya Seminera in Raleigh, North Carolina, and David A. Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri, contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
HIGH POINT  State Sen. Dave Craven, R-Randolph, said one of his proudest moments as an American was attending the inauguration of Republican President Donald Trump nearly eight years ago.

Craven said that he plans to be in Washington, D.C., next month as Trump takes office for the second time.

Im going to support my president, said Craven, whose state legislative district covers part of northern Randolph County. Its an amazing day in our country. In 2017, I felt about as patriotic as you can be witnessing a piece of history. Its priceless.

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People from the High Point area who want to attend the presidential inauguration have options to get tickets. The inauguration of Trump and Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance will take place at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20.

Ticket allocations are handled through U.S. Senate and House offices, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. In the Piedmont Triad, the federal elected offices would include Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd and Rep. Richard Hudson, R-9th, who represents Randolph County.

A spokesman for outgoing Rep. Kathy Manning, D-6th District, who has served Guilford County, told The High Point Enterprise that constituents who want tickets will need to contact the individuals who will represent them next Congress as we do not have an allotment of tickets to distribute.

Manning didnt seek reelection this year in the redrawn 6th District. Republican Rep.-Elect Addison McDowell will be the new 6th District congressman, with a district covering High Point and Davidson County.

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Distribution methods for tickets, which are free, are up to the discretion of the Senate and House offices, a representative with the inauguration committee told The Enterprise.

Tickets to the 60th inaugural ceremonies can also be requested from the Presidential Inaugural Committee through the email address www.t47inaugural.com. The Presidential Inaugural Committee is a nonprofit organization representing the president-elect.

Viewing areas on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., west of 4th Street NW will be open to the public for people who dont have tickets.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the suicide prevention hotline at 988. National Alliance on Mental Illness Utah: namiut.org

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4)  Neighbors along Oxford and Muriel Way in West Valley City echoed similar thoughts when they heard the news about a homicide that happened in their neighborhood  they described it as shocking.

Police found five family members  three of them children  shot dead on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 17. Officials believed the case to be a possible murder-suicide as of the latest update from police on Dec. 18.

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MORE DETAILS: Police believe family killed in West Valley home was a murder-suicide

John Underwood, the previous owner of the house where police found the five people dead, described the family as quiet and polite when they came to look at the home.

I knew they had kids. Thats why they wanted the house, he recalled. There were the three bedrooms upstairs and there was one bedroom downstairs.

One of those upstairs bedrooms is where West Valley police said they found the bodies of the 38-year-old mom and her two daughters  ages 9 and 2.

At last check, police said they dont believe there is a greater threat to the community. One other family member, a 17-year-old boy, was in the hospital with a severe brain injury as of Wednesday night.

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You dont really realize how real the world can be until its close to home, Tristan Williams told ABC.com. The world is a dangerous place.

Williams has lived a few houses away from the family for nearly two years. He said that, as a 21-year-old, what he saw happen in his neighborhood this week is teaching him life lessons.

Williams is one of several neighbors who told ABC4.com he couldnt believe what happened. Michael Webster is another.

This kind of stuff seems to happen in other places, not here in West Valley, Webster said. Even though West Valley has a little bit of a bad reputation, its way over-exaggerated, I think.

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Webster first moved to the West Valley neighborhood in 1973. He said he would occasionally see the family entering and exiting the home, but he never spoke to them.

They were a quiet family, they kept to themselves, he said. What a tragedy.

The young ages of some of the victims and the time of year the incident occurred stood out to other community members.

Those kids, theyre not going to have Christmas this year because theyre gone too soon, Cindy Lewis, another neighbor, said. Thats what breaks my heart.

Jonathan May and Yeonseung Kim contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Three people have signaled their intention to run for the state schools chief job, paving the way for a potential primary early next year.

Candidates for state superintendent of public instruction have until Jan. 7 to file paperwork and gather at least 2,000 signatures. If the filing paperwork of more than two candidates are approved, a primary election will be held Feb. 18.

The election is April 1.

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Incumbent Jill Underly is seeking a second term and has the state Democratic Party's endorsement.

Im running for re-election to ensure every child, and every school, has the resources they need to succeed," she said in a statement through her campaign. "Our state has been underfunding schools for a long time, and we need to make the necessary investments so Wisconsin kids get a great education, and are able to compete in the global economy, so they can succeed in whatever path they choose.

Another longtime public school advocate, Sauk Prairie superintendent Jeff Wright, registered his campaign with the state Ethics Commission this fall. The Democrat said his diversity of education experience, from an award for Administrator of the Year by the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance to serving as a school principal on the south side of Chicago, sets him apart.

The son of two public school teachers in Stevens Point, Wright said he wants to restore DPI's credibility and increase confidence in public schools. He views his lack of endorsement from the Democratic party as a positive sign to the public that he's not beholden to any political party.

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"I'm beholden to our schools and our children and the people who are doing the important work of helping them in our schools," he said in an interview. "I hope that that allows me to have a better relationship with the Legislature."

The political action committee of the Wisconsin Education Association Council recommended Wright receive the organization's endorsement. But WEAC as a whole, which works with local teachers unions, has not yet endorsed anyone.

Education consultant Brittany Kinser of Wauwatosa has most recently jumped into the race. She registered her campaign Sunday. She declined to say whether she is a Democrat or Republican, saying the role is nonpartisan.

WisPolitics wrote a story saying Kinser described herself as a "Blue Dog Democrat."

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Kinser previously led Wisconsin's Rocketship schools, which are part of a national network of public charter schools. She was also past president of City Forward Collective, a Milwaukee nonprofit that advocates for and funds charter schools.

Kinser is critical of DPI's recent decision to lower the cut scores for the states annual Forward exam, saying the move lowers standards. Underly said the new scores more accurately describe student performance.

"I want to restore high academic standards and make sure students have the skills for good jobs after graduation," Kinser wrote in a text message to the Journal Sentinel. "We must prioritize reading, writing, math and science to provide the foundation for meaningful careers and a bright future. The kids should be the number one priority."

Kelly Meyerhofer covers higher education in Wisconsin. Contact her at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brittany Kinser files to run in state superintendent race
According to a report, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, may make their first public appearance at the 2024 Invictus Games in Vancouver.

The Sussexes, who are involved in organizing the family-friendly event, reportedly plan to bring their children to promote the inclusive games.

This comes after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released their 2024 Christmas card, featuring a rare photo of Archie and Lilibet.

Prince Archie And Princess Lilibet Might Make A Public Appearance At The Invictus Games

MEGA

According to a source who spoke to The Express, Harry and Meghan's children, Archie and Lilibet, could attend the Invictus Games opening ceremony in Vancouver next year, marking their first public appearance.

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The insider shared that the royal couple is considering taking Archie and Lilibet to the February 8 event to help promote a new "family-friendly" Invictus Game.

According to sources, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex "have been very involved with the organizational elements of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler events and it was very much their idea to make this a family-friendly game so that those taking part can bring their children along."

If Archie and Lilibet appear at the Invictus game, it will mark a notable shift for the Sussexes, who have been protective of their children's privacy.

The Sussexes Shared A Rare Photo Of Archie and Lilibet On Their 2024 Christmas Card

Prince Harry & Meghans Christmas card !  pic.twitter.com/Wi5ZvdQJtG  Iris  (@IrisTheeScholar) December 16, 2024

This comes after Harry and Meghan recently released the first public photo of their children in years with their 2024 Christmas card.

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The holiday card featured a heartwarming image of Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, captured from behind as they ran toward their parents. In the charming photo, Meghan beamed at Archie while Harry crouched down to greet Lilibet.

The festive card includes five memorable moments from the family's recent travels, including trips to Nigeria and Colombia in August.

Prince Harry Reflects On Life In The U.S. And Raising His Kids

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On December 4, during a candid conversation at The New York Times DealBook Online Summit, Harry opened up about his life in the U.S. and expressed his gratitude for the experience.

He said, "I very much enjoy living here and bringing my kids up here. It's a part of my life that I never thought I was going to live."

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The duke went on to reflect on his current lifestyle, adding, "I feel as though it's the life that my mom wanted for me. To be able to do the things I'm able to do with my kids that I undoubtedly wouldn't be able to do in the U.K. - it's huge."

He continued, "That is a fantastic opportunity, and I'm hugely grateful for that."

The Duke Dismissed Rumors That He And Meghan Markle Are Getting Divorced

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At the DealBook Summit, Harry also slammed trolls who spread rumors about his marriage to Meghan.

According to the Daily Mail, the host, Andrew Ross Sorkin, asked about their separate appearances at various events.

He said, "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 swiftly dismissed the rumors, joking, "Apparently, we've bought or moved house 10, 12 times. We've apparently divorced maybe 10 or 12 times as well. So it's just like, 'what?.'"

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Harry then addressed online trolls, saying he feels "genuinely sorry" for those who spread false rumors about his marriage.

"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," the prince added.

Prince Harry And Meghan Are Preparing For A 'Joyful' Christmas In Montecito

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Before the couple released their holiday card, it was revealed that Harry and Meghan were preparing to celebrate Christmas in their Montecito home, along with Archie, Lilibet, and Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, after being snubbed from the royal family's traditional festivities at Sandringham.

A source told Closer Magazine that the couple is focused on creating a magical and memorable holiday for their children.

"Meghan's mom Doria will join them at home in Montecito and they'll ensure the children have a joyful day, despite not being around extended family," the insider noted, adding that the absence of an invitation to join the royals was no surprise to the Sussexes.
HAYMARKET, Va. (DC News Now)  Two Prince William County-area lawmakers held a town hall on Wednesday to discuss the findings from the newest report on the impact of data centers in Virginia.

The report discussed the economic impact of the $9 billion industry but also raised concerns about a number of issues including energy usage, the location of the data centers and the impact on the environment.

The commonwealths non-partisan research agency, JLARC, is behind the report.

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It said the data centers  many of which are in Loudoun County and Prince William County  will drive a substantial increase in energy demand. It also said building the infrastructure for that demand will be difficult.

Virginia is the data center capital of the world, whats the controversy surrounding them?

Its been about 15 years of unrestrained data center growth in Virginia, Del. Josh Thomas, who co-hosted the town hall with State Sen. Danica Roem, said. Its time for some sensible guardrails.

The report also said data centers energy usage could impact how much youre paying, stating the typical Dominion Energy customer could see their costs increase by as much as $37 a month by 2040.

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That is directly affecting peoples pocketbooks, Sen. Roem said.

Data center proponents, however, would point to the revenue they bring in  they make up about one-third of Loudoun Countys tax revenue and have allowed the county to cut real estate tax raises. Roem pushed back.

If your electric bill is going up, then its kind of hard to say like, Oh, thanks for the tax revenue,' she said. When the data center industry is suing Prince William County because they dont like their property tax assessment, thats a problem.

A similar town hall is scheduled for Thursday, hosted by Del. Ian Lovejoy at Patriot High School.

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Prince William and Kate Middleton just shared their annual Christmas card!

The photo included in the greeting isn't a new one; it was previously released in September when Kate announced she had finished chemotherapy, and shows the family of five with their arms around each other and smiling in Norfolk.

Kensington Palace

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year, reads the message inside the card.

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas  pic.twitter.com/pL3t13sTlu  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 19, 2024

The image is a major shift from the black and white portrait featured in the Wales family's 2023 Christmas card. In that photograph, which was taken by Josh Shinner, the Waleses all wore matching white button downs and jeans. This year's card features the family more relaxed, and in a more intimate setting.

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Notably, the Christmas card was released directly on William and Kate's social media accounts, just as birthday portraits of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have been shared this year. The change came in the aftermath of the controversy surrounding their edited Mother's Day portrait, when Kate apologized for altering a family photo.

As Victoria Murphy wrote in T&C when Louis's 6th birthday picture was shared, The decision to release an image via social media on the day of Louis birthday marks a change from Kensington Palaces usual process. William and Kate had established a convention of releasing images for their childrens birthdays to news media under embargo a day ahead which meant that UK newspapers could publish the image on the day of the birthday itself.

AARON CHOWN - Getty Images

The Wales family recently made a rare appearance as a family of five, attending the Christmas carol hosted by the Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey.

Samir Hussein - Getty Images

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They won't be in attendance at today's Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, as the family has already left for Norfolk for the holidays. We'll likely see the Waleses again on Christmas day, when the royals attend church services near Sandringham. Prince William recently revealed he'll be spending Christmas with 45 family members.

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Prince William and Kate Middleton risked appearing to snub King Charles and Britains minor royals Thursday as they skipped the monarchs traditional pre-Christmas lunch with the extended royal family at Buckingham Palace.

One source, a former courtier, told The Daily Beast: It is another example of the couples growing confidence when it comes to challenging some long-established traditions which they are widely believed to consider tiresome. Charles would have liked them to be there, and the fact that he was either unwilling or unable to insist on it shows his inability to maintain family discipline. You cant imagine anyone missing it when Prince Philip was around.

The couples spokesperson declined to comment, though a friend of the couple pushed back against the courtiers characterization of events, saying: Its categorically not a snub. They have had a full-on year and I dont think anyone can expect Catherine to be effectively hosting lunch for hundreds of people.

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An official source said the prince and princess had been through an incredibly tough year and that the family simply wanted to start Christmas in Norfolk earlier than usual.

Kate was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. She has since said she is cancer-free.

Shortly after they would have been due to arrive a the lunch, the couple revealed their annual Christmas card to be a picture taken from the video they released announcing the end of Kates chemotherapy treatment. The image showed William, Kate, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis with their arms around one another and was inscribed: Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas  pic.twitter.com/pL3t13sTlu  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 19, 2024

The couple made the decision not to attend the lunch some time ago, reports said. The lunch was initiated by Queen Elizabeth II some 40 years ago, partly to reassure individuals not invited to Sandringham for Christmas of the monarchs affection, as the numbers receiving a coveted invite were steadily reduced from her father and grandfathers day.

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Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were also missing from the lunch Thursday after the disgraced prince was caught up in an international espionage and financial scandal.

It emerged last week that Andrew had befriended and formed a business partnership with Yang Tengbo, a wealthy Chinese citizen formerly resident in London who was subsequently banned from entering the U.K. on suspicion of being a Chinese spy.

Andrew will also now not join the royals for their Christmas Day celebrations. He has been cast back into the cold just a year after Sarah, his ex-wife with whom he still lives, was invited to join the royals for their public walk to church for the first time in over two decades.

Andrews daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, attended the lunch with their husbands, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank.

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank arrive for King Charles Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace with a sleeping August in the backseat. / Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images

Eugenies 3-year-old son, August, was photographed arriving at the event asleep in the back of the car wearing a Santa hat.

Also present were Queen Camilla; Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence; and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. The kings third cousin Lady Gabriella Windsor, whose husband died by suicide earlier this year, also attended.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are continuing with a Christmas tradition despite fallout around their father Prince Andrew's speculated connection to an alleged Chinese "spy."

On Dec. 19, Princess Beatrice, 36, and Princess Eugenie, 34, were seen driving with their husbands to the royal family's traditional pre-Christmas lunch, hosted by their uncle King Charles at Buckingham Palace. PEOPLE confirmed on Dec. 18 that their father Prince Andrew, 64, and mother Sarah Ferguson wouldn't be at the festive feast due to scrutiny on the Duke around alleged links to Yang Tengbo, a Chinese businessman and suspected spy who Andrew reportedly grew close to and promised access to the royal family.

Prince Andrew and Ferguson, who divorced in 1996 but remain close today, are similarly skipping the royal family's Christmas celebration at Sandringham on Dec. 25, and it's understood their daughters will as well. However, the harsh spotlight on their father didn't dissuade the princesses from attending the palace lunch on Dec. 19.

Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice drive to the Buckingham Palace lunch on Dec. 19, 2024. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice drive to the Buckingham Palace lunch on Dec. 19, 2024.

Related: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie Make Rare Decision to Skip Christmas Celebrations at Sandringham  Heres Why

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Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were both photographed traveling to the private family meal, a holiday tradition King Charles has maintained from his late mother Queen Elizabeth's reign.

Princess Beatrice, who is pregnant with her second child, smiled as she rode with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Princess Eugenie also looked out the window as she rode with her husband, Jack Brooksbank.

Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie drive to the Buckingham Palace lunch on Dec. 19, 2024. Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie drive to the Buckingham Palace lunch on Dec. 19, 2024.

Other royals spotted driving to the Buckingham Palace Christmas lunch included King Charles, 76, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, plus more extended family members and friends.

The Daily Mail reported that the late Prince Philip's friend, Penny Knatchbull, was also a guest, as was Lady Gabriella Windsor, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael, whose late husband Thomas Kingston's death at age 45 remains the subject of an ongoing inquest.

Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty King Charles drives to the Buckingham Palace lunch on Dec. 19, 2024. King Charles drives to the Buckingham Palace lunch on Dec. 19, 2024.

Related: Kate Middleton and Prince William Will Not Attend King Charles' Christmas Lunch  Here's Why

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Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children surprisingly skipped the luncheon, breaking with precedent from years past. The Prince and Princess of Wales and their kids Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, were never expected to attend the event, which is an informal way for the extended family to come together before the Christmas holiday.

The Wales family is already in Norfolk, England, over 100 miles away from London, ahead of the royal family's private Christmas festivities at the Sandringham Estate.

Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty The Wales family at the Together at Christmas carol service on Dec. 6, 2024. The Wales family at the Together at Christmas carol service on Dec. 6, 2024.

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PEOPLE understands that Prince William and Princess Kate, both 42, are looking forward to catching up with family at Sandringham over Christmas as usual.

Step inside the royals' holiday traditions with PEOPLEs Special Edition: Christmas at the Palace: A Royal Family Album.



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Princess Michael of Kent is opening up for the first time about the unexpected death of her son-in-law, Thomas Kingston, who died in February at age 45.

On Dec. 17, Princess Michael, 79, broke her silence surrounding the death of her son-in-law in a new interview with Majesty Magazine. Princess Michael's family navigated tragedy when her daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor's husband Kingston died earlier this year. A spokesperson for the coroner's office previously told PEOPLE that his cause of death was "traumatic wound to the head," and a gun was found near his body.

"Tom was a lovely man, so kind and thoughtful. They were very happy together," Princess Michael told Majesty Magazine, Tatler reported.

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"We often had them here with Freddie and Sophie and the girls for Sunday lunch," she continued, referencing her son, Lord Frederick Windsor, his wife, Sophie Winkelman and their two young daughters.

Pool/Max Mumby/Getty Thomas Kingston, Lady Gabriella Windsor and Princess Michael of Kent on Thomas and Gabriella's May 18, 2019 wedding day. Thomas Kingston, Lady Gabriella Windsor and Princess Michael of Kent on Thomas and Gabriella's May 18, 2019 wedding day.

Related: Who Is Thomas Kingston? All About Lady Gabriella's Husband, Found Dead at 45

Princess Michael (born Baroness Marie-Christine von Reibnit) is married to Queen Elizabeth's first cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, and the royal couple are parents to Lady Gabriella, 43, and Lord Frederick, 45. The family expanded when Lady Gabriella married Kingston, a financier, former hostage negotiator and onetime boyfriend of Kate Middleton's sister Pippa Middleton, in May 2019, and Princess Michael said his sudden death was a shock.

"We never had an inkling anything was wrong," she told Majesty Magazine, according to Tatler. The outlet said that the family has rallied to be there for Gabriella through the grief, which has been challenging for the whole family, with Princess Michael calling Frederick and Sophie an especially strong support.

Chris Jackson/Getty Sophie Winkleman and Lord Frederick Windsor arrive to attend the Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6, 2024. Sophie Winkleman and Lord Frederick Windsor arrive to attend the Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6, 2024.

On Feb. 27, Kingston's death was announced in a statement attributed to Lady Gabriella and several of his family members.

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"It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Kingston, our beloved husband, son and brother. Tom was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him. His death has come as a great shock to the whole family, and we ask you to respect our privacy as we mourn his passing," the statement said.

Dave Benett/Getty Thomas Kingston and Lady Gabriella Windsor attend the private view for "Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto" on September 13, 2023 in London, England. Thomas Kingston and Lady Gabriella Windsor attend the private view for "Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto" on September 13, 2023 in London, England.

Related: Meet the British Royal Family: A Complete Guide to the Modern Monarchy

A palace spokesperson confirmed that King Charles and Queen Camilla were informed of Kingston's death, and it emerged that he died on Feb. 25 at his parents' home in the Cotswolds.

No suspicious circumstances or other parties were thought to have been involved, and a spokesperson for the coroner's official later told PEOPLE his cause of death was "traumatic wound to the head."

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Katy Skerrett, the senior coroner for Gloucestershire, said Kingston had lunch with his parents at their home that Sunday before his father took their dogs on a walk, The Telegraph reported. His body was later found in an outbuilding with a gun nearby.

Prince William attended Kingston's private funeral in March, and the Daily Mail reported in April that Lady Gabriella moved back in with her parents at Kensington Palace.

On Dec. 3, Gabriella made an emotional appearance during an inquest at Gloucestershire Coroners Court, further illuminating the circumstances surrounding her husband's death. There, Gabriella alleged that her husband's "impulsive" death was an "adverse reaction" to medication he was taking for insomnia and anxiety.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston at Royal Ascot on June 20, 2019. Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston at Royal Ascot on June 20, 2019.

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"It appears to me Toms impulsive action was likely provoked by an adverse reaction to the medication he had been taking in the last two weeks of his life," Lady Gabriella said in a witness statement read in court, The Telegraph reported.

Gabriella, who sobbed during some of the hearing, described her marriage as one of deep love and trust, emphasizing that her husband had never expressed any suicidal thoughts to her or to others, according to Hello!.

"[Work] was certainly a challenge for him over the years, but I highly doubt it would have led him to take his own life, and it seemed much improved," her witness statement continued, the outlet said. "If anything had been troubling him, I'm positive that he would have shared that he was struggling severely. The fact that he took his life at the home of his beloved parents suggests the decision was the result of a sudden impulse."

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She added that with "the lack of any evidence of inclination it seems highly likely to me that he had an adverse reaction to the pills that led him to take his life. I believe anyone taking pills such as these need to be made more aware of the side effects to prevent any future deaths. If this could happen to Tom, this could happen to anyone."

Lady Gabriella alleged that her husband had been affected by the the suicide of a friend and the "devastating impact it had on other people's loved ones."

The inquest into Kingston's death is ongoing.

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images Thomas Kingston on his May 18, 2019 wedding day to Lady Gabriella Windsor. Thomas Kingston on his May 18, 2019 wedding day to Lady Gabriella Windsor.

Though Gabriella and her brother Frederick are not full-time working royals, they often attend the royal family's social and ceremonial events alongside their parents. On Dec. 6, Lady Gabriella attended Princess Kate's Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, and walked in alongside Princess Kate's mom, Carole Middleton, seemingly in a show of support.

Samir Hussein/WireImage Carole Middleton, Michael Middleton and Lady Gabriella Windsor arrive to attend the Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6, 2024. Carole Middleton, Michael Middleton and Lady Gabriella Windsor arrive to attend the Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6, 2024.

On Dec. 19, Prince and Princess Michael were seen heading to King Charles' private family lunch at Buckingham Palace before Christmas, which both of their children reportedly attended.

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If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.



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HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  A private Christian school in Hazleton may have to suddenly close its doors.

Immanuel Christian School sent out a text message to parents calling for an emergency meeting on Wednesday afternoon after school was out.

The reason for the possible closure is a lack of funding from grants that were never received.

They were expected to come in on December 15.

Mega Million Jackpot climbs to $825 million

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Most private schools rely on tuition and fundraisers to help bring in funding, but they rarely fully cover operating costs.

Right now were kind of throwing in a Hail Mary, as we like to call it, trying to get by until we have another grant that we know guaranteed. Unfortunately, we dont know the time frame, Immanuel Christian School Director of Development Michael Screenock explained.

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There are 29 employees that are not gonna get paid. These three students that are standing next to me right now after the new holidays are not gonna have a school. Theyre gonna have to find somewhere else to go if we dont get help, said Kristie Herron, a parent of a student.

A donation page has been made to help raise money for the school.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  Dozens of NYCHA residents are launching food businesses  including restaurants, bakeries and catering companies  thanks to a city program helping new entrepreneurs.

Twenty-six NYCHA residents are celebrating their start to a new career path. After nearly three months of training, they are starting their own food businesses.

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Cristiana Franco is from the Dominican Republic. She runs Sabor Restaurant and Bakery at 15-20 College Point Blvd. in Queens.

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An event planner married to a chef, Franco decided to take the first step in 2016 to make her business dreams happen. Completing NYCHAs Food Business Pathways program changed her life.

Twenty-six NYCHA residents are graduating from the Food Business Pathways program this year. Its a free 10-week program designed to help NYCHA residents launch successful businesses in the food industry. The program teaches them everything from creating a business plan to a menu.

Michelle Raymie runs the program and is the director of NYCHAs Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES). Raymie said the program is a huge success in its ninth year.

In total, 321 NYCHA residents like Franco have graduated from the program, many of whom have launched successful food businesses in their communities.

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Rachel King graduated this year. Shes launching Royal V Eats, a food and education culinary experience set to open up in Downtown Brooklyn.

Franco loves serving her community. She has already expanded her food business to the Jamaica Public Library, JFK Airport, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

The next class starts in February.

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Lengthy negotiations on an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza after 14 months of war between Israel and Hamas are in a final phase, according to Egyptian security circles.

A deal that should also lead to the release of Hamas-held hostages from the Gaza Strip could be reached within 10 days, sources in Cairo familiar with the negotiations said on Thursday. Progress has been made on all outstanding issues, they added.

An Egyptian delegation travelled to Qatar's capital Doha in the morning to meet representatives from Israel and the United States for talks.

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The US, Egypt and Qatar are mediating between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militia, which are not negotiating directly with each other. The aim is to agree a ceasefire and the release of the hostages still being held in Gaza.

The round of talks in Doha will focus on the role of international institutions that are to monitor the implementation of the envisaged agreement, according to security sources.

A ceasefire would initially last 60 days, with Israeli soldiers remaining stationed in some areas of the Gaza Strip. The hostages kidnapped from Israel will be released in stages, the sources added.

Israeli media previously reported that sticking points include which Palestinian prisoners would be released from Israeli prisons in return for the hostages kidnapped from Israel during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

According to Israeli reports, some prisoners who have committed serious offences are to be held in countries such as Turkey or Qatar.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act went into effect in California on Wednesday and aims to change the mounting retail crime thefts while addressing drug addiction.

The surge in organized crime retail theft, as well as home burglaries, are reasons why California voters overwhelmingly passed Prop 36 in November, with 68% of the vote.

Motorcyclist suffers major injuries after being hit by sedan on Wilson Rd.

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The measure made shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders. The new law also increased sentences for certain drug crimes especially those involving deadly drugs like fentanyl.

Critics believe Prop 36 will only add to the already overcrowded jail population as funding remains an issue.

District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said prosecutors are now equipped to impose appropriate consequences.

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The law is now on our side. I want our community to feel confident that when

they call for help, officers will respond, criminals will be arrested, and justice will be served. My hope is that Proposition 36 will hold offenders accountable, help persons with addiction get well, and make California, especially Kern County, a safer place to live. Theres hope for a safer California, and it begins at midnight. D.A. Cynthia Zimmer

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Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was disqualified Thursday from the Georgia election interference case against President-elect Trump over an affair with her top lieutenant.

In the latest big legal victory for Trump, a Georgia appeals court said in a 2-1 ruling that disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings.

The case against Trump and more than a dozen co-defendants had already been stalled for months while the Georgia Court of Appeals considered Willis fate.

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It also faces big and still-unresolved issues stemming from Trumps reelection victory.

The 2-1 ruling by appeals court panel means a Georgia prosecutors group will pick another prosecutor to take over the case and decide whether to continue to pursue it against Trump or his co-defendants.

Willis filed notice that she would appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court, delaying any further action.

Trump and 18 others were indicted by an Atlanta grand jury in August 2023 on charges they participated in a sweeping scheme to overturn Trumps narrow 2020 presidential election loss in Georgia.

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As pretrial proceedings moved ahead, Willis admitted she engaged in a romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, whom she tapped for the prominent role as her top deputy overseeing the historic racketeering case against the then-former president.

The couple went on vacations together and said they split bills mostly by exchanging cash, an explanation that the trial judge said sounded fishy.

Trumps defense pounced on the affair as evidence Willis and Wade may have pumped up the case to benefit themselves financially or otherwise.

After a lurid trial-within-a-trial, Judge Scott McAfee issued a mixed ruling in March that allowed Willis to stay on the case while ordering her Wade to step down, which he did. But the appeals court said the appearance of a conflict still tainted Willis handling of the case.

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Its not yet clear how the decision could impact Trumps co-defendants, including former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and onetime Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

Four of the other defendants have already pleaded guilty to lesser charges after reaching deals with Willis team.

The Georgia ruling marks the latest dramatic legal victory for Trump as he prepares to return to the White House for a second term.

Special counsel Jack Smith has already dismissed the two federal cases against Trump that he was overseeing.

Manhattan Justice Juan Merchan is expected to decide soon whether and when to sentence Trump on his conviction on 34 felony counts in the Stormy Daniels hush money case. But punishment appears unlikely.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Prosecutors Thursday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court filed their opposition to a request by a man convicted of robbery to be released early from prison.

Robert Sellars, 41, filed the request Monday before Judge Anthony DApolito. He is serving a 9-year prison sentence he was given in September 2019 after he pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated robbery with firearm specifications.

Sellars pleaded guilty to the January 2018 robbery of a Family Dollar on Market Street and the December 2017 robbery of a Subway on East Midlothian Boulevard.

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A co-defendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors say they are objecting because Sellars has a history of violent criminal offenses and he has also been in trouble several times while he was in prison. They attached reports of his conduct in prison to their motion.

Sellars was acting as his own attorney when he filed his motion.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
CHICAGO  After nine weeks of prosecution witnesses, defense attorneys in the blockbuster corruption trial of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime confidante Michael McClain began presenting their case to jurors Wednesday by calling someone who, until quite recently, was expected to testify for the government.

That witness was Stephen Selcke, a retired AT&T Illinois government affairs officer who said Wednesday he knew of no explicit arrangement to hire former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo, a Madigan ally, in exchange for the speakers support of key legislation the telecommunications giant wanted in Springfield.

On cross-examination, though, Selcke repeatedly acknowledged that AT&T put Acevedo on a $2,500-a-month subcontract solely because McClain, who was known to be an emissary for Madigan, asked them to, and not doing so might have risked irritating the speakers office.

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Whether that legally qualifies as a bribe will soon be up to jurors.

Prosecutors formally rested their case in chief early Wednesday after 30 days of testimony that stretched over three months. They presented about 150 wiretapped calls and undercover video recordings and put more than 50 witnesses on the stand, including two men who wore wires for the FBI: former ComEd executive Fidel Marquez and, perhaps most memorably, ex-Ald. Daniel Solis.

Defense attorneys are likely to call far fewer witnesses, but with a break next week for the Christmas holiday, it appears the defense phase of the trial will stretch into the new year. Prosecutors have indicated they will call at least one witness in rebuttal.

The alleged scheme by AT&T to bribe Madigan makes up just one of the 23 counts of the indictment, but it has taken up a good portion of the last two weeks of testimony.

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Wednesdays focus was almost entirely on Selcke, who became involved in talks regarding a request from McClain in 2017 to get a contract for Acevedo, a Chicago Democrat who had served as Madigans assistant majority leader before going into lobbying.

The request came as AT&T was pushing key legislation to end mandated landline service, commonly referred to by the acronym COLR, which the company had been pining for since at least 2011 and stood to save the company tens of millions of dollars in maintenance of the old copper wire system.

After years of pushback from Madigans office, AT&T finally got an overture from the speaker for a face-to-face meeting on COLR on Feb. 14, 2017, as the spring session was getting underway, according to trial testimony.

That same day, McClain emailed Selckes government affairs associate, Bob Barry, with a request. BOB, is there even a small contract for Eddie Acevedo? according to evidence shown to the jury.

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Selcke, who served as a legislative liaison under two Republican governors and retired as a lobbyist in 2019, testified in a previous Madigan-adjacent trial about the Acevedo contract and was on the prosecution witness list until prosecutors announced last week they would not have him testify after all.

Meanwhile, it was not hard to see why the defense wanted the jury to hear from Selcke. He told the jury in the bribery trial of his former boss, then-AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza, that he did not believe the company intended an act of bribery when they agreed to pay Acevedo, even though he was not required to do any work.

La Schiazzas trial ended in a rare mistrial in September after the jury deadlocked 11-1 to convict. It still has not been decided when, or if, he will be retried.

Selcke largely reiterated his position on the stand Wednesday, when he was asked by McClain attorney John Mitchell whether McClain ever threatened that Madigan would kill their legislation if Acevedo wasnt hired.

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No, Im not aware of that ever happening, Selcke said.

Did Mike McClain ever promise that if AT&T offered a job to Eddie Acevedo, Madigan would pass the COLR bill? Mitchell asked.

No, Selcke said.

Selcke said the goal all along was to be able to go back to McClain and say theyd found something for Acevedo to do so they could check the box  as La Schiazza put it in an email  and get credit for being responsive.

Selcke also said, to his knowledge, no one told Acevedo that his contract would not require actual work. And while Selcke said he personally would not have sought to hire Acevedo, he acknowledged that as a former leader of the House Latino Caucus, Acevedo did bring some things to the table.

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I think it depended on what Eddie was asked to do, as to whether or not he could be an asset or not, Selcke said.

AT&T decided to hire Acevedo to write a report on Latino members of the General Assembly as well as the Chicago City Council, Selcke testified.

There has been no testimony that Acevedo ever wrote the report. An FBI case agent testified on Tuesday that a lengthy search of subpoenaed AT&T materials yielded no evidence of work done by Acevedo. And Tom Cullen, an external lobbyist for AT&T, told jurors this week he had never seen a report  and Acevedos assignment was sort of an inside joke among AT&T brass.

It was not viewed as some report that was worth anything, really, Cullen said. It was just kind of a joke.

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Selcke did seem to contradict some of the testimony earlier this week from Acevedo himself, who told the jury that as part of his work for AT&T he often met with Selcke at the rail of the Capitol and gave him updates on meetings hed attended.

Selcke, however, testified that after Acevedo was hired, he received no updates from anyone on what work he was doing.

In his cross-examination, Madigan attorney Todd Pugh drilled down on AT&Ts motivations for hiring Acevedo.

While Acevedos hiring didnt affect AT&Ts overall obligation to try and get votes for the bill, we didnt want to be in a position of rocking the boat with the speakers office, Selcke testified.

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Mr. McClain never told you that the boat was going to be rocked, did he? Pugh asked.

No, Selcke answered.

You didnt even know there was a boat?

No, we knew there was a boat, Selcke said. There was a boat. The boat being the speakers office.

Prosecutors seized on that, asking repeatedly whether AT&T jumped to fulfill McClains request because if they didnt, as Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz put it, Speaker Madigan might erect an impediment to AT&T legislation moving forward.

If you didnt hire Mr. Acevedo, that might upset Speaker Madigan? she asked.

Again, we dont know all the decision points, but that was a concern that it might trigger a negative reaction from the speakers office, Selcke said. It was a concern, yes.

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And you didnt want to risk a negative reaction that might stall an AT&T bill? Schwartz asked.

Well, we wanted to elicit positive reactions, not negative, Selcke said.

Selcke also testified about Acevedos tendency to be overly partisan, which alienated many Republicans, as well as his extracurricular behavior that was the cause of many whispers around the Capitol.

Eddie, after session, tended to go out in Springfield and occasionally would have too much to drink, and when he had too much to drink he could become belligerent and to a degree loose-lipped, Selcke said.

Schwartz asked if being belligerent and loose-lipped were bad traits for a lobbyist or consultant.

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I agree, Selcke said.

Schwartz also revealed in her questioning that McClain had previously asked AT&T to expand two other consulting contracts, including one for former state Rep. Annazette Collins, another ally of the speaker who had gone into lobbying.

Schwartz was about to show the jury an exhibit pertaining to Collins  who was convicted of tax fraud related to the Madigan probe and is currently serving a one-year term in prison  but Pugh objected.

After a lengthy sidebar discussion, the judge told the jury the exhibit was not being admitted at that time.

Just before the lunch break, while still on questioning from McClains attorneys, Selcke testified about the morning the FBI came to his door in 2019. It was 6:30 a.m. and he was still sleeping, he said.

My wife answered the door. She came back and told me, Hey, the FBI is here to talk to you,' Selcke said, chuckling. I thought she was kidding. But she wasnt.

Many members of the jury laughed along with Selcke at his account.

Selcke has not been charged. He was eventually given a letter of immunity from the U.S. attorneys office and cannot be charged for anything he says on the witness stand, as long as he tells the truth.

His testimony is scheduled to resume Thursday morning.

Madigan, 82, of Chicago, who served for decades as speaker of the Illinois House and the head of the state Democratic Party, faces racketeering charges alleging he ran his state and political operations like a criminal enterprise.

He is charged alongside McClain, 77, a former ComEd contract lobbyist from downstate Quincy. Both men have pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing.

_____
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Portland police are asking for the publics help in finding the suspect or suspects responsible for stealing a mans prosthetic leg earlier this month.

The Portland Police Bureau is partnering with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to an arrest.

The apparatus is a prosthetic leg with a metal knee joint and running blade.

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Illustration renews Clatsop County cold case after remains found off Hwy 26 in 1999

The leg was stolen on December 8 after a car was broken into near Southwest 11th Avenue and Southwest Columbia Street in downtown Portland, authorities said.

While this piece of medical equipment is worth approximately $8,000, its true value cannot be measured in dollars as it provides great assistance to a 20-year-old Portland man who lost his leg to bone cancer, Crime Stoppers of Oregon said in a release.

Anyone with information is encouraged to submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Oregon.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
CONTENT WARNING: The allegations detailed in this report involve sexual assault and relationship violence. This content is disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  New court documents shine a light on the timeline of events that allegedly led to a now-suspended Oklahoma City police officers arrest on November 30.

Shamar Kitchens was in Canadian County jail for about a day before he posted his bond and was released.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Protective order sheds new details on rape, weapons allegations against OKC police officer

Since then, charges have not been filed because the investigation at the Oklahoma City Police Department continues. So far, a search warrant for his phone has brought up more details that hadnt been released yet.

Details allege that he had been driving the victim and another woman home after a bar in Norman had closed, it was after 2 a.m.

On the trip, an argument ensued between Kitchens and the victim over her phone.

Allegedly the third passenger was dropped off and Kitchens, with the victim, continued to her home. However, the victim told police that, at one point, it escalated and Kitchens allegedly grabbed a firearm and began threatening to kill the woman, her child, and himself.

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The woman told police that he started to punch her, allegedly striking her, six times in the face and head, and also pulling her hair several times.

Court documents say that Kitchens then drove down back roads and parked at the entrance of a field somewhere near Southwest 15th Street and Mustang Road. He turned to her and allegedly told her to get in the back seat. She said she asked why and that he told her he was going to have sex with her, but she said no.

However, because she said she felt threatened, she did everything he told her to do. The victim told police that she was scared for her and her childs lives and didnt want to say no.

It was then that he allegedly sexually assaulted the victim for several minutes before taking her home.

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The victim told police Kitchens pointed a firearm at her head after he dropped her off at home and allegedly warned her not to tell anybody about what happened. She called 911 immediately.

Nearly three weeks have gone by since Kitchens arrest and police said they are investigating.

The Canadian County District Attorney told News 4 Wednesday that charges could come soon, but his office is waiting on officials to finish up the investigation.

The Protective Order, that the victim filed almost immediately after his arrest, was granted and stated that he could not go near her for at least six months or more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A judge granted a gun violence protective order against a Carlsbad, California, man who authorities allege was communicating with the Abundant Life Christian School shooting suspect.

Carlsbad police filed the application for a gun violence emergency protective order against Alexander Charles Paffendorf in San Diego County Superior Court on Tuesday. FBI agents "stopped and detained" him after they allege "he was discovered plotting a mass shooting" with Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow, the suspected school shooter in Madison, Wisconsin, according to court records obtained by ABC News.

Paffendorf allegedly admitted to authorities "that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun and that he would target a government building," a Carlsbad police officer wrote on the protective order application form.

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FBI agents saw messages from Paffendorf to Rupnow, the officer stated. Paffendorf has not been charged with a crime.

MORE: What we know about the victims of the Abundant Life Christian School shooting

Rupnow, 15, allegedly opened fire with a handgun at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday morning, killing a fellow student and teacher. Six others were injured.

She died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

Police are still investigating a motive for the shooting.

PHOTO: Crime scene tape continues to be stretched around Abundant Life Christian School as police continue to investigate the Dec. 16th shooting on Dec. 17, 2024 in Madison, Wisc. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

MORE: What to know about the 15-year-old suspected school shooter in Wisconsin

The restraining order requires Paffendorf to surrender all guns, ammunition and magazines to law enforcement or "sell them to or store them with a licensed firearms dealer" within 48 hours of receipt of the order.

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The Carlsbad Police Department said in a statement Thursday, "Carlsbad is not the lead agency on this investigation, but we are in communication with our federal partners, and we do not believe there to be a threat to our city. Because this is an ongoing investigation being handled by another agency, there are no other details to share at the moment."

The FBI said Thursday it is "not aware of any ongoing threats associated with this matter in Wisconsin or California."

The agency added, "The Madison Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation into the school shooting in Wisconsin with the assistance of the Milwaukee and San Diego field offices of the FBI, the Carlsbad, California Police Department, and other law enforcement partners. As this is an ongoing investigation, we do not have any further comment."

A hearing for Paffendorf is scheduled for Jan. 3. Attorney information for the California man was not immediately available.

Protective order issued for man accused of plotting attack with Madison school shooter originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Authorities are asking for the publics help in identifying the person responsible for breaking into a vehicle in Clairemont and stealing more than a thousand dollars as well as a debit card, according to a news release Thursday.

On Nov. 12 around 10:15 a.m., the victim withdrew $1,300 in cash from the Bank of America at 5851 Balboa Ave., according to San Diego County Crime Stoppers and the San Diego Police Department.

Smash and grab leaves popular comic book store in San Marcos buried in bills

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The victim then drove to a nearby church and parked his vehicle in the parking lot, leaving the cash and debit card in the center console, authorities said.

Then, around 11:15 a.m., an unknown suspect broke the front passenger window of the car and took the cash and card from the center console.

After reviewing security footage at both locations, SDPD detectives identified a suspect vehicle described as a silver newer model Nissan Sentra with a black strap around the trunk. The suspect is described as a man in his 20s to 30s of an unknown race.

Photos of the suspect and the associated vehicle can be found below.

The suspect is described as a man in his 20s to 30s. (San Diego County Crimestoppers)

The suspect vehicle is described as a silver, newer model Nissan Sentra. (San Diego County Crimestoppers)

Authorities are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for anyone with information that leads to an arrest in this case, including the identity or location of the suspect or the suspects vehicle.

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Anyone with more information is asked to contact (858) 552-1770 or the anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
On Thursday, a Georgia appeals court disqualified Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in the election subversion case against President-elect Donald Trump and more than a dozen co-defendants.

The decision comes after the trial was put on hold in January when Willis was accused of having inappropriate relations with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor who she hired onto the case.

In March, the judge overseeing the case allowed Willis to continue prosecuting the case if Wade was dismissed, which he was. Judge Scott McAffee also allowed Trumps team to appeal his decision, which they did.

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Even with Wade off the case, the three-person appeals panel voted 2-1 to remove Willis from her role due to a significant appearance of impropriety. The filing emphasized that disqualification was the only appropriate response to maintain public trust in the U.S. court system.

After carefully considering the trial courts findings in its order, we conclude that it erred by failing to disqualify DA Willis and her office, the filing said. The remedy crafted by the trial court to prevent an ongoing appearance of impropriety did nothing to address the appearance of impropriety that existed at times when DA Willis was exercising her broad pretrial discretion about who to prosecute and what charges to bring.

While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings, the filing added.

We cannot conclude that the record also supports the imposition of the extreme sanction of dismissal of the indictment.

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Even though the indictment was not thrown out completely, for the case to continue, a new district attorney would need to replace Willis to take on the task of prosecuting the incoming president.

However, Trump told Fox News he doesnt see anyone taking over the case.

There is no way such corrupt people can lead a case and then it gets taken over by somebody else, he said. It was a corrupt case, so how could it be taken over by someone else?

The case has to be thrown out because it was started corruptly by an incompetent prosecutor who received millions of dollars through her boyfriend  who received it from her  and then they went on cruises all the time, Trump added, referring to Willis relationship with Wade.

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Willis team requested the Georgia Supreme Court to review the appeals courts decision and will continue to fight to stay on the case.

Considered a major legal win for Trump, the Georgia case is not the only lawsuit that has lost traction following Trumps presidential win in November. Both federal cases headed by special counsel Jack Smith were ultimately put to rest, and the criminal case in New York is indefinitely on hold.

In response to the news, Steve Sadow, lead counsel for Trump in the election subversion case, posted on social media that the appeal court had made a well-reasoned and just decision in dismissing Willis.

The Court highlighted that Willis misconduct created an odor of mendacity and an appearance of impropriety that could only be cured by the disqualification of her and her entire office. As the Court rightfully noted, only the remedy of disqualification will suffice to restore public confidence. This decision puts an end to a politically motivated persecution of the next President of the United States, he said.
EAST BROOKFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A puppy who recently suffered from an attack by another dog resulting in losing his eyesight, is recovering and has since been adopted.

Ribbets story was first shared in November by Second Chance Animal Services when he was adopted but rehomed by his original adopted family, in violation of their adoption agreement. In the new home, the three-month-old Labrador Retriever puppy was attacked by a larger dog, resulting in a fractured skull and severe damage to his eyes.

Puppy adopted in Massachusetts lost both eyes after being attacked in different home

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Veterinarians at Second Chances Community Veterinary Hospital in Worcester had to remove both his eyes and said that his fractured skull had healed properly. During recovery in foster care, his new family decided to adopt him.

Ribbets story was shared in an effort to remind pet owners of the adoption policy at Second Chance. Adopters are required to contact them if theyre unable to keep a pet. Precautions are put in place to prevent tragedies such as meeting all household family members, including pets.

Ribbet, who feels so lost right now, finds comfort in touching those who are caring for him. (Courtesy: Second Chance Animal Services) Ribbet napping (Courtesy: Second Chance Animal Services) (Courtesy: Second Chance Animal Services) (Courtesy: Second Chance Animal Services)

If you are looking for a new pet, the Second Chance Animal Services adoption center is open every day except on Sundays located in East Brookfield. Their hospitals are in Springfield, North Brookfield, Worcester, and Southbridge.

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.
Kendra Chamberlain

Columbia Insight

Officials in the United States and Canada are scrambling to finalize the Columbia River Treaty before President Joe Biden leaves office on Jan. 20.

Canadas Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly told reporters in Lima, Peru, last month that she and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke about getting the treaty across the finish line before the next administration takes over in the United States.

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However, with Congress focused on must-pass, end-of-the-year legislation, including funding the federal government, the prospect of getting the treaty ratified before Jan. 20 seems unlikely.

The Senate would need to vote on the final text of the agreement sometime in the next month, and it would need a two-thirds majority to be approved. Before the Senate can consider a new treaty, the president must submit it for formal consideration, something President Biden has not yet done.

Even so, Minister Joy seemed hopeful that bipartisan support for the agreement can be found in Congress in her comments in November.

We think its a win-win situation for both sides of the border. British Columbia is on board, First Nations are on board and we know we have the support of key senators, also on the American side, she said, according to The Canadian Press.

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Sec. Blinken echoed Joys commitment to finalizing the deal in a statement, but didnt mention any bipartisan support for the agreement.

The Columbia River is the lifeblood of our region. It has been more than 60 years since the Treaty was agreed to, and updates are critically needed as our communities have evolved and the challenge of climate chaos has intensified, Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon told Columbia Insight. I will be working with my colleagues and the incoming administration to update the Columbia River Treaty, which is needed to boost our local economy, honor the sovereignty and leadership of the Tribes who have been stewards of the Columbia Basin since time immemorial, and increase renewable energy production to help us meet our clean energy goals.

Lengthy process, uncertain future

The two countries have been working at finalizing an updated version of the treaty for six years. It took 19 rounds of negotiations between the parties during that period, but in July the two countries finally announced an agreement in principle, laying out some of the details of the new treaty that cover flood management and hydroelectric power sharing across the border.

The updated treaty will see a 50% reduction in power the United States sends to Canada by 2033.

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The United States will have access to reservoir storage space behind Canadian treaty dams for flood management, but will have to fork over roughly $37 million over the next 20 years, according to the Government of British Columbia.

Several flood management provisions expired in September. The United States and Canada are currently operating under an interim agreement until the new treaty is ratified.

Stakeholders in the United States say the update doesnt go far enough to protect salmon, as previously reported by Columbia Insight.

How an unfinished treaty would fare under the Trump administration is unclear.

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Both the United States and Canada brought tribal nations to the table for the first time in the treatys 63-year history. That input aimed to steer the two countries toward a more equitable compromisefor both Tribes and the ecosystems involved.

Bob Heinith, who served as a technical advisor on the treaty for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), pointed out some bright spots for Tribes.

The agreement in principle is a good thing because it gives Indigenous nations a fair chunk of storagebetween 4 and 7 million acre feetand they get to decide how they want to use that, in terms of enhancing flows for [salmon], Heinith told Columbia Insight.

The update establishes a new tribal and Indigenous-led body to offer recommendations on how to better support Indigenous cultural values, and commits to sustaining healthy salmon populations by maintaining minimum flows during dry years to ensure salmon can complete their annual migrations.

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But in the United States, the Columbia River Treaty Non-Governmental Organization Caucus and CRITFC have called for ecosystem-level function to be included as one of the primary purposes of the agreement, arguing that the current update doesnt change much for salmon. Heinith said more could have been done to increase water flows for fish.

Im not sure what happened with negotiations, but it seems like particularly the U.S. should have been negotiating for more water, he said.

How an unfinished treaty would fare under the Trump administration is unclear.

Given president-elect Trumps comments about the Columbia River being a large faucet of the Pacific Northwest, the incoming administration could attempt to renegotiate parts of the treaty before signing off on it.

Senate Republicans could also derail the update by simply refusing to bring it to a vote.
By Vladimir Soldatkin and Alexander Marrow

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday accused Alphabet's Google of being a tool used by the U.S. government to score political points and blamed YouTube for slowing speeds on the video hosting platform in Russia.

Google, along with other foreign tech firms, has been under pressure in Russia for several years over the content it distributes, but while Moscow has blocked social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, it appears reluctant to ban YouTube, used by around 50 million Russians every day.

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Critics believe YouTube is being deliberately disrupted by the authorities to prevent Russians from viewing content there that is critical of Putin and his government.

Russia denies that, saying the issues are caused by Google's failure to upgrade equipment - a charge disputed by the company and technology experts.

Putin, addressing Russians in his annual phone-in, reiterated Moscow's stance that Google, having reduced spending in Russia and the supply of relevant equipment, had created problems for itself.

"Secondly, YouTube and Google must observe our laws, must avoid any kind of deception on the internet and especially, must not use and abuse the internet to achieve their government's political goals," Putin said.

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Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

YouTube in August said it was aware of reports that some people were unable to access YouTube in Russia, but that this was not because of any actions or technical issues on its part.

Putin said competition was growing, naming domestic platforms VK Video, run by state-controlled VK, and RuTube, as well as Telegram, founded by Russian Pavel Durov. None of those platforms has managed to significantly eat into YouTube's market share in terms of video hosting.

In addition to hosting content Moscow objects to, YouTube has blocked more than 1,000 YouTube channels, including state-sponsored news, and over 5.5 million videos, since the war in Ukraine began.

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The Kremlin hopes that huge legal claims racking up against Google will force it to change its stance.

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Writing by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Mark Trevelyan/Guy Faulconbridge)
The contract for Russian gas transit through Ukraine will not be renewed, but Russian energy giant Gazprom will manage to endure the change, according to Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin.

Source: Putin at the annual end-of-year press conference

Details: "There will no longer be this contract [for gas transit through Ukraine  ed.]. That much is clear. We will get through it, and Gazprom will get through it as well," he said.

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Commenting on Western sanctions impacting gas production in the Arctic, Putin acknowledged that they pose challenges and harm Russia. However, he claimed that liquefied natural gas (LNG) production is continuing to grow despite these obstacles.

At the same time, the Arctic LNG-2 gas terminal in Russia, which is subject to sanctions, suspended the process of liquefying natural gas in October 2024 due to Western sanctions.

Bloomberg reported in November that Arctic LNG-2 had scaled back gas field production to nearly zero.

Read more: Ukraine is still pumping Russian gas and financing the war against itself. Will this continue in 2025?

Previously:

Russian gas monopoly Gazprom, in its internal plans for 2025, anticipates that gas transit to Europe through Ukraine will cease after 31 December 2024.

Slovakia will hold a series of negotiations to secure Russian gas supplies after the current transit contract through Ukraine expires.

SPP, Slovakia's largest energy supplier, has issued a declaration of support for gas transit through Ukraine.

On Thursday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the possibility of continuing gas supplies through Ukraine.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted today that his country is still exploring its options for retaining a pair of bases in Syria that have uniquely strategic value following the fall of longtime ally Bashar Al Assad. The new remarks stand at odds with Russias drawdown of military forces and materiel in the Middle Eastern country already and there are clear signs this week that those departures are only ramping up. You can read more about what has already been observed at Russias Khmeimim Air Base and Tartus naval base in The War Zones past reporting here.

A satellite image of Tartus taken on Dec. 17 showing Russian forces massing there ahead of a possible withdrawal. Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies

Putin talked about Syria and a host of other topics in a freewheeling annual televised end-of-year press conference earlier today.

We maintain relations with all the groups that control the situation there [in Syria], with all the countries in the region, the Russian president said. The overwhelming majority of them tell us that they would be interested in our military bases remaining in Syria.

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Putin did not offer any additional information to substantiate the latter assertion.

I dont know, we have to think about it [Khmeimim and Tartus], because we have to decide for ourselves how our relations will develop with those political forces that now control and will control the situation in this country [Syria] in the future, Putin added. Our interests must coincide.

If we stay there, it means we must do something in the interests of the country where we are, he continued. What the interests will be, what we can do for them  this is a question that awaits painstaking study from both sides.

When asked about keeping military bases in Syria, Putin responded that "many Middle Eastern countries" want them to keep their bases, but that Russia would "have to think about it". This sounds very much like angling to make leaving Syria Russia's decision.  Oliver Alexander (@oalexanderdk.bsky.social) 2024-12-19T11:26:36.109Z

Yeah, Russia has no current deal to keep its bases in Syria.Every statement by Putin today is aimed at saving face in front of the Russian people when they eventually leave.  Oliver Alexander (@oalexanderdk.bsky.social) 2024-12-19T12:03:20.541Z

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You want to portray everything that is happening in Syria as some kind of failure, a defeat for Russia. I assure you, it is not. And Ill tell you why, Putin declared at one point. We came to Syria 10 years ago to prevent a terrorist enclave from being created there.

On the whole, we have achieved our goal. It is not for nothing that today many European countries and the United States want to establish relations with them, he continued. If they are terrorist organizations, why are you [the West] going there? So that means they have changed.

Many countries, including the United States, have been in contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which headed the rebel coalition that ousted Assad, in the past few weeks. HTS is now working to form a transitional government in Damascus. At the same time, the U.S. government, as well as that of Russia, among others, still formally designates HTS as a terrorist organization. American authorities have a $10 million bounty out on HTS leader Ahmed Hussein Al Shara, better known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad Al Jolani (or simply as Jolani). Russia was actively fighting anti-regime rebels, including HTS, just two weeks ago.

In addition, Putin today tried to downplay Russias extensive military presence in Syria and any culpability for Assads fall. Instead, he blamed the poor performance of Assads armed forces and its Iranian allies for the rapid collapse of the regime. Russias president claimed that his country had helped some 4,000 Iranian personnel evacuate the country via Khmeimim. Putin also added that he had not met with Assad since the former Syrian dictator reportedly arrived in Moscow nearly two weeks ago. The deposed Syrian leader has not been seen in public for weeks now.

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Not making this up. Putin: We didnt suffer any defeat in Syria and we have achieved our goals there because the factions now in power (whom we called terrorists just two weeks ago) actually are very moderate and we want to send them humanitarian aid via the military bases that pic.twitter.com/X9GBZlEKuA  Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) December 19, 2024

Putin on Syria:"There were simply no Russian troops in Syria. We have two bases there  an air base and a naval base. The ground component consisted of Syrian armed forces and some, as we all know, there is no secret here, so-called pro-Iranian combat forces.  Anton Gerashchenko (@antongerashchenko.bsky.social) 2024-12-19T12:08:07.154Z

Russian President Putin said that Iran asked Russia to evacuate its forces from Syria."We've transported 4,000 Iranian fighters from the Khmeimim Air Base to Tehran. Some of the so-called 'pro-Iranian units' retreated without fighting to Liban, some to Iraq."  Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@archer83able.bsky.social) 2024-12-19T11:51:07.744Z

Overall, Putins comments at the press conference today strain credulity. The fall of Assad has been a huge blow to the Kremlin with ramifications well beyond the Middle East. This includes the fate of Khmeimim and Tartus, which have provided the Russians with highly strategic nodes for projecting air and naval power out in the Mediterranean, including along NATOs southern flank, and into Africa. The Russian intervention in Syria beginning in 2015 was absolutely critical for both propping up Assads regime and maintaining access to those facilities. Assad essentially gifted those bases to Russia through a 49-year lease deal in 2017, and the Kremlin has invested significant resources in expanding them since then.

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Al Monitor reported today, citing anonymous Russian diplomatic sources, that a final decision about Khmeimim and Tartus could come next March. The New Arab reported earlier this week, again citing anonymous sources, that Russias military could be ordered out of the country entirely within a month. Previous reports have also suggested that negotiations between Russian authorities and the rebels so far have centered on humanitarian and economic assistance, as well as questions about diplomatic ties.

Satellite imagery, along with pictures and videos from sources on the ground, have shown Russian forces, including an S-400 surface-to-air missile system and other key air defense assets, already withdrawing Khmeimim. Materiel and personnel are also massing at the air base, as well as at Tartus, pointing to plans for more significant drawdowns to come.

A satellite image taken on Dec. 15 of Khmeimim notably showing the absence of an S-400 surface-to-air missile system that had long been in place at the base. The empty positions where elements of the S-400 had been emplaced are seen here to the left of the aircraft apron. Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies

The video of Khmeimim seen below, shot using a drone, emerged last week and had already showed evidence of the S-400 system and other Russian assets being withdrawn.

Syrian rebels meanwhile fly drones over the Russian air base in Hmeimim  pretty amazing upclose look. https://t.co/VnKByxSz68 pic.twitter.com/Vuuw8NsmCi  Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) December 12, 2024

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Russian naval vessels left Tartus days ago, but have been holding off shore where they are less vulnerable, but could also support future withdrawal operations. A picture has now emerged, seen below, said to show the Russian Navy frigate Admiral Grigorovich refueling via a tanker ship off the Syrian coast in order to maintain its station.

    Photo of the FFGH   Admiral Grigorovich and the tanker   Vyazma in the Syrian canal during a refueling operation at sea    

This seems to confirm that the Tartus naval base is no longer accessible.

The tanker Yelnya, for its part, docked in Algiers. pic.twitter.com/4hpPVWxlBa  Russian Forces Spotter (@TiaFarris10) December 19, 2024

It appears to us that theyre [the Russians] taking the steps that would be necessary if they were planning to retrograde their forces, a senior U.S. defense official told The War Zone and other outlets earlier this week. We dont know if theyve reached the decision to do that, or if they are in discussions on whether they need to do that or not, but that force consolidation that would enable them to depart has certainly happened.

There are growing reports that Russian forces from Syria are relocating, at least initially, to bases in Libya, which would be a logical development.

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Russian cargo planes have flown air-defense equipment, including radars for S-400 and S-300 interceptor systems, from Syria to bases in eastern Libya, according to a report just yesterday from The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous U.S. and Libyan officials. Russia has also flown troops, military aircraft, and weaponry out of Syria in a significant drawdown of its presence there.

The Journal did not name the bases in question. The War Zone has reviewed satellite imagery from Maxar and Planet Labs that look to show Russian movements at Al Jufra Air Base, Al Khadim Air Base, Al Qardabiyah Air Base, and Benina International Airport. However, these are facilities that Russias military has been operating from for years now and it is still unclear whether what is being seen represents a significant uptick in activity.

What looks to be a Russian Il-76 cargo aircraft at Al Jufra Air Base in Libya on Dec. 15. Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies

Another apparent Russian Il-76 at Al Khadim on December 15. Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies

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Russia has a long relationship now with Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, whose Libyan National Army (LNA) controls much of the eastern end of the country. At the same time, Haftar has complicated ties with U.S. authorities, who he has met with very publicly this year, and who could seek now to pressure him more to move away from Moscows orbit.

Charge dAffaires Berndt: U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense Dr. Celeste Wallander, U.S. Africa Command Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John Brennan, and I met with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, and other senior Libyan National Army leaders pic.twitter.com/fR3O5O40dg  U.S. Embassy  Libya (@USEmbassyLibya) September 24, 2024

.@USAfricaCommand General Langley and Charge d'Affaires Berndt met today with LNA commander Haftar in #Benghazi to discuss the commitment of the United States to strengthen our partnership with Libyans from all parts of the country, as well as U.S. support for Libyan efforts to pic.twitter.com/VjvlL2fOt9  U.S. Embassy  Libya (@USEmbassyLibya) August 27, 2024

American and other Western officials also continue to pressure Sudanese authorities to refuse to host Russian forces, according to a recent report from The Moscow Times, citing an anonymous intelligence official in that country. The Kremlin has sought to establish a naval base in Sudan in the past.

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Syria otherwise continues to be in the midst of major geopolitical flux following the collapse of the former regime. While HTS is working to craft a new government in Damascus, much of the country remains under the control of various other internal and external actors, including Israel, the United States, and Turkey. U.S. and Israeli forces have also been striking targets across the country, aimed at preventing ISIS and other terrorist groups from capitalizing on the situation and former regime assets falling into rebel hands, respectively. In addition, there has been a notable surge in fighting between Turkish-supported rebels and U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria, and there are fears a larger Turkish intervention could be imminent despite an American-brokered ceasefire.

For its part, HTS, which evolved from an Al Qaeda franchise in Syria, has sought to address concerns that it might try to establish an extremist Islamist state. In Syria, we spoke with all the communities, the Druze, who fought alongside us, the Christians, the Alawites, and the Kurds, Jolani told foreign journalists earlier this week.

Now, after all that has happened, sanctions must be lifted because they were targeted at the old regime, Jolani also said in a separate interview with the BBC. The victim and the oppressor should not be treated in the same way.

Jolani tried to offer reassurance to all those who believe his group has not broken with its extremist past but many Syrians do not believe him, the BBC piece noted.

HTS leader Ahmed Hussein Al Shara (aka Abu Mohammad Al Jolani) addresses a crowd at the capitals landmark Umayyad Mosque on Dec. 8, 2024. Aref TAMMAWI / AFP via Getty Images

When it comes to Khmeimim and Tartus in Syria, Putins comments today notwithstanding, Russia is clearly at least drastically scaling back its military presence in the country and signs are still growing that it could be moving to pull out for good.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Moscow achieved its goals in Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed during his annual press conference and a call-in program on Dec. 19. following the collapse of dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Commenting on the fall of Assad's regime for the first time, Putin said Russia invaded Syria to prevent the creation of "a terrorist enclave."

"All that is happening in Syria is not a defeat for Russia," he added. Russia has been Assad's key supporter, deploying troops in the country since 2015 to back the dictator in the civil war and losing at least hundreds of soldiers in the process.

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Syrian rebels announced on Dec. 8 that they successfully ousted Assad following a lightning offensive across the country, which culminated with the capture of the capital city of Damascus.

Moscow persuaded Assad to flee to Russia with his family after realizing his regime was bound to lose to the opposition's rapid advance, Bloomberg reported on Dec. 11, citing its sources.

The Russian president said at the press conference that he had not met with Assad since he arrived in Moscow.

Putin also claimed that most Syrian factions would welcome the continued presence of Russian military bases in the country but said Moscow must first assess its future relationship with them.

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"We maintain relations with all the groups that control the situation there... The vast majority of them tell us that they would be interested in our military bases remaining in Syria," Putin claimed.

"I dont know. We have to think about this because we must assess our relations with those political forces that are in control and will be in control of the situation in the future."

Putin's statements contrast with multiple reports indicating Russian forces are preparing to withdraw from their bases in the Middle Eastern country.

Read also: Assad releases first statement since fleeing to Russia, claims he never considered seeking refuge

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Russian leader Vladimir Putin has confirmed that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban proposed a "Christmas truce" between Kyiv and Moscow for several days, along with a prisoner-of-war swap. In response, Putin stated, "we've got to think about it."

Source: Putin in a speech at the annual end-of-year press conference

Quote from Putin: "As for short-term ceasefires, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban had approached me with this proposal. He said, 'What's the harm in a day or two? It's a Christmas truce. The enemy won't be able to accomplish anything in those 2-3 days."

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Details: Putin responded that "we've got to think about it, but let Orban ask the Ukrainian side about it".

According to Putin, Russia has supposedly agreed to such "arrangements" at least three times before.

Putin also claimed that the proposal had been rejected after Orban presented it to the Ukrainian side.

Background:

Tensions between Kyiv and Budapest escalated after Viktor Orban called Vladimir Putin last week.

Afterwards, Orban stated that he had proposed a ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner-of-war swap to Ukraine for Christmas but claimed that President Zelenskyy had rejected the idea.

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Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted that Kyiv had refused to hold a phone conversation between Orban and Zelenskyy regarding Hungary's "truce" proposal and was outraged that almost no one in the EU supported the "Christmas truce".

On 17 December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy yet again criticised Orban for his attempts at "mediation", stressing that he had no leverage over the Kremlin.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is to hold his annual end-of-year press conference and televised call-in show on Thursday.

The question-and-answer session for journalists is combined with the television programme "Results of the Year," where citizens can put their own questions to the president.

The two formats were merged for the first time in 2020 and definitively in 2023, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov citing the president's lack of time as justification for the move.

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Putin cancelled the event altogether in 2022, the first year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The hours-long TV event is scheduled to begin at 12 pm (0900 GMT).

The state news agency TASS reported that more than 1 million questions have already been submitted to the president - not yet reaching last year's total of 1.5 million.

Most of the questions revolve around the "special military operation," as Moscow officially calls its invasion, and health care, Peskov said.

Poverty, social hardship, and complaints about health care and the lack of infrastructure are recurring topics of the question and answer sessions, in which Putin tries to present himself as a problem-solver.
Months after Ukrainian troops seized parts of Russia's southern Kursk region, President Vladimir Putin on Thursday pledged at his annual question-and-answer broadcast to finally liberate and rebuild the territory.

"Everything will be done," said Putin, clearly reluctant to give a concrete answer to a local resident who asked when the population could return to their homes and the war damage will be repaired.

He was unable to specify a date, Putin said. "But they will definitely be expelled."

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Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have been occupying dozens of villages in the region bordering northern Ukraine since the beginning of August.

The leadership in Kiev says it wants to strengthen its position for possible negotiations to resolve the conflict.

Once the region has been liberated, all damage will be assessed, said Putin, assuring that roads and infrastructure would be restored: "Everything will be rebuilt."

The president asked for patience from the people in the region, thousands of whom have lost their homes and are being housed in emergency accommodation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday paid tribute to former German chancellor Helmut Kohl as a leading statesman during his annual press conference in Moscow.

"He was a personality of international stature, not only because he was a big man, but also because of his deeds and convictions," Putin said at the nationally televised event.

Conversations with Kohl were always very interesting and instructive, said Putin.

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While he had not often spoken to Kohl, Putin acknowledged him as one of the great politicians of modern history who had done a lot for Germany. Kohl's time in office ended before Putin's presidency.

Former French president Jacques Chirac, who died in 2019, also received special praise from the Russian leader, who said he had learnt a lot from him.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Dec. 19 mockingly suggested a "high-tech duel" with the West by launching the Oreshnik missile against Kyiv to prove Western air defenses cannot intercept it.

Speaking during his annual press conference and a call-in program, Putin again claimed that Russia's "new" Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) cannot be intercepted by air defenses.

"And those Western experts who think (the Oreshnik can be intercepted), let them suggest to us and those in the West who pay them to conduct a technological experiment," Putin said.

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"Let's call it a high-tech duel of the 21st century. Let them determine some site to hit, let's say, in Kyiv, concentrate all their air defenses there, and we will strike there with the Oreshnik and see what happens."

Russia launched an Oreshnik missile against Dnipro in Ukraine on Nov. 21, supposedly as a response to the U.S. and the U.K. lifting restrictions on Ukraine's long-range strikes inside Russia. The Oreshnik strike was followed by a propaganda blitz reportedly aimed at scaring off the Western support for Kyiv.

Despite Putin's claims, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that there already are air defense systems that can successfully take down the missile

The U.S. operates the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), designed to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The system has not been supplied to Ukraine and, therefore, has never been tested against the Oreshnik.

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Speaking at the press conference, the Russian president said that U.S. air defense systems are "costly and ineffective" and said he sees "no problem" if Washington supplies THAAD to Ukraine.

Putin also insisted that the Oreshnik missile, which he said has a range of 5,500 kilometers (3,400 miles), is a completely new weapon. Experts disputed this statement, saying that the weapon is based on the existing RS-26 Rubezh system.

The Kremlin's chief previously threatened to strike Kyiv's "decision-making centers" with the Oreshnik and said Russia would begin mass-producing the weapon. Undisclosed Russian officials told The Moscow Times that mass production is unlikely due to Russia's technological shortcomings.

Read also: Dont overreact  Oreshnik missile isnt as new as Russia claims, experts say

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Western air-defence systems are incapable of intercepting Russia's new Oreshnik medium-range missile, President Vladimir Putin insisted on Thursday - before throwing down the gauntlet of a test duel.

"There is no chance of shooting down these missiles," Putin said in Moscow at his combined annual press conference and public address.

If the West had any doubts about the missile's capabilities, it could name a target in Kiev protected by all available air-defence weapons which would then be targeted by the Oreshnik, Putin said.

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This would be an "experiment, a high-tech duel of the 21st century," according to the Russian leader.

It would then become clear whether they could stop the missile, he said, expressing Russia's readiness to participate.

Putin was responding to a question from the Russian army channel Zvezda, which had quoted an alleged assessment by Western experts that the Oreshnik - hazel tree in English - could be easily defeated in its initial stages.

Russia first fired the missile, which can in principle be equipped with nuclear weapons, at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro in November. However, the damage was minor. The missile did not carry any nuclear warheads.

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Putin emphasized that Russia was also prepared to use nuclear weapons in an emergency. The country's new doctrine also allowed an attack by non-nuclear countries supported by nuclear powers to be met with a nuclear strike if Russia's sovereignty is threatened.

The nuclear security guarantees also apply to Russia's neighbour and ally Belarus, he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had not yet met deposed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad since Moscow granted him asylum, but that he has plans to.

Putin, speaking at his annual end-of-year news conference on Thursday, said he would ask al-Assad about the whereabouts of US reporter Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria 12 years ago.

Putin granted asylum to al-Assad, who fled Syria as rebels closed in on Damascus, and his family this month. However, it is unclear where the family is staying.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said that Russia was prepared to negotiate and compromise with Ukraine and complained that "the other side"  meaning Ukraine  was refusing to reach an agreement.

Source: Vladimir Putin during a press conference on 19 December

Quote from Putin: "We have always said we were ready to negotiate and compromise. The other side has refused to negotiate, and we are always ready to negotiate. And compromise is always the outcome of negotiations.

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We have in fact reached an agreement in Istanbul in late 2022. And I repeat for the hundredth time, the Ukrainian side has initialled this document and generally agreed with it. And then, for some reason, they refused because your ally Johnson [former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson  ed.] came and said that they had to fight to the last Ukrainian

We are ready, but we need the other side to also be ready to negotiate and to compromise."

Background:

On 8 December, US President-elect Donald Trump said that Ukraine and Russia need to hold an immediate ceasefire and start negotiations.

On 12 December, Andrii Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, said he believes that Ukraine is not ready to begin negotiations with Russia due to a lack of weapons, a NATO invitation, and clear security guarantees.

In April 2022, Russia effectively disrupted peace talks with Ukraine by including a clause in the draft treaty stating that it would have a veto over the international communitys response in the event of a repeated attack on Ukraine.

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Read more: From Zelenskyy's "surrender" to Putin's surrender: how the negotiations with Russia are going

Read more: Before and after the counteroffensive: Are there perspectives in peace negotiations with Russia?

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Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said that the so-called "special military operation" ("SVO")  as Russian propaganda refers to the war against Ukraine  should have been launched even earlier. He made this remark when asked whether he would change his mind if he could return to February 2022.

Source: Putin in a speech at the annual end-of-year press conference

Quote: "I believe the decision we made in early 2022 should've been made sooner. Thats the first point. Secondly, knowing what was coming, we should've started preparing for these events, particularly the 'SVO'. The Crimean events [Russia's occupation of Ukrainian Crimea] were spontaneous, and the events of 2022 began without preparation. Why did it happen? Because we couldnt afford to remain passive and patient, waiting for the situation to worsen for us."

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Details: Putin also reiterated his accusations against Ukraine, claiming that Kyiv had refused to implement the Minsk agreements. He mentioned "eight years of war" and the "destruction of everything associated with Russia" in Ukraine.

When a journalist asked about the personal impact of the war on him, Putin lamented that he was joking and laughing less.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin does not see the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad as a defeat for his country's military, which has been stationed there since 2015.

"They want to pass off the events in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you, that is not the case," Putin said in his annual question-and-answer session broadcast on state television.

"We went to Syria to prevent the emergence of a terrorist enclave there. By and large, we achieved our goal. And the groups that were there have changed," he said.

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Putin added that he saw Israel as the main beneficiary of the situation in Syria. At the same time, he warned against the disintegration of the country in view of the occupation of Syrian territories.

The president noted that both Israel and Turkey were also currently dealing with security issues in their own countries in the war-torn region.

Al-assad and his family were granted asylum in Russia by Putin since Syrian rebel forces took control of the country earlier in December.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday reaffirmed his country's interest in maintaining its military bases in Syria even after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

Discussions must be held with those forces that are now in control of the country, Putin said in Moscow at his televised annual question-and-answer session.

"Our interests must coincide," he said, adding for example that Russia had suggested using the air force and naval base for humanitarian aid in the country.

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Russia had also recently helped with the transfer of 4,000 Iranian troops to Tehran, Putin noted.

Furthermore, Russia was maintaining contact with all groups in Syria and the states in the region, the majority of which have an interest in ensuring that the Russian bases remain.

In this context, Putin did not comment on reports of an alleged transfer of Russian troops from the Syrian bases to Libya.
By Tom Hals

WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) - Internal Qualcomm documents showed the chip firm estimated it could eventually save as much as $1.4 billion a year on payments to Arm by purchasing a little-known startup in 2021, according to evidence shown at a trial on Wednesday.

The projection surfaced while Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon was testifying to a jury in Delaware federal court about his firm's rationale for purchasing Nuvia for $1.4 billion in 2021.

"It justified the acquisition," he said of the potential savings on royalty payments to Arm.

The chip firm's CEO was testifying as part of a trial to resolve claims that Arm can force Qualcomm to destroy the technology it acquired because Arm never consented to the transfer of Nuvia's license agreements.

Qualcomm has used the technology and talent it acquired from Nuvia to spearhead its push into the PC market, where it is hoping to help Microsoft's Windows ecosystem claw back market share lost to Apple in recent years.

Amon's testimony on Wednesday described how relations between Arm and Qualcomm, Arm's biggest customer, began to curdle years before the court dispute between the two firms. In the 2010s, Qualcomm stopped designing its own computing cores and decided to purchase designs off the shelf from Arm.

Near the end of the decade, Qualcomm believed the technology it was buying from Arm was causing it to fall behind Apple in the smartphone market at the same time Amon saw an opportunity to challenge Intel in the laptop market. But Qualcomm had no viable plan for developing its own computing cores to lessen its dependence on Arm, Amon testified.

That changed when a team of ex-Apple engineers who had helped design the iPhone maker's flagship chips founded their own startup in 2019 called Nuvia. After trying without success to persuade Nuvia to develop computing cores for Qualcomm, Amon decided the best path was to buy the young company.

Qualcomm faced a challenge in justifying the deal. While Nuvia had designs and sought-after talent, it lacked a finished product and was focused on the server market, not laptops and mobile devices.

To justify spending hundreds of millions of dollars or more for the firm, Amon told Qualcomm's board that the company could eventually save as much as $1.4 billion per year on payments to Arm by switching away from Arm's computing core designs to those based on work by Nuvia and its team.

The $1.4 billion a year of theoretical savings was based on the expectation that Qualcomm would enter a massive new market for PC chips that would require similarly massive payments to Arm for the use of its technology.
Columbus, Ga.  A longtime Columbus radio icon was honored by city officials Wednesday. Wade Collier, also known as Bear OBrian, has been on the Columbus airwaves for over four decades. Mayor of Columbus Skip Henderson read a proclamation at the Columbus Radio Museum, honor Bear for his work and service the Fountain City. Mayor Henderson also declared December 18th, 2024 as Bear OBrian Day.



Bear was unable to attend the official ceremony because of his current battle against cancer. His daughter, Sydney Frazier, was there on his behalf and talked about her father getting this kind of recognition.



It is such an honor for the whole family. We are so grateful for the love and support that this community has for him and his legacy as a radio announcer and also just a member of the community. And so this is this is just such an honor. Its an honor to be here in this place, even though I know he would have loved to have been here. It really is such an incredible honor. Were so humbled by it, said Frazier.

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Along with entertaining his listeners on Kissin 99.3, Bear also appears each morning for Bears Wake Up on WRBL News 3 This Morning.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WVNS)  A Raleigh County man was sentenced in Fayette County for felony sex offenses that involved a child.

According to a press release, 55-year-old Johnny L. Kincaid, of Mabscott, was sentenced on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 to ten to 20 years for the felony crime of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in position of trust to a child, and five years for the felony crime of distribution and display to minor of obscene matter.

Raleigh County man pleads guilty to federal gun crime

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On July 25, 2024, Kincaid pleaded guilty to the felony crimes, and he will need to spend at least 11 years and three months in prison before he becomes eligible for parole.

Once Kincaid is released or his parole is finishes, he will have 30 years of extended parole, however if Kincaid violates his parole conditions that includes being prevented from having contact with children, the extended parole could be changed to a prison sentence.

Members of the West Virginia State Police received a report from a school guidance counselor on February 28, 2023 that stated a student revealed that Kincaid sexually molested them. An interview was later held at the Just for Kids Child Advocacy Center, where the child revealed details about the reported crimes.

Members of law enforcement gathered a search warrant for Kincaids phone, as well as the childs phone, as a part of the investigation, where two nude photographs of Kincaid were found on the child and Kincaids phone, that appeared to be sent to the child from Kincaid.

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Kentucky nurse pleads guilty to opioid diversion scheme in West Virginia

Kincaid was put on GPS/home confinement as a condition of his bond after his plea hearing on July 25, 2024, and on his original sentencing date of October 11, 2024, he cut the ankle monitor away and did not appear at his sentencing.

On December 9, 2024, embers of the FBI and the West Virginia State Police found Kincaid at a house in part of Raleigh County, where Kincaid surrendered after a reported two-hour standoff.

Kincaid has multiple felony charges pending in Raleigh and Fayette counties in connection with his home confinement escape and due to not updating his sex offender registry information. The press release stated that Kincaid is presumed innocent until proven guilty of the pending crimes, and that the charges are only allegations.

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The West Virginia State Police investigated the incident, and the Just For Kids Advocacy Center gave support services to child and their 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 WVNS.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A rally is being held at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Rochester to support a national strike.

Amazon workers nationwide are on strike, accusing the multinational company of refusing to bargain with the thousands of workers organized with the Teamsters.

The strikes are happening at facilities in New York City, Atlanta, Southern California, and Skokie, Illinois. Picket lines are being set up by local Teamsters unions across the country, including at the ROC 1 facility on Manitou Road.

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Tim Barbeto, the President of Teamsters Local 118, explains how frustrating it is for Amazon to not bargain with them.

This has been going on for almost two years from what I understand, said Tim Barbeto, the president of Teamsters Local 118. This is a trend that we need to break and thats why we are demonstrating nationwide.

Leaders and members of other workers unions in the Rochester area came out to show their support for Amazon workers, too. Organizer and Inside Council for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 4 Joseph Guza added that he understands the frustrations that come with the fight.

Nobody is going to understand a worker better than another worker, Guza said. Making an hourly wage and knowing what its like to go through rough times, only having a few dollars in your checking account at the end of the week after the bills are paid.

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President of the Rochester Building Trades Council and the Operating Engineers Local 158 Grant Malone explains what he sees as the overarching purpose of these nationwide strikes and pickets like the one in Gates.

As far as Im concerned, were trying to help these individuals. Were trying to raise their quality of life so that they can support their families, Malone said. So that they can send their kids to college with a fair wage, have health care and a pension benefit so that they can retire with dignity. Thats what this is all about.

A spokesperson for Amazon released a statement about the strikes, accusing Teamsters of misleading the public and lying about representing Amazon employees and drivers:

For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative. The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  One local family is honoring the memory of their daughter by paying it forward to other families at OSF Childrens Hospital of Illinois.

On Tuesday, the Rosploch family hosted its tenth annual Toy Drive at OSF Childrens Hospital, said Beau Ebenezer, an OSF spokesperson.

Over the last ten years, the family has given over $300,000 in toys and iPads to kids staying at OSF. The family says they are doing this to keep the memory of their own daughter, Lily Rosploch, alive, he said.

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Ten years ago their daughter lost her battle with cancer just two years after being diagnosed. She was just three years old when she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. During this time, her mother, Maria Rosploch, discovered she was pregnant, Ebenezer said.

He also said the family spent two years at OSF Childrens Hospital; with a short stay at St. Jude down in Memphis, TN. After Lily died, the family was inspired to continue bringing holiday joy to children through the Rally for Lily Toy Drive.

[These children] dont ask to be here. So its the least that we can do to make them feel happy and just forget that theyre getting treatment. And we know what its like being in the hospital like Christmastime, said Lilys mother Maria.

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Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has announced that a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (also known as the Ramstein Group) will be held in January 2025.

Source: Rustem Umierov following a conversation with Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Melo, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Umierov said he would meet with his Portuguese counterpart in January "in person, at the next Ramstein-format meeting".

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Quote from Umierov: "We plan to discuss further steps to strengthen security cooperation between Ukraine and Portugal in 2025."

More details: Earlier, it was reported that an additional meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group could take place in December, likely at the highest level.

For reference: The Ramstein-format meeting was established in 2022 to coordinate US military support for Ukraine under the auspices of the United States. It brings together more than 50 countries, most of which are NATO members.

Background:

Ukraine's defence minister has previously expressed hope that the Ukraine Defence Contact Group format will continue under the upcoming Trump administration.

Representatives of the North Atlantic Alliance do not think there is a significant chance that the change of administration in the US will lead to the Ramstein Groups collapse.

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At least a dozen senators are pushing to see the FBIs background check on Pete Hegseth, Donald Trumps embattled pick for Pentagon chief  a rare move for the committee that oversees his confirmation and a sign the former Fox News host still faces hurdles in the Senate.

Unlike some other committees, the Senate Armed Services usually limits access to these types of background checks to its two lead senators. But pressure is building from both Democrats and Republicans to provide more lawmakers with the ongoing report, whose contents could determine whether Hegseth makes it to the Pentagon.

It would be helpful, given the allegations that have been lodged against Mr. Hegseth, to be able to see the FBI background check, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a potential swing vote on Hegseth, said in an interview.

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The push follows allegations of sexual assault against Hegseth, as well as alcohol abuse and mismanagement during his tenure at two veterans groups. He denies the allegations, and Trumps allies have continued to drum up support for the TV personality. No Republicans have come out against him.

Senators have various motives for seeking the report. Some Republicans, such as Collins and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, say the claims are serious enough to warrant greater access to the findings. While its unlikely the FBI findings would be made public, they could still give Republican senators political cover to vote against Hegseth or support his defense.

Ive encouraged all of the nominees, number one, be out front on the FBI background check, and you want that information shared at least with committee members, said Tillis, a Trump ally.



The FBIs background investigation is expected to thoroughly examine Hegseths personal and professional history, including interviews with associates, reviews of financial records, and queries into past legal issues.

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Trumps pick argues he has nothing to hide. Mr. Hegseth not only welcomes but looks forward to the FBI background check, said Hegseth adviser Arthur Schwartz.

The allegations of sexual assault against Hegseth didnt result in criminal charges, and his attorney, Tim Parlatore, recently told CNN that Hegseths accuser was released from a non-disclosure agreement. While that might allow her to explain her side of the incident, Parlatore warned it could open her up to a defamation suit.

Hegseths background check, which was delayed by Trumps initial reluctance to sign agreements with the FBI, would likely move forward on an expedited timeline. The investigations, which usually take weeks, could get fast-tracked to finish before Hegseths confirmation hearing, expected on Jan. 14.

The tradition of limited access gives committee Chair Jack Reed, of Rhode Island, and ranking member Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker significant power over the process. By arrangement with the White House, the two senators typically review FBI reports on nominees and without staff present, and consult with the administration if they want to release them more widely.

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Reed is facing pressure from at least eight Senate Armed Services Democrats, including Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). They and Sen. Angus King (Maine-I) said they want the report released to all committee members.

Having more information is a positive thing, even for the Republicans, Kelly said. As youve seen, there are some that are struggling with this nomination.



Reed acknowledged the growing calls for transparency but didnt say which way he was leaning. Everybody wants to look at it, he said. Thats a decision that has to be made by myself, Sen. Wicker and the White House.

Kaine said that if Reed and Wicker wanted to break with the norm, they would have to go back and renegotiate with the incoming Trump administration.

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Blumenthal, one of the most vocal Democrats on the issue, went further. He said he wants senators involved in all confirmation hearings to see the findings. The FBI report ought to be shared with the entire committee, in fact, with the entire Senate before any vote, he said.

Republicans, too, are weighing in. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), a Trump ally, said simply, Im going to see it.

But some Senate Armed Services Republicans said they want to defer to the committees longstanding tradition and precedent.

I dont think we need to make any special exceptions on any of this, said Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.). If we didnt do it for the Biden administration, we shouldnt do it for the Trump administration.

The background check played a vital role in the 1989 confirmation fight over John Tower, George H. W. Bushs pick for Defense secretary. The FBI report on Tower documented a pattern of alcohol abuse. His nomination was defeated.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A man from Raytown was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday with drug trafficking and firearm charges.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 30-year-old Jauan D. Pratt is being charged with one count of possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing heroin with intent to distribute and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Clay County deputies arrest man with enough fentanyl to kill thousands

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These charges come after Drug Enforcement Agents (DEA) found eight kilograms of fentanyl pills, 15 kilograms of fentanyl powder, along with an Apple AirTag that belonged to Pratt, in a water cooler box in a car in Kansas City on June 8 of 2024, according to an affidavit filed.

Additionally, court records claim that federal agents searched Pratts residence on December 8 of 2024. They found 1,680 grams of methamphetamine, 3,478 grams of fentanyl, a .223 caliber assault rifle with a drum magazine, a 5.56mm assault rifle that had been reported stolen, a FN 57x.223 caliber bull-pup style rifle and a large amount of cash inside the room where Pratt and his child were reportedly sleeping.

Those records show that in other parts of the residence, agents found 1,754 grams of fentanyl, 877 grams of heroin, 35 grams of ecstasy, nine pounds of marijuana, a loaded 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen and a kilogram-size hydraulic brick press.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Baker. It was investigated by the DEA.

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A Reading man is in custody after firing gunshots at police who pursued him as he fled a traffic stop on foot Tuesday evening.

Davius Manuel Ortiz, 22, of the 1300 block of Mineral Spring Road was arraigned Wednesday in front of Berks County District Judge Carissa Johnson on 27 counts, including attempted homicide and attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer.

Ortiz was placed in Berks County Prison in lieu of $1 million bail.

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According to the Berks County District Attorneys Office:

The incident began just after 8 p.m. Tuesday when Reading police officers spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen driving eastbound in the 1200 block of Cotton Street.

The officers attempted to make a traffic stop, but the vehicle turned onto the 400 block of South 13th Street where it stopped and the driver jumped out. The driver, later identified as Ortiz, then fled from the officers, running down a nearby alley.

Ortiz scaled a large fence, and when the officers approached that fence he fired a shot in their direction. No one was struck.

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Ortiz continued to flee down a breezeway, firing additional shots at the pursing officers. None of the shots struck any of the officers.

Ortizs attempted escape was cut off by a locked gate, so he used an unlocked door to enter an unoccupied home in the 1200 block of Cotton Street. Once inside, he shed his shoes, sweatshirt and sweatpants before continuing his flight through a second-floor window.

Ortiz ran westward over the rooftops of several homes, eventually falling to the ground behind a home at 1265 Cotton St. He entered a nearby home through an unlocked basement door, ran upstairs and through the front door onto the 1200 block of Cotton Street.

Reading police officers apprehended him as he exited the home.

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Berks County detectives responded to the scene to investigate. During that investigation they found the handgun Ortiz used, which had an obliterated serial number and had been stashed in a childs bedroom in one of the homes he had entered.

Detective also found a total of seven spent shell casings.

Also during their investigation, detectives determined that two vehicles had been struck by shots that Ortiz had fired. One of those vehicles was occupied, but the person inside was not injured.

No officers discharged their weapon during the incident.

Along with the attempted homicide charges, Ortiz has also been charged with two counts of attempting to cause serious bodily, six counts of aggravated assault, two counts of assault of a law enforcement officers, three counts of recklessly endangering another person, two counts of criminal mischief, two counts of criminal trespass, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest, evading arrest, possession of a firearm by someone from prohibited, carrying a firearm without a license and carrying a firearm with am altered serial number.
Peter Thomas was sentenced to over a year in federal prison this week.

Thomas, who is the ex-husband of a Real Housewives of Atlanta star, pleaded guilty to not paying over $2.5 million in employment taxes for restaurants and nightclubs in Charlotte, Miami, and Baltimore, according to the Department of Justice.

The DoJ says Thomas was also ordered to pay $2,526,131.99 in restitution to the IRS.

PREVIOUS >> Real Housewives stars ex-husband who owned Charlotte clubs charged for not paying taxes

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Prosecutors said Thomas used the money on cash withdrawals, travel, real estate purchases, and retail purchases instead of paying employment taxes.

Thomas formerly owned a couple of bars and lounges in Charlotte, including Club ONE, which used to be near the Music Factory. He was once married to Cynthia Bailey, who has been on the Real Housewives of Atlanta since 2010.

(VIDEO: Man who used friends investment money on Ferrari sentenced to prison)








Today at Buckingham Palace, the royal family gathered for their annual pre-Christmas lunch, hosted by King Charles. But missing from the list of attendees were Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

The reason why the Wales family skipped the pre-Christmas lunch: The family has already left London for the holidays. They are now at their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, and will join the royals next week for Christmas day at Sandringham. Prince William recently revealed they would be celebrating the holiday with 45 family members.

Despite skipping the lunch, the Prince and Princess of Wales did share some festive cheer today, by revealing their annual Christmas card. The photograph included in the greeting was taken this summer and features the family in Norfolk. The image is a still from the video that Kensington Palace released when Kate announced she had finished her chemotherapy treatment. At the time, the Princess of Wales said, "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. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you."

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The Wales family's last appearance as a family of five was earlier this month, at Kate's annual Christmas carol at Westminster Abbey. "Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year," Kate wrote in a letter to guests who attended the service. "It is a time for celebration and joy, but it also gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all. It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness - so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about."

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Back in October, City Council President Jasmine Flores compared trump supporters to the KKK in a Facebook post, angering local Republicans.

Flores, who is Puerto Rican, said that the post was made in response to a comedians remarks at a Trump rally, who called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage.

At Novembers meeting, Trump supporters came to the council chambers on State Street donning their red hats and calling for Flores to step down.

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But at Wednesdays meeting, people showed up in both support and opposition to the council president.

Erie City Co. presidents online post draws attention

Tonight, Im here to bring attention to the fact that we have over half a century of failed democratic policies, said Kimberly Hunter, City of Erie resident.

I wanted to support our council president and acknowledge the service that not only she, but the rest of the council brings to Erie, said Krista Perry, City of Erie resident.

Last month there were a lot of red hats in the audience at the city council meeting, but on Wednesday a new hat was introduced  a Puerto Rican hat. While some in blue hats could be seen, the message between the two hats has been somewhat similar.

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I really want to see everyone working together. I think that message is coming loud and clear through this meeting from everybody who is attending, said Perry.

Diverse Erie sues Brenton Davis for refusing to release over $1 million in ARP funding

Even me being a Republican, I have supported a lot of our great Democrats, but weve got to remember, weve got to look towards the future. Democrats and Republicans need to learn to work together, said Hunter.

Although Wednesdays meeting got loud at some points, people in attendance said it was much calmer than Novembers meeting.

This all happened two months ago and theres been a lot of drama around it. I mean, Ive got teenage daughters, and social media was invented when I was in college and I dont remember such an emotional, dramatic reaction to a facebook post in my time ever using social media, so its kind of a thing that I expected would be over right now, said Chuck Nelson, Erie City Council.

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Before public comment, Flores threatened to have people removed from the council chambers if they did not respect decorum, but while JET 24/FOX 66 reporter Tyler Gallagher was there, no one had to be removed.

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Nearly 2,000 frozen pizzas have been recalled.

The recall was issued due to a possible plastic contaminant.

The pizzas were distributed in three states.

Palermo Villa, Inc. has issued a recall of nearly 2,000 Connies Thin Crust Cheese Frozen Pizzas due to a possible plastic foreign contaminant, according to an alert from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall was first issued on Friday.

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The pizzas were distributed in three states, per the FDA. While the pizzas are no longer available for purchase, they may be in some freezers, given their long shelf life. Heres what you need to know about this recall, plus what to do if you have one of the impacted pizzas at home.

Meet the experts: Darin Detwiler, L.P.D., is an associate teaching professor of food policy at Northeastern University and author of Food Safety: Past, Present, and Predictions; Ellen Shumaker, Ph.D., is a food safety expert and director of outreach for the Safe Plates program at North Carolina State University; Wade Syers, D.Soc.Sci., a statewide Michigan State University Extension Food Safety Specialist.

Frozen pizza recall details

The impacted frozen pizzas were distributed in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, according to the FDA. The recalled pizzas have an expiration date of November 27 and are no longer available for purchase. The recall was issued out of an abundance of caution in the event that a product remains in a consumers freezer, says Rebecca Schimke, a spokesperson for Palermo Villa Inc.

The pizzas all have the item number 19104, lot number MR199856, GTIN 007570619104, and establishment number 13410325396.

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The FDA has photos of the impacted pizza online, in case youre unsure if your frozen pizza is part of the recall.

No illnesses or reactions have been reported linked to the recall, and its not clear how the contamination was discovered.

How does plastic end up in frozen pizza?

The recall alert did not specify how plastic ended up in the frozen pizza. But plastic can end up in foods a few different ways, according to Darin Detwiler, L.P.D., an associate teaching professor of food policy at Northeastern University and author of Food Safety: Past, Present, and Predictions.

Plastic contamination often starts on the production line, he says. Equipment used to prepare and package food can sometimes break down, shedding fragments of plastic. Plastic pieces can break off from equipment during any portion of the manufacturing process, says food safety expert Ellen Shumaker, Ph.D., director of outreach for the Safe Plates program at North Carolina State University. That includes the mixing of dough, rolling, cutting, or the addition of toppings, she says.

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But food handling gloves worn by workers can also tear, causing small pieces of plastic to end up in the product, Detwiler says. In some cases, packaging errors or mishandling during the manufacturing process can result in pieces of plastic finding their way into food products, he adds.

But food-handling gloves are usually the most common cause of contamination. Poor-quality gloves that tear easily are a common culprit in cases like this, Detwiler says. If workers fail to notice a tear or replace gloves regularly, fragments can mix into the food undetected.

Why is this dangerous?

There are a few potential concerns with plastic ending up in food. Plastic in food can cause choking, as well as the potential for internal injury and digestive blockage, Shumaker says. They can even damage the teeth and cause choking, says Wade Syers, D.Soc.Sci., a statewide Michigan State University Extension Food Safety Specialist. In the most extreme cases, it can even cause death, he adds.

There is also a concern for what that plastic may contain, Detwiler says. If contaminants such as pathogens, allergens, chemicals, mold, etc. are introduced, they can pose serious health risks such as foodborne illnesses, he says. Food companies have a legal and ethical responsibility to prevent such issues, protecting consumers from any and all dangers in their products.

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Despite potential health issues linked to plastic contamination, Detwiler says this isnt rare. The FDA frequently recalls food products for foreign material contamination, including plastic, glass, and metal, he says. Such issues rank among the top 10 reasons for food recalls in the United States. Between 2017 and 2021, physical hazards like these accounted for up to 15% of all recalls.

Its possible to pass smaller pieces of plastic through the digestive system, but larger or sharper fragments can cause choking or injuries to the mouth, throat, or stomach, Detwiler points out.

What to do if you have the recalled pizza at home

If you have the recalled frozen pizza at home, the FDA is requesting that you do not eat it and throw it out or return it to where you purchased the pizza for a refund.

If you have a frozen pizza from Palermo Villa Inc. or Connies with a different lot number, its considered safe to eat.

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If you have questions or concerns about the recall, the FDA recommends contacting Palermos consumer service at 1-888-571-7181.

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Do you recognize this man?

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A Statewide Endangered Missing Adult has been issued for a missing 67-year-old Warren County man, according to the Ohio Attorney Generals Office.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Ricky Stewart, 67, drove away from his residence on Fairway Drive in Springboro Wednesday night at around 8 p.m. and has not returned.

He suffers from memory issues and police are concerned for his safety.

Stewart is five feet, 11 inches tall, weighs 205 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes.

He drove in a grey 2020 Honda Ridgeline with the Ohio plate number JIY8575.

Please call 911 or the Warren County 911 Communications Center at (513) 695-1574 if you see him.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced more than 56,000 Michigan students have benefitted from no or reduced-cost tuition through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship program this fall.

The office of Gov. Whitmer says the scholarship saves Michigan students and their families over $131.5 million this year, an average of $2,345 per student.

This fall, we lowered the cost of college by thousands of dollars for 56,100 Michigan students with the bipartisan Michigan Achievement Scholarship, said Governor Whitmer in a news release.

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By lowering costs and easing the burden of college debt, we are opening doors of opportunity for students so they can chase their dreams right here in Michigan. I will work with anyone to help even more young people make it in Michigan by continuing to lower the cost of community, private, and public college.

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship program expanded with the Community College Guarantee, which allows students to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skill certificate and/ or start working towards a bachelors degree.

MiLEAP is pleased with the progress we are making to support students on their postsecondary educational journeys, which is critical to the future of our state, said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP.

$10M grant for Michigan high school seniors

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We believe that every student should have access to the lifelong educational opportunities they need, and we are focused on providing the resources and support they need to succeed. Thanks to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, we are saving students and their families an average of nearly $2,345 and empowering them to thrive for years to come.

Table: Students Receiving the Michigan Achievement Scholarship at Community Colleges, Private Colleges, and Public Universities in Fall 2023 Compared to Fall 2024

Fall Semester 2023 Fall Semester 2024 Increase in Participation (#) Increase in Participation (%) Community College 5,433 15,829 10,396 191.3% Private Colleges and Universities 3,438 6,821 3,383 98.4% Public Universities 16,562 33,449 16,887 102.0% Statewide Totals 25,433 56,099 30,666 120.6%

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Starting December 19, 2024, some Reed College students will be able to attend the Southeast Portland school tuition-free.

On Thursday, Reed College announced the launch of the Reed Promise program, offering tuition-free education for newly admitted students from Oregon and Washington from families who earn under $100,000 per year. Transfer students from the United States are also eligible for the program.

According to the school, the program aims to increase access to higher education in the Pacific Northwest.

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LIST: These new Oregon laws will take effect in January 2025

Our graduates leave Reed College ready to make significant contributions to society by tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our world, said Reed College President Audrey Bilger. I am excited to implement this initiative that will allow even more students to access Reeds multidisciplinary academic program and join our vibrant community.

In addition to the Reed Promise, the school noted it will also continue other aid programs to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students for all four years.

Reed College has long believed that our student aid program ensured access to the best educational experience higher education can offer, said Milyon Trulove, Reed College Vice President and Dean of Admission & Financial Aid. I am excited to offer this financial promise to our prospective students in the Pacific Northwest and transfer students from around the country.

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BOULDER, Colo. (KDVR)  It has been 12 years since Colorado became one of the first U.S. states to legalize recreational cannabis, but the University of Colorado Boulder says law enforcement still does not have a reliable method for detecting whether someone consumed cannabis recently and whether they are too impaired to drive.

We didnt really have clear questions in terms of, How are we going to enforce this? How are we going to manage public safety? What is impairment from cannabis look like behind the wheel?' said Cinnamon Bidwell, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience. And so were really still building those blocks and trying to answer those research questions.

Fort Collins founder of illegal pyramid scheme that netted over $23M sentenced

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Researchers at CU Boulder and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology are working together using a laboratory on wheels called the Cannavan, chemistry and a breath-collection device to map out a cannabis high in real-time.

When were talking about cannabis being metabolized and being present in biomarkers either blood or breath, were talking about very, very low levels even after recent use, Bidwell said.

This is why CU Boulder is studying 45 regular cannabis users in an effort to lead to standardized protocols for measuring impairment at the roadside and inform the development of a new generation of cannabis breathalyzers.

The idea of being able to detect that through breath or roadside just looks very different, Bidwell said. Its more like a needle in the haystack when you have tiny, tiny amounts to detect versus alcohol, its much more robust and much more standardized in terms of the higher levels.

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Currently, law enforcement does not use a breathalyzer to measure tetrahydrocannabinol, only alcohol. Bidwell said there are some that exist, but it is unclear if they are reliable. This is why Bidwell said there are more questions that need to be answered and studies that need to be done.

The question is, is there a time course where we see an increase and then a time that goes down? Were also taking multiple measures pre-use. So, is there kind of a stable point at which prior to use, even regular users are kind of falling under a certain threshold? So, we can start to answer sort of the viability of the cannabis as a breathalyzer, Bidwell said.

Colorado legislator introduces federal bill to protect cyclists, motorcyclists

The Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office said something like this could be a useful tool for officers to use.

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The Colorado Task Force in Drunk and Impaired Driving every year recommends the legislature take a look at them, but we dont ever want officers making arrests based on devices, said Glenn Davis, Highway Safety Manager. Its based on their observations and Colorado law enforcement has been making arrests for DUI way before these devices are ever, ever invented.

The Colorado State Patrol said when troopers are conducting traffic enforcement, they are on the lookout for impairment first, not necessarily what is impairing the driver.

When an investigator is out with someone they believe to be impaired, we run a series of tests with that person which can include anything from things that will divide their attention to see if theyre able to focus on a task, while also dividing their attention to something else while were speaking with them, said Trooper Gabriel Moltrer with CSP.

Davis said after that point, that is when the officer can decide whether to make an arrest or not.

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The officer bases his arrest on what he has seen in the totality, he said.

Law enforcement can use a preliminary breath-testing device at the roadside which tells the amount of alcohol in the persons system, but he said the arrest is based on the driving and the impairment.

Suspect arrested in crash that killed 3, including 2 CDOT workers

Were an equal opportunity arrester, Davis said. We will take anybody off the roadway thats impaired by anything. However, other drugs other than alcohol and cannabis show different indicia and different manifestations at the point of contact.

If the breath test does not show any alcohol in the persons system, then the officer may have the person take a blood test if their level of impairment is inconsistent with those results. A blood test would show everything in that persons system, which could give law enforcement an idea of what is impairing them.

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The statute defines the impairing substance of cannabis be Delta 9 THC. Delta 9 THC is short-lasting. So if that shows in there, thats an indicator that that was causing the impairment. But if its a cannabinoid from previous use, that just shows use and not impairment, Davis said.

However, researchers at CU Boulder said THC lingers in tissues, making it hard to discern with blood or breath whether someone used it an hour ago or last week.

With alcohol, researchers said there is a clearly established blood alcohol concentration above which someone is considered impaired, which is 0.08% in Colorado. Because there is no clear correlation between more THC in blood and breath and greater intoxication, there is no BAC equivalent for cannabis testing, which is an argument researchers are using for this study.

Most US teens are abstaining from drinking, smoking and marijuana, survey says

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Researchers said this could leave the door open for someone to be wrongfully accused of driving under the influence. But, law enforcement said at the end of the day, arrests are based mostly on observation.

Maybe for the unskilled, but we really believe in making our officers very skilled and picking up that initiative, Davis said. Because I think everybodys seen somebody thats impaired and they dont need to do a real complex investigation or have a device with them. Its nice, but its, its old time, old school police work.

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AVON LAKE, Ohio (WJW)  The final implosion of the old Avon Lake Power Plant is complete.

As part of a controlled demolition, the implosion took place shortly after 5:30 a.m. Thursday. Those in the area reported being able to hear windows rattle.

Mega Millions ticket in Ohio wins quadrupled prize!

You can watch FOX 8 coverage in the video player above and see the moment a giant fireball took down the former plant in the video clip below:

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Officials previously said asbestos was completely removed from the building, but residents were told to expect to see dust for at least 15 minutes after the blast.

Residents were asked to remain indoors and close all windows and doors during the implosion.

Deborah Morrow sent FOX 8 video from inside her home as the plant came down.

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According to the City of Avon Lake, The Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group, or ALERG, will continue to monitor all environmental conditions to determine the safest course of action.

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You can view a slideshow showing the implosion below:

The demolition of the Avon Lake Power Plant originally began in July. Workers set up a 1,200-foot perimeter around the facility at the time and environmental experts were on-site monitoring air quality before, during and after the demolition.

ALERG says it plans to redevelop the land so Avon Lake residents have more and better access to Lake Erie once the site is fully demolished.

The power plant, built in 1926 by Cleveland Electric Illuminating, was the largest of its kind at the time, according to Cleveland Historical Records.

Woman dies trying to save dog from icy pond

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Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts at www.AvonLake.org/Alert, or by calling City Hall at 440-933-6141. Paper forms are also available at Avon Lake City Hall and Avon Lake Public Library. ALERG has established a toll-free hotline for residents with questions or concerns about the demolition: 1-844-822-8385.

For more details about the final implosion, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
The case of the Turkish heroin-smuggling kingpin who cannot be deported because it would infringe on his human rights tells us who the real political extremists are in Britain.

And it is not Nigel Farage and his Reform party, or Tories such as Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick who have long campaigned to take Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights and the jurisdiction of its supervisory court in Strasbourg.

Rather, it is the entire political and legal establishment who sustain an arrangement whereby the unreasonable demands of hardened criminals  often foreign national criminals  are routinely elevated above right of the law-abiding public to live safely.

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There is literally nothing good to be said about the 70-year-old Kurdish drug-dealer at the centre of the latest ECHR furore, or even a persuasive mitigating circumstance. He is believed to have at one time been head of a gang responsible for 90 per cent of the UK heroin trade  complicit therefore in all the death and misery associated with it.

His claim that deporting him would be in breach of his right to a family life  upheld by an immigration tribunal  hardly sits easily with the long-term extra-marital affair he was having with a woman in Turkey. His claim that he could be persecuted back in Turkey over his Kurdish ethnicity hardly tallies either with his frequent and voluntary trips back home to that country. And yet the tribunal which found in his favour also cited a risk of persecution on those grounds.

This is a truly mad situation which illustrates just how far judicial political activism has perverted the laudable founding aims of the authors of the European Convention and how it has become incompatible with the modern era of mass human transit across borders.

It is not only the Convention and the jurisdiction of its court which need withdrawing from  the Human Rights Act which codifies it in British law clearly needs unwinding too. And Britain must also cut itself free from a thicket of other obsolete and onerous international compacts being misused by open-borders extremists. It was notable, for instance, that the UN Refugee Agency supported this scumbags case.

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That is the sensible and obvious political response so that illegal immigrants and foreign criminals can be removed from our increasingly anxious and fractured society. We are about to see a newly-elected US administration start removing illegals by the tens of thousands, advertising to European voters what can be done in countries that have national legal sovereignty  just as Australia did a generation ago.

With the radical right having won elections in Italy and the Netherlands over the past two years, it should be obvious to establishment politicians everywhere that if they keep showing they cannot secure the basic national interest then they will be swept aside. No wonder centrist politicians in Germany are now questioning the operation of the ECHR, with elections coming up there in February.

Yet in Britain we are led by a government which has said it will not withdraw from the European Convention or its court under any circumstances. The European human rights framework could inflict a thousand more cases where dangerous foreign criminals win the right to continue living among us and Keir Starmer would still bend the knee to it.

Not only are there 400 Labour MPs who will back him all the way, but dozens of other progressive parliamentarians representing the Lib Dems, Celtic nationalists and Greens feel the same way.

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We know what Farage and his Reform grouplet of MPs would do. After all, Farage has referred to departure from the ECHR as Brexit 2.0. But at a moment when radical change is in the air across the western world, the Tory party merely has a holding statement to offer. They are doing a review and will come back to us with their findings a couple of years down the line.

Kemi Badenoch, with her logical engineer brain, says she intends to present us in due course with a fully worked-out proposal for reasserting national control of borders. But in the meantime, that leaves the whole campaigning field wide open for Reform. It will also stoke suspicions that Mrs Badenoch is prioritising keeping the One Nation caucus of Tory MPs onside.

That bunch already told us, during the legislative grappling over the ill-fated Rwanda plan, that they would not countenance ECHR withdrawal. Their then spokesman, Matt Warman, warned a year ago that over-riding the ECHR would be a red line for them.

Mr Warman lost his supposedly impregnable Boston & Skegness seat to Reforms Richard Tice in July, suffering one of the biggest swings against him ever recorded in a British general election. Those of his colleagues who made it back to Westminster after the bloodbath need to understand that the time for fence-sitting on this issue is long gone.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  An integral and beloved part of Savannah government, former Alderman Clifton Jones Jr. has passed away, but his legacy will always remain.

A kind soul and someone who always stood up for what he believed in and for his community is how colleagues, friends, and mentees describe former Alderman Jones.

He served four consecutive terms while representing the 5th District for 16 years on City Council which is how the former Alderman will be remembered. But before he was an Alderman, he was a community leader.

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He served for 26 years as the Neighborhood Association President, explained mentee and Alderwoman Estella Shabazz. He took those morals, lessons and experiences with him to take care of the people of Liberty City, Rich Field and south over into serving the entire 5th District.

Among his many other accomplishments as an alderman hes largely known for advocating for the streets of Liberty City to be paved-after residents complained for years about the aftermath of storms in the area with dirt roads.

The Liberty City Improvement Association led a real movement to get the streets paved in Liberty City, and they were successful, and then he went on from that kind of effort. He and his wife into city government, and he was always an advocate for those areas that were less fortunate or underdeveloped, 64th Mayor of Savannah Otis Johnson said.

His former mentee shared how he shaped her to take over the district that he once served and how he stressed the importance of knowing who she served.

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Dr. Estella Shabazz described the late alderman as, A responsible alderman, he was responsible for taking ownership of his actions and what was voiced to him from the community and taking it back down to city hall. That was one of the lessons that I learned from Alderman Jones, that I was the representative of the people.

Alderman Jones had a significant impact, and we will keep you updated as we learn how you can pay your respects.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, the gay Democrat who chairs the Congressional Equality Caucus, had a sharp response to his disgraced ex-colleague Matt Gaetz, who baselessly claimed that the teenage girl who shot students and teachers at a school in Pocans district was transgender.

Natalie Rupnow, 15, who went by Samantha, killed a student and a teacher at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., Monday. Rupnow died as well, of a gunshot wound that was apparently self-inflicted. Six others were wounded in the shooting.

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Several right-wing social media users suggested, without evidence, that Rupnow was trans. Gaetz joined in after Chaya Raichik of the far-right Libs of TikTok posted a statement from President Joe Biden on X, formerly Twitter, in which Biden called for additional gun safety legislation in light of the shooting. Raichik said Biden wanted gun control, and Gaetz shared her post with the comment What about trans control instead?

Pocan then shared Gaetzs post and commented, To all the idiots who claimed the shooter was trans with no information whatsoever to believe that, f**k off. Your ignorance speaks volumes. Your hate is consuming your brains (or whats left of them).

 (@)

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said at a Monday press conference that he doesnt know about Rupnows gender identity and that it doesnt matter. What happened today has nothing to do with how she or he or they may have wanted to identify, and I wish people would leave their own personal biases out of this, Barnes said. White cisgender men make up the majority of mass shooters.

Gaetz, a Republican who represented a U.S. House district in Florida, recently left Congress under a cloud. He resigned in November just as the House Ethics Committee was about to release the results of its investigation into allegations that Gaetz had used illegal drugs and had sex with a minor. He had hoped to avoid release of the report, but Wednesday the Ethics Committee voted to make it public, reversing an earlier decision, sources told NBC News.

Shortly after his resignation, Gaetz withdrew from consideration for attorney general in the incoming Donald Trump administration. Trumps nomination of Gaetz, one of his closest allies, drew criticism not only for the sex and drug allegations but for Gaetzs extremist views and lack of qualifications for the job.
Dec. 18U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is quietly preparing to run to be New Mexico's next governor, according to news reports this week, fueling speculation about a potential high-profile Democratic primary matchup between her and the state's senior U.S. senator.

Sen. Martin Heinrich's political future has been the subject of speculation amid talk for the last year that he is also mulling a run for governor in 2026. Neither Heinrich, who was reelected to the Senate in November, nor Haaland, who will leave her post as interior secretary in January when President-elect Donald Trump takes office, has officially announced their candidacy.

With Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham prevented by term limits from running again, the intrigue will ramp up in the new year as people listen for potential announcements. To date, no Republicans have announced campaigns, either.

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"This has been one of the worst-kept secrets in the political community in recent months," said Joe Monahan, who authors a popular blog about New Mexico politics. "Haaland has made it clear that she is just about all in on the race, and Heinrich is not as determined at this point to enter the race is my read.

"That will be the suspense here in the next several months as to whether or not he gets in," Monahan continued. "She's going to be getting in."

Interior Department spokeswoman Melissa Schwartz declined to comment. A spokesperson for Heinrich told The New Mexican on Wednesday he is "considering" running for governor. In an emailed statement, Heinrich's office said he "has always prioritized what's best for New Mexico, and that will continue to guide his work moving forward."

Stansbury: Haaland would be 'historic governor'

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The news website Axios reported this week that once President Joe Biden's term ends at noon Jan. 20, Haaland's allies are preparing for her to formalize her candidacy, reporting she "can't make any official moves to run as a sitting member of President Biden's Cabinet." Citing three people familiar with her plans, E&E News Politico published a similar article Wednesday, reporting she has been in discussions with political operatives in New Mexico about a gubernatorial run.

"If Deb Haaland does indeed decide to get into the governor's race, she is poised to be a historic governor, not just for New Mexico but nationally," said U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, who currently represents the 1st Congressional District, which Haaland represented before becoming Interior Secretary. "If she was to win the governorship, she would be the first woman Native American governor in American history. ... She really is an extraordinary leader and would make, I think, an amazing governor."

Stansbury said she has read about speculation about Heinrich running for governor in the national and local press.

"Personally, I have not had a conversation with him, so I don't know to what extent he is [considering running]," she said.

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Stansbury said she is "excited" about Heinrich's reelection to the U.S. Senate in November and that he was recently named ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Stansbury ran for the equivalent post on the House Natural Resources Committee but lost out to Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly.

"There is literally no other person in Congress better positioned to be the chairman of that committee than Senator Heinrich," Stansbury said. "Whatever he takes on, I'm sure he'll do an exceptional job."

'They're both very popular'

The 2026 governor's race still has plenty of time to take shape, but followers of New Mexico politics will be watching closely for campaign announcements next year.

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"They're both very popular," U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, another New Mexico Democrat, told Axios, noting Heinrich outperformed Vice President Kamala Harris by several points in November. "... Martin is going to come at this with resources, but Deb has a strong base with people back home. When Deb runs, Deb wins, she finds a way to win."

The Democratic Party has held the governor's mansion in blue-leaning New Mexico since Lujan Grisham was first elected in 2018. Monahan thinks Haaland would have the edge in a primary contest against Heinrich because of "her progressive identity.

"The progressives have essentially been in charge of the Democratic Party in the last several cycles, as we've seen in the legislative results and in other elected offices," he said.

However, Monahan said Democrats might try to avoid a contentious primary that would see the party "become a very bloody battleground for power in 2026."

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"If the other foot drops and you get Heinrich and Haaland in a debate in a primary, that will be one of the more significant Democratic primaries in modern New Mexico politics because those are two heavyweight factors," said Monahan.

GOP blasts both Heinrich, Haaland

Republican Party of New Mexico Chair Amy Barela criticized both Heinrich and Haaland, as well as Democratic leadership in the state overall, in an email.

"New Mexicans can see the consequences of a Democratic Governor's leadership: the lowest-ranked education system in the nation, rising crime rates, a healthcare shortage, and an outright refusal to help President Trump in securing the border and deporting criminals and cartels," Barela wrote.

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"Whether it's Deb Haaland or Martin Heinrich, both will push radical climate agendas that threaten New Mexico's leading industry and continue the same failed policies that will not improve the lives of struggling families," she continued.

Asked about potential GOP candidates for governor, Barela wrote the party "will not get ahead of any announcements at this time." However, she noted many counties in the state got redder in the 2024 election.

"A Republican governor will bring balance to New Mexico," Barela wrote. "Currently, one party dominates decision-making, creating an echo chamber with policies that lean too far left and are out of touch with the average New Mexican. On issues like crime, the border, the budget, and parental rights, we need a governor who will steer policies back to the middle and towards common sense."
There has been a 269% increase in reported laser strikes on planes in New Jersey this month compared to the same period last year, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, as authorities are warning people not to point lasers or shoot at aircraft they believe are drones amid a recent rash of reported sightings in Northeastern states.

The FAA said it has received "dozens of new laser reports" from pilots in airspace spanning New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania -- with laser strikes in New Jersey in particular up "significantly" in December.

There were 59 laser incidents reported by pilots between Dec. 1 and 16, according to the FAA. That compares to 16 over the same period last year, according to the FAA. There were even fewer reports in 2022 and 2021 during the same period, FAA data shows.

PHOTO: A DHL cargo plane is illuminated by the rising sun as it flies past the moon on July 26, 2024, over Jersey City, N.J. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)

"Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety hazard and a violation of federal law," the FAA said in a statement.

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When lasers are pointed into a cockpit, they fill the cockpit with the green light, which can cause temporary blindness for the pilots.

Earlier this week, authorities in New Jersey this week warned the public against dangerously taking drone matters into their own hands by pointing lasers at manned aircraft or shooting down suspected unmanned aircraft.

There has been an increase in pilots "being hit in the eyes with lasers because people on the ground think they see an Unmanned Aircraft Systems," the FBI in Newark and New Jersey State Police said Monday.

"We're also concerned people will take matters into their own hands and fire a weapon at an aircraft," FBI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson Delgado said in a video message released on Monday. "Not only is this act against the law, but it poses an incredible danger to the pilots and passengers on those aircraft."

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MORE: Drone updates: Authorities warn people about taking matters into their own hands

Dozens of agencies have been out daily to find answers and track down any operators acting "illegally or with nefarious intent," the FBI office said.

"However, there could be dangerous and possibly deadly consequences if manned aircraft are targeted mistakenly as UAS," the agency said.

PHOTO: In this image taken from video, what appears to be drones flying over Randolph, N.J., Dec. 4, 2024. (AP)

Drone sightings have been reported in New Jersey and nearby statements for weeks, leading to concern from residents and speculation online. Local officials have demanded more information from the federal government on the activity.

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The thousands of drone sightings reported over the last month in Northeastern states don't appear to be "anything anomalous," nor do they present a national security or public safety risk, federal officials said in a multiagency statement late Monday.

The FBI has received more than 5,000 tips in the last few weeks about drone sightings in New Jersey and other states, said the statement, which was released jointly by the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense.

Those tips have resulted in about 100 leads, with federal investigators supporting state and local officials.

"Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones," the joint statement said.

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MORE: Drone updates: No national security risk found after 5,000 tips, FBI and other federal agencies say

President Joe Biden addressed the recent drone sightings in remarks to reporters at the White House on Tuesday night, saying there is "nothing nefarious, apparently, but they're checking it all out."

"We're following this closely. So far no sense of danger," he added.

Several members of the House Intelligence Committee who attended a nearly three-hour classified briefing on Tuesday about the drone sightings also said they were informed the aircraft flying over the tristate area are not "nefarious" or operated by either the American government or foreign actors.

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Government officials insisted most of the activity is "manned aircraft," Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., told reporters.

National security spokesman John Kirby told George Stephanopoulos on "Good Morning America" on Tuesday that the federal government continues to be "honest and transparent with the American people" about the unexplained drone activity happening along the East Coast.

"After days of going through the various tips, days of looking at analysis, days of increasing our detection capabilities, including visual observers on the ground, we assessed that these drones, these aircraft people are seeing are a mix of law enforcement drones, commercial drones and hobbyists. We continue to see nothing that indicates a public safety risk or national security risk," Kirby said.

Kirby offered a few explanations for why people may be seeing more drones in recent weeks, including simply that there are "an awful lot of drones in the sky."

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"There are 1 million drones registered with the FAA here in the United States. Thousands upon thousands fly in our skies legally and lawfully every single day doing all kinds of good things for the public good. The Northeast corridor is one of the busiest," he said.

ABC News' Pierre Thomas, Kevin Shalvey, Lauren Peller, Arthur Jones II and Isabella Murray contributed to this report.

Reports of laser strikes on pilots up 269% in New Jersey over last year: FAA originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Reproductive health advocates expect President-elect Trump to reinstate a rule that weakened the countrys sole federally funded family planning program during his first term once he returns to office next year.

The Title X Family Planning Program, which makes it easier for millions of low-income Americans to access reproductive services like birth control, emergency contraception and abortion referrals, is still grappling with the impact of restrictions imposed by the first Trump administration five years ago.

In 2019, the administration issued a rule that barred providers receiving Title X funds from mentioning abortion or providing abortions and stipulated that program recipients had to be physically separated from any abortion activity.

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Before the rule, Title X funds helped support roughly 4,000 clinics across the country that offered family planning services to 3.9 million low-income or uninsured Americans, according to health policy research nonprofit KFF.

The rule forced 1,000 clinics to withdraw from the program, leaving six states  Hawaii, Maine, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington  without any Title X-funded services in 2020, according to a report from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Population Affairs.

These closures, along with the restriction on movement that came during the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced the number of people served by the program to 1.5 million by 2020.

Most of those who went without care as a result were likely uninsured, according to Power to Decide, a nonprofit organization that works to end unplanned pregnancy.

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President Bidens administration quickly reversed those regulations after he was elected in 2020, but the program and the number of people it serves have yet to bounce back.

Reproductive health advocates told The Hill they anticipate Trump will try to reinstate the rule earlier in his second term than he first issued it during his first time in office, most likely within less than 12 weeks after he resumes power on Inauguration Day.

Uninsured Americans would be hit especially hard by the rules potential return, advocates stress, noting that services provided through clinics with Title X funding are particularly essential for such patients, who might receive their only medical care for the whole year during those visits.

Taking away those family planning services and critical public health services from people who cant afford it otherwise means that they are going to go without and that is unconscionable, said Brigitte Amiri, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union Reproductive Freedom Project.

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Maine Family Planning, a nonprofit that offers reproductive health care, was one of the clinic networks forced to leave the Title X program in 2019. George Hill, the organizations president and CEO, told The Hill it did not need to shut down clinics, but leadership had to scramble to find new funding sources to replace the 25 percent revenue it lost from leaving the program.

Hill is concerned that a reinstatement of the rule  and the cost of the legal battle that would come with it  could place the networks rural clinics in a vulnerable position or make it harder to provide new mobile medical services to home-bound Mainers.

Advocates point to Project 2025  a conservative policy blueprint spearhead by the Heritage Foundation  as evidence that the future of Title X is in jeopardy.

The project calls for the reinstatement of the 2019 rule in addition to asking Congress to complement it by passing legislation that would ban family planning grants from going to entities that perform abortions or provide funding to other abortion providers.

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One such bill is the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, which was introduced in 2021 by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) but has since sat in a Senate committee.

Project 2025 also calls on the federal government to eliminate religious discrimination in the grant selection process in the Title X program and to guarantee the right of conscience and religious freedom of health care workers and participants in the program.

Trump sought to distance himself from Project 2025 during the campaign, saying he had nothing to do with the proposal. A number of its authors served in his first administration, however, and since his reelection he has tapped multiple people tied to it to staff his forthcoming one.

Clare Coleman, president and CEO of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, believes that any new rule issued by the Trump administration to reinstate the 2019 regulations will seek to further restrict access to sexual and reproductive health care.

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She told The Hill, for instance, that she is worried a new rule would also require Title X program recipients to receive parental notice or consent before offering services to minors.

This is the case in Texas, where the states 156 Title X recipients were mandated to get parental consent before serving teens in a March ruling. Texas is one of a handful of states that requires parental consent before a teenager can receive birth control, but the Title X program offered an exception to that rule.

Before the March ruling, Title X clinics in Texas could provide contraception to minors without their parents knowledge and regardless of income or immigration status.

The decision came after a years-long legal battle that involved a federal lawsuit from the Biden administration arguing that Title X regulations overruled Texas law. Earlier this year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) sued the Biden administration arguing that Title X could not preempt the states parental consent laws.

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Coleman also worries that a new rule could bar counseling on abortion, impose even stricter physical separation requirements on facilities that provide abortion care with non-Title X funds or bar any entity that funds an abortion provider from being part of the program.

A lot of state governments fund abortion providers in their Title X programs, she said. So, this would affect nonprofits and state agencies.

Another possibility, she fears, is that a new rule would designate some emergency contraception like IUDs as capable of causing an abortion and seek to disqualify them from program coverage.

There is also a concern that a new rule would work to further stigmatize people who are transgender or gender-nonbinary, for example, by requiring that Title X program recipients can only treat people with regard to their biological sex, Coleman added.

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Some clinics that use Title X funds, like Maine Family Planning, provide LGBTQ patients with gender-affirming care.

Ultimately, though, reinstating a version of the 2019 rule is a means to make it difficult for disfavored providers like Planned Parenthood to withdraw from the program and make it easier for favored providers to join, advocates say.

Some of those favored providers are religiously affiliated health systems, like Catholic-run hospitals and health systems, or other health systems that are ideologically opposed to abortion, like Obria and crisis pregnancy centers.

Updated at 10:37 a.m. EST

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NC Supreme Court (File photo)

Republican Appeals Court Judge Jefferson Griffin asked the state Supreme Court on Wednesday to do what the state Board of Elections would not  throw out tens of thousands of votes on the belief that canceling them will elevate him to a seat on the same tribunal.

Griffin is seeking to toss more than 60,000 votes in his effort to unseat Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs, the incumbent Democrat. Griffin is losing by 734 votes out of about 5.5 million cast.

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The Board of Elections rejected his requests last week, with most of those votes falling along party lines with Democrats in the majority.

The Board has not yet certified the results, and Griffin wants the Supreme Court to step in before it does. He asks the court to decide before Monday.

Griffin wants to throw out ballots of more than 60,000 voters he claims did not supply a drivers license number or partial Social Security number on their registration applications. Republican lawyers in the case claim these voters are not legally registered. Many of those voters have been registered and voting for decades.

Thousands of such ballots were unlawfully cast in the election, Griffins court filing says. Judge Griffin anticipates that, if these unlawful ballots are excluded, he will win the election.

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Earlier this year, a federal judge partially dismissed a Republican National Committee and NC GOP lawsuit based on this argument. Republicans were seeking to purge 225,000 voters from the rolls, or have the court force them to vote provisional ballots.

The Boards order says that just because the numbers did not show up in the registration database doesnt mean that the voter did not supply them.

Moreover, state law allows voters without these numbers to register, the order says.

Griffin also wanted the Board to throw out votes by overseas voters who have never lived in North Carolina but whose parents last lived in the state. A state law passed more than a decade ago allows these voters to cast absentee ballots. State courts rejected a Republican Party lawsuit that sought to prevent the state from accepting these ballots.

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In the Boards one unanimous vote against Griffin, it said it would not reject military and civilian overseas ballots because those voters did not include photo ID. The Boards own rule says those voters do not have to submit photos with their ballots.

Griffin faces a Monday deadline for filing an appeal of the State Boards decision in Superior Court. The State Board would move the case to federal court, Griffins Wednesday Supreme Court filing said, and he wants to avoid that.

A full count of ballots and a machine recount showed Griffin lost by 734 votes. Griffin was still behind after a statewide hand recount of 3% of Election Day precincts and early voting sites, so he did not qualify for a full statewide hand recount.

Democrats want to win a majority on the state Supreme Court by 2031 and holding Riggs seat is the first step toward achieving that goal. Republicans now hold a 5-2 majority on the court.

Corrected at 2 pm, Dec. 19 to remove reference to the State Board of Elections general counsel.
House Freedom Caucus member Chip Roy has no intentions of backing down after Donald Trump personally singled him out in a threat to get with the program on the spending bill.



The president-elect cut through an unusually quiet day from him to directly attack the Republican representative, suggesting he could be primaried next if he doesnt fall in line.

The very unpopular Congressman from Texas, Chip Roy, is getting in the way, as usual, of having yet another Great Republican VictoryAll for the sake of some cheap publicity for himself. Republican obstructionists have to be done away with. The Democrats are using them, and we cant let that happen, Trump wrote on TruthSocial. Weak and ineffective people like Chip have to be dismissed as being utterly unknowledgeable as to the ways of politics, and as to Making America Great Again.



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Chip Roy is just another ambitious guy, with no talent. By the way, hows Bob Good doing? he continued in another post, referencing the Republican representative from Virginia who Trump helped oust in the primaries. I hope some talented challengers are getting ready in the Great State of Texas to go after Chip in the Primary. He wont have a chance!

Roy likely became Trumps target of the day after being unsatisfied with how far the spending cuts went in the last spending bill. But despite Trumps direct threat, Roy held his ground in a message directed to the president.

My position is simpleI am not going to raise or suspend the debt ceiling (racking up more debt) without significant & real spending cuts attached to it, Roy wrote on X. Ive been negotiating to that end. No apologies. CC: @realDonaldTrump @SpeakerJohnson @SenJohnThune @freedomcaucus.

Trump on Thursday suggested outright abolishing the countrys debt ceiling, something that clearly makes the conservative Roy uncomfortable. On Tuesday, Roy introduced the DOGE Act to further cut federal spending on nonmilitary programs.



Were working right now on how to actually cut spending, which is what the voters sent me to Washington to do. So thats what were working on, Roy told the media when asked about Trumps threat.


Republicans in Congress withdrew a spending bill after pressure from Elon Musk.

The bill aimed to keep the government funded through mid-March.

President-elect Donald Trump had also called on Republicans to renegotiate the bill.

Congressional Republicans scrapped a last-minute spending bill that would have kept the government funded through mid-March after a pressure campaign from Elon Musk.

CNN and The Washington Post earlier reported the bill had been killed.

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Earlier on Wednesday, Musk wrote in an X post: "Your elected representatives have heard you, and now the terrible bill is dead. The voice of the people has triumphed!"

The bipartisan bill was backed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had said he spoke Tuesday with Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy about their criticisms of the bill. Musk and Ramaswamy are set to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, which is intended to serve as an advisory group to the Trump administration focused on cutting government spending.

In a post on X, Musk endorsed the idea of shutting down the government until January 20, the day of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

Shortly after Musk's post, Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance issued a statement calling on Republicans to renegotiate the bill.

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Trump threatened Republican lawmakers, saying those who failed to fall in line would face political consequences.

"If Republicans try to pass a clean Continuing Resolution without all of the Democrat 'bells and whistles' that will be so destructive to our Country, all it will do, after January 20th, is bring the mess of the Debt Limit into the Trump Administration, rather than allowing it to take place in the Biden Administration," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"Any Republican that would be so stupid as to do this should, and will, be Primaried," Trump added. "Everything should be done, and fully negotiated, prior to my taking Office on January 20th, 2025."

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told CNN Republicans scrapped the bill after Trump came out against it.

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The Biden administration subsequently accused Trump and Vance of "playing politics," hurting "hardworking Americans," and creating "instability" with the last-minute rejection of the legislation.

"Triggering a damaging government shutdown would hurt families who are gathering to meet with their loved ones and endanger the basic services Americans from veterans to Social Security recipients rely on," Biden's press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said in a statement. "A deal is a deal. Republicans should keep their word."

Some Democratic senators blamed Musk for the package falling apart, suggesting the billionaire already has an outsize influence on Congress' ability to pass legislation.

Sen. Bob Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat who lost his reelection bid, told CNN that Wednesday's series of events was "bizarre, disturbing, and dangerous."

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"Just the fact they're even talking about this because of a comment by one person that triggers this kind of result, it doesn't bode well for the new Congress or the new administration," he told the outlet.

Read the original article on Business Insider
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  North Korea demonstrated this year that it could produce ballistic missiles and supply them to Russia for use against Ukraine in a matter of months, the head of a research organization that traces weapons used in the war said Wednesday.

Jonah Leff told the U.N. Security Council that researchers on the ground examined remnants of four missiles from North Korea recovered in Ukraine in July and August, including one that had marks indicating it was produced in 2024.

This is the first public evidence of missiles having been produced in North Korea and then used in Ukraine within a matter of months, not years, he said.

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Leff also had briefed the Security Council in late June, telling members that the organization he heads, Conflict Armament Research, had irrefutably established that ballistic missile remnants found in Ukraine early this year were from a missile manufactured in North Korea.

The U.K.-based organization, which was established in 2011 to document and trace weapons used in conflicts to assist governments in countering diversion and proliferation, has worked in Ukraine since 2018.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed his country would invariably support Russias war in Ukraine when he met Russias defense chief in late November, the Norths state media reported.

Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia objected to the second appearance of Leff at the council meeting, chaired by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States, which holds the councils rotating presidency this month.

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He claimed Leff represents NATO and the European Union, and questioned whether his organization could provide impartial assessments. And he accused Thomas-Greenfield of violating Security Council practices and transforming its meetings into a politicized act of buffoonery.

The U.S. ambassador retorted that Russia had vetoed a resolution that ended the monitoring of sanctions against North Korea by U.N. experts, which she said makes organizations like Conflict Armament Research and its independent, well-regarded experts all the more critical.

She said its reports show why Russia was determined to block the renewal of the mandate for the U.N. experts. Russia and North Korea are engaging in unlawful arms transfers and training, in brazen violation of numerous council resolutions," Thomas-Greenfield said.

Leff stood by the organization's research and said its analysis highlights three observations about North Koreas missile activities.

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It confirms the continued use of freshly manufactured North Korean ballistic missiles in Ukraine, he said, and the discovery of the 2024 manufacturing mark on one missile reveals the very short period between the production of these ballistic missiles, their transfer and eventual use in Ukraine.

Leff also said the presence of recently produced missile components not from North Korea, some bearing 2023 production marks, illustrates North Koreas robust acquisition network for its ballistic missile program, despite U.N. sanctions prohibiting the transfer of this material for military purpose.

North Koreas U.N. Ambassador Kim Song insisted that its relationship with Russia is a positive contribution to international peace and security and can by no means be subject of the criticism.

He accused the United States and its allies of inciting confrontation and discord among nations, by intervening militarily across the planet and providing Ukraine with billions of dollars in military aid, including long-range weapons.
LONDONDERRY  With 57 homes still without safe water due to contamination from a local Superfund site, residents are seeking help from the town.

Administrative Support Coordinator Kirsten Hildonen said at the Dec. 3 Utilities Committee meeting that a decades-long town water project should be giving residents some answers to the problem by the end of January.

The town is sending a letter to the EPA and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services about the Tinkham Garage Superfund site and the houses whose wells were affected by it, Hildonen said.

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The Town Council requested the letter be drafted after a group of residents from the affected neighborhood came to the Dec. 2 Town Council meeting, led by Maureen Mansfield.

Mansfield, who has lived at 10 Ross Drive for 24 years, said approximately 57 homes on Ross Drive and Tokanel Drive still do not have access to clean drinking water.

Its been 24 years, Mansfield said. You put all these new houses in, and townhouses, and condos and theyre all getting hooked up to town water. Most of us have been there for years, and nothings happening.

Hildonen said she and Director of Engineering John Trottier spoke with Cheryl Sprague at the EPA and Rene Nahlik, the Tinkham Garage Superfund site project manager, on Wednesday about when the town might hear about remedies for the affected residents.

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Rene did tell us the state is supportive of advancing the remedy theyre working on, with the waterline as an interim-type solution, Hildonen said. Theres obviously more work to be done beyond just that.

The 375-acre Tinkham Garage site has been an ongoing problem since 1978, when residents on Ross Drive initially reported there was a bad odor and unusual foam on a small river that supplied water to residential wells.

Through investigations in 1978 and 1979, the EPA found that oil, oily wastes, washing from septic tank trucks and releases of other hazardous substances were being dumped into the fields south and east of Tinkham Garage.

The Superfund was created when groundwater testing in 1981 at the Tinkham Garage site showed harmful chemicals, according to EPA documents. A year later, the EPA found there were volatile organic compounds in surface and groundwater in the land adjacent to the site. In 1983, a waterline was installed to provide water to the 400 residents who live southwest of the site.

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Mansfield said she has put in between $20,000 and $30,000 worth of filtration systems so she and her family can have access to clean water. She said that recently, four additional houses in her neighborhood have been added to lists to receive bottled water because the water is too unsafe to drink.

Hildonen said one of the reasons it has been taking so long is because its unclear who is paying for the damages done.

In the meantime, Hildonen said the town will continue to urge the EPA to focus on the Tinkham Garage site.

We worked with legal to send a letter to the EPA and New Hampshire DES, urging them to do everything they can to prioritize and move this forward as quickly as possible, Hildonen said.

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In September, the EPA released a document called the Tinkham Garage Community Action Plan, where it listed the ways it plans on being in contact with the communities, including outreach via social media, a website with more information, and contacting local newspapers.

The EPA sent a letter to residents in June saying they planned on holding a public information session at the end of 2024 to address the residents concerns. Hildonen said during her conversation with Sprague and Nahlik that the EPA is looking at moving those sessions to the end of January.

While the wait is long, Hildonen said the town is sympathetic to the residents and hopes they can work with NHDES and the EPA to bring forward solutions.

I know that sometimes the answer thats the most honest truth is not the answer people want to hear at the moment and I am deeply empathetic to that, Hildonen said. These folks need and want water and they deserve the water and its something the EPA and DES are actively working towards.
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WETM)  Residents in the Watkins Glen Central School District went out to vote on Tuesday in an overwhelming majority against a planned capital project with the price tag in the tens of millions.

Polls were open throughout the day in Watkins Glen on Tuesday as residents voted to either approve or deny a $35 million capital project for the school district.

Polls closed at 8 p.m. and saw an overwhelming majority against the project with 430 votes no and 174 votes yes, according to officials with the Watkins Glen Central School District.

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3 Rochester area men named in federal scheme to steal & resell cooking oil

The $35,832,000 project would have gone toward new construction and alterations, renovations, and other improvements to the districts buildings and facilities. This includes the elementary school, high school, district storage building, and bus garage.

On top of construction, the district would have used the funds to buy machinery and other equipment to improve the district.

More than $5 million of the $35,832,000 project would have come from the districts Capital Reserve Fund while the remaining $30,823,131 would have been raised through property taxes and other state aid.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
Christmas Day is fast approaching. Do you have dinner plans?

With the hustle and bustle that often comes with the holidays, hosting or preparing a big meal can be far from your mind. And not everyone celebrates the holiday.

But for those who want a celebratory meal without spending the time and effort cooking, many restaurants around metro Detroit will be open on Dec. 25.

More: Michigan chain restaurants open and closed for Christmas

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From buffets to multi-course and prix fixe meals, local restaurants and some chains have a wide range of options. Some restaurants will offer their regular menus or complete meals to go, and even select side or specialty items in larger quantities.

Besides Christmas Day, many restaurants such as the downtown's Caucus Club on Congress will be open on Christmas Eve with regular menus or special menus. Keep in mind, some may have hours diffrent from normal.

Here's a sampling of what you'll find. Your best bet is to book and make reservations now, as restaurants might have limited seating and hours that vary from regular hours. Most of the restaurants below book through Open Table.

If you're getting meals to go, check with the restaurant and order in advance there's an option.

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Apparatus Room at the Detroit Foundation Hotel

Downtown Detroit

On both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, brunch is available 7 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner is 5-8 p.m. Special menus will also be avilable and the bar's open until 10 p.m.

For info: detroitfoundationhotel.com

Bar Louie locations are open on Christmas Day with dinner and drink specials.

Bar Louie

Multiple locations

Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with a special four-course dinner for two for $75 or $85 at select locations. Guests pick one bar bit to share, soup or salad per person and a choice of entree per person, plus one dessert to share. Bar Louie also offers its Craft Burger with fries or Tots for $8. The special runs Dec. 24-Jan. 1.

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A wine specials includes $10 off select wine bottles and select wine by the glass for $6-7. These specials are offered Dec. 24 through Jan. 1.

For info: barlouie.com.

Bavarian Inn

Frankenmuth

Known for their fried chicken dinners, Bavarian Inn has several holiday dining options:

Ultimate Bavarian dinner, a sampling of five meats served family-style featureing Frankenmuth's chicken, Kasseler Rippchen (smoked pork loin), Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef), bratwurst and schnitzel (breaded loin of pork). It's $41.99; $11.99 for ages 6-12 and $7 for ages 5 and under.

All-you-can-eat Frankenmuth-style chicken dinner includes all the sides and homemade ice cream for $34.99; $10 ages 6-12 and $6 ages 5 and under.

All-you-can-eat Frankenmuth-style and baked ham dinner served with all traditional courses is $38.99 per person, $11 ages 6-12 and $7 for ages 5 and under.

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For all-white meat with any of the dinners, add $2.00 per person. Beverages are not included.

For info: bavarianinn.com.

Benihana

Dearborn, Northville, TroyThis Japanese restaurant chain has been a mainstay in metro Detroit. All three locations will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours vary by location.

For info: benihana.com.

Bravo Italian Kitchen locations in Michigan will be open on Christmas Day with several menu options.

Bravo! Italian Kitchen

Multiple locations

Bravo! Italian Kitchen locations in Lansing, Livonia and Rochester Hills will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for dine-in, curbside, pick-up and delivery. The menu includes the restaurant's premium steaks, crafted pasta specialities, seafood dishes and crispy flatbreads. You can also order one of their holiday catering half and full pans or signature pasta dishes and entrees plus sides and salads. The packages include some of its signature pasta dishes and entrees along with sides and salads.For info and ordering: bravoitalian.com.

Eddie Merlot's

Bloomfield Hills

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A "Table for Five" take-out bundle option is offered on Christmas Eve for $210, and includes a choice of salad, two entrees and two sides portioned to feed five people. On Christmas Day, a specially curated holiday meal is offered. You can choose from wagyu meatballs, braised short rib or elk chop. Other options includes the porterhouse and king crab trio for two featuring a 32-ounce prime porterhouse and 1/2 pound of wild-caught King Crab legs and a bottle of Daou Cabernet Sauvignon.For info: eddiemerlots.com

Eddie Merlot's Table For Five Take Out specials for holiday dining.

Fogo de Chao

Troy

Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, this Brazilian steakhouse features a menu of signature cuts of fire-roasted meats served tableside, as well as seasonal salads, vegetables, imported cheeses and more. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.For info: 248-817-1800 or fogodechao.com

Kona Grill

TroyEntrees of prime rib, turkey and honey-glazed ham are on the all-day menu. There also will be drink specials and a kids menu.For info: 248-619-9060 or konagrill.com.

Madam

Birmingham

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Located inside the Daxton Hotel in downtown Birmingham, Madam along with Cafe Dax and Geode Bar & Lounge will be operate regular hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Years Day.

For info: 248-686-7004 or daxtonhotel.com.

Mitchell's Fish Market

Lansing, Livonia, Rochester Hills

Open noon to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day, Mitchell's' regular menu will be available, according to its website. Highlights include its filet mignon, Ora King salmon and Chilean sea bass.

For info: mitchellsfishmarket.com.

[ Find great recipes for Christmas and all occasions at Southern Kitchen. ]

Morton's the Steakhouse

TroyOpen noon to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day. A special chateaubriand dinner for two ($179) includes a starter, entree, accompaniments and dessert. The chateaubriand dinner option is available through Dec. 31. For info: 248-404-9845 or mortons.com.

At Presleys Kitchen and Bar, a plate of blueberry pancakes is elevated with housemade lemony whipped cream and a handful of fresh blueberries

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Presley's Kitchen + Bar

Detroit

Presley's is located downtown on the ground floor of the historic David Whitney Building, at the corner of Park and Woodward avenues. The Christmas Day brunch buffet ($45 per person) is served 8 a.m-3 p.m. It includes an assortment of pastries, cheese board, salads and egg dishes, along with other breakfast items. Its Christmas Eve and Christmas Day four-course dinner option ($70 per person) is served 3-9 p.m. Entree choices include prime rib, duck breast and a vegetarian option of warm butternut squash and farro salad.

For info: presleyskitchen.com.

Red Lobster

Multiple locations

Known for a huge variety of seafood options, includng many shrimp dishes, and its Cheddar Bay biscuits, Red Lobster locations are open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Dec. 25.

San Morello

Detroit

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San Morello, on the ground floor of the Shinola Hotel, is noted for its upscale Italian dishes. On Christmas Day, it will serve its a la carte menu with holiday specialties like linguine with clams, Dover Sole piccata, cannoli Yule log and other dishes.

For info: sanmorello.com.

Sullivan's Steakhouse holiday menu for Christmas Day dining.

Sullivan's Steakhouse

Detroit

This downtown Detroit steakhouse, on the ground floor of the Westin Hotel, is open Christmas Eve with its full menu, plus specials. You can order its Fare for Five takeout option for a meal at home for $150 that includes a choice of eggroll starters, choice of salad, two entrees and two sides, all portioned to feed five people. Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Christmas Day, the steakhouse offers a limited menu with items such as pan-seared miso-glazed black cod or dry-aged New York strip. There's also a Tomahawk Trio for Two special which includes a 32-ounce Australian Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye, two North Atlantic lobster tails and a bottle of Daou Cabernet Sauvignon for $199.

Sullivan's Steakhouse spicy shrimp eggroll.

For info: sullivanssteakhouse.com.

Texas de Brazil

Detroit and Ann Arbor

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Texas de Brazil features Churrascaria-style dining of all-you-can-eat cooked meats sliced at your tableside, along with a chef-crafted salad bar, a variety of dishes and desserts. Dinner is at a fixed price. Open 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Christmas Eve and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Christmas Day.For info: texasdebrazil.com.

Zao Jun in Bloomfield Hills will be open on Christmas Day

Zao Jun

Bloomfield Township

Serving modern Asian cuisine, Zao Jun's full menu is available 2-8 p.m. Christmas Day. The menu includes its classic and signature sushi rolls, a variety of noodle and rice dishes, salads and poke bowls. For info: zaojunnewasian.com

Zehnder's

Frankenmuth

Famous for family-style chicken dinners, Zehnder's has several options for Christmas Day dining:

Christmas Day buffet: Prime rib and ham carving station, fried chicken, salmon and shrimp, plenty of sides, salads and seasonal desserts. The cost is $43.95 for adults, $18.95 ages 9-11, $16.95 ages 6-8 and $8.95 ages 3-5.

Zehnders family-style chicken dinner is $35.95 per person and includes all the holiday trimmings plus holiday grill specials, including roasted duck, steak and prime rib at various prices.

Zehnders to-go meal ($309) serves 8-10 people and will be available for pickup on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

For info: zehnders.com.

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Restaurants open on Christmas Day 2024 in metro Detroit
(NewsNation)  A retired Georgia police officer is bringing holiday joy to families in underserved neighborhoods this winter, ensuring they have a tree to celebrate the holiday season.

For Ryan and Caitlyn Jones, Christmas isnt just a holiday  its a calling. What started as a small act of kindness has turned into a tradition that touches hundreds of lives.

Were not some huge organization. Its just Caitlin and I who are giving money that would otherwise go to our family. But we believe in their missions, said Ryan Jones, a retired Atlanta Police Department officer.

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How to avoid financial stress during the holiday season

Over the past decade, the Jones family has dedicated December to donating and delivering Christmas trees and using the profits to give back to the underserved neighborhoods Ryan Jones patrolled as an officer.

It was a bunch of police officers who helped me deliver those trees in person to different apartments in Atlanta, and we delivered them in uniform, and we even used patrol cars. It was a lot of fun, Jones said.

Word spread and what began as 30 tree deliveries in 2014 has turned into a booming business, selling about 500 this month alone.

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When we shifted to sponsoring families, that was a personal shift for us, and we took so much, put so much heart into selecting the families, said Caitlin Jones.

Holiday scammers, armed with AI, are out in full force

Caitlin and I personally select families and give to them in the hopes that we can develop relationships and be there in other ways, Ryan Jones said. But weve also chosen particular organizations, and a lot of them, just through my work, have kind of centered around battered womens shelters.

The Jones family isnt only building relationships, ministering to folks and overlooked neighborhoods, but most importantly, returning year after year with support.

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Its not just giving you a PlayStation at Christmas or games, but how do we set you up for success throughout the other 11 months of the year, Caitlin Jones 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.
U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema warned that eliminating the Senate filibuster would be a devolution and a danger to our dear democracy during her farewell address, giving one final defense of the rule before she leaves office.

You don't have to burn down the rules and the norms to achieve what you want. You can just do the hard work, said Sinema, the single-term independent senator from Arizona.

Sinema gave a goodbye speech in the Senate chamber on Wednesday as her six-year term winds down. She was elected as a Democrat in 2018. She later became an independent in 2022 after clashing with Democrats over her opposition to eliminating the filibuster.

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Some Democrats had hoped to suspend the filibuster to pass the most ambitious pieces of their agenda in a narrowly divided Senate during the Biden era. Sinema disagreed, warning that doing away with the 60-vote threshold would have dire consequences for the nation.

Sinema did not seek reelection to the Senate this year, and her Senate roll call vote attendance has dwindled. U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., will replace her next month.

In her floor remarks, Sinema encouraged lawmakers to find consensus, challenge their preconceived notions and work in a bipartisan way during her 15-minute farewell speech, which was attended by Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Mitt Romney, R-Utah., among others.

She praised the guardrails of democracy, including the Constitution, the oath of office and the rules and norms of the Senate.

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Many now blame these guardrails for blocking critical progress, instead of recognizing that it is us, our actions, our words, our incivility and, ultimately, our unwillingness to compromise that prevent reasonable solutions from advancing, Sinema said.

She acknowledged that it is tempting to prefer the elimination of the filibuster over finding compromises in the Senate, but warned it would set a dangerous precedent. She pointed to Republican calls to circumvent the filibuster when they regain majority power next month and called it a shortsighted action.

There are dangers to choosing short-term victories over the hard and necessary work of building consensus," Sinema said. "To give in to the temptation of the short-term victory means giving into the chaos caused by the constant ricocheting of laws, or it means you labor under an illusion that by eliminating the filibuster, you'll maintain political power forever, effectively ending our two-party system. That's a fallacy, and worse, it's scary.

"One-party rule is not democracy. That's autocracy. That's not the system our forefathers envisioned, and it's not what our country deserves," she said.

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Sinema also praised more than a dozen Senate lawmakers who worked with her on key legislation, such as a bipartisan infrastructure deal, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Respect for Marriage Act. Among them were Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Ala., Susan Collins, R-Maine, Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and John Tester, D-Mont. She also complimented outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin, a former West Virginia Democrat who also left the party to become an independent.

Sinema did not thank Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., who she has served alongside since 2020 and who had a consequential role in the passage of the 2022 CHIPS legislation. Kelly applauded Sinema on social media, thanking her for her service and partnership.

"Your bipartisan work on infrastructure, marriage equality, gun safety, and more, leaves a lasting legacy for Arizona and our country, Kelly wrote.

Romney, who also is retiring from the Senate, praised Sinema as his best friend in a Senate chamber speech.

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"I don't think I've had a better friend in the U.S. Senate than Sen. Kyrsten Sinema," Romney said. "We are best friends. And I would not have predicted that at the outset. By all appearance, we're about as different as we can be. But actually, our roots are very much in the same soil."

He said Sinemas appearance was quite striking and her personality was highly noticeable when she first joined the Senate, earning her the nickname Trouble. However, it turned out that Sinema would be so far from trouble its hard to imagine a less appropriate name, Romney said.

Where's Kyrsten Sinema? Senator skips votes as term comes to an end

On the record: After weeks of not voting, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema helps end Democratic control of labor board

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Retiring Sen. Sinema defends Senate filibuster in farewell address
A verdict on Peter Thomas' tax fraud case has been reached.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, 64, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to tax fraud, per The Neighborhood Talk.

Following his sentence, Thomas, who is the ex-husband of Cynthia Bailey, will undergo two years of supervised release and pay $2.5 million in restitution.

PEOPLE has reached out to Thomas' lawyer for comment.

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Related: Cynthia Bailey's Ex-Husband Peter Thomas Storms Off 'RHOA' Reunion: 'I Will Always Love Her'

Santiago Felipe/Getty (L) Cynthia Bailey and Peter Thomas

Thomas' sentencing comes after The Baltimore Banner reported that a federal prosecutor memo regarding his case aimed to justify a prison sentence on Dec. 10.

Thomas, owner of Bar One restaurants, was accused of failing to pay employment taxes for his businesses and instead spent just under $375,000 on travel and ride-sharing services as well as $250,000 on luxury goods from Neiman Marcus, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy and more.

Thomass flagrant violation of his federal payroll tax obligations over many years that served to unjustly enrich his companies and himself by more than $2.5 million and deprive the federal government funds used to provide important retirement and disability benefits to employees," the memo reportedly read.

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Related: 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Star Peter Thomas Arrested in Miami: Report

Peter Thomas/instagram Peter Thomas

Per the outlet, the sentencing memo stated that the entrepreneur was "motivated by greed," adding that Thomas defied the tax laws, expanding his business, hiring more employees, increasing overhead and adding more business locations at the expense of his legal obligations."

In the summer, Thomas also pled guilty to failing to pay trust fund taxes after he was accused of evading taxes for several of his businesses between 2017 to 2023.

Related: The 17 Most Shocking Breakups in 'Real Housewives' History

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One day before receiving his sentence, the former reality star shared a message regarding his decision to plead guilty in a video shared on Instagram.

"I'll be making an appearance in the United States government federal courthouse here in Charlotte, North Carolina, to face the music," he told his followers. "The music of ... consistently withholding taxes for [my] businesses [for] over 10 years."

"I thought it was something that I could rectify by getting on that payment plan and paying it. But it doesn't work like that," he added.

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.

In his caption, Thomas told other small business owners to learn from his mistakes.

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"Public announcement, most people are confused when it come to paying withholding taxes, I am here to set the record straight, yes you will go to jail, [yes] you still have to pay the taxes," he wrote. "Also, jail dont mean that the taxes is forgiven. All young business owner, please learn for my mistake."



Read the original article on People
STONINGTON, Conn. (WTNH)  A Rhode Island man turned himself into state police on Wednesday nearly one year after a fatal crash on I-95 in Stonington, according to state police.

State police investigating deadly crash on I-95 in Stonington

Joseph Teixeira, 22, of East Providence, Rhode Island was charged with failure to drive at a reasonable distance apart and misconduct with a motor vehicle in relation to a fatal crash in January.

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He was released on a $25,000 bond and is set to appear in court on Jan. 8.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
The East Bay regional offices of the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) are seen on Wood Street in Bristol, Rhode Island, in October 2024. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Under a tentative agreement released Thursday by U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha, Rhode Island has pledged reforms to its child welfare system, soothing a federal dispute over how the state cares for youth needing intensive behavioral health care.

In May, Cunha announced the findings of a yearslong investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights. The federal agencies found that the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), which oversees foster care as well as facilitation of youth mental health services, had warehoused children and teens at Bradley Hospital, keeping youth institutionalized for longer than was needed.

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The warehousing practices constituted a violation of civil rights, the DOJ argued, as the young inpatients were discriminated against because of their disabilities. The new agreement requires the state to enhance its transition planning for youth who are discharged, drawing a clear roadmap for more community-based services.

While Cunha noted that progress was possible with the agreements reforms, he acknowledged Thursday morning that the changes were hardly a panacea.

Success is not a court filing, Cunha told reporters at a press briefing. Success is getting kids who dont need to be there out of a locked ward and back into safe homes and communities with a chance to laugh, to play, to learn and to have a childhood. But today is an important step towards that goal.

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The consent decree, filed in the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island, still needs approval from a federal judge. Its provisions also require reinforcing home-based care and crisis intervention resources, as well as increasing providers of therapeutic foster care, cited as a woefully underused resource during the original presentation of findings in May.

The DOJ complaint, filed alongside the consent decree, states that DCYF violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by prolonging youths stays at Bradley Hospital in East Providence. Federal law requires that people with disabilities not be unnecessarily segregated, and psychiatric institutions are categorically segregated, the complaint explains, since inpatients receiving acute care there typically do not interact with people other than patients and treatment staff, and their day-to-day life is highly restricted.

The vast majority of children with behavioral health disabilities in the care and custody of DCYF are appropriate for and qualified to receive services in the community, the complaint reads. The vast majority of those at Bradley Hospital have been deemed ready for discharge to a more integrated setting by their treatment team.



Cunha reiterated what he said in May, however, that the DOJ is not alleging wrongdoing on Bradleys part. This case is not about Bradley hospitals conduct, he said. We have not and we do not allege that the hospital has engaged in any wrongdoing.

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A court-appointed monitor will oversee the state for the next five years to ensure compliance with the agreements terms. A federal judge will have ultimate oversight of compliance, Cunha said. He added that the state has also agreed to have a third-party consultant assess the states existing systems capacities and limitations.

The state will use that assessment, as well as input from a stakeholder advisory group, to help draw up an action plan for the requisite changes. The monitor will OK the plan.

Early termination of the decree is possible, and frankly, given what that would imply, would be welcome, but that will only happen if compliance by the state is not only achieved, but sustained, Cunha said.

Only one small part of this much bigger problem

The settlement follows a separate, federal class-action lawsuit against the state filed by disability advocates in November, which made similar allegations of failing to provide adequate care for Medicaid-eligible children with behavioral disabilities. The class-action suit remains pending in federal court, with no substantive filings since the initial complaint on Nov. 13, according to court documents.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha is seen on May 13, 2024, at a press conference announcing the findings of a joint federal investigation into the states institutionalization practices for kids with behavioral health needs. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

The three organizations that filed that class-action lawsuit  Disability Rights Rhode Island, Childrens Rights and the ACLU of Rhode Island  responded to the consent decree in a joint statement Thursday. While they applaud any effort to address the states serious and long-standing failure to protect the rights of children with disabilities from harsh, unnecessary, and counter-productive institutionalization, according to the statement, the DOJs efforts dont go far enough.

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The current level of dysfunction in segregating youth with mental health needs is exacerbated by the lack of adequate access to intensive in-home services and mobile crisis services The proposed consent decree offers to address only one small part of this much bigger problem that our lawsuit tackles[and] also lacks specific benchmarks for addressing the problem, and saves the adoption of actual implementation plans for a later time, the statement argued.

A dearth of community or home-based mental health care for youth has been a recurring theme in advocates calls for reforming Rhode Islands child welfare system. Margaret Holland McDuff, the CEO of Family Service Rhode Island, told Rhode Island Current in an interview in October that residential treatment has historically suffered from offering lower wages than those promised by managed care organizations or inpatient institutions.

This agreement will build upon and further advance the behavioral health system transformation work already underway, Gov. Dan McKee said in an emailed statement Thursday. As demonstrated by our Administrations launch of Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers and mobile crisis response, the State of Rhode Island has been, and will continue to be, committed to serving children with behavioral health needs.

The Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families, which was named as a participant in the settlement, made a statement on Thursday afternoon praising the agreement as a significant step forward.

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However, we must underscore the magnitude of the work ahead, wrote Executive Director Tanja Kubas Meyer. Complying with this consent decree is no small task and will require careful planning, investment of new resources, and a commitment to comprehensive improvements in how the states childrens behavioral health system operates.

Misty Delgado, a DCYF spokesperson, offered a statement via email late Thursday afternoon.

Through this consent decree, the Department of Children, Youth & Families and the United States are advancing a shared goal of fostering and strengthening community-based services for children with behavioral health disabilities, so they are treated in the least restrictive setting that is appropriate to meet their needs, Delgado wrote.

The eyes of this office, the eyes of a federal judge, and equally importantly, I hope and believe the eyes of the public will remain on this issue to ensure that no child in our state is deprived of their civil rights in this way, Cunha said.

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The Providence Journal and United Way of Rhode Island have partnered to highlight the state's nonprofits. Each week, a nonprofit identified by United Way will be spotlighted in the Providence Sunday Journal, and the United Way will share how they support that organization.

This week, we feature College Visions, which "empowers low-income and first-generation college students inRhode Island to achieve the promise of higher education."

We asked executive director Lamont Gordon to tell us more about the organization.

What is your mission and vision?

College Visions empowers low-income and first-generation students to achieve the promise of higher education. Every year, we support more than 500 young people from urban communities throughout Rhode Island in their efforts to apply to college, enroll and earn a college degree. Our vision is that our students will graduate from college, build meaningful careers and become the next generation of leaders in Rhode Island.

Students participate in a Career Summit organized by College Visions.

How do you measure success?

Since 2004, College Visions has employed a holistic advising model that provides students with individualized support. College Visions was the first organization in Rhode Island to provide students with guidance from the admission process all the way to college graduation. The model has proven to be highly effective  98% of our students enroll in college after high school, and 72% graduate college within six years, twice the rate of their peers.

What are your biggest challenges currently?

Our biggest challenge is college affordability. The cost of college has become increasingly prohibitive for many families. We provide students with robust financial aid and scholarship application support so that they can secure the best packages possible. Nevertheless, too often we see students and families faced with costs that can be a challenge to meet. Another challenge is that as a small organization that devotes the lion's share of our budget to program delivery, we have limited capacity to market our organization and increase awareness of our great work among potential supporters.

How can volunteers or donors get involved?

College Visions relies on volunteers to help us deliver an impactful program. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities, including providing students with feedback on their college application essays, helping students improve their interview skills by serving as a mock interviewer, and providing career guidance to students who are exploring career options. We also rely on the generosity of donors to provide us with the resources we need to sustain and grow our work. People can donate to the CVFund, our annual operating fund that supports everything from family workshops to college visits to emergency grants for students. We also appreciate when people become monthly donors. On our website, people can search and initiate company-matching gifts. We are always interested in being introduced to foundations and corporations that might be aligned with our mission.

What are some recent accomplishments or projects youre proud of?

This year, College Visions is celebrating 20 years of being a leader in the college access space in Rhode Island. Recently we launched two exciting initiatives to build on the organizations success and expand our reach. In 2023, we expanded to Woonsocket, a city with one of the lowest college enrollment rates in Rhode Island. We now have a full-time college access adviser based at Woonsocket High School providing direct support to students. We also launched the Black and Latino Male Fellowship, a new initiative aimed at increasing college enrollment and completion rates for two groups that are the most underrepresented in higher education. By providing targeted support and mentorship, the Fellowship hopes to get more Black and Latino males in the college pipeline while building cohorts of young men who can support each other as they work to achieve their goals.

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For more information about College Visions, visit them at 180 Westminster St., Suite 203, Providence; call 401-490-3996; email lamont@collegevisions.org; or visit collegevisions.org.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: College Visions guides low-income students through college process
RALEIGH, N.C. (WGHP)  The outgoing lieutenant governors campaign has agreed to pay tens of thousands of dollars to the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

According to a settlement document released by the NCSBE, the Friends of Mark Robinson committee and the board seek to expeditiously resolve this matter through informal procedures, and reached a settlement of $35,065.52 to resolve issues that arose from campaign spending and contributions during Robinsons successful run for lieutenant governor between July 1, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2020.

The examination found reason to believe the Committee accepted contributions and made expenditures in violation of Article 22A of Chapter 163 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Prohibited transactions are documented in the September 23, 2024, Compliance Examination Memorandum, according to the document.

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The ongoing investigation into Robinsons campaign finance issue concluded in September and was just one piece of a long list of financial issues that rose to the surface while Robinson made his bid for North Carolina governor, which he lost to Democrat Josh Stein.

The full settlement document can be read below:

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Rockford Public School students held a contest to design their ideal chicken sandwich, and on Wednesday the winners were awarded brand-new iPads.

Andrew, who attends Gregory Elementary, won the elementary contest for his chicken sandwich topped with macaroni and cheese.

This Spring, the school will serve his sandwich on the lunch menu.

Creativity is just a great outlet for kids, regardless of what theyre doing right now, or what theyre interested in, said Kayla Lundy, nutritional services manager for Rockford Public School District 205. Creativity can be such a great outlet for those students to express their emotions, and especially something like this, literally they can communicate what they want to see on the menu.

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Avery, from Montessori, won at the Middle School level. Liam, from Auburn, took the top prize in the High School division.

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Elon Musk at a SpaceX even on August 25, 2022, in Boca Chica Beach, Texas. - Credit: Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images

Occupy Wall Street stunned the world in 2011 with a two-month encampment in lower Manhattans Zucotti Park, during which activists protested economic inequality and corporate greed in the aftermath of the Great Recession. But the ongoing global movement  leaderless by design  was not without internal battles that sometimes spilled onto social media channels crucial to the cause.

On Wednesday, another shot was fired in a long-running dispute between an apparently disaffected former organizer and an Occupy group that has continued to support protests for organized labor, racial justice, and anti-fascist principles. An account on X, formerly Twitter, with the handle @OccupyWallSt and about 160,000 followers, posted for the first time since early 2020, in a rather surprising way: We shall be the first interplanetary social movement, the post reads. Thank you @SpaceX and @elonmusk for carrying our legacy to the stars. The post includes a photo of women in SpaceX Occupy Mars shirts that appears on the Wikipedia page for the company, alongside a picture of Musk in a shirt with the same slogan.

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Praise for the worlds richest man, who just spent a quarter of a billion dollars to help re-elect Donald Trump and gain influence in Washington D.C. to further line his pockets, is not exactly in line with the Occupy ethos. Replies to the revived account ranged from the bewildered to the outraged. Some users speculated that Musk himself had seized control of the handle as a trollish joke.

But, according to the activists who run the accounts @OccupyWallStNYC on X, Occupy Wall St. on Facebook, and Occupy Wall St. on Bluesky, the fawningly pro-Musk comment was authored by Justine Tunney, a software engineer who made significant technical contributions to the original Occupy actions  including its primary website  and went on to work for Google. Tunney had a very public split from the group in 2014, when she wrested control of the @OccupyWallSt handle on Twitter and used it to criticize other notable figures in the movement. That same year, she made headlines with a petition calling on President Barack Obama to resign and appoint Eric Schmidt, then chairman of Google, CEO of America.

Tunney insists that the endorsement of Musk was sincere. While our occupation was eventually destroyed, its spirit continues to live on in all who share our dream of earning freedom by building autonomous spaces, she tells Rolling Stone. For that reason, Occupy Wall Street fully supports Elon Musks vision of establishing a sovereign self-governing settlement on Mars. It also saddens us that the worlds most successful man believes its only possible by going to a different planet. (Micah Bornfree, ne White, often credited as a co-founder of Occupy, formerly had access to the @OccupyWallSt account but tells Rolling Stone in an email that he has not used it in years and does not know the current password.)

A current administrator of the Occupy pages that have remained active in recent years, who requested anonymity, says that Tunney was one of her best friends from the encampment. Shes a tech genius, like a legit genius, this activist says. And one of the reasons why Occupy went worldwide is because of some of the work that she did. She recalls that Tunney was the one to set up a 1-800 number that fed to many different participants, ensuring that reporters could always get someone on the record, which kept Occupy in the media spotlight.

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But this activist also says that Tunney, who is transgender and worked on Occupy projects with a team of other trans women, was bullied by the white, suburban, normie guys flocking to downtown New York for the protest. That, she says, led to Tunneys gradual alienation. By 2013, Tunney was being quoted in a Nation article about people who had drifted away from the cause, and said that Occupy had been reduced to bickering on mailing lists. The piece noted that she would sometimes jump into these debates with an act of provocative trolling or a treatise denouncing the folly of consensus.

Tunneys friend assumes the Musk post is another bit of trolling. Because shes a programmer, she understands that any tweet that tags him on Twitter will automatically be elevated in the algorithm, because he owns the company, and thats the kind of shit hes been doing, she speculates. It may have been an act of frustration, she adds, explaining that Tunney also believes that the left isnt progressing anywhere, which is not untrue.

The administrators of @OccupyWallStNYC have disavowed the post and blasted a Newsweek article about it  which bears the headline Occupy Wall Street Returns. Now Supports Elon Musk  as fake news, attributing the Musk comment to Tunney alone. They have also attempted to contact Tunney.

Whether or not the feud goes any further, its a testament to the lasting intensities and passions that came out of the Occupy uprising almost 15 years ago. And equating a wave of populist protests with Musks ambition of colonizing a neighboring planet is certainly one way to stir the pot. The intended message, however, seems to be lost on the 99 percent.

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(Bloomberg) -- Romanias political crisis deepened after the largest pro-European party abruptly withdrew from negotiations to form a coalition, opening the prospect of a weaker government to tackle the European Unions widest budget deficit. The countrys stocks plunged.

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Social Democratic leader Marcel Ciolacu, the countrys outgoing prime minister, said hes prepared to back a minority cabinet that may emerge from talks between the right-leaning Liberals, the opposition Save Romania Union and a party of ethnic Hungarians. But his own party wont join it.

President Klaus Iohannis urged all parties to return to the negotiating table, saying that a minority government is not a good solution. The Liberals vowed to continue talks and said theyre ready to form a government.

We are not running away from responsibility  and we are aware of how difficult the situation is, but unfortunately you cannot build anything lasting with partners who are incapable of setting aside their own ego, Ciolacu said on Facebook.

The latest turmoil risks increasing Romanian citizens distrust toward the authorities. That trend could work in the favor of the far-right ahead of next years re-run of the presidential elections. The purpose of the pro-European coalition was to keep the extremists, who secured a third of the votes in the upcoming parliament, away from power and to end Romanias biggest political crisis since the fall of communism.

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Instead, the Social Democrats announcement fueled a selloff in Romanian financial markets. The yield on the 10-year domestic government notes jumped 12 basis points on Thursday, rising for a seventh day to 7.47%.

Romanian state bonds are seen as the riskiest in the EU, with investors demanding the biggest premium over comparable German securities among the blocs peers. The Bucharest stock index fell as much as 2.4% on Thursday, extending this weeks decline to 6%.

The Black Sea nation, which benefited from a period of relative political stability in the past three years, shocked its Western allies and investors after a pro-Russian candidate emerged from obscurity to win the first round of a now canceled presidential election.

Romanias top court annulled the presidential ballot following accusations of Russian meddling, but the result also revealed deep divisions and dissatisfaction with the lack of responsibility of mainstream parties, who heavily attacked each other during the electoral campaign.

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The parties tried to save face and assemble an alliance of parties who favor Romanias European integration, which would then carry out difficult reforms to correct the pre-election budget slippages. But after days of negotiations and an initial agreement on key measures, the difference sparked new tensions, with the Save Romania Union party coming out as the first to say it may not be part of the government.

The unpopular decisions needed to tackle the delicate economic situation are likely a point of tension between the parties, said Oana Popescu-Zamfir, an analyst at the Global Focus Center think tank in Bucharest.

I assume its about who will take the responsibility and how, she said, adding that a brief spell in opposition could help Ciolacus chances should he run in next years presidential election.

Iohannis said he plans to have talks with the parties in the coming days. Hunor Kelemen, the leader of the ethnic Hungarian party, urged his partners to resume talks and said a minority government cannot be stable.

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We need a parliamentary majority for the government, theres no other solution here, Kelemen said in an interview. He rejected the prospect of the ethnic Hungarian party serving in a minority government, but said it could support an alliance formed of pro-European parties.

The lack of clarity over a new government prompted Fitch Ratings to send a warning sign this week by unexpectedly cutting the countrys credit outlook to negative, saying this complicates the efforts to rein in a budget deficit on course to widen to 8.6% of output this year.

Thats also the main point of contention between the parties, even though Romania managed to convince the European Commission to allow it seven years to bring the shortfall toward the blocs 3% limit.

We are willing to vote on a minority cabinet without any conditions, because Romania needs stability, Ciolacu told reporters on Thursday. But we as Social Democrats wont accept any more attacks from those who are supposed to be our partners.

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--With assistance from Peter Laca.

(Updates with comments from president, analyst, Hungarian party from third paragraph.)

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A Romanian court has ruled that the case against Andrew Tate and his brother over allegations of human trafficking cannot go to trial in its current form.

Tate, a controversial influencer who has called himself the king of toxic masculinity, is accused of forming a criminal gang with his brother to sexually exploit women.

Andrew and Tristan Tate, dual US-British citizens aged 38 and 36, also face separate charges in the UK of rape and human trafficking.

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On Thursday, an appeals court in Bucharest ruled that the case would be returned to prosecutors because of multiple flaws in the indictment.

Testimony from the two main alleged victims, as well as statements made by the Tates, had already been ruled inadmissible.

The brothers defence team hailed the courts decision as a significant victory in their protracted battle with the Romanian legal system, which began in December 2022.

The Tates said in a statement that they had endured an ordeal lasting two-and-a-half years and said the courts ruling showed there had been a lack of credible evidence or consistency in the accusations against them.

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However, the ruling does not mean that the Tates walk free. The prosecutors now have five days to either amend their case or let it die.

If they decide to drop the charges, it could pave the way for the brothers to be extradited to the UK.

The duo face a range of accusations related to their life in Romania, including human trafficking, forming an organised criminal group, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering.

Two Romanian women are also accused of helping them, while Andrew Tate is facing an additional rape charge.

All four have strongly denied the charges.

Setback for crime agency

Last month, the appeals court ordered the removal of some evidence, including statements made by the two main alleged victims.

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It said it found inconsistencies, including improper descriptions of the acts committed by the female suspects, and said prosecutors had failed to properly explain the charges against Tate to one of the alleged victims.

The court in Bucharest had ruled in April that the case would be sent to trial, which Tate appealed.

In 2022, seven women told Romanian investigators that they were led to believe that they were entering into romantic relationships with the brothers.

They then allegedly found themselves being kept at a property in Bucharest where they were compelled to appear in pornographic videos that were uploaded online.

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The brothers are former kickboxers with large social media followings. Andrew Tate has been banned from TikTok, YouTube and Facebook after being accused of posting misogynistic comments.

However, he remains active on Twitter, where he has reportedly told his more than 10 million followers that the case against him is a political conspiracy to silence him.

The courts ruling marks a major setback for DIICOT, Romanias anti-organised crime agency. The brothers said on Thursday that they hoped the agency would ultimately dismiss the charges.

They have nothing

Andrew Tate said: Theyve had years to build their case  years to tear apart my life, target everyone I know, and even subpoena the mother of my child. And yet, they have nothing. This is all a lie, and I will fight to the very end to expose it and prove my innocence.

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Tristan Tate added: If there isnt enough evidence to go to trial after all these years, that means there never was enough evidence. This begs the question, why was I in prison when my daughter was born if there was no evidence?

Their lawyer, Eugen Vidineac, described the courts decision as a significant legal victory.

He added: After a thorough examination of the legality of the investigation, the court has rightly determined that there is insufficient basis to proceed with the case. This decision is a testament to the strength of our legal system and the integrity of its judges.

Once the Romanian legal proceedings are over  and it is not clear when that will be  the Tate brothers will be extradited to the UK to face other charges.

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Bedfordshire Police, which covers the brothers hometown of Luton, secured an international arrest warrant for the siblings relating to allegations of rape and human trafficking dating back to between 2012 and 2015. They deny the charges.

On Wednesday, British police were granted permission to seize 2 million from the Tates in unpaid tax.

A judge at Westminster magistrates court ruled that the brothers had failed to pay a penny in tax on 21 million of revenue from various online businesses.

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BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)  An appeals court in Romania ruled Thursday that the human trafficking case against influencer Andrew Tate, his brother and two Romanian women cannot go to trial because of multiple legal and procedural irregularities on the part of the prosecutors.

The ruling comes two years after Andrew Tate, 38, and his brother Tristian Tate, 36, were arrested, along with the two women. The four are accused of human trafficking and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women, and Andrew also faces an additional rape charge.

The decision by the Bucharest Court of Appeal is a huge setback for Romanias anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, but it does not mean the Tates and the two women walk free  the case has not been closed, and there is also a separate legal case against the brothers in Romania.

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The court effectively returned case to the prosecutors, who can now bring forth new evidence to back up their charges, or amend and change the existing ones. In November, the same court gave prosecutors five days to amend their case file or withdraw it.

The request for the appeals court to review the case was made by Tate's defense team. His spokesperson, Mateea Petrescu, said the court's decision confirms the lack of credible evidence or consistency in the accusations by the prosecutors.

The review revealed significant procedural flaws and raised serious concerns about the integrity of the investigative process, further undermining the credibility of the prosecutions case, she said.

Romanian prosecutors last year formally indicted the Tate brothers and the two Romanian women, and earlier this year, the Bucharest Tribunal ruled that a trial could start but did not set a date. All four deny the allegation against them.

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After Thursday's ruling, Andrew Tate said prosecutors had years to build their case and to tear apart my life  and yet, they have nothing.

They threw me in jail, took my money, my cars, and every ounce of my freedom. They made me the biggest enemy on the streets, dragging my name through the dirt with accusations of the lowest, most vile deeds a man can be accused of, he said.

But I never broke, he added.

In its November ruling, the appeals court ordered some evidence removed  including witness statements by two alleged victims and statements by the Tate brothers, deeming them inadmissible.

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The same court also said it had identified multiple flaws in the prosecutors case, which had failed to adequately explain the charges against Andrew to one alleged female victim who is part of the case, and that the charges against the two female suspects were not properly presented.

Also, the indictment failed to specify the amounts related to the confiscation of assets in the case, it said.

The prosecutors did not immediately comment on Thursday's decision.

Eugen Vidineac, one of the Tate brothers lawyers, said the decision was a significant legal victory that rightly determined that there is insufficient basis to proceed with the case.

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This decision is a testament to the strength of our legal system and the integrity of its judges, Vidineac said. Let this serve as a warning to those who seek to weaponize falsehoods: Andrew and Tristan Tate will not be silenced, and neither will the truth.

Andrew Tate, who has amassed more than 10 million followers on the social media platform X, has repeatedly claimed that prosecutors in Romania have no evidence against him and that there is a political conspiracy to silence him.

Meanwhile, a British court ruled on Wednesday that in a separate case against the Tate brothers, police can seize more than 2.6 million pounds ($3.3 million) to cover years of unpaid taxes from the pair.

Andrew Tate accused the U.K. government of outright theft for freezing his accounts and said it was a coordinated attack on anyone who dares to challenge the system.

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In August, Romania's DIICOT launched a second case against the Tate brothers, investigating allegations of human trafficking, the trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, influencing statements and money laundering. They have also denied those charges.

In March, the Tate brothers appeared at the Bucharest Court of Appeal in a separate case after British authorities issued arrest warrants over allegations of sexual aggression in a U.K. case dating back to 2012-2015.

The appeals court granted the British request to extradite the Tates, but only after legal proceedings in Romania have concluded.

After the Tate brothers initial arrest in December 2022, they were held for three months in police detention before being moved to house arrest. They were later restricted to movement only in the Bucharest municipality and nearby Ilfov county, and then within Romania.

___

McGrath reported from Warwick, England.
BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania's ruling leftist Social Democrat Party (PSD) has withdrawn from government coalition talks, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said on Thursday, deepening a political crisis.

Three votes to elect Romania's president and parliament descended into chaos when a little known far-right NATO critic won the first presidential round on Nov. 24, prompting Romania's top court to annul it on suspicion of Russian meddling.

Although the PSD won the most seats in the Dec. 1 parliamentary election, three ultranationalist and hard-right groupings, some with overt pro-Russian sympathies, won more than a third of the seats to become a hard-to-ignore political force. The PSD was in talks over forming a wide coalition with three other pro-European Union parties in an attempt to cordon off the far right, but the four clashed over reform plans and measures needed to lower the EU's largest budget deficit.

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"Unfortunately you cannot build something durable with partners who are incapable of overcoming their own egos and ideological cliches," Ciolacu said on his Facebook account.

"We are willing to vote for a minority government so that Romania has political stability," he said later.

Fitch cut Romania's credit rating outlook to negative on Wednesday, warning the frailty of the pending coalition could further postpone deficit reduction measures urgently needed.

The Bucharest blue chip index was down 1.72% on the day after the PSD withdrawal.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, whose term expires on Dec. 21 and who will nominate a new prime minister and stay on until his replacement is elected, said a minority government was not a good idea at times of crisis. The centre-right Liberals, centrist Save Romania Union (USR), the ethnic Hungarian party UDMR and representatives of ethnic minorities have around a third of the seats in the new parliament, which will be sworn in on Saturday.

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It was also unclear whether the three other parties were willing to continue coalition talks following the PSD move.

"The USR could return to negotiations with PNL and UDMR," said Sergiu Miscoiu, a political science professor at Babes-Bolyai University. "Otherwise, the Liberals will lead ... a government which will topple in the first gust of wind."

Analysts said the PSD may have opted to avoid the political cost of measures that will be needed to rein in budget spending.

"A minority government will take needed partial measures in the first quarter to try and create credibility for markets and the population, while everyone will be in waiting mode for the presidential election," said political commentator Radu Magdin.

(Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by Alison Williams and Alexander Smith)
ROME, N.Y. (WSYR)  The City of Rome was hit by a tornado on July 16 and has not stopped rebuilding for nearly five months. But the damage has not dampened the holiday spirit, especially downtown.

Weve got a lot of work to domoving forward to rebuild, and thats what were focusing on right now, Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan said. But as far as the holiday season, were all here to enjoy it. Were all here to forget about that for a couple of days and be with the family.

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Bruce Hairston, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, said his community continues to fight back against past hardships.

Id say were doing much better than we were a month ago and two months ago, Hairston said.

Hairston said approximately $64,000 has been poured into the revitalization of downtown businesses.

Every business has been affected differently, he said. Some are back up and runningsome have had small damages to the roofrepaired nowand theyre back to normal.

While the city may still be on the rebound, Mayor Lanigan said he has never seen people display such a sense of resiliency.

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When the tornado hit, I said, We want to get this place back up and functional as soon as possible, and we were able to do it, said Lanigan.

Despite being out of business for two weeks after the tornado made landfall, Paul Dowd, the owner of Francas Wine Room, said the storm feels like a distant memory.

Im happy to be back, Dowd said. I love this city, and the people are pretty awesome around here.

Now, there is a saying that residents live by during this rebuilding stage: Rome strong.

That could not be any more true of a statement, Mayor Lanigan said. We get knocked down, and we come back even better.

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The offices of the Lakota Fund in Kyle, as seen in November 2023. The agency is a Native Community Financial Development Institution for the Pine Ridge Reservation. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

A bill sponsored by South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds thats meant to make it easier for Native American veterans living on trust land to get or refinance mortgages is headed to President Joe Bidens desk.

Rounds Native American Direct Loan Improvement Act was first introduced as standalone legislation in 2022. Its text was folded into a farther-reaching bill called the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.

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The U.S. Senate voted unanimously on Dec. 12 to pass the larger bill; the U.S. House voted 389-9 to pass it on Dec. 16.

The loan improvement act aims to simplify the mortgage lending process for veterans who want to buy homes on trust lands, whose titles are held by the U.S. Department of Interior for the benefit of tribes.

The loan program it means to improve is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, first passed in 1992 as a way to get past some of the complexity of lending on trust lands in impoverished areas.

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According to a news release from Rounds, the bill would allow eligible veterans to use the program to refinance existing mortgages on the same property and expand outreach about the program through collaboration between local lenders and the VA. It would also create a relending program to let financial institutions called Native Community Development Financial Institutions  credit union-like conduits to lending on tribal lands such as the Kyle-based Lakota Fund  get loans through the program and funnel the funds to qualified Native American vets.

A 2022 study commissioned by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that the program originated 89 loans in the contiguous U.S. and 91 loans in Hawaii in the space of about a decade  representing about 1% of eligible veterans. The report said the VA did not collect and share meaningful data on the program, have adequate performance measures in place to track success or collaborate regularly with other agencies and local lending offices to educate people about their options.

In his news release, Rounds called homeownership part of the American dream and key to building wealth.

I am pleased this bill is heading to the Presidents desk to be signed into law, making the dream of homeownership a reality for more of our veterans, Rounds wrote.

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Former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani has been ordered to appear in court next month to face claims that he should be held in contempt for failing to turn over assets to the Fulton County election workers he defamed following the 2020 election.

Those assets include a New York apartment lease and a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt.

Giuliani was ordered to turn over all his assets to pay off the $148 million judgment against him.

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Giuliani also faces a Jan. 16 trial before Liman over the disposition of his Florida residence and World Series rings.

The contempt hearing follows a contentious November hearing in which Giuliani, a former federal prosecutor, became angry at the judge, saying Judge Lewis Liman was treating him unfairly.

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The implication Ive been not diligent about it is totally incorrect, Giuliani said in a scolding tone as he described his efforts to obtain a replacement of the title to the car. The implication you make is against me and every implication against me is wrong.

At the hearing, Liman warned Giulianis lawyers that Giuliani will not be allowed to interrupt a hearing again.

Hes not going to be permitted to speak and the court will take action, the judge said.

Giuliani was found liable last year for defaming two Georgia poll workers by falsely accusing them of tampering with ballots during the 2020 presidential election.

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The women said they faced death threats after Giuliani falsely claimed they sneaked in ballots in suitcases, counted ballots multiple times and tampered with voting machines.

In October, Liman ordered Giuliani to turn over many of his prized possessions to the poll workers. Giulianis lawyers have predicted that Giuliani will eventually win custody of the items on appeal.

A lawyer for Giuliani did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
RUNNELLS, Iowa  Fire crews from multiple departments were called out to a home in rural Runnells early Thursday morning after a fire started on the porch and quickly engulfed the house.

The home is located in the 9000 block of SE 32nd Street, just 20 minutes southeast of Des Moines, near Yellow Banks Park.



The fire began around 1:45 a.m. There were three occupants in the home at the time, a father, mother, and daughter. The daughter was awake at the time and saw the fire and was able to alert her parents. No injuries have been reported but the home is considered a total loss.



Fire crews encountered challenges in battling the blaze, including strong winds and a lack of water. The field next to the home also caught fire. Water had to be trucked into the scene because of a lack of water hydrants nearby.

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While there were still hot spots flaring up at the scene, fire crews left the scene a little before 6:30 a.m. Fire Chief Craig Thompson of the Camp Township-Runnells Fire Department said because of the issues they faced in fighting the fire they were letting the fire burn itself out. Thompson remains on the scene to monitor the flames.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Russians attacked the Nikopol district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast more than 30 times with kamikaze drones and artillery on Thursday, 19 December. Six people were injured.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on social media

Details: He said that the Russians attacked Nikopol itself and Marhanets, Myrove and Pokrovske hromadas. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.].

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Half of those who were injured in the attacks are currently in hospital.

Infrastructure, businesses, a specialised secondary school, seven apartment buildings, ten houses, two outbuildings, three garages, a greenhouse and four cars were damaged.

Five shops and a power line were also damaged.

The Russians also hit the Synelnykove district with heavy artillery. A utility company and power lines suffered damage there.

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Russia is planning to build a ring road around the Azov Sea, passing through the occupied territories of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his annual press conference and a call-in program on Dec. 19.

The road is expected to run through Russia's Rostov Oblast, the occupied Ukrainian towns of Mariupol, Melitopol, and Henichesk in the country's east and south, and through Dzhankoi in occupied Crimea.

Moscow has already built a 40-kilometer-long (25 miles) segment between the Russian city of Taganrog and Mariupol in Donetsk Oblast, according to Putin.

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"We plan to bring the roads to Russian standards within three years," he said.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

Russia is also illegally constructing a railroad between Russia's city Rostov-on-Don and Crimea, which would run via occupied Donetsk, Mariupol, and Berdiansk in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The railroad will likely serve as an alternative to the Kerch Bridge, which connects the Russian mainland with the Crimean Peninsula and became a critical supply route for Moscow's forces after the launch of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine's military intelligence said the Russian railway could pose "a serious problem" and is "an important target" for Kyiv.

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Read also: Putin proposes to experiment on Western air defenses by launching Oreshnik at Kyiv

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Russian troops have intensified attacks in several areas along the front line over the past few days, but failed to break through Ukraine's defense lines, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Dec. 19.

Syrskyi described the battlefield situation as "extremely difficult."

His statement comes as Russia keeps on advancing in Donetsk Oblast in an attempt to occupy the key towns of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. Ukraine's General Staff has recorded a total of 250 front-line clashes over the past day.

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"In the heavy battles, Ukrainian defense forces did not allow Russian forces to breach the defense and achieve operational success in any direction," Syrskyi said following a phone call with Admiral Tony Radakin, the head of the U.K.'s Armed Forces.

Syrskyi said that, according to Radakin, London will "significantly increase" certain aspects of its support for Ukraine in 2025.

Throughout 2024, Ukraine has faced a challenging situation in its defense of the front line. Apart from Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine expects Russian forces to launch larger-scale attacks in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

Syrskyi said on Dec. 17 that Russian forces were also carrying out an intensive offensive in Kursk Oblast, deploying North Korean troops to help oust Ukrainian troops fighting in the Russian region since early AUgust.

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Read also: As US pushes Kyiv to lower draft age, why wont Ukraine conscript younger men?

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed the Ukraine war with his Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis in a phone call on Wednesday, his ministry said on Thursday.

Switzerland hosted a peace conference in June at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, to which Russia was not invited. Zelenskiy has said he hopes to organise a follow-up meeting with Russia attending, although Moscow said in September it would take no part.

The Russian statement did not say if Lavrov and Cassis had talked about the proposed second conference but noted that Switzerland was "one of the countries showing interest in facilitating a settlement".

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"In light of Bern's attempts to promote the idea of a settlement based on the 'V. Zelenskiy formula', the Russian side pointed out the absolute senselessness of counting on presenting Moscow with any ultimatums to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, agreed upon behind the scenes by the West and Kyiv," it said.

It said the call was held at Switzerland's initiative and the two sides agreed to continue contacts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier on Thursday that Moscow was ready for talks on ending the 34-month conflict, which he said should be based on current "realities" on the ground, and on a draft agreement that was discussed with Ukraine at talks in Istanbul soon after the start of the war in 2022.

Zelenskiy said there was no agreement at the time, and Ukraine had been responding to a Russian ultimatum.

(Reporting by Reuters, writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Alex Richardson)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia will protect its citizens and peacekeepers in Moldova's separatist Transdniestria region, foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.

Zakharova was speaking as the separatist enclave's parliament appealed to Moscow for help resolving disruptions in natural gas supply linked to the expiry at the end of December of an agreement allowing Russian gas to transit through Ukraine.

"Russia will react adequately to any provocations and will ensure the protection of its citizens, peacekeeping contingent, servicemen of the task force of Russian troops and military warehouses in the settlement of Kolbasna in Transdniestria," Zakharova told a briefing.

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Any actions that threaten them would be considered by Moscow as an attack on Russia, she added.

Breakaway pro-Russian Transdniestria has existed generally peacefully side by side with Moldova since a brief post-Soviet war in 1992 and some 1,500 Russian "peacekeepers" remain in the country.

But Moldova's pro-European leaders accuse Moscow of "gas blackmail" in trying to destabilise it.

Both Moldova and Transdniestria have declared states of emergency over the threat of a disruption of gas supplies passing through Ukraine.

The speaker of Transdniestria's parliament, Alexander Korshunov, said the appeal was sent to the Kremlin and to both houses of Russia's parliament to clinch a new accord ensuring further supplies of Russian gas through Ukraine. Moldova's government, he said, also had to act to secure a deal.

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"We are waiting," local media quoted him as saying. "Matters here do not depend on Transdniestria."

Ukraine has said it will not extend the transit deal.

Moldova has held discussions with Russian state gas company Gazprom on securing Russian gas and suggested supplies could be shipped through Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania. No deal has been reached.

Moldova sees the supplies as vital to guard against a humanitarian emergency in Transdniestria and to ensure continued operation in the enclave of a thermal plant that provides most of the electricity in areas of Moldova under government control.

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The central government this week rejected a proposal by Transdniestria to issue a joint appeal to Moscow, saying that such a move would amount to de facto recognition of the separatist enclave. It has no international recognition.

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean, speaking on television on Wednesday, said authorities would consider supplying Transdniestria with gas purchased from elsewhere, but that would prove more costly.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov and by Alexander Tanas in Chisinau. Writing by Gleb Stolyarov and Ron Popeski; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Rod Nickel)
Russia is reportedly supplying grain, likely stolen from Ukraine, to the Houthis, who control most of Yemen.

Source: a conclusion made by investigators from Bellingcat and Lloyd's List based on data on the movement of a ship transporting grain

Details: The investigators have mentioned a cargo vessel named Zafar, which has made at least two voyages from Crimea to Yemen in recent months.

The investigators noted that the grain was loaded onto Zafar in October at the port of the Russian-occupied city of Sevastopol. In November, the vessel arrived at the port of Al Salif in western Yemen, having previously stopped at the port of Djibouti for inspection by the UN Inspection and Verification Mechanism (UNVIM).

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Despite the inspection, investigators say Zafar was able to pass through the control, even though occupied Sevastopol was listed as its port of departure.

Zafar had previously made a similar voyage from Sevastopol and also evaded detection. The vessel concealed its presence by switching off its automated identification system (AIS).

The port of Sevastopol is sanctioned by the US and the UK, and the terminal where the vessel docked is under EU sanctions. However, ships can evade legal consequences since there are no UN sanctions against Sevastopol or Russia.

The exact origin of the grain transported by the Zafar is unknown. However, Ukrainian farmers in the occupied territories have repeatedly accused the Russian military of stealing grain for export, according to the investigation.

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Ukraine's Foreign Ministry called the case outrageous. "Ukraine continues to make every effort to expose Russias systematic and widespread theft of Ukrainian grain, as well as its illegal transfer through Ukraines temporarily occupied territories and unlawful activities in our closed sea ports," the ministry said.

Yemen, one of the world's poorest countries, has been ravaged by civil war for many years. The conflict between the internationally recognised government and the Iranian-backed Houthis has caused a humanitarian disaster, resulting in widespread death and the displacement of millions.

Background: Since 2022, Russia and its partners have sold nearly US$1 billion worth of grain stolen from Ukraine's occupied territories.



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Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions killed at least one civilian and injured at least eight other people over the past day, regional authorities reported on Dec. 19.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 45 of the 85 Shahed-type drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Forty drones were reportedly lost across Ukraine thanks to electronic warfare countermeasures.

Russia also attacked Ukraine with a Kh-59/69 cruise missile and two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, according to the statement.

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In Chernihiv Oblast, Russian shelling of the town of Semenivka injured a police officer and a 16-year-old boy, Governor Viacheslav Chaus reported. A house was also damaged.

Four people were injured during a Russian attack against the village of Tsyrkuny in Kharkiv Oblast on the evening of Dec. 18, according to the regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov.

The victims included three women aged 57, 62, and 75, and a 64-year-old man. Nine houses were damaged.

In Kherson Oblast, one person was killed and two injured in Russian strikes, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Three high-rise buildings, 11 houses, and an outbuilding were damaged.

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Russia launched a missile attack against the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight on Dec. 19, damaging a hospital, a school, two nine-story buildings, and a shop, Governor Serhii Lysak said. No casualties were reported.

Russian forces also carried out a missile strike against the town of Romny in Sumy Oblast, damaging nine residential buildings but inflicting no casualties, authorities reported.

The Cherkasy, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Poltava, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack, but no casualties were reported.

Read also: One of Russias largest chemical plants reportedly attacked in Rostov Oblast

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Five civilians have been injured in a Russian drone attack on Novovorontsovka in Kherson Oblast on the morning of 19 December.

Source: Kherson Oblast Prosecutors Office

Details: A 58-year-old woman has reportedly suffered blast injuries, concussion and shrapnel wounds to her lower leg. Her condition is assessed as moderate, and she is currently under medical supervision.

A 44-year-old local woman suffered severe injuries, including blast and open head injuries, brain contusion, and multiple shrapnel wounds to her head. Her condition is critical and she has fallen into a coma.

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A 65-year-old man received blast injuries and shrapnel wounds to his eye.

Another 58-year-old victim suffered blast injuries, concussion and shrapnel wounds to both of her lower legs. She is currently under medical care. A 71-year-old woman also suffered shrapnel wounds to her chest.

All the injured civilians have been taken to hospital, where they are receiving the necessary medical treatment.

In addition, a local shop building and three vehicles were damaged as a result of the attack. Early reports suggest that two people, who were outside at the time, were injured.

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Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have pointed out that the Chief of the Russian General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov, has significantly exaggerated data on the Ukrainian territories occupied by the Russian army in 2024. ISW has published its own data on this issue.

Source: ISW

Details: Army General Valery Gerasimov, Russian Chief of the General Staff, has significantly exaggerated statistics regarding Russian territorial gains in 2024.

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On 18 December, Gerasimov claimed that Russian forces had captured approximately 4,500 sq. km in 2024.

However, ISW has confirmed that Russian forces have only taken control of 3,306 sq. km during this period. Gerasimov's inflated figures stand in contrast to Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov's more accurate statements at the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) board meeting on 16 December.

For instance, Belousov stated that Russian forces' average daily advance is about 30 square kilometres. ISW's geolocation evidence shows that Russian forces advanced at a rate of approximately 27.96 sq. km per day in November 2024.

Belousov further asserted that Russian forces now control roughly 99% of Luhansk Oblast, 70% of Donetsk Oblast, 74% of Zaporizhzhia Oblast and 76% of Kherson Oblast. ISW assesses that Russian forces occupy about 99% of Luhansk Oblast, 66% of Donetsk Oblast, and 73% of both Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 18 December:

Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a chemical plant in Rostov Oblast on 18 December.

Ukraine's European allies continue to provide monetary and defence industrial support to sustain Ukraine's war effort.

Russian Chief of the General Staff, Army General Valery Gerasimov, significantly inflated alleged statistics about Russian territorial gains in 2024.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on 18 December that Russian authorities had detained the suspect who planted the improvised explosive device (IED) that killed Head of the Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, and his aide, Major Ilya Polikarpov, in Moscow on 17 December.

Russian forces recently advanced near Kupiansk, Kreminna, and Pokrovsk.

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is increasingly deceiving conscripts into signing military service contracts to fight in Ukraine, likely in an effort to generate more assault forces and maintain the tempo of Russian offensive operations in Ukraine.

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(Reuters) - A Russian missile attack killed three people and wounded three more in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region on Thursday, the national police said.

It added on the Telegram messenger that more than 10 private houses were damaged.

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Alex Richardson)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine has confirmation that Russia is disguising North Korean military personnel as Russian citizens and burning the faces of dead soldiers to prevent identification.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference in Brussels, answering questions from journalists

Details: Zelenskyy said that according to Ukrainian intelligence, North Korea has deployed more than 12,000 soldiers to Russia. They have already suffered losses. No cases of surrender of North Korean soldiers have been recorded so far.

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Quote: "As for the North Korean military. So far, we have seen more than 12,000. I don't know if the number recorded by our services will be higher, we'll see.

As for prisoners, there have been none so far. But we have videos and photos of dead North Korean soldiers. Almost all of them are found with Russian passports. To prevent them from being recognised, we also have a video showing the Russians burning their faces. Our services can share it [the video]. I saw it myself.

They did the same thing with their own military: they burned them completely and left those who were not burned to rot on the ground. And [with North Koreans] theyre burning their faces."

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Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has informed Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UKs Chief of Defence Staff, about heavy fighting and a recent surge in Russian offensives across multiple frontline areas during a phone call.

Source: Syrskyi on Telegram

Quote from Syrskyi: "I briefed my British counterpart on the operational situation along the front line, which remains extremely challenging. In recent days, the enemy has once again intensified offensive actions in several areas simultaneously. However, through fierce battles, Ukraines defence forces have prevented the Russians from breaking through our defences or achieving operational success on any front."

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Details: Syrskyi said that Radakin had reaffirmed the UKs unwavering support for Ukraine, noting that certain aspects of this assistance will be significantly expanded in 2025.

It has been reported that the United Kingdom, alongside other European partners, will continue to make every effort to meet Ukraines needs for weaponry, military equipment, ammunition, and other advanced technology.

Background:

On 18 December, Russian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov claimed that Russian troops had seized approximately 4,500 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in 2024.

However, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War pointed out that Gerasimov had significantly exaggerated the amount of Ukrainian territory occupied by Russian forces this year. The ISW said that Russian troops have only captured 3,306 square kilometres in 2024.

The DeepState analytical project publishes daily updates on Russian advances on the front lines. Recent reports indicate that the Russians have occupied Trudove and made progress in Uspenivka, Kurakhove, near Zahryzove, Pishchane, Novoolevinka, Vovkove, Neskuchne and Vidrodzhennia.

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State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, who promised to overhaul social studies standards for Oklahoma classrooms, released his set of proposed new standards on Thursday morning.

In a news release from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Walters touted the new standards as among the strongest in the country: pro-America, pro-American exceptionalism, and strengthen civics and constitutional studies across every grade.

According to the release, the standards include Walters Bible-teaching mandate  which faces two court challenges of its legality  and mention the Bible more than 40 times.

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Oklahoma is putting the Bible and the historical impact of Christianity back in school, Walters said in a statement. We are demanding that our children learn the full and true context of our nations founding and of the principles that made and continue to make America great and exceptional. I am proud that Oklahoma is taking the lead in putting President Trumps education agenda into practice. We are presenting a successful model that others can emulate for how to restore public education and eradicate radical woke influences from our schools.

The revised social studies standards are open for public comment through Jan. 21. The standards would eventually have to be approved by the Legislature before taking effect in Oklahoma schools.

Critics have questioned why Walters would make drastic changes to the current state social studies standards, which are considered to be among the best in the nation  especially considering he had a hand in promulgating the standards.

A 2021 report from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a conservative nonprofit education think tank, placed Oklahoma tied for seventh nationally in a rating of state standards for civics and U.S. history. Those standards are currently used by Oklahoma schools. Of the standards, the Fordham Institute said, Oklahomas civics and U.S. History standards are quite good. In addition to deep content and clear organization, they exhibit an admirable commitment to telling the story of Native Americans.

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Among those who previously have praised the current standards is Walters, who served on the executive committee  a group that oversees the development of the standards  in 2019, when the standards last were updated. Walters said then in a letter, The standards as they are currently proposed will, in my opinion, allow students to proceed beyond a history lesson in which the goal is only the memorization of names and dates, but foster an environment that creates a love of history due to the engaging nature in which it will now be presented.

Leaders of many of Oklahomas Native American tribes, including Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, also sent letters supporting the standards, which were approved.

Walters has not given a reason for his 180-degree change of opinion on the 2019 standards. But in July, a news release from the state Department of Education promised the new standards would ensure the social studies standards are chronologically sound, reinforced, and reiterated through a students primary and secondary education, will empower schools to teach from primary sources, and will inspire in students a love of country and a proper understanding of the American founding. It will also eliminate DEI, indoctrination, and return teaching back to the basics in Oklahoma.

The new standards, Walters said then, would be developed by a new executive review committee" to ensure that social studies reflect accuracy and not political slanted viewpoints.

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He said members of that 10-person committee would include the co-founder of the conservative nonprofit PragerU, a representative from the conservative American Enterprise Institute and the president of another conservative group, the Heritage Foundation, along with multiple other right-wing voices. Only three of the people on the executive committee have ever lived in Oklahoma.

There are no Oklahoma public-school teachers or administrators on the executive committee, although there were about 75 of them who worked on updating the standards.

'Could've been so much worse': Bible, Christianity sprinkled into social studies standards

State Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, taught World History in high school and Geography and U.S. History in middle school. He said Wednesday he was "slightly relieved" after looking through the new standards, "as these could've been so much worse, but I do invite everyone to comment on them."

The Practice Standards are very advanced (maybe too much so) for the younger grades, especially in Pre-K and first grade," he said in a text message to The Oklahoman. "The Content Standards are quite Western Civ-centered, so whitewashed, and they focus on American exceptionalism in the early grades (to the point of patriotic indoctrination), and some of the overall content standards may require teaching out of a Bible. In other changes, Ancient and Medieval History and 20th Century Totalitarianism have been added as standalone courses. I dont hate either one, though the Totalitarianism content standards are not very balanced and rail against other forms of government that arent Capitalist, so that could be viewed as American exceptionalism, as well."

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During Thursday's Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting, Walters called the revised socials studies standards "pro-American exceptionalism," adding that they allow students to learn the "full and true context" of the United States' founding.

"We are also unabashed about what we're doing with these standards," Walters said. "Voters elected President Trump with a clear mission to drive woke indoctrination in our schools."

The revised social studies standards first mention references to God, Christianity and the Bible in the grade 1 content standards.

Instructions for first graders include a directive to explain the significance of the phrase under God in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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It also includes guidelines explaining the meaning of the United States motto, In God we trust, and the importance of religion to Americans.

Educators should also identify stories from ancient Israel that influenced the American colonists, the Founders and American culture, according to the revisit standards. Examples mentioned were the story of David and Goliath and Moses and the Ten Commandments.

For second graders, educators are instructed to identify stories from Christianity that influenced early American colonists, including the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

Eighth graders are to evaluate the role of Judeo-Christian ideals in supporting colonial demands for independence, under the new standards, as exemplified by the Bible being a frequently cited authority by America's Founders.

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Similar sentiments regarding the role of Christianity in American colonialism are included in standards for Modern World History, U.S. History and U.S. Government.

The revised standards for Ancient World History also include instructions on explaining the features Christianity in ancient Rome and the expansion of early Christianity.

(This story has been updated to include new information).

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters announces new social studies standards for Oklahoma schools
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  The captain of the Salvation Army of Beckley said on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, that the organization had raised twice as much in kettle collections in 2024 than in the previous year.

However, Captain Liz Bluesiewicz said the group must raise $50,000 in donations by Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. to meet its goal for 2024.

Salvation Army of Beckley hosts free Thanksgiving dinner and lunch

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Folks dont carry cash anymore. We are a credit card society, an Apple Pay society, and so were asking folks [to] go into the store, get some cash back, [and] put it in the kettle, said Capt. Liz on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Empty out your couch. Empty out the thing in your car and bring that into the kettle because every penny makes a difference in somebodys life.

Books-a-Million hosts book drive to stock library for The Salvation Army of Beckley

She said the bell ringers had collected around $100,000 as of Wednesday, and she credited the boost in donations from last year to the recent completion of a headquarters in Beckley, which she said has given the organization a stronger presence in Beckley than it has had over the past century.

The Salvation Army operates a soup kitchen, a Boys and Girls Club and other social services from the Beckley headquarters just off Robert C. Byrd Drive.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) The Salvation Army of Syracuse spread holiday cheer at its annual Bureau Distribution Day, held at the Oncenter on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Attendees were able to bring home food and toys to nearly 10,000 lower-income individuals and families in Central New York.

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Hundreds of volunteers and local organizations were present to assist families with selecting the perfect gift and food baskets.

Rows of tables were lined up filled with skateboards, books, electronics, and many more ensuring every child has a gift to open this holiday season.

Major Charles Robert, the director of Salvation Army County Operations, said that attendees, have it harder than a lot of other people in town you know. So a lot of people coming in are a little sad, a little down. Then we sing a couple of Christmas songs in the lobby.

Volunteer at the event, Jill Sabbaghzadeh said, Its nice to be able to put a smile on peoples faces. You know, when you think of Christmas you think of the time of giving and sharing that joy with other families who might not be as fortunate.

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Families also received food baskets filled with essentials for a festive holiday meal.

Volunteers worked together to make sure this process was smooth for attendees by providing transportation through Centro.

Ive seen lots of suffering. And one way to alleviate that suffering is to do something practical, right? I cant give everybody a cash reward, but I can do all the community output here. We can give people a little hope and an opportunity to be around people who care, Roberts said.

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HAMPTON, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Salvation Army announced it will again distribute holiday gift cards to members of the public, this time to Carter County residents on Sunday.

The distribution is scheduled to take place Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m. at Hampton Elementary School, 408 US-321 Scenic. Only Carter County residents will be permitted to attend this round of distribution, which will be set up in the schools gymnasium.

The Salvation Army said the gift card distribution events aim to provide financial assistance to families affected by flooding from Hurricane Helene. Cards will be given away until 5 p.m. or until organizers run out of them.

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We are very grateful that The Salvation Army was able to raise funds nationwide to provide relief for families and individuals affected by Hurricane Helene this holiday season, Major Maureen Diffley said in a release. Even as many of our neighbors have unexpected costs and challenges related to the storm and recovery from the damage, we are relieved to provide some bonus support at this special time of year and appreciate the support of the county and Hampton Elementary to facilitate this assistance.

Carter County residents are asked to bring the following items to receive a Hurricane Helene Holiday Gift card:

Form of ID

Verification of address in the county of distribution (ID, mail, etc.)

Verification of additional household members (mail, birth certificates, custody papers, etc.)

Explanation of hurricane impact (i.e. loss of days of work, home, property, increased family care, etc.)

The Salvation Army previously hosted gift card distribution events in Unicoi and Greene counties.

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Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, the release states. Kind and considerate behavior will be expected from all, including while waiting for a turn to have documents processed.

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LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO)  The Salvation Army and one of its longtime bellringers are in need of more donations to meet their holiday goal of making a difference in the community.

Edward Higgins is a familiar face around the Loves Park area during the holidays. He has been ringing bells since he was 14 years old.

The Salvation Army contacted our family when I was five years old. They came and helped our family out at Christmas time, said Higgins. So, I always consider this payback for what they did for my family.

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Nearly 65 years later, he is still volunteering his time to the community.

Im doing it almost every day, said Higgins. Yeah, Im probably 20 days since the holiday, and Ive come out for 8 hours and I dont normally do that, but I have the time. Im retired. So, [its] just a fun way to [give back.]

The Salvation Armys Red Kettle Campaign started in early November and runs until Christmas Eve. The campaign is currently on pace to fall short of its $220,000 goal.

Well, its always hard at this time of year. This time of year, we always have more volunteers. Everybody wants to help, especially ringing bells at Christmas time, said Winnebago County Coordinator Major Monty Wandling. But, [if] you still want to help. There is room and space for you to help.

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To donate to the Red Kettle Campaign or volunteer, you can visit Salvation Armys website.

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WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  The Salvation Army opened a store in Valley West Mall for people to shop for toys for their kids. Donations to the Salvation Army from the public and Toys for Tots, paid for the outing. Angel Tree Ministries took registrations from some 800 families, with over 2,000 kids.

The families that we are serving today are those who, life has just been very hard for them and theyre needing help making ends meet as well as working to find a way to bring that Christmas joy to their household, said Jolene Hull, of the Salvation Army. We are able to offer some food theyre choosing so they can go shopping at one of the grocery stores here in town and get exactly what they want for their Christmas meal.

Iowa congressional delegation members frustrated with funding bill

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The Salvation Army has a fundraising goal of $1.2 million dollars. So far theyve raised $500,000.

We have a ways to go but we know just as weve got the support of the community, said Daniel Hull, of the Salvation Army. We can provide rent, utility assistance, and our homeless feeding program three days a week we take our emergency canteen out and feed the homeless.

In opening the toy shop, it also takes volunteer help.

Those volunteers get a blessing, Ive seen the smiles, the greetings, said Daniel. It is not about number 147 come and be served, its about serving our friends and our neighbors.

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The Iowa State Bank also helped to make the store possible.

Iowa State Bank gives to the Salvation Army of Des Moines because were committed to helping meet the needs of the community where we do business, said Iowa State Bank President & CEO, Lauren Burgeson in a news release. Were proud to partner with the Salvation Army of Des Moines to support them as they provide food, clothing and gifts this holiday season to the most vulnerable populations in our community.

Metro News:

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WEST DES MOINES  Thursday is day two of the Salvation Armys Christmas toy shop program where they provide free toys to struggling families so kids can have presents under the Christmas tree. This year, the Salvation Army is providing toys to over 2,000 children in 800 families.

Parents who qualify for the program signed up to attend the toy shop, set up at Valley West Mall, and receive a time to visit when they can pick out three toys for each of their children.

The Salvation Army Christmas Toy Shop is made possible by the generous donations of the community as well as partners like Toys for Tots, the Angel Tree, and Iowa State Bank.

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Major Jolene Hull, a Capital Area Commander with the Salvation Army, said that the Salvation Army and its Volunteers worked hard to make the toy shop a positive experience for those who need it.

So over the last three weeks or so, weve been moving a lot of toys between locations and then setting up tables and gifts here and making it more of a shopping experience. Thats what we want to accomplish. Is that just like picking out toys for our family, we want that experience to happen here for our, our customers, Hull said.

Andy heads to Ankeny in search of more Light Stars

The Salvation Armys Toy Shop program is made possible in part due to its other major fundraiser, the Red Kettle Campaign.

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So far this year the Salvation Army has raised around $500,000 of its $1.2 million goal.

Major Daniel Hull, a Capital Area Commander with the Salvation Army, said volunteers are needed for the Red Kettle Campaign.

If you go to register to ring online, you can sign up. Take a two-hour shift, half-day, just bring a buddy. And that kind of makes the hours go quicker. And every time that bell rings, it gives hope to people, Hull said.

Learn more about the Salvation Armys Red Kettle Campaign or sign up to ring bells by visiting the Salvation Armys website.

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  On Tuesday, Dec. 17, a San Angelo Vietnam War veteran was recognized for his service and wounds sustained in combat.

Lyle Johnson served in the United States Army from June 2, 1964, to May 28, 1966. He was injured on Nov. 19, 1965, from shrapnel from a grenade in Vietnam. He received the Purple Heart for his bravery but later lost the medal after various moves.

During the ceremony, that medal was replaced. Texas Veterans Commission patient advocate Diane Gaitan was able to identify that the medal had been lost and began the process of getting it replaced.

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On November 19, 1965, Lyle faced the chaos of war with unwavering courage, confronting dangers that many of us can only imagine. He endured the harrowing reality of combat, sustaining shrapnel wounds to the left side of his body  a visible emblem of his bravery. Yet, these physical wounds merely scratch the surface of the deeper, invisible scars  the burdens of memory, trauma, and isolation  that linger long after the guns have gone silent, Luis Martinez III, MSW, VRRS II, veterans resource coordinator for the Texas Veterans Leadership Program for Workforce Solutions of the Concho Valley and Permian Basin, said.

Martinez, also a veteran and Purple Heart recipient, addressed the crowd inside the Workforce Solutions building where they gathered to honor Johnson.

If it were not for the struggles you faced, Lyle, and the immense adversity you overcame, veterans like myself would not be standing here today. Your courage paved the way for us, and for that, we are eternally grateful. The veterans of today owe our lives, our freedom, and our ability to return home to our families partly to your sacrifices, Martinez stated in his speech.

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The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the president. It is a distinguished military decoration awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

Overall, the Purple Heart resonates with themes of honor, sacrifice, and community support for those who serve. Holding a Purple Heart is both an honor and a weight I carry with me every day. It serves as a tangible reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made  both on the battlefield and in the lives that were forever altered by war. But for us, it is not just a medal; it represents the pain of losing loved ones who fought valiantly, only to face struggles that haunted them long after they returned home, Martinez said.

Johnson was awarded his replacement Purple Heart medal as well as a 50th Anniversary Commemoration lapel pin.

Lyle, receiving the Purple Heart represents more than just an honor; it is a testament to the resilience and spirit of a generation that endured separation, hardship, and rejection. This medal is not only a recognition of your bravery in combat but also a symbol of the unyielding will it takes to confront the emotional battles that resonate long after the shot has been fired, Martinez said.

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Johnsons niece, Tammy Johnson, was also in attendance representing family members who also make sacrifices during and after their loved ones serve in the armed forces.

Today, we honor you, we celebrate you, and we embrace you as a part of our family, finally welcoming you home, where you belong, Martinez concluded.

In the photos:

Diane Gaitan, TVC Patient Advocate, pinned Purple Heart on Johnson.

Zachary Peterson, TVC Rural Career Advisor, pinned Vietnam 50th Anniversary Commemoration lapel pin on Johnson.

Desirae Brown Concho Valley Workforce Solutions Military Family Support Liaison pinned Blue Star Family lapel pin on Johnsons niece, Tammy Johnson.

Kathy Keane with Congressman Pflugers Office presented US flag flown over DC and Pfluger challenge coin.



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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  By this time next month, San Francisco will have a new mayor as London Breeds tumultuous but historic tenure comes to an end. The trailblazing mayor spoke to KRON4 News about her legacy, as well as what advice she has for the citys incoming leaders.

The Great Detachment: Why employees are increasingly dissatisfied with their jobs

The outgoing mayor said shes not sure exactly what shell do after leaving office, but that shes looking forward to remaining part of the city.

Watch the entire interview in the player above

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Rep. Micah Caskey, R-West Columbia (left), looks on as Rep. Leon Stavrinakis, D-Charleston, talks with Rep. Case Brittain, R-Myrtle Beach, during the first day of session in Columbia, S.C. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. (Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  A Charleston County legislator wants to prevent South Carolina college students from losing their state-funded scholarships for misdemeanor mistakes.

State law gives students one pass for a misdemeanor drug or alcohol offense, such as drinking or possessing alcohol when under the age of 21. But a second conviction disqualifies students from lottery-funded scholarships that would otherwise help them pay for tuition.

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And the scholarship suspension applies for a full academic year.

I just dont think they should be losing scholarships for minor things like that, said Rep. Leon Stavrinakis.

The Charleston Democrat filed a bill ahead of the upcoming legislative session that would remove mentions of misdemeanor alcohol or drug offenses from scholarship criteria. Students would still be ineligible if theyre convicted of any felony.

Stavrinakis, who is an attorney, said he has represented college students in court over the minor offenses, helping them reduce their charges so as not to lose their eligibility. But not all students know about the law or, even if they do, can afford to pay a lawyer to help them keep their scholarship, he said.

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The states higher education agency did not have data immediately available on how many students may have been impacted.

Even if it affects a handful of kids, its not a good thing, Stavrinakis said.

There can be a lot at stake for students, given the hefty cost of a college degree.

A Palmetto Fellows scholarship, the scholarship offered to the highest performing South Carolina students, is worth $6,700 in the first year and $7,500 per year in the three years after.

Scholarships for South Carolina students who earn and keep a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are worth $5,000 a year.

Students with the greatest financial needs can receive an additional $3,500 in aid. And students enrolled in science, technology or math-related programs can receive an additional $2,500. A law passed earlier this year added education majors to the list of those eligible for scholarship enhancements. Future teachers can get $2,500 to $3,300 more in aid yearly.

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Those scholarships are only available for eight consecutive semesters, meaning if a student misses out on a semester or year of funding for any reason, they wont be able to make it up at a later date.

Annual tuition and fees at the states four-year public colleges can range from $10,500 at the University of South Carolinas satellite campuses in Aiken and Beaufort to more than $15,000 at Clemson University and Winthrop University, with USCs main campus in Columbia in the middle at $12,700, according to the latest data from the state Commission on Higher Education.

For someone to have their future impacted or their family financially impacted, the punishment is way disproportionate to the crime, Stavrinakis said.

This isnt his first attempt to change the misdemeanor ineligibility rule.

Stavrinkais has sponsored two previous bills to make the change, starting in February 2021, but they never even got a hearing.

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(Bloomberg) -- Alice Weidel, the long-shot chancellor candidate from the far-right Alternative for Germany, slammed the European Union for destroying the countrys auto industry and proposed winding back the bloc to a free-trade zone.

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What we need to have is free trade among the European countries, but we dont need all the bureaucracy, co-leader of the second-strongest party in German polls told Bloomberg TV in Berlin. The EUs socialist policy making has destroyed the market mechanism in Europe.

As an example, Weidel  the AfDs first-ever candidate for chancellor  cited Germanys automotive sector, which she said had been ripped off by an EU ban on the sale of new combustion-engine vehicles by 2035.

We dont need all of these bureaucrats who have no clue what theyre doing and destroying our foundation in the European Union, Weidel said. We dont see that the European Union in its current state is an institution that is working well.

In its campaign platform for the Feb. 23 snap election, the AfD calls for a German exit from the EU and the euro zone, moves that would mark a major shift in German policy and unwind decades of political and economic integration. The party also calls for a crackdown on undocumented migrants, including expelling hundreds of thousands of people.

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The Germany First appeal has resonated with many voters unsettled by the countrys sputtering economy. The anti-immigration party trails only the Christian Democrat-led conservative opposition and is ahead of all ruling parties including Chancellor Olaf Scholzs Social Democrats.

In the interview, which was recorded on Wednesday, Weidel pushed back against labeling the party as far right, calling it libertarian and conservative.

Three state chapters in the former communist east are classified as extremist and are under surveillance by Germanys domestic intelligence service. The party says Islam doesnt belong in the country, and former leader Alexander Gauland has called the Nazi period a mere blemish on Germanys long history.

Weidel said that her main priorities, if elected, would be border control, lowering taxes and reviving nuclear power after Germany shut down its last plants in 2023.

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The policies though have little chance of being implemented since all other parties have ruled out a coalition with the AfD. Still, the party has had a major influence on the political debate in Germany, notably pushing for a harder line on migration.

The 45-year-old, who has co-chaired the AfD with Tino Chrupalla since 2021, called for reforms of EU treaties that allow member states to veto decisions by the European Commission, the blocs executive arm. She also said that countries should be allowed to exit the EU, with the default being a free-trade partnership rather than going through the contortions that accompanied the UKs Brexit negotiations.

I highly recommend just a free trade zone because all the bureaucrats  thousands of them  are eating up taxpayers money, she said.

Weidel, whose party is an advocate of restoring business and political ties with Russia, welcomed Donald Trumps return to the White House. Her party calls for an end of all military aid for Ukraine and has warned against what AfD officials described as further military escalation by the West.

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We have huge hopes with his presidency, she said. I really hope that he puts an end to this terrible war in the Ukraine because the European member states are actually not willing or capable of doing something like that.

The background to the end of the war is the prospect for restarting deliveries of cheap energy from Russia, most notably natural gas. The party, which is skeptical of man-made climate change, is also in favor of burning coal to generate power over an expansion of renewable sources.

Weidel played down concerns that Trump will levy tariffs against German carmakers. Volkswagen AG, BMW AG and Mercedes-Benz Group AG have built factories there to tap demand from American consumers.

Germanys carmakers are already in the US, she said. And you know why? Because of high energy prices here in Germany.

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke to US President-elect Donald Trump on the phone on the fringes of an EU summit in Brussels to discuss the war in Ukraine.

The two agreed "that Russia's war against Ukraine has been going on for far too long and that it is important to get on the path to a fair, just and sustainable peace as soon as possible," German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said after the call.

The German chancellor reaffirmed his intention to continue supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russia for as long as necessary, Hebestreit said.

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Thursday's phone call was Scholz's second exchange with Trump since his election victory in early November. Trump is to take office on January 20.

The fact that Scholz has already spoken to the future US president twice before he takes office is not customary.
On Thursday, 19 December, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump, which was dedicated to "challenges to security policy in Europe".

Source: European Pravda with reference to Steffen Hebestreit, spokesman for the German Federal Government

Details: Trump and Scholz's conversation, as noted, was devoted to "challenges to security policy in Europe".

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The two sides "agreed that Russia's war on Ukraine has been going on for far too long and that it is essential to move as quickly as possible towards a just, equitable and enduring peace," Hebestreit added.

At the same time, Scholz confirmed that Germany would continue to support Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression "as long as necessary".

Background:

During the campaign, the US president-elect promised to end the war in Ukraine "in 24 hours".

Donald Trump's team is currently working on a plan to end the hostilities in Ukraine, and he recently stated that he had made "some progress".

Earlier, the US President-elect stated that he would not "abandon Ukraine" in his attempts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian war.

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Classroom. Credit: Pixabay.

A bill that would require Ohio school districts to make a policy to expel a student that poses an imminent and severe endangerment for 180 days and potentially longer has been passed by the state legislature and is going to Gov. Mike DeWines desk.

The Ohio Senate passed House Bill 206 with a 23-7 vote and the Ohio House voted 61-25 to concur with changes made to the bill. Once DeWine receives the bill, he has 10 days to sign it into law or veto it.

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State Reps. Gary Click, R-Vickery, and Monica Robb Blasdel, R-Columbiana, introduced H.B. 206.

The bill defines imminent and severe endangerment as bringing a firearm or a knife capable of causing serious bodily injury to school, making a bomb threat to a school building, causing serious physical harm to someone at school or making an articulated or verbalized threat, including a hit list, threatening manifesto, or social media post, that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the pupil poses a serious threat, according to the bills language.

The goal is not to deprive the child of their education rather than stop unintentionally readmitting every student who may still pose an imminent threat to a school full of other students and faculty, said State Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware.

State Sen. Louis W. Blessing, III, R-Colerain Township, was the only Senate Republican to vote against the bill. Three Democrat state representatives voted for the bill  Sean Brennan, Richard DellAquila and Adam Miller.

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State Sen. Catherine D. Ingram, D-Cincinnati, said she supports school safety, but has concerns with the bill.

Unfortunately, if a child goes across the room, takes somebodys cell phone, slams it down, that actually could be justifiable for expulsion, she said.

The bill would allow a district school board to create a policy that would authorize the superintendent to create conditions for an expelled student to meet before being reinstated  including an assessment by a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, or licensed school psychologist to evaluate if the student poses a danger. The expelled student can then be reinstated if the superintendent says the student has shown sufficient rehabilitation, according to the bill.

A students expulsion can be extended 90 days at a time and there is no cap on how many times a students expulsion can be extended. An average school year is about 180 days and the bill would require the superintendent to have a list of alternative education options for the expelled student.

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An amendment to the bill requires public schools to report demographic data on expelled students to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

Earlier this year, the Childrens Defense Fund Ohio released a report that discovered Black male students were 4.3 times more likely to be suspended or expelled than their white peers.

The report showed Black students represented 39.7 per 100 students with discipline occurrences. Disabled students who were suspended or expelled accounted for 22.2 per 100 students and students considered economically disadvantaged had 21.5 discipline occurrences per 100 students.

A handful of amendments were added to H.B. 206 in the Senate Education Committee including one that would modify the states school closure law. Currently, Ohio charter schools are automatically closed if they have three straight years of poor performance.

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Under the bill, charter schools facing closure would have an additional two years to improve if they receive a performance index measure score on its state report card within five points below the score required to receive two stars on its achievement rating.

As long as they are maintaining them and trying to do everything to improve, were going to keep them off the closure list so that the state doesnt take them over, Brenner said. But they have to improve each year, and thats going to essentially be a quasi rolling average for the next two years. If at any time they fall below that, theyre automatically closed for the next year.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce requested an amendment that would increase the appropriation authority for school choice program administration in fiscal year 2025 from $4 million to up to $8.14 million.

The department is requesting to move some money around to cover the cost of the school choice administration due to the fact that theyve been fighting some lawsuits, and its costing them a lot of money to fight the existing school choice lawsuits, Brenner said.

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Vouchers Hurt Ohio filed a lawsuit in 2022 against the EdChoice private school voucher program, saying the program has disproportionately grown while resources for public school districts have diminished. About 200 Ohio school districts have joined the lawsuit, which will go to trial next year.

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky.

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SCRANTON  Justin Schuback, found guilty of killing Old Forge restaurateur Robert Baron during a robbery of his pizzeria in 2017, was denied a new trial by Lackawanna County Judge Terrence Nealon.

In May, a jury found Schuback guilty of first degree murder. In July, Nealon sentenced Schuback to life in prison, in addition to 7.5 years behind bars for robbery and burglary.

Schubacks attorneys sought a new trial based on two alleged instances of the Baron familys conduct during the trial.

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The first instance was during Robert Baron Jr.s testimony, during which his sisters shook their heads, seeming to disagree with his timeline of the night of the murder.

During the break that followed the testimony, the district attorneys office, defense attorneys and Nealon became aware of what happened. Nealon directed the prosecution to advise Barons family to refrain from such behaviors, or they would be removed from the courtroom.

In a memo addressing the request for a new trial, Nealon noted that defense counsel did not raise any objection or request any type of court action following that incident.

The second instance referenced by defense attorneys in requesting a new trial, was the Baron family reaction to Cpl. Greg Allen testimony, during which Barons daughters appeared to be crying. During a recess, Nealon directed prosecutors to inform the family they needed to keep their emotions under control or they would not be allowed to remain in the courtroom.

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Nealon noted defense attorneys, who had been informed of the situation, hadnt requested a mistrial, voiced objection or request any kind of court relief, at that time.

In an Order dated Dec. 17, Nealon denied Schubacks request for a new trial, following the submission of memorandums by both the prosecution and defense, and oral argument on Oct. 25.

Schuback and his defense attorneys have 30 days to appeal the decision to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.
Conservationists in the UK are testing out drones that will help them monitor wild animals from far above, like snow leopards in Kazakhstan and Grevy's zebras in Kenya.

Blooloop reported on the emerging technology, which is being created by Hampshire-based zoo Marwell Wildlife and scientists from the University of Southampton.

The drones will be utilized to assess body conditions and migration patterns of wildlife and have been through several rounds of trials. In the most recent test at the Marwell Zoo, the drones were able to zoom in clearly enough to show the veins inside the ear of a zebra from nearly 400 feet above.

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The team hopes to make the technology widely available to assist wildlife conservationists in the field.

This is one of several innovative ways that conservationists are monitoring wild animal populations. For instance, Australian researchers are using sterilized cheesecloths, mechanical fans, and waterproof lithium battery packs as a way to collect airborne environmental DNA for study. This will help provide crucial information about what kinds of animals and about how many roam in any given area.

Plus, trail cameras can help monitor wildlife passing by. For instance, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department recently posted photos of an elusive lynx that had been captured by such devices.

These types of programs do more than just help protect endangered animal species. Each animal and plant species within an ecosystem is vitally important, helping to maintain a delicate balance. A healthy ecosystem provides many benefits to humans, including food, clean air, and water, National Geographic explains. Biodiversity can also help us fight against rising global temperatures, according to the United Nations.

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The Earth faces a biodiversity crisis, as we are losing wildlife at an alarming rate. According to the World Economic Forum, humans have caused the loss of 83% of all wild animals and half of all plants. However, while things may seem dire, wildlife conservationists have announced a number of victories in recent years.

For instance, California's gray wolf population recently doubled thanks to federal and state protections. Plus, special nesting platforms placed atop telephone poles in the Chicago area have helped once-threatened osprey populations to bounce back.

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As for the drone project in the UK, Philip Riordan, conservation director at Marwell Wildlife, told Blooloop, "The potential applications of existing technologies for wildlife conservation are already huge and largely untapped. This project will use what is available and, with our partners, drive further innovations that can help conservationist[s] around the world."

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Scientists developed a questionnaire to identify whether your cat is a psychopath

What, exactly, is your cat thinking? Scientists came up with a questionnaire in 2021 that might give you some idea of where your feline friend fits on what's known as the triarchic model of psychopathy.

The model measures levels of boldness, meanness, and disinhibition in order to assess overall psychopathic tendencies. Ordinarily, the test is for human beings, of course, but here it's being applied to cats.

Having completed the survey  which you can find online  you'll be given what's called a CAT-Tri+ measure for your pet's level of psychopathy. The team is hoping that knowing this score can improve human and cat relationships.

What exactly is your cat thinking? ( Kamchatka/Canva

"Our cats and the differences in their personalities inspired us to start this research," psychologist Rebecca Evans, from the University of Liverpool in the UK, told Motherboard.

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"Personally, I am also interested in how owner perceptions of psychopathy in their cat can affect the cat-owner relationship. My cat Gumball scores relatively highly on the disinhibition scale  which means he can be quite vocal, proximity-seeking and excitable."

The questionnaire asks for information about how adventurous your cat is when exploring, how it reacts to danger, how it responds to other cats, whether or not it needs constant stimulation, and how well it follows house rules.

Related behaviors  including sudden mood changes, aggression towards new people, and reactions to being petted  are also explored.

In each instance you can mark your feline on a scale of "does not describe my cat" to "describes my cat extremely well".

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Other factors, measuring human-unfriendliness and pet-unfriendliness, are also included in the test, to help understand the relationship between the cat and owner.

The team hopes the survey can improve human and cat relationships. ( chalabalaphotos/Canva

From a total of 46 responses overall, you can work out your cat's CAT-Tri+ score for psychopathy. In humans, psychopathy is often characterized by a lack of empathy and a tendency to manipulate others  though psychopaths can appear normal and charming on the surface.

"It is likely that all cats have an element of psychopathy as it would have once been helpful for their ancestors in terms of acquiring resources: for example food, territory, and mating opportunities," Evans said.

The ultimate aim of the study was to give us a better understanding of our cats. Those that score more highly for boldness might benefit from spending more time with scratching posts or climbing obstacles, for example.

The ultimate aim of the study was to give us a better understanding of our cats. ( noly/Pixabay

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Unwanted cats are still often abandoned or left to shelters (where they may be euthanized), and the research team hopes that a psychological study like this can help identify unwanted behaviors in cats, so owners can perhaps make adjustments to their environments or training accordingly.

Relationships between 2,042 cat owners and their pets were studied in order to come up with the final questionnaire, with the researchers also able to tease out some patterns from the volunteers who had already answered the questions.

"Disinhibition and pet-unfriendliness predicted a higher quality cat-owner relationship; meanness and boldness predicted a lower quality relationship," the researchers write in their paper.

The research has been published in the Journal of Research in Personality.

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An earlier version of this article was first published in December 2021.

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The latest measurement of Antarctic sea ice shocked scientists, though it's not certain whether this is a new normal.

What's happening?

The National Snow and Ice Data Center reported this year's Antarctic sea ice winter maximum was the second-lowest on record, per the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The area around Antarctica covered by at least 15% ice was 6.6 million square miles. Last year marked the only time when there was less ice coverage.

The average maximum extent from 1981 to 2010 was 598,000 square miles greater. And there was only 77,000 square miles more ice this year than there was in 2023. It continues a nearly decade-long trend, but these last two years have been outliers even then.

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"Like 2023, the 2024 winter maximum was so far outside the range of observed variability that some scientists speculate that the Southern Ocean sea ice may have entered a wholly new state," the NOAA stated.

The extent of sea ice from 2013 to 2015 was mostly above average.

Why is this important?

Research scientist Ted Scambos told the NOAA this is the result of slow ice advance in fall and "rapid retreat" in spring and summer. While rising air temperatures are an obvious factor to point to, they can't fully explain the sheer scale of the change.

Scambos said the problem is most likely attributable to "warm near-surface ocean temperatures at the sea ice edge." These temperatures, from 55 degrees Fahrenheit to 65, are even more likely to be the cause of "the slow readvance in autumn and winter."

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"It's bonkers," Scambos said of the back-to-back winter maximum lows. "It's like it's wandering off into new territory."

The yearly average ice extent around Antarctica peaked in 2014 after decades of increases. But by 2018, 35 years' worth of gains had disappeared. While Antarctic sea ice is volatile, and a 2022 model showed high-low swings as well as short-term increases and decreases, the last two years "are in a world of their own," according to the NOAA.

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National Snow and Ice Data Center sea ice expert Walt Meier said weather could reverse this pattern but added a warning.

"I think it is still too soon to say for sure that we're witnessing global warming coming to Antarctic sea ice," he said, "but if it were to be the case, this is what it would look like."

What's being done about the rising global temperature?

The loss of Antarctic sea ice coincides with a trend of the rapidly rising global temperature. Earth's 10 hottest surface temperatures on record have come in each of the last 10 years, a transformation driven by the burning of dirty sources of energy such as coal and gas, which devastates human health as well as wildlife and the environment.

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To help the planet cool down, we can make changes from washing clothes in cold water to installing a heat pump. Cutting down on plastic is another key, while talking to friends and family can boost your impact and clear the path to solution-oriented action.

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.




SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Calls are gaining traction to remove President Joe Bidens name from highway signs in Scranton since the Conahan sentence commutation.

Changing the name of the Scranton Expressway and Spruce Street has been a controversy since 2021, but now with President Biden granting clemency for a notorious judge involved in the Kids for Cash scandal, the spark of controversy has reignited.

You know if we do a crime we have to do the time, said Republican Representative for the 120th District of Pennsylvania, Brenda Pugh.

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One of those calls is coming Pugh. She is calling for action from the Electric City to remove President Bidens name from signage in Scranton.

I felt that our residents of northeast PA driving up 81 and having to see that sign every day, were never going to be able to let them heal, and completely heal. Its going to be a constant reminder of what just happened. I would urge them to think about the children and the families that were affected by this, Pugh explained.

Pa. State Rep. calls for name change of Biden Expressway in Scranton

Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak agrees.

In a letter to Scrantons mayor, Chermak wrote in part:

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Reverting the name to Spruce Street would be a step toward restoring confidence in the citys leadership and reaffirming our commitment to decisions that reflect the values and integrity of our community. Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak

On the other hand, Commissioner Bill Gaughan, who was the president of the city council when the signs were changed, says to keep President Bidens name.

No president should be defined by one decision. Hes been president for four years now, and I think hes done a wonderful job, especially representing our area here in Scranton, where he was born and raised for the first 10 years of his life. So I fully support the street remaining Biden Street, Gaughan stated.

Opinions are mixed from residents in the city on the signage names.

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What Biden did was a slap in the face for all Americans. We want off here. I want it back to Spruce Street, I want the Central Scranton Expressway, said Scranton resident Bob Bolus.

I dont think one situation erases everything else and he was the President of the United States, and he was born in our city, and I think thats enough reason to name the street after him, said Marylynn Carey from Scranton.

28/22 News has reached out to Scranton Mayor Cognetti for two days for a comment but has yet to hear back.

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MCNAIRY COUNTY, Tenn.  A Sea of Blue tribute is set for Wednesday night in Selmer for Sgt. Rick Finley, a McNairy County Sheriffs Office veteran who was shot and killed over the weekend.

All law enforcement and first responders are invited to pay their respects to sergeant Finley at the Robert K. Lee Justice Complex.

Let me start off with saying that ever since its happened the outing of support from the law-enforcement community the community the community and just McNairy County about it has been overwhelming, Sheriff Guy Buck said.

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Finley, a part-time police officer with the Selmer Police Department and full-time deputy with the McNairy County Sheriffs Office, was responding to a suspicious person call when he was fatally shot by 39-year-old Daniel Holmes.

A second responding officer then engaged and killed Holmes.

Buck thanked everyone for their condolences. Hes appreciative of the tribute, but says the departments heartache still lingers after Finleys tragic passing.

Theres no way to make any sense of it Theres no way to make it right, theres no way to understand it, and our team is struggling. You know some come to me tans just ask why whybut theres no answer to that, he said.

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Its an awesome tribute. Hed be very proud of it. Rick was a great guy. He did a great job. Heres a picture from back in the day. Theres Rick here. My wife made mustache cookies for my birthday. Theres Rick and everyone holding up their mustache cookies.  Kevin Carter Mcnairy county Sheriff

He was a guy that you could call and basically ask him to do anything, anytime, you knew it was gonna be done professionally and with integrity. He was a phenomenal officer and other than that he was a great friend. He was a friend to everyone.  Nicholas Inman, McNairy County Sheriff

Sgt. Finley leaves behind a wife and two children. His memorial service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at Lakeview Church in Selmer, Tennessee. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by funeral services at 4 p.m.

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Eight years ago, IU Indy student Austin Sanchez was a 13-year-old walking into a room full of strangers, not really sure what he was about to learn in this summer program through the Latino Youth Collective.

Within a few weeks, not only did Sanchez learn video editing tools, gain research and interviewing skills and produce a short documentary about domestic violence, but he found a sense of community outside his family. This past summer, he joined the program as a staffer and mentor to kids like his former self.

"Its very fulfilling," he said. "It takes me back to when I was learning all that stuff and how exciting and new it was."

Students gather for a summer program called the Athena Academy for Media Arts, Science, & Technology, a six-week program run by the Latino Youth Collective.

The six-week program Sanchez participated in, called the Athena Academy for Media Arts, Science, & Technology, is the heart of the work of the Latino Youth Collective, an Indianapolis-based space for young people  particularly immigrants and Hispanic youth  to support one another and engage with issues affecting their communities.

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The summer program is intensive. Usually about 40 young teenagers split off into small groups to identify a topic of interest, learn a host of industry-standard editing tools and research skills, and produce three multimedia projects about that topic: a short documentary, an infographic and a podcast. Some students continue project-based work throughout the school year  for example, some are involved in an ongoing project making Spanish-forward content about substance abuse and mental health.

A screenshot of a video produced by a student involved in the Latino Youth Collective, which teaches kids how to conduct community research and produce short documentaries about community issues.

The students get paid a stipend, too  an important incentive, because many of the youth the program seeks to serve usually face the choice of taking care of their younger siblings or getting a job during the summer, said Executive Director Javier Barrera.

Barrera was one of the founders of the collective in 2008, when he was a student at the former Northwest High School in Indianapolis. It started out as mostly a support group for immigrant youth like himself.

"We didnt have any formal resources or organizations doing work for youth in a way that was meaningful for us, so we created our own," he said.

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In those early days, much of the work was around building community and sharing resources, like helping immigrant youth and families access higher education. When kids felt like they wouldn't be able to get into or afford college, that could reduce their motivation to finish high school, Barrera said.

That's still very much a part of the ethos. Like a community, there's continuity from year to year  some students come back multiple years, and, like Sanchez, some become mentors and teachers in the program.

"Its really nice how were growing together," he said.

What is your organization's mission?

The Latino Youth Collective provides resources and opportunities for youth to engage in personal and community development through critical pedagogy, grassroots organizing, and collective action.

How many people do you serve?

Roughly 36-44 youth each year. The videos they've produced have reached at least 20,000 people, by their metrics.

What is your organizations No. 1 need?

The collective is always looking for donors to sponsor participants in the summer program. The organization is in the process of redesigning its website to add a direct feature for this, but for now, interested donors can contact the collective at www.wearecollective.org/contact/.

How can people get involved?

Youth can find an application to the Athena Academy at www.wearecollective.org/athena/application/.

How to help through Season for Sharing

The mission of IndyStar's annual Season for Sharing campaign is to harness the power of local journalism and you to make a difference in the lives of Central Indiana youth.

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This year, Season for Sharing is joining the Summer Youth Program Fund, a partnership of Indianapolis funders that supports high-quality programs serving more than 80,000 Marion County youth each year. Your gift to Season for Sharing makes it possible for kids to hike, play sports, act, sing, paint, grow food, perform experiments, build robots, solve problems, explore the city, do service projects, gain job skills and earn money during their time out of school.

Last year, the Summer Youth Program Fund was only able to provide 55 cents for every dollar requested. Your generosity makes a big difference in the lives of young people in our community.

To contribute, visit indystar.com/ocdonate or mail a check to: Central Indiana Community Foundation, Attn: Season for Sharing, 615 N. Alabama St. Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Because IndyStar covers all fundraising and administrative costs, 100% of your gift will go directly to Central Indiana agencies.

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Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Season for Sharing: Latino Youth Collective teaches skills
The Seattle Police Department has released pictures of the man they say stabbed a bus driver to death in the University District.

His name is Richard Sitzlack, and he is 53 years old.

Police say he was last seen wearing a navy blue hooded sweatshirt, a dark grayish blue jacket, a black beanie, blue camouflage pans, and dark sneakers. He was carrying a yellow backpack and a red shopping bag.

Sitzlack is accused of getting into a fight with the driver, 59-year-old Shawn Yim around 3 a.m. Wednesday morning, before stabbing him multiple times in the chest.

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Yim stumbled off the bus but succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Police say Sitzlack is transient and frequents the University District and Downtown Seattle. Do not attempt to approach Sitzlack, he is considered armed and dangerousinstead call 911 immediately.
Federal Way police have arrested a second suspect in the tragic shooting death of 2-year-old Synsyr Lewis, who was killed in a parking lot shooting in April.

On December 18, detectives, with assistance from Alameda Police in California, arrested 31-year-old Jerome Lewis on a warrant for first-degree murder.

His bail has been set at $3 million. Lewis will remain in custody in California pending extradition to Washington.

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The incident occurred on April 4 in the parking lot of the IHOP restaurant in the 100 block of Southwest Campus Drive.

Police received a call around 9:58 a.m. reporting the shooting, followed shortly by a report from St. Francis Hospital of a 2-year-old arriving with a gunshot wound.

Synsyr was later transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he died.

The first suspect, 17-year-old Jayson Jack, was arrested on October 2.

Jack, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, was charged as an adult and booked into the King County Children and Family Justice Center for first-degree murder.

The investigation remains ongoing.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Kansans covered by Medicaid lose their health coverage when theyre booked into jail. Sedgwick County is no exception.

On Wednesday, county commissioners voted to ask lawmakers to continue that coverage so they dont have to cover medical costs with taxpayer dollars as part of their 2025 legislative agenda.

Right now, when people are booked into Sedgwick County Jail, regardless of whether theyve been convicted of a crime, they lose their Medicaid coverage. On Wednesday, Commissioner Ryan Baty argued thats a violation of their rights.

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I think this is a due process issue, Baty said. I think this is unethical. I think its unconstitutional. I think its a major problem to strip people of rights that they have when they are charged with a crime, not convicted of a crime. Thats not what we do in this country.

Its also a budget issue. When inmates lose their Medicaid coverage, the sheriffs office becomes responsible for their medical needs. Sedgwick County uses property tax funds to pay medical bills. It currently costs Sedgwick County about $10 million a year.

Sheriff Jeff Easter testified for the continuation of Medicaid coverage in front of the state legislature last year as part of a larger push by the Kansas Sheriffs Association. They didnt get enough traction to justify pushing for the measure again this year, but theyre supporting county efforts.

Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Howell says the goal is to explain the issue and bring awareness to the legislature.

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That discussion has value because it impacts the discussion about property taxes in Kansas, Howell said.

Legislators I spoke with tell me maintaining Medicaid coverage for inmates has been proposed several times over the years from different county administrators.

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Following the US Supreme Courts June 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which eliminated a constitutional right to abortion nationwide, 19 US states have banned or limited access to the procedure.

States where abortion is limited report higher rates of maternal and infant mortality, as well as greater economic insecurity.

Ten states had reproductive rights on the ballot in the November 2024 election. Voters in seven of those states passed measures expanding or protecting abortion access  including in Arizona and Missouri, where citizens effectively voted to overturn their states abortion bans. Arizonas constitutional amendment took effect last November, opening up access to abortion until fetal viability. Missouris total abortion ban was reversed in December, though abortions have not resumed in the state, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization focused on sexual and reproductive health that supports abortion rights.

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Proposed protective measures in Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota did not pass. Nebraska voters instead approved cementing the states current 12-week abortion ban in the state constitution.

CNN is tracking these legal challenges as they make their way through the courts. Heres where abortion access currently stands in the United States.

Editors Note: This story has been updated with additional information.

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(WHTM)  Longtime Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey gave his farewell speech today.

Casey conceded to Republican victor Dave McCormick in November after winning 6 out of his last 7 general elections. Casey served the Commonwealth for 18 years in the United States Senate.

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The privilege of counting my blessings on the floor of the United States Senate, Casey said in his speech. One of the greatest blessings in my life, and I know for so many people here, has been the blessing of public service.

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When asked if he would run for office again, Casey responded, Never say never. Senator-elect McCormick will take office on January 3rd.

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Dec. 18Maine teachers, firefighters and other public sector employees could benefit from a bill that the U.S. Senate advanced on a 73-27 vote Wednesday, signaling that that the legislation co-sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins of Maine could pass before the end of the year.

The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal two policies that reduce Social Security benefits for public employees. One, the Windfall Elimination Provision, prevents public employees with a pension from getting those benefits. The other, called the Government Pension Offset, reduces payments for surviving spouses of recipients who also receive their own government pension. More than 2 million people are affected nationally.

"According to the Social Security Administration, in November 2024, more than 2 million people, including more than 20,000 in Maine, had their Social Security benefits reduced by the (Windfall Elimination Provision)," Collins said in a statement released by her office. "Similarly, more than 650,000 people were affected by the (Government Pension Offset) in November of 2024, including more than 6000 in Maine."

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The bill passed the House of Representatives last month on a 327-75 vote, and on Wednesday Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, spoke about his desire to get the act to the president's desk quickly.

"Passing this Social Security fix right before Christmas would be a great gift for our retired firefighters, police officers, postal workers, teachers and others, who for years have contributed to Social Security but are now being penalized because of their time of public service," Schumer said on the Senate floor.

Collins, a Republican, was an early sponsor of the bill, along with Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown. Collins spoke in favor of the legislation Wednesday afternoon on the Senate floor, where she said Maine's teachers are among the most impacted.

"They have earned these benefits. This is an unfair, inequitable penalty," Collins said during her remarks.

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Critics of the bill say it's too expensive, putting a strain on an already tight Social Security budget.

The Windfall Elimination Provision was a top concern in a recent report about challenges in Maine's teacher workforce, which experts describe as a crisis. According to the report, authored by nonprofit Educate Maine, teachers in every Maine county pointed to the provision as a barrier to attracting new people to the teaching profession.

"This federal policy that reduces social security payout is a disincentive, it prevents career-changers from becoming teachers and hurts teachers who take on additional jobs," the report finds.

One of those educators is Sharon Gallant, a retired Gardiner teacher of 31 years. Gallant worked in the private sector before becoming a public school teacher, and briefly paid into Social Security during that time.

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"You sort of get punished for moving in to public education," she said.

Gallant sent letters to both Collins and Sen. Angus King of Maine, an independent, encouraging them to support the legislation. She said if it's unsuccessful, Maine will continue to struggle with recruiting educators who are put off by the provision.

"If this doesn't pass, then it's just another reason not to enter into public service," she said.

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Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Democratic senators are demanding answers on President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for IRS commissioner. They are asking about former Rep. Billy Long's work to promote a pandemic-era tax credit, which has been the subject of fraudulent claims.

The lawmakers sent two letters Wednesday to companies Long, R-Mo., worked with, asking how he promoted the Employee Retention Tax Credit, how much money he made, how many claims were filed and whether any applications were considered fraudulent.

The letters were sent to tax advisory firms Commerce Terrace Consulting in Missouri and Lifetime Advisors in Wisconsin, which "reportedly paid Long on a contingency basis for ERTC refunds received by clients he referred," according to Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.

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"Long's work peddling ERTC claims is deeply concerning in light of the industry level of fraud that has taken place across the scam-plagued ERTC industry," wrote Wyden and Cortez Masto.

"During a podcast interview last year, Long stated that there were many situations where a CPA would not sign off on a client's ERTC claims but allegedly told them to 'Go back to Billy. Let Billy do it for you,'" the letters claim.

Chair of the Senate Finance Committee Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., sent letters to two tax advisory firms that IRS commissioner nominee Billy Long worked with to ask how he promoted the pandemic-era tax credit. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The letters ask the heads of both companies to respond to 15 questions before Jan. 2.

"This information will help senators better understand Mr. Long's fitness to oversee tax administration and the enforcement of federal tax laws," Wyden and Cortez Masto wrote.

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., wrote Longs work peddling ERTC claims is deeply concerning in light of the industry level of fraud that has taken place across the scam-plagued ERTC industry." Masto and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., are demanding answers about President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for IRS commissioner, former Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The IRS has called out the promotion of the ERTC, which current commissioner Danny Werfel labeled a "gold rush for promoters."

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While Werfel is only halfway through his five-year term, he will likely be fired with Trump's nomination of Long. IRS commissioners are allowed to serve as civil administrators across different administrations and parties.

The IRS became a political talking point during the election after Democrats budgeted $80 billion for the agency to step-up enforcement and auditing. While the agency said the funding was needed to collect millions from wealthy tax evaders, Republicans in Congress cut the IRS enforcement budget by more than 90%.
Sen. Shelli Yoder will replace Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, as Senate minority leader after the public learned about three more women who accused Taylor of sexual misconduct.

Yoder, D-Bloomington, was elected to the position Wednesday, according to a release from the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus, which did not include a vote count.

Yoder, who was elected in 2020, represents Monroe County, which includes the Indiana University-Bloomington campus. In her tenure, she has authored numerous bills, from a sales tax exemption for menstrual hygiene products to an assessment of wetlands classified as wildlands.

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In the 2024 session, Yoder and Sen. Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville, authored an abortion bill that would have re-established the licensure of abortion clinics, changed the statute when an abortion may be performed, and removed the eight-week limitation on the use of an abortion-inducing drug. The bill did not make it out of committee.

Yoder brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advocacy, particularly in reproductive rights, educational access and health care equity, according to the release.

Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, was elected assistant minority leader, Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, as caucus chair, Sen. La Keisha Jackson, D-Indianapolis, as assistant caucus chair and Sen. J.D. Ford, D-Indianapolis, as caucus whip, according to the release.

Taylor, who served as leader since 2020 and was reelected to the role last month, has been accused of sexual misconduct by six women. In the release, the caucus thanked Taylor for his dedicated service as Senate minority leader.

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Taylors leadership was defined by his collaborative approach, working across the aisle to find common ground while consistently advocating for fairness and progress, laying a strong foundation for the work ahead, according to the statement.

Three women accuse Taylor of sexual harassment since he was elected in 2008, according to an Indianapolis Star story published on Nov. 18. The accusations span eight years and involve two instances of unwanted physical contact and a sustained romantic pursuit of an intern.

Legislative leaders were aware of at least one of the allegations, which was formally reported, but it wasnt released to the public, according to the Indianapolis Star.

A few hours after the article was published, the Senate Democratic caucus met to elect its leadership team for the 2025 legislative session and reelected Taylor as leader. Pol previously said his vote, which occurs under secret ballot, was for Hunley.

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Three more women accuse Taylor of sexual misconduct, the Indianapolis Star reported Tuesday. The women accuse Taylor of making unwanted advances, touching them without consent and, in one case, following a legislative intern into the womens bathroom at a bar and forcibly kissing her against her will.

Pol referred to the caucus statement about the leadership change, which was made the day after the recent allegations were made public. But he said it was time for the caucus to move ahead and prepare for working under Governor-elect Mike Brauns administration.

This has been going on for over a month, and were ready to move forward, Pol said.

Pol said he looks forward to working with Yoder in the caucus leadership team.

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Senator Yoder brings an important perspective to the table, Pol said.

Former state Sen. Karen Tallian said the news around Taylor meant the caucus focused where they shouldnt be, so it was a good move to vote in a new leader.

That was taking away from the rest of the caucus business, Tallian said.

Tallian, who worked with Yoder for two legislative sessions, said Yoder has the skills needed to move the caucus forward.

After the storm that the Democratic caucus went through recently, I think Shelli will be a calming force. She is a peacemaker, Tallian said.

akukulka@post-trib.com
As President-elect Donald Trump's comments tanking House Speaker Mike Johnson's short-term government funding bill sent House Republicans into a tailspin Wednesday night, Senate Republicans were left to try to make sense of the remaining pieces.

Congress must act to fund the government by midnight on Friday or risk a shutdown. With the House back at the drawing board, the clock is ticking.

The nature of government funding bills means that the Senate is usually in a wait-and-see posture until the House acts. That's particularly true this time around, where Johnson has to wrangle his slim House majority into passing legislation that Trump will find palatable before the Senate decides whether they can accept it.

PHOTO: House Speaker Mike Johnson attends a press conference following a House Republican conference meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, Dec. 17, 2024. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)

The looming funding deadline means that the Senate will in all likelihood be forced to stomach whatever Johnson manages to pass through the House unless it is so unacceptable that Senators are willing to shut the government down over it. Democrats still run the Senate for a few more days, and the 60-vote threshold in the Senate makes compromise essential.

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During late votes Wednesday night, Senate Republicans weighed in on the current government funding situation with a little more than 48 hours until a shutdown.

Many say they weren't happy with Johnson's original proposal

Despite the challenges now facing Congress to finish up work on government funding, there are a number of Senate Republicans who concede they weren't happy with the House proposal that Johnson put forward on Tuesday. Some are pleased that Trump got involved to encourage changes.

"This is supposed to be a CR that extends the status quo. And it's supposed to be lean and mean," Sen. John Kennedy, R-LA said. "Well, I mean, it may have been mean, but it wasn't lean. And what I think we're going to have to do to get it passed is go back to a real CR, which is just an extension of the status quo."

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Sen. Mike Rounds, R-SD, said all of the "crap" that was attached to the House CR was "very very disappointing to me."

PHOTO: Sen. Mike Rounds is seen in the U.S. Capitol, December 4, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

He signaled a willingness to support a clean CR with disaster relief.

There appears to be some eagerness to re-open discussion about a path forward, but the time is running out, and there are now a number of very thorny issues that will require a lot of negotiation with very little time.

Southern State Republicans draw the line at disaster relief

As House Republicans go back to the drawing board to try to satiate Trump's demands, it's clear they'll have to balance them against all-out insistence from many Senate Republicans that billions in disaster relief remain tacked to this bill.

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Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, whose home state of South Carolina was deeply impacted by Hurricane Helene, said he will vote against a funding bill that doesn't include relief for his and other affected states.

He called it a "moral imperative to get money into the system."

"We've got to have the disaster relief. I can't go home and play like it didn't happen," Graham said. "To anybody who thinks that disaster relief is pork, come to where I live and see what happened in my state in North Carolina and Georgia."

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, whose home state was affected by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, said he'd do everything in his power to slow down the passage of any government funding bill that doesn't include funding for relief.

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"I feel very strongly. [If] we don't get disaster in the bill I'll do everything to keep us there until we do," Tillis said.

Tillis said he spoke with VP-Elect Vance Wednesday and said Vance "gets" the importance of disaster aid.

"JD gets it. I spoke with him this afternoon. He understands the need to get disaster follow-up in there," Tillis said. "Most people, at least JD and others, believe that we have to do the disaster supplement."

Republicans open to debt limit hike, but skeptical about accomplishing it on this timeline

Trump complicated government funding matters significantly with an eleventh-hour push to include a hike to the federal debt limit in this package. It has left some Republicans unclear on a path forward.

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"I don't think he's wrong," Sen. John Kennedy, R-LA, said when asked if Trump's debt limit proposal was helpful. "But it complicates the matter."

That's an understatement.

Debt limit negotiations have in prior years taken months upon months to carefully weave together. A number of Senate Republicans conceded tonight that while they'd support raising the debt limit in this bill, getting to yes on it in the tiny window of time left will be a real challenge.

"I don't know how we do that," Sen. Mike Rounds, R-SD, said. "I mean, I'm open to ideas on it but I don't know how we do that."

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Graham said he'd leave decisions about the debt limit to Trump but conceded that Democratic buy-in would be necessary to do it.

"I don't know how this plays into things. I do know this, we don't want to default. There are a lot of Republicans who will never vote to raise the debt ceiling for ideological reasons," Graham said.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, acknowledged that getting all Republicans on board a debt limit hike would be a challenge.

"I don't know if Republicans are going to vote for that, particularly the Freedom Caucus, so I guess we'll take it one step at a time," Cornyn said.

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Tillis also acknowledged that Democrats would have to buy into a plan to hike the debt limit. And with the deadline to do so still months off, he said he was unsure what would inspire Democrats to participate in eleventh-hour negotiations on the issue.

"I just think there's got to be something more to it than a demand that it get in, because again there's no burning platform," Tillis said.

Calls with Trump

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-MO, said he spoke to Trump just before he issued his original statement today that discouraged Republicans from supporting the short-term government bill put forward by Johnson.

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Hawley said that Trump thought Speaker Johnson's CR was a "total disaster."

Hawley criticized Johnson for what he said was "clearly" not reading Trump into the negotiation process of the bill.

"I made this point to him, to the president that is, about the House Leadership. I mean, is this going to be the norm? Is this how we're going to operate? They're going  is this going to be the standard that we are setting?"

ABC News asked Hawley if Trump expressed frustration with Johnson specifically, and Hawley said "yes."

But that was refuted by Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-OK.

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"I have spoken to the president several times today. I would not classify, I would not classify it as being frustrated with the Speaker," Mullin said.

Mullin said that it was articulated to Johnson for "awhile" that Trump wanted a debt limit hike.

PHOTO: Senator Markwayne Mullin speaks in Washington, D.C., March 22, 2023. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE)

"He does want the debt limit included in whatever package they put forth, but he's as far as being upset, I absolutely do not agree with that.

The Musk factor

Senators seemed to downplay the significance of Elon Musk's influence on the current situation. Musk took to his social media platform X to repeatedly slam the Johnson-backed bill on Wednesday.

"I think there are people putting too much weight on Musk or anybody else opining. I think there were structural challenges to begin with," Tillis said. "These outside influences have an impact, but I think that that came from within not from without. I've seen some of the reports about how Elon basically vetoed it. I'm sure his voice weighed in, but it had, it clearly had a structural problem before anybody opined on it."

Hawley, when asked about Musk's weighing in, seemed to push concerns aside.

"As somebody who doesn't like the CR, I welcome the criticism," Hawley said.

Senate Republicans weigh in on new government funding challenges as clock ticks originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A vote that could restore social security benefits to billions is slated for this week, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The U.S. Senate passed the key procedural vote on Wednesday.

The bi-partisan bill repeals two policies that would allow an increase in payments to more than 3 million Americans.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Ch. 9 investigation into Social Security overpayment gets Washingtons attention

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Most of those Americans are teachers and police officers who receive public pensions.

However, North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis expressed concerns about the $200 billion cost of the bill to the Social Security Trust Fund.

Know that you are making the job harder to fix the trust fund that is ten years from going insolvent, Tillis said.

The Senate will still need to formally pass the bill, which is expected to occur this week. If not, the process will start over again.

VIDEO: 9 Investigates team receives prestigious award for Social Security overpayments investigation












Sentencing delay request for Tontitown man in Jan. 6 case denied by judge

WASHINGTON D.C. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Tontitown man connected to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot will not have his sentencing delayed, according to court documents.

David Camden, 45, pleaded guilty in September to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers under U.S. law during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.

Camdens sentencing is set for Jan. 10, 2025.

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Tontitown man to change plea in Capitol riot charges

On Dec. 13, Camden filed a motion to continue his sentencing hearing saying several other Jan. 6 defendants had done the same. Court documents said President-elect Donald Trump had made statements that he would grant clemency to those charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack after his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.

Camden also argued that a brief delay would help alleviate the burden of preparing sentencing filings during the holiday week. He cited increased travel to Washington D.C., where his sentencing will take place, will likely be between Jan. 6 and Jan. 20.

U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan denied his motion on Dec. 16 and kept his sentencing date as Jan. 10.

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Camden traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the former presidents Stop the Steal rally and protest the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Following the rally, he entered restricted areas of the Capitol grounds, climbing a media tower and waving a flag.

Tontitown man pleads guilty to Capitol riot charges

Around 1:20 p.m., Camden confronted a bike rack barricade separating police officers from rioters, yelling at officers and forcefully pushing the barricade into a line of U.S. Capitol Police Officers, according to the release. In response, officers used a chemical irritant to repel Camdens aggression.

Image 7: The subject atop a media tower waving a Three Percenters flag (US DOJ). Footage shows a subject struggling with officers over the barricade in an attempt to breach the police barricade (US DOJ). Footage showing the subject pushing a barricade into officers, according to the DOJ. The subject deploying a fire extinguisher at police officers (US DOJ).

Later, at approximately 2:11 p.m., Camden deployed a fire extinguisher toward a police line attempting to control the rioters. The FBI arrested him on July 1, 2024, in Arkansas.

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Since January 6, 2021, nearly 1,600 individuals have been charged across nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the Capitol breach, according to the Department of Justice.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify the plaintiffs were part of a mass tort lawsuit, as well as an added statement from the company.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A mass tort lawsuit filed against the Veolia Water Technologies company gathered potential plaintiffs at an informational meeting held at the Pier South Resort Marriot in Imperial Beach Wednesday.

Roughly 350 residents turned up to listen to what attorney James Frantz says is his plan for suing the water treatment company for allegedly failing to complete their duties in treating the toxic waste that flows through the Tijuana River Valley.

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The behavior of the operator, the plant Veolia, should be ashamed of themselves. They are not taking care of business. They were assigned to do a job and they did not do their job, said Frantz, the lead plaintiff attorney who filed the lawsuit.

Newsom declares State of Emergency due to bird flu

The stench in the area has been widely reported and residents have been complaining about respiratory and intestinal illnesses for years.

It started with stomach aches and then I started throwing my food up. I ended up in the hospital because I was dehydrated, explained Alejandra Isabella Pelayo, a Coronado resident who worked at a camp in Imperial Beach.

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I thought it was just me and then I saw all these people coming. I cant imagine all these people being sick, said Billy Bob Barnes, whos been an Imperial Resident of 5 years.

A spokesperson for Veolia, the water treatment company, provided FOX 5/KUSI with the following statement:

San Diegos environmental crisis is caused by unprecedented, uncontrolled flows of sewage and debris from Tijuana, and a critical lack of government funding and resources on both sides of the border to repair equipment and build additional capacity. No amount of dishonest rhetoric from opportunistic lawyers can change these facts, and we will defend ourselves against their baseless accusations. Veolia has done an excellent job helping to operate the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant despite these challenges, and we look forward to working with our government partners to help bring about a long-term solution.

Lawyers gathering clients say they believe the lawsuit will take at least two to three years before it is resolved. Plaintiffs will be suing for unlimited damages.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
EL ALTO, Bolivia (AP)  The view is dizzying from the row of small huts that dot one of the mountainsides surrounding Bolivias capital. Inside the precarious structures, Aymara shamans pray to the Andean gods to protect them from the threat of collapse.

In recent years, the erosion of the mountain range around La Paz has accelerated due to the effects of climate change. A month ago, a mudslide buried an entire neighborhood and killed a girl. This has created a conflict between the shamans and Bolivias government, which has ordered the area evacuated.

The slope is wearing away, said Gabriel Pari, secretary of water and sanitation for the El Alto municipality, where the huts are located. But, he added, the shamans insist they perform rituals to prevent this from happening and refuse to leave. The area is highly risky. They say they have been here for more than 60 years, and nothing has happened.

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The site is not a rock formation but a sandy and clay-like soil, according to geological studies.

The area has been sacred to the Aymara Indigenous people since pre-Hispanic times. During colonial times, the shamans performed rituals on this summit before entering the city with their llama caravan carrying agricultural products.

Pari said the huts function as a workplace for the shamans, who do not live there but often spend the night in the small structures.

A sign on the door of Tiburcio Condoris hut details the services he offers: He sees the future in coca leaves and playing cards. He also cures illnesses and heartaches, makes offerings for success in business and health, and cleanses energy to heal the body and spirit. A bonfire burns outside. The air smells of incense.

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This is solid ground; it will not fall. That is what the coca leaf and Pachamama tell us, Condori, who has worked as a shaman and spiritual guide for more than 20 years, said using the Indigenous communitys word for Mother Earth.

Condori has no plans to evacuate the area, and neither does Ana Chinahuanca. She is among the 100 shamans who work on the cliff, charging around $2 for reading fortunes in coca leaves and up to 15 for energy cleansings.

They are giving bad information, Chinahuanca said of the danger warnings. This place is safe.
To Marlene Young, her work at the Delaplaine Foundation has never felt like a job  rather, it's been a calling and a privilege.

She believes that it's a universal truth that people only get to keep what they give away. She's tried to integrate that philosophy into her personal life and her career at the foundation.

"I'm in a season where I've realized that for all of us, our days are numbered, so we need to use them to kind of open the windows of our souls and do what we can where we can to enrich the lives of others," she said. "What a joy and privilege it is when we do that."

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Young has helped build the Delaplaine Foundation  a private family foundation based in Frederick that gives grants to hundreds of organizations  from the ground up since its inception in 2001.

After 23 years of shaping and leading the foundation first as director and later as president and CEO since 2012, Young will retire from her current roles next June.

She will continue serving on the foundation's Board of Trustees as its president.

The foundation has not yet announced her successor.

Prior to the creation of the Delaplaine Foundation, Young, an alumna of Hood College, was part of the Delaplaine family's Great Southern Printing and Manufacturing Company.

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The company was created in 1888 and later published The Frederick News-Post and owned the cable company GS Communications. It sold its newspaper printing and cable divisions in 2001.

'Giving back'

Young began working at the Great Southern Printing and Manufacturing Company in 1974 in customer service.

She went on to hold several other roles, including being an administrative assistant to George Delaplaine Jr., the company's former president and CEO, and being director of human resources.

In 2001, after the company sold its media divisions, Young said, Delaplaine wanted to create something to keep the company's top management team together and still give back to the local community.

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"We determined that to establish a private foundation, we could perpetuate the giving back to community that had been part of the businesses all through the years," she said.

"... Because I had been working so closely with George for all of those many years  24 years in our for-profit businesses  he said to me, 'Well, why don't you take that ball and run with it?'"

Young said that because of Delaplaine's trust in her, she had the autonomy to set up the infrastructure and organization of the private foundation.

Delaplaine, the foundation's chairman, could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

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In a news release announcing Young's retirement, he said her leadership has made the foundation "a true jewel of Frederick County."

"Her tireless leadership has resulted in the Foundation's growth and enormous philanthropic outreach, which have far surpassed our wildest expectations," Delaplaine said.

Since the foundation was created, it has awarded more than 2,300 grants  totaling over $30 million  to more than 300 nonprofit organizations, according to Young.

In 2020, after former Gov. Larry Hogan ordered all non-essential businesses to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Young oversaw the foundation awarding 70 emergency grants in four months to sustain local nonprofits, according to the news release.

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One achievement she's the most proud of is establishing the foundation's operational structure and governance.

She's also proud of relationships the foundation established with residents and local organizations, so the community is truly connected with the foundation.

Young spoke about the foundation's partnership with the software company Foundant Technologies, which has automated the foundation's grant application process and allows the foundation to chart performance metrics.

She said the Delaplaine Foundation was the first organization in Frederick County to partner with this company. Other local foundations have also partnered with it since then.

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"As a result of that, we have the ability through that software to track total community grant making so that we can identify where we have met community needs and also identify any gaps in funding," she said.

Young is also proud of establishing the foundation's Community Advisory Council, which is made up of experts in each of the foundation's six focus areas.

Because of this council, she said, the Board of Trustees is better informed to make its funding decisions and has led to the foundation helping with some projects it may not have awarded otherwise.

Passion and action

David Gurzick, professor of management science and chair of the George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business at Hood College, described Young as a catalyst.

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She's not only starts something and infuses it with passion, but also backs up her goals and intentions with action, he said.

Gurzick is the director of Hood College's Michael S. and Marlene B. Grossnickle Young Data Driven Frederick Center, a data analytics center where students can conduct research and work with data as part of their coursework.

Gurzick said he came to work with Young through the creation of the Delaplaine Business School and Data Driven Frederick.

He said Young is a pillar of the community in Frederick and has an ability to motivate people to be involved, but also clearly communicate the direction she wants to pursue.

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When he has met with Young about creating Data Driven Frederick, he'd frantically jot notes, trying to get down every word she said because they all felt important.

"So much of the creation of the center was really around Marlene making these tremendous connections to people that were instrumental in kind of framing the initial data sets that we were using, and putting us into connection with other movers and shakers," Gurzick said.

"... In any conversation, you can just tell she loves Frederick, and she loves the ability to support people in making an impact."

Passing the torch

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Young said she's looking forward to spending more time with her husband, children and grandchildren once she retires. She decided to retire now because it feels like the right time to pass her torch.

At the beginning of 2024, she said, the Board of Trustees met to talk about its succession plan and how to have a smooth transition.

She said she wants the foundation to prepare for the future and have new leadership come in and build off the organization's existing work and structure to take it "to even greater heights."

She said she's glad she'll still be serving on the Board of Trustees because she'll be able to support that new leadership and continue being part of the Delaplaine Foundation's future.

"I'm really excited for what is to come," Young said.
(Video Courtesy: Ty Hunter)

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Radio station 100.9FM WBDC says law enforcement are on the scene of a shooting at a hotel in Jasper.

The media outlet says there is one victim, and a suspect is in custody.

(Courtesy: Ty Hunter)

Jasper Police go shopping with kids in annual holiday event

According to the reporter with 100.9FM WBDC, police say there is no threat to the public. The Indiana State Police confirm there is no danger to the public and all parties have been detained.

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According to the Indiana State Police Jasper Post, the Indiana State Police, Dubois County Sheriffs Office and Jasper Police Department are on the scene of an active criminal investigation.

Officials say the victim was shot multiple times, and witnesses heard eight shots in total.

Sen. Young announces local nominees for United States Service Academies

Troopers ask for people to please avoid the Wernsing Road area in Jasper.

This is a developing story, and well keep you updated.

Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Jonesborough Police and Fire departments, with the Washington County Sheriffs Office (WCSO), hosted their annual Shop with a Cop and Firefighter on Wednesday evening.

Jonesborough Police Major Jamie Aistrop said the event is a great opportunity to make positive memories with local children and provide them with some Christmas cheer.

The Feisty Pigeon wine bar hosts soft opening in Johnson City

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A lot of times when you have interactions with police, firefighters, EMS, its a negative interaction, he said. So, we use this as a positive interaction, time to show them that were real humans just like anybody else. Its a really humbling experience for us. The kids have a great time. This is a night that we all look forward to all year.

Aistrop said hes seen children who previously participated in the program grow into adults.

I see kids that.I have been doing this one for 16 years, and so we had five-year-olds that are now 21, he said. So, we still get to see them out in the community and they still remember that one night they got to spend with an officer or firefighters.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Items are displayed in the window of a Burberry store on Michigan Avenue along the Magnificent Mile in Chicago in November. The rate of reported shoplifting incidents in the city surged by 46% from January to October 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, according to a recent report by the Council on Criminal Justice. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

CHICAGO  Shoplifting rates in the three largest U.S. cities  New York, Los Angeles and Chicago  remain higher than they were before the pandemic, according to a report last month from the nonpartisan research group Council on Criminal Justice.

The sharp rise in retail theft in recent years has made shoplifting a hot-button issue, especially for politicians looking to address public safety concerns in their communities.

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Since 2020, when viral videos of smash-and-grab robberies flooded social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have expressed fears that crime is out of control. Polls show that perceptions have improved recently, but a majority of Americans still say crime is worse than in previous years.

There is this sense of brazenness that people have  they can just walk in and steal stuff.  That hurts the consumer, and it hurts the company, said Alex Piquero, a criminology professor at the University of Miami and former director of the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, in an interview.

Thats just the world we live in, he said. We need to get people to realize that you have to obey the law.

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At least eight states  Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, New York and Vermont  passed a total of 14 bills in 2024 aimed at tackling retail theft, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measures range from redefining retail crimes and adjusting penalties to allowing cross-county aggregation of theft charges and protecting retail workers.

Major retailers have responded to rising theft since 2020 by locking up merchandise, upgrading security cameras, hiring private security firms and even closing stores.

Still, the report indicates that shoplifting remains a stubborn problem.

In Chicago, the rate of reported shoplifting incidents remained below pre-pandemic levels throughout 2023  but surged by 46% from January to October 2024 compared with the same period a year ago.

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Shoplifting in Los Angeles was 87% higher in 2023 than in 2019. Police reports of shoplifting from January to October 2024 were lower than in 2023. Los Angeles adopted a new crime reporting system in March 2024, which has likely led to an undercount, according to the report.

In New York, shoplifting rose 48% from 2021 to 2022, then dipped slightly last year. Still, the shoplifting rate was 55% higher in 2023 than in 2019. This year, the shoplifting rate increased by 3% from January to September compared with the same period last year.

There is this sense of brazenness that people have  they can just walk in and steal stuff.  That hurts the consumer and it hurts the company.

 Alex Piquero, criminology professor and former director of the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics

While shoplifting rates tend to rise in November and December, which coincides with in-person holiday shopping, data from the Council on Criminal Justices sample of 23 U.S. cities shows higher rates in the first half of 2024 compared with 2023.

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Researchers found it surprising that rates went up despite retailers doing more to fight shoplifting. Experts say the spike might reflect improved reporting efforts rather than a spike in theft.

As retailers have been paying more attention to shoplifting, we would not expect the numbers to increase, said Ernesto Lopez, the reports author and a senior research specialist with the council. It makes it a challenge to understand the trends of shoplifting.

Impact on retailers, communities

In downtown Chicago on a recent early afternoon, potential shoppers shuffled through the streets and nearby malls, browsing for gifts ahead of the holidays.

Between 2018 and 2023, most shoplifting in Chicago was reported in the downtown area, as well as in the Old Town, River North and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, according to a separate analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice.

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Newly sworn-in Cook County States Attorney Eileen ONeill Burke this month lowered the threshold for charging retail theft as a felony in the county, which includes Chicago, from $1,000 to $300, aligning it with state law.

It sends a signal that shes taking it seriously, Rob Karr, the president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, told Stateline.

Nationally, retailers are worried about organized theft. The National Retail Federations latest report attributed 36% of the $112.1 billion in lost merchandise in 2022 to external theft, which includes organized retail crime.

Organized retail crime typically involves coordinated efforts by groups to steal items with the intent to resell them for a profit. Commonly targeted goods include high-demand items such as baby formula, laundry detergent and electronics.

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The same report found that retailers fear of violence associated with theft also is on the rise, with more retailers taking a hands-off approach. More than 41% of respondents to the organizations 2023 survey, up from 38% in 2022, reported that no employee is authorized to try and stop a shoplifter.

(The federations reporting has come under criticism. It retracted a claim last year that attributed nearly half of lost merchandise in 2021 to organized retail crime; such theft accounted for only about 5%. The group announced this fall it will no longer publish its reports on lost merchandise.)

Increased penalties

Policy experts say shoplifting and organized retail theft can significantly harm critical industries, drive up costs for consumers and reduce sales tax revenue for states. Those worries have driven recent state-level action to boost penalties for shoplifting.

Shoppers descend on an escalator at The Shops at North Bridge, a popular downtown Chicago destination during the holiday season. (Robbie Sequeira/Stateline)

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of 10 bills into law in August aimed at addressing retail theft. These measures make repeated theft convictions a felony, allow aggregation of crimes across multiple counties to be charged as a single felony, and permit police to arrest suspects for retail theft even if the crime wasnt witnessed directly by an officer. In September, Newsom signed an additional bill that imposes steeper felony penalties for large-scale theft offenses.

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California voters also overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure in November that increases penalties for specific drug-related and theft crimes. Under the new law, people who are convicted of theft at least twice may face felony charges on their third offense, regardless of the stolen items value.

With these changes in the law, really it comes down to making sure that law enforcement is showing up to our stores in a timely manner, and that the prosecutors and the [district attorneys] are prosecuting, Rachel Michelin, the president and CEO of the California Retailers Association, told Stateline. Thats the only way were going to deter retail theft in our communities.

In New Jersey, a bipartisan bill making its way through the legislature would increase penalties for leading a shoplifting ring and allow extended sentences for repeat offenders.

This bill is going after a formally organized band of criminals that deliver such destruction to a critical business in our community. We have to act. We have to create a deterrence, Democratic Assemblymember Joseph Danielsen, one of the bills prime sponsors, said in an interview with Stateline.

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The legislation would allow extended sentences for people convicted of shoplifting three times within 10 years or within 10 years of their release from prison, and would increase penalties to 10 to 20 years in prison for leading a retail crime ring.

The bill also would allow law enforcement to aggregate the value of stolen goods over the course of a year to charge serial shoplifters with more serious offenses. Additionally, the bill would increase penalties for assaults committed against retail workers, and would require retailers to train employees on detecting gift card scams.

Maryland legislators considered a similar bill during this years legislative session that would have defined organized retail theft and made it a felony.

The bill didnt make it out of committee, but Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance, said the group hopes to reintroduce the bill next year and propose another that would target gift card fraud.

Retail theft data

Better, more thorough reporting from retailers is essential to truly understanding shoplifting trends and its full impact, in part because some retail-related crimes, such as gift card fraud, are frequently underreported, according to Lopez, of the Council on Criminal Justice.

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Measuring crime across jurisdictions is notoriously difficult, and the council does not track organized retail theft specifically because law enforcement typically doesnt identify it as such at the time of arrest  if an arrest even occurs  requiring further investigation, Lopez said.

The councils latest report found conflicting trends in the FBIs national crime reporting systems.

The FBIs older system, the Summary Reporting System, known as SRS, suggests that reported shoplifting hadnt gone up through 2023, remaining on par with 2019 levels. In contrast, the FBIs National Incident-Based Reporting System, or NIBRS, shows a 93% increase in shoplifting over the same period.

The discrepancy may stem from the type of law enforcement agencies that have adopted the latter system, Lopez said. Some of those communities may have higher levels of shoplifting or other types of property crime, which could be what is driving the spike, Lopez said.

Despite the discrepancies and varying levels of shoplifting across the country, Lopez said, its important for retailers to report these incidents, as doing so could help allocate law enforcement resources more effectively.

All law enforcement agencies have limited resources, and having the most accurate information allows for not just better policy, but also better implementation  better use of strategic resources, Lopez said.

Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify the Maryland Retailers Alliances plans for the 2025 legislative session. An earlier version of this story included an interview with a security guard who was misidentified as an employee of The Shops at North Bridge.

Stateline staff writer Robbie Sequeira contributed to this report.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries listen during a Hanukkah reception at the Capitol Building on Dec. 17, 2024 in Washington, DC. Credit - Anna MoneymakerGetty Images

The White House has spent weeks pressing Congress to pass $100 billion in disaster relief to refill depleted resources and help communities plowed down by the deadly hurricanes Helene and Milton and other storms.

That money was one of the biggest parts of the funding agreement between Republicans and Democrats that fell apart Wednesday after a barrage of social media messages from Elon Musk disparaging the deal and an insistence by President-elect Donald Trump that the negotiations reopen the fraught debate over eliminating the national debt limit. The collapse is a major defeat for Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who had cobbled together a deal to avoid a government shutdown just before the Christmas holidayonly to be undercut at the last minute by the leader of his own party and the worlds richest man.

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Now lawmakers are scrambling to pull together a new agreement before Friday night at midnight, when the federal government is set to shut down all but essential functions.

If that happens, hundreds of thousands of federal workers would be furloughed, and would not be paid again until Congress agrees to a new spending deal. National Parks could be closed, and food and environmental inspections could be delayed. Social Security payments would continue to be sent and Medicare will stay in place, but many services they provide would be cut back, including offices that verify benefits and receive new applications.

By working to kill the larger deal, Musk and Trump have also left uncertain the fate of the disaster relief funds, one of the few add-ons to the spending package that has bipartisan support. Republican senators from states hit hard by hurricanes September and October, including Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, insist those funds need to get passed. After Trump and Musk pushed to kill the deal, Tilliss fellow North Carolina senator, Tedd Budd, was defiant and wrote on X that there would be no stopgap funding bill without disaster relief for Western North Carolina.

The White House has piled on, working to blame Republicans for getting in the way of disaster relief and other critical spending. Republicans need to stop playing politics with this bipartisan agreement or they will hurt hardworking Americans and create instability across the country, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement Wednesday night. President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance ordered Republicans to shut down the government and they are threatening to do just thatwhile undermining communities recovering from disasters, farmers and ranchers, and community health centers.

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The last time the U.S. federal government shut down was during Trumps first term. At five weeks, it was the longest shutdown in the countrys history. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that that shutdown, which ended in January 2019, caused about $3 billion in losses to the economy.

When the government shut down in 2013, the GOPs favorable rating sank and it took the entire year to recover, says Whit Ayres, a Republican strategist and pollster. Republicans always seem to take the hit during government shutdowns, Ayres says. So Im hoping they figure out a way to keep the government open because Republicans and the incoming new administration are going to take a hit if they dont.

For months, the director of the White Houses Office of Management and Budget, Shalanda Young, has been pushing behind the scenes for Congress to pass a standalone disaster package. In a memo sent to lawmakers in November, Young pointed out that Congress hasnt passed comprehensive disaster funding in two years. More funding is needed to repair communities in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina rocked in September by Hurricane Helene, the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Florida was then hit with a second deadly hurricane, Hurricane Milton, in October. Money is also needed by communities to rebuild after major storms in Alaska, Connecticut, Louisiana, New Mexico, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Illinois.

Of the $100 billion in disaster funds requested, about $29 billion was to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agencys main disaster relief fund that helps with the immediate recovery efforts like removing debris, repairing damaged roads and power lines and delivering financial assistance to people put out of their homes by natural disasters. Another tranche, about $21 billion, was intended for farmers struggling with loss of their crops and livestock after storms. The rest of the funds were set for highway and bridge repair, housing block grants to help communities recover, and low-interest loans for small businesses struggling to rebuild. Without Congressional action, the Small Business Administration will soon run out of money in its disaster loan program. That could have ripple effects on the job market if some small businesses in communities ravaged by recent storms cant remain open.

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When the effort to get a separate bill passed failed, lawmakers agreed to add the disaster funding into the doomed compromise bill that would have kept government spending largely level for federal agencies into March, when Trump will be in office and Republicans will have slim majorities in the House and Senate.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The collapse of Congress spending negotiations is throwing the presidential transition and preparations for President-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration into chaos as Washington stares down the prospect of a government shutdown just after midnight Friday.

Federal agencies only this week began briefing the Trump transitions landing teams, which began their work more than a month later than their predecessors. Now, if Congress cant cut a deal in the next couple days, those agencies could be forced to furlough much of the staff doing that work and shut down the government offices where its taking place  impeding the incoming officials access to documents and further slowing down already-delayed preparations to take over the federal government next month.

Trump and his team are already in the danger zone on transition and inauguration planning because they opted to use private emails and devices, rejected federal cybersecurity support, and are working out of Mar-a-Lago, Trumps Florida club, said Ann OLeary, who led Hillary Clintons 2016 transition preparations.

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At a minimum, a shutdown of the government is going to certainly add to the chaos and the vulnerability to the U.S. government, she added.

An OMB spokesperson warned POLITICO that such a lapse would disrupt a wide range of activities associated with the orderly transition of power, but declined to specify what programs and personnel would be impacted.

Agency staff are similarly in the dark. Federal staff received guidance from their leadership Thursday on what the shutdown would entail but it did not include information about how it would impact their work with the Trump transition, one State Department official, not authorized to speak on the record, told POLITICO.

The Trump transition did not respond to a request for comment.

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Congress this week appeared poised to avert a shutdown with passage of a bipartisan continuing resolution that extended government funding into next year and reauthorized an array of lapsed health, agriculture and other programs. But Trumps team, led by Elon Musk, derailed the negotiations in the past 48 hours, announcing their opposition to the bill on social media and pushing GOP leaders to demand more concessions  including a temporary or permanent lifting of the debt ceiling. That has thrown Republican congressional leadership into a tailspin as Fridays deadline to fund the government draws near.



In the event of a government shutdown, most federal workers would not only be barred from meeting with Trump transition officials in-person but also from communicating with them via phone or email from home. Some workers can avoid such furloughs by being designated essential under the Antideficiency Act. But Seth Harris, a former acting Labor Secretary who has worked on three Democratic presidential transitions, told POLITICO that most transition activities likely wouldnt qualify, other than some staff who work on national security.

It creates yet another barrier to a smooth transition, said Democratic health policy consultant Chris Jennings, who served on transition teams for Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. It delays their ability to effectively evaluate the dynamics on the ground, and it probably slows them down, in terms of both policy and personnel reviews, right before theyre trying to make their final high level appointments and develop their first series of executive orders and actions that they wish to take.

Few expect a shutdown  if it happens  to stretch until Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, but lawmakers and veterans of past transitions say even a short-term disruption could impact prep work that has already begun.

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On Capitol Hill on Thursday, Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) were among those raising concerns that a shutdown would impact the ability of the federal government to adequately staff Trumps swearing in at the Capitol next month.

There was money in there for planning the inauguration, DeLauro said of the derailed bipartisan package that would have extended government funding until March. Now money may not be there.

Adrienne Elrod, the head of talent and external relations for Bidens 2021 Presidential Inaugural Committee, said furloughs could stymie nearly every facet of the massive event.

Whos going to hand out the tickets to the inauguration to congressional offices? Who in the congressional offices are going to hand out tickets to the inauguration to constituents? she asked. The people escorting individuals who will be on the stage for the swearing in  who will be doing that, who will be facilitating that process? ... Are there going to be enough Capitol Police officers there to provide the ample security that will be necessary for the swearing in? Will there be people there to work with their performers, and whos speaking?

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John Goheen, the spokesperson for the National Guard Association, told POLITICO that while the full-time uniformed people who typically help provide security at the inauguration are usually not impacted by government shutdowns, the staff who work on logistics behind the scenes could be.

The National Guard is already very involved in putting together plans, he said. That includes deciding which units to deploy to secure the inauguration, reaching out to particular states and saying, We need this and this and this  that all started weeks ago. You need to give states and individual soldiers and airmen adequate warning.

Beyond the inauguration, OLeary said the delays in the transition due to a potential shutdown and lack of cooperation with the federal government could pose grave security risks to the nation. The 9/11 Commission report, she noted, found that delays in the 2000 presidential transition due to the Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case delayed the national security appointments and national security information being shared in a timely manner.

The national security risk is not just speculation, OLeary said. It is documented that this has happened in the past and we need to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Myah Ward, Adam Cancryn and Nick Niedzwiadek contributed to this report.
CoreCivic's Leavenworth Detention Center could serve as a detention center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)

CoreCivic inquired with federal officials in June about turning its shuttered Leavenworth jail into an immigration detention center, according to documents recently obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The facility, the ACLU warns, could be used as a hub for mass deportation efforts under President-elect Donald Trumps administration.

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CoreCivic Inc., the nations largest private prison operator, responded in June to a request by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help identify potential detention facilities in the Midwest and other regions, according to the ACLUs documents. The company offered information on several of its facilities across the country.

Among them was the Midwest Regional Reception Center, which was previously operated as the Leavenworth Detention Center, a pre-trial detention facility for detainees charged with  but not convicted of  federal crimes in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and western Missouri.

During its time as a pre-trial detention facility, the Leavenworth Detention Center grappled with persistent violence.

Micah Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas, said in a statement that an expanded ICE presence will deeply harm our fellow Kansans.

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The community of Leavenworth has made it clear multiple times that ICE and CoreCivic are not welcome to wreak the havoc of federal immigration enforcement here, Kubic said, and local and state leaders do not have to give in.

In a statement, Ryan Gustin, director of public affairs for CoreCivic, said the companys immigration facilities operate with a significant amount of oversight and accountability and are monitored and audited by ICE officials.

The services we provide help the government solve problems in ways it could not do alone  to manage unprecedented humanitarian crises, dramatically improve the standard of care for vulnerable people and meet other critical needs efficiently and innovatively, Gustin said. These are problems the American public has made clear they want fixed.

The ACLU obtained documentation of CoreCivics response to ICEs request for potential detention space through a lawsuit accusing ICE of failing to comply with the Freedom of Information Act. It also obtained documentation of responses to ICE from owners of potential detention sites in Texas, Nevada, New Mexico and California.

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Kansas Reflector also sought information on responses to ICEs request for detention space under the Freedom of Information Act in September, but has not received any documents.

The revelations come as Trump has promised to deport immigrants quickly after he takes office in January.

Eunice Cho, a senior staff attorney for the ACLUs National Prison Project, said in a press release that President Joe Bidens administration is paving the way for  Trump to make good on his cruel and inhumane mass deportation proposals.

You cannot have mass deportations without significant expansion of ICE detention capacity in states across the country, Cho said, and thats exactly what the incoming Trump administration is preparing to do.

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Gustin said CoreCivic does not advocate for or against legislation that serves as the basis for  or determines the duration of  an individuals detention.

Our responsibility is to care for each person respectfully and humanely while they receive the legal due process that they are entitled to, Gustin said.

For years, CoreCivic operated the Leavenworth Detention Center through a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service, but it closed at the end of 2021 under an executive order signed by Biden banning renewal of U.S. Department of Justice contracts with private prisons.

As of June 2020, the facility could hold about 1,000 detainees.

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The CoreCivic jails closure brought persistent speculation about what the company might do with the building, including whether it might become an ICE detention center. Just ahead of the closure in 2021, ICE told KCUR it was not pursuing a contract with CoreCivic to use the facility.

But in the years that followed, Leavenworth County discussed with CoreCivic the possibility of converting the facility to house immigration detainees. The county would have served as an intermediary in a contract with CoreCivic and ICE.

Commissioners voted in September 2023 to halt negotiations over the arrangement. Opposition to the proposal ranged from anti-immigration sentiments about releasing detainees into Leavenworth to immigration and civil rights advocates concerns about the facilitys history of violence and safety issues.

An investigation by Kansas Reflector in 2021 found the Leavenworth Detention Center was often understaffed and beset with rampant drug use and violence. The company faces a lawsuit from a former detainee who was stabbed in that year. The lawsuit, filed by Joshua Braddy, alleges at least 10 stabbings in 2021 and two suicides.

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In a sentencing hearing in the fall of 2021, U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson called the facility a hell hole. Earlier this year, CoreCivic reached a settlement in a wrongful death case with the widow of a former inmate killed in 2021.

CoreCivic settled in 2019 with more than 500 detainees for $1.45 million for illegally recording phone calls with their defense attorneys and providing the information to prosecutors.
CHEYENNE  In March, a resident at Sierra Hills Assisted Living in Cheyenne fell and hurt their hip and shoulder. A CNA at the facility reported that the resident could not be moved without causing shoulder pain, noting that they had likely broken their shoulder and hip, according to a report from the Wyoming Department of Health.

The resident was bed-bound, in excruciating pain and screamed for hours, which frightened the other residents. The CNA stated this was the worst thing she had ever experienced.

At the time, the resident was one of six hospice patients at the assisted-living facility. Sierra Hills made hospice care available at the facility shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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When hospice nurses were unavailable, the burden of care fell to the CNAs and RNs on staff.

The CNA caring for this resident in March stated it was difficult to get hospice to respond on the weekends, saying that there was an 80% chance hospice would answer a phone call and a 50% chance a hospice nurse would come to the facility.

Six days later, the resident died.

The WDH report continues, noting that the facilitys executive director revealed she was aware of the issue of facility staff providing care outside of their scope, and said she was working on a solution.

Earlier this week, current Sierra Hills CNAs told the WTE that staffing and scope of work remains an issue, noting that there are only two CNAs and two nurses, at best, to care for the between 70 and 80 residents overnight. Around eight are currently in hospice care.

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The previously mentioned WDH report was in response to reports that Sierra Hills, located at 4606 N. College Drive, had committed deficient practices, of which the WDH found several to be true. On Dec. 18, the WDH was at the facility again, investigating more reports of deficient practice.

In the years that Ive been there, weve gone from a very high-quality assisted living (facility) where it was really nice, to this complete disaster that it became, said Jennifer Handelman, whos been a CNA at Sierra Hills for around 14 years.

On Dec. 24, around 40 employees of Sierra Hills plan to begin an unfair labor practice strike, alleging that Edgewood Healthcare, which owns Sierra Hills, is violating the law so egregiously that the employees are not able to negotiate a new contract.

Kim Deti, public information officer at the Wyoming Department of Health, told the WTE that she is not aware of any previous time that employees of a health care facility have gone on strike in the state.

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Unsafe for residents and employees

For many of the employees there, the issues began when Sierra Hills began offering hospice services. Handelman said the hospice nurses are typically only at the facility for around two hours per week. The rest of the time, the staffs CNAs and RNs must tend to the hospice residents needs.

Taylor Ewig, who has been a CNA at Sierra Hills for around 10 years, said this creates a dangerous environment for both staff and residents.

Because it is an assisted-living facility and not a skilled nursing facility, employees are not allowed to use machinery like mechanical lifts to more easily move residents. Ewig said it is dangerous and difficult for both residents and staff when CNAs must physically lift patients without the assistance of any equipment.

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Ewig said she believes Sierra Hills may have implemented the hospice program a few years ago as a loophole around a state regulation that would deem the facility inappropriate for residents who require continuous assistance with transfer and mobility.

Forming a union

In response to the changes in their work environment, the Sierra Hills staff of around 40 employees unionized in February to negotiate a safer working environment.

Ten months later, Ewig and Handelman, who are now the union representatives at Sierra Hills, said there has been no progress in the bargaining meetings and little wiggle room for negotiation. Ewig said they meet once a month, and she has missed meetings because Edgewood Healthcare is not willing to take her schedule into consideration as she balances both her full-time job and her studies as a student in nursing school. One time, she said the meeting was only 15 minutes long.

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They (Edgewood Healthcare) are always the ones who dictate when and for how long we will meet for negotiation, Ewig said.

The employees say they are not asking for increased wages or better benefits. They want the company to provide more safety equipment and possibly increase staffing so that the employees can better care for their residents.

Ewig said she hopes the company will provide them with a basic supplies closet filled with things like briefs and wipes, if negotiations go well.

Handelman talked about how one residents family brought bedbugs into the facility. She said the employees did not want to track them home with them, but said Sierra Hills didnt provide them with booties to provide protection over their footwear. Instead, employees resorted to tying plastic bags around their ankles with rubber bands.

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Additionally, she said several rooms became infected with bedbugs, and they have had cases in the building recorded up through the past month.

(Residents) have been moved from their rooms, one of them three or four times, Handelman said. Imagine that youre very, very ill and kind of confused, and every time you wake up, youre in a new room. Its been very difficult to get (Sierra Hills) to take all of that seriously.

The facility also had a recent case of asbestos and potential black mold. The union submitted a request for information on the cases when the company did not inform the employees about the situation. Ewig said she did not hear anything from the administration until much later.

Still, employees say that Edgewood Healthcare wont stray from the guidelines outlined in their handbook in the union bargaining meetings.

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William Wilkinson is a staff representative for the United Steelworkers Union, the union that represents Sierra Hills employees. He said he has worked on labor negotiations with companies like Bobcat and HF Sinclair, but Edgewood Healthcare has been the most difficult company he has tried to bargain with.

They are the most egregious company Ive ever had to deal with. I mean, the fact that were 10 months in and were just talking about safety still and trying to get safety in the contract and do whats best, I mean, the employees formed a union basically to fight for the residents there. They want to make sure that theyre safe and being well taken care of, Wilkinson said.

Typically, Wilkinson said a contract negotiation for a union of around 40 employees should take between six and eight months.

He said the negotiations will continue to be an uphill battle, but he hopes the strike will shift the needle in favor of the employees terms.

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Wyomings first health care strike

If no contract has been agreed upon by Dec. 24 at 6 a.m., Sierra Hills employees will begin a strike and return to work unconditionally on Jan. 2 at 6 a.m. During this time, Wilkinson said employees will be doing demonstrations and picketing on Dec. 26 and again on Dec. 31.

As with all health care institutions, employees are required to notify the employer no less than 10 days prior of their intention to strike so that they can hire temporary workers, typically travel nurses and travel CNAs, to fill those positions and continue care for residents.

Edgewood Healthcare did not respond to request for comment prior to publication.

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I would like to tell the community that the residents were the prime motivator for all of this, Handelman said. We just couldnt watch their care continue to go down and their rent continue to go up. It really started with them, and they are our priority to the community.

Id like to reinforce that this is not anything about wages or its not the union wanting to take over or anything like that. We want whats best for our workers safety and for our residents care and safety.
BELTON, Texas (FOX 44)  Christmas is coming early for some senior citizens in Bell County!

Belton Police Department officers, alongside Citizens Helping in Police Services (CHIPS) volunteers, are hand-delivering gift bags to senior residents as part of the 11th annual Silver Santa. The deliveries will take place this Thursday and Friday.

The department says each resident receiving a special delivery is a participant of its RU OK Senior Welfare Program. These Christmas gift bags include items such as blankets and gloves, cans of soup, personal hygiene products, and activities like crossword puzzles.

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The Silver Santa program is made possible through donations from the Belton community and businesses. RU OK participants receive daily or weekly calls from volunteers. The program has helped save dozens from potentially life-threatening situations.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Six people have been killed and five others injured in an operation by Israeli security forces in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health authorities said on Thursday.

An Israeli drone fired a missile at a car in the town of Tulkarem in the north of the territory, according to the Ministry of Health in Ramallah.

The four occupants died, including the local commander of the Al-Aqsa Brigades in Lebanon, the military arm of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement, the ministry said.

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Three more people were injured in the incident, which featured in videos of a burning car wreck that were circulated on the internet.

In the Balata refugee neighbourhood near the city of Nablus, an 80-year-old woman and a young man were reportedly shot dead during a raid by Israeli security forces.

Two other Palestinians were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, the health ministry reported.

The Israeli army did not initially respond to request for comment by dpa.

According to Palestinian figures, 784 people have been killed in Israeli military operations and armed clashes in the West Bank since the beginning of the Gaza war in October 2023.
Six people have been killed and five others injured in an operation by Israeli security forces in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health authorities said on Thursday.

An Israeli drone fired a missile at a car in the town of Tulkarem in the north of the territory, according to the Ministry of Health in Ramallah.

The four occupants died, including the local commander of the Al-Aqsa Brigades in Lebanon, the military arm of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement, the ministry said.

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Three more people were injured in the incident, which featured in videos of a burning car wreck that were circulated on the internet.

In the Balata refugee neighbourhood near the city of Nablus, an 80-year-old woman and a young man were reportedly shot dead during a raid by Israeli security forces.

Two other Palestinians were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, the health ministry reported.

In a statement, the Israeli army spoke of an "anti-terrorism operation" in Balata to find a man suspected of carrying out "terrorist activities" in the Nablus area.

During the operation, there was an exchange of fire between soldiers and Palestinians, the statement added. Prior to this Israeli soldiers had come under fire.

According to Palestinian figures, 784 people have been killed in Israeli military operations and armed clashes in the West Bank since the beginning of the Gaza war in October 2023.
(WFRV)  A police department in Wisconsin announced on Facebook that its Special Enforcement Unit was aided in conducting a human trafficking recovery on Monday.

According to a release from the Oak Creek Police Department, the Franklin Police Department Street Crimes Unit assisted in the recovery operation.

Fond du Lac man arrested after hours-long search, intentionally crashing into squad cars during pursuit

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Six women were recovered in the operation and were also offered assistance for human trafficking. One woman was also arrested for violating probation and for possession of fentanyl and crack cocaine.

No more details were provided.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Teton Valley skier Blaine Gallivan after experiencing some scary medical complications while abroad in Mexico.



According to the GoFundMe, on Sunday, December 15, Gallivan experienced 'pain that felt like a heart attack' in the middle of the night and had trouble breathing. Gallivan and his wife, Francesca Weikert, rushed to the emergency room in Todos Santos, Mexico where Gallivan was admitted, put on IV fluids, and got an EKG that showed worrisome results. Gallivan was on the tail end of a case of pneumonia and after blood work with more unusual results the following day, Gallivan and Weikert rushed to the hospital in Cabo via ambulance.



A CAT scan revealed Gallivan's previous lung infection had spread to the area around his lungs which was filled with fluid and causing him to be unable to breath. Gallivan had a tube to drain fluid placed and was doing much better in the first 24 hours following the procedure.

Blaine Gallivan in the hospital. Photo: Francesca Weikert

"We are quickly moving through our savings as we have to pay our balance each day for care to proceed. In order for Blaine to keep receiving the care he needs, we humbly ask for community support. We bow in gratitude and trust that this care received will ripple in many seen and unseen ways. Blaine has a long recovery in the hospital in Cabo and then in home care, but we all know he will be spreading love and stoke in the mountains and waves soon again," said Weikert on the GoFundMe page.



The ski community has rallied behind Gallivan and the GoFundMe received more than $20,000 in donations in just two days.



Gallivan is a Teton Valley local and has appeared in segments with Level 1, who posted an Instagram Reel garnering support for the skier. Gallivan and Weikert also opened a well-loved mobile pizza business in the Teton Valley called In Season. Gallivan released a solo project in 2023 chronicling his journey as a professional skier and baker called Bread & Butter.



We're wishing Gallivan a speedy recovery and hoping to see him well and back in action soon.

Related: Who To Watch at Toyota U.S. Grand Prix Ski Halfpipe

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The Kitsap County Sheriffs Office (KCSO) says a skull discovered in early December was most likely a medical specimen.

The skull was discovered Dec. 3 in unincorporated Bremerton. At the time of discovery, the KCSO said there was no evidence of a crime in connection with the discovery.

The Kitsap County Medical Examiner examined the skull. The investigation revealed the skull appears to have been sitting on a shelf indoors for many years and most likely a medical specimen at some point.

The skull will be turned over to the Washington State Historical Anthropologists Office for proper documentation and storage or disposal.
After an NBC News investigation revealed the names of hundreds of unclaimed bodies in the Dallas area sent to a local university for scientific research, one Venezuelan mothers grief deepened: She says her mourning continues because shes lost the chance to properly bury her daughter.

NBC News published an investigative story this week about Arelis Coromoto Villegas and her desperate, years-long attempts to repatriate her murdered daughters body back home to Venezuela after her daughters death in October 2022.

Her daughter, 21-year-old Aurimar Iturriago Villegas, was killed during a violent road rage incident that fall when a man fired a gun into the rear window of a car she was riding in, striking her in the head.

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Aurimar, who was a U.S. migrant, had just arrived in Texas about a month prior after briefly living in Colombia. She later turned out to be one of hundreds of people Texas officials described as being unclaimed after their deaths: This triggered a process in which their bodies were sent to the University of North Texas Health Science Center, where the bodies were then cut up by students or sold to private companies who use the bodies to help develop products or train their own private medical staffs. NBC News discovered the practice as part of a broad investigation into unclaimed bodies earlier this year.

NBC published the names of hundreds of deceased people whose bodies were sent to the science center. Aurimars body was one that had been sold to private companies, which her family only discovered when they read NBC's story. This was more than two years into their exhaustive efforts to try to ensure that Aurimars body  which they believed was still intact in the U.S.  sent back to Venezuela for a funeral.

Its a very painful thing, Arelis, the mother, told NBC News during an interview from her home in Venezuela. Shes not a little animal to be butchered, to be cut up.

Aurimar Iturriago Villegas/Facebook Aurimar Iturriago Villegas Aurimar Iturriago Villegas

According to Telemundo, which worked in partnership with NBC on the larger report, Aurimars family had raised thousands of dollars they believed they needed to have her body sent to Venezuela for a proper burial.

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But Arelis told NBC News she and her family stopped receiving communications from Dallas County officials and were shocked to see their loved one's name listed in NBC News report.

Every night I say, My God, why did you take my daughter? Arelis told the outlet. I dont accept my daughters death. Not yet.

Aurimar was always fighting for a better future for her family, her brother Yohandry Martinez Villegas told NBC News, which documented how the Venezuelan woman left school when she was 16 to begin working odd jobs to make money for her family. After moving to Colombia and working a delivery job, Aurimar told her family she and six other migrants were planning to make the treacherous journey to the United States.

After a several month trip, according to NBC News, Aurimar made it to Texas in September 2022, turning herself in to border authorities who subsequently released her into the U.S. where she stayed with friends in the Dallas area. She was killed a month later.

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.

NBC News discovered that Aurimars torso was one of 18 from unidentified bodies sold to a private biotechnology company, Relievant Medsystems, which trained medical employees on back procedures. Her legs were cut up by students at North Texas Health Science Center, an investigation revealed, and the ashes of her other remains were delivered to the Callas County medical examiner, NBC discovered.

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The outlet said Arelis was outraged after discovering what happened to her daughters body but she now feels theres little chance shell retrieve her daughters remains because, she says, communication with local officials continues to be fractured and infrequent.

Even though it hurts my soul, Arelis told NBC. I think Im going to throw in the towel and leave things in Gods hands.

Read the original article on People
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Its deer hunting season for Siouxland hunters. But when ammunition ends up inside other birds and animals, there can be trouble.

A Sioux County bald eagle  a symbol of pride and strength in the United States  was pronounced dead on Tuesday.

KCAU 9s Operation Toys 2024 comes to an end

The Sioux County eagle came into us with sort of classic signs of lead poisoning, said Kay Neumann with Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR). He just did not last very long. Lead attacks their vital organs and ulcerates their stomach lining.

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SOAR says they receive an average of 50 injured bald eagles a year, with 40 percent coming in with lead poisoning.

So what were finding on our X-rays is that eagles are ingesting lead shot, so something that would be shot out of a shotgun at a pheasant or a turkey or a dove, Neumann said. Were finding lead shrapnel.

Eagles are scavengers, commonly feeding on the carcasses of animals which have sometimes been shot with lead bullets.

Eagles are so efficient at digestion, Neumann said. If theyve ingested a grain of rice-sized piece of lead, its very, very difficult for us to fix that. Its about a two-week process to get the lead out of their bloodstream. We do get some to survive. Its about a 10 percent chance of us being able to turn that around.

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But eagles arent the only birds falling victim to lead poisoning.

There are about 60 different species that get lead poisoning from ingesting ammunition, Neumann said. Swans are probably the second-most often lead-poisoned wild animal that we see. Lead sinkers is what we have found in swans, but also lead shot if its at the bottom of a water body.

Luckily, there is a way to insure Americas symbol and other birds can stay poison-free.

Storm Lake receives grant for Sunrise Park additions

Advocation, you know, telling people, Amanda Hase with Forever Wildlife Lodge and Clinic said. A lot of people come to me and they think lead poisoning is an animal getting shot, when, in turn, its actually the animal ingesting something that has been shot. So hunting, lead-free fishing, cleaning up after yourself when youre hunting.

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Our whole family hunts, as do a lot of our volunteers, Neumann said. They make copper slugs, copper rifle bullets and nontoxic shot, so theres really no reason to use lead to hunt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
The fight over a solar facility in Fort Mill was back in court on Wednesday. A judge will have to decide by the end of the year if lawsuits involving the project will move forward.

Channel 9 Climate Reporter Michelle Alfini delved into the two cases that were presented.

One was focused on the York County Zoning Board of Appeals decision about whether the Silfab Solar project can move forward.

The second was from a citizens group asking for the judge to order construction to cease.

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The judge focused more on the zoning decision, claiming that the case would determine the merits of the second.

Silfab Solar claims their plans to build a solar panel manufacturing facility meet light industrial requirements for the county and have earned the necessary state and federal permits to move forward.

ALSO READ: County council members receive death threats over controversial solar panel plant

A group of neighbors called the United Citizens Alliance for Government Integrity, claimed over 5,000 members disagreed.

They said the chemicals used on site are dangerous and belong in a heavy industrial site and that a May zoning board of appeals decision agreeing with them should have been the end of the project.

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This type of chemical substance does not belong around neighborhoods of school children, said Cameron Halford, an attorney for the organization.

The judge is currently reviewing motions from both sides about whether to drop the cases or move forward.

In the meantime, construction is still ongoing at the Silfab Solar site and operations could begin in the coming months.

Silfab statement:

A recently formed activist group comprised of a small number of individuals has filed several meritless motions based solely on false assumptions not aligned with the facts. This group continues to execute a murky legal strategy that only drains necessary resources from York County government and its employees at the expense of taxpayers. Silfab Solar remains committed to building a safe, state-of-the-art facility that will provide good-paying American jobs, reshore American-made products and help meet the significant demand for clean energy amidst the national energy crisis.

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Silfab Solar will continue to deliver on its promise of maintaining open dialogue with the community, local and state officials and regulatory agencies. Our company is eager to create a positive economic impact on the local community while putting our workers and neighbors health and safety above all else.

VIDEO: County council members receive death threats over controversial solar panel plant












A Minnesota soldier surprised his stepdaughter with a special reunion  and it was all caught on camera!

Sergeant Tony Bryand and his stepdaughter Jenalia, 9, reconnected last weekend before Jenalia performed in a production of White Christmas at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, according to NBC affiliate KARE.

Jenalia Valerio, who plays the Generals granddaughter in the production, originally believed she was bringing flowers out for the emcee, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres said in a Reels post.

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Little did she know her father, who had spent 10 months deployed in Kuwait, had returned home in time for the holidays, and was there to surprise her.

I really think you deserve to have these, Jenalia, the emcee said in a video of the reunion shared by the dinner theatre. She then added, I know someone who wants to give them to you!

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Jenalia turned around to see her stepfather Tony, in full uniform, standing behind her on the stage. She sprinted across the room and leaped into his arms as the audience cheered.

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A beautiful surprise happened on our stage over the weekend, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres captioned their post.

Tony had not seen his stepdaughter perform before that evening, but got to do so after their sweet moment.

Thank you for your service, Sergeant! the emcee said before delivering the bouquet of flowers to the happy pair.

Related: Son Has Surprise Reunion with Biological Father in Army Training: Unbelievable

Meanwhile, Tony was happy to create and share such an extraordinary moment with his stepdaughter, who told KARE he has had a really good bond with her since entering her life.

He sweetly added that this will be "a memory that we'll never forget."

Read the original article on People
South Korean MP Lee Seong-kweun, citing intelligence data, has said that 100 North Korean soldiers fighting on the side of Russia have been killed in Kursk Oblast, and about 1,000 other soldiers wounded.

Sources: Reuters, citing Seong-kweun, who disclosed the data after a closed-door briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of Korea

Details: Lee Seong-kweun noted that the high number of casualties was due to the North Korean troops' lack of experience in "drone warfare" and their unfamiliarity with open terrain where they are being engaged in combat.

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He added that the discrepancy in the estimate of the number of soldiers killed with data from a US military official, who cited several hundred casualties, is due to the relatively conservative analysis of the NIS.

"There was a report that there have been at least 100 deaths and the injured are approaching 1,000," he said.

Previously:

Earlier, The New York Times, citing a senior US Department of Defense official, reported that the Ukrainian military could have killed or wounded "several hundred" soldiers sent by North Korea to help Russia in its war against Ukraine.

On 15 December, the Ukrainian military posted photos and videos showing Russian and North Korean soldiers killed in assaults in Kursk Oblast.

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Background:

On 7 November, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that there had already been casualties among the North Korean military fighting on the side of Russia in Kursk Oblast.

The US confirmed that North Korean troops had taken part in the fighting in Kursk Oblast.

In addition, according to The New York Times, a 50,000-strong group of Russian and North Korean troops is preparing to launch a large-scale counteroffensive in Kursk Oblast.

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Koreas acting leader on Thursday vetoed a spate of contentious bills sponsored by the main opposition party, deepening political strife in the wake of parliaments impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The ruling and opposition parties have been bickering over how much authority Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the country's No. 2 official, has assumed since the opposition-controlled National Assembly last Saturday voted to suspend Yoons presidential powers over his short-lived Dec. 3 martial law. The Constitutional Court is to determine whether to formally dismiss the conservative Yoon as president or reinstate him.

Law enforcement authorities are also separately investigating whether Yoon's martial law enforcement amounted to rebellion. Yoon's defense minister, police chief and several other military commanders have already been arrested over the case. The main liberal opposition Democratic Party earlier considered impeaching Han as well for failing to stop Yoon's martial law declaration, but shelved the idea after he became acting leader.

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Four of the six bills vetoed by Han were meant to introduce greater state financial assistance programs for the countrys agriculture and fisheries industries.

The most contentious bill is the Grain Management Act, which would require the government to buy surplus rice if the price drops too sharply to protect the countrys farming industry and promote its food sovereignty. Han said the bill would cause immense financial burdens on the government and eventually lead to further drops in rice prices.

Another controversial bill is the National Assembly Testimony Appraisal Act, which would give lawmakers more power to request people to attend parliament hearings and submit documents. Under the proposed legislation, individuals could no longer decline such requests by citing the protection of trade secrets or personal information.

The Democratic Party said the bill is necessary to determine the full details of Yoons martial law decree. But Han said the bill would likely infringe upon peoples privacy and that there are concerns among business leaders that key technology and company secrets could be leaked.

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Im heavy-hearted because Ive asked the National Assembly to discuss and act on the six bills again at a time when we desperately need cooperation among the government and the ruling and opposition parties, Han said in televised comments at the start of a Cabinet Council meeting on Thursday. But the government should make a responsible decision that prioritizes the principles of the Constitution and the future of our country.

Democratic lawmaker and spokesperson Noh Jongmyun quickly criticized Han, warning him not to cross a line, adding, Well immediately drag him down if hes found to have collaborated with the rebellion.

Hans office later sent formal documents on his vetoes to the National Assembly. To enact a bill vetoed by a president, the parliament needs support from two-thirds of its 300 lawmakers. The Democratic Party and other small opposition parties together hold 192 seats.

Observers earlier speculated the Democratic Party would reconsider impeaching Han if he vetoed the bills.

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Another source of contention between the rival parties is whether Han has the right to appoint three vacant justices' seats at the Constitutional Court, as filling the vacancies could affect the court's decision on Yoon.

The martial law enactment lasted only six hours, but it caused huge political turmoil in South Korea and set off alarms from its neighbors and diplomatic partners. Yoon sent hundreds of troops and police officers to the National Assembly to block its vote on his decree. But many lawmakers managed to enter a parliament hall and unanimously voted it down, forcing Yoon's Cabinet to lift it.

Yoon has defended his decree as an act of governance, saying it was a warning to the Democratic Party, which he said has been using its parliamentary majority to obstruct his agenda.

Meeting with foreign media on Thursday, Seok Dong-hyeon, a lawyer and spokesperson for Yoons emerging legal team, echoed Yoons assertion that his short-lived power grab didnt amount to a rebellion. Seok said Yoon did not intend to paralyze the parliament and denied claims the president ordered the military to arrest his political opponents, including Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung.

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Regarding the charges of rebellion, he never even thought about it, so he cannot possibly agree to such an accusation, Seok said.

What kind of a rebellion is announced through a press conference broadcast to citizens, media and the whole world, as if he was saying, Im now about to commit a rebellion?'" Seok said. "When the National Assembly followed the constitutional procedure to lift martial law after two or three hours, we abided by that procedure.

He said Yoon may appear in the Constitutional Court to directly defend his case. When asked whether Yoon would continue to ignore law enforcements requests to question him and search his office, Seok declined to give a specific answer, saying these matters would be handled by Yoons legal team, which he said is nearly assembled.
By Ju-min Park and Joyce Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol is willing to present his views himself during legal proceedings related to his short-lived declaration of martial law, a lawyer advising Yoon said on Thursday.

Seok Dong-hyeon, a lawyer and long-time friend of Yoon, also told reporters that multiple - seemingly overlapping - investigations involving Yoon should be streamlined.

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Yoon, who is an ex-prosecutor, shocked the nation on Dec. 3 when he declared martial law in a late-night televised address, before backing down hours later after outraged lawmakers rejected his decree.

"He (Yoon) has already apologised for surprising and shocking the public, and he remains apologetic for that... but he has a clear and confident position on the issues that are in dispute and must be addressed," Seok told a briefing, adding Yoon had never even considered insurrection.

Yoon was impeached by parliament in a vote last Saturday over his imposition of martial law, and faces a Constitutional Court trial on whether to remove him from office or restore his presidential powers.

Yoon also faces investigations into whether the martial law declaration constituted insurrection, one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity from.

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"What kind of insurrection follows parliament's order to stop... and quits after two to three hours?" said Seok, who was wearing a souvenir watch from Yoon's presidential office.

Asked whether the martial law decree breached the constitution, Seok said Yoon viewed the situation of an overbearing opposition party controlling parliament, cutting the government budget and impeaching government officials as an "emergency state" and the basis to invoke martial order.

National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik questioned such justification and called it contradictory to public sentiment against the martial law imposition.

"I think it was president Yoon's misjudgement," Woo told foreign correspondents on Thursday, accusing Yoon of doing little to communicate with parliament and not attending the opening of the new assembly nor addressing the parliament on budget unlike predecessors.

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Yoon, who has not commented publicly since shortly after his impeachment, was currently staying at his residence with his duties suspended due to parliament's impeachment, Seok said.

While Yoon had apologised for rattling the nation with his martial law declaration, Seok also called for public understanding over the president's "pain" dealing with the opposition's excessive power.

It remained unclear if or when Yoon might comply with the investigations or respond to attempts to summon him.

Yoon is still forming legal teams to respond to criminal investigations into the martial law case and the upcoming impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, Seok said.

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The presidential office's security service said on Wednesday it would not comply with attempted raids by investigative agencies, according to Yonhap news agency, and the Constitutional Court said on Thursday the trial documents it tried to send to Yoon had yet to reach him.

Meanwhile, South Korea's acting president Han Duck-soo spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba by phone on Thursday. They agreed to continue three-way security cooperation with Washington while facing growing North Korea-Russia military ties as well as Pyongyang's nuclear threat, Han's office said.

Domestic political uncertainty has increased pressure on the South Korean won. The currency hit its weakest level in 15 years on Thursday, also due to the U.S. Federal Reserve's cautious stance on more interest rate cuts.

The investigations into the martial law declaration have also embroiled multiple officials and security personnel.

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Former army intelligence commander Noh Sang-won was arrested late on Wednesday over his alleged involvement in Yoon's martial law order, a police official said on Thursday, becoming the latest high-ranking military officer detained.

In a fresh twist to the saga, Noh is accused of discussing military deployment plans with incumbent army officers at a fast-food burger joint, two days before Yoon declared martial law, the official said.

A lawyer who has represented Noh declined to comment and Reuters could not immediately reach Noh for comment.

(Reporting by Ju-min Park, Joyce Lee and Jack Kim; Editing by Ed Davies and Michael Perry)
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A mother is getting answers after claiming that an officer with the Southaven Police Department mistook her 9-year-old son for a suspect and pointed a stun gun at him last month.

The Southaven Police Department says the Internal Affairs Bureau has investigated the complaint, and based on a review of the evidence, it was determined that one of the allegations made against Officer McKenzie is sustained and that Officer McKenzie is exonerated of the second allegation.

9-year-old gets support from officer after stun gun incident

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The officers disciplinary action will not be released because the state of Mississippi protects personnel files from public release without a court order.

The Southaven Police Department works to ensure that its officers maintain the highest of standards and will utilize any measure, within policy, to maintain that level, as will be the course of action with your complaint, said the SPD in a letter.

9-year-old Amhar Anderson claims the officer threatened him with a stun gun on the night of November 7 outside his Civic Center apartment.

 and then pulled out his weapon and ran past my mom and like pointed his gun at me, Ahmar said.

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Police admit mistaking 9-year-old for armed robbery suspect

Southaven Police admitted the officer mistook Ahmar for a robbery suspect described as a heavy-set male wearing a sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Ahmars mom said her son was targeted because of his size and race.

According to police, the officer quickly realized Ahmar was not the suspect, and the interaction between the two lasted just a few seconds.

MS family says officer pointed stun gun at 9-year-old

Soon after the incident, Ahmars mother and stepfather filed a formal complaint with Southaven Police, wanting an apology, answers, and accountability.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Drive mate, Australias most secure and affordable peer-to-peer car-sharing company, has unveiled a pioneering car-share hub on the doorstep of Sydneys Domestic Airport, in a move that will shake-up the way people travel to and from the airport.

Located at 40 Baxters Road Mascot, the hub is barely a 10-minute walk from the airport and can accommodate 40 vehicles  while Drive mate partners with car-share hosts located close to the airport, ensuring a steady stream of cars should available vehicles in the hub be exhausted.

Now, Drive mates expanding membership base of 70,000-plus guests can book a vehicle  even while in the air en route to Sydney  and have access to a vehicle with few clicks in the Drive mate app.

With no need to queue to pick up keys or sign agreements on-site, the process is seamless and will reduce the traditionally-cumbersome waiting times at car hire check-in desks significantly. Furthermore, as vehicles can be booked for as little as $40 a day, the hiring of vehicles at the airport is suddenly affordable, said Dirk-Jan ter Horst, co-founder of Drive mate.

This truly is a game changer for travellers, he said. The vehicle options alone are enticing upon launch  everything from a Toyota Corolla to an Audi Q3, and with more to come as hosts onboard vehicles, guests will have many options to best fit their budget.

But more importantly, it's the convenience of being able to book a vehicle in advance and not having to wait in a queue to pick it up, sign forms and other time-consuming methods just to hire a vehicle are null and void when using Drive mates airport hub. For families, one parent could wait for the bags at the carousel while the other goes and picks up the car, returning even before the bag has arrived.

Drive mates vehicles can be hired hourly, daily, weekly or even monthly, creating an ideal option for people visiting the harbour city. Petrol and insurance costs are covered with any hire, with any fuel purchases reimbursed.

Often in the traditional car-hire process, those hiring a vehicle are often demoted to a lesser vehicle as hire companies overbook. This is not the case with Drive mate, according to its co-founder Gaurav Singhal.

What you book is what you get, delivering an assurance to drivers they rarely get at airports, said Singhal. Now, drivers can access the vehicle through the application, open the door and drive away the vehicle they actually booked, and much more affordably than ever.

The company has adapted its model to make the hiring experience seamless for guests and the onboarding and management incredibly simple for hosts, said Singhal.

Weve enabled GPS in all vehicles and automated kilometre tracking, to take the heavy lifting off hosts when it comes to the billing process, he said. For guests, this also reduces their burden when it comes to refuelling the vehicles, as that is all done by the host or theyre quickly reimbursed for petrol when needed for long trips.

Signing up with Drive mate takes no more than five minutes via its app or website, www.drivemate.au. Vehicle guests simply have to return the vehicle to the airport hub prior to departure. Beyond the airport, Drive mate has hundreds of vehicles available Sydney and indeed nationwide.

ABOUT DRIVE MATE

Drive mate is here to make car rental simple, affordable, and neighbourly; with a wide variety of vehicles to suit every need, Australia-wide.

We believe in building a community of mates who share their cars for a hassle-free and affordable car rental experience.

Unlike traditional car hire, we offer a unique solution that gives you the freedom to rent on your terms. Say goodbye to the frustrations of typical car rental processes. Our all-in-one app simplifies the entire journey, allowing you to browse and choose from our extensive car selection, no matter the vehicle you need, Drive mate has it.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Southaven, Mississippi couple is calling their local garbage collectors angels after they helped save a life.

Calvin Williams and Tony Henry, two workers with contractor Waste Pros, were on their route in Southaven recently when they came across a man lying in his driveway.

Bob Miller was bleeding from his head after a fall. He had walked outside a few minutes earlier to take the garbage out.

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Williams and Henry took quick action, calling 911 and applying pressure with napkins to stop the bleeding until paramedics arrived.

Millers wife calls them Waste Pro Angels and thanked them for saving her husbands life. She stopped by the companys division office to make sure everyone knew.

I feel blessed to have Calvin and Henry as part of our Southaven Division. Jumping into action and utilizing safety training changed the outcome of the holiday season for the Miller family, said Waste Pro Division Vice President Jon Snyder.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
SOUTHEAST MISSISSIPPI (WKRG)  With only a handful of days left until Christmas 2024, schools are starting to let out for the holiday.

WKRG News 5 has compiled a list of important school dates parents and teachers should know before Santa comes to town.

Catholic Schools

All teachers and students in the Diocese of Biloxi will get out early on Dec. 19 to start their holiday season. Teachers will return on Jan. 3 and students will return on Jan. 6.

Christian Collegiate Academy

Students and teachers will get out at noon on Dec. 20 to start their holiday break. Students and teachers will return to school on Jan. 6.

Gateway Christian Academy

Gateway Christian Academy students and teachers will get out early on Dec. 20 to start their holiday break. Teachers will return on Jan. 6 and students will return on Jan. 7.

George County Public School System

Students and teachers with the George County Public School System will get out early on Friday, Dec. 20 to start their holiday break. Teachers return to school on Jan. 6 and students return on Jan. 7.

Grace Baptist Academy

Teachers and students at Grace Baptist Academy will let out early on Dec. 20 for their Christmas break. Students will return on Jan. 7.

Greene County Public School System

Greene County Public School System teachers and students will be dismissed from school early on Dec. 20. Teachers return to school on Jan. 6 and students return on Jan. 7.

Jackson County Public School System

Students and teachers in the Jackson County Public School System started their holiday break on Dec. 18. Teachers will return to their classrooms for a teacher work day on Jan. 2 and students will return on Jan. 3.

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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 WKRG News 5.
UPDATE 2:52 p.m. Thursday: House Democrats have adjourned until Tuesday, Dec. 31.

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives has ordered the Sergeant at Arms  and potentially the Michigan State Police  to round up members and lock them in their Capitol chamber.

He issued the rare call of the House Thursday afternoon after the 54 Republican members and one Democrat decided not to show up for votes. The absences left 55 representatives available to vote  one less than the group needs to be able to do any business.

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Republicans have not shown up since Friday, frustrated by the fact that the House wont take up a bill that would affect tipped restaurant workers across the state.

Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-4th Dist.) is the lone Democrat who walked out. She is reportedly in Lansing today, unlike many GOP members who held morning news conferences in Midland and Kalamazoo.

Earlier this week, Whitsett said she was staying home until the speaker allocated more money to local districts.

Michigan Politics with Tim Skubick

Today was scheduled to be the last day of the legislative session. House Democrats hope to pass a bunch of bills before the end of the session because when they return to the chamber next year, theyll be in the minority.

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Theyve held the House for the last two years with a 56-54 majority. After Novembers elections, the House will flip back to Republican control with a 58-52 majority.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The bipartisan spending bill that would avoid an upcoming government shutdown has run into trouble, with both President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk coming out against it.

Among the many good reasons to oppose the bill was the inclusion of a particularly pernicious spending item. Talk about betrayal: The bill would have appropriated funds for the State Department's Global Engagement Center (GEC), the Biden administration's instrument of mass censorship.

The agency is reviled by conservatives, and rightly so. According to the Washington Examiner's Gabe Kaminsky, whose terrific reporting has shed light on serious free speech violations and wrongdoing committed by the GEC, Republicans have credibly accused "the GEC of orchestrating a speech suppression campaign against conservatives alongside left-wing nonprofit groups and social media companies." Indeed, defunding the GEC has been an important Republican policy goal.

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Needless to say, this was quite the betrayal.

Recall that the GEC allocates State Department fundingi.e., taxpayer dollarsto the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), a British nonprofit that pressured advertisers to stop working with certain news sites. Those sites included several conservative news websites like The Federalist, The Daily Wire, and Newsmax; Reason was also a target. The index considered Reason to be one of the "ten riskiest online news outlets," for contradictory and misleading reasons.

The GDI has a First Amendment right to make whatever claims it wants. But an organization working toward greater restrictions on speech should not be a recipient of government funding. The muzzling of conservative and libertarian news sites is not a worthwhile State Department objective. If Republicans are serious about their commitments to rein in out-of-control federal agencies that have subtlyand not so subtlypressured private companies and tech platforms to censor speech, then they should remove GEC funding from the spending bill.

This Week on Free Media

I am joined by Amber Duke to discuss the George Stephanopoulos settlement, privatizing the post office, CNN's erroneous prisoner release story, and the drones over New Jersey.

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Worth Watching

Last week, I gave Wicked a favorable review. One of the reasons I liked the film was that it gave me an excuse to revisit one of my favorite childhood films: Return to Oz.

Released in 1985, Return to Oz is a forgotten and misunderstood gem. It serves as a sequel to the original The Wizard of Oz movie and stars Fairuza Balk as Dorothy Gale, a farm girl whose vivid memories of talking scarecrows and magic ruby slippers have convinced her aunt and uncle that she's insane. Dorothy is taken to a mental asylum but eventually escapes back to Oz. Mimicking the setup of the original filmin which the farmhands and other characters had doubles in Oz itselfthe orderlies, nurses, and sinister asylum doctor serve dual roles as various antagonists during Dorothy's journey. She finds Oz a wreck and must work to save her friends from the clutches of an evil witch and a rock monster.

This is the only film directed by legendary sound editor Walter Murch, who lent his considerable talents to the Godfather movies, Apocalypse Now, and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Given his expertise, it's unsurprising that the sound effects in this movie are superb, from the creaking of the creepy wheeler characters to the ragtime-esque soundtrack that accompanies Dorothy wherever she goes.

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The film is also plainly terrifying. If you saw this movie as a kid, you will certainly remember the sequence in which Dorothy disturbs a headless witch and is chased through a palace by the witch's torso. Terrifying, and thoroughly entertaining.

The post The Spending Bill Would Fund Censorship appeared first on Reason.com.
After months of deliberations, congressional leaders released a more than 1,500-page stopgap bill on Tuesday to fund the government through March 14 and avoid a shutdown on Friday, at midnight. But House Speaker Mike Johnsons efforts to stop a government shutdown faltered as he found himself scrapping his bipartisan deal within 48 hours of proposing it  thanks to the pushback from his own party.

The newly created Department of Government Efficiencys figureheads  Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy  led the GOP rebellion, saying theyd prefer a government shutdown instead of passing a continuing resolution riddled with unrelated provisions.

Tuesdays continuing resolution, or CR, included disaster assistance for farmers and hurricane relief, among other add-ons related to reforming health care, moving the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., and giving lawmakers the first pay increase since 2009.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said a shutdown would hurt the working class Americans (Republicans) claim to support, in a post on X Wednesday. You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences that follow.

The situation looked especially bleak for Johnson after former President Donald Trump told Fox and Friends host Lawrence Jones that he is totally against the CR on Wednesday afternoon. Hours later, Trump and Sen.-elect J.D. Vance issued a statement proposing a new idea: Pass a clean CR and raise the debt ceiling. Johnson, now pressed for time, is in a tricky situation that threatens his gavel.

What is President-elect Trump saying?

In 2023, Congress raised the debt ceiling through Jan. 1, 2025, allowing the federal government to borrow as needed, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. But that isnt a firm deadline  the U.S. Treasury Department can buy more time until Congress takes action.

Trump wants the debt ceiling debate to happen under President Joe Bidens watch, according to the statement on X

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If Democrats wont cooperate on the debt ceiling now, what makes anyone think they would do it in June during our administration? Lets have this debate now, the statement said. And we should pass a streamlined spending bill that doesnt give Chuck Schumer and the Democrats everything they want.

Republicans want to support our farmers, pay for disaster relief, and set our country up for success in 2025. The only way to do that is with a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS combined with an increase in the debt ceiling.

The statement added, If Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want, then CALL THEIR BLUFF.

Whats next?

Its unclear whether Trump and Johnson will strike a deal, and whether the Democratic-controlled Senate will go along with the plan  all in time to avoid a shutdown less than a week before Christmas.

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Should the effort fail, non-essential federal employees will be furloughed without pay. Essential employees, like members of the military and TSA agents, will continue to work, also without pay. A shutdown would not impact Social Security and Medicare.

Calls to replace Johnson as speaker grow louder as Congress reels from this past weeks failures. Sen. Mike Lee in a post on X Thursday morning said, House Republicans should hire either (Musk) or (Ramaswamy) as their next speaker.

Does the speaker have to be an elected member of Congress? The constitution says the House of Representatives can choose their speaker. Theres no language on whether the speaker can only be drawn from among the members of the House, according to NBC News.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., takes questions from reporters following a closed-door strategy session, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. Congressional leaders are nearing the unveiling of an agreement that will keep the federal government funded through March 14 and provide more than $100 billion in emergency aid to help states and local communities recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and other natural disasters. | J. Scott Applewhite

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy steer the ship

Musk and Ramaswamy unleashed a series of posts on X against the bulky spending bill on Wednesday.

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How can this be called a continuing resolution if it includes a 40% pay increase for Congress? he said in one post.

In another post, Musk said, Either there is massive change or America goes bankrupt, therefore there must be massive change!

How can this be called a continuing resolution if it includes a 40% pay increase for Congress? https://t.co/qFFUP0eUOH  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2024

Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur who ran for the GOP nomination during the 2024 presidential race, in a video clip posted on TikTok said the bill is lengthy to deter Americans from reading it.

I did you a favor. I read it for you, said Ramaswamy. Its supposed to be about keeping government operations open and providing disaster relief aid to Hurricane victims, which Im sympathetic to. Ramaswamy listed out other special interest provisions and pork funding included in the bill.

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And the worst part is  they didnt want you to know about any of it and thats why they made this a last minute jam job.

The reason Im co-heading DOGE is I think we need outsiders to bring actual accountability to Washington, D.C., he said, before asking citizens to call their representative to vote no on the CR.

Johnson said he spoke to Musk and Ramaswamy on Tuesday night. Elon, Vivek and I were on a text chain together, and I was explaining to them the background of this. And Vivek and I talked last night, about almost midnight, and he said, Look, I get it. He said, We understand youre in an impossible position. Everybody knows that.

Remember, guys, we still have just a razor-thin margin of Republicans. So any bill has to have Democratic votes, said Johnson, R-La. They understand the situation. He said, Its not directed to you, Mr. Speaker, but we dont like the spending. I said, Guess what, fellas, I dont either.
Dec. 18The New Year could bring a new medical services provider to the Spokane County Jail.

The Spokane County Commission will decide Tuesday whether to grant a one-month, $685,000 contract extension to NaphCare, the private contractor that provides medical services in the Spokane County Jail.

Ken Mohr, a project manager for the county, said during a Monday meeting that the extension will allow time to finish negotiating "a new contract with a new vendor."

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"We're very close on the negotiations," Mohr said. "I won't get into detail on that for obvious reasons."

Spokane County CEO Scott Simmons told The Spokesman-Review after this article's initial online publication Monday that Mohr meant to say "a vendor."

Simmons said the county is in the midst of a request for proposals period and that no decision has been made regarding who the next provider may be  including whether the county will choose to continue contracting with NaphCare.

The commissioners will be briefed publicly on the new contract for medical services in the Spokane County Jail, including who the provider is, at a Jan. 7 meeting, Simmons said.

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NaphCare has provided outside medical services for county inmates since the commissioners voted to outsource care in 2016. The three-member commission at the time agreed to an initial six-month, $2.6 million contract after years of staffing woes within the county's medical team for detention services.

Concerns around the Alabama-based company's conduct in the Spokane County Jail and detention facilities across the country surfaced shortly after the ink dried.

In 2017, county inmates alleged the company was not upholding its responsibilities, saying NaphCare repeatedly delayed providing necessary care, including prescriptions and surgeries.

Like many companies that provide medical services to prisons and jails, NaphCare has faced dozens of lawsuits over the years.

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In 2022, a federal jury awarded $27 million in damages to the family of a woman who died in the Spokane County Jail.

Cindy Lou Hill was booked into the jail on Aug. 21, 2018, on suspicion of heroin possession. Four days later, the 55-year-old was shirtless on the floor of her cell, unable to move and complaining of intense stomach pain.

Hill wasn't brought to a doctor or sent to the emergency room. A NaphCare nurse determined Hill's symptoms were consistent with heroin withdrawal and sent her to a medical cell.

Hill died hours later of a bacterial infection caused by a ruptured intestine.

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Hill's estate sued Spokane County and NaphCare, arguing her death could have been avoided if she'd received proper medical care. The U.S. District Court jury agreed and decided NaphCare would pay the estate $26.5 million in damages. Spokane County was ordered to pay $275,000.

"It was absolutely the right decision," Ed Budge, the attorney for Hill's estate, said in 2022. "The jury recognized that a message needed to be sent."

NaphCare filed an appeal of that decision in the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this year, according to court records.

Another notable lawsuit against NaphCare ended in 2019 when the company was part of a $3 million settlement with the family of a man who died in a Virginia jail.

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At the time of his death in 2015, Jamycheal Mitchell was a 24-year-old inmate at Hampton Roads Regional Jail.

Mitchell, who suffered from mental illness, lost nearly 40 pounds and experienced extreme swelling in both legs while in custody. The Virginia Office of the Inspector General determined that he received substandard care from NaphCare nurses before his death.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Spotted lanternflies continue to be a growing problem, but taking action now can help control their spread. Scraping their egg masses during the winter months is key.

Chris Logue, the director of the plant industry at New York States Department of Agriculture, says the spotted lanternfly is an invasive planthopper native to parts of China and was first detected in North America in 2014. Adult lanternflies are typically active from July until the first frost. However, their egg masses persist through the winter, making it especially crucial to remove them before spring to help limit their spread.

When they are first laid, they have a sort of a whitish gray appearance and then they weather to a darker gray. Theyre about 30 to 60 eggs in each egg mass and so, one of the things that you can do with egg masses that are easily reachable is scrape them off and either crush them or put them in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, said Logue.

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He emphasized that while scraping the egg masses can help slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly, it wont entirely eliminate the problem.

Thats a really important practice. One of the things to keep in mind is youre not going to totally eliminate a population that way because there are going to be egg masses that are in locations that you cant see, Logue said. And so it really is a population reduction sort of activity versus an eradication activity.

New York State agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, among others, have joined forces in collaborative efforts that have been instrumental in slowing the spread of this invasive species.

Those have been really, really strong partners that have helped us with trapping and with reporting. DOT has also, as they get into the winter months and they begin to move equipment around for snow removal purposes and they transfer equipment from region to region, theyre very diligent about inspecting that equipment to be sure that there are no egg masses on there, said Logue.

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The public is strongly encouraged to report any sightings of spotted lanternflies or their egg masses. Reporting is simple: just upload a photo, along with your contact information and GPS coordinates, to the Department of Agriculture and Markets website. Their GIS-enabled reporting tool will handle the rest.

Click here to find their website and click here for the specific form.

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The St. Croix Scenic Coalition is asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review a lower courts ruling that favored a developer that wants to build a 99-unit apartment complex in Osceola, Wis., on the bluffs of the St. Croix River.

St. Croix Scenic Coalition officials say last months decision by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, which determined that the coalition and others did not have standing to challenge the Village of Osceolas approval of the project, will have far-reaching effects statewide  insulating development projects from review to the detriment of communities and the environments in which they are located.

The coalition wants the Supreme Court to help develop, clarify or harmonize a new state law in Wisconsin, enacted in June 2023, that limits which parties can sue to stop housing development projects.

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The heart of this case is the interpretation and application of a new law, which limits who may bring certiorari actions, attorneys for the petitioners wrote in their petition for review. This is a novel issue  the law has not yet been addressed by this Court and this case gives the Court an opportunity to do so.

There is no guarantee, however, that the Supreme Court will hear the case.

Who has standing?

Last April, a Polk County Circuit Court judge ruled that the proposed Osceola Bluffs Development violated state St. Croix River protections and impedes views along the river bluffs.

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals in November reversed that ruling. The appellate court also instructed the circuit court to dismiss a petition challenging the Villages approval of the development.

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The apartment complex was approved by Osceola officials in July 2023, and was contested by St. Croix Scenic Coalition. Throughout the approval process, coalition members questioned the proposed building height and the visual impacts, eventually leading them to file a lawsuit in August 2023.

In its 15-page decision, the Court of Appeals ruled that the coalition did not have standing to challenge the Villages approval of the project. A petitioner must demonstrate that he or she sustained actual damages or will imminently sustain actual damages as a result of the final decision on the application for approval, according to the decision.

The law states that only certain categories of plaintiffs, including a person that, as a result of the final decision on the application for an approval, sustains actual damages or will imminently sustain actual damages that are personal to the person and distinct from the damages that impact the public generally, can take action to stop a project, according to the petition for review.

The Court of Appeals held that because any impact to property values had not yet occurred, it was merely the possibility of future harm and insufficient to confer standing, the petitioners wrote. It also held that negative impacts on the scenic qualities of the St. Croix River, pollution, tax impacts, and infrastructure problems could never confer standing to challenge a site plan approval because they are not personal or distinct from damages that impact the public generally.

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The Court of Appeals ruling interprets the statute so narrowly that development projects are effectively insulated from review, they continued. No neighbor could ever have standing to challenge the project because harm to their property is deemed merely a possibility until after the building has been built, at which point it is too late to file a certiorari action. (G)iven the increasing demand for development, this issue is likely to recur until resolved by this Court.

Former Osceola Medical Center

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Plans call for Forest Lake-based developer Gaughan Cos. to build a new apartment complex on site of the former Osceola Medical Center, located at 301 River St., which has been vacant for more than 15 years. The three-story apartment complex project is slated to include a retail unit and a restaurant. It is expected to rise just over 44 feet; town ordinances set maximum building heights at 35 feet in that part of Osceola near the St. Croix River.

The Village of Osceola Board approved three permits for construction, but Polk County Circuit Court Judge Daniel J. Tolan ruled, in reversing the approval from the Village, that the development would rise above the tree canopy along the river bluffs, and would prove to be visually conspicuous from the river.

Development along that area of the St. Croix River is bound by Wisconsin state statute, which lays out standards for the Lower St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway.
Around the Christmas season, it is common to see a display of the Nativity scene: a small manger with the baby Jesus and his family, shepherds, the three wise men believed to have visited Jesus after his birth and several barnyard animals.

One might ask, what are the origins of this tradition?

Biblical description

The earliest biblical descriptions, the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, written between A.D. 80 and 100, offer details of Jesus birth, including that he was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod.

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The Gospel of Luke says that when the shepherds went to Bethlehem, they found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Matthew tells the story of the three wise men, or Magi, who fell down in worship and offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

But as my research on the relationship between the New Testament and the development of popular Christian traditions shows, the earliest biblical descriptions do not mention the presence of any animals. Animals first start to appear in religious texts around the seventh century.

A series of early Christian stories that informed popular religious devotion, including whats known as the Infancy Gospel of Matthew, attempted to fill in the gap between Christs infancy and the beginning of his public ministry. This text was the first to mention the presence of animals at Jesus birth. It described how the most blessed Mary went forth out of the cave and entering a stable, placed the child in the stall, and the ox and the ass adored Him.

This description, subsequently cited in several medieval Christian texts, created the Christmas story popular today.

Start of Nativity scenes

But the Nativity scene now recreated in town squares and churches worldwide was originally conceived by St. Francis of Assisi.

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Much of what scholars know about Francis comes from Life of St. Francis, written by the 13th-century theologian and philosopher St. Bonaventure.

Francis was born into a merchant family in the Umbrian town of Assisi, in modern-day Italy, around 1181. But Francis rejected his family wealth early in his life and cast off his garments in the public square.

In 1209, he founded the mendicant order of the Franciscans, a religious group that dedicated themselves to works of charity. Today, Franciscans minister by serving the material and spiritual needs of the poor and socially marginalized.

According to Bonaventure, Francis in 1223 sought permission from Pope Honorious III to do something for the kindling of devotion to the birth of Christ. As part of his preparations, Francis made ready a manger, and bade hay, together with an ox and an ass, in the small Italian town of Greccio.

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One witness, among the crowd that gathered for this event, reported that Francis included a carved doll which cried tears of joy and seemed to be awakened from sleep when the blessed Father Francis embraced Him in both arms.

This miracle of the crying doll moved all who were present, Bonaventure writes. But Francis made another miracle happen, too: The hay that the child lay in healed sick animals and protected people from disease.

Nativity imagery in art

Adoration of the Magi. Fra Angelico

The Nativity story continued to expand within Christian devotional culture well after Francis death. In 1291, Pope Nicholas IV, the first Franciscan pope, ordered that a permanent Nativity scene be erected at Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome.

Nativity imagery dominated Renaissance art.

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This first living Nativity scene  which was famously depicted by Italian Renaissance painter Giotto di Bondone in the Arena Chapel of Padua, Italy  ushered in a new tradition of staging the birth of Christ.

In the tondo, a circular painting of the Adoration of the Magi by 15th-century painters Fra Angelico and Filippo Lippi, not only are there sheep, a donkey, a cow and an ox, there is even a colorful peacock that peers over the top of the manger to catch a glimpse of Jesus.

Political turn of Nativity scenes

After the birth of Jesus, King Herod, feeling as though his power was threatened by Jesus, ordered the execution of all boys under two years old. Jesus, Mary and Joseph were forced to flee to Egypt.

In an acknowledgment that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees themselves, in recent years, some churches have used their Nativity scenes as a form of political activism to comment on the need for immigrant justice. Specifically, these protest nativities have criticized President Donald Trumps 2018 executive order on family separation at the U.S.-Mexico border.

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For example, in 2018, a church in Dedham, Massachusetts, placed baby Jesus, representing immigrant children, in a cage. This year, at Claremont United Methodist Church in California, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus have all been placed in separate barbed-wire cages in their outdoor Nativity scene.

These displays, which call attention to the plight of immigrants and asylum seekers, bring the Christian tradition into the 21st century.

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: Vanessa Corcoran, Georgetown University

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Vanessa Corcoran 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.
ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (KLFY)  Over the past week, residents in St. Landry Parish received tax breakdown packets in the mail to show where tax dollars go each year.

Parish President Jessie Bellard said this breakdown was necessary as questions have continued to come to his office regarding the parish budget and why money is prioritized differently.

The calls I get over the years is just, What are you doing with the money? All the tax money is coming into your office. And when I explain to them, they look at me in shock and not understand why it is like it is, Bellard said.

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Bellard hosted a live stream for residents to break down how tax dollars are spent.

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In the packet, Bellard explained that out of the 33.62 mills collected from taxpayers, only 11% goes to parish government, with the bulk going to the school board followed by the sheriffs office.

Bellard said while the parish government receives their mills, most of it will be spent on mandated expenses, some of which continue to add up and surpass budget.

We are going to be looking at some so many state statutes to be revised next session, because we think that after being on being in place for 40 years under the current structure, it is time for a change, and we will be pushing hard for that. And I say we, meaning parish governments across the state of Louisiana, Bellard said.

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Bellard assured residents their taxes will not increase.

What I dont want people to think is all you want to do is raise taxes. This is not even close to that. I want you to know what were doing with your money we have now. And if I can figure out a way where we dont have to spend a lot of this money where we shouldnt be spent, thats what were going to do. But Im not going after the people for more money, he said.

Bellard said anyone with questions can feel free to contact him directly.

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ST. LOUIS  The Homer G. Phillips Memorial Hospital had an unexpected closing Tuesday. Now, Mayor Tishaura Jones says she wants to help the employees that were furloughed.

(Christmas) is a week from today. I couldnt imagine being in the shoes of those employees who are receiving notices that their place of employment is closing, Jones said.

All employees of the hospital were furloughed until further notice. Jones is working with the Department of Health and the St. Louis Agency of Training and Employment to help the workers.

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The closure is blamed on a blood shortage, but the employees point to payroll issues. The hospital says they will be working with financial lenders to get more funding to expand operations.

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The Homer G. Phillips Board of Directors released a statement Wednesday that reads:

Hospital board leadership is working diligently to finalize the blood supply, pay rolls, accreditation, and continuing successful operations we look forward to continuing to serve the health care needs of the community.

However, Jones said she wouldnt get the impression it would reopen if she were an employee. Shes worried about residents not having access to healthcare in the neighborhood.

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This is also a stain on the legacy of Homer Phillips, the mayor added. Who opened and has a hospital here to address equity within the medical field and to close this hospital named after a man who has such a rich legacy in our communityits shameful.



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Calling core city operations in jeopardy, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter has issued a series of rare line-item vetoes to the city budget approved last week by the city council, canceling nearly $2 million in spending to remodel city council offices, among other planned expenses.

Carters aim is to use that money and additional savings to preserve funding for the St. Paul Police Department, which faced cuts to overtime spending, and fund a director-level position for the citys Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity. Even so, he said, a hiring freeze and freeze on new spending are looming as a result of a 2025 budget he called impractical.

The seven-member council met late Thursday afternoon and voted unanimously to override each of the mayors five line-item vetoes, one by one, after Council President Mitra Jalali noted the significance of each spending item. Its unclear, however, if the councils override votes have sticking power under the law.

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Carters 11th-hour veto was issued Wednesday afternoon, which the mayor described in a five-page letter to the council as the last possible day that the members could finalize the 2025 budget. The city charter requires final council action on the budget not later than 12 days before the state records the citys new tax levy. The Minnesota Department of Revenue has said all final levy numbers are due to the state by Dec. 30.

Upon completion of a standard review of your adopted 2025 budget, staff in our Citys Office of Financial Services have identified significant issues, principally including the use of ($2.4 million) in unattainable savings to finance core city operations, wrote the mayor.

As the legal deadline for final decisions pertaining to next years budget is established by City Charter  the City Council has effectively run out the clock on its own ability to cure these deficiencies, leaving administrative action as our only remaining option, Carter added.

He said the city attorneys office has determined any council action would lack the force of law.

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Jalali said the mayor gave no indication of a line-item veto ahead of the last council meeting of the year, which was held late Wednesday afternoon. Following his vetoes, the council acted as swiftly as possible, she said.

Police overtime, council office renovations

The budget approved by the council last week holds the next property tax levy to 5.9%, which is notably less than the 7.9% increase the mayor proposed in August.

To get there, the councils 2025 budget includes $1.2 million in cuts to planned police funding, with council documents identifying non-emergency police overtime as the likely source.

The mayors office, in a statement issued Thursday, noted that the primary drivers of overtime expenses are essential and required tasks, such as back-filling patrol shifts for officers away on military or medical leave, pursuing time-sensitive investigations, and testifying in criminal trials.

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Carter wrote in his letter: As these are essential and required services, this reduction cannot be realized as actual savings.

Jalali on Thursday said raiding the $1.8 million in special funding for the council offices renovation project was inappropriate, as the council had supported all of the mayoral projects backed by federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The mayors ARPA projects were included in the same wide-ranging global agreement, vetted by all city departments, that funded the future office renovations.

We expect that support in return, Jalali said. This investment is an investment for safety, accessibility, modernization, collaboration and morale  for all of our visitors, and also the morale of all our employees who work here.

Other line-item vetoes

In addition to vetoing $1.8 million in spending to renovate council offices, the mayor issued four additional line-item vetoes of new proposed spending, with the goal of adding back funding for a new director for the Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity, which has been run for years by deputy staffers.

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The council, in the budget approved last week, had dropping funding for the long-vacant position, a director-level role the mayor noted is required by the citys Home Rule charter. Jalali on Thursday noted that the city has not begun the hiring process for that job and urged the mayor to lay out a hiring plan in the 2026 budget. The mayor emphasized that under the charter, its the councils obligation to commence it.

In all, the mayor vetoed $1.8 million for the council offices redesign project, $160,000 to assist street festivals with security costs, $50,000 for the councils audit committee and $15,000 for the St. Paul Childrens Collaborative. He also vetoed the decision to eliminate $227,000 from his budget for the Human Rights director.

With costs for policing and public safety measures at parades and cultural events soaring, council members worry that canceling public assistance could imperil some from moving forward. This is one of the top things that we hear from the community that will really support vitality  and really enhance peoples quality of life, Jalali said.

Mayors concerns

The mayor, in his letter, reiterated his concerns that the council budget was effectively impossible to roll out as planned.

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Carter called the councils decision to save $856,000 through attrition, or unfilled positions, impractical, noting the councils request to exclude police, fire, libraries, and parks and recreation from those impacts would be unrealistic. The four departments represent the majority of city spending, at least through the general fund.

The mayor noted that the councils decision to cut $50,000 in storm sewer spending could threaten the sewer funds credit rating. A potential downgrade from a credit rating of AAA to AA+ would increase interest charges by approximately three times the savings, he wrote, exposing the fund to $1.55 million in potential additional charges to save $500,000 over 10 years.

Carter said he has directed city department leaders to prepare to freeze new hiring and contracted expenses across every city function, including any new spending planned for 2025, which will likely remain in effect until final determination has been made on a full set of service reductions necessary to meet the bottom lines in the City Councils adopted budget.

Carter said he shared alarm about the squeeze residential property taxpayers are feeling between rising residential values and decreasing values for apartment and office buildings, he wrote. We cannot cut our way out of these cycles; the fact that this challenge is not unique to our city only underscores our urgent need to invest. This same concern drives my conviction that right now is a poor time to disinvest in public safety, downtown revitalization, and public infrastructure.

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This is the third time Carter has issued a veto in his seven years as mayor.

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The St. Paul Public Schools Board of Education interviewed three superintendent candidates this week, with the finalist expected to be named at its regular board meeting Thursday.

The district named Brenda Cassellius, Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and Stacie Stanley as finalists for superintendent earlier this month.

John Thein has been serving as interim superintendent since May after the departure of Superintendent Joe Gothard, who left to lead the school district in Madison, Wis., where Gothard grew up and attended school. Thein also served as interim superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools from 2016 to 2017.

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The candidates each spent a day this week visiting schools, meeting district staff, students and community members, and attending virtual meet-the-candidate sessions. Impression forms were available for community members to fill out for each candidate to later be shared with the board.

Candidates were then individually interviewed by the board before providing presentations on academic outcomes. The final candidate interview took place Wednesday.

Board members asked the candidates questions about their plans or views on areas such as student outcomes, services for students with disabilities and multilingual students, and budget reductions. Candidates emphasized closing achievement gaps, community engagement and program development.

The districts Board of Education selected and hired the executive search firm BWP & Associates in July to find the next superintendent. The board had interviewed three firms at a special meeting and unanimously chose BWP.

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A task force conducted closed first-round interviews of superintendent candidates earlier this month. The task force was made up of school board members, parents and community representatives from the districts parent advisory councils, employee labor group representatives, high school students and a district administrator.

Brenda Cassellius

Cassellius is CEO of Minnesota nonprofit Fresh Energy and previously served as superintendent of Boston Public Schools, according to SPPS. Cassellius lives in Minneapolis, according to Fresh Energys website. She also served as the state commissioner of education for eight years under Gov. Mark Dayton before she was replaced by Mary Cathryn Ricker when Gov. Tim Walz took office in 2019.

Cassellius also has held leadership roles with Minneapolis Public Schools, the East Metro Integration District and Memphis City Schools. She previously worked as a teacher in SPPS.

Cassellius has a doctorate in organizational leadership and policy from the University of Memphis, a masters degree in secondary education from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelors degree in child psychology from the University of Minnesota.

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The superintendent is your partner. They are responsible for the achievement and success of all students and accountable for the administration of the policies and the personnel and decisions of the board. Everyone is accountable to the students, the staff, parents and community as a whole, and we should work together with that in mind, Cassellius said.

Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed

Mhiripiri-Reed has been superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools since 2017 and began her teaching career in SPPS. She has held leadership roles as associate superintendent at Monterey Peninsula Unified School District in Monterey, Calif., director of leadership development at the District of Columbia Public Schools in Washington, D.C., and the inaugural board chair for the nonprofit Black Men Teach.

During her board interview, Mhiripiri-Reed emphasized creating support systems informed by research and having goal consistency across schools.

Mhiripiri-Reed has a doctorate in education leadership from Harvard University, a masters degree in education policy and administration from the University of Minnesota and a bachelors degree in psychology and teacher preparation from Yale University.

Stacie Stanley

Stanley is superintendent of Edina Public Schools and previously served as associate superintendent at Eden Prairie Schools. She grew up in St. Paul and graduated from Central Senior High School. She is the president-elect of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators. Stanley has held leadership roles in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District, Roseville Area Schools and East Metro Integration District.

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Stanley said that if selected as superintendent, she would create a superintendent academic advisory team that would include members of the executive leadership team, principals and other members relevant to supporting students. The team would allow the district to stay focused on its performance targets, Stanley said.

Stanley has a doctorate in educational leadership from Bethel University, and a masters degree in education and a bachelors degree in K-8 elementary education from St. Catherine University.

Board expectations

While the board did not select a finalist following the final candidate interview Wednesday night, members discussed strengths and qualities they expected from the districts future superintendent.

I think that its just going to be really important for whoever comes in to be someone who can connect with all parts of SPPS, work collaboratively with the board, and can be the kind of leader that empowers people to come in with good ideas, and to have those good ideas elevated, board member Uriah Ward said at Wednesdays meeting.

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The board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at 360 S. Colborne St. in St. Paul, where they will select a finalist. The meeting also will be livestreamed.

To learn more about the districts superintendent search, go to spps.org/superintendentsearch.

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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, speaks during a news conference following a House Republican Conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 10, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Editors note: This commentary discusses the topic of suicide. If you or someone you know if contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Lost in the furor over whether Congress can agree on a stopgap spending bill to avoid a government shutdown is another rift over the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which even has some powerful Republicans at odds with one another.

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The bill purports to hold social media companies accountable for cyberbullying over their platforms, and its supporters include parents whose children have taken their own lives or were harmed as a result of social media harassment.

The KOSA proposal, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., easily cleared the chamber in a 91-3 vote in late July. Yet it has not advanced to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives, and its proponents have turned up the pressure on Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., as of late to advance the bill before years end. Republicans whove rallied behind the bill and urged its passage include Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabeee Sanders.

Yet Johnson has remained steadfast in his decision not to rush the act through in its current form. Pressed by reporters in the Capitol hallways in recent days, the speaker insists he still stands behind the spirit of the proposal. He was asked a week ago if KOSA would be approved before years end.

I dont see that as being likely at this point, Johnson said.

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The speaker has frequently spoken favorably about the need to address childrens safety online, spokeswoman Athina Lawson told the Illuminator in an interview Wednesday. The KOSA bill has been referred to a House committee and will continue to move through the legislative process, she added.

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Blackburn believes more than parliamentary procedure is holding up her bill, however. In a joint statement with U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Issued Tuesday, she was very blunt in her criticism of House leadership.

To be clear: the blockade against safeguards and accountability was about padding Big Techs financial bottom line, not principle, the senators said.

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Blackburn and Blumenthal also referenced the suicide of 15-year-old Jesse Harrington in October. He took his own life after becoming addicted to Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, while the House sat on its hands at the behest of Mark Zuckerberg, they wrote.

The Houses active obstruction of the Kids Online Safety Act will tragically result in the deaths of even more children like Jesse, their statement said.

Johnsons specific concerns within the bill include its potential to impinge on First Amendment free speech rights and a duty of care provision that defines what social media companies can be held accountable if young users are harmed through their content.

Lawson noted that Johnson has held more than 20 meetings with KOSA advocates and is committed to working on a consensus solution to the issues he has with the bill.

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Maurine Molak is among the KOSA supporters whos met with the speaker and his staff multiple times. Her 16-year-old son David took his life in 2016 after he was the target of bullying on Instagram. Molak said the company did nothing to curtail the abuse even after his friends reported it online.

From left: U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, Maurine Molak, and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., are pictured at an April 2024 fundraiser for Gonzales in San Antonio. (Courtesy Maureen Molak)

In an interview this week with the Illuminator, Molak said she personally met Johnson in April during an invitation-only Republican fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, in San Antonio.

I asked him if he would commit to advancing KOSA, passing KOSA this year, she said.   And he said, Oh, yes, you know, were going to advance KOSA. It is so needed. Thank you so much for your advocacy. Keep it up, because what kids are experiencing online is terrible, and weve got to do something about it.

Molak said the Senates overwhelming bipartisan support left her feeling confident the measure would become law. But as months went by with no action in the House, she met with Johnsons staff and others on Capitol Hill to get an explanation. Molak said she considered the hangups mentioned in those meetings fairly minor.

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Theres just a lot of powerful people who are in support of this bill, she said, and if you have an issue with something, you dont just dig your heels in and not come out with a solution.

Molak said she was aware that Meta has proposed a $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in Louisiana, but she stopped short of saying it has anything to do with Johnsons stance on KOSA.

Lawson, the speakers spokeswoman, also dismissed any connection between the project and the legislations current status.

Other members of the House Republican Conference have KOSA concerns similar to Johnsons, given its potential to squelch conservative viewpoints on social media.

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Their opposition to KOSA is mirrored on the other end of the political spectrum.

Voices from the LGBTQ community fear the guidelines could limit their expression online, and the American Civil Liberties Union feels the legislation would control what people can access online and censor protected speech

Molak said there was hope that the KOSA provisions would find their way onto the stopgap spending bill lawmakers need to approve in order to prevent a government shutdown this weekend. But Johnsons stance and the precarious status of the continuing resolution needed to keep the federal government afloat make that scenario extremely unlikely.

President-elect Donald Trump has been noticeably silent on the matter, something that Molak said she has noticed.

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If Trump was able to weigh in on this right now, and we were able to get it passed this year, it sure would make him a hero, she said, because it would be one less thing the Republicans would have to worry about next year.

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Sir Keir Starmer must publish everything the Government knows about the Lockerbie bombing, a victims father who will be paid by Colin Firth in an upcoming TV drama, has said.

Jim Swire, whose daughter, Flora, died in Britains most deadly terror attack, says the Government can no longer justify withholding information on the case.

Speaking to BBC Scotland ahead of the 36th anniversary of the atrocity on Saturday, he said many people would think it was pretty fishy that the documentation had not already been published.

Jim Swire is still searching for answers over the Lockerbie bombing that killed his daughter Flora

He also said he hoped the drama would trigger fresh public debate about what happened.

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A total of 270 people were killed when the Boeing 747 Clipper Maid of the Seas was blown apart at 31,000ft as it flew from Heathrow to New York.

All 259 passengers and crew were killed alongside 11 people in the Dumfries and Galloway town of Lockerbie who died when debris fell to the ground.

Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi, a former Libyan intelligence officer, who was found guilty in 2001 of mass murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 27 years, was the only person convicted.

SNP ministers released him on compassionate grounds in 2009 and he died from cancer in Libya three years later. However, prosecutors have always believed Megrahi acted with others to carry out the bombing.

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Abu Agila Masud, another Libyan, is to go on trial at a US federal court in May next year accused of making the bomb.

But Dr Swire has long believed that Megrahi was wrongfully convicted of the bombing and that Libya was not behind the plot. His views have angered and upset some of the families of the American victims.

The former GP said: One thing we can do is ask the government of today to release all the documentation about Lockerbie.

That would be a tremendous help. Here we are, 36 years down the road, and we know a lot of material has been kept out of public view.

Why isnt it in the public interest to release it after 36 years? I think thats something a lot of people would think is pretty fishy.

The wreckage of Pan Am Flight 103 killed 11 people on the ground after landing on Lockerbie - Reuters

Some relatives have expressed anger over the forthcoming Sky TV drama entitled Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, which airs from Jan 2.

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But Dr Swire said: The more people look at what happened at Lockerbie the happier Ill be. You can make your own decision about whether you believe the official version or the alternative that weve laboured so far to find.

I hope the Sky series will do that because Im getting pretty long in the tooth and I cant go on doing this forever.

A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: The bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 was truly abhorrent and the Governments deepest sympathies remain with the victims families and loved ones.

We do not comment on the contents of archive files, but follow the process of opening files as set out in public record legislation.

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Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski and state Treasurer John Lieber present a large check to educators to represent the $70 million disbursement from the Common School Fund to public school libraries across state. (Courtesy of Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski)

Wisconsin school libraries and media resources will receive a record $70 million in funding from the Board of Commissioners of Public Land, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski announced Thursday.

The agencys contribution from the Common School Fund breaks the record for largest ever provided, which was set last year when the BCPL provided $65 million from the fund.

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Im proud of our record-breaking distribution. It comes at a time when schools are being asked to do more with less, and our strategic investments and collaborative efforts are making a difference to ensure that every studentno matter where they livehas access to the books, technology, and tools they need to succeed, Godlewski said in a statement.

The BCPL manages state trust funds created as Wisconsin sold off millions of acres of land granted to the state government in the 19th century. The agency also manages timber sales for 77,000 acres of land still under state control.

The Common School Fund is the only dedicated funding source for many of Wisconsins public school libraries, according to a news release. The amount of funds provided to school libraries through the fund has substantially increased in recent years. In 2020, libraries received $38.2 million through the fund.

Todays milestone reflects the dedication of our team and the strategic investments weve made to ensure the fund continues to grow for future generations, Godlewski said. Weve diversified hundreds of millions of dollars to include Wisconsin-based venture funds that support new and growing businesses. This is a win-win for our state: the Common School Fund bolsters Wisconsins economy, and the financial returns directly support our schools and libraries, reinforcing our commitment to educational excellence and opportunity.

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At an event in Brown Deer Thursday afternoon, Godlewski, state Treasurer John Leiber and educators celebrated the learning resources the money will be able to provide.

Without the support from the common school funds, many school libraries would not have the necessary resources to stay up-to-date and provide the digital resources necessary for our students continued learning. The BCPL work ensures that these schools are not left behind, and that all students in Wisconsin, no matter their background, have access to the educational opportunities they deserve, said Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association President Jennifer Griffith.

Funds disbursed through the BCPL have been criticized in recent years because the land provided to the state by the federal government in the 1800s was taken from the states Native American tribes.

In February, data collected by the non-profit media outlet Grist showed that funds disbursed through the BCPLs Normal School Fund to the states public universities came from profits made from land taken largely from the Ojibwe tribe, the Wisconsin Examiner reported.

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Hallway in a hospital. (Getty Images)

A state committee tasked with writing an annual report about medical school graduates training in Florida hospitals had its first meeting Thursday, but the law that created the committee required it to meet no later than July 1, 2024.

The six-month delay in the inaugural meeting means the committee will only have six months, instead of a year, to meet its deadline to report the cost of training residents and how much the states health infrastructure relies on the trainees. According to the Live Healthy Act, the report is due to Legislative leaders and Gov. Ron DeSantis by July 1.

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I think the priority interest now is that we were able to bring everyone together and to focus and to create a report that the governor, the Senate, and the House wishes to receive by July 1, said Christopher Cogle, chief medical officer for Florida Medicaid, during the virtual meeting. I think the information that this, that this committee, is asked to put together is a priority interest because its going to help them shape their thinking going forward.

Cogle, who will act as staff for the committee, led the meeting but said he didnt know if it mattered that the committee hadnt met until Thursday. The 13 committee members are hospital CEOs and directors, faculty, and administrators of graduate medical education programs. Live Healthy, which Sen. Kathleen Passidomo spearheaded in her last session as Senate President last year, will pour $50 million annually into residency slots for medical school graduates.

However, several committee members raised concerns about the groups ability to meet its deadline.

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I think I feel a little bit of anxiety just around timing and timeliness and how much work is ahead of us, said Matthew Love, president and CEO of the Nicklaus Childrens Health System in Miami.

Before starting the report, the committee will have to establish bylaws and pick leaders. The next meeting has not been scheduled yet, but Cogle said it would take place within the next couple of months.

Broward County cardiologist Kayvan Amini urged the group to meet more frequently than the two annual meetings the law requires. Amini is a faculty member at Nova Southeastern University and a trustee at the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association.

Obviously, weve got all challenging schedules, but probably, you know, its better to sit down and get together as many of us for a quorum, but I think were going to have to require a certain level of frequency and delegating, he said.

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He added: We got to really kick up into high gear as soon as possible, the way I see it, in order to accomplish this task by July 1.

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration overseeing the committee did not immediately respond to Florida Phoenixs request for comment about the delay.

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Authorities have identified a man who was found dead in a crashed truck along a highway in New Hampshire early Thursday morning.

Troopers responding to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Route 3A near High Ridge Road in Hill just before 1 a.m. found a white 2003 Mitsubishi FE639 off the road and down an embankment at a tree line, according to New Hampshire State Police.

The truck driver, 36-year-old Michael Kaar, of Hill, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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State police noted that investigators believe speed was a factor in the crash.

There were no additional details immediately available.

Anyone with information on the crash is urged to contact Trooper Conor Davis at Conor.K.Davis@dos.nh.gov.

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State Rep.-elect Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny) (Contributed photo)

Jeremy Shaffer has seen the good and bad of government.

After receiving a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon, he and a friend started a bridge inspection management software company aimed at keeping bridges and roads safe. He was able to travel across the country and world, and Shaffer said he saw how some governments manage infrastructure well and some, not so well.

Once he sold his company, Shaffer launched a successful campaign for Ross Township commissioner.

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After two previous unsuccessful runs for the state Senate in 2018 and U.S. House in 2022, Shaffer launched a bid in January for the 28th District seat in the Pittsburgh suburbs after state Rep. Rob Mercuri announced his candidacy for Congress.

Shaffer was the only Republican candidate to make the ballot in the race for the state House seat. In November, he defeated Democrat Bill Petulla.

Now that hes slated to become a member of Pennsylvanias General Assembly, Shaffer said hes ready to reform Harrisburg.

My philosophy is always, you know what? If we agree on B and C, lets get B and C done, Shaffer said. And so lets start from a place where we can deliver, at least a partial solution.

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This interview was lightly edited for length and clarity.

Capital-Star: Tell me about your district, and whats unique about it.

Shaffer: [The] district is northern Allegheny County. Its a suburban district. Its a people-heart, very family centered, a lot of families, people who care about quality schools, safe neighborhoods, want a good quality of life, enjoy the outdoors, and they want that at relatively low taxes and efficient government.

Capital-Star: What would you say is the most pressing issue in your district?

Shaffer: My district is kind of the highest point on a slowly sinking ship.

On paper, you would look at our region and actually our state, and you would think we should be one of the fastest growing areas in the country, but western Pennsylvania continues to slowly lose population. Our high taxes and bad regulatory environment basically drives people and businesses away from our region and our state, despite all the advantages that we have.

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And so while my district in general is sort of faring better than the rest of the region and state, we could be doing even better.

Capital-Star: What would you say your top legislative priority is going to be?

Shaffer: I consider things in two buckets. One, I think that the system itself is broken. Im a big reformer in general. So one bucket would be reform and the other bucket would be delivering on sort of bread and butter issues.

So in the reform bucket, Id say the first bill I would like to introduce and co-sponsor would be one on term limits. I think we need a constant influx of new blood in the state legislature. It shouldnt be a career. It should be something that people do, serve for a time and go back home.

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I would also like to downsize the state legislature. We have the largest, most expensive, full time state legislature in the country, which is really ridiculous.

And campaign finance reform. Our current campaign finance system in Pennsylvania is a joke. Both parties abuse it.

And we need redistricting reform. So in that area, I think I can find people on both sides of the aisle who would recognize that common set of problems.

Then on the other side. I have a background in transportation, spent 20 plus years in the transportation industry, served on a number of national expert panels and written papers. Pennsylvania spends an enormous amount of money in our transportation system and infrastructure in general, and Im not sure that were really getting the results based on the amount of money that we spend with highest per mile turnpike tolls in the country, second highest gas tax in the country.

Capital-Star: How many terms for the state House and state Senate?

Shaffer: I am willing to work with people to whatever number we can get, to get to the needed votes, but my personal preference would be 10 years. So five terms per state House members, and then three terms for state Senate members, so 12 years. So 10 and 12 would be the term limits.

Capital-Star: How about reducing the size of the legislature? What do you think would be an appropriate number?

Shaffer: Once again, Im willing to work with others on that, but right now, the State House is 203 members. I would love to get it down to 100, but Im willing to compromise at 150.

Capital-Star: You saidcampaign finance reform what specifically do you have in mind there?

Shaffer: Pennsylvania is a wild west when it comes to campaign finance. Just for example, if youre running for state legislative office, your campaign you have to file a report. And I might be a little bit off on these dates, but you have to file a report in May, and then the next report you have to file is around a week before the election. The penalties and fees associated with not filing are ridiculously low, so numerous candidates simply ignore the filing deadlines, and the public has no idea whos donating to the candidates and how much.

And Im a big believer in transparency, and the government should be very transparent, so we need more reporting, and we probably need to look at putting limits on how things can be done.
Dec. 18Production staff at the State Theatre have filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board.

The approximately 35 stagehands are seeking what they say are industry-standard wages, as well as benefits for all production staff and future employees.

"We are a diverse, highly skilled group who deserve to be valued with more than just high praise," stagehand Brian Cormier said in a news release.

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"Management says they want to protect the people who work here, and yet we struggle to access even the basic protections, such as workers' comp, that we currently do have," added Kevin Lee, also a stagehand.

State Theatre manager Lauren Wayne did not respond to questions about whether she intends to recognize the union.

The production crew is organizing with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 114, which is based in Portland. IATSE represents about 90 stage workers in Maine, primarily based in Portland.

The group has requested that the management of Crobo LLC, the business name for the State Theatre, voluntarily recognize the union by 5 p.m. Thursday.

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If the company does not recognize the union, there will be an NLRB election, said Devon Medeiros, the business agent for IATSE Local 114.

Medeiros said the group does not expect that Crobo LLC will voluntarily recognize the union, but he's "extremely confident" that a labor board election would go in the group's favor.

"They have really reasonable demands," he said. "They're not asking for anything that isn't what we would determine are both an industry standard or a regional standard. They're not looking to negotiate the State Theatre out of business."

Medeiros said the crew first approached the union about organizing in late 2023 and has been working with the state AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions, to pull everything together.

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"These employees really just want to have a seat at the table and a say in their employment," Medeiros said. "There's a lot of pervasive antiunion fear that is largely unfounded. ... It really isn't a hostile or greedy effort."

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In politics, there is usually something to be said for any course of action, even if it is not necessarily the one that one would adopt. The British governments deal to surrender the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is that rare thing  a decision that cannot be defended on any ground whatsoever.

The Chagossians, who were expelled from the islands by the British government to make way for the base on Diego Garcia, are resolutely opposed to the surrender of their homeland to a country most of them despise. The next American administration, for whose countrys benefit the deal has allegedly been concluded, cant understand why the British government would agree such a thing.

Now, the new Mauritian government, which won an overwhelming victory  60 out of 62 seats  in last months elections, has told the British government that the draft agreement, which neither the British public nor the British Parliament has yet been allowed to see, would not produce the benefits that the nation could expect from such an agreement. A counter-offer, as of yet secret, has been sent to London by return mail.

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It is not clear what Mauritius objections to the deal are. It may be money  Britain has agreed to pay Mauritius many billions of rupees in both rent for Diego Garcia and in development aid, according to the last Mauritian government. But the new Mauritian government may want to extract even more monies from the British. Or it may be the terms upon which Diego Garcia would be leased back to the United Kingdom  a Mauritian minister has complained that the tenant has become the owner of Diego Garcia for 200 years.

But whatever Mauritiuss objections are, they clearly spell trouble for the deal, inexplicably rushed through by the British government right before the Mauritian elections.

If money is the issue, any further increase in the amount of money Mauritius will receive will have to come from the British exchequer, very possibly the already-barebones defence budget. If the length of the lease is at issue, it will mean that the future of the vital military base on Diego Garcia will be jeopardised, something no US administration can allow  particularly given the growing challenge of China.

This leaves the British government, alone among the relevant parties, as the last supporter of this deal. Yet it is not clear why the prime minister has decided to expend so much capital, political and financial, on an agreement which has been denounced by all the other parties.

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His enthusiasm for international courts may be a factor. However, as I pointed out last year in a report for Policy Exchange, the International Court of Justices advisory opinion that the UK has an obligation to bring its administration of the Islands to an end, which has widely been taken to mean ceding them to Mauritius, has no binding legal force whatsoever. Britain is perfectly within its rights to hold onto the islands.

Some British ministers have spoken of the importance of maintaining Britains international reputation as an upholder of the rules-based international order; but the reaction to the deal in non-Western countries has been one of mirth at the fact the former global hegemon is reduced to offering money to small Mauritius in order for it to accept more territory. Just weeks after the deal was signed, Mauritius joined many other non-Western countries in calling for the UK to pay slavery reparations.

But whatever the reasons which moved the government to negotiate this surrender of sovereignty, it is now surely time to change course. Mauritius has a new government which is not willing to proceed; and American will soon have a government which wants nothing to do with the deal. Foreign Office ministers cannot enjoy avoiding angry Chagossians, who have not been offered the basic courtesy of a meeting with a minister to discuss the proposed handover of their ancestral homeland to a foreign power.

With Mauritiuss rejection of the deal as it stands, Sir Keir Starmer has a unique opportunity to walk away from a slow-motion geopolitical and diplomatic disaster. He would surely be wise to take it.

Dr Yuan Yi Zhu is a senior fellow at Policy Exchange and an assistant professor of international relations and international law at Leiden University

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CHITTENANGO, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  You ask, we answer!

Viewer Question: Whats moving into the old Sunrise Food Store in Chittenango?

The Sunrise Food Stores located On East Genesee Street near Kinney Drugs and Napa Auto Parts, has been closed for at least 15 years, according to the Village of Chittenango.

The vacant building is now surrounded by plastic sheeting to protect construction from the weather elements. That sheeting has people curious about whats about to move in.

The Sunrise Food Stores is part of the Oneida Indian Nation. A spokesperson for the Nation told NewsChannel 9 that this will be a cannabis dispensary.

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The Chittenango location will be part of the Verona Collective. This will be the Collectives third store. Two other dispensaries opened earlier this year in Verona, near Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Verona Collective located near Turning Stone Resort Casino

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As a seed-to-sale cannabis enterprise, every element of production, including cultivation, harvesting, processing, packaging and retail sales for Verona Collective is operated exclusively by the Oneida Indian Nation, An earlier press release stated.

Theres no timetable on when the Chittenango location will open. The spokesperson said theyre in the process of hiring retail positions for the store. He said more details will be released in the new year.

According to Village Administrator Bob Freunscht, Chittenango does not have other cannabis dispensaries due to the village opting out of New York States recreational marijuana program.

Freunscht added that the Oneida Indian Nation is exempt from that local law.

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STORM LAKE, Iowa (KCAU)  Storm Lake was recently awarded a Water Recreation Access Cost (WRAC) Share Grant that will help bring some additions to Sunrise Park.

The $160,800 grant will be used to install a new restroom and water bottle filling station to Sunrise Park. It will also allow the city to buy a new dock.

All projects and applications received this year were very competitive. This is more projects than we typically have and the quality was high, WRAC grant administrator Tyler Stubbs said.

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According to a release, amenities for boaters are seen as critical for Iowas tourism appeal.

Heating, cooling issues remain at new Woodbury County jail

The angling and boating public would benefit from this addition, DNR Fisheries Biologist Ben Wallace said. I believe the addition of these amenities would lead to higher use and help reduce congestion at other boat ramps.

Storm Lake is the fourth-largest natural lake in Iowa and attracts many people  an estimated 190,000 households  throughout the year, the release says.

Storm Lake continues to gain attention and heavy fishing pressure due to its excellent walleye population, Wallace said. Other and more recent creel surveys around the state consistently demonstrate that lake visitors have a desire for more public amenities near where they are recreating.

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By adding new restrooms, the city said that they hope this will also aid those using the Lake Trail and those spending time at the lakefront of Sunrise Park.

The improvements are scheduled to be implemented through 2025 and 2026.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Another windy day is on the way

Before an Alberta Clipper comes in from the northwest, well have relatively calm conditions tonight as temperatures fall to the 20s. Parts of central and eastern KELOLAND will be watched for a wintry mix, including freezing drizzle/freezing rain.

As the clipper moves into Minnesota tomorrow, well have a warm surge of air move into southern and southeast KELOLAND. Temperatures will jump to the 30s and 40s for these locations early in day. Well see how much moisture gets wrapped up in the system as a wintry mix will be possible in eastern KELOLAND. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.

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Winds will be a big story for tomorrow. Northerly winds will gust to 40-50 mph or more for central and eastern KELOLAND. With the recent snow, blowing snow may be an issue for eastern KELOLAND. Pay attention to the changing weather conditions tomorrow.

The wind will bring in much colder air for Friday. There will be parts of northeast South Dakota that will stay in the single digits for highs. Afternoon numbers will rach the 40s in southwest KELOLAND.

Well slowly warm for this weekend and into the first half of next week. Expect mostly dry skies after tomorrow.

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A 14-year-old girl and a teacher at a private Christian school were named by Wisconsin authorities on Wednesday night as the victims of a school shooting earlier this week.

Rubi Vergara, 14, and teacher Erin West, 42, were both killed in the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, the Dane County Medical Examiners office said in a written statement.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene by authorities just after the Monday shooting.

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Two other students shot remain in a critical condition, while four other people suffered less serious wounds, police said.

Meanwhile, investigators were still working on Wednesday to determine why the shooter, Natalie Rupnow, 15, opened fire at her school, before taking her own life.

Members of the community held candles during a vigil on Tuesday - AP

Rupnow was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to the medical examiners statement, which said she died as a result of firearm trauma.

Identifying a motive is our top priority, but at this time it appears that the motive was a combination of factors, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes told a press conference on Tuesday, without providing additional details.

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Police have scoured Rupnows online activity, checked her phone and interviewed her friends and family to try to understand her motivations, including whether she was a victim of bullying.

They have also examined a manifesto purportedly written by her before the attack to determine its veracity.

Police said Rupnow had two handguns with her, but used only one in the attack, which authorities were tracing.

It is not yet clear how Rupnow gained access to the gun.

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Editors note: This report contains discussion of suicide. Troops, veterans and family members experiencing suicidal thoughts can call the 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 and dial 1, text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net.

The suicide rate among veterans held steady from 2021 to 2022 at roughly 17.6 deaths per day despite concerted federal efforts to bring the number down, department officials announced on Thursday.

The 2022 figures are the latest available from federal census data and suggest limited progress on the issue of suicide prevention by Veterans Affairs leaders in recent years. At least 6,407 veterans died by suicide in 2022, the 14th time in 15 years that number has been above the 6,400 mark.

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But VA officials offered the latest results as a positive, given that the number of suicides in America rose by nearly 4% from the previous year. That suggests that outreach efforts are helping to keep veteran deaths in check, they said.

The patterns of suicide among veterans differ across demographic subgroups, and over time the recent decrease in suicide rates among younger veterans is encouraging, Dr. Matthew Miller, executive director of VAs Office of Suicide Prevention, told reporters on Thursday. Yet the increase among older age groups highlights the need for targeted interventions.

Military suicides rose in 2023, continuing a troubling trend

Veterans remain almost twice as likely to die by suicide than their civilian peers, and the overall rate rose 2% from 2020 to 2022.

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More than 84,000 veterans have died as a result of suicide since 2010. Thats a higher total than all of the combat deaths U.S. troops suffered in the wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

Every veteran suicide is a tragedy, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement accompanying the report release. There is nothing more important to VA than ending veteran suicide, and that means providing veterans with the care they need, wherever they need it, whenever they need it.

We will learn from this report to better serve veterans and save lives.

VA researchers highlighted several positive trends in the latest census data. For example, suicide rates for female veterans decreased by about 24% from 2021 to 2022, even while the rate for non-veteran women rose by 5%. The rate for veteran and civilian males was roughly the same.

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Veterans under the age of 35 and individuals who recently transitioned out of military service also saw decreases in suicide rates. Veterans with a history of homelessness saw a 19% reduction in their rate of suicide, indicating that outreach to that group is also producing results.

Only about 40% of the suicides were among veterans currently enrolled in VA health care. Within that group, the highest rates of suicides were among veterans who had the lowest amount of direct interaction with VA medical staff.

Department officials have in the past emphasized the importance of bringing veterans into the system, because of the positive benefits in suicide prevention.

But the 2022 numbers show that at least 17 veterans a day have been lost to preventable, self-inflicted deaths for more than a decade, despite promises from public officials to find solutions to the problem.

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Lack of progress on the issue has frustrated many advocates and lawmakers, including several who have called for a complete overhaul of how the department approaches its suicide prevention efforts.

There is not a government program with weaker data supporting its funding than this, said Justin Brown, CEO of the Nimitz Group. For two decades, VA has used the same playbook with continued failed outcomes. The result has been tens of thousands of lives lost, billions spent, and no accountability.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Little Rock-based aid agency Watershed received a donation from Summit Utilities Arkansas on Monday.

Summit provided $10,000 and 100 blankets to the agency.

Summit Utilities announce lowest winter gas cost in four years in advance of rate hike

Company officials cited Summits dedication to supporting the community.

Summit is passionate about stepping up to support our community whenever we can, Summit EVP & Chief Financial Officer Bob Gunderman said. Were truly grateful to be able to assist organizations like Watershed that are doing so much good for our neighbors.

Summit presenting a check and blankets to Watershed, Dec. 16, 2024

Watershed Human and Community Development Agency provides safety-net programs, including access to food and clothing, utility assistance, transportation and specialized outreach services for people with disabilities. It refers to itself as the Worlds first social hospital.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 20-year-old man was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after he sustained lower extremity injuries on Mount Cristo Rey on Wednesday, Dec. 18, according to the Sunland Park Fire Department.

According to the department, the call came in at 7:19 p.m. and Border Patrol was on the scene.

SPFD said the man sustained traumatic injuries, however, the department later sent an update that the injuries were non-life threatening.

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It is unknown how the man got injured.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  A driver with Sunshine Rides was arrested and terminated Wednesday after he assaulted a KKCO employee.

Around 2:20 p.m., the Grand Junction Police Department responded to an assault in progress on the 2500 block of Blichmann Avenue. Officers learned the suspect  39-year-old Patrick Egan  allegedly tackled and choked the victim. Several people intervened and restrained the suspect until law enforcement arrived, according to the GJPD. The victim was evaluated on the scene.

This incident allegedly happened when the victim was driving from Delta to Grand Junction and Egan began following him in another vehicle. Near U.S. Highway 6 and 50 and 25 Road, Egan reportedly asked him for his ID and if he was an American citizen. The suspect then followed him to KKCO.

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Egan was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility where he was charged with bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault and harassment.

The GJPD did not give the exact location of the incident or whether the suspect was with Sunshine Rides. However, WesternSlopeNow was on the scene at the time of the arrest and confirmed the suspect was with Sunshine Rides.

Sunshine Rides Operations Manager Eddie Calderon said in a statement to WesternSlopeNow:

As a company, we are deeply disappointed in the driver responsible for his behavior. We regret any harm that was done. The driver violated company policy, and his contract has been terminated.

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The police department said it believes this is an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community.

The Grand Junction Police Department urges anyone who feels they are in danger, in any situation, to contact 911 immediately, GJPD said in the press release.

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In 2004, supermodel Petra Nemcova was on a dream vacation in Thailand with her boyfriend, fashion photographer Simon Atlee, when a tsunami tore through their bungalow.

Atlee was swept away in the chaos as he called out Nemcovas name. Nemcova, then 25, survived by clinging to a palm tree for nearly eight hours.

ABC News Diane Sawyer interviewed Nemcova in the months after the tragedy. Now, 20 years after one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history, Petra sat down with Sawyer again to reflect on the horrors of that day, and the kindness of strangers that got her out alive.

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"It's always difficult to go back in that moment when my life changed," Nemcova told Sawyer in an interview that aired Thursday on "Good Morning America."

PHOTO: ABC News' Diane Sawyer speaks with Petra Nemcova in an interview that aired Dec. 19, 2024, on 'Good Morning America.' (ABC News)

Nemcova and Atlee were packing up to leave a resort in Khao Lak on Dec. 26, 2004, when the tsunami hit, sending massive waves crashing into their bungalow.

As water pulled them outside, Nemcova said she managed to grab onto the top of a palm tree, which she clung to for nearly eight hours before being rescued.

"I went into this stillness, into almost like a meditative state, because I knew if I start panicking, you lose more energy," Nemcova said of the time. "And I needed all my energy to keep alive."

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As she clung to the tree, Nemcova said she heard the screams of people crying out for help, including young children.

I couldn't go and, and swim to them or try to help them because I couldn't move my legs, she told Sawyer in their original 2005 interview.

Supermodel Petra Nemcova opens up about her hurricane relief efforts on 'GMA'

When Atlee's body was found and formally identified on March 3, 2004, he became one of the nearly 230,000 people believed to have died in the disaster, which also impacted parts of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Somalia and Malaysia.

PHOTO: Kho Phi Phi Island after it was hot by a tidal wave, Dec. 30, 2004, In Thailand. (Patrick Aventurier/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

For Nemcova, it was a miracle of kindness that saved her. When she was found, her clothes had been torn off by the storm and she had suffered a shattered pelvis and internal injuries.

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The people who rescued Nemcova were strangers who gave her clothes and placed her on a floating mattress to steer her through the debris toward medical help, she said.

Supermodel Petra Nemcova opens up about her charity, All Hands and Hearts-Smart Response

"Those people were ready to risk their lives for strangers," Nemcova said of her rescuers. "And that shows you the best of humanity."

A mission to help children after the storm

After surviving the tsunami, Nemcova said it was not clear physically whether she would ever walk again. Nor was she sure emotionally how she would recover from the grief of losing Atlee.

"At the time when I didn't know if I'm gonna walk fully, I was focusing [on] 'OK, I have my hands. I can do things. I have my eyes. I can see. I have my ears. I can hear," she told Sawyer.

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Nemcova said as she worked to recover personally, she couldn't get out of her memory the screams she heard from children crying out for help during the tsunami.

She said those memories helped fuel a mission she has continued for the two decades since.

"That day of tsunami, I didn't have a choice to help children," Nemcova said. "But today and every day, I have a choice, and that keeps moving me every day. And we all have a choice every day."

PHOTO: Petra Nemcova attends the Bee:Wild event in association with Pangaia, 1686 Partners, G42 and Re:Wild during Cannes Film Festival 2024, May 20, 2024, in Cannes, France. (Dave Benett/Getty Images )

Using her own money, Nemcova launched a nonprofit organization, now called All Hands and Hearts, to support people devastated by natural disasters.

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"The two, three months after natural disasters, that's usually the time when ... different organizations leave," Nemcova said of the need for ongoing support in hard-hit communities, adding, "And if there is no more support from organizations, you are like, 'How [am] I ever gonna rebuild my life?'"

Her goal was to build a coalition that would come into the aftermath of disasters and stay to help, long after the worlds attention has gone away.

Nemcova has built the organization into a global army of nearly 70,000 volunteers who over the years have shown up after tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes to help rebuild schools and get homeowners back on their feet.

Earlier this year, when Hurricane Helene left widespread destruction in the mountains of North Carolina, Nemcova's All Hands and Hearts organization arrived to help.

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"We were there [on] day two, and we made a commitment to stay for one year," Nemcova said, adding that the organization plans to help 500 families in North Carolina.

All Hands and Hearts is also helping to support people in Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton in October, as well as residents of Maui in Hawaii who were impacted by last year's deadly wildfires. The organization says it is also working on school construction projects in Mexico, Nepal and the Philippines.

Nemcova said with "a lot" more work to do, the organization is always looking for more volunteers.

Among the current army of volunteers is the family of her late boyfriend, Atlee.

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In 2019, Nemcova married entrepreneur Benjamin Larretche, and the two of them welcomed a son, Bodhi.

"I have a son and I have a beautiful husband, and there's so many blessings to be grateful for," Nemcova said, noting that after Atlee's death, his family and friends "embraced" her with love.

"I was lucky, because I met my other twin flame ... Ben is my twin flame and he is an incredible soul, and I just feel so lucky, because I didn't know it was going to happen," she added.

When the 20th anniversary of the tsunami arrives on Dec. 26, Nemcova will be alongside All Hands and Hearts' volunteers lighting candles in memory of the 2004 disaster, and as a sign of hope for people today.

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"We will invite everybody to join us to light a candle to bring more light to the world, she said.

Supermodel Petra Nemcova opens up 20 years after surviving deadly tsunami originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Michigan Sen. Gary Peters looks to strengthen Northern Border security by expanding the operations at the Northern Border Mission Center.

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act provision, currently being voted on by the House and Senate, would expand the operations and duties of the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Northern Border Mission Center.

In March, Peters secured $3 million to establish and operate this Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The Center will work with state, local, and Tribal governments, and other key stakeholders, to ensure DHS and its operational components are able to fulfill their security mission at the Northern Border said the U.S Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs in a news release sent to 6 News.

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The Northern Border Mission Center will help strengthen our Northern Border security by supporting current Department of Homeland Security operations, including personnel training and testing for new border security technologies right here in Michigan, said Sen. Peters in a news release sent to 6 News. The Center will help train personnel and test new security technologies that will help our nation tackle a wide range of security threats, from illicit drug trafficking to the rise of illegal drone use along our Northern Border.

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will hear arguments about whether South Carolina can disqualify Planned Parenthood from the states Medicaid program.

The case centers on a 2018 executive order from South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) that ordered the states Department of Health and Human Services to deem abortion facilities unqualified to provide family planning services under Medicaid.

Taxpayer dollars should never fund abortion providers like Planned Parenthood, McMaster said in a statement. In 2018, I issued an executive order to end this practice in South Carolina. Im confident the U.S. Supreme Court will agree with me that states shouldnt be forced to subsidize abortions.

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Planned Parenthood operates two clinics in the state. It provides non-abortion services, including cancer screenings, annual physicals, birth control, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. But McMasters order said that because Planned Parenthood was also an abortion provider, it shouldnt get taxpayer funds.

Medicaid cant pay for abortion except in cases of rape, incest or when a womans life is at risk.

Planned Parenthood and one of its patients sued, claiming the order violated federal law that allows Medicaid patients to get care from any qualified provider of their choice.

A district court blocked the order from being enforced, and the case has since split multiple appeals court circuits.

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The case has made it to the Supreme Court twice previously.

The justices declined to take the case up four years ago but last year sent the case back to an appeals court in light of a separate case in which the Supreme Court ruled that nursing home residents whose care was paid by Medicaid could sue a state-owned health care facility over alleged violations of civil rights.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit then ruled unanimously in favor of the plaintiff. South Carolina appealed that decision to the Supreme Court.

The state is represented by the Christian legal powerhouse Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF).

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Pro-life states like South Carolina should be free to determine that Planned Parenthood and other entities that peddle abortion are not qualified to receive taxpayer funding through Medicaid, ADF senior counsel John Bursch said in a statement. Congress did not unambiguously create a right for Medicaid recipients to drag states into federal court to challenge those decisions, so no such right exists.

The justices agreed to take up a single question regarding the qualified provider provision and whether it unambiguously confers a private right upon a Medicaid beneficiary to choose a specific provider.

Every person should be able to access quality, affordable health care from a provider they trust, no matter their income or insurance status, Jenny Black, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, said in a statement. This case is politics at its worst: anti-abortion politicians using their power to target Planned Parenthood and block people who use Medicaid as their primary form of insurance from getting essential health care like cancer screenings and birth control.

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Earlier this year, scientists stumbled upon a potential new treatment for hereditary-patterned baldness, the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women worldwide.

It all started with research on a sugar that naturally occurs in the body and helps form DNA: the 'deoxyribose' part of deoxyribonucleic acid.

While studying how these sugars heal the wounds of mice when applied topically, scientists at the University of Sheffield and COMSATS University in Pakistan noticed that the fur around the lesions was growing back faster than in untreated mice.

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Intrigued, the team decided to investigate further.

In a study published in June, they took male mice with testosterone-driven hair loss and removed the fur from their backs. Each day, researchers smeared a small dose of deoxyribose sugar gel on the exposed skin, and within weeks, the fur in this region showed 'robust' regrowth, sprouting long, thick individual hairs.

The deoxyribose gel was so effective, the team found it worked just as well as minoxidil, a topical treatment for hair loss commonly known by the brand name Rogaine.

"Our research suggests that the answer to treating hair loss might be as simple as using a naturally occurring deoxyribose sugar to boost the blood supply to the hair follicles to encourage hair growth," said tissue engineer Sheila MacNeil from the University of Sheffield.

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Hereditary-patterned baldness, or androgenic alopecia, is a natural condition caused by genetics, hormone levels, and aging, and it presents differently in males and females.

The disorder impacts up to 40 percent of the population, and yet the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved two drugs to treat the condition thus far.

While over-the-counter minoxidil can work to slow hair loss and promote some regrowth, it doesn't work for all those experiencing hair loss.

If minoxidil isn't effective, then male patients can turn to finasteride (brand name Propecia)  a prescribed oral drug that inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It's not yet approved for female patients.

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Finasteride can slow hair loss in about 80 to 90 percent of male patients, but it needs to be taken continuously once it is started. The drug can be associated with unwanted, sometimes severe side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, testicular or breast pain, reduced libido, and depression.

"The treatment of androgenetic alopecia remains challenging," MacNeil and her colleagues, led by biomaterial researcher Muhammad Anjum from COMSATS, write in their published paper.

Together, the team designed a biodegradable, non-toxic gel made from deoxyribose, and applied the treatment to mouse models of male-pattern baldness.

Minoxidil was also tested on balding mouse models, and some of the animals received a dose of both sugar gel and minoxidil for good measure.

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Compared to mice that received a gel without any medicine, those that received a gel with deoxyribose sugar began to sprout new hair follicles.

Both minoxidil and the sugar gel promoted 80 to 90 percent hair regrowth in mice with male pattern baldness. Combining the treatments, however, did not make much more of a difference.

Photographs were taken at various stages throughout the 20-day trial, and the effect is clear.

Photographs of mice with male pattern baldness at different time intervals, including mice without any treatment (NC), mouse models of male pattern baldness (T-1), gel without medicine (T-2), gel with deoxyribose sugars (T-3), minoxidil (T-4), deoxyribose sugar and minoxidil gel (T-5). ( Anjum et al., Front. Pharmacol., 2024 ).

Researchers aren't sure why the deoxyribose gel stimulates longer and thicker hair growth in mice, but around the treated site, the team did notice an increase in blood vessels and skin cells.

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"The better the blood supply to the hair bulb, the larger its diameter and the more hair growth," the researchers write.

If the deoxyribose gel also proves effective in humans, it could be used to treat alopecia or even stimulate hair, lash, and eyebrow regrowth following chemotherapy.

"This is a badly under-researched area, and hence new approaches are needed," write the authors.

The current experiments were only conducted among male mice, but further research might find the use of these natural sugars could also work for female mice experiencing testosterone-driven alopecia, too.

"The research we have done is very much early stage," said MacNeil, "but the results are promising and warrant further investigation."

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The study was published in Frontiers in Pharmacology.

An earlier version of this article was first published in July 2024.

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The search is on for a father who disappeared after going to an Oregon beach to take photos of high tides.

The Coos County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) said they received a call from the Bend Police Department for help finding Joseph Neill, who "was reported to have left his home to go photograph the King Tides" at a local beach, but never returned home.

Neill had gone Horsefall Beach to take photographs of the king tide on Sunday, Dec. 15, but did not return, according to a statement shared on Facebook by the missing mans children.

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Papa is a survivalist and could fashion anything to help him get through a tough situation if needed, his children said.

Early in the morning of Monday, Dec, 16, his car was found on Transpacific Parkway near a landmark known as Jordan Point," according to the CCSO.

Related: Hannah Kobayashi Says She Was Unaware of Media Coverage Surrounding Her Disappearance: Still Processing It All

Authorities said that after locating the vehicle, the North Bend Police requested a K9 team to track the area for Mr. Neills whereabouts, but that they ultimately determined that Mr. Neill was no longer in that area.

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The search was conducted on private property, and there are hazards to life and limb in that area, according to the CCSO, which advised that members of the public should not be on that property without landowner permission.

The Coat Guard briefly searched for Neill as well, but suspended those efforts as there was evidence to suggest that Mr. Neill was elsewhere, per the sheriffs office.

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Andrew Neill/Facebook Joseph Neill, the man who disappeared after going to the Oregon coast to take photographs on Dec. 15. Joseph Neill, the man who disappeared after going to the Oregon coast to take photographs on Dec. 15.

Related: Search Called Off for Missing 7-Year-Old Boy Weeks After His Dad Was Found Dead: 'He Was So Loved'

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Neills children said their father likely would have either walked to a few low points inland for reflections of the full moon with the king tide or perhaps along the shoreline near Horsefall Beach.

My dad means the world to us, the children said, please share as quickly as possible, lets find Joe!

Anyone with information about Neills whereabouts is asked to contact the North Bend Police Department at 541-756-3161.



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The Suffolk County District Attorneys Office announced the arrest of a suspect they say made threats towards a local courthouse.

52-year-old Ariel Carrero was arrested on Wednesday and is facing charges. Authorities say he mailed a bomb threat directed at Chelsea District Court.

He will be arraigned at that same courthouse on Thursday.

No further information was immediately available.

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A grand jury returned an indictment charging Ramon Rivera with murder in a deadly stabbing spree across Manhattan last month, prosecutors announced Thursday.

Prosecutors said Rivera, 51, committed "an unprovoked and violent series of stabbings" that killed three people within a span of three hours.

"These fatal stabbings have shaken our city, and those who commit random acts of violence will face accountability," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.

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MORE: 3 killed in random stabbing spree in Manhattan: Police

Rivera allegedly broke into a hardware store on First Avenue the morning of Nov. 18, stealing a backpack, kitchen knives and construction gloves, prosecutors said.

He is accused of using the knives to then stab his victims at random and without provocation, before fleeing the scene, police said.

PHOTO: Ramon Rivera appears for his arraignment in New York Criminal Court in New York City, November 19, 2024. (Steven Hirsch/via Reuters)

The first victim, 35-year-old Angel Lata Landi, was stabbed twice in the torso at around 8:20 a.m. by the construction site where he was working on West 19th Street, the NYPD and prosecutors said.

About two hours later, 67-year-old Chang Wang was fatally stabbed multiple times on East 30th Street, where he had been fishing, prosecutors said.

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The third victim, 36-year-old Wilna Augustin, was sitting on a park bench shortly before 11 a.m. at East 42nd Street and First Avenue when she was stabbed multiple times as she yelled for help, prosecutors said.

All three victims were transported to local hospitals, where they were pronounced dead, prosecutors said.

MORE: Suspect in random Manhattan stabbing spree appears in court on murder charges

After the third stabbing incident, an eyewitness followed the suspect until he was able to point him out to law enforcement, prosecutors said. A police officer and federal agent ran after Rivera, stopping him around East 46th Street and First Avenue, prosecutors said.

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Two bloody kitchen knives were recovered, police said.

Rivera has been charged in the indictment with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder and one count of third-degree burglary, the district attorney's office said.

ABC News has reached out to his attorney for comment.

PHOTO: New York Police investigate the scene of a stabbing, Nov. 17 2024, in New York City. (WABC)

Rivera was initially charged with three counts of first-degree murder following his arrest, police said. He confessed to the killings during questioning, according to police sources.

The suspect, who had been staying at the Bellevue Men's Shelter on East 30th Street, has eight prior arrests in New York City, according to law enforcement. He is believed to have severe mental health challenges, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said.

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"There's a real question as to why he was on the street," Adams said following the suspect's arrest.

Rivera's prior arrests mainly involved shoplifting, officials said. None involved a weapon.

He was out without bail pending trial on his most recent arrests.

He had two documented interactions with the city while in mental distress, officials said.

Suspect indicted for murder in unprovoked stabbing spree in Manhattan: Prosecutors originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
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COWETA COUNTY, Ga. (WRBL)  A suspect remains at large on Thursday in connection to the shooting of a Georgia State Patrol K9 in Coweta County.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says Ira Troy Williams, 51, has been identified as the subject of Wednesdays officer involved shooting that left one K9 officer injured. The K9 named Amor was treated and released from a veterinary hospital.

According to preliminary information, a GSP Trooper pulled over a Chevrolet Cruze driving Southbound down Interstate 85 at about 1:45 p.m. The driver, who officials have identified as Williams, showed his license to the trooper before driving away from the scene.

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A car chase ensued. Authorities say Williams fired a weapon from his car at troopers and Coweta County Deputies. Those troopers returned fire, the GBI said in a statement.

Several PIT maneuvers were carried out until the car chase ended in Grantville. According to the GBI, Williams got out of his car and fired his weapon several more times at troopers while running away.

Williams has not been arrested. Anyone with information is asked to call the GBI Regional Office in Columbus at (706) 565-7888. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at this link, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

The GBI will investigate independently and upon completion, the case file will be given to Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office for review.

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A 26-year-old man accused of killing the wife and two youngest daughters of a BBC racing commentator in a crossbow attack has been further charged with rape, a court has heard.

Kyle Clifford is accused of stabbing 61-year-old Carol Hunt, the wife of John Hunt, to death, and fatally shooting 25-year-old Louise Hunt and Hannah Hunt, 28, with a crossbow at their family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire on July 9.

Clifford, of Enfield, north London, pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder, one charge of false imprisonment and two counts of possession of offensive weapons.

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Cambridge Crown Court heard that the defendant is accused of raping Louise on the same day, after the charge was added to the indictment against him on Thursday.

Louise Hunt, 25, Carol Hunt, 61, and Hannah Hunt, 28, were killed at their home in July

The defendant, who appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh, entered his not guilty pleas to all charges except the new count of rape, for which he is yet to be arraigned.

A trial is expected to take place at Cambridge Crown Court in March.

In a statement issued following the incident, Mr Hunt and his third daughter Amy said: The devastation we are experiencing cannot be put into words.

The false imprisonment charge alleges Clifford assaulted and unlawfully and injuriously imprisoned Louise Hunt and detained her against her will. A previous court hearing was told that she had been found tied up when officers attended the property.

John Hunt with his wife Carol

Mr Hunt, who had been working for the BBC at Lingfield Park racecourse, returned home to discover the scene.

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Mr Clifford, a former soldier, was arrested 24 hours later in Lavender Hill Cemetery, close to his home in Enfield, north London, following a huge manhunt.

An inquest found that Carol Hunt died from stab wounds to her chest and abdomen, while Hannah and Louise died from crossbow bolt injuries.

The killings ignited a debate about the availability of crossbows, with Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, announcing in July that she would urgently examine a ban on the sale of crossbows as weapons.

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Hundreds of thousands of Ohio drivers who face driver license suspensions every year may have an easier road to getting their licenses reinstated.

Lawmakers gave final approval on Wednesday to a bill that will make it harder to lose your license and easier to get a suspended license reinstated.

The bill now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine for consideration.

The Ohio Poverty Law Center thanked lawmakers for moving the legislation forward.

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With the amendment and passage of House Bill 29, Ohioans who have been shouldering the burden of debt-related drivers license suspensions will soon find relief and be able to return to the road. A valid drivers license is essential to participating in Ohios economy and earning the money necessary to resolve existing debt," the center said in a statement on Wednesday.

Currently, Ohio drivers can lose their licenses for more than 30 reasons, many of which are not related to dangerous driving. Reinstatement fees can ramp up quickly, starting at $15 and maxing out at $650.

Roughly 60% of license suspensions each year are for debt-related reasons. Under the bill heading to DeWine's desk, license suspensions would largely be limited to convictions that are related to dangerous driving.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles doesn't keep statistics on the total number of current suspensions but on average there are 257,500 suspensions imposed each year.

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After last-minute changes made Wednesday, the bill would:

Wipe out old suspensions from the discontinued program that randomly selected drivers to provide proof of insurance.

Shorten the window in which driving without insurance offenses can be considered repeat offenses from five years to one year.

Increase the opportunities that Ohioans can ask for driving privileges if their licenses were suspended for failure to pay child support.

Eliminate school truancy as a reason for license denial or suspension.

Remove licenses suspensions for drug offenses unrelated to driving.

Keep the ability to suspend licenses for some lower-level drug abuse offenses when the vehicle is used in the commission of a drug crime.

Statehouse reporter Erin Glynn contributed reporting.

Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio moves closer to an easier path to get a suspended license back
Adam Barfield

JAY, Okla.  A former Delaware County man pleaded guilty and received a 20-year suspended sentence for his involvement in the mistreatment of a three-month-old malnourished infant.

Online records show that Adam Victor Barfield, 38, of Elgin, entered a plea to child neglect in Delaware County District Court in Jay on Dec. 6. He was also fined and will be on probation during the suspended sentence. Initially, he was to serve two months in the Department of Corrections but was given credit for the time he served.

Grand Lake man headed to trial; accused of starving infant

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Barfield was charged in February 2020 in Delaware County District Court with child neglect after the infant was diagnosed with severe malnutrition and dehydration.

Court records show its weight dropping from 8 pounds, 14 ounces at birth to 6 pounds, 2 ounces when Barfield and the childs mother, Sandy Jenette Gaston, 36, of Afton, were arrested.

The infant was described as ashen, malnourished, lethargic and dehydrated when it was admitted to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa in Aug. 2019, the affidavit states.

Gaston was also charged with child neglect. She pleaded guilty in Feb. 2021 and received a 20-year suspended sentence except for 60 days served in the Delaware County jail on weekends.

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Online records show Gaston was admitted to a treatment center and graduated from the community sentencing program.

The child was placed in state custody.

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Pal Jonson, Sweden's Defence Minister, has not ruled out his country's participation in a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.

Source: Pal Jonson in an interview with Kyiv Independent, published on 18 December, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Asked about Swedens potential participation in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine amidst discussions of deploying peacekeepers to monitor a possible ceasefire, Jonson said he did not "exclude that possibility."

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Jonson highlighted that Sweden already has a presence in Ukraine through its defence procurement agency, which collaborates with the Ukrainian government on military equipment purchases.

He also mentioned that Sweden is open to the possibility of conducting military exercises on Ukrainian territory.

Background:

The idea of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine has been gaining traction recently. Earlier, the EUs chief diplomat Kaja Kallas commented on the proposal, which was also mentioned by Finlands president and the Dutch foreign minister. However, they acknowledged that the concept is still at the blueprint stage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the idea of deploying a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine had been discussed during meetings in Brussels.

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By Louise Rasmussen

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -China has allowed representatives from Germany, Sweden, Finland and Denmark to board a Chinese bulk carrier at the centre of an investigation into Baltic Sea cable breaches, the Danish foreign minister said on Thursday.

The Yi Peng 3 vessel is wanted in Sweden for questioning over a breach of two undersea fibre-optic cables in November, and has been stationary in waters nearby for a month while diplomats in Stockholm and Beijing discussed the matter.

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Investigators quickly zeroed in on the ship, which left the Russian port of Ust-Luga on Nov. 15, and a Reuters analysis of MarineTraffic data showed that the vessel's coordinates corresponded to the time and place of the breaches.

The Baltic Sea cables, one linking Finland and Germany and the other connecting Sweden to Lithuania, were damaged on Nov. 17-18, prompting German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to say he assumed it was caused by sabotage.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Thursday said his country had facilitated a meeting earlier this week between representatives from Germany, Sweden, Finland and China, helping break a month-long standoff.

"It is our expectation that once the inspection has been completed by this group of people from the four countries, the ship will be able to sail towards its destination," Lokke Rasmussen said.

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LSEG data showed Yi Peng 3 remained anchored in the same spot in the Kattegat strait between Denmark and Sweden.

Swedish police in a statement said they participated on board the vessel as observers only, while Chinese authorities conducted investigations.

"In parallel, the preliminary investigation into sabotage in connection with two cable breaks in the Baltic Sea is continuing," the police said.

The actions taken on board the ship on Thursday were not part of the Swedish-led preliminary investigation, the police added.

The breaches happened in Sweden's exclusive economic zone and Swedish prosecutors are leading the investigation on suspicion of possible sabotage.

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Western intelligence officials from multiple countries have said they are confident the Chinese ship caused the cuts to both cables. But they have expressed different views on whether these were accidents or could have been deliberate.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had urged the ship to return to Sweden to aid the investigation.

China's foreign ministry said Beijing was in "full communication" with the countries concerned on the joint investigation, without elaborating.

China is willing to work together with relevant parties to "safely resolve the incident," spokesperson Lin Jian told a news briefing on Friday.

(Reporting by Louise Breusch Rasmussen, Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Isabelle Yr Carlsson in Copenhagen, reporting by Liz Lee and Mei Mei Chu in Beijing, editing by Terje Solsvik and Keith Weir)
Switzerland has decided to allocate almost CHF 45 million (48.3 million) to aid Ukraine during the winter period.

Source: a statement by the Swiss Federal Council, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The new aid package will be aimed at rebuilding Ukraine's energy infrastructure, repairing damaged housing and meeting urgent humanitarian needs.

The statement said that Switzerland's new winter package "builds on existing experience" in helping Ukraine.

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Switzerland allocated CHF 84.5 million (approximately US$94 million) in support to Ukraine during the winters of 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the country provided over CHF 477 million (around US$530 million) in aid to those affected by the war in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries.



Background: Earlier, it was reported that Switzerland would allocate CHF 1.5 billion (approximately US$1.7 billion) over the next four years for Ukraine's recovery projects, with plans to involve the private sector in these efforts.

In 2023, the Swiss government approved a four-year aid package totalling CHF 100 million (US$118 million) earmarked exclusively for humanitarian mine clearance in Ukraine.



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In his movies, Sylvester Stallone knows all about fighting  from "Rocky" to "Rambo" to "The Expendables."

Now, the superstar and "Tulsa King" main mob man says he's fighting for the ecosystem  in his own backyard.

Stallone and his wife, model and entrepreneur Jennifer Flavin, have been residents of Florida's Palm Beach since December 2020. The couple paid $35 million for their estate, which includes a 262-foot private beach on the lake, along with a two-story mansion, a guesthouse and pool pavilion.

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Their property, however, is unique: It's very close to the northern edge of Palm Beach, which sits against the Palm Beach Inlet. Stallone's house looks west toward the Port of Palm Beach and Florida Power & Light's Manatee Lagoon education center, and Peanut Island, a popular boating and recreation site, is about a mile north.

Stallone was seeking permission from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps for a "floating seaweed barrier" at his property to prevent seaweed and other debris from accumulating along Stallone's shoreline, and, neighbors have said, to keep out boaters.

At a special town council meeting to discuss Stallone's application for the floating seaweed barrier on Thursday, Dec. 19, the "Suicide Squad" actor mentioned issues that come with fame  and people knowing where you live: "There's a lot of traffic that comes in there, because of our notoriety," he said, adding that while there are "lookie-loos," there are also fishermen and tour boats. Vessels will come into the area next to Stallone's home, drop anchor and stay there for 10 hours while they have a party or fish, he explained. "We're trying to make this pristine," he said.

Pelicans, not penguins: Sylvester Stallone pokes fun at himself in his plea for a seaweed barrier in Palm Beach, Florida

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Below is what to know about Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin's proposed project, the outcome and his challenge "to clean up the waterway."

Where do Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin live in Florida?

Sylvester Stallone, star of the "Rocky," "Rambo" and "The Expendables" films, and his wife, model and entrepreneur Jennifer Flavin, have owned a "vacation" home Palm Beach, Florida, since December 2020. Earlier this year, the couple announced they would permanently relocate here from California.

Their seven-bedroom, two-story home and accompanying estate has had renovations since the couple moved in. One such project that needed approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps was a floating seaweed barrier.

What is a floating seaweed barrier? What are the benefits?

According to Water Pollution Solutions, a floating seaweed barrier helps to control floating mats of seaweed and sargassum that can build up in water, washing up on beaches and shorelines. If not controlled, they state these mats of floating seaweed will decompose as they wash up onshore, causing an "unpleasant, aromatic and unsightly experience" for beach visitors.

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They also help keep debris, trash and certain marine life from washing up. They can be made from various materials, such as vinyl-coated polyester fabric, PVC green fabric, or stainless steel.

What's the controversy about Sylvester Stallone's 'floating seaweed barrier' at his Florida home with Jennifer Flavin?

While the project was pitched as an environmental concern, a public notice from the Army Corps said "the overall project purpose is to exclude boaters" from coming near the property. It lists seaweed as a secondary concern for the actor.

Stallone's neighbors, many of whom are longtime residents of Palm Beach, had a deadline, which was fast-approaching, to comment on the project.

In the wake of reporting by the Palm Beach Daily News, a USA TODAY Network newspaper, about Stallone's proposal for the floating seaweed barrier, the Palm Beach Town Council called a special meeting for Thursday, Dec. 19. The deadline for public comment is Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, or Christmas Day. Mayor Danielle Moore noted that special council meetings are rarely called and said she believed the last one was during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What happened at the Palm Beach, Florida, town council meeting with Sylvester Stallone?

Was the floating seaweed barrier for Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin's Palm Beach, Florida, property proposed to keep out seaweed or boaters from the water next to their multimillion-dollar estate? Neighbors of the Stallone family attended the special town council meeting to address that issue.

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The meeting was from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. According to the Palm Beach Daily News, Stallone and Flavin arrived as the meeting began. They had two representatives with them, one was their attorney and an engineer on the project. The couple was there for the duration of the meeting.

There was no visible entourage with the superstar, the Palm Beach Daily News noted; however, does Sylvester Stallone really need a bodyguard?

During the meeting, Stallone gave a passionate speech, parts of which can be seen in the video with this story. The charismatic actor said he would fight to clean up the ecosystem: "It's been kind of lax, and it's just no one has really paid attention. Well, I'm going to pay attention. Trust me. This is something I really want to dedicate myself to, cleaning up the waterway because we need it. We've lost 1,000 manatees to pollution. That's what we know. It's probably even worse, and it's going to get worse because now in Riviera Beach they want to put 150 more moorings in there? That's ... we're done!"

Will Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin get a floating seaweed barrier at their Palm Beach, Florida, home?

Though Stallone delivered a speech worthy of the silver screen (see above paragraph or the video with this story), the Palm Beach Town Council voted unanimously to still send a letter to the U.S. Army Corps and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Stallone said he would pull his application for the floating seaweed barrier.

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The town council president thanked Stallone for pulling his application for the floating seaweed barrier, but challenged him to really get involved with the issues that he was concerned with such as derelict vessels and a proposed mooring field nearby.

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Stallone, Flavin, Palm Beach, Florida, neighbors talk seaweed barrier
When he was 5 years old, James was adopted by a wealthy family who didn't have a maid. He was woken up at 6 a.m. sharp to load the laundry and start the coffee, and quickly became skilled at frying eggs and making toast. He ate separately from the man and woman who adopted him, and there were no other adults or children in the house for him to interact with.

James suffered verbal and physical abuse when he made mistakes, and wasn't allowed to attend school or physician visits. On his 18th birthday, he was left on the street with a suitcase and $100. He found a cheap motel room, a bottle of vodka, and a comfort that had long eluded him.

Rejection by family, those who are evolutionarily designed to protect and love us most, is perhaps the deepest wound. James was abandoned by two families and had choices in how to cope. He could harbor his pain without resolution or inflict it on others, the cycle of abuse churning. He could numb the memory of the greatest hurts with temporary relievers like alcohol and heroin. Or, lastly, and seemingly by sheer resilience, James could learn his worth and develop a sense of compassion for himself so great that he would be able to see suffering everywhere. James could become whole, perhaps a healer. Only by initially pursuing the first two options did James make it to the last.

James found menial jobs to support his basic needs, and he lived on the street for more than 2 decades. Alcohol brought a memory of joy and a restful sleep. Short-statured and muscled, James was gentle and made friends easily, but people often took advantage of him. He had a heavy brown mustache covering his top lip and a small jaw from missing teeth after they were knocked out in an altercation.

When James was in his 40s, he was a regular client at the large residential social detox facility where I supervised five graveyard shifts a week. In the 2 years I worked there, I befriended an ED physician associate/assistant who convinced me I needed more power to increase the volume of the voices who needed the most help: kids, of course, and adults like James. I only knew power as influence from money, which was in short supply working as an addiction counselor. I hadn't considered power from education.

James lived at our detox facility for the better part of 2 years: unheard of, as we were not a long-term care or residential treatment center. However, an agreement was created under which James would earn a bed and meals by cleaning and by taking care of others going through the pangs of withdrawal. He was a chaperone of sorts to the intoxicated and inebriated clients coming in. Those 2 years, he said, were the best of his life. He was sober, off the streets, got day passes to come and go as he pleased, and someone was always grateful for his return.

Although living at our facility was a step up for James, he longed for his own space, a place where his books wouldn't be disturbed by an admission at 3 a.m. Somewhere quiet, where he oversaw the noise and light level, and could wake up and simply cook himself an egg. Given the mild cognitive impairment James experienced, either from the beatings during his upbringing or his years of heavy drinking, this didn't seem possible to those of us who knew the system best.

Every year, the city of Denver would dim the holiday lights to hold a vigil honoring those without housing who died on the streets that year. In 2015, 199 candles were lit, signifying only those who had passed and were recorded, and I discovered one of the candles was for James. I find comfort knowing that James had a home for a while, a family of sorts. It seems there is no amount of pain and suffering that a bit of community, purpose, and compassion can't remedy. The lasting effects are so much more profound than a hangover.

I share James' story because patients with similar stories of suffering, addiction, and hardship often are considered scary, even repulsive. Isn't it easier to just ignore someone like James and chalk his life up to poor choices without knowing the circumstances? When I met James, it was as if he had been locked in a dark room with no windows and no light on in the hallways, and he couldn't find his way out. What if instead, someone approached and turned on a light?
By Timour Azhari and Kinda Makieh

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Syria will remove all references to the former ruling Baath party from its educational system as of next week but will not otherwise change school curricula or restrict the rights of girls to learn, the country's new education minister said.

"Education is a red line for the Syrian people, more important than food and water," Nazir Mohammad al-Qadri said in an interview from his office in Damascus.

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"The right to education is not limited to one specific gender. ... There may be more girls in our schools than boys," he said.

The secular, pan-Arab nationalist Baath Party governed Syria since a 1963 coup d'etat, seeing education as an important tool for instilling life-long loyalty among the young to the country's authoritarian ruling system.

President Bashar al-Assad was toppled on Dec. 8 by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist rebel group that some Syrians fear may seek to implement a conservative form of Islamist governance.

But Qadri's plans reflect their wider management approach and moderate messaging so far.

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Syria has long been seen to have one of the Arab world's strongest education systems, a reputation that has largely survived 13 years of civil war.

Qadri said religion - both Muslim and Christian - will continue to be taught as a subject in school.

Primary schools will remain mixed between boys and girls, while secondary education will stay largely segregated, he said.

"After primary school, there were always schools for females and schools for males. We won't change that," said Qadri, who had taken to his ornately-furnished office so recently that he had not yet procured Syria's new green, white and black flag.

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Syria's new rulers, who have long-since disavowed their former al-Qaeda links, have said that all of Syria's minority groups including Kurds, Christians, Druze and Alawites will be treated equal as the new government focuses on rebuilding.

They face a formidable challenge.

Syria remains under tight Western sanctions.

Entire cities were levelled in 13 years of war that Qadri said had also left about half the country's 18,000 schools damaged or destroyed.

But the rebels have moved into government fast, extending a hand to former state employees who have shown up to work in droves.

Most of the new ministers are young - in their 30s or 40s - making 54-year-old Qadri among the oldest in government.

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Born and raised in Damascus, he was imprisoned by the Assad regime in 2008 on what he said were spurious charges of inciting sectarian strife, preventing him from finishing his bachelor's degree.

He was released a decade later and fled to northern Idlib, then under the control of HTS, becoming education minister in its Salvation Government in 2022.

He is currently finishing his masters thesis in Arabic language.

With the political and social contours of the new Syrian state still being drawn, Qadri said students would not be tested on their mandatory "nationalist studies" - previously a vehicle for teaching Baathism and Assad family history - this year.

(Reporting by Timour Azhari Editing by William Maclean)
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrias de facto leader, said he believed in education for women as he denied the new government would be another version of the Taliban.

But al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, refused to answer whether the consumption of alcohol would be allowed when asked by the BBC.

The rebel leader led the lightning offensive that saw Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrow Bashar al-Assads autocratic regime less than two weeks ago.

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With al-Sharaa now in control of Syria, questions have turned to what kind of government will fill the void left by the toppled Assad regime.

HTS started life as a splinter group of al-Qaeda. Despite breaking away in 2016, it is still designated a terrorist organisation by the UK, US, UN and the EU  among many others.

Amid jubilation over the downfall of Assad, fears remain among some Syrians and observers overseas that HTS could turn the country into a new Afghanistan by implementing strict Islamic law across the country, as the Taliban have done since their takeover in 2021.

Al-Sharaa was asked about his plans by the BBCs Jeremy Bowen, who interviewed him inside Assads presidential palace in Damascus which was left empty by the former dictator after he fled to Russia as the country fell to the rebels.

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There are many differences between Syria and the Taliban, he said.

The way we govern is different. Afghanistan is a tribal community. Syria is completely different. The people just dont think in the same way. The Syrian government and the ruling system will be in line with Syrias history and culture.

Jeremy Bowen speaks with Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa - BBC

Al-Sharaa was pressed on the issue of womens education, something which the Taliban have largely banned in their brutal crackdown on womens rights in Afghanistan.

Of course. Weve had universities in Idlib for eight years, he said, referring to the north-west region of Syria held by the rebels since 2011.

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I think the percentage of women in universities is more than 60 per cent, he added.

He was less forthcoming on the issue of drinking alcohol, which is considered haram, or forbidden, in Islam.

There are many things I just dont have the right to talk about because they are legal issues, he told the BBC. There will be a Syrian committee of legal experts to write a constitution. They will decide, and any ruler or president will have to follow the law.

He did however say that everyone in Syria would be represented.

He said: The old regime always played on sectarian divisions. But we wont. We were welcomed in all the big cities by all the sects. I think the revolution can contain everybody.

Syrias leader is calling for international sanctions to be dropped - ABDULAZIZ KETAZ/GETTY

Al-Sharaa used the interview to call on the international community to lift sanctions on Syria, saying HTS was not a terrorist group.

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We havent committed any crimes that justify calling us a terrorist group. In the last 14 years, we havent targeted any civilians or civilian areas or civilian targets, he said.

Now, after all that has happened, sanctions must be lifted because they were targeted at the old regime. The victim and the oppressor should not be treated in the same way.

Despite HTSs successful toppling of the Assad regime, concerns remain that war in Syria could continue in the north of the country between Kurdish and Turkish-backed forces.

A Turkish defence ministry source said on Thursday that Ankara intends to push ahead with its military preparations until Kurdish fighters disarm, stressing Turkey faces an ongoing threat along the border.

Turkey has thousands of troops in northern Syria and also backs a proxy force there which has engaged in ongoing clashes with the SDF, a US-backed Kurdish-led force that Ankara sees as an extension of its domestic nemesis, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

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Fears have been building about a possible Turkish assault on the Kurdish-held Syrian border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) northeast of Manbij.

The threat posed by the terrorist organisation to our borders and our operation areas in Syria continues, the source told Frances AFP news agency.

Until the PKK/YPG terrorist organisation disarms and its foreign fighters leave Syria, our preparations and measures will continue within the scope of the fight against terrorism.

Ahmed al-Sharaa is welcomed by supporters before addressing a crowd in Damascus earlier this month - ABDULAZIZ KETAZ/GETTY

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Turkey accuses the YPG (the Peoples Protection Units)  which makes up the bulk of the SDF  of being affiliated with the PKK which both Washington and Ankara consider a terrorist group.

Since 2016, Ankara has carried out several major operations against the SDF.

But Turkey believes Syrias new rulers and Ankara-backed rebels will liberate the regions occupied by the terrorist organisation PKK/YPG, the ministry source said.

Washington on Tuesday said it had brokered an extension to a fragile ceasefire in Manbij and was seeking a broader understanding with Turkey.

But the defence ministry source insisted Ankara was not talking with the SDF, saying it was out of the question for us to meet with any terrorist organisation.

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State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Tuesday the Manbij truce had been extended through the end of the week, and we will, obviously, look to see that ceasefire extended as far as possible into the future.

But the Turkish source said every step taken by terrorist groups that pose a threat to the security of our country and Syria is followed, and preventive and destructive measures are taken.

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Israeli forces have set up a position in an abandoned Syrian army base in the village of Maariyah and prevented local farmers from accessing their fields, residents said Thursday.

Associated Press journalists who visited the area saw the Israeli troops from a distance and watched a local resident waving a white flag approach to speak with them.

The village, on the western edge of Syria's southern Daraa province, is near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, but outside of a buffer zone in the Golan established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel.

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Abdel Raouf Issa, a resident of Maariyah, said the Israeli military had penetrated about 1 kilometer (two-thirds of a mile) into the village and is demanding that we hand over all weapons to the occupation. We told them that we have no weapons at all.

They prevented us from farming. They prevented us from moving, he said. We call on the United Nations to remove the occupation as soon as possible.

Kamal Saleh Damara, a local official in the village, said, Thank God, we were happy that HTS came, referring to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main insurgent group in the coalition that unseated Assad. But then Israel came, and it is preventing people from coming and going and moving.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it is operating within the buffer zone and in several additional locations in its proximity to ensure the security of Israel's northern border. It declined to comment on specific locations where its troops are deployed.

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Israel seized a swath of southern Syria along the border with the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights shortly after Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted by rebels on Dec. 8.

The capture of the buffer zone, a roughly 400-square-kilometer (155-square-mile) demilitarized area in Syrian territory, has sparked condemnation, with critics accusing Israel of violating a 1974 ceasefire and exploiting the chaos in Syria in the wake of Assads ouster to make a land grab.

Israel seized control of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it  a move not recognized by most of the international community

On Wednesday, a group of residents and dignitaries from the buffer zone in Quneitra province put out a statement complaining that the Israeli forces had forcibly displaced the residents of some villages although they "showed restraint toward the advancing forces and did not resist them. However, they said some residents were later allowed to return

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The statement called for Israeli forces to withdraw especially from vital facilities such as the Quneitra provincial government building, the main roads and the water wells and tanks serving the area.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israeli forces will stay there until another arrangement is in place that ensures Israels security.

Netanyahu made the comments from the summit of Mount Hermon  the highest peak in the area  inside Syria, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the border with Golan Heights.

-

Associated Press writers Julia Frankel in Jerusalem and Abby Sewell in Damascus contributed to this report.
EVERGLADES, Fla. (AP)  The Everglades in southern Florida were once about twice the size of New Jersey. Wildlife was abundant and water flowed freely from the Kissimmee River to Lake Okeechobee to the Florida Bay. But decades of engineering projects partitioned and drained the water, invasive species have transformed the land, and pollution from agriculture has impoverished water quality. Today, about half the Everglades original size remains.

A massive state-federal project, approved by Congress in 2000 with bipartisan support, aims to undo damages wreaked upon these wetlands. It is projected to cost more than $23 billion and 50 years to complete.

More than two decades into it, there are some signs of progress. Wildlife is returning to some areas, regions dominated by the invasive melaleuca tree have dropped 75%, enthusiasm is high as significant projects are finally underway, others gain momentum and funding pours in. But as leaders and agencies race to get the water right, there are worries: the projects are billions of dollars over budget and questions remain about whether some will work.

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Here's what to know:

Record funding, unprecedented momentum and major projects underway

Since 2019, the South Florida Water Management District has completed, broken ground on, or celebrated other milestones on some 70 projects. This year, lawmakers earmarked $1.275 billion, the largest annual amount allocated for the next 12 months of restoration efforts. The water district said they anticipate 12 to 15 years of this pace of construction as long as there's funding.

Deemed the flagship project by some is the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir Project, which includes a reservoir that will store excess water from Lake Okeechobee and an adjacent engineered wetland that will clean it before its discharged. But the reservoir is much smaller than originally planned, and some worry the project won't be large or deep enough to significantly clean water.

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The Western Everglades Restoration Project had its first groundbreaking in July after decades of advocacy from the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. The project's goal is to improve the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of water where the Miccosukee and Seminole tribal lands are.

Some signs of progress

Since sections of the Tamiami Trail started getting elevated, water flows are increasing in the wetlands surrounding the highway, built in 1928 to connect Tampa and Miami. The road cut through the Everglades, acting as a dam and holding back water from ecosystems dependent on it.

As parts of the Everglades are rehydrated and habitats reemerge, so are native species such as the wood stork. Wading bird colonies have returned to the Kissimmee River floodplain. Habitats in swamps or shallow lakes called sloughs are increasing in some areas. And flamingos blown in by Hurricane Idalia have stayed in the Everglades. Some scientists have said it is a sign restoration efforts are working.

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Ongoing threats

Climate change, urban development and water quality are ongoing challenges in restoration efforts. Sea level rise and salt water intrusion pose threats to biodiversity, drinking water supply, habitats and more, and experts warn that rising temperatures will increase evapotranspiration and decrease water runoff.

In a recent report to Congress, a committee of experts acknowledged the enormous challenge of incorporating climate change impacts into restoration efforts. They recommended several actions, including developing a set of climate scenarios that are consistently used across all planning and implementation.

Water quality has improved, but pollution from phosphorous remains a concern. Too much has harmed the wilderness' sensitive ecosystem, contributing to toxic algal blooms, oxygen depletion and excessive plant growth.

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Then there's the people. Florida has undergone decades of rapid population growth, becoming the nations fastest-growing state in 2022. Pressure to develop is high.

This is the biggest, most complicated and most expensive ecosystem restoration project in the world, said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades. Its really important that we get it right.

___

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment
Rupert Murdochs TalkTV has capped off a tough 2024 by recording the most complained about TV moment of the past 12 months.

Host Julia Hartley-Brewers interview with the general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative prompted 17,366 complaints, around double the number of 2023s list-topper.

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During the interview, Hartley-Brewer steadily became more irate with Dr Mustafa Barghouti as they clashed over the assassination of the deputy leader of Hamas in the wake of the October 7 attacks. Hartley-Brewer said: For the love of God, let me finish the sentence man, and later added: Maybe youre not used to women talking when trying to interject.

At the time, Ofcom said it contacted Murdochs channel to remind the team to ensure that potentially highly offensive comments are editorially justified.

The interview came at the start of the year. One month later, TalkTVs star presenter Piers Morgan revealed he was moving his show to YouTube and several weeks after that TalkTV ceased to be a linear channel, moving online only.

The Hartley-Brewer interview topped Ofcoms annual list just ahead of an ITV Good Morning Britain episode in which presenter Ed Balls locked horns with a Labour MP over the summer riots. Zarah Sultana was attempting to explain the importance of calling the riots Islamophobic and racist, and felt that Balls repeatedly interrupted her. On the same show, around 1,000 complaints were made after Balls interviewed his wife, the shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper. We reminded ITV of the need to make such relationships clear to viewers and to take particular care over the compliance of any such interviews to ensure that due impartiality is preserved, said Ofcom.

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The two incidences were comfortably ahead of the rest. In third place was an episode of Love Island in which contestants Joey Essex and Sean Stone had a charged confrontation. Good Morning Britain also came fourth for a debate over XL Bully dogs and dogs were also of primary concern for fifth-placed Emmerdale, which attracted complaints for an episode in which a character was seen injecting a dog with an unknown substance.

Last years list was headed by Laurence Foxs misogynistic rant about a female journalist on GB News. Notably, GB News, which was recently fined 100,000 ($130,000) by Ofcom, was absent from this years list.

The full list

Julia Hartley-Brewer, TalkTV, 3 January  17,366 complaints

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Comments made by Julia Hartley-Brewer during an interview with Dr Mustafa Barghouti, the general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, prompted a significant volume of complaints to Ofcom. We told TalkTV to take extra care to ensure that potentially highly offensive comments are editorially justified.

Good Morning Britain, ITV1, 5 August  16,851 complaints

The vast majority of complaints concerned an interview with Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South. Our assessment found that Ms Sultana was given ample opportunity to express her views and respond to the questions put to her. We also received around a thousand complaints about the same programme from viewers who objected to Ed Balls interviewing his wife, Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary. We reminded ITV of the need to make such relationships clear to viewers and to take particular care over the compliance of any such interviews to ensure that due impartiality is preserved.

Love Island, ITV2, 24 July  1,832 complaints

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Viewers complained about the behaviour of Joey Essex and Sean Stone in this episode. We recognised that emotionally charged or confrontational scenes can upset some viewers. But, in our view, negative behaviour in the villa was not shown in a positive light, and contestants were seen supporting or apologising to each other.

Good Morning Britain, ITV1, 30 May  1,777 complaints

Complaints followed a debate between two guests, Mike Parry and Kay Taiwo about whether XL bullies should be put down. While comments made by Mr Parry were potentially offensive to some viewers, they were met with significant challenge from dog trainer and XL Bully owner, Ms Taiwo, who put forward a strongly opposed point of view.

Emmerdale, ITV1, 27 and 28 May  1,193 complaints

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We received complaints after Tom was seen injecting a dog with an unknown substance, as part of ongoing coercive control storyline. While we recognised that this scene was an uncomfortable watch for some viewers, no graphic detail of animal abuse was shown, and Toms actions were not portrayed in a positive light. We also took into account that this long-running storyline depicting coercive control in a relationship would have been within audience expectations of this soap, which often tackles challenging themes and issues.

Big Brother, ITV2, 7 November  747 complaints

We assessed complaints from viewers about a comment by Sarah, which they considered to be racially offensive. We understood viewers concerns, but in our view, the potential for offence was quickly made clear by Big Brother and the contestant was warned about her unacceptable behaviour. We also took into account that Sarah later apologised during the broadcast.

Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate, ITV1, 4 June  710 complaints

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We carefully considered complaints about a range of issues. In our view, both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer were given sufficient opportunity throughout the programme to respond individually to the policy questions raised. On the issue of Labours tax plans, Sir Keir was able to robustly challenge the veracity of Rishi Sunaks claims.

Good Morning Britain, ITV1, 2 October  705 complaints

We received complaints about an interview with Nigel Farage. While the line of questioning was robust, we considered most viewers of this programme were likely to expect this type of interview with political figures. Mr Farage was also given sufficient opportunity to clearly articulate his point of view.

This Morning, ITV1, 28 May  647 complaints

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Some viewers were concerned that comments made by Nick Ferrari during the programme trivialised nut allergies. We took into account that the comments were made in response to a hypothetical scenario by a media personality well-known for his provocative opinions. We also noted that an apology was broadcast the following day.

Big Brother, ITV2, 22 October  553 complaints

The majority of complaints were about imagery on a contestants clothing. Taking into account, among other things, that the prominence and duration of the image was limited, it was consistent with the individuals right to personal expression, and it did not represent affiliation to a terrorist organisation, we did not find grounds to pursue further.

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Dec. 18A Manchester man involved in a fight ignored police orders to drop two knives and was tasered, police said Wednesday.

Police on Monday afternoon went to South Mammoth Road for a report of a "domestic altercation between two men," authorities said.

Police said Casey Currivan, 40, had assaulted the other man and a physical fight broke out. Police said the two knew each other.

When police told Currivan he was under arrest, he shook his head "no" and climbed through an opening behind the couch into the kitchen, grabbed two knives and pointed them at the officers.

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He ignored orders by police to drop the knives and officers used their tasers.

Currivan was taken into custody and charged with four counts of criminal threatening with a deadly weapon, three counts of domestic violence, simple assault and resisting arrest, police said.

He was placed in preventative detention pending a hearing on Dec. 24.
TATUM, Texas (KETK)  A Tatum police officer was injured on Thursday morning while responding to a shots fired call.

Nacogdoches County officials searching for man considered armed and dangerous

According to the Tatum Police Department, officers were dispatched to Cardinal Street at around 10:45 a.m. after receiving a call of shots fired through a window of a home. The scene was investigated, leading to the arrest of Kekoa E. Hurt.

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The officer sustained a shoulder injury while placing Hurt under arrest. The officer was taken to a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Officials said Hurt has since been charged with deadly conduct, resisting arrest and assault of a peace officer.

As a precaution, Tatum ISD placed Tatum Primary School under a lockdown that has since been lifted, authorities said, as there is no danger to the school or neighborhood.

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More than 50 years ago, Sherman Blocher spotted a newspaper ad for a new blood bank in Lincoln that caught his eye.

It said that if a family donated one pint of blood, then the entire family would be covered if they needed blood at free of cost, Blocher said. I had four kids and a wife and I figured, Hey, thats a heck of a deal.

His first donation quickly turned into another, then 10, then 100, and on Wednesday, 901 when the 90-year-old donated blood once again at the Nebraska Community Blood Bank at 84th and O streets.

I dont know why I continued, but I'm glad I did, said Blocher. I keep telling these people here that as long as youll take my blood, Ill give it to you."

Since his first donation in 1968, Blocher has returned for 56 years to donate blood. His 901 donations total more than 110 gallons of blood, helping more than 2,700 people.

As I donated for all these years, I found out that it helps so many people and they can split the blood up and do different things with it, said Blocher, who grew up in Minneapolis and later moved to Lincoln. I just continued donating and its just a way of life for me to try to be of service.

While his wife and kids never needed the free blood through his blood bank membership like the newspaper ad promised, Blocher said it's been an essential donation for others.

Thats something that you cant replace ... other than (with) other blood, Blocher said. Two of my boys are doctors and my daughter is a nurse and I just hear stories through their years that people had surgery and they needed blood and they needed transfusions.

In his nearly six decades of donating, Blocher said hes only been rejected twice for having a low blood cell count or iron levels. He also sticks to healthy foods and stays hydrated to maintain a healthy blood supply.

Kari Lundeen, the blood bank's community outreach representative, said there are four different types of donations: whole blood, power red, platelet and plasma.

Whole blood donations, which are the most common, take everything including blood, plasma and platelets. Power red donations take only the oxygen-rich red cells, returning the plasma and platelets.

People can safely donate whole blood every eight weeks, red cells every 16 weeks, platelets every seven days up to 24 times each year and plasma every 28 days.

About a pint of blood is taken at every donation and most adults have between eight to 12 pints of blood in their body. The blood volume is replaced within 24 hours and red cells are replaced within four to eight weeks after donating.

Blocher donated whole blood until 2000 when he switched to donating platelets and plasma. It has become a routine  he tries to donate every other week on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. He enjoys cranberry juice while he donates and then chocolate milk afterward.

Its just a joy to come here and be with positive people, Blocher said. To spend an hour, two hours here, is a joy for me.

Blochers consistent donations have been a cornerstone for the blood bank as Lundeen said theyve seen a 20% drop in donors. On Dec. 2, the blood bank declared a blood emergency when blood types reached below three-days' worth of supply.

The need for blood is constant, the need for blood doesnt take a holiday, Lundeen said.

Since the blood banks opening in 1968, Lundeen said several others have donated more than a thousand times, but Blocher has the record for the longest history of donations with the Nebraska Community Blood Bank.

While Wednesdays donation was monumental, Blocher will be stepping away from blood donations for a while as he travels to the Dominican Republic for a month in January. Blocher also went there earlier this year and had to wait three months to donate again because of malaria risk.

Thats four months this year that I didnt get to donate and I felt guilty, Blocher said.

To make up for his absence, the Nebraska Community Blood Bank is calling on first-time donors to step up and fill in the gap. To keep track of how many people are donating for Blocher, Lundeen said to alert the front desk if they are "donating for Sherman" upon arriving at their appointment.

I just think its important and if my doing this for 900 times encourages anyone else to come and donate, thats fine, Blocher said. Im anxious to see if some people will take up the challenge and come in here and donate.
A teacher and student killed in a shooting earlier this week at a school in Madison, Wisconsin, were identified Wednesday by authorities.

The Dane County Medical Examiner's Office said in a news release provided to CBS News that 42-year-old Erin West and 14-year-old Rubi Vergara were fatally shot Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School.

Preliminary examinations determined the two died of "homicidal firearm related trauma." Both were pronounced dead at the scene, the medical examiner said.

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An online obituary on a local funeral site stated Vergara was a freshman who leaves behind her parents, one brother, and a large extended family. It described her as "an avid reader" who "loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band."

Vergara had been a student at Abundant Life since kindergarten, the school disclosed in its own statement late Wednesday night.

"Her gentle, loving, and kind heart was reflected in her smile," the statement read. "Rubi was a blessing to her class and our school. She was not only a good friend, but a great big sister."

The school disclosed that West had spent three years as a substitute teacher at Abundant Life before accepting a staff position as a "sub coordinator and in-building substitute teacher."

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"Her loss is a painful and deep one and she will be greatly missed not just among our staff, but our entire ALCS family," it said.

The medical examiner, meanwhile, also confirmed that a preliminary autopsy found that the suspected shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow  a student at the same school  was pronounced dead at a local hospital Monday of "firearm related trauma." Madison Chief of Police Shon F. Barnes had previously told reporters that Rupnow was pronounced dead while being transported to a hospital.

Police had also earlier stated that she was believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The shooting at the private Christian K-12 school was reported just before 11 a.m. Monday. In addition to the two people killed and the shooter, six others were wounded.

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Police said the shooting occurred in a classroom where a study hall was taking place involving students from several grades.

On a Madison city website providing details about the shooting, police reported Wednesday that two guns were found at the school, but only one was used. A law enforcement source previously told CBS News the weapon used appears to have been a 9 mm pistol.

Eye Opener: Update on possible motives in Wisconsin school shooting

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ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (WJW)  A FOX 8 I-Team camera rolled Wednesday morning as a former day care worker went to jail, punished for abusing children.

Seven families got justice. A woman whod been trusted with their kids walked to a jail cell in handcuffs.

But what happened will stick with the families forever.

Driver saves 4-year-old boy found wandering on busy road in Berea

Angela Merriner will now spend six months in jail, convicted of child endangering for abusing seven children at Christ The King Learning Center in North Olmsted.

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Video shows Merriner get rough picking up one child. Another camera also captured her getting physical with a child.

On Wednesday morning, she found herself facing an I-Team camera, along with parents and grandparents.

She thought she could get away with it, one parent told the court.

Another said, I know my daughter doesnt put up with people being mean to her. She fights. I hope she fought you every step of the way.

Merriner ended up getting fired and hit with charges. She was suspected of jerking kids around, pinching them and otherwise, being mean and aggressive.

Angela had us all fooled. She pretended to love my son, another parent said.

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This came to light when someone picked up the phone and called social workers. They started asking questions, and so did North Olmsted police.

Investigators believe a lot of the abuse happened in the bathroom  no cameras, no witnesses.

Merriner sobbed and told the court, Im very sorry for what I did.

Ill have to live with it for the rest of my life, and I feel awful, she added.

Rocky River Judge Joseph Burke said, Listen, you shouldnt be around kids at all.

Its alarming to see this. This is what we know of. I can only imagine how much other behavior existed that we dont know of.

Woman killed in hit-and-run; investigators searching for vehicle involved

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Judge Burke sentenced Merriner to six months in jail  the maximum sentence, since the investigation did not reveal the kinds of injuries that could have led to more serious charges.

Merriner also will not be allowed to work around kids.

The day care is now shut down.

Still, the father of one victim wondered how no one at the business noticed what had been happening.

Justice was served in terms of Ms. Merriner, but I think there were some other folks that have some consequences that they frankly need to face, Douglas Kirk said.

A defense attorney argued Merriner should only get house arrest for punishment. But Judge Burke gave her every day in jail that he could. Families of the victims wanted nothing less.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  The FOX 8 I-Team has obtained new video Cleveland police didnt want you to see, but you might wonder why.

This week, the city released police body camera video recorded after crews pulled two SUVs out of the Cuyahoga River.

The city first said we couldnt see it since its part of an investigation, but the video appears to show nothing of value.

The video just released shows the scene long after crews pulled two SUVs out of the water. An officer walks around the vehicles and the only activity you see involves two tow truck drivers getting ready to haul away the vehicles.

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Man charged with stealing holiday gift cards left for Twinsburg garbage collectors

Last week, the I-Team revealed Cleveland police knew about the SUVs in the water for months, yet they did nothing to pull the SUVs out.

Still, when we asked for police video from that, we were told it showed sensitive information. You decide.

The only conversation you hear is small talk.

Even the windshield wipers dont look good, one man said.

They look OK, another responded.

Probably better if there was a window in the windshield.

Cleveland police have said theyve determined both of those SUVs were stolen, and one is connected to a shooting.

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In October, officers watched as dive teams helped pull those two SUVs out of the water. Cleveland police said at the time it was a training exercise for the dive teams.

But, weve obtained emails showing police had known about the vehicles for nearly six months.

On Oct. 30, the I-Team made a public records request for the emails about the vehicles sent to Cleveland police by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks & Watercraft.

Bound, gagged and shot in the head: Elias Gudino gets life in prison for grisly murders

After weeks passed and we still did not receive the emails, the I-Team filed a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims. On Tuesday, the city released the records.

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The emails show Cleveland police had known about the vehicles in the water since May.

An email dated May 3, 2024, was sent from ODNR to several people, including a Cleveland police captain about the submerged cars.

The Army Corps is looking at sending divers down and having the cars removed, the May 3 email states. We do not know if there is anyone in either car at this time. Cleveland PD was notified yesterday. I offered our assistance in shutting down the river if needed for the dive operation.

So, we asked Cleveland police why it took months to recover the vehicles.

We as a division did not have any evidence or information that a crime had occurred, said Sgt. Wilfredo Diaz, the police departments public information officer. The distinction here is if we have information there was someone down there, a body, someone needs some help, you know, the conversation is different.

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Still, we asked, vehicles in the water, isnt that probable cause that something happened that shouldnt have?

Police said they waited for ODNR to organize a recovery.



We also saw another email sent Oct. 7 from ODNR to several people, including a Cleveland police captain. That states the multiple vehicle recovery operation in the Cuyahoga River  was set for Oct. 29. The email further states that law enforcement dive teams and a towing company agreed to do the recovery as a training exercise.

Investigators from multiple law enforcement agencies went to see the vehicles pulled out. Some wondered if they could be tied to the case of a teen missing more than a year.

Weve found the vehicles have not been tied to the missing teen.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Workers at seven Amazon facilities went on strike Thursday, an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the e-commerce company for a labor agreement during a key shopping period.

The Teamsters said the workers, who voted to authorize strikes in recent days, joined picket lines after Amazon ignored a Sunday deadline the union set for contract negotiations. The union called it the largest strike yet against the company in the U.S., although Amazon said it did not expect the labor action to impact its operations.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters claims it represents nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, a small portion of the 800,000 workers employed in the company's U.S. warehouses. The union hasn't said how many workers would participate in the strike or how long the walkout would last.

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Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned, Teamsters General President Sean OBrien said in a statement.

The strikes happening Thursday are taking place at seven delivery stations, where packages are prepared for delivery vehicles and then given to contractors who drop off them off to customers every day. They include three locations in Southern California, and one each in San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta, Georgia, and Skokie, Illinois, according to the unions announcement.

Two people were taken into custody at the demonstration in the New York City borough of Queens, according to the New York Police Department. Police did not say why the arrests were made. They said the individuals were given criminal court summons and then released.

The biggest warehouse affiliated with the Teamsters is located in the New York City borough of Staten Island. In 2022, thousands of workers at the warehouse, known as JFK8, voted to be represented by the nascent Amazon Labor Union. Workers then choose to affiliate with the Teamsters this past summer.

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The National Labor Relations Board certified that election to unionize, but Amazon has refused to bargain on a contract. In the process, the company has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the labor board.

At the facilities striking Thursday, workers unionized with the Teamsters by demonstrating majority support but without holding government-administered elections. They include Amazon-employed warehouse workers in San Francisco, and subcontracted delivery drivers elsewhere.

Under labor law, companies can recognize unions without elections being held, but the practice is rare, said John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University.

Amazon workers in more locations are prepared to join the fight, the Teamsters said, noting that employees at the Staten Island warehouse and at a company air hub in California also have authorized strikes.

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When asked about the strike Thursday, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said: What you see here are almost entirely outsiders, not Amazon employees or partners, and the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters.

The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous, Nantel said.

Seattle-based Amazon has said it does not consider delivery drivers like the ones on strike to be its employees. Under the company's business model, the drivers work for third-party businesses, called Delivery Service Partners, who deliver millions of packages daily. Amazon has accused the union, which says it represents some of the drivers, of intentionally misleading the public.

This is another attempt to push a false narrative, Nantel said.

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But the Teamsters have argued Amazon essentially controls everything the drivers do and should be classified as their employer. U.S. labor regulators have sided with the union in filings made before the NLRB. In September, Amazon boosted pay for the drivers amid the growing pressure.

Though Amazon says it does not expect the strike to impact its operations, a walkout  especially one that lasts many days  could delay shipments in some metro areas.

Shares of Amazon.com Inc. rose about 1.3% Thursday but were slightly down in after-hours trading.
Teamsters-affiliated workers at several Amazon warehouses went on strike Thursday morning as the e-commerce giant stares down holiday shipping deadlines.

According to the union, nearly 10,000 Amazon workers are affiliated with the Teamsters. The union says workers at seven warehousesone in Queens, N.Y.; one in Atlanta; three in Southern California; one in San Francisco; and one in Skokie, Ill.would join the picket line to demand higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions. The strike first hit the Queens facility first at 6 a.m. local time.

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The Teamsters said Amazon workers at other facilities are prepared to join them, and that local Teamsters branches are also putting up primary picket lines at hundreds of Amazon fulfillment centers nationwide.

Despite the rhetoric ramped up by the union over the past week when members at various facilities authorized the work stoppage, the strike represents less than 1 percent of Amazons total employee base. It is unclear how long the strike will last.

Jason Miller, interim chairperson, department of supply chain management at Michigan State Universitys Eli Broad College of Business, said the strike is likely to be minimally disruptive to the flow of goods to consumers.

Relative to Amazons network of locations, these stoppages will be highly isolated events, Miller said in a post on LinkedIn. Santa should still be able to get your Christmas presents there on time.

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An Amazon spokesperson said the tech titan has not seen any impact on its operations.

As of the 2024 first quarter, Amazon has 1,363 total facilities in its U.S. network, according to data from supply chain consulting firm MWPVL International.

Within major metro areas, Amazon has multiple fulfillment centers stocking the same types of goods (akin to Walmart having multiple stores within the same metro area), said Miller. As such, if one facility focusing on large non-sortable products like furniture were to strike, another facility would be able to fulfill demand with limited challenge.

The Teamsters, which formally aligned with the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) over the summer, have had the online marketplace on its radar since launching a dedicated division to the companys labor practices in 2021. After securing a five-year contract for 340,000 unionized UPS workers last year, the union and its brash president Sean OBrien shifted more of a public focus to securing rights for Amazons workers.

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If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it, said OBrien. These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, theyve pushed workers to the limit and now theyre paying the price. This strike is on them.

Amazon sees things differently, with the company never having recognized the unionization of the Staten Island, N.Y. warehouse, which officially joined the ALU upon a vote in April 2022. The company has appealed the voting results with the National Labor Relations Board (NRLB).

Amazon also doesnt acknowledge the Teamsters affiliations, with the Big Tech firm maintaining that the union illegally coerced its workers to join. The company also has always upheld that these workers are contractors for its delivery service partners (DSPs), and not Amazon employees, despite driving Amazon-branded vans and exclusively delivering Amazon packages.

One such group of 84 Teamsters-affiliated delivery drivers and dispatchers that were based out of an Amazon warehouse in Palmdale, Calif. has drawn attention to the contractor-employee paradigm after picketing dozens of other facilities over the 18 months.

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Those employees work for former Amazon delivery provider Battle-Tested Strategies. The tech titan cut ties with the delivery company last year ahead of the picketing, but Amazon has always contended that the delivery service was terminated for poor performance.

What you see here are almost entirely outsidersnot Amazon employees or partnersand the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters, said Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel in a statement. The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous.

The Teamsters have claimed that under a rule announced by the NLRB, that the workers can be considered to have joint employersboth the DSP and Amazon. But Amazon and other business groups are challenging that rule.

In October, the NLRB issued a formal complaint against Amazon for unfair labor practices, namely for refusing to bargain with the delivery drivers in Palmdale.

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Amazon claims the Teamsters wider narrative is a public relations play, and that there have been no elections held or bargaining orders mandated.

For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the publicclaiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative, Nantel said. The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union.
Editor's Note: Teamsters officially went on strike at 6 a.m. Thursday, forming a picket line outside the Amazon warehouse in Maspeth, Queens.

NEW YORK  The Teamsters union is launching a strike against Amazon at numerous locations across the country, including in Maspeth, Queens.

The Teamsters are calling it the largest strike against Amazon in United States history, and it's set to begin at 6 a.m. Thursday. In addition to New York City, workers will walk off the job in Atlanta, Southern California, San Francisco and a Chicago suburb.

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In a video announcement released Wednesday night, workers voiced their frustrations.

"Us being strike ready means we're fed up, and Amazon is clearly ignoring us and we want to be heard," one worker says in the video.

"It's really exciting. We're taking steps for ourselves to win better conditions, better benefits, better wages," another worker in the video says.

The union says it represents about 10,000 Amazon employees and that Amazon refused to come to the table and negotiate. The $2 trillion company doesn't pay employees enough to make ends meet, the union asserts.

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At the height of the holiday season, many are wondering what this means for packages currently in transit.

Teamsters President Sean O'Brien said, "If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon's insatiable greed."

Amazon says Teamsters are misleading the public

An Amazon spokesperson says the Teamsters are misleading the public and do not represent any Amazon employees, despite any claims.

"The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union," the spokesperson said in a statement.

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An Amazon representative says the company doesn't expect operations to be impacted.

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LONDON (AP)  A teen charged with killing three girls and wounding 10 other people in a stabbing rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in England this summer remained silent in court Wednesday as not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, who has refused to speak in each court appearance, was read the charges of three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and additional charges related to possessing the poison ricin and for having an al-Qaida manual.

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Justice Julian Goose ordered a clerk to enter the pleas in Liverpool Crown Court as Rudakubana stayed mum during a video appearance from a London prison where he is held.

His trial is scheduled for Jan. 20.

It was the first time in a court appearance that the teen did not pull his sweatshirt collar over his nose to obscure his face.

He appeared to smile as an officer confirmed that the court proceeding could be heard at the prison. The judge noted that Rudakubana was not responding. He swayed from side to side as the charges were read and bent forward at one point.

Rudakubana was charged in August with murdering three girls  Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6  and stabbing 10 other people on July 29 in the seaside town of Southport in northern England.

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The attack at a small dance and yoga studio on the first day of summer vacation sparked rioting across England and Northern Ireland fueled by far-right activists that lasted a week.

The violence, which injured more than 300 police officers and led to fiery attacks on hotels housing migrants, began after Rudakubana  then unnamed - was falsely identified as an asylum seeker who had recently arrived in Britain by boat.

Rudakubana was born in Wales to Rwandan immigrants.

More than 1,200 people were arrested for the disorder that lasted a week and hundreds have been jailed for up to nine years in prison.

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A report released Wednesday was critical of police for failing to recognize the threat of violent disorder after a number of smaller incidents across the U.K. in the previous two years.

The report from the Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said there were also lapses in gathering intelligence from social media and the dark web.

Rudakubana was charged in October with additional counts for production of a biological toxin, ricin, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism for having the manual in a document on his computer.

Police have said the stabbings have not been classified as acts of terrorism because the motive is not yet known.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A 15-year-old boy was found shot to death Wednesday at an apartment complex in St. Petersburg, according to police.

The teen was found shot at an apartment complex in the 11000 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North, police said.

They transported him to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital he was pronounced dead.

On Thursday, police identified the teenager as 15-year-old Tomohnd Newkirk.

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Detectives worked to canvass the area and look for any potential witnesses, a police spokesperson said. Investigators are speaking with the childs mother.

Police are still trying to confirm whether or not the teen lived at the apartment complex.

No other details were immediately available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
The father of an Australian teenager who died from suspected alcohol poisoning while backpacking through Laos has shared his determination to receive justice.

Shaun Bowles said he was in disbelief when he realised his 19-year-old daughter Holly would not survive, after she and her best friend became violently ill after drinking alcohol believed to have been laced with the toxic substance methanol.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Bowles said his daughter was everything youd want your daughter to be, who had been travelling through South East Asia to celebrate her graduation from school.

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She and Bianca Jones, also 19, were among six foreign tourists to die after consuming alcohol in the small town of Vang Vieng. Eight people have been arrested in connection with the case, including the manager of the Nana Backpackers Hostel, where many of the victims had been staying.

Holly died alongside her best friend Bianca Jones (BFC)

They were having an unbelievable time, just having so much fun, doing what two 19-year-old girls should be doing, Mr Bowles said.

The two had been have an absolute blast before they were rushed to hospital after being found unresponsive in their hotel room.

After receiving news that the girls were unwell, both of their mothers flew to Thailand that evening, with Mr Bowles and his best friend, Biancas father Mark, travelling the next day.

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When youre getting second hand information... it was really hard to process exactly what sort of condition that they were in, said Mr Bowles.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Bianca died on 21 November and Holly died a day later.

Simone White, a British lawyer, also died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos. (Squire Patton Boggs/PA)

She was just full of life. She was confident, she was loving, she was just a true friend of people. She was everything you want your daughter to be, said Mr Bowles .

His focus is now on raising awareness of methanol poisoning to other young people backpacking through South East Asia.

We absolutely want whoever is responsible for this brought to account and brought to justice, and were going to do everything that we can to make sure that is the case, he says.

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A 28-year-old British lawyer was among those who died, with her parents also making the distressing journey to Laos after receiving a call that she was gravely unwell.

Simone White, from Orpington in south London, had been holidaying with friends when she became ill after drinking the same alcohol, and died in hospital after her brain function deteriorated.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, her mother Sue White urged those travelling abroad: Please be careful when it comes to drinks.

Simone was a university-educated, highly intelligent person, she said.

If it can happen to her, it can happen to anybody.
A homicide investigation is underway after a shooting Tuesday afternoon left one 17-year-old boy dead and another in critical condition.

The Erie County Coroner has released the name of that victim after completing an autopsy early Wednesday morning.

One teen dead, another in critical condition after City of Erie shooting on Tuesday

Erie police are searching for suspects and continue to have the crime scene blocked off for ongoing investigation.

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Two 17-year-old boys were shot Tuesday afternoon in what police said was a drive-by.

It happened near the intersection of West 31st and Liberty Streets and gunfire resulted in the death of an Erie teen.

Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook identified him as Armani Cantu of Erie after completing an autopsy Wednesday morning.

Former Erie Humane Society director released on unsecured bail after formal arraignment

Ive ruled the death a homicide as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest, he said. He was taken back to the ER but the wounds were such that they were not survivable.

Cook said Cantu was dropped off by a private vehicle at Saint Vincents Hospital, where he was rushed to the emergency room.

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He passed away while undergoing treatment around an hour later. Another 17-year-old was shot in the face.

Police said hes in critical, but stable condition at this time.

Erie Insurance employees pass out food to local students ahead of winter break

Police said this was a targeted attack with one group of individuals firing what are believed to be handguns out of their vehicle into another group of individuals here on the sidewalk.

We did observe shell casings between 30th and 31st Street on Liberty Street. Officers also observed blood and a blood trail leading into a residence between 30th and and 31st street, said Rick Lorah, deputy chief of Erie Police.

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That crime scene continues to be blocked off by police as they dig even deeper into what happened.

First, theyre looking to identify people involved whether they were in the group that was shot at on the sidewalk, the group that did the shooting, and others that might know why one targeted the other.

Police have no suspects in custody at this time but theyre conducting multiple search warrants as they look to get to the bottom of this.

We have spoken to a large amount of witnesses and weve poured over a large amount of surveillance in that area. There is a good amount of surveillance in that area. As always, there are ring doorbells, surveillance from surrounding businesses, just a lot of it so it takes a lot of time to comb through. But weve spoken to people, were obviously looking to speak to some more people and at this point and time its active and ongoing as we speak, Lorah went on to say.

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The killing marks Erie Countys ninth homicide this year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Thousands of men are participating in chat groups in which they share suggestions on how to rape and sexually assault women, a German investigation has revealed.

The groups, on the instant messaging service Telegram, have as many as 70,000 members who mostly communicate with one another in English and appear to come from a variety of countries.

Users claimed to have assaulted women in their household, including wives, partners, sisters and mothers, and also shared instructions with others on how to do the same.

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Some in the chat groups also shared pictures, while others posted live video of the assaults. In one instance, a German man said he would sedate his wife and offered her to other users.

The allegations came as a court in Avignon, France, sentenced Dominique Pelicot to 20 years in prison for sedating his wife Gisele and offering her online to other men to rape and assault.

He would also rape and assault her himself. The attacks took place over several years, with 50 other men in the case found guilty on Thursday.

The trial has raised questions about the extent to which anonymous internet chat groups facilitate such crimes.

Gisele Pelicot, surrounded by members of the media, saw her attackers sentenced on Thursday - CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP

Ms Pelicot has been praised for insisting that the case took place in public in order to raise awareness about the issue.

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Telegram, set up by Russian tech billionaire Pavel Durov in 2013, has long been the go-to messaging platform for criminals due to the firms refusal to share any data with government agencies.

The investigation, by German broadcaster ARD and its STRG_F investigative team, also found group users had been swapping tips on how to sedate their partners.

This included posting links to online shops where sexual abusers could buy sedatives disguised as hair products.

Telegram insisted that it takes action against such groups. It said in a statement: Telegram has a zero-tolerance policy towards misuse of its platform. All users caught doing so will be blocked immediately.

Pavel Durov, the Russian tech billionaire, founded Telegram in 2013 - Albert Gea/REUTERS

During ARDs year-long investigation, some groups were deactivated but users were often sent links to new ones.

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Investigators in Germany said they have had some success in recent years in convincing Telegram to share information connected to probes into terrorism and child sex abuse content.

Mr Durov was arrested in France in August on charges of failing to address the distribution of illicit content. He has denied the allegations.

Currently under house arrest in Paris, the tech entrepreneur later said his platform would do more to crack down on problematic content.

The prevalence of child abuse content on apps such as Telegram has led to calls in Germany for the police to be given more powers to locate the IP addresses of people acting anonymously online.

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The Temecula Valley Unified School District board has rescinded two controversial policies after pressure from the state.

The board voted unanimously on Tuesday to void policies requiring parents to be notified if a child identifies as transgender and banning all flags except the American and California state flags, the Press-Enterprise reports.

The California Public Employment Relations Board found that the district violated employees contracts by putting the policies into play without negotiating things like employee discipline, the outlet added.

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Public blows the whistle on alleged free-speech violations at Temecula school board meetings

We didnt have any choice, we were told by PERB that we had to rescind it because they both violated the teachers contracts, board member Steve Schwartz told the Press-Enterprise.

The board, which has drawn controversy for these policies and the alleged stifling of free speech at meetings, plans to rework the policies to ensure they comply with teacher contracts.

We are going to back up and do the process as we should, board member Jan Weirsma said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
TEMPLE, Texas (FOX 44)  UPDATE: The suspect in a shooting which left one Temple officer injured has been detained, as 22-year-old Matthew Young was arrested at 5:28 p.m. Wednesday evening.

An officer was in the 100 block of N 11th Street around 3:12 p.m. Wednesday when he heard gunshots. The officer approached where the gunshots may have come from and discovered a disturbance between two individuals.

A bystander attempted to intervene with the disturbance, and the suspect allegedly shot at him. The officer attempted to detain the individual, but the individual started to flee in his car.

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Police say while attempting to flee, the officer was dragged by the vehicle. The suspect then fled in the vehicle and crashed his car near Wendland Road and Airport Road, got out of the vehicle and started to run into a wooded area.

Officers are currently canvassing the area in an attempt to find the suspect. One officer has been transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The bystander was also transported to the hospital with minimal injuries.

Police say Kennedy-Powell Elementary School was put on a secure out of an abundance of caution. There was extensive police presence near Wendland Road and Industrial Boulevard. People were encouraged to avoid the area.

If you have any information on this case, you can contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Editors note: The video above aired on Dec. 18, 2024.

NEW JERSEY (PIX11)  Temporary flight restrictions have gone into effect across New Jersey as of Wednesday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA cited security as the reason for the bans. The restrictions come amid mysterious drone sightings being investigated by federal, state and local authorities.

Drones, planes, or helicopters? How to spot the difference

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New Jersey mayors argue that the federal government isnt doing enough to keep residents fears about the unidentified drones at bay.

I think the powers-that-be are stonewalling, Mine Hill Mayor Sam Morris told PIX11 News. And I would not stop short of saying I think theyre gaslighting. Theyre trying to now tell people youre not seeing anything. And thats just not true.

Seen drones in your neighborhood? Heres how theyre being tracked

A bipartisan bill that would allow local law enforcement to track drones was blocked from advancing in the Senate on Wednesday.

The people in New York and New Jersey have a lot of questions, and theyre not getting good enough answers, Sen. Chuck Schumer said.

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Dont shoot guns or lasers at mysterious drones, FBI warns

Heres where the restrictions were issued:

Hamilton

Bridgewater

Cedar Grove

North Brunswick Township

Metuchen

Evesham

Camden

Gloucester City

Westampton

South Brunswick

Edison

Branchburg

Sewaren

Jersey City

Harrison

Elizabeth

Bayonne

Winslow

Burlington

Clifton

Hancocks Bridge

Kearny

The flight bans last through Jan. 17, 2025. For more information, click here for the FAAs website.

This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Anyone who wants to buy vape products in Tennessee could soon have to show their I.D., regardless of their age.

Universal carding is one of multiple policy suggestions the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) included in its draft report on reducing youth vaping, which the General Assembly asked the group to research in a bill that passed last legislative session.

According to TACIR, 22% of Tennessee youth vape, which is more than twice the national rate of 10%.

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It makes you understand why there was a need for this study, Michael Mount, a research director for TACIR said. There was a question to be answered. Why is Tennessees rate not falling like the national rate has?

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Over the past several months, TACIR studied the use and effects of youth vaping in Tennessee and policies other states have passed to try to mitigate the problem. The group also heard testimony from stakeholders, doctors, and school officials about the issue.

Weve got third and fourth graders using vape products, and the effects that can have on a young brain is actually daunting, Dr. Ralph Alvarado, the commissioner of the TN Dept. of Health said during a Sept. TACIR meeting.

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TACIR researched possible policy solutions, including banning flavors, which some argue kids are drawn to.

However, some in the vaping industry told the group the policy could backfire, because flavors are also popular among adults.

I would say about 98% of the flavors I sell are strawberry, blueberry, watermelon, Daniel Gillis, President of the Tennessee Smoke Free Association and a vape shop business owner, said. We need to do this responsibly so we dont take these products off and cause a prohibition and a black market where theyll jump over the state border. Weve got eight states that connect us. Theyll just jump over to another state and buy something. You dont know what theyre getting.

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

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In the draft report on youth vaping, TACIR said universal carding and retail licensing requirements to sell vape products could address youth vaping without burdening businesses and adults who vape.

Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. that requires universal carding to purchase vape products, and its too early to determine the impact, TACIR wrote in the report. However, when Tennessee enacted a universal carding law for carryout beer purchases in 2006, underage access dropped by 1/4, according to the group.

The 40 states that currently require a retail license to sell vape products generally have lower vape rates, TACIR said, and the rule change led to a reduction of unregulated vape retailers.

We have 6,500 tobacco retailers in the state of Tennessee. That is more than 20 times the number of McDonalds in the state of Tennessee, Dr. Alvarado said. A few bad actors can do a lot of damage.

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TACIR also recommended investing more in education and cessation programs in schools to help mitigate youth vaping.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Mount told News 2 TACIRs report may lead to some legislative changes regarding vaping in Tennessee.

I imagine the study request was made to better inform the policymakers about youth vaping in Tennessee and to provide policy options for the legislators, Mount said.

TACIR will present the draft report to the TACIR Commission Dec. 19 and make any changes before the final report is released in January.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
LOWER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11)  A man has been arrested in connection to a homicide that happened in New York City in November, police said.

Schichun Lin, 58, of Bristol, Tennessee, was taken into custody at 2:28 p.m. Wednesday, according to the NYPD.

More Local News

The arrest was made in connection to a fatal stabbing near East Broadway and Pike Street in Manhattan on the morning of Nov. 7.

Police said 68-year-old Kan Shing Cheung was found with multiple stab wounds to his torso. Cheung was declared dead on the scene.

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Police said Cheung was homeless.

Lin was charged with murder in the first and second degree, according to the NYPD.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Tennessee released its annual letter grades for every public school in the state on Thursday, marking the second time it's done so under a law that took effect last year.

A total of 1,905 public schools were included in the data released by the Tennessee Department of Education. Here's how many earned each letter grade in the 2023-24 school year:

A: 290 schools (15.22%)

B: 484 schools (25.41%)

C: 508 schools (26.67%)

D: 330 schools (17.32%)

F: 78 schools (4.01%)

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Additionally, 215 schools were not eligible for letter grades. That represents the roughly 11% of remaining schools statewide. According to the education department, that can be due to a variety of factors, including the type of school. For example, public school programs geared toward adult learners do not qualify to receive letter grades.

Parents and students walk across the street on the first day of school at Kenrose Elementary in Brentwood, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 4, 2023.

Schools that receive a D or F may be asked to appear before the State Board of Education. They also may be required to follow a corrective plan or even face academic and financial audits. These things would not apply until the 2025-26 school year. This year, around 21% of schools received Ds and Fs, which is down from 26% last year.

Williamson County Schools had the most A grades in the state, while Memphis-Shelby County Schools had the most Fs.

Tennessee education commissioner praises schools for 'moving the needle'

School letter grades are part of the annual update to the State Report Card, which includes in-depth data on the state, district and school level for things like test scores, attendance, academic growth, demographics and more.

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"We are especially proud of the schools that performed highly on the School Letter Grades and are moving the needle for kids, and we encourage all Tennesseans to actively engage and contribute to the ongoing success of all our schools," Tennessee Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds said in a news release Thursday.

The grading system weights achievement and growth scores, which measure year-over-year academic progress for students. High schools have an additional weight added for college and career readiness indicators, like SAT and ACT scores.

View the full State Report Card at ReportCard.TNedu.gov. To find a specific school, enter its name into the search bar at the top right. To find letter grades and other performance metrics, select the "2024 performance metrics" drop-down menu along the top menu bar.

See what letter grade your school received for the 2023-24 school year

You can also use the searchable table below to look up your school's letter grade. You can search by county, district or school.

How districts across Middle Tennessee fared

Here is a look at how A-F letter grades panned out for 12 districts around the Middle Tennessee region.

Cheatham County School District

A: 4

B: 4

C: 1

D: 3

F: 0

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Two schools in Cheatham County School District were not eligible for letter grades.

Clarksville-Montgomery County School System

A: 11

B: 8

C: 19

D: 4

F: 0

Two schools in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System were not eligible for letter grades.

Dickson County School District

A: 6

B: 4

C: 4

D: 0

F: 0

Three schools in the Dickson County School District were not eligible for letter grades.

Franklin Special School District (Williamson County)

A: 4

B: 1

C: 3

D: 0

F: 0

Maury County Public Schools

A: 2

B: 6

C: 8

D: 4

F: 1

Two schools within Maury County Public Schools were not eligible for letter grades.

Metro Nashville Public Schools

A: 14

B: 32

C: 55

D: 33

F: 9

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A total of 19 schools within Metro Nashville Public Schools were not eligible for letter grades.

Murfreesboro City Schools (Rutherford County)

A: 1

B: 5

C: 6

D: 1

F: 0

Robertson County Schools

A: 1

B: 5

C: 6

D: 3

F: 2

Six schools within Robertson County Schools were not eligible for a letter grade.

Rutherford County Schools

A: 26

B: 26

C: 8

D: 1

F: 0

Three schools within Rutherford County Schools were not eligible for a letter grade.

Sumner County Schools

A: 18

B: 14

C: 12

D: 5

F: 0

Three schools within Sumner County Schools were not eligible for a letter grade.

Williamson County Schools

A: 29

B: 16

C: 7

D: 0

F: 0

Wilson County Schools

A: 8

B: 8

C: 6

D: 1

F: 0

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Two schools within Wilson County Schools were not eligible for a letter grade.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee school letter grades are out. See how yours did this year
Tens of thousands of properties across Hampshire are without water after a supply fault.

Homes in and around Southampton and the New Forest had been warned by Southern Water the disruption could continue into the weekend.

The issue has caused more than 20 schools to close and cafes and restaurants have been told not to open unless staff can wash their hands.

On Thursday morning, the company said its teams had worked overnight and managed to fix the problem at the Testwood Water Supply Works.

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The reservoir is now being filled up, but it will be a gradual process which must be done carefully and safely.

Some customers will start to be reconnected later today, it said.

Seven tankers have been sent to University Hospital Southampton to ensure operations can go ahead as planned.

The latest supply issue comes a year after a similar problem and on the same day that Ofwat, the industry regulator, announced average water bill increases of 36 per cent over the next five years.

However, Southern Water customers face the highest rise of 53 per cent  which is an extra 222 in that period.

Southern Water staff hand out water to residents in Eastleigh - @RossMarshall87

Lawrence Gosden, the companys chief executive, was paid a 183,000 bonus last year despite the company previously being fined 90 million for dumping raw sewage into the sea.

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Nick Adams-King, the leader of Hampshire County Council, said: This is the second year in succession that there has been an issue with water supply in the run-up to Christmas.

Im grateful for the speedy action Southern Water has taken to address the issue, however disruption of this scale, across such a wide area, is hugely disruptive, damaging and unacceptable.

Jill Woolger, 66, from Dibden Purlieu near the New Forest, has been without water since Wednesday morning and said she only has around a litre of bottled water left to last her for one evening.

The retired nurse, who has an autoimmune condition, is registered on the firms priority list and was told she could expect bottled water to be delivered to her home by 7pm, but claims she did not receive any.

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She said: I think what Im so fed up about is that Im on the priority service, but I havent had any water. As of tomorrow morning, I wont have any.

Southern Water said bottled water stations will open across the region, although there were reportedly large queues on Thursday.

We have three bottled water stations open from 8am today for customers in Hampshire.



Staplewood Football Development Centre - Marchwood, SO40 4WR



Places Leisure Centre  Passfield Avenue, SO50 9NL



ASDA - Totton, SO40 3ZA



For more info: https://t.co/krBcSzXyvU pic.twitter.com/2xcAxSCQT8  Southern Water (@SouthernWater) December 19, 2024

The company promised to deliver bottled water to 12,000 residents and people in care homes but some have said they are still waiting.

Southern Waters website says customers will be compensated with 30 to their account if supply is not restored within 12 hours after an unplanned interruption.

For every 12 hours that follow without water, homeowners can expect to receive automatic 30 credit payments.

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A Defra spokesman said the Government was aware of the water supply issues in Southampton and Marchwood.

The statement continued: We are in close contact with Southern Water to ensure that the company is taking urgent steps to support residents and resolve the issue as soon as possible.

The Government has just announced reforms to double the compensation water companies provide to customers for supply issues like these and from next year, further investment into water infrastructure will provide a much-needed upgrade to services.

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Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Photos by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer.

The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party is finishing off a sour year with a heavy dose of bitterness and a side of petty.

Separate reports Wednesday in Axios and the Star Tribune revealed division between Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, whose political partnership goes back to the fall of 2017, when Walz picked her as his running mate.

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An administration source contacted by the Reformer didnt deny the tension and confirmed the broad outlines of the stories.

Flanagan didnt respond to a request for comment.

For years, Flanagan has often been at Walzs side during his public announcements and appearances, kneeling down to talk to young school children and donning a hard hat at construction groundbreakings.

As the two media reports note, and confirmed by Walzs public schedule, Walz and Flanagan havent appeared together since Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris lost the national election, which prevented Flanagans elevation to governor.

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Citing anonymous sources, the Star Tribune reports that the Walz team was not pleased at steps Flanagan had taken to assume the governorship, conferring with potential key hires and preparing for a possible run herself in 2026.

In addition to differences about personnel, money was also cited as a source of distrust.

The Walz camp was especially irked because Flanagan had tapped Walzs gubernatorial campaign fund without authorization for some work, multiple sources said, the Star Tribune reports.

When asked whether theres a rift between himself and Flanagan, Walz on WCCO radio Thursday morning denied it, laughing at the question.

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Probably not the biggest concern in peoples lives. Im thinking of all the things going on in the world and national politics. No look, the lieutenant governor and I have worked together for many years. Were transitioning back after a national campaign, Walz said, adding that they often have different schedules and cannot appear at events together.

Asked about Flanagan tapping into his gubernatorial campaign fund, Walz said: I have nothing to say on that. I dont know about that.

These are not the first murmurings of division. Flanagan comes from the progressive, activist wing of the DFL Party, and her likeminded brothers and sisters spent months on the streets protesting police killings in 2020 and 2021. Meanwhile, Walz was committed to public order, especially after the destructive arson following the police murder of George Floyd. After the Brooklyn Center police killing of Daunte Wright in 2021, Walz sought to quickly restore order with a show of force that demonstrators and the press said were violations of the First Amendment.

Questions arose about whether Flanagan would be on the 2022 ticket.

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Walz and Flanagan have known each other for two decades. Walz was a student at Camp Wellstone, a training academy for emerging progressive politicos founded after the death of U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone. Flanagan was an instructor there.

Walz represented the conservative, rural 1st District in Congress for a decade before his run for Congress, and chose Flanagan as his running mate in part to shore up support among Twin Cities progressives as he sought the DFL convention endorsement, which he ultimately didnt win before prevailing in the primary.

Walz, who has not granted the Reformer an interview request since losing the national election, has told other media hell announce a decision about his future after the 2025 legislative session, including the possibility of a third term for governor.

Walz seemed to taunt potential DFL challengers in a Star Tribune interview. We could always have a primary.
EAGLE PASS  Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday announced a new campaign of installing billboards in Central America and Mexico with messages about sexual assault and Texas border enforcement efforts  an effort to deter migrants from trying to enter the country illegally.

The state began erecting dozens of billboards this week, Abbott said. A sampling of six billboards behind Abbott at a news conference had messages like: Stop, if you cross the border illegally into Texas, you will be jailed, and Your wife and daughter will pay for the trip with their bodies. Coyotes lie. Dont put your family at risk.

They inform potential illegal immigrants about the reality of what will happen to them if they try to enter Texas illegally, Abbott said. This is tough medicine.

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The public service campaign  with the messages in several languages including Chinese, Russian and Spanish, according to Abbott  is the states latest move to try stopping migrants from crossing the border into Texas. Abbott estimated the billboard campaign will cost roughly $100,000.

The state has also built sections of border wall, installed concertina wire along the U.S.-Mexico border on the Rio Grande riverbank and dispatched thousands of Department of Public Safety troopers who have arrested migrants on criminal trespassing charges.

The border crackdown, called Operation Lone Star, has cost more than $11 billion to date.
By Ted Hesson

(Reuters) - Texas is launching a visceral billboard campaign in Mexico and Central America to deter illegal immigration by highlighting sexual assault and other dangers, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on Thursday, the Republican's latest move to stem crossings.

"How much did you pay to have your daughter raped," one of the signs read. Another warned that migrants will be arrested if they enter Texas illegally.

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"Our goal right now, immediately, is not only to discourage them from coming, but to help them understand the consequences," Abbott said.

The number of migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border soared to record highs after President Joe Biden took office in 2021, fueling criticism by Abbott and other Republicans.

President-elect Donald Trump recaptured the White House in November pledging mass deportations and aggressive border security efforts.

Biden toughened his border policies earlier this year, leading to a steep drop in migrants caught crossing illegally in recent months.

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Abbott said the billboard campaign costs about $100,000 and aims to turn back migrants thinking of crossing illegally before Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

"There are many people who may make a last-gasp effort," Abbott said.

Texas officials said in November that the state would offer 1,400 acres (567 hectares) of land near the border to the incoming Trump administration for its mass deportation initiative.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Editing by Sandra Maler)
DALLAS  Texas population surpassed 31 million people within the last year as the state added more residents than any other place in the country, estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau show.

However, the number of people who moved from other parts of the country slowed.

Texas added 562,941 residents between July 2023 and July 2024, census estimates show  ahead of Florida and California. That growth brought the states total population to 31,290,831.

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The state didnt add residents as quickly as it did the previous year, but the rate of its population growth  1.8%  was still the third-highest in the country behind Florida and the District of Columbia.

A major driver of that growth came from net international migration. Texas added 319,569 new residents from abroad, the most since the COVID-19 pandemic  but behind Florida and California, which saw the largest increases.

The census changed the way it counts refugees and migrants this year. However, it does not distinguish legal status in its estimates.

That growth mirrors gains seen across the nation. The United States added 3.3 million residents within the last year  2.8 million of which came from other countries.

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Meanwhile, Texas saw fewer residents move from other states than it did during the COVID-19 pandemic  when the state attracted residents from places like California and New York in search of more affordable homes among other factors.

Texas still led the country in domestic migration, followed by North Carolina and South Carolina, adding 85,267 people from other states within the last year. California, New York and Illinois saw the largest population losses in the last year, but those states lost fewer residents than they did in previous years.

Why domestic migration to Texas slowed isnt clear, said Lloyd Potter, the state demographer, but its possible that many of the people most likely to move to Texas from other states have simply already done so. With domestic migration appearing to slow, Texas will likely rely on international migration to meet its labor needs as the states economy booms, he said.

With a growing economy, we have a growing demand for labor, Potter said. And if we're seeing a decline in domestic migration, well that labor probably is going to need to come from immigrants.
As a government shutdown looms, Congress faces a Friday deadline to pass a funding bill. Without a deal, hundreds of thousands of federal workers could be furloughed nationwide.

Texas, home to nearly 130,000 federal employees, ranks fifth in the nation, making the potential impact especially significant for the state ahead of the holidays.

President-elect Donald Trump has opposed Congress plan to fund the government through March.

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"Republicans must GET SMART and TOUGH," Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance wrote in a joint statement Wednesday. "If Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want, then CALL THEIR BLUFF."

His statement comes after Congressional leaders released the text of a short-term bill to keep the federal government funded, which includes more than $100 billion for disaster relief funding for areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

What happens to federal workers during a government shutdown?

A shutdown doesnt mean a complete halt of government operations. Federal agencies classify workers as either essential or nonessential.

Essential workers continue working, though they may not receive immediate pay. Nonessential workers, however, are furloughed, meaning they cannot work or be paid until the government reopens, according to a breakdown compiled by Reuters.

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With current funding set to expire Friday night as Congress hopes to adjourn for the holidays, failure to pass a funding bill could lead to furloughs for thousands of federal workers and a reduction in federal services.

Here's how it may look:

Social Security and Medicare : Social Security benefits continue without interruption; Medicare benefits may experience delays due to the shutdown.

Veterans Benefits : Veterans continue to receive benefits and medical care without disruption.

SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program continues, with possible minor disruptions.

Military : Active-duty military personnel stay on the job, though about half of Pentagon civilian employees may face furloughs

National Nuclear Security Administration: The agency remains operational.

Law Enforcement: Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and prison staff, remain operational; Secret Service and Coast Guard continue their duties.

National Parks : National parks and monuments close; rangers are furloughed, and facilities are shut down, though some states may temporarily fund operations.

Borders and Homeland Security : Border Patrol and immigration enforcement agents remain on duty; local governments will not receive new aid for migrant shelters.

Transportation : Airport security screeners and air traffic controllers stay on duty; new hires and major infrastructure projects may face delays; absenteeism may impact airport operations.

Congressional Pay: Lawmakers continue receiving pay; staffers are furloughed, but essential personnel continue to work.

White House: Most of the White House staff is furloughed; essential offices like the National Security Council continue; the president's salary remains unaffected.

Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What a government shutdown means for nearly 130K Texas federal workers
This coverage is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Texas free newsletters here.

Republicans are making a big push for legislation requiring Texans to provide proof of citizenship to register to vote, and key lawmakers are signaling that theyll make it a priority next year.

The push is part of a national effort by the GOP and conservative allies who assert that such legislation is needed to stop noncitizens from illegally casting ballots, even though such cases are already very rare.

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Texas Republican lawmakers have filed at least five bills so far ahead of the legislative session opening in January. Its too early to tell which ones could get traction when the session starts. Some of the bills appear to be modeled after federal legislation considered earlier this year by the U.S. Congress, where the measure passed the House but stalled in the Senate. At least one calls for placing a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot next year for voters to consider. Others mirror a law adopted 20 years ago in Arizona, the only state that currently enforces a proof of citizenship requirement for voters.

Because of conflicts between Arizonas law and federal voting rights laws, Arizona maintains a split voter roll, with a small percentage of residents who havent provided proof of citizenship and are allowed to cast ballots only in federal elections. The makeup of the federal only list shows how certain demographic groups  including Native voters and young people  are at greater risk of being disenfranchised over citizenship documentation requirements, a Votebeat analysis has found.

If Texas were to adopt a similar system, experts say, it could also potentially disenfranchise citizens, because research has found that millions of Americans  for various reasons  do not have access to documents that prove their citizenship.

And, as in Arizona, such a law could impose new administrative burdens for election officials who would need additional training and resources in order to comply.

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This will be something that affects you if you're young, if you're old, if you're Republican, if you're Democrat, it really doesn't matter, said Jasleen Singh, legal counsel for the democracy program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, a voting rights nonprofit that has studied the potential effects of requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. State lawmakers are putting millions of people at risk of not being able to meet those requirements, Singh said.

The effects of Arizonas citizenship proof law

Under federal law, all U.S. voters must attest to their citizenship to register, but they do not need to prove it. Voter registrars in counties across the country have processes in place to check that only eligible citizens make it onto the voter rolls.

Experts say noncitizen voting cases are rare and there is no evidence that they have affected election outcomes. Voting leaves an extensive paper trail, and noncitizens who illegally cast ballots face criminal penalties, including the loss of their residency status and deportation.

Arizonas law requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote was passed in 2004, and prompted lengthy legal fights that continue even now. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Arizona must allow residents who do not provide such proof to cast ballots in federal elections. That ruling led to the current split system with the federal only voter list.

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In Arizona, federal only voters make up less than 1% of the states voter roll  or 34,933 out of around 4.4 million active voters eligible for this past November election. A Votebeat analysis found that the list includes disproportionately high numbers of voters who live on Native land, on college campuses, and at the states main homeless campus. Such voters also were generally younger than the voting-age population in the state, and were less likely to vote this past November than voters who had provided proof of citizenship, the analysis found.

Arizona has struggled to maintain the lists accurately. Officials discovered this summer that for decades, the state has been labeling some voters as having provided proof of U.S. citizenship, when in fact they had never been asked to do so. The confusion stemmed from the fact that some Arizonans who obtained drivers licenses before 1996 were exempted from the requirement. The Arizona Secretary of States Office estimated that around 218,000 voters were affected.

Twenty years after it was enacted, Arizonas proof-of-citizenship requirement remains the only one in the country that is actively enforced. But conservative activists and Republicans around the country have been rallying support for more such laws by raising alarms about the risk of noncitizen voting.

Its a politically savvy move, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston. Republicans can say they are tough on immigration, border security and illegal voting, too.

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In Texas this summer, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a press release boasting that the state had removed more than potential 6,500 noncitizens from its voter rolls. An investigation by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune, and Votebeat found the governors figure was likely inflated and, in some cases, wrong.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the federal government in October, claiming the Department of Homeland Security has refused to help the state check the citizenship status of some registered voters. The federal agency offers states access to a database that can be used to verify immigration status, but Paxton argued its inadequate and requires a fee for each verification.

What the Texas bills call for

The five bills filed in Texas so far vary in their details.

Sen. Bryan Hughes, a Republican from northeast Texas, first introduced a bill requiring proof of citizenship during the 2023 legislative session. The bill was approved by the Senate, but never got a hearing in the House. In a bill analysis, Hughes cited the 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed Arizona to move forward and called for a similar system. He has now reintroduced the same bill as Senate Bill 309, which would task the Texas Secretary of State with crafting a process and rules to require voters to submit proof of citizenship to the registrar. Hughes did not respond to requests for comment.

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At a legislative hearing in October, Hughes said the legislation is a major priority. We need to get it done, he said.

In the Texas House of Representatives, House Bill 892, filed by Rep. Briscoe Cain, a Republican from East Texas, mirrors some of the requirements in place in Arizona and also some from the federal SAVE Act, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, a Texas Republican, and pending in Congress. The Cain legislation would require voters to present one of the following: a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate; a U.S. passport or passport card; a naturalization certificate; or a consular report of birth abroad issued by the U.S. State Department.

Cains bill would also allow volunteer deputy registrars  who conduct voter registration outreach at community events and college campuses but arent employed by counties  to check for proof of citizenship.

Cains bill would have to pass the state Legislature and then be approved by voters next year. Arizonas law was also created through a ballot proposition. Cain did not respond to requests for comment.

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Rep. Brooks Landgraf, a Republican from West Texas, filed House Bill 219. In addition to birth certificates, passports, and naturalization certificates, Landgrafs bill would allow voters to provide a Texas drivers license or a state ID. The bill also requires voter registrars to follow up with the voter to ensure they provide the required documentation if the application was mailed or faxed. Landgraf could not be reached for comment.

None of the bills that identify a list of acceptable documents include tribal documents, which Arizona does accept. The legislators did not respond to Votebeats questions about whether they would consider including them.

Arizona law took years to straighten out

Experts warn that a proof of citizenship requirement could have unintended consequences for voters and election officials, and must be crafted carefully.

Tammy Patrick, who was the elections administrator in Arizonas Maricopa County from 2003 to 2014, said it took election officials years to effectively implement the proof of citizenship requirement there. There were hours of additional training for election workers and money spent on voter education outreach so voters could be aware of the new rules, among other things.

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A lot of time and resources were also spent on verifying voters information, Patrick said.

Initially, the law required naturalized voters to provide a number from their naturalization certificates to verify their citizenship status. But officials later found the number the law asked for could not be used to verify that information. The law also wasnt clear on whether officials could accept an expired U.S. passport as proof of citizenship, Patrick said.

Over time, the law had to be updated to clarify which documents could be accepted.

Election officials must also verify voters information and compare it to state and federal data to check citizenship status. That information wasnt always up to date or accurate, Patrick said.

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In some instances, longtime voters whod never missed their opportunity to cast their ballot found that when they moved from one county to another, they had to re-register but didnt have the documents they needed to provide proof of citizenship.

People think it sounds easy. It sounds like it makes sense. Why wouldn't you have to prove your citizenship, right? said Patrick, who is now the CEO for programs at the National Association of Election Officials. But there are details in the implementation that get very messy very quickly.

In Texas, some voter registrars have a lot of questions about how implementing this requirement would work in their offices and what exactly would be required of voters.

Chris Davis, the voter registration division director in Travis County, home to Austin, says lawmakers should consider how these rules would work in tandem with requirements officials already have to follow.

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If election officials are tasked with verifying citizenship, thatll likely require an update of training materials for election workers, Davis said.

Then theres the responsibility (and) liability that youre putting on volunteer deputy registrars, if they are part of the process Are they the ones that get to handle those documents? Davis said. It just doesn't work in terms of, whod want to entrust a passport or a birth certificate to a VDR? These are very, very precious documents.

If such documentation has to be stored as part of the voters record, he said, it will become public information and will have to be redacted before being released publicly, which will also take time and likely additional workers. None of these steps would be as easy to pull off in smaller counties already short on funds, he said.

The legislature should really think this through in terms of unintended consequences and in ensuring security of these documents and in understanding the time that's going to be required to process these, Davis said.

Natalia Contreras covers election administration and voting access for Votebeat in partnership with the Texas Tribune. She is based in Corpus Christi. Contact Natalia at ncontreras@votebeat.org

Disclosure: Texas Secretary of State and University of Houston have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
BANGKOK (AP)  Two days of meetings on Myanmar s violent political crisis began Thursday in the Thai capital Bangkok, the latest in a long series of regional talks that have made no headway in restoring peace to the war-torn Southeast Asian nation.

Myanmar has been wracked by violence since its army in February 2021 ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and violently repressed peaceful pro-democracy protests, leading to the establishment of an armed resistance movement. The military government has used harsh tactics, including air strikes, to suppress its opponents, but the war has only became fiercer, especially in the past year.

Thursdays discussions were attended by foreign ministers and high-level representatives from Myanmar and its neighbors, Laos, China, India, Bangladesh and host Thailand. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa described their talks as important because it was the first time that Myanmar and all five of its neighbors had met together.

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Myanmars neighbors, fearing regional destabilization, particularly the massive movement of refugees from the fighting, have made numerous efforts to promote a peaceful solution to the crisis.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, has taken the lead in efforts to restore peace in Myanmar. Its members, excepting Myanmar, will hold talks in Bangkok on Friday.

ASEAN in early 2021 agreed on a five-point consensus for peace, but the military leadership in Myanmar did virtually nothing to implement it, frustrating the groups fellow members to the extent they have barred leading members of Myanmars ruling military from attending their meetings.

The peace plan calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, a dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid through ASEAN channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties.

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Only a very limited Thai-led effort of providing cross-border aid came to fruition. Thailand is widely seen as taking a conciliatory attitude toward Myanmars military government, which is condemned by many countries for its brutal war and suppression of democracy.

The six nations attending Thursdays meeting agreed that direct engagement with Myanmar is critical and necessary, said Thailands Maris. They see the value of meeting regularly. And they share the same understanding, more so than other countries, because they are direct neighbors directly impacted by the situation in Myanmar.

Thai officials said Thursday's talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, with a frank and constructive exchange of views, in areas related to border security and combatting transnational crime, particularly illicit drugs and online scams. 

They said Myanmar Foreign Minister Than Swe informed them about the military government's political roadmap, focused on elections planned for next year.

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Critics of the Myanmar government of Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing have expressed dissatisfaction at conciliatory approaches to his regime.

Rather than two-track diplomacy, Thailand is engaging in two-faced diplomacy - signing up to ASEAN statements seeking to condemn and isolate the junta, while at the same time quietly attempting to usher the junta back into the regional fold, said Patrick Phongsathorn, senior advocacy specialist at Fortify Rights, a human rights group specializing in Myanmar affairs.

As the juntas atrocities escalate, the effects of which have had a massive regional spill-over, ASEAN must be steadfast in its rejection of Min Aung Hlaing and his cabal and any attempt to solidify their position through the sham elections planned for next year, he said.
There's still time to get out to a Christmas or holiday concert if you haven't yet made time for a little festive music.

There are concerts taking place nightly at venues all around the Twin Cities. Here are some concerts that you can still see during the last week before Christmas arrives.

Langston Hughes' 'Black Nativity'

Nightly through Dec. 22 at Penumbra Theatre

Actors, vocalists, and dancers take on a gospel-rich retelling of the Christmas story from Langston Hughes. Now running for more than 30 years at Penumbra, it's a moving and popular story about resilience, justice, and love.

A Charlie Brown Christmas feat. Blue Ox Trio playing the music of Vince Guaraldi

Thursday, Dec. 19 at Turf Club

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What would A Charlie Brown Christmas be without the music of Vince Guaraldi? It's hard to imagine. Fortunately, it's an absurd thought exercise that doesn't need to exist. The Blue Ox Trio will celebrate that soundtrack and Guaraldi's music at the Turf Club in the hometown of the Peanuts creator.

Chapel HartCourtesy of Schneider Rondan Organization

Chapel Hart: Hartfelt Family Christmas Tour

Friday, Dec. 20 at Fine Line

The family trio that broke out on America's Got Talent is in the holiday spirit after releasing its gospel and country-bridging Hartfelt Family Christmas album, which has guest spots from Darius Rucker, Vince Gill, and Gretchen Wilson.

Elf in Concert with the Minnesota Orchestra

Friday, Dec. 20Sunday, Dec. 22 at Orchestra Hall

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There have been an enormous number of Elf screenings around the Twin Cities this month. However, the Minnesota Orchestra offers a fresh take, bringing John Debney's score to life under Will Ferrell's escapades with syrup-covered pasta and the best cup of coffee in the world.

Related: Where to watch holiday movies around the Twin Cities in December

A Grand Ole Opry Christmas

Friday, Dec. 20 at Crooners Supper Club

The Little Big Town-led "Christmas at the Opry" special ran earlier this week, but you can still get a taste of a Nashville Christmas. Mick Sterling, Cate Fierro, and Shalo Lee are honoring the legends of country's most famous stage at Crooners.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Saturday, Dec. 21 at Xcel Energy Center

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The orchestral prog-rock holiday staple is making like Santa and coming to town. Nearly 30 years after its meteoric rise to holiday stardom, the massive music and light show remains a singular experience.

Holiday Soul with Joyann Parker Band

Sunday, Dec. 22 at Icehouse

Parker's voice brings in R&B, blues, and Americana influences, all of which will be put to work on Christmas favorites at Icehouse.

More Christmas and holiday concerts around the Twin Cities

Wednesday, Dec. 18:

Thursday, Dec. 19:

Friday, Dec. 20:

Saturday, Dec. 21:

Sunday, Dec. 22:

Monday, Dec. 23:

Related: 32 of the best holiday markets around the Twin Cities this year
Workers at seven Amazon facilities went on strike Thursday morning, hoping to force negotiations for a labor contract after the delivery and retail giant ignored union requests to begin talks by a Dec. 15 deadline.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union that represents around 10,000 Amazon workers and contractors, hopes to apply maximum pressure by timing the strike during the holiday delivery rush. Amazon, which employs around 1 million hourly workers and reported $39 billion in net income for the first nine months of this year, insists that operations will continue as normal.

The strikes are taking place in facilities across the four states of California, New York, Illinois and Georgia. Police in Maspeth, Queens have already started making arrests, with Hell Gate, a local publication, posting a video of NYPD officers physically confronting workers and moving to block off their path. Another video posted half an hour later shows the NYPD setting up barricades, apparently to clear a path for non-striking Amazon contractors to break the picket line by entering and leaving the facility.

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If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it, Teamsters General President Sean OBrien said in a statement posted on X. These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, theyve pushed workers to the limit and now theyre paying the price. This strike is on them."

Workers in other areas of the company are also ready to join the strike should Amazon refuse to bargain, according to the union announcement.

Amazon, seemingly confident that the price will be small, has shown no signs of relenting. The company claims that the delivery drivers represented by the Teamsters are not Amazon employees at all because they work through a third-party contractor; the union says that, under a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruling, the workers should be considered to have joint employers  both Amazon and Delivery Service Partners  and all of the attendant rights to bargain for higher wages and benefits with the company that controls their working conditions.

Amazon and other business groups have issued legal challenges against that NLRB rule and others, as well as the watchdog's constitutionality.

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For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers.' They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative," Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement. The Teamsters, the company claimed, "threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce" workers into joining the strike.

Labor advocates say that Amazon is the one using its heavy hand against union activity. The company has been the subject of several investigative reports and NLRB complaints that highlighted alleged attempts to surveil, harass and fire workers who stepped out of line. Just last month, the NLRB ruled against Amazon over forcing workers to attend "captive audience" meetings where management delivered lectures about the ills of joining a union.

Those tactics have not dissuaded the employees of several Amazon facilities from voting for union representation. The largest group at Amazon represented by the Teamsters works at JFK8, a Staten Island warehouse that employs more than 5,000 people. Although warehouse employees voted to unionize in an election in 2022, Amazon has refused to bargain with them and, alleging bias by the NLRB officials charged with overseeing the process, unsuccessfully challenged the election outcome.

Amazon has also tried to ward off union drives by sometimes offering concessions, as they did for delivery drivers in September, raising their average national pay from $20.50 to $22 an hour. At least publicly, the company maintains that is enough.
DENVER (KDVR)  Fort Collins police were looking for a suspect who reportedly stole a baby Jesus figurine from a nativity scene, but said the thief returned the figurine on Thursday with a brief note.

Fort Collins Police Services first noted the figurine was stolen from the Old Town Square nativity scene on Tuesday.

This Grinch tried to ruin Christmas by stealing the Baby Jesus from the Old Town Square nativity scene, the agency wrote on Facebook.

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According to police, the reported theft happened on Sunday at 2:19 a.m. The nativity scene was positioned behind restraint fencing at the Old Town Square.

But on Thursday, the figurine was anonymously dropped off at Poudre Fire Authority Station #1 in Fort Collins with an apology note.

I am really sorry, I made a dumb mistake in the moment, it wont happen again, the scrawled note reads.

Police said they did not get any further information about the suspect from the figurine drop-off.

1 killed in shooting near Orchard Town Center

The agency did not say if it was still looking for the suspect pictured below but shared photos of the recovered figurine.

This baby Jesus figurine was anonymously turned in to a Poudre Authority Fire station on Thursday after it was taken from a nativity scene in Fort Collins. (Fort Collins Police Services) This baby Jesus figurine was anonymously turned in to a Poudre Authority Fire station on Thursday after it was taken from a nativity scene in Fort Collins. (Fort Collins Police Services)

The suspect was seen with three other people at the time of the theft, but their descriptions were not immediately available.

Suspect wanted for stealing baby Jesus figurine from nativity scene in Fort Collins. (Fort Collins Police Services)

Anyone who recognizes the suspect pictured or witnessed the theft is asked to call Officer Brittingham at 970-419-3273.

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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 FOX31 Denver.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  State police say they continue to investigate more than 150 reports of drone sightings across the Commonwealth, even as Virginias governor and two U.S. senators say a Friday briefing designed to answer questions was a failure.

With the conversation of drones on many peoples minds, the Virginia State Police said there have been more than 150 submitted tips. A spokesman said he didnt have specific data for Hampton Roads, but said, suffice it to say, investigators are busy across the state looking into drones.

Recent sightings have been reported in New Jersey, and even residents in Hampton Roads have submitted photos and videos of lights in the sky that they suspect is a drone. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the state is closely monitoring the drone activity.

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Va. governor says drone information from feds insufficient

Weve received more than 150 tips in the month of December, and each one of them is being investigated. Weve received them from all over the Commonwealth, VSP spokesperson Matt Demlein said Thursday. He says state police are asking the public to report suspicious drones.

What we consider to be suspicious is something flying over a critical installation, or critical infrastructure such as a military installation, which of course you have a lot of in Hampton Roads, he said.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, and told us earlier this week about his outrage over a lack of information. He believes that nearly all of the sightings are either duly registered drones or commercial aircraft, but says the Pentagon has to come up with answers.

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Im not gonna call it a full panic, Warner said, but at least youve got folks understandably concerned and (for the Pentagon) not to be kind of more forward leaning is totally unacceptable.

Warner, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Youngkin were briefed Thursday afternoon but said in a joint statement the information they received from the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, and the FBI fell far short of expectations.

While we appreciate the agencies taking the time to update us on the situation, this briefing was insufficient and unsatisfactory. It has been more than a year since these sightings over key military facilities in Virginia and the lack of answers about the nature, intent, and origin of these incidents is completely unacceptable. The safety of Virginians remains our top priority, and we are determined to continue pressing for additional details as well as greater coordination with state and local officials. We will be staying in close contact with the relevant federal and state agencies to ensure that these concerns are pursued vigorously.

Several of the sightings have been after dark. That raises questions  and the eyebrows  of Stacie Pettyjohn, a strategist with the Center for a New American Security who looks at the impact of drones as they relate to national security.

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Most of them are not capable of learning much or doing much at night, she said. Its much harder to fly. You might fly into trees, you know, are electric wires and most of them dont have thermal cameras, so they cant really be making out much and gathering much intel.

Law enforcement has encouraged citizens to contact the Virginia Fusion Center at vfc@vfc.vsp.virginia.gov, if they see believe theyve seen a drone acting suspiciously.

We encourage anyone that witnesses a drone flying over critical infrastructure, such as energy installations, or military sites, to contact the Virginia Fusion Center, said Virginia State Police Special Agent D. Robinson. This will enable us to work with our partners to determine exactly what is occurring, and how to move forward.

Drones are required to remain in sight of either the operator or a visual observer and have a maximum allowable altitude of 400 feet unless waived by federal regulators.

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Operators are required to have a remote pilot certificate for recreational use or a license from the FAA for commercial use.

It is against the law to shoot at a drone and airspace is governed by the federal government.

State law prohibits the flying of drones within 50 feet of a residence, unless the person is authorized by the federal government to operate and is doing so lawfully and consistent with federal regulations.

The Virginia Fusion Center Shield Program has released additional information on drones available at All Sectors Bulletin  UAV Assessment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Amazon drivers went on strike in four states across the country with less than a week to go before Christmas  but the company is saying its not going to affect your holiday deliveries.

Members of the Teamsters union have announced are striking at eight facilities across four states, and even though the Teamsters claim to represent 7,000 Amazon workers nationwide, that accounts for less than 1% of the companys US workforce.

Beyond the usual labor complaints about wages and benefits, however, is that Amazon disputes that theyre Amazon employees at all, despite wearing Amazon vests, driving Amazon vans, and exclusively delivering Amazon packages.

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If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazons insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it, said Teamsters General President Sean OBrien, in a statement posted on X.

We are struggling and fighting for basic benefits and needs that are otherwise an industry standard, said driver Luke Cianciotto speaking to reporters outside the Skokie facility just before the start of the strike there. Many of us, we dont have any Christmas presents under the tree this year. The wages and hours we get working for Amazon simply arent enough to get by in todays economy.

Beyond saying that its shipments to customers will not be affected, Amazons statement emphasized its argument that the Teamsters do not represent anyone on the Amazon payroll. The National Labor Relations Board has only certified one group of Amazon workers as being in the union, and that location, on Staten Island, New York, is not yet on strike, despite authorizing one.

There are a lot of nuances here but I want to be clear, the Teamsters dont represent any Amazon employees despite their claims to the contrary, said Kelly Nantel, a spokesperson for Amazon, in a statement. This entire narrative is a PR play and the Teamsters conduct this past year, and this week is illegal.

Strikers hold signs during a strike at Skokie (DIL7) Amazon Delivery station in Skokie, Illinois, on December 19. - Nam Y. Huh/AP

The first location to be struck at 6 am ET Thursday was a facility in Queens. Then, an hour later, they were joined by workers in Skokie, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. At 9 am ET the strike expanded to locations in Atlanta, San Francisco, Victorville and the City of Industry, California.

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The strike will have only minor, very limited impact on Amazon shipments, given how many facilities it has and how few are are being struck, said Satish Jindel, president of ShipMatrix, a software provider that tracks on-time delivery data for package shippers. He said it would be similar to an ice storm hitting a region.

They will have the ability to ship product from other locations. They wont be shutdown, he said. Some packages that might have taken one day to be delivered will now take two. Some that might have taken two days will take three. But it wont be that many.

The difference between this strike and a weather event, like an ice storm, Jindel said is that when an ice storm is over, its over. The bad feelings here could continue after the strike.

The union has pointed to Amazons profits, which have soared, especially in recent years. Amazon reported a net income of $39.2 billion in the first nine months of this year, more than double for the same period of 2023, with revenue of $450.2 billion so far this year, making it the worlds second largest private company behind only Walmart in terms of revenue.

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Its no longer going to be packages over people, profit over people. Its people over packages, people over profits, said Ashshura Brooks, another driver in Skokie speaking outside the facility.

Its not clear how long the strike will last. Shorter strikes have grown in popularity in recent years, with occasionally great success, like the 2023 strike at healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente. Thats opposed to the more traditional, open-ended strikes which go on until a new labor deal is reached, as was the case with the recent strikes at Boeing, Big Three automakers, and Hollywood studios.

Working for Amazon, but not Amazon

Since the Teamsters say its members are on strike as Amazon refuses to even negotiate, and since Amazon said it does not recognize the union, an open-ended strike seems unlikely. All a union spokesperson said Thursday is that the strike would last more than one day.

But by striking the week before Christmas and Hanukkah, the Teamsters hope to apply maximum pressure to Amazon, and perhaps convince some of its customers to shop elsewhere for last-minute gifts.

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At the locations on strike and set to strike Thursday, the union claims to represent drivers who work for an Amazon contractor. The union claims that under a rule announced by the NLRB they can be considered to have joint employers  both the delivery service and Amazon. But Amazon and other business groups are challenging that rule.

Striking workers picket outside of the Amazon DAX5 warehouse, in City of Industry, California, on December 19. - Daniel Cole/Reuters

Brooks and Cianciotto mocked the idea that theyre not Amazon employees, even though their immediate employer is a third-party contractor. Brooks called the claim by the company heartbreaking for Amazon to tell us were not Amazon drivers, when we wear Amazon vests and deliver in Amazon vans.

Cianciotto said the use of third party contractors is simply a way for Amazon to shed responsibility to negotiate with the drivers.

These third party contractors dont exist without Amazon, he said.

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But the joint employer rule that the union is depending on to try to get a better deal for drivers is at risk of going away once President-elect Trump names a more business-friendly NLRB General Counsel and board members early next year.

The Teamsters set up picket lines Thursday not just at the struck facilities, but also at other Amazon distribution centers. The union said Friday that those protests had expanded to 199 facilities nationwide, however the protests did not include any work stoppage by any of the drivers making deliveries. Still, Amazon criticized those protests, saying they were an attempt to intimidate workers who wanted to be on the job.

What you see here are almost entirely outsiders  not Amazon employees or partners  and the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters, said Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hand. The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous. We appreciate all our teams great work to serve their customers and communities, and are continuing to focus on getting customers their holiday orders.

CNN confirmed that some people on the picket lines were Teamsters from other industries. But having non-strikers on a picket line is not unusual during a strike and not a necessarily a sign of efforts at intimidation.

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Teamster members from across the country have joined picket lines in front of Amazon facilities not to intimidate the company, but to support these Amazon workers who have been treated unfairly and to let them know that theyre not alone, said David Estes, a locomotive engineer and Teamsters member who was on a picket line at an Amazon facility in Dupont, Washington, just outside of Tacoma.

An election certified, an election denied

But its not just drivers working for independent contractors which Amazon refuses to recognize as Teamsters members. Amazon shows no indication it is willing to reach a deal with the Teamsters or even recognizes that the union speaks for any of its workers, despite the union declaring that employees at numerous Amazon facilities have signed cards asking to join.

Unions typically win representation of workers by filing to hold elections overseen by the NLRB. While voluntary recognition of a union by an employer is allowed under labor law, it is relatively rare and seems virtually impossible in this case given Amazons stated positions. But rather than seek votes to win representation recognized by the NLRB, the union is demanding that Amazon recognize workers who have signed cards asking to join the union.

A striking worker wears badges on their Amazon clothing, as they picket outside of the Amazon DAX5 warehouse, in City of Industry, California, on December 19. - Daniel Cole/Reuters

An upstart union, the Amazon Labor Union won such a vote at Amazons Staten Island facility in April 2022. And that vote was certified by the NLRB. But despite repeated setbacks in court, Amazon continues to fight the results of that election in further court appeals.

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Other union representation votes have failed at other Amazon facilities before and since then. The ALU members voted in June to affiliate with the Teamsters, which is one of the nations largest and most powerful unions with 1.3 million members.

Our employees have a choice of whether or not to join a union. They always have, said Amazons Nantel. We favor opportunities for each person to be respected and valued as an individual and to have their unique voice heard by working directly with our team. Amazon is on record saying it believes the 2022 election in Staten Island was not a level playing field and that the results certified by the NLRB do not accurately reflect the opinion of the workers at the facility.

The union did not announce a strike at the Staten Island warehouse, even though the union had previously announced a strike had been authorized by rank-and-file members there. The union did not immediately say why those members were not set to join the strike.

This is story has been updated with additional reporting and context.

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There were thousands less pro-Palestinian demonstrations on U.S. campuses this fall than the previous semester, according to new data.

Such protests declined by more than 64 percent between the two semesters, from 3,220 actions to 1,151, according to an Inside Higher Education analysis of data from Harvard University and the University of Connecticut.

Arrests dropped over the same period by an even greater share, falling from 3,572 to 88.

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The sharp decline in activity comes after universities instituted a suite of additional protest restrictions and speech rules, following amped-up nationwide protests in the immediate aftermath of the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel and the resulting Israeli invasion of Gaza.

The protests captured nationwide attention, prompted congressional hearings and university resignations, and came alongside a spate of both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents on campus.

As The Independent has reported, following the campus protests, in particular encampments and occupations of university buildings, schools raced to formulate new policies to avoid the chaos of the spring semester, including banning face masks, requiring pre-approval for protests, and restricting the use of specific terms like Zionist.

The protests also prompted campuses across the country to send in heavily armed riot police to break up encampments, which may go towards explaining falls decline in activity.

U.S. campuses imposed new protest, speech, and content rules after wave of pro-Palestinian protests and antisemitic incidents on campus (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Such police responses earned criticism at universities like UCLA, where riot officers in May violently broke up an encampment for security reasons after officers largely stood by for hours as a masked mob attacked the interfaith group of protesters gathered there.

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They didnt protect the protesters when there was clear violence happening, UCLA political science major Tajvir Dhesi of Texas, previously told The Independent.

This semester, campus protests have taken on a more muted tone, though these have been met with punishment, too.

Harvard faculty were temporarily banned from the campus library in October for conducting a silent study-in protest, in solidarity with a group of students who were punished for conducting a similar protest earlier the previous month.

The protests in the U.S. may have waned, but the underlying Israel-Hamas conflict that inspired them continues unabated.

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More than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting, over half of them women and children, according to officials in Gaza, nearly two percent of the territorys population.

That figure joins the roughly 1,200 people killed in the initial October 7 attack, as well as roughly 100 Israeli hostages remaining in Hamas captivity.

This week, Human Rights Watch accused Israel of conducting acts of genocide by systematically denying Palestinians access to enough water to survive.

"This isnt just negligence," HRW executive director Tirana Hassan told the BBC. "It is a calculated policy of deprivation that has led to the deaths of thousands from dehydration and disease that is nothing short of the crime against humanity of extermination, and an act of genocide."

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Israel has denied the allegations and called them propaganda.

Last month, a UN special committee investigating the conflict found that the fighting in Gaza was consistent with characteristics of genocide.

Through its siege over Gaza, obstruction of humanitarian aid, alongside targeted attacks and killing of civilians and aid workers, despite repeated UN appeals, binding orders from the International Court of Justice and resolutions of the Security Council, Israel is intentionally causing death, starvation and serious injury, using starvation as a method of war and inflicting collective punishment on the Palestinian population, the committee said.
Election workers process ballots (Carl Payne for Colorado Newsline)

A total of 2,382 North Carolina voters saw their ballots rejected this November because they arrived in the three days after Election Day, according to new data from the State Board of Elections. But those votes would have likely counted if not for a law passed by the General Assembly in 2023 ending the three-day grace period for late-arriving ballots.

While slightly more of the voters who saw ballots rejected were registered as Democrats than Republicans, at 692 and 536 respectively, nearly half came from unaffiliated voters, who cast 1,113 of the late ballots. The final 41 came from voters registered with third parties, such as the Green Party.

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Thats about three times the number of ballots rejected within that three-day span during the 2024 primary election, when the state saw nearly 800 absentee ballots turned down. The grace period was in place for more than a decade, having been established in 2009 with bipartisan backing.

The racial breakdown of the late ballots was similar to that of the electorate, with about 66.9% from white voters, 13.6% from Black voters, 4.5% from Asian voters, 9.8% from voters reporting no racial designation, 4.2% who reported Other, and less than 1% from voters who identified as Indian American or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or two or more races. 3.9% of the voters whose ballots arrived during the former grace period identified as Hispanic or Latino.

More than a fifth of those ballots were cast in Wake County, which saw 514 arrive during what would have been the grace period for absentee ballots. Carteret and Durham counties were second and third, with 162 and 161 late ballots, while Iredell, Buncombe, New Hanover, and Forsyth counties each had more than 100 as well. Despite being home to the second-largest population in the state, Mecklenburg County received only 14 late ballots from Nov. 6 to Nov. 8. Twenty-five counties reported no late-arriving ballots at all.

Gerry Cohen, a member of the Wake County Board of Elections, said the state total comes with a caveat  some of those ballots would still not have counted as they would still need to have been postmarked on or before Election Day. About 20% of the 514 that arrived late in Wake had no postmark, Cohen noted, while several more were postmarked Nov. 6 or Nov. 7  for a total of 115 ballots that would not have counted regardless.

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As not all county boards of elections recorded the postmarks of the late-arriving ballots, it is not possible to say how many of the 2,382 ballots would have counted. If the 20% incorrect postmark rate held statewide, that would mean about 1,900 late ballots that would have counted.

Counties that were part of the disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene saw 390 ballots rejected in the three days following the election, with Buncombe leading the way at 141. A bill proposed by Rep. Caleb Rudow (D-Buncombe) in the wake of Hurricane Helene would have restored the grace period for counties affected by Helene, but the bill was rejected in a 44-68 vote on Oct. 9. All Democrats present voted for that bill, and all Republicans present voted against it. Other changes passed by the General Assembly relaxed restrictions on returning absentee ballots in the western part of the state due to the disaster.

While the presidential race would not have been affected by the inclusion of these ballots, as Donald Trump beat Kamala Harris by a margin of nearly 200,000 votes, the excluded ballots may have been enough to shift some of the tightest down-ballot races this election. Judge Jefferson Griffin lost the razor-thin state Supreme Court race by just 734 votes, less than half the total of ballots excluded due to lateness. Similarly, in the closest state Senate race, Democrat Terence Everitt won by just 134 votes.

This story has been updated.
BERLIN (AP)  Thousands of Syrian doctors work in Germany, and the fall of Bashar Assad is raising concern over the potential consequences for the health sector if many of them were to return home.

Germany became a leading destination for Syrian refugees over the past decade, and some politicians were quick to start talking about encouraging the return of at least some after rebels took Damascus earlier this month. Others noted that the exiles include many well-qualified people and said their departure would hurt Germany  particularly that of doctors and other medical staff.

Whole areas in the health sector would fall away if all the Syrians who work here now were to leave our country, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said last week. For us it is important that we make the offer to the Syrians who are here, who have a job, who have integrated, who are crime-free, whose children go to school, to stay here and be there for our economy.

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Syrians have become a factor in a health sector that struggles to fill jobs, part of a wider problem Germany has with an aging population and a shortage of skilled labor.

The head of the German Hospital Federation, Gerald Gass, says Syrians now make up the largest single group of foreign doctors, accounting for 2% to 3%.

An estimated 5,000 Syrian doctors work in hospitals alone. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who puts the total number of Syrian doctors at over 6,000, says they are indispensable to health care.

Gass said the picture hospital operators are getting from Syrian doctors so far is very varied. Some  particularly those with many relatives still in Syria  are considering a quick return if the situation proves stable, while others feel at ease and well-integrated in Germany and want to stay. But no looming mass movement toward Syria is recognizable at present.

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It's certainly not the case that patient care would collapse in Germany if all Syrian doctors returned now, Gass said. But of course we have the situation that these people often work in smaller groups at individual sites"  whose quick departure could force temporary local closures.

We are well advised to treat these people respectfully, Gass said. And yes, hospital owners are giving thought to how they could fill these jobs.

Many Syrian doctors have made Germany their home

Dr. Hiba Alnayef, an assistant pediatric doctor at a hospital in Nauen, just outside Berlin, said she has been asked in the last 10 days, what if the Syrians all go back now?

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I don't know  some want to, but it's very difficult and uncertain, said Aleppo-born Alnayef, who has spent much of her life outside Syria and came to Germany from Spain in 2016. She said it's something she thinks about, "but I have a homeland here too now."

She said she and other Syrian doctors and pharmacists would like to build cooperation between Germany and Syria.

The Germans need specialists, Syria needs support ... renovation, everything is destroyed now, she said. I think we can work well together to help both societies.

Alnayef said the German health system would have a big problem if only part of its Syrian doctors decided to leave  we are understaffed, we are burned out, we are doing the work of several doctors. She said Germany has offered a safe harbor, but that discrimination and racism have been issues and integration is a challenge.

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Dr. Ayham Darouich, 40, who came from Aleppo to Germany to study medicine in 2007 and has had his own general practice in Berlin since 2021, said that as far as I have heard, none of my circle of friends wants to go back.

They have their family or their practices here, they have their society here, Darouich said. German concerns that many might return are a bit exaggerated, or unjustified.

But he said Germany needs to do more to persuade medical professionals it trains to stay in the country, and that it could also do more to make itself attractive to foreigners needed to fill the gaps.

We see that the nurses and medical professionals in hospitals earn relatively little in comparison with the U.S. or Switzerland, Darouich said, and poorly regulated working hours and understaffed hospitals are among factors that drive people away."

___

Associated Press journalist Pietro De Cristofaro in Berlin contributed to this report.

___

Follow the APs Syria coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/syria
HUGHES COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR)  Investigators say 42-year-old Richard Chambers was arrested Wednesday morning in Hughes County, near Ada, after an alleged killing spree.

The OSBI, working with not only Pontotoc County Sheriffs Office, the Midwest City Police Department and OHP [Oklahoma Highway Patrol] as well. We were able to identify a person of interest who we believe is linked to these three murders, said Hunter McKee, with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Midwest City Police found 62-year-old Annie Brown shot to death inside of her home, with her car missing. It was found nearly 90 miles away in the small town of Allen, Oklahoma.

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ORIGINAL STORY: Man in custody in connection to Midwest City homicide, two other homicides

Browns home in Midwest City. (KFOR)

Richard Chambers, courtesy Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Braelyn Hill is one of Browns next door neighbors.

I was floored. I still cant wrap my head around it. She was a really kind and giving person, said Hill.

State agents say the Pontotoc County Sheriffs Department responded to a suspicious call at a home in Allen just before midnight Tuesday, which is where Browns car was found.

They had gotten to that residence, they discovered an elderly couple, male, 84, female, 70 who had been severely injured, said McKee.

OSBI said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene and the man was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

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Police have identified the Allen couple as 84-year-old Robert Peliti, and 70-year-old Jackie Peliti.

In a press release sent out by the Midwest City Police Department, it said Chambers was living in Browns backyard.

She loaned her shed out to a lot of people. There was electricity in there, it was just a place to sleep thats not on the streets. Its just kind of crazy to think that someone would take advantage of that, said Hill.

Investigators say theyre working to figure out why Chambers went on the alleged killing spree.

Youre talking about in a short amount of time. Quickly, three innocent people, who are now gone, said McKee.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA)  As the Mahomet community comes togethertheyre also left wondering with just as many questions following the triple homicide that took place Wednesday night.

WCIA is working to find answers and bring some clarity to the situation. At this time, Illinois state police is handling the investigation.

Update at 2:45 p.m.

The Cook County Medical Examiners Office has released the name of the man suspected of killing three people in Mahomet Wednesday night before fleeing to Berwyn, where he was shot dead by police.

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The Medical Examiners Office identified him as 24-year-old John R. Lyons of Westchester, Ill.

The investigations into both the Mahomet homicides and the shooting in Berwyn are ongoing.

Update at 12:56 p.m.

BERWYN, Ill. (WCIA)  Police officials from a suburb of Chicago said the suspect wanted in connection to the triple homicide in Mahomet is dead after a shootout with officers in their town Wednesday night.

Officials from the Berwyn Police Department said on Facebook that officers responded to a report of an armed man at approximately 11:38 p.m. Responding to the reported location, officers said the subject fled on foot and escaped.

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The subject then forced entry into a residencewhere he fatally shot two dogs, officials said. Officers then observed the offender fleeing eastbound into a yard the suspect disobeyed the officers verbal commands to stop and proceeded to shoot at police officers.

They said the officers returned fire and killed the suspect. No officers were hurt.

Champaign Police make arrest in Dec. 9 fatal shooting

Berwyn Police officials said early reports indicate the suspect their officers killed was wanted in Mahomet for Wednesdays triple homicide.

The investigation has been turned over to the Illinois State Police, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings.

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WCIA has reached out to the Illinois State Police for further information. We are waiting to hear back.

UPDATE at 12:30 p.m.

MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA)  Grace Church in Mahomet is holding a vigil.

In light of the tragedy last night. We are hosting a prayer vigil tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in our sanctuary. This is open to all. Our pastoral team will lead the vigil and focus on a time of silent prayer for the family involved and our community, the church located on Oak Street posted.

UPDATE at 8:45 a.m.

MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA)  The Champaign County Coroner identified the names of three family members who were killed in a shooting Wednesday night in Mahomet.

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Coroner Laurie Brauer said Sara E. Mason, age 26, was pronounced dead at the scene in the 1100 block of Riverside Ct.

Livingston Co. man dies in Urbana after Wednesday crash

Janis L. Mason, age 61, and Caleb M. Mason, age 23, were both pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Carle Foundation Hospital, just after 10 p.m.

The Champaign County Coroners Office, Mahomet Police Department and Illinois State Police are continuing to investigate.

MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA)  Three people are dead after a shooting in Mahomet Wednesday night.

Mahomet Police officers were called to the scene on South Riverside Court around 9:40 p.m. after a report that multiple people were shot. Officers found three people with life-threatening gunshot wounds.

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Officers rendered first aid until Cornbelt Fire and Carle EMS arrived at the scene.

Champaign FD rescues one cat, two dogs from house fire

One victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two were taken to Carle Hospital, and died from their injuries at the hospital.

Police say a suspect has been identified and located.

Mahomet Police Department officials said they have requested Illinois State Polices Division of Criminal Investigation and Crime Scene Services to help conduct the investigation. The Champaign County Sheriffs Office and the Champaign County Coroners Office also assisted in the response.

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This is a developing story. WCIA will provide updates as we learn more.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Russian forces attacked the settlements of Shevchenkove and Dvorichna in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast on 19 December, claiming the lives of three people and leaving one injured.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "Sadly, three people are reported to have been killed in Shevchenkove."

Details: The official reported that the Russian attack had resulted in the deaths of two women, aged 67 and 65, and a man, aged 33.

He also mentioned that another woman had been injured in the attack on Dvorichna and taken to hospital.

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Vermonts sole reindeer farm is a school trip highlight for hundreds of kids. It also boasts the only three real live reindeer in the state.

Pauline Broe started the Vermont Reindeer Farm with her husband John 16 years ago. She says neither of them knew a thing about raising reindeer but, as a dairy farmer, she felt up to the task.

I was like, reading this magazine and there was this woman, with a red coat, blond hair, standing next to her reindeer I was like John, oh my gosh we have a barn, lets get some reindeer, she said.

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Broe says Vermont has strict laws around bringing reindeer into the state. She says they cannot be purchased from places that have a history of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis.

She also says, when she started her farm, each of her reindeer cost her under $3,000. Today reindeer can cost over $15,000. Because of this she says, she wants to make the animals as accessible as possible.

The farmer, who works full-time as a paraeducator at Derby Elementary School, says she is always teaching reindeer school as part of her curriculum. When kids come to visit, she says she tries to make the experience as educational and inclusive of nature as possible.

We dont just say come and see the pretty reindeer, we say come here to reindeer school so they can learn something about reindeer. It doesnt matter how old you are, everybody learns something.

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Wednesday morning a group from her grandsons school in Troy came to visit. Broes grandson, Jack says it was  kind of crazy having all of his classmates at the farm, but he hopes theyll come again.

I mean its a really nice farm, its the only one in Vermont and I think any of the viewers that are watching this should probably come, said Jack.

Jack says he plans to come back every Friday to visit all of his fuzzy friends. Meanwhile Broe says she and her reindeer will be traveling all over the state for the holiday season.

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 ABC22 & FOX44.
From the Techne on The Dispatch

Welcome back to Techne! In 1982, the Royal Shakespeare Companys John Barton held a masterclass in acting for Shakespearean plays. These nine workshop sessions, which were recorded and aired, featured some now big names like Judi Dench, Ben Kingsley, Ian McKellen, Roger Rees, and Patrick Stewart. All nine can be found on YouTube.

DOGE Needs to Dig Deeper Than Its Leaders Understand

An undergraduate class on Congress and legislation was one of the lowlights of my academic career. In my work for the class, I would often get wrapped up in critiquing legislation from the angle of bureaucratic implementation, when the professor was very clearly testing for understanding of the material about Congress. I resisted the class at every step and got my only C as a result, even though I graduated with honors.

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Ive grown since then, especially in my understanding of the whole of government. My thinking might be understood as the Bresson theory of government. Robert Bresson, the French filmmaker, once famously said, A film is born three times. First in the writing of the script, once again in the shooting, and finally in the editing. Government is also born three times. First it is written in Congress, then it is rewritten in the administrative state, and finally it is edited by the courts.

I have been thinking about this since writing my November 14 edition of Techne about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that will be run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Since that writing, a lot more details have emerged: Musk and Ramaswamy laid out their approach in a Wall Street Journal op-ed and have been tweeting about ideas that tackle government waste.

I want both Musk and Ramaswamy to succeed, but they dont seem to fully grasp the totality of this problem. True government reform looks beyond streamlining agencies or leveraging court decisions. Real reform recognizes the complex interplay between how laws are written, implemented, and interpreted to make things run smoother.

Ive been on the government efficiency beat for a while. In a Fox News op-ed I wrote last year titled Lets use AI to clean up government, I explained ways that new AI tech could help reform government processes. Using the concept of ChatGVT, I explored ways that ChatGPT might reform the government. One form of it could provide straight answers about the newest tax plan, if a bill is stuck in committee, or the likelihood that a piece of legislation will pass. Or a ChatGVT could be turned on the regulatory code to understand its true cost to households and businesses. As I pointed out, Using AI to turn law into code will mean that the true impact of government will be understandable and accessible. Most know that the burden imposed by regulation is colossal but the exact costs are hard to quantify. A ChatGVT could help sort out that problem. If Musk and Ramaswamy really wanted to advance government reform, they could be working to build AI tools like the one I outlined.

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But it worries me that Musk and Ramaswamy are making this a part-time job. Without direct involvement in the day-to-day operations of government agencies, any reform efforts will likely remain superficial. Real change requires getting into the trenches to understand the intricate web of processes, relationships, and institutional knowledge that makes agencies function. You cant reform what you dont fully comprehend, and you certainly cant streamline systems youve never personally navigated. The success of DOGE will ultimately depend on whether its leaders are willing to immerse themselves in the very bureaucracy they aim to transform.

What DOGE is shaping up to be.

Musk and Ramaswamys op-ed offers the most comprehensive plan for DOGE. They open with a swing,

Our nation was founded on the basic idea that the people we elect run the government. That isnt how America functions today. Most legal edicts arent laws enacted by Congress but rules and regulations promulgated by unelected bureaucratstens of thousands of them each year. Most government enforcement decisions and discretionary expenditures arent made by the democratically elected president or even his political appointees but by millions of unelected, unappointed civil servants within government agencies who view themselves as immune from firing thanks to civil-service protections. This is antidemocratic and antithetical to the Founders vision. It imposes massive direct and indirect costs on taxpayers.

Their solution? As they write,

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The two of us will advise DOGE at every step to pursue three major kinds of reform: regulatory rescissions, administrative reductions and cost savings. We will focus particularly on driving change through executive action based on existing legislation rather than by passing new laws. Our North Star for reform will be the U.S. Constitution, with a focus on two critical Supreme Court rulings issued during President Bidens tenure.

Being specific, they explain,

DOGE will work with legal experts embedded in government agencies, aided by advanced technology, to apply these rulings to federal regulations enacted by such agencies. DOGE will present this list of regulations to President Trump, who can, by executive action, immediately pause the enforcement of those regulations and initiate the process for review and rescission.

While the ideas are headed in the right direction, they are rooted in a misconception that actually got us into this mess. Musk and Ramaswamy have adopted a very specific, and inherently modern, way of understanding the problem. While the Founders framed their debates as tyranny and liberty, today the conversation is dominated by democracy and antidemocracy. This matters because some of the worst excesses of government come because policymakers seek democratic input.

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I touched on this idea recently when I wrote about how a federal environmental law stopped a dam from being built in western North Carolina. And I explained the broader notion of vetocracy, a government ruled by excessive veto power, back in September when I wrote about how difficult it is to start or expand a business in San Francisco:

Flying Falafel sought to expand to a second location in a vacant storefront on Castro Street. However, Gyro Xpress, a neighboring restaurant, used San Franciscos Discretionary Review process to force a public hearing before the notoriously capricious Planning Commission, which one commenter described as the minotaur in San Franciscos permit labyrinth. The competitor successfully blocked Flying Falafels permit, preventing the location from opening.

When you dig into the section of the planning code that grants this power, its purpose is to determine compatibility of the proposal with the neighborhood and give notice to interested neighborhood organizations, so that concerns about a project may be identified and resolved during the review of the permit. These kinds of democratic provisions are sprinkled throughout the regulatory code at both the federal and state level. The vetocracy needs to be dismantled, which is going to mean eliminating these kinds of excessive provisions. (I look forward to the emails chiding me for being anti-democratic.)

But I am not sure either Musk or Ramaswamy truly grasps the problem theyre trying to solve. If there were an easy lever to pull to untangle regulations, it would have been pulled long ago. There is not just one reason government services are poor or why government projects exceed their budgets. There are countless overlapping problems that all need to be addressed.

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Jennifer Pahlka, the deputy chief technology officer of the United States under President Barack Obama, pointed this out recently:

If youve spent the past ten years trying to make, say, better online services for veterans, or clearer ways to understand your Medicare benefits, or even better ways to support warfighters, youve sat in countless - and I mean countless  meetings where youve been told that something you were trying to do was illegal. Was it? Now, instead of launching your new web form or doing the user research your team needed to do, you spend weeks researching why you are now branded as dangerously lawless, only to find that either a) it was absolutely not illegal but 25 years ago someone wrote a memo that has since been interpreted as advising against this thing, b) no one had heard of the thing you were trying to do (the cloud, user research, A/B testing) and didnt understand what you were talking about so had simply asserted it was illegal out of fear, c) there was an actual provision in law somewhere that did seem to address this and interpreting it required understanding both the actual intent of the law and the operational mechanics of the thing you were trying to do, which actually matched up pretty well or d) (and this one is uncommon) that the basic, common sense thing you were trying to do was actually illegal, which was clearly the result of a misunderstanding by policymakers or the people who draft legislation and policy on their behalf, and if they understood how their words had been operationalized, theyd be horrified. It is absolutely possible to both respect the rule of law, considering the democratic process and the peaceful transfer of power sacred, and have developed an aversion to the fetishization of law that perverts its intent.

Time to get your hands dirty.

A lot of my pessimism has come from paying close attention to comments made by Musk and Ramaswamy. For example, Musk just recently tweeted this:

I honestly hope Musk intended this as a troll because there are countless reasons laws are seemingly incomprehensible, and its not because they are magic spells. Law has evolved through centuries of practical application and precedent, spreading from one legal system to another because of its proven utility in addressing complex human situations. Law isnt magic, it is closer to a really complex and old meme.

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Whats even more concerning is that DOGEs approach reinforces a dangerous oversimplification: The idea that all laws and regulations can, and should, be reduced to plain language and brief documents. While AI could indeed help make legal language more accessible to the general public, this obsession with simplicity is oddly selective. We dont demand that technical manuals, medical protocols, or engineering specifications be stripped down to their bare essentials. Why should we expect the complex machinery of governance to be any different? If a basic stereo system warrants a detailed manual, surely the rules governing a nation deserve the same depth and precision.

But more importantly, both need to be at the White House, working with agencies to map out their workflows. You need a synoptic view of how these agencies work in practice to make any real change possible. Otherwise, you just get the recent Department of Education bill that eliminated the agency by moving all of its programs to other departments.

Working in the administration as a leader will quickly disabuse you of the power behind the two cases cited in Musk and Ramaswamys op-ed, West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency, and Loper Bright v. Raimondo. Jonathan Adler, a well-respected law professor, has a great essay explaining why hes skeptical DOGE can fulfill its ambitious objectives through unilateral executive action, particularly without exquisite attention to relevant administrative law constraints.

The proposed Department of Government Efficiency under Musk and Ramaswamy, while well-intentioned, appears to suffer from the same oversimplified understanding of government that I once held as an undergraduate. Government reform isnt just about eliminating bureaucracy or invoking Supreme Court casesits about understanding how legislation, administration, and judicial interpretation work together in practice. The problems of government inefficiency stem from multiple overlapping issues: excessive democratic input leading to vetocracy, legal misinterpretations that create artificial barriers, fear of innovation within agencies, and the complex interplay between policy intent and operational reality. Without full commitment from its leaders and a deep, hands-on understanding of how agencies actually function, DOGE risks becoming yet another surface-level attempt at reform that fails to address the fundamental complexities of government administration.

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Techne will be back on January 9, 2025. Im excited for what Ive got planned. Until then,

 Will

Notes and Quotes

AI Roundup

Google released the next version of its large language model, Gemini 2.0. The New York Times has a great article about the new version. One of the features Im exploring is the Deep Research product.

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Researchers at the Tokyo-based startup Sakana AI have developed a new LLM optimization technique that can massively reduce memory costs, allowing companies to cut the costs of building applications on top of large language models (LLMs) and other Transformer-based models.

Center for Security and Emerging Technology, an AI research center at Georgetown University, just released AGORA, a collection of AI-relevant laws, regulations, standards, and other governance documents from the United States and around the world.

Read more at The Dispatch

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MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  The former Mesa County clerk and recorder  who was convicted earlier this year for her role in election violations  recently transferred facilities.

Tina Peters told the Mesa County Sheriffs Office she was concerned for her safety while incarcerated in the Mesa County Detention Facility.

According to MCSO, all of Peters concerns were investigated and it is confident that she wasnt in danger. However, she was transferred to Larimer County Jail in Fort Collins to guarantee she feels secure while in custody.

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She will remain in the Larimer County Jail until she is transferred to the Colorado Department of Corrections to begin her prison sentence at a later date.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  Palm Beach County officials are moving forward with a plan to curb homelessness through the introduction of tiny cottages.

Beyond a place to sleep at night, these tiny homes would provide people with a bathroom, shower and kitchen. And in the face of Floridas new law banning people from sleeping in public spaces such as in parks, bus stops, on the beach and on sidewalks overnight, this may provide a tangible solution, county officials say.

My job is making sure we have a workable solution to cure homelessness that doesnt cost the taxpayers any more money, said Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs, who has championed the tiny cottages idea.

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Palm Beach County would be the latest local government in South Florida exploring the idea of offering that type of housing. Both Broward and Miami-Dade counties this year similarly have explored the idea of setting up some tiny homes.

In a letter, Sachs discussed the County Commissions decision to adopt the policy, saying that tiny cottages construction, even with electrical and sanitation, costs considerably less than the use of temporary shelters.

And even still, Sachs said the county is working with South Floridas Congressional members, such as U.S. Reps. Brian Mast, Lois Frankel and Jared Moskowitz, to retain grants to support the construction of the cottages.

What my primary interest is as a County Commissioner and as a steward of the taxpayers money is that we dont spend more money on the homeless. We have been spending a lot of money on trying to help the homeless, but we havent cured it, she said.

Bringing tiny cottages to Palm Beach County

Anyone can go on Amazon at any time and buy an entire ready-to-assemble house, some with multiple bedrooms and stories for between $15,000 and $20,000. Palm Beach County officials may very well go that route.

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Sachs said she hasnt decided yet exactly which methods the county will choose to move forward with, but shes considering several, from buying them off Amazon to creating 3D-printed homes to collaborating with developers who specialize in tiny homes.

Im collecting these (options) to see, first of all, are they concurrent with our Miami building codes? These cant be RVs or mobile homes, these have to be absolutely secure during the worst hurricanes and flooding, Sachs said. They also need to cost effective and portable, she said.

Finding areas to build is another challenge in a rapidly growing county where land is becoming increasingly sparse. Also, some neighbors may oppose housing the homeless near their residences.

Sachs wants county officials to tackle the plan by identifying distressed properties as potential plots to build on, such as an abandoned dry cleaning factory.

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I have my office working to find lots that are for sale that are industrial commercial areas, Sachs said. They call them distressed properties. So theyre relatively inexpensive. And the ones that seem to work the best are lots where you dont have to knock anything down and clean the soil.

Housing First

The tiny cottages stem from a broader model dubbed Housing First, which is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness, thus ending their homelessness and serving as a platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

This model differs from others in that there are no barriers to entry in receiving housing; rather, having a bed under a roof is seen as the foundation for life improvement and then everything else  addressing any behavioral health or addiction problems, for example  follows.

As the cost of living has climbed, Stanford Purnell, the director of Social and Emotional Wellness at the Achievement Centers in Delray Beach, said he has seen homelessness get worse, especially because people who are couch-hopping or sleeping in cars generally are not counted.

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A 2024 point-in-time count, which determines how many people are experiencing homelessness on a single day, found that more than 2,000 people were unhoused in Palm Beach County. This is a nearly 15% increase from the 2023 point-in-time count, according to the countys community services.

Achievement Centers has various programs for low-income children and their parents. Purnell said he believes the tiny cottages will be really helpful in getting them into a permanent situation.

Theres just been a significant increase in housing costs. And I think unfortunately we havent seen that same trend in the wages that families are making, he said.

A new state law

The plan for the tiny cottages was largely spurred by the enactment of the state law that bans Floridas homeless from sleeping in public spaces.

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Purnell worries that people who may be on the cusp of homelessness but dont qualify for a shelter may have no choice but to find an alternative solution, such as sleeping in their car, but that will no longer be allowed.

Now they cant really set up shop anywhere. I feel like a lot of families are going to wind up in this place, he said.

Sachs didnt yet have a set timeline for when the county may begin to be dotted with these cottages, but the hope is start seeing them at some point next year.

Government works slowly. Im an impatient person, she said, adding: This is an issue we have to face.  We will do it with dignity, and well do it without increasing taxes. We will do it because it works, and were one community.
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Tennessee Trucking Associations Foundation made a generous donation to Brookdale Greenevilles toy drive on Wednesday.

The foundation donated $10,000 to the senior living facilitys toy drive for families affected by Hurricane Helene. On Wednesday, the foundation brought a truck and helped Brookdale Greeneville residents and staff shop.

Alisha Ricker, director of the Family Resource Center for Greene County Schools, said the donation comes after several families were forced to restart their lives after the flood.

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Safety improvement projects completed at Patrick Henry High School

We are so blessed and honored to be a recipient of the toys from Brookdale Greeneville, Ricker said. Were so thankful for them thinking of us and our families that have been affected by Hurricane Helene. Some of our families and students lost everything. They lost their favorite toys, their favorite books that they read together, their favorite games that they play together.

Ricker said toys will be distributed to families by whatever means necessary.

Sherry Starnes, the executive director of Brookdale Senior Living Greeneville, said that the facility is proud to give back to the community and aims to attract more donors in the future.

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We just want to give the children a good Christmas, because they were devastated, and this was detrimental to the home, she said. And so just trying to give them a good Christmas and be able to enjoy the holiday.

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Tom Girardi, the once legendary Los Angeles trial lawyer, was scheduled to be sentenced Friday after a federal jury convicted him of wire fraud.

But a judge on Wednesday canceled the proceeding as defense attorneys and prosecutors argued over whether Girardi, 85, should undergo additional medical testing and be sent to a medical facility, not prison, to serve his sentence.

In August, Girardi was found guilty of four counts of wire fraud for embezzling millions of dollars from his law firm's clients, then using the funds to underwrite a lavish lifestyle for him and his now-estranged wife, reality TV star Erika Girardi.

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Each count carries a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, but Girardi faces a less severe prison term under federal guidelines.

Prosecutors have asked the judge to sentence the disbarred lawyer to 14 years in prison and pay more than $3.7 million in restitution, stating that Girardi carried out a "calculated and devastating betrayal of the very people that turned to him for help in their darkest hour."

Read more: Tom Girardi found guilty of wire fraud: 'It wasn't a hard decision,' juror says

Defense attorneys said that a sentence of five to seven years was more appropriate and that Girardi should not serve the time in prison, arguing that he has dementia and is "an octogenarian first-time offender convicted of nonviolent crimes who poses no ongoing or future threat to society." The defense team has argued that keeping Girardi out of prison is more efficient, humane and cost-effective and that he should remain in the locked memory care ward of an Orange County nursing home.

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"If left in Orange County, he can end his days under the care of his conservatorship, without freedom but with relative decency," Girardi's defense attorneys wrote.

With the dispute unresolved, U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton delayed the sentencing and instead will schedule a future hearing over "whether defendant should be committed to a suitable facility in lieu of imprisonment." The judge also ordered that Girardi undergo additional psychiatric or psychological evaluation. Staton had previously ruled Girardi had some cognitive impairment but was competent to stand trial and even showed signs of malingering, or exaggerating, his dementia symptoms.

Read more: Tom Girardis underlings warned of likely criminal charges, federal agent testifies

The ruling is something of a win for Girardi and his lawyers, as it pushes sentencing to an unknown future date and provides a guaranteed extension of his stay in the Orange County facility.

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For Girardi's victims, some of whom testified at trial, the decision injects further delay in their quest to bring the former lawyer to justice. Several had written letters to the judge, pleading for accountability.

"The last-minute delay for Tom's sentencing feels like a slap in the face," said Kathy Ruigomez, who testified about how Girardi mishandled millions of dollars of a settlement from Pacific Gas & Electric after her son, Joseph, suffered severe burns in the San Bruno, Calif., gas explosion.

"Justice delayed is justice denied," Ruigomez added.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Attorney Tony Buzbee accused Jay-Z's Roc Nation of trying to flip his clients to sue his firm.

Buzbee is representing a woman who accused Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Sean "Diddy" Combs of rape.

Roc Nation said Buzbee's lawsuit is a distraction and a "sham."

The legal fight between Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, and attorney Tony Buzbee is heating up.

In a lawsuit filed on Wednesday, Buzbee, the attorney representing a woman who accused Carter and Sean "Diddy" Combs of rape, accused Carter's Roc Nation of using "shadowy operatives" to solicit Buzbee's former clients to flip and sue him.

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"These folks have stooped to a new low to try to intimidate the lawyers of the Buzbee Law Firm from doing their important work. This conduct was specifically targeted at our firm so we would not pursue cases related to the Diddy litigation," Buzbee said in a statement to Business Insider. "But, we will not be bullied or intimidated."

Buzbee's lawsuit  which was filed in Harris County, Texas, on behalf of a former client of Buzbee's firm and includes allegations of barratry and conspiracy  accused Roc Nation of financing the scheme, and other defendants, including two legal firms, an attorney, and an investigator, of orchestrating and executing it.

"Unfortunately for the Defendants, their agents are not very smart, or careful," Buzbee's lawsuit said.

Buzbee's lawsuit said the defendants impersonated Texas state officials and "flashed fake badges."

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In one case, he said they "offered as much as $10,000 to a former client of the Buzbee Law Firm to sue the firm."

A spokesperson for Roc Nation said in a statement that Buzbee's suit was merely a distraction.

"Tony Buzbee's baloney lawsuit against ROCNATION is nothing but another sham. It's a pathetic attempt to distract and deflect attention. This sideshow won't change the ultimate outcome and true justice will be served soon," the spokesperson said.

Buzbee's accusations come after a woman identified in court papers only as Jane Doe filed a civil case against Carter and Sean "Diddy" Combs, accusing the two of raping her at a party following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards when she was 13 years old. Buzbee is representing her.

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Carter vehemently denied Doe's allegations, which come while Combs faces sex trafficking and racketeering charges, along with lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct. Combs remains in jail while he awaits his trial.

In Carter's denial, he called Buzbee a "deplorable human."

"I promise you I have seen your kind many times over. I'm more than prepared to deal with your type," Carter wrote in a statement on his company Roc Nation's X account , addressing Buzbee directly.

The initial lawsuit didn't name Carter, referring to him instead as "Celebrity A."

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Before naming Carter, Buzbee reached out to him to propose Doe and Carter mediate the case, the lawyer previously told Business Insider. Buzbee said Carter responded with "an utterly frivolous lawsuit" and by "orchestrating a conspiracy of harassment, bullying and intimidation" against Buzbee and his legal team.

Since Doe's lawsuit was filed, critical questions have emerged about some of her allegations. Following an interview with the woman and her father, who she said drove her home on the night of her alleged assault, NBC News reported inconsistencies in the story.

Her father, for example, told the outlet that he didn't remember picking her up that night.

When asked about other inconsistencies, she told the outlet she had made "mistakes" but stood by the brunt of her allegations.

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In a court filing Wednesday, an attorney for Carter argued that the "allegations are baseless and fatally contradicted" by the woman and her father's statements to NBC. Carter's attorney is seeking an order to show cause  which seeks an explanation as to why the inconsistencies aren't enough for Carter to be "dismissed" from the lawsuit accusing him of rape.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) or visit its website to receive confidential support.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Looking for the top stories featured on the December 19 episode of our Palm Beach County News in 90 Seconds? See the story blurbs/links below.

Two suspects arrested in connection to fatal Lake Worth Beach shooting; two victims ID'd

Two suspects were arrested in connection to the Lake Worth Beach shooting that killed two men and injured two others Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Rock Irish Pub.

The alleged shooter, Morey Pinard III, 23, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder with a firearm and two counts of attempted murder with a firearm, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

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His alleged accomplice, Michael Vititoe, 19, was charged with simple battery and accessory after the fact in a homicide, PBSO said.

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Condo board in Palm Beach County bans personal trainer, insists all residents go through one company. Is that allowed?

Rendering of the luxury condo building that is proposed to replace the much smaller one on Jupiter Island. Units are expected to sell for more than $5 million. Condo buildings to the north and south of the existing Beach Sound building are mounting a strong protest to kill the project.

Our HOA has stated that we can only use a trainer that is affiliated with their chosen company. My wife has been using a trainer who worked for a previous company. She contracts directly through the trainer and wishes to continue training with this individual.

The management company threatened to have this individual removed from the property if my wife has him as her guest to train her. He is on our guest list, and he has never done anything to warrant a ban from our development. This seems to be a violation of my wifes rights.

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On the move: The Cheesecake Factory in West Palm Beach opens new location - What we know

The Cheesecake Factory at CityPlace in West Palm Beach has closed its doors, marking the end of an era for the city's iconic shopping and dining destination.

But the iconic eatery has already been relocated just a short walk away.

The Cheesecake Factory was the last of the inaugural CityPlace tenants to close its original location. Many people through the years likely ate at the restaurant at the corner of Rosemary Avenue and Hibiscus Street. CityPlace opened in October 2000.

The Cheesecake Factory reopened Thursday, Dec. 12, just to the south, at the site of the former Regional Kitchen at 651 Okeechobee Blvd.

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The West Palm Beach Cheesecake Factory is one of only three remaining in Palm Beach County.

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Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County news: Cheesecake Factory moves; Lake Worth shooting
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A local middle school is helping students find success through a new mentorship program in Topeka.

The One Heart Project connects volunteers with at-risk middle school students. Robinson Middle School in Topeka currently has 14 mentor-student pairings. The students meet with their assigned mentors once a week over lunch to talk about goals and monitor progress.

Its just nice knowing that, I can possibly change their perspective on life and possibly change the way they think about things, said Desiree Cain, a mentor with the program.

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Kansas railroads receive $13 million investment

Both high school and middle school students can participate in the One Heart program. You can learn more about the project by clicking here.

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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Toxicology tests on the ingredients of drinks consumed by seven tourists who fell ill in Fiji showed no methanol or illicit substances, authorities on the South Pacific island said Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister Viliame R. Gavoka delivered the update with an apology to the tourists that their holiday to the luxury destination had ended on such a note.

Fiji has been in damage-control mode since seven tourists, including four Australians, suffered nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms after reportedly drinking pina colada cocktails at a bar inside the upscale Warwick Fiji resort on Saturday.

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Its still not clear what caused their illness, but Gavoka, who is also the islands tourism minister, said all seven tourists  ages 18 to 56  had since been discharged from medical care and had fully recovered.

The case comes just weeks after six tourists died from methanol poisoning in Laos, in a case that prompted safety warnings about consuming alcohol abroad, and heightened alert among travelers about the content of locally brewed spirits.

Sydney resident David Sandoe told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation earlier this week that hed received a call saying his daughter and granddaughter were among those hospitalized. He said they were among a group of people who drank a pina colada cocktail before falling ill.

There was a group of them in the lounge of this resort and they had a similar cocktail and unfortunately, seven people came down with the symptoms that have been talked about, Sandoe said. His relatives have since returned home.

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Gavoka assured travelers earlier this week that the incident was extremely isolated.

No other incidents have been reported either at the resort, or across Fiji. The resort has been operating in Fiji successfully for many years and holds a strong reputation, particularly among our Australian visitors, he said in a statement.

The Warwick Hotels and Resorts operates luxury accommodation worldwide, including in the US, Europe and the Middle East.

In a statement Tuesday, Warwick Resort Management said the incident was unprecedented during the 40 years it had been operating in Fiji.

We want to reassure all our visitors that we maintain the highest standards of food and beverage safety, the statement said.

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Almost one million tourists visit the remote Pacific Island each year to experience its tropical beaches. Its generally considered a safe place to travel, though after the incident Australias Department of Foreign Affairs updated its advice to warn visitors to the island about the danger of drink spiking and methanol poisoning.

In November, the deaths of two Australian teenagers, a British woman, an American man and two Danish women after drinking shots in Laos, in Southeast Asia, prompted warnings from several Western nations about the potentially fatal consequences of drinking tainted alcohol.

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  A trailing candidate in a very close election for the North Carolina Supreme Court asked that court on Wednesday to step in and prevent election officials from counting in his race over 60,000 ballots that he argues weren't lawfully cast.

Jefferson Griffin, a Republican member of the Court of Appeals, filed the intervention request with the Supreme Court in his race with Democratic Associate Justice Allison Riggs. After recounts and protest hearings initiated by Griffin and other GOP candidates, Riggs leads Griffin by 734 votes out of over 5.5 million ballots cast for the Nov. 5 election. The Associated Press has not yet called the race.

The State Board of Elections last week voted to dismiss the protests. Usually the next step for a dissatisfied trailing candidate seeking to prevent the board from issuing a certification of election to their rival is to appeal to Wake County Superior Court. Riggs has declared herself the winner and his campaign has said that Griffin should concede.

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But Griffin went to the Supreme Court instead and asked the justices to rule by this coming Monday on his request to prevent a certificate from being issued to Riggs and to suspend the 10-day deadline to file an appeal in Wake County court.

Griffin's attorneys said the delay will give the justices time to consider his arguments why three categories of ballots cast should not be counted in his race with Riggs. Five Republicans are on the seven-member Supreme Court, which has been a partisan flash point in the state over the past two years in court battles involving redistricting, photo voter identification and other voting rights.

The state Democratic Party sued earlier this month in federal court, seeking to prevent the board from throwing out the ballots, which it says would violate the U.S. Constitution and election laws. Democratic officials have said they fear the Supreme Court could ultimately side with Republicans and remove the challenged ballots, threatening a Riggs victory. Going straight to the Supreme Court with Wednesday's filing would prevent additional delays if state Democrats sought to move the matter to federal court, Griffin's brief said.

The challenges that Griffin advanced again Wednesday focus on three categories of ballots: those cast by people with voter registration records lacking drivers licenses or containing partial Social Security numbers; overseas voters who have never lived in the U.S. but whose parents were deemed North Carolina residents; and military or overseas voters who did not provide copies of photo identification with their ballots.

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The state board, composed of three Democrats and two Republicans, threw out Griffin's protests in a series of votes falling largely along party lines, with all but one by 3-2 counts. The board's written order said in part there was no reasonable basis presented that showed an election law was violated or that irregularities occurred.

Griffin attorney Troy Shelton rejected arguments from Riggs that his client was trying to change election rules after the fact of an election. The registration record requirement took effect in 2004, for example, while residency requirements for voting in North Carolina go back to 1776.

The Board was required to discount votes that were cast in violation of state law, Shelton wrote Wednesday.

But board Chair Alan Hirsch said last week at the protest hearing that the idea of a registered voter having the vote that they cast discarded "is anathema to the democratic system and simply cannot be tolerated.

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The dismissed protests last week also originated from three Republican legislative candidates trailing in their respective General Assembly races. Appeals of scores of additional protests also filed by Griffin and the legislative candidates  but were first considered by county boards  are set to be heard Friday by the State Board of Elections. The AP has not called two of these races.

Once protests are exhausted for General Assembly candidates, their recourse is not to go to court but to formally ask the General Assembly chamber itself to decide who won the seat they are seeking.

In one of the seats, Republican state Rep. Frank Sossamon trails Democratic challenger Bryan Cohn by about 230 votes. A Cohn victory would mean Republicans fall one seat short of retaining their current veto-proof majority starting next month.
For the record:

12:33 p.m. Dec. 19, 2024: A previous version of this article reported that the Army was desegregated by President Franklin Roosevelt. President Truman issued the desegregation order.



The Air Force lieutenant colonel left the Pentagon one day and returned the next  with a new name and a new gender identity.

Bree Fram remembers the atmosphere in 2020 as welcoming and supportive. Her colleagues brought cookies. When the Pentagon officially changed her gender in employment records, she felt her journey was complete.

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Fram is one of thousands of transgender people working openly in government positions, including the Defense and State departments, intelligence agencies and various other federal branches. An estimated 15,000 transgender people work in the military alone. They say acceptance and support has surged in recent years.

But many are now worried that the broad advances they achieved over the last decade will be reversed under President-elect Donald Trump, who has likened gender transition to mutilation, vowed to roll back job protections and healthcare for trans workers and threatened to reimpose a ban against transgender people serving in the military.

Col. Bree Fram attends the Out100 Celebration at NeueHouse Hollywood on Dec. 11, 2024, in Hollywood. (Amy Sussman / Getty Images)

The mood among the community is apprehensive, Fram said, noting she was speaking in her personal capacity and not on behalf of the Air Force.

Two transgender women in the State Department, who spoke openly with The Times earlier this year about their experiences, said after the election they no longer wanted to be identified out of fear for their safety and positions. One, a former Iraq combat veteran who transitioned later and landed at State, said she and friends now feared "becoming targets."

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Fram, a 21-year veteran of the Air Force and an aeronautical engineer whose job includes choosing the satellites that the U.S. launches into space, is a prominent activist in the transgender movement. Now ranked a colonel, she said transgender colleagues are stopping her in the hallways and bombarding her with questions and requests for advice.

We have seen the campaign promises, the rhetoric being used about transgender people and whats occurring on Capitol Hill as well, she said. So while none of us know exactly what will come to pass, there is still certainly that concern that its not going to be good for transgender people serving in the military.

A group of Republican lawmakers is already attempting to bar incoming Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first out transgender person elected to Congress, from using womens restrooms. A leader in that group, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), wants to extend bathroom bans in all federal facilities nationwide.

Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.), center, leaves a meeting of House Democrats on Capitol Hill on Nov. 19, 2024. (Mark Schiefelbein / Associated Press)

Fears grew with Trumps nomination of a Fox TV host, Pete Hegseth, as secretary of Defense. Hegseth has been vocal in his belief in restrictions on women in the military and the removal of transgender service members.

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In 2016, President Obama lifted a ban on transgender people serving in the military. Trump reinstated it when he reached office the following year, but it was largely held up in the courts until President Biden repealed the ban. Many expect Trump to attempt to reimpose it.

Fram said she was nevertheless confident her community would persevere.

What always amazes me about this community is despite  the many, many times we have faced adversity, its the resilience of this group of amazing people, she said. These public servants, who continue to put on their uniform every day and accomplish the mission that theyve been given. They are there doing the job and plan to continue doing the job for as long as theyre allowed to do so.

Sailors kiss as they march in the Gay Pride Parade in San Diego in 2011. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press)

No one knows exactly how far the Trump administration will go, and its efforts will again undoubtedly meet legal challenges and other resistance.

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"We have seen this movie before," said Jennifer Pizer, the L.A.-based chief legal officer at Lambda Legal, a civil rights organization that focuses on LGBTQ+ issues. "This is a group of people who are flouting the standard rules ... and looking forward to spending an indefinite time in court."

There are several options Trump might pursue, she said.

In addition to reimposing a military ban, Trump loyalists might attempt to deny gender affirming healthcare, forbidding federal funds or insurance plans to be used in procedures that facilitate transition, including hormone therapy and plastic surgery.

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), center without hat, marches in 2015 with members of OutVets, a group of gay military veterans, during the St. Patrick's Day parade in Boston. (Steven Senne / Associated Press)

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Republicans have added a rider to the must-pass defense authorization bill, forbidding such care for minors. That would have an impact on the children of service members.

And already, numerous states ban such care for minors in the civilian realm, an issue currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court.

When he first enacted the military ban, Trump said having transgender people in the armed forces was expensive. A 2016 study by Rand concluded that transgender healthcare added less than 0.1% to the health budget.

At the State Department, numerous policies, as well as union rules, are in place to protect transgender and gay diplomats and employees. But such policies could be subject to new executive orders or reversals.

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In the 1950s and 60s, the State Department pursued a hunt for gay and lesbian employees, civil servants and diplomats known as the Lavender Scare. They were routinely dismissed; many who hung on had to work in the closet. Some of the black-balling continued into the 1990s.

People attend a rally on a Transgender Day of Visibility in March 2023 in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press)

At the same time, the military and other federal agencies have often become national testing grounds in matters of inclusion and diversity.

President Truman desegregated the Army after World War II. Later, women were given broader roles, including, now, in combat.

In 1993, President Clinton took a first step toward lifting the ban on gays and lesbians in the military  a ban that was ended entirely in 2011.

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Today, the State Department has teams dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights abroad, through embassies and sometimes in countries where homosexuality is criminalized.

In 2011, Robyn McCutcheon, a diplomat, trained astronomer and Russia expert, became the first person to transition while posted at a U.S. Embassy, during her tenure overseas in Romania.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure transgender persons can live full lives, without fear of harm, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said just last month. The United States is committed to fighting for a world that accepts and respects transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming persons."

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, pictured in September, said last month that "it is our collective responsibility to ensure transgender persons can live full lives, without fear of harm." (Heather Khalifa / Associated Press)

Until then, he said, we proudly advocate to end transphobic discrimination, violence and homicide.

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It is not clear these programs would continue under Trump and his nominee for secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

Logan Ireland, a Texas-born transgender man who is an officer with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, counsels others in the transgender community who want to join the military, with an added urgency after the election.

Youre on this mission for a reason, he said he tells them. Continue pressing forward with your journey to serve in uniform.... A ban is not in effect yet, and we will not know if, or how, it might take shape."

Ireland, speaking from Hawaii where he is stationed, said the struggle thus far "has taught us how to fight, resilience, integrity. I have to remain positive."

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Rachel Levine is often described as the most senior transgender person in the U.S. government, the first Senate-confirmed official who is transgender. She is the assistant secretary of Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. She is a long-time public activist for trans rights, and served as a grand marshal in last years gay pride parade in Washington.

Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary of Health Rachel Levine, center, speaks after having attended a roundtable on transgender health with Tatiana Williams, left, executive director of Transinclusive Group, and Arianna Inurritegui-Lint, founder of Arianna's Center, in June 2022 in Miami. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press)

Levine, 67, a former state secretary of health in Pennsylvania, had already transitioned when Biden nominated her to the HHS job. She overcame resistance from GOP senators, including Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky, who attacked her for her support for gender-affirming medical care and grilled her on whether transgender women should be allowed in womens sports.

There has been a lot of pushback against the broader LGBTQI+ community that has nothing to do with science and nothing to do with medicine, she said. And faced with that pushback, I find joy in my work. It makes me want to work more for health equity.

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MINISO is headed to the Twin Cities as the China-based lifestyle retailer charts a major global expansion.

The variety store, known for collaborations with Disney, Sanrio, Pokemon and many other iconic brands, is expected to open at Eden Prairie Center sometime in early 2025.

MINISOs rapidly-expanding IP collection store format, which was introduced to the U.S. in May, is driving the retailer towards its goal of IP sales revenue accounting for over half of the company's total revenue by 2028.

MINISO IP Collection Store at Eaton Centre in Toronto. Photo courtesy of MINISO via PR Newswire.

Minnesotas first MINISO opened in late November inside St. Clouds Crossroads Center shopping mall, offering products made in collaboration with Sanrio, Disney, Care Bears, Peanuts, Barbie, We Bare Bears, Pixar and more.

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In a press release in September, Jack Ye, chief executive officer of MINISO, said the company aims to open between 900 to 1,100 new stores annually over the next five years.

MINISO is now hiring for its upcoming Eden Prairie Center store.
A trial date has been set in the case of Lindsay Clancy, the mother accused of killing her three children inside their home in Duxbury before attempting to take her own life in January 2023.

During a new hearing in the murder case on Wednesday, the court scheduled Clancys trial for Dec. 1, 2025. She wasnt present in court as she waived her right to appear.

The hearing came just days after defense attorney Kevin J. Reddington announced that Clancy plans to pursue an insanity defense.

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Statements of the defendant as to her mental condition will be relied upon by the defendants expert witnesses and the defendant does intend to present to the court a defense of lack of criminal responsibility, Reddington wrote in a Plymouth Superior Court filing on Dec. 13, 2024.

Massachusetts model jury instructions on homicide state that a defendants lack of criminal responsibility must be due to a mental disease or defect. It also states that a person is not guilty if they lacked criminal responsibility when they committed the offense, sometimes referred to as not guilty by reason of insanity.

Boston attorney Peter Elikann told Boston 25s Bob Ward that this is potentially a risky strategy.

An insanity defense is really difficult to prove. Jurors dont seem to like it. Its not like you can walk up with a letter from a psychologist and say he wasnt in his right mind, so let him off. Its very, very difficult. Juries traditionally are very skeptical of the insanity defense, Elikann explained.

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In another Plymouth Superior Court filing also dated Dec. 13, 2024, Second Assistant District Attorney Jennifer L. Sprague requested a September trial date.

While DNA testing results and reports from experts our outstanding, it is reasonably believed that this discovery will be complete well in advance of September of 2025, Sprague wrote in the filing.

Clancy, 33, is charged with three counts of murder and strangulation in the deaths of her 5-year-old daughter, Cora, her 3-year-old son, Dawson, and her 8-month-old baby, Callan. She has pleaded not guilty.

Since the tragedy unfolded inside the familys Summer Street home on the evening of Jan. 24, 2023, Reddington has maintained that Clancy, whom he has described as a troubled soul, had been suffering from postpartum depression and that she was overmedicated at the time of the deaths of her three kids.

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Prosecutors say Clancy used exercise bands to strangle her kids before jumping out of a window in a suicide attempt. Court documents also revealed that Clancy used her cell phone and her journal to document her mental state and her feelings about her children, in addition to keeping track of her medications and researching ways to kill.

Prior to the deaths of the kids, Clancy used maps on her phone to determine how long it would take to go to and from a restaurant and then texted her husband, Patrick, who was working in his home office, to pick up a takeout order.

Patrick agreed to pick up the food and while he was gone, his wife allegedly took the lives of their children. In February 2023, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague described in court the moment Patrick returned home with the takeout order.

Patrick was heard screaming in agony and shock as he located his children, face down on the floor, with the bands used to strangle them tied around their necks, according to Sprague. He yells out, She killed the kids! Sprague added.

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Clancy, who was ordered to be committed at Tewksbury State Hospital in May 2023, suffered serious spinal injuries that left her paralyzed when she jumped from the window.

Patrick Clancy, Lindsays husband, told The New Yorker in an interview published in October 2024 that he didnt blame Lindsay for what happened and didnt express anger with her.

I wasnt married to a monster. I was married to someone who got sick, Patrick said in the interview.

The case is due back in court for another pre-trial hearing on Feb. 7, 2025.

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The child care crisis cant be solved in one sweeping action. There are numerous components to the complex issue; each must be addressed with the same urgency.

Specific, deliberate steps to increase flexibility in the workplace for parents with young children are necessary along with opening more child care facilities to accommodate those children and finding qualified caregivers.

Although more needs done, entities in Terre Haute have taken solid steps when it comes to increasing available child care spots. Indiana State University is renovating its Chestnut Building to house its Early Childhood Education Development Center. The move has many benefits, including an updated facility as well as added capacity for high-quality child care serving both ISU and the community. In addition, funding to build a new Chances and Services for Youth child care center is coming in quickly thanks to Brandon Halleck, CASYs chief operating officer. Both projects are being supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act funding.

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Now, Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded Ivy Tech Foundation a $21.9 million, three-year grant to support the efforts of Ivy Tech Community College to help strengthen Indianas early childhood education workforce.

The grant should affect every area of the state as Ivy Tech becomes a player in boosting the caregiver support network needed to help solve the child care crisis.

This funding will support programs and partnerships that will expand options for and improve access to high-quality post-secondary education and training for current and future early childhood education professionals, Ivy Tech said in a recent news release.

Indianas current supply of well-qualified early childhood education professionals is inadequate, leaving communities unable to provide high-quality care options. Demand for these professionals is expected to keep growing.

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The college expects to increase enrollment in its early childhood education programs by more than 100% by 2027, ultimately graduating 1,950 individuals annually, thanks to the grant.

Thats a lot of caregivers.

As Indianas workforce engine, Ivy Tech has a responsibility to fuel the states pipeline of skilled early childhood education talent, said Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech, in a news release. We are grateful for the generous support from Lilly Endowment that is enabling us to remove barriers to education and training for early childhood educators. However, we also recognize more must be done to attract and retain talented, passionate Hoosiers to this important profession.

Its clear leaders across the state are recognizing how vital a vibrant child care network is to not only support the economy but the well-being of Hoosier families.

Thanks to the Lilly grant, Terre Haute will no doubt benefit from Ivy Techs increased output of early childhood professionals, funneling them into our awaiting child care centers and boosting the areas economy.
Dec. 18Three men were arrested in York County after police say they nearly tricked a man into paying them $100,000 in cash.

The 82-year-old victim from Alfred had already paid them $50,000. The men were about to collect the rest Tuesday night when the York County Sheriff's Office intervened.

The trio  two men in their 20s and a 50-year-old  had tricked the man into thinking he had received a fraudulent payment on his bank account that he needed to pay back in cash, according to the sheriff's office.

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Each man was charged with one count of theft by deception, a Class B crime that carries up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. They made their first appearances in court Wednesday afternoon but did not yet have to enter pleas to the charges, according to a court clerk.

The men had no attorneys listed in court records Wednesday. They are being held on more than $100,000 in bail.

The men have New York addresses, and all three are originally from China, according to Sheriff William King. Two of the men were in the United States illegally, King said, and one had a green card.

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Welcome to the WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Newsletter presented by Tai Software. In this issue, your top five episodes of the year.





Sponsored by Tai: Brokers, stop losing time and money on manual tasks! Tai TMS automates your workflows, cutting down on paperwork and errors so you can focus on growing your brokerage faster. Learn more here.



The top 5 WTTs of 2024

It has been amazing for the show and Id personally like to thank you all for listening, watching, liking, sharing and being a guest on the broadcast. Here are the five episodes of the show that were most watched by our viewers.

1. EP684: Are truckers really boycotting New York?  Although it may seem like eons ago, last February after a fraud verdict was levied against Donald Trump in New York City, a rumor started to spread that truckers were boycotting the Big Apple.



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The rumor was started by a social media influencer/trucker named Chicago Ray who didnt even deliver to NYC in the first place. We broke down the story, why it was bogus and how it was being manipulated by political media. Watch it here.





2. EP715: The Great American Zyn shortage  Zyn blew up in 2024 as memes and usage took the freight brokerage industry by storm. With Zyn sales up 80% year over year, the lip nicotine company ran into supply chain snags as demand overtook production. We took a look at the growth, phenomenon and challenges in the cpg category. Watch it here.

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3. EP666: Truck the vote: Getting drivers ready for election season  Political influencer Scott Pressler spent nearly the entire year in Pennsylvania trying to get the Amish, farmers and truckers to register to vote. On our very first show of the year, he came on to talk about how drivers can be registered to vote, how important they are to tipping the election as a voting bloc and why 2024 was the year to Truck The Vote! Watch here.

4. EP780 Will President Trump make freight great again?  If our first show of the year was the shot, this one was the chaser. Just one day after Trump won the election, FreightWaves founder and CEO Craig Fuller came on the show to talk about trade under Trump and what it means for trucking. Watch it here.

5. EP669 NASA unveils super quiet supersonic X59 jet; global trade at war  A pair of amazing NASA pilots, David Nils Larson and James Less, landed on the show to talk about the space agencys supersonic X59 jet.

Also, global trade is at war as U.S. military forces and the United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands, launch strikes against Houthi targets. Sal Mercogliano talks about the impacts this will have on global trade as the conflict escalates. Watch it here.

Home for the holidays

As glamorous as making freight memes may sound, they may not attract the ladies. Anonymous internet meme lord The Freight Bandit recently showed how the struggle is real this holiday season.

Our last show of the year is this Friday

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A Very WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Christmas  Were closing out 2024 with the most festive show in freight. My good buddy Matt McLelland charges up his Cybertruck and heads on down to the studio to co-host.



There well be joined by Project K-9 Hero Jason Johnson and some amazing service dogs; Queueds Tom Curee shows off his annual freight Christmas song; and Hell Bent Xpress owner Jamie Hagen talks about truckin through the holidays.



Plus, all the latest headlines, trends and viral weirdness since our last show.



Catch new shows live at noon EST Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXMs Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.

MAFA

MAKE AMERICA FREIGHT AGAIN  We are so back. Head on over to WTTGear.com to get our newest merch! Use code WTTFans for 10% off.

A little local love

Haulin For The Holidays  Shoutout to Jessie Merritt at Reliance Partners and to all of the partners she rounded up in Chattanooga for this years Haulin for the Holidays toy drive.



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Merritt says, Companies showing up with their hard won dollars in a down freight market, team members showing up in their trucks to load and unload tons of boxes, teachers painstakingly crafting wish lists for every child in their class.



God bless and Merry Christmas to all involved.



Now on demand

Port strike potential and trade under Trump with Flexports Ryan Petersen

Kal Freights fraud allegations; Make-A-Wish convoys; Voomas $13M Series A

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Thanks for reading, and feel free to forward this to a friend. Have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a wicked good New Year.



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Or simply look up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player. Or, if you have SiriusXM, tune in to the show Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.



Exit through the gift shop: WTTGear.com



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The post WHAT THE TRUCK?!? of the year appeared first on FreightWaves.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  After more than a decade on the bench, a Trumbull County Family Court judge is hanging up her robe.

On Thursday, family, friends and colleagues celebrated Judge Sandra Stabile Harwoods upcoming retirement.

She has served as a judge in the Domestic/Juvenile Division of Common Pleas Court for 12 years. Before she was elected judge, Stabile Harwood served four terms in the state legislature.

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She said she will miss being able to serve families.

Its a great, happy moment, and at the same time, a sad moment. Ive dedicated my entire career to working for families and children, and now I have to figure out whats next, Stabile Harwood said.

Stabile Harwoods last official day in office is December 31.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Fresh off of President-elect Donald Trumps victory over ABC News and star anchor George Stephanopoulos, a MAGA convert and Trump allies are urging the incoming president to sue billionaire Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker next.

Now that Trump successfully won his defamation case against ABC for calling him a rapist, when will he sue Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for repeatedly lying & calling him the same thing?, tweeted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who spent eight years in prison after his conviction on public corruption charges and came around to the president-elect after receiving a commutation during Trumps first term.

Blagojevichs tweet was quickly picked up by the MAGA echo chamber, with hundreds of retweets urging Trump to take action.

Now that Trump successfully won his defamation case against ABC for calling him a rapist, when will he sue Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for repeatedly lying & calling him the same thing? pic.twitter.com/O7S1vLSAdE  Rod Blagojevich (@realBlagojevich) December 16, 2024

He should sue every single one who publicly defamed him as the money gets donated there are so many good causes that can benefit financially  wrote one follower about Trump who retweeted Blagojevich.

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Another added, INVESTIGATE Pritzker too, he is a crook! He should also be sued for lying to the American people.

Trumps former right-hand man, and jailbird, Roger Stone even reposted the story.

Stumping for Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail in June, Pritzker called Trump an adjudicated rapist and a congenital liar.

Hes a racist, sexist, misogynistic narcissist who wants to use the levers of power to enrich himself and punish anyone who dares speak a word against him, said Pritzkerwhose ad hominem attacks would be much more difficult to challenge due to political free speech protections that did not apply to Stephanopoulos.

Donald Trump is a convicted felon, an adjudicated rapist, and a congenital liar. Hes a racist, sexist, misogynistic narcissist who wants to use the levers of power to enrich himself and punish anyone who dares speak a word against him. pic.twitter.com/bh7ryymsf1  JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) June 9, 2024

Pritzker would also prove a much more difficult target to defeat in court due to his deep pocketshe is worth an estimated $3.7 billion from his familys Hyatt hotel chains, according to Forbes.

He took office in 2019, defeating Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner.
State Sen. Joe Gruters wants to be Floridas next Chief Financial Officer, a Cabinet position that will soon be open. Hes backed by President-elect Donald Trump, incumbent CFO Jimmy Patronis and a host of influential Trump backers.

The only problem? Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, has long had a contentious relationship with Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has the power to name Patronis replacement.

Still, Gruters says hes spoken with DeSantis staff about the position, wants to be appointed soon and is hopeful of getting it.

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I dont know where the Governors going to go with the CFO seat, although Im pushing hard and Id like to have it now because I think itd be better for Florida, Gruters told reporters Tuesday after casting an Electoral College vote for Trump as one of Floridas 30 electors.

Gruters is a former Republican Party of Florida chair who has also served in the state House and Senate. In June he announced a run for the CFO position in 2026 and has already raised $188,000 in his main campaign account and has $155,000 in another political committee.

He's also a longtime ally of Trump's, having given him the "Statesman of the Year" award when Gruters was Sarasota County Republican Party Chair in 2012. Gruters was also chair of Trump's campaign in Florida during his 2016 run for President, well before he surged in the polls. Trump also backed Gruters' unsuccessful run for treasurer for the Republican National Committee.

The CFO seat is soon to be open now that Patronis has resigned effective March 31 to run for an open U.S. House seat. The position oversees payments to vendors, heads the Department of Financial Services, and is the State Fire Marshall. The duties include oversight of the Office of Insurance Regulation, giving the position a prominent role in managing the property insurance market, which has seen large rate increases in recent years.

Sen. Joe Gruters, a Florida State University alumnus, is recognized during FSU Day at the Capitol Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020.

It's unclear when DeSantis might name someone to the CFO seat. A spokesman for DeSantis didnt return an email seeking comment Thursday.

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Patronis suggested it wont come until after DeSantis appoints someone to the U.S. Senate, a seat that will also soon be open because Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, was tapped by Trump to be the next Secretary of State.

Theres definitely going to be a little more urgency (with the Senate seat) simply because there's going to be a vacancy, theres going to be tight margins in the United States Senate, Patronis said. If Im Governor DeSantis, Im focusing first on how Im filling that seat moreso than Jimmy Patronis CFO seat.

Republicans will hold a 53-47 advantage over Democrats in the U.S. Senate when the next Congress organizes in January.

Whenever he decides, DeSantis might not be inclined to do any favors for Gruters.

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The two have had a frosty relationship that sometimes resulted in public antagonism between the Republican colleagues.

When DeSantis first took office in January 2019, he was lukewarm on Gruters, who was elected RPOF Chair one week after DeSantis was sworn in. In October of that year, an annual RPOF fundraiser set for November was canceled by Gruters, who was struggling to get President Trump to attend. The next day DeSantis  without alerting Gruters  announced Trump was coming and the event was still on, effectively shunting Gruters sway in the party aside.

DeSantis also tried to cut Gruters pay as Chair, according to Politico. Yet he never found a challenger when Gruters came up for reelection as party leader in 2021, leaving Gruters in place during DeSantis reelection campaign in 2022.

The bad blood simmered below the surface but then reemerged as DeSantis ran for President against Trump. Gruters was one of a handful of GOP state lawmakers who endorsed Trump, while the vast majority of Republicans backed DeSantis.

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The more he is met by people, the more they are not going to like him, Gruters said about DeSantis, as quoted by the Washington Post in August 2023 as DeSantis struggled to gain ground on Trump in the polls.

Gruters and DeSantis also clashed this year on Amendment 3, which would have legalized marijuana for recreational use. DeSantis was opposed but also pushed state agencies to run public service announcements and ads slamming the ballot measure, a tactic Gruters called a misuse of taxpayer dollars.

In August, James Uthmeier, DeSantis' chief of staff, suggested on X that Gruters was backing the amendment as a favor to political donors.

Its a shame that someone like @JoeGruters would support an amendment that has virtually no checks on where and how marijuana can be consumedputting kids at risk. Someone should check who has given him political $ and then see who is backing this amendment. Hmmm https://t.co/2ImsxHQqUD  James Uthmeier (@JamesUthmeierFL) August 31, 2024

Gruters argued appointing another Republican that would run as an incumbent against him in 2026 would be expensive and bad for the party.

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The one thing about a competitive race and in Florida  we have 23 million people, Gruters said. I may have to spend $10 million if we have a competitive primary and the other candidate may spend $10 million. And the result of that is Florida loses because $10 million is a lot of money to raise. And thats a lot of relationships, a lot of baggage you carry on and I would greatly appreciate the support now, but no matter what were going to win.

Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Trump ally Gruters seeks Florida CFO job. Will DeSantis make it easy
Democrats in the House of Representatives killed a spending deal approved by President-elect Donald Trump with the help of conservative Republicans after Elon Musk scuttled the original bipartisan deal.

The bill failed with all but two Democrats and 38 Republicans voting against it, and 172 Republicans voting for it.

House Republicans said they had struck a deal on a short-term funding bill 24 hours after Musk and Trump derailed a resolution and steered the government into a shutdown the weekend before Christmas.

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But congressional Democrats called the plan that Trumps billionaire deputy touted hours earlier laughable. House Democrats were heard chanting hell no as they met to review it on Thursday.

News of a newly hashed-out deal arrived one day after the worlds wealthiest person and the incoming president commanded members of Congress to reject a bipartisan stop-gap funding bill as lawmakers prepared to vote.

Its not serious, its laughable. Extreme MAGA Republicans are steering us towards a government shutdown, Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters Thursday of the Trump-backed deal.

Its an absolute slap in the face, Democratic congreswoman Jill Tokuda told The Independent. Its disgusting that they would try to use this as a tool to increase the debt limit for two years, which we know will ultimately result in tax credits for the uber wealthy on the backs of our working people.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is steering Republicans towards a stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown (AP)

Congressman Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, specifically criticized lifting the debt limit.

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This is a complete bulls*** attempt to try to allow Donald Trump to eliminate the debt ceiling for two years and he can give away all this money to all his billionaire friends, he told The Independent.

Trump had called on lawmakers to abolish the debt ceiling, a limit set by lawmakers to determine how much money the federal government can borrow to pay its bills. It was last raised in 2023 through January 1, 2025.

A new deal proposed extending the very unnecessary ceiling through January 30, 2027, Trump said.

Now we can Make America Great Again, very quickly, which is what the People gave us a mandate to accomplish, Trump said.

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Tennessee Republican congressman Tim Burchett told The Independent that the debt ceiling is an arbitrary thing.

And reality is, I dont know why they ever put a debt ceiling on anything, he said. He later voted against the legislation.

Asked whether Musk and his incoming Department of Government Efficiency co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy will have an impact on an upcoming fight for House Speaker, he told The Independent: Of course, they have to. I mean, theyre prominent people, and they have very big checkbooks.

Donald Trump, Elon Musk and JD Vance called on Congress to reject a bipartisan stopgap funding measure, forcing lawmakers to scramble ahead of a government shutdown (AP)

The new proposal would have stripped out provisions to criminalize the distribution of pornographic deepfakes, and cut funding for treatments of sick cell disease, pediatric cancer research, and breast and cervical cancer detection, among other provisions.

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Why would you cut funding for nutritional assistance ... for seniors, for veterans? Jeffries said in remarks on the House floor.

Everything that was there to help with healthcare, the measures that were included to attempt to help the average family  they're all gone, Democratic congresswoman Marcy Kaptur told The Independent.

Is he going to own the United States before it's all over? she wondered of Musk.

He has a lot of personal interests here, and he's not elected to anything, she added. Some people are calling him the president and President Trump the vice president. I have to do some homework on who this man really is.

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Conservative opposition also helped sink the bill, with Republican congressman Chip Roy railing against the legislation on the floor, which led to Democrats applauding him.

The president-elect had said that the country would be far better off closing up for a period of time than agreeing to a deal that was supported by both Republicans and Democrats until Musk spent Wednesday firing off dozens of social media posts condemning the deal and threatening to fund primary challengers against Republicans who voted for it.

Shutting down the government (which doesnt actually shut down critical functions btw) is infinitely better than passing a horrible bill, Musk said.

Congress has until midnight Friday to approve a spending bill that would avert a government shutdown, with potential employee furloughs and service interruptions across federal agencies.

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Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson spent much of Thursday negotiating a deal that extended government funding at its current levels until March, more than a month into Trumps administration and a new Congress.

This shows how much your voice matters!



And having a President like @realDonaldTrump means that your voice is finally heard. https://t.co/0a7QDJx9zt  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 19, 2024

On his Truth Social, Trump lambasted Roy for getting in the way for the sake of some cheap publicity for himself.

Republican obstructionists have to be done away with, Trump added.

In another post, he called Roy just another ambitious guy, with no talent.

By the way, hows Bob Good doing? said Trump, referencing the Virginia congresswoman who lost a primary election to a Trump-endorsed challenger; Good, like Roy, had supported Trumps former rival Ron DeSantis.

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I hope some talented challengers are getting ready in the Great State of Texas to go after Chip in the Primary, Trump said Thursday. He wont have a chance!

The vote puts Johnson in danger. Republicans will have only 220 seats in the House next year, with a handful of members leaving to work in Trumps administration. Only a few Republicans opposing his speakership could prevent him from leading the House of Representatives.

Eric Garcia contributed reporting from Washington, D.C.
(Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump and House Republicans have struck a deal to avert a US government shutdown and suspend the federal debt limit for two years.

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House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed the plan as laughable, adding extreme MAGA Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown. House Republicans plan to vote on it Thursday and theyll likely need Democratic support for it to pass.

Trump, who had pressured GOP lawmakers to abandon an earlier bipartisan agreement, lauded the package as a very good Deal for the American People on Truth Social. He said it includes aid for disaster victims and US farmers.

Trump late Wednesday afternoon demanded House Speaker Mike Johnson abandon a deal he previously worked out with Democratic congressional leaders to avoid a government shutdown before the holidays. The incoming president insisted GOP lawmakers suspend or raise the debt limit before he takes office.

Government funding will lapse Friday night without congressional action. The new deal sets March 14 as the new funding deadline.

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At least one Republican lawmaker signaled opposition to the plans provisions.

My position is simple - I am not going to raise or suspend the debt ceiling (racking up more debt) without significant & real spending cuts attached to it, Representative Chip Roy, a hardline conservative from Texas, said in a social media post.

Jeffries earlier in the day also denounced the debt limit maneuver as a ploy by Trump to advance his tax agenda next year to the benefit of corporations and wealthy Americans.

GOP extremists want House Democrats to raise the debt ceiling so that House Republicans can lower the amount of your Social Security check, Jeffries posted on Bluesky. Hard pass.

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Democrats gathered moments after Republicans dropped their plan and could be heard chanting hell no in their meeting.

Republican Representative Mike Lawler of New York said he expects Johnson to use a special procedure to expedite the bill to the floor that requires a two-thirds majority. He would need significant Democratic support for the maneuver.

The speaker huddled with other House Republicans in his office much of Wednesday evening and during the day Thursday trying to work out a temporary funding plan that Trump would accept, as they closed in on the shutdown deadline.

Trump insisted Johnson secure an increase in or elimination of the national debt limit, a politically fraught step that the incoming president would otherwise have to address by summer.

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Elon Musk, the worlds richest man and a key adviser to Trump, had savaged Johnsons earlier deal in a daylong series of social media posts Wednesday, rousing his followers against the bill and declaring that any lawmaker who supported it should be defeated in the next election.

The spending vote this week had been expected to be relatively free of drama, as neither the incoming unified Republican majority nor the Democrats currently in control of the Senate and White House wanted a showdown as the holidays loomed. But the bill included more than $100 billion in disaster aid and had other sweeteners, such as a pay raise for lawmakers, drawing the ire of Musk, who Trump has named to lead an advisory Department of Government Efficiency to bring major expenditure cuts.

The House speakers perilous standing was underscored Thursday morning, when Trump told Fox News that the Louisiana Republican could easily remain speaker  if he acts decisively and tough to eliminate traps being set by Democrats. Some Republicans, including Senator Mike Lee of Utah, floated the notion of Musk himself taking the speakers gavel in the new Congress. Rules do not require the leader of the lower chamber to be elected to the House, though the speaker has been a lawmaker throughout all of US history.

The debt ceiling had been an issue legislators didnt expect to have to confront until next year, and certainly wasnt on their pre-holiday agenda. On Thursday, Trump told NBC News that abolishing the debt ceiling entirely would be the smartest thing lawmakers could do.

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I support that entirely, he said.

(Updates with Democratic reaction beginning in second paragraph)

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Tom Homan, who Donald Trump has tapped as his incoming administrations border czar, said Wednesday night that plans are underway to deport undocumented immigrants at large scale and that hell need funding from Congress to do so.

In an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins, he said he will need a minimum of 100,000 beds to detain undocumented immigrants  more than doubling the 40,000 detention beds ICE is currently funded for  and needs more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to carry out the president-elects mass deportation plans.

It all depends on the funding I get from the Hill, Homan said on The Source, adding that he isnt yet sure how much additional funding Trumps administration will seek from the Republican-led House and Senate.

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Homan also said he would ask the military for help transporting migrants.

Theyre not going to be out arresting people, but they can be a force multiplier in doing things we need to do that doesnt require a badge and a gun, he said.

The president-elect announced last month that Homan, a veteran of immigration law enforcement who served under the Obama administration and as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Trumps first administration, would be the border czar in his incoming White House.

Trump said on Truth Social that Homan will be in charge of our Nations Borders (The Border Czar), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security.

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Homan said he is still working on the Trump administrations plan to carry out the president-elects deportation promises.

Well be ready to launch the day of the inauguration, he said.

Homan said Trumps administration will prioritize deporting criminals, gang members and fugitives.

He would not specify how many undocumented immigrants he hopes to see deported by the end of Trumps next four years in office.

I dont have a number. We want to arrest as many people as we can that are in the country illegally, Homan said. If youre here illegally, youre not off the table. Its a violation of the law; its a crime to enter this country illegally.

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Homan said Trumps deportation plans include removing undocumented parents whose children are United States citizens.

What happens with those children, he said, is the decision of the parents.

Their child can stay and live with a relative, they can stay with the other parent, or they can take them with them. We dont deport US citizens. But they put themselves in the position; we didnt, Homan said. The bottom line is, having a child in this country does not make you immune from our laws.

Homan also said the Trump administration would bring back mass worksite immigration raids  a potentially significant development for some industries that rely on undocumented immigrants labor. President Joe Biden ended those raids, instead focusing on employers who exploit those workers.

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Worksite enforcement is coming back in a big way, he said. Under Trumps first term, ICE carried out those raids, resulting in hundreds of undocumented workers being swept up.

Democratic-led cities that limit or prohibit cooperation with the federal government over enforcing immigration law, Homan said, will limit ICEs ability to deport criminals and will force immigration enforcement agents into neighborhoods where he said agents will end up finding and arresting more undocumented immigrants.

Stephen Miller, a longtime Trump aide and driver of hardline immigration policies who is set to be Trumps White House deputy chief of staff for policy, said on Fox News this month that Trump will implement the largest deportation operation in American history.

Homan told Collins that theres no daylight between him and Miller.

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The target numbers arresting as many people as we can possibly arrest with the resources I have, Homan said. This operation isnt going to stop. Weve got four years to continue this operation.  If youre in the country illegally, youve got a problem.

This story has been updated with additional details.

CNNs Priscilla Alvarez contributed to this report.

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Donald Trump is feeling good about his renewed influence over Congress.

The president-elect posted to Truth Social on Thursday that EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND after he and Elon Musk pressured Republicans to kill a budget bill that would have averted a government shutdown ahead of a Friday deadline.

Trump told GOP lawmakers that they would be primaried and disposed of if they didnt blow up the bill, which had over $100 billion earmarked for disaster aide, raises for lawmakers, assistance to U.S. farmers, and much more.

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Musk, who has enjoyed an increasingly influential role in GOP politics, repeatedly shared his disgust with the wide scope of the stopgap budget, which totaled 1,547 pages. He celebrated the bills failure by writing that the voice of the people was heard and that Wednesday was a good day for America.

The voice of the people was heard.



This was a good day for America. https://t.co/r8K4AcbDYf  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2024

One Republican admitted that it was Trump and Musks pressure campaign that convinced them to scrap the bill, which those in Trumps circle complained had been stuffed with unrelated policy riders by Democrats in last-minute negotiations.

The phone was ringing off the hook today, said Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr on Wednesday. And you know why? Because they were reading the tweets.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is now scrambling to find a new path to avoid a federal shutdown before the holidays. If hes unable to, the shutdown could make for a hellish travel experience for millions of Americans as TSA employees would be forced to work without paysomething thats led to a flux of call outs and air travel disruptions in previous shutdowns.

Elon Musk has emerged as one of Donald Trumps biggest allies in recent months. / Brandon Bell / Getty Images

Top Democrats have attacked Republicans for killing the bi-partisan budget measure, which was agreed upon Tuesday. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries suggested Democrats would oppose a new budget that strays from the compromise they already reached on Tuesday.

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House Republicans will now own any harm that is visited upon the American people that results from a government shutdown or worse, he added.

Some MAGA lawmakers arent concerned about a possible shutdown, however.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said the government can shut down until after Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20 as far as Im concerned. Reps Tim Burchett and Nancy Mace also said theyd also favor a shutdown until Trump returns to the White House.

Greene, who has infamously opposed Johnsons leadership in the past, used this weeks budget fiasco to renew calls for the Louisiana lawmaker to lose his position leading House Republicans.

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WE MUST STAND FIRM WITH THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO STOP THE MADNESS!! she wrote on X. No matter what. Even if we have to elect new leadership.

Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Chip Roy talk with reporters about a bipartisan government funding bill outside the U.S. Capitol Building. / Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Trump issued an assurance to Johnson on Thursday morning that his job is safeso long as he does as hes ordered.

If the speaker acts decisively, and tough, and gets rid of all of the traps being set by the Democrats, which will economically and, in other ways, destroy our country, he will easily remain speaker, Trump told Fox News Digital.

The next speaker vote will be on Jan. 3. Sources told Fox that Reps. Jim Jordan and Byron Donalds have been floated as potential alternatives to Johnson should Trumpand perhaps Muskwant to push for a change.
President-elect Donald Trump delivered a missive to Capitol Hill on Wednesday that significantly ratcheted up the chances of a government shutdown just before Christmas, while sending the clearest signal yet that he is seeking a dramatic showdown with Democrats over spending.

Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance on Wednesday sharply criticized a deal to fund the federal government until March 14 that was negotiated by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, undermining support for the plan across Capitol Hill just days away from a shutdown deadline.

Trump and Vance slammed the bill for including what they see as Democratic priorities but also injected the politically fraught issue of the US debt limit, which the country is on track to hit after it is reinstated in the new year.

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Republicans want to support our farmers, pay for disaster relief, and set our country up for success in 2025, Trump and Vance said in a statement. The only way to do that is with a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS combined with an increase in the debt ceiling. Anything else is a betrayal of our country.

Within hours, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told reporters the funding plan had been officially scrapped.

Scalise, who said he had not spoken directly with Trump as of Wednesday night, said a new agreement had not been reached and that Republicans were discussing how to tie a debt limit increase to government funding, in response to the president-elects last-minute demand.

Leaving the Capitol later Wednesday, the Louisiana Republican said they are going to continue to work through the night, through the morning to get an agreement we can bring to the floor, adding, Were not there yet.

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Were going to get it resolved  hopefully tomorrow, weve got to see, Scalise said.

Throughout the day Wednesday, Trump had privately trashed the spending deal in conversations, multiple sources told CNN. That opposition set off a scramble among GOP lawmakers, and Republicans on Capitol Hill described Trumps opposition as the final death knell for Johnsons spending deal. It also raised the question of whether the Louisiana Republican would have Trumps support for his own speaker race just over two weeks away.

Johnson unveiled the text for his government funding plan Tuesday night, but it met withering criticism from the right flank of his party for being too supportive of Democratic priorities. Democrats would likely be needed to pass the bill in both chambers of Congress.

Then came Trump and Vances eleventh-hour statement, which called on Republicans to take a hardline approach on spending. They called for Republicans to attach demands to the debt limit debate to the bill to keep the government open.

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Republicans must GET SMART and TOUGH. If Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want, then CALL THEIR BLUFF, Trump and Vance wrote in the statement.

Lets have this debate now, they wrote on the debt limit. And we should pass a streamlined spending bill that doesnt give Chuck Schumer and the Democrats everything they want.

The last-minute grenade into the spending fight  after a bipartisan deal had already been reached  dramatically increases the risks of a shutdown on Capitol Hill. Top Democrats quickly signaled that they would be unwilling to go along with Trumps new calls for a streamlined spending deal that rips out billions of dollars in policies that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had already negotiated with Johnson.

House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government. And hurt the working class Americans they claim to support, Jeffries wrote in a post on X, sending a clear sign that his party would not help bail out the votes for a GOP bill that ignores his agreement with Johnson. You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences that follow.

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House Democrats plan to caucus in the morning, according to a senior Democratic aide. Democrats in the Senate, which also must pass a bill before funding runs out on Saturday, committed Wednesday evening to sticking with the deal they struck, saying after huddling on the chamber floor that there was agreement and its time to vote.

Leaving his office on Capitol Hill, less than an hour after releasing the joint statement with Trump, Vance said they support a clean continuing resolution  or CR  only if its tied to a debt limit increase.

What the president believes is that we should support a clean CR so long as it contains a debt limit increase, Vance said in response to a question from CNN. Thats the position of the president and thats what were going to try to push for.

Later Wednesday night, the vice president-elect told reporters as he was leaving Johnsons office that they had a productive conversation but said Republicans are still in the middle of negotiations.

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But I think we will be able to solve some problems here, and we will keep working on it, Vance said.

A preview of fights to come

The avalanche Trump prompted on Wednesday afternoon by coming out against Johnsons spending plan at the last minute suggests that Trumps second term could be riddled with the same chaotic governing style he exhibited in his first, even though Republicans will control both chambers of Congress next year.

Johnson and his leadership team now have no obvious path forward, according to multiple GOP sources. Its a remarkable reversal from just hours earlier, when members of Johnsons leadership team were feeling mostly positive about how the bill would land among the GOP, many of those same sources said.

But that support quickly cratered by Wednesday afternoon, as key Trump ally Elon Musk suggested that Republicans who supported the deal should be primaried. One House GOP source described the plan as collapsing in the wake of Musks posts, driving a surge of calls to members offices.

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All these things that we didnt even know were on the table, that are suddenly in this  and then we get potentially less than 24 hours to vote on it, Republican Rep. Michael Cloud of Texas told CNN. This is everything thats wrong with Washington and everything we promised we would not support.

While many of the GOP members sought that disaster and farmer assistance, many conservatives were also livid that Johnson had allowed such a large package to be rushed through at the end of the year.

Once Musk pressured Republicans to vote against the bill, support for the package started to crumble, even as lawmakers seemed to hold their ground publicly.

We will see the new power of Elon, said GOP Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, who is against the spending bill and hopes Musks pressure campaign sways his colleagues.

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One moderate GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, who supports the package, told CNN that Musk was premature for coming out against it so quickly when there are a lot of Republican wins tucked in.

He should have gotten the facts, Bacon added.

Republican Rep. Robert Aderholt of Alabama, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, said it would be very difficult to pass a debt limit measure before Fridays deadline but said if Trump wants it, I think we should maybe look at it.

Its complicated enough without that, House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers said of tying the two together.

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Republicans in the Senate similarly pushed back on the likelihood of getting a new bill through.

GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota added a dose of skepticism to the move, telling CNN, Im open to ideas on it, but Im not sure how we do that.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the incoming chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said she was surprised by Trumps debt ceiling demand, saying, I dont know his rational, and throwing up her hands when asked if making such an add was realistic.

As Collins was walking with reporters, she passed outgoing Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who quipped, Oh, this is the way its going to be next year.

Debt ceiling suspended until January 2

The debt ceiling, which was suspended by the bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act in June 2023, will return on January 2. The Treasury Department will then have to use the cash it has on hand, as well as so-called extraordinary measures, to continue paying the nations bills on time and in full. Those efforts will probably last for several months, possibly until the summer  giving Congress some time to act to avoid a first-ever default.

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The 2023 deal took months to craft and brought the nation uncomfortably close to a default, which would have unleashed global economic chaos and had major consequences on many Americans finances.

Established by Congress, the debt ceiling is the maximum amount the federal government can borrow to finance obligations that lawmakers and presidents have already approved. Treasury needs to borrow to pay the bills since the US spends more than it collects in revenue, resulting in a budget deficit.

The nations debt currently stands at $36.2 trillion.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Morgan Rimmer, Ted Barrett, Tami Luhby, Clare Foran and Kit Maher contributed to this report.

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Bloomberg/Getty Images

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump is set to become the 47th president of the United States. The inauguration will mark the start of his official second term, this time with J.D. Vance as his vice president, and he will become the second president in history to serve two nonconsecutive terms.

During the inauguration, Trump and Vance will be sworn into office, and Trump will give an inaugural address. Country music star Carrie Underwood has confirmed that she will sing America the Beautiful during the event, and an assorted crew of Trump-friendly celebrities, among them the Paul brothers and Caitlyn Jenner, will be there too.

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Ahead of Trumps second term, heres everything you need to know about the 2025 inauguration, including how to stream it and what we can expect from protesters in the days leading up to it.

What will the January 20 event look like?

The 2025 inauguration marks the 60th inauguration ceremony in the US. As has been the case since 1981, it will be held on the West Front of the Capitol. Since 1901, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has been in charge of planning and executing this event. Traditionally, there is a procession to the Capitol followed by the vice presidents swearing-in, the presidents swearing-in, the inaugural address, an honorary departure, a signing ceremony, and a luncheon. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, will lead the opening prayer. The announcement that Underwood would perform made waves, as she's a much bigger name than any of the performers at Trump's 2017 inauguration. Axios said this signals that the entertainment industry's hesitance to embrace Trump has thawed since he left office.

I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event, Underwood said in a statement to CNN. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.

According to Glamour, Lee Greenwood will perform his song Proud to Be an American, which has been a standby at Trump rallies, and opera singer Chris Macchio will sing the national anthem.

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More Trump faves are scheduled to perform at the Trump campaign's Victory Rally at the Capitol One Arena in Washington, DC, on Sunday, January 19, such as Kid Rock, Billy Rae Cyrus, and Rascal Flatts, according to Axios.

Notably, the 70s disco group the Village People is also slated to perform. Trump really, really loves the song Y.M.C.A.

We know this wont make some of you happy to hear, the Village People posted to Facebook, "however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics. Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost.

How can I watch the inauguration?

The inauguration should be available to watch live on any news channel, but if youre looking to stream the event, here are a few places to choose from: News outlets, including CNN, ABC, CBS, and the New York Times are expected to livestream the event on their respective apps and YouTube channels, as they have for past inaugurations. Other likely streaming options include the White House Live Stream, live feeds on X (formerly Twitter), and the White House YouTube channel. Politico typically offers a livestreaming option too.

What politicians and special guests will attend?

The White House confirmed in late November that President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will attend the inauguration. Prior to the election, the president said he'd attend regardless of who won. In a January op-ed for the Washington Post, Biden wrote that he was determined to do everything I can to respect the peaceful transfer of power and restore the traditions we have long respected in America, including inviting Trump to meet with him at the White House on January 20 and attending his inauguration that day.

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Trump skipped Bidens inauguration in 2021. Weeks earlier, Trump had incited a riot at the US Capitol, urging his supporters to reject the election results and insisting he had rightfully won the presidency. Trump was the first president in more than 150 years to skip his replacements swearing-in, CNN reported.

The celebrity guests expected to be in attendance for Trump's inauguration are all public Trump boosters  a mix of athletes, media personalities, businessmen, and reality TV stars. TMZ reported that this includes conservative bro podcasters like the Nelk boys and Theo Von, United Fighting Championship CEO Dana White, and SpaceX founder and Tesla CEO  and current Trump bestie  Elon Musk.

In an unusual move Trump has invited world leaders to attend the event. Argentinas conservative president Javier Milei is planning to attend, per the Associated Press, as is far-right British politician Nigel Farage. Trump also invited Chinese president Xi Jinping (although he likely wont make it), and Italys prime minister Giorgia Meloni also hopes to attend.

Other inauguration guests include members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, high-ranking military officials, former presidents and vice presidents, and Medal of Honor recipients. Trumps family, including Melania Trump and their son, Barron, will be in attendance. Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton are all attending, according to the Associated Press, as will former first lady Laura Bush and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Michelle Obama will be skipping the event.

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Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the Oath of Office to President Trump, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh will do so for VP Vance, CNN reported.

Are protests expected?

In 2017, amid Trumps first inauguration, protests occurred across the US, with demonstrations also taking place around the world. In New York City, protests were held outside Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue. In DC, roughly 200 people, including protesters, journalists, and medics, were arrested during protests by DisruptJ20, a group dedicated to protesting the inauguration of the 45th president. Many faced felony charges, but the government ultimately dropped the charges against dozens of defendants, secured 21 plea deals, and won zero jury convictions, according to The Intercept. The first Womens March also took place the day after the inauguration, with more than 4 million people estimated to have marched throughout the country.

In response to Trumps upcoming inauguration, organizations including the Womens March, National Womens Law Center, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Popular Democracy are planning to host another day of action with the Peoples March on January 18 in DC, and events in other major cities are expected as well.

Some DC residents are asking local Airbnb hosts to take their rental properties off the platform during inauguration weekend as another form of protest, according to a report by Axios. One of the initiatives organizers told the publication that she plans to provide her rental unit to friends attending the Peoples March versus individuals in town for Trumps inauguration.

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With the 2025 inauguration falling on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, members of the National Action Network also plan to host a rally to speak out against Trump and honor MLK Jr.s legacy. The Answer Coalitions National Day of Action is also holding a rally at 11 a.m. at Malcolm X Park/Meridian Hill Park in DC.

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President-elect Donald Trump urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to act decisively and reject compromise with Democrats on Thursday after Trump and Elon Musk torpedoed a spending deal to avert a government shutdown as soon as this weekend.

With a shutdown just hours away, Trump declared that he wants the GOP leader to force a new deal through Congress without making concessions, a virtually impossible mission since any deal would need Democratic support to pass.

If the speaker acts decisively, and tough, and gets rid of all of the traps being set by the Democrats, which will economically and, in other ways, destroy our country, he will easily remain speaker, Trump told Fox News Digital.

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Trump also suggested Congress should raise the debt ceiling, a complicated and divisive issue that most Republicans oppose, and pass a stopgap spending bill including only Republican priorities like aid to farmers.

The president-elect and top supporter billionaire Elon Musk effectively sunk a deal that Johnson had struck with Democrats to fund the government through mid-March.

Unless Congress enacts a new spending plan, big chunks of the government would shut down starting this weekend and non-essential workers would be furloughed. Given the calendar, its unlikely anything would reopen until after New Years.

Democratic leaders say they will only support the stopgap spending deal with Johnston that both sides negotiated over several weeks.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said GOP dysfunction would be to blame for any shutdown.

Vice President-elect JD Vance met with Johnson late Thursday night to seek some way forward but there was no breakthrough reported.

Musk, who has been tapped by Trump to lead a new budget cutting organization called the Department of Government Efficiency, took the first step in trashing Johnsons deal on Wednesday, warning any Republican that supports it should be ousted from Congress.

He later said Congress should not pass any legislation until Trump returns to the White House, an edict that would result in a month-long government shutdown.

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Along with funding the government, the sprawling so-called continuing resolution included $100 billion in aid for those impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, aid to struggling for farmers and a grab bag of other priorities designed to attract votes from lawmakers in both parties.

Johnson pitched the plan as the best way to delay important decisions until the next Congress. After Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, the Republican-majority House will hold a trifecta of power with the White House and Senate. He said Musk had been briefed on the deal.

Many Republican lawmakers opposed the bill because it includes what they consider to be unnecessary spending. But it was considered likely to pass anyway with wide Democratic backing.

But Musk, and later Trump, blew up that plan with their 11th hour attacks.

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Republicans hold a narrow majority of a couple of seats in the House, but are unable to pass spending bills without Democratic support because some conservatives oppose all government funding measures without major cuts that most others oppose.

Any spending bill would also need to pass the Senate, which is still held by Democrats, and win the support of President Joe Biden to sign it into law.

The ugly internal GOP feud could also endanger Johnsons hold on the speakers gavel with a handful of right-wing lawmakers vowing to topple him in the next Congress.
In October 2019, following a call with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, then-President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops from northeast Syria. Days later, Turkey launched a cross-border offensive into positions held by U.S.-allied Kurdish fighters, carving out a chunk of northern Syria, forcing the flight of more than 300,000 people, and leaving hundreds dead.

Now, in the wake of President Bashar al-Assads fall, Syrias ethnic Kurds have once again found themselves distinctly vulnerable to attacks by Turkish and Turkish-backed forces.

As rebel groups consolidate power in post-Assad Syria, Turkeywhich supported the two main militias spearheading the regimes overthrowis reportedly preparing for another large-scale incursion into Kurdish-run areas. The Biden administration has affirmed U.S. support for the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which fights alongside American troops to combat the Islamic State. But Trumps return to the White House next month adds another layer of uncertainty about Americas future role in Syria.

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The former president has long aspired to withdraw U.S. troops from the countrywhich he once referred to as a land of sand and deathand reiterated his desire to take a hands-off approach amid the governments collapse. At a time when the Kurds are uniquely exposed, the incoming administration raises the specter of an American retreata decision that could spell disaster for the U.S. allies and their efforts to contain terrorist groups, opening the door to a resurgence of jihadist violence.

The U.S. began its military and financial support for rebel groups in Syria in 2013, following Assads use of chemical weapons against his own people. But the deployment of American troops on the ground served another purpose: degrading and preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State, a terrorist organization with global aspirations. Some 900 U.S. troops remain in the country to continue counterterrorism operations as ISIS and other extremist groups try to reconstitute.

Key to those efforts is the U.S. partnership with the SDF, which runs an enclave in eastern Syria that covers about 30 percent of the countrys territory. In addition to fighting alongside American troops to wrest cities and towns from terrorist control at the height of the civil war, the predominantly Kurdish fighters currently hold thousands of ISIS militants in detention centers across northeast Syria.

For the Syrian Kurds, reports of a looming Turkish attack together with an incoming Trump administration raise fears of a 2019 redux. When Trump ordered U.S. troops to withdraw from northeast Syria, he did so without notifying the SDFs leadershipalthough the decision was later largely reversed. This time around, the president-elect could reach an agreement to end Americas military presence in Syria entirely, particularly if Ankara commits to helping the new government fight ISIS and prevent Iran from reestablishing its foothold in the country.

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For the Trump administration, the Iranian angle will be very important, Omer Ozkizilcik, a nonresident fellow for the Atlantic Councils Syria Project, said from Damascus. Wherever Turkey is, Iran isnt.

Trumps congenial relationship with Erdogan, Turkeys longtime leader, could also portend an American withdrawal from Syria. During a wide-ranging press conference Monday, the president-elect indicated that Ankara had orchestrated the Assad regimes fall by arming the rebels leading the charge: And thats okay, thats another way to fight, he said. Erdogan is somebody I got along with great, but he has a major military force. And his has not been worn out with war. Hes built a very strong, powerful army.

Trumps comments may be laying the groundwork for a scenario in which Turkey assumes responsibility for counterterrorism operations in Syria in exchange for the end of American support to the SDF. But some analysts are unconvinced of Ankaras willingness to counter terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda at a time when theyre likely to seek to capitalize on Syrias political instability.

There are risks to our counterterrorism strategy in Syria, because no one really knows the actual Turkish commitment to fighting extremists, and the record is spotty, said Steven Cook, a Middle East expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, citing the Turkish governments support for jihadist groups in Syria and history of providing safe haven for terrorists in Turkey.

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Even before the Assad regimes fall, U.S. Central Command observed an increase in attempts by ISIS to reconstitute this year. Attacks by the group have tripled since January, Charles Lister, a director at the Middle East Institute, reported in the New York Times. Syrias regime change is likely to exacerbate that trend, as the SDFthe countrys strongest bulwark against the terrorist groupdiverts its fighters and attention to defend against advances by Turkish-backed forces. Kurdish officials now fear the possibility of an attempted prison break to free the thousands of ISIS fighters and affiliates currently under their control.

The SDF is occupied with fighting Turkish-backed rebels and the more they become engaged in these new fronts, the more [ISIS] will try to attack, SDF representative Bassam Ishak told the Telegraph last week. That increases the risk of a prison break with the help of sleeper cells.

With Syrias new government still taking shape, a U.S. abandonment of the SDF could also leave Kurdswho make up about 10 percent of Syrias population of roughly 23 millionvulnerable to ethnically motivated violence. Like Syrians across the country, Kurdish leaders celebrated the fall of the Assad regimes 30-year rule, even adopting the oppositions flag in a sign of unity. But the rebels advances have already brought them into conflict with the SDF in cities and towns across the country, including Tal Rifaat and Manbij, where the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) has seized control.

Map by Joe Schueller.

Kurdish forces are also preparing to defend against possible Turkish attacks on Kobani, a Kurdish-majority city near Turkeys border. In a tweet Tuesday, the commander of the SDF offered to establish Kobani as a demilitarized zone under U.S. supervision in an apparent bid to forestall a Turkish offensive. But its unclear whether Ankara will be willing to leave any part of the armed Kurdish enclave intact.

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American support for Kurdish forces in Syria has long been a source of tension between Washington and Ankara, which accuses the U.S. of propping up a terror corridor in eastern Syria through its partnership with the SDF. Erdogan views the Syrian group as being the same as the Kurdistan Workers Party, armed separatists behind hundreds of terrorist attacks in Turkey, including the brief violent occupation of a state-run aerospace company headquarters in October.

Although theres little independent evidence of Syrian Kurds involvement in the incidents, Turkey has long sought to push away Kurdish forces from its southern border, launching three offensives between 2016 and 2019. Now, with both of the rebel groups leading the Assaad regimes ouster having varying degrees of Turkish backing, Ankara has emerged as the predominant regional power in post-Assad Syria.

The Turkish government hasnt been coy about what this newfound influence means. Shortly after meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the elimination of a Kurdish militia as his countrys strategic goal. Turkey has long urged the U.S. to pull its troops out of Syriaa move that would, as in 2019, pave the way for a large-scale attack against Kurdish forcesand will likely do so again when Trump takes office next month.

But Trumps advisers may yet talk him out of a full U.S. withdrawal from Syria amid the countrys delicate security situation, as they appeared to do during his first term. The president-elects nominee for secretary of state, Sen. Marco Rubio, has long been a vocal supporter of partnering with Kurds in Syria. After the 2019 incident, Rubio accused the Trump administration of abandoning the Kurds to face annihilation at the hands of the Turkish military. Rep. Mike Waltz, whom Trump has selected as his national security adviser, likewise called on Washington to stand with its Kurdish allies amid the Turkish invasion.

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Now, with a new government in Damascus, its unclear where the Kurds fit in. Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolanithe leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group primarily responsible for ousting Assadhas sought to strike a conciliatory tone, urging his fighters to respect minority rights and describing the Kurds as an integral part of Syrian society. But hes also unlikely to tolerate the semi-autonomy of another armed group within Syrias borders, particularly if Turkey has a say in it.

The HTS has a very clear jihadist vision of imposing a type of Islamic rule on Syria. I dont see how they could accommodate a group like the SDF without making it into something subordinate. The groups goal, ultimately, is to take over all of Syria, Ido Levy, an analyst with the Washington Institute and author of a book on the Islamic State, told The Dispatch. If Trump were to withdraw, it could be a disaster for the SDF. It could be bad for the fight against ISIS, too.

For Kurdish civilians, too, the end of U.S. involvement in Syria could prove catastrophic. Turkey and its armed proxies in Syria have a long record of human rights abuses against Kurdish communities on both sides of the border. But analysts fear Erdogans threatened advances may leave the U.S. with few good options, particularly when faced with the possibility of two NATO allies pitted against one another.

I think when push comes to shove, Cook said, well shove the Kurds in favor of Turkey.

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WASHINGTON  Donald Trump is back, baby.

The president-elect, who often blew up painstaking congressional negotiations with last-minute demands during his first presidency, on Wednesday torpedoed a bipartisan budget deal that would have kept the government open past Friday  and hes not even been sworn in to his second White House term yet.

In a statement posted online that took just about everyone in Washington by surprise, including members of his own party, Trump criticized a spending bill negotiated by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and called for an increase in the nations borrowing limit  a controversial idea that Republicans typically use to demand concessions from Democrats, not the other way around.

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He then threatened to primary any Republican who votes for a stopgap government funding bill unless it contains a debt limit extension, ratcheting up pressure on Johnson and other Republican members of Congress as they struggle to come up with an alternative plan to fund the government.

The debt ceiling demand took lawmakers of both parties by surprise and instantly made the funding standoff more complicated. There had been no discussion in recent weeks about the debt ceiling, which typically consumes months of negotiations and likely didnt need to be addressed until mid-2025.

This has come as a surprise to me, said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), the incoming chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. I dont know his rationale.

Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) called it a bolt of lightning coming out of the sky, while Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said it foreshadowed the chaos in Congress next year, especially in the House, where Republicans will hold an even smaller vote margin than they have this year.

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It is a taste of things to come. The House is going to be ungovernable, Schiff, who served in the House before winning election to the Senate this year, told HuffPost.

Some senators struggled to find words when asked to comment on Trumps last-minute demand. I cant even  I really cant even, is all Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) could manage to say before jumping into a Senate elevator.

Asked for her reaction to the latest developments, Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) offered an astute pair of words: Chaos ensues! She had nothing more to say.

Republicans, meanwhile, expressed doubts that Trumps debt limit gambit would work given the precious hours left before government funding expires on Friday, the eve of the Christmas holiday break.

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GOP senators from states wracked by devastating storms put greater emphasis on the inclusion of disaster aid into any bill that keeps the governments lights on. The bill negotiated by Johnson provided $100 billion to do so, but now even that funding could be in jeopardy.

To anybody who thinks that disaster relief is pork, come to where I live, see what happened in my state, in North Carolina and Georgia, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told reporters, referring to criticism of the spending provisions in Johnsons bill.

Any spending bill  whether it includes a debt limit hike or not  will require bipartisan support, especially in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Democrats on Wednesday accused Trump and billionaire CEO Elon Musk, who savaged Johnsons bill online as too costly, of essentially pushing for a government shutdown.

We have a deal with Republicans and were sticking with it, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told his members on Wednesday after Trump demanded a new budget bill, according to a source familiar with his conversations.

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The unexpected spending fiasco has put Johnson in hot water with conservatives and raised questions about his future as speaker. Several of his Republican colleagues threatened to dump him over his handling of the situation. The speaker also irked Trump himself, according to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who spoke to the president-elect earlier on Wednesday.

One GOP senator who spoke on the condition of anonymity expressed concern about Johnsons standing and the possibility of even more chaos in the House.

They might have just gotten Mike Johnson beat for speaker, the senator told HuffPost. You want to see real chaos? You watch this monster over there have to pick a new speaker.

Related...
President-elect Donald Trump has no chance of being granted a pardon for his criminal conviction without first showing some remorse, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The Democrat had attendees at a Wednesday news conference cracking up when she was asked if she would consider using her authority to pardon Trump. There is a pardoning process in the state of New York. It is lengthy, Hochul said. It requires a couple of elementsone is remorse.

No one will be treated any better or any worse by me when I make those life-altering decisions, she continued. Were looking at petitions that come in throughout the year. So no one gets extra favors, no one gets treated worse.

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She added that there is a process that everyone has to go through regardless of whether youre the president or anybody else.

Trump, a proud New Yorker, was found guilty of 34 felony counts earlier this year for falsifying business records in a bid to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in return for her silence concerning claims she and Trump had sex a decade earlier. Trump denies ever having sex with Daniels.

Far from showing remorse, the president-elect has spent months attempting to get his conviction overturned. On Monday, a judge rejected Trumps bid to have his conviction dismissed on the grounds of the Supreme Courts ruling on presidential immunity.

Prosecutors have indicated that they would be open to delaying any sentencing until the end of Trumps second term. He cannot be jailed while president.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says Trump would have to go through the same pardoning process as anyone else / Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty

Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes, so Trumps conviction in New York state would require the governors sign-off.

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Meanwhile, in another bid to get the case thrown out, Trumps lawyers claimed earlier this month to have received evidence of grave juror misconduct.

Trumps lawyers did not disclose what the misconduct in question was in a Dec. 3 letter unsealed by the court Tuesday, according to NBC Newsbut that didnt stop Trump attorneys Todd Blanche and Emile Bove from asking that the case be dismissed.

This behavior is completely unacceptable and it demonstrates without question that the verdicts in this case are as unreliable as DA Braggs promise to protect Manhattanites from violent crime, the reportedly pair wrote.

In a reply to the letter, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office described the misconduct allegations as vague and said that their summary of the situation, which was not made public, contains inaccuracies.
Donald Trump opposes a bipartisan government funding bill with less than two days until a shutdown deadline. U.S. life expectancy has risen to its highest level since the beginning of the Covid pandemic. And a new study suggests the moon is millions of years older than previously thought.

Heres what to know today.

Trump opposes funding bill as shutdown deadline inches closer

The fate of a bipartisan government funding bill is up in the air after President-elect Donald Trump criticized it yesterday, encouraging Congress to find another path forward. A government shutdown will occur at 12:01 a.m. Saturday without action from Congress. There is currently no fallback plan.

This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.

Republicans must GET SMART and TOUGH, Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance said in a joint statement. If Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want, then CALL THEIR BLUFF. It is [Senate Majority Leader Chuck] Schumer and [President Joe] Biden who are holding up aid to our farmers and disaster relief.

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Trump also demanded that the legislation include a debt ceiling increase, which neither party had even been considering, making clear he wanted it to happen on Bidens watch.

Later, Trump threatened the political futures of Republicans who didnt heed his warnings about the bill. Any Republican that would be so stupid as to do this should, and will, be Primaried, Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump and Vance's opposition came hours after the heads of Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, tech billionaire Elon Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, both criticized the bill. In a torrent of posts on X, Musk repeatedly called it criminal, posted memes, and spread falsehoods. For example, Musk claimed a proposed congressional pay raise would be 40%  but the maximum potential pay increase for next year had already been set at 3.8%.

The proposed continuing resolution would keep the government open until March 14. It includes disaster relief for communities affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton and economic assistance for farmers, among other provisions.

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Read the full story here.

More politics news

Lawyers and pro-democracy advocates are in the early stages of building a nationwide network of specialists  accountants, employment experts, public relations professionals and even psychologists  aimed at defending and protecting people who may be targeted for retribution once Trump takes office, according to multiple people involved in the effort.

ICE is dealing with a $230 million budget shortfall , which could delay Trumps plans for mass deportations.

Robert F. Kennedys biggest hurdle to secure his confirmation as secretary of health and human services is convincing Republicans that he doesnt hold extreme views on vaccines. His decades of anti-vaccine rhetoric could work against him .

An $895 million defense spending package, which includes a ban on coverage for gender-affirming care for transgender children of military service members, passed in the Senate and is now headed to President Bidens desk.

Gisele Pelicot's ex-husband and 46 men found guilty of raping her

Dozens of men including the ex-husband of Gisele Pelicot were found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting her in a historic trial that shocked France.

Dominique Pelicot, 72, who pled guilty to drugging her and inviting dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious over the span of a decade, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Roger Arata, the lead judge in the court in the southern town of Avignon.

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Another 46 other men were found guilty of rape, two of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault in the high profile case, according to NBC News British broadcasting partner Sky News. They ranged from 26 to 74 in age and were handed sentences from three to eight years.

Pelicot listened on in the courtroom as her ex-husbands verdict was read out, with a number of other defendants also present in the room, surrounded by police officers.

The case has incensed France and triggered what some see as the second wave of the #MeToo movement in France. While the nation has a history of defending men, women said the climate feels different this time.

After a young woman was shot dead in Texas, a medical school harvested her body parts

Aurimar Iturriago Villegas's mother looks at her photo at her home in Venezuela.

Aurimar Iturriago Villegas left Venezuela hoping to lift her family out of poverty. But within two months of her arrival in Texas in 2022, she was dead, shot in a road rage incident near Dallas as she sat in the back seat of a car.

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Without her familys knowledge, county authorities donated Aurimars body to a local medical school, where officials cut it up and assigned dollar figures to parts that hadnt been damaged by the bullet that struck her head  $900 for her torso, $703 for her legs.

Remnants of Aurimars body were cremated and buried in a field among strangers in a Dallas cemetery, all while her mother desperately sought to have her murdered daughter returned to Venezuela, unaware her body had become a commodity in the name of science.

Aurimars mother, Arelis Coromoto Villegas, only learned her daughter had been used for research two years after her death, when NBC News and Noticias Telemundo  as part of a broader investigation of the U.S. body industry  published the names of hundreds of people whose unclaimed bodies were sent to Fort Worth-based University of North Texas Health Science Center.

Its a very painful thing, Arelis said in Spanish, in an interview from her home in a small town in western Venezuela. Shes not a little animal to be butchered, to be cut up.

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Read the full story here.

Read more from NBC News Dealing the Dead series:

How did unclaimed bodies end up in the hands of a major biotech company? Boston Scientifics Relievant Medsystems used at least 25 unclaimed bodies for training, including that of a murdered 21-year-old woman whose family was fighting to bring her home. The company said it didnt know. Read the full story.

Putin says he will ask Assad about the missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice

Vladimir Putin has promised to ask Syrias former president Bashar al-Assad about missing American journalist Austin Tice in response to a question from NBC News Keir Simmons at his annual end-of-year press conference.

I promise to ask this question, the Russian leader said when asked about U.S. journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in the country 12 years ago.

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Assad fled to Russia earlier this month after being ousted by a rapid rebel advance that ended the countrys 13-year-long civil war. Even so, despite harboring Assad, Putin said he has yet to catch up with his ally in person.

Follow live updates from his press conference here.

U.S. life expectancy rises by nearly a full year

U.S. life expectancy rose to 78.4 years in 2023, the highest level since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, according to a new CDC report. Thats a significant rise  nearly a full year  from the life expectancy of 77.5 years in 2022.

The biggest change in 2023? The number of Covid deaths, which fell significantly. Whereas the virus was the fourth leading cause of death in 2022, it was the 10th in 2023, the report said. However, that doesnt mean the threat from Covid is gone completely, said Ken Kochanek, a co-author of the report, adding that its not yet known whether deaths will continue to fall before leveling off at a more predictable annual rate.

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The top five causes of death in the U.S. last year were heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries (which includes drug overdoses), stroke and chronic lower respiratory diseases. Read more about the report.

Read All About It

Staff Pick: A re-melting masked the moons true age, study suggests

Super Moon In August Shines In The Night Sky of Turin (Stefano Guidi / Getty Images file )

The moon may be more than 100 million years older than most scientists thought. Thats the takeaway from a new study that found a dramatic re-melting event early in the moons history could have masked its true age. The study found that the moon is likely 4.51 billion years old  not 4.35 billion years old, as many scientists previously thought. Though the difference may seem relatively small, nailing down what occurred in those chaotic early days of the solar system is key to understanding how the planets in our celestial neighborhood came to be.  Denise Chow, science reporter

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Your nails can get more brittle and grow slower as you age, but a few products can help keep them looking strong. Heres what to get. Plus, here are the 18 best treatments for dark under-eye circles, as recommended by dermatologists.

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This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WASHINGTON  President-elect Donald Trump excoriated a bipartisan government funding bill Wednesday afternoon, throwing the stopgap measure into chaos just as leaders of both parties were hoping to pass it.

The joint statement by Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance left Republican leaders scrambling to come up with a new plan in the House, where Trump wields significant influence. A top GOP lawmaker later said the bill text, released just a day earlier, had been scrapped.

The bill would have kept the government open until March 14. A shutdown will occur at 12:01 a.m. Saturday without action from Congress. There is currently no fallback plan.

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Republicans must GET SMART and TOUGH. If Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want, then CALL THEIR BLUFF, Trump and Vance said. It is [Senate Majority Leader Chuck] Schumer and [President Joe] Biden who are holding up aid to our farmers and disaster relief.

In a shocking twist, Trump also demanded that the legislation include a debt ceiling increase, which neither party had even been considering. Its expected to come up in the middle of next year, and Trump made it clear he wanted it to happen on Bidens watch.

Increasing the debt ceiling is not great but wed rather do it on Bidens watch, Trump and Vance said. If Democrats wont cooperate on the debt ceiling now, what makes anyone think they would do it in June during our administration? Lets have this debate now. And we should pass a streamlined spending bill that doesnt give Chuck Schumer and the Democrats everything they want.Trumps statement said the solution is a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS combined with an increase in the debt ceiling. Anything else is a betrayal of our country.

Later, Trump threatened the political futures of Republicans who don't heed his warnings about the bill.

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"Any Republican that would be so stupid as to do this should, and will, be Primaried," he said Wednesday evening in a post to Truth Social.

When asked whether the version of the bill that House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., unveiled on Tuesday was dead, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., told reporters, "Yes."

The speakers office declined to share a path forward, and top Republican members were in Johnsons office Wednesday night to figure out whats next. Vance left Johnson's office Wednesday evening telling reporters that he had a "productive conversation." He declined to share further details, saying, "Were the middle of these negotiations."

While leaving the Capitol late Wednesday evening, Johnson did not answer a question about the status of negotiations, but Scalise said, "We had a good, productive meeting."

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The House said it will not hold any more votes Wednesday while those discussions take place.

'Practicing what he preaches'

Various conservatives  inside and outside Congress  had blasted the legislation after it was released Tuesday night.

This is a s--- sandwich, said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said Wednesday. I dont know how else to say that. Were being forced into this position.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

A Trump transition team official said the president-elect's opposition to the CR was part of "practicing what he preaches."There is no way, I mean none, that he would support DOGE and also a 1500-page CR," the official said, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency Trump has asked billionaire Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to run.

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Asked why Trump waited until hours after Musk, Ramaswamy and others had criticized the bill, the official said: He let everyone wonder what he wanted to do. All eyes were on him. When he moved, it was over. Hes president before becoming president.

The government funding fight is the latest area where Trump has weighed in and tried to direct policy  despite not yet being president. As Bidens recedes from public view and his time in office winds down, Trump has already tried to shape foreign policy as well.

Several Republicans were skeptical of Trump's call to include the debt ceiling, which won't come up until next year, in a funding bill that must pass by this weekend, however.

"I have no problem with doing it, I just dont know why Senator Schumer would accept it, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., acknowledged Wednesday evening. You dont have the pressure of an impending default to get people. Thats usually how it gets raised, right? Very seldom does it not come when youre either about to approach extraordinary measures or a date certain."

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., warned that if Republicans abandon the CR deal, theyll own a government shutdown.

House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government, Jeffries wrote on X. And hurt the working class Americans they claim to support. You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences that follow.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre slammed Trump's derailing of the bill, saying in a statement, "Republicans need to stop playing politics with this bipartisan agreement or they will hurt hardworking Americans and create instability across the country."

House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries speaking on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

"A deal is a deal," she added. "Republicans should keep their word."Musk weighs in

Within 24 hours of the bills release, Musk slammed it in a torrent of posts to his over 200 million followers on X before he called for a monthlong government shutdown until Jan. 20, when Trump is sworn in.

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Kill the Bill, Musk wrote.

He boosted and thanked various Republican lawmakers who announced they would vote against the measure, adding: One of the worst bills ever written.

Some House Republicans felt encouraged by Musks attack on the legislation, which would keep the government open until March 14 and includes provisions to give lawmakers a pay raise, among many other policy measures negotiated by the two parties.

Trump also weighed in on the proposed pay raise, saying in a post to Truth Social on Wednesday night that "this is not a good time for Congress to be asking for pay increases."

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I love it, Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., said of the opposition. And I love the fact that theyre paying attention, because I didnt come up here to continue this reckless funding process.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., also praised Musk.

Elon put out a pretty serious post there. But you know, thats the sentiment of the American people, she said. This is why we won on Nov. 5. Everyone is sick and tired of overspending.

Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., the chair of the hard-right Freedom Caucus, said Wednesday: The American people didnt, dont send their representatives to Washington to vote on a 1,500-page bill in less than 24 hours that spends $110 billion, adds $110 billion to the deficit, without the opportunity to offer an amendment to perhaps pay for this bill. The process is broken.

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Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said a government shutdown would be unfortunate as it puts a lot of people at risk, particularly those who need the disaster aid attached to it.She also questioned whether Trump was getting rolled by Musk.

You have to ask Donald Trump  if Elon Musk is making the decisions, Shaheen said Wednesday.

Some Republicans are blaming the mess on Johnson.

Johnson really f---ed this up. He put out a really bad bill, said a Senate GOP leadership aide familiar with discussions.

Asked whether the bill was dead, the aide replied: Well see ... but looks very bad.

What's plan B?

There's little time for members of Congress to come up with an alternative plan. One idea that is gaining steam, including among Johnson's team, several sources told NBC News, is passing a "clean" continuing resolution, or CR  that is, a bill that continues federal funding at current levels  plus the disaster relief funding.

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Other options could include a clean CR without disaster funding or a CR with disaster money and an extension of the farm bill. What the final bill will look like remains up in the air, with one member saying that nothing is set in stone.

Far-right members who opposed the CR because of the additional policy attachments appeared to be open to a cleaner version.

"If thats the case, thats a big win for conservatism," Burlison said on Fox News. "Its a big win for Elon Musk and Ramaswamy and their efforts, and Im excited about that because this town needs some outside pressure if were going to actually start doing things that are necessary to save this republic. (Vivek Ramaswamy is a co-chair, with Musk, of Trump's "Department of Government Efficiency.")

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, echoed the sentiment. "What we ought to do is just do a simple CR with a very simple, small amount of disaster supplemental for the people in tents in North Carolina. And thats it," he said. "Thats what we were talking about doing.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Barely moments after Donald Trump announced that hed chosen loyalist Kash Patel as FBI director, Republicans stampeded forth to insist that this in no way means Trump will unleash law enforcement on his enemies, even though Trump himself has threatened to do so. Senator John Cornyn suggested such threats were only for public consumption. Senator Rick Scott said Trump is not gonna do it. And Representative Dan Meuser scoffed that the very idea is nonsense.

These lawmakers should take a moment to consult Trumps Truth Social feed. At 3:11 a.m. on Wednesday, demonstrating characteristic emotional balance, Trump posted this reaction to a new report from a House subcommittee chaired by GOP Representative Barry Loudermilk, which recommends that the FBI investigate former GOP Representative Liz Cheney over her role in the Houses January 6 inquiry:

Liz Cheney could be in a lot of trouble based on the evidence obtained by the subcommittee, which states that numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney, and these violations should be investigated by the FBI. Thank you to Congressman Barry Loudermilk on a job well done.

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Note the trademark mobspeak here: Cheney could be in a lot of trouble for federal lawbreaking, Trump declares, as if hes merely a passive observer remarking on the danger she faces, rather than someone who will control the nations sprawling federal law enforcement apparatus in just over a month. Trump has been raging at Cheney for years and has amplified suggestions that she should face televised military tribunals.

Now, in a dark turn in this whole farcical saga, Trump is pretending that House Republicans have given him a legitimate basis for prosecuting Cheney, when in fact their claims were cooked up in bad faith for precisely that purpose.

Indeed, read this way, Trumps new missive actually wrecks the spin from Republicans that theres no reason to fear that Patel will improperly wield law enforcement against his political enemies, even though Patel has vowed to do exactly that. It clearly signals that this is exactly what Trump expects from him.

For starters, the House GOP reports claim that Cheney likely broke federal laws is likely entirely baseless. The report argues that as vice chair of the House committee that investigated Trumps insurrection on January 6, 2021, Cheney may have violated statutes barring witness tampering and the subornation of perjury. But legal experts tell me the allegations are extremely thin.

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The witness-tampering claim is based on the charge that Cheney improperly communicated with Cassidy Hutchinsona Trump White House aide who delivered damning testimony against Trumpwithout her lawyers knowledge. But as Cheney and Hutchinson have already detailed in their booksand the report itself recountsHutchinson is the one who initiated direct contact with Cheney, apparently without that lawyers knowledge, asking Cheney to recommend new attorneys she might choose from to replace him.

The GOP report insists that such a consultation behind a lawyers back was nonetheless unethical in an attorney (Cheney is also a lawyer). But law professor Jonathan Turleynot exactly a Resistance liberalhas noted that Cheney was functioning as a member of Congress in doing this, not as a lawyer, and that in pursuing the matter with Hutchinson, she was doing her congressional duty to pursue a witness.

Nor does the report demonstrate that what Cheney did do was witness tampering, said national security lawyer Bradley Moss. For this to be criminal tampering, Cheney would have to work to get Hutchinson to change her testimony to provide knowingly false information, Moss told me. The report does not provide anything remotely sufficient to substantiate that.

The same goes for the claim that Cheney may have unlawfully gotten Hutchinson to commit perjury, Moss said. The report details what it insists are Hutchinsons falsehoods to the January 6 committee. But Moss argues that the findings dont show that Hutchinson knowingly made false claims, and regardless, the GOP report produces zero evidence that Cheney herself instructed Hutchinson to provide knowing false statements.

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This is political cover for what Trump really wants: An excuse to prosecute Cheney, Moss concluded.

Kristy Parker, counsel at Protect Democracy and a former federal prosecutor herself, agrees that the GOP report is exceedingly weak. The FBI has very strict guidelines for when they can open investigations, Parker said. The GOP report does not provide any information that would credibly justify a criminal inquiry.

Many of the headlines about the House GOP report and Trumps endorsement of it treat this moment as akin to an ordinary political battle. House Republicans call for Liz Cheney to be investigated over Jan. 6 committee role, blared The New York Times. NBC News told readers that Republicans say Liz Cheney should be investigated.

Meanwhile, a CNN headline read that the House GOP is siding with Trump against Cheney after investigating January 6, as if the GOP probe was merely another good-faith effort to gather facts about that day. Politico went with Trump: Liz Cheney could be in a lot of trouble over Jan. 6 committee, treating Trumps comment as a conventional statement from a politician about Cheneys legal situation. Casual readers of these headlines might come away believing were having a real debate over whether Cheney did break federal laws and that Trump has a genuine, public-spirited interest in determining whether that legitimately happened.

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But the real story here is the public conduct of Trump and Republicans, not that of Liz Cheney or what Trump supposedly believes about it. Trump is demonstrating that hes eager for Cheneys prosecution to proceed regardless of whether theres any legitimate basis for it.

The story is that House Republicans are abusing their public roles to create a phony pretext for something that Trump already intended to do anyway: wield law enforcement as a weapon against his enemies with no serious legal predicate. And Senate Republicans appear willing to confirm Patel while knowing full well that Trump has expressly chosen him to carry out this extraordinary and degenerate abuse of power.

All of that is the story. How is it conceivable that the media is treating this as a conventional political moment? Trumps veiled threat toward Cheney should prompt the press to revisit those reassurances from Republicans. GOP senators should be hounded mercilessly by reporters on whether theyll knowingly support Patel now that Trump has made the corrupt reality of the situation so inescapably, alarmingly clear.
(Bloomberg) -- The European Union is falling into an uneasy waiting game ahead of Donald Trumps return as a summit meeting betrayed how leaders are mostly on standby to see what he will actually do.

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With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy joining the gathering in Brussels, the leaders warned against any hasty decisions to seek peace in Ukraine, even as they hung in suspense to see whether Trump will follow through on pledges to cut US aid flowing to Kyiv.

A meeting that sought to drive home unity featured some notable absences. Emmanuel Macron of France skipped the summit to survey flood damage in the Indian Ocean. Italys Giorgia Meloni left early with the flu. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was there, but hobbled politically at home.

Trumps closest EU ally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has maintained ties with Vladimir Putin, has a starring role in the summits final news conference.

In all, Trumps return has caught the EU at its most vulnerable moment in years, leaving leaders to piece together a way forward.

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President Trump is going to be the president of the United States for the next four years, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris told reporters on Thursday before the meeting. We need to engage and we need to put structures in place to have that respectful, pragmatic engagement.

The summit was marked by a renewed sense of urgency among the 27 leaders heading into the gathering, according to a European diplomat who declined to be named speaking under condition of anonymity.

A number of leaders, including Scholz, Meloni, the prime ministers of Denmark, the Netherlands and the president of Poland huddled separately on Wednesday evening to discuss support for Kyiv with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Zelenskiy.

That prompted Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, among the NATO leaders who werent invited, to complain about the exclusive gathering.

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Trump has pledged to put a swift end to the war, but he hasnt provided details of how he intends to do that. On Monday, he said Ukraine needs to reach a deal to end the Russian invasion and signaled he may push for a settlement that codifies Russian territorial gains.

Any push for negotiations too soon will be a bad deal for Ukraine, said Kaja Kallas, the EUs new top diplomat. All the other actors in the world are carefully watching how we act.

Another staunch Ukrainian ally, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, said EU leaders wanted a resolution, but one that proves to be a just peace. He also acknowledged that the bloc is waiting for some kind of an initiative from a new American administration.

Not Entirely Convinced

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Scholz addressed the war with Trump during a phone call on Thursday, according to the German chancellery.

They agreed that the Russian war against Ukraine has gone on for far too long and that it is important to get on the path to a fair, just and sustainable peace as soon as possible, Scholzs spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit, said in a statement.

European governments would be hard-pressed to fill any vacuum in Ukrainian aid left by the US. Many NATO member states have fallen short of the alliances benchmark for defense spending, one of Trumps main grievances. The years of underfunding on security have left Europe exposed to an escalating Kremlin campaign of hybrid attacks.

The EU must spend more money on defense, thats the short answer, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told reporters. Its not just Trump, its successive American presidents who have said the same thing. Europe will have to be able to do more in its own right and defend itself.

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Scholz, who lost a confidence vote earlier this month, said he was confident that the foreign policy cooperation with the US will continue under Trumps administration.

In my talks with President Trump, I at least realized that its possible for us to develop our policies together so that Ukraine has a good perspective, Scholz said.

Zelenskiy, who also attended the summit, welcomed a Trump initiative to end Russias war, but warned against pushing for a ceasefire agreement that could easily unravel. He also called for a common line between the US and EU as he seek security guarantees ahead of any negotiation.

For Serbian leader Aleksandar Vucic, who is seeking EU membership, the key to any peace for Ukraine is Russias readiness to normalize relations with the US, as well as support from China. Vucic has long been engaged in a balancing act, maintaining close ties with Moscow and Beijing. Serbia didnt adopt sanctions against Russia.

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I hope they will manage to reach an agreement, Vucic said on Thursday in Brussels. I hope so, but Im not entirely convinced.

--With assistance from Jorge Valero, Andra Timu, Julius Domoney, Misha Savic, Andrea Palasciano, Sanne Wass, Olivia Fletcher, Slav Okov, Ania Nussbaum, Michael Nienaber and Alberto Nardelli.

(Updates with Scholz-Trump phone call in 13th paragraph.)

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Donald Trump and Elon Musk sent America barreling towards a government shutdown Wednesday night with a series of dramatic interventions which plunged Congress into chaos.

The pair blew up a carefully constructed bipartisan package Speaker Mike Johnson had to pass by Friday to keep the government fundedwith Musk using his X platform to throw bombs at the Republican Party he claims to support.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) confirmed to reporters on Capitol Hill that the bipartisan deal was dead, capping a remarkable day in which Trump flexed his considerable political muscle more than a month before he is set to take office.

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Theres no new agreement right now, Scalise said, adding that they were obviously, looking at a number of options.

Majority Leader Scalise confirms the CR is dead and says negotiations over funding are ongoing - There is no new agreement right now, just, you know, obviously looking at a number of options pic.twitter.com/5JfPU4ub2o  Ellis Kim (@elliskkim) December 19, 2024

Vice President-elect JD Vance was seen arriving at Johnsons offices in the Capitol on Wednesday night, the Associated Press reported. The speaker has reportedly been huddling in his office for hours after support for his bipartisan bill collapsed.

If both houses of Congress do not pass a funding resolution by Friday at midnight, hundreds of thousands of government workers would be furloughed days before Christmas and vital services like air traffic control could lurch into chaos.

The Dow Jones was already down over 1,100 points after the Fed announced an interest rate cut on Wednesday, and a sell-off accelerated after hourslikely indicating a panic in the market.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise listen during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol. / Alex Wong / Alex Wong/Getty Images

The dramatic rebuke of Speaker Johnson culminated Wednesday night when Trump released a series of statements excoriating foolish and inept Republicans for considering the bill, which he said contained all of the Democrat bells and whistles that will be so destructive to our Country.

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He also suggested that he would support primary challenges against any Republican who voted for Johnsons bill.

Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Chip Roy talk with reporters about a bipartisan government funding bill outside the U.S. Capitol Building. / Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Speaker Johnson is reportedly considering a plan B in the wake of the turmoil stirred up by Trump and Musk, sources told Politico and The Hill . The new plan would likely be a so-called clean continuing resolution to fund the government without the added spendingthough it remains unclear how that measure would attract the Democratic support it needs to pass the House.

Speaker Johnsons office did not immediately return a request for comment from the Daily Beast.

A statement from President Donald J. Trump and Vice President-Elect JD Vance:



The most foolish and inept thing ever done by Congressional Republicans was allowing our country to hit the debt ceiling in 2025. It was a mistake and is now something that must be addressed.  JD Vance (@JDVance) December 18, 2024

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In another flurry of posts on Truth Social , Trump blasted the bill for not raising the debt ceiling, the total amount that the federal government is authorized under current law to borrow.

The debt was not considered in the original negotiations.

The debt ceiling, which was not considered in the original negotiations, was suspended by Congress in 2023but that suspension is set to expire in January. Trump referred to the impending fight over the debt ceiling as a guillotine and a nasty TRAP, insisting that Congress fix the issue before his inauguration.

An aide shows a cell phone to Republican Sen. Mike Lee during a news conference on the proposed continuing resolution to extend government funding through next year. / Kent Nishimura / Getty Images

Speaking to reporters after Trumps flurry of posts, Scalise confirmed that members of Congress were now having ongoing conversations about the debt limit.

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Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency partner Vivek Ramaswamy were the first to lob a metaphorical smoke bomb into the halls of Congress Wednesday with a near-nonstop stream of posts on X, the social media platform Musk purchased for $44 billion in 2022, raging against Johnsons tightly-woven bill for its apparent efforts to woo Democratic votes.

The billionaire Tesla CEO first became an outspoken Trump ally during the presidential campaign, and was rewarded with a spot alongside Ramaswamy leading the panel, nicknamed DOGE after an internet meme based on photos of a Shiba Inu from Japan.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) speaks with reporters as she arrives to the office of U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Wednesday. / Kent Nishimura / Getty Images

Musk, however, claimed an early victory on Wednesday afternoon over his new Congressional allies, writing on X: Your elected representatives have heard you and now the terrible bill is dead. The voice of the people has triumphed!

Johnson first released the text of the over 1,500-page spending bill on Tuesday night. The bill included about $100 billion in disaster relief aid intended for victims of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, as well as billions in farm subsidies and funds for the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which was destroyed when a ship hit one of its columns earlier this year.

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More controversially for Musk and some other Republicans, the bill also includes the first pay raise for members of Congress since 2009.

Republican Rep. Kevin Hern is surrounded by reporters after leaving the office of U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson Wednesday. / Kent Nishimura / Getty Images

In their statement, Trump and Vance said they supported the disaster relief and farm subsidies, but said Republicans could deliver this spending in 2025 when they control both houses of Congress. The only way to do that is with a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS combined with an increase in the debt ceiling. Anything else is a betrayal of our country.

Democrats in the House were outraged at the move. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) seemed to indicate Democrats would oppose a clean stopgap bill, stating on X : You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences that follow.

House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries speaks to the press on Wednesday. / Kent Nishimura / Getty Images

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Even the outgoing Biden administration stepped in to condemn Trump and Vances dramatic intervention on Wednesday.
While Republicans are quickly falling in line over Elon Musks missives, Democrats are pointing out that the unelected billionaire bureaucrat may have actually eclipsed Donald Trump.

The president-elect didnt deliver his opinion on the proposed continuing resolution until the end of the day Wednesday, when he demanded via his vassal JD Vance that Republicans raise the debt ceiling. Meanwhile Musk had already been ranting about it for hours online, threatening to unseat any Republicans who supported it.

During an appearance Wednesday night on MSNBCs The Last Word With Lawrence ODonnell, Representative Dan Goldman pointed out that the president-elect was clearly no longer calling the shots.

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Its not Donald Trump asking for this, its very clearly President Elon Musk asking for this. The fact that Donald Trump has been completely AWOL during these negotiations to the point where only after Elon Musk publicly tweets about his displeasure about this budget deal, all of a sudden, Donald Trump, chief of staff to Elon Musk, comes trotting in and blows up the deal, Goldman said.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders also called out the unelected billionaire for trying to steer the government into a shutdown.

The US Congress this week came to an agreement to fund our government. Elon Musk, who became $200 BILLION richer since Trump was elected, objected, Sanders wrote on X. Are Republicans beholden to the American people? Or President Musk? This is oligarchy at work.

Wisconsin Representative Gwen Moore asked her X followers, Remind me who elected Elon Musk.

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Representative Don Beyer shared a screenshot of Musk agreeing with a post calling for the government to be shut down until Trumps inauguration. The richest man in the world says he wants to shut down the government, forcing millions of American workersincluding our troopsto go without pay through the holidays, wrote the Virginia Democrat. Republicans are following his orders. This is insane.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has come under heavy pressure to scrap the lengthy bill, and has been reportedly considering a clean bill that would not include many of the provisions that Democrats had fought for, such as $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers and $100 billion for disaster relief.

Massachusetts Representative Jim McGovern posted a selfie Johnson had previously taken with a smiling Musk and Trump.

Johnson negotiated w/ Democrats to keep the government open, then went back on his word (abandoning help for farmers & disaster victims) because, apparently, out of touch billionaire Elon Musk now calls the shots, McGovern wrote. At least we know whos in charge. Grow a spine, Mr. Speaker!

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President Musk was predictably trending on X Thursday morning, which would maybe be impressive if Musk didnt own the website that declared it.

Its well documented that Trump, ever the showman, doesnt much care to share the spotlight with members of his inner circle, so its possible that Musk may receive pushback for his promotion from billionaire bureaucrat czar of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency to unelected president of the United Stateshows that for democracy?

On Wednesday, the conservative House Freedom Caucus introduced the Disaster Offset and Government Efficiency, or DOGE, Act, which sees the governments budget slashed by over $100 billionbut conspicuously leaves military spending alone, which happens to be where Musk gets a hefty portion of his government contracts.
President-elect Trump on Thursday celebrated the disqualification of Georgias Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) from the election interference case against him, arguing it should be the end of the prosecution over his efforts to overturn Georgias 2020 election results.

The case has to be thrown out because it was started corruptly by an incompetent prosecutor who received millions of dollars through her boyfriend  who received it from her  and then they went on cruises all the time, Trump told Fox News Digital after a Georgia appeals court removed Willis from the case.

Therefore, the case is entirely dead, Trump added. Everybody should receive an apology, including those wonderful patriots who have been caught up in this for years.

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The three-judge panel described Williss relationship with ex-special prosecutor Nathan Wade as a significant appearance of impropriety in ruling that she be booted from the case.

The court declined to outright dismiss Trumps indictment, but disqualifying Williss office throws the future of the case  already complicated by Trumps impending return to the White House  further into doubt.

Willis charged Trump and more than a dozen of his allies last summer for allegedly entering a months-long unlawful conspiracy to overturn President Bidens 2020 victory in Georgia.

The decision leaves open a theoretical possibility another prosecutor could take over the case, but the path forward remains precarious. Trumps legal team has separately sought to dismiss all his criminal prosecutions on the grounds that he is the president-elect.

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Special counsel Jack Smith has wound down the federal cases against Trump, including one in Washington, over his attempts to remain in power after losing the 2020 election.

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Democratic lawmakers are expressing alarm over ABC Newss decision to pay $15 million to President-elect Trumps presidential library to settle a defamation suit, fearing its part of a broader trend of the legacy media capitulating to Trump.

Senate Democrats are lamenting the decline of legacy media outlets that used to wield greater influence over the national political debate, and they worry that major news organizations wont put as much critical scrutiny on Trumps second term after he won a resounding victory over Vice President Harris in last months election.

ABC Newss settlement, along with an apology for anchor George Stephanopouloss mischaracterizing two jury verdicts against Trump, is the latest bombshell shaking Democrats confidence that media organizations will stand up against Trump.

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I think there have been a number of really dangerous signals sent to Trump by the media that they are not willing to stand up to him, said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), who is seen by some as a possible presidential candidate for his party in 2028.

The ABC settlement is the latest. But the decision of Comcast to sell MSNBC, the decision of The Washington Post and other newspapers not to endorse [in the presidential race], the decision of Elon Musk to just fold his entire operation into the White House are other examples of that trend, Murphy said.

This is how democracy dies, is the media elites deciding it would be better to go along with the regime rather than tell the truth. The truth is that lawsuit against ABC didnt have merit, he said.

Trump has argued he has been victimized by unfair and biased reporting, and many of his allies have said the press unfairly tilted against him during his administration in a bid for ratings and clicks.

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If the media is shifting in a different direction this time, they argue it is a good balance against what took place during Trumps previous presidency.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to National Public Radio in July asking it to turn over documents and information related to its funding sources, claiming it had a preexisting political bias.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) on Wednesday, asked if his Democratic colleagues are overreacting, offered a one-word response: Yes.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he wasnt intimately familiar with the legal details of ABCs settlement but observed from a gut point of view it looks like they have caved in order to suck up to the incoming administration.

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) says she was appalled by ABCs settlement.

If the press caves in rather than fighting to protect their independence, then an important pillar of our democracy will be lost, she warned.

Warren argued that a strong democracy depends on an independent press, and she said media executives such as Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos and Disney CEO Bob Iger need to find the strength to stand up to political pressure.

If a tangle of business interests and press ownership undercut that independence, then they should be separated, she said.

She said ABC News just caved instead of defending its own independence.

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Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said Donald Trumps mode of operating is to file lawsuits all over the place as a way of intimidating people and trying to get them to back down.

She said the media need to do their job.

Trump sued ABC News after Stephanopoulos wrongly claimed that Trump had been found liable for rape and defaming the victim of that rape during a March 10 interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.).

The presiding judge in the New York trial in which writer E. Jean Carroll accused Trump of abusing her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room wrote that Carroll failed to prove that she was raped within the narrow scope of the New York penal law.

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Critics of ABC Newss settlement believe the news organization could have argued that Stephanopouloss characterization was substantially true or did not meet the high legal bar of acting with actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth.

Former U.S. Attorney and MSNBC legal analyst Joyce Vance wrote that many experts viewed Trumps lawsuit as questionable when it was filed and a settlement, especially one this early in the proceedings and of this magnitude, unlikely.

Vance also flagged the size of ABC Newss settlement, which is three times the amount that Carroll was awarded in the first jury verdict against Trump.

That suggests something else is going on here, and its deeply concerning if that something is that ABC, a major news organization, has decided to curry favor with the incoming president instead of sticking to its guns, she wrote.

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Kennedy, the GOP senator, said Stephanopoulos should have known the difference between being found liable for sexual abuse and rape.

He said Stephanopoulos seemed to deliberately hammer the word rape during his contentious interview with Mace.

Ive read the reports and I think Mr. Stephanopoulos was wrong, I think he knew it wasnt right, I think he knew it was a lesser charge, Kennedy said. I think he went out of his way to say it, and say it, and say it  so I dont have any sympathy for him.

It was not rape, he added. George Stephanopoulos is a very smart man and he knew it wasnt rape.

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Murphy and other Democratic lawmakers say Trumps control of the Department of Justice and the FBI give him powerful tools to intimidate political opponents and critics, including members of the press.

When you control the FBI, the judiciary and many judges, its not just intimidation, its the threat of jail and bankruptcy, said Murphy.

The Connecticut senator noted that Trump filed a lawsuit against a journalist who Trump claimed misstated his net worth.

Trump was very clear he did that only to harass and intimidate that individual, not because he thought he could win the suit, Murphy said. When hes president, hell win a lot of these cases. Hell put people in jail regardless of the merits.

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Kash Patel has told you that he intends to use the FBI to persecute people who hold fair elections, he added, referring to Trumps nominee to serve as FBI director.

I think the events of the last three or four days should cause everybodys hair to stand up, he said.

Patel told former Trump ally Steve Bannon in a 2023 podcast interview that if in power were going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections.

Whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out, he said.

Several other Democrats said they are alarmed by Trumps threats against the media, including the lawsuit he filed against The Des Moines Register for publishing a poll before Election Day showing Harris leading him in Iowa, a state that Trump eventually won by 13 points.

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There appears to be a pattern of trying to suppress any criticism the media might have of Donald Trump and his administration. I think thats apparent in his lawsuit against The Des Moines Register, said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).

Its clearly [whats in] his mind when he nominates Kash Patel to head the FBI, who says theyre going to go after anyone who criticizes Donald Trump, she said.

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Trump is rushing to remind the media that he is the captain of the GOP, not Elon Musk.

The President Musk rhetoric gained steam among Democrats after the billionaire helped kill the continuing resolution to keep the government open, voicing his opposition long before the president-elect did.

But Trump wants the world to know hes still the one calling the shots.

As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR, Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop, said Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, as reported by Business Insiders Bryan Metzger.

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The statement may be a sign of growing friction between Trump and the worlds richest man, who backed his return to the White House.

Musk has been threatening Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, about the spending bill, even as the prospect of a government shutdown looms. Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years! the SpaceX CEO and Department of Government Efficiency co-lead posted on Wednesday.

Its not Donald Trump asking for this, its very clearly President Elon Musk asking for this, Representative Dan Goldman said Wednesday on The Last Word With Lawrence ODonnell. The fact that Donald Trump has been completely AWOL during these negotiations to the point where only after Elon Musk publicly tweets about his displeasure about this budget deal, all of a sudden, Donald Trump, chief of staff to Elon Musk, comes trotting in and blows up the deal.

Theres no telling just yet how much of a rift this has caused between the two men, as Musk seems to be a long-term fixture in Trumps inner circle. But if this kind of public one-upping continues, who knows how long this bromance will last.


President-elect Donald Trump took a thinly veiled shot at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after her failed bid at a leadership seat on the House Oversight Committee this week, saying the Democratic Partys decision to instead back a cancer-stricken 74-year-old was too bad.

In a Truth Social post Wednesday evening, Trump sent some sarcastic words of encouragement to Ocasio-Cortez, one of his staunchest critics, writing: Really too bad that AOC lost the Battle for the Leadership Seat in the Democrat Party.

She should keep trying. Someday, she will be successful!, he concluded.

Donald Trump Truth Social Post on 12/18/2024. / Screenshot/ realDonaldTrump/ Truth Social

Rep. Gerry Connolly won the vote to be the leading Democrat on the Oversight Committee on Tuesday, winning by a margin of 131 to 84. While Connolly told reporters that his colleagues were looking at capability, a report from Punchbowl News last week claimed that former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was actively working to tank the New York representatives bid and was making calls on Connollys behalf.

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Pelosi has made her support for Connolly publicly known, Punchbowl added in their report. But her behind-the-scenes maneuvering shows the amount of political capital Pelosis willing to put into the contest.

My colleagues were measuring their vote by who has got experience, who is seasoned, who can be trusted, who has a record of productivity, Connolly added Tuesday. That prevailed.

Damn you know its bad when even Trump is feeling bad for me  pic.twitter.com/PWF6LV7PVV  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 18, 2024

In response to Trumps jab, AOC wrote on X Wednesday: Damn you know its bad when even Trump is feeling bad for me, along with a cry-laughing face emoji.
President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance on Wednesday called for Republicans to approve a clean stopgap funding bill paired with a hike to the debt ceiling, saying the previous government-funding measure negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) should be torpedoed.

In a lengthy statement issued amid growing opposition to the Johnson bill from Trump allies and House Republicans, Vance and Trump said lawmakers should pass a streamlined spending bill that doesnt give Chuck Schumer and the Democrats everything they want.

Republicans want to support our farmers, pay for disaster relief, and set our country up for success in 2025, the statement said. The only way to do that is with a temporary funding bill WITHOUT DEMOCRAT GIVEAWAYS combined with an increase in the debt ceiling. Anything else is a betrayal of our country. Republicans must GET SMART and TOUGH.

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If Democrats threaten to shut down the government unless we give them everything they want, then CALL THEIR BLUFF, he added.

The statement left unclear precisely what would happen to disaster aid and assistance to farmers that had been included in the bill. The two voiced support for such provisions, but also called for a clean funding bill.

In a follow-up post Wednesday evening, Trump added that the spending bill, Sounds like the ridiculous and extraordinarily expensive Continuing Resolution, PLUS, is dying fast, but can anyone imagine passing it without either terminating, or extending, the Debt Ceiling guillotine coming up in June? Unless the Democrats terminate or substantially extend Debt Ceiling now, I will fight till the end. This is a nasty TRAP set in place by the Radical Left Democrats! They are looking to embarrass us in June when it comes up for a Vote.

The government is set to shut down on Saturday unless lawmakers can pass a funding measure through the House and Senate by then.

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Trumps comments come after several of his allies and a slew of House Republicans spent the day venting about the roughly 1,500 page bill, which was unveiled Tuesday evening.

GOP opposition was centered on a number of add-ons to the continuation of government funding through March 14.

The add-ons included disaster assistance for hurricane damage and an extension of existing farm legislation, in addition to a health care deal that includes reforms to the pharmacy benefit manager industry and a provision that could set the stage for the Washington Commanders to return to playing their home games in D.C. instead of Maryland.

Trump and Vance in their statement specifically took issue with proposed pay raises for lawmakers and with a provision that would allow House offices to block the disclosure of House data. They also called for lawmakers to debate raising the debt ceiling as part of spending talks, suggesting Democrats may not be willing to play ball when it comes up for discussion in June during Trumps administration.

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Moments before the Trump-Vance statement, sources told The Hill that Johnson was weighing a backup option that would amount to a clean continuing resolution, dropping additional provisions that had been included in the deal negotiated by congressional leaders.

Democrats in the House quickly announced their opposition to the Trump-Vance proposal, but if Republicans can muscle the legislation through the lower chamber, it could put pressure on Senate Democrats to back it or take the blame for a shutdown.

House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government. And hurt the working class Americans they claim to support, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) posted on the social platform X. You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences that follow.

It could be difficult for Johnson to get the clean bill through the House, however, even with Trumps backing.

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Johnson has an extremely narrow margin to pass a bill with only Republican votes in the House.

A handful of prominent Trump allies and advisers earlier Wednesday urged lawmakers to reject the spending proposal and suggested those who support it should face consequences.

Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years! Elon Musk, a close Trump ally who is leading an advisory commission to cut government spending, posted on X, the social media platform he owns.

Musk later suggested no new legislation should pass until Trump takes office, effectively endorsing a government shutdown just ahead of the holidays.

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Vivek Ramaswamy, who was tapped by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Musk, also posted a lengthy message criticizing the size and scope of the funding bill.

Steve Bannon, Trumps one-time chief White House strategist, said on his War Room podcast Wednesday that the bill should fail and suggested Johnson should not continue as Speaker after his handling of the spending fight.

Hes got to go. And people sitting there, Well, President Trump supports him. Well hey, President Trump supports him until he doesnt support him, Bannon said.

Updated 5 p.m. EST

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Keith Kellogg, nominated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as Ukraine peace envoy, will visit Ukraine before Trump's inauguration in January, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed to journalists in Brussels overnight on Dec. 19, according to a Kyiv Independent reporter.

A day earlier, Reuters reported that Kellogg is planning to visit Kyiv and several European capitals before Trump takes office on Jan. 20 as part of the new administrations effort to address Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

Two unnamed sources told Reuters that Kellogg does not intend to travel to Moscow during this trip.

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"(The visit to Ukraine) will take place in early January. We are waiting for Mr. Kellogg, and then we will talk about what he had meant," Zelensky said.

The president referred to Kellogg's latest remarks about potential Ukraine-Russia peace talks.

"I think both sides are ready," the incoming envoy told Fox News on Dec. 18.

Trump has pledged to quickly bring an end to the war but has not provided details on how he plans to do it. At his first news conference since winning the election, Trump voiced his intention to make "a little progress" toward peace.

Zelensky recently said that the country must do everything possible to end the war through diplomatic means in 2025, adding that a war would "end faster" under a Trump administration.

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Read also: Peace talks with Russia only possible when Moscow runs out of resources, Ukraines Yermak says

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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville says he will not support the 2025 Continuing Resolution (CR).

The CR is a temporary funding measure put together each year by Congress to keep the government running, and it is set to expire on December 20. If it doesnt pass, the government will shut down.

Salvation Army struggling with donations this holiday season

President-elect Donald Trump told Republicans Wednesday they should renegotiate and streamline the national spending bill. Trump said he believes the current resolution gives Democrats everything they want.

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Tuberville said he would vote no, calling the bill too expensive.

Big spenders in Congress are hoping that you, the taxpayer, arent paying attention to this bills enormous price tag, Tuberville said.

He also criticizes the last-minute spending negotiations.

Man accused of firing gun in Alabama A&M dorm in March has attempted murder charge added

You know, weve known about this government funding deadline for three months, but instead of working toward a fiscally conservative package, they decided to push it up against Christmas to pressure RHINO members of Congress to rubber stamp a wasteful spending bill before running out of town for the holidays, Tuberville said.

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The current bill allocates billions of dollars in relief for areas hit by natural disasters and would place regulations on the pharmaceutical industry, creating more transparency around drug prices. The text also includes $10 million of economic aid for farmers.

In the last few years, weve lost 150,000 farms, Tuberville said. The input costs have skyrocketed.

Tuberville said $10 billion does not adequately address the needs of farmers, and he does not want to include that funding in the CR.

Weve been pushing for a stand-alone bill, not anything in the CR, a stand-alone bill that gives American farmers across this county and Alabama a chance to survive and get a crop in the ground for next year, Tuberville said.

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He said Senate Republicans are working on a farm bill that he hopes will be ready by next fall. Tuberville also said he is looking forward to working with the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut down on spending.

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A homeless woman begs for money at an intersection in Detroit, Michigan. | Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Growing up on Detroits west side, I attended Northwestern High School, famously featured in The Temptations movie. Like many in the city, I faced the challenges of a complex environmentcaught in gang life, struggling with addiction, and eventually becoming a single parent. My daughter, Erica, and I found ourselves homeless, moving from city to city in search of a better life. Though we were not homeless in Detroit, I saw firsthand the growing crisis, not just in the city but nationwide. Fast forward to 2022, more than 6,200 people in Detroit experienced homelessness.

This crisis, often dismissed, is not just a problem for those affected. Shelters are overcrowded, resources are thin, and support systems need to be improved. Families like mine are vulnerable, forced to navigate a system built to keep people down, not help them rise. However, there is a better way forward that taps into the communitys strengths to provide lasting solutionssolutions that restore dignity and hope.

Reimagining Vacant Homes as a Solution

Like many cities, Detroit has many vacant homes, often sold for as little as one dollar. Rather than letting them decay or fall into the hands of developers who profit from the citys misfortune, we can repurpose them to provide stable homes for those in need.

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Imagine a program in which the city purchases vacant homes, partners with homeless families, and helps them restore them. This plan would provide more than just shelterit would empower families to invest their labor and sweat equity into creating a safe, permanent place to call home. Families gain ownership, pride, and a sense of accomplishment by participating in the renovation. This approach helps break the cycle of dependency and fosters a lasting solution.

A Comprehensive Approach to Ending Homelessness

We cannot solve homelessness with temporary shelters and charity alone. While important, these do not address the root causespoverty, the lack of affordable housing, and inadequate mental health services. A long-term solution is needed to break the cycle and offer stability to families.

Restoring vacant homes offers a tangible solution to the housing shortage while giving families a sense of ownership and dignity. But we need more than good ideaswe need political will to realize this vision. We must demand that elected officials prioritize homelessness and dedicate resources to long-term solutions. Political leaders must act urgently, as with other critical issues. If we want to tackle homelessness, we need bold, actionable policies.

Practical Steps and Implementation

To make this vision real, we need a multi-faceted approach. First, the city must allocate funds to purchase and renovate vacant properties, possibly leveraging federal or state funds for homelessness. Partnerships with nonprofits, construction workers, and local businesses could provide labor and expertise. Additionally, the program could include job training, giving participants skills that help them secure future employment.

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Cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland have successfully implemented similar models. These programs have revitalized neighborhoods, provided affordable housing, and empowered families to break the cycle of poverty. By replicating these efforts in Detroit, we could offer families permanent housing and revitalize vacant neighborhoods.

Holding Elected Officials Accountable

Homelessness in Detroit is not just a humanitarian issueit is a systemic problem that requires long-term commitment. In 2022, over 6,200 people experienced homelessness in the city, yet solutions remain elusive. Policymakers have largely ignored the issue despite its impact on families and communities. The time for rhetoric is over. We must demand action.

My contribution to society is that I have launched The Mandate Future Politicians campaign, which aims to engage future policymakers on this issue. I authored an opinion piece, now published in an academic journal, to spark deeper conversations about sustainable solutions for homelessness. We need policies that do more than provide short-term reliefthey must address the root causes and offer permanent housing.

A Call to Action: Turning Vacant Homes Into a Pathway to Stability

Homelessness is not just a personal tragedyit is a moral failure of our systems. It is time to demand more from our leaders. Cities like Detroit already have the tools to address the crisisCertainly! Heres the revision with the active voice:

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Vacant homes that the city can repurpose to provide shelter and hope for those who need it most.

The city must provide shelter and hope for those who need it most. However, we need strong political will and a sustained commitment to long-term solutions to do this.

As we approach the 2025 midterms, voters should demand that their elected officials treat homelessness with the same urgency as other key issues. We can no longer afford to push homelessness to the margins of political debate. It is a problem that demands bold, innovative solutions. How we address homelessness today will determine the future of Detroit, our families, and our communities.

The Mandate Future Politicians campaign is about more than raising awareness. Its about encouraging voters to demand systemic change as they do with the economy, abortion, and safety. We can no longer afford to let homelessness grow unchecked. It is not just an issue of charity; its an issue of concern for justice. Together, we can transform vacant homes into safe havens for families, creating permanent stability for those who need it most.

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BERTIE COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT)  Two people were arrested in connection to an attempted robbery in Bertie County on Dec. 9, 2024.

Deputies arrested Keldedra Rascoe, 28, of Robersonville and Raheeme Mitchell, 44, of Kelford. Rascoe was arrested the night of the incident and Mitchell was served Wednesday, Dec. 18th.

Mitchell was already in jail at the Bertie/Martin Regional Jail in an unrelated case. Deputies said Mitchell and Rascoe planned a robbery to steal a vehicle and personal items.

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They did not get away with the vehicle but deputies said they took a gun and personal property. Mitchell was charged with:

Felony attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon

Felony larceny

Felony larceny of a firearm

Misdemeanor simple assault

Felony possession of a stolen firearm

Felony possession of a firearm by a felon

Felony possession of stolen goods/property

Rascoe was charged with:

Felony attempted larceny of a motor vehicle

Felony larceny of a firearm

Felony larceny

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Two Malaysians who were detained in Guantanamo Bay since 2006 have safely arrived in Malaysia and will undergo a rehabilitation process before being reintegrated into society, state news agency Bernama reported on Wednesday, citing the Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain.

The U.S Department of Defense on Wednesday announced the repatriation of Mohammed Farik bin Amin and Mohammed Nazir bin Lep to Malaysia.

The men had each pleaded guilty to multiple offenses before a military commission, the defense department said in a statement, adding that they have completed the requirements for responsible transfer.

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The two men pleaded guilty to offences that included murder in violation of laws on war, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, conspiracy, and destruction of property, according to the defense department.

Razarudin said both men would undergo a rehabilitation process before reuniting with their families.

"Everyone deserves a second chance, and the Royal Malaysia Police will ensure they achieve it," he was quoted as saying.

He added that both individuals were received in good and healthy condition and had displayed a positive and open attitude towards the evaluation and rehabilitation process.

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They are very grateful to return home and finally reunite with their families. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed them to undergo an assessment process and subsequently enter a comprehensive rehabilitation phase before reintegrating into society," he said.

On Wednesday, Malaysia's Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution confirmed the government had received the two Guantanamo Bay detainees and said the process was based on the principles of human rights and universal justice.

Saifuddin added that the government had planned a comprehensive reintegration programme specifically for both individuals, which includes support services, welfare, and health screenings.

(Reporting by Ashley Tang; Editing by Michael Perry)
Dec. 18LIMA  Two people were taken to the hospital with suspected minor injuries after a two-vehicle crash around 11:20 a.m. Monday at the intersection of East Spring Street and South Union Street.

According to a crash report from the Lima Police Department, Donovan Fisher, 37, of Delphos, was driving a pickup truck traveling westbound on East Spring Street when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of South Union Street, causing Darryl Johnson, 41, of Lima, who was driving a Jeep, to strike his vehicle. Fisher was cited with a stop sign violation.

Johnson and his passenger, Shantelle Hicks, 37, of Lima, were taken by Lima EMS personnel to Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center.

Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.

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Dec. 18A jury found two Washington men guilty of producing pornography of a child who one of the men also sexually abused, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Washington.

Tony J. Bolen, 43, and Casey A. Greer, 47, were convicted on Tuesday of production of child pornography, conspiracy to produce child porn and commission of a felony sex offense by a person required to register as a sex offender, according to an attorney's office news release.

Greer, of Spokane Valley, was also found guilty of distribution of child porn, and Bolen, of Spokane, was found guilty of receipt and transportation of child porn.

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From October 2021 to December 2021, Bolen and Greer produced child sex abuse material of a child who Greer was sexually abusing since as early as May of that year, according to court documents and evidence at trial.

Bolen and Greer discussed when Greer would have access to the minor and how Greer would medicate the victim to ensure compliance during the sexual abuse, the release said. Greer repeatedly sent images and videos of the sexual abuse to Bolen.

In written text messages, Bolen directed Greer to sexually abuse the victim in a specific way, record the abuse and send it to him.

Bolen and Greer have prior convictions for child molestation and were required to register as sex offenders.

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Homeland Security Investigations, Washington State Patrol and the Spokane Police Department investigated the case as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Bolen and Greer are scheduled to be sentenced April 23 in Spokane. The men are also scheduled for trial next month in Spokane County Superior Court for alleged child sex crimes based on the same facts in the federal case.

"My heart goes out to the young victim in this case," Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste said in the release. "The harm and trauma that Mr. Bolen and Mr. Greer caused will last long after this trial, but I am hopeful the guilty verdicts provide some comfort and closure to the victim and their loved ones. "
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  Three men, including two from North Alabama, have pleaded guilty to a bribery scheme involving contracts on Redstone Arsenal.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday that Francisco Guerra, 55, of Lexington, Jason Ingram, 47, of Rogersville and Coogan Preston, 55, of Columbia, South Carolina entered a guilty plea before a U.S. District Court Judge to conspiracy to bribe a public official. Preston also pleaded guilty to receiving a gratuity as a public official.

HPD looking for person, truck involved in Dec. 12 hit and run

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According to authorities, the scheme began in 2016 and continued until 2021. The DOJ said that as part of the scheme Guerra agreed to provide money and other items of value to Preston who was working as a contracting official at Redstone Arsenal.

Authorities said in return for these bribes, Preston identified subcontracting opportunities for companies owned and operated by Guerra and convinced the prime contractor to use one of Guerras companies as a subcontractor.

This office is committed to prosecuting individuals who illegally prioritize their personal gain over the fiduciary responsibilities of a federal government official, U.S. Attorney Escalona said. Persons who seek to enrich themselves through bribes and illegal payments undermine the publics trust and the basic concept of fairness.

The Department of the Armys Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case with the help of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service  Criminal Investigation, and the United States Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

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Sentencing hearings for each of the three men are scheduled for March 18, 2025.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Reps. Amanda Swope, D-Tulsa, and Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso, are leaving the Oklahoma Legislature for positions in the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County governments.

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols announced Thursday that Swope will join his administration as the City of Tulsas new director of tribal policy and partnerships beginning Jan. 29. Nichols is a former House member.

Lonnie Sims, the newly-elected Tulsa County District 2 Commissioner and a former House member, appointed Vancuren Wednesday as deputy commissioner, starting Jan. 1.

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These vacancies will trigger special elections to fill both seats for the upcoming session.

Swope is a descendant of the Osage Nation and a citizen of the Muscogee Nation. At the Capitol, Swope has served on the Elections and Ethics, Administrative Rules, State Powers, Rules, and Public Safety Appropriations and Budget Committees.

Public service runs in my family, and Im honored to be asked by Mayor Nichols to serve Tulsa in this new way, Swope said in a statement. Together, we will work to strengthen the relationships we have with our tribal nations, co-govern in a way that works for all of our citizens, and lead with respect for those who came before us and continue to have a profound impact on our way of life.

Vancuren was elected to the House the same year as Sims in 2018 and served as vice chairman of the House Common Education Committee. He also served on the Appropriations and Budget and the Higher Education and Career Tech committees.

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Mark is a proven leader with invaluable expertise in education, and his contributions to Tulsa County District 2 will be a tremendous asset, Sims said in a statement. His passion for public service and commitment to our community make him the perfect choice to help lead Tulsa County into the future.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has 30 days to announce a special election once the vacancies occur, according to state statute.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Amanda Swope, Mark Vancuren vacating Oklahoma Legislature posts
Sen. Nellie Pou was elected in November to fill the seat of Rep. Bill Pascrell, who died in August. (Hal Brown for New Jersey Monitor)

Two state legislators set to join Congress next month gave impassioned goodbye speeches during their last legislative sessions in the Statehouse Thursday.

Sen. Nellie Pou (D-Passaic) and Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr. (D-Burlington) served over a half-century combined in the Statehouse. Pou was elected in November to fill the seat of Rep. Bill Pascrell, who died in August, while Conaway will replace Sen. Andy Kim, who hopped from the House to the Senate seat long held by Sen. Bob Menendez, who was convicted in a corruption scheme in July.

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Theyll join Congress on Jan. 3, when members of both houses get sworn in in Washington, D.C.

Pou, 68, teared up as she thanked her Latino colleagues in the Legislature. She has chaired the New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus since 2006 and will be the first Latina to represent New Jersey in Congress.

I cannot tell you how much I love you all. I thank you for your support, for your encouragement, for your tenacity, for being the strong women and men that we have in our Latino caucus. Stay strong. Stay true to your word. Stay true to your belief, and your voices will continue to be heard, she said.

Pou has served in the state Legislature since 1997, when she also succeeded Pascrell after he left the Assembly to serve in Congress. She moved to the state Senate in 2012, where she currently serves as the majority caucus chair and on the commerce and judiciary committees.

Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr. (D-Burlington) chairs the Assemblys health committee. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

Conaway, 61, a physician who has chaired the Assemblys health committee for 17 years, has been a member of the Assembly since 1998 and was a captain in the United States Air Force Medical Corps. He also is the Assemblys deputy speaker and serves on its budget and military and veteran affairs committees.

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It has been one of the great honors of my life to be able to serve in this body, Conaway told his Assembly colleagues. While there might be disagreements over policy issues, by and large, the people who have served here have come to service because they care deeply about our state and the communities theyre privileged to serve. We get criticized a bit as public servants, as politicians, if you will. But I say to you, and I believe most of the people in here recognize that as well, that it is a noble calling.

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WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  On Wednesday, a bank scheme was reported to the West Springfield Police Department for tricking an elderly woman into giving away a large sum of money. Later that day, the individuals were arrested for the same crime in Yarmouth.

West Springfield police said they received a call from a man concerned about his elderly mother. The victim was told via telephone that her son had been arrested and that he needed bail money, so she promptly withdrew cash from the bank and placed it in a receptacle outside her home. This action was repeated once, and both times it was picked up by a courier. When the victim got a call from her son, he called the police.

Victim identified in deadly Springfield shooting on Fernwold Street

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On the same day, Yarmouth police caught the two perpetrators of the scheme, 34-year-old Carlos Santos of Methuen and 41-year-old Maria Ayala of Lawerence. They allegedly called a 96-year-old woman pretending to be a bail bondsman and claiming that her son was in jail. When the Yarmouth resident went to the bank and attempted to withdraw $10,000, the bank called the police to report potential fraud. Officer Jefferson Willis identified the situation as a scheme and instructed the victim to send money via a ride-share driver in order to catch the suspects.

Yarmouth detectives and the Massachusetts State Police tracked the delivery of the money to Worcester, where they arrested Santos and Ayala and charged them with conspiracy and larceny by a single scheme over $1,200. Another $30,000 was found in their vehicle, which they had received from another scheme they had conducted in West Springfield.

The West Springfield Police Department wants to warn others of the dangers of this scheme. If you receive a call from an unknown person claiming that a loved one is in danger and requesting a large sum of money, do not send money, contact your loved one, and reach out to your local police department.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
DUBAI (Reuters) - U.S.-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) vowed on Thursday to fight Turkey and groups it supports in the city of Kobani in northern Syria.

The SDF is spearheaded by the YPG militia, which Turkey sees as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) whose militants have fought the Turkish state for 40 years.

(Reporting by Clauda Tanios; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
Dec. 19 (UPI) -- There was an uptick in death sentences handed down and death penalties carried out in 2024 over 2023 but it was also the 10th year in a row with less than 50 people receiving death sentences.

Twenty-six people were sentenced to death in 2024 and 25 were executed, as of noon Thursday, according to the Death Penalty Information Center's year-end report.

"In 2024, we saw people with credible evidence of innocence set for execution, followed by extraordinary levels of public frustration and outrage," said Robert M. Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center. "Several high-profile cases fueled new concerns about whether the death penalty can be used fairly and accurately. A new poll also predicts a steady decline of support in the future, showing for the first time that a majority of adults aged 18 to 43 now oppose the death penalty,"

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Death sentences and executions continue to disproportionately affect people of color. Twelve of 25 prisoners that were executed in 2024 were people of color. Fifty-four-percent of new death sentences were imposed on people of color.

Executions were performed in nine states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. Alabama executed the most prisoners, completing six death sentences, followed by Texas with five and Missouri and Oklahoma with four. This represents 76% of the executions this year.

Ten states contributed to the statistics on new death sentences, many of them being southern states. Four states -- Alabama, California, Florida and Texas -- were responsible for 18 death sentences. Florida imposed seven new death sentences, including one sentence ruled in December. It is the most by any state.

Executions were performed in South Carolina and Utah for the first time in more than a decade.

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Taberon Honie was the sole person executed in Utah, killed by lethal injection on Aug. 8. Honie was convicted for the 1998-murder of Claudia Marie Benn, the 49-year-old grandmother to Honie's daughter and the mother of his ex-girlfriend.

"From the start it's been, if it needs to be done for them to heal, let's do this. If they tell you you can't change, don't listen to them," Honie said as he was being executed. "To all my brothers and sisters here, continue to change. I love you all, take care."

Dozens gathered more than a mile away from the Utah State Correctional Facility near Salt Lake City as Honie was executed. Among them was Rony Charles, a self-described Christian and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He called the execution "barbarism."

Two people were executed in South Carolina: Freddie Owens on Sept. 20 and Richard Moore on Nov. 2. Both were Black males.

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Owens was killed by lethal injection for the killing of Irene Graves, a convenience store clerk, during a robbery in Greenville, S.C., in 1997. She was 41 years old and Owens was 19 at the time.

Prior to Owens' execution, the co-defendant in his murder case, Steven Golden, said in a sworn affidavit that he was pressured by police to name Owens as the triggerman. Golden swore Owens was not at the scene of the robbery.

Owens requested a new trial but was denied. Gov. Henry McMaster, R-S.C., denied a request for clemency from Owens' attorneys.

Former jury members and the trial judge signed a petition asking for clemency in Moore's case. McMaster remained tight-lipped about whether he would grant Moore clemency up until his execution. He did not grant it.

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Moore was sentenced for the killing of James Mahoney, a convenience store clerk, in a 1999 robbery in Spartanburg, S.C.

Attorneys argued that Moore was not given a fair trial as there were no African Americans on the 12-person jury. Supporters of his clemency were critical of his defense attorneys for not arguing strongly enough that Moore killed Mahoney in self defense.

The men engaged in a struggle at the convenience store and both had firearms, shooting each other at the same time.

"To the family of Mr. James Mahoney, I am deeply sorry for the pain and sorrow I caused you all. To my children and granddaughters, I love you, and I am so proud of you," Moore said with his last words, according to South Carolina Department of Corrections officials. "Thank you for the joy you have brought to my life."

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Early Wednesday, Indiana's justice system performed its first execution since 2009, killing 49-year-old Joseph Corcoran. He was convicted for the killings of four people, including his brother, in 1997.

Earlier this month, the Indiana Supreme Court denied Corcoran a stay in execution.

U.S. District Judge John Lee opposed Corcoran's execution, citing his history of severe mental illness and "continuing delusions." He argued Corcoran is "entitled to have at least one court assess his competency to be executed."

"Joseph Corcoran's case has been reviewed repeatedly over the last 25 years, including seven times by the Indiana Supreme Court and three times by the U.S. Supreme Court, the most recent of which was tonight," said Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb. ""His sentence has never been overturned and was carried out as ordered by the court."

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Oklahoma is set to execute 44-year-old Kevin Underwood on Thursday after twice delaying his clemency hearing.

Underwood was convicted for the 2006 murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin.

Three people on death row were exonerated this year. Since 1972, 200 people have been exonerated while on death row.

The U.S. Supreme Court denied 114 of 117 petitions from death row inmates who argued they had evidence to prove their innocence in 2024.
Members of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability are asking Texas maternal mortality committee to brief them on the controversial decision to not review pregnancy and childbirth related deaths from the first two years after the state banned nearly all abortions.

The maternal mortality committee announced in September that it would not review deaths from 2022 and 2023, instead jumping ahead to 2024. At a recent meeting, committee chair and Houston OB/GYN Dr. Carla Ortique defended the decision as necessary to offer more contemporary recommendations on reducing maternal deaths.

But U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Dallas-area Democrat, and three other members of the House Oversight Committee are questioning whether this decision was influenced by the chilling effect on reproductive care in Texas.

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Ignoring pregnancy-related deaths during one of the deadliest periods in Texas for pregnant women directly contradicts [the maternal mortality committees] statutorily required mission of eliminating preventable maternal deaths in Texas, says the letter sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services Thursday morning.

The letter was signed by Crockett, ranking member Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, Rep. Summer Lee, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a Democrat from Massachusetts.

They are requesting a briefing from the state health agency no later than Jan. 2. A spokesperson for the agency did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Noting that Texas was the first and largest state to implement an abortion ban, the letter says the states top priority should be analyzing maternal deaths from that period and sharing their findings with the Centers for Disease Control and other states.

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Last year, Texas legislators allocated money to create a new maternal death tracking system with the goal of ending the states participation in national data sharing. Members of the committee, including Ortique, have raised concerns about this change and its impact on data gathering both in Texas and nationwide.

The Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee studies maternal deaths to better understand why so many women are dying or nearly dying from pregnancy and childbirth in Texas. The 23-member committee also issues recommendations to improve outcomes in its biennial report.

This years report, released in September, showed maternal deaths jumped in 2020 and 2021, reversing two years of improvement. Every group saw worsening outcomes, even with COVID deaths excluded, except for white women. Black women remain disproportionately impacted.

Many researchers and reproductive health care advocates anticipate an increase in maternal mortality as a result of new abortion restrictions. Texas law allows doctors to perform an abortion to save the life of the pregnant patient, but confusion and fear of the strict penalties has led some to delay or deny medical care. Dozens of women have come forward with stories of having to leave the state for life-saving care, and ProPublica has reported on three pregnant Texans who have died since these laws went into effect.

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After the news organization reported on two similar deaths in Georgia, all members of that states maternal mortality review committee were removed from their roles.

Texas committee has previously skipped some years to offer more timely recommendations. But the latest decision has set off alarm bells for advocates, researchers, doctors and pregnant women, many of whom voiced their concerns at a recent committee meeting.

I know that we've always talked about how we want to be as contemporary as possible, Nakeenya Wilson, a former member of the committee, testified. What I am concerned about is the fact that the two years that we were skipping are the most crucial years of reproductive health in this country's history.

In a statement, Crockett said Texas was trying to bury the truth of abortion-ban related deaths.

Texas Republicans know there is nothing pro-life about the stories of these women and the broken families they leave behind, she said. I and my fellow House Oversight Democrats will not allow Texas Republicans to hide the consequences of their deadly law ... The people of Texas deserve the truth.
Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The United States has imposed sanctions targeting four Pakistani firms accused of being involved in Islamabad's ballistic missile program as the Biden administration targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.

The sanctions, which were announced Wednesday by the U.S. State Department, hit Karachi-based firms Rockside Enterprise, Affiliates International and Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, as well as the Islamabad-based state-owned defense agency National Development Complex.

NDC is accused by the United States of being a key firm in developing Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program, acquiring specialized vehicle chassis to be used as launch support equipment, and developing the Shaheen series of missiles.

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"The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern," Statement Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Pakistan was swift to condemn the designation of NDC and the three other firms as "unfortunate and biased."

"Pakistan's strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty and preserve peace and stability in South Asia," its foreign ministry said in a statement. "The latest installment of sanctions defies the objective of peace and security by aiming to accentuate military asymmetries. Such policies have dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond."

The sanctions follow United States' designation of five entities and one individual in mid-September over Islamabad's weapons program.

Pakistan's foreign ministry compared Wednesday's designations to previous actions by the United States, stating they "were based on mere doubts and suspicion without any evidence whatsoever."
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The United States and India will partner on space exploration opportunities and begin joint training to space missions planned in the near future.

Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer traveled to the Johnson Space Center in Houston to mark the next step in the two nation's cooperative effort in space exploration on Tuesday.

The respective space agencies for the United States and India are working together to "reach new frontiers across all sectors of space cooperation," President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly announced in June 2023.

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Indian officials affirmed that nation's commitment by signing the Artemis Accords, which has 51 member nations that are committed to space exploration that benefits all of humanity.

Officials for NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization are identifying opportunities for the joint partnership to accomplish significant milestones, such as India's pending return to space.

Two ISRO astronauts will train with NASA astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to prepare for a joint mission to the International Space Station called the Axiom-4 mission.

That mission might launch in early 2025 but could take longer to get underway.

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NASA and ISRO also are working together to launch a NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission in early 2025.

That mission would launch from India's Satish Dhawan Space Center early next year with the goal of placing a NISAR satellite into low-Earth orbit.

The NISAR satellite would use two NASA- and ISRO-built radar systems to map the surface of Earth's motion twice every 12 days.

The NISAR satellite would make it easier to predict and respond to natural disasters and other hazards and record changes in natural resources and infrastructure on Earth.

The U.S.-India space partnership also will promote partnerships between startups in each nation that would improve situational awareness in space, advance satellite technology and engage in space launches and exploration.

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The two nations also have pledged to promote defensive space cooperation and create opportunities for advancing missile and space-launch technologies, including for commercial satellite launches.

Officials for the ISRO on October announced a planned return to the moon in 2028 to collect 6.6 pounds of lunar samples from the moon's south pole.

Biden in October also hosted a White House celebration of the traditional Hindu holiday of Diwali.
The Syrian civil war has been a constant source of contention in the United Nations Security Council since its outbreak in 2011. In the mid-2010s, the conflict was the dominant issue in the council, as Russia repeatedly used its veto to block Western resolutions aimed at pressuring Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to engage with a U.N.-mediated peace process, reduce casualties and allow in humanitarian aid. In recent years, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have absorbed greater diplomatic attention, but council members have still met month after month to argue about Syria.

The sudden collapse of Assads regime has now created an unexpected opening for diplomats to strike a more constructive tone in New York. In closed consultations on Syria after Assad fled the country last week, all council members apparently took pragmatic positions, acknowledging the need to engage the countrys new powerbrokers in Damascus. This week the council released a press statement encouraging the U.N.s special envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, to work with all of the countrys various factions on an inclusive political process to define the nations future. This show of unity stands in sharp contrast not only to the councils past spats over Syria, but also to its ongoing rifts on Gaza.

As a starting point for Pedersens efforts, council members have pointed to Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, which called for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition. The resolution, which Assad effectively ignored for most of a decade, lays out a set of guidelinesincluding protecting minorities and preparing for eventual electionsthat still seem relevant. Rallying around this text also offers all council members, including Russia, a face-saving way to navigate the current uncertainty in Syria, rather than negotiating a new political approach.

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It is possible that this brief outbreak of diplomatic cooperation over Syria may pass. The events there took all council members by surprise, and the veto-wielding powers are still working out their priorities. The council has responded to some other recent crises, such as the 2021 coup in Myanmar and Sudans collapse into violence in 2023, with similar displays of unity and calls for calm. Yet in both cases, members soon started to squabble again, undermining U.N. peace efforts.

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Despite these caveats, it is worth recognizing that the mood in the Security Council over Syria is more constructive than at any point for most of the past decade.

It is also not clear that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, HTSthe former rebel group that now controls Damascusnecessarily wants the U.N. to play a facilitating role. Nonetheless, HTS has emphasized that it wants to secure international legitimacy, and working with the U.N. may offer it a path to doing so. Pedersen was able to meet with the HTS leadership this week, and he has since offered a cautious assessment of the situation, acknowledging that many Syrians do not yet trust HTS.

The council and Pedersen have at least one form of leverage over the group. HTS, which was originally affiliated with al-Qaida but broke away in 2016, has been on a U.N. sanctions list since 2015. The council could choose to ease or end sanctions against the group or its leaders as an incentive for cooperation. Pedersen has held out the prospect of delisting, but council diplomats say that they are still some ways away from agreement on if and how to move forward with such a process. Russia in particular has emphasized enduring concerns about the new authorities jihadist links. This weeks council press statement leans hard on the need for Syria to crack down on terrorist groups, including the Islamic State. The council is unlikely to move forward on removing sanctions against HTS as fast as the groups leaders may hope, and questions over the timing of and process for delisting could split the council membership.

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Another source of dissension in the council is Israels military deployment in Syria in recent weeks, which has involved pushing past U.N. peacekeeping positions in the Golan Heights. If the Israeli presence starts to look permanent, most states will condemn it, but the U.S. is likely to defend it as a legitimate security measure. For now, council members are keen to delink their discussions of Syrias transition from debates over Israels military posture to avoid the Syria discussion getting caught in the councils enduring gridlock on Israel-Palestine. But this may not be sustainable indefinitely, especially if Israel takes steps elsewhere in the Middle Eastmost obviously any attack on Iranian nuclear facilitiesthat ends up splitting the veto-wielding powers in New York.

Despite these caveats, it is worth recognizing that the mood in the Security Council over Syria is more constructive than at any point for most of the past decade. If Pedersen can find his stride in easing the countrys transition, it is possible that council members will continue to maintain a degree of cooperation in support of his efforts. In the immediate term, their priority should be to work out some sort of framework for offering HTS sanctions relief, depending on its political trajectory. Some steps, such as travel ban exemptions for HTS officials, may be necessary fairly soon; the council has made similar concessions to the Afghan Taliban since 2022. Looking further ahead, as our colleagues at the International Crisis Group have argued, the council is more likely to induce HTS to cooperate if its lays out clear, realistic benchmarks for a delisting process.

Even if council members do manage to find a modus vivendi over Syria, however, there will almost certainly be more tensions over the Middle East at the U.N. in the coming months. The incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to take a hard line in defense of Israeli interests and may attempt to restore sanctions on Iran that were suspended as part of the 2015 nuclear deal. That will create more turbulence in the council. It would be ironic if Syria, so long a geopolitical lightning-rod, were to emerge as an area of comparatively smooth cooperation.

Richard Gowan is the U.N. director of the International Crisis Group. From 2013 to 2019, he wrote a weekly column for WPR. Follow him on Twitter at @RichardGowan1.

Maya Ungar is the U.N. analyst at the International Crisis Group.

The post The U.N. Security Council Is Finding Rare Consensus on SyriaFor Now appeared first on World Politics Review.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Alabama Rep. Terri Sewell released a statement Thursday following the the news of the government potentially shutting down.

Heres Rep. Sewells full statement:

Because of House Republicans last-minute decision to abandon our bipartisan funding agreement, Alabama communities could lose out on $284 million in urgently needed disaster assistance. And just days before Christmas, countless military families, seniors, first responders, and veterans could have their paychecks and benefits put at risk by a government shutdown.

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Donald Trump and Elon Musk may not know how it feels to miss a paycheck, but it is Alabamas working families who will pay the price for their reckless shutdown. House Republicans should stop taking orders from billionaires and start looking out for the needs of hard working families.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A person in Louisiana has been hospitalized with bird flu  the countrys first severe human H5N1 infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The patient is experiencing severe respiratory illness related to H5N1 infection and is currently hospitalized in critical condition, said Emma Herrock, a spokeswoman for the Louisiana Health Department.

The CDC said the patient was likely exposed to the virus from a backyard flock, which would mark the first time such a flock has been associated with a bird flu infection in a U.S. resident.

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While an investigation into the source of this infection in Louisiana is ongoing, it is believed that the patient that was reported by Louisiana had exposure to sick or dead birds on their property, said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, during a briefing Wednesday.

The case was reported as a presumptive positive by Louisiana on Friday and later confirmed by CDC laboratory testing.

Daskalakis said the Health Department was conducting an investigation, monitoring the patient's contacts for exposure and offering testing and antiviral medication as needed.

The patient is over age 65 and had underlying medical conditions, Herrock said. She did not address questions about the patient's symptoms or the backyard flock.

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In the United States this year, 61 human cases of avian influenza have been reported. Wisconsin officials announced Wednesday that they had detected an additional probable case, in someone who was exposed to infected birds at a commercial poultry operation. That case is pending confirmation by the CDC.

No person-to-person transmission of bird flu has been documented so far. Most cases in people have been mild, and they have been found among farmworkers exposed to the virus through interactions with infected poultry or cattle. Common symptoms in earlier cases have included pinkeye, coughs and sneezing.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco who studies infectious diseases, said the Louisiana case highlights the risks of exposure outside of farms.

Weve been focusing on dairy workers and poultry workers, but an emerging risk is handling dead birds in your backyard, he said.

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Daskalakis said the CDC is still working to better characterize the virus genome, which will help researchers understand whether it has developed any concerning mutations that might allow it to spread from person to person.

Early indicators in the Louisiana case suggest that the version of virus causing the infection is similar to what has been circulating in wild birds and poultry in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state.

A teenager in British Columbia was hospitalized in November after having contracted the same genotype of the bird flu virus. Canadian health officials were not able to determine the source of the teen's infection.

"What this illustrates is people can get really sick from bird flu, and to me its related to the case in British Columbia," Chin-Hong said. "These patients are both united by the same variant."

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The CDC said the development does not change its assessment of H5N1's immediate risk to public health, however, which it says remains "low."

H5N1 began circulating widely among wild birds in the U.S. in 2022 then spread to poultry farms and backyard flocks. At least 123 million birds have been killed or euthanized because of the virus since 2022, according to the CDC.

This spring, bird flu began to spread among dairy cows, and at least 16 states have since detected the virus in cows.

Research on dairy farms has shown the virus can spread efficiently between mammals. Scientists have found that it likely spreads between farm animals through raw milk because infected cows shed large amounts of the virus through their mammary glands.

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Although there is no evidence of the virus spreading between humans, scientists are concerned that it could mutate and develop that ability, which could touch off the next pandemic.

In the U.S., there have been two cases so far in which health officials could not determine the source of a person's exposure to bird flu. One was an infection in a California child reported in November. The other was in a hospitalized patient in Missouri, who tested positive for H5N1 in August and recovered.

Daskalakis said the CDC considers the Louisiana case the first severe H5N1 infection because other conditions likely caused the hospitalization of the Missouri patient.

Additionally, Delaware health officials reported a case of H5N1 this week in a person without known exposure to poultry or cattle. But CDC testing results could not confirm the virus was H5N1, Daskalakis said, and the case is listed as a "probable."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Following his visit to Kyiv, U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey announced a 225 million pound ($283 million) military aid package for Ukraine on Dec. 19.

According to media reports, the package includes over 92 million pound ($115 million) in equipment to support Ukraine's navy, including small boats as well as reconnaissance drones. A further 39 million pounds ($49 million) will be used to supply over 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems.

Munitions, spare parts, and equipment will also be included in the package.

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The latest aid package comes as Healey made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Dec. 18 to meet with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, in a show of solidarity for the embattled country.

"The brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit... but they cannot go it alone  which is why the UK will step up our international leadership on Ukraine throughout 2025," Healey said in a statement.

The delivery of counter-drone electronic warfare systems comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky has been calling on Western allies to provide additional air defense systems as Russia continues it onslaught of aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities.

During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels on Dec. 18, Zelensky called on NATO allies to provide more air defense. The president later announced during a press briefing with reporters that the country needs 19 air defense systems to protect critical infrastructure across the country, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist present at the briefing.

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The U.K.'s announcement on Dec. 19 comes amid news that the U.S. may run out of time to deliver the remaining $5.6 billion in military aid allocated to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month.

Read also: US may not be able to send remaining $5.6bn in military aid to Ukraine before Trump takes office, NYT reports

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The United Kingdom has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 225 million (approximately US$286 million).

Source: Reuters

Details: The aid package includes:

92 million (US$116 million) for strengthening Ukraines naval forces, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions and mine countermeasure drones.

68 million (US$85.5 million) for air defence systems, including radars, decoy land equipment and counter-drone electronic warfare systems.

26 million (US$32.7 million) for providing support and spare parts for military systems previously delivered to Ukraine.

39 million (US$49 million) for supplying over 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and jointly procuring respirators and equipment to enhance the defence capabilities of Ukraine's Armed Forces.

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The UK also stated it will offer more military training to Ukraine.

The report noted that Ukraine had called on its allies for continued battlefield and diplomatic support ahead of potential negotiations with Russia, as Ukrainian forces are exhausted and outnumbered along the frontline stretching over 1,170 kilometers.

Background: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the need for continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression during a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, 18 December.

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President Trump has a tool to push for the passage of legislation, such as the hearing protection act. The executive branch, specifically the Secretary of the Treasury, can unilaterally declare an amnesty for people to register NFA items with the ATF. The Congress passed the Gun Control Act of 1968, under enormous pressure from President Lyndon B. Johnson, in 1968. At the same time, the Congress passed a statute authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to declare amnesties to allow people to register items covered by the act.

There are limitations. A single amnesty cannot last for longer than 90 days. The Secretary of the Treasury must announce the amnesty in the Federal Register before the amnesty takes effect. From PUBLIC LAW 90-619-OCT. 22, 1968, found on page 1236 of United States Statutes at Large Volume 82.djvu/1278:

(d) The Secretary of the Treasury, after publication in the Federal Register of his intention to do so, is authorized to establish such periods of amnesty, not to exceed ninety days in the case of any single period, and immunity from liability during any such period, as the Secretary determines will contribute to the purposes of this title. TITLE III  AMENDMENTS TO TITLE VII OF THE OMNIBUS CRIME CONTROL AND SAFE STREETS ACT OF 1968

The law does not appear to have been altered or repealed since 1968. The first amnesty was for only 30 days. No other amnesty has been put in place, which this author knows of, since that time. .....
(Bloomberg) -- UK City Minister Tulip Siddiq denies any involvement in allegations of corruption being investigated in Bangladesh, where her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, served as prime minister until earlier this year.

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Siddiq has been named in a probe into whether her family was involved in embezzling almost 4 billion ($5 billion) from Bangladeshi infrastructure projects, the BBC reported Thursday, citing court documents in Bangladesh.

The minister has denied any involvement in the claims, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers spokesman, Dave Pares, told reporters on Thursday.

The minister allegedly helped negotiate a deal with Russia in 2013 relating to a nuclear power plant that led to 1 billion ending up in private hands, the BBC said. The Daily Mail on Thursday published a photo it said dated back to 2013, featuring Siddiq and Hasina alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The probe, which is being conducted by Bangladeshs Anti-Corruption Commission, is based on allegations from Bobby Hajjaj, a political opponent of Hasina, the BBC said. A person familiar with the matter said Siddiq has not been contacted by the relevant authorities in the investigation.

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Still, the allegations are awkward for the UK government because Siddiqs role as city minister includes responsibility for tackling financial corruption.

Pares said Siddiq maintains her ministerial responsibilities and has declared all relevant interests. He also said since coming to office earlier this year, shes not been involved in any decisions relating to Bangladesh, and has recused herself from any future decisions to avoid any perceived conflict of interest.

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UK Defence Intelligence has reported significant losses among North Korean forces involved in hostilities in Russia's Kursk Oblast, citing poor coordination and interoperability issues with Russian troops.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence update dated 19 December on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: "DPRK troops have highly likely sustained significant combat casualties but so far only achieved tactical gains," the update noted, adding that about 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed in Russia's Kursk Oblast, where Ukrainian forces are conducting operations.

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UK intelligence believes that Russian and North Korean troops are almost certainly experiencing interoperability issues.

"The two forces do not share a common language and DPRK troops almost certainly have difficulties integrating into Russia's command and control structure," the update said.

UK Defence Intelligence also pointed out that Russia and North Korea have strengthened their ties by signing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which includes a mutual defence clause effective from 4 December 2024.

For Russia, North Korea's military support in the war in Ukraine was likely the primary incentive for strengthening the partnership, which previously revolved around Pyongyang supplying arms to Moscow. In return, North Korea has gained high-level international backing from Russia and a trading partner willing to violate sanctions.

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Background:

The Pentagon believes that Ukrainian forces may have killed or wounded "hundreds" of soldiers sent by North Korea to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military recently shared photos and videos showing dead Russian and North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast after a series of assaults.

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(Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Keir Starmers government is talking to Britains election watchdog about tougher rules on political donations, amid fears that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage may secure funding from Elon Musk on a scale that could upend the countrys politics in favor of his right-wing party.

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The Electoral Commission wants to apply a limit to company donations that is linked to the profit they make in the UK, the watchdogs head Vijay Rangarajan said in an emailed statement. Two more recommendations  to enforce know-your-donor checks and to ensure money flowing to unincorporated associations is from permissible sources  are also part of the discussions, he said.

Though the commission has been pushing for the changes for over a decade, the issue was thrust into the spotlight by reports Musk was considering a donation of as much as 100 million ($126 million) to Reform UK. As a lump sum that would smash British political records, and while Farage initially played it down, this week he boasted of meeting Musk at President-elect Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida along with Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy.

Farage then wrote in the Telegraph newspaper he is in ongoing negotiations with Musk about funding, though he didnt specify any amount.

Under UK rules, theres no limit on the amount political parties can raise  but they cannot take money from a foreign individual. Any company registered in the UK and is active can, however, make donations. That is why there is scrutiny on how much Musk could give via his X social media platform.

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The Electoral Commission wants the rule to change so that companies cannot donate more than they have earned in the UK. Supporters of the watchdogs position argue anything close to the reported 100 million would be against the spirit of the rules and exploit a loophole that was never intended.

Musks Twitter UK posted gross profits of 8.6m in 2022, according to its most recent financial statement at Companies House.

Its crucial that UK voters have trust in the financing of our political system, so they need to see how parties and campaigners are financed and how they spend that money at elections, Rangarajan said. The system needs strengthening, and we have been calling for changes to the law since 2013, to protect the electoral system from foreign interference.

But the issue poses a dilemma for Starmer and his government that is fraught with risk. On the one hand, the billionaire Musk has the financial power to dwarf anything seen before in British politics. Placed behind Farages Reform UK, that could have major implications not only for Starmers Labour Party but also Kemi Badenochs opposition Conservative Party, which fears losing more votes to Reforms populist positions including on immigration.

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More fundamentally, concerns about foreign influence on UK political processes have been building since the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Yet moving now to tighten financing laws also risks triggering a backlash from Reform UK voters that would likely be seized on by Musk. The billionaire has repeatedly attacked Starmers government on issues including taxes on farmers and the government crackdown on anti-immigration rioters in the summer.

Musks X platform was criticized for not clamping down on disinformation that contributed to the unrest.

That prompted the UK to extend its rules against illegal material online to cover social media companies, according to a statement from British regulator Ofcom this week, confirming an earlier Bloomberg report.

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The donation question is part of a broader issue facing Starmer  the close links Farage is forging with Trump and his team. That poses a significant challenge to the UKs new Labour government, from trade to foreign policy.

Trump has repeatedly pledged to slap tariffs of up to 20% on all imports to the US, and even higher on those from China. Starmer on Thursday said hes not a fan of tariffs, though he declined to speculate on what Trump will end up doing when he takes office next month.

Am I alive to the danger of tariffs? Yes of course, the premier told the House of Commons Liaison Committee of senior backbench lawmakers. We have to make sure that we avoid tariffs. Weve got very good trade with the US.

Amid growing scrutiny over the strength of Starmers relationship with Trump  and whether Farage was usurping the governments place in UK-US relations  the premier and the president-elect held a phone call on Wednesday.

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Starmers chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and his national security adviser Jonathan Powell also met senior members of Trumps incoming administration in the US this month, people familiar with the matter said, in an attempt to deepen relations before his inauguration in January.

--With assistance from Alex Morales.

(Updates with Starmer comments on tariffs starting in 15th paragraph.)

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Ukraine is "discussing ideas with European leaders" on the potential deployment of European peacekeeping forces to the embattled country, President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters during a press briefing on Dec. 18.

"We support the idea of strengthening Ukraine. The issue (of peacekeepers) lies in the details. We are discussing these details," Zelensky told reporters, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist on the ground.

Zelensky comments come as he continues to hold talks with EU and NATO leaders during a two-day European Summit at the EU Council in Brussels on Dec. 18-19.

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Earlier in the day, Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron held a one-on-one meeting to discuss the possibility of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.

Following their meeting on Dec. 18, Zelensky said that Macron discussed the communications he has had "with other partners to implement all necessary steps to achieve peace."

"I see that some (European leaders) are already showing positive responses to this. Its a complex process. You understand the risks involved," Zelensky said during his press briefing.

Earlier in the day, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson said in an interview with the Kyiv Independent that the country does not exclude the possibility of expanding its physical presence in Ukraine to strengthen the country's defenses.

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Macron has spearheaded the idea of sending troops to Ukraine in some capacity since February 2024. With U.S. President-elect Donald Trump set to return to the White House in January, European leaders are preparing to play a greater role in supporting Ukraine's defense needs.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Dec. 12, citing undisclosed official sources, that Trump wants European troops to monitor a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump reportedly made the comments during his Dec. 7 meeting with Zelensky and Macron in Paris.

Zelensky said on Dec. 9 that Ukraine "may consider" the proposal, but only after securing a clear timeline for NATO membership.

During the press briefing, Zelensky reiterated his stance, adding that the embattled country "needs security guarantees, which we believe NATO membership offers most effectively."

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Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Dec. 3 that Ukraine will refuse any kind of security guarantees substituting NATO membership.

In an interview with Suspilne on Dec. 12, Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, said Ukraine is not prepared to enter negotiations with Russia as it lacks sufficient Western support to engage from a position of strength.





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By Kate Abnett and Anastasiia Malenko

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Ukraine could consider continued transit of Russian gas on the condition that Moscow does not receive money for the fuel until after the war, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday.

Ukraine has previously ruled out extending a contract to transit Russian gas, via Ukraine, to Europe, which is due to expire at the end of the year. Slovakia, one of the recipients of the gas, has been racing to prolong the deal.

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"We would not prolong the transit of Russian gas. We will not give the possibility of additional billions to be earned on our blood, on the lives of our citizens," Zelenskiy told a news conference during a European Union summit in Brussels.

But he added: "If the country is ready to give us the gas, but not to pay the money back to Russia until the end of the war, then it's a possible potentiality. We can think about it."

The European Commission has said it is ready for the contract to expire, and all countries receiving Russian fuel via the Ukraine route have access to alternative supplies.

Zelenskiy lambasted Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has warned of the economic hit his country will face if it loses cheap gas from Russia.

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"To be honest, during war, it's a bit shameful to talk about money, because we are losing people," Zelenskiy said.

Zelenskiy said he told Fico on Thursday that Ukraine would be open to carrying another country's gas through its infrastructure to reach Europe - but it would need assurances that this was not merely re-labelled Russian fuel.

"We have to know that we will only transit gas if it's not coming from Russia," Zelenskiy said.

(Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko, Kate Abnett, Editing by Charlotte Van Campenhout and Deepa Babington)
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo believes that Ukraine must first achieve victory in its war with Russia before discussions on security guarantees can take place.

Source: De Croo on the sidelines of the EU leaders' summit in Brussels on 18 December, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Answering journalists' questions about the possible establishment of a ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine, the Belgian leader stressed that the priority should be to help Ukraine defeat Russia.

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"First of all, Ukrainians need to win the war. Let's not inverse the sequence: first, win the war, push back the Russians. Then, of course, nothing is excluded. I think we need to be quite open [that] if at some point the war is won (by Ukraine) and Ukraine has been able to push back the Russians, everyone will have to play [their] role to maintain peace and provide tangible security guarantees," he said.

However, De Croo believes it is early to discuss the deployment of EU peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.

"Please, the first discussion is how can Ukraine win the war. How can [the] peace be maintained afterwards, and what is necessary for that. But I think that having a discussion today about 'boots on the ground' is inversing the sequence, which is not the right thing," he told reporters.

Background: De Croo also said he sees no signs that the US will withdraw its support for Ukraine.



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Ukraines Special Operations Forces reported on Dec. 19 that they had killed 12 North Korean soldiers and injured 20 others, preventing their advance in Russia's Kursk Oblast.

Russia has reportedly deployed over 10,000 North Korean troops to help oust Ukrainian troops fighting in Kursk Oblast since early August.

Ukraines Special Operations Forces used drones and an Mk-19 grenade launcher to counter the North Korean soldier's attempt to advance, according to the released statement and video.

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Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) earlier reported that 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or injured during ground assaults on Dec. 14-15.

A total of at least 100 North Korean troops have been killed while fighting for Russia against Ukraine, a South Korean lawmaker said after an intelligence briefing, the BBC reported on Dec. 19.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

The use of North Korean troops in Russia's ground operations was confirmed earlier in November, but their involvement has intensified recently.

Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder confirmed on Dec. 16 that North Korean soldiers were actively participating in combat operations alongside Russian troops in Kursk Oblast and had suffered their first casualties.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia was trying to conceal the extent of the losses among the North Korean soldiers.

Read also: North Korean troops in Kursk Oblast boost Russias manpower, despite vulnerabilities

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Ukraine's Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out a combined strike against the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia's Rostov Oblast overnight on Dec. 19, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported.

Russian authorities and Telegram channels reported explosions and fire at the facility earlier the same day, connecting it to a Ukrainian drone attack.

The Novoshakhtinsk facility is "the only oil refinery operating" in the region, the General Staff said. It reportedly produces up to 7.5 million tons of oil products annually and specializes in fuel production.

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The city of Novoshakhtinsk lies around 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Russo-Ukrainian border and over 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the front line.

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Initially, SBU drones attacked the facility to distract Russian air defenses, providing a "window" for Ukrainian-made missiles to strike the facility, an SBU source told the Kyiv Independent.

The strike resulted in a massive fire and caused significant damage, the source claimed.

Yuri Slyusar, the acting governor of Rostov Oblast, said the fire had been extinguished as of 6:45 a.m. local time. One person was reportedly injured in the region due to falling drone debris.

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The fire also affected the refinery's ELOU-AVT-2.5 catalytic cracking unit, according to the General Staff.

The Kyiv Independent could not immediately verify all the claims.

Ukraine has previously targeted the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery with drone strikes. The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces claimed that a July attack on the refinery destroyed 1.5 million tons of oil and oil products worth $540 million.

The refinery partially shut down after an attack in March.

Ukrainian forces regularly target Russian oil depots in addition to attacks on weapons factories and military airfields. Fossil fuel exports are the primary drivers of the Russian economy and the main source of revenue for the Kremlin's war machine.

Read also: One of Russias largest chemical plants reportedly attacked in Rostov Oblast

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Ukraine will not extend the transit agreement for Russian gas through its territory, set to expire on Dec. 31, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Dec. 19 during a press conference in Brussels.

The decision previously prompted concerns from Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, and Austria, whose state-owned energy companies called for the continuation of gas transit through Ukraine in a joint declaration.

Zelensky said that Ukraine would not allow Moscow to earn additional billions while continuing its aggression against Ukraine.

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We will not engage in extending the transit of Russian gas. We will not give (Russia) the opportunity to earn additional billions on our blood, Zelensky said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing the issue during his annual press conference on the same day, confirmed the end of the contract, expressing confidence in the Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom's ability to endure the loss.

This contract will no longer exist. Everything is clear. We will survive, Gazprom will survive, Putin said.

While the European Union has made efforts to reduce dependency on Russian fossil fuels following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many countries, including Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria, remain reliant on Russian gas.

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The EU only introduced its first sanctions targeting the Russian gas industry, specifically liquefied natural gas (LNG), earlier this year.

Following discussions with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine is open to negotiating gas transit agreements for non-Russian sources.

Read also: Dumbass  Zelensky blasts Putins Oreshnik threats, high-tech duel proposal with the West

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Ukraine will not agree to reduce its Armed Forces even if Kyiv receives an invitation to join NATO, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists in Brussels overnight on Dec. 19, according to a Kyiv Independent reporter.

"Demilitarization" was one of the insincere excuses that Russian President Vladimir Putin used to justify a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Moscow demanded Ukraine to reduce its army to 50,000 people, five times fewer than the country had by 2022, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) investigation project Sistema reported in November, citing an obtained first draft of Moscow's peace offer to Kyiv.

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According to Zelensky, Western guarantees to provide Kyiv with military and financial aid are not enough to guarantee that Putin will not attack Kyiv again.

"Therefore, the best thing is a strong army, a large army, the largest army in Europe. We simply have no right to limit the strength of our army in any case," the president said.

Kyiv's membership in NATO would be the best security guarantee, Zelensky reiterated during a briefing after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Brussels on Dec. 19.

"We do not expect (an invitation to NATO) from anyone, (but) we are fighting for this right," he added. Zelensky also told journalists that Ukraine will make every effort to be strong enough in 2025 to end the war through diplomacy.

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Earlier, Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, said that Kyiv is not prepared to enter negotiations with Russia as it lacks sufficient Western support to engage from a position of strength.

"We will do everything so that next year we can be strong and move on to diplomacy," Zelensky said.

"I don't believe that Putin wants the war to end, so we will figure it out. In any case, on our part, we are doing everything to end this war fairly for us, for Ukraine."

Ukraine has shifted its rhetoric amid growing expectations of possible ceasefire talks as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he aims to push Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table.

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Read also: Zelensky sees positive response from some European leaders on potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine

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Russia launched an attack on Ukraine on the night of 18-19 December with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, an Kh-59/69 air-to-surface missile and 85 Shahed attack drones, along with other types of UAVs. None of the drones have reached their targets.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force

Quote: "As of 08:30, 45 Shahed attack drones and other types of UAVs have been confirmed shot down in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk and Mykolaiv oblasts.

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Due to active combat efforts by the defence forces, 40 enemy decoy drones disappeared from radar (with no damage caused)."

Details: Houses, apartment buildings and municipal property in Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts were damaged as a result of the missile attack. Early reports indicate no casualties.

"No UAV hits were recorded and no information about destruction or casualties has been received," the Air Force emphasised.

Reports indicate that the Iskander missiles were launched from temporarily occupied Crimea and Russia's Rostov Oblast, the Kh-59/69 missile was launched from Russia's Kursk Oblast airspace and the drones were launched from Russian cities of Bryansk, Kursk, Millerovo, and Orel.

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Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, Air Force mobile fire groups, and the rest of Ukraine's defence forces were involved in repelling the attack.

Background: The Russians launched attack drones into Ukraine on the evening of 18 December.

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A court in Ternopil took into custody Colonel Oleh Poberezhniuk, the commander of the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade, who is suspected of abuse of power, the Prosecutor General's Office reported.



The court set the bail for Poberezhniuk at Hr 908,400 ($21,600).

He was charged with abuse of office after he allegedly had four of his subordinates help build his house in Khmelnytskyi Oblast in the fall of 2023. While performing the service for Poberezhniuk, the four service members received full salaries and combat payments and were officially listed in a working visit to Mykolaiv Oblast.

On Dec. 16, Ukrainska Pravda reported that the unit's officers had beaten service members, extorted money from them, and even tied one soldier to a wooden cross as a punishment.

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In response to the media investigation, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi ordered an inspection and suspended Poberezhniuk. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov also ordered an investigation into the alleged abuse, extortion, and humiliation of soldiers.

The 211th Brigade, formed in August 2023, performs engineering work, builds defenses in the rear, and does not participate in direct combat.

According to Ukrainska Pravda, the cases of abuse surfaced after the start of official checks in the spring of 2024.

The outlet's sources named now-Captain Vladyslav Pastukh, Poborezhniuk's godson and the son of the unit's chief of staff, as one of the main perpetrators. The officer was said to have extorted money from soldiers on account of being related to the unit's most senior officers.

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Though Pastukh no longer serves in the unit, the media investigation identified almost a dozen cases of fathers and sons or husbands and wives serving together in the 211th Brigade.

The revelations come as Ukraine faces mounting challenges in replenishing the ranks of its Armed Forces, facing low enlistment rates and even cases of desertion. Mykhailo Drapatyi, the new commander of the Ground Forces, recently announced wide-ranging reforms focusing on recruitment and training.

Read also: As US pushes Kyiv to lower draft age, why wont Ukraine conscript younger men?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday pleaded for the joint support of the European Union and the United States once US President-elect Donald Trump retakes office.

"We need very much the unity between the United States and the EU, and the countries of Europe. This is very important," Zelensky said, as he arrived at an EU leaders' meeting which he will attend as a guest.

"We need this unity to achieve peace," he said, adding that only together could the US and Europe "really stop [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and save Ukraine."

Zelensky said he plans to discuss Washington's support with Trump once he is back in office as having to do without US support would be "very difficult."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday pleaded for the joint support of the European Union and the United States once US President-elect Donald Trump retakes office.

"We need very much the unity between the United States and the EU, and the countries of Europe. This is very important," Zelensky said, as he arrived at an EU leaders' meeting in Brussels which he will attend as a guest.

"We need this unity to achieve peace," he said, adding that only together could the US and Europe "really stop [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and save Ukraine."

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Zelensky said he plans to discuss Washington's support with Trump once he is back in office as having to do without US support would be "very difficult."

Ukraine is under increasing pressure as its armed forces face a difficult situation in eastern Ukraine and the possibility that Trump could try to push Kiev and Moscow into peace talks.

After more than 1,000 days of war and growing discussion of how the conflict could be ended, EU leaders continue to stress their commitment to help Ukraine in its defence against Russia's invasion.

"The killing must come to an end. We have to get to a situation where peace is possible," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.

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For Scholz this means more military aid for Ukraine and no decisions without Kiev's consent.

"The only way to get lasting and just peace is to put Ukraine in a position of strength," said Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, whose country shares a border with Russia.

"That means that Ukraine needs assistance, money, weapons, air defence, everything we can provide, everything Europe and the States can [provide]."

"Any push for negotiations to soon will actually be a bad deal for for Ukraine," warned EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas.

"All the other actors in the world are carefully watching how we act in this case, and therefore we really need to be strong," she stated.

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The EU summit "is an important occasion to send a united and unequivocal message of support to Ukraine, for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace," said new European Council President Antonio Costa ahead of the meeting.

EU leaders are likely to promise increased military aid, including the delivery of air defence systems, ammunition and missiles, as well as more training and equipment for Ukraine's army.

At the last scheduled EU summit before Trump returns to the White House on January 20, leaders are also expected to stress that no initiative to end the conflict should be taken without Ukraine.

Zelensky's meeting with EU leaders comes a day after he met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and some European leaders in Brussels to discuss further military support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday pleaded for the joint support of the European Union and the United States once US President-elect Donald Trump retakes office.

"We need very much the unity between the United States and the EU, and the countries of Europe. This is very important," Zelensky said at an EU leaders' meeting in Brussels which he attended as a guest.

"We need this unity to achieve peace," he said, adding that only together could the US and Europe "really stop [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and save Ukraine."

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Zelensky said he plans to discuss Washington's support with Trump once he is back in office, acknowledging that having to do without US help would be "very difficult."

"I think that President Trump is a strong man, and I want very much to have him on our side," said Zelensky, adding they share "the same emotions and the same values."

Ukraine is under increasing pressure as its armed forces face a difficult situation in eastern Ukraine and the possibility that Trump could try to push Kiev and Moscow into peace talks.

After more than 1,000 days of war and growing discussion of how the conflict could be ended, EU leaders continue to stress their commitment to help Ukraine in its defence against Russia's invasion.

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"The killing must come to an end. We have to get to a situation where peace is possible," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.

For Scholz this means more military aid for Ukraine and no decisions without Kiev's consent.

"The only way to get lasting and just peace is to put Ukraine in a position of strength," said Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, whose country shares a border with Russia.

"That means that Ukraine needs assistance, money, weapons, air defence, everything we can provide, everything Europe and the States can [provide]."

"Any push for negotiations to soon will actually be a bad deal for for Ukraine," warned EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas.

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"All the other actors in the world are carefully watching how we act in this case, and therefore we really need to be strong," she stated.

EU leaders promised in a statement to increase military aid, including the delivery of air defence systems, ammunition and missiles, as well as more training and equipment for Ukraine's army.

European leaders also got ready to take on more responsibility for Ukraine's fate once Trump is back in office.

Zelensky met with EU leaders a day after he joined NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and some European leaders in Brussels to discuss further military support and potential security guarantees from European countries in the event of a peace deal in the Ukraine war.

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The Ukrainian president stressed amid the public speculation about a potential ceasefire "that the European guarantees won't be sufficient for Ukraine" without the support of the US and insisted that no decisions are taken unless Trump is on board.
On 18 December, the Achilles strike UAV battalion, alongside troops from Ukraine's 1st Presidential Brigade Burevii and the 77th Airmobile Brigade, repelled a Russian mechanised offensive and destroyed 21 pieces of Russian military equipment on the Kupiansk front.

Source: Yurii Fedorenko, Commander of the Achilles UAV Battalion of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade named after Ivan Sirko

Details: The Russians tried to expand its foothold near the Oskil River by deploying two equipment columns in two directions. The Achilles battalion and the guardsmen of Ukraine's 1st Presidential Brigade Burevii and the 77th Airmobile Brigade successfully repelled a Russian mechanised offensive.

A total of 21 armoured combat vehicles were damaged or destroyed:

Destroyed:

T-80 tank  two pieces

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Infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs)  nine pieces.

Damaged:

MT-LB armoured personnel carriers (APCs)  one piece

Armoured personnel carriers (APCs)  one piece.

Infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs)  eight pieces.

Background:

On 11 December, the Achilles strike UAV battalion, alongside troops from Ukraine's 1st Presidential Brigade Burevii and the 77th Airmobile Brigade, successfully repelled a Russian mechanised offensive on the Kupiansk front in Kharkiv Oblast. The Ukrainian forces destroyed one tank, three infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), and three MT-LB armoured personnel carriers (APCs) during the confrontation.

Anton Shmahailo, Commander of the First Strike Company of the Achilles Battalion of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade, suggested that the Russian forces had been given a deadline to achieve specific objectives in the area, likely to capture Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi before the New Year.

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A Ukrainian man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison Wednesday for his role in operating the Raccoon Infostealer malware, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.

Mark Sokolovsky, 28, was accused of being a key administrator of the Raccoon Infostealer, a software that infects computers and steals personal information like identification numbers, bank accounts information, email addresses and cryptocurrency information.

Individuals could purchase Raccoon Infostealer for $200 per month, paid in cryptocurrency. They would then use tactics like email phishing to install the malware on victims' devices. The stolen information was used to commit financial crimes or sold on cybercrime forums, according to court documents.

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(He) was a key player in an international criminal conspiracy that victimized countless individuals by administering malware which made it cheaper and easier for even amateurs to commit complex cybercrimes, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas said in the Wednesday DOJ statement.

Sokolovsky was arrested by Dutch authorities in March 2022 and extradited to Texas in February of this year. At the time he was arrested, the FBI and law enforcement in Italy and the Netherlands dismantled infrastructure supporting Raccoon Infostealer, taking it offline. Operators announced the return of the malware last April.

Sokolovsky was initially charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity in connection with computers, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft.

Sokolovsky pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion in October. As part of his plea, he forfeited nearly $24,000 and paid over $910,000 in restitution.

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Following his arrest, the FBI collected the data stolen from computers infected with Raccoon Infostealer, including 50 million unique credentials and forms of identification. According to the DOJ, officers believe they dont have all the data stolen.

The FBI created a website to search email addresses of potential victims and a resources page for victims.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Ukrainian man sentenced to Texas prison for role in malware
Soldiers of the 73rd Maritime Centre of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have repelled an assault by the North Korean military on a position of Ukrainian defence forces in Russias Kursk Oblast, inflicting significant losses on the Russian army.

Source: press service of the Special Operations Forces (SOF)

Details: It is noted that during the attempted Russian assault, the SOF operators opened fire from an MK-19 automatic easel grenade launcher and also dropped a series of munitions from drones.

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As a result, the SOF killed 12 North Korean soldiers and wounded another 20.

The SOF added that during this operation, their operators were able to provide first aid to a wounded infantryman from a friendly unit and successfully evacuated him from the battlefield.

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By Michelle Nichols and Daphne Psaledakis

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday had a blunt message for countries providing military support to Sudan's warring parties or profiting from the conflict: "Enough."

"Use your resources to ease Sudanese suffering, not deepen it. Use your influence to end the war, not perpetuate it. Don't just claim to be concerned about Sudan's future, prove it," he told the United Nations Security Council.

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The war erupted in April 2023 amid a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule, triggering the world's largest displacement and hunger crisis.

The United Arab Emirates has denied giving military support to the RSF. Independent U.N. experts found the reports credible. The Sudanese army has acquired Iranian-made drones, sources have told Reuters. The army denied getting weapons from Iran.

Russia has provided diplomatic support to the Sudanese authorities, vetoing a Security Council resolution on Sudan last month that both disagreed with. Reuters also reported in October that a plane downed in Sudan's North Darfur had Russian crew members and was being used by Sudan's army to resupply troops.

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia categorically rejected "insinuations about us allegedly playing with both sides of the conflict in an attempt to profit from the developments in Sudan."

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"We stress that we will continue to decisively suppress any attempts to encroach upon the sovereignty of this brotherly country. We'll continue to prevent the adoption of one sided, non-viable solutions," he said.

UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Issa Abushahab said his country is not providing support to any of the warring parties.

"The UAE calls on the warring parties to cease hostilities and put the Sudanese people ahead of their military objectives," he told the council.

The U.N. says nearly 25 million people - half of Sudan's population - need aid as famine has taken hold in displacement camps and 11 million people have fled their homes. Nearly 3 million of those people have left for other countries.

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GANG RAPE

Blinken announced some $200 million in additional humanitarian assistance to provide food, shelter and healthcare to Sudan. He also said Washington would use every tool, including further sanctions, to prevent abuses in Sudan and hold perpetrators accountable, calling on others to do the same.

Senior U.N. aid official Edem Wosornu described a "horrendous human toll" in Sudan.

"Fierce hostilities in populated areas escalating and spreading, with evident disregard for international humanitarian law. Civilians killed and injured in unbearable numbers," she told the Security Council.

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"Millions stalked by the threat of famine, in the world's largest hunger crisis. Sexual violence rife," Wosornu added. "This is a crisis of staggering scale and cruelty. One that demands sustained and urgent attention."

The war in Sudan has produced waves of ethnically driven violence blamed largely on the RSF. The RSF denies harming civilians and attributes the activity to rogue actors.

Shayna Lewis, a Sudan specialist with nonprofit group PAEMA (Preventing and Ending Mass Atrocities), recounted speaking with a young woman from Sudan's Darfur region earlier this year. Lewis said the woman had been gang-raped in her family home.

"Her father beat against the door of the room she was trapped in trying to save his baby girl. In return, the RSF troops shot him dead for daring to protect her," Lewis told the council.

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The RSF and allies have committed "staggering" levels of sexual abuse, raping civilians as troops advance and abducting some women as sex slaves, a U.N. fact-finding mission reported in October, with victims ranging from 8 to 75 years old.

The report echoed investigations by Reuters and rights groups into widespread sexual abuse in the conflict. The RSF has previously said it would investigate allegations and bring perpetrators to justice.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Michelle Nichols; Editing by Leslie Adler, Rosalba O'Brien and Daniel Wallis)
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations General Assembly voted on Thursday to ask the International Court of Justice for an opinion on Israel's obligations to facilitate aid to Palestinians that is delivered by states and international groups including the U.N.

The Norwegian-drafted resolution was adopted by the 193-member body with 137 votes in favor. Israel, the United States and 10 other countries voted no, while 22 countries abstained.

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The move came in response to Israel's decision to ban the operation of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA in the country from late January and other obstacles faced by other U.N. agencies in their aid work in Gaza over the past year.

The ICJ, known as the World Court, is the United Nations' highest court, and its advisory opinions carry legal and political weight although they are not binding. The Hague-based court has no enforcement powers if its opinions are ignored.

The resolution adopted on Thursday also expressed "grave concern about the dire humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" and "calls upon Israel to uphold and comply with its obligations not to impede the Palestinian people from exercising its right to self-determination."

The U.N. views Gaza and the West Bank as Israeli-occupied territory. International humanitarian law requires an occupying power to agree to relief programs for people in need and to facilitate them "by all the means at its disposal" and ensure food, medical care, hygiene and public-health standards.

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The new Israeli law does not directly ban UNRWA's operations in the West Bank and Gaza. However, it will severely impact UNRWA's ability to work. Top U.N. officials and the Security Council describe UNRWA as the backbone of Gaza's aid response.

REPLACE UNRWA?

In a letter to the 15-member Security Council on Wednesday, Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said that "replacing UNRWA with relief schemes that will adequately provide essential assistance to Palestinian civilians is not at all impossible."

"Israel is willing and ready to work with international partners (and already does work tirelessly) so as to allow and facilitate the continued passage of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, and to ensure the unhindered provision of these necessary basic services, in a way that does not undermine Israel's security," Danon wrote in the letter seen by Reuters.

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The U.N. has long-complained of aid obstacles in Gaza since the war between Palestinian militants Hamas and Israel began on Oct. 7, 2023. The U.N. blames Israel and lawlessness in the enclave for impediments getting aid into Gaza and distributing it to Palestinians throughout the war zone.

A committee of global food security experts warned last month that there is a "strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas" of northern Gaza.

Israel has said the issue in Gaza was not a lack of aid because more than a million tons had been delivered during the past year. It accuses Hamas of hijacking the assistance. Hamas has denied the allegations and has blamed Israel for shortages.

Israel has long had tense relations with UNRWA, but ties have deteriorated further in the past year.

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Israel says UNRWA staff took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The U.N. has said nine UNRWA staff may have been involved and have been fired. A Hamas commander in Lebanon - killed by Israel - was also found to have had an UNRWA job.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
A horrifying video has gone viral on social media showing a grown man attacking a student in the hallways of a school. Whats even more shocking is what the police revealed about the alleged attacker.

In the video, the man is seen grabbing the student by his neck and dragging him toward the staircase. The man then slams the boy onto the stairs. In a frightening scene, the boys body begins to shake uncontrollably as if hes having a seizure. Two students then attempted to separate the man from him.

The video then shows two school staff members intervene as the student is helped to his feet.

Is this a teacher or parent?  pic.twitter.com/1EhNn3nqIY  GrindFace TV (Entertainment) (@grindfacetv) December 17, 2024

The man was then escorted out of the school while he continued yelling toward the student, the video shows. Fike High School Principal Ross Renfrow said in a statement the incident was between a 17-year-old student and a parent who assaulted the student based on a situation that happened outside of school, via USA TODAY.

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What situation? You ask.

According to a Facebook post from another parent who said his daughter attended Fike High, a female student pulled the victims hair out before he pushed her off of him and told her to stop. The post went on to say the two fell to the ground and the female student threatened to tell her father of the situation. However, the post claimed she never mentioned what she did to the boy before her dad showed up ready for all the smoke.

So basically, she lied on the boy and let her dad in the school, the post read, in reference to the incident.

The Wilson County Sheriffs Office further identified the parent suspect as 43-year-old Quinton Lofton, who was charged with felony assault by strangulation and disorderly conduct. Thats not even the worst of it: Police records show Lofton was previously charged with four counts of felony child abuse-sexual acts and two counts of taking indecent liberties with a child across incidents dating back to 2020.

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Lofton was arrested and detained in Wilson County Detention Center but was bailed out of a $7,500 bond after a few hours. Meanwhile, the teen is still shook by the whole ordeal.

Hes pretty traumatized right now. Hes very shaken up by the whole event that took place this morning, the teens sister, Shaniqua, said via WRAL News. Hes pushing through. Hes trying to, you know, remain positive through the whole situation.

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About the size of New Hampshire, at 9,301 square miles, Sardinia (Sardegna in Italian) is a Mediterranean island of breathtaking beauty divided into four provinces. In the south, the capital city of Cagliari draws travelers for its walled medieval Castello quarter, seafood restaurants, and internationally acclaimed marina. In central Nuoro, scenic, curvy road trips cut through the rugged mountains, craggy gorges, and thick forests, while spiky cliffs on the eastern Ogliastra coast entice seaside hiking and rock climbing.

Head to Alghero in the northwestern Sassari for Spanish-influenced cuisine and Catalan medieval architecture. Visitors to Oristano can explore a multitude of archaeological riches in addition to the more than 7,000 Bronze Age conical-shaped, beehive monuments (nuraghi) scattered across the island.

From the northeastern Costa Smeraldas swanky beach resorts, popular among celebrities, to remote mountain villages steeped in centuries-old traditions, and ancient landscapes strewn with stone relics, here are some of the best ways to explore the treasures of Italys Sardinia region.

Explore Sardinia's capital city

Flanked by the Gulf of Cagliaris turquoise waters and flamingo-filled marshes, Cagliaris Castello Quarter bustles with aromatic cafes, medieval palazzi, and artisanal shops. Enjoy a creative cocktail on the rooftop terrace of Caffe Libarium Nostrum, located near the 19th-century limestone Bastione di Saint Remya great vantage point for spectacular sunset views.

Located in the historic center of Cagliari, the Bastione di Saint Remy is a neoclassical structure that features, a stairway, gallery space, and the Umberto I terrace that looks out over Piazza Costituzione and offers a view of the Mediterranean Sea and mountains at a distance. Photograph by Chris Hutty, Alamy

The National Archaeological Museum provides a chronological history of the island from the Neolithic Age to the Middle Ages, and it features the Nora Stone (from the 9th century B.C.). It is considered the oldest Phoenician text in Western Europe and the first recorded instance of the name Sardinia, signifying the existence of Sardinian people 3,000 years ago.

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For beachgoers, the five-mile stretch of golden sand known as Poetto Beach, features food kiosks, great people-watching, and nighttime clubs. Meanwhile, the path to Devils Saddle towering above the marinais popular. For typical Sard products, such as cheeses, charcuterie, and wines, Bonu has it all and ships worldwide.

(Related: 10 must-do experiences in Sicily.)

Enjoy a traditional feast, art, and a regional park

In Malacalagonis, feast on a multi-course banquet at Ristorante Sa Festa di Casa Atzeri, where theres dancing in traditional dress, cantu a tenor singing, and musicians play launeddasan ancient woodwind instrument unique to Sardinia.

Visit the open-air museum of San Sperate, the hometown of sculptor Pinuccio Sciola (1942-2016), who invited local and foreign artists in the 1960s to paint the town. Over 200 of their colorful murals depicting social and political themes adorn the exterior walls of local homes and shops. Sciolas basalt sculptures sprinkle the streets with his spirit, transforming an agricultural village into a workshop of creation.

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An hour northeast of Cagliari, get lost in 10,000 acres of oak forests and hiking trails at Sette Fratelli Regional Park, named for its seven peaks. Visitors will find a museum devoted to the Sardinian deer, but for real wildlife sightings, keep a watchful eye out for the Sardinian goshawk, golden eagle, wild boar, and mouflon.

Savor Sardinias celebrated wines

Since the Middle Ages, Sardinias red wine grape, Cannonau, has been produced in the Ogliastra. This aromatic, spice-driven red pairs well with meats and aged cheeses and is rich in procyanidinscredited with heart-healthy properties that promote the exceptionally long lives of its residents. In Jerzu, known as the Citta del Vino (Wine Town), visit Cantina Sa Pruna, a family-run business, for Cannonau di Sardegna DOC tastings and vineyard tours.

For white wine connoisseurs, Vermentino, produced in the northern Gallura region, is best paired with Sardinia's seafood. The Wine Museum in the ancient village of Berchidda offers an immersive experience that connects the region's history, culture, and flavors with Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. Cantina di Continis Vernaccia of Oristano DOC is a white grape dessert wine made in the Cabras area since Roman times.

(Related: These are the must-see sights of Italy's Abruzzo region.)

Taste a culinary specialty near two historic sites

In the western Oristano province, the Cabras Lagoon is home to Sardinias revered bottarga, air-dried and cured mullet roe, nicknamed gold caviar for its amber glow. Residents and visitors can nibble raw bottarga with celery or grate over spaghetti at the Bar Focacceria Casas in the seaside village of San Giovanni di Sinis. Its just a short walk to the archaeological site of the ancient city of Tharros, founded by the Phoenicians around the 8th century B.C. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, it was one of the most important trading centers in the Mediterranean.

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Today, visitors can see the ruins of Tharros, which include monuments, temples, tombs, and necropolises, evidence of the ancient Nuragic civilization that inhabited Sardinia during the Bronze Age. Dont miss visiting Monte Prama, too, where over 5,000 fragments of shattered limestone were discovered in 1974 and recomposed between 2005 and 2011 into 30 massive, six-and-a-half-foot-tall stone sculptures of warriors, boxers, and archers. Six of the statues are on exhibit in the Civic Archaeological Museum of Cabras, and the remaining sculptures can be found in the National Museum of Archeology of Cagliari.

Immerse yourself in Sardinia's outdoor adventures

Extending from the eastern Gulf of Orosei into the central Supramonte mountain range, Gennargentu National Park is a combination of rocky peaks, craggy gorges, gushing waterfalls, and hidden caves. Hike Sardinias tallest mountain, La Marmora (6,017 feet), or snowshoe Bruncu Spinas snow-covered slopes. Trek into the Tiscali sinkhole and explore the Nuragic dwellings archaeological ruins.

When visiting Gennargentu National Park, hikers can make the adventurous trek through Gola di Gorropu Gorge. The park has 53 trails for hiking, birding, and backpacking with elevation gains ranging from 374 to 21,266 feet. Photograph by lukaszmalkiewicz.pl, Shutterstock

If wind or board surfing is your pleasure, head to the Bonga Surf School on Porto Ferro, a beach outside the Italian islands second-largest city, Sassari. Alternatively, for mountain bikers, head to southwestern Campidano to hit the dirt tracks at Giara di Gesture Park. The cork and evergreen forests of the Giara plateau are home to the wild and protected horses of the Giara, survivors of an ancient native species. They have inhabited Sardinia since the Middle Ages. Horseback riding tours for adults and children are available. For a more low-key activity, visitors should consider a relaxing dip into one of the thermal pools at the Sardara Baths.

Plan a day trip to this Geological Mining Park

Phoenician and Carthaginian invaders began exploiting Sardinias rich mineral treasures in Iglesias around 500 B.C. Montevecchio, the islands first mining complex, was built in the 19th century. At its height in 1865, it employed 1,100 miners from Europe and Italy. The mining operation became one of the most important ore and zinc mines in Europe through 1950.

While visiting Motevecchio, travelers should consider staying at Casa Marmida, a family-owned farmstead with cottages, where farm-fresh dishes are served like Giuggiole ice cream with salty caramel and liquirizia. Photograph Courtesy Andrea Pani, Casa Marmida.

After ceasing operations in 1991, it was restored into an open-air museum as part of the UNESCO Geomineral Park network. Visitors may choose among the five guided tours available. See the owners Renaissance-style palace and officesa stark contrast with the miners living quarters. Consider staying overnight at Casa Marmida, a family-run agriturismo (farmstead) with reasonably priced, cozy stone cottages and delicious farm-fresh meals.

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(Related: 10 must-do experiences in Italy's Lazio region.)

Taste Pecorino Sardo cheese

To avoid sea invasions, ancient Sards retreated inland to the central Barbara region and became farmers and pastoral nomads. Today, an estimated three million sheep, goats, and cows graze Sardinias hilly pastures, outnumbering the current 1.6 million people by about two to one. The Sardinian sheeps milk cheese, pecorino, is one of the oldest known. Fiore Sardo Pecorino conjures notes of hay and spices, while soft Pecorino Sardodelivers hints of fresh milk and a sweet aromatic flavor.

Seadas al Miele, a popular Sardinian treat, is made with fresh pecorino and lemon peel, wrapped up in a dumpling, and drizzled with honey. Another option is to simply spread pecorino cheese onto pane carasau, a tasty Sardinian crisp flatbread. You can sample a variety of pecorino Sardo cheeses at shops like the fourth-generation, family-owned Cabigliera & Zidda Formaggi in Ozieri, or Sa Marchesa, an award-winning master of smoked, aged pecorino cheese in Gavoi.

Visit a UNESCO site and other historical landmarks

Of the 7,000 nuraghi that pepper the Sardinian landscape, Su Nuraxi of Barumini, about 40 miles north of Cagliari, contains the remains of the largest and most complete Nuragic fortress. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Its oldest section, a 62-foot stone defensive tower, was built around 1500 B.C. Three hundred years later four subsidiary towers and a wall were added.

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Additional fortifications were constructed in the 7th century B.C. to ward against the threat of a Phoenician invasion. Excavations reveal a village located outside the main fortress with circular dwellings, paved streets, and a sewer system that preceded the Roman period by centuries.

Nearby, Casa Zapata Museumonce a 16th-century villa for the Spanish (Aragonese) dynasty that ruled this area for nearly 500 yearswas restored with glass floors to reveal a Nuragic settlement discovered beneath it.

In 2020, a Sardinia Toward UNESCO initiative was launched to petition the inclusion of 31 additional Nuragic monuments to be listed as World Heritage sites. The monuments include one of the best preserved examples of Nuragic funerary architecture, the 4500-year-old Gallura's Coddu Vecchju; and the 10th century B.C. Well Temple of Santa Cristina, located in Paulilatino, Oristano.

Swim at Sardinias best beaches

Visitors looking for some of the best beaches in Sardinia wont have to look far. Some local favorites include the crescent-shaped, Spiaggia del Principe, bordered by maquis and woodlands, on Costa Smeralda; the super secluded Cala Luna in eastern Ogliastra, accessible by boat or a challenging four-hour hike through pink-flowered Oleander trees; and the endless dunes of Piscinas Beach, located on Costa Verde. in southwest Iglesias.

The shorelines of Sardinia and nearby islands are ideal for a proper beach day like on Spargi, an island in the La Maddalena archipelago (seen above). And if youre visiting Costa Smeralda, Spiaggia del Principe is another option for vacationing beachgoers. Photograph by Fabio Lotti, Alamy

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Try an off-island beach getaway to the Maddalena Archipelagoseven wind-sculpted, granite islets off the northeast coast of Sardinia. Board a 20-minute ferry from Palau to the main island, La Maddalena, and stroll its cobbled piazzas. For a full day of beach pleasure, book a cruise, such as the Marinella IV to the smaller islands and their beaches.

On the island of Spargi, visitors can relax beneath fragrant pines on fine, white sand along the turquoise waters of Cala Granara, the island's largest beach. Sunbathe on the natural rock formations at Cala Corsara.

Visit Carloforte on the hilly San Pietro Island, located near the southwest coast of Sardinia. Just four miles from town, Spiaggia La Bobba, the first in a series of picturesque beaches in the area, provides a sanctuary for diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

(Related: 7 must-do experiences in Italy's stunning Lombardy region.)

Getting around

Most travelers heading to Sardinia fly into Cagliaris Elmas Airport (CAG). With rail transportation limited and infrequent bus services, the fastest and most efficient way to get around the islands most scenic and remote parts is by car. Major car rental companies operate out of CAG and the islands other two airports: Olbia Costa Esmeralda and Alghero-Fertilia Riviera del Corallo. Plan your trip over the spring or fall to avoid summer crowds and peak prices.

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From Cagliari, you can reach Alghero in about three hours, and Oristano and Iglesias in one hour. If you are traveling to Nuoro, in the mountainous, central interior, or further north to Sassari or Olbia, you may want to plan a stop-over along the way for a leisurely, scenic visit.

Where to stay

If Cagliari is your base, check into the 5-star Hotel Palazzo Tirso located in front of the tourist port, a few steps from Via Roma, the citys most important boulevard. The hotel features 76 guestrooms and nine suitessome with private balconies that provide views of the historic city center and the Gulf of Angels.

In Alghero, Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa is located on a private promontory within walking distance of the citys historic center, boutiques, and restaurants. The villas origins date back to the 1880s when it was a hunting lodge. Forty years later, a major renovation transformed the lodge into a villa for Italian royalty. Hollywood royalty Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton as well as author Samuel Beckett were among its first guests when it became a hotel in 1959. It received a five-star hotel classification in 2006.

Nestled in the steep, Supramonte peaks outside Oliena, Hotel Su Gologone is a mountain retreat, heralded for its traditional regional cuisine. Tasty specialties include macarrones de busa, a popular Sardinian pasta; culurgiones, a ravioli filled with ricotta; and spit-roasted porceddu. Try a cooking class to continue enjoying these dishes back home.

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(Related: These are the must-see sights of Italy's Veneto region.)

Giannella M. Garrett is a freelance writer based in New York City who covers travel, culture, and conservation. Follow her on Instagram.
LOS ANGELES  Kevin Yang, a 46-year-old undocumented immigrant from China, said he once felt a sense of indebtedness toward the United States. But now, with President-elect Donald Trumps second term on the horizon, he feels worried and on edge.

The gratitude I once felt toward the U.S for accepting me into the country  has now shifted to anxiety and fear, Yang said. And I know others in my situation feel the same.

With the incoming Trump administration looking to prioritize deporting Chinese nationals, citing national security concerns, many undocumented Chinese men say they couldnt feel further afield from the reasoning behind the potential policy  that Trump thinks theyre assembling an army within the United States.

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Several Chinese undocumented migrants who made the trek across the southern border to the United States spoke about Trumps mass deportation plans. Sources close to the Trump campaign had exclusively told NBC News that undocumented Chinese immigrants who are deemed to be of military age will be among the first groups targeted. But, having fled their homeland because of political persecution, or uprooted their lives for better economic opportunities, many undocumented Chinese men reject the notion of being a threat to the United States as absurd.

A Chinese migrant sits in front of his tent near the U.S.-Mexico border in 2023.

Were not military spies. Do you see anyone buying heavy weaponry or weapons here? Yang said. The fact that Trump says this is completely crazy.

Trumps transition team did not respond to NBC News request for comment.

If indeed focused on immigrants of Chinese descent, Trumps deportation policies are likely to be challenged legally as a blatant example of racial profiling. But experts note that, after having attempted versions of these policies in his first term, and emboldened by growing support among the public, Trump could be more successful implementing them this time around.

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I expect that we will see ICE raids that are carried out for the purpose of terrorizing immigrant communities and where the purpose is inflicting cruelty on immigrants, Elora Mukherjee, director of the Immigrants Rights Clinic at Columbia Law School, told NBC News.

While Asian immigrants have long been the fastest-growing undocumented population, the number of Chinese nationals crossing into the United States in particular has skyrocketed in recent years. Between fiscal years 2022 and 2024, the number of undocumented Chinese nationals crossing both the northern and southern borders has tripled, from just over 27,000 to more than 78,000.

Experts and undocumented immigrants have said that Chinas economic downturn and political friction, which came to a head during the countrys prolonged Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions, were largely the basis of the migration wave. But Trump has repeatedly suggested that military-age men are conspiring to build an army.

Theyre coming in from China  31, 32,000 over the last few months  and theyre all military age and they mostly are men, Trump said in April during a campaign rally. And it sounds like to me, are they trying to build a little army in our country? Is that what theyre trying to do?

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And on a Dr. Phil podcast episode released in early December, Trumps incoming border czar doubled down on such comments.

Sixty thousand Chinese males, mostly military age, do not leave China without the coordination and approval of the Chinese government, said Tom Homan, who was the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trumps first term in office. This is a coordinated national security vulnerability that the Chinese government is involved in.

Chinese migrants at a makeshift camp in Jacumba, Calif., in 2023.

Navigating an uncertain future with their families

Bin Wei, a 50-year-old who immigrated with his teenage son, came to the United States by way of the Darien Gap, a land bridge filled with dense jungle connecting Central and South America. He said that immigrants like himself only make the dangerous trek so that they can establish more stability for their families  not for any kind of military or violent reasons.

We left a hard and oppressed life  harder than many people in the U.S. can imagine, Wei said of being painted as an adversary. All we want is freedom to make life better for us and our kids.

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With Trumps campaign promises casting uncertainty over his future, Wei said hes been acting in accordance with the Chinese motto, follow the correct and law-abiding path. And hes also been recommended to remain in California, a sanctuary state in which no state and local resources can be used to aid federal immigration enforcement.

Chinese language media is telling us all to watch ourselves, to do everything by the book and the law, because Trump will find any excuse to deport us, he said.

But Wei, who currently lives in Southern California, said hes most worried about his son. Trumps policies, Wei worries, could have long-term, far-reaching effects on the teens life.

Hes the entire reason why we came to the U.S., Wei said. To think about any kind of diminishing future for him makes me really sad and angry.

Bin Wei, an immigrant from China, said he is trying to do everything he can by the book.

Trumps policies feel eerily similar to the political situations many have fled

Yang, who made the journey across the border in 2022, said he was a city representative back in China and fled after clashes with the Chinese government led to his political persecution. He said he traveled into the United States by foot through a remote, barren area of the desert, weathering severe dehydration before being picked up by Border Patrol agents. Trumps election has left him deeply saddened and helpless, he said.

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Yang said much of the president-elects campaign promises smack of the political leadership that he fled from.

Their proposed policies such as establishing large-scale detention camps for illegal immigrants and deploying the military to deport immigrants is disturbingly similar to the methods used by dictators like Xi Jinping, Yang said.

Yang added that the disregard for any kind of laws or regulations from the Trump administration also feels similar to the authoritarian regime in China.

Asylum-seeking migrants walking on their way to be transported to a U.S. Border Patrol processing center in Jacumba Hot Springs, Calif., in 2023.

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Trumps mass deportation policies are sure to meet pushback

Trumps targeting of Chinese immigrants is likely to face legal pushback, including accusations of racial profiling, especially if Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids ramp up as they did in his first term, Mukherjee told NBC News.

Simply from looking at a person, it is impossible to know if they are a U.S. citizen or not, said Mukherjee, the clinic director at Columbia Law School. As ICE agents carry out raids, they will sweep a large number of people into their drag net, including those with lawful status in the United States.

Early in his first term, Trump escalated the number of workplace raids, targeting a string of Asian restaurants in central Mississippi, for example, among many other sites. This time around, Trump has been looking to broaden the types of places ICE agents can sweep, with several sources exclusively telling NBC News that he intends to rescind a policy that prevents these agents from arresting immigrants in houses of worship and schools among other sensitive areas without approval from supervisors.

I dont say this to be alarmist, Mukherjee said, urging undocumented immigrants to apply for immigration relief and learn their rights. I just think that people need to be prepared.

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Mukherjee said that people should take precautions to avoid arrest and detention, including refusing to open the door to any strangers unless they show a judicial search warrant. And if an immigration officer or law enforcement approaches them in a public location, she said, undocumented immigrants still have the right to remain silent.

A large group of Chinese migrants, plus three from Bangladesh, line up for a Customs and Border Patrol officer at Jacumba Hot Springs on June 6.

You dont need to say where you were born. You dont need to answer when you entered the country. You should try to stay calm, she said. You shouldnt sign anything without speaking with a lawyer first and reviewing the paperwork with a lawyer.

Los Angeles-based attorney Frank Hwu, whos represented thousands of Chinese undocumented immigrants, also noted that while Chinese undocumented immigrants who have immigration relief secured or pending are unable to be deported without their day in court, they can still be detained. And this has made some of his clients now fearful of checking in with ICE, an otherwise routine, regular appointment that most have complied with since entering the United States.

You dont want to be detained while youre waiting for court, because the court process takes years, Hwu said, adding that he had a client who was detained for six months. Theyre here with their children, with their moms and grandmas.

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The potential of being repatriated has left many undocumented immigrants anxious about returning to China. Hwu said many of his clients arent fearful of going back to difficult life conditions as much as they are of the unknown consequences of their illegal immigration.

On most days, Wei says he doesnt even allow his mind to go there.

Speaking for myself, I am very afraid of going back to China, Wei said. There is no doubt that the government will not be happy with me, and that I will be punished severely.

Bin Wei, who lives in California, said he came to the United States for his son's sake.

China has not been so open to accepting repatriated immigrants in the past. But the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement to NBC News that the country will be cooperating with efforts to repatriate undocumented immigrants, accepting repatriated individuals who are confirmed to be Chinese citizens through their verification process.

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As a matter of principle, the Chinese government firmly opposes all forms of illegal immigration and has engaged in practical cooperation with immigration enforcement agencies of relevant countries, including the United States, achieving positive results, the countrys foreign ministry said.

And in December, the Department of Homeland Security conducted its fourth large charter removal flight in less than six months to China.

Along with prioritizing the deportation of military-age Chinese immigrants, Trump has promised to end birthright citizenship, stripping rights from those born in the country to undocumented parents. The Trump transition team is also compiling a list of countries, including Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas, to which it may deport migrants whose home countries refuse to accept them.

Ultimately, Yang said, Trump has gotten it all wrong.

The Chinese people that I encountered crossing illegally into the United States have a simple purpose: To find a place where they can survive, Yang said.

CORRECTION (Dec. 20, 10 a.m. EST): A previous version of this article misstated the route of the Darien Gap. It connects Central America with South America, not Mexico.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
In Findlay Township outside of the Amazon fulfillment center, the Teamsters continued to picket Thursday. Theyve been out since 6 a.m., joining a nationwide effort to put pressure on Amazon right before the holidays.

They have been just ignoring us so they think that we dont exist. Here we are, said Kevin Schmitt, President of Teamsters local 249.

In Imperial and throughout the US, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters started picketing outside of Amazon fulfillment centers, Thursday.

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Mike Veon, a former State Representative said, This is a nationwide effort to bring some pressure to bear on Amazon to recognize the union and the facilities that they have organized in different parts of the country.

Former state representative, Mike Veon came to the Findlay Township location in solidarity.

Veon said, This is a show of support from the community from all the other unions throughout Western Pennsylvania. This is really important. Its a huge company they need to share these profits with the people that work at these facilities. "

Schmitt said, We have over 9,000 members that have joined Teamsters local across the country and Amazon is refusing to negotiate at all.

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Amazon refutes this saying - For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative. The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union.

The Teamsters say workers who voted to authorize strikes joined picket lines Thursday after Amazon reportedly ignored a Sunday deadline for contract negotiations. Thursday morning, no delivery trucks could get through until about 10:30 when the local union president said Amazon filed a suit out of New York - where a judge ruled the picketing has to stop to allow trucks through.

The Teamsters say theyre fighting for employees basic rights. Amazon says it doesnt expect the strike to impact operations or deliveries. Its unclear how long the strike will last - as the international Teamsters leadership makes that call.

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Teamsters union members picket outside the Amazon facility in Missoula in solidarity with organized workers in a national strike. Workers at the Amazon facility are considering signing union cards, said spokesperson Derek Hitt. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)

Union members in Missoula picketed Thursday at the Amazon warehouse in solidarity with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters striking across the country.

The union members, among 10,000 workers nationwide, are fighting for higher wages, better benefits and safer conditions, according to a news release from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

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The picketers in Missoula were members of the Teamsters from Missoula and elsewhere in Montana.

An Amazon truck pulls out of the lot in Missoula as Teamsters strike nationally. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)

A union spokesperson said the workers at the Amazon warehouse and its drivers who work for third parties have yet to sign union cards, but discussions are underway given their working conditions.

They dont even have time for bathroom breaks, said Erin Foley, with Teamsters Union Local No. 2.

In a statement, however, an Amazon spokesperson said the people who are picketing are almost entirely outsiders, and the actual workers will continue to focus on getting customers their holiday orders.

For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers, said Kelly Nantel, of Amazon, in a statement from the company. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative.

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A news release from the union said the strike was the largest one against Amazon in U.S. history, and workers were joining the picket line in New York, Georgia, California, and Illinois.

Union spokesperson Derek Hitt of Missoula declined to disclose the number of Amazon workers and drivers who are considering signing union cards. He said they fear retaliation.

Foley said workers at other facilities have faced serious consequences in attempting to unionize.

People have been fired, Foley said.

In an email, Amazon said its employees are free to join a union, but it also said it has already offered competitive pay, health benefits on day one, and opportunities for career growth.

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We look forward to working directly with our team to continue making Amazon a great place to work, Amazon said in a statement.

Ray Schonsberg, president of the Teamsters Local No. 2, said Amazon needs to come to the bargaining table. Amazon workers in Missoula havent signed union cards yet but discussions are underway, a spokesperson said. Other Missoula and Montana Teamsters were on the picket line in solidarity with national Amazon workers who are union members. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)

The warehouse in Missoula held a ribbon cutting in March 2024.

At the time, an Amazon spokesperson told the Daily Montanan that roughly 100 Amazon associates work at the warehouse, and approximately 80 drivers work for an independent delivery company.

The spokesperson said wages for Amazon workers started at $17 an hour and went as high as $19.40. The Missoulian said delivery drivers earned $21 to $24 an hour.

Amazon said Thursday it has increased average base wages to $22 an hour nationally, or $29 including benefits.

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Thursday, Foley said the wages workers in Missoula earn pale in comparison to the pay earned by drivers for UPS and Mountain Line, the local bus company.

She also said drivers use their own vehicles, and the mileage reimbursement is inadequate for the wear and tear.

Even though delivery drivers across the country work for third parties, the Teamsters have argued Amazon controls the purse strings and working conditions.

Thursday morning, fewer than a dozen people picketed in Missoula, but Hitt said the movement will grow.

It always starts with a few, he said.

In a statement, a national spokesperson said Amazons executives can do more for workers.

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These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, theyve pushed workers to the limit, and now theyre paying the price. This strike is on them, said Teamsters General President Sean OBrien in a statement.

In Missoula, union member Ray Schonsberg picketed outside the warehouse wearing a button that read, In solidarity with Amazon Teamsters.

A union button supporting the Teamsters in the national strike against Amazon. Amazon said Teamsters are being disingenuous, and Amazon already offers competitive wages and is increasing them. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)

Amazon is refusing to meet us at the table to even talk, said Schonsberg, president of the Teamsters Local No. 2.

The strike Thursday started during one of the busiest times of the year for deliveries nationally. An estimated 10,000 packages a day are delivered out of the Missoula warehouse during peak holiday season, according to an earlier estimate from Amazon.

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The union workers on the picket line in Missoula work for other companies, and Amazon said Thursday it hasnt seen its operations affected by the national strike.

Amazon announced it was building the $8.1 million facility in Missoula in December 2022.

The company said the 72,000-square-foot delivery station, part of the last mile stage of shipping, would receive orders from larger Amazon facilities across the U.S. and dispatch delivery vans to bring those orders to customers front doors.

Unsafe working conditions, including injuries in warehouses, are among the concerns of the union workers nationally.

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Amazon, however, said it recently announced an incremental investment of more than $2.1 billion in its Delivery Service Partners including for safety and incentives. The partners employ the drivers.

Amazon said it anticipates driver pay through those third parties will increase to $22 an hour on average in the U.S. as a result, although many drivers are paid well above that amount.
DENVER (KDVR)  Starting next summer, United Airlines will add eight new nonstop flights from Denver, including its first nonstop flight between the Denver International Airport and Rome, Italy.

Thursday morning, United announced it would add nonstop flights from Denver to the following cities:

Buffalo, New York

Pensacola, Florida

Peoria, Illinois

North Bend, Oregon

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Redding, California

Wilmington, North Carolina

Rome, Italy

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This is also the first time United will have nonstop service to Redding, California and Wilmington, North Carolina from DIA.

Christmas Vacation filming locations you can visit in Colorado

Uniteds new nonstop route to Rome will be flown on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. DIA said that Rome is currently Denvers largest unserved international market, with more than 60,000 people traveling to the city in the recent year.

According to Google Flights, current fights to Rome from DIA take more than 13 hours with at least one layover.

Uniteds continued commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience in Denver is underscored by these new routes and the nearly $1 billion in investments we have made to enhance the customer experience and bring greater convenience, said Jonna McGrath, vice president of Uniteds Denver hub. As Denvers hometown airline, were proud to offer more destinations than any other carrier, giving Colorado residents and travelers passing through Denver unmatched flexibility and options to explore the destinations they want to visit most.

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According to United, the airline is the largest and most-flown airline in Denver.

When will these new routes take effect?

United said the eight new nonstop routes will start in the summer of 2025. United will fly each route once a day.

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The following chart shows when the routes will be in effect:

Destination from DIA Effective dates in 2025 Rome, Italy (FCO) 1x Daily, seasonal, May 1 to Sept. 24 Buffalo, New York (BUF) 1x Daily, year-round beginning May 22 Pensacola, Florida (PNS) 1x Daily, May 22 to Aug. 18 North Bend, Oregon (OTH) 1x Daily, May 22 to Oct. 25 Peoria, Illinois (PIA) 1x Daily, year-round beginning March 30 Redding, California (RDD) 1x Daily, year-round beginning May 22 Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada (YQR) 1x Daily, year-round beginning May 15 Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM) 1x Saturdays, May 24 to Aug. 16

Tickets for these routes go on sale 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 FOX31 Denver.
Luigi Mangione traveled from Georgia to allegedly stalk and kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and said he targeted the health care industry because "it checked every box" -- one of a number of entries in a notebook in which the suspect discussed the plot in the weeks before the brazen crime, according to a federal criminal complaint.

Mangione was hit with four federal charges Thursday, including stalking, a firearms offense involving a silencer and murder through use of a firearm, a charge that makes him eligible for the death penalty.

The federal complaint contains previously unreleased excerpts from the notebook that police said they seized from Mangione. Authorities said the writings "express hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular."

PHOTO: Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, arrives at a helicopter pad after being extradited from Pennsylvania, as Mayor Eric Adams walks behind him, in New York City, Dec. 19, 2024. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

A special edition of "20/20" airing Dec. 19 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC looks at the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the manhunt that led to the arrest of Luigi Mangione, who went from the Ivy League to alleged killer.

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According to the complaint, an entry marked Aug. 15, 2024, said "the details are finally coming together," and, "I'm glad -- in a way -- that I've procrastinated, bc [because] it allowed me to learn more about [acronym for Company-1]."

In an entry marked Oct. 22, 2024, the writings said, "1.5 months. This investor conference is a true windfall ... and -- most importantly -- the message becomes self evident."

Later on in the entry, the pages describe an intent to "wack" the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference, the complaint said.

PHOTO: Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, arrives at a helicopter pad after being extradited from Pennsylvania, in New York City, Dec. 19, 2024. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

Mangione waived extradition on Thursday morning and was transported via plane and helicopter from Pennsylvania to New York.

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch were waiting when Mangione arrived in Manhattan.

PHOTO: Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is escorted by police, Dec. 19, 2024, in New York City. (Pamela Smith/AP)

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Mangione made his initial appearance in federal court in lower Manhattan on Thursday afternoon and answered "yes" to several questions by the judge. Mangione, wearing chinos, a white shirt and black quarter-zip sweater, appeared docile and stone-faced at the defense table. He did not enter a plea.

Mangione's New York lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said her client was prepared to appear in state court and complained the federal charges were sprung on them.

"This is a highly unusual situation we find ourselves in," Agnifilo said. "I have never seen anything like that."

PHOTO: Luigi Nicholas Mangione departs Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pa., Dec. 19, 2024. (Gene J. Puskar/via Reuters)

MORE: What we know about Luigi Mangione, Ivy League grad charged in CEO's murder

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She said the theories of the two cases appear to be in conflict, noting the state case accused Mangione of terrorizing a group of people while the federal case accused him of stalking an individual.

The judge told the parties to confer.

Mangiones next court date is Jan. 18.

PHOTO: NYPD officers load Luigi Mangione on an airplane as he departs for New York City from Altoona, Pa., Dec. 19, 2024. (WJAC)

Mangione will be remanded into custody at MDC Brooklyn, the same federal lockup where Sean "Diddy" Combs is currently jailed.

The federal charges could make Mangione eligible for the death penalty. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole if convicted of the state charges.

Danielle Filson, a spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, said this week that "the state case will proceed in parallel with any federal case."

PHOTO: NYPD officers escort Luigi Mangione after arriving in lower Manhattan by helicopter in New York City, Dec. 19, 2024. (WABC)

Mangione first appeared in court in Blair County, Pennsylvania, on Thursday morning and agreed to be extradited to New York.

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Mangione stood as the judge read him his rights. The Ivy League graduate answered "yes" when asked if he understood and answered "yes" when asked if he wanted to waive extradition.

PHOTO: Luigi Nicholas Mangione leaves the Blair County Courthouse, Dec. 19, 2024, in Hollidaysburg, Pa. (Gene J. Puskar/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

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Spectators gathered outside the Blair County courthouse as Mangione was taken inside.

One person held a sign reading "Deny, Defend, Depose," echoing the words written on shell casings and a bullet at the murder scene.

PHOTO: People hold placards on the day Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, consented to be extradited from Pennsylvania, outside a U.S. district court in New York, Dec. 19, 2024. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters)

PHOTO: People carry placards and wear hats of the Nintendo character Luigi, on the day Luigi Mangione attends two hearings at Blair County Court, Dec. 19, 2024, in Hollidaysburg, Pa. (Matthew Hatcher/Reuters)

Adam Giesseman, who had a sign that said "Free Luigi" and "Murder for Profit is Terrorism," told ABC News, "Our country is broken."

Another waiting spectator, who only gave her first name, Natalie, voiced frustration that the insurance system is "set up for profit over people's health."

"It's unfortunate that this happened, and I'm not glorifying it in any way -- but it's brought attention to the issue that affects all Americans," she said.

PHOTO: A New York police officer stands outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

MORE: UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect's timeline before, during, after the brazen murder

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Mangione, 26, is accused of gunning down Thompson outside a Hilton hotel on Dec. 4 as the UnitedHealthcare CEO headed to an investors conference. Prosecutors alleged Mangione waited nearly an hour for Thompson to arrive.

A Manhattan grand jury upgraded charges against Mangione to include first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

The killing in the heart of Midtown Manhattan was "intended to evoke terror," Bragg said.

PHOTO: Luigi Mangione departs Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pa., Dec. 19, 2024. (Gene J. Puskar/Pool via Reuters)

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In New York, Mangione is also charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one of which is charged as killing as an act of terrorism; two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree; four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; and one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree.

In Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested on Dec. 9 after nearly a week on the run, he faces charges including allegedly possessing an untraceable ghost gun. Mangione had a 9 mm handgun with a 3D-printed receiver, a homemade silencer, two ammunition magazines and live cartridges when apprehended, prosecutors said.

Mangione's case in Pennsylvania will be kept active; at the conclusion of his trial in New York, prosecutors would determine how to proceed, Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks said on Thursday.

Mangione's next hearing in Pennsylvania is scheduled for Feb. 24. This hearing may get postponed or be conducted as a remote Zoom appearance given the impracticality of returning Mangione to Pennsylvania for an in-person hearing, Weeks said.

UnitedHealthcare CEO killing latest: Luigi Mangione faces federal charges including stalking, murder originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City on Dec. 4, waived his right to extradition at the Blair County courthouse in Pennsylvania on Thursday morning.

New York City police officers escorted Mangione out of the courthouse and flew him to New York, where he was indicted earlier this week. He is expected to appear in a state court for arraignment in New York either later Thursday or on Friday.

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, arrives at a helicopter pad in New York after being extradited from Pennsylvania on Dec. 19. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

Days after the shooting in midtown Manhattan, Mangione was identified at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pa., where he was reported to local authorities and taken into custody. He has since been held without bail at a Pennsylvania state prison on charges for state crimes including carrying a gun without a license, forgery, falsely identifying himself to authorities and possessing instruments of crime.

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Federal authorities have now filed murder, stalking and weapons charges against Mangione, according to a complaint that was unsealed Thursday. It is unclear when he would appear in court for the federal charges.

By waiving his extradition hearing, Mangione has voluntarily agreed to put his Pennsylvania criminal case on hold and return to New York for prosecution there. Among the charges he will face in New York include murder as an act of terrorism, which carries a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.

Why would Luigi Mangione want to waive an extradition?

Although neither Mangione nor his New York attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, have commented on the situation, David Sarni, a former NYPD detective and current adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, told Yahoo News its not unusual that Mangione and Agnifilo filed to waive extradition in this case.

Extradition takes place usually when the case is stronger in the other state and if the prosecution is willing to do the extradition hearing, Sarni said.

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Sarni said that since Mangione is facing more severe charges in New York, it wouldnt be surprising if Pennsylvania already planned to defer him to the other state.

Waiving extradition prevents the Pennsylvania judge from having to go over the charges Mangione is facing in that state. Waiving extradition in Pennsylvania will also start the New York trial faster than having to sit through a Pennsylvania trial first, Sarni said.

Protestors stand outside of the Blair County Courthouse in Pennsylvania as Luigi Mangione waives extradition on Dec. 19. (Matthew Hatcher/Reuters)

Are the Pennsylvania charges dropped?

No, the Pennsylvania charges still exist against Mangione, even though his New York charges are more serious.

They'll probably put that case on hold, Sarni said. If they wanted to prosecute it, and they want to go back and extradite [Mangione] from New York to there, they could do that also. But again, the severity of charges he's facing [in New York] are much more severe than in the common law of Pennsylvania.

What has Luigi Mangione been charged with in New York?

Mangione faces one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of second-degree murder, including one that qualifies as an act of terrorism, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at a press conference on Tuesday.

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Bragg said that one of the counts of second-degree murder classifies as an act of terrorism because "this was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.

Mangiones New York attorney, Friedman Agnifilo, is a former chief assistant attorney at the Manhattan District Attorneys office. She is married to Marc Agnifilo, who is an attorney for Sean "Diddy" Combs in his federal sex-trafficking case.

What happens next?

Mangione will be extradited to New York.

Once he arrives in a New York state court, his fingerprints and photos will be taken, and since he has already been indicted, he will be arraigned on first-degree murder charges.

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I don't think the judge is going to let him out for any reason on bail or supervised release, given the fact his family does have money [and] he has already fled the city and the state after a crime that he's been accused of committing, Sarni said.

How we got here

During a press conference announcing Mangiones indictment on Tuesday, Bragg said Mangione had arrived in New York City by bus on Nov. 24 and checked in to a hostel on the Upper West Side using the name "Mark Rosario" with a fake New Jersey ID. On the morning of Dec. 4, Bragg said Mangione left the hostel around 5:30 a.m. ET and traveled to midtown Manhattan near the Hilton hotel. When Thompson showed up, Bragg claims Mangione then took out a 9mm, 3D-printed ghost gun, equipped with a 3D-printed suppressor, and shot him once in the back and once in the leg."

Mangione was then found at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pa., on Dec. 9, with the same fake New Jersey identification and the 3D-printed ghost gun, according to authorities.

Read more: What we know about Luigi Mangione, 26-year-old charged with murder in the UnitedHealthcare CEOs killing
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles F. Robinson, Ph.D., agreed to a contract extension through Dec. 31, 2027.

According to the university, the agreement comes after the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to negotiate a contract extension with Robinson at its regular meeting on Nov. 22.

Robinson signed a three-year agreement to serve as chancellor of the university following a national search on Nov. 16, 2022.

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Dr. Robinsons efforts to grow our flagship universitys impact in size and scope while maintaining our land grant mission to serve the people of Arkansas have provided positive momentum for the U of A and for our students, faculty and staff, said Kelly Eichler, chair of the U of A Board. Chancellor Robinson has articulated an ambitious strategic plan that focuses on student success, research excellence, and recruiting and retaining the very best faculty and staff for the university. As a board, we stand ready to work with him to support the institution in reaching these goals in the years ahead.

The university says it has hit historical enrollment highs, scholarship funding and retention and graduation rates since Robinson became chancellor. It says research expenditures at the university reached a high of $221.5 million in 2023.

Phi Gamma Delta chapter at University of Arkansas suspended for 3 years

The university says it recently announced $122 million in gifts toward the Land of Opportunity Scholarship endowment campaign for high-achieving Arkansas students with high levels of financial need.

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I look forward to continuing to serve the U of A campus community and the state of Arkansas, Robinson said. While we have had many successes in recent years, we are not satisfied. I remain committed to working with the Board of Trustees and our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters to help the university achieve even more in the coming years.

Robinson was named interim chancellor in August 2021 after serving the university in several capacities for more than 20 years. He joined the university as an assistant professor of history in 1999 and was promoted to full professor in 2011.

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The sun shines brightly on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, above the University of New Orleans entrance sign on Lakeshore Drive. (Matthew Perschall for Louisiana Illuminator)

Facing a $10 million budget shortfall, the University of New Orleans has picked two new interim deans who will each lead two separate colleges.

But the consolidation of school leaders doesnt erase the possibility of staff layoffs next year, a UNO administrator said.

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Effective Jan. 1, Randy Kearns will be the interim dean of the College of Business Administration and the College of Liberal Arts and Education, while Steve Johnson will be interim dean of the College of Engineering and the College of Sciences.

The university does not have any immediate plans to search for permanent deans to lead the schools, UNO Vice President for Finance and Administration Edwin Litolff said in an interview with the Illuminator.

Consolidating administrators is part of the universitys plan to save around $2.2 million in salaries. The four previous deans will remain at the university as faculty members, Litolff said. The estimated savings from consolidating the dean positions factored in the keep the former deans remaining as faculty, Litolff said.

With salaries accounting for approximately 75% of the universitys expenses, Litolff said staff layoffs and furloughs in early spring are likely.

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Weve still got to cut $10 million, so I think part of that [we will] have layoffs and potentially furloughs, Litolff said. I dont know if right now theres a number or a dollar amount.

Faculty layoffs are not expected for the spring, Litolff said, but that could change if enrollment doesnt significantly increase next fall.

UNO has made significant budget cuts in an attempt to rightsize its spending after nearly two decades of declining enrollment. Its student numbers have struggled to recover since the failure of federal levees after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The school had an enrollment of around 17,000 before Katrina, with an immediate drop to around 6,000. For the fall 2024 semester, its total student body was 6,488.

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Exiting the crisis will come down to the universitys ability to enroll and retain students.

Hard budget times for the state during Gov. Bobby Jindals two terms in office, from 2008-16, led to significant cuts for higher education, one of two large portions of the state budget unprotected in state law. Those cuts switched the burden of funding public colleges and universities from the state to the students, leading to significant tuition hikes across Louisiana.

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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  Local high school students have a new opportunity to learn and apply science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine as the University of South Alabamas Center for Healthy Communities received a nearly $1 million award.

Man killed in FBI-related Gulf Shores shooting had called for a militia: Court documents

According to a news release from the university, the award from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will provide high school students with opportunities to learn and apply STEMM in the examination of environmental hazards and their effects on communities.

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Officials said this will be done through the STEMM Scholars for Environmental Justice Program.

The program will offer an in-person and online curriculum, exposure to experts, and mentored student-led hands-on projects, the release said. The high-school aged STEMM Scholars will work with undergraduate Gulf Scholars and community mentors throughout the duration of the program. The programs projects use a mentored and participatory action approach to conduct needs assessments and community-engaged projects related to environmental justice. Students will be invited to present their work at school, in the community, and on the universitys campus. STEMM scholars will collectively perform a final service project of their choosing.

University officials explained that the program aligns with USAs mission to help build stronger communities as the environment has a major impact on health outcomes.

We know that our environment greatly affects our health outcomes, so implementing the STEMM scholars program allows us to play a role in building our future of healthcare and allied health workforce, said Ashley Williams Hogue, M.D., director of USA Healths Center for Healthy Communities. It also challenges us to think about ways to create an environment that minimizes health disparities and promotes positive health outcomes.

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Williams Hogue, a trauma surgeon and assistant professor of surgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine added, The mission of the USA Health Center for Healthy Communities is helping people to build stronger and healthier communities. One way we accomplish our mission is by prioritizing education.

Mobile police arrest 25 people on drug charges during Operation Cleaning up the Campgrounds

The University of South Alabama was one of six to receive the award funding to empower youth across the Gulf of Mexico region, the release said.

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North Korean troops are engaged in combat against Ukrainian forces, the White House said.

They've had a rough start, and seem to lack experience with drones and working with Russians.

This has led to reported losses, but analysts said they should be able to learn to adapt.

North Korean troops have engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region, with media and intelligence reports suggesting they're off to a rough start.

Footage obtained by Radio Liberty on Monday showed Ukraine striking a group of soldiers, with sources telling the outlet that North Koreans were among them.

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The same day, Ukrainian officials and soldiers told The Washington Post that North Korea's troops were operating in big groups out in the open, and were getting killed by drones they didn't realize were dangerous.

A senior US military official said this week that North Korea's dead and wounded could now be counted in the hundreds.

Military analysts told BI that, while the limited number of early reports makes it difficult to give a definitive assessment, they're not surprised by the reports.

"The North Koreans are taking apparently unnecessary casualties as they are rushed into combat without a period of training on the unique threats here," said Wallace Gregson, a former US Marine Corps officer and former assistant defense secretary for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs.

Uncharted territory

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Monday that North Korean troops had moved to the front lines and were "actively engaged in combat operations."

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Evans Revere, a senior advisor with Albright Stonebridge Group, said that while North Korean troops seemed "disciplined" and "tough," their lack of experience in ground combat and unfamiliarity with drone warfare was taking its toll.

He said that the reported casualty numbers suggest that North Korean forces are in the "thick of heavy fighting" and that "if the North Koreans continue to suffer casualties at this rate, they will very soon require fresh forces."

Revere also said their lack of Russian language and absence of experience in training and operating jointly with Russian forces seemed to be a problem.

On Saturday, Ukrainian intelligence said North Korean troops opened fire on Russian military vehicles, killing eight soldiers, due to a language barrier between the two forces.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watching troops in combat training in North Korea. National Intelligence Service of South Korea

Too early, too inexperienced

The last time North Korean troops really fought was during the Korean War, where fighting ended in 1953.

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Gregson said that this time around, Russia may have thrown North Korean troops to the front in earlier waves of attacks, which he said usually include the "least-trained" soldiers.

He told BI that "high casualties" weren't unexpected, given their light infantry capabilities and the likely language barrier.

However, he said you needed to respect their "apparent courage and determination  and sacrifice  in a conflict not of their choosing far from their home."

Military analysts also said that the North Korean troops could soon adapt to the new battlefield conditions.

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Revere said it won't be long before the North Koreans learn how to operate in this environment.

However, he said it's "still not clear" how well Russian and North Korean troops are operating in tandem, or whether Russian commanders are providing good leadership and guidance.

The UK Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update on Thursday that Russian and North Korean forces were "almost certainly" experiencing difficulties, with North Korean troops struggling to integrate into Russia's command and control structure.

Another major issue is their unfamiliarity with modern battlefield warfare.

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John Hardie, the deputy director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said the evidence so far suggests North Korean troops were unprepared for the drone threat.

But, he said, "I suspect they'll adapt with time and may have started doing so already."

Covering up deaths

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia has been trying to conceal North Korean deaths. In a nightly address on Monday, he claimed that Russian forces were burning the faces of killed soldiers to conceal their identity.

Revere said attempts to cover up the deaths were likely part of Russia's effort to avoid admitting to the Russian people that the country lacks the ability to defeat Ukraine by itself.

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North Korea has also often been the object of ridicule in Russia, he added, "so for the Russians to have to admit their need for DPRK support would be embarrassing."

For North Korea, the stakes are also high.

Bruce W. Bennett, a defense researcher and North Korea specialist at RAND, said that Kim Jong Un is taking risks by sending troops to support Russia, especially potential elite-class military personnel.

He said that Kim is unlikely to want to return the bodies of those killed to their families, fearing potential instability inside North Korea.

"Kim will likely prefer that the soldiers who are killed simply disappear," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
On Thursday, a Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from prosecuting the case against President-elect Donald Trump and his alleged co-conspirators over their attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

The state criminal case against Trump was already on holdbut now it is uncertain if it will move forward at all per CNN. Now that Willis office cant prosecute the case, a new special prosecutor would need to be appointed for the case to go on.

While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings, the court stated in Thursdays opinion.

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We cannot conclude that the record also supports the imposition of the extreme sanction of dismissal of the indictment.

This is the latest string of setbacks Willis has experienced. Earlier this month, a Georgia judge ordered Willis to fork over any communications she may have with special counsel Jack Smithor the now-disbanded House Jan. 6 committeeto a conservative watchdog group.

This revelation occurred right around the same time that the long-running racketeering trial against YSL, the Atlanta rap label that prosecutors claimed doubled as a violent street gang led by Young Thug, finally ended.

In February, Black America rallied behind Willis as she took the stand during Donald Trumps Georgia election subversion case. Instead of opting out of testifying, she wanted to address rumors of a romantic relationship she allegedly had with Nathan Wade (the man she hired to be part of the prosecution team in 2021).

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Not only was she confident and concise on the stand but she was seemingly fearless: Willis was using her power to hold Trump accountable for his false claims that he actually won the 2020 presidential electionnot President Joe Biden.

This led her to becoming one of The Root 100's 2023 honorees. Willis does plan to fight to remain on the case, as her team has requested the states Supreme Court to review the appeals courts decision.

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(WSPA)  A man from Laurens was arrested by the South Carolina Attorney Generals Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) for reportedly stealing funds from a vulnerable adult.

The man was identified as 57-year-old Darryl J. Floyd. He was charged with exploitation of a vulnerable adult, and breach of trust with fraudulent intent of up to $10,000.

An investigation by VAMPF revealed that between October 2023 and July 2024, Floyd, while entrusted as the victims legal representative, allegedly converted funds and assets of the victim for his own use. The victim resided at Richard Campbell Nursing Home in Anderson at the time of the alleged misconduct.

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According to South Carolina law, a vulnerable adult is an individual with a physical or mental condition that prevents them from caring for themselves independently.

Floyd was booked into the Anderson County Detention Center. The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney Generals Office.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
The Pentagon announced the US currently has approximately 2,000 troops in Syria, more than double the previously disclosed number of 900, a Defense Department spokesperson said at a press briefing on Thursday.

There are diplomatic and operational security considerations oftentimes with our deployments and some of those numbers, and [that is] certainly the case here, said Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, who said that the 2,000 troops are all in Syria to fight ISIS.

As I understand it, and as it was explained to me, these additional forces are considered temporary rotational forces that deploy to meet shifting mission requirements, whereas the core 900 deployers are on longer term deployments, Ryder said on Thursday.

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A US delegation is in Syria on Friday to engage with the interim Syrian government, a State Department spokesperson said, the first high-level American visit since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

The delegation  comprised of Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and NEA Senior Advisr Daniel Rubinstein  is in the capital city of Damascus.

CNN reported Thursday that this delegation was expected to travel to Syria in the coming days, led by Rubinstein. The State Department spokesperson also confirmed that Rubinstein will lead the Departments diplomatic engagement on Syria.

The delegation intends to meet with representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the de-facto government in Syria, to discuss transition principles endorsed by the United States and regional partners in Aqaba, Jordan, the spokesperson said.

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Those principles, outlined after a meeting last weekend in the coastal Jordanian city, focus on issues like human rights, preventing a resurgence of terrorist groups like ISIS and destroying chemical weapons.

Carstens has been in neighboring Lebanon and Jordan in the past two weeks leading the search for American journalist Austin Tice, who was detained in Syria over 12 years ago.

The delegation is also expected to discuss efforts to find Tice. These topics have been the focus of the US direct engagement with HTS, which Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Saturday. HTS is a US designated terrorist group.

The US troops are focused on efforts to counter ISIS, one of the key issues confronting the international community in the wake of the Assad regime collapse. US officials have repeatedly stressed that the terrorist group must not be able to use the transition in Syria to rebuild.

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Pushed by CNN on why the Pentagon had not previously disclosed the accurate number of US forces in Syria, Ryder denied there was any attempt to obfuscate the real number and said he only learned of the true number on Thursday before his briefing.

Part of the explanation is the sensitivity from a diplomatic and operation security standpoint, Ryder added, refusing to further detail the diplomatic considerations.

Im not going to get into diplomatic discussions, said Ryder. But, you know, theres just diplomatic considerations.

Ryder said he learned the originally disclosed number was incorrect because he got word of it recently, as our team was looking at this  and I asked for more information on this, recognizing that if the numbers are not what we briefed, lets find out what the actual numbers are and go from there.

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Asked if Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was aware of the number of US troops in Syria, Ryder said he is confident that the secretary is tracking US forces deployed around the world, but that Austin had not spoken with the commander of US Central Command, Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, who oversees US forces in the region, about this issue.

Ryder also said he wasnt tracking any adjustments to that number of US troops in Syria.

The US has had forces in Syria to fight ISIS since 2014, working with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to combat the terrorist group.

However, the rapid fall of Assads regime has led to fears of a power vacuum that could re-empower ISIS, which has not held territory in Syria since 2019.

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Further complicating the conflict, though the US still characterizes the SDF as an important partner, Turkey has threatened to destroy the group, which is made up of fighters from a group known as the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), which is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey.

The US has carried out dozens of airstrikes on ISIS targets in recent days, as the SDF has said they have had to halt anti-ISIS operations amid recent attacks by Turkish-backed militants.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.

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By Bo Erickson, Richard Cowan, Andy Sullivan and Katharine Jackson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A spending bill backed by Donald Trump failed in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday as dozens of Republicans defied the president-elect, leaving Congress with no clear plan to avert a fast-approaching government shutdown that could disrupt Christmas travel.

The vote laid bare fault lines in Trump's Republican Party that could surface again next year when they control the White House and both chambers of Congress.

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Trump had pressured lawmakers to tie up loose ends before he takes office on Jan. 20, but members of the party's right flank refused to support a package that would increase spending and clear the way for a plan that would add trillions more to the federal government's $36 trillion in debt.

"I am absolutely sickened by a party that campaigns on fiscal responsibility and has the temerity to go to the American people and say you think this is fiscally responsible," said Republican Representative Chip Roy, one of 38 Republicans who voted against the bill.

The package failed by a vote of 174-235 just hours after it was hastily assembled by Republican leaders seeking to comply with Trump's demands. A prior bipartisan deal was scuttled after Trump and the world's richest person Elon Musk came out against it on Wednesday.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson provided no details when reporters asked him about next steps after the failed vote.

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"We will come up with another solution," he said.

Government funding is due to expire at midnight on Friday. If lawmakers fail to extend that deadline, the U.S. government will begin a partial shutdown that would interrupt funding for everything from border enforcement to national parks and cut off paychecks for more than 2 million federal workers. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration warned that travelers during the busy holiday season could face long lines at airports.

"Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling. Without this, we should never make a deal," Trump said in a post on Truth Social hours after the bill failed.

Thursday's unsuccessful bill largely resembled the earlier version that Musk and Trump had blasted as a wasteful giveaway to Democrats. It would have extended government funding into March and provided $100 billion in disaster relief and suspended the debt. Republicans dropped other elements that had been included in the original package, such as a pay raise for lawmakers and new rules for pharmacy benefit managers.

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At Trump's urging, the new version also would have suspended limits on the national debt for two years  a maneuver that would make it easier to pass the dramatic tax cuts he has promised.

Johnson before the vote told reporters that the package would avoid disruption, tie up loose ends and make it easier for lawmakers to cut spending by hundreds of billions of dollars when Trump takes office next year.

"Government is too big, it does too many things, and it does few things well," he said.

TEEING UP TAX CUT

Democrats blasted the bill as a cover for a budget-busting tax cut that would largely benefit wealthy backers such as Musk, the world's richest person, while saddling the country with trillions of dollars in additional debt.

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"How dare you lecture America about fiscal responsibility, ever?" House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said during floor debate.

Even if the bill had passed the House, it would have faced long odds in the Senate, which is currently controlled by Democrats. The White House said Democratic President Joe Biden did not support it.

Previous fights over the debt ceiling have spooked financial markets, as a U.S. government default would send credit shocks around the world. The limit has been suspended under an agreement that technically expires on Jan. 1, though lawmakers likely will not have to tackle the issue before the spring.

When he returns to office, Trump aims to enact tax cuts that could reduce revenues by $8 trillion over 10 years, which would drive the debt higher without offsetting spending cuts. He has vowed not to reduce retirement and health benefits for seniors that make up a vast chunk of the budget and are projected to grow dramatically in the years to come.

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The last government shutdown took place in December 2018 and January 2019 during Trump's first White House term.

The unrest also threatened to topple Johnson, a mild-mannered Louisianan who was thrust unexpectedly into the speaker's office last year after the party's right flank voted out then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy over a government funding bill. Johnson has repeatedly had to turn to Democrats for help in passing legislation when he has been unable to deliver the votes from his own party.

He tried the same maneuver on Thursday, but this time fell short.

Several Republicans said they would not vote for Johnson as speaker when Congress returns in January, potentially setting up another tumultuous leadership battle in the weeks before Trump takes office.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan, Katharine Jackson, Andy Sullivan and Bo Erickson; Additional reporting by Kanishka Singh, Jasper Ward and Mrinmay Dey; Editing by Scott Malone, Jonathan Oatis, Richard Chang and Daniel Wallis)
WILTON, Iowa (AP)  Every year the U.S. egg industry kills about 350 million male chicks because, while the fuzzy little animals are incredibly cute, they will never lay eggs, so have little monetary value.

That longtime practice is changing, thanks to new technology that enables hatcheries to quickly peer into millions of fertilized eggs and spot male embryos, then grind them up for other uses before they mature into chicks. The system began operating this month in Iowa at the nation's largest chick hatchery, which handles about 387,000 eggs each day.

We now have ethically produced eggs we can really feel good about, said Jorg Hurlin, managing director of Agri Advanced Technologies, the German company that spent more than a decade developing the SUV-sized machine that can separate eggs by sex.

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Even Americans who are careful to buy cage free or free range eggs typically aren't aware that hundreds of millions of male chicks are killed each year, usually when they are only a day old. Most of the animals are culled through a process called maceration that uses whirling blades to nearly instantly kill the baby birds  something that seems horrifying but that the industry has long claimed is the most humane alternative.

Does the animal suffer? No because it's instantaneous death. But it's not pretty because it's a series of rotating blades, said Suzanne Millman, a professor at Iowa State University who focuses on animal welfare.

Chick culling is an outgrowth of a poultry industry that for decades has raised one kind of chicken for eggs and another for meat. Egg-laying chickens are too scrawny to profitably be sold for meat, so the male chicks are ground up and used as additives for other products.

It wasn't until European governments began passing laws that outlawed maceration that companies started puzzling out how to determine chicken sex before the chicks can hatch. Several companies can now do that, but unlike most competitors, AAT's machine doesn't need to pierce the shell and instead uses a bright light and sensitive cameras to detect an embryo's sex by noting feather shading. Males are white, and females are dark.

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The machine, called Cheggy, can process up to 25,000 eggs an hour, a pace that can accommodate the massive volume seen at hatcheries in the U.S. Besides the Cheggy machine in the small eastern Iowa city of Wilton, an identical system has been installed in Texas, both at hatcheries owned by Hy-Line North America.

The process has one key limitation: It works only on brown eggs because male and female chicks in white eggs have similar-colored feathers.

That's not a huge hindrance in Europe, where most eggs sold at groceries are brown. But in the U.S., white shell eggs make up about 81% of sales, according to the American Egg Board. Brown shell eggs are especially sought by people who buy cage-free, free-range and organic varieties.

Hurlin said he thinks his company will develop a system to tell the sex of embryos in white eggs within five years, and other companies also are working to meet what's expected to be a growing demand.

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Eggs from hens that were screened through the new system will supply NestFresh Eggs, a Southern California-based business that distributes organic eggs produced by small operations across the country. The eggs will begin showing up on store shelves in mid-July and NestFresh executive vice president Jasen Urena said his company will begin touting the new chick-friendly process on cartons and with a larger marketing effort.

It's a huge jump in animal welfare, Urena said. We've done so much work over the years on the farms. How do we make the lives of these chickens better? Now we're able to step back and go into the hatching phase.

Urena said the new system was more expensive but any price increase on store shelves would be minimal.

The animal welfare group Mercy for Animals has tried to draw attention to chick culling for more than a decade in hopes of ending the practice.

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Walter Sanchez-Suarez, the group's animal behavior and welfare scientist, said laws in Europe outlawing chick culling and new efforts to change the practice in the U.S. are wonderful developments. However, Sanchez-Suarez sees them as a small step toward a larger goal of ending large-scale animal agriculture and offering alternatives to meat, eggs and dairy.

Mercy for Animals thinks this is an important step, but poultry producers shouldn't stop there and should try to see all the additional problems that are associated to this type of practice in egg production, he said. Look for alternatives that are better for animals themselves and human consumers.
US officials are investigating potential national security risks tied to a telecom company founded in China whose internet routers are used by millions, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CNN.

US officials are concerned that cheap and ubiquitous routers made by TP-Link could offer a foothold for China-backed hackers into US infrastructure, the sources said.

The Commerce Department has opened a probe into the company that is in its nascent stages. One possible outcome of the probe is a ban on the sale of TP-Link routers in the US, two of the sources, said.

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Its just one of a flurry of actions the Biden administration has taken in its waning days that officials say are aimed at blunting Chinas ability to hack the American telecoms sector. The actions will carry into the Trump administration as it inherits the steep challenge of trying to counter Chinas aggressive use of cyber operations to collect intelligence

The Commerce Department last week also sent a preliminary finding as part of a separate inquiry into another company, the US subsidiary of China Telecom, the state-owned telecoms giant, related to national security risks that US officials believe stem from the use of its equipment by American telecom companies, two sources said. Its the first step in a potential purge of any remaining China Telecom gear from US carriers.

All of it comes as major US telecom carriers are still working to evict Chinese hackers from their networks in a cyber-espionage campaign that targeted senior US political figures, including President-elect Donald Trump.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the Commerce Department investigation into TP-Link.

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Founded in China in 1996, TP-Link has grown into a dominant player in the global market for wireless internet routers. Its exact market share in the US is unclear (a TP-Link spokesperson did not respond to a question on market share), but the gears wide use in the US is one reason for the investigation.

TP-Link this year announced a corporate restructuring, establishing a headquarters in California, TP-Link Systems, that it says is separate from its China operations.

As a U.S.-headquartered company, TP-Link Systems Inc.s security practices are fully in line with industry security standards in the U.S., a TP-Link Systems spokesperson told CNN.

We welcome opportunities to engage with the federal government to demonstrate that our security practices are fully in line with industry security standards, and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the American market, American consumers, and addressing U.S. national security risks, the statement said.

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The company has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

China has an array of hacking groups that are adept at exploiting internet and phone service providers to hoover up sensitive user information, according to private experts and US officials. The hackers havent just exploited TP-Link routers but those made by American vendors such as Cisco.

The Chinese government routinely denies US allegations of cyberattacks.

We urge the U.S. to stop broadening the concept of national security and cease the abuse of national power to suppress Chinese companies, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, said in an email.

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A Commerce Department spokesperson declined to comment.

It was only a matter of time

A wide-ranging hacking campaign aimed at the phone calls of Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance and senior Biden administration officials, which became public this fall, has brought renewed urgency to the Commerce Department inquiries into Chinese telecom equipment.

US officials believe the Chinese hackers breached at least eight US telecommunications providers in their quest to spy on top US political figures as part of a hacking campaign that has affected dozens of countries worldwide, a senior White House official said this month.

The hackers were able to burrow deep into the networks of some US telecom providers more than a year ago and, in some cases, listen to calls and read the texts of some targets.

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Although there is no evidence that TP-Link equipment was exploited in those hacks, US officials are scrambling to take a much broader look at the vulnerabilities in US telecom infrastructure in the wake of the spying campaign.

US telecom carriers never should have been in this situation of having their networks so thoroughly compromised by Chinese hackers, Brendan Carr, Trumps pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission, told CNN.

Amid the fallout, the FCC has proposed tightening cybersecurity regulations for telecom carriers while a draft Senate bill from Sen. Ron Wyden would go further by requiring independent security audits for carriers. Privately, telecom executives concede that some new security requirements are inevitable because of the hack, which was carried out by an alleged Chinese group known as Salt Typhoon.

It was only a matter of time before foreign hackers would get deep into the American communications systems, Wyden, an Oregon Democrat who serves on the intelligence committee, told CNN.

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The spying operation has stalked the Trump transition team, which has constantly rotated which phones senior staff use to try to keep the Chinese guessing, CNN previously reported. There are more in-person meetings at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida rather than phone calls in part because of concerns about relentless Chinese surveillance.

US intelligence agencies have previously exploited telecom networks to spy on China, according to documents leaked by former US contractor Edward Snowden. But the recent telecom spying has also added tension to US-China cyber relations, which are rarely calm. In conversations with their Chinese counterparts, US diplomats have complained that the scope and scale of the Salt Typhoon hacks is excessive, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

The blame game

In some cases, a lack of strong security measures at some telecom carriers and equipment makers likely exacerbated the damage from the alleged Chinese hacking campaign and meant the hackers werent discovered earlier, two US officials said. The sources did not single out specific companies. The blame the White House has put on telecom carriers for the breach has rankled some telecom executives, who say they have invested heavily in defenses and are up against an extremely skilled hacking group.

Given their skill and resources, the alleged Chinese hackers may have succeeded in breaking into the telecom carriers and their software providers regardless of the defenses in place, sources told CNN.

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But US officials and telecom executives struggled to anticipate how the alleged Chinese spies would study and exploit the totality of the telecom system, its interconnections and the software and hardware it relies on.

The status quo has to change, according to Wyden.

This is a fork in the road and you either stay with a broken system thats essentially been voluntary, or you say youre going to fix this thing and youre going to have some mandatory action, Wyden told CNN.

Wydens bill would require top executives at the carriers to submit signed statements saying they are in compliance with FCC cybersecurity rules.

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Telecom providers have long had to balance the privacy of their users and their ability to scour their networks for criminal and state-backed hackers, said Marcus Sachs, the former vice president of national security policy at Verizon.

The big telecom carriers are generally good at quickly finding and fixing attempts to break into their networks, he said.

The worst case is when the stuff is unknown for months or years, and the intruders been sitting inside, monitoring and collecting and you had no idea that they were there, Sachs said.

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The US Supreme Court said on Wednesday that it had agreed to review a US law that mandates a nationwide ban of the popular Chinese-owned video app TikTok if it fails to secure a non-Chinese buyer by January 19.

The arguments over whether the law violates freedom of speech protected by the US Constitution will be heard on January 10.

The court has directed the petitioners to submit a brief by December 27, arguing whether the law, officially known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, violates the free speech protections.

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The app, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, has about 170 million active users in the US.

If the ban is enforced, cloud-service providers like Google and Apple would be required to remove TikTok from their app stores or face penalties. New users would be blocked from downloading the app and existing users unable to update it on their devices.

"Speech restrictions have survived the Constitution's most demanding standard only in rare and narrow circumstances," TikTok said in an emergency appeal it filed on Monday, requesting a temporary halt on the ban.

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TikTok had urged the court to "do what it has traditionally done in free speech cases: apply the most rigorous scrutiny to speech bans and conclude that it violates the First Amendment".

While the Supreme Court did not immediately grant an injunction on Wednesday, pending a full review, its decision to hear the case suggests that a ruling could be issued before the ban takes effect.

Nevertheless, TikTok said it was "pleased" with the order.

"We believe the court will find the TikTok ban unconstitutional, so the over 170 million Americans on our platform can continue to exercise their free speech rights," said Michael Hughes, a spokesperson for the company.

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Two other petitioners in the case - civil-rights group BasedPolitics and a coalition of online content creators - had also filed a joint appeal to block the ban in the Supreme Court, citing violations of free speech.

"We're very pleased that the Supreme Court acted so quickly to take up this case, and we'll be hearing arguments before the act takes effect," said Jacob Huebert, a lawyer for BasedPolitics.

"We look forward to making our case to the Supreme Court and we're optimistic that it will enjoin this ban before it can ever take effect," he added.

Also on Wednesday, US Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell filed an amicus brief in favour of the divest-or-sale law, urging the Supreme Court to deny TikTok any relief.

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"TikTok clearly desires this court to enjoin the divesture date in the vain hopes that the divesture order will be punted into the next presidential administration where, perhaps, TikTok will find relief from divesture from a less hostile Department of Justice," stated McConnell in the brief.

The Kentucky Republican called on the court not to "countenance such tactics and the public interest counsels in favour of denying an injunction, even in the face of irreparable harm".

US senator Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, is a vocal opponent of TikTok. Photo: Getty Images via AFP alt=US senator Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, is a vocal opponent of TikTok. Photo: Getty Images via AFP>

"Successive congresses and presidential administrations realised the danger TikTok poses to American national security and went about carefully crafting a response to that adversary threat," McConnell added.

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However, US president-elect Donald Trump on Monday suggested that he may be open to reversing the ban.

Trump praised the app for helping him reach out to young American voters, saying TikTok had a "warm spot in my heart".

Later that day, he met with TikTok's CEO Chew Shou Zi at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private mansion in Florida. Neither side confirmed or denied the meeting, nor did they issue any statements.

Meanwhile, the civil-rights groups the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, along with the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University filed an amicus brief on Tuesday, arguing against the law.

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The groups said the law was "intended to suppress certain content and viewpoints that many legislators believe could be amplified on TikTok, including the risk of foreign 'propaganda'".

The emergency appeal came after the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Friday denied an emergency request from TikTok, its parent company ByteDance and other petitioners to temporarily block the ban pending a Supreme Court review.

Citing national security concerns that Beijing could pressure ByteDance to alter its algorithm and collect personal data in ways that could harm US interests - a claim TikTok has consistently denied - earlier this year Congress passed and Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

The three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in upholding the law earlier this month, said "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 United States".

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"That burden is attributable to the [People's Republic of China's] hybrid commercial threat to US national security, not to the US government, which engaged with TikTok through a multi-year process in an effort to find an alternative solution," the opinion stated.

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.
The U.S. more than doubled its number of troops in Syria  from 900 to around 2,000  before the fall of President Bashar al-Assads government, the Pentagon said Thursday, publicly disclosing the surge for the first time.

In a rare step, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder opened the regular Thursday briefing at the Pentagon with the admission.

I learned today that, in fact, there are approximately 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, he said.

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US strikes 75 ISIS targets in Syria after Assad regime collapses

Ryder had previously told reporters that there were 900 such forces in the country as part of Americas decade-old fight against the Islamic State group. These troops are deployed for nine to 12 months at a time, he said Thursday, as opposed to the 1,100 extra forces who are being surged for a shorter window of 30 to 90 days.

Ryder could not share where the troops came from, what units are involved or their specific mission  other than it concerns the mission against ISIS and that most of the troops are from the Army.

Pentagon spokespeople were scrambling Thursday to answer further questions from reporters, including where the troops are operating and how its possible so many extra forces are in the country without their knowledge.

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Im confident that the secretary is tracking U.S. forces deployed around the world, Ryder said. There oftentimes are going to be diplomatic or operational security considerations as it relates to the deployment of forces, and whether theyre made public, he said.

US military flies American released from Syrian prison to Jordan

Ryder said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin did not order the surge of troops to be kept private. Ryder also did not directly respond to a question about whether any part of the Defense Department attempted to conceal the information, since the Pentagon has publicly said the number of troops in the country is 900 for years.

He said Austin and Gen. Erik Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command, have not discussed the issue despite the two speaking often.

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Late last month, Syrias ruling Assad regime fell after 50 years in power, when rebels stormed the capital of Damascus following a rapid offensive. The U.S. and Israel have since been pounding the country with airstrikes, hitting targets that were once off-limits due to the regime or Russian forces operating in the area.

U.S. Central Command conducted two large strikes in the last two weeks, the crescendo to a rising campaign against ISIS thats involved more raids in Syria and Iraq over the last several months.

The extra forces were inside Syria before the regime fell, Ryder said.

Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has publicly called for the U.S. not to get further involved in the country. During his first presidency, Trump tried to withdraw American forces from the country, leading his first defense secretary to resign.

Since Israels war in Gaza began last year, American troops in the Middle East  including Syria  have been under increasing fire. There have been at least 181 attacks on U.S. forces in the region since Oct. 17, 2023.
The United States and the United Kingdom announced on Thursday that they are imposing sanctions on Georgian Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and a series of senior officials for their role in violent crackdowns on demonstrators.

Alongside Gomelauri, the US is imposing sanctions on Mirsa Kesewadse, deputy head of the special forces department at the Georgian Interior Ministry, the US Treasury said in a statement.

Any assets in the US owned by Gomelauri and Kesewadse are to be blocked, making their business operations more difficult, it said.

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"In the wake of Georgia's election, key officials in the Ministry of Internal Affairs engaged in a severe and vicious crackdown against their own people, including the intentional targeting of journalists and use of violence," said acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T Smith, according to the statement.

The UK's sanctions apply to Gomelauri, deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze and three other senior police officers - Sulkhan Tamazashvili, Zviad Kharazishvili and Mileri Lagazauri - according to a government statement.

Thousands demonstrated in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Thursday for the 22nd consecutive day against the new government's decision to effectively halt the country's EU accession talks.

Protesters are also questioning the declared victory of the Georgian Dream party in the election that took place at the end of October.

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Demonstrations have repeatedly been violently broken up, activists have been detained, and opposition politicians and media representatives attacked.

Several countries have already imposed sanctions against the leadership of Georgia, which was long considered a close ally of the European Union and NATO.
(Bloomberg) -- The US will most likely continue its current policy of engaging Vietnam in military operations and activities during the incoming Trump administration, the head of US Indo-Pacific Command said at a briefing in Hanoi.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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There has been very little difference from a policy standpoint, from the previous administration to the present administration, on the focus of a free and independent and open Indo-Pacific, US Admiral Samuel Paparo said at the Hanoi defense expo, referring to the first administration of Donald Trump and the current Biden White House. I should think that we should continue on with policies, and particularly with military operations and activities, that should demonstrate continuity within the relationship.

The US sent A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and a C-130J Super Hercules military transport plane to be on display at Vietnams four-day defense expo with representatives from 49 countries.

We seek to have our great defense companies working here, working with Vietnam, with Vietnamese counterparts on things potentially like joint production and technology transfers, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper said.

Vietnam aims to promote cooperation and development in foreign relations and defense to build trust for regional peace and stability, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said at the events opening. Vietnam seeks to forge foreign policy of self-reliance and diversification of relationships, he said.

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The Southeast Asian country has a long-standing territorial dispute in the South China Sea with China, which claims the majority of the area as its territory  an assertion that overlaps with separate claims by Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan as well as the Philippines.

Read: Vietnam, China Hold Frank Talks After Alleged Sea Attack

Vietnam aims to have a modern military to build defense potential strong enough to enhance self-defense and protect the country, Chinh said.

The US and Vietnam have been gradually expanding defense cooperation since the two nations upgraded bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year during the visit of President Joe Biden. Biden and Vietnams former party chief Nguyen Phu Trong pledged to further cooperate in defense industry and trade, according to a joint statement of the two leaders. They also agreed to boost dialog for cooperation in maritime law enforcement, maritime security capacity, cybercrime and high-tech crime.

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The US said earlier this month that it is donating small boats to Vietnam as part of a $12.5 million foreign assistance package to support maritime law enforcement and combat illegal fishing. It also delivered five training aircraft to Vietnam in November, the first of 12 jets committed by the US Air Force to improve Vietnams pilot training program.

Our goal is to ensure that Vietnam has what it needs to defend its interests at sea, in the air, on the ground and in cyberspace, Knapper said.

--With assistance from Linh Vu Nguyen.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  The United States Automobile Association (USAA) is monitoring the potential incoming government shutdown, and is prepared to provide financial assistance to those impacted.

The insurance company says that members who work for federal agencies and have received an eligible direct deposit into a USAA checking or savings account within 30 days before the beginning of the shutdown will be eligible for a no-interest loan equal to the amount of one net paycheck, up to $6,000. Members may also be eligible for a variety of payment relief offers across USAA banking and insurance products. Additional requirements may apply.

Stability plays an important role in the financial security of our members, and empowering that security is our mission, said Mark Pregmon, the Vice President of Consumer Lending at USAA Federal Savings Bank. Our members can count on USAA to be there with them in the event of a government shutdown and ensure that their day-to-day financial needs continue to be met.

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USAA will communicate when the loan application and financial assistance programs become available.

Members will be able to apply for these loans directly on the USAA.com website and the USAA app, as well as over the phone.

For more information on USAAs financial assistance related to a potential government shutdown, visit usaa.com/relief.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Editors note: The above video is KXAN coverage from Dec. 11, 2024, on residents concerns about a postal desert emerging in east Austin.

AUSTIN (KXAN)  The United States Postal Service is weighing a possible new post office station in east Austin, following the closure of a site on East Sixth Street earlier this year.

KXAN reported last week about concerns from residents over a postal desert emerging in east Austin, with commenters on an Austin Reddit post expressing frustrations over the lack of locations in that part of the city. The USPS former location at 1914 E. Sixth St. was closed as of late August, based on contributors feedback on Yelp.

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There are currently 17 USPS locations in Austin; No post office sites exist on the east side below U.S. Hwy. 290 East, west of Hwy. 183 and north of Lady Bird Lake. The majority of those sites operate west of Interstate 35.

RELATED: Residents express concerns over postal desert in east Austin

Originally, a USPS spokesperson told KXAN last week there werent any plans for a new site in east Austin. In a release Thursday, the USPS said they are considering relocating services to a yet-to-be-determined location as close as reasonably possible to the former East Sixth Street station.

The relocation project will consist of procuring a suitable substitute location, preparing the new location for use as a post office and then transitioning retail services to the new location, the USPS said in an announcement Thursday. The Postal Service is considering locations within three miles of the previous facility to be included in the search area. Retail services will continue to be available at 4516 Burleson Road, Austin, TX 78744 until the new post office is up and running.

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Customers are encouraged to share feedback on the proposed project through Feb. 2, 2025. Those comments can be mailed to the following address:

Attn: Austin, TX, East Austin Station Relocation

U.S. Postal Service

PO Box 27497

Greensboro, NC 27498-1103

After the 45-day comment period, USPS officials will review feedback and will consider the next steps for the project proposal.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NOTE: A lawsuit represents only one side of a story.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Utah State University and Colorado State University are suing the Mountain West Conference, arguing the conference and its commissioner have willfully disregarded the bylaws, threatened to withhold millions of dollars from the schools, and charged exorbitant exit fees as a penalty.

The lawsuit  filed in Colorado on Monday, Dec. 16  claims, in part, that the conference and its commissioner, Gloria Nevarez, are threatening to withhold tens of millions of dollars from USU and CSU, as well as other schools that are planning to leave the conference to join the Pac-12 in 2026.

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3 Utah cowboys earn world champion titles at 2024 National Finals Rodeo

In addition to USU and CSU, Boise State, Fresno State, and San Diego State are planning to leave the Mountain West to join the Pac-12 in 2026, according to the Associated Press.

The suit says that the withdrawal fees leveled against departing members range from $10 million to $12 million per school. The fees must be paid by June 1 of the year before a school plans to withdraw from the conference, but fees increase if that deadline is missed.

The fact that an Exit Penalty is doubled if it is delivered one day later [] makes clear that the Exit Penalty is designed to be punitive and to coerce members to remain in the Mountain West rather than serve as a reasonable alternative to conference membership or a reasonable estimate of actual harm the suit reads.

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USU and CSU argue in the lawsuit that the fees are the same for every school in the conference, regardless of how valuable a given member is, which reinforces the penalty-nature of the fees.

Nevarez, on behalf of the conference, said in a scheduling agreement that the fees were fair, reasonable and appropriate approximations of the losses the conference may face after losing members to the Pac-12, according to documents.

According to OMelveny, the law firm representing the universities, USU and CSU have also been excluded from participating in board meetings with the conference.

In numerous secret meetings, the Conference and its Commissioner have entered into side agreements promising the remaining seven members millions of dollars earned by and owed to the five departing members, OMelveny said.

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The AP said seven schools remaining in the Mountain West signed a memorandum of understanding to stay in the Mountain West: Air Force, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, Wyoming, and Hawaii.

USU and CSU are suing the conference and claiming that the conferences exit fees are an unenforceable penalty, and that the fees violate various laws and statutes in Colorado. The suit also argues that the fees breach the conferences bylaws and that its new bylaws are invalid because it is suspected that not enough members voted on them.

USU and CSU are seeking to maintain their seats on the board of the conference until their resignation dates, in addition to seeking preliminary and permanent injunctive relief and attorneys fees.

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 ABC4 Utah.
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  It is the least busiest gas station in all of Texas because there is only one person in the state who can buy what its selling. Its a hydrogen vehicle fueling dispenser and its located on University of Texas at Austins J.J. Pickle Research Campus in north Austin.

The facility is known as a hydrogen proto-hub. The team at the hub is studying multiple forms of hydrogen production and uses, like how to fuel up hydrogen-powered vehicles. It is the only facility of its kind and it will not only help train the future workforce, but also demonstrate how a hydrogen ecosystem can function on a statewide level.

This facility is going to be a proving ground for future hydrogen technologies, Michael Lewis, the director UT Austins Center for Electromechanics, explained.

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Texas is a global leader in hydrogen production as it is used for the petrochemical and fertilizer industries. Hydrogen produces water vapor when it is burned, making it a clean-burning fuel. However, producing hydrogen can create carbon emissions.

The proto-hub is using water electrolysis and steam methane reformation of renewable natural gas to produce its hydrogen. Water electrolysis is an electrical process that separates hydrogen and oxygen molecules without carbon emissions. The resulting hydrogen gas can be used for hydrogen fuel, and the only by-product is oxygen.

The stationary fuel cell provides 100kW of clean power to run a super computer at a nearby building (Photo Courtesy: Nexstar).

However, the electricity used to for water electrolysis needs to come from renewable energy to be considered clean. The proto-hub is using solar and wind power to run its electrolysis. That resulting hydrogen energy is being used to power a stationary fuel cell in the proto-hub. That fuel cell is providing 100 kW of clean power to the Texas Advanced Computing Center across the street from the hub. Its just a drop in the bucket of the power that building consumes, but its still proof that different forms of clean energy can be used to power heavy energy consumers.

Lewis said it will be important to find cleaner forms of electricity as more centers will start popping up on the electrical grid. Data centers consume massive amounts of power and are part of the reason the states main electric grid operator is predicting energy demand will nearly double in the next five years.

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The proto-hub opened in April this year and Lewis said they are continuing to study what problems come with cleanly producing hydrogen. Lewis said the manufacturing supply chain is an issue, as it makes it hard to find parts for replacements if needed.

So we hope that lessons from this site can apply to what well be doing with policy later down the road as well, Lewis said.

Last legislative session, a bill filed by State Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, created the Texas Hydrogen Production Policy Council. The 11-member council released its first report to state legislators this year highlighting the need for growing the states ability to transfer, store, and produce hydrogen energy.

An important recommendation from the report, according to Brian Korgel, a professor of chemical engineering at UT Austin and a member of the council, was making sure Texas was using an all of the above approach when it comes to energy.

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If we want to position Texas as the global leader of hydrogen then Texas needs to have as much of that clean power as possible, Korgel said.

One of the challenges facing the industry is a lack of infrastructure in place, Lewis explained. Hydrogen is extremely light weight, which can make it difficult to transport. Lewis said the need for hydrogen pipelines will be essential in connecting hydrogen producers with hydrogen consumers in the future, but it will cost money.

The report from the council said Texas should pass policy that encourages the growth of the infrastructure. It also highlights the states good track record when it comes to hydrogen safety. The report recommends continuing the regulations that are already in place.

In a statement, Darby responded to the report saying, Texas is already the hydrogen capital of the world. The continued growth of hydrogen production with new, innovative technologies in this state will be an economic boom for our energy sector, creating thousands of jobs and incentivizing billions in direct economic investment especially in the rural parts of West Texas that I represent in the House. Of course, the state must proactively ensure we create a business-friendly environment for hydrogen development while balancing the needs of our communities.

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The report does state it expects a huge economic benefit from the hydrogen industry. It estimates an annual GDP of $100 billion from the hydrogen industry alone.

Darby said he intends to follow the recommendations from the council in the upcoming session, specifically as they relate to expanding hydrogen pipeline infrastructure and promoting responsible water use. By fostering a productive business environment, we can continue our all-of-the-above approach to energy, which will dramatically boost our economy and lower costs for Texans.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An advanced manufacturing employer said recent graduates from Utahs colleges and universities arent ready.

They cant handle the stress  because they avoid the stressful situations. How do we pressure them into more stressful situations during school so they are ready for the workforce?

A health care employer said, The biggest gap we have seen is ... communication failures like social communication, face-to-face communication, talking, working in teams.

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Both statements from representatives of high-demand industries were collected during a statewide study commissioned by the Utah System of Higher Education, the results of which were released this week.

Conducted by the Cicero Group, the study was designed to glean insights into what employers expect from Utahs college graduates  while also evaluating graduates preparedness as they begin careers in industries such as healthcare, financial services, aerospace, computer sciences, energy and construction.

For college presidents and other higher education administrators, the data and actionable recommendations gleaned from the Cicero study come at a timely moment.

With the 2025 Legislative Session fast approaching, state lawmakers are calling for sharper workforce alignment between Utah higher education and Utah industry.

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Last month, for example, Utah Senate President Stuart Adams spoke enthusiastically with the Deseret News about embedding more apprentice programs into Utahs public colleges  empowering students with work experience that may not be acquired in traditional classroom courses.

Utahs industries are evolving  and the states higher education institutions must keep pace, said Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Geoff Landward. Through collaboration with industry leaders, we can build stronger pathways that lead to workforce success for our graduates.

Cicero interviewed and surveyed hundreds of Utah employers to gauge general graduate readiness.

Their study concluded that Utah industries are generally pleased with the preparedness of recent graduates in Utah  while identifying several key takeaways that signal improvement opportunities:

Graduates lack durable skills

The study concluded that many Utah employers are facing challenges to train and work alongside todays Utah graduates due to a scarcity of durable skills  those interpersonal capabilities such as problem-solving, critical thinking, resilience and flexibility.

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Several respondents said graduates often arrive at the workplace with gaps in essential durable skills such as stress management, conflict management and time management.

More than 100 respondents identified communication skills as a desired stand-out skill.

While industry respondents largely agree that higher ed has a duty to teach durable skills to graduates, they acknowledged that employers share equal responsibility in developing such skills in their recent hires.

Critical thinking and problem solving comes from experience It comes with training  and we train the ability to problem solve, said a respondent who works in healthcare.

A University of Utah student consults with a worker as part of of visiting sponsored by the university's Intermountain Industrial Assessment Center (IIAC). The IIAC consists of University of Utah engineering faculty and students who provide free consultations with local industrial and manufacturing facilities. Research commissioned by the Utah System of Higher Education reveals such collaboration between Utah universities and local industries is invaluable for preparing graduates for the workforce. | University of Utah

Mixed satisfaction with technical skills

While Utah employers from industries such as finance and energy are generally satisfied with the technical skills of recent graduates, other high-tech fields such as advanced manufacturing and aerospace report Utah graduates possessing outdated skills.

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There is a big disconnect on what they are teaching at schools, and what we need, noted an advanced manufacturing employer. The technology is moving so fast, so we have to start all over again teaching them. The technology is 2-3 years behind.

The study recommends increased collaboration between industry and schools to identify and remedy technical skill gaps. Non-traditional educational tools such as micro-credentials and certificates can also empower graduates with added technical depth.

(It would help to) provide certification programs in areas like food safety, event management and hospital management, which can provide students with additional credentials that are valued in the hospitality industry, wrote a survey respondent from the hospitality industry.

Boosting industry collaboration on Utah college campuses

Many survey respondents are interested in expanding partnerships with Utah colleges and universities. Theyre hoping to have an increased campus voice.

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Industry/education collaborations might include co-developed curricula and increased industry representation on advisory boards.

The ways Id like to see partnerships improved is with involvement in the curriculum and classroom, so graduates can better meet the needs and expectations of employers, said a respondent from the healthcare industry.

Work-based learning = Graduates success

Utah industries value a college education  but they prioritize experience.

The majority of study participants identify experience to be a key differentiator in hiring, signifying the importance of work-based learning.

It is obvious to see the difference between graduates with experience versus without, observed an employer in computer sciences.

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But the workforce alignment study also reveals that Utah industries often lack work-based learning resources. That marks an opportunity for higher education to take the lead in developing and promoting work-based programs such as internships and apprenticeships.

Workforce development programs such as Custom Fit  a decades-old partnership between participating Utah higher ed institutions, the Utah Legislature and local businesses  is an example of a work-based learning program thats working, the study noted.

The Utah System of Higher Education reported that its office and its institutions are already integrating study feedback by utilizing innovative educational tools and expanding work-based learning opportunities.
Rep.-elect Mike Kennedy received his congressional committee assignments earlier this week, and like any freshman, is looking forward to the challenge. Kennedy, who will replace John Curtis in Utahs 3rd District in January, was appointed to the House Natural Resources and Science, Space and Technology Committees.

According to a press release from his office, Kennedy hopes to leverage these positions to shape legislation around Utahs priorities for public lands, energy production and rural economic development, as well as further the Beehive States tech and aerospace industry.

Serving Utahns on these influential committees is both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously, said Kennedy. I am committed to fighting tirelessly for our working families  preserving our public lands, achieving energy independence, and expanding opportunities in science and technology.

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Together, we can ensure economic growth and innovation directly help the hardworking people of Utah. I look forward to delivering results that strengthen our communities, defend our freedoms and tax dollars, and leave a stronger America for future generations, added Kennedy, a former state senator, physician and attorney.

Committee assignments for other Representatives from Utah

Rep. Blake Moore, who represents Utahs 1st District, will remain on the House Ways and Means and Budget Committees. He will also continue to serve as the vice chair of the House Republican Conference after winning his reelection in November.

Rep. Celeste Maloy, who represents Utahs 2nd District, will serve on the House Appropriations Committee. Its relatively common for congressional lawmakers to receive only one committee assignment if they are on a major or highly sought-after committee, such as the Appropriations Committee, since they requires a bigger time commitment, as the Deseret News previously reported.

Rep. Burgess Owens will serve on the House Education and Workforce and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He represents Utahs 4th District.
Brett Cross, who's son Uziyah Garcia was among 19 children killed in the massacre at Robb Elementary School, speaks at a City Council meeting on May 7 in Uvalde, Texas. Eric Gay/Associated Press

The parent of a Uvalde, Texas, school shooting victim said on social media that he was assaulted by police outside a Uvalde courtroom Thursday.

We werent even allowed to make it into the court room, Brett Cross, whose son Uziyah died in the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, tweeted Thursday on X. My wife and I were assaulted by the sheriffs dept. We are currently at the doctors, having our wounds tended to.

Cross and his wife, Nikki, tried to enter the courtroom for a pre-trial hearing, where the judge heard arguments to dismiss a child endangerment charge against former school district police chief Pete Arredondos, who has pleaded not guilty. The judge denied that motion to dismiss, according to KENS-TV in San Antonio. Adrian Gonzales, a former school district police officer, who was one of the first officers to arrive at the school on the day of the massacre, was also charged with child endangerment and has pleaded not guilty.

San Antonio TV station WOAI caught Brett and Nikki Crosss clash with police officers on camera. In the footage, as police are escorting Brett Cross away from the courtroom, he throws his hands up and appears to say, Fuck off. A police officer touches him as Brett Cross yells, Keep your hands off of me. Brett Cross falls to the ground and several officers hold him down, including one officer who appears to hold his knee to Brett Crosss chest. Nikki Cross tries to intervene, yelling, What are you doing? Police officers are seen trying to move her away from her husband as she falls onto her back.

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Brett and Nikki Cross told WOAI that while they were trying to enter the courtroom, Nikki Cross said What the fuck ever when she was told to move back while removing her jewelry. She was then told she had to leave.

They started surrounding [Nikki], Brett Cross told WOAI. So I walked up and said, Yall better not fucking touch her. And then yall just saw what happened.

Nineteen children and two teachers were killed on May 24, 2022, after a lone gunman entered the elementary school and began firing. Dozens of law enforcement officers from multiple agencies gathered at the school during the massacre, but it took more than an hour before anyone confronted the gunman, a former student. Arredondo was later fired as school police chief.

The Uvalde County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Related...
An Uzbek citizen accused of acting on behalf of Ukraine has been charged by Russian authorities with this week's assassination of a senior Russian general and his assistant in a bombing claimed by Ukraine's security services, state media said Thursday.

Akhmadzhon Kurbonov was ordered detained by a Moscow court until at least Feb. 17 in Tuesday's bombing that killed Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the chief of Russias Radiation, Biological and Chemical Protection Forces, the Tass state news agency reported.

Kurbonov was charged with the killings, carrying out a terrorist act and illegally manufacturing explosives, the Russian news agency said.

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Kirillov was killed by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter outside his apartment building in Moscow, a day after Ukraines security service leveled criminal charges against him. His assistant, Ilya Polikarpov, also was killed.

Kurbonov  previously referred to by news agencies as Akhmad Kurbanov  was detained by Russian security services on Wednesday.

Shortly after he was detained, Russias Federal Security Service, or FSB, which did not identify him, said he was born in 1995 and was recruited by Ukraines security service. The Associated Press could not confirm the conditions under which the suspect spoke to the FSB.

The suspect said he had been promised $100,000 and resettlement in a European Union country in exchange for killing Kirillov, according to the FSB.

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The agency said that acting on instructions from Ukraine, the suspect picked up a homemade bomb in Moscow, placed it on an e-scooter and parked it at the entrance to Kirillovs apartment building.

He rented a car to monitor the location and set up a camera that livestreamed the scene to his handlers in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the FSB said, detonating the bomb when Kirillov left the building.

Kirillov, 54, was the head of Russias Radiation, Biological and Chemical Protection Forces. The special troops are tasked with protecting the military from use of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and ensuring operations in a contaminated environment.

Kirillov was under sanctions from several countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada, for his actions in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On Monday, Ukraines Security Service, or SBU, opened a criminal investigation against him, accusing him of directing the use of banned chemical weapons.

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Russia denies using any chemical weapons in Ukraine and has accused Kyiv of using toxic agents in combat.

An SBU official told the AP on Tuesday that the agency was behind the attack. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information, described Kirillov as a war criminal and an entirely legitimate target.
An excerpt from Unlike the Rest: A Doctors Story  2024. Published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

I was trained in my first month of residency, during onboarding, to always position myself closest to the door when interviewing a patient, as situations can escalate quickly and become potentially dangerous. If a patient stands, you stand, my preceptor said to me during safety training. Her words came back to me in that moment.

I stood.

Adetola, I can see that youre feeling very concerned right now. Can you tell me more about how youre feeling? I said, in my most calm voice, while my heart began to race. I wasnt scared, per se, it was just one of my first times encountering a Black patient in the psychiatry ward, and I knew that his intense distrust was not undue; Black patients have historically been treated differentially in psychiatry, especially in the emergency departments. Black men, moreover, are more likely to have physical restraints used, and higher doses of tranquilizing medications administered, driven partly by a subconscious fear that they will be more aggressive and require more sedatives. I wanted to not only do no harm but also reinforce the most positive experience he could have in the emergency room, as this often dictates whether patients will return when in crisis or continue with follow-up.

You are going to lock me up like an animal again, arent you? said Adetola, with eyes that looked more terrified than threatening.

We are only here to help you, Adetola, and I cant be certain what that help may look like while youre here. But I promise that we will do our best to make you feel better, and less scared. I kept my eyes on him, soft and fixed, as he paced the back perimeter of the room.

Would you be OK taking a seat? I asked. He did.

Demi continued to reassure his father, and shared with us more details of prior hospitalizations, visits to the emergency department, prior medication trials, and stories of how his mother was able to ground Adetola in moments of distress.

Gathering collateral information is one of the most important parts of the psychiatric assessment, as patients with psychosis or altered realities may not always remember details, or will have limited insight into the initial symptoms and course of their disease.

Demi! Adetola cried out. Enough! Enough! Enough! he screamed, before bursting into wails and calling out for [his deceased wife] Tolu. He stood up and threw the notebook across the room.

Papa, said Demi, with jagged breathing and a shaky voice, I will take you to go and see Mama soon, but remember how she would remind you to breathe? Breathe with me, Papa.

Adetola looked at his son through tears. He fell back into the chair and began to slow his breathing through deep, protracted breaths. Demi released an audible sigh, reflecting the collective relief the nurse and I hid behind a wall of professional composure.

Hes not always like this, Doctor, said Demi.

Adetola was a vibrant, intelligent man and loving father, he shared, who was kind and helpful toward his neighbours, and had great rapport in his business. He stressed, above all else, that he wouldnt hurt anyone, even when he was like this.

He was restrained and heavily medicated during his last hospitalization, Demi continued. This had caused him to become distrustful of the doctors (in Canada) and the medical system more broadly.

Im so sorry that you experienced that, Adetola. I can only imagine how unsafe and terrified you must have felt, I said, knowing my words of comfort fell woefully short of imparting a sense of ease.

Please, just dont hurt my father, Doctor. Please. I know he might look like he could hurt someone when hes like this, but he wont. He is a good person, very loving. He just hasnt been well since Mama died. Just please dont hurt him. Treat him like the other patients youre taking care of. He broke down in sobs.

I understood, through his coded language, that, as a Black man, Adetola might face differential treatment in the emergency department, like undue force from security and other excessive treatment measures. Within recent years, media headlines surfaced about Black people experiencing mental illness and dying in the process of getting help. Demi surely also understood that racist stereotypes portray Black men as more violent and aggressive, especially when experiencing mental illness.

It was clear that he was building a case for his father that served more than to inform his treatment courseit was to protect him.

I understand your concerns, and I want you to know that I will do everything to ensure that your father is safe here, as will the other doctors, nursing staff and support team, I responded, as Demi grew more emotional.

I can see that it would be hard to believe me, given everything youve both been through, but as a Black physician I can appreciate why you and your father are scared about him being in the psychiatry department with a mental health crisis, and possibly being treated differently. Demi looked forlornly at his father, while I further tried to placate his concerns.

The role reversal of son protecting father struck a chord with me, as a daughter often called to protect and advocate for her mother in medical settings and beyond.

Doctor, Demi said. Thank you, truly. You have no idea how grateful I am to know that there is someone like you here who is helping taking care of my dad, he continued, sniffling through his gratitude.

Can you please make sure that the other ones understand, as you do, that he is just like the other patients, and should be treated the same way as everyone else? Please, Doctor, you know how they can treat us in here.

I didnt think my heart could sink any further, but it did. I discreetly turned my head toward the ceiling, averting tears. His voice, though heavily accented with a Nigerian lilt, reminded me of my own brothers: soft but hurting. Adetola was all he had left, and he would never give up on his father. I reassured them both once more, explaining the developing assessment and plan, and promised to relay their concerns to the rest of his care team.

Adetola agreed to take a small dose of Ativan, and soon he began to doze off in the assessment room.

Chika Oriuwa is a psychiatrist and author of Unlike the Rest: A Doctors Story.
Vaccination rates in Chicago so far this winter for seasonal respiratory infections like COVID-19 and the flu are slightly down from last year, which public health officials say could be a result of disinformation and vaccine fatigue since the pandemic.

Only approximately 10.7% of Chicagoans had received the updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine as of Dec. 14, while 22.5% had gotten their flu shot, according to data from the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Compared with the end of the second full week of December 2023, vaccination rates for both the flu and COVID-19 have decreased by more than a full percentage point, according to city data. Approximately 36,500 fewer Chicago residents have received their flu vaccine so far this year, while about 46,000 fewer people have received their COVID-19 vaccine.

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Public health experts say that these low vaccination rates can partially be attributed to a general weariness surrounding vaccines after the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as increased misinformation regarding vaccines efficacy and risk.

In the beginning, when (COVID-19) was like an unknown thing and everyone was scared and it wasnt familiar, we had much higher rates, said Dr. Shivanjali Shankaran, an infectious disease specialist from Rush University Medical Center. And then I think a combination of fatigue, but also a lot of lies that have been spread about the vaccines really sort of hampered our vaccination rates, and I think that has gone over into the flu vaccination.

Though the current level of respiratory illnesses in Illinois is low, infections and hospitalizations for both COVID-19 and the flu tend to really spike in January after the holidays, according to Dr. Alexander Sloboda, medical director of immunizations for the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Public health officials are encouraging Chicago residents to immediately go out and get their influenza and COVID-19 vaccines if they havent already, with the CDPH running a number of free vaccination clinics and pop-up events across the city.

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This is the perfect time, if you havent already, to get your COVID and flu vaccine right before the holiday season, right before January, because it does take a couple of weeks for the vaccine to work and build up that immunity and protection, Sloboda said. Its really important to get these updated vaccines that cover against the current, circulating strains of flu and COVID. So we just want everybody to stay protected for the winter and the holiday season.

The COVID-19 vaccine approved for the 2024-25 season should offer protection against currently circulating strains of the virus like the XEC variant.

Previous vaccines  or previous COVID-19 infections  do not ensure protection against currently circulating strains of the disease, Sloboda said, emphasizing that the virus is constantly changing.

Chicagos relatively low vaccination rates this season reflect a general trend thats been seen around the country since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Shankaran.

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This years vaccination rates throughout Cook County, which were slightly higher than in Chicago alone as of last week, are dismal and disappointing, said LaMar Hasbrouck, the Cook County Department of Public Healths chief operating officer. His department is now running free walk-in vaccine clinics.

The leeriness with regard to COVID may have rubbed off a little bit with regard to the flu. Its like, Do we need all these shots? And I feel like I could weather it. Im not really concerned about getting sick, necessarily. I dont even know if this vaccine is working  All the anecdotal information and misinformation and disinformation, Hasbrouck said.

Public health officials must combat the myths with facts, Hasbrouck added. Messaging should focus on the proven safety and efficacy of the vaccine, as well as that it does not prevent COVID-19 infection outright but rather decreases the risk of getting severely sick or dying.

Flu vaccination rates in Chicago have been decreasing each year since 2022, when around 25% of the population had gotten their flu shot by the end of the first full week of December, according to the citys dashboard.

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However, older adults across Cook County have continued to get vaccinated at much higher rates than the general population, Hasbrouck noted.

In Chicago, almost half of residents over 75 years of age have received their flu shot and about 27% their COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, among Chicagoans younger than 30, the rate of COVID-19 vaccinations so far this season is approximately 5.5%. Young adults have the lowest rate of flu vaccination of any age group, with only 12.7% of those aged 18 to 29 getting jabbed.

What we do see is that the message is getting out there that the more vulnerable you are, which increases with age and other chronic conditions, the more people tend to pay attention, and the more people tend to kind of want to get their vaccines up to date, Hasbrouck said.

City data also reveals disparities by ZIP code.

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Vaccination rates on the citys South and West sides are below the citywide average, while the highest vaccination rates are in lakefront neighborhoods on the North Side.

In the 60621 ZIP code, which includes the neighborhoods of Auburn Gresham, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing and Washington Park, flu and COVID-19 vaccination rates are 12.9% and 4.9%, respectively.

Meanwhile, in the 60640 ZIP code that encompasses the neighborhoods of Lakeview, North Center, Lincoln Square, Edgewater and Uptown, flu and COVID-19 vaccination rates are respectively 33.3% and 22.3%.

These disparities can be attributed in part to an unequal distribution of pharmacies across Chicagos neighborhoods, which creates barriers to vaccine access, Shankaran said.

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If you look at a map of pharmacies across the city, they are not equally distributed, and so especially as you go south, you may have to travel several miles before you can find a pharmacy, Shankaran said. Taking it to the community can be very helpful  because now you dont have to take maybe an hour out of your day to go and get the vaccine.

Prior to this winter, the CDPH conducted an analysis to identify the Black and Latino neighborhoods in Chicago most affected by COVID-19 and the flu, Sloboda said. The five community areas identified in the analysis were West Garfield Park, West Englewood, Hermosa, Burnside and McKinley Park, according to Sloboda.

Throughout the fall, the CDPH has focused additional efforts on those communities, including vaccine events, educational outreach and partnerships with local health care providers, Sloboda said.

He added that the phasing out of federal funding for the COVID-19 vaccine has created additional challenges for the health department. The vaccine is now kind of expensive, which discourages many clinics across the city from providing it, leading CDPH to try to fill the gaps, he said.

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Chicago residents, even if uninsured or underinsured, can still get vaccinated for no cost at one of CDPHs immunization clinics or pop-up events.

Theres still a lot of misinformation, disinformation, particularly around the COVID vaccine, Sloboda said. So just trying to overcome the misinformation, disinformation thats out there with correct information is what were trying to do. Obviously, its a kind of an uphill battle.
VALENCIA COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  The Valencia County Sheriffs Office is investigating a double homicide on Wednesday.

Deputies first responded to a call around 12:13 p.m. about a person who had been shot in the chest at the intersection of S. El Cerro Loop and Inspiration Drive. When deputies arrived, they found a 61-year-old man from Los Lunas had been shot. He was taken to the hospital in Albuquerque and died.

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Before he died, he told deputies about another person who had been shot at a home on the 300 block of E. El Cerro Loop. At the home, deputies and officers with the Los Lunas Police Department found a 64-year-old man dead in the home with a gunshot wound to the head.

Law enforcement found a female hiding in the bathroom and took her into custody for being a person of interest in the investigation. The female was taken to the Valencia County Sheriffs Office for questioning and further processing. At this time, the Valencia County Sheriffs Office is not seeking any outstanding persons of interest related to this incident.

Detectives with the Valencia County Sheriffs Office, along with the New Mexico State Police Crime Scene Processing Unit, and the Los Lunas Police Department Criminal Investigations Division are investigating.

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Portions of El Cerro Loop\ along with Sandhill Road will be closed throughout the night as we officials process the scene. Residents are asked to seek alternate routes in the area.

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VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  Van Zandt County residents have filed a lawsuit against stakeholders in the Amador Energy Storage Project that would bring a 100 MW lithium battery energy storage facility to the area.

Residents raise concerns about future lithium battery storage facility

Owned by Finnish-based wind, solar and battery energy storage developer, Taaleri Energia, the Amador Project has drawn criticism from local citizens who argue it threatens their safety, livestock and rural lifestyle. Some of the concerns include fire risks, fire risks, environmental contamination, lack of firefighting resources and proximity to homes.

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The storage facility would be located near FM 47 and FM 1651 on approximately 48 acres with construction already in motion and set to be fully functional by the end of next year. The 100 MW lithium battery storage facility could provide electricity at a rate of 100 million watts, which is used for grids to stabilize electricity supply.

The Amador Energy Storage Project involves lithium-ion batteries, which carry inherent fire

risks associated with potential thermal runaway events. The projects proposed location

heightens these concerns, as the closest home is just 1,056 feet away, the lawsuit alleges. Such incidents have occurred, including a 14-day lithium battery fire in Otay Mesa, California, in May 2024.

In mid-November, hundreds of Van Zandt County residents met in Whitton to discuss their concerns with the lithium battery storage facility. People worry if an explosion were to happen, their local fire departments wouldnt have the resources or people for a fast response.

Envision Energy Achieves Milestone with Philippines Largest Single Wind Power Contract

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Van Zandt County Precinct 2 Commissioner Cliff Williams said their responsibility is to look after their constituents.

If they dont comply with the requests and provide us the information that we need to assure the citizens that this is a safe project, then we can seek an administrative hold from the fire marshal, the state fire marshal, and thats the direction that were going to go.

The lawsuit claims that Van Zandt County lacks resources to combat these fires, with no dedicated fire department in rural areas, insufficient water supplies and no access to specialized hazmat teams locally. If there is a battery rupture or fire, the lawsuit says toxic substances could contaminate local environments posing a risk to human health, livestock and crops.

However, the Whitten Volunteer Fire Department said about seven to eight people are on duty but mainly during the day. The department also recently received their first fire truck that holds 1,000 gallons of water.

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Lawsuit against Amador Energy Storage Project Download

Residents also worry the possible threat to critical infrastructure, such as the Explorer Pipeline which residents fear placing it in such close proximity to a petroleum pipeline could lead to devastating consequences in the event of a fire or explosion.

Our goal is to stop this project before its too late, said a local resident. The safety of our

community, the health of our environment, and the preservation of our way of life depend on it.

Congressman Lance Gooden said, We will not allow Van Zandt County to become a testing ground for dangerous industrial experiments. Residents who are concerned about the Amador Project and would like to be added to the lawsuit are asked to email VZLawsuitJoin@gmail.com.

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Dec. 19Six months after the sudden resignation of Vandalia City Manager Dan Wendt, Vandalia Police Chief Kurt Althouse has been selected to step into the position.

Vandalia City Council voted unanimously this week to appoint Althouse as city manager. He is set to transition to the role in January.

"I'm honored and humbled by the trust city council has placed in me," Althouse said recently. "I am looking forward to contributing to the city's success in this new role."

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City spokesman Rich Hopkins said it's not yet clear who will take over as chief of police in Althouse's absence.

"(W)e're still very early in the process, and at this point we have not yet defined the process for naming a replacement for police chief," Hopkins said.

Former Kettering City Manager Mark Schwieterman has been serving as Vandalia's interim city manager since Wendt's resignation in June. Council at that time authorized a separation agreement with Wendt that paid him just over $277,000 in severance pay. Wendt has since been hired as assistant city manager of West Carrollton.

The city began actively searching for a permanent replacement in September after entering into a $24,000 agreement with Management Advisory Group LLC for recruitment services.

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Althouse was one of six candidates considered for the city's highest leadership position, according to application documents obtained by Dayton Daily News.

Additional candidates included John Donnelly, who has worked as an engineer for Montgomery County and Tipp City; Redmond Jones, who was deputy city manager for Iowa City, Iowa; Randy Robertson, who was city manager for Aberdeen, Maryland; Jeffrey Tyler, assistant city manager for the city of Powell, near Columbus; and Drew Willison, a private-practice attorney.

City officials said Althouse proved himself to be best fit for the job.

"City council cast a wide net and looked closely at a number of candidates from both inside and outside the organization," Hopkins said Thursday. "Kurt distinguished himself through the selection process as the clear choice as best candidate. Kurt is very familiar with the city's operations and is comfortable working with staff at all levels of the organization."

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A native of Tipp City, Althouse spent 22 years at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office before joining Vandalia as a police lieutenant in October 2014. He was promoted to police chief in April 2018.

Althouse served as interim city manager for the city of Vandalia from June 2020 through January 2021 following the resignation of City Manager Jon Crusey.

"We are very excited to have someone with Kurt's ability to step into this important role," said Vandalia Mayor Richard Herbst. "Kurt is very familiar with city operations and we anticipate he will hit the ground running."
Organizers outraged by the recent decision to drop charges brought against an Oak Lawn police officer accused of beating of a Bridgeview 17-year-old in 2022 picketed the Cook County states attorneys office in downtown Chicago Thursday.

Lets be clear: the Oak Lawn Police Department is one of the most racist police departments in Illinois, Nadiah Alyafai, a youth organizer with the Arab American Action Network, told about 30 protesters and members of the media.

Officer Patrick ODonnell, who is white, was charged last year with aggravated battery and official misconduct for allegedly striking the teen more than 10 times in the face and head as he was lying face down in the street. The arrest was captured on video, angering organizers who believe the officers beating of the teenager was racially motivated.

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The action network led the protest at Cook County States Attorney Eileen ONeill Burkes office Thursday, demanding charges against ODonnell be reinstated, and charges be filed against two other officers involved in the arrest. They also called on the Illinois attorney generals office to launch an investigation into the brutal and racist practices of the Oak Lawn Police Department.

Heres a message to the new states attorney, Alyafai said. If you think that this will set our movement back, Eileen, youre dead wrong. All youve done is ignite a bigger fight.

ONeill Burke was sworn in as states attorney earlier this month toting a tough on crime approach, in contrast to her predecessor, Kim Foxx, who brought the charges and was elected in 2016 amid calls for police reform after the shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke.

ONeill Burkes office did not comment on the dropped charges outside of a statement Wednesday saying evidence against ODonnell was insufficient to meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Prosecutors must evaluate the evidence at every stage of a criminal proceeding, and act accordingly in the pursuit of justice, the statement reads.

Several speakers Thursday called for ONeill Burkes immediate resignation, while others expressed hopes she could improve her relationships with activists by executing their demands.

This is not a great start to her service to Arab and Muslim constituents, said Jordan Esparza-Kelley, communications coordinator at the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Chicago. The Oak Lawn Police Department has avoided accountability and  we as Muslims and wider as ethnic minorities in America must take firm and principal stances against these acts of injustice and treason toward our communities.

The teens July 2022 arrest resulted from a traffic stop in which ODonnell stopped a sedan with three juveniles that he said had a smell of burnt cannabis, according to county prosecutors.

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ODonnell searched the vehicle and asked a passenger who was sitting in the rear seat behind the driver to step out. The passenger ran off as he was being searched by the officer, prosecutors said.

ODonnell chased him, ordering him to stop, while a second officer, Brandon Collins, arrived and took the juvenile to the ground, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors say ODonnell began hitting the juvenile in the 9500 block of South McVicker Avenue in Oak Lawn, while Collins pulled at his arms. At one point, ODonnell used his left hand to hold the juvenile by his head and hair as he repeatedly used his left hand to punch the youth in the face and head, prosecutors said.

A third officer, Mark Hollingsworth, arrived and applied a pressure point behind the juveniles ear while ODonnell continued to punch him, prosecutors said. ODonnell punched the juvenile more than 10 times, prosecutors alleged.

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Collins then applied a Taser to the juveniles back, and he was placed into handcuffs. A pistol was recovered from the juveniles bag.

The juvenile was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and treated for a broken nose, cuts and bruises and subdural bleeding.

I dont think theres any world in which thats proper police conduct, Muhammad Sankari, lead organizer of the Arab American Action Network, told reporters during Thursdays protest. If thats what this states attorney says is proper police conduct, we are very concerned with the future of our community.

The teen and has family have a federal lawsuit pending against Oak Lawn police, which was put on pause while ODonnells criminal case proceeded. The arrest sparked protests in the village outside the police station and during village meetings, including Police and Fire Commission meetings.

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The federal case is filed against all three officers involved in the teens arrest as well as the villages police chief and village itself.

Oak Lawn police Chief Daniel Vittorio and Mayor Terry Vorderer said they are declining comment on the dropping of charges because of pending litigation.

In a court filing earlier this month, the judge told attorneys to give him an update by the end of January as to the status of ODonnells criminal case, and that the next status report for the lawsuit is March 4.

Staff writer Mike Nolan contributed to this article.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Two separate vehicle crashes caused major delays in the HOV lanes on I-64 Thursday morning.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), all west lanes are closed at the express lanes on I-64 near the 554 interchange due to the crash. On the opposite side of I-64, another crash caused the east left shoulder, left lane and center lane to temporarily close.

Traffic cam near the scene shows heavy traffic in the area.

Courtesy: VDOT

Virginia State Police told 10 On Your Side the crash on the express lanes occurred just after 6 a.m. and that rescue is on the way. The crash on I-64 involved two-vehicles and occurred around 5:40 a.m.

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Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
By Juliette Jabkhiro

AVIGNON, France (Reuters) -A French court found Dominique Pelicot guilty on Thursday of repeatedly drugging and raping his wife for almost a decade, and inviting dozens of strangers to rape her unconscious body in a case that has horrified the world.

All the Frenchman's 50 co-defendants were also found guilty of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault, while their victim, Gisele Pelicot, sat in the packed courtroom to hear the sentencing, having waived her right to anonymity.

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Gisele, 72, has become a symbol of female courage and resilience during the three-month trial and crowds of supporters outside the courthouse in the southern city of Avignon cheered as she appeared after the verdicts had been read out.

"This trial was a very difficult ordeal," she said in her first comments at the end of the sentencing, adding that she did not regret her decision to let the case be heard in public.

"I now have confidence in our ability to collectively seize a future in which each woman and man can live in harmony with respect and mutual understanding. I thank you," she said.

Dominique Pelicot, who was married to Gisele for 50 years, had pleaded guilty to the charges and a panel of five judges sentenced him to the maximum 20 years in jail, as requested by prosecutors.

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The court found 46 of the other defendants guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault, handing down sentences of between three and 15 years in jail, less than the four-to-18 years demanded by the prosecution.

All the defendants have 10 days to decide whether to appeal, and Dominique Pelicot's lawyer said he was considering this option.

"Shame on the justice system," some of the waiting crowd chanted when they found out about the lighter-than-requested prison terms. Gisele herself told reporters that she respected the court decisions.

Many of the accused had denied the charges, saying they thought it was a consensual sex game orchestrated by the couple and arguing that it was not rape if the husband approved.

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Dominique Pelicot, 72, denied misleading the men, whom he had met online, saying they knew exactly what they were doing. "I am a rapist like the others in this room," he said during testimony.

Gisele, who is also 72, had demanded that horrifying videos of the serial abuse, which were recorded by her then husband, should be seen in court, saying she hoped this would help other women speak up.

The trial has triggered protest rallies around France in support of Gisele, and spurred soul searching, including a debate on whether to update France's rape law, which at present makes no mention that sex should involve consent.

Gisele stared down her abusers with steely determination day after day, scoffing at any claim she might have been a willing participant. "I've decided not to be ashamed, I've done nothing wrong," she testified in October. "They are the ones who must be ashamed," she said.

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HORRIFYING SECRETS

The Pelicots' children, David, Caroline and Florian, arrived in court to hear the verdict alongside their mother. The siblings have spoken out forcibly against their father, rejecting his pleas for forgiveness.

The defendants come from all walks of life - lorry drivers, soldiers, firefighters, security guards, farm workers, a supermarket worker, a journalist and the unemployed. Dominique Pelicot had worked as an electrician and estate agent.

The youngest suspect was just 22 when he entered Gisele Pelicot's bedroom, while the oldest was in his early 70s. Many had children and were in relationships. Most lived within a 50-km (30-mile) radius of the Pelicots' picturesque village of Mazan, which nestles in vineyards below Mont Ventoux.

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The case only came to light in 2020, when Dominique was caught trying to take photographs up the skirts of women in a supermarket. Police then discovered more than 20,000 photos and videos on his computer drives revealing the horrifying secrets that he had hidden from his now ex-wife for a decade.

Police believe 72 men had gone to the house to rape and abuse Gisele, but they were not able to identify them all.

Pelicot acknowledged that he had put powerful tranquilisers into his wife's food and coffee that put her to sleep for hours. Gisele said she was worried she was developing Alzheimer's or had a brain tumour because of the memory gaps.

She says she hopes the enormous interest in her case will help other women who have suffered sexual abuse, and brushes off praise for her own bravery in letting the world see her pain.

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"It's not courage. It's determination to change things," she told the court in October. "This is not just my battle, but that of all rape victims."

(Writing by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Timothy Heritage)
The mass rape trial in the southern French city of Avignon is drawing to a close, with the court due to announce its verdicts in the long-running abuse of Gisele Pelicot on Thursday.

Pelicot's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, is alleged to have repeatedly drugged his then-wife, abused her and offered her to dozens of strangers to rape, over a period of almost 10 years.

He confessed to this during the trial and faces up to 20 years in prison.

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Dominique Pelicot allegedly made contact with the other defendants on an online platform and recorded the abuse in hundreds of videos and photos.

In addition, 50 other defendants are on trial, one accused of sexual abuse and the others all accused of rape.

The public prosecutor is demanding prison sentences of between four and 18 years for the men, who are said to have been between 21 and 68 years old at the time of their offences.

Many of the co-accused argue that they believed Pelicot had consented to the sexual encounters and was only pretending to be asleep.

Investigators suspect there are a dozen other perpetrators, who have not been identified.

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Pelicot, who is now 72, believes she suffered around 200 rapes.

The trial, which has been ongoing since September, has shocked France and reignited the debate on criminal legislation on sexual violence.
The mass rape trial in the southern French city of Avignon is drawing to a close, with the court due to announce its verdicts in the long-running abuse of Gisele Pelicot on Thursday.

Pelicot's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, is alleged to have repeatedly drugged his then-wife, abused her and offered her to dozens of strangers to rape, over a period of almost 10 years.

He confessed to this during the trial and faces up to 20 years in prison.

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Dominique Pelicot allegedly made contact with the other defendants on an online platform and recorded the abuse in hundreds of videos and photos.

In addition, 50 other defendants are on trial, one accused of sexual abuse and the others all accused of rape.

The public prosecutor is demanding prison sentences of between four and 18 years for the men, who are said to have been between 21 and 68 years old at the time of their offences.

Many of the co-accused argue that they believed Pelicot had consented to the sexual encounters and was only pretending to be asleep.

Investigators suspect there are a dozen other perpetrators, who have not been identified.

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Pelicot, who is now 72, believes she suffered around 200 rapes.

The trial, which has been ongoing since September, has shocked France and reignited the debate on criminal legislation on sexual violence.

German victims' group hopes for change

The German crime victims' support group, the White Ring, is hoping that the much-watched rape trial in Avignon, France will help rape victims by changing society's perception of the crime.

"Gisele Pelicot is not only an admirably brave woman - she is absolutely right when she demands: 'The shame must change sides,'" said Bianca Biwer, the national managing director of the victims' support organization, in Mainz.

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"No one should be ashamed of being a victim of a crime. Perpetrators are responsible for their actions, never the victims," Biwer emphasized.

"I very much hope that this realization finally reaches the last doubters in Germany, who still believe that the clothing of a rape victim or the desire of a femicide victim for separation has something to do with the crime."
LONDON (AP)  Veteran U.K. Labour Party politician Peter Mandelson will be Britain's next ambassador to Washington, people familiar with the decision said Thursday.

Mandelson, who served in senior posts in the governments of former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, is expected to take up his job early next year. The announcement is expected to be made on Friday.

The current ambassador, Karen Pierce, is likely to remain in her post until after President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.

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The news of Mandelson's appointment was first reported by The Times of London newspaper. It was confirmed by two people familiar with the decision, who spoke on condition of anonymity because it has not been formally announced.

Mandelson, 71, has been considered a front-runner for the job, considered Britain's most important diplomatic post - even more so with the protectionist Trump returning to office.

Mandelson was one of the key architects of Labour's 1997 return to power under Blair after 18 years in opposition. He served in Blair's government from 1997 to 2001 and as business secretary under Brown from 2008 to 2010, and in between was the European Commissioner for trade.

His trade expertise is likely to prove vital in dealing with the Trump administration, which has threatened to impose tariffs on almost all imported goods.

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Thursday that "we have to make sure that we avoid tariffs with the United States.

Mandelson is also renowned as a skilled  and, to critics, ruthless  political operator. It is rare for politicians to be appointed as U.K. ambassadors  the jobs usually go to career diplomats.

Mandelson told the BBC last month that he would be very interested in giving advice on trade to whoever got the Washington job.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Serving for nearly a decade as a Tanker abroad and at home, John Keithley still reflects fondly on what he describes as the best job he ever had.

The sprockets are somewhere between 500 and 800 pounds, Keithley said, the track itself weighs two and a half tons. I dont know why I still remember all this stuff after 40 plus years, but I just do.

Once a Tanker, always a Tanker for John Keithley.

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Back in the late 1970s, joining up with the Army doubled as a way to visit his birth country and show off his engineering prowess.

Veteran Salute: Serving other veterans

Its one of those opportunities of a lifetime, I didnt want to look back and say I wish I had, he said.

Making the grade as Keithley puts it wasnt easy. A lot of his fellow classmates in tank school didnt cross the finish line.

You do suffer from a bit of elitism, Keithley said, the world does look different from the back or the top of a tank.

Back when Keithley served, it took a village to make those machines mission ready.

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For every tank that goes out there, theres at least 10 other soldiers that support, Keithley said. Fuel, ammo, supply, technical logistics.

His duties gave Keithley a unique perspective not many had a front row seat to.

Sometimes we would have to rotate with other units, go up to the east western border for border guard, he said. That was interesting, getting to see what communism looked like from the free side of the fence.

Veteran Salute: Serving abroad in the 90s, and in Emporia today

While the job came naturally to him, it still held heavy risk.

You can do the work to where it almost seems or feels routine, Keithley said, but you always have to keep in the back of your mind like riding a motorcycle that this is dangerous and it can kill you if you make a mistake.

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Making that dangerous work feel second nature made all the difference whenever the signal was sent out.

When they took the hostages in Iran in 79, my unit, we had a sister unit next door so technically we had 100 tanks sitting in one parking lot, Keithley said. They sent us out in the woods and we stayed there for 21 days, because they didnt know if they were going to send us. Its been army, military protocol when stuff goes bad sometimes the best thing to do is to ship in a bunch of tanks and attack helicopters and make a statement about a show of force.

These days, Keithley is keeping that Tanker spirit alive and well, as a hobby he restores motorcycles and convertibles.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Dec. 19MAHOMET  Three family members are dead and a suspect has been located after a Wednesday night shooting at a residence on the south side of Mahomet.

Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer on Thursday identified the victims as Janis Mason, 61, Sara Mason, 26, and Caleb Mason, 23.

Responding to a report of a shooting in the 1100 block of Riverside Court at 9:41 p.m., police found three victims with life-threatening wounds. One victim  Sara Mason  was pronounced dead at the scene. Janis Mason and Caleb Mason were taken to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana and were pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m.

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Police Chief Mike Metzler in a release said "the suspect has been identified and located."

The department on Facebook early this morning said "the citizens of Mahomet are safe and there is no active threat."

The incident occurred at a one-story house on the corner of Riverside Court and Riverside Drive. Police tape was still surrounding the scene at 10 a.m. Thursday as reporters waited outside.

Illinois State Police, Champaign County Sheriff's Office and the Champaign County Coroner's Office are involved in the investigation.
Authorities identified the victims of the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., as Erin West, a 42-year-old teacher, and Rubi Vergara, a 14-year-old student.

In a press release on Wednesday night, the Dane County Medical Examiners office said West and Vergara were pronounced dead at the scene of Monday's shooting and that preliminary findings from their autopsies indicate that both died due to "homicidal firearm-related trauma."

The shooter, identified as 15-year-old Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow, was pronounced dead at a local hospital, the medical examiner's office said. Police said that it appears she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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Six others were injured in the shooting  two remained hospitalized Wednesday, police said, and four have been released. Their names have not been made public.

Erin West

(Abundant Life Christian School)

West, of Deforest, Wis., was a full-time substitute coordinator at the school. She had worked as a substitute teacher for three years before taking that role.

ALCS is a better school for the work of Erin West, the school said in a statement. She brought her love of Jesus and love of people to our staff and school family all wrapped in a hug and topped with a smile.

She served our teachers and students with grace, humor, wisdom, and  most importantly  with the love of Jesus, it added. Her loss is a painful and deep one and she will be greatly missed not just among our staff, but our entire ALCS family.

Rubi Vergara

(Gunderson Funeral Home)

Vergara, of Madison, was a ninth grader who had attended the K-12 Christian school since kindergarten.

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Her gentle, loving, and kind heart was reflected in her smile. Rubi was a blessing to her class and our school. She was not only a good friend, but a great big sister, the school said. Often seen with a book in hand, she had a gift for art and music. Yet, it was Rubis love for Jesus that shined brightest and she shared His love with others by volunteering faithfully. She will be missed deeply by her teachers and fellow students.

According to an obituary posted to a local funeral homes website, Vergara was an avid reader, loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band.

She shared a special bond with her beloved pets, Ginger (cat) and Coco (dog), the obituary said.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday morning and will be livestreamed online.

The latest on the investigation

Police tape is seen outside the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., Tuesday. (Morry Gash/AP)

Police have yet to establish a motive for Mondays shooting, which authorities said happened inside a study hall classroom full of students from mixed grades. Two firearms were recovered at the school, including a handgun that police said Rupnow used in the attack.

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Investigators are combing through Rupnows social media activity, her relationships with students at the school and her family to learn about her behavior prior to Mondays shooting, the Madison Police Department said in a statement Wednesday.

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Our team is looking to connect to anyone who may have interacted with Natalie Rupnow in the days and weeks leading up to the shooting, it added. People can share information anonymously through Madison Area Crime Stoppers at p3tips.com or by calling 608-266-6014.
Jason Cox, who grows peanuts and cotton in southwest Georgia, says farming would be economically impossible without water to irrigate his crops.

Id be out of business, said Cox, who farms 3,000 acres acres around Pelham.

For more than a decade, farmers in parts of southwest Georgia havent been able to drill new irrigation wells to the Floridian aquifer, the groundwater nearest the surface. Thats because Georgia put a halt to farmers drilling wells or taking additional water from streams and lakes in 2012.

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Farmers like Cox, though, will get a chance to drill new wells beginning in April. Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday that Georgias Environmental Protection Division will begin accepting applications for new agricultural wells in areas along the lower Flint River starting April 1.

Jeff Cown, the divisions director, said in a statement that things have changed since 2012. The moratorium was imposed amid a parching drought and the collapse of the once-prolific oyster fishery in Floridas Apalachicola Bay.

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The state of Florida sued in 2013, arguing that Georgias overuse of water from the Flint was causing negative impacts downstream where the Flint and Chattahoochee River join to become the Apalachicola River. But a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 rejected the lawsuit, saying Florida hadnt proved its case that water use by Flint River farmers was at fault.

That was one lawsuit in decades of sprawling litigation that mostly focused on fear that Atlantas ever-growing population would suck up all the upstream water and leave little for uses downstream. The suits include the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint system and the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa system, which flows out of Georgia to drain much of Alabama. Georgia also won victories guaranteeing that metro Atlanta had rights to water from the Chattahoochee Rivers Lake Lanier to quench its thirst.

Georgia officials say new water withdrawals wont disregard conservation. No new withdrawals from streams or lakes will be allowed. And new wells will have to stop sucking up water from the Floridian aquifer when a drought gets too bad, in part to protect water levels in the Flint, where endangered freshwater mussels live. New wells will also be required to be connected to irrigation systems that waste less water and can be monitored electronically, according to a November presentation posted by the environmental agency.

In a statement, Cown said the plans support existing water users, including farmers, and set the stage to make room for new ones. We look forward to working with all water users as they obtain these newly, developed permits.

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Georgia had already been taking baby steps in this direction by telling farmers they could withdraw water to spray vulnerable crops like blueberries during freezing temperatures.

Flint Riverkeeper Gordon Rogers, who heads the environmental organization of the same name, said Georgias action is good news. He has long contended that the ban on new withdrawals was an admission of failure, showing how Georgia had mismanaged water use along the river. But he said investments in conservation are paying off: Many farmers are installing less wasteful irrigators and some agreed to stop using existing shallow wells during drought in exchange for subsidies to drill wells to deeper aquifers that dont directly influence river flow.

What were going to do is make it more efficient, make it more equitable and make it more fair, Rogers said. And were in the middle of doing that.

A lawyer for Florida environmental groups that contend the Apalachicola River and Bay are being harmed declined comment in an email. Representatives for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and state Attorney General Ashley Moody did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Cox, who lives about 165 miles south of Atlanta, said hes interested in drilling a new well on some land that he owns. Right now, that land relies on water from a neighboring farmers well.

He knows the drought restrictions would mean there would be times he couldnt water his crops, but said data hes seen show there wouldnt have been many days over the last 10 years when he would have been barred from irrigating, and that most of those days wouldnt have been during peak watering times for his crops.

Three years ago, Cox drilled a well for some land into a deeper aquifer, but he said even spending $30,000 or more on a shallower well would boost the productivity and value of his land.

It would enhance my property if I had a well myself, Cox said.
Since the November election Americans have seen little from their President. Meanwhile, President Elect Donald Trump has been able to suck all the oxygen out of the room.

Trump turned up at reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Dec. 7. Sitting nearby was First Lady Jill Biden. The presidents press secretary said President Biden had a scheduling conflict and couldnt attend.

Normally, lame duck presidents spend as much time as they can getting whatever they can get done leading up to their departure on Jan. 20. Biden has been relatively quiet during this period before he returns to his beloved Delaware.

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This leaves Trump the ability to act like a president, and hes taking up the limelight with frequent press conferences detailing what he plans and supporting his nominees for various cabinet positions. He wasted no time in assembling a cabinet for his second term.

Losing a presidential election is bound to hurt. Biden made one trip to South America and one to Africa. He has only a month to govern. Were surprised hes spent little time in the public eye.
SEBRING, Ohio (WKBN)  The Village of Sebring is celebrating 125 years and on Thursday, the mayor and other leaders were honored at the Mahoning County commissioners meeting.

The commissioners presented Mayor David Wright with a plaque and proclamation commemorating the anniversary.

Wright is a Sebring native and finishing up his first year as mayor.

He says he appreciates the recognition from the commissioners.

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Despite its size, Wright says hes proud of what their small town has to offer.

Its a small community. I think thats the most special part of it. Having been born and raised there, I wouldnt trade it for anything, he said.

Sebrings leaders say they have some plans to host a community event to celebrate the anniversary next summer.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
The News

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is prepared to meet US President-elect Donald Trump whenever, at an annual press conference Thursday.

While emphasizing Russias position of strength in Ukraine, Putin added that the Kremlin is ready for negotiations and compromises, but warned a temporary ceasefire would only provide Kyiv with a chance to regroup.

Sources close to the Kremlin believe Putin is open to discussing a Ukraine deal with Trump that would include a demand for Kyiv to give up on its NATO ambitions and to limit the size of its army, Reuters reported.

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Trumps special envoy for Ukraine and Russia is reportedly planning to visit Kyiv in January and has signalled openness to travelling to Moscow if invited as the incoming US administration seeks to end the war.

SIGNALS

Opinions divided over Trump-Putin relationship

Sources: The Hill, Carnegie Politika, The Wall Street Journal

Analysts and former officials have wildly different views on the relationship between Trump and Putin. Veteran journalist Bob Woodward reported that Trumps former director of national intelligence said their relationship was so close, it seems like it might be blackmail. In contrast, some Republicans have pointed to Trumps criticism of Russias Nordstream pipeline, his decision to arm Ukraine with anti-tank weapons, and clashes between US troops and Russian mercenaries in Syria as proof he is no friend to the Kremlin. While Trumps second term posture remains unclear, he has told Ukrainian and French officials that he does not support Ukrainian NATO membership, but wants a strong Ukraine with European peacekeepers on the ground to emerge from negotiations, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Experts caution that any negotiations will face an uphill battle

Sources: Center for Strategic and International Studies, Foreign Affairs, The Economist

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Just a tiny fraction of modern wars have ended in negotiated settlements, and the opposing parties are unlikely to reach an agreement if one side believes they can win outright, two experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies wrote. Putin seems to believe he can continue the war, outlasting the West and Ukraine, and could drag out any negotiations while making battlefield advances, they added. Some experts have called for tougher sanctions on Russia to strengthen Trumps hand in future talks, while several incoming administration officials have floated threatening more aid to Kyiv unless Putin accepts a settlement.

Ukraines allies divided over push for peace talks

Sources: Financial Times, Trouw

Ukraines allies are split over the potential for peace talks, with some openly welcoming the prospect while others stressing that such discussions are premature. There is no point pushing Zelenskyy to talk when Putin doesnt want to talk, Kala Kallas, the European Unions top diplomat, told the Financial Times. NATO boss Mark Rutte echoed the sentiment: If we start to discuss among ourselves what a peace deal could look like, we make it so easy for the Russians. The Netherlands, meanwhile, believes European countries should take the initiative to start negotiations, in part to out-flank the potential for Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to work up a settlement without Europeans at the table, the Dutch defense minister told local newspaper Trouw.
Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Russia should have launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a year-end news conference Thursday.

Putin made the comments while also fielding calls from audience members and reporters during the annual address, where he also said he would speak to ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad about missing American journalist Austin Tice.

The Russian president was on stage and spoke for more than four hours Thursday, where he was asked what he would have done differently, almost three years after launching an invasion of Ukraine.

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"Knowing what's happening now, back in 2022 I would've thought the decision ought to have been taken earlier," Putin said Thursday, in comments translated to English by the BBC.

"We ought to have started getting ready for those developments, and the special military operation, before."

On more than one occasion, Putin blamed the length of the conflict on former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who encouraged Ukraine to continue fighting and not relent.

Putin said he is "ready" for any potential talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, but that the two men have not spoken recently.

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"You asked what we can offer, or what I can offer to the newly elected President Trump when we meet," Putin said, responding to a question from NBC News.

"First of all, I don't know when we will meet. Because he hasn't said anything about it. I haven't spoken to him at all in over four years. Of course, I am ready for this at any time, and I will be ready for a meeting if he wants it."

The Russian leader was also asked by NBC News about Tice, the American freelance journalist who went missing in Syria in August of 2012.

This past August, U.S. President Joe Biden called on the Syrian government to release Tice, 12 years after he was kidnapped.

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Syria has maintained its government had nothing to do with Tice's disappearance.

Putin on Thursday said he would bring the subject up with al-Assad, who fled Syria earlier this month after the Jihadist rebel group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham took control of the country.

"I have not seen President Assad when he arrived in Moscow," Putin said in response to the NBC News question about Tice.

"But a person went missing 12 years ago, we understand what [the] situation was there back then."
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  With the snip of a ribbon, on December 8, 2023, the new Pennsylvania Archive Building opened for business. Building the new building took years, and so did planning the move.

We started barcoding the records, probably a decade ago, says Aaron McWilliams, the head of the public service section at the archives. We started the physical move in July of 2023 and it ended in October. It took three months, right on schedule.

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And how does the new building compare with the old?

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Its night and day, says McWilliams. At the old facility, we had about 20 stories of just metal shelving units. It was very difficult to maintain a steady environment in the old facility. It was over 50 years old. A lot of the systems and stuff couldnt maintain that environment.

Midstate Markers: The State Archives

Here (at the new building) its completely different. We have state-of-the-art facility and state-of-the-art HVAC systems that can maintain that stable environment thats needed to preserve the records long term.

Also helping preserve documents  the new archives location along North Sixth Street. In the 1800s Sixth Street was known as Ridge Road, explained McWilliams. Its one of the highest parts of Harrisburg, and well out of the flood zone. (Workers at the old archive had to worry about flooding from more than just the river; the plaza surrounding the building tended to leak.)

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On this date: The Pennsylvania State Archives Flood

The new archive sits low to the ground, which can make it look smaller than the old tower archive. Looks can deceive.

At the old facility, said McWilliams, We had about 80,000 cubic feet. Here we have 164,000, so we doubled its storage capacity.

The metal shelves at the old archive have been replaced with mobile shelving. With the touch of a button, shelves can move back and forth on recessed tracks.

Something you wont see at the new archive are the old microfilm readers. The reason?

State Archive Research Room Reopens

We had over 30,000 rolls of microfilm in the search room that people would have to go to and use the readers as part of the booth preparation. We digitized all of those, and now theyre accessible through the computers here facility.

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And there are still lots of documents to scan. The archive has multiple scanning stations, from small to large. This machine can scan multiple oversized sheets of paper at once. (While we were there they were working on an 1877 atlas of Juniata County.)

Now we can pretty much scan anything in our collection, regardless of size, says McWilliams. And with the move completed, there will be that shift towards more scanning digitization because thats what the people want, thats what theyre asking for. So right now, with the expansion that we have, and with the assistance of our partners Ancestry, we have over 23 million documents online that people can access remotely from our collection. And then we have another 17 million documents here that you can access on the computers and more to come.

One task thats a lot easier here than at the old building  putting Pennsylvanias charter on display once a year. To get the delicate parchment sheets from the Archive Building to the State Museum, they had to be removed from a special nitrogen-filled vault, put on carts, loaded into an elevator, and then wheeled over to the State Museum.

William Penns charter goes on display in Harrisburg

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The move was a stressful situation for the charter. We had to take it very slow, and it took a lot of time, says McWilliams. The move now is much shorter and easier, with no elevator rides.

Pennsylvania Charter to go on display at its new home

The new Archives lobby is much bigger than the old one, and the terminals allow access to more than just Archive material.

We have access to Ancestry Institution, which is both the US and international. They can also access Newspapers dot com, says McWilliams. You have regular internet access. So if theyre searching other sites and other repositories they can do it here,

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New Pennsylvania Archives Building holds grand opening

Outside the building is something the old building never had  parking.

That is probably the fan favorite here. Thats the first thing they notice, like, You have parking! says McWilliams.

And what of the old building? If you drop by youll see a lot of construction equipment, and a sign listing work being done on both the archive and the state museum next door.

Midstate Markers: the Pennsylvania State Museum

Theyre not tearing down the tower, says McWilliams. Its still going to be there, and its still going to be used mainly for storage, probably of artifacts, three-dimensional things from the state museum. Therell still be offices at the lower level.

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Whatever happens to the old building, if you want to research the state collection of documents, the new archive is the place to go.

Its open to the public, No appointments necessary, says McWilliams. Were open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and the second Saturday of every month, 9 to 4. People are welcome to come in and were happy to assist.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Dont call it Delano. Its the W Las Vegas.

The W Las Vegas got its introduction on the south Strip on Wednesday, announced with a time-lapse video showing the transition of signs atop the 1,117-suite tower on the Mandalay Bay campus. The rebranding of the hotel was initially announced in late October.

MGM Resorts International said the tower is now officially part of the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Marriott Bonvoy members can now book stays and earn and redeem points there.

The W Las Vegas on the Mandalay Bay campus. (Photo: MGM Resorts International)

W Las Vegas represents an exciting new chapter for MGM Resorts and for our guests seeking a new, sophisticated all-suite luxury experience on The Strip, Travis Lunn, President & COO of Mandalay Bay and Luxor, said in a news release. W Hotels is a brand that is celebrated globally for their unique style and exceptional service, and we cant wait to see the hotel come to life over the next couple of years, through its distinct personality, dynamic programming and elevated service culture.

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MGM representatives described it as another milestone in the companys long-term strategic licensing agreement with Marriott International, first announced in 2023. Details on additional enhancements to the property will be announced at a later date.

The MGM Resorts-Marriott Bonvoy collaboration has exceeded expectations since it began this year, officials said. Marriott Bonvoy members can redeem points at MGM Resorts destinations across the U.S., while MGM Rewards members can status match and enjoy member benefits across Marriotts global portfolio of approximately 9,000 properties.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Federal prosecutors filed new charges against Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, on Thursday. The unsealed complaint revealed some of the writings that police allegedly found in Mangione's notebook when he was taken into custody.

In the complaint, the Department of Justice alleges Mangione kept a notebook in the months leading up to the fatal shooting, writing in an Aug. 15 entry that the target is insurance. Mangione allegedly wrote that an attack on an insurance company "checks every box."

In a later entry that federal authorities cited in the complaint, they claim that Mangione marveled at his luck upon discovering the New York conference outside of which Thompson was killed.

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This investor conference is a true windfall ... and  most importantly  the message becomes self-evident, the notebook read.

Prosecutors further allege the notebook describes an intent to wack the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference.

The federal complaint also contains surveillance photos of Mangione, a scan of his New Jersey fake ID, and a photo of a firearm Mangione was allegedly carrying at the time of his arrest. The complaint describes the gun as consistent with the weapon used to kill Thompson.

Mangione was transported to New York on Thursday to face murder, stalking, and weapons charges. He was escorted by a large gathering of local and federal law enforcement, as well as New York City Mayor Eric Adams. He was taken to a Manhattan federal courtroom where he heard the charges against hi,.

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The four federal charges  two counts of stalking, one count of murder with a firearm, and one count of using a weapon equipped with a silencer  come on top of 11 state-level charges filed in New York.

Mangione, who did not immediately request bail during the hearing, has attracted widespread support online. Crowdfunds for his legal expenses exceeding $160,000 on the platform GiveSendGo.

A Wednesday Emerson poll found that amongst voters aged 18 to 29, a whopping 41 percent viewed United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompsons killing as acceptable, a bigger share than that of young voters who approve of President Joe Biden. In a Tuesday press conference, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the support for Mangione as shocking and appalling.
Waco, Tx (FOX 44)  Sixty-four-year-old Clyde Eugene Hudlin of Waco has been sentenced to 44 years in prison, charge with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl within feet of Tennyson Middle School.

Hudlin was arrested after a citizen called police from near the intersection of 65th Street and Sanger Avenue saying a man had knocked on his door offering to sell him fentanyl and methamphetamine. The caller refused and immediately called police.

Officers quickly responded and located Hudlin nearby wearing clothing that matched the description given by the 911 caller. A search at the scene and later at the jail turned up pills that did not match labels on a bottle and two baggies of meth in his socks.

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Hudlin was tried on two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in a drug-free zone with his punishment enhanced because of multiple previous convictions.

During the trials punishment phase, prosecutors presented evidence of Hudlins criminal history, including convictions for four Burglaries, Robbery, and Distributing Cocaine.

Jurors then sentenced Hudlin to 44 years in prison on each count. Texas law requires the two sentences to run concurrently.

Temple officer injured in shooting, suspect caught

Hudlin will not become parole-eligible for 22 calendar years.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Chris Spendlove and Ashlyn McCowan-Perez, who issued the following statement:

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This Defendant dealt death on our communitys streets. We are proud that the jury told this Defendant, and anyone else selling deadly illegal drugs, that they can expect serious consequences for endangering lives in McLennan County.

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Walgreens will close two locations in Minnesota next month.

In the Twin Cities area, the Savage location near Sonic Drive-in will close Jan. 22. In Mankato, the downtown Walgreens at 602 South Front Street will close Jan. 30.

In a statement, a Walgreens spokesperson cited "increased regulatory and reimbursement pressures" for the company's challenges covering its rent, staffing and supply needs.

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"We know that our stores are important to the communities that we serve, and therefore do everything possible to improve the store performance," the spokesperson shared. "When closures are necessary, like those in Minnesota, we will work in partnership with community stakeholders to minimize customer disruptions. We intend to redeploy the majority of our team members from those stores that we close.

Both the Mankato and Savage communities will have one remaining Walgreens store following the January closures.

WalgreensPhoto by Christine Schuster | Bring Me The News.

Walgreens leaders in October unveiled plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three years as the company looks for a financial turnaround amid tough competition, lower prescription reimbursement payouts and other strains.

The company posted an $8.64 billion year loss for the 2024 financial year.

Walgreens rival CVS is winding down its own store-closing spree, having announced in 2021 that the chain would close 900 stores by the end of 2024.
State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced revised social studies standards that would emphasize patriotism and biblical teachings. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Oklahoma education officials have proposed new academic standards for K-12 social studies that would include mandatory instruction on biblical principles and patriotic ideals.

The states initial attempts this year to require Bible teaching in public schools already generated controversy and legal challenges, but on the whole, the proposed standards cover similar ground as Oklahomas current mandates for history, geography, economics and civics instruction.

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Academic standards dictate the topics and concepts public schools must teach, though schools have the authority to decide their own lesson plans for how to teach the standards.

The states academic standards are revised on a six-year cycle. Social studies and science are up for review in 2025. The Oklahoma State Board of Education and the state Legislature must approve the standards before they take effect.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is accepting written comments from the public on the suggested standards for social studies and science through Jan. 21.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters said his goal has been to return the Bible to public schools and eradicate radical woke influences.

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More than 75 Oklahomans, most of them teachers, contributed to the standards update. Walters said he also included national right-wing policy advocates and conservative media personalities like Dennis Prager, Steve Deace and Kevin Roberts, the president of the Heritage Foundation.

Earlier this year, Walters ordered all public schools in the state to keep a copy of the Bible in classrooms and incorporate it into their history, literature and fine arts lessons. His administration already spent just under $25,000 to buy 532 copies of Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA Bible to distribute to schools.

Oklahoma is putting the Bible and the historical impact of Christianity back in school, Walters said. We are demanding that our children learn the full and true context of our nations founding and of the principles that made and continue to make America great and exceptional.

Beginning in first grade, students would be required to learn Old Testament stories that influenced American colonists, such as David and Goliath and Moses and the Ten Commandments.

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First graders also would learn the United States motto In God we trust and the importance of religion to the American people. The standards for this grade level would require education on ways to exhibit patriotism, like military service, honoring veteran cemeteries and celebrating Independence Day.

In second grade, schools would begin identifying New Testament stories and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. These stories influenced American colonists, founders and culture, the standards state.

Instruction on the Bibles influence would continue through elementary, middle school and high school standards, as students would learn how Americas founding fathers often cited the Bible and Judeo-Christian beliefs.

Seventh graders would learn the tenets of other major world religions: Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, as well as Christianity.

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The standards also maintain instruction on Oklahomas Black towns, emergence of Tulsas Greenwood District, the Tulsa Race Massacre, Indigenous history and tribal sovereignty.

The proposal introduces standards for elective high school courses on ancient and medieval history, which Oklahomas current standards dont outline. These classes would require more biblical teachings to cover the history of ancient Israel and Rome. It also would teach religions of ancient Indian, Chinese and African civilizations.

Modern U.S. history courses for high school students would have to cover the accomplishments, major policies and challenges of all presidential administrations since the late 1970s, beginning with President Jimmy Carter and continuing through the presidencies of Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

Standards on Trumps term in office include the response to George Floyds death, the Black Lives Matter movement, the COVID-19 pandemic, and issues related to the election of 2020 and its outcome.

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Instruction on Bidens presidency would include economic recovery from the pandemic, the United States-Mexico border crisis, issues surrounding executive decisions and foreign policies, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict and the American withdrawal from Afghanistan.

These new standards fully and unabashedly answer the mandate that voters demanded upon electing President Trump: no more woke, radical indoctrination. No more racially divisive, hyper sexualized, watered down, weak curriculum that has left us with the worst public education outcomes in our history, Walters said.

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After Macys announced in November 2023 its plans to close approximately 150 locations across the United States, some Philadelphians fretted  not so much about the fate of the Center City department store, but about a local treasure housed inside.

What would happen to the 120-year-old Wanamaker organ and annual Christmas light show?

As a historian of Philadelphia and historic preservation, I recognize the panic as a familiar response to the economic changes that have been shaping the city for 75 years. As city leaders have struggled to develop an economic anchor for downtown, the historical and cultural features of the city have drawn more enthusiastic visitors than the retail businesses meant to profit from them.

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Concern for the Wanamaker organ speaks to the ongoing challenge of preserving urban landmarks that remain tied to a consumer economy.

Greatest organ in the world

The visionary retailer John Wanamaker unveiled the organ to Philadelphians in 1911. Forty years after he had opened his first clothing store, he installed the organ as a showpiece of his new commercial palaces seven-story Grand Court to add music and culture to the shopping experience.

A deep dive into the archives of The Philadelphia Inquirer shows how Philadelphians came to see the organ as a defining feature of the citys historic character.

From its earliest days, advertisements touted the Wanamaker organ as The Greatest Organ in the World. Wanamaker had brought it from St. Louis, where it had debuted at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. News articles tracked the growing number of pipes, stops and circuits as Wanamaker and his son, organ aficianado Rodman Wanamaker, expanded the size and sound of the massive instrument. Increasingly elaborate decorations, including floral arrangements, fountains and artwork, transformed the organ into a visual spectacle as well.

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The organ set Wanamakers apart from the citys other well-known department stores. By the 1920s, the store hosted evening concerts that featured internationally renowned organists and attracted audiences of over 10,000 people.

In 1922, a radio station in the Wanamakers store engineered the first successful broadcast of an organ concert.

Christmas isnt Christmas without a day at Wanamakers!

Though the annual holiday light show didnt begin until the 1950s, Wanamakers made Christmas songs part of the organs repertoire from the beginning.

In 1917, for instance, advertisements in The Philadelphia Inquirer announced that the Wanamaker organist would play Yuletide selections until the new year. A full-page newspaper ad announcing the opening of the 1938 Christmas season featured a description of the organ, a Madonna painting above the organ loft, and bells hanging above.

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A holiday ad in 1949 declared Christmas isnt Christmas without a day at Wanamakers! It enticed visitors with a memorable Christmas pageant, with Christmas music played on the famous Wanamaker organ, illuminated with candles and surrounded by tableaux.

By 1953, an article about the organs history judged that Philadelphians remember best how the organs music has been woven through the memories of countless Christmas seasons.

Four years later, Wanamakers sought to cash in on this popularity by marketing an LP of Christmas songs played on the Wanamaker organ.

A changing retail landscape

By the 1950s, however, downtown retail was in trouble. Wanamakers flagship store stood in the heart of what many consumers viewed as a declining city. Loss of manufacturing jobs, depopulation, political corruption, degrading urban infrastructure and perceptions of crime all threatened the commercial health of downtown.

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Many shoppers favored new suburban shopping centers and indoor malls. Wanamakers catered to these shoppers by opening regional branches. Still, they struggled to compete with new retailers. New York stores such as Bloomingdales and Lord & Taylor offered high-end fashion and drew shoppers from wealthy suburbs. At the other end of the market, new discount retailers such as Clover and Caldor captured deal-seeking shoppers.

The Wanamaker organ became a gauge for how the store navigated this urban and retail change. In 1966, Wanamakers longtime organist and musical director Mary Vogt retired. Classical organ music had become passe, so Wanamakers hired 20-year-old music student Keith Chapman to infuse the standard repertoire with popular music and to host musical groups for performances with organ accompaniment.

The following year, new company president Edwin K. Hoffman ordered a management shake-up that ended the practice of playing the organ every morning at opening. Within a year, the Wanamaker family had fired him. Reportedly, the Wanamakers organist celebrated with an impromptu performance of Happy Days Are Here Again.

In this era, newspaper advertisements cast the Christmas program as a comforting bastion of Philadelphia tradition. Its familiar Christmas carols were part of the time-proven formula and old familiar traditions that remained intact at the store as the world changed around it.

New ownership

By 1974, Wanamakers was one of the few remaining family-owned department stores in the United States. Because the business remained silent about its bottom line, observers could only guess at its financial health. In 1974, a feature article in the Inquirer estimated that 100,000 people passed through the building each day. But it was unclear how many stopped to purchase something.

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The health of the flagship store and the city were linked at a time of deepening economic downturn. In 1974, according to an Inquirer article from that year, Wanamakers employed 3,500 people at its Center City store and carried a tax burden of $20 million.

The company also had invested in the Market East urban renewal project to develop real estate, commerce and transportation in the neighborhood. Yet low office occupancy, shoplifting and the declining influence of corporate leaders in city affairs suggested that Wanamakers was far from thriving.

In 1978, the Wanamaker family sold its stores to Carter Hawley Hale Stores of Los Angeles. Multiple news articles from that period reveal how Philadelphians registered the new proprietor as a potential loss of local character and tradition.

Carter Hawley Hale became the first in a long string of retailers to face rumors that they were going to remove the organ or end performances. Carter Hawley Hale faced public backlash in 1982 when management reduced daily performances from three to two. In 1986, store proprietors showed a commitment to preserving the stores historic character by writing a self-guided tour of the building.

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When Federated Department Stores purchased Wanamakers in 1995, it immediately assured the public that the purchase agreement included a preservation clause for the Wanamaker organ. Managers of the stores that followed  Hechts, Lord & Taylor and Macys  made similar promises, newspaper archives show.

The organ dates back to 1904 and was installed in Wanamakers in 1911. Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge via Getty Images

Historic preservation

When commercial uncertainty threatened the fate of the Wanamaker organ, citizens moved to secure its preservation.

Soon after the Wanamaker family sold its stores, the National Park Service named the building a National Historical Landmark in 1978. The organ received special attention as a defining historical feature. In 1991, local enthusiasts founded the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ nonprofit to raise money for an extensive restoration of the organ and its continued upkeep as a public treasure.

In 2018, the Philadelphia Historical Commission recognized the significance of the organ when it included it in the features of the Grand Court, one of only five interiors protected by provisions of the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. This means that new owners of the building will have to seek approval from the Historical Commission to alter or demolish the organ.

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The Wanamaker building fell into receivership in 2023 after office tenants on the upper floors never returned in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports suggest that prospective buyers aim to convert the empty office space into residential real estate. Its unclear whether they will retain a retail occupant below after Macys lease expires in 2027.

Today, the Wanamaker organ and the holiday light show are part of a pastiche of retail history that the city advertises to draw holiday crowds to the old Wanamaker building. As the retail space in the building has shrunk from 12 floors to three, store visitors have issued a familiar refrain: Without the organ and the Christmas light show, they would have no reason to go to the store.

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: Whitney Martinko, Villanova University

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Whitney Martinko 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.
Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Animal care officers in Texas were summoned to a neighborhood to round up an unusual -- and illegal -- escaped pet: a spider monkey.

San Antonio Animal Care Services officers were called out Tuesday to a neighborhood in the Poteet and Jourdanton area, about 13 miles south of the city, on a report of a monkey running loose through a residential area.

Officers arrived and observed the small primate running across rooftops and vaulting over fences.

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The officers were able to safely capture the monkey and return it to the animal's owners. The owners, who do not live in the area, were informed that exotic animals are not legal to keep as pets in the area and officials said they will received related citations.
A consultant paediatrician has described how she watched her son die from sepsis at the hospital where she works.

William Hewes, 22, died at Homerton Hospital in Hackney, east London, in January last year within 24 hours of being admitted after meningitis, caused by an infection, developed into sepsis.

The 6 ft 6in history and politics student was said to have been fit and healthy before the infection.

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An inquest into his death was scheduled to begin at Poplar coroners court on Thursday but it was adjourned to Feb 13.

Deborah Burns, Mr Hewess mother, is a consultant paediatrician at the hospital, where she has worked for more than 20 years.

I was not listened to

In a statement provided by her lawyers, she said: I was present throughout his admission. I witnessed him receiving inadequate care despite my raising concerns. I was not listened to and I watched him die.

Since then, I have met with almost two years of resistance and lack of engagement. This has taken a terrible toll on me and my family and added another layer of pain to our grief.

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All I was asking was for an open, honest and thorough investigation to take place so that vital lessons could be learnt from Williams death. I have a personal moral duty and professional obligation to act on what I witnessed.

The added dimension is that it is my workplace. I wanted to help prevent what happened to William happening to other young people, to give them the best chances of survival to be able to continue to live their lives, to contribute to society, to love and be loved, as William very much was.

The inquest was due to begin on Thursday at Poplar coroners court in east London, but will now go ahead in February - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

Dr Burns wants the inquest to look into whether there were any delays in her sons care which affected the outcome in his case, and whether there are any lessons that need to be learned, according Dr Ron Daniels, an independent expert witness for the family.

Kate Rohde, a lawyer at Fieldfisher who represents the family, said: It is difficult to understand how an organisation to which Deborah dedicated her life as a paediatrician could so profoundly let her and her son down.

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If Deborah, an experienced paediatrician, was not listened to, what hope do other parents have of getting doctors to hear their concerns?

We cannot keep giving stories to the press about mismanagement of sepsis and see no change in how medical staff react. We now call on the trust to listen, to learn and to improve  otherwise, what else can we do?

Homerton Hospital said in a statement that it has taken appropriate steps since Mr Hewess death to continue to reinforce awareness of suspected sepsis in patients attending A&E.

Losing a child is an unimaginable tragedy, and our hearts go out to Dr Burns and her family during this devastating time, the statement said.

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We extend our deepest condolences and want to acknowledge the profound impact this loss has had on Dr Burns and her family.

As a member of our consultant paediatric medical team, Dr Burns has always been a much admired and respected member of our staff at Homerton. We have reached out to Dr Burns on a number of occasions over the past 22 months and will continue to do so.

Meanwhile a separate inquest heard there was insufficient bed stock at a hospital where a nurse who died from sepsis worked.

Zoe Bell, 28, died on Dec 24 2022 after waiting 12 hours in A&E at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury, Bucks, where she had been working shifts.

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Giving evidence at her inquest on Thursday, Andrew McLaren, chief medical officer at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said there were a number of factors that contributed to the issues that night, including a lack of observations on Ms Bell.

Mr McLaren told Buckinghamshire coroners court: There were a number of interactions with Zoe which we accept were not fully documented.

It wasnt that nobody was coming to see her (Zoe), but they were making clinical decisions at the time that she was OK.

Clear failures in care

Speaking after the inquest found Ms Bell died of natural causes, her family said there had been clear failures in her care.

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Her father Nick said: Zoe was a beautiful and delicate young woman with so much potential, and her absence leaves a hole in our lives that can never be filled.

It is a heartfelt wish that lessons can be learnt from Zoes death and that changes are made to the way A&E departments are run, and the coroner has indicated that he will now take time to consider these.

We want doctors to have great awareness of the symptoms of these infections in healthy young people, who can sometimes mask their symptoms. We want medics to take greater account of the concerns of patients and their families, who may be best placed to notice changes in their loved ones condition.

We want A&E units to examine patients more quickly and timely, for their symptoms to be recognised and treated with more urgency. Now that the inquest process has concluded, it is difficult to comprehend that an otherwise healthy, 28-year-old who had flu can go to A&E with a serious viral infection and pass away within 20 hours.

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The outcome of the inquest is that nothing the hospital could have done would have made a difference.

The factual evidence that has come up (said) there were significant failures, failures in Zoes care, in the treatment of sepsis, which ultimately took her life while she was in the emergency department.

I will counter that with the exceptional care that she got in ICU, because the doctors and nurses who allowed me to stand alongside them were working their hardest and trying their best to save Zoes life, and they were exceptional. But (there were) clear failures in Zoes care.

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Metro Nashville Council during a 2023 meeting. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Who doesnt love a good political argument: a spirited volley of views on an issue that matters, with changeable minds and real consequences at stake. But a good argument requires good arguments  meaningful claims having logical integrity and supporting evidence. Too often we see the former without the latter. Case in point: the lively skirmish over police surveillance that recently played out in Nashvilles Metro Council.

The Council was weighing (and ultimately voted down) a proposal to expand the city police departments use of surveillance technology called Axon Fusus. MNPD already contracts with Axon for a piece of Fusus that lets residents and private businesses voluntarily register the existence of their security cameras, streamlining polices ability to request video footage for a police investigation. The expansion would add technology that lets police access participating camera livestreams on the fly  what Axon calls a real time crime center.

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The Councils debate on Tuesday, Dec. 3, leading up to the vote felt constructive in tone and tenor, but after taking in all 85 minutes of it, I found myself depressed about the skimpiness of the arguments on both sides.

Arguments in favor of Fusus expansion were inevitably handicapped by a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of these real time crime centers. Axon has versions of this tech up and running in dozens of municipalities, but the company relies mainly on anecdotes to sell the thing and has declined journalists requests for specifics about how it measures efficacy.

As a result, supporters could only assert without evidence, as Councilmember Sheri Weiner did, that the system will speed up apprehensions. Enthusiasts wish us to imagine real-time digital hot pursuits of fleeing criminals  like British TV detectives use to pinch bad guys in CCTV-happy London  but conjecture isnt much of an argument.

Debate leading up to a vote on use of a police surveillance technology called Fusus was constructive both in tone and tenor, but factual arguments both pro and con lacked specificity.

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Opting for a fear appeal, others in support cited statistics on crimes that are up in Nashville, as Councilmember David Benton did, concluding we failed our citizens trying to protect the criminals. Still others sought to push back against concerns that Fusus advances a culture of surveillance that infringes on privacy and overpolices marginalized communities  mostly just by saying no, it wont, we promise.

Opponents took aim at Fusus from multiple angles. The worry about overpolicing of particular communities isnt crazy, but its overreach to morph legitimate social justice concerns into technophobia, as Councilmember Terry Vo did with a weak straw man argument: This mentality that adopting the latest tools and systems will solve our complex social problems has got to stop.

Also flawed were opportunity cost arguments suggesting that the money for Fusus be spent elsewhere. Councilmember Ginny Welsch declared that we can find other ways to do what they say that this legislation does though she offered no sense of what the thing is that can be done in other ways nor any specifics on what those ways might be. Others in opposition made reference to investing instead in underlying issues that contribute to crime and violence. One can buy this idea conceptually but still think crime solving matters. Would these opponents also have us dismantle the crime lab to free up money for community intervention programs?

A pivotal piece of the Councils discussion revolved around the late addition of a kill switch provision that would let Metro immediately terminate the contract with Axon if things go awry. While supporters pointed to the kill switch as a safeguard against mayhem, opponents looked for ways to say that the kill switch doesnt rescue Fusus from its fatal flaws.

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One of those ways came in Welschs faulty argument that the kill switch is an insufficient guardrail because even if the switch is thrown (the Fusus contract terminated) outside agencies can get to data that we cant get to including video that still exists. This makes little sense because Fusus is not itself a video storage system, and if the contract ends there is no system to hook into. Granted, video footage first accessed through Fusus could be retained by MNPD as relevant to an ongoing investigation. But thats no different than hanging on to video from any source, like from a business with a non-Fusus camera or from Joe Rando Bystanders cell phone. The video source is irrelevant since it is ultimately Metros policy for storing video that governs.

Metro Nashville Councilmember Ginny Welsch. (Photo: Nashville.gov)

A different weak-sauce take against the kill switch came from Councilmember Jeff Preptit, who said there will be a delay between the harm that occurs in our community until we are able to enact this kill switch, so that harm is going to take place. This is impeccable as cause-effect reasoning: yes, odds are the harm will precede the activation of a remedy designed to respond to the harm. But to be honest this feels more like an argument for the kill switch than against it.

My own view is that the kill switch, though well intended, feels sloppily crafted because its use requires a change in applicable law (or policy) that results in Fusus being used in a way not specifically authorized by the Council. So what happens if it turns out that police are flouting the constraints in their policies and using the system to over-police in ways that opponents fear? They could be using Fusus in unauthorized and reprehensible ways, but the kill switch would be off limits.

Perhaps the oddest case against Fusus came from councilmember Joy Kimbrough, who argued that it is not possible to devise sufficient safeguards for a system like this because of the inevitable human element involved: I dont think you can legislate human behavior. Correct me if Im wrong, but I believe pretty much all of every criminal code is about legislating human behavior.

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Ultimately, after taking in these and other logic-challenged arguments on both sides, the Councils vote to expand use of Fusus came just one vote short. Mayor Freddie OConnell responded by lamenting the Councils failure to take a step that offered clear benefit to the safety of Nashville. A sufficient number of councilmembers werent buying this claim, and who can blame them since there isnt really any evidence to support it?

Among two councilmembers who missed the vote is one presumed to be in favor, so it could be premature to assume Fusus expansion is dead and buried. When and if this thing comes around again lets hope for another animated argument  but next time with better arguments.

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A water main break has canceled classes Thursday for a Montgomery County high school.

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There are no classes today for students at Jefferson Township Junior/Senior High School, a school staff member told News Center 7 by phone this morning.

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The number of shooting incidents stemming from road rage doubled in five years, from 218 in 2018 to 483 in 2023, according to new research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a prominent gun law reform group. The figure amounts to a driver opening fire at someone in traffic every 18 hours.

The sharp jump in road rage incidents contrasts with an overall decline in violence nationwide, the report notes. The group highlighted a significant connection that may help explain it: Road rage incidents increased most in states that have enacted laws that allow people to carry concealed handguns without a permit, meaning they dont have to go through the application for a license to carry a weapon.

Everytown has monitored road rage shootings since 2018, according to senior research director Sarah Burd Sharps. The group noted a major increase in those shootings during the COVID-19 pandemic, which Burd Sharps attributed to the stress that the pandemic and associated lockdowns caused and the fact that Americans went on an unprecedented gun-buying spree during those years.

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The rate of road rage violence peaked in 2022, with an 11% drop in 2023, Everytown found. Of the 483 shootings in 2023, however, 118 were fatal, compared with 58 in 2018.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Dan Feldman shows the jury a 9 millimeter handgun in a Santa Ana, California, courtroom on Jan. 18, 2024, that he alleged was used when the defendant shot at a car in 2021, killing a 6-year-old. Paul Bersebach/Orange County Register via Getty Images

But road rage shootings remained elevated last year compared with 2018, even as violent crime in general dropped at a faster rate. The groups research pointed to the proliferation of laws allowing permitless carry as a possible explanation.

Laws that make it easier and more likely for people to bring guns into their cars means that loaded guns are readily available in a tense situation, Burd Sharps told HuffPost. Aggressive driving isnt uncommon, but the presence of a gun in the car can turn that into a dangerous incident. The gun emboldens people to behave in ways that they wouldnt otherwise.

Gun rights groups have helped pass a flurry of state laws in recent years allowing private citizens to carry concealed handguns without a license, contending that the Second Amendment alone justifies carrying a firearm without a permit.

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Twenty-nine states have now passed such laws, according to the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, a membership group that offers insurance to help pay legal costs in cases involving handgun use for self-defense. Constitutional carry laws are far more popular in red states than in blue ones.

Permitless carry states saw a rate of road rage violence of 1.89 per million residents  about three times higher than states with stricter gun control laws.

Everytown found little evidence that road rage shootings are a major problem outside the United States, Burd Sharps said.

Aggressive driving happens in every country, Burd Sharps told HuffPost. But only in the United States is someone shot every 18 hours in a road rage incident.

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Road rage shootings tended to happen at a higher rate in Southern and Western states, where gun laws are often less strict. They were less common in the Northeast and in California, where gun laws are tougher.

Several states bucked the trend. The largely unpopulated states of Montana, Nebraska and the Dakotas all had road rage shooting rates of 0 per million in 2023. Pennsylvania and Delaware, on the other hand, both posted high rates of road rage shootings, out of sync with the broader geographic pattern.

New Mexico had the highest rate of road rage shootings by far, at 6.16 per million in 2023.

Everytowns research, which is based on data compiled by the Gun Violence Archive, adds a new dimension to a longstanding debate about the effect of right-to-carry laws on public safety.

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The influential book More Guns, Less Crime, by controversial economist John Lott Jr., contends that a more heavily armed society would deter violent crime.

But critics say that upping the number of guns in public while doing away with hurdles for carrying a concealed weapon, like in-class training and demonstration of shooting competence, leads to more violence rather than less.

One group of researchers published a 2019 paper in the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies finding that passing right-to-carry laws led to a 13% to 15% increase in violent crime a decade after implementation.

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  For 10 years, WCIA has been encouraging viewers to donate blood during our Gift of Life Blood Drive. Its all in honor of Robert Reese and Dave Benton.

WCIAs Jennifer Roscoe talked to their families this week about their legacy that lives on.

I think Ive done pretty good; Mattoon man donates 25th gallon of blood

We lost Robert Reese 12 years ago, and Dave Benton nine years ago; both to cancer, and both too soon.

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Robert worked at WCIA as a meteorologist for 14 years.

Every time I go out, I meet someone new. I say my name, [theyd be] like Robert Reeses son? The weatherman? Thats my dad, Matthew Reese said. Its kind of crazy having a local celebrity as a father.

Dave was Jennifer Roscoes co-anchor for nine years.

People still remember him. People are like, Oh thats who you were married to. I loved him. So did I, said Terri Benton, wife of Dave Benton.

Neither one of them was born in Central Illinois, but both came here and realized this is where they wanted to raise their children.

Robert Reese

Dave Benton

When we moved here, he was like Okay we can just stay here. Were done. This is home, Benton said.

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Reese talked about how tight-knit they all were.

How we all supported each other. How everybody knew everybody, and they could make connections easily, Reese said.

Dave was the straight man, Robert the wisecracker.

Always making somebody laugh. That was his favorite thing I think was putting a smile on somebodys face, Reese said.

But what they had in common was not wanting their disease to be the spotlight.

He was not the first person. He wont be the last, Benton said.

What they would want to be the focus? That giving blood is just another way to give backlike they did in so many ways when they worked here.

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Its a selfless thing to do. Hopefully it comes back your way. The karma does, Reese said.

So thats right. We are using Dave and Roberts names and their memory like we have for 10 years now. We hope it encourages you to roll up your sleeve on Thursday.

He would be totally honored but he would be like why me? People should just do it but its great that we can use his name, Benton said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD)  A Wedgwood Christian Services board member who was helped by the organization as a child credits the nonprofit with giving her a foundation for success.

Ashley Ward is the founder and owner of W Talent Solutions.

Becoming an entrepreneur was something that would have been hard for her to believe was possible as a child.

W Talent Solutions founder Ashley Ward.

I have had kind of an interesting upbringing where I struggled a lot just from a lower-income household living with a single mom, Ward said.

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Nonprofit expanding counseling services in Kent County

She now serves on the Wedgwood board of directors and is the chair of the advancement committee. The organization helped her as a child when she needed it the most.

I had a lot of struggles also with mental health, depression, things like that. I had sought services at many other nonprofits in the area and nothing really seemed to stick until I went to Wedgwood. I went to Wedgwood in my youth as a teenager and they ended up helping me a ton, just giving me confidence and really believing me and meeting where I was at, Ward said.

W Talent Solutions founder Ashley Ward.

After dropping out of high school to get a full-time job, she eventually continued her education and went to college. With the confidence to become an entrepreneur, Ward started her recruiting company and credits Wedgwood for helping her down their path.

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They dont judge you. They dont stereotype you. They dont put labels on you. They really see how you show up and they really help you in what you need to empower you to be the best version of yourself, Ward said.

In addition to providing mental health and counseling services, Wedgwood works to help children in need.

Man staying on roof for days to raise $800K for nonprofit

They service youth who are maybe at risk or homeless or through a foster care home and really just havent had what they need to thrive and so then they go to Wedgwood and Wedgwood provides housing, schooling, work tech programs, things like that, Ward said.

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She has expanded her company since it was founded in Grand Rapids.

I founded the company solely as an entrepreneur eight years ago and now we have a team of eleven, Ward said.

W Talent Solutions in downtown Grand Rapids.

She is calling on the community to keep supporting the children in the program.

Its going to be critical for our community to rally around them to donate financially, donate gifts. I know they have a wish list on their website but its so important because these children are our next generation of the community and the workforce, Ward said.

To learn more about the programs offered or to make a donation, visit the Wedgwood Christian Services website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Its the weekend before Christmas and theres holiday cheer spreading across the Miami Valley! 2 NEWS compiled a list of events happening around Dayton.

Friday, Dec. 20

RiverScape Ice Rink  4 p.m., 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton. While temperatures might not be icy cold, its the perfect time to get out on the ice rink! Learn more.

Yuletide Village  5 p.m., 10542 E SR-73, Waynesville. Visit the Ohio Renaissance Park while its transformed into a winter wonderland. Learn more.

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Dayton Ballets The Nutcracker  7:30 p.m., 1 West Second Street, Dayton. Make the Dayton Ballet a part of your holiday tradition at the Schuster Center. Learn more.

LIST: Holiday light displays around Dayton

Saturday, Dec. 21

Ugly Sweater Oh What Fun Run  10 a.m., 2100 E. Centerville Station Road, Centerville. To celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day, the Centerville-Washington Park District will host a fun run and raffle, among other activities. Learn more.

Family Movie Series at the Neon  11 a.m., 130 E. Fifth Street, Dayton. Watch fun, festive films for the whole family at Daytons local theater. Learn more.

Christmas with C.S. Lewis  2 p.m., 138 N. Main Street, Dayton. This intimate show shares more about C.S. Lewis and his connection to Christmas. Learn more.

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Emotional support donkeys attacked by 3 dogs, currently recovering

Sunday, Dec. 22

Santa Visits the Market  9 a.m., 600 E. Second Street, Dayton. Its a family fun event as Santa visits the 2nd Street Market on Sunday. Learn more.

December Charity Tap  Noon, 3725 Presidential Drive, Beavercreek. Visit the Wandering Griffin to Adopt-a-Veteran and make Christmas wishes come true. Learn more.

TGG Holiday Cookie Exchange  2 p.m., 6280 Brantford Road, Dayton. Join the Grazing Ground Market for their first annual cookie exchange! Bring five dozen treats and head home with five dozen new ones. Learn more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Wendy's has removed at least a dozen locations from it's company website, a sign that previously announced closures may be coming to Michigan soon.

Wendy's currently has 226 locations in cities across Michigan, including in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Marquette, Traverse City and Lansing among others.

Wendy's has not officially announced which locations the company is closing, although some sites that have disappeared from the website have posted signs directing customers to other locations.

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In October, the fast-food chain announced during an earnings report that it would close 140 lower-performing outlets by the end of the year. It did not say which locations would be affected.

A fast-food chain spokesperson, in a Daily Telegram story said on the companys recent quarterly earnings call in late October, we shared plans to close some restaurants following a strategic review of our global system.

I can share that the restaurants located at 644 S. Main St. in Adrian and 1301 W. Chicago Blvd. in Tecumseh have permanently closed, the spokesperson said.

A sign in the door of the Tecumseh Wendy's location on West Chicago Boulevard says the restaurant is closed and directs customers to the Wendy's in Saline on Monday afternoon, Dec. 16, 2024.

Additionally, these locations, including the two in Adrian and Tecumseh, have been removed from Wendys.com:

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11000 Belleville Road, Belleville

9370 Lee Road, Brighton

523 E Chicago St., Coldwater

9805 Davis Hwy., Dimondale

2620 S. State Road, Ionia

2727 Eaton Rapids Road, Lansing

3920 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing

26245 Novi Road, Novi

12793 N. U.S. 131, Schoolcraft

2735 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti

The Wendy's in DMC Harper University Hospital is listed as "closed today," although it appears on the fast-food chain's website.

Outdated locations

As part of its October earnings call, the fast-food chain said it plans to close at least 140 outdated restaurants that make below the system average with an average volume unit of approximately $1.1 million. Another part of the companys plans is to replace the sites with more profitable locations with an average unit volume of $2 million or more.

Wendy's President and CEO Kirk Tanner, also on the earnings call, said the company has launched about 500 locations in the past two years. By the end of its third financial quarter on Sept. 29, Wendys had 7,166 locations including 6,010 in the United States and 1,156 internationally.

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USA TODAY and Reporter Brad Heineman contributed to this report.

Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Wendy's locations taken off website, closures could be coming
(KRON)  The year is coming to an end, and several major events dominated the news cycle domestically and beyond, such as the 2024 United States presidential election and Summer Olympics in Paris.

According to Google Trends, here were the most searched terms and topics in the Bay Area in the last 12 months. The search engine broke down the results by the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose region.

Google: Top Search Terms in SF Bay Area 2024

election results copa america strands kamala harris heat advisory prod tsunami warning election mike tyson vs jake paul connections hint

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Are there more Target or Walmart stores in the Bay Area?

These were the top search queries with the biggest increase in search frequency since the last time period, Google said. For example, the search term election results had a 1,800% increase in 2024 compared to the year before.

It wasnt much of a surprise that the 2024 Election garnered so much interest within the Bay Area  which included a number of high-profile races such as the San Franciso mayoral race and the recalls of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.

Search topics that recorded significant increases among Bay Area users this year, according to Google, include Amazon, Olympic Games, Costco, ChatGPT, election contest and Donald Trump.

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Costco had two new Bay Area locations open in 2024, including one in Pleasanton that was met with large crowds when it opened the day before Thanksgiving. ChatGPT started to trend throughout the year as more users had access to the artificial intelligence platform. Some stories associated with ChatGPT were controversial.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. (WBOY)  A teacher in West Virginias Eastern Panhandle was charged after allegedly assaulting a student last week.

Troopers with the West Virginia State Police responded to Widmeyer Elementary School near Berkeley Springs on Wednesday, Dec. 12 for an assault complaint made by the Morgan County Board of Education, according to a press release.

According to the release, Jazmyn Rohrer, who was a teacher at the school, physically assaulted a 6-year-old student on Monday, Dec. 10. Rohrer was later arrested and charged with three counts of child abuse creating substantial risk of injury, troopers said.

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Buckhannon man who allegedly shot woman, crashed into cruiser sentenced for drugs

She was arraigned in Morgan County and has been released from jail on bail, the release said.

No other details about the alleged abuse or her employment status at Widmeyer Elementary School were given.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. needs to triple the number of freight market participants sharing data with the U.S. Department of Transportation during the Trump administration to help ward off the next supply chain disruption, according to the White House.

We are likely to encounter additional supply shocks in the years ahead  just last year we saw 28 climate disasters that each cost at least a billion dollars, thats a record, said Lael Brainard, National Economic Advisor to President Joe Biden, speaking at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

Brainard speaking at the Brookings Institution on Thursday. (Credit: Brookings Institution)

Brainard was at the left-leaning think tank to unveil the Biden administrations 2021-2024 Quadrennial Supply Chain Review, a 383-page report documenting progress made over the last four years in addressing supply chain disruptions, along with next steps needed to build on that progress.

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Russias war in Ukraine, and conflict in the Middle East continue to disrupt the flow of energy commodities. Cyber actors are regularly targeting supply chain actors as a way to take down major companies including hospitals. And weve seen a variety of disruptions to our shipping lanes including the Houthi attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea and reduced water levels in the Panama Canal.

We need to work in partnership with the private sector when they identify critical bottlenecks.

DOTs Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) program, the public-private partnership created in 2022 to improve cargo flow in U.S. supply chain networks and avoid bottlenecks, now has 85 voluntary industry participants sharing data in the system. According to the review, that number should triple over the next four years.

Key supply chain indicators: peak/trough vs. latest available data. Source: DOT, NY Federal Reserve

The review suggested five action items to help meet that goal and to improve data collection transparency:

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Employ supply chain visibility platforms to provide a comprehensive view of the entire supply chain, from raw materials to finished products.

Utilize predictive analytics to forecast potential disruptions or failures in the supply chain, allowing for proactive measures to mitigate risks.

Develop and promote industry standards through participation in industry consortia to improve data interoperability, ensuring that best practices are followed across the digital infrastructure supply chain.

Alert stakeholders through early warning systems to potential risks and disruptions, such as component shortages or logistical delays.

Provide stakeholder engagement fora to provide a platform for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

The review also noted that expanding the FLOW initiative to build real-time data sharing across transportation networks may require support from lawmakers to create incentives for more private companies to participate.

Congress may need to introduce legislation that encourages data collection practices across sectors, ensuring interoperability between systems while addressing cybersecurity risks, it states. Furthermore, new data privacy frameworks will be essential to balance transparency with the protection of proprietary information.

Over the next four years, the next administration should also plan on seizing opportunities through reshoring, nearshoring, infrastructure investment, and digital transformation to help build more resilient supply chains, according to the review, particularly with regard to managing geopolitical tensions with China.

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As China continues to deploy non-market policies and practices that prompt responses from the United States and like-minded trading partners, companies will need to increase resiliency in their sourcing strategies to reduce their exposure to those policies and practices, the review emphasizes.

One of the ways to do that is to incentivize U.S.-made ship-to-shore (STS) container gantry cranes for use at U.S. ports to counterbalance Chinese-made cranes, which currently dominate the market. The White House announced earlier this year plans for a 25% tariff on STS cranes  the Trump administration is planning to increase that to 60% for cranes and all other Chinese imports.

Related articles:

Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher.

The post White House to Trump: Get ready for more supply chain shocks appeared first on FreightWaves.
A white supremacist who glorified Hitler and plotted a terror attack in Scotland has been jailed for 10 years.

Alan Edward, 55, had nearly 28,000 followers on social media and had discussed an attack on a LBGT group, saying its members would pay in blood.

When armed police raided his terrace home in the Redding area of Falkirk in September 2022, they discovered weapons including a crossbow with telescopic sights, 14 knives including some featuring Nazi insignia, machetes, a samurai sword and a stun gun.

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They also uncovered an air pistol, an SS-style skull mask, fighting gloves with specially hardened knuckles, pellets, ball bearings and hunting tips for crossbow arrows. Prosecutors said this amounted to an armoury.

Edward denied all the offences, but, in September, a jury found him guilty of charges under the Terrorism Act, racism, anti-Semitism, holocaust denial and breach of the peace. On Thursday, he was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow.

Ms Justice Tait told Edward, who appeared via video link from prison, that he publicly and extensively posted views of an extreme right-wing nature.

She said he was found in possession of numerous items in circumstances that gave rise to suspicion it could be linked to a terrorist act.

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The author of the risk assessment on you assesses you at high risk of re-offending. For such serious offences there is no appropriate alternative to a prison sentence, Ms Justice Tait said.

It is necessary to punish you and deter you and others from engaging in activities for the purposes of terrorism and to protect the public from you.

Police found an armoury of weapons when they raided Edwards home in September 2022

Edward will also be monitored for five years on his release.

Ms Justice Tait further imposed a serious crime prevention order  known as a super-Asbo  which are designed to tackle and restrict the activities of criminals on their eventual release. This will also be for five years.

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Edward was known to be a Holocaust denier. He also mocked the murder of George Floyd, killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020.

A document found on his computer referred to neo-Nazi mass murderer Anders Breivik as Saint Anders.

Jurors heard he was said to have notions of white supremacy, racial purity of whites, racism, anti-Semitism and hatred of homosexuals and transgender people.

Checks on his WhatsApp account revealed he had been messaging an associate in nearby Grangemouth  identified as Pello  about a proposed attack on the LGBT group, which met in Falkirk.

He was found to have used bigoted language in a series of texts expressing his desire to kill members of the transgender and Jewish communities. They were described as incredibly sinister.

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Of the LGBT group, Edward remarked: They have been pushing their luck for years. Now they will pay in blood ... We should get masked up and go do a few of them in at their little club.

The father-of-one came to the attention of counter-terrorism investigators after posting a video glorifying a banned far-Right group called National Action.

Paul Kearney KC, prosecuting, said Edward was a man who with clear neo-Nazi ideals  preparing for an act of terrorism which would include an ideologically driven incident of serious violence.

Allan MacLeod, defending, told the court: It is clear his online activities are not to be repeated. He understands that. He simply wants to put this matter behind him and concentrate on the future.

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Det Supt Stephen Clark, head of counter terrorism investigations at Police Scotland, said: Edward shared extreme racist and homophobic content online with the aim of stirring up hatred and spreading fear and alarm. His complete disregard for the corrosive impact this could have on our communities heightened these dangerous actions.

It is entirely unacceptable to promote terrorism or extremism, and this conviction displays how we will not hesitate to investigate online or offline behaviour which breaches terrorism or other criminal legislation.

Holding an array of weaponry posed a clear and significant risk to the public which underlines the importance of him being brought to justice.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Recreational marijuana is legalized in Ohio and 23 other states, but not all cannabis is priced equally.

Ohio is entering its fifth month of legalized recreational marijuana, but prices are still significantly higher than prices in neighboring Michigan. According to Michigans Cannabis Regulatory Agency, the average price for an ounce of marijuana flower in November was $91.77. In Ohio, the average cost for an ounce of flower in November was $212.58.

The discrepancy has led some Ohioans to speculate online that it might be cheaper to drive to Michigan to purchase cannabis than purchase it in the Buckeye State. According to the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Just Like Alcohol  a driving force behind Issue 2, which legalized recreational marijuana in Ohio with 57% approval  an argument in favor of legalizing cannabis in Ohio was lost sales tax to Michigan.

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Columbus City School board approves school closures

Even with recreational sales underway in the state, NBC4 found Ohioans would still save money by purchasing their marijuana in Michigan if it were legal to do so. Cannabis is federally illegal, and state borders fall under federal jurisdiction, so it is illegal to cross state lines with marijuana even if both states permit sales. Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on how much marijuana is in ones possession if they are caught.

If it were legal, Ohioans might find the trip worth their time. The southernmost dispensary in Michigan is 156 miles from Columbus, which would require about 6 gallons of gas each way. NBC4 found the average cost of gas for the state of Ohio in each month and calculated what the drive would have cost. The chart compares the average price of one ounce of dried cannabis flower.

Based on these findings, central Ohioans would save an average of $104.11 by driving more than 300 miles to Michigan round trip to purchase their recreational marijuana. This number is quickly lowering, however. The $125.18 a Columbus resident would have saved in August dropped by nearly $40 in four months, with an estimated $86.89 saved in November.

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Man charged in Franklin County 1992 cold case homicide

Nationally, Ohio is middle of the road for marijuana pricing. Washington, D.C., appears as an outlier because it is legal to use recreationally, but not legal to sell. Estimations for how much an ounce in D.C. vary wildly, so NBC4 compared average prices for every licensed retailer in the city to get the average listed below.

With prices falling already, there may be opportunities in the future for Ohio consumers to pay less. Currently, Ohio has 127 licensed dispensaries, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce. Comparatively, Michigan state reports show 843 licensed cannabis retailers as of November, making it a much more competitive market, which can contribute to lower prices.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Florida on Friday.

Flags will be flown half-staff in honor of Charlotte County Sheriffs Office Cpl. Elio Diaz.

Diaz was fatally shot during a traffic stop on Sunday. The gunman was shot and killed by police later that night.

He displayed incredible bravery and an unwavering commitment to protecting his community. Corporal Elio Diaz will always be remembered for his service, DeSantis wrote in a memo to Brian Fienemann, Director of Real Estate Management and Development.

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Flags will be flown half-staff in Charlotte County.

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Luigi Mangione has waived extradition in Pennsylvania, meaning he will come to New York voluntarily.

Former Manhattan prosecutors say it's a good move for him to abandon his weeklong extradition fight.

They said Mangione wouldn't benefit from a losing battle and needed to be close to his lawyer.

At a court hearing in Pennsylvania on Thursday, Luigi Mangione abandoned his fight against extradition and agreed to let New York police fly him to Manhattan.

Mangione will now face federal charges of stalking, murder through the use of a firearm, and a related gun charge, according to the federal complaint.

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A representative for the federal court in Manhattan said a hearing was scheduled for 2 p.m. before US Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker.

Mangione is also expected to be arraigned on the state murder charges before Justice Gregory Carro of the New York Supreme Court  a tough judge described as pro-prosecution by some lawyers  at a later time.

Former Manhattan prosecutors told Business Insider his leaving Pennsylvania willingly  to face arraignment on first-degree-murder charges in the December 4 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson  was a smart move.

Fighting extradition, a process that could take months, makes no sense in this case, they said, and could only hurt the 26-year-old former Ivy League student.

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"I think Karen realizes fighting is a waste of time," Michael Bachner, a lawyer and former Manhattan prosecutor, told BI earlier this week, referring to Mangione's new defense lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo.

Luigi Mangione's attorneys, Karen Friedman Agnifilo and her husband Marc Agnifilo declined to answer questions as they arrived at a federal court mobbed by reporters on Thursday. Laura Italiano/Business Insider

Friedman Agnifilo, a former chief assistant attorney at the Manhattan district attorney's office, is married to Marc Agnifilo, the attorney for Sean "Diddy" Combs in the rapper's federal sex-trafficking case. Their Manhattan law firm, Agnifilo Intrater, is set to defend in both high-profile cases.

"She's probably thought to herself, the evidence against my client is more than sufficient to lose an extradition hearing," Bachner said. "So what is the benefit of having one?"

Attorneys want to be near their clients, not shuttling back and forth  as an extradition battle drags on  between New York and central Pennsylvania, where Mangione is being held without bail.

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"You don't want to be doing this from outside the jurisdiction," without easy access to your colleagues and law office, Jeremy Saland, a former prosecutor now in private practice, said.

Friedman Agnifilo did not respond to multiple requests for comment on her client's charges or extradition.

For some defendants, there are good reasons to fight being dragged across state lines to face charges, former prosecutors told BI.

"The benefit could be that you make them show their hand," Ikiesha Al-Shabazz, a defense attorney, said. At an extradition hearing, prosecutors are asked to demonstrate probable cause that the person being extradited committed the crime.

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"You get to see some of the evidence," the former prosecutor said. "But this is the type of case where we pretty much know, from media reports, what the evidence will be."

New York Police Department officials say that evidence includes a 9 mm 3D printed "ghost gun" that matches the shooting ballistics and a spiral notebook of his writings. Both the gun and the notebook were recovered from his backpack when he was arrested last week at an Altoona, Pennsylvania, McDonald's following a five-day manhunt, police have said.

"What do you do? You wack the CEO at the annual parasitic bean-counter convention," the handwritten note from the spiral notebook says, law-enforcement officials told The New York Times.

Thompson was fatally shot on the sidewalk outside a Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan, where he was to speak at an investor meeting.

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If Mangione had family in Pennsylvania, an extradition delay could have value, Al-Shabazz added  but that's not the case, either. Mangione's family is in Maryland, where they own a resort and country club.

"There's no humanitarian issue, either, where you don't want to be extradited to someplace where you won't get a fair trial," she said.

"These are the issues that you fight extradition over, but they're not prevalent in this case," she added. "So to fight extradition would only be to further delay the inevitable."

Fighting for the sake of fighting could work against his interests down the road, as Mangione seeks favorable treatment from his judge and prosecutors, Al-Shabazz said.

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"You want to cooperate," Al-Shabazz, an adjunct law professor at St. John's University School of Law, said. "You don't want to make it harder for them to do their job for no reason if you're going to turn around and ask them for a plea deal, right?"

The allegations against Mangione are now playing out in three different courts.

In New York state court, if convicted of the top charge of first-degree murder, Mangione faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The top sentence under New York law would be life in prison without parole.

December 19, 2024: This story was updated to include information about Mangione's federal charges and extradition.

Read the original article on Business Insider
In the wake of his November victory, President-elect Donald Trump has already had a fairly messy rollout of his Cabinet nominees. His first choice for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration, and some of his other picks have their own personal scandals or controversies to overcome in the Senate confirmation process.

Yet despite some less than optimal headlines, the Republican-controlled Senate will likely confirm nearly all of Trump's Cabinet nominees and picks for other key positions. Republicans hold a 53-to-47 majority in the next Senate, so if the GOP remains relatively unified, most of Trump's nominees will get across the finish line. And with senators from the two parties now farther apart ideologically than they've ever been in modern times, almost all GOP senators will back Trump's choices  and most Democrats will probably oppose them.

None of this precludes further developments that could lead another nominee to withdraw due to controversy or scandal, or that one nominee could go down to defeat on the Senate floor  something that hasn't happened since 1989. But considering Trump's especially dominant sway within his party as well as those broader trends, it's easy to see how the Senate could confirm even some of his most controversial picks.

Nominees face more opposition, but senators stick with their parties

Cabinet confirmation votes used to be a formality; throughout most of the 20th century, presidents' Cabinet nominees were typically confirmed unanimously or near-unanimously. But over the past 30 years, the amount of opposition to presidents' nominees to Cabinet posts and certain positions that have been or are currently considered Cabinet-level* has distinctly increased. President Joe Biden's nominees had the second-highest number of total votes against them across all confirmation votes in the Senate during his nearly four years in office. This puts him second only to Trump during the president-elect's first term, when many of his nominees encountered substantial opposition.

Of course, Trump's turnover-prone first administration had a record number of nominees for Cabinet and Cabinet-level posts, so he also had more opportunities for the Senate to cast votes against his choices. Still, we can see an upward trend beyond Trump, too. The 25 Senate roll call votes for Biden's nominees was similar to the 23 that former President Barack Obama had during his second term and the 22 that former President George H.W. Bush had during his four years in office. But Biden's Cabinet-level selections produced 634 "no" votes, whereas Obama's generated 420, and Bush's sparked fewer than 100.

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Fact is, confirmation votes have grown more partisan and more contentious over time. We can see this if we break down the average number of "no" votes cast against each president's nominees by whether they came from their own party's senators or from the opposing party. Perhaps unsurprisingly, votes against nominees are up thanks almost entirely due to growing opposition from the party not in the White House. Inversely, senators from the president's party hardly ever vote against Cabinet-level nominees.

With 53 senators in the next Congress, Republicans can afford up to three defections and still win votes via Vice President-elect JD Vance's tiebreaking vote. But in recent times, Cabinet-level nominees have faced an average of less than one vote in opposition from senators of the president's party. Biden's nominees averaged about 25 "no" votes during his one term, but practically all of those came from Republicans. Similarly, Trump's first term saw an average of about 29 "no" votes per nominee, yet almost all came from Democrats. It is true that more controversial nominees who might inspire more intraparty opposition don't necessarily make it to the floor, as the withdrawal of nominees has become more common. Still, we have to go back to the 1970s to find any presidential term in which senators from the president's party averaged more than one vote against a nominee.

In light of this trend, it's unsurprising that Democrats moved to eliminate the filibuster for Cabinet selections in 2013, at the start of Obama's second term, to make it easier for him to get his nominees. Back then, Democrats held a majority in the Senate but had far fewer than the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster by invoking cloture, which then allows the Senate to move to an up-or-down vote on a nominee. Tellingly, about one-in-six of Obama's picks who faced a roll call vote during his second term received fewer than 60 votes on the Senate floor, while the same was true for about one-fourth of Biden's nominees. The removal of the filibuster limitation certainly aided Trump during his first term, too, and likely will again this time around. Back then, nearly half of Trump's nominees fell short of 60 votes while still winning confirmation.

An increasingly partisan Senate and nomination process

Before the 1970s, presidents rarely got pushback from the Senate on their Cabinet picks. Senators mostly deferred to the president's prerogative, with the view that presidents should have the advisers and administration officials they wanted unless those choices were especially scandalous or unqualified. Consequently, the Senate OK'd most of the president's picks without even taking a recorded vote, simply confirming them by voice vote on the Senate floor  a sign that the selections faced no or extremely limited opposition. During the presidencies of Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, just four of 74 total nominees faced a roll call vote. Outside of denying former Atomic Energy Commission Chair Lewis Strauss the post of commerce secretary in 1959  which you might be familiar with if you saw the film "Oppenheimer"  the Senate nearly always acquiesced to the president's choices. Fast forward to today, however, and virtually all Cabinet-level nominees now must contend with a recorded vote in the Senate.

A combination of growing executive power and rising political polarization helped bring about this shift. Over the course of the 20th century, the power of the president and the executive branch grew at the expense of Congress, as what became known as the "imperial presidency" rose to hold greater agenda-setting and policy-making prerogatives. In the early 1970s, Congress attempted to rein in the presidency by passing legislation to limit the president's latitude for unilateral military action and compel the president to provide greater transparency regarding executive budgetary practices. At the same time, the Senate also began to more aggressively scrutinize and demonstrate opposition to Cabinet-level appointments. To wit, across former President Richard Nixon's roughly one and a half terms in office, one-third of his nominees (15 of 45) faced a roll call vote, a major change from his immediate predecessors.

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Around the same time, the two major political parties began to become more ideologically coherent and started to move apart from each other, a process that has continued to this day. Conservatives moved more clearly into the Republican camp, while liberals shifted into the Democrats' corner, changes that brought with them more distinct policy differences and greater disdain for the opposition. This produced a growing divide between the ideological stances of Democratic and Republican senators, as shown by Voteview.com's DW-NOMINATE measure, which uses senators' voting records to place them on a continuum from -1 (most liberal) to 1 (most conservative). The gap between the average senator from each party has increased as Democrats have shifted to the left and, especially, Republicans have swung to the right.

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In this environment, nominations for Cabinet-level posts take longer and face more opposition than they once did. Consider how much longer it takes the Senate to finish confirming most of the high-profile secretariats for the 15 executive departments in a newly elected president's Cabinet. Through former President Ronald Reagan's first term, most newly elected presidents had their department heads confirmed within just a couple of weeks of taking office  i.e., by early February. But since then, each incoming president other than George W. Bush has taken until March at the earliest to fill out these top posts; Obama and Trump even took until late April. And this happened even though every elected president from Reagan to Biden (except the elder Bush) entered the White House with his party at least narrowly controlling the Senate.

Trump's special flavor of party loyalty

Now, this historical data doesn't mean that the next Senate absolutely will behave the same way. The controversial nature of some of Trump's choices, such as nominating vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, could brook enough opposition even within the GOP to stall out some picks. However, this is where there could be an especially impactful interaction between the increasingly polarized nomination process and Trump's particularly strong hold on the Republican Party.

Pricing in increased pushback from the opposition party, members of the president's party now face greater pressure than ever to confirm nominees. Take the ongoing debate over former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, Trump's choice for secretary of defense. Hegseth faces allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse. These sorts of personal scandals have precipitated the failure or withdrawal of many past nominees. In fact, the last time the Senate outright rejected a Cabinet pick involved both similar issues and the same secretariat: In March 1989, former Sen. John Tower's nomination to become George H.W. Bush's defense secretary failed in the Democratic-controlled Senate, driven in part by allegations of alcoholism and womanizing.

Yet enough Republican senators may back Hegseth for him to join the Cabinet. The delicate position of GOP Sen. Joni Ernst exemplifies how. Ernst, who sits on the Armed Services Committee that will handle Hegseth's nomination, is the first female combat veteran in the Senate, and she also disclosed in 2019 that she'd been sexually assaulted in the past. Earlier this month, she expressed skepticism toward Hegseth's nomination, telling Fox News that she hadn't yet decided to back him. But Ernst is also up for reelection in red-leaning Iowa in 2026. Following a whirlwind of criticism from Trump and his allies, along with threats of a possible primary challenge, Ernst expressed a more favorable view of Hegseth's nomination.

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Trump's Cabinet-level nominees will face substantial opposition in the Senate, especially compared with past presidencies. However, there's ample reason to think that, when push comes to shove, most Republicans will vote for his picks for most offices  if not just about all of them. With 53 seats in the next Senate, the GOP is well positioned to do Trump's bidding. Otherwise, incumbent senators may have to risk their political careers to oppose some of Trump's selections.

Footnotes

*This analysis includes all floor votes for the leadership posts of the 15 current Cabinet departments (attorney general and the secretaries of agriculture, commerce, defense, education, energy, health and human services, homeland security, housing and urban development, interior, labor, state, transportation, treasury and veterans affairs), nine other positions that are currently considered "Cabinet-level" (CIA director, chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, director of national intelligence, director of the Office of Management and Budget, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, administrator of the Small Business Administration, ambassador to the United Nations and U.S. trade representative) and six positions that had Cabinet status at one time (administrator of the General Services Administration, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, director of the Office of Personnel Management, postmaster general and secretary of health, education and welfare).

Why most of Trump's Cabinet picks will get confirmed by the Senate originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The country is trying to reverse its legacy of under-investing in public housing by churning out projects that defy expectations of the building type.

Borrassa by Peris + Toral Arquitectes holds 54 social housing units in Barcelonas Besos district.

When you picture the worlds best building of the past couple of years, perhaps a gleaming glass skyscraper or museum springs to mind. But the 2024 winner of the prestigious biannual RIBA International Prize is a building type rarely associated with being the bestsocial housing. Modulus Matrix, a six-story housing development of 85 socially rented homes in Cornella de Llobregat, Spain, designed by Barcelona firm Peris + Toral Arquitectes, took the plaudits. RIBA president Muyiwa Oki described it as a "blueprint for delivering sustainable, quality housing around the world at scale."

While impressive, in Spain, Modulus Matrix is not a one-off. Over the last decade, local governments across the country have been steadily building social housing that defies the prejudices these types of projects are often associated with, incorporating sunbathed balconies, generous communal spaces, natural materials, and passive design principles to improve the experience of living there for residents and even help minimize energy bills.

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This has come at a time when cities across Spain are facing challenges similar to many others globally: increasing evictions, growing energy poverty, people living in substandard and overcrowded housing, and skyrocketing rents. Given its high levels of tourism, Barcelonas housing shortage has been compounded by a spate of properties being converted to short-term rentals, which can generate two to four times the usual profit for owners and has seen vacation rentals boom to over a quarter of the rental housing stock in some neighborhoods, pricing many locals out. In June, the city announced plans to ban short-term rentals by November 2028. But Barcelona started tackling its housing crisis years earlier, setting out an ambitious Right to Housing Plan, 2016-2025 with a wide-reaching series of goals, from improving housing-related IT infrastructure to doubling its social housing provision.

Barcelona firms MIAS Architects and Coll-Leclerc completed 72 social housing units in the Marina del Prat Vermell neighborhood in 2023. The facade features alternating vertical strips of glass and ribbed fiber-reinforced concrete. The triangular buildings openings are designed to maximize solar gain in winter and provide solar shading and cross ventilation in summer on all floors. Photo by  Adria Goula

The Plan was championed by Ada Colau, Barcelonas former mayor (from 2015 to 2023), who inherited a city with a paltry social housing stock of just 7,500 homes for a population of 1.6 million, due to widespread sell-offs on the private market. Eduardo Gonzalez de Molina, a policy advisor with Barcelonas council housing unit, described the Plans long-term vision as "Vienna 2.0," referring to the Austrian citys legendary housing success, where a quarter of the population are social housing tenants. Despite being ousted in June 2023 by socialist Jaume Collboni, Colaus time as mayor helped kickstart serious efforts to finally upgrade the citys social housing sector that are being carried forward by Collboni.

The Plans ambitious rhetoric is, importantly, backed by financial clout, with 1.7 billion of direct contributions from the City Council77 percent more than the annual average spend in previous yearsand close to 3 billion in public and private funding earmarked over ten years, or around 300 million a year. (For comparison, Viennas social housing budget is said to be closer to 400 million, though the city also has a larger population of two million.) Through the Plan, the city has been purchasing existing buildings and buying up vacant apartments at 50 percent their market rate to increase its social housing stock. Barcelonas municipal organizations have also run social housing architectural competitions, giving established and emerging Spanish firms the chance to cut their teeth with innovative social housing designs.

"The best architects, they participate in competitions for social housing, even if the conditions are not very goodtheyre not the best paid projects, but they have a lot of status," says architect Carles Baiges Camprubi of Lacol, a Barcelona practice that specializes in cooperative housing.

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The conventional approach in apartment design is to locate rows of cellular units along either side of a long, central passagea model referred to as a "double-loaded corridor." This can waste circulation space and limit opportunities for light and cross ventilation. Much of Barcelonas new-build social housing outright rejects this, with architects instead opting for layouts that are compact and standardized, but also offer greater possibilities for social interaction between residents, along with more access to sunlight and air.

For instance, at the 67 publicly subsidized dwellings in Barcelonas La Trinitat Nova neighborhood, completed in 2023 by Narch Arquitectes, Maira Arquitectes, and dataAE, access to each apartment is via a private terrace connected to a partially open hallway and stairwell, with just two units on either side of the landing. This allows each open-plan living space to span the width of the structure, channeling breezes through openings on both ends. Balconies on the east and west also provide every unit a place to sit in the sun in the morning and eveningthe kind of experience typically reserved for luxury apartments. At Baro Tower, a housing block with 47 state-subsidized units completed by the same three firms the year prior, groups of four apartments are also accessed via shared, open terraces connected to a central atrium. This means each apartment can open up on three sides, offering light and through-breezes. The atrium provides a communal space for the building and can be opened and closed in different seasons, trapping warmth during winter, or expelling excess heat using the stack effect in summer. Across both buildings, natural materials like brick, ceramic tile, timber, and stone are all used in abundance.

Peris + Toral Arquitectes, the same Barcelona firm behind the 2024 RIBA International Prizewinning Modulus Matrix, designed Borrassa, a mixed-used building with 54 social housing units, in the citys Besos district. The brick lattice walls help ventilate the atrium. Photo: Jose Hevia

The use of mass timber is another common feature of several recent social housing projects in Barcelona to both speed up construction and reduce embodied carbon (the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that occur during the construction of a building). The award-winning Modulus Matrix, for example, used 8,300 cubic meters (10,856 cubic yards) of Spanish-harvested timber for the floors, walls, and solid wooden stairs. Its modular layout means every room is the same size3.6 by 3.6 meters (11.8 by 11.8 feet)creating apartments that can be easily reconfigured over time, while also reducing build cost. At 151 social housing apartments completed in Barcelonas Sant Marti district in 2024, the use of prefabricated timber panels reduced construction time from two years to one, while also reducing carbon emissions by 30 percent.

Innovative design approaches mean quality is achieved despite tight budgetary constraints. In Barcelona firm MAIOs scheme for a four-story, multifamily building with 40 social housing units, shading is provided by wrapping the building in experimental fabric curtains. This low-cost, low-maintenance approach helped construction costs come in at 950 per square meter (about $92 per square foot), almost half the national average of 1,700 per square meter (around $165 per square foot).

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Beyond conventional social housing, Barcelonas City Council has also created a cooperative housing committee to facilitate cohousing, a model in which the city or a private owner provides a property or abandoned site for a cooperative group to build on and occupy for up to 50 to 100 years, with construction often financed by socially responsible banks. The cooperative pays a deposit and monthly installments at below-market prices, but since the housing is not for profit, these payments can be around 40 percent lower than average rents in the city.

As their name suggests, cooperatives also promote more communal living. At La Borda, a 28-unit "self-organized" cooperative designed by Lacol in 2018, residents have access to generous shared amenities and facilities, including a large, open multipurpose space, kitchens, laundry, guest rooms, and more. Since the cooperative is the client for the build (rather than a generic developer), it also creates a more participatory design process, giving those who will actually live there a voice on the architecture. According to Camprubi, this means cooperatives look and feel different to typical apartments "because we had the opportunity to discuss with people, to propose them alternatives, and they could evaluate them and decide whether or not they wanted to take the risk."

Spains social housing revolution has also seen the creation of homes catering to groups explicitly failed by market-led housing provision. Barcelona firm Vivas Arquitectoss 100-person Reception Center for Homeless Women is a simple rectilinear block built from thick cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls with a series of interior terraces and balconies. Its metallic facade shimmers in the Catalonian sun, creating an aesthetic that feels more like a contemporary arts museum than subsidized housing or a shelter.

Joan Josep Fortuny Giro and Alventosa Morell Arquitectes designed 54 social housing units in Inca, a town on the Spanish island of Mallorca, on a plot owned by the Balearic Housing Institute (IBAVI). Each of the units have outdoor spaces: private gardens on the ground level, and terraces on the upper floors. Sustainably extracted larchwood sun shields cover much of the facade. Photo by Jose Hevia

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See the full story on Dwell.com: Why Is Spains Social Housing So Well-Designed?

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(NewsNation)  Officials in Florida are warning residents to keep their distance from wild monkeys after they were spotted roaming through multiple communities this week.

Rhesus, vervet and squirrel monkeys were recently seen in Florida, NewsNation local affiliate WFLA reports. One rhesus macaque was captured on camera sitting on a fence in Orange City, which is just north of Orlando.

Orange City Police said on social media it is important to not feed or approach the monkeys if residents see one. Instead, they should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for help.

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What is the Project Blue Beam drone conspiracy theory?

A band of monkeys has lived in Florida since the 1930s when a commercial riverboat captain released about six rhesus masques on an island in the Silver River to boost tourism. By the 1980s, there were about 400 monkeys. About 1,000 macaques were trapped, removed and sold to biomedical research facilities from 1984-2012. An estimated 175 rhesus macaques among five groups in Silver Springs State Park were reported in 2015.

Tour boat captain Colin Innis saw a monkey swinging through the trees along the St. Johns River. He said in an interview with NewsNation he couldnt believe his eyes.

Thats not something we normally see around this area, and it really caught me by surprise, Innes said.

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Innes immediately called the commission and was told not to look directly into the monkeys eyes, as they can view that as a sign of aggression.

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Chandler has transformed over the past 113 years from a patch of barren desert with three wooden shacks to a city of nearly 300,000 people that's a hub for one of the most leading-edge technology manufacturers in the world  and it all began with a veterinarian facing the final years of the Wild West era.

The story of Chandler is a quirky one that features chapters about everything from ostrich farming, to frequent car crashes after the automobile was invented, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Here's a quick rundown of how Chandler became the city it is today.

Who is Chandler, Arizona, named after?

Chandler is named after veterinarian Dr. Alexander John Chandler, the first animal surgeon in the Arizona territory. In 1891, just as the Wild West era was coming to an end, he bought about 80 acres of federal land just south of Mesa that would eventually become the city of Chandler.

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Dr. Chandler also studied irrigation engineering, which helped him create a system of canals around his property that made the area livable and farmable, rather than just a dry and dead slice of desert.

By the year 1900, the doctor owned about 18,000 acres of land  or roughly half of the total land area the city of Chandler would eventually occupy. He divvied up that property in 1912 and sold pieces to about 300 individuals who came from across the nation, spending a combined $50,000 on property.

Chandler began to resemble a proper community after those landowners came to town, but still had only three wooden buildings: a townsite office, a dining hall and the Morrison Grocery store.

'If the walls could talk': Historic Chandler hotel transformed metro Phoenix into a travel powerhouse

When was Chandler founded?

Dr. Chandler built a large public park in the community that was flanked by storefronts to the south and west and that included a bank and a railroad depot. He also opened the Hotel San Marcos in late 1913.

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The community of Chandler was still mostly an agricultural one, with everything from cotton fields to ostrich plantations. The latter produced feathers that were used to make fashionable women's clothes at the time.

Chandler had 1,000 residents by the time 1920 rolled around and the then-novel automobile became a big issue. Cars often crashed into the park, according to the city of Chandler's website.

The community's roughly 1,000 residents voted in May 1920 to make Chandler an official town and Dr. Chandler served as its first interim mayor until elections were held.

How Chandler grew from ostriches to semiconductors

Arizona built State Route 87 down Arizona Avenue in 1940 to stop the frequent car crashes, which killed Chandler's central park but was needed because "the town's original design was no longer safe or practical," per the city.

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The U.S. Army Air Corps opened a training facility east of Chandler in 1941, just two months before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. GIs were all over the town throughout World War II.

Dr. Chandler died in 1950 when his town had reached a population of 3,800. Four years later, it was upgraded to a city, a designation it still has today. And then between 1980 and 2024, the town's population jumped from 30,000 to more than 280,000.

1980 was also the year that Intel, the semiconductor manufacturer, set up shop in Chandler. It's now the city's largest nongovernment employer with at least 13,000 staff members, generates nearly $9 billion in statewide economic impact and is continuing to expand with a new high-tech facility expected to open in 2025.

From ostriches to high-tech: What to know about Intel, the semiconductor company getting billions to expand in Arizona

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Chandler, AZ: See how much has changed with historical photos
JOHNSON CITY, NY (WIVT/WBGH)  A local auto dealer donated thousands of dollars to make health and fitness programs more accessible.

The Williams Auto Group presented the YMCA of Broome County with a $10,000 check.

Williams Auto says they selected the YMCA because several of their employees have fond memories of growing up and playing at The Y.

The fund development director at The Y, Preston Evans, says the funding will support a variety of programs, like the live strong support program for cancer survivors, aquatics, its 123 Grow initiative and many others.

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He says because of donations like this, the YMCA can remove any financial barriers keeping families from participating.

A lot of the funding that we receive goes toward our financial assistance program. Just last year, we gave away $363,000 in financial assistance because we do not believe that anyone should be turned away because of an inability to pay for a program, says Evans.

Members of Williams auto, including Vice President Dalton Williams, received a tour of the Westover facility, and got to see what their donation is going to support.

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BANNER ELK, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  One Avery County fire department has a new fire truck from the northeast that will further assist with Helene disaster relief.

The town of Princeton, New Jersey, used the GovDeals auction site to donate its 1998 Pierce Dash model truck to the Banner Elk Fire Department.

Its just hard: Western NC sees first snow following Helene devastation

The Banner Elk Fire Department shared that the truck is going to help not just us with firefighting capabilities and performance, its also going to help out the taxpayers, the business owners, the homeowners. So, its really more, more than just a win for us. Its a win for the entire community on a multifaceted level.

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The truck was previously used by the Mercer Engine Co. No. 3. It has a 2,000 GPM pump, 500-gallon water tank and 65-foot Snozzle boom. It was retired by the department Nov. 19.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  In a pared-down State of the County address Tuesday, elected officials and business leaders touted the positive momentum of Cambria County in every sector.

We are winning by getting things done  putting points on the board, Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky said.

He and his fellow commissioners took turns at the podium addressing a sizable crowd at the Holiday Inn Johnstown- Downtown for the annual event.

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Chernisky told the attendees that the county has come a long way in the past seven years, noting the jump in the S&P Global bond rating from BBB to A, advancements in outdoor recreation and growth at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport.

Good things are going on in county government and good things are going on in the county, President Commissioner Scott Hunt said, and that should be highlighted.

Commissioner Keith Rager described Tuesdays morning gathering, sponsored by Wessel & Co., as a vital event, stating its important to report to the people in our area what were doing.

In addition to the speakers, the audience watched a short video with messages from other county officials and business leaders.

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They heard from Cambria County Chief Clerk Alex Ashcom about his confidence in the region; Treasurer Lisa Kozorosky regarding the new three+one cashVest system to help with governmental finances; and District Attorney Greg Neugebauer, who commented on the grant-funding rapid DNA database being developed.

Cambria County Sheriff Donald Robertson shared information about his staff working toward accreditation through the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association; and Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority Executive Director Cliff Kitner touched on the nearly finished largest rail trail loop on the East Coast using the Ghost Town Trail, which just finished phase one of the work.

Johnstown Area Regional Industries President and CEO Linda Thompson spoke about the positive business developments in the county on the video; airport Manager Corey Cree discussed the developments there and work toward easier flights south to places such as Florida; and Nulton Aviation co-founder Larry Nulton highlighted secondary education programs as well as mechanic training offerings with St. Francis University.

As for county government, Hunt said the commissioners have been steadfast against challenges and embraced progress throughout the past year  an approach they plan to carry into 2025.

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He told the crowd the commissioners are set to consolidate bonds in the coming year, which will save money, and major upcoming projects include roof repairs for the Cambria County Courthouse in Ebensburg and the Central Park Complex in downtown Johnstown.

The county will also undertake construction of a new records storage facility in 2025, and officials have plans to streamline the election process after a ballot printing error this year caused chaos on Election Day.

Hunt said overall Cambria County is in a good place.

Joshua Byers is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-532-5054. Follow him on Twitter @Journo_Josh.
The Wisconsin assembly is slated to introduce a new committee modeled after the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) which was created to reduce wasteful spending.

State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R) said he would make strides toward the same goal for the Badger State through the Governmental, Oversight, Accountability and Transparency Committee (GOAT).

I think that we can look at a lot of ideas and try to find ways to make government do a better job than we currently are, Vos said in a Wednesday interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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Im super excited that were going to now kind of focus on, not just how do we layer more things on, but how do we make the things that we already have work better, he added.

Vos said the new committee would focus on how to incorporate artificial intelligence and technology into everyday life for Wisconsin residents to make life easier and more cost-effective.

State Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R) was selected to chair the committee amid an influx of Democrats in the next legislative cycle.

Vos did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who are set to co-chair DOGE, have already inserted their suggestions to House representatives and President-elect Trump alike with harsh critiques of the proposed stopgap measure.

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Their recent posts on X urged Republicans to vote against the bill in the wake of a looming government shutdown.

The Wisconsin GOAT committee will likely follow in their footsteps, charting a new course for efforts to reduce government spending.

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NECEDAH, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX)  The Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy will hold a graduation ceremony for 86 cadets from 32 counties on Saturday, December 21 at noon at Necedah High School. The graduating class of 53 cadets will receive their high school equivalency diploma and can earn up to ten college credits by completing the 22-week Challenge Academy program.

The Challenge Academy is a cost-free alternative, and voluntary, education program that reshapes the lives of 16 to 18-year-olds at risk of not graduating from high school. It uses a structured, military-style environment and state-certified teachers and counselors to build cadets academic abilities, character, self-confidence and personal discipline. The National Guard Youth Challenge Program currently operates 37 programs in 29 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, more than 215,843 teens have graduated.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud.
WISCONSIN, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX)  Whether its overloaded electrical sockets, unattended candles, or turkeys left in the oven too long, people are 50% more likely to die in a house fire during the Christmas period. Florida-based injury lawyers Anidjar & Levine analyzed data from the US Fire Administration to discover which states had the highest number of deaths, as well as injuries, for every 1,000 house fires.

Wisconsin is eighth on that list, with 11.1 deaths for every 1,000 residential fires. Severely cold weather in the state often leads people to use alternative heating methods, which become unsafe if the proper precautions are not taken.

Alaska is first, with 25.5 deaths for every 1,000 residential fires. The state experiences long winter months with extended periods of darkness, causing many residents to rely on artificial lighting and space heaters, both of which can pose a fire risk. Many communities are isolated, meaning that response times from emergency services can be delayed.

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Alaska also has the highest number of injuries at a massive 64.4 for every 1,000 house fires. This is a 225% increase compared to the national average, which sits at just 19.8.

North Dakota is second, with 16.3 deaths for every 1,000 residential fires. North Dakota experiences significant fluctuations in temperature, which can result in the rapid freezing and thawing of pipes and the need for frequent heating adjustments. This can lead to electrical malfunctions or gas leaks, increasing the risk of fires. The state also has areas with a high concentration of older buildings that often have outdated wiring and heating systems.

In third is Wyoming, with 14.3 deaths for every 1,000 house fires. Wyoming is susceptible to extremely strong winds, meaning that fires can spread quickly. When combined with the semi-arid climate, the state has all the necessary components to allow fires to ignite and get out of control with ease. The tradition of using real trees is also something to bear in mind when examining residential fire risks in Wyoming. If placed too close to a heat source, or faulty electrical lights are used, flames can spread in a matter of seconds.

Tennessee ranks fourth, with 13.5 deaths for every 1,000 residential fires. Cooking fires are one of the leading causes of residential fires in Tennessee, most likely due to the states strong cultural emphasis on family gatherings during the holidays. Extended kitchen use, particularly frying and grilling, can increase the risk of a fire, which is also heightened due to the distractions that often come with the festivities. High poverty rates in the state may also contribute to this risk, as many families will resort to unsafe heating methods to keep warm or live in buildings that do not have the appropriate fire safety equipment.

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In fifth is Nebraska, with 12.8 deaths for every 1,000 house fires. Nebraskas agricultural lifestyle contributes to the heightened risk of fires in the state. Many homes are situated near or on farms, which are full of flammable materials such as hay. The dry climate during the winter months can increase fire spread. 92.2% of fire departments in Nebraska are entirely volunteer-based, which means that there may be issues with staffing and therefore response times, increasing the likelihood of injury or death due to a fire.

Kansas is sixth, with 12.2 deaths for every 1,000 residential fires. Kansas strong winds can increase the spread of fires at a much higher rate, alongside the use of wood-burning stoves, space heaters, and propane heaters in rural homes. Tied for seventh place are Ohio and Iowa, with 11.3 deaths for every 1,000 residential fires.

As well as a high death rate, Ohio has the fourth-highest injury rate at 38.4 for every 1,000 house fires, with added risks in high-rise apartment buildings and older multifamily units that are typically not built to modern fire safety standards.

Many rural houses in Iowa likely still use fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers, which can increase the chance of an electrical fire if overloaded by modern appliances or space heaters during the winter.

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In ninth is South Carolina, with 10 deaths for every 1,000 house fires. South Carolina has many older mobile homes, which are more vulnerable to fires due to outdated electrical wiring and limited escape routes.

Arkansas is tenth, with 9.8 deaths for every 1,000 residential fires. Just 4.4% of fire departments are staffed by professional firefighters, 54.2% less than the national average, meaning response times, particularly in rural areas, may be slower.

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Bird flu was found in a Kenosha flock of chickens and ducks, which will be destroyed to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus. (Photo by Stephen Ausmus | Animal Research Services, USDA)

A farm worker in Barron County has tested positive for avian influenza after being exposed to a poultry flock infected with the virus, Wisconsin health officials said Wednesday. The woman is the first person identified with the infection in Wisconsin.

At the other end of the state, a case of the highly contagious disease has turned up in a Kenosha County poultry flock, according to the state agriculture department. The flock has been isolated and will be destroyed.

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The risk of illness for the general public remains low, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), while people working with infected animals or who might be otherwise exposed to them are at higher risk.

Also Wednesday, the federal government reported the first severe case of bird flu in a patient in Louisiana. That was believed to be associated with wild birds, not domestic poultry.

The infected woman in Barron County was identified through a test at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene. The diagnosis is pending confirmation at federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Reporting animal and bird illness

To report increased mortality or signs of illness among domestic birds, dairy cattle, or other animals, contact DATCP at (608) 224-4872 (business hours) or (800) 943-0003 (after hours and weekends). For updates on how the virus is affecting domestic birds in Wisconsin, and to find resources on protecting Wisconsin poultry, visit DATCPs HPAI in Poultry webpage.

DATCP updates on H5N1 virus

For updates on how the H5N1 virus is affecting dairy cattle across the country, and to find resources on protecting Wisconsin dairy cattle, visit DATCPs H5N1 in Dairy Cattle webpage.

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She was exposed to the Barron County poultry flock where the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) identified an infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) last week. The flock was destroyed.

After the infected flock was identified, DHS and Barron County Health and Human Services began monitoring farm workers who may have been exposed to the birds, said Thomas Haupt, a DHS research scientist and epidemiologist, in an online news conference Wednesday.

The woman who tested positive was one of two people tested.

She had relatively mild symptoms but symptoms that would be consistent with influenza, including sore throat, slight fever, some fatigue, some eye discharge, said Haupt. He said she was improving after being treated with an antiviral medication and was expected to make a full recovery.

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Public health officials are monitoring another 17 people who were exposed.

State public health veterinarian Dr. Angie Maxted said when people are infected with a communicable disease, public health agencies contact family and other household members to test them for the illness and inform them about preventive measures.

The Kenosha flock where an H5N1 infection was reported Wednesday is a backyard flock  one that is raised for a familys own use, with limited, local sales of eggs or other products, said Dr. Darlene Konkle, DATCP state veterinarian. The flock consisted of 88 chickens and five ducks.

Haupt said the Kenosha County residents who might have been exposed are being tested for the virus. There are no concerns that members of the general public were at risk, however. Maxted said that it appears only the flocks owners were exposed to the birds.

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According to DATCP, the birds from the flock where the infection was reported will not enter the food supply.

In addition, poultry within a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) area of the Kenosha flock will be restricted from being moved on or off any premises, said DATCP, which establishes a control area around any premises where an infection is found.

DATCP has a mapping tool that poultry producers and owners can consult to learn whether their poultry are in an active control area or surveillance zone.

Concern about the virus has been heightened for the last three years, with reports of infections in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021.

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Konkle said DATCP has been sending information to dairy, poultry and other livestock producers all year, encouraging them to improve biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of disease and protect their birds and animals.

The H5N1 HPAI virus is highly contagious and can be fatal to domestic poultry. The severity of the illness varies depending on its strain and on which species of animal it affects, according to DATCP.

The virus spreads by contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, and through clothing or equipment used by people working with infected birds or animals.

DHS has a web page with guidance for Protective Actions for People. The department can provide a limited amount of surplus personal protective equipment for farm workers, businesses and processors from the departments medical stockpile through its Office of Preparedness and Emergency Health Care.

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State law requires all Wisconsin livestock owners to register where their animals are kept, which helps health officials alert flock and herd owners.

Avian flu in domestic birds tends to increase late in the year, likely due to weather conditions and the flow of migrating birds through Wisconsin. Theres more opportunity, when its circulating in these wild birds for the virus to spread, Konkle said.

People who have contact with livestock and animals are at higher risk for exposure to the H5N1 avian flu virus and should avoid contact with sick or ill animals, said Maxted.

When they must be in contact, people should follow common sense precautions, washing their hands frequently and wearing protective clothing including gloves, respiratory protection and eye protection, she said, and clothing exposed to animals should be cleaned and disinfected.

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Haupt said the DHS bureau of environmental and occupational health has been working with farmers and farm workers to inform them about the risks of avian influenza and precautions to protect themselves from the virus. The agency urges people who do get sick to take time off.

If someone is sick, if you dont have to work  dont work, Haupt said. Stay home, give yourself time to heal.

This report has been updated to correct the number of people in Barron County being monitored after avian flu exposure.

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BARRON COUNTY, Wis.  Health officials in Wisconsin have detected a presumptive positive human case of bird flu in a person who was exposed to an infected flock of commercial poultry earlier this month.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced Wednesday that it had detected the first presumptive positive case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1), also known as bird flu, in Barron County.

Bird flu: Louisiana patient is first severe case and California declares emergency

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Health officials said the positive case, which was identified through testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH), is currently pending confirmation at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

The case comes shortly after the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) identified a commercial poultry flock in Barron County that was infected with bird blu.

On Dec. 12, the DATCP announced that it had identified the infected commercial poultry flock and was working with animal health officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on a response.

2 cats die from suspected bird flu traced to raw milk in California

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As a safety measure, poultry and poultry products were not moved from the impacted facility, and birds on the property were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Health officials added that birds from the flock would not enter the food system.

DHS said to date, bird flu cases have not been detected in dairy cattle in the state.

What is HPAI H5N1?

HPAI H5N1 is caused by avian influenza type A (H5N1) viruses and is highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry.

The disease can vary in severity depending on the strain and symptoms include:

Sore throat

Fever

Muscle aches

Cough

Eye infections (Conjunctivitis)

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USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus

Health officials warn anyone who has been in contact with animals who may have been infected, or those who develop symptoms of flu or an eye infection, to stay home and contact their physicians office before visiting, so they can take precautions to ensure other patients are not exposed.

Who is at risk?

According to health officials, the risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low, but people who work with infected animals, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.

Health officials said the virus does not spread easily from animals to people, and those who had fallen ill have been in direct contact with infected animals.

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Officials added that the disease can be spread through contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.

Why are Trader Joes stores short on eggs?

DHS said while it is safe to eat eggs, poultry and meat that have been fully cooked, as well as pasteurized milk and milk products, the following safety measures should be taken when handling raw meat and raw eggs:

Wash hands and surfaces before and after food preparation.

Avoid using the same utensils on raw meat as on other foods, even cooked meat.

Cook raw meat thoroughly.

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As a safety measure, DHS, and Barron County Health and Human Services are monitoring farm workers who may have been exposed.

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) website for the latest updates on bird flu in the state.

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV)  A 53-year-old Wisconsin man, known by the nickname Bin Laden, has been sentenced to 45 years in federal prison for sex trafficking.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that Samuel L. Spencer of Milwaukee was convicted at trial of four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. He will also serve five years of supervised release.

Wisconsin DHS warns against holiday tradition of eating cannibal sandwiches

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Evidence presented at trial revealed that Spencer, a drug dealer, exploited women struggling with addiction, coercing them into commercial sex acts to generate income for him. He manipulated his victims by providing or withholding cocaine and heroin, depriving them of basic needs like sleep and food, and inflicting extreme physical violence.

The violence included strangulation, whipping with belts, burning, and even kidnapping a woman by locking her in the trunk of his car when she tried to escape.

During the two-week trial, prosecutors introduced evidence, including Spencers own words boasting about his crimes and threatening his victims with harm.

At sentencing, Chief U.S. Judge Pamela Pepper described Spencers 15-year reign of terror as nearly incomprehensible, emphasizing the severe violence and impact on his victims. Judge Pepper stated Spencer used force, threats, violence  and sometimes all three to strip his victims of their autonomy.

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For more than 15 years, Samuel Spencer used violence, threats, forms of torture, manipulation, and financial control to coerce his victims to engage in commercial sex acts for one purpose  to make as much money for him as possible, said U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad.

Wisconsin man arrested for 1st degree reckless homicide after months-long investigation into overdose death

Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office added, The lengthy sentence issued by the court reflects the heinous nature of these crimes and that behavior of this type will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

No additional details were provided.

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Police confirmed the shooter who killed a teacher and fellow student in a Wisconsin school earlier this week was contacted by a man in California who was plotting an attack on a government building, according to The Associated Press.

A 15-year-old student fired fatal shots at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday in Madison before taking her own life. In addition to the two confirmed deaths, two students remain in critical condition due to injuries from the gunfire.

I do not know if she planned it that day or if she planned it a week prior, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes told reporters. To me, bringing a gun to school to hurt people is planning. And so we dont know what the premeditation is.

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The 20-year-old California man who communicated with the teenager was ordered to relinquish his guns and ammunition on Tuesday within 48 hours under the states red flag law, citing the individual as a danger to himself and others.

If an officer were to request the weapons earlier than the two-day period, the judges order requires him to comply.

FBI agents discovered the California man was messaging the shooter identified as Natalie Rupnow about a government building attack involving a gun and explosives, according to reports from the AP.

Documents do not outline which building was mentioned or when the timing of the alleged attack would have occurred.

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Our hearts are heavy with these losses, wrote Barbara Wiers, Abundant Life Christians communications director, in an email to The Associated Press.

The school and Madison community has spent the past few days mourning the death of 14-year-old freshman Rubi Patricia Vergara and teacher Erin Michelle West.

Its unclear whether police will charge Rupnows parents, and authorities say they have been cooperative throughout their investigation.

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MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The shooter who killed a student and teacher at a religious school in Wisconsin brought two guns to the school and was in contact with a man in California who authorities say was planning to attack a government building, according to authorities and court documents that became public Wednesday.

Police were still investigating why the 15-year-old student at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison shot and killed a fellow student and teacher on Monday before shooting herself, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said. Two other students who were shot remained in critical condition on Wednesday.

We may never know what she was thinking that day, but well do our best to try to add or give as much information to our public as possible, Barnes said.

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A California judge, meanwhile, issued a restraining order Tuesday under Californias gun red flag law against a 20-year-old Carlsbad man. The order requires the man to turn his guns and ammunition in to police within 48 hours unless an officer asks for them sooner because he poses an immediate danger to himself and others.

According to the order, the man told FBI agents that he had been messaging Natalie Rupnow, the Wisconsin shooter, about attacking a government building with a gun and explosives. The order doesnt say what building he had targeted or when he planned to launch his attack. It also doesnt detail his interactions with Rupnow except to state that the man was plotting a mass shooting with her.

The student who was killed in Mondays school shooting was identified in an obituary released Wednesday as Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, of Madison. She was a freshman at the school and an avid reader, loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band, according to the obituary. The Associated Press attempts to reach the girls family by phone and email on Wednesday evening were unsuccessful.

The Dane County medical examiner Wednesday evening identified the teacher who was killed as 42-year-old Erin Michelle West, after initially identifying her as Michelle E. West. A man who answered the phone at a number listed for West in public records hung up when reached by a reporter Wednesday evening.

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The schools communication director, Barbara Wiers, said in a statement Wednesday evening that Vergara had attended the school since kindergarten.

West worked as a substitute teacher for three years before accepting a position as the schools substitute coordinator and an in-building substitute teacher, Wiers said.

Our hearts are heavy with these losses, Wiers wrote in an email to The Associated Press.

Police, with the assistance of the FBI, were scouring online records and other resources and speaking with the shooters parents and classmates in an attempt to determine a motive for the shooting, Barnes said.

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Police dont know if anyone was targeted in the attack or if the attack had been planned in advance, the chief said.

I do not know if she planned it that day or if she planned it a week prior, Barnes said. To me, bringing a gun to school to hurt people is planning. And so we dont know what the premeditation is.

While Rupnow had two handguns, Barnes said he does not know how she obtained them and he declined to say who purchased them, citing the ongoing investigation.

No decisions have been made about whether Rupnows parents might be charged in relation to the shooting, but they have been cooperating, Barnes said.

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Online court records show no criminal cases against her father, Jeffrey Rupnow, or her mother, Mellissa Rupnow. They are divorced and shared custody of their daughter, but she primarily lived with her father, according to court documents. Divorce records indicate that Natalie was in therapy in 2022, but dont say why.

The school shooting was the latest among dozens across the U.S. in recent years, including especially deadly ones in Newtown, Connecticut, Parkland, Florida, and Uvalde, Texas.

But the Wisconsin shooting stands out because school shootings by teenage females have been extremely rare in the U.S., with males in their teens and 20s carrying out the majority of them, said David Riedman, founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database.

Abundant Life is a nondenominational Christian school that offers prekindergarten classes through high school. About 420 students attend the institution.

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The two deceased victims of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis. on Monday, Dec. 16, have been identified as a student and a staff member.

According to a news release from the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office on Wednesday, Dec. 18, and obtained by PEOPLE, the victims have been identified as Erin M. West, 42, and Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14.

Preliminary autopsy results show that both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene and died of "homicidal firearm related trauma."

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In her obituary, Vergara, a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School, was remembered as an "avid reader, loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band."

Gunderson Funeral Home Rubi Patricia Vergara Rubi Patricia Vergara

Related: A Second Grade Teacher, Not a Student, Called 911 to Report Wis. School Shooting, Police Chief Clarifies

"She shared a special bond with her beloved pets, Ginger (cat) and Coco (dog)," the obituary adds.

Vergara was a substitute coordinator, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and The New York Times, citing a staff directory.

The shooter has been identified as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who went by the name "Samantha." The teen is alleged to have opened fire with a handgun in a study hall at the school, killing a staffer and student and injuring six others before turning her weapon on herself.

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According to the medical examiner, Rupnow was pronounced dead at a local hospital following the incident. Preliminary results from the autopsy confirm that she died as a result of "firearm related trauma," and additional testing is underway.

Andy Manis/Getty The campus of Abundant Life Christian School after a school shooting on December 16, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin The campus of Abundant Life Christian School after a school shooting on December 16, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin

Related: 3 Dead Including 'Juvenile' Assailant in School Shooting in Madison, Wis.: Police

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Six students were also hospitalized following the incident. Two of the injured were listed in critical condition with life-threatening injuries immediately following the shooting, while the remaining four were hospitalized with non-life-threatening. Two of the four were released on Monday evening, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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Authorities have not firmly established a motive, but Rupnow's family is cooperating with the investigation, and law enforcement has searched her home, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said at a previous press conference. On Wednesday, Barnes also told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in an interview that police currently have no information indicating that Rupnow was targeting a specific person.



Read the original article on People
The victims killed in Mondays shooting at a small private school in Madison, Wisconsin, have been identified as a caring teacher who would have done anything for her students and a 14-year-old freshman who loved reading, art and music.

Erin Michelle West, 42, and Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, were both pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, CNN reported citing the Dane County Medical Examiners Office. Police say a 15-year-old female student carried out the attack.

Four students also suffered minor injuries, while two remain hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, police told CNN on Wednesday. The shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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An online obituary for Vergara described how she loved singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band and said she shared a special bond with her beloved cat Ginger and dog Coco.

She had attended Abundant Lifea tight-knit school with about 400 students spread across 13 gradessince kindergarten, the schools communications director told the Associated Press.

The school also said West had worked as a substitute teacher for three years before joining Abundant Life as the schools substitute coordinator and in-building substitute teacher.

Students told CNN that West was always very kind and caring and a really good person. She was a mother who was excited to watch her daughters grow up and see what they would do with their lives.

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She really loved her kids, and she really, really loved everyone at our school, and she would have done anything for them, one sophomore told CNN.

The school told the AP, Our hearts are heavy with these losses.

Police say Abundant Life student Natalie Rupnowwho preferred to go by the name Samanthaopened fire Monday on a mixed-grade study hall.

Authorities said they were still trying to determine what motivated the attack, but on Wednesday they revealed Rupnow had been in contact with a 20-year-old man in Carlsbad, California, who was allegedly plotting a mass killing with the teen.

A student whose locker was next to Rupnows told CNN that the girl, who reportedly had a troubled home life, was shy and quiet, but didnt seem capable of violence.

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She didnt really have any friends, and she just seemed really lonely, the student told CNN. It wasnt like she was trying to fit in. She seemed very content being alone.

According to court documents obtained by the Washington Post, Rupnows parents had been married and divorced three times, and the teen was in therapy while she tried to decide which parent to spend weekends with.

Investigators are still trying to determine where she got the gun that she used to carry out the attack. In August, her father, Jeff Rupnow, shared photos of her shooting at a gun club that theyd joined in the spring. In the images, shes wearing a T-shirt featuring a band that was also idolized by one of the Columbine shooters.

Police said Rupnows parents are cooperating with their investigation.
Tributes have been paid to the two victims who died in the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, who have been named as 42-year-old teacher Erin M. West and 14-year-old student Rubi P. Vergara.

The Dane County medical examiners office confirmed their identities in a news release Wednesday night, while the school said in a separate statement that our hearts are heavy with these losses.

The suspected shooter, Natalie Rupnow, 15, a freshman at the school who was also known as Samantha, died on the way to hospital Monday from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

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ALCS is a better school for the work of Erin West. She brought her love of Jesus and love of people to our staff and school family all wrapped in a hug and topped with a smile, the school said in its statement.

Erin West.

It said West worked as a substitute teacher for three years before she took a full-time staff role as an in-house substitute teacher and coordinator, a role tailor made for her abundant skills and breadth of knowledge.

She served our teachers and students with grace, humor, wisdom, and  most importantly  with the love of Jesus. Her loss is a painful and deep one and she will be greatly missed not just among our staff, but our entire ALCS family, the statement added.

Rubi Vergara, a ninth grade student who had been at the school since kindergarten, was described as popular and a keen volunteer.

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Her gentle, loving, and kind heart was reflected in her smile. Rubi was a blessing to her class and our school. She was not only a good friend, but a great big sister, the school said.

Often seen with a book in hand, she had a gift for art and music. Yet, it was Rubis love for Jesus that shined brightest and she shared His love with others by volunteering faithfully. She will be missed deeply by her teachers and fellow students, it added.

An online obituary uploaded to a local funeral home website said Vergara loved art, singing and playing keyboard in her family's worship band. She shared a special bond with her beloved pets, Ginger (cat) and Coco (dog), the obituary said.

Rubi Patricia Vergara.

The funeral home said a service for Vergara would be held at 11 a.m. CT (12 a.m. ET) Saturday and livestreamed online.

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The police investigation continues. Authorities said Wednesday night that the two unidentified students who sustained life-threatening injuries remain in a hospital, while the four people who were treated in the hospital for minor injuries have been discharged.

Police said the shooter opened fire in a second-floor classroom during a study hall for mixed graders.

Two guns were found at the school, only one of which was used in the shooting, police said.

Police said that they were working to establish a motive and that they were aware of the suspects alleged social media activity and documents and photos circulating the internet, which have yet to be verified.

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Detectives want to speak to anyone who may have interacted with Rupnow in the days or weeks before the shooting  they can contact police anonymously through Madison Area Crime Stoppers at p3tips.com or by calling 608-266-6014.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Authorities have identified the victims of the Abundant Life Christian School shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, as Rubi Vergara, a 14-year-old student, and Erin West, a 42-year-old teacher.

West and Vergara, whose identities were confirmed by the Dane County Medical Examiners office on Wednesday night, were killed in the shooting at the private K-12 school on Monday. Police said the shooter, a 15-year-old female student, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

West had been a substitute teacher at Abundant Life for three years before becoming the schools in-house substitute teacher and coordinator, the school said in a statement.

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ALCS is a better school for the work of Erin West, the school said. She served our teachers and students with grace, humor, wisdom, and  most importantly  with the love of Jesus. Her loss is a painful and deep one and she will be greatly missed not just among our staff, but our entire ALCS family.

West was also a mother. A student told CNN that West was so excited to see her daughters grow up and what they were going to be and do with their lives.

Vergara had been at the school since kindergarten and was in the 9th grade this year. Her gentle, loving, and kind heart was reflected in her smile. Rubi was a blessing to her class and our school. She was not only a good friend, but a great big sister, the school said.

An obituary on the local funeral home website described Vergara as an avid reader who loved art and music. Vergaras funeral service will take place on Saturday.

Teacher Erin West, left, and student Rubi Patricia Vergara.

Six others  a teacher and five students  were injured in the shooting. Two of the students face life-threatening injuries, police said.

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Investigators have not yet determined a motive in the shooting. The FBI detained Alexander Paffendorf, a California man, late on Tuesday and temporarily seized his guns after he was allegedly found to have plotted a separate mass shooting with the Wisconsin school shooter. Court documents did not include details about their alleged plans.

According to NBC News: "Its not clear whether there are any criminal charges in the matter. A spokesperson for the San Diego County District Attorneys Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ... A phone number for Paffendorf or his family could not immediately be found in public records Wednesday."

Recent years have seen a sharp increase in school shootings in the U.S., but data shows that female shooters are rare. Some parents of Abundant Life students told The Washington Post that they enrolled their children there assuming that it would be safer than a larger public school.

There have been 327 shootings on school grounds so far this year, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database, which determines school shootings as when a gun is fired, brandished (pointed at a person with intent), or bullet hits school property, regardless of the number of victims, time, day, or reason.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The 15-year-old student who police say shot and killed a student and teacher at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., earlier this week was in contact with a 20-year-old California man who was plotting a mass shooting at a government building, reports say.

According to the Associated Press, the man was issued a restraining order by a judge late Tuesday under Californias gun red flag law, which required him to turn his guns and ammunition into police within 48 hours unless an officer asks for them sooner because he poses an immediate danger to himself and others.

Whats his connection to the shooter?

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the man, identified as Alexander Paffendorf of Carlsbad, Calif., was detained by the FBI. According to Journal Sentinels report, the judges restraining order stated that FBI agents saw text messages from Paffendorf to the Wisconsin shooter, identified as Natalie Samantha Rupnow.

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"During an FBI interview, Paffendorf admitted to the FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun and that he would target a government building, the order said, per the Sentinel.

According to the AP, the order did not specify what building the man had allegedly targeted or when he planned to carry out the attack, nor did it detail his interactions with Rupnow except to state that the man was plotting a mass shooting with her.

The Madison Police Department referred questions about the California man to the FBIs San Diego field office, which declined comment.

Latest on the investigation

Erin West and Rubi Vergara. (Abundant Life Christian School, Gunderson Funeral Home)

The development comes as police in Madison, Wis., continue their investigation into Mondays shooting, which left three people, including Rupnow, dead.

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The Dane County Medical Examiners office identified the victims as Erin West, a 42-year-old teacher, and Rubi Vergara, a 14-year-old student. Preliminary findings from their autopsies indicate that both died due to "homicidal firearm-related trauma," the medical examiners office said. Rupnow died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.

Police have yet to establish a motive for Mondays shooting, which authorities said happened inside a study hall classroom full of students from mixed grades. Two firearms were recovered at the school, including a handgun that police said Rupnow used in the attack.

Investigators are combing through Rupnows social media activity and investigating her relationships with students at the school and her family to learn about her behavior prior to Mondays shooting, the Madison Police Department said in a statement Wednesday.

Our team is looking to connect to anyone who may have interacted with Natalie Rupnow in the days and weeks leading up to the shooting, it added, urging those with information to contact police.
Two women have been arrested after the body of a man in his 60s was found in a vehicle at a business park.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers made the discovery at Helston Business Park, in Cornwall, in the early hours of Wednesday while responding to concerns for welfare.

The women, in their 50s and 80s, have been arrested on suspicion of murder, concealing a death and preventing a lawful burial, and remain in custody.

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In a statement, police said: Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the body of a man was located in Helston.

Police were making inquiries in the Helston area in the early hours of Wednesday Dec 18 following concerns for welfare. During those inquiries, officers located the body of a man in a vehicle in Helston Business Park.

A man in his 60s, from the Avon and Somerset area, was confirmed deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

Detective Inspector Neil Blanchard, from the major crime investigation team, said: Inquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident, but at this time we are treating the mans death as suspicious.

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We understand that any incident this serious in nature will cause concern amongst the community. It is believed that the involved parties are known to each other and there is no wider risk to the public. You can expect to see an increased presence around the business park while our investigation continues.

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CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Charles County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) said a woman was taken into custody after she picked up a child, who was walking to the bus stop on Thursday morning.

Details remain limited; however, in a post on X, the sheriffs office said an 8-year-old boy was walking to his bus stop in Bryans Road, Maryland when a woman picked him up.

It was kind of scary: Classes moved online after several altercations at Alexandria City High School

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Deputies said when the vehicle stopped on the side of the road, a witness noticed the child in distress and called 911.

Once officers arrived at the scene, they determined that the woman did not know the young boy and she was arrested and charged with abduction.

The CCSO said the child was reunited with his parents.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A woman has been charged with murder, and two others arrested as accessories, after a mans shooting death in Henning, Tennessee.

Iasia J Webster was arrested Wednesday and is charged with Aggravated Assault, First Degree Murder and Reckless Endangerment in the Dec. 5 death of Phillip Walker.

One dead after shooting in Henning, TN

The Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office said investigators identified a vehicle associated with Webster traveling in Henning. When they stopped the vehicle, Webster was found hiding inside.

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Clifford Robinson and Ollie Webster, who also were in the vehicle, were charged with Accessory After the Fact.

The sheriffs office says their investigation is ongoing and subject to change.

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A Duluth woman celebrating her 25th birthday was seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver outside of a Wisconsin bar early Saturday.

A GoFundMe launched on behalf of Charlene Davey says she was out celebrating her 25th birthday at TJs Champions Bar and Grill in Superior, Wisconsin when a driver struck her in the alley behind the bar on Belknap Street.

An eyewitness saw the driver running Charlene over as they backed up, and then running her over again as they pulled away, the GoFundMe states.

GoFundMe

"The driver did not stop to check on Charlene as the eyewitness also reported seeing the van drive away immediately afterward," the GoFundMe continues. "Charlene's friends found her outside, lying lifeless on the ground several minutes after the incident."

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The Northern News says that Superior Police were called at around 3:45 a.m. after learning that Charlene sustained "serious injuries." By that time, she had been taken by friends to the hospital.

"Charlene suffered a severe head and ear wound requiring multiple stitches and surgery," the GoFundMe reads. "She has cuts, bruises, and lacerations all over her body. Moving forward, Charlene will be taking quite a few weeks off work to recover physically and emotionally from what happened that night."

According to GoFundMe, the driver responsible has still not been apprehended. The fundraiser is asking for donations to help cover her "month-to-month bills" and medical expenses.

Her mother, Tami Davey, says Charlene is staying with her as she continues her recovery, posting on Facebook: "She is moving very slowly, and still coming to terms with what happened to her. She is going to take this slowly as the severity of the head wound is really doing a number on her."

Bring Me The News has reached out to Superior Police Department for more details.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Officials said a woman was taken to the hospital after she was rescued from underneath a Metrobus in Washington, D.C. late Wednesday night.

Details remain limited; however, the DC Fire and EMD Department (DCFD) posted on X, just before midnight, crews were called to the 7th and P Streets NW area for a pedestrian crash and a person trapped under a Metrobus.

Officials said the initial call stated the woman was partially under the buss wheel.

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Former DC drug kingpin Rayful Edmond dies; trial lawyer reflects on his death

Once on the scene, D.C. rescue squads were able to pull her out from under the bus.

She was taken to a trauma center with critical injuries.

DCFD told DC News Now that it is unclear how the woman got stuck under the bus.

As of Thursday morning, her condition is unknown.

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BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44)  A woman has been sentenced to 20.5 years in prison in connection to her aunts death.

The Brazos County District Attorneys Office says Latasha Latrice Nowlin has been sentenced to 20.5 years in prison for neglect of a disabled person. The crime resulted in the death of her aunt, 52-year-old Jacqueline Reed.

Police were originally called out to their home on July 14, 2019. Officers and EMS found Reed starved and dehydrated.

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The D.A.s Office says Reed was left in Nowlins care, who was a home health worker with years of experience. According to the testimony of Reeds attending physician, it is estimated that Reed was denied any fluids for a period of at least a week, if not longer. Reed had long suffered from mental illness and could not care for herself. Reed weight fell to 60 pounds due to starvation. She would pass away the following month while in hospice care.

College Station Police Department detectives conducted the investigation and interviewd Nowlin. When Nowlin was asked what she did regarding the smell coming from Reeds room, she said she lit candles. Police also found towels stuffed under Reeds door when they first arrived.

Waco fentanyl dealer sentenced to 44 years in prison

The D.A.s Office says Nowlin was ultimately charged with Intentional or Knowing Serious Bodily Injury to a Disabled Person by Omission, a first-degree felony. A jury convicted her of this offense on October 9, 2024, after a three-day trial.

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A punishment hearing was conducted on December 17, 2024 in the 361st District Court, where Nowlin was sentenced to 20.5 years in prison.

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UPDATE: After her story appeared on wreg.com, Quinn and her daughter Jasia Higgins were able to find and reconnect with Jason Aldridge, a former MMA fighter.

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Memphis mom is asking for the publics help finding the good Samaritan who pulled her daughter from a bad wreck at I-240 and Sam Cooper Boulevard.

Julia Quinn said her 25-year-old daughter lost control of her SUV on the wet roadway Monday afternoon as she took the off-ramp at Sam Cooper. She slammed into some guardrails and nearly went down an embankment.

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She said a man in a black pickup truck who witnessed the crash pulled her daughter out of her vehicle to safety.

Jason Aldridge, Julia Quinn, Jasia Higgins. Courtesy: Julia Quinn

Courtesy: Julia Quinn

She was spinning and hitting and spinning. I think her door was jammed, said Quinn. The guy got her out. He said youve got to get out because if someone slides into you, youre going to go down the hill because she was like inches away.

Quinn said the man stayed with his daughter for about an hour until she arrived on the scene.

When she was on the phone with her daughter, she could hear the man talking to her in the background, making sure she was okay.

Whoever he was, he ended up staying with her the whole time, Quinn said. She told me that he was like, you know if it were my daughter, I would want somebody there for her. Thats why he was staying. I didnt realize all this had happened until after.

Crash at 240 and Sam Cooper. Courtesy: Julia Quinn

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Quinn said she shook the mans hand but didnt get his name. On Wednesday, she took to social media to see if anyone could help her locate the good Samaritan, whom she described as a handsome Caucasian male in his 40s.

Quinn said she wanted to properly thank the person who went above and beyond to protect her child and keep her calm.

Watch: Porch pirate steals package in front of UPS driver

He didnt have to do that, she said. If we can find him because hes like an angel.

Quinn said her daughter is sore, and her vehicle was totaled, but the situation could have been much worse. She said shes thankful her daughter is still here and no one else was hurt.

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She asked the man to reach out to her at jquinn82871@yahoo.com

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Correction: A previous version of this story incorrected stated the Xenia Community Schools Superintendent was named in the federal lawsuit as the person who took the microphone from the podium during a heated school board meeting. That was incorrect as the person named in the lawsuit is the school board president Mary Grech.

A woman is suing a Greene County school district claiming it violated her First Amendment rights.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Darbi Boddy claims the president of the school board Mary Grech ripped the microphone away from her while she was speaking at a board of education meeting in October, according to court documents.

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As previously reported by News Center 7, Xenia Community Schools held a board meeting back in October after the district put the top of Critical Race Theory (CRT) on the agenda.

The meeting got heated.

TRENDING STORIES:

News Center 7 reached out to Xenia Community Schools, and they sent us a statement.

A lawsuit was filed against the Xenia Community School District Board of Education alleging a violation of the First Amendment rights of a speaker at a public meeting. While the Board does not comment on the specifics of litigation, it intends to defend against the claims in court.

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Boddy is a former member of the Lakota Board of Education.

They voted to declare her seat vacant after a 90-day absence in March, according to our news partner WCPO in Cincinnati.

We will update this story.

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VERSAILLES, Ky. (FOX 56)  After years of planning and construction, the big day Woodford County High School students have waited for is almost here.

Its no secret that students, faculty, and staff are all excited to begin a new chapter in a new building. It was evident at todays ribbon-cutting ceremony.

It is a dream come true. We needed a new school for years, and the people of this community worked so hard to make sure that that happened, said Woodford County High School counselor, Kristen Wilson.

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At more than 197,000 square feet, the new school will give an additional 42,000 square feet of learning space.

Louisville educator, political advisor to run against Rep. Grossberg

This building is more than just bricks and mortar. Its a promise to our students and our families that we are preparing them not just for today but for tomorrow, said Superintendent of Woodford County Schools, Danny Adkins.

Woodford County Schools officials say the old high school will be the districts new central office. and eventually will house technical education classes and a preschool.

School safety is an issue weighing on many minds. This new building prioritizes that with a storm shelter thats able to house the entire student body and staffthe first of its kind in Kentucky.

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It also has enhanced security, with resource officers and a safe entry vestibule.

Gov. Andy Beshear, who was at the event, said, Nobody should go to school on any day feeling unsafe. Its our job to make sure these buildings are secure as they are. So, I want to take just a minute to thank all the SROs that work here and around the Commonwealth for what they do.

With flexible arrangements of the 41 classrooms in the building, the skys the limit for teachers like Meredith Maney and the students who walk through her door.

Its an opportunity to just make this classroom everything that we would want to, we would want to have, said Maney, a biology teacher at the high school. Its an excellent investment for the community, and theyre really going to see the benefits of it.

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Seniors, like Ayana Wilson, with graduation in sight are excited to end their high school career in a new building.

Im grateful for the opportunity that Im here. Even if it is only a couple months, she said.

On the flip side, kids like her sister Anaya have their sights set on getting through eighth grade but are excited for the future.

Im excited because my class is going to be the first to have a full four years here, said Anaya.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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The Yellowjacket community is looking forward to what this new school will provide.

The first day of classes in the new building will be on Jan. 8, 2025.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
A Michigan man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing the president of his company, police said.

Erik Denslow, the president of a manufacturing company in Michigan, was stabbed during a staff meeting on Tuesday. The suspect stabbed Denslow in the side with a knife and then fled the scene in a vehicle, police said. He was arrested 15 minutes later.

Local news outlets identified the suspect as Nathan Mahoney, 32. Co-workers told police that Mahoney had a quiet demeanor at work.

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Police are searching for a motive, but Deputy Chief Greg Poulson told a local news outlet that they arent ruling out a possible copycat attack following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month. Suspect Luigi Mangione has been charged with terrorism for the assassination.

I think that comes to everyones mind in this time. Were going through all his social accounts, all his electronic media and trying to determine a motive for this act, Poulson said.

Denslow has been president of Anderson Express Inc. for less than two years, according to his LinkedIn page . The company works with the automotive and defense industry, according to their website . Police said Denslow is in critical condition but expected to survive.

The company said in a statement that they were in shock over the stabbing and are also focused on supporting our employees as they process this senseless assault.
LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  Less than a week before Christmas Day and the start of Hanukkah, workers across four Amazon delivery facilities in Southern California officially went on strike on Thursday.

The Teamsters union said voted in favor of the strike on Wednesday after the company refused to negotiate contracts or recognize the union. The Teamsters represent Amazon workers in Palmdale, San Bernardino, Victorville and the City of Industry.

Other Teamster unions in Illinois and New York have also voted to authorize strikes.

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The corporate elitists who run Amazon are leaving workers with no choice, Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien said in a statement. Greedy executives are pushing thousands of hardworking Americans to the brink. Amazon rakes in more money than anybody, they subject workers to injury and abuse at every turn, and they illegally claim not to be the rightful employer of nearly half their workforce. This rigged system cannot continue.

The Teamsters said it gave the company until Dec. 15 to come to the bargaining table.

On Thursday, workers in those four cities began to picket outside the facilities, as countless gifts for the holiday season sat inside.

KTLAs Omar Lewis was at the City of Industry facility on Thursday, where striking delivery drivers told him that package delays are possible as a result of the strikes.

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One driver, Vanessa Valdez, told Lewis she makes $22.75 per hour as a delivery driver, oftentimes working 10-hour days. She has never had the ability to take a sick day in six years working for Amazon, she says.

Theres been a substantial increase in workload, she said. There used to be a time where you could get ahead of your route, you could control your route, but the Amazon algorithm has gone mad.

Valdez said the strike will last for as long as it takes for Amazon to come to the bargaining table.

When reached for comment, Amazon responded with the following statement:

For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public  claiming that they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers. They dont, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative. The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union. What you see here are almost entirely outsidersnot Amazon employees or partnersand the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters. The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous. We appreciate all our teams great work to serve their customers and communities, and are continuing to focus on getting customers their holiday orders.

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The World Bank's Board of Directors on Dec. 18 approved $2.05 billion in Development Policy Operation (DPO) grants to Ukraine, part of which is funded by a portion of the new U.S. $20 billion loan backed by frozen Russian assets.

The funding supports the Ukrainian government in implementing reforms that will strengthen and stabilize the economy, the World Bank said in press release.

The DPO funds are co-financed by two sources: $1 billion from the Facilitation of Resources to Invest in Strengthening Ukraine Financial Intermediary Fund (F.O.R.T.I.S. Ukraine FIF) and $1.05 billion from the Advancing Needed Credit Enhancement (ADVANCE) Ukraine Trust Fund, supported by the U.K. and Japan.

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The $1 billion grant via the intermediary fund represents the first payment Ukraine will receive from the Group of Seven (G7) plan to issue $50 billion in financing to Kyiv backed by frozen Russian assets.

The U.S., which is contributing a loan worth $20 billion to the G7 effort, transferred its portion to the World Bank's intermediary fund on Dec. 10.

"Despite significant challenges, the Government of Ukraine has stabilized the economy and remains focused on its development goals, particularly its ambition to join the European Union," Bob Saum, World Bank Regional Country Director for Eastern Europe, said on Dec. 18.

"There have been significant achievements, and Ukraine continues to advance in its efforts to implement reforms to establish a vibrant market economy. The World Bank Group and our international partners will continue to support the Ukrainian people in realizing their EU aspirations."

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The DPO funds will focus on Ukraine's growth potential, supporting the railway sector, banking, and renewable energy generation, the World Bank said. Funding will also support efforts to increase domestic revenues.

Read also: Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly  Issue 5

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The seniors at the World of Inquiry participated in a college march to City Hall Wednesday.

The purpose is to celebrate the seniors and encourage post-graduation plans, and maybe inspire other students to take on after the graduating class.

At City Hall the students mailed out letters declaring their decisions to apply for college.

While college applications are submitted online, these letters will have the students college and career intentions and a note of gratitude for an adult who has supported and guided them in their academic and personal journeys.

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News 8 caught up with some seniors who now say at this point it all feels like a blur.

Right now, I have already applied to colleges, and I got into Keuka College. It just feels like everything is going really fast and like right now I remember when I was a junior and freshman and I was cheering on the seniors. So, being in this position now is very surreal you know, one senior at the World of Inquiry said.

Were told this march has been a tradition at the school for a while now.

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NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)  The worlds largest menorah is in Manhattan!

The 32-foot-tall steel menorah was assembled on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street Thursday across from the Plaza Hotel, where it will stay through the new year.

Your 2024 NYC Holiday Events Guide

Starting on Dec. 25, the menorah will be lit each night of Hanukkah through Jan. 1. The 4,000-pound menorah is the largest in the world. Another massive menorah will be lit in Brooklyns Grand Army Plaza during the holiday.

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In Manhattan, the lighting ceremonies will happen at 5:30 p.m. nightly except on Dec. 27, when the lighting starts at 3:45 p.m., and on Dec. 28, which is at 8:30 p.m.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the worlds first public menorah lighting in Philadelphia, according to a spokesperson for Chabad-Lubavitch.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

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MADRID (Reuters) - Sam Altman's company Worldcoin must delete all iris scanning data collected since the start of the project that has sparked privacy concerns in several countries, Spanish data protection watchdog AEPD said on Thursday.

AEPD cited a decision earlier on Thursday by its Bavarian counterpart BayLDA, with whom the agency has cooperated on the case, that found the venture in breach of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation.

World, as Worldcoin has rebranded itself, has its European headquarters in the German city of Erlangen, in Bavaria.

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Spain's High Court in March upheld a temporary ban on the iris-scanning venture, dismissing an appeal by Worldcoin owners.

Co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in 2019, Worldcoin aims to create a global identity system by getting people to have their irises scanned in exchange for free cryptocurrency and a digital ID.

(This story has been corrected to clarify that the AEPD was referring to a decision by its German counterpart, not its own, and to specify that Worldcoins European headquarters is in Bavaria)

(Reporting by Emma Pinedo, editing by Andrei Khalip)
Struggling Twin Cities chain Wuollet Bakery is facing another eviction lawsuit that has put a question mark over the future of its flagship location in southwest Minneapolis.

The lawsuit has been filed by the landlord for the building at 3608 W. 50th St., near Edina's 50th and France shopping district, which alleges the bakery has not paid rent since Oct. 31 and is delinquent on $151,805 in payments.

The bakery chain, which has operated in the Twin Cities for over 75 years, closed its doors in Wayzata, Hastings, St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis between May and November amid multiple eviction proceedings.

Bring Me The News

The bakery has occupied the building month-to-month since its lease expired in August 2023. However, in September, the landlord notified Wuollet that it was terminating the bakerys tenancy on Oct. 31. The bakery has still operated out of the Minneapolis location with no indication that it would be vacating, the lawsuit claims.

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"Tenant remains in possession of the premises despite termination of tenants month-to-month tenancy and remains in default and breach of the lease for failing to pay the rent due," the suit reads.

In October, Illinois-based Byline Bank sued the Wuollet companies and owner Eric Shogren in Hennepin County and Anoka County after allegedly defaulting on more than $1.3 million in loans.

Byline Bank claims that the Shogrens defaulted on a 2019 loan by failing to make monthly payments and now owe $718,332 plus interest in Hennepin County. Similarly, the bank argued in Anoka County that they also defaulted on a 2021 loan, owing $612,703, including interest.

According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Shogren and his partners are recapitalizing the business.

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This restructuring to reorganize includes making changes to some of our Wuollet bakery business locations but does not mean were going out of business, Shogren told the newspaper.

Bring Me The News has reached out to Shogren and Wuollet Bakery but has not received a response back.

Related: Up to 6 inches of snow Thursday in Minnesota; highest totals could hit Twin Cities
A man wanted on multiple felony charges out of New York was arrested by Scottsdale police detectives at a hotel near Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale police confirmed.

Robert Giuliano, 49, was taken into custody around 1 p.m. on Dec. 12 on a fugitive of justice warrant related to skipping out on his parole in New York, according to Officer Aaron Bolin with the Scottsdale Police Department.

Giulianos arrest followed a tip from the New York Department of Corrections on Dec. 6, which notified Scottsdale police that Giuliano was believed to be residing somewhere in the Scottsdale area, Bolin said.

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Scottsdale police used a combination of investigative tools and techniques to track him down at the hotel, Bolin confirmed.

Giuliano was initially booked into Scottsdale City Jail before being transferred to Maricopa County Sheriffs Office jail. According to Bolin, Giuliano has no known active cases within the Scottsdale Police Department.

Giuliano was previously listed on New Yorks Department of Corrections' Most Wanted Fugitive list for charges including attempted forgery, grand larceny and identity theft.

Giuliano was sentenced to serve up to 5 years for attempted forgery in the second degree and was released on parole on Aug. 1, 2022, according to public records found on the New York State Department of Corrections and Supervision website. His parole was listed as active, as of Dec. 18.

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Giuliano will be held by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office until released by the court or extradited back to New York.

"The department is working on the extradition of Robert Giuliano according to established procedures and law," said Nicole Whitaker with the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Scottsdale police arrest fugitive Robert Giuliano, wanted in New York
DELHI, NY  (WIVT/WBGH) A Brooklyn man has pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular assault stemming back to a 2023 incident in Delaware County Court.

50-year-old Andras Kasuba entered his guilty plea on Dec. 17 to aggravated vehicular assault, a Class C felony, and driving while intoxicated for causing serious injuries to multiple people in a car crash on Highway 26 north of Gregory Hollow Road that resulted in those injured being airlifted to a hospital by helicopter.

A deputy of the Delaware County Sheriffs Office said Kasubas blood alcohol content was 2.5 times the legal limit of .08 at the time of the crash.

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There is not date currently for sentencing.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  An art show has been organized as a tribute to local artists and important members of the art community who have recently passed away.

The Youngstown Cultural Legacy Art Show will honor artists and mentors who have made a big impact on the local art community. Those being honored include Jim Lepore, Al Bright, Frederick Molden, Scott Pergande, Sarena Polite, Maple Turner III, Chris Yambar, Dan Celio, Joe Harver and Mary Harver.

The show will take place at the Knox Building in downtown Youngstown on Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. above the Federals Christmas pop-up bar.

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The show will feature the artists work as well as those significantly influenced by them such as Eric Alleman, Nicole Emery, Michael Green and Jason Van Hoose.

For more information, email Jacob Harver at jlh@knoxbldg.com or call (330) 550-5637.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WKBN)  A Youngstown man was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Pittsburgh for drug trafficking.

Teqwan Scott, 29, was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute between 40 and 70 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and fluoro-fentanyl in Western Pennsylvania.

Scott was indicted along with six others in October 2022. The seven are accused of selling drugs from May 2021 to October 2022 in Western Pennsylvania. The indictment in the case was not specific as to what exact locations the drugs were being sold.

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The crimes happened while Scott was out on bond with a pending state fentanyl trafficking charge in Venango County, prosecutors said.

Scott had already been convicted in Ohio of several crimes since 2014 including domestic violence, aggravated possession of drugs, illegal conveyance of prohibited items onto the grounds of a detention facility and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Joe Gorman contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection to the shooting of another teenager on South Avenue earlier this week.

Read next: BCI releases report on man involved in fatal officer-involved shooting in Youngstown

The boy faces an attempted murder charge, according to a news release from the Youngstown Police Department.

He is accused of shooting another 15-year-old boy in the parking lot of a plaza at 2733 South Ave. on Tuesday. The victim was shot in the leg.

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Police detained the suspect just before noon on Thursday and interviewed him about the shooting. The Juvenile Divisions prosecutor then recommended the charge, and the boy was taken to the Juvenile Justice Center.

Police said the quick arrest was the result of cooperation from those in the community.

A statement by Youngstown City Schools earlier this week stated that the two juveniles involved in the shooting are from Wilson Alternative School and Virtual Academy.

Joe Gorman, Laurel Stone and Michael Reiner contributed to this report.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Out of work and without income, former county supervisor Zack Scrivner is asking his current child support payments of nearly $3,000 a month be reduced to zero.

Due to the circumstances of this matter, and my current health conditions, I no longer can work, Scrivner says in a document prepared Dec. 9 and filed in court this week. He said hes been unable to get disability assistance.

RELATED: Supervisor Zack Scrivner resigns due to significant health and medical reasons amid allegations, investigation into child sexual abuse

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Scrivner also is asking his wife be responsible for all payments on two vehicles she uses  a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300 and 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled next month.

Scrivner, 50, agreed in August to pay a monthly sum of $2,947 in child support retroactive to May 1 for his four children. He also previously asked in an earlier filing that payment be set at zero  but the matter was never addressed in court.

He resigned from the Board of Supervisors in August, citing significant health and medical reasons.

The current child support order was based on the income I was earning with my position as a sitting Board of Supervisors (sic), Scrivner says in the new filing. As I no longer have any income, I am requesting the court to modify the current child support orders.

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Scrivner is barred from contact with his children and wife as a result of a temporary restraining order granted after an incident at their Tehachapi home in late April.

Sheriff Donny Youngblood has said deputies learned Scrivner had been involved in a physical altercation with his children over allegations involving a preteen.

The former supervisor was not arrested, and has not been charged with a crime. An investigation by the state Attorney Generals Office is ongoing, and a hearing on the restraining order is set for February.

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The new document provides a breakdown of Scrivners monthly expenses: $2,000 for rent; $1,250 for education (hes attending classes at Cal State Bakersfield); $500 for auto expenses; $350 for groceries and household supplies; $300 for health care costs not covered by insurance; and $95 for phone expenses.

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Scrivner says hes studying to get his masters degree  his final semester begins next month  which he hopes will help with obtaining employment.

Again, if and when any unemployment or disability benefits are received or new employment is secured, I would be able to pay the California guideline child support amount, Scrivner says in the filing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
By Andrew Gray and Lili Bayer

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other European leaders on Wednesday, aiming to get immediate help to bolster Kyiv's war effort and discuss longer-term security guarantees.

Zelenskiy told reporters that Wednesday's talks in Brussels, and a discussion with the European Union's 27 national leaders the following day, were "a very good opportunity to speak about security guarantees for Ukraine for today and for tomorrow".

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While European leaders insist they are focusing on Ukraine's immediate needs, some officials have begun discussing how to assure the country's security after the war comes to a halt, including the possibility of deploying European troops.

Posting later on X, Zelenskiy said he and Rutte had an "important and very substantive meeting" focusing on "strengthening air defense for Ukraine and ensuring the reliability of the peace we are collectively working to achieve".

NATO "will do everything to ensure that Ukraine is as strong as possible when we turn to more active diplomacy," he said.

Wednesday's talks took place with Ukraine on the defensive on the battlefield and uncertainty hanging over future U.S. support, as President-elect Donald Trump pushes for a quick end to the war and has called for an immediate ceasefire.

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Rutte said the talks would focus on ensuring Ukraine is "in the best possible position" whenever it decides to enter peace talks by providing more air defence systems and other weapons to boost Kyiv's fight against Russia's invasion.

Rutte and Zelenskiy were later joined by a group of other European leaders.

NATO did not say who would attend those talks. But diplomats said they would include German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish President Andrzej Duda, the French and British foreign ministers and top EU officials Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa.

DEPLOYING EUROPEAN TROOPS

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Earlier, Zelenskiy met French President Emmanuel Macron, who has pushed the discussion on European troops for Ukraine.

"We share a common vision: reliable guarantees are essential for a peace that can truly be achieved," Zelenskiy posted on X after the meeting.

"We continued working on President Macrons initiative regarding the presence of forces in Ukraine that could contribute to stabilizing the path to peace."

Asked how Britain would respond if Zelenskiy asked for British troops to be sent to Ukraine, British foreign minister David Lammy told Sky News he saw no sign Russian President Vladimir Putin was ready to negotiate.

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"The discussion is about equipping Ukraine for the days ahead. That is why we meet at this very sombre moment to ensure that Ukraine gets through the winter and gets into 2025," he said.

"I know there's lots of speculation, but the truth is Putin is not a man that you can negotiate with when he is causing such mayhem on European soil at this moment in time," he added. "It is strength that Vladimir Putin will respond to."

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa, Lili Bayer, Andrew Gray, William James and Ron Popeski; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Stephen Coates)
KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, arriving at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday, said unity between the EU and United States was necessary to bring peace to Ukraine.

"For us, it's very important, especially from the very beginning of next year, we need very much unity between the United States and EU and countries of Europe," Zelenskiy said.

"We need this unity to achieve peace. I think only together  the United States and Europe  can really stop Putin and save Ukraine."

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Protection of Ukraine's energy sector, an increase in Ukraine's arms production and urgent help for the education system will be on the agenda during the visit, Zelenskiy added.

(Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Peter Graff)
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 19 that American and European participation in possible peace negotiations with Russia is crucial while rejecting the idea of freezing the conflict.

Ahead of the anticipated U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps focus on ending the war after his inauguration on Jan. 20, Zelensky expressed hope that Europe would be involved in the effort, sharing a strong, united stance.

Zelensky warned against granting Moscow a temporary break it seeks through a ceasefire, advocating instead for concerted international pressure to achieve an actual ending of Russia's war.

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We need coordinated work for a lasting peace, not just the suspension of hostilities that Putin seeks in order to buy time, Zelensky said.

We cannot live with a frozen conflict. When it comes to ceasefire, people know what comes after. How everything will end. You have to know what tomorrow brings in order to have a ceasefire.

Zelensky also highlighted the role of the so-called Global South nations, including China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, in supporting Ukraines territorial integrity and influencing Russia.

He urged Europe to recognize and leverage these countries' potential to advance peace, noting their alignment with the principles of territorial sovereignty.

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Reports of Trumps intentions to end the war, potentially by pressuring Ukraine to cede territory to Russia or relinquish its NATO aspirations, have raised concerns among Ukraine supporters and in Kyiv.

Trump has repeatedly claimed he could end the war in 24 hours, but he has not elaborated on his approach. On Dec. 12, he reiterated his belief that European troops should lead efforts to monitor any potential ceasefire, saying that Europe must assume greater responsibility in countering Russian aggression.

The EU, however, does not foresee negotiations or a ceasefire in the near future, according to a high-ranking EU official who spoke to the Kyiv Independent on Dec. 18.

Read also: Just thugs  Zelensky blasts Putins Oreshnik threats, high-tech duel proposal with the West

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President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the possibility of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine during a meeting in Brussels on Dec. 18, Zelensky said.

Zelensky is holding talks with EU and NATO leaders during a two-day European Summit at the EU Council in Brussels on Dec. 18-19.

The two leaders discussed Ukraine's key priorities, including bolstering air defense capabilities, training more Ukrainian brigades, and strategies for achieving peace.

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"We also see that we need reliable guarantees for a peace that can be brought closer," Zelensky said.

"We continued to work on the initiative of President Macron regarding the presence in Ukraine of forces that can contribute to stabilization on the path to peace."

Macron has spearheaded the idea of sending troops to Ukraine in some capacity since February 2024. With U.S. President-elect Donald Trump set to return to the White House in January, European leaders are preparing to play a greater role in supporting Ukraine's defense needs.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Dec. 12, citing undisclosed official sources, that Trump wants European troops to monitor a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump reportedly made the comments during his Dec. 7 meeting with Zelensky and Macron in Paris.

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Macron on Dec. 12 spoke to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk about the possibility of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine after a potential ceasefire deal.

Zelensky said on Dec. 9 that Ukraine "may consider" the proposal, but only after securing a clear timeline for NATO membership.

Following their meeting on Dec. 18, Zelensky said that Macron discussed the communications he has had "with other partners to implement all necessary steps to achieve peace."

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the new president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a two-day summit in Brussels on Dec. 19.

Zelensky and Costa discussed how to support Ukraine and the importance of Western efforts to achieve a "just peace."

"As we approach the start of the new year, we really need unity between the United States, the EU, and European countries," Zelensky said alongside Costa. "Only together, the U.S. and Europe can truly stop (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and save Ukraine."

Among other topics, the officials discussed protecting Ukraine's energy infrastructure from Russian aerial attacks and increasing domestic defense production.

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Separately, Zelensky and von der Leyen also discussed Kyiv's accession to the EU and the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's needs.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that it will provide $20 billion in loan assistance to Ukraine, marking its contribution to a broader $50 billion initiative supported by G7 countries.

Ukraine is expected to receive 18.1 billion euros ($18.8 billion) in macro-financial aid from the EU as part of the G7 loan. The first tranche will be disbursed in January 2025, Zelensky added.

Read also: Ukraine wont limit armys strength as part of potential peace talks, Zelensky says

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President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Brussels on Dec. 18 for talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as Ukraine seeks to secure more air defense as well effective security guarantees from its Western allies.

"Our talks focused on strengthening air defense for Ukraine and ensuring the reliability of the peace we are collectively working to achieve," Zelensky wrote on social media.

"We thank Mark, NATO Secretary General, and all our partners for their willingness to more actively enhance our air shield and work together for effective security guarantees," he added.

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Zelensky comments come as he continues to hold talks with EU and NATO leaders during a two-day European Summit at the EU Council in Brussels on Dec. 18-19.

Over the two days, Zelensky is expected to meet with the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the EU to discuss military and humanitarian ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

Trump has promised to push for peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. Frugal with details, the president-elect has hinted at reducing military aid to Ukraine to force it to the negotiating table.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Dec. 12, citing undisclosed official sources, that Trump also wants European troops to monitor a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump reportedly made the comments during his Dec. 7 meeting with Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

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Zelensky said on Dec. 9 that Ukraine "may consider" the proposal, but only after securing a clear timeline for NATO membership.

During his visit to Brussels, Zelensky said that he was "discussing ideas with European leaders" on the potential deployment of European peacekeeping forces to the embattled country, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist on the ground.

During a press briefing on Dec. 18, Zelensky reiterated his stance, adding that the embattled country "needs security guarantees, which we believe NATO membership offers most effectively." The president also called on Western allies to deliver an additional 19 air defense systems to protect critical energy infrastructure in the country.

Kyiv submitted its application to join NATO in September 2022, and in July 2024, the alliance affirmed Ukraine's "irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership"  although Ukraine has not received any definitive news about its future accession.

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Read also: Ukraine discussing ideas with European leaders on potential peacekeeping force, Zelensky says









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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on the discussion of a possible reduction of the conscription age, noted that it is now more urgent to provide the army with weapons and training from the West [as of now, the conscription age in Ukraine is 25  ed.].

Source: He said this at a press conference in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Asked to comment on discussions in the West about lowering the age of conscription to 18, the president said: "Please tell me, if a person is standing in front of you without a weapon, what difference does it make if that person is 20 years old or 30? There is no difference."

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Quote: "That is, our partners pay attention to the physical capabilities of a particular soldier. And I pay attention to the fact that we have naked [unarmed] brigades... We have enough different brigades: there are strong brigades, and there are brigades that are not equipped, especially with weapons," he added.

The head of state went on to say that he considers the demands in the West to lower the age of conscription "not very fair", citing problems with the training of Ukrainian brigades abroad as an example.

"When we talked about training 14 brigades, at least 12 brigades abroad... and today we have one brigade that was trained in France, and one that is being additionally trained in Germany by the United States, by the way," he said.

At the same time, Zelenskyy acknowledged that "there are always not enough people," citing another argument  the technological nature of the current war in Ukraine.

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"Modern technologies  missiles, drones, long-range capabilities, air defence  are all very important things. How can you move forward if drones are falling from the skies and you don't control the skies? That is, we lack air defence and the number of F-16s in our skies is still too small," the head of state said.

Background:

In recent weeks, the United States has been making public and private calls for Ukraine to lower the age of conscription to 18, arguing that the shortage of personnel at the front is becoming critical and that this is why Russia is able to make advances in the east.

According to media reports, the disputes over the number of mobilisation and the age of mobilisation have led to tensions between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will ask the European Union to protect several key facilities in Ukraine, but he is also counting on the United States support.

Source: President Zelenskyy ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy arrived at the House of Europe, where a European Union summit is currently underway, on the morning of Thursday, 19 December. The EU invited him to make a speech and take part in discussions with European leaders.

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Zelenskyy said that Ukraine needs "unity in Europe supporting us".

He said that he will make several appeals to European leaders.

"A top priority for us that we will discuss today is the protection of our energy sector. Im speaking about, of course, safety at nuclear stations, yes, which is very dangerous not only for Ukraine and for all [of] Europe if something goes not well. And also gas storages, how to save them, it is also important for Ukraine and other Europeans," he said.

In light of this, Zelenskyy will ask his EU colleagues to give Ukraine more air defence systems to protect two dozen strategic facilities in Ukraine.

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Zelenskyy also said that maintaining US support was another key priority for Ukraine.

"From the very beginning of next year, we need very much unity between the United States and EU, and countries of Europe. Its very important. We need this unity to achieve peace. I think only together, the United States and Europe can really stop Putin and save Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. "Its very difficult to support Ukraine without American help," he added when answering journalists questions.

Background:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the idea of deploying a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine during a meeting in Brussels with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Zelenskyy and Macron also discussed the training of an additional Ukrainian brigade.

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Kyiv confirms that Keith Kellogg, Trump's future special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, will visit Ukraine before the inauguration of the new US president.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting with journalists in Brussels on Thursday night, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Commenting on information from Reuters sources about a possible visit, Zelenskyy stated that the trip would definitely take place.

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The president added that the meeting would take place in early January and that they were waiting for Kellogg to express his current or previous ideas on ending the Russian-Ukrainian war, as previously reported in the media.

Zelenskyy's statement implies that retired general Kellogg's visit will occur before Trump takes office, and hence before Kellogg gets appointed to the position. Trump's inauguration is set for 20 January, 2025.

However, Zelenskyy expressed doubts about the success of Kellogg's mission. The President also stated that he did not believe Putin wanted to end the war.

Background:

Earlier, Kellogg said he is planning the visits in order to listen to the positions of both sides in the Russo-Ukrainian war.

In November, US President-elect Donald Trump announced that he was going to appoint Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general, as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed the priorities of the new EU Commission and Ukraine's accession to the EU with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels.

Source: Zelenskyys press service, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy thanked Ursula von der Leyen for her personal efforts to consolidate unity in the EU around Ukraine, as the common position of Ukraine and all other European countries is important for bringing about a just peace.

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Quote from the press service: "The key topics of the negotiations are the priorities of the new European Commission and Ukraine's accession to the EU. The president [Zelenskyy] noted that Ukraine expects to open two clusters at the beginning of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union," the statement said.

Zelenskyy and von der Leyen also discussed the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraines needs. The Ukrainian president thanked for the new macro-financial assistance from the EU in the amount of 18.1 billion under the G7 loan and noted that Ukraine expects to receive the first tranche in January 2025.

Background:

Before the EU summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he would ask the EU to protect several facilities in Ukraine but also counted on the United States.

As reported by European Pravda, at meetings in Brussels, Zelenskyy spoke about peacekeepers in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and his French counterpart Macron agreed to train another Ukrainian brigade.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Ukraine is not considering renewing the agreement with Russian energy giant Gazprom on the transit of Russian gas to Europe. He has also made it clear that Kyiv will not agree to pump Russian gas disguised as Azerbaijani gas.

Source: Zelenskyy speaking to reporters in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy was asked if there was a possibility that Ukraine might change its mind and renew the transit agreement with Russian Gazprom, which is set to expire on 1 January 2025. He responded that this was out of the question.

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"We're not going to extend the transit of Russian gas. We won't allow them to earn additional billions on our blood. And any country in the world that can get something cheap from Russia will eventually become dependent on Russia  the only question is whether it will be in a month or a year. That's their policy. Therefore, we will not transit Russian gas," Zelenskyy stressed.

He noted that he had discussed the issue with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, among others, and outlined Ukraine's position on the potential transit of gas to Europe, although he did not explicitly mention Azerbaijan.

"I clearly explained to him: [it's possible] if it's not Russian gas, but gas from another country... But we don't want to play a game where this other country receives gas from Russia and then transits it. This is the same as continuing to profit from this war and sending money to Russia," the president stressed. "If a European country wants to receive gas and not pay Russia until the war's end, we can consider it... But again, we will not allow Russia to make additional money from this war," Zelenskyy concluded.

Background:

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Media reports indicated that an option to maintain transit to Europe through the Ukrainian gas transmission system was being discussed, where European companies would buy gas from Azerbaijan while Ukraine would continue to use this infrastructure and receive income from it.

This week, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed in a conversation with his Slovak counterpart, Robert Fico, that Kyiv rules out extending the transit agreement with Gazprom. However, he stated that Ukraine is not opposed to transporting gas through its gas transmission system, provided it does not come from Russia.

The European Commission has previously emphasised that the gas Europe is already purchasing from Azerbaijan cannot technically be of Russian origin.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the idea of deploying a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine was discussed during meetings in Brussels.

Source: Zelenskyy at a meeting with journalists in Brussels in the evening on 18 December, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy asserted that consultations are ongoing, with assistance from French President Emmanuel Macron.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "We discussed Emmanuels long-standing idea. We support the idea [of a peacekeeping mission, which leads to] strengthening Ukraine. Emmanuel has had communications on this issue with some leaders. We are in the process, but I see there is a positive response from certain leaders."

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More details: Zelenskyy refrained from commenting on the potential format of the mission, calling it a "sensitive issue".

"The details matter and we are discussing those details," he concluded.

Background:

Earlier, Kaja Kallas, the European Unions High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, commented on the idea of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.

The proposal was also mentioned by the Finnish President and the Dutch Foreign Minister, who noted that the idea is still at the blueprint stage.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has slammed Russian leader Vladimir Putin's proposal of a "duel" over Kyiv between Russia's new medium-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, and Western-supplied air defence systems.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)

Details: In a video released today, Putin proposed a "high-tech duel": "Let them select a target, lets say in Kyiv, and focus all of their air defence forces there, and we will carry out an Oreshnik strike. And lets see what happens."

Photo: Screenshot from X (Twitter)

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"People are dying, and he thinks its 'interesting'... Dumbass," Zelenskyy tweeted.

Andrii Yermak, head of the Presidents Office, later called Putin a "mad old cretin".

In February 2024, US President Joe Biden called Putin a "crazy son of a bitch" during a fundraising event in San Francisco.

Background:

Ukraines Air Force noted that Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile during a missile attack on the city of Dnipro on 21 November. Ukrainska Pravda sources reported that it might have been a Rubezh missile, a potential carrier of nuclear warheads.

In an address on 21 November, Putin indirectly confirmed reports that Russia used a medium-range missile  dubbed Oreshnik by Putin  during the 21 November attack on Dnipro.

The United States officially confirmed that Russia struck Dnipro with a ballistic missile based on the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile.

On 22 November, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine stated that Russia launched a ballistic missile, likely from the Kedr missile system, against Ukraine.

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, stated that Oreshnik is the name of the research project; "it's just a cypher". He added that as of October 2024, Russia was supposed to have manufactured two experimental samples of the Kedr missile system, one of which struck Dnipro on 21 November.

On 28 November, Putin announced the purported commencement of mass production of the Oreshnik missile system, claiming it could be used against "decision-making centres in Kyiv".

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Kyiv will not agree to reduce the size of its Armed Forces even if Ukraine receives an invitation to join NATO, and without security guarantees, any reduction in the army is unacceptable, Zelenskyy asserts.

Source: Zelenskyy at a meeting with journalists in Brussels in the evening on 18 December, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Speaking about possible security guarantees within the framework of peace agreements, Zelenskyy reiterated that the best guarantee for Ukraine would be NATO membership, so Ukraine is continuing to work on obtaining an invitation to join.

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Meanwhile, he is looking into all potential forms of guarantees, including sanctions and financial assurances.

However, the president stressed that none of this is enough to guarantee that Putin would not go to war again.

He stated that this is why Ukraine has no intention of agreeing to a reduction in its armed forces.

Zelenskyy stated that the best security guarantee was a powerful and large army, the largest in Europe. He stressed that Ukraine had no reason to limit the strength of its army, even while it pursued NATO membership. He also emphasised that Ukraine would remain vulnerable as long as it was not a member of NATO.

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Zelenskyy asserted the need to ensure a strong economy as part of the guarantees, including funding for Ukraine's budget deficit during the war. The President underlined Kyiv's success in tackling this issue, noting that they knew how to close the gap in 2025.

Background:

Zelenskyy confirmed that Keith Kellogg, Trump's future special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, will visit Ukraine before the inauguration of the new US president.

Also in Brussels, Zelenskyy stated that the idea of deploying a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine had been discussed during meetings, noting that there had already been a positive reaction to this from some partners.

In late November, Russian leaders spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Vladimir Putin would not be satisfied with a freezing of the war, although he was supposedly ready for talks.

He also stressed that Russia has the same list of demands as it did in 2022: to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO or having NATO troops on Ukrainian soil; to reduce the size of the Armed Forces, and not to restrict the use of the Russian language.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined the key components he believes are necessary for Ukraine to be in a strong enough position to start potential negotiations with Russia.

Source: European Pravda; Zelenskyy speaking to reporters in Brussels

Details: Zelenskyy identified a stable front as the first component of a strong position, stating, "It may seem very simple  but it is challenging... It means that Russia no longer has an army capable of advancing."

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The second key point was the training, equipping, and coordination of new brigades promised by Ukraine's partners. However, Zelenskyy noted that this process is not progressing as expected based on the agreements made.

"Financial support comes next. Today, we have support thanks to the decision made by the G7. There is a decision, the money will flow... This means economic and macro-financial stability," the president stressed.

The fourth point Zelenskyy mentioned was the need for credible security guarantees to prevent Russia from launching another attack on Ukraine in the near future.

"We need a clear position without any surprises. We need to know what security guarantees we'll have... We have around 8 million people abroad. How will they return  to support the economy and pay taxes  if they don't know what will happen tomorrow?" Zelenskyy emphasised.

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Another component is the strong position of the new administration in the United States, one that is "ready to strengthen Ukraine and impose all-out sanctions against Russia."

Background:

Andrii Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, stated that Ukraine is not ready to start any negotiations with Russia at the moment, as Kyiv does not feel sufficient support from the West to lead them from a strong position.

EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Western capitals should stop pushing Ukraine to peace talks and instead ensure that their promises of security guarantees to Kyiv are not "empty".

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the leaders of the European Union to support French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to establish a European military contingent in Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing the text of Zelenskyy's speech released on the website of the President's Office

Details: "We support Frances initiative for a military contingent in Ukraine as part of these guarantees and call on other partners to join this effort; it will help bring the war to an end," he said.

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Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine finds the outcome of potential negotiations leading to a mere suspension of hostilities unacceptable, as it would primarily benefit Russia.

He expressed his expectation that when US President-elect Donald Trump officially takes office, he will intensify efforts to bring an end to the war.

"Its up to us whether Europe supports him with a strong, united voice... For the United States to apply full pressure, Europe needs a clear position," Zelenskyy said.



Previously:

President Zelenskyy acknowledged that the idea of deploying a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine as a deterrent against further Russian attacks had been discussed at meetings in Brussels, adding that he was already "seeing positive developments" from some leaders.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels, President Zelenskyy stated that there was no need to lower the draft age in Ukraine, pointing out that the primary challenges were the shortage of weapons and the slow progress in training new brigades.

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Zoo Atlanta announced it was committing itself to seven different international conservation programs thanks to funding from the Zoos Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund.

Heading into 2025, the zoo will be partnering with different programs focused on red pandas, orangutans, Panamanian golden frogs, drill monkeys, clouded leopards, gorillas, chimpanzees and radiated tortoises.

Each year, the Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund provides grants that help Zoo Atlanta amp up its global conservation impact, according to zoo officials.

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The projects chosen are proposed by members of the Zoo Atlanta team and chosen after review by a committee. The committee approves programs for inclusion based on how they tie into the zoos mission, the conservation status and needs of the species, the conservation significance and the inclusion of both community outreach and education.

Partnerships are a key aspect of the big-picture strategy that is essential to the long-term success and viability of any conservation effort, Raymond B. King, President and CEO, said in a statement. We are excited that in the year to come, our Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund will support seven projects, each championed by Zoo Atlanta team members with a passion for making a difference for wildlife.

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Here are the programs Zoo Atlanta will take part in, and where theyre from:

Red Panda Network  Nepal

Funding from Zoo Atlanta will support construction of a greenhouse and shade house, each with the capacity to produce and nurture more than 22,000 native seedlings. The trees will contribute to reforestation of wild red panda habitat and sustainable incomes for local communities. The project was championed by Kenn Harwood, Curator of Mammals.

Borneo Orangutan Survival USA  Borneo

For more than 30 years, Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) has been a leader in rehabilitating orphaned orangutans through its Forest School, with more than 520 individuals successfully returned to the wild and monitored in protected rainforest habitats. The project was championed by Lynn Yakubinis, Lead Keeper of Primates.

El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC) Foundation  Panama

Based in El Valle de Anton, Panama, the EVAAC Foundation focuses on the conservation of the Panamanian golden frog  a species which is extinct in the wild and currently housed only in assurance populations within human care, including Zoo Atlanta  and other Panamanian amphibians through research, breeding, protection, reintroduction, and local education. The project was championed by Evan Hoiland, Herpetology Keeper.

Pan African Sanctuary Alliance  Cameroon

The Pan African Sanctuary Alliances Green Project is a collaborative effort that incentivizes long-term, sustainable community engagement in conservation to protect the biodiverse habitat of Mt. Cameroon National Park, home to a fragile population of endangered drill monkeys. The project was championed by Pam Miller, Primate Keeper.

Wildlife Alliance Veal Pi Ranger Station  Cambodia

Wildlife Alliance aims to implement an anti-poaching program to address clouded leopard mortality due to poachers snares in the Cardamom Rainforest, an area crucial for the survival of this and other species. The program assists in law enforcement patrolling and snare removal. The project was championed by Michelle Elliott, Mammal Keeper.

Goualougo Triangle Ape Project  Republic of Congo

The Goualougo Triangle Ape Project works to mitigate threats to gorillas, chimpanzees, and their habitats. Through research, training, and local partnerships, the effort seeks to facilitate sustainable coexistence and to enhance and strengthen conservation policies across the Congo Basin. The project was championed by Jodi Carrigan, Curator of Primates.

Turtle Survival Alliance  Madagascar

Funding from Zoo Atlanta will support health diagnostics, supplies, and veterinary students for health screening of radiated tortoises confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade prior to rewilding the animals. The project was championed by Kate Leach, DVM, Senior Veterinarian.



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A Google Street View image of a man loading a white sack into the trunk of his car has helped police solve a murder case, BBC reports.

In November 2023, local police in Soria, Spain, received a complaint about a missing Cuban immigrant after the man's relative received suspicious messages about him leaving the country and ditching his phone.

During the investigation, the police landed on the missing mans partner and her ex-boyfriend and raided their homes. The authorities then found a Google Street View image of a man, allegedly the ex-boyfriend, loading a huge white sack into the cars trunk.

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The police did not specify how they determined the sack contained the missing person's body but noted in a translated statement that the image is one of the clues." They also found another image of a man transporting a large white sack in a wheelbarrow.

These images were taken in October 2023 in Tajueco, a town in the northern province of Soria, and it was the first time in 15 years that a Google Street View car had been there. (What are the odds?)

Based on the images and the couples connection to the missing person, the police arrested the two on Nov. 12, 2024. While the two were in detention, the police found the missing persons torso buried in a cemetery in Soria. The rest of the body was subsequently found on Dec. 11 and sent for further examination. The case hasnt been closed yet, and evidence is still being verified.

To capture 360-degree street views, Google mounts a camera system on the roof of a car and drives it around towns. The company also has a support page that mentions which locations it plans to map each month.
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Florida residents are set to lose access to Pornhub in the new year amid a battle over state age-verification laws.

It will join Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia, where the adult site is also blockedunless you try to get around it with a VPN (more on that below).

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Florida's age-verification law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and Pornhub parent company Aylo confirms that its sites will go dark in protest. (Aylo, formerly MindGeekalso owns YouPorn, RedTube, Brazzers, and more.)

"Any regulations that require hundreds of thousands of adult sites to collect significant amounts of highly sensitive personal information is putting user safety in jeopardy," Aylo says in a statement. "Moreover, as experience has demonstrated, unless properly enforced, users will simply access non-compliant sites or find other methods of evading these laws."

The Florida bill, HB 3, requires adult sites to verify that visitors are 18 "using either an anonymous or standard age verification method." Anonymous ones "must be conducted by a nongovernmental, independent third party." Florida's attorney general can collect civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs, while minors can also pursue up to $10,000 in damages.

If you visit Pornhub in a state where the site is blocked, you're met with a message that argues the state's law is "ineffective, haphazard, and dangerous," like this one shared by CBS Austin political reporter Michael Adkison after the Texas block went into effect.

"We believe that the only effective solution for protecting minors and adults alike is to verify users' age on their device and to either deny or allow access to age-restricted materials and websites based on that verification," the message adds. Pornhub further argues that this type of legislation will only drive people to less scrupulous sites, which "put minors and your privacy at risk."

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The California-based Free Speech Coalition and a group of adult platforms, including Aylo, filed a legal in Florida. The group has also sued in Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, Utah, Indiana, and Montana. The Texas case, Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, will be heard by the United States Supreme Court in January 2025.

Laws like HB 3 in Florida "have effectively become state censorship, creating a massive chilling effect for those who speak about, or engage with, issues of sex or sexuality," the Free Speech Coalition says.

Shielding Kids From Porn

In Texas, HB 1181 requires adult sites to verify that visitors are of age. It was set to go into effect in September 2023, but Pornhub sued and secured an early victory. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed and got a temporary reprieve in March, allowing the state to enforce HB 1181. Pornhub responded by blocking access to its site in the state a few months ago.

This battle kicked off when Pornhub blocked access in Utah over a similar age-verification law. As more states adopted these laws, Pornhub blockades followed.

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In Alabama, access to Pornhub was blocked ahead of an age-verification law that went into effect on Oct. 1, AL.com reports. Under HB164, adult sites must use "reasonable age verification methods" to confirm that people are over the age of 18 and display warnings about porn being "potentially biologically addictive" and harmful to "human brain development"

In Indiana, SB17 went into effect on June 27, and requires sites that offer adult content to "use a reasonable age verification method to prevent a minor from accessing an adult-oriented website." Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita says "children shouldn't be able to easily access explicit material that can cause them harm. It's commonsense. We need to protect and shield them from the psychological and emotional consequences associated with viewing porn. We look forward to upholding our constitutional duty to defend this law in court."

In Kentucky, House Bill 278 is similar and applies to sites where more than one-third of its content would be considered harmful to minors.

In North Carolina, House Bill 8 was part of a larger education bill that also covered things like adding a computer science requirement for high school graduation. But it also imposed the age-verification check for adult sites. In signing the bill last year, Gov. Roy Cooper said those age checks are "important...to help protect children from online pornography."

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HB8 requires sites to use "a commercially available database that is regularly used by businesses or governmental entities for the purpose of age and identity verification or...another commercially reasonable method." Sites that fail to comply could face a civil action from the parents of kids who viewed pornography or anyone whose data is unlawfully retained.

In Montana, SB 544 requires sites to verify age by having people provide "a digitized identification card" or access a "commercial age verification system" that checks a government ID or uses some other sort of "commercially reasonable method" to verify someone's age.

How to Access Pornhub in States Where It's Blocked

When Pornhub was blocked in Utah last year, we turned to VPN services and connected to servers in Virginia and Utah. Upon navigating to Pornhub, we were greeted by the blockade message.

If you're affected by the ban, use the VPN app of your choice to connect to a server not in a location currently blocked by Pornhub. (Note that while this guidance can be used to get around Pornhub's embargo, it could also be used to avoid the very age-restriction requirements Pornhub is protesting. We can't advise you on the risks of trying to circumvent the law.)

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When you switch on a VPN, your web traffic is routed through an encrypted connection to a server operated by the VPN company. That server could be in a different state or a different country from you. Because your web traffic exits that server, it appears as if you are browsing the web from wherever the server is.

PCMag-Recommended VPN Services

So, if you're in Utah, you should connect to a VPN server that's not located in Utah, and then navigate to Pornhub as usual. We recommend that you also use incognito mode while streaming pornography to prevent the URLs from showing up in your browser's history and autocomplete options.

If you don't already have a VPN service installed, you can find one that will suit you in our roundup of the best VPNs for Pornhub.

Which VPN Should You Use?

Nearly all VPN services will let you specify the country where you want your traffic to appear. Some will let you pick down to the city level. A few let you see a list of the actual servers themselves, and their locations, and make your choice that way.

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US-based Pornhub viewers will probably want to use a VPN server that's located in the US. We recommend a VPN that will at least let you choose servers in a specific US state. Do note that latency will increase and browsing speed decrease when using a VPN, and that the impact will be more noticeable the further away the VPN server is from you.

PCMag's top-rated VPN Editors' Choice winner, Proton VPN, shows the cities and specific servers available to customers. It also offers an excellent free VPN, but your server choice will be far more limitedthere are servers in the US, but you can't specify which to use. Fortunately, the free version has no time or data limit.

Other Editors' Choice-winning VPNs that let you select cities include IVPN, Mullvad VPN, NordVPN, and TunnelBear VPN. Note that IVPN and Mullvad VPN use a privacy-protecting account number system that requires very little personal information, and both will accept cash sent to their respective HQs for a nearly anonymous experience.

Max Eddy contributed to this story.
Yakima County Department of Corrections officers take Craig Michael Berry into custody after a hearing in Yakima County Superior Court Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Berry, who was charged with multiple counts of sexually exploiting minors he met online, was ordered detained after Judge Elisabeth Tutsch found he violated the terms of his pretrial release by playing World of Warcraft online with at least one minor.
Leading Macao to greater success of "one country, two systems"

Xinhua) 08:08, December 19, 2024

MACAO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- In 2012, shortly after becoming general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xi Jinping visited Guangdong Province in southern China. One stop on this trip was Hengqin, a place that was not so well-known back then but has since gained much spotlight.

Hengqin is an island in the city of Zhuhai, adjacent to Macao. Xi urged exploring innovative cooperation models between Hengqin and Macao to contribute to the latter's long-term prosperity and stability.

Macao's development has long been on Xi's mind. In 2009, then as vice president of China, he visited Macao and announced the plan to develop Hengqin, highlighting its potential to bolster Macao's economic diversification.

On Wednesday afternoon, Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, arrived in Macao to attend celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. Delivering a brief speech at the airport, Xi called Macao "a pearl on the palm" of the motherland.

Over the past 25 years, the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved success widely recognized by the world, showcasing great vitality and unique charm, he said.

The strategic vision Xi outlined for the city's growth, along with his commitment to improving the livelihoods of the local people, has been pivotal to Macao's transformation into a thriving economic hub and a desired tourist and leisure destination. Its development has been a success story of "one country, two systems."

Since the return from Portuguese rule in 1999, Macao has been governed as a special administrative region (SAR) under the "one country, two systems" policy -- a unique arrangement that allows it to maintain its capitalist system and way of life within socialist China.

Over the years, Macao's GDP had grown from 51.9 billion patacas (about 6.23 billion U.S. dollars) in 1999 to 379.5 billion patacas in 2023, while the per capita GDP had more than quadrupled to around 70,000 U.S. dollars. This year, Forbes magazine listed Macao as the second-richest place in the world, trailing only Luxembourg.

The annual number of visitors to the city has also surged to more than 32 million from 7 million 25 years ago.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

PLANNING MACAO'S DEVELOPMENT

The Chinese central government has taken into full consideration Macao's unique position and role, encouraging it to actively integrate into the national development strategy.

For Hong Kong and Macao, "one country, two systems" is the biggest strength; China's reform and opening up has set the broadest stage for their development; and the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area present new and significant opportunities, Xi has said.

The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, established in 2021 under Xi's personal planning and guidance, has enabled Macao to develop industries such as high-end manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, financial services, and cultural tourism, helping to reduce its overdependence on the gaming sector.

As of September 2024, the cooperation zone has attracted 6,461 Macao enterprises and 16,539 Macao residents to move in. The deeply-integrated development between Guangdong and Macao is becoming a reality.

Xi regards the joint development of Hengqin by Zhuhai and Macao as a key component of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's growth. As part of this major national strategy, Macao was designated as one of the four central cities in the Greater Bay Area, alongside Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, serving as an engine for regional development. This has provided Macao with new opportunities, motivation, and space for growth.

Infrastructure construction has gathered speed. On Oct. 23, 2018, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world's longest sea-crossing bridge, was opened, with Xi personally announcing its inauguration.

Over the past six years, the bridge has evolved into a key economic and trade channel and a vital logistics artery in the Greater Bay Area. The annual number of border crossings at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port and the Hengqin Port both exceeded 20 million in 2024, setting new records.

"Over the 25 years since Macao's return, the motherland has been Macao's strongest backing for prosperity and stability, and has provided the greatest opportunities for Macao's development," said Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao SAR.

In July, China unveiled a master plan for furthering its reform, which emphasized leveraging the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems" and improving mechanisms to ensure that Hong Kong and Macao play a better role in the nation's opening up.

"This has pointed the way for Macao to integrate into Chinese modernization and achieve better development, providing a new historical opportunity," Xi has said.

People visit the Senado Square in Macao, south China, Dec. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

CONNECTING WITH LOCALS

In the past years, no matter how busy his schedule was, Xi always managed to meet with ordinary local residents during his visits to Macao. He spent time learning about livelihood projects, be it a public housing program, an elderly-care facility or a government service center. "From your voices, we can gauge whether Macao is prosperous and developing," he told the locals.

Xi has also exchanged letters with people from all walks of life in Macao.

The "Macao Science 1" satellites, jointly developed by the Chinese mainland and Macao, was successfully launched in May 2023.

Following the launch, 18 faculty and students from the Macau University of Science and Technology, who participated in the satellites' development, wrote to Xi to share the exciting news and their experiences in the project. In his reply, Xi encouraged them to actively integrate into and contribute more to the country's development.

"We received President Xi's reply just two days later. It was a tremendous encouragement for us," said Yin Liang, an assistant researcher with the project. "He recognized our work and provided guidance for our future efforts."

Xi also cares a lot about the thoughts and aspirations of Macao's youth. In May 2019, students from a Macao middle school wrote a letter to Xi, sharing their understandings of the concept of "motherland" and expressing their wishes for Xi to visit Macao again.

After replying to the students, Xi fulfilled his promise by visiting their school in December 2019. He attended a Chinese history open class on campus, and told the students: "As Chinese, we must understand the history of our nation."

That open class left a deep impression on then 15-year-old Ni Ho Lam. Inspired by that experience, she began incorporating traditional Chinese cultural elements such as dragons and cranes into her works during creative design competitions. Today, she is pursuing her dream of design and art as a student at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology.

During his overseas visits and domestic diplomatic activities, Xi also promoted Macao actively.

In December 2018, during a state visit to Portugal, Xi emphasized Macao's unique role in advancing cooperation and exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and in the BRI. In April 2019, while meeting with the president of Portugal, Xi stressed: "Macao has already become a bridge for long-term friendly cooperation between China and Portugal."

"As long as we give full play to the institutional strengths of 'one country, two systems' and dare to strive and innovate, Macao will surely create a brighter future," Xi said Wednesday.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Hungary's Kravtex-Kuehne group and state-owned bus company Volanbusz presented the first Hungarian-made electric articulated bus in Budapest.

The articulated version of the group's Credobus Electronell buses is made in Mosonmagyarovar and Gyor and weighs 16 tonnes, Kravtex managing director Istvan Krankovics said. It is lighter than other manufacturers' vehicles so it can be operated with less energy and at lower cost, he added.



Kravtex-Kuehne is ready for serial production, which could help preserve 500 jobs in Hungary and provide orders for 100 domestic suppliers, Krankovics said.



Passengers will have the opportunity to test the Electronell 18 buses early next year.



MAV-START and Volanbusz deputy CEO Laszlo Kormanyos said almost 40pc of Volanbusz's vehicle fleet has been upgraded - with close to 2,500 new buses - in the past six years. The company operates 102 electric buses and plans to put another 20 into service next year.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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New Delhi: Budget airline SpiceJet has successfully reached an amicable settlement with Genesis, resolving a long-standing dispute valued at over $16 million. As part of the agreement, SpiceJet will pay Genesis $6 million in cash, while the lessor will acquire $4 million in SpiceJet equity at a price of Rs 100 per share, said a company statement.

"The settlement is a significant milestone for the airline, providing crucial financial relief and reinforcing its commitment to restoring long-term growth and stability. The deal also offers SpiceJet substantial savings, further strengthening its position in the competitive aviation sector," it added.

In a joint statement, both parties confirmed that the settlement terms would result in the withdrawal of all ongoing litigations and disputes related to the matter. This move is expected to ease SpiceJet's legal liabilities and pave the way for smoother operations in the future.

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet, expressing satisfaction with the resolution commented, "This settlement marks another crucial step in our journey toward financial stability. We are pleased to have resolved this matter amicably with Genesis through constructive negotiations. This agreement, which includes Genesis acquiring an equity stake in SpiceJet, will significantly reduce our financial liabilities and further strengthen our balance sheet".

The settlement with Genesis is the latest in a series of successful resolutions with other lessors. SpiceJet has previously reached similar agreements with companies including Horizon Aviation, Engine Lease Finance Corporation, Aircastle, Wilmington Trust SP, Shannon Engine Support Limited, and Export Development Canada. These negotiations have played an important role in reducing the airline's outstanding financial obligations.

This latest agreement follows a landmark deal in September 2024, when Carlyle Aviation agreed to convert $30 million of lease arrears into SpiceJet equity at INR 100 per share. The deal signaled growing confidence from stakeholders in SpiceJet's financial and operational recovery.

SpiceJet's recovery has been further validated by Acuite Ratings & Research, which recently upgraded the airline's credit rating by four notches, reflecting the company's progress in overcoming financial challenges and its improved outlook in the aviation market.
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a notification about the 8th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), an interactive event where students and teachers get a chance to engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Scheduled for January 2025, the programme will take place in a town hall format at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Held annually, this initiative aims to help students from classes 6 to 12 manage exam stress and pressure effectively. To select participants for the event, an online Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) competition is being conducted at https://innovateindia1.mygov.in/. Students from classes 6 to 12, as well as teachers and parents, can participate in the competition until January 14, 2025. Approximately 2,500 selected students will take part in the main event. Each selected participant will receive a PPC Kit from the Ministry of Education.

''This competition is the mode through which students, parents and teachers are invited to frame their questions to be addressed to the Hon'ble Prime Minister. Shortlisted questions may feature in the programme. The participants who asked questions in the previous editions of Pariksha Pe Charcha are invited by media channels to appear in their programmes. Along the same lines, this year's chosen few may get an opportunity to interact with the media, reads the official notice.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025: Rewards for participation

Winners will have the opportunity to attend the Pariksha Pe Charcha event in person and interact directly with Prime Minister Modi.

Each winner will be awarded a specially designed certificate as a mark of recognition.

Additionally, a select group of student winners will get a unique chance to personally engage with the Prime Minister and ask their questions. These participants will also receive a digital souvenir, including an autographed photograph of the Prime Minister.

PPC stands for Pariksha Pe Charcha, an annual programme led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Every year, the Prime Minister interacts with students, teachers, and parents to discuss concerns related to exams and education. The programme aims to reduce exam stress, promote effective study methods, and encourage a well-rounded approach to education and personal growth. Participants have the opportunity to share their questions, which the Prime Minister addresses during the session.
Chaos In Parliament: A heated faceoff between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress over an alleged physical scuffle outside Parliament on Thursday took a new turn after NDA MPs filed police complaints accusing each other of assault and misconduct.

Three NDA MPs, including Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj, have filed a police complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of being involved in "physical assault and incitement" during a scuffle at Parliament, an officer said, as reported by news agency PTI.

BJP MPs Thakur and Swaraj, accompanied by a TDP MP, met the officers at the Parliament Street Police Station and gave a written complaint.

Speaking to media persons outside the police station, Thakur said, "We have filed a complaint against Mr. Rahul Gandhi for physical assault and incitement." The BJP leader said that they have given a complaint under Sections 109, 115, 117, 125, 131, and 351. Section 109 is an attempt to murder; Section 117 is voluntary causing grievous hurt.

"We have filed a complaint with Delhi Police against Rahul Gandhi for assault and incitement. We have mentioned in detail the incident that happened today outside Makar Dwar, where NDA MPs were protesting peacefully... We have given a complaint under Sections 109, 115, 117, 125, 131, and 351. Section 109 is an attempt to murder; Section 117 is voluntary causing grievous hurt," he said.

#WATCH | Delhi: BJP MP Anurag Thakur says, "We have filed a complaint with Delhi Police against Rahul Gandhi for assault and incitement. We have mentioned in detail the incident that happened today outside Makar Dwar, where NDA MPs were protesting peacefully... We have given a pic.twitter.com/sKQYaTbJG9  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

Shortly after, a delegation of Congress MPs, including women MPs, approached Parliament Street Police, accusing BJP leaders of misbehaving with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge during a scuffle in the Parliament premises.

Congress MP Digvijaya Singh accused the BJP of resorting to theatrics to divert attention from remarks made about Dr BR Ambedkar. "It is in BJP's character to level false allegations. They (BJP) have orchestrated this 'natak' and 'nautanki' to counter what they have said about Babasaheb Ambedkar... All this happened due to the confrontationist way of BJP MPs. Mallikarjun Kharge was pushed and misbehaved," Singh told reporters.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also claimed that Mallikarjun Kharge was deliberately pushed, describing the incident as a "conspiracy." "The way a Dalit leader was abused the day before yesterday, and today he was pushed--this is all a conspiracy," Tiwari said.

Congress MP Jebi Mather alleged that the BJP MPs had conspired to disrupt their peaceful protest. "We were taking out a peaceful march from Babasaheb Ambedkar statue to Makar Dwar. All these days we have been doing peaceful protests. Today, a conspiracy was hatched by the ruling dispensation- BJP MPs, the way they treated Mallikarjun Kharge ji, Priyanka Gandhi ji and other women MPs is unfortunate. They (BJP MPs) wanted to create a scene, and that's exactly what they did," Mather said, as quoted by ANI.

The allegations came after both the NDA and INDIA bloc parties staged a protest in Parliament, leading to an alleged scuffle leaving two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, injured.

The scuffle took place over the alleged insult to B. R. Ambedkar, leaving former minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi injured. The saffron party accused Rahul Gandhi of pushing the senior member, a charge rejected by the Congress leader. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said BJP MP Mukesh Rajput was also injured in the melee.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up Sarangi and Rajput and inquired about their health after they sustained injuries in the Parliament complex, news agency ANI reported, citing sources. A senior officer said police have received the complaint and are looking into it.

(With agencies Inputs)
Parliament Winter Session: Congress MP Manickam Tagore has filed an Adjournment Motion Notice in the Lok Sabha, demanding a discussion on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments about Dr BR Ambedkar during the Constitution debate in the Rajya Sabha. Tagore has called for an apology from Shah and his resignation.

On Wednesday, both Houses were adjourned following protests from the Congress-led opposition over Shah's remark. Dressed in blue, a colour associated with B R Ambedkar, Opposition INDIA bloc members on Thursday took out a protest march in Parliament premises.

Meanwhile, BJP-led NDA lawmakers also held a march here, raising slogans and holding placards, demanding an apology from the opposition Congress for allegedly insulting Ambedkar. The BJP leaders have accused the Opposition of circulating edited videos and using underhanded tactics. However, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has denied these claims, asserting that the Congress misrepresented his remarks.

Launching an all-out attack, Opposition MPs climbed the walls of Makar Dwar at Parliament, demanding an apology and resignation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

BJP MP Injured In Head During NDA, INDIA Blocs Protest

Amid the ongoing uproar, BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi got injured in the head. He claimed, Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP who fell on me after which I fell down. I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me."

Responding to BJP MP's allegations, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge spoke to reporters, he said, "This might be on your camera. I was trying to enter through the Parliament entrance. BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me, and threaten me. That's when this happened." He concluded, "The real issue is that they are attacking the Constitution and insulting the memory of Ambedkar ji."
Kulgam: An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Kadder area of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir during the early hours of Thursday.

The Kashmir Zone Police posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Encounter has started at Kadder area of Kulgam district. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow."

Indian Army's Chinar Corps said that the terrorists opened a "heavy volume" of fire when challenged by the security forces.

"OP KADER, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army and J-K police at Kader, Kulgam. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate and heavy volumes of fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress," it said in a post on X.

Earlier on December 3, a terrorist identified as Junaid Ahmed Bhat was killed in an ongoing operation with security forces in Srinagar district. Police said Bhat was involved in civilians killing at Gagangir, Ganderbal iand several other terror attacks, in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to chair a high-level security meeting in the national capital on December 19, according to official sources.

The officials, privy to the development, told ANI that the meeting will primarily focus on critical security issues, with a special emphasis on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha will also attend the meeting, which aims to review strategies to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Srinagar: In a major success for security forces, five terrorists were killed, and two soldiers injured in an encounter in Behibagh village of Kulgam district, South Kashmir.

A senior police official said a joint operation was launched by the police, Armys Rashtriya Rifles, and CRPF in Kadder village following credible inputs about terrorist presence.

As security forces closed in on the suspected hideout, the militants opened fire, leading to a gunfight. Two soldiers sustained injuries during the initial exchange of fire.

All five militants were neutralised in the operation. The identity and affiliation of the slain terrorists are being verified, the official said.

The area remains under a cordon as the search operation continues.

Earlier, The Kashmir Zone Police had posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Encounter has started at Kadder area of Kulgam district. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow."

"OP KADER, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army and J-K police at Kader, Kulgam. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate and heavy volumes of fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress," it said in a post on X.
Mumbai Boat Accident: The tragedy occurred on Wednesday around 4 p.m. when a Navy craft, undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with the passenger ferry Neel Kamal near Karanja, close to Mumbai. According to the Navy, 13 people died, and 99 were rescued. The ferry was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist spot. Boat drivers who rushed to help victims of the ferry accident near Mumbai were shocked by the chaos at the scene. They described hearing people screaming and crying for help, calling it one of the most horrific incidents they had ever witnessed.

Arif Bamane, a driver of the Mumbai Port Trust pilot boat Poorva, said, "The situation was tragic and chaotic when we arrived. People were screaming for help, and some were crying." He recalled seeing a young girl who wasnt breathing because water had entered her lungs. Bamane and his team performed chest compressions to help her breathe again, and she slowly started breathing normally.

Bamane said they focused on rescuing women and children first. Before their arrival, a fishing trawler and another tourist boat were already helping at the scene.

Rescue operations for passengers

He explained that his team was returning to Mumbai from Jawahar Deep on Wednesday evening when the control room informed them about the accident and instructed them to rush to the site near JD5. Despite having only four people on their boat, they worked hard to rescue the stranded passengers before more help arrived. Among the survivors, Bamane noticed three to four foreigners crying for help. "We tried to save as many people as possible," Bamane said, adding they rescued about 20-25 persons, who were later transferred to naval boats that arrived at the scene.

With 18 years of experience as a boat driver, Arif Bamane said he had been part of small rescue operations before, but Wednesdays incident was the most tragic and horrifying he had ever witnessed. This is the largest rescue operation Ive been involved in, he said.

Departure of the boat

Iqbal Gothekar, a small tourist boat driver, told PTI that he learned about the accident about 25-30 minutes after leaving Elephanta Island at 3:35 PM. He was one of the first to reach the scene. People on the capsized ferry were waving frantically for help, said Gothekar, a native of Raigad district who has been a boat driver since 2004.

By the time he reached, a fishing trawler had also arrived at the site. Gothekars boat rescued 16 people and safely brought them to the Gateway of India, where the survivors were taken to a police post. In my career, Ive never seen anything like this, Gothekar said as he recalled the tragedy.

The ferry, which could carry up to 80 people, had departed from the Gateway of India for Elephanta Island about 45 minutes before the accident. According to sources, the incident occurred near Butcher Island.
Five Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, including top operational commander Farooq Ahmad Bhat, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district on Thursday, officials said. Speaking about the joint operation, security forces termed it a big success for them. Following the successful operation in Kulgam, the army and Jammu Kashmir police held a press conference and briefed about the joint operation.

I congratulate Army 34 Police Kulgam and CRPF on conducting a successful operation, Brigadier Anirudh Chauhan, sector commander 2RR, said. He further stated, We were after the group of HM from the last some time we got big success when we got information about the terrorist last evening, and we started a cordon in the Kaddar village of Kulgam at midnight, and at 3:30 am the terrorist fired upon forces. we first evacuated local people out of the area and kept terrorist engaged in cordon , terrorist fired indiscriminately and it was effectively retaliated then we eliminated 5 top terrorist of Hizbul Mujahideen.

Chauhan also said that among the terrorists killed during the joint operation was Farooq Ahmed Bhat, operational commander of Hizbul Mujahideen. He had joined the terror ranks in 2015, and since 2016 he had been radicalizing people in Kashmir and getting them to join Hizbul Mujahideen. He was recruiting young youth of Kashmir and was very active in that.

The senior officer further stated that the killing of Bhat and his associates means a big setback to Hizbul Mujahideen in south Kashmir. Our two soldiers got injured, and they are stable, and soon they will join us back, he said. Its a huge setback to Hizbul Mujahideen, but we cant say they are all finished; there will soon be peace in Kashmir, and we are working for it, the commander said.

DIG South Kashmir Javid Matto, who also was in the press conference, said 5 terrorists got killed. all five terrorists were of Kulgam area Farooq joined 2015 , Mushtaq joined in 2020 they were involved in many FIRs , Farooq was having 37 FIRs , and one FIR against him was of a rape case. it was joint operation, he said.

Javid added, We had information about their activities in the area from the last so many months, and since the last two weeks, we enhanced vigilance on them, and last night an encounter happened, and the group was eliminated. He said the encounter lasted for 5-6 hours.

They were all old terrorists, not new terrorists. one, new recruitment is coming down , we had many successful operations in few last months in south Kashmir and this was a big one. Security forces had recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including lakhs of rupees, from the dead bodies. Recoveries include 1 AK56, 4 AK47s, 2 grenades, 70 rounds, 21 magazines, 5 pouches, and 2-3 lakh cash.

This is a major success for security forces in South Kashmir since October 20. Security forces have killed now 14 terrorists in Kashmir and have arrested 17 overground workers in Kashmir.
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Chaos At Parliament: In a big move following a chaos at Parliament premises where political protests turned ugly, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday banned demonstrations by MPs and political parties at any of the gates of Parliament, sources told news agency PTI.

"Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has issued strict instructions that no political party, Member of Parliament or groups of members will hold any dharna and demonstration at building gates of Parliament House," PTI quoted parliament sources as saying.

The instructions came on a day when Parliament premises saw rival protests by the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led INDIA bloc parties on the alleged insults to B R Ambedkar which soon turned into jostling and scuffles leaving two MPs injured and a woman MP claiming intimidation by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

Chaotic scenes were witnessed outside Parliament House on Thursday after MPs from the NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc staged separate protests over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on BR Ambedkar.

As the day passed, the protests took an ugly turn when members from both blocs confronted each other, leading to jostling.

Following the confrontation of parliamentarians from both sides, a scuffle broke out in which BJP MP Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput sustained injuries and were hospitalized.

Sarangi sustained a forehead injury during the clash. The saffron party alleged that Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP who fell on Sarangi. The claim was strongly denied by the grand old party.

Hours after the scuffle, Delhi Police on Thursday filed an FIR against Rahul Gandhi over allegations pertaining to "physical assault and incitement" during a scuffle in the Parliament.

Acting upon the complaint lodged by the NDA MPs, including BJPs Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj, the case against the former Congress chief was registered under various sections, including 109 (attempt to murder), 115 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 117, 125, 131, and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police had removed section 109 (attempt to murder) of the BNS, which was earlier included in the FIR. All other sections are the same as given in the complaint.

(With agencies inputs)
BJP Vs Congress In Parliament: Amid the ugly scuffle and heated exchanges outside the Parliament complex on Thursday, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) woman MP has made startling charges against the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak on Thursday wrote to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha alleging misbehaviour by Rahul Gandhi with her.

Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak writes to the Chairman Rajya Sabha alleging misbehaviour by Congress MP and LoP Rahul Gandhi with her.



"My dignity and self-esteem has been deeply hurt by LoP Rahul Gandhi," she writes in the letter to Chairman Rajya Sabha. pic.twitter.com/zPOI5FeR6d December 19, 2024

BJP MP from Nagaland Phangnon Konyak filed a complaint with Dhankar, claiming that her dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt because of the 'behaviour and conduct' of Rahul Gandhi. In her letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman, she claimed that Gandhi, along with other members of the grand old party, misbehaved with her and also made her 'uncomfortable' while she was protesting against the insult meted out to Babasaheb Ambedkar by the grand old party.

He misbehaved with me in a loud voice, and his physical proximity to me was so close that I, being a lady member, felt extremely uncomfortable, she said. I stepped aside with a heavy heart and felt that no Member of Parliament should behave this way, she further stated.

Konyak, also the state president of BJP Mahila Morcha in Nagaland, said that the incident happened while she was protesting against Congress ill-treatment of BR Ambedkar at Makar Dwaar, the main entrance of the Parliament building.

The security personnel had cordoned off the area and created a passage to the entrance for Hon'ble MPs of other parties. Suddenly, Leader of Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji along with other Party Members came in front of me despite there being a passage created for them, she wrote in her complaint.

Earlier, the penultimate day of the Winter Session was marred by a huge controversy as a scuffle broke out between BJP and INDIA bloc MPs over insult and affront to the legacy of the country's greatest Dalit icon. Two MPs of the saffron party said that they suffered injuries after Rahul pushed a fellow lawmaker. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also claimed assault by the BJP parliamentarians, saying that his "knees were hurt".

Rahul Gandhi After Pratap Sarangi's Allegations

The ruckus outside Parliament after both BJP and Opposition MPs staged parallel protests has snowballed into a huge controversy. After BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was hurt after Rahul Gandhi pushed him, the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition said that he was trying to go inside the Parliament and the incident happened when BJP MPs tried to push him.

Speaking to the media, Rahul Gandhi asserted that they have the right to go inside Parliament. "This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me and threaten me. So this happened...Yes, this has happened (Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed). But we do not get affected by jostling. But this is the entrance and we have the right to go in. BJP MPs were trying to stop us from going in. The central issue is that they are attacking the Constitution and insulting the memory of Ambedkar ji," the Lok Sabha LoP said.

Earlier, BJP MP Pratap Chandra claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. "Rahul Gandhi pushed a member of Parliament who fell on me after which I fell down...I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me..." Singh told reporters.

This comes as the ruling BJP MPs were protesting in the Parliament's premises against the Congress party for "insulting" Babasaheb Ambedkar.

(With agencies inputs)
Shocking developments have surfaced from neigbouring country Bangladesh, where two terrorists involved in anti-India conspiracies have received relaxation under the government of Muhammad Yunus. Following this, there are chances that this move might resurrect years-old terrorist activities.

A radical Palestinian-like ideology has found its way into Bangladesh. Several images have emerged from the Jamia Millia Islamia Madrasa in Jessore, Bangladesh. In the image, the appearance of the speaker resembles that of Abu Ubaida, spokesperson of Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades.

Just like Abu Ubaida, the individual in the image has his face covered and is surrounded by armed militants. The attire, language, and intentions are eerily similar to Hamaspromoting violence against non-Muslims.

In todays episode, DNA tried to decode how the Bangladesh government is making moves to promote anti-India activities and violence against non-Muslims.

Watch Full Episode Here

This ideology is not just present in Bangladesh's society but is now active within the Bangladeshi system and government as well. This new evidence has emerged as two terrorists, involved in anti-India plots, have found support from the Yunus government.

Twenty years ago, a major weapons cache was discovered in Chittagong, Bangladesh, consisting of AK-47s, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, Uzi submachine guns, and thousands of grenades.

This event took everyone by surprise. Involved in this arms smuggling operation were former Bangladeshi Minister Lutfozzaman Babar, sentenced to life imprisonment, and ULFAs military commander Paresh Baruah, sentenced to death. However, after Muhammad Yunus's government took power, these decisions have been overturned.

On December 18, the Dhaka High Court revisited the Chittagong case. Following this hearing, BNP leader Lutfo Zaman Babar was acquitted of all charges, and Paresh Baruahs death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.

The reactivation of a major anti-India network by Muhammad Yunus is evident in this case. But first, lets revisit the plot behind the weapons smuggling operation from 2004.

In that year, a ship carrying a huge weapons cache arrived at the Chittagong port. Ten trucks loaded with weapons were offloaded, and these arms were intended for the insurgent group ULFA in the Northeast region of India, as well as other militant organizations. Although the weapons didnt reach the insurgents at that time, the key figures involved in this operation are now once again active in Bangladesh.

Lutfozzaman Babar, who was acquitted, and his leader Khaleda Zia have had all charges dropped. Furthermore, the Jamaat-e-Islami, another accused party in this case, has had all bans lifted under Yunuss government. Paresh Baruah's sentence reduction signals a troubling message: Bangladesh could once again become a base for ULFA, as it was in 2004.

Its clear now that Muhammad Yunus appears to be following a path similar to what Pakistan has done in Kashmir: recruiting and training terrorists and establishing infiltration networks, all to force India to battle terrorism on yet another front.

Given the direction Bangladesh is heading, it seems the country may soon resemble Pakistan in terms of its radicalization and military involvement. In fact, retired military officers in Bangladesh are now issuing hollow threats akin to Pakistans nuclear rhetoric.

In an alarming turn, Bangladesh, once vocally critical of Pakistan, has now warmed up to its neighbor. In Cairo, during the D-8 summit, Muhammad Yunus and Pakistans Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif held a significant meeting.

The most notable outcome was their agreement on economic cooperation, with Bangladesh seeking support from Pakistan in sectors like chemicals, cement, and information technology.
Mumbai Boat Accident: A speedboat collided with a passenger ferry off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday, leaving 13 dead, including Navy personnel. The Indian Navy confirmed the speedboat was a naval craft that lost control. A navy craft on a trial engine run went off course and crashed with a passenger ferry en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination.

A video from the incident site shows Indian Navy and Coast Guard personnel rescuing passengers from the sinking boat. Passengers can be heard shouting for help as the ferry slowly submerges in the water. One of the first responders, a driver of the MBPT pilot boat Poorva told PTI, "When we reached there, the situation was tragic and completely chaotic. People were screaming for help, and some were crying. He added, The incident was the most horrific and tragic.

This is how boat collision happened in Mumbai, gate way today, which took life of 13 and 100+ rescued.#MumbaiBoatAccident pic.twitter.com/VTu6uG5NQ0  Vije (@vijeshetty) December 18, 2024

What Led To Mumbai Boat Accident?

The Indian Navy attributed the boat accident to an engine malfunction during a speedboat's trials. "Today afternoon, an Indian Navy craft lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to engine malfunction," the Navy stated on X. The collision caused a passenger ferry to capsize.

"13 fatalities have been reported so far. Survivors rescued from the incident site are being shifted to nearby hospitals, the statement further read.

The Navy stated that rescue operations are in full swing, with four naval helicopters, 11 naval crafts, one Coast Guard boat, and three marine police crafts deployed to recover survivors.

Today afternoon, an #IndianNavy craft lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to engine malfunction. As a result, the boat collided with a passenger ferry which subsequently capsized.



13 fatalities have been reported so far. Survivors rescued from the  SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 18, 2024

Mumbai Boat Accident: Top Updates

The tragic accident claimed 13 lives, including a Naval personnel and two representatives from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) aboard the Naval craft, the Navy stated. Mumbai Police confirmed the deceased comprised seven men, four women, and two children. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed reporters in Nagpur that 101 people have been successfully rescued. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a financial assistance of 5 lakh for the families of the victims of the "extremely unfortunate" incident, to be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Meanwhile, an FIR under relevant sections of the new criminal code BNS has been filed at Colaba police station in south Mumbai against the Navy speedboat driver and others deemed responsible for the incident, an official confirmed. The police have released the identities of ten victims from the accident. They include Mahendra Singh Shekhawat (Navy), Praveen Sharma and Mangesh (workers on the NAD boat), Mohammad Rehan Qureshi and Rakesh Nanaji Ahire (passenger boat), Safiana Pathan, Mahi Pawara (3), Akshata Rakesh Ahire, Mithu Rakesh Ahire (8), and Deepak V. The identities of two women and one man remain unknown, officials said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the tragic boat accident in Mumbai, stating, "The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. Those affected are being assisted by the authorities," as quoted by his office in a post on X. The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the families of each deceased in the incident, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000, the PMO added.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: The political row over Amit Shah's remarks on BR Ambedkar intensified on Thursday, leading to a dramatic protest by the Opposition atop Parliament's 'Makar Dwar.' The incident allegedly involved Congress MP Rahul Gandhi pushing two BJP MPs, leaving them injured. BJPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were injured in the scuffle in the Parliament premises.

BJP MP Mukesh Rajput is in serious condition after sustaining injuries. He is admitted to the ICU at Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, ANI reported. Sarangi was hospitalised too after the clash near Makar Dwar.

Pratap Chandra Sarangi got injured in the head. He claimed, Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP who fell on me after which I fell down. I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me."

Responding to allegations of BJP MPs, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha alleged that BJP MPs were trying to block the parliament buildings entrance and were pushing him. "I was trying to enter Parliament and the BJP MPs were stopping me, pushing me and threatening me," Rahul Gandhi told reporters after the incident.

When asked if Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi were also pushed, he said, "It has happened but we don't get bothered with this pushing around."

"This is the entry to Parliament. We have a right to go inside, and the BJP members were stopping us," he added, pointing to the Makar Dwar.

Meanwhile, Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing the Lok Sabha Speaker, alleged that BJP MPs physically pushed him near the Makar Dwar, causing him to lose balance and forcing him to sit on the ground. He urged the Speaker to order an inquiry into the incident, calling it an assault not just on him but also on the Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition and the Congress president, reported PTI.

The uproar over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Congress intensified on Wednesday. Several INDIA bloc MPs, including Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest in the Parliament premises. They demanded Shah's apology, alleging his remarks insulted B.R. Ambedkar.

Protesting INDIA bloc MPs confronted BJP MPs near Parliament's Makar Dwar. Both sides raised slogans, attempting to outshout each other. As MPs moved towards the Parliament building, a melee broke out.

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day amid continuous uproar by treasury, opposition benches over Ambedkar issue.
BJP MPs Injured Case: Hours after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lodged a complaint, Delhi Police on Thursday filed an FIR against Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi over allegations pertaining to "physical assault and incitement" during a scuffle in the Parliament.

The case against the former Congress chief was registered ubder various sections, including 109 (attempt to murder), 115 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 117, 125, 131 and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),. Police had removed section 109 (attempt to murder) of the BNS which was earlier included in the FIR. All other sections are the same as given in the complaint.

#UPDATE | BJP MPs injured case: Delhi Police has filed an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on BJP's complaint. Police have only removed section 109 (attempt to murder) of BNS. All other sections are the same as given in the complaint: Delhi Police



BJP had filed a https://t.co/OL8ofV9X1Z  ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

The officer said police are likely to call Gandhi for questioning in connection with the case. Police will request the Lok Sabha Secretariat to provide the CCTV footage of the area where the alleged incident happened.

Another officer said all sections imposed against Gandhi are bailable, except section 117, punishment for which depends on the severity of the injury caused, ranging from seven years to life imprisonment.

A face-off at the Parliament entry steps between the opposition and NDA MPs in Parliament premises over the alleged insult to B R Ambedkar left former minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput injured.

Following the incident, the saffron party filed the police complaint against the Congress LoP, accusing him of "physical assault and incitement" and sought his indictment under sections of attempt to murder and other charges.

Earlier in the day, BJP MP Hemang Joshi, accompanied by party colleagues Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj, visited the Parliament Street Police Station and filed the complaint.

The grand old party strongly rejected the claim, alleging that BJP MPs pushed its chief Mallikarjun Kharge and "physically manhandled" Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Congress also lodged a complaint in connection the matter.

In his two-page complaint, BJP MP from Vadodara Hemang Joshi said, "At around 10, I along with Mukesh Rajput ji, Pratap Rao Sarangi ji and other large numbers of my fellow Members of Parliament belonging to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), were peacefully demonstrating at the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament." He said they were protesting against the "blatant misinformation being propagated by opposition parties, particularly led by the Indian National Congress."

"During this peaceful demonstration, Rahul Gandhi, arrived at the scene around 10.40 am to 10.45 am. Despite request from Parliament security to take the designated entry path, Rahul Gandhi with a malicious intent to disrupt the protest and physically harm NDA Members of Parliament ignored the instructions and forcefully barged toward the peaceful demonstrators," Joshi said in the complaint.

Not only did Rahul Gandhi and others violated the instructions of the security, he also instigated other "INDI Alliance Members" to proceed with force and aggression toward the NDA MPs, putting them in jeopardy, he alleged . "They intentionally used physical force to push Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Rao Sarangi and others who were standing on the narrow stairs at the entrance," Joshi said.

He said that as consequence Mukesh Rajput sustained a "severe injury" to the back of his head and Sarangi to his forehead. "My colleague, Dr. Byreddy Sabari, MP, who is also a qualified doctor, immediately provided first aid to the injured individuals. I personally witnessed the incident as I was standing next to my injured colleagues and attempted to reason with Shri Rahul Gandhi and his accomplices," Joshi added in the complaint.

Thakur also accused Gandhi of behaving with a female BJP MP from Nagaland. The Congress accused the BJP MPs of pushing its chief Mallikarjun Kharge and "physically manhandled" Gandhi. A delegation of Congress MPs, including Digvijaya Singh, Mukul Wasnik, Rajiv Shukla and Pramod Tiwari, filed the complaint visiting the station in person, an officer said.

(With agencies inputs)
Today, the Parliament witnessed chaotic scenes as protests over Home Minister Amit Shah's controversial remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar turned violent. Tensions between the Opposition and the ruling BJP escalated into a physical scuffle between Members of Parliament (MPs), resulting in two BJP MPs, Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, being injured.

The protests were triggered by Shah's statement on Ambedkar, with the Opposition demanding an apology from him. The Opposition MPs, including Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, donned blue attire, a color symbolizing Ambedkar's legacy, and gathered in Parliament to stage a demonstration. They sought Shah's resignation over his comments about the architect of the Indian Constitution.

On the other hand, BJP MPs held a counter-protest, demanding an apology from the Opposition Congress for allegedly insulting Ambedkar. This led to loud sloganeering and confrontations between the two groups, especially near the Makar Dar of Parliament.



The situation escalated into a scuffle between the MPs from both sides. During the confrontation, BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput sustained injuries. Sarangi, who is from Odisha, suffered a deep cut on his head and lost a significant amount of blood before being rushed to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML) in Delhi.

Doctors had to stitch the wound to stabilize his condition. Rajput, on the other hand, sustained head injuries and was also admitted with high blood pressure.

According to RML hospital spokesperson Ajay Shukla, the two MPs are currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), undergoing treatment, including CT scans and other investigations. The hospital staff is monitoring their conditions closely.



Who is Pratap Chandra Sarangi?

Pratap Chandra Sarangi is a prominent BJP leader and current Member of Parliament for Balasore, Odisha. He completed his Bachelors degree from Fakir Mohan College, Balasore, and worked as a Head Clerk at Nilgiri College before entering politics. Sarangis political journey began with his involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), followed by active roles in organizations like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.

Sarangi served twice as a Member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly (20042009 and 20092014), representing the Nilagiri constituency. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Sarangi won the Balasore constituency, defeating the BJD candidate by a margin of nearly 13,000 votes.

In May 2019, Sarangi was appointed as the Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, as well as for Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries. He is known for his efforts in revolutionizing primary education in rural areas through the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative, a community-funded single-teacher school concept.

Despite his political success, Sarangi's career has been marred by controversy, particularly his alleged involvement in the 1999 murder of Australian Christian missionary Graham Staines. Although Sarangi denied any role in the incident, it remains a subject of debate.
Revised Flight Duty Norms For Pilots: Two major airlines IndiGo and Air India have told aviation regulator DGCA that the revised flight duty norms for pilots can be implemented only in a phased manner starting from June next year, according to sources. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation's revised Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) relates to flight duty time limitation and seeks to provide more rest time for pilots amid concerns over pilot fatigue.

Initially, the new norms were to come into effect from June 1 this year but were postponed. The pilots' bodies -- Indian Pilots Guild, Indian Commercial Pilots Association and Federation of Indian Pilots -- told the DGCA that they want the norms to be fully implemented at the earliest from February 15, the sources said.

IndiGo has informed the regulator that the CAR can be implemented starting from June next year, with weekly rest period for pilots to be increased from 36 hours to 40 hours, they said. The impact of the change will be assessed with a view to potentially increase the weekly rest period after June 2025, they added.

Among others, the airline has informed the watchdog that from October 2026, it will restrict night landings for a pilot to a maximum of two during the night period of 12 am to 5 am, subject to certain conditions.

The sources said IndiGo has also mentioned that the overall impact of implementing the changes would require around three per cent increase in crewing requirements.

In its submission to DGCA, Air India said the CAR can implemented in a phased manner starting from June 2025 to ensure a smooth transition, the sources said.

Air India has also told the regulator that a new definition of night duty and increased rest periods, among others, will raise practical concerns.

While noting that these measures will be best realised within an Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS), the airline has also flagged that prescriptive regulations may not fully capture the dynamic nature of fatigue risks and lack validation through data specific to its operations, they said.

The sources also said that the CAR under which norms have been revised is independent of the FRMS and both should not be clubbed.

Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court during a hearing on pleas from the pilots' associations on the fatigue norms asked DGCA to have a meeting with the associations, airlines and ministry on December 18 (Wednesday).

During the meeting, airlines presented their views and sought more time for implementing the norms, the sources said.

On March 26, DGCA deferred the implementation of the CAR that was to come into effect from June 1. The decision had come less than two weeks after the watchdog told airlines that the deadline would not be deferred.
Washington: Cardi B has once again found herself at odds with her estranged husband, Offset, as the couple's divorce battle takes a heated turn.

Cardi B, who filed for divorce from Offset in August, took to social media to demand that the latter sign the divorce papers immediately.

This came after a tense exchange on platform X (formerly Twitter), where the rapper made comments that seemed to criticise Cardi for her recent actions.

As per E! News, the dispute ignited when Offset shared a now-deleted post accusing Cardi of focusing on the wrong things.

He wrote, "Nobody wins when the fam fight. Stop capping to these ppl to make yourself look like the hoe it ain't the look u a fire women good music but u focus on d--k and tryna make me look bad."

He concluded by calling for both of them to "focus" and stated, "this s--t is whack from us both honestly."

Cardi B quickly responded, calling out her estranged husband's accusations and demanding he finalize the divorce. In a now-deleted post of her own, she wrote, "So dating because I'm single means I'm just worried about d--k?? You sound like a dummy.. trying to be fake nice after you did what you wanted from the beginning trying to push a narrative to these people. Congratulations!!," as per E! News.

She ended the message with a sharp demand: "F--k off and sign the papers TODAY," as per E! News.

The couple, who tied the knot in 2017, shares three children together--Kulture, 6, Wave, 3, and a 3-month-old baby girl--and have faced a tumultuous relationship filled with public drama, including a previous divorce filing in 2020 before their brief reconciliation.

On the other hand, this fiery exchange also marks a dramatic shift in tone from just a few days earlier.

Earlier this week, Cardi B shared an optimistic update about her relationship with Offset, suggesting that they were getting along and working towards healthy co-parenting.

"We've been peaceful for over a week, so we like the energy," Cardi explained during a live X Spaces audio broadcast, adding "We ain't beefin'. We ain't really speaking. So I think we're getting to a point that is, we're really healthy co-parenting," as per E! News.

She also spoke about her recent happiness, noting that it had been "no drama, no bulls--t" for over a week, which was a significant improvement after months of tension.

Reportedly, Cardi had also appeared at Offset's birthday party in Miami on the same day.
London: Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan and his wife Emma Thomas were honoured by the King of the United Kingdom for their contributions to the film industry.

The ceremony was conducted on Wednesday at Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III felicitated the couple with a knighthood and damehood.

The royal family also posted pictures from the ceremony on their official Instagram and X handles.

"Arise, Sir Christopher Nolan and Dame Emma Thomas!" the post read.

"Congratulations to all who received honours during today's Investiture ceremonies, including film director Christopher Nolan and film producer Emma Thomas, the post read.

Nolan and Thomas, who have worked together on all of the movies Nolan has directed since 1997 (except Nolan's 2015 short film "Quay"), were recognized "for their extraordinary contribution to Film, with their partnership producing major blockbusters such as The Dark Knight trilogy and Oppenheimer," as per New York Post.

Arise, Sir Christopher Nolan and Dame Emma Thomas!



Congratulations to all who received honours during today's Investiture ceremonies, including film director Christopher Nolan and film producer Emma Thomas.



The couple were recognised for their extraordinary contribution pic.twitter.com/WuUsUOi5Eq  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 18, 2024

A knighthood is a title given to a male by the reigning monarch for achievements or service to the country, while a damehood is awarded to females. These ranks entitle recipients to use the title of Sir or Dame before their forename.

Earlier this year, Nolan won his first Best Director Oscar for Cillian Murphy-starrer Oppenheimer, which revolves around the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American theoretical physicist who helped develop the first nuclear weapons during World War II.
Mumbai: Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, who was linked to a drug trafficking case, is back in the country after 24 years. She spilled the beans in an exclusive conversation with IANS.

She also talked about her relationship with Vicky Goswami and drugs. Mamta Kulkarni told IANS, "I met Vicky Goswami in 1996 and in 1997 Vicky Goswami was arrested in a drugs case. He remained in jail for 12 years. During this time he also asked me to meet him, after which I met him once. During this time I focused all my attention towards spirituality. I came to take a holy bath in the Kumbh Mela in 2012 and after that Vicky also went to Kenya."

On the question of marriage with Vicky Goswami, the actress said, "All this is wrong. I have not married Vicky. I was celibate for 12 years and did not even eat onion and garlic during this time. Yes, it is true that I was with Vicky Goswami and will always love him. However, everything ended due to my focus on spirituality. I also met Vicky Goswami in Kenya. However, he was taken to America in a drug case. It has been almost eight years and now everything is over."

On the drugs case registered against her, Mamta said, "What did I lack? People do this for money. I had 10 film offers at that time and I had three houses and two cars. However, I left Bollywood. I think a false case was registered against me in the drug case because of Vicky or for publicity."

He said, "I was declared a fugitive and the officer who filed the case against me, was also declared a fugitive for a few months. As you sow, so shall you reap. Where is that commissioner today? The police did not have any evidence."
Mumbai: Mukesh Khanna, widely remembered for his portrayal of Shaktimaan and known for his candid opinions, has voiced his reservations about Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwaris ambitious project, Ramayana. The veteran actor expressed concerns over Ranbirs ability to embody the revered character, citing his public image and recent roles as potential barriers.



In an interview with Midday, Mukesh initially hesitated to comment, saying, I wont say anything about this, if I do, theyll accuse me of commenting about everyone and everything. Theyve ruined my reputation. However, he eventually shared his thoughts, drawing comparisons to Arun Govils iconic portrayal of Ram in the 1987 television adaptation of the epic.



Mukesh explained that Arun Govils performance has set a benchmark, adding, Whoever plays Ram should not just act like Ram but also look like Ram. If they are a lampat chhichhora (lewd hooligan) in real life, it will show on screen. Someone playing Ram cannot afford to party and drink in real life.



Mukesh also referred to Ranbirs recent role in Animal, which showcased a darker, aggressive side of the actor. Ranbir Kapoor is the beacon of the Kapoor family. Hes a fine actor, no doubt. But I will look at his face and wonderdoes he look like Ram? Hes just done Animal, and his negative personality in that movie might interfere with how audiences perceive him as Ram, he said.

The actor also cited the lukewarm reception of Adipurush, where Prabhas played Ram, as an example of the challenges of portraying such a sacred character. Prabhas is a huge star, but the public didnt accept him as Ramnot because hes a bad actor but because he didnt look the part, Mukesh explained.



Ranbir Kapoor recently confirmed that he would be playing Lord Ram in Ramayana, which will release in two parts. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film also stars Sai Pallavi as Sita.
Mumbai: The stampede incident at Hyderabads Sandhya 70MM Theatre during the screening of Pushpa 2 has escalated into a significant controversy involving Allu Arjun. The tragic event, which occurred on December 4 during the actors visit to the theatre, resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman, Mogudampalli Revathi, and left her 9-year-old son, Sri Tej, critically injured. Sri Tej has now been declared brain dead by doctors, adding to the gravity of the situation.

The stampede was triggered by overcrowding at the theatre, where fans gathered in large numbers to see Allu Arjun and his family. Revathi and her son, struggling to breathe due to the chaos, were rescued by on-duty police officers who performed CPR. Revathi was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, while Sri Tej was shifted to KIMS Hospital for advanced treatment.



Doctors have revealed that Sri Tejs condition remains critical. He is brain dead and reliant on ventilator support, with no signs of neurological improvement. A tracheostomy is being planned to aid his breathing, but his recovery is expected to be prolonged and uncertain.



Allu Arjun, who was arrested and later released on bail following the incident, has expressed his concern for the family but has refrained from visiting due to ongoing legal proceedings. In a statement on social media, he extended his prayers and promised to support the boys medical needs and the familys well-being.

Meanwhile, Allu Arjuns father, Tollywood producer Allu Arvind, visited the hospital with government approval and pledged full support for Sri Tejs recovery. Speaking to the media, he emphasized the familys commitment to assisting the boy during this difficult time.



The Hyderabad City Police have issued a show-cause notice to the Sandhya Theatre, questioning their preparedness and crowd management for the event. Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand and Telangana Health Secretary Dr. Christina have also been monitoring the case closely.

The incident has raised questions about event management and crowd control at celebrity appearances. It also underscores the responsibilities of organizers and public figures in ensuring the safety of their fans during large gatherings. As the legal proceedings continue, Allu Arjuns involvement remains under scrutiny, with many awaiting further developments in this tragic case.
New Delhi: Actress Rakul Preet Singh, who debuted in 2019, has built an impressive career with over a decade in the industry and more than 30 films, many of which are superhits.

Her lasting impact reflects her passion for cinema, a fact she revealed while gracing the cover of a leading magazine.

As the cover star of The Peacock Magazine's Nov-Dec 2024 issue, the actress candidly shares her childhood stories, acting journey, and more.

In a recent interview with Peacock Magazine, Rakul shared her thoughts about how Bollywood is grown in her. She said, "I grew up watching full-length Bollywood movies. I was a filmi kid-I would watch Shah Rukh (Khan) sir's films like Dilwale Dulhaniyan Le Jayenge (DDLJ) and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. I was a sucker for Bollywood romance. I watched all the movies; I was a movie buff. And I loved buying music cassettes. I was one of those kids who grew up on Bollywood,".

The actress also shared her most favourite shoot location , She said, ''I think my all time favourite is London because I just love the vibe that it has. You can work in London, you can chill in London, it has some great food, great weather, great shopping and the people are vibrant. London definitely is one of my most favourite places''.

Building on this, the actress also shared her journey from Miss India to acting, Rakul said, ''I think I was very filmi from a young age, but I didnt realise that acting was a viable career option. It was only in high school that my mother actually suggested that I try for Miss India because I was so smitten by the Miss India pageant. I watched it religiously and followed it thoroughly. She supported me, and I thought, why not give it a try? And here we are!''

Moreover, On professional front, Rakul Preet Singh will be next seen in De De Pyaar De 2. the actress also has an untitled comedy film with Neena Gupta and yet another untitled with Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar in her interesting line up of films ahead.
Mumbai: Ankita Lokhande is celebrating her birthday today with love and blessings pouring in from her family, friends, and fans. The actress shared a heartfelt post on Instagram featuring glimpses of her birthday celebration, including a puja ceremony with her husband, Vicky Jain, and her family. She captioned the post, And the birthday has just begun with love, laughter, and blessings. Happy birthday to me.



Among the many wishes, a special message from Sushant Singh Rajputs sister, Shweta Singh Kirti, caught everyones attention. Shweta commented on Ankitas post, writing, "A very happy birthday my dear. Hope you always stay happy and healthy. Bhais love and blessings are always with you too.



The comment touched the hearts of fans who fondly remember the late Sushant Singh Rajput and his close bond with Ankita during their years together.

Ankita, known for her positivity and warmth, has been a beacon of strength and inspiration to her fans. Her birthday celebrations reflect her focus on gratitude and togetherness, surrounded by the love of her family and well-wishers. Fans joined in wishing the actress a wonderful year ahead, filled with happiness and success.

Ankita was last seen in Bigg Boss 17 along with her husband Vicky Jain and they made headlines due to their constant fights in the house.
Hollywood star Tom Holland has said that working with his girlfriend Zendaya has its own perks. The actor appeared on a Christmas-themed episode of the 'Dish' podcast and was asked what its like acting opposite his longtime girlfriend Zendaya, reports 'Variety'.

The two have starred in three 'Spider-Man' movies and will spend much of 2025 on film sets together as the stars of a fourth 'Spider-Man' movie and of Christopher Nolans mysterious new film.

When asked about being Zendayas co-star, he quipped, Studios love it. One hotel room. Separate drivers. Were not crazy now. Listen its work, alright?. Oh God, yeah. Its a saving grace. Yeah, best thing thats ever happened to me, he added on a more serious note.

Its just that perfect thing when youre on set and a director will give you a note that maybe you dont agree with, or I know that she doesnt particularly like, and its just that, like, familiar glance at each other of like, cant wait to talk about that later".

As per 'Variety', Zendaya previously raved to Vanity Fair about working with Holland and said its not weird to be scene partners together. Its actually strangely comfortable, Zendaya said. Its like second nature, if anything. You feel extra safe with the person youre acting beside. I love working with him. Hes so talented, and so passionate about what he does. He always gives things one thousand percent, even if hes absolutely worn down. I really appreciate that about him. It feels pretty normal. Thats how we met. Literally, at a chemistry read".

Holland and Zendaya will be starring opposite Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron and more in Nolans new movie, which is set to open in theaters on July 17, 2026 from Universal Pictures.

Holland told the 'Dish' hosts that he still hasnt seen the script for the movie. Its very hush-hush, Tom said. He loosely pitched what it is. When hes ready, hell announce what it is.

The actor previously told 'Good Morning America' that Nolan offering him a part was the phone call of a lifetime.

He added, It was reminiscent of getting the call about Spider-Man 10 years ago. Its an amazing thing for me. Im super proud and Im really, really excited".
Mumbai: Vijay Deverakonda has finally addressed the ongoing rumors about his relationship with Rashmika Mandanna. In an interview with Bombay Times, the Arjun Reddy star hinted at a possible romantic connection while emphasizing his need for privacy and the right timing to speak about it.



When asked about the speculations surrounding his equation with Rashmika, Vijay responded, I will talk about it when I am ready, when I think that the world needs to know, and I want to share it with everyone. There needs to be a reason, a purpose, and a time for it. So, on such a day, I will happily share it with the world in my way.

This statement, while not a confirmation, has certainly added more intrigue to their rumored relationship. Vijay and Rashmika have worked together in hit films like Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade. Their on-screen chemistry and frequent public appearances have often fueled dating rumors, but both stars have maintained silence on the subject until now.



In the same interview with Bombay Times, Vijay Deverakonda shared his perspective on handling the curiosity and rumors surrounding his personal life as a public figure.

He said, When youre a public figure, its part of the job. Theres a lot of curiosity, but I dont feel any pressure. I read it as news. Only once I felt the need to respond (hinting at the time when he posted an Instagram story reacting to a report about his wedding), but otherwise, its alright.

For those unfamiliar, Vijay Deverakondas remarks in the Bombay Times interview alluded to an incident earlier in 2024 when rumors of him marrying actress and frequent co-star Rashmika Mandanna took social media and tabloids by storm.

In response, Vijay took to his Instagram Stories to quash the speculations, stating firmly,I am not getting engaged or married in February. Please dont believe such news.

Later, during an interview with Lifestyle Asia, the actor humorously addressed the recurring marriage rumors, It feels like the press just wants to get me married every two years. I hear this rumor every year. Theyre just walking around waiting to catch me and get me married.

Rashmika was recently spotted with Vijay Deverakodas family at Pushpa 2 screening and once again sparked their relationship rumours. Reports also claim Vijay will be a part of Pushpa 3 as the main antagonist.




New Delhi: A Bihar student found himself to be a millionaire when he withdrew money from his ATM, albeit the shock and pleasure of this sudden fortune lasted only for a few hours.

As per a news18 report, the Class 9 student hailing from Bihar's Muzaffarpur had visited a local cyber cafe during which he withdrew Rs 500 from a nearby ATM. However, once the transaction was over, and much to his shock, he found a staggering Rs 87.65 crore in his account balance.

The student, named Saif Ali, and the cyber cafe owner, still in shock checked the account balance again, only to find that the humongous amount balance remained unchanged in his bank account.

Saif immediately rushed home to share the news with his mother who subsequently informed another boy in their village locality about the money that was suddenly showing in the former's bank account.

Later the family went to the Customer Service Point (CSP) for a bank statement, but this time, Rs 87.65 crore balance was no longer visible. The bank statement reflected Rs 532 as balance, which was the correct amount Saif had in his account.

The entire episode lasted only five hours. The North Bihar Gramin Bank launched an internal investigation to probe crediting of this mind-boggling amount in Saif's account, reported news18. Although the banks officials could not give a clear explanation on the amount credit.

Cyber DSP Seema Devi told Local 18 that the episode could be one of those involvinng cybercrime or cyber fraud during which unscrupulous people could have used Saif's account for some time, during which the amount appeared in his bank balance. Saif's family has not formally lodged a complaint with the cyber police station, wrote news18.
Dubai: A series of intense airstrikes shook Yemen's rebel-held capital early on Thursday, shortly after a Houthi missile targeted central Israel.

It was not immediately clear who launched the strikes on Sanaa, which the Houthis have held for over a decade.

American forces have launched a series of strikes on the Houthis over nearly a year due to Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor. US military officials did not acknowledge a request for comment.

Houthi-controlled media reported the strikes, but offered no immediate information on casualties nor damage.

The strikes happened just after the Israeli military said its air force intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it entered the country's territory.

"Rocket and missile sirens were sounded following the possibility of falling debris from the interception," the Israeli military said. Sirens sounded near Tel Aviv and the surrounding areas, and a large explosion was heard overhead at the time.

The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment. Israel has struck the Houthis in the past over attacks targeting Israel and in recent weeks have threatened to again attack the rebels.

The Houthis have targeted some 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip started in October 2023 after Hamas' surprise attack on Israel.

The Houthis have seized one vessel and sunk two in a campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by separate US- and European-led coalitions in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have also included Western military vessels.

The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the US or the United Kingdom to force an end to Israel's campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.
In a case that has horrified the world, Dominique Pelicot, the former husband of Gisele Pelicot, has been found guilty of repeatedly drugging and raping her over nearly a decade.

Dominique Pelicot, aged 72, was found guilty by a panel of judges in a French court on Thursday. The charges against him include the repeated drugging and rape of his wife, Gisele Pelicot, who was subjected to unimaginable horrors over a period of years.

Pelicots actions included facilitating and recording the abuse while inviting numerous menmany of whom he met onlineto assault his wife while she was unconscious.

A panel of five judges has declared all 51 men on trial guilty, according to Reuters.

In addition to Dominique Pelicot, fifty other men were accused, most of whom denied the allegations. The court found 46 of the men guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape, and two guilty of sexual assault. One defendant remains at large and is being tried in absentia.

The presiding judge stated that the sentencing would be revealed once all verdicts were delivered.

Pelicot had admitted to the charges during the three-month-long trial and expressed remorse by apologizing to his family. Despite his admission of guilt, the case remains one of the most disturbing in recent memory, revealing the depths of betrayal and exploitation within the relationship.

Other Defendants in the Case

While Pelicots guilt was clear, the remaining defendants in the casenearly 50 menhave denied committing rape. These individuals, many of whom had been invited by Dominique Pelicot, claimed that they thought they were participating in a consensual sex game orchestrated by the couple.

They argued that since Pelicot had approved of their actions, it couldnt have been rape. This defense has sparked a broader debate about consent, particularly in light of France's current legal framework, which does not explicitly address the necessity of consent in sexual acts.

Gisele Pelicots Testimony

Throughout the trial, Gisele Pelicot, aged 72, showed remarkable strength, refusing to remain anonymous and demanding that the horrific videos of her abuse, filmed by her ex-husband, be presented in court. By doing so, she hoped to raise awareness and encourage other victims to speak out. In her testimony, Pelicot made it clear that she did not consider herself a willing participant in these crimes.
Brussels: President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte and French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen air defence systems of Ukraine and unite Europe for a stronger position in favour of Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Upon arrival in Brussels, the Ukrainian President held a meeting with NATO Chief Mark Rutte to focus on strengthening air defence in Ukraine. He noted that the partners expressed willingness to work towards effective security guarantees for Ukraine.

Sharing the details on X, Zelenskyy noted, "Brussels. An important and very substantive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Our talks focused on strengthening air defense for Ukraine and ensuring the reliability of the peace we are collectively working to achieve"

"We thank Mark, NATO Secretary General, and all our partners for their willingness to more actively enhance our air shield and work together for effective security guarantees. The Alliance will do everything to ensure that Ukraine is as strong as possible when we turn to more active diplomacy. We greatly appreciate @SecGenNATO's efforts in organizing today's meetings."

Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels on Wednesday to hold negotiations with European partners amid the background of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Ukrainian President is set to meet leaders and heads of government from countries such as Germany, Poland, Italy and the President of the European Council amongst others.

He will also participate in the European Council Meeting too.

Zelensky said in a post on X said, "I have arrived in Brussels for important negotiations with our European partners. Europe needs a strong, united position to ensure lasting peace. Every fundamental issue impacting Europe - and ending Russia's war against Ukraine is undoubtedly one of them - requires coordinated and effective work from European nations".

He added, "During this visit, I will meet with leaders and heads of government from France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, as well as the NATO Secretary General, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission. Representatives from the UK and other countries will also be present. I will also participate in the European Council meeting. Together, we strengthen Ukraine and all of Europe. I am grateful to everyone who supports us".

During his visit to Brussels, Zelenskyy held a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting involved discussions on enhancing the air defence capabilities of Ukraine.

He shared the details of the meeting on X.

"I had a productive meeting with French President @EmmanuelMacron. We had a detailed one-on-one discussion, focusing on key priorities to further strengthen Ukraine's position against Russian aggression. A clear focus remains enhancing air defense capabilities".

"I expressed gratitude for France's preparation of one brigade for our army, and we agreed to continue this cooperation and prepare one more brigade. We hope other partners will join this effort by contributing to equipping additional Ukrainian brigades", he added.

"We share a common vision: reliable guarantees are essential for a peace that can truly be achieved. We continued working on President Macron's initiative regarding the presence of forces in Ukraine that could contribute to stabilizing the path to peace. Emmanuel informed about his communication with other partners aimed at ensuring all necessary steps are taken for peace. Thank you, France!", the post said.
On 18 December the head of Paraguays national defence council (Codena),, announced the reversal of a controversial decision to suspend cooperation between Paraguays anti-drug agency (Senad) and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

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On 18 December El Salvadors government led by Presidentand the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced a staff-level agreement on a new arrangement under the IMFs Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for about US$1.4bn.

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U.S. cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications after a major hacking campaign.

Federal officials released a list of security suggestions for U.S. telecommunications companies that were targeted.

The advice includes one suggestion that everyone can use: Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.

End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, means that messages are protected so that only the sender and receiver can see them. If anyone else gets the message, all they will see is disordered information that cannot be understood without the key.

Law enforcement officials had until now resisted encryption. This resistance is because the encryption means the technology companies themselves will not be able to look at the messages. In addition, the companies will not be able to respond to law enforcement requests to turn the data over.

The Associated Press (AP) recently offered some ways that normal people can use for end-to-end encryption :

Texting

Officials said the hackers targeted the metadata of a large number of people. That included information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. The hackers also got to see the information from texts from a much smaller number of people.

If you are an iPhone user, information in text messages that you send to someone else who also has an iPhone will be encrypted end-to-end. Look for the blue text bubbles which mean that the messages are encrypted iMessages.

The same goes for Android users sending texts through Google Messages. There will be a lock next to the timestamp on each message to show that the encryption is on.

But there is a weakness. When iPhone and Android users text each other, the messages are encrypted only using Rich Communication Services (RCS). That is a common method for messaging that has replaced the older SMS and MMS methods.

Apple notes that RCS messages arent end-to-end encrypted, which means theyre not protected from a third party reading them while theyre sent between devices.

Samsung, which sells Android smartphones, also indirectly described the issue in a small area at the bottom of a press release last month. Samsung said about RCS, Encryption only available for Android-to-Android communication.

Chat apps

To avoid getting caught out when exchanging texts, experts recommend using encrypted messaging apps.

Privacy supporters are big fans of Signal, which uses end-to-end encryption on all messages and voice calls. Signal is an app that is run by an independent nonprofit group based in Mountainview, California. It promises never to sell customer data. The group has also made its source code publicly available so that it can be examined by anyone for security and correctness.

Signals encryption method is so respected that it has been included into competitor WhatsApp.

End-to-end encryption is also the normal mode for Facebook Messenger, which like WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms.

What about Telegram?

Telegram is an app that can be used for one-on-one discussions, group chats and broadcast channels. But Telegram does not use end-to-end encryption normally. Users have to turn on end-to-end encryption. And Telegrams end-to-end encryption does not work with group chats.

Cybersecurity experts have warned people against using Telegram for private communications.

Making calls

Instead of using your phone to make calls through a wireless cellular network, you can make voice calls with Signal and WhatsApp. Both apps encrypt calls with the same technology that they use to encrypt messages.

There are other choices. If you have an iPhone, you can use Facetime for calls, while Android owners can use the Google Fi service. Both are end-to-end encrypted.

However, with all these choices, the person on the other end will also have to have the app.

WhatsApp and Signal users can choose the privacy setting they want in the settings. Such choices include hiding an IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed.

Im John Russell.

Kelvin Chan reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

Quiz - Tech Tip: How to Protect Communications through Encryption Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

encryption  n. changing something (such as data) into a code

hack  v. to gain illegal access to a computer network, computer system, phone, etc.

extent  n. a degree, point, or limit to which something goes to

key n. information that permits a computer application to un-encrypt a message permitting the receiver to read it

metadata -- n. data that gives information about other data

recipient  n. someone who receives something

text (message) n. a short message sent through a computer program from one person to another which can contain a written message, links or pictures

app (application) n. a computer program that is designed to do one task or several linked tasks
For more than two years, Ebonie Vazquez searched to find a music teacher of color for her son, Giovanni. He is 11 years old and loves to play the violin. Now, she has found that teacher at New Hope Presbyterian Church, a Christian religious center, near Los Angeles, California.

Chineta Goodjoin, a Black pastor, leads New Hope. She started a string orchestra at the church in April to help children of color have a better chance to learn classical music.

Goodjoin and the orchestras leaders think it is important for the music teachers to look like their students and share similar life experiences. That is why the orchestras director, Charles Dickerson and all its music teachers are people of color.

Dickerson is also the director of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, which he founded in 2009. After Goodjoins daughter Nyla began playing in that orchestra, Goodjoin decided to build a similar group at her church.

The churchs orchestra now has about 18 members, aged nine to 20. They play the violin, viola, bass and cello. The orchestra accepts all students who want to join.

Ebonie Vazquez says having teachers of color has helped the orchestra members feel like they fit in well.

Its important they dont feel like outsiders, but are supported and feel like they belong, she said. It has definitely helped my son connect more to the music and the craft.

Her son Giovanni said that in the church orchestra, he could play classical music or popular modern music. He values being part of the church orchestra because its a piece of our community.

They encourage young musicians of color and everyone gets a chance to play and maybe use it as a stepping stone to get better or even turn this into a career, he said.

Elizabeth Moulthrop is executive director of El Sistema, an international network of music education programs that was founded in Venezuela.

She said programs like the church orchestra can help students go to life-changing summer music camps, receive college scholarships, and find connections to jobs.

Goodjoin said she and her husband, Reggie Goodjoin, see a future for the orchestra where African American kids play classical music and play it well. Reggie Goodjoin is a jazz musician and the churchs music director.

The group plays a mix of both classical and popular music. I like to say they play everything from Bach to Beyonce, added Goodjoin. They also learn music by famous African American jazz composers such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington.

Goodjoin said she believes the church is a great place to start talking about fairness in music. Music is freedom, Goodjoin added.

The pastor is already getting praise from parents. One boy who plays the upright bass was about to quit playing because no one in his school orchestra looked like him.

His mom said that when he came here, the pressure to play and compete was taken off and that its a delight to now watch her son light up feeling a sense of worthiness, she said.

Dickerson said he started the Los Angeles orchestra when a group of students told him they wanted to play closer to where they live.

They would have to drive long distances to be in these orchestras where they didnt know the other kids, he said. The young kids from our communities were always put in the back row and the back row was right next to the door.

Its easy to walk out that door, he added, when you dont really feel accepted and when you know youre probably not as skilled as the others. He added that those other students usually had more music lessons and started playing at a younger age.

Dickerson said the Black Church has at times been the only place the African American community could organize services they needed, such as banks and newspapers.

If we can come together in the church and create a symphonic orchestra, all I can say is all praise to God, he added.

I'm Andrew Smith. And I'm Anna Matteo.

Deepa Bharath wrote this story for The Associated Press. Andrew Smith adapted it for VOA Learning English.

_________________________________________________

Words in This Story

pastor -n. a leader of a church

outsider -n. a person who does not belong to a particular group

craft -n. an activity that involves doing something skillfully

encourage -v. to help people want to do things

a stepping stone -noun phrase -- an experience that can help you make progress, especially in your career

delight -n. something that brings happiness
The citywide consumption campaign has significantly boosted local spending, generating MOP940 million in sales, according to figures released during TDMs radio program.

Ma Chi Ngai, president of the Macao Chamber of Commerce announced that the program involved 22,000 merchants and achieved a remarkable five-fold increase in consumption. Stimulating domestic demand with MOP190 million directly contributed to the initiative. The goal is to encourage residents to stay in Macau for weekend shopping, Ma stated.

Lei Cheok Kuan, a businessman leading an organization for the central and southern districts of the city, emphasized the importance of the initiative for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Modern consumption patterns are changing, he stated, urging businesses to capitalize on online platforms.

He suggested that they establish large or trendy stores that appeal to younger customers to attract new shoppers to the area. Lei also recommended that businesses enhance product quality and development, and use promotions to boost consumption and attract more consumers.

Ma Kin Cheong, director-general of the Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District, praised the initiatives positive effect on community consumption. It has boosted business across various sectors by two to four times, he said.

Despite these successes, challenges remain.

Chan Meng Kei, deputy director of the Macau General Union of Neighbourhood Associations (UGAMM), reported that a significant portion of the elderly population faces difficulties participating due to a lack of familiarity with electronic payment methods.

Additionally, some concerns have been expressed about the policy of one visa, multiple trips from Hengqin and one trip per week from Zhuhai, which are due to be implemented in 2025. Chan expressed hope that these policies would be complemented by improvements in transportation infrastructure to enhance connections between the ports of entry to various districts in Macau without disrupting residents travel.

He also encouraged businesses to actively engage in government-led initiatives such as promotional courses to improve their competitiveness.

Lei further acknowledged that this new policy could greatly benefit Macaus economy by increasing tourist flow and boosting business turnover. Nadia Shaw
Hengqin has reported a significant rise in tourism for 2024, anticipating nearly 15 million visitors to major attractions, reflecting a 20% year-on-year increase. The newly opened Hengqin Light Rail Line has facilitated over 10,000 tourists participating in group tours since the group in, group out policy began. Additionally, Zhuhais upcoming travel policies will enhance flexibility for residents traveling to Macau from next year. Authorities aim to boost Hengqins competitiveness through distinctive brands and international exhibitions.

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25 years after the historic handover of Macau to China, a photographic exhibition revisits the final days of Portuguese administration in the territory. The exhibit, showcasing the work of photographer Antonio Duarte Mil-Homens, offers a glimpse into the transition process that unfolded in 1999.

Mil-Homens, who covered the handover for Revista Macau, had the opportunity to capture images of the last meetings of Macaus governing bodies, including the final session of the Leal Senado. His lens also documented the ceremony where Governor Rocha Vieira was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Macau.

The exhibit features photographs of other significant events, such as the unveiling of a plaque at the Camoes Cave, attended by Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio and his wife, as well as the Macau community. Mil-Homens also documented the presentation of Portugals first Consul-General for Macau and Hong Kong.

The culmination of the transition process was the ceremony marked by the lowering of the Portuguese and Leal Senado flags, and the raising of the flags of the new Macau Special Administrative Region and the Peoples Republic of China. Mil-Homens photographs capture the historic moment, as well as the speeches by the presidents of Portugal and China.

The photographs that make up this exhibition simply aim to remember, 25 years later, the events that marked the transition, said Mil-Homens. They are historical, unrepeatable documents, still originating in analogue format, with the technical quality impaired by contingencies.

The exhibition showcases Mil-Homens extensive experience, which spans commercial, scientific, and artistic photography. He has held 25 solo exhibitions and participated in 35 collective shows, in addition to teaching photography courses and workshops since 1989. Victoria Chan
The pirates who hijacked a Chinese-owned fishing vessel with 18 crew off the northeastern coast of Somalia last month are demanding $10 million in ransom, according to a Somali official.

The hijackers also shared photos on social media of their captives surrounded by armed men on the ships deck.

The vessel was hijacked in late November and taken to Xaafuun district in the semi-autonomous state of Puntland, where it is being held along with the captives. The ships security guards later joined forces with the armed men from the coastal region.

A Somali government official said the vessel was issued with a fishing license by Puntland in 2020, but the license had expired.

The official spoke on Sunday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter. He did not elaborate on the ransom demand.

The European Unions anti-piracy naval force, Eunavfor Atalanta, last week classified the incident as robbery at sea.

The hijacking underscores the persistent challenges of maritime security in Somalias waters. Somalia has for years been blighted by piracy, which peaked in 2011, when the United Nations says more than 160 attacks were recorded off the Somali coast.

Incidents have declined drastically since then, however, largely due to the presence of American and allied navies in international waters. MDT/AP
The 25th anniversary of Macaus return to the motherland is a significant milestone in its history. Over the past quarter of a century, with the unwavering support of the central government and the visionary One Country, Two Systems policy, Macau has made remarkable progress in all economic and social fields, bearing compelling witness to the soundness and viability of the policy. Today, Macau has become a shining example of the One Country, Two Systems policy, demonstrating the excellence of its practice to the world.

Since its return to the motherland, Macau has achieved significant economic growth. Reflecting the robustness of Macaus economy and its fiscal strength, the SARs fiscal reserves stood at around 617 billion Macau patacas (MOP) (around $77.22 billion) as of September 2024, an increase of 43.5 billion MOP compared with the same period in 2019.

Although Macaus economy faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since steadily recovered with strong support from the central government. In the first three quarters of 2024, Macaus GDP reached MOP301 billion, registering a real growth of 11.5 percent year-on-year. The overall economic scale has recovered to 86.3 percent of the level seen in the same period of 2019.

The Macau SAR has also actively promoted appropriate economic diversification. In 2023, the region launched its first comprehensive and systematic plan to this end, which outlined the 1+4 economic diversification strategy, focusing on tourism and leisure as the leading industry, while promoting key sectors such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and the big health industry, modern finance services, new and high technology, as well as conventions, exhibitions, and culture and sports.

Since then, Macau has accelerated the implementation of the plan, achieving significant progress in all these industries. For example, Macau has been named both Best Convention City (Asia) and Best BT-MICE City consecutively in 2023 and 2024 by the TTG Travel Awards, one of the most credible and authoritative awards in the Asia-Pacific tourism and convention industry. These achievements underscore the international recognition of Macaus high-quality tourism services.

Macau has long positioned itself as one center, one platform and one base, namely a world center for tourism and leisure, a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and a base for cultural exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture is the mainstream and diverse cultures coexist.

Since its establishment in 2003, the Forum Macao for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries has witnessed six ministerial conferences, culminating in the signing of the Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Cooperation (2024-2027). As a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, Macau has served as a key facilitator in promoting deeper cooperation and exchanges. In addition, Macau also plays an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), continuously promoting economic cooperation and cultural exchanges with BRI partner countries.

Macau has long been a place where Eastern and Western cultures intersect. Today, as an base for exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture is the mainstream and diverse cultures coexist, Macau has been honored as the Cultural City of East Asia 2025, underlining its pivotal role in Chinas cultural exchange and cooperation with the world.

Macau values preserving traditional culture. The SAR now has 11 items inscribed on the lists of State-level intangible cultural heritage, including Cantonese opera, Herbal Tea Brewing and the Drunken Dragon Festival. They embody Macaus unwavering commitment to preserving and passing on Chinese cultural traditions, while embracing and integrating diverse cultural influences.

The central government has consistently supported Macaus integration into regional development, encouraging its exploration of new growth models. Among these initiatives, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) stands out as a key strategy to promote regional economic integration. As one of the core cities of the GBA, Macaus active participation will enable it to better align with national development priorities and benefit from the economic and social opportunities offered by this dynamic region.

In addition, the central government has also established Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin as an important platform to diversify the development of Macaus industries. Its strategic positioning has four main objectives: to provide a new platform for Macaus appropriate economic diversification; to facilitate the employment and daily life of Macau residents; to pioneer and advance the practice of the One Country, Two Systems policy; and to set a new benchmark for the GBA development. The projects in the In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin are progressing steadily, creating favorable conditions for Macau to achieve sustainable and diversified growth.

Over the past 25 years since Macaus return, the SAR has made remarkable progress in the economic, social and cultural fields under the guidance of the One Country, Two Systems policy. During his visit to Macau earlier this year, Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Work Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, underscored that standing at the starting point of new development, Macau people should leverage Macaus unique positioning and advantages, promote quality social and economic development, join force to polish Macaus golden business card as an international cosmopolitan, and leverage Macaus functions in supporting the countrys high-quality development and national rejuvenation.

Macaus development over the past 25 years is a testimony to the success of the One Country, Two Systems policy. Looking ahead, the SAR will stay committed to this policy, promoting shared development and prosperity with the Chinese mainland to create an even brighter future. Leong Kit Chi*, CGTN

*Leong Kit Chi is Chief of the Macau Special Administrative Region Government Office in Beijing.
President Xi Jinping arrived in Macau yesterday afternoon to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the regions return to Chinese sovereignty.

This marks his third visit as president to the Special Administrative Region (SAR), following trips in 2014 and 2019.

Upon his arrival just after 4 p.m., Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, received a warm welcome at the airport from a crowd of schoolchildren waving flags and flowers, as well as senior officials, including outgoing Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng and incoming Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai.

At the airport reception, Xi expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, Every time I come to this beautiful land, I feel very happy. He referred to Macau as the jewel of the motherland and emphasized its significant role within Chinas governance framework.

This visit not only celebrates the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) but also serves as an opportunity for Xi to inaugurate Sam Hou Fai as the new Chief Executive tomorrow (Dec. 20). Sam previously served as Macaus top judge for the past 25 years.

While Xis schedule remains largely undisclosed, reports indicate he will attend a gala dinner and cultural performance at the Macau East Asian Games Dome tonight. He is also expected to participate in a flag-raising ceremony at Lotus Square tomorrow morning, coinciding with the anniversary of Macaus handover from Portugal to China in 1999.

Reflecting on the past five years in a statement from Xinhua, Xi commended Ho Iat Seng for his leadership during challenging times, particularly amid the Covid-19 pandemic. You have faced difficulties and been pragmatic, he noted, praising Hos efforts to unite various sectors of Macau society under the One country, two systems policy.

Security measures have been heightened throughout Macau in anticipation of Xis visit. Authorities have implemented road closures and increased checks for incoming visitors.

As part of his agenda, Xi is expected to engage with local residents and stakeholders across different sectors. I will take a walk, have a look, and have extensive and in-depth exchanges with friends from all walks of life, he promised during his arrival speech.

Xis previous trip in 2019 commemorating the 20th anniversary of the handover included several significant engagements.

During that two-day visit, he toured the Premier School affiliated with Hou Kong Middle School, visited the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform, and inspected the Macau Government Services Centre. Nadia Shaw
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday officially welcomed Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura as the new commanding general of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) during a Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony honoring outgoing chief Lieutenant General Stephen Parreno.

In his speech, the Commander-in-Chief praised Parreno for his dedicated service and expressed confidence in Corduras leadership, emphasizing the need for the Air Force to adapt to the evolving security landscape.

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As we bid farewell to Lieutenant General Parrenos distinguished tenure, we now warmly congratulate the newly appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura, President Marcos said.

With your steadfast leadership, you can guide the Air Force towards becoming an institution that is more agile, credible, and responsive to the demands of an ever-evolving security landscape, he told Cordura, acknowledging the challenges ahead.

The President also urged the men and women of the Air Force to continue upholding the principles of honor, duty, and excellence, reiterating that their service is a source of national pride.

These times call for vigilance and resolve. There is no room for complacency, the President emphasized.

As part of his administrations priorities, the Chief Executive assured the troops of the governments commitment to the continued modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, aiming to strengthen their capability to protect the nation and its people.

We must ensure that the continued modernization of our armed forces remains a priority, empowering us to protect the ideals that define our nation, he said.
AirAsia Philippines on Thursday expressed its readiness to accommodate more than 300,000 passengers from December 16, 2024, to January 6, 2025, during the Christmas to New Year travel period.

The airline reports a load factor exceeding 80% and anticipates a significant surge in bookings as Filipinos make last-minute plans to reunite with loved ones.

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To ensure smooth operations, AirAsia has optimized the working schedules of its essential staff as part of its Always Ready sa Paskot Bagong Taon initiative.

Ground personnel at check-in counters are now on standby, and customer happiness desks have been made easily accessible at key hubs to assist guests with their travel requirements and inquiries.

AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan, encourages guests to book flights early, as ticket fares tend to increase closer to the travel date.

We expect a significant surge in guest volume this week as many of our kababayans are making last-minute bookings for their holiday plans. While we recognize the excitement that comes with finalizing travel arrangements, we encourage our guests to book flights early, as ticket fares increase closer to the travel date, Dailisan said.

This time is also a good opportunity to secure your return flights in advance for after the holidays, as flights will fill up quickly after Christmas, he added.

AirAsia urges passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before domestic flights and four hours before international flights to ensure a hassle-free experience.

The airlines domestic flights will operate from Terminal 2, while international flights will depart from Terminal 3.
2024 has been a turbulent year for every continent. The war, imperialism, economic crisis and political turmoil of the capitalist system have been mirrored by the mass mobilisations and revolutionary movements of the poor and oppressed. Throughout this, marxist.com has aimed to provide clear, communist analysis of all the major events unfolding internationally.

The past 12 months have seen the ruling class propaganda machine working in overdrive to confuse and obscure the truth: the capitalist system is rotten to its very core and must be overthrown in its entirety. For this reason, it has never been more important for communists to be bold and uncompromising in exposing the lies of the ruling class and providing a clear and revolutionary perspective.

This is one of the central goals of marxist.com, and we believe that this website has established itself as the foremost authority on news, theory and analysis from a Marxist perspective.

With hundreds of thousands of visitors to marxist.com this year, we publish below a list of our best-performing articles from 2024, as well as some of our most popular audio and video content.

Top 10 articles of 2024

Manifesto of the Revolutionary Communist International

The launch of the Revolutionary Communist International (RCI) was a rallying cry for communists around the world to get organised in the fight against capitalism and imperialism. This document, approved unanimously at the RCIs founding conference in June, is the Internationals founding manifesto, providing a bold communist analysis of the turbulent period we are living through. The Manifesto has been read over 33,000 times in English on this website alone, translated into more than 30 languages and reproduced widely online and in print.

Read the Manifesto of the RCI here

Class fighters gather across the US to launch the Revolutionary Communists of America

In February, the US section of the RCI gathered to discuss the founding of a new revolutionary party in the belly of the beast of world capitalism. The announcement of the Revolutionary Communists of America was received with immense enthusiasm internationally, attracting the attention of millions of viewers on social media. This article explains why our comrades took the decision to found the RCA and gives reports on a series of rallies and marches held across the US at the time.

Read the article here

Books not bombs! Healthcare not warfare!  RCI statement

We are living through an epoch of war and imperialism on a global scale. The task facing humanity is to overthrow the sick capitalist system that engenders this barbarism. For this reason, earlier this year the RCI published its statement against militarism and imperialism  available in over 20 languages  which puts forward a communist programme for the fight against the imperialist war machine.

Read the statement here

It is time to launch the Revolutionary Communist International

Around the world, the deepening crisis of capitalism has birthed a growing layer of workers and youth that recognise the need for a revolution and even for communism. At the beginning of 2024, the International Executive Committee of what was then the International Marxist Tendency agreed on the necessity of decisively turning towards these layers with the clearest possible revolutionary banner. This article analyses the fundamental processes in the world situation that inspired the launch of the RCI and explains why the need for a bold communist international is greater than ever.

Read the article here

The Middle East: a blaze of imperialisms making

Israels genocidal war on Gaza, as well as its attack on Lebanon, have revealed the callous barbarity of imperialism to the entire world. Ultimately, this is a result of the logic of imperialism, which continues to push for escalation in the region, irrespective of the horrors it has evoked. This article, written by the editorial board of marxist.com, draws out the role of particularly US imperialism in the Middle East, showing clearly the need for communists everywhere to fight the enemy at home: their own warmongering ruling class.

Read the article here

Trump victory: a kick in the teeth for the establishment

Just last month, liberals everywhere raised a hue and cry over the results of the US election, which will soon bring Donald Trump back into the White House with a significant majority. As Alan Woods explains in this article, Trumps victory has nothing to do with any imagined rightward shift in the consciousness of the American masses, and much more to do with the pervasive mood of disgust towards the rotten establishment, which Trumps demagogy was able to tap into.

Read the article here

Aaron Bushnell: an act expressing the rage and frustration of millions

In February, active-duty US Air Force serviceman Aaron Bushnell set himself on fire in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington, in protest against the complicity of US imperialism in Israels genocidal war on Gaza. This single act captured the mood of the masses, who instantly connected with the fury and frustration that Aaron Bushnell expressed. While the capitalist media did everything in their power to downplay his sacrifice, Aaron Bushnells message of righteous anger lives on.

Read the article here

Iran attacks: Netanyahus dangerous gamble

In April, in response to Israels bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Iran launched an attack on Israel with over 300 drones and missiles. This attack was an important flashpoint in the ratcheting tensions of the powers in the Middle East. In this article, Alan Woods explains the logic behind the manoeuvres of the imperialist powers, as the situation in the region escalates.

Read the article here

Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina overthrown! All power to the workers and students committees!

One of 2024s most inspiring movements was the immense mobilisation of the Bangladeshi masses against the rotten Hasina dictatorship. This came to a head in August, when 16 years of brutal rule was finally brought to an end and Hasina was forced to flee the country. This article, written at the time, puts forward a revolutionary path to consolidate the power of Bangladeshs poor and oppressed in the wake of their immense victory.

Read the article here

Stalins responsibility in the creation of Israel and its disastrous consequences

All genuine revolutionary communists have always opposed the imperialists carving up of the Middle East. Why then did Stalin openly support the partition of Palestine in 1947, and play a key role in the birth of the Israeli state? This article details the events prior to the creation of Israel, focussing on the short-sighted logic of the Stalinist bureaucracy in this process.

Read the article here

Top 10: from the archives

Alongside our analysis of current events, marxist.com prides itself on publishing timeless theoretical pieces covering the essentials of Marxist ideas. Each year, many of our most popular articles are precisely these, showing the immense thirst for revolutionary ideas among our readership.

Here is a list of the 10 most popular articles on marxist.com this year, that were published before 2024. These articles offer invaluable insights into the fundamental pillars of Marxism.

What is dialectical materialism?

Dialectical materialism is the philosophical foundation of Marxism. While many who are new to communism may be intimidated by the need for a serious study of philosophy, Rob Sewells engaging introduction to dialectical materialism proves that conquering the fundamentals of these ideas is not as hard as it may initially seem!

Read the article here

Marxism vs Identity Politics

This document, approved unanimously at the World Congress of our International in 2018, aims to clarify the differences between the genuine method and ideas of Marxism and the confused mixture of petty-bourgeois ideologies known as Identity Politics. This document is a call to arms for serious communists to defend truly revolutionary ideas from the deceptive postmodernist trends that seek to blur the lines of the class struggle.

Read the article here

What is money?

The ruling class and their enlightened economists present money as a mystified force operating on levels beyond the comprehension of the working class. In reality, however, this could not be further from the truth. In this introductory article, Adam Booth traces the real development of money through history and provides a clear analysis of its role under capitalism today.

Read the article here

Marxism vs Queer Theory

Theories are often given a progressive colouring, especially by academia, in order to hide their reactionary core. One key example of this is Queer Theory, which purports to fight for liberation, but offers no means of doing so outside of the idealist straightjacket of Identity Politics. This article takes up the arguments and claims of Queer Theory, and counterposes them to the real struggle to end all kinds of oppression.

Read the article here

What is historical materialism?

The materialist study of history is one of the central elements of the Marxist method. Once we have a firm grasp of the laws and processes that lie under the surface of seemingly random historical events, we are better placed to play a part in the struggle to advance humanity. Alan Woods marvellous introduction to these ideas is a must-read for those who wish to take a serious attitude to the fight for communism today.

Read the article here

Marxism versus postmodernism

Despite its origins in the fringes of a few universities, the amorphous philosophical trend of postmodernism has gained a substantial grip on the minds of many in academia today. For this reason, Marxists must make a serious effort to combat the idealism, pessimism and obscurantism that the postmodernists preach.

Read the article here

The Ukrainian war: an internationalist class position  RCI Statement

The inter-imperialist war in Ukraine has now been raging for almost three years. In that time, there have been many developments, but the central imperialist logic of the conflict has stayed the same. This statement explains the communist attitude to the war, and reiterates the need for revolutionaries to cut through the fog of lies and deceptions spread by the warmongers of all countries.

Read the statement here

The history of Israel-Palestine to 1993

It is impossible to have a full understanding of the reasons for the current conflicts in the Middle East without studying the history of imperialist meddling that has characterised the region. This article by Francesco Merli gives a thorough and engaging history of the imperialist maneuvers and betrayals that created the state of Israel as it exists today.

Read the article here

In defence of theory  or ignorance never yet helped anybody

First published in 2009, this article by Alan Woods defends the importance of a thorough, all-round study of Marxist ideas. As Marx explained, the task of communists is to understand the world in order to change it. For this reason, a serious and uncompromising approach to theory is vital for the revolutionary struggle today.

Read the article here

Down with hypocrisy! Defend Gaza!  RCI statement

Israels genocidal war on Gaza has rightly evoked the rage and disgust of the masses everywhere. In this statement, published shortly after Israels invasion began, the RCI declares its absolute solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemns the vile hypocrisy of the imperialist warmongers, and explains the need for a revolutionary response to capitalist barbarism.

Read the statement here

Top five podcasts of 2024

2024 has also been a groundbreaking year for our audio and video content. This year, we launched two new seasons of Spectre of Communism, as well as a brand new, live current affairs podcast: Against the Stream. Below are the five most popular podcasts from the last year.

Interview with Fiona Lali: Suella is a symptom, capitalism is the disease

In May, the Revolutionary Communist Party in Britain went viral after Fiona Lali, the national campaigns coordinator, annihilated Tory minister Suella Bravermen in a televised interview. Shortly after this, Fiona joined the Spectre of Communism podcast to discuss the western-backed genocide in Gaza, the solidarity movement against it, and precisely why her interview had struck such a nerve.

Communist answers the web's most searched questions!

What about human nature? Arent communists against religion? Where has communism ever worked?

These are just some of the classic questions that revolutionary communists can expect to face when putting forward their ideas. In order to arm comrades with the ideas they need to respond to these, Fred Weston joined Spectre of Communism to run through the web's most searched questions.

Trump's victory: What does it mean?

The victory of Trump in the US election was a political earthquake. In its wake, a slew of despairing and confusing articles have been released by the liberal press, branding Trump a fascist, shaming the American working class as reactionary, and predicting an imminent apocalypse. To cut through this hysterical fog, Alan Woods joined the Against the Stream podcast to discuss, from a Marxist perspective, why Trump won, and what that means for America and the world.

Manifesto of the Revolutionary Communist International

The Manifesto of the RCI was not only the most read article on marxist.com this year, it was also the topic of one of our best performing podcasts! In this episode, Alan Woods  who was instrumental in drafting the manifesto  introduces the text and explains the need to unite communist workers and youth in all countries under a clean banner in the tradition of Lenin and Trotsky.

Why we need a Communist International

While the RCI may only recently have been founded, we trace our traditions back to the great revolutionaries of the past. In this episode of Spectre of Communism, Fred Weston explains the historic importance of the Third (Communist) International, founded by Lenin and Trotsky after the Russian Revolution in order to spread the revolution internationally.
Trade exchange between Morocco and other African countries has risen from MAD 36 billion in 2013 to MAD 52.7 billion in 2023, recording an increase of 45%, Secretary of State in charge of Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira, said.

Speaking at the House of Councillors question time, Hejira said that Moroccan exports to African markets reached around MAD 32.7 billion in 2023, recording 100% growth compared to 2013.

This rate far exceeds that of Moroccan exports to other markets, he added, noting that these exports consist mainly of fertilizers, fish, cars, automotive cables, and food products.

As for imports from African countries, they reached around MAD 20 billion in 2023, and are mainly made up of coal, dates, and plastic materials, he added.

Hejira said a study carried out by the Ministry revealed that the Kingdom has additional export capacity of up to MAD 120 billion, of which 10% (MAD 12 billion) would be destined for Africa, adding that this export capacity concerns priority sectors such as the automotive industry, agri-food, textiles and clothing, as well as mechanical industries, covering around 200 products and 1,200 markets.
The speaker of Liberias House of Representatives found himself questioned by law enforcement after a destructive blaze consumed the joint chambers of the legislature. Residents in the capital awoke to the sight of thick black smoke and roaring flames. Although no one occupied the building when the fire broke out, the inferno devastated the legislatures central meeting area.

Authorities brought several individuals in for questioning, including the speaker and a well-known representative. Investigators seek explanations for statements made prior to the incident, noting that a lawmaker had apparently threatened to set fire to the chambers in a social media video. Critics accuse factions within the legislature of fueling tensions through heated rhetoric. The fire erupted one day after a group of lawmakers had threatened to remove the speaker from office, leading to a tense public demonstration. Security forces detained protesters, including a notable political figure, during that confrontation.

Government officials offered a reward for information that might clarify the cause of the blaze. The president expressed deep disappointment and ordered a thorough investigation. Political leaders now wrestle with an ongoing power struggle in the House of Representatives, as one faction insists it has legitimately replaced the speaker, while another calls that move unconstitutional. A Supreme Court ruling failed to resolve the dispute, leaving a bitter standoff and worries that political infighting could undermine democracy.

Observers warn that the fire and its aftermath reveal deeper systemic problems, raising questions about the stability and integrity of the nations political institutions.
Citizens movements and opposition parties in an eastern Congolese city have united to launch a public awareness initiative urging the population to reject a proposed constitutional amendment. Youth groups march through local streets, carrying megaphones and explaining their position. They argue that the countrys priorities must focus on restoring peace, improving governance, ensuring food security, and reducing the crushing cost of living. They insist that modifying the constitution distracts from the urgent issues tearing at the nations social fabric.

The call to amend the constitution has stirred anger. Many recall that the president announced plans for a new national charter, prompting a strong backlash. Critics fear that political leaders aim to protect their interests rather than solve the chronic security crisis and ongoing war. The eastern region experiences violent conflict, with armed groups terrorizing communities, disrupting trade, and displacing families. Citizens believe that officials should address these immediate threats before reshaping political institutions.

Local merchants express frustration over skyrocketing prices and the spiraling value of foreign currency. They say matters such as stabilizing the exchange rate and guaranteeing safety in markets hold far greater importance than altering the constitution. Observers note that the war in the region casts a heavy shadow over any attempt at constitutional reform. Some residents say that leaders focus on internal politics instead of confronting rebels who wreak havoc.

As the debate intensifies, citizens use their voices in the streets. They hope their message resonates and compels leaders to shift attention from political maneuvering to the urgent needs of the population.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A study from the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center at the Mailman School of Public Health reveals significant improvements in the health of older adults in England when compared to previous generations.

Rather than considering health through the presence or absence of disease, the study, published in Nature Aging, applied a new approach that examined trends in people's functioningtheir cognitive, locomotor, psychological, and sensory capacities.

Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, the study found that older adults today experience higher levels of physical and mental functioning than previous generations did at the same age.

"These improvements were large," said John Beard, MBBS, Ph.D., Irene Diamond Professor of Aging in Health Policy and Management in the Butler Columbia Aging Center of Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and author of the study.

For example, a 68-year-old born in 1950 had a similar capacity to a 62-year-old born a decade earlier, and those born in 1940 had better functioning than those born in 1930 or 1920. Beard noted, "If we had compared someone born in 1950 with someone born in 1920, we would have likely observed even greater improvements."

Beard and his colleagues undertook similar analyses in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). They found similar trends, although this analysis was limited by the much shorter follow-up period in the Chinese study compared to the English study.

Beard says that improvements in education, nutrition, and sanitation over the course of the twentieth century are likely to have played a key role.

Medical advancessuch as joint replacements and better treatments for chronic conditionswere also likely to be contributing factors. The researchers caution, however, that their observations are for a specific period and in a single country. The same trends may not have been seen in the US, or across the whole of the population.

"We were surprised by just how large these improvements were, particularly when comparing people born after World War Two with earlier-born groups." said Beard.

"But there is nothing to say we will continue to see the same improvements moving forward, and changes such as the increasing prevalence of obesity may even see these trends reverse. It is also likely that more advantaged groups will have experienced greater gains than others. But overall, the trends were very strong and suggest that, for many people, 70 really may be the new 60."

Aging expert Jay Olshansky of the University of Illinois praised the study, stating, "This is a powerful article. It shows that intrinsic capacitywhat really matters to people as they ageis inherently modifiable. With this evidence, we see that medical science can enhance intrinsic capacity, providing a hopeful message for the future."

More information: John R. Beard et al, Cohort trends in intrinsic capacity in England and China, Nature Aging (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00741-w Journal information: Nature Aging
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New nerve connections form. Credit: The Lancet Neurology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(24)00447-2

Antibodies can improve the rehabilitation of people with acute spinal cord injury. Researchers at 13 clinics in Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Spain have investigated this with promising results. For the first time, it was possible to identify patient groups that displayed a clinically relevant treatment effect. A follow-up study will start in December 2024.

The study results have been published in The Lancet Neurology.

A multi-center clinical trial (NISCI trial: Nogo-A Inhibition in acute Spinal Cord Injury Study) investigated the antibody NG 101 (anti-Nogo-A), which blocks and thus neutralizes the body's own Nogo-A protein.

Several international studies in animal models have shown that this Nogo-A protein inhibits the regeneration of damaged nerve fibers in the spinal cord following an acute injury. The antibody is intended to slow down these inhibiting mechanisms in the body and thus enable the injured nerve tracts to regenerate and the spinal cord to recover.

In all, 126 people aged between 18 and 70 took part in the clinical study. They were all suffering from acute complete to incomplete spinal cord injury in the neck region (so called tetraplegia, which also affects the arm and hand functions).

A total of 78 people were treated with the antibody that was injected directly into the spinal canal; the remaining 48 people received placebo. A complete treatment cycle consisted of six injections in parallel to comprehensive inpatient care.

The study was randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled, i.e. neither those being treated nor those administering the treatment knew who received the antibody and who was given the placebo. The patients were randomly assigned to a group.

Significant improvements in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury

The recovery of motor functions in the hand-arm muscles of the patients was investigated in a standardized manner. These muscle groups are particularly important for everyday life in patients with tetraplegia. After six months, the effect on the treated and untreated (placebo) patients was compared.

The treatment did not improve the recovery of motor functions in patients with complete spinal cord injury.

In patients with incomplete spinal cord injury, the treatment led to significantly more improvement in the voluntary activation of the paralyzed muscles and in everyday-life functional independence.

The antibody was generally well tolerated, with no related side effects reported to date. The many years of research into antibodies in rehabilitation conducted under the leadership of Balgrist University Hospital are thus showing encouraging success.

These initial positive clinical findings in patients with acute tetraplegia must now be confirmed in further studies. A follow-up study with an improved antibody will start in December 2024. Patient subgroups with anticipated responsiveness to the treatment based on the results to date will be selected.

More information: Norbert Weidner et al, Safety and efficacy of intrathecal antibodies to Nogo-A in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial, The Lancet Neurology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(24)00447-2 Journal information: Lancet Neurology
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The brain's immune cells, or microglia (light blue/purple) are shown interacting with amyloid plaques (red)  harmful protein clumps linked to Alzheimer's disease. The illustration highlights the microglia's role in monitoring brain health and clearing debris. Credit: Jason Drees/Arizona State University

Arizona State University and Banner Alzheimer's Institute researchers, along with their collaborators, have discovered a surprising link between a chronic gut infection caused by a common virus and the development of Alzheimer's disease in a subset of people.

The findings are published in Alzheimers & Dementia.

It is believed most humans are exposed to this viruscalled cytomegalovirus or HCMVduring the first few decades of life. Cytomegalovirus is one of nine herpes viruses, but it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. The virus is usually passed through exposure to bodily fluids and spread only when the virus is active.

According to the new research, in some people, the virus may linger in an active state in the gut, where it may travel to the brain via the vagus nervea critical information highway that connects the gut and brain. Once there, the virus can change the immune system and contribute to other changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.

If the researchers' hypotheses are confirmed, they may be able to evaluate whether existing antiviral drugs could treat or prevent this form of Alzheimer's disease. They are currently developing a blood test to identify people who have an active HCMV infection and who might benefit from antiviral medication.

"We think we found a biologically unique subtype of Alzheimer's that may affect 25% to 45% of people with this disease," said Dr. Ben Readhead, co-first author of the study and research associate professor with ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center in the Biodesign Institute at ASU.

"This subtype of Alzheimer's includes the hallmark amyloid plaques and tau tanglesmicroscopic brain abnormalities used for diagnosisand features a distinct biological profile of virus, antibodies and immune cells in the brain."

Researchers from ASU, Banner Alzheimer's Institute, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) led the collaborative effort, which included investigators with UMass Chan Medical School, the Institute for Systems Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and other institutions.

The research team suggests that some people exposed to HCMV develop a chronic intestinal infection. The virus then enters the bloodstream or travels through the vagus nerve to the brain. There, it is recognized by the brain's immune cells, called microglia, which turn on the expression of a specific gene called CD83. The virus may contribute to the biological changes involved in the development of Alzheimer's.

The role of the brain's immune cells

Microglia, or the brain's immune cells, are activated when responding to infections. While initially protective, a sustained increase in microglial activity may lead to chronic inflammation and neuronal damage, which is implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.

In a study published earlier this year in Nature Communications, the researchers found that the postmortem brains of research participants with Alzheimers disease were more likely than those without Alzheimer's to harbor specifically CD83(+) microglia.

While exploring why this occurred, they discovered an antibody in the intestines of these subjectsconsistent with the possibility that an infection could contribute to this form of Alzheimer's.

In the newest study, investigators sought to understand what might be driving the intestinal antibody production. The team examined spinal fluid from these same individuals, which revealed that the antibodies were specifically against HCMV. This prompted a search for evidence of HCMV infection in the intestine and brain tissue of these subjectswhich they found.

They also saw HCMV within the vagus nerve of the same subjects, raising the possibility that this is how the virus travels to the brain. Working with RUSH University, the researchers were able to reproduce the association between cytomegalovirus infection and CD83(+) microglia in an independent cohort of Alzheimer's patients.

To further investigate the impact of this virus, the research team then used human brain cell models to demonstrate the virus's ability to induce molecular changes related to this specific form of Alzheimer's disease. Exposure to the virus did increase the production of amyloid and phosphorylated tau proteins and contributed to the degeneration and death of neurons.

Is HCMV to blame for Alzheimer's disease in some people?

HCMV can infect humans of all ages. In most healthy individuals, infection occurs without symptoms but may present as a mild, flu-like illness. About 80% of people show evidence of antibodies by age 80. Nonetheless, the researchers detected intestinal HCMV only in a subset of individuals, and this infection seems to be a relevant factor in the presence of the virus in the brain.

For this reason, the researchers note that simply coming into contact with HCMV, which happens to almost everyone, should not be cause for concern.

And, although researchers proposed more than 100 years ago that harmful viruses or microbes could contribute to Alzheimer's disease, no single pathogen has consistently been linked to the disease.

The researchers propose these two studies illustrate the potential impact that infections can have on brain health and neurodegeneration broadly. Yet, they add that independent studies are needed to put their findings and resulting hypotheses to the test.

Arizona's unique biorepositories, particularly the Brain and Body Donation Program at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, provided tissue samples and resources, including the colon, vagus nerve, brain and spinal fluid. Rush University-led Religious Orders Study and Memory and Aging Study provided additional brain samples and data. This allowed researchers to conduct a more nuanced investigation, highlighting the systemic rather than purely neurological roots of Alzheimer's disease.

"It was critically important for us to have access to different tissues from the same individuals. That allowed us to piece the research together. Arizona is the only place I know of where a study like this could have been done, and we're grateful to the Banner Health Brain and Body Donation Program for its support," said Readhead, also the Edson Endowed Professor of Dementia Research at the center.

"We are extremely grateful to our research participants, colleagues, and supporters for the chance to advance this research in a way that none of us could have done on our own," said Dr. Eric Reiman, Executive Director of Banner Alzheimer's Institute and the study's senior author.

"We're excited about the chance to have researchers test our findings in ways that make a difference in the study, subtyping, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease."

The findings of the recent study raise an important question: Could antiviral medications help treat Alzheimer's patients who have a chronic HCMV infection?

The investigators are working now on a blood test to identify individuals with this type of chronic intestinal HCMV infection. They hope to use it in conjunction with emerging Alzheimer's blood tests to evaluate whether existing antiviral drugs could be used to treat or prevent this form of Alzheimer's disease.
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Iron crosses marking graves are silhouetted against storm clouds building over a cemetery Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Victoria, Kan. Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File

U.S. life expectancy jumped last year, and preliminary data suggests there may be anothermuch smallerimprovement this year.

Death rates fell last year for almost all leading causes, notably COVID-19, heart disease and drug overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Thursday. That translated to adding nearly a year the estimated lifespan of Americans.

Experts note it's part of a bounce-back from the COVID-19 pandemic. But life expectancy has not yet climbed back to prepandemic levels, and the rebound appears to be losing steam.

"What you're seeing is continued improvement, but slowing improvement," said Elizabeth Wrigley-Field, a University Minnesota researcher who studies death trends. "We are sort of converging back to some kind of normal that is worse than it was before the pandemic."

Last year, nearly 3.1 million U.S. residents died, about 189,000 fewer than the year before. Death rates declined across all racial and ethnic groups, and in both men and women.

Provisional data for the first 10 months of 2024 suggests the country is on track to see even fewer deaths this year, perhaps about 13,000 fewer. But that difference is likely to narrow as more death certificates come in, said the CDC's Robert Anderson.

That means that life expectancy for 2024 likely will rise"but probably not by a lot," said Anderson, who oversees death tracking at the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics.

Life expectancy is an estimate of the average number of years a baby born in a given year might expect to live, given death rates at that time. It's a fundamental measure of a population's health.

For decades, U.S. life expectancy rose at least a little bit almost every year, thanks to medical advances and public health measures. It peaked in 2014, at nearly 79 years, and then was relatively flat for several years. Then it plunged during the COVID-19 pandemic, dropping to just under 76 1/2 years in 2021.

It rebounded to 77 1/2 years in 2022 and, according to the new report, to nearly 78 1/2 last year.

Life expectancy for U.S. women continues to be well above that of mena little over 81 for women, compared with a little under 76 for men.

In the last five years, more than 1.2 million U.S. deaths have been attributed to COVID-19. But most of them occurred in 2020 and 2021, before vaccination- and infection-induced immunity became widespread.

The coronavirus was once the nation's third leading cause of death. Last year it was the underlying cause in nearly 50,000 deaths, making it the nation's No. 10 killer.

Data for 2024 is still coming in, but about 30,000 coronavirus deaths have been reported so far. At that rate, suicide may surpass COVID-19 this year, Anderson said.

Heart disease remains the nation's leading cause of death. Some underappreciated good news is the heart disease death rate dropped by about 3% in 2023. That's a much smaller drop than the 73% decline in the COVID-19 death rate, but heart disease affects more people so even small changes can be more impactful, Anderson said.

There's also good news about overdose deaths, which fell to 105,000 in 2023 among U.S. residents, according to a second report released by CDC on Thursday.

The causes of the overdose decline are still being studied but there is reason to be hopeful such deaths will drop more in the future, experts say. Some pointed to survey results this week that showed teens drug use isn't rising.

"The earlier you start taking a drug, the greater the risk that you could continue using it and the greater the risk that you will become addicted to itand have untoward consequences," said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which funded the survey study. "If you can reduce the pipeline (of new drug users) ... you can prevent overdoses."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Vaginal microbiota composition of Native American women in our study. Bar plots show the relative abundance of taxa assigned to the A, genus or B, species level grouped based on race. Vaginal microbiota profiles were similar between Native American and non-Native American women from Northern Arizona. The most prevalent Lactobacillus species included Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners. Dysbiotic Lactobacillus-depleted profiles consisted of typical communities of anaerobic bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), including Gardnerella vaginalis [assigned as Bifidobacterium vaginale in the Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB)], Fannyhessea vaginae (formerly known as Atopobium vaginae), Sneathia vaginalis (formerly known as Sneathia amnii), Prevotella timonensis, Megasphaera lornae (assigned as 28L sp00017755 in GTDB), and Clostridiales genomosp. BVAB1 (assigned as UBA629 sp005465875 in GTDB). Credit: Cancer Prevention Research (2024). DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-24-0286

A recent study led by researchers at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and Northern Arizona University found that Native American women were disproportionately affected by vaginal dysbiosis, a disruption in the balance of bacteria that increases the risk of human papillomavirus infection, which can cause cervical cancer.

In Arizona between 2016 and 2020, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native women had the highest rates of cervical cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Despite vaccination, we still have high rates of cervical cancer within Latina and Native American populations," said the paper's senior author Melissa Herbst-Kralovetz, Ph.D., a professor and director of the Women's Health Research Program at the U of A College of MedicinePhoenix, and a member of the U of A Cancer Center and the BIO5 Institute. "Rates in Native American populations are the highest, and that's why we focused our efforts on better understanding this disparity."

The paper was published in Cancer Prevention Research.

"The study is unique in that we are doing it through the lens of Indigenous people and researchers," said Naomi Lee, Ph.D., an associate professor at NAU, explaining that the research team consists primarily of females from Indigenous populations and experts who have worked with diverse communities. "We are working with community members to gain their perspectives on various aspects of the project along with culturally competent ways to recruit and disseminate findings."

For the study, researchers collaborated with Native Americans for Community Action, a wellness clinic in Flagstaff, Arizona, to recruit 31 premenopausal women between the ages of 18 and 55. About half of the women were Native American.

Two vaginal swabs were collected from each study participant and analyzed. Researchers found that Lactobacillus microorganisms, which protect against invading pathogens as part of a healthy vaginal microbiome, were dominant in 58% of non-Native women compared with 44% of Native women.

Native American women also had higher rates of vaginal dysbiosis and elevated vaginal pH, leading to inflammation. Additionally, they were more frequently infected with high-risk human papilloma virus, or HPV.

"There's really no previous data showing how that vaginal microbiome structure looks in these populations," said Pawe aniewski, Ph.D., the study's first author and a research scientist at the College of MedicinePhoenix. "From other studies, we know that there might be some differences in the vaginal microbiome that can relate to HPV infection and cervical cancer."

Researchers also found a connection between health disparities caused by sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors and a person's healthy defense mechanisms. This may play a role in the higher prevalence of cervical cancer among Native American women.

The higher rate of cervical cancer among Native American women was previously attributed to a lack of screening, unequal access to health care and quality of care.

"It is setting the foundation to answer relevant Native women's health concerns around sexual health, prevention and testing," Lee said.

Ongoing work will include a longitudinal study, which evaluates multiple time points to determine the role of vaginal microbiota in HPV resistance or HPV clearance through the lens of the social determinants of health.

According to the CDC, social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, raised, work and live. They include a person's community and neighborhood as well as their access to health care and education

"We know that HPV is the causative agent of cervical cancer, but your vaginal microbiome can dictate whether you clear that HPV with no problem or if you keep it and are then at higher risk of developing cancer," Herbst-Kralovetz said. "If we could modulate the microbiome in women with HPVand that's what we're thinking about for future studies working with the Cancer Centerthen we could potentially intervene and prevent the progression to cervical cancer. We need all these interventions, including vaccination, working together to prevent cancer."

More information: Pawe aniewski et al, Viewing Native American Cervical Cancer Disparities through the Lens of the Vaginal Microbiome: A Pilot Study, Cancer Prevention Research (2024). DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-24-0286 Journal information: Cancer Prevention Research
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An MRI scanner like this one can be used to take images showing whether a patient has aggressive prostate cancer. Credit: Charite | Rafael Poschmann

There are several strategies for the early detection of prostate cancer. The first step is often a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). If PSA levels exceed a certain threshold, the next step typically involves taking a tissue sample for analysis. Another option is to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to search for signs of a tumor before deciding whether a biopsy is necessary, reserving biopsies only for cases where abnormalities are detected.

Researchers at ChariteUniversitatsmedizin Berlin conducted a study to determine whether this MRI-first approach is safe over the long term. Their findings show that this strategy poses no additional risk to patients for at least three years. The study has now been published in the journal JAMA Oncology.

The conventional approach to diagnosing prostate cancer includes clinical examination and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. PSA testing measures the levels of this protein in the blood, which can be elevated in prostate cancer. However, elevated levels can also result from non-cancerous conditions.

Traditionally, elevated PSA levels have led to a punch biopsy, where ten to 12 tissue samples are taken systematically from the prostatea procedure that is associated with unpleasant side effects for several days afterward and carries a certain risk of infection. Additionally, PSA-driven "blind" biopsies often result in overdiagnosis of slow-growing, clinically insignificant cancers while risking the oversight of aggressive cancers.

"These side effects of systematic biopsies urged us to find out if MRI is reliable and safe for biopsy decision-making in men with suspected prostate cancer, and if men without abnormal MRI findings can safely skip immediate biopsy and enter clinical follow-up," says Dr. Charlie Hamm, the first author of the publication and a physician at the Department of Radiology at Charite who is also a Junior Digital Clinician Scientist at the Berlin Institute of Health at Charite (BIH).

No need for a biopsy with negative MRI findings

This approach, in which normal MRI findings are followed by regular urological checks, did in fact prove to be sufficiently reliable: The study found that 96% of patients with a normal MRI result would not go on to develop aggressive prostate cancer within three years. Aggressive prostate cancer was detected during further monitoring in just 4% of participants whose initial MRI findings had been negative.

"That means the cancer risk is very low when MRI scans of the prostate do not show any cancer suspicious findings," says Dr. Hamm.

"Normal MRI findings alone do not offer 100% certainty, but with regular monitoring, potential cancer can still be detected early enough. For many patients, that means they can avoid the discomfort of a biopsy at first and do not need to worry about having cancer that will remain undetected."

Dr. Charlie Hamm, first author of the study and physician at Charite's Department of Radiology, in front of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner used for the early detection of aggressive prostate cancer. Credit: Charite | Rafael Poschmann

Monitoring is sufficient for early detection of cancer

The team included and monitored nearly 600 patients with suspected prostate cancer in their study. The subjects underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) at Charite. This type of MRI detects multiple tissue-specific parameters, including the signal intensity of the prostate tissue, the blood flow or perfusion, and the diffusion of water molecules in the tissue. A team of experienced radiologists interpreted the images.

"Tissue samples were taken only if the MRI showed suspicious findings in the prostate. Patients with normal MRI findings underwent regular urological check-ups for three years instead. That allowed us to see whether the MRI pathway is safe," Dr. Hamm says, explaining the study design.

High-quality MRI findings and safety net are essential

The study has now been completed after eight years. "Our findings are an important step toward personalized care of prostate cancer patients. By using MRI for biopsy decision-making, we can ensure that patients receive the right tests and treatments at the right time," Dr. Hamm says.

The results are also relevant for doctors when it comes to supporting their patients in deciding when a biopsy is really needed. The European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines already recommend that an MRI should be performed before a prostate biopsy. However, it was previously unclear how safe it would be to skip the biopsy altogether in cases of negative MRI results.

"Our results now show that the MRI pathway is safe and effective, including in a decentralized outpatient care network," Dr. Hamm comments. "We hope the study will serve as impetus to further enhance the standing of MRI as an aid to deciding for or against a biopsy in the German guidelines, and elsewhere."

However, the study's authors say two other aspects are crucial if the new findings are to be incorporated into practice in the near term. First, a high-quality MRI scan must be performed and analyzed by experienced experts; that means training more radiologists in the detailed and accurate interpretation of prostate MRI scans and using standardized methods. Second, it is important to create a safety net for patients who do not undergo immediate biopsy.

"That means clear guidelines for PSA testing, follow-up MRIs, and criteria for when a biopsy might be needed later on," Dr. Hamm points out.

More information: Charlie A. Hamm et al, Oncological Safety of MRI-Informed Biopsy Decision-Making in Men With Suspected Prostate Cancer, JAMA Oncology (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.5497 Journal information: JAMA Oncology
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The protozoan Tritrichomonas musculis as seen under a scanning electron microscope. Credit: Kyle Burrows/University of Toronto

A team led by University of Toronto researchers has discovered a new communication pathway between the gut and lung.

Their findings highlight how a little-known member of the gut microbiome reshapes the lung immune environment to have both beneficial and detrimental effects on respiratory health.

"Peaceful gut microbes living inside our intestine are essential players in controlling our immune system. Growing evidence implicates these commensal microorganisms in conditions that affect other organs such as the lungs, brain, skin or joints," says Arthur Mortha, associate professor of immunology at U of T's Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

Over the past decades, changes in the composition of the gut microbial community have been linked to a range of traits and conditions including obesity, allergies, cancer and mental health disorders. However, these studies have largely focused on bacteria, which represent the largest fraction of microbes found in the gut community.

In a new study published today in the journal Cell, Mortha and his colleagues focused on a different category of microorganism called protozoa. These microbes are also single celled like bacteria, but much bigger in size and with more complex bodies. While most known protozoa are classified as parasites, several lesser-known species can live in symbiotic relationships with their animal hosts.

"Our aim was to understand how commensal protozoan species in the gut impact the outcome of diseases and our overall health," says Mortha, who is also the Canada Research Chair in Mucosal Immunology.

The project was led by Kyle Burrows, a postdoctoral fellow in Mortha's lab who will be joining Simon Fraser University as an assistant professor in early 2025.

For their study, the researchers looked at a protozoan called Tritrichomonas musculis, or T. mu, that resides harmlessly in the gut of mice.

They found that mice colonized with T. mu had unexpectedly high levels of specific immune cells in their lungs. Importantly, the researchers showed that some of these immune cells originated from the gut and moved to the lungs, where they fine-tuned the local immune environment and changed outcomes related to respiratory illnesses and infections.

By triggering the production and migration of these immune cells from the gut to the lung, T. mu functions as "a conductor in the intestine that orchestrates the immune system to populate other regions of the body," says Mortha.

One of the study's key findings was that T. mu-driven immune changes in the lung worsened airway inflammation caused by allergic asthma but appeared to have a protective effect against respiratory infections.

Collaborating with molecular genetics professor Jun Liu, the researchers worked in the Toronto High Containment Facility to study the impact of the altered immune landscape on tuberculosis. They found that higher levels of immune cells in the lungs of T. mu-colonized mice served as an antimicrobial shield in the airways, helping to contain tuberculosis infections and delaying its spread into other organs.

Mortha notes that these results are consistent with what his team previously observed about the opposing effects of T. mu on different aspects of gut health in mice. "This protozoan has a very strong impact on the immune system in the intestinal tract," he says. "It exacerbates colorectal cancer development and inflammatory bowel disease, but it also gives the host the ability to withstand very severe infections."

The researchers also analyzed sputum samples from people with severe asthma. They looked for genetic signatures of human-associated protozoa and identified a higher signal in samples from severe asthma patients compared to patients who had a non-asthmatic inflammatory lung condition, suggesting that their observations in mice may also be relevant in patients.

Mortha believes these findings open the door to new diagnostic and treatment approaches for asthma and potentially other chronic inflammatory illnesses.

For example, the presence of specific protozoa could be used to predict whether a patient will develop severe asthma and may inform which medications will work best for them based on the immune pathways that are activated by the protozoa.

"Could we prevent or slow the development of asthma with treatments that are not restricted to the lung but, rather, are tailored to the intestinal tract?" he asks.

Beyond the lung, the researchers are now turning their attention to other organs that may also be modulated by the gut microbiome and to tracking the journey of immune cells from the gut to these organs.

"The migration of immune cells from one organ to another represents a new way of how organs can communicate with each other, especially through microbes in the gut," says Mortha.

"It changes the way we perceive our relationship with our microbiome and shows that we should not only focus on bacteria but also include protozoa and other neglected microbes to further our understanding of health and disease."

More information: Kyle Burrows et al, A gut commensal protozoan determines respiratory disease outcomes by shaping pulmonary immunity, Cell (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.11.020 Journal information: Cell
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Research published in The American Journal of Human Genetics has identified a previously unknown genetic link to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found that variants in the DDX53 gene contribute to ASD, providing new insights into the genetic underpinnings of the condition.

ASD, which affects more males than females, encompasses a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that result in challenges related to communication, social understanding and behavior. While DDX53, located on the X chromosome, is known to play a role in brain development and function, it was not previously definitively associated with autism.

In the study, researchers from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Canada and the Istituto Giannina Gaslini in Italy clinically tested 10 individuals with ASD from eight different families and found that variants in the DDX53 gene were maternally inherited and present in these individuals. Notably, the majority were male, highlighting the gene's potential role in the male predominance observed in ASD.

"By pinpointing DDX53 as a key player, particularly in males, we can better understand the biological mechanisms at play and improve diagnostic accuracy for individuals and their families," says senior author Dr. Stephen Scherer, Senior Scientist, Genetics & Genome Biology and Chief of Research at SickKids, and Director of the McLaughlin Center at the University of Toronto.

"Identifying this new gene as a confirmed contributor to ASD underscores the complexity of autism and the need for comprehensive genetic analysis."

At the same location on the X chromosome, the researchers found evidence that another gene, PTCHD1-AS, might be involved in autism. The study highlights a case where a boy and his mother, both with autism with little support needs, had a specific gene deletion involving the DDX53 gene and parts of PTCHD1-AS.

The study cohort was assembled through an international collaborative effort, involving several renowned clinical and research institutions from Canada, Italy and the U.S.

Further analysis of large autism research databases, including Autism Speaks MSSNG and Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, identified 26 more individuals with ASD who had similar rare DDX53 variants to the study participants.

"This gene has long eluded us, not previously linked to any neuropsychiatric condition. Our findings support a direct link between DDX53 and autism, which is not only crucial for future clinical genetic testing, but its discovery suggests that the pathway it affects is related to the behavioral traits of autism, opening a whole new area of exploration," says lead author Dr. Marcello Scala, researcher in Medical Genetics at the Istituto Giannina Gaslini, affiliated with the University of Genoa (Department of Neuroscience).

In another paper published in the same journal, Scherer and lead author Dr. Marla Mendes, a research fellow at SickKids, identified 59 genetic variants on the X chromosome significantly associated with ASD.

The variants were found in genes linked to autism, including PTCHD1-AS (near to DDX53), DMD, HDAC8, PCDH11X, and PCDH19 beside novel ASD-linked candidates ASB11 and ASB9. Additionally, the FGF13 gene was highlighted as being related to ASD, with sex-specific differences, adding more evidence to the role of sex chromosomes in the condition.

"These findings provide new insights into the biology of the X chromosome in ASD, providing additional evidence for the involvement of certain genes like DDX53 and FGF13, and suggesting they should be investigated further," says Scherer.

The team notes that the absence of a similar gene like DDX53 in commonly used mouse models may require future researchers to reconsider how they study ASD. Since it lacks a functional equivalent in these models, findings in DDX53 cannot be easily replicated.

"Insights from this study could significantly influence the design and interpretation of autism research, particularly in developing new models. Identifying these variants is an important step towards developing more precise diagnostics and therapeutics for patients and families with ASD," says Scherer.

Scherer also added "both studies provide even more evidence that complex neurobehavioral conditions like autism can sometimes have simple biologic (genetic) underpinnings."
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:

Associations between transportation noise exposure/low SES groups and MACE. Credit: Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00734-2

A new study by the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) shows that people on low incomes who are also exposed to high levels of traffic noise have a significantly increased risk of serious cardiovascular disease. The findings highlight the need to tackle social inequalities and environmental pollution together to improve the health of disadvantaged populations.

The study, conducted in collaboration with Harvard Medical School, analyzed data from 507 people in the U.S. It looked at the relationship between social status, traffic noise and cardiovascular disease. The paper is published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.

The results are alarming: People with low incomes who were also exposed to high levels of traffic noise had more than a fivefold increased risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, compared to people without these stressors.

The study showed for the first time that the combination of social disadvantage and traffic noise increases stress responses in the brain and promotes inflammatory processes in the arteries. This so-called "neuro-arterial axis" is a central mechanism by which environmental and social stressors work together to impair cardiovascular health.

"The results clearly show that environmental factors such as noise disproportionately affect disadvantaged populations," explains Omar Hahad, DZHK researcher at the University Medical Center Mainz and co-author of the study. "To reduce social health inequalities, policies to promote environmental justice and address social disadvantage need to be closely linked."

The study emphasizes that reducing noise exposure and promoting social justice are crucial to improving cardiovascular health in particularly vulnerable populations. Policy and public health initiatives should focus more on this double burden.

More information: Shady Abohashem et al, Additive effect of high transportation noise exposure and socioeconomic deprivation on stress-associated neural activity, atherosclerotic inflammation, and cardiovascular disease events, Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00734-2

Provided by Deutsches Zentrum fur Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung e.V.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The vast majority of women who contract bird flu during pregnancy and their unborn baby will die from the virus, according to a new study. And the findings stress the importance of early inclusion of pregnant women in public health vaccination programs during pandemics.

The research, led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), recommends that as human cases of avian influenza viruses A (H5N1 and H5N2) increase, an awareness around the vulnerability of pregnant women to a new pandemic is urgently needed.

The systematic review of more than 1500 research papers examined 30 reported cases of bird flu in women who were pregnant across four countries.

Published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, the review found that women died in 90% of cases when infected with bird flu during pregnancy with almost all their babies dying with them. Of the small number of babies who survived, 80% were born prematurely.

MCRI Dr. Rachael Purcell said the inclusion of pregnant women as early as possible in pandemic planning must be a key priority.

"Increasing numbers of human cases of avian influenza associated with outbreaks in birds and mammals raises concerns about the possibility of another pandemic in the near future," she said.

"Despite being a high-risk population, pregnant women are often excluded from vaccine trials, priority access to therapeutics and delayed entry into public health vaccination programs. A paradigm shift is required to routinely include pregnant women in pandemic preparedness programs to avoid preventable deaths.

"This could be achieved through utilizing the capacity of existing surveillance systems such as the Global Vaccine Data Network or the Vaccine Safety Datalink, the planning of vaccine trials to include the complex needs of pregnancy, and the upscaling of adverse reaction detection systems to identify risks in pregnant women."

MCRI Professor Jim Buttery said during pandemics vulnerable populations were often at high risk of severe disease and death.

"Pregnant women have experienced high death and critical illness rates during the influenza and SARS-CoV-2 pandemics and the Ebola epidemic," he said. Global efforts are needed to proactively recognize and mitigate this risk prior to the onset of a pandemic, rather than as a reactive process once a health crisis has started.

"Ethical pandemic preparedness to avoid preventable deaths requires early inclusion of vulnerable populations in vaccine development, monitoring and trials. A pregnancy focused research agenda should be developed and facilitated by medical review boards, regulators and policy makers."

MCRI's research team welcomed the Federal Government's $95 million investment to help prepare against H5N1. Australia is the only continent that remains free of the deadliest bird flu strain.

Read about the bird flu situation in Australia, what to do if you travel overseas and the importance of getting an annual influenza vaccine.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne, The Royal Children's Hospital, Monash Health and Monash University also contributed to the findings.

More information: Rachael Purcell et al, Systematic Review of Avian Influenza Virus Infection and Outcomes during Pregnancy, Emerging Infectious Diseases (2024). DOI: 10.3201/eid3101.241343 Journal information: Emerging Infectious Diseases
Bolt Kenya has issued a warning to riders and drivers, advising against engaging in offline trips during the festive season.

In a statement released on December 18, 2024, the ride-hailing company highlighted the significant safety risks posed by arranging trips outside the Bolt app.

Hazel May Omune, Bolt Africas Safety Manager, emphasized that safety is the companys top priority. She urged both drivers and riders to ensure all trips are arranged through the app to guarantee safety.

At Bolt, safety is our top priority. We strongly advise both drivers and riders to use the Bolt app for all their trips to ensure their safety. By keeping rides within the app, users are guaranteed the safety that our platform provides, said Hazel.

Omune further explained that offline trips bypass critical safety measures, including trip tracking, identity verification, and emergency support systems. She warned, Offline trips undermine the safety features we have in place to protect our users, including ride checks, access to emergency response, and location sharing with loved ones during trips.

Bolt also urged passengers to report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior through the app for prompt investigation.

The platform provides several safety features to protect users, including real-time location sharing. Drivers and passengers can share their location and ride detailssuch as the vehicles make, model, registration number, and live locationvia a secure, shareable link.

In case of an emergency, both drivers and passengers can discreetly alert an emergency response team using the in-app Emergency Assist button. This feature notifies Bolts safety team, who will make an immediate welfare call to ensure the situation is addressed.

Bolt said it remains committed to providing a safe, reliable, and seamless mobility experience for all users in Kenya, with its safety team available 24/7 to assist during and after trips.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke has rejected claims that American philanthropist Bill Gates is involved in Kenyas mass livestock vaccination initiative.

Some Kenyans had suggested that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, known for funding global vaccination efforts, including COVID-19 initiatives in developing countries, is behind the governments plan to vaccinate 22 million cattle, 50 million goats, and sheep starting January next year.

Mueke clarified that the vaccines used in the program are locally produced. Some people have been saying these vaccines are from America, from Bill Gates that livestock will stop farting if vaccinated; those are baseless claims, he said.

For example, the PPR vaccine is made by the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) Kenyan scientists make it.

Speaking at a goat auction in Baringo County, Mueke explained that the vaccination initiative was inspired by benchmarking efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

He noted, While our meat is of good quality, it does not sell at competitive prices in the global market because we lack the required vaccination certificates for our cows, goats, and sheep.

He further added, Goats selling for Ksh. 15,000 could fetch Ksh. 17,000 if they had vaccination certificates.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) has urged the government to pause the vaccination campaign to allow for public sensitization.

While the association acknowledges the need for widespread immunization, it cautions that the current approach is rushed and could lead to failure if not carefully implemented.

Also Read  Kenya Veterinary Association Rejects Rutos Vaccines, Cites Trust Lost in Fake Fertilizer
Press Release

December 18, 2024 KOKO TO RECEIVE 'BADGE FOR COOPERATION' FROM RUSSIA The Senate adopted a concurrent resolution granting Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III permission to accept the "Badge for Cooperation" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation for his significant contributions to strengthening Philippine-Russian relations. "The 'Badge For Cooperation' is a prestigious honor that underscores Senator Pimentel's significant role in fostering closer ties between Russia and the Philippines," the resolution states. The award acknowledges Pimentel's dedication to fostering closer ties between the two countries, even describing Russia as a "non-traditional friend" of the Philippines. The Badge for Cooperation is an award conferred by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to distinguished individuals from different countries for their remarkable contributions in fortifying diplomatic and friendly relations with Russia and forwarding shared interests in various fields. In his acceptance remarks, Pimentel expressed his commitment to building these "non-traditional" friendships, stating: "You know Russia is a non-traditional friend of the Philippines, so we should be developing this bridge to this friendship with these non-traditional countries, Mr. President, so I have volunteered to do this job, and I hope that I will continue to give honor to our country and our country's relationships with these countries that we are not used to being closed to, Mr. President." Pimentel's efforts include authoring a bill to commemorate Philippine-Russian friendship, engaging in discussions with Russian delegates, and serving as President of the Philippines-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Association. He has also actively promoted bilateral cooperation through various initiatives, such as sponsoring treaties on mutual legal assistance and extradition, leading congressional delegations to Russia, and coordinating with the City of Manila to locate the graves of Russian sailors. In his acceptance speech, Pimentel expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, "This will be part of the long journey, and I thank you for allowing me to accept their recognition of our efforts in developing ties with the Russian Federation. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat." He also thanked Senator Joel Villanueva, who sponsored the resolution, saying: "Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat, of course, to my good friend Senator Joel Villanueva, who filed and sponsored the resolution. Maraming salamat po." The resolution, adopted on December 17, 2024, cites Article 9-B, Section 8 of the 1987 Constitution and Section 47 of Republic Act No. 8491, the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines," as the basis for granting Pimentel permission to accept the award.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi has pledged his unwavering loyalty to President William Ruto, vowing to uphold the trust vested in him.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Ndhiwa Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Mbadi discussed ongoing developmental projects in the region and highlighted his commitment to national service.

He underscored the significance of President Rutos decision to entrust him with the critical Finance Ministry, describing it as a bold act of confidence.

The President can give you any ministry but not the Ministry of Finance. The kind of confidence and the risk that he (Ruto) took to appoint me makes it very difficult for me to betray him, Mbadi affirmed.

The CS distanced himself from succession politics, focusing instead on delivering impactful results for the nation.

Mine is not to force people and chest thump that President Ruto should get another term. We are not in that debate as at now, Mbadi stated.

He reiterated his focus on achieving tangible outcomes, adding, What I want is to work for him (Ruto), to make things that are not working work. Once we have corrected and made things work, we will come and tell Kenyans that we want you to give us another opportunity to continue working.

Mbadi also highlighted key accomplishments within the Treasury since his tenure began, emphasizing significant strides in fiscal management and economic stability.

Under his leadership, the government has reduced borrowing by 1.5 percent and stabilized the Kenyan shilling.

When I took over as the CS for Finance, there were challenges in this country. These challenges were better but were not as bad as when the last regime left office when the budget of Kenya to GDP was 8.1 per cent, Mbadi noted.

He detailed the progress made, stating, As we speak, we are reducing it to 4.3 per cent and next year it will be 3.8 per cent and in the next two years the budget deficit must be below 3 per cent.

The CS reaffirmed the governments commitment to prudent financial management as a cornerstone for economic recovery and sustainable growth.
The government has announced significant progress in its ongoing security operation aimed at restoring peace in the banditry-affected North Rift region.

Since the launch of Operation Maliza Uhalifu in February 2023 by then Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki, the operation has reportedly achieved a 62 percent reduction in cattle rustling, with the number of stolen livestock dropping from 63,054 to 23,668.

Conducted by the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the operation targeted hotspots across Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru counties.

On December 18, the Ministry of Interior also reported the recovery of 172 illegal firearms and 10,173 livestock during the operation. In addition to the recoveries, security forces arrested and prosecuted 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, for allegedly orchestrating violence in the region.

The security situation in the North Rift has significantly improved, thanks to the efforts of this multi-agency approach, the Ministry of Interior stated. The statement continued, Security officers on the ground have successfully disarmed hundreds of bandits, dismantled their hideouts in the rugged terrain, and restored stability to affected communities.

To further strengthen local security, the government has restructured the management and command of the National Police Reservists. In 2023, authorities recruited and trained 1,702 reservists across Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Meru, Turkana, and West Pokot.

In Elgeyo Marakwet and Isiolo, at least 400 reservists have been re-armed to support ongoing security operations in the area. Additionally, the government gazetted 126 new administrative units across the affected counties, aiming to improve governance, optimize resource allocation, and enhance responses to local security challenges.

The operation has also ensured that learning remained uninterrupted in the region. Candidates were able to sit for their KPSEA and KCSE exams without any security issues.

To support education, the government allocated Ksh 100 million to rehabilitate 34 out of 39 schools that were closed due to violence and displacement. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) played a key role in this reconstruction effort, and 26 schools have since reopened. At least 4,000 children have returned to school, marking a significant recovery.

Renovations continue in 21 schools, with Baringo County being the most affected.

While we celebrate the progress made, 13 schools remain closed and pupils relocated to other schools, primarily in Baringo, West Pokot, and Turkana Counties. We recognize that the journey to lasting peace is ongoing and as we move forward with Operation Maliza Uhalifu, we will continue to build on these gains for a safe North Rift and secure Kenya, the Ministry concluded.

Here are some photos of KDF Officers doing the Lords work;
SIU chooses dean for College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill.  A leader in agricultural education in Ohio will be the next dean of the College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Kristina Boone, director of Ohio State Universitys Agricultural Technical Institute, will begin her duties at SIU this summer.

Boone, who earned her Master of Science and doctoral degrees from Ohio State University in agricultural communication and extension education, respectively, said she intends to build collaboration and create incentives for interdisciplinary work in teaching and research at SIU.

Listening is very important to me. I need to learn, and the best way is to listen, Boone said. I appreciate SIUs intense and consistent focus on excellence in teaching and research, as well as the various disciplines represented in the College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences.

Sheryl Tucker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, said Boone was selected after a nationwide search and thanked the search committee, chaired by Juliane Wallace, associate provost for academic administration.

I am delighted to welcome Dr. Boone into the Saluki family, Tucker said. Her extensive experience in interdisciplinary and experiential education and research will serve us well at the university and beyond. This is wonderful news for SIU Carbondale.

ATI, located on OSUs Wooster campus, is a two-year, associate degree-granting institution within OSUs College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. It maintains a strong focus on experiential learning in agricultural and environmental sciences, as well as general education. Boone also currently works across the college in workforce development.

While at OSU, Boone previously served as a watershed extension agent and co-led a water education program during her graduate program. Boone, who earned her undergraduate degree at Texas Tech University, also has worked in newspapers and in public relations.

Prior to coming to OSU in 2017, Boone was head of the Department of Communications and Agricultural Education in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University. She was also the director of an interdisciplinary secondary major in global food systems leadership, and as part of a team, developed an interdisciplinary doctoral program in leadership communication there.

Boone said her goals include continuing to grow enrollment and reaching out to potential learners where they are, using academic programs and certificates.

I want to learn more about the student experience, for both undergraduate and graduate students, from recruitment to placement, she said. I also want to build relationships with stakeholders and identify how we can be a driver of workforce development.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal stated that the country's footwear and leather industry is not only a significant contributor to the economy but also a symbol of skilled craftsmanship and innovation. The Minister stated this during his address at the National Export Excellence Awards 2023-24 organised by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) on Wednesday. He added, "These awards reflect the dedication of our exporters and their efforts in making India a global leader in leather products." Goyal also lauded the exporters for their contributions and urged the industry leaders to work together to achieve even greater milestones. He praised the leather industry for adopting high-quality standards and for their commitment to making Brand India represent the quality the country stands for. The Minister added that the industry must become more quality-conscious to achieve greater global competitiveness. He urged the industry to scale their production keeping an element of sustainability in it as well. The leather industry must achieve zero pollution in its production with proper treatment plants. With economies of scale India's competitiveness can be better than the rest of the world. Demand of India will itself help the industry achieve large economies of scale, he added. As per the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the footwear and leather industry, has contributed significantly to India's economy, with an annual export of about USD 5 billion. The sector is also a major labour-intensive sector, providing employment to economically weaker sections, particularly women. Over the years, Council for Leather Exports (CLE) has spearheaded initiatives to promote exports, enhance global competitiveness, and encourage sustainable practices. CLE recognized the excellence and achievements of India's footwear and leather export industry at the prestigious National Export Excellence Awards 2023-24. The National Export Excellence Award event is organized every year by Council for Leather Exports, an Export Promotion Council sponsored by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Indian exporters in the Footwear & Leather industry. The awards aim to promote excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the industry, while encouraging exporters to strive for global competitiveness. The awards are designed to ensure inclusivity, recognizing exporters across different scales and product segments. They are distributed across the export slabs and within these slabs, awards were presented in multiple product segments. Special recognition is also given to exporters excelling in Overall Exports, covering all leather and non-leather categories. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], December 19: Fame Finders Media proudly unveils its latest campaign, "10 Successful Chartered Accountant Entrepreneurs In India." The initiative highlights Indian chartered accountants who have achieved extraordinary success as entrepreneurs. These chartered accountants encouraged to voice their challenges and showcase their unique pathways from receiving a CA degree to running successful firms. 1. Kumar Mangalam Birla Kumar Mangalam Birla is the chairman of the Aditya Birla Group. He is the chancellor of the Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, and ex-chairman of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. In 2023, Birla received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour in India. He is also an honorary fellow at LBS and a chartered accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Birla has received several awards, including the International Advertising Association's "CEO of the Year Award" in 2016; the US India Business Council's "Global Leadership Award" in 2014; the Economic Times "Business Leader Award" in 2003 and 2013; and many more. He serves on the London Business School's Asia Pacific Advisory Board and is an honorary fellow of the London Business School. 2. Deepak Parikh Deepak Parekh (born 18 October 1944) is an Indian businessman and the former chairman of Housing Development Finance Corporation, India's leading housing private development finance institution. It is based in Mumbai. He went to England in 1965 to qualify as a chartered accountant with the ICAEW; he completed his articles with Whinney, Smith and Whinney (which later became Ernst & Young) in London. He was the first recipient of the Qimpro Platinum Award for Quality for his contributions to the services sector, and the youngest recipient of the Corporate Award for Life Time Achievement by the Economic Times. Padma Bhushan was conferred on him by the Government of India. In 2010 he was the first international recipient of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales' Outstanding Achievement Award, for his contribution over many years to the finance and accountancy profession. 3. CA Shankar Ghanshamdas Andani Dr. Andani is the founder of Sai & Co., a Chartered Accountants firm based in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. With over 16 years of experience in Chartered Accountancy, he has audited numerous social institutions and religious places, ensuring compliance and contributing to the economic development of the country. His commitment to social work is evident through his provision of free tax and accounting consultancy services to over 200 trusts, NGOs, temples, mosques, churches, and other organizations annually for the past 15 years. Dr. Shankar Ghanshyamdas Andani has received numerous accolades for his exemplary work. He holds a staggering 70 world records, and has been honored with 65 doctoral degrees. He has been conferred with honorary doctorate degrees from America International University, International Theophany University, Magic Book of Records, and the World Human Rights Protection Commission. In 2022, he was awarded the Best CA of the Year by Oasis World Records and received the Bharatiya Seva Ratna Award from the Global Scholar Foundation. Currently, has been appointed as the National Co-Convener of the All Media Council. The organization, based in Ahmedabad, is known for promoting integrity and accountability in the media industry. 4. CA Amit Trivedi Amit Trivedi, the visionary Founding Partner of KVAT & Co., brings over 25 years of expertise in Corporate Governance and Business Risk Services covering Risk Management, Business Process Re-engineering, Internal Audit, Control Assurance, Forensic, IFC, Compliances, Technology Consulting, etc. and responsible for the Quality Management and Business Development activities. A Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA), he has led the firm from inception to becoming a trusted partner in governance, risk, and technology consulting. His global experience spans markets like India, the USA, the UK, the UAE, and several African nations such as Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Tunisia, Camerron etc, enabling strategic international partnerships. Recognized as "CEO of the Year" by the Indian Achievers Forum in 2020-21, Amit is known for his empathetic leadership, financial acumen, and commitment to ethical excellence. He is a Motivational Speaker and regularly conducts sessions for the younger generation professionals in association with Tata Strive. He is a panelist with the Western India Chartered Accountants Students Association (WISACA). He conducts training sessions with ICAI WIRC forums and various organizations as a part of CSR activities. 5. CA Kunal Vaidya Kunal Vaidya, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of KVAT & Co., brings over a decade of expertise across diverse industries. He is a member of esteemed institutions like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). He has rich experience of working extensively across global markets like India, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America (USA), Cameroon, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Cameroon. Kunal is a strategic leader with almost 15+ years of experience in various industries like FMCG, Supply Chain, Ports and Logistics, Healthcare, Telecom, Real Estate, Manufacturing, Banking, Insurance, Mutual Funds, Retail, IT, Shipping, NBFCs, Food, Financial Services, ARCs, Plastics, Chemical and Specialty Chemicals, Perto Chemicals etc. Beyond his professional responsibilities, he actively contributes to society by teaching children at the local orphanage and regularly donating blood to support Thalassemia patients, which showcases his dedication towards helping the society. Kunal's leadership at KVAT & Co. exemplifies a blend of strategic prowess, passionate exploration, and a commitment to values, driving the firm towards global excellence and integrity in all its endeavors. 6. CA Deendayal Agrawal CA Deendayal Agrawal is the Founder Chairman of the CSR Research Foundation. The organization is a non-profit organization that is registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956. Its main goal is to help the corporate sector fulfill their corporate social responsibilities by providing relevant information through research, seminars, symposiums, workshops, conferences, and projects. He is also the convenor at BJP CA CELL, Delhi, and a renowned financial consultant. In 2016 Government of India has nominated CA Deendayal Agrawal as Non official Govt. Nominee Director under CA category in the Bank of Maharashtra for a period of Three years. He is associated with many social organizations and awarded by Hindustan Times as crown of Delhi as CA in Social category. He has been elected two times as member of Northern India Regional Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in 2006- 2012. For the benefit of school and college girls and women, the CSR Research Foundation placed hundreds of incinerators and free sanitary napkin vending machines at various Delhi-NCR institutions and schools as part of the 'MISSIONAAA'. 7. CA Vikas Gupta Vikas Gupta, a qualified CA, CS and CMA, is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of The Virtual Group and Sampoorn EV, wherein he is at the forefront of transforming Accounting and Compliance Outsourcing and consulting solutions and Electric Mobility. With a robust background in Financial and Business Management, Vikas has cultivated a reputation for innovative and strategic thinking. Under his leadership, The Virtual Group has developed cutting-edge Accounting and Compliance outsourced virtual services that enhance Financial reporting capabilities for clients across various industries. Meanwhile, Sampoorn EV is making significant strides in the electric vehicle sector, promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions. Vikas is passionate about leveraging technology to address pressing environmental challenges, and he actively advocates for sustainable practices in business. His commitment to excellence and sustainability positions him as a leading figure in both the Financial Management and green energy landscapes. 8. CA Dinesh Kumar Gupta Dinesh Kumar Gupta is a Chartered Accountant (CA). He has a rich experience with leading groups. In his journey, he has been associated with some of the most well-known and respected business leaders and corporate houses and has received a wealth of knowledge through interactions, which ultimately benefited his organization. He understands every nuance of the field and brings an intellectual touch to his projects. Known for his unrelenting and non-compromising attitude he will leave no stone unturned to turn Samridhi Group into one of the most respected names in the field of real estate. The organization, Samridhi Group is engaged in Real Estate Development industry. Successfully delivering on time and with quality homes to the home buyers, with a vision and mission to be a leader in the market of honesty and transparency. Samridhi Group is expanding exponentially and have ambitious plans for PAN India presence. 9. CA Ajit Kumar Singh Ajit Kumar Singh is a Chartered Accountant of India, based in Renukut, Uttar Pradesh, India. He has completed his studies at The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) - Delhi Chapter. As a partner at SHARP & CO, he drives excellence in financial consultancy. He has also been a Past President at We CA Guild. Through his excellence and dedication he has been an eminent personality in the industry. WeCA Guild is dedicated to Chartered Accountants, providing a platform for professional development, industry insights, and networking. Join our community to stay at the forefront of your career and connect with peers from the CA fraternity. 10. Aroon Purie The founder, publisher, and chief editor of India Today, Aroon Purie, was born in 1944. He was also the previous CEO of the India Today Group. In addition to being the chairman and managing director of TV Today, he is the managing director of Thomson Press (India) Limited. The Padma Bhushan award was given to him. In addition, he served as Reader's Digest India's chief editor. He gave his daughter Kalli Purie leadership of the India Today Group in October 2017. After months of work and research, Fame Finders discovered that these chartered accountants have made a contributions to the nation and rewarded through such campaigns will have the opportunity for these kind of personalities to come forward in the future. (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)
Kia India unveiled its all-new compact premium SUV, Syros, in a world premiere on Thursday in New Delhi. The bookings for Syros will begin in early February 2025, and the company expects the SUV to attract significant attention from buyers in the competitive Indian market. The company stated during the unveiling event that the Syros comes packed with advanced features, including ADAS Level 2 technology and 20 robust safety features as standard, ensuring a safer driving experience. To elevate the in-car experience, the SUV is also equipped with a premium Harmon Kardon speaker system, offering top-notch sound quality. Hardeep Singh Brar, Sr Vice President & Head Sales Kia India told ANI, "Today we are unveiling the car. This is the global unveiling of the car. This is the first time this car has been showcased ever. We want people to take a look at it. And once people take a look, I think we will take feedback, what is the kind of price they are expecting. And by the end of this month, early February, this car will announce prices". In the compact and mid-SUV segment, the company stated that it currently holds a 15 per cent market share. With the launch of Syros, the company is targeting to achieve a market share of 20 per cent in the coming months. Brar added, "So, right now, you know, in the segments that we are operating, which is the mid-SUV, small SUVs, and mid-MPVs, we have been operating our share at about 15 per cent. And with Syros coming in, we want to take it to 20 per cent". The company stated that the name "Syros" is inspired by a picturesque Greek island, reflecting the vehicle's blend of elegance and sophistication. During the unveiling event the company also stated that it has enhanced its customer outreach by adding 200 new touchpoints in 2024, bringing the total to over 700 touchpoints across 300 cities in India. This expansion reflects Kia's commitment to providing seamless access to its products and services. The company added that the Syros boasts two engine options Smartstream 1.0-liter turbo petrol with 88.3 kW (120PS)/172Nm and 1.5-liter CRDi diesel with 85 kW (116PS)/ 250Nm paired with manual and automatic transmission. The wheelbase of the car is 2550mm. (ANI)
India has emerged as one of the top ten regions in the world for funding deep technology startups However, the gap in funding between India and other leading nations remains significant, highlighted a report by Speciale Invest and Oister Global. The report stated that while Indian startups received USD 3.4 billion in funding between 2016 and 2023, their counterparts in China secured 12 times more (USD 37.6 billion), and those in the United Kingdom received four times as much (USD 13.4 billion). It said "Indian Deep Tech sector has been among the top 10 well-funded deep tech regions in the world The gap between Indian deep tech funding and other leading nations is humongous" The United States leads the global deep tech funding landscape with a massive USD 177.4 billion raised during the same period. China follows with USD 37.6 billion, while the UK, France, and Sweden secured USD 13.4 billion, USD 8.6 billion, and USD 7.8 billion, respectively. Other countries in the top 10 include Israel (USD 7.8 billion), Germany (USD 6.2 billion), Canada (USD 5.6 billion), India (USD 3.4 billion), and Japan (USD 3 billion). While India's funding in the sector is still modest, the report noted that a growing number of startups are scaling up to higher valuations. However, the country has yet to witness large-scale exits, such as significant initial public offerings (IPOs) or acquisitions, which are crucial for building investor confidence. These exits play a pivotal role in attracting more capital and fostering innovation within the deep tech ecosystem. The report believed it is only a matter of time before India sees big exits in the deep tech space. For this to happen, the country needs to build a robust ecosystem that supports innovation, investment, and scaling opportunities. Successful exits will not only instil confidence among investors but also set the stage for India to bridge the funding gap and compete with global leaders in the deep tech sector. India's deep tech journey has begun on a promising note, and with the right ecosystem in place, the country could soon play a larger role on the global stage. (ANI)
Why is the world sanguine about China's economic prospects for 2025

Xinhua) 08:16, December 19, 2024

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 16, 2024 shows a view of Jingtang Port District of Tangshan Port in Tangshan City, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo by Li Lei/Xinhua)

Experts and business leaders around the world, while applauding China's strong economic performance in 2024 despite a complex global situation, have expressed optimism for the country's economic prospects for 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The latest data on China's economic performance in November and the recent key high-level meetings on China's economic work have indicated that the country's economy has maintained overall stability and made steady progress in 2024.

To stabilize growth and tackle challenges head-on, China has pledged to adopt a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy, alongside strengthening unconventional counter-cyclical adjustments and expanding domestic demand on all fronts.

Experts and business leaders around the world, while applauding China's strong economic performance in 2024 despite a complex global situation, have expressed optimism for the country's economic prospects for 2025, citing strong policy support, commitment to opening-up and green transition, and other favorable factors.

The following are some of their observations.

POSITIVE MOMENTUM

-- China's GDP grew 4.8 percent in the first three quarters of 2024, highlighting the Chinese economy's continuing sound fundamentals, favorable conditions, strong resilience and great potential, while its general trend of high-quality development and steady progress has been maintained, said Evandro Carvalho, a professor at Brazil's prestigious Getulio Vargas Foundation.

China's contribution of around 30 percent to global growth underscores its role as a key economic anchor despite global challenges, said the Brazilian scholar.

-- Given the internal and external economic headwinds, China's economic performance this year is impressive and sets the foundation for stronger growth going forward, said Oliver Pearce, founder of Corporate Perspectives, an international public relations company in Britain.

This positive momentum should be well-supported by the timely policy announcements from Beijing in recent weeks, which will stimulate further growth in 2025, he said.

-- China's GDP growth in the first three quarters of the year is a remarkable accomplishment which reflects the resilience and strength of China's economy, said Essam Algobaisi, CEO of Business Intelligence Group in Saudi Arabia.

China's ability to adapt to global shifts while prioritizing high-quality development will determine its success in the coming years, he said.

-- With strong policies and practical partnerships, China is well-positioned for high-quality growth in 2025, and will continue to play an important role in driving global economic recovery, said Michael Borchmann, former head of the European and International Affairs Department of the federal German state of Hesse.

Tourists visit the Starlight Night Market in Jinghong City of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Dec. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

TIMELY POLICY

-- The recent economic policies proposed by the Chinese government reflect a rational and objective assessment of the current economic situation, said Asian Growth Research Institute Director and Professor Dai Erbiao.

The policies will have a positive impact on stabilizing China's economic growth, Dai said, noting that a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy, in particular, are urgently needed in the short term, while increasing household income and expanding domestic demand will address structural issues and have long-term effects.

-- The recent meetings highlight the government's commitment to supporting the economy, said Brendan Ahern, chief investment officer with the U.S.-based asset management firm Krane Funds Advisors LLC.

The proactive, multi-faceted approach will continue to boost domestic sentiment and confidence as stimulating demand remains a key task, he said.

-- Implementing a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy is hugely significant and should deliver a positive upside to the economy, said Pearce.

Consumption activity has already been rising in a range of sectors from travel and lifestyle to sporting goods and services, so the priority to boost consumption and demand will help expand this consumption recovery in other sectors in the economy and boost growth, he added.

Tourists pose for a photo on a street at night in Kunming City, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Dec. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

KEY GROWTH DRIVERS

-- China is prioritizing scientific and technological innovation to strengthen its global competitiveness in sectors like green energy, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, Carvalho said, noting that these efforts are part of China's broader strategy to modernize its industrial system.

-- China has found new growth drivers in the development of high-tech technologies such as digitalization and automation, which can significantly improve labor productivity and economic efficiency, said Irina Kokushkina, associate professor at the Department of World Economy at St. Petersburg State University.

-- China's focus on reducing carbon emissions, combating pollution, and promoting green initiatives is a model worth emulating globally, said Algobaisi, adding that such policies not only enhance China's competitiveness but also contribute substantially to global climate change mitigation efforts.

China's initiatives to expand access for foreign investment and open up sectors like telecommunications, healthcare, and education are a clear signal of its commitment to deeper global integration, which will yield long-term benefits by attracting high-quality foreign investment and fostering international partnerships, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
PNN New Delhi [India], December 19: India's dream of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) is not just a governmental initiative--it's a collective mission requiring contributions from individuals, businesses, and leaders across every sector. Stepping up to advance this vision, the Bharat Economic Forum (BEF) proudly announces the Viksit Bharat Dialogues Bootcamp, a transformative 2-day residential event that begins on 15th January 2025 in New Delhi. Following the inaugural session, the bootcamp will be hosted in other major cities across India, enabling diverse participation and fostering continuous growth throughout the year. This bootcamp isn't just an ordinary leadership development program; it's an opportunity for participants to showcase their leadership, creativity, and innovation while simultaneously contributing to India's socio-economic development. With a focus on skill enhancement, business networking, and personal branding, this initiative empowers participants to become key players in shaping a Viksit Bharat while positioning themselves as influential contributors to the nation's progress. A Platform to Shape Your Future The Viksit Bharat Dialogues Bootcamp offers a one-of-a-kind platform for professionals, entrepreneurs, and consultants to highlight their expertise and explore synergies that align with the larger Viksit Bharat Mission. By participating in these dialogues, attendees will not only enhance their skills but also develop a personal and professional brand that sets them apart in their industries. Comparing the BEF Initiative with Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue The bootcamp takes inspiration from the Government of India's Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, which invites emerging leaders from across the country to align their efforts with the Viksit Bharat Mission. Similarly, the BEF's Viksit Bharat Dialogues Bootcamp offers a platform for individuals to develop their leadership potential, but with a stronger emphasis on economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and personal business growth. Participants here actively engage in industry-focused discussions that not only create immediate business opportunities but also build lasting connections in the Bharat Economic Forum network, a hub for current and future leaders driving innovation and change. What You Gain as a Participant 1. Certificate of Participation & Featured Stories: Every participant will receive a Certificate of Participation, serving as a mark of excellence and contribution to the Viksit Bharat Mission. Beyond this, each participant's journey and insights will be featured as Viksit Bharat Stories on the official BEF Blog, further amplifying their personal brand to a national and international audience. 2. Chance to Win the Viksit Bharat Awards: The best performers during the dialogues will be shortlisted for the prestigious Viksit Bharat Awards, presented at the BEF Annual Summit and other key ceremonies throughout the year. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in leadership, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment skills across various industries critical to India's development. This is not just an accolade but a career-defining milestone, celebrating participants as torchbearers of India's progress. 3. Influence Through Recorded Dialogues: Each Viksit Bharat Dialogue session during the bootcamp is recorded and shared with the exclusive BEF network, comprising some of India's most influential decision-makers and thought leaders. These sessions not only showcase participants' expertise but also create a lasting impact on the future leaders who are part of the Viksit Bharat Mission. 4. Business Development & Networking Participants will have unparalleled opportunities to: - Network with professionals, entrepreneurs, and consultants from diverse industries. - Establish strategic partnerships that lead to new business opportunities. - Leverage the BEF's exclusive network to connect with leaders who can open doors to new markets and collaborations. 5. Skill Development: The bootcamp includes expert-led workshops on leadership, business strategies, and innovative thinking. Participants will gain actionable insights to enhance their skills and unlock new opportunities for economic growth. Bootcamp Details & PricingThe Viksit Bharat Dialogues Bootcamp is designed to be accessible yet exclusive, offering exceptional value for participants. Fee Structure: -Profile Evaluation Fee: Rs5100This ensures a thorough assessment of participants to create a tailored experience. - Registration Fee (for approved participants): Rs55,000 Includes: -Two days of luxurious accommodation. - A 60-minute personal podcast session, highlighting your expertise and personal journey. - Participation in two 60-minute group podcasts, providing a collaborative platform to exchange ideas and solutions. - Access to exclusive networking events with industry leaders. - Story highlights featured in Viksit Bharat Stories by BEF - Increased chances of getting shortlisted for Viksit Bharat Awards - Exclusive invitation for joining BEF Super100 Group A Vision for Human-Centered Development The Viksit Bharat Dialogues Bootcamp goes beyond individual growth. It is rooted in the belief that human-centered development is the key to realizing the dream of a Viksit Bharat. By empowering individuals with the right skills, connections, and opportunities, this initiative creates a ripple effect that strengthens communities and contributes to national progress. Bharat Economic Forum understands that when individuals thrive economically and professionally, they bring innovative solutions to the challenges faced by India today. By attending the bootcamp, participants actively become part of a movement that aligns personal growth with the nation's vision for development. Why This Bootcamp is Perfect for You Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking to scale your business, a business consultant aiming to expand your client base, or a professional looking to build a personal brand, the Viksit Bharat Dialogues Bootcamp offers an unmatched platform to achieve your goals. Here's why you should attend: - Showcase your expertise to influential leaders in the BEF network. - Strengthen your personal brand with podcast recordings and blog features. - Collaborate with like-minded individuals to create real-world solutions that align with the Viksit Bharat Mission. - Gain recognition through the Viksit Bharat Awards, celebrating exceptional performance in leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Take the First Step Towards a Viksit Bharat The Viksit Bharat Dialogues Bootcamp is more than an event--it's a movement that brings together the brightest minds to contribute to India's development. It's your chance to grow as a leader, build your business, and leave a lasting legacy. Don't miss this transformative opportunity. Apply now and join us at the bootcamp starting from January 15th, 2025, in New Delhi! For more information and to apply, visit www.bharateconomicforum.org. Contact Us Phone - +91-9266114256, 8744089014, 9304125236Email - contact@bharateconomicforum.orgFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/bharateconomicforumLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bharateconomicforum/Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@BharatEconomicForumInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bharateconomicforum/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 19: Somaiya Vidyavihar, a legacy institution built on the pillars of excellence, ethics, and service to society, recently celebrated its 83rd Foundation Day. The event, which commemorated over eight decades of transformative education, was graced by Justice B N Srikrishna, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Former Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, as the Chief Guest. Samir Somaiya, President of Somaiya Vidyavihar, alongside distinguished dignitaries, faculty, and students, joined in for the momentous occasion. Founded in 1942 by the visionary philanthropist Padma Bhushan Karamshibhai Jethabhai Somaiya, Somaiya Vidyavihar has grown into a beacon of holistic education, seamlessly integrating intellectual growth with cultural and ethical values. Officially established under the Somaiya Trust in 1959, the institution has remained steadfast in its mission to nurture generations of students through education that shapes both character and competence. The legacy of Karamshibhai Somaiya - who viewed education as a catalyst for societal progress - continues to resonate through the institution's guiding ethos. His philanthropic vision extended beyond just education, encompassing healthcare, social welfare, and the broader upliftment of communities. The Somaiya family's leadership over three generations has ensured that the institution's core values endure while adapting to the needs of a changing world. The celebrations began with a traditional prayer and diya lighting ceremony, symbolizing the institution's commitment to knowledge and enlightenment. This was followed by a Sanskrit invocation delivered by Assistant Professor Prachi Pathak. In his welcome address, Dr. Raghunath K. Shevgaonkar, Provost of Somaiya Vidyavihar, emphasized, "Somaiya Vidyavihar reflects the enduring belief of our founder, Padma Bhushan Karamshibhai Jethabhai Somaiya that education is the greatest instrument for societal transformation." Justice B N Srikrishna, a distinguished alumnus of Somaiya Vidyavihar, reflected on the institution's timeless values, stating, "I have been connected to Somaiya for the last three generations, and the good work done here has seamlessly flowed across generations. Today, we see a campus where education is revered as the ultimate purpose of life. I am proud to witness the founder's vision thrive and be carried forward with such dedication." Samir Somaiya, President of Somaiya Vidyavihar, highlighted the importance of faith in education, adding, "An educational institution is where memory and fantasy converge. Memory, because it anchors us to our roots, and fantasy, because it is where we are free to dream. Promises kept in terms of memories, and leaps made in terms of fantasies--that is what we celebrate today on our 83rd Foundation Day at Somaiya Vidyavihar." He added, "Through faith and surrender, we make the impossible possible. By enabling access and creating pathways for success, we take steps toward realizing dreams and building a future. This is the spirit that drives us forward at Somaiya Vidyavihar--where memory, fantasy, and dreams come together to enable possibilities, potential and success." The celebrations honored outstanding achievers with annual awards, acknowledging their exceptional contributions and excellence. A vibrant cultural program showcased the rich heritage, creativity, and talent of the Somaiya community. Additionally, the Navriti exhibition celebrated innovative projects and creative endeavors by students and faculty alike. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Lt. Gen. Jagbir Singh (Retd.), Secretary of Somaiya Vidyavihar, who expressed his gratitude to all attendees, contributors, and supporters. As Somaiya Vidyavihar celebrates this historic milestone, it reaffirms its enduring commitment to offering quality education, rooted in India's rich traditions and values, while preparing students to excel in a dynamic and ever-changing world. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The film, directed by the Russo brothers: Anthony and Joe Russo, debuts on the streaming platform on March 14, 2025.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDucMIOS273/

Set in the 1990s, 'The Electric State' follows the story of a teenager, played by Brown, who teams up with her robot companion to find her missing younger brother.

They join forces with a wanderer, portrayed by Pratt, on a dangerous quest in a world left in chaos after the devastating conflict between humans and robots.

The film also boasts a remarkable ensemble cast, including Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Norman, Giancarlo Esposito, and Stanley Tucci.

Additionally, the film features voice work from prominent actors such as Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Hank Azaria, Colman Domingo, and Alan Tudyk, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

In the previously released teaser, Brown's character reflects on the aftermath of the war, stating, "Right now, all of us have something in common. We all lost something after the rebellion. Robots lost their freedom. Humans lost connection with each other. And I lost everyone I loved -- or so I thought."

The Russo brothers, known for their work on 'Avengers: Endgame' and 'The Gray Man', directed the film from a script penned by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

The story is adapted from Simon Stalenhag's 2018 novel, 'The Electric State'. Alongside the directors, Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, Chris Castaldi, and Patrick Newall serve as producers. (ANI)
Devoleena and her husband, Shanawaz Shaikh, have announced the arrival of their baby boy, who was born on December 18, 2024.

In a heartwarming post shared on Instagram, Devoleena expressed her excitement, revealing the joyous news to her fans.

The actress shared a video capturing the beautiful moment, with the caption, "Hello world! Our little angel BOY is here... 18/12/2024."

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBNivMToomt/?img_index=1

The couple's announcement was met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from fans and industry colleagues alike.

The couple, who tied the knot in December 2022 in a court ceremony in Lonavala with close friends and family, had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their little one.

Devoleena's pregnancy announcement earlier in August 2024 captured the hearts of many, as she shared photos from a panchamrit ritual, a traditional ceremony commonly observed by pregnant women in India.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-sKGryu6HB/?img_index=1

As the couple shared their joyful news, messages of congratulations flooded in from all corners. Friends and well-wishers from the television industry congratulated Devoleena and Shanawaz on the birth of their baby boy, expressing their excitement and happiness for the new parents.

Fans, too, shared their warm wishes on social media, celebrating the joyous occasion.

Devoleena Bhattacharjee's rise to fame began with her portrayal of Gopi Modi in 'Saath Nibhaana Saathiya', one of Indian television's longest-running shows.

Her portrayal of the beloved character earned her a dedicated fanbase. After Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Devoleena made waves by participating in the reality show Bigg Boss 13. (ANI)
The Emmy award-winning actor Guy Pearce shared his experience of working with big-budget Hollywood studio films and why it's a "killer" for him now. One look at Guy Pearce's filmography and it will be clear that the actor has largely stayed away from big Hollywood studio films. Pearce's last prominent role dates back to 2013's Marvel film "Iron Man 3." He broke to fame with Christopher Nolan's 'Memento' in 2000. Follwing his success, the big Hollywood studios approached the actor for high-budget films, 'The Time Machine' to name one. The film which was loosely based on HG Wells' novel of the same name was a major flop. Sharing his experience with the big studio films, Guy Pearce said, "The process of it felt way too big for me," said Pearce to GQ Magazine as quoted by Deadline. Pearce continues, "I can't make this idea of studio films where you just get told what to do by people afraid to lose their jobs. I remember there were discussions at the beginning about how I was going to look. A couple of the executives say, 'No, he'll just cut his hair and he'll just do this and he'll do that.' And I'm in the room going, 'Hello?' I'm immediately feeling like my intuition doesn't mean anything here. That's a killer for me." After working in 'The Time Machine', the actor felt disconnected and powerless in making films with big studios. "It was the first time I really felt that there was not just a disconnect, but a kind of greater power up there that you couldn't even really talk to," Pearce said 'Memento' star has also speculated that a certain Warner Bros executive allegedly tried to cast him away from the possible role in Christopher Nolan's Prestige, as per the report of Deadline. "He spoke to me about roles a few times over the years," Pearce said about working again with his "Memento" director. "But there was an executive at Warner Bros. who quite openly said to my agent, 'I don't get Guy Pearce. I'm never going to get Guy Pearce. I'm never going to employ Guy Pearce.' So, in a way, that's good to know. I mean, fair enough; there are some actors I don't get. But it meant I could never work with Chris." Pearce is currently a frontrunner to land an Oscar nomination in the supporting actor category for his role in A24's 'The Brutalist.' (ANI)
Alec Baldwin, whose involuntary manslaughter case stemming from the tragic 2021 shooting on the 'Rust' film set was dismissed in July, is now determined to tell his side of the story. The incident, which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured writer/director Joel Souza, continues to haunt the actor, and Baldwin is committed to shedding light on what he believes are the suppressed truths behind the shooting, as per Deadline. In a recent interview, Baldwin expressed his resolve to expose the full details of the tragedy, emphasizing that "there's more to come" in the coming months, reported Deadline. The actor stressed his intention to "raise and expose what really happened," following years of accusations and media scrutiny. Baldwin described how he had been forced to defend himself against damaging press coverage, explaining that, "I was counterpunching. I was on the defensive. I was being accused. I was being indicted," he said as per Deadline. Baldwin's journey through the legal and media storm has been a long and challenging one. Reflecting on the way the press handled the incident, he stated, "The press suppressed every story that could benefit me and amplified every story that could hurt me." Baldwin went on to highlight how the truth about the events on set has never truly been told. He explained, "This has been for three years. And the truth of what happened has never been told, never." He also shared his frustration over the public's reaction to the incident, stating, "People have just dined out. Because in this country, when people hate you on that level, they want three things: They want you to die. The second thing is, they want you to go to prison. These political crowds, both sides, they love to see their enemies put in prison for years because prison is like a living hell. And the third thing is, they want you cancelled," as per Deadline. Despite the dismissal of the involuntary manslaughter case against him, Baldwin remains undeterred in his pursuit of justice. He hinted that new legal filings would soon reveal more details about the case, stating, "We have more s-- that's going to come out in ensuing legal filings and so forth." Baldwin also acknowledged that while the case was dismissed, the absence of a full trial meant there were critical aspects of the case that remained unknown. "I'm grateful" that the judge dismissed the case with prejudice, Baldwin admitted, though he also felt that having a conclusive trial would have been better for his defence. "We had troves of things to present," he added, as per Deadline. In the midst of his ongoing efforts to clear his name, Baldwin noted that he would be taking a break from the public eye to regroup before continuing his legal battle. "I'm going to take a break. I don't want to talk about this for a while. I want to kind of take a nap," Baldwin shared, signalling his intention to step back from the case temporarily before embarking on the next phase of his fight for the truth. The case against Baldwin was dismissed on July 12, 2024, after New Mexico Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that the state had failed to disclose critical evidence to the defendant. The judge's decision also stated that the case could not be reopened. (ANI)
Cardi B has once again found herself at odds with her estranged husband, Offset, as the couple's divorce battle takes a heated turn. Cardi B, who filed for divorce from Offset in August, took to social media to demand that the latter sign the divorce papers immediately. This came after a tense exchange on platform X (formerly Twitter), where the rapper made comments that seemed to criticise Cardi for her recent actions. https://x.com/iamcardib/status/1869289591532130648 As per E! News, the dispute ignited when Offset shared a now-deleted post accusing Cardi of focusing on the wrong things. He wrote, "Nobody wins when the fam fight. Stop capping to these ppl to make yourself look like the hoe it ain't the look u a fire women good music but u focus on d--k and tryna make me look bad." He concluded by calling for both of them to "focus" and stated, "this s--t is whack from us both honestly." Cardi B quickly responded, calling out her estranged husband's accusations and demanding he finalize the divorce. In a now-deleted post of her own, she wrote, "So dating because I'm single means I'm just worried about d--k?? You sound like a dummy.. trying to be fake nice after you did what you wanted from the beginning trying to push a narrative to these people. Congratulations!!," as per E! News. She ended the message with a sharp demand: "F--k off and sign the papers TODAY," as per E! News. The couple, who tied the knot in 2017, shares three children together--Kulture, 6, Wave, 3, and a 3-month-old baby girl--and have faced a tumultuous relationship filled with public drama, including a previous divorce filing in 2020 before their brief reconciliation. On the other hand, this fiery exchange also marks a dramatic shift in tone from just a few days earlier. Earlier this week, Cardi B shared an optimistic update about her relationship with Offset, suggesting that they were getting along and working towards healthy co-parenting. "We've been peaceful for over a week, so we like the energy," Cardi explained during a live X Spaces audio broadcast, adding "We ain't beefin'. We ain't really speaking. So I think we're getting to a point that is, we're really healthy co-parenting," as per E! News. She also spoke about her recent happiness, noting that it had been "no drama, no bulls--t" for over a week, which was a significant improvement after months of tension. Reportedly, Cardi had also appeared at Offset's birthday party in Miami on the same day. (ANI)
The ceremony was conducted on Wednesday at Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III felicitated the couple with a knighthood and damehood.

https://x.com/RoyalFamily/status/1869414467483926947

The royal family also posted pictures from the ceremony on their official Instagram and X handles.

"Arise, Sir Christopher Nolan and Dame Emma Thomas!" the post read.

"Congratulations to all who received honours during today's Investiture ceremonies, including film director Christopher Nolan and film producer Emma Thomas, the post read.

Nolan and Thomas, who have worked together on all of the movies Nolan has directed since 1997 (except Nolan's 2015 short film "Quay"), were recognized "for their extraordinary contribution to Film, with their partnership producing major blockbusters such as The Dark Knight trilogy and Oppenheimer," as per New York Post.

A knighthood is a title given to a male by the reigning monarch for achievements or service to the country, while a damehood is awarded to females. These ranks entitle recipients to use the title of Sir or Dame before their forename.

Earlier this year, Nolan won his first Best Director Oscar for Cillian Murphy-starrer Oppenheimer, which revolves around the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American theoretical physicist who helped develop the first nuclear weapons during World War II. (ANI)
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival gala will honour veteran filmmaker James Mangold with a Trailblazer Award and 'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo with a Visionary Award. It is set to take place at Utah's Grand Hyatt Deer Valley on January 24, reported Deadline. "Receiving the Visionary Award is an honour that fills me with immense gratitude. Sundance has always been a sanctuary for bold voices and transformative narratives, and to be a part of and recognized by this incredible community is deeply meaningful. Storytelling is the foundation of my work, and it's a privilege to celebrate this art form alongside so many extraordinary creators. This recognition inspires me to continue championing bold, diverse stories that connect, challenge, and uplift us all," said Erivo. Mangold is being honoured with the Trailblazer Award for his dedication and contributions to the field of cinema. His directorial debut, Heavy, received the Special Jury Prize for Directing at the 1995 Sundance Film Festival, as per the outlet. "Sundance has been many things in my life; a faraway dream on a mountain, a laboratory at which I developed the script for Cop Land, a festival at which I debuted Heavy, my first feature, and later, a place I have proudly mentored talented young filmmakers. I am floored and flattered that Sundance thought my body of work was worthy of this honour," added James Mangold. "James Mangold and Cynthia Erivo embody the very essence of creativity and impact within the arts," said Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO of Sundance Institute. Amanda appreciated the work of James Mangold for the way he effectively brings the story on-screen, "James' career reflects the heart of filmmaking: bold and authentic storytelling. His connection to the Sundance Institute, from his early days as a participant in our artist programs to his groundbreaking work as a director, has left a lasting impact on the film community." "Cynthia's journey, marked by electrifying performances in every project she touches, has made her a dynamic artist who inspires and empowers audiences and creators alike. We are thrilled to honour James with the Trailblazer Award and Cynthia with the Visionary Award, celebrating their extraordinary achievements and the powerful stories they continue to bring to life," shared Amanda, reported Deadline. The evening will also honour Michelle Satter, Founding Senior Director of Artist Programs at Sundance Institute. The annual Vanguard Awards Presented by Acura will be awarded during the evening to Sean Wang, writer and director of Didi, and Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, co-directors of Sugarcane, who premiered their films at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The Sundance Film Festival takes place from January 23 to February 2, 2025, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, according to Deadline. (ANI)
Speaking to reporters, Vellore District Collector Subbulakshmi said, "Anjali has lost her life in a leopard attack. Immediate action will be taken to catch the leopard. Arrangements will be made for the common people living in the forest area to live a fear-free life."

Sivalingam, a resident of Durgam village under Melmayil Panchayat in Vellore, had 5 daughters, four of whom are married, and his youngest daughter Anjali (23) completed her graduation.

At 2 pm on Wednesday, she went to the protected forest alone to graze the cows. When she did not return home after 3 pm, Sivalingam went to the forest in search of her. He was shocked to see her daughter lying dead in a pool of blood.

Immediately, the neighbours ran to see and informed the forest department and KV Kuppam police. The forest department and police inspected the scene. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai alleged that the state government and police officials were responsible for the death of a Congress worker who lost his life during the party's protest near the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday. He demanded compensation of 1 crore for the victim and a government job for one of the kin of the deceased. Speaking at a press conference, Ajay Rai said, "The Congress has announced an ex-gratia of 10 lakh for Prabhat Pandey and we demand a compensation of Rs 1 crore from the state government for killing the worker and a government job for one of the family member of the deceased." "Today a very sad incident happened - we had decided to do 'gherao' of the state Assembly. But when we left from here (Congress state headquarters) for the Assembly, barricades and barbed wires were installed to stop us. During the protest, one of our workers, Prabhat Pandey died as the police beat him," he further said. He demanded action against the police officers responsible for the alleged attacks on the Congress workers. "Prabhat Pandey told our two workers - Ashish Kesari and Junaid Iqlam Qureshi that the police had beaten him. When he came to the office and lay down, he fainted... He was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead... This is an inhuman incident... A similar incident has happened in Assam too," he said. Earlier Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi offered condolences to their grieving family members and alleged that Constitution was murdered in BJP-ruled Assam and Uttar Pradesh. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, "Democracy and Constitution have been murdered again in BJP-ruled Assam and Uttar Pradesh. The Congress party is conducting satyagraha in support of Babasaheb and the Constitution across the country. During this, the death of our Congress workers Mridul Islam in Guwahati and Prabhat Pandey in Lucknow due to excessive police force is very sad and condemnable." "I offer my deepest condolences to their grieving loved ones. These families deserve full justice. The lion of Congress will continue to fight for truth and the Constitution," he further said. Congress leaders and workers held nationwide protests on Wednesday, including marches to Raj Bhavans in Jammu, Chandigarh, Guwahati, and Patna. The protests aimed to raise concerns over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about B.R. Ambedkar, the ongoing crisis in Manipur, alleged inaction on the Adani controversy, and the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. (ANI)
After a Congress worker died during the party's protest near the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday, DCP, Central Lucknow, Raveena Tyagi said that a case of murder under relevant sections was registered based on the complaint provided by his uncle and strict legal action would be taken against the guilty. Raveena Tyagi says, "A case of murder under relevant sections has been registered at Hussainganj police station in connection with the incident that happened with Prabhat Kumar Pandey at the Uttar Pradesh Congress Party office in Lucknow, based on the complaint provided by his uncle Manish Kumar Pandey. It has been alleged that the deceased was unconscious at the party office for 2 hours after which he was taken to the civil hospital in a car - there he was declared brought dead by the doctors." She further said that strict legal action would be taken against whoever is found guilty. "The statements of the caretakers will be recorded, the CCTV footage will be obtained and analyzed. Along with this, the person who called for the protest and the people who participated in the protest will be questioned, their statements will be recorded. The mobile phones of the deceased will be sent for forensic examination. To maintain transparency, the post-mortem of the deceased is being done by a panel of doctors, under videography. Whoever is found guilty, strict legal action will be taken," she further said. Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai alleged that the state government and police officials were responsible for the death of a Congress worker who lost his life during the party's protest near the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday. He demanded compensation of 1 crore for the victim and a government job for one of the kin of the deceased. Speaking at a press conference, Ajay Rai said, "The Congress has announced an ex-gratia of 10 lakh for Prabhat Pandey and we demand a compensation of Rs 1 crore from the state government for killing the worker and a government job for one of the family member of the deceased." "Today a very sad incident happened - we had decided to do 'gherao' of the state Assembly. But when we left from here (Congress state headquarters) for the Assembly, barricades and barbed wires were installed to stop us. During the protest, one of our workers, Prabhat Pandey died as the police beat him," he further said. He demanded action against the police officers responsible for the alleged attacks on the Congress workers. "Prabhat Pandey told our two workers - Ashish Kesari and Junaid Iqlam Qureshi that the police had beaten him. When he came to the office and lay down, he fainted... He was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead... This is an inhuman incident... A similar incident has happened in Assam too," he said. Earlier Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi offered condolences to their grieving family members and alleged that Constitution was murdered in BJP-ruled Assam and Uttar Pradesh. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, "Democracy and Constitution have been murdered again in BJP-ruled Assam and Uttar Pradesh. The Congress party is conducting satyagraha in support of Babasaheb and the Constitution across the country. During this, the death of our Congress workers Mridul Islam in Guwahati and Prabhat Pandey in Lucknow due to excessive police force is very sad and condemnable." "I offer my deepest condolences to their grieving loved ones. These families deserve full justice. The lion of Congress will continue to fight for truth and the Constitution," he further said. Congress leaders and workers held nationwide protests on Wednesday, including marches to Raj Bhavans in Jammu, Chandigarh, Guwahati, and Patna. The protests aimed to raise concerns over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about B.R. Ambedkar, the ongoing crisis in Manipur, alleged inaction on the Adani controversy, and the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. (ANI)
Congress MP KC Venugopal on Thursday reacted to a photo shared by the BJP on its official handle on X which shows INDIA Bloc MPs holding the photo of George Soros during their protest in the Parliament. The Opposition MPs including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Sanjay Singh among others had earlier held a protest by carrying Dr BR Ambedkar's photo in their hands against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks in the Parliament. Congress' Venugopal posted on X and attacked the BJP asking, "Is standing up for Dr. Ambedkar against the insult to him a matter of joke for the BJP?" "The BJP is brazen in its insult and ridicule of Dr Ambedkar. Instead of submitting ensuring the Home Minister is removed from his post for the immense hurt caused to the crores of Babasaheb's followers by Amit Shah's statements, they are doubling down on the ridicule. Is standing up for Dr. Ambedkar against the insult to him a matter of joke for the BJP? They are bringing in their rotten falsehoods even on a sensitive matter like Dr Ambedkar's legacy, because they do not respect him and want to diminish his stature for their narrow political goals," he said. Congress Karnataka MLA Priyank Kharge also reacted to the photo and said, "First, the incompetent Amit Shah insults Babasaheb in Parliament and now the BJP party and their Rs 2 trolls further demean him by substituting his image with that of Soros. The reason for their hate is deep rooted as Babasaheb despised the Hindutva philosophy and the RSS ideology." Meanwhile, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments on Wednesday with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. The issue snowballed into major political controversy with the Congress seeking resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party. Amit Shah held a press conference and accused Congress of being "anti-BR Ambedkar and anti-Constitution". Shah responded to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's call for his resignation, saying it won't make a difference to the Congress party's fate. Shah claimed that the Congress party will remain in the opposition for the next 15 years, regardless of his resignation. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attacked the Congress claiminng that it had done nothing for Babasaheb Ambedkar while the BJP had been actively working towards BR Ambedkar's vision of equality. Taking to social media X, the CM reshared the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tweet and wrote, "While Congress has consistently failed to empower backward communities, BJP has been actively working towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of equality. Through steps like expanding reservations and creating opportunities in education and government jobs, BJP is turning Baba Saheb's vision into real policies, shaping lives. Congress, on the other hand, continues to talk but does nothing." Earlier, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments on Wednesday as the Congress and other opposition members protested against the remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha at the conclusion of debate on 150 years of Constitution. The issue snowballed into major political controversy with the Congress seeking resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party.Amit Shah held a press conference and accused Congress of being "anti-BR Ambedkar and anti-Constitution". Shah responded to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's call for his resignation, saying it won't make a difference to the Congress party's fate. Shah claimed that the Congress party will remain in the opposition for the next 15 years, regardless of his resignation. Shah said the Congress chief should not have supported the "nefarious efforts" of his party.He alleged that Kharge, who is from the Dalit community, had joined the effort under "pressure of Rahul Gandhi.""Kharge ji is asking for my resignation. If it would have made him happy, I would have resigned, but it will not end his problems because he will have to sit in the same place (in the opposition) for the next 15 years. My resignation will not change that," Shah said. "I want to tell Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge you come from that section of society for which Dr BR Ambedkar dedicated his entire life. Therefore, I also want to say this to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge that you should not have supported this nefarious effort. However, I am disappointed that you are participating in this because of pressure from Rahul Gandhi. I want to reiterate that Congress is anti-Ambedkar, anti-Constitution, anti-reservation, anti-Savarkar and anti-OBC, and they don't have an answer for this," he added. Asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party has always tried to follow the principles of BR Ambedkar, Shah said he belongs to a party which can never insult the chief architect of the Constitution. "My statement was presented in a distorted manner. Earlier they made PM Narendra Modi's edited statements public. When the elections were going on, my statement was edited using AI. And today they are presenting my statement in a distorted manner. I also want to request the media to put my full statement in front of the public. I belong to a party which can never insult Ambedkar ji even in a dream. First Jan Sangh and then Bharatiya Janata Party have always tried to follow the principles of Ambedkar ji. Whenever the Bharatiya Janata Party was in power, we have propagated the principles of Ambedkar ji. The Bharatiya Janata Party has worked to strengthen reservation. " he added. Asked if the BJP was contemplating legal action against opposition leaders over their remarks, the Union Home Minister said that the BJP will examine all legal options. "Whatever legal action can be taken inside and outside Parliament, all possibilities will be considered," he said.PM Modi defended Amit Shah's remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar and said that the union minister exposed "Congress' dark history of insulting Ambedkar after which they are clearly stung and stunned" by the facts he presented. In a series of posts on X, PM Modi said that Congress sat in power for years but did nothing to empower the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. "In Parliament, Amit Shah Ji exposed the Congress' dark history of insulting Dr Ambedkar and ignoring the SC/ST Communities. They are clearly stung and stunned by the facts he presented, which is why they are now indulging in theatrics! Sadly, for them, people know the truth! Congress can try as they want but they can't deny that the worst massacres against SC/ST Communities have happened under their regimes. For years, they sat in power but did nothing substantive to empower the SC and ST communities," PM Modi said. (ANI)
Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh on Thursday submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha, calling for an unconditional apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his comments on former Minister of Law and Justice BR Ambedkar. He also sought an urgent discussion on Shah's remarks made during the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Constitution. In his notice, Suresh expressed "grave concern" over Shah's comments, which he claimed were "deeply disrespectful and hurtful" to those who hold Ambedkar in high regard. He said, "I rise to draw the attention of this House to a matter of grave concern involving the remarks made by the Union Home Minister during the recent discussions marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution. The statements made about Dr BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of our Constitution, were deeply disrespectful and hurtful to the people who hold him in the highest regard." "The Home Minister's comments belittled Dr Ambedkar's immense contributions, portraying the frequent mention of his name as mere political symbolism. Such statements undermine the extraordinary role Dr. Ambedkar played in shaping the constitutional values of justice, equality, and dignity for all citizens, especially the marginalized and downtrodden," the Congress MP further added in his notice. Suresh also underlined that Ambedkar's legacy belongs to the "entire nation," not just any political party, and that such remarks undermine the values of justice, equality, and dignity that Dr. Ambedkar fought for. "Any attempt to diminish his stature or mock his contributions is an insult to our democracy and the ideals on which this country stands," he added. "It is essential for this House to take a strong stand against such comments, which harm the unity and integrity of our nation. I urge that the Home Minister tender an unconditional apology for his statements and reaffirm this House's commitment to upholding the dignity of our national heroes," Suresh concluded. Earlier in the day, Congress MP Manickam Tagore also submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha, demanding an urgent discussion on the remarks made by Shah during his Constitution Day speech in the Rajya Sabha, and called for both an apology and resignation from the Home Minister. Tagore alleged that Shah's remarks insulted Dr. Ambedkar. In his letter to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha, Tagore described the matter as one of "urgent public importance." According to the Congress leader, Shah's remarks were "disrespectful" to Ambedkar and "deeply offensive" to millions of Indians, particularly the Dalit community. Tagore explained in the notice, "The Home Minister, while delivering his address, made remarks that insulted and disrespected Dr BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of our Constitution. This is a matter of grave concern, as it not only undermines Dr Ambedkar's legacy but also tarnishes the ideals of justice, equality, and social harmony that our Constitution upholds." Tagore further added, "These remarks not only demean Dr Ambedkar's legacy but also cause deep hurt to the Dalit community and millions of Indians who consider Dr. Ambedkar as a guiding light for social justice and empowerment." In the official notice, Tagore put forward two key demands. First, he urged the Home Minister to issue a public apology in the House, stating, "An apology is necessary to heal the wounds caused to the Dalit community and to the citizens of India who revere Ambedkar." Second, he called for Shah's resignation, saying, "Given the gravity of his remarks, the Home Minister should resign from his position. His continued stay in office after such an incident is untenable, as it tarnishes the dignity of the office and undermines the trust of the people." "This issue is of great importance as it goes to the heart of our democracy, the respect for our Constitution, and the legacy of Dr Ambedkar," the Congress MP added. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Parliament witnessed disruptions as Congress and opposition members protested against Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about Dr. Ambedkar during his Constitution Day speech in the Rajya Sabha. Congress demanded Shah's resignation, accusing him of insulting Ambedkar, while BJP leaders defended him, alleging Congress was "anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitution." However, Amit Shah, in a press conference, dismissed Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's demand for his resignation, saying, "Kharge ji is asking for my resignation. If it would have made him happy, I would have resigned, but it will not end his problems because he will have to sit in the same place (in opposition) for the next 15 years. My resignation will not change that." Prime Minister Narendra Modi supported Shah, stating, "In Parliament, Amit Shah Ji exposed the Congress' dark history of insulting Dr Ambedkar and ignoring the SC/ST communities." Conngress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of disrespecting the Constitution, saying, "The BJP-RSS and their political ancestors have never respected the Constitution. Their political ancestors never accepted the Constitution, and burnt its copies. These people did not even adopt the tricolour. They said that the Constitution does not have the words of Manusmriti, so they will not accept it. In protest against this, they also burnt the effigies of Nehru and Ambedkar," Kharge said. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day following protests. (ANI)
On the 63rd anniversary of Goa's liberation from Portuguese rule, the President of India paid a heartfelt tribute to the bravehearts who fought for the region's freedom. In a message shared on social media, the President expressed the nation's deep gratitude for the selfless sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and the armed forces. "On Goa Liberation Day, the nation pays tribute to bravehearts who made selfless sacrifice for the liberation of Goa from colonial rule. We salute the fearless freedom fighters and our armed forces for their exceptional courage and unwavering dedication. I extend warm wishes to the people of Goa and wish them a prosperous future," the President wrote. The President's message emphasized the courage and dedication of those who fought for Goa's freedom, highlighting their invaluable contribution to the nation's independence. This tribute resonates with the people of Goa and the rest of India as they commemorate the end of Portuguese colonial rule on December 19, 1961. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in his message called for the people to work towards the betterment of the state and its prosperity. "Today, we honor the progressive journey of Goa's development and the strides we've made towards achieving our dream of a 'Golden Goa'. Heartfelt wishes to all my Goan brothers and sisters on the occasion of #GoaLiberationDay. The sacrifices and efforts of our revolutionary freedom fighters will always be remembered and cherished. I salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who led 'Operation Vijay' and liberated Goa from centuries of colonial oppression. Let us work together towards the betterment of our state, aligning with the vision of Swayampurna and a Viksit Goa," the Goa Chief Minister said in his post. Senior Goa Ministe Vishwajit Rane in his message said that the the courage of those who fought for Goa's liberation will continue to inspire the state. "On Goa LiberationDay, honouring the brave souls who fought for Goa's freedom from the colonial rule. Their courage and dedication inspire us to uphold the values of liberty and unity. The vibrant culture and resilient spirit of its people are a testament to the enduring legacy of those who secured its liberation. May we continue to work together towards the development and prosperity envisioned by our forebears," he said in his post on X. The Goa CM marked the occasion by unfurling the Tricolour at his residence in Panaji, alongside other commemorative events across the state. CM Sawant also inspected the parade at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Ground in Dona Paula, on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day. (ANI)
Amid a controversy over Union Home Minister's remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar, Rashtriya Janata Dal Chief Lalu Yadav said on Thursday that Amit Shah should renounce politics and leave. "Amit Shah has gone mad. He must have hatred for Babasaheb Ambedkar. We condemn this madness of his. Babasaheb Ambedkar is great. He should renounce politics and leave," Lalu Yadav said. Earlier, former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav ashed out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah and accused him and his party of being "anti-constitution" and spreading hatred. "Babasaheb Ambedkar is our fashion and passion. He is also our motivation and inspiration. We will not let anyone insult Babasaheb Ambedkar. These people are anti-constitution who spread hatred, and the language used in Parliament is condemnable," Yadav, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, told ANI. Congress MP Manickam Tagore who moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha on Thursday demanding an apology from the Home Minister said, "He (HM Amit Shah) insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar inside the Parliament. Therefore, today we have moved an Adjournment Motion for his apology as well as resignation from the cabinet..." Congress MP K Suresh said, "Yesterday also we moved an Adjournment Motion against Amit Shah because he made a remark in Rajya Sabha during the debate on Constitution. Today also we are giving Adjournment Motion to discuss this because Amit Shah's statement is being totally opposed throughout the country. The nation is protesting against Amit Shah. His remark on Ambedkar is intolerable..." Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments on Wednesday with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. The issue snowballed into major political controversy with the Congress seeking resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party. Amit Shah held a press conference and accused Congress of being "anti-BR Ambedkar and anti-Constitution". Shah responded to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's call for his resignation, saying it won't make a difference to the Congress party's fate. Shah claimed that the Congress party will remain in the opposition for the next 15 years, regardless of his resignation. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday visited the Smruti Mandir of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Nagpur's Reshimbagh. He was accompanied by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs including Ram Kadam and Mahayuti ministers including Uday Samant. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also joined the CM in paying tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and second RSS chief MS Golwalkar at the Smruti Mandir memorial. During the visit, Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant spoke about the ferry that capsized off the coast of Mumbai on Wednesday evening. He said that an inquiry will be done and action will be taken accordingly. "Inquiry will be done in the whole matter and action will be taken accordingly. If there is some technical error then it is okay but if someone was driving a speedboat just for enjoyment then action should be taken against them," Samant told ANI. Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande termed the accident as "very saddening". "Such accidents are very saddening...Yesterday, the CM spoke about the causes behind this. Government will take care of the families of those who lost their lives. Something will also be definitely done for those who are injured. This is an accident and it should not be politicised...Several rules and regulations are already in place. Despite this if there is a human error, that should be tackled as well," Kayande said. At least 13 people have died, and two are critically injured after a ferry capsized off the coast of Mumbai on Wednesday evening, Chief Minister Fadnavis confirmed. The Chief Minister stated that the incident occurred around 3:55 pm when a passenger vessel named Neelkamal capsized in the sea after colliding with a Navy boat. "The rescue operation is still ongoing, and a final statement will be issued tomorrow," said CM Fadnavis. The Chief Minister announced that an ex-gratia of Rs5 lakh would be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the families of those who lost their lives. (ANI)
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between the Government of Mizoram and Partner Banks--State Bank of India (SBI), Mizoram Rural Bank (MRB), and Mizoram Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd. (MCAB) on Wednesday in presence of Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma. The MoA was signed for loan disbursement under the Bana Kaih Scheme at the Chief Minister's Conference Hall in Aizawl. Lalduhoma also officially launched the Chief Minister's Bana Kaih Innovation Challenge. The Bana Kaih Scheme is the flagship programme of the Mizoram Government, Aaimed at fostering self-reliance and inclusive economic development in the state. The primary objective of the scheme is to contribute to the realization of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the key components of the scheme is Handholding to Progress Partners, under which eligible partners are provided loans from the partner banks. The government acts as a guarantor for these loans. Furthermore, for partners who repay their loans regularly, the government will provide interest subvention of up to 100%, thereby easing the financial burden on beneficiaries and encouraging timely repayment. The signing ceremony was chaired by Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary of Planning & Programme Implementation. During the event, Vanlaldina Fanai, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Mizoram, delivered the welcome speech to all attendees. The MoA was signed on behalf of the Government of Mizoram by Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary of the Planning & Programme Implementation Department, and witnessed by Lalrinchhana, Principal Adviser-cum-Additional Secretary of the same department. From the partner bank - State Bank of India (SBI), the agreement was signed by Hubert S.Z. Khobung, Regional Manager of the Regional Business Office in Aizawl, with Neeraj Kapoor, Deputy General Manager of the Local Head Office in Guwahati, as a witness. For Mizoram Rural Bank (MRB), the agreement was signed by Sheryl L. Vanchhong, Chairman of MRB, with Naveen Thapa, Chief Manager of Loans & NPA, as a witness. For Mizoram Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd. (MCAB), the agreement was signed by A. Lallungmuana, Chief Executive Officer of MCAB, with H. Lalramdina, Assistant General Manager, as a witness. Following the signing of the agreement, Lalduhoma officially launched the Chief Minister's Bana Kaih Innovation Challenge. Under the Bana Kaih Innovation Challenge, several competitive events will be organized, including - the Department Innovation Challenge: Various government departments will propose and compete with specific projects aimed at delivering innovative solutions; District Innovation Challenge: All districts in Mizoram will participate in this challenge, led by their respective District Commissioners (DCs). NGOs, Local Councils (LCs)/Village Councils (VCs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and registered societies will also be eligible to take part; Higher Educational Institutes' Local Immersion Challenge: Government, central, and private colleges in Mizoram will be encouraged to participate. Students will engage in fieldwork to identify local challenges and propose practical solutions to address them; Inventor's Challenge: This challenge is designed for innovators to present new ideas, practical solutions, and ground-breaking projects that can lead to significant progress for Mizoram. Innovations in technology, methods, or inventions that can drive transformation will be welcomed. The best performers in these challenges will be rewarded with prizes. The Planning & Programme Implementation Department will oversee and coordinate the smooth execution of these challenges. (ANI)
The Joint Parliamentary Committee is set to hear the views and suggestions of key stakeholders on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on Thursday. The committee will engage with Syed Abubakar Naqvi, the former Chairman and State Minister of the Waqf Board in Rajasthan, and Prof. Mahrukh Mirza, the former Vice Chancellor of Khwaja Chishti Moinuddin Language University, Lucknow. The meeting is scheduled to take place around noon. The discussions are likely to focus on gathering insights and feedback from these experts as part of the ongoing process to review and amend the Waqf Act. The suggestions put forward will help shape the future of the Waqf management system in the country. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, held a meeting with members of the All India Shia Personal Law Board. The committee heard their views on the bill. After the meeting, the Chairman of the Joint Committee of Parliament, Jagdambika Pal, told ANI that the members had presented their views on the bill. "The members of the All India Shia Personal Law Board came and presented their views on this bill. Our members asked for more questions and views regarding the proposed amendments. They said they would write to us. We will also call them if needed," Pal said. Recently, the Lok Sabha approved a motion to extend the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and mandated the presentation of their report by the end of the 2025 Budget Session. On December 5, Jagdambika Pal, head of the JPC, noted that the committee had held 27 meetings in Delhi prior to the extension of its tenure. These meetings included discussions with multiple stakeholders and various ministries of the Government of India. The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The JPC is conducting extensive consultations with government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories to ensure a comprehensive overhaul of the legislation. (ANI)
An Albanian edition of The Analects of Confucius, published by the Papyrus Books Publishing House, was officially launched at the Confucius Institute at the University of Tirana on Wednesday.

Benet Koleka, executive director of Papyrus Books and chief translator of the book, told Xinhua that the translation process took about three years, with Chinese scholars playing a vital role in refining the text to ensure greater accuracy in conveying the meanings of Confucius' teachings.

"Although the book discusses philosophy, many of its ideas are highly applicable to modern life," said Koleka. "For example, the saying, 'Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire,' offers valuable guidance for daily living."

The Analects of Confucius, or Lunyu in Chinese, is a renowned collection of teachings and ideas from the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius (551 B.C.-479 B.C.).

Iljaz Spahiu, president of the Albania-China Cultural Association and a well-known translator, highlighted the significance of the new translation. "We already have Albanian editions of works by Lao Zi and Sun Zi, two other prominent Chinese philosophers," Spahiu told Xinhua. "This book will further enrich the understanding of Chinese culture and philosophy among Albanian readers."

Cultural similarities between the Albanian and Chinese peoples, such as respect for elders and strong family values, will help Confucius' ideas resonate well with Albanian readers, Spahiu noted.

Some university professors in Albania are considering incorporating the book into their philosophy courses as a textbook or reference material, Spahiu added.
Samajwadi Party MLA from the Sardhana Assembly seat was suspended from the Uttar Pradesh Assembly for the entire winter session by Speaker Satish Mahana over the use of 'derogatory language'. Speaking to ANI, Pradhan alleged that the ruling party (BJP) has been using objectionable language towards the opposition from the first day. "In a democracy, the way they (the ruling party) want to conduct the sessions of Vidhan Sabha, it is not done in that way. You should observe from the first day what kind of language the ruling party has been using towards the opposition. The statement of the Deputy CM towards our LoP was objectionable...In Jhansi, 20 children died in a fire, however, the records showed only 10 deaths. There is corruption...we were discussing these matters in the session," he said. The winter session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly got underway on Monday with the BJP-led government affirming its willingness to ensure the smooth operation of the house. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the government would answer all questions put forth by the opposition. While speaking to ANI, UP DCM KP Maurya said, "Every member of the house eagerly waits for this day where the leaders bring the issues of their respective constituencies, and the state government is always ready to resolve the issues...We want the house to run properly...The government will answer all the questions of the opposition." On Sunday, Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey announced that the SP would raise concerns over rising communal tensions in the state, particularly the situation in Sambhal. Pandey stated that the party would hold the government accountable for attempts to disturb communal harmony and anticipated significant uproar in the session. A Congress worker died during the party's protest near the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday. The State Congress chief Ajay Rai alleged that the death was due to "police brutality". An FIR was registered at Husainganj police station under section 103 of BNS. The deceased was identified as Prabhat Pandey, 28, said the police. (ANI)
Targeting the Opposition over protests against Amit Shah, Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh said on Thursday that not just Mallikarjun Kharge but the entire Congress party is distorting the Home Minister's speech to create negative publicity. Speaking to ANI, Singh claimed that Amit Shah explained with examples of how Congress has disrespected Babasaheb Ambedkar. "Mallikarjun Kharge is just one part of it. The entire Congress party is distorting the Home Minister's speech to create negative publicity. The Home Minister explained with examples in the Lok Sabha how Congress has disrespected Bhimrao Ambedkar. Pandit Nehru was against reservation... Bhimrao Ambedkar got the Bharat Ratna under BJP's tenure," he said. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi told ANI that Shah was ready to resign during his press conference on Wednesday but was not ready to apologize. "Amit Shah was even ready to resign during his press conference yesterday but wasn't ready to apologise. This shows his arrogance and pride. No one will tolerate Baba Saheb Ambedkar's disrespect," Gogoi said. Lashing out at the BJP over Amit Shah's remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Thursday that they do not have basic respect for the person who is regarded as the Constitution maker. "The manner in which he (HM Amit Shah) has insulted Babasaheb and after that this morning they tampered with Babasaheb's photo on Twitter. This is a mind-set that vandalises the statue of Babasaheb. Who will trust them? They say that they do not want to end reservation, that they do not want to change the Constitution. They do not have the basic respect, he (Babasaheb Ambedkar) is the Constitution maker. You are saying this about him," Priyanka told ANI. Meanwhile, the issue snowballed into major political controversy with the Congress seeking resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party. Amit Shah held a press conference and accused Congress of being "anti-BR Ambedkar and anti-Constitution". (ANI)
INDIA Bloc MPs led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Many MPs including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav were seen wearing blue clothes as a mark of protest against the Home Minister's remarks. The INDIA Bloc MPs will march to Makar Dwar, demanding an apology and the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks. This came after Amit Shah lashed out at the Congress party and said that it had become a 'fashion' for the party to take Ambedkar's name. "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar then they would have got heaven for seven lives," Shah said. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that if there was a slip of the tongue, then Amit Shah should apologize. "BJP has no work left. BJP is a party which is sitting idle. Amit Shah is the Home Minister of the country. If he has made a mistake, if there was a slip of the tongue, he should apologise. There is no crime in apologising over Dr Ambedkar, he is a personality that has a God-like status...The man who provided dignity to the backward of the country is like God, even greater than him. You have used wrong words for him...So, apologise," he said. Earlier today, lashing out at the BJP over Amit Shah's remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Thursday that they do not have basic respect for the person who is regarded as the Constitution maker. Speaking to ANI, Priyanka Gandhi pointed out the photo shared by the BJP on X of Opposition MPs protest. "The manner in which he (HM Amit Shah) has insulted Babasaheb and after that this morning they tampered with Babasaheb's photo on Twitter. This is a mind-set that vandalises the statue of Babasaheb. Who will trust them? They say that they do not want to end reservation, that they do not want to change the Constitution. They do not have the basic respect, he (Babasaheb Ambedkar) is the Constitution maker. You are saying this about him," Priyanka told ANI. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments on Wednesday with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. The issue snowballed into major political controversy with the Congress seeking resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party. Amit Shah held a press conference and accused Congress of being "anti-BR Ambedkar and anti-Constitution". Shah responded to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's call for his resignation, saying it won't make a difference to the Congress party's fate. Shah claimed that the Congress party will remain in the opposition for the next 15 years, regardless of his resignation. (ANI)
Congress MP K Suresh on Thursday condemned Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remark on former Minister of Law and Justice BR Ambedkar, calling it "intolerable," and claimed that it has sparked nationwide protests. Speaking to ANI, Suresh said, "Amit Shah's statement is being totally opposed throughout the country. The nation is protesting against Amit Shah. His remark on Ambedkar is intolerable," the Congress MP told ANI. Meanwhile, the Congress leader moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha for the second consecutive day to discuss the matter. "Amit Shah's statement is being totally opposed throughout the country. The nation is protesting against Amit Shah. His remark on Ambedkar is intolerable," the Congress MP added. The controversy arose from Shah's comments during a Rajya Sabha debate on the Constitution, which the opposition claims undermined Ambedkar's legacy. Earlier in the day, the Congress MP submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha, calling for an unconditional apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his comments on former Minister of Law and Justice BR Ambedkar. He also sought an urgent discussion on Shah's remarks made during the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Constitution. In his notice, Suresh expressed "grave concern" over Shah's comments, which he claimed were "deeply disrespectful and hurtful" to those who hold Ambedkar in high regard. He said, "I rise to draw the attention of this House to a matter of grave concern involving the remarks made by the Union Home Minister during the recent discussions marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution. The statements made about Dr. BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of our Constitution, were deeply disrespectful and hurtful to the people who hold him in the highest regard." "The Home Minister's comments belittled Dr. Ambedkar's immense contributions, portraying the frequent mention of his name as mere political symbolism. Such statements undermine the extraordinary role Dr. Ambedkar played in shaping the constitutional values of justice, equality, and dignity for all citizens, especially the marginalized and downtrodden," the Congress MP further added in his notice. Suresh also underlined that Ambedkar's legacy belongs to the "entire nation," not just any political party, and that such remarks undermine the values of justice, equality, and dignity that Dr. Ambedkar fought for. "Any attempt to diminish his stature or mock his contributions is an insult to our democracy and the ideals on which this country stands," he added. "It is essential for this House to take a strong stand against such comments, which harm the unity and integrity of our nation. I urge that the Home Minister tender an unconditional apology for his statements and reaffirm this House's commitment to upholding the dignity of our national heroes," Suresh said. (ANI)
Delhi police arrested a mother-son duo along with one associate for property grabbing in Dwarka, Sector 6, in Delhi by forging the documents after the death of the owner, officials said on Thursday. According to the police, the son, Sarbjeet Singh with his mother, Rajender Kaur, and one associate, Pawandeep Singh, forged documents of the property in Dwarka's Sector 6 and sold it for Rs 1,85,00,000. The police initiated the investigation after receiving a complaint that some land grabbers have sold the property of the owner to one Sunny Yadav post owner's death in 2023. The owner had no children and his wife had also expired in 2019, the police said. The police arrested accused Sarbjeet Singh who accepted his involvement in this case during interrogation. He revealed that Pawandeep Singh alias Prince was the mastermind in the case. The police added that Prince forged the documents of D-501, Badhwar Apartment, Sector 6, Dwarka with his Sarbjeet Singh on the name of Sarbjeet's mother, Rajendra Kaur. After forging the documents, they sold this house to one Sunny Yadav for Rs 1,85,00000. According to the police, Pawandeep Singh was arrested from from Himachal Pradesh. He was also previously arrested in a murder case. He then came in contact with some persons who were his inmates and from them he got the idea of forging documents of empty plots and flats and further selling them in order to earn easy money, the police informed. Rajendra Kaur, mother of Sarbjeet Singh, went untraceable after the arrest of her son. She was then declared a proclaimed offender by the Dwarka court. Rajender Kaur was arrested from the Sant Nagar extension, bringing an end to the chase. According to police, Prince along with Sarbjeet gave her the temptation that they will give her huge amount if she allowed to forge the documents in her name. (ANI)
Amid chaos over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar and demands for his resignation, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs staged protests in the Parliament's premises against Congress party. "Babasaheb Ambedkar ji ka apmaan nahi chalega (Insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar ji will not be tolerated)," BJP MPs chanted in the premises while holding banners which read, "Ambedkar showed us the path, Congress misled." While protesting, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh targeted the Gandhi family, saying that they have all received Bharat Ratna, but didn't give it to Dr Ambedkar. "Congress party is the biggest sinner for disrespecting Babasaheb. The whole family took the Bharat Ratna and didn't give it to Babasaheb...Congress party should fast for 24 hours and take a vow of silence to atone for their sins," Singh said. JDU MP and Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh said that not just Mallikarjun Kharge but the entire Congress party is distorting the Home Minister's speech to create negative publicity. Speaking to ANI, Singh claimed that Amit Shah explained with examples of how Congress has disrespected Babasaheb Ambedkar. "Mallikarjun Kharge is just one part of it. The entire Congress party is distorting the Home Minister's speech to create negative publicity. The Home Minister explained with examples in the Lok Sabha how Congress has disrespected Bhimrao Ambedkar. Pandit Nehru was against reservation... Bhimrao Ambedkar got the Bharat Ratna under BJP's tenure," he said. This comes after Amit Shah on Wednesday evening held a presser and accused the Congress of being "anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitution." He said that his statement was presented in a "distorted manner (tod marod kar)." Responding to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's call for his resignation, Shah said that it won't make a difference to the Congress party's fate. Shah claimed that the Congress party will remain in the opposition for the next 15 years, regardless of his resignation. Shah said the Congress chief should not have supported the "nefarious efforts" of his party. He alleged that Kharge, who is from the Dalit community, had joined the effort under "pressure of Rahul Gandhi." "Kharge ji is asking for my resignation. If it would have made him happy, I would have resigned, but it will not end his problems because he will have to sit in the same place (in the opposition) for the next 15 years. My resignation will not change that," Shah said. Meanwhile, PM Modi defended Amit Shah's remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar and said that the union minister exposed "Congress' dark history of insulting Ambedkar after which they are clearly stung and stunned" by the facts he presented. The Prime Minister listed the "Congress sins" towards Babasaheb Ambedkar. "The list of the Congress' sins towards Dr Ambedkar includes- Getting him defeated in elections not once but twice. Pandit Nehru campaigned against him, making his loss a prestige issue. Denying him a Bharat Ratna. Denying his portrait, a place of pride in Parliament's Central Hall," he said. PM Modi also said that the people of the country have seen from time to time how one party has indulged in every "dirty trick" to obliterate the legacy of Ambedkar. Kharge, who also held a press conference, said if Amit Shah does not resign, Congress will hold protests all over the country. The Congress President condemned Shah's remarks and alleged that the BJP-led NDA government does not believe in the Consitution. "If Narendra Modi has even a little respect for Babasaheb, then he should dismiss Amit Shah from his post before midnight. The people of BJP-RSS do not believe in the Constitution. These people believe in Manusmriti," he alleged. Kharge said PM Modi should have called Amit Shah over his remarks. Earlier, Opposition MPs including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also held a protest in the Parliament premises against Amit Shah's remarks. (ANI)
Congress RS MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday submitted a Suspension of Business notice in the Rajya Sabha to discuss Union Home Minister Amit Shah's controversial remarks on Former Law and Justice Minister BR Ambedkar. Surjewala moved the notice under Rule 267, which calls for the suspension of the day's business to address an urgent issue. In his notice, Surjewala accused Shah of insulting Ambedkar, the Chairman of the drafting committee of India's Constitution, by "ridiculing" his contributions during the discussion on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution. Surjewala said, "While participating in the discussion on 75 years of the journey of the Constitution of India, the Home Minister, Amit Shah, insulted the Chairman of the drafting committee of the Constitution, Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and passed remarks that clearly ridiculed the contributions of Baba Saheb Ambedkar." He further underlined that Shah's remarks were "nothing short of an insult, not only to Baba Saheb but to the entire fraternity of the Scheduled Castes, the deprived, the poor, and the aspirational classes of India." He also described the comments as an affront to the very tenets of the Constitution and reflected a "deep-rooted mindset against the deprived and downtrodden communities of India." Surjewala stated that it is essential to suspend all business in the Rajya Sabha to discuss these important issues, including the mindset of the ruling party toward marginalized communities. He added, "There is a need to suspend all business of the House to discuss these important facets, including the mindset of the ruling dispensation against the deprived, downtrodden, and poor sections of people of India." Meanwhile, other Congress leaders such as K. Suresh and Manickam Tagore also moved adjournment motions in the Lok Sabha. In addition, INDIA Bloc MPs, led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, held a protest on Thursday at the Parliament premises. They demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Ambedkar. Several MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav, were seen wearing blue clothes as a mark of protest against Shah's remarks. The MPs marched to Makar Dwar, demanding an apology and the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This protest followed Shah's earlier statement, in which he lashed out at the Congress party, claiming that taking Ambedkar's name had become a "fashion." The Union Minister in the upper house said, "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives." (ANI)
A meeting was of the Lok Sabha Mps was held in the presence of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday at the Parliament House in New Delhi. Taking to social media X (formerly known as Twitter) Congress wrote in a post "An important meeting was held with the Lok Sabha MPS in the presence of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament House, New Delhi." Earlier today, INDIA Bloc MPS led by Rahul Gandhi held a protest in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Many MPs including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav were seen wearing blue clothes as a mark of protest against the Home Minister's remarks. The INDIA Bloc MPs will march to Makar Dwar, demanding an apology and the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks. This came after Amit Shah lashed out at the Congress party and said that it had become a 'fashion' for the party to take Ambedkar's name. "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar then they would have got heaven for seven lives," Shah said. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that if there was a slip of the tongue, then Amit Shah should apologize."BJP has no work left. BJP is a party which is sitting idle. Amit Shah is the Home Minister of the country. If he has made a mistake, if there was a slip of the tongue, he should apologise. There is no crime in apologising over Dr Ambedkar, he is a personality that has a God-like status...The man who provided dignity to the backward of the country is like God, even greater than him. You have used wrong words for him...So, apologise," he said. Earlier today, lashing out at the BJP over Amit Shah's remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Thursday that they do not have basic respect for the person who is regarded as the Constitution maker. Speaking to ANI, Priyanka Gandhi pointed out the photo shared by the BJP on X of Opposition MPs protest."The manner in which he (HM Amit Shah) has insulted Babasaheb and after that this morning they tampered with Babasaheb's photo on Twitter. This is a mind-set that vandalises the statue of Babasaheb. Who will trust them? They say that they do not want to end reservation, that they do not want to change the Constitution. They do not have the basic respect, he (Babasaheb Ambedkar) is the Constitution maker. You are saying this about him," Priyanka told ANI. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments on Wednesday with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. The issue snowballed into major political controversy with the Congress seeking resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party. (ANI)
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on Thursday alleged that social media platform 'X' has told them through an e-mail that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the IT Ministry has asked them to remove the video of Amit Shah as it violates Indian Laws. Speaking to ANI, Shrinate mentioned that X informed them under transparency. "This is the mail that 'X' has written to us, to Congress leaders - INC, Jairam Ramesh, me and others. In the mail, they say that the Ministry of Home Affairs & Information and Broadcasting Ministry have written to them that the video of Amit Shah be removed because it violates the law of India. Which law of India is being violated? Twitter has made it clear that they are not doing it because they the protect Right to Express but they wanted to inform us about this under transparency," Supriya said. "What is Amit Shah scared of? What is he trying to hide? What kind of words are being used? Amit Shah has committed an unforgivable mistake. He should be punished, he should apologise and he should be sacked," she added. She also mentioned the photo shared by the BJP on its official handle on X. "BJP has committed another crime. Yesterday, during the protest when we carried Babasaheb's photo, they edited it and replaced it with a photo of George Soros. This kind of thinking shows that you have an issue with the Constitution and Babasaheb," Shrinate said. Meanwhile, INDIA Bloc MPs led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Speaking on the BJP protest against Congress, KC Venugopal said that they are protesting to cover their self-defence. "They did a lot of damage yesterday itself, through Amit Shah, to Babasaheb Ambedkar. What did BJP's social media did yesterday? They put the photo of Soros in place of Ambedkar ji and they are mocking him again. That is again an insult to Ambedkar ji. I don't know what these people are doing? These things reflect their mindset. Their mindset against Constitution is very clear," Venugopal said. This came after Amit Shah lashed out at the Congress party and said that it had become a 'fashion' for the party to take Ambedkar's name. "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar then they would have got heaven for seven lives," Shah said. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments on Wednesday with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. Amit Shah held a press conference and accused Congress of being "anti-BR Ambedkar and anti-Constitution". Shah responded to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's call for his resignation, saying it won't make a difference to the Congress party's fate. Shah claimed that the Congress party will remain in the opposition for the next 15 years, regardless of his resignation. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should apologise for his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. He said that there was no crime in apologising with regards to Dr Ambedkar. "Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has no work left. BJP is a party which is sitting idle. Amit Shah is the Home Minister of the country. If he has made a mistake, if there was a slip of the tongue, he should apologise. There is no crime in apologising for Dr Ambedkar, he is a personality that has a God-like status in this country...The man who provided dignity to the backward of the country is like God, even greater than him. You have used the wrong words for him...So, apologise..." Raut said. This comes amid protests by opposition parties and leaders demanding Shah's resignation over his remarks in Rajya Sabha. He had said that it had become a "fashion" for Congress to take Ambedkar's name. INDIA Bloc MPs led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Many MPs including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav were seen wearing blue clothes as a mark of protest against the Home Minister's remarks. The INDIA Bloc MPs will march to Makar Dwar, demanding an apology and the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks. Meanwhile, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Thursday that the BJP does not have basic respect for the person who is regarded as the Constitution maker. Speaking to ANI, Priyanka Gandhi pointed out the photo shared by the BJP on X of Opposition MPs protest. "The manner in which he (HM Amit Shah) has insulted Babasaheb and after that this morning they tampered with Babasaheb's photo on Twitter. This is a mindset that vandalises the statue of Babasaheb. Who will trust them? They say that they do not want to end reservation and that they do not want to change the Constitution. They do not have the basic respect, he (Babasaheb Ambedkar) is the Constitution maker. You are saying this about him," Priyanka told ANI. BJP MPs also staged protests in the Parliament's premises against the Congress party today. "Babasaheb Ambedkar ji ka apmaan nahi chalega (Insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar ji will not be tolerated)," BJP MPs chanted in the premises while holding banners which read, "Ambedkar showed us the path, Congress misled. "While protesting, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh targeted the Gandhi family, saying that they have all received Bharat Ratna, but didn't give it to Dr Ambedkar. "Congress party is the biggest sinner for disrespecting Babasaheb. The whole family took the Bharat Ratna and didn't give it to Babasaheb...Congress party should fast for 24 hours and take a vow of silence to atone for their sins," Singh said. JDU MP and Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh said that not just Mallikarjun Kharge but the entire Congress party is distorting the Home Minister's speech to create negative publicity. Speaking to ANI, Singh claimed that Amit Shah explained with examples of how Congress has disrespected Babasaheb Ambedkar. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments, earlier on Wednesday, with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. (ANI)
China's preeminent conductor Long Yu has released a 6-CD box set in the Chinese mainland, featuring his complete recordings with Deutsche Grammophon (DG) and celebrating his artistic career.

The 6-CD box set of "Long Yu Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon" on display at its launch ceremony in Shanghai, Dec. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon]

"Long Yu Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon" showcases recordings he made with DG over the past 25 years, providing a comprehensive overview of his conducting artistry.

The release includes messages from six close associates: pianist Lang Lang, former Central Conservatory of Music president Wang Cizhao, cellist Wang Jian, China Musicians Association chairman Ye Xiaogang, recording producer Christopher Alder and DG senior director marketing classics Nikki Kawamura.

Lang Lang praised Yu, saying his initiatives have been milestones in building cultural bridges between China and the world. "He consistently maintains a forward-thinking insight into cultural realms and the world, enabling him to always be at the forefront of music and art, contemplating the future and keenly capturing the direction of classical music's evolution. In the presence of such an artist full of thoughts and execution, I have always benefited immensely and been inspired and motivated by his spirit."

At the Shanghai launch event Dec. 16, Yu said: "It has been 25 years since my first collaboration with DG, aligning perfectly with the golden era of classical music development in China. Over this quarter-century, the industry has undergone tremendous changes. Chinese music and global music have grown much closer, with Chinese music and culture frequently appearing on the world stage. I feel fortunate to have been part of this dynamic and transformative historical journey."

Dr. Clemens Trautmann, president of DG, said Long Yu and his orchestras  the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and China Philharmonic Orchestra  have created extraordinary performances spanning Eastern and Western composers from classical masters to contemporary creators. "This box set not only preserves these great recordings but also celebrates Maestro Long Yu's significant milestone  his 60th birthday," he said.

Kleopatra Sofroniou, DG's general manager classics, called Yu "an exceptional storyteller" whose music projects break new ground. "We believe that the music Maestro Yu brings us is music of the future, and together, we are creating a new legacy for classical music," she said.

Timothy Xu (left), Universal Music Group Greater China chairman and CEO, and Kleopatra Sofroniou (right), general manager of Deutsche Grammophon, present an outstanding contribution award to conductor Long Yu in Shanghai, Dec. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon]

Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Greater China, and Sofroniou presented Yu with an outstanding contribution award at the launch event for his impact on global classical music.

"Long Yu is an iconic figure in Chinese classical music. Not only has he made extraordinary contributions to bringing Chinese music to the global stage, but he has also closely linked Eastern and Western cultures through music," Xu said. "We look forward to working together on future artistic ventures to bring more exceptional works to the world stage."

Yu has elevated Chinese classical music's global presence over the past few decades. His partnership with DG, the classical music label under Universal Music Group, began in 2000 when, as one of China's most promising young conductors, he helped establish the China Philharmonic Orchestra and became its artistic director and chief conductor. That year, under Yu's leadership, the orchestra and DG collaborated on two landmark recordings, marking the first partnership between the German label and a Chinese symphony orchestra. These albums placed the orchestra on the global cultural map, establishing its international reputation. By blending Western classical masterpieces with orchestrations inspired by Chinese cultural elements, Yu introduced an innovative approach to classical music that has influenced orchestras throughout China.

As music director of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Yu expanded his partnership with DG in 2018, leading projects that showcase the intersection of Eastern and Western musical traditions. Notable productions include "Gateways," which captures Shanghai's spirit, and Mahler and Ye Xiaogang's "Das Lied von der Erde," a pairing of symphonic works inspired by Tang dynasty poetry. Yu's latest major project, Aaron Zigman's oratorio "Emigre," premiered in 2023 and 2024 in Shanghai and New York, telling a story through collaboration between the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Each project demonstrates Yu's ability to showcase Chinese culture globally while building cross-cultural connections, establishing his legacy in classical music.

In 2024, DG released "Emigre" in digital and physical formats. The album cover shows Long Yu and Aaron Zigman on a boat drifting along a river, symbolizing what Yu called "a small boat sailing toward a bright and hopeful future." Yu's musical journey continues.
The ruckus outside Parliament after both BJP and Opposition MPs staged parallel protests has snowballed into a huge controversy. After BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was hurt after Rahul Gandhi pushed him, the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition said that he was trying to go inside the Parliament and the incident happened when BJP MPs tried to push him. Speaking to the media, Rahul Gandhi asserted that they have the right to go inside Parliament. "This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me and threaten me. So this happened...Yes, this has happened (Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed). But we do not get affected by jostling. But this is the entrance and we have the right to go in. BJP MPs were trying to stop us from going in. The central issue is that they are attacking the Constitution and insulting the memory of Ambedkar ji," the Lok Sabha LoP said. Earlier, BJP MP Pratap Chandra claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. "Rahul Gandhi pushed a member of Parliament who fell on me after which I fell down...I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me..." Singh told reporters. This comes as the ruling BJP MPs were protesting in the Parliament's premises against the Congress party for "insulting" Babasaheb Ambedkar. Meanwhile, both the houses were adjourned till 2 pm on Thursday amid opposition and BJP protest over Ambedkar controversy. INDIA Bloc MPs led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments, earlier on Wednesday, with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. (ANI)
Delhi Police has arrested a 21-year-old cyber fraudster from Kolkata and seized five mobile phones, one laptop, five cheque books, 20 debit cards, one passbook and 03 stamps of proprietorships, officials said on Thursday. The accused identified as Ayan Das is a resident of Kolkata who provided bank accounts on commission basis and actively supplied bank accounts to other fraudsters, police said. The police initiated an investigation after the victim, Srinivasan, reported cyber fraud of Rs 23 Lakh at Cyber Police Station in South West Delhi. The victim alleged that he was added to the WhatsApp group "MFSL Stock Chat 40" wherein the group admins used to give stock recommendations at discounted prices. He followed the analysis on that group for more than one and half months. He was later invited to join the Marwadi Security quota VIP fast trading account and sent the enrolment details to Marwadi Financial Services, police said. The victim transferred Rs 23 Lakh in four transactions to invest in IPO of "Kronox Lab Sciences" and got allotted 25,000 shares, which appeared on their platform. With this investment, his investment was increased with profits to Rs. 39 lacs on that platform. But when he initiated a withdrawal of Rs. 20 lacs, he was told to wait till month end settlement and refunds were suspended. When he was denied multiple times while withdrawing his profit and was asked to deposit more money to get his payment. Complainant realized that he had been cheated & reported the matter at Cyber Police Station, the police added. The police launched an investigation and arrested the accused Ayan Das from Kolkata. Earlier, Delhi police arrested a mother-son duo along with one associate for property grabbing in Dwarka, Sector 6, in Delhi by forging the documents after the death of the owner, officials said on Thursday. According to the police, the son, Sarbjeet Singh with his mother, Rajender Kaur, and one associate, Pawandeep Singh, forged documents of the property in Dwarka's Sector 6 and sold it for Rs 1,85,00,000. The police initiated the investigation after receiving a complaint that some land grabbers have sold the property of the owner to one Sunny Yadav post owner's death in 2023. The owner had no children and his wife had also expired in 2019, the police said. (ANI)
As parallel protest from both Treasury and Opposition benches continued outside parliament a fresh controversy broke out. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi on Thursday alleged that he was hurt after getting a push from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Singh claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. "Rahul Gandhi pushed a member of Parliament who fell on me after which I fell down...I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me..." Singh told reporters. As this happened, the BJP MP was rushed for treatment in an ambulance. Reacting to this, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in his defence, said that he was trying to get inside the Parliament when he was also pushed and threatened by the BJP MPs who were protesting near the entrance. He also alleged that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. "This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, but BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me and threaten me. This has happened...Yes, this has happened (Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed). But we do not get affected by jostling. But this is the entrance and we have the right to go in. BJP MPs were trying to stop us from going in..." Gandhi told reporters. He added that the central issue remains that the BJP was attacking the Constitution and insulting the memory of Ambedkar. This comes as the ruling BJP MPs were protesting in the Parliament's premises against the Congress party for "insulting" Babasaheb Ambedkar. "Babasaheb Ambedkar ji ka apmaan nahi chalega (Insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar ji will not be tolerated)," BJP MPs chanted in the premises while holding banners which read, "Ambedkar showed us the path, Congress misled. While protesting, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh targeted the Gandhi family, saying that they have all received Bharat Ratna, but didn't give it to Dr Ambedkar. "Congress party is the biggest sinner for disrespecting Babasaheb. The whole family took the Bharat Ratna and didn't give it to Babasaheb...Congress party should fast for 24 hours and take a vow of silence to atone for their sins," Singh said. Meanwhile, INDIA Bloc MPs led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Many MPs including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav were seen wearing blue clothes as a mark of protest against the Home Minister's remarks. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments, earlier on Wednesday, with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. The issue snowballed into a major political controversy with the Congress seeking the resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party. (ANI)
Amid a stand-off between NDA and INDIA Bloc MPs in the Parliament on Thursday over the Babasaheb Ambedkar controversy, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that unfortunately, Ambedkar's legacy and the Constitution have become a battleground itself and this is becoming a bit absurd on both sides. "You can see the video on the Parliament television. Unfortunately, Ambedkar's legacy and the Constitution itself have become a battleground politically. This is becoming a bit absurd on both sides. We need to move on to the problems of today and tomorrow. At the moment, the message is clear and the opposition is united on this- If indeed the video is not correct they (BJP) should produce the correct video (of Union HM Amit Shah's speech in Rajya Sabha)," Tharoor said. Congress' Pramod Tiwari said that until Amit Shah resigns and apologises, they will continue to raise their voice peacefully. "The entire world has seen what Amit Shah has said. It was a live telecast. He is lying after that. This country can't tolerate the insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar. Until Amit Shah resigns and apologises, will continue to raise our voice peacefully," he said. Samajwadi Party Jaya Bachchan emphasised that India is not going to tolerate Babasaheb's disrespect. "The leaders of our country who gave us freedom and the Constitution, they have been pushed behind... Their plaque calls (Bhim Rao Ambedkar) the protector of backward classes. He was the protector of the entire country, of the Constitution," she said. SP MP Iqra Hasan said that there is a difference between what BJP says and does. "This display is in protest of Amit Shah's disappointing comments. Babasaheb didn't just talk about the rights of backward classes and Dalit, but everyone's rights in the Constitution," Hasan said. Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi said that Amit Shah must apologize over his remarks. "Anyone can go and see that the way the Home Minister spoke was very wrong and objectionable. You cannot save yourself from the insult that Baba Saheb did yesterday. You must apologize," he said. Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav said, "The insult that Baba Saheb has faced is condemnable. We want the BJP to apologize for this. These people want Baba Saheb's constitution not to be implemented and everything should be run as per the ideology of these people." Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi on Thursday alleged that he was hurt after getting a push from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Singh claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. "Rahul Gandhi pushed a member of Parliament who fell on me after which I fell down...I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me..." Singh told reporters. As this happened, the BJP MP was rushed for treatment in an ambulance. Reacting to this, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in his defence, said that he was trying to get inside the Parliament when he was also pushed and threatened by the BJP MPs who were protesting near the entrance. He also alleged that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. "This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, but BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me and threaten me. This has happened...Yes, this has happened (Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed). But we do not get affected by jostling. But this is the entrance and we have the right to go in. BJP MPs were trying to stop us from going in..." Gandhi told reporters. As parallel protests from both the Treasury and Opposition benches continued outside parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm on Thursday. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Thursday transferred the case under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act involving AAP MLA Naresh Balyan to the Special MP/MLA Court in Rouse Avenue from Special MCOCA Court in Dwarka. The bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri observed that proceedings against Naresh Balyan are ongoing at the Rouse Avenue Court, while the proceedings for other accused were being held in the Dwarka Court. The court noted that it is not permissible for proceedings related to the same FIR to take place in two different courts. Last week, Delhi High Court issued notice on a plea moved by Delhi Police seeking the transfer of the case proceedings under MCOCA from Dwarka District Court to the special MP/MLA court at Rouse Avenue. Recently Delhi police sought transfer of case proceedings under MCOCA against three accused Ritik alias Peter, Rohit alias Anna and Sachin Chikara. Delhi Police counsel Laksh Khanna submitted that an MLA has been arrested in this case and proceedings related to him are going before Special MP/MLA Court at Rouse Avenue. On the other hand, proceedings related to three respondents are going before the Special Judge (MCOCA) at Dwarka Court, he added. On December 13, the Rouse Avenue court declined the police custody of AAP MLA Naresh Balyan in judicial custody. He was remanded to judicial custody after a police interrogation in MCOCA case. He was arrested on December 4. As per Delhi Police, Balyan's name emerged in connection with the case as an alleged mediator involved in resolving an extortion demand made by gangster Kapil Sangwan to a businessman. This year, the MCOCA was also invoked against the gangster, who is reportedly operating from the UK, for his involvement in extortion activities. (ANI)
Amid a new controversy in Parliament over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi allegedly "pushing" the protesting NDA MPs, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya on Thursday lashed out at Congress, accusing its leadership of resorting to "physical assault." "Odisha BJP MP Pratap Sarangi sustained injuries, when Rahul Gandhi pushed another MP, causing him to fall on Sarangi. The sheer nonchalance and arrogance of Gandhi's scion is for all to see. Congress leadership is now restoring to physical assaults..." Malviya posted on X. This comes after BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was hurt after getting a push from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Sarangi claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. "Rahul Gandhi pushed a member of Parliament who fell on me after which I fell down...I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me..." Saraangi told reporters. The BJP MP was rushed for treatment in an ambulance. Reacting to this, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in his defence, said that he was trying to get inside the Parliament when he was also pushed and threatened by the BJP MPs who were protesting near the entrance. He also alleged that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. "This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, but BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me and threaten me. This has happened...Yes, this has happened (Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed). But we do not get affected by jostling. But this is the entrance and we have the right to go in. BJP MPs were trying to stop us from going in..." Gandhi told reporters. He added that the central issue remains that the BJP was attacking the Constitution and insulting the memory of Ambedkar. Meanwhile, both Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput have been admitted to the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital and are being treated for their injuries. Several BJP leaders are at the hospital and are mulling legal action against Congress leaders. On Thursday morning, the Parliament witnessed parallel protests from both the Treasury and Opposition benches outside parliament. The ruling BJP MPs were protesting in the Parliament's premises against the Congress party for "insulting" Babasaheb Ambedkar. "Babasaheb Ambedkar ji ka apmaan nahi chalega (Insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar ji will not be tolerated)," BJP MPs chanted in the premises while holding banners which read, "Ambedkar showed us the path, Congress misled." While protesting, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh targeted the Gandhi family, saying that they have all received Bharat Ratna, but didn't give it to Dr Ambedkar. Meanwhile, INDIA Bloc MPs led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Many MPs including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav were seen wearing blue clothes as a mark of protest against the Home Minister's remarks. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments, earlier on Wednesday, with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. The issue snowballed into a major political controversy with the Congress seeking the resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party. (ANI)
Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Pralhad Joshi on Thursday visited BJP MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput at RML Hospital after they sustained injuries during a clash with INDIA Alliance MPs outside Makar Dwar in Parliament. The scuffle occurred as both sides staged parallel protests in Parliament following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on BR Ambedkar. Following the visit, Chouhan slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his party for their alleged misconduct during the clash in Parliament, calling it a "black day in Parliamentary history." Speaking to reporters, Chouhan said, "Decorum has been torn apart. Democracy has been shredded and sullied. There is no other example like that of the hooliganism of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. Such conduct was never seen in the Parliamentary history of India." "Why are they releasing their frustration in Parliament if they lost Haryana and Maharashtra? A workshop should be called to train Rahul Gandhi and Congress people to understand the conduct in democracy," Chouhan added. Expressing further disappointment, he said, "I am sad... Amit Shah's speech exposed Congress... They are so frustrated with it that they have stooped to hooliganism now. We condemn this hooliganism." Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the BJP would take action against the Congress MPs once they get the report from hospital. "Two leaders are injured. 4-5 other MPs have complained about this...All the Ps have the right to protest. He (Rahul Gandhi) did physical violence and he did not even go to see the condition of Sarangi ji...They (Congress) have always done injustice to BR Ambedkar...They have always insulted him...We will take action as per the report from the hospital," Meghwal said. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju alleged that Congress MPs, led by Rahul Gandhi, physically assaulted BJP MPs during a protest at the Makar Dwar entry gate of Parliament. Rijiju said, "While the NDA MPs were protesting... the Congress MPs led by Rahul Gandhi came and assaulted, pushed two MPs of the BJP... Pratap Singh Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput have sustained grievous injury." He condemned Gandhi's actions, stating, "Rahul Gandhi's physical attack against the MPs is condemnable... He must tender an apology to the nation." Rijiju added that appropriate action would be taken after assessing the injuries. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that Rahul Gandhi pushed another MP, causing the accident. "Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP who fell on me after which I fell down... I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me," Sarangi said. In response, Rahul Gandhi denied the allegations, claiming that BJP MPs prevented him from entering Parliament. "I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, but BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me, and threaten me. This has happened... Yes, this has happened (Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed). But we do not get affected by jostling. This is the entrance, and we have the right to go in," Gandhi told reporters. He further added, "The central issue remains that the BJP is attacking the Constitution and insulting the memory of Babasaheb Ambedkar." The incident occurred amid ongoing protests by BJP MPs accusing Congress of disrespecting Ambedkar's legacy. Protesters held banners reading, "Ambedkar showed us the path, Congress misled." Meanwhile, INDIA Alliance MPs, led by Rahul Gandhi, held their own protest in Parliament, demanding Amit Shah's resignation over his remarks on Ambedkar. (ANI)
The police on Thursday detained people from the Scheduled Caste (SC) Sub- Caste Mala community who staged a protest outside the Telangana Assembly. The protesting people alleged that the Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was favouring the SC Caste Madigas in the SC classification. Earlier on December 18, the Bharat Rashtra Samiti working president KT Rama Rao along with the BRS MLAs dressed up as auto rickshaw drivers and protested to demand justice for them in the state. Speaking to ANI, KT Rama Rao demanded that the Congress-led government in Telangana, headed by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, fulfill all the promises it made to auto rickshaw drivers in its election manifesto. "Our demand is that the Govt keeps up its word, forming a welfare board for the autorickshaw drivers, giving Rs 12,000 of subsistence per month and insurance and every aspect that was converted in their election manifesto has to be delivered immediately," KTR said. Earlier, BRS leader and MLC K Kavitha had slammed the Telangana government over the proposed beautification project to revive the Musi River saying that the "corrupt" Congress regime in Telangana is trying to "do away with the poor people" who live in and around Musi and give this entire land to real estate developers. Speaking to ANI, BRS leader Kavitha said, "This is nothing but the corrupt Congress regime in Telangana which is trying to do away with the poor people who live in and around Musi and give this entire land to real estate developers. We will oppose this. "She also condemned the Telangana government's plan to demolish over 16,000 houses along the Musi River, questioning why the government intends to do this without a proper plan. In September, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced plans to develop historic buildings along the Musi River as a major tourist attraction. The Chief Minister stated that the government is committed to promoting the tourism sector while striving to make Telangana a welfare state. The State Tourism Department signed an agreement with CII for the restoration of several ancient stepwells in Hyderabad. (ANI)
The East Police District of Guwahati has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in the Dispur area, enforcing strict restrictions on public gatherings. In an official order, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, East Police District, has prohibited the assembly of more than five persons, along with any agitation, demonstration, procession, or slogan-shouting within a 1 km radius of the Capital Complex in Dispur. The prohibitory order, which came into effect on December 19, mandates that any such activities in the area will require prior permission from the competent authorities. The decision comes amid the tragic death of Mridul Islam, a Congress party worker, who allegedly succumbed to deah in Guwahati during nationwide protests called by the Congress party. Security personnel have been deployed in large numbers to ensure the enforcement of these regulations. The prohibitory order, which came into effect on December 19, mandates that any such activities in the area will require prior permission from the competent authorities. On Wednesday, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi offered condolences to their grieving family members and alleged that Constitution was murdered in BJP-ruled Assam and Uttar Pradesh. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, "Democracy and Constitution have been murdered again in BJP-ruled Assam and Uttar Pradesh. The Congress party is conducting satyagraha in support of Babasaheb and the Constitution across the country. During this, the death of our Congress workers Mridul Islam in Guwahati and Prabhat Pandey in Lucknow due to excessive police force is very sad and condemnable." Two Congress party workers lost their lives during nationwide protests called by the party on Wednesday. Congress leaders and workers held nationwide protests on Wednesday, including marches to Raj Bhavans in Jammu, Chandigarh, Guwahati, and Patna. The protests aimed to raise concerns over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about B.R. Ambedkar, the ongoing crisis in Manipur, alleged inaction on the Adani controversy, and the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. (ANI)
Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Thursday held a protest outside the Maharashtra assembly against the Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on BR Ambedkar and demanded his resignation. In a press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray demanded the resignation of the Home Minister and further said hat it was because of Babasaheb Ambedkar that rights had been provided to the citizens of the country. "In this country, it was possible because of Babasaheb Ambedkar that the citizens in the country have been provided rights. We all believe that such a person is God. All the hatred that Amit Shah had against Babasaheb Amedbkar came out in the speech...we are not going to accept this.. this is very wrong..." Thackeray said speaking to the media. Taking to social media X, Thackeray wrote in a post that insulting Babasaheb was an insult to the country. "The Maha Vikas Aghadi protested today at Samvidhan Chowk in Nagpur to protest against the insults done to the Constitution and Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar with a hateful attitude. "By participating in this movement, we paid tribute to the great man, Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Insulting Babasaheb is an insult to the country. This insult has hurt all the lovers of the Constitution. The Union Home Minister will have to apologize for this insult! Hail Bhima! Hail the Constitution!" the post read." Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Girish Mahajan said that the protest was a gimmick of the opposition leaders. "I clearly think this protest is a gimmick of the opposition leaders. There is nothing horrible about this. Amit Shah had clearly disclosed that he had not done this purposely. It is very upsetting that he is being denied from every state of the country. The opposition just want to bring people's attention by raising unreasonable issues.." Mahajan said speaking to ANI. This protest followed Shah's earlier statement, in which he lashed out at the Congress party, claiming that taking Ambedkar's name had become a "fashion." The Union Minister in the upper house said, "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives." (ANI)
A video on Spring Festival is played during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay, Dec. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Yubo)

Earlier this month, UNESCO inscribed the Spring Festival, a social practice of the Chinese people celebrating the traditional new year, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights the festival's cultural significance not only for China but also for its growing global impact as a vital cultural connection across nations.



UNESCO's decision, made during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held from Dec. 2-7 in Paraguay, reflects the widespread international appreciation of the Spring Festival's deep cultural values. The listing underscores the festival's rich traditions, including family reunions, the honoring of ancestors and various public celebrations that span communities both in China and abroad.

Professor Xiao Fang, head of the Department of Anthropology and Folklore Studies at Beijing Normal University, described the Spring Festival's listing as a significant milestone for the global recognition of Chinese culture. He noted that the lengthy and intricate application process for UNESCO recognition, which took place from 2023 to 2024, demonstrates China's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the successful inclusion of the Spring Festival highlights the international community's acknowledgment of its importance.

Prominent professor of folklore Li Hanqiu emphasized the festival's cultural depth, noting that the Spring Festival is much more than a time of celebration; it embodies the core values and spiritual pursuits of the Chinese people. He stated that the festival's global spread not only strengthens recognition of Chinese culture but also serves as a model for integration and dialogue between different cultures worldwide.

The voices of ordinary citizens also reflect the deep cultural and emotional significance of the Spring Festival. Zhang Haodong, a local Beijing resident, shared that the Spring Festival is a time for family reunions and cultural continuity. He explained that whether it is enjoying the reunion dinner, attending temple fairs or watching the Spring Festival Gala, these traditions are not just about the holiday itself but about preserving cultural memories. He further expressed pride in the global recognition of the festival, saying that its worldwide celebration enhances the pride of Chinese people in sharing their culture with the world.

Johanna van der Kamp, a biomedical researcher from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Australia, spoke about the festival's importance in her country's multicultural landscape. She explained that the Spring Festival has become an integral part of Australia's multicultural community, with various community events and educational programs fostering an appreciation for Chinese culture while strengthening the emotional ties between China and Australia.

Van der Kamp also shared her personal experiences with the Spring Festival. "I have hosted Chinese exchange students for many years, and we celebrate the Spring Festival together," she said. "This has made me realize that the festival is not just a holiday; it is a bridge connecting hearts and an important means of fostering international understanding." She believes the festival's recognition by UNESCO highlights global cultural diversity and injects new vitality into international cultural exchange.

However, as the Spring Festival continues to globalize, challenges remain in balancing commercialization with the preservation of traditional cultural values. Van der Kamp emphasized the importance of maintaining the festival's traditional essence while adapting it to modern contexts. She noted that to ensure the Spring Festival's continued global influence, it is essential to protect its core traditions while innovating so that it remains relevant to contemporary audiences.

The successful inclusion of the Spring Festival on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage serves as a significant manifestation of China's cultural soft power in the globalized era. From China to the world, the festival's unique charm is fostering a vision of a shared global future. This recognition not only strengthens China's cultural identity but also serves as a bridge for promoting global cultural exchange, offering new insights into humanity's diversity and collective future.
Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the party of insulting former Minister of Law and Justice BR Ambedkar and undermining the Constitution. His remarks came in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments, which Yadav claimed revealed the BJP's "hatred" toward Ambedkar and the values enshrined in India's Constitution. https://x.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1869582366575890767 He wrote, "How will those whose hearts are filled with hatred run the country? What happened today is not just an insult to Babasaheb but also to the Constitution given by him. This is another extreme point of the negative mentality of the BJP." Akhilesh further underlined that the country has witnessed the BJP's true attitude toward Ambedkar, "Today, the country has come to know how much bitterness the BJP people have towards Babasaheb. The BJP people consider the Constitution made by Babasaheb as their biggest opponent because they feel that the way they want to exploit the poor, deprived, and oppressed and establish their dominance over them, the Constitution is standing as a shield against their evil intentions." He also condemned the BJP's stance, calling it "Totally reprehensible! Deeply worrying!! Highly objectionable!!!" Yadav concluded his post by asserting, "Everyone says today, we don't want BJP!" This criticism followed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks in the Rajya Sabha, where Shah reportedly said, "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives." Meanwhile, INDIA Bloc MPs, led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, held a protest in the Parliament premises on Thursday, demanding Amit Shah's resignation over his remarks. Many MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav, were seen wearing blue clothes as a mark of protest. The INDIA Bloc MPs marched to Makar Dwar, demanding an apology and Amit Shah's resignation over his remarks on Ambedkar. As parallel protests continued outside Parliament, a fresh controversy erupted. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged on Thursday that he was injured after being pushed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Sarangi claimed he was standing on the stairs when another Member of Parliament fell on him, causing a head injury. Another BJP MP, Mukesh Rajput, was also reportedly injured during the scuffle. (ANI)
Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly insulting former Minister of Law and Justice BR Ambedkar and for the conduct of BJP MPs in Parliament, following a scuffle that broke out earlier in the day, leaving two BJP MPs injured. Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the BJP of repeatedly insulting Dr. Ambedkar, who is credited with giving India its Constitution and securing rights for every citizen. She said, "BJP is repeatedly insulting Baba Saheb, who gave the Constitution to the country, who gave rights to every citizen, who changed the lives of crores of Dalits and deprived people with his thoughts and actions. By insulting him, BJP has insulted the sentiments of crores of Dalits and deprived people of the country. BJP should apologise to the country." https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/1869652207492059611/photo/2 Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also slammed the BJP's behavior in Parliament. He said, "After insulting Baba Saheb Dr Ambedkar, @narendramodi also gets the dignity of Parliament insulted. BJP MPs were armed with placards with thick sticks and were made to push and shove to stop the peaceful protest of INDIA alliance MPs so that their animosity towards Babasaheb, Parliament, Constitution, and democracy is not exposed. But we will stand firm, we will not tolerate any derogatory comments on Babasaheb. Everyone in the country will strongly oppose BJP/RSS." This all began after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remark in Rajya Sabha, which triggered protests and calls for accountability. Shah had reportedly said, "Sir, it has become a fashion now, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If you had taken the name of God this much, you would have attained heaven for 7 births." The Congress leader had also filed a notice of privilege against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks on the former Minister of Law and Justice in Rajya Sabha. Earlier in the day, INDIA Alliance MPs, led by Rahul Gandhi, held a protest in Parliament demanding Amit Shah's resignation over his remarks on Ambedkar. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Thursday came out in defence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying that Congress should have responded in the Parliament itself if they found something objectionable in his speech. Taking a dig at Congress, Trivedi asked whether the "Soros secret service" put them up to the task of preparing a 12-second video. "If Congress found something objectionable, why did they not respond to it on the spot in the Parliament? After 12 hours they posted a video of 12 seconds... Did the Soros secret service send them a signal that the next morning they have to prepare a video of 12 seconds.... (Congress) can change their face a million times, but the mirror never lies," BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi told reporters. Meanwhile, BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan launched a scathing attack on Congress, saying that a "fake narrative" was being pushed against the Union Home Minister after being "humiliatingly" exposed in the Constitutional debate organised in the Parliament. "... A fake, fraudulent narrative about the Home Minister was maliciously manufactured by the dirty tricks department of the Congress Party to divert attention after the Congress Party was humiliatingly exposed in the constitutional debate about their anti-Ambedkar, anti-constitution, and anti-reservation mindset..." Kesavan said in a self-made video. He further said that Congress needs to apologise to the nation for misleading them and trying to "poison" the political discourse in the country. "...This is Narendra Modi, who is the person safeguarding the legacy and protecting the guarantees given by Dr Ambedkar to the marginalized sections. The Congress Party needs to unconditionally apologise to the nation for misleading the nation and trying to poison the political discourse in our country," Kesavan said. This comes amid a fresh controversy where BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was hurt after getting a push from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Sarangi claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. The BJP MP was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment in an ambulance. BJP MP Mukesh Rajput was also injured during the protests and he has also been admitted in the RML hospital. Reacting to this, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in his defence, said that he was trying to get inside the Parliament when he was also pushed and threatened by the BJP MPs who were protesting near the entrance. He also alleged that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. Medical Superintendent Ajay Shukla said that both of the leaders suffered head injuries and have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Shukla also said that they are trying to stabilize both (Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput). On Thursday morning, the Parliament witnessed parallel protests from both the Treasury and Opposition benches outside parliament. The ruling BJP MPs were protesting in the Parliament's premises against the Congress party for "insulting" Babasaheb Ambedkar. "Babasaheb Ambedkar ji ka apmaan nahi chalega (Insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar ji will not be tolerated)," BJP MPs chanted in the premises while holding banners which read, "Ambedkar showed us the path, Congress misled." INDIA Bloc MPs led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Many MPs including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav were seen wearing blue clothes as a mark of protest against the Home Minister's remarks. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments, earlier on Wednesday, with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. The issue snowballed into a major political controversy with the Congress seeking the resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday filed a notice of privilege against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks on former Minister of Law and Justice BR Ambedkar during a debate in the Rajya Sabha. Kharge alleged that Shah's comments were insulting to Ambedkar and demanded privilege proceedings against him. In his letter to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Kharge referred to Shah's statement during a discussion on the "Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India." Shah had reportedly said, "Sir, it has become a fashion now, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If you had taken the name of God this much, you would have attained heaven for 7 births." Kharge described the remarks as "satirical" and said they were made in "bad taste." He wrote, "At the outset, I would like to state that it is well established that any misconduct in the presence of the House or casting reflections and making defamatory statements constitute a breach of privilege and contempt of the House." He further argued, "In the instant case, the wordings as well as the tone and tenor of the above remarks by the Home Minister are clearly satirical and made in a very bad taste. To use the name of Dr BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution of India, is a clear-cut insult to Dr Ambedkar. These remarks which have been made on the floor of the House are outright derogatory in nature and an affront to Dr Ambedkar." Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also highlighted the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has submitted a privilege notice against the Union Home Minister for his insulting remarks on Dr Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha on Dec 17, 2024." Earlier in the day, INDIA Alliance MPs, led by Rahul Gandhi, held a protest in Parliament demanding Amit Shah's resignation over his remarks on Ambedkar. (ANI)
Two people including a man and a boy are yet to be found in the Mumbai ferry incident that took place on Wednesday evening, as per the Indian Navy officials. Search operations to find the missing are being carried out by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard. Eight naval crafts and one helicopter along with one Indian Coast Guard vessel have been deployed in the area, as per Indian Navy officials. Additionally, the Indian Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry to investigate the accident. The Navy is cooperating and coordinating with all agencies including the police on further actions. The incident occurred when the Indian Navy lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to an engine malfunction. As a result, the boat collided with a passenger ferry which subsequently capsized. As of now as per the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a total of 105 people have been admitted to five different hospitals out of which 90 are either discharged or are in stable condition in the Mumbai Boat accident. The BMC also mentioned that two people are in critical condition and 13 people have died." Search and rescue operations are still continuing by various agencies including the Indian Navy," the BMC said. Four of the six persons who were onboard the Navy boat which rammed into the ferry have lost their lives while one of them is critically injured. The ferry had approximately 110 passengers including 20 children, according to Indian Navy officials. On Wednesday, Narendra Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that the government will provide all assistance to those affected, with rescue operations underway. He announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh would be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the families of those who lost their lives. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Congress Chief Ajay Rai on Thursday attended the last rites of the Congress worker Prabhat Pandey who lost his life during the party's protest near the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday. "I am being stopped by the police from coming here. The workers have made me come here through the lanes. I have come here only to pay my homage... We are standing with the family of the worker. The way the police is restricting me shows their involvement in the death of Prabhat Pandey. The police have put barricades all over the place just because of the pressure from the government.... the police should investigate this matter and the culprits should be punished...Congress people have not done any sloganeering. We have just come here to pay our homage..."Rai said speaking to ANI. Earlier, Rai had alleged that the state government and police officials were responsible for the death of the worker. He demanded compensation of 1 crore for the victim and a government job for one of the kin of the deceased. Speaking at a press conference, Ajay Rai said, "The Congress has announced an ex-gratia of 10 lakh for Prabhat Pandey and we demand a compensation of Rs 1 crore from the state government for killing the worker and a government job for one of the family member of the deceased." "Today a very sad incident happened - we had decided to do 'gherao' of the state Assembly. But when we left from here (Congress state headquarters) for the Assembly, barricades and barbed wires were installed to stop us. During the protest, one of our workers, Prabhat Pandey died as the police beat him," he further said. He demanded action against the police officers responsible for the alleged attacks on the Congress workers."Prabhat Pandey told our two workers - Ashish Kesari and Junaid Iqlam Qureshi that the police had beaten him. When he came to the office and lay down, he fainted... He was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead... This is an inhuman incident... A similar incident has happened in Assam too," he said. (ANI)
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Thursday lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegation of him committing "physical assault," saying that he is the Leader of Opposition (LoP) and should understand his responsibility. He said that Gandhi didn't even go to see the condition of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pratap Sarangi who was left injured. "Vo (Rahul Gandhi) toh shareerik pradarshan...dhakka mukki karte hue aye (He came and started the scuffle, showing physical strength). He shouldn't have done such a thing. He is the LoP and should understand his responsibility. He didn't even go to see the condition of Sarangi," Meghwal, who is the Union Law Minister, told ANI. The Union Minister further informed that two of the BJP MPs including Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput sustained "serious" injuries amid a scuffle between MPs from both BJP and opposition parties. Meghwal added that at least four MPs have complained about the scuffle. "Two of our MPs - Pratap Sarangi from Odisha and Mukesh Rajput from Uttar Pradesh...two of our leaders have sustained serious injuries. There are others also who have been pushed around. At least four to five MPs have complained about this. The opposition has been protesting at the Makar Dwar since the (winter) session started...Today for the first time BJP-NDA members protested. They (the opposition) thought that it was their right only. All the MPs have the right to protest," Mehgwal said. He accused Congress of diverting attention from the Constitution debate in the Parliament where they were left exposed with regards to Dr Ambedkar. "They (Congress) have always done injustice to Babasaheb (Ambedkar). They wanted to divert the attention from their expose after the debate (in the Parliament) and thus, released a 10-second video of Amit Shah...They have always insulted him...We will take action as per the report from the hospital..." Meghwal said. This comes amid a fresh controversy where BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was hurt after getting a push from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Sarangi claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. The BJP MP was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment in an ambulance. BJP MP Mukesh Rajput was also injured during the protests and he has also been admitted to the RML hospital. Reacting to this, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in his defence, said that he was trying to get inside the Parliament when he was also pushed and threatened by the BJP MPs who were protesting near the entrance. He also alleged that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. Medical Superintendent Ajay Shukla said that both of the leaders suffered head injuries and have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Shukla also said that they are trying to stabilize both (Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput). On Thursday morning, the Parliament witnessed parallel protests from both the Treasury and Opposition benches outside parliament. The ruling BJP MPs were protesting in the Parliament's premises against the Congress party for "insulting" Babasaheb Ambedkar. INDIA Bloc MPs led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments, earlier on Wednesday, with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. The issue snowballed into a major political controversy with the Congress seeking the resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party. (ANI)
Congress Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari pulled up the union government on Thursday, accusing them of misleading people about the funds being spent on renovating Old Chandigarh Airport. The MP, who represents Chandigarh said in a post on X that he had asked former union minister Hardeep S Puri on July 4 2019 in the Parliament about the funds being spent on renovating Old Chandigarh airport, and he had been told that no money was spent on it. He, however had asked the same question during the Parliament session today to Murlidhar Mohol, the current minister of state for Civil Aviation and had been told that between 2010 to 2014 43.86 crore had been spent on renovations. "On 4th July 2019 I had asked the then Minister Hardeep S Puri on how much money had been spent on renovating the Old Chandigarh AirPort. The Minister answered no money had been spent.," he said in his post. "On 19 December 2024 when I asked the same question on how much money was spent on renovating the Old Chandigarh Airport; the current Minister Murlidhar Mohol replies that between 2010-2014 43.86 crores was spent on renovating the Old Airport Terminal," the post read. https://x.com/ManishTewari/status/1869642283743957114 He also posted pictures of both the questions. "This is how NDA/BJP misleads Parliament," Tewari said. He further claimed that the union government had 'abandoned' the Old Chandigarh airport. "Bottom line after spending 43.86 crores the Old Chandigarh AirPort has been abandoned/dumped," he added. Meanwhile, both the NDA and INDIA alliance parties staged parallel protests in Parliament. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was injured after getting a push from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Sarangi claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. Reacting to this, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in his defence, said that he was trying to get inside the Parliament when he was also pushed and threatened by the BJP MPs who were protesting near the entrance. He also alleged that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. (ANI)
Congress MPs including KC Venugopal, K Suresh and Manickam Tagore wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and alleged that the INDIA Bloc MPs were physically obstructed from entering and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was physically manhandled by three MPs from the ruling party. In the letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker, Congress MPs claimed that they were protesting peacefully and were marching from Babasaheb Ambedkar's statue to Makar Dwar in the Parliament. "However, as we attempted to enter the Parliament through Makar Dwar, the protesting MPs were physically obstructed from entering. We would also like to bring to your notice that Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition was physically manhandled by three MPs from the ruling party. This is a clear violation of the privileges extended to the Leader of the Opposition and infringes on the rights accorded to him in his official capacity as an MP. Their conduct was not only a blatant assault on the personal dignity of Rahul Gandhi but antithetical to the democratic spirit of our parliament," the MPs said. "We hope that you will treat this matter with utmost seriousness and take appropriate action," they added. Earlier today, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and alleged that he was "physically assaulted" by BJP MPs during the protest from both sides in the Parliament over Ambedkar controversy. In his letter to Birla, Kharge highlighted that their protest march was against the insulting remarks on Dr Ambedkar made by the Union Home Minister in his speech in the Rajya Sabha on December 17, 2024. Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was hurt after getting a push from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Sarangi claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. However, Rahul denied the allegation and said that he was trying to get inside the Parliament when he was also pushed and threatened by the BJP MPs who were protesting near the entrance. He also alleged that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. Meanwhile, both Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput have been admitted to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and are being treated for their injuries. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice on a petition seeking contempt proceedings against officials of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai in connection with demolition of a Gurudwara. A bench of justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan also directed to maintain the status quo in the matter till the next date of hearing and issued notice to concerned respondents in the matter. The petitioner Pravin Jivan Walodra was represented by Advocate Soumya Priyadarshinee. The petitioner has sought to initiate contempt proceedings against officials of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (a statutory body under BMC) over the demolition of a Gurudwara, accusing them of violating the top court decision staying demolitions of properties. The petitioner said that the alleged Contemnors have violated the right to shelter the petitioners which is guaranteed to them as per the Constitution of India. The petitioner said that the demolition by the alleged Contemnors had happened on October 15 2024, in complete contravention of the interim orders dated September 17 2024 and October 1 2024 wherein the top Court had explicitly ordered that there would be no demolition anywhere across the country without seeking permission. "The alleged contemnors have without leave of this Court demolished the said structure, and have given the reason of the said structure being on a public road, a fact which has not been recorded in any of the internal correspondence which was provided to the Petitioner nor in the records available with the Petitioner," the petition said. The petitioner said that they had been managing the Gurudwara and residing in the room in the said structure peacefully with his family for years together, with his predecessors in title having done so since around 1955, as is evident from the documents. The Petitioners and his predecessors had been paying property tax in respect of the said plot of land and structure, the petitioner said. (ANI)
The "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, is berthed at Yangshan Port, east China's Shanghai, Dec. 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The "Xin Shanghai," a vessel operated by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, arrived in Shanghai's Yangshan Port at around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday after a 23-day journey from Peru's Chancay Port, becoming the first vessel to arrive in Shanghai from Chancay after the Peruvian port officially opened in November.



The journey also marked the opening of two-way operational sea link between Shanghai and Chancay Port, a newly inaugurated flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between China and Peru.

The cargo on the voyage includes a variety of Peruvian products, such as blueberries, avocados and mineral products.

According to Wu Jianzhong, a regional manager at Joy Wing Mau Fruit Technologies Corporation Limited (JWM), owner of the Peruvian blueberries on the vessel, half of the blueberries will be distributed in Shanghai, targeting wholesale markets and supermarkets in east China, while the rest will be shipped to northern China.

Before the opening of Chancay Port, trade between Peru and China was primarily handled through Peru's Port of Callao. With Chancay Port now operational, more container shipping services have been introduced along the South American west coast, reducing shipping time between Peru and China to around 23 days -- much faster than the current market average.

The launch of the new route is expected to enhance the entry of Peru's fresh fruits and other products into the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets.

To ensure the quality of perishable goods during transport, China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited has integrated cutting-edge technology and digital solutions. These innovations enable real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity, ensuring a secure and efficient cold-chain process.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its shipping routes based on the development of Chancay Port and contribute to establishing a new land-sea transport corridor between Latin America and Asia.

This new direct route between Chancay Port and Shanghai will contribute to a more efficient, interconnected trade network linking Peru's coastal regions with inland areas, as well as other Latin American countries, said Chen Xiaochen, trade manager for Latin America at COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd.

The route is a significant landmark in China's broader strategy of enhancing global maritime connectivity, demonstrating the country's growing role in building a more integrated and efficient international trade network, Chen added.

As the first smart and green port in South America, the Chancay Port, inaugurated in November, is located about 78 km north of Lima, the Peruvian capital.

With a total length of 1,500 meters and four berths, the port, powered by China's intelligent technologies, can handle ships with a capacity of 18,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and is projected to process 1 million TEUs annually, with the capacity to scale up to 1.5 million TEUs in the long run.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced the launch of 'Good Governance Week' to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of India's most revered leaders starting today. CM Adityanath made the announcement, emphasizing that the week-long observance will begin immediately and include various activities across the state. Speaking about the late former Prime Minister, CM Yogi Adityanath praised Vajpayee's multifaceted legacy. "This year, it is going to be the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. On this occasion, we will observe 'Good Governance Week' from today onwards," he said. He also highlighted Vajpayee's significant political career, noting that the leader represented the constituencies of Balrampur and Lucknow multiple times in the Lok Sabha. Vajpayee's contributions as a poet, journalist, and politician were also acknowledged by the Chief Minister. "He had the ability to take everyone along in coordination," CM Adityanath added, recognizing Vajpayee's leadership qualities that transcended political boundaries. As part of the celebrations, the state government has organized a series of programs in every district, aimed at inspiring students and young minds to engage in the spirit of good governance. These activities include essay writing competitions on good governance for school children, speech competitions at the higher education level, and several painting competitions focusing on the theme of governance. CM Yogi Adityanath earlier had launched a scathing attack on the Congress, alleging that the party has done nothing to empower backward communities or uphold the vision of equality espoused by Babasaheb Ambedkar. Taking to social media X, the CM reshared the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tweet and wrote, "While Congress has consistently failed to empower backward communities, BJP has been actively working towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of equality. Through steps like expanding reservations and creating opportunities in education and government jobs, BJP is turning Baba Saheb's vision into real policies, shaping lives. Congress, on the other hand, continues to talk but does nothing." (ANI)
Amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Phangnon Konyak said that she "felt very uncomfortable" by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition allegedly coming very close to her and shouting at her while INDIA bloc leaders protested at the Parliament premises. Konyak was talking about the parallel protests of INDIA bloc and NDA regarding the remarks of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on B R Ambedkar. During the protests, a scuffle broke out and two BJP MPs were injured. "I say this with a very heart, for which I have already sought your protection, today while protesting, it was a peaceful protest. I was standing just below the staircase of Makar Dwar. Something happened to me and I feel really disheartened. LoP Rahul Gandhi came really close proximity of me, and I really felt uncomfortable, and he shouted at me which I feel is really unbecoming of the leader of Opposition. It is not that I cannot defend myself but still then it is really unbecoming," MP Konyak said in Parliament. She also asked requested protection from Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar, submitting a notice on that regard. "What I felt that his action today was really bad and I feel disheartened and no lady member, let alone me should be made to feel like this. So therefore I seek your protection in this matter, for which I have already sent a notice to you sir (Rajya Sabha Chairman)," she said. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that Rahul Gandhi and the whole party should seek an apology from the Parliament for allegedly injuring other MPs and making another RS member uncomfortable. "The way opposition MP (Rahul Gandhi) physically charged a lady member and also injured two other members of the Lok Sabha, that they had to be admitted to the hospital as they were bleeding. I cannot even believe Congress party's behaviour, it is really shameful," Rijiju said in parliament. He further said that the house should never stoop down to such a level that hands are raised on other MPs, and sought an apology from the whole party. "We have the numbers and we are not scared but we do not want to disrespect and bring down the level of the House by pushing anyone around. I am asking with my hands folded, that the whole Congress party should seek an apology from the Parliament, ask for an apology from the country too," he said. Reiterating that the Parliament should not be like a "wrestling ground," he said that despite having numbers, they do not raise hands on other MPs. He said, "Parliament is not a wrestling ground, we do not raise hands on other MPs. The way Rahul Gandhi has injured other MPs, our parliament is really angry with it. If we had raised hands on them, what would have happened? We have the numbers." (ANI)
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today marked the launch of the Raipur-Ambikapur air travel route as a significant achievement for the state, calling it "a historic day." At the launch event, he emphasized the broad impact the new service would have on the state's development. "This will bring development in the tourism, industrial, and economic sectors," Sai said, adding that the new route would not only improve connectivity but also boost economic and industrial growth, making it easier for business and tourism to flourish in the region. CM Sai also responded to Congress's protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments regarding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. "History should be seen to know who actually insulted Ambedkar ji," Sai remarked, defending the BJP government's actions. "The Congress government did not consider putting up a portrait of him in Parliament. Our government did the work of conferring that respect to him. Our government built Panchteerth," he said, referring to the memorials dedicated to Ambedkar's legacy across India. Regarding the ongoing Naxal insurgency in Chhattisgarh, CM Sai outlined the state's security achievements. "More than 220 Naxalites have been killed in the past year, and more than 1500 have either surrendered or been arrested," he said. The CM also expressed confidence that Naxalism would be eradicated by March 2026, citing the "double-engine government" initiative where both the state and central governments are working together to tackle the issue. Meanwhile on Sunday, The Chhattisgarh CM said that under the guidance and the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh Police has achieved tremendous success in anti-Naxal operations in the last one year. While speaking at a ceremony here to present the President's Colour Award to Chhattisgarh Police, he said, "Under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Chhattisgarh Police has achieved tremendous success in anti-Naxal operations in the last year, facing difficult challenges with courage and bravery. Due to the effective action of the security forces, a large number of Naxalites have decided to surrender and return to the mainstream." (ANI)
A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar asked district officers to ensure that law and order is maintained.

"Please keep track of what is happening, recordings of the event be there, the mere fact that we are not entertaining doesn't mean there is a violation," said CJI to Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for Uttar Pradesh authority.

A contempt petition was filed against the Uttar Pradesh administration and police for not taking steps against the 'Dharam Sansad' which was to be organised between December 17 to 21 at Ghaziabad.

However, the 'Dharam Sansand' at the Shiv-Shakti temple complex in Ghaziabad's Dasna was called off as authorities refused to grant permission to hold 'Dharam Sansad'.

Activists and former bureaucrats -- Aruna Roy, retired IAS officer Ashok Kumar Sharma, former IFS officers Deb Mukarji and Navrekha Sharma, and others -- have moved the top court alleging that a call was issued for the "genocide of Muslims".

The petitioners argued that the Ghaziabad District Administration and the Uttar Pradesh police have failed to act as per the directions issued by the apex court to take suo motu action against hate speeches.

They pointed out that the website and the advertisements for the 'Dharam Sansad' include hate speeches against the followers of Islam religion and incite violence against them. (ANI)
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday attacked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks on former Minister of Law and Justice BR Ambedkar and said that he is India's most "incompetent" Home Minister in independent India. "Amit Shah the Union Home Minister has gone senile. He is probably India's most incompetent Home Minister in independent India. The way he spoke, his tone, tenor, and body language completely reeks of arrogance. He is drunk with power. He has gone senile and does not know what he is speaking. This is nothing but the Manusmriti ideology of his that is making him so arrogant. Just by having 240 seats they are talking like this, imagine if they had got 400 seats...This insult to BR Ambedkar repeatedly by the BJP cannot and will not be tolerated," Kharge told reporters. He further said that the Congress would not allow Manusmriti to take over the ideology of this country. "At no point, we will allow Manusmriti to take over the ideology of this country. This country is governed by the constitution of India given by Dr BR Ambedkar. This country is not governed by Manusmriti," he added. Earlier today, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge filed a notice of privilege against Amit Shah for his remarks on former Minister of Law and Justice BR Ambedkar during a debate in the Rajya Sabha. Kharge alleged that Shah's comments were insulting to Ambedkar and demanded privilege proceedings against him. In his letter to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Kharge referred to Shah's statement during a discussion on the "Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India." Shah had reportedly said, "Sir, it has become a fashion now, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If you had taken the name of God this much, you would have attained heaven for 7 births." Kharge described the remarks as "satirical" and said they were made in "bad taste." He wrote, "At the outset, I would like to state that it is well established that any misconduct in the presence of the House or casting reflections and making defamatory statements constitute a breach of privilege and contempt of the House." Earlier, INDIA Alliance MPs, led by Rahul Gandhi, held a protest in Parliament demanding Amit Shah's resignation over his remarks on Ambedkar. A massive political row has erupted over Amit Shah's remarks concerning BR Ambedkar as he targeted Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha while concluding the two-day debate on 150 years of the Constitution. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Thursday extended its interim order staying the proceedings of the criminal defamation case against current and former Chief Ministers of Delhi, Atishi and Arvind Kejriwal over their remarks on the alleged deletion of voter names from the electoral roll in the national capital in 2018. As Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajeev Babbar, who filed a complaint, sought time to file a reply, a bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti granted four weeks time to him. Earlier, the apex court had issued notice to Delhi Police and the complainant and sought their responses in the matter. In the meanwhile, proceedings before the trial court will remain stayed in the defamation case, the apex court had said. Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi approached the apex court challenging the Delhi High Court's refusal to quash the criminal defamation case by BJP leader Rajeev Babbar filed over their remarks on the alleged deletion of voter names from the electoral roll in the national capital in 2018. Atishi and Kejriwal have challenged the September 2 order of the Delhi High Court. They had made remarks on the alleged deletion of names of 30 lakh voters belonging to some communities from electoral rolls in 2018. The High Court had said the imputations were prima facie "defamatory" with the intention of vilifying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and gaining undue political mileage. The High Court had dismissed the plea by Atishi, Kejriwal and others challenging the defamation proceedings pending before the trial court. The defamation complaint also named two other AAP leaders, Sushil Kumar Gupta and Manoj Kumar. It had also directed the AAP leaders to attend the trial court hearing scheduled for October 3. Kejriwal and the other AAP leaders had challenged in the High Court the trial court's decision, which upheld the summons issued by the magistrate court following Babbar's complaint. The AAP leaders, before the High Court, sought to quash the magistrate court's March 15, 2019, order and the Sessions court's January 28, 2020, order, labelling the complaint as "politically motivated" saying Babbar was not an aggrieved party. (ANI)
Accusing the BJP of being "anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitution," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that BJP MPs tried to stop them while they were trying to enter Parliament premises after their protest and claimed that the ruling party is using such tactics to divert attention from the Adani issue and Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks pertaining to BR Ambedkar. Addressing a joint press conference with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, accused the ruling party MPs of deliberately obstructing the Opposition's efforts to raise issues in Parliament. "A few days before the Parliament session, the Adani case came up in America and the BJP tried to stop the discussion on it. The basic strategy of the BJP was that there should be no discussion on the Adani case, it should be suppressed. The main issue started with a case against Adani in the US. BJP's strategy was that this issue should not be discussed in the House. After that Amit Shah's statement came. We say that the BJP and the RSS are anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitutional, their Home Minister said that directly in the House," he said. "We were going to the House, their MPs were standing at the gate to stop us. The Home Minister should resign and apologise. The government wants to divert attention. The main issue is that Modiji's friend Adani has a case against him in the US, he does not want a discussion on this," Rahul Gandhi added. BJP-led NDA and INDIA bloc MPs had staged a protest in Parliament premises and there was a face off in which BJP leaders said two MPs were injured. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was hurt after a push from Rahul Gandhi. Sarangi claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. "Rahul Gandhi pushed a member of Parliament who fell on me after which I fell down...I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me..." Sarangi told reporters. The BJP MP was rushed for treatment in an ambulance. Both the MPs were admitted to Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Rahul Gandhi had earlier said he was trying to get inside the Parliament when he was also pushed and threatened by the BJP MPs who were protesting near the entrance. He alleged that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. "This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, but BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me and threaten me. This has happened...Yes, this has happened (Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed)," Gandhi told reporters. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Thursday put hold on the restrictions imposed by the Kerala High Court order on the use of elephants during festivals, such as 'Thrissur Pooram'. A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and NK Singh ordered that any direction issued by the High Court contrary to the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012 would remain stayed. It asked the management committees of Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms, the two major participants of the 'Thrissur Pooram', to strictly adhere to the 2012 Rules during 'Thrissur Pooram'. The bench orally remarked that the High Court's directions were "impractical" while asking how could the High Court frame rules, substituting the rule-making authority. The order of the apex court came on appeals of the management committees of Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms challenging Kerala High Court's guidelines for elephant parade. The management committee said that if the guidelines of High Court are implemented, it will bring the two-century-old festival and a celebration of the state's rich heritage to a "grinding halt". The High Court had issued two orders on November 13 and 28 directing temples to strictly adhere to the restrictions imposed on the elephant parade. The order mandated a minimum distance of three metres between two elephants during parade, a minimum distance of five metres from the elephant and the flambeau (fire pole) or any other source of fire, a minimum distance of eight metres from the elephant to the public, and any percussion display. "The spatial restriction imposed by the High Court, mandating a minimum distance of three meters between elephants, brings the historic Thrissur Pooram to a grinding halt, as the thousand-year-old venue, the Vadakkumnathan Temple, integral to Thrissur Pooram, cannot accommodate such constraints," stated the appeal against High Court order filed through advocate Abhilash MR. It added, "This venue, with its traditional layout, has been the epicenter of the Pooram for centuries and the direction by the High Court disregards the significance of the historic and UNESCO-recognised tradition." The petitioners -- two major Devaswoms, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady, and principal organisers of the event with eight other temples, submitted that guidelines issued by the High Court were broad and sweeping, and caused last-minute confusion and disruption in the festival's planning. "The directives requiring exact distances and crowd control measures were difficult to implement given the scale of the festival and the massive crowd exceeding 5 lakh people. Implementing these directives within the limited timeframe placed an enormous burden on the petitioners, who had to manage coordination between multiple agencies while ensuring the festival's sanctity and smooth conduct," said the petition. Advocate Abhilash said the High Court prematurely relying on the findings in Sabarimala Temple case of Supreme Court, has overstepped its jurisdiction and rendered a conclusion that is not only inconsistent with the question pending adjudication before the apex court, but also fails to recognise the deeply rooted cultural and religious significance of the festivities associated with Thrissur Pooram. The Supreme Court in 2020 had decided to examine the scope and ambit of the fundamental right to freedom of religion vis-a-vis other rights to citizens, arising out of a 2018 judgement which allowed entry of all-age women to Kerala's Sabarimala temple. The Devaswoms further stated, "High Court's conclusion disregards the fact that the parading of elephants has been an integral part of the religious traditions of the Devasoms for centuries, and its status as an essential religious practice cannot be arbitrarily denied based on a judgment whose findings are still under judicial scrutiny." The petitioners sought quashing of November 13 and 28 orders and in the interim they sought a stay on the High Court guidelines and a direction to the State government not to place reliance on these orders while framing new rules, if any, during the pendency of the appeal. (ANI)
Expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar has approached the Delhi High Court on Thursday to extend his interim bail for an additional five months, citing medical reasons, in connection with the 2017 Unnao rape case. The Division Bench, which had granted interim bail to Sengar until December 20 while he is serving a life sentence in the case, scheduled the next hearing for tomorrow. The court noted that, in addition to an earlier medical report, AIIMS had raised concerns regarding the number of visitors seeing Sengar. It stated that a large number of visitors had interfered with his medical care and disrupted his routine at AIIMS. "This is the first time AIIMS has sent such a communication," the court remarked. However, Sengar's counsel clarified that only his family members had visited him during the medical evaluation. On December 5, the court granted two weeks interim bail to Kuldeep Singh Sengar on medical grounds. He is serving a life sentence in a POCSO case. He was convicted in the Unnao Rape case in 2018. The bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma granted two weeks interim bail to Kuldeep Singh Sengar for treatment. The High Court had directed that he shall be admitted to AIIMS New Delhi and undergo the medical valuation. The High Court also said that after valuation by the medical board, Medical Superintendent would suggest the court whether his treatment is possible at AIIMS. It is claimed that he is suffering from diabetes, cataract, retinal issues and other ailments. The High Court said that Sengar will be admitted in hospital for at least 2 to 3 days. After discharge from the hospital, he will stay at a known location and shall remain in touch with the investigation officer. The High Court also said that he shall not leave Delhi. The bench said that after his medical valuation status report will be filed on the next date. The Medical Superintendent will suggest whether the sought treatment is possible at AIIMS or not. Senior advocate N Hariharan submitted that Sengar has a retina problem and he wants to undergo treatment at Shankar Netralay, Chennai. On the other hand, advocate Mehmood Pracha appeared for the rape survivor and opposed the bail application. He submitted that earlier medical reports had not suggested that the treatment sought was not possible at AIIMS. It was also submitted that if the accused is released on interim bail it can cause threat to the victim who has been provided security. (ANI)
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari criticised BJP over the scuffle that broke out at the parliament on Thursday and said that the resistance from the ruling alliance towards the opposition was part of a 'thought-out conspiracy.' Congress MP Pramod Tiwari accused the BJP of conspiring to block opposition MPs from entering Parliament, calling the events a deliberate attempt to prevent their peaceful protest. Speaking to the media at Parliament Street, Tiwari raised several concerns, including the BJP's obstruction at the Makar Dwar entrance, the use of sticks by BJP MPs, and the questioning of the ruling party's authority to stop the opposition's protest. Tiwari outlined what he called the "three key points" of the BJP's conspiracy and explained that the opposition had planned to peacefully march towards the Ambedkar statue, then proceed to Makar Dwar, and ultimately enter Parliament. Tiwari said that the BJP MPs blocked the Makar Dwar entrance, stopping the opposition from entering. He raised concerns about the lack of permission for the ruling party's actions, asking, "Who authorized BJP MPs to block our entry?" He accused the BJP of disrespecting the legacy of BR Ambedkar and criticized the government for undermining the role of the Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, and for insulting them. Tiwari said, "There is a conspiracy in this. I will tell you three-pointers of this conspiracy. First, we announced that we will go near Ambedkar ji's statue and then proceed to the Makar Dwar--entering the parliament. After that BJP MPs blocked the Makar Dwar---from where one enters the parliament, and stopped us from entering inside." "Who allowed BJP MPs to come with sticks, we were showing banners, we did not have sticks. The opposition has the right to protest, who permitted the ruling party to stop us. We were in a line--led by Priyanka Gandhi and accompanied by Mallikarjun Kharge ji. Ambedkar ji was insulted. Our senior leaders Digvijay and Mukul Vasnik have said everything in connection to this. A copy of this will be provided to you," he stated. Congress MP Mukul Wasnik also spoke to the media and said, "Forget about the BJP, we are here at the Parliament Street Police Station. Today, the kind of behaviour the BJP MPs displayed in front of Makar Dwar, the way they blocked Kharge ji's way, the way he suffered physical pain, the way Kharge ji fell and got injured due to the BJP MPs' stopping him, we have come here to lodge a complaint on that." "The way the country's Home Minister made his speech in the Rajya Sabha, the way Baba Saheb Ambedkar was deeply insulted, in protest against all this, not only Congress but all the MPs of India block gathered in front of Ambedkar ji's statue today and from there peacefully walked towards Makar Dwar to enter the parliament. BJP MPs were there to block our way there. We expected PM Modi to take action against Amit Shah for his remarks on BR Ambedkar," said Wasnik. Earlier in the day, Pramod Tiwari accused the BJP of "murdering democracy" and likened their actions to a terrorist attack on Parliament, after a scuffle broke out between MPs at the Makar Dwar entrance to the Parliament building. Tiwari claimed that BJP MPs, carrying placards, blocked the entrance and prevented opposition MPs, including Mallikarjun Kharge, from entering the House, resulting in Kharge injuring his knee. Tiwari targeted the BJP for their actions, claiming that it was the first time in history that the ruling party had blocked the entrance to the House. According to Tiwari, during the ensuing commotion, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge was pushed and fell, sustaining an injury to his knee. He further stated that this act of protest by the BJP was akin to a "terrorist attack" on Parliament, accusing them of intentionally preventing opposition MPs from fulfilling their parliamentary duties. "Today, BJP has murdered democracy. As per a thought-out conspiracy, the MPs of the ruling party carrying placards came to protest and they blocked the gate (entrance to Parliament). During pushing and shoving, our MP Mallikarjun Kharge fell and he received an injury in his knee. It was similar to the terrorist attack on Parliament. Today, the BJP was present here in the form of terrorists. They stopped us from going to Parliament. When one of the BJP MPs fell, Rahul ji went to inquire about his well-being. The way they blocked the entrance (of Parliament). It is the first time that the ruling side protested at Makar Dwar and prevented us from entering the House," said Congress MP Pramod Tiwari. The altercation between the ruling alliance and opposition has sparked outrage. The opposition has been condemning the BJP's actions and accusing them of undermining democratic principles. Both the NDA and INDIA bloc MPs staged a protest in Parliament premises, when a scuffle broke out between the two sides, injuring two BJP MPs. Earlier, BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was hurt after getting a push from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Sarangi claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head."Rahul Gandhi pushed a member of Parliament who fell on me after which I fell down. I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me." Singh told reporters. The BJP MP was rushed for treatment in an ambulance. Both the MPs were admitted to Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Medical Superintendent Ajay Shukla said that both of the leaders suffered head injuries and have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). (ANI)
Global consumer spending in mobile apps and games in 2024 reached 127 billion U.S. dollars across the App Store and Google Play, up 15.7 precent from the prior year, according to new data from mobile analytics and intelligence firm Appfigures.

However, global app downloads were down by 2.3 percent this year compared with 2023, reaching nearly 110 billion. This downward trend was seen across both app stores, the data indicates.

Of the total 110 billion downloads in 2024, iOS downloads accounted for 28.3 billion installs, a decline of 1.1 percent year over year. Android app downloads on Google Play were down 2.6 percent to 81.4 billion.

U.S. iOS downloads declined 5.3 percent to 6.1 billion and U.S. Google Play app downloads dropped 0.7 percent to 4.4 billion. In total, U.S. app downloads declined by 3.4 percent in the year, reaching approximately 10.6 billion.

Only 5 percent of apps worldwide offered subscriptions last year, but they accounted for 48 percent of the app revenue across both app stores, Appfigures found.

The top 10 earning apps globally generated 13.7 percent of all consumer spending, up 1.2 percent from 12.5 percent in 2023.

Temu was the most downloaded app in the United States with 48 million installs, Appfigures found. Apple recently also confirmed it was the most-downloaded app in the United States on its App Store.

Of the 127 billion dollars in total consumer spending globally in 2024, 91.6 billion dollars came from the App Store, up 24 percent year over year. Google Play consumer spending declined by 1.5 percent year over year to reach 35.7 billion dollars globally.

By consumer spending, the top app globally was TikTok, with an estimated 2.5 billion dollars across iOS and Android, not counting app stores in China.

TikTok was also the top app in the United States, drawing in nearly 1.3 billion dollars.
A political clash intensified on Thursday as BJP and Congress filed cross-complaints over an alleged scuffle in the Parliament premises. BJP MPs, led by Anurag Thakur, lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police against Rahul Gandhi for "assault and incitement." Shortly after, a delegation of Congress MPs, including women MPs, approached Parliament Street Police, accusing BJP leaders of misbehaving with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge during a scuffle in the Parliament premises. Congress MP Digvijaya Singh accused the BJP of resorting to theatrics to divert attention from remarks made about Dr BR Ambedkar. "It is in BJP's character to level false allegations. They (BJP) have orchestrated this 'natak' and 'nautanki' to counter what they have said about Babasaheb Ambedkar... All this happened due to the confrontationist way of BJP MPs. Mallikarjun Kharge was pushed and misbehaved," Singh told reporters. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also claimed that Mallikarjun Kharge was deliberately pushed, describing the incident as a "conspiracy." "The way a Dalit leader was abused the day before yesterday, and today he was pushed--this is all a conspiracy," Tiwari said. Congress MP Jebi Mather alleged that the BJP MPs had conspired to disrupt their peaceful protest. "We were taking out a peaceful march from Babasaheb Ambedkar statue to Makar Dwar. All these days we have been doing peaceful protests. Today, a conspiracy was hatched by the ruling dispensation- BJP MPs, the way they treated Mallikarjun Kharge ji, Priyanka Gandhi ji and other women MPs is unfortunate. They (BJP MPs) wanted to create a scene, and that's exactly what they did," Mather said. Both the NDA and INDIA bloc MPs had staged a protest in Parliament premises, when a scuffle broke out between the two sides, injuring two BJP MPs. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was injured after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed another MP, who then fell on him. Sarangi claimed that he was standing near the stairs when another member of Parliament (MP) fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. He was rushed for treatment in an ambulance. "I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed a fellow MP. That MP fell on me, causing me to fall as well," Sarangi told reporters. Both the MPs were admitted to Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Reacting to the allegations, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in his defence, said that he was trying to get inside the Parliament when he was also pushed and threatened by the BJP MPs who were protesting near the entrance. He also alleged that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. "This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, but BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me and threaten me. This has happened...Yes, this has happened (Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed)," Rahul Gandhi told reporters. Earlier today, BJP MPs, led by party leader Anurag Thakur approached the Delhi Police to lodge a complaint against Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of "assault and incitement." Speaking to reporters, Anurag Thakur said that the complaint was filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 109, 115, 117, 125, 131, and 351. Thakur explained that Section 109 deals with the offence of attempt to murder, while Section 117 is related to voluntarily causing grievous hurt. Following complaints from both the BJP and the Congress, the Delhi Police said that both cases would be legally examined before the process of filing of FIR. (ANI)
The Delhi government informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that it has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, selling, including delivery through online marketing platforms and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers in the national capital throughout the year with immediate effect. In an order issued today, the Delhi government decided to impose a complete ban on firecrackers. The Haryana government told a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih that it would allow only green crackers. Rajasthan said it has banned firecrackers completely in areas falling in the national capital Region (NCR), while the Uttar Pradesh government said they have decided against banning the firecrackers completely. The bench said that the ban will only become effective when all states forming part of NCR take the same decision on the ban of firecrackers. "For the time being, we direct Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to impose a similar ban which is imposed by Delhi," it ordered. The top court on December 12 had ordered Delhi government and other NCR States - Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan - to take a final call on prohibiting the use of firecrackers throughout the year. On the issue of air pollution, the apex court ordered the states falling in the NCR to constitute teams of various officials to ensure strict compliance with the anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV. The bench was informed that GRAP-IV has been restored in Delhi-NCR due to worsening air quality. "We direct NCR states to constitute the teams of members of police, revenue officials to monitor the implementation of GRAP-IV measures. We say that the members so created in this team will work as officers of this court. They will regularly submit report of compliance and breaches to CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) so that immediate action be taken by all concerned," ordered the top court. The top court was hearing the case relating to air pollution in the national capital. (ANI)
Samajwadi Party MPs protested against the statement made by Union Minister Amit Shah on Dr BR Ambedkar in Rajya Sabha and demanded an apology from the BJP. Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav said, "The BJP should apologise for the comments made in Parliament... This proves that the BJP is against the principles of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar." Earlier today, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the party of insulting former Minister of Law and Justice BR Ambedkar and undermining the Constitution. His remarks came in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments, which Yadav claimed revealed the BJP's "hatred" toward Ambedkar and the values enshrined in India's Constitution. "How will those whose hearts are filled with hatred run the country? What happened today is not just an insult to Babasaheb but also to the Constitution given by him. This is another extreme point of the negative mentality of the BJP," Yadav posted on X. Akhilesh further underlined that the country has witnessed the BJP's true attitude toward Ambedkar, "Today, the country has come to know how much bitterness the BJP people have towards Babasaheb. The BJP people consider the Constitution made by Babasaheb as their biggest opponent because they feel that the way they want to exploit the poor, deprived, and oppressed and establish their dominance over them, the Constitution is standing as a shield against their evil intentions." He also condemned the BJP's stance, calling it "Totally reprehensible! Deeply worrying!! Highly objectionable!!!" Yadav concluded his post by asserting, "Everyone says today, we don't want BJP!" Telangana Congress Ministers, MLAs and MLCs held a protest at the Ambedkar Statue in Telangana Assembly premises against Amit Shah's comments on Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar in the Parliament. TPCC Chief and Congress MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud said that Amit Shah's statement hurt the hearts of many people in our country. "The statements made by Amit Shah in parliament are not excusable. It has hurt the hearts of many people in our country. The congress strongly demands that Amit Shah be immediately dismissed from the Cabinet," TPCC Chief and Congress MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud said. This criticism followed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks in the Rajya Sabha, where Shah reportedly said, "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives." (ANI)
In a significant development, the DRDO Industry Academia-Center of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi has successfully transferred the technology for ABHED, a lightweight bulletproof jacket, to three Indian industries. This step is part of India's ongoing efforts to enhance indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities and improve the safety and protection of security personnel. Strengthening the partnership between academia and industry, the DIA-CoE at IIT Delhi has also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Reliance Industries for the development of an indigenous polymeric ballistic material. According to an official release, equipping the defence forces with indigenous advanced technologies that rely on home-grown research has been the most significant consideration of DRDO Industry Academia-Center of Excellence (DIA-CoE), IIT Delhi. Pivotal resources were invested toward generating an innovation ecosystem that includes IIT Delhi academia, Indian industries and DRDO laboratory partners with a constant focus on defence technology needs for national security. With this guiding objective about 50 research projects were initiated under five technology verticals alongside close supervision from the nation's premier defence research organisation, DRDO. Spearheaded by various IIT Delhi faculty and with active coordination from several DRDO Laboratories, DIA-CoE is addressing some of the niche technologies for the 'soldier-in-the-field'. These include design & indigenization of high performance and light weight Body Armour, high performance Aerostat and Airship Hull materials, Smart Soldier jacket, Terahertz technology for spectroscopy study of energetic material, Fire Fighter's Extreme Heat Protection Jacket and high altitude Extreme Cold Weather Soldier's Jacket. Each of the research activity is planned with suitable soldier specific technology demonstrators ensuring higher technology readiness for technology infusion to futuristic advanced systems by DRDO including some possible civil applications. In the pursuit of excellence, almost 100 faculty members, 200 research scholars and staffs were involved tirelessly at IIT Delhi to realize the dream of the nation to become self-reliant (Atma Nirbhar) in the domain of defence security of the nation. The very first fruit of the seeds sown are now visible with the technology transfer and signing of various Memorandum of Agreements (MoA) with multiple industry partners for Indigenization of Defence Technologies. The agreements were signed during the Annual Convention of INAE on 19th Dec 2024 at IIT Delhi wherein Defence Minister Rajnath Singh graced the inaugural session. The tripartite agreement exchange happened amongst Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman DRDO; Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director IIT Delhi and Industries. The agreement was signed by Prof Naresh Bhatnagar, Dean (R&D), Dr N Ranjana, Director FTM and industry reps in presence of Dr M H Rahaman, Director DIA-CoE, IIT Delhi other senior dignitaries of DRDO and IIT Delhi. ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat) Bullet Resistant Jacket developed by Prof. Naresh Bhatnagar and Team, which is one of the lightest BPJ of its kind in the world, meets all the necessary threat criteria as per BIS V & VI capability of stopping multiple shots. With such light weight BPJ, our Indian defence forces will be in a position to protect from adversaries threat with greater mobility and efficiency at the border area. The center has also matured many other critical technologies like High Power Diffractive Optical Element, Quantum Communication Technologies, Terahertz Technology for spectroscopy and Imaging, Brain Computer Interface technology towards Cognitive Robotics, Exoskeleton and many more. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak on Thursday, responded to Congress' allegations that UP Police were responsible for the death of a Congress worker. The Deputy Chief Minister criticized the Congress party for their behaviour and stated that he spoke with a relative of the deceased and confirmed that the person was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. He assured that the post-mortem report will reveal the truth, and the details will be shared once the report is out. "The Congress people should focus on their behaviour. They should present the truth in front of the people. I have talked to a relative of the deceased...When the deceased was brought to the hospital, he was declared dead. Congress party should tell how they misguide the youth and take them to office. The post-mortem has been done. We will tell you everything once the reports come..," he said. Earlier on Thursday, Lucknow Police reached the Congress office over the death of a Congress worker during a protest. Raveena Tyagi, DCP Central, said "Yesterday a case was registered at a PS regarding the death of Prabhat Pandey. The cybercrime team and the digital forensic team are here and they will investigate the matter and the spot of the incident." Earlier on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai alleged that the state government and police officials were responsible for the death of a Congress worker who lost his life during the party's protest near the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. He demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the victim and a government job for one of the kin of the deceased. Earlier, in a press conference, Ajay Rai said, "The Congress has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for Prabhat Pandey and we demand a compensation of Rs 1 crore from the state government for killing the worker and a government job for one of the family member of the deceased." "A very sad incident happened we had decided to do 'gherao' of the state Assembly. But when we left from here (Congress state headquarters) for the Assembly, barricades and barbed wires were installed to stop us. During the protest, one of our workers, Prabhat Pandey died as the police beat him," he further said. He also demanded action against the police officers responsible for the alleged attacks on the Congress workers. (ANI)
The Congress party expressed anguish on Thursday over an incident at the Parliament premises, where Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, was allegedly physically manhandled by three MPs from the ruling party. Congress MPs including KC Venugopal, K Suresh and Manickam Tagore wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying that the incident had been condemned as a clear violation of the privileges extended to Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition. "We are writing to express our deep anguish regarding an incident that occurred on the premises of Parlament today. Members of the INDIA alliance were peacefully protesting and marching from the Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar statue to Makar Dwar. However, as we attempted to enter the Parlament through Makar Dwar, the protesting MPs were physically obstructed from entering," the letter said. "We would also like to bring to your notice that Rahul Gandhi Leader of Opposition was physically manhandled by three MPs from the ruling party. This is a clear violation of the privileges extended to the Leader of the Opposition and infringes on the rights accorded to him in his official capacity as an MP," it added. The leaders further requested the speaker to treat this matter with utmost seriousness and take appropriate action. "Their conduct was not only a blatant assault on the personal dignity of Rahul Gandhi but antithetical to the democratic spirit of our parliament. We hope that you will treat this matter with utmost seriousness and take appropriate action," the letter said. Meanwhile, BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Thursday said that they have filed a complaint with the Delhi Police against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for assault and incitement. Speaking to the reporters, the BJP leader said that they have given a complaint under Sections 109, 115, 117, 125, 131 and 351. Section 109 is an attempt to murder, Section 117 is voluntary causing grievous hurt. "We have filed a complaint with Delhi Police against Rahul Gandhi for assault and incitement. We have mentioned in detail the incident that happened today outside Makar Dwar, where NDA MPs were protesting peacefully... We have given a complaint under Sections 109, 115, 117, 125, 131 and 351. Section 109 is an attempt to murder, Section 117 is voluntary causing grievous hurt," he said. Their allegations come after both the NDA and INDIA bloc parties staged a protest in Parliament, leading to an alleged scuffle and injuring two BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. Both the MPs were rushed and admitted to Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. INDIA Bloc MPs led by Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. The issue snowballed into a major political controversy with the Congress seeking the resignation of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attacking the opposition party. (ANI)
Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leader and MLC K Kavitha on Thursday lashed out at Chief Minister Revanth Reddy-led Telangana government over the Musi River beautification project and said that a lot of poor people live near the Musi River and that the state government is intending to remove their houses to build a real estate project. She further said that her party, BRS, is against it. "A lot of poor people live near the Musi River. The government wants to remove their homes and make a real estate project over there. We are against this. They had been lying about it, but when we presented the proof, they said that there is a PPR (Preliminary Project Report) in which their intention is commercialisation and real estate development. We will keep exposing them..." said Kavitha. Earlier on Wednesday, Kavitha slammed the Telangana government over the proposed beautification project to revive the Musi River, saying that the "corrupt" Congress regime in Telangana is trying to "do away with the poor people" who live in and around Musi and give this entire land to real estate developers. In September, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced plans to develop historic buildings located along the Musi River as a famous tourist spot. The CM said that the government is committed to promoting the tourism sector along with making Telangana a welfare state. The State Tourism Department signed an agreement with CII for the restoration of several ancient stepwells in Hyderabad. The CM criticised the previous government for neglecting the numerous historical buildings, which have reached dilapidated conditions in the city.CM Revanth Reddy said that the state government has taken up the renovation of the old assembly building, and the state legislative council will be shifted to the renovated buildings soon. The famous Jubilee Hall, which is the house of the Legislative Council, has historical significance. (ANI)
Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah on Thursday held a high-level meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah focussing on key security issues, particularly related to Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister expressed hope that statehood will be restored, emphasizing that the current responsibility of law and order and security lies with the Lieutenant Governor. "The meeting with the Home Minister was regarding the situation in J&K, restoration of statehood, ...There were talks over statehood to J&K and there is hope that it will be restored. At present, the responsibility of law and order and security is of the LG. I have told the Home Minister that terror and militancy can be dealt with only by including the people of J&K by taking into confidence the elected representatives.," he said. Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, National Investigation Agency Director General Sadanand Date, and BSF Chief Daljeet Singh Chawdhary were among the other officers to attend the meeting. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat also attended the meeting. Earlier on Thursday, Five terrorists were neutralised by the security forces while two soldiers sustained injuries in an encounter in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. In a post on X, the Indian Army's Chinar Corps said, "Five terrorists neutralised by the security forces in the ongoing operation in Kader, Kulgam. During the firefight, two soldiers have suffered injuries and have been evacuated for medical care." An encounter broke out in the Kadder area of Kulgam district.Indian Army's Chinar Corps said that the terrorists opened a "heavy volume" of fire when challenged by the security forces. On December 3, a terrorist identified as Junaid Ahmed Bhat was killed in an ongoing operation with security forces in Srinagar district. Police said Bhat was involved in civilians killing at Gagangir, Ganderbal and several other terror attacks, in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)
Two BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput continue to be admitted to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after they suffered injuries during the chaos outside Parliament on Thursday. Explaining the current health condition of injured BJP MPs, RML MS Dr Ajay Shukla said that both the MPs had head injuries and the doctors have been evaluating them. "Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput had head injuries. Both have been given medication. Rajput ji's blood pressure is still high. We are doing our best possible. Sarangi ji is an elderly person, and when there is pushing and shoving, the BP could shoot up. This could lead to a heart arrest or stroke. Sarangi ji had been a cardiac patient. We are evaluating the situation," said RML MS Dr. Ajay Shukla. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who met the two MPs in the hospital said the MPs would remain hospitalised for two more days. "Two of our MPs - Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput are admitted to RML Hospital and I came to know about their condition. Pratap Sarangi has two stitches on his head and Mukesh Rajput also has a head injury. Both are stable. Doctors say that they will have to remain hospitalized for 2 or more days. Such incidents should not happen in a democracy," he said. After meeting BJP MP Pratap Sarangi at the RML Hospital after getting injured today in the Parliament, Union Minister BL Verma said, "He is in the ICU and is under treatment. We could not speak to him much... The LoP Rahul Gandhi has blotted the temple of democracy..." Notably, a political clash intensified on Thursday as the BJP and Congress filed cross-complaints over an alleged scuffle in the Parliament premises. BJP MPs, led by Anurag Thakur, lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police against Rahul Gandhi for "assault and incitement." Shortly after, a delegation of Congress MPs, including women MPs, approached Parliament Street Police, accusing BJP leaders of misbehaving with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge during a scuffle in the Parliament premises. Congress MP Digvijaya Singh accused the BJP of resorting to theatrics to divert attention from remarks made about Dr. BR Ambedkar. "It is in BJP's character to level false allegations. They (BJP) have orchestrated this 'natak' and 'nautanki' to counter what they have said about Babasaheb Ambedkar... All this happened due to the confrontational way of BJP MPs. Mallikarjun Kharge was pushed and misbehaved," Singh told reporters. Both the NDA and INDIA bloc MPs had staged a protest in Parliament premises when a scuffle broke out between the two sides, injuring two BJP MPs. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was injured after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed another MP, who then fell on him. Sarangi claimed that he was standing near the stairs when another member of Parliament (MP) fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. (ANI)
All India Jharkhand Student Union Party (AJSU) held a review meeting on Thursday in Ranchi, Jharkhand to discuss their performance in the Jharkhand assembly elections. After the review meet, AJSU chief Sudesh Mahoto said in a statement that they had taken feedback from various party members working at the ground level to determine the probable reasons of their low seat count, while also criticising the ruling alliance of caste polarisation. "We have taken feedback from the various party organisations and we will slowly go down till the ground level to determine the reasons where we have gone wrong," he said during a press briefing. The AJSU had only won 1 seat in the assembly elections which concluded in November 18, won by the party chief from the Dumri constituency. "Healthy discussion never takes place in the assembly and whatever is the further plan of the party we will see..we know the intentions of the state government," Mahoto added. He further said that they will give a few months' time to the Mahagathbandhan government to fulfill their promises, and that the issues of development and progress were "set aside" while caste polarisation took place. "The issues of development and progress were set aside while caste polarisation also took place and as time will go the same gloom and darkness will prevail," Mahoto said. He also claimed that he will go to all of the 24 districts in Jharkhand to discuss any and all problems of the people. "I will go to districts and blocks to hold discussions and will also travel to all 24 districts of the state and hold discussions with the common people," he added. After the two-phase assembly election, Hemant Soren-led JMM steered the INDIA bloc to victory with 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. The JMM won 34 seats, while its allies secured 22 seats. Among the allies, the Congress won 16 seats, the RJD won four, and the CPI-ML won two seats. The BJP-led NDA won only 24 seats in Jharkhand. The BJP secured 21 seats, while its allies the AJSU party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and JD-U won one seat each. (ANI)
Containers are piled up at the port of Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Oct. 22, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, the two busiest container ports in the United States, on Tuesday reported a strong surge in volumes for November, amid concerns over the potential imposition of new tariffs on foreign imports under Donald Trump's second term.



The Port of Los Angeles processed 884,315 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in November, a 16-percent increase from the previous year. So far in 2024, it has moved nearly 9.38 million TEUs, 19 percent ahead of 2023, and is on track to surpass 10 million TEUs for only the second time in its 117-year history. The Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka attributed this milestone to the collective efforts of port workers and partners.

The Port of Long Beach, right next to the Port of Los Angeles, also saw a record November, moving 884,154 TEUs, up 20.9 percent from last year. The port is projected to handle 9.6 million TEUs by year-end, exceeding its previous record from the pandemic period in 2021.

"Retailers are keeping the shelves stocked and shoppers are able to purchase gifts for the holidays thanks to the outstanding efforts by our dedicated workforce and terminal operators," said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. "As we enter the new year, we will continue to deliver extraordinary customer service and build for a sustainable future."

Together, these twin ports handle around 40 percent of U.S. imports, serving as a major gateway for trade with Asia, particularly China. However, both ports are concerned about the impact of new tariffs. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China after taking office, which port officials worry could lead to a decline in cargo volume.

In an online briefing Tuesday with Scott Kelly, vice president of Ocean Services, The Americas for Expeditors International, Seroka pointed out that "the concern and unpredictability surrounding tariffs will likely dominate our discussions about global shipping to start off 2025 in Los Angeles."

"While the strong consumer trends are promising, it's important to highlight a few geopolitical issues that have led to increased cargo movement through Los Angeles. These include the unresolved labor contract negotiations on the Eastern and Gulf Coast as well as front loading of cargo, (which) is a hedge against potential tariffs, and the ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea."

Kelly said during the discussion that most customers have adopted a "wait and see" approach, adding "They're trying to figure out what will happen or evaluating their options."

Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, was quoted as saying last month by the Long Beach Post that "Increased tariffs would likely lead to a decline in cargo volume through the port and a reduction in the amount of labor needed."

"I've said this before and I'll say it again, no one wins in a trade war," Cordero was quoted as saying.

When tariffs were implemented in 2018, during Trump's first term, the Port of Long Beach saw an overall 20-percent decrease in two-way trade with China, Cordero said.

China remains the top trading partner for the Port of Long Beach, accounting for around 70 percent of its imports and 20 percent of exports, according to port data.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take back his remark on the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and said that it has "hurt Baba Saheb's dignity." "The words used by Amit Shah in the Parliament about the architect of the Indian Constitution and messiah of Dalits and other neglected classes, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, have greatly hurt Baba Saheb's dignity and existence, and in a way, he has been insulted. Now there is tremendous anger and resentment among his followers in the entire country and he should take back these words and he should also repent for this. Otherwise, his (BR Ambedkar) followers will never be able to forget this, just like the way they haven't been able to forget the misdeeds of Congress towards Dr BR Ambedkar," Mayawati said in a press conference in Lucknow. Earlier today, INDIA Bloc MPs led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. Many MPs including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, Mahua Majhi, and Ram Gopal Yadav were seen wearing blue clothes as a mark of protest against the Home Minister's remarks. Samajwadi Party MPs protested against the statement made by Union Minister Amit Shah on Dr BR Ambedkar in Rajya Sabha and demanded an apology from the BJP. SP MP Dimple Yadav said, "The BJP should apologise for the comments made in Parliament... This proves that the BJP is against the principles of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar." This criticism followed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks in the Rajya Sabha, where Shah reportedly said, "If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives." (ANI)
The initiative was carried out in two phases: a Tabletop Exercise held on December 17, 2024, and a full-scale physical Mock Exercise on December 19, 2024. The program was coordinated from the ASDMA Conference Hall in Guwahati.

The exercise aimed to bolster flood preparedness, improve inter-agency coordination, and refine response mechanisms across Assam. A total of ten districts-- Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Dhubri, Morigaon, Cachar, Darrang, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, and Nagaon--actively participated in the event. The exercise was overseen by Brigadier Ravinder Gurung (Retd), Senior Consultant (ME-IRS), NDMA, and conducted virtually from Guwahati.

The representatives from district administrations, state agencies, police, fire and emergency services, and other first responders contributed to the initiative. The simulation focused on various critical activities to assess flood preparedness and response capabilities.

These included issuing early warnings and situational updates, activating Incident Response Teams (IRT) by the State and District Emergency Operations Centers (SEOC & DEOCs), and establishing Incident Response System (IRS) facilities such as staging areas in affected districts. The Pre-emptive evacuations of vulnerable villages and unsafe urban structures were carried out, alongside search and rescue (SAR) operations, including specialized rescue efforts.

Additionally, Medical aid posts were set up, mass triage was conducted, and medical assistance was provided to affected populations. Relief camps were established, road clearance operations facilitated emergency movement, and on-site evaluations were conducted by NDMA exercise coordinators and ASDMA officials to ensure the efficiency of response mechanisms.

The mock exercise underscores the Government of India's dedication to enhancing disaster resilience and preparedness, particularly in Assam, a state frequently impacted by floods, also such initiatives highlight the significance of collective efforts in mitigating disaster risks, safeguarding lives, and ensuring effective response mechanisms. (ANI)
Amid the scuffle that broke out at the parliament, BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accusing him of disregarding the law, driven by his perceived arrogance and sense of being above the law. Thakur, along with fellow MPs Bansuri Swaraj and Hemang Joshi, filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament Street Police Station. The complaint, under Sections 109, 115, 117, 125, 131, and 351 of the IPC, accused Rahul Gandhi of injuring BJP MPs by pushing them. "Today, a highly unfortunate incident occurred in Parliament, perpetrated by the Congress Party and its leader, Rahul Gandhi. Congress and Rahul Gandhi have a habit of violating the law. Rahul Gandhi's arrogance leads him to believe he is above the law," he said while talking to the reporters. "We have filed a complaint against him for assault and provocation. The complaint details the incident that took place today outside the Parliament's Makar Gate, where NDA MPs were protesting peacefully, and Rahul Gandhi pushed and injured them. As a result, two BJP MPs had to be hospitalized. Our complaint includes charges under Sections 109, 115, 117, 125, 131, and 351. Despite the incident, Rahul Gandhi's arrogance remained intact as he left without meeting the injured MPs. He considers himself above the law," the BJP MP added. Anurag Thakur criticised Rahul Gandhi's behavior in Parliament premises, calling it irresponsible and a challenge to parliamentary decorum and law and order. "Rahul Gandhi's behaviour is not only irresponsible but also challenges parliamentary decorum and law and order. This is the same Rahul Gandhi who tore his own government's ordinance. This is the same Congress that repeatedly insulted Baba Saheb Ambedkar. When Congress protests every day, no one questions them. Today, when BJP MPs protested, Rahul Gandhi and his colleagues forced their way in and resorted to physical aggression," he said. According to Thakur, the BJP MPs were peacefully protesting when Gandhi and other opposition leaders stormed the area, leading to physical aggression. He claimed that Gandhi's actions were "deliberate and malicious", resulting in injuries to BJP MPs Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Chandra Sarangi. "We were peacefully exposing Congress's lies when Rahul Gandhi, along with INDIA alliance MPs, stormed the area. When security personnel intervened, Rahul Gandhi became furious and pushed his way through with malice. BJP MP Mukesh Rajput fell headfirst, and Pratap Chandra Sarangi sustained severe head injuries. Rahul Gandhi knowingly instigated his colleagues and caused harm. This was a deliberate and malicious act," he said. Earlier today, during the Parliament session, BJP MPs staged a protest accusing Congress of insulting Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Anurag Thakur participated in the protest alongside fellow MPs, raising slogans like "India will not tolerate the insult to Baba Saheb," "Congress Party, apologize," "Gandhi family, apologize," and "Constitution's violators, apologize." Speaking to the media, Thakur said, "History is witness to how the Nehru-Gandhi family repeatedly insulted Dr BR Ambedkar. Nehru himself went to ensure Ambedkar lost the elections, and today, their fourth generation is forced to carry Ambedkar's photo for political mileage. Congress is spreading lies and confusion in the name of the Constitution and Baba Saheb, but the truth is that the party always ignored Ambedkar's contributions." "While Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi awarded themselves Bharat Ratna and Rajiv Gandhi received it during a Congress-led government, Dr Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna only after a Janata Dal government, supported by the BJP, came to power," he added. The BJP MP said that Ambedkar was given his rightful respect under the leadership of PM Modi adding that Congress's hateful mindset toward Baba Saheb has exposed its true face. "It was under PM Modi's leadership that Dr. Ambedkar was given his rightful respect. Modi Ji established the Panch Teerth in Mhow, Nagpur, Mumbai, Delhi, and London. He initiated the celebration of Constitution Day and declared a national holiday on Ambedkar's birth anniversary. Congress's hateful mindset toward Baba Saheb has exposed its true face," he said. On Thursday morning, the Parliament witnessed parallel protests from both the Treasury and Opposition benches outside parliament. The ruling BJP MPs were protesting in the Parliament's premises against the Congress party for "insulting" Babasaheb Ambedkar. INDIA Bloc MPs led by Rahul Gandhi held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. (ANI)
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday accused Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, of behaving like a 'goon' and intentionally causing a disruption during the BJP MPs' protest at Makar Dwar of Parliament leading to a scuffle between the ruling alliance and the opposition. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Chouhan also criticized Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi following their press conference, claiming that their actions showed a lack of accountability and respect. Speaking about the incident, Chouhan claimed that security personnel had asked Rahul Gandhi to take a different route to avoid disrupting the BJP MPs' protest at Makar Dwar. However, he claimed that Rahul Gandhi insisted on entering through the main area, deliberately creating a disturbance and disregarding the security protocols. "Congress President Kharge and Rahul Gandhi held a press conference here just a while ago. We were expecting him to seek forgiveness for the actions they committed in Parliament, but instead, their arrogance was on full display. Today, my mind is upset and heavy with pain. I have been a member of both the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha many times, and I have seen the conduct and behaviour of the MPs and MLAs. What I saw in the Parliament today was unimaginable -- behaviour full of arrogance, arrogance and hooliganism," Chouhan said. He further said, "MPs from any party have the right to protest on any issue. Congress has also been staging protests for the past few days. While they were protesting at Makar Dwar, we (the ruling alliance) used to enter the Parliament from the other entry. However, today when BJP MPs were protesting in Makar Dwar, Rahul Gandhi deliberately tried entering from the gate where the BJP MPs were protesting, even after security intervention," said Chouhan. Chouhan further alleged that Rahul Gandhi's actions in Parliament went beyond disruption and escalated into violence. He claimed that BJP MP Pratap Sarangi had fallen and suffered a head injury, while MP Mukesh Rajput had lost consciousness and required an MRI after the altercation. "Rahul Gandhi behaved like a goon. He started pushing there. Our elderly MP Pratap Sarangi fell and he was seriously injured on the head. He was admitted to the ICU and he is still under treatment. He was unconscious. His NRI scan is being done. Will physical power be used in the Parliament instead of logic? On whatever our Adivasi MP Phangnon Konyak, we are full of pain at what she mentioned. She has complained to the Speaker of the Rajya Sabha. She was treated inappropriately. The Speaker said that she approached him while crying," said Chouhan. He added, "Our MPs have lodged a police complaint, and the BJP will take all necessary legal action." Meanwhile, accusing the BJP of being "anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitution," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that BJP MPs tried to stop them while they were trying to enter Parliament premises after their protest and claimed that the ruling party is using such tactics to divert attention from the Adani issue and Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks pertaining to BR Ambedkar. Addressing a joint press conference with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, accused the ruling party MPs of deliberately obstructing the Opposition's efforts to raise issues in Parliament. BJP-led NDA and INDIA bloc MPs had staged a protest in Parliament premises and there was a face-off in which BJP leaders said two MPs were injured. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he was hurt after a push from Rahul Gandhi. Sarangi claimed that he was standing on stairs when another member of Parliament fell on him, leading to an injury on his head. Both the MPs were admitted to Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Rahul Gandhi had earlier said he was trying to get inside the Parliament when he was also pushed and threatened by the BJP MPs who were protesting near the entrance. He alleged that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. "This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, but BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me and threaten me. This has happened...Yes, this has happened (Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed)," Gandhi told reporters. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the Punjab government authorities over its insufficient efforts to tackle the health situation of farmers' leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a fast-unto-death for over 20 days. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan again asked Punjab authorities to ensure immediate medical assistance for Dallewal. The top court said medical assistance should be given to Dallewal, the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) who has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanouri border, without forcing him to break his fast. Justice Bhuyan gave the example of Indian human rights activist Irom Sharmila, who went on a 16-year hunger strike for the abolition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in Manipur. The judge wanted to imply that a hunger strike can continue under medical supervision, without eating or drinking anything. During the hearing, Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the apex court that despite some initial resistance to medical help from the farmers' side, senior officials of Punjab had a meeting with Dallewal. Singh said that about 100-200 metres away from the protest site a place called 'Haveli' has been converted into a hospital, which can provide all necessary facilities and ensure provision of requisite medical assistance to Dallewal. The bench, however, queried as to how such make-shift hospital can be sufficient and whether the state authorities are in a position to take Dallewal there. "We first want him to be provided medical aid. Why that priority is being overlooked? We want to know about his health condition and all health parameters. That can only be after he is subjected to certain tests. Nobody should take us for granted. You people are saying his is alright, not the medical doctors. Doctors say he is refusing tests," Justice Kant told Singh. At one point Singh raised apprehension about physical confrontation, if Dallewal is sought to be physically shifted to hospital, and ensuing casualties. Justice Kant objected strongly to it saying that the farmers are agitating peacefully and it is in fact the state officers who concoct such words. "Tell your state machinery to be alive of their constitutional responsibilities. The farmers or their leaders have never entered into any physical confrontation. All these terminologies are concocted by your officers. They are sitting on a peaceful agitation", the bench remarked. Singh also informed the bench that Dallewal is desirous of interacting with the bench directly (through virtual mode), to this, Justice Kant said that the court is open to such interaction once he recovers and is of sound health. The top court posted the matter for Friday at 12.30 pm. The top court was hearing an appeal against the July 10 Punjab and Haryana High Court order by which it had directed it to open the highway and clear the barricading within seven days. In February, the Haryana government had set up barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway farmers bodies announced that farmers would march to Delhi in support of various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday declared the government's unwavering commitment to achieving a goal of "terror-free Jammu and Kashmir" at the earliest, and assured that all necessary resources would be provided to meet this goal, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "zero tolerance policy." He highlighted the importance of executing the "area domination plan" and "zero terror plan" in "mission mode" to ensure the complete eradication of terrorism from the region. Addressing the high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said that "in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Zero Tolerance Policy against terrorism, we will achieve the goal of 'Terror Free Jammu and Kashmir' at the earliest and all resources will be made available for this." He said that the Modi government, with the joint efforts of all security forces, is committed to establishing complete dominance over terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah said that the unprecedented participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the Assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections shows that they have full faith in the democracy of the country. He appreciated the efforts of the security agencies for a significant decline in terrorist incidents, infiltration and recruitment of youth in terrorist organizations. The Minister further said due to the sustained and coordinated efforts of the Modi government, the eco-system of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has almost ended. He further directed all security agencies to continue working in a coordinated manner to eliminate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director (IB), RAW Chief, Chief of Army Staff, GOC-in-C (Northern Command), DGMO, Chief Secretary and DGP of Jammu and Kashmir, heads of CAPFs and other senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs attended the meeting. The meeting was significant in terms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government's commitment to set an example by cracking down on terrorists through innovative means. (ANI)
Addressing the delegation, the Chief Minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in Gujarat's development. He emphasised that the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' has been realised by collective progress among people, communities, and institutions.

He also noted the Prime Minister's comprehensive approach, encompassing initiatives from cleanliness drives to advancements in the semiconductor sector.

The journalists shared their experiences, noting that while they usually learn about Gujarat's development through newspapers and media, this visit allowed them to witness the activities up close.

They expressed joy in visiting the Statue of Unity and the Amul Dairy Plant, gaining insights into their operations.

The delegation also visited GIFT City and GIFT Nifty in Gandhinagar on Thursday, where they received information about upcoming projects at GIFT City, said the release.

As a gesture of goodwill, Dr. Athira Thampi, Deputy Director of PIB Thiruvananthapuram and Coordinator of the Kerala delegation, presented a memento to the Chief Minister. Prakash Magdum, Additional Director General of PIB Gujarat, presented the book Mahatma Gandhi: A Life Through Lenses, while Deputy Director Aarohi Patel presented a memento. The event was attended by media and communication officers Indravadansinh Zala and Dinesh Kalal, added the release. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) chief Pratibha Singh and AICC Secretary and HPCC Co-Incharge Vidyut Chaudhary issued a strong condemnation against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his statement against Dr BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, HPCC chief Pratibha Singh demanded an unconditional apology from Amit Shah and his immediate resignation, declaring that the Congress Party will not rest until justice is served. Pratibha Singh made it clear that Amit Shah's statements have deeply hurt the sentiments of millions who revere Dr Ambedkar. "Yesterday, Amit Shah used highly objectionable words about Dr. Ambedkar, and we are deeply hurt by his statements," Singh said. "It is extremely condemnable to use such language against the creator of our Constitution. We had urged that directives be issued to Amit Shah to apologise and submit his resignation. However, neither any initiative has been taken nor any action has been implemented," she said. She highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasising that parliamentary proceedings are meticulously recorded, leaving no room for distortion or denial. "There is no distortion here; everything said in Parliament is recorded word for word. This is a very serious issue," she stated. Pratibha Singh also said their leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Rahul Gandhi, were also not allowed to enter the parliament. Pratibha Singh revealed that the Congress Party has been leveraging every platform available to raise this issue. On Wednesday, the party staged a protest outside the Governor's House in Shimla, sending a direct message to the Prime Minister via the Governor. "Such actions must be taken seriously, and the Prime Minister should intervene. Amit Shah must apologise and also step down from his position," Singh added. The HPCC chief also invoked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's unwavering commitment to protecting the Constitution. "Rahul Gandhi has raised the issue of safeguarding the Constitution even abroad. Today, the Prime Minister should condemn the actions of the Home Minister. Immediate action is required, and the PM must take note of this matter," she asserted. Furthermore, AICC Secretary and HPCC Co-Incharge Vidyut Chaudhary joined Pratibha Singh in condemning Amit Shah's remarks, calling them deeply disrespectful. "This is why the state president held the press conference. Our government in Himachal Pradesh has raised the issue in the assembly session as well. Through this press briefing, the Congress Party registers its protest," he said. Chaudhary accused the BJP of deliberately trying to divert public attention from crucial issues. "The BJP wants to distract the public from core issues. Today, you have seen how Congress MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi, were treated inside Parliament. They were prevented from entering Parliament, and there were instances of manhandling. They were not allowed to express their views in this democratic space," he said. Chaudhary reiterated that the BJP's refusal to address the issue reflects its agenda of provocation rather than resolution. "Instead of apologising for the remarks against Dr Ambedkar, the BJP is trying to incite further controversy. Through this press conference, I urge the media to showcase the truth. The issue of Dr Ambedkar's insult was discussed briefly in the morning but then overshadowed in the media," he said. Declaring that the Congress will escalate its protests, Chaudhary said, "This fight will continue from the streets to the Parliament until those who insult Dr. Ambedkar apologise...Congress will not allow this issue to be sidelined," he said. The Congress Party has made it clear that its protests will persist until Amit Shah issues a formal apology and resigns. The issue of disrespecting Dr Ambedkar, a national icon, resonates deeply with the party's vision of safeguarding constitutional values. By taking this stand, the Congress intends to highlight its commitment to protecting the sanctity of democratic institutions and upholding the legacy of India's constitutional framers. (ANI)
On the complaint of Hebbalkar, a case has been registered against CT Ravi at the Hirebagewadi Police Station in Belgavi. She alleged that he used derogatory words against her in the Legislative Council today.

The Congress leaders complained to Chairman Basavaraj Horatti regarding the issue. They demanded that a criminal case should be filed against him and he should be arrested.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that Ravi's use of obscene language against minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar is tantamount to "criminal offense and sexual assault."

CM Siddaramaiah said that he used very filthy words for minister Hebbalkar and police will take action as per law.

Speaking to reporters, CM Siddaramaiah said, "He has used very filthy words for Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. This is a criminal offence... She has gone to the police station and police will take action as per law."

Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President DK Shivakumar, Law Minister HK Patil, Minister and Leader of the Congress Sabha of the Parishad Bosaraju, Ministers Ishwar Khandre, Priyank Kharge and others met Speaker Basavaraja Horatti and demanded action against CT Ravi.

Following this, BJP MLC CT Ravi alleged that Karnataka minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar's supporters tried to attack him today, in Belagavi.

On Ravi's allegations that minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar's supporters tried to attack him, Belagavi City Police Commissioner Iada Martin says, "We can check it through video recordings and inquire about it. We have detained 50 people from here (Suvarna Vidhana Soudha)."

CT Ravi alleged that Hebbalkar's supporters attacked him outside the Suvarna Soudha building in Belagavi. (ANI)
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan step out of the plane and greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon, describing Macao as "a pearl on the palm" of the motherland and expressing confidence in its promising future.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. He will also inspect the Macao SAR.

At Macao International Airport, the Macao police force band played lively welcome tunes. Dragon and lion dance filled the air with joy. Hundreds of people including children and representatives from various sectors waved the national flag, the flag of the Macao SAR and flowers, expressing their warm welcome.

At around 4 p.m., Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, stepped out of the cabin of the special plane and waved to the cheering crowd.

"Every visit to this beautiful place has been very delightful for me," Xi said in a brief speech at the airport.

Over the past 25 years, the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved success widely recognized by the world, showcasing great vitality and unique charm, Xi said.

"This is the glory of Macao residents and the pride of all Chinese people," he said.

On behalf of the central government and Chinese people of all ethnic groups, he extended sincere greetings and best wishes to all Macao residents, adding that Macao's development and the well-being of Macao residents have always been on his mind.

Xi said he will have extensive and in-depth exchanges with friends in Macao on the region's development during the visit.

He expressed the belief that Macao will create an even brighter future by fully leveraging the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems," working hard and actively promoting innovation.

The Macao SAR is brimming with cheerful vibes in the days leading up to the 25th anniversary of its return. Anniversary-themed posters and floral decorations adorn popular sites such as the Ruins of St. Paul's, while the national flag and the Macao SAR flag flutter along the streets.

"Meeting President Xi again up close, I was extremely excited," said Jiang Lai Peng, a student from Kao Yip Middle School who also participated in the welcoming ceremony for President Xi's Macao visit five years ago. "His attention to and care for Macao have deeply touched and inspired me and my classmates."

Ho Kuok Tou, founder and CEO of an artificial intelligence firm with presence in both Macao and the mainland, said he is full of expectations for the future development of Macao.

"I hope the people of Macao will continue to work hard and actively integrate into the overall national development," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan step out of the plane and greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. [Photo/Xinhua]





Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. [Photo/Xinhua]





Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and his wife Peng Liyuan greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. [Photo/Xinhua]





Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a brief speech at the airport in Macao, south China, Dec. 18, 2024. Xi arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane. He will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday. Xi will also inspect the Macao SAR. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Indian Army honoured five newly commissioned officers from the state of Manipur to the Indian Armed Forces, during a special ceremony held in Bishnupur on Thursday, celebrating the momentous and proud occasion for their community, region and the entire state, an official release said. According to the release, Sub Lt Nivash Naorem, Sub-Lieutenant Avinash Singh, Sub-Lieutenant M Sanathoi Singh and Sub-Lieutenant Sumit Singh, have been commissioned in the Indian Navy, whereas Flying Officer Indish Huidrom, has been commissioned into the Indian Air Force. The event was attended by the proud parents of the young officers and other family members. Senior Army Officers felicitated and expressed admiration for their achievements and the support of their families, sharing insights about the exciting and fulfilling journey that lies ahead for these newly commissioned officers. The ceremony was a moment of immense pride for both the officers and their families, embodying values of dedication and patriotism. The achievements of these young officers serve as a powerful inspiration for the youth of Manipur, highlighting the significance of resilience and determination, particularly in overcoming adversity. (ANI)
Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday alleged that he was pushed by BJP MPs while he was trying to enter Parliament in what turned out to be face-off between Congress and BJP MPs during their protests. Kharge continued his attack on Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks pertaining to BR Ambedkar in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference with Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who is Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, alleged that Amit Shah interacted with the media yesterday without looking at facts about his remarks pertaining to Ambedkar. "The statements that the government and especially the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are making about Dr BR Ambedkar are very sad and he (Amit Shah) addressed the press conference yesterday without looking at the facts. They should look at the facts before abusing Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr BR Ambedkar," he said. Kharge said BJP wants to divert attention from controversy over Amit Shah's remarks. "We demanded that Amit Shah be sacked; we knew it'll not be done that's why we carried out protests including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other party MPs. We said that he should apologise. BJP wants to divert attention from Shah's remarks on Ambedkar that's why they are raising other issues," he said. "They (BJP MPs) stopped us at the door and did this to show their muscle power. They forcefully attacked us. I am not in a position to push anyone, but they pushed me. Now they are accusing us that we pushed them...So the kind of environment that the BJP people have created, we will never tolerate it, there will be a nationwide protest against this. The House which was running peacefully, that House was disrupted, the BJP government did the work of disrupting the peace..." INDIA Bloc MPs held a protest on Thursday in the Parliament premises and demanded the resignation of Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. A protest was also held by BJP members. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments on Wednesday, with the Congress and other opposition members protesting against remarks of Amit Shah relating to BR Ambedkar during his attack on Congress in his speech in Rajya Sabha. (ANI)
The Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, along with all personnel of the Indian Navy, extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the boat accident that claimed 13 lives at Mumbai Harbour on Wednesday. Taking to X, the Navy spokesperson said that the Navy also expressed its wishes for the swift recovery of the injured. "Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, and all personnel of the Indian Navy offer heartfelt condolences to the grieving families of those who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in Mumbai Harbour and wish for a speedy and full recovery of those who were injured. Two persons from the ferry craft are still reported to be missing, towards which, Search and Rescue operations are in progress by eight Navy craft and a naval helicopter, augmented by a Coast Guard vessel. Search and Rescue efforts have continued throughout the night of 18- 19 Dec 2024 in vicinity of the accident. A Board of Inquiry has been ordered into the accident to establish the facts of the case," the Navy spokesperson stated on X. The incident occurred when the Indian Navy lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to an engine malfunction. As a result, the boat collided with a passenger ferry, which subsequently capsized. As of now, as per the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a total of 105 people have been admitted to five different hospitals, out of which 90 are either discharged or are in stable condition in the Mumbai Boat accident. The BMC also mentioned that two people are in critical condition and 13 people have died. "Search and rescue operations are still continuing by various agencies, including the Indian Navy," the BMC said. Four of the six persons who were onboard the Navy boat that rammed into the ferry have lost their lives, while one of them is critically injured. The ferry had approximately 110 passengers, including 20 children, according to Indian Navy officials. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that the government will provide all assistance to those affected, with rescue operations underway. He announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh would be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the families of those who lost their lives. (ANI)
The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf Amendment Bill,2024 held a meeting on Thursday. After the meeting, the Chairman of the Joint Committee of Parliament Jagdambika Pal told ANI, "Former VC of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow and former chairman of Rajasthan Waqf Board came with their proposed amendments. There was a clause-by-clause discussion on it. MPs also posed questions to them." The committee included Syed Abubakar Naqvi, the former Chairman and State Minister of the Waqf Board in Rajasthan, and Prof. Mahrukh Mirza, the former Vice Chancellor of Khwaja Chishti Moinuddin Language University, Lucknow. Earlier, on Wednesday, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024 held a meeting with the All India Shia Personal Law Board members. The committee heard the views of the board on the Bill. After the meeting, the Chairman of the Joint Committee of Parliament Jagdambika Pal told ANI that the members put forth their views on the Bill. "The members of the All India Shia Personal Law Board had come. They have presented their views on this bill. Our members have asked for more questions and views regarding the proposed amendments. They said that they would write to us. We will also call them if needed...," Pal said. Recently, the Lok Sabha approved a motion to extend the tenure of the JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and mandated the presentation of their report by the end of the 2025 Budget Session. On December 5, Jagdambika Pal, head of the JPC noted that the committee had held 27 meetings in Delhi before the extension of its tenure. These meetings included discussions with multiple stakeholders and various ministries of the Government of India. The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The JPC is conducting extensive consultations with government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories to ensure a comprehensive overhaul of the legislation. (ANI)
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Thursday rejected the no-confidence motion given by INDIA bloc members against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, stating that the notice has been held as an "act of impropriety, severely flawed, apparently drawn in haste to mar the reputation of the incumbent Vice-President". In his ruling, Harivansh said that a communication purportedly signed by 60 members of the Council of States, addressed to no specific authority, was submitted on December 10 and sought its consideration under Article 67(b) of the Constitution as the intention of a no-confidence motion against the Vice President of India. He said that Article 67(b) peremptorily mandates 'at least 14 days' prior notice for any resolution contemplating the Vice President's removal. "Thus December 10, 2024 notice of intention could permit such a resolution only after December 24, 2024. The current 266th session of the Council of States, as notified on November 6, 2024, commenced on November 25 and scheduled to conclude on December 20, 2024," the ruling said. Harivansh said that the notice is replete with assertions only to malign the incumbent Vice President asserting events from the time he assumed office in August 2022. "A look at the notice reveals it couldn't be more casual and cavalier, wanting on every conceivable aspect and severally flawed- absence of addressee, absence of resolution text, incumbent Vice President's name not correctly spelt in the entire petition, documents and videos asserted not made part, premised on links of disjointed media reports without authentication and many more, the ruling said. Harivansh also referred to the precedent in which the then Chairman Venkaiah Naidu rejected a similar removal notice concerning the Deputy Chairman, citing procedural impropriety. "In view of the above, the notice is held as an act of impropriety, severely flawed, apparently drawn in haste and hurry to mar the reputation of the incumbent Vice-President and aimed to damage the constitutional institution. The same deserves to be and is hereby dismissed. A detailed order, being expedient, would follow," the ruling said. INDIA bloc parties held a joint press conference earlier this month and said they were forced to resort to the step to "safeguard the democracy and Constitution". They held a press conference a day after they submitted a no-confidence motion against Dhankhar. The leaders made allegations about the manner in which the proceedings have been conducted by the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who is Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, accused Dhankhar of behaving like a "spokesperson of the government for his next promotion". He alleged that the "biggest disrupter" in Rajya Sabha is the Chairman himself. "He (RS chairman) does schooling like a headmaster. From the opposition side, whenever important issues are raised as per rules - the chairman doesn't allow to have a discussion in a planned manner. Time and again opposition leaders are stopped from speaking. His (RS Chairman) fidelity is towards the ruling party instead of the Constitution and constitutional tradition. He is working as a spokesperson of the government for his next promotion, it is visible to us. I have no hesitation in saying that the biggest disruptor in Rajya Sabha is the Chairman himself," Kharge had said. He said it is the first time in the history of Rajya Sabha that a no-confidence motion has been brought against the Chairman. "Vice president is the second biggest constitutional post in India... Since 1952 - there has been no resolution brought to remove the Vice President as they have always been unbiased and beyond politics. They always ran the House as per the rules. But, today, there is more politics than rules in the House," he said. Kharge said that the Chairman's behaviour in the House has damaged "the dignity of the country". (ANI)
"Attended the Christmas celebrations at the residence of Union Minister Shri George Kurian Ji. Also interacted with eminent members of the Christian community," PM Modi said in a post on X.

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1869776331707494614

PM Modi received a rousing welcome and was given a flower bouquet at the residence of the Kurian family.

During the celebration, PM Modi also lighted candles and witnessed several programs.

Meanwhile, the Santhome Cathedral Basilica in Chennai is lit up with colourful lighting ahead of the Christmas festival.

Christmas is an annual festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed by billions of people worldwide on December 25 as a religious and cultural event.

On the occasion of Christmas, people across the country celebrate 'Christmas Eve' with midnight masses being held in several states. The churches get lit up and revellers burst firecrackers to ring in the festival of merriment.

Christmas is an annual festival which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is marked and celebrated by billions worldwide on December 25 as a major religious and cultural event.

It is one of the most sacred days in Christianity and it is often spent with friends and family. People set up Christmas trees in their homes and decorate the house with lights and hanging wreaths.

The day is also marked by celebratory homecomings warm family gatherings and eatouts. Carol singing, dazzling Christmas lights, and richly decked-up Christmas trees entice folks to join in the celebrations on this day. (ANI)
The Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi where they talked about strengthening relations between the two countries. Schoof said that they also discussed about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In a post on X, Schoof said, "I just had my first phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. We spoke about further strengthening the good relations between the Netherlands and India and about opportunities to work together more closely through a strategic partnership in areas like security, water, green hydrogen, agriculture, semiconductors and healthcare. We also discussed other matters such as the war in Ukraine." https://x.com/MinPres/status/1869349685988635046 PM Modi called the Netherlands a 'trusted and valued partner'. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Pleased to speak with PM Dick Schoof. The Netherlands is a trusted & valued partner. We are committed to advance and provide strategic dimension to bilateral ties in diverse sectors including water, agriculture, security, technology, semiconductors and renewable energy." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1869372065436029045 When Schoof was sworn in as the Prime Minister, PM Modi congratulated him on July 2 and said he looks forward to closely working to further advance India-Netherlands ties. He affirmed hope that the two countries would work in the areas of renewable energy, water management, agriculture, mobility, and new and emerging technology. "Congratulations Dick Schoof on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Look forward to closely working together to advance India-Netherlands partnership including in the areas of renewable energy, water management, agriculture, mobility, new and emerging technology," PM Modi posted on social media platform X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1808142802741874778 India and the Netherlands established diplomatic relations in 1947. Year 2022 marked 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations. Today, India and the Netherlands enjoy strong political, economic & commercial relations. High level mutual exchanges have provided impetus to the multifaceted partnership between the two countries. Water, Agriculture and Health (WAH) are 3 priority sectors of cooperation besides technology and innovation, Indian Embassy in Netherlands stated. (ANI)
President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Mayotte in the Indian Ocean as it is reeling from the strongest storm to hit it in 90 years, Al Jazeera reported. Macron said he will arrive in Mayotte, which is France's poorest territory, on Thursday and declared national mourning after ensuring "continuity of the state", Al Jazeera reported. So far, 22 deaths have been confirmed in Mayotte from Cyclone Chido, however, experts fear that the actual count could be much higher. "I cannot give a death toll because I don't know. I fear the toll will be too heavy," acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told BFMTV on Wednesday, Al Jazeera quoted. Newly appointed French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said on Tuesday that more than 1,500 people were injured. Over 200 of them are critically injured, Al Jazeera stated. Authorities fear hundreds, or possibly thousands, could have been killed by Chido, which made landfall on Saturday and devastated the islands. International aid and rescue groups called on the French government to ensure access to clean water to help prevent the spread of diseases. But some of the healthcare centres on the islands have also been damaged, making it more difficult to mount a coordinated response to the cyclone. The government released 6,55,000 euros (USD 687,000) to finance urgent needs with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo pledging a further 2,50,000 euros (USD 262,000) from the city's emergency fund for recovery efforts. Chido also killed at least 34 people in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi after hitting continental Africa. On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's support following the devastating 100-year cyclone that ripped across the French archipelago of Mayotte on Saturday. "Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I am confident that under President @EmmanuelMacron 's leadership, France will overcome this tragedy with resilience and resolve. India stands in solidarity with France and is ready to extend all possible assistance," PM Modi wrote on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1868968246575271942 https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1869054963898577225 In response to PM Modi's message, President Macron said on X, "Thank you for your thoughts and support, dear Narendra Modi." (ANI)
Sharjah [UAE], December 19 (ANI/WAM): The upcoming edition of Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition - ACRES, set to take place from January 22 to 25, 2025, will feature extensive participation from leading Egyptian real estate development and investment companies. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in collaboration with the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD), ACRES 2025 will introduce an Egyptian pavilion showcasing over 400 property projects and ventures. Egyptian companies will present a diverse portfolio of real estate projects at ACRES 2025, encompassing residential, commercial, administrative, and coastal units spread across prime locations in Egypt, including the New Administrative Capital, New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed, October City, Ain Sokhna, North Coast, and Ras El Hekma. Participating Egyptian real estate developers and investors will vie to attract visitors with exclusive discounts and special deals on their latest property projects.Real estate finance The Egyptian pavilion will feature several property management companies and financial institutions offering real estate financing solutions for clients seeking to invest in the sector. It will also present real estate ownership options and opportunities while highlighting available investment prospects. Nawaf Obaid, CEO of Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition "ACRES", expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), for his unwavering support of ACRES Real Estate Exhibition and other major economic events that contribute to advancing Sharjah's sustainable development. He said that the Egyptian pavilion's participation in the 2025 edition, with its extensive array of property projects, reflects the sustained growth witnessed by the exhibition. It also underscores ACRES' pivotal role as a strategic hub for fostering real estate development and promoting investment opportunities across the entire region, not just within the UAE, positioning it as one of the largest and most significant real estate exhibitions. Major real estate development and investment companies are keen to participate in the exhibition each year to present their latest and most distinguished real estate projects within and beyond the UAE. This enthusiasm is fueled by ACRES' consistent achievements and successes as evidenced by the significant turnout from citizens and residents alike, along with investors, business leaders, and private and public real estate companies from the UAE and abroad. Obaid noted that Egypt's participation in ACRES 2025 is a significant step towards strengthening cooperation between Emirati and Egyptian real estate companies and fostering direct communication between investors from both countries. This collaboration opens up broad horizons for exchanging expertise and forging strategic partnerships. Furthermore, it offers investors and visitors an invaluable opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the diverse investment opportunities offered by the Egyptian real estate market, highlighted by the extensive and varied display of Egypt's latest real estate development and investment projects. (ANI/WAM)
Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of State, Vedant Patel on Wednesday (local time) in reference to allegations of China's espionage activities in the US, said that a country should obey the local laws when they are operating abroad. On being asked about what steps was the US taking on China's establishments of Confucius Institutes in US universities, the operation of overseas undercover police stations, and hacking training institutes, Patel said that they are aware of such reports and Chinese activities that amount to transnational repression. "So I'm certainly not going to get into results, and I certainly wouldn't speak to something like this in specificity. But of course we're aware of these kinds of reports, and we're certainly aware of the lines of efforts that have been undertaken by the PRC to conduct what we would view as things that would be consistent with transnational repression as it relates to its own people overseas. And our view is that any country abroad should be obeying and obliging with the local law enforcement and local laws, but beyond that, I'm just not going to get into that specifically," he said. The FBI and the US's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on November 13 issued a warning that the breach, initially discovered late last month, has since uncovered a wide-reaching and serious cyber espionage operation. Investigators now believe that a cyberattack on US telecommunications systems, initially thought to be targeting American presidential campaigns, is much more extensive. It is likely part of a broader effort by China to conduct widespread surveillance on the United States, as reported by Voice of America. In a statement, the two agencies confirmed that their investigation has revealed Chinese-affiliated hackers infiltrated the networks of several US telecommunications companies, potentially gaining access to a vast amount of sensitive data. Furthermore, the hackers appear to have successfully copied information that was requested by US law enforcement through court orders. (ANI)
A Chinese mainland official called for active exchange and cooperation between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, making the remarks when meeting with guests from Taiwan on Wednesday.

Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, met with Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, and representatives of guests from Taiwan in Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

Song conveyed greetings from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to the guests, who are here to attend a cross-Strait youth snow and ice festival.

He called on people on both sides of the Strait -- all of whom are Chinese -- to prioritize the future of the country and the interests of the nation, uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference.

He also urged people to work together to improve cross-Strait relations, maintain peace and stability in the Strait, and pursue national rejuvenation.

Expressing his gratitude for Xi's greetings, Ma said that people on both sides of the Strait -- all of whom are members of the Chinese nation -- should uphold the 1992 Consensus, oppose "Taiwan independence," expand exchange and cooperation, and work together to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.
Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of State, Vedant Patel on Wednesday (local time) said that India has been a key partner during the US President Joe Biden's administration. When asked about the meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that took place in the end of November in Italy at the G7, Patel said that the US has a close partnership with their Indian counterparts. "We have a close partnership with our counterparts in India. Of course, a range of those are security issues, trade issues, of course consular issues as well, including visas. We read out that meeting with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar... Over the course of our time in the Biden administration, India has been a key partner in the Indo-Pacific on a number of shared issues, and we continue to look forward to working with them in our time in this administration," he said. Blinken met with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on the margins of the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, Italy. Blinken and Jaishankar affirmed the US and India's enduring commitment to deepening bilateral ties. The Secretary underscored the United States' desire to continue coordinating closely with India to address global security challenges. https://x.com/StateDept/status/1861590374571221282 In a post on X, Jaishankar said in his bilateral meeting with Blinken, they discussed India-US partnership. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1861440390139613505 "Always good to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, this time in Fiuggi, Italy. Discussed the state of the world and India-US partnership, which continues to move forward," Blinken in his post on X said that the US and India ties are stronger when they are working together. https://x.com/SecBlinken/status/1861534647907217506 "The US and India are stronger when we are working together. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and I met today in Italy to discuss the importance of our continued close cooperation to promote global security and prosperity." (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) stated that it detected 10 Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 am (local time) on Wednesday and 6 am (local time) on Thursday. According to the MND, of the 10 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, four crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the country's southwestern and eastern air defence identification zone (ADIZ). In a post on X, the Taiwanese MND said, "10 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1869548205358412064 Chinese activity spiked around Taiwan. On Wednesday, Taiwan reported 15 Chinese military aircraft, nine naval vessels and four official ships near its territory. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND said, "15 PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 4 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1869186185513570712 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 Tuesday, China's Foreign Ministry 'denied' the existence of Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Monday following the arrival of US-made M1A2T Abrams tanks in Taiwan, Taiwan News reported. The denial came in response to the MND's announcement that the first batch of 38 tanks, part of a 108-unit purchase from the US, had reached Hsinchu County's Hukou Township. Addressing the development, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian claimed to be correcting the terminology, stating, "There is no such thing as the 'Ministry of National Defence' in Taiwan." (ANI)
Russian authorities arrested a suspect over the killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his aide in a bomb blast in Moscow, Al Jazeera reported. The Investigative Committee said in a statement on Wednesday that an Uzbekistan national was arrested on suspicion of having attacking Kirillov and his assistant Ilya Polikarpov on Tuesday morning, as per Al Jazeera. The statement added that the 29-year-old suspect said he had been "recruited by Ukrainian special forces". Kirillov, 54, was the head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops since 2017. He was killed outside an apartment building when a bomb hidden in an electric scooter went off, a statement added. The bomb was triggered remotely, according to Russian reports. Images from the scene showed shattered windows and scorched brickwork, Al Jazeera reported. A source in the Security Service of Ukraine, or SBU, confirmed to Al Jazeera on Tuesday the agency was behind the attack. Ukraine has yet to officially comment on the incident. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) in its footage of the interrogation of the suspect said that he faces "a sentence of up to life imprisonment". The agency said he had been promised a reward of USD 1,00,000 and permission to move to a European Union country in exchange for killing Kirillov, as per Al Jazeera. In its first comments about the incident, the Kremlin on Wednesday accused Ukraine of committing a "terrorist attack". "It is once again confirmed that the Kyiv regime does not shy away from terrorist methods," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, Al Jazeera reported. Lieutenant General Kirillov, who headed Russia's radiological, biological and chemical protection forces, was killed by a remotely detonated bomb planted in an electric scooter outside an apartment building approximately 7km (4 miles) southeast of the Kremlin, according to Russia's Investigative Committee. The blast came a day after Ukrainian prosecutors sentenced Kirillov in absentia for Russia's use of banned chemical weapons during its invasion. (ANI)
This came during a speech delivered by Ambassadress Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Department at the AL, at a celebration marking the World Arabic Language Day.

She affirmed that the initiative represents a pioneering knowledge and cultural project that contributes to promoting the Arabic language, calling for the investment in initiatives supporting the Arabic language to confront the challenges facing cultural identity.

Abu Ghazaleh stressed the need to focus on research related to developing Arabic language education, affirming that the Arabic language represents the vessel of the Arab nation's heritage and identity. (ANI/WAM)
Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra along with US Deputy Secretary Campbell and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer travelled to Houston to note the advancements in the India-US space cooperation in recent months and discussed steps to further advance the space partnership between the two countries. In a press statement by the US Department of State, it was noted that the officials met with representatives from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), including two ISRO astronauts who are training at NASA Johnson Space Centre in preparation to join a proposed mission the International Space Station in 2025. In a significant development, plans were discussed to launch a jointly developed NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Earth Science (NISAR) satellite in 2025. The officials also met with representatives from the space industry private sector to explore innovative ways for strengthening the Indian and American commercial space sectors. Taking it to X, Ambassador Kwatra said, "Wonderful to visit the Johnson Space Center of @NASA with @DeputySecState Kurt Campbell and Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer. Had the opportunity to discuss India and US space cooperation including in human space flight program and enhancing partnership between the two private sectors in the fields of innovation and technology. Was also glad to meet the Indian astronauts training at Houston." https://x.com/AmbVMKwatra/status/1869495739782500585 Following President Biden and Prime Minister Modi's June 2023 commitment to work together to "reach new frontiers across all sectors of space cooperation" and India's signing of the Artemis Accords, our two nations reached an inflection point on collaboration across civil, security, and commercial space sectors," the White House noted in a press briefing. During the meeting in Houston, Indian and American officials also reflected on the accomplishments of the past few months and charted the next steps to take our partnership to the next level. These include the selection of two ISRO astronauts to train at NASA's Johnson Space Center for the first-ever joint effort between American and Indian astronauts at the International Space Station, the launch of the Axiom-4 mission and celebrating the completion of a Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation to deepen interoperability in space and working toward the conclusion of a new arrangement on advanced astronaut training, the White House noted. Notably, discussions were also held to promote defence space cooperation through the US-India Advanced Domains Defence Dialogue, India's participation in US Space Command's annual Global Sentinel exercise, launching of a space situational awareness joint challenge under the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) and advancing reviews of Missile Technology exports. (ANI)
The first round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Liberia took place in Monrovia. The meeting was attended by top officials from both the countries. In a press statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, it was noted that the consultations were co-chaired by Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, and Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia, held on December 17. During the visit, Mude also called on Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President and Louise M Kpoto, Minister of Health and Social Welfare amongst other ministers. In a significant gesture, the Liberian Ministers expressed their deep appreciation for India's efforts in making the African Union a permanent member of the G20. Liberia has also been an active participant in the Voice of Global South Summits hosted by India, and the Ministers recognized that membership of the G20 for the Africa Union will reinforce the Global South's standing at the forum, the MEA observed. During the FOC, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of India-Liberia bilateral relations encompassing key areas of bilateral cooperation including trade, investment, mining, agriculture, health & pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building and people-to-people exchanges. The two countries agreed to further deepen and diversify bilateral ties in key areas of contemporary relevance such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), energy development and development cooperation, the MEA noted. India and Liberia share warm and friendly relations. As per the MEA, there have been regular visits from both sides. The opening of India's Resident Mission in Monrovia in 2021 has enhanced more interactions. The Liberian side have expressed their desire to open their resident Mission in New Delhi soon. The India-Liberia bilateral trade has registered USD 256 million during 2023-24, a significant portion of the bilateral trade was India's export to Liberia. Also, Liberia is a beneficiary of the duty-free tariff preference scheme extended by India which will facilitate Liberian exports of timber, vegetable oil, rubber and other commodities to India. There exists significant potential in other sectors particularly in agriculture, mineral exploration and pharmaceuticals. At present, there are over 200 Indian companies operating in Liberia in various sectors including automobiles, mining, health care, electronics, pharmaceuticals etc. Some of them are traders and some of them are having their manufacturing and mining activities. Liberia is a member of the International Solar Alliance. India and Liberia agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date. (ANI)
Birender Singh Yadav is an Indian Foreign Service Officer from the 1997 batch.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made the announcement on Wednesday.

"Shri Birender Singh Yadav (IFS: 1997) has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kyrgyz Republic".

He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

India and the Kyrgyz Republic have seen increased interactions in the recent years.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs, Following the independence of Kyrgyz Republic in 1991, India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with them.

Kyrgyz Republic supported India in securing full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and has also supported the bid of India for permanent membership of the UN Security Council. In recent times, India-Kyrgyz relations have expanded in several areas of bilateral engagement, including defence, security, trade and investment. Both countries also share common concerns on threat of terrorism, extremism and drug-trafficking, the MEA noted.

As a part of India's endeavours to increase collaboration in Central Asia, the 1st India-Central Asia Summit (ICAS) was held in 2022 in virtual mode saw the participation from all the five Presidents of the Central Asian Republics, including President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, participated in the ICAS.

The India-Kyrgyz Republic Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation (IKIGC) is a significant mechanism of interaction between the two countries.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, IKIGC holds immense potential for expansion of bilateral trade between India and the Kyrgyz Republic.

India and the Kyrgyz Republic have given emphasis to increase the bilateral trade and investment opportunities. (ANI)
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has announced that Israeli fighters jets struck Houthi targets in Yemen after the rebel group carried out repeated missile and drone attacks on Israel, The Times of Israel reported. The IDF said that the targets struck by fighters jets were "used by Houthi forces for their military operations." The Israeli military said, "Attacking these targets harms the terrorist authorities by preventing the exploitation of infrastructure for military and terror purposes, including transferring Iranian weaponry to the region." According to the IDF statement, the Houthis "with Iran's guidance and funding" have acted together with Iran-backed militias over the past year to target Israel, "undermine regional stability and disrupt global shipping." The IDF said that it is determined to continue acting and striking "whoever threatens citizens of the State of Israel, at any distance required. Following the overnight Israeli strikes in Yemen, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a warning to Houthi leaders, The Times of Israel reported. He said, "The long arm of Israel will reach you." Katz said, "Whoever lifts a hand will have it severed. Whoever strikes [us], will be struck many times over." Meanwhile, IDF chief spokesperson Daniel Hagari said that "ports and energy infrastructure" were among the targets hit in the "precise strikes" in the rebel-held capital of Sanaa that the Houthis used for "their military actions," according to The Times of Israel report. In an English-language video statement, Hagari said, "With their attacks on international shipping vessels and routes in the Red Sea and other places, the Houthis have become a global threat. Who is behind the Houthis? Iran," while vowing the military "will act against anyone in the Middle East" who threatens Israel. While sharing the video statement of Hagari on X, IDF stated, "IAF fighter jets struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and in inland Yemen. Over the past year, the Houthi terrorist regime has been operating with the direction and funding of Iran, and in cooperation with Iraqi militias in order to attack the State of Israel and Israeli civilians." "The conducted strikes degrade the Houthi terrorist regime, preventing it from exploiting the targets for military and terrorist purposes, including the smuggling of Iranian weapons to the region. The IDF is determined to continue operating against all threats posed to the citizens of the State of Israel, wherever necessary." https://x.com/IDF/status/1869586928166666699 Earlier, the IDF said that the air defences shot down the missile fired from Yemen, which it said never entered Israeli airspace, the report said. The Israeli military said that the sirens were triggered due to concerns that falling shrapnel from the interception could cause injuries. (ANI)
The details of the event were shared on X by the Spokesperson of the Indian Navy.

"Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS, hosted a deck reception onboard #IndianNavy's indigenous guided missile destroyer #INSMysore at Jakarta, fostering cultural exchange, friendship & camaraderie between #India & #Indonesia."

The post added, "Adm Muhammad Ali, Chief of Staff, #IndonesianNavy, Senior Military Leadership of Indonesia, Ambassador of India in Indonesia, and members of the diplomatic community in #Indonesia attended the event. #BridgesofFriendship"

https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1869275923960254823

The Indian Embassy in Indonesia also shared the details of the Indian Navy Chief's visit.

It stated on X, "Very eventful & successful goodwill visit of INS Mysore to Jakarta. The 4-day visit saw several high level bilateral engagements between Indian and Indonesian Navy".

"It was an honour for the ship to receive and host Laksmana Muhammad Ali, KASAL during deck reception onboard, jointly hosted by Chief of the Indian Navy Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi and Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty, which was also graced by several senior officials of Indonesian Navy, Military and MoD", it said in another post.

"Professional discussions held onboard, deepening military and defence Industry collaboration & partnerships, is another major highlight of the ship visit, underscoring the robust & active bilateral cooperation between the maritime neighbours", the post concluded.

Earlier, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi met General Agus Subiyanto, Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces, to discuss strengthening bilateral defence ties, with a particular focus on enhancing naval cooperation.

According to the Indian Navy spokesperson, the discussions also aimed to strengthen information sharing, capacity building, and collaboration in the defence industry between India and Indonesia.

The visit, which took place from December 15 to December 18, was part of ongoing efforts to further consolidate bilateral defence relations between the two countries, in line with the deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on enhancing Naval Cooperation. (ANI)
As many as 11 people were killed and two others were injured after a suspected arson attack at a cafe and karaoke bar in Vietnam's Hanoi, Al Jazeera reported, citing police. In a statement on Thursday, Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security said that it had arrested a man who admitted to starting the blaze on the building's ground floor after a dispute with the staff. Rescue workers who rushed to the site of the incident brought seven people out of the building alive, two of whom were taken to the hospital, police said. Videos that surfaced on social media showed a multistorey building engulfed in flames as firefighters tried to control the blaze while being surrounded by onlookers. "At that time, we saw many people screaming for help but could not approach because the fire spread very quickly, and even with a ladder, we could not climb up," the Lao Dong newspaper quoted a witness as saying. A witness said that there was a smell of petrol at the spot, Al Jazeera reported, citing The Tien Phong newspaper. The witness said, "Everyone shouted for those inside to run outside, but no one called for help." CCTV footage published by the VnExpress news site seemed to show a man holding a bucket, walking towards the cafe seconds before the fire began shortly after 11 pm (local time) on Wednesday. Fire incidents are common in Vietnam's tightly packed urban centres. As many as 433 people were killed in some 17,000 houses in Vietnam between 2017-2022, majority of them in urban areas, according to Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security. In September 2023, 56 people, including four children, were kiled and dozens injured in a fire incident at an apartment block in Hanoi, Al Jazeera reported. Earlier in October, a court in southern Binh Duong province jailed six people, including four police officers, over safety lapses related to a fire at a karaoke complex that claimed the lives of 32 people in 2022. (ANI)
The rise of China's first domestically built aircraft carrier

Xinhua) 08:25, December 19, 2024

This photo taken on April 9, 2023 shows a J-15 fighter ready to take off from aircraft carrier Shandong during the combat readiness patrol and military exercises around the Taiwan Island carried out by the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). (Photo by An Ni/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, gracefully departed from dock for its final maritime training exercise of 2024, bathed in the golden winter sunlight at a naval port in Sanya, Hainan, China's southernmost island province.

Five years ago, on Dec. 17, 2019, the Shandong was officially delivered to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, heralding the dawn of the country's dual-carrier era.

Named after Shandong Province, it is China's second aircraft carrier, following the Liaoning, a refitted Soviet Union-made vessel that was commissioned in 2012.

Since entering active service, the Shandong has been rapidly integrated into joint operations and long-range maritime combat systems, with the carrier strike group's operational capabilities steadily advancing.

"The joint effectiveness of the carrier strike group is key to its combat power," said a commander of the Shandong.

This was demonstrated in April 2023, when the Eastern Theater Command of the PLA launched a combat readiness patrol and military exercises around Taiwan Island.

During the exercises, the Shandong carrier strike group, stationed east of Taiwan, coordinated with forward-deployed maritime and air forces to perform air defense, anti-submarine and other missions. J-15 carrier-based aircraft launched in succession, swiftly establishing the strike group's combat system in the exercise area.

As a vital force for long-range operations, the Shandong remains poised to deter threats from afar during peacetime and strike decisively during wartime.

Flight officer Zeng Wenhui recalled an incident when foreign reconnaissance aircraft approached. After receiving the order, they swiftly launched fighter jets. "Once airborne, our jets forced the provocative aircraft to retreat."

From individual ship training to fleet exercises, and from nearshore drills to long-range missions, the Shandong has achieved a number of milestones and achievements.

The Shandong has consistently set new records for the most consecutive aircraft takeoffs and landings.

In October 2024, the formations of aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carried out a dual-carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea. During the drill, J-15 fighters flew in a wedge formation over the two-carrier groups.

China unveiled its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, in June 2022. The carrier, named after Fujian Province, is China's first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier. With a full-load displacement of more than 80,000 tonnes, the Fujian features a straight flight deck with electromagnetic catapults and arrestor gear.

The Fujian completed its first sea trials in May 2024, with further trials planned as construction continues.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A forum on legal cooperation between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) was held in Shanghai on Wednesday.

The first China-CELAC Legal Forum has brought together representatives from 18 countries, including China, Argentina, the Bahamas, Brazil and Chile.

The forum has focused on strengthening legal cooperation between China and CELAC countries. Stressing that legal collaboration is an important part of China-CELAC relations, it called for deeper engagement in the field to support the development of China-CELAC relations in the new era.

The forum will explore legal cooperation between the two sides in such key areas as the digital economy, technological innovation, finance, trade, investment, and climate-related issues.

"As a driving force in global development, a modernizing China will bring greater benefits to people worldwide, including those in Latin America and the Caribbean countries," said Wang Hongxiang, secretary of the leading Party member's group of the China Law Society (CLS).

Carmen Eneida Alves, Judge of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela, expressed hope for stronger cooperation between Chinese and CELAC legal experts.

Alves said that strengthening legal frameworks and governance is more urgent than ever in a more intertwined and complex world of today, adding that collaboration between China and CELAC members offers a unique opportunity to drive economic growth, attract investment and enhance trade.

Sponsored by the CLS, the forum was co-hosted by the China-Latin America Legal Research Center (Shanghai), the Law School of the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) and the Chinese Modernization Institute at SUFE.
Another case of abduction has been reported from Gwadar city of Balochistan where an individual from Do-beest Panjah was forcibly disappeared by the Pakistani security forces on Wednesday. The Balochistan Post has identified the individual as Nadeem, Pashambe's son, and a Dasht Kulero resident. According to sources, the victim was detained by Pakistani forces near Javed Transport at approximately 3 p.m. The family and residents of Dasht Kulero have called for immediate updates regarding Nadeem's location, the Balochistan Post reported. Paank, the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement also condemned the abduction of Nadeem Baloch and criticised the government. In a post on X, Paank stated, "Paank is deeply concerned by reports of the abduction of Nadeem Baloch, a resident of Ball-nigwar, by Pakistani forces near Javed Transport in Gwadar, today. We call on the authorities to ensure his immediate and safe recovery and end the practice of enforced disappearances in Balochistan." According to the Balochistan Post, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and global organizations have consistently urged investigations into these cases, yet accountability remains out of reach. Both the United Nations and Amnesty International have expressed concerns about the widespread and systematic nature of these violations. Families of the disappeared often suffer years of torment, desperately seeking answers through protests, sit-ins, and petitions to the authorities. Balochistan has been a longstanding hotspot for human rights abuses, particularly enforced disappearances. For over twenty years, families in the region have blamed the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies for abducting people, often under the guise of counterinsurgency efforts. Many who go missing include activists, students, and regular citizens. The disappearances have sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, as families continue to demand answers about the whereabouts of their loved ones. These human rights violations have contributed to ongoing tensions in the region, further fuelling local resentment and calls for accountability. (ANI)
Paank, the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), has expressed deep concern over the harassment of Mehlab Kambar, her team and supporters by the security forces amid a peaceful protest for the immediate and safe return of her father. Paank called for Mehlab Kambar's father was forcibly abducted by Pakistani forces on July 19. Her father Wahid Kamber was tortured and harassed by the Pakistan intelligence agencies. In a post on X, Paank stated, "The troubling tactics allegedly employed by the Frontier Corps (FC) Pakistan, including the photographing of activists and vehicles, constitute an unacceptable attempt to silence dissent and discourage the legitimate exercise of the right to peaceful assembly." Paank further lamented, "We condemn all forms of intimidation and harassment against activists and family members of forcibly disappeared individuals. Such actions contravene Pakistan's obligations under international human rights law, particularly the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association." https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1869426067078807801 Earlier, Paank had also criticised the Pakistan security forces after the abduction of Nadeem Baloch. The rights body stated," We are deeply concerned by reports of the abduction of Nadeem Baloch, a resident of Ball-nigwar, by Pakistani forces near Javed Transport in Gwadar, today. We call on the authorities to ensure his immediate and safe recovery and end the practice of enforced disappearances in Balochistan." Paank said it fully supports Mehlab Wahid Kamber and others who continue to bravely fight for justice, truth, and accountability, despite the challenges and dangers they encounter. It condemns any form of intimidation or harassment directed at activists and the families of those who have been forcibly disappeared. In the statement, Paank said these actions go against Pakistan's international human rights commitments, particularly the right to free speech, peaceful protest, and association. These rights need to be respected and protected, especially for those seeking justice for serious human rights violations like enforced disappearances. (ANI)
Pakistan Prime Minister's adviser on political affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has said that any talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will rely on the approval of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and with the establishment onboard, The Express Tribune reported. In an interview to a local news channel, Sanaullah said that the government's approach to Imran Khan's party will be inclusive of the establishment. He said, "Negotiations with PTI are conditional on Nawaz Sharif's approval, and the government will keep the establishment onboard." Sanaullah said that talks with PTI could start by Sunday, stressing that a meeting had already been held with Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to discuss the matter, according to The Express Tribune report. Rejecting the idea of any quick resolutions, he said that PTI's demands would not progress before Sunday. He said, "If PTI is eager for a civil disobedience movement in haste, they can pursue it, but it will ultimately fail miserably." PML-N senior leader slammed the prospect of a civil disobedience movement, especially in relation to overseas Pakistanis. He stressed that these individuals, who send remittances to their families, would not stop their financial assistance, making the proposed movement ineffective. He said, "Overseas Pakistanis send money to their loved ones, not to the government, so their remittances will continue regardless of any civil disobedience." Last week, the federal government and Imran Khan's party were on the verge of initiating talks to resolve their differences and bring political stability to Pakistan. However, progress stalled as PML-N and PTI linked the talks to certain conditions. The initial breakthrough came when PTI leader Asad Qaiser met Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to offer condolences. During the meeting, the two leaders agreed that talks were necessary, The Express Tribune reported. PML-N and PTI had agreed to have a formal communication channel and establish committees to address issues in parliament through constructive talks. Both parties had consented to establish a formal communication channel and form committees to address issues in parliament through constructive discussions, the report said. However, Imran Khan's party soon reassessed its stance, wanting to avoid the appearance of "begging for talks." Meanwhile, some PML-N leaders said that PTI withdrew its call for civil disobedience and take permission from Imran Khan before holding talks with government, in order to prevent a repeat of the abrupt end to previous talks. (ANI)
Experts warned the influx of cheap, low-quality Chinese products is negatively impacting local businesses of Southeast Asian nations due to which Thailand is seeking ways to combat these low-priced Chinese good's growing presence in their markets, as reported by the Voice of America. According to the Voice of America, trade between Thailand and China last year exceeded USD 126 billion, with Chinese investment playing a significant role in Thailand's economy. However, manufacturing has been struggling, with 2,000 factories shutting down in 2023, causing the loss of thousands of jobs, according to the Department of Industrial Works. Business owners have long complained that cheap, low-quality Chinese products are hurting local Thai businesses. Bobae Shopping Mall, a retail and wholesale market in Bangkok, is one of the places feeling the effects of this issue. Despite it being peak season in Thailand and Christmas just around the corner, many of the mall's seven floors of shopping units have their shutters closed. Banchob Pianphanitporn, the shop owner of Ben's Socks, located on the fifth floor of Bobae Shopping Mall stated that his sales were hampered due to an increase in Chinese imports. He further lamented," I would say sales are 50 per cent down since 10 years ago. I sell socks for 150 baht ( USD 4.38) per dozen, but if this was a Chinese product, they would sell at 85 baht (USD 2.48). If customers have a low budget they will say my socks are expensive. They don't consider the materials, my socks are much better material and more flexible." According to the VOA, another seller, Pam highlighted that the Chinese manufacturers and imports have affected their sales. He condemns," Chinese products are selling a lot, but we don't have that much stock. The government still allows the products from overseas. Our sales have dropped down a little bit." Thailand's struggling manufacturing sector has led to a weak economic performance this year. Projections for 2024 suggest that Thailand's economy will grow by only 2.3 per cent to 2.8 per cent, a rate lower than that of its regional neighbours. (ANI)
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte and French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen air defence systems of Ukraine and unite Europe for a stronger position in favour of Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Upon arrival in Brussels, the Ukrainian President held a meeting with NATO Chief Mark Rutte to focus on strengthening air defence in Ukraine. He noted that the partners expressed willingness to work towards effective security guarantees for Ukraine. Sharing the details on X, Zelenskyy noted, "Brussels. An important and very substantive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Our talks focused on strengthening air defense for Ukraine and ensuring the reliability of the peace we are collectively working to achieve" "We thank Mark, NATO Secretary General, and all our partners for their willingness to more actively enhance our air shield and work together for effective security guarantees. The Alliance will do everything to ensure that Ukraine is as strong as possible when we turn to more active diplomacy. We greatly appreciate @SecGenNATO's efforts in organizing today's meetings." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1869506391402037453 Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels on Wednesday to hold negotiations with European partners amid the background of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Ukrainian President is set to meet leaders and heads of government from countries such as Germany, Poland, Italy and the President of the European Council amongst others. He will also participate in the European Council Meeting too. Zelensky said in a post on X said, "I have arrived in Brussels for important negotiations with our European partners. Europe needs a strong, united position to ensure lasting peace. Every fundamental issue impacting Europe - and ending Russia's war against Ukraine is undoubtedly one of them - requires coordinated and effective work from European nations". He added, "During this visit, I will meet with leaders and heads of government from France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, as well as the NATO Secretary General, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission. Representatives from the UK and other countries will also be present. I will also participate in the European Council meeting. Together, we strengthen Ukraine and all of Europe. I am grateful to everyone who supports us". https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1869417210160034157 During his visit to Brussels, Zelenskyy held a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting involved discussions on enhancing the air defence capabilities of Ukraine. He shared the details of the meeting on X. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1869488618945094062 "I had a productive meeting with French President @EmmanuelMacron. We had a detailed one-on-one discussion, focusing on key priorities to further strengthen Ukraine's position against Russian aggression. A clear focus remains enhancing air defense capabilities". "I expressed gratitude for France's preparation of one brigade for our army, and we agreed to continue this cooperation and prepare one more brigade. We hope other partners will join this effort by contributing to equipping additional Ukrainian brigades", he added. "We share a common vision: reliable guarantees are essential for a peace that can truly be achieved. We continued working on President Macron's initiative regarding the presence of forces in Ukraine that could contribute to stabilizing the path to peace. Emmanuel informed about his communication with other partners aimed at ensuring all necessary steps are taken for peace. Thank you, France!", the post said. (ANI)
The Chinese-backed Ugandan oil project, being developed by China's CNOOC, has been associated with human rights abuses. Rights organisations have accused local authorities of repression and forced evictions, while also highlighting issues such as sexual violence and environmental harm linked to the project, as reported by the Radio Free Asia. According to Radio Free Asia, the oil project is a crucial component of Chinese President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative, which aims to enhance global supply chains and infrastructure. China claims the program has helped over 150 countries build seaports, railways, and bridges, while critics argue that it has increased Beijing's geopolitical influence and created debt burdens for its partner nations. The International Federation for Human Rights, Civic Response on Environment and Development and Lawyers Without Borders has reported that the oil project which China backs is "disproportionate security measures, repression, land rights violations, forced evictions and corruption." The report alleges that Ugandan soldiers have beaten and intimidated fishing communities, and it also highlights instances of sexual and gender-based violence carried out by both soldiers and company staff, reported by RFA. Led by Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, despite persistent opposition from environmentalists, the Ugandan project includes oil drilling in the northwestern Lake Albert region and the construction of a 1,443-kilometer (900-mile) heated pipeline to transport the crude to Tanzania's Tanga port on the Indian Ocean. The report further stated that around 12,000 families have been displaced from their homes to make way for the project. According to the report, the worst abuses occurred in and around the Kingfisher oil fields, with a "high level of fear" reported in the area. It found that sexual exploitation and gender-based violence are increasing in the project area, with rising prostitution near Kingfisher and Tilenga. It also noted that women are being excluded from employment opportunities related to the project. (ANI)
Jerusalem [Israel], December 19 (ANI/TPS): The Israel Defence Forces disclosed new details on Thursday morning about overnight airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The operation aimed to paralyze three ports controlled by the Iran-backed terror group's operational capabilities, a move the army described as an "economic blow." The planned attacks, involving dozens of fighter jets, targeted maritime infrastructure, including tugboats used to guide ships into ports. This comes weeks after a previous strike in September that damaged cranes at the same ports, further impacting Houthi-controlled maritime activities. The operation strike was launched early Thursday morning, with the first wave of attacks targeting Yemen's coastal region at 3:15 AM, followed by a second wave at 4:30 AM in the Sana'a area, the first Israel strike on the capital city. Fourteen fighter jets flew over 1,700 kilometres to hit their targets, focusing on the ports of Ras Issa, Hodeidah, and al-Salif. Eight tug boats were destroyed, and strikes extended to fuel and oil tankers, as well as a power plant in Sana'a. "The IDF precisely attacked Houthi military targets in Yemen, including ports and energy infrastructure, which the Houthis used for their military activity. Israel will not hesitate to act to defend itself and its citizens from Houthi attacks," said IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. The IDF noted that these attacks were planned weeks in advance and were not a direct response to the recent missile launch intercepted by Israel's Arrow defence system. The missile had been launched after the Air Force jets took off. Tel Aviv residents were forced to take shelter and fragments from the intercepted missile damaged a schoolyard in Ramat Gan. No casualties were reported. It was the second such attack in three days. On Monday, another missile was intercepted and a Houthi drone was destroyed over the Mediterranean Sea. Since Hamas's October 7 attack, the Houthis have launched more than 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel. The majority have been intercepted before reaching Israeli airspace. Israel launched airstrikes on the Houthi-controlled Red Sea port of Al Hudaydah in July and September. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Houthi leaders against retaliating, saying, "Israel's long hand will reach you as well. Whoever raises a hand against the State of Israel, his hand will be cut off." The Houthis vowed in early December to target any Israel-bound ship in the Red Sea, regardless of its ownership. They have attacked or harassed around 100 ships, hijacked the MV Galaxy Leader in November 2023 and are holding its crew of 25 as hostage. From bases along the Yemeni coast, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have threatened ships in the Red Sea as they traverse the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow maritime choke point between the Arabian Peninsula and Africa. The majority of the world's oil passes through the strait from the Indian Ocean towards the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea.(ANI/TPS)
Jerusalem [Israel], December 19 (ANI/TPS): The Israel Police Command said that, over the past few weeks, it has been working to prevent the Ministry of Finance's intentions to "harm police officers' salaries," saying that planned budget cuts are, "beyond economic decrees that anyway make living in Israel more expensive for every citizen. In fact, it is a double blow to the police officers, those who guard and protect with dedication, day and night, Saturdays and holidays, the security in the State of Israel." The Police Department feels that damage to police salaries will have "fatal consequences" for its ability to fill the ranks, "recruit quality personnel, and retain skilled personnel, who have invested a great deal of effort in their training," and that this "constitutes a direct and dangerous damage to the security of the state and its residents." "The challenges of the Israel Police are unparalleled among Western police forces in the world," it explained. "The many and varied threat and attribution scenarios that our police officers are required to face in routine, emergency, and emergency routine situations are exceptional by any standard." Police Commissioner Daniel Levy said, "Anyone who tries to harm police officers' salaries actually weakens the police, harms the security of the state, and must take stock of themselves. I will not give in to arbitrary decisions and offensive moves by someone who is disconnected from the risks, the burnout, and the sacrifice involved in being a police officer, in routine service, in emergency routines in general, and in war and emergency situations in particular." (ANI/TPS)
The Pentagon in its new report on Wednesday revealed that a widespread anticorruption campaign within the senior levels of the Chinese military and government is impeding its push to build up its military by 2027, CNN reported. While addressing a briefing on the China Military Power report, which is delivered to Congress annually and outlines China's military and security developments, a senior US defence official noted that at least 15 high ranking military officials and defence industry executives were removed from their posts in China over corruption in the second half of 2023. A US senior defence official said, "In the second half of 2023 alone, at least 15 high ranking military officials and defense industry executives were removed from their posts for corruption ... This wave of corruption related investigations and the removal of senior leaders may have disrupted the [People's Liberation Army's] progress toward its 2027 goals." The official said that it is "having some impact already" and will "inevitably" come up again as the Pentagon continues to monitor the effect of campaign on the manufacturing and acquisition of military capabilities, as well as major construction projects and personnel, according to CNN report. According to the report, China is "almost certainly" learning from Russia's war in Ukraine and applying those lessons to its approach to Taiwan. The senior US defence official said China wants to "advance their objectives" in the information space and witnessed the sanctions against Russia as a signal that China needs to be more self-reliant to be able to face additional penalties. The report said China has an estimated 600 operational nuclear warheads, witnessing a rise of roughly 100 since the release of the report last year. It said that they will have over 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030. The senior US defense official said it was in accordance with their previous assessments and added that they certainly expect China will "continue expanding and modernizing their force" beyond 2030. Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced an ambitious plan to "modernize" the PLA by 2035 and transform it into a "world class" military by mid-century. US officials believe Xi has asked the PLA to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027. However, the American officials have stressed that does not mean an invasion will occur in 2027. The Pentagon report has highlighted recent incidents of senior officials within the military, government, and defense industry, being fired or investigated. Earlier in November, a top military official considered as a close protege of Xi was suspended and placed under investigation for corruption. The senior US official said that while more senior people within China's military get the most attention, personnel are purged "at all levels." According to the report released on Wednesday, the political leaders in China "probably view" the campaign against corruption "a necessary tool to build a professional fighting force as part of the PLA's 2027 modernization goals." The senior US defence official noted that "frequent turnover and replacement of high-level personnel" particularly is what is affecting the PLA's goal to be achieved in 2027, CNN reported. According to experts, corruption within the defence industry is not unsurprising considering China's relentless focus on increasing its procurement of weapons systems and warships. The senior US official said, "[O]nce they uncover corruption in one place or involving one senior official, there's sort of a bit of a spiraling kind of effect where it inevitably seems to draw in additional officials." They added it was unlikely Xi would stop the anticorruption campaign, as he has made it a "hallmark of his tenure," CNN reported. The US official said, "I think they've identified it as something that really has posed great risks to the political reliability and ultimately the operational capability of the PLA, adding, "so I would certainly expect them to continue to pursue the anticorruption campaign." (ANI)
The UAE continued its efforts to enhance the education sector by announcing a new structure. Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was appointed Chairman of the Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council; Maryam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed Vice-Chair of the Council and Chairperson of the Quality of Education Centre, and Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri was named Minister of Education.

The new structure includes the establishment of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and a General Secretariat of the Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council. The Emirates Schools Establishment and the Federal Authority for Early Childhood Education were integrated into the Ministry of Education.

The UAE Cabinet approved a national framework for ranking higher education institutions, encompassing public and private entities.

A new funding system for federal government higher education institutions was introduced, shifting to a scholarship-based financing model.

In 2024, Dubai announced the establishment of Dubai National University, with an investment of AED4.5 billion, reinforcing the emirate's status as a global hub for higher education and research.

In October, Dubai adopted the "Education 33" strategy, aimed at transforming the education ecosystem by delivering a high-quality model centred around students.

In Abu Dhabi, the official inauguration of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Abu Dhabi marked a significant milestone. The institute, the first branch of its kind outside India, adds to the global higher education institutions hosted by the UAE's capital.

In November, the adoption of the "Abu Dhabi Declaration", providing a strategic framework for advancing higher education and scientific research across the Arab world, was a highlight of the 19th Conference of Arab Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

In September, Sharjah celebrated the inauguration of Al Dhaid University's campus, spanning 412,000 square metres and accommodating 2,000 students. (ANI/WAM)
A staff checks newly harvested wheat at a storehouse of a grain and oil company in Qitai County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region grabbed the top spot in the country in terms of grain yield per unit area in 2024, according to data from the regional agriculture and rural affairs bureau.

Xinjiang's average grain yield per mu this year soared to 524.8 kg, or 7,872 kg per hectare, 130 kg higher than the national average and the highest per-mu grain yield among the country's provincial-level regions.

"Xinjiang's leap to the top in the country in grain yield per mu marks a new breakthrough in the region's efforts to enhance grain production," said Li Jing, deputy director of the bureau, on Wednesday.

According to Li, this year, over 98 percent of Xinjiang's grain crops like wheat and corn were grown from high-quality seeds, and the mechanization rates for farming and harvesting reached 99.5 percent and 95.5 percent, respectively.

Efforts to achieve the result include adopting advanced cultivation techniques to optimize planting density and moisture levels, applying water and fertilizers precisely, and minimizing losses during machine harvesting.

"These measures have yielded remarkable results," Li said, noting that a new national record was set in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, where the per-mu corn yield surpassed one tonne in a trial project covering 1 million mu of land.

In 2024, Xinjiang's grain output reached 23.3 million tonnes, an increase of 2.11 million tonnes from the previous year, contributing to 19 percent of the country's total grain output growth.

China's 2024 grain output hit a record high of 706.5 million tonnes, an increase of 1.6 percent from last year. This year also marks the first time that the country registered a grain harvest of over 700 million tonnes.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued clarification regarding misleading foreign media reports about a resolution by Pakistan in the United Nations General Assembly. Source from the MEA said that the foreign media reports are misleading. "We have seen misleading foreign media reports about a resolution in the UNGA. This is an annual resolution tabled by Pakistan in the Third Committee. It is adopted without a vote. This resolution has no mention of Jammu and Kashmir", the MEA source said. The Third Committee of the General Assembly at its seventy-ninth session, is being chaired by Zephyrin Maniratanga, Permanent Representative of Burundi. Media reports from Pakistan have claimed, "The United Nations General Assembly has adopted the Pakistan-sponsored flagship resolution on the "Universal Realization of the Right of the Peoples to Self-determination", Radio Pakistan said. Radio Pakistan also claimed, "The resolution highlights the plight of people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, reinforcing international support for their legitimate aspirations for self-determination." However, the original resolution initially tabled in 1990 under the number A/RES/45/130 titled, the Universal Realisation of the Right of the Peoples to Self-determination nowehere mentions the Indian territories of Jammu and Kashmir. The Third Committee of the United Nations focuses on the examination of human rights questions, including reports of the special procedures of the Human Rights Council which was established in 2006. The Committee discusses questions relating to the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self- determination. The Committee also addresses important social development questions such as issues related to youth, family, ageing, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control. Time and again Pakistan has used the United Nations to make false claims about the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Most recently on November 9, Member of Parliament and BJP Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi took a sharp exception to Pakistan's attempts to digress from the UN session on peacekeepers by speaking falsehoods about the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed his Right to Reply and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir, "was,is and will remain the integral part of India". Sudhandhu Trivedi was representing India at the United Nations and delivered a statement on the UN Peacekeeping operations. During the session, he emphasised and reiterated India's commitment to building a wall for those UN peacekeepers who laid down their lives When the representative from Pakistan speaking on the same subject of UN peacekeeping, tried to digress and refer that the UN has put up peacekeepers in 1948 in Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory, Trivedi took a sharp exception to this remark Trivedi, immediately used the option of ROR ( Right Of Reply) and firmly stated on the floor that, " The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir was, is, and will remain an integral part of India". He also told the forum that the Union Territory recently conducted proper democratic elections and reprimanded Pakistan for using the UN forum for non-substantive and misleading terms. (ANI)
Local cotton growers and ginners of Punjab province of Pakistan have raised serious concerns over the steep decline in domestic cotton prices and sales, despite a substantial decrease in overall production. According to the Dawn, the experts attribute this troubling trend to the record-high imports of cotton from international markets. The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) reported that by December 15, the total amount of ginned cotton in the country reached 5.36 million bales, marking a 33 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year. The Dawn reported that the production declines were more pronounced in the major cotton-producing provinces, with Punjab and Sindh experiencing reductions of 34 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively. The report further indicated that textile mills have bought just 4.7 million bales during this period, a 34 per cent decrease compared to the previous year. Additionally, exports have dropped dramatically by 84 per cent, falling to 46,300 bales. Ihsanul Haq, chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, pointed out that despite a 33 per cent drop in cotton production, ginning factories in the country currently have around 6.14 million bales in stock, similar to last year. He attributed this to the zero sales tax on imported cotton and yarn, while domestic purchases are taxed at 18 per cent. As a result, textile mill owners are increasingly importing cotton and yarn during the 2024-25 cotton year. According to the Dawn, official data shows that by November 30, Pakistan had imported 182,000 metric tonnes (about 11.38 million bales) of cotton, with a large portion of these imports occurring in October and November. During the same period, approximately 6,00,000 bales worth of yarn were also imported. Experts predict that Pakistan will import between 55 and 60 million bales of cotton or cotton yarn this year, leading to a substantial outflow of foreign exchange. Haq has called on the federal government to implement a sales tax on imported cotton and yarn while exempting domestic purchases. This, he argues, would support local agriculture and industry and help strengthen the national economy. (ANI)
Alok Ranjan Jha joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2002. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

In a press release, MEA said, "Shri Alok Ranjan Jha (IFS: 2002), presently Ambassador of India to Belarus, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Zambia."

Jha has served in various capacities in the Indian diplomatic missions abroad and at the headquarters in New Delhi. Prior to assuming charge as India's Ambassador to Belarus, Alok Ranjan Jha served as Joint Secretary, MEA, New Delhi heading two Divisions dealing with Establishment matters as well as Global Estate Management.

On November 6, Zambia Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe and Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, co-chaired the 6th Session of Zambia- India Joint Permanent Commission, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Both leaders expressed appreciation for the growing momentum in bilateral relationships and re-affirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties for the benefit of the people of both countries.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the continued exchange of visits and underlined the importance of regular exchange at the political and official levels, including interactions within multilateral and plurilateral fora, including the UN, according to MEA.

Mulambo Haimbe and Kirti Vardhan Singh acknowledged the need to organise more events and programmes in each other's country to commemorate 60 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Zambia, MEA said.

Both sides reviewed and discussed cooperation in the areas of Agriculture, Education, Science & Technology, Energy, Culture, Housing and Urban Development, Finance, Development Partnership, Training Scholarship and Capacity Building, Defence, Mines and Mineral Resources, Transport & Communications, Water Development and Sanitation, Disaster Management Healthcare, Cooperative and SMEs, and Consular issues. (ANI)
The Awami Action Committee Yasin organised a protest in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan, drawing attention to several key issues affecting the local community. The demonstration was supported by Muhammad Ayub Shah, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the GB Council, and Muhammad Yaqoob, President of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Sub-Division Yasin, as reported by Pamir Times. The protesters strongly criticised the government's policies, calling them exploitative and unjust, Pamir Times reported. A major point of contention was the pressure on the mill and grinding machine owners to register with authorities. The speakers argued that the registration and renewal fees were essentially a tactic to impose unnecessary taxes under the guise of official requirements. The recent hike in commercial electricity tariffs also sparked outrage, with protesters demanding an immediate reversal of the increases. They argued that locally generated electricity should not be subject to such high charges and called for restoring previous rates. Additionally, they demanded that the government waive outstanding bills caused by these excessive charges, reported by the Pamir Times. The speaker also condemned the education facilities in the Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan region and stated, "first-year result in colleges was zero per cent as the teachers visited and gave lectures according to their comfort." The speakers demanded the revocation of the Land Reforms and Finance Act, claiming it to be harmful to local interests. The protestors also called for a re-tendering process for wheat dealership contracts to ensure fairness and transparency in awarding them. Another issue raised was the imposition of taxes on new shops and building constructions under the pretext of NOC registration, which protestors deemed an undue financial burden. They also emphasized the need for a female doctor at the Civil Hospital Taus to improve healthcare services for women in the area. The protest concluded with a commitment from the Awami Action Committee Yasin to continue their fight against policies they believe harm the local community's rights and welfare. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 19 (ANI/WAM): The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced the expansion of the Sanadkom initiative, aimed at simplifying and facilitating procedures for families of the deceased, to now include all residents of Abu Dhabi. The initiative provides support and assistance in completing death-related procedures, such as obtaining a death certificate, arranging for the burial, and preparing the deceased for travel, if necessary. The Sanadkom initiative aims to simplify and facilitate procedures for the deceased's family, especially in difficult circumstances. Following the issuance of a death notice, the Sanadkom team promptly reaches out to bereaved families offering their condolences and support with all necessary death-related transactions, and sends a text message outlining the initiative's services. In collaboration with the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an, to assist the bereaved families during this difficult period, Ma'an will bear all fees related to issuing the death certificate, ambulance transportation, embalming, and repatriating the deceased are fully covered for residents. Hind Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the Customer Experience and Relation Sector at DoH, said, "Under the directives of our wise leadership, the Department remains committed to enhancing and ensuring the delivery of exceptional and unique services to all members of the community. Recognising the emotional toll of losing a loved one, the Sanadkom initiative provides compassionate support, guiding bereaved families through any required procedures." Under the initiative, families of the deceased will be able to process all death-related procedures directly at healthcare facilities in the Emirate where the death occurred. The doctor in charge will help with the necessary procedures, including the completion of the death report and obtaining any permits that may be required on behalf of the deceased's family, following their consent. Led and supported by the Department of Government Enablement, the initiative unifies the services of seven governmental entities in the Emirate, including the DoH, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company - SEHA, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, and Al Ain Distribution Company. Saeed Al Mulla, Executive Director of the Customer Experience Sector at the Department of Government Enablement - Abu Dhabi, said, "Since its launch in January 2024, the Sanadkom initiative has successfully assisted families of deceased citizens in completing all the necessary procedures and transactions." (ANI/WAM)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a conversation with King Charles III and said that the two had discussions on topics of mutual interest, including the Commonwealth, climate action, and sustainability while extending his best wishes for the King's health and wellbeing. Sharing a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "It was a pleasure to speak with HM King Charles III today. Reaffirmed commitment to bolster India-UK ties. Exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including the Commonwealth, climate action and sustainability. Wished him good health and wellbeing." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1869724201814478932 Notably, Britain's King Charles III was diagnosed with a form of cancer in February. The King of Britain was then advised by his doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Earlier on April 26, The British Royal Family had announced that King Charles III will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis. The Royal Family took to X, and wrote, "His Majesty the King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis." Earlier in October, the British High Commission in India hosted King Charles' birthday party in the national capital. The event was hosted as a tribute to the UK's Head of State, reflecting the enduring ties between the UK and India. The celebration brought together a diverse group of dignitaries, including representatives from the Government of India, Commonwealth nations, and leaders from various sectors such as diplomacy, arts, education, research, business, and sports, an official press release by the British High Commission stated. The event aimed to highlight the vibrant business links between the two nations. Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, remarked, "His Majesty The King has an enduring interest in promoting a modern partnership with India and its people. It is such a privilege to celebrate His Majesty's birthday with friends in India who have been so generous to me since I arrived. I can think of no more interesting country to live in, no better time to be here." (ANI)
The Balochistan government is reportedly accused of spending PKR 5.5 million per month on social media employees to propagate government schemes and narratives, the Balochistan Post. The documents said to be from the Chief Minister's Secretariat, outline payments made to individuals designated as "social media employees" to promote government initiatives and monitor online discussions. According to the Balochistan Post, a shared narrative by the government-backed social media employees targeted the Baloch activists and families. Kiyya Baloch, a journalist based in Norway, criticized the reported spending, accusing the Balochistan government of focusing on propaganda instead of addressing pressing regional concerns. In a post on X, Kiyya Baloch stated, "At present, the provincial government of Balochistan is practically doing only one thing and that is propaganda. Sarfaraz Bugti's government is paying 5.5 million per month to propagandists on social media. Their job is to make false allegations against peaceful Baloch rights activists and families of missing persons." The Balochistan Post reported that he also claimed that those supporting pro-state narratives are allowed to act with impunity for illegal activities. "If you chant 'Long live Pakistan' or 'Long live the Pakistan Army,' you can smuggle drugs or run a private militia," he stated, further noting that individuals who refuse to use their real identities are encouraged to create anonymous accounts to promote the government's agenda. Activist Sabiha Baloch also criticised the reported expenditures, accusing the government of using public money to conceal the exploitation of Balochistan's resources. In a post on X, Sabiha Baloch stated," The coloniser extracts trillions of wealth from our land, perpetuating looting and genocide without resistance. To conceal its crimes, it spends millions on propaganda. Does this country deserve more funding?" Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has not responded or made any kind of remarks against the accusation of spreading false narratives, as reported by the Balochistan Post. (ANI)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday held a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on Ukraine's EU accession process, priorities of the newly formed European Commission, and use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels on Wednesday to hold talks with European partners amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Sharing a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "Today, during the meeting with the President of the European Commission, @vonderleyen, we discussed the priorities of the newly formed European Commission and Ukraine's accession to the EU. We also addressed the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's needs." Zelenskyy also welcomed the EU's new EUR18.1 billion macro-financial assistance package, with the first tranche expected in January 2025. "I am grateful for the new EU macro-financial assistance of EUR18.1 billion as part of the G7 loan, with the first tranche expected in January 2025. We value Ursula von der Leyen's personal efforts to consolidate unity within the EU around our country. A shared position between Ukraine and all other European countries is crucial to bringing a just peace closer," the post added. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1869719178346709106 Meanwhile, Ursula noted that next year will be "crucial" for Ukraine and ensured Europe's support for Ukraine's freedom. Sharing a post on X, Ursula wrote, "2025 will be a crucial year for Ukraine and its partners, we discussed with @ZelenskyyUa. We will stand by Ukraine's right to fight for its freedom and choose its own destiny. We will support Ukraine's economic stability, with over EUR30 billion of EU support next year." Earlier in the day, upon arrival in Brussels, the Ukrainian President held a meeting with NATO Chief Mark Rutte to focus on strengthening air defence in Ukraine. He noted that the partners expressed willingness to work towards effective security guarantees for Ukraine. Sharing the details on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "Brussels. An important and very substantive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Our talks focused on strengthening air defense for Ukraine and ensuring the reliability of the peace we are collectively working to achieve." "We thank Mark, NATO Secretary General, and all our partners for their willingness to more actively enhance our air shield and work together for effective security guarantees. The Alliance will do everything to ensure that Ukraine is as strong as possible when we turn to more active diplomacy. We greatly appreciate @SecGenNATO's efforts in organizing today's meetings," the post added. (ANI)
"N Nandakumar (IFS: 2007), presently Consul General, Consulate General of India, Shanghai, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Mali," the MEA said in a statement.

He is expected to take up the assignment shortly. (ANI)
Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses a welcome dinner held by the Macao Special Administrative Region government on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, in south China's Macao, Dec. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday commended the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) for its achievements over the past five "extraordinary" years.

Xi made the remarks while addressing a welcome dinner held by the SAR government on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

Against the background of accelerating global transformation not seen in a century and the once-in-a-century pandemic, the fifth-term SAR government has rallied and led the people of all sectors in Macao to rise to the challenges, made results-oriented efforts, ensured a steady economic recovery and achieved progress in all undertakings, Xi noted.

Over the past five years, Macao has made new progress in appropriate economic diversification, and reached a new level in improving people's well-being, Xi said.

Macao's political and social foundation, rooted in love for the Chinese nation and love for Macao, is more solid and stronger, and its international influence and visibility have risen significantly, he added.

The remarkable achievements are attributable to the full and faithful implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy, to the vigorous support of the central government and the mainland, and to the active involvement of the international community, Xi noted.

They are also the result of the hard work and all-out efforts of people from all sectors in Macao united under the leadership of the Macao SAR government, he added.

Macao enjoys the unique advantages of "one country, two systems" and has laid a solid foundation for development, Xi noted.

Macao should proactively align itself with national development strategies such as building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and seek to play a bigger role on the international stage, Xi said.

The SAR should uphold the underlying values of love for the Chinese nation and love for Macao while embracing greater openness, inclusiveness and solidarity, and work to attract the best minds to jointly build a better Macao, he said.

Macao needs to demonstrate stronger resolve and greater courage in reform and innovation, said Xi, adding that the region could leverage the institutional strengths of "one country, two systems" to break new ground in its development.

Ho Iat Seng, outgoing chief executive of the SAR, said in his speech that Macao should make greater contributions to building China into a stronger country and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Ho expressed his firm belief that the sixth-term Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Sam Hou Fai will lead the new government and all sectors of Macao to write a new chapter in the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics.

Cai Qi and other senior officials attended the event.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday highlighted the central role of the economy in determining a nation's stability, standard of living, and defense capability, emphasizing Russia's resilience despite external challenges. While speaking at the programme "Year in Review with Vladimir Putin," hosted by Channel One, the Russian president underscored that international institutions now rank the country as the largest economy in Europe by purchasing power parity and the fourth largest globally, following China, the United States, and India, surpassing Germany and Japan. Addressing the reporters, Putin said, "International financial and economic institutions have placed Russia first in Europe in terms of economic volume, purchasing power parity, and fourth in the world. Ahead are China, the United States, and India. We overtook Germany last year and have overtaken Japan this year." He further said, "Everything is measured by the economy. Traditionally, we start with the economy... Everything is on the economy, this is the foundation of foundations. The standard of living of citizens is on this, stability is on this, defence capability is on this - everything is on the economy. The overall economic situation in Russia is normal and stable. We are developing, despite everything, despite any external threats and attempts to influence us." Speaking on the country's economic performance, Putin noted that Russia's growth rate of 3.6 per cent last year is expected to reach 3.9 per cent or 4 per cent in 2024, amounting to an approximate 8 per cent increase over two years. "Last year, as you know, our economic growth was 3.6 per cent, this year it will be 3.9 per cent, and may be even 4 per cent. We will have to see, because the end-of-year results are calculated practically in the first quarter of the next year, 2025 in this case, and maybe it will be four. This means that over two years, economic growth was about 8 per cent, because, as experts say, I was exchanging opinions this morning, tenths, hundredths of a percent are a virtual thing..." Putin on Thursday also challenged Western claims about the Oreshnik missile's vulnerability, suggesting a direct test to assess its effectiveness against advanced air and missile defence systems in Ukrainian capital Kyiv. When questioned about the West referring to the "Oreshnik" as a modified version of an old Soviet weapon and claiming that the missile could be intercepted by air defence systems even during its launch phase, Putin responded, "This is a modern, very new weapon. Everything that is done in any sphere of activity is based on some previous developments, on previous achievements, and then people take a step forward. The same thing with Oreshnik... This is a new weapon. I repeat: this is a medium- and shorter-range weapon." He further said, "Let them (West) identify some target for destruction, say, in Kyiv, concentrate all their air defence and missile defence forces there, and we will strike there with the Oreshnik, and see what happens. We are ready for such an experiment. Is the other side ready? In any case, we do not rule it out. I mean that all their missile defence and air defence systems are still in operation. Putin expressed his confidence in Russian military advancements and expressed interest in the outcome for both Russia and the United States following a "technological duel." He added, "It will be interesting for us. What I told you is what engineers, scientists, and military specialists tell me. At the level of political leadership in the States, they also tell me something. Let's conduct such an experiment, such a technological duel and see what happens. It's interesting. I think it will be useful for both us and the American side." (ANI)
The indictment charges Muhammad Saadi with having repeated contact with the Lebanon-based terror group for several years and making several attempts to join its ranks.

He is also accused of communicating with Hezbollah's television station, Al-Manar, providing photos and videos. When Hezbollah began launching daily rocket and drone attacks after Hamas's October 7 attack, Saadi allegedly transmitted missile impact locations, aircraft movements, and the positioning of Israeli military units.

"The investigation of the affair once again revealed the fact that the elements of the Shiite axis led by Iran are working to promote terrorist activity in Israel, including by recruiting residents of the State of Israel who are exploited by them for espionage activities for their needs," the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) said. (ANI/TPS)
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti highlighted the potential of the US-India partnership, emphasising the need to lower tariffs and to increase trade and make it more fair and equal. While addressing an event organised on Thursday by the US-India Business Council (USIBC), Garcetti said, "We need, together, to lower tariffs, not to see them go up. We need, together, to increase trade and to make it more fair and equal. We need to, together, make sure that there's training and talent that meets the needs of companies on both sides of the Indo-Pacific." He further said, "We have to protect our trademarks and our intellectual property, and we have to make sure that transportation and infrastructure exists, for India to reach its goals more quickly, that is in the American interest, and vice versa, in the Indian interest as well. So let us renew our commitment to being more ambitious, to not settling for what is, and what is good, but reaching for what can be and what will be great." The US Ambassador further praised India's workforce, calling it as the "most extraordinary resources that humanity has on its planets." Garcetti said, "And to realise these ambitions, we must recommit ourselves to a mutual path of trust and transparencies so that people know what to expect. India's workforce, which numbers more than a billion people, is one of the most extraordinary resources that humanity has on its planet. They are builders, thinkers, innovators and entrepreneurs. The Indian dream is the flip side of what we used to call the American truth. In some ways you see it even more optimistically sometimes than our own country. And we can leave inspired when we work together about what's possible." Garcetti also called for merging "American scientific and financial acumen" with "India's grassroots ingenuity." "The US and India can create ecosystems that tap into this human capital to merge American scientific strengths in research, our financial acumen and business strategy with Indians' jugaad finding a solution to everything, your deep talent pools, your grassroots ingenuity and your readiness to scale solutions on a massive level," Garcetti said. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the signing ceremony of the National Museum with France Museums Development for the upcoming Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum that he was hopeful that it will express India-France cultural collaboration. Jaishankar said on Thursday that the museum will showcase tradition through technology. In a post on X, he said, "Pleased to join the signing ceremony between National Museum in New Delhi and France Museums Developpement for the upcoming Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum. Advancing a project of great national importance, it will express India-France cultural collaboration. Confident that the Museum will showcase tradition through technology, bringing global best practices to present our glorious past." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1869717671949783172 Jaishankar highlighted the India-France relationship and stated that both nations see each other as important poles in this multipolar world, calling it a "very strong relationship." Jaishankar said, "A few words about India and France. Most of you again would be aware that for us this has been a very strong relationship. India and France see in each other important poles in a multipolar world." Further, France's Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou expressed strong support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, particularly highlighting the shared cultural aspirations between the two nations. "France is eager to embrace the vision of PM of India. We also share the same vision which is for the culture," said Mathou. The museum, envisioned as a celebration of India's unbroken civilizational history, was first announced by the Prime Minister at the International Museum Expo in May 2023 and further highlighted during the inauguration of Bharat Mandapam in the following July. As part of this agreement, India and France will collaborate on a comprehensive feasibility study, encompassing museum case studies, interpretive planning, and building programming, a statement by the Ministry of Culture said. This strategic partnership builds on years of cultural cooperation between the two nations. France's renowned expertise in museum development, exemplified by the Grand Louvre, will play a pivotal role in shaping this project. The adaptive reuse of the historic North and South Blocks will ensure the preservation of their architectural heritage while creating a vibrant and efficient cultural space, the statement added. (ANI)
The search for water is a "daily undertaking" for Palestinians as water in Gaza has become a "tool of war", Al Jazeera reported. As the war continued, access to clean water has become more difficult, with an individual now having to survive on "less than five litres a day", Al Jazeera reported. The systematic and deliberate destruction of Gaza's water infrastructure has left more than two million people in a state of constant struggle, Al Jazeera reported. Shadi Yassin, a displaced Palestinian in central Gaza, told Al Jazeera, "We need water for showers, dishes and cleaning. We also need drinking water and we can't easily afford that. The amount of water here is not enough." At least 15 Palestinians have been killed and 30 wounded in Israeli air attacks on two schools sheltering displaced people in Gaza on Thursday (local time). Israel has also attacked Houthi sites in Yemen, killing at least nine people after bombing two power stations in Sanaa, as well as two ports and an oil facility in Hodeidah, according to local media. The attacks came after the Israeli military said it had shot down a missile launched from Yemen, Al Jazeera reported. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said that the Yemeni group is ready for a long war with the "Israeli enemy" in support of the Palestinians in Gaza, as per Al Jazeera. The Biden administration's Middle East aid envoy Lisa Grande reportedly made demands of Israel regarding the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, in a phone call with Israel's military liaison to the Palestinians, COGAT chief General Ghassan Alian, Times of Israel reported. She also demanded that Israel cancel all civilian evacuation orders, allow Palestinians who have been evacuated to return to their homes, and present a comprehensive plan to reduce harm to civilian infrastructure, according to the report, as per Times of Israel. Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 45,129 Palestinians and wounded 1,07,338 since October 7, 2023. At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day, and more than 200 were taken captive, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
A viral bar chart claims President Joe Biden has issued significantly more presidential pardons than any other president. ARE BIDENS PARDONS UNDERMINING TRUST IN THE PRESIDENCY? He has issued more pardons than any president in history, raising a few eyebrows, reads one post with more than 330,000 views. A similar image, using a pie chart to compare total pardons, is also spreading online.

Both charts show that Biden has issued more than 8,000 pardons and commutations since taking office in 2021, more than four times the number granted by President Barack Obama, and about 34 times more than President Donald Trump issued.

The image, however, is misleading and fails to include large numbers of pardons issued by previous presidents.

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Under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, a president can grant several distinct forms of clemency such as pardons, which fully forgive a crime and restore civil liberties to a person; commutations, which reduce a persons sentence; and reprieves, which temporarily delay or suspend a punishment.

Presidential clemencies have been supported administratively by the Department of Justices Office of the Pardon Attorney since 1894, which keeps records of all individuals granted clemency by a president. According to the offices data, Biden has issued 65 pardons and 1,634 commutations since taking officesignificantly higher than the 238 clemencies granted by Trump, but only the fifth highest of any president since 1900.

However, while the Office of the Pardon Attorney records most presidential clemencies, its data is not exhaustive. Several presidents, including Biden, have issued presidential proclamations pardoning broad classes of people or granted pardons through separate presidential boards, none of which are recorded by the Office of the Pardon Attorney.

Between 1974 and 1975, for example, President Gerald Fords Presidential Clemency Board granted pardons to more than 6,000 Vietnam-era draft dodgers and military deserters, and in 1977, President Jimmy Carter extended a blanket pardon to hundreds of thousands of Americans who avoided the Vietnam draft. Biden issued similar blanket pardons in 2022 and 2023 granting clemency to approximately 6,500 Americans convicted of simple marijuana possession and use violations.

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These blanket pardons are counted inconsistently by the viral graph. While it includes the approximately 6,500 individuals pardoned by Bidens marijuana pardons, it does not include the similar pardons issued by Ford or Carter. If none of these blanket pardons are included, the graph would look something like this:

Source: Department. of Justice Office of the Pardon Attorney

On the other hand, if those blanket pardons are includedand only the 209,517 men formally accused of violating draft laws are included in Carters pardonthe chart shifts to this:

Source: Department. of Justice Office of the Pardon Attorney

While Biden has granted more clemencies than many of his predecessorsmostly because of his December 12, 2024, clemency for nearly 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID pandemicwhen consistent data is referenced, his use of the presidential pardon power is not out of line with prior administrations. Biden, however, could still issue more pardons before he leaves the White House on January 20. According to research by Pew, every president since Ford has issued pardons or commutations in their final days in office.

If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com.

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PANAMA CITY BEACH  The Collegiate School at Florida State University Panama City is among the schools that are being recognized as Purple Star Schools of Distinction by the state Department of Education.

On Dec. 17, Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Bay County and announced that five districts in Florida, including Bay District Schools, and 176 individual schools received the Purple Star designation this year.

Gov. Ron DeSantis delivers remarks about "Purple Star Schools of Distinction" at Callaway Elementary School in Panama City, Fla., Dec. 17, 2024. (Tyler Orsburn/News Herald)

According to an FSU PC press release, The Purple Star designation indicates that The Collegiate School (TCS) "supports the unique needs of military families, helps military-connected students navigate critical challenges, and provides resources for military-connected students when transitioning to a new school environment."

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It is an honor to be recognized as a Purple Star School of Distinction, TCS Director Debbi Whitaker said in the release. We appreciate being able to join all of the other schools in Bay County in receiving this accolade for supporting our military community, and specifically the children of military families.

The Purple Star School of Distinction designation was established in 2021 by the Florida Legislature, with state universities becoming eligible in 2023. FSU secured the distinction in 2023.

The Purple Star School District program started this year. "The district-level award recognizes districts in which at least 75% of schools are Purple Star Schools," The Collegiate School's news release says.

Previous Coverage: Gov DeSantis visits Panama City, announces military distinction for Bay District Schools

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We are pleased to be part of a community that supports our military families, Dean Randy Hanna of FSU Panama City said in the release. From top to bottom, the schools here in Bay County have always been very supportive of the military and their family members.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: The Collegiate School at FSU PC secures Purple Star distinction
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Donald Trumps first Department of Justice was a bastion of legal and ethical impropriety led by figures seeking to fundamentally collapse the rule of law. His attorneys general sought to gut civil rights, dehumanize immigrants, further militarize the border, and undermine the basic tenets of American democracy.

Some of the worst, or maybe just the most public, drivers of these policies (like those attorneys general, Jeff Sessions and William Barr) have faded from public view. However, other attorneys, policymakers, and advisers from Trump Justice have spent recent years promoting the contagion of Trumpian policies and politics on the nation from power footholds in state-level attorney general appointments, right-wing influence shops, and even Bidens own DOJ.

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Trump 2.0 may well see many of these same figures return to helm the implementation of an even darker vision for the department.

So who are they, and what have they spent the past four years doing?

Trumps first DOJ produced a litany of officials who have spent their time after the federal government undermining the Biden administration, and hurting their own constituencies, as obstructionist and hyperpartisan state-level attorneys general.

Drew Wrigley, the former U.S. attorney for North Dakota under Trump, is now the states attorney general. While a U.S. attorney, Wrigley reportedly sought to aid Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election by suggesting a last ditch effort of demand[ing] statewide recounts of absentee and mail-in ballots in crucial states. As state AG, Wrigley has doubled down on his utter lack of regard for the law by seeking to undermine the independence of North Dakotas crime lab by unsuccessfully trying to relocate it under the jurisdiction of the states Bureau of Criminal Investigation, defending extreme and overtly unconstitutional abortion laws, and wasting millions in taxpayer dollars by participating in dozens of (often frivolous) suits against the federal government.

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During his time in the Civil Division as the deputy assistant attorney general for the office of immigration litigation, Scott Stewart was essentially Trumps top immigration lawyer. As such, he spent his time in office mostly defending that administrations heinously cruel border policies, including the consequences of family separation and Trumps remain in Mexico policy, and denying lawyers to children seeking asylum. Perhaps most notoriously, however, Stewart defended the Trump administrations efforts to force a 17-year-old to give birth by refusing to allow her access to an abortion. Indeed, Stewart argued that the immigrant had two choices: deliver the baby or go back to her home country and get an abortion there. In the time since, Stewart has become the solicitor general of Mississippi, leading the successful charge to end Roe v. Wade and overturn the constitutional right to an abortion, all while defending his states extreme abortion ban.

Trump DOJ alumni have also found footholds beyond state office, and theyve made no secret of their plans to continue building on their appalling records under the first Trump administration. We dont need to guess what some of them might do with renewed access to the resources and reach of the federal governmenttheyve told us themselves.

Gene Hamilton is a former counselor to Trump Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who authored the memo that gutted DACA under Trump, was instrumental in ending protected status for immigrants from Sudan and South Sudan, and was a key player in implementing family separation at the United States border while at the DOJ. After the administration, Hamilton transitioned to be vice president and general counsel at America First Legal, the hyperlitigious faction of ultraconservative incubator network the Conservative Partnership Institute. AFL, like CPIs other partner orgs, has continuously fought to ensure the continuation of Trump policy ideals and political goals by suing for ever-increasing cruelty at the border and trying to disenfranchise swaths of the American electorate.

Of course, Hamilton is also the literal author of the DOJ section of Project 2025, wherein he advocates for the department to be turned into a conservative bludgeon against political dissent and minorities as well as a partisan shield for extreme far-right actors and their political allies.

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Jeffrey Clark, Trumps notorious former head of the DOJs Environment and Natural Resources Division, who is now facing disbarment for his role in attempting to overturn the 2020 election, is a senior fellow and director of litigation at another CPI affiliate, the Center for Renewing America. CRA is itself a Project 2025 partner, and a hard-right think tank run by Russell Vought, Donald Trumps former director of the Office of Management and Budget and a diehard Christian nationalist. (Trump is also nominating Vought to return to that role during his second term.)

Others, including Katie Sullivan, have transitioned to other far-right influence shops, such as the Texas Public Policy Foundation. TPPF is one of the most notorious influence shops in Texas, infamous for its success in pushing extreme right-wing policy platforms, and one of the biggest allies of longtime Trump sycophant Ken Paxton, the states attorney general. This makes sense, given that Sullivan spent her time in office reportedly authorizing the weaponization of anti-human-trafficking grants away from charities with policy positions unfavorable to the president, and toward charities with extremely questionable missions and records. Sullivan has also appeared in Project 2025 training videos advocating for the removal of all the equity plans in the federal government and for the noxious tenets of critical race theory and gender ideology [to] be excised from curriculum in every single public school in this country.

Patricia Nation formerly served in the Trump administration as senior counsel in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and then as the director of Civil Rights Civil Liberties at the Department of Homeland Security. Trumps first Civil Rights Division was notoriously dysfunctional, perverting the mandate of the office and instead actively undermining the basic tenets of equal justice under the law. On everything from the gutting of consent decrees for abusive police departments, the endorsement of discriminatory voting-ID laws, and its vocal support for the end of affirmative action, Trumps Civil Rights Division continuously elected to support and defend the targeting and abuse of marginalized people across the country. Following her time in the Trump administration, Nation landed at the America First Policy Institute, a hugely influential right-wing think tank stacked with Trump loyalists and an institutional giant in the staffing and direction of the Trump transition team.

During the Trump administration, Ryan Newman was a Counselor to the United States Attorney General for national security and international affairs, Deputy General Counsel (Legal Counsel) for the Department of Defense, and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy at the Department of Justice. In the years since, he has spent his time largely as Gov. Ron DeSantis general counsel. Under DeSantis, Newman has allegedly intimidated state employees into suppressing political speech in the state, defended the governors attempts to gut the states available housing for minors lacking permanent legal status, and argued in favor of DeSantis politically motivated removal of a state attorney.

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The list of Trump alumni who transitioned to public positions in Florida also includes Lawrence Keefe, formerly the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney for Floridas Northern District. Following the Biden transition, Keefe eventually began working in DeSantis office as the governors public safety czar. Though Keefe has since resigned, the Tampa Bay Times reports that the role included the coordination of Floridas controversial migrant flight program, which involved lying to immigrants to coerce them onto flights to other parts of the country as part of a cruel, and potentially illegal, political stunt.

Curtis Gannon was a principal deputy assistant attorney general in Trumps Office of Legal Counsel and a member of Trumps beachhead or landing team at the DOJ during his transition into office. Though his time at the DOJ preceded the Trump administration, Gannon certainly made his mark by being the departments representative of record responsible for approving Trumps so-called Muslim ban in 2017. Gannon was also a frequent face representing the Trump White House in Congress during the lead-up to Trumps eventual (first) impeachment.

In August 2020, Gannon transitioned to be a deputy solicitor general, a position in which he has (inexplicably) remained throughout Bidens own term. While there, Gannon sided with Nestle USA Inc. and Coca-Cola, over international law scholars, the Constitutional Accountability Center, Nuremberg Scholars, and others, to argue that formerly enslaved children who were kidnapped and forced to work on cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast lacked standing to sue U.S. companies for their complicity in (and support of) the slave trade.

Trumps (latest) nominee to lead the DOJ, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, is sure to garner significant attention from the media and the public. Yet Bondi will not be the only one implementing the worst that Trump Justice 2.0 will have to offer, just as Bill Barr and Jeff Sessions werent the only ones responsible for the havoc wreaked via Trumps DOJ the first time around.

These individuals, should they reprise their roles within the administration, or their successors should they not, will in some ways be even more impactful on the consequences of what the day to day under Trump will look like, and they deserve our collective scrutiny for it.
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China's special representative Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with India's special representative and National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China and India's special representatives on the boundary question held the 23rd meeting in Beijing on Wednesday and reached a six-point consensus. It is the first meeting of its kind in five years.

Both sides agreed to continue taking measures to safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, and to continue seeking a package of solutions to the boundary question that is fair, reasonable and acceptable to both in accordance with the political guiding principles reached in 2005, according to the consensus.

They also agreed to further refine the rules for border area management and strengthen the construction of trust-building measures, to continue enhancing cross-border exchanges and cooperation to promote the resumption of Indian pilgrims' visits to China's Xizang, and to further strengthen the construction of the special representatives meeting mechanism.

A new round of the special representatives meeting will be held in India next year, according to the consensus.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of a stable, predictable, and sound China-India relationship for international and regional peace and stability.

China's special representative Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said that the leaders of the two countries met in October in Kazan, Russia, reaching important consensus on improving and developing bilateral relations, which set the course and direction for the recovery and development of China-India relationship at a critical moment.

Wang said both sides should, in the spirit of summarizing experience, looking to the future, and seeking win-win cooperation, place the boundary question in the appropriate position of bilateral relations, jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas, and promote an early return of China-India relations to a healthy and stable development track.

India's special representative and National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval said that both India and China have common interests and similar views, and it is necessary to coexist peacefully and develop together.

Doval said with the joint efforts of both sides, the issues related to the border areas have been properly resolved over the past five years, which is of great significance. The Indian side is willing to maintain pragmatic attitudes and effective communication with the Chinese side and continuously accumulate conditions for ultimately resolving the boundary question.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that Ukraine will not be invited to join NATO, and that Russia will not withdraw its troops from the occupied Crimean peninsula or other parts of Ukraine. He was speaking at an address to Slovakia's Parliamentary Committee for European Affairs on Wednesday.

Ukraine wont be invited to NATO. It will lose a third of its territory. There will be foreign military forces there," the prime minister said.

While Fico acknowledged that Moscow had violated international law by carrying out its invasion, he largely blamed the West for pushing Ukraine "into a bad situation".

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He made the remarks ahead of his trip to a European Council event in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday, where EU leaders will be meeting to discuss Ukraine, the Middle East, migration and foreign policy, among other issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also scheduled to visit Brussels and meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European leaders. Their discussions will aim to strengthen Ukraine's defences against Russian forces.

This marks the second time in the space of a few months that Prime Minister Fico has publicly made such comments. He previously said in October that he would not allow Ukraine to become a member of NATO as long as he was prime minister.

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"I will direct the lawmakers under my control as chairman of the (ruling Smer) party never to agree to Ukraine joining NATO," he told broadcaster STVR in an interview at the time.

Robert Fico, known for his pro-Russia stance and criticism of Ukraine's sanctions on Russia, including those targeting Lukoil, was reappointed as Slovakia's prime minister in 2023. In parallel, Fico decided to end Slovakias military aid to Ukraine.

"We see aid to Ukraine solely as humanitarian and civilian aid, and we will no longer supply Ukraine with arms," Fico declared.

In his view, "an immediate halt to military operations is the best solution for Ukraine. The EU should move from being an arms supplier to a peacemaker".

Ukraine believes that NATO membership is the only "real guarantee" for its security. In the mean time, NATO's foreign ministers await Donald Trump's second term as US President to begin in order to see how his approach to the issue will pan out.
CONCORD  New Hampshires public higher education systems have created more than 100 direct pathways designed to help students move smoothly from associate degree programs offered by New Hampshires community colleges to bachelors degree programs offered by the University System of New Hampshire.

This collaboration between the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) and the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) is intended to make it easier for students to continue their education and earn degrees more efficiently with less debt, and fill critical jobs in in the state, according to the college systems.

Students currently enrolled in or planning to enter any of New Hampshires seven community colleges can now follow clear, structured pathways leading directly to bachelors degrees at Keene State College, Plymouth State University, or the University of New Hampshire (UNH) (includingDurham, Manchester and the College of Professional Studies Online).

New collaboration between the community college system and the university system offers more than 100 clear, affordable paths for community college students

These pathways give students the confidence to pursue their educational goals with assurance that we have taken steps to align programs to help manage time and cost, said USNH Chancellor Catherine Provencher. This collaboration makes it easier for New Hampshire residents to stay in the state, earn a degree, and strengthen our workforce.

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CCSNH Chancellor Mark Rubinstein highlighted the importance of the new pathways, saying, Lifelong learning is going to be critical for students to be able to participate fully in the economic opportunities of the future, and this will also be essential for the state if New Hampshire is going to sustain a competitive workforce advantage, but the high cost of college and the accompanying debt have often been real barriers to postsecondary education. Our public higher education systems of New Hampshire now provide affordable and seamless options for students to begin taking classes in high school and advance to bachelor's degrees and beyond.

The new pathways will also streamline the application process. Students who meet basic requirements will be guaranteed admission to the university programs, and fees for applications and transcripts will be waived. This initiative, along with the New England Board of Higher Education Transfer Guarantee, provides unprecedented access to higher education for residents of New Hampshire.

To help students navigate these new pathways, CCSNH has trained advisors available at each community college and USNH sponsors a centralized Outreach and Enrollment Center that assists with applications, financial aid resources, and other support services available to students in both systems.

For information, visit nhtransfer.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: USNH, NH community colleges create 100 pathways to degrees
AMHERST  An inmate of the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authoritys Halifax County detention facility testified in an Amherst courtroom Wednesday that a fellow prisoner accused of killing his wife in Amherst County told him he shot her in the back of the head.

Frederick Lewis Wiggington, Jr., of Rockbridge County, was arrested Aug. 14, the day the remains of his wife, Elsie Wigginton, 45, were found at a home at 673 Pendleton Drive in Amherst the couple lived in at the time of her June 2023 disappearance. Fred Wiggington, 37, is charged with first-degree murder, using a firearm in the commission of a felony and concealing a dead body.

At the conclusion of a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Amherst Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, Judge Eugene Butler certified the charges to a grand jury after hearing four witnesses testify.

Jarrett Doss, a convicted felon jailed in Halifax County, testified he has had many conversations with Fred Wiggington. Doss said Fred Wiggington told him he shot Elsie Wiggington with a .22 caliber handgun he later pawned and placed her body under a concrete slab at their property on Pendelton Drive in Amherst.

While questioned by Carlos Hutcherson, Fred Wiggingtons attorney, Doss said he has access to tablets at the jail, but could not use them to look up any information in the case that hasnt been made public by authorities.

Elsie Wiggington was reported missing in June 2023, but the Amherst County Sheriffs Office did not start actively investigating until earlier this year, Sheriff Jimmy Ayers has said.

Amherst County Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Adam Stanley said at a bond hearing in August a lot of searches were conducted at the home on Pendleton Drive during a very extensive investigation by law enforcement. A concrete slab in a crawlspace under the home is where Elsie Wiggintons remains were located, Stanley said.

The autopsy report, which Stanley offered into evidence at Wednesdays hearing, said she was shot, Stanley said.

Law enforcement recovered a firearm belonging to Fred Wiggington, Stanley said. Ballistics evidence on gunshots and his firearm are being tested and the results were not yet available at the August bond hearing, Stanley said at the time.

John Wayne Goff, who lives on Pendleton Drive and is a neighbor of the Wiggingtons, testified Wednesday he probably lived within 100 feet of their trailer and had a full view of their property. He said he interacted with Elsie Wiggington a few times and recalled sometime the weekend of June 23-24 of last year he saw Elsie Wiggington carrying what appeared to be wood debris outside the home.

Fred Wiggington said something that didnt sit right with Elsie Wiggington, who screamed at him: What the [expletive] did you say to me, Fred?, according to Goffs testimony.

Goff testified he never saw her again after that exchange and he tried not to look over too much because it was always a spitter spatter over there, always dramafied.

I figured Elsie up and left, Goff said of not seeing her around anymore.

It was until law enforcement showed up at his door in June stating she was missing that Goff said he became aware of her disappearance.

When questioned about the heated exchange between the couple the last time Goff saw her, he said he couldnt make out Fred Wiggingtons words and only heard Elsies, because she screamed.

What he said, I didnt know, Goff said.

Investigator Clay Thompson of the Amherst County Sheriffs Office testified a search of the property was done on July 9 of this year involving cadaver dogs. The search lasted 10 to 12 hours on an extremely hot day that wore out the dogs, who spotted a few hits of interest, Thompson said.

Thompson testified he also went to an address in Lexington over the summer where Fred Wiggington lived with his girlfriend. Two vehicles that belonged to the defendant were seized, Thompson said.

Another search of the home occurred on Aug. 14 where an excavator was used to find a hole where a blue tarp was uncovered, Thompson testified.

The instant smell of decomp was in the air, Thompson said.

Elsie Wiggingtons body was found in the blue tarp along with a heavy string, the same color and size that matched string found in Fred Wiggingtons Lexington residence, Thompson testified.

Investigator Greg Jones said cellphones were seized from family members and Fred Wiggington. Jones said Fred Wiggingtons phone was seized a second time after his arrest and a photo of interest showed a hatchet, a large knife resembling a machete, a .22 firearm, another knife, keys and a notebook.

Jones testified he and state police interviewed Fred Wiggington, who gave statements about his late wifes disappearance. The defendant said he found her phone in the living room area after she left in June 2023 and she left behind wedding rings, clothes and other personal items, Jones said.

Jones testified Elsie Wiggingtons phone was found where Fred Wiggington was living in Rockbridge County and a factory reset had been done on it. A .22 firearm that matches the gun in the photo on Fred Wiggingtons phone was recovered from a pawn shop in Rockbridge County, Jones said.

Doss testified Fred Wiggington told him he was worried about evidence law enforcement found on the defendants phone.

Stanley said at the August bond hearing the defendants first version of events during interviews with investigators is Elsie Wiggington eventually ran off. He said the commonwealth is concerned about other parties in the case and their safety if Fred Wiggington were to be released from custody while awaiting trial and considers him a danger to the community and those cooperating with the investigation.

Ayers, who took office in January, said law enforcement across various agencies have put in many long hours into trying to locate Elsie Wiggington, a nurse who worked at Fairmont Crossing Health & Rehab Center at the time she went missing. He said he could not explain why an investigation didnt launch last summer under the previous administration of Sheriff E.W. Viar.

The couple were married in Amherst on April 20, 2019, according to a divorce complaint Elsie Wiggington filed on Aug. 18, 2020, in Amherst Circuit Court. The two separated with intention of severing the marital relationship on June 17, 2020, and for a period lived separate and apart, according to the complaint.

The complaint alleges Frederick Wiggington Jr. was in an adulterous relationship and, at his insistence, the 1.54-acre property purchased with Elsie Wiggingtons money prior to the marriage was deeded in his name alone, had a mobile home in her name re-titled into his name, forging Wifes signature, to which he later admitted to having done.

The court filing further states Husband staged a robbery of the home in September of 2019, taking all of Husbands guns, Wifes jewelry, home decor and other property. According to a later court filing, an order from an Amherst Circuit Court judge entered Feb. 25, 2021, the divorce complaint ended in a nonsuit.

Fred Wiggington remains in custody while awaiting further court proceedings.
BEDFORD  Wreaths were laid on 1,460 graves at the Oakwood, Longwood and Greenwood Cemetery in the town of Bedford on Dec. 14 as roughly 100 people gathered to pay their respects to fallen heroes.

The scene was a common one throughout Central Virginia, including the Amherst Cemetery on Greenview Drive in the town of Amherst and Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg, among many others as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. At the Bedford ceremony sponsored by the National Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Peaks of Otter Chapter, regent Karen Rowlett quoted former President Ronald Reagan in stating freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction and must be fought for and protected.

Sandy Weston, chaplain of the Peaks of Otter DAR chapter, said it is an honor and privilege to remember the men and women who fought to protect Americas God-given freedoms and answered their countrys call. Jeane Dooley, a district director of DAR, urged the Bedford crowd to pause and reflect as they laid wreaths on veterans graves and to say their name aloud while giving thanks for the many sacrifices.

Mickey Johnson, a member of the Bedford County Board of Supervisors, said he is blessed to have been born and raised in a county with gentle giants who lived there and served their country in battle. He recalled knowing the late Roy Stevens, of The Bedford Boys group of local soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy at D-Day and suffered heavy casualties, and other heroes who inspired the National D-Day Memorial locating in the town.

They fought for our flag and for our freedoms, the freedoms that seem to get trampled on regularly and we take for granted, Johnson said.

Johnson said thanks to those soldiers who paid the high price so that all Americans can freely travel coast to coast, worship and practice their religion without fear of the government stopping them and voting for whoever they want without answering to anyone other than themselves. He listed the countrys major wars, from the American Revolutionary War to the global war on terror, and remembered seeing veterans of World War I and their poppy fundraisers.

Johnson spoke of knowing soldiers of the Greatest Generation, Stevens among them, and others who fought in the wars in Korea and Vietnam. Bedford Countys own Lonnie Parker didnt want to kill anyone and served as a medic in the Vietnam War, was fatally shot by sniper fire administering aid to a fellow soldier, according to Johnson.

Johnson is active in a group that will install a monument in honor of Bedford County veterans who fought in the Vietnam War at the county courthouse in November.

Theres so many more folks from Bedford who have contributed to our freedom and to this flag that doesnt always seem to always get the respect I feel like it [deserves], Johnson said. I thank God for putting me in Bedford County among such people.

Johnson during the ceremony read from a poem he wrote called Old Glory about the American flag.

She flies proudly, over land and lake, the local sacrificed, we know heartache. The price is steep we continue to pay  we defend her still each and every day, he read from the poem, later adding: D-Day at Normandy, flag finally flown, Bedford suffered huge, losses well known. World War II liberating our friends, peace at last, but soon it ends.

 Fifty stars, one for every state, the very fabric of what makes us great. Our unsung heroes fly their flag high, they stand a pledge with a tear in their eye. If youre like me and you cherish this flag, if youve ever been issued or worn a dog tag, stand in salute if youre able, recognize Old Glory and know this is not the end of her story.

Debbie Toms, committee co-chair of the Peaks of Otter DAR, said each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful nation that symbolizes honor to all who have or are serving all branches of military and their families who endured the countless sacrifices.

To our children, we want you to understand the freedoms you enjoy today have not been free, but they come with a cost that someday you may have to pay yourself, Toms said. As a nation standing together, we can defeat terrorism, hatred and injustice. Thanks to our veterans, we have the freedom to do just that.
TOKYO, Dec 19 (News On Japan) - Police have arrested Takashima Nozomu, a 64-year-old author on suspicion of leaving a body in his apartment in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

The case came to light due to Takashimas failure to pay rent.

Court enforcement officers entered his apartment to carry out a compulsory eviction, where they discovered the body.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Takashimas home was in a so-called garbage house state, filled with trash and other items.

On December 18th, large amounts of belongings and debris were removed from the suspects apartment.

The body was found in an advanced state of skeletonization, and the identity of the deceased has yet to be determined.

The Metropolitan Police reported that Takashima admitted to knowing about the victims death, stating, I was in shock and didnt know what to do. I wanted to escape from reality. He has since confessed to the allegations.

Source: FNN
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At least 30 children were killed and dozens of others injured on Wednesday in a stampede at a children's carnival organized in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, local media reported.

The carnival took a devastating turn after the private organizers of the event announced plans to distribute cash to 5,000 children, which triggered a chaotic rush to enter a high school, the venue of the funfair in the Basorun area of Ibadan on Wednesday morning, local TVC News reported.

In a statement, Oyo State's Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade blamed the lack of proper planning and coordination by the event organizers for the loss of lives. He said the victims are mostly children.

The government has not yet compiled a complete list of the victims, who were transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment, the commissioner added.

"Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification," he said, adding that the police have commenced an investigation into the incident.
For over half a century, Nagasaki Prefecture has waged a relentless battle against biker gangs, groups known for their reckless, illegal street racing that disturbed public order and endangered lives. Now, after years of intensified crackdowns, Nagasaki police have announced the virtual eradication of biker gangs, culminating in the recent disbandment of the last remaining group in January 2025.
OSAKA, Dec 20 (News On Japan) - General drivers will be allowed to operate paid rides, commonly referred to as "ridesharing," throughout Osaka Prefecture on a 24/7 basis during the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Currently, ridesharing services in Osaka are limited to specific areas, such as Osaka City and its surroundings, and can only operate during designated times, such as Friday and Saturday evenings.

Osaka Prefecture had previously petitioned the national government to relax these regulations, citing an expected shortage of taxis during the Expo period. At a meeting held on December 19th, it was decided that from April to October next year, including the Expo period, ridesharing will be permitted across all areas of Osaka Prefecture, operating daily and around the clock.

Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura stated, "Among the ridesharing services available nationwide, I believe this is a significant step forward."

Trial operations will begin gradually starting December 20th.

Source: YOMIURI
Kitakyushu, Dec 20 (News On Japan) - Police in Kitakyushu have arrested Masanori Hirahara, a 43-year-old unemployed man living near the crime scene, on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the stabbing of two junior high school students at a fast-food restaurant.

Kousuke Hashimoto, Chief of the Investigation Department at Fukuoka Prefectural Police, stated: "The suspect admitted to the act, saying, 'I indeed committed the act.' However, we have not yet obtained detailed statements regarding his motive."

On October 14th, at approximately 8:10 p.m., the two students arrived at the restaurant, nearly simultaneously with Hirahara, who parked his car in the lot. The stabbing incident occurred around 8:25 p.m., but what Hirahara did during the intervening 15 minutes remains unclear.

Anchor Shimomura reported, "Hirahara allegedly stabbed the two students within seconds of entering the restaurant. He then exited and went directly to his car. Police believe he acted alone as no passengers were present."

Hiraharas home, located about 900 meters from the restaurant (a five-minute drive), became the focus of the investigation. On October 19th, after Hirahara failed to respond to police calls, officers forcibly entered the house by breaking a window. He was found sitting in a chair in the living room, offering no resistance.

Anchor Shimomura added, "The police seized a knife from the residence. However, it is yet to be determined if it was the weapon used in the attack."

Hirahara, who lived alone, had reportedly been involved in several disputes with neighbors. Residents described incidents involving loudspeakers, shouting vulgar language, and disturbing behavior such as setting off firecrackers.

One neighbor stated, "He would shout into a microphone using offensive language, scaring children. We even consulted with the community about his behavior."

Another neighbor mentioned that Hirahara regularly sang karaoke at home. "It was almost daily, but it stopped entirely after the incident."

Troubles involving Hirahara were reported to police in May and October of this year.

Police suspect Hirahara used a black van, which was found at his residence, as his getaway vehicle. Surveillance footage from multiple cameras and dashcams in the area captured his movements before and after the incident.

Key evidence included security camera footage showing Hiraharas yellow sandals and distinctive clothing during the attack.

Kousuke Hashimoto explained, "The decisive factor for the arrest was surveillance camera footage. Over the past five days, we meticulously analyzed footage from over 100 security cameras and dozens of dashcams."

Police are also investigating Hiraharas involvement in the murder of one of the victims, 15-year-old Sakuya Nakashima, who died from her injuries.

Hashimoto described the crime as "an appalling act involving a promising young student. Our officers worked tirelessly, without rest, over five days to ensure the suspect was apprehended."

Nakashima and the injured boy, who did not know the suspect, were reportedly studying together before heading to the fast-food restaurant.

The injured boy suffered serious wounds but survived, telling police he had no prior connection with the suspect.

Earlier: Grief and Anxiety Grow After Fatal Kitakyushu Stabbing

Source: ANN
Traveling can be both exciting and challenging. Discovering efficient and pleasant transportation options is crucial. Many people frequently travel between St. George and Salt Lake City in Utah. Understanding the best ways to move between these two places can make the journey more enjoyable.

Diverse Travel Options

Each travelers needs and preferences determine their best mode of transport. Heres a look at several options:

Car Rentals: Renting a car offers flexibility and convenience. It allows travelers to make unscheduled stops, enjoy scenic drives, and explore areas not available by public transportation. This independence can enhance the experience for those who prefer a personal and tailored approach to travel.

Flights: For those in a hurry or who prefer air travel, several airlines operate direct flights between St. George Regional Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport. This option is ideal for travelers looking to minimize travel time, though it may involve higher costs than other modes.

Buses: Bus services offer an economical solution with multiple operators running routes between the two cities. While travel is longer than other options, buses present a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.

Rail Services: Although train services are less direct and may not run frequently between St. George and Salt Lake City, some travelers prefer this alternative for its comfort and reliability.

Factors to Consider

Before choosing a travel method, consider these factors:

Budget: Assess how much youre willing to spend. Air travel can be pricier, but it saves time. Buses and trains are typically more affordable. Time Constraints: Determine how much time you have. If quick transport is necessary, flights or car rentals are preferable. Conversely, exploring other options like buses may provide a memorable experience if time is not an issue. Comfort Level: Evaluate your comfort priorities. Some may value legroom and amenities, making trains or certain bus services appealing.

Benefits of Land Transport

Land transport, such as car rentals and buses, provides several advantages:

Scenic Views: The journey between St. George and Salt Lake City offers breathtaking views of Utahs natural beauty, including its vast deserts and striking mountains.

Accessibility: Bus services offer various departure times, catering to different schedules. Theyre often accessible from downtown locations, easing the logistics of starting and ending your journey.

Environmentally-Friendly: Choosing land transport is generally more sustainable than flying, which can reduce your carbon footprint.

Travel Tips

Following some practical tips can elevate the travel experience:

Plan Ahead: Booking tickets or rentals ahead of time can help avoid last-minute stress and secure the best rates. Check Venues and Amenities: Ensure your chosen mode of transport provides the necessary amenities, like Wi-Fi or charging ports, especially for longer journeys where staying connected is key. Pack Smartly: Consider packing light for convenience and agility during transport transitions. Stay Informed: Whether flying or driving, keep updated on weather conditions, road closures, or flight schedules.

Enjoying the Journey

To truly enjoy the experience between these two cities, take time to relax and savor each moment. Allow yourself to appreciate the journey as much as the destination. Doing so can transform travel from a simple necessity to a part of the adventure.

Table of Comparison

For a clearer view, here is a comparison of the different travel modes:

Transport Mode Time Cost Comfort Environmental Impact Car Rental Variable Moderate to High High Moderate Flights 1 hour High High High Buses 5-6 hours Low Moderate Low Trains Variable Low High Low

Insight Through Experience

Discovering what works best often comes through experience. Trial and error might lead you to a travel option that suits you perfectly. This is especially true when considering the shuttle from St George to Salt Lake, which many find efficient and comfortable.

Diverse Traveling Circumstances

Each journey can present new circumstances that might shift preferences. Business trips prioritize efficiency, while leisurely travel might focus on experience and enjoyment. Remaining flexible allows travelers to adjust to these changing needs.

A Thoughtful Ending

Exploring transport options between St. George and Salt Lake City provides understanding, leading to satisfying trips. Consider preferences carefully, and choose the transport mode that aligns best with your needs. Successful travel entails thoughtful planning and flexibility, turning any trip into a rewarding experience.
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Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held Wednesday a phone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on developments in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, the ministry said in a statement.

During the phone call, Hussein stressed the need to protect Syrian minorities and other components and ensure their participation in the political process, it said.

For his part, Guterres expressed his concern about potential tensions between some Syrian armed groups and the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), noting that contacts are underway with Turkiye and Qatar to discuss ways to calm the situation, it said.

Turkiye sees the YPG group as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union.
President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani of Mauritania flew from capital Nouakchott to Rabat on Wednesday evening, reported the Mauritanian News Agency AMI.

The Mauritanian Presidents trip to the Moroccan capital, falls within the framework of a private visit, said the agency, without disclosing additional details about the nature or agenda of the trip.

It is worth noting that such private visits may carry diplomatic or personal dimensions, which adds a unique character to the relations between the two Maghreb countries.
King Mohammed VI has expressed his sincere condolences and solidarity in a message to French President Emmanuel Macron following the devastating Cyclone Chido that hit the Mayotte archipelago.

In this painful moment for your nation, I extend my sincere condolences and, through you, to the French people and the grief-stricken families, my deepest compassion, the King said.

He added that his thoughts also go to the injured and all those affected by the disaster, expressing full solidarity with the European country.

Reports said that hundreds of people could be dead as a result of the cyclone, which developed from a tropical depression in the south-eastern Indian Ocean basin earlier this month.

The disaster hit Mayotte on Saturday morning last week.

It will be difficult to account for all victims, the French Ministry of Interior said, noting that the total number of those affected is yet to be determined.

France sent aid and military personnel to assist in the rescuing efforts in its overseas department.
Chile reiterated, through the voice of its Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren Stork, constant support for the process led by the United Nations towards a just, pragmatic, lasting, realistic, viable, definitive and mutually acceptable solution to the question of Western Sahara, within the framework of the initiative presented by Morocco to the United Nations in April 2007.

This came in a joint statement issued Wednesday at the end of a meeting in Rabat between the Chilean Foreign Minister and his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.

Chile emphasizes the centrality of the United Nations in the political process and reaffirmed its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2756, dated October 31, 2024, and values the serious and credible efforts made by the Kingdom of Morocco to advance the process towards a political solution, the joint statement pointed out.

Van Klaveren Stork, who is on a working visit to Morocco, told the media after the meeting that the positive ties between Chile and Morocco boast great potential for upgrading bilateral cooperation.

We are exploring the possibilities of bilateral cooperation and all the potential it brings for relations between the two countries, Van Klaveren Stork underlined.

In this context, Van Klaveren Stork pointed out that his talks with Bourita focused on Moroccan-Chilean relations in the economic field, in particular the revitalization of the bilateral Joint Commission on Trade and Investment.

The idea is to further explore the opportunities available to strengthen economic bilateral relations, he said, emphasizing that the two parties maintain a fruitful political dialogue with many areas of convergence.

During his visit to the Kingdom, Alberto Van Klaveren Stork took part in the Congress of the Future, organized by the Moroccan Parliament Dec 17  18, in collaboration with the Fondation des Rencontres du Futur, and the Chilean Chamber of Deputies and Senate.

Chiles top diplomat highlighted that the Future Congress is a space for reflection founded in Chile eleven years ago, and now enjoys international prominence.

Chile was represented at the Future Congress by a high-level delegation.
Several UN experts are convinced that it is just a matter of time before the designation of the Algeria-backed Polisario separatist group a terrorist organization, resulting in its expulsion from the African Union.

The Polisario militias are armed, funded, and sheltered by the Algerian junta in Tindouf camps. This terrorist organization and its anti-semitic leaders against Israel are linked to Iranian proxies, Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas, and brutal Bashar Assad, forming an axis of evil threatening regional stability and international peace.

The support of General Said Chengriha and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for the Polisario builds on an ideology of their predecessors, dating back to the Cold War era which was marked by global geopolitical tensions between the Communist Eastern bloc, led by the Soviet Union and the Capitalist West, defended by the United States.

At the United Nations, despite various stratagems and unsuccessful attempts by Algiers, the Polisario has never been recognized as the representative of the Saharan population in Tindouf camps, located in Southern Algeria. The majority of this population is from Sub-Saharan region and not Sahrawis, who are sequestered in these camps by the Polisario in connivance with the Algerian army.

The Polisario has proven it is a terrorist and criminal organization. Evidence and intelligence reports have confirmed the involvement of the Algeria-backed separatist militias and its leaders in terrorist activities carried out by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. For these reasons, they will stand trial for crimes against humanity.

Besides embezzlement of humanitarian aid, the Polisario militiamen operate in drugs and arms trafficking in collusion with Algerian Generals. They use the proceeds from narcotics and criminal activities to finance their terrorist operation and line up their pockets.
Thanks to a successful mediation by King Mohammed VI, four French officials accused of espionage and detained since December 1, 2023, in Burkina Faso have been freed. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke over the phone on Wednesday, December 18, with King Mohammed VI to warmly thank him for the success of his mediation, said the Elysee in a communique.

President of Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traore, has responded favorably to the Monarchs mediation and request for the release of the four French nationals detained in Ouagadougou since December 2023, the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

This humanitarian act was possible thanks to the excellent ties between King Mohammed VI and President Traore and the long-standing good ties between Morocco and Burkina Faso, the Ministry underlined.

This mediation by the King of Morocco comes as Paris and Rabat have sealed their reconciliation, materialized by President macrons state visit to Rabat at the end of October.

On July 30, France paved the way for a bilateral thaw by offering enhanced support for Moroccos autonomy plan for the Sahara, considering the plan as the only basis for resolving the nearly fifty-year-old conflict between Morocco and the Algeria-back Polisario separatist Front.
PM Glavchev did not sign the security cooperation agreement with Ukraine, leaves it for a regular cabinet

Caretaker Prime Minister, Dimitar Glavchev, did not sign the Agreement on Security Cooperation with Ukraine. He is leaving it for the next regular government to address.



Speaking to journalists in Brussels on December 19, Glavchev stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed full understanding of the situation.



" He said, `Whenever you are ready, I am available, " Glavchev noted, reassuring that there would be no diplomatic fallout from the delay. " There is full understanding. We are waiting for the National Assembly to provide guidance on how we should proceed. "



Glavchev expressed hope that a regular government would soon be formed to handle the issue, adding, " I hope this does not become the central topic determining whether or not we have a regular government. "



Once the MPs make a decision, Glavchev mentioned that a prime minister, whoever it may be, would sign the agreement alongside President Zelenskyy.



" If it`s within this caretaker government, I will go to sign with Zelenskyy, " he added.



Earlier, Glavchev emphasized that he would only sign the Agreement after a decision by the National Assembly, citing the Constitutional Court`s interpretation that the caretaker government`s authority is limited to its mandate. Given the 10-year duration of the Agreement, he remarked, " I dont believe this caretaker government will have such a long mandate. "



Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker, Nataliya Kiselova, refused to include the Agreement with Ukraine for a vote in the Parliament. This happened after the " MRF-New Beginning " demanded that Kiselova include their draft as an additional item on the agenda. If adopted, the draft law would mandate the caretaker Prime Minister to sign the document.





   



      

  
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty Images, X

The cryptocurrency market is unfathomably hot right now. A meme coin named after an act of enthusiastic oral sex briefly peaked with a market cap near $500 million earlier this month. Another coin with no utility whatsoever, called Fart Coin, has a market cap of close to $1 billion roughly the same value as Marshalls or the Kuwaiti International Bank.

Longtime bitcoin holders are even cashing out now that the commodity has breached $100,000, converting their long-holds into Rolexes, BMWs, and private-jet excursions. One cryptocurrency whale, 34-year-old Justin Sun, dropped $6.2 million on the Maurizio Cattelan piece called Comedian that was a banana duct-taped to a gallery wall. It challenges traditional notions of value and creativity in a way that mirrors the disruptive nature of blockchain and cryptocurrency, Sun wrote to explain his interest in the piece. Then he ate the banana  part of continuing the artworks story and paying tribute to its ephemeral nature, Sun wrote. By doing so, I hope to inspire conversations about value, art, and the power of shared experiences in both the physical and digital worlds. Then he felt bad that the Upper East Side street vendor who originally sold the banana to the artist sold the fruit for just a quarter, so he offered to buy 100,000 bananas, which proved to be a logistical nightmare for the vendor, who wouldnt see the profit anyway because he didnt own the fruit stand. Then Sun bought over $200 million of ethereum.

There is one man to thank for all this speculation: Donald J. Trump. The president-elect, who once tweeted that bitcoin was based on thin air, has become the savior of decentralized finance, with bitcoin investors and meme-coin bettors thrilled by his newfound acceptance of their asset class. On Election Day, six weeks ago, bitcoin traded at $68,000. After Trump won, even institutional traders were advising to buy everything you can in crypto-world, confident that the incoming president would kill regulatory enforcement and treat this economy strictly as an engine for growth. So far, the bet has paid off. Bitcoin is a rising tide that has lifted all sorts of lesser assets that were thought to have been mostly left behind when the Biden administration cracked down on the last cryptocurrency free-for-all in 2022.

We have now entered Crypto Sicko Mode. After years of complaining that the federal government was trying to kill off the industry, it is roaring with raw confidence. As with the appeal of Donald Trump himself, they have considered the consequences and have chosen to ignore them and do it all again.

NFTs of apes are selling for five figures again. Crypto executives are shuttling to Mar-a-Lago to join the corporate knee-bending extravaganza at the president-elects resort. A new wave of crypto ETFs  the easy-to-invest, passive version of a mutual fund  are expected to launch next year, expanding the market for nonbelievers. Razzlekhan, a notorious crypto figure from the last hype cycle, is posting again. Rug pulls and alleged pump-and-dumps appear to be back.

The $HAWK coin launched by podcaster Hailey Welch, who became one of the most famous people of 2024 after she answered a man-on-the-street interviewer asking about one move in bed that makes a man go crazy, soared close to a $500 million market cap then promptly lost all of its value when the majority of its tokens were sold. This has all the hallmarks of a very bad thing. Welch told Fortune the whole thing was not just a cash grab before her manager intervened to say that we dont want to break securities laws. In an emailed explanation, crypto attorney Yuriy Brisov wrote that Welch could find herself in a precarious situation if regulators found that $HAWK is in fact a security. Welch could find herself in hot water for offering unregistered securities, he wrote. The rapid rise and fall of the coins value also raises questions about potential market manipulation, a practice frowned upon by regulatory bodies worldwide.

In one of the most telling examples of the hot market, a Republican congressman, Mike Collins, just bought north of $2,000 of a meme coin called Ski Mask Dog. Collins, one of the Houses most strident backers of cryptocurrency, did not respond to questions about why he bought an asset that has no core value beyond building an online community around a golden retriever in a balaclava. One supporter on X explains why he thinks its value will go up: Its the first non-cartoon looking dog that gives off the cool gritty vibe that 20-30yr old dudes in crypto could really rally behind.

This always comes around when bitcoin pumps, because then you have every other person talking about crypto, says a 30-something user named Unlock Crypto who helps run Ski Mask Dogs social media. Now my siblings, my aunts, my friends, they all carry us. Theyre all slowly trying to figure out how to get in it before everyone is in it. I think thats a good sign. The Ski Mask Dog market cap currently hovers around a quarter-billion dollars.

Photo: Ski Mask Dog via X.

Figures a little closer to the incoming cabinet expect that the Trump bitcoin bump is here to stay. J. Christopher Giancarlo, the chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for the first two years of the first Trump administration, anticipates an end to regulation by enforcement from openly crypto-hostile regulators at the Securities and Exchange Commission led by outgoing chair Gary Gensler  the man who was tasked by the Biden administration to clean up cryptocurrency. The day Trump nominated his new pick, Paul Atkins, investors responded by buying enough bitcoin to launch it north of $100,000 for the first time ever. This is because the first time Atkins was SEC commissioner  his last term ended a month before the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008  he was big on deregulation. Also, he currently serves as a board member for a crypto lobbying group.

Giancarlo also expects that Trumps follow-through on campaign promises will seal the deal, like the formation of a crypto council. Crypto executives from companies once charged by the SEC are currently lining up to help influence the executive branchs approach to their own industry. Trumps other promises also include the creation of a strategic national reserve of bitcoin  an idea he reiterated last week  and a potential end to capital-gains taxes on crypto transactions.

If the crypto industry at large is foaming at the mouth to make money and gain influence during the new Trump administration, they are not alone. Howard Lutnick, the incoming Commerce secretary, has spent years advising the controversial crypto giant Tether  which is being looked closely at by the Treasury and Justice departments due to the fact that groups ranging from Hamas to Russian arms traffickers find it really easy to use for money laundering. According to business associates who spoke with The Wall Street Journal, Tethers founder has said this year that he expects Lutnick to use his standing to influence government actions against his company.

Trump himself has denied claims that he intends to profit from his second stay in the White House. The potential conflicts of interest are already here. In early December, Justin Sun  the guy who ate the million-dollar art banana  invested $30 million in Trumps extremely useless cryptocurrency play World Liberty Financial. (The company does not allow buyers to sell its tokens on a secondary market, advising investors that their purchase is non-transferable indefinitely.) That purchase price tripped a switch in the companys financial terms that allows Trump and his family to receive 75 percent of that net revenue. Crypto skeptics worry that this is another way for rich people who are in trouble to influence the president-elect. (Last year, Sun and his company, TRON, were sued by the SEC over allegations of fraud and market manipulation. He has denied wrongdoing.)

The $6 million banana man, Justin Sun. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

After discussing Trump and cryptocurrency with Giancarlo for a while, I asked him: Do you think that the 78-year-old president-elect understands all this?

Hes not what the industry calls crypto native, he said. What I would say about Trump, having served during his first term, is that its all about economic growth. I believe he views crypto the same way he views AI, the same way he views nanotechnology, the same way he views quantum computing, the same way he views fracking and other new energy-extraction methods  as all leading to enhanced economic growth.

It has become cliche to say, but that is all the industry really wants. Trump keeps doubling down on that promise. Were gonna do something great with crypto, he said at the New York Stock Exchange last week. Others are embracing it and we want to be ahead.
Photo: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

The already strained relationship between Mayor Adams and the citys press corps is getting even worse, with the mayor lashing out at a media that has no choice but to report on the significant legal and political headwinds facing his administration.

This is a mayor who, unlike his predecessors, limits ask-any-question sessions to once a week, then ducks, defers, or complains about the queries he gets. Visibly afraid to sit down with political journalists, Adams schedules time with comedians and radio-show entertainers who dont know enough about most issues to ask challenging questions. Predictably, the duck-and-hide strategy has failed to get Adams the good press he craves.

You sit here every day, and everything we roll out, you want to find a creative way to crap on it and just act like it doesnt exist, you have to ask yourself, what is your agenda? Is your agenda to report the news? Or is your agenda to say, Were going to try to be personally attacking this administration?

Nothing personal, Your Honor, but theres been some bad news lately.

In one recent 24-hour span, Adamss chief adviser and close friend, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, abruptly resigned from the administration and told reporters she expects to face criminal charges. That same day, the citys Campaign Finance Board rejected the mayors application for $4.3 million in badly needed matching funds. And President-elect Donald Trump publicly expressed interest in pardoning Adams on federal corruption charges, a possible lifeline that might help Adams legally but wont do much for him politically in a city that Trump lost by 38 percentage points, which comes out to nearly 1 million votes.

The mayor strongly suggested that his teams relationship with the media is likely to get worse. Theres a saying in politics: Dont criticize people who buy ink by the barrel, because they will get you, he said. I refuse to do that. Ive disputed and fought against people who carry guns for a living. And Ill be darned if Im not going to do it to those who carry ink by the barrel.

Thats unwise and counterproductive: The citys daily newspapers have been publishing for centuries and will be here long after this mayor has moved on. Adamss tantrum also misses the point. Far from trying to make the mayor look good or bad, journalists are simply reporting the inconvenient fact that, in a city where the mayors approval rating was at 22 percent before he got indicted, many of the citys labor unions, major corporations, civil-rights organizations, political associations, philanthropic organizations, and other engaged civic groups have been holding serious conversations about what New Yorks future might look like with somebody other than Eric Adams in charge.

More than half a dozen candidates have stepped up to challenge Adams in the Democratic primary. Expect a lively 24-week campaign in the New Year. But with all the promises and putdowns, and the debates and rallies getting most of the press, theres an important process already underway  quietly  that will have a very big effect on the next mayor of New York (or even Adams, should he win a second term).

The reality is that most candidates start out with only a few concrete plans on how they intend to govern. Many of the most important issues the next mayor must handle get little discussion beyond some vague and hazy slogans, with some policies getting fleshed out based on what different crowds, donors, labor unions, and interest groups tell the politicians. So with the campaigns ramping up, some of the most consequential political action is taking place in the form of civic leaders meeting with candidates and educating them about the issues they will need understand in great detail if they are to govern the city effectively. Just as much as elections, its a core feature of New York City politics. If anything, more of us need to get involved.

I recently asked Comptroller Brad Lander something hes learned on the campaign trail so far. Youve got to be able, in 60 seconds, to get your points across at the forums, he told me. That level of simplification creates a danger that, by the time we get to June, the field of politicians could be promoting a hodgepodge of field-tested promises, positions, and talking points designed to please crowds and rack up votes rather than actually fix city problems.

Nobody knows this better than Adams, whose govern-by-slogan style has long included bromides like #GetStuffDone and Crime is down and jobs are up, a neat but inaccurate formulation that ignores New Yorks increases over the last two years in rape, felony assaults, auto theft, subway violence, and other high-profile criminal activity, with many categories of crime still significantly higher than before the pandemic.

Every civic leader out there  from tenant-association presidents to corporate vice-presidents and community organizers  should be trying to get a moment with the leading candidates for office and educate them about different concerns. Be sure to tell rather than ask: On any given issue, theres an excellent chance that many politicians will have no idea what might be the best and most effective path forward. Its up to New Yorks army of grassroots experts to bring our elected leaders up to speed.

A case in point is New Yorks ongoing scandal of delaying and denying payments to the nonprofit organizations that provide critical services, including early education, addiction treatment, emergency housing, and more. The Human Services Council, an association of about 170 nonprofits, told The City news organization that the situation is definitely the worst its ever been and that nearly half of the nonprofits in a recent survey had borrowed more than $87 million to make ends meet and had to pay $6 million in interest. In some cases, organizations have been forced to lay off staff or close altogether.

Ive asked a few candidates what they intend to do about it.

This is inexcusable. The state government pays much more quickly than the city. It can be done. We have to reengineer the entire process, Manhattan Borough president Mark Levine told me on the day he announced a run for city comptroller. Put more staffing in there to get these through more quickly and probably bring some technology and automation in so that these are done routinely and quickly so that there is accountability and nonprofits get paid. Im going to be all in on the fight to get nonprofits paid on time.

It is disgraceful that we treat our nonprofits the way that we do, particularly because they are in many instances doing the work that people assume the city is doing, is how candidate for mayor Zellnor Myrie responded. Who you appoint, who you have running the contracts, running your administration, is also really important. And it shouldnt just be the people that have been politically loyal to you. It should be people that have some know-how and have some level of expertise to execute and deliver on those contracts.

Thats an okay start. I hope every civic activist out there will get moving as soon as possible. We need to build an informed, clued-in field of candidates  including Adams  before the next election sneaks up on us.
The president-elect couldnt wait until hes in office to screw up Washington with angry demands. Photo: Allison Robbert/AFP/Getty Images

MAGA Republicans in Congress have been eagerly looking forward to the second Trump administration and the broad and often radical agenda they plan to help the 47th president enact. But before hes even sworn in, Donald Trump has suddenly instructed them to instantly pass fiscal measures most of them are really going to hate.

On December 18, months of bipartisan planning for a stopgap spending bill to keep the federal government operating until March went down the tubes as the ever-meddling Elon Musk, and then Trump himself, trashed the measure when it was on the brink of a House vote. Speaker Mike Johnson was forced to withdraw the bill, and now a government shutdown at midnight on Friday looks very likely.

That was bad enough for congressional Republicans eager to get home for the holidays. But then Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance issued an entirely new demand: passage of a clean stopgap bill (i.e., one stripped of all the sweeteners Democrats had secured in exchange for their votes, including urgently needed disaster funds and farm assistance) with a debt-limit increase thrown in:

A statement from President Donald J. Trump and Vice President-Elect JD Vance:



The most foolish and inept thing ever done by Congressional Republicans was allowing our country to hit the debt ceiling in 2025. It was a mistake and is now something that must be addressed.  JD Vance (@JDVance) December 18, 2024

This was news Congress could not use. The statutory debt limit, which was suspended for two years via a bipartisan agreement in 2023, will be breached by the federal government next year (likely in June, according to most estimates). The Republicans who will be running Congress in January had planned to deal with the debt limit as part of some much larger springtime measure, probably a budget reconciliation bill that will include extension of Trumps 2017 tax cuts. But now we learn Trump has been grumbling about having to deal with the debt limit at all. So now hes insisting that Republicans (many of whom have never voted for a debt-limit measure in their entire careers) pass it right now or stand accused by their leader of a betrayal of our country.

Some of the same hard-core MAGA Republicans who hate debt-limit increases also habitually vote against any spending measures (and certainly the clean stopgap bill Trump is talking about) that arent accompanied by deep domestic-spending cuts. But they cant be given a pass to vote against Trumps wishes, because Democrats are not about to provide any votes for a bill that abandons the deal they made with Johnson. And even if nearly all GOP House members bend the knee and vote for this package that they will hate, they have only a three-vote margin of control of the chamber and dont control the Senate or the White House at all until next month.

Why should Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer cooperate in this intensely partisan GOP maneuver? Why would President Joe Biden sign the package if it somehow reaches his desk? Theres really no answer to these questions, which is why Trump is essentially asking his troops to walk the plank and cast pointless votes for more spending and debt that wont even keep the government open, since its doomed to fail.

Worst of all, this order from Trump is now in the hands of the one Republican in Washington with the least political capital available: Mike Johnson, whom nearly everyone in both parties is blaming for inept handling of the stopgap spending bill that has now imploded so spectacularly. Either Trump double-crossed Johnson by approving the deals with Democrats that went into the bill and then reversing himself when Musk decided to stir up MAGA-land into a revolt, or Johnson got assurances from Trump underlings without confirming it with the Big Guy. Either way, the Louisianan looks like a hapless schmo right now, just 15 days before the House is scheduled to elect a Speaker for the new 119th Congress.

The congressional GOP is in a fix, all right, and the president-elect has now made it much worse. While the situation is bad for the government employees who will likely be furloughed for an indefinite period of time, its quite the surprising holiday gift for Democrats who are in a position to stand back and watch as the so recently triumphant GOP tries to find its way out of an entirely self-imposed trap.
 Flash

Displaced Palestinians try to get food aid from a local community kitchen amid the siege imposed by the Israeli army and the scarcity of aid in the Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City, on Dec. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

At least 16 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday night by Israeli bombings in northern Gaza, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.

At least 10 people were killed and some others injured when the Israeli aircraft bombed the house of the Al-Najjar family in the town of Jabalia, WAFA said.

Six more people were killed due to Israeli bombing on the house of the Al-Zaytouniya family near the Al-Tabi'in School in the Al-Daraj neighborhood, east of Gaza City, it added.

The Israeli army has not commented on these incidents.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 45,097, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Wednesday.
He's got that amount of money? He's old enough to have children of that age? Things were learned today.

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All of the Americas know who Daddy Yankee is and his bank account proves it!!

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I thought he was a one-hit wonder with Gasolina. I didn't realise he had money.

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what lol



i've known who he is since at least Gasolina (2004) lmao

and tbh idk about you but i know too many people who had kids at 17-25 so like at 47 it makes sense sadly his kids are all adults.



regardless makes sense he'd have some money at this point with the song getting so big tbh lol idk

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Need to find me a man who has $100 mil I can take!

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i am just shocked he has that amount of money?!

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Why is he facing public scrutiny, though? Also, even if she had a corporate role, how was she able to access that much company (not his private) money to begin with?

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Mm now, usually I would be on the side of the Victim of Thievery.



But, hes just gonna get more of it preaching/scamming people, so Ill allow this. 

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How can she just transfer that much money. Sounds insane to me. I think any transfer over 10k needs to be reported here

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If I could read, I would love to know the timespan of the alleged withdrawals.

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She has the bank routing number, account number.



He says it happened on the 12th.



https://www.billboard.com/pro/daddy-yankee-legal-injunction-estranged-wife-money/ It seems that all she did was move the money to her account since she's the secretary of treasury.She has the bank routing number, account number.He says it happened on the 12th.

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I would never want the fingers of anyone else's fingers in my money like this lol. yes even a spouse. guess married life is not for me!!!!!

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She had been managing his music company/his businesses for years, so thats partly why she could move the money around.

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Sounds like that's her money too then

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Daddy Yankee has 100s of millions to just be tranferred from one account to another?



He has kids in their mid / late 20s??



DY has been married for THIRTY years???





What rock have I been living under????

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This is why you keep work separate from your personal life. And 100 mil? If you're going to steal, fine, but DAMN! Don't do the kind of stealing that draws immediate attention. But maybe she and her sister had a "go big or go home" mentality.



Edited at 2024-12-19 10:58 pm (UTC)

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he invested money in oil... i mean, gasolina.

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Hes worth 100M?? Okay daddy.

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I guess people who are surprised that he has over 100M are people who only know him from Gasolina? I mean, this dude is the one who virtually popularized whats now the biggest genre in Latin music, who started being famous when you could still make money out of albums/songs and who managed to continue having hit singles until becoming a pastor or whatever last year.



I guess its like your average Spanish-speaker if they heard this about *googling* Garth Brooks? Or any other country music singer.

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I remember his songs being the go-to choice for our campus cookouts in Miami, aside from Sean Paul and Beyonce.

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mte these people don't understand

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non-latinos who don't appreciate reggaeton

what's next, question who wisin y yandel are???

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I can deal with Wisin y Yandel erasure, but I draw the line at Don Omar! He didnt make anthems for Fast & Furious just to be ignored 

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im actually a little offended 

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Im having war flashbacks when 1989 was released and american ontd just refused to understand thay taylor swift has NOT been huge globally since her first album

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her car needed gasolina.

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Im surprised yall are surprised hes rich AF lol where have you been??

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Pretend I made a gasolina joke here and it was funny. I'm to tired to come up with one.

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OSHA Awards Over $2 Million to Airline Pilot Fired for Reporting Safety Concerns

OSHA ordered Asia Pacific Airlines to pay over $2 million after retaliating against a pilot who raised safety concerns.

OSHA has ordered Asia Pacific Airlinesa Guam-based airline operated by Aero Micronesia Inc.to pay more than $2 million in wages, damages and legal fees to a cargo pilot wrongfully fired for raising safety concerns about an aircrafts faulty engine.

According to a recent release, the pilot refused to fly a cargo plane they believed had an unreliable engine. OSHA inspectors said the airline retaliated by reprimanding, suspending and eventually terminating the pilot for exercising their federally protected right to report safety issues.

The agency concluded that the pilot repeatedly flagged concerns about the maintenance teams failure to properly diagnose the engine problem. A separate investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the pilots assessment, finding that Asia Pacific Airlines used incorrect troubleshooting procedures that prevented proper identification and resolution of the issue.

Despite these findings, Ralph Freeman, the airlines then-chief pilot and director of operations, maintained that the disciplinary action was justified. OSHA ultimately concluded that the pilots termination was a direct result of reporting safety concerns.

Asia Pacific Airlines has shown an unacceptable and potentially catastrophic disregard for safety and shamefully viewed pilots safety concerns as employee conflicts, OSHA Assistant Regional Administrator Ryan Himes in Seattle said in a statement. The outcome of this investigation should remind all employees that they are legally protected and can raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation by their employer.

OSHA ordered the airline to pay $419,267 in back pay plus interest, eight years of future salary, $27,596 in loan interest, $75,000 for emotional damages and attorney fees. The agency also mandated that the pilots employment record be cleared and that Asia Pacific Airlines provide training to employees on whistleblower protections.

An administrative law judge ruled in 2019 that Asia Pacific Airlines had violated the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, which provides whistleblower protection. The company again illegally terminated a pilot for raising safety concerns. Since 2014, similar complaints were filed by the airlines pilots.

Asia Pacific Airlines now has the option to appeal the decision before the Office of Administrative Law Judges.
Doubts about oil demand growth will persist beyond 2024, and fears of a price slump will be there to keep them company. Thats according to some recent predictions about the state of the oil market in 2025, which see demand growing, China directing the market, and OPEC still likely to unwind its production cuts.

As early as November, some analysts warned that OPEC may decide it has had enough of losing market share and start bringing oil back whatever the price. This could bring the benchmarks down to $40 per barrel, Tom Kloza from OPIS told CNBC.

You could get down to $30 or $40 a barrel if OPEC unwound and didnt have any kind of real agreement to rein in production. Theyve seen their market share really dwindle through the years, Kloza said. These remarks echoed a forecast by the International Energy Agency, which in October said that OPEC might be facing a decline in its market share from 34% to a little over 31% by 2028, squeezed by producers including the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Guyana.

Perhaps the choice between flooding the market with crude to drown rivals, which OPEC has already done before, and keeping the output limits in place will be what marks 2025 for the production cartel. And perhaps the fear that analysts say OPEC producers should feel about the large non-OPEC oil countries is a little bit overrated.

The U.S. is the biggest threat to OPEC's market share, according to those analysts. The largest oil and gas producer in the world, the country has boosted its production of both hydrocarbons significantly over the course of just two decades. Some in the industry are warning that this cannot continue forever at the same rate because the resources are finite, and the cheapest oil and gas has been depleted or close to being depleted. This means higher production costs down the line, even with the notorious efficiency gains that surprised the analyst tribe last year.

Related: Barclays Downgrades Energy Services Sector Amid Bearish Outlook

There is, however, a more immediate source of pressure on U.S. producers that is going to limit their own production growth next year, despite forecastsand despite a very pro-oil president about to enter the White House in January. That source of pressure is simply the oil price. One Exxon executive spelled it out recently amid a flurry of predictions that the U.S. will become even bigger of an oil and gas producer thanks to Trump because everyone would start drilling at will.

I think a radical change is unlikely because the vast majority, if not everybody, is primarily focused on the economics of what theyre doing, Liam Mallon, president of upstream at the supermajor, said in November. If those rules [on federal land drilling] were substantially changed, you would be able to drill more, assuming you have the quality and met your economic threshold, Mallon also said. But I dont think were going to see anybody in the drill, baby, drill mode. I really dont.

Others have warned about drillers running out of Tier 1 acreage, prompting the Society of Petroleum Engineers to note that according to empirical data collected by Deloitte, there is not much of a difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 acreage in terms of quality, at least in the Permian and the Eagle Ford plays. Whatever the tier, however, breakeven matters, and breakeven in the shale patch is higher than it is in many conventional plays. There is also the matter of oil demand and when forecasters talk about oil demand, all eyes are on China.

We expect that Chinas oil demand will continue to rise in 2025, but almost all of the growth will be accounted for by petrochemical feedstocks. Demand for transport fuels is likely to decline, Wood Mackenzie wrote in a recent set of predictions for next year. The consultancy also said it expected global diesel demand to rise next year but only marginally, thanks to Chinas new obsession with LNG trucks, which would undermine growth in this huge consumer. Wood Mac also predicted a decline in Chinas gasoline demand because of EVs and growth in jet fuel demand that would not be able to offset the declines in the other fuels.

Speaking of demand, forecasts vary but moderately. The IEA sees demand growth next year at 1.1 million barrels daily. Wood Mackenzie sees it at 1.4 million barrels daily. ING cited demand estimates of a little under 1 million bpd, probably referring to an earlier IEA estimate of demand in a recent report on possible 2035 developments in oil. Morgan Stanley agrees with the IEA, forecasting demand growth of 1.1 million bpd for next year. Most forecasters appear to agree, however, that supply growth will exceed demand, invariably citing China as a driver of the slowdown in demand growth and non-OPEC producers as the driver of the surplus they expect.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Following his election victory in early November, US President-elect Donald Trump has filled key positions in his upcoming administration with figures that he hopes will propel a policy of energy dominance for the country. If confirmed by the Senate, the second iteration of the Trump administration will include Chris Wright, the chief executive officer of frac services company Liberty Energy, as Secretary of Energy. In addition, Doug Burgum, the Governor of oil-rich North Dakota, will assume the role of Secretary of the Interior and Chairman of a newly formed National Energy Council. Trump has made it a priority to boost oil and gas drilling in the US, with a key focus on speeding up permitting and leasing processes on federal lands and waters. In the medium term, speeding the approval of federal permits could modestly increase output on prolific federal acreage in the New Mexico portion of the Permian Delaware, but this would come in the form of a reallocation of capital from other parts of operators portfolios. This is because exploration and production (E&P) investors are unlikely to accept reduced near-term returns alongside a declining capital efficiency, as would occur if operators accelerated capital expenditure and production growth.

While the incoming administrations policy priorities may have a more noticeable impact on offshore activity and non-free trade agreement (FTA) export licenses for proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects, its levers to increase the production of oil in the US onshore are far more limited. The US is unique in that most activity and production takes place on land in which the mineral rights are owned by privately, rather than by federal or state governments.

As a result, this gives the President far less sway over oil and gas development than is typical in other countries. While more permits can be issued and more land could be opened to permitting, the maturity of the shale industry means that budgeting is largely set in advance, and operators have little appetite for more high-risk exploration in todays oil price environment. This leaves the federal government with few levers to boost output. That said, the federal government does own the mineral rights to swathes of land in New Mexico, via the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is home to some of the most commercial drilling in the Delaware sub-basin of the Permian and the country writ large. The incoming Trump administration has announced plans to expedite the approval of permits on federal land as one of the means to increase output.

Another question remains over how much increased permitting would translate to activity and output against the current pace. While prospective federal land exists outside of New Mexico, including significant portions in Wyoming and Utah, BLM New Mexico wells are most competitive for capital and therefore could be the most influenced by policy. Figure 1 shows the oil type curves for Permian wells on federal land in New Mexico, compared to non-federal wells in New Mexico, Texas Delaware wells and Midland wells. The grouping uses the median well in each category started in 2023 or 2024 with at least three months on production. Wells on federal land significantly outperform all other types, both in terms of initial productivity and two-year cumulative output, proving the importance of this segment to the producers that operate there. Please note that Figure 1 considers mineral rights rather than surface land ownership. In most cases, especially in the New Mexico Delaware, the two are highly correlated.

Stay tuned for Rystad Energy's take on capital efficiency declines.

By Rystad Energy

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A month ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps return to the White House, the Biden Administration on Thursday set a bold new target of reducing net greenhouse emissions by between 61% and 66% below 2005 levels by 2035.

The so-called U.S. Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is a pledge under the Paris Agreement, from which Trump could withdraw, again, as he did in his first term in office.

Trump is expected to undo a lot of the climate policies of President Biden, and the Paris Agreement and many current policies to cut emissions are likely on the chopping block.

Climate action is unlikely to be on the agenda of President Trump's second term.

In fact, his transition team is said to be preparing radical changes to U.S. policy toward electric vehicles and tailpipe emissions. These could include axing the EV incentives and the government mandate for federal EV fleets, and rolling back the Biden Administrations rules on tailpipe emissions and fuel economy standards, Reuters reported earlier this week, citing a draft document it has seen.

During the campaign, President-elect Trump has repeatedly slammed the crazy EV mandate of President Joe Biden, whose Administration has sought to support EV sales with incentives and mandates for federal agencies to use electric vehicles.

Under Biden, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also introduced new air pollution limits to encourage automakers to produce and seek to sell more EVs.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) sued the EPA over the vehicle emission standards, with Senior Vice President and General Counsel Ryan Meyers saying that EPA has exceeded its congressional authority with this regulation that will eliminate most new gas cars and traditional hybrids from the U.S. market in less than a decade.

Meanwhile, EV sales havent surged, as hoped, and automakers, including the biggest in the U.S., have slowed down the rollout of new EV models or bet on more hybrids.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Back in February, leading energy information company, Energy Intelligence, reported that interest in long-term LNG projects remains robust despite the Biden administration pausing new licenses for LNG export projects still in the planning pipeline. Back then, the Department of Energy justified the pause by highlighting lingering fears that shipping large volumes of U.S. gas overseas could erode Americas competitive advantage of cheap energy critical for energy-intensive industries such as steelmaking and petrochemicals and also seeks to address concerns by environmental activists who have argued that the entire LNG manufacturing, delivery and consumption cycle has a much higher carbon footprint than currently touted.

Well, the DoE has just reiterated that position: In a long-awaited report, released on Tuesday, the Energy Department claims that domestic energy prices would sharply increase if the U.S. conducts unrestricted exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

To date, U.S. consumers and businesses have benefited from relatively stable natural gas prices domestically as compared to those in other parts of the world who have faced far greater price volatility, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement. [But] the more volumes of U.S. LNG are exported, the greater the risk of this global price volatility being imported into our domestic market and impacting U.S. consumers and manufacturers.

The DoE report comes at a time when U.S. natural gas prices have been surging. U.S. natural gas futures rose toward the $3.35 per MMBtu on Wednesday, not far from the one-year high of $3.5 tested earlier in the month, thanks to bets on stronger global LNG demand in the upcoming year. Uncertainty regarding gas flows to Europe raise demand for U.S. LNG at the turn of the US presidency. Contrary to the Biden administration, incoming President Trump has signaled that his administration is against holding back on U.S. LNG export permits.

The volume of natural gas flowing to the United States' seven liquefied natural gas (LNG) export plants was on track to hit a 10-month high, according to data from financial firm LSEG. The surge in feedgas was partly chalked up to flows to Venture Global LNG's Plaquemines plant in Louisiana after it commenced production earlier in the week. Last year, the U.S. became the worlds largest LNG exporter ahead of Qatar and Australia.

LNG Purchase Agreements

According to a recent LNG report WoodMackenzie, 58 million tons per year (tpy) of U.S. LNG sales purchase agreements (SPAs), capacity agreements, and heads of agreements (HOAs) were signed in the first nine months of 2024 compared with 94 million tpy of new LNG SPAs and HOAs agreed upon in the whole of 2023. Thats not too shabby given the circumstances that prevailed for much of that period. Even better, LNG contracting is now free to proceed unhindered after a U.S. federal judge struck down Bidens pause. Back in July, U.S. District Judge James Cain in Lake Charles, Louisiana, sided with 16 Republican-led states in holding that the U.S. Department of Energy's freeze on approvals of LNG exports was "completely without reason or logic."Cain said these states were likely to succeed in showing the pause contravened the Natural Gas Act of 1938.

There were several notable trends in that WoodMac report. First off, contracting by traditional buyers (end users) for use in their home markets clocked in at 38 million tpy of long-term deals, just 12 million tpy shy of last years record. Second, big deals are dominating again, with 60% of the volumes signed this year having a deal size greater than 2 million tpy. Meanwhile, dealmaking continued in the U.S. despite the pause, although total volumes contracted from U.S. projects declined. A total of 18.9 million tpy (including the 5 million tpy Aramco deal) new U.S. LNG SPAs and HOAs were inked in the first eight months of 2024, with activity focused more on projects less affected by the hiatus. Notable deals include Rio Grande LNG Train 4 with ADNOC for 1.9 million tpy and Aramco for 1.2 million tpy. Texas LNG also signed tolling agreements, SPAs and HOAs for 3 million tpy with EQT Corp. (NYSE:EQT) and other counterparties as the company tries to achieve commercial thresholds required to raise debt financing for its project.

In April 2024, Cedar LNG signed the second 20-year LNG capacity deal for 1.5 million tpy with Pembina Pipeline Corp.(NYSE:PBA) following a similar deal with ARC Resources (OTCPK:AETUF) signed in 2023. Woodfibre LNG signed a third and final deal with BP Plc (NYSE:BP) that left it fully booked, while Texas-based Mexico Pacific completed marketing for its first three trains.

Overall, Wood Mackenzie expects contracting activity to remain high, a bullish prediction for U.S. LNG sector considering that additional North American LNG contracting is required for projects to move forward.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Industry groups are doubling down on calls for the U.S. Administration to lift the pause on LNG export permits, a day after Bidens Department of Energy urged caution in approvals and a month ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

The DOE study on the energy, economic, and environmental impact of U.S. LNG exports comes nearly a year after the Biden Administration halted in January all pending decisions on U.S. LNG export projects until the Department of Energy can update the underlying analyses for authorizations.

Biden DOE Study: Higher Domestic Prices and Emissions

The study is now out, and it says that unrestricted LNG exports could raise domestic natural gas prices at the Henry Hub by 31% to 2050, from $3.53/MMBtu to $4.62/MMBtu, in 2022 U.S. dollar prices.

Higher U.S. LNG export levels in 2050 are associated with higher U.S. residential natural gas prices, the study also says.

Commenting on the studys findings, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said, The main takeaway is that a business-as-usual approach is neither sustainable nor advisable.

The findings of the DOE study are meant to inform the Departments future decisions when reviewing new permits for U.S. LNG export facilities, as it should base its approvals and authorizations on whether more exports are in the public interest.

DOE will open a 60-day comment period on this draft analysis.

Environmental campaigners cheered the findings of the study, which, they say, provide clear evidence of LNGs climate, economic, national security, and public health dangers.

However, trade groups, including the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, urged faster permitting and called the study politically motivated.

Politically Motivated

Its time to lift the pause on new LNG export permits and restore American energy leadership around the world, API President and CEO Mike Sommers said in a statement.

After nearly a year of a politically motivated pause that has only weakened global energy security, its never been clearer that U.S. LNG is critical for meeting growing demand for affordable, reliable energy while supporting our allies overseas.

API argues that even at record-high U.S. LNG exports, domestic residential natural gas prices fell in 2023 and are among the lowest in the world. Thats because the industry has the ability to meet rising global demand for natural gas while maintaining a well-supplied domestic market, it added.

Related: Barclays Downgrades Energy Services Sector Amid Bearish Outlook

Moreover, higher LNG exports drive economic growth in the U.S. and reduce Americas trade deficitkey points for incoming President Trump.

The U.S. LNG industry has contributed more than $400 billion to GDP over the past decade, supports about 275,000 jobs, and represents roughly $34 billion in exports, a new study from S&P Global cited by API showed.

U.S. LNG has also played an important role in keeping Europe supplied with natural gas after Russia cut off most of its pipeline gas deliveries to the EU following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Finally, coal-to-gas switching is the main reason that the U.S. has led the world in reducing CO2 emissions over the past two decades, API said, citing a recent study by Berkeley Research Group.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President of Policy, Marty Durbin, also called for an immediate end to the LNG permit pause.

From the beginning, the White House moratorium on new LNG export facilities was a politically-driven exercise with harmful impacts on the U.S. economy and the energy security of Americas allies. It should end immediately, Durbin said, commenting on the DOE study.

We will thoroughly review the DOE report, but it appears to rely on questionable methodology and puts a thumb on the scale to downplay the clear economic, environmental and security benefits of U.S. LNG, added Durbin.

President Trump and LNG

The renewed debate on LNG permitting comes a month before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House and enacts  most likely  sweeping changes to U.S. energy policy, including expediting LNG export permits. Boosting U.S. oil and gas drilling and accelerating permits for domestic energy infrastructure and LNG exports are expected to be top priorities for the new administration.

In a sign of what the energy industry can expect, Trump last month picked a shale boss, Chris Wright, chief executive of Liberty Energy, as his nomination to lead the Department of Energy. Wright is a vocal critic of the energy transition as envisaged by most Western governments to date, instead calling for energy realism and prioritizing the supply security and affordability of energy rather than its emission footprint.

As the industry calls for faster approvals of energy infrastructure, including LNG export plants, the U.S. remains the worlds largest LNG exporter, ahead of Qatar and Australia.

Americas LNG exports are set to rise slightly this year but still beat the previous annual export record from 2023.

But next year, U.S. LNG exports are expected to jump by 15% over 2024, reaching almost 14 Bcf/d, thanks to higher export capacity with the Plaquemines LNG and Corpus Christi LNG Stage 3 plants, the EIA said in the latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) for December.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The status of Nagorno-Karabakh and the wording of the Armenian constitution remain key sticking points in the peace negotiations.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs chief policy adviser, Hikmet Hajiyev, has stated that Baku is demanding the withdrawal of the European Union monitoring mission before a peace treaty can be signed with Armenia.

The EU deployed the monitoring mission in early 2023 along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border following an escalation of gunfire exchanges. Subsequently, Azerbaijani forces overran the last Armenian-held areas of the hotly contested Nagorno-Karabakh territory in September 2023, spurring the mass exodus of the Karabakh Armenian population. Since then, Armenian officials in Yerevan have viewed the EU mission as crucial for maintaining the status quo. Azerbaijan has consistently opposed the missions presence, claiming the EU is biased against Baku.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan pushed back against the idea of an EU withdrawal, saying that Armenia was ready to discuss adjustments, but the missions presence serves an essential role in maintaining security. As a potential compromise, he suggested that monitoring activity be limited to un-demarcated sections of the border.

To date, Armenian and Azerbaijani negotiators have reportedly agreed upon the wording of 15 of the 17 purported articles in the draft peace treaty. No details have been publicly released on the sticking points in the remaining two articles of the pact. A central issue reportedly holding up the peace process is the preamble to the Armenian constitution, which refers to the 1991 declaration of independence, which in turn refers to the unification of Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia. Baku wants Armenia to make a constitutional amendment that clearly recognizes Azerbaijans sovereignty over Karabakh.

The extent to which Bakus stance on the EU mission will impact treaty negotiations remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, in a development that could also complicate the peace process, Ruben Vardanyan, a billionaire who also was a former de facto leader of Karabakh, is facing additional criminal charges from Azerbaijani authorities, adding to earlier accusations of financing terrorism and illegal entry.

Vardanyan was arrested by Azerbaijani authorities at a checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor in September 2023, during the mass exodus of Karabakhs ethnic Armenian population. He has remained in Azerbaijani custody since then. His lawyer, Jared Genser, characterized the proceedings against Vardanyan as a secret tribunal. While the Armenian government claims it is making efforts to secure his release, critics argue that Pashinyan is content to let Vardanyan languish in Azerbaijani custody.

By Eurasianet.org

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 Flash

A man walks past a building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Dec. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Britain is intensifying its military support to Ukraine with a new aid package that includes naval drones, air defense systems and artillery, British Defense Secretary John Healey said Wednesday.

Training for Ukrainian soldiers under Operation Interflex, a Britain-led multinational military operation, will continue in 2025 regardless of the developments in Ukraine's peace process and a possible ceasefire, Healey said in an interview with the Ukrainian state Ukrinform news agency.

However, he said it is too early to publicly discuss the possibility of British support for deploying an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

Healey arrived in Kiev earlier in the day, local media reported.

On the same day, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov wrote on Facebook that he had talked with Healey about strengthening Ukraine's air defense, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of artillery ammunition, and exploring joint defense projects.

A key topic was the co-production of air defense systems, he said, adding that the discussions also covered the use of Storm Shadow missiles, and equipping and training new brigades of the Ukrainian army.
Robust coal production in China is pushing supply higher than demand and this is likely to make coal even cheaper than it already is, Bloomberg has reported, citing Chinese coal industry officials.

An avalanche of inventory is crushing the market, an analyst from the China Coal Transportation and Distribution Association, told media this week. Power plants are dumping stockpiles. Theres just too much supply, Han Lei also said.

Coal prices in the worlds largest consumer have fallen to the lowest in 18 months and it will take a while before they recover, perhaps after the Lunar New Year, according to Han. Chinas coal production hit an all-time high in November and imports have been running at elevated levels ahead of peak winter demand season.

The report about Chinas coal situation comes on the heels of the International Energy Agencys latest report on coal, which refuted the agencys own forecasts for the commodity. This year, the IEA admitted, coal demand broke yet another record, rising by 1% to 8.77 billion tons. This growth, the IEA also said, was driven by the electricity generation sector, with coal-fired power output also set for a record year in 2024, at 10,700 TWh.

The rise in coal demand has taken place despite the massive increase in alternative power generation source construction in the past few years, cheered by the IEA, and repeatedly forecast to eclipse coal as one of the leading sources of power generation in the world.

Going forward, China is seen as the largest consumer of the hydrocarbon, accounting for 30% more coal demand than the rest of the world together. India is shaping up as the other major coal demand driver despite, as the IEA notes, a surge in wind and solar additions. These two, along with other economies that prioritize energy security over emissions, are set to fuel more record-breaking years for coal demand.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Argentina's YPF has hooked Shell for a $50 billion LNG project that could put the country's energy game on the global map. Announced Thursday, the deal sees Shell stepping in to kick off the first phase of Argentina LNG, aiming to churn out 10 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas per year. Thats a lot of gas and a big leap for a country thats been itching to cash in on its vast reserves.

The project, drawing from the mammoth Vaca Muerta shale formationthe worlds second-largest unconventional gas reserveplans to ship the goods via pipelines to Rio Negro and launch LNG exports from there. For now, theyll rely on LNG vessels, but future phases could see onshore facilities sprouting up.

YPF President Horacio Marin hailed the deal, calling Shell a global leader in LNG. And hes not wrongShell knows its way around liquefaction plants. Meanwhile, Shell chimed in, saying the project aligns with its growing ambitions in the LNG market, which has been red-hot globally.

But not everyones sticking around for the ride. Petronas, which was originally in on this project, is out. The Malaysian energy giant will still collaborate with YPF on Vaca Muertas La Amarga Chica area, but this LNG deal now belongs to YPF and Shell.

Why does it matter? Argentinas LNG gamble isnt just about energy independence; its about turning natural gas into a global cash cow. With Europe and Asia clamoring for LNG post-Russian supply shocks, Argentinas timing couldnt be better.

Whether it can stick the landing is another story.

For now, this partnership could be the ticket to turning Argentinas shale dreams into a global energy powerhouseand maybe a long-awaited economic lifeline.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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BP and the federal government of Iraq have agreed on the key technical terms in the plan to redevelop the oil and gas fields in Kirkuk which still hold billions of barrels of recoverable oil remaining in place.

BP and the Iraqi government signed a preliminary deal on the technical terms, which is a step forward to a fully termed contract, Bloomberg quoted BP Executive Vice President William Lin as saying in a statement on Thursday.

The UK-based supermajor and Iraq expect to complete negotiations by early next year, according to BP.

We are grateful to the Iraqi government for its continued support of BPs activities in the country, particularly around Rumaila, and for the dedicated engagement to progress negotiations on the potential future development of these critically important fields in and around Kirkuk, Lin said today.

BP and Iraq agreed earlier this year to rehabilitate and develop four oil and gas fields in the northern region of Kirkuk.

In a press release on the deal from August 2024, BP said it would involve Rehabilitation of existing facilities, where required, and the construction of new facilities  including gas expansion projects  together with a drilling programme at the Kirkuk fields, has the potential to stabilize production and reverse decline, returning production from this nationally important oilfield to a growth path.

Iraq is the second-largest oil producer in OPEC and Kirkuk is where its oil industry was born. BPs history in Iraq actually stretches back to the 1920s when the company that would eventually come to be known as BP helped Iraq locate, produce, and export oil from Baba Gurgur, Kirkuk.

The Kirkuk field is estimated to have around 9 billion barrels of recoverable oil remaining, BP says.

In the past decade or so, however, oil operations in Kirkuk have been problematic due to disputes between the central government in Baghdad and the Kurdish regional government over control of the oil fieldsand the oil revenues.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Oil trading major Glencore has been buying spot cargoes of Middle Eastern crude grades for a Singaporean refinery it has recently acquired from Shell, anonymous traders have told Bloomberg.

Glencore has bought in recent weeks at least three cargoes of Qatars Al-Shaheen crude and at least one of Abu Dhabis Upper Zakum of 500,000 barrels each for February loading, according to Bloombergs sources.

Glencore is expected to be a more active player in the physical oil market going forward as it is now procuring crude for the Bukom refining and chemicals complex in Singapore, which Shell has sold to a joint venture company of Chandra Asri Capital and Glencore Asian Holdings Pte. Ltd.

Glencore, Trafigura, Vitol, and the other major independent traders have been snapping up refineries and retail network assets that the biggest international oil and gas producers are divesting as part of strategic portfolio realignment.

In this way, commodity traders gain direct access to a refinery to which they can send part of the crude they sell and become larger players in the crude options and futures market to hedge their exposure to physical crude oil.

In recent months, the largest independent oil trading houses have acquired several refineries from Big Oil worldwide in consortia with other companies.

Vitol Group signed a deal last year to buy 35% of the Saras refinery in Italy after reaching an agreement with members of the Moratti family.

Last month, ExxonMobil said it had completed the sale of the Fos-sur-Mer refinery in France, its only processing facility in the Mediterranean region, to a consortium composed of Entara and Trafigura.

The commodity trading industry currently has the means to reinvest strategically in long-term deals and strategic decisions, according to consultancy Oliver Wyman.

One winner move for reinvesting the profit windfalls could be to invest in assets, which gives traders greater optionality and influence over the commodities they trade, Oliver Wyman said in a report earlier this year.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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European Union leaders are discussing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the transit of Russian natural gas to the EU via Ukraine as the end of the current transit deal expires on December 31.

The EU leaders and Zelensky are meeting in Brussels to negotiate alternatives to Russian gas deliveries.

The gas transit deal for Russian flows to Europe via Ukraine expires on December 31, 2024.

Ukraine has said multiple times that it would not pursue talks about renewing the agreement with Russia.

The EU officials and the Ukrainian president are now looking to find alternatives, Bloomberg reports.

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said there arent chances of the transit deal to be extended beyond December 31, 2024.

Realistically, no, Golob told Bloomberg when asked whether there is a chance the deal could be extended.

Russias gas giant Gazprom itself is assuming in its internal planning for 2025 that it will not be sending gas to Europe via Ukraine as of January 1.

Although Russia has cut off many EU countries from its gas deliveries, several EU member states including Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic continue to receive Russian gas, via the Ukraine transit route.

Russian pipeline natural gas supply to Europe via Ukraine has remained stable over the past month since the Gazprom cut off supply to Austrias OMV in the middle of November.

The Austrian firm said last month that it would seek enforcement of the award it won against Gazprom in an arbitration dispute over Russian gas supply.

As a result, Gazprom halted supply to OMV, but other customers in Austria continue to receive Russian gas and other buyers have stepped in to fill the void left by OMV.

Earlier this month, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR started supplying natural gas to Slovakias state-owned energy operator SPP, a month after the Slovakian firm signed a short-term pilot contract to buy natural gas from Azerbaijan as it prepares for a halt to Russian supplies via Ukraine.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Israel carried out airstrikes on a port city and energy infrastructure in Yemen on Thursday after a missile targeting central Israel was shot by the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The Israeli airstrikes killed at least nine people, local officials told AP, after Israel targeted with fighter jets the port city of Hodeida, the Salif port, and the oil terminal Ras Isa on the Red Sea. Another wave of Israeli strikes targeted energy infrastructure in the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen, Sanaa.

The Iran-aligned Houthis have been targeting Israel with missiles for a year and have also targeted commercial tanker and cargo traffic in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October 2023.

The Houthis have been targeting vessels passing through the Bab el Mandeb strait since last November in reaction to Israeli bombings of Gaza. Initially, the group said it would only target Israeli ships and those sailing under flags of Israeli allies but it has since expanded its campaign. An attempt by the U.S. and some European allies to put an end to the attacks has so far failed to produce any results.

After Hamas, Hezbollah and the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis are almost the last remaining arm of Irans axis of evil, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement released Thursday.

They are learning and they will learn the hard way, that whoever harms Israel pays a very heavy price for it, Netanyahu said, as carried by AP.

The latest flare-up in the Middle East supported oil prices on Thursday, with the U.S. benchmark up 0.74% at $71.09 at 10:00 a.m., also supported by a small decline in U.S. crude oil inventories reported by the EIA on Wednesday. Oil prices reversed course to rise on Thursday after falling in Asian trade following the Fed signal that the rate cuts in 2025 are likely to be fewer than expected.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Japanese refiner Eneos is mulling over an initial public offering for its subsidiary JX Advanced Metals Corp, putting up as much as 70% of the company for sale and eyeing potential proceeds of up to $4.5 billion.

According to a Bloomberg report, the IPO is set to be discussed by the companys board this Friday, with a discussion set to center on the amount of shares the company would offer. Unnamed sources told Bloomberg that Eneos chief executive is in favor of a smaller offering of 50.1% while some members of the board favor the larger offering. The energy major will be taking advantage of a hot IPO market in Japan this year, Bloomberg noted in its report.

The IPO scene in Japan has seen some pretty large listings this year, including Tokyo Metros initial offering, which became the largest such deal for the last six years, valuing the company at $2.3 billion. The listing, which took place in October, was eclipsed by the initial public offering of memory chip maker Kioxia, which debuted on the stock market this week with a value of some $5.8 billion.

Eneos is one of the biggest energy companies in Japan and, like sector players, it has been diversifying into transition technologies. Recently, the company struck a deal with H.E. Energy to partner on building solar installations with a combined capacity of 5 MW in Japan. It also plans to invest $200 million in the development of green hydrogen production in Queensland, Australia.

Japan is one of the most import-dependent countries in the world when it comes to energy. These imports are overwhelmingly made up of hydrocarbons but the country is also pursuing an energy transition agenda, which has made it reconsider its previous stance on nuclear power. Green hydrogen is also an item in the transition agenda although its popularity among transition advocates has begun to fade recently, mostly due to cost considerations.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Sinopec has joined CNPC in predicting peak oil demand in China, which it sees happening in 2027.

The peak will occur at a daily demand level of some 16 million barrels or a total of 800 million metric tons, the Chinese state oil major said, as quoted by Reuters. The publication noted this was a more specific prediction about peak oil demand by Sinopec from one it announced last year.

That prediction saw Chinese oil demand peaking at around 800 million metric tons sometime between 2026 and 2030. Chinas oil demand this year is seen reaching 750 million metric tonnes, according to Sinopec.

The forecast comes days after the other state-owned energy giant, CNPC, predicted oil demand in the worlds largest oil importer may well peak next year, driven down by electric cars and LNG-powered trucks. By 2035, forecasts say, half the cars on Chinese roads will be electric.

Chinas oil demand growth has been slowing down due to weaker economic performance and a shift to electric vehicles and LNG-fueled trucks, oil industry executives said at the APPEC conference in Singapore in September.

Although some of the softening in demand was attributable to weaker economic performance, the shift toward EVs and LNG trucks was removing some road fuel demand permanently, analysts said.

Chinas shift toward EVs will bring about domestic gasoline demand peaking either this year or next, according to Vitol Groups CEO Russell Hardy.

Gasoline is likely to peak this year or next year in China  not because nobodys moving, but simply because the fleet is slowly changing towards electric vehicles, the top executive of the worlds largest independent oil trader told Bloomberg in an interview in September.

Yet the country remains the biggest driver of oil demand, even as it remains the biggest market for EVs and LNG-truck penetration increases further. Whether this demand peaks in 2025 or continues growing beyond it, China will likely remain one of the biggest influences on prices in the observable future.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
 Flash

Russia is ready to negotiate with any legitimate leader in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

"If someone takes part in the election and gains legitimacy, we are ready to talk to him, including Volodymyr Zelensky," Putin said during his annual news conference.

He added that Russia has no preconditions for starting negotiations with Ukraine, emphasizing that Russia is ready to engage in talks based on the Istanbul agreements while considering the current situation on the ground.
The first batch of 84 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Wednesday at 2.p.m. local time via the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos State.

This was disclosed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an update made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, September 11, 2019.

According to the ministry, although 313 Nigerians were confirmed as those to form the first batch of evacuees, only 84 of them would arrive on Wednesday because they were the ones cleared to embark on the flight to Nigeria.

The Air Peace aircraft which was scheduled to take off at 9. a.m. local time was delayed due to the fact that checking in and clearance procedures by immigration are very very slow. There are complains of system failure and out of the 313 confirmed for first batch of evacuation today, only 84 are cleared so far. The more the aircraft waits for the passengers, the higher the amount the aircraft will pay for parking, the ministry stated.

The ministry added that the second batch of evacuees would depart Johannesburg for Nigeria on Friday.

KanyiDaily had reported that 640 Nigerians have indicated the desire to return home from South Africa and have registered to do so, following the xenophobic attack on Nigerians in South Africa.
File photo

The Nation reports sthat a Catholic Priest serving at the Uromi Diocese, Father Nicholas Oboh, has been abducted by gunmen in Benin City.

Chancellor Uromi diocese, Rev Father Osi Odenore, in a statement posted on his facebook page said Father Oboh was abducted on Valentines day but was not specific in the area where the abduction took place.

He called for prayers for the release of Father Oboh.

We are sure he is alive, and since the incident, steps have be taken to ensure that Rev Father Nicholas Oboh is release without no harm.



Also, some children were abducted at Umelu community in Ikpoba-Okha local government area.

It was gathered that armed robbers had robbed residents in the area and took four children along with them.

Sources in the area said one of the abducted children has been released after the parents paid the sum of N2m.

The sources said other parents have opned negotiations with the abductors.

Edo State Police spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, said he has not been briefed on the incidents.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

KGW-TV interviewed Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler as he is soon to exit.

Ted Wheeler: And then when George Floyd was murdered and you had you had a broader movement around social justice some of the very same people whod been engaged in those riots in 2017, 2018, and 2019 conveniently stepped into those broader movements and frankly hijacked them. And youd see that. Youd see during the day youd have families with kids demonstrating in support of basic police accountability and reforms. And then about 10 pm the dynamic would change as people showed up in black block, and they brought their tools. And they brought their spray paint. And they brought the kinds of things that they used that you showed in the video. People destroying property.

Laural Porter: It really took a toll on you personally too. Didnt it? Those protests. I mean people came to your condo. Camped out at your condo. You eventually had moved.

Ted Wheeler: Yeah I mean people forgot Im a person and I sort of understand that. I am the man, Im the power, Im the authority, and I dont think it was necessarily personal. But when you come to my house and you try to burn it down or when you stand outside my daughters room with a firearm. When you cat call her and tell her her father is a Nazi. When you chase her and her mother to school. When you slash my tires. Those things start to get very personal. And another thing Id do differently Laurel, I used to say back in the day Well comes with the territory. Youre an elected official. You signed up for it. Uh. I dont think that anymore. I believe it does not come with the territory and I believe in this country as well as this city, if we have differences of opinion politically we need to come and express them through the institutions of democracy we have set up. You cant just confront people on the street and as we saw even a week and a half ago, just shoot somebody in the back because we have a fundamental policy disagreement. We have institutions of democracy we have spaces that are designed to contest ideas and have open deliberations and we need to use those tools. Not try to intimidate people or scare people out of elected office or encourage good people to never run for elected office because they dont want to have their homes vandalized, their families terrorized, or have to look over their shoulders constantly to see whos following them down the street.

Laural Porter: You have security here today. Two security people with you.

Ted Wheeler: I Do. Yes indeed.

 There is more to the interview here.

 While we know Mayor Wheelers liberal policies during the Portland riots only served to enable more rioting, we acknowledge this interview because Wheeler is still a victim of Oregon political violence that no one deserves. People need to know the levels of attacks that far-Left protestors inflicted on our community.


Looking at the Governors budget proposal  throwing money at our problems is not the solution

By Oregon State Senator Daniel Bonham

& Oregon Senate Republican Leader,

Speaking of 2025 priorities, the Governor released a budget proposal with promises of pie-in-the-sky fixes to larger institutional problems.

We can all agree  housing, education, mental heath and addiction issues are top of mind this upcoming legislative session. What I will never agree with  is the fallacy that throwing more money at the problem ALONE will actually solve it.

Here are some of her budget asks and my response:

 $1.8 billion for housing  Until we reduce regulatory fees making building so expensive, incentivize construction trade and work to increase our housing supply through financial investment incentives  this issue will be more of the same. The simple math of the Kotek plan= government subsidized construction of housing through politically connected non-profits results in an expensive housing unit that needs to be subsidized to live in quite frankly Oregonians cant afford either.

 10% increase in education funding  While I agree we need to invest in our kids, our state needs to increase school choice, diversify education options and focus on key skills such a reading, writing and STEM. We cannot continue to fund the same broken system. We need restoration of graduation standards so that our diplomas arent simply confirmation of attendance  an Oregon diploma needs to have value and signal to the world that a recipient is duly educated and job-ready.

 Re-route $140 million to addiction treatment and mental health  Until we mandate mental health or addiction treatment  while ensuring people are receiving wrap-around services, we are just throwing money at the problem.

 $1.75 billion for the Oregon Department of Transportation to address budget shortfalls  Not only does this unfunded request undoubtedly mean new taxes, but Oregon is currently one of the most expensive states to drive in, with nothing to show for it. We have a spending problem, not a funding problem.

 Trump proofing Oregon  Monies and policies are said to have Oregon join the resist movement against Trump. Not only would the majority party be using taxpayer money for political accolades  they are fear-mongering by offering solutions in search of a problem. A true counter to the federal administration is just working to make their residents lives better.
BLOOMINGTON  Lifelong Access is being awarded a $21.7 million state grant to purchase and renovate the former Pantagraph building at 301 W. Washington St. in Bloomington, transforming it into a hub for supportive service agencies.

In announcing the grant Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker's office said the grant is part of the Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Program, which is providing a total of $200 million to 13 organizations across the state.

According to Lifelong Access (formerly known as Marcfirst), the Normal-based nonprofit has worked for 69 years to remove barriers for kids, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as mental health concerns in the community.

Lifelong Access plans to use the grant to acquire the former newspaper office building to house agencies that provide services in behavioral health, psychiatry, an urgent care center for youth behavioral health, pediatric primary care, dental wellness, alternative youth education, community day services, food security initiatives and supported employment programming.

Rebecca Brennan, interim CEO of Lifelong Access, said she and its leadership are incredibly thrilled to get the grant.

She described their plans as an expansion of the organization's existing services to the downtown area, because theres such a need all over our community.

But on that side of town  downtown theres not services available. People have to travel a bit, so were excited to have it more centrally focused, Brennan told The Pantagraph.

Brennan, who noted most services at the downtown site will be focused on youth, said the project will make services more accessible.

Our goal is to be able to serve families holistically. Youth, teens, adults, all people, all ages, Brennan said.

Lifelong Access's community day services include programming for adults with developmental disabilities to grow their independent, daily living skills, she said.

She also said they are still working to identify community partners to establish a food insecurity initiative in downtown Bloomington, noting they have partners near downtown location that already work to fill that need.

It's really a one-stop stop so that people can have all of their needs met, Brennan said.

Brennan also said Lifelong Access is proud to lead the initiative and link arms for this project with their partners at Chestnut Health Systems and the Regional Office of Education.

Puneet Leekha, COO and incoming CEO of Chestnut Health Systems, said theyre also thrilled to collaborate on a forward-thinking project.

Leekha said the initiative will bring essential interventions, with a primary focus on youth.

'Essential services'

In a statement Thursday, Lifelong Access said health challenges are particularly evident for McLean County youth ages 6-17. As of 2023, 3,200 youths in that age range were living at or below the poverty level; 3,303 were chronically absent from school; 1,400 had experienced sexual violence; 13,400 had been living with at least one adverse childhood experience; 1,500 were living with a disability; 1,800 made suicide plans; and there were 900 suicide attempts.

The governors statement noted the grant investment program is part of a new collaboration between the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Illinois Capital Development Board, which builds on the former agency's equity-driven Healthcare Transformation Collaborative program. That initiative was established in 2021 to expand access of care and improve health quality, especially in underserved communities.

Organizations were chosen on a merit-based review in accordance with Grant Accountability and Transparency Act requirements, the announcement noted.

Brennan said Lifelong Access, which currently has 210 employees, plans to hire additional staff for the expanded service center, but she was unable to provide specifics.

Bloomington City Manager Jeff Jurgens said the project is a large step in revitalizing downtown Bloomington.

The proposed redevelopment supports critical community goals while fostering growth and vibrancy in our downtown, Jurgens said in a prepared statement.

Brennan said Jurgens has just been a great supporter in getting the project going, and they will continue to collaborate with the city.

Jurgens said the zoning requirements for this project are already in place.

In an interview Thursday, he said the city council approved an amendment Sept. 23 to allow a school to operate in D-2 zoning as a special use. Council approved the special use permit for the school on Oct. 28.

With zoning parameters in place, he said Lifelong Access does not need to go through a public hearing to move forward, though he noted there are still building codes and permits to consider.

Its going to be just like any construction project in other districts in the city, he said.

Jurgens echoed his excitement for the project, while adding he hopes its one of many multimillion projects in our downtown area in the next few years.

When asked if they have held discussions with neighboring downtown businesses, Brennan said Lifelong Access leaders are working closely with its board to make sure all of their community partners feel good about the work they are bringing to the downtown area.

The interim CEO said she is open to having conversation with anyone who wants to learn more about the project.

She said they havent had security issues at their current location and dont anticipate that for any other new location.

We're so grateful for this opportunity. Its just going to be a great way to help address those health care disparities that we're seeing, Brennan said.
NORMAL  Leaders of the two largest school districts in McLean County are asking voters to approve a 1% sales tax that they say could lead to property tax relief while also funding needed building repairs and safety measures.

School boards for McLean County Unit 5 and Bloomington District 87 voted in separate meetings on Wednesday night to place a referendum on the ballot in the upcoming April election. If it passes, the county's minimum combined sales tax rate would increase from 6.25% to 7.25%.

McLean County would also join 57 others in the state that have enacted a county sales tax for school facilities, including Champaign, Peoria and Macon.

For Unit 5, which educates more than half of the county's public school students, the tax could mean an additional $16 million to $20 million annually, Superintendent Kristen Weikle said. Proceeds could greatly offset the expected $50 million cost of needed facility repairs.

Weikle speaks from experience: She was superintendent in the Warrensburg-Latham school district when Macon County voters signed off on a sales tax measure for schools in November 2010.

"Our voters approved the building of a brand-new high school at the same time that the county voted to approve the 1% sales tax," Weikle said. "And we were able to use the 1% sales tax to make our payments on the brand-new high school, so we didn't have to add that to our tax levy."

Because the resolution was approved by the school districts making up more than 50.1% of total student population of McLean County, the referendum will appear on the ballot for all registered voters in the county.

Weikle and David Mouser, superintendent of District 87, met jointly with Pantagraph reporters on Wednesday to talk about why the money is needed and how it would be used.

They acknowledged that a previous effort in McLean County failed in 2014. Voters at the time soundly rejected a 1% sales tax for schools, with about 67% of the 16,225 total ballots cast against the measure.

But there was a key difference, Mouser said: how the money could be used. At the time, state law limited the funding to "school facility purposes."

"So, 'why now?' was kind of the next question that we keep hearing," he said. "And really the change is that, since that time, the legislation changed. So now the money can be spent not just on facility upgrades ... But more importantly, now, I would argue, is that it can be used for student safety."

The statute was eventually amended to include mental health services and safety and security, including upgrades to physical safety measures such as secure entryways, hiring more school resource officers and increasing support staffing and resources for student mental health, Mouser said.

"That was not part of it last time. And so now we can provide mental health supports," he said.

Crucially, though, that money cannot be used to pay for salaries, Weikle said.

"This money can't be used on teacher salaries; that can't be used for administrators, right? Those might be some myths that maybe people have in their mind," she said. "Like, 'Oh, it's just going to be used to pay Dr. Mouser (or) Dr. Weikle more.' No, it can't be used that way."

Should the referendum pass, Weikle said, the district would also look into opportunities for property tax abatement, such as expenses that could be covered by the newly generated sales tax revenue.

What's taxed and what isn't?

If voters approve the referendum, the additional 1% tax would be added to all sales of prepared food, retail, gasoline and online shopping starting in mid-2025, Mouser said. Other essential purchases are not taxed.

"Groceries, medications, vehicle purchases, farm equipment  those things are not taxed on the 1%," Mouser said.

Other everyday, service-type purchases, like haircuts, are also exempt from the tax, Weikle said, ensuring that not every needed purchase is subject to the tax.

"If you go out to eat at, you know, a sit-down restaurant, you go through a McDonald's, you're going to pay a 1% sales tax on those purchases," she said. "If you're going to the grocery store, though, to buy spaghetti (and) spaghetti sauce, you're not paying a 1% sales tax on that."

When McLean County considered the tax a decade ago, online sales were not taxed as they are now, Mouser said. That change both increases the amount of potential revenue from the tax and complicates attempts to calculate it.

"It's a really difficult thing to be able to nail down, because a lot of it now includes the online spending. So it's actually tied to, like, credit card receipts and zip codes related to those credit cards," he said.

However, using investment banking firm Stifel's calculations, Mouser and Weikle estimate that more than a third of the potentially taxed purchases made in McLean County are from people who live outside of it.

"Our initial research looks like 35-40%, right around that area of the money that is collected in the sales tax in Bloomington-Normal, McLean County area would actually be from folks that don't live in McLean County," Mouser said.

Could this mean lower property taxes?

Such an increase in potential revenue from out-of-county residents allows, and even encourages, the school districts to seek ways to ease the burden on local property owners, Mouser said.

Property tax relief "has to be part of this conversation," he said. "And if it's not part of the conversation to lower property taxes, lower property tax rates, then I don't think I can support it."

The 1% sales tax adds another stream of revenue for schools that can shift some of the burden of funding education from property owners to everyone doing business within the county, Weikle said.

"When I go to Decatur and visit my grandchildren, take them to ice cream, I'm paying towards the benefit of their schools in that county," she said. "Why not let visitors, as well as our own residents, like, help offset that cost for us and provide some relief to property tax owners?"

No matter what voters decide, there's no getting around some of the expenses on the horizon at both District 87 and Unit 5, the superintendents said.

"And I'm talking structural things essential to the function of the building," Weikle said, like new roofs needed in the next two years at Chiddix Junior High School and Normal Community High School.

"The 1% sales tax is one way to fund that without us having to borrow money" and pay interest on the debt, she said. "And that would be solely resting on the shoulders of property owners  whereas the countywide facility sales tax would be anyone who's shopping, dining coming to McLean County for recreational activities."

The election is April 1.
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Modeled monthly mean temperature of the coldest (MTCO, top row) and the warmest month (MTWA, middle row), plus mean annual precipitation (MAP, bottom row). Credit: Schirrmeister et al., 2024.

Interglacials are, as the name suggests, warm periods between planetary glaciations when the expanse of ice on Earth shrinks. Currently, we are in an 11,000 year-long interglacial period known as the Holocene. Prior to this, the Last Interglacial occurred between 115,000 and 130,000 years ago.

During this time, Earth experienced summers that were almost completely ice-free and there was significant vegetation growth in polar regions, changing the ecosystems for life to flourish. Scientists can look to this Last Interglacial as a potential analog for future global warming.

Indeed, new research, currently under review for publication in the Climate of the Past journal, has turned to the geological record of the Arctic to understand how terrestrial environments responded to the warmer world. Here, warming was amplified compared to the rest of the northern hemisphere due to ice albedo feedbacks, whereby solar insolation melted ice sheets, reducing the amount of radiation reflected back out to space and causing further warming, creating a positive feedback loop.

Dr. Lutz Schirrmeister, of the Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research in Germany, and colleagues have turned to particular landscapes generated in areas experiencing permafrost, where the ground has remained frozen for at least two years.

Thermokarst topography is unique to such regions, characterized by hollows and hummocks that form when ice-rich permafrost thaws and the surface slumps due to a lack of ice in the pore spaces between sediments. Nowadays, these depressions also fill with water, producing thermokarst lakes.

Dr. Schirrmeister and the team investigated coastal sections along the Dmitry Laptev Strait, Siberia, via sediment cores drilled during fieldwork between 1999 and 2014, which preserve alternating layers of peaty plant matter with clays and silts. These distinctive layers represent the changing landscape through time between shallower boggy terrain where plants could grow, to deeper lake deposits. Today, the study area is a mixture of drier tundra with substantial plant growth, grasses and wetlands underlain by 400600m of permafrost.

From these cores, the scientists used a combination of sediment analysis with fossil remains of plants (pollen, leaves and stems), insects (beetles and midges), crustaceans (ostracods) and animals (water fleas and mollusks) to reconstruct the paleoenvironment.

Combined with modeling, this data highlights that steppe or tundra-steppe (grassland and low-growing shrubs) environments prevailed in the area at the beginning of the Last Interglacial, but that birch and larch forests proliferated during the middle of the event, with the treeline being 270km north of its current position during the peak.

The researchers ultimately identified up to 10C more summer warming in northern Siberia during the Last Interglacial compared to summers today, with fossilized plant material suggesting that mean temperatures of the warmest month could have reached 15C, while fossil beetles indicate the coldest temperature may have been -38C. Today, the respective mean temperatures are approximately 3C and -34C.

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Having said this, in June 2020, the town of Verkhoyansk in Russia measured the highest temperature ever recorded above the Arctic Circle at 38C, while the lowest temperature recorded is -69C in Greenland. While these were anomalous, the continued changing climate highlights the need to look to the past to inform the future, when such conditions could become more common.

Dr. Schirrmeister notes that while the Last Interglacial warming mostly impacted summer temperatures, future climate change is expected to more broadly impact winter months due to anthropogenic activity. Nevertheless, ice sheet retreat, loss of sea ice and melting permafrost are all observed in the Arctic today, highlighting the importance of continued research into the sensitivity of Earth to rising temperatures during the Last Interglacial.

More information: Lutz Schirrmeister et al, Newly dated permafrost deposits and their paleo-ecological inventory reveal a much warmer-than-today Eemian in Arctic Siberia, Climate of the Past (2024). DOI: 10.5194/cp-2024-74 Journal information: Climate of the Past

 2024 Science X Network
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Percentage of described 'other' barriers organized by theme and latent class. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01871-0

Social media posts, online petitions, writing to politicians and donating to environmental groups have been identified as popular starting points for climate activists, according to research from the University of Adelaide.

Dr. Anastasia Ejova, Dr. Peta Callaghan, Kath Whitson and David Thorpe from the School of Psychology, surveyed 519 Australians alarmed by climate change to analyze why they did or did not engage in 18 activism behaviors.

These behaviors included meeting, calling or writing to politicians, divesting from insurance policies, banks or superannuation, boycotting companies, organizing protests, encouraging others to attend, supporting environmental groups, donating to causes or sharing social media posts.

The participants, aged between 17 and 79, were then asked to complete a checklist of motivators or barriers. The quantitative and qualitative measures are published in Communications Earth & Environment .

"We wanted to provide an evidence base of climate-focused social movements who want to expand their membership bases," said Dr. Ejova.

"As part of this study, we were able to identify three levels of activism: least active (23% of respondents), moderate activity (55%) and most active (22%).

"The most active participants were at least 75% likely to engage in 13 of the behaviors, while participants in the other two classes reported engaging (to differing degrees) in seven: posting on social media, speaking with friends and family, signing online petitions, writing to a politician, boycotting companies, attending protests, and donating to environmental groups."

Feelings of discomfort, a lack of experience and time constraints were among the most-common barriers noted.

While the least active class was younger than the other two, other demographics like gender, socio-economic status or location did not play a factor.

"The barriers identified by the classes were more behaviorally specific, like a lack of experience or knowledge around financial activism," said Whitson.

"The study also found important activity and effective activity were the two most cited motivators for 14 behaviors, while having time and feeling comfortable were the next two most frequently cited.

"Feeling uncomfortable was the most frequent barrier for calling a politician, encouraging others to attend protests, and putting up protest posters.

"The moderately active class emerged as conflicted, in that they had similar patterns of motivators to the most active class, but similar patterns of barriers to the least active class."

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Researchers also outlined six recommendations to encourage more participation in activism, including focusing on messaging and a need for more information, potentially in the form of how-to guides.

"Across the two less active classes, lack of knowledge was most likely to be qualitatively reported around financial activism (boycotting and divesting from banks, insurance, and superannuation funds) and engagement with social movement organizations (attending meetings, attending training, and volunteering)," said Thorpe.

"More also needs to be done around the younger demographic, perhaps even specially tailored information campaigns as the majority associated with the least active class, which suggests that climate activismlike political activism more generallyrequires resources and skills around social integration that younger people may not yet possess."

More information: Kathleen C. Whitson et al, Three profiles of Australian climate change activism have both unique and overlapping motivators and barriers, Communications Earth & Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01871-0 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment
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Credit: Fauna & Flora

The Sombrero ground lizard, endemic to a tiny Caribbean island near Anguilla, is a critically endangered reptile. In 2018, it was estimated that fewer than 100 individuals of the species were left in the wildit was on the very brink of extinction.

In 2021, Fauna & Flora and our partners Anguilla National Trust and Re:wild stepped in to help the Sombrero ground lizard and its island habitat to recover. Fast forward three years and results are already promising. A recent survey has revealed the population of the Sombrero ground lizard is now estimated at more than 1,600a rapid recovery and an encouraging sign of hope for the future of the rare reptile.

"In 2018, following yet another severe hurricane, we feared it might be the end for the Sombrero ground lizard. Fewer than 100 were left and the island was in ruins. The past three years have seen painstaking restoration activity, with hands-on efforts by both our international partners and local conservation heroes to remove the invasive pests and restore natural plant covernot an easy feat on such a remote and rocky island like Sombrero," says Farah Mukhida, executive director at Anguilla National Trust

An island of unique species

While small, Sombrero Island is a globally important area for biodiversity and forms the heart of the Sombrero Island Marine Reserve. Several other extremely rare species are unique to the island, including the Sombrero Island bee, a pygmy gecko and the Sombrero Island wind scorpion, a harmless but fearsome-looking invertebrate. Sombrero also supports large seabird colonies and is designated as an Important Bird Area and a Ramsar Site.

Due to historical mining for phosphates, invasive mice and severe hurricanes, Sombrero Island was on the verge of ecological collapse. Completely deforested, it was hard to imagine this island used to have an endemic giant tortoise.

Sombrero island in February 2019. Credit: Fauna & Flora

Sombrero island in June 2024, showing a dramatic increase in vegetation. Credit: Fauna & Flora

Since 2021, conservation efforts have focused on removing the invasive rodents and planting native species, and today Sombrero Island has been declared pest-free and is looking much greener and healthier than before efforts began. Reintroduced native plants such as sea bean, seagrape and prickly pear are already showing healthy new growth.

The restoration of Sombrero island is not just important for wildlife in the short term, but is key for building resilience to the impacts of climate change, ensuring nature can thrive in the long run too.

Protecting the island from future challenges

As climate change and its impacts become more acute, new threats to nature and people are emerging. Securing Sombrero and other Caribbean islands from the impacts of climate changefrom wildfires to severe hurricanesis becoming a growing challenge for our local team and partners.

Jenny Daltry, Caribbean Alliance Director, Fauna & Flora and Re:wild, who co-led the ground lizard surveys, explains, "This is a remarkable turnaround for this cheeky and charismatic lizard, but while we celebrate this recovery, we recognize that there is much more to be done to secure their future and that of other Caribbean wildlife.

"The combined impacts of biodiversity loss and climate breakdown are being felt with greater intensity every year in the Caribbean and around the world. Indeed, we are still busy helping our partners in Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines to recover from the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Beryl earlier this year."

Arica Hill, Caribbean Lead, says, "The ecological restoration we have implemented on Sombrero, Redonda and many other islands across the Caribbean is important for establishing a more secure future for these islands and the many species and people that rely on them. Protecting and restoring healthy natural ecosystems is key to resilience to a changing climate."
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The blob on the satellite image is a rainbow of colors. An analyst digitally sharpens it and there, highlighted in red, is the source: a concrete oil pad spewing methane.

In the 75,000-square-mile (194-square-kilometer) Permian Basin straddling Texas and New Mexico, the most productive oil and gas region in the world, huge amounts of the powerful greenhouse gas escape from wells, compressor stations and other equipment.

Most efforts to reduce emissions have focused on so-called "super emitters" like the one in the satellite image, which are relatively easy to find with improving satellite imaging and other aerial sensing.

Now researchers say much smaller sources are collectively responsible for about 72% of methane emissions from oil and gas fields throughout the contiguous U.S. These have often gone undetected.

"It's really (important to) approach the problem from both ends because the high-emitting super emitters are important, but so are the smaller ones," said James Williams, a post-doctoral science fellow at the Environmental Defense Fund and lead author on a new study that took a comprehensive look at emissions within the nation's oil and gas basins.

Addressing methane is important because it accounts for about one third of all greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

Tackling methane emissions in the Permian is especially challenging because there are more than 130,000 active well sites owned by everyone from family operators to international conglomerates, experts said. Each site can have multiple oil wells.

"The Permian is in many ways the most complicated basin in the world; it's incredibly dense there ... with big, small and everything in between," said Steve Hamburg, chief scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund.

What's more, pipelines, processing and other activities often are owned by different companieswith tens of thousands of points where methane might escape, either through leaks or intentional venting.

An Israeli company that used satellite data and artificial intelligence to look for leaks in Midland County, Texas, the heart of the Permian Basin, found 50 separate plumes emanating from 16 of 30 sites it monitored. Most were bleeding over 4,500 kilograms of harmful gas per hour and five exceeded 10,000, far above the Environmental Protection Agency's super emitter threshold of 100 kg/hr.

But the biggest surprise, "was seeing a lot of small emissions in this very crowded place ... so close to each other, so close to an area where people actually live," said Omer Shenhar, vice president of product at Momentick, which provides satellite-based monitoring to oil and gas companies.

Methane traps over 80 times more heat close to the Earth than carbon dioxide does, ton for ton. What's more, concentrations have almost tripled since pre-industrial times.

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A powerful new satellite called MethaneSAT that launched this year will be able to detect small emissions over wide areas that other satellites can't. Researchers will also be able to track methane over time in all the world's major oil-producing basins.

"We've never had that," said the EDF's Hamburg, who leads the project.

Although the satellite cannot pinpoint those smaller sources, "you don't need to" because operators on the ground can find the sources, Hamburg said.

In the U.S., oil and gas companies will be required to routinely look for leaks at new and existing sites, including from wells, production facilities and compressor station under a new EPA rule.

The rule also phases out the practice of routinely burning off excess methane, called flaring, and requires upgrading devices that leak methane.

States have until 2026 to develop a plan to implement that rule for existing sources.

Oil and natural gas companies also would have to pay a federal fee per ton of leaked methane above a certain level under a final rule announced last month by the Biden administration, although the incoming Trump administration could eliminate that.

Methanethe primary component of natural gasis valuable commercially, yet many operators in the Permian regard it as a nuisance byproduct of oil production and flare it because they haven't built pipelines to carry it to market, Duren and Hamburg said.

Neither the Permian Basin Petroleum Association nor the U.S. Oil & Gas Association responded to requests for comment.

Riley Duren, CEO of the nonprofit Carbon Mapper, who was not involved in the study, said it's always important to tackle super emitters because they have such an outsize impact. They are often fleeting but not always. Some continue for weeks, months or years.

Everything adds up.

"I think ... what percentage of the total comes from a large number of small sources versus super emitters is less important than what do you do with the information," said Duren. There are "literally thousands and thousands of pieces of equipment and they can blow a leak at any time."

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